Snow falls in Olde Walkerville, Windsor, on December 24, 2017.

It could be a slow and slippery ride back-to-school Monday in southwestern Ontario.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for all of southern Ontario, including Peterborough and the Kawarthas, for snow overnight on Sunday (January 7) and into Monday morning. Freezing rain and drizzle mixed with snow was reported in some areas Sunday night.

Though the snow cover will be less in Toronto but the daily commuters in the city will be affected.

FIFA World Cup: A tournament for everyone

There are just too many teams, too many leagues, and too many competitions to keep up-to-date with all the major events and news. You can catch the best players, you can catch those players notorious for on field antics and also off field antics.

Raiders hire Jon Gruden

It is believed that he will bring in well regarded Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther to run his defense. The long wait is over, Jon Gruden is finally returning to the football sideline and it will be for the Oakland Raiders.

Patriots to host Titans in divisional round game Saturday night

The Titans and Patriots are set to kickoff at 8:15 p.m. on January 13 at Gillette Stadium. Including the playoffs, the Patriots have won six straight games against the Titans.

Snowfall totals are expected to average about 10 centimetres across the region with higher amounts to the northeast of the Great Lakes.

Commuters have been warned of slippery roads.

Keep following BlackburnNews.com for the latest weather information.About Me Scott Because prophetic scriptures are found throughout the bible, it is obvious that a comprehensive, systematic approach would be useful, if not necessary, for the understanding of prophecy. Past prophecies have been fulfilled in a literal manner, as confirmed by the dating of these writings and historical records of confirmation. These past prophecies also serve as a model of how to interpret future prophecies. A literal view of prophecy clearly indicates a certain sequence of events will occur within a single generation, concluding with the Tribulation and Second Advent and these events will be obvious. The prophetic signs appear to be present in this generation and we believe these signs are revealed in the news from around the world. View my complete profileMEXICO, Jan 8: Violent clashes involving gunmen, a community police force and state police killed 11 people in the troubled southern state of Guerrero on Sunday, while a separate series of shootouts the previous night left seven dead in the northern Mexico beach resort of San Jose del Cabo.





Guerrero state security spokesman Roberto Alvarez said eight people were initially killed when gunmen ambushed community police before dawn in the town of La Concepcion, near the resort city of Acapulco. Two of the dead were from the community force.





Later in the morning, state police arrived to disarm the local agents, and another shootout erupted in which three people were killed. Alvarez said he did not know how they died, but local media said they were community police.





State Attorney General Xavier Olea Pelaez said 30 members of the community police were detained on suspicion of crimes including homicide and illegal weapons and drug possession.





Among those arrested was Marco Antonio Suastegui, the founder of the community force and the leader of a social movement that for over a decade has fought against a hydroelectric project in the region.





Photojournalist Bernandino Hernandez said that while covering the violence he was beaten, kicked and dragged by state police and forcibly relieved of his cameras memory cards. He also witnessed several other journalists being treated roughly.





Hernandez said he had photographed police using force against locals who tried to prevent the arrest of the community agents: Some people were dragged by the hair to take them away.





Hernandez is a regular contributor of photographs to The Associated Press but was not on assignment for AP at the time.





Guerrero has been one of Mexicos most violent states in recent years, home to marijuana and opium poppy fields as well as warring organized crime gangs.





Its also where 43 teachers college students disappeared in 2014 after being taken by police from the city of Iguala who allegedly handed them over to a drug cartel. They remain missing.





In the northern state of Baja California Sur, prosecutors said in a statement that marines responding Saturday night to reports of gunfire in San Jose del Cabo came upon heavily armed men wearing tactical vests and riding in two vehicles with license plates from the U.S. state of California.





Both vehicles sped off with the marines in pursuit and subsequently crashed, the statement said. In two separate exchanges of gunfire, all seven of the cars occupants were shot dead by marines.



Guwahati : The troops of Assam Rifles had apprehended six Naga militants including two NSCN (K) and four NSCN (KN) militants in Nagaland on Friday, officials said on Saturday.





Based on specific information, the troops of Assam Rifles Phek battalion under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) launched an operation at Meluri Town and apprehended six militants including two of NSCN(K) and four of NSCN(KN)) from a house in Meluri town.





Security personnel had recovered one carbine machine gun(CMG), two pistols, ammunition of various calibers and one hand grenade along with various incriminating documents, Spasmo proxyvon tablets and uniforms in possession from them.





A top official of Assam Rifles said that, the apprehended militants of the two factions were involved in extortion and threatening of the local populace.





Later, the nabbed militants along with recovered arms and ammunition were handed over to Phek police station for further investigation.







Guwahati: Security forces had busted a temporary camp of banned outfit United Liberaion Fron of Assam  Independent (ULFA-I) in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday night, officials said.





Kohima based Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said that, based on intelligence input, Assam Rifless Jairampur battalion of security forces under the aegis of DAO division had launched operation in Namdapha Reserve Forest area in Arunachal Pradesh and busted a temporary hideout of the banned outfit.





The operation was launched based on specific intelligence about presence of militants trying to terrorize and attempting extortion in Miao circle. The Jairampur battalion swiftly launched an operation and surrounded the temporary hideout and in subsequent search recovered blank extortion notes, opium and other administrative stores from the area. The militants had been using the hideout as place of transit and had been terrorizing and carrying out extortion from villagers of Miao circle, Colonel Konwer said.







Guwahati: Ahead of the Republic Day celebration, an encounter between suspected militants of banned outfit ULFA (I) and security forces was took place at Jagun area in Assams Tinsukia district along with Arunachal Pradesh border on Sunday evening.





Tinsukia district SP Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta said that, following intelligence input about presence of a six-member armed militant group, the troops of Assam Police and Assam Rifles had jointly launched operation at the area between Kasharani village and Hajong village along with the Assam-Arunchal Pradesh border.





While the security personnel had reached the area, the militant groups had started firing upon the troops and security personnel retaliated. Over 1000 rounds fired between both sides, the top Assam cop said.





The encounter is going on and no casualties have been reported from the security forces, Mahanta said.





The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has recently alerted the Assam Police and other security agencies that, ULFA (I) and other militant groups under CorCom are trying to attack on security forces ahead of republic Day celebration in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya.



Sagarmatha Network Pvt. Ltd. is the organization dedicated in the field of printing, publishing service since 2001. As part of media, we've been publishing Review Nepal, an English medium weekly registered at District Administration Office (DAO) Kathmandu with registration number 130-162-163 and reviewnepal.com as an online digital newspaper, with registration number 849-075-076 at Department of Informational and Broadcasting (DIB) from Kathmandu, Nepal since 2003.Kathmandu, Nepal : Police arrest senior orthopedic doctor Govinda KC, who was in his 14th hunger strike on the charge of contempt of court from agitating site at Maharajgunj based Teaching Hospital premises on Monday evening.

A police team mobilized from the metropolitan police office,Teku, arrested KC as per the directive of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court had ordered the police administration to arrest KC on the charge of contempt of court.Kathmandu, Nepal: the Supreme Court (SC), the Apex Court of the country, has on Monday ordered the Police administration to arrest senior orthopedic doctor Govinda KC on contempt of court case.





The SC has made the order soon after KC begun his 14th hunger-strike demanding resignation of Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli.





Dr. KC began his 14th series of hunger-strike accusing Chief Justice Parajuli of maintaining ties with medical mafia. KC had been staging hunger strike demanding reform in the medical sector.





According the SC, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police Headquarter are ordered to present Dr. KC on Tuesday 9:00 AM.



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Jan-07-2018 23:43 TweetFollow @OregonNews Nothing Like a Wacky Fatwa to Begin the New Year Could the flurry of hate mail from a variety of supposedly Zionist/Muslim/Christian sources be the work of one sad and very disturbed individual?

A fatwa in the Islamic faith is a nonbinding but authoritative legal/learned interpretation that the Sheikhul Islam can give on issues pertaining to the Islamic law. ~Wikipedia

(LONDON) - The silly season has started earlier than usual in 2018. Fatwa number 3 just arrived: FATWA

MUSLIM LEAGUE FOR YAHUD ALLIANCE

FILE No. LIT - 1644

To: Stuart Littlewood A fatwa has been issued against you by the Muslim League for Yahud Alliance in Chittagong, Bangladesh. It has been evidenced by the documentation provided to us by the Coalition Against Palestinian War Crimes based in Kuwait. Beyond a shadow of a doubt it proves that you are one of the world's extreme Izrail haters. You have an extensive history of collaboration with the jihadist Muslim Brothers who compose the Palestinian Hamas war criminals in Gaza, with the Palestinian gangster regime in Ramallah and the Iranian-backed Hizbullah heretics in Beirut in the commission of the crime of incitement to genocide against the innocent Izrailite population, as detailed in the Goldstone Report. It calls on all educated Sunni Muslims, Christian and Jewish clergy, UK anti-terrorist activists, human rights NGOs, journalists, students, academics, trade unions, British political parties and Members of Parliament to have you incarcerated as a violator of international humanitarian law and a traitor to the ummah. Other procedures are stipulated, including the application of the Sharia laws from the Hanbali jurists to British racists like you who violate the sacred teachings of the Holy Qur'an regarding the Izrailite waqf entitlement, as the People of the Book, to the Holy Land Of Izrail. As an affiliated NGO with the International Criminal Court in the Hague, we will do our part to bring you, a corrupt kaffir and harbi, to justice. A copy of this decree has been handed to the Home Office in London to have you inscribed on the international no-fly lists and to confiscate your passport. As well, it is deposited with the International Council of Imams in Djakarta for their separate actions against you. We have also requested that Scotland Yard seek a warrant for your arrest as an interim measure, pending a trial for aiding denominated terrorist regimes in violation of UK anti-terrorism laws. O Allah! let Your glorious Majesty reign upon the entire world with the arrogant kaffis and harbis burning in the Hellfires as promised to us by Your Messenger of Wonder, Muhammad, peace be upon Him. O Allah! let this ugly man's face be forever covered with the dung of donkeys for the stench he has emitted by trampling on Your Holy People of the Book and betraying the noble English people. Sealed By:

His Excellency Sheikh Naheed ibn Umar AlHaq, DML

Supreme Justice

Sharia Court

Muslim League for Yahud Alliance

Chittagong, Bangladesh This is word-for-word the same bollox as fatwas sent to other pro-Palestinians including prominent churchman Dr Stephen Sizer by the World Muslim Zionist Organization in Dhaka. So, is the Muslim League for Yahud Alliance (whoever they are) cyber-scribbling for the WMZO? And I don't see them on any International Criminal Court NGO list, nor do they seem to have a web presence. Here's another fatwa I received back in 2009 from the Coalition Against Palestinian War Crimes which is also a flunkey of the WMZO, apparently: COALITION AGAINST PALESTINIAN WAR CRIMES File No. TG-4617 A fatwa has been issued against you by the World Muslim Zionist Organization in Dhaka. It proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are one of the world's top Jew-haters, with an extensive history of collaboration with the Palestinian war criminals in Gaza and Ramallah. It calls on jurists, NGOs and governments to immediately take all the necessary measures to have you incarcerated as a traitor to the British people. Other procedures are stipulated, including the application of the Sharia laws to disloyal individuals like you who emanate from the People of the Christian Book and live in the Dar al-Harb. As an NGO, we will do our part to bring you, the kuffir, to justice. A copy of this letter has been handed to the Home Secretary. It is also being sent to Interpol and deposited with the UK Council of Imams. We have been promised an investigation by MI6 which may entail the seizure of your computer files. Muhsir al-Mutawakil

Chairman The issuer of the 2009 fatwa, Muhsir al-Mutawakil, turned out to be the man behind the Boycott of Palestinian Goods and Services campaign, a kind of reverse 'Boycott Israel' operation based in Canada, a favourite hang-out for Zionist extremists. Al-Mutawakil is a Palestinian Arab from Rafah in the Gaza Strip who converted to Judaism. Where is he now? Around that time I was branded an enemy of Palestine by the embassy in London. Then I was slapped with a fatwa by a crazed Christian-Zionist branding me an enemy of the Israeli people and demanding $10,950 otherwise he and his disciples would have me removed from my job, barred from the Holy Land and put under close surveillance. He styled himself His Eminence The Very Reverend Charles J. Edgbaston, DD, PhD, Chair, Christians for Moses Ministries Inc. and Rector, Zion College of Canada. Neither of those organisations had a web presence. This freak was in a league of his own. He said he'd broadcast the sentence of his church court to the media and my family. His disciples were empowered to facilitate my removal from my place of work. He was applying to the Home Office to revoke my passport and he warned that medical and pension benefits might be stopped and my bank accounts frozen. And he had ordered his goons to put me under close surveillance. He was also getting Israel to ban me from the Holy Land. And he'd do all this unless I handed over a suitcase full of US dollars. The charge-sheet he sent me provides an entertaining window into the mindset, hatred and self-delusion that drives some Christian Zionists. It is headed NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SENTENCE BY ECCLESIASTICAL COURT and begins: "Reliable sources in the Anglican community have informed Christians for Moses Ministries that you are committing slander against the holy state of Israel and its holy Jewish people, singing the praises of Palestinian Islamic terrorists and committing an assorted variety of other related reactionary activities." So Edgbaston was asking the Anglican community rather than the Coalition Against Palestinian War Crimes for false intelligence. "Our disciples in London corroborate this news. This constitutes a disproportionate abuse of your Christian upbringing and calls into question your British residency. My British residency was being questioned? Jeepers. Was I about to be ethnically cleansed from my UK ancestral homeland and my house demolished at gunpoint by a D9 Caterpillar? And was the good Reverend defending the same holy state of Israel that was founded on terror, shows contempt for international law, flourishes by ethnically cleansing the resident population and now stands accused of war crimes? Review by our Investigations Department of the evidence submitted in your dossier clearly reveals that the views and activities you have adopted on behalf of the enemies of Israel are obscene and racist." The allegations continued: "You act as a stooge of the Palestinian Islamic terrorists, engaging in a demonization and negation of the holy Jewish people and their Zionist state... I want you to realize that your outrageous behaviour is unforgiveable. Zionist Israel is a revolutionary micro-state whose existence has permeated the world with universal morality." Military blockade, economic strangulation, wholesale land and water theft, racial subjugation, demolition of homes, war on helpless civilians with nowhere to run, etc, etc... this is what passes for universal morality in the Zionist world apparently. He concluded: "It is now abundantly clear to the entire world that Palestinianism is the insistence on an ethnically-exclusive state for ethnically-defined Arab Muslim people only. The so-called Palestinian people are not enduring any brutal occupation but the Christians under the Palestinian Arabs are... Israel, in fact, maintains no 'occupation'. Edgbaston claimed to have 55,000 followers worldwide and he caused a fair amount of consternation among the people he threatened. Did they really think the British authorities would do the bidding of a religious loon demanding money with menaces? It would be interesting to know how much the good Reverend made from his nasty extortion racket. Fr. Antoine Habib, a contributor to this website claimed: "The Very Rev. Dr. Charles Edgbaston has forwarded over $10 million to victims of Arab terror in Israel. Together with Christian zionists all over the world, he has also brought tens of thousands of Jewish refugees from Arab and Russian lands to Israel. Recently, he financed the Coalition Against Palestinian War Crimes research which was sent to the Goldstone Commission." I don't suppose those in receipt of Edgbaston's generosity questioned where the money came from. And another contributor said Muhsir al-Mutawakil, who issued my 2009 fatwa, founded the Coalition Against Palestinian War Crimes. It wouldn't surprise me, if you followed the links, that all these people turned out to be one and the same. Where is the Reverend Edgbaston now? Still blackmailing seekers of justice? Working on other programmes for the Zionist cause under new identities? Perhaps the World Zionist Organisation, which really does exist, could please assure everybody that none of the shadowy organisations named above are associated with the WZO or tasked with spewing hate mail on its behalf. It was bad enough to discover we are plagued on all levels by fubared Christian-Zionists, especially in the US. And until recently I couldn't believe that creatures such as Muslim-Zionists existed. But now that Saudi Arabia and possibly other Arab factions are in bed with Israel I suppose this mad mutation is now stalking the Middle East. Whoever that shady sheikh in Chittagong is (alias The Very Reverend Charles Edgbaston? alias Muhsir al-Mutawakil? alias Fr Antoine Habib?) his fatwa paints a lurid picture of what we in the West would become if Sharia law was ever allowed to gain the foothold some have been campaigning for. On the other hand there's a lot to be said for adopting its donkey dung treatment to punish Zionist 'hasbara' trolls. _________________________________________

Palestine | Education | History | Israel | Most Commented on





Articles for January 6, 2018 | Articles for January 7, 2018 | Articles for January 8, 2018 SCOTUS back to work with remarkable split habeas ruling giving capital defendant another (long-shot?) chance to obtain relief | Main | "Mass Incarceration and the War on Drugs" 

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein today delivered these lengthy remarks at the American Correctional Association's Winter Conference. Folks interested in prison policies and practices, as well as the messages being delivered by the US Justice Department these days, should make time to read the entire speech. And sentencing fans (including students in the Sentencing class I start teaching today) may be especially interested in these interesting comments about reform and rehabilitation from the early part of the speech:

The American Correctional Association has a proud history of supporting the work of prison and jail officials. More than 147 years ago, in 1870, corrections officials from the United States and abroad met in Cincinnati, Ohio and adopted a Declaration of Principles they believed should guide the field of corrections. One of your principles is that the purpose of incarcerating criminals is the protection of society.

One of the most important management principles is that it is essential to articulate the big-picture goal for an organization. That vision filters down into how other managers understand their mission, and ultimately into everything that our employees do. In law enforcement, our goal is to reduce crime.

Correctional agencies play a critical role in achieving that goal. By providing inmates with structure, and teaching them discipline and skills during their incarceration, you increase the probability that they will become productive members of society and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

When I read the original version of your principles, I noticed that the word reform appears 27 times. The word rehabilitate does not appear at all. Rehabilitation came into vogue as a sentencing goal in the 20th century. Many people ultimately concluded that rehabilitation was not a realistic goal for prisons.

After spending almost three decades in law enforcement, I agree that we need to focus on reform of criminals, not rehabilitation. The reason is that re-habilitation, by definition, is about restoring a persons good reputation and ability to work.

There are some criminals for whom rehabilitation is a reasonable goal. They are people who lived law-abiding lives and were productive members of society, before something went wrong and caused them to go astray.

But many of the career criminals housed in our prisons unfortunately were not properly habilitated before they offended. The criminals who were not productive members of society need reform, not rehabilitation.

Admitting that most of our inmates need reform is not a way of disparaging the criminals. It is instead a frank way to acknowledge that our task is more than just helping them overcome a few mistakes. Many inmates do not just lack self-restraint. They lack job skills. They lack education. They lack family structure. They lack discipline.

While they are under governmental supervision, you have the chance to help them reform by imposing discipline and offering opportunities for improvement. The most important thing for many inmates to learn is the discipline of following a schedule: wake up at a particular time, report to work when required, eat meals at the designated hours, and go to bed early enough to start fresh the next morning.

Some of the programs you offer also may be useful to reform inmates and set them on the right path. Programs such as institutional work assignments, prison industries, substance abuse treatment, and educational or vocational training. Your work makes our communities safer.

The principles from 1870 also codify the professionalism that defines corrections officials. They explain that [s]pecial training, as well as high qualities of head and heart, [are] required to make a good prison or reformatory officer. Noticing the continued decline of the federal prison population (for now) ... and a story embedded with intricacies | Main | Interesting comments on reform and rehabilitation from Deputy AG Rosenstein 

January 8, 2018

SCOTUS back to work with remarkable split habeas ruling giving capital defendant another (long-shot?) chance to obtain relief

At the end of this long Supreme Court order list, comprised primarily of a long list of cases in which certiorari has been denied, comes a fascinating little per curiam opinion in Tharpe v. Seller, No. 176075 (S. Ct. jan 8, 2018) (available here). The ruling is a rare summary SCOTUS win for a capital habeas defendant, and the short majority opinion provides only a small glimpse into the case (though a clear view of what motivated a majority of Justices to want to intervene). Here are excerpts from the opinion (with cites removed):

Petitioner Keith Tharpe moved to reopen his federal habeas corpus proceedings regarding his claim that the Georgia jury that convicted him of murder included a white juror, Barney Gattie, who was biased against Tharpe because he is black. See Fed. Rule Civ. Proc. 60(b)(6). The District Court denied the motion on the ground that, among other things, Tharpes claim was procedurally defaulted in state court. The District Court also noted that Tharpe could not overcome that procedural default because he had failed to produce any clear and convincing evidence contradicting the state courts determination that Gatties presence on the jury did not prejudice him.... Our review of the record compels a different conclusion. The state courts prejudice determination rested on its finding that Gatties vote to impose the death penalty was not based on Tharpes race. And that factual determination is binding on federal courts, including this Court, in the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. Here, however, Tharpe produced a sworn affidavit, signed by Gattie, indicating Gatties view that there are two types of black people: 1. Black folks and 2. Niggers; that Tharpe, who wasnt in the good black folks category in my book, should get the electric chair for what he did; that [s]ome of the jurors voted for death because they felt Tharpe should be an example to other blacks who kill blacks, but that wasnt my reason; and that, [a]fter studying the Bible, I have wondered if black people even have souls. Gatties remarkable affidavit  which he never retracted  presents a strong factual basis for the argument that Tharpes race affected Gatties vote for a death verdict. At the very least, jurists of reason could debate whether Tharpe has shown by clear and convincing evidence that the state courts factual determination was wrong. The Eleventh Circuit erred when it concluded otherwise.

Justice Thomas, joined by Justices Alito and Gorsuch, authored a lengthy dissent to the majority's short ruling. It starts and ends this way:

If bad facts make bad law, then unusual facts inspire unusual decisions. Ante, at 3. In its brief per curiam opinion, the Court misreads a lower courts opinion to find an error that is not there, and then refuses to entertain alternative grounds for affirmance. The Court does this to accomplish little more than a do-over in the Court of Appeals: As it concedes, petitioner Keith Tharpe faces a high bar on remand to obtain even a certificate of appealability (COA). Ante, at 2. One might wonder why the Court engages in this pointless exercise. The only possible explanation is its concern with the unusual facts of this case, specifically a juror affidavit that expresses racist opinions about blacks. The opinions in the affidavit are certainly odious. But their odiousness does not excuse us from doing our job correctly, or allow us to pretend that the lower courts have not done theirs. The responsibility of courts is to decide cases, both usual and unusual, by neutrally applying the law. The law reflects societys considered judgments about the balance of competing interests, and we must respect those judgments. In bending the rules here to show its concern for a black capital inmate, the Court must think it is showing its concern for racial justice. It is not. Its summary vacatur will not stop Tharpes execution or erase the unusual fac[t] of the affidavit. It will only delay justice for Jaquelin Freeman, who was also black, who is ignored by the majority, and who was murdered by Tharpe 27 years ago. I respectfully dissent.... Todays decision can be explained only by the unusual fac[t] of Gatties first affidavit. Ibid. The Court must be disturbed by the racist rhetoric in that affidavit, and must want to do something about it. But the Courts decision is no profile in moral courage. By remanding this case to the Court of Appeals for a useless do-over, the Court is not doing Tharpe any favors. And its unusual disposition of his case callously delays justice for Jaquelin Freeman, the black woman who was brutally murdered by Tharpe 27 years ago. Because this Court should not be in the business of ceremonial handwringing, I respectfully dissent.

This is quite the way to start Supreme Court activity in 2018, a year that seems certain to have at least the usual share of SCOTUS fireworks. (I am also inspired by Justice Thomas's closing thought to imagine a new tagline for this blog: "Engaged in ceremonial handwringing since 2004.")

January 8, 2018 at 10:13 AM | Permalink

Comments

"By remanding this case to the Court of Appeals for a useless do-over, the Court is not doing Tharpe any favors."

Other than, e.g., delaying his execution in the process or something.

One notable thing here is that SCOTUS review is -- as CJ Taft said as I recall -- on some basic level not about the person who already had two shots at least to have a case reviewed. It is about settling law and policy for the nation. That is a basic reason six justices, including Chief Justice Roberts, reached out to do this.

The "ceremonial handwringing" is an extra effort to show even a chance of racial discrimination is too much. It is not "callous" to decide this even if there is some disagreement on the merits. Of course, as seen on this blog, ymmv.

The dissent speaks of the victim being "ignored." Unclear. This line can be provided in each case involving a victim. The Supreme Court determines let's say some Sixth Amendment provision is violated. This requires re-litigating a case, delaying punishment. The dissent disagrees with the argument. Do we need another claim the victim is being ignored? Each criminal case has victims. Justices are ignoring that, including when Thomas/Alito/Gorsuch decide the defendant's claim is correct.

Posted by: Joe | Jan 8, 2018 10:53:55 AM

"Justices are ignoring that, including when Thomas/Alito/Gorsuch decide the defendant's claim is correct."

Are NOT ignoring that. New year, same typos.

Anyways, I don't know what the victims feel about this result, but after 27 years, the cry of "ceremonial hand-wringing" can apply here too. Me personally, I would not think too much about this result -- the person wasn't executed for nearly three decades. Delaying it a bit further would not be for me much of a concern for me all things factored in, including the issue of racial equality that is being honored.

My loved one is still dead and I waited this long. I would realize how bad the affidavit looks and would be upset with the moron involved. But, I would actually understand this result. I know how the legal process works, including how courts practice extra care not to look like they are being racist and such. But, that's just me. Thomas and others had a different view. The whole thing is a tad subjective.

Posted by: Joe | Jan 8, 2018 11:03:36 AM

......



Anyways, reference is made to the U.S. admitting error in another case and GVR granted. Jimmie White v. U.S. Looking at SCOTUSBlog, appears to be a criminal case.

Posted by: Joe | Jan 8, 2018 11:12:33 AM

Long-shot, indeed. Mr. Tharpe finds himself in the 11th Cir. after all.

My take is that the p/c op. was so narrow precisely b/c Roberts was in the majority.

Posted by: John | Jan 8, 2018 11:55:14 AM

The competing opinions in this case (and earlier cases on when a COA should issue) remind me a little of the old parable of the six sight-impaired persons and the elephant. Everybody is describing something different and nobody can give an accurate picture of the ultimate issue -- how much merit is enough to warrant a COA. It's probably aggravated in this case because -- as the dissent noted -- the lower court gave several reasons for denying a COA and the Supreme Court only set one of those reasons aside, remanding for the Eleventh Circuit to reconsider whether to grant a COA.

While my expectation is that Tharpe will be a "good for this one case only" precedent, the disagreement in the opinions could make for interesting arguments in other cases to other courts. Most circuits do not grant a COA merely because the inmate can point to some evidence in the record which could have permitted the state courts to reach the opposite result. Instead, applying the plain language of 2254, they hold that the claim is not debatable because the federal courts have to defer to the state courts factual findings unless clearly erroneous. Here, the inmate had a good solid piece of evidence that would have supported his claim, but the state courts found the conflicting evidence more credible. To the extent that this ruling requires COAs to be granted if a defendant had good evidence supporting his claim in state court, there will be a lot more habeas appeals in the various circuit -- although very few inmates will actually receive relief from these additional appeals.

Posted by: tmm | Jan 8, 2018 2:32:00 PM

Face it. The majority opinion is anti-majoritarian. The dissent focuses on the perception of the victim/extended family. Many victims want retribution. Heck, many victims need retribution as part of the "healing process." In my experience, a majority of victims do not "turn the other cheek" or accept their lot. Which, of course, is understandable -- family protects family, tribe protect tribe.

The majority focuses on the perception of legitimacy of the judiciary by the extended citizenry. In the US we live in a republic, not a democracy. In a republic, it is more divisive to give into the majority -- individual retribution -- then it is to support broad unifying principles that do not necessarily elevate individual perceptions of justice. The majority of SCOTUS made a value judgment -- elevate the principal that the judiciary guards against racism in a single case even if it frustrates individual needs for retribution and closure. I like living in a country where the majority isn't always right. It ain't ceremonial hand-wringing if the citizenry are reminded the Constitution/rule-of-law is what makes this country great and, hopefully free of dictators.

Posted by: ? | Jan 8, 2018 9:31:15 PM

Prof. Berman. Joe is hogging the Comment Section. Tell him to limit his meaningless, weasel, drivel rants to 1 or 2 a day.

Posted by: David Behar | Jan 9, 2018 3:46:35 AM

"The only possible explanation is its concern with the unusual facts of this case, specifically a juror affidavit that expresses racist opinions about blacks."

Gorsuch is a Harvard Law School radicalized lawyer. Thus he is too stupid to understand the real explanation. There is no question of factual guilt in the case. The decision is to generate jobs for government make work, worthless government lawyer workers.

Rent seeking should be criminalized in statute. The Supreme Court Justices should have their immunity cancelled, arrested, and sent to federal prison for a decision that is to steal tax money, and to return nothing of any value.

Posted by: David Behar | Jan 9, 2018 5:03:22 AM

Thomas got it right---are we going to toss the murder verdict? The answer is (or should be) anyway: no. So the DP stands as well.

I can see capital defense attorneys now digging through the lives of jurors and shaking them down with threats of publicity. That's what the case will do.

Posted by: federalist | Jan 9, 2018 8:03:33 AM

Federalist, speaking from experience and as shown by the facts of this case, defense counsel is already doing so. Even before Pena-Rodriguez, most states permitted defendants (and civil litigants) to argue that jurors intentionally failed to disclose certain information during voir dire. (In my state, we have been averaging around 4-5 appellate cases per year in which juror non-disclosure is one of the claims.) While many states are strict about what jurors can say at a later hearing about actual deliberations, there are often exceptions for certain types of misconduct (e.g. bailiff coming into jury room, conversations back at the hotel or during recesses prior to the start of deliberation). In capital cases, at some stage of the review process, even before Pena-Rodriguez and this decision, it was a given that some attorney for the defendant would try to talk to the former jurors to see if they would say anything that might open the door to a claim of nondisclosure or some type of misconduct outside deliberations (or ineffective assistance if the trial attorneys failed to do this during the limited period for investigating and filing a motion for new trial).



Posted by: tmm | Jan 9, 2018 2:04:33 PM

TMM. Assume a member of the jury had to be asked to remove his KKK hood and robe when entering the court. If the defendant was factually guilty, why should the views of the juror be constitutionally relevant? What right was violated if the defendant is factually guilty?

Posted by: David Behar | Jan 9, 2018 4:17:16 PM

A wonderfully sober question, David, that can be simply answered by saying that the decision to recommend a death sentence is always a discretionary one for jurors and so there is reason to fear you KKK member advocate for death based on the unconstitutional factor of race rather than based on proper factors.

If only issue is jury determination of guilt, it would still be unconstitutional (a violation of the Equal Protection Clause) if a juror were to decide in guilt based on the defendant's race rather than on the evidence. Your suggestion seems to be that such a violation ought to be found harmless if there is clear evidence that the defendant is guilty. But courts are generally inclined to call race-based case-processing concerns structural errors not subject to harmless error analysis. See, e.g., Justice Kennedy for the Court in a ruling last year, Weaver v. Mass:

"the Courts precedents [provide] that certain errors are deemed structural and require reversal because they cause fundamental unfairness, either to the defendant in the specific case or by pervasive undermining of the systemic requirements of a fair and open judicial process. See Murray, A Contextual Approach to Harmless Error Review, 130 Harv. L. Rev. 1791, 1813, 1822 (2017) (noting that the eclectic normative objectives of criminal procedure go beyond protecting a defendant from erroneous conviction and include ensuring  that the administration of justice should reasonably appear to be disinterested  (quoting Liljeberg v. Health Services Acquisition Corp., 486 U. S. 847 870 (1988)))."

Posted by: Doug B | Jan 9, 2018 9:17:14 PM

Empirically, the sole structural error, the sole discrimination was to find the undervaluation of black murder victims. Kill a white, get the death penalty, whether the defendant is black or white. Kill a black, get a lighter sentence, whether the defendant is black or white. This effect was likely true in the days of facial (statutory) discrimination. It is the sole empirically validated and ubiquitous discrimination. It is the most disturbing form of discrimination. It may be a factor in the 5 fold higher risk of being murdered if black. In the days of statutory discrimination, lynch mobs killing black males had immunity by prosecutorial discretion. There were hundreds of witnesses at some of them.

I deem the undervaluation of black murder victims and Justice Kennedy's views to be in that tradition, with greater cover of piety, but greater lethality. This discrimination is not just procedural, but is also deadly to real people, especially, young black males. So Justice Kennedy promotes the false piety of the legal system, fixes appearances of procedure, and black young males die. The KKK lynched 5000 black males in 100 years. The excess of murder of young black males is around 5000 a year, today. The modern and pious criminal justice system has been 100 times more effective at killing young black males than the KKK.

Posted by: David Behar | Jan 10, 2018 5:50:08 AM

Would an algorithm, written, updated yearly, and owned by the legislature, solve the problem of "that the administration of justice should reasonably appear to be disinterested ? The technology exists today for such.

Let me have 2 hours with Justice Kennedy's personal computers. I can find dozens of inappropriate, and biased remarks disqualifying him from serving on the jury. I can find criminal acts, sending him to prison and justifying heavy fines. That is true of all of us. No one can withstand forensic review of personal computers, without deserving decades in federal prison. Should all prospective jurors be qualified only after such a review?

Posted by: David Behar | Jan 10, 2018 6:07:11 AM

David, for the comments I made, it doesn't matter if that bias would be harmless error. I was replying to Federalist's comment that these opinions will open the door to defense attorneys pestering jurors afterward -- noting that defense attorneys are already doing that.

More importantly, your question assumes that it is clear that the defendant is factually guilty. I deal regularly with claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. In every one of them, the inmate's attorney makes a creative argument about why the evidence at the original trial was sufficiently unclear that this one piece of evidence might have made a difference. While the test for prejudice -- structural vs. presumed prejudice vs. harmless error analysis vs. Strickland prejudice -- matters to the ultimate result after the hearing on the claim, it really has little impact on whether the inmate's counsel will raise the claim, particularly in a capital case.

Posted by: tmm | Jan 10, 2018 10:55:37 AM

When Justice O'Connor used the phrase, a lawyer's performance meeting a standard of reasonableness, what does it mean? Is the professional standard of due car, i.e. the competent lawyer? Is it the Dream Team standard, because it is a capital case? Is it, the every conceivable argument standard?

I am not in any way trying to provoke you. If a judge has declared inadequacy of counsel, is there cause for a malpractice claim? It would be a per se tort, and skip all the obstacle to finding malpractice by a lawyer. Does such a decision induce a duty in both the judge and in the prosecutor to report the substandard performance of defense counsel to the Disciplinary Counsel? Does absolute trial immunity preclude such a claim?

I am sure we share the value of not convicting an innocent defendant. Wouldn't greater liability improve the performance of defense attorneys across the country, benefiting defendants and the rule of law?

Posted by: David Behar | Jan 10, 2018 11:45:00 AM

Post a commentForeign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference on January 8, 2018

2018/01/08

Q: It is reported that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed a strong will to improve relations with China in his new year speech delivered in Tokyo on January 5. Yoshihide Suga, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary, also said in an interview that as Japan-China ties improve gradually, the year 2018 presents the best opportunity. He hopes that mutual trust could be enhanced through stronger economic ties and people-to-people exchanges. What is China's response to these positive remarks on China-Japan relations?

A: We have noted these positive remarks made by Japanese leaders and senior officials. In the new year, we hope that Japan could work with China, strictly abide by the four political documents between the two sides and the four-point principled agreement, and seize the opportunity presented by the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Peace and Friendship Treaty to create favorable conditions for all-around exchanges and cooperation and work for the improvement and development of China-Japan relations.

Q: I was wondering if you could give us any more updates on the oil tanker situation off the coast of the East China Sea and the search and rescue efforts? Any more information about people rescued?

A: My colleague already made a response to the accident over the weekend, as you may have all noticed. China's Transportation Ministry has also released relevant information.

The latest development is that at 10:30 this morning, the body of one crew member, whose identity is still pending verification, was found at the scene by the Chinese side.

The Chinese government attaches high importance to this maritime disaster, and has dispatched many vessels to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Despite the harsh sea conditions and poor weather, the Chinese government is going all out to carry out search and rescue work. Some of the crew were rescued, but many remain missing. The Chinese side has also sent specialized cleaning vessels to prevent secondary disasters. The cause of this disaster is still under investigation. We appreciate the assistance offered by the relevant countries. We will keep you updated.

Q: Do you have information about how compensation agreements might be reached? What sort of processes is to be gone through in order to work out who is compensated and how?

A: As I just said, the cause of the accident is still being investigated. You can only move on to the issue of compensation after the cause of the accident is established. What is imperative at the moment is stepping up efforts for search and rescue, which is exactly what the Chinese government has been doing since the accident happened. At the same time, no time should be wasted in carrying out the cleansing work.

Q: According to the UNSC Resolution 2375 and the requirements previously set out by the Chinese government, all DPRK companies in China, either joint ventures or sole investments, must close by January 9. How will China enforce this decision?

A: In the notice put up by China's Commerce Ministry and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce on September 28, 2017, stipulations are made on the closure of the DPRK businesses under the UNSC Resolution 2375. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China always strictly implements the Security Council resolutions and fulfills its due responsibilities. You may take another close look at the notice.

Q: Yesterday, a White House official said China could play a role in convincing Pakistan for dismantling terrorist safe havens. And he also said Washington is seeking to work with Beijing and other regional players to prevail on Islamabad to act on whatever President Trump prompts most recently. China has been defending Pakistan in recent weeks. In light of this, will China be cooperating with America to convince Pakistan to crack down on terrorists in Pakistan?

A: Terrorism is a common enemy for all mankind, and fighting against it needs the collective efforts of the international community. China consistently opposes linking terrorism with any specific country, nor approves shifting the whole responsibility onto one specific country. We have said many times that Pakistan has made important contributions as well as enormous sacrifices to the fight against terrorism. Pakistan deserves full acknowledgement from the international community on its counter-terrorism efforts. All countries shall enhance counter-terrorism cooperation and benefit from synergy while bearing in mind mutual respect and equality, rather than hurling accusations and pressurizing upon each other which works against the international community cooperating effectively against terrorism.

You said that China has been defending Pakistan. The thing is we are rightfully defending all countries that are doing their bit against terrorism, not just Pakistan.

You also asked whether we would cooperate with the US. Like I said, China supports and actively participates in the international counter-terrorism cooperation that is built on mutual respect and equality.

Q: First, French President Macron is in China. What is China's outlook for the China-France relations? Second, the ROK and the DPRK are about to hold a high-level meeting. What is China's comment?

A: On your first question, President Macron is now on his tour in Xi'an. He will arrive in Beijing this afternoon, which is the most important leg of his state visit upon invitation of President Xi Jinping.

As for our take on how China-France relations will develop through President Macron's visit, France was the first major country in the west to establish ambassadorial diplomatic ties with the new China. That important historic decision made by Chairman Mao Zedong and General Charles de Gaulle was truly a visionary one. History has proven that the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France has played an important role in making international relations more sound and democratic. Overall, China-France relations have been growing smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties. In recent years, the China-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has been developing at a high standard and in a sound and steady way, with all-around cooperation yielding one outcome after another.

President Macron is the first foreign head of state China receives in the year 2018, and also the first head of state of a EU member state to visit China after China's 19th CPC Congress. This is also President Macron's first state visit to China after assuming office. We believe that this visit is significant for the China-France and China-Europe relations in the new era. The Chinese leaders are also looking forward to having an in-depth exchange of views with President Macron on the next steps to move forward China-France relations in the new era as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern. We believe that this visit will serve to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two heads of state, enhance political mutual trust and strategic communication between two sides, and further boost bilateral relations and all-around practical cooperation so as to bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples and contribute to the development of China-Europe ties.

Regarding your second question, we've all been following the recent positive evolvement of the Korean Peninsula situation. We keep reiterating our position for quite some time. As a close neighbor to the Peninsula, China welcomes and supports these positive moves made by the DPRK and the ROK towards easing their bilateral relations. We also hope that all relevant parties of the international community could lend their support to sustain such positive momentum and work together to find a good way to ease tension, enhance mutual trust, and resume dialogue and consultation.

China has been working tirelessly and making positive and constructive efforts for the settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue. Keeping a close eye on the Korean Peninsula situation, we will continue with our efforts to promote peace talks.

Q: There've been reports that President Macron has brought a horse as a gift to China. Can you confirm it?

A: President Macron just arrived at Xi'an this morning where he kicked off his visit in China. He will arrive in Beijing this afternoon, which is the most important leg of his state visit.

President Macron's visit to China upon invitation of President Xi Jinping is a significant one. The two sides all attach great importance to it. Our two teams have been working closely together for the same goal, which is to ensure the success of this visit, a visit we believe will further elevate China-France ties.

Your information is correct. President Macron gave a horse to President Xi Jinping as a state gift. We really appreciate this friendly gesture.

Q: Some DPRK companies may continue with their operations in China through equity transfer or other means. How can China make sure that such things will not happen?

A: First, all the DPRK-related resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and the sanctions mechanisms set up by it were built upon thorough discussions among the Security Council members, with relatively detailed stipulations. The purpose of these stipulations is to ensure that the sanctions mechanisms get implemented effectively.

Second, like I said before, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has been strictly implementing all resolutions adopted by the Security Council, including the one you mentioned. And we also have in place a set of functional mechanisms and practices to ensure that relevant resolutions are carried out effectively.

Third, as is the case with all other countries, if some loopholes in the export control or in the execution of domestic laws and regulations are proven with solid facts to exist, China will strictly deal with them in accordance with law.

This morning, we officially unveiled the WeChat official account of the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Office. Many friends sent their congratulations through the WeChat platform the minute they became followers of our account. We want to thank them for their support. We already put up the account's QR code at the entrance of the Blue Room, and if you are interested, you can scan it and become a follower. We look forward to seeing you in our WeChat family.

We will update to the WeChat official account the latest remarks and statements from the Foreign Ministry's Spokespersons on major diplomatic events and foreign policies. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in his congratulatory message, this WeChat official account serves as a window, enabling people at home and abroad who care about China's diplomacy to keep tabs on China's interactions with the rest of the world and keep informed of the latest development in China's diplomacy. We will do our best to make the WeChat official account a characteristic and efficient one so as to garner more understanding and support for the major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era.

Due to scheduling reasons, tomorrow's regular press conference (January 9) will start earlier at 14:30 p.m. at the same venue.The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.Ellen Page is married.

The actress who got her big break with the 2007 film Juno revealed she married girlfriend Emma Portner, reports Out Magazine. In an Instagram post, Page and Portner showed their marriage rings with Page writing, Cant believe I get to call this extraordinary woman my wife.

Page, 30, came out in 2014, revealing her same-sex orientation during a speech at a Human Rights Campaign conference in Las Vegas. Last November she accused filmmaker Brett Ratner of outing her to the cast and crew of X-Men: The Last Stand. Page, then 18, played mutant Kitty Pryde in the movie based on the Marvel Comics series.

Both Page and Portner are native Canadians. A choreographer, Portner moved to New York City where she started her own dance company. She reportedly met Page through Instagram.

I get to call this incredible woman MY WIFE! @ellenpage I LOVE YOU! Portner posted on Instagram, using the same picture of their hands with two fingers touching.

Page was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as a pregnant teenager in Juno. Audiences responded to the film as comedic which Page said in subsequent interviews surprised her because she was accustomed to playing serious, dark characters.Fort Lauderdale is home to one of the top funded HIV/AIDS philanthropic organizations worldwide.

In its annual report, Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA) ranked the Campbell Foundation 80th out 392 global HIV/AIDS organizations.

Were sitting in the epicenter of new infections, said Ken Rapkin, Campbell Foundation Executive Director.

Rapkin spoke to SFGN via telephone on a January morning in South Florida. A popular tourist destination, Florida is also a state with one of the highest populations of people living with HIV/AIDS.

In 2016, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported 39,660 diagnoses of HIV infection in the United States. Of that number, Florida accounts for 4,972 cases.

People kind of have this idea that AIDS is over, said Rapkin. That its a done deal and all you have to do is take a pill and its a lot like diabetes.

That is a foolish assumption, said Rapkin, who added that some have grown weary of the struggle.

Older gay men are burned out from it, Rapkin said.

Still, for 23 years, the Campbell Foundation has endured in its mission to fund HIV research and provide better treatments. In FCAAs newest funding report the Campbell Foundation surpassed the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline, the Knight Family Foundation and Keith Haring Foundation just to name a few.

In 2016 the Campbell Foundation awarded 17 grants totaling $376,646.

Some of the money is distributed in what Rapkin calls end of the year holiday hugs. Recent beneficiaries include the Poverello Center, Latinos Salud, AH Monroe, AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, Broward House, Childrens Diagnostic & Treatment Center, FoundCare, McGregor Clinic, SunServe and Tuesdays Angels.

Rapkin said grant requests are thoroughly vetted by the board of directors and a peer review panel. The assistance of volunteers has played a big part in the foundations longevity, Rapkin said.

We are not top heavy, Rapkin said. We do not pay consulting fees and a lot of our researchers work for free.

While researchers still hunt for a cure, providing better treatment options for those living with the virus is an important part of the Campbell Foundations mission. Rapkin said HIV infection is not good for the body and while the funerals may not be happening as frequently, a new generation is grappling with issues such as premature aging and inflammation of internal organs causing osteoporosis and heart disease.

AIDS is not over, Rapkin said.

What is over is the White Houses watchdog group. When asked about the recent firings which completely gutted the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, Rapkin said he was not surprised.

Every President does this, Rapkin said. They want their own people in there.

The Trump Administration has yet to show its hand on how it will deal with HIV/AIDS. The White House hung a red ribbon for last years World AIDS Day, but President Trump has yet to disclose his strategy. Rapkin said he fears advancements made during the Obama and Bush administrations  such as PrEP and PEPFAR  will be stopped by a pray it away philosophy often deployed by Vice President Mike Pence.

Do they replace them (advisory council) with competent people is the question, Rapkin said.A teacher in New Jersey temporarily handed over her certifications after making homophobic remarks on social media.

Jenye Viki Knox worked as a special educator in Union, New Jersey in 2011 when she first made Facebook comments regarding the schools LGBT History Month bulletin board, according to Gay Star News.

When a friend asked for her opinion about the board, Knox said homosexuality is a perverted spirit that has existed from the beginning of creation, and it was a sin that breeds like cancer.

She also asked, Why parade your unnatural immoral behaviors before the rest of us?

The school gave her a three-month unpaid suspension for conduct unbecoming of a teacher.

Knox later resigned after and filed a federal lawsuit in 2013, claiming that school officials violated her right to free speech and religious rights. The lawsuit was settled but is under a confidentiality agreement.

The New Jersey Department of Education revoked all of her certificates, according to Gay Star News. Knox later appealed and proposed a suspension of her licences for three years.

The state Department of Education accepted the appeal in December 2017.The second most powerful position in New York City politics is now held by a gay man living with HIV.

Last Wednesday, Corey Johnson was elected speaker of the New York City Council. The 35-year-old Johnson represents the West Village, Chelsea and areas of Midtown Manhattan on the council, a spot the New York Times considers second only to Mayor Bill de Blasio in power. Johnson now will voice decisions concerning the citys $86 billion annual budget.

A native of Massachusetts, Johnson has spoken publicly about growing up in public housing, struggling with drugs and alcohol and his HIV positive status. During his city service Johnson has championed issues affecting the middle and working class and those living in poverty.

The affordability crisis gripping our City threatens the very existence of our neighborhoods. New Yorkers who have lived in the same community their entire lives now find themselves priced out, unable to afford their rent or even groceries, Johnson tweeted.

Johnson was first elected to NYC Council in 2013, reports Gay Star News, winning with 86 percent of the vote. He has passed 18 pieces of legislation with a focus on rent regulation, tenant protection and assisting New Yorkers affected by HIV/AIDS.

Im honored and humbled to have been selected by my colleagues as Speaker of the New York City Council. I look forward to working with all of my fellow Council Members on behalf of all New Yorkers, Johnson tweeted.Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain.

Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred.

For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here.Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.



The 90th edition of the Academy Awards take place on Sunday, March 4 but Canadian harness racing will feature our own version on Saturday, February 3 at the annual OBrien Awards Black Tie Gala.

Canadas harness racing champions will be announced at the Black Tie Gala which will feature an Oscars theme, red carpet and all!

Presented by Standardbred Canada, the O'Brien Awards celebrate the absolute best in harness racing over a given year. They are the highest honour the sport bestows upon its heroes in this country.

Winners receive the coveted OBrien bronze trophy, a replica of the late great horseman, Joe OBrien, a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and a native of Prince Edward Island.

Tickets and program ads are now on sale and can be purchased by contacting the Industry Marketing Department at 905-858-3060. The deadline to reserve space in the program is Wednesday, January 10.

Finalists in each of the 17 categories (click here for the release) were announced on December 20.

Follow the latest updates on the OBrien Awards on Standardbred Canadas Facebook Event page and website.

Heres some important information on the 2017 OBrien Awards:

Attire - Black Tie Gala

Tickets - Tickets are $200 each and may be purchased by contacting SCs Industry Marketing Department at 905-858-3060. Deadline to purchase tickets is January 23.

Program Ads - Each year Standardbred Canada produces a four-colour souvenir program for the OBrien Awards. Full-page, four-colour ads are available for purchase in the program at a cost of $600 plus HST.

The deadline for reserving space in the OBrien program is Wednesday, January 10. To book an ad, please contact the Industry Marketing Department at SC at 905-858-3060 x 243.

Hotel Reservations - There is a special OBrien room rate of $125 available at the Hilton Mississauga / Meadowvale for a limited number of rooms. The deadline to receive the special rate at the Hilton Missisauga / Meadowvale is January 11.

Click here to make a reservation for the Hilton. Or you can call (905) 821-1981 or toll free 1 (855) 757-4862. Use the promo code STC for the special rate of $125.

Rent A Dress - Ladies, if youre thinking about making a new dress purchase for the OBrien Awards, why not consider renting? Rent Frock Repeat is proud to support the OBrien Awards by giving a 15% discount on their rentals. Simply use promo code OBRIEN18 when processing your order! It's that easy! Live in the GTA and want try a frock on before renting? Call them at 1-855-376-2548 or email them at [email protected] and set up your own private fitting -- for FREE! Visit rentfrockrepeat.com for more details.By Olivia Rose

AS THE Government seeks to improve the overall structure, systems and management of the Ministry of Border Control, a new Director of Immigration has been appointed.





According to a recent Government press release Derek Been officially took up the post on Wednesday, November 15, 2017.





Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, said that Beens appointment comes at a critical time.





"I am pleased to congratulate Mr Been on his appointment and to welcome him back to the Turks and Caicos Islands civil service.





"Mr Been possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience, having previously served as a former undersecretary within this and numerous other ministries along with serving as a former permanent secretary within government.





"He is fully aware of both the challenges and needs of the department and has already in his short time in the department set about an action plan for change.





"I look forward to working with him and to supporting him in his role where I have every confidence that he will do exceptionally well.





Minister of Border Control and Employment Sean Astwood pointed out that now more than ever there needs to be sound direction and developments in the policies and practices guiding both migration and immigration activities for the protection and security of the countrys borders.





"Mr Been, as a former civil servant, undersecretary and permanent secretary of numerous areas within Government, brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be fundamental to the departments ability to address the many challenges that have inundated our communities and social systems over the years.





"While we have embarked on numerous initiatives for the reshaping of migration and immigration in the TCI, there is a long road ahead of us but I am encouraged by the energy and diversity that Mr Been has on how the department, and indeed the country, can achieve its goals.





"Over the coming weeks Mr Been will be working to institute new guidelines and policies for the improvement and revitalisation of his department and together, with our support, I expect that he will have another long successful tenure with us.





Commenting on his appointment Mr Been thanked God for the opportunity to help further develop his beloved country.





"I am fully cognisant of the inherent challenges and threats that seem to dominate the immigration and labour sectors.





"However, opportunities also exist and the way we manage migration and immigration is critical to the cultural, social and economic well-being of these Islands and for those who conduct business and reside here permanently.





"The Immigration Department is essentially an enforcement body; the staff that I lead is expected to operate within the provision of the laws of the country.





"I expect the officers to be fair, firm and consistent in exercising their functions and we expect the public and our clients to appreciate and adhere to the law.





"As it relates specifically to the role as director, I will support lawful entry to persons (business and pleasure) who will benefit these Islands, while preventing the abuse of the society and its economy.





He noted critical to meeting the objectives of the ministry, increased staff training and cross training, forging strategic alliances and the use of technology to protect borders are essential.





Been is considered a civic leader having dedicated many years of service to the Boys Scouts where he serves as the Leader of the Grand Turk Division.





He holds a post graduate degree from the University of Leicester Business School and previously dedicated over 10 years to the Turks and Caicos Islands civil service.





He served as the former Undersecretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Communication and Immigration from 1999 to 2004; as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs from 2006 to 2009 and as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Utilities and Housing from 2009 to 2010, before taking up the post of Deputy Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority from 2010 to 2016.





During his tenure in Government Been had the opportunity to assist in a number of key projects including the construction of the North and Middle Caicos Causeway, Leeward Highway, the introduction of the Ports Authority, the Public Works Change Initiative, the Blue Ribbon Commission and several other key projects.



By Olivia Rose

A SLOOP carrying at least 18 Haitian migrants made landfall on the first day of the new year.





According to the Immigration Department, the illegal visitors were apprehended in the North West Point and Silly Creek area of Providenciales on the morning of Monday (January 1).





Footage has been circulating on social media showing a group of men wading through the water of Chalk Sound carrying some personal items.





They were arrested by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the Immigration Task Force and are currently being processed at the Detention Centre and waiting repatriation.





All 18 will be entered on the Immigration Stop List, a measure which nullifies any opportunity for future grant of entry into the TCI.





While investigations continue into illegal trafficking, the Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services is urging anyone with information concerning planned arrival of other sloops to contact the police on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477.





Minister of Border Control and Employment, Sean Astwood said that control officers apprehended and repatriated more than 1,000 illegal migrants in 2017.





"In January alone, we had four boat arrivals and during the month of June, we were spared the arrival of nine, he said. "This has to stop and it must stop now.





Astwood reported to the House of Assembly that the Task Force Agency continues to work with other law enforcement agencies on joint operations.





Their combined efforts during the second quarter of the year netted as many as 739 illegal migrants who were then apprehended and repatriated, he said.





He further observed that in the year the Government has been in power, the degree of human smuggling is the highest witnessed in the territorys history.





"Nothing would give me more pleasure then to say that we are free of human smuggling, but in having it, I would have liked to be able to say that only foreigners are doing it - and how much more so, if I was able to say that only civilians are involved.





"But, as we all know, we are not free of human smuggling and sadly not only foreigners but Turks and Caicos Islanders alike are involved, and sadder still its a belief that human smuggling has penetrated the core of the very agencies entrusted with the protection of our very own borders.





"This cannot be right, must not be right and will not be accepted, Astwood stated.



By Olivia Rose

VOCAL attorney Mark Fulford has urged the Government to take the necessary action to ensure that public beaches are visibly demarcated.





Fulford in his response to a heated argument which erupted on New Years Day between homeowners and local beachgoers on Taylor Bay, said beach access is a "mess that needs action.





He said: "The law as it relates to our beaches is crystal clear like our waters, which is that all beaches are public.





"The residents of Chalk Sound cant seem to catch a break. Yesterday it was the landing of an illegal sloop, now today it is Belongers including our very own Miss Turks and Caicos Islands being chased off one of our beaches.





Fulford, shedding light on the issue, noted that the ambiguity and confusion surrounds access to the beach in the form of legally registered easement known as beach access over the land towards the beach.





He stressed that all public beach access needs to be registered with the land registry.





"Chalk Sound residents have been talking about this issue for months as it appears that the position surrounding Taylor Bay Beach access is unclear.





"However, to the naked eyes it appears that Taylor Bay beach is effectively surrounded by privately own land which were to have an easement ie. public beach access registered thereon at least 25 years ago when a well-known development was granted the land for the creation of an ultra-high end residential subdivision.





"If this was all properly done and registered back, then the land documents will show that such an easement exists.





"I cannot say as I dont have access to those documents but the minister for DECR will have such access and can clarify the true position.





"However, if it was not properly done back then it lies to this Government to review the development agreement or file plans as was approved by planning to ascertain and confirm that it was agreed that a beach access was to be created.





Fulford further advised the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) to ensure a senior staff member visits the homeowner to properly advise them regarding the boundaries of their property.





He said: "And also correctly advise him on the laws relating to beaches in our beautiful by nature TCI, which is that all beaches are public.





"This will quell the storm that is brewing over the unfair, rude and downright disrespectful manner in which that property owner spoke to one of us (a Belonger) which I condemn in the highest fashion.





"Our country is very inviting but there are lines that should not be crossed.





He further called on the Government to further take a paper to Cabinet with a decision to acquire a sliver of the land and have a beach access registered over the land as it was intended, while ensuring that public access is clearly identified.



An online investigative publication has accused Paris police of failing to act on prior warnings about one of the Islamic State militants who killed Father Jacques Hamel in 2016, and of post-dating intelligence memos once the attack occurred.



Mediapart claims that officials held back a note on 19-year-old Adel Kermiche regarding an intercepted seven-minute encrypted conversation on Telegram suggesting that he intended to carry out an attack on French soil, citing churches as a target and Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in particular. The publication asserts that police had the report a week before the fatal July attack on the 85-year-old priest yet failed to pass it up the chain of command to counter-terror units.



In one of the videos on Telegram, Adel Kermiche reportedly said he gave classes at the mosque of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, and called on jihadists to hit churches: You go into a church where there is polytheism and you demolish everything! You do what has to be done and thats it! People in France, now is the time to strike. Here! I say it clearly: strike!



Mediapart blames the initial police error on overly bureaucratic processes that slow the transfer of information, as well as understaffing during summer holidays and poor work conditions.



The publication cites an unnamed intelligence officer as saying that since what they write is classified as a defense secret, there are too many controls, too much rereading, too many chiefs who want to correct the notes, put their own input into it.



Once the attack occurred, the police tried to cover up their bungling of the situation by altering the date on two intelligence memos to make it look more recent, Mediapart claims. Superiors allegedly ordered the officer who wrote the original report to get rid of the note, then rewrite and post-date it to make it look as if the information was received after the attack on Father Hamel.

Corruption in the establishment runs deep, even in the police I wouldn't be shocked if similar cover-ups were made regarding other disasters they caused, including the murder of 2 cousins in Marseille . All officials involved in the cover-up should be told to resign and stop robbing the taxpayers of money they don't intend to earn honestly. This was just one of the worst disasters of the Francois Hollande regime.

Labels: Christianity, dhimmitude, France, islam, jihad, Moonbattery, political corruption, racism, terrorism, war on terrorThe big winner at Sunday nights Golden Globe Awards was Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Directed by Martin McDonagh (In Bruges), the film won Best Picture, Best Actress (Drama) for Frances McDormand and Best Supporting Actor for Sam Rockwell. Oh, and McDonagh earned Best Director and Best Screenplay honors.

For those who didnt see the film, that success might leave some pop culture and movie fans a bit curious. But thats always an issue during this time of year. Critical darlings arent always mainstream hits. The movies that get awards arent often the ones most people have seen.

Three Billboards got a limited release in early November and slowly rolled out to the rest of the country over the rest of the month. By Thanksgiving, some moviegoers may have been eager to see a film that was drawing awards buzz and looked like a quirky, Coen brothers-type of dark comedy. Yet for mainstream audiences, the movie may also have been lost among the wave of holiday releases like Murder on the Orient Express, Justice League and Coco, in addition to other awards contenders such as Lady Bird and The Disaster Artist.

The movie might not even be showing in many theaters around the country now, though the Golden Globes honors will probably change that and result in a re-release. If you missed it the first time around, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association got it right. Three Billboards is one of the best movies of the past year.

Frances Force of Nature McDormand

No argument here with McDormands Best Actress win at the Golden Globes.

Mildred Hayes is the driving force of Three Billboards and McDormand has to carry the movie because of it. Though her acerbic, profane personality is frequently hilarious, shes not the most likable character. Shes mean to a lot of people, most notably in one heartbreaking instance toward the end of the story.

Plenty of people will believe she can act any way she wants to because shes a grieving mother who wants justice  and vengeance  but being sympathetic yet unlikable is not always an easy trick for an actor to pull off. Yet McDormand does it masterfully. She also reminds you that maybe, just maybe, shes in over her head and hasnt truly thought this situation and its potential ramifications through. That vulnerability is another side of Mildred that McDormand shows in a typically wonderful performance.

McDormand beat out four other outstanding actresses  Jessica Chastain, Sally Hawkins, Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams  in showcase roles for the award. And since the Academy Awards dont divide the actor categories by drama and comedy like the Globes, the competition will be even more fierce. Saoirse Ronan (who won Best Actress, Musical or Comedy) will likely get a nomination for Lady Bird and Margot Robbie is drawing buzz for her portrayal of Tonya Harding in I, Tonya.

Does the Golden Globes win make her the Oscars favorite? Maybe, though I wonder if more people will gravitate toward Ronans Christine McPherson, whose story far more people will relate to. (Personally, my pick would be Hawkins for The Shape of Water, but thats another article.) McDormand is a familiar name to movie fans, but I wonder if enough people will have seen Three Billboards or if her character is likable enough for Academy voters to support.

This is a very dark film

Though Three Billboards comes off as a comedy, albeit an unusual one, in trailers and commercials, some might be surprised at just how dark the movie is. Ultimately, this is a movie about grief and loss, and trying to make sense of the world after something cherished has been taken away.

Mildred Hayes (McDormand) wants justice for the rape and murder of her daughter Angela, and isnt happy with the local polices lack of progress in that investigation. While driving on a back road near town, she sees three decayed billboards that have fallen into disrepair and is inspired to send a message to Sheriff Bill Willoughby (Woody Harrelson).

Rattling Willoughbys cage also shakes up the small town where Mildred lives. Everyone understands the grief shes feeling, but they like their police chief and dont think he deserves to be blamed like this. Understandably, the people of Ebbing have also moved on with their lives. That frustrates Mildred, with which anyone whos experienced the loss of a loved one can surely sympathize. How can you just go on? Cant you see whats happened here? Why arent you upset too?

Willoughby is also dealing with a major issue thats an open secret around town, but doesnt use that as an excuse for not having solved Angela Hayess murder. The investigation turned up nothing. DNA evidence wasnt a match. He understands Mildreds anger, but theres nothing else he can do, barring new evidence turning up or someone confessing to the crime. (Mildred also hopes that restarting the conversation might get someone to admit they saw something or brag about what he did to Angela.)

The weird characters of Ebbing  notably the racist officer Dixon (Rockwell), the young man who runs the marketing company in charge of the billboards (Caleb Landry Jones), or the little person who has a crush on Mildred (Peter Dinklage)  make the movie entertaining, adding plenty of color and personality to the story.

But then McDonagh will remind you that something terrible has happened and its not funny at all. He gets you to laugh at the goofy sheriff and his bumbling officer, but then theres a quick glimpse of the autopsy photos that show Angela Hayes was burned to death after being sexually assaulted. Its jolting, and those shifts of tone might confuse some viewers. However, unsettling the audience is exactly what McDonagh intends. Hes just using humor as the delivery device for his dark story.

Rating: 4 out of 5 starsPrepaid Gas meter project about to die

THE New Nation reported that Titas Gas Company's target to install some 200,000 prepaid meters in Dhaka city is unlikely to be achieved within the time frame of December 2018 due to leakages in service lines, faulty connections, and consumers' unwillingness. Teams of the company have to leave consumers' houses keeping 40 percent meters uninstalled as there is a manpower shortage of the Titas-appointed contractors. Following a successful pilot project, the state-owned gas transmission and distribution company began commissioning the meters to prevent the misuse of gas and irregularities in billing. But it has got stuck in midway thus threatening the most-hyped project.





If successful, consumers will be able to pay gas bills using prepaid, rechargeable cards which will be made available through agents. It was a good initiative of Titas to take the project as flagship activity to stop waste of the nonrenewable natural resource.





The meters won't work if there's any leak either in service line or in household connection. So if leakage points exist neither the consumers nor the company get advantage of the meters.





The project to install 200,000 Prepaid Gas Meters at household connections in different areas, including Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Bashundhara, Badda, Tejgaon, Cantonment, Kafrul, Khilkhet, Uttara, Mirpur and adjacent areas was taken in 2013. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council approved the project involving Tk 712 crore fixing the project completion period between January 2015 and December 2018. But three-fourths of the total period was lost in red-tapism well before the start of the project.





Finally, Titas started installing meters on September 17 last year, but started facing problems shortly.





From 2012 to 2015, Titas installed 8,600 prepaid meters in the Lalmatia, Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur areas of Dhaka to combat the wastage of natural gas and system loss, enhance efficient domestic energy use, and help ensure energy savings vis-a-vis national energy security. Since receiving their meters, the consumers of Lalmatia and Dhanmondi areas have been paying less than the fixed rate for gas. Aligning the government's digitized policies and modernization, the project has a huge impact on consumers' satisfaction, evading system loss, and making effective use of natural gas. Definitely, the project is long due as the European countries introduced the prepaid metering system in the 1970's and Bangladesh opted for depending on renewable energy.





The gas reserve is not unlimited and we should use the gift of nature very carefully, meaning it should be used efficiently. But system loss, illegal connections, waste in households have hindered the ensuring of the optimum usability of natural gas, though the highest quantity of gas is burnt to get electricity, which is in contrast to the sustainable development policy. We still hope that Titas will accomplish the task within 2018 after fixing faulty lines and service lines while consumers should get positive awareness.Warm clothes' sale gets momentum in city's footpaths

People of all walks of life crowded the makeshift shops to buy warm clothes as lowest temperature prevailing in the capital and across the country. This photo was taken from in front of Motijheel Sonali Bank head office on Monday.

M M Jasim :

Sale of warm clothes in the city's footpaths has broken all records as the lowest-ever cold wave is now sweeping over the country, particularly in the northern region.

Customers of different strata of society are crowding the city's footpaths for buying warm clothes at cheap prices. The vendors are also passing very busy time with the customers.

The vendors said they have been selling huge clothes almost everyday since the temperature decreased last week over the country. They said woollen sweaters, jackets, hoodies, blazers, vests, cardigans, zip-ups, wind cutter, coats, full-slave t-shirt and polo shirt, scarves, caps and sweatshirts are being sold at footpaths makeshift shops in the city.

Bangabazar, Motijheel, Municipal Hawkers' Market, Gulistan and Farmgate, footpaths near Baitul Mokarram National Mosque, Bangbandhu Stadium, Dhaka College, New Market, Gausia Market, Muktijoddha market at Mirpur section 1, Shah Ali market at Mirpur 10, and Purabi Super Market in Pallabi are the most popular footpath markets. Vendor Mustafa Kamal at Motijheel footpath said, "I could not reap benefit from the sale of warm clothes before the cold wave had hit the county. But now I am satisfied over the sale of warm clothes which has fetched me huge profit."

Street vendor Kamrul Hasan in Gulistan area said, "Bone-chilling cold is forcing people to buy warm clothes. So, our sale is now satisfactory."

Kamal Uddin, a vendor in New Market area said, "Sales of winter clothes were very low last year. People did not need to wear woolen sweaters as the weather was not cold enough. However, sales of warm clothes have been increasing since this week."

Surplus and rejected sweaters made by the local garment industries are mainly on display in the shops, while the lower-income and middle-income groups of people are opting for used clothes, he said.

"The variety and most importantly the price, attract a cross section of people. There are every things on the footpaths," Kamal said.

The prices of locally made and Indian shawls range from Tk 200 to Tk 250. Woollen sweaters and cardigans cost Tk 150 to Tk 200, while winter caps cost Tk 50 to Tk 60.

Woollen blankets are selling at a price between Tk 400 and Tk 1500, sometimes even more depending on the quality.

Abdul Karim, a peon of a government office, told The New Nation, "There are quality clothes available in the stores. Footpath is the only place where we can afford to buy winter clothes. Because of the rejected garment products the middle class and the low income group can survive the winter."

Roki Chowdhury, a private service holder, said, "I buy winter clothes from the Motijheel footpaths as the price of the clothes is very cheap and affordable. I have bought three sweaters and two coats for my family members and me."

Meanwhile, some customers alleged that the vendors are hiking the prices of the winter products.

Rifat Monowar, a customer, said the price of warm clothes soared following its huge demand as cold wave gripped the people of the country.

He also alleged that the vendors have formed syndicates to make windfall profit from sale of warm clothes.2.6 temperature recorded in Panchagarh

28,00,000 blankets, 80,000 packets dry food distributed among cold hit people: 12 died in cold-related diseases

Md Joynal Abedin Khan :

Bangladesh recorded its lowest ever temperature in history at 2.6 degrees in Tetulia upazila of Panchagarh district under the influence of a severe cold wave sweeping over 20 districts, mainly the northern region.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department's Tetulia office Assistant Officer Md Raidul Islam told our local correspondent that the lowest ever temperature was recorded at 8:38am on Monday.

The second lowest temperature in Syedpur in Nilphamari was 2.9 degrees Celsius, while it was 3 degrees Celsius in Dimla, 3.1 degrees Celsius in Kurigram's Rajarhat and 3.2 in Dinajpur.

In the 24 hours prior to 6:00am Monday morning, temperature averaged to the country's all-time low, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The weather office considers temperatures from 4-6 degree Celsius to be a severe cold wave. Panchagarh, Nilphamari, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Bogra, Pabna, Kushtia, Moulovibazar, Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Joypurhat, Meherpur, Sirajganj and Tangail are currently experiencing severe cold waves, it mentioned.

A cold wave has been sweeping across seven divisions of Bangladesh since January 4. Though it began as a light cold wave (8-10 degrees Celsius), it soon developed into a medium cold wave (6-8 degrees Celsius).

The Weather Office records date back to 1948. The previously record was 2.8 degrees Celsius in Srimongal, which dated back to February 4, 1968, he said.

There may be a slight change in the next 48 hours and night temperatures may rise later on in the week, according to him.

Fog is an everyday occurrence from midnight to morning in winter. But, according to Monday's weather bulletin, it may linger in parts of the country from Tuesday.

At least 13 people, including 7 babies, died in Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Nilphamari, Kurgram, Rajshai and Dinajpur due to the cold-related diseases, reports our local correspondents.

The bone-chilling cold coupled with thick fogs is forcing people to stay inside of houses for the second consecutive day yesterday hampering normal activities in northern districts.

In Panchagarh, a baby died in diarrhea in Satmora Union in Panchagarh sada upazila.

A total of 28,000 blankets and warm clothes were distributed among severely cold hit poor people in last two days, said our local correspondent quoting Mohamamd Jahirul Islam, Deputy Commissioner of the district.

In Thakurgaon, Jahura, 70, wife of Mobarak Ali in Sadar upazila and Sakina, 90, wife of Dabirul Islam, of Goalpara in the district town, died of cold related diseases, said Thakurgaon Civil Surgeon Dr Abu Mohammad Khairul Kabir.

In Nilphamari, around 28,000 blankets and warm clothes were distributed among the poor people in last three days, said our local correspondent quoting Mohammad Khaled Rahim, DC of the district.

Meanwhile, several thousand blankets and dry food were distributed among the cold hit poor people in Syedpur upazila in last two days, reports our local correspondent.

In Kurigram, six persons died so far due to the cold wave that has been sweeping over the country, said Resident Medical Officer (acting) of Kurigram Sadar Hospital Dr Jahangir Alam.

Some 57,000 blankets and warm clothes were distributed among the poor people in the district in last three days, said Abu Saleh Muhammad Ferdous Khan, DC of the district.

Relief and Disaster Management Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, said that as a quick measure 29 lakh of blankets have distributed among the poor people across the country.

Mohammad Mohsin, Additional Secretary, Disaster Management planning-2, told The New Nation on Monday evening, "29 lakh blankets and 80,000 dry food packets (Tk 12,00 for per packet) were sent to the severely cold-hit poor people in 20 districts."

"The district administrations, NGOs, voluntary, professional, socio-cultural and charitable organisations, business bodies, and other institutions have intensified distribution of warm clothes among the cold-stricken people to mitigate their sufferings," he said.

"Stock of medicines is adequate," said Divisional Deputy Director (Health) Dr Mozammel Hossain," adding that steps were taken at the government-run health facilities in all eight districts for providing healthcare facilities to cold-related patients.

Now tannery wastes polluting Dhaleshwari

Untreated poisonous wastes from tannery factories, relocated to Savar from the capital\'s Hazaribagh area to save Buriganga are now seriously polluting another major river, Dhaleshwari. This photo was taken on Monday.

UNB, Savar : Though most tanneries have already been relocated to Savar from the capital's Hazaribagh area to save the Buriganga River, the untreated poisonous wastes from the leather factories are now seriously polluting another major river, the Dhaleshwari, putting its existence and biodiversity at stake apart, said experts. They said the water quality of the river has seriously degraded due to the direct disposal of liquid and solid wastes, including the high level of concentrated chromium and salt, and faulty installation of central effluent treatment plant (CEUntreated poisonous wastes from tannery factories, relocated to Savar from the capital's Hazaribagh area to save Buriganga are now seriously polluting another major river, Dhaleshwari. This photo was taken on Monday. Talking to UNB, water experts Prof Ainun Nishat and Buet Prof Md Mujibur Rahman and green activists Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan (Bapa) general secretary MA Matin and Savar River and Environment Protection Movement president Rafiqul Islam Mollah said the government must take immediate steps for making the CETP at the tannery estate fully functional fixing its problems, and creating a dumping place for solid wastes, including unused rawhides. They also said proper action also needs to be taken to check other untreated industrial and domestic wastes, chemicals, and heavy metals, and enforce law to save the Dhaleshwari River, and its biodiversity and inhabitants on its banks. Locals told UNB that said aquatic resources, including fish, have almost become extinct in the river as its water has got seriously contaminated with the releasing of huge untreated waste and salty water from the tanneries every day. Visiting the river bank near the new tannery estate on Friday, it was seen that all kinds of hazardous wastes from the tanneries are flowing into the river through drains and four big pipelines.

Even, it is difficult for anybody to take breath standing on the river bank due to bad odour coming from of the polluted black-colured water of the endangered river. Shah Alam, a resident of Jhauchar near the tannery estate and Tetuljhora Union Parishad member, said nearly 20,000 people in the area are being subjected to severe pollution by the newly relocated tanneries having no effective measure to protect the environment. He said people are being affected with various diseases, especially skin-related ones, due to the adverse impact of the environmental degradation.

Four other local residents-Monir Hossain, Mizanur Rahman, Sirajul Islam and Giasuddin-also echoed the UP member and said even tube-well water in the areas has got stinky due to the contamination of the river water with tannery wastes. Fishermen Afajuddin and Lat Mia of Jhauchar area who greatly depend on the river for fishing said they have now become day-labourers changing their old profession as no fish is now available in the river.

They said the water is so stinky and polluted that hardly any fish or other aquatic animal can survive in it. "We saw dead fish floating in the river six months ago," said Lat Mia.

Green activist Rafiqul Islam Mollah said hundreds of tonnes of salt are used in tanneries every year alongside other toxic materials like chromium to process rawhides, but their wastes are being discharged directly into the river as the CETP is not run properly. It also lacks necessary components to treat the wastewater.

He said they are planning to wage a strong movement together with people to save Dhaleshwari and locals from the pollution by the tanneries. Prof Ainun Nishat said it is regrettable and shameful that inefficient engineers from Buet designed the CETP which is not capable to treat the huge amount of liquid wastes, including salt, of the tanneries. "Out of the four units of the CETP, only one unit is functioning regularly."

He said the government should immediately engage other experts to fix the faulty design of the CETP and enhance its capacity to treat all kinds of tannery wastes.

Prof Mujibur Rahman said the Dhaleshwari will die if proper steps are not taken very soon to check the untreated wastes of the relocated tanneries. "Now pollution by the tanneries has been shifted to Dhaleshwari from Buriganga. We shouldn't allow any industry to kill a river and harm people." Alongside ensuring an effective and functional CETP, MA Matin said a dumping space must be set up to discharge solid wastes of the tanneries.Security report claims IS footprint 'on rise' in Pakistan

Pakistan Today, Islamabad :

Militant group Islamic State (IS), is continually on the rise in Sindh and Balochistan, as claimed in a security report, 'Pakistan Security Report 2017', released by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), on Sunday.

The report also claims that despite a 16 per cent decline in terrorist attacks last year, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its associated groups remained the strongest threat, followed by Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front.

The report said that such realities required concerted efforts and a revision of the National Action Plan. According to the report, militant, nationalist/insurgent and violent sectarian groups carried out 370 terrorist attacks in 64 districts of the country in 2017. 815 people died and around 1,736 were injured due to these attacks. There was, however, a decrease of 16 per cent in such attacks over the previous year whereas the number of people killed decreased by a 10 per cent.

As many as 213, or 58 per cent of these attacks were executed by the TTP, its splinter groups, mainly Jamaatul Ahrar, and other militant groups. 186 people were killed in these attacks.

National insurgent groups, mostly in Balochistan, were responsible for around 138 attacks, or 37 per cent of the total, killing 140 people. As many as 19 terrorist attacks were sectarian-related, in which 71 people were killed and 97 injured.Macron calls for Europe-China alliance on climate, Silk Road

The French president also visited the centuries-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian

AFP :

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe Monday to take part in China's Silk Road revival plan, despite some European misgivings about the massive project, as he began a state visit.

Macron also called on Europe and China to team up on curbing climate change, in the face of US plans to withdraw from the Paris accord.

"Our destinies are linked," he said in a keynote speech on the future of Sino-French relations during a visit to the northern city of Xian, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

"The future needs France, Europe and China," Macron said, adding he would travel to China "at least once a year". Macron began his three-day visit in Xian as a gesture to Chinese President Xi Jinping's huge New Silk Road project, an initiative to connect Asia and Europe by road, rail and sea.

The $1 trillion infrastructure programme is billed as a modern revival of the ancient Silk Road that once carried fabrics, spices and a wealth of other goods in both directions.

Known in China as "One Belt, One Road", the plan will see gleaming new road and rail networks built through Central Asia and beyond, and new maritime routes stretching through the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

The project has elicited both interest and anxiety, with some in Europe seeing it as Chinese expansionism.

While France had been cautious about the plan, Macron heartily endorsed the initiative.

"It represents a real opportunity to create bridges, through exchange, between countries and civilisations, just as the ancient silk routes once did," he said in an interview with the Chinese website China.org.cn. "I think it's very important that Europe and China strengthen their collaboration on the initiative. France is ready to play a leading role in this."

But Macron warned that it should be carried out "within the framework of a balanced partnership"-a reference to concerns about China's trade surpluses. France has a 30-billion-euro ($36 billion) trade deficit with China.Vietnam oil exec `kidnapped` from Germany goes on trial

AFP :

The corruption trial of a Vietnamese former oil executive who was allegedly kidnapped from Germany opened on Monday, a high-profile case that can carry the death sentence.

Vietnam's communist government has embarked on a snowballing anti-corruption campaign, which observers say is politically driven and mirrors a graft crackdown in neighbouring China.

Scores of former officials, bankers and state executives have been arrested or jailed, including a senior banker who has been sentenced to death.

On Monday a court in Hanoi said it had started proceedings against Trinh Xuan Thanh, the former head of state-run PetroVietnam Construction, for alleged mismanagement and embezzlement.

Thanh appeared before the court together with ex-politburo member Dinh La Thang and 20 other senior officials. They are accused of causing $5.2 million of losses for the state during an investment by PetroVietnam in the construction of a thermal power plant.

German authorities say Thanh was kidnapped from a Berlin park in July and have decried the brazen Cold War-style seizure as a "scandalous violation" of its sovereignty.

Vietnam denies the kidnap and insists the fugitive Thanh had returned home voluntarily to face the charges.

"This is a very serious case, drawing wide public attention," said an online announcement by Hanoi's People's Court, adding the accused all held key positions at major state-owned institutions.

After a two-week trial, Thang and Thanh could face 20 years in jail for mismanagement.

In addition Thanh faces an embezzlement charge, which can carry the death penalty.

The downfall of Thanh and the other men on trial has stunned a public unaccustomed to questioning the role of officialdom in an authoritarian country which routinely quashes dissent.

But the leadership is at pains to parade its anti-graft credentials, experts say, as well as remove political enemies. In a linked case, last week Singapore deported fugitive Vietnamese intelligence officer Phan Van Anh Vu, who held a senior rank in the secret police. Vu was trying to seek asylum in Germany, his lawyers said, arguing he may have information about Thanh's kidnapping on German soil.

In Ho Chi Minh City the trial of 46 people-including former banking tycoons Pham Cong Danh and Tram Be-also began on Monday.

They are accused of violating lending regulations that caused losses of around $270 million to the Vietnam Construction Bank. Transparency International has ranked Vietnam 113 out of 176 on its corruption index, worse than its Southeast Asian neighbours Thailand, the Philippines and Myanmar.Oath-taking camp of DIU Air Rover Scout Group

Prof Dr Mostafa Kamal, Dean, Permanent Campus of Daffodil International University along with other distinguished guests and newly oath taken Rovers pose for a photograph at \'7th Oath Taking Camp 2017\' of Daffodil International University held at perma

Campus Report :

A 4 daylong '7th Oath Taking Camp 2017' for newly enrolled Rovers of Daffodil International University (DIU) Air Rover Scout Group held from 27-31, 2017 at permanent campus of the university at Ashulia, Savar. Prof Dr Mostafa Kamal, Dean, Permanent Campus of DIU was present as the chief guest.

Presided over by Md. Shaiful Islam, RSL, DIU Air Rover Scout Group, the ceremony was also addressed by Rover Scout Leader and Rover trainer Farhana Rahman Setu, PRS, and SM Salauddin Morsalin. The Oath Taking Ceremony was conducted was conducted by SRM Nazmul Hassan. The camp included Training, Oath Taking Ceremony, Social Awareness and Development Program, Grand Camp Fire, Reunion and certificate distribution. Prof Dr Mostafa Kamal said, oath-taking camp is very important and historical event for a Scout which inspire rovers to engage them in scouting through self-adoption of mind. He advised the rovers to maintain and follow the rules and ideas of Baden Powell to create a beautiful world. He appreciated the recent activities done by the Rovers of Daffodil International University and suggested to keep up the speed. He also said, introducing Rover Movement at the university, Daffodil International University has set an example to be followed by other private universities.Protest in Sudan against rising bread prices

AFP, Khartoum :

Police fired tear gas on Saturday at groups of students protesting in a central Sudanese town against soaring bread prices, witnesses said, as opposition parties called for anti-government demonstrations.

Bread prices almost doubled on Friday across Sudan after flour manufacturers raised prices amid dwindling supply of wheat following a government decision to stop importing the grain and allow private companies to do so.

"Citizens, demand your rights," shouted university students in the central Sudanese town of Sennar as dozens of residents joined them in a sporadic march against the rise in bread prices, witnesses said.

Police fired tear gas to break the protest while shopkeepers closed their

shops in the town's main market, witnesses and residents from Sennar told AFP by telephone.

"The police fired tear gas at protesters. I had to close my shop as demonstrators approached the market," a shopkeeper said on condition of anonymity.No street progs to be allowed in city on Weekdays, says Quader

bdnews24.com :

Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority has banned holding rallies and processions on the streets on the weekdays as it attempts to ease traffic congestion.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader announced the

ban after the 10th meeting of DTCA's Governing Council at the Nagar Bhaban on Sunday.

Besides the ban on street programmes except on weekly holidays, Friday and Saturday, the meeting also decided to bar more than two people riding on a motorcycle, according to Quader.

"Anyone violating these rules will face legal action," he said.

Narayanganj Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun MP, top officials, representatives of transport owners and workers, among others, attended the meeting chaired by Quader.

DTCA Executive Director Syed Ahmed spoke about the progress of the projects to ease traffic congestion in the capital.

Quader asked the DTCA to take more short-term projects than long-term ones ahead of the election.

"Is building the Metrorail the only job of DTCA? Metrorail will be built, but it will take time. We need to take short-term, realistic decisions ahead of the election. Think about what we can do to keep the traffic congestions in Dhaka at tolerable levels," he said.

The minister also said the government and the ruling Awami League were already following the rules of not organising programmes on streets on workdays.

"Even Chhatra League's founding anniversary procession was deferred by a day. The others must obey the rule," he said.New Year's class begins at Parents Care School

Chairman of Chittagong Sikkha Kaylan Foundation Principal Dr. Abdul Karim visiting inaugural session of first class of New Year of Parents Care School & College at Chowkbazar in the city on Thursday.

Chittagong Bureau :

The first classes of the new calendar year -2018 begins at Parents care School & College of Chowkbazar, Chittagong from Thursday .

Chairman of Chittagong Sikkha Kalyan Foundation Principal Dr.Abdul Karim inaugurated new classes by feeding sweats to students and made courtesy meet with them .

During the opening session of new classes Director of SKF DrKhalid Bin Kabir Bhuyia, Principal of School Md Nurul Islam, Admin Officer MA Fazal, senior teachers Johora Arjun Shiuli, Reba Das, Asstt Teachers Afroza Jahan, Ayesha Aman, Jhuma Paul, Oma Paul, Abdullah al Muntasir Chowdhury, Jalaluddin Kawser, Anisul Islam were present .

Chairman Dr Abdul Karim advised the students to be more attentive in their studies so as to become talents and knowledgeable .

He further said humanity enhances through moral education, a school sources said.

TIB expresses grave concern

Failure to refund climate fund, depositors' money

Staff Reporter :

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday expressed deep concern over Farmers Bank's failure to refund Tk508 crore to Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF), along with deposits of other clients.

It also called upon the government to ensure transparency and accountability of all the stakeholders involved in managing the funds.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman in a statement said that the failure of Farmers Bank to return deposits after the expiry of the deadline was a matter of grave concern for the entire banking sector.

"If there is further delay in releasing the funds for climate change adaptation activities, it will increase the risk for the region which is not acceptable in any way," he said.

He also sought for quick intervention to recover the fund.

"There should be an investigation into why the climate fund money was invested in Farmers Bank for making profit, instead of entrusting well-reputed and credible financial institutions. People, including the former board of directors who were involved in the crisis, should be held accountable after proper investigation.

"Customers and organizations are losing their confidence in Farmers Bank every day as they are failing to get their deposits back. It is unacceptable to put the burden of corruption and irregularities of the bank on the customers."



1251 women, minors raped, 58 of them killed in 2017 : Khaleda

The Mohila Parishad said 1251 women and kids were raped, 224 were gang-raped and 58 of them were killed in 2017, tweeted Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Monday.

'I'm gravely disturbed at such colossal lawlessness and heinous attack on our women's dignity. This unelected regime uses public money but robs them of their basic rights', Zia added. Meanwhile, the Law Ministry on Monday shifted 16 cases filed against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to the makeshift court at Bakshibazar in the city. The ministry issued three gazette notifications in this regard, reports the UNB.25 injured in Sylhet AL factional clash

UNB, Sylhet :



At least 25 people were reportedly injured during a clash between two factions of Awami League in Usmani Nagar upazila on Monday.



The clash originated after Manjur and Hannan, two AL leaders belonging to rival camps within the party, locked into an altercation and at one stage Hannan thrashed Manjur at Tazpur Degree College compound.



Later, Manjur gathered his men and counter-attacked near Tazpurbazar, springing a one hour long skirmish.



Both the factions pelted stones at each other indiscriminately, leaving at least 25 people injured, including Upazila Swecchasebok League leader Chanchal Pal, besides vandalizing a dispensary.



Police opened rounds of fire tackling the clash that triggered a huge gridlock on the Sylhet-Dhaka route.



Ana Mia, the president of Tazpur Degree College Jubo League unit said he had heard a bit about the clash where Chanchal Pal had "blamed the attackers of being BNP-Jamaat men". Ana and Chanchal are said to be the leaders of the two camps that fought today.



Confirming the occurrence, officer in charge of Usmani Nagar police Station Anwarul Haq said additional police forces have been deployed to avoid unwanted circumstances.











HC rejects writ petition seeking not to harass or arrest

Staff Reporter :

The High Court on Monday rejected a writ petition filed seeking not to harass or arrest the family members of a bridegroom as he married a Rohingya woman who

came to Bangladesh from Myanmar being tortured in her own country. The court also ordered the petitioner to deposit Tk 1 lakh within 30 days in the concerned section of the Supreme Court as the cost.

The HC bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice J B M Hassan passed the order after hearing the petition.

Advocate A B M Hamidul Misbah appeared for the petitioner in the court while Deputy Attorney General Motahar Hossain Saju stood for the State.

Saju said, "According to foreigners act, it's a crime to bring out someone or to marriage someone from a special area. The Law Ministry has issued a notification in this regard. So, it is contrary to the law to marriage or bring out someone came from Myanmar. They filed the writ petition to avoid arrest or harassment. But the court rejected the petition and ordered the petitioner to deposit Tk 1 lakh as the cost."

According to the case documents, Babul Hossain, a resident of Singair upazila of Manikganj district, filed the petition not to harass or arrest his family members as his son Shoaib Hossain Jewel recently married a Rohingya woman named Rafisa, 18, who was living in Kutupalong Refugee Camp of Cox's Bazar.

On October 25 last year, the Law Ministry issued a notification imposing bar to marriage Rohingya women. Babul Hossain challenged the legality of that notice in the writ petition.

According to the writ petition, preparation of marriage of Shoaib and Rafisa faced obstacles from the authorities on September 14 last year. Later, they came to Singair and went elsewhere after police had searched them. In this circumstance, Shoaib's father filed the writ petition.Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

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Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Seef Properties, a leading real estate development company in Bahrain, announced that it has signed a share registry agreement with Bahrain Clear at the Bahrain Bourse in Bahrain Financial Harbour.

The agreement was signed by the Seef Properties chief executive officer Ahmed Yusuf and Bahrain Bourse chief executive officer and managing director of Bahrain Clear Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, in the presence of officials from both companies.

Bahrain Clear has been assigned as a share registrar of Seef Properties and will act as custodian for all clearing and depository activities, a statement said.

Bahrain Clear will provide Seef Properties with a variety of services that includes maintaining a record of the share register that holds the shares in electronic form, and updating the data of the registry resulted from dealing on the companys shares in accordance with the rules and regulations of Bahrain Clear and Bahrain Bourse, said Yusuf.

Additionally, Bahrain Clear will provide Seef Properties with online services that include real-time shareholding confirmations with the percentage of investors holdings dealings, investors account statements, and other periodical reports, he added.

Bahrain Clear is a fully owned subsidiary of Bahrain Bourse established in July 2017, which undertakes a range of activities related to Bahrain Bourse, including custodian activities and provision of all advisory and technical services in the field of depository, clearing and settlement.  TradeArabia News ServiceAbu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre in Abu Dhabi, and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) have entered into a Fintech cooperation agreement, marking a significant first in the Mena region.



The agreement represents a leap forward in promoting the region as a connected and collaborative environment for Fintech to thrive in. It provides a framework for information sharing, and for facilitating the movement of start-ups, knowledge, and talent between the two jurisdictions. With the new partnership, Bahrain EDB and ADGM will explore initiatives to promote economic growth in financial services through the adoption of new technology, and highlight Menas strengths in the FinTech sector.



We are excited to witness the first FinTech MoU between two Mena jurisdictions, said Richard Teng, chief executive officer, Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM. Together, we advocate and see the Mena region as a continuous whole and look to leverage each others strengths to anchor a vibrant Fintech ecosystem.



From our close discussions with the Economic Development Board of Bahrain, and especially at the first Regional Regulators FinTech Roundtable recently in Abu Dhabi, it is clear we value the importance of collaboration and mutual support in any relevant manner. I look forward to continuing to work closely with our partner in building a more connected, collaborative network among our fellow regulators in the Mena region to cater to the rapid pace of FinTech growth here, Teng added.



The agreement will allow for a closer collaboration on the exchange of information on trends, services and products, leading to a closer relationship in the development of Islamic finance and Fintech initiatives across the region.



Professional and academic knowledge transfer, accelerator programs and the mutual promotion of the development of relevant technologies such as digital payments and blockchain are fundamental to the growth of these sectors. Fintech start-ups will have the ability to access information from each respective jurisdiction through one common point of contact.



We have seen exciting momentum in FinTech in Bahrain and across the region over the last year, said David Parker, Executive Director  Financial Services at Bahrain EDB. The FinTech sector has witnessed approximately $50 billion in investment globally, but the Mena region has received only about 1% of that.



In Bahrain, we recognise that there is great potential for growth in this sector and we are capitalising on this by creating the right ecosystem. This MoU marks another inspiring moment in our regional development. In Bahrain, an ongoing series of legal and regulatory reforms are supporting easy access to a wide range of new opportunities, including a Fintech sandbox and support for both conventional and Sharia-compliant crowdfunding. We look forward to this agreement leading to the rapid development of even more initiatives across the region, he added.



As an IFC and FinTech hub, ADGM has reached significant milestones and established strategic partnerships to bolster the regional Fintech ecosystem, supporting the safe development of Fintech both in the region and globally. The EDB partnership further enhances ADGMs Fintech collaboration hubs that currently stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.



This agreement comes as the region looks to establish itself as a centre of FinTech excellence, and follows a number of recent supportive measures in Bahrain. Underpinned by the establishment of a new Amazon Web Services (AWS) Region based in Bahrain, key activities include the establishment of a new regulatory sandbox, the launch of a national e-wallet and the development of the Mena regions largest FinTech hub, which is set to open in the first quarter 2018. - TradeArabia News ServiceSaudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has issued directives to the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (Sama) to ensure that banks do not take advantage of the recent increase in living allowances and bonuses to deduct other loans or fees.

King Salman had earlier ordered an increase in the salaries and allowances of the kingdom's public sector employees and military personnel to help offset the introduction of value-added tax (VAT) and a rise in fuel prices this year.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) the directives entail that banks shall not deduct any amounts or fees from the said allowances and bonuses for the repayment of personal loans and other financing obligations.Drake & Scull International (DSI), a regional leader in engineering and construction services, announced today that it has successfully completed the restructuring of its corporate general bank debt in the UAE and has secured new credit lines and working capital facilities for its ongoing and new projects portfolio.

DSI has obtained the support from all its creditors for the restructuring of its corporate general debt in the UAE.

The company reached in Q4 2017 a consensual agreement with nine regional and local banks to refinance Dh566 million ($154.1 million) comprising 56 per cent of its total corporate general debt standing at Dh1.07 billion as of September 30, 2017, it said.

The tenor and the maturity of the Dh566 million corporate general debt have been extended and re-termed on average for three years. Additionally, the company successfully secured under the new term sheets signed on bilateral basis with all respective banks, new credit lines and working capital facilities for its ongoing and future projects portfolio in the UAE.

The remaining tranche of the companys corporate general debt comprising the Dh440 million sukuk will mature in November 2019. The company will initiate talks with its sukuk holders to refinance this tranche in the second half of the fiscal year 2018.

As of September 30, 2017, the total bank debt of the group stands at Dh2.92 billion. Corporate general debt and projects debt comprise 34 per cent and 66 per cent of total bank debt, respectively.

Another upcoming strategic priority of the company's plan include the restructuring and refinancing of its projects debt with the initial focus on approximately Dh 1 billion of funded projects debt in Saudi Arabia. The company is concurrently in advanced talks with its creditors in Saudi Arabia and expects to complete the refinancing of its Saudi projects debt in this quarter.

Rabih Abou Diwan, investor relations director, Drake & Scull International, commented: The latest deal with the banks reflects the confidence in the DSI turnaround plan, the resilience of the groups business model and the positive outlook of the company in the MEP sector, despite the cyclical challenges that impacted the regional construction industry.

Our main objective is to drive a consensual restructuring plan with all our creditors across the region to rebalance our capital structure to be more efficient and conducive for our business plan and future prospects.

"The completion of our debt restructuring in the UAE will enable us to accelerate projects performance and delivery in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This represents a key priority for the Group as we continue to streamline the business and unlock value across all operating segments.

Furthermore, with the new corporate debt structure and the extended credit facilities along with the funding we have in place, the Company will be able to improve productivity, secure substantial contracts and boost revenue generation, he said.

We are concurrently also assessing our funding requirements for our ongoing and future projects across all markets. We expect to reach bilateral consensus with our lenders to refinance our projects debt and upon completion we will be considering syndication across all the debt structure in the fiscal year 2018.

In conjunction with the completion of Drake & Scull's debt restructuring, Tabarak Investment has announced that it is moving ahead with its plans to support the operations of Drake & Scull International to achieve full operational recovery leading to sustainable growth. The company has assured that its investment in DSI is strategic and long-term, and that it will continue to support the latter by completing existing projects, studying new ones targeted through Tabarak, and looking for new opportunities to diversify and expand income.

Tabarak Investment has confirmed a significant improvement in the efficiency of operations under the leadership of DSIs new management, which will support the latters financial performance in 2018. - TradeArabia News ServiceKEO International Consultants, a leading design, engineering and project management firm, has appointed Philip Gillard as vice president of its design division.

Gillard is an astute design professional and Riba chartered architect with over 20 years of international design and project delivery experience. He takes on a key influential role by also joining KEOs executive leadership board, said a statement.

We are delighted to have Philip as part of our international team of experts leading our architectural and engineering design practice, one of KEOs most dynamic divisions. This new appointment aligns with our progressive vision and supports our strategic moves to further strengthen KEOs reputation as a global consulting powerhouse. In his role as VP of design, Philip will work with our talented team to reach new heights in creativity, innovation and design depth. He will also be fostering client relationships and expanding the technical excellence within our architecture and engineering practice, said Donna Sultan, president and CEO of KEO International Consultants.

The Middle East market is constantly evolving and KEOs integrated and multi-disciplinary approach enables us to respond to our clients maturing expectations. I am truly excited to be leading KEOs talented team of building design professionals. I am passionate about this opportunity to work closely with our clients to deliver incredibly successful projects across the region, said Gillard.

He joins KEO after a 17-year career with Gensler, where he was one of its partners, a global education leader and since 2015, the managing director for the Middle East region.

Over its 50 years in operation, KEO has grown to become one of the most recognised and award-winning consultancies worldwide, offering unparalleled design, architectural, engineering and project management services. The firm has worked on some of the most iconic projects in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and has helped clients achieve their vision of delivering their most complex and distinguished developments, the statement added. - TradeArabia News ServiceGulf Stevedoring Contracting Company (GSCCO), part of the Gulftainer group of companies, will highlight new business opportunities at Jubail Container Terminal at its upcoming Jubail Value Proposition event.

Set to take place at the InterContinental Al Jubail on January 15, the event will convene key government stakeholders and maritime industry professionals in Saudi Arabia.

A series of interactive presentations and discussions will provide an overview of GSCCOs achievements in Jubail as well as the innovative operational solutions it offers at the Jubail Commercial Port (JCP).

Ranked the fastest-growing port in the Middle East in 2017, JCP is home to some of GSCCOs flagship facilities, including the Jubail Container Terminal (JCT), that contributes significantly to the regions economic activity and offers an attractive value proposition for industrial entities in the region.

JCP serves as an ideal destination for Saudi exports and for the import of industrial equipment. With the fastest customs clearance processes in Saudi Arabia, JCP is currently a port of call for more than 10 shipping lines with direct weekly services.

Speaking on the significance of the Jubail Value Proposition event, Richard James, managing director of GSCCO, said: This definitive event seeks to encourage new ways of doing business in Jubail and reinforce the citys status as a leading industrial and commercial hub. It offers a unique platform for identifying new business opportunities that can help accelerate economic growth in Saudi Arabia, as well as for sharing best practices in innovation in the maritime sector. We look forward to hosting the event and building synergies with key industry stakeholders.

Jubails strategic location on the Arabian Gulf has enabled the city to evolve into a gateway for international trade. With the citys petrochemical plants now in full production, Jubails ports are experiencing a steady surge in activity. In 2017, Jubails import volumes grew by 83 per cent, and JCT alone witnessed a staggering 26 per cent hike in throughput.

Participants wishing to attend the Jubail Value Proposition event can register online at jvp.gulftainer.com. - TradeArabia News ServiceGrundfos, a leading pump manufacturer, has appointed Okay Barutcu to the role of group senior vice president and regional managing director of Grundfos East Europe, West Asia, Middle East & Africa region.



The East Europe, West Asia, Middle East & Africa region is a newly defined sales region together with Western Europe, which made up the original Europe, Middle East and Africa markets before the split (effective January 1, 2018) to support Grundfos global growth ambitions.



In his new role, Barutcu will lead the companys business across over 80 countries including14 wholly-owned sales companies, a number of liaison offices and local assembly plants Grundfos operates in the region. He will also be spearheading opportunities for the companys development and expansion in this region.



Prior to this role, Barutcu was the Group Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director for the Asia Pacific markets since 2015, where he was responsible for 22 countries with 14 wholly owned sales companies and local assembly plants.



Poul Due Jensen, group executive vice president Sales, Marketing & Service, Grundfos said: During his tenure in the Asia Pacific, Okay managed to transform and strengthen this very dynamic region for the company. I am sure his experience and expertise in developing emerging markets will further support Grundfos growth in the East Europe, West Asia, Middle East and Africa markets.



Barutcu will now be based in Dubai where the regional headquarters.  TradeArabia News ServiceThe headquarters of wireless power transmission company NuPower Middle East and North Africa was inaugurated in Bahrain today by Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister thanked the company's officials and employees for choosing Bahrain as their headquarters. He said the strategic project will contribute to enhancing Bahrain's competitive position as a market for attracting investments and technology in the field of energy production in addition to strengthening and supporting the national economy and trade relations with a group of top American companies providing additional value and support to clean and renewable energy, a Bahrain News Agency (BNA) report said.

Company chairman and chief executive officer Talal Mashleh said NuPower, through its Bahrain headquarters, will achieve major objectives in investing in clean energy while preserving the environment and will be an active partner in the community.

He said the company is working closely with one of the leading US companies in wireless transmission technology, Texzon, which has more than 500 international patents to convert clean and safe energy.Worldwide semiconductor revenue totalled $419.7 billion in 2017, a 22.2 per cent increase from 2016, according to preliminary results by Gartner, a leading research and advisory company.



Undersupply helped drive 64 per cent revenue growth in the memory market, which accounted for 31 per cent of total semiconductor revenue in 2017.



"The largest memory supplier, Samsung Electronics, gained the most market share and took the No.1 position from Intel  the first time Intel has been toppled since 1992," said Andrew Norwood, research vice president at Gartner. "Memory accounted for more than two-thirds of all semiconductor revenue growth in 2017, and became the largest semiconductor category."



The key driver behind the booming memory revenue was higher prices due to a supply shortage. NAND flash prices increased year over year for the first time ever, up 17 per cent, while DRAM prices rose 44 per cent.



Equipment companies could not absorb these price increases so passed them onto consumers, making everything from PCs to smartphones more expensive in 2017.



Other major memory vendors, including SK Hynix and Micron Technology, also performed strongly in 2017 and rose in the rankings.



Second-placed Intel grew its revenue 6.7 per cent in 2017, driven by 6 per cent growth in datacenter processor revenue due to demand from cloud and communications service providers. Intels PC processor revenue grew more slowly at 1.9 per cent, but average PC prices are on the rise again after years of decline following the markets shift from traditional desktops toward two-in-one and ultramobile devices.



However, the current rankings may not last long, said Norwood.



Samsungs lead is literally built on sand, in the form of memory silicon. Memory pricing will weaken in 2018, initially for NAND flash and then DRAM in 2019 as China increases its memory production capacity. We then expect Samsung to lose a lot of the revenue gains it has made, he added.



2017 was a relatively quiet year for mergers and acquisitions. Qualcomms acquisition of NXP was one big deal that was expected to close in 2017, but did not. Qualcomm still plans to complete the deal in 2018, but this has now been complicated by Broadcoms attempted takeover of Qualcomm.



"The combined revenues of Broadcom, Qualcomm and NXP were $41.2 billion in 2017  a total beaten only by Samsung and Intel," said Norwood. "If Broadcom can finalize this double acquisition and Samsungs memory revenue falls as forecast, then Samsung could slip to third place during the next memory downturn in 2019."  TradeArabia News ServiceMore than 60 Blockchain start-ups will participate in the upcoming UNLOCK Blockchain Forum, one of the biggest Blockchain forums to take place in the region in Dubai, UAE said event organisers.



The event is taking place on January 14 and 15 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel DIFC.



We are proud of the efforts we have taken to help build the Blockchain ecosystem not only in Dubai but also across the Mena region, said Walid Abou Zaki, executive director of organiser Al-Iktissad-Wal-Aamal Co.



We hope that Dubai benefits from having these start-ups where many are present here for the first time ever. These innovative start-ups are from more than 35 countries around the world. We are also expecting more than 350 delegates to attend. In addition, we have a line-up of more than 45 prominent Blockchain experts speaking at UNLOCK. We look forward to welcoming all and we are confident that this forum will become the leading Blockchain event in the region for years to come.



UNLOCK Blockchain has signed up sponsors that include Smart Dubai, IBM, DarkMatter, Emirates Airlines, Microsoft, Avanza Solutions, Dewa (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority), DU Telecom and Dubai Municipality. UNLOCK Blockchain Forum is also supported by startupbootcamp, CrytpoValley Labs, and Careem as transportation partner.



Lara Abdul Malak, project lead for UNLOCK, said: We have created an event that will bring Blockchain into the mainstream discussion and across various sectors. Attendees will hear about what Blockchain is, how to successfully implement Blockchain projects. We will also discuss Blockchain in utilities, smart cities, real-estate, banking and more. Many announcements and agreements will be signed at UNLOCK to further develop Blockchain in the Mena region and encourage start-ups to flourish.  TradeArabia News ServiceThe Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is set to kick off another new exhibitions season with a packed schedule of events this January, expected to play host to more than 172,000 trade visitors and 6,000 exhibiting companies.



These industry leading events range from healthcare and science, to technology and design, including Arab Health, the largest medical exhibition and conference in the Middle East, CABSAT, Intersec, Sign and Graphic Imaging Exhibition and more, reported Emirates news agency Wam.



Mahir Julfar, senior vice president - Venue Services Management, Dubai World Trade Centre said: "We look forward to hosting yet another eventful year at the Dubai World Trade Centre. We are proud to remain key players in the steady prosperity and growth of the MICE industry, contributing towards the economic progress of the emirate. We remain committed to offer commercial communities from all over the world a platform to help them network, discover new markets, expand their portfolios, and grow their businesses."



"DWTC has been at the forefront of its efforts to lead and grow the MICE industry in the region, as well as to connect businesses from the world over with industry professionals. We are excited to witness the success that this year will bring to the emirate, the region, and the MICE industry", he added.



Arab Health will return at the end of this month from January 29 to February 1. This years edition is expected to welcome more than 4,200 exhibiting companies and approx. 103,000 attendees from over 150 countries. Arab Health will be accompanied by 19 business, leadership and Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences providing the latest updates and insights into cutting edge procedures, techniques and skills.



Cabsat Mena and Sign and Graphic Imaging M.E Exhibition (SIG) will run from January 14 to 16. In its 24th edition, Cabsat Mena will continue to focus on the production and distribution of content, as well as the buying and selling of content and satellite capacity. Creatives, engineers, and strategists will share their expertise on how to cut through the clutter and take the industry into a new world.



In its 21st year, the largest and most anticipated event of the year in Mena for exhibitors and visitors in the signage, digital signage, retail signage solutions, outdoor media, and screen & digital printing industries, Sign and Graphic Imaging ME will offer visitors with the latest innovation and breakthroughs around the globe; a chance to experience innovative developments first hand; an opportunity to build and develop a strong customer base including future prospects; and a platform to network with key decision makers in the industry, regionally and globally.



Intersec, the leading exhibition for commercial security, information security, health and safety, fire and rescue, homeland security and perimeter and physical security, will return to DWTC from January 22 to 24 with more than 1,200 international and local exhibitors. Key manufacturers and suppliers will show and discuss their latest products and innovations.



January 12 14 will host Schools & Child Care Show, bringing together all segments of the booming regional educational sector under one roof.



Following its launch in 2017, the UAE Public Policy Forum returns this year from January 15  16. The annual global discussion platform is dedicated to enhancing government sector performance in the UAE and the region. The forum will be structured around key pillars including: defining, designing and evaluating Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), enabling environments for PPPs, strategic planning for PPPs, accountability and performance of PPPs, and technology and innovation.



During the same period, the Middle Easts only aircraft interiors event, Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) & Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO ME), will feature the latest innovations in aircraft interiors.US-based Seagate will be exhibiting its industry leading surveillance storage technologies at the upcoming Intersec 2018, a leading trade fair for security, safety and fire protection, in Dubai, UAE.



The event runs at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from January 21 to 23.



As Gold Sponsor of Intersec 2018, Seagate will also feature demonstrations of its SkyHawk, SkyHawk AI and Exos X12 products and solutions from partners Hikvision and Dahua. At the event, Seagate will be offering one-to-one briefings with its EMEA surveillance manager, Stephen Jones, who will be able to discuss Seagates latest surveillance offerings, recent partnership announcements, along with their plans for the future of surveillance.



Jones will also be speaking at the conference, sharing valuable insights on surveillance trends, the technologies driving data growth, and the impact on storage requirements.  TradeArabia News ServiceThe Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has been recognised as a global leader in innovation and creativity after winning eight international awards and honourable mentions in nine categories, at the awards ceremony in Arizona USA, at the 75th Ideas.America.



Dewa won three gold prizes in the Idea of the Year category, and Team Idea of the Year. Dewa also received three silver awards: the performance excellence for savings per implemented suggestion award, the annual net savings per eligible employee, and performance excellence for total dollars saved, reported Emirates news agency Wam.



Dewa also received a silver award for Safety Idea of the Year.



Dewa also received the bronze award for the Best Program Administrator, the Kudos Award, and honourable mentions for the participating team, and another in the Best Communication Excellence category, and an honourable mention in the Evaluator of the Year Award.



Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa, said: "Our efforts in innovation actively support our leaderships initiatives to anticipate, shape the future, and prepare for changes. We are committed to implementing best practices, in accordance with the highest international standards, and constitute innovation in its core character.



In turn, this is strengthening Dewas leading position among service institutions, locally, regionally, and internationally. The awards received by Dewa, for its innovative initiatives and projects from prestigious international institutions, are a testament to its superiority in establishing innovation as a work method and a culture. Ideas America 2017, the world's largest platform for sharing best practices and innovative and creative ideas, is a product of continuous work and tireless efforts by teams that have adopted innovation and continuous development within their plans and strategies," said Al Tayer.



"Dewa provides all the opportunities to enhance and develop the knowledge and creativity of employees in a creative environment that stimulates creativity and innovation, and has raised the importance of innovation to 40 percent in its strategic plan. Dewa aims to focus on the future, the innovation and happiness of all stakeholders," added Al Tayer.The upcoming Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2018 is special as it will be held in the Year of Zayed and will coincide with the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, which was established to honour the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and promote his vision of sustainability and environmental protection, said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency Wam, Al Ramahi said Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, starting on January 13, is one of the largest sustainability events in the world, and aims to promote understanding of key social, economic and environmental issues that will lead to a sustainable global development path, to enable the international community to realise the importance of efficient and realistic strategies to reduce climate change.

Al Ramahi added that over 35,000 participants from more than 150 countries will participate in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, while highlighting the unique media presence in the event, represented by 600 global media outlets.

He also stressed that the event is a unique opportunity to explore the opinions and visions of international leaders and communicate with policy-makers, decision-makers, experts, entrepreneurs and scholars, to discuss key future energy and sustainability challenges.

He noted that the theme, "Easternisation," will be one of the key social, economic and environmental trends to be discussed during the event, based on the three main topics of climate change, urbanisation and digitisation, as well as other important topics, such as mobility, sustainable cities, energy efficiency and water sustainability.

Al Ramahi noted that previous year has witnessed many achievements that confirm the companys leading local and international role in renewable energy, and construction work has started on the third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Energy Complex in Dubai, with a total production capacity of 800 megawatts and covering an area of 16 sq km. The plants initial energy output of 200 megawatts is expected be reached in the first half of 2018, followed by another 300 megawatts in the following year, and the final 300 megawatts in the first half of 2020, he added.

He also highlighted the recent announcement of Beah and Masdar about the official launch of their joint project, "Emirates Waste to Energy Company," which plans to develop facilities in the region that can transform waste into energy, which is another example of the companys sustainable innovation.

Al Ramahi further said that the facility, which is being developed by the new company in Sharjah and will operate with a variety of fuels, is the first of its kind in the region, while noting that its first operational phase will process over 300,000 tonnes of solid waste annually, generating 30 megawatts of energy.

Sharjah will be the first city in the Middle East to achieve its goal of transforming 100 percent of its waste into energy, with the development of the facility, which will be able to process solid waste, instead of burning the waste in rubbish dumps, he said.Royal Jordanian is offering its passengers the opportunity to choose their preferred seat in advance, through RJs website, at a discount of up to 40 per cent on the price they would pay for a preferred seat at the airport.





Attractive discounts are also available for passengers when they purchase their preferred seat through RJs call center, or at RJs global sales offices.



Economy class passengers can now easily book a seat of their choice: on an exit row, which offers more leg space, aisle or window.



RJ passengers can also select a front-row seat when traveling with family and children, which enables them to experience a comfortable journey at a low price.



RJ president/CEO Stefan Pichler said: This great feature comes in the framework of Royal Jordanians promise to offer inflight comfort and luxury to its guests. When selecting their preferred seats, passengers can work on their laptops in extra comfort and space. Families and friends can better enjoy the company of their loved ones during their journey. - TradeArabia News Service

Best Western Hotels & Resorts organised an exclusive media familiarisation trip to Phuket this month, inviting a series of influential and up-and-coming bloggers to the island for an action-packed three-day itinerary.



Two famous bloggers and one journalist from Travel & Lifestyles publications, plus the winners of a Facebook Live contest organized by KTC and Chillpainai, were invited to Phuket from December 14-16, 2017. They were joined by members of Best Western Asias marketing team.



Staying at two hotels, the media delegates were able to experience Best Westerns different and distinct products in Phuket. Best Western Patong Beach is a modern midscale city hotel located in the main tourist hub of Patong, while Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa provides an upscale beach resort experience on the islands idyllic west coast.



Activities on the fam trip itinerary included a tour of Phuket Town, with its classical Sino-Portuguese architecture, local food tasting sessions and a trip to Mai Ton Island, an exquisite tropical paradise located just off Phukets east coast.



The media delegates were also provided with an introduction to Best Western Rewards, the companys award-winning guest loyalty programme.



Phuket is one of the worlds most popular resort destinations, attracting an ever-increasing number of domestic and international visitors to its pristine shores every year. But there is more to Phuket than just sun, sea and sand; our immersive fam trip was designed to introduce our media friends to the cultural experiences that make Phuket such a fascination destination, said Olivier Berrivin, Best Westerns managing director of International Operations - Asia.



Best Western offers an excellent choice of hotels in Phuket which are suitable for all types of traveler, from couples seeking a romantic beachfront break to groups of friends and families who want to be in the heart of the action. This media fam trip will help to spread the word about this enchanting island and the many activities and attractions it has to offer visitors, Berrivin added.



The fam trip forms part of Best Westerns continued efforts to engage with the media and travel trade in Asia, for the benefit of the entire travel industry. - TradeArabia News Service

The Mercure Gold Hotel, a luxury property in Dubai, UAE, is set for a grand revival following the completion of a dramatic upgrade.



The extensive redesign and refurbishment was completed by Dubai-based architecture and interior design firm, Design Haus Medy (DHM), with the brief centred on the concept of "movement and continuous evolution".



DHM creative director, Medy Navani, said: "Besides a simple and functional refurbishment, the redesign aimed to enlarge the lobby waiting area, to bring identity into the design and to structure the flow of guests throughout the hotel."



"One's very first step into the lobby of a hotel should give the feeling of spaciousness and luxury of a grand hotel, where the guest is the main focus point. We achieved this in the Mercure Gold by introducing a royal blue carpet, which marks the directions of the flow of key foot traffic, as well as separates waiting zones into comfortable islands".



Navani said the design concept was connected to the idea of Dubai's continuous flow of movement, with its rapidly changing environment and unique transformation of people lives.



"Repetitive golden elements are wrapped around existing columns, and continue their movement through all the furniture pieces, and the reception desk reminds one of a frozen stage during continuous transformation.



"Parametric design is spread from the lobby into an all day dining area, evolving the straight golden colour elements into flower-like wooden arms, shaping interesting forms that clad the columns. The all day dining area was designed as a flexible environment, with around 120 seating places that can be easily transformed into a wedding hall, or private celebration facility", Navani said.



Movable partitions continue the main design theme of the hotel, and feature "water flow" shapes, emphasised with beautiful agate porcelain on the floor. The colour scheme and materials chosen by DHM were carefully selected to reflect the hotel's luxury hospitality standards, designed to look spectacular and equally functional, maintainable and durable.



Just 20 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, the hotel is ideally located in close proximity to the Dubai Convention Centre, World Trade Centre and Jumeirah Beach-La Mer and offers visitors fantastic four-star hospitality in downtown Dubai. - TradeArabia News ServiceIn another step to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening its Omani workforce, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has introduced an overseas training programme, providing key Omani members of the team with the opportunity to gain valuable experience at other Anantara properties around the world.



With 74 Omani employees working across every department, recruiting and training talent from the local community remains a priority for the five-star resort.



Overseen by Yousra Mizouali, training manager, the announcement of the programme follows a cross-training initiative for Omani employees that took place during the pre-opening phase of the resort, with firm plans now in place to ensure this becomes a regular occurrence. The latest batch of overseas training took place in November 2017 and saw four Omani employees embark on programmes at a selection of Anantaras flagship resorts. The budding hoteliers worked across different departments, including security, reservations, human resources and front of house, and were handpicked by Yousra and the team according to their commitment, aptitude and willingness to learn, with the aim to ensure they develop and progress within the company.



Commenting on the programme, James Hewitson, general manager, said: We have introduced the overseas training programme to give our Omani employees the opportunity to gain exposure to other cultures and different processes and ways of management. We hope it has helped to instill a strong sense of pride in their work so they can begin to progress up the career ladder. Overall, we are focused on continuing to drive Omanisation at the resort through a series of initiatives, including a recent partnership with the National Hospitality Institute (NHI), so that we can encourage local people from the surrounding community to pursue a successful career in hospitality.



Mizouali added: The programme involves hands-on training, whereby they shadow team members in their respective departments and are presented with new challenges and tasks that theyll need to learn in order to progress. Our aim is for employees to return with a renewed energy and passion for hospitality so they are motivated to improve and add value to both our property and tourism within Oman.



Fakhri Mohammed Rabia, bell captain, had the opportunity to visit Anantara Layan Phuket Resort & Spa where he assisted with guest relations. Commenting on the experience, he said: It was exciting to work in a different country and gain experience at a more established and busier hotel. During my time, I learnt how they manage their teams and service guests efficiently, whilst also proving myself capable to take the next step in my career.



Ali Said Al Mahri, training officer, spent several weeks at Anantara Riverside Bangkok where he focused on getting an insight into how they approach training whilst also gaining a deeper understanding of the brand. Talking about his first trip to Thailand, he said: It was an excellent opportunity to work with a new team in a new culture as well as learn different ways of training and see how the brand standards are upheld across different properties.



Suhail Said Mohammed Tabook, reservations agent, visited Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel to assist the reservations team as he prepares to progress his career. When speaking about how he benefited from the experience, he said; I learned to appreciate the melting pot of cultures that exist within the Ananara family and I feel I am now able to perform more of the functions required to move up the career ladder.



Khalid Musabah Bin Said Al Saidi, security supervisor, shadowed the team at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, learning how they coordinate and execute security safety. He said: I gained a huge amount of experience during my time in Dubai and cant wait to implement what I learnt back in Salalah. - TradeArabia News Service

Over the past three and a half years, India has witnessed an increase in attacks on marginalised communities in the name of cow-protection (Gau Raksha). From Jammu and Kashmir to Karnataka and West Bengal to Maharashtra, it would be fair to say that the series of attacks have left few states untouched. The impact of these attacks has been especially felt in the state of Jharkhand, which has been witness to some of the worst attacks by right-wing goons in the name of protecting cows. From the brutal murder in Latehar, including that of a minor, to the mob attacks in various parts of the state, the state has seen some of the worst attacks in the country. TCNs Afroz Alam Sahil travelled across Jharkhand to understand and narrate how the terror spread by right-wing fundamentalists under the garb of protecting the cow has left a trail of blood in its path. In the second of the eight-part series, Afroz Alam Sahil visits the village of Manua, the home of Alimuddin Ansari who was lynched by a mob of so-called Gau Rakshaks in June this year. He finds out that despite progress in the case, the residents of his village believe the next attack is not a matter of if but when.

The village of Manua in Ramgadh district of Jharkhand does not have any defining quality that sets it apart from other villages around it; yet, even on the first impression, it seems that there is something that is worrying the residents of Manua. And the first impression, at least in this case, is clearly not mistaken.

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This happens to be the village of Alimuddin Ansari, a businessman who was lynched by a mob in June this year over suspicions of trafficking beef. Manua has a population of about 5,000, of which around 60% are Muslims. Although residents discuss numerous stories of communal harmony in the region, they also acknowledge that over the past 2-3 years, the influx of vigilantes in the name of cow protection has wreaked havoc with the peaceful nature of the village. Violence at the hands of these vigilantes are becoming increasingly common: in last two years, there have been more than 24 instances of cases registered in the local police station over people, mainly Muslims, being attacked.

In June this year, Alimuddin Ansari became a victim at the hands of these vigilantes, when he was beaten to death in a crowded market near Ramgarh Bazaar.

One of our first stops in the village was the house of Alimuddin, where his wife Mariam welcomed us with tea and snacks.The last six months have been torrid, to say the least for Mariam and her children. He said he would be back by evening that day, but he never did, says Mariam. After his death, a lot of political leaders came to visita lot of promises were made..we were given a cheque of Rs 2 lakh. We were promised a government job for my son, a house under Indira Awaas Yojana and even a widowers pension. Six months on, none of these promises have been fulfilled, she added. Even the money she received has been almost completely spent on court cases and her childrens education. Now, no one comes to visit Mariam says.

During our conversation, we are joined by the neighbours and other well-wishers of the Ansaris. One such person is Irshad, the Mukhiya (village head) of Shirka, a neighbouring village. Although the activities of the so-called Gau Rakshaks has been on a rise in the last 2-3 years, the arrest of a dozen people in this (Alimuddins) case has scared them a little bit. This case is pretty strongthere are more than 10 videos recorded of the incident.

Mehmood Ansari of Anjuman Islamiya says that while these so-called Gau rakshaks act like they wish to protect cows, the real reason is different. Loot, ransacking trucks, beating up people and snatching cash and other valuables, are the main motives of these attackers, Ansari says.

He adds that even in this case, there have been numerous attempts to intimidate and bribe witnesses. Even during the trial, they (the Gau Rakshaks attempt to intimidate us in the court. While about 35-40 people from our side, they arrive with almost 200 people, Ansari says.

The case of the murder of Alimuddin Ansari is being handled at a fast-track court, where all 13 witnesses statement has been recorded. Following consistent pressure from all parties barring the BJP, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das had announced on July 13 that the case will be handled by a fast-track court.

BJP leaders arrested for Alimuddins murder

According to Ramgarh SP Kishore Kaushal, Nityanand Mahato and Raja Khan of the BJP Ramgarh district have been arrested along with several others for the alleged murder of Alimuddin Ansari. While Mahatao is the media cell head of Ramgarh unit of BJP, Khan is a member of the BJP minority cell. Both of these have been arrested on the basis of video footage recorded, Kaushal added. Of the 12 people arrested in total, most either belong to the BJP or Bajrang Dal.

Death of Zuleikha Khatoon had nothing to do with the case

In October during one of the hearings related to the case, Jaleel Ansari, a witness, was asked to produce his Aadhar card as residence proof. His wife, Zuleikha Khan, who was the sister of Alimuddin Ansari, and their son Shahbaaz stepped out of the court premises but died in an accident moments later. Given the circumstances, most people suspected foul play in the matter. However, Alimuddins family says that it was an accident as Shahbaazs bike tripped after a collision and Zuleikha died due to severe injuries. After initially filing a complaint following Zuleikhas death, the family of Alimuddin has withdrawn the complaint. We do not wish to take help of lies or false complaints, says Mariam.

Not the first case from Manua

Just five days before the murder of Alimuddin Ansari, Mohammed Mubeen (25) and his uncle Sarfuddin Ansari were assaulted by so-called Gau Rakshaks near the Pargada railway line in Ramgarh. Members of Bajrang Dal then took the duo to the police station, and despite being attacked by the Bajrang Dal goons, the police booked the duo and let the assailants go.

The duo, who were released on bail after 35 days in custody, are still scared of what happened that day. Narrating the events of the day, Mubeen says, We bought the cow for Rs 11,500 from Ravi Mishra, a well-known person in this region. On our way, we were stopped by about 8 people who then attacked uswhen we were taken to the police station, we tried to present our side of the story but the police paid no heed. While Mubeen was talking to us, his mother spoke out, We (Muslims) do not need to eat beefnow should we stop drinking milk too? Is it a crime for a Muslim to have a cow?

Mubeens father Mustaqim says that Mishra, from whom they bought the cow, is a good family friend. He wants to helpbut he is in government service and has been receiving threats from various people. He is scared, he says. It is a feeling that is now common among residents of Manua and Jharkhand.

        :

      -           Last month I wrote that the very notion of justice in Britain was under threat. This week we have found what we have been relying on to keep us safe is rotten. This was not the topic I had hoped to return with after Christmas, I had foolishly thought the Archbishop of Canterbury would have made a quiet apology for the way he handled the George Bell Case. Nothing has come from the Church of England's cold, grey bureaucracy, an institution which is overseeing the final death throes of Anglicanism in England, to even suggest that it has learnt a lesson.

Instead, it has been revealed that we can not expect the Criminal Justice System to protect us.

2017 saw Hollywood rocked by allegations of sexual abuse, the #MeToo movement spread like wildfire as women in their droves took to social media to call out their abusers, and powerful men were brought low because they took advantage over many years. Some cases were much less clear-cut. I think of Westminster, where the only cases that have been made public are about hands on knees and the concerning abuse of power by former policemen. This, I suspect, is not the last that we shall hear of this sordid affair but, in this era when the news moves on so quickly, several more terrifying cases have come to the fore.

Justice? What justice?

It is an odd word, justice. Everyone talks about it as though they cherish it above all else. Flashy politicians, senior police officers and, that oddity of the last decade, Police and Crime Commissioners have long insisted crime figures are falling. I wonder how many people actually believe them now. Those of us who have seen the response of the police to so-called "petty" crimes (which are not petty when it is you who is the victim) know that it is an unfunny joke.

In the time it takes to get anything resembling a response, victims are long past the point of expecting the perpetrator to be caught and punished.

Today (7 January 2018), Peter Hitchens pointed out in his Mail on Sunday column that :

"some crimes- in which people die or are seriously hurt- cannot be magicked out of existence in this way.

London saw four fatal stabbings on New Year's Eve, taking the total of such knifings in the capital to 80 for the whole of 2017.

"And the use of knives, in general,l is now a serious problem all over the country. In June 2017, the Office for National Statistics listed thousands of 'blade offences' in the previous 12 months, including 214 killings, 391 attempted murders, 438 rapes, 182 other sexual assaults, and 14,429 robberies."

He went on to quote further figures that are frankly mortifying but raised the important point that if we still had the medical knowledge of 1965, when the death penalty was abolished, the figure for killings would be significantly higher.

Worboys and Johnson

John Worboys is a convicted rapist.

He raped not one woman, as wicked and sick as that is, but several. Around 100 allegations were made but he was convicted on 19 of them, with eight women being told their cases would not be pressed as there was insufficient evidence to gain a conviction. They could take some scant comfort in the knowledge that he was given an indeterminate sentence of imprisonment for public protection (with a minimum of eight years), in other words, this was to be until he was deemed to no longer pose a threat to women. Now, eight years into his sentence, he is to be freed. The Parole Board is "confident" that he will not re-offend and have imposed "stringent" licence conditions, including reporting to a parole officer each week.

His victims, some of whom were not informed until they saw it on the news, are expected to accept the fact that this monster will be back on our streets. This, however, is not uncommon now. Most, if not all, of us, have heard it said that sentences are light and criminals can be sure to serve half of their sentences at best. The official sentence allows the courts to feel as though they are still powerful and doing their jobs, the early release gets them out of the prisons which are not the austere centres of punishment and reform intended to deter crime but the place that hardened criminals, whom the courts can no longer pretend are only "petty", are sent to vegetate.

Further proof is in the case of triple murderer Theodore Johnson.

Here is a man who killed his wife in 1981 by hitting her with a vase and pushing her off a balcony after, he claimed, she had provoked him (although we can never know her version of events). So he went to prison for three years for manslaughter. He then strangled his partner with a belt in 1992 and, after a failed suicide attempt, was diagnosed with a "depressive illness" requiring his permanent detainment in a secure hospital. Four years later, he was out again. At this point, you should be able to see a sickening pattern emerging. In 2016, he hit his partner, who he met while on unescorted leave from the hospital, with a claw hammer and strangled her with a dressing gown cord. Again he failed to commit suicide, this time by jumping in front of a train.

The Judge's words fail to properly summarise the horror of this case, it was, he said, "an unimaginably terrible death." I suspect that even now, wheelchair-bound, that he is still as dangerous but we are told that he will spend 26 years (he is now 60) in prison.

The law in our own hands?

It annoys me to hear the police say that we should not take the law into our hands, as though the law does not belong to us and is given to them by us to ensure it is upheld. The police, despite appearances to the contrary, was never intended to be a paramilitary force as they have in other countries, Peel never intended for Britain to be subjected to a continental gendarmerie but to be not just like us but to actually be one of us.

Police uniforms were designed to look a little like army uniform as possible, hence the deep blue with the silly helmets which not look remarkably smart in comparison to the caps. The reason for this can be found in our peculiar history, the product of which has been English liberty and common law. We could do what we liked unless the law, made by our free sovereign Parliament, said otherwise. Everywhere else had to make do with being given permission to do things by the law. Britons used to be proud of this and it truly was the envy of the world.

Now, the police are armed with guns and truncheons, they rarely walk around the streets and you would be lucky to recognise them as they zoom past in their cars.

The beat policeman has gone now, it did not matter that he was effective or that people felt safe. No, what we needed was a distant police force, obsessed with "institutional racism" and turning up to Gay Pride in high heels, with painted nails and in a specially decorated car. This isn't the fault of the individual officer, the few I have come into contact with are decent, brave and devoted to their work. The fault lies higher up, with the faceless bureaucrats and weak-willed politicians. It lies with people more interested in appearing to be sufficiently diverse than catching criminals. It lies with courts that do not realise that we, the ordinary people, do take crime seriously and we do want it to be properly punished. I am afraid to say that we are waking up to the horrid truth that, unless somebody in power acts, we are on our own.A Labour activist has come forward to discuss the sexual abuse they suffered in the party.

The Labour supporter, whose identity has been kept secret, told Blasting News there is lots of abuse in the Labour Party, ranging from physical abuse to verbal abuse being conducted online.

"It is essentially a kangaroo court"

They said: "I was sexually assaulted whilst I was drinking. I came forward to the Labour Party. But it is difficult to go through the process to ensure your complaint is taken seriously. It is essentially a kangaroo court. Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) panel members decide if the complaint is forwarded to the Complaints Panel.

"This makes it difficult to come forward. However, it is much easier to come forward to them than the police. I am grateful for the support the Labour Party has provided me with."

The activist said they were not going to complain about the sexual assault they endured, but they felt they could not allow the candidate to become successful in being selected to stand for election. They told Blasting News the candidate was unsuccessful, but that is because they were not selected by the party's membership.

The candidate was also popular with the Momentum wing of the Labour Party and they tried to appeal to Corbyn supporters to get selected.

The Labour member welcomed Labour MP Jess Phillips' efforts to reform the party's complaints procedure.

"The complaints process is broken"

They said the complaints process is broken. According to the Labour supporter, they had to write a complaint about the person who sexually assaulted them, who then had to provide a statement in response to the accusation.

A small NEC panel interviews each individual before another NEC panel decides to forward the complaint to a disputes panel.

They added: "It is unnecessary to go through so many processes. It must be less stressful."

The Labour activist also discussed the toxic culture in the party right now. They were told that because they were on the 'Blairite' wing of the party, they should not be a Labour member at all.

They added: "This goes against what it means to be in a political party.

Labour's problems seemed to be aired much more than the Conservative Party's, who do a better job at hiding their divisions, as do other parties.

"Many members are aggressive and forthcoming"

"Many members are aggressive and forthcoming. So many of them are not willing to listen. There is a big group of members filled with ultimate hate towards those who do not like Jeremy Corbyn. They are only interested in ultimate control of the party. Hundreds of thousands of new members have changed the direction of the Labour Party."

The activist said they were a former Corbyn supporter, but they left Momentum because many of their members refuse to campaign for Blairites.

They added: "One member was assaulted because they disagreed with them for campaigning for a local candidate.

I joined Progress, which is a more moderate group in Labour."

Because of the Labour member's former sympathies with Corbyn and their support for New Labour, they see themselves as a 'voice of reason' between both sides of the Labour Party.

They added: "There are many members in the Labour Party who hate more moderate activists. But they are not interested in getting Labour into government. They are nothing but a hindrance to the party. They make many activists feel like they should not be in the party at all.

"I find it all very tiring. I work very hard for the party and I would love to be a candidate myself. However, I feel like my work isn't good enough because I do not support Jeremy Corbyn.

I always get called 'Blairite scum.' People will hate me because of my views, despite all of my work."

Momentum has also attracted criticism from MPs from all sides of the political spectrum. Before Christmas, Jeremy Corbyn was interviewed by a select committee, where Labour MP Chuka Umuna asked the Labour Leader why he will not disband Momentum. Mr. Corbyn refused to condemn them.It is widely accepted that the earliest settlement of the American continent occurred during the last Ice Age when prehistoric people crossed from what is now Russia into Alaska over the now disappeared land bridge. These early settlers are believed to be ancestors of the modern Native Americans and Inuit. According to a paper released by EurekAlert, a new research by an international team of researchers led by Professor Eske Willerslev, who holds positions both at St John's College, University of Cambridge, UK, and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, added new details to the accepted theory, making the whole picture a bit more complicated.

The researchers sequenced the full genome of an infant, a girl whose remains were discovered in 2013 at the Upward Sun River archaeological site in Alaska, and whom the local Native community named Xach'itee'aanenh t'eede gay, or Sunrise Child-girl. Even though the child had lived around 11,500 years ago, long after the arrival of first settlers to the continent, her genetic makeup does not have anything in common with either southern or northern lineages of indigenous Americans.

Ancient Beringians, early offspring of Native American ancestors

Called Ancient Beringians, the newly discovered prehistoric people are thought to descend from the same ancestor group as the Northern and Southern Native American tribal groups, yet they have likely separated from their ancestors earlier in their history and later remained isolated from the common, ancestral Native American population.

Their common ancestors are believed to have first emerged as a distinctive tribal group in Northeast Asia around 36,000 years ago, just before the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum. The climate change, which back then was opposite to the global warming, forced them to migrate on foot to Alaska via the then exposed sea floor of the Bering Strait about 20,000 years ago.

The migrants maintained constant contact with their distant relatives back in Asia until around 25,000 years ago when the gene exchange across the strait finally ceased. This relation breakup was likely caused by brutal changes in the climate, when glacier build up in that part of Siberia isolated the Native American ancestral group which was still residing in Beringia, an ancient land which included dry seabeds of the Chukchi Sea, the Bering Sea, the Bering Strait, as well as the adjacent Chukchi and Kamchatka Peninsulas in Russia, and Alaska in the US.

Early Native Americans arrived from Siberia in single wave of migration

Until the new research, the existence of two separate Northern and Southern branches of early Native American peoples has divided academics regarding the pattern of Americas having been originally settled. The new study allowed the team to postulate that the Ancient Beringian people were more closely related to early Native Americans than their Asian and common Eurasian ancestors. According to Jos Victor Moreno-Mayar, from the University of Copenhagen, "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." Professor Willerslev summarised the study, "We were able to show that people probably entered Alaska before 20,000 years ago. It's 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."TeleWare and Team Venti Join Forces

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By Mandi Nowitz

Web Editor By Mandi NowitzWeb Editor

TeleWare announced a new partnership with Team Venti, allowing for further growing in North America and beyond. Both companies are Microsoft (News - Alert) Cloud partners, delivering compliance solutions offering one-stop compliance recording and analytics services for businesses utilizing Skype for Business.





Charlie Ramirez, Team Ventis Managing Partner at the US-based hosting and systems integrator explains, We have been hosting Skype (News - Alert) for Business unified communications for over five years, including premium enterprise voice seamlessly integrated with Office 365. Working with TeleWare has now enabled us to deliver a full-featured hosted unified communications compliance solution for our clients in North America.

Team Venti was chosen by TeleWare (News - Alert) for its strong cloud offering for communications recording. Because TeleWares Skype for Business seamlessly integrates into Microsoft Azure, Team Venti has the capability to offer mid-sized enterprises a fast-to-deploy solution that is ready to go. The first month saw significant success, starting with healthcare and IT companies searching for recording solutions that adhered to industry regulations and offered quality assurance and team training.

Team Ventis offerings include deploying Microsofts Cloud PBX (News - Alert) , hosted voice services, PSTN Conferencing, PSTN Calling and Skype Meeting Broadcast services. With services being cloud-based, deployment can be done internationally, but hosting is done in Texas at Team Ventis headquarters.

Steve Haworth (News - Alert) , CEO of TeleWare added, For Team Venti, the challenge was to find an easy-to-deploy solution that was fully compatible with Skype for Business. A solution that was easy to use, fully scalable, had a user friendly interface, and was highly affordable. TeleWare ticked all the boxes.

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Edited by Erik LinaskDonald Trump made a controversial trip to attend the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson on Saturday afternoon, despite protests from many civil rights leaders. Following his comments, many critics weren't pleased with his remarks.

Trump on civil rights

For the better part of the last two and a half years, Donald Trump has come under fire for many of his policy proposals and reckless remarks. During his campaign for president, and since his election win over Hillary Clinton, the former host of "The Apprentice" has put forward ideas and policies that many say with hurt minorities in the United States.

From immigration reform to education changes, Trump claims to be the president for all Americans, though recent polling shows his approval rating is hovering around just 35 percent. Due to the backlash against him, many wondered what would happen when the White House announced that Trump would be attending the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Many civil rights leaders, like Democrat Rep. John Lewis, were vocal in their opposition to Trump's attendance, but that didn't stop the president from following through. As reported by NBC News on December 9, the president addressed those in attendance with a prepared speech.

President Trump calls Martin Luther King Jr. "a man who I've studied and watched and admired for my entire life" pic.twitter.com/OVQEMg5hzF  NBC News (@NBCNews) December 9, 2017

Speaking at the opening of the historic civil rights museum in Jackson, Mississippi on Saturday, Donald Trump made sure to give remarks that were much different when compared to his campaign-style rally in Pensacola on Friday night.

"These buildings embody the hope that has lived in the hearts of every American for generations," Trump said of the museum, before bringing up his own "great success" in the state of Mississippi.

"We want our country to be a place where every child, from every background, can grow up free from fear, innocent of hatred and surrounded by love, opportunity and hope," President Trump says https://t.co/tLoG01ERC6 pic.twitter.com/7zxf1yJ7bq  CBS News (@CBSNews) December 9, 2017

(Trump's addresses his own success in the video above)

Not stopping there, Donald Trump praised Martin Luther King Jr.

for his role in the fight for civil rights, going as far as claiming that he was "a man who I've studied and watched and admired for my entire life." "We want our country to be a place where every child, from every background, can grow up free from fear, innocent of hatred and surrounded by love, opportunity and hope," he added, in regards to the continued fight for equality.

"We refuse to give a big picture to an individual who don't care about our voting rights and seeks to suppress it." African-American leaders held a news conference to protest Pres. Trump's appearance at the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum: https://t.co/Q99VaBYTRh pic.twitter.com/RCaF8V6lLo  CBS News (@CBSNews) December 9, 2017

Donald Trump also referenced "injustice" that has been done to many African-Americans over the years, saying he hopes the "future that is more just and is more free." "That's big stuff," he said, while adding, "Those are very big phrases, very big words." Despite his attendance, Trump didn't get the best response, with John Lewis and fellow Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson labeling the president's visit as an "insult" to the civil rights struggle.Fire and Fury, the new book by Michael Wolff that has taken cable news by storm, is rightly being excoriated as a collection of gossip, half-truths, and downright lies designed to slake the hunger of the never Trump crowd for dirt on the president they love to hate. However, according to Business Insider, one revelation about Elon Musk and the colonizing of space. The story may serve as part of an explanation as to why the Trump of the campaign, who twice expressed skepticism about the Journey to Mars, has ordered NASA to send astronauts back to the moon.

Trump expressed interest in the moon during the transition

During the transition, according to the Washington Examiner, historian Douglas Brinkley met with then President-Elect Trump to brief him on the history of past presidents, notably Nixon, Reagan, and Kennedy. Trump was particularly interested in how the Apollo race to the moon helped to define the Kennedy presidency. He was very interested, according to Brinkley, in returning Americans to the lunar surface. Recently. Trump signed a policy directive ordering NASA to set course to the moon.

Enter Elon Musk

Musk, in an account in the book that the SpaceX CEO has confirmed, directly lobbied the president on his companys Space Colonization plans.

Unlike the two incidents during the early campaign when Trump seemed to disparage going to Mars, Trump is said to have jumped on the idea.

It is not hard to understand why the idea of exploring and colonizing space might appeal to Trump. He is not only a man of immense ego but also someone who has spent his entire life building things.

Quite a number of buildings and hotels have his name upon them. In a sense, Trump ran for president because he had no more worlds to conquer as a private businessman. As president of the United States, he can turn his attention to other worlds, with people like Elon Musk, someone else with an ego and a tendency to build things, as partners.

What happens next?

The next step will be revealed when the 2019 budget is rolled out in a few weeks. How serious Trump is about being a space president will depend on not only how much money is to be requested for NASA and perhaps other agencies related to space colonization but how such funds are proposed to be spent.

The conventional wisdom is that for the third attempt in a generation to go back to the moon and then beyond to succeed, NASA will have to set up numerous partnerships with commercial companies such as SpaceX. The space agency may even go as far as outsourcing a lot of the development of the vehicles and infrastructure necessary to make humanity a multi-planet species. However, bad politics had aborted previous attempts to restart space exploration and could do so again.Teresa Giudice met with a divorce attorney over the weekend, but is the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star really ready to leave her husband, Joe Giudice? According to a new report, the reality star and mother of four may have sat down with a divorce attorney days about but her time with the attorney was nothing more than two friends having dinner with one another.

On January 8, with rumors swirling in regard to a potential divorce between Teresa and Joe Giudice, a source spoke to All About the Real Housewives, revealing that Teresa Giudice and Loren La Forge-Kyriakoulis are actually good friends.

The source also told the outlet that their time together was "strictly personal."

Could Teresa Giudice be considering a divorce?

Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice were found guilty of charges of bank and wire fraud years ago, and in 2015, she spent nearly a year behind bars. Now, following her December 2015 release from the Danbury Correctional Facility, her husband is serving a 41-month term at a federal prison in Pennsylvania, where he was recently relocated to after first spending time at the Fort Dix Correctional Institution in New Jersey.

Although there have been tons of rumors in regard to alleged tension between the reality star and her husband, the All About the Real Housewives source claims a divorce is not in the works.

Speaking of the possibility of an impending split between Teresa Giudice and her husband, Joe Giudice, the insider told the outlet that the couple is not getting divorced. "It's not happening," the source said. "Period."

Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice share four children

The "Real Housewives of New Jersey" couple has been facing challenges with their four daughters, 16-year-old Gia, 13-year-old Gabriella, 11-year-old Milania, and eight-year-old Audriana, since receiving their prison sentences years ago.

Luckily, however, the couple was allowed by the judge on their case to serve their terms at different times. That way, the four children would never have to go without having at least one of their parents in their life. Still, spending so much time away from the girls has likely been quite hard for both Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice.

To see more of Teresa Giudice, her family, and her co-stars, including Danielle Staub, Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, Dolores Catania, and Siggy Flicker, don't miss new episodes of the eighth season of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" on Wednesday nights at 9 PM on Bravo Tv.After a year of political uncertainty and turmoil, the 2018 Golden Globes kicked off the new year and Donald Trump was a highlighted topic. While the show was airing, the president attempted to deflect attention to his Twitter feed but made an embarrassing blunder in the process.

Trump on Twitter

Not long after Donald Trump kicked off his campaign for president, he quickly engaged in a war of words with critics in Hollywood. After spending a decade on reality TV as the host of "The Apprentice," Trump was hoping to use his celerity to gain support in Hollywood, but it never happened.

Trump made it a routine to bash celebrities on social media who disagreed with him, tweeting out against stars from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Alec Baldwin. During his campaign and since his election, Trump has been the butt of a joke and the source of criticism from those out in Hollywood, which has only increased since the start of the "Me Too" movement after the bombshell report from the New York Times exposed decades of sexual misconduct by film producer Harvey Weinstein. As the 75th Golden Globe Awards took place on January 7, Donald Trump decided to tweet an article in praise of himself but appeared to misquote the piece.

On Sunday night, millions of Americans tuned in to watch the 2018 Golden Globe Awards.

Though it's unknown whether or not Donald Trump was watching, the commander in chief took to Twitter to quote a recent article by New York Post writer Michael Goodwin. In the article, Goodwin praised the president's first year in office, writing that it's been an enormously consequential presidency."

Trump misquotes column praising him, brags about his "consensual presidency" https://t.co/8PAWs5ahcW pic.twitter.com/n8230ZWSy7  The Hill (@thehill) January 8, 2018

In his two-part tweet, Donald Trump quoted Michael Goodwin, though he didn't get one of the words correct.

Instead of using the word "consequential," the president wrote "consensual," tweeting, "His is turning out to be an enormously consensual presidency." As expected, critics quickly trolled the president on social media, creating yet another humiliating Twitter blunder for Trump.

The piece calls it an enormously consequential presidency, not consensual. https://t.co/WYikeVQzrM  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 8, 2018

Next up

As Donald Trump continues to remain a target out in Hollywood, the president is showing no signs of changing his style and rhetoric.

In an attempt to create his own awards show, the commander in chief and the White House have come up with the "Fake News Awards." Trump will award trophies to the news outlets, reporters and TV hosts who he believes come up with the biggest lies about his administration, with the winners set to be announced on Wednesday, January 17.On Sunday (Jan. 7), Israel released a listing of 20 bds groups that are prohibited, effective immediately, from entering the country, Haaretz reported. Some of those groups banned are US based anti-Israel groups that include Code Pink, National Students for Justice in Palestine, and the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights.

According to Haaretz, Israels Strategic Affairs Ministry had delayed releasing the list of Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) groups for several months. The BDS, which is a Palestinian-led movement, are found in France, Italy, Sweden, South Africa, Chile, the United States, and elsewhere.

Israeli Affairs Minister statement

Strategic Israeli Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan stated that they have moved from a defensive stance to an offensive approach in dealing with the BDS movement. Erdan further stated that by boycotting certain organizations, those groups will understand that under no circumstances, will the State of Israel allow them to inflict harmful acts on Jewish citizens. Israels Interior Ministry spokesperson, who will be in charge of enforcing the BDS compliance, added that these groups and its members are attempting to take advantage of the law as well as Israels generosity.

The CEO of the New Israel Fund responded to Israels actions and stated that such a political ban amounts to nothing more than that of an autocracy system of government and not a democracy. He further stated punishing those with whom Israel disagrees with, is wrong.

Citizens previously banned entry into Israel

The Interior Ministry has already denied several people access into Israel due to their BDS support. In Dec. 2016, a person named, Isabel Phiri, who is a church elder with the World Council of Churches and lives in Switzerland, was placed on a flight back to Switzerland after she arrived at the Ben-Gurion International Airport.

This was the first incidence of where a tourist was denied entry based on anti-Israel activities and supporting the BDS movement.

In another case, the chairman of the British anti-Israel group, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, was held for questioning and denied entry in 2017 due to his support for the terrorist organization, Hamas, after landing at Israels airport.

Israel also stated that mayors and government officials who are anti-Israel and promote and engage in such activities will also be prevented from arriving, as will advocates who arrive in Israel on behalf or is a part of a delegation of the blacklisted BDS organizations.Turkeys Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli on Wednesday confirmed that the S-400 missile deal with Russia has been concluded. Recent events on the world stage show a rapid rapprochement between Turkey and Russia. After the incident with the Russian bomber the two states were on the verge of severing ties. As Eurasia Review writes in an article "Turkey-Russia Rapprochement", the countries have demonstrated a significant breakthrough in almost in all areas of cooperation.

Experts argue that long term prospects for Russian-Turkish relations are strengthening. There are those who claim that Erdogan turned toward Moscow when faced with opposition in the West to his authoritarian methods, and commitment to Islamic ideology. In case of any positive foreign policy gesture from the US or the EU, Mr. Erdogan will immediately turn away from Russia. But there are also those who believe that the changing of Ankara priorities has a long-term character.

Germany, having failed in its multicultural experiment, fears of the uncontrolled growth of the Turkish diaspora. France traditionally finds a cause to talk about human rights violations, covering a deep antagonism toward the country with a large population and a promising economy.

What is the result of Turkeys European integration for today? Erdogan has said that the EU was a closed Christian club, where Turkey would never been accepted. He said that it was not worth trying. For the first time in three decades a political leader of Turkey has turned away from a foreign policy that was a constant of the whole national foreign policy.

There has been a crisis in relations between Ankara and NATO for several years. Remember the recent scandal during the maneuvers in Norway when the portraits of Ataturk and Erdogan were used as targets of potential enemies for firing. But this outrageous insult from the military allies is just a petty crime when compared to events in 2015. The fact is that despite the armed forces, Turkey has a significant breach in its defense. We are talking about the lack of modern layered air defense. All attempts of Ankara to buy the American Patriot missiles have failed due to the reluctance of the United States. The US has stated that the security of Turkey is guaranteed by the American and German Patriot missiles. When Turkey extended the permission to use the Incirlik airbase in 2015, the guarantors decided on a unilateral basis to remove the complexes from duty. The credibility to the NATO partners has been undermined.

The legal framework of the Alliance does not provide that the allies are obliged to enter a war in case of an attack against one member. The national governments have right to decide it. So there was a question for Turkey: Who was Russia for them? A strategic enemy or a strategic partner?

The S-400 deal, previous treaties on energy resources and nuclear energy transportation shows the answer. The fact is that the Russian s-400 means in practice the beginning of a long-term cooperation (supplies, operators training, etc.), as well as the design of a national layered air defense with the broad involvement of the Russian defense industry, which is able to offer a wide range of land systems.

As such, we are witnessing how Turkey is making a radical geopolitical turn towards Russia. Despite the fact that the signed contracts have a point only if their implementation is prolonged by 50 years, there is absolute confidence that Russia will not alienate the Turkish partners as the United States and Europe have done.For a long time, Armenians, changing the names of the occupied territories, are trying to erase the history contained in the true names of those regions from the memory of the people. They try to present even the words of truly Turkic-Azerbaijani origin as Armenian to the world. One of these words is a toponym Arsak, which has no relation to hays (Armenians) and it has been repeatedly proven, Kamran Rustamov writes in the article The etymology of the word Artsakh.

Pompey Trog put forward the idea that "The origin of Arsag is not known." Danish scientist M. Thomsen, who translated the language of the Orkhon inscriptions to the world, repeats the same idea about Ases. V.V. Bartold calls Ases not Turks, and L.N. Gumilev calls them mysterious people. The presence of the particles as / az in the names of the continents, countries and seas - Asia, the Caucasus, Azov - proves that Ases were considered once as one of the great nations of the world. The presence of the root as in the ancient and modern names of rivers, seas and mountains - Astrakhan, Astara, Asna (village, river, tribe, mountain - Sharur region), such toponyms as Os / Osh (Kirghizia, France, Hungary, etc.) - is a proof that Ases lived in many countries. In different places, such as Hungary and Chuvashia, you can see the density of toponyms associated with Ases - Eses, Ossas, Ases, Ashers / Asers, which is a memory of the great past of Ases preserved to our times. In distant Japan, there are names of cities, rivers, Asahi seas (white Ases), which attract attention as phonetic variants of the words asak / akas. 19th-century author Ivan Chopin also points to the presence of rivers, mountains and seas in the Caucasus, in the names of which there is As, and calls Asahs (white Ases) true lords of these places. The author explains the meaning of the word as a rider.

Thus, the disclosure of the mystery of the origin of the word sak in the word Arsak from the word asak allows shedding light on many toponyms, ethnic toponyms and anthroponyms. The corresponding style of recording the facts of the Orkhon Inscriptions (5-9 centuries) about the modification of Asaka into Sak and Sak into Asak must be perceived as one of the mysteries of history ... The language of Orkhon Inscriptions contains ethnonyms beginning with the letter A, but existing as an intra-text transcription.

The last of these samples, ks, was transcribed by ancient, non-Turkic authors not in its true form of kas (caspia), but without the a sound, which led scientists away from the interpretation of the stories about Akas, to the abstract tribes of Kases, the fate and meaning of which are not known. Therefore, Herodotus wrote about them as follows: "Kases are long extinct, disappeared people.

As an example we can lead the Turkic eponyms and ethnonyms mentioned in ancient and medieval sources, the meaning of which is still unknown: kun (hun), bun, sibun, bask, ser, serik (Seriks), Kerr (iya), etc. All these words reveal their true meaning if add the letter a - akun (akhun - white boys - white Huns, Ebuns - 10 Ebs, Asibun - houses of On Ases), the oldest Turkic-speaking inhabitants of the Caucasus: Ebas ak (saki) - eb-ev (home) - the birthplace of white aces (the Caucasus), aser-azer, aserik (Aseriks) - Second men Ases, Aker-Iya- (the Caucasus) - White Lionhearts. All these examples prove that sak existed in history as asak. In the work Strabo, written in the 5th century BC, the name of the Iranian Shah Xerxes and the name of the region on the Ermen-Turkic land of Xersen are found. The pronunciation of Akas as ks is also found in these words. It changed greatly the name of these Turkic samples. According to the ancient Turkic alphabet ak, aser akas ... (Lord of the White Ases) and Akas er ak as on ... (Lord of the White On Ases) meant titles and posts relating to the millenniums BC. The ancient Turkic lands Ulu gak as er eli and Kichig ak as er el (el means country) are probably the ancient names of the Big Media and Small Media. These names have survived to the present day in the Algerian and Moroccan toponyms Alcacer Quibir and Alcacer Sagir.

Rum (Turkey) Eron. According to the peculiarities of the ancient Turkic alphabet, this word is pronounced in the text as (Ron) run. The word consists of two parts - er and on. There are many examples of using the number On (ten) as the word un: Unageb - the Homeland of on Aha - great lord - white lionheart, Marv-ov, Karkun-ov. Hence Eron means Homeland of on lionhearts. In the millennia BC, Turkic-As tribes were numbered from 1 to 1000 and further. In this sense, in the transcription of non-Turkic authors, Eron is mentioned (without e) as Run. In the Caucasus, there is information about Aragon and Alazon (er, ak, on, and on) Az on - on Azes and On tribes. The replacement of n to m as in the word Run was characteristic of the Turkic language of the early period. M. Kashgari (9th century) writes about substitutions in the pronunciation gurun-gurum, Bogun-bogum: "This law is a feature of Turkic languages, I consider it as New Turkic. But some ordinary people of Kipchaks and other tribes speak the same way.

RAG. According to Strabo, after the restoration, the city called by Greeks Europ, the Parthians called Arsak. According to the above-mentioned peculiarities of the Turkic language, this word is Erak (Arak) white lionhearts, and the written form of this word by the Greek authors was transcribed not as Eraq (Arak), but in the wrong form of Rag (k replacer by g). The form of the pronunciation of this word in the language of the ancient Turkic tribes (one hundred and thousand years BC) is reflected in the names of the tributary of the Kura - Arak, and also in the name of the city of Media Rag (the true name is Eraq - the place of white lionhearts).

Associated with the names of Eraks (Arak) the names of the tribes, regions and personalities of Akar (nannia), Akar (nana) is an evidence of the existence of the permanent homeland of Ersaks not only in the Caucasus but also beyond.

Yagut Hamavi (12-13 centuries) reports that Medias city Rag, known by Ibn Khordadbeh as Er-Rei (near Tehran) was conquered by Khalif Omar, and then in 1220, destroyed by Mongols. It becomes clear that the name of the state Iraq, which Iraqi Turkmens still pronounce as Erag, is associated with akers and Arabs pronounced it as Erag. It should be noted that the name of present-day Iran came from the word Iron (means brave ons in gypchag) appeared this way and is a word of Turkic origin. Today it is known as Iran. It should also be added that the toponym Ironi in the Caucasus (Georgia) also confirms this fact.

Van (Turkey) Ebon. The meaning of this word associated with the name of the tribe On ev (ten houses) means house - the birthplace of Onases. The ancient names of the cities, lands, settlements and mountains of Ion, Eleon (Il on, Al on) and such toponyms as Aragon (er ak on - ten white lionhearts) is a historical proof that on as ers (Sak lionhearts) are the indigenous people of Middle East, Asia and other places. The substitutions of b to f, e to a, a to o in the names of the mountains, and also of the Afon (Afos) peninsula in Thrace - the house of Ons (the house of on Ases) are of the same origin with Bon. The transcription of ebon without sound e led to the emergence of the name of the country and lake with the same name Van. The historical and modern names Arbun, Orkun (Orkhon River), Krun, Karun, Askeran, Shabran (Sabran) and other names of the regions are associated with aks (saks), and also reflect the concept of Ersak.

From all the abovementioned it becomes clear that the word Ersak by origin and meaning is one-root with the er prefi, which can be found in the beginning of the words Ersara, Ertogrul, Erdahan, Erdebil, Eraz (Araz), Erzurum, Eraq (Erah), and it is an originally Turkic word ...

... Of course, the foreigners who have invaded the Caucasus do not have a historical or moral right to own the lands of Karabakh, the name of which came from the word Er Asak - Ersak (Arsak), meaning House of White as Ers (Oguzes), and all the territories associated with this name.Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Hasanov met with the head of the EU delegation in the country Kestutis Jankauskas.

Ali Hasanov expressed confidence that during the period of Jankauskas' work in Azerbaijan, cooperation between the sides in all areas will be strengthened.

Speaking about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Hasanov stressed that that Armenian side, unwilling to resolve the conflict, continues to follow unconstructive position.Jerusalem should be the shared capital of the "Israeli and Palestinian states", British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Monday, following a meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, Anadolu agency reports.

"I reiterated the UKs commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and the two-state solution, the urgent need for renewed peace negotiations, and the U.K.s clear and longstanding position on the status of Jerusalem: it should be determined in a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and Jerusalem should ultimately be the shared capital of the Israeli and Palestinian states, he said, according to a statement by the Foreign Office.

The U.K.-Palestinian relationship is strong and long-standing and it was a pleasure to meet Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki to discuss our shared desire to strengthen it further," he added.The Director of the CIA Mike Pompeo said that the protest in Iran leads US President Donald Trump to support the Iranians protesting against their government.

"This issue in the protest in Iran is very real. President Trump made very clear that America supports the Iranian people and is looking for them to have a voice and better economic and living conditions," Fox News cited Pompeo as saying.

Earlier, US State Department condemned Iran's government for cracking down on protests across the country.On Monday, January 8, in Kherson, Ukraine's court selected for Petro Mikhalchevsky, the ex-minister of public health of Crimea, a preventive measure in the form of detention for a period of one month without the right to be released on bail. 112.ua reported.

Mikhalchevsky was present at the court session with his wife.The court case in which a former Turkish banking executive Mehmet Hakan Atilla was found guilty of violating US sanctions on Iran is a clear indication that the US is behind the Pennsylvania-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, believed to be the mastermind of the July 2016 coup attempt, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

"This [case] revealed that the US is behind Pennsylvania. It is the U.S. that has allocated 400 acres of land and supported the leader of FETO in the US. All [Gulens] villas are under protection [of the US], Hurriyet Daily cited Erdogan as saying.

The troubled relationship between the two allies has come under further strain from the New York court case that found Atilla, a former deputy general director of Halkbank, guilty of evading US sanctions on Iran through gold-for-oil trade operated by Iranian-Turkish businessman Reza Zarrab.

The fast legal process and conviction on Atilla "leaves no doubt" that the US is behind Gulen, Erdogan added, bemoaning the fact that the US has "not taken even a step on Turkeys demand for the extradition of Gulen, despite dozens of documents and evidence being submitted by the Justice Ministry."

But we will continue to pursue him, the President vowed.

He also stressed that Turkey "could initiate" legal action over the case of Atilla. "If necessary, we could file a lawsuit against the US regarding the Hakan Atilla case. Now Halkbank has the right to open a case, because [the New York case] tarnishes the name of our bank internationally," he said.

Erdogan blasted the Atilla case as a "political one marked by "a chain of plots", noting that a fugitive former law enforcement official who testified to the court confessed that he received $50,000 from the F.B.I. "If that is indeed the case, it means that your entire justice system has collapsed," he said."As of January 5th, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will participate in the upcoming presidential elections, spent 13.4 million rubles out of more than 400 million on his election fund on his campaign, the Central Election Commission reported.

The presidential elections will be held on March 18, 2018, while the election campaign officially kicked off on December 18 of last year.Iran and three members of European Union will hold a consultative meeting on the 2015 nuclear agreement, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said.

The minister stressed significance of the nuclear deal between Tehran and the world powers, known also as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He noted that the consultative meeting will be held to deal with US destructive policies regarding the JCPOA, IRNA reported.Iran has banned the teaching of English in primary schools, a senior education official said.

"Teaching English in government and non-government primary schools in the official curriculum is against laws and regulations," the head of the state-run high education council, Mehdi Navid-Adham, said.

"The assumption is that in primary education the groundwork for the Iranian culture of the students is laid," the Guardian cited him as saying.

Irans Islamic leaders have often warned about the dangers of a "cultural invasion", and the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, voiced outrage in 2016 over the "teaching of the English language spreading to nursery schools".The Russian military has successfully repelled an attack by as many as 13 drones, launched by militants on its compounds in Syria, Moscow said. No casualties are reported.

The militants launched their assault during the night on Saturday, the ministry said in a statement. The Russian Kheimim Airbase in the Syrian Latakia province was attacked by 10 unmanned combat aerial vehicles, while three more attempted a strike against the Russian maritime logistics base located in the city of Tartus.

All of the drones were detected by anti-aircraft defense systems at a considerable distance from the Russian military objects, the ministry said. Seven of them were then successfully shot down by the Russian Panzir-S air-defense system.

The Russian radio electronic warfare specialists also managed to override the operating systems of six more drones, and eventually gained control over the UAVs. Three of them were destroyed when they hit the ground, while another three were landed intact outside the base controlled by Russian forces.

The ministry also confirmed that the attack had resulted in no casualties among Russian military personnel, and the two bases continue to operate as normal, RT reports.The Russian Center for Reconciliation of opposing sides in Syria has delivered several tonnes of humanitarian aid to the village of Buqayn in Syria's western province of Rif Dimashq.

The settlement has been under control of outlawed armed groups for several years. When the militants retreated, they destroyed schools, hospitals and the water supply.

The main part of the infrastructure has already been restored, but people are still in need of aid, Sputnik reported.

The food was distributed near a recently repaired school and a total of 800 children received aid packages. The servicemen have also opened a mobile medical unit and carried out vaccination of the pupils.Turkey's parliamentary subcommittee will begin to investigate Islamophobic attacks targeting Muslims in Western countries, which will later be compiled in a detailed report.

The commission will begin to work on January 9 to examine the countries where Islamophobic incidents are most prevalent, beginning with examining incidents in Germany, Austria, France and Belgium.

The committee will ask for visits to these countries and meetings with the respective authorities. In the event that the countries grant permission to the committee members, they will investigate the causes of Islamophobic attacks in these countries, the Daily Sabah reported.

The committee will also conduct interviews with those affected by Islamophobic attacks. The victims of attacks will be asked about how they coped with it and their expectations after the attack. The committee will consult with experts, public institutions, universities and international organizations on the issue until the completion of the report.

The country's Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin earlier expressed regret over the "increasing wave of Islamophobia" in Europe.Turkey will extend the state of emergency imposed after the 2016 coup attempt for another three months, deputy prime minister Bekir Bozdag said on Monday, the sixth such extension of an emergency rule that has ushered in a sweeping crackdown, Arab News reports.

The state of emergency will be extended again, Bozdag told reporters following a cabinet meeting. He said the national security council was due to discuss the extension and that the cabinet would later approve it.

The current period of the emergency rule is scheduled to end on January 19. With the latest three-month extension, Turkey will have completed more than a year and a half under emergency rule, which was imposed on July 20, 2016.US Navys Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Carney (DDG64) arrived at the Ukrainian Port of Odessa today, three days after entering the Black Sea.

The destroyer is set to stay in Odessa until January 11 and will continue its Black Sea tour with port visits to Bulgaria, Romania and Georgia.

As stated by the US 6th Fleet, the forward-deployed USS Carney is on a routine patrol conducting naval operations with allies and partners in the 6th Fleet area of operations to advance security and stability in the European region, Naval Today reported.

According to the media, the destroyer is equipped with the Aegis missile defense system and 56 Tomahawk cruise missiles.A US Navy maritime patrol aircraft was spotted flying close to Russia's borders in the Crimean peninsula.

The plane, a Boeing P-8A Poseidon was spotted by Mil Radar, an enthusiast service monitoring US Air Force and Navy aviation operations around the world, on January 7.

According to the service, the plane's transponder showed the P-8A departing from the US military base at Sigonella, Sicily and making its way to the Crimean coast, where it made several loops near Chornomorske and Sevastopol, the latter being the home base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

The aircraft then proceeded east toward the Russian mainland and off the cities of Novorossiysk and Gelendzhik, from where it turned around and headed back and out to sea, Sputnik reported.The European Union plans to invite Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for talks about the recent protests in the country, Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told German public broadcaster ZDF.

The minister said that together with the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, he agreed to invite the Iranian foreign minister, if possible next week.

"We very quickly affirmed that we support the freedom to demonstrate and that the state should support this," Tasnim cited him as saying.

At the same time, Gabriel said Berlin would not follow the lead of US President Donald Trump, who pledged to help Iranians "take back" their government.

He added that Germany and France have "warned against attempts at instrumentalizing the domestic conflicts in Iran".

Last week, peaceful protests over rising prices and economic problems broke out in some Iranian cities, but the unauthorized gatherings turned violent after a number of opportunists, some of them armed, vandalized public property and launched attacks on police stations and government buildings.HA NOI  Experts at the Law Committees forum on Thursday called for an early decision on administrative management models for special administrative economic zones.

National Assembly (NA)s Deputy Chairman Uong Chu Luu said at the forum several options were discussed to decide which administrative management model should be applied to which economic zone.

The first option proposed there would be no peoples councils and peoples committees but a head of the zone appointed by the Prime Minister, with a centralised power and a compact administrative management system.

The second option was to continue with peoples councils and peoples committees in the special zones like other localities.

Luu said another option proposed the setting up of peoples councils and committees but with a chairman who would be empowered like the head of the zone.

Whichever option is chosen, it must comply with the Constitution and ensure a compact and efficient administrative management system to drive growth, Luu said.

The draft Law on Special Administrative Economic Unit is expected to be discussed at the fifth meeting of the 14th National Assembly in May.

Nguyen Si Dung, former Deputy Head of NA Office, emphasised the urgency to make a quick decision. He believed the first option was a good administrative management model as it would create conditions for a breakthrough development of the special zones.

There were concerns, however, about the mechanism to prevent the abuse of power by zonal heads, he said.

Dont expect everything to be perfect from the beginning. The mechanism and policies will be improved during the operation, former Deputy Minister of Justice Hoang The Lien was quoted by au Tu (Investment) online newspaper. Lien said he favoured the first option.

Echoing Lien, former Deputy Head of NA Economic Committee Nguyen Van Phuc voted for the first option, agreeing this model would create breakthroughs.

Phan Trung Ly, former Head of the NA Law Committee, however, voted for the second option, saying both options were compliant with the Constitution.

According ang Hung Vo, former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, the proposal to provide a 99-year land lease term for several prioritised sectors in the draft law was necessary to encourage huge, long-term investments.

Hastened preparation

On Thursday, a delegation from the board of the project tasked with establishing special administrative economic zones, headed by Minister of Home Affairs Le Vinh Tan, worked with the central coast province of Khanh Hoa to develop Bac Van Phong special administrative economic zone.

On Wednesday, the delegation worked with the southern province of Kien Giang to develop Phu Quoc special zone.

It will also work with the northern province of Quang Ninh to develop Van on special zone.

Tan said the projects for developing special administrative economic zones of the three provinces would be evaluated and completed to be proposed to the Government in February.

Tran Duy ong, Director of the Ministry of Planning and Investments Economic Zone Management Department, said 12 criteria were developed to evaluate the projects of developing Van on, Bac Van Phong and Phu Quoc special administrative economic units.  VNSHCM CITY  Shrimp exports increased sharply last year and the trend will continue this year, according to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

The exports were worth an estimated US$3.8 billion last year, $700 million up from 2016 and $400 million higher than the associations target.

There was big demand for shrimp in key markets such as the EU, China, Japan, and South Korea especially during the year-end festive season, VASEP said.

In the first 11 months of last year, the EU was the largest importer of Vietnamese shrimp, with shipments to the market going up by 42.4 per cent to $780 million and accounting for 22.2 per cent of Viet Nams exports.

Shrimp exports to China surged by 60.2 per cent to $637.9 million in the period, but shipments to the US fell by 7.8 per cent mainly due to high anti-dumping duties.

Truong inh Hoe, VASEPs general secretary, said the strong growth in shrimp exports last year was mainly thanks to better control of antibiotic usage in breeding the crustacean, an increase in exports of processed products, and buyers increased confidence in Vietnamese shrimp products.

In the EU, Vietnamese shrimp exporters enjoyed preferential treatment under the blocs Generalised System of Preferences while Thailand and China, the two main competitors, did not.

Indias shrimp exports to the EU were down because antibiotics were being frequently found in its products, and Indian companies faced the risk of bans, he said.

This meant European importers were looking for safer shrimp products, including from Viet Nam, he said.

The depreciation of the US dollar against the euro and yen had also supported Vietnamese exports, the association said.

Tran Van Linh, chairman of Thuan Phuoc Seafood and Trading Corporation, told Viet Nam News that an increase in the shrimp farming area, an improvement in farming technology and the quality of shrimp used for breeding, reduction in the use of antibiotics, and an expansion of eco-friendly farming had helped create reliable supply sources for processors besides helping them meet export standards.

A number of Vietnamese shrimp processors have invested in producing value-added shrimp products, heralding a new export age.

Last year his company earned $91 million from shrimp exports compared to $75 million in 2016, he said.

Export volume went up by only 5 per cent last year, but thanks to an increase in export of value-added products, which accounted for 90 per cent of the exports, export revenues were up.

Viet Nam has a good reputation for value-added shrimp products.

Shrimp exports in 2018

This year his company would strive to maintain a strong foothold in its key markets, including the EU and Japan, Linh said.

This year the market would be more favourable than 2017, he said.

The Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to come into effect this year, will help make Vietnamese shrimp more competitive than Thai and Indonesian, and Viet Nams shrimp exports to EU will be better this year.

VASEP has also forecast that shrimp exports would rise strongly this year, especially to the EU, China, Japan, and South Korea.

China has high demand for seafood and its domestic output has reduced due to diseases and unfavourable weather.

Since December that country has cut import tariff on frozen shrimp from 5 per cent to 2 per cent.

These factors would boost Viet Nams shrimp exports to China, and the country could surpass Japan to become the second largest market.

But Linh said currently shrimp exports to China were mainly in the form of border trade, with the key items being unprocessed products with low added value.

Vietnamese authorities should work with their Chinese counterparts to increase official shrimp exports and Vietnamese exporters should increase shipments of processed products to increase revenues, he said.

Despite many advantages, the shrimp industry could also encounter some challenges this year, including risks like unfavourable weather and diseases.

Ho Quoc Luc, general director of Sao Ta Foods JSC, said The biggest challenge to the industry is its small scale of farming, often making it difficult to trace product origin whereas import markets lay much emphasis on food safety and traceability of products.

In this context, the industry needs to enhance quality control and build breeding areas of international standards to mitigate its weaknesses and boost exports this year, Luc added.  VNSHCM CITY  The Ministry of Transport has submitted the draft of a new circular that includes regulations for passenger transport (by car) through software such as Uber and Grab.

Adjustments in the new circular would like to balance the management of passenger transport with electronic contracts through software such as Uber and Grab and traditional taxis as well as to be appropriate with the demands of practical management, Minister Nguyen Van The told the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The new circular will request transport companies to meet 10 conditions, including: having a business licence or business registered certification to do electronic business and having certification from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) confirming that applicants have completed registration (both Uber and Grab havent met this requirement yet).

Importantly, software providers must sign contracts to provide software using services for transport companies that have transport licences instead of the current co-operation agreements.

Transport companies must display their logos at a minimum of 90mm x 80mm in both front and back windows.

To ensure tax collection, the circular clearly states that software providers and transport companies must provide all information related to trips and electronic bills to both the passengers accounts and the General Department of Tax (GDT), under the regulation of the Ministry of Finance.

For enterprises who would like to use electronic bills, the circular requires 11 conditions, including using software which has already been certified by the MoIT, sending electronic bills to the GDT and providing telephone numbers to customers for emergencies.

Cars under nine seats, which are used for electronic-bill transportation, must not be more than 12 years old, same as the regulation for traditional taxis.

The presence of Uber and Grab has provided commuters with more options and convenience and local authorities with more management experience. However, there remains a lack of specific conditions for them to operate, thus leading to unfair competition", Vu Anh Tuan, director of the Viet uc Universitys Transport Research Centre, told the newspaper.

If they want to continue doing business after two years of a pilot scheme for ride-hailing apps in Viet Nam, Uber and Grab should have a legal representative, pay tax, report their activities, pay social and health insurance for drivers and foster the skills of their drivers, he added.

He also suggested that local managers should limit Uber and Grabs number of vehicles to ensure fair competition with traditional taxis and reduce traffic congestion.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the four localities that have registered to officially join the pilot scheme are Ha Noi, Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa and HCM City, whereas a Nang has yet to take part. Of 36,800 member vehicles, there are 21,600 in HCM City, 15,000 in Ha Noi, 62 in Quang Ninh and 100 in Khanh Hoa.

In HCM City alone, Grab Taxi has more than 18,100 vehicles and Uber over 3,600 vehicles. The respective numbers of Grab Taxi and Uber vehicles in Ha Noi are some 11,400 and nearly 2,400.  VNSHA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Vuong inh Hue has signed Decision No.16 approving the restructuring plan of the Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem).

The decision, designated for 2018-2020, aims to improve Vinachems structure, capacity, production efficiency and business competitiveness.

While signing the decision, the deputy prime minister stated the need for streamlined and compact business models after the equitisation process at Vinachem and its member companies.

The key focus of Vinachem is State divestment from the mother company and a number of its subsidiaries.

The mother company plans to become equitised in 2018-19, leaving only 50-65 per cent of its charter capital of some VN20 trillion (US$890 million) under State control.

As for Vinachems member companies, it plans to retain more than 65 per cent of charter capital at the Vietnam Apatite One Member Limited Company in 2018.

It will also maintain 50-plus per cent to less than 65 per cent stake in seven member companies, less than 50 per cent stake in nine others, and divest completely from 15 companies.

According to Vinachems financial report of the second half of 2017, the combined profit from its subsidiaries was VN50 billion ($2.2 million), with a loss of VN192 billion ($8.5 million) by the parent company.

Nonetheless, Vinachems 2017 revenue increased by 5.5 per cent compared to 2016.

Starting from 2017, the Ministry of Industry and Trade started inspection of Vinachems previous ineffective investments, including an 80 per cent accumulated loss ratio of VN4.2 trillion ($200 million), most notably from the Ninh Binh Nitrogenous Fertiliser Plant project, though no sanctions have been imposed so far.

Vinachems main businesses are production and trading of basic chemicals, and mining and processing of raw material for fertilisers, pesticides and chemical production.

According to reports of the Department of Corporate Finance under the Ministry of Finance, the Government is instructing the corresponding agencies to complete the 2018 national equitisation plan at 64 State-owned enterprises (SoEs), with another 18 enterprises in 2019 and one more in 2020.

The State 2018-2020 equitisation scheme focuses on State capital withdrawal from large-scale enterprises, with a wide scope of business and high structural and financial complexity.

The Government has specially requested the participation of strategic investors with a strong financial background and management capacity, and has asked the SoEs to carefully prepare, process and audit themselves before the equitisation process.  VNSSON LA  The construction of an agricultural product processing plant using Korea-designed modern technology, commenced in the northern mountainous province of Son La on Saturday.

Covering an area of over 4ha in Van Ho District, the US$7.5 million factory is jointly invested in by IC Food Corporation of the Republic of Korea, Stevia Corp of the United States and SC Agro Food of Vietnam.



The first phase of the factory is scheduled to begin operation in August 2018, with a capacity of 1,700 tonnes of products a year, while the second phase, with a capacity of 3,400 tonnes a year, will be completed five months later.



It will become a processing plant for various kinds of farm produce, which will be exported. Some 100 vegetable co-operatives will cooperate with the factory.



Speaking at the ceremony, chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Cam Ngoc Minh said this is the fifth plant, among six of its kind, to be constructed in the locality, adding that this reflects the local authoritys right orientation in attracting investment in agricultural development.



Son La boasts over 41,000ha of fruit trees, 6,000 of which used the advanced technique. As many as 47 chains of production, supply and consumption have been formed so far in the locality.



Many areas of high quality vegetables and fruits have also taken shape in the province, with a total yield of 60,000 tonnes a year, satisfying the material demand of processing plants.  VNSHCM CITY  A year after it began to restructure under a Government-approved scheme, Sacombank appears to have turned the corner with decent results for 2017.

Its total assets increased as of December 31 by 10.7 per cent to VN364 trillion. Deposits were up 11.4 per cent to VN323 trillion (US$14.2 billion), and outstanding loans by 12.6 per cent to VN219 trillion. Income surged 33 per cent to VN8.2 trillion, strongly supporting bad debt resolution efforts.

Non-interest income was worth VN2.4 trillion, with traditional fee income increasing 29.6 per cent.

The lender managed to recover more than VN19 trillion ($837 million) worth of bad debts last year, reducing its non-performing loans (NPLs) ratio to 4.28 per cent compared to 6.68 per cent a year earlier.

Its chairman, Duong Cong Minh, said the bank hopes to reduce the NPL rate further to below 3 per cent this year.

The bank is among the largest in terms of network with 566 transaction offices in 48 cities and provinces in Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia.

Its two major goals in 2018-20 are to speed up the restructuring and settle bad debts, improving its asset quality, and become the top retail bank in the country and the neighbourhood.

The Government decided to restructure banks to improve the health of the financial sector.

Sacombank was among the lenders with a high NPL rate, and its restructure is expected to be completed in three to five years.  VNSONG THAP  Old houses in Tan Tich Hamlet, Cao Lanh City, in the southern province of ong Thap, are being colourfully decorated as part of the Australia-Viet Nam Mural Village art project, which is being conducted within the area.

According to Vo Phan Thanh Minh, vice chairman of Cao Lanh Citys Peoples Committee, as part of the project, houses by the Tien River along a length of 2km are being decorated, under the sponsorship of the Australian Embassy in Viet Nam.

The mural village is expected to be a destination that will attract more tourists to the region and demonstrate the friendship between the two nations.

There will be over 60 paintings of various sizes, created by nearly 30 artists from Australia and HCM City, as well as students from ong Thap University, Nguyen Huong Nhu, head of the group of artists participating in the art project, said.

Each painting will have features of Australian and Vietnamese cultures, such as the images of the kangaroo, koala, and typical images of ong Thap Provinces tourism, such as the lotus or the mandarin orchards.

The eye-catching and beautiful paintings are like putting a new coat on the village to welcome the new year, Ngo Thi Cam No, a local, said. Moreover, more and more visitors have arrived, making the quiet village livelier.

The art project is scheduled to conclude on January 10.

Besides the Australia-Viet Nam Mural Village, another project in the area receiving aid from the Australian Government is the Cao Lanh Bridge -- a construction within the project to connect the central areas of the Mekong Delta  which is officially open to the public.  VNSBy Dr. Andres Sosa *

Many people around or after their fifties complain about knee pain that occurs apparently without reason and it is described as an uncomfortable sensation that comes and goes but not bad enough to visit a doctor.

Sometimes pain becomes aggressive, causing difficulties in daily activities like using the stairs, bending down or standing up from a chair. Most people will think that visiting a doctor is now necessary.

After consulting with a specialist and hearing some new words like Knee Osteoarthritis, people immediately wonder if pain will decrease somehow and if they could ever be able to move freely again. Under the appropriate orthopedic care the answer is YES for both questions.

Inside our knees, bones are covered by cartilage, a spongy soft tissue that protects bone surfaces from touching each other, acting like a shock absorber. Space between bones is filled by articular liquid, a fluid that serves as a lubricant, facilitating bone displacement during movement.

There are many circumstances in later life in which cartilage cannot support weigh bearing, articular liquid looses its lubricant properties, space between bones becomes narrow and bones begin touching each other with movement. This is known as initial knee osteoarthritis.

If nothing is done to improve this condition, repetitive rubbing will change bones surfaces, cartilage damage will continue and the local inflammatory response will be to overproduce bad quality articular liquid. This translates into symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, limited range of motion, tenderness and mild deformity of the knee.

The goal of medical treatment is to reduce pain, allowing the patient to get back to common activities but the outcome strongly depends on how early it is diagnosed and treated. Initial knee osteoarthritis (stage I) can be treated conservatively, improving lifestyle and using specific medication.

Mild knee osteoarthritis (stage II) may require intra-articular injections with steroids and local anesthetics, a very effective option to manage pain and improve movement. Injections are also useful to drain the excessive quantity of articular liquid and to replace it with a high-lubricant synthetic fluid to prevent additional cartilage damage. Some other treatment options like platelet rich plasma or stem cells matrix are commonly applied at this stage.

Advanced knee osteoarthritis (stage III) may be treated using arthroscopy techniques, a minimally invasive video-camera assisted procedure that allows the surgeon to check the joint from inside, repairing or removing the affected tissues. Severe knee osteoarthritis (stage IV) involves irreparable cartilage damage and the knee may need to be replaced using a joint prosthesis, a surgical procedure that is very safe and successful nowadays.

Lastly, it is very important to remark that treatment for all stages of knee osteoarthritis require dedicated physical therapy for better results.

If you have been feeling knee pain, the best thing you can do is to arrange an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. Meanwhile, try applying coldpacks three times per day for 10 minutes but do not forget to use a cloth between the coldpack and your skin to avoid burns. Cold therapy will help to decrease inflammation and pain.

Avoid applying heat on a painful knee. Knee osteoarthritis is related to inflammatory conditions and a warm environment around the joint can only make things worse. Try also to avoid using expensive ointments and creams that will make you lose your time and money.  Family Medical Practice Vietnam.

*Family Medical Practice Hanoi is delighted to welcome Dr. Andres Sosa to our medical team! Dr. Sosa is an Orthopedic Surgeon, fellowship trained in Italy, specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal trauma (fractures, dislocations, wounds), degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthritis, spine disc herniation) and sport lesions (sprains, joint instability, tendon ruptures) with a particular and deep interest in upper limb, spine and knee. With two European master degrees and multiple courses overseas, Dr. Sosa is able to perform open surgery, internal fixation, shoulder/knee arthroscopy, external fixation and joint replacement as well as non-surgical pain management therapies.

To contact Dr. Andres Sosa for more advices about this or any other topic, please come visit us at Family Medical Practice Hanoi in 298 I Kim Ma, Ba inh. Tel: (024) 3843 0748. Email: hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com

FMPs downtown Ho Chi Minh location is: Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, District 1: 95 Thao ien Street, District 2. Tel: (028) 3822 7848. Email: hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com

FMP a Nang is located at 96-98 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Hai Chau District, a Nang. Tel: (0236) 3582 699. Email: danang@vietnammedicalpractice.comHCM CITY  An exhibition displaying 37 art photos promoting the values and diversity of Vietnamese people and culture by renowned French photographer Rehahn has opened in HCM City.

The exhibition, which highlights the Precious Heritage Collection, is being held by the photographer Rehahn in collaboration with the local company Le Bao Minh group, the exclusive distributor of Canon in Viet Nam.

It opens at 184 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street in the citys District 3 during one month, free of charge from 8-11am and 2-5pm daily.

This is one of the monthly activities of the companys Fun Photography, which provides quality and meaningful works of art for young people with passion for photography, as well as promotes the values of Vietnamese people and culture.

All the photos will be sold throughout the exhibition to raise money for charity work supporting disadvantaged ethnic people living in Viet Nam.

Photographer Rehahn has travelled to more than 35 countries around the world and decided to live in the central province of Quang Nams Hoi An city.

Last year, he was voted one of the top 20 photographers worldwide on the website International Photography.

He is one of the most featured photograpgers of the last four years, having amassed a serious following.

Visiting 49 of the 54 nationalities throughout the country, he has spent his time building strong relationships with the people.

He witnessed first hand the complex diversity and fragility of some ethnic groups cultural heritage.

He built up the Precious Heritage Collection by capturing images of the contrasting cultures, and collecting traditional costumes and precious artifacts.

Established in 2014, Fun Photography is an organisation of photography and art for the community.

It provides VNAClass - training courses, VNAPhototour  phototour programmes, VNACreative  community activities such as programme conversations, exhibitions, and contests for photographers.  VNSHA NOI  The much-awaited trial for economic mismanagement and embezzlement at PetroVietnam (PVN), the largest State-owned company, commenced Monday morning in the capital city.

The first-instance trial is scheduled to last for two weeks (January 8-21), looking into one of the most notorious cases of corruption involving the disgraced former Politburo member, inh La Thang, and Trinh Xuan Thanh, former chairman of PVNs subsidiary PetroVietnam Construction JSC (PVC).

Defendant inh La Thang, former Politburo member and former chairman of PetroVietnam, being escorted by public security officers to January 8 court.  VNA/VNS Photo Doan Tuan

The case has been under public scrutiny, as the Partys crackdown on corruption is reaching an unprecedented high, netting several executives and top-level officials hitherto thought to be immune from the law.

Most defendants are the ones holding key positions in critical economic units who have been entrusted by the State and the people to manage public capital and implement nationally important projects, including Thai Binh 2 thermal power plant project, reads the indictment of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy.

However, during the implementation of the project, multiple wrongdoings have taken place, including abuse of power to make profits.

Twenty two defendants have been put on trial, including 17 detainees and five defendants on bail. Twelve, including inh La Thang, have been indicted on charges of deliberate violations of State management regulations on economic management, causing serious consequences as per Article 165, Paragraph 3, under the 1999 Penal Code.

Trinh Xuan Thanh, former chairman of PetroVietnam Construction JSC , appeared on January 8 trial.  VNA/VNS Photo Doan Tuan

Eight defendants stand indicted on charges of misappropriation of assets, while Trinh Xuan Thanh and Vu uc Thuan, former director-general of PVC, have been prosecuted on charges of economic mismanagement and embezzlement.

The jury consists of five members, two judges and three peoples jurors. Judge Nguyen Ngoc Huan is presiding over the trial. Due to the magnitude of the case, the Peoples Court of Ha Noi has arranged for a deputy judge and two deputy peoples jurors to be present at the court.

Forty out of 42 lawyers defending the accused appeared in court this morning. While five lawyers represented Trinh Xuan Thanh, three rooted for inh La Thang.

Out of the 31 witnesses who were ordered to appear in court, 24 were present and seven were absent, with only three of them citing official reasons.  VNSHCM CITY  HCM City targets a serious reduction in the number of AIDS cases by 2030, according to the citys Health Department.

Nguyen Huu Hung, deputy director of the citys Department of Health, was quoted by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper as saying that the city had been selected by the Viet Nam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) as one of five pilot cities to reach the target by 2030.

The UN Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has chosen the city as one of the largest fast-track cities in the world achieving its 90-90-90 targets set by the UN in 2014.

The 90-90-90 goals mean that by 2020 90 per cent of HIV-infected people will know their infection status, 90 per cent of HIV positive people will receive anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs, and 90 per cent of people taking ARV drugs will have a low HIV load.

HCM City is expected to reach its 90-90-90 target ahead of schedule, having achieved a 73-75-96 target so far.

In recent years, international support for AIDS/HIV has been declining, so the city has tried to ensure that there will be no interruptions in HIV/AIDS prevention by issuing new policies to maintain ARV for an HIV patients entire life and to limit drug resistance and spread of the disease.

The city continues to provide HIV treatment for patients, including paying 100 per cent for health insurance cards and 20 per cent co-payment for ARV drugs for people living with HIV in the city, including those with temporary residence certificates of six months.

Methadone treatment for patients addicted to drugs is also paid by the city.

According to the Viet Nam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control under the health ministry, the city has 31,877 people living with HIV/AIDS receiving ARV treatment.

This figure represents more than 25 per cent of the estimated total figure of people living with HIV in the country

Dr Hoang inh Canh, deputy director of the Viet Nam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control warned that AIDS could spread among people not yet diagnosed for HIV. The estimated number could be about 50,000 people, especially among five groups: transgender people, gay men, users of drug injections, people working away from home, and prostitutes.

"Viet Nam is adopting the latest international models of HIV prevention, but it is necessary to have new peers to prevent spread to these five groups, he said.

With ARV drugs and other efforts, many experts say that people living with HIV can live for 50 years from the date of infection, he said.

The first person diagnosed with HIV in the country in 1992 is alive and well.

This year, health insurance began covering the costs of treating opportunistic infections.

By 2020, 80 per cent ARV drug costs will be covered by health insurance.  VNSHA NOI  English fluency targets set by a national project are too high and not backed by sufficient inputs, experts say.

At a recent meeting on English teaching at colleges and universities held by the education ministry, Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, head of HCM City Transport Universitys foreign language department, said a 2015 survey of fourth and fifth year students had found that fewer than 20 per cent could match expected fluency criteria.

The 2008-2020 national project, Teaching and Learning Foreign Languages in the National Education System, requires university graduates not majoring in foreign languages to reach B1 level, the third of six levels under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. (A1 - beginners; A2 - elementary; B1,B2 - intermediate; C1,C2 - advanced).

It takes 360 to 400 hours of teaching for students to advance from level A2 to B1 level. But the current total in English teaching at the school is about 100 hours, Anh said.

Professor ang Van Minh, deputy director of the Thai Nguyen University said that the university has had to lower its English output criteria to A2 instead of B1.

We set the target too high but do not have solutions to realise it, he said.

Schools nationwide are struggling to achieve targets by the major national project, the meeting heard.

Representatives of academic institutions said that the English level of students at high school is so low that it is difficult to improve their English proficiency when the enter university.

Thus, a B1 standard upon graduation not feasible, they said.

After eight years, the national foreign language project, has failed to reach its targets in terms of the number of learners, and quality of teaching learning at all academic levels, localities and sectors, a recent investigation by the State Audit Office of Viet Nam found.

The office reported that project outcomes for the period 2011-2016 period are not commensurate with the investment of more than VN4.2 trillion (US$182.6 million). Its targets are too high and broad, and lacks lacking appropriate schedules and solutions to realise them.

Under the project, a foreign language will become a major subject for all students from third to 12th grade. It sought to significantly enhance foreign language proficiency of Vietnamese human resources by 2015, and having graduates of intermediate schools, colleges and universities be more independent and confident in communication by 2020.

This would enhance their abilities to study and work in an integrated and multicultural environment, making foreign languages capabilities a national strength, the project envisaged.

Tran Anh Tuan, deputy head of deputy head of Department of Higher Education under Ministry of Education and Training, admitted that accomplishing some primary targets of the project by 2020 would a tough challenge.

The report by the State Audit Office of Viet Nam states that in 2015-2016, proper surveys of teaching and learning foreign languages have not been done. Information about the number and quality of teachers, students, infrastructure and teaching equipment at ministries, sectors and localities have not been updated, it said.

It also said that assessment and issuance of new English curricula and textbooks has been delayed. Some localities have rushed to expand the new English programme without having qualified teachers, students and infrastructure, it said.

Uneven teaching quality

The English proficiency level of teachers is one of the main reasons for the the projects failures, the meeting heard. Nearly half the English teachers at primary schools do not met set criteria.

An English proficiency test conducted by the Education Ministry for 500 English teachers in 2013 showed none of them were qualified for level C2. The majority had only reached B2 levels. 71 teachers had reached the C1 level. Twenty-two teachers were at beginning and intermediate (A1 and A2) levels.

Another test on 324 teachers of English majors the same year also had disappointing results. The English proficiency of 139 teachers was at A1 and A2 level.

Tuan said that the national foreign language project has failed to reach its target, because teachers have uneven English proficiency levels. The number of teachers trained abroad remains low, and many universities do not test the proficiency of English major teachers.

Grammar focus

Nguyen Minh Tri, a student of Sai Gon University told Tuoi tre (Youth) that English learning at primary, secondary, high schools and university placed too much focus on grammar. Students rarely have the chance to practice speaking and listening, he said.

Two English lessons per week and too many students in a class do not allow us to practice, he said.

Representatives of many universities agreed that the number of English lessons at schools is not enough for students to fulfil criteria required by the national project.

An experienced expert in English education, Vu Thi Phuong Anh, told Tuoi Tre that quite a few English teachers trained abroad have a good command of the language as well as teaching skills. But it would be hard for them to make any breakthrough if current curricula and teaching methods are persisted with, she said.

She said that learning English through books only cannot help students improve their proficiency. We must change curriculum and teaching methods, she said, without elaborating.

Tran Khac Hoan of the Vinh University of Technology and Education proposed to the management board of the national foreign language project, that they focus on improving English teachers capacity, especially through overseas training, even for schools not under the Education Ministrys management.

The project should fix an annual budget for promoting English learning and teaching at educational institutions, said Phan Thanh Tien of Hue University.  VNSThe trial of inh La Thang and Trinh Xuan Thanh for alleged wrongdoings at PetroVietnam and one of its subsidiaries, is set to begin today.  VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI  The trial of Trinh Xuan Thanh and inh La Thang for alleged wrongdoings at PetroVietnam and one of its subsidiaries, is set to begin today.

The 22 defendants in the case will be represented by a total of 42 lawyers, including three for Thang, former Politburo member and former Chairman of the Member Council of the State-owned Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, PetroVietnam.

Five lawyers will defend Thanh, former Chairman and General Director of PetroVietnams Construction Joint Stock Corporation PVC.

Twelve of the 22 defendants are accused of deliberately violating State regulations on economic management, causing severe consequences. Eight others were charged with misappropriating property.

Thanh and Vu uc Thuan, former PVC General Director, are charged with both offenses.

According to the indictment by the Supreme Peoples Procuracy of Viet Nam, this is an extremely serious case involving people holding key positions in important economic units and major national projects like the Thai Binh 2 thermal power plant.

The agency indicts Thang with main responsibility for breaches in construction of the power plant.

He allegedly instructed PVC to carry out the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) package, which was illegally signed with the PetroVietnam Power Corporation (PV Power) under his order.

Based on the illegitimate contracts, Thang went on to direct PetroVietnam to wrongfully advance over US$6.6 million and over VN1.3 trillion ($57.7 million) for PVC, which was then misused by Thanh.

Thangs actions is estimated to have caused losses of nearly VN120 billion to the State.

Thanh and Thuan are also alledged to have directed Nguyen Anh Minh, former PVC Deputy General Director and Luong Van Hoa, former Director of PVCs Vung Ang-Quang Trach Oil and Power Project Management Board, to draw up false documents to withdraw more than VN13 billion from the project for personal use.

Bankers in the dock

Also today, the HCM City Peoples Court will open the third trial against Pham Cong Danh, the banker notoriously implicated in the biggest economic probe in Viet Nams history.

Among the 46 defendants in the case are high-level officials of different banks like the Viet Nam Construction Bank (VNCB), Sacombank and TPBank.

Seventy lawyers have been permitted to attend the trial, in which more than 200 people will be summoned as witnesses.

This will be the third trial against Danh, who is now serving 30 years in jail for wrongdoings at VNCB that incurred losses of more than VN9 trillion, and other breaches at OceanBank.

In the new case against him, Danh is accused of using the VNCBs money as collateral to take loans totalling more than VN6 trillion from TPBank, Sacombank and BIDV.

The borrowed money, however, was for Danhs personal use and he did not repay it.  VNSA tollbooth in the southern province of Soc Trang was forced to open for free for all vehicles twice on Sunday following severe traffic jams deliberately caused by drivers protesting the station.  Photo dantri.com.vn

SOC TRANG  A tollbooth in the southern province of Soc Trang was forced to open for free for all vehicles twice on Sunday following severe traffic jams deliberately caused by drivers protesting the station.

Drivers collectively demonstrated from the early morning as they stopped their cars in front of the Soc Trang toll gate located on National Highway 1 but refused to pay the fee and pass through.

The tollbooth was set up to collect fees for investors who invested more than VN1.4 trillion (US$62.2 million) in a road project to expand the National Highway 1 section running across Thuan Hoa Commune and to build a bypass for Soc Trang City under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.

The drivers argued that the booths location was unreasonable and that they had to pay tolls for the bypass that they did not use, between VN25,000 and 140,000 each depending on the type of vehicle.

The congestion worsened with long lines of cars and trucks stretching more than one kilometre, forcing authorities to order the booth to open for free at 8am.

This was the first time the Soc Trang BOT station had to open free after a half year in operation. The second time, however, soon followed in the afternoon of the same day.

The tollbooth decided to start collecting fees again from 2pm, but same scenario was re-enacted with the drivers blocking the station.

A free pass was given out again 20 minutes later as the lines were becoming longer. However, this free pass lasted for only 10 minutes.

BOT tolls reduced

A series of protests from drivers against several BOT tolls across the country  deemed as a domino-effect after drivers achieved victory at the Cai Lay station in Tien Giang Province - was triggering a toll reduction wave to ease objections.

The ien Ban BOT tollbooth in Quang Nam Province on Sunday announced that the Ministry of Transport has agreed to offer free passes or reduced fees for nearly 1,800 vehicles passing through the station.

The ien Ban station director Ho Anh Son said that public buses, light trucks and cars which are owned by those living in the three communes nearby and not used for business purposes will be free to pass the booth. Other vehicles from other neighbourhoods in the ien Ban Township will get a 50 per cent discount.

The move will come into effect in February, according to Son.

So far, two BOT booths in Quang Nam: ien Ban and Tam Kyy were all subject to free passes or fee reductions.

Earlier on Friday, investor of the Song Phan BOT station in Binh Thuan Province and the Peoples Committee of the Can Tho City where the Can Tho-Phung Hiep BOT booth was located, asked the transport ministry to allow a toll reduction. Both the stations saw strong protests from drivers recently.  VNSHCM CITY  Police here have busted a weapons-trading ring involving electric guns, scimitars and bayonets, which were being sold online in Viet Nam.

HCM City police had earlier arrested a dealer for providing a large amount of weapons in HCM Citys Cu Chi District.

Following months of investigation, police concluded that the head of the ring was PhamThanh Long, 34, and his wife Vu Thi Diep, 28, residents of Cu Chi District.

On Friday night, police conducted a raid at Longs house and found a large quantity of weapons in the couples possession.

After conducting a search of the house, they seized 2,547 scimitars, bayonets and different types of knives, 700 electric guns and electric robes as well as hundreds of pepper sprays.

The couple admitted to the police they had been purchasing arms from an unidentified man named H since July last year.

They sold the arms online to avoid being detected by police.

The couple had created two accounts on Facebook to advertise and sell the products to those in need of arms.

Police are further investigating the case.  VNSTHUA THIEN HUE  Scrap warehouses are posing a threat to crowded residential areas in the central province of Thua Thien Hue.

In recent years, several fires have broken out in these warehouses, causing heavy damage to property and injuring people. But they have not been removed, threatening the lives of locals.

Along Highway No.1 through Huong Thuy Township, heaps of scrap have piled up in residential areas. It includes broken electronics, rusty iron, plastic and paper boxes, among others, which pose a high risk of catching fire, Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper reported.

An explosion was reported recently at a scrap warehouse in Thuy Chau Ward, costing hundreds of millions of ong.

In 2012, a fire had occurred at this wards 400sq.m scrap warehouse. After the fire was extinguished, people found a large bombshell in the ashes. Fortunately, there was no damage.

According to the newspapers survey, there are 53 business establishments causing environmental pollution in residential areas, 24 of which are scrap warehouses (accounting for 45.3 per cent).

In Thuy Chau Ward alone, 15 establishments collect and trade in scrap.

In 2012, the Peoples Committee of Huong Thuy Township approved a project to relocate these trading units to an area of more than 10ha, but no one has moved so far.

Some scrap traders said they could not afford to pay for the land or warehouse at the concentrated area.

Nguyen Thanh Minh, vice chairman of Huong Thuy Township, said the local authorities would mobilise and support scrap-trading households to move to the concentrated area.  VNSXIAN  French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday launched a state visit to China in Xian -- the starting point of the ancient Silk Road -- in a nod to his counterparts scheme to revive the famous trading route.

Macron will visit the northern citys famous terracotta warriors along with his wife Brigitte before delivering a keynote speech on the future of Franco-Chinese relations.

The 8,000-man clay army, crafted around 250 BC for the tomb of Chinas first emperor Qin Shihuang, is a symbol of ancient Chinese artistic and military sophistication in a country that proclaims itself a 5,000-year-old civilisation.

Macron is beginning the three-day visit in Xian as a gesture to Chinese President Xi Jinpings colossal New Silk Road project, an ambitious initiative to connect Asia and Europe by road, rail and sea.

The $1 trillion infrastructure programme is billed as a modern revival of the ancient Silk Road that once carried fabric, spices, and a wealth of other goods in both directions.

Known in China as "One Belt One Road", the plan is to see gleaming new road and rail networks built through Central Asia and beyond, and new maritime routes stretching through the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

The project has elicited both interest and anxiety and France has so far been cautious on it. Observers say China is waiting for Macron to outline his views on the scheme, in his emerging role as a European leadership voice.

Macrons first official visit to Asia marks a new stage for his diplomacy, which has so far been concentrated on Europe and Africa.

He plans to seek a "strategic partnership" with Beijing on issues including terrorism and climate change, and make Xi an ally in implementing the Paris accord to fight climate change after the US pulled out of the deal.

After Xian, Macron will travel on to Beijing along with his delegation which takes in some 60 business executives and institutions.  AFPBERLIN  The European Union will invite Irans foreign minister for talks about the recent anti-government protests that have hit the country, Germanys Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Sunday.

"Together with the EUs foreign policy chief (Federica Mogherini), we agreed to invite the Iranian foreign minister, if possible next week," Gabriel told German public broadcaster ZDF, without giving further details.

21 people have died and hundreds arrested since December 28 as protests over economic woes turned against the Iranian government as a whole, with attacks on government buildings and police stations.

"We very quickly affirmed that we support the freedom to demonstrate and that the state should support this," Gabriel said.

At the same time, Gabriel said Berlin will not follow the lead of US President Donald Trump, who pledged to help Iranians "take back" their government.

Trump also seized on the recent unrest to again slam a multiparty nuclear deal with Iran as deeply flawed.

Germany, as well as France, has "warned against attempts at instrumentalising the domestic conflicts in Iran," said Gabriel.

The US on Friday took the Iran protests to the UN Security Council, where deep divisions emerged over the issue, with Russia arguing the demonstrations posed no threat to international peace and security.  AFPThe National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio has just released a short video detailing the final stages in the restoration of their iconic Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress, Memphis Belle. They recently reinstalled the control surfaces, the last major components to go back on the aircraft.

The Belle now sits resplendent in her new paint as well, with most of her markings, save the famous nose art, properly recreated. Restoration staff know how minutely their work will be inspected by the public, and have gone to great lengths to ensure that the B-17 is as close as possible to the way she looked in mid-May, 1943, just after the completion of her final mission against the Axis.

It is clear that they have put a lot of thought into the project, and it will doubtless be the crown jewel of their collection at Dayton once she goes on display. As we noted HERE, the museum will be holding a major three day event to unveil the Memphis Belle between May 17th and 19th, coinciding exactly with the 75th anniversaries of the 25th combat missions for her crew and the bomber herself.

Here is a video released by National Museum of the United States Air ForceAmerican special services supported by NATO initiated a special operation directed against the Government of Finland. In particular, the agents of the CIA and British intelligence in Helsinki began a campaign to discredit President Suomi Sauli Niinisto, in order to disrupt the neutrality policy of Finland within the anti-Russian course of the West and to spoil its relations with Russia as much as possible.Jeffrey Tayler in Quillette:

Editors note: As we enter 2018, brave women are protesting Islamic modesty culture and laws in Iran. Jeffrey Tayler has documented womens protests against modesty culture in Europe for years. What follows is an interview conducted by Tayler with Femens leader, Inna Shevchenko, in 2017.

A female activist has just sawed down a giant Christian cross on the central square of the capital city of Ukraine, in protest against the prison sentence meted out to Pussy Riot band members for the punk prayer they had performed in a Moscow cathedral earlier that year. What fate awaits her when she flees, personally threatened by her countrys president for her audacious deed, to France, the self-proclaimed homeland of human rights? Upon her arrival in Paris, do orchestras greet her with rousing renditions of La Marseillaise? Do accolades of support pour in from the French media? Does she settle, finally, into secure environs, certain, for the first time in her young but politically active life, that she can pursue unhindered her feminist struggle for human rights and the propagation of atheism? And, in the country that enshrines laicite (secularism) in Article 1 of its constitution, does she find her staunchly godless views lauded?

Quite the contrary! The now twenty-seven-year-old Inna Shevchenko, the leader of the international topless protest movement Femen, had, in August 2012, barely taken up residence in the attic of Frances historic Theatre du Lavoir (which would become Femens headquarters), when she found herself and her activists under threat.

More here.From DilDev's Blog:

He dueled him for many a long minute, and then trapping him at the end of a gantry, removed his hand from his wrist. Luke was surprised, but said not a word beyond his cry of pain. After a silence of several minutes, Vader came towards him in an agitated manner, and thus began,

In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to offer you a place at my side to throw down the Emperor and reign over this galaxy.

Lukes astonishment was beyond expression. He stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This Vader considered sufficient encouragement, and the avowal of all that he felt immediately followed. He spoke well, but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed, and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of ambition.

You do not yet realize your importance, and only now have begun to discover your power. Join me and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.

More here.by Leanne Ogasawara

It was 2011. I knew it wasn't going to be easy moving back in with my mom after all those years away. Two decades was a long time and now I had a little boy in tow.

But at least it was home, I thought.

My son would be going to the public elementary school I attended. He hardly spoke any English at all and couldn't read or write his own name, so he was a bit nervous on his first day. I decided to walk him over to make sure he found the room okay and didn't have any communication issues.

And it was the strangest thing. The suburban streets on the way to school were lined with big cars like the cars the secret service drives in the movies. Big and heavy-looking, they were everywhere. Wondering if something was happening, I asked in the office about it, but was told nothing special was happening that day. Then, later I told my mom about it only to be informed that no, those were the parents' cars of the kids being dropped off at school. She told me that everyone now in our neighborhood drove large minivans and SUVs. She hated the cars and hated what had become a big traffic jam every morning because of what she called "the drop off line."

So, let me get this straight, I thought. In the past twenty years, while people in Japan or Germany have been making use of light, fuel-efficient cars and public transportation, parents in the US started buying big cars to drive their kids to school everyday and wait in line while the car idle. Isn't that illegal? What about the bus?

Of all the things that I found myself unable to adjust to on my return, maybe the biggest shock of all was how little has changed in terms of the environment. Wait, let me rephrase that. people are talking about it a lot more. Maybe even talking in inverse proportion to lack of doing anything. A few things have gotten better but in general the consumption patterns are so much worse than I had even remembered. Today's hyper-consumerism: for me that is the bottom line.

In 1999, I saw statistics in a book written by the Union of Concerned Scientists on the environmental impact of consumer choices that showed that the average American is twice as hard on the environment as those consumers in Continental Europe and four times that of the Japanese. I remember feeling really horrified by that. How, I wondered, could one country so shamelessly consume so much more than their fair share? Living in Japan, where so much has been done to lessen environmental impact over the past twenty years, I assumed the US would also have stepped up. Right? Well, according to this recent article in the Guardian, the depressing statistics remain.

Right now, our planet only has enough resources for each of us to consume 1.8 global hectares annually  a standardized unit that measures resource use and waste. This figure is roughly what the average person in Ghana or Guatemala consumes. By contrast, people in the US and Canada consume about 8 hectares per person, while Europeans consume 4.7 hectares  many times their fair share.

If that doesn't make you feel angry, then I don't know what will.

++

That the issue is being politicized (or worse, seen in terms of individual "personal expression") is a big stumbling block to real action on the grassroots level. Of course, it does matter who is in the White House, but it's not as if this problem suddenly started with the start of the current administration and I would argue, international agreements that lack teeth only go so far into addressing the changes tat need to be made to the current paradigm. Or put a different way, the corporations that control our government are not going to change unless we make business as usual unviable for them. Like we have seen in Portland, and like we are now seeing in California, if we citizens show we can think outside the corporate box, city and state government will respond and this can lead to change! Real change often begins on the local level and this must start with our own lives.

Thesis: Top-down government leadership is necessary to enact laws and policies that address systemic problems to decrease our carbon impact. Because the US lacks top-down leadership and is instead ruled by corporate interest, if consumers do not vote with their wallets and force corporations to change, the government will never change. It is ass-backward but there it is.  Concrete steps below.

++

In Ming Dynasty China, there was an interesting Neo-Confucian philosopher called Wang YangMing. Master Wang was famous for his unusual epistemology. The unity of knowledge and action () says in a nutshell, If you want to know bitterness, you have to eat a bitter melon yourself. No other knowledge is possible. All we know is what we do. And what we do is all we can know.

To approach the issue you would, I think, have to work well outside a Cartesian mind-body duality since philosophers after Descartes have been open to the notion of a disembodied mind. But let's say you think, like Master Wang (and me) that knowledge is always something *embodied* and therefore in this radical de-emphasis of the thinking-action divide, all knowledge is as embodied also an action. So, in this way, as some philosophers have suggested, this pushes beyond Ryle's "know-that" versus "know-how," to say that all Confucian knowing is a knowing-to.

With "doing" in mind, I want to recommend a new book on climate change and making a difference.

The Union of Concerned Scientists has a new book out about low carbon living.

I really recommend the book, which urges every single person to reduce their own impact by 20% the first year. It gives very practical methods for doing this, which are surprisingly easy.

The main point is you aim for a 20% reduction in carbon and you can much more easily do this by reviewing and making changes to your habits in the BIG THREE areas: 1) Cars 2) Beef 3) Home heating and aircon.

(If you don't believe in carbon, no problem, you can just aim for environmental protection through less plastic).

20% is not enough of course but it is a doable first-year goal. And it is almost too easy to make a plan if you address the above three high-impacting areas (if you make a lot of small, less impactful changes, it will be harder to hit the 20%)

I'll tell you my plan but everyone will have to figure out their own approach since everyone's situation is so different. We live in LA and it is hard to survive without a car. But we are committed to only ever having one fuel-efficient car. My plan is that starting early next year, we will employ the Union of Concerned Scientists' "2 mile rule." We won't use the car for any trips under two miles in the daytime. The union of concerned scientists suggested three miles and didn't stipulate day or night.

Baby steps, baby steps.

More important in our case is we are going to look into a more efficient air con. Our aircon is a zone type so we never actually heat or cool the entire house but it is a very old system. A new system would drastically cut down our impact. When I look at our current behaviors this is without a doubt the major issue. The book talks a lot about the impact of inefficient systems. We don't shop from chain stores or big box stores at all, but we do use Amazon. I am going to try and only hit "buy now" once a month to cut the consumerism by 20% there. This will be challenging for me because of my addiction to books. The other biggie is food. We only eat "happy cows" when we eat beef and same for poultry, but I will plan to seriously increase our vegetarian days to bring meat down to once or twice a week max. Those are the biggies beef and fossil fuels. Food is especially tough since if a person's veganism is made up of monocrops that is also a huge problem for so many reasons relating to soil health and petrochemicals. I recommend reading the book Vegetarian Myth (with a grain of salt since it will challenge your notions on the issues). In fact, I think industrialized food is the toughest nut to crack because it has become so all-pervasive.

Other forms of shopping are much easier to tackle. I've had good luck with a refurbished iphone and try really hard not to purchase things from big box stores at all I buy a great part of my clothing and other things used on ebay and prefer it that way.

Over the years, I have repeatedly emailed the schools where my son goes to ask them to forbid idling cars (that must be illegal!) and 100% forbid plastic water bottles (as in japan)to bring back buses and water fountains to schools. Bike racks. Nothing was achieved except they did fix the water fountains at the elementary school finally. But, he now goes to a public school with no bus available. I think that is what happens if parents don't support existing school buses they go away. Kids are safer and healthier on the bus. Remember, we want our kids to have independence so that they will be capable of solving problems! [Fact-free parenting and riding the bus]

All of the above is said in in full recognition that people can only do what they can do. I have had a period in my life where for financial reasons I could never have aimed at much more than 20% because I was so financially strapped. And isn't it ironic (and so pathetic) that it takes money to do a lot of this?

I just finished reading Kim Stanley Robinson's new novel, New York 2140. The book takes place after climate change has brought three periods of disaster to the planet. The future is all about rising sea levels and devastating inequality. It is a very convincing portrait of a possible scenario of things to come. The water levels create a New York that is wonderfully reminiscent of Venice with vaporetto and water taxis, frozen canals and sky towers that rise out of the waters in the Bay. But the inequality is such that many can no longer read. The 1% control everything and the rabble (yes, that is us) must make do. The book contains short but very cutting commentary about a human species that at every turn chose selfish financial gains (on quarterly profits) over the sustainability of our planet and the people living on the planet. And even after a complete collapse, people keep doing things the same waywith the wealthy taking the lion's share of the wealth and the rest of the people feeling helpless to do anything. Unions are weak as ever and not only does "greater good" not include the animals or the soil but it doesn't even include 99% of the people. Yes, this is persuasive.

But there is a big surprise. This is a utopian novel. You expect a dystopian novel. not least given the subject matter but people are still people and kindness does win in this novel. I am more persuaded by dystopian visions and yet found this book really almost heart-warming. In the end, the rabble strike back. How? By general strikes, non-payments to the banks en masse of student loans and mortgages and the immediate stopping of nonessential consumer purchases to cripple the business model.

History was happening. When that happens you can feel it.

So, a positive note to kick of 2018, I wanted to share this list of local California achievements

New state laws that will took effect on January 1st

1. First year of community college will be free for all new students (must be full time)

2. Recreational marijuana legal to purchase

3. Vehicle registration will cost $25 to $175 more based on the value of your car

4. Minimum wage up to $11 per hour

5. Sanctuary State law will limit local cooperation/resources with ICE

6. Guns banned at all public schools even for those with concealed carry permits

7. All ammunition purchases (or pickups) must be made in person

8. Gender identity no longer a requirement on IDs

9. Baby changing tables will be required in all restrooms, including men's

10. Pet stores will only be able to sell rescue animals (sp. dogs, cats, rabbits)

11. Employers will no longer be able to ask for your salary/benefits history, and must provide a pay-scale for the job upon request

12. Wearing a seat belt on buses will become mandatory for those with seat belts. Buses carrying children aged 8-16 must provide seat belts

13. Free tampons and pads must be in at least half of all restrooms in public schools that serve low-income areas (defined as 40% poverty or more)

Here is to working together on the local level!!!

++

My Top Reads of 2017 (Death in the Anthropocene; Vegetarian Myth, New York 2140, Are we Deranged?)

Global Warming Part One at 3Quarks here: The Sound of Lotus BlossomingThis week holds some far-out events.

Get ready for a night of mushrooms (eating, drinking and foraging), Egyptian belly dancing, and some major art shows.

Monday, Jan. 8th



Fresh Festival @ Joe Goode Annex

When: 8pm

Where: Joe Goode Annex, 401 Alabama St. (Mission)

Why: You'll experience cutting-edge live art, dance and music in this four-week festival. // Tickets $25-$35 (per night) are available at joegoode.org.





Monday, Jan. 8th

Learn Egyptian Style Belly Dance @ Alonzo King Lines Ballet

When: 6pm

Where: Alonzo King Lines Ballet, 26 7th St. #5 (SoMa)

Why: You'll learn the fundamentals of Egyptian raqs (dance) movement, posture and technique if you're a beginner; for more seasoned belly dancer, the 7pm advanced class focuses on strengthening and refining techniques as well as expanding your knowledge of rhythms and songs. // Tickets ($15) are available at dancecenter.linesballet.org.





Monday, Jan. 8th

Delfina Pops up @ The Old Farina

When: Through Thursday, Jan. 11th

Where: 3560 18th St. (Mission)

Why: While Delfina is closed for renovations, you can order some of your usual favorites for lunch and dinner, including pizzas, from the restaurant's pop-up inside the recently shuttered Farina space, just down the block on 18the Street. Keep your eyes peeled for daily guest sommeliers and bartenders. // delfinasf.com





Tuesday, January 9th

Sandwiches, Shakes & Cakes @ Sweets Inspirations

When: 9am to 9pm daily

Where: 2239 Market St. (Upper Market)

Why: Because you're still secretly a Top Chef fan. The show's well known local alum chef Ryan Scott and sandwich god Ike Shehadeh have quietly opened Sweet Inspirations, a new bakery and restaurant slinging fried chicken sandos, burgers, desserts and more. // instagram.com/sweetssf





Wednesday, Jan. 10th

Savory Macarons, Meet Wine

When: 7 to 9pm

Where: Russian Hill address will be revealed to ticket holders.

Why: When else will you taste exotic wasabi-grapefruit or saffron-and-caramelized-pistachio macarons paired with vino? // Tickets ($39) are available at eatfeastly.com.





Wednesday, Jan. 10th

Opening Party @ Kaya



When: 6 to 9pm

Where: 1420 Market St. (Civic Center)

Why: Because Daniel Patterson is doing Jamaican food, that's why. But that's not all: He's teamed with the master, Nigel Jones of Oakland's Kingston 11, to open Kaya, a Jamaican restaurant and rum bar, in the former Alta space on Market Street. Celebrate with small bites and cocktails to benefit the Cooking Project. // Tickets ($60-$80) are available at eventbrite.com.





Thursday, Jan. 11th

Fungus Among Us @ California Academy of Sciences

When: 6 to 10pm

Where: Cal Academy, 55 Music Concourse Dr. (Golden Gate Park)

Why: Because mushrooms forever. Get the knowledge on how and where to forage, tasty earthy shroom-infused cocktails, and cultivate your own mushrooms to take home. // Tickets ($15 per person; $12 for members) are available at calacademy.org.





Thursday, Jan. 11th

Automat Burger Pop-up @ Triple Voodoo Brewery

When: 6pm until they sell out.

Where: 2245 Third St. (Dogpatch)

Why: Since Lazy Bear isn't so friendly to those with budget-related resolutions, you can taste a delicious double-smashed cheeseburger (with pimento cheese special sauce)) from one of the fancy restaurant's alums, Matt Kirk. Pair it with a Triple Voodoo IPA and stick around for trivia night. // automatsf.com





Friday, Jan. 12th

Fog Design + Art Fair @ Fort Mason

When: 9am to 6pm, January 11-14

Where: 2 Marina Blvd. (Marina)

Why: With art world luminaries gathered from around the world, Fog Fair is the place to be for culture vultures in the know. Be on the lookout for our favorite works of art. // Tickets ($25) are available at eventbrite.com; fogfair.com.





Saturday, Jan. 13th

Learn to Cook Tamales @ The Civic Kitchen

When: 10am to 2pm

Where: 2961 Mission St. (Mission)

Why: You've resolved to eat out less and cook more. What better way to dig in than with a four-hour lesson in handmade tamales ($145) at new cooking school Civic Kitchen. Check the schedule online for one-off classes and six-week courses. // civickitchensf.com





Sunday, Jan. 16th

The East Cut Art Fair in SoMa

When: 10am to 5pm

Where: 160 Spear St. (Embarcadero)

Why: Because even though you refuse to call this swath of SoMa the "East Cut," you have art fair FOMO. Check out contemporary art curated by four Bay Area galleries: Chandra Cerrito Contemporary (Oakland), George Lawson Gallery (SF), Seager Gray Gallery (Mill Valley) and Slate Contemporary (Oakland). Shop small collectibles from local makers and large-scale pieces from national and internationally acclaimed artists. // theeastcut.orgMark your calendar for these art shows, performances and more.

Oborozuki by Miya Ando Courtesy of Nancy Toomey Fine Art

What: Oborozuki (Moon Obscured by Clouds)



When: January 4 through February 17, 2018

Where: Nancy Toomey Fine Art, 1275 Minnesota St. (Dogpatch), nancytoomeyfineart.com

Why: You have read Murasaki Shikibu's novel The Tale of Genji and you are in love with Lady Oborozuki. Inspired by the novel and the word Oborozuki, which means "the moon obscured by clouds," this solo show of artist Miya Ando includes a series of paintings on aluminum, as well as works on paper that investigate the transitory aspect of time and temporality.





What: Object Action: The "F" Word in a Post-Truth Era



When: January 6th through February 16th, 2018

Where: State Space, 1295 Alabama St. (Mission), statespacesf.com

Why: Because you too. See the sculptures, installations, paintings and videos of badass women artistsincluding Ana Maria Fernandez, Michele Pred, Angela Hennessy and Sanaz Mazinaniwho offer their unique takes on the topic of feminism in the Trump era. The opening marks the debut of the charitable initiative Collect for Change; sales from this show will benefit nonprofits including Art & Abolition, Girls Garage and more.





Toilet Paper booth. (Courtesy of Untitled)

What: Open House



When: January 8th through February 24th

Where: Jessica Silverman Gallery, 488 Ellis St. (Tenderloin), jessicasilvermangallery.com

Why: Amuse and Artsy magazines named her boothwith works by Judy Chicago, Matthew Angelo Harrison, Julian Hoeber, Dashiell Manley, Nicole Wermersas one of the best at Art Basel Miami last year; Amuse describing it as "ever so topical." Jessica Silverman brings to San Francisco 13 International emerging art stars from Glasgow's The Modern Institute. Look for a site-specific mural by Nicolas Party, Monika Sosnowska's Pipe, and more.

Pipe by Monika Sosnowska (Courtesy of Jessica Silverman Gallery)

What: A [4CH VERSION]



When: January 9-21, 2018

Where: Ars Citizen temporary space (Gallery 200) @ Minnesota Street Project,1275 Minnesota St. (Dogpatch), arscitizen.org

Why: Sound is everything. Here Paris-based composer and artist Ryoji Ikeda transforms the gallery into an immersive musical landscape that is both physically and personally interactive and too complex to explain. Hear it to believe it.





What: SF Sketchfest

When: January 11-28, 2018

Where: 16 venues across San Francisco, sfsketchfest.com

Why: You need a laugh. The 17th year of everyone's favorite comedy festival will bring more than 700 performers to the stage. Eat light and get ready to bust a gut with the likes of Louie Anderson and Martha Kelly, Julie Benz, David Cross, Broken Lizard, cast members from Twin Peaks and more.





What: Untitled Art Fair



When: January 12 - 14, 2018

Where: Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St. (Presidio), untitledartfairs.com

Why: You either went to last year's debut fair and know better than to miss it. Or you missed it and then felt totally lame. This year's contemporary art fair will gather together 50 galleries and exhibitors from around the worldunless you are a globetrotter with quite deep pockets, expect to see art you can't see anywhere else.





Kohey Nawa: Trans-figure. Pixcell-Double Deer#7 (Courtesy of Scai The BathHouse, Photo by Nobutada Omote | Sandwich)

What: Kohey Nawa: Trans-figure



When: January 18 through February 25, 2018

Where: Pace Gallery, 229 Hamilton Ave. (Palo Alto), pacegallery.com

Why: Because technology and science can be quite artful. The first U.S. solo exhibition for Japanese artist Kohei Nawa will wow you with his collection of pixelated sculptures made out of toys, taxidermy and musical instruments.Human Vaccines Market

The World Human Vaccines Market Research Report provides detailed analysis of the key regional market status of the Healthcare Industry.

A vaccine is a biological preparation which contains a weakened or killed microbial agent, its toxins or its surface proteins, which provides active acquired immunity against the disease caused by the microbe.

we expect the Middle East and Africa Human Vaccines Market which was $ 2.8 billion in 2015 to reach around $ 5.46 billion in future, growing at a CAGR of 11.8%.

The aim of vaccination is to stimulate and train the body immunity to recognize and destroy the microbial threat in later encounters. Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases and is largely responsible for eradicating many deadly diseases such as smallpox and the restriction of diseases such as measles, and tetanus.

Middle East and Africa are laggards when it comes to immunization coverage. According to World Health Organization (WHO), out of the total number of children worldwide who did not receive the required three doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines, more than 40% were from sub-Saharan Africa. Other nations with large unvaccinated population include Nigeria, Iraq, Chad, Niger, Angola, Somalia and Sudan. UNICEF estimates that in 2015, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Somalia, South Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic and Ukraine had less than 50%coverage of the third dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. More than half of the unvaccinated children live in Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Uganda and South Africa.

Thus Middle East and Africa offer immense potential and opportunities for the vaccine market. Apart from the unmet needs for vaccination, second most important market driving factor are the policies of national Governments and international bodies such as World health organization (WHO). For example vaccine action plan of WHO along with huge funding from international bodies were responsible for driving the vaccine market to great heights in the past and also resulted in development and expansion of vaccine production capacities especially in developing states notably India. Other driving factors are increasing funds from philanthropy organizations such as Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, inclusion of several new vaccines in the national immunization schedule of many countries, development of new vaccines which includes vaccine for hepatitis, growing awareness of vaccination, growth of manufacturing low cost vaccines especially in developing countries, the entry of China in the vaccine market etc.

The markets constraints include falling profitability of vaccine, manufacturing, eradication of diseases such as smallpox which effectively eliminates the need for vaccine, side effects associated with vaccines, variability of efficacy of vaccines and difficulty of producing vaccines for microbes with high mutations such as HIV.

The low profitability in vaccine manufacturing has reduced incentives for developing vaccines for diseases of the developing world such as tuberculosis and malaria.

The markets trends include strong research pipeline under which number of novel vaccines are being developed such as rubella vaccine, ebola vaccine etc. DNA recombinant technology is also a common technology used in the development of novel acting vaccines.

Taking all the factors into consideration,

Key Players for Middle East and Africa Human Vaccines Market:

GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Merck & Co. Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., AstraZeneca Plc., Bharat Biotech, Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Emergent Biosolutions Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., Panacea Biotec and others.

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Human Vaccines Market Segments:

Middle East and Africa Human Vaccines Market has been segmented on the basis of technology which comprises attenuated, inactivated, toxoid, conjugate & subunit, recombinant DNA. On the basis of disease indication; market is segmented into pneumococcal, influenza, hepatitis, rotavirus, DTP, polio and others. On the basis of type the market is segmented into prophylactic and therapeutic. On the basis of composition market is again segmented into mono vaccine and combination vaccines. The route of administration segments the market into oral, injectable and other. Moreover on the basis of end user; market is segmented into children and adults.

Regional Analysis of Middle East and Africa Human Vaccines Market:

Depending on geographic region, Human Vaccine Market is segmented into several countries: UAE is the largest market for human vaccines in the entire Middle East and Africa human vaccines market closely followed by Egypt. The rest of Africas market especially Sub Saharan regions are however the fastest growing market with huge unmet medical needs.

Table of Content

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Research Methodology

Chapter 3 Market Dynamics

Chapter 4 Market Factor Analysis

Chapter 5 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Technology

Chapter 6 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Disease Indication

Chapter 7 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Type

Chapter 8 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Composition

Chapter 9 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Route Of Administration

Chapter 10 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By End User

Chapter 11 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Country

Chapter 12 Company Landscape

Chapter 13 Company Profile

Chapter 14 Others

Chapter 15 Appendix

Chapter 16 List Of Tables:

Table 1 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, 2013-2022 (Usd Million)

Table 2 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Technology, 2013-2022 (Usd Million)

Table 3 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Disease Indication, 2013-2022 (Usd Million)

Table 4 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Type, 2013-2022 (Usd Million)

Table 5 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Composition, 2013-2022 (Usd Million)

Chapter 17 List Of Figures:

Figure 1 Research Process

Figure 2 Porters Five Forces Model

Figure 3 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Technology

Figure 4 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Disease Indication

Figure 5 Middle East And Africa Human Vaccines Market, By Type

Continued

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Amended Preliminary Economic Assessment

Sydney, Jan 5, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Power International Limited ( ASX:LPI ) ("LPI" or "the Company"), in order to comply with Australian Security Exchange's ("ASX") compliance and regulatory requirements, is pleased to provide an Amended Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its Maricunga lithium brine project in northern Chile by the Maricunga joint venture company, Minera Salar Blanco (MSB).It is noted that the content of the PEA remains unaltered, however further disclosure and additional information is provided to allow further compliance with ASX and JORC disclosure requirements.Highlights- PEA confirms the high quality of the Maricunga Lithium Brine Project ("the Project"), with the outcomes from the PEA providing a base for further development.- The Project is progressing to a feasibility study, providing improved certainty regarding reserves, metallurgical design, equipment and operational risks.- Conventional evaporation pond and process technology to minimise operational risks.- PEA completed by Tier-1 engineering consultancy WorleyParsons to international standards. Accuracy of operating and capital cost estimates expected within a +/- 25% range.To ensure appropriate disclosure of information and assumptions used in the PEA full access to the PEA document prepared by WorleyParsons is available from the LPI website http://lithiumpowerinternational.com Lithium Power International's Chief Executive Officer, Martin Holland, commented:"Release of the PEA is a very important step towards becoming a lithium producer. The study demonstrates a very positive and robust outcome that justifies completion of a full feasibility study. The operating expenditure estimate places Maricunga in the lower quartile on the cost curve, at US$2,938/t (excluding KCl). The project has a payback of less than three years. It's important to state that the high level of detail in this study meets international standards."Executive Summary and Key Study ParametersThe project plan is to produce 20,000t/a of lithium carbonate (LCE), with production of 74,000t/a of potassium chloride (KCl) from year 3 of the project when potash salts have accumulated to a level where continuous processing can be carried out. Key operating and capital costs are summarised in Tables 1 to 3.The study was based on extraction of an average 222 litres per second (l/s) of brine throughout the project life of 20 years. The brine commences approximately 10cm below the salt lake surface and extends below the base of the proposed bore field at 200m below the surface. Brine will be extracted from a minimum of 13 individual wells, pumping via a central collection pond to the evaporation ponds.In the evaporation ponds, the brine would be concentrated through evaporation and chemical saturation, with precipitation of different salts, such as halite, sylvinite and carnallite. All salts that precipitate would be periodically harvested from the ponds, and stored in designated stockpiles. The sylvinite and carnallite salts would be sent directly to the KCl processing plant, where through processes of size reduction and classification, flotation, leaching, drying and packaging, KCl fertilizer is obtained.Concentrated lithium brine from the evaporation ponds would be pumped to the reservoir ponds, from which a Salt Removal Plant would be fed. This plant would remove calcium impurities as calcium chloride and tachyhydrite from the brine. This would be achieved through consecutive evaporation and crystallization steps. This process allows a higher concentration of lithium in the brine.The concentrated lithium brine obtained from the Salt Removal Plant would then be fed to the lithium carbonate plant, where purification, solvent extraction and filtration remove remaining impurities including calcium, magnesium and boron. The concentrated lithium brine would then be fed to a carbonation stage, where through the addition of soda ash, the lithium carbonate precipitates. This precipitated lithium carbonate would then be fed to a centrifuge for water removal, and final drying, size reduction and packaging. The lithium and potash products would be exported from ports in the second region of Chile, near Antofagasta.The project has excellent existing infrastructure. The project is located beside one of the international roads connecting Chile and Argentina. High capacity electricity infrastructure is also nearby, providing excellent power options for the project development.Completion of a definitive feasibility study in the second half of 2018 and securing the project environmental and operating permits will take the Company to the point of final decision to proceed and financial investment.To view the full Study, please visit:About Lithium Power International Ltd

Lithium Power International Limited (ASX:LPI) is a pure-play lithium explorer and developer, focusing on developing and fast-tracking to production the high-grade Maricunga lithium brine project in Chile.

LPI has a well-known performing technical team with the experience to take the Maricunga project all the way through the development stages to production.

The regions that LPI is currently focused on are:

1. Maricunga JV (Chile) - Located within the "Lithium Triangle", Maricunga is Chile's highest grade and most advanced lithium project outside the Salar de Atacama. The project lies 170 km northeast of Copiapo and 250 km from the port of Caldera.

2. Pilbara (Western Australia) - LPI has three granted exploration tenements covering 203 km2 in the Pilbara region of northern Western Australia. The largest granted exploration tenement is the Pilgangoora tenement which is 2-3 km west of the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) and Altura Mining (ASX:AJM) lithium deposits.

3. Greenbushes (Western Australia) - LPI has two granted exploration tenements covering 400 km2 in the Greenbushes area of southern Western Australia. The tenements are adjacent to the world's largest hard rock lithium mine owned and operated by Tianqi/Talison.

4. Centenario (Argentina) - Through its Argentinian subsidiary, Lithium Power holds a total of seven granted tenements in the Centenario lithium brine salar within the Salta province of the Puna Plateau. In total, the seven granted tenements cover an area of 68.46 km2.

With the exception of the Maricunga JV, all tenements are 100% owned by LPI or LPSA (including rights to the Centenario tenements).Big Chinese airlines have been cleared to let their prices take off.

The country's aviation regulator is lifting a cap on how much government-owned carriers are allowed to charge passengers on domestic Chinese routes.

If a route is served by at least five carriers, the state-run airlines can now hike prices by as much as 10% a year.

The new rule takes effect immediately and applies to 300 routes, China's civil aviation regulator said in a statement.

"The Chinese airlines have greater pricing power than ever before," said Corrine Png, an analyst at research firm Crucial Perspective. She predicts carriers will start by hiking fares about 5%.

Related: Flying in 2017 was safer than it's ever been

The main state-run airlines didn't immediately respond to requests for comment Monday. But their share prices jumped, suggesting investors expect the looser regulations to bring in more money.

Chinese authorities previously kept a tight leash on plane fares. But there have been signs of them taking a more relaxed view in recent years.

The changes come as air travel is booming in China, the world's most populous country and second largest economy.

The International Air Transport Association said last year that China will overtake the U.S. as the world's largest air travel market by 2022.

Related: The numbers behind China's massive aviation market

Data from Crucial Perspective shows that passenger load factors -- a measure of how full planes are -- are running at record highs in China.

Passenger numbers on domestic routes are growing about 10% ever year.

Png said that China Southern Airlines should see the biggest boost to its bottom line following the change, as most of its revenues comes from domestic travelers.

Its stock rose 4.3% in Hong Kong on Monday following the news. Shares in another big state carrier, Air China, jumped 6.2%.

-- Nanlin Fang contributed to this report.To look at, they're what most would call elephant tusks, ears or tails.

Inside the culture of big game hunting, they're called trophies: animal parts valued as prizes gained during the hunt.

Gruesome symbols of death to some. Treasured souvenirs by others.

And right now, the United States isn't sure what to do with them. President Trump, facing the biggest decision of its kind in years, must determine whether elephant tusks and other body parts can be legally imported into the United States from Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Traditionally, the United States has allowed trophies to be imported only if countries proved hunting would not harm the overall population of the endangered species. But Zambia and Zimbabwe were found to fall short of that guideline, and elephant trophies from those nations were banned from the United States.

Last November, President Trump's administration moved to change that rule. It has led to a legal and political standoff pitting hunting advocates against animal rights groups, and it has put the Trump family's stance on big game hunting under scrutiny.

It also has contributed to the heated, emotional debate about the business of big game conservation, and whether hunting should be a part of it.

Animal rights groups are outraged the practice is allowed at all.

But hunting advocates say the big game trade can save elephants and other endangered species when profits are used to responsibly manage herds in ways that increase animal populations.

The ban

It all started nearly four years ago, when the Obama administration banned elephant trophy imports from Zambia and Zimbabwe, saying the countries failed to provide the adequate proof.

Last November the US Fish and Wildlife Service said it was lifting the ban, saying the countries had improved their conservation programs so hunts "will enhance the survival of the African elephant."

But after a public outcry, President Trump tweeted he would "Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts," adding, "Under study for years. Will update soon with Secretary [of Interior Ryan] Zinke. Thank you!"

Nearly two months after the President's tweet, CNN asked the Department of the Interior about the status of the review, and a spokesperson responded: "President Trump and Secretary Zinke have met on this subject and there will be no new permits granted for elephant trophies for Zimbabwe or Zambia."

"This will remain in place until the Department of the Interior has completed a comprehensive review and the President has made a determination based upon their recommendations," the spokesman said.

Despite multiple requests for comment, White House officials declined to say whether the review is ongoing, when it might conclude, or when the President's decision may be announced.

A challenge in court

Meanwhile hunting advocates and animal rights groups are both claiming victory in a case challenging the ban before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

In a split ruling the court upheld the ban while litigation continues, saying the Fish and Wildlife Service was within its rights to implement the prohibition. But at the same time the court scolded the government for failing to conduct a federally mandated public review of the impact of the rule before enacting it.

It sent that part of the case back to a lower court with orders to tell the Fish and Wildlife Service to come up with rules to implement the old ban.

US Humane Society Attorney Anna Frostic told CNN the ruling is a win because the "D.C. Circuit opinion completely upheld the decision on the substantive grounds." She added that, "the federal government must carefully consider the science demonstrating that trophy hunting negatively impacts the conservation of imperiled species," before changing rules already in place.

That means the November decision suspending the Obama era ban may not be in compliance under this ruling, because it failed to follow those same public comment requirements.

An attorney for Safari Club International, a hunting advocacy group that along with the National Rifle Association filed the suit in 2014, said, "The court did not expressly set aside the findings, nor did it uphold them." The group says it is waiting to see how the district court rules before deciding its next steps.

In a statement to supporters claiming victory, Safari Club International said it believes the ruling will allow hunters' voices to be heard during "the process of decision-making that affects the importation of legally hunted wildlife." The club added the government "will not be able to impose uninformed, abrupt importation bans, like it did in 2014."

How we got here

In November, when word leaked out that the Trump administration was preparing to reverse the ban, conservationists sounded alarms. Among them: Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the US Humane Society, who argued that elephant hunting is "just thrill killing, bragging rights, trophies for a threatened species, the largest land animal in the world." Pacella said "shooting an elephant is like shooting a parked car. I mean there's no sport in it either."

But a November statement from the US Fish and Wildlife Service disagreed, saying in part, "legal, well-regulated sport hunting as part of a sound management program can benefit the conservation of certain species by providing incentives to local communities to conserve the species and by putting much-needed revenue back into conservation."

Connection to President Trump's game-hunting son

The Fish and wildlife Service is overseen by the Department of the Interior, which is run by Zinke. In fact, Zinke's appointment was championed by President Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., an avid big game hunter.

In 2011, Trump Jr. and brother Eric Trump were photographed posing with their kills, including an elephant, during a hunting trip to Zimbabwe. In one picture, Trump Jr. is seen holding the dead elephant's severed tail. The photos first appeared on Gothamist.

When Trump Jr. addressed the photos at the time, he did not deny their authenticity, saying, "I can assure you it was not wasteful." Adding on Twitter, "The villagers were so happy for the meat which they don't often get to eat."

How does Trump really feel about big game hunting?

Even then, there were signs that future President Donald Trump and his sons had different opinions on the issue. In a 2012 interview Trump told Extra, "Everybody tells me what they did in the world of hunting is fine. But I'm not a fan."

In November, the President made clear his opinion on the killings had not changed, tweeting he would, "be very hard pressed to change my mind that this horror show in any way helps conservation of elephants or any other animal."

From 2007 to 2014, elephant populations in the African savanna plummeted 30%, according to the Great Elephant Census, a two-year study that mapped and tracked elephant herds across 18 countries.

In some places elephant populations have dropped at higher rates, primarily due to ivory poaching. And experts now say about 350,000 remain, down from an estimated 1 million as recently as the 1970s, and a potential 20 million that roamed the region before Africa was colonized by European countries.

Animal rights activists also point out that elephant trophies are still allowed to be imported from other countries in Africa, and note that other activities like selling elephant hides or other elephant parts are still considered legal -- and many can be imported into the United States with proper permits from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.Sen. Tina Smith, who replaced Al Franken in the Senate, said Monday morning that she's confident her predecessor's decision to resign was because he felt it was the right decision for Minnesota.

"The decision that he made to resign was the decision that he felt was the best thing for Minnesota. I respect the decision that he made. And now it's up to me to move forward and that's what I'm going to do," Smith, a Democrat, told CNN's Alisyn Camerota on "New Day."

Smith added that Franken was "a really strong senator" and said "he advocated so well for us."

Franken stepped down earlier this month in the wake of allegations that he touched several women inappropriately. Smith previously served as Minnesota's lieutenant governor before she was appointed to succeed Franken.President Donald Trump used a Monday speech at the American Farm Bureau in Nashville to take a tax cut victory lap and sign two measures aimed at providing better rural broadband internet access.

Trump, surrounded by a supportive audience of farmers and agriculture executives, cast himself as the first president in decades to focus on rural America and argued that the new tax law allows more farmers to keep money in their pockets and reinvest in their companies.

Trump was surrounded by farmers and agriculture executives "The American dream is roaring back to life," Trump said

"In every decision we make, we are honoring America's proud farming legacy," Trump said. "Years of crushing taxes, crippling regulations and corrupt politics left our communities hurting, our economy stagnant and millions of hardworking Americans completely forgotten. But they, guess what, are not forgotten anymore."

He added: "The American dream is roaring back to life," saying the bill provides "historic relief for our farmer and our middle class."

Trump signed an executive order and a presidential memorandum that directed his administration to use "all viable tools to accelerate the deployment and adoption of affordable, reliable, modern high-speed broadband connectivity in rural America."

"I will sign two presidential orders to provide broader and faster and better internet coverage," Trump said before signing the measures. He then jokingly urged people to check out his oft-used Twitter account.

"Make sure you look up @realdonaldtrump," he said. "I have a feeling you get that anyway, actually. It's our only way around the media."

The orders followed input from farmers to Trump's rural America task force, who released a report on Monday that detailed their findings, including the need for better internet access.

"That is why today in a few minutes I will take the first step to expand access to broadband internet in rural America so you can compete on a level playing field, which you were not able to do. Not fair," the President said.

Improving rural broadband connectivity has long been a goal, and previous administrations -- including President Barack Obama's -- have tried to address the issue with little success. According to the Federal Communications Commission's 2016 Broadband Progress Report, 39% of rural Americans -- roughly 23 million people -- lack access to high-speed internet.

Despite the boisterous welcome, the speech was also colored by Trump's push to renegotiate NAFTA and to leave other international trade agreements, policy proposals that many American farmers have not supported because of their reliance on international markets and low to no tariffs.

Trump briefly mentioned renegotiating NAFTA during the speech -- things are "under negotiation as we speak," he said -- but moved on quickly, a tacit acknowledgment that the administration is aware many farmers are in favor of keeping NAFTA in place.

Monday's victory lap comes after a consequential week for the President.

Trump has been put on the defensive by revelations in "Fire and Fury," a new bombshell book by Michael Wolff, and spent much of the last week defending himself and looking to discredit the author.

The President also met this weekend with top Republican lawmakers eager to chart the 2018 legislative calendar. Republicans, after passing tax reform at the end of 2017, want to hold on to their majorities in the House and the Senate, and Trump's speech will be a preview of how they will look to sell tax reform during an election year.

Trump's remarks brought him face-to-face with many of the rural American voters who helped deliver him the White House in 2016. According to CNN's exit polls, 61% of rural voters backed Trump, compared with 34% who voted for Hillary Clinton.

Trump, in a preview of possible 2018 messaging, slammed Democrats for voting against his tax plan and said that if they took power in the coming years they would look to raise Americans' taxes.

He also said he had provided voters with the "privilege" for voting for him in 2016.

"Oh, are you happy you voted for me," he said. "You are so lucky that I gave you that privilege."

Trump's remarks mimicked the Agriculture Department's report on the state of rural America.

"I think what we often see communicated about rural America is that there are these isolated pockets of despair that are beyond hope or recovery and that the population exodus from these areas will never be reversed and is just a part of where we are going," said Ray Starling, the President's special assistant for agriculture and agricultural trade. "The report makes clear that, at least this administration, that's not what we believe."

Trump has been proud to tout his tax reform plan, which when it passed last month was his top legislative achievement of his first year in office.

Sen. Bob Corker, a frequent Trump critic from the right, traveled to Tennessee aboard Air Force One on Monday. Sources familiar with discussions between Trump and Corker say the Tennessee senator has repaired his relationship with the commander in chief since the two men exchanged fierce words in the fall.

Corker was seen smiling and interacting with Trump throughout the visit.The online ad was pretty blunt: "Dominate [sic] male police officer seeks fun, discreet, sub playmate -- m4w."

Before long, that officer got a response from a purported 14-year-old girl. And the age didn't dissuade him, authorities said.

"... everyone has to have a first time," the officer responded, according to a criminal complaint. "... you will just have to get me naked tomorrow."

But the officer sending those crude messages wasn't just any cop -- he was Michael William Diebold, the police chief of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, investigators say.

And that 14-year-old girl wasn't really an eighth-grader. It was a special agent for the state attorney general's Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

When Diebold tried to meet the (fictional) girl on Friday, he was instead met by fellow law enforcement officers. The 40-year-old police chief was arrested and faces several charges, including unlawful contact with a minor related to sexual offenses.

Bail was set at $500,000. Diebold remained in custody Sunday at Westmoreland County Prison in Pennsylvania.

It was not immediately clear whether Diebold has an attorney.

The Leechburg Police Department did not respond to a message Sunday asking about Diebold's employment status. But the police department's website Sunday still showed Diebold leading a police force of three full-time officers, including himself.

'This case is particularly heinous'

Before his arrest, the police chief was somewhat of a local celebrity. After losing his arm in a fireworks accident last year, Diebold married his fiancee in a ceremony featured on TV, CNN affiliate WTAE reported.

But the following year, Diebold was online soliciting sexual acts, according to the criminal complaint against him.

"I am a dom male that is also employed as a full-time police officer. I hope that does not scare you off," Diebold posted, according to the complaint.

"I am looking for a female sub for ongoing play sessions. I do not have a set type of woman so any age, race or status may email me. I respect any and all limits and you do not need to be experienced."

Daniel Block, the special agent posing online as the 14-year-old girl, repeatedly stated the age, Block wrote in an affidavit. But he said Diebold's advances continued.

"... what are you wearing right now, proof that you are serious would be a bra and panty pic right now," the police chief wrote, according to Block's affidavit.

On December 29, Diebold allegedly sent several images to the undercover officer, including photos of an erect penis in various stages of undress.

After Diebold asked to meet the girl in person -- and was subsequently arrested -- "Diebold admitted to being the individual who was communicating with the purported child during all the communications," the affidavit states.

"Diebold admitted that he knew that sexual contact with a 14-year-old child was wrong and illegal and that his life was totally over."

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said the police chief's case shows his office "will prosecute any offender to the fullest extent of the law, no matter who they are."

"This case is particularly heinous because the perpetrator is a public official, sworn to serve and protect the community," Shapiro said in a statement. "Thanks to the hard work of the agents and prosecutors in our Child Predator Section, one more predator is off our streets."

Wife left 'broken, blindsided'

Danielle Reinke Diebold, Diebold's wife, told CNN affiliate KDKA Sunday that she has never hurt so much and felt that God had given her more than she could handle.

Her life and children's lives had been completely shattered, she said in a statement.

"I am broken, devastated, humiliated, and I was completely blindsided. He was the first man ever in my life who never made me question, never gave me a gut feeling, never a bad instinct or sign and we were even in the process of planning to extend our family.

"This is not who we knew. We knew a loving, caring father and husband and we are grieving the loss of that man," she said. "I will never find the right words to say but I want to say I am truly so sorry to everyone out there including any minor that may have been involved, our community, family and friends."Royal London and Carers UK are now calling for a more proactive approach from government to make sure that carers take up these valuable rights. Royal London estimates that each year of credits would add 237 per year to a carers state pension, or over 4,700 over the course of a typical twenty year retirement. Assuming over 155,000 carers a year are missing out, this creates a total loss in excess of 700m. In 2010 the government introduced a new system of National Insurance credits to help bridge gaps in National Insurance records. It was targeted on carers who were spending at least 20 hours caring, affecting their ability to earn enough to pay National Insurance, but who were not entitled to the Carers Allowance for those doing 35 hours per week of caring, and which brings automatic credits for National Insurance. To qualify for the credit, a person aged under state pension age must be providing 20 hours per week or more of care for a disabled person who is receiving: Disability Living Allowance care component at the middle or highest rate

Attendance Allowance

Constant Attendance Allowance

Personal Independence Payment - daily living component, at the standard or enhanced rate

Armed Forces Independence Payment

If the person being cared for doesnt get one of the above benefits, the application has to be signed by a health or social care professional such as a GP who can confirm the details on the application. Steve Webb, Director of Policy, Royal London said:These schemes are introduced with the best of intentions, but they become no more than window-dressing if virtually nobody actually takes them up. Governments cannot simply hope that people find the information on official websites or rely on the occasional ministerial press release. It is time for proactive communications with those who are meant to benefit so that far more people get the help to which they are entitled. Emily Holzhausen OBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Carers UK said:Caring for more than twenty hours per week has a big impact on someones ability to hold down a job and pay National Insurance Contributions. The carers credit is a good scheme but it needs much more effective publicity. Caring often impacts negatively on health, wellbeing and ability to work and yet carers contribution to the economy is worth billions a year. They should not lose out financially in retirement as well.A group of Indian-Americans and Balochs held a protest, called Chappal chor Pakistan outside Pakistan embassy in Washington DC over reported misbehaviour meted out to Kulbhushan Jadhavs kin in Islamabad.

The protesters donated old shoes and said the protest is in solidarity with Jadhavs family.

Baloch protestors also joined the protest and raised anti-Pakistan slogans. The protestors urged people to bring old shoes to give them to Pakistan.

They also asked them to dress like a Siachen soldier with at least 2 layers of clothes for cold. Chappal chor Pakistan started trending after Pakistan asked Kulbhushan Jadhavs mother and wife to remove mangalsutra, bindi before meeting him.

His wifes shoes were not returned after meeting which left India and the world flabbergasted.The 63-year-old suffered at least 17 wounds; prominent Shiv Sena leader and former municipal corporator Ashok Sawant was brutally stabbed to death outside his home in Mumbai. He was returning home from a meeting around 11 p.m. on Sunday night when two persons who lay in wait, pounced on him with knives and choppers outside his house, a police team rushed him to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead on admission. Police have checked CCTV footages in the locality and have identified one of the two killers. The preliminary motive behind the crime appeared to be extortion.

Extortion and Shiv Sena go parallel; there are several examples where Shiv Sena leaders demand fixed haftas (bribe) and they even ask extortion money from small time businessmen, builders and hawkers. In 2011, Santosh Shinde, Sena shakha pramukh Santosh Gharat and Vinod Mishra stopped a contractor, Manmad Qureshi and demanded Rs 1,000. When he refused to pay, they allegedly assaulted him. Qureshi lodged an FIR against them an hour after the incident. Shinde reportedly confessed to having demanded the money. Shinde claimed that he was collecting the money for party-related work. There are many such examples  people are fed-up with the high handedness of Shiv Sena leaders. From routine life to festive seasons, people in various businesses are forced to pay money for the party. Anyways, in this case I dont know what exactly had happened, but extortion is not new thing with the party and killing of Shiv Sainiks is a part of underworld activity in Mumbai.

Last year, a 36-year-old Shiv Sena worker, who was aspiring to contest the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) polls, was allegedly hacked to death by unidentified persons at Triveni Park area on Nashik Road in Nashik. The victim, Surendra alias Gharya Shejval, a resident of Canal Road, located near Nashik Road Central Jail, had died on the spot. Shejval had quit the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and joined Shiv Sena. Shejval was returning home along with his friend on their two-wheeler after visiting a Shiv Sena corporators office around 9.30 pm. The accused followed them in a car and attacked Shejval with swords and sharp weapons, in which he died on the spot.

After going through footage from CCTV cameras in the area, Police identified one killer who had identified the other killers  one of them is a well-known criminal called Jagga. Ashok Sawant had started a cable business a few years ago and had complained to the police after he reportedly began to receive extortion calls the past two days. But he did not seek any security or cover. Sawants brother Subhash Sawant is an assistant police commissioner at the Mumbai Polices Anti-Terrorism Squad.

As usual, the parts of Kandivali East observed a spontaneous shutdown after the killing of the two-time municipal corporator. This is another irony; people are made to mourn by force. Anyways, this is the reason, somewhere Shiv Sena losing its sheen.

In 2014, a local Shiv Sena leader Ramesh Jadhav from suburban Malad was stabbed to death. All the five accused, who stayed in the same locality, were tracked down from their hideouts and arrested. Jadhav, who owned an imitation jewellery business, a night before the murder, had tried to mediate and calm down the clashing groups over a trivial local issue. Tension prevailed in Malad and Dindoshi areas after the murder as scores of Sena workers held demonstrations demanding immediate arrest of the accused.

In 2012, Gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the murder of Shiv Sena politician Kamlakar Jamsandekar in 2007. Gawli was convicted along with 10 others. Jamsandekar was shot dead at his home in suburban Ghatkopar. Gawli was arrested in May 2008. According to the chargesheet, a sum of Rs 30 lakh was paid to the Gawli gang for eliminating the Sena corporator over a land deal. Gawli was elected as an MLA from Mumbais Chinchpokli constituency in 2004 on an Akhil Bhartiya Sena ticket and completed his term. Shiv Sena leaders have butchered many people around and they too got brutally killed by their rivals.

Five years since the death of Balasaheb Thackeray, Shiv Sena, Maharashtras nativist party that he founded and led for half a century is a changed outfit.

The political landscape in India and in Maharashtra has changed remarkably since the death of the maverick politician. In 2012, Shiv Sena was in the opposition with just 45 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra assembly. Though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had one more seat, it was still considered the Shiv Senas junior ally in Maharashtra. And Thackeray was like a father figure to the saffron siblings. Now, Thackerays party is in power in Maharashtra and at the centre, though one-time junior partner BJP wields the reins. Sena now has 63 MLAs in Maharashtra, won entirely under Uddhavs leadership in the October 2014 elections, and 18 members of the Lok Sabha, some of whom may have benefitted from the 2014 Modi wave, as the two parties fought in alliance. The party also has three Rajya Sabha members. But now even after being in power, Shiv Sainiks could not shed their image of bad boys. Party remains in news for one or the other reason, and most of the time for its controversy.

In spite of all odds one must not restore to violence and killings. Hope investigation in Ashok Sawants case brings out the motive and truth. Till then, may his soul rest in peace.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on [email protected])Former Shiv Sena corporator, Ashok Sawant, was stabbed to death outside his house in Mumbais suburb Kandivali at around 11 pm, on Sunday night.

Two men accosted Sawant (62) late on Sunday night who then attacked him with sharp weapons.

The incident took place when he was returning home after meeting a friend.

He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead, a police official told PTI.

Sawant had entered the cable television business a few years ago, the official added.

Sawant was a two-time corporator of Shiv Sena from Samta Nagar.

An FIR has been led under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code at the Samata Nagar police station, reported India Today.

Investigation in the case is on.Hookah bars and pubs have become death traps for young generation, said Senior BJP MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha commenting on the recent deadly Kamala Mills fire mishap that had killed 14 people. He has also demanded the Government to immediately ban the Hookah parlours in the state by issuing an ordinance.

Lodha had presented a revised bill for total ban on Hookah parlours in the state in the recently concluded Nagpur assembly session. But considering the large number of youths died in Kamala Mill accident, there is no need to wait for next assembly session. Govt should also ban Hookah parlours in other states of the country  Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Punjab. It is a fact that Hookah bars are run in many restaurants in the city and it is necessary to cancel licenses of these establishments, he expressed.

I have been demanding to shut the Hookah bars for almost since last three years. I have raised this demand in assembly and also had told this to the Chief Minister by personally meeting him. This time, I have presented a revised bill in the assembly. The next budget session will have discussion about this. But after the death of several people when the fire broke out at Mojos Bistro lounge pub, government should not wait till the budget session and instead, issue an ordinance to ban Hookah bars with immediate effect. Hookah bars have come up as nests of crimes in Mumbai and major cities of the State, Lodha concluded.

Join Age of Autism's Mark Blaxill and Kim Rossi at this event in Framingham, Massachusetts on Thursday, January 11. You can attend the screening and Q&A or opt to attend the meet and greet before the movie as well. Buy your tickets here.Mercedes-Benz today celebrated a milestone at its Tuscaloosa County plant.

Almost 21 years after the plant opened, workers turned out the 3 millionth vehicle assembled there. Employees on the Assembly 2 line, which builds SUVs, enjoyed a special ceremony to commemorate the event, plant officials said.

Mercedes-Benz plant produced its 3 millionth vehicle, a diamond silver Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 SUV, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018.

The vehicle, a diamond silver Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 SUV, is destined for a customer in the United States.

"We're already starting off 2018 with an exciting milestone  a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team members," said Jason Hoff, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International. "Last year was an exciting and successful time for MBUSI  the celebration of 20 years of production in Alabama and we got our first glimpse of what's to come in the future with the announcement of an additional $1 billion investment in our plant.

"This year  2018  will be equally rewarding as we devote our full attention to building the next generation of SUVs," Hoff said.

The Tuscaloosa County plant employs more than 3,700. It is in the final stages of a $1.3 billion plant expansion, which includes a new body shop, enhancements to the SUV assembly shop as well as upgraded logistics and IT systems. The plant is also gearing up for a $1 billion expansion announced last year to produce electric vehicles.The Saks Building in downtown Birmingham has sold after being on the market for six months.

The sale price of the building located at 1904 1st Ave. North wasn't disclosed. The building was listed at the end of June for $4.2 million.

"It was a pretty quick sale," said Corporate Realty's Emily Byrd.

She said it helped that the three-story, 18,848-square-foot building is 100 percent occupied. A surface parking lot beside The Pizitz was also a strong selling point.

Coyote Logistics, which is owned by UPS, signed a 10-year lease for the building in 2014.

The Saks Building was built in 1924 and redeveloped by Corporate Realty in 2005. It was renovated in 2014.

The company that owns the building, CRD Number 3, was sold in the deal, which closed a few days after Christmas.

Developer Mike Mouron, who was involved in redeveloping the Federal Reserve building in downtown Birmingham, is the new owner.

Mouron said he bought the building because he is attracted to historic buildings. He also liked that the building has a long-term lease.

"I think it is a desirable area," he said, speaking about its proximity to The Pizitz, Elyton Hotel and other upcoming projects like Founders Station. "It is only getting better."

Byrd said it's exciting that existing developers are becoming more interested in buying a stake in downtown. She said she hopes it's a sign downtown Birmingham will see more activity in 2018.Toyota's Huntsville engine plant produced almost 700,000 engines last year.

The factory announced today that it is turning out about 3,000 engines per day, six times the number it produced when the plant opened in 2003.

Approximately 1,400 people are employed at the factory. The engines power a third of all Toyota vehicles built in the U.S., encompassing the RAV4, Highlander, Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia models.

2017 was a big year for Toyota in Huntsville. The plant announced a $106 million expansion to install a new 4-cylinder production line for advanced engines, and workers produced the 5 millionth engine built there last February.

Huntsville is the only Toyota plant globally to build 4-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines under one roof.

The company also highlighted its various community initiatives. Toyota Alabama supported more than 50 local non-profit organizations in 2017, investing more than $700,000 in education, mobility, environmental, human services and diversity programs.

Engine and vehicle donations were made to local technical schools to support workforce development efforts and promote careers in manufacturing. In all, the company has donated $9 million to local non-profits.

The plant also made a $90,000 donation to Huntsville STEAM Works to develop a mobile fab lab. In addition, it garnered the Association of Energy Engineer Award for Energy Management, the 11th City of Huntsville Air Pollution Control Achievement Award, the Toyota North America Award for Overall Environmental Improvement and top Facilities Shop.After Oprah Winfrey honored Recy Taylor in her speech Sunday at the Golden Globes, the case of the Alabama native who was the victim of a horrific crime has returned to the spotlight. Winfrey mentioned Taylor, who died Dec. 28, 2017 just days before her 98th birthday, while accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Taylor was named as one of many women who spoke out, despite possible repercussions, and sought equality and justice. Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com

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(Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives)

Taylor, shown above in 1944, was the victim of a vicious attack by six white men in 1944. A then-24-year-old Taylor was walking home from church in her hometown of Abbeville when the group abducted her and gang-raped her. One of the suspects admitted his role in the crime and he named the other men involved. Others later claimed it was consensual sex. None were arrested. The case was twice brought before Henry County grand juries made up of white men, and both times they declined to indict the accused.

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(AP File Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

At the time, the NAACP assigned Rosa Parks to investigate Taylor's case in an attempt to get justice. In 2011, officials in Abbeville made a formal apology to Taylor, shown above in 2010 holding a photo of herself from the 1940s. The next month, the Alabama Legislature also issued resolutions of apology.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

The Alabama Department of Archives and History has an online file of documents relating to the case including telegrams, letters, pamphlets and a news clipping. The article above appeared in The Chicago Defender, a respected African American newspaper. The photo caption says this was the first photo published of Taylor following the rape. She is shown with her daughter, Joyce Lee Taylor and her husband, Willie Guy Taylor.

Click here to see the entire file at the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

This three-page pamphlet encouraged people to write to Chauncey Sparks, then governor of Alabama, on behalf of Recy Taylor and also includes a plea for donations to continue the campaign for justice. It outlines the brutal details of her rape and says the suspects in the case were released. Why? the pamphlet asked. Mrs. Recy Taylor is a Negro. Her assailants are white.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

Inside pages of the three-page pamphlet.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

Pages of a petition from Equal Justice Under Law submitted to Gov. Chauncey Sparks seeking action in the case of Recy Taylor.

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Alabama Department of Archives and History

The cover of a nine-page book prepared by the organization Equal Justice Under Law detailing the case against Recy Taylors assailants. The forward by Henriette Buckmaster discusses the long fight of women for equality and then says Taylor represented women who only want to "raise their children without fear, and love their husbands with assurance and be individuals to which their highest hopes and capacities entitle them. This is what we are fighting for.

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Alabama Department of Archives and History

The introduction to the nine-page pamphlet from Equal Justice Under Law.

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Alabama Department of Archives and History

A letter to Gov. Chauncey Sparks from 48 students at the University of Alabama who ask him to insist on the indictment of the criminals who are guilty of the kidnapping and raping of Mrs. Recy Taylor of Abbeville, Alabama. We believe that justice must be given to Mrs. Taylor regardless of her race.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

Letter written to Gov. Chauncey Sparks from the Social Service Employees Union pleading for justice for Recy Taylor.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

A letter written to Gov. Chauncey Sparks from residents of Henry County, where the attack occurred, includes a handwritten note that says: I never like to give my support to one side of 2 parties involved in a matter until I can hear the story of both parties, but if the truth have been correctly stated to me in the Recy Taylor case, Recy Taylor should be given a fair trial against her intruders. And she, Recy Taylor, should be defended and protected from such a gruesome act imposed upon her by her intruders, the six white youths, the accused. The letter is signed by Wm. H. Martin and includes a second page filled with signatures.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

The second page of the letter from the residents of Henry County. It states: We have won the war against the fascist abroad but we will not have won the peace, for which Alabama boys, both black and white have fought until we have removed all traces of injustice.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

A postcard to Gov. Chauncey Sparks from a Los Angeles resident.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

A telegram from the Alabama Chapter of the Southern Conference for Human Welfare asking Gov. Chauncey Sparks to use his influence to get justice for Recy Taylor.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

A telegram from the International Union Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers in Bessemer asking Gov. Chauncey Sparks to use his influence to get justice for Recy Taylor.

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(Alabama Department of Archives and History)

A Western Union telegram to Gov. Chauncey Sparks from Cleveland, Ohio, attorney Jerome Land.Gadsden police are investigating a fatal shooting in Alabama City.

According to police at the scene, the incident happened at approximately 5 p.m. in the area of 28th Street.

The identity of the victim has not been released.

Gadsden police are currently investigating a shooting late Saturday night where two people, including a juvenile, were wounded. On Thursday, an 18-year-old was fatally shot.Four people were arrested over the weekend after authorities say they were caught climbing on a fire lookout tower.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver said deputies responded Saturday afternoon to a report of the group climbing on the tower near Little River Canyon. Once on the scene, they found two men and two women atop the structure and ordered them to come back down.

Once on the ground, all four were arrested. Shaver said investigators found illegal drugs at the top of the tower, including methamphetamine, marijuana and opioid pills.

The suspects were charged with criminal trespassing, unlawful possession of marijuana, two counts each of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Those arrested were: William R. Whipkey, 18, of Marietta, Ga.; Zach V. McBrayer, 18, of Marietta, Ga.; Andreanna K. Phillips, 20, of Rockmart, Ga.; and Sara G. Brennan, 21, of Villa Rica, Ga. They were being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center.

"We take trespassing on the fire tower very seriously because it serves as a public safety communication tower,'' Shaver said, "and it is very dangerous to climb because of deterioration due to its age."A federal judge on Monday dismissed Tuscaloosa County sheriff's officials and the University of Alabama president in a wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of Megan Rondini, a former student who killed herself after alleging she was raped by a man from a prominent family.

U.S. District Judge David Proctor on Monday issued the order dismissing Sheriff Ron Abernathy, Investigator Josh Hastings, Investigator Adam Jones and University of Alabama President Stuart Bell from the lawsuit. The order was filed just before 11 a.m. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama Western Division.

The lawsuit against T.J. Bunn and the discrimination claims against the University of Alabama will proceed. Efforts to reach UA officials for comment weren't immediately successful. Abernathy is expected to respond on Tuesday.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Rondini's parents, Michael and Cynthia Rondini, identifies Bunn as being part of a family that is "well connected and powerful in the Tuscaloosa community, and were major financial supporters of UA." Bunn works at ST Bunn Construction Company, which is across the street from the Innisfree Pub, where Rondini reportedly became drunk, or was drugged, before being raped for 30 minutes in July 2015.

Rondini was a UA student from Texas when she reported to police she was raped by Bunn in 2015. Rondini's story became public in a June BuzzFeed story, as told by her parents, family and friends. They claimed the 20-year-old was mistreated by Tuscaloosa investigators, the university and DCH Regional Medical Center.

The claims that authorities sided with Bunn's version of events and did not thoroughly follow-up on Rondini's story, and that an investigating officer was more interested in finding out whether Rondini committed any crimes on the night of the rape. The university allegedly "deliberately and repeatedly denied services and mishandled accommodations with hostility toward" Rondini, the suit goes on to say. The lawsuit claims Rondini confided in a UA counselor who told her she could no longer give her therapy because she was a family friend of the Bunns, and that a second counselor would not see Rondini unless she first took anxiety medication.

The lawsuit also claims UA did not accommodate Megan after the rape, alleging that she saw Bunn's car outside her apartment and saw her alleged rapist on the Tuscaloosa campus.

In July, Bunn's attorney, Ivey Gilmore, took out a full-page ad in the Tuscaloosa News entitled "Character Assassination In The Internet Age." Gilmore said in the ad that had reviewed all of the evidence obtained by law enforcement in the case and that while the lawsuit claims a sexual assault took place, Rondini's text messages to friends immediately before the incident make it clear that she intended to have a sexual encounter with Bunn. "To be clear, this case is not a matter of 'he said, she said,''' Gilmore wrote. "It is this young woman's own words, and her own text messages that led every investigating authority to conclude she had not been sexually assaulted."

The judge on Monday instructed the Rondinis to file a second, amended complaint by Feb. 7.

"To be clear, this case is not a matter of 'he said, she said,''' Gilmore wrote. "It is this young woman's own words, and her own text messages that led every investigating authority to conclude she had not been sexually assaulted."Construction on an additional 44,000 square feet of retail space at Lane Parke in Mountain Brook will start in July, the developers said.

Developer John Evans, of Evson Inc., said he is hoping to attract out-of-market boutique retailers in phase two of the project. Demolition of an existing shopping center, including Rite Aid, is expected to start July 1.

A grand opening is tentatively being set for October 2019. Evans said he hopes all of the new retailers will be open by that time.

Regions Bank at the corner of Culver Road and Montevallo Drive is the only current tenant of phase two.

Evans said 2,750 square feet in phase one hasn't been leased yet. Two retailers and one restaurant will soon begin buildout in the rest of the remaining phase one space, he said.

Tulipano, a clothing boutique with one location in Buckhead, Ga., is opening a second location in Lane Parke, Evans said. Swoops children's clothing outgrew its space on Cahaba Road and is moving into space in phase one, he said.

High-end Italian restaurant Medici also plans to open a restaurant in Lane Parke.

Evans said construction of phase two was delayed primarily by Rite Aid's lease, which now ends on June 30. He said the pharmacy declined to take a space that would have given them room for a drive-through. The space was later taken by Kinnucan's.

Traffic in the Lane Parke area will hopefully improve around the first of February when the construction of Jemison Lane from Lane Parke Road to Montevello Road will be complete.

The grand opening of phase one of Lane Parke was celebrated in October 2016.

Lane Parke is made up of the retail section, Lane Parke Apartments and The Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook.The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday said it won't review the case of Walter Leroy Moody Jr., the man on Alabama's death row for the 1989 pipe bombing death of federal appeals judge Robert S. Vance.

U.S. Supreme Court justices did not issue a written opinion on why it would not review Moody's case.

Moody, who at 82 is the oldest inmate on Alabama Death Row, was seeking to appeal an U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in March 2017. That appeal regards his decision to represent himself at his 1996 capital murder trial. After convicting him, the jury voted 11-1 to recommend a death sentence.

"We are disappointed with the Supreme Court's decision," Spencer Hahn, an assistant federal public defender who represents Moody, said in a statement to AL.com on Monday. "This non-unanimous death verdict resulted from a case in which the defendant represented himself, despite numerous requests for counsel. Our court system should be concerned about the obvious unfairness of such a situation."

Moody had asked to represent himself at his trial. But once jury selection began, he asked for a 12- to 18-month continuance so he could hire two lawyers. The judge refused to grant a continuance.

Last March the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed lower court rulings that stated Moody had "knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to counsel" and the denial of a continuance at his trial was not contrary to federal law as determined by the U.S. Supreme Court.

In his direct appeal, Moody did not challenge the trial court's decision to permit him to represent himself at trial pursuant to a previous SCOTUS decision, the 11th Circuit stated in its opinion. "He did, however, argue that the trial court erred in refusing to grant him, after voir dire examination of the jurors had begun, a 12- to 18-month continuance so that he could obtain the services of two new attorneys who had expressed an interest in representing him."

According to the opinion the trial judge held two lengthy discussions with Moody--one on August 2, 1994, and another on May 7, 1996-- "during which it explicitly warned [Mr.] Moody of the perils of going forward without counsel," and made multiple inquiries over the course of the proceedings to determine whether Mr. Moody was "standing by his request to proceed pro se."

The trial judge noted that Moody had been a party in 63 other legal proceedings, both civil and criminal, and had represented himself for all or part of about 35 of those proceedings. The judge stated Moody was "not a novice."

Judge Vance was killed Dec. 16, 1989, and his wife, Helen, was seriously injured after the judge opened a package that had been sent to his home, detonating the pipe bomb. A similar pipe bomb killed a lawyer in Atlanta two days later.

Moody was linked to the crimes through a similar bomb nearly two decades earlier that had injured his wife when it exploded. His prosecution in that case led to his resentment of the courts leading up to the 1989 bombings.

In 1991, a federal jury convicted Moody of 71 charges related to the pipe-bomb murders of Vance and civil rights attorney Robert E. Robinson.

Months later, an Alabama grand jury indicted Moody on two counts of capital murder and one count of assault in the first degree (for injuries suffered by Judge Vance's wife). Moody represented himself at his state trial, which took place in October of 1996.

The jury found him guilty and recommended a sentence of death for the murders. The trial judge followed the jury's recommendation and sentenced Moody to death.A man who died Saturday after he was shot by a Jefferson County sheriff's deputy Saturday died from the gunshot wound, not a medical issue, authorities said Monday.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office said Jackie Harlan Roberts, 62, did not die of natural causes. There were questions because Roberts was struck in the shoulder and was awake and talking when he left the scene en route to UAB Hospital.

However, his condition quickly deteriorated and he was pronounced dead not long after arrival at the emergency room. "Our prayers are with the family as they deal with this loss and also with our involved personnel,'' Chief Deputy Randy Christian said Saturday.

Roberts had been staying at his sister's home where the incident occurred and the 911 call originated. Deputies responded just after 12:30 p.m. to a home in the 4800 block of Vernon Parkway near Grayson Valley. Christian said they received a report that the man had assaulted his sister and husband at their home.

Roberts then went outside to his car and armed himself with a handgun.

Deputies arrived to find him sitting in the car with a gun in his hand. Roberts ignored commands to drop the weapon and began waiving it around. A deputy fired a single shot which struck the suspect in the shoulder.

Roberts was taken to the hospital with what authorities believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, but he died shortly after arrival at UAB Hospital.

The shooting remains under investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings.The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a request by a convicted Mobile cop-killer, who is scheduled to be executed Jan. 25, to rehear his appeal.

The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) had ruled in November that Alabama can execute Vernon Madison, a death row inmate who claims to be mentally incompetent. Madison initially was granted a stay of his execution by SCOTUS just hours before his scheduled 2016 execution.

Madison, 67, one of Alabama's longest-serving death row inmates, was convicted in the April 1985 slaying of Mobile police officer Cpl. Julius Schulte.

In November, however, SCOTUS unanimously reversed its earlier decision, saying Madison can be executed. "More than 30 years ago, Vernon Madison crept up behind police officer Julius Schulte and shot him twice in the head at close range," that ruling stated.

In its ruling Monday to reject Madison's request for a rehearing, SCOTUS did not issue a written explanation.

Courts had been split on whether Madison was competent to be executed.

Madison faced a state competency hearing before his scheduled 2016 execution, where he claimed several strokes he recently suffered affected his mental status and made him unable to remember his crimes or remember that he was on death row. The trial court denied Madison's petition, and said the execution could proceed.

But then the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Madison was incompetent and he could not be executed.

Madison's attorney, Angie Setzer with the Equal Justice Initiative, in an email to AL.com stated that the media have misreported what the Supreme Court has done in the case. "The Supreme Court has not concluded that Mr. Madison is competent to be executed; the Court has made it clear that is an unresolved question. What the Court said is that a federal court constrained by the restrictions imposed by federal habeas law cannot make that determination. The Court's decision denying rehearing affirms that judgment but Mr. Madison's competence to be executed is still yet to be decided.

Madison Request for Re-hearing by KentFaulk on ScribdThe Army said it corrected an error after an operator "inadvertently" like a tweet mocking President Donald Trump's claims that he's "really smart."

On Saturday, the U.S. Army's official account "liked" a tweet from actress Mindy Kaling. The tweet shows Kaling as her character from NBC's "The Office," with the words "You guys, I'm like really smart now. You don't even know."

The tweet, which has been shared more than 49,000 times and has 218,000 "likes," references Trump's earlier statements in which the president referred to himself as not just smart "but genius...and a very stable genius at that."

Among those liking the post was the official Army account. The service later issued a statement to The Hill about the post.

"An operator of the Army's official Twitter account inadvertently 'liked' a tweet whose content would not be endorsed by the Department of the Army," the spokesperson said. "As soon as it was brought to our attention, it was immediately corrected."

The "like" didn't bypass Kaling, however, who answered back with a tweet of her own.A Colbert County lawyer has been indicted on a felony charge of bribing a juror, the Alabama Attorney General's Office announced today.

William J. "Billy" Underwood surrendered today at the Colbert County Jail and was released on $5,000 bail, Sheriff Frank Williamson said. Underwood, who practices law in Tuscumbia, was indicted by a Colbert County grand jury on the Class C felony charge, AG Steve Marshall announced in a news release.

Underwood is accused of "offering, conferring or agreeing to confer any pecuniary benefit upon a juror with the intent that the juror's vote, opinion, decision or other action as a juror will thereby be corruptly influenced in Colbert County," the AG's Office said.

Prosecutors haven't publicly identified the case in which Underwood is accused of bribing a juror. In a news release, Underwood said the charge involves "a prospective juror in a case where that individual never went to the courthouse and a jury was never empaneled."

Underwood is represented by William Hovater and W. Brent Woodall.

"Our jury system is the cornerstone to the justice system in our country," Marshall said in a statement. "My office will always work diligently to ensure that our citizens can be confident that justice will prevail when they go into a courtroom in our state.

"Any possible violation of the laws applying to the sanctity of the jury system must always be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent under the law," Marshall added. "Whether the alleged offender is an attorney or not, such illegal activity will not be tolerated in our state. Our litigants should never question whether they will be treated fairly when they enter our county courthouses."

Further details about the case haven't been released.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Russellville Field Office at 256-436-1344.

If convicted, Underwood faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.When it comes to fighting crime in the present, Alabama's "Big 5" mayors are upbeat. When it comes to fighting revenue shortfalls in the future, they see some hard choices ahead.

Those seemed to be the two biggest takeaways from the latest gathering of the Big 5, which includes the mayors of Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile and Tuscaloosa. They gathered in Mobile on Sunday for an exchange of ideas of law enforcement and a dinner at Wintzell's that included Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox's first oyster, according to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson.

They followed that up on Monday morning with a discussion of legislative priorities. That session was tempered, according to at least a couple of the city leaders present, by generally low expectations for the impending election-year legislative session.

Speaking at a Monday-morning press conference the mayors - minus Birmingham's Randall Woodfin, who was already en route back home - said they felt they were doing some good by sharing ideas on law enforcement. Most had been accompanied on the trip by their respective police chiefs and/or public safety directors.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, among others, praised Mobile and its police department for things such as its approach to online intelligence-gathering and Project Shield, under which it negotiates access to business and private security cameras. Battle theorized that if police forces successfully share such strategies, they can create "a statewide technological corridor" for law enforcement.

Battle, a candidate for governor in 2018, also said that public safety and economic are closely related, and not just because jobs created by the latter help pay for the former. "If a company, an industry does not feel comfortable, does not feel safe in your community, they won't move here," he said.

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said mayors and police officials also compared notes on what they're doing to improve youth outreach and community policing efforts. "We know that law enforcement is bigger than just the police force," he said of efforts to work cooperatively with troubled communities. "Each of our cities are doing something different in that arena."

Stimpson said that the growth of internet commerce continued to put pressure on cities by siphoning away sales tax revenue. Cities could try to slow the decline by reducing costs, he said, but "at the end of the day we have to deliver services to our citizens" and that meant "major challenges" were ahead.

"We have a 21st century economy, we need a revenue code that matches," said Maddox, who's also a candidate for governor.

Mobile's finance director, Paul Wesch, has been critical of the state's Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT), maintaining that it shortchanges cities on their fair share of revenue from online sales. Maddox seconded that view, saying that Tuscaloosa has lost an estimated $6 million to $8 million in revenue thanks to online sales, but has recouped only about half a million from the SSUT.

Maddox said he'd like to see, in the short run, an effort to revise the SSUT so that it tracks where in the state online purchases originate and distributes proceeds accordingly. In the longer run, he said, cities have to get away from their dependence on sales tax and business license fees.

Both would require heavy lifting in the legislature. And the mayors didn't see that as a very realistic expectation for 2018. Many observers predict that because it's an election year, legislators want a brisk, controversy-free session.

"The conventional wisdom, obviously because of it being an election year, is that they'll probably not take up very many controversial issues," said Stimpson. "And a lot of issues that are really important to the state are controversial. They're not easy issues."

"I have no different take," said Strange. On the bright side, he said, cities often find themselves "playing defense" against legislative initiatives, and they might have less to worry about this year.

Maddox maintained that the economic shift toward online sales, and the accompanying loss of sales tax revenue, isn't going away. It's a long-term trend that could continue to play out for the next 20 years or more.

"We're got to have to take a longer-term look at this," Maddox said of the revenue question, or "we're going to find ourselves in a financial crisis in 10-15 years."

Replacing lost sales tax revenue means finding money elsewhere, which is sure to be a hard sell. Asked if cities and the state might ultimately have to rely more on property taxes, Maddox declined to endorse that approach specifically, or to rule it out.

"Eventually all revenues will have to be put up for discussion," he said. "There's probably a lot of different solutions that are out there."

"Those are some really big discussions. This is not going to be simple," Maddox said. "This new economy is here. But our revenue codes are solidified in statute and tradition. And it's going to take time, but you've got to begin the discussion."Gov. Kay Ivey qualifies to run for a full term as governor on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (Erin Edgemon/eedgemon@al.com)

Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday officially qualified to run for a full term in the state of Alabama's highest office.

Ivey visited the Alabama Republican Party headquarters in Hoover to fill out the paperwork and to speak to members of the media ahead of the start of the 2018 legislative session today and her first State of the State address on Tuesday.

The primary in the governor's race is June 5. Candidates have until Feb. 9 to qualify.

"Because I am a conservative, I want to continue to fight for Alabama families," she said. "Unemployment is at an all-time, record low. We are cleaning up Montgomery, and we are restoring conservative values to state government. We will continue to fight for more jobs and higher pay, safer streets and improved schools for everyone."

She said she took over and provided continuity when "Alabama was under a dark cloud."

Gov. Robert Bentley resigned in April 2017 amid a sex scandal.

Ivey said she planned to share "more good news" during her State of the State address. She didn't speak further about Tuesday's address.

When asked about the legislative session, Ivey said the general fund budget was the main item she wants to see lawmakers pass. "Let's stay with that," she said.

Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Tom Parker also qualified to run for chief justice on Monday. He announced his run in April 2017.

Parker was elected to the Supreme Court and 2004 and reelected in 2010 and 2016.

Ivey will deliver the annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Alabama Legislature at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Old House Chamber of the State Capitol.

Ivey has invited Jefferson County resident Caryn McDade as a special guest to the State of the State address, the governor's office announced on Monday. McDade, who has a learning disability, received a job through Ivey's first-ever Governor's Disability Job Fair in October 2017.

McDade had dropped out of high school due to her learning disability. She later took GED classes at the Birmingham Career Center and was referred to the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. After learning from that agency how to seek and obtain employment, McDade attended the job fair and was hired by Southern Hospitality Home Health Care in Fultondale as a home health care aide.State lawmakers who arrive for the start of the 2018 legislative session on Tuesday will likely be thinking more about calling campaign donors than fretting about gas taxes or prison construction.

With state offices up for election this year, political analysts anticipate a low-key and dull legislative session where bare bones issues such as approval of the annual General Fund and Education budgets will be the focus before campaigning begins in earnest.

But will the annual assembly on Goat Hill be a complete waste of time for lawmakers and taxpayers? Most observers aren't going that far in their assessments, but they don't paint a rosy picture when it comes to Alabama tackling high-profile matters.

"I know the expression has been overused, but I believe they will try to 'kick the can down the road' as much as possible," said William Stewart, professor emeritus of political sciences at the University of Alabama and a longtime observer of state politics.

Said Steve Flowers, a former Republican in the Alabama House who is currently a political analysts and writer: "It will be a lackadaisical session. Nothing gets done in a campaign year."

A host of lawmakers are also predicting a "nuts and bolts" session ahead of the June 5 primaries and the Nov. 6 general election. All statewide offices are up for election this year, including every House and Senate seat.

But lawmakers are also keenly aware of looming unknowns that could surface and force the Legislature's hand when dealing with issues that otherwise would be avoided in an election year.

The two often cited examples include the potential for multi-million dollar expenditures to beef up mental health and correctional officer staffing inside the state's beleaguered prisons and the prospects of raising the state's tax on fuel purchases to provide match money for a federal infrastructure program.

"They could have something forced on their platter by court orders or external circumstances," said Jess Brown, a retired political science professor from Athens State University, who is also a longtime observer of state politics.

State Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, and a longtime backer of reforming the state's prison systems, said he anticipates lawmakers approving an additional $30 million to $40 million for additional prison staffing. The Alabama Department of Corrections is asking for $50 million extra for next year.

The move comes as the state and the Montgomery-based Southern Poverty Law Center have yet to reach a settlement in a federal lawsuit alleging inadequacies in mental health services provided to inmates.

"We have a lot of major issues we need to tackle and we were elected to four-year terms, not three, so we need to address the federal court decision on prisons," said Ward.

State Sen. Rusty Glover, R-Semmes, who is running for lieutenant governor this year, said that if Congress approves an infrastructure program in Washington, D.C. before the end of session, lawmakers may be forced to increase the state's gasoline tax.

Alabama hasn't raised the gasoline tax beyond its current 18-cent-per-gallon charge since 1992.

But if nothing happens before the Legislature's expected April 23 adjournment, the gas tax is likely staying put, Glover said.

"I've heard from the Senate President Pro Tem (Del Marsh) and the Speaker (Mac McCutcheon) that there will not be a gas tax bill this year and if they are saying it this early, the likelihood is that it's not likely," Glover said.

State Rep. Randy Davis, R-Daphne, who is not seeking re-election this year, said he's concerned that the Legislature did not consider an increase to the gasoline tax in the past "two to three years."

He said, "there may be something coming out of Washington, D.C., that requires a significant amount of match money. We have basically little-to-no match money because of what we have done with the (past road construction) programs we have now. The bill dollar road projects, what was our match money, is going back to pay off debt."

Davis said if a federal infrastructure program is approved out of Congress quickly - a "big if," according to most political observers - then Alabama lawmakers may have to reassess the situation.

President Donald Trump is expected to roll out a massive plan this month to address boosting the nation's roads, bridges and airports.

"I don't know how it will play out in Alabama," Davis said. "If it happens quickly in January, that gives a whole different perspective to the legislative session."

Lawmakers will also keep an eye on Congress for what may happen with the reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides health insurance to children in lower-income families. The program is currently set to expire in March, and Alabama could be on the hook to fund tens of thousands of children insured under Medicaid through the CHIP program.

"We carried forward $92 million from the 2018 budget, which is available," said state Sen. Trip Pittman, R-Montrose, referring to additional resources the state carried over from last year. "The unknowns are the CHIP program and the potential additional asks for mental health and corrections."

Another unknown is whether the large number of retiring House and Senate members may be tempted with introducing controversial legislation before their terms expire.

About nine to 11 Senators are in their final legislative session, while the Alabama House will say goodbye to nearly two dozen members. Not all, however, are retiring as some will be running for higher office.

"There is a bit of a wild card in the usual predictions about election years and that is the relatively high proportion of lawmakers who do not intend to run for re-election," said Jim Carnes, policy director with the Arise Citizens' Policy Project. "Are some of them going to be more willing to take their time to pursue something a little more controversial because they are no longer concerned about campaign season? I think that has the potential to disrupt some of the predictions about normal fourth-year behavior."

Angi Horn Stalnaker, a Republican political strategist in Alabama, said one thing she anticipates is the Legislature steering clear of unnecessary "fluff" or "feel good legislation" that could get mocked on the campaign trail.

"I doubt you'd see legislation that gets us a state dessert or pizza that we've seen in the past," she said. "You'll see a hard-nosed focus on what are the constitutional duties of the Legislature which, in my mind, is a good thing."John Meredith, of Huntsville, is a former Capitol Hill lobbyist who was recognized as one of the country's 100 most influential Black Republicans.

The GOP is a myriad of political ideology. Our factions agree on the need to address many policy issues but they do so from unique perspectives.

The immigration issue shows just how diverse segments of the party are. So, which group speaks for the party?

John Meredith is a contributing columnist for AL.com (Contributed photo)

Trump voters, many of whom have no racist bones, have forged an alliance with the Alt-Right. Donald Trump's election thrust this faction's perspective of nationalist populism into the political mainstream. Roy Moore's defeat showed us the limits of its appeal.

Their approach to immigration policy is to build a wall on America's southern border. A political alliance for only two years, do they get to speak for a party well over 150 years old?

Is the Christian Right better suited to be the voice of the GOP? There are no more honorable men in public office today than U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt and Alabama Rep. Mike Ball.

Christian voters have been a segment of the party much longer than the aforementioned faction. They have raised money for countless local and Congressional races and been a major organizational factor in the election of every GOP President since, and including, Ronald Reagan.

This faction's approach to immigration would support temporary protected status (TPS) or asylum for Christians persecuted in their homelands. Are the constraints of divine morality too limiting for Christians to speak for the party?

The passion held by the Tea Party faction make it a strong candidate for party spokesman. Many Republican voters self-identify with this group and they are particularly strong in Alabama.

Their views are echoed in Congress by members like U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks and across multiple media formats by personalities like WVNN radio host Dale Jackson in north Alabama.

One of the most influential factions, their voters routinely organize successful word of mouth and get out the vote campaigns. They take part in the operation of party institutions with many taking leadership roles within their communities.

Their position on immigration is to identify, detain and deport as many undocumented aliens as possible. Does the potential disruption of the American marketplace disqualify this faction from speaking for the party?

No GOP faction is more pro-business than conservatives. They are oldest and largest segment of the party. Many have been loyal to the party since the (Sen. Barry) Goldwater years.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby and many other policymakers remember life as the minority party in Congress and are tempered by the experience.

Initially operating from that minority status, conservatives welcomed all the other factions into the party. Finding value in what the others brought to the table, they weaved the will of the various factions into a coherent public policy agenda that has resulted in record highs on Wall Street and record low unemployment on Main Street.

The conservative approach to immigration policy is to ensure continuity of business operations for American employers through uninterrupted access to a pool of security screened foreign workers to willingly fill jobs not taken by American workers. (A program President Trump currently uses at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.)

Does the willingness of this faction to take a little less for the base so even more people can see an increase in the quality of their lives make conservatives too moderate to speak for the party?

There were 17 GOP candidates vying for the party's nomination during the last Presidential Primary. Obviously, there is a wide range of political thought within the party.

The immigration issue highlights the complexity of maintaining party unity and that goal is unattainable when factions denounce each another's perspective.

We are all Republicans. So, who gets to speak for the GOP?The growing boycott, divest, and sanction effort around the world continues to resist international pressure from Israel.

New York City  Donald Trumps declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel seemed to confirm a long-held suspicion among many long-time observers: The United States is not interested in a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli impasse that adheres to international law, instead supporting Israeli demands to annex more Palestinian land and create an ethnonationalist state with as few Palestinians as possible.

Meanwhile, Palestinians continue to be forcibly removed from their homes in East Jerusalem to create facts on the ground that serve as Israeli talking points for why Jerusalem is already Israels de facto capital.

With both Trump and US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley displaying just how far they are willing to bully other nations into falling in line, ordinary activists are left to contemplate how they can force Israels hand to abide by international law.

Here is where the BDS movement comes in. It was launched in 2005 by more than 250 Palestinian civil society organisations calling for the international community to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel. The movements founders closely studied the Boycott Apartheid South Africa movement that was launched in the 1950s and gained traction in the 80s.

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While that movement grew for 30 years before reaching global prominence, BDS for Palestine has significantly affected the global conversation on Israels occupation in just 12 years.

Its success is partly due to a focus on tactics rather than a clear-cut solution, giving ordinary citizens of any country the ability to participate without trapping themselves within the parameters of the medias controlled discourse of the peace process.

This is not to suggest the BDS movement does not have broad goals. Its three demands are an end to the occupation of Palestine, equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel, and the right of return for all Palestinian refugees to their homes.

In contrast to the endless, abstract debates of one-state versus two-state solutions, the BDS movement highlights the most pressing reality of the conflict: the suffering of a population at the hands of a government intent on denying them rights on the basis of their ethnicity.





This emphasis on Palestinian human rights has allowed the movement to build alliances with local movements across the world.

There are prominent examples, such as the alliance with the Black Lives Matter movement in the US, but also many others worldwide.

In Rio de Janeiro, I saw local BDS activists team up with a movement from Brazils favelas to protest the use of the caveirao, an armoured military vehicle that Brazilian police special forces use when entering impoverished neighbourhoods.

Dozens of young children, residents of the favelas, were killed by these vehicles, which are imported from Israel. In fact, these elite security forces, which have been linked to civilian deaths among Brazils lower class in the favelas, are often trained in Israel.

Activists have pointed out that police forces in several other countries, such as the US and Argentina, accused of using excessive force, have also trained in Israel.

They have also exposed records of Israeli arms sales to Myanmar, a country accused of crimes amounting to genocide, as well as South Sudan, India, and other states accused of atrocities against their populations.

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These connections have convinced local activists of the connectedness of their struggle with the Palestinians. This has, in turn, had the effect of making Palestine a mainstream, progressive issue  at least in Western countries.

However, the ascendancy of Palestine as a prominent issue has come as the result of years of small victories and some lost battles.

In 2017, the popular UK band Radiohead insisted on performing in Tel Aviv despite calls for a boycott. The performance was labelled by the media to be controversial, not only because of the expected protest among pro-Palestine activists, but also because of the outcry among other communities of progressive artists  showing that support for Palestinian rights is no longer the fringe position it once seemed to be.

To be sure, there remain tremendous battles along the way for this movement, particularly when it comes to the Israel lobby in the US, which has already spent hundreds of millions of dollars fighting BDS on college campuses, while trying to outlaw it both nationally and on a local level.

In 2017, the lobby was even able to make relief efforts for some victims of Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas, conditional upon an agreement that they do not support BDS.

However, these efforts empowered the local movement, offering it even more publicity. Whereas the chances of a city in Texas hearing about BDS would have been minimal before, the move brought national media attention and controversy, forcing Dickinson to remove the requirement for hurricane relief aid.

The challenges along the way for the growing BDS movement are many. Although some consider its decentralisation a strength, the movement lacks charismatic leadership, proper funding, and organisation required to mount a significant challenge to the powerful Israeli economy.

As right-wing ideologies and neoliberal policies ascendant in many countries push them into further military and economic alliances with Israel, the future of the BDS movement is at once full of formidable challenges and unparalleled opportunity.Talks between South and North Korea come after increasing international pressure Pyongyang spearheaded by the US.

On New Years day, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivered an address full of mixed messages. He issued nuclear threats but also offered to engage in a dialogue with South Korea, restore a hotline between the two capitals, and schedule talks at the demilitarised zone in Panmunjom. He even suggested that North Korean nationals participate in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

It is difficult to say what pushed the North Korean leader to relax his otherwise belligerent rhetoric. There is little intelligence available on the inner workings of his regime and these days even high-ranking visitors from China, North Koreas main ally, are denied the courtesy of an audience with Kim Jong-un.

Nevertheless, it seems that Washingtons carrot and stick strategy might have worked. Although most of the worlds attention has been focused on US President Donald Trumps provocative tweets on North Korea, his administration has been quite busy working on the issue on various fronts.

Talks and military pressure

During a June 2017 meeting with then newly elected President Moon Jae-in, President Trump stated that the era of strategic patience is over, which clearly informed Kim Jong-un and other stakeholders that the failed polices of past US administrations would not be repeated.

Subsequently, the Trump administration led international efforts to increase pressure on North Korea. This includes United Nations Security Council sanctions resolutions in August, September, and December of 2017- a significant achievement given the tensions between the US and Russia on Ukraine and Syria, and between the US and China on a wide range of security and trade issues. Meanwhile, Washington put North Korea on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

At the August ASEAN Regional Forum, the Trump administration also urged the ten-nation bloc not to serve as a safe place for North Korean business and diplomats to conduct illicit activities.

At the same time, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on a number of occasions reiterated Washingtons readiness to sit down for talks with Pyongyang. In December, he even declared that the US was willing to talk to North Korea without any precondition.

The US has kept up military drills in the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula, including, Key Resolve, Foal Eagle, and the Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercises in the spring and summer. In December, the Vigilant Ace 18 exercise brought into South Korea the largest concentration of fifth-generation fighter jets.

With military exercises an important part of a comprehensive strategy, the Trump administration is unlikely to accommodate calls to pause military exercises in return for a North Korea pause in nuclear and missile tests. However, Washington conceded to postpone military drills until after the Winter Olympic Games in South Korea.

South Koreas weak institutions

Often overlooked as a motivation for North Korea accelerating its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes in recent years is the institutional instability (despite its economic strength) of South Korea. In recent years, Seoul has been shaken by the arrest of a member of the National Assembly accused of operating a North-Korea-sponsored plot to overthrow the government; days-long filibusters; corruption investigations of politicians and business leaders; the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye; and an early presidential election.

When President Moon took office in May 2017, he faced a number of challenges, including North Koreas increasing nuclear and ballistic tests, a US president with an aggressive approach to security and trade issues, and preparations for the February 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

President Moons left-of-centre predecessors were manipulated by Kim Jong-uns father Kim Jong-il into providing cash, food aid, and investments. He will have to pursue a firmer position if he is to stand up to Pyongyangs aggressive posturing.

President Moon and his compatriots want to show the world that despite North Koreas threats, South Korea remains capable of hosting the Winter Olympics. Seoul was already the victim of an unsuccessful North Korean plot to disrupt the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. In 1987 two North Korean agents put a bomb on a Seoul-bound aeroplane killing 115 people on board; the explosion was meant to wreck the Seoul airport, but the device exploded early.

Today, South Korea certainly would welcome the Norths participation as a competitor rather than have the North excluded as an enemy. However, this weeks meetings with North Korea and its participation in the Olympics will test President Moons wisdom and policies; he should avoid giving Kim Jong-un the military and public relations victories that he seeks.

China and Japan

Frequently criticised by President Trump for its failure to enforce sanctions, China now claims it will enhance UN sanctions enforcement, with a recent pledge to deal seriously with violations.

China must balance its resentment of US sanctions on Chinese businesspeople who transact with North Korea, anger at South Koreas deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Defense system, and fears of a North Korea regime collapse with the more important goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. While it appears that China played no role in this weeks developments, it can be a productive player on the Korean Peninsula in 2018 if it wishes to do so.

Japan can also play an important role, but it needs work on its relations with South Korea. A wide gap in personal political ideologies exists between the conservative Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and progressive President Moon.

Former President Parks views on North Korea policy aligned with Abes, and under Parks leadership South Korea and Japan reached an agreement in 2015 on compensation for the crimes committed against women by the Japanese military in Korea during World War II.

Seouls plan to re-negotiate the agreement appeals to President Moons base but hurts relations with Tokyo. Amid rising nationalism, which will continue to increase as the enthronement of a new emperor in 2019 approaches, Japan is likely to watch this weeks developments with wariness.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.Trump administration says recipients of Temporary Protected Status have 18 months to leave or find a legal way to stay.

New York, USA  Members of the Salvadoran community in the US have expressed their devastation after President Donald Trumps government said it would stop providing legal status and the ability to work to some 200,000 immigrants from El Salvador.

The move, announced on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), gave Salvadoran holders of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until September 9, 2019, to leave or find a legal way to stay in the country.

The US government had originally granted Salvadorans special protection status after two earthquakes killed nearly 8,000 people in 2001.

Based on careful consideration of available information, including recommendations received as part of an inter-agency consultation process, the Secretary determined that the original conditions caused by the 2001 earthquakes no longer exist, the DHS said in a statement.

Devastating

Rosa Cecilia Martinez, originally from El Congo in El Salvador, said she had no words to describe her feelings upon hearing the news.





I dont know how to express how devastating this is, Martinez, a single mother of two, told Al Jazeera.

Its devastating to know we only have 18 months left in the country.

In its statement, the DHS also said it had determined that El Salvador could successfully reintegrate its nationals.

However, TPS holders said the Central American country was not ready to receive the thousands of families that would be forced to return.

Our country is in chaos, said Martinez, who migrated to the US in 1998 aged 16 and received temporary legal protection from deportation under TPS in 2001.

The schools are saturated and there is insecurity. How are they going to receive the thousands of families and give us education, healthcare and security to us and our children?

Unfair decision

El Salvador, home to about six million, is often described as one of the worlds deadliest countries. In 2016, it averaged 14.4 murders a day.

High levels of insecurity, coupled with education challenges and limited employment opportunities, lead large numbers of people to consider migrating elsewhere.

Three hundred people leave El Salvador daily as migrants in search of a better future, argued Edwin Murillo, who lives in the US state of Texas but is originally from San Salvador.

If 300 people are leaving daily, because the living conditions are not suitable, then how is it possible that the Trump administration has decided to force thousands of Salvadorans to return? Murillo, a member of the National TPS Alliance, a group lobbying US Congress to provide immigrants with a pathway to permanent residency, told Al Jazeera.

In terms of demographics, work and education, El Salvador is not prepared to receive our families, he added, calling the DHSs move an unfair decision which overlooked Salvadorans contributions to this country.

There is nothing

During his election campaign, Trump had promised to overturn some of the immigration policies of his predecessors.

The DHSs move on Monday came months after his administration had also eliminated special protection status for thousands of Haitian and Nicaraguan TPS recipients.





Salvadorans were until recently the largest immigrant group protected under the programme.

Norma Portos, an immigration lawyer who has worked with Salvadoran TPS holders living in New York, said the decision came down to determining that the original conditions for providing the temporary legal residency and deportation relief were no longer valid.

The Trump administration claims it has done all the necessary studies and assessments to determine it is no longer necessary to renew TPS status for Salvadoran immigrants. But this determination remains relative because we can see that living conditions remain poor in El Salvador, Portos told Al Jazeera.

Perhaps the Salvadoran government has been able to recover from the 2001 earthquake, but it is not ready to receive its nationals because of the violence and insecurity in the country, she added.

As for Martinez, she said she was starting to think about returning to El Congo in the wake of Mondays announcement.

Were she forced to return, Martinez said that she would leave her two children behind.

It is very dangerous in my hometown, she said.

If I return to El Congo, my life would plummet into uncertainty. There is no work, there is no security, there is nothing.Egypt will hold presidential elections in March, with a possible runoff in April.

Egypts presidential election will take place on March 26-28, with a runoff to be held from April 24-26 if needed.

At a news conference in Cairo on Monday, Egypts national election commission said the results would be announced on April 2  or, in the event of a runoff if no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote  on May 1.

So far, two candidates have stated their intentions to run: Khaled Ali, a human rights lawyer and opposition leader, and Essam Heggy, an Egyptian space scientist who served as the countrys adviser for scientific affairs from 2013 to 2014.

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Current President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has not yet confirmed whether he will run for a second and final term  in accordance with the countrys constitution  but he is widely expected to.

In an interview with CNBC in November, Sisi said he would only attempt to remain president if the Egyptian people wanted him to.

It doesnt suit me as a president to stay one more day against the will of the Egyptians, he said.

As Egypts army chief, Sisi became president in 2013 after removing the Muslim Brotherhoods Mohamed Morsi in a coup. He went on to win by a landslide in the 2014 presidential elections.

Under Sisi, human rights in Egypt have deteriorated, with organisations reporting at least 60,000 people have been imprisoned since the general came to power.

There have also been reports of forced disappearances and a clampdown on press freedom.

Arrests and accusations

On Sunday, former Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik pulled out of the presidential race, saying after a long absence from the country he was no longer best-equipped to lead.

I saw that I will not be the ideal person to lead the state during the coming period, Shafik said in a statement on Twitter.

Shafik had previously shared his plan to run in an exclusive video message to Al Jazeera and was seen as a potential challenger to Sisi.

The New York Times quoted one of Shafiks lawyers, who asked not to be named, as saying Shafik had been forced to withdraw by the government, which threatened to investigate previous charges of corruption against him.





A former air force commander, Shafik served as prime minister for one month during the 2011 Arab Spring.

He was narrowly defeated in the 2012 presidential elections by Morsi, who subsequently issued a warrant for Shafiks arrest.

Shafik fled to the UAE and was tried in absentia and found guilty of corruption charges. However, he was later acquitted.

After returning to Egypt, following deportation from the UAE, Shafiks family voiced concerns he had been kidnapped by Egyptian authorities.

Shafik subsequently appeared on television to deny this.

Another potential candidate, Colonel Ahmed Konsowa, was arrested in December after announcing plans to run.

Konsowa was sentenced to six years in prison for stating political opinions contrary to the requirements of military order, his lawyer told AFP news agency.Google honours Mary Ann Evans, who participated in more than 38 films, and stood out in Bollywood.

Described as fearless and hailed as the original Bollywood stuntwoman of the 1930s, actress Mary Ann Evans would have been 110 today.

In her honour, Google is changing its logo in India to a doodle, or illustration, of her and action movie posters of old-time Hindi cinema. This is her story:

Circus stuntwoman

Born in 1908 in Perth, Australia, Marry Ann Evans moved to India with her family, where she later become a star of the Bollywood cinema.

After learning stunts as a circus performer in Peshawar, Evans joined a touring dance troupe in Bombay, and then made it to the Zarco Circus that led her to perform in movies.

Evans changed her name to Nadia on the advice of an Armenian fortune teller, and soon after found her winning formula: Fearless Nadia, the action heroine.

Her first lead role in a movie was in the film Hunterwali, in 1935. Fearless Nadia blasted onto the screen performing all of her own stunts.

Over the years, Nadia performed in over 38 films, swinging from chandeliers, leaping from speeding trains, and even taming lions.

Feminist actressHailed for constructing the first synthetic gene, Har Gobind Khorana would have been 96 on January 9.

Hailed for constructing the first synthetic gene, Nobel Prize winner Har Gobind Khorana would have been 96 on Tuesday, January 9  thats the date of birth in his documents, although the exact date remains uncertain.

In the Indian-American scientists honour, Google is changing its logo in 13 countries to a doodle  or illustration  of him and his DNA work.

This is his story:

Village origin

Khorana was born in a small village of about 100 residents in Raipur. He was a member of practically the only literate family in his village  Khoranas father taught his five children to read and write.

Having advanced his education through scholarships , Khorana received his Bachelors degree in 1943, and his Masters in 1945 at the Punjab University in Lahore.

In 1948, he completed his PhD after being awarded a scholarship by the Indian government to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Liverpool in the UK.

He then went to the Swiss city of Zurich to work with Professor Vladimir Prelog for one year. In Khoranas biography, Prelog is credited for moulding immeasurably his thought and philosophy towards science, work, and effort.

Married to Swiss Esther Elizabeth Sibler, Khoranas biography praised Sibler for bringing a consistent sense of purpose  at a time when [ Har ] Khorana felt out of place everywhere and at home nowhere.





Freedom

A job offer in 1952 took Khorana to the University of British Columbia in Canada , where he initiated his Nobel Prize-winning work. During his time there he was offered all the freedom in the world to do his own research, according to Gordon M Shrum, a Canadian scientist in British Columbia.

At the University of British Columbia, Khorana and a group of scientists began to work in the field of biology. Khorana was an expert on the chemical synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids.

In 1960, he moved to the US , where started working at the University of Wisconsin. He was granted American citizenship in 1966.

Two years later, Khorana, Robert W Holley and Marshall W Nirenberg were awarded jointly the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their interpretation of the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis.

But this was not his only accolade. In 1972, Khorana was also recognised for the construction of the first artificial gene, while four years later he announced that he had gotten an artificial gene to function within a bacterial cell.

Among his several recognitions, Khorana also received the Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research and the National Medal of Science.

Khorana died on November 9, 2011. His death was announced by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he was a professor emeritus. He was survived by his children, Julia and Dave.

You Gordon

can have all the freedom to do what you want, but we dont have much in terms of facilities.]The Rukban refugee camp has received UN aid from the Jordanian side in a one-off delivery.

Authorities in Jordan have allowed a one-off delivery of UN humanitarian aid to tens of thousands of displaced persons from Syria along the two countries border, according to Jordanian state media.

The remote Rukban refugee camp, which is home to at least 55,000 refugees, received food and other essential items by crane lift on Monday.

The aid drop came after a request from the United Nations amid concerns about poor living conditions in the makeshift camp, where many are suffering from malnutrition.

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The refugees were trapped there when Jordan sealed its border with Syria following an attack on its soldiers there that was claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group in June 2016.

The move impeded delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid and severely restricted humanitarian agencies capacity to operate there.

Several months of talks between Jordanian officials and the UN, which was asked to present a plan for the delivery, led to the agreement for the one-time aid drop.

According to the Petra state news agency, the delivery on Monday was assisted by Jordanian army and foreign ministry staff.

Officials in Jordan have previously said that Rukban camp will never be a Jordanian responsibility, insisting said that aid must come from the Syrian side.

By using a crane to drop the aid onto the informal settlement, Jordan can continue to maintain this position as it has not had direct contact with the camp or its inhabitants.

Jordan is concerned that there may be ISIL sleeper cells within Rukban camp.

An estimated 1.5 million Syrians have fled to Jordan since the beginning of the civil war in 2011.







The National Human Rights Committee of Qatar (NHCR) calls the UN report proof the blockade is illegal.

A blockade against Qatar by several fellow members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is arbitrary and negatively impacting the people of the region, according to a new UN investigation.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, as well as Egypt, cut diplomatic, trade and travel ties with Qatar in June last year, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Doha strongly denies the charge.

In November 2017, representatives from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) visited Qatar, where they met with some 20 governmental and civil society groups, as well as people who had been affected by the blockade.

Following the missions visit from 17 to 24 November, OHCHR issued a report and sent a copy to the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar (NHCR).

In a press conference on Monday, Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, head of NHRC, said the study was proof the blockade is illegal.

This report shows without a spec of doubt that these procedures undertaken by blockading countries are not mere diplomatic severing of relations, they are not just an economic boycott, he said.

These are unilateral, abusive, arbitrary measures that are impacting citizens and expats in Qatar.

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Marri said the report described the measures taken against Qatar by the countries imposing the blockade as arbitrary and negatively infringing on human rights.

He also said the Saudi-led groups actions amounted to economic warfare.

According to Marri, the OHCHR had requested a visit to the countries imposing the blockade before issuing the report, but never received a reply.

Al Jazeeras Mohamed Vall, reporting from the Qatari capital, said the report was seen in Doha as a victory for human rights, and for the citizens who have been affected by the blockade.

For the Qataris, this is the first official confirmation by one of the major UN institutions, of what Qatar has been reiterating during the last several months, he added.

Vall noted that the OHCHR report said the sanctions imposed by the Saudi-led group have not distinguished between Qatars government and Qatari citizens.

He added that the investigation had also found that the measures not only impacted Qataris with interests in the blockading countries, but also citizens of those states residing in Qatar.

The NHCR has previously said that the blockade is breaking up families and disrupting young peoples education.

Before the crisis, GCC citizens enjoyed a great deal of freedom of movement between the six member states, and close tribal ties, meaning that over generations, thousands of intermarriages have been celebrated between Qataris and other GCC citizens.

Visits between these family members have also been made harder, leading to the NHCR previously calling the blockade worse than the Berlin wall.

Those claims by the NHCR were supported by Amnesty International, which, in June, accused the Gulf states of toying with the lives of thousands of people in their dispute with Qatar.Seventeen relatives of Salman al-Awda have been banned from leaving the kingdom, family member says.

Saudi Arabian authorities have imposed a travel ban on 17 relatives of prominent scholar Salman al-Awda, who has been held for nearly four months, Human Rights Watch reported.

A member of the Awda family said in a statement on Sunday that a relative discovered the ban when he tried to leave the kingdom.

The customs officer reportedly confirmed to the family member that the royal palace had imposed the ban for unspecified reasons.

Saudi authorities arrested Salman al-Awda, a prominent figure of the Awakening movement, on September 7.

The family member told HRW that Awda was being held over his refusal to comply with an order by Saudi authorities to tweet a specific text to support the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar.

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Instead, Awda posted a tweet on September 9, saying: May God harmonise between their hearts for the good of their people  an apparent call for reconciliation between the Gulf countries, HRW said.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt imposed a boycott against Qatar on June 5, accusing Doha of aiding terrorists and having close ties with Iran. Qatar denies the allegations.

The Awda family member cited by HRW said that authorities permitted Salman al-Awda only one phone call in October.

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salmans efforts to reform the Saudi economy and society are bound to fail if his justice system scorns the rule of law by ordering arbitrary arrests and punishments, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW.

Theres no justification for punishing family members of a detainee without showing even the slightest evidence or accusation of wrongdoing on their part.

According to HRW, Awda was among the first of dozens of people arrested in mid-September as part of a crackdown against what Saudi authorities said were those acting for the benefit of foreign parties against the security of the kingdom and its interests.

Saudi Arabia carried out another wave of arrests in November against people they accused of corruption and held many at five-star hotels until they agree to turn over assets to the state.

Awdas brother, Khaled, was also held after he tweeted about his brothers detention, media reported. He remains in detention, according to HRW.

If Mohammad bin Salman wants to show that a new era has begun in Saudi Arabia, a refreshing first step would be the release of activists and dissidents who have never been charged with a recognisable crime and should never have gone to jail in the first place, Whitson said.At least 23 people have been killed in Syrian and Russian air raids on the outskirts of the countrys capital Damascus.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the figure includes six children and four women killed in Mondays attacks on the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta district.

The monitor, which gathers its information from a network of sources inside Syria, added since December 29 a total of 126 people have been killed in air strikes on the besieged area, including 29 children and 28 women.

Al Jazeera was not able to independently verify the figures.

The only ambulance centre in the residential neighbourhood of Madira in Eastern Ghouta was completely destroyed, an Al Jazeera correspondent reported. He said several aid workers were also wounded in the strike.

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For the government of President Bashar al-Assad and his ally Russia, the proximity of Eastern Ghouta to the capital makes it a key target.

The area is under the control of groups loyal to the Free Syrian Army (FSA), a loose conglomeration of US and Turkish backed armed brigades made up of Syrian army defectors and ordinary civilians.

Since 2013, the government has maintained a suffocating siege on the area in an effort to weaken the rebel groups and continues to shell it despite a so-called de-escalation agreement.

The deal  reached last year by Turkey, Russia and Iran  was meant to put an end to hostilities there and to allow humanitarian supplies into the enclave.

The area is one of the last rebel strongholds in the country and is home to some 400,000 people. The four-year siege has led to a major humanitarian crisis, with severe shortages of food and medicine.

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, an adviser to a coalition of medical charities operating in Syria, told Al Jazeera from the UK city of Salisbury that more than 120 children were in need of urgent medical care in Eastern Ghouta, noting the last week and a half has been horrific in terms of the amount of attacks.

Government assaults on the district have been frequent in recent weeks and are believed to be part of the Syrian governments strategy to retake rebel-held positions.

Military base capture

Earlier on Monday, the Syrian army reclaimed a military site on the outskirts of Damascus from rebel forces, according to the Syrian Observatory.

Government troops managed to open a road on Sunday to the Military Vehicles administration base in the city of Harasta in the Eastern Ghouta, freeing some 200 troops trapped inside the compound, the British-based monitor said.

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The government forces had been besieged by rebel fighters from the Ahrar al-Sham group and al-Rahman Corps since an offensive on December 31, during which anti-government forces expanded their control over the site.

Some 160 pro-government and rebel fighters have been killed in fighting over the base since December 31.

Rebel forces stormed the site in November 2017 in an attempt to prevent government strikes on rebel-held enclaves in Eastern Ghouta.

Car bomb attack

Elsewhere in Syria, at least 43 people, including 27 civilians, were killed in a car bomb attack on Sunday in the countrys northwestern city of Idlib, according to SOHR.

At least 14 of those killed were children and seven were women, the monitor said.

The blast, for which there has been no claim of responsibility so far, struck the military headquarters of the Ajnad al-Kavkaz armed group, the SOHR reported.

It added it was not clear whether the attack was specifically targeting the groups base.

The rebel-held province of Idlib has seen increased violence in recent weeks as President Assad intensifies his efforts to gain control over the region.PM declares victory for ruling UBP, but fails to achieve outright majority in parliament, unofficial results show.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is poised for another coalition government, after none of the parties managed an outright majority in the snap parliamentary elections, according to unofficial results.

The conservative National Unity Party (UBP), led by Prime Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, came in first place  with 36 percent of the votes  ahead of the centre-left, pro-unification Republican Turkish Party (CTP) at 21 percent, local media reported on Monday, based on an unofficial count.

The UBP, which has been in power for 27 years, since the establishment of the TRNC, will need to form a coalition government again in the 50-member parliament.

The UBP has emerged as the biggest party by a wide margin, Ozgurgun said while declaring victory on Monday. We are preparing for new days with the power the people have given to the UBP.

The newly-formed right-wing Peoples Voice Party (HP) managed 17 percent of the votes in its first election, followed by previous ruling coalition partner, Democratic Party (DP).

Meanwhile, the left-wing Communal Democracy Party (CDP) of President Mustafa Akinci is projected to win only three seats.

Official results for Sundays vote are expected to be announced late on Monday.

More than 190,000 people were registered to vote. Ballots were cast at more than 700 polling stations across the country.

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The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is split between Turkish Cypriots in the north and Greek Cypriots in the south.

The TRNC, which has a functioning parliament and state institutions, unilaterally declared independence in 1983, breaking away from the Republic of Cyprus, and is only recognised by Turkey.

Cyprus had been practically divided since 1974, when Turkey militarily intervened on the island in response to a brief Greek-inspired coup.

The UBP, which was the largest partner of the previous right-wing coalition with the DP, has traditionally advocated for keeping good relations with Turkey.

The party wants to maintain the Mediterranean islands status quo, rather than settling the long-standing dispute to reunify Greek and Turkish Cypriot parts.

Along with the right-wing DP, which was founded by ex-UBP members, the UBP gave hundreds of TRNC citizenships to Turkey nationals weeks before the poll, in a move seen as a bid to increase its voter share.

Since the establishment of the de facto TRNC, the north has been described as the occupied part of Cyprus by the United Nations Security Council.

Repeated diplomatic efforts to end the partition have failed, as did the latest round of talks in Switzerland in July to reunify the island, despite efforts by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has vowed to continue its work after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for it to be scrapped.

In a series of tweets on Sunday evening, a spokesperson for the UN agency said it would continue providing help to Palestinian refugees until the international community comes up with a solution for their plight.

UNRWA is assigned by the General Assembly to continue its services until a fair solution to Palestinian refugees issue is reached, UNRWA official Sami Mushasha noted.





His comments came shortly after Netanyahu called for the agency to be scrapped, accusing it of helping fictitious refugees.

UNRWA is an organisation that perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem and the narrative of the right-of-return, as it were, in order to eliminate the State of Israel, the Israeli leader said, adding the development agency needed to pass from the world.

The agency plays a significant role in supporting Palestinian refugees with access to education, healthcare, social services and employment in the occupied Palestinian territories and in neighbouring states.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled from their homes in historic Palestine by Zionist militias during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war and later by the Israeli army during the 1967 war.

Today, those refugees and their descendants total more than five million people.

Netanyahus comments come less than a week after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off American funding to the Palestinian Authority (PA) for not showing enough appreciation or respect towards the United States.

With the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them? Trump asked.

Analysts have warned that if the US leader follows through with the threat, and the withdrawal of aid includes funds earmarked for UNRWA, there would be a big strain on the PA to cover those costs.Editor's Note: Over winter break, meteorologists said a temperature drop and expected rain could cause snow to fall in Gainesville. Though that didnt come to pass, we at the Alligator wanted to take you back to Jan. 19, 1977 when snow did fall.

Snow! Heaviest snow ever causes stir in Gainesville

By Dennis Kneale, Alligator Staff Writer

Its snowing in Florida. Class is dismissed.

With that, journalism professor Jon Roosenraad turned loose 40 students  some of them already hanging out windows in the stadium to catch elusive snowflakes  to celebrate the first heavy snowfall in Gainesville in five years.

This is the heaviest snow since Ive been here for 30 years, Gainesville Mayor Jim Richardson, a UF business professor, said. Ive seen a little bit drift down three or four times, but not like this.

And while the precipitation was far from blizzard proportions, it did cause telephone lines to become snowed under with callers talking about the Florida flurries.

Phones on the UF campus and in other parts of Gainesville could receive incoming calls only because heavy phone traffic locked telephone wires and kept phone users from getting dial tones, a company spokeswoman said.

One Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company employee said, The last time the phone lines were this bad was when President Kennedy was shot.

While temperatures dropped below 20 degrees early Tuesday morning, students and other residents in five apartment complexes were left without light and heat from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. when a wire fell into transmission and distribution lines.

WCJB weatherman Mel Turner said Tuesdays snow was the first for Gainesville since 1972.

As far as I know, this is the heaviest snowfall ever in Gainesville. Id have to say weve got a legitimate snowfall, Turner said.

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Temperatures were expected to go as low as the mid-teens Tuesday night and are projected to get only as high as the mid-40s today.

Alachua County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Ray Newman said Tuesday the snow may cause slick roads in and outside Gainesville.

I imagine the snow will cause some problems for the drivers (Tuesday night) who dont know how to handle the roads, but the displaced Yankees we have here will have no difficulty, Newman said.

Meanwhile wispy snowflakes drifted and stuck onto frigid cars and the damp ground.

Residents in the Village Park apartment complex on Southwest 16th Avenue stood outside in the cold yelling and taking pictures of one another in the snow.

The Murphree Commons turned into a snowball battlefield as students happily pelted one another with the white stuff thats not supposed to fall in Florida.

About 100 students gathered on the Plaza of the Americas to walk amidst the snowfall  and continue to grin at one another.

Ben Gross was one Northerner who enjoyed the snow like everyone else.

I havent seen snow in four years. I love it. Ive been praying for it, its outrageous, Gross said.

People are nicer when it snows out, Donna Desimmone said.

But UF Executive Vice President Harold Hanson wasnt impressed.

I was born in Minnesota, raised in Wisconsin and lived in Norway. I dont see any snow, he said Tuesday.

A copy of the front page of The Independent Florida Alligator from Jan. 19, 1977.The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation granted a UF-run project $8.7 million for a five-year research project on food security and poverty alleviation efforts in Africa.

This grant is in addition to a $49 million grant IFAS received in 2015 from the U.S. Agency for International Development, said Adegbola Adesogan, the director of UFs Feed The Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems.

The funding goes to Adesogans lab, which researches topics dealing with the food and health of vulnerable people. UFs Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences announced the grant Wednesday.

The Gates additional funding will allow researchers to improve livestock feeds and food safety in Ethiopia and Burkina Faso, Adesogan said.

We want this work to be sustained after the life of the grant, he said. We dont want to do research that just sits on the shelf.

Arie Havelaar, a Department of Animal Sciences professor, said funding will allow his team to study diseases transmitted from animals to humans to minimize childhood exposure to harmful bacteria found in chicken feces.

The process of selecting what would be funded has been difficult and very involved, he said.

Proper childhood health and development is related to livestock productivity, Adesogan said. The research will focus on identifying efficient feeding methods for livestock as they are versatile sources of capital, income and food in the community.

Contact Elliott Nasby at enasby@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter at @NasbyElliott.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe NowA Florida man, with the words candle and light tattooed on his eyelids, was arrested after three police officers, a Taser and a police dog were used to detain him on Monday, Alachua Police said.

Clay Sanford George, 40, of Ft. White, Florida, was pulled over in a tan 2014 Buick at about 10 p.m. for running a red light but drove off after stopping north of 147th Drive on Northwest U.S. Highway 441, according to an arrest report. He drove about a mile before he stopped and exited the car in a hostile manner.

George told police he didnt have a drivers license, yelled at them to call his mother and walked back to his car, according to the report.

When an officer tried to put Georges hands behind his back, George grabbed the officer by the neck and shoulders and shoved the officer into the car door, police said.

The officer tried to tackle George, who punched the officer in the face and bit the officer in the face twice, police said.

After a first officer used a Taser on George with no result, a second officer tried again, causing George to fall, according to the report.

After both officers got on top of George to detain him, a third officer arrived and used a police dog to get George to comply, which was successful, police said.

Take me to jail, George said, according to the report.

George was charged with two counts of battery on an officer and three counts of resisting arrest, criminal mischief and driving with a suspended license, the report said. He was taken to UF Health Shands Hospital, and then booked in the Alachua County Jail, where he remains, as of Sunday night, on an $80,000 bond.

Contact Meryl Kornfield at mkornfield@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter at @merylkornfield.

Clay Sanford George

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe NowAlong with more than a dozen other universities, UF received an anonymous email Tuesday that threatened violence on campus unless the writer received a payment of 1.2 bitcoin, or about $19,735, police said.

The email, sent to UF President Kent Fuchs, said threats would start at noon Wednesday if regular bitcoin payments were not made, University Police Sgt. Eddie King said. Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI are looking into the threat along with local police, though King said there likely is no threat.

Since the initial email, no violence or threatening incidents have been reported.

Nothing has happened, King said. I would say it was a scam.

While exact details of the threat remain private due to ongoing state and federal investigations, King said the email described using pipe bombs on campus and targeting students and faculty.

The writer of the email, who referred to themselves as Only fair, sent police instructions on how to purchase and deposit bitcoin, King said.

On Thursday, the University of West Florida, one of the universities who received the threat, released a public safety notice urging people to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings.

UF spokesperson Janine Sikes said students should remain alert upon returning to classes despite the threat likely being a scam.

As always, we urge anyone seeing suspicious activity on campus to report it to the University Police Department, Sikes said.

Contact David Hoffman at dhoffman@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter at @hoffdavid123.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe NowAs Paula Delpech searched for a new pair of ankle boots at Macys, she worried about what the store closure means for the stores' employees and the economy.

What else do we have but Macys? the UF nursing professor said.

The Oaks Mall location is one of 11 stores closing nationwide in 2018, as part of the franchises 100-store closure announced in August 2016, according to a press release from Macys. The historic downtown Miami location is the only other Macys closing in Florida. Store associates were notified about the closure Jan. 3.

A clearance sale in both Florida stores will begin Monday and continue through mid-March.

The Oaks Mall has not announced what will replace Macys, a mall representative, Marissa Ellenby, wrote in an email.

Dillard's recently announced it intends to expand into Macy's current space, doubling its size, according to the Gainesville Sun.

The closures will allow the company to focus on both brick and mortar and online shopping equally, the Macys press release said. The corporation expects to save $300 million by closing the 11 stores in 2018 and reducing production cost.

Gloria Parker, a UF Health Shands Hospital nurse, shops at Macys for after-Christmas sales and is disappointed to see the store close.

Im from the older generation, and we never did online shopping, she said. I know people think its convenient, but I want to go pick up things, feel textures. Things like that you cant do online.

Macy's Locations Closing

Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA

Westside Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA

Novato (Furniture), Novato, CA

Stonestown Galleria, San Francisco, CA

The Oaks Mall, Gainesville, FL

Miami (downtown), Miami, FL

Magic Valley Mall, Twin Falls, ID

Honey Creek Mall, Terre Haute, IN

Birchwood Mall, Fort Gratiot Township, MI

Fountain Place, Cincinnati, OH

Burlington Town Center, Burlington, VT

Contact Amanda Rosa at arosa@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @amandanicrosa.

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This story was updated Jan. 12, 2017, to include Dillard's intention to expand into Macy's space.Trump Crazy? Like a Fox

Hum, ho  the Trump-haters have found a new authority figure to swear that the man is crazy. Rocketing to fame thanks to the objective media today is a woman with the extraordinary name of Bandy X. Lee. Dr. Lee, M.D. is now in danger of having her license pulled by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for engaging in ethically prohibited long-distance diagnosis without even interviewing the supposed patient in person. In real psychiatry, not the imaginary kind peddled by the NYT-WaPo Axis of Lies, psychiatric diagnosis is serious business, which normally involves a private interview with the clear, legal consent of the patient, an explicit set of criteria covered in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of the APA, and an absolute guarantee of privacy in the patient-doctor relationship. Dr. Lee violated all those rules, and in the real world (not in the media narrative), that means her career is at an end. I've seen licenses pulled for much less than that.

That is presumably why Dr. Lee's claimed team of fellow psychiatrists have never been named  if they exist. Lee uses the term "we" in claiming that her extremely dubious "diagnosis" (which does not exist in the DSM) is backed by an unspecified group of fellow "experts." A real licensing board would suspend her for abusing her license to practice for obvious political payoffs, thereby bringing her profession to public ridicule and contempt. So what are Trump's psychiatric symptoms? Lee's Exhibit A is Trump's response to Kim III (a paranoid who is never criticized by Democrats). Kim III boasted about the "big button" on his desk, to launch ICBMs tipped with nukes at the United States of America, Japan, South Korea, and quite possibly China, all within range of North Korea's ICBMs. In response to Kim's threat, 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!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 To Americans who know Trump's jargon, his Twitter response sounded like "well, mine is bigger than yours!" Trump talks and tweets like that, and his main political motivation is to dominate the 24-hour news cycle. Trump's provocative tweets got him elected by giving him close to full control over the news cycle, rather than getting stomped by the liberal media every day. In politics, Trump's tweets constitute the only way any Republican has managed to dominate the news since Dwight D. Eisenhower. The newsies are all stacked with Democrat activists who will do anything  including suborning the FBI and IRS  to destroy Republicans. Trump has found the answer, and Lee's current smear against POTUS is designed to destroy Trump's favorite weapon, the off-the-cuff Twitter response, including a typo (covfefe). From now on, any tweet from Trump will be another sign of psychiatric disorder, and Lee will put her diagnostic reputation on the line for that. In addition, of course, Lee has effectively picked the side of Kim III, a Stalinist murderer who keeps his people in a state of starvation. I would not want to be on Kim III's side in a public spat  would you? It seems as if Lee has no grasp of politics, either American-style or North Korean. This is possible if she is Chinese by birth and doesn't understand American political jargon. For the last couple of years, Trump's provocative tweets have provoked the mass media every single time, which is how he won the election and kept his media haters in a foaming rage. Trump does not expect to make friends among his fixed haters, and he's right. So he treats them like enemies, which is also right. Those of us who understand how American men talk in ordinary life are not particularly surprised. What surprises the media is his use of Twitter  but that's also how he gets their collective goat every 24 hours. Now, either Lee does not understand how normal Americans talk informally or she is running a political scam, like so many "authority figures" quoted by our mendacious media. In either case, she is liable to be summoned by her local licensing board to explain her violation of established diagnostic ethics. Normally, the licensing board will send her a cease and desist order, but this is national politics, and the AMA and APA might just be overlooking Dr. Lee's nationally broadcast remarks. If the FBI, along with Obama's DOJ, can crumble in the face of Hillary's email corruption, what's the AMA going to do? (They are going to kowtow to Obama, like all the other professional forces in American life.) When Trump wants to sound serious, he goes like this: To the Congress of the United States: Consistent with section 108 of the National Security Act of 1947, as amended (50 U.S.C. 3043), I have enclosed the National Security Strategy of the United States. This National Security Strategy sets forth my guidance and direction for an America First foreign policy and charts a path to achieving the goals and objectives that will make America great again. DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE Now, a competent psychiatrist might have taken the time to read the White House website for Trump's more official language. Trump speaks differently on Twitter from how he speaks in his role as POTUS. This should not come as news, but apparently the left will never, ever get it.I am amazed. All of a sudden, Democrats are talking about the Constitution and double-taxation. In what possible way would Congress taking away a deduction be declared unconstitutional? If it was constitutional to put the deduction in the tax code, it is constitutional to take it out. That is a simple concept.

"I'm certainly not a constitutional lawyer, but the notion that this is not constitutional is something we want to pursue," said Phil Murphy, New Jersey's Democratic governor-elect. California state Senate [p]resident [p]ro [t]em Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat who is running for the U.S. Senate[,] ... [said:] "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[.]"

Federal tax law has phased out up to 80% of itemized deductions for high-income taxpayers for years, and not once did I hear Cuomo or journalists raise alarms about it. But now that Trump wants to help almost everyone, Democrats, journalists, and charities are having a cow.

As for double-taxation, it is stupid for Democrats to complain because they double-tax so much  especially the poor and middle class, whom they just pretend to care about.

Federal income taxes are not deductible before paying state income taxes.

Payroll taxes are not deductible before paying both federal and state taxes.

The following, mostly regressive, taxes are rarely deductible before paying either federal or state taxes.

 Sales taxes

 State motor fuel taxes

 Federal motor fuel taxes

 Cigarette taxes

 Alcohol taxes

 Telecommunications taxes

 Utility taxes

And then there is the multitude of other taxes and fees that are not deductible. Politicians, but especially Democrats, are always raising these taxes and fees, and not once have I heard the concern of double-taxation.

Corporate dividends are not deductible, yet states and the federal government tax them again for individuals and corporations.

Estates have paid significant taxes on their assets as they were earned  yet Democrats have no problem taxing them at 40%, and states like Illinois can get another 16%.

IRAs and other retirement accounts can essentially be confiscated by the government. The federal government can get up to 40% in estate taxes, plus the beneficiaries can be taxed another 37% on the whole amount, plus some states can get more. Where is the concern for double-taxation?

Let's stop pretending journalists and other Democrats care about anything other than the government keeping more money. They can't stand the thought of Trump and Republicans allowing almost everyone in the private sector keeping more of the money they earned rather than submitting it to the government.

When the AP writes a Democrat talking points article like this, it should recognize all the double-taxation that exists and acknowledge that Democrats have never cared about it before. They still don't. And they never cared about the phasing out of itemized deductions, which also limited people in high-tax states from getting their full deductions.Battered by the backlash from Michael Wolff's book, Steve Bannon is trying to make amends with the Trump family, providing a statement to Axios that expresses "regret" to President Trump and praises his son, Donald Trump[,] Jr.

Former Trump aide and confidant Steve Bannon issued a sort-of apology on Sunday for the incendiary statements he made about Donald Trump and Trump's family to Fire and Fury author Michael Wolff. Curiously, he gave the statement exclusively to the far-left wing, virulently anti-Trump website Axios .

"Donald Trump, Jr. is both a patriot and a good man. He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around."

"My support is also unwavering for the president and his agenda  as I have shown daily in my national radio broadcasts, on the pages of Breitbart News[,] and in speeches and appearances from Tokyo and Hong Kong to Arizona and Alabama."

"President Trump was the only candidate [who] could have taken on and defeated the Clinton apparatus. I am the only person to date to conduct a global effort to preach the message of Trump and Trumpism[] and remain ready to stand in the breach [Editor's note: Originally, this quotation read 'breech.' It has been changed to 'breach' at some venues and left standing at others.] for this president's efforts to make America great again."

"My comments about the meeting with Russian nationals came from my life experiences as a [n]aval officer stationed aboard a destroyer whose main mission was to hunt Soviet submarines to my time at the Pentagon during the Reagan years when our focus was the defeat of 'the evil empire' and to making films about Reagan's war against the Soviets and Hillary Clinton's involvement in selling uranium to them."

"My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort, a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate. He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning[,] and not our friends. To reiterate, those comments were not aimed at Don Jr."

"Everything I have to say about the ridiculous nature of the Russian 'collusion' investigation I said on my 60 Minutes interview. There was no collusion and the investigation is a witch hunt."

"I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr[.] has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency."

Significantly, Bannon did not mention the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, or Trump's daughter, Ivanka, in his apology. And he didn't claim he was misquoted by Wolff or that his words were taken out of context. His words fell like hammer blows on the White House and sent the political class into a frenzy.

Those who know Bannon are surprised that he even attempted an apology. The controversial leader of the anti-establishment forces is, like Trump, a fighter, and the idea that he would deliver a mea culpa is alien to his personality, say his friends.

But Bannon found himself in more trouble than he could have possibly imagined and hesitated for a critical six days after the story broke before "clarifying" his statements to Wolff. While Trump and many of his aides raged against him publicly and privately, Bannon remained silent.

This delay doomed the Breitbart editor and may significantly alter the landscape for Republicans in the 2018 midterms.

Politico:

"The problem for Steve is that we were already into January 2018, and he doesn't really have a system, he doesn't have a fund, he doesn't have a political team," said Matthew Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, whose wife works in the White House communications department. "Now it's going to take extra time to make things up, if he's able to, and repair the trust he had with the president. The clock is no longer on his side." A Republican pollster and operative with close ties to the White House marveled at the terrible timing of Bannon's feud with Trump. "It happens after taxes, before the Camp David meeting this weekend," the operative said, noting that McConnell and Ryan were both spending quality time with Trump during the peak of his Bannon frustration, shortly after celebrating their first big legislative victory. "He couldn't have picked a worse day on the calendar for this to happen. The swamp won."

The "swamp" may have won a battle, but the GOP civil war will continue to rage. "Establishment" forces are declaring victory after the McConnell-Ryan-Trump Camp David meeting this weekend, but if Trump has shown anything over the last year, it is his unpredictability and his ability to turn on people on a dime. Any thoughts that McConnell-Ryan have "won" are incredibly premature.

But that won't help Bannon.

Bannon's influence, the operative predicted, will be zilch in the coming 2018 midterms, with no recruitment plan or financial backing to offer establishment-challenging outsider candidates. The operative, who has polled Bannon's name ID in states like Alabama, said his image was 40 percent positive, 20 percent negative among Republican primary voters before the feud. "Now he's going to be 20 to 40  or worse," the operative predicted.

Even before Fire and Fury excerpts were released, Bannon had failed to recruit viable candidates to run against establishment politicians in most of the important races. Now that the Mercers have abandoned him, he will either have to find another angel to fund his efforts or get down in the trenches and raise money like everyone else.

The latter prospect does not bode well for Bannon's chances of success. We are just a few months away from the GOP primaries, and with Trump making noises about supporting incumbents, the leader of the guerrilla movement to change the Republican Party may come up short.Beware of Mad Dog

It's a safe bet that someone in the military intelligentsia of North Korea is charged with taking good measure of Kim Jong-un's enemies. In the oft rerun movie Patton, a similar role for the German Wehrmacht was assigned to cerebral Captain Oskar Steiger, who recounts a list of General Patton's accomplishments and idiosyncrasies and concludes Patton to be "the pure warrior ... a magnificent anachronism." In strategic terms, beware of Patton. Foremost on Kim's mind these days is President Donald Trump as the two leaders exchange rattles of tongues, sabers, and nukes. How is a North Korean version of Captain Steiger advising his leader today? He would be forced to say President Trump may be considered dangerous but is highly unpredictable, famous for keeping not only his foes, but his allies, staff, and party members constantly off balance.

If Kim moved the conversation on to the secretary of defense, he would get a contrasting earful. General James Mattis, sometimes called the "warrior-monk," is a dedicated student of world and military history. Unlike his boss, President Trump, James Mattis is predictable  very predictable. The list of Mattis's quotable phrases is lengthy and legendary, and all revolve around a blunt theme, as illustrated in his view of warrior diplomacy: "be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet." The media may be stuck on the notion that the president plays good cop-bad cop only with suave and crafty secretary of state Rex Tillerson, but the president and the secretary of defense have devised their own version, perhaps better cast as bad cop-killer cop. President Trump is obliged to ply a version of diplomacy, as erratic as it may appear, but Secretary Mattis, also known to loyal legions of soldiers as "Mad Dog," labors under no such constraints. North Korea's "Captain Steiger," and, no doubt, Kim Jong-un, must weigh the military resolve of the U.S as personified in "Mad Dog" Mattis. Kim Jong-un may be inclined to risk sparring with President Trump, but Secretary Mattis is waiting ringside, and he doesn't spar. He annihilates. Kim Jong-un may be rethinking his options. Beware of "Mad Dog." Dean Kedenburg is an anthropologist in the hamlet of Leucadia, California.At least one witness has already been called to testify before the grand jury.

A grand jury looking into charges that Jane Sanders, former president of Burlington College and wife of Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, misrepresented the amount of money donors gave to the school on loan applications in order to purchase a large tract of land. The school went belly-up in 2016 because of the huge debt load.

VT Digger:

Burlington College borrowed heavily to finance the purchase of 33 acres of lakefront property from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington. The deal relied on pledged donations and projections of increased enrollment. In 2015, VTDigger reported that Jane Sanders overstated pledged donations in the loan document. Two donors listed in the document told VTDigger at that time that their listed pledges were greater than what their personal financial records showed they gave. VTDigger also interviewed the largest confirmed donor listed in the loan application. Corinne Bove Maietta, a member of the renowned Burlington Bove's Restaurant family, disputed the manner in which her pledge was represented by Sanders in the loan agreement. Maietta said she agreed to give the college an unspecified amount upon her death as a bequest. Documents show, however, [that] Sanders stated in a loan application that Maietta would contribute a series of cash payments totaling $1 million. The payments were to be completed over a period of time, according to records obtained by VTDigger. Maietta said she also never signed a formal pledge agreement with the college. A former vice president at the college disputes that claim. Lloyd said de Graaf questioned her about the Maietta pledge during the grand jury testimony, but she declined to go into specific detail. Burlington College closed in May 2016. The college sold most of the property to developer Eric Farrell for a large housing project before the school went bankrupt, but the sale wasn't enough to save the school. The outgoing president of the college, Carol Moore, cited the debt load from the land purchase as the proximate cause of the school's closure.

Did Jane Sanders fraudulently represent the amount of donations the school would receive for the land deal on a loan application? Or did she innocently misunderstand what the donors were willing to give? Well, that's what pledge agreements are for. That one large donor can't remember signing a pledge agreement at all is significant. That others claim that their pledge agreements were altered or misrepresent the amounts they were willing to give is also telling.

Shortly after the loan fiasco, Sanders was asked to resign by the college board. She left the small school in a financial hole it was unable to fix.

So is Sanders an idiot or a crook? She was probably crazy to purchase the land in the first place, expecting student enrollment to soar just because the school would be on the waterfront. But how she got the loan money is the issue, and that's where crimes may have been committed.

Needless to say, an indictment of his wife for fraud would not help Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign in 2020. It probably wouldn't sink it. After all, media darling Sanders can count on the press running interference for him. But in a race a dozen and a half Democrats are expected to enter, the scandal would almost certainly cost him votes that he could ill afford to lose.He was one of the first to call fraud on Venezuela's recall referendum of 2004 and blast Jimmy Carter, who claimed all was free and fair. With Venezuela soon starving, he shocked the world ten years later by calling on Venezuela to default on its debts and use the cash to feed its people. He warned a second time that banks that issue new debt for Venezuela as a lifeline to the regime were propping up the regime's capacity to create more starvation.

Ricardo Hausmann is no typical academic. This past week, he suggested in an article that a foreign invasion may be the only way out for Venezuela's collapsing socialist regime. The respected Venezuelan economist who is a professor at Harvard's Kennedy school is known for going out on a limb and making the powers that be uncomfortable. He's done it a lot and it's because he loves his country.

Now he's calling for the most obvious of solution of all to the monstrous problem of totalitarian socialism, which is failing and cannot reform itself, and whose suffering people are powerless to cast them out: Invade the hellhole.

According to a column by the Miami Herald's Andres Oppenheimer:

In his Jan. 2 syndicated article, D-Day Venezuela, Hausmann proposes that Venezuelas opposition-controlled National Assembly impeach dictator Nicolas Maduro and appoint a new constitutional government, which in turn could request military assistance from other countries.

Hausmann calls on a coalition of the willing to act at the invitation of Venezuela's opposition, which had had the majority in the National Assembly until Nicolas Maduro's dictatorship effectively superceded their powers with some 'constitutional' parliament of his own invention and liking. For good measure, he banned all the top opposition leaders from running for office as well.

Sure, invasion is a dirty word in Latin America. But attitudes are changing, Hausmann argues. All of the countries of the region are getting the creeps, not to mention the human waves of refugees - real refugees, by the way, the kind who will go anywhere. What's more, as Miami Herald columnist Andres Oppenheimer argues, Venezuela already has been invaded by a foreign power, Cuba, which runs everything in that country.

Hausmann even argues that his idea is hardly radical or unprecedented - there are many historic precedents. From Oppenheimer:

Venezuelas independence hero, Simon Bolivar, himself gained the title of Liberator of Venezuela thanks to an 1814 invasion organized and financed by neighboring Nueva Granada (todays Colombia), Hausmann argues. And France, Belgium and the Netherlands liberated themselves from oppressive regimes thanks to international military actions in World War II, he adds.

And since Oppenheimer is an Argentine-born moderate lefty, and Hausmann's views are unknown, we'll never hear the Big One of precedents for a change in power after an incumbent regime abuses its power totally: Pinochet's Chile.

But that's the precedent that's really useful.

Chile's military government of the 1970s was created as a result of a completely parliamentary maneuver, buttressed by its supreme court. It was never a freelance coup d'etat as the Castroite-propaganda-influenced left would have you think. Unlike what Hausmann is calling for, it was a fully domestic operation, involving no foreigners, done so because Chile's military had not been corrupted as Venezuela's military is now. The bottom line is that it was absolutely legal based on Chile's constitution.

Like everything Hausmann proposes, the idea of sweeping out the socialist garbage in Caracas makes sense. Hausmann is pointing out that these are not ordinary times - Venezuelans are actually starving. The very survival of the nation is at stake and the current totalitarian regime is completely unreformable, just as the great Jeanne Kirkpatrick noted in her famous essay, ' Dictatorships and Double Standards .' Oppenheimer thinks a foreign invasion is unlikely to happen, but he's Mr. Swamp on Latin affairs and as such is frequently surprised. If nothing else, it's important that this idea is now out there. Watch the Chavistas scream.

As Americans, we are moved by the suffering of socialism's victims in that country and don't care which nation does this, just that the regime gets gone. If the Venezuelans want to do this with Colombia, Brazil and Peru helping out, rather than us, President Trump should send the word that the rest of us will be pleased and, in the immortal words of April Glaspie, the U.S. has "no objection."



Deep in the desert in northern Mexico, between the states of Durango, Chihuahua and Coahuila, is an area known as zona del silencio or the "zone of silence", also known as Mapimi Silent Zone for its close proximity to the city of Mapimi. Legend says that in this area electromagnetic transmissions cannot be received, radio doesnt work, compasses do not point to magnetic north, and the flora and fauna have abnormal mutations. Over the years stories of alien encounters, falling "hot pebbles" and all sorts of paranormal activities have been drawing tourists and curiosity-seekers from all over the world.

The myth started in July, 1970, when the U.S. military base near Green River, Utah fired an Athena test missile toward White Sands Missile Range. The missile lost control and instead of landing on the intended target continued 400 miles south and fell in the Mapimi Desert region. Immediately, a team of specialists arrived to find the fallen rocket. When the rocket was found after three weeks of intense search, an airstrip was built to transport the wreckage. The entire operation was very hush-hush, consistent with governmental common sense, and nobody was told anything or asked. The secretive nature of the operation was already spurring rumors among the residents.

Photo credit

One version of the story tells about a certain local named Jamie who was hired by the military to guard the missile from vandals and sight-seers. Jaime rather liked the attention and money that the missile had brought, and when the military left, he along with two local landowners began to talk of the possibility of building a hotel in the area to encourage tourism. Some say that it was Jamie who began playing up the importance of the region to generate interest in the area, and together with his new friends started creating a story with lots of pseudo-science and local folklore, and fed it to the regional media. The media swallowed it hook, line and sinker, and a legend was born.

According to this bizarre story, strange magnetic anomalies of the atmosphere prevent radio transmission in specific points and make the needles spin on magnetic compasses. The magnetic waves are so unique that they create a vortex that draws in material from the upper atmosphere, including the ill-fated missile. The Allende meteorite, which fell in the general region of the Zone in 1969, is often cited as corroborating evidence.

The phenomena is now claimed to have been first reported in the 1930s by Francisco Sarabia, a Mexican pilot, who claimed that his radio had mysteriously failed to function while flying over the zone. Others claim to have seen UFOs, and objects falling from cloudless skies.

Photo credit

Now hundreds of people come from all over to experience the area. The locals call them zoneros. They are surprised when they find their radios and compasses working, upon which their guide  often a local, for whom these tourists represent a source of income, explains to them that the zones move, and therefore be hard to locate.

The local residents themselves do not believe in the Zone of Silence. When asked about strange phenomena, they invariably reply that they do not see strange things in the desert, only strange people. While some are eking out a living becoming guides or selling sodas and eatables to tourists, others find these outsiders a nuisance.

Mexconnect.com shares an amusing anecdote:

Upon being asked where la Zona could be found, a local rancher told a carload of people that they needed to keep following the road until they saw martians jump from one side of the road to another. The amazing part, he commented later, was that they thanked him. Another group of zoneros arrived at the field station and asked one of the workers how to get to the Zone. The young fellow, struggling to be polite and truthful at once, only replied, "Nunca van a llegar (You are never going to get there)."

Photo credit

Photo creditROME - Oman's government has signed to obtain 81 million Omani rials ($210 million) of financing from Saudi Arabia for one of its key industrial projects, in a deal that could help to ease concern about the health of the sultanate's finances.

The money will come from the Saudi Fund for Development, a state agency, to support work at Duqm, where Oman is building a multi-billion-dollar industrial zone on its southern coast, the official Oman News Agency (ONA) said.

The 81 million rials of aid for Duqm is part of the $10 billion regional program, ONA said without giving financial details. Twenty million rials will go towards building a road and 61 million rials towards developing Duqm's fishing harbor.

According to Al Arabiya, Oman plans to make Duqm a major center for its fishing and fish processing industries, in addition to building an oil refinery, a petrochemical complex and a wide range of manufacturing facilities in the zone. ONA quoted Yousef bin Ibrahim al-Bassam, managing director of the Saudi fund, as saying it had also allocated $150 million to finance the growth of smaller companies in Oman, and would extend the aid in cooperation with Oman Development Bank.Anti-government demonstration dispersed in Tunis #Fech_Nestanew collective protesting price hikes

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS, JANUARY 8 - A demonstration in front of the Tunisian Interior Ministry by about a hundred young activists from the #Fech_Nestanew (What Are We Waiting For) movement, which aims to denounce price hikes and government policy, was broken up by security agents on Sunday evening on the centrally located Avenue Bourguiba.



The activists continued to parade through the adjacent streets shouting slogans against Tunisian President Beji Cad Essebsi and Premier Youssef Chahed, while scenes of the protests were transmitted in real time via social media.



The Fech Nestanew campaign was launched on January 4 by a group of young people (some of whom are part of the Union Generale des etudiants tunisiens (UGET) student union and others from civil society) with the main goal of protesting against the price hikes that went into effect with the 2018 budget.



Some members of the movement were arrested by law enforcement for a few hours on January 4 after they were caught writing protest slogans on the walls of the Tunis Metro 2 station.



The movement defines itself as transversal and apolitical, includes activists from the "Manich Msameh" (I Don't Forgive) movement, and aims to expand nationwide.



"The campaign is open to all Tunisians," activist Ouennas Rouissi told the website Realites Online in an interview about his January 4 arrest.



"It's a way to protest against the actions of those responsible for the current crisis, the old Troika, Nidaa Tounes, Ennahdha, l'Union Patriotique Libre (UPL) or still Afek Tounes," he said, adding that the movement is not connected to any particular political party.



"Some opposition parties, such as Popular Front, have supported us, as well as some independent members of parliament.



However, our main demand remains the suspension of the work that was started as part of the 2018 budget bill," Rouissi said.(ANSAmed).



Migrant arrivals in Spain doubled in 2017 Almost 27,000 people via sea and land, IOM

(ANSAmed) - MADRID, JANUARY 8 - Double the number of migrants came to Spain in 2017 compared with the previous year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports. Over 21,468 people arrived via sea and another 5,473 via the Ceuta and Melilla borders in 2017 and at least 3,116 drowned in the Mediterranean in the attempt to reach Europe. The IOM figures show that from January 1 to December 20, 2017, some 26,941 migrants arrived in Spanish territory compared with 13,246 the previous year.



Over 43,600 migrants arrived in the two-year period between 2015-2017. Spain is the southern European country which has seen the highest increase in migrants. However, the total number of refugees arriving in Europe via sea along the various Mediterranean routes - eastern, central and western - fell to 181,543 people in 2017 from 378,895 in 2016. (ANSAmed).



ISTANBUL - Turkey's post-coup state of emergency mass arrests have continued into the new year, with 643 people arrested for suspected terrorism in the first week of 2018, according to the Turkish Interior Ministry.

Over two-thirds (467) of those arrested are accused of ties with alleged coup mastermind, Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Another 112 were arrested in operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), during which 17 Kurdish militants were said to have been "neutralised", meaning either killed, wounded, or captured.

Authorities also took into custody 46 suspected ISIS jihadists and 18 members of illegal far-left organisations.

More than 50,000 people have been arrested in Turkey for suspected terrorism since the failed coup attempt in July 2016.

ANSAmed - Weekly diary from January 8 to January 14

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JANUARY 8 - Weekly diary of the main events scheduled in the Euro-mediterranean area from January 8 to January 14: MONDAY JANUARY 8 No major events scheduled TUESDAY JANUARY 9 BRUSSELS - EU, High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini and Commissioners Johannes Hahn and Christos Stylianides will receive Horst Kohler, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Western Sahara.



TUNIS - Hearing in trial of 33 people accused of the terrorist attack at the luxury resort in Sousse on June 26, 2015, in which 38 people died TUNIS - Hearing in trial for the terrorist attack at the Bardo Museum on March 18, 2015, in which 24 people died, including four Italians WEDNESDAY JANUARY 10 ROME - Southern EU Countries Summit.



THURSDAY JANUARY 11 TEL AVIV - Anniversary of the death of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.



ROME - 8th edition of the Errichetta Festival dedicated to masters of Balkan and Middle Eastern music (until 18/1).



FRIDAY JANUARY 12 No major events scheduled SATURDAY JANUARY 13 No major events scheduled SUNDAY JANUARY 14 TUNIS - Anniversary of the fall of the regime of Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. (ANSAmed).



Pope says migrants are people, urges end to stoking fears Recalls message for World Day of Peace dedicated to refugees

(ANSAmed) - VATICAN CITY, JANUARY 8 - Pope Francis said freedom of movement is "a fundamental human right" and called for seeing migrants as people rather than stoking fears regarding refugees.



"Nowadays people talk a lot about migrants and migration, sometimes only to stir up ancestral fears," Pope Francis said.



"Migration has always existed. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the story of salvation is essentially the story of migration," he said.



"We must emerge from the widespread rhetoric on the subject and start from the essential consideration that those who we have before us, above all, are people," he said.



"One cannot forget the situation of families broken up due to poverty, wars and migration. All too often, we have before our eyes the drama of children who cross borders separating the world's south from the north by themselves, often victims of human trafficking," he said.



Pope Francis recalled his message for the 2018 World Day of Peace, titled "Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in Search of Peace".



"Even recognising that not everyone is always motivated by the best intentions, one cannot forget that most migrants would prefer to stay in their own countries, while instead they are forced to leave due to 'discrimination, persecution, poverty and environmental degradation'".



"By practising the virtue of prudence, government leaders should take practical measures to welcome, promote, protect, integrate and, 'within the limits allowed by a correct understanding of the common good, to permit [them] to become part of a new society.' (Pacem in terris, 57)," Pope Francis said, citing his World Day of Peace message.



"Leaders have a clear responsibility towards their own communities, whose legitimate rights and harmonious development they must ensure, lest they become like the rash builder who miscalculated and failed to complete the tower he had begun to construct".



"I wish to thank once again the authorities of those countries who have gone out of their way in recent years to provide assistance to the numerous migrants at their borders.



I'm thinking above all of the efforts of many countries in Asia, in Africa and in the Americas, who welcome and assist numerous people. I still keep alive in my heart the meeting that I had in Dhaka with some members of the Rohingya people, and I wish to renew my feelings of gratitude to the authorities of Bangladesh for the assistance that they are giving them in their own country".(ANSAmed).



UNHCR says Qatar blockade is arbitrary, harms population 'Unilateral, abusive' measures 'not diplomatic or boycott'

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JANUARY 8 - A report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called the blockade imposed on Qatar by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE ''arbitrary'' and harmful to the population of the region, reported Al Jazeera on Monday.



Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, chairman of Qatar's National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), said that the report proved that the measures imposed by the countries ''are not only diplomatic and not even an economic boycott. These are unilateral, abusive and arbitrary measures that are having repercussions on the citizens of and people who live in Qatar''. In November 2017, UNHCR representatives are said to have met in Qatar with members of the government, civil society and people who had suffered repercussions from the blockade.



The report was drawn up after that visit. (ANSAmed).



As peace and stability increases in Lebanon, the country is seeing a steady climb in business and tourism.

Business and private aviation in the Middle East has been a huge success story in recent years, with many Gulf countries beginning to dominate the market.

One Arab country fast becoming a business aviation hub is Lebanon, and private and business aviation services company, Sky Lounge Services, is growing rapidly due to customer demand.

Based at Rafic Hariri International Airport (RHIA) in the General Aviation Terminal, the licensed Lebanese air operation company only launched services in April 2016 but already it has added a new jet.

We started out managing three private aircraft  a Global Express, a Falcon 2000, and Falcon 2000LX  as well as chartering a Hawker 400XP, explained sales manager, Nour Oueida.

Because of the increase in market share and overload of flight bookings, we had to expand the AOC fleet to be able to match our clients growing requests. Consequently, we recently acquired a newly refurbished Challenger 605, which started operating in August 2017.

The company sells, operates and manages aircraft  and it is soon adding ground-handling services to its fixed-base operations (FBO) profile.

We provide personalised FBO and handling services that typify professional attention to detail, said Oueida.

Our customers include people from the political, business and family spheres. We fly to any destination in the Middle East, Europe and Africa, and are able to answer the demands of any business or lifestyle.

Oueida said Lebanon is seeing increasing business aviation as the country becomes more stable.

Following the significant growth of flying hours and air traffic in the Gulf region, Lebanon is finally emerging into that wave and rising above the shocks of the political turmoil in the wider region and the remains of the global economic crisis, explained Oueida.

This increase in peace is attracting more trade, business and tourism to the country, and, as we can see, the industry is, indeed, spreading out in the region and the trending market is expanding.

According to new figures released by Bombardiers market forecast, the Middle East is set to be the fastest-developing region for business aviation in the world, with an estimated 7% fleet growth by 2030.

Oueida is keen to point out that Sky Lounge Services is successful due to its attention to safety, reliability, and customer management.

We have high safety standards and our winning point is client reliance, said Oueida. Clients trust that we will always find an aircraft for them at any time and anywhere, and at the best price. And, from an operations point of view, we are definitely the fastest and most accurate and effective with flight scheduling, to get all the permits done on a timely manner, to process clearances, and to secure slots.

We are still expanding our network with foreign operators to ensure we get priority notification on aircraft availability and special quotations for our clients.

As well as the new aircraft, the company is trying to build stronger client relations by working on a loyalty programme.

Oueida said: The loyalty programme will ensure better quotations for our frequent flyers and loyal customers. We are also working on making the private aviation industry in the region more accessible. Although, in general, private aviation inspires pictures of luxury and wealth, we want the image to be seen as more friendly and closer to home by the public  a means of transportation that can be accessible at a point.

We are still in the study phase of the project and how we can introduce it, given the demographic characteristics of our target customers.

The company is also in the negotiation process and contract phase with several owners willing to put additional aircraft under its management.

These additional aircraft might soon be available for charter, said Oueida. With all these things happening, it is a very exciting time for us, not just in the business aviation market, but also in Lebanon.

Currently Super Carry is being retailed through 162 new commercial outlets in 140 cities across 25 states.

New Delhi: The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) plans to expand the sales network for its light commercial vehicle 'Super Carry' as it aims to be a significant player in the segment.

The company, which launched Super Carry in September 2016, is seeing good traction in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment that is dominated by players like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra.

"The retail network is being rolled out in phases.

Currently Super Carry is being retailed through 162 new commercial outlets in 140 cities across 25 states. It is our endeavour to reach closer to customers as much as possible," an MSI spokesperson told PTI.

The spokesperson, however, did not share details on the number of sales outlets it plans to open going ahead.

"We plan to be present across India at all potential locations...We will plan as we move ahead based on customers need and market requirements," the spokesperson said.

MSI has established a new commercial sales channel for the LCV business.

When asked about Super Carry's sales performance, the spokesperson said the LCV's current market share in the mini truck segment stood at around 5.5 per cent, "while in the similar 700kgs payload segment, where it competes with Tata Ace, M&M Supro and Piaggio Porter, it is 8.7 per cent till December 2017".

"In the future, we plan to be a significant player in the segment," the spokesperson added.

MSI sold 900 units of Super Carry in 2016-17. In the April-December period of the current fiscal, it has already sold 5,958 units.

"More units of Super Carry have been sold than some of its competitors during the second and third quarters of 2017- 18," the spokesperson said.

MSI rolls out Super Carry from its Gurgaon facility.

Asked if the company plans to hike production capacity, the spokesperson said: "The production capacity for Super Carry is currently sufficiently planned to meet the market requirements."

Besides the domestic market, the company has also started exporting Super Carry to countries like South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Equipped with a 793-cc diesel engine, Super Carry delivers a mileage of 22.07 km per litre.Patanajali's products are already available on several online platforms through various other sellers.

Partnerships with etailers will be in addition to its own portal patanjaliayurved.net, where the company is selling its products online. (Photo: PTI/File)

New Delhi: Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali Ayurved is likely to partner with eight leading etailers and aggregators to give a big push to online sales of its swadeshi range of FMCG products, said a company official.

The Haridwar-based company is expected to enter into agreements this month with major online retailers -- Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm Mall, 1MG, bigbasket, grofers, shopclues and snapdeal -- a step through which its range of products will be available on various online platforms.

Patanjali is organising a function on January 16 here and representatives of all the online companies are expected to attend it along with Ramdev and its MD Acharya Balkrishna.

"We are now going into massive way. Now, we would have an organised and systematic agreement with the players to place our all product online, so that it could reach to customers to the end point," Patanjali spokesperson S K Tijarawala told PTI.

These partnerships with etailers will be in addition to its own portal patanjaliayurved.net, where the company is selling its products online.

"This would change the scenario of whole FMCG trade through online" he added.

Some of Patanajali's products are already available on several online platforms through various other sellers but this would allow the Haridwar-based firm to systematically place its range of products.

"The retailers and aggregators would share the dias...

They are coming and make announcement together that they would be working with brand Patanjali," Tijarawala said, adding that through this arrangement Patanjali's product could be served across the globe.

However, he refused to share further details and arrangements with the online retailers.

Recently, Patanjali had forayed into kids and adult diapers and affordable sanitary napkins segments.

Last month, it had also announced to venturing into solar equipment manufacturing.

Besides FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) segment, Patanjali Ayurved is present in other sectors such as education and healthcare.

In 2016-17, it had crossed a turnover of Rs 10,500 crore and aims a two-fold growth this fiscal.Meeting is also slated to discuss new stringent call drop norms that were enforced by TRAI in Oct last year.

The meeting with telecom industry CEOs will be chaired by the DoT Secretary.

New Delhi: Concerned about the deteriorating call drop situation, the Department of Telecom (DoT) will meet service providers on January 10 to discuss the burning issue as also the new service quality norms that have been implemented in the sector.

"We want to convey to the operators, the government's concerns on state of call drops. Service providers have to get their act together," Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters here on Monday.

She was speaking on the sidelines of a conference to mark the completion of the first phase of Bharat Net project.

The meeting with telecom industry CEOs will be chaired by the DoT Secretary. The meeting is also slated to discuss the new stringent call drop norms that were enforced by telecom regulator TRAI in October last year. On the same day, DoT will also hold a separate meeting with the telecom regulator on the call drop issue.

The Telecom Commission, meanwhile, will meet on Tuesday to discuss multiple issues including some recommendations by Inter-ministerial Group (IMG) on relief measures for the stressed industry, importantly, the raising of spectrum caps.A higher opening in the domestic equity market gave the uptrend some momentum.

Rupee is trading at 63.26 against US dollar in opening session on selling of greenback by exporters and banks. (Photo: PTI)

Mumbai: The rupee strengthened by 11 paise to trade at 63.26 against the US dollar in opening session on Monday on selling of the greenback by exporters and banks amid gains in stocks which scaled record levels.

Currency dealers said continued foreign fund inflows and weakness in the greenback against other currencies overseas supported the rupee.

Furthermore, a higher opening in the domestic equity market gave the uptrend some momentum, they added.

On Friday, the rupee ended at a 32-month high of 63.37, up 4 paise on steady unwinding of the American currency by exporters.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rallied 178 points, or or 0.52 per cent, to trade at an all-time high of 34,331.85 and the NSE Nifty breached the 10,600 for the first time in opening trade on Monday.The market regulator is also seeking a pass through for losses incurred by investors.

Sebi did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bengaluru: Market regulator Sebi has recommended a unit-based tax system for hedge funds as part of its proposals for next months Budget, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The proposal, if approved, would make the country's equity hedge fund investors eligible for capital-gains tax exemptions after one year, Bloomberg said.

The market regulator is also seeking a pass through for losses incurred by investors in other alternative investments such as venture capital, real estate and private equity, the report added.

Sebi did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Kangana is currently shooting for her dream project Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.

Mumbai: Kangana Ranaut has acquired the title of Queen in Bollywood, but unfortunately, she has failed to make a mark since 2015, as she has given back-to-back disasters in I Love New Year, Katti Batti, Rangoon and Simran.

However, that doesnt seem to have affected her fan following, as Mid-Day reports that even before her Manali bungalow gets the final touches, fans have been clicking selfies with the bungalow and neighbours have been extending their help to make the actress feel at home.

The report says that locals are taking selfies outside the bungalow and neighbours have been extending a helping hand, by sending milk, vegetables and foodstuff to make her stay comfortable in the new place.

On Kanganas reaction, the daily says that the Himachal ki beti, Kangs is touched by the love she has been receiving from people.

Kangana is currently shooting for her dream project Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi. Apart from that, she has been announced as a part of Zindabaad with Ranbir Kapoor and Jaljeera with Life Of Pi actor Suraj Sharma.The 2018 Golden Globe Awards was hosted by talk show host Seth Meyers.

Mumbai: The 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards was held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. The 2018 Hollywood Awards event was hosted by talk show host Seth Meyers.

Here are complete details of who won what at 2018 star-studded Golden Globes:

Hollywood veteran Gary Oldman, in a career spanning over 30 years, has finally earned a well-deserved 'Golden Globes' trophy for the movie 'Darkest Hour'.

The actor won the award for 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama' at the 2018 Golden Globes for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the film.

During his speech, the actor said, "Well, I feel very humbled and surprised to have been asked to come at this stage. I would like to congratulate my fellow nominees for their beautiful work. I am in very fine company this evening indeed."

After thanking the cast and crew on the 'Darkest Hour', Oldman thanked his wife, Gisele Schmidt "who put up with my crazy for over a year."

But when asked about the Time's Up movement that dominated the evening backstage, Oldman said, "When the curtain came down on Harvey [Weinstein], I was flabbergasted. Fortunately he was never in my orbit. I met him in '92 and he gave me the creeps. And I said, 'Let's never work with that guy.' And I never did. The evolutionary wheel is turning. What we do, what we say, how we say it and who we say it to, is very important. If that is exposed, then it is a good thing."

The 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' also discussed the challenge of playing a real-life figure.

He added, "I am proud of the movie because it shows and illustrates the power of words and action. That words and actions can literally change the world."

The actor beat out Timothee Chalamet ('Call Me by Your Name'), Daniel Day-Lewis ('Phantom Thread'), Tom Hanks ('The Post') and Denzel Washington ('Roman J. Israel, Esq.').

Meanwhile, Frances McDormand received the award for 'Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama' at the star-studded event. From the moment she walked on stage, the star warned the fans that this was going to be a speech to remember.

She started by saying, "Well I have a few things to say. I'm going to keep it short because we've been here a long time and we need some tequila. All you ladies in this category, bar, tequila's on me."

The actress then joked that while she's thankful for the HFPA, she is 'unsure' about who they truly are.

"I'm still not quite sure who they are when I run into them, for the last 35 years, but I love seeing their faces and, let's face it, they managed to elect a female president," explained McDormand.

McDormand also took the opportunity to mention the Times Up movement and said she felt really proud to be a part of this "tectonic shift" in the industry.

"Some of you may know, I keep my politics private, but it was really great to be in this room tonight and to be part of a tectonic shift in our industry's power structure. Trust me, the women in this room tonight are not here for the food. We are here for the work," explained McDormand.

James Franco took home the Golden Globe for 'Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy' for his performance as Tommy Wiseau in 'The Disaster Artist'.

Franco brought up the enigmatic movie maker Tommy Wiseau to the stage when he won the award-and even did an impression of the latter.

"This was billed as a movie about making the best worst movie ever made but, in fact it's a story of friendship. This year I learned from friends and collaborators," began Franco.

Franco, who also directed the film, said he was very happy to share the moment with Wiseau, and also thanked his cast and crew, including Seth Rogen and his brother.

Franco noted, "I love [Dave] more than anything, thanks to my mother for giving him to me."

Saoirse Ronan won the Golden Globe for 'Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical' for her performance in the movie 'Lady Bird'.

The visibly overjoyed star took the stage with a message of gratitude to those who supported her along the way.

She started by saying, "My mom's on FaceTime over there on someone's phone. So, hi! I have no time at all to say thank you but I just want to say how inspirational it is to be in this room tonight."

During her speech, the Lady Bird star was quick to thank the film's cast and crew.

Here's a quick look at the winners from all categories:

Best Motion Picture  Drama: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Motion Picture  Musical or Comedy: Lady Bird

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture: Allison Janney, I, Tonya

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture: Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Director  Motion Picture: Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water

Best Screenplay  Motion Picture: Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Motion Picture  Animated: Coco

Best Motion Picture  Foreign Language: In The Fade, Germany, France

Best Original Score  Motion Picture: Alexandre Desplat, The Shape of Water

Best Original Song  Motion Picture: This Is Me, The Greatest Showman

Best Television Series  Drama: The Handmaids Tale

Best Television Series  Musical or Comedy: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Big Little Lies

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television: Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television: Ewan McGregor, Fargo

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series  Drama: Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaids Tale

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series  Drama: Sterling K. Brown, This is Us

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series  Musical or Comedy: Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series  Musical or Comedy: Aziz Ansari, Master of None

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Laura Dern, Big Little Lies

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies

Cecil B. DeMille Award: Oprah WinfreySays leaders turnaround in view of upcoming elections.

Bengaluru: BJPs emerging mascot and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday trained his guns on Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, who had recently asserted that he too was a Hindu.

Addressing the BJPs Parivarthana Rally at Vijayanagar in Bengaluru on Sunday, Mr Adityanath said the CM had made the turnaround seeing the growing popularity of Hindu ideology in the state.

He (Siddaramaiah) sho-uld realise that Hinduism is a way of life in India and not merely the name of a caste or religion. It is basically a culture, he said.

During the tenure of the previous BJP regime, the government had introduced the Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill in the Karnataka Assembly. If he is a Hindu, why did he and the Congress oppose the bill? Now, with the Assembly elections appro-aching, he has started di-viding castes in the state, remarked the UP CM.

Drawing a parallel between UP and Karnata-ka, Mr Adityanath hinted that the issue of Hanu-man Jayanthi, which had become controversial a few months ago after the Congress government banned a procession in Hunsur in Mysuru, may play a dominant role during the Assembly elections here. Like Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of Lord Rama, Karnataka is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. So, Hanuman Jayanthi is a great issue here as everyone celebrates the day. Like Rama in UP, it is Hanuman in Karnataka, he said.

Taking a dig at the Congress government, the UP CM said law and order had completely collapsed. Earlier, riots used to take place in UP, but after the BJP took over, the government has not allowed any riot to happen, he said.

There was a lot of development activity taking place in the country, which the Congress government here was hardly able to comprehend. During the tenure of the previous NDA government, the state had got the Bengaluru International Airport and the Metro project and now, it had the Smart City project. If a government, which thinks on similar lines like the Centre has to be installed in the state, it was necessary to vote for the BJP, he added.Human chain to fight dowry

Government employees, volunteers and politicians in Bihar will form the worlds longest human chain, involving about four crore people, on January 21 to create awareness against child marriage and dowry. A similar human chain was formed last year to promote prohibition of liquor.

Bihar records 15 per cent of dowry-related deaths in country. In 2016, 987 cases of dowry deaths were registered in Bihar while the total number of dowry-related cases was 4,852.

Patna: Bihar is gearing up to form the world's longest human chain, involving about four crore people, on January 21 to create awareness against child marriage and dowry.

Bihar records 15 per cent of dowry-related deaths in the country. In 2016 alone, 987 cases of dowry deaths were registered in Bihar while the total number of dowry-related cases was 4,852, according to official figures.

The JD(U)-ruled state ranks second in the country after neighbouring Uttar Pradesh in dowry-related cases.

The state government is expecting active public participation from across the state in the human chain initiative. According to officials, a group had been formed to create awareness among people residing in rural areas.

"We want the involvement of more and more people in the anti-dowry campaign. The human chain will be formed at all district headquarters, block and panchayats, said an official.

According to sources, efforts are also being made to form a map of Bihar through the human chain in Patna's Gandhi Maidan.

This will be the second human chain in Bihar in last one year. The first one was organized exactly a year ago in support of the liquor ban in which according to Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar "over four crore people had participated".

In December 2017, chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh issued directives to all district magistrates and superintendents of police to earmark locations where the human chain will be formed.

Government officials and employees, including school teachers, have also been asked to participate in the campaign against child marriage and dowry.

The campaign against dowry and child marriage was launched in Bihar on October 2, 2017. According to JD (U) leaders, about 1,500 people had gathered in Patna when Mr Kumar had called for a massive drive against the social evil.

"People had welcomed the move when the chief minister had urged for a public participation in abolishing child marriage and dowry," JD (U) spokesperson Niraj Kumar told this newspaper.

Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi who was also present during the event had urged the chief minister to introduce tough laws to deal with cases related to child marriage and suggested enacting a legislation under which the elected representatives of Panchayats will be held responsible if child marriages are reported from their areas.

Observers believe that after getting an overwhelming response from people, especially women, for imposing liquor prohibition, the chief minister urged the masses to join him in his effort to weed out social evils such as dowry and child marriage.

Mr Kumar is the first political leader in the country to introduce the campaign against dowry on a massive scale.

While some observers feel that the campaign may prove risky for him electorally, JD(U) leaders dismiss the speculation. "The move has only added to his popularity and with people's support, cases related to child marriage and dowry will come down in the next one year and society in Bihar will change," said a ruling party legislator.

According to reports, the prevalence of child marriage in Bihar is 40 per cent, while dowry-related cases have been a major cause of violence against women in the state. Survey reports suggest that Bihar ranks second in the country when it comes to dowry-related cases.

"This movement will eradicate evils of child marriage and dowry. Active public participation through human chain will involve all members of society to join the fight against these evils," JD (U) leader Niraj Kumar said.Opposing CBFC's pass for all India release on Jan 25, home minister Gulab Chand Kataria stated, the film will not be released in the state.

Succumbing to pressure from the community at a time when three by-polls are going to take place later in January, Rajasthan government has decided against the release of the film in the state. (Photo: File)

Jaipur: Despite a name change, Sanjay Leela Bhansalis controversial film Padmavati, which is now renamed as Padmavat, continues to face opposition from Rajput community in Rajasthan.

Succumbing to pressure from the community at a time when three by-polls are going to take place later in January, Rajasthan government has decided against the release of the film in the state.

Notwithstanding, clearance from CBFC for all India release on January 25, home minister Gulab Chand Kataria has categorically stated that the film will not be released in the state.

He earlier cited the order from chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who had at the peak of protests against the film had written a letter to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and had sought necessary changes in the film as suggested by the Centre.

The CM had also said that maintaining law and order in Rajasthan was of highest priority and it will be maintained at all cost with reference to protests against the film.

Although, the home minister took excuse to threat to law and order if the film was allowed to release, it is believed that the ruling BJP was playing safe because of bypolls in the state for two Lok Sabha and one Assembly seats, which have significant presence of the Rajput community.

Only three days ago, Shri Rajput Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi had called upon the community members to gather in Chittorgarh on January 27 and push for a complete ban on the controversial Sanjay Leela Bhansali film 'Padmavati'.

He said that they will not let the film be released at any cost. A panel that reviewed the film in a special screening has expressed the view that some of the facts presented in the film can upset the Rajputs and the Muslims, but the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief has ignored that, he added.

"We have a very clear stand since day one that we want this film to be banned. The committee made by the CBFC watched the movie and said the movie was vulgar and the facts were distorted. The film is made just to earn money. Along with the name of the movie, the characters names should also be changed," Karni Sena member Mahipal Singh Makrana said.The petitioner sought a direction for strict compliance with the rule so that people could sleep peacefully.

Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath government in UP has banned the unauthorised use of loudspeakers at religious and public spaces across the state.

The state government on Sunday directed the police to remove loudspeakers installed at religious places by January 20.

The move comes after the Allahabad high cou-rt ordered the removal of loudspeakers from religious places, in an attempt to curb increasing noise pollution.

In December 2017, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court had sought replies from the state government and the UP Pollution Control Board on the alleged misuse of loudspeakers in religious places.

The court order came on a PIL filed by M.L. Yadav, a local lawyer, who alleged that the Noise Pollution Regulat-ion and Control Rule was not being followed in religious places like temples, mosques, gurdwara and churches. The petitioner said that students, patients and senior citizens bore the brunt of noise pollution.

As per the rule, the use of loudspeakers cannot be allowed from 10 pm to 6 am but the rule was frequently violated.

The petitioner sought a direction for strict compliance with the rule so that people could sleep peacefully.The medical college had hit headlines in Aug 2017 when 63 children, including infants, died within 4 days due to disrupted supply of oxygen.

No loss of life has been reported so far. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Gorakhpur: A major fire broke out today at the state-run BRD Hospital, infamous for deaths of scores of children last year allegedly due to shortage of oxygen, fire department said.

No loss of life has been reported so far.

Three fire tenders were pressed to control the blaze that caused extensive damage to the principal's office and the adjacent record room situated in the hospital premises.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

#Gorakhpur: Fire broke out at principal office in Baba Raghav Das Medical College, three fire tenders rushed to the spot pic.twitter.com/JacSNGzdXr  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 8, 2018

The medical college had hit the headlines in August last year when 63 children, including infants, died within a span of four days when the supply of oxygen was allegedly disrupted due to non-payment of dues to the vendor.Mr Gandhi also got off the stage to welcome an 83-year-old air commodore who had come to hear his speech.

New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday took his fight against the Narendra Modi-led BJP government to the Indian diaspora in Bahrain. In an 18-minute speech, he spoke of a nation thats under threat by Hindutva forces, and appealed for help. I have come here to ask for your help to fight these forces of anger and hatred. Brothers and sisters, India needs your help, he said at an interaction with the Indian diaspora.

Mr Gandhi, who took over the reins of the Congress in December, said that an atmosphere of fear prevails in the country, and added, Its a tragedy that instead of talking about job creation, health care, providing world-class education, the focus is on what we are allowed to eat, who is allowed to protest and what we can and cannot say.

Instead of uniting the communities and people of all religion to face the challenge, the government is busy converting the fear of jobless youths into hatred between communities, he said at the interaction organised by the Global Organisation for Person of Indian Origin (GOPIO).

Claiming that he is getting ready to present a nai, chamakti, behetar Congress Party (a shinning and improved Congress Party), he said if he is able do so successfully, defeating the BJP is not a badi baat (big thing).

Talking about attacks on dalits across the country, Mr Gandhi said, Dalits are being beaten to submission. Without naming names, he added, Judges investigating sensitive cases are dying under mysterious circumstances.

Reports have alleged that Justice B.H. Loya, who was hearing the case of extra-judicial killings of Sohrabuddin Sheikh against BJP president Amit Shah, died five months after taking charge.

In a tacit manner Mr Gandhi also referred to the assassination of activist and journalist Gauri Lankesh. Activists and journalists are threatened and shot dead, he said, and amidst lour cheer and applause, claimed, India has been taken off its path of progress.

During interaction with the Indian diaspora after his speech, Mr Gandhi didnt merely acknowledged the partys mistakes but also his own mistakes.

Launching into Hindi, Mr Gandhi said, Main insaan hoon aur hum sab galitiyan karte hain (Im a human being and err is human).

This was Mr Gandhis first foreign visit since his elevation as party chief in December. Indians number at an estimated 400,000 people out of Bahr-ains population of 1.3 million, making them the largest expatriate group in the country.

While fans and well-wishers thronged Bahrain airport to greet the Congress president, cheers, loud applause and roars of Rahul Gandhi zindabad echoed in the Gulf Hotel where Mr Gandhi addressed the Indian diaspora, saying, I have not come here to tell you anything. No. I have come here to ask for your help to fight these forces of anger and hatred.

Stressing on his observation that India is under threat, Mr Gandhi referred to the freedom struggle saying, We need you as our ancestors needed you in 1947to protect the idea of India.

A miffed BJP fielded one of its Muslim faces from Bihar, spokesperson Shanawaz Huss-ain, to counter the Congress chief. Mr Hussain said that Mr Gandhi was imitating Prime Minister Narendra Modi by trying to reach out to the Indian diaspora.

During his interaction with the Indian diaspora, Mr Gan-dhi claimed that the Congress has the ability and power to defeat BJP led NDA in 2019. When asked what would be his three main priorities if the Congress came to power, Mr Gandhi said, Creating jobs, healthcare and providing world-class education.

Mr Gandhi also got off the stage to welcome an 83-year-old air commodore who had come to hear his speech.

On the question of the BJPs aggressive social media campaign against him, Mr Gandhi said that no matter how much lies they (read BJP) spread, ultimately truth is revealed.

A diamond always remains a diamond, he said.Royal aides opt for a more 'practical' option in St Georges Hall at Windsor Castle.

One person who would have readily approved of their choice was the Queen, for whom Frogmore is a very special place. (Photo: AP)

Much like any other engaged couple, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their own plans for their perfect wedding day. However, if you are a public figure, and that too a royal, it is likely that your plans will be tossed out the window for more practical purposes.

It turns out that the pair have been denied their chosen venue of Frogmore House for the wedding reception.

Frogmore is a significant venue for the couple, as the pair have reportedly enjoyed romantic picnics at the estate and it was also the backdrop for their glamorous engagement photos.

However, according to Express, Meghan and Harry were denied the chance to celebrate their wedding at the exclusive venue, which is closed to the public for most of the year, in favour of the more 'practical' alternative, St Georges Hall at Windsor Castle.

The couple were thought to be keen on Frogmore, which Meghan described as 'dreamy', for their wedding reception, but have now been 'gently vetoed' by royal aides.

It is just a mile away from their venue of St George's Chapel, where they will wed on May 19.

According to a royal source, one person who would have readily approved of their choice was the Queen, for whom Frogmore is a very special place.

Meghan and Harry announced their engagement on November 27, with the American actress showing off her sparkling ring complete with diamonds owned by his mother Princess Diana.

They live in Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace next door to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.Sawant (62) was accosted by two men late on Sunday night who then attacked him with sharp weapons.

Sawant was a two-time corporator of Shiv Sena from Samta Nagar. (Photo: ANI)

Mumbai: Former Shiv Sena corporator, Ashok Sawant, has been stabbed to death outside his house in Maharashtra's Kandivali.

Sawant (62) was accosted by two men late on Sunday night who then attacked him with sharp weapons.

The incident took place when he was returning home after meeting a friend.

He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Sawant was a two-time corporator of Shiv Sena from Samta Nagar.

Investigation in the case is on.The section penalises sexual intercourse between two consenting adults of the same gender.

A three-judge bench of SC said it would examine examine the constituitional validity of the law referred to as Section 377. (Representational image)

Mumbai: Bringing cheers to the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community, the Supreme Court (SC) has opened a fresh debate on homosexuality. On Monday, while responding to a petition brought by five persons from the LGBT community, a three-judge bench of SC headed by the Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra, said it would reconsider and examine the constitutional validity of the law referred to as Section 377. The section penalises sexual intercourse between two consenting adults of the same gender.

The SC referred the plea to a larger bench on Monday. I think we are in good hands at the moment. Its highly progressive that the SC has taken a stand of this kind that they are going to review section 377. I think its high time that a country which stands for plurality and respect for all individuals should decriminalise this section Its enshrined in the constitution that every person irrespective of the number, are deemed to receive respect and life of dignity, said Harish Iyer, an activist fighting for the rights of LGBTQ.

"It's a relief that they have considered re-opening this debate, it's a positive move and I have hopes that atleast this time the section will be decriminalized," said Madhura Sarode, a transgender.

In December 2013, the SC had overturned the High Courts ruling of decriminalising homosexuality. In 2009, Delhi HC had decriminalised the section. The SC had upheld section 377 in 2013 and stated that community is a negligible part of the population.

Speaking to The Asian Age, Advocate Ejaz Naqvi said, Its a welcome move. State as well as judiciary should not interfere in the privacy of two adults. Homosexuality is not bad in comparison to corruption or moral corruption. Thats why state should concentrate on eradicating corruption, rather than eradicating abnormality in sexuality. Naqvi represents Lalita Salve, a woman constable from Beed who wants to change her gender and had approached High Court on the same.Around 29 school children had died in the incident as the buses carrying them fell into the river.

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Monday directed the lawyer representing Union Territory of Diu Daman to file a status report within two weeks, stating if any departmental action has been taken against government officials in connection with the collapse of Damanganga Bridge in August 2003.

Around 29 school children had died in the incident as the buses carrying them fell into the river. The HC has also sought report of the trial, as charges have not been framed and the trial is pending since 2009.

The division bench of Justice Naresh H. Patil and Justice Nitin W. Sambre was hearing PIL filed by Ishvarlal Naik. Naiks lawyer Ramesh Ramamurthy argued before the bench that the government had appointed retired high court Justice R.J. Kochars committee to probe the incident.

Advocate Ramamurthy, Justice Kochar in his report had recommended departmental and penal action against government officials who were found to be negligent that led to the incident.Youngsters hobby stems from fact that he has always been fascinated by Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Anurag Lakandry says that his hobby stems from the fact that he has always been fascinated by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Anurag Lakandry, a 24-year-old ITI student and resident of Tindharia in Darjeeling, is creating waves by making miniature models of the famous Darjeeling Toy Train to popularise it around the world.

Speaking about his endeavours to this correspondent, Lakandry says that his hobby stems from the fact that he has always been fascinated by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and thus came up with the idea of making miniatures on them.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) or Toy Train is a two feet narrow gauge railway based on zig-zag and loop line technology that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in the state of West-Bengal.

A model created by Lakandry

Everyone in my family has always worked for the DHR as loco pilots and my house is near a railway loco shed. These coupled with my natural inclination gradually made me garner interest in Railways.

Elaborating on how he makes the models, Lakandry says that the materials he uses are varied.

I use a lot of different things to make these models. Nuts, bolts, fuse snips, wires, and metal sheets are just a few of the things that I used. I make use of simple things to make them as I lack good accessories. As for the parts of metals he uses, he solders them himself. And whenever he runs out of material, he just picks up the scraps from different shops which he feels will fit the general make of the model.

All the parts of the DHR engine are in my mind so it never creates any problem for me when I am sourcing the materials for it, he adds.

Lakandry says that support for his endeavour comes from the most unlikeliest of sources.

There are a few British gentlemen who had supported me a lot. Michael Whitehouse, chairman of Vintage Trains is one such person. He sends me the motors tracks to make my model accurate.

Lakandry adds that he has been to Thailand, Myanmar in 2014 and 2017 with European railway experts where he learnt a lot of things about the Railways.

The youth adds, I visited the railway sheds depots in Myanmar and Thailand in 2014 where I also got the chance to drive a 2ft Burmese Mine Railway Tender Tank Steam locomotive in the main line.

Last year, Lakandry was also fortunate enough to drive YC 629 Meter Guage Steam Locomotive on the main line of Indian Railways.

The young locomotive enthusiast adds that while many people do show interest in his models, it is the Railfans from Britain who especially love the DHR. It was with the help of such Railfans that Lakendry was able to graduate from dead engines to motorized ones.

At present Lakandry is attempting to make a steam model with the help of a boiler cylinder and books on steam engines that the railfans have sent him.

Anurag has started getting orders from London, Singapore, Russia and some other places as well.

On December 2, 1999 the UNESCO conferred the World Heritage site status to DHR which became only the second railway in the world to receive such status.The Peshwas were not a major power at the beginning of the 19th century. Their glory ended with the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.

Not many are interested in the real historical significance of the Bhima-Koregaon battle where the Mahar contingent of the East India Company forces defeated the Peshwas army in 1818. The Peshwas were not a major power at the beginning of the 19th century. Their glory ended with the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. The memory of Mahar bravery is worth remembering, but it did not change the fortunes of the community in any big way, nor did it alter the condition of the dalits in the rest of the country. It is a matter of doubtful validity whether the success of the Mahars in that battle of two centuries ago would serve as a morale booster for dalits across the country now.

There is, however, the harsh truth that whenever dalits gather in a big way as they did in Bhima-Koregaon on New Years Day last week, the other dominant castes feel uneasy and even a little bit frightened. The sight of lakhs of the dispossessed at one place must indeed drive shivers of fear down the spines of the those who believe themselves to be upper castes. The gathering of the poor in Paris at the time of French Revolution in 1789 must have been spine-chilling to the remnants of the French nobility of the day. But the unfortunate truth is that the incandescent moment of dalit strength and pride does not last, and most of them go back to their daily lives of struggle, frustration and some success.

It is interesting in this context to note the observations of Ramdas Athavale of the Republican Party of India and Union minister of state in the Narendra Modi government. He advised the new dalit political star from Gujarat, Jignesh Mevani, to build bridges and not create divisions. What he meant was that confrontation would not help in the present times. It is the advice of a seasoned politician to an upcoming one. Then he made a far more important remark. He said that if so many dalits could gather, it should be possible for Prakash Ambedkars faction of the RPI and his own to fight the elections together and decide whether they should support the Congress or the BJP.

The BJPs political and ideological opponents look to assertions of caste identity to counter the overweening, or what appears to be dominant, hold of the Hindutva party in the country. For the last three years, the Congress, the Communists, the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and Lalu Prasad Yadavs Rashtriya Janata Dal have almost despaired of countering Prime Minister Narendra Modis nebulous rhetoric of economic development. They knew that Mr Modis BJP could be scoring brownie points on development issues, but the main thrust of the Prime Ministers party is rightist-oriented Hindutva nationalism. The Patidar agitation in Gujarat prior to the 2017 Assembly elections and the reassertion of Dalit identity in the Bhima-Koregaon gathering near Pune in Maharashtra is sure to warm the hearts of the BJPs critics and opponents that the so-called Hindutva consensus which seemed to have emerged in the majority community is breaking down under the stress of caste identities intertwined with economic woes.

The BJP leaders seem to have sensed the problem of social unrest expressing itself through the caste voice. Prime Minister Modi, speaking at the BJP office in New Delhi immediately after the narrow victory in the Gujarat Assembly elections, expressed his fear and uneasiness. He said he would not allow Gujarati people to be split along caste lines. It is the echo of what his party senior of the past, Lal Krishna Advani, had said in the face of Mandal challenge posed by Vishwanath Pratap Singh when he announced reservations for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs in 1990, and Mr Advani countered it with the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation, saying it was done to save Hindu society from being splintered along caste lines. Mr Advani did not really succeed in the 1990s though he believed he did. Mr Modi thinks that he is uniting all sections of society on the development plank, though many of his critics would say that what he has in mind is just Hindus, and that he does not care about the religious minorities.

In Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had worked assiduously to Hinduise the tribal population across central India, and created a votebank for the BJP. There was also an attempt to win over the OBCs as well. The BJP has benefited hugely from the political consolidation of the Scheduled Tribes (STs) and OBCs. But it was never going to be a stable social-political block. It is showing cracks and the BJP is quite clueless about how to deal with it effectively. The Hindutva rhetoric has run its course, and it does not any more serve as the political talisman that it seemed to be for some years now.

The emerging spokespersons of caste formations like Hardik Patel of the Patidars and Jignesh Mevani of the Dalits or Alpesh Thakore are likely to become mainstream political leaders sooner rather than later, and their voicing of caste interests and concerns, which are real and genuine, may not be sufficient by themselves because protest is a symptom and not a solution to difficult social and economic problems. The anti-BJP cheerleaders should not get tipsy over the emergence of these young voices as they did over Kanhaiya Kumar of Jawaharlal Nehru University some time back. The challenge to the political dominance of the BJP and Mr Modi comes from the people at large and for diverse reasons. The Left liberals would be committing a blunder if they confound popular discontent with the BJP and Mr Modi with politics based on caste identities.Half of teenagers in the US feel like they are addicted to their mobile phones and feel the pressure to respond to phone messages.

Jana Partners and the California State Teachers Retirement System, Apple Inc's shareholders, are urging the smartphone maker to address the growing problem of addiction of the youth to iPhones.

According to a report by Reuters, Jana and CalSTRS, one of the public pension plans, who together control about $2 billion worth of Apple shares, has recently delivered a letter to Apple on January 6, which asks the company to consider developing software that would allow parents to control and regulate their childrens phone use. They have also asked Apple to study the impact of excessive phone use on mental health. The investors are reportedly worried that Apples reputation and the stock could be hurt if it does not address those concerns.

This comes after the issue of phone addiction among young people has been on the rise in the United States as parents report their children cannot give up their phones.Twitter considers newsworthiness and whether a tweet is of public interest before removing an account or a tweet.

Twitter responded in its blog post that even if it did block a world leader, doing so would not silence that leader.

Twitter on Friday reiterated its stance that accounts belonging to world leaders have special status on the social media network, pushing back against users who have called on the company to banish US President Donald Trump.

Blocking a world leader from Twitter or removing their controversial Tweets would hide important information people should be able to see and debate, Twitter said in a post on a corporate blog. Twitter had already said in September that newsworthiness and whether a tweet is of public interest is among the factors it considers before removing an account or a tweet.

The debate over Trumps tweeting, though, raged anew after Trump said from his @realDonaldTrump account on Tuesday that he had a much bigger and more powerful nuclear button than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Critics said that tweet and Trumps continued presence on the network endanger the world and violate Twitters ban on threats of violence. Some users protested at Twitters San Francisco headquarters on Wednesday. Twitter responded in its blog post that even if it did block a world leader, doing so would not silence that leader.

The company said that it does review tweets by world leaders and enforces its rules accordingly, leaving open the possibility that it could take down some material posted by them. No one persons account drives Twitters growth, or influences these decisions, the company added. We work hard to remain unbiased with the public interest in mind.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Twitters statement. Some Twitter users expressed support for the companys decision, while others complained of a double standard. If I tweeted half of what Trump has since he entered office, Id be permanently banned from this platform, a Twitter user wrote from the account @michaelranaii.The protestors also donated used shoes to the embassy saying that 'protest is in solidarity with Jadhav's family.'

An agitated protestor said, 'When they stole the chappal of a woman (Jadhav's wife) who was in distress, I hope they can use these also.' (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Washington: A group of Indian-Americans and Balochs held a protest by the name 'Chappal Chor Pakistan' outside the Pakistan embassy in Washington, over the misbehaviour meted out to former Indian Naval Officer Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and wife.

The protestors also donated used shoes to the embassy saying that 'protest is in solidarity with Jadhav's family.'

An agitated protestor said, When they stole the chappal of a woman (Jadhav's wife) who was in distress, I hope they can use these also.

Another protestor said that Pakistans narrow-mindedness has been exposed from the way it treated Jadhavs family.

Policy makers and people here need to understand that Pakistan as a whole is also being run by narrow-minded mentality, he added.

Washington DC: A group of Indian-Americans & Balochs held a protest by the name '#ChappalChorPakistan' outside Pakistan embassy over the misbehavior meted out to #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife. pic.twitter.com/iVssgetFZQ  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

A meeting took place between Jadhav and his family on December 25 in Islamabad, on the request of the Indian government.

Washington DC: A group of Indian-Americans & Balochs held a protest by the name '#ChappalChorPakistan' outside Pakistan embassy over the misbehavior meted out to #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife. pic.twitter.com/iVssgetFZQ  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

Jadhavs wife was asked to remove her shoes and use another pair as she went in the Foreign Office to meet her husband.

Pakistan claimed that her shoes were confiscated on security grounds as there was "something" in it.

Jadhav is on a death row in Pakistan over charges of terrorism and spying for India's intelligence agency- Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

On May 18, 2017, the International Court of Justice stayed the hanging after India approached it against the death sentence.A total of 24,473 attempts were made since last June's general election from devices connected to the parliamentary network.

Parliament blocked 113,208 attempts in 2016, down from 213,020 the previous year. (Photo: Representational | File)

London: Around 160 requests a day were made in late 2017 to access pornography websites from computers within the Houses of Parliament, Britain's Press Association (PA) reported Monday.

A total of 24,473 attempts were made since last June's general election from devices connected to the parliamentary network, according to data obtained by a PA Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Prime Minister Theresa May is already reeling from a wave of sexual misconduct allegations in Westminster.

She was forced to dump minister and long-time friend Damian Green last month after he apparently misled police over claims pornography was found on computers in his Westminster office in 2008.

The parliamentary internet network is used by MPs, Lords in the upper house and their staff.

Authorities claim most attempts are not deliberate and point to a decrease in recent years.

Parliament blocked 113,208 attempts in 2016, down from 213,020 the previous year.

"All pornographic websites are blocked by parliament's computer network," a parliamentary spokesman told PA.

"The vast majority of 'attempts' to access them are not deliberate. This data also covers personal devices used when logged on to parliament's guest Wi-Fi."The country has deployed Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces and Afghan mercenaries in order to stem the anti-government protests.

In December, Ahmadinejad had said: 'Iran is suffering from mismanagement and the Rouhani government (Hassan Rouhani) believes that they own the land and that the people are an ignorant society'. (Photo: AP)

Tehran: The Iran government reportedly arrested its former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in south-central Iran's Shiraz for inciting the December 28 anti-government protests that have engulfed different parts of the country.

The arrest came after the former president made provocative statements related to the protests last week in Bushehr.

The local authorities are likely to detain Ahmadinejad under house arrest with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis approval, the Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper added, citing 'reliable sources in Tehran'.

In a rally in Bushehr in late December, Ahmadinejad had said: "Iran is suffering from mismanagement and the Rouhani government (Hassan Rouhani) believes that they own the land and that the people are an ignorant society".

"Some of the current leaders live detached from the problems and concerns of the people, and do not know anything about the reality of the society", the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Irans fifth head of the judicial system, Amole Larijani, had also accused Ahmadinejad of inciting protests.

The former Iranian president spoke about Larijani in a videotaped statement, sarcastically saying: "I have no children spying for the West, I have no brothers who are actively smuggling goods, and I do not steal land to raise my cattle".

Along with Ahmadinejad, a prominent Shiite cleric and politician Mehdi Karroubi and former Iranian prime minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi were also detained and put under house arrest.

Iran is still witnessing a wave of demonstrations, being held in many cities across the country as people took to raising anti-government slogans, over alleged corruption and rising prices that plagued the people of the country earlier this week.

Khamenei on Tuesday blamed the country's 'enemies' to instigate the ongoing anti-government protests. Also, Rouhani said in last week that the people of Iran were free to protest peacefully, but rejected protesting by violence.

The country has deployed Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces and Afghan mercenaries in order to stem the anti-government protests. The authorities have blocked two popular social media apps- Telegram and Instagram, as a security measure.

Also, three protesters were reportedly shot dead by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in central Iran last week. More casualties are feared as well.

The official death toll in the anti-government protests is, as of now, 20. Thousands of protesters have been arrested in the last few days.by Mathias Hariyadi

Episodes of religious and political intolerance are growing in the country. The bishop launches slogan 'We are Different, We are Indonesia' and the image of Our Lady of All Ethnicities. The Indonesian Church is engaged in numerous initiatives and projects aimed at promoting and guaranteeing the national value of pluralism.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  The archdiocese of Jakarta has welcomed 2018 as the Year of Unity with a recently released pastoral letter. In it, Jakarta Archbishop Mgr Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo (picture 1) appeals for national unity to counter the growing religious and political divisions in the most populous Islamic country in the world.

"In 2018, we want to deepen our understanding of the third principle of the state philosophy  national unity  as embodied in the motto 'We are different, We are Indonesia'," says the letter, which was read in all the parishes of the archdiocese during Saturday and Sunday services.

Episodes of religious intolerance are on the increase in Indonesia. Radical movements, which exploit the religious sentiment of the population for their own interests, are gaining more ground in the political life of the nation.

Renewing the Catholic Churchs commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence between the various religious confessions, Mgr Suharyo offers the image of Our Lady of All Ethnicities (picture 2) as a symbol of national unity.

On the Virgin's upper body, one can see the Garuda Pancasila, the countrys national emblem, whilst the head is adorned with a white and red veil, the colours of the Indonesian flag. A map of the country is on the crown.

"We hope that the image will make us understand that brotherhood, unity and harmony within the Church and society are God's blessings that we must continue to ask in our prayers and be realised in our efforts", the archbishop says.

The Indonesian Church has always been active in initiatives and projects aimed at promoting and guaranteeing the national value of pluralism, expressed in the Pancasila philosophical and political doctrine.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Indonesia (KWI) has repeatedly highlighted the important role played by the Catholic Church in the process of national unity and has urged Catholics to establish deeper relations with communities and representatives of other religions.

The archdiocese of Jakarta has also dedicated its work plan for the four-year period of 2016-2020 to the founding principles of the Indonesian State, Mgr Suharyo notes. The goal is Amalkan Pancasila, i.e. putting into practice the spirit of Pancasila (pictures 3 and 4).The bishop of Daejeon, who is the national president of Justice and Peace, expresses his satisfaction for tomorrow's meeting in Panmunjom between the delegations from the North and the South. He praises President Moons "patience and perseverance" and Kim Jong-uns "new, softer language". He hopes that reunions between divided families will resume.

Seoul (AsiaNews)  "The Korean Church has prayed and is praying for the talks between the two Koreas, and for tomorrow's meeting to be successful. I'm happy, very happy," said Mgr Lazarus You Heung-sik, bishop of Daejeon, who spoke to AsiaNews about the forthcoming meeting between the delegations from North and South Korea in the village of Panmunjom, in the demilitarised zone.

Tomorrow's meeting will take place after two years of tears and tensions caused by the Norths repeated rocket launches and by the uncompromising attitude of former South Korean President Park Geun-hye.

"We have arrived at this appointment thanks to the patience and perseverance of President Moon Jae-in who never stopped holding the door open to meeting with the North, even at the most intense moments of the last months, the bishop said.

Moon also met with Xi Jinping and reviewed with him the issue of the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system, criticised so much by China. Unlike what happened with former President Park, they reached an agreement."

The turning point came with Moons invitation to involve North Korean athletes in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and with the acceptance by North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un.

"In President Kim Jong-un's New Year address, there was a new, softer language. He said many times that the North and the South are 'one people, one race' and expressed the desire for a meeting, tomorrows.

The opportunity to participate in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics is essential. We hope that North Korean athletes can come, but also many fans: sport, culture can unite us more. Above all, coming together undermines prejudices and confirms that with we cannot reach peace with weapons."

Immediately after the announcement, the hotline between Seoul and Pyongyang was reactivated and the date of the meeting was set for 9 January. Tomorrow, the Korean delegations will talk about the Olympics, but [South Koreas] Unification Ministry said today that it will try to put family reunions back on the agenda.

Following Koreas division in 1953, many families found themselves divided between the South and the North, unable to see each other. At present, some 60,000, aging people still hope to meet their relatives before dying. The last family reunion was held in 2015.

"The issue of families is a heart-wrenching issue because it highlights the whole story of suffering in the two Koreas, Mgr You said.

Afterwards we hope that cooperation at the Kaesong industrial complex and at Mount Kumgang Tourist Region can restart. They provide an opportunity for exchanges and dialogue that allow the growth of trust and collaboration between the two Koreas ".The number of local tourists reduced to 40 thousand a day; no restrictions for foreigners, who pay a more expensive ticket. The Islamic mausoleum "hymn to eternal love" is visited by about 6.5 million people each year.

New Delhi (AsiaNews) - The Delhi authorities have decided to limit the number of daily entrances to the Taj Mahal, the "hymn to eternal love", a UNESCO heritage monument and the greatest tourist attraction in India.

Officials of the central administration explain that the decision was taken to limit the damage caused by wear and tear. The number of local visitors will be reduced to 40 thousand in the future, while for foreigners, who pay a more expensive ticket, there will be no restrictions.

In 2016 about 6.5 million tourists visited the famous white marble mausoleum in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Dedicated by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is considered a masterpiece of Muslim art in India. Since 2007 it has been included among the seven wonders of the world.

Experts claim that the massive crowds of tourists exacerbate damage from usury. The monument is already under constant maintenance to prevent the yellowing of marble due to pollution, footfall, and corrosive agents such as bird droppings and human sweat.

On condition of anonymity, an official of the Archaeological Survey of India reports that "we are responsible for ensuring the safety of the monument and visitors. Crowd management is becoming our biggest challenge. "

The entry restrictions will not be applied to foreign tourists, who pay a ticket of 1000 rupees (13 euros), unlike Indians who pay 40 rupees (0.50 euro cents). The authorities say should the cap on national citizens be reached, they will still be allowed entry, but with a price increase.

Recently, the Taj Mahal has returned to the spotlight because of some contested decisions by chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath famous for his criticism of Christians in India and Mother Teresa. At the beginning of October 2017 his nationalist government decided to eliminate the monument from the state tourist guides; later, given the flurry of criticism, the Hindu guru retracted his statements and declared: "The Taj Mahal is the gem of India and a gift to the whole world. It is an integral part of our culture and the government is committed to its conservation ".by Nirmala Carvalho

Extremists are threatening St Mary's Post Graduate College in Vidisha. Fr Biju describes the social outreach of the diocese of Sagar. Founded 27 years ago, the Manav Vikas Seva Sangh is an association that serves 286 tribal villages.

Mumbai (AsiaNews)  "It is really sad that whilst the Church is committed to the development of society, Catholic educational institutions are being targeted to sully our image," said Fr Thomas Philip, head of the Manav Vikas Seva Sangh, the human development body of the Diocese of Sagar (Madhya Pradesh).

The clergyman, also known as Father Biju, spoke to AsiaNews, about the case of St Mary's Post Graduate College in Vidisha, which is located in his diocese. For days, the school has been the target of an intimidation campaign by Hindu extremists, who want to conduct a Hindu ritual inside its premises and are threatening serious consequences if they are prevented.

"In any case, the clergyman said, we are not discouraged. The Catholic Church will certainly continue to work for the development of the marginalised and oppressed." Already, trough its apostolate, the diocese serves schools and development, without discrimination, and Hindus are the main beneficiaries of our services. In fact, Most students at the college in Vidisha are Hindus."

To illustrate what the diocese does, Fr Biju turned to the Manav Vikas Seva Sangh (MCSS)), which was founded 27 years ago. The organisation is the official arm of the diocese and deals in particular with improving the conditions of society.

The MVSS deals with community welfare without distinction of caste, creed, religion or race. It wants society to be based on the teachings of the Gospel like peace, justice, equality, love, cooperation and fraternity. Since inception, it has fought relentlessly and vigorously to give voice to those who have no voice, power to the powerless, and resources to the poor."

It "is present in 286 villages and is behind various projects, like subsistence production, support for women, health and hygiene, informal education, good governance, sustainable agriculture, children's rights, and natural resources management."

The area is hilly and "is inhabited mostly by a poor and illiterate tribal people, the clergyman explained. And locals are deprived of the simplest comforts such as home, clothes, food.

These highly exploited groups live in the forests and their survival depends on harvesting food [from the forest], subsistence farming, and day labour. However, "Climate change and job losses due to mechanisation have severely afflicted their economic life.

Our approach is to strengthen the community, by helping families, meeting the essential needs of the group, and ensuring inclusion and participation in their own development. Our strategy boosts tribal people and gives them access to and benefit from education and employment, as well as health and social services.

In essence, "we are working to eradicate poverty and hunger among tribal people and improve their living conditions.

To this end, the work includes providing universal access to primary education, promoting gender equality and helping women and girls, reducing infant and child mortality, improving access to health care, ensuring environmental sustainability through clean water, proper sanitation and waste collection, taking steps against the caste system and other discriminatory social practices, and encouraging tribal people in their own, individual development."by Melani Manel Perera

More than five thousand complaints have been filed in first nine months of 2017, 1,174 of which against the police. Detention and torture during interrogations are singled out. Lack of resources slows the wheels of justice.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  Sri Lankas police seriously violated the human rights of the people, said Deepika Udagama, chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HCRSL) at the first press conference of the year last Thursday.

Speaking about the past year, Ms Udagama said that in the first nine months of 2017, the Commission received 5,614 complaints. Of these, 1,174 were against the police for illegal detention and torture.

She also highlighted the lack of resources to deal with the high number of complaints and noted that "the law must be applied to all citizens in the same way".

"From the point of view of respect for human rights, there have been improvements. There is freedom of thought and freedom of assembly and the culture of fear has almost disappeared, she explained.

However, she added, the most important difficulties stem from police conduct during the detention and the interrogation phases."

Between January and September 2017, the Commission recorded 249 cases of torture, 298 cases of arbitrary detention and 323 cases of threatening behaviour.

The HRCSLs recommendations "do not have much resonance in the media, the HRC chairperson said. One or two television channels that talk about them cannot improve the situation in the country on their own. Everyone is responsible for helping our office."

The Supreme Court "is coming up with very important rulings on matters concerning fundamental rights, such as arrest, detention, torture, sexual crimes and disappearances. This must be reported on the front page, and not in the third or fourth.

We ask all media to provide proper coverage, because such rulings can make a difference in the legal and constitutional protection of fundamental human rights."

Another critical point that must be quickly addressed "is the lack of resources. We do not have enough employees. This causes long waits and does not produce rapid service."Target of the attack the rebel faction Ajnad al-Qawqaz. At least 7 civilian casualties, but the toll is still provisional. At the moment the reasons for the explosion are still unknown. Several people are missing. The province is one of the last anti-government strongholds.

Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The deadly toll of a powerful explosion that hit the rebel town of Idlib, in the northwest of Syria, is 23 victims and dozens injured. According to reports from the London-based NGO Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), which has a dense network of informants on the ground, the explosion hit the headquarters of an anti-government group. At least seven civilian deaths were registered.

The cause of the explosion, which affected the district of Thalatheen, are not known. According to some testimonies, it was a car bomb. Others speak instead of a drone attack.

SOHR sources report that rescue teams are still engaged in the recovery operations of corpses and in search of possible injured under the rubble of damaged buildings and homes affected. Several people are missing.

The rebel faction hit, known as the Ajnad al-Qawqaz group, includes hundreds of fighters and mercenaries from Asian nations. Its men fight with the militia of the Fateh al-Sham front, a movement once affiliated to al Qaeda, in an attempt to reject the offensive launched last year by the Syrian regular army in the area.

The province of Idlib, bordering Turkey, is one of the last strongholds still in the hands of opponents and rebels fighting against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The government military surrendered control of the area in 2015, when the entire province ended up under the control of the opponents.

However, in the last year the soldiers of Damascus - and their Russian allies - have taken over most of the territory; their goal is to bring together Idlib and the neighboring province of Hama under their control. Idlib, in particular, is of strategic importance because it is on a fundamental link road for the country that unites the capital Damascus to Aleppo, the second most important city in Syria.

Last week Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that the offensive against the Islamic State (IS), the primary objective of the Moscow intervention, can be said to have ended. Now the focus has shifted to the militia groups affiliated to al-Qaeda. However, analysts and experts point out that the transition conceals significant risks. There are at least two million Syrians living in the province of Idlib, including tens of thousands of internally displaced people who have left - in the past - other areas affected by the conflict. A large-scale offensive by the Syrian government could cause serious destruction and trigger a massive migration.Flames and smoke hinder the recovery operations of the missing. The tanker carried about 1 million barrels. The leaking oil is "condensed" and easily mixes with water.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews / Agencies) - An Iranian tanker collided with a Chinese freighter off the East China Sea. The 32 crew members of the oil tanker, 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis are still missing. The 21 members of the Chinese crew are all safe.

The collision took place on 6 January at about 160 nautical miles from the Yangtze River Delta. The Chinese transport ministry communicates that there is an oil spill.

After the clash, the Sanchi tanker, registered as Panamanian, went on fire and is still burning today. Long columns of smoke rise from the tanker and the recovery operations of the missing are blocked by the flames.

The oil tanker had left the island of Kharg in Iran bound for the port of Daesan in South Korea and was expected to arrive by 10 January. It transported 136 thousand tons, about one million barrels, of a very light type of crude, called "condensate", very dangerous for pollution. In fact, it evaporates easily and mixes with water much more than normal crude oil. Furthermore, the substance is colorless and odorless and more difficult to detect.

The Chinese freighter - registered in Hong Kong - was carrying grain from the United States to Guangdong. The cause of the collision is still unknown.by Kirill Gundjaev

The year spent in the commemoration of the "tragic events of the twentieth century and the beginning of persecutions against the faith". "Suffering has not left the world, every day we hear of wars and rumors of war". Yet "the world survives despite the assaults of the evil one".

Moscow (AsiaNews) - We publish excerpts from the Christmas message of the Patriarch of Moscow Kirill (Gundjaev), addressed to the bishops, priests, monks and all the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church. In the Russian Church, as in many Eastern Churches, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. The Message was released on 5 January.

Dear friends in the Lord,

Today we call upon all people, together with the Church, to glorify the Creator and Maker with the words: O all the earth, sing ye unto the Lord (heirmos of the First Ode of the Canon for the Nativity of Christ).

The all-beneficent God who loves his creation sends down his Only-Begotten Son the awaited Messiah so that he may accomplish the cause of our salvation. The Son of God, which is in the bosom of the Father (Jn 1:18), becomes the Son of Man and enters our world so that through his blood he may deliver us from sin and so that the sting of death should never inspire fear in the human person.

We know that the Magi who bowed down before Christ brought him gifts. What gift, then, can we bring to the Divine Teacher? The very gift which he asks of us himself: Give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways (Prov 23:26). What does it mean to give ones heart? The heart is a symbol of life. If it ceases to beat, then we die. To give ones heart to God is to dedicate our whole life to him. This dedication does not require that we renounce all that we have. We are merely called upon to remove from our hearts that which is an obstacle to the Divine presence within it. When all our thoughts are taken up with our own ego, when there is no room in our hearts for our neighbour, then there is no room for the Lord too. The presence of our neighbour in our heart depends mainly upon our capability to feel anothers pain and respond to it with deeds of mercy.

The Lord requires that we observe his ways. To observe the ways of God is to see the Divine presence in our lives and in human history: to see the manifestations of both Divine love and his righteous ire.

The past year for our people was replete with reminiscences about the tragic events of the twentieth century and the incipient persecution of the faith. We recalled the great spiritual exploits of the new martyrs and confessors who steadfastly bore witness to their fidelity to Christ. Yet even at that terrible time for our country, the Lord bestowed his mercy: after an enforced two hundred year rupture, the Office of Patriarch was revived in the land of Russia, and the Church, at a time of tribulation, found in the person of the holy bishop Tikhon, who was elected First Hierarch, a wise and courageous pastor, through whose ardent prayers before the Throne of the Most High Creator our Church and people were able to pass through the crucible of trials.

Today we are undergoing a special period: afflictions have not yet left this world, every day we hear of wars and rumours of wars (Mt 24:6). Yet how much of Gods love is poured out upon people! The world exists in spite of the forces of evil, while human love and family values abide in spite of the unbelievable attempts to destroy, desecrate and distort them. Faith in God is alive in the hearts of the majority of people. And our Church, in spite of decades of persecution in the recent past and the endeavours to undermine her authority in the present, remains and shall always be with Christ.

We believe that after undergoing the current trials, the peoples of historical Russia will preserve and renew their spiritual unity, will prosper materially and socially.

May this year be for our people, for the peoples of historical Russia and all the nations of the earth, a year of peace and prosperity. May the Divine Infant, who has been born in Bethlehem, help us to find hope that overcomes fear, and through faith feel the power of Divine love which transforms the life of people.In his address to diplomats, Francis asks for the solution to conflicts - starting with Syria - and tensions - from Korea to Ukraine, Yemen, South Sudan and Venezuela - and augurs that migrants and the "discarded" be welcomed, like unborn children and the elderly and respect for freedom of religion and opinion, the right to work.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Respect for every person, with all their rights, in a perspective of integral human development, as a path to peace. This is the leitmotif of the length address delivered by Pope Francis this morning to the representatives of the 185 states and international organizations that have diplomatic relations with the Holy See, received for the exchange of New Year greetings.

Evoking the 70 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Francis asked for the solution to conflicts - starting with Syria - and tensions - from Korea to Ukraine, Yemen, South Sudan and Venezuela  and augured a welcome for migrants and for the "discarded", such as unborn children or the elderly and respect for the rights to religious freedom and opinion, to work.

First of all, the Pope recalled that this year marks the centenary of the end of the First World War, from the ashes "of the Great War, we can learn two lessons that, sad to say, humanity did not immediately grasp, leading within the space of twenty years to a new and even more devastating conflict. The first lesson is that victory never means humiliating a defeated foe.. Peace is not built by vaunting the power of the victor over the vanquished. Future acts of aggression are not deterred by the law of fear, but rather by the power of calm reason that encourages dialogue and mutual understanding as a means of resolving differences [1]. This leads to a second lesson: peace is consolidated when nations can discuss matters on equal terms".

Relations between nations, like human relationships, must also be regulated on the principle that "the principle that all states are by nature equal in dignity". "The basic premise of this approach is the recognition of the dignity of the human person, since disregard and contempt for that dignity resulted in barbarous acts that have outraged the conscience of mankind". And " recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms. Which in a Christian perspective is in "significant relationship" with the Gospel message.

" Those rights are premised on the nature objectively shared by the human race. They were proclaimed in order to remove the barriers that divide the human family and to favour what the Churchs social doctrine calls integral human development".

But, particularly in the wake of the social upheaval of the 1960s, "he interpretation of some rights has progressively changed, with the inclusion of a number of new rights that not infrequently conflict with one another". "Somewhat paradoxically, there is a risk that, in the very name of human rights, we will see the rise of modern forms of ideological colonization by the stronger and the wealthier, to the detriment of the poorer and the most vulnerable".

Seventy years after the Declaration of Human Rights, "it is painful to see how many fundamental rights continue to be violated today. First among all of these is the right of every human person to life, liberty and personal security. It is not only war or violence that infringes these rights. In our day, there are more subtle means: I think primarily of innocent children discarded even before they are born, unwanted at times simply because they are ill or malformed, or as a result of the selfishness of adults. I think of the elderly, who are often cast aside, especially when infirm and viewed as a burden. I think of women who repeatedly suffer from violence and oppression, even within their own families. I think too of the victims of human trafficking, which violates the prohibition of every form of slavery".

"Defending the right to life and physical integrity also means safeguarding the right to health on the part of individuals and their families". Efforts are therefore made to "ensure the supply of essential medicines at affordable prices".

"Defending the right to life also entails actively striving for peace, universally recognized as one of the supreme values to be sought and defended". For this purpose, "integral disarmament and integral development are intertwined", while the proliferation of weapons clearly aggravates situations of conflict and entails enormous human and material costs that undermine development and the search for lasting peace" .

In the hope that men will instead choose the path of negotiation "it is of paramount importance to support every effort at dialogue on the Korean peninsula, in order to find new ways of overcoming the current disputes, increasing mutual trust and ensuring a peaceful future for the Korean people and the entire world.

Two States for Israelis and Palestinians

" It is also important for the various peace initiatives aimed at helping Syria to continue, in a constructive climate of growing trust between the parties, so that the lengthy conflict that has caused such immense suffering can finally come to an end. Our shared hope is that, after so much destruction, the time for rebuilding has now come. Yet even more than rebuilding material structures, it is necessary to rebuild hearts, to re-establish the fabric of mutual trust, which is the essential prerequisite for the flourishing of any society. There is a need, then, to promote the legal, political and security conditions that restore a social life where every citizen, regardless of ethnic and religious affiliation, can take part in the development of the country. In this regard, it is vital that religious minorities be protected, including Christians, who for centuries have made an active contribution to Syrias history". " It is likewise important that the many refugees who have found shelter and refuge in neighbouring countries, especially in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, be able to return home. The commitment and efforts made by these countries in this difficult situation deserve the appreciation and support of the entire international community".

"The desire for dialogue is also necessary in beloved Iraq, to enable its various ethnic and religious groups to rediscover the path of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence and cooperation. Such is the case too in Yemen and other parts of the region, and in Afghanistan".

"I think in particular of Israelis and Palestinians, in the wake of the tensions of recent weeks. The Holy See, while expressing sorrow for the loss of life in recent clashes, renews its pressing appeal that every initiative be carefully weighed so as to avoid exacerbating hostilities, and calls for a common commitment to respect, in conformity with the relevant United Nations Resolutions, the status quo of Jerusalem, a city sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims. Seventy years of confrontation make more urgent than ever the need for a political solution that allows the presence in the region of two independent states within internationally recognized borders. Despite the difficulties, a willingness to engage in dialogue and to resume negotiations remains the clearest way to achieving at last a peaceful coexistence between the two peoples".

"In national contexts, too, openness and availability to encounter are essential. I think especially of Venezuela, which is experiencing an increasingly dramatic and unprecedented political and humanitarian crisis. The Holy See, while urging an immediate response to the primary needs of the population, expresses the hope that conditions will be created so that the elections scheduled for this year can resolve the existing conflicts, and enable people to look to the future with newfound serenity".

"Nor can the international community overlook the suffering of many parts of the African continent, especially in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Nigeria and the Central African Republic, where the right to life is threatened by the indiscriminate exploitation of resources, terrorism, the proliferation of armed groups and protracted conflicts".

"A shared commitment to rebuilding bridges is also urgent in Ukraine. The year just ended reaped new victims in the conflict that afflicts the country, continuing to bring great suffering to the population, particularly to families who live in areas affected by the war and have lost their loved ones, not infrequently the elderly and children".

Alongside the international situation, Francis highlighted some realities that injure social peace, starting with the family, that "specially in the West, the family is considered an obsolete institution. Today fleeting relationships are preferred to the stability of a definitive life project. But a house built on the sand of frail and fickle relationships cannot stand. What is needed instead is a rock on which to build solid foundations", represented by the "faithful and indissoluble communion of love that joins man and woman".

Today there is much talk about migrants and migration, at times only for the sake of stirring up primal fears. It must not be forgotten that migration has always existed. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the history of salvation is essentially a history of migration. Nor should we forget that freedom of movement, for example, the ability to leave ones own country and to return there, is a fundamental human right. There is a need, then, to abandon the familiar rhetoric and start from the essential consideration that we are dealing, above all, with persons". In this regard, the Pope thanked Bangladesh for helping the Rohingya people and expressed "particular gratitude to Italy, which in recent years has shown an open and generous heart and has also been able to offer positive examples of integration". Francis also expressed his appreciation to Greece and Germany.

Freedom of religion, even to change it

"Among the human rights that I would like to recall today is the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, which includes freedom to change religion [20]. Sad to say, it is well-known that the right to religious freedom is often disregarded, and not infrequently religion becomes either an occasion for the ideological justification of new forms of extremism or a pretext for the social marginalization of believers, if not their downright persecution. The condition for building inclusive societies is the integral comprehension of the human person, who can feel himself or herself truly accepted when recognized and accepted in all the dimensions that constitute his or her identity, including the religious dimension".

Referring finally to the right to work, the Pope affirmed that " There can be no peace or development if individuals are not given the chance to contribute personally by their own labour to the growth of the common good". But " On the one hand, we note an inequitable distribution of the work opportunities, while on the other, a tendency to demand of labourers an ever more pressing pace. The demands of profit, dictated by globalization, have led to a progressive reduction of times and days of rest, with the result that a fundamental dimension of life has been lost  that of rest  which serves to regenerate persons not only physically but also spiritually. A cause for particular concern are the data recently published by the International Labour Organization regarding the increase of child labourers and victims of the new forms of slavery".

"In recalling some of the rights contained in the 1948 Universal Declaration, I do not mean to overlook one of its important aspects, namely, the recognition that every individual also has duties towards the community". In this regard, Francis spoke of "caring for our earth. We know that nature can itself be cruel, even apart from human responsibility. We saw this in the past year with the earthquakes that struck different parts of our world, especially those of recent months in Mexico and in Iran, with their high toll of victims, and with the powerful hurricanes that struck different countries of the Caribbean, also reaching the coast of the United States, and, more recently, the Philippines. Even so, one must not downplay the importance of our own responsibility in interaction with nature. Climate changes, with the global rise in temperatures and their devastating effects, are also a consequence of human activity. Hence there is a need to take up, in a united effort, the responsibility of leaving to coming generations a more beautiful and livable world, and to work, in the light of the commitments agreed upon in Paris in 2015, for the reduction of gas emissions that harm the atmosphere and human health". (FP)[W]hen we already desire to perform a good act, like an act of charity, we say Its the Holy Spirit inspiring me to do this. And when we realise we harbour within ourselves the desire to attack someone because they are weak, we have no doubt: It is the devil.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  The devil pushes us to scorn those who are weak, to humiliate them instead of consoling them, said Pope Francis in his homily in this mornings Mass at Casa Santa Marta.

The Holy Father took his cue from the First Book of the prophet Samuel, which is about the latters parents, Elkanah and Hannah.

Elkanah had two wives. Hannah was barren; the other, Peninnah, had children. Instead of consoling Hannah, Peninnah did not miss an opportunity to scorn her and treat harshly, reminding her of her infertility.

In the Bible, Francis said, there are many stories of contempt for the weak, as in the case of Hagar and Sarah, Abrahams two wives, one of whom was barren.

Scorn and contempt for the weak is also an attitude found among humans like in the case of Goliath vis-a-vis David, but also in Jobs and Tobiass wives who belittled their suffering husbands.

I ask myself: What is in these people? What is it in ourselves that pushes us to mock and mistreat others weaker than ourselves? It is understandable when a person resents someone stronger than them, perhaps as a result of envy . . . but towards the weak? What makes us do that? It is something habitual, as if I needed to ridicule another person in order to feel confident. As if it were a necessity . . ..

This happens even among children, the pontiff noted. Recalling his youth, he mentioned a woman, Angelina, who lived in his neighbourhood and suffered from a mental illness. She used to walk the streets all day. Local women would give her food to eat and clothes, but the children made fun of her. Lets find Angelina and have some fun, theyd say.

How much evil is there, even in children, that they treat the weak in this way! Pope Francis lamented.

And today we see it constantly in our schools: the phenomenon of bullying, attacking the weak, because you are fat or foreign, or because youre black . . . Attacking and attacking . . . Children and young people, too.

It wasnt just Peninnah, Hagar, or the wives of Tobias and Job: children too. This means there is something in us that makes us act aggressively toward the weak. I believe this is the trace of Original Sin.

Why annihilate others? This is the work of Satan, according to Francis. Psychologists might explain this desire to annihilate others as caused by weakness, but "I believe it is a consequence of Original Sin. This is the work of Satan. Satan, Francis said, has no compassion.

And so, as when we already desire to perform a good act, like an act of charity, we say Its the Holy Spirit inspiring me to do this. And when we realise we harbour in ourselves the desire to attack someone because they are weak, we have no doubt: It is the devil. Because attacking the weak is the work of Satan.

In concluding, Pope Francis said, Let us ask the Lord to give us the grace of Gods compassion. He is the One who has compassion for us and helps us move forward.Theophiloss car was attacked when he arrived in Manger Square. Palestinians accuse the Greek Orthodox Church of selling land to settler groups. The transaction took place under Theophiloss predecessor. Palestinian and Jordanian authorities attended Christmas Mass.

Bethlehem (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The Basilica of the Nativity is the heart, guard and shield of the holy city of Bethlehem, said Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III during Midnight Mass marking Orthodox Christmas on 6-7 January.

Theophilos III led the Christmas procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Various officials attended the liturgical service, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Jordanian Interior Minister, Ghaleb Zu'bi.

During the ceremony, the patriarch prayed for peace in the Middle East and reiterated the closeness of the Orthodox Church to the Palestinian people. This expression of solidarity comes at a difficult time for the patriarchate.

When Theophilos arrived in Bethlehems Manger Square he was met by a protest by Christian Palestinians who accuse the Greek Orthodox Church of selling property and land to Jewish groups.

Protestors threw stones, bottles and eggs and pounded his car with their fists, chanting traitor, traitor. Father Issa Musleh, spokesman for the Orthodox Church, rejected the accusations.

"Those are old deals the patriarch wants to rectify and clarify, because all those old deals are detrimental to the rights of the patriarchate and its congregation."

The controversy dates back to 2004, when three companies associated with a settler group, Ateret Cohanim, obtained a long-term lease on three buildings belonging to the Greek Orthodox Church: the Petra Hotel, the Hotel Imperiale and a building in the Old City of Jerusalem, near the Jaffa Gate.

This transaction provoked the wrath of the Palestinians and led to the removal in 2005 of Theophilos IIIs predecessor, Patriarch Ireneos.

Under the current patriarch, the Greek Orthodox Church has launched a legal battle against the agreement, calling it "illegal" and "unauthorised".

Last 1 August, a district court in Israel rejected the Patriarchates position. The latter now plans to appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court.Australian prune industry receives funding boost





Australias prune industry has been given a funding boost, receiving a cut of the Federal Governments $5 million leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund.

The Australian Prune Industry Association (APIA) has been awarded AUD $159, 000 from the fund, all of which will be invested into people and culture.

APIA Chairman, Grant Delves, said industry leaders recently met with Horticulture Innovation to form a new strategic plan for the Australian prune industry. From the meeting, three key areas were identified as areas that could help reinvigorate the industry.

With limited resources, APIA chose to focus on the first two areas  R&D and promotions, Delves said.

The new funding allows us to invest in the third outcome of building skills, capacity and knowledge.

Investment in industry leadership a must

Mr Delves said it was key industry leaders receive training.

By developing their leadership capability and capacity APIA executives will be more effective in their role, helping drive leadership and improve communication throughout the industry.

APIA also hopes to use the funding to invest in young growers after one of the industrys youngest growers, Ann Furner, successfully attended the International Prune Association Congress in South Africa in 2010.

Furner is now a strong advocate for visiting prune farms across the world for educational purposes.

My husband, Anthony and I have 18 hectares of prunes and we are currently investing in new technology that I heard about while attending the 2015 IPA Congress in Italy, Furner said.

I believe investing in young growers gives them the confidence to participate actively in their industry.

Funding will lastly be used to bring world-class guest speakers to address the industry at APIAs annual conference



Related articlesNo Aussie sugar tax despite renewed push by doctors





The Australian Federal Government has said it has no intentions of introducing a tax on sugary drinks despite renewed calls to do so from the Australian Medical Association.

Late last week, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) released its 2018 nutrition statement, saying a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages should be introduced as a matter of priority.

Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunter, has however told AAP that the current Federal Government does not support a tax on sugary drinks as a way of addressing obesity.

Unlike the Labor party, we dont believe increasing the family grocery bill at the supermarket is the answer to this challenge, Minister Hunt said.

Call to also ban kids junk food advertising

The AMAs 2018 nutrition statement also says advertising and marketing of junk food and sugary drinks to children should be banned.

AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said advertising and marketing of such foods is undermining healthy food education.

Advertising and marketing unhealthy food and drink to children should be prohibited altogether, and the loophole that allows children to be exposed to junk food and alcohol advertising during coverage of sporting events must be closed, Dr Gannon said.

The food industry claims to subscribe to a voluntary code, but the reality is that this kind of advertising is increasing. The AMA calls on the food industry to stop this practice immediately.

More nutrition education for parents

The position statement further calls for increased nutrition education and support to be provided to new and expecting parents.

The AMA says eating habits can be affected by institutions such as schools, aged care facilities and hospitals.

Whether people are admitted to hospital or just visiting a friend or family member, they can be very receptive to messages from doctors and other health workers about healthy eating, Dr Gannon said.

Hospitals and other health facilities must provide healthy food options for residents, visitors, and employees.

Vending machines containing sugary drinks and unhealthy food options should be removed from all health care settings, and replaced with machines offering only healthy options.

Related articlesBy John L. Bradshaw

Why write books? For some, it's a need  to find out what we think, and get the record down for all of history to see. And in science, there's the need to update what's known, something Emeritus Professor John Bradshaw has done.

Its a bit like Christmas, the arrival and opening of that box from the publishers containing samples, examples, of the first print run of your magnum opus, your book, no matter whether it is the first ever or the latest in a long line. You, and maybe co-authors, will have exuded, expended, the proverbial blood, sweat and tears. So it was, arriving in late December 2016 and suitably synchronous with general celebrations, that our Developmental Disorders of the Brain was born into a wider world. Parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus: The mountains will labour  and a silly little mouse will be born (the ancient Roman poet Horace, on authorship). We hope not, maybe an elephantulus, a tiny elephant at 377 pages, hard and soft back, with an electronic version.

Supposedly born in the year 2017, its conception and prior genome, as it were, extended surprisingly far back in time. In 1995, my then graduate student, now Professor Jason Mattingley, and I published Clinical Neuropsychology, Behavioral and Brain Sciences. This volume, whose translation into Serbo-Croat, of all languages, was to prove stillborn due to the Croatian war, dealt largely, but not exclusively, and certainly not comprehensively, with degenerative disorders which can plague our later lives. A book in the neurosciences is obsolete and out of date even before it hits the bookshops, so fast is that discipline advancing; possibly, with electronic versions, one can update or at least annotate new findings or opinions as they arise. As it happened, 1995 also marked a turning point with an emerging interest in the neurodevelopmental disorders, which disrupt the thoughts, consciousness, will and maybe even the very existences of the young.

I had, in 1997, authored a book on human evolution, a field unfolding even faster than neuroscience. It had fared well, with good sales and translations into French and Italian, though one rarely waxes wealthy on scientific tomes  an anecdotal exception being a timely and unique publication of a handbook on the laboratory rat, supposedly making its author millions. So I again chose to publish Developmental Disorders of the Frontostriatal System with the same publishers, concentrating on the basal ganglia and associated frontostriatal structures and mechanisms; they mediate what the great Russian neurologist Alexandr Romanovich Luria insightfully labelled in his magisterial work of that title The Higher Cortical Functions in Man. It was OK to be sexist in titling in those days. As my Developmental Disorders of the Frontostriatal System, published in 2001, apparently was still selling well after some 14 years, I was then approached to prepare a second edition.

It is always nice to see your effort in print, even though scientific works generally bring more kudos than cash. Royalties from a good title, a good contract, good marketing, a well-chosen target audience and good sales by the publisher will usually provide at most a little icing upon the domestic cake. And publishing your empirical findings or writing a review or meta-analysis of a field is of course far better for your grant or career prospects than for your bank balance. However some 10 years ago I received an unusual email, from a dodgy-sounding British outfit calling itself the Authors Licensing and Collecting Society; they informed me they were holding a fair sum of money in my name, and if I would pay some 10 pounds UK annual membership and handling fee, they would pay what was owing into my nominated account; a scam, for sure! However my curiosity was piqued, and I Googled it; it had a very respectable London address, and the requested sum would not break the bank, so I obliged, taking certain additional security precautions. So far I have received over 18,000 pounds, from a twice-yearly distribution composed of multitudes of small payments or reimbursements for the reproduction and secondary use in Universities, research institutions, hospitals, museums and the like, of copyright materials which I have published in books and journals. I have a Dickensian image of lots of wizened little men (sexist again?) carefully totting up, in huge ledgers, countless small sums. But I cannot speak too highly of that wonderful organisation, ALCS.

Science nowadays moves inexorably forward ever faster, and possessed of a rocking chair, originally bought for my then breast-feeding daughter, I wondered, in my mid 70s, whether I had the will, way or wherewithal to undertake a revision, to comprehend and assemble, into a meaningful, coherent, constructive and instructive whole, all the complexities of recent discoveries and publications, to say nothing of newly minted maladies. It is not to say that in the neurosciences new disorders are nowadays often popping up; rather, pre-existing neuropsychiatric disorders are now being properly described and categorised, sometimes for the first time, to become appropriately recognised as party to the pantheon of DSM-5, the nearest thing in diagnostic psychiatry to the gold-standard recognition of, for example, a blood test for thalassemia.

So, how might I accept the publishers invitation to generate a second edition, without crucifying my so-called sunset years? I decided to invite the participation of two of my old graduate students, to farm out, as discrete disorders and chapters, the material to trusted students, colleagues and collaborators, with empirical or clinical expertise in the relevant disorder. We also decided to add frontocerebellar disorders to the original frontostriatal.

This expansion was far from gratuitous. The two systems largely control much of the automaticity of thought and action. Crudely and simplistically, while the former structure largely mediates the initiation and orderly sequencing of thought and action, the latter plays a key role in fine tuning target or end-point accuracy.

We can create a 3-dimensional object either by incrementally adding further layers or pieces, as with a clay model, or alternatively, if sculpting a figure from marble, by subtracting unwanted material until the intended end product slowly emerges. The brain develops along both such lines, adding new neurons, connections or circuits, or, typically later in development, culling superfluous elements by programmed apoptosis or trimming. Both processes act to fine tune the system, and both at various times may go awry. Unwanted circuits may also be silenced throughout life by epigenetic or environmental processes, or new ones enabled, maybe at an ever reducing rate, as a consequence of experiences or environmental demands. Nature may initially control the gross development of the general architecture, while environment may continuously modify the end product, in entirely idiosyncratic fashion, different in and peculiar to each individual throughout life. Psychiatric illness can therefore stem from delayed or maldevelopment of structure or function, but also from changing societal expectations or norms. A crime in one society may be seen as normal or even desirable in another. So why do these putative disorders, often with strong genetic links and seen as disadvantageous, commonly persist in the genome, rather than be selected out? Maybe in low doses, or when manifesting in close relatives, they have certain adaptive advantages. Thus in some ways ADHD may benefit explorers or soldiers to maintain hair-trigger vigilance; focused obsessionality in autism or Aspergers may advantage the meticulous scientist or forensic pathologist; some paranoia may be of use to spies or diplomats, and it may be no accident that artistic creativity may associate with depression. Or is it simply that in a system as genetically and structurally complex as the human brain, there are certain weak regions or fracture zones, where recurrent failures may be expected? Indeed rather than a tendency to inherit a particular disorder, it often seems that what is inherited is a tendency to inherit any one (or more) of quite a range of such disorders, with particular adventitious stressors maybe determining which one may actually manifest. Moreover the actual boundaries between pathology and normality may be unclear, with a graded spectrum in between; and comorbidity of two or more disorders is common, with the boundaries between disorders often fuzzy. Examples include the boundaries between autism and ADHD, or schizophrenia, or obsessive compulsive disorder. Moreover diagnostic, prognostic and treatment considerations are not always compatible in defining, describing or managing an apparent dysfunction, which may have more than one single cause, genetically, structurally and biochemically, and may thus manifest as a final common path from various possible origins. Conversely, a single genetic, structural or biochemical anomaly may have different clinical manifestations in different individuals, perhaps due to varying environmental influences. It is only where the genetics are straightforward, as in Williams syndrome and Friedreich ataxia, that the presentation and course of the disorder is ever even comparatively invariant.

But are books themselves now passe in this modern digital age  and I am not just talking about E-books on tablets, or resources such as Wikipedia, or even the electronic version of our new book. Our books, and doubtless many others like them, are aimed at diverse audiences and users, from students to clinicians, lecturers, parents and carers. People still seem to want a dedicated and portable account of what concerns them, and just as the advent of TV failed to kill the cinemas, and bookshops are still booming despite the electronic media, it looks as if we shall continue to value the printed word as a handy medium. Indeed, many electronic journals are still supplemented by hard copies. There is in fact a good case for an electronic analogue or accompaniment to the text book, which can be updated with the advent of new information, so that it is always state of the art. But then there is the thorny question of quality control, as Wikipedia is finding. It is an arduous job vetting, inserting, deleting and replacing, without destroying the coherent unity of the original.

Multiple audiences are by their very nature difficult to accommodate  in our present case, parents and carers probably need less complexity and detail; clinicians may want more than students.... That might be where the electronic version comes in, or rather maybe versions, each of which is perhaps tailor made for a particular audience. In any case, science is just another word (scientia, in Latin) for knowledge. And knowledge is useless unless it can be promulgated and adapted for an appropriate audience. Indeed, science is largely funded through the public purse, and all scientists have a real obligation and duty to communicate their findings, and their relevance, to wider issues (public health, ecology, climate change, defence, communication systems, education, transport, waste disposal, new materials....). Otherwise there is a real case to terminate funding. But equally, there is an overwhelming case for properly supporting young scientists, far better than at present. We are graduating doctorates in unprecedented numbers; and in unprecedented numbers after a couple of years, with the ever worsening job market, career prospects and funding shortfalls and terminations, they are leaving us for pastures greener, easier and new. In your mid twenties, you need some security of funding and job tenure, with career prospects to accommodate the personal burdens of marriage, housing, child rearing, and eventual old age. We are haemorrhaging our heirs, and our society will suffer, as indeed was forcefully observed by a recent Australian of the Year.

In any case, as old Thucydides commented millennia ago, a good book is a ktema eis aei, a possession for ever.

Oh, and PS: I am now under contract for a memoir; books beget books beget books.Klaus Bachstein has stepped down as the head of label machine manufacturers Gallus, after 15 years in the role, replaced by Christof Naider, officially starting at the beginning of the year.

Bachstein joined Gallus as director of Marketing, Business Development and Screen Printing in 1995, subsequently also taking over responsibility for Service and Sales. He has held the CEO position since June 2002.

The 15 year period saw an influx of changes, from the introduction of the Gallus RCS, the first completely servo-driven label printing press with maximum process flexibility, to the use of technical granite as the core module for the printing and converting units in the Gallus ECS 340, which went on to become the top-selling label printing press in its class.

More recently, Bachstein oversaw the development and introduction of the Gallus Labelmaster, a fully scalable machine platform with configuration flexibility, and the Gallus Labelfire, the first industrial digital label printing press with upstream and downstream finishing steps, which handles all process steps from the roll to the fully finished and die-cut label in one production cycle

The Gallus Group was taken over by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen (Heidelberg) in mid-2014.

Gallus says business units and functions with synergy potential in the Heidelberg Group have been integrated since then, while still maintaining the Gallus brand.

This includes market development by Heidelbergs sales and service organizations, the development and production of joint technology platforms such as the inkjet unit and the software of the Gallus Labelfires digital printing unit, and the use of Heidelberg service platforms to improve Gallus services, says the company.

Christof Naier joined Gallus in July 2012, first as Head of Sales, Marketing, and Service Label Business, moving to general manager, Label Business from July 2017.

Gallus says, He will continue to rigorously implement the growth strategy for Gallus initiated three years ago and work at full throttle to drive the expansion of the digital business.

The administrative board of Gallus thanks Klaus Bachstein for his contributions to the development of the company and wishes him every success in his future endeavours.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at [email protected]

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletterThe attorney representing a man charged last month in the brutal 1979 murder of a Bakersfield waitress says he learned this week that a fingerUnfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.Steven Brubacher stood side by side with his 6-year-old son, saying he feels blessed to be alive after a close call over the weekend.

Canoe flipped over Sunday in Sarasota Bay

Steven Brubacher, son, 3 others were in the canoe

They were rescued, hospitalized and are recovering

PREVIOUS: 5 rescued after canoe capsizes in Sarasota Bay



On Sunday, Brubacher, his son, brother-in-law and two nephews treaded water for almost an hour after their boat flipped over in Sarasota Bay.

"This can't be happening  our boys might drown. We might drown," Brubacher said as he recalled the accident.

The family has been taking out the canoe in Sarasota Bay for more than two years. Brubacher said he was out on the water just three days before the accident.

No one really knows what caused them to flip over into the water.

"Probably just someone went out of balance and we all went over," Brubacher said.

He said they tried to flip the canoe back over but flooded it instead. The reality of the situation eventually started to sink in.



A charter boat captain in Manatee County is to thank for saving the lives of 5 boaters he found clinging to a capsized canoe in Sarasota Bay on Sunday morning. (Courtesy of Capt. Taylor Rahn)

"We all started getting really scared, and then we started hollering for help," Brubacher said.

On the cold day, no other boaters were in sight. The closest piece of land was too far for the young boys to swim.

"We all decided we need to ask God to send a boat here. That was our only option. I knew it was our only option," Brubacher said.

It was a prayer eventually answered by Sarasota charter boat Capt. Taylor Rahn.

"The captain saw us, and as soon as we saw his boat start aiming towards us we all said, 'Thank you Lord, thank you Lord, thank you Lord," Brubacher said.

Rahn says they showed signs that they were succumbing to the elements.

"They were screaming. They were crying. They were scared to death and the young boy was basically going in and out of being conscious," he said.

The three children ages 5 to 11 were airlifted to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. Brubacher and his brother-in-law were taken to another hospital to be treated for for hypothermia.

The father-son duo were reunited later Sunday night.



"I knew the best thing in my heart is to have him right next to me, and we just cuddled on my chair in there for a very long time," Brubacher said.

The family hopes to meet up with Rahn soon and thank him properly for saving them.Comedian Bobby Bones will return to Southeast Texas this spring with his Red Hoodie Comedy Tour.

Musical guest Brandon Ray will open the show at the Jefferson Theater.A former Hardin County judge candidate who recently filed to run for Jefferson County District Attorney has asked the Supreme Court of Texas to intervene after he was declared ineligible to seek the office.

David Bellow filed last month to run for District Attorney on the Republican ballot.

According to a petition filed at the Supreme Court of Texas last week, he was ruled ineligible by the Jefferson County Republican Party on Dec. 15 because he is not a licensed attorney.

District Attorney Bob Wortham, who Bellow would challenge in November's general election if he remained on the ballot, sent a letter to Republican Party Chair Garrett Peel on Dec. 15, writing that Bellow is ineligible under the Texas Government Code.

In his petition, Bellow alleged that Peel is required to put his name on the ballot and argued that he is eligible to be a candidate despite not meeting the qualifications to hold the office.

Bellow argued that there is "no minimum time" that he is required to be a licensed or practicing attorney before taking office, and said there is "no evidence that (he) will not be a licensed attorney before taking office if he were to win."

He also alleged that the section of the Texas Government Code that requires county and district attorneys to be licensed to practice law violates the Texas Constitution, which does not explicitly list that requirement for the positions.

Bellow asked the state's highest court to order that his name be placed on the ballot, that he be declared an eligible candidate, and that the court rule on that the Government Code section is unconstitutional.

Responses to his petition are due by Thursday.

Bellow said on his campaign website that "the chances of me winning are admittedly not very high" but said he is running to expose corruption in the DA's Office.

He ran unsuccessfully for Hardin County judge in 2014 and for a Hardin County Commissioner's Court seat in 2010 and listed a post office box in Lumberton as his public mailing address when he filed for the DA election last month.

Wortham accused Bellow of running only "to get attention."

"He's not a lawyer and no one's going to grant that, he's not qualified for the position," he said.

Bellow was indicted last January on a third-degree felony charge of stalking. He was accused of placing an illegal tracking device on his estranged wife's vehicle in March 2016. That charge was dropped in November.

He was indicted in June 2016 on a charge of aggravated perjury related to the same tracking device. In December, he filed motions alleging prosecutorial misconduct and asking for Wortham to be removed from the case and replaced by a special prosecutor.

LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/LizTeitzSoldiers walk through the scene of a roadside bombing that killed four troops in southern Thailands insurgency-hit Pattani province, Sept. 22, 2017.

Updated at 4:30 p.m. ET on 2018-01-17

Thailands snail-pace peace talks with Malay Muslim separatist movements have reached a critical juncture. The main armed group, Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), is thinking of moving to the next level of dialogue by drawing international negotiators to the table, and beyond the normal tit-for-tat violence between them and Thai security forces.

It has been 14 years of ambushes, roadside bombings and targeted killings of Thai security officials and suspected collaborators. Thailand, on the other hand, continues to follow a two-pronged strategy: winning the hearts and minds of local Malay Muslim through economic development aimed at stimulating growth in the impoverished southern border region; and engaging in hot pursuits of militants on the ground.

Other than that, the security officials are sitting ducks, waiting to be hit by militants as they move from place to place.

In all, nearly 7,000 people have died from the insurgency-related violence, yet a political settlement is nowhere in sight.

Every now and then, the insurgents carry out coordinated attacks outside of this conflict-affected region known as the Deep South or Patani, the Malays historical homeland, to send a stern warning to the Thai security apparatus that they are capable of expanding their campaign of violence away from the historically contested region.

However, recent months saw a significant shift in Malay-Muslim separatist tactics. Key up-and-coming individuals, who will take over the movement when the elders pass, believe its time to move beyond the shaming and humiliation of the Thai security apparatus. They want to explore other possibilities and opportunities through engaging members of the international community.

But shifting the playing field from the battleground to the worlds stage will not be easy. Members of the international community are reluctant to engage the BRN out of concern of upsetting Bangkok.

In fact, one of the BRNs demands for a formal negotiation with the Thais is mediation by the international community. This issue was raised during a series of meetings over the past six months between the designated facilitator, Malaysias Ahmad Zamzamin Hashim, and a senior member of the BRN ruling council, Doonloh Wae-mano.

Zamzamin also used his meeting with the BRN leader to arrange a meeting between Doonloh and Thailands chief negotiator, Gen. Aksara Kerdpol. The meeting is expected to take place in Indonesia but no date has been set.

The upcoming meeting is not a breakthrough or a game changer, BRN sources insisted. They said BRNs position remained the same: if the Thais want to carry out formal negotiations, they will have to internationalize the process, which means the negotiations will have to be mediated and facilitated by foreign governments and the venue will have to be outside of Malaysia.

Permitting Doonloh to meet with the Thai chief negotiator was a gesture of goodwill toward Kuala Lumpur in its capacity as the facilitator for the peace initiative, BRN sources said.

Thai officials, however, are split on the idea of the meeting itself; some think a face-to-face meeting between Doonloh and Aksara is a positive development, a step in the right direction.

Others are concerned that dealing directly with the BRN will undermine the official process between Bangkok and the other separatist groups, most notably, MARA Patani, an umbrella organization of long-standing Patani-Malay rebel organizations. In other words, these officials would like to see BRN come under MARA Patanis umbrella and deal with the Thais from there.

BRN sources also revealed the group is not in a hurry to get to the negotiating table. First and foremost, their representatives will have to be granted legal immunity and be properly trained, preferably by members of the international community with experience in conflict resolution and peace mediation.

Furthermore, any formal negotiation, they said, will have to be done outside Malaysia, preferably in Western countries with a strong reputation in conflict resolution and mediation.

Thai security and BRN sources said these demands have upset Zamzamin, the retired Malaysian spy chief who invested a great deal of energy going back and forth between the Thais and the rebels to keep Kuala Lumpur at the center of the process.

After all, Malaysia shares a common border with Thailands conflict-affected region. And in this respect, Malaysia is a stakeholder to the conflict, not exactly an honest broker.

The sources said Zamzamin met with Doonloh at least three times over the past six months. He has tried hard to convince Doonloh to permit BRN to join the Kuala Lumpur-facilitated peace talks between Thailand and MARA Patani.

The decision to join MARA Patani, or come to the negotiating table, is not up to Doonloh entirely, sources in the BRN said. The group is governed by a ruling council, the Dewan Pimpinan Parti (DPP), and such an important decision would be made collectively.

While MARA Patani claimed to have BRN members on board, BRNs operatives on the ground and abroad, as well as the movements Indonesia-based Information Department, maintained that these people acted on their own and without the DPPs consent.

Thai officials working on the conflict in the far South said MARA Patani was resting on shaky ground, because their process has not generated any meaningful traction. Moreover, the very fact that BRN, the group that controls virtually all of the militants on the ground, refuses to join them at the table also makes it difficult to move ahead with any plans, such as the implementation of a safety zone  an area where a limited ceasefire is to be observed.

Kuala Lumpurs commitment to the talks should be clearer by the end of February when Zamzamins contract with the government is up for renewal. Some observers dont think MARA Patani can survive without him at the helm.

Progress in the peace talks is moving at a snails pace partly because the BRN, which controls the militants, refuses to come to the table; and partly because Bangkok has never shown that it is interested in getting to the bottom of the Patani Malay cultural and historical grievances.

Thailand only wants to deal with the security aspect of this insurgency and discontent. The government believes it can win over the hearts and minds of the local Malay Muslim to deny the BRN militants the legitimacy for their armed struggle.

But such efforts are unlikely to bear fruit if Bangkok refuses to talk about the historical grievances and mistrust between the state and its Malay minority.

An earlier version of this commentary incorrectly gave the name of the governing body of BRN as the Dewan Penilian Parti. It is the Dewan Pimpinan Parti.

Don Pathan is a consultant and security analyst based in Thailand. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and not of BenarNews.Former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamads picture is projected as the opposition names him as its prime ministerial hopeful in the upcoming general election, during a convention in Shah Alam, Malaysia, Jan. 7, 2018.

Elderly statesman Mahathir Mohamad has officially become the standard bearer for Malaysias opposition, with the 92-year-old former longtime leader saying he is prepared to take the helm in the hopes of unseating scandal-plagued Prime Minister Najib Razak through upcoming elections.

But reactions from observers and government officials have been mixed to the oppositions move to pick the former prime minister, who ruled for 22 years from 1981 to 2003 and developed a reputation as an autocratic ruler, as its main hope for defeating the incumbent.

Malaysian opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) over the weekend named Mahathir as its prime ministerial hopeful after the countrys general election, which is due by August, although Najib is expected to call the polls earlier on in 2018.

I thank you for nominating me as prime minister. Im already 92 years, I wont be there for long, Mahathir, who will turn 93 in July, said to cheers during a convention held by the opposition bloc on Sunday.

Should PH win the election, Mahathir would serve as prime minister to pave the way for his once bitter foe, imprisoned opposition de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, to take over as PM if granted a royal pardon for a sodomy conviction, officials said. Without the pardon, Anwar would be barred from politics for five years.

Sundays decision means that Mahathir could return as prime minister 15 years after he stepped down from the position.

The four opposition PH parties unanimously appointed Mahathir during their convention to challenge Najib, the leader of the Barisan Nasional coalition and the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) party.

The good thing is PH can lay claim to having an experienced candidate on its side and that it can make critical choices in the run-up to the 14th general election, by consensus, Azmi Hassan, a Malaysian geopolitical analyst, told BenarNews.

The bad thing is that choosing Mahathir may distance a lot of voters as he had a lot of bad history. This factor matters the most to on-the-fence voters, he added.

Another analyst, Hisomuddin Bakar with the independent research firm Ilham Center, described the move as bold.

It would greatly impact Malay voters in urban and semi-urban areas, he told BenarNews, referring to constituents from Malaysias ethnic majority who make up the voting base of UMNO, Mahathirs former party.

But Khairy Jamaluddin, the current minister for youth and sports, said Mahathirs candidacy would cause political instability.

This will cause upheaval in PKR and create uncertainty among investors, not knowing how long Mahathir will be prime minister before Anwar takes over, Khairy told reporters on Sunday, referring to Anwars Peoples Justice Party (PKR).

In a series of tweets, Abdul Rahman Dahlan, a minister in Prime Minister Department, lambasted the choice of Mahathir, but hailed it as absolutely good news for BN.

PH shows how all these years of talking of reform and giving young people a chance were mere rhetoric, one of his tweets read.

Putting the past behind

Mahathir came out of retirement amid allegations that billions of dollars from state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) were misused by Najib and others. Mahathir has since branded Najib, his one-time protege, as corrupt and has led calls for his resignation. Najib has denied allegations of wrongdoing in the 1MDB affair.

The main goal now is to topple UMNO and Najib, Mahathir told journalists on Sunday.

As an autocratic leader decades ago, Mahathir threw several opposition leaders into jail, including Anwar in the late 1990s.

It wasnt easy for the parties that were formerly my enemies to accept me, but they know the importance of bringing down the current government, Mahathir said.

Those who were uneasy with me, my policies  my actions and although it is difficult for them, they realize that what is important is not the past, but what is in the future.

Anwar is serving a five-year jail term for sodomy  a charge that he and his supporters insist is politically motivated. He is set to be released on June 8, according to the Prison Department.

Sundays announcement also saw Anwars wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Peoples Justice Party president, being named as the oppositions hopeful for the job of deputy prime minister, should the opposition win the election.

While a date for the general election has not been announced, PH is not recognized formally as a political alliance. The Registrar of Societies (ROS) demanded additional documents, which the opposition submitted.

The ROS director could not be reached for comment on Monday.

Hareez Lee in Shah Alam, Malaysia, and Hata Wahari contributed to this report.Philippine soldiers stand near bodies of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters after a clash in Datu Unsay town, Maguindanao province, in this undated photo released by the military, Jan. 8, 2018.

Two of the largest former Muslim rebel groups in the Philippines on Monday announced the formation of a joint fighting unit to help the military pursue militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) and avert a siege similar to last years Marawi city.

The leaders of the 10,000-member Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its precursor, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) said they had agreed to create the Biwang Bangsamoro Unified Coordinating Council during a meeting on the main southern island of Mindanao over the weekend.

The teams would include fighters from both sides who would coordinate with soldiers otherwise hobbled in going after Islamic State (IS) forces in remote areas, Mohagher Iqbal, a MILF senior member said.

The formation of the elite fighting group was decided immediately by both groups due to the serious increasing threat of IS in Mindanao, Iqbal, the MILFs chief negotiator in peace talks, told BenarNews.

He said the new team would conduct joint intervention measures and share intelligence information.

Its a key to establish sustainable peace and order, Iqbal said. We dont want the peace efforts we are forwarding with the government to be spoiled by the so-called IS-inspired groups. Everybody should be vigilant.

The end of war in Marawi does not mean the end also of ISIS, he added, using another acronym for IS.

MILF broke away from MNLF in the late 1970s over ideological differences. It signed a peace deal with government in 2014 after dropping its fight for independence.

The MNLF signed its own peace pact with Manila in 1996. Its founder, Nur Misuari, eventually became the governor of a Muslim autonomous region, but failed to lift the area out of poverty despite millions of dollars being poured into the region.

Misuari later led a deadly siege of Zamboanga city in 2013 that left more than 200 rebel fighters, soldiers and civilians dead.

Misuari went into hiding and the court suspended his arrest warrant on rebellion charges on orders from President Rodrigo Duterte  whom he considers a personal friend  after Duterte came to power in 2016. An arrest warrant on lesser graft charges was filed in September 2017.

Duterte has said he believes that any initiative to bring peace to the volatile south would not work without the help of Misuari and his forces.

Bad elements

In May 2017, Isnilon Hapilon, the acknowledged leader of IS in the region, led Filipino, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern fighters in taking over Marawi, where they had planned to establish a seat of power.

An intense, five-month battle ensued, leading to the deaths of more than 1,000 combatants and civilians.

Duterte identified Abu Turaipe as the new IS leader in the south, following the deaths of Hapilon and top Malaysian militant Mahmud Ahmad in the battle of Marawi.

MNLF Chairman Muslimin Sema attended the unification ceremony and vowed that they would not allow another siege to take place similar to Marawi.

We want to ensure the safety and protection of the people against bad elements who want to sow terrorist acts, Sema said.

He said both sides had agreed to set aside ideological differences and were uniting as one to protect our land from the IS.

But while the Marawi war has ended, government troops were fighting against other groups in the southern region, namely, the splinter Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) which has not openly declared allegiance to IS but appears to be aiding their fighters.

BIFF split from the MILF in 2008 and vowed to push the separatist fight, attracting younger, more hardline members of the MILF.

On Saturday, the military said, troops on reconnaissance patrol came under attack from about 50 BIFF militants. The two-day battle left a one soldier and nine militants dead.

Last month, BIFF militants stormed a community in Shariff Aguak town, killing two civilians and setting on fire more than 20 houses.The leadership of Iran suppresses and tortures its enemies. It supports the Islamist terror of Hezbollah and Hamas. And its fundamental-Islamic judiciary carries out brutal death sentences.

However, in Germany, the elite of the regime is paid court to. The most recent example of this: in the private clinic INI (International Neuroscience Institute) in Hannover, Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi (69) is currently enjoying first-class treatment.

Specialists under the supervision of the world-famous brain surgeon Prof. Madjid Samii (80, with 26 honorary doctorates) fight for his health here. Its a luxury that normal Iranians and their children can only dream of.

Protest in Iran Iranian protest With fast internet, the regime would be gone soon The founders of Amadnews, the biggest Telegram channel of the protests, about how they became the main platform, how the world can help.

Protesters in Iran Why the Iranians are so angry The protests in Iran continue! BILD talked to protesters from ten cities.

He also executed children

According to Amnesty International, during his time as Chief Justice of Iran (1999 to 2009) 2000 people were executed  including even children.

The student Atefah Sahaaleh (16) confessed under torture to being a rape victim. In Iran, this counts as adultery. On August 15, 2004, Atefah Sahaaleh was publicly hanged on a crane.

Auch Interessant



The boy Makwan Moloudzadeh (13) was accused of having an affair with a boy of the same age. On December 4, 2007, he was executed in the Kermanshah prison.

Political prisoners tell of systematic torture and humiliation in Iranian jails.

To this day, the patient belongs to the inner circle of dictator Ali Khamenei (78) and is even considered to be his potential successor. According to the German foreign office, the federal government is therefore informed that Shahroudi has now been treated for weeks in Hannover. Shahroudi is a member of Irans Assembly of Experts. If the German government were to consider this a government office, he would enjoy diplomatic immunity.

And he receives prominent visitors. A picture distributed via the messaging service Twitter shows Ayatollah Reza Ramezani (54) sitting next to Shahroudis hospital bed  the highest-ranking representative in Europe of the torture regime and head of the Islamic Centre in Hamburg.

Charges pressed against the death judge

Now the former MP Volker Beck has pressed charges against Shahroudi for murder and crimes against humanity. We must not be a sanatorium for people who commit crimes against human rights, but we must hold them responsible, Beck told BILD.

It would be a great mistake if the federal government were to grant diplomatic immunity to the organizer of mass-killings by the Iranian judiciary, Beck added.

In principle, it is possible to punish offences that were committed abroad, jurist Ulf Buermeyer, head of the Gesellschaft fur Freiheitsrechte (Society for Civil Rights), tells BILD.

Even life-long prison sentences can be imposed for this, explains Buermeyer. However, there are several major hurdles for such cases, especially when diplomatic issues are involved.

The director of the human rights organization Human Rights Watch in Germany calls for the government to take the case seriously.

The legal authorities should intervene. If there is a risk of flight, they should act accordingly, Wenzel Michalski tells BILD.

For years and in sadly regular intervals, the German governments representatives for human rights have condemned the executions of minors in Iran, explains Michalski. Now is the chance to follow up political condemnations with actions.

The exiled Iranian activist Mina Ahadi has defended dozens of Iranians whose relatives were executed under Shahroudi. She sent her appeals for clemency directly to him  he refused them all. Shahroudi is a dangerous man with blood on his hands. The German authorities must investigate him.For Immediate Release, January 8, 2018 Contacts: Craig Tucker, Karuk Tribe, (916) 207-8294, ctucker@karuk.us

Jonathan Evans, Center for Biological Diversity, (213) 598-1466, jevans@biologicaldiversity.org

Bob Wright, Friends of the River, (916) 442-3155 x 207, bwright@friendsoftheriver.org U.S. Supreme Court Slams Door on California Suction Dredge Miners California Moratorium on Suction Dredge Mining for Gold Remains in Effect WASHINGTON The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected a request from recreational gold miners to overturn a California Supreme Court decision upholding a statewide moratorium on recreational suction dredge mining. The courts rejection of the request, effectively upholding Californias role in regulating small-scale gold mining, is an important victory for fish, water quality and tribal cultural sites. Suction dredge mining is a continuation of the genocidal legacy of goldminers that started over 150 years ago, said Leaf Hillman, the Karuk tribes director of natural resources. We pressed California to develop stronger protections for our fish, water and cultural sites only to have mining groups sue. Now the courts have clarified Californias authority to regulate this destructive hobby. Suction dredge mining typically uses gas- or diesel-powered machines to vacuum up gravel and sand from streams and river bottoms in search of gold. It threatens important cultural resources and sensitive wildlife species, and the California Native American Heritage Commission has condemned its threats to irreplaceable tribal and archeological resources. Suction dredge mining pollutes waterways with mercury and sediment and destroys sensitive habitat for important and imperiled wildlife, including salmon and steelhead, California red-legged frogs and sensitive migratory songbirds. Suction dredge mining recklessly tears up rivers, threatens our waterways and harms imperiled salmon, said Jonathan Evans, environmental health legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. In this time of drought and climate change, we cant afford to have Californias waterways trashed by a small but vocal group of hobby miners. In 2016 the California Supreme Court upheld a statewide moratorium on recreational suction dredge mining for gold and validated mining regulations that protect water supplies, fisheries, wildlife and cultural resources. Suction dredge miners have repeatedly asked the courts to prevent the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from enforcing the current moratorium on suction dredge mining. The moratorium, in place since 2009, is designed to prevent mercury pollution and damage to wildlife, waterways and cultural resources until protective rules are adopted. Dissatisfied by the California Courts decisions, suction dredger Brandon Rinehart, appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging Californias authority to regulate an activity the miners believe should be governed by federal law. With todays ruling the California decision stands. The harm done by suction dredging is well documented by scientists and government agencies. It harms state water supplies by re-suspending toxic mercury, sediment and heavy metals. The State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Protection Agency urged an end to suction dredge mining because of its significant impacts on water quality and wildlife from mercury pollution. A coalition of tribal, conservation and fisheries groups have been seeking to improve and uphold Californias laws regulating suction dredge mining. This coalition includes the Center for Biological Diversity, the Karuk tribe, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens Associations, Institute for Fisheries Resources, Friends of the River, The Sierra Fund, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, Foothills Anglers Association, North Fork American River Alliance, Upper American River Foundation, Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center, Environmental Law Foundation and Klamath Riverkeeper. Members of the coalition are represented by Lynne Saxton of Saxton & Associates, a water-quality and toxics-enforcement law firm.8 January 2018

Appeared in BioNews 932

IVG involves the use of stem cells to create sperm and egg cells in vitro, which can then be used to produce embryos. It is a technique that could provide a fertility treatment option for people who currently cannot have their own genetically related children  including infertile individuals or couples, older women, and same-sex couples. There have been some promising successes in trials with mice, and some commentators believe that within decades the intervention will be available for human use, be that for research or reproductive purposes.

A symposium on IVG on 14-15 September 2017 in London, part of the Wellcome Trust funded research programme entitled 'The Donation and Transfer of Human Reproductive Materials', generated lively debate between academics, policymakers, science communicators and scientists in the field. It was organised by Dr Cesar Palacios-Gonzalez and Professor Rosamund Scott of King's College London, and Professor Stephen Wilkinson of Lancaster University.

In addition to an enlightening session on the science and development of IVG with talks from Professors Azim Surani and Robin Lovell-Badge, there were talks on the broader ethical and legal implications by experts such as Professor John Harris (who noted questions surrounding what would be considered 'safe enough' in reproductive research), Professor I Glenn Cohen (who discussed the difficulties in regulation given the possibility of circumvention tourism), and Professor Henry Greely (who considered the ethical implications of using IVG technology). Four further talks considered more specific issues, questions and concerns raised by IVG.

Professor Sonia Suter discussed how IVG may be used to create vast numbers of embryos for the purpose of selective reproduction and the extent to which this raises concerns about choice overload for potential parents. Suter considered ways of dealing with this, including the use of algorithms, and noted the ethical concerns of the use of such technology for this purpose, such as possible abdication of decision-making, underlying biases, reduction in diversity, and commodification.

Dr Saskia Hendriks presented her qualitative research on public, patient, and clinician perspectives. People currently unable to have their own genetically related children would be inclined to use IVG, she reported, and people would also be willing to trade-off genetic relatedness for things such as higher pregnancy rates and cheaper costs. Hendriks concluded that patients might be disinclined to pursue IVG  even at the cost of genetic relatedness  if it were risky, expensive or ineffective. Given the novelty of the technology, it was especially interesting to hear such empirical data, and this added further weight to the discussions on the value of genetic relatedness that arose several points in the symposium.

Seppe Segers explored ethical questions about 'designer babies' and IVG. He explained that while IVG may facilitate the creation of designer babies, it is neither necessary nor sufficient for this task. He concluded that even if IVG did facilitate this endeavour, it should not be grounds for undermining the development of the technology but instead should be regulated; this would be consistent with other assisted reproduction technologies and would mean that the value of genetic relatedness would be respected as well.

Dr Birgit Beck then discussed the idea that IVG technology could be used to create children who are direct descendants of early embryos and who could therefore be considered 'orphaned at conception'. She asked whether it would be wrong to bring such children into being and explored the metaphysical and moral implications of this question and of the notion of genetic orphans in general. The view as to whether (or why) it would be wrong to create children orphaned at conception would depend on one's conceptual, ontological and ethical commitments, Beck concluded. For instance, those that hold that an embryo is not an individual human being would not consider embryos to qualify as an interim generation. For these people, it would make no sense to talk of children being orphaned at conception.

The event provided much lively and stimulating debate into ethical, legal, and practical issues relating to research into IVG, and its possible use in fertility treatment. While its possible use for non-medical trait selection provides a new context in which to examine questions about selection and selective reproduction, the topic that generated the most discussion was that the intervention would allow people who are currently unable to do so, to have genetically related children. It called into question the value of genetic relatedness, the socio-ethical implications of any such value, and indeed whether there is a need or obligation to pursue interventions like IVG that would allow people to have genetically related children.8 January 2018

Dr Roy Farquharson

ESHRE chairman By

Appeared in BioNews 932

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) was created by Robert Edwards and Jean Cohen in 1984. The focus, complexity and growth of ESHRE have shifted dramatically over its 34 years of work, growing to provide leadership in reproductive medicine a global setting. Here is a short history of how the society evolved and a map of where it is heading next.

History

ESHRE was founded six years after the birth of Louise Brown in 1978 but only in the latter two of those years had IVF made any visible recorded progress. Ethical objections and biological challenges had thwarted groups in Europe and the USA who were keen to follow the precedent of Edwards and Steptoe. Some - such as Howard and Georgeanna Jones in the USA - pursued the false scent of oocyte retrieval from a natural cycle. It was the lack of state support in Britain that had forced Edwards and Steptoe into private practice at Bourn Hall near Cambridge.

France had welcomed its first IVF baby in 1982, by which time IVF in the country was in the hands of two state-supported groups, those of the biologist Jacques Testart and the gynaecologist Jean Cohen, based in Paris. By 1984, despite several live births, IVF was still faltering in France, with low implantation and high ectopic rates. Edwards, whom Cohen had met at IVF workshops at Bourn Hall, rang Cohen to ask if he might help his young biologists.

So Edwards visited Paris to take a look. During this stay in early 1984 he and Cohen recognised the need for a European society along the lines of the American Fertility Society, with its own agenda, annual meeting and - most importantly - its own journal. Reproductive medicine and science had so far been dominated by the American journals but now, Edwards would say, 'when so many of the advances in IVF were made in Europe, it occurred to me that we needed a European journal to serve as a forum for this work'.

The result of these discussions was an informal exploratory meeting at the 3rd World Congress of IVF in Helsinki and a more formal meeting in London where the Society was formally founded and the name ESHRE first recorded. Implicit in the name is the recognition and integration of both science and clinical medicine in reproduction.

As in the origins of IVF, the origins of ESHRE are essentially a story of Robert Edwards, and today one cannot exaggerate the energy he put into the society. His papers in ESHRE's archives in Belgium are testimony to his boundless energy and gentle persuasion, evident in a deluge of correspondence which one day in 1984 ran to 37 letters on ESHRE business. Thus, by the time of that September meeting in London Edwards himself had drafted by-laws which, with amendments at the time, are largely the constitutional arrangements of ESHRE today. Edwards himself wrote up the minutes and noted: 'It was felt that the scope should be restricted in general to the study of gametogenesis, conception, the first trimester of pregnancy, but with the inclusion of associated topics of relevance.'

Early days

There is much else besides the name, the core of the constitution and the scientific scope that endures from those earliest days. Of obvious lasting impact are the annual meetings and the ESHRE journals. But it was also clear from the outset that an open position on the ethical questions likely to face assisted reproduction were high on Edwards's agenda. Indeed, many of ESHRE's original members cited consensus on the ethics of IVF as their principal reason for joining. And today ESHRE's position papers on matters of ethics and law were among the most cited references. Many of the future developments after this point demonstrate a clear inheritance of what justifies the raison d'etre of ESHRE.

Present day

The society now has over 7,000 members from 119 countries and the Annual Meeting in 2017, held over four days in Geneva, attracted over 10,000 participants. In 2017, of 1725 submitted scientific abstracts to the ESHRE meeting, 52 percent originated from outside Europe.

Training support and education, including position papers, guidelines, training events and certification programmes make up much of the everyday activities of ESHRE today. The overall aim is to set good practice standards and making improvement accessible to all. To this end, ESHRE's registries in European ART (assisted reproductive technology) and global PGD have painstakingly documented cycles and outcomes on an annual basis. Furthermore, the registries set a benchmark of safety, access and performance against which national activity can be measured. The decline in multiple pregnancy rate in IVF seen over the past decade must surely owe much to the findings of ESHRE's data-monitoring in a sector which in Europe still represents more than half of global ART performance. Vigilance and moral alertness remain strong elements of continued ESHRE activity and have led to greater collaboration with major European authorities.

Journals

In 2017 ESHRE added a fourth title to its stable of journals, HROpen, an open-access journal designed for unrestricted readership. The Society's three other titles were each devised by Edwards, with the flagship Human Reproduction launched in January 1986. This, more than anyone could imagine, would fulfil those first pioneer ambitions of founding a journal in which European scientists and clinicians would find a welcome home for their work. Human Reproduction's sister review journal Human Reproduction Update would go on achieve record-breaking impact factors in the categories of obstetrics and gynaecology, and reproductive biology.

Political role

It's also clear from the society's history, and the 40-year history of IVF, that ESHRE has never been afraid to face political or scientific challenges, however uncomfortable that may be. ESHRE opposed introduction of the infamous Law 40 in Italy in 2004 (banning embryo freezing and embryo selection). More recently it supported open ART legislation in Poland. ESHRE has also been consistent - even if controversially so - in its position on new introductions and adjuvant treatments in ART, repeatedly calling for a strong evidence base before everyday application. This has most prominently been seen in a cautious approach to aneuploidy testing in embryos, where ESHRE has repeatedly doubted the strength of the evidence for any improvement in live birth rates.

The challenges facing ESHRE today are reflected in the diversity of ART and its social, political and personal implications. Political representation remains an ESHRE priority, to make sure that the directives and positions of a political Europe recognise ESHRE's members and the professional sector they represent.

Future challenges

The aim and philosophy of ESHRE is based on the underlying recognition that reproductive medicine is equally dependent on scientific and clinical knowledge that ultimately improves global reproductive health, identifies and addresses barriers to access to infertility care and provides an incremental uplift in public health benefits. ESHRE is a growing, open and inclusive community where any member or delegate can meet the world's leaders in human reproduction. It is particularly receptive to the ideas and activities of young researchers and clinicians.

ESHRE has achieved a global profile and is the reference point in reproductive science and medicine with over 7 million babies born by IVF. We see international collaboration as the gateway to the future. Research, practice and education remain the solid foundations on which ESHRE has supported its past, present and more importantly, its future. In practical terms, ESHRE subsidises many courses, activities and workshops, several at a financial loss, to encourage educational improvement among its members and non-European delegates thereby improving the global healthcare of countries.

The ESHRE community reflects the diverse specialty interests of its members by the support provided by 14 Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These all have something in common: their passion for reproductive health and the understanding of human reproduction. In joint collaboration with our partner patient organisation, Fertility Europe, we undertook an audit that was launched in the European Parliament in March 2017, which addressed differing profiles of nine member states in relation to provision and funding of reproductive healthcare. Clear anomalies were highlighted and further collaboration with Fertility Europe is ongoing in support of European Fertility Week, which launched on 6 November 2017.

The ESHRE Executive Committee will have a more complex and growing agenda to deal with in the next two years. A comprehensive root-and-branch strategy meeting held over two days in May clearly identified areas for development and reconfiguration. As a result, a one-day meeting in September consolidated objectives and drew the roadmap for future direction of travel. Ongoing collaboration with our international partners will build on the shared areas of interest that will benefit from multiagency working.WASHINGTON, USA - Twitter announced Friday it would not block the accounts of world leaders even if their statements are "controversial," citing a need to promote a "public conversation" on political issues.

"Endangering the world"

The announcement came just days after a tweet from President Donald Trump hinting at the use of US nuclear weapons sparked criticism that the social network was allowing threats of violence."Twitter is here to serve and help advance the global, public conversation. Elected world leaders play a critical role in that conversation because of their outsized impact on our society," the California-based company said in a blog post."Blocking a world leader from Twitter or removing their controversial tweets would hide important information people should be able to see and debate. It would also not silence that leader, but it would certainly hamper necessary discussion around their words and actions."Twitter made no specific reference to Trump or his tweet this week saying he has a "nuclear button" which is "bigger and more powerful" than that of North Korea's.Some activists said Twitter should have banned Trump and one group projected images on the company's headquarters with a message "@jack is #complicit," a reference to chief executive Jack Dorsey and "Ban @realDonaldTrump."The group called Resistance SF accused Dorsey of "endangering the world" and violating its own rules by not banning Trump.Friday's announcement comes less than a month after Twitter began enforcing new rules aimed at filtering out "hateful" and "abusive" content on the social network, including messages which promote or glorify violence.Twitter, which has struggled to maintain an open platform without allowing violence or hate speech, said at the time it would not cut off accounts for military or government entities.Friday's statement left open the possibility however that Twitter could remove specific tweets from political leaders which violate its policies."We review tweets by leaders within the political context that defines them, and enforce our rules accordingly," the statement said."No one person's account drives Twitter's growth or influences these decisions. We work hard to remain unbiased with the public interest in mind."via I-Net Bridge.Rwandan authorities have barred journalist Bob Mugabe from travelling to the United Nations Internet Governance Forum, #netFreedom2017. The authorities who questioned him accused him of working against the state, treason and spreading rumours to undermine the state.

Rwanda.  Tomas Griger via 123RF

In response to the Rwandan authorities preventing the editor of the online news outlet Great Lakes Voice, Bob Mugabe, from leaving the country to participate in the 2017 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Geneva, a key United Nations gathering on internet-related issues, Freedom House issued a statement.While the international community is gathered in Geneva to discuss policies that will shape the internet and our digital future, the Rwandan government prevented Bob Mugabe from attending the IGF, holding him at the airport and interrogating him for four hours about his human rights work, said Sanja Kelly, director of the Freedom on the Net project at Freedom House.The authorities who questioned him accused him of working against the state, treason and spreading rumours to undermine the state, all because of his of critical reporting published online, previous meetings at the UN Human Rights Council, and other human rights activities.Given the governments record of taking arbitrary measures against human rights defenders and independent voices in the country, Mugabe risks being charged for treason simply for reporting on and voicing his criticism of Rwandas human rights record.The UN and the IGF Secretariat should urge the Rwandan government to end its arbitrary investigations of Mugabe and immediately lift the travel ban against him.Somali authorities should immediately release Abdishakur Abdullahi Ahmed, also known as Shaasha, who works as a correspondent for the Nairobi-based RTN Somali TV channel and owns a local radio station, City FM, the Committee to Protect Journalists said this week.

 panaceadoll via 123RF

Authorities in Somalia's southern Hirshabelle state arrested Abdishakur on December 28, 2017, and accused him of airing false news after he reported critically on the local administration, according to RTN managing director Fuad Haji and Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu, secretary general of the government-recognised National Union of Somali Journalists. The journalist has not formally been formally charged.A court in Hirshabelle's city of Jowhar ordered police to release Abdishakur on bail pending investigation, on January 2, according to City FM director, Hamdi Buukar Hassan, Moalimuu, and documents seen by CPJ.Jowhar police commander Mohamed Siyaad, also known as Canjeex, told CPJ he could not comment on Abdishakur's case and referred CPJ to state authorities. Moalimuu said that Jowhar police told him they had not received the court order."Authorities should immediately release Abdishakur Abdullahi Ahmed. Holding him without charge is in clear violation of his rights," said CPJ deputy executive director Robert Mahoney in New York City. "Somali authorities should stop trying to intimidate journalists and make press freedom a priority."On December 26, a report in which Abdishakur criticised the Hirshabelle government's performance during its first three months of power aired on RTN Somali TV. Fuad said he believes that this triggered the arrest.Abdishakur had previously questioned Hirshabelle cabinet appointments and government decisions in his reporting and on Facebook, according to Ismail Sheikh Khalifa, chairperson of the Mogadishu-based Journalists for Human Rights, a new organisation whose mandate includes providing legal support for journalists whose rights have been violated, and a Jowhar-based journalist who requested to remain anonymousfor privacy reasons.Somalia's information minister, Abdirahman Omar Osman, told CPJ that his office had urged state authorities in Hirshabelle to release Abdishakur "without further investigation."CPJ was unable to reach Hirshabelle President Mohamed Abdi Ware despite repeated calls and text messages, or vice president Ali Abdullahi Hussein, also known as Ali Guudlaawe, despite repeated calls.As both consumers and working professionals, we have come to view internet connectivity in the same way as electricity and running water - it's an essential! Yet as more of our devices become synced and begin to communicate with each other, connectivity will soon take on an entirely new meaning.

Colin Thornton, managing director of Turrito Networks and Dial a Nerd

Expect to see businesses devising clear strategies around IoT

As IoT develops, it will automatically create opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence within almost every sphere of life, and work.

AI to be a top five investment priority

Investing heavily in skills, processes, tools

A new frontier

For South African businesses of all sizes and across sectors, AI undoubtedly presents new channels for growth and innovation  at a time when both are badly needed.

Today, as broadband internet is becoming more widely available at a cheaper cost, more devices are being created with smart Wi-Fi capabilities and sensors built into them. If you pair this with increasing reliance on software and smartphones and businesses looking for digitally-driven insights, you have a perfect storm, in a sense, for the emergence of the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).There is simply too much data, derived from too many devices, for humans to process effectively.This year, we expect to see businesses devising clear strategies around IoT, which, simply put, is connecting any device with an on and off switch to the internet (and/or to each other).By way of example, imagine the massive amount of data being generated by Fitbit-type wearable devices across the world. Now, imagine if there was an AI program monitoring this data and looking for signs of an impending heart attack. It could be pre-programmed with some obvious signs, but could also learn' from real-life examples.Maybe, with enough learning, AI could detect heart attacks days or even weeks before they happen!As a recent press statement by Gartner indicated, the term "artificial intelligence" was not in the top 100 search terms on gartner.com in early 2016. However, by May 2017, the term ranked at number seven, indicating the popularity of the topic and interest from Gartner clients in understanding how AI can and should be used as part of their digital business strategy.Notably, the company predicts that by 2020, AI will be a top five investment priority for more than 30% of CIOs.Similarly to other key technology trends, organisations will need to invest heavily in skills, processes, and tools that are specific to the development and evolution of AI - and it is suggested that businesses focus on tightly scoped solutions, targeting specific tasks.Take a look at chatbots being used by online retailers, for example. At some point in the not-too-distant future, when you engage with an online agent to ask if they have stock of a certain item or what their warranty policy is, you will be answered by an AI bot, not a human.Unsurprisingly, within the technology industry itself, AI has become a major battleground for software and service vendors - with AI and business intelligence soon to be incorporated into every application, app and service within the enterprise.Gartner highlights augmented analytics, which uses machine learning to automate data preparation, insight discovery and insight sharing as an area of growing strategic importance. There is also a strong view that organisations should explore intelligent apps that augment human activity, and identify use cases across advanced analytics, intelligent processes and new user experiences.However, regardless of application, the real power of AI lies in its contextual awareness: its ability to sense and respond to the current context. As a result, the potential of AI is especially seductive in the sphere of sales and marketing.People browsing the internet are, often unknowingly, creating huge amounts of data. Their likes and dislikes, shopping habits, budgets and more are being recorded on a daily basis. It would be impossible for humans to sift through this data in a scalable (and sustainable) way to customise a specific users experience.It will, therefore, be left to AI to monitor and learn, so that people are engaging with content (and advertising) that appeals to them.The key, however, will be investing into smart technology and smart peopleand sooner rather than later!Opportunities for economic growth abound within the exchanges between the formal and informal economies.

Kamogelo Mmutlana, CEO of Barloworld Logistics

Putting practices in place to facilitate formal, informal trade

Gaining traction is the trend of local supply chain businesses putting practices in place to facilitate formal and informal trade, but for such to be successful, a deeper understanding of the dynamics, and indeed psyche, of the informal market is required.

In South Africa, the trend of the private sector tapping into the informal economy is not new; however, policy and legislature need to play their part.

The shared economy trend

As supply chain providers, the onus lies on us to drive this trend by opening opportunities within previously untapped markets.

From street vendors to domestic workers, spaza shop traders, subsistence farmers, taxi operators, small-scale manufacturers, and roadside restaurateurs, the South African informal economy is a bustling, vibrant industry.No longer viewed as merely a survivalist strategy by those impacted by poverty, informal trade creates economic opportunity for approximately 32% of the local non-agricultural workforce, with this number increasing to as much as 60% globally.Considering that there are an estimated 90,000 permanent spaza shops and more than 500,000 table-top vendors throughout the country, each generating anywhere from R10,000 to R200,000 in sales per month, the lower-end of the so-called "retail pyramid" accounts for a considerable proportion of local trade.Leading organisations within the formal economy not only have a responsibility to enable access and opportunity within the informal sector but would be well advised to assess the burgeoning potential within it critically in order to partner in the sector's growth.Whether corporate South Africa acknowledges it or not; we are inextricably linked to the informal economy. Notwithstanding geographic and cash trade challenges, the potential for value exchange between these sectors of our economy requires focused attention from supply chain organisations.Universal solutions are not necessarily viable within the informal economy. What has successfully worked in India or Vietnam cannot be assumed to work locally.As this trend continues to evolve, we must remain mindful that our markets have wholly unique requirements and expectations. These nuances require thoughtful consideration, innovative application of technology and sustainable business practices in order to facilitate free access and opportunity.Attempts to regulate the informal economy through existing mechanisms may, instead of protecting this vibrant marketplace, quash the very entrepreneurial spirit that drives it forward.Access to credit, bespoke liability, wholesale pricing, and reliable supply are all required to participate in any market economy. These requirements - when overlaid on a landscape of informal trade - pose challenges for both the public and private sectors.The first step is to critically assess your product offering - from product sizing and pricing right through to distribution model and order financing.As a business, it is critical to understand where your point of value would be when entering into the informal economy. In most cases, distribution and payment models are key factors when creating market share within this space.It is important that businesses work with their partners to assess the entire supply chain when hoping to capitalise on this shared economy trend. From ordering mechanisms to delivery and the collection of cash, opening opportunity with informal trade sector requires supply chain partners not only be attuned to these needs but flexible enough to adapt.The major challenge is that there is no cut and paste solution and often these fall beyond the scope of traditional supply chain models.To realise the opportunities this trend offers, partnering with local, innovative providers that offer limited-basket drops, or technology driven payment mechanisms, for example, are likely to create viable routes-to-market within this space.The ability to action single, small item drops while maintaining the cold chain to a Gogo selling Shisanyama, the collection and reuse of recyclables from waste-pickers, or the provision of cost-effective compost made from organic waste to subsistence farmers create smarter business strategies. These ultimately unlock opportunities to enhance profits and drive growth for both the informal and formal economies.As economic pressure persists, and the entrepreneurial spirit flourishes, the informal economy will continue to grow, and indeed take its place amongst the most significant contributors to our GDP.The trend of value sharing and opportunity creation between the formal and informal sectors will thus continue. Those connected to this local zeitgeist, and indeed innovative and agile enough to adapt, will thrive and drive our economy forward.South Africa's mango export season isn't running on all cylinders yet, as Tommy Atkins makes up the bulk of the harvest at the moment and more's the pity, as two regions whose harvests normally are sequential, came in simultaneously this year, causing an early Tommy Atkins peak.

Meditations via pixabay

Expectations of a normalisation

Usually, Malelanes mangoes are earlier than those from Hoedspruit. But this year both arrived at the same time, causing oversupply on the market.Mangoes are for the moment mostly exported to the Middle East and Russia, where growth in both markets is expected, with a sprinkling to the EU and India. Prices on the export markets are liveable, says one exporter. In dollar terms, prices are the same as last year, but with the strengthened rand, the price back on the farm isnt wonderful.At one fresh produce market, an agent says that the market moves so slowly that there are still significant mango volumes left from before Christmas. However, I got some fresh mangoes in today which sold for very good prices.With high temperatures in the north of the country, producers have no choice but to pick mangoes as fast as they can. Substantial rain a few weeks ago resulted in anthracnose in some areas. Expectations are that as Tommy Atkins finishes up, and other cultivars start, the situation will normalise in about two to three weeks time.Tommy Atkins is the main cultivar for the Malelane production area, where the harvest is pretty much packed. Hoedspruit specialises in Keitts, a cultivar with a long window of almost two months. Tzaneen has just started picking its Tommy Atkins.As for South African mangoes being in an off cycle, theres not much evidence of that for the moment with all the Tommy Atkins around, but overall volumes could be down by 30% to 40%.From crowdfunding and instant mobile payments for emergency relief to virtual volunteering platforms, technology has changed the way we give. Previously the domain of big business, giving is now in the hands of everyone - and we're talking serious money.

How non-profits can start their technology journey

Creating more sustainable business models

Over a period of six months, more than $350m was raised in relief aid for Hurricane Harvey through online platforms such as www.YouCaring.com . Driven through social media, emotive pictures and stories of loss going viral, you could get involved and not even build up a sweat while doing it. Instant generosity at the click of a button.Another example - in a world before drought  the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge - who hasnt heard of the ice bucket challenge? Anyone know what ALS is? Guess that's not the point. Thanks to technology, the idea went global, with the likes of Oprah, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and even Obama taking part. Over a six-week period, more than $115m was raised and August officially became ALS Awareness Month. Maximum impact  driven entirely by the internet.Closer to home (and a long way off from international disaster relief), social media has started to galvanise the masses  xenophobia, political activism, the Imizama Yethu fires in Hout Bay and the Knysna fires being prime examples. The bottom line, whether youre for or against clicktivism, technology brings scale to social problems.Technology is continuing to open up new revenue opportunities for both business and the non-profit sector. Put simply, if youre not leveraging technology, if youre not open to technology as an acquisition, engagement and operational channel, then you really will be left behind. This is no more apparent than in the non-profit sector  and in the developing world.We can see the technology trend reflected back to us in the data on www.forgood.co.za (a technology platform empowering non-profits). Looking at a sample of 6,833 actions across the country and our 12 corporate volunteering programmes, 1 ,57 of those actions were linked to technology. That's 26%, or one in four tech-related requests and interventions  a significant number. From savvy millennials to retirees who have time and a wealth of knowledge under their belt, the way we give is increasingly becoming digital.The advent of global tech products being adopted into enterprises has also opened the door for non-profits to utilise those very same products  but for free. For example, the Google Ad Grants programme, which offers non-profits R130,000 per month inadvertising. Use it to attract donors, tell your story and raise awareness  it's almost criminal if youre an active non-profit (hopefully with a profile on forgood.co.za) and you aren't leveraging this.Another example, Google Apps for Business (email, calendar and online storage, all on your own domain name), you guessed itfor non-profits. Forget fancy internal servers and complicated software providers. Google wants to be your friend.As we move to the age of the 'social enterprise', non-profits are trying to lower their reliance on donor funding by creating more sustainable business models. One of the products helping to drive this trend is Shopify. Now with local representation in South Africa and deep integration into UAfrica (and others) for delivery options, any non-profit (or small business for that matter), can have a fully functional online shop, beautifully designed with point-and-click pay / deliver features, for less than R1,000 per month. Itll take you a few hours to set up a basic Shopify e-commerce shop. When done properly off a low-cost base, an online shop is a lot more scalable than a cake sale.We're not saying ditch the 'offline' events that non-profits have become masters at (who doesnt like cake!)  just make sure you've got an instant payment portal such as SnapScan at your event  cash is no longer king. And don't forget to promote and manage the event on your social media platforms - a small ad investment to a targeted audience could yield some serious donor cash and audience engagement.Think about the exponential impact your organisation could achieve if you started thinking with a digital mindset. Technology is not going away. It's changed how we do business, how we interact with each other and how we give. If you want to be a part of it, jump on.I recently travelled to Dubai to attend the 37th Gitex Technology Week - where the future of business begins. Tech pioneers and futurists, business leaders and IT professionals come to GITEX to experience the world's most advanced technology and drive digital transformation...

Damian Michael, founder and MD of iNNOVO Networks

1. Hype vs reality

Human jobs wont go away, but they will change. Roles will be more creative and specialised as AI is integrated into the workday.

2. The blockchain landscape

With blockchain, we can imagine a world in which contracts are embedded in digital code and stored in transparent, shared databases, where they are protected from deletion, tampering, and revision.

3. Smart systems and robots

Robots will play an increasingly important role in business and life in general. Robotics will continue to accelerate innovation, thus disrupting and changing the paradigm of business operations in many industries.

In the end, high-performing organisations of the future will be those who position themselves at the centre of the digital ecosystem, taking control and making sure that they are at the heart of disruption.

GITEX Technology Week is a game-changing, must-attend event located in Dubai  the worlds fastest growing technology hub. For 37 years, visionaries and tech pioneers have been descending on the city to witness first-hand the technology that has inspired generations and innovations that are set to change the world.A dynamic innovation hub, a bridge between east and west, a pioneer in technology innovation and early adoption makes theoretical technology a mass-consumption reality. In just a few decades, Dubai has reinvented itself from a quiet fishing port to a global investment hub and leading travel destination, now renowned for its record-setting skyline, driverless metro, and man-made islands.Its comprehensive government investments in digital innovation to advance key social, economic, governance and environmental indicators, means this incredible transformation will only gain pace in coming years.These are the trends I predict we'll see more of in 2018:Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, promising self-driving cars, medical breakthroughs, and new ways of working. But how do you separate hype from reality? How can a company apply AI to solve real business problems in 2018?Heres a synopsis of what I learnt, and which AI learnings your business should keep in mind for 2018.Weve all seen the sensational headlines: "The robots are coming, and theyll take our jobs!", "AI can do your job faster and more accurately than you can!"Better data leads to better math, leads to better predictions, so people using AI can automate the tedious work and take action on the insights. AI does the math faster, saving money by automating normally complex processes. It makes your life easier even now, behind the scenes. This is what it looks like today. In the longer term, AI will transform industries.One of AIs promises is to make self-driving cars safer. AI will power everyday driving decisions, such as whether to stop abruptly or swerve to avoid hitting an obstacle. AI will help redesign the entire shopping experience, optimising everything with more and better data. Retailers will seamlessly stock the precise number of goods needed on shelves at any given time, and know which product at which price should be highlighted to a specific customer as they navigate a store.Blockchain is emerging as the mainstay for digital identities in the emerging trust economy. The total market capitalisation of cryptocurrencies hovers around $150B (with a single bitcoin trading for more than $5,000). Blockchain technology has fostered a renewed examination of todays highly centralised web, and reignited conversations around currency and value, digital governance, and the fundamental structures and rails of our modern internet.Blockchain promises to solve this problem. The technology at the heart of bitcoin and other virtual currencies, blockchain is an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way.The ledger itself can also be programmed to trigger transactions automatically.In this world, every agreement, every process, every task, and every payment would have a digital record and signature that could be identified, validated, stored, and shared.Intermediaries like lawyers, brokers, and bankers might no longer be necessary. Individuals, organisations, machines, and algorithms would freely transact and interact with one another with little friction.This is the immense potential of blockchain and the rise of decentralising various industries eg. telecoms, finance, freight etc.Using automation to assist human doctors with surgery, provide diagnostics and other applications.Robotics can sharpen a company's competitive edge by improving quality, increasing operational productivity and agility, and enhancing experiences of all stakeholders.In the future, there will be a robot-as-a-service (RaaS) business model. Organisations will implement a chief robotics officer role and/or define a robotics-specific function within the business.Robotics will face regulation. I believe by 2019, government entities will begin implementing robotics-specific regulations to preserve jobs and to address concerns about security, safety, and privacy.E-commerce and omni-channel commerce companies will deploy robotics systems in their order fulfilment warehousing and delivery operations. This has already been implemented at Gitex.Traditionally the domain of a serious set of older engineers, cement / concrete technology and civil engineering are currently undergoing a slow but steady transition. With smart future cities starting to become a reality, the generation that will be their future custodian is finding its voice - and is demanding to be involved from concept to development and construction.

Pushing boundaries

Creating learning opportunities

An egg protection device.

Gamification

As a generation that expects to work harder than previous generations (to fix what weve already broken), Generation Z is already doing this from within the system - leveraging new technologies, digital transformation and new architectural thinking among others to renew and transform our century-old discipline. Finding the balance between encouraging their creativity and maintaining the principles of structural integrity has thus become the new challenge facing the sector: one we expect to continue grappling with well beyond 2018.Connected from birth, the iGeneration or Generation Z is the demographic group following the worlds Millennials. Most have used the internet from a young age and are extremely comfortable with technology and interacting on social media. As the next generation preparing to enter the workplace and market, theyre not only excited to see what the future holds, but to understand how they can contribute to this directly.With more Generation Zs considering civil engineering as a preferred career path, theyre pushing the boundaries of what was previously assumed, thought about and expected from materials like cement and concrete  making it critical to engage with them from the outset. While uses of these media have changed, design and structural principles havent and wont however, meaning that they have to push boundaries within certain parameters.Creating the appropriate framework for experimentation that leads to direct learning is thus an opportunity of which we have to take advantage. While principles and concepts could simply be taught (and were accepted) in the past, this approach simply doesnt work in the Generation Z space because of their diversity and complexity. Theyre smart spenders for example, who arent sucked in by advertising or seduced by big brands. They dont automatically believe or trust what you say and will research the facts youre sharing with them as youre doing so to verify them. Theyre also impatient and demanding when it comes to service, and have an incredibly short attention span (roughly four seconds). If you dont hook them during this window of opportunity, it closes. This makes learning by doing arguably the only viable approach.Creating new learning opportunities has thus become a sector imperative  with some interesting new initiatives emerging. The Concrete Society of Southern Africas (CSSA) partnership with various local universities is a great example of this. The CSSA typically starts its engagement with new civil engineering students with its annual concrete canoe race. Here teams design, build and race their canoes whilst working in a new and inter-disciplinary way with project management and technology students (The canoe has to have a GPS on it for instance.).In a similar way, the CSSAs egg protection device competition requires students to work within strict specifications to construct a bridge to protect their egg. The competition is sponsored by PPC, which means that the teams are provided with a specified mix to cast their bridges professionally. Seven days after construction, the teams come through to our PPC Jupiter plant where weights are dropped onto the bridges to assess which remain intact longest. This is only after the bridges have qualified however, being measured against the specs provided.Our own PPC Imaginarium has also created a diverse and interesting creative incubation space for concrete as a design medium. Held annually, entries are invited from both expected (architecture, industrial design and sculpture) and unexpected disciplines (fashion, jewellery and film). Here again, while workshops are held to highlight mixing and other techniques, these are not compulsory  and entrants will need to grapple with specifications including size and weight, learning throughout.Gamification techniques have also recently been incorporated into CSSAs offering to its younger members. Intended to leverage a natural desire for socialising, learning, mastery, competition, achievement, status and self-expression, Concrete Quiz nights were introduced at branch-level during 2017. Participants in these events are quizzed on their knowledge of concrete technology and the concrete industry, as well as general knowledge.Needless to say, the results of these and many other initiatives are not only encouraging but potentially industry-transforming in the long-term, with many of us older generations both humbled and amazed by what can and has been produced.Going forward into 2018 then, meaningful engagement arguably needs to become one of our pressing priorities so that we can unlock the potential of this techno-creative generation, and stand back to allow a completely new set of dynamic opportunities to emerge.The past two years have seen the Competition Commission undertake a number of market inquiries involving the retail, healthcare and public passenger transport markets. However, few market inquiries have captured the attention of South African consumers more than the inquiry into the high costs of data in the country. Businesses and consumers will be waiting in anticipation for the outcome of the Commission's inquiry into data costs, which is expected to be finalised in August 2018.

#Datamustfall

The scope of the inquiry

The outcome of the inquiry

Can the spectrum issue be resolved?

It started with the hashtag #datamustfall, which set social media alight as consumers and experts weighed in on the topic. This was followed by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) launching an investigation into priority markets in the electronic communications sector in July 2017, which forms part of various ICASA initiatives aimed at addressing the high costs of communication in South Africa.The #datamustfall campaign also caught the attention of the Minister of Economic Development who requested the Commission to initiate an inquiry. In August 2017, the Commission, who has concurrent jurisdiction with ICASA in respect of competition in the telecommunications market, published the terms of reference for its market inquiry.The Commission believes that there are features of this market that prevent, distort or restrict competition. The purpose of the inquiry is to assess the elements of the data services value chain which contribute to the pricing of data. While the scope of the inquiry is broad, the Commission indicated that the inquiry will assess, amongst others, the adequacy of the current regulatory regime, the strategic behaviour of large fixed and mobile operators, the costs and profits of fixed and mobile operators, infrastructure investments made by operators and the allocation of spectrum. The Commission will also benchmark the costs of data services in South Africa against data prices in other countries. Every aspect of the data value chain will be investigated to identify areas of market power and possible structural or regulatory factors which may be contributing to high data prices. The Commission will also look at the extent of data coverage and whether such coverage is adequate by international standards.The success of the inquiry will ultimately depend on the extent to which stakeholders engage in the process. Consumers, operators, government, regulators, civil organisations and any other interested parties were invited to make formal submissions by 1 November 2017. After formal submissions, private and public consultation processes will follow and other information gathering exercises, which will culminate in the Commission issuing its recommendations. Extensive submissions and engagements are likely to result in more meaningful and robust recommendations. Recommendations may include amendments to legislation, regulations and policies, spectrum allocation, engagements with stakeholders who are able to take immediate corrective measures, further investigation or immediate enforcement action against firms found to be in contravention the Competition Act.While there are other potentially problematic issues which will come to the fore during the inquiry, one of the structural concerns already raised as a significant contributor to high data costs in South African is the availability of spectrum. The lack of spectrum allocation to telecommunications operators means that they have to build additional base stations and other infrastructure at a significant cost, which ultimately consumers pay for. ICASA has recognised that spectrum allocation will be an important factor in bringing data costs down and improving competition in the sector. This is evident from the fact that adequate spectrum allocation in other African countries has resulted in significantly lower data costs.The debate regarding the allocation of spectrum appears to be an ongoing one, with the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services calling for an open access network approach which would result in all spectrum being pooled and assigned to an open access network, while ICASA prefers the auctioning of spectrum to operators. Irrespective of the approach adopted, it is clear that the spectrum issue must be resolved if there were to be any chance of bringing data costs down. This is one area to monitor closely in 2018.By the year 2020, more than a third of the desired core skill sets of most occupations will be made up of skills that aren't yet considered vital to the job today. The current Fourth Industrial Revolution is the most disruptive of its kind to date. Previous industrial revolutions have taken almost decades to build up the kind of training systems and markets we are seeing today to grow skill sets on such a large scale.

Build up your skills in half the time

What is collaborative learning?

What are the outcomes of collaborative learning?

Course material is easier to grasp and understand. Its likely youll probably remember what Shannon said on the topic more than what was written in the notes.





You have the opportunity to test your understanding of the material with your classmates and get exposed to their understandings of the material.





Questions form a huge part of learning. You can benefit from the inquisitiveness of others.





Networking and supporting opportunities arise, making giving up or suffering alone a lot harder.





Communicating in forum posts improves your online communication skills. This skill is transferable to any work environment.

In the year 2017, 73% of CEOs declared the skills gap as a major concern. This can also be described as the large gaping hole between a businesss current capabilities and set of skills, compared to the skills and talent needed to remain relevant and competitive.With the amount of pressure placed on professionals to frequently update themselves to remain relevant, the online education sphere is growing rapidly. Just this year, the 2017 Distance Education Enrolment Report revealed over six million students completed at least one distance education course.Online short courses allow busy working professionals to pick up new, industry-relevant skills without having to leave their job or put in less hours at work.Such working professionals have noticed this gap both professionally and personally. Michele Galloway, a past student of online education company GetSmarter , challenged generational identities when she took an online course in graphic design once discovering the education she received years before needed to be updated. In her profession, where it took just a few years to move from Magic Markers to Macs, Michele realised her 35 years' experience in the industry, albeit impressive, was not going to be enough to keep herself above the rest in this competitive environment.Ive always had a positive attitude towards continuous learning. After starting my own business, I saw the quiet November and December months as the perfect opportunity to upskill and learn new things. Business people spoke about technical terms I didnt understand, and that just made me want to learn more. I had work experience from working in advertising years ago, but needed technical training, she says.Specialised knowledge in our economy is increasingly rare and highly rewarded, with the world shifting toward favouring those who seek professional development and continuing education in a number of areas. Michele chose to build up her skills, which in turn made her more specialised within her industry. The journey of lifelong learning exposes professionals to the latest trends and knowledge in their field of interest, offering the opportunity to remain relevant in a working world that is changing faster than ever.The modern economy will be further characterised by swift and frequent technological innovation, implementation and change, making it almost impossible to rely solely on one qualification. But often, when one imagines online learning, they envisage themselves sitting and staring at a computer screen  frustrated, alone and completely in the dark.The solution? Collaborative learning.Online education that focuses on collaborative learning does so through the creation of a digital hub for continual discussion and reflective interaction. Through this platform, you no longer have to try and fit everyones opinions into the minimal time you have to come together in face-to-face meetings. By sending each other material online, everyone is free to reflect on what has been said in their own time and gets to participate, whether that is with fellow students, or the professors and industry experts themselves. Collaborative learning enhances the educational experience and fills the gap where face-to-face interaction might have been.Once the effectiveness of an online environment is established, students can focus then on the actual education part to continually gather new and informed skills and rapidly growth hack their careers.The EFF has reiterated that it wants every potential student to be registered as party members visit universities and colleges across the Eastern Cape this week, regardless of whether or not the institutions have space.

Eastern Cape EFF convener Yazini Tetyana said on Saturday that they would, over the next two days, visit state hospitals across the province to address the shortage of healthcare in rural areas.This would be followed by EFF members going to the province's four universities and several TVET colleges to assist with registration."All tertiary institutions should be open for walk-ins and fighters are to make sure that no one is left behind. Free education in our time," Tetyana said.This is contrary to the call made by Universities South Africa (USA) that institutions would not allow walk-in registrations for the new academic year.Rhodes University spokeswoman Veliswa Mhlope said while they discouraged walk-ins, they were committed to helping students who had done well to access higher education."Those who meet our admission criteria in degree programmes in which we may still have spaces will not be turned away," she said.USA's call followed the announcement by President Jacob Zuma that tertiary education would be free to pupils from households with an income of less than R350,000 a year.EFF president Julius Malema urged matriculants who passed in previous years but who could not afford university fees to report to academic institutions today.However, Mhlope said: "In line with the statement issued by Universities SA, we discourage walk-in applications."They create a significant risk of stampede while the chances of being admitted into a programme that is already oversubscribed are almost nil."Mhlope said if more students arrived than anticipated, Rhodes staff could help them to find out if there were spaces in their chosen fields still available at other universities.Yesterday, Tetyana said there should be spots available in most tertiary courses as not everyone who had registered initially would follow through."When you apply the university asks what your first, second and third options of study are," he said."You can only enrol in one, so automatically space is free in the other two. So we will find a place for every person wanting to study."Mhlope said Rhodes would register about 1,800 first-year students.Nelson Mandela, Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu universities failed to respond to questions by yesterday.Food trends in general will always cross the spectrum. There will be those that lean towards health, as this is a global mega trend that is not going away, and there will be micro trends that center around a specific food item that might not be healthy; for example, gourmet artisan doughnuts. We are only just starting to see these in South Africa, but I predict there will be more.

Growing product trends

Food considerations and alternatives

The free from eating movement is gaining momentum as people grapple with the notion of what healthy food really is, as we get bombarded with mixed messaging in the media. We are seeing a wider range of wheat and gluten-free baked products and other free from food.There is definitely a strong move way from commodity meat eating among the more affluent and people are starting to source meat protein where the animal has been ethically raised. The notion of eating less meat is catching on in a bigger way and there will be an increase in demand for vegetarian protein and/ or meat substitutes. People want to know where their food comes from and shopping at markets where there is a closer connection to the source, is popular.There is a growing focus on veganism and more vegan products are becoming available in retail, as well as in food service. Chefs are challenging themselves to create delicious and inspiring vegan dishes and more vegetarian and plant focused restaurants are opening.Fermented foods will continue to grow and products like kimchi and kombucha will become more mainstream and readily available vs. having to source these at specialty stores.Turmeric - the super healthy Asian spice is popping up every year, as people get excited about Golden food. Fresh turmeric root is now easily available in retail stores in SA, so we will likely continue to see turmeric in focus for 2018.We have started to see more seaweed on menus and sea greens have arrived in-store with large SA retailers now selling fresh samphire. We are also surrounded by the coastline, so this is great resource for us.People are also shopping more frequently and eating smaller meals on more occasions; seeking on the go snacking food products. Individual and portion controlled products are also now readily available in supermarkets. People are looking to artisan foods and want to know where their food comes from.In terms of restaurant trends, the world is becoming more aware of food waste and the concept of nose-to-tail dining and root-to-leaf consumption has definitely become a focus for restaurants as chefs find creative ways to utilise more of the produce they buy in.Poke hit Cape Town last year with the opening of a poke restaurant and we are seeing it popping up on a few menus. Whilst it has been around for ages internationally and in the USA, it definitely has not peaked for us in SA yet, so 2018 will likely see more of this delicious and super healthy Hawaiian dish featured perhaps with a few localised or alternative ingredient variations  customisable meals such as these are highly suited and very popular with millennials.Small plate dining or tapas has become a trend that is probably here to stay  and the social aspect of sharing food has fast become appealing, offering diners variety in a meal.One trend I would love to see catch on in SA that hasnt yet, is innovation centered around breakfast and brunch dishes  our menus are generally quite boring and tend to be very egg and bacon focused. I would love to see more salad and vegetables on morning menus and see brunch being a bigger deal.It is, without a doubt, difficult to quantify all the ways in which technology has impacted our lives. As a sector, ICT evolves at a rapid pace and in a way few others can mimic.

Jarryd Chatz, CEO of BitCo

1. Fibre connectivity

This means more and more players entering the market to offer better deals with bigger bundles at lower costs. As a result, operator deployment margins and models will continue to feel the pressure of an increasingly competitive market.

2. The internet of things (IoT)

With more connections come larger data usage and even more niche offerings. This will lead to the further expansion of the cloud and cloud app offerings in the next few years.

3. Cloud technology

4. Edge computing

Essentially, edge computing limits data wastage and brings supplier and customer closer together for greater efficiency. Edge technology is expected to continue its evolution and rise in popularity over the next year, as providers work to raise their game.

In the span of a single year, we see a great deal of new technology emerging to impact the way in which we operate on a daily basis. 2017 was yet another example of this truth in action, with trends like fibre and cloud computing continuing their stratospheric rate of growth.Savvy business owners understand the value of trendspotting, particularly when it comes to trends with wide-ranging industry bearing and the potential to disrupt. So, whats on the agenda for 2018?The Great Fibre Land Grab War raged on throughout 2017 and, with no sign of slowing down, it would be no surprise to see an even larger portion of South Africas population accessing fibre connectivity this year.When speaking about the internet of things or IoT, we are referring to the interconnectedness of all internet-capable devices and products, a trend set to continue well into the future. IoT is certainly claiming a good deal of the spotlight lately. With lower connectivity costs, more and more things are being connected every day.This is excellent news for customers and businesses alike, who are on the lookout for better products and services at a more affordable cost.Due to improvements in South Africas connectivity over the last few years, cloud computing has seen a massive surge in users, a trend that will no doubt remain highly relevant in 2018. This is largely due to the clouds use of the internet to offer diverse, affordable tech services from any supplier, anywhere in the world.Cloud technology is also essential to the software-as-a-service business model thats currently taking the business landscape by storm, so it wont be going anywhere in the foreseeable future.On the clouds flipside, we have edge computing. Serving a slightly different purpose, edge computing provides information processing and content collection delivery devices that are located close to the source of data, rather than at the extremities of a network.SA businesses need to begin understanding the ever-evolving environment of ICT, as applying innovative changes can make or break an organisation. Its also important to note that not all ICT trends are bound for lasting success.Some become intrinsically woven through our lives while others fade into obscurity due to stunted buy-ins, so always remember to adopt new tech according to the specific needs of your organisation.The recent advances in data analytics and machine learning will see a huge shift in how we use data in 2018.

Paula Raubenheimer, head of programmatic at SouthernX, The SpaceStation.

Whats the difference between prescriptive and predictive data?

What does prescriptive data mean for brands?

Where is prescriptive data currently being used?

In 2017 we largely focused on predictive and descriptive analytics, but in 2018 were going to see prescriptive data and analytics take data mining in the digital space to the next level. Prescriptive data is so valuable in the current sphere, but its data that not even Google and Facebook had access to in South Africa in 2017.2016 saw a shift from descriptive to predictive analytics, which was a big step for the media buying world; and now were taking an even bigger step into prescriptive  a clear indication of how quickly the environment is developing and improving.There are a few definitions but the most frequently used definition for this difference is that predictive analytics describes whathappen, while prescriptive analytics describes whathappen  a powerful difference when budgets are being cut and brands expect more granular and accurate reporting on media campaigns. In essence, prescriptive analytics can improve the outcome of campaigns by using cause and effect to determine the most likely outcome of a campaign.Prescriptive data and analytics allow us to take a macro look at the causes and effects of the data points used in both descriptive and predictive analytics, and use this to get a more a holistic view of the probable outcome of a campaign.So, predictive data is used for forecasting, descriptive data mining creates business intelligence, and prescriptive provides information for simulation and optimisation  meaning that prescriptive data goes further than predicting the outcome of a campaign, but it also provides suggestions to the campaign manager in order to improve the probable outcomes. It can also show a variation of outcomes, so if you change X, then Y will happen, but if you change A and B, then C, D and E will happen.This new way of using data means that so much of the guesswork that still exists in running online campaigns is mitigated. Brands and marketers will have more control over the actual outcome of campaigns, and proactively change elements of it in order to maximise the result, before the campaign is launched.According to Digitaldefynd.com , analytics would be used to understand customer patterns and programmatically suggest profitable customer paths to marketers to route customers in that direction. For instance, Amazon uses prescriptive analytics for product recommendations based on customer data around original purchase and product engagement patterns. This helps Amazon to provide better user experience and also increases customer spend.An article on Mycustomer.com shows how retailers are taking advantage of this technology. The use of prescriptive data analytics is of particular interest, as many experts believe that prescriptive tools give retailers more choice in terms of actioning insight from consumer data. Dealing with channels as individual silos will lead to inaccurate understanding of customers and ineffective decisions, but combining insights from assorted channels will provide a clearer picture of the overall business.The banking and credit industries are also already taking advantage of prescriptive data. By mining and analysing a customers past financial and credit data, they can automatically receive recommendations on how to proceed with applications, and be able to show a number of variant outcomes if the recommendations are applied.Because this data is not easily gathered, those who have it are in the drivers seat. Global platforms like Google and Facebook are looking to add this data to their arsenal to close the loop in the analytics and programmatic process.2018 is going to change the way we market digitally in many ways. Personalisation and targeting through data are key to developing an effective customer journey, and a successful customer journey is what is going to make the difference between a campaign that delivers the right results and one that doesnt. Prescriptive data will become an essential tool in this armoury.One of the biggest trends we're set to see this year is a plethora of marketing messages facing ever-decreasing attention from consumers. Everywhere we look, brands are vying for attention, so it takes clever planning for yours to stand out from the snowballing amount of spam.

Leigh Andrews, editor-in-chief of marketing and media at Bizcommunity.

Attention spam is any material or fodder which tends to destroy the attention span.

Consumers may read your messages, but will they respond?

If your branded content doesnt resonate with your targeted audience, you have failed.

Personalise user experience, go native

I hate to be the harbinger of bad news but for consumers, todays ease of communication paints a scary, overwhelming picture. Research differs on the exact benchmark, but all agree were facing thousands of messages per day from friends, family, colleagues, clients and brands, everywhere we look.Joshua Saxon of the IE School of Human Sciences & Technology writes for the American Marketing Association that consumers switch between screens up to 21 times an hour according to a British study. Take that in. With our consumer hats on, were completely switching our attention every few minutes. No wonder the human attention span is said to have dropped to less than that of a goldfish. Not exactly a case of evolution at its finest.The once idealised inbox zero is a thing of the past, as we receive messages on so many platforms each day that youre bound to see the little red notification tag wherever youre trying to concentrate. Its disruptive marketing at its best  or rather, at its worst. Theres been a drastic rise in the uptake of pop-up ads and auto-play video features, with in-video ads the latest social media bugbear.And that, my friends, is the definition of attention spam (no, not the canned meat). Urban Dictionary sums it up as follows:Unfortunately, that also sounds like the definition of the bulk of marketing messages today.Even what was once seen as private personal communication is up for grabs to the highest bidder. We now have advertisers on WhatsApp and PRs that can reach the media at any time, any place to pitch breaking stories. They also know that their Thursday, 2am or Sunday, 8pm message has been read, thanks to the advent of the ever-handy Whatsapp blue tick and Facebook Messenger circles.Lets not even think about the AI/tech-implant implications  then theyll know your location too.For brands and marketers, this means finding the real firework idea that grabs attention  and not only that, as the rise of purpose-led marketing means consumers will only pay attention if your messaging stands for whatstand for.Megan Jones elaborates onHeres how to ensure your campaigns succeed:At the end of the day, its still all about the user experience or UX.Alexandre Forster of Twipe Digital Publishing recently investigated the impact of ad-blocking on UX, using what most Western online scrollers have at their disposal: Chrome extensions Disable HTML5 Autoplay and uBlock Origin. He activated these on the website, which is often referenced as a textbook case of how ads cana user experience.Forster compared loading time and data usage with ads and autoplay off, and then on. The results? With ads and autoplay blocked, a typical article page took 3.2 seconds to load and used 58.7KB of data. With all the ads and video-enabled, these values increased to 22.53 seconds and 5.5MB  seven times longer and nearly 100 times more data.According to the most recentby PageFair, adblocker penetration in SA is fairly low, but thats set to rise, especially as Fin24 Tech has reported that at least a fifth of your mobile data is consumed by advertising! With time, data and attention at a premium in 2018, little wonder consumers are turning to ad-blockers and scrolling past whenever they register what they deem as an ad or spam.SA-based performance digital marketing consultancy BlueMagnet points out that ad-blocking technology is many a disgruntled social media scrollers new best friend.But its not necessarily the death knell for marketers. In fact, BlueMagnet states 2018 digital marketing strategies canon Facebook and YouTube in particular as the platforms focus on personalised UX means theyve built features that can disable ad-blocking. How meta is that  you can disable the apps your potential customers are trying to use to disable those ads!This means the ads shown and re-targeted to those overwhelmed users are only done so where the user is already heavily invested, replacing the WTF, why am I seeing this response with one of: Oh cool, Ive been meaning to find out more about that product/service. Let me click throughAnother tactic is to create content that doesnt feel like an ad  yes, native video content.predicts this trend will rise over the coming months due to its engaging and personalised layout, with the added benefit of being undetectable by ad blockers as it's formatted according to the platform where the ad is hosted, so blends in with the organic content. If it doesnt look like an ad, its more likely to keep your customers attention as it seamlessly slots in with the content they visited the page for.Thats a true marketing win in todays attention spam era that may well lead to the ultimate end-goal of conversion. Onwards, 2018!Matt Preschern, EVP and chief marketing officer of HCL Technologies.

There are over 20 billion mobile devices in use on the planet, and data is quadrupling annually.

1. Business-to-business needs to build authentic brands

2. The explosion of data globally

3. The campaign is dead

4. Video is vital

5. The martech (marketing technology) stack

Critical to this is the human capital with the skills and talent to manage all the interactions with customers and to fulfil the brands promises.

Before I list the most important trends I see emerging in the marketing environment, Ill share some background context. There are three dimensions that are of critical importance.Firstly, we live in an, which is unparalleled to anything that we have seen before and which has changed the marketing landscape.This has resulted in a reduction in the human attention span from 12 seconds to 9 seconds, and our inability to concentrate is further impacted by the fact that the average human checks their cellphone between 150 and 180 times per day.The second dimension is that theis at its lowest point ever. Research by Wunderman has shown that people have a very low-level of trust in enterprise, government and non-profit organisations.The third dimension is that of security, particularly. If, for example, a large retailer loses the data on 20 million accounts, this has a huge impact on every aspect of the business, particularly on the reputation and the relationship that the business has with its customers.So, with this as the background context, these are the five key trends that I see impacting on global marketing and media in 2018, not in any particular order.The value proposition of the business in the market has to match the customers experience.Today it is much easier to access information. Messaging needs to be more personalised and theres an increasing importance of the ability to interact on a one-to-one basis. What is super important is the use of technology in the form of automation and the ability to analyse and interpret data to the point of accurately refining and targeting messaging.In a world where people have access to everything, marketing and communications cannot be in campaign form anymore, it has to move to an always on modus operandi. Social media dictates that you constantly reinforce who you are, what you do, why youre different, and this ties back to my earlier point about authentic brands.The single most important aspect is how you communicate and when you do so. Video is by far still the fastest growing and most impactful form of communication. As a marketer, you cannot afford to ignore the power of video. Short videos work exceptionally well.This comprises automation; data analytics and content management vehicles, and is vital.What a year it's been! But enough people have written about that, so I'd rather look at a few of the consequences we'll feel in 2018. Which, to my surprise, are mostly positive.

Chrisna Basson, head of strategy at Weathermen & Co, Namibia.

1. Hyper-local tech and innovation

The cost of data;

The lack of exposure;

Complacency;

Risk-aversion;

Being distracted by all the craziness happening in our governments; and

The imposed Western frameworks that weve too easily been adopting for generations.

Africa can be left out. It needs to determine its own innovation and develop locally. Rely less on the rest of the world. Create not only consume.

2. Being loud vs. being effective

You cant demand something from your parents or boss and expect them to give it to you. Ask nicely. Do your homework. Demonstrate why you deserve it. Which we, as civil society, can and should do.

3. Self-actualisation

4. Decentralised thinking

Biomimicry

The one thats most exciting and most pressing, is southern Africas pace with innovation and technology. The pace is still too slow, but the opportunities are massive. Pace is due to a number of things, some of which are:The)'s Reverse Innovation explainer video explains this well:Yet weve come to a point where weve seen many of techs possibilities, and learned the importance of it only being successful where its localised. So the need for, and growth of, hyper-local tech solutions will hopefully gain momentum.So said Paul Scanlan, CTO of Huawei Technologies at AfricaCom 2017.Another move is that from a mere civil awakening, to a more. Again, the focus is on southern Africa. An example of this is definitely NOT what goes on on Twitter, or Facebook, or in the comments section of News24.Its rather an informed and considered approach to addressing issues. Note the word approach, because for real change to come, whether in the boardroom or in governments, its not about being loud but effective.That sort of leads to the next point.That ofto their essence and making whatever the essence is count. The minimum viable product, idea or strategy.This is not necessarily to keep things easier or smoother, but rather to strengthen its sense of self.Its a journey of self-actualisation because with the continued political and economic instability we're seeing, as well as all the uncertainty that realities like big data and AI bring, theres a need for focus.Because thats what makes you succeed.We'll see a lot more drive to minimise inefficiency within the entire value chain, in order to maximise a company or systems most viable reason for existence. And what makes it profitable, of course. Making sure systems and structures are lean, and purpose is clear, so that what it does is strong and resilient, for whatever may come. Fractal patterns and biomimicry are popular because they're important.This also builds confidence in the notion of defining your own rules. Which, when combined with all the innovation possibilities , allows for more decentralised vs centralised thinking. Cryptocurrencies open software , YouTube, Bozza Mobile, the list goes on Gone are the days of us falling victim to the powers that be. We really can create the life we want to live. So yes, it's positive.Terms like "command centre" or "digital centre of excellence" have been in the South African marketing landscape's lexicon for a few years now; but for the most part that is largely where the concept has remained. Until now.

Mike Oelschig, head of advisory at Cerebra.

Problem 1: Community management is one thing, with multiple functions

Problem 2: Social service is the same as your call centre

Social media war room.

Problem 3: Community management is a necessary evil

Just put the intern on the channel, he gets Facebook is what many leaders think and do. It is seen as a tick-box exercise, not the strategic imperative that it should be.

The solution: The social command centre

Driving efficiencies



Through a command centre model, community managers have measureable, business critical KPIs that are aimed at driving constant improvement.



Response times decrease, the quality of responses improve, processes are continuously optimised and the risk of brain drain is dramatically reduced.





Through a command centre model, community managers have measureable, business critical KPIs that are aimed at driving constant improvement. Response times decrease, the quality of responses improve, processes are continuously optimised and the risk of brain drain is dramatically reduced. Employee engagement and reducing churn



By definition, a social command centre comes with a well thought-out, objectives-based, data-backed resourcing structure that ensures the right people, with the right experience are handling the right functions of the team. Seniors are empowered with work that correlates to their experience, and juniors have the ambition that comes with a clear growth path through the team.





By definition, a social command centre comes with a well thought-out, objectives-based, data-backed resourcing structure that ensures the right people, with the right experience are handling the right functions of the team. Seniors are empowered with work that correlates to their experience, and juniors have the ambition that comes with a clear growth path through the team. Actionable business and customer insights



Having a team dedicated to improving the customer experience, with people skilled and engaged enough to do so, naturally results in a team that is absolutely committed to understanding the customer better. This level of insight into the customer leads to better products, better marketing and a much more customer-centric organisation all round.

The past 10 years have seen unparalleled disruption, spurred on by the social web and mobile accessibility that together fundamentally changed how organisations connect with their customers.In this social era of business, more and more customers are migrating to social media as their preferred channel of brand engagement and query resolution. Additionally, they are also demanding more authentic engagement, quicker responses, better quality content, profound insight and an intentional recognition of their humanity and individuality.The problem however, is that for the most part corporate South Africa havent evolved their thinking to meet the service demands of todays customer. Community management in the current context of corporate South African is broken  for a few reasons.Because community management is a relatively new function in the marketing landscape, and because it overlaps with traditionally siloed business units like marketing, corporate communication and even HR and product development, agencies and corporates alike often expect community managers to cover a multitude of responsibilities.These include content planning, content strategy, content creation, media planning, media management, customer care, influencer engagement, crisis communication, data analysis, reporting, and more.As a consequence, often very junior, ill-equipped resources find themselves compromised in situations that should require more experienced, strategic input (just think of how often brands are embarrassed online by poorly thought-out content or short-sighted customer engagement) and genuinely skilled and experienced community managers are often asked to do very menial, FAQ-style customer engagement which can be a poor use of their time.The organisations that employ these rare employees often see them leaving and churn is unhealthily high in this category.Historically, a good grasp of spoken English and the ability to understand and use a companys customer service systems were about the only requirements for a customer service agent in a call centre environment. This is no longer true.With customer service through social, most customer engagements are public and thus a potential reputational threat if it is not handled well. Of course, it is also an opportunity to publically demonstrate your commitment to customer centricity.Community managers are as much your brands external spokespeople as the corporate communications or PR teams  who by all accounts are senior staff with very specific training and experience in dealing with external stakeholders. And yet, community managers arent classed anywhere near as important.Most brands at least acknowledge that their customers are moving to social. Its what they do with that knowledge that is the problem.Great community management, with the right structure and resourcing, can be an incredibly powerful sales, customer engagement and business intelligence tool.As the head of Cerebras consulting division, I have been involved with, consulted to, designed, or set up no less than 5 social media command centres in the last 12 months. Corporate South Africa is waking up to the need for a centralised, department-agnostic and strategically driven command centre that handles all social and digital customer engagements.Benefits of the command centre model:In summary, not only do the benefits of this model far outweigh the costs involved, but more and more companies are going this way  so be rest assured that if your company isnt also doing so in 2018, youll be outmatched and outclassed in customer engagement by your competitors that do.We live in a world of blurred lines. There are companies that look and feel like cab companies. We love the services they deliver, so we're grateful for them but they claim not to be cab companies.

Omar Essack, CEO of Primedia Broadcasting.

The business literature calls them platform businesses. They themselves are adamant that theyre not the same sort of business as those they disrupt. Yet, in the words of old; if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.

The evolution of power, and regulation of traditional media

Those standards and penalties exist for a reason. They exist because of the tremendous power that media has in society. Media companies have the power to destroy peoples reputations, they have the power to swing elections, to obscure truth, to promote schemes or products damaging to peoples livelihoods and health.

The tide is turning

It is the wholesale distribution of stories that are simply false; it is the opaque experimentation with algorithms that cause particular types of content to be elevated above others with none of the checks and balances that apply to existing media.

Response from platforms

Going forward: the role of pressure from advertisers

It is incumbent on all of us to insist on higher standards, to not accept the excuse that they are not responsible for the advertising they take on or the content that is distributed on their platforms.

There are companies that provide a constant stream of content. They are the sources of huge amounts of information; some of it about what our friends and family are up to; some about the state of the world; some accurate; some not. They often look and feel like media companies and yet they claim that they are not.There are countless of these sorts of businesses. They have added enormous value to our lives. Equally they have caused massive disruption, not only to the industries that they displace but to ways of life, ways of relating and increasingly, it seems to our neurobiology.That is the challenge that confronts the world as it ponders what social media platforms mean for the good of all of us.Traditionally media companies operate within a compliance framework. They have codes of conduct that govern editorial integrity and they have strict processes that govern the type of advertising that they will carry.If they contravene these codes they are subject to penalties that range from censure, to fines and in the case of highly regulated users of national spectrum, like terrestrial radio and terrestrial television the threat of losing their licenses. There are both clear standards and clear penalties if these media companies act outside the agreed framework.The codes and the regulations exist to protect individuals and society from the potentially negative effects that mass media behaving irresponsibly can have. This regulation and policy did not appear the first time a newspaper was printed or a radio broadcast occurred, it emerged over years to govern very powerful industries.Until very recently, the worlds largest social media platforms have skated past such frameworks claiming that they are not media companies despite being the worlds most powerful distributors of content.That tide has started to turn with regulators around the world starting to turn their attention to what these businesses operating model may mean for elections.However, the issue is much broader than just electoral manipulation (although that is of massive concern):Those checks and balances did not emerge arbitrarily, they emerged from the recognition that news and information has the ability to move markets, shape livelihoods and influence the direction of society.Alongside the increasing legislative and regulatory attention, some of the worlds larger advertisers are holding back their digital ad spend until they can be assured that their spend does not occur alongside content that they deem to be inappropriate for their brands.In this context, the platforms are scrambling to make changes and on a weekly basis are releasing updates about what efforts they are making to respond to the challenges.However, in the existing analogue world of broadcast and print, nothing gets to air or publication until it has gone through comprehensive checks and balances. This is how many media companies have created brands that audiences trust, which helps to create a reliable, credible platform and context that is appropriate for advertisers.There is no doubt that platforms have added enormously to all our lives and they will continue to grow. However, the stakes are too high for them to continue in an entirely unregulated fashion.The onus is particularly heavy on advertisers to be vigilant, as it should not be only about protecting their brands but ought to be about ensuring that social cohesion and democracy is underpinned by responsible media platforms.Ultimately, it is advertising money that fuels these businesses, advertisers ought to be insisting that some of that money goes to creating more comprehensive checks and balances  as recent events have shown, the consequences of not doing that, could potentially be devastating.Africa has become a continent of catchphrases, be it 'Africa rising', 'untapped middle class', 'e-commerce explosion', 'leapfrogging technology' or 'brand loyalists', the list is endless... but what do they mean in a real-world context?

Ailsa Wingfield, head of Nielsen Emerging Markets Thought Leadership.

Agile brands are needed

Go small to go big in Africa

A more meaningful middle class

Fit for purpose

In 2018, therell be a distinct need to take a step back from these lofty ideals and consider the fact that we still need to go back to the basics because no one is even getting the fundamentals right!This year will require an appreciation that despite the commodity price trials and economic and political tribulations, its impossible to ignore Africas powerhouse economies of South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, which account for more than half of SSAs GDP and nearly a third of consumers.Fortunately, we expect to see these economies slowly turning around, however, in these trying times it cannot be all about price, cost-cutting or budget slashing and it cannot be about putting strategy and innovation on hold.What it requires is solving the relationship crisis with consumers and retailers, especially in these larger markets. This is because during tougher periods, consumers can feel abandoned by the brands they know and trust when all theyre seemingly faced with, is paying more for less, and the brands which have earned their spend are not always available, as supply is interrupted by irregular cash flow. Manufacturers and retailers that will thrive in 2018 are therefore those that adjust their messaging to match the mood, are agile in adapting their offerings to suit the consumer needs, and promoting for loyalty and not promiscuity, to ensure that loyalty is rewarded and not lost.Getting to grips with Africa in 2018 will require some real discipline and an acknowledgement that bigger is no longer always better. It should be all about being more precise in terms of how and where youre going after consumers. This will equally apply to packaging, products, visibility and distribution - and having the ability to adjust your strategy to focus on not everything, but that which matters.Corporates will have to concentrate on less, more meticulously, to get it right - they simply cant be everywhere, all of the time. They will need to go into smaller markets/cities/areas first, with more relevant products and optimise retail activation in the places which matter most, and then start scaling from there.When talking about Africas flavour of the month Middle Class classification in 2018; it will be more important than ever to prioritise Africas rising Consuming Class who spend more than $10 per day. Globally, the Consuming Class represent a massive rising opportunity in emerging markets, which by 2025 will swell to 4.2 billion (53% of the population) and account for half of consumption spending. Its therefore clear that Africas growing consumer base represents significant potential for spending to increase exponentially and rapidly as advancement continues, and African consumers circumstances improve.With that in mind, businesses will need to consider the current as well as the future - five, 10 and even 20 years time - and develop product portfolios, media plans and retail strategies which serve todays consumer needs and take consumers future purchasing potential into account.Understanding who Africas consumers really are will also allow for more purposeful innovation in terms of the products that are designed, how they are marketed, distributed and sold in African markets. As part of this reality check, it will be more important than ever to move beyond income and demographic numbers to also understand how consumers live, shop, buy, interact and experience products, what influences this, what they watch and the impact of technology scale and utility.Businesses will need to ponder whether to create new propositions for Africa or bring ones in from other emerging markets. Brands need to be mindful that success requires more than just bringing another affordable or available product. They need to identify their brand mandate/role, pinpointing at which stage of the consumer needs spectrum they are prepared or able to tap into.Overall, Africa will continue to offer one of the greatest gifts of untapped growth (excuse the catchphrase) in 2018, but more than ever, it will require differentiation, individualisation, resilience and focused but adaptable strategies.This year therefore calls for exceptional product, marketing and retail innovation to underpin the ability to capitalise on Africas undeniably hot prospects.Working in the digital advertising industry makes 2018 a truly great time to be alive. There are new ways for marketers to reach their customers more effectively every day. 2018 is going to be an incredible year for personalised advertising, robots taking over and your car knowing when you need milk.

Bianca Quinn-Diavastos, managing director at Jetweb.

1. The Internet of Things - Who is the boss?

2. Artificial Intelligence AI  The rise of the machines, has it finally arrived?

Mountain Dew Facebook (click on the message button to begin the journey).

Mountain Dew Twitter.

3. Dynamic Advertising - You will need to make it personal in 2018, very personal

4. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality  Let me entertain you

The European Commission describes the internet of things as merging "physical and virtual worlds, creating smart environments. Even if you think youre not one of them, you probably are. Your TV, phone, car and your smart watch are all connected. Researcher Gartner, estimates that more than 8.4 billion "Things" are connected to the internet today, a 30% increase from just one year ago.We useD to only concern ourselves with our phone and laptop being connected, however we now need a fridge, air conditioner and a security system that can connect and preferably be controlled remotely.5G is on the horizon. 5G is a new network system that has much higher speeds and capacity, and much lower latency than existing cellular systems. Next generation speeds and capacity could finally enable full realisation of virtual and augmented reality, snap downloads of movies, vastly more traffic, seamless autonomous vehicle communications and controls on land and air.AI is defined as the intelligence exhibited by machines. Any type of device or machine that understands its environment and takes an action to maximise the chance of achieving success and reaching a goal is the best way to understand how AI works, for example, self-driving cars, robots, and various types of machine learning including facial recognition and human speech programs.AI is somewhere between scary and exciting. It will definitely be a hot topic for marketers in 2018, as the emergence of AI could be the "worst event in the history of our civilisation", unless society finds a way to control its development, physicist Stephen Hawking said in November 2017.According to researcher Gartner, AI bots will power 85% of all customer service interactions by 2020. A third of the worlds population is using social media, and AI is playing a huge part in how businesses are communicating with potential prospects online. In South Africa we have 16 million active Facebook users and 8 million who access Facebook daily. Customers want to reach you where they are comfortable, and in 2018 it will be Facebook. This will expedite the rapid growth of AI and Bots to reach customers and to resolve their queries faster and more effectively.Mountain Dew is currently using a bot on Facebook and Twitter:For most, our phones are possibly the most used object in our daily lives. The average person checks their phone over 500 times a day, while most South Africans check their phones within the first five minutes of waking. As a result, consumers patience for receiving irrelevant ads and content has run out.In 2018 we will see smarter use of re-marketing. Dynamic Advertising evolved in 2017 and it offers marketers the opportunity to use data to make advertising personal. It is essential to re-engage an interested customer. If I am looking at a dress online but I am unsure if I want to purchase it, a generic brand ad will not necessarily send me back to the site, but a personlised ad with that specific dress will.Dynamic advertising allows you to show users products you know they are in the market for. This creates extremely powerful and effective personalised ads. Only 5-8% of your website visitors will convert on your page, so re-targeting is an effective way to reach all of the leads you thought were lost.In April 2017, Channel 4 announced a new VoD ad format, which was developed by video tech firm Innovid, that allows advertisers to incorporate the first names of viewers into their ads.All Channel 4s 15 million registered users who watched an Alien Covenant trailer ad while signed in on a web browser, will see personalised messages asking them to Run followed by their first name.According to market research firm IDC, worldwide revenues for the augmented reality and virtual reality market are projected to approach $14 billion during 2017, and explode to $143 billion by 2020. As reported by Quid, Facebook is setting itself up to be a key player by acquiring 11 AR/VR companies between in 2017.Big brands have embraced this trend with innovative and creative executions on a large scale.PepsiCo recently pranked commuting Londoners with an AR-enabled bus stop display . Travelers were shown a prowling tiger, a meteor crashing, and an alien tentacle grabbing people off the street.In 2018 digital marketers will need to consider AR and VR and it exciting opportunities as part of their strategy. It is important to try out new things to reach customers. Consider what will work well for your brand, and dont be afraid to try it. Through social media you can reach out to customers and do market research to find out what tactic and trends will work. I am excited about the year ahead in digital, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in these trends.The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is ushering in technologies that can enable us, the South African digital industry, to change the course of history.

Josephine Buys, IAB South Africa CEO.

Consumers to be assured that their news source has been verified as credible.

Brands to rest assured that their online marketing messages are being delivered in those brand safe environments.

Private Market Places

Mixed Reality

Artificial Intelligence explosion

The Platform Economy

Gamification will take over

Rise of short form video

Mobilising social change

Free internet for all

The world over, fake news and brand safety is under the spotlight and its no different here in South Africa. The IAB has kickstarted a series of round tables for our members to discuss the challenges and agree on opportunities to address this rising problem with several collaborative initiatives in the pipeline.These include verification seals for:I believe both consumers and advertisers will push the industry to own our truth.As premium display advertising continues to decrease we will continue to see a rise in Private Market Places (PMPs), where private, invitation-only digital advertising deals are bought and sold programmatically over a curated list of premium websites. Programmatic campaigns will run transparently, efficiently and cost effectively across brand safe environments.Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality evolving into Mixed Reality. Mixed Reality will combine the best aspects of both VR and AR to let users augment the real world with virtual objects that look as if they are really placed within it. Expect to see an acceleration in examples of this digital marketing.The explosion of Artificial Intelligence and data driven solutions will see more marketers swiftly adopting data informed strategies and continued expansion to include data driven innovation. As marketers use tools to master complex algorithms to learn more about consumer habits, they will increasingly be able deliver the right message at the right time and more importantly on our mobile first continent, on the right device.Continued growth, and increased awareness and education around the Platform Economy (online structures that enable a wide range of human activities). There is so much opportunity to innovate and scale by leveraging digital technologies which can give us the necessary growth opportunity for our economy to create employment.As Mary Meekers Internet Trends report declares that Healthcare is at a digital inflection point, there will be continued rapid growth in sources of health data as consumers increasingly move towards enhancing healthy lifestyles with apps that track health and benchmark performance. Podcasts will see growth as a word of mouth media channel. On-demand audio, intentionally downloaded by a highly engaged listener, leads to a stronger emotional connection and greater trust. This is every brands holy grail in 2018 and beyond.At this years IAB Digital Summit in March 2017, trend specialist John Sanei predicted that gamification would take over our lives as quantum computing (billions of times faster the super computers currently available) looms. This form of computing will fit into a pair of glasses allowing us to augment and create a brand new reality in front of our eyes. Every aspect of our lives will be gamified, rewarded and recognised, which creates an opportunity for marketers to use gamification to turn customers into super fans.Despite the high cost of data (in South Africa) still being a hot topic, I believe we will see a rise of short form video as smart phone access proliferates and companies like biNu negotiate arrangements with the mobile network operators so that advertisers can foot the bill for data used. Hopefully this will also improve access to online education and training.Digital innovation will also play an important role in mobilising social change. The alarmingly high youth unemployment rate in South Africa can be reduced by creating an enabling environment for our youth to not only to survive but to thrive and experiment in the digital space.That can happen if we declare internet access a basic human right  to give all South Africans basic minimum levels of access to free public Wi-Fi and through zero rated content. In 2017, IAB proudly supported the Association for Progressive Communications, with the assistance of Applied Law and Technology and the South African National Editors Forum on the launch of the issue paper addressing, Perspectives on universal access to online information in South Africa: Free public Wi-Fi and Zero-rated content.The purpose of this issue paper is to examine the background and legal frameworks to support the right to universal access to online information, with a specific focus on the South African context. As IAB collaborates with the SA Human Rights Council to make this a reality, our goal is to secure free internet for all, but that might come just a little later than 2018!Forget about Harry and Meghan, the match of the century is advertising and research, with data playing cupid.

Natalie Otte, head of Kantar Millward Brown, South Africa.

Getting hitched

Ilse Dinner, head of marketing communications for Kantar, Africa & Middle East, Insights.

Does Screen ^ Size Count?

The quickie

Honey Alexa ^ Im home (but you knew that already didnt you?)

So how about a threesome?

The C Spot

While advertisers and researchers have at times made uncomfortable bedfellows, this is all about to change as the ad industry begins to embrace data (although when we speak advertising we prefer to call it insights, or behaviours, not data and numbers). Drumroll please...!According to Tham Khai Meng, Ogilvy Worldwide CCO, When data meets creativity, you get pure sex. Data and creativity are two sides of the same coin.So, what does data and analytics mean to good creative? In a panel discussion at New Yorks Advertising Week last September, Sami Thessman, CCO, Wunderman New York said it helps you back your idea, because its becoming harder for advertisers to sell soft ideas, especially as CMOs are becoming more data focused and analytics driven.Netflix has successfully been using data to feed their creative content, their latest innovation allows you to choose your own end to your favourite show. Even Hollywood uses data to inform creative decisions. Another great example of this mix is Buzzfeed who use data to drive the direction of their content. Buzzfeed generates about 600 pieces of content daily, continually learning from their audience about whats working and whats not (think of this data pool as the worlds largest focus group).Blurring the lines between content and advertising, BuzzFeed created the Dear Kitten videos for Purinas Friskies, which have clocked up over 65 million views on YouTube. The success of this campaign led to their first TVC , also for Friskies.According to BuzzFeed, Dear Kitten's success wasn't just because the web is cat crazy, but rather, the results stemmed from combining data from previous campaigns to create custom content that resonated with its audience.We live in a culture of search, skip or share, where people have gone from simply receiving content to seeking it out and potentially sharing it. This presents a huge opportunity for brands with content that resonates but offers little for those that do not.Seizing on the wealth of behavioural data left by peoples digital exhaust, we now try to reach people in the moment when they are shopping or at the point of purchase. But this is also the moment when people are most likely to doubt advertising claims, compare features and pricing and try to make up their own minds.The influence of advertising therefore is all the more powerful because ad exposure is often decoupled from the purchase decision. People feel first and think second. Advertisings true power is to establish motivating feelings, ideas and associations linked to the brand in peoples memories, which will shape the way they make decisions along the path to purchase.In 2018 well see advertisers leveraging consumer insights to produce effective advertising that creates an emotional connection with the consumer and leaves a lasting impression . Brands will start taking control of their own destiny, collecting data to develop a personalised relationship with their customer. Data is the last competitive advantage and, intelligent marketing will lead to greater ROI.According to Alistair Mokoena, CEO of Ogilvy & Mather South Africa, forward-looking agencies will:use data to define a growth opportunity for the brand.use data to understand which audiences to target and which touchpoints to use at what time.use data to identify insights that lead to a powerful creative approach.use data to understand the potential of an idea or execution before launch.use data during a campaign to understand what can be improved .use data from past campaigns to identify ways to improve results.While TV is still the biggest medium in South Africa, we are a mobile centric country. The accepted wisdom is that TV and digital work well together, but in the future mobile and video content on demand could undermine the power of TV as people consume more snackable content whenever and wherever they are. Yet the mobile ad experience is one of the biggest challenges facing marketers today. How do you successfully build a relationship with customers on a 6 screen?People spend on average four hours a day on their phone (check out the Moment app to see how much time you spend on your phone doing what, I think youll be in for a big surprise!).So with 8.4 billion mobile connections and 7.6 billion people in the world, mobile is great for reach, but how does one reach effectively? Banners and pop up ads can make you hate both the publisher and the advertiser, and video pre-rolls are not always the solution either. You cant always recut your TV commercial for the small screen, and ad blockers are on the rise.Well see initiatives like the Coalition for Better Ads leveraging insights and expertise to develop and implement new global standards for online advertising. This will likely lead to advertisers creating more compelling content, publishers reducing advertising clutter and media agencies improving targeting.According to Kantar Millward Brown, ads have six seconds to land an impression in the name of the brand. Mark Pritchard, the CMO for P&G reckons brands have two seconds to connect with the consumer  and its hard to be relevant in six seconds, never mind two, so that means you really need to know your audience to grab their attention creatively. You need to find the C spot, and quickly!When it comes to digital, the only real way to beat the skip is through creativity. Brands must either work within the six-second window or keep as many people watching as possible.Either strategy can be effective but both require brands working with peoples brains not against them. Deliver too much information too fast and peoples conscious minds will choke. Fail to create anticipation that a video will deliver something of value and people will skip. As always, real insight into the audiences interests and motivations is key to delivering an ad that connects and resonates.Pages that render faster on digital devices will become increasingly important. The Accelerated Mobile Pages Project (AMP) spearheaded by Google is a collaboration between developers, publishers and websites, distribution platforms and tech companies, who are constantly working together to make the mobile experience even better.This open source initiative makes it easy for advertisers and publishers to create mobile friendly ads and content and have it load instantly everywhere. Well see more marketers using AMP html technology/frameworks to build ads that render faster, making the ads lighter and more engaging.In our connected world, the perception is that people are always on but that doesnt mean they are always receiving. Digital disruption empowers consumers to get what they want, when they want, and increasingly they dont want to be interrupted by ads that are not relevant or good. We know people actively block content on their digital devices, and that skipping ads has become second nature, especially among younger viewers.Back in 2005, Craig Davis, then COO at J. Walter Thompson stated, We need to stop interrupting what people are interested in and be what people are interested in, and this still rings true today. Negative reactions to advertising can damage brands, so advertisers and marketers must focus on improving the quality of creative and adapting it to different platforms because attention is a reward not a right.Well see advertisers using behavioural profiling technology that allows them to personalise messages to their audience based on data collected to ensure the ads are engaging. Matching content to customers interests and behaviours based on their location, interests, browsing history and demographic group will ensure their ads are relevant.Brands must treat the consumers time as valuable. According to the latest Connected Life study by Kantar TNS, 20% of touchpoints can deliver up to 80% of impact, so brands who identify their 20% avoid bombarding and frustrating their customers while ensuring their investment is focused effectively. Weve heard this sentence a gazillion times, digital offers the opportunity to serve an ad to the right person, with the right message, at the right time, and in 2018 well see marketers working harder to get this right.Ads often follow users from site to site: a customer who searches online for accommodation in Cape Town will be inundated with Western Cape holiday offers (often still after the fact). Facebook and Google will keep reminding you about the shoes you saw last month but never bought, while Instagrams  shop now  feature makes it ridiculously easy to buy shoes that Insta models are wearing in between looking at photos of your friends. But dont be creepy, be relevant.Technology like Alexa will continue to shape the future of advertising. Artificial intelligence will know more about you than you do yourself, allowing brands to reach consumers in useful and engaging ways, on a scale that has been impossible until now.J. Walter Thompsons "The Next Rembrandt" for ING and Google DeepMind's " AlphaGo " are fantastic examples of AI, both winning big at Cannes Lions.Augmented reality and virtual reality will play an increasingly prominent role in marketing and advertising, providing a multisensory connection and experience that TV and online simply cannot, with authentic and personalised engagement opportunities. Advertisers who dont follow suit will get left behind.All too often research and creative partners only meet at the final debrief. Marketers need to share the consumer insights and data with their advertising partners upfront in order to allow the agency to create effective and more relevant advertising from the beginning  it can be unfair on the creative agency who are suddenly put on the spot with confronting new feedback on an initiative they have worked on for months.For consumer research to be valuable, it must be part of the total creative development plan. Tagging it on as an afterthought is the source of nearly all pre-test evil in the world whereas if done in the initial stages, it allows for better optimisation of the creative idea. A team effort that from the start combines research, creative and client, will produce a stronger final output for the brand.Over and above, consumer research must focus on optimising ad performance in line with the communications and brand strategy, and this year well see research agencies playing a greater role in the creative development journey.If you ask people they will tell you that not all ads are bad, they just screen out the ones that arent good or relevant. And consumers have changed too. They no longer want to stand on the sidelines, bombarded with a barrage of one-way messages. They want brands to engage them with relevant content delivered in a format that speaks to them. They want to be involved in campaigns that trigger their emotional side, that make them feel something. And the only way to do that is to come up with great, creative ideas that win the hearts (and pockets) of consumers.This year well see more storytelling emerging as the Romeo to the consumer Juliet because people love a good story. Only one third of advertising globally is story led, yet stories are the reason we stay awake late to finish a book, watch a movie or binge watch on Netflix. And stories engage us like nothing else. Here are two of our favourite favourites: TigerAir Infrequent Flyers and MTV #FCKHIV In 2018, the advertisers who are in a happy relationship will be the ones who are open to quickies and threesomes, and know how to find the C spot.*Kantar Millward Brown is a sponsor of the BizTrends2018 advertising category.Amazon recently blew away its earnings forecast making Jeff Bezos (for now) the world's richest person. The interesting call out here was that Amazon's growth wasn't necessarily to the detriment of everyone else. The economy in which we're operating post-2007 needs to be rethought as an evolution of a zero-sum game.

Mathew Weiss, The Brand Union Africa managing director.

Innovation is the basic survival gene

Marketing is the ideal playground for innovation

If the right fundamentals are in place, there can be a positive net for all players. But, again, only if the companies involved are prepared for the new economy.So what does this have to do with marketing and media trends?Perhaps the biggest trend isnt a trend at all. At Brand Union weve been tracking how brands manage to survive, thrive and adapt to their markets over the long-term. While there are obviously many aspects to a company that make it a success, one determining factor rose above all others.Back to Amazon. When we unpack what exactly other brands and companies are competing against, we realise that Amazons most significant points of difference are not the usual suspects. They are not distribution models, scale, logistics systems or even their e-commerce engines. In fact, Amazons most profitable business line isnt even their e-commerce arm  its their SAAS (Software as a Service) offering.What sets them apart is how they have embedded their philosophy, and their brand into their DNA. They call themselves Pioneers. When hiring employees, they lay down how they expect everyone to push the envelope, to explore, and to pioneer. They have built their structures around accommodating and encouraging this learning. And, they are in fact more akin to a commercial laboratory, experimenting, trialling and building on what works.Amazingly over a quarter of their new products or services fail, but they can always say that they have tried, failed and learnt  relentlessly driving on with first-to-market initiatives. What really distinguishes them is that they are an innovations engine.Innovation is what breaks the zero-sum model for companies. Its the basic survival gene that will allow brands to adapt, to pivot, to evolve, to learn and to apply faster than their competitors.Take Netflix for example. Here is a brand that started life as an online DVD rental company. No stranger to innovative ideas, it was their brand DNA that allowed them to successfully make the crucial pivot into online content streaming.Its rather passe to call innovation a trend, but it is the most fundamental aspect that brands need to engage with in order to secure their futures. Its what will allow categories and industries to sustain themselves or change to secure their longevity.All too often when we discuss media and marketing trends we think within a silo, focusing on what will make for more compelling forms of communication, but we sometimes miss the bigger challenge of whether marketing is simply tactical attempts at awareness versus true experiential opportunities.Everyone seems to have bought into the idea of experiential marketing, but in order to provide it, we need the support, buy-in and collaboration of more than just the marketing department. Marketing sometimes gets referred to as being 360. This showcases an outward focus. For true innovation to exist within a company the brand needs to drive innovation as a cultural and systemic attribute, 360 within the company. Marketing therefore potentially has a powerful new position to play in shepherding the efforts of multiple facets of a company in realising innovative experiences.There is plenty of information to suggest that there exists an inherent tension between branding and marketing. The one is trying to build consistency, coherence and valuable equity over the long-term. The other is trying to resonate with customers in the short term, building relevancy, awareness and consideration.Through this lens we could imagine that marketing is the ideal playground for innovation  that its role is to disrupt. We would be half right. Its a great vehicle for innovation, but its goal isnt disruption. We live in a disruptive world. Its the context or the landscape for our efforts. In that case we require some kind of coherence.Marketing rightfully will seek innovative means, form and content in order to connect with consumers, but branding will need to provide some form of stability that allows the marketing to sometimes miss the mark knowing that the long-term branding will course-correct efforts both internally and externally.So, heres the trend: branding is the key to unlocking company innovation.Branding will increasingly be used as an articulate platform upon which a company can build internal capabilities for innovative thought and from which external marketing can safely push the envelope. Branding will finally be acknowledged as a business fundamental and not as a marketing function.Are you already busy planning your 2018 social calendar? I've listed a few cool festivals you should check out between January and March - add them to your list!

January

The Wolfkop Weekender | Citrusdal

Up the Creek Music Festival | Swellendam

February

Magoebaskloof Berry Festival | Limpopo

Ultra Music Festival | Cape Town

March

Lunar-Altered States of African Music Festival | Riviersonderend

Cape Town International Jazz Festival | Cape Town

Splashy Fen Musical Festival | KwaZulu-Natal

The South African Eco-film Festival | Cape Town

This festival takes place 18-22 January. It is a a popular music event along the banks of the Lilo River in Citrusdal and attracts hundreds of locals and internationals each year. Book your ticket on the website This colourful music festival takes place 25-28 January. The festival has taken place every year since 1999, along the banks of the Breede River in Swellendam. You can set up your tent for the weekend or camp right next to your car. This years lineup is fire! Check out the website for ticket details.Febuberries for the win! The Magoebaskloof Berry Festival will be on the weekend of 3-4 February. This festival promises good fun for the whole family, including picking your own berries, a village market and breathtaking scenery. Check out the website for more information.The Ultra Music Festival will take place 9-10 February as a fifth anniversary celebration. As anticipated, the world's most renowned DJs will be on deck, such as Armin Van Buuren, AfroJack, Dubfire and Hardwell, to mention a few. Check out the website and book your tickets.The Altered States Music Festival is a must for any psy-trance music fan. It is well remembered for its underground psychedelic music and promises the best psychedelic music from around the world. Get your tickets to secure your place on the cosmic circle dance floor.Every person, has to attend the Cape Town International Jazz fest at least once in their life. The annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival, takes place 23-24 March. The Jazz Fest has a reputation that precedes itself, welcoming thousands of local and international guests each year. This years guest artists include Corinne Bailey Rae, Jarred Rickets, Amanda Black, Miles Mosley, Micasa and many more household names. Check out the website to secure your tickets.The Splashy Fen Music Festival has become one of South Africas premier music festivals. The festival begins on 29 March and ends 1 April. Currently Splashy Fen is South Africas longest running music fest and one of the most friendliest. You can expect natural amphitheatres, great acoustics, breathtaking mountain vistas, winding rivers and large level fields for camping. For more information check out the website The fifth Annual Eco-film Festival returns to Cape Town 23-24 March. The festival aims to showcase challenging, intriguing and creative film content highlighting important issues and concerns within the South African context. For more information check out the websiteAn all-female cast and creative team will stage William Shakespeare's The Taming Of The Shrew at the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre from 7 February 2018 until 3 March 2018.

Alicia McCormick as Kate and Daneel van der Walt as Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew - image by Jesse Kramer

Award-winning director Tara Notcutt will lead some of South Africas most celebrated actresses in a version of; a meeting of classic text with modern twists, including lip-synching, 90s fashion, and an all-female cast, supported by an all-female creative team.is Shakespeares battle of the sexes. Matters of gender, marriage, and family come together in this dark comedy of Kate, a headstrong woman, and her tempestuous relationship with Petruchio, the man who is set on wooing and winning her.In the lead role of Kate is Alicia McCormick, Daneel van der Walt as Petruchio and Buhle Ngaba as Kates sister Bianca. Lynita Crofford plays Baptista; Dianne Simpson is Gremio and Ann Juries plays Grumio. Kathleen Stephens is Lucentio, Naledi Majola is Tranio, Kate Pinchuck is Hortensio and Masali Baduza is Biondello.Dara Beth is assistant director. Costume design is by Mariechen Vosloo, set design and decor by Jo Glanville and lighting design by Ronel Jordaan. The choreography is by Cleo Notcutt.In the 62-year history of Maynardville Open-Air Theatre,has been performed five times.I am honoured to be directing my first Shakespearean play at Cape Towns iconic Shakespearean venue, says Notcutt. This historic production is a first, featuring an all-female cast and team, while at the same time, honouring the vision of Maynardvilles founders - to present world-class productions of Shakespeares plays in the magic of an open-air venue. It is fitting thatwas the first play presented at Maynardville, and now it is taking us into the next era.will be the 50th show that Notcutt directs. At 31, Notcutt is also the youngest person to direct a play at Maynardville and the fifth woman to do so. Notcutt has worked in many styles, from intimate drama and physical theatre to illusion and opera, and now makes her Shakespearean debut. Her directing credits include the international touring hit play, comic book storytelling such as, and the cult political satirical thrillerThe production forms part of the inaugural Maynardville Open-Air Festival, which will feature a programme of music, dance, comedy and more. The festival will include performances by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cape Town City Ballet, a comedy season run by the Cape Town Comedy Club and a variety of Cape Towns top performing artists.Bizcommunity was privileged to receive an invitation to the Volvo Ocean 65 Practice Race, the in-port manoeuvres designed to give participants of the the Volvo Ocean Race a practice run ahead of the 10 December 2017, third leg start and a rare opportunity for media to have an exclusive experience with the "rockstars" of sailing, who include previous Olympic Gold medalists, veterans and America's Cup winners!

The media machine

#TurnTheTideOnPlastic #CleanSeas

Widgets, digits and hashtags

The Biz crew were assigned to team Brunel , whose skipper, Bouwe Bekking, has completed seven Volvo Ocean Race challenges!The race is not only characterised by extreme excellence at a sporting level, but is also a state-of-the-art media machine providing up-to-the-minute multimedia, multi-platform content and data from the worlds oceans onto the screens of fans around the world.To achieve this requires facilities such as the below-deck media stations, complete with production and editing desks operated by the official OBRs - the onboard reporters assigned to each vessel, who are not part of the racing crew, but report on the race, sending back videos, photos and text on an up-to-the-minute basis.Custom-designed hardware and software on the boats, along with handheld Canon and Garmin cameras, helmet cameras, 3D cameras, HD night vision cameras, bow cameras, mast cameras, stern cameras, processors that send data back to race control and motion sensors recording things like wave height and the state of our oceans, demonstrate leading edge technology and services from some of the biggest players in the satellite and imaging technology industries in action.With the brand focus on the health of our oceans and on taking action to help Turn the Tide on Plastic, The Volvo Ocean Race has positioned itself as a global sustainability roadshow, partnering with 11th Hour Racing AkzoNobel and United Nations Environment Clean Seas campaign to bring together science, government, sport and business to spread awareness and action on these pressing issues.Follow the Volvo Ocean race on Twitter and Facebook download the app , desktop widget, live trackers subscribe to Volvo Ocean Race or individual teams on Youtube or www.volvooceanrace.com for news updates, stats and videos.The prevailing South easterly wind conditions in Cape Town provided an electrifying start for the fleet as they departed Cape Towns iconic Table Bay Sunday on the 6,500m, third leg of the extreme contest across the Southern Ocean towards Melbourne, Australia.Bizcommunity would like to thank Volvo Ocean Race and Purple pine Communications. Wishing bon voyage and fair winds to all competitors, Brunel were following you!LONDON, UK - BBC journalist Carrie Gracie announced Monday she had quit her post as China editor in protest at an "indefensible pay gap" at the British broadcaster, winning support from dozens of colleagues.

"No systemic discrimination against women"

Gracie said she resigned last week over a "crisis of trust" which has engulfed the BBC since the broadcaster was forced last year to reveal the salaries of its highest-paid employees.The disclosures showed "an indefensible pay gap between men and women doing equal work," Gracie said in a blog post announcing her resignation."These revelations damaged the trust of BBC staff," she added, stating that up to 200 women employed by the broadcaster had made complaints over pay discrimination in recent months.Two-thirds of BBC staff earning more than 150,000 ($203,000, 169,000 euros) were shown to be men, according to the figures published in July.Gracie warned that a "bunker mentality" by managers so far "is likely to end in a disastrous legal defeat for the BBC and an exodus of female talent at every level".Her resignation was widely reported by BBC news programmes, while the broadcaster said there was "no systemic discrimination against women".The former China editor has returned to London and will resume her former post within the television newsroom.On Monday, she co-presented BBC Radio 4'sprogramme, during which she said she was "moved" by the positive reaction to her decision which spoke of a "depth of hunger" for pay equality.More than 130 journalists who are part of the BBC Women group backed her decision."It is hugely regrettable that an outstanding and award-winning journalist like Carrie Gracie feels she has no option but to resign from her post as China editor because the BBC has not valued her equally with her male counterparts," they said in a statement published by the BBC's Lyse Doucet, chief international correspondent.Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the UK's National Union of Journalists, said the body was "determined to hold the BBC to account" and reach settlements on behalf of women who have suffered a salary deficit.via I-Net Bridge.The Pentawards, the most prestigious worldwide competition exclusively devoted to packaging design, is coming to China.

Speakers at the conference

Theme for 2018 conference

The event will host a dedicated conference in China in collaboration with ADF&PCD Shanghai 2018. As part of this partnership, the Pentawards Exhibit will showcase a selection of the 2017 award-winning packaging, offering visitors the unique opportunity to gain a global perspective of the best and most creative packaging designs from the last year.ADF&PCD Shanghai 2018, which is Chinas only dedicated event for the aerosol, dispensing, perfume and cosmetic packaging community, held at Shanghai Mart on 28 and 29 March, will welcome big-name brands, cutting-edge innovation and top design agencies. Not only will the show benefit from the industry-leading Pentawards Conference, but the Pentawards Exhibit will provide visitors with a first-hand look at the best and most creative packaging designs from the last year.Paul Macdonald, global brand director of the Easyfairs Packaging Portfolio, comments: Its really exciting to have the Pentawards on board for this years show, with some of the best and brightest minds from the packaging design world set to speak as part of the conference programme. Attendees will learn the best ways to tell a brands story, how to deliver innovation through design, and how to turn packaging challenges into opportunities. Having the Pentawards Conference at ADF&PCD Shanghai adds a unique gravitas to an already packed show, and helps us build on the momentum generated by our sister shows in Paris and New York.The dedicated packaging design-focused conference will be hosted and chaired by Rhonda Jiang, editor-in-chief at, and will boast major names from all over the globe, specifically focusing on the creative design community. For example, Laurent Hainaut, president and founder of ForceMajeure, will be headlining the conference programme. ForceMajeure is one of the leading international design houses, specialising in brand creation, brand renovation, product design and innovation, whilst Hainaut brings with him expertise from working on accounts including Unilever, Diageo, PepsiCo, Danone Waters, LOreal, Revlon and many others.Ippei Murata, art director of packaging design at Shiseido, will be taking to the stage to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with developing a packaging design team for the Chinese market. Murata joined Shiseido, one of the leading cosmetics companies in the world, in 2001 helping to design the global Shiseido brand and establish it as a leading makeup brand in Japan. After a stint at Shiseido Europe, she moved to Shanghai to develop the package design team.Also speaking as part of the Pentawards will be MS Xiaojing Huang, strategic director at Yang Design. Yang Design is one of the most forward-looking product strategy and design consultancies in China, with both international and local experience. Not only is Huang an internationally renowned design strategist and trend expert, but she is also a leading figure in the Chinese design marketplace.In addition to big-name speakers and international brands taking part in the conference, cutting-edge and innovative topics will also be on the agenda, with the theme for the 2018 conference finalised as how can you turn design challenges into opportunities?. Visitors to The Pentawards Conference can expect to hear an array of subjects, ranging from How to meet the expectations of the always connected and demanding millennials and Store shelf vs e-commerce. Do they require different packaging?, through to The importance of ensuring brand recognition and identity and Why the future of packaging must be both interactive and responsive.Macdonald concludes: The Pentawards is recognised around the world, not only because of the major names it attracts, but also the subjects it covers. Anyone with an interest in packaging design will not want to miss the Pentawards Conference or the Pentawards Exhibit at ADF&PCD Shanghai 2018. It is inspirational, educational and innovative, offering something for everyone.For further information, click here

The PLA Navy's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier was launched in April 2017. A Xinhua photo

BEIJING (PTI): China has started building its third aircraft carrier with a hi-tech launch system even as it is completing a new type of destroyer with modern weapons to be deployed in Indian Ocean and South China Sea, a media report said last week.



The carrier's construction has started even as another home-grown carrier is being built at a Shanghai shipyard since last year, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on January 5 quoting People's Liberation Army (PLA) officials.



China launched its first aircraft carrier in 2014 which is a refitted vessel of the hull of a former Soviet ship.



Last April, China launched its first indigenously-built aircraft carrier which is being fitted with equipment. It had already announced plans to build a third one earlier. The second aircraft carrier is expected to be launched this year.



The Shanghai shipyard is still working on the third aircraft carrier's hull, which is expected to take about two years, the Post reported.



"Building the new carrier will be more complicated and challenging than the other two ships," it quoted a PLA official as saying.



China has been trying to build up a blue-water navy giving precedence to its navy as it looks to expand its influence globally.



China has also designed an aircraft to operate from the deck of the carrier and is currently training pilots.



Sources said it is too early to say when the third vessel would be launched, but China plans to have four aircraft carrier battle groups in service by 2030, the Post report quoted naval experts as saying.



Also state-run Xinhua news agency reported that China is building a new type of destroyer for its navy equipped with modern defence, anti-missile, anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons.



The new destroyer is expected to be in service soon and its future missions might include assignments to the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, state-run Global Times reported.



Construction of the destroyer has focused on improving the ship's fighting capability, a military representative, Leng Jun, was quoted as saying in the report.



After soliciting opinions from military officers and soldiers, designers changed the original plan for helicopters on the warship, increasing the height of the cabins to improve the passing efficiency, said a report by the PLA Daily, the official organ of the Chinese military.



A new welding technique was explored and used in building the outer hull, which was made of a new type of material, the report said.



To provide a more comfortable environment for soldiers on the ship, workers used new materials to protect against shock and noise and increased ventilation equipment in the destroyer's living cabins.



The vessel will have to undergo planned testing, including equipment operation, berthing and sailing, before it is commissioned for use, it said.

COIMBATORE (PTI): A Defence Innovation Centre would be set up in Coimbatore by industry body CODISSIA to assist small industries in manufacturing components for the defence sector, Defence Minister Nirmala Seetharaman said on Sunday.



The Defence Ministry would release Rs 20 crore as an initial funding to the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) to set up the innovation centre, she told reporters here after discussions with the association office-bearers.



"Ministry of Defence has recognised CODISSIA as an innovation centre required for defence production," she said adding the association had earlier submitted a proposal in this regard.



Seetharaman said small and micro units as well as startups, that can manufacture components required for the defence production, would be identified by the association.



"They can design or test their products at the centre," she said, adding the association had earlier submitted a proposal in this regard.



The Minister said the decision to set up the innovation centre was taken in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" programme and his dream of making India a defence manufacturing hub.



Defence Ministry had identified many micro, small and medium enterprises, which can meet the huge requirements of the sector, she said adding that being an industrial hub, Coimbatore had the potential to supply components to Defence production.



CODISSIA President V Sundaram said the city would have an exclusive defence park within three years.



Earlier, Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani submitted a memorandum seeking to set up a Defence park to manufacture and supply components to the sector to Seetharaman at the airport on her arrival min Coimbatore.





NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Navy will showcase its operational prowess during a major event, starting Monday, along the western coast of the country, which will be attended by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.



"In the programme, more than ten ships, including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, a submarine and various naval aircraft will exhibit their combat capabilities and battle readiness," a Defence Ministry statement said on Sunday.



Sitharaman will preside over the Navy event which will display the operational might and maritime prowess on January 8-9, the statement said.

By Martin Keane

The leaders of Irelands co-operatives, including dairy processors and national livestock marts, will gather at UCC tomorrow to discuss strategies for the future success of our industry in an increasingly competitive global environment.

The 41st ICOS National Conference will investigate the policy environment likely to influence future global conditions. It will also examine the measures we can take to grow and develop our businesses to ensure long-term, sustainable growth and development.

Very significant investments have been made in the future processing capabilities of our industry. Producers have contributed strongly to that, including investment and expanded production. The signals in surveys from various dairy co-operatives are all positive with a continuing growth in milk output anticipated. Co-ops have robust and strategic plans in place to deal with this combined challenge and opportunity.

In order to achieve success, we need a supportive framework in which to operate and that is why the currently proposed CAP reforms are crucially important, albeit with some caveats.

The EU Commissions communication on the Future of Food and Farming sets out proposals for a range of CAP reforms post-2020. It aims to provide direction as to how the CAP should evolve to meet emerging challenges for European agriculture. It outlines a less prescriptive approach and greater subsidiarity at Member State level to make the CAP more relevant and practical.

Irish farmers and co-operatives are facing unprecedented challenges in the coming years as a result of Brexit, climate change and global market volatility. Under any CAP reforms, market supports and risk management measures will be necessary to protect against this volatility.

Its essential for the CAP proposals to be supported with sufficient financing and strong and effective market support and risk management tools. This will provide much needed stability and will enable farmers to meet the outlined goals, including ambitious environmental targets. Income stabilisation tools will also help to address volatility, allowing farmers to defer a small proportion of their income in a good year and draw it down in a bad one. Seasonality is also a key issue that must be addressed to stabilise market prices throughout the year.

The CAP can also help promote the development of a European futures market. This would be a key tool that co-operatives could use to manage volatility through financial hedging. To achieve this, its use needs to be encouraged and training and advisory services provided for co-operatives so that they can effectively use it as a risk management tool.

We also welcome the focus on trade within the CAP and the commitment to promote EU food quality and standards worldwide. This will help to improve market access for EU products globally and will be critical to overcome the challenges posed to the Irish agri-food sector by Brexit.

The potential for increased national flexibility within the proposals will allow us to better address local issues, particularly within environmental schemes. With a strong and controlled EU framework, we can avoid any potential distortion to competition or the functioning of the single market.

However, ICOS opposes mandatory capping and degressive direct support payments. Decoupled direct payments are the main tool that farmers have at their disposal to support and stabilise farm income. Capping and degressive payments would only serve to reduce income for active farmers, who are in most need of this support.

The recent CAP Communication highlights the effective role which producer organisations can have in strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain.

Co-operatives are the most effective form of producer organisation. They integrate the role of producer, processor and the marketer, helping to rebalance the food chain, bringing viable incomes to their members and offering a level of protection from volatility. Therefore, we call on the Commission to encourage, promote and protect the role of co-operatives within the upcoming policy reforms.

Martin Keane is president of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).In the first part of a four-part series looking at finalists for the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2018, Padraig Hoare casts an eye over those in the Emerging category

Buzz growing around ApisProtects unique beekeeping technology

It is no wonder there is such a buzz surrounding ApisProtect, a truly innovative and unique company that uses technology to help beekeepers prevent losses and increase productivity in their hives.

In 2013, Fiona Edwards Murphy began her doctoral research into the application of sensors and networking in honey bee hives.

The Kanturk natives name has long been whispered within academic, student, and business circles as one associated with ingenuity, innovation, and savvy. Her research, and application of it, was seen as one of the most exciting in years to come out of University College Corks IGNITE programme.

The project received international recognition, including at least eight academic publications and awards from the likes of the Irish Research Council, IBM, and Google.

ApisProtect was named Business of the Year 2017 at the IGNITE Awards  the culmination of the huge amount of work and dedication put in by Ms Edwards Murphy and the ApisProtect team.

Currently, ApisProtect helps commercial and amateur beekeepers managing 81m beehives around the world  who are losing up to half their colonies each year  to reduce losses and increase productivity in their hives.

ApisProtect uses in-hive Internet of Things (IoT) enabled sensors, machine learning, and world-class beekeeping knowledge to help beekeepers identify hive problems, diseases, and pests.

The companys technology enables beekeepers to monitor hives at times that are typically difficult or impossible such as during the night, during poor weather, or in the winter.

It allows beekeepers to evaluate the productivity of their beehives in terms of pollination or honey production.

It also helps beekeepers to make faster and more effective decisions on beekeeping actions, and assists beekeepers to act early to reduce or prevent beehive events which would otherwise cause large-scale colony losses.

Ms Edwards Murphy said being nominated in the Emerging Category of the Cork Company of the Year Awards was a tremendous boost for the young business.

Were thrilled to be selected as a finalist for emerging company of the year. Weve come so far in our first year of business, and the support from the Cork business community has been amazing, she said.

EviView is making strides on the world stage with e-ConnX

Chief executive officer of EviView, Pat Lynch: We couldnt have imagined the amazing progress we have achieved in such a short period of time.

EviView, which was established in 2015  it provides smart analytics software for lean-focused pharmaceutical manufacturers  has exceeded all expectations.

By its third anniversary, this year, with its innovative e-ConnX solution, EviView will be in an extremely strong position to further occupy the Irish market and to enter into Polish and US territories.

Its e-ConnX technology is pioneering the way life-science manufacturers manage their performance and reliability. This is an unmet need in the industry.

The concept of e-ConnX is ingenious  it is a customised, shift-to-shift performance-management application used to implement the weekly production schedule.

It also provides downtime reasons for any non-adherence to the schedule. The South Mall company has intrigued the giants in the sector across the world, making significant progress with 10 of the worlds top-20 pharma and biotech companies.

The concept of e-ConnX was developed on the factory floor by professionals who identified costly production problems and inefficiencies in their own workplaces.

It is an easy-to-implement and highly scalable software platform that helps companies measure production and reliability performance, and is particularly powerful at data-visualisation  it becomes easier to diagnose exactly where you are having issues that are delaying production schedules, increasing costs, and scuppering sales deadlines.

The efforts of the EviView team are only enhanced by the nomination as a finalist in the emerging category of the Cork Company of the Year Awards, according to chief executive, Pat Lynch.

Its been an amazing two years for the EviView business.

While we knew we were catering for an unmet need in the life-science space, we couldnt have imagined the amazing progress we have achieved in such a short period of time.

This progress is testament to the huge efforts of our talented team.

We are honoured to be chosen as finalists for the best emerging company category. Exciting times! he said.

The success of EviView means growth in the coming years.

The market focus will be on Ireland, the UK, the US, Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, and Poland.

Fuller Marketings third-party approach earning the plaudits

Ruth Fuller of Fuller Marketing: To have made the finalist shortlist is, without doubt, an achievement in itself and its one we are immensely proud of. 

Specialists in the concept of third-party marketing, the reputation of Fuller Marketing continues to rise in 2018. It does not matter the size of the firm engaged with the company, which works with clients big and small in industries across the board, offering revolutionary third-party marketing to organisations of all sizes.

Fuller Marketings core offering of third-party marketing means if a marketing department exists, it provides the niche support it requires, and in its absence, Fuller provides the whole marketing function.

Founder Ruth Fuller has gained a stellar reputation in the marketing field over the years, working with some of the most recognisable names in Cork business, as well as international brands.

Clients of Ms Fuller have included Bishopstown Credit Union, Cork On Ice, Elite Pilates, Cork Chamber of Commerce, Network Cork, McDonalds, Aviva, Emirates, Mars Ireland, Reckitt Benckiser, LOreal, 7Up, PepsiCo, EOne Movies, Musgrave Group and RedFM.

Fuller Marketing was founded, according to Ms Fuller, on the insight that many SMEs shy away from bringing in the best digital expertise because of cost. There is a real need for digital marketing and most businesses recognise this, she said, so Fuller Marketing offers senior level marketing at a reasonable price.

The South Mall-based business also works on new projects with a number of clients. This could involve a new website, brand position, a new product launch or an analysis of the business.

It is wonderful recognition for Fuller Marketing to be recognised in the Emerging Category of the Cork Company of the Year Awards, Ms Fuller said.

To have made the finalist shortlist is, without doubt, an achievement in itself and its one we are immensely proud of. We see this recognition by our peers as an acknowledgement of, and a testament to, our work. Not only are we passionate about what we do, but we are passionate about where we do it.

Being in business in Cork is so important for us and as we see it, we have a lot to offer to both the business community and wider Cork region.

We have big plans for the future growth of our business. We have set ourselves challenging targets but ones that we are confident we will achieve, she said.By Trish Dromey

With innovative technology that uses solar power and LED lighting to illuminate bus shelters and advertising displays, Dublin technology start-up Solar AdTek is aiming to make a breakthrough in global markets this year.

The company, established in 2014, specialises in providing energy-efficient lighting for advertising. It has already installed solar lighting systems for bus shelters in 20 locations, including seven in Ireland. as well as some in Sweden and France.

We will shortly have solar advertising units in the UK, Italy, Dubai and Belgium and expect to have installed a minimum of 200 by the end of the year, said Solar AdTek co-founder and chief executive Eoin OBroin.

The company also provides LED lighting systems which have been specifically designed for grid-connected advertising displays and already has customers for these in eight countries.

We are now talking to companies in 12 countries and expect growth of up to 500% in this side of the business this year, said Mr OBroin.

Solar AdTek is starting the new year with contracts to supply 1,300 sets of LED lights for use in advertising signs in UK motorway service stations and 600 for use in rail and bus stations in Ireland. The company has also tendered for a significant UK project and will be making an announcement about a large Irish project next month.

Given the level of orders on its books and contracts under discussion, the company expects to quintuple turnover to several million euro by the end of 2018.

It also expects the solar lighting side of the business to grow from 20% to 50%.

LED systems have been our biggest seller up until now, but the solar lighting market is one with the most potential, said Mr OBroin.

He previously founded and ran a company that manufactured advertising signage, while his co-founder and Solar AdTeks chief technology officer John Bouchier co-founded a company which developed LED lighting systems for retail display.

The two men met and worked together on a solar bus shelter project in Dublin for outdoor advertising company Clear Channel in 2011. They identified a global opportunity to provide illumination for a large number of outdoor advertising displays, including those on bus shelters that were not being lit up at night.

Setting up Solar AdTek, they focused on energy-efficient lighting and developed a solar control unit as well as customised LED lighting modules for use on grid-connected advertising displays.

Replacing existing fluorescent tubes with our bespoke LED lighting will provide an energy saving of up to 80%, said Mr OBroin, adding that a solar-powered bus shelter saves one tonne of carbon annually.

Solar lighting systems are less expensive than getting a grid connection and the benefits include better illumination, lower maintenance and reduced energy costs, he said.

In 2015, the company raised funding for expansion from private investors and Enterprise Ireland, which identified it as a high-potential start-up. Solar AdTeks first customer was Clear Channel which was looking for solar lighting for bus shelters. In addition to installing solar lighting in 20 bus shelters, the company has since supplied over 2,000 sets of LED lights to customers in eight countries.

Target customers include outdoor advertising companies, transport authorities as well as companies manufacturing bus shelters and advertising display units. Having seven solar-powered bus shelters as reference sites in Ireland is seen as a significant selling point.

Mr OBroin said developing solar lighting systems for Ireland was a challenge, because, at 53 degrees north, it has long winter nights which require lighting and short winter days to generate the solar power necessary for this.

However, success here allowed the company to go on to install units in Sweden at 59 degrees north. Plans for 2018 include expansion into Europe and beyond.by John Whelan

Ryanair boss Michael OLeary and the British Airline Pilots Association general secretary Brian Strutton may have little in common, but they are in agreement that the UK needs to urgently close out an agreement with the EU on access to the EUs Open Skies framework post- Brexit.

Fresh anxiety was pumped into the concerns of both and the wider aviation industry in mid- December when the EU Commissions Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport stated in a notice to all UK and EU aviation bodies that as of withdrawal date (March 30, 2019) the operating licences granted to airlines by the UK Civil Aviation Authority will no longer apply.

In response, Mr Strutton, said: Here it is in black and white from the EU Commission: UK flights to the EU will be grounded in March 2019 should no agreement be reached. We need the UK government to sort air traffic rights now. Once again, no deal is not an option.

Ryanair recently applied for a British air operating licence in a bid to keep its domestic UK services operating in the event of a hard Brexit. Nevertheless, shareholders, already nervous about the impact of pilot union recognition, are worried they may be asked to sell off some of their shareholding if the UK fails to conclude a deal on access to the single aviation market with the EU.

Under EU regulations airlines must ensure that 50% of their ownership is held by EU nationals. Dublin- registered Ryanair is 60% owned by EU nationals, but that drops to 40% once UK shareholders are excluded.

Aer Lingus and British Airways owner AIG faces similar problems. Both, however, have extraordinary provisions in their articles of association to force investors to sell up, should their shareholder base fall below the 50% threshold.

IAG has a provision to force non-EU shareholders to divest within 10 days in the event of threat to its licence to freely fly across the EU. The divestiture clause exists because non-compliance with EU ownership will result in the suspension of the carriers operating license and, with it, the rights to carry passengers, mail, and cargo within the EU single market.

However, there are also many other sectors of Irelands aviation industry providing jet engine and airframe maintenance services into the UK market. Once the UK is formally out of the EU these businesses will be damaged. Our prominent aircraft leasing industry will also lose some of its trading flexibility. Wet leasing, in particular, will be impacted as under these agreements the aircraft is operated under operator certificate.

In contrast with other sectors, the aviation sector is not covered under the World Trade Organisation rules, hence in the event of a no deal there is no fall-back position. Brexit Minister Simon Coveney must take a more direct interest in ensuring that negotiations on air services between the UK and the EU take place as smoothly as possible.

The UKs broad December Brexit deal offered reassurance, but the really tough free-trade negotiations have yet to begin. There is little sign that aviation is being prioritised or that the need for urgency is understood.

John Whelan is a consultant in Irish and international tradeWill & Grace star Debra Messing has criticised the E! network for failing to pay women the same as men in a live interview on the channel.

Arriving at the Golden Globes, Messing referenced the departure of presenter Catt Sadler, who resigned in December after learning her male co-star earned almost double her salary.

Messing told host Giuliana Rancic: "I was so shocked to hear that E! doesnt believe in paying their female co-hosts the same as their male co-hosts. I miss Catt Sadler. We stand with her."

Debra Messing drags E! (while being interviewed on E!): "I was so shocked to hear that E! doesn't believing in paying their female co-hosts the same as their male co-hosts" pic.twitter.com/HF3B2uhwtF  David Mack (@davidmackau) January 7, 2018

Catt Sadler responded to Messing's support, telling BuzzFeed News: "I am immensely grateful for the outpouring of support today. Times Up."

Eva Longoria also criticised E! while being interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on the channel.

Standing alongside Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, Longoria stated: "We support gender equity and equal pay and we hope E! follows that lead with Catt."

Eva Longoria piles on E!: "We support gender equity and equal pay, and we hope that E! follows that lead with Catt as well. We stand with you, Catt."



Ryan Seacrest: " I love Catt. We love her." pic.twitter.com/rtKoBO5XCW  David Mack (@davidmackau) January 8, 2018

The awards show was overshadowed by the sexual harassment scandal that has rocked Hollywood, with many stars taking a stand on the night.

Many celebs

Read More:

Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, Susan Sarandon, Emma Watson, Laura Dern and Michelle Williams were among the actresses who were accompanied by advocates in a show of support for victims of sexual harassment and assault.

The nominees and presenters also

Read More:

Many male celebrities in attendance, including Tom Hanks, James Franco and Gary Oldman, joined their colleagues in taking a stand, by dressing in black and wearing Times Up pins.

Missi Pyle wears a Time's Up pin as she arrives at the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards. Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Times Up is the campaign to end gender discrimination across all industries, which is being backed by a number of Hollywood heavyweights,

- PA, additional reporting by Steve Neville.

More from the Golden Globes

Read More: 75th Golden Globes: Here is a list of the winners on the night

Read More: In video: Highlights of Golden Globes overshadowed by abuse scandal

Read More: Saoirse Ronan wins Best Actress; Irish director wins Best Film at Golden Globes

Read More: Everyone LOVED Saoirse Ronan having her mom on FaceTime as she won her Golden Globe

Read More: Activists accompany stars at the Golden Globes red carpetOne of the worlds most prestigious literary awards is to accept Irish-published entries for the first time.

The Man Booker Prize for Fiction opened its doors after controversy over last years longlist when Solar Bones, the acclaimed comeback novel by Mike McCormack, was ruled ineligible until it was put into book stores in Britain by a Scottish publisher.

The novel had been first published by Tramp Press, a small Dublin-based firm, before the UK rights were sold to Canongate, allowing it to be entered for the competition.

Organisers of the award said the rules have been changed given the "special relationship" between the UK and Irish publishing markets - whereby most Irish publishers release books simultaneously in both jurisdictions.

Previously entries to the Man Booker had to be written in English and published by a UK publisher.

The organisers said the aim is to ensure independent Irish publishers are given the same opportunity to be recognised as Irish publishers who have headquarters in the UK.

Gaby Wood, literary director of the Booker Prize Foundation, said: "Were delighted to support Irish publishers and the writers whose work they bring into the world.

"So much exciting new fiction is being written and published concurrently in Ireland and the UK that we felt it was only right to acknowledge and honour that."

Ronan Colgan, president of Publishing Ireland, said: "We are extremely grateful for the support shown by the Man Booker Prize and our friends and colleagues in the UK publishing industry.

"This announcement is wonderful news, not just for Irish publishers and Irish writers but for our intertwined literary heritage."

There have been a number of Irish-born authors to win the prize, including Roddy Doyle for Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha in 1993 and Iris Murdoch for The Sea, The Sea in 1978 when the competition was known as the Booker Prize.

Other Irish writers who won in the 2000s when the award was known as the Man Booker Prize include John Banville for The Sea in 2005 and Anne Enright for The Gathering in 2007.

The 2018 prize is open for submissions from publishers for books published in the UK and Ireland between October 1 2017 and September 30 2018.

The winner of the 50,000 (56,000) prize will be announced on October 16 2018 at an awards ceremony at Londons Guildhall, broadcast live by the BBC.Update 8.35pm: Karen Bradley has been appointed as Northern Ireland Secretary, moving from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Downing Street said.

Speaking tonight MS Brady said she was keenly aware that there are immediate challenges.

"It is now a year since Northern Ireland has had an effective, functioning power-sharing administration, and forming a Northern Ireland Executive, to deliver for the benefit of all, is my top priority.

"I believe a devolved government in Belfast is best placed to address these issues and take the key decisions which affect people's day to day lives, whether these relate to the economy, public services or issues of policing and justice."

Update 2.39pm: Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney phoned Mr Brokenshire while on a visit to Cairo to wish him well.

Mr Coveney said he had shown unfailing dedication and determination to secure political progress consistent with the objectives and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement.

"His unwavering commitment - in public and in private - over the last year to securing the effective operation of the devolved power-sharing institutions in Belfast has been hugely important," he said.

"While it is not always obvious to the public gaze, very important progress has been made on significant issues over the last year and I believe that a positive outcome can still be achieved. If it is, it will be a testament to the quiet, understated but hugely valuable work of James Brokenshire."

Mr Brokenshire said the parties in Northern Ireland have gotten over bigger issues in the past.

He said: "I think that there is a duty and responsibility on them now to get back into an Executive, back into devolved government and get on with serving the people of Northern Ireland.

"It has been a huge honour and privilege to be able to serve as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

"I have been hugely moved and touched by so many people that I have met and seen, worked with in Northern Ireland and that underlines to me the really positive focus that we should have now."

Update 1.48pm: Brokenshire accepted he could not give 'energy' needed in Northern Ireland role

James Brokenshire quit as Northern Ireland Secretary for medical reasons as he acknowledged that forthcoming surgery would mean he could not give the "effort, energy and complete focus" needed for the role.

In his letter to UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Mr Brokenshire said an operation to remove a small lesion in his right lung meant he had to stand down.

Efforts to restore the power-sharing administration in Northern Ireland and the impact of Brexit on the island of Ireland mean that the role is demanding and sensitive and Mr Brokenshire said he had hoped to lead the "essential work with renewed intent" before his diagnosis.

In his letter to Mrs May he said: "I recognise that this comes at an important moment for politics in Northern Ireland."

There was an "urgent need" to restart stalled talks on the restoration of devolved government, he said.

"We are now well into overtime to re-establish an executive if further intervention in the day to day affairs of Northern Ireland is to be avoided."

Mr Brokenshire, 50, said he had been informed about the lesion "in the last few days" after a series of tests in recent weeks.

He said his decision to step down was the right thing to do.

"I have a small lesion in my right lung that will require surgery to remove. Whilst the health team believe that will deal with the issue and that I will be back to work - it will take a number of weeks," he said.

The Prime Minister appeared to hold out the prospect of a return to government for Mr Brokenshire, who had previously served under her in the Home Office with responsibility for security and immigration.

Mrs May said Mr Brokenshire had demonstrated that the role in the Northern Ireland Office was "vital work which will demand long hours, hard effort and complete focus" and it was "absolutely right that you should put your health first".

She told him he had performed with "great diligence, determination and good humour" in his government roles and "I know that you will approach your forthcoming operation in the same way".

She added: "I very much look forward to working alongside you again when you are back to full health."

Mrs May sent her best wishes to Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Mr Brokenshire, his wife Cathy and their three children.

"While it is typical of you that your first thought was not for yourself, but for your duties as a Cabinet Minister and public servant, it is absolutely right that you should put your health first, for your sake and that of your family," she said.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said: "Since becoming Secretary of State in 2016, Mr Brokenshire had immersed himself fully in the role by dedicating long hours to trying to make progress.

"James leaves the role with a very intimate knowledge of Northern Ireland and I look forward to working with him again in the future."

Earlier: James Brokenshire resigns as Northern Ireland Secretary due to ill-health

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire is understood to have resigned from the UK Cabinet position due to ill-health.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has quit the Cabinet in the first of what are expected to be a number of changes as Theresa May reshuffles her top team.

The Northern Ireland Office confirmed his resignation, but gave no further details.

However, a source close to the 50-year-old minister said he had decided to stand down because he was facing major surgery within the next couple of weeks.

The Old Bexley and Sidcup MP is a close ally of Mrs May, having served under her for five years at the Home Office, and he was not among ministers who were predicted to go in the UK Prime Minister's first major reshuffle since she took office.

Explaining his decision, a source close to Mr Brokenshire said: "He has a small lesion on his right lung and is getting major surgery in the next couple of weeks."

Meanwhile,

Read More:

The Prime Minister will seek to stamp her authority with a Cabinet reshuffle beginning today amid reports that up to six senior ministers could be axed or moved.

As MPs prepared to head back for Westminster following the Christmas break, she reaffirmed her intention to lead the Conservatives into the next general election.

Downing Street sources indicated the reshuffle was expected to be conducted over two days, with junior and middle-ranking ministerial appointments likely to continue into Tuesday.

It is likely to represent her biggest overhaul of her top team since she appointed her first Cabinet on entering No 10 in 2016.

She made only limited changes among her senior ministers following the election in June having seen her position badly weakened by the loss of her overall majority in the Commons.

It is thought her most senior ministers - including Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Brexit Secretary David Davis - will remain in their current posts.

However, Education Secretary Justine Greening, Conservative Party chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin, Business Secretary Greg Clark and the Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom are among those reported to be vulnerable.

Downing Street sources sought to play down the reports, describing them as "speculation" and "guesswork".

It is thought that Mrs May will take the opportunity to bring forward some more junior ministers, with Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis and Justice Minister Dominic Raab among those tipped for promotion.

It is unclear, however, whether she will announce a direct replacement for Damian Green who was forced to quit as her effective deputy after he admitted lying over the alleged discovery of pornographic material on his Commons computer during a police raid in 2008.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt had been widely seen as the favourite for the post, although reports have suggested that she may be reluctant to move him in the midst of an NHS winter crisis.

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth said yesterday: "If she promotes this Health Secretary tomorrow it's a betrayal of those 75,000 people in the back of ambulances."by Greg Murphy

The family of a Japanese man killed in a fatal stabbing in Dundalk last Wednesday have thanked the people of Ireland for their kindness.

A statement was issued by the Japanese embassy on behalf of his family.

"We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the kindness the people of Ireland have shown.

"When he was alive, our son spoke about the warmth of the people of this town and his love of Dundalk.

"He came to Ireland initially as a language student and only intended a short stay. However, he was touched by the kindness of the Irish people, and he decided to work here.

"As a family, we are truly saddened by what has happened, but we hope that this incident will not give Japanese people a bad impression of Ireland.

"We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to the ambulance personnel, the Gardai, National Pen Limited, Mr Oliver Morgan who set up the GoFundMe page, the staff of the Embassy of Japan, and the members of Louth County Council who organised tonights candlelight vigil.

"Finally, we hope that a tragic event like this one will never happen in this country again.

The Sasaki Family"

Sasaki 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.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people have attended a candlelit vigil in Dundalk tonight, in memory of Yosuke Sasaki.

A large crowd gathered in Market Square this evening to remember the 24-year-old.

Candlelight vigil in #Dundalk this evening in memory of Yosuke Sasaki who was killed last week. pic.twitter.com/TMeFO8nDD3  John Sheridan (@JohnSheridanFF) January 8, 2018

John McGahon, Chair of the Dundalk Municipal District Committee, said the fact that a guest in Dundalk had met such a tragic end was heartbreaking.

"What we want to do ... is show strength, unity and solidarity with his friends, family and community in Japan."Latest: The man whose body was found in a flat in Limerick yesterday has been named locally as 45-year old Martin Clancy, from Limerick city.

The State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy arrived at the scene this lunchtime ahead of conducting a post mortem later today.

The results of the autopsy will help gardai decide the course of their investigation.

Gardai are understood to be treating the death as suspicious.

Mr Clancy's neighbours paid tribute to him today.

"Quiet, lovely person, sound out, kind," said one neighbour.

"He took everyone that was homeless in off the streets kind-of-thing.

"He was a good person.

"Two weeks ago, I was just talking to him at the door and he was doing ok because I had brought him over food and whatever."

Another neighbour said: "I knew Martin very well. He was very quiet, he didn't bother anyone.

"Martin was always walking his dogs. His two dogs he was always out with."

State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy arrives at the scene. Pic: Liam Burke/Press 22

Update 7am: Gardai are appealing for witnesses following the discovery of a mans body at a flat in Limerick last night.

The body, of a male believed to be in his 40s, was discovered at an address on Little OCurry Street shortly before 6pm.

The State Pathologist has been informed and the Garda Technical Bureau has been called to the scene which has been sealed off for forensic examination.

Pic: Liam Burke/Press 22

The cause of death has not yet been determined but Gardai say they are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the mans death.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses - or anyone who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious in or around the area - to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212400, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.Gerry Adams has not had a complaint against the Irish Independent upheld by the Press Ombudsman.

The complaint related to a story printed on the front page of the Irish Independent on September 1, 2017.

The story featured a report on an interview given by Deputy Adams to LMFM, a radio station in counties Louth and Meath.

The report was printed with the headline: Dont jail IRA murderers of innocent farmer - Adams.

The report was based on the reponse given by Adams to the news that Gardai had uncovered new lines of enquiry in its investigations into the 1991 murder of Tom Oliver, in County Louth.

According to the report, Deputy Adams has told LMFM that he did not think jailing Mr Olivers killers "would assist the process" and "would be totally and absolutely counterproductive".

The front page report ended with the information that the full story was available inside the paper.

Solicitors representing Deputy Adams contacted the editor of the Irish Independent stating that their client "denies your grossly inaccurate assertion that he had said that Mr Olivers killers "should not be jailed".

In the letter, they claimed that even from a cursory reading of the LMFM interview transcript it is quite clear that Deputy Adams remarks had been completely misconstrued and that he did not state that those responsible for the killing of Mr Oliver in 1991 should not be prosecuted.

Solicitors representing the Irish Independent responded by saying that the article was fair and accurate and by no means false and misleading.

The solicitors included extracts from the radio interview transcripts which they claimed supported the headline on the article.

As Deputy Adams was not satisfied with the newspapers response, his solicitors made a complaint with the Office of the Press Ombudsman and included a link to the audio file of the complete interview with LMFM.

The editor of the Irish Independent made a submission to the Ombudsman stating that the quote referred to by the complainant is incomplete and that the newspaper report was a truthful and accurate representation of the interview.

In turn, solicitors representing Deputy Adams responded saying that the headline and whole tenet of the article was inaccurate as their client had stated in the interview that Thomas Olivers family deserved the truth and also that Sinn Fein continued to facilitate attempts to put in place an independent international body to obtain information for Thomas Olivers family and other families.

The Press Ombudsman chose not to uphold the complaint lodged by Gerry Adams.

The decision stated: "Newspapers are entitled to concentrate on particular parts of interviews which they regard as newsworthy. The view that Deputy Adams regarded the sending to jail, if convicted, the murderers of Mr Oliver as counterproductive was newsworthy.

"The qualification which Deputy Adams made in his radio interview that the families of those killed were entitled to the truth did not need to be referred to in the front-page report to meet requirements found in Principle 1. The reference to the counterproductive outcome of jailing Mr Olivers murderers was a specific statement, the right of families to the truth was something that had been stated before by Sinn Fein representatives and was, therefore, less newsworthy.

"The headline used on the front page article Dont jail IRA murderers of innocent farmer  Adams whilst not reflecting the full intent of what Deputy Adams had said in his radio interview was a reasonable summary of the most newsworthy aspect of Deputy Adams interview."

Digital deskIrish journalist Samantha Barry has been named as the new editor of Glamour magazine by Conde Nast.

The Cork native will become the eighth editor of the magazine and the first from an exclusively digital background to lead a Conde Nast magazine.

Barry had served as Head of Social Media and Emerging Media at CNN having previously had roles at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and BBC World News, as well as RTE and Newstalk.

Barry will replace Cindi Leive as editor-in-chief, with Leive having served for 16 years.

Thank you so much @cindi_leive. Ive got impressive shoes to fill. https://t.co/b7fXrC0qek  Samantha Barry (@samanthabarry) January 8, 2018

Speaking about the role, the 36-year-old said: "I am as humbled by Glamours past as I am excited about Glamours future"

"I could not be more proud to take the reigns of an iconic womens brand at this pivotal moment for all womens voices.

"For me, Glamour is the home of strong storytellers, insightful journalism, beauty and fashion. I look forward to building on the brands success, and sharing Glamour with audiences everywhere."

Conde Nasts artistic director, Anna Wintour, said in a statement that Barry was "fearless like so many leaders of the moment.

"Sam is Glamours first digital-native editor, which is to say she arrives from the future rather than the past," said Wintour.

"As an editor she has led all manner of news coverage from the 2016 presidential election and the horrific Las Vegas mass shooting to the love story voicemails and the 2018 New Years Eve festivities.

"Sam understands social media as a tool for storytelling and reporting; a way to support social conversation and the ever-changing contours of whats cool."

Wintour added that she felt Barry "has both a reverence for Glamours history and a crystal clear view of its future in the digital environment."

The appointment marks a shift for Glamour, one of the biggest fashion and beauty media brands in the world.

The magazine announced last year it was to undergo a digital-first strategy.

Bob Sauerberg, CEO and President of Conde Nast said, "Samanthas fluency in connecting with consumers in digital, social and video will give Glamour fans the content they love, and in ways that are most meaningful to them."

Speaking to the New York Times about the new position, Barry said "I care about the brand and the magazine is a huge part of that brand," before adding "Glamour is a brand  its not just a magazine."Shane Ross says he has not decided what position he will support when the cabinet debates abortion this week.

Ministers are due to consider the recommendations of the Oireachtas committee on the Eighth amendment.

It said there should be abortion without restriction for the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy.

Transport Minister Shane Ross says he is still deciding whether to support the recommendation or not.

"I will make a decision on that very shortly, I am reading the report on that at the moment," Minister Ross said.

"I will be discussing it before I say anything about it with my Independent Alliance colleagues because we have not met since but we will be meeting in the next few days."

When asked whether the Independent Alliance would share a united view on the issue, Minister Ross said that he didnt think so.

"We will discuss the view we are going to take.

"But certainly on issues of that sort we are perfectly happy for people to act according to their own conscience."Update 3.30: One of two men arrested in connection with the murder of Denis Donaldson in Co. Donegal, has been released without charge.

Donaldson, who was exposed as a British spy, was killed near Glenties in April 2006.

Two men aged in their 30 and 40s were arrested last night.

The suspect in his 40s was released without charge today, the man in his 30s is continuing to be questioned at Letterkenny garda station.

Gardai say the investigation is ongoing.

Earlier: Two men have been arrested in Donegal in connection with the murder of former Sinn Fein official and British agent Denis Donaldson over a decade ago.

Denis Donaldson, a senior Sinn Fein official and close colleague of Gerry Adams, was shot dead at a remote cottage near Glenties, Co Donegal, in 2006 after being exposed as a British spy.

He had been living at the cottage since his exposure as an MI5 agent the previous year.

Gardai arrested two men, one aged in his 30s and the other in his 40s, on Sunday.

They were being questioned in Letterkenny Garda Station and they can he detained for 72 hours.

The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the murder three years later but the circumstances surrounding Mr Donaldsons outing and subsequent assassination have been shrouded in mystery.

The sequence of events surrounding Mr Donaldson's death dated back to 2002 after three men including Mr Donaldson were arrested following a raid on Sinn Feins Stormont office. The power-sharing executive between unionists and nationalists collapsed and Government restored direct rule to Northern Ireland a week later.

In 2005 charges against three men were dropped and within days Sinn Fein said Mr Donaldson was a British agent and expelled him from the party. He later said he had worked as a spy since the 1980s.

More to follow.As many as 64 African migrants, including a mother whose surviving three-year-old child clung to her as she drowned, are feared dead after a traffickers overcrowded rubber dinghy began to sink in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Italian coast guard rescued 86 people from the boat, which set off from Libya, hours after it started sinking on Saturday morning, a UN migration agency official said.

Rescue divers leaped into the water to pull dozens to safety, including some who managed to stay aboard the half-submerged dinghy as well as others who were struggling in the sea.

Eight bodies were recovered on Saturday. Officials at the time said the corpses were all women, but UN migration officials who met the rescue ship when it arrived Monday in Catania, Sicily, said two of the eight dead were adult men.

Since trafficking dinghies are often crammed with far more than 100 migrants, fears quickly arose that dozens more could be missing. An Italian coast guard search through the night did not find any more survivors or corpses.

Flavio Di Giacomo of the UNs International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said survivors interviewed by the agency in Catania revealed 150 people had been aboard the dinghy when it set out from a beach east of Tripoli.

"Sixty-four migrants lost their life in the shipwreck (which) occurred last Saturday," Mr Di Giacomo said, adding "probably 56 missing migrants" perished at sea.

Mr Di Giacomo said the dinghy was packed and made of poor quality rubber.

Some eight hours into the Mediterranean crossing, "water started pouring in, panic ensued, the migrants all moved to one side, and the boat lost its balance and was deflating".

Some migrants managed to cling to the portion of the dinghy that was not submerged, but many others fell into the sea. He added that the Italian coast guard arrived quickly, about half an hour after the dinghy spotted by a European naval aircraft.

Catania mayor Enzo Bianco told Italian Radio Radicale that among the survivors was a child who lost her mother.

"I watched a three-year-old girl while she was starting to play at the port here. She was saved, grabbed at the last second by the coast guard in the sea," the mayor said.

"She was clinging to her mother and she saw her drown."

Mr Bianco said the child is now with her aunt, who was among the survivors.

All of the missing are adults, Mr Di Giacomo said, adding that three other children survived - boys aged two, nine and 10.

The migrants came from Mali, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Senegal and Nigeria, he said.

A doctor said some of the survivors needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation when they were brought aboard the rescue ship.

"We can proudly say that many among those we resuscitated are now alive," said Dr Maria Rita Agliozzo, who was aboard the coast guard rescue ship with a paramedic.

"Unfortunately, some of them did not make it."

She said the surviving children are in good condition.

"We still have to reconstruct their personal stories, because the children are shocked and didnt answer our questions.

"Its a step-by-step process, hopefully they will work through what happened."

Hundreds of thousands of migrants have been rescued at sea and taken to southern Italian ports in the last few years, including nearly 119,000 last year.

Another 3,100 drowned along the way in 2017, the IOM said.

Mr Di Giacomo said the Libyan coast guard in recent days rescued 250 other migrants from traffickers boats and recovered the bodies of two women, while survivors said another 10 migrants were missing.

Those putting themselves at the mercy of smugglers and the sea include refugees fleeing wars or persecution who hope to receive asylum, as well as economic migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, who are not eligible for permission to live in Europe.By Cillian Sherlock

Donald Trump will undergo a health check-up on Friday, according to reports.

The US President's medical examination comes after speculation, including in journalist Michael Wolff's recently released book 'Fire and Fury', that he is mentally unfit for the role as head of state, according to The Telegraph.

The White House said results of the examination will be released.

Mr Trump will have his heart, blood and urine tested.

It is reported he will also face questions on his sleeping habits and sex life.

He will be examined by the same doctor that gave Barack Obama his last several physicals.

The news follows a slew of tweets from the US president in which he declared himself to be "a very stable genius" and of "being, like, really smart".

The results of the examination may also shed light on Trump's Jerusalem speech in December.

His slurring speech, which can be seen at the 45-minute mark below, was met with criticism and the rise of the twitter hashtag #DentureDonald.

The White House said his "throat was dry".Update 5.50pm: Three people were injured after a fire broke out in Trump Tower's heating and air conditioning system, New York City fire chiefs have said.

The blaze started at around 7am (noon GMT), causing smoke to billow from the roof at the Manhattan building which contains President Donald Trump's home and business offices.

Two civilians and a firefighter were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, the New York fire department said.

It took about an hour to put out the fire.

The president was at the White House when fire engines clogged the streets around his Fifth Avenue building during the morning rush hour.

Update 2.21pm:Two people were injured after a fire broke out in the heating and air conditioning system at Trump Tower in New York City.

The city's Fire Department said the blaze broke out at around 7am (noon GMT) on Monday, causing smoke to billow from the roof of the building which contains US president Donald Trump's home and business offices.

Fire officials said a civilian was treated for serious injuries and a firefighter suffered minor injuries. It took about an hour to extinguish the blaze at the high-rise building on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The president's son Eric later tweeted his thanks to firefighters for doing "an incredible job".

Update 2pm: Two injured, one seriously, in Trump Tower fire

Two people have been injured, one seriously, in a fire at Trump Tower, New York.

Donald Trump's son Eric has said smoke emerging from the top floor of New York's Trump Tower was the result of a "small electrical fire in a cooling tower".

"he New York Fire Department was here within minutes and did an incredible job. The men and women of the #FDNY are true heroes and deserve our most sincere thanks and praise," he said.

There was a small electrical fire in a cooling tower on the roof of Trump Tower. The New York Fire Department was here within minutes and did an incredible job. The men and women of the #FDNY are true heroes and deserve our most sincere thanks and praise! https://t.co/xuTmq1GBbj  Eric Trump (@EricTrump) January 8, 2018

Earlier: Emergency services attend fire at Trump TowerThe New York Fire Department is attending the scene of a fire at Trump Tower in Manhattan.

A blaze was reported on the top floor of the building at 7am local time (noon GMT).

Aerial views showed firefighters on the roof, with smoke billowing from one corner of the high-rise.

Fire breaks out at New York City's #Trump Tower, firefighters seen on the roof: CBS News (Video: CBS News) pic.twitter.com/30fdqBmAnO  Global Times (@globaltimesnews) January 8, 2018

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The building houses luxury apartments and a number of businesses.

Smoke billowed from one corner of the high-rise for a while before most of it dissipated.

About 84 firefighters were at the scene initially. A few remained on the roof about an hour later.A couple who met on a lonely hearts website have been found guilty of plotting "devastating" carnage over Christmas with an Islamic State-inspired bomb or ricin attack.

Sudanese asylum seeker Munir Mohammed volunteered for a "lone wolf" UK mission as he chatted on Facebook with a man he believed was an IS commander.

He enlisted the help of pharmacist Rowaida El-Hassan, drawing on her knowledge of chemicals needed to make a bomb after seeking her out on SingleMuslim.com.

At the time of his arrest in December 2016, Mohammed had two of the three components for TATP explosives as well as manuals on how to make explosives, mobile phone detonators, and deadly ricin poison.

Mohammed, 36, of Leopold Street, Derby, and El-Hassan, 33, of Willesden Lane, north-west London, denied preparing terrorist acts between November 2015 and December 2016.

But following an Old Bailey trial, a jury found the pair guilty of the plot.

Judge Michael Topolski QC remanded the pair in custody and warned them they faced jail when they are sentenced on February 22.

Following the verdicts, he said: "Munir Mohammed, you have been convicted of planning a potentially devastating terrorist attack by creating an explosive device and deploying it somewhere in the UK targeting those you regarded as enemies of the Islamic State.

"Rowaida El-Hassan, you share the extremist mindset with Munir Mohammed and you were ideologically motivated to provide him with support, motivation and assistance.

"You knew he was engaging and planning an attack. You knew he was planning an explosion to kill and maim innocent people in the cause of Islamic State."

Mohammed was unanimously convicted and his co-accused by a majority of 10 to one jurors.

Mohammed arrived in Britain in the back of a lorry and claimed asylum in February 2014, the court heard.

After being left hanging for more than two years, he appealed to Derby MP Margaret Beckett for help with his immigration problems.

The long-serving Labour MP was informed by authorities that his case was "not straightforward" and had been referred to a "specialist unit for consideration".

Meanwhile, Mohammed was working at a Kerry Foods in Derby making sauces for supermarket ready meals and wooing a potential British bride he met online.

The prosecution claimed he was drawn to University College London graduate El-Hassan because she referred to having a Masters degree in pharmacy in her dating profile.

She wrote that she was "looking for a simple, very simple, honest and straightforward man who fears Allah" who she could "vibe with on a spiritual and intellectual level".

Jurors were told the pair had a "rapidly formed emotional attachment and a shared ideology" and by the spring of 2016 were in regular contact on WhatsApp and had met more than once in a London park near El-Hassan's home.

As well as arguments, jokes and everyday concerns, they also shared extremist views and videos.

Prosecutor Anne Whyte QC said Mohammed "resolved upon a lone wolf attack" and El-Hassan was well aware of his plan.

In August last year, Mohammed was put in touch via Facebook with a man he believed was an IS commander, known as Abubakr Kurdi.

He pledged allegiance to Kurdi and offered to participate in "a new job in the UK", said to mean an act of terrorism, jurors heard.

In September last year, Mohammed complained he had not received his instructions, saying in coded language: "If possible send how we make dough (explosives) for Syrian bread (a bomb) and other types of food."

Mother-of-two El-Hassan advised fellow divorcee Mohammed on what chemicals to buy for a bomb, jurors were told.

In November last year, Mohammed got hold of a video containing information on how to manufacture ricin, the court heard.

In the days before his arrest, Mohammed was captured on in-store CCTV buying "acetone free" nail polish from Asda, in the mistaken belief it was a chemical component of TATP.

He also looked at pressure cookers at Ace Discounts, which the prosecution said could be used to contain the explosives.

When police raided his home on December 12 last year, they found hydrogen peroxide in a wardrobe and hydrochloric acid in the freezer.

Mohammed denied the chemicals were for a bomb, claiming the hydrochloric acid was to clean the alloys on his car and the peroxide was to treat a burn.

He told jurors he sent El-Hassan extremist videos "mainly for the news" and claimed his intention was "to marry her".

However, the court also heard he had an arranged marriage in Sudan with a woman he had never met called Fatima who he was hoping to bring to England on a student visa.

El-Hassan, who came to Britain from Sudan at the age of three, told jurors she had sulphuric acid for her drains and got face masks to wear as she dealt with a damp problem in her flat.

Asked if she had feelings for Mohammed, she said: "It was mixed feelings at the time. Yes, there was emotional attachment.

"There were feelings developing and we were getting to know each other. I was grateful for things he helped me with. And he was grateful for things I helped him with. I liked the attention he was giving me."

Sue Hemming, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Munir Mohammed and Rowaida El-Hassan were clearly attracted to each other through their support for Daesh's violent ideology and its intolerance of those who do not subscribe to its views.

"They planned to kill and injure innocent people in the UK and had the mind-set, the methodology and almost all the material needed for Mohammed to carry out an attack.

"Both will be in prison, where they cannot plot together and will no longer be a danger to the public."Update 3.45pm: Theresa May has kept the biggest beasts in her Cabinet in post in a reshuffle forced by the resignation of Damian Green after he admitted lying over pornography on his office computer.

Former justice secretary David Lidington was appointed to Mr Green's old position of Minister for the Cabinet Office, but did not inherit the title of First Secretary of State which marked Mrs May's long-time friend and ally as her effective deputy.

It is understood that Mrs May does not intend to appoint a first secretary of state in what is expected to be her biggest reshuffle since taking office in 2016.

Downing Street confirmed Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Brexit Secretary David Davis are all keeping their current jobs.

But Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has resigned from the Cabinet on grounds of ill-health, just weeks ahead of major surgery for a lesion on his right lung.

Mr Lidington was also named Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, replacing Sir Patrick McLoughlin, who was sacked as Conservative chairman following criticism of his role in the party's poor performance in last year's snap election.

Brandon Lewis has been named the new party chairman, amid farcical scenes which saw the Tories' official Twitter account incorrectly announce that the job had gone to Chris Grayling.

Speculation remained rife at Westminster that several big names were on their way out of the Cabinet, with Education Secretary Justine Greening, Business Secretary Greg Clark and the Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom all reported to be vulnerable as the Prime Minister seeks to assert her authority.

Mrs May indicated the door would be open for a return to Government after Mr Brokenshire, a close ally since their days in the Home Office, has overcome his health difficulties, telling him in a letter that she was looking forward to "working alongside you again when you are back to full health".

Former immigration minister Mr Lewis, who also takes the title of minister without portfolio, said he was "honoured" to be appointed party chairman less than eight years after arriving in the House of Commons as MP for Great Yarmouth in 2010.

His promotion appeared to mark a concerted effort to revitalise Conservative campaign headquarters, with the appointment of a number of younger MPs from diverse ethnic backgrounds to senior roles in the party, including former soldier James Cleverly as deputy chair.

Junior minister Chris Skidmore was appointed vice chairman for policy, Maria Caulfield as vice chair for women, and 2017 intake MPs Kemi Badenoch and Ben Bradley as vice chairs for candidates and youth respectively.

But the shake-up was overshadowed by a blunder at HQ which saw the official @conservatives Twitter feed congratulate Transport Secretary Mr Grayling on becoming chairman.

The tweet was deleted within moments of being sent, but not before it had been shared by a number of Tory MPs and reported on TV.

A Tory source said CCHQ political director Iain Carter sent the message to a majority of the party's MPs via WhatsApp, before deleting it and saying it was sent in error.

And there was controversy over Ms Caulfield's new position, after she led opposition to a parliamentary bid to end the criminalisation of women who terminate their own pregnancies.

Labour's equalities spokeswoman Dawn Butler branded the appointment "appalling", while the British Pregnancy Advisory Service described it as "profoundly disappointing".

Meanwhile, Sajid Javid has had his responsibility for housing added to his existing Cabinet title in a sign of the issue's increasing political importance.

He is now Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Sir Patrick McLoughlin said he felt it was the right time to leave the Cabinet "as we discussed some months ago".

The outgoing Tory chairman has faced criticism over the way the general election campaign was run, but Mrs May said he had responded to the challenge with "vigour" and praised his "wisdom, hard work and dedication".

Earlier: Brandon Lewis named as new Tory chairman amid cabinet reshuffle

Brandon Lewis has been named the new chairman of the UK Conservative Party, amid farcical scenes which saw the Tories' official Twitter account incorrectly announce that the job had gone to Chris Grayling.

A tweet on the official @conservatives channel congratulating Mr Grayling on the appointment was deleted within moments of being sent, but not before it had been shared by a number of Tory MPs and reported on TV.

Brandon Lewis

Theresa May's first major reshuffle since taking office in 2016 was also marked by the

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But bigger names were also expected to leave the British cabinet, with Education Secretary Justine Greening, Business Secretary Greg Clark and the Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom all reported to be vulnerable as the Prime Minister seeks to assert her authority.

Mrs May's most senior colleagues, including Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Brexit Secretary David Davis and Home Secretary Amber Rudd were all understood to be remaining in post.

Confirming he was leaving Mrs May's top team after almost two years as party chairman, Patrick McLoughlin - who was blamed by many Tories for the party's poor showing in last year's snap election - told Sky News: "I've been in the Cabinet eight years. I have had a very good run and I enjoyed it immensely."

The appointment of Mr Lewis as Sir Patrick's replacement and minister without portfolio was initially overshadowed by the mistaken announcement that Mr Grayling was being moved from Transport Secretary to Conservative chairman.

A Tory source said that CCHQ political director Iain Carter sent the image appearing to confirm Mr Grayling's appointment as chairman to a majority of the party's MPs in a WhatsApp message, before deleting it and saying it was sent in error.

In a major shake-up of CCHQ, the Conservatives announced prominent backbencher James Cleverly as deputy chairman, junior minister Chris Skidmore as vice chairman for policy, Maria Caulfield as vice chair for women, and 2017 intake MPs Kemi Badenoch and Ben Bradley as vice chair for candidates and vice chair for youth respectively.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Sir Patrick said he felt it was the right time to leave the Cabinet "as we discussed some months ago".

The outgoing chairman has faced criticism over the way the general election campaign was run, but Mrs May said he had responded to the challenge with "vigour" and praised his "wisdom, hard work and dedication".

Justice Secretary David Lidington was seen entering 10 Downing Street, amid speculation he may be in the running for the post of First Secretary of State, left vacant by Damian Green's resignation last month.

Amber Rudd

In a break from tradition, Mrs May has asked not only new appointees but also Cabinet ministers remaining in post to see her at 10 Downing Street. The move has made it more difficult for observers to work out who may be in line for dismissal or a new job.

Ms Rudd, who is expected to stay on as Home Secretary, was also seen entering through the famous black door of Number 10.

Ms Rudd, who pulled up in a black BMW, briefly paused for pictures and greeted journalists before walking through the door.Donald Trump's former chief strategist has reaffirmed his support for the commander in chief and praised Mr Trump's eldest son as "both a patriot and a good man", as he faced a growing backlash.

Steve Bannon infuriated the US president with comments to author Michael Wolff describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York between Donald Trump Jr, Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic".

But Mr Bannon said today his description was aimed at former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who also attended the meeting, and not Mr Trump's son.

"I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency," Mr Bannon said in the statement, first obtained by the news site Axios.

He said his support for Mr Trump and his agenda was "unwavering".

Hours before the statement came out, administration officials used appearances on the Sunday news shows to rally behind Mr Trump and try to undermine Wolff's Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, which portrays the 45th president as a leader who does not understand the weight of his office and whose competence is questioned by aides.

Chief policy adviser Stephen Miller, in a combative appearance on CNN, described the book as "nothing but a pile of trash through and through".

He also criticised Mr Bannon, who is quoted at length by Wolff, saying it was "tragic and unfortunate" that Mr Bannon "would make these grotesque comments so out of touch with reality and obviously so vindictive".

CIA director Mike Pompeo said Mr Trump was "completely fit" to lead the country, pausing before answering because, he said on Fox News Sunday, it was such "a ludicrous question".

"These are from people who just have not accepted the fact that President Trump is the United States' president and I'm sorry for them in that," said Mr Pompeo, who gives Mr Trump his regular intelligence briefings.

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said that she was at the White House once a week, and "no one questions the stability of the president".

"I'm always amazed at the lengths people will go to, to lie for money and for power. This is like taking it to a whole new low," she told ABC's This Week.

Stephen Miller said "the portrayal of the president in the book is so contrary to reality, to the experience of those who work with him".

Mr Miller's interview on CNN's State of the Union quickly grew heated, with Mr Miller criticising CNN's coverage and moderator Jake Tapper pressing him to answer his questions and accusing him of speaking to only one viewer: Mr Trump.

Mr Tapper abruptly ended the interview, saying: "I think I've wasted enough of my viewers' time."

Soon after, Mr Trump tweeted: "Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!"

Mr Trump used Twitter on Saturday to defend his fitness for office, insisting he was "like, really smart" and, indeed, a "very stable genius".

He pressed the case again today as he prepared to depart Camp David for the White House.

"I've had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author," he tweeted.

Mr Wolff's book draws a derogatory portrait of Mr Trump as an undisciplined man-child who did not actually want to win the White House and who spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the telephone to old friends.

The book also quotes Mr Bannon and other prominent advisers as questioning the president's competence.

Mr Trump and some aides have attacked Mr Wolff's credibility, pointing to the fact that the book includes a number of factual errors and denying that the author had as much access as he claimed.

- APSome new faces are expected as part of Theresa Mays Cabinet reshuffle.

The British Prime Minister is also reportedly going to appoint a no deal Brexit minister, while Justine Greening could lose her role as education secretary.

Lucy Fisher - whos a political correspondent for The UK Times - says it would send a signal.

"She was really just brought in so Theresa May could lock in her loyalty after she went up against Theresa May for the party leadership," said Ms Fisher.

"I think Andrea Leadsom on the back benches could agitate, I think she can command the support of some of the more awkward squad so I think getting rid of her would be a sign of boldness."Officials from Donald Trumps administration and his allies are rallying to his defence in a bid to contain the fallout from an explosive new book that questions the presidents fitness for office.

Chief policy adviser Stephen Miller, in a combative appearance Sunday on CNN, described the book as "nothing but a pile of trash through and through".

CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Mr Trump was "completely fit" to lead the country.

"These are from people who just have not accepted the fact that Mr Trump is the United States president and Im sorry for them in that," Mr Pompeo, who gives Mr Trump his regular intelligence briefings, said on Fox News Sunday.

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said she visits the White House once a week, and "no one questions the stability of the president."

"Im always amazed at the lengths people will go to, to lie for money and for power. This is like taking it to a whole new low," she told ABCs "This Week."

Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House portrays the 45th president as a leader who does not understand the weight of his office and whose competence is questioned by aides.

That picture, said Mr Miller, "is so contrary to reality, to the experience of those who work with him."

"Donald Trump is a very dangerous man. He does not belong in the presidency. ... I'm not going to support any member of the House or Senate who continues to support this President." - Richard Painter, former White House lawyer for George W. Bush https://t.co/DuL2qfbkCH pic.twitter.com/V5FLPOLcDD  CNN (@CNN) January 8, 2018

Mr Miller also criticised MrTrumps former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, who is quoted at length by Wolff, saying it was "tragic and unfortunate" that Mr Bannon "would make these grotesque comments so out of touch with reality and obviously so vindictive".

Mr Bannons description of a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York between Donald Trump Jr, Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic" particularly infuriated the president, who released a seething statement accusing Mr Bannon of having "lost his mind."

Trying to heal the damage and make amends, Mr Bannon released a statement Sunday praising Trump Jr as "both a patriot and a good man" and insisting his description was aimed at former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, not the presidents son.

"I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr has diverted attention from the presidents historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency," Mr Bannon said in the statement, which was first obtained by the news site Axios.

Mr Millers interview on CNNs State of the Union quickly grew heated, with Mr Miller criticising CNNs coverage and moderator Jake Tapper accusing Mr Miller of speaking to an audience of one: his boss.

Mr Tapper abruptly ended the interview, saying: "I think Ive wasted enough of my viewers time."

Soon after, Mr Trump tweeted:

The president took the extraordinary step on Saturday of using Twitter to defend his fitness for office, insisting he is "like, really smart" and, indeed, a "very stable genius."

He pressed the case again on Sunday as he prepared to depart Camp David, where he spent the weekend meeting with Republican congressional leaders, top aides and Cabinet members.

On Sunday, two days after the books release, WikiLeaks tweeted a link to an electronic image of the text.

Posting the text of a book without permission would violate copyright restrictions and potentially damage sales. Yet, hours after WikiLeaks tweeted the link, "Fire and Fury" remained Number One on Amazons lists of hardcover and ebook bestsellers.

AP and Digital deskStaff at Covers discarded their fleeces and flocked to don their favourite festive jumper in December to raise funds for charity.

The team were encouraged to give a minimum of 2 each which raised 350 for Sussex-based childrens hospice, Chestnut Tree House.

Chestnut Tree House cares for 300 children and young adults with progressive life-shortening conditions. It currently costs over 3.5 million each year to provide care services, both at the hospice and in families own homes.

Henry Green, Managing Director of Covers, said: We love having an opportunity to raise money for a good cause so it was great to see so many of our branches across the South East participating in Christmas Jumper Day.

Christmas is all about children, so being able to raise money for Chestnut Tree House makes me incredibly proud of the team.What to see, do, eat and stay in the imperial city of St. Petersburg, Russia

The allure of Russia lies in its ambition. Of architectural splendour in the face of harsh arctic winters; of imperial rulers forging empires; of a resilient people flourishing despite the length, breadth and vastness of her lands. It's an intoxicating mix of ambition with the exotic thrill of the unknown (dialed up by the sheer distance and remoteness of Mother Russia from our part of the world), and all laced with the rich and intriguing history of tsars and wars (veiled with conspiracy and treachery).

And nowhere does this ambition find a grander home than in Russia's ex-capital, St. Petersburg.

Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703  as ambitious an emperor as they ever did come  who had a penchant for the baroque European style of architecture, St. Petersburg is the undisputed cultural capital of Russia; boasting the greatest concentration of museums, theatres and libraries than any other city in the country. And, cancel out the Russian accents while sipping a coffee by one of its many canals, you might even mistake your surroundings for Amsterdam.

Having just visited St. Petersburg days before Christmas (a very white Christmas, as you'll see in my photos below), here is my 24-hour tour of the imperial city  complete with local suggestions picked up along the way  on what attractions to see (and which to miss), what to eat (in addition to borscht), and the best place to stay (if you're going to trek all the way out there, you might as well do it right).

Be warned: This schedule is chocker block. Car hire recommended.

9.00am: The Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood  with its towering colourful turrets along the Griboedov Canal  was commissioned by Tsar Alexander III in 1883 (and completed in 1907) as a memorial to his father, Tsar Alexander II, who was killed by a bomb from an anarchist detonated on that very location on 13 March, 1881. As the story goes, Alexander II was travelling in his carriage when the first bomb hit but was not injured. He left the safety of his carriage to help others affected by the first blast, but was then hit by another bomb. Bleeding severely, he was rushed off to the Winter Palace where he later died in the arms of his son, Alexander III.

A fine work of medieval Russian architecture, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood  which shares a similar style to Moscow's famous St Basil's Cathedral in the Red Square  now functions as a museum with an awe-inspiring interior decorated with 7,500 mosaic pieces.

Local recommendation: A red-hot tourist favourite, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is perennially packed. Instead of visiting the church between the standard operating hours of 10.30am and 6pm, pay extra to visit either before or after those regular hours to avoid the masses.

10.00am: If you're after a fully-functioning place of worship, then head on over to St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral in the western part of St. Petersburg. With two services daily, this baroque Orthodox church was completed in 1762 and is closely associated with the Russian Navy  naval officers would pray here before heading out to sea  as it's dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of seamen. The St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral actually consists of two churches: St. Nicholas on the lower level and the Epiphany Church on the upper level (which was consecrated in the presence of Empress Catherine the Great).

Local recommendation: No photos are allowed within the Cathedral, but for a great exterior shot  to capture that gorgeous baby-blue facade topped with five golden gilded domes  take a picture looking back at the church from the four-storey bell tower located at the rear of the premises.

11.00am: Okay, let's give the churches a break and head on over to the Faberge Museum, housed within the 200-year-old Shuvalov Palace by the Fontanka River. The king of jewellers, and the jeweller for kings, Peter Carl Faberge worked for the last two Russian tsars  setting himself apart from other designers with designs inspired by Europe instead of just Russian history and culture  and famously created eggs for the royal family every Easter. Faberge created a total of 50 imperial eggs from 1885 to 1916 (except for 1904 and 1905 during the Japanese War) and nine of those eggs are on display in the museum.

My favourite? The first imperial 'Hen egg' commissioned by Tsar Alexander III as a surprise for his wife Maria Feodorovna during Easter in 1885. Influenced by Danish minimalist design, it consists of an unembellished outer shell that reveals a circular yolk of matte gold, which opens to reveal a gold hen with ruby eyes, which then opens to reveal a diamond and gold crown with a ruby pendant (which is now missing).

Local recommendation: Everyone visits to see the nine imperial Easter eggs  and rightly so  but make sure you check out Faberge's enamel pieces too. He was renowned for creating more than 144 different colours of enamel and there is a beautiful collection of snuff boxes and trinkets in the museum showcasing his mastery of this craft.

1.00pm: Feeling hungry? Time for lunch at Restaurant Sklad No 5 just off St. Petersburg's main artery, Nevsky Prospect. We're talking the best borscht soup in town (as recommended by locals) and warm wholesome pies (try the fish or chicken) served in a quaint and cosy restaurant located under the must-visit Eliseevsky Store with its wonderful array of local delicacies, sweets and pastries.

Local recommendation: Have a progressive lunch. Entree and main course in Restaurant Sklad No 5 below, and then coffee and sweets in the Eliseevsky Store above. The Store is also the perfect place to buy some treats for your friends and family back home. It's a two-in-one. Win.

2.30pm: No visit to St. Petersburg is complete without a visit to the imposing St. Isaac's Cathedral. At a height of 101.5 metres and capacity for 14,000 people, the late neoclassical basilica is the fourth largest cupola cathedral in the world  after St. Peter's in Rome, St. Paul's in London, and the Duomo in Florence. The current St. Isaac's Cathedral was ordered by Tsar Alexander I and is the fourth iteration of the church built on the premises  the first three were either destroyed by fire or replaced by subsequent designs. The church is dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia (the patron saint of Peter the Great) and took 40 years to complete (from 1818 to 1858). Needless to say, you must venture inside. Architect Montferrand used 14 different types of marble for the interior decoration and the ceiling artwork is simply breathtaking.

Did you know? 60 people died from painting the main dome in amalgama  a toxic composite of gold and mercury. This process of gilding is now banned. However, the dome has retained its golden brilliance despite never been regilded since 1858.

Local recommendation: The cathedral weighs 30,000 tonnes and is surrounded by 62 columns, each of which is crafted from 114 tonnes of red granite. Look closely at some of these columns and you'll see bullet marks  remnants and scars from the Second World War.

4.00pm: With such a rich and storied history, Russia has more than its fair share of drama and intrigue. Enter: Yusupov Palace  the site for the murder of Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin on 17 December 1916. There is a lot of mystery surrounding Rasputin, but what is known is that he came to St. Petersburg in 1904 and developed a reputation for helping people with their health issues (though he wasn't a qualified medical doctor). He had the ear of Empress Alexandra (wife of Tsar Nicholas II) after healing her son (and only heir to the empire) Prince Alexei from haemophilia and, as such, wielded considerable influence over Russian politics. Eventually, a group of noblemen led by Prince Felix Yusupov orchestrated the murder of Rasputin  he was shot by Felix Yusupov after poison was found to be ineffective. Visit the basement of Yusupov Palace for an exhibition of the plot to kill Rasputin (complete with wax figures of key players).

Did you know? It was rumoured that the Yusupov family was as wealthy as the Tsars. In addition to the murder of Rasputin, visit Yusupov Palace for its ornate rooms (boasting original silk brocade walls from the 18th century), secret passages, and even a palatial theatre.

Local recommendation: Ask the staff to let you into the Tsar's box in the palatial theatre (located on the first level) so you can view the stage from the perspective of a royal.

6pm: Time for an early dinner at L'Europe Restaurant. Located inside Belmond Grand Hotel Europe  the first five-star hotel in Russia and where you should also be staying when visiting St. Petersburg  L'Europe boasts stunning art nouveau interiors and original stain-glass windows from 1905 showing 'Apollo in his chariot' created using sketches by Leon Benois. It is Russia's oldest restaurant, and everyone who is anyone that's visited St. Petersburg, has dined here. Think: Queen Elizabeth II of England, US Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, composer Igor Stravinsky, and movie stars Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas, just to name a few. Fun fact: Elton John even game an impromptu performance on the restaurant's stage in 1979 after his own concert in the city.

Local recommendation: Try the Beef Stroganoff  the restaurant has the original recipe from the Stroganoff family. Fancy some caviar instead? Head on over the neighbouring Caviar Bar & Restaurant which has a 'master of caviar' on site to help you differentiate, taste, and mix the 15 different types of caviar on offer.

7.30pm: We've had an early dinner so we can catch the ballet or opera at Mariinksy Theatre. Opened in 1860, it was named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna (wife of Tsar Alexander II), and has staged the premieres of many operas by Mikhail Glinka, Modest Mussorgsky, and Peter Tchaikovsky. The Italian-style U-shaped auditorium has a seating capacity for 1,625 patrons.

Local recommendation: You simply have to catch Peter Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake or Nutcracker. Russian ballet at its finest.

10.00pm: After the ballet, we're heading back to the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe for cocktails at the Lobby Bar before retiring for the night. Open 24 hours, this is the perfect place to unwind with a martini in hand while listening to live jazz vocals accompanied by piano every evening; all set in beautifully restored turn-of-the-century interiors.

Local recommendation: When booking your stay in the hotel, ask for the Dostoevsky suite (named after the Russian novelist who penned Crime and Punishment) on the historic first floor. This corner suite is the general manager's favourite and it overlooks the fine art square (bordered by three museums) with a statue of the famous Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin.

9.00am: Rise and shine. We're skipping breakfast at the hotel for traditional donuts at Pyshechnaya. Why settle for yet another serving of bacon and eggs when you can tuck into freshly made donuts from a recipe dating back to 1958? Wash down these delicious donuts  topped off with generous lashings of icing sugar  with a cup of no-nonsense coffee or tea (just like the locals) and you're good to go.

Local recommendation: Visit in the morning to avoid long queues and remember to bring a packet of tissues. The restaurant only has "tissues" in the form of handcut brown paper (placed on tables). It may be a nostalgic nod to the rationing realities of Soviet Russia, but it's not an effective way to wipe off the grease from your fingers.

10.00am: We've saved the best for last. The State Hermitage Museum is actually a collection of five buildings  Winter Palace, Large Hermitage, Small Hermitage, New Hermitage, and Hermitage Theatre  and is the place to view all the best art collections (both royal and noble) in St. Petersburg. Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great when she acquired the paintings of Berlin merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky, the Hermitage Museum now houses over three million pieces of art (only a small percentage is on public display) and boasts the largest collection of paintings in the world, including my personal favourite, Rembrandts' Return of the Prodigal Son. Fun fact: The Hermitage has the second largest collection of Rembrandts in the world (after Amsterdam) because the Bolsheviks sold 18 Rembrandts after the revolution. In any case, with such a large and impressive collection of priceless works on display, make sure you allocate a few hours to really explore the museum.

Did you know? The word 'hermitage' means a place for a hermit or recluse because it was originally only accessible by a privileged few. The State Hermitage is home to 16,000 paintings, 600,000 drawings and prints, 12,000 sculptures, and more than 250,000 works of applied art, 700,000 archaelogical exhibits, and 1,000,000 coins and medals.

Local recommendation: Access to the State Hermitage Museum is free on the first Thursday of every month. Also, make sure you check out Leonardo Da Vinci's Madonna and Child with Flowers (The Benois Madonna)  painted in 1478, it is first work by Da Vinci independent from his master Verrocchio.

HOW TO GET TO ST. PETERBURG

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Awarded Airline of the Year 2017, Best Business Class 2017, and Best Business Lounge 2017 by Skytrax, let me tell you from first-hand experience, you're in very good hands when you book a flight with Qatar Airways.Dear Reader,

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Digital EditorRuias-controlled Essar Ports on Monday said it has completed its Rs 28 billion planned investment in its Vizag and Salaya terminals.

The company will now look at further investments to take its capacity further to 150 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in the next two years time. Essar Ports Limited said that its investment of over Rs 28 billion in its Salaya and Vizag terminal projects has the potential to increase the companys revenues by 30% in financial year 2018-19 on the back of third-party cargo growth, the company said in its press statement. With the ...One of the most famous addresses in Bengaluru has just got a new tenant. Call it a coincidence or a calculated move by two companies backed by the same investor, Softbank -- Flipkart's 50,000 sq ft space, the base of the e-commerce giant's operations for over a decade has been taken over by Paytm Mall.

Now, the latter, led by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, will set up a base of operations for its own marketplace. This Bengaluru address was one of the first headquarters that Flipkart, the e-commerce company co-founded by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, had moved to after closing its ...Bengaluru, the second-largest market for ride-hailing services in India, will likely be the first city to see a new local taxi fare structure designed while keeping in mind new-age services like Uber and Ola. The Karnataka transport department, which has led the charge in coming up with new rules to regulate ride-hailing services in the country, has submitted a proposal to the state government to fix fares based on the value of vehicles rather than their type.

Besides, the department has suggested a fare range for each price slab rather than a fixed fare that has been in place so far. The ...Workers and employees of Gujarat NRE Coke are in the process of filing an application with the Supreme Court (SC) to consider their resolution plan, which could not be taken up by the committee of creditors due to paucity of time. Gujarat NRE Coke Chief Commercial Officer Pawan Kumar Agrawal said that employees and workers submitted the resolution plan towards the end of the process because they were hopeful of a resolution.

Agrawal is one of the 1,100 workers and employees who are involved with the resolution plan. The resolution plan was submitted by workers on December 30 ...Congress President arrived in Bahrain on Monday as part of his outreach to the Indian diaspora.

Congress tweeted: "Euphoric reception for Congress President on his arrival at Kingdom of Bahrain."

It also said this was Gandhi's first foreign visit since his elevation as party chief in December.

"Fans and well wishers throng the Bahrain Airport to greet Congress President Rahul Gandhi," the party tweeted.

Gandhi's visit is part of his interactions with Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). Gulf countries have the biggest Indian diaspora of more than 35 lakh.

Gandhi will be chief guest at the three-day valedictory function organised by 'Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin' (GOPIO) starting on Monday.

Delegates from 50 countries are participating in the event.

Apart from meeting Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa., Gandhi is also likely to meet King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Gandhi will also have an interactive session with business leaders of Indian Origin.

Gandhi's outreach is being seen as a move to popularise Congress among the large Indian diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engages with the diaspora during his visits abroad.Five employees of a bar-cum-restaurant were charred to death when a major fire broke out at Kumbaara Sangha building in Kalasipalya in Bengaluru during Monday morning, police said.

The incident occurred at 2:30 am at Kailash Bar and Restaurant when the employees were asleep.

Police identified the victims as Swami (23), Prasad (20), Mahesh, all residents of Tumakuru, Manjunath (45) from Hassan and Keerthi (24) from Mandya.

"An incident of fire has occurred at Kailash Bar and Restaurant located in the ground floor of Kumbaara Sangha building (in the vegetable market area). Fire and smoke was noticed by some persons at around 2.30 am and fire services were pressed into action. Two fire tenders and one fire rescue vehicle attended to it and it has been doused," a senior police officer said.

The cause of the fire was unknown and was being investigated, he said.Saudi Arabia has given its nod to India's plan to revive the option of ferrying Haj pilgrims via sea route to Jeddah, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in a statement today.

Naqvi made the comment after the signing of annual Haj agreement between India and Saudi Arabia in Mecca.

"Saudi Arabia has given its nod to revive the option of sending pilgrims by sea route...Officials from both the countries willdiscuss all the necessary formalities and technicalities so that Haj pilgrimage through sea route can be started in the coming years," Naqvi said according to the statement.

Naqvi said that sending pilgrims through ships would help cut down travel expenses significantly and added that it would be a "revolutionary, pro-poor, pilgrim-friendly decision".

The practice of ferrying Haj pilgrims between Mumbai and Jeddah by waterways existed earlier too, but was stopped from 1995.

Naqvi also said that for the first time Muslim women from India will go to Haj without 'Mehram' (male companion).

"Separate accommodation and transport have been arranged for these woman Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and woman Haj assistants will be deployed for their assistance," he added.

More than 1,300 women have applied to go for Haj without 'Mehram'. All these women will be exempted from lottery system and allowed to proceed to Haj, he added.

Women above 45 years of age, who wish to go for Haj but who don't have a male companion, are allowed to travel for Haj in groups of four or more women according to the new Haj policy of India.The commerce and industry ministry is awaiting a concrete proposal from iPhone maker to set up manufacturing unit in India, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Monday.

"We are waiting for a good proposal from ..Please give us a concrete proposal. If the proposal comes, we will examine it. We are always open for that," Prabhu told reporters here.

During a recent meeting with officials, the minister has asked them for a proposal.

Nick Amman, Director, Government Affairs and Priya Balasubramaniam, Global Vice President, Operations, Apple Inc met the minister last Friday.

The Cupertino-based iPad manufacturer Apple has asked for certain concessions for setting up manufacturing unit in the country.

The government had sought investment and job creation details from the iPhone maker to facilitate setting up its manufacturing facility in India.

In March, the then Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has not accepted most of the demands of the company.

Apple India had sought concessions, including duty exemption on manufacturing and repair units, components, capital equipment and consumables for smartphone manufacturing and service/repair for a period of 15 years.

The company also wants relaxation in the mandated 30 per cent local sourcing of components, besides reduction in customs duties on completely-knocked-down and semi-knocked- down units of devices that are to be assembled in the country.

Apple does not manufacture devices on its own but gets the job done through contract manufacturers. It sells its products through company-owned retail stores in countries like China, Germany, the US, the UK and France, among others.

It has no wholly-owned store in India and sells its products through distributors such as Redington and Ingram Micro.The State Bank of India plans to raise up to $2 billion (over Rs 126 billion) by issuing bonds in US dollar or other convertible currency over two fiscals to fund overseas expansion.

"The executive committee of the Central Board.. has approved long term fund-raising in single/multiple tranches up to $2 billion," State Bank of India (SBI) said in a regulatory filing.

It said the fund-raising will take place through a public offer and/or private placement of senior unsecured notes in US Dollar or any other convertible currency during 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Last month, the bank's board had approved raising Rs 80 billion through various sources, including masala bonds, to meet Basel III capital norms.

Masala bonds are rupee denominated specialised debt instruments that can be floated in overseas markets only to raise capital.

The bank said it has time until March 2018 to raise the funds.



Shares of SBI were trading 0.44 per cent higher at Rs 307.55 on BSE

Banks in India have to comply with the global capital norms under Basel III by March 2019. Internationally agreed time frame for the same is January 2019.

Basel III reforms are the response of Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) to improve banking sector's ability to absorb shocks arising from financial and economic stress, whatever the source, thus reducing the risk of spillover from the financial sector to the real economy.



Shri Ananthkumar inaugurates 18th All India Whips Conference at Udaipur, Rajasthan





Whips Conference is like twin Rainbows  Rainbow of various Political Parties and Rainbow of various States: Shri Ananthkumar

Debates held in Legislatures should be cordial and graceful, aimed at making a difference to the lives of the people: Smt. Vasundhara Raje Scindia

The 18th All India Whips Conference was inaugurated by Shri Ananthkumar, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Chemical & Fertilizers today at Udaipur, Rajasthan. Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Smt. Vasundhara Raje Scindia, presided over the inaugural session as the Chief Guest. The two-day conference is hosting around 90 Delegates belonging to 19 States and Centre. The conference will conclude on 9th January, 2018.

In his inaugural address, Shri Ananthkumar informed that the duty of a Whip is not only to monitor the Members of the party in Legislature but also to moderate and motivate them. He compared the Whips Conference to twin Rainbows  Rainbow of various Political Parties and Rainbow of various States and stated that Parliamentary Democracy is the best form of democracy. The entire purpose of this conference is to strengthen the parliamentary democracy, its institutions and ultimately serve the people at large, the Minister added.

Smt. Vasundhara Raje Scindia welcomed all the delegates to State of Rajasthan and to city of Lakes, Udaipur and expressed her happiness that her State is hosting the prestigious Conference. She impressed that the debates held in Legislatures should be cordial and graceful, aimed at making a difference to the lives of the people of the country.

On this occasion a coffee table book New India  We Resolve to make showcasing exhibitions held at 39 destinations across the country on Indias freedom movement from 1857 to 1947 showing the various activities initiated to attain the freedom from British Rule and the five-year period from 2017 to 2022 to provide a unique opportunity of Sankalp se Sidhi towards a New India was released by Smt. Vasundhara Raje.

During the day, two Sessions will be held, first to deliberate on the Action Taken Report on recommendations of the last two conferences, received from the States/UTs and second, an interactive session on Efficient Functioning of Legislatures. On the last day, the delegates will deliberate on rolling out of e-Vidhan in State Legislatures to digitize and make their functioning paperless.

Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri Vijay Goel, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Shri Rakesh Singh, BJP Chief Whip in Lok Sabha. Ministers of Government of Rajasthan included Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Home Minister and Shri Rajendra Singh Rathore, Parliamentary Affairs Minister.

The conference provides a platform to Whips of various political parties  ruling as well as opposition at the Centre as well as the States to exchange their views and experiences and discuss the challenges facing them in discharge of their Parliamentary duties and evolve norms for efficient working of parliamentary machinery.Signing of bilateral annual Haj 2018 agreement between India and Saudi Arabia





UnionMinister for Minority Affairs ShriMukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said that Saudi Arabia has given the green signal for Indias decision to revive the option of sending Haj pilgrims through sea route also and officials from both the countries will discuss on all the necessary formalities and technicalities so that Haj pilgrimage through sea route can be started in the coming years.

A decision in this regard was taken yesterday,during the signing of bilateral annual Haj 2018 agreement between India and Saudi Arabia by Shri Naqvi and Haj and Umrah Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Dr Mohammad Saleh bin TaherBenten at Makkah.

Shri Naqvi said that sending pilgrims through ships will help cut down travel expenses significantly. It will be a revolutionary, pro-poor, pilgrim-friendly decision", ShriNaqvi added. The practice of ferrying Haj pilgrims between Mumbai and Jeddah by waterways was stopped from 1995.

The Minister said that another advantage with ships available these days is they are modern and well-equipped to ferry 4,000 to 5,000 persons at a time. They can cover the 2,300-odd nautical miles one-side distance between Mumbai and Jeddah within just 3-4 days. Earlier, the old ships used to take 12 to 15 days to cover this distance.

Shri Naqvi said that last yearhe had discussed the option to revive sea route for Haj pilgrimage with Transport and Shipping Minister ShriNitinGadkari. Now, after the green signal from the Saudi Arabia Government, officials from India and Saudi Arabia will discuss all the issues related to Haj pilgrimage through sea route. He said that this time Haj 2018 has been made 100 per cent digital/online. Indias transparent and digital Haj process has been lauded by Saudi Arabia Government.

Shri Naqvi said that for the first time Muslim women from India will go to Haj without Mehram" (male companion). Separate accommodation and transport has been arranged for these women Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and women Haj Assistant" will be deployed for their assistance.

He pointed out that more than 1300 women have applied to go for Haj without male Mehram" and all of these women will be exempted from lottery system and allowed to proceed to Haj. Women above 45 years of age, who wish to go for Haj but who dont have a male companion, are allowed to travel for Haj in groups of 4 or more women according to the new Haj policy of India.

He pointed out that his meeting with Saudi Arabias Haj &Umrah Minister His Excellency Dr Mohammad SalehBenten was very fruitful, as a constructive discussion was held on whole gamut of issues related to the Indian Haj pilgrims and Haj pilgrimage.

On behalf of the people and Government of India, ShriNaqvi, extended gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Excellency Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al Saud, for his keen personal interest and initiative in organising a successful Haj 2017. We are confident that under the dynamic and visionary leadership of His Excellency Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al Saud, the excellent relationship between India and Saudi Arabia will be further strengthened and reach new heights", he said

ShriNaqvi said that India and Saudi Arabia share the ideals of global peace, progress and prosperity. We are tied together with strong civilizational, cultural, economic and political links. The regular visits by the leaders and senior-level officials of the two nations have further strengthened the relationship between the two nations", the Minister stated. The visit of the Prime Minister,ShriNarendraModi, to Saudi Arabia during April 2016has added new dimensions to our vibrant relationship", he added.

Shri Naqvi said that Haj pilgrimage is one of the strongest pillars of India-Saudi Arabia ties.

The Minister emphasised that about 3 lakh 59 thousand application have been received for Haj 2018. For the first time, we have given option to Haj pilgrims to opt for another embarkation point. This will ensure that there is no financial burden on Haj pilgrims even after removal of Haj subsidy. This decision has received overwhelming response:,ShriNaqvi said.Air strikes by regime and Russian aircraft on rebel positions in the northwestern province of Idlib killed at least 21 civilians, including eight children, a monitor said on Sunday.

The strikes carried out on Sunday were the latest against jihadists and rebels in a week-old regime offensive on Idlib, the last province in to escape government control.

The raid left "at least 21 dead, including eight children and 11 members of the same family" west of the town of Sinjar in the southeast of the province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Regime and Russian strikes are continuing today on several parts of Idlib" province, Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based monitoring organisation, said.Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court judge Shiv Pal Singh on Monday proposed that all the 16 convicts in the fodder scam case, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, will stay in an open jail where they could rear cattle.

According to reports, while pronouncing the sentences via video conference, Singh said "gau palan (cattle rearing) is a good option for the convicts as they have 'good knowledge of fodder and cattle medicine".

This recommendation came up by Singh after one of the convicts requested him to reduce the quantum of sentence by six months so that he could obtain bail and stay with his family.

On January 6, a special CBI court sentenced Lalu to 3.5 years in jail in regards to the case. He was also slapped with a fine of Rs 5 lakh.

Lalu has been sentenced in the case relating to embezzling of more than Rs 8.9 million from the Deoghar Treasury between 1991 and 1994.

The court also said if he fails to furnish the fine, his jail term would extend by six months.US President Donald Trump on Sunday postponed his much-talked about ' Awards' to the mainstream media for "dishonesty and bad reporting" to January 17.

The awards ceremony was supposed to be held on Monday.

Trump upon his return from the presidential retreat of Camp David on Sunday tweeted about the new date of one-of-its-kinds-kind" awards to various media houses.

"The Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday," he tweeted.

"The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!" he said.

Trump had, on January 2, announced that he would give away awards to media houses for "dishonesty and bad reporting".

"I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 o'clock. This would be one of its kind media award by the US president. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Media. Stay tuned!" he had tweeted.

Trump had coined the term 'Fake News' during his presidential campaign, targeting media houses for "biased" news.

He very often identifies CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post as "fake media".

In November, he tweeted about a competition among news networks for the 'Fake News Trophy', excluding the Fox News.

"We should have a contest as to which of the Networks, plus CNN and not including Fox, is the most dishonest, corrupt and/or distorted in its political coverage of your favorite President (me). They are all bad. Winner to receive the FAKE NEWS TROPHY!," he wrote on the micro-blogging site on November 27.

In an email to supporters of the president on December 28, the Trump campaign had sought nomination for the 'King of Fake News' trophy.

"At President Trump's request, we are holding a contest to name the 2017 KING of Fake News. And we want to hear from you," it said.

"The FAKE NEWS has utterly abandoned their duty to fairly report the news to the American people. Some journalists and liberal pundits think that Americans are too stupid to see through their amateur efforts to manipulate public opinion, but THEY'RE WRONG," it wrote the supporters.

Noting that Americans were "sick and tired of being lied to, insulted, and treated with outright condescension", the Trump Campaign said, "That's why President Trump is crowning the 2017 KING OF FAKE NEWS before the end of the year. There's no point in pretending that some journalists are anything more than peddlers of falsehoods and liberal propaganda".

As per the Trump Campaign list, the competition for 'King of Fame news' is between three news organisations.

"ABC News "MISTAKENLY" reported that candidate Trump directed Michael Flynn to make contact with Russian officials before the election," it said.

"CNN "MISTAKENLY" reported that candidate Donald Trump and his son Donald J. Trump, Jr. had access to hacked documents from WikiLeaks, it wrote.

"TIME "MISTAKENLY" reported that President Trump removed a bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. from the Oval Office," the Trump Campaign said, asking the participants to "let the President know if there is another story you think should be crowned as the 2017 KING of Fake News".As Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is all set to hoist the flag at a school in Kerala on Republic Day despite facing censure from authorities from doing the same last year on Independence Day, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday cornered the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) in Kerala for attempting to communalise the whole affair.

"The state government is making this issue only to create an issue between the minority and the majority," BJP leader Shiv Shankaran told ANI, adding that Bhagwat was due to be in Palakkad for an RSS state meet on January 26, which led him to make the decision.

The BJP leader also accused the government of diverting the media's attention from more important issues.

"There are lots of corruption cases against this government and they want to divert the media attention towards non-issues," he said.

Recalling last year's spat between the RSS chief and government authorities, Shankaran said the government could not take any legal action against the school or Bhagwat as there was no violation of law.

"Government has been claiming that they had sent a notice to that school, but even today no such notice has been received. This means that there is no legal sanction or legal sanctity for this particular action," Shankaran said.

Further, he also accused CPI(M) of supporting anti- activities, alleging that hoisting of Pakistan's flag and training by terror organisations were continuing in Kerala unabatedly.

Bhagwat hoisted the flag in Karnakkiyamman School in Kerala's Palakkad last year on August 15, even after the district collector issued a memo to the school, categorically stating that it was inappropriate for a political leader to hoist the national flag in an aided school.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Hollywood actor Brad Pitt has offered to pay USD 120,000 to watch an episode of the 'Game of Thrones' with its leading lady Emilia Clarke.

Pitt, who seems to be a huge fan of the TV series, was, sadly, outbid at the charity auction.

The final bid at the silent auction at Sean Penn's annual gala for Haiti was USD 160,000.

It was held at Milk Studios in Los Angeles, California, reports pagesix.com.

During the charity gala, the auctioneer announced the opportunity to watch an episode with Clarke, who was in attendance with her 'Game of Thrones' co-star Kit Harington.

The auction started at USD 20,000, but the 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' star bid USD 80,000 and then he outbid himself to USD 90,000.

Later, he raised his own bid to USD 1,20,000.

In the end, the "Fight Club " actor was outbid by a gala-goer who ended the auction at USD 1,60,000.

However, HBO recently confirmed that the hit series would be taking a year off before airing it's final season in 2019.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)China is grappling with a severe winter flu epidemic, so much so, that hospitals flooded with patient waiting for treatment.

Patients has are reportedly tense and worried over the delay in receiving treatment.

The National Health and Family Planning Commission of China has reported that the number of winter flu cases is higher than in previous years.

The number of death cases is incalculable as observed by the state-run media the Global Times

Due to inadequate medical facilities in small cities and villages, patients from small cities and villages outnumber city patients.

Zhang Miao, 34-year-old from a Chinese village camping at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital's corridor for three days was quoted by the Global Times as saying that, the medical facilities in her village are inadequate and thus spending around 18,000 Yuan (USD 2,771) for her treatment was worth it.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)China's state-run media has blamed India for U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to deny Pakistan financial aid till it continues to supports terror outfits operating from its soil.

According to an editorial in the Global Times, the apparent view in Beijing is that India's recent foreign policy initiatives are for self-benefit, and can only lead to confrontation and to pulling each other down.

The Global Times editorial, urges New Delhi to change its views and strategic thinking for the greater good of the neighbourhood.

Recently, President Trump lampooned Pakistan for continuing harbour terrorists and announced plans to suspend security-related assistance via Twitter.

Given this geopolitical scenario, Beijing thinks that Islamabad should change focus more on China and Russia. Pakistan's central bank recently announced that it will be replacing the US dollar with the Yuan for bilateral trade and investment with China. This announcement was made a day after Trump's tweet, suggesting a shift to China.

The Global Times editorial says China should provide qualitative and effective economic assistance and cooperation to Pakistan.

Growing China-Pakistan cooperation however should not be seen as competition for geopolitical advantage with the United States. The development of Pakistan's economy should be seen in a positive way to ensure stability in South Asia and overall regional development, the editorial concludes.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday said that acquittal of Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini in the AgustaWestland case, would have no impact on the case.

The CBI, in a statement, said: "Both (Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini) have been convicted by the lower court in Italy. The Italian authorities can appeal against the acquittal before the Supreme Court of Italy. Our investigation is independent and we have a strong case against both of them. This acquittal will, however, have no impact on our case".

An Italian court on Monday acquitted two former Leonardo (earlier Finmeccanica) executives in the AgustaWestland case, wherein bribes were paid to secure the contract of supplying 12 VVIP choppers to India.

Giuseppe Orsi, former president of Leonardo, and the former head of the subsidiary AgustaWestland, Bruno Spagnolini, were acquitted for want of evidence.

The Italian media reported that The Court of Appeal of Milan acquitted the two ex-Leonardo managers since there was no evidence to support the corruption charges.

Orsi and Spagnolini were accused of bribing Indian officials and make false billings, in order to obtain the 556-million euro contract (Rs 3,700 crore) for around 12 helicopters in India.

According to the allegations, Orsi and Spagnolini, who both succeeded in securing the position of managing director of AgustaWestland had bribed Sashi Tyagi, the then chief of staff of the Indian Air Force, to obtain the lowering of the flight quota, by making changes, as indicated in a tender notice.

With the changes made, as suggested by the two, the AgustaWestland would have taken the honours. The Indian government and the Revenue Agency were civil parties at that time in the process.

n April last year, the two Leonardo managers had been convicted of both the crimes: Orsi for four and a half years and Spagnolini for four years.

Italy's highest court, however, had ordered a new appeal process in December last year. The attorney general had recently asked for confirmation of convictions, regarding the dispute of false invoices. The judges, on the other hand, agreed with the defendants who had asked for an acquittal.

The motivations for the sentence would be announced within 90 days.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), earlier on September 1 last year, had filed a charge sheet against retired Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi, former Air Marshal JS Gujral and ten others in the case.

The chargesheet, filed before a special court, also named as accused Air Chief Marshal Tyagi's cousin Sanjeev Tyagi, lawyer Gautam Khaitan, Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke, alleged middleman Christian Michel, former AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini and former Finmeccanica chairman Giuseppe Orsi.

The investigation conducted and various documents collected so far revealed that AgustaWestland International Ltd, UK paid an amount of Euro 58 million as kickbacks through Gordian Services Sarl, Tunisia and IDS Sarl, Tunisia.

These companies further siphoned off the said money in the name of consultancy contracts to the Interstellar Technologies Ltd, Mauritius and others, which were further transferred to UHY Saxena, Dubai, Matrix Holdings Ltd, Dubai and others.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress President Rahul Gandhi had a "euphoric reception" on his arrival at the Kingdom of Bahrain on Monday.

The Congress soon took to Twitter and said that this was the party president's first foreign visit after his takeover.

The members of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) received the Congress scion at the airport with open arms and smiles.

Fans and well-wishers thronged the airport, breaching the security, to greet and take selfies on their mobile phones with the newly elected Congress chief.

Gandhi will be addressing the Non-resident Indians (NRI) conclave in Bahrain.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Sawant (62) was accosted by two men late on Sunday night who then attacked him with sharp weapons.

The incident took place when he was returning home after meeting a friend.

He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Sawant was a two-time corporator of Shiv Sena from Samta Nagar.

Investigation in the case is on.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Terminal 4 of New York's John F Kennedy International Airport have been shut down after flooding due to a water main break at the baggage claim area.

The flooding led to the suspension of international flight arrivals at the airport on Sunday and the passengers at Terminal 4 have been diverted to other terminals, said the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The water leaked from the ceiling onto a check-in counter covering large areas of the floor, local media reported.

Local media quoted a spokesperson of the Port Authority as saying that "about 3 inches of water was inside the west end of Terminal 4".

The suspension of flights further added to the misery of people stranded at the airport, after a powerful winter storm last week led to the cancellation and delay of hundreds of flights.

Massive delays, walls of people in terminals, complaints of hours-long waits to get to a gate after landing, then hours more to get checked baggage were some of the cries of the stranded passengers, who took to the social media, to vent out their anger.

Many were reported to be waiting for hours at the baggage claim after getting off the plane on Saturday.

Two airplanes -- a China Southern and a Kuwait Airways -- collided on Saturday at the Airport runway. However, passengers had safely disembarked.

Two Air India's Delhi to New York flights had been delayed indefinitely on Sunday, as permission to fly into the airport was not available due to inclement weather.

The airport website says that Terminal 4 is the major gateway for international arrivals at JFK airport.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The beef traders' protest against the alleged harassment by the cow vigilante groups entered its third day on Monday.

Manna Bepari, the president of the Qureshi Meat Traders Association of Goa, while talking to ANI, said that the import of beef from the neighbouring states of Goa is getting hampered and so, they are suffering a huge loss but will call off the strike only when the state government will provide them complete assurance of safety.

"We used to bring meat legally from the neighbouring states and if the state government would support us then we will continue doing that. We demanded police protection from the government for selling beef in the state. Even after bringing it legally, the NGO's were accusing us falsely", Bepari said.

He said, "Goa is a tourist destination and if anyone thinks that they could completely ban the sale and the consumption of beef in the state, then they are wrong, it won't happen here".

Majority of beef is imported from Karnataka by the meat traders in Goa.

Consumption of red meat in Goa is high, as it is one of the tourist spots in India and lakhs of foreigner visit here every day.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)It seems Hugh Jackman just couldn't hide his disappointment when James Franco won Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for his role in 'The Disaster Artist'.

Franco took the honour over Jackman ('The Greatest Showman'), Ansel Elgort ('Baby Driver'), Daniel Kaluuya ('Get Out'), Steve Carell ('Battle of the Sexes').

During the acceptance speech, 'The Wolverine' star's 'bewildered' reaction was caught on camera, after which viewers rushed to Twitter to point out the actor's disappointment.

Hugh Jackman definitely had a reaction to watching James Franco accept the award he was also nominated for at the #GoldenGlobes: https://t.co/FIqG3l2TFJpic.twitter.com/ddsaqHgKop  E! News (@enews) January 8, 2018

One person tweeted: "truly feeling REFRESHED by this look from hugh jackman @ james franco"

truly feeling REFRESHED by this look from hugh jackman @ james franco pic.twitter.com/r2KYyyq4pu  Aubrey Page (@aubreypage_) January 8, 2018

As he accepted the award, Franco brought up the stage, the man he plays in 'The Disaster Artist', 'The Room's writer/director/actor Tommy Wiseau.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Hollywood star Allison Janney has now become a 'Golden Globe' winning artist as the actress took home the trophy for 'Best Supporting Actor (Female) in a Motion Picture for her performance in dark-comedy 'I, Tonya'.

Janney thanked co-star Margot Robbie, who she called a "quadruple threat," and the real-life Tonya Harding in her acceptance speech, who she noted was in the audience.

She said, "Tonya Harding is here tonight. I'd like to thank Tonya for sharing her story."

Gushing over Margot Robbie, Janney thanked the former for her "unbelievable, brave, fearless portrayal of Tonya."

The actress beat out Mary J. Blige in 'Mudbound', Hong Chau in 'Downsizing', Laurie Metcalf in 'Lady Bird' and Octavia Spencer in 'The Shape of Water'.

Meanwhile, Sam Rockwell won the award for 'Best Supporting Actor (Male)' for his his portrayal as Jason Dixon in 'Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri'.

This was the first Golden Globe win for the actor. He thanked his "amazing cast" and also director Martin McDonagh for "not being a d***."

Rockwell, who has done a lot of work in independent films, also joked that "it was nice to be in a movie that people see."

In the flick, Rockwell plays Officer Dixon, a hotheaded racist cop from a fictional Midwestern town who goes up against a mom (played by Frances McDormand) seeking justice for her murdered daughter.

The actor also thanked his co-star, Frances McDormand for making him a "better actor" and added, "Frances McDormand. I've said it before, you're a bad ass, you're a force of nature. And it was really fun to be your partner and thanks for making me a better actor."

The star won out over Willem Dafoe ('The Florida Project'), Armie Hammer ('Call Me by Your Name'), Richard Jenkins ('The Shape of Water') and Christopher Plummer ('All the Money in the World').

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Hollywood veteran Gary Oldman, in a career spanning over 30 years, has finally earned a well-deserved 'Golden Globes' trophy for the movie 'Darkest Hour'.

The actor won the award for 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama' at the 2018 Golden Globes for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the film.

During his speech, the actor said, "Well, I feel very humbled and surprised to have been asked to come at this stage. I would like to congratulate my fellow nominees for their beautiful work. I am in very fine company this evening indeed."

After thanking the cast and crew on the 'Darkest Hour', Oldman thanked his wife, Gisele Schmidt "who put up with my crazy for over a year."

But when asked about the Time's Up movement that dominated the evening backstage, Oldman said, "When the curtain came down on Harvey [Weinstein], I was flabbergasted. Fortunately he was never in my orbit. I met him in '92 and he gave me the creeps. And I said, 'Let's never work with that guy.' And I never did. The evolutionary wheel is turning. What we do, what we say, how we say it and who we say it to, is very important. If that is exposed, then it is a good thing."

The 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' also discussed the challenge of playing a real-life figure.

He added, "I am proud of the movie because it shows and illustrates the power of words and action. That words and actions can literally change the world."

The actor beat out Timothee Chalamet ('Call Me by Your Name'), Daniel Day-Lewis ('Phantom Thread'), Tom Hanks ('The Post') and Denzel Washington ('Roman J. Israel, Esq.').

Meanwhile, Frances McDormand received the award for 'Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama' at the star-studded event. From the moment she walked on stage, the star warned the fans that this was going to be a speech to remember.

She started by saying, "Well I have a few things to say. I'm going to keep it short because we've been here a long time and we need some tequila. All you ladies in this category, bar, tequila's on me."

The actress then joked that while she's thankful for the HFPA, she is 'unsure' about who they truly are.

"I'm still not quite sure who they are when I run into them, for the last 35 years, but I love seeing their faces and, let's face it, they managed to elect a female president," explained McDormand.

McDormand also took the opportunity to mention the Times Up movement and said she felt really proud to be a part of this "tectonic shift" in the industry.

"Some of you may know, I keep my politics private, but it was really great to be in this room tonight and to be part of a tectonic shift in our industry's power structure. Trust me, the women in this room tonight are not here for the food. We are here for the work," explained McDormand.

The actress beat out Jessica Chastain ('Molly's Game'), Sally Hawkins ('The Shape of Water'), Meryl Streep ('The Post') and Michelle Williams ('All the Money in the World').

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Hours after the Supreme Court decided to review the constitutional validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which criminalises homosexuality, the LGBTQ activists on Monday expressed faith in the apex court to finally overturn its 2013 verdict that criminalised homosexuality.

Welcoming the top court's decision, LGBTQ activist Akkai said, "The recent judgments on right to privacy and triple talaq gives us hope."

Akkai also called upon all political leaders to support the rights of the community.

"We are living in 21st century. All politicians and political parties must break their silence and support individuals' sexuality," Akkai said.

A three-judge bench, which was hearing a plea, filed by one Navtej Singh Johar, seeking to declare section 377 as unconstitutional, on Monday said the validity of anti-gay law needed to be revisited.

Women activist Abha Singh also views the court's decision as a step towards overruling of its earlier order that quashed Delhi High Court's decision to decriminalise homosexuality.

"Now that the Supreme Court has recognised the right to privacy as a fundamental right, it now becomes the court's duty to extend the same rights to the LGBTQ community" Singh said.

In August last year, while pronouncing privacy judgment, the Supreme Court ruled that the right to privacy was a fundament right and linked it with homosexuality.

Another activist Shashi Bhushan spoke in the same vein, and commended the Supreme Court for the "progressive step."

Meanwhile, social activist Rahul Easwar sided with the SC's 2013 decision, but nevertheless called its social acceptance before legal acceptance.

"It is still not proven if homosexuality is a scientific aspect or a cultural aspect. In the nature versus nurture debate, people like me who lean to the right conservative side hold that it is more of a nurture thing which can be corrected," Easwar told ANI.

Citing above reason, Easwar observed that differing opinions should be respected and further discussions and debates should happen before drafting a law.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)There was an increase in the presence of Islamic State (IS) in Pakistan in 2017, an Islamabad-based think-tank report said.

Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) has said in its Pakistan Security Report 2017 that over 150 people were killed in around six terrorist attacks claimed by the IS in the last year, Geo news reported.

According to the report, some new challenges such as emergence of self-radicalised individuals and small terrorist cells have raised their heads in the country.

Also, incidence of religious extremism including on educational campuses, and increasing footprints of the IS in parts of the country have also become a problem for Pakistan.

The report, which has been compiled after taking data from multiple sources, coupled with interviews and articles by subject experts, revealed that Daesh and its local affiliates and supporters claimed six major terrorist attacks in Pakistan, killing 153 people.

Among the major attacks claimed by the IS was deadliest suicide bombing that took place inside the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan, in which at least 90 people were killed and more than 300 injured.

In Balochistan, the Daesh carried out a suicide attack on the convoy of Senate Deputy Chairman Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri in Mastung, besides abducting Chinese nationals from Quetta and killing them later, the report said.

At first, the Pakistan government was in denial mode regarding the presence of the IS in the country, but lately authorities have confessed that the group does have a tangible presence in Pakistan and is an imminent threat.

Aftab Sultan, the director general of the Intelligence Bureau, had earlier in a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, reportedly said the "Islamic State group was emerging as a threat in the country because several militant groups had a soft corner for it".

The report further noted that at least 815 people were killed and more than 1,500 were injured in a total of 370 terrorist attacks in 64 districts of Pakistan in 2017 by militant, nationalist/insurgent and violent sectarian groups.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A group of Indian-Americans and Balochs held a protest by the name 'Chappal Chor Pakistan' outside the Pakistan embassy here, over the misbehaviour meted out to former Indian Naval Officer Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and wife.

The protestors also donated used shoes to the embassy saying that 'protest is in solidarity with Jadhav's family.'

An agitated protestor said, "When they stole the chappal of a woman (Jadhav's wife) who was in distress, I hope they can use these also."

Another protestor said that Pakistan's narrow-mindedness has been exposed from the way it treated Jadhav's family.

"Policy makers and people here need to understand that Pakistan as a whole is also being run by narrow-minded mentality," he added.

A meeting took place between Jadhav and his family on December 25 in Islamabad, on the request of the Indian government.

Jadhav's wife was asked to remove her shoes and use another pair as she went in the Foreign Office to meet her husband.

Pakistan claimed that her shoes were confiscated on security grounds as there was "something" in it.

Jadhav is on a death row in Pakistan over charges of terrorism and spying for India's intelligence agency- Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Ranchi special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court judge Shiv Pal Singh, who pronounced the verdict in a fodder scam case against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad, is himself waiting for justice in a land case.

Singh, who hails from Uttar Pradesh's Jalaun district, is nowadays meeting various officials there to get his ancestral land in Sheikhpur Khurd village freed.

The judge is said to have made frantic efforts in order to resolve the issue.

To this end, Jheloun Tehsildar Jitendra Pal said Singh had come to him and after hearing his grievances, a team was sent to review the land.

He further said that, following the first meeting, he never met the judge.

Surendra Pal Singh, brother of the judge, said that former Pradhan constructed a crossroad on Shiv Pal's land without any authority.

Shiv Pal Singh had awarded Lalu Prasad Yadav a jail term of three-and-a-half years in the fodder scam case, along with a fine of Rs 5 lakh.

The special CBI judge had also, during the hearing on Tuesday, observed he got phone calls from Lalu Yadav's men, in connection with his conviction.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George on Monday announced Rs 5 lakh compensation each for the kin of the workers, who died last night in a fire at Bengaluru's Kailash Bar Restaurant.

Five employees were killed in the fire while they were sleeping inside the eatery in the Kumbaara Sangha building, in the wee hours of Sunday.

RV Dayashankar, the owner of Kailash Bar Restaurant has been absconding after a call from the police.

The reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained and the matter is being investigated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to authorities in Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh in connection with relief, release certificates and rehabilitation of 98 bonded labourers rescued from Samba and Reasi districts of J-K.

The NHRC has taken cognisance of a complaint that 98 bonded labourers, rescued from two brick kiln sites in the two districts on December 28-29, have neither been given any immediate interim relief nor release certificates as per law, and they have been left to fend for themselves.

The labourers belong to Bilaspur, Janjgir, Champa, Jaijaipur, Raigarh of Chhattisgarh and includes 20 women and 41 children. The victims were allegedly subjected to lathi charge by the Delhi Police and some of the victims including pregnant women have sustained injuries.

The commission has asked its Director General (Investigation) to inquire into the matter and submit a report within two weeks.

The investigation division has also been ordered to immediately contact the office of the chief secretary, resident commissioners of Chhattisgarh and J-K in order to see the welfare and wellbeing of the victims till they reach their native places in Chhattisgarh.

A report to be also obtained from the Delhi Commissioner of Police on use of force by police on the victims.

The commission also issued a notice to the district magistrates (DMs) of Samba and Reasi calling upon them to submit a report in accordance with the provisions of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, together with the copies of the release certificates and explanations on the allegations made in the complaint within a period of three days of receipt of the notice.

The DMs of Bilaspur, Janjgir, Champa, Jaijaipur, Raigarh shall also coordinate with the DMs of Samba and Reasi in order to ensure expeditious rehabilitation of the released bonded labourers. They are expected to submit their report to the commission within four weeks.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Shri Rajput Karni Sena is now demanding for the names of the characters in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial directorial 'Padmavati' to be changed, days after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) suggested changing its title to 'Padmavat', after Malik Muhammad Jayasi's epic poem of the same name on which it is based.

Talking to ANI, Karni Sena member Mahipal Singh Makrana said, "We have a very clear stand since day one that we want this film to be banned. The committee made by the CBFC watched the movie and said the movie was vulgar and the facts were distorted. The film is made just to earn money. Along with the name of the movie, the characters names should also be changed."

Makrana appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take cognisance in the matter.

"Till now, we have always protested against the movie keeping law and order in mind and without violating it. I appeal to Prime Minister Modi to take cognisance in the matter, otherwise the Central Government and the state government will be responsible for the dire consequences," he added.

The CBFC had, in December 2017, suggested few modifications in the controversial movie, after which it would be given a UA certificate.

Following this, Karni Sena demanded the resignation of CBFC Chief Prasoon Joshi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.

'Padmavati', starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles, based on the legend of Rani Padmini, a Hindu Rajput queen mentioned in Padmavat, has been facing protests from various groups for allegedly tampering with historical facts.Humans, have since the beginning of time, have always come together and communicated their interests, some of them being similar in nature. Whether it is writing, photography, music, poetry, art, comedy or any other interest, today, in the digital world, the inherent need to connect with people of similar interest is still not fulfilled.

Nojoto, a mobile-based interest-based network plans to be the "Linkedin for Talents", is serving all three purpose for talents to "showcase interest, network with people and get hired."

A theater artist himself, Satyaprem, Co-Founder and CEO left his high paying job last year and spent about six months travelling and talking to over 5,000+ artists, musicians, writers, poets, and found that talents across world are facing these three problems:

 No platform to showcase interest

 No platform to network with people of similar interest

 No single platform to get hired

After six months of concept validation and developing MVP, they were five co-founders with Kamal Singh Chauhan, heading Technology, Amit Kumar - Heading Mobile, Mukesh Poonia Heading Design, Front end and Production and Himanshu heading Growth. All have raised initial capital from friends, family and senior leadership at PayU.

Nojoto, today is growing at 200 percent month over month, with a highly engaged community of over 15,000+ talents across Tier 1,2, 3 cities&25,000+ content pieces shared till now, is aiming to reach five million users by 2018 and 100 million Indian users by 2021.

Indian talent community too feels the need for such a platform and over 40+ events were held across India in the last four months, created by the community and for the community, where people came and showcased their talent in poetry, comedy, music, art and more. Nojoto plans to establish local level talent platforms across all major Tier 1 and 2 cities of India in 2018 connected on Nojoto at the national level.

They have organically created large distribution platforms on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube with a reach of over one lakh+ people, and also tying up with large distribution platforms for growth. Nojoto has partnered with Mhrao Udaipur, a TV channel in Udaipur, which also broadcasts their content in the form of two episodes every week and are in advance content syndication talks with cable operators to increase distribution across India - which in-turn will help Nojoto grow at a faster pace.

The team claims that all this has been achieved with zero marketing dollars being spent. Initial organic growth helped them fine tune product and growth levers. With nine+ months in building the business, and product, growth and model being fully baked is ready to scale across India.

Moreover, based on user demand and insight, Nojoto also has created tools so that people can broadcast their interest better such as "Quotes", "Frames"& "Voice" - that lets people broadcast their words as text, photos and audio - and add background image or Music (keyboard, piano, flute etc).These tools not only make the life of artists simple, but also helps to spread virally by and through word of mouth or Facebook when people share content created by these tools on their respective social media platforms.

Nojoto today generates revenue through events and workshops, and talent hiring. They plan to launch a talent hiring solution in March 2018, once they touch two lakh users and generate 100, 000 USD of revenue in 2018.

Commenting on talent hiring market, Kamal informed that "Nojoto plans to escalate freelancing and gigs, which he insists will gradually replace jobs, making India a talent economy over the next couple of years."

"Thirty-five percent of freelancers in the United States today contribute about a trillion dollars to the economy &India today has 15 million freelancers, and 1.5 million freelancers gets added every year, out of which 50 percent hiring is for talents" added Kamal.

With the model fully set to scale, backed by strong founding team, the team informed that they are in advance talks with institutional investors and seasoned entrepreneurs to raise capital and scale to first India and then at the global level.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Pakistani Urdu newspaper has issued its annual 2018 calendar with United Nations-designated terrorist and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed on it.

The revelation was made by a Pakistan-based journalist, Omar R Quraishi, who mentioned it on his Twitter handle.

In a tweet, Quraishi mentioned, "Pakistani Urdu newspaper 'Khabrain' issues its annual 2018 calendar with JUD chief Hafiz Saeed on it."

Saeed was recently released from house arrest after a Pakistani court cited lack of evidence against him in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case.

The JuD chief is also looking to contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan and has, thereby, formed a party by the name of Milli Muslim League (MML).

Earlier this week, Saeed invited all Islamic states to launch 'Jihad' against the United States and Israel.

The event was conducted in the wake of US President Donald Trump-led administration unilaterally identifying and declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Meanwhile, Pakistan recently prohibited Saeed's Jamaat-Ud-Dawah (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) from collecting donations.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) ordered to prohibit all companies from donating cash to JuD and FIF, as well as several other such organisations named in a list of banned outfits by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

India has, time and again, protested against Pakistan for harbouring Saeed, who is wanted for allegedly plotting the Mumbai attacks.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain has reportedly pardoned five Military-Rangers personnel, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment over their involvement in killing of a youth inside a public park in Karachi in June 2011.

"President of #Pakistan pardoned all 5 officers & soldiers of Military-Rangers involved in June-2011 cold blooded yet unprovoked murder of Sarfaraz of Pakistan-occupied-#Kashmir," said Senge H Sering, Washington DC-based activist on twitter.

Sarfraz Shah was shot dead by the Rangers personnel and left to die inside the park.

The fatal shooting sparked widespread public outrage after the footage of the killing, filmed by a cameraman from a private TV channel who was at the park to cover an event, was later aired by all news channels.

According to The Express Tribune, an anti-terrorism court on August 12, 2011, had sentenced Rangers constable Shahid Zafar to death and life imprisonment to five others, including Sub-Inspector Bahaur Rehman, Lance Naik Liaquat Ali and constables Muhammad Tariq, Manthar Ali and Afzal Khan.

The park's watchman, Afsar Khan, was also jailed for life in the case, The Express Tribune reported.

However, the Pakistan Supreme Court had, in 2014, commuted the death penalty awarded to Shahid Zafar into life imprisonment and retained the punishment of others.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan on Monday released 147 Indian fishermen.

The fishermen, who were arrested for allegedly fishing in country's territorial waters, were freed from a Karach jail on Thursday.

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) had earlier on December arrested 28 Indian fishermen for allegedly fishing illegally in the country's territorial waters in the Arabian Sea.

Around 168 Indian fishermen have been held by the Pakistan Maritime Security personnel in the last five weeks.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Switzerland between January 22-23 for the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit that is scheduled to be held on January 23 in Davos-Klosters.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will deliver a keynote speech at the plenary session of the WEF summit.

He will also have a bilateral meeting with Alain Berset, the President of the Swiss Confederation on January 22. The session will be moderated by Professor Klaus Schwab, the Founder and Executive Chairman of WEF.

The theme for this year's WEF summit is - "Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World".

Also, this is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the summit, since former Prime Minister H. Deve Gowda's visit in 1997.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday said it has attached Rs 4.72 billion worth of properties, including one in Australia, belonging to the group of PGF Ltd and PACL Ltd, which is accused of duping scores of investors.

The group, according to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), had collected Rs 491 billion over a period of 15 years from investors through a collective investment scheme in the garb of sale and development of agriculture land.

In this regard, a case was registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for acts of criminal conspiracy and cheating.

Based on this, an investigation was initiated by the ED for committing the offence under Section 3 of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Further investigation is underway.The chief minister of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pervez Khattak, was reportedly seen sharing the stage with banned terror outfit Jamaat-ud-Dawa's (JuD) leader and terrorist Hafiz Abdur Rehman Makki, during a public meeting of the Difa-i-Pakistan Council (DPC), in Peshawar on Sunday.

The participation of Khattak, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, in the conference stirred a controversy in the political circles.

Makki is the brother-in-law of United Nations-designated terrorist and 26/11 Mumbai terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

Saeed addressed the council's 'Tahaffuz Baitul Muqaddas Conference' via telephone after he was stopped by the Punjab Government from attending the conference, the Dawn reported.

Makki was present on the stage in the absence of Saeed.

"Imran Khan was a strong critic of the DPC, but his party's chief minister shared the stage with leaders of extremist groups," Dawn quoted Awami National Party's information secretary Zahid Khan, as saying.

However, the PTI has not joined the DPC, which is a coalition of more than 40 Pakistani political and religious parties.

Maulana Samiul Haq's Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-S), which recently formed an electoral alliance with the PTI, is a member of the DPC.

Addressing the conference, Maulana Samiul Haq, who is also chairman of the DPC, said, "America should not consider Pakistan a piece of cake. Its forces had suffered defeat in Afghanistan and Pakistan will be the worst graveyard for Americans,"

He said US President Donald Trump had declared "war against Pakistan" by issuing threatening statements.

Trump recently castigated Pakistan for providing safe havens to terrorists, following which America announced to cut off military aid to Pakistan, for not taking "necessary steps" to curb terrorism.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Delhi court on Monday granted bail to Rishabh Aggarwal, who was arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) redevelopment contract case.

The Special CBI Court has also asked Aggarwal to submit a Rs 1-lakh personal bond.

The court has posted the hearing on bail plea of Sanjay Kulkarni, managing director of Capacite Structures, for tomorrow.

The court had, on January 5, reserved its order on the bail applications of Kulkarni and Aggarwal, after hearing arguments from defence advocates and the CBI, who opposed the applications saying the accused might hamper the 'initial stage' of the investigation, citing a possibility that both might flee from justice.

According to reports, the investigating agency had booked Mittal, Kulkarni, Aggarwal, and two others -- public servants Pradeep Mishra and Akashdeep Chouhan -- who allegedly delivered the bribe, in the case on December 22.

It alleged in the FIR that the contract to redevelop the prime land at Pragati Maidan was given to Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt Ltd and Shapoorji Pallonji Qatar WLL for about Rs 2,149.93 crore by NBCC.

Mumbai-based Capacite Structures was trying to get that work from Shapoorji Pallonji on sub-contract.

Kulkarni had approached Aggarwal, the suspected middleman of having good contacts with public servants, for getting the sub-contract in favour of the company.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Monday said there had been a major reduction in the Chinese troops at the Doklam plateau region between India and China, after a truce was called last year.

The 73-day Doklam stand-off came to an end on August 28 after the two sides agreed to withdraw their respective troops from the plateau and the Chinese troops stopped building a key road close to India's corridor. The road was being built by China in an area also claimed by Bhutan.

Commenting on reported intrusion of Chinese in Arunachal Pradesh, General Rawat said that the matter "has been sorted out".

"There has been a very major reduction (of troops) from the Chinese side," he told the media.

"It has been sorted out and we have had our border personnel meeting after that," he said, when asked about the Arunachal Pradesh intrusion.

Earlier in the day while addressing a seminar on the Army technology, Rawat said that the Army "would like to" move away from imports in defence technology and "fight the next war" with homemade solutions.

"We would like to gradually move away from imports (in defence technology), because for a nation like ours, the time has come to ensure that we fight the next war with homemade solutions," he said.

He also called for modernisation of the armed forces, adding the time has come to look take cues from the 'Arthashastra' and 'Chanakya Niti'.

"There is a huge requirement of modernisation of our armed forces, in every field. The future wars will be fought in difficult terrains and circumstances and we have to be prepared for them," the army chief said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Rashtriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N), which is an amalgamation of six Madhesh based parties, has shown willingness to join the new government in the country if their demands are fulfilled.

Anil Kumar Jha, member of the RJP-N (Ratriya Janata Party- Nepal) President Council said the party will join the new government if the demands they have raised are met.

"That will depend upon the structure of the government and which party will lead the government and who will be the Prime Minister because none of the parties have fulfilled the majority (provision). But, yes we can support the government if the Prime Minister and the party, which will lead the government, fulfills our demand of constitution amendment and work upon the Madhesi agendas," Jha said in an interview with ANI.

With a simple majority of 50 percent in the general election, alliance of leftist parties, Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Center are poised to take the lead to form the new government.

"We have the people's mandate to raise these voices and agendas which remains to be fulfilled in the next parliamentary sessions. If that is not fulfilled by the parliament then we must need to go the streets again," Jha said.

The RJP-N won 11 seats in parliament which were contested under First Past the Post election system.

The CPN-UML has won highest seat of 48 in the parliament in the general election held in two phases in November and December, 2017.

The amendment bill which was previously dissolved in parliament, the RJP-N is now expecting to get it endorsed in the new parliament.

"Any of the party which is in Nepali parliament we can support but all depends upon the issue of constitution amendment and the fulfillment of the demands and necessity of our people, the people of madhesh," Jha added.

After the commencement of the general elections Nepal will be holding the election of National Assembly in February which will ultimately pave the way for the formation of the new government.

As of now, Chairman of the CPN-UML KP Oli is expected to be the next prime minister who will remain in the post for two and a half year after which Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal will retain the post as per the power sharing deal made between duo in September.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The governor of Tabuk province of Saudi Arabia Prince Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud had reportedly arrived in the Dalbandin area of Balochistan's Chaghi district in Pakistan for hunting an endangered bird specie.

The Tabuk governor, who is also a part of the ruling Al Saud royal family, reportedly arrived on Sunday in his special flight at the Dalbandin airport. He was received by the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Admiral Nawaf Ahmad Al-Maliki, tribal elder Haji Ali Muhammad Notezai, Chagai district Council's Chairman Dawood Khan Notezai, Deputy Commissioner Shihak Baloch and other senior officials, amid tight security arrangements.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan and Adviser to the Balochistan chief minister on forest and wildlife Obaidullah Babit were also scheduled to receive the Saudi prince, but did not come to the airport, reported the Pakistan Today.

However, according to local reports, the Saudi prince met Dastagir Khan and other senior officials at a hotel, where he was lodged.

The Saudi prince later went to explore the area allotted by the federal government to him for hunting the houbara bustard. He was earlier issued a hunting licence by the Pakistani foreign ministry for that allotted area.

A Pakistani-based journalist, Amar Guriro, had earlier reported that on January 4, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak, who is the Minister of Tolerance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was found hunting in a desert in Sindh's Ghotki district, along with Pakistan's People Party (PPP) leader and district chairman Ghotki Haji Khan Mahar.

He tweeted: "With the onset of winter, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance #UAE set a hunting camp in the desert of #Ghotki district #Sindh. On Jan 4 #PPP leader & District Chairman Ghotki Haji Khan Mahar seen hunting endangered #Houbarabustard with Sheikh at the hunting camp."

Another Pakistan-based journalist named Andleeb Abbas lambasted Dastagir Khan's meeting with the Saudi prince, during his visit to Balochistan for hunting the endangered bird.

She wrote on her Twitter handle: "When lawmakers are lawbreakers and dollarslaves...Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir goes to receive Prince Fahad in Quetta to welcome him for Houbara Bustard hunting..An internationally and provincially banned hunting..#StopHoubaraHunting"

The houbara bustard, an internationally protected migratory bird, is mostly found in arid habitats spread across northern Africa, Central Asia and South-East Asia, with a population on the Canary Islands. They are dull brown with black markings on the wings with a greyish neck and a black ruff, along the side of the neck. Males and females appear very similar to each other, but males are much larger and heavier.

Owing to the dwindling global population of houbara bustard, it is not only protected under the international conservation conventions, but its hunting is also banned under the national local wildlife protection laws. Locals are not allowed to hunt it.

However, the federal government issues special permits every year to the ruling elite families of the Gulf countries.

In 2014, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) had barred the hunting of houbara bustard on two separate petitions. However, the federal and Balochistan governments had filed a petition in the apex court against the decision of the BHC.

The top court, after hearing the plea in 2015, had dismissed the petition of the federal and Balochistan governments and had upheld the verdict of the BHC for banning the hunting of the endangered bird.

According to sources, the Saudi prince visits the area every year for hunting the houbara bustards.

Earlier, a hunting party of eight, including Arab nationals, was arrested, when they were found illegally hunting the endangered bird in Balochistan on Saturday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Stand-up comedian Bob Newhart has expressed concern that Seth Meyers might get into controversy for taking up sexual harassment issue at the Golden Globes.

Meyers, who will be hosting the 75th Golden Globes Awards, has shared with a leading daily that instead of just cracking jokes on stage, he would be utilising the time by discussing issues like sexual misconduct and harassment that have not got as much air time in past years.

"He has to deal with the issue," said the 88-year-old, adding, "It's the 200-pound gorilla in the room."

Newhart indirectly compared Harvey Weinstein with a gorilla.

Weinstein, a film producer, has been charged with sexual assault cases.

The veteran actor, Newhart, who won his Globe in 1962, said that these days "they've gotten more legitimate."

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the group that puts on the annual TV and movie awards show, in a statement, had said, "The Association is excited to have Seth Meyers host the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards. With his natural comedic wit and innate ability to charm audiences, Seth will help us carry on the celebratory tradition of recognizing the best in television and film at the Party of the Year."

Last year the show was hosted by Jimmy Fallon.

Other previous hosts include Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey/Amy Poehler.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a major blow to South Africa, pacer Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the remainder of the three-match Test series against India due to a heel injury.

The 34-year-old sustained significant damage to his left heel, during the second day of the ongoing opening Test between the two sides.

The incident took place during Steyn's 18th over in India's first innings when he unfortunately landed awkwardly in the foot-holes, leading to tissue damage on the under-side of the foot.

He was later taken for scans, after which South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee confirmed he would not bowl again in the ongoing match.

Steyn, currently in a moon boot, saw a foot and ankle specialist on Sunday and said that he would now be reassessed in four to six weeks' time, ESPNcricinfo reported.

Though the South African selectors are yet to name Steyn's replacement, Duanne Olivier and Lungi Ngidi are among the frontrunners.

It should be noted that the ongoing series was Steyn's first Test since November 2016 after recovering from a career-threatening shoulder injury against Australia.

Steyn has taken two wickets so far in the first Test, which takes him to 419 Test wickets overall.

He now needs just three more wickets to surpass Shaun Pollock as the country's leading wicket-taker in the format.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar on Monday said the Union 2018-19 would not be a populist budget, contrary to what many believe.

This is the last full-year of the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and certain sections of the media have been rife with reports about how the would be used to seek votes. Kumar, however, opines that the budget will mainly focus on improving the welfare of common man.

"I can say this with a great deal of confidence. The distinguishing feature of this and also that of the prime minister is that they have never allowed any budget exercise to be a populist one," Kumar said, while talking exclusively to ANI.

"The Modi doesn't present budget for seeking votes like others and that is what you should expect this time. I hope and suppose that the budget will focus on sectors which will improve the welfare levels of our population," he added.

Kumar also believes that the budget will primarily focus on basic healthcare facilities, primary education, agriculture, infrastructure, and to expand the productive capacity of the economy; taking it to a higher growth trajectory.

Ahead of the budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a meeting with 30 top economists of the country on January 10.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley; CEO, NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant; Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Rajiv Kumar; chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Bibek Debroy, and other members of the Economic Advisory Council will also be present.

Kumar also disclosed the agenda of the meeting to ANI.

He said that the meeting was a traditional practice since the formation of the NITI Aayog.

"We want to gather the views of as many people as we can. Views and suggestions for making this budget as relevant and as influential for the economic activity of the country," Kumar concluded.

The Budget Session of the Parliament is scheduled to be held from January 29 to February 9, while the second session will be held from March 5 to April 6.

The Budget will be presented on February 1.Uttar Pradesh Madrasas on Monday refused to abide by the Uttarakhand government's order of installing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's portrait in all educational institutions saying it is "against Sharia".

Speaking to ANI, Chairman of Fatwa department of Darul Uloom, Mufti Arshad Farooqui said that the government must think before issuing such orders which affects the Sharia religion and sentiments.

"It is against Sharia. There had never been order to put photos of any Prime Minister ever, why now? The government must think before issuing orders which affects Sharia, religion and sentiments," he added.

On Sunday, clarifying his stance on the installation of Prime Minister Modi's portrait in madrasas, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said that the move should not be objected to.

"He is the Prime Minister of the nation and madrasas are schools. Our books also include pictures of great personalities. So why should anybody have an objection to it?" asked Rawat.

The madarsas in the BJP-ruled State have refused to comply with the State government order, on religious grounds.

The order was issued to all the government-run educational institutions soon after the Independence Day last year, asking them to install a portrait of Prime Minister Modi inside their premises and take a pledge to implement his vision of building a new India by 2022.Central Council for research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH has signed nine (09) Memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and one letter of intent with different countries for coordination/cooperation in homoeopathy system of medicine/ R & D in homoeopathy.

Details of Exchange of information and technical experts:-

1. Federal University of Rio De Janerio (Brazil) [July 2017]

2. Scientific Society for Homoeopathy (WissHom) (Germany) [June 2017]

3. Institute for the history of medicine, Robert Bosch foundation (Germany) [June 2017]

4. Universidad Maimonides (Argentina) [Aug 2016]

5. Yerevan State Medical University, Government of Armenia (Armenia) [Apr 2016]

6. College of Homeopaths of Ontario (Canada) [April 2016]

7. Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (United Kingdom) [Nov 2015]

8. Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, University of Mississippi, USA[ Oct 2015]

9. National Centre for Natural Products Research (USA)[Oct 2015]

10. Letter of intent with Instituto Politecnico Nacional through the Escuela Nacional De Medicina Y Homeopatia (Mexico)[Oct 2012]

The demand and popularity of Homoeopathy has risen in the country. There is 49% rise in the foot fall of patients to the Outpatient departments seeking homoeopathic treatment at the institutes/units under Central Council for research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH, from 2012-13 to 2016-17. Cooperation with foreign countries in the field of Homoeopathy has enhanced the popularity and acceptance of Homoeopathy in many countries of the world.

Signing of MoUs with foreign countries/foreign universities has paved way for:

i. undertaking collaborative research in the field of Homoeopathy with foreign universities;

ii. setting up of Homoeopathy Chair in foreign universities; exchange of knowledge and experts between the two countries;

iii. mutual recognition of pharmacopoeia of two countries.

The steps taken by the Ministry of AYUSH to popularize homeopathy in the Country and in foreign countries are as follows:-

1. The Ministry of AYUSH under International Co-operation Scheme of the Ministry undertakes various measures through participating in International exhibitions/ conferences/ workshops/ seminars/ road shows/ trade fairs, etc. for generating awareness.

2. Under the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Scheme, the Ministry takes up initiatives for propogation and promotion of AYUSH systems of medicine by organizing Arogya fairs/Melas, Conferences, Exhibitions, Seminars, Workshops, Symposium and also undertakes publicity through electronic multimedia and print media campaigning for awareness amongst the citizens all over the country.

3. Government of India is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) for popularization of AYUSH systems of medicine including Homoeopathy in the country.

Following MoUs have been signed by the Ministry of AYUSH in the field of Traditional systems of medicine including Homoeopathy:

I. The Ministry of AYUSH has signed Country to Country MoUs for Cooperation in field of Traditional Medicine including Homoeopathy with many countries including Bangladesh, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, Mongolia, etc.

II. MoU for establishment of Academic Chair in Homoeopathy has been signed with Yerevan State Medical University YSMU, Armenia.

III. MoUs for undertaking Collaborative Research in the field of Homoeopathy have been signed with following foreign Universities/ Institutes:-

1. Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, UK.

2. College of Homoeopathy (COH), Ontario.

3. University of Maimonides, Argentina.

4. Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States (HPCUS).

5. Scientific Society for Homoeopathy (WissHom), Germany.

6. Federal University of Rio De Janerio- UFRJ.

IV. MoU for cooperation in the field of development of museum on AYUSH system and archives on homoeopathy has been signed with Institute for the History of Medicine, Robert Bosch Foundation, Stuttgart, Germany.

As of now, 28 Information Cells have been set up in 25 countries to disseminate authentic information about AYUSH systems of medicine including Homoeopathy.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A major step was taken during the first NDA Government led by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Income Tax Act was amended to include a provision that donations made to political parties would be treated as expenditure and would thus give a tax advantage to the donor. If the political party disclosed its donations in a prescribed manner, it would also not be liable to pay any tax. A political party was expected to file its returns both with the income-tax authorities and Election Commission. It was hoped that donors would increasingly start donating money by cheque. Some donors did start following this practise but most of them were reluctant to disclose the details of the quantum of donation given to a political party. This was because they feared consequences visiting them from political opponents. The law was further amended during the UPA Government to provide for pass through electoral trust so that the donors would park their money with the electoral trusts which in turn would distribute the same to various political parties. Both these reforms taken together resulted in only a small fraction of the donations coming in form of cheques.

In order to make a serious effort to carry forward this reform process, it was announced in Union Budget Speech for the year 2017-18 that the existing system would be substantially widened and donations of clean money could be made to political parties in several ways. A donor could enjoy a tax deduction by donating in cheque. Donors were also free to donate moneys online to political parties. A cash donation to a political party could not exceed an amount of Rs.2000/-. In addition, a scheme of electoral bonds was announced to enable clean money and substantial transparency being brought into the system of political funding.

Donations made online or through cheques remain an ideal method of donating to political parties. However, these have not become very popular in India since they involve disclosure of donor's identity.

However, the electoral bond scheme, which was placed before the Parliament a few days ago, envisages total clean money and substantial transparency coming into the system of political funding. A donor can purchase electoral bonds from a specified bank only by a banking instrument. He would have to disclose in his accounts the amount of political bonds that he has purchased. The life of the bond would be only 15 days. A bond can only be encashed in a pre-declared account of a political party. Every political party in its returns will have to disclose the amount of donations it has received through electoral bonds to the Election Commission. The entire transactions would be through banking instruments. As against a total non-transparency in the present system of cash donations where the donor, the donee, the quantum of donations and the nature of expenditure are all undisclosed, some element of transparency would be introduced in as much as all donors declare in their accounts the amount of bonds that they have purchased and all parties declare the quantum of bonds that they have received. How much each donor has distributed to a political party would be known only to the donor. This is necessary because once this disclosure is made, past experience has shown, donors would not find the scheme attractive and would go back to the less-desirable option of donating by cash. In fact the choice has now to be consciously made between the existing system of substantial cash donations which involves total unclean money and is non-transparent and the new scheme which gives the option to the donors to donate through entirely a transparent method of cheque, online transaction or through electoral bonds. While all three methods involve clean money, the first two are totally transparent and the electoral bonds scheme is a substantial improvement in transparency over the present system of no-transparency.

The Government is willing to consider all suggestions to further strengthen the cleansing of political funding in India. It has to be borne in mind that impractical suggestions will not improve the cash denominated system. They would only consolidate it."

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Hindustan Construction Company rose 3.34% to Rs 43.30 at 11:57 IST on BSE after the company said its joint venture with AL FARA'A was awarded Rs 484 crore contract for Pune Metro Rail Project.

The announcement was made during market hours today, 8 January 2018.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 184.72 points or 0.54% at 34,338.57. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 151.95 points or 0.84% at 18,221.98.

On the BSE, 15.78 lakh shares were traded on the counter so far as against average daily volumes of 14.87 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 44 and a low of Rs 42.05 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 48 on 25 April 2017 and a 52-week low of Rs 31.90 on 27 November 2017.

The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 101.55 crore. Face value per share is Re 1.

Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) said that the company as a lead partner in joint venture (JV) with AL FARA'A has been awarded Rs 484 crore contract by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation for Pune Metro Rail Project. HCC's share in the JV is 51% i.e Rs247 crore.

The contract is for construction of eight elevated metro rail stations on line II (E-W Corridor) of Pune Metro Rail Project. The work involves general and structural civil work of the station buildings and architectural & site development. The 14.66 km long line II of Pune Metro is completely elevated and has 16 stations out of which 8 are being built by HCC.

HCC's net profit fell 49.7% to Rs 11.60 crore on 6.5% growth in net sales to Rs 970.75 crore in Q2 September 2017 over Q2 September 2016.

HCC serves the infrastructure sectors of transportation, power and water. The HCC group, comprises of HCC, HCC Infrastructure Co, Lavasa Corporation and Steiner AG in Switzerland.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)After hitting record highs in early trade on firm global cues, key benchmark indices traded with modest gains in morning trade. At 10:15 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, advanced 187.65 points or 0.55% at 34,341.50. The Nifty 50 index rose 53.35 points or 0.51% at 10,612.20.

Among secondary indices, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.86%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index advanced 0.7%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

The broad market depicted strength. There were more than two gainers against every loser on the BSE. 1,702 shares advanced and 762 shares declined. A total of 90 shares were unchanged.

Power generation and power distribution stocks advanced. Jaiprakash Power Ventures (up 4.59%), Reliance Power (up 2.13%), Adani Power (up 1.29%), GMR Infrastructure (up 0.94%), JSW Energy (up 0.66%), Power Grid Corporation of India (up 0.57%), CESC (up 0.51%), Torrent Power (up 0.37%) and NTPC (up 0.23%) gained. NHPC (down 0.6%) and Reliance Infrastructure (down 0.09%) edged lower.

Tata Power Company was up 0.05%. With regard to a media article titled Adani, JSW & Tatas bid for stake in GMR's power plant, the company informed that it has not participated in any such expression of interest. However, the company understands that the bid may have been submitted by Resurgent Power Ventures Pte in which Tata Power has a minority stake, it said in a statement. The announcement was made during market hours today, 8 January 2018.

Cement stocks were mixed. Shree Cement (up 0.43%) and ACC (up 0.16%) edged higher. Grasim Industries (down 0.66%), Ambuja Cements (down 0.13%) and UltraTech Cement (down 0.09%) declined.

Seamec gained 2.14% at Rs 174.05 after the company said it has entered into a contract for charter hire of vessel 'SEAMEC III' with IGOPL Offshore for undertaking a job in Mumbai High Offshore. The charter is for firm period of 100 days with option for extension. The contract will commence around 10 January 2018. The value of charter during firm period is $2.4 million. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 5 January 2018.

Goa Carbon was locked in 5% upper circuit at Rs 1,061.05 after the company reported net profit of Rs 22.50 crore in Q3 December 2017 compared to net loss of Rs 0.93 crore in Q3 December 2016. Net sales rose 159.6% to Rs 186.60 crore in Q3 December 2017 over Q3 December 2016. The result was announced on Saturday, 6 January 2018.

The 14-day long winter session of the Parliament concluded on Friday, 5 January 2018. The Speaker said that 16 bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha by the government in the session, of which 12 bills including the triple talaq bill was passed. Important bills passed during the session also included the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Bill and the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill.

Overseas, Asian stocks edged higher following firm US lead as investors awaited upcoming earnings releases. US stocks rose to record levels on Friday, 5 January 2018 even as Wall Street shook off jobs data that missed expectations. The US economy added 148,000 jobs in December, according to the Labor Department, as against expectations of 190,000 jobs.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Seamec was locked in 5% upper circuit at Rs 178.85 at 10:30 IST on BSE after the company said it entered into a contract for charter hire of vessel with IGOPL Offshore.

The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 5 January 2018.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 187.98 points, or 0.55% to 34,341.83. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 133.46 points, or 0.68% at 19,838.38.

On the BSE, 1,048 shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volumes of 5,634 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 178.90 and a low of Rs 174 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 194 on 7 August 2017. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 78.35 on 3 February 2017.

The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 25.42 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Seamec said that the company has entered into a contract for charter hire of vessel 'SEAMEC III' with IGOPL Offshore for undertaking a job in Mumbai High Offshore. The charter is for firm period of 100 days with option for extension. The contract will commence around 10 January 2017. The value of charter during firm period is $2.4 million.

Seamec reported net loss of Rs 6.65 crore in Q2 September 2017, lower than net loss of Rs 20.22 crore in Q2 September 2016. Net sales rose 41.3% to Rs 34.23 crore in Q2 September 2017 over Q2 September 2016.

Seamec is a leading provider of diving support vessel (DSV) based diving services. The company has experience in ongoing subsea inspection, repair, maintenance and light construction required for the efficient and productive support of offshore oil production. Seamec also provides utility services.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Israeli archaeologists have announced the discovery of half-million-year-old stone tools that suggest that the cognitive capabilities of the hominids who crafted them were much more similar to our own than previously thought.

Dubbed a kind of stone-age Swiss Army knife by one of the archaeologists working on the site, many of the objects found were flint hand axes, among other tools, Efe news reported.

"The carving of these pieces requires a conceptual leap that allowed them to imagine the desired tool before starting to shape it," said Ran Barkai, the head of the Archaeology Department at Tel Aviv University, emphasizing that this was the key to the discovery's importance.

The tools were found in the Israeli Arab town of Jaljulia, located at the edge of the coastal plain near the border with the West Bank.

Excavation's director Maayan Shemer called the findings (at Jaljulia) "amazing", highlighting the tools' technological variety.

Shemer said the investigations can aid scientists in their understanding of Homo erectus, a species of extinct hominid that inhabited the area during the Paleolithic Age.

--IANS

soni/dg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Mexican marines exchanged gunfire with a group of gunmen in Mexico's Baja California Sur state, leaving seven dead, officials said on Sunday.

The state's Attorney General's Office (PGJE) said the clash took place late on Saturday in the popular beach resort of Los Cabos, as the marines headed to a neighborhood in San Jose del Cabo, one of two towns that comprise the resort, to investigate the sound of gunfire.

On the way, the marines detected armed men riding in two vehicles, both with US license plates, in the road ahead of them and ordered them to stop, but they sped up in an attempt to flee while the occupants fired their guns.

As the chase continued, both vehicles eventually crashed into walls or barricades, though the four occupants of the second vehicle got out and continued to fire on the marines until they were killed.

Marines seized high-caliber weapons and vehicles in the operation.

The PGJE said it opened an investigation into the incident it said was "allegedly linked to criminal events that have taken place in the state."

In late December, authorities found bodies hanging from bridges near Los Cabos, in a sign that violent crime sparked by rival drug trafficking organisations is plaguing the state.

--IANS

qd/

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Afghanistan has pressed Pakistan to grant up to one year extension of the stay of over 1 million registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Afghan diplomats said on Monday.

The demand came days after Pakistani Cabinet decided to grant only one month extension to the stay of nearly 1.4 million registered refugees in Pakistan, Xinhua reported.

The Pakistani cabinet in its January 3 meeting granted the extension in the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards that allow registered refugees to stay legally in the country.

The PoR cards expired on December 31, 2017 and under the Cabinet's new decision, registered Afghan refugees can legally stay in Pakistan until January 31.

The Cabinet had also decided that the issue of early repatriation of Afghan refugees should be raised with the UN refugee agency and with the international community.

Afghanistan Deputy Ambassador to Pakistan Zardasht Shams said over a million refugees cannot be sent back home in one month time.

Shams told Xinhua late on Monday that the Afghan government is in contact with the Pakistani officials to extend the stay of the registered refugees by one year or at least six months.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has already suspended voluntary repatriation of the refugees from Pakistan for winter break until March, he said.

The Cabinet has taken the decision at a time when the documentation of the hundreds of thousands of unregistered refugees is underway in Pakistan.

The Afghan Deputy Ambassador said about 700,000 unregistered refugees had been documented until January 5. The documentation process, which is going on in 21 centres across Pakistan, is scheduled to conclude on January 31.

--IANS

him/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A court here on Monday declared controversial defence consultant and arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari a "proclaimed offender" in an Official Secrets Act case.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat declared Bhandari as proclaimed offender as the accused failed to appear before him despite lapse of 30 days.

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police told the court that it had published the proclamation of accused in the newspaper but the accused did not mark his presence.

The Delhi Police booked him for alleged violation of the Official Secrets Act in 2016.

--IANS

akk/nir

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Bangladeshi court on Monday turned down a petition to legalise marriage between its citizens and refugees from Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya minority.

Babul Hossain, a construction worker from the district of Manikganj, had filed the petition with the Bangladesh High Court in December, challenging a government ban on marrying Rohingyas for Bangladeshi citizens, which has been in effect since 2014, Efe news reported.

"The court dismissed the petition and fined the petitioner 100,000 taka ($1,200) for wasting its time," said deputy Attorney General Motahar Hossain.

Hossain's son got married to a Rohingya in September 2017 at the refugee camp in Kutupalong and since then the couple has been on the run, fearing that they may be arrested.

"The court said this man has committed a crime by bringing the girl outside the camp as she is not a Bangladeshi citizen. He also committed a crime by attempting to marry her since there is an administrative ban (against such marriages)," the Attorney added.

The defence lawyer, ABM Hamidul Mishbah, said that he would file an appeal to the Supreme Court against the order.

In October 2017, the country's Law and Justice Ministry ordered civil registries to thoroughly scrutinize the identity documents of couples before registering a marriage, after a significant increase in the number of mixed relationships.

According to the United Nations Inter Sector Coordination Group, some 655,000 Rohingya refugees have arrived in Bangladesh since August 2017.

The current exodus was triggered by the Myanmar security forces launching an operation in retaliation for an attack by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on several security posts in Rakhine State on August 25.

The governments of both the countries earlier reached an agreement on the process of repatriation for the Rohingya refugees present in Bangladesh. The process is expected to begin within two months.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Former White House official Steve Bannon has said he regretted for the comments attributed to him that were critical of President Donald Trump's family in a new book, media reports said.

The former chief strategist was widely lambasted by members of the Trump administration for his participation in the newly released book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House", which was written by Michael Wolff, reports ABC News.

In it, Bannon was quoted as saying that the President's son participated in a "treasonous" meeting with a Russian lawyer who promised dirt on Hillary Clinton in 2016.

"Donald Trump, Jr. is both a patriot and a good man," Bannon said in a statement on Sunday.

"He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around.

"I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr. has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency," he added.

Excerpts from the book caused a political firestorm last week.

Bannon zeroed in on the Donald Trump, Jr. for the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting with the Russians which was also attended the President's son-in-law Jared Kushner and onetime campaign chief Paul Manafort.

"They're going to crack Don Junior like a egg on national TV," he said, referring to the ongoing investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

"The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these jumos up to his father's office on the twenty-sixth floor is zero," he was also quoted as having said in the book.

The White House has lashed out against Wolff and the book, calling it a "work of fiction", ABC News reported.

Trump also expressed outrage over Bannon's participation in it, calling his former aide "Sloppy Steve" and a "staffer who worked for me".

"I guess sloppy Steve brought him into the White House quite a bit, and it was one of those things. That's why sloppy Steve is now looking for a job," Trump tweeted on Sunday.

The President also distanced himself from Bannon last week.

"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 had managed to stay in Trump's orbit before earning his ire, reports Politico news.

Although he was fired in August, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said recently that Trump and Bannon spoke in December.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The BJP on Monday questioned the AAP government in Delhi over the deaths of 42 homeless people in the city this month, saying that if Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would have taken interest, their lives could have been saved.

"At least 42 homeless people have died in the first one week of January 2018, and this information has been confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs," Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party President Manoj Tiwari told reporters.

He also said that since December, over 250 homeless people have died.

Hitting out at the Chief Minister for preferring the Rajya Sabha elections and candidates over the homeless, the BJP MP said: "If Kejriwal would have taken more interest in the homeless instead of his Rajya Sabha candidates, then we would not have heard about the deaths."

As per the reports of the Centre for Holistic Development, at least 40,633 homeless people have died in Delhi since January 1, 2004.

The report also claimed that in December 2017 alone, 250 people died on the streets.

According to the report, 44 people died in from January 1 to January 6, including a two-year-old child.

The BJP leader also said: "Let's leave the blame game and do an all party meeting on how to save lives of homeless in the city."

Tiwari also said that when he got the news, he went to see the conditions of the homeless in the city during nights.

"I was shocked to see that how people were sleeping with the animals in the Yamuna riverbed and on the streets in the open sky," he said.

He also said that with the help of Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the BJP arranged a temporary night-shelter for over 650 people in the Kashmere Gate area of north Delhi.

As per the Delhi government, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) runs 251 shelters -- 83 of them housed in permanent buildings and 113 operating out of porta-cabins. FIfty-five temporary shelters in tents have also been put up for the winter season.

On Saturday night, the International Court of Justice Judge Dalveer Bhandari inspected the Delhi government's nightshelter in south Delhi's Sarai Kale Khan area. He stressed on the need to set up more such facilities.

Bhandari was accompanied by Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A book with all data about parliamentary elections in India, constituency wise, was released at the ongoing World Book Fair here on Monday.

"Election Atlas of India", whose foreword has been written by former Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi, also describes alteration in constituencies following the delimitations and also during the reorganization of states.

"The Atlas uses statistical data collected and collated at various levels about electors, candidates, gender and marginalized sections in terms of electoral participation and many other consequential factors related to elections. These new parameters and aspects are depicted in the form of impressive graphs, charts and thematic maps based on GIS technology with tremendous clarity," said Zaidi in the book by Datanet India - an IT-enabled organization disseminating socio- economic and electoral statistical data.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Bombay Lawyers Association (BLA) on Monday filed a petition in the Bombay High Court demanding an enquiry commission to probe the death of CBI Special Court Additional Sessions Judge Brijgopal Harkishan Loya, who presided over the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case.

"We have filed it today and shall mention it before the Chief Justice on Wednesday for fixing a hearing date. If not, we shall have to wait for it to come up in the normal course, which can take time," BLA lawyer Ahmad Abdi told IANS.

The BLA has urged the court to "constitute a commission of enquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate the events and circumstances surrounding the death of Judge Loya".

The plea came in the wake of a report published in a newsmagazine 'Caravan' in its November 21, 2017 edition, the BLA said, requesting it to be treated as a public interest litigation (PIL).

The BLA has made the Maharashtra government, the Registrar-General, the journalist who investigated and wrote the story and the magazine as respondents.

The petition has mentioned several media reports since the controversy over Judge Loya's death first erupted after the Caravan news reports.

Earlier, several legal luminaries including former Supreme Court Judge Justice P.B. Sawant, retired Bombay High Court judges B.G. Kolse-Patil, B.H. Marlapalle, A.P. Shah and others sought an independent probe into the matter.

"If independence and integrity of the judiciary is to be preserved, then the death of Judge Loya and the circumstances surrounding the same should be thoroughly investigated," the BLA petition states.

According to the BLA petition citing news reports and Caravan investigations, Judge Loya died of heart attack on December 1, 2014 while on a visit to Nagpur.

At that time, he was handling the sensitive Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case in which the Bharatiya Janata President Amit Shah was one of the accused and later discharged, besides other top Gujarat police officers among the accused.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)China on Monday told the US that pointing fingers at Pakistan will not help in fighting terrorism.

Rebuffing a US suggestion that China should convince Pakistan to crack down on terror, Beijing said it would not be "conducive" to link terrorism with its "all-weather" Islamabad.

"As we stressed many times, Pakistan has made important sacrifices and contributions to the global anti-terrorism cause and countries should strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation on the basis of common mutual respect instead of finger-pointing at each other," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said.

"This is not conducive to the global counter-terrorism efforts," Lu told the media.

Last week, a US official said China could be helpful in persuading Pakistan to dismantle safe haven for terrorists.

"China always opposes linking terrorism with any certain country and we don't agree to place the responsibility of anti-terrorism on a certain country," Lu said.

"Actually, China is defending the countries that have been making anti-terrorism efforts in a just and fair way. China also welcomes all the global joint efforts in terms of counter-terrorism on the basis of mutual trust and respect."

China defends its "iron-brother" Pakistan on the issue of terrorism. Beijing says Islamabad has made sacrifices and done a fabulous job in fighting terrorism.

China was quick to jump to Pakistan's defence when US President tweeted that his administration was stopping all aid to Islamabad for not using the money to flush out terrorists.

Days after Trump's announcement, Washington cut security aid to Islamabad. China has invested heavily in Pakistan.

The over $ 50-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor - a key artery of Beijing's Belt and Road project -- connects China's Kashgar with Pakistan Gwadar.

It goes through the disputed Kashmir held by Islamabad and claimed by New Delhi.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The DMK and Congress on Monday boycotted Governor Banwarilal Purohits inaugural address to the Assembly and their MLAs trooped out of the House after accusing him of letting a "minority" AIADMK government remain in office.

The DMK, along with the Congress, demanded an immediate floor test in the legislature.

As soon as Purohit addressed the MLAs with a 'Vanakkam" in Tamil, the opposition legislators began raising slogans. In no time, the DMK MLAs walked out, led by their leader M.K. Stalin, followed by the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League.

Stalin told the media that the government did not enjoy majority support in the House as it had only 111 MLAs when it needed 117 in a house of 234.

Stalin said that despite repeated requests, the Governor was not taking a decision on the need for a floor test. "How can the Governor allow a minority government to run the state?"

Even among those with the ruling AIADMK, many MLAs were inclined to oppose the government in the wake of the feud within the ruling party, he said.

Stalin said he hoped that the Madras High Court would soon come out with a ruling regarding the case of 18 disqualified AIADMK MLAs opposed to the ruling faction.

Disregarding the opposition protest, the Governor continued his address, detailing the government's achievements and its efforts to promote welfare measures.

The government is set to build a grand memorial for late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and turn her house, Veda Nilayam, into a memorial, Purohit said.

He lauded the efforts of the state and central governments in resolving the Tamil fishermen issue.The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a provisional order for attachment of properties worth Rs 472 crore belonging to Nirmal Singh Bhangoo in Australia in Rs 45,000 crore PACL ponzi scam, an official said on Monday.

The properties attached under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) include MiiResorts Group 1 Pty Ltd and Sanctuary Cove properties, said the official, adding the provisional order would be sent to the government who would then take it up with Australian government.

Bhangoo was recently arrested along with his other company directors. He is presently in judicial custody.

The ED is investigating money laundering on the basis of Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) February 19, 2014 FIR under offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating against Bhangoo and his companies PGF and PACL.

Bhangoo and his companies are accused of cheating 5.5 crore investors all over India by promising them agricultural plots and high return on their investments. They also collected Rs 45,000 crore over the years from the investors through their false promises.

Bhangoo had employed the agents offering them 15-20 per cent commission on each investors' money and further each agent was asked to bring more agents and investors, like a multi-marketing scheme. There were 11 levels of agents for collecting money from investors.

According to the ED statement, the PACL directly and through its 43 front companies during 2009 to 2014 invested an amount of Rs 650 crore in its group company PIPL which further invested Rs 147 crore in 2010 for acquiring 50 per cent of shares of Australia-based Miiresorts Group 1 Pty Ltd.

The PIPL also invested Rs 459 crore between 2009 and 2014 for acquiring over 99 per cent shares of another Australian company Miigroup Holdings Pty Ltd.

An amount of Rs 25 crore was also remitted to Australia-based Hicky Lawyers Trust for purchase of Sanctuary Cove Properties, said the statement.

It said that Miiresorts Group purchased Sheraton Mirage Hotel for a price of approximately (Australian) $62.5 million and sold the same to Australian Wattle Development Pty Ltd in May 2010.

"This proceeds of sale (Australian $87.37 million/Rs 447 crore) by the order of the Federal Court of Australia were received by McCullough Robertson Lawyers and invested in an interest bearing account with an Australian trading bank," the statement said.

It said that the two Australian companies-- Miiresorts Group and Miigroup Holdings-- are controlled by Bhangoo and his family members.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Rabat, Jan 8 (IANS/MAP) Egypt will be guest of honour at the 24th edition of Casablanca's international publishing and book fair to be held in February.

The book fair will take place from February 8-18, according to the Ministry of Culture and Communication.

The programme will focus on Moroccan-Egyptian relations, the issues of culture and philosophy as well as on the works of Egyptian writer Jamal El Ghitani.

The fair will be attended by eminent writers, novelists and researchers from both the countries.

--IANS/MAP

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier Emirates Airline on Monday signed a a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etihad Airways for cooperation in aviation security.

The MoU was signed by Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, and Tony Douglas, Group CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, reports Xinhua news agency.

Emirates said that "the historic agreement, the first between the UAE's two world-leading aviation groups, signals the importance of closer collaboration in aviation security to effectively exploit joint synergies to enhance efficiency and security for the benefit of both groups' customers".

One of the key areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU involves the sharing of information and intelligence between Emirates, which in November added the 100th Airbus A380 Superjumbo to its fleet, and Etihad, whose name means unity in Arabic, on critical aspects of aviation security.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline said: "Security is one of the foremost priorities of the global aviation industry."

Through this agreement, Emirates Group Security will collaborate with Etihad Aviation Group to share know-how and extend aviation security services in order to better handle shared challenges, he added.

In October 2017, Clark said the Dubai government-controlled airline was open to cooperate with local rival Etihad Airways, but stressed that a full merger between the two was "up to the owners", hence the ruling families of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Brussels, Jan 9 (IANS/AKI) European Union President Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday lauded the role played by Italy in the migration crisis and the bloc's stability pact, heaping praise on its Economy Minister Carlo Padoan.

"Italy has been extremely useful to the EU in respect of migration policy and the stability pact," Juncker told a Brussels conference on the EU's 2021-2027 budget, which Paduan also attended.

"I pay special tribute to Italy's economy minister Mr Padoan, who has been extremely cooperative," he added.

The EU made available 17 billion euros in 2016 and 2017 from its current budget to help member states like Italy - which have an external border - meet their migration policy obligations, said Juncker.

--IANS/AKI

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Five persons were killed and 15 were injured when an overloaded SUV overturned early Monday in Jogulamba Gadwal district of Telangana, police said.

The victims were workers returning home after night duty at a cotton ginning factory in Gadwal town.

The accident occurred near Parcharla on Dharur-Gonupadu road when the workers were returning to their village Chinnapadu in a Bolero.

The injured were admitted to a hospital in Gadwal, where the condition of three of them was stated to be critical.

A police officer said the vehicle was carrying more people than its seating capacity. The driver allegedly was drowsy and was also driving the vehicle at a high speed.

Family members of the victims alleged that the ginning mill had arranged one vehicle for 20 workers and this led to the tragedy.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Healthy buying from foreign funds, along with optimism over the upcoming quarterly earnings result season, on Monday catapulted the key equity indices -- NSE Nifty50 and S&P BSE Sensex -- to their record closing highs.

Index-wise, the buoyant global cues lifted the wider Nifty50 of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to close above the 10,600-points-level. It gained 64.75 points or 0.61 per cent to 10,623.60 points.

The Nifty50 touched a fresh intra-day high of 10,631.20 points.

The barometer 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE too closed at a fresh high of 34,352.79 points -- up 198.94 points or 0.58 per cent from its previous close -- after it scaled a new intra-day high of 34,385.67 points.

The BSE market breadth was bullish as 1,792 stocks advanced compared to 1,158 declines.

"Markets rallied higher on Monday to close with gains for the fourth consecutive day. The Nifty touched record highs in intra day trade," Deepak Jasani, Head, Retail Research, HDFC Securities, told IANS.

"The rally came on the back of positive global cues," added Jasani.

Apart from key indices, even the broader market indices closed at fresh highs.

The S&P BSE mid-cap index closed higher by 0.98 per cent at a new high of 18,247.55 points. The small-cap index edged up 0.97 per cent to close at a record high of 19,895.77 points.

On the NSE, the Nifty50 mid-cap index edged higher by 1.19 per cent to close at a record high of 5,702.70 points.

"Asian shares ex-Japan traded towards all-time peaks on Monday after Wall Street posted its best start to a year in over a decade," Dhruv Desai, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Tradebulls, told IANS.

On the currency front, the Indian rupee weakened by 14 paise to close at 63.51 against the US dollar from its previous close at 63.37.

Provisional data with the exchanges showed that foreign institutional investors purchased scrips worth Rs 692.83 crore, while the domestic institutional investors divested funds worth Rs 206.30 crore.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services, said: "Supportive global market and optimism ahead of earnings season took the market to a new high. A cut in FY18 GDP growth estimate by CSO did not impact the movement since it was overtly conservative."

"Revival in earnings, incremental Q-o-Q growth in GDP and budget expectations are sustaining the momentum," Nair added.

All the sub-indices of the BSE ended with substantial gains barring the telecom index which declined by 45.33 points.

Sectorwise, the S&P BSE capital goods index surged by 243.37 points, followed by healthcare index by 179.60 points and IT index by 157.03 points.

Major Sensex gainers on Monday were: Coal India, up 3.26 per cent at Rs 287.85; Infosys, up 2.33 per cent at Rs 1,035.65; Sun Pharma, up 2.28 per cent at Rs 591.95; Larsen and Toubro, up 1.80 per cent at Rs 1,338.10; and Hero MotoCorp, up 1.37 per cent at Rs 3,790.35.

Major Sensex losers were: Bharti Airtel, down 4.43 per cent at Rs 516.10; ONGC, down 0.28 per cent at Rs 197.15; State Bank of India, down 0.18 per cent at Rs 305.65; Tata Steel, down 0.18 per cent at Rs 768.95; and Adani Ports, down 0.07 per cent at Rs 424.15.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Actor Gary Oldman took home his first Golden Globe Award in Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama category for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour".

Oldman called for a change in the world while accepting his trophy at the award gala, held here on Sunday.

"Well I feel very humbled and surprised to have been asked to this stage. I would like to congratulate my fellow nominees for your beautiful work, I am in very fine company this evening indeed. I'm very proud of 'Darkest Hour'," Oldman said.

"It illustrates that words and actions can change the world and boy-o-boy does it need some changing."

Oldman was up against Timothee Chalamet for "Call Me by Your Name", Daniel Day-Lewis for "Phantom Thread", Tom Hanks for "The Post" and Denzel Washington for "Roman J. Israel, Esq.". This was Oldman's first Golden Globe nomination and first win.

The actor also quoted his character in his acceptance speech, and thanked the whole team.

"Winston Churchill said, 'My taste is very simple. I am easily satisfied with the very best'. And I am surrounded by the very best," Oldman said.

The 59-year-old had a special mention for his wife Gisele Schmidt, who was visibly emotional in the audience.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A 12-year-old girl was killed when a group of dogs attacked her while she had gone to relieve herself in an open field in Jharkhand, police said on Monday.

The incident took place on Sunday night at Bhagwatidih village, Koderma district.

According to the police, the victim tried her best to escape but was overpowered by the canines. Her parents were informed by other children who had gone to field.

The incident comes after Koderma was declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), but a large majority still go out in the open and many villages are yet to get their toilet facilities, according to villagers.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The India is awaiting an appropriate proposal from US tech giant Apple to set up a manufacturing unit in the country, Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Monday.

Briefing reporters here after a meeting of the Council for Trade Development and Promotion, the Minister said India was looking to manufacture more of products it currently imported and was eager to partner with Apple in this regard.

"We are waiting for a good proposal from Apple... Please give us a concrete proposal. If the proposal comes, we will examine it. We are always open for that," Prabhu said.

"We are users, and we should be manufacturers... We should be partners of Apple," he added.

While the matter of the American iPhone maker setting up a unit in India had been discussed during Chief Executive Tim Cook's visit to India over a year ago, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Alphons Kannanthanam had, in October, also spoken favourably about the proposal.

In March last year, then Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had informed the Rajya Sabha that the government had not accepted most of the demands of the company for setting up a local unit.

Apple has sought concessions, including duty exemption on manufacturing and repair units, components, capital equipment and consumables for a period of 15 years. It also wants relaxation in the statutory 30 per cent local sourcing of components.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India's envoy to China, Gautam Bambawale, on Monday met Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Rashid Alimov and discussed the agenda and preparation of the annual summit of the grouping in China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the summit, likely to be held in June.

Bambawale, who took over as India's envoy to China in November last year, presented his credentials to Alimov.

Both sides discussed issues of further development and strengthening of multifaceted interaction in the SCO framework in a constructive atmosphere.

There was a detailed exchange of views on the main agenda items of SCO and preparation for the upcoming events of SCO in 2018.

Bambawale assured Rashid of India's readiness to closely cooperate on all important areas of SCO activities.

India and Pakistan entered the Chinese-led grouping last year. With their admission, the number of member countries stands at eight.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Highlighting how job creation in India is at an eight-year-low, Congress President on Monday said the two threats facing India under the Narendra Modi government are inability to create jobs and the rise in the forces of hatred and division.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Bahrain here, he said: "Tragically the conversation in our country today is not about jobs, healthcare or education. The only thing India talks about is what you are allowed to eat, who is allowed to protest and what we can say or rather what we cannot say."

"India today is free, but once again it is under threat. There are two clear threats facing our country today. The first is our government's inability to provide jobs for our people. Our main competitor China produces 50,000 jobs every 24 hours. India currently produces 400 jobs in the same amount of time."

"It is an important figure. What China does in two days, it takes India one year to do. These are not my figures, these are figures of the government of India given in the Parliament. Job creation in India is at an eight-year-low," Gandhi said in his address at an event organised by Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin.

"New investments have been lowest in 13 years. Bank credit growth has sunk to a 63-year low. To make matters worse, many in the Indian diaspora have lost hard-earned money because of arbitrary decisions like demonetisation. It landed a crippling blow to India's overall economic growth. The fact is that India can simply not afford this," he added.

Underlining India was the second-most populous country with 30,000 new youngsters coming daily into India's job market, he said that not providing education and jobs to these youngsters was "a recipe for disaster".

"The government's failure in creating jobs is resulting in tremendous anger and unrest in India. The youth are asking a very simple question, what are we going to do in future. This anger is visible in the streets and is rising rapidly," he said, adding the "tragedy" is that instead of focusing on what are critical issues like poverty alleviation, job creation and building a world-class education system, "we see instead rise in the forces of hatred and division".

Gandhi also said that activists and journalists are threatened in India. "They are shot dead for expressing their views. People are killed because of their religious beliefs, Dalits are beaten into submission, judges investigating sensitive cases die under mysterious circumstances. And through all this, the government has nothing to say."

Claiming India has been taken off its path of progress, he said: "We need to bring our conversation back from violence and hatred to one of progress, jobs, and love between our people. And we cannot do that at home without our largest skill base on the planet - all you people in this room."

"Together, we must steer India back to its original strengths, we need to make India the centrepiece of ahimsa, of non-violence, of compassion."

He also said that he was in Bahrain for a purpose and that is "to tell you what you mean to your country".

"That you are important. To tell you that there is a serious problem at home, to tell you that you are part of the solution and that I am here to build the bridge between your world and home," he added.State-run Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has announced its plans to set off its accumulated losses with funds from its share premium account.

In a release late on Monday, IOB said it intends using Rs 7,650 crore in its share premium account to write off its accumulated losses worth Rs 6,978.94 crore. The decision, approved by the bank board last week, will now be put to vote at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on January 30.

"The Bank proposes to utilise the balance in its share premium account as at 31.03.2017 of Rs 7650.06 crore to set off its accumulated losses on that date of Rs 6978.94 crore so as to present a true and fair view of the financial position of the Bank," the statement said.

"Necessary approvals have been obtained. The Bank is convening an extraordinary general meeting on 30.01.2018 for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the shareholders for the proposal," it added.

According to IOB, the bank is only setting off its losses to strengthen its balance sheet and and not writing these off .

"The proposed utilisation of share premium account to set off accumulated losses is a balance sheet neutral action. Book value of shares, Bank's net worth, equity capital structure and shareholding pattern will all remain unchanged," it said.

"No reduction in the paid-up share capital of the Bank Ais contemplated in the proposal . Capital adequacy ratios will not be impacted thereby."

IOB has recently been brought under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s prompt corrective action (PCA) framework which forces banks to increase recoveries of bad loans, reduce risky loans and strengthen their capital base, among other measures, in order to improve their balance sheet position .

The RBI has brought 11 state-run banks, including IOB, IDBI Bank, Allahabad Bank, Central Bank of India, UCO Bank and Bank under the PCA owing to their weak financial health caused by the huge accumulation of non performing assets (NPAs), or Abad loans.

--IANS

bc/qd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Filmmaker Aditya Vikram Sengupta's "Jonaki" will have its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2018.

"Jonaki" is the second feature film of the National Award winning director, whose first feature "Labour of Love" won 13 international awards.

The film, an Indo-French-Singaporean co-production, stars Jim Sarbh and sees the 81-year-old actress Lolita Chatterjee making her comeback as Jonaki.

Produced by Magic Hour Films, For Films, and Catherine Dussart Productions, "Jonaki" is a tale of an 80-year-old woman who searches for love in a strange world of decaying memories, while her lover, now old and grey, returns to a world she is leaving behind.

It will be screened in the Bright Future Section of IFFR 2018 to be held between January 24 to February 4.

Sengupta said in a statement, " 'Jonaki' is an esoteric journey of the unfulfilled life of an 80-year-old woman. It is a film that is very personal to me and to have its world premier at Rotterdam is a true honour.

"IFFR celebrates and upholds auteur cinema with the highest regard and I think this is the perfect platform for us to showcase our vision."

Samir Sarkar of Magic Hour Films, the principal producer of "Jonaki", describes the movie as a "powerfully poignant tale of love lost".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday launched a pilot 'Delhi Common Mobility Card' which will enable commuters to travel in both Delhi Metro and 250 select city buses.

The Delhi govenrment aims to shift to a 'Common Mobility Card' which could be used to travel in Metro and all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses by April 1.

Under the pilot project, Delhi Metro cards will be valid in select 200 DTC and 50 cluster buses from Monday.

During the trial, by tapping the Metro card on an Electronic Ticketing Machine or ETM in a bus, a ticket would be generated, which would also reveal the balance in the passenger's Metro card.

Currently, ETMs are used by conductors in buses to issue tickets.

The money deducted from commuters' Metro cards will go to Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC), which issues the Metro cards. The money will be later transferred to the Delhi government.

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said that after the trial period, a new card would be designed which would have both DMRC and Delhi government etched on it.

Commuters would be able to purchase and recharge these cards at all Metro stations, railway stations, airports, Inter State Bus Terminals and DTC bus pass counters.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday admitted that he also "made mistakes as he is also a human being" and promised to present a new party, whose focus will be to give a "new vision" to India.

"You said Congress party accepted its mistake. I am admitting that I also made mistakes. I am a human being. We all make mistakes," said Gandhi during an interaction with the NRIs here to a query about the mistakes of his party.

"You said there is gap. There is a gap in the media. In media, the campaign could be one-sided. But, we are fighting on the ground. Gujarat is the BJP's bastion and stronghold. But they somehow managed to escape the defeat (in the assembly election)," he added.

"Congress party has questioned them (the BJP) in the state. So, we are fighting them on the ground. Our focus is to give India a new vison, a new Congress party to the people.

"If you give a new Congress party to you, it is not a big thing to defeat the BJP. We have made mistakes. But we too have our strengths in the party. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had predicted a 2 per cent fall in GDP when demonetisation was announced," he noted.

"There is a good mix of experience and youth in the Congress party. We will present a new Congress party to you and a new vision to the country. You will see a dramatic change in the Congress party," said Gandhi.

Gandhi also said, during the interaction, that job creation, transforming the education system, and developing a strategy for global healthcare system will be three main focus of the Congress party when it comes to power.

He also said the Congress will put pressure on the BJP government to pass the Women Reservation bill in Parliament.

"When we come to power we will definitely pass the women reservation bill in the Parliament. We already have reservation for women at the panchayat level but we will ensure that it is passed in the Parliament," he said in response to a question.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A militant was killed and a woman injured on Sunday during a gunfight between security forces and the militants in central Kashmir's Badgam district, officials said.

"On specific inputs regarding the presence of terrorists, Jammu and Kashmir Police, 53 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon and search operation in Aarizal village of Beerwah tehsil in Badgam," an official of Defence Ministry said.

The official said that during the search operation, one militant while trying to flee came out of the house he was hiding in and fired indiscriminately at the security forces. As a result, a woman was injured.

"In retaliation, a terrorist has been neutralized, whose identity and affiliation is being ascertained. Arms and ammunition have been recovered," the official said.

The injured woman was taken to a hospital and her condition is now reported to be stable.

According to the official, the area is under cordon and searches are being conducted.

Police has also confirmed that one militant was killed in the area during a brief encounter with the security forces.

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Shiv Sena leader Ashok Sawant was stabbed to death outside his home here late on Sunday, police said Monday, adding two alleged assailants have been arrested fro the crime.

According to police, Sawant, a former municipal corporator, was returning home around 11 p.m. from a meeting in Thakur Complex, to his apartment in Videocon Towers, riding pillion on a scooter.

As they nearly reached his home, suddenly, an unknown person kicked the scooter, making it go off-balance and forcing the driver to stop it. He then entered into a heated argument with this unknown person even as Sawant waited.

As per the witness accounts of the incident, two other persons, who were lying in wait on the dark road, then attacked Sawant with knives and choppers, making him collapse in a pool of blood barely 400 metres from his house.

A police team which arrived at the crime scene soon after took him to a nearby private hospital where he was pronounced dead. The 63-year-old leader suffered at least 17 serious wounds including on the neck, chest and head.

Police have checked CCTV images in the area and have identified one of the two suspected killers. The preliminary motive behind the crime appeared to be extortion.

"We have arrested two persons, and seized an autorickshaw used in the crime, while further investigations are underway," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone XII, Vinay Rathod said.

The assailants had recced the area in advance before committing the crime at the opportune time, travelling in the autorickshaw, the sleuths have found.

Sawant served twice as municipal corporator from Poisar village area, lost the elections once, and his daughter was elected once, after which he was appointed a deputy Vibhag Pramukh by the Shiv Sena.

He is survived by his wife, politician daughter, and another daughter and a son who are both doctors.

Large parts of Kandivali east observed a spontaneous shutdown as a mark of respect and around 5,000 mourners, including representatives of various political parties, turned up for Sawant's funeral ceremonies which were completed at the nearby Borivali east crematorium in the afternoon.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Barcelona's recently-signed midfielder, Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho, is suffering from a right thigh injury that will keep him on the sidelines for three weeks, the club said on Monday following medical examinations.

Coutinho recently made the move from Liverpool to Barcelona and was presented to fans at the Camp Nou on Monday, reports Efe.

"I am very happy. I have always said I am living a dream, we are very happy to be here," the Brazilian star said on his arrival in Barcelona.

The thigh injury had already prevented him from playing in his final few games at Liverpool.

Coutinho signed his contract Monday at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium, posing with his jersey alongside the club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, who recounted how Coutinho has been pursued by Barca for months.

"We were trying it last summer. We had known for some time that it was necessary for him to come," Bartomeu said.

"Coutinho wanted to come here, it was one of his objectives. His desire, his effort and his patience have been decisive for him to be here today, because there were other clubs that had an interest in signing him," said the leader.

On Saturday, Barcelona announced it had reached an agreement with Liverpool FC for the transfer of the 25-year-old player, and would sign him for the rest of the 2017-2018 season and five more.

Barca, which currently leads the La Liga standings and has qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League tournament, said Coutinho's contract would include a 400 million euro ($481 million) buyout clause.

Although the club did not reveal further details, British media reported that Barcelona had agreed to pay Liverpool a 120 million euro transfer fee, as well as up to 40 million euros in "variables," to acquire the Brazilian player.

This makes Coutinho the most expensive player in Barcelona's history.

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Sessions Court here on Monday rejected the bail plea of a Class XI student of Ryan International School, arrested for allegedly murdering Class II student Pradhuman Thakur on September 8 last year.

Lawyers for the nearly 17-year-old accused sought bail for him. Arguments from the prosecution and defence were completed on Saturday.

Said Barun Thakur, father of the murdered child: "We are happy and satisfied by the decision of the court. One day we will get justice for the innocent Pradhuman."

"The court also slapped a Rs 21,000 fine on the defence for filing 'unnecessary' applications and wasting time of the court," a prosecution lawyer told IANS.

The next hearing of the case will be held on January 22.

On January 3, the accused was presented in the Sessions Court and was sent back to the protection home for 14 days judicial custody till January 17.

Last week, for the first time, the accused was presented before the Sessions Court after the Gurugram Juvenile Justice Board on December 20 ordered that the accused would be tried as an adult. The accused is in an observation home in Faridabad in Haryana.

Officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said the accused murdered the younger boy just to defer a unit test and a scheduled parent-teacher meeting.

Police had on September 8 arrested Ashok kumar, 44, a school bus conductor, for allegedly killing the child.

The case was handed over to the CBI on September 22. It did not find any evidence against Kumar and took the Class XI student into custody on November 8. Kumar got bail on November 21.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The CBI on Monday said its investigation in the multi-million dollar AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal case during UPA government is "independent and very strong".

The central agency's remarks came after an Italian appeals court in Milan on Monday acquitted Italian defence and aerospace major Finmeccanica's former chief Giuseppe Orsi and former AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini in connection with the case.

"The case in which an Italian court today (Monday) acquitted Orsi and Spagnolini was investigated by Italian Police itself. The accused were earlier convicted by a trial court in Milan. Now, the Italian Police have options to appeal in highest court. We have investigated independently in the case and our case is very strong," CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal told IANS.

The Milan court cleared Orsi and Spagnolini on the basis of insufficient proof in the charges framed against them.

In December 2016, Italy's highest court had ordered a re-trial of the case, after the former executives of the Rome-based group were found guilty on corruption charges related to a 560 million euros ($672 million) contract to supply a dozen helicopters to New Delhi.

A judge earlier that year had sentenced Orsi to four and a half years in prison for corruption and falsifying invoices and Spagnolini to four years in jail.

The CBI on September 1 last year filed chargesheet in the Rs 3,726 crore AgustaWestland chopper case against Orsi, Spagnolini, former Indian Air Force chief S.P. Tyagi, his cousin Sanjeev, former IAF Vice Chief J.S. Gujral, advocate Gautam Khaitan, and three alleged European middleman -- Christian Michel, Guido Haschke, and Carlo Gerosa.

Tyagi, who was the Indian Air Force chief from 2004 to 2007, his brother Sanjeev and Khaitan were allegedly involved in irregularities in the procurement of 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters from Britain-based AgustaWestland.

They were arrested in December 2016 by the agency in connection with the case. Currently, they are out on bail.

The CBI, which registered an FIR in the case on March 12, 2013, has alleged that Tyagi and other accused received kickbacks from AgustaWestland to help the manufacturer win the contract. The FIR mentioned charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI said the company was favoured in lieu of illegal gratification accepted through different companies in the name of consultancy services.

Tyagi, the CBI alleged, took bribes of several crores of rupees through middlemen and a complex route of companies in several countries from AgustaWestland to change the specifications of the contract -- reducing the operational flight ceiling from originally proposed 6,000 metres to 4,500 metres and bringing down the cabin height to 1.8 metres.

The CBI probe allegedly revealed that several payments were made to the Tyagi brothers by the European middlemen as bribery.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Going by the popular mood in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Monday said Sanjay Leela Bhansali's movie 'Padmavati', now rechristened as 'Padmavat', will not be released in the cinema halls of the state.

"The sacrifice by Queen Padmini (also known as Padmavati) is a matter of honour and respect for all of us and hence we will not allow anyone to show disrespect to this honour," Raje added further.

Queen Padmini, she said, "is not just a historical character for us, but a pride for all of us and we will not allow anyone to disrespect this pride in any away".

Raje has also written to state Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria in this regard.

Bhansali's period saga Padmavati, which was mired in controversy, is finally going to see the light of day and it will now be released on January 25 as Padmavat across the country but not in Rajasthan.

Vasundhara Raje said the film would not be released in the state "respecting the sentiments of the people of Rajasthan".

"Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has already written to Smriti Irani (Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting) in this regard. As it touches the emotions of people of Rajasthan, we will not allow it to be released in Rajasthan," Home Minister Kataria told media persons.

Replying to a question as to why it was being released in India then, he said that the controversial part had been removed from the film.

"Although no one has seen it as of now, the CBFC (Central Board for Film Certification) and producer are claiming the same (removal of controversial part). Once it is released, the facts will come to the fore," he added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Ashok Parnami also said that the film Padmawat would not be released in Rajasthan.

"If there is tampering with the history in any film that affects the sentiments of people of Rajasthan, then it will not be released in the state," he added.

Later in the day, the Rajput Samaj also called a press conference to announce that the central as well as the state governments would lose a major share of their vote bank if they chose to allow the release of the controversial film.

Rajpur Sabha chief Giriraj Singh Lotwada said: "Queen Padmini is our honour and we will not allow our honour to be desecrated at any cost."

Shri Rajput Karni Sena, however, still remains firm on its stand, disallowing release of the movie. It is now demanding that the names of the characters in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie be changed.President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the 4th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference on "State and Social Order in Dharma-Dhamma Traditions" in Rajgir of Nalanda district in Bihar on January 11, officials said on Monday.

Nalanda University Vice Chancellor Sunaina Singh told the media here that the varsity, in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Religion and Society, India Foundation, Ministry of External Affairs and the Vietnam Buddhist University, is organising the conference from January 11 to 13 at Rajgir International Convention Centre, Rajgir -- about 100km from here.

The event is being organised as part of the commemorative events to celebrate the Silver Jubilee year of ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership, with active support of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Besides President Kovind, Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Assignments Tilak Marapana and Kingdom of Thailand's Minister for Culture Vira Rojpojchanarat, among others, will attend the conference.

The overall theme of the Conference -- State and Social Order in Dharma-Dhamma Tradition -- which aims to facilitate cross-pollination of ideas and foster harmony at the global level and also seeks to explore the shared values of the dharmic traditions that may provide the guiding light to the world and a vibrant sense of inter-connectedness.

As one of the defining principles of the human civilization, Dharma-Dhamma provided the structure upon which the broad array of human existence and cosmic life was built across the globe.

The notion of Dharma-Dhamma, in its manifold manifestations, including truth and non-violence, peace and harmony, humaneness and spiritual linkages and universal fraternity and peaceful co-existence, served as a moral compass that guided people in the Indian sub-continent through ages and continues to shape and sustain the Indian cultural ethos.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Human Rights Watch on Monday called on French President Emmanuel Macron, currently on his first official visit to China, to urge Beijing to improve its human rights situation.

Macron was expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and sign various bilateral agreements, Efe new agency reported.

He is the first European leader to travel to China after Xi renewed his five-year mandate as head of the Communist Party in November 2017.

According to HRW France Director Benedicte Jeannerod, Macron must follow through on his commitment to demand greater respect for human rights as he himself said that "France's diplomatic and economic imperatives with China cannot justify cover-up of the question of human rights".

"If Macron is serious about promoting liberty and democracy worldwide, he should arrive with a long list for President Xi and other Chinese leaders," Jeannerod said in a statement.

HRW also urged the French President to publicly reiterate call for full freedom of movement for Liu Xia, widow of the late dissident and Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, who is still under house arrest.

Macron, as part of his state visit was also urged to discuss that how French companies can operate in China given rising Internet censorship and the restrictions on virtual private networks that allow users to circumvent the digital blockade.

HRW also said that Macron must further express concerns about China's anti-rights conduct against the UN and Interpol.

Official French sources told Efe that rebalancing trade relations with Beijing is a major priority of the visit as France has a deficit with China of around $36 billion, the largest of its foreign trade.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Independent MLA Hanuman Beliwal has attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi while announcing that Rajasthan needed a new political party to provide an alternative to both the BJP and the Congress.

Beliwal made the announcement at a huge rally of farmers here on Sunday. He said the youths had seen through both the major political outfits and "their false promises" and were looking for a change.

Beniwal asked people to refrain from getting lured by promises he said Modi would make at Pachpadra while laying the foundation stone of the Barmer Refinery.

The farmers' rally discussed issues such as loan waiver, irrigation and employment for youths. It was announced that similar rallies will be organised in Bikaner, Sikar and Jaipur.

And in Jaipur, a third front would be announced to contest the next election.

The rally was also addressed by MLA Kirorilal Meena who said: "Hanumanji and I will work together to form a new government in the state.

"We will rule the state by following the 'JM' way where 'J' stands for Jat and 'M' stands for Meena, Mali, Meghwal and Muslims.

"JM also stands for Judicial Magistrate which means that we will work as judicial magistrates to arrest the BJP and Congress in the state," he added.

Meena said Modi had earlier promised to bring home the heads of 10 Pakistani soldiers for every single Indian soldier killed by Pakistanis.

"Now, so many soldiers are dying on the border. Why is Modi not keeping his promise?"

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Armed bandits on a motorcycle opened gunfire and snatched a bag containing Rs 3.5 lakh from an employee of a gas agency owned by the family of an Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister, police said on Monday.

Police said two employees with the currency bag were on their way to the office from the gas godown on Sunday evening when three persons stopped them and fired a shot, injuring one of them in the leg.

Senior Superintendent of Police Swapnit Mamgai said the police were confident of resolving the case soon and that the injured man was out of danger.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Indian government's proposal to send Haj pilgrims through the sea route has got the green signal from the Saudi Arabian government, Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Monday.

The discussion on reviving the sea route came up during the signing of the annual bilateral Haj agreement for 2018 between India and Saudi Arabia in the presence of Naqvi and Saudi Minister for Haj and Umrah Mohammad Saleh bin Taher in Mecca on Sunday.

Naqvi said officials from both the countries will discuss all the necessary formalities and technicalities so that Haj pilgrimage through the sea route can commence in the coming years.

"Sending pilgrims through ships will help cut down travel expenses significantly. It will be a revolutionary, pro-poor, pilgrim-friendly decision," Naqvi said.

The ferrying of Haj pilgrims between Mumbai and Jeddah by waterway was stopped in 1995.

The Minister said that another advantage with ships available these days is they are modern and well-equipped to ferry 4,000 to 5,000 persons at a time. They can cover the 2,300-odd nautical miles one-side distance between Mumbai and Jeddah in just three to four days.

The old ships used to take 12 to 15 days to cover this distance.

Naqvi said that last year he had discussed the option to revive sea route for Haj pilgrimage with Transport and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari.

He said that Haj 2018 has been made fully digital.

On the issue of Indian Muslim women going to Haj for the first time without mehram (male guardian), the Minister said that separate accommodation and transport has been arranged for these women.

Also, female Haj Assistants will be deployed for their help.

More than 1,300 women have applied to go for Haj without mehram and all of these women will be exempted from the lucky draw. These women would be travelling in groups of four or more women, according to the new Haj policy of India.

So far, around 3.59 lakh applications have been received for Haj 2018, against the quota of around 1.70 lakh pilgrims.

"For the first time, we have given option to Haj pilgrims to opt for another embarkation point. This will ensure that there is no financial burden on Haj pilgrims even after removal of Haj subsidy. This decision has received overwhelming response," Naqvi said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A plane of the Saudi-led coalition crashed in the northern province of Saada in Yemen, but its pilots were later rescued, local media reported.

The jet crashed because of a technical fault and the two pilots were rescued after a joint search and rescue operation, the Al Akhbariya TV reported on Sunday.

The coalition's air forces carry out regular surveillance and airstrikes on Yemeni territories controlled by the Houthi rebels as part of its war on Yemen that began in 2015.

Earlier, the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency reported that its air forces shot down a fighter jet from the Saudi-led coalition, without providing further details.

The war in Yemen has killed hundreds of civilians as result of the airstrikes and clashes between Yemeni armed groups.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Comedian Seth Meyers opened his stint as host of the 75th Golden Globe Awards with a political undertone and jokes around US President Donald Trump and sexual harassment scandals in Hollywood.

He opened his monologue saying: "Good evening ladies and remaining gentlemen", adding that it would be the first time in months that men won't be terrified to hear their names read out loud.

The host, dressed in black, took a dig at Hollywood names Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein, who have been alleged for using their position to sexually harass people. The award show was held here on Sunday.

"A lot of people thought it would be more appropriate for a woman to host tonight's show, and they might be right, but if it makes you feel any better I have absolutely no power in Hollywood," Meyers said, as the camera panned to actor Seth Rogen in the audience.

"Remember when he was the one causing trouble with North Korea?" Meyers questioned, referring to Trump's tweets calling out on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

There was mention of Weinstein in his monologue.

"Don't worry, he'll be back in 20 years when he becomes the first person to be booed at the annual In Memoriam," said Meyers, which was followed by groans from the audience.

"It will sound like that," he added.

Meyers, who was hosting the Golden Globe Awards for the first time, took a jibe at disgraced actor Kevin Spacey too.

He said: "Despite everything that happened this year, the show goes on. For example, I was happy to hear they were going to do another season of 'House of Cards'. Is Christopher Plummer available for that too? I hope he can do a Southern accent because Kevin Spacey sure couldn't."

The joke was in reference to Plummer replacing Spacey in the film "All the Money in the World".

Sexual misconduct and gender equality was the highlight of the monologue, but there were undertones of politics too.

"We're all here at the courtesy of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. A string of three words that could not have been better designed to infuriate our president. The only name that would make him angrier would be the 'Hillary Mexico Salad Associated'."

The comedian wrapped up his monologue on a serious note, saying: "People in this room worked really hard to get here but it's clearer now than ever before, the women had to work harder. So thank you for all that you do. I look forward to seeing you lead us into whatever some next."

The ceremony was aired in India on Vh1, Comedy Central and Colors Infinity on Monday morning.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday arrived at the Indian Naval Base INS Hansa in Goa to participate in the 'Rakshamantri's Day at Sea' programme, an official said.

During the two-day event, which began on Monday, she is expected to board several naval ships and witness live naval operations, said an Indian Navy statement.

Sitharaman will also witness "various naval operations, including practice missile firings, warships submarine and aircraft interaction exercises, flying operations from aircraft carrier and flypast during the two-day sea sortie".

She was received by Admiral Sunil Lanba and other senior officials of the Indian Navy.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)With digital transformation comes the daunting task of preparing a workforce for technologies like Big Data, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) that can address the massive demand coming from governments and businesses in India.

According to a top IBM executive, the time is ripe to start the journey right from schools and universities, leading to up-skilling and re-skilling the enterprise and start-up developers' community in the country.

Between 2010 and 2030, India's working population is expected to expand from 750 million to almost one billion.

"Without adequate education and training, such population growth poses an increased risk of the emergence of a growing class of under or unemployed. Skill is emerging as the new currency across businesses globally and in India," Seema Kumar, Country Leader, Developer Ecosystem and Start-ups, IBM India/South Asia, told IANS.

"We believe the industry is no more bifurcated into blue-collar and white-collar jobs. The 'new collar' job community is embracing technology rapidly, forging deeper relationships with ecosystem partners and acquiring 'in-demand' skill-sets," Kumar emphasised.

Sensing the urgent need to build a talent pool for the future, IBM recently announced a collaboration with the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) to spur emerging technology skills in the domestic telecom industry.

The agreement outlines a roadmap to build capabilities in the areas of information and communication technology (ICT) to provide the required and relevant skills for the telecom Industry.

"This collaboration will provide an opportunity to students and young professionals to get skilled in emerging technologies including Big Data, Cloud Computing, IoT and mobile applications that have a huge potential in the telecom sector," Kumar said.

IBM's student developers' programme (career education) that infuses software capabilities that are industry specific and market relevant has helped more than 24,000 students and faculty members develop industry-relevant software capabilities.

Developers are the new marketers and decision-makers across organisations and it has become imperative to make them the centre of the core strategy.

"We also have collaboration with US-based Galvanize and Coursera to offer cognitive and Cloud curriculum to developers to help them equip with new age requirements around data science and Machine Learning (ML), etc," the IBM executive said.

In 2017, IBM organised "IBM DeveloperConnect Roadshow" in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad where it offered day-long workshops that combined technical sessions and hands-on activities, led by technical experts from IBM around data science, ML and Cloud.

"We are going to organise the 'IBM Code' day for developers in Bengaluru on February 14 which is another step towards introducing the developer community to IBM technologies," Kumar told IANS.

IBM also has an online learning platform Cognitiveclass.ai that offers several online courses in the area of data science, AI, big data and Blockchain.

"We also work with external Edtech partners who offer structured courses and curriculum based on these technologies. For instance, Jigsaw Academy is leveraging the IBM Data Science experience platform and CognitiveClass.ai to offer advanced customised learning to students and professionals on data science," Kumar noted.

Similarly, GlobalKnowledge is a training partner offering detailed courses on Cloud and cognitive development, also enabling professional certifications in these domains.

"Today, we are witnessing start-ups adopting Cloud at a fast pace, looking at creating enterprise class solutions and use best practices at a competitive cost, more agile systems and greater efficiency," Kumar said.

IBM Cloud Private is an integrated Cloud platform built on a Kubernetes-based container architecture.

It is a pre-packaged offering with enterprise-grade content, bringing Cloud native environment to Private Clouds so that start-ups can maintain control over core data while giving developers the flexibility to easily update and launch new apps in a secure manner.

"We foresee start-ups in the FinTech, e-commerce and HealthTech space leveraging IBM Cloud Private for on-premises software portfolio or easily integrate next-generation data and software optimised for Cloud," Kumar added.

(Nishant Arora can be contacted at nishant.a@ians.in)

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The party of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh has named a new leader after he was killed last month by Shia Houthi rebels, his one-time allies in the countrys civil war.

The General People's Congress party (GPC) elected 65-year-old Sadiq Abu Ras, a former Agriculture Minister, as the new chief of the party, Xinhua news reported on Monday.

The election took place in central Sanaa, the rebel-held capital, amid a tight security presence.

"The position of the party remains steadfast against the aggressors (Saudi-led military coalition) on the soil of the Yemeni people," the party said in a statement.

The statement did not mention Saleh's death, but demanded the release of his family members, party's leaders and journalists of Saleh-owned television channel Yemen al-Yawm from Houthi-run prisons.

However, senior leaders of the party rejected the party's statement and the election.

"Any statement that does not publicly break relations with Houthi murderers and declare war against them does not represent us and is not our party," the GPC Secretary-General Yasir al-Awadhi tweeted.

On December 4, Houthi fighters killed Saleh, many of his family members and party's leaders after a week of deadly clashes that erupted after the former President switched sides of allies and declared "opening new page with the Saudi-led coalition".

Saleh, who ruled the country for 33 years and stepped down following 2011 popular protests, had waged six wars against Houthi movement that ended in 2010.

However, Saleh allied with Houthis and supported them when they advanced from their far north stronghold of Saada province and stormed the capital Sanaa in September 2014, where they overthrew Saudi-backed government and forced President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile.

In March 2015, the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen to restore Hadi to power and roll back the Iranian-aligned Houthi-Saleh rebels.

Three years now into Yemen's civil war, over 10,000 Yemenis, mostly children, have been killed and three million others have been displaced, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)South Korea's top nuclear envoy will visit the US this week to discuss the Korean peninsula's nuclear issue, an official said on Monday.

Lee Do-hoon, special representative for the Korean peninsula peace and security affairs, will visit Washington from Wednesday to Friday, South Korea's Foreign Ministry was cited as saying by Xinhua news agency.

During the visit, Lee will meet his US counterpart Joseph Yun, a chief negotiator at the six-party talks for the denuclearised Korean peninsula.

Lee will also meet key figures of the US government in charge of North Korea affairs, the Foreign Ministry said.

The South Korean envoy will make an indepth discussion with the US officials on ways to peacefully resolve the peninsula's nuclear issue and improve inter-Korean relations.

Lee's visit to Washington would come a day after the high-level talks between South and North Korea on January 9 in the truce village of Panmunjom.

--IANS

umer/soni/dg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Train services in different parts of West Bengal were affected due to a call to disrupt rail traffic by Jharkhand Disom Party, coupled with dense fog in the eastern states.

The agitation by supporters of the Jharkhand-based party, which has a presence in tribal infested areas in parts of Bengal, forced the authority to either divert or short terminate or short originate a number of express and passengers trains, causing inconvenience to passengers.

Opposing land acquisition in tribal areas, the party had called "rail roko" and accordingly, its supporters blocked railway tracks at Indrabil, Kantadih, Madhukunda and Maluka stations.

In South Eastern Railway (SER), train services were affected on non-railway issues in Adra and Chakradharpur divisions, a SER spokesperson said in a statement.

According to the statement, Ranchi-Howrah Special was short terminated at Adra and would return back from Adra to Ranchi. Santragachi-Purulia Rupasi Bangla Express, leaving Santragachi on Monday, was short terminated suitably over Adra division and would return.

Shalimar-Bhojudih Aranyak Express leaving Shalimar on Monday would also be short terminated over Adra division.

Dhanbad-Tatanagar Subarnarekha Express leaving Dhanbad was run on diverted route via Purulia-Kotshila-Muri-Chandil, the spokesperson said, adding a number of trains to and from northern states of the country was also delayed including the Howrah and Sealdah Rajdhani Express trains by an average of 10 -12 hours, due to dense fog in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and parts of West Bengal.

Several trains have been rescheduled owing to delay in arrival of corresponding down trains.

--IANS

bdc/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump has announced that will postpone the announcement of his "Fake News Awards of 2017" to January 17, citing high interest.

"The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt and biased of the mainstream media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17, rather than this coming Monday," the President tweeted on Sunday.

"The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated."

Trump has often labelled coverage critical of his administration as "fake news", accusing leading US outlets of spreading "fake news" against him during the presidential election campaign as well as after he became President.

In December, multiple American news outlets reported that the White House was planning to remove the current head of the State Department, as his relationship with Trump was "strained".

Trump denied it as "FAKE NEWS!" on Twitter, and added that "He's not leaving... We work well together."

On December 11, Trump dismissed a New York Times report that he watched four to even eight hours of television each day.

"Another false story, this time in the Failing @nytimes, that I watch 4-8 hours of television a day - Wrong!" Trump Tweeted.

Responding to Trump, Clifford Levy, a deputy managing editor at New York Times, tweeted that the newspaper stood by its story, which was based on 60 interviews.

--IANS

ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump spoke to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron over the phone and discussed the Korean Peninsula and Iran, according to the White House.

Trump updated Macron on the developments of the situation on the Peninsula, underscoring the "international resolve to achieve the complete denuclearisation" of the Peninsula, Xinhua news agency quoted the White House as saying.

The two leaders also talked about the demonstrations in Iran.

Iran had earlier blasted the US' stance on the demonstrations in the country, with its Ambassador to the UN Gholamali Khoshroo slamming the Trump administration's attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.

Trump on Saturday said that he was willing to talk with Kim Jong Un and that he supports the upcoming talks between the two Koreas slated to take place on Tuesday.

--IANS

ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Congress on Monday said an atmosphere of fear has been created in the country by the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and demanded that FIR against "The Tribune" and its staffer for alleged breach of details of a large number of Aadhaar cards be withdrawn.

The party said if the government believed in the Freedom of Speech and Expression and the freedom of press, then the FIR must be unilaterally withdrawn by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which operates under the central government.

"An atmosphere of fear, terror, intimidation and coercion and stifling of democratic dissent has been systematically created, perpetuated and perpetrated by the NDA-BJP government," said Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari.

Dissenting journalists were put to death and media organisations which dared to speak truth were systematically hounded and targeted, he said.

"NDTV was raided and the Wire has been subjected to systematic coercion and intimidation. The Tribune, which runs a story on Aadhar data breach, is rewarded with an FIR which names the journalist and the institution itself," he added.

Tewari further said: "If this is not fascism, if this is not an attempt to muzzle dissent, if this is not gross abuse of state authority, then I am afraid, we possibly do not have a definition for this.

"That is why, the time has come for all progressive, right thinking and patriotic forces to stand united against this systematic repression which has been unleashed on democratic dissent by the Narendra Modi government," he added.

The party also asked the people to introspect and decide on the kind of government they would want post 2019.

"They must seriously introspect, reflect and make a choice... Do they want a government which believes in the enlightened idea of India, where they can live without fear and intimidation, where they do not have to look over their shoulder before they utter the next sentence...

"... Or they want the country which is majoritarian, which is theocratic where the government is prepared to bite off your tongue the moment you utter a word. The time has come to make that fundamental choice," said Tewari.

"That is our appeal to the people of India and they should make a choice 'whether you want a liberal and democratic India or a theocratic and fascist India'," Tewari added.

--IANS

sid/nir

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Actress Sonam Kapoor, who is gearing up for the release of her forthcoming film "Pad Man", says that she wants to do good work and be a part of good films.

Recipient of Special Mention Award at the 64th National Awards for her role in the 2016 film "Neerja", Sonam was asked if she thinks "Pad Man" would help her achieve another National Award and she said: "I don't do films for awards, I just want to do good work and be part of good films."

Sonam, along with Akshay Kumar, was present on the set of Grand Finale of Zee Marathi's Show "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" on Sunday to promote "Pad Man".

During the media interaction, Sonam also revealed that she will be shooting for Vidhu Vinod Chopra's film after which she will start her next film "Zoya factor".

"I am going to shoot in February, March and April for Vinod (Chopra) Uncle's production. Then I will start preparing for 'Zoya Factor'," she said.

"Also there are three releases this year, first 'Pad Man' this month, then 'Veere Di Wedding' in May and then Dutt biopic, so I will be busy with films. So, there is no time for other plans." said Sonam.

Talking about Marathi cinema, Sonam said she is glad that the industry is being recognised for its worth.

"Marathi films and songs have become very trendy right now. But people aren't aware of the years of hard work and quality work that happened earlier. But I am so glad that it has become so popular now that even we have to come and promote our films on the Marathi platform," she said.

Directed by R. Balki, "Pad Man" is scheduled to release worldwide on January 26.

--IANS

iv/nv/dg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The brutal cold that has chilled a good part of northeastern US, with temperatures often significantly below zero, will begin to moderate at the beginning of the week, according to the latest reports.

The National Service (NWS) said that, although the "bitter" cold and freezing winds continued affecting the northeast on Sunday, the situation will moderate on Monday and that trend will continue through mid-week, reports Efe news.

The national map shows evidence of a certain return to normalcy across most of the nation, with the exception of Maine, Virginia and the eastern region of North and South Carolina, the NWS said.

In the Philadelphia-Boston corridor, the rise in the mercury on Sunday will put the temperature at about minus 5 degrees Celsius between Monday and Tuesday, warming to around freezing, CNBC reported.

In interior states such as Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky, weather authorities are warning that ice accumulation and freezing rain could make road travel difficult.

Meanwhile, New York's JFK airport experienced more flight delays on Sunday, with record low temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius, breaking the 2014 record.

Besides JFK, the airports at Fort Worth and Dallas, and Chicago's O'Hare, were also affected by the freezing weather.

In what proved to be one of the nation's coldest spots, New Hampshire's White Mountains, the mercury dropped on Sunday to minus 22 degrees Celsius, with winds of up to 60 km per hour.

Over the past week, the frigid storm conditions have left at least 22 people dead in the country, according to CNN.

--IANS

ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)On Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi promised a brand new Congress in the months to come.

He said there would be dramatic changes in the Congress party, particularly among the leaders who head its state units. Gandhi, currently on a visit to Bahrain, his first visit abroad after taking over as the Congress chief, told a gathering of non-resident Indians (NRIs) that his party committed mistakes, as did he. What we have to do now is to present a new Congress party, something that you can believe in and trust, he said, addressing an event ...The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday said it will contest at least 35 seats in the Meghalaya Assembly elections.

Elections to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly are due in the first half of this year as the term of the present Assembly expires on March 6.

"We are hoping to field 35 candidates for the next election as we have good chance of winning," AAP state president Wanshwa Nongtdu told reporters here.

He claimed the chances of the AAP is "good".

The AAP leader also exuded confidence that the party will form the next government by fielding "common man" as its candidates.

"We are Aam aadmi and we will have common man as candidates, we have few retired officers, few intellectuals who want to contest and we prefer our candidates be to be AAP candidates," he said.

Declaring the first list of candidates, Nongtdu said Peter Aiborlang Dohkrud will contest from Mawlai, Dorass Ramsiej from Mawkyrwat, Wonder Lapang will take on Congress president Celestine Lyngdoh from Umsning constituency in Ri-Bhoi and Debrict Binone from Nongpoh.

According to the AAP leader, the candidates have been approved by AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and party observer for North East, Rakesh Sinha.Around 1,300 women from India will go on Haj without a "Mehram" and will be exempted from the lottery system this year for the annual pilgrimage, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi reiterated today.

Till now, women Haj pilgrims were required to be accompanied by their husbands or a "Mehram" during the annual pilgrimage.

"Saudi Arabia has relaxed the norms and allowed a group of at least four women to go on Haj without a male companion," Naqvi said during an interaction with PTI journalists here.

The term "Mehram" refers to a male, whom a woman cannot marry (i.e. father, brother, son etc.).

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, had said that the women who have applied to go on Haj without a 'Mehram' would be exempted from the lottery system and allowed to go on the annual pilgrimage," the minority affairs minister said.

The Centre had decided to allow the women pilgrims over the age of 45 years to undertake the pilgrimage in groups of at least four, sans a "Mehram", he added.

Meanwhile, referring to the impasse in the Rajya Sabha between the ruling party and Opposition, due to which the "triple talaq" bill could not be passed during the just- concluded Winter session of Parliament, Naqvi said it was not a setback for the government.

"We have made the practice of triple talaq illegal and unconstitutional. Hence, there is a provision of imprisonment (for the offenders)," the minister said.

Pointing to the response of the Muslim community to the triple talaq decision, Naqvi said there was "not a single protest", unlike the protests on the Shah Bano issue during late Rajiv Gandhi's tenure as prime minister.

"The Congress missed an opportunity to make a statement about our bill in the Lok Sabha. It did not even suggest an amendment. Now, it is stalling the bill in the Rajya Sabha," he added.

Asked if the Muslims were going away from the BJP, Naqvi said, "For the first time, the BJP got around 17 per cent votes from the Muslim community in Gujarat. We realised this when we analysed the results booth-wise."



This is the first time the saffron party had received so many votes from the Muslim community, the minister said, adding, "The figure used to be around 8-9 per cent."



In last month's Gujarat polls, with 99 MLAs, the BJP secured a simple majority in the 182-member Assembly, 16 less than its 2012 tally of 115.

The opposition Congress, which had won 61 seats in 2012, managed to increase its tally to 77.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A total of 147 Indian fishermen, released by Pakistan after spending eight months in captivity in Karachi, crossed over to India through the border here today, officials said.

In a goodwill gesture, Pakistani authorities had released 147 fishermen yesterday.

Their release followed a December announcement by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal that nearly 300 Indian fishermen would be freed in two phases till January 8.

On December 28, Pakistan had released the first batch of 145 Indian fishermen, who were held there on similar charges.

The fishermen travelled from Karachi to Lahore and then crossed through the Wagah border today, officials said.

Fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each other's territorial waters since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border and the wooden boats lack the technology to avoid being drifting away.

Owing to prolonged bureaucratic and legal procedures, the fishermen usually languish in jail for several months.

A number of non-governmental organisations in both India and Pakistan have raised the issue, pressing their governments to release arrested fishermen without much delay.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who as a toddler survived the 2008 terror attack at a Jewish centre in Mumbai, is feeling "emotional and excited" as he prepares to visit his birthplace during the four day visit to India by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this month.

Moshe, 11, was two-year-old when his parents were killed in the Mumbai attacks at Nariman House (also known as Chabad House) by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists.

The boy, standing and crying between his dead parents' bodies, was saved in a daring move by his brave nanny, Sandra Samuels, who was hiding in a room downstairs when the attack happened.

"Moshe is very excited and at the same time emotional as he gets ready to leave for Mumbai on January 15. He is returning to his birthplace and is waiting to see many things connected to his late parents that he has heard about from us and his nanny. There are lots of memories," an overwhelmed Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, Moshe's grandfather, told PTI.

In an emotional meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 5 in Jerusalem, the young boy had expressed his wish to visit Mumbai.

"I hope I will be able to visit Mumbai, and when I get older, live there. I will be the director of our Chabad House," Moshe had told the Indian Prime Minister.

Modi had responded by saying, "Come and stay in India and Mumbai. You are most welcome. You and your all family members will get long-term visas. So you can come anytime and go anywhere".

Netanyahu then promptly asked Moshe to join him when he travels to India, a promise he did not forget and has invited the family to join him in Mumbai during his forthcoming visit to India starting on January 14.

"Moshe says that he was touched by the warm embrace he received from Prime Minister Modi when he met him in Jeursalem during his July visit to Israel. He says that he felt like it was one of his own people giving him a warm hug," Rosenberg said adding, "he is hoping to meet the Indian Prime Minister again during his India trip".

"He is waiting to host Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara, and hopefully PM Modi 'at his home in Mumbai'," the grandfather said.

The young boy will be accompanied by his grandparents, Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg, nanny Sandra and a psychologist during his trip to Mumbai.

"During a meeting with the psychologist, who has been mentally preparing him for the visit, Moshe gave him an account of places in Mumbai he would like to visit. He has done his homework and knows about not only the site seeing places but also other places where his parents carried out works related to their assignment," Rosenberg noted.

Moshe's parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, who were serving as Directors at the Chabad House, were killed along with six others when the place also came under attack by Pakistani terrorists during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

"It is heart warming to see that the Indian leadership and the people of India haven't forgotten us and share our pain. It gives us strength and makes us feel one", Rosenberg said.

In a brief telephonic call, Sandra, who was in Afula in the north of Israel where Moshe and his family lives, said that the boy is excited and told her before leaving for school on Sunday that it is like "homecoming" for him.

The family also plans to celebrate Moshe's bar mitzvah in Mumbai.Bar mitzvah is a ceremony performed for Jewish boys at the age of 13 which some Israeli scholars compare with upnayana, or the thread ceremony.

India issued ten year multiple entry visas to Moshe andhis grandparents to ease their travel to the country in August. Prime Minister Modi is said to have personally followed up on the matter as promised to Moshe during their meeting.

Sandra also now lives in Israel and has been felicitated with an honourary citizenship by the Israeli government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Madras High Court was today informed that nativity certificates presented by 296 students from other states admitted to MBBS courses in Tamil Nadu through NEET in 2017-18 were found to have been issued without any inquiry or scrutiny.

The submission was made by a committee of advocates and government officials after a random verification of the certificates complying with a directive of Justice N Kirubakaran.

The judge had earlier given the direction on a batch of petitions by aspiring medical students seeking to quash the merit list of the admission on the ground that many students from outside the state allegedly produced dual nativity certificates.

The petitioners contended that many students from other states were allotted MBBS seats in Tamil Nadu based on nativity certificates obtained "fraudulently", adversely affecting their chances to get admitted in the courses.

During the course of hearing, it came to light that a total of 1,269 students had applied in two states, claiming nativity in both the states for admission to medical courses.

Subsequently, the court directed advocates representing the petitioners and the government to randomly verify the certificates.

The committee found that certificates submitted by 296 students admitted under the CBSE category were issued without any scrutiny.

Such certificates were issued online, before actual physical copies were issued, the committee informed the court.

The supporting documents filed for issuance of nativity certificates were vague and most of them did not denote the actual native place, the memo added.

Recording the submissions, Justice Kirubakaran directed the committee to file the findings in an affidavit.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Nepal police have arrested four people from capital Kathmandu for their suspected involvement in smuggling hides of red panda, the endangered species found primarily in Eastern Himalayas.

Acting on a tip-off, the police detained the accused from Tokha Municipality yesterday and recovered the rare species' hides from them, an official statement said.

The suspects were arrested and sent to District Forest Office, Hattisar, Kathmandu for further investigation and action today, the Himalayan Times reported, quoting officials of Nepal's Metropolitan Crime Division.

According to the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973, the red panda, also known as Ailurus, is classified as highly endangered species in Nepal.

Some 220 red pandas, which are slightly larger than a domestic cat with a bear-like body and thick russet fur, were found in eastern Nepal during a census conducted in 2015.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Four people were killed and 12 others injured when their car dashed into a roadside tree on the NH-28 due to dense fog early morning today, the police said.

The accident took place near Dadri village under Safdarganj police station area, they said, adding three people died on the spot.

The injured were taken to the district hospital from where the seriously injured were being rushed to Lucknow's Trauma Centre, where one more succumbed to injuries, SP Anil Kumar said.

The identity of the victims was not known yet, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Amid outrage on the FIR lodged over the reporting of alleged Aadhaar data breach, the government today said it has been filed against "unknown" accused while asserting its commitment to the freedom of the press.

A day after the Delhi police confirmed registering of an FIR on January 5, based on a compliant by Aadhaar-issuing body UIDAI, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad took to Twitter to clarify the government's position on the issue.

"The government is fully committed to freedom of Press as well as to maintaining security and sanctity of Aadhaar for India's development. FIR is against unknown," he said.

Though the complaint by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) named four persons, including the Chandigarh -based daily The Tribune's reporter who had filed the story on alleged breach in Aadhaar database, Prasad said the FIR was against "unknown".

"I've suggested UIDAI to request Tribune and its journalist to give all assistance to police in investigating real offenders," he said.

After filing the police complaint, the UIDAI had said in a statement, "This is a case in which even though there was no breach of Aadhaar biometric database, because UIDAI takes every criminal violation seriously, it is for the act of unauthorised access, criminal proceedings have been initiated."



The move attracted strong criticism from various media organisations, including The Editors Guild of India, which sought withdrawal of the case.

The Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune, Harish Khare, had said in a statement yesterday that "the authorities have misconceived an honest journalistic enterprise and have proceeded to institute criminal proceedings against the whistleblower".

He said the daily would explore "all legal options" open to it to defend its freedom to undertake serious investigative journalism.

The UIDAI had also said that it respects free speech, including the freedom of the press, and its police complaint should not be viewed as "shooting the messenger".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Journalists under the banner of the Press Club of Shimla, today held a meeting and submitted a memorandum to Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat protesting the UIDAI filing a case over a report in The Tribune on alleged Aadhaar data breach.

A delegation led by press club president Dhananjay Sharma called on the governor at the Raj Bhawan here and appraised him about the incident.

They said that the action by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was totally uncalled for and a brazen attack on the press press.

"We are shocked over the move of the government and condemn it and vow to fight it out," the memorandum said.

The Delhi Police has registered an "open-ended" FIR on a complaint from the UIDAI over the report on the alleged data breach of more than one billion Aadhaar cards.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The acquittal of former top executives of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland-- Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini -- will have no bearing on the CBI case as it is based on an independent investigation with strong evidence, senior central agency officials said today.

The comments came after Orsi, ex-president of defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica, and Spagnolini, a former CEO of the company's helicopters subsidiary AgustaWestland, were acquitted by an Italian court today.

The officials said the same set of evidence had resulted in their conviction earlier.

The sources said the case in Italian courts is based on the evidence gathered by the Italian authorities whereas the CBI carried out a completely independent investigation in the matter.

They said there is an option of appeal with Italian authorities even after the order of the Milan court of appeals.

"We have had a completely different probe. We have very strong case," CBI Spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said here.

In Italy, criminal sentences are not usually considered definitive until the appeals process has been exhausted.

The case against Orsi and Spagnolini resulted from an investigation launched in 2012 by Italian authorities looking into alleged corruption into the sale of 12 helicopters to India for the use of VVIPs worth Rs 3600 crore.

The two were accused of international corruption and false invoicing in relation to bribes exchanged for the contract with India.

Both were cleared on charges of committing international corruption at the first-instance trial in 2014 but convicted of false invoicing and sentenced to two years in prison.

Both appealed against the conviction, while the prosecution appealed against the acquittal on the corruption charge.

In December 2016, the supreme court of cassation ordered a repeat of the appeals trial.

Milan's third court of appeal today acquitted Orsi and Spagnolini, who were serving four-and-a-half years and four years sentences under the charges.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone today said it has added two new dredgers to become the largest fleet in the country.

"Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), India's largest port developer and part of Adani Group today announced the addition of two new 8000 m3 Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHDs)," the company said in a statement.

These dredgers are among the largest in the Indian Fleet of TSHDs, the company said.

The Royal IHC, world leader in dredge building, designed and engineered the state-of-the-art TSHDs as per APSEZ specifications and delivered it to the Adani team at Holland last month, the company said, adding that both the dredgers have arrived at Adani's Hazira Port after their maiden voyage through the Suez Canal route.

"We at Adani are proud to dedicate the two new dredgers to the nation, taking our fleet strength to 19 dredgers; it is the largest dredging fleet in the country. This will substantially increase our capacity for dredging in APSEZ.

"These TSHDs are a big asset, as they will also support dredging efforts in other Indian Ports and will further facilitate in Port led initiatives of the Government," said Karan Adani, CEO, APSEZ.

Adani Hazira Port Pvt Ltd (AHPPL) is strategically located close to the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) along the West coast, which accounts for a major part of the country's trade.

The port handles all types of cargo including bulk, break-bulk, bulk liquid chemicals, petroleum products & edible oil, containers, automotive and crude.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Vodafone Group on Monday told the Delhi High Court that it was agreeable to consolidation of the two international arbitrations it has initiated against India in connection with a tax demand of Rs 110 billion under a retrospective law of 2012.

Vodafone has initiated arbitration proceedings under the India-United Kingdom and India-Netherlands Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) in connection with the tax demand raised against the company in relation to its $11 billion deal acquiring the stake of Hutchison Telecom.

The telecom major's lawyer, senior counsel Harish Salve, told Justice Manmohan that it will tell the second tribunal, under the India-UK BIPA, to consolidate the two proceedings if India consents to it.

Salve said this would be the company's defence against India's argument that the two proceedings under the different BIPAs was an abuse of the process of law.

The senior lawyer also said that since the Supreme Court had allowed appointment of a presiding arbitrator in the second arbitration under India-UK BIPA, nothing survives in the central government's suit opposing the proceedings.

The apex court had on December 14 last year said that the chairman or presiding arbitrator can be appointed so that the tribunal is set up but it should not commence hearing till the Delhi High Court decides the pending matter by January 10.

During his nearly four hour-long argument, the lawyer also said that Indian courts do not have the jurisdiction to stop the arbitration proceedings being conducted under international law.

"Domestic courts have no role to play in public international law," he said and added that since the second arbitral tribunal has also been formed, the high court need not hear the matter any more.

He also argued that the government should go after Hutchison since it primarily earned money from the transaction.

The arguments remained inconclusive today and will continue tomorrow.

The Centre had earlier argued that disputes encompassing tax demands raised by a host state were beyond the scope of arbitration provided under the BIPA as taxation is a sovereign function and can only be agitated before a constitutional court of the host state.

It had also argued that laws passed by Parliament cannot be adjudicated by an arbitral tribunal and do not fall within the ambit of BIPA or any other international treaty.

The government is of the view that the $11 billion Hutchison-Vodafone deal was liable for tax deduction at source (TDS) under the Income Tax (IT) Act.

As Vodafone had not deducted the tax at source, the government had raised the demand of Rs 11,000 crore which was subsequently quashed by the Supreme Court on January 20, 2012.

Thereafter, the government made a retrospective amendment to the IT Act which re-fastened the liability on Vodafone.

Aggrieved by the imposition of tax by the retrospective amendment, Vodafone International Holdings BV (VIHBV), Vodafone Group's Dutch subsidiary, had invoked the arbitration clause under India-Netherlands BIPA through a notice of dispute of April 17, 2012 and notice of arbitration of April 17, 2014.

While the proceedings under the India-Netherlands BIPA was pending, the telecom major had initiated arbitration under the India-UK BIPA as well on January 24, 2017.

Challenging the second arbitration, the government had said the two claims were based on the same cause of action and seek identical reliefs but from two different tribunals constituted under two different investment treaties against the same host state.Indian-origin actor Aziz Ansari finally took home the Golden Globe this year as he emerged winner in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series Musical/Comedy category for his role in "The Master Of None".

The 34-year-old actor said he was elated on his first win at the annual awards as going by the websites he thought he had already lost the award this year too.

"I genuinely didn't think I would win as all the websites said I was gonna lose. Also, I am glad that we won this one. To lose two of these in a row would have been a really sh***y moment for me. But this is nice. The only reason my acting is good on the show is because everyone holds me up," Ansari said in his acceptance speech.

"I want to thank Italy for all the amazing food we ate on season two," he joked.

The actor also thanked his parents for their support.

Ansari was nominated in the same category for the Netflix show "The Master of None" in 2016.

He was up against Anthony Anderson of "Black-ish", Kevin Bacon of "I Love Dick", William H Macy of "Shameless" and "Will and Grace" star Eric McCormack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Assam Chief Minster Sarbananda Sonowal today invited industrialists from Tamil Nadu to invest in the state, saying his government has announced key initiatives to boost trade, including the "Act East Policy".

Sonowal addressed a conference organised here as part of the state's first ever Global Investors' Summit scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month in Guwahati.

He said Modi had termed the north-east region as the new engine of India's growth.

The chief minister said his government has succeeded in bringing in investments worth about Rs 7,000 crore to the state since his government came to power.

"That is only in the last 1.5 years. New policies, reforms, establishing new units by famous brands (in Guwahati) has given a new vibrancy to the industrial scene of the state," he said.

The government has announced very attractive tax incentive for the industry.

"A new startup policy supporting young entrepreneurs has been put in place. We have also announced a very attractive IT enabled services policy and a bio-technology policy," Sonowal said.

Detailing other initiatives taken up by the government, he said steps have been taken up to upgrade Guwahati airport as an international airport, mainly connecting the South-East Asian countries.

Work for the construction of new terminal and expansion of the airport has already begun, he added.

Noting that the government has taken steps to give Guwahati a new global identity, the chief minister said, "We are planning to develop Guwahati as a new city with modern facilities to boost economic and commercial ties between India and ASEAN countries".

He said Bangladesh has set up an office of Assistant High Commissioner, while Bhutan recently opened a consulate in Guwahati.

"We are working to get consulates of more neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations in Guwahati", Sonowal added.

Additional Chief Secretary of Assam, Ravi Capoor told reporters that the state was in the advanced stage of rolling out the North East Investment Policy.

"I think may be next month or in this month, we would be seeing a new investment policy. It is in the very advanced stage of discussion and finalisation," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Several Delhi University colleges have been accused of collecting application fee more than once from those aspiring to join the institution as assistant professor.

It has also been alleged that the colleges neither called any applicant for an interview nor returned their money.

While DU's Dean of Colleges Devesh K Sinha said he did not have data about the number of applications received and money submitted, Academic Council member and professor of Sri Aurobindo College Hansraj Suman said there was a huge sum of "unclaimed money" collected as application fee.

"Nearly 40 colleges advertised for recruitment to the posts of assistant professors two years back with a fee of Rs 500 for general category and Rs 250 for OBC, SC/ST and handicapped aspirants," Suman told PTI.

Neither the applicants were interviewed nor the fee was refunded, he said, adding that after the new vice-chancellor took charge in February 2016, the SC/ST and women candidates were exempt from submitting fee.

"The colleges have the addresses of every applicant and can always send cheques to the applicants if they want to refund," Suman said, adding he had also raised the issue during the Academic Council meet.

Responding to the allegation, Sinha told PTI he would look into the issue and direct colleges to arrange for refund.

Delhi University Teachers Association President Rajib Ray said there are colleges that have advertised twice or thrice for the same post but did not interview anyone.

"Ethically, one should call for interview or refund the money. After 18 months, there is another advertisement for the same post. At least they should exempt applicants who have already paid the money," Ray said.

The DUTA president said very few appointments took place since 2015 and the number of applications received are as high as 7 lakhs.

"Since 2015, interviews have taken place in very few departments of merely eight to nine colleges. Both colleges and university have been maintaining a lackadaisical attitude," he said.

The DUTA said it has raised the issue in executive council meetings as well.

The Academic Council is a body which takes all academic decisions of the university. These decisions come into effect after being approves by the executive council.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a joint operation, the Uttar Pradesh Police's Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Kanpur police conducted raids at three hotels in Ghantaghar pocket and nabbed a suspect allegedly operating for a terror module active in the eastern belt, officials said today.

The suspect was interrogated intensively by the ATS and Intelligence sleuths, the police officials said.

During the raid, ATS sleuths seized a laptop and diary of another suspect from a hotel room that was locked from the outside. The door was broke open and the belongings including laptop and diary belonging to a suspect from Muzaffarpur in Bihar seized, they said.

Superintendent of Police (East), Anurag Arya, told PTI that top ATS sleuths had received inputs about a suspect from national intelligence agencies.

After getting a tip-off, the ATS team comprising 40 commandos apart from police personnel of Rail-Bazar, Harbansh-Mohal, Babupurwa, Fazalganj and Raipurwa raided three hotels in Ghanta-ghar vicinity.

ATSs Inspector General (IG), Asim Arun, confirmed the raids but declined to share details.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Gurgaon district court on Monday rejected the bail application of the 16 and a half-year-old boy, accused in the brutal Pradhuman Thakur murder case.

The defence lawyer had filed the bail application after the case was transferred from the juvenile justice board last month.

The boy's lawyer Ashwani Kumar Singh said the next hearing of the court in this matter will be held on January 22 and proceedings will be carried out in-camera.

The court on Monday rejected the bail of the accused minor and we are waiting to know the ground under which the bail was rejected, Singh said.

Seven-year-year old Pradhuman Thakur was found murdered with his throat slit inside the toilet of Ryan International School, Bhondsi, on September 8 last year.

The CBI had arrested the class 11 student exactly 2 months after the incident on November 8, 2017.

Pradhuman Thakur's father Barun Thakur was present inside the courtroom.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Bangladesh today lifted a 2012 ban on the export of its national fish hilsa, whose key markets include India, to check its smuggling and tap into the growing global demand for the popular but scarce food species.

The country's new fisheries and livestock minister, Narayon Chandra Chanda, announced the decision here, just a day after he assumed charge.

Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce had banned the export of hilsa on August 1, 2012 due to its low availability.

Chanda said the ban appeared "largely futile" and so "we will export hilsa in official channel to stop its smuggling".

"Our hilsa production has (also) increased and there is demand in the international market so we want to move towards exports," Chanda told journalists.

Bangladesh had launched a frantic campaign to protect hilsa, its most precious but dwindling aqua resource, several years ago. It had eventually imposed the ban for an indefinite period in 2012, even risking its ties with neighbouring India and several oil-rich Middle Eastern nations.

Chanda said despite the ban, hilsa fish was being smuggled out of the country and "as a result the government is losing out in taxes (and) if we allow exports it will open the way for legal trade and diminish smuggling significantly".

He said the government, however, will continue its conservation campaign particularly to protect the female hilsa.

According to official statistics, hilsa makes up nearly 11 per cent of total fish produced in Bangladesh and its trade contribution to the country's gross domestic product stands at one per cent.

Bangladesh's water bodies produce nearly 75 per cent of world's hilsa yield, while the country and last year the patent office named hilsa a "geographical indication product".

Hilsa is globally reputed for its unique taste but apart from the fish itself, its roe or egg tastes as good as, if not better than, caviar, one of the world's most cherished dishes.

Bangladeshi people are also known for their skill to cook hilsa in more than 50 ways with mustard, curd, brinjal, green banana, baking in young plantain leaves, smoke, fry, and so on.

According to literature on fish resources, the roaming ground of hilsa ranges from Persian Gulf to Gulf of China through Bay of Bengal but 75 per cent of it are produced in Bangladesh. The species is regarded the best in terms of taste.

Basically asea-water fish, hilsa makes its way up fresh water rivers travelling up to 1300-km during mating season, a feature that gives it the repute of being the most mobile fish species having its roaming ground both in sea and fresh water.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Opposition party in Punjab, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today described the proposed move to ban the entry of Indian officials in Gurudwaras in UK as unfortunate and said nobody can stop anybody from entering the 'Guru ghar' for paying obeisance.

"It is a very unfortunate what they (Sikh groups) had done. Guru ghar is open for all," SAD chief Sukhbir Badal said while addressing the media here today.

"Going to a Guru Ghar (House of the Guru), nobody can stop anybody. We are very clear on it... I do not agree what their statements are," he said.

A Sikh group in the UK had said that it wanted to ban Indian officials from entering Gurudwaras, alleging that they were "interfering" in the internal matters of the Sikh community.

"Sikhs in the diaspora are fed up with Indian Government officials and their agents increasingly interfering in our institutions and Sikh affairs, undermining of Sikh campaigns for greater rights and internal matters," Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK), had earlier said in London.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Thousands of Republican Party of India (RPI) workers today participated in a morcha seeking action against perpetrators responsible for the last week's violence against Dalits in Bhima Koregaon in Pune district.

Local RPI leaders demanded that the judicial inquiry ordered by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis into the violence be completed within a stipulated time and the culprits be awarded punishment.

The morcha was taken out from Vishrambaug locality of the city to the new Collector's office, a distance of around 4 kms.

Fadnavis had announced the probe by a sitting High Court judge into the caste clashes that broke out in areas nearby Bhima Koregaon on January 1 in which one person was killed.

The violence occurred during the bicentennial event to commemorate the defeat of Peshwas by the British forces in the Bhima Koregaon battle.

Dalits view the battle as the defeat of "casteism" of upper-caste Peshwas.

In the wake of the incident, various Dalit organisations observed a statewide bandh on January 3 which turned violent.

The Pune rural Police had registered an FIR against right-wing leaders Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide 'Guruji' under SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and under various sections of the IPC including attempt to murder as one person was killed in the caste clashes.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was today conferred the first Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Award for Probity in Politics and Public Life at an official function here in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

The award, given by J-K Governor N N Vohra, has been constituted by the PDP to commemorate the death anniversary of PDP founder and two-time state's chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

The PDP founder died on January 7, 2016.

Flanked by the CM Mehbooba Mufti, Indian-origin UK politician Lord Meghnad Desai, Deputy Chief Minister Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi, Governor N N Vohra presented an award -- a shawl and traditional fur cap to Kumar -- at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium in the city.

Speaking on the occasion after receiving the award, Kumar thanked Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Trust for conferring award to him for his Probity in Public life.

"It is moment of happiness for me and Bihar that I was honoured by Jammu and Kashmir. My focus is on development, peace and a corruption free and transparent governance inBihar", Kumar said.

The Bihar chief minister, who was all praises for the PDP founder, invoked Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed's famous words when he said, "no solution will come from confrontation" and that disputes can be resolved through talks only.

"Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was a tall political leader and only home minister of India from Muslim Community. He always worked for peace," he said.

Earlier, Mehbooba Mufti had written to her Bihar counterpart stating that there was no better person - in terms of probity in political and public life - who could receive this award.

She also threw light on Kumar's links with J&K, when as Union railways minister had laid foundation stones for Anantnag and Baramulla rail lines.

Kumar had closely worked with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in the VP Singh government at the Centre. He was the minister of state for agriculture, when the latter served as home minister.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik today gave his assent to a bill that seeks to withdraw 20,000 "politically-motivated" cases filed across the state over protest demonstrations, including one against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and some others.

The case against Adityanath and a dozen others was filed for holding a meeting in alleged violation of prohibitory orders over 22 years ago.

Eight bills, passed during the winter session of the UP legislature, got the governor's nod including the Uttar Pradesh Criminal Law (Composition of Offences and Abatement of Trials) (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

Apart from Adityanath, who also holds the home portfolio, Union Minister Shiv Pratap Shukla, BJP MLA Sheetal Pandey and ten others were respondents in the case filed at Gorakhpur's Pipiganj police station on May 27, 1995.

Gorakhpur is Adityanath's home turf, and he represented the Lok Sabha constituency for five terms before being appointed the chief minister earlier this year.

Adityanath, who was then the local MP, allegedly made a hate speech following the killing of a Hindu youth in a clash between two groups during a Moharram procession. He was arrested and spent 10 days in jail before being enlarged on bail.

In May this year, shortly after Adityanath took over the reins of the state, his government had told the Allahabad High Court that he cannot be prosecuted in another case for allegedly making a hate speech that was said to have triggered communal riots in Gorakhpur in 2007.

The governor also gave approval to the UP Prayagraj Mela Authority, Allahabad, Bill 2017, aimed at having improved arrangements for holding Maha Kumbh, Kumbh, Magh and other 'melas' at the Sangam in Allahabad, a Raj Bhawan communique said here today.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Dazzling in colourful kimonos and wafting clouds of hairspray in their wake, thousands of young Japanese women marked their entry into adulthood today -- before hitting a bar to celebrate.

Formal "Coming of Age" ceremonies, which began as a rite of ancient samurai families, were held across Japan for its 20-year-olds, reminding them of their responsibilities after becoming old enough to legally drink and smoke.

Their male counterparts looked more like they were attending job interviews as most opted for the kind of plain business suit they will wear as "salarymen" in the future.

"I'll definitely be having a few drinks tonight," Arisu Oshida told AFP, wrapped in a salmon-pink kimono and expensively made-up with cherry-red lips and gold flakes in her hair.

"It will probably taste a little different knowing it's legal to drink alcohol. I expect to be somewhere between tipsy and smashed by midnight."



Huddled against the chill wind, crowds of new adults offered prayers at Tokyo's Meiji shrine, while many more flocked to Disneyland just outside the capital to ride rollercoasters and pose for photos with Mickey Mouse and friends.

Celebrated on the second Monday of the year from snow- swept northern Japan to the subtropical south, Coming of Age Day includes those who turned 20 the previous year or will do so before March 31.

There were an estimated 1.23 million new adults as of January 1 -- largely unchanged from the previous year and half the 1970 peak of 2.46 million, according to government figures -- mirroring Japan's shrinking population.

"My parents warned me not to go mad tonight," said Makoto Kusaka, sporting a dark suit and a pair of gold earrings.

"I suppose I have to be more responsible now I'm officially an adult. But I'm not confident that I won't be very drunk later tonight.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A minor tribal boy is being treated for bullet injury which his family claimed he suffered when he was shot by police in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district.

However, a top police official said the boy, admitted to a hospital, may have been caught in the crossfire between security forces and Naxals in the insurgency-hit district, and sustained the injury.

The 11-year-old boy, Boti Markam, is undergoing treatment for injury to his thigh.

"Boti Markam, a resident of Karka village, has sustained bullet injury. He is being treated in the Government Hospital at Jagdalpur (in Bastar district)," Deputy Inspector General of Police (south Bastar range) Sundarraj P told PTI.

Once he recovers and is fit enough to speak, his statement would be recorded for further needful action, the IPS officer said.

The DIG said the boy may have got injured after being caught in the crossfire during an encounter between security forces and ultras in Karka last week.

"We are investigating the matter. But it is for sure security forces never intentionallyharm any civilian," he added.

The parents of Markam had told reporters after he was admitted to a hospital in Dantewada yesterday that police fired at him when he was grazing cattle in forests.

On January 6,Markam, along with another boy of the village, had gone to forests located on the village's outskirtsto graze cattlewhen police personnel arrived there, his father told local reporters.

After police personnel allegedly fired at them, the two fled from there. While trying to escape, Markam sustained bullet injury on his left thigh, he said.

According to his father, his son was next day brought to Bacheli (in Dantewada) on a makeshift wooden stretcher by his relatives and admitted at a local hospital.

The family has not lodged a police complaint in his regard, he said.

Markam was shifted to the Jagdalpur hospital last night.

Notably, on January 6, a Naxal was gunned down in an encounter with a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and CoBRA (commando battalion for resolute action) in forests between Karka and Dugalpara under Gangaloor police station limits.

Police suspect the boy may have received the injury in the same exchange of fire.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court today said it appeared that the matter relating to probe into extra-judicial killings, alleged fake encounters by the Army, Assam Rifles and police in insurgency-hit Manipur was not being taken up seriously by a Special Investigation Team of the CBI.

The apex court observed this after it was informed that despite its order in July last year, only 11 FIRs out of a total of 92 cases have been registered by the SIT in the matter.

"It appears to us that the matter is not being taken up by the CBI and the SIT with the seriousness which it deserve," a bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and U U Lalit said and directed the CBI's DIG, who is in-charge of the SIT probe, to remain present before it on January 16.

The bench also asked the DIG to file a status report of the progress made in the investigation in these cases.

The top court had on July 14 last year set up an SIT comprising five CBI officers and ordered registration of FIRs and probe into the extra-judicial killings in Manipur.

It had asked the CBI director to nominate a team of five officers for the SIT, who will lodge the necessary FIRs and complete the investigation into alleged fake encounters by December 31 last year.

During the hearing, the lawyer appearing for petitioners, said that the court had ordered lodging of FIRs till December 31 but as per the office report, only 11 such FIRs have been registered in a total of 92 matters.

"The SIT is dragging its feet," the counsel said after which the bench asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Maninder Singh about it.

The court also asked Singh as to whether any one from the SIT was present in the courtroom for the hearing.

"Our experience is that if an SIT has been set up, somebody from the SIT should be present in the court for two things. One to tell us what is going on and second is to instruct the lawyers. SIT cannot and should not say that our job is only to investigate," the court said.

Meanwhile, the ASG, who initially said that the matter was listed for only an application, told the bench the DIG would be present in the court on the next date of hearing.

Senior lawyer Colin Gonsalves, who was appearing for the petitioners, said that former head constable of the Manipur police Herojit Singh, who was an eye witness to fake encounter cases, has filed an application in the court.

He said that CBI team had raided Herojit's residence and in 2010 seized his three diaries, in which he had recorded details of such fake encounter cases.

Gonsalves also said the SIT has not yet recorded the statements of witnesses.

However, the ASG said that Herojit's case has nothing to do with the matter pending before the court and it was not maintainable.

He contended that Herojit was an accused in one of these cases in which trial was going on and he should have moved the lower court or the high court on the issue of these diaries.

Regarding the ASG's submissions, Gonsalves said Herojit was accused in a case in which he had allegdly shot at an unarmed man on the instructions of his senior officer.

The apex court, which is hearing a PIL seeking probe into 1528 extra-judicial killings, had in July last year ordered registration of FIR in 81 cases including 32 probed by a Commission of Enquiry, 32 cases investigated by judicial enquiries and high courts, 11 cases in which compensation has been awarded by the NHRC and six cases probed by a commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Santosh Hegde.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The South African pacers proved too hot to handle for India who were left tottering at 82 for seven in their second innings at tea on day four, chasing what now has become an improbable 208-run target in the series opener here.

Vernon Philander took 3-22 as Indian batsmen failed to apply themselves against quality fast bowling on a seaming and bouncy track.

The visitors need another 126 runs for victory with 48 overs remaining in the days play. Twenty nine overs were bowled in the afternoon session which ended with the fall of Wrddhiman Saha (8).

Post lunch, India began their chase in circumspect fashion. Shikhar Dhawan (16) looked to make a quick start while Murali Vijay (13) struggled against Philander.

Vijay survived twice via DRS reviews for caught behind and lbw appeals. Vijay wasnt third time lucky though, caught behind off Philander in the 8th over as the slide began for India.

Six balls later, Dhawan was caught pulling much like the first innings, only this time off Morne Morkel (2-29). Four overs later, India were struggling at 39/3 as Cheteshwar Pujara (4) was caught behind off Morkel too.

Virat Kohli (28) and Rohit Sharma (10) stemmed the fall of wickets by adding 32 runs for the fourth wicket. After drinks though, Philander returned from the other end and trapped Kohli plumb in front.

India were desperately struggling thereafter. Keshav Maharaj dropped Sharma (on 9) off Kagiso Rabada (2-30) in the 23rd over, but the batsman didnt make this chance count. An over later, he played on off Philander.

First innings hero Hardik Pandya (1) then gave slip catching practice off Rabada as India lost 7 wickets for 47 runs in the session. Saha fell at the stroke of tea, trapped lbw by Rabada. R Ashwin was batting on 1 not out at tea.

This was after Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah shared six wickets as South Africa were bowled out for 130 runs (41.2 overs) in their second innings at the stroke of lunch.

The hosts lost 65/8 in this morning session to lead by overall 207 runs. Shami took 3-28 while Bumrah returned figures of 3-39.

Starting from day two overnight 65/2, the slide began in the second over of the morning. Shami had Hashim Amla (4) caught at gully with Rohit Sharma taking a low catch. The decision went up to the TV umpire but he didnt find conclusive evidence to overturn the soft signal.

Four overs later, Shami sent back nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada (5), caught at second slip. In the 29th over then, when Bumrah had Faf du Plessis (0) caught behind off a snorter, South Africa were struggling at 82/5.

Bumrah also removed Quinton de Kock (8) as it became 92/6 and the collapse became imminent.

AB de Villiers (35) waged a lone battle at the other end but he just couldnt find anyone to support him as Shami trapped Vernon Philander (0) lbw to take 11/3 in six overs this morning.

South Africa crossed 100 in the 36th over as Maharaj (15) played a few strokes. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-33) then got down to action with the batsman caught behind in the 39th over.

Saha took his 10th catch of the Test when Morne Morkel (2) was caught behind off Kumar two overs later. This is an Indian record overseas and Saha went past MS Dhoni who had nine catches against Australia in his last Test at the MCG in 2014.

Bumrah completed South Africas misery as de Villiers holed out in the deep in search of some quick runs, rounding up a dismal morning. Dale Steyn, batting despite a bruised ankle, was the unbeaten batsman.

On day one, South Africa were bowled out for 286 runs in the first innings with Bhuvneshwar taking 4-87. India were reduced to 28/3 at stumps.

On day two, India finished with 209 runs in their first innings, surrendering a 77-run lead. South Africa were 65/2 at stumps with an overall lead of 142 runs. Hardik Pandya single-handedly kept his side in contention with 93 runs off 95 balls and then took 2-17 as well.

Day three was completely washed out due to persistent rain.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)China today made it clear that it is opposed to the US "finger pointing" at Pakistan and linking its all-weather ally with terrorism, insisting that the responsibility of combating terror outfits cannot be placed on a particular country.

China's backing for Pakistan came as the US stepped up pressure on Islamabad to eliminate terror safe havens on its soil.

The Trump administration last week suspended nearly USD 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan for its failure to take decisive action against terror groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

"China always opposed linking terrorism with any certain country and we don't agree to place the responsibility of anti terrorism on a certain country," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing.

He was responding to a question on a White House official's remarks that China could play helpful role in convincing Pakistan that it was in its national interest to crackdown on terror safe havens.

"We have stressed many times that Pakistan has made important sacrifices and contributions to the global anti terrorism cause," Lu said.

"Countries should strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation on the basis of mutual respect instead of finger pointing at each other. This is not conducive to the global terrorism efforts," he said.

China has been vocal in extending support to Pakistan since US President Donald Trump stepped up criticism against Islamabad for providing safe havens for terrorists.

Trump in a New Year's Day tweet 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.

Chinese media has been speculating that Trump's efforts to step up pressure on Pakistan may move it closer to Islamabad as Beijing is involved in a number of projects in the country under the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Chinese official media is highlighting reports that Pakistan may allow China to build a a military base at Jiwani located close to Irans Chabahar port, which is being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

Jiwani is also close to the strategic Gwadar port in Balochistan which is being developed by China.

While defending Pakistan, Lu said China at the same time backed international counter terrorism efforts.

"First and foremost, I would like to say that terrorism is the common enemy of the international community. Cracking down of terrorism calls for the joint efforts from the international community," he said.

"Actually, China is defending countries that have been making anti-terrorism efforts in a just and fair way. China also welcomes all the global joint efforts in terms of counter terrorism on the basis of mutual trust and mutual respect," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A delegation of senior officials of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), which visited India last week, has apprised Indian political parties of the outcome of its Congress in October that re-elected President Xi Jinping as the boss of the party.

During the four-day visit that ended on Saturday, the delegation, headed by Meng Xiangfeng -- deputy director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee -- met with leaders of the the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, the opposition Congress party and other left-wing parties, state- run China Daily reported today.

It apprised the political parties of the achievements of the once-in-a-five-year National Congress of the CPC which also endorsed Xis ideological thoughts, specially socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era. His ideological thoughts have been included in the CPC constitution enhancing his stature in the party.

Xi, the general secretary of the CPC, is now ranked along with party founder Mao Zedong as he emerged as the most powerful leader heading the party, the military and the presidency.

The delegations visit to India followed the visits of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and later Chinas top diplomat Yang Jiechi last month to take part in the 20th round of India-China boundary talks held in Delhi last month.

The visits were the first such contacts between the two countries after the last year 73-day tense standoff at Dokalam. Officials say the visits were part of efforts by both the countries to improve bilateral ties, post Dokalam.

The CPC delegation which visited India briefed the Indian politicians and people from various communities in Delhi and Mumbai on the spirit of the 19th CPC Congress, the report said.

In 2015, Chinese President Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stimulate the exchange programme of the International Department of the CPC and India's External Affairs Ministry to enhance contact between Indian states and Chinese provinces.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Intense cold weather in Nepal has claimed seven more lives, taking to 24 the death toll due to severe winter conditions over the past week in southern part of the country, according to a media report.

More than half of the them, 14, were reported from Saptari district while five each in Rautahat and Siraha districts in the Tarai region, it said.

Seven people, including a 7-month-old child, lost their lives due to excessive cold in various municipalities of Saptari district last night, the Himalayan Times quoted senior police officials as saying.

The locals of Saptari have sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, demanding relief materials for those vulnerable to cold.

In Rautahat, two people died due to freezing cold last night, Superintendent of Police Yagya Binod Pokhrel said.

Rautahat District Administration Office said warm clothes and blankets were being distributed to the poor and in Dalit settlements of the district.

In Siraha, a five-year-old child died due to excessive cold, taking the number of deaths due to cold wave in the district to five, according to the report.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Centre today asserted it is committed to the freedom of the press amid mounting outcry over an FIR lodged in connection with a newspaper report on alleged Aadhaar data breach with BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha wondering if people were living in a "banana republic".

The Delhi Police has registered an "open-ended" First Information Report(FIR) on a complaint from Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) over the report on alleged data breach.

The UIDAI's complaint sparked condemnation from the Confederation of Newspaper and Agency Employees' Organisations which demanded its withdrawal. Calling it an attack on the free press, the Confederation said the UIDAI should highlight errors in the report, if any, instead of taking penal action.

Though the complaint named four persons, including the Chandigarh-based daily The Tribune's reporter who had filed the story on alleged breach in Aadhaar database, Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the FIR was against "unknown" entities.

"Government is fully committed to freedom of Press as well as to maintaining security and sanctity of Aadhaar for India's development. FIR is against unknown," Prasad said in a tweet.

"I've suggested UIDAI to request Tribune and its journalist to give all assistance to police in investigating real offenders," he said.

The UIDAI in a fresh statement said it is committed to the freedom of the press and will approach the newspaper and its reporter for cooperation in the investigation of alleged data breach.

"We're going to write to @thetribunechd and @rachnakhaira to give all assistance to investigate to nab the real culprits. We also appreciate if Tribune and its journalist have any constructive suggestion to offer," the UIDAI said in a tweet.

In a series of tweets, Shatrughan Sinha said a journalist who did a story to highlight the misuse of Aadhaar details was being hauled up for reporting an "alleged truth".

"What kind of 'justice' is this? Is there only politics of vendetta? Even public is being victimised for coming out honestly for society and the nation," he said in a tweet.

Sinha has been critical of the central government and the BJP leadership over a host of issues.

The actor-turned-politician also congratulated the Editors' Guild of India for its strong response to the lodging of an FIR in connection with the incident and expressed hope that the "genuine authorities" in the government and the Supreme Court in particular would take notice and come up with swift corrective measures.

"A journalist is hauled up for reporting alleged truth about malfunctioning & misuse of Aadhar. Are we living in a Banana Republic (sic)?" the tweet from the Patna Sahib MP read.

The Congress accused the Centre of "muzzling dissent" and adopting an "ostrich-like approach" by "prosecuting" the newspaper and the journalist who exposed the alleged breach.

Dubbing it as "a clear attack on journalism", Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari alleged that there have been systematic assaults on scribes and an atmosphere of fear and violence has been created against them.

"The newspaper which warns the government that the privacy and the private data of thousands of citizens are at risk is rewarded with an FIR which names the journalist as well as the institution itself," Tewari told reporters.

"If this is not fascism, if this is not trying to muzzle dissent, if this is not gross abuse of state authority, then I am afraid, we possibly do not have a definition for it....

In a statement, the Confederation of Newspaper and Agency Employees' Organisations said the action amounts to an attack on the freedom of the press and also denial of access to the press from reporting any unpalatable to those in authority.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A sessions court today rejected the bail plea of a 16-year-old student, accused of killing 7-year- old Pradhuman Thakur at the Ryan International School here.

Additional Sessions Judge Jasbir Singh Kundu declined relief to the accused and imposed a cost of Rs 21,000 for "wasting court's time" in baseless litigation and directed the father of the accused to deposit the amount.

"The conduct of the appellant (accused) indicates that he is taking court proceedings for a joy ride. He has indulged in wasting precious court time in baseless litigation on account of which seven court hearings have gone down the drain.

"This court finds no irregularities, illegalities or impropriety in the impunged order dated December 15, 2017 passed by JJB, dismissing default bail application," the court said.

The court said the accused's ulterior motive in filing the present application was aimed to divert the track of the ongoing investigation or delay the probe and then "grab" the default bail.

It also directed in-chamber proceeding in the matter and ordered the media not to use the juvenile's name in any of the reports.

Talking to PTI, Barun Thakur, father of the seven-year old-boy Pradhuman Thakur who was found killed, welcomed the order and said he was satisfied with the verdict and the progress of the investigation so far.

The court had earlier reserved the order after hearing arguments of the counsel for the accused, the CBI and the complainant.

The defence counsel had claimed that the charge sheet in the matter was not filed within one month, as prescribed in the Juvenile Justice Act, and he was not given the required documents.

Opposing the contention, the CBI had said the mandatory period for filing a charge sheet was 90 days under CrPC provisions as the accused had been declared an adult by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB).

Pradhuman was found with his throat slit in the school's washroom on September 8 last year.

The Gurgaon Police had claimed the crime was committed by a school bus conductor, which was later refuted by the CBI.

The probe agency had claimed the teenager had killed Pradhuman in a bid to get the school closed so that a parent- teacher meeting and an examination could be deferred.

The court was hearing an appeal filed by the accused against an order of the JJB denying him bail.

The JJB had on December 20 held that the teenager would be tried as an adult and directed that he be produced before the Gurgaon sessions court.

The JJB had noted that the accused was mature enough to recognise the consequences of his actions.

If convicted, the accused will stay in a correctional home till he is 21 years old after which the court can shift him to a jail or grant him bail, it had said.

The board had earlier rejected the bail plea of the Class 11 Ryan International School student.

It had set up a committee which included a psychologist from the PGI, Rohtak, for an expert opinion on the accused who was taken into custody by the CBI in November 2017.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 lowers the age of juveniles from 18 years to 16 years for heinous crimes such as rape, murder and dacoity-cum- murder, which warrant at least seven years of imprisonment.

However, the JJB first decides whether the crime was "child-like" or was it committed in an "adult frame of mind", following which it orders the accused to be tried as a juvenile or an adult.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today launched a common card for rides on public buses and the metro, terming it a big step in the city's transport sector.

Delhi is the first city in the country to have a common mobility card, which can at present be used on 200 DTC and 50 cluster buses plying on different routes, apart from metro trains.

The buses of DTC's Raj Ghat Depot-I and Rohini Depot-I plying on different routes and those of Cluster scheme's BBM depot-II will have the facility as of now.

"It's a big step in the transport sector that will facilitate the seamless travel of people in Delhi," Kejriwal told reporters after a short ride on a DTC bus on the occasion.

The card, which will function like a debit card, will be operational in all DTC and cluster buses from April 1. The city has around 3,900 DTC and over 1,600 cluster buses.

Earlier, the Delhi government and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) agreed to authorise the metro smart card to be used as common mobility card for paying fares in DTC and cluster buses.

The Reserve Bank of India gave approval to the DMRC in February, 2017 for operating its pre-paid instrument called PPI-MTS (Prepaid Instrument Mass Transit System) for this purpose. The DMRC smart card is the first to get authorization under this category, said a government official.

The Smart card will be tapped on the Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) available with bus conductors for payment of fares.

Smart cards can be purchased from any Delhi metro station. The common mobility cards will be made available at all the ISBTs, railway stations and tourist information centres of the Delhi tourism department in coming months, the official said.

Transport minister Kailash Gahlot was present during the launch along with top government and DMRC officials.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Concerned about the deteriorating call drop situation, the Department of Telecom (DoT) will meet service providers on January 10 to discuss the burning issue and also the new service quality norms that have been implemented in the sector.

"We want to convey to the operators, the government's concerns on the state of call drops. Service providers have to get their act together," Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters here on Monday.

She was speaking on the sidelines of a conference to mark the completion of the first phase of Bharat Net project.

The meeting with telecom industry CEOs will be chaired by the DoT Secretary.

The meeting is also slated to discuss the new stringent call drop norms that were enforced by telecom regulator TRAI in October last year.

On the same day, DoT will also hold a separate meeting with the telecom regulator on the call drop issue.

The Telecom Commission, meanwhile, will meet on Tuesday to discuss multiple issues including some recommendations by Interministerial Group (IMG) on relief measures for the stressed industry, importantly, the raising of spectrum caps.The Enforcement Directorate today sought cancellation of the bail to a chartered accountant, accused in a money laundering case and alleged to have links with RJD chief Lalu Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti.

The ED's counsel alleged before Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva that CA Rajesh Agarwal laundered money for various persons through shell companies.

The counsel said Agarwal, the main accused in the case, was wrongly granted bail by the trial court while co-accused-- two Delhi-based businessmen brothers Surendra Kumar Jain and Virendra Jain-- are in jail under judicial custody.

It sought cancellation of the bail granted to Agarwal, saying since it was an economic offence he should not have been granted the relief.

Meanwhile, Agarwal's counsel claimed that he has not yet received the complete paperbook after which the court asked the ED to supply the documents.

The court listed the matter for consideration on February 13 and directed Agarwal's counsel to file his response to ED's plea seeking cancellation of bail.

Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain, appearing for the ED, had earlier told the court that the anti-money laundering agency was probing a separate graft case against Bharti, with whom Agarwal is suspected to have had links.

The ED has claimed that Agarwal was associated with some transactions involving a firm, allegedly linked to Rajya Sabha member Bharti, which is under the scanner for suspected tax evasion.

Agarwal, who was arrested on May 23 last year in connection with a Rs 8,000 crore money laundering racket allegedly involving two Delhi-based brothers, was granted bail on September 4 by the trial court, which said no purpose would be served by keeping him in custody.

The case had emerged after the ED filed a criminal complaint in February last year under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

It was based on a charge sheet filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office against certain individuals and firms "for providing accommodation entries by accepting funds from their beneficiaries through mediators and converting the same into share premium transactions in the beneficiary company".

The ED claimed that the entire racket could be worth about Rs 8,000 crore.

It recently filed a second charge sheet against Misa Bharti and her husband in the case before the trial court.

In July last year, ED filed the first charge sheet in the case against various accused, including Agarwal, but it did not make Lalu's daughter an accused. However, the document contained her name.

It had raided the farmhouses of Bharti and her husband Shailesh Kumar in Delhi in relation to the case being probed against Agarwal, the Jain brothers and others, who are alleged to have laundered money using over 90 shell companies.

Besides Agarwal and the Jain brothers, it included the names of around 35 people and the firms as accused.

The ED also claimed that Agarwal was instrumental in providing accommodation entries to many high-profile people and political entities to help launder their slush funds. These include those being probed by the Income Tax Department in a Rs 1,000 crore dubious land deal case.

The ED had in May last year filed a charge sheet against the Jain brothers. It had also attached agricultural land worth Rs 1.12 crore belonging to them in Bhatti village in the National Capital Region.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An encounter broke out today between security forces and militants hiding in a house in Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district, police said.

The gunbattle began after security forces launched a search operation in Zuhama village of Chadoora following information about presence of militants in the area, a police spokesman said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter when militants, believed to be two, opened fire on security forces.

Intermittent exchange of fire was going on when reports last came in, he said.

No casualties have been reported so far.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A group of engineers, including those from DRDO's chemical warfare unit, who are facing the threat of suspension of their degrees, today moved the Supreme Court for relief, saying most of them have been working for over 10-15 years and their career will be jeopardized.

The engineering degrees of these candidates, many of whom are employed in aeronautical and IT streams also, were obtained after pursuing distance learning course from four institutions in academic session 2001-2005.

However, according to a November 3 order of the apex court, the degrees of students, who studied in these four deemed universities--JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Institute of Advanced Studies in (IASE), Rajasthan, Allahabad Agricultural Institute (AAI) and Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation, Tamil Nadu, will remain suspended from January 15 this year.

A bench of Justices Adarsh Goel and U U Lalit today said that it will pass orders on multiple petitions separately on January 12.

Senior advocate V Giri appearing for some of the engineers said that there were candidates who appeared in competitive examinations based on degrees obtained from these universities and qualified it to get a job. They are now at senior positions in their respective organisations.

"These candidates risk losing their jobs after being 10 -15 years in service. The court should have a humane approach towards them as it will have a cascading effect on them and their families will be in trouble," he said.

Giri said that there were also some candidates who were in service and used their degrees to get the promotion.

The top court said that the degrees were wrongly given by the universities and it had the interest of students in its mind while granting them two opportunities to clear the examination to be conducted by AICTE.

"Post facto approvals were granted to these universities by the authorities concerned despite there being a provision for prior sanction for enrolling the students. There was ambiguity between them but we didn't want the students to suffer and hence granted them opportunities," the bench said.

After their degrees were held to be "illegal and void", it was not the students' right that they be given such an opportunity, it said.

"There has to be some test of their abilities as many of the study centres affiliated to these universities did not even have necessary infrastructure. Those who will not pass the examination will have to face the consequences," the bench observed.

Senior advocate Meenakshi Arora, appearing for one of the students who studied from ITM university (now Northcap University) at Gurgaon, said that his client didn't even know that his degree was in the distance learning category.

Arora said that there is another category of students who didn't know it was a distance learning course as they attended regular classes.

"World class companies tested their skills, they qualified for the post, did their post graduation all on the basis of that degree," she said.

"It is not the case where their skills were not tested. They had all necessary infrastructure at their colleges and students attended all the classes just the degree was from another university," she contended.

Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh supported the cause of the students and said that some other methodology could also be there for testing the abilities of students.

He said that if on the basis of this foundation degree, a candidate acquires another superior degree than his case can be considered by the court.

Similarly, other candidates who are now mining engineers, many with the Central Armed Police Forces like ITBP and Seema Suraksha Bal have also approached the court seeking relief.

The bench said it will consider the petitions and pass the orders on January 12.

On November 3, the top court had set aside the ex-facto approvals granted by the UGC to the four deemed universities, terming them as "incorrect" and "illegal", saying that such institutions were not justified in introducing any new course in technical without the approval of AICTE.

The top court had directed the AICTE to hold tests for the students whose degrees would stand suspended by January 15, 2018 and said these students should not be given more than two chances to clear the examination.

If the students do not successfully clear the examination within the stipulated time, their degrees will stand cancelled and every single advantage on the basis of that degree shall also stand withdrawn, it said.

The court had said that any promotion or advancement in career on the basis of such degree shall also stand withdrawn.

It had also cancelled the engineering degrees awarded to students who were admitted after the academic session 2001-05 in these four deemed universities in distance mode.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An Italian appeals court today acquitted Giuseppe Orsi, the former president of defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica, over charges of alleged bribes paid in exchange for a Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal to sell 12 AgustaWestland helicopters to the Indian government.

Milan's third court of appeal also acquitted Bruno Spagnolini, former CEO of the company's helicopters subsidiary AgustaWestland, who had also been handed a four-year jail term on the same charges, Italian agency ANSA reported.

Orsi was arrested in 2014 and resigned as chief executive of Finmeccanica which was later renamed as Leonardo.

He was at the helm of AgustaWestland when the deal was struck and was suspected of involvement in the payment of bribes.

Orsi had been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail for false accounting and corruption.

The case against Orsi and Spagnolini resulted from an investigation launched in 2012 into the sale of 12 luxury helicopters to India.

The two were accused of international corruption and false invoicing in relation to bribes exchanged for the contract with India.

Both were cleared on charges of committing international corruption at the first-instance trial in 2014 but convicted of false invoicing and sentenced to two years in prison.

In Italy, criminal sentences are not usually considered definitive until the appeals process has been exhausted.

Both appealed against the conviction, while the prosecution appealed against the acquittal on the corruption charge.

In December 2016, the supreme court of cassation ordered a repeat of the appeals trial.

India had scrapped the contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland in January, 2014 for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks paid by the firm for securing the deal.

India's defence ministry had ordered a CBI probe into allegations of kickbacks to the tune of Rs 362 crore after the arrest of Orsi and Spagnolini by Italian investigators in connection with the case.

In 2010, India had inked the deal to acquire 12 three- engine AW-101 helicopters from AgustaWestland for VVIP use.

In view of the corruption charges, India also barred Finmeccanica and its group companies from participating in any new programme of the defence ministry.

The CBI in September last year charge sheeted former IAF Chief S P Tyagi in a Delhi court along with nine others for bribery in the case.

They were charge sheeted for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the IPC in the case relating to alleged bribery of Rs 450 crore.

The CBI alleged there was an estimated loss of Euros 398.21 million (approximately Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euros 556.262 million.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A US-based group is organising an international conference-cum-exhibition in New Jersey in August to propagate the values and principles enunciated by Mahatma Gandhi at the global level.

The event is being organised by the Gandhian Society in New Jersey on August 18 and 19 as part of its celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's 149th birth anniversary and it will involve over 100 schools and universities.

The aim of the two-day exhibition - "Gandhi Going Global" - is to spread awareness among the global audience about the tenets of the Gandhian philosophy, organisers said.

After the meet, modular exhibits will be taken to different universities and schools in the US where they will be displayed for two months by rotation with an aim to spread the Gandhian philosophy among students, they said.

The programme will be organised with the help of Ahmedabad-based Sabarmati Ashram, the Gujarat Vidyapith, Navjivan Press as well as Delhi-based Gandhi National Museum and the Gandhi Peace Foundation, Gandhian Society founder and president Bhadra Butala told reporters here today.

These organisation will put up galleries at the event to showcase the replica of Gandhi memorabilia, books and literature, among others thing, said Butala.

The exhibition will also see an interactive museum on the life and times of the Father of the Nation. It will be set up with the help of the Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, he said.

Among other highlights will be key-note speeches by noted Gandhian philosopher and technocrat Sam Pitroda and Gujarat Vidyapith chancellor Ela Bhatt.

Human rights activist Martin Luther King III, the son of civil rights movement leader Martin Luther King Jr, will be felicitated on the occasion for his works, Butala said.

Michelle Obama, lawyer-writer and former US First Lady, has been invited to deliver a key-note speech and a confirmation about her participation is awaited, he said.

"Globally-recognised institutions like King's Centre, Nelson Mandela Foundation and Gandhi Ashram, South Africa will also participate with their collections," Butala said.

Trustee of Gandhi Ashram Kartikeya Sarabhai said the aim of the "Gandhi Going Global" exhibition is to showcase the relevance of Gandhi to today's generation.

"The exhibition will talk about some of the concepts like non-violence and how they are relevant to the world. We will also do activities in schools and colleges leading up to this event," Sarabhai said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An Iranian oil tanker on fire for two days after colliding with a Chinese cargo ship off the coast of China is at risk of exploding or sinking, authorities said today as rescuers recovered one body amid no sign of survival for 32 foreign crew members.

Rescuers recovered an unidentified body believed to be that of a missing crew member of Panamanian-flagged tanker 'Sanchi' while search is on for 31 other crew members, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here.

Thirty-two crew members, including 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis, went missing after the tanker carrying 136,000 tonnes of oil condensate from Iran to South Korea collided with a Hong Kong-registered bulk freighter and caught fire on Saturday in waters about 160 sea miles east of the Yangtze River's estuary.

Condensate is an ultra light version of crude oil. It is highly toxic, low in density and considerably more explosive than regular crude oil.

The huge fire still raged around the tanker with thick black smoke billowing from the vessel and the surrounding sea.

The 274-metre tanker Sanchi is "in danger of exploding or sinking", the ministry said.

Lu said China sent several ships to the site, but the environment and conditions on the ground are not favourable.

About the concerns of a major oil spill he said, We also have dispatched cleaning vessel to the site. We are also investigating to prevent any secondary disaster."



The oil tanker has tilted toward the right side after the collision. The 225-meter-long second vessel CF CRYSTAL, carrying 64,000 tonnes of grain, was partly damaged in the collision. It was owned by a Chinese shipping company and was travelling from the United States to Guangdong, China.

Asked how China plans to deal with issues related to compensation, he said the reason for the accident is yet to ascertained.

"Immediately after the accident happened, China started its rescue work and is trying to clean the waste," he said.

Chinese maritime authorities dispatched eight vessels, including three specialised cleansing vessels, for search and rescue operation.

After coordination by the China Maritime Search and Rescue Centre, South Korea dispatched a coast guard ship and a fixed-wing aircraft to assist in the search and rescue.

The US Navy also sent a military aircraft to help with the rescue efforts.

Environment experts have expressed fear that the accident could create a massive environmental disaster and kill off marine life across a wide area.

Greenpeace in a statement said it was "concerned about the potential environmental damage that could be caused by the 1 million barrels of crude oil on board."



According to reports, the collision has the potential to cause the worst such oil spill in decades.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A major fire today gutted the principal's office and an adjacent record room of the state-run BRD Hospital here, the fire department said.

No loss of life has been reported in the blaze in the hospital, which was in the last year after scores of infants died at the facility.

"Prima facie, it seems that the fire was caused by a short circuit," SP (North) Ganesh Saha said.

A committee has been constituted to probe the reasons behind the fire, Chief Fire Service Officer T K Singh said.

Six fire tenders took nearly an hour to control the flames which destroyed important documents in the record room.

The Baba Raghav Das Medical College had hit the headlines in August last year when 63 children, including infants, died within a span of four days when the supply of oxygen was allegedly disrupted due to non-payment of dues to the vendor.

The state government has, however, vehemently denied that shortage of oxygen led to the deaths.

An FIR against nine accused, including ex-principal Dr Rajiv Misra, his wife Dr Purnima Shukla and nodal officer Dr Kafeel Khan, was filed by director general medical education (DGME), K K Gupta in Hazratganj police station in Lucknow and police have filed a charge sheet against them. All the nine accused have been arrested.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A major fire swept through a resto-bar located in a 70-year-old building in a busy area in the city, killing five employees in their sleep, police said.

The blaze broke out in Kailash Bar and Restaurant on the ground floor of the Kumbara Sangha (potters association) building at Kalasipalya around 2.30 am, when smoke was noticed and fire brigade alerted by some persons nearby, police said.

"Fire services were pressed into action.. Two fire tenders and one fire rescue vehicle attended to it and it has been doused...The cause of the fire is not known and is being investigated," a senior police officer said.

Resto-bar owner V R Dayashankar was absconding.

Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy told reporters at the spot that it was the responsibility of the owner to look after the safety of his employees and "police will book cases against him and arrest him."



Reddy also said the city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) should have ensured safety.

"BBMP and excise department should have looked into the safety aspect of the building. The owner should have also considered whether to allow his employees to stay in the building."



Police suspect that though the owner was the licence holder to run the business, he had leased it to someone else.

The victims were identified as Swami (23), Prasad (20), Mahesh, all natives of Tumakaru, Manjunath (45) from Hassan and Keerthi (24) from Mandya.

Bengaluru development minister K J George who visited the spot along with Bengaluru Mayor R Sampath Raj announced a compensation of Rs five lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased.

Condoling the deaths, George said, "Whoever is guilty in the incident will not be spared."



"This is a 70-year old building where the incident happened.. We'll wait for the forensic and postmortem report.. It appears all the five died of suffocation," he said.

Sampath Raj said the BBMP will carry out fire safety audit of all high rise and commercial buildings.

He said several bars had already been sealed and notices issued to some others for violation of relevant rules.

Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar said at the site that a case has been registered against the owner of the resto bar under section 304 of the IPC which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Teams had been formed to nab the owner.

The incident comes close on the heels of a devastating fire at a plush rooftop pub hosting a birthday party at the Kamala Mills compound in an upscale locality in Mumbai that left 14 dead on December 29.

Fire and emergency services in Bengaluru had recently launched a safety audit of restaurants, bars and pubs in the city.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)With the arrest of five more people today in connection with the mob attack on police at a village in Howrah district on January 6, the total number of those held rose to 12.

The Officer-in-Charge of Shyampur police station, Suman Das, was seriously injured in the attack and still remained critical, being put on ventilator support in a city hospital.

Das had gone to the village to execute a court order on a land dispute along with other policemen.

The five persons were held today from Jagdishpur village under Dholahat police station in South 24 Parganas district, a police officer said.

Suspecting them to be strangers, villagers alerted police that led to the arrests, Howrah SP (Rural) Gourav Sharma said.

All the five are said to be relatives of the main accused, Munsi Matiar Rahaman, Sharma said.

Rahaman was on January 6 arrested along with six others in connection with the case. They were produced in a local court, which remanded them to five days police custody.

Das, 44, was chased down a road for over half a kilometre by a mob, and brutally beaten with rods and bamboo sticks.

He was immediately taken to a local hospital for check up, but admitted to private-run Belle Vue Clinic in Kolkata with severe head injury.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Former Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Indian Bank M Gopalakrishnan and two other ex- officials of the bank have been convicted by a special CBI court in Chennai nearly 25 years after they committed cheating of about Rs 18.80 crore, an agency spokesperson said today.

He said the special CBI court, Chennai, sentenced Gopalakrishnan, A V Shanmugasundaram, the then Zonal Manager in New Delhi, and Satish Kumar, then Assistant General Manager, Indian Bank, New Delhi to three years of rigorous imprisonment and fines from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1.40 lakh.

It was alleged in the FIR that Shanmugasundaram, Satish Kumar and Gopalakrishnan conspired during the period of August 1989 and August 1993 with the Director of Scantel Pvt Ltd and Allied Equipment and Services Ltd, New Delhi.

"In pursuance of the conspiracy, the accused released Rs 18.08 crore as credit facility to the said Director of private firm who cheated the Indian Bank," CBI Spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said.

He said after completion of investigation, charge sheet was filed before the designated court at Chennai for criminal conspiracy cheating and provisions of prevention of corruption Act.

"During the trial proceedings, the said Director of private firm died, and charges against him were abated. After the trial, the xourt convicted the accused for the said offences," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A former Shiv Sena corporator was killed by unidentified assailants here last night, a police official said today.

Ashok Sawant, 62, a two-term corporator from Samata Nagar in suburban Kandivli, was attacked with choppers while he was returning home after meeting a friend around 11 pm, he said.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital in Kandivli but was declared dead on arrival, the official said.

Sawant had entered the cable television business a few years ago, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Asylum claims in France hit a record 100,000 last year, official figures showed today, as President Emmanuel Macron's government draws up hotly-debated new legislation on immigration.

Officials said the rate of arrivals was "historic", with Albanians forming the biggest group of applicants despite their country being considered safe by France.

"It confirms that France is one of the countries receiving the most asylum claims in Europe," Pascal Brice, head of France's refugee protection agency OFPRA, told AFP.

"It's a historic level," he added, though he noted the numbers are just half of those seen in neighbouring Germany last year.

Macron's government is preparing to unveil a bill on immigration next month, but his centrist Republique En Marche (Republic On The Move) party are divided on how to tackle the issue.

Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe have vowed to speed up the process for managing asylum requests and offering improved conditions for successful applicants.

But they have also promised a much tougher line on economic migrants that would see an increased number of deportations and tighter controls on people arriving.

Last year France forcibly removed 26,000 people from the country, a 14 percent increase on the year before, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb told AFP today.

"The goal now is to improve the conditions of repatriation, whether voluntary or forced," he added.

In his New Year's message, Macron had warned that France "cannot welcome everyone" although he pledged an immigration policy that walked the line between "humanity and efficiency".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)France will confer its highest order of merit, the 'Legion of Honour', on legendary film and theatre actor Soumitra Chattopadhyay at the 42nd International Kolkata Book Fair.

The honour will be bestowed on the actor -- who starred in many of Satyajit Ray's iconic films -- by French culture and communication minister Francoise Nyssen in Kolkata.

"The highest order of merit, the Legion of Honour, will be conferred on the legendary film personality Soumitra Chattopadhyay from the inaugural dais (of the book fair) by our minister of Culture and Communication Francoise Nyssen," French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler said here today.

Chattopadhyay, 82, acted in several of Ray's films, including Apur Sansar, Abhijan, Charulata, Aranyer Din Ratri and Sonar Kella.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, who has also starred in many recent Bengali films such as Bela Seshe and Posto, is a noted theatre actor, too.

A French delegation consisting of well known authors and poets led by Nyssen will attend the Kolkata book fair, where France is the theme country.

The largest attended book fair in the world, the Kolkata gala will open on January 30 and conclude on February 11.

It will host publishers from across the the world, including the UK, USA, Russia, Japan, China, Colombia, Peru, Portugal, Vietnam and Spain.

"France, the country of literature and culture, is the focal theme country of the international Kolkata Book fair 2018," Publishers and Booksellers Guild honorary general secretary Tridib Chatterjee said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Gary Oldman starrer "Darkest Hour" will release in Indian theatres on January 19.

Oldman today won his maiden Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for his portrayal of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the Joe Wright-directed film.

After his win, Oldman said, "There are certain figures that are indispensable. And really, looking at Churchill more specifically and closely than just being a figure in British history... really diving into it, our world order we've sort of enjoyed over the past 70 years is arguably down to one man."



"As I said out there, I'm proud of the movie because it shows and illustrates the power of words and actions that words and actions can literally change the world. And the courage (Churchill) had... he took on this racist thug, this dictator, it showed extraordinary courage. I look at people like Washington and Lincoln, that's who I believe you could compare him to," the actor added.

"Darkest Hour", the film focuses on the early days of World War II. With the fall of France imminent, Britain faces its darkest hour as the threat of invasion looms. As the seemingly unstoppable Nazi forces advance, and with the Allied army cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the leadership of the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The film also stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup and Ben Mendelsohn.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Oprah Winfrey, Sterling K Brown, and Aziz Ansari were some of the first-timers who were honoured at the Golden Globe Awards 2018.

Celebrated host-media mogul, Winfrey, became the first African-American woman to be honoured with the annual Cecil B DeMille Award, named after the Hollywood producer-director behind "The Ten Commandments".

She gave a rousing address at the ceremony paying her tributes to the women who courageously spoke out against sexual abuse.

In another first, "This Is Us" star, Brown created history as he became the first African-American to win a Golden Globe in the Best Actor in a TV Series, Drama category for his performance as Randall Pearson on the NBC hit series.

Ansari, the Indian-origin actor, finally bagged the trophy as he was named the winner in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series Musical/Comedy category for his role in "Master Of None". He was nominated in the same category for the Netflix show in 2016.

The 75th awards ceremony also ended the dry spell for many recognised names such as Gary Oldman and Frances McDormand at the event.

Oldman won his first Globe as the Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour". It was his first nod as well.

The veteran actor, interestingly, has been critical of the Globes in the past.

McDormand took home the trophy for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Golden Globe for her performance in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri".

The six-time lucky actor played Mildred, a grieving mother of a young woman whose rape-murder has gone unsolved in her small-town American community.

The actor has been nominated for a Globe in the past, including for her Oscar-winning role in "Fargo," but had never won an individual award.

Alison Janney was named the Best Supporting Actress in Motion Picture category for her role of LaVona Fay Golden, the mother of infamous figure skater Tonya Harding in "I, Tonya". This was the actor's sixth Golden Globe nomination.

The Globe for the Best Actress in the Musical or Comedy category went to Saoirse Ronan for her role in "Lady Bird", both written and directed by Greta Gerwig. The actor earlier received nominations in 2008 and 2016.

While Ewan McGregor won his first Globe as Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in "Fargo". This was his fourth nomination.

Guilermo del Toro, Martin McDonagh, Sam Rockwell, Rachel Brosnahan and Alexander Skarsgard struck gold in the first nod at the award ceremony.

While del Toro took home the Golden Globe for Best Director for Motion Picture ("The Shape of Water"), McDonagh scored a win in the category of Best Screenplay for "Three Billboards..." Both were nominated in these two segments.

Skarsgard, who plays Nicole Kidman's abusive husband in HBO's "Big Little Lies", won his first Globe as the Best Supporting Actor in Limited Series category.

Rockwell won the golden title for Best Supporting Act in Motion Picture for his role in "Three Billboards..."



Brosnahan emerged Best Actress in a Television Comedy Series for playing the protagonist, Miriam 'Midge' Maisel in "The Marvelous Mrs Maisel", who admitted backstage that she had blanked out after saying 'hi' to Winfrey in the middle of her acceptance speech.

As the first award show in the new year, Golden Globes 2018 set a precedent by addressing the sexual harassment scandal that rocked Hollywood late last year and the winners speeches reflected the shift in Hollywood.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Golden Globes, the first Hollywood award show of 2018, kicked off with a focus on sexual harassment instead of fashion as Hollywood A-listers arrived on the red carpet dressed in black to support the Time's Up initiative and #MeToo movement.

Black was the colour of the night as almost all the female actors including big names like Meryl Streep, Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum, Catherine Zeta Jones, Margot Robbie, Alison Brie, Jessica Biel, Claire Foy, among others turned the Globes dark on the fashion front.

The 'Time's Up' initiative was launched by powerful Hollywood women such as Shonda Rhimes, Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington and others to fight sexual harassment in the industry following allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and numerous others in the show business.

Streep, who is part of the initiative, and Michelle Williams arrived with gender and racial justice activists as their guests.

While Streep walked the red carpet hand-in-hand with justice activist Ai-jen Po, Williams arrived in an embellished off-the-shoulder look with 'Me Too' founder Tarana Burke at her side.

"People are aware now of a power imbalance and it's something that leads to abuse'. It led to abuse in our own industry and led to abuse in domestic work... in the military, in Congress... and we want to fix that. We feel emboldened to stand together in a thick black line," Streep said on the red carpet.

Before the carpet, women from the film industry encouraged their peers to join the movement, via Instagram and Twitter announcements.

Witherspoon, Tracee Ellis Ross, Rashida Jones, Brie Larson and Tessa Thompson created a video together to urge those at the Globes to join them in wearing black.

While women were all up to support the anti-sexual harassment initiative their male peers also did their bit for the movement by donning Time's Up pins on the lapels of their tuxedos.

Justin Timberlake, Hugh Jackman, and Strangers Things stars Gaten Matazarro, Finn Wolfhard, Daniel Kaluuya, Bradley Whitford, Ewan MacGregor, Jude Law, James Franco, William H Macy, Noah Schnapp, Nick Jonas and host Seth Meyers were among the leading men taking part in the movement by adding the black-and-white pins to their looks.

To show his support, "This Is Us" actor Chris Sullivan not only donned a 'Time's Up' pin to his look, but also painted his fingernails black.

Celebrities who could not attend the 2018 Golden Globes, supported 'Time's Up' by sharing their pictures in all black outfits on social media.

Anne Hathaway, Olivia Munn, and Shonda Rhimes were all unable to attend the Globes due to being sick, but still sported their black outfits and voiced their support from home.

"In solidarity from my sick bed," Hathaway captioned an Instagram of herself in a black dress.

"At home with the flu so my black dress stays on the hanger but my #TIMESUP pin will be on my PJs! Wear black at home with all of us," Rhimes posted.

She also shared a separate photo of herself on Instagram in a #TimesUp T-shirt, writing "Standing in solidarity with my sisters everywhere tonight."



Munn wrote on Twitter: "I'm staying home today sick with the flu. But so appreciative of everyone who has rallied around to support."



Pop diva Jennifer Lopez, with boyfriend Alex Rodriguez by her side, expressed her support through a video which she shared on Instagram.

"Today is the Golden Globes in Los Angeles, and a lot of the women, with the hashtag Times Up, are standing up for equalityto be treated equally and for sexual harassment," Lopez, who is currently in Puerto Rico, said in the clip.

"And I stand here in black today doing the same from far away. And it's the same thing here in Puerto Rico we want to be treated equally," she added.

Other celebrities, including Bryce Dallas Howard, Gabrielle Union, Hilary Duff, Zoe Saldana, and Karlie Kloss, took to social media to share their #TimesUp photos.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The government has assured that it would consider hiking import duty on sugar from the current 50 per cent to check any cheaper shipments from neighbouring Pakistan, the Indian Sugar Mills Association said today.

In view of steep fall in global prices, Pakistan has not been able to export its surplus sugar and is mulling a subsidy to make outward shipments viable.

"If Pakistan imports do become viable, or if any contracts start taking place for importing sugar into India from Pakistan, especially if the state of Sindh notifies any subsidy, the Government of India is willing to increase the import duty adequately to check any such imports," ISMA said in a statement.

This along with other issues related to the sector were discussed last week in a meeting with the Food Ministry officials. Officials from the ISMA and the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) were also in the meeting.

On sugar exports from India, the ISMA said it was discussed that there would be "no scope for any exports" because the closing stock would be tight at 40 lakh tonnes at the end of the ongoing 2017-18 season (October-September).

"Therefore, reduction in the export duty may not make much sense now," it said.

The ISMA has pegged sugar output of India, the world's second largest producer, at 251 lakh tonnes in 2017-18 against 203 lakh tonnes in the previous year.

"It was agreed that there was unrealistic talk about 2018-19 sugar production, whereas not even about 10-15 per cent of the sugarcane for harvesting then has been planted," the sugar association said.

Though the sugarcane sowing may improve with better rainfall in western and southern states, it was accepted that it is totally "premature" to even guess a figure about next seasons production, it said.

"In fact, the sugar production can get adversely affected if the rainfall from June to September 2018, is not good. Therefore, July 2018 will be a better time to have any preliminary idea about 2018-19 production, and not earlier," it added.

Nevertheless, the Food Ministry officials assured that if there is a surplus in next 2018-19 season, appropriate timely action would be taken to ensure surplus sugar is exported even to SAARC nations, the ISMA said.

It was felt that there was enough time for the government to hold discussions and negotiations, since the surplus, if any, would come up only after November 2018, and there is no concern about the surplus till then, it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Andhra Pradesh Government Employees Association today said that its members would be staging protests across the state on Tuesday to demand the scrapping of the Union government's "Contributory Pension Scheme".

The association comprises government employees, teachers, public sector employees and pensioners.

Its Krishna District President A Vidyasagara Rao said that the government must go back to the old pension scheme that was in place before 2004.

"About 1.66 lakh people from government organisations under Contriburoty Pension Scheme are concerned because 10% from the salaries and another 10% of government's contribution is invested in stock markets and the returns from such investments are uncertain," Rao said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Congress today accused the central government of "muzzling dissent" and adopting an "ostrich-like approach" by "prosecuting" the newspaper and the journalist who exposed the alleged Aadhaar data breach.

Dubbing it as "a clear attack on journalism", Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari alleged that there have been systematic assaults on scribes and an atmosphere of fear and violence has been created against them.

He asked the people need to introspect whether they want a liberal, democratic India or a theocratic and fascist country.

Media organisations have been systematically hounded and targeted, he alleged and demanded that the FIR "against 'The Tribune' and the journalist" be withdrawn "if the government believes in the freedom of press".

"The newspaper which warns the government that the privacy and the private data of thousands of citizens are at risk is rewarded with an FIR which names the journalist as well as the institution itself," Tewari told reporters.

"If this is not fascism, if this is not trying to muzzle dissent, if this is not gross abuse of state authority, then I am afraid, we possibly do not have a definition for it....

"That is why time has come for all progressive, right thinking and patriotic forces to stand united against this systematic repression which has been unleashed on democratic dissent by the Narendra Modi Government," he said.

The Congress spokesperson said the first people who sensed such an atmosphere were the creative community which as early as September 2014 launched which was called by some as the "Award Wapsi Movement".

"Our appeal to the people of India at the beginning of 2018 from this podium is that please do make a choice you want a liberal or democratic India or do you want a theocratic and fascist India. That is the choice that you need to make," he said.

When pointed out that a minister had said that the FIR is against unknown people, Tewari said it seems the minister has not read the FIR or his reading of the FIR is "extremely selective as he chose to skip the names".

"To the best of our understanding not only journalists are named, but the Tribune as an institution has been named in the FIR.

"So, not only is that an attack on individual journalists, it is an attack on the institution per se... this is a clear attack on journalism.

"If the Minister is not shedding crocodile tears ... true test of that is that the FIR must be unilaterally withdrawn by the UIDAI," he said.

Attacking the government, the Congress said on its website: "The prosecution of a reporter for exposing security flaws in the Aadhaar infrastructure by UIDAI is an ostrich- like approach.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A farmers and agriculture workers convention here today blamed the government's policies for "agrarian distress" in the country.

Addressing the Kisaan Sankalp Sammelan at Gandhi Maidan in the Chhattisgarh capital, farmer leaders said cultivators are distressed all over the country due to poor agriculture policies and sought to fulfill promises by the ruling BJP in Chhattisgarh.

In his address, Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Mahasabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah said farmers were abandoning agriculture and committing suicide due to government policies.

"Instead of ensuring relief to farmers, the government is rubbing salt on their wounds. Now farmers across the country are uniting and raising demands of a loan waiver and seeking full return against their produce," he said.

Mollah said that assimilation of Chhattisgarh farmers in the national movement will create a "new wave".

Speaking on the occasion, noted agriculture economist Devinder Sharma said that farmers' income was still very low in the country, despite whopping growth in income in other sectors since 1971.

"Failing to recover the cultivation cost, distressed farmer are committing suicides," he said.

Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav said farm-based companies related to seeds, fertilisers and pesticides have raked in huge profit in the country whereas farmers are in crisis.

"From the past 70 years, the government has kept the prices of crops low. It clearly indicates that not only the governments policy but their intention is also wrong," he said.

Yadav observed that it was for the first time when farmers' movements in various states are amalgamating into a nationwide movement.

"Now farmers want remedy for their problems and are coming together to raise their voices," he said.

Leaders representing various farmers and labourers associations also addressed the convention.

Farmer leaders also chalked out a strategy for the agitation in support of their various demands in near future in Chhattisgarh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The government will start a fresh process this month to procure 12 advanced minesweepers for the Indian Navy after negotiations for the Rs 32,000-crore project between the Goa Shipyard and a South Korean company hit a dead-end.

The Navy badly needs the minesweepers or mine counter- measure vessels to guard India's critical sea lanes in the backdrop of China's growing naval might in the Indian Ocean region.

"We will issue fresh EoI (Expression of Interest) for the project very soon. It will be issued this month," Chairman of state-run Goa Shipyard Ltd Rear Admiral (retd) Shekhar Mital told PTI.

Sources said the Goa Shipyard Ltd had to call off the negotiations with Kangnam Corporation following differences over a host of issues including terms and conditions for technology transfer.

The EoI is likely to be issued to a number of major foreign defence majors which build minesweepers.

According to original understanding, the Goa Shipyard and the Kangam Corporation were to build 12 minesweepers in India under the Make in India initiative and the deliveries were to be completed within nine years of the start of the project.

However, both sides struggled to finalise various key aspects of the project.

A parliamentary standing committee on defence last year had slammed the government for delay in procurement of the minesweepers and asked it to make efforts to fill the gap in the Navy's capability.

The minesweeper ships detect and destroy underwater mines and are considered vital for keeping the critical sea lanes safe.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A complaint has been lodged with the Gujarat police charging Teesta Setalvad and her NGO Sabrang Trust with trying to "mix religion with politics" and spreading disharmony through the curricular material prepared for the erstwhile UPA government which had given it a grant of about Rs 1.4 crore.

The complaint, lodged with the Ahmedabad city police by Rais Khan Pathan, a former close aide of Setalvad, also took into account the report of a panel of the Ministry of Human Resource Development which in its finding has claimed that a prima facie case existed against her under section 153A and 153B of IPC for promoting enmity on grounds of religion and imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration.

Sources said the crime branch of Ahmedabad police has sent a communication to the deputy secretary, department of school education and literacy of the Union HRD Ministry, urging it to "furnish point-wise reply on the application/ complaint at the earliest".

They said the ministry is yet to submit its response to the communication sent in November last.

The HRD Ministry in 2016 had sought the opinion of the top law officer endorsing the report of its three-member committee, saying "the report of the inquiry committee is exhaustive and deals with every aspect of the matter and that action as suggested in the said report may be undertaken in terms of fixing liabilities/lapses, action for inciting disharmony and hatred and also for recovery of the money as is stipulated in the scheme itself".

Pathan had filed the complaint in November last year with the crime branch of the Ahmedabad police on the basis of the report against Setalvad, her husband Javed Anand, officials of the Sabrang Trust and unknown officials of the HRD Ministry.

He sought investigation and prosecution for the alleged offence of criminal conspiracy, criminal misappropriation of property, criminal breach of trust by public servants, promoting enmity between different groups on the ground of religion, among others.

Pathan has alleged that a large amount from the HRD funding was used during 2008 to 2014 on 'Khoj' project of the Sabrang Trust under the scheme of 'National Policy on Education' in Maharashtra and Gujarat as well as on the 'Peace Building and conflict resolution' project.

The project was launched by Setalvad's NGO in some districts of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The HRD panel claimed to have gone through "a sizeable portion" of written materials prepared by Setalvad for the trust and 'Khoj' for teachers and the students of class V and VI, with the complaint alleging it contained "explosive literature" which reflected "hatred" and "venom", thereby falling under sections 153A and 153B of the IPC.

Pathan in his complaint has claimed that the three-member panel, comprising Supreme Court lawyer Abhijit Bhattacharjee, Gujarat Central University Vice Chancellor S A Bari and Ministry official Gaya Prasad, had confirmed that the then officials of HRD Ministry in connivance with trustees of Sabrang Trust illegally sanctioned the funds under the 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan'.

"Large amounts were also transferred as donation from Sabrang trust to Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), another NGO of Teesta Setalvad which too was used for various activities such as payment of salary to office staff in Gujarat, travelling expenses to riot victims of Gujarat, advocate fees and on various campaigns launched in Gujarat against the state government," Pathan's complaint alleged.

The HRD panel, which had questioned the grant of money to the tune of Rs 2.05 crore, out of which Rs 1.39 crore was released as the trust was unable to utilise 50 per cent of the amount, said one of the reasons for its ineligibility was that the documents of the trust suggested "brazen contempt of Supreme Court by Setalvad in her writing".

The report had said the committee was of the view that there was "a hiatus between the theory and practice" of the trust as it was simply "whipping up identity politics" claiming it was not conducive to the avowed purpose for which the trust had said in its application form.

It alleged that the public money given under the scheme of 'Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan' to the trust/'Khoj' was "clearly found to be spreading disharmony, feeling of enmity, hatred and ill will etc".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi High Court today directed the AAP government to resolve the difficulties faced by parents under the economically weaker section (EWS) category for admission of kids in nursery in private schools here.

The court was anguished that while the process of nursery admission has already begun in the private schools here, the government is yet to declare the date for EWS category.

"EWS category is facing lot of difficulty, please look into it," a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar told the counsel for the government.

When the counsel said he wished to address on the issue, the bench said, "We do not want you to address here. We want resolution."



"Parents must know (dates) well in advance because it is natural that every parent has aspiration to admit his/her child in a good school and it is not wrong. Why have you not started it (process of EWS category) yet," the bench said.

The court further asked the Delhi government's counsel to take instructions and inform it why the date for admission process for EWS category has not been fixed yet.

The court's query came during the hearing of a PIL filed by an NGO, Justice for All, through its counsel Khagesh Jha, who has urged the court to direct the authorities to make appropriate arrangements for daily collection and disposal of garbage from the premises of these schools.

The bench said that they had read in newspapers about the difficulties faced by the parents, who wish apply for their ward under the EWS category.

The NGO, however, in its plea has claimed that multiple agencies in Delhi were busy shifting the blame on each other and that there was no coordination between these agencies as regards improving the infrastructure for the students.

It has also dealt with the "poor" condition of toilets in these schools.

Meanwhile, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, in its response to the petition, said that it was working for the betterment of schools regarding infrastructure, hygiene and staff and to provide more facilities to the children.

It further said that to improve hygiene and sanitation conditions, the corporation has asked the school principals to constitute a committee which will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness in schools.

It said that thought teachers' appointments are not based on gender as of now, efforts are made that women teachers be posted in girls and co-ed schools.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu government not to terminate striking transport employees from service without its permission.

The first bench, headed by Chief Justice Indira Banerjee, made it clear that no striking worker can be terminated from service without the leave of the court.

It, however, declined to vacate its interim order passed on a PIL filed in this regard on January 5.

Taking a serious view of the strike, the court had said workers should get back to work or "face consequences," including termination and contempt of court.

The public interest litigation (PIL) petition sought a direction to the state government to convene a meeting with workers on strike and find a solution.

The matter pertains to the strike called by certain transport unions across Tamil Nadu over wage-related issues.

After recording the submissions of workers, the bench said that in no way can the staff be denied their legitimate dues, particularly those already deducted from their wages.

The court said it expected the state government to clear dues immediately by taking loans or through other means.

However, it declined to accept the trade unions' contention that the stir was not a "flash strike"



"None of the government authorities or even the transport minister are affected by the strike. Only the middle and poor class people who depend on public transport are affected," it observed.

"Transport workers are entitled to their legitimate dues, but people cannot be inconvenienced through such strikes," it said.

The strike entered fifth day today.The Bombay High Court today turned down a plea of a private developer seeking permission to construct a floating hotel and a jetty near the Nariman Point in South Mumbai.

A division bench of justices A S Oka and P N Deshmukh dismissed the petition filed by Rashmi Development Pvt Ltd, challenging an order passed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and a committee denying permission for the construction of the floating hotel, jetty and ramps abutting the Marine Drive promenade.

The petitioner claimed that the proposed project already had NOCs (no objection certificates) from the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), the Western Naval Command, the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority, the Coast Guard and the city police.

The HC, in its order, noted that the letters issued by the city police, the Western Naval Command and the Coast Guard on the issue were misconstrued by the company as NOCs.

"The Western Naval Command had never granted NOC for erection of the floating hotel. All that their letter records is that the safety and security issues will have to be examined first," the bench said.

"Even the Coast Guard in its letter says that a security audit will have to be carried out first before permission is granted for construction of a floating hotel and jetty," it said.

"After perusal of the facts of the matter and all the letters issued by the authorities, we hold that the grounds stated in the impugned order cannot be said to be illegal. It is impossible to find fault with the impugned order," the bench said.

The court also asked the state government to take note of the action of the MTDC on the issue.

"The MTDC is a government department. It is aware of the committee headed by senior officials and the fact that the civic body is bound by the committee's recommendations. Still, the MTDC has openly supported the petitioner. This stand taken by the MTDC needs to be seriously viewed by the state government," the high court said.

In May last year, the court-appointed three-member committee -- which comprised Mumbai Police Commissioner, BMC commissioner and chairperson of the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee -- had rejected the proposal.

The committee was constituted by the HC in 2015 to regulate any temporary or permanent construction along the Marine Drive promenade.

The committee rejected the proposal and forwarded its decision to the BMC saying the hotel was meant to be a tourist attraction and, consequently, would lead to much more vehicular movement in the area which would add to the existing traffic woes.

It also said that since the proposed site for the jetty -- the end of the Marine Drive promenade, near the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) -- came under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority, the latter's permission must also be taken.

Following the committee's decision, the BMC too refused to grant permission for the project.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The high court here today sought responses from Delhi and Haryana governments on supplying 330 cusecs of water a day through the Munak Canal to the national capital, instead of a sub-branch canal as an estimated 50 per cent of water sent through it is lost due to seepage.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar asked the authorities concerned of the two governments if the sub-branch canal can be repaired without disrupting water supply to Delhi.

The bench also sought the stand of the Delhi Jal Board on a PIL, which claimed that 100 per cent sewage treatment facility in the national capital would reduce the water crisis in the city.

The bench ordered the DJB to place before it its action plan on construction of sewerage facilities in Delhi, which the government agency proposes to do by 2031.

The court was hearing the plea filed by advocate S B Tripathi, who has said the population in Delhi was increasing each day, but the raw water available to the city was the same or decreasing.

"As per the information, currently water requirement for drinking is about 1080 MGD (million gallons per day) while the available water is about 900 MGD only," the plea said.

The petition, referring to a DJB affidavit filed in the court, said only 55 per cent of Delhi population has sewerage facility, while the remaining population was without sewerage.

It said that the sewage generation from the remaining 45 per cent unsewered area was flowing into drains and ultimately into the river Yamuna.

It said that if the sewage of the remaining 45 per cent population is treated, the water crisis in Delhi can be lessened.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) today said its joint venture firm has bagged a contract worth Rs 484 crore from Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation for the Pune metro project.

"Hindustan Construction Company, a lead partner in the joint venture with AL FARA'A, has been awarded Rs 484 crore contract by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd for Pune metro rail project," HCC said in a BSE filing.

The contract is for construction of eight elevated stations on line II of the Pune metro rail project.

Hindustan Construction Company JV had earlier received a Rs 497 crore order for Pune Metro. The contract was for construction of nine elevated metro stations. The total length of Pune Metro-phase 1 is 32 km.

HCC's share in the JV is 51 per cent (Rs 247 crore). The project is to be completed in 36 months.

HCC shares were trading 3.34 per cent higher at Rs 43.30 on the BSE.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The new BJP government in Himachal Pradesh plans to make it compulsory for doctors of all hospitals in the state to prescribe generic drugs to patients, Health Minister Vipin Parmar said today.

"The government of Himachal Pradesh shall soon bring out a law to make prescription of generic medicines compulsory in all the hospitals of the state," Parmar told a delegation of the Indian Medical Association at Nanao village near here.

"Himachal will become the first state to bring out such a bill," he said.

He said it is a priority of the Himachal government to provide qualitative and best medical facilities to the people.

He said doctors have been instructed to prescribe generic drugs and those medicines, which are available free at the hospitals.

He said if a doctor prescribes drugs other than generic, he will have to write his reasons on the prescription too.

Parmar urged IMA officials to cooperate and give suggestions to improve the healthcare system.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Former Chief Election Commissioner T S Krishnamurthy has pitched for second round of elections in constituencies where the winning margin is less than the NOTA option and the victorious candidate fails to muster one-third of votes.

He also expressed the view that India's first-past- the-post electoral system has outlived its utility.

"In my opinion, NOTA is very good; we should say if NOTA crosses certain percentage of votes; for example if the difference between the winner and the loser is less than the NOTA votes, you can say we should have second round of elections," Krishnamurthy told PTI.

A law needs to enacted to implement this measure, he said.

NOTA (None of the above) gives the voter a right not to vote for any candidate contesting from a particular seat.

More than 5.5 lakh voters -- or 1.8 per cent voters -- pressed the NOTA button on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the recent assembly elections in Gujarat, where the winning margin was less than NOTA in several constituencies.

NOTA's vote share in Gujarat elections was higher than that of any party other than the Congress and the BJP.

Krishnamurthy also said, "Another possibility is to say that the winner should poll more than 33.33 per cent or one-third of total number of votes polled," a move which would make smaller political parties "disappear".

"There should be second round (of elections) if NOTA is more (than the winning margin) or if a person fails to get 33.33 per cent (of the total votes polled)," he said.

Krishnamurthy said NOTA will eventually force political parties to field candidates known for their integrity, and those who are more popular in segments taking into account people's sentiments.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Vipin Parmar today said the government would soon bring a law to make prescription of generic drugs mandatory in state-run health facilities.

He said this while meeting a delegation of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) at Nanao near here.

"Himachal Pradesh will become the first state to bring out such bill. It is the priority of the government to provide qualitative as well as the best medical facilities to the public," Pramar said.

Instructions have already been given to government doctors to prescribe generic drugs and those medicines which are available at no cost, he said.

If some other medicine is being prescribed, the doctor has to state a reason on the prescription, the minister said.

He appealed to the IMA to cooperate in this regard and give suggestions to further improve it.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A human skeleton was found inside an abandoned barrel filled with concrete here today, police said.

The barrel was found abandoned near a trade union office on the shores of a backwater in Kumbalam.

Police reached the area following complaints that foul smell was emanating from the barrel reportedly recovered two months ago during a dredging operation in the backwater.

They found the skeleton in the barrel which was broke open.

Top police officials, including Police Commissioner M P Dinesh, visited the place.

Police said the skeleton had been sent to the Medical College Hospital in Kalamassery for scientific analysis.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Hailing India as the "main partner" of Seychelles, a top leader of that country today said New Delhi has never bracketed the island nation as a "high-income country" while offering help, unlike Europe which would tell it to sort out problems on its own.

Delivering a talk at the Sapru House here, Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, also said, "Terrorism is not a major concern for us at the present time. Our security concerns are piracy, drug threat and poaching."



Ramkalawan, whose ancestors hailed from Bihar, is from the Seychelles National Party (SNP), which has a majority in the 33-member Assembly.

During his talk 'Seychelles of my dreams', hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs, he spoke about the opportunities and challenges in his country, the relationship with India and the old cultural ties between the two nations.

"Whenever we ask India for help, it doesn't look at us as high-income country. Europe would tell us, you're high-income country so go sort it yourself," he said.

"We consider India as the main partner...India has helped us with hydrological maps and not sold to us, but given to us as gifts. And, we want the ties to go higher," Ramkalawan said.

The SNP leader presently heads the National Assembly's Outer Island Committee, the Committee for Truth and National Reconciliation and the Finance and Public Accounts Committee.

In response to a question, over reports of a naval base being planned by India in the Assumption Island, he said, "Seychelles would never accept any naval base of any country, be it the US or India or any other."



Ramkalawa emphasised the bilateral ties between the two countries and said the "second Dornier aircraft from India would arrive very soon".

India few years ago had agreed to give the Dornier DO-228 aircraft to Seychelles to carry out surveillance and anti- piracy missions.

"Supervising our territory needs a lot of help...If we have a facility in the south, we can patrol the area for poaching, drug trafficking or piracy," he said, adding that cooperation of India is much-needed in this area.

He also emphasised that Seychelles has a "world responsibility" towards conservation of environment, the islands and their biodiversity.

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. It's home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises.

"The green turtle is an endangered species, but at least now the number of female turtles are rising. We need to protect our territory but Seychelles also needs to be a champion of environmental protection.

"Also, our beautiful country is called a paradise, and we want people to visit it. But, mass tourism is not on the agenda, instead it is as of now restricted to resorts and small hotels," he said.

He also alleged that there was "slowness on part of the present Seychelles government in moving projects, which have been supported by India".

"The projects, which were conceived received during recent high-level visit, were not brought to the Assembly for ratification by the then president of Seychelles. But, we will sort it out soon, and by February, try to bring it to Assembly for ratification," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India and Nepal have reached an agreement to resolve differences on reconstructing damaged pillars along the mutual border and clearing the encroachment on the "No Man's Land", an Indian official said here today.

The agreement was reached during a meeting of Indian and Nepalese officials at the SSB Group centre here, Balrampur District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar Misra said.

Six Nepalese officials and officials from five districts of Uttar Pradesh took part in the meeting, he said.

India and Nepal will soon start reconstructing the damaged pillars and clear the "No Man's Land" of encroachers, said Misra, the nodal officer for the Indian side.

A team to survey the border areas for the purpose has arrived in Balrampur, Misra said, adding that the work to be carried out on the border has been divided into three parts.

They include identifying the damaged pillars, reconstructing them and clearing the No Man's Land.

Misra said the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the Public Works Department, Revenue Department, and the Nepali Police will contribute to the process.

He hoped the resolution of differences will help in strengthening ties between the people of the two countries.

Hariprasad Mailani, the nodal officer of the Nepalese side, said no one will be allowed to misbehave with the Indian people and jawans in Nepal.

The SSB, which works under the the Union Home Ministry, is tasked with guarding the 1,751-km India-Nepal border.

Uttar Pradesh shares a 599.3-km open border with Nepal touching seven districts - Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Sravasti, Balrampur, Sidhharthnagar and Maharajganj.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An Indian man in the has hit a jackpot by winning a whopping dhirham 12 million ($3.2 million) in the biggest-ever raffle prize money in Abu Dhabi.

Harikrishnan V Nair, 42, who works as a business development manager for a firm in Dubai and has been living in the with his family since 2002, won the huge amount on Sunday in 'Big Ticket' raffle draw.

"I still cannot believe it. Is it me? Is it really me?" an excited Nair, who is from Kerala, told Khaleej Times.

He said he had bought the tickets twice before, but had never won.

Nair said he had always wanted to travel the world with his family and the time for it has come.

"I think 2018 is the year for that. I will plan a world tour soon," said Nair, father of a seven-year old son.

"I would like to plan for my son's education and buy another house in India. I want to take good care of my mother and my wife's mother too, who are in India," he said.

Charity is also on top of Nair's agenda.

"I have always wanted to help people in need, and by God's grace I can do it now. That is something I will really do," he said.

His wife, a logistics support staff, said she could not believe the news.

"I was dump-founded when I got the call from my husband. First I thought he was playing the same prank I had planned on him," she said.

"Now that he has won the jackpot, I will let him figure out what he wants to do with it. He is after all a business development manager and would know better how to manage his funds," she said.

Eight Indians were among 10 people who had won dhirham 1 million each in a mega raffle draw in Abu Dhabi in October last year.

In August, an Indian man had won dhirham 5 million ($1.3 million) in the draw in theThe International Olympic Committee has "extended the deadline" for North Korea's participation in the Winter Olympics, it announced today.

"We will be as flexible as we can be," an IOC spokesman told AFP over North Korea sending a team to the Pyeongchang Games in South Korea.

Talks between the two Koreas hosted by IOC president Thomas Bach will take place at the Olympic movement's headquarters in Lausanne on Tuesday.

"We welcome the discussion which will take place... between the governments of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)," the IOC said.

"The IOC has been having discussions with both sides for a long time.

"In doing so we have kept the door open by extending the deadline for registration, and by offering support to North Korean athletes in the qualification process, whilst always respecting United Nations sanctions."



On Saturday, North Korea Olympic body member Chang Ung said the isolated state was "likely to participate" in the Pyeongchang Games from February 9-25, Kyodo agency reported.

Tuesday's Lausanne summit comes days after the two Koreas agreed to hold their first official dialogue in more than two years to discuss the North's participation in the Winter Olympics.

The tentative rapprochement comes after the North's leader Kim Jong-Un warned in his New Year speech that he had a nuclear button on his desk, but also said Pyongyang could send a team to the Olympics.

The IOC in its statement Monday emphasised that its mission was "always to ensure the participation of all qualified athletes, beyond all political tensions and divisions.

"With regard to the very particular situation on the Korean peninsula we need the political commitment from all parties concerned to make such a participation possible," it added.

"Once this political commitment is clear the IOC will take the final decision.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Islamic State (IS) militant group poses a major threat to Pakistan and is alarmingly increasing its presence in the country, according to a think- tank report.

Pakistan has been denying that ISIS had an organised presence in the country, however, even though the terrorist group has claimed responsibility for several other attacks in Baluchistan in recent years.

The security report by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) yesterday stated that the IS, especially active in northern Sindh and Balochistan, was also behind the abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals last year, Dawn reported.

The PIPS shared the findings of its security analysis titled Special Report 2017, providing an insight into security challenges of Pakistan.

"Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jamaatul Ahrar and others with similar objectives perpetrated 58 per cent attacks, while 37 per cent and 5 per cent of the attacks were carried out by nationalist insurgents and violent sectarian groups respectively," it said.

The report has also highlighted that Baloch nationalist- insurgent groups, especially Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front were only second to TTP as far as the their threat capability was concerned.

The report also noted the alarming increase in the footprint of ISIS, especially in Balochistan and northern Sindh as it carried out the deadliest attacks in those provinces. It said that footprints of ISIS was increasing and it "killed 153 in 6 deadliest attacks".

It said "down 16 per cent from the year before, 370 terrorist attacks took place in Pakistan (in 2017), killing 815 and injuring 1,736 people."



It said that Balochistan and tribal region remained critical areas with 288 and 253 terrorism-related killings, respectively, in 2017.

The report said that security forces and law enforcement agencies killed 524 militants in military/security operations as well as armed clashes and encounters.

It also reported that Pakistan's National Security Policy is set to be released in 2018 and it will take into account especially global and regional scenarios, including the evolving Pakistan-US relations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is planning to promote spiritual tourism at the Sagar Islands in West Bengal and would take up several projects in the area for which West Bengal has promised help.

As part of the ISKCON plan a Vedic Centre for Culture and Education, a world-class park, community hall, light and sound exhibition to attract the visitors to Sagar Islands, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims during holy 'Makarsankranti' on January 14-15 every year, an ISKCON statement said.

The West Bengal government has promised all help to the project, it said.

An NRI has also expressed the wish to contribute to the projects at Gangasagar, it added.

ISKCON has set up a large camp at the Ganga Sagar fair ground which will be operational from January 11 to 16 to house pilgrims from the country and abroad.

During the Mela ISKCON's Sewa camp aims to distribute one lakh plates of 'prasadam' to the pilgrims, Sundar Govind Das, the in charge of Food for Life programme run by ISKCON, Mayapur, said.

It will also provide free medical aid by doctors of a private super-speciality hospital and distribute blankets among the pilgrims, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has decided to go ahead with its plan to not mark their attendance as the administration insisted on introducing a mandatory attendance rule.

During a meeting with the JNU vice chancellor this morning, JNUSU president Geeta Kumari said, "we explained to the administration how such a surveillance is going to curtail academic freedom and destroy JNU culture".

"We explained how students of the campus attend lectures not just at classrooms, but also at dhabas and hostel mess. Learning is a 24X7 process for us. The VC, however, insisted on the adoption of compulsory attendance model of IITs," Kumari said, after submitting a memorandum with around 2,500 signatures.

JNUSU joint secretary Shubhanshu Singh said that they have started campaign on the move in some classes.

"Some professors are also taking part in the campaign," Singh said.

However, JNU Teachers' Association president Ayesha Kidwai said that the teachers body would decide its course of action at its General Body Meeting which is scheduled for January 10.

The JNUSU had yesterday announced for boycott of attendance.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)At the age of 92, Malaysia's one-time strongman Mahathir Mohamad is again seeking the leadership, but this time at the helm of the opposition that he crushed while in power.

Mahathir was named the opposition's prime ministerial candidate yesterday after weeks of infighting, in an extraordinary turnaround as his heirs in government face a massive financial scandal.

He will be the world's oldest leader if the coalition backing him wins a general election due by August, although analysts believe this is unlikely.

The authoritarian leader known for his acid tongue ruled the country for 22 years until 2003, making him Malaysia's longest-serving premier. He jailed opposition members without trial on security grounds in 1987 and was seen as an authoritarian figure who trampled over human rights.

Even in retirement, he could not resist sniping at his successors. When allegations emerged that huge sums were looted from a sovereign wealth fund set up by current Prime Minister Najib Razak, he broke from the ruling party and established a new political outfit to try and oust a man who was once his protege.

The US Justice Department alleges USD 4.5 billion was stolen from the investment vehicle, 1MDB, in a campaign of fraud and money-laundering. Najib denies any wrongdoing and has cracked down hard, purging critics from his government and curbing domestic investigations.

The most remarkable aspect of Mahathir's return to frontline has been a rapprochement with his former nemesis and jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, a dramatic shift after the pair's falling out dominated the political landscape for two decades.

Anwar was heir apparent to Mahathir until the premier sacked him in 1998 over political differences, and was then jailed for six years on sodomy and corruption charges.

After being released Anwar led the opposition to its best-ever showing in 2013 elections, but was imprisoned again in 2015 under Najib's government. Anwar has condemned his convictions as politically motivated.

After Mahathir cut ties with ruling party the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) he sought to mend his broken relationship with Anwar, with the pair meeting in 2016 for the first time in 18 years.

His party, Bersatu, joined the main opposition coalition Pact of Hope, which includes Anwar's party and many other former sworn enemies, and yesterday he was endorsed as the grouping's candidate at their convention.

If the opposition ousts the UMNO-led coalition which has ruled Malaysia since independence in 1957, Mahathir's position as premier is supposed to be temporary, with Anwar taking over once he is released from jail and has secured a royal pardon to overturn a ban on



The opposition hopes that Mahathir will boost its chances with Muslim Malays, who make up over 60 percent of the population, with the rest comprising mainly ethnic Chinese and Indians.

Tian Chua, a lawmaker from Anwar's People's Justice Party, said Mahathir could deliver the knock-out blow to a government already reeling from the 1MDB scandal.

"Mahathir will invoke the glorious days of his 22-year reign and that will draw support from rural Malays, who are disgruntled with the rising cost of living," he told AFP.

But ruling party MPs quickly dismissed his candidacy and social media was flooded with angry comments criticising the decision to put forward a man accused of ruling with an iron fist.

"It is ridiculous. He is over 90 and he started all the problems we are facing," said Facebook user Radha Dulip Singh.

Analysts said a victory for Pact of Hope looked unlikely. A survey by pollster the Merdeka Centre last month showed the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition potentially regaining its crucial two-thirds parliamentary majority, needed to amend the constitution.

The opposition has often appeared disorganised and disunited -- a far cry from the strong alliance that Anwar led at the 2013 polls -- while the electoral system is strongly stacked in BN's favour, with the government long accused of gerrymandering.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A man was killed allegedly by his daughter and her boyfriend for scolding them in Noida's Atta village, police said today.

Vishwanath last morning around 4 found his daughter Pooja, aged around 19 years, and her boyfriend Dharmendra in his rented accommodation in a compromising position and scolded them, they said.

Enraged over being scolded, Pooja and Dharmendra thrashed Vishwanath, the police said.

He was rushed to a hospital in Noida in serious condition



from where he was referred to a Delhi hospital, they said.

He today died during treatment, police said.

On the basis of a complaint by Gayatri, Vishwanath's wife, a case was registered against Pooja and Dharmendra, they said.

Pooja has been arrested while her boyfriend was absconding, the police said, adding an investigation was underway in the matter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A man was allegedly shot dead by some unknown people near the Indo-Nepal border here, with the deceased's kin accusing some jawans of the Sashashtra Seema Bal (SSB) of killing him following an altercation with them.

However, the SSB has denied the charges saying Kamlesh Paswan was intercepted while smuggling and after a clash they had to shoot him in the leg in self-defense.

On the basis of a written complaint by the brother of the deceased, Akhilesh Paswan, a case under relevant sections of the IPC has been registered against unknown people, SP Maharajganj RP Singh said.

Akhilesh said, "My brother was playing volleyball with his friends when three SSB jawans passed objectionable remarks on some women, who were attending nature's call."



"Kamlesh had a clash with them over the issue and later they called more jawans and shot at my brother's leg. They then dragged him to Sonouli border and later took him to community health center where doctors declared him dead," alleged.

SSB Deputy Commandment Dilip Kumar Jha said, "The Jawans caught Kamlesh at IndoNepal border with smuggled things and after a clash they shot at his leg in self-defense."



A probe into the matter is underway, the SP said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today said that maximum care should be devoted in promoting interests of youths and not allow disruptions in their examination and study schedules.

The governor was speaking at 'The First Mufti Memorial Lecture' to commemorate the Mufti Sayeed Day at the Gen Zorawar Singh Auditorium here.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and her Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar were also present at the event along with their deputies Nirmal Singh and Sushil Kumar Modi respectively.

"There is a need to devote maximum care to promote the interests of youths and not allow disruptions in their study and examination schedules, which would hamper their careers," he said.

"We must reaffirm our faith and reinvent our belief in what we are able to do. Our state has problems and some are our making and some beyond our reach," Vohra said.

"In amalgam of these so called domestic and non-domestic factors... the entire polity and public services of the state, and the people must work together to protect our student community and our youth. We have not been able to do so and I regret to say that," the governor said.

The academic sessions have been disrupted several times and exams and results were postponed. Therefore, students competing in all India tests and seeking admission in institutions are being left behind, he said.

"So I think we must in this new year owe to take a few firm resolutions in what we need to do to take our step forward," Vohra said.

The 'First Mufti Memorial Lecture' was delivered by Lord Meghnad Desai on "Devolving Power: The British Experience" and the governor observed that the state had suffered on various counts because of domestic and external factors, which were detrimental to its development.

Governments need to work dutifully, in a transparent and accountable manner, and achieve their goals in an equitable and inclusive manner, he said.

Paying tributes to former J-K chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on his second death anniversary, Vohra described him as a man who was entirely devoted to advancing the welfare of his people and development of the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Jammu and Kashmir government today launched a major welfare initiative for workers in the unorganised sector to provide them institutionalised socio- economic security.

The scheme, named "Muhafiz" (Guardian), was launched by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Under the scheme, around three lakh workers registered with the Jammu and Kashmir Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board (JKBOCWWB) would be covered under accidental, life and disability insurance.

"Government is committed to the welfare of marginalised sections of society, particularly labour class who have seen enough exploitation in the past," Mufti said.

The chief minister said, "Compensation in case of deaths, accidents or injuries has to be there. But efforts should be made to make their life better besides focusing on the education and upbringing of their wards."



Mufti announced the enhancement of monthly scholarship for the children of these workers to Rs 1500, which was earlier Rs 1200.

She advised the department to ensure that more and more workers, particularly female, are covered under the ambit of the scheme.

Mehbooba, on the occasion, unveiled the micro credit linked debit card of the JK Bank for these workers. She also launched the insurance scheme for them and the website of Workers' Welfare Board.

The scheme has been launched to commemorate the second death anniversary of former chief minister and PDP founder Mufti Muhammad Sayeed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi Police today said Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani's request for holding a rally here tomorrow is still "under consideration", even as the organisers insist it will be held on pre-scheduled time.

The 'Social Justice' rally or 'Yuva Hunkaar Rally' is planned to be addressed by Mevani and Assam peasant leader Akhil Gogoi.

One of the organisers and former JNU Students' Union president Mohit Kumar Pandey said, "There has been a lot of attempts to stop this event and even some media houses are spreading wrong information that the permission for the rally has been denied."



Ever since the rally was announced on January 2, "a lot of money has been spent on posters calling Mevani a deshdrohi (traitor) and urban naxal," Pandey told PTI, adding the event will be held as per schedule.

Mevani could not be reached for his comments.

In a statement, the organisers have urged the prospective participants to "assemble on the Parliament Street at 12 pm tomorrow".

A senior police officer though said, "Mevani's request for the rally is still under consideration."



The rally seeks to raise the demand for the release of Dalit outfit Bhim Army's founder Chandrashekhar Azad and emphasise on issues like educational rights, employment, livelihood and gender justice.

A large section of students from universities and colleges in Delhi, women's groups, teachers' associations and activists associated with Mevani from across the country are expected to attend the rally.

Azad, 30, was arrested in June last year from Himachal Pradesh as he was the main accused in the Thakur-Dalit clash in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A militant allegedly involved in the recent kidnapping of a policeman has been arrested in Dima Hasao district, police said.

The militant was apprehended during a joint operation conducted by the police and Assam Rifles yesterday.

The militant was identified as S S Maj Naimeyning alias Aboy of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), the police said.

A pistol with live ammunition was recovered from his possession



A joint team of police and troopers of 43rd and 22nd battalions of Assam Rifles had on January 1 rescued Prafull Phukan, the abducted personal security officer (PSO) of the executive magistrate of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, from Hungrum village in Dima Hasao district.

Phukan had been abducted on December 31.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Switzerland on January 22 on a two-day visit during which he will deliver the keynote address at the plenary session of the (WEF) in Davos.

This will be the first participation by an Indian prime minister in the WEF in over two decades. In 1997, the then prime minister H D Deve Gowda had attended the Davos Summit.

Announcing the prime ministerial visit on Monday, the external affairs ministry, in a statement, said the prime minister will also have a bilateral meeting with Alain Berset, the President of the Swiss Confederation on January 22.

The theme for this year's WEF is 'Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World'.

"Prime Minister will deliver the keynote speech at the plenary session of the (WEF) in Davos- Klosters, Switzerland, on January 23, 2018," the ministry said.

The plenary session will be moderated by Prof Klaus Schwab, the Founder and Executive Chairman, WEF.

To be attended by over 3,000 global leaders, including CEOs, heads of state and government, artists and civil society members, the Davos Annual Meeting of WEF will conclude on January 26.

The WEF, which describes itself as an international organisation for public-private cooperation and was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation, hosts its annual meeting in Davos every year in January.

In a statement last month announcing its co-chairs for the 2018 meeting, the WEF had said that over 3,000 leaders, representing 100 countries, will gather in a collaborative effort to shape the global, regional and industry agendas, with a commitment to improve the state of the world.

Desi cuisine and yoga will mark the start of the five-day annual jamboree of the rich and powerful from across the world in the snow-laden Swiss ski resort town of Davos. This is the first time India will host the welcome reception at the summit.

The Indian presence is set to be the largest-ever with as many as six Union ministers, two chief ministers, several top government officials and over 100 CEOs, figuring among the registered participants.

The official sessions at the WEF will also have special India-focused discussions including one on "India's role in the world", how it is rethinking economics with the use of big data in policymaking and the country's role in securing peace and stability in the Asian century.

The registered participants from India, include Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region of India Jitendra Singh.

Others expected to be present at the elite global gathering are Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi along with a number of his cabinet colleagues, as well as Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

China is also expected to have a significant presence and its Belt Road Initiative will feature as a key theme in a number of panel discussions, including those attended by Pakistani leaders.The US-based Educational Testing Service and the Learning Links Foundation today launched the 'TOEFL Information Van', a one-month-long drive here to create awareness about the English language test in schools in selected cities of Kerala.

The initiative is to enhance awareness about the TOEFL test and its different facets and comes in the wake of a large number of Indian students especially from the Kerala region, keen an overseas education, a release said here today.

As part of the programme, the van will be visiting selected schools in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Kochi, Kozhikode and Thrissur in Kerala, it said.

The drive was launched here today and it would be extended to other cities in the coming days.

The drive is expected to help students with the latest information, preparation tips and registration advice regarding the TOEFL examination taken by thousands of aspirants every year, it said.

"Indian students who want to study abroad but dont know where to start should keep a look out for the TOEFL Information Van," said Jennifer Brown, Executive Director of the TOEFL Programme.

"With Indian students continuing to study abroad, it is important that we continue to provide them with the necessary resources to help them achieve their academic and career goals.

The service of two experts would be available in the van to provide students with information about the TOEFL test.

The TOEFL test of academic English is a popular English-language assessment, recognised by more than 10,000 institutions in over 130 countries.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said majority of Muslims were in the favour of banning the practice of triple talaq.

"Triple talaq is un-Islamic and is a bad tradition. We want the empowerment of women. It (banning 'talaq-e-biddat') is not a Hindu or Muslim issue. We cannot leave out Muslim women in empowerment programmes being undertaken by our government," the minister told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

In recently-concluded winter session of Parliament, Lok Sabha passed a landmark bill making talaq-e-biddat or instant triple talaq a "cognisable and non-bailable offence".

The bill recommends maximum three-year imprisonment for any Muslim man who gives instant divorce to his wife by uttering the word talaq three times in quick succession. The bill also provides for subsistence allowance to Muslim women and custody of minor children as may be determined by the magistrate.

Though the bill was tabled in Rajya Sabha, it could not be passed as the Parliament was adjourned till budget session. Opposition members in Upper House had demanded that the bill be referred to a select committee.

Naqvi said majority of Islamic communities and groups have welcomed the Centre's move to criminalise tribal talaq.

He said the Central government wanted to offer an "economical option" of travel to Indian Muslims as Haj subsidy was getting reduced.

The minister said the government of Saudi Arabia accepted the Indian government's request of allowing Haj pilgrims to take the sea route to reach Jeddah.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Paying rich tributes to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on his second death anniversary, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the PDP-founder always believed in peaceful resolution of issues rather than acrimony or discord.

Delivering his speech of acceptance after receiving the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed award on 'Probity in Politics and Public Life' here today, Kumar said the leader had a firm belief that issues confronting a system can be resolved only through dialogue and negotiations.

The Bihar chief minister said Sayeed always gave a new direction to the position he occupied.

Narrating his long association with the late leader from the times of Jan Morcha, Janta Dal and later as his deputy in the home ministry, Kumar said he enjoyed a long but intense relation with Sayeed in whom he always found a leader who was concerned about the welfare of his people.

He said in 2003, as the then railway minister, he worked with Sayeed and found him very keen in extending railway network to Kashmir.

"It was difficult to carry forward work on Udhampur- Katra-Baramulla rail link due to some communication gaps but he (Sayeed) persuaded us to work on the project seriously," Kumar told the gathering.

He said during the construction of Srinagar railway station, Sayeed as the the chief minister, was very keen on preserving the heritage and old cultural pattern and took keen interest in preserving the grandeur of the place.

Earlier, the Bihar chief minister was conferred the first Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Award for Probity in Politics and Public Life, by Governor N N Vohra at a function here.

On the occasion, eminent economist Lord Meghnad Desai also delivered the first Mufti Memorial Lecture on the topic 'Devolving Power: The British Experience' in which he traced the legal and constitutional journey of the British society.

The event, chaired by the governor, was also attended by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti; Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi among others.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A man from Kutch lodged in a Pakistan jail is yet to return to India even a year after the end of his prison term as his nationality has not been verified by the Ministry of Home Affairs, a Right to Information plea has revealed.

Ismail Samma, 51, a resident of Nana Dinara village some 50 kilometres from the Indo-Pakistan border in Gujarat's Kutch district, went missing in August 2008 as he strayed into the Pakistan side while grazing cattle, said Jatin Desai of the Mumbai-based NGO, Pakistan-India Peoples' Forum for Peace and Democracy.

Desai, who filed an RTI on this issue in August last year with the Ministry of External Affairs, recently received a reply to it from the Indian High Commission in Pakistan.

Samma, arrested in Pakistan after he crossed the border, was sentenced to five years in jail for espionage in October, 2011, he said.

"His jail term ended in October, 2016. But due to lack of nationality verification on the part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, he has not yet been repatriated," Desai said.

While Samma's family had been looking for him for several years, it recently learnt that he was lodged in a jail in Pakistan.

A fellow villager, Rafiq Suleman, who had returned from a Pakistan jail, told the family he had seen Samma in a Karachi prison.

Desai said Indian government officials knew about Samma's whereabouts from at least 2014, when he was provided consular access by the Indian High Commission in Pakistan.

In its reply on Samma's status, the Indian High Commission stated, "According to the records available with this Mission, Mr Mohammad Ismail S/O Mohammad Samma was provided Consular Access on February 7, 2014, and request for verification on his nationality was forwarded to the MHA on March 7, 2014."



It added, "However, the same is still awaited from the MHA due to which this Mission is unable to take up the case of release for Mr Mohammad Ismail with the Government of Pakistan."



The RTI reply also informed the petitioner that "there is no time limit for confirming nationality after the High Commission gets consular access."Under an agreement signed between India and Pakistan, if a man is arrested across the border, he shall be given consular access within 90 days of his arrest. Once his nationality is verified, the process of expatriation is initiated.

"At times, the two countries do not follow the rules. Since there is no time limit for nationality verification after consular access, Ismail, who was given consular access in February, 2014, is still in jail as his nationality has not been verified. It is inhuman," Desai said.

"We need to see that nationality is verified within three months. The government needs to be more sensitive in such cases," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court was on Monday told there was no need to re-investigate Mahatma Gandhi's assassination as the conspiracy behind the murder and identity of assailant Nathuram Vinayak Godse who had fired the bullets have already been duly established.

Senior advocate Amarendra Sharan, who was appointed as an amicus curiae to assist in the matter, has filed a report in the apex court and has said that claims regarding existence of British special intelligence unit by the name 'Force 136' and its alleged role in the assassination was not substantiated.

The report said that records of the case established that an independent judiciary had adjudged the crimes of Nathuram Vinayak Godse and other accused in the matter and justice was served.

Gandhi was shot dead at point blank range in New Delhi on January 30, 1948 by Godse, a right-wing advocate of Hindu nationalism. The assassination case had led to the conviction and execution of Godse and Narayan Apte on November 15, 1949.

Sharan has filed the report on the PIL by Mumbai-based Dr Pankaj Phadnis



, a researcher and a trustee of Abhinav Bharat, who has sought reopening of investigation on several grounds, claiming it was one of the biggest cover-ups in the history.

"The bullets which pierced Mahatma Gandhi's body, the pistol from which it was fired, the assailant who fired the said bullets, the conspiracy which led to the assassination and the ideology which led to the said assassination have all been duly identified," the report said.

"No substantive material has come to light to throw any doubt on any of the above requiring either a re-investigation of the murder case or, to constitute a fresh fact finding commission with respect to the same," it said.

A bench headed by Justice S A Bobde is scheduled to hear the matter on January 12.

The petitioner has questioned the 'three bullet theory' relied upon by various courts to hold conviction of accused Godse and Apte, who were hanged, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar who was given benefit of doubt due to lack of evidence.

Regarding the claim by the petitioner about the alleged fourth bullet, the amicus has said that as per records of the case, only three empty cartridges and two spent bullets were found at the place of occurrence and no fourth spent bullet or empty cartridge was found from there.

The report also said Godse was arrested at the spot with the murder weapon, a semi automatic Beretta pistol which could load seven cartridges at a time, and the records suggested that only three bullets were fired.

It said during the trial in the case, six eye-witnesses were examined and they all mentioned about three shots having been fired by sole assailant Nathuram Godse only.

"From the above documents, it is clear that there was no 4th bullet which was fired upon on the fateful day of January 30, 1948. Additionally, the other bullet alleged to be the fourth bullet was recovered from Gwalior and not from Delhi," it said.

Dealing with the petitioner's claims about Savarkar's role, the amicus said that Savarkar was acquitted of charges of conspiracy by the trial court in the case and now it would neither be advisable nor possible to come to a definitive finding with respect to his alleged role in the assassination.

The report also dealt with certain remarks of the Justice J L Kapur Commission of Inquiry, which was set up in 1966, in the case.

On the allegations about conspiracy and role of 'Force 136', the amicus has said there was no documentary evidence in contemporary literature to prove that there even existed such a secret service and was mandated to carry out the murder.

"Furthermore, it is difficult to give any evidentiary value to the submissions regarding apprehension of Nathuram Godse by a CIA Agent named Herbert Reiner at the place of occurrence. Nor, any evidentiary value can be given to the statement made to Vijaya Laxmi Pandit (the then Indian ambassador to USSR) by the ambassadors of the various other countries regarding the involvement of the British," it said.

Phadnis has challenged the decision of the Bombay High Court which on June 6, 2016 had dismissed his PIL on two grounds -- firstly, that the findings of fact have been recorded by the competent court and confirmed right up to the apex court, and secondly, the Kapur Commission has submitted its report and made observations in 1969, while the present petition has been filed 46 years later.



The Tamil Nadu government has informed the Madras High Court that a core committee, headed by the Principal Secretary,Health and Family Welfare Department,would be formed to improve working conditions of contract nurses.

U Anbu, Additional secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department stated this in his status report filed before the First Bench, comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose.

Senior counsel P Wilson, appearing for MRB Nurses Welfare Association submitted that government had in a notification in 2015 when recuitments were made, promised that the nurses would be absorbed in the permanent post within two years. However even after two years they had not been absorbed in service, despite vacancies.

The petitioner also submitted that the consolidation pay of Rs 7,700 per month was far below the minimum wages which was Rs 18,000 per month.

The work done by the nurses who have gone on strike was similar to that by other nurses in permanent post who were paid higher salary. Hence concept of equal pay equal work should be applied.

Counsel said that the association had suspended the strike on a order from the court, which had directed the government to address their genuine grievances.

However this order had not been adhered to, he said and described the formation of a commitee as just an eyewash.

The bench posted to January 12, further hearing of the petition filed by one N Ganesh.

Anbu, in his counter affidavit, said the government had decided that concrete efforts would be taken on how the contract nurses could be brought under regular time scale.This could be done keeping in mind various administrative issues and financial implications, he said.

The Director of Medical and Rural health services has also assured that nearly 200 MRB Contract nurses would be brought into regular time scale as per Medical Services Recruitment Board seniority before the financial year end.

As it would take some more years to bring all 9,533 contract nurses on time scale, considering pay structures in other states, contract pay enhancement in consultation with the finance department and national health mission has to be examined, he said.

The project director and state health society has been requested to take immediate action.

The Director has also been requested to send suitable proposal to enhance cadre strength/new creation of posts of nurses, equivalent to norms of Indian Nursing Council, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)flights were suspended into a flooded terminal at New York's flagship airport on Monday, flung into chaos after a water main broke during brutally cold temperatures following a deadly winter storm.

Gushing water compounded meltdown at John F Kennedy Airport, where furious passengers have camped out for days as a result of equipment damaged by the storm and a backlog of flights.

Water poured from the ceiling and the arrivals area was submerged by standing water, through which a few intrepid passengers picked their way gingerly, according to footage broadcast by CNN.

flights into Terminal 4 were suspended and the water main break occurred just before 2pm, said a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that runs the airport.

The west end of Terminal four lay under about three inches (eight centimeters) of water, where maintenance crews were mopping up, with police and fire crews on site, the spokesman told AFP.

The cause of the break is being investigated, he added.

Terminal 4 is used by more than 30 airlines, including Air India, China Airlines, Delta, Egyptair, El Al, Emirates, Etihad, KLM Royal Dutch, Singapore Airlines, Thomas Cook and Virgin Atlantic.

On Saturday the airport was forced to close Terminal 1, which serves the likes of Air France, Japan Airlines and Lufthansa, to international arrivals in an attempt to get on top of the backlog.

But tempers have flared among furious travellers, forced to sleep on the floor of terminals, with stranded on planes for hours waiting to access a gate and massive delays in baggage claim.

"I am so angry, words cannot even express how I feel right now," one stranded female traveler told NBC television before the water leak.

"It's getting like a madhouse," traveler Steven Litvin told NBC, leaving with his wife eight hours after their plane landed -- with only half their luggage.China today said it is opposed to the US "finger pointing" at Pakistan and linking it with terrorism, insisting that the responsibility of cracking down on terror outfits cannot be placed on a particular country.

China's support for its all-weather ally came as the US stepped up its efforts to pressure Pakistan to eliminate terror safe havens on its soil.

The US last week suspended approximately USD 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan for its failure to take decisive action against terror groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

"China always opposed linking terrorism with any certain country and we dont agree to place the responsibility of anti terrorism on a certain country," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing.

He was responding to a question on a White House official's remarks that China could play helpful role in convincing Pakistan that it was in its national interest to crackdown on terror safe havens.

"We have stressed many times that Pakistan has made important sacrifices and contributions to the global anti terrorism cause," Lu said.

"Countries should strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation on the basis of mutual respect instead of finger pointing at each other. This is not conducive to the global terrorism efforts," he said.

China has been vocal in extending support to Pakistan since US President Donald Trump increased rhetoric against Islamabad providing safe havens for terrorists.

Trump in a New Year's Day tweet accused the country 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.

Chinese media has been speculating that Trump's efforts to step up pressure on Pakistan may move it closer to Islamabad as Beijing is involved in a number of projects in the country under the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Chinese official media is highlighting reports that Pakistan may allow China to build a a military base at Jiwani located close to Irans Chabahar port, which is being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan. Jiwani is also close to the strategic Gwadar port in Balochistan which is being developed by China.

While defending Pakistan, Lu said China at the same time backed international counter terrorism efforts.

"First and foremost, I would like to say that terrorism is the common enemy of the international community. Cracking down of terrorism calls for the joint efforts from the international community," he said.

"Actually, China is defending countries that have been making anti-terrorism efforts in a just and fair way. China also welcomes all the global joint efforts in terms of counter terrorism on the basis of mutual trust and mutual respect," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah made full use of seaming conditions to put India on the cusp of a famous Test win in South Africa at lunch on day four of the series opener here.

Shami and Bumrah shared three wickets each in the morning session on day four, effecting a South African collapse in which they lost 8 wickets for only 65 to be bowled out for 130



in the second innings.

With home team extending the lead to 207 runs, India will have to chase down 208 for their third ever Test win on South African soil.

Starting from day two overnight 65/2, the slide began in the second over of the morning.

Shami had Hashim Amla (4) caught at gully with Rohit Sharma taking a low catch. The decision went up to the TV umpire but he didnt find conclusive evidence to overturn the soft signal.

Four overs later, Shami sent back nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada (5), caught at second slip. In the 29th over then, when Bumrah had Faf du Plessis (0) caught behind off a snorter, South Africa were struggling at 82/5.

Bumrah also removed Quinton de Kock (8) as it became 92/6 and the collapse became imminent.

AB de Villiers (35 runs, 50 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) waged a lone battle at the other end but he just couldnt find anyone to support him as Shami trapped Vernon Philander (0) lbw to take 11/3 in six overs this morning.

South Africa crossed 100 in the 36th over as Keshav Maharaj (15) played a few strokes. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-33) then got down to action with the batsman caught behind in the 39th over.

Wriddhiman Saha took his 10th catch of the Test when Morne Morkel (2) was caught behind off Kumar two overs later.

This is an Indian record overseas as Saha went past MS Dhoni who had nine catches against Australia in his last Test at the MCG in 2014.

Bumrah completed South Africas misery as de Villiers holed out in the deep in search of some quick runs, rounding up a dismal morning. Dale Steyn, batting despite a bruised ankle, was the unbeaten batsman.

On day one, South Africa were bowled out for 286 runs in the first innings with Bhuvneshwar Kumar taking 4-87. India were reduced to 28/3 at stumps.

On day two, India finished with 209 runs in their first innings, surrendering a 77-run lead.

South Africa were 65/2 at stumps with an overall lead of 142 runs. Hardik Pandya single-handedly kept his side in contention with 93 runs off 95 balls and then took 2-17 as well.

Day three was completely washed out due to persistent rain.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan is believed to have told US interlocutors that a major military offensive against the Taliban from both sides of the Afghan border, if failed, will have negative consequences for the entire region, according to a media report today.

The key element in the new US strategy for Afghanistan is to launch a two-pronged military offensive that inflicts a military defeat on the Taliban and forces them to join the Afghan reconciliation process on Kabul's conditions, diplomatic sources told Dawn



The paper in a detailed report from Washington reported that Pakistanis do not disagree with the basic thrust of the American argument but they have one major worry: What if it fails?



Trump in August unveiled his South Asia policy and vowed to boost strategic partnership with India in Afghanistan. He had called for tougher measures against Pakistan if it fails to cooperate with the US in its fight against terrorism.

Pakistani officials, who have interacted with US officials on this issue, say that they too have the same ambition: ridding the region, particularly Afghanistan, of militants.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis at his weekend briefing at the Pentagon urged Islamabad to cooperate with the US in defeating the Afghan Taliban, including the Haqqani Network which, he says, has safe havens inside Pakistan and uses them to recuperate and re-launch attacks into Afghanistan.

While Pakistanis reject the US charge that they have allowed the Haqqani Network to maintain safe havens, they appear more eager to understand the US plan to defeat the Taliban.

But they fear that a major military offensive, without engaging some Taliban factions in direct talks first, could be counter-productive. The Taliban might outlive this offensive too, and deal with it "lying low in their mountain fastness, as they did with previous offensives," as one interlocutor said.

And in the process Pakistan will lose whatever influence it has. With all lines of communication closed, the Taliban will become even more dangerous, particularly for Pakistan, which has always faced the blowback of previous adventures in Afghanistan, whether launched by the Russians or Americans, the report said.

The Pakistani officials their interlocutors that the country is still coping with the consequences of Britain's Afghan adventures. Those adventures led to the creation of FATA, a buffer zone between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which later became the source of many troubles.

The Trump administration, however, does not seem much interested in the Pakistani argument, at least for now. But it would if the Taliban outlive the proposed offensive as well, the report said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Pakistani court today granted bail to the father-in-law of Pakistani Taliban chief Mullah Fazlullah over eight years after he was arrested on charges of sedition and terrorism.

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) granted bail to 84-year-old Maulana Sufi Muhammad, the chief of banned militant outfit Tehreek-e-Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM), due to his old age and poor health.

Vying for implementation of Sharia in Pakistan, TNSM was declared a terrorist outfit and banned in 2002. It operates mainly in the Dir region, Swat and Malakand districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Muhammad was arrested in 2009 by Pakistan army during military operation Operation Black Thunderstorm in Swat against the Taliban.

He was arrested along with his two aides for inciting violence and committing terrorism. He was charged with sedition, aiding terrorism and conspiracy.

The court ordered release of Muhammad, who is currently hospitalised, against two surety bonds of Rs 700,000 each.

His arrest came following a peace deal between the then PPP government and TNSM. Under the deal, the then President Asif Ali Zardari had signed the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation law for Swat, paving way for the implementation of Sharia law in the Malakand region on April 19, 2009.

In January 2011, Muhammad denied to an anti-terrorism court that he had any links to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and that he only sought enforcement of sharia in Malakand.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and invited the PM to inaugurate the new Mandovi bridge here.

A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office stated that Parrikar met the Prime Minister and invited him to inaugurate the new Mandovi bridge near Panaji.

The bridge is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by May, 2018.

The CMO release added that Parrikar briefed the PM on other projects currently underway in the state and the two also had a brief discussion on the political scenario in the country.

Parrikar was in Delhi today to attend the third meeting of the Council for Trade Development and Promotion chaired by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has mooted a hike in the entry fee at popular tourist sites and discounts on cashless modes of payment, as per a proposed amendment to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959.

According to the draft, a copy of which is with PTI, Indians, those from the other SAARC countries and BIMSTEC countries will now have to pay Rs 40 per head (Rs 30 currently) to visit the UNESCO World Heritage properties or category 'A' monuments -- the Taj group of monuments at Agra, the Agra Fort, the Fatehpur Sikri monuments at Fatehpur Sikri, the Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar in Delhi.

Those opting to pay by card or any other cashless mode of transaction will get a discount of Rs five.

For the Red Fort in Delhi, the revised entry fee would be Rs 50 per head (Rs 30 currently) for Indians, those from the other SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) countries and BIMSTEC countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) and Rs 35 for cashless payments.

Those from the other countries would have to pay Rs 600 per head (Rs 500 currently) to enter these monuments, the draft said, adding that in case of digital transactions, the amount would be reduced by Rs 50.

For the category 'B' monuments, an entry fee of Rs 25 (Rs 20 for cashless transactions) has been proposed in the draft for Indians, those from the other SAARC countries and BIMSTEC countries.

These monuments include the Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra, the Itimad-ul-Daula's Tomb at Rambagh, the group of monuments at Mehtab Bagh in Agra, Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Khan-i-Khana, Purana Qila, Tughlaqabad Fort, Ferozshah Kotla and Safdarjung's Tomb.

Others would have to pay an entry fee of Rs 300.

Presently, Indians, citizens of the other SAARC countries and BIMSTEC countries have to pay an entry fee of Rs 15 and other nationals are charged Rs 250 per head.

The draft has also proposed a fee hike for additional facilities -- Rs 850 (Rs 800 for cashless transactions) for category 'A' and Rs 400 (Rs 350 for cashless transactions) for category 'B' monuments.

The Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was tabled in the Lok Sabha on July 18, 2017 by the Ministry of Culture and was passed by the House on January 2, 2018. It is yet to be tabled in the Upper House.

The ASI has invited suggestions and objections to the rules which have to be conveyed to its director general by February 5.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A PIL was today filed in the Bombay High Court seeking a judicial probe into the 2014 death of special CBI judge Brijgopal Harikrishan Loya, who was then hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.

In its plea, the Bombay Lawyers' Association has sought setting up a commission of enquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to go into the circumstances leading to Loya's death.

Loya died of heart attack in Nagpur on December 1, 2014, when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter.

In November last year, Loya's death was in spotlight after media reports quoting his sister fuelled suspicion about the circumstances surrounding his death and link to the Sohrabuddin case in which BJP chief Amit Shah, and senior police officials were accused. Shah and many others were later discharged for want of evidence.

"We have sought the appointment of a retired judge of the Supreme Court as commission of enquiry to look into the death of judge Loya and submit a report," the association's president Ahmad Abdi told PTI.

Altogether 23 accused, including police personnel, are facing trial for their involvement in the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, and subsequent disappearance and death of his wife Kausar Bi and their associate Tulsidas Prajapati in Gujarat in November 2005.

The case was later transferred to the CBI and the trial shifted to Mumbai.

"It is to be noted that judge Loya died on December 1, 2014 and on December 30, 2014, the special CBI court, which was assigned the case, discharged Amit Shah from the case," the petition said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A 'sub zonal commander' of rebel outfit Peoples Liberation Front of India (PLFI) was today arrested along with an aide when they arrived at Balumath-Chandwa main road under Balumath police station to collect levy, police said.

Acting on a tip-off that a PLFI sub-zonal commander Dabloo Yadav along with his aide Deepak Pandey would be arriving near the under-construction Yogiadih Railway crossing to collect levy, Superintendent of Police Prasant Anand constituted a police team to apprehend them today.

Addressing a press conference here, Anand said the police team rounded up Yadav and Pandey soon after they arrived while another accomplice managed to give police the slip.

A country-made pistol, three live cartridges, six mobile phones and a PLFI letter pad was recovered from their possession, he said.

A squad headed by Yadav, who was an active member of CPI (Maoists) before he joined PLFI, was active in Chandwa, Latehar, Balumath, Ghagra police station limits. Several cases including collection of levy and firing at a Railway site were registered against him.

Pandey was an active member of rebel outfit JJMP and also an arms supplier, Anand said.

Anand expressed hope that PLFI would be weakened in the district following the arrests.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi today drew the attention of the country's top police officials to the problems arising out of social media and cyber crimes, saying they should be dealt with on highest priority.

Speaking at the concluding day of the annual conference of the DGPs and IGPs here at the BSF Academy, the prime minister said that there was an emerging global consensus towards greater information sharing on illicit financial dealings and India could play a key role in achieving this.

Modi said cyber security issues should be dealt with immediately and should receive highest priority, according to an official release.

In this context, the prime minister particularly mentioned the importance of social media.

He said messaging should rely on local languages for greater effectiveness.

Referring to the radicalisation of youth, Modi urged the top police officers to use technology to pinpoint the problem areas.

Around 250 top officers from the state police forces and central police organisations participated in the three-day meet.

The prime minister said India is an "organic entity" and not an "assembled" one and asked the police officers from the states to open up in sharing information on illicit financial dealings.

He said while openness is getting increased acceptance worldwide, there is a need for greater openness among states too, on security issues.

Modi said security cannot be achieved selectively, or alone, and for that breaking of silos and information sharing among states can help make everyone more secure.

Following a directive of Modi, the home ministryhas been organising the conference outsidethe national capital since the NDA government came to power in 2014.

The last three conferences were held in Guwahati, Rann of Kutchand Hyderabad.

The prime minister recalled how the nature and the scope of the conference has changed since 2014, beginning with its being shifted out of Delhi.

He appreciated the officers who have been instrumental in facilitating this change.

Modi said the conference has now become more relevant, in the context of challenges and responsibilities facing the country.

He said the new format of the conference has resulted in a marked improvement in the quality of discussions.

The prime minister commended the country's security apparatus for the work they have been doing in securing the country.

He said that the officers present in the conference have delivered leadership, despite often having to operate in an environment of negativity.

Modi said that as a result of the discussions in the conference over the last few years, now, once an objective is clearly defined for the police force, there is a lot of cohesion in the execution.

He said this conference was helping top police officers get a more holistic view of the problems and challenges. He said the range of topics being discussed has also become more broad-based over the last two years.

This has helped give a whole new vision to senior police officers, he said.

Discussing ways to add even more value to this conference, the prime minister suggested that the follow up should continue through working groups, all the year round.

In this context, he specially emphasised the importance of involving younger officers. Modi said this would greatly help in improving effectiveness of the exercise.

The prime minister also presented President's police medals for distinguished service to Intelligence Bureau (IB) officers. During his address, the prime minister congratulated and appreciated the medal winning officers of the IB, for their dedication and commitment to service.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and union ministers of states Hansraj Ahir and Shri Kiren Rijiju were also present on the occasion.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The ruling party of the prime minister of northern Cyprus, a statelet recognised only by Turkey, was leading parliamentary elections today but will probably still need to form a coalition, partial results showed.

More than 190,500 people were registered to vote in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), established in the wake of Turkey's 1974 invasion of the island in response to an Athens-backed coup.

The vote comes ahead of presidential polls later this month in the internationally recognised Greek-majority Republic of Cyprus, with peace efforts on hold until both sets of elections are over.

The National Unity Party (UBP) of prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun led the polls with 36 percent of the vote, ahead of the socialist Republican Turkish Party (CTP) at 21 percent, Turkish Cypriot media reports said, based on a count of 58 percent of ballot boxes.

The vote of the Democrat Party (DP) -- the outgoing junior partner in the ruling coalition -- however collapsed to 7 percent. The People's Party (HP) -- a new party -- polled well on 17 percent.

If confirmed, the results would probably pave the way to a UBP-CTP coalition, which could be useful for president Mustafa Akinci, as the CTP broadly supports peace talks he has led.

But the HP -- which may still play a role in the coalition -- has expressed scepticism over negotiations to reunify the island.

Akinci will want broad backing at home as he seeks to push once more for a federal solution to the Cyprus problem and convince his Greek Cypriot counterparts he means business.

The election in the northern third of Cyprus comes six months after efforts to reunify the island collapsed at a United Nations-hosted peace summit in Switzerland over several sticking points including the withdrawal of Turkey's 45,000 troops.

The election, originally planned for July, was brought forward after tensions in the ruling coalition of the UBP and its junior partner DP, as the opposition pressed for snap polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)People with high social status, such as influencial businessmen and powerful politicians, are more likely to be perceived as insincere when they apologise, a study has found.

"The high-status person is perceived as someone who can control their emotions more effectively and use them strategically, and accordingly they are perceived as less sincere," said Arik Cheshin of the University of Haifa in Israel.

"This perception applies to the world of business and work, and it's reasonable to assume it applies to politicians, too. The more senior they are, the less authentic their emotions are perceived as being," said Cheshin, one of the authors of the study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology.

In experiments involving hundreds of participants, the researchers examined whether the power status of a person who has committed a transgression influences trust in that person and the ability to forgive them.

In the first part of the experiment, researchers told the participants about an employee who had been found forging documents, leading to the imposition of a fine on the company.

They showed the participants pictures of the employee expressing various emotions in a later staff meeting - happiness, sadness, anger and fear.

The next experiment used video clips showing the same emotions.

In another experiment, the researchers examined the same situation, but this time relating to a real incident.

They showed the participants a real video clip in which the CEO of Toyota cried and apologized for failing to take action, even though he knew there was a problem with the breaks in various vehicles.

In all the cases, some of the participants were told that the person was a junior employee, while others thought that he was the CEO.

The findings showed that in all three cases the CEO's emotions were perceived as less sincere than those of the junior employee.

When the researchers explored the reason for this difference, it emerged that the participants perceived the CEO as someone who can control their emotions and even use them strategically.

"The assumption is that the CEO has much more to lose, and accordingly has a stronger motivation to try to use their emotions to create empathy. Accordingly, the participants described them as less sincere," researchers said.

Next, the researchers examined a similar situation, but this time they not only asked who was perceived as more authentic, but also whether there was a difference in terms of the participants' willingness to forgive a junior or a senior employee in exactly the same situation.

They presented the participants with a true case of a CEO who insulted the company's customers and then posted a video apology on YouTube.

Again, some of the participants were told that he was a senior employee and others thought that he was a junior worker. Once again, it was found that the CEO was perceived as less sincere and less deserving of forgiveness.

The researchers also found that in the case of the junior employee, the participants gave much more detailed explanations as to why the worker should be forgiven.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Delhi court today granted bail to a suspected middleman in an alleged case of corruption in the Rs 2,150-cr revamp project of ITPO complex at Pragati Maidan in which NBCC Chairman-cum-Managing Director Anoop Mittal has also been made an accused.

Special judge Arvind Kumar granted relief to Ghaziabad- based Rishabh Agrawal on a personal bond of Rs one lakh and a surety of the same amount.

The court has posted for tomorrow the order on bail plea of Sanjay Kulkarni, managing director of Capacite Structures.

The court had on January 5 reserved its order on the bail applications of Kulkarni and Agrawal after hearing arguments from defence advocates and the CBI.

The probe agency opposed the applications saying that the accused might hamper the investigation which, it claimed, was in initial stage, and cited the possibility that both might flee from justice.

The agency had booked Mittal, Kulkarni, Agrawal, and two others-- public servants Pradeep Mishra and Akashdeep Chouhan who allegedly delivered the bribe -- in the case on December 22.

It alleged in the FIR that the contract to redevelop the prime land at Pragati Maidan was awarded to Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd. and Shapoorji Pallonji Qatar WLL for Rs 2,149.93 crore by NBCC.

Mumbai-based Capacite Structures was trying to get that work from Shapoorji Pallonji on sub-contract.

Kulkarni had approached Agrawal, the suspected middleman having good contacts with public servants, for getting the sub-contract in favour of the company, it alleged.

The FIR alleged that Agrawal approached Pradeep Kumar Mishra, a public servant in an intelligence agency who was on deputation and was also close to certain senior functionaries of NBCC Ltd.

Under the influence of Mishra, Mittal "strongly directed" the executive director of NBCC to settle the matter in favour of Capacite Structures, it alleged.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Archaeologists in Israel have discovered half-million-year-old stone tools that suggest the cognitive abilities of the early humans who crafted them were much more similar to our own than previously thought.

The tools were found in the Israeli Arab town of Jaljulia, located at the edge of the coastal plain near the border with the West Bank, researchers said.

Described as a kind of stone-age Swiss army knife by archaeologists, many of the objects found were flint hand axes, among other tools, 'SBS News' reported.

"The carving of these pieces requires a conceptual leap that allowed them to imagine the desired tool before starting to shape it," said Ran Barkai, the head of the Archaeology Department at Tel Aviv University in Israel.

"The findings are amazing, both in their state of preservation and in their implications about our understanding of this ancient material culture," the excavation's director, Maayan Shemer, added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A collegian's death here a couple of days ago took a turn after police from his native Odisha asked PM Palem police here to investigate his allegations of ragging.

Shreyash Kesharwani (16), student of a college here, had died on January 6 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Rourkela in Odisha.

Inspector K Lakshmana Murthy of PM Palem police station said that a communication from Govindpur police in Odisha had been received and a fresh investigation into the case had begun.

Police said that Kesharwani, a native of Garposh area under Bamra block of Sambalpur district in Odisha, had told his family that he was ragged and beaten up on December 26 by some students in the college's hostel.

The family had reportedly recorded his statement on a mobile phone while he was undergoing treatment at the hospital in Odisha, Palem police said.

Inspector Murthy said that the contents of the mobile recording made by the victim's relatives would be examined.

College authorities meanwhile told police that there was no incident of ragging and that Kesharwani had injured himself after he fell in the bathroom.

College authorities told police that his father took him back to Odisha and they got to know of his death on January 6.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A group of Americans of Indian, Afghan and Baloch descents has protested outside the Pakistani embassy here against the "inhumane" treatment of the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner during their recent visit to Islamabad.

Braving freezing cold, the protesters also brought along sandals to give them to the Pakistani embassy officials.

"The trial of violated all norms of international law as it was conducted by a military court," said Ahmar Mustikhan, founder of the American Friends of Baolchistan, which organised the unique event named as "Chappal-Chor Pakistan" (slipper-thief Pakistan).

Both Jadhav's wife and mother were asked to remove their sandals, mangalsutras and bindis before they were allowed to meet him, and the sandals were subsequently stolen, Mustikhan said.

The protesters said that Pakistan meted out "inhumane" treatment to Jadhav's wife and mother during their tightly- controlled interaction with the 47-year-old Indian on December 25 in the Pakistan Foreign Office.

During the meeting, whose pictures were released by Pakistan, Jadhav was seen sitting behind a glass screen while his mother and wife sat on the other side. They spoke through intercom and the entire 40-minute proceedings appeared to have been recorded on video.

"The recent episode of Pakistan makes a mockery of humanity. By not returning the slippers of Smt. Kulbhushan Yadav and asking them to remove even Bindi and Mangal Sutras and changing their dresses as well, it is just another sleazy activity Pakistan has done to a Bharata Soubhagya Nari (married Indian woman)," said Krishna Gudipati, local Hindu community leader in USA.

Carl Clemens, volunteer with several local community organisations alleged that the treatment given to the mother and wife by Pakistan foreign office typified the "petty vindictiveness and humiliation" that is the prevalent culture in Pakistan.

"They have humiliated the religious and faith symbols of Hindu womanhood. Because of this sort of behaviour Pakistan has found itself on a watch list. This behaviour will lead to Pakistan's own destruction," said the protester Dhananjay Shevilkar.

Pakistan on December 25 had issued a video of Jadhav in which he was purportedly seen thanking the Pakistan government for arranging a meeting with his wife and mother.

India has asserted that Jadhav appeared coerced and under considerable stress during the tightly-controlled interaction.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April, following which India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May.

Pakistan says he was a commander rank officer in the Indian Navy. But India says Jadhav was a former naval officer.

New Delhi also says Jadhav was kidnapped in Iran where he had legitimate business interests, and brought to Pakistan.

A 10-member bench of the ICJ on May 18 restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case. It is expected to hold another hearing in March or April.Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has thanked the Reserve Bank of India for featuring the chariot wheel of the famous Konark Sun Temple in the new Rs 10 denomination banknotes, due to be released by the apex bank shortly.

The chief minister said he felt proud that a rich cultural heritage of Odisha has found a place in the countrys currency.

"Filled with pride that the rich cultural heritage of #Odisha finds place in Nations currency. #Konark Wheel, the timeless symbol of our art and sculpture, is depicted in the new Rs 10 currency note. Congratulate @RBI for incorporating the world famous Sun Temple motif in the note, Patnaik said in a tweet.

The new Rs 10 note in the Mahatma Gandhi series is designed in the base colour of chocolate brown and has the motif of the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha on its reverse, according to a release from the RBI.

The new note will have the same height of 63 millimetre as the current 10 rupee note but the width will be 123mm, slightly lesser than the 137 mm width of the existing note.

The existing 10 rupee note features images of the country's fauna - rhinoceros, elephant and tiger.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A day after Punjab's Congress government launched its farm debt-waiver scheme, the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal today accused the ruling party of defrauding farmers by waiving only a part of their loan.

"Debt-waiver (scheme) is a massive fraud with the farming community. There cannot be a bigger fraud than this," SAD president Sukhbir Badal told reporters here.

The opposition party has decided to meet Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore on January 12, seeking the dismissal of the Amarinder Singh government. It will also hold a meeting of the core committee of the party on the same day on the issue.

In Mansa district yesterday, Singh launched his government's farm debt-waiver scheme and slammed opposition parties for spreading a "false propaganda".

Farm debt waiver was one of the key promises of the Congress ahead of the state polls in February last year.

Badal said that Singh had promised before the Assembly polls that the "entire debt" of all farmers would be waived.

The total amount of debt is about Rs 90,000 crore, he said.

"But Captain Sahib waived just Rs 167 crore for 47,000 farmers yesterday. It worked out to be an average of Rs 35,000 per farmer," he said, referring to Singh.

Badal also raised questions on the functioning of the two commissions - Justice Ranjit Singh Commission and Justice Mehtab Singh Gill Commission - formed by the Congress government to probe cases of sacrilege and look into the "false cases" registered during the decade-long SAD-BJP rule.

He asked the government to appoint a sitting judge of the Supreme Court to look into the matters.

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar yesterday reportedly accused the SAD of being behind the incidents of sacrilege.

"The commission has not given any verdict and Jakhar has been making wrong statements," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The restrictions on use of airspace in the run-up to Republic Day have been reduced to seven days from nine, bringing some relief for passengers planning to travel from or into Delhi.

Nearly 1,000 flights were expected to be cancelled or rescheduled by the airspace closure imposed for commercial airlines for 100 minutes everyday for nine days from January 18 to 26.

But now there will be no restrictions on January 19 and January 25 which will bring the number of flights affected to approximately 780, according to an airport official.

The number of days for which the restriction was placed was brought down to seven after hectic consultations among the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Air Force, a source said.

"Of the total nine days, three were standby days and the Indian Air Force has decided to withdraw two of them. January 19 and January 25 have been excluded (from the period of restriction)," according to the official.

The Airport Authority of India had issued a Notice to Airmen on December 29 informing airlines that no take-offs or landings would be allowed at Indira Gandhi International airport between 10.15am and 12.35 pm for nine days between January 18 to 26.

IGI witnesses 67 air traffic movements (both take offs and landings) per hour between 8 am to 11 pm everyday. With airspace shut for 100 minutes for seven days, an estimated 780 flights will either be cancelled or rescheduled now. This means on an average 100 flights per day would be impacted.

The source said that efforts are on to ensure that no more than approximately 60 domestic flights are cancelled per day.

International flights, which account for the remainder of flights, will only be rescheduled and not cancelled.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)on Monday met with Crown Prince of Bahrain Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa here and discussed a variety of bilateral issues of interest during his first foreign trip after becoming the Congress chief.

Gandhi, who is here as a state guest of Bahrain, is also expected to meet King Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa.

He will address a convention of NRIs and meet the Gulf country's Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamas Al-Khalifa.

"Had a good meeting with Crown Prince of Bahrain, HRH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. We discussed a variety of issues of interest to India and Bahrain," Gandhi said in a tweet.

The Congress president also met with foreign minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Gulf Daily News reported.

According to a statement issued by the Congress yesterday, Gandhi will be the chief guest at valedictory session of a function organised by Global Organisation of People of India Origin (GOPIO) today.

Delegates of 50 countries are participating in the function, the statement said.

He will also have an interactive session with business leaders of the Indian-origin tomorrow.

"NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe. Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow," Gandhi tweeted ahead of his trip yesterday.

Gandhi is expected to return to India on January 9.The National Green Tribunal has cancelled a bailable warrant issued against the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Managing Director Mangu Singh for failure of its officials to appear before it to apprise it about the installation of rainwater harvesting systems.

A bench headed by acting NGT chairperson Justice U D Salvi passed the order after counsel for the DMRC assured the bench that a senior official of the Delhi Metro would be present before it to answer its query.

"The counsel appearing on behalf of the DMRC seeks cancellation of bailable warrant. He undertakes to keep the senior official of the DMRC equipped with necessary instructions present before the tribunal. Undertaking is accepted. Bailable warrant issued is cancelled," the bench said.

The tribunal had directed a senior official to be present before it to explain why rainwater harvesting system could not be installed at some locations of Delhi Metro.

When the matter came up for hearing on December 22 last, the NGT issued warrant against the DMRC MD noting that nobody appeared before it, despite its order.

The matter will now be heard on February 15.

The tribunal had earlier slapped fines on four real estate developers here after it was found that rainwater harvesting system installed on their premises was not functional.

The NGT had imposed an environment compensation of Rs three lakh each on builders after perusing the inspection report filed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

Taking to task several hospitals, malls and hotels here for not complying with its orders on rainwater harvesting, the green panel had earlier imposed fines and issued warrants for not installing these systems.

The green panel was hearing a plea by environmentalist Vikrant Kumar Tongad who had sought directions to the DMRC to "install proper rainwater harvesting system" on all its existing, proposed and under-construction metro stations, tracks and depots.

The green panel, however, had widened the ambit of the petition and incorporated various other institutions like hospitals, hotels and malls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a petition challenging the recruitment process for President's Bodyguard on the grounds that persons belonging to only three castes were eligible for it.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra dismissed the plea saying, "we do not get into these kind of PILs".

"How can a PIL be entertained against the President who is the head of the Republic? Heard. Dismissed," the bench, also comprising justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said.

The petitioner, Ishwar Singh, had moved the apex court against the Delhi High Court order dismissing his plea in this regard.

He has challenged the recruitment process of President's Bodyguard alleging that candidates belonging to three castes -- Jat, Sikh and Rajput -- were only eligible for recruitment.

"The rest of the citizens of India are barred from the said recruitment, therefore, such recruitment is against the principles of equity before law laid down under Article 14 and also against Article 15...," the plea has claimed, adding that the recruitment was "unconstitutional".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Ousted chairman Cyrus Mistry's counsel on Monday argued before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for introduction of certain "safeguards" within the Tata Group to protect the interests of minority shareholders.

Mistry's counsel C Arya Sundaram told the tribunal's Mumbai bench that such safeguards would ensure the diversified conglomerate works like a "board-managed" entity.

Ltd is the holding company of the Tata Group and holds the bulk of shareholding in its companies, whose activities range from making salt to software export.

Sundaram, who represents all the where Mistry is a stakeholder, told the bench that his ouster from was also a "consequence of the company's rampant practice of allowing the nominee trustee directors of Tata Trusts to override the opinions of the minority shareholders and even the company board".

"Increasingly, all decisions for Tata Sons as well as other group were being taken or approved by the two nominee trustee directors of the Tata Trust, who superseded the decisions of even the Tata Sons board," he argued.

He said the articles of association of Tata Group, that deal with powers of the Trust and the company's board, had several provisions that were often "misused" to undermine the sanctity of the Tata Sons board and the minority shareholders.

Sundaram said the opinions of the majority shareholders of the company always superseded those of the minority ones and there "was a constant interference from the nominated trustees of the Tata Trust in the functioning of Tata Sons as well as that of the smaller group companies".

"The articles enable the trustees to reduce the company board to a dummy board," Sundaram claimed.

"One of these articles allows the Tata Trusts to nominate one-third of the directors of Tata Sons. Another article permits the majority shareholders to force the minority shareholders to sell their shares or to allow transfer of shares," Sundaram argued.

He said these articles were not in consonance with the Act and dubbed them as "oppressive".

"They are oppressive to the interest of the minority shareholders and defeat the purpose of having a board-run/ managed company. All that Mistry is seeking is that these articles be struck down or that some essential safeguards be introduced."

Sundaram said the reason Mistry had approached the NCLT was to seek protection for the minority shareholders through safeguards such as bringing in place a "transparent corporate governance" for Tata Sons and its decisions vis-a-vis the group companies.

Mistry has been locked in a legal battle with the Tatas since his unceremonious exit as chairman of Tata Sonsthe promoter company of the USD 105 billion car-to-software group in October 2016.

Mistry's arguments will continue tomorrow.

Mistry was ousted as Tata Sons Chairman on October 24, 2016, and also removed as a director on the board of the holding company on February 6, 2017.

Cyrus Investments Pvt Ltd and Sterling Investments Corporation Pvt Ltd had moved the NCLT against Tata Sons after Mistry's ouster alleging oppression of minority shareholders and mismanagement.Sarovar Hotels & Resorts today said it has signed a deal for a hotel in Mumbai as part of its expansion plans in the country.

Royal Hometel Suites in Dahisar in Mumbai is expected to open in 2018. The property is owned by Lion Pencils Ltd, Sarovar Hotels said in a statement.

The company however did not share the details of the deal.

The company is already present in Mumbai with all its three brands - Sarovar Premiere, Sarovar Portico and Hometel, he added.

Part of the global hospitality firm Louvre Hotels Group, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts has over 75 operating hotels across 50 destinations in India and Africa.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Paving way for the Centre to make available a cheaper mode of transport for Haj pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has given its nod to India's plan to revive the option of ferrying devotees to Jeddah via sea route, 23 years after the practice was stopped.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi confirmed the development in a statement after he and Saudi Arabia's Haj and Umrah Minister Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten signed a bilateral annual agreement regarding the pilgrimage in Mecca yesterday.

Terming his meeting with Benten "very fruitful", Naqvi said officials from both the countries will discuss the technicalities involved so that the pilgrimage via sea route can be commissioned in the coming years.

"Saudi Arabia has given its nod to revive the option of sending pilgrims by sea route... Officials from both the countries will discuss all the necessary formalities and technicalities so that Haj pilgrimage through sea route can be started in the coming years," the statement quoted Naqvi as saying.

However, it did not specify the year when the option for pilgrimage via sea route would be opened. As of now, devotees can travel to Saudi Arabia for performing Haj only by air.

The "revolutionary, pro-poor and pilgrim-friendly" decision of sending devotees through sea route will help cut down travel expenses "significantly", Naqvi said.

The government has been weighing the option of opening the sea route in the light of a 2012 Supreme Court order to abolish by 2022 the subsidy offered to Haj pilgrims who travel by air.

Ministry sources, however, said air services to Jeddah would continue to be available for those who can afford the journey. India has a Haj quota of 1.70 lakh.

It used to take nearly 12-15 days for pilgrims to reach Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from Yellow Gate in Mumbai's Mazgaon before the sea route was closed in 1995, sources said.

Naqvi said with the availability of modern and well- equipped ships -- which can ferry 4,000 to 5,000 persons at a time -- the 2,300-odd nautical miles one-side distance between Mumbai and Jeddah can now be covered within just three to four days.

The minister said for the first time, Muslim women from India will go to Haj without 'Mehram' (male companion) and separate accommodation and transport have been arranged for them.

"Woman Haj assistants will be deployed for them," he said, adding more than 1,300 women have applied to go for Haj without 'Mehram' and of them will be exempted from lottery system and allowed to proceed for the pilgrimage.

According to the new Haj policy of India, women above 45 years of age, who wish to go for Haj but who don't have a male companion, are allowed to travel for Haj in groups of four or more.

The Haj Committee of India has received around 3,59,000 applications for Haj 2018. For the first time, we have given choice to Haj pilgrims to opt for another nearest embarkation point, Naqvi said.

This will ensure that there is no financial burden on Haj pilgrims even after removal of Haj subsidy. This decision has received overwhelming response, the statement said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court today listed for final disposal a batch of pleas challenging the Bombay High Court verdict decriminalising the possession of beef in case of animals slaughtered outside the state.

A bench of Justices R K Agrawal and Abhay Mohan Sapre listed the matter in third week of February on non- miscellaneous day.

The top court had earlier said that the landmark judgement declaring right to privacy a fundamental right would have "some bearing" in matters relating to slaughter of cows, bulls and bullocks in Maharashtra.

The Bombay High Court had on May 6 last year struck down sections 5(D) and 9(B) of the Maharashtra Animals Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995.

While section 5(D) criminalises possession of meat of cows, bulls or bullocks, slaughtered outside Maharashtra, section 9(B) imposed burden on the accused to prove that meat or flesh possessed by him/her does not belong to these animals. The state government had filed an appeal in the top court.

The top court had on August 25 observed that after the verdict by a nine-judge constitution bench, the right to eat food of one's choice was now protected under privacy.

Several individuals and organisations have challenged the high court's verdict upholding ban on slaughter imposed by the state government.

The Maharashtra government had approached the apex court challenging the high court's verdict striking down sections 5 (D) and 9(B) of the 1995 Act on the ground that it infringed upon a person's "right to privacy".

The high court had termed as "unconstitutional" the provisions which held that mere possession of beef was a crime, saying only "conscious possession" of the meat of animals slaughtered in the state would be an offence.

It had upheld the ban on slaughter of bulls and bullocks imposed by the Maharashtra government, but had decriminalised the possession of beef in case the animals were slaughtered outside the state.

The state government, in its appeal before the apex court, has assailed the verdict, saying the restriction imposed by the 1995 Act on possession of flesh of cow, bull or bullock could not be interpreted and concluded to be an infringement of "right to privacy".

It had said the high court "while coming to the finding that right to privacy forms part of the fundamental right to personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of Constitution ought to have appreciated that right to privacy was not yet designated as a fundamental right".

The plea had said that according to the verdict, obligation upon the state to prove "conscious possession" of beef would "constitute an unsurmountable circumstance readily available to the wrongdoer to escape sentence".

The verdict had come on a batch of petitions filed in the high court challenging the constitutional validity of the Act and, in particular, the possession and consumption of beef of animals slaughtered outside Maharashtra.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court on Monday referred to a larger Bench a plea seeking decriminalisation of gay sex between two consenting adults.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said the issue arising out of of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) required to be debated upon by a larger Bench.

of the IPC refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

The Bench was hearing a fresh plea filed by one Navtej Singh Johar seeking to declare as unconstitutional to the extent that it provides prosecution of adults for indulging in consensual gay sex.

Senior advocate Arvind Datar, appearing for Johar, said the penal provision was unconstitutional as it also provided prosecution and sentencing of consenting adults who are indulging in such sex.

"You can't put in jail two adults who are involved in consenting unnatural sex," Datar said and referred to a recent nine-judge Bench judgement in the privacy matter to highlight the point that the right to choose a sexual partner was part of the fundamental rights.

He also referred to the 2009 Delhi High Court judgement delivered on a plea of NGO 'Naz Foundation' in which the provision was held unconstitutional.

Subsequently, the apex court in 2014 had set aside the high court judgement and termed the provision as constitutional.

After the dismissal of the review plea against the 2014 judgement, a curative plea was filed which was referred to a larger Bench.

The fresh plea of Johar and others will now also be heard by the larger Bench.The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Karnataka High Court order quashing the 2014 government regulation that packets of tobacco products must carry pictorial warning covering 85 per cent of the packaging space, saying that "health of a citizen has primacy".

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud was "unimpressed" with the submissions of the Tobacco Institute of India (TII) that the interim stay would harm the fundamental right to do business of tobacco manufacturers.

"Considering the ...submission advanced at the Bar and keeping in view the objects and reasons of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 and the measures taken by the state, we think it appropriate to direct stay of operation of the judgement and order passed by the High Court of Karnataka," the bench said.

Rejecting the submissions of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for tobacco manufacturers, that it would affect their business, it said, "We have remained unimpressed by the said proponent as we are inclined to think that health of a citizen has primacy and he or she should be aware of that which can affect or deteriorate the condition of health.

"We may hasten to add that deterioration may be a milder word and, therefore, in all possibility the expression 'destruction of health' is apposite."

The bench then posted the appeals filed by NGO 'Health for Millions Trust' and Umesh Narain for final hearing on March 12 and asked the parties to complete pleading in the meantime.

Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, said that the high court judgement needed to be stayed and 85 per cent pictorial warning on packaging space of tobacco products be allowed to remain as a large section of the population is not educated.

Life sans health is not worth living and chewing of tobacco or smoking of cigarettes or bidis, causes irretrievable hazard to health.

It is the obligation of the state to make the people aware of the injurious nature of these indulgences, Venugopal said.

Initially one may start with smoking or chewing tobacco as an "adventure, but gradually it becomes a habit and, thereafter, it gets converted to addiction. That addiction becomes the killing factor or causation of pain, suffering, agony, anguish and ultimately death," he said.

"So far as tobacco is concerned, this is the most dangerous thing as it causes cancers and heart diseases," Venugopal said.

If the high court order of pictorial warning covering 40 per cent of packaging space of tobacco products is allowed to operate than India will be pushed to 147th rank after Zimbabwe which mandated more prominent display of such pictorial warnings, the Attorney General said.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for TII, said that even a parliamentary panel had suggested that there should pictorial warning covering 40 per cent of the packaging space of tobacco products and urged the court that it let the high court order remain in force till March 31 and list the matter for final hearing.

Sibal also suggested that the court may consider it capping at 50 per cent.

The high court, on December 15, last year had struck down the 2014 amendment rules that mandated pictorial health warnings to cover 85 per cent of packaging space of tobacco products, holding that they were unconstitutional as they violated fundamental rights like the right to equality and the right to trade.

The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2014 (COTPA) had come into effect from April 1, 2016.

It came into being based on the recommendations of experts committee, the NGO had said.

The bench was hearing appeals including those filed by NGO 'Health for Millions Trust' and Umesh Narain, a senior advocate, against the high court verdict.

The high court had, however, made it clear that the 40 per cent pictorial health warning rule, which existed prior to the amendment rules, would remain in force.

In May last year, the Supreme Court had transferred all petitions against the 85 per cent rule filed in various high courts to the Karnataka High Court and asked it to hear and dispose them of.The Supreme Court today fixed February 6 for hearing a plea challenging the government's 2011 decision to keep the CBI out of the ambit of the Right to Information Act.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud posted the matter for final hearing after the parties said that they need time to make detailed submissions on the issue.

The case was first filed in the Delhi High Court, but later transferred to the top court after the Centre had said that several petitions in this regard have been filed in different high courts across the country.

A PIL seeking that the probe agency be brought under the RTI Act was filed in 2011 in the Delhi High Court by advocate Ajay Agrawal, who had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Rai Bareilly constituency against Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

The high court had, in July 2011, issued notices to the government and the CBI as the advocate had alleged that the agency was brought out of the ambit of the RTI after he sought information regarding documents relating to the politically- sensitive Bofors payoff case.

The government had told the high court that the exemption granted to the CBI under RTI was not a "blanket exemption" and does not warrant judicial interference.

The petition said that the exemption from RTI was prevalent for intelligence and security organisations, including Intelligence Bureau, RAW, DRI and ED.

When the agency filed the plea for transfer of all similar matters from different high courts to the apex court, the proceedings before the Delhi High Court got stayed.

In the fresh application before the apex court, Agrawal has alleged that the government's 2011 notification was issued "solely to scuttle the RTI appeal pending before the Chief Information Commissioner, New Delhi in regard to the Bofors case in which order was passed by the CIC directing the CBI to provide the requisite papers to the petitioner".

Agrawal, who was pursuing Bofors payoff case for years, has sought quashing of the Centre's June 9, 2011 notification, contending that "by issuing the notification and placing CBI in the second Schedule, the government appears to be claiming absolute secrecy for CBI without the sanction of the law."



The petition has claimed that the government's move appeared to be "arbitrary" in nature.

With no reasons advanced, "citizens are likely to deduce that the purpose of including the CBI in the Second Schedule was to curb transparency and accountability from the investigations of several corruption cases against high- ranking Government officers", it contended.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)State Election Commission of Gujarat today announced that elections for around 1,420 village panchayats will be held on February 4 and counting of votes will take place on February 6.

The elections to the village panchayats comes a couple of months after the state assembly elections, in which opposition Congress had an edge over ruling BJP in rural areas of Gujarat.

The commission in a press release said that notification for the election will be issued on January 5, while last date of filing of nomination forms is January 20.

Voting will take place on February 4 while counting of votes will be taken up on February 6, the release said.

The elections will be held in regular course to most of this village panchayats as their term is ending, it added.

The village panchayats elections are not fought on party symbols. However, both the BJP and the Congress have started preparations for the elections.

BJP held meeting of core committee last week to prepare for the elections, while the main opposition party Congress today held meeting of its leaders to start preparations for polls.

After the Gujarat Assembly elections held in December last year, BJP retained power by winning 99 seats while Congress bagged 77 seats.

Congress won more seats than BJP in rural areas of Gujarat in the Assembly polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A 33-year old school teacher has been arrested here on the charge of raping his fiancee and refusing to marry her, police said.

Rameshkumar was arrested on a complaint from the parents of the woman and produced before a court which remanded him to judicial custody today, they said.

The marriage of the two had been fixed for later this month and the engagement was held on November 5.

The man had met the woman in her house on two occasions on November 19 and December 5 when he had 'raped' her, police said.

Later he had told his mother to cancel the wedding.

Shocked by his move, the woman told her parents about the incident following which they lodged a complaint with the All Women Police Station here.

Inspector Padmavathi investigated and arrested the man, police added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)International rapper Sean Paul is all set to headline Vh1 Supersonic music festival in Pune next month.

The three-day festival will see performances by many international artistes and bands, a release said.

The 'Gimme The Light' hitmaker said he is excvited about his India visit and looks forward to play in Pune.

"I am really looking forward to going to India again, it's always a great vibe there and I know the fans will enjoy the vibe I am about to bring; it will be super-sonic," Paul said.

"I am ready to try some new cuisine there too, let's see how that goes," he added.

The festival will be held from February 9 to February 11 at Laxmi Lawns in Pune.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Congress today welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to reconsider its 2013 verdict, criminalising gay sex, saying section 377 of the IPC was "archaic" and had no place in the 21st century.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said section 377 should be decriminalised and hoped that the government would repeal it or courts read down the article.

"The time has come that either the courts must read down section 377 or the government should repeal it from the Indian Penal Code. It is an archaic provision which has no place in 21st century India," he told reporters.

The Supreme Court today referred to a larger bench a plea seeking decriminalisation of gay sex between two consenting adults.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said the issue arising out of section 377 required to be debated upon by a larger bench.

The section refers to "unnatural offences" and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Delhi Minister Imran Hussain today wrote to DDA Vice Chairman Udai Pratap Singh, seeking a proposal from the authority to develop "greenery" on the either side of the 23-kilometre-long Yamuna river bank.

Hussain said plantation along the river's banks will not only improve Delhi's green cover, but will also help in soil conservation and prevent encroachment.

The Yamuna riverfront falls under the specially- designated as zone 'O', for having special characteristics and ecological significance. The zone 'O' is conceived to set the strategies for rejuvenation of river Yamuna.

According to Hussain, the zone 'O' is nearly 23 kilometres long on each side of the Yamuna and is under the control and supervision of the Delhi Development Authority.

Hussain said in the letter that the DDA has been approached several times to make the sites on the 'O' zone available to the government for carrying out tree plantation.

"I would, therefore, request you to kindly intervene and issue necessary directions to the officers concerned to forward a proposal to this government in the interest of promotion of greenery in Delhi," he told the DDA vice chairman.

He said increasing the green cover in Delhi was essential to effectively tackle the menace of rising air pollution.

Planting trees along the banks would help neutralise the adverse affects of the air pollution and they may also help in preventing soil erosion, Hussain said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Shiv Sena today said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' claim that the law and order situation was under control rings hollow as most culprits of the Kamala Mills compound fire here were still at large.

The BJP ally, a partner in the Fadnavis government, also raised the issue of alleged political pressure on BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta to not act against 10-15 illegal pubs and restaurants in the compound after the December 29 blaze in its premises.

Fadnavis, who also holds the home department, has said the law and order situation is "absolutely good" in the state, rocked by caste conflict at Bhima-Koregaon near Pune and subsequent violent protests by Dalit agitators.

"If the chief minister claims to have control over the law and order situation despite the riots after the Bhima- Koregaon incident, then people would like to know why the culprits behind the Kamala Mills fire are still at large," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.

Only if they are arrested can the Shiv Sena accept the the claim that things are under control, the Marathi daily said.

The main accused in the fire at 1 Above pub in the Kamala Mills compound that claimed 14 lives are yet to be arrested though several FIRs have been filed.

According to the Sena, the state did take action against some illegal structures at pubs and restaurants across Mumbai after the blaze, but "... insulted the victims by announcing a Rs 1 lakh reward for providing information about the absconding accused".

"This means the state has asked people (instead of police) to find the accused," the Sena publication said.

The editorial said names of those who reportedly put pressure on the civic commissioner to spare illegal constructions in the compound should be made public.

"It was political pressure. One must know that the commissioner is appointed by the state government and he/she generally listens to the government," it said.

The real question, it added, is whether the Kamala Mills owners were among those who put pressure on the commissioner.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi has evolved a scheme to engage students of higher secondary schools proficient in writing essays to play the role of "teachers" in the primary classes in government schools here.

She announced this in a whatsapp message to media persons today at the end of her visit to Bharathiar Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Bahoor near here.

Bedi said in her messagethat the students were asked to write an essay during her visit. Those who would emerge with "A" grade would be invited to don the role of teachers in the primary classes.

She said all the students of the school would be invited to her office Raj Nivas with parents and siblings for a film soon.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A senior leader of on Monday organised a massive "Brahmin and Purohit Sammelan" (a Brahmin convention) in Bolpur town of Birbhum district, a move seen by the opposition BJP to arrest consolidation of Hindu votes in favour of the party.

The day-long sammelan is organised by party's Birbhum district president, Anubrata Mondal in his home district.

Mondal said the convention aims to highlight "misintepretation" of the hindu religion by the BJP and discuss what the Hindu religion stands for.

"The Hindu religion is being misinterpreted by the BJP. Today we will discuss the real meaning of Hindu religion," Mondol told reporters.

A source in the ruling party said around 12,000-14,000 Hindu priests are attending the meet that started around 12.30 pm on Monday.

The priests will be felicitated with a copy of the Gita, shawl and pictures of Sarada Maa and Ramakrishna, he said.

The saffron party has accused the leadership of practicing "soft hindutva" to stop the Hindu voters from uniting under the BJP.

They have been quoting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent visit to Sagar island to take stock of arrangements for the January 14 Makarsankranti festival in support.

"The so-called secular leaders are practicing Hindutva because they are well aware that Hindus are uniting under the BJP. They have realised that they will no longer be able to win elections by appeasing Muslims," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.A senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader organised a "Brahmin convention" in Bolpur town of Birbhum district today, a move described by the BJP as the Mamata Banerjee-led party's tactical shift towards "soft Hindutva".

The day-long "Brahmin and Purohit Sammelan" was held by the TMC's Birbhum district president, Anubrata Mondal, who is a strong critic of the BJP and its policies.

Mondal said the convention was organised to highlight the "misinterpretations" of Hinduism by the BJP and discuss what the Hindu religion stood for.

"Hinduism is being misinterpreted by the BJP. We will discuss the real meaning of Hinduism," he told reporters.

A source in the ruling party in the state said thousands of Hindu priests attended the meet, adding that each one of them was felicitated with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, a shawl and pictures of Sarada Maa and Ramakrishna.

The saffron party has accused the TMC leadership of practising "soft Hindutva" in a bid to stop the Hindu voters of the state from tilting towards the BJP.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent visit to the Sagar island to take stock of the arrangements for the January 14 Makar Sankranti festival also came under attack from the saffron party.

"The so-called secular leaders are practising Hindutva, because they are well aware that the Hindus are uniting under the BJP. They have realised that they will no longer be able to win elections by appeasing Muslims," state BJP president Dilip Ghosh said.

Mondal refuted the "soft Hindutva" allegation and said the TMC would also organise a conference of Muslim clerics this month.

Addressing the meet, he stressed the need to make a new generation of Hindu priests as a "society cannot exist without Hindu priests".

He also described the priests as the "teachers of the society".

The conference began with the chanting of vedic mantras.

The conference was organised months ahead of the crucial panchayat polls in the state. The BJP has been making steady inroads in Birbhum district, considered to be a TMC stronghold.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh today alleged that the Trinamool Congress was trying to "befool" the Hindus by organising the Brahmin convention in Birbhum district.

"The Trinamool Congress had earlier befooled the Muslims and now they are trying to befool the Hindus by organising Brahmin convention," Ghosh told a public rally at Ausgram in Purba Burdwan district.

"I would urge Brahmins not to attend the Brahmin convention called by the TMC leader and accept gifts from tainted TMC leaders," Ghosh told the rally.

Senior TMC leader and Birbhum district TMC president today organised a Brahmin convention in Bolpur town of Birbhum district.

Speaking at the rally Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises and senior BJP leader Babul Supriyo claimed that many Trinamool Congress leaders want to join the saffron party.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami today took up with Prime minister Narendra Modi the plight of 15 fishermen from the state detained by Iranian authorities and sought his intervention in securing their release.

The fishermen engaged in fishing from the Emirate of Dubai fishing base were arrested by the Iranian Coast Guard on October 24 last year after they "inadvertently" strayed into their waters, he told Modi in a letter.

Natives of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts in Tamil Nadu, the fishermen "are reportedly detained in their fishing boats in KISH Island, Iran for the past two months," he said.

An Iranian court imposed fine on these fishermen and the same had to be paid by them with the financial support from their local sponsors from Dubai, UAE, he added.

One of the fishermen was a diabetic and also suffering from hypertension while another " is reportedly having heart problem and is seeking medical intervention."



The prolonged incarceration of the fishermen who went abroad for earning their humble livelihood would severely affect their families and dependents, he said.

"Hence, I request your personal intervention by instructing the Ambassadors of India in Tehran and United Arab Emirates to provide necessary medical attention and to take effective legal steps to secure the immediate release of these poor innocent fishermen from Tamil Nadu, Palaniswami urged Modi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Tami Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today made his maiden address to the state assembly even as the main opposition DMK along with its allies walked out of the House boycotting his speech.

Soon after he arrived, Purohit greeted all members of the House with a 'Vanakkam' and began his address.

Even as he began his speech, Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin was on his feet trying to raise some issues.

The governor paused for a moment and told Stalin 'please ukkarunga' (please take your seat) in Tamil but to no avail.

Stalin was supported by his party MLAs, who raised slogans demanding that their leader be allowed to speak.

A little later, the DMK Working President led his party members and staged a walkout.

Congress members and the lone IUML legislator also followed suit.

The Governor then continued his address.

Amid noisy scenes, sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, who made his debut in the assembly after having won the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll by a thumping margin of 40,000 votes against E Madhusudhanan of AIADMK, was seated calmly.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Amid a boycott by opposition parties led by the DMK, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today made his maiden address to the state assembly, urging the Centre to sanction Rs 4,854 crore towards Cyclone Ochki rehabilitation work.

Soon after he arrived in the House, Purohit greeted all members with a 'Vanakkam' and began his address.

Even as he began his speech, Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin was on his feet trying to raise some issues.

The governor paused for a moment and told Stalin 'please utkkarunga' (please take your seat) in Tamil but to no avail.

Stalin was supported by his party MLAs, who raised slogans demanding that their leader be allowed to speak.

A little later, the DMK Working President led his party members and staged a walkout.

Congress members and the lone IUML legislator also followed suit.

Amid noisy scenes, sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, who made his debut in the assembly after having won the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll by a thumping margin of 40,000 votes against E Madhusudhanan of AIADMK, was seated calmly.

Later, Purohit resumed his address which was peppered with praise to late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's vision and expression of thanks to the Centre for fund-releases towards instances including an "on-account" release of Rs 133 crore for cyclone Ockhi rehabilitation work.

"I urge the Central government to...sanction the due release of Rs 401 crore for temporary restoration and Rs 4,854 crore for permanent restoration towards damages caused by Cyclone Ockhi."



Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting cyclone-hit Kanyakumari, he said the Centre should ask its team which visited Tamil Nadu to assess storm damages to expeditiously submit its report.

Recalling the financial assistance provided by the State government to the bereaved families vis-a-vis the storm, he said Tamil Nadu was committed to continuing rescue efforts till the last fisherman was rescued.

Lauding the State for achieving a smooth transition to the GST regime, he said Tamil Nadu's fiscal position has been "resilient" and continues to be so despite unexpected setbacks in revenues.

"Though there is a concern about increasing revenue deficit due to slow growth in revenue receipts, the State is firmly on the path of containing the fiscal deficit and Debt to GSDP ratio within the norms."



Referring to his State-wide tours, Purohit complimented Tamil Nadu for "active participation," in "Swachh Bharat Mission," which was being pursued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a "missionary zeal.""During my tours, I witnessed commendable work by the State in implementing this mission..16 districts have achieved Open Defecation Free status under the mission."It may be recalled that Purohit toured a number of districts in which he undertook cleanliness drives and held meetings with officials.

It evoked strong protest from Opposition parties primarily the DMK which alleged that it amounted to interference in the rights of the state.

Outlining the policies and programmes of the AIADMK regime, he reiterated the government position that Katchatheevu islet should be retrieved from Sri Lanka which will restore the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen.

"Efforts taken by the central government has substantially reduced the incidents of unprovoked attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy on our fishermen."



Seeking release of Tamil Nadu fishermen from Sri Lanka, he thanked the Union government for supporting Tamil Nadu in its efforts to promote deep sea fishing by sanctioning Rs 200 crore for replacing existing fishing vessels with tuna longliners.

On the contentious Cauvery issue, the Governor said, "The Government continues to urge the Centre to expedite the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee to fulfil the long-standing legitimate demand of the State."



He said Jayalalithaa enabled the State to become "power surplus," and Tamil Nadu will pursue its goal of adding 13,000 MW thermal power to its generating capacity.

Despite its "immense fiscal stress," the government has already implemented pay revision on the basis of the recommendations of the pay panel 2017 at an additional cost of Rs 14,719 crore per annum, he said.

"Many representations are being received from various quarters about the pay revision.. This government will constitute a committee to examine these."



The governor also urged the Centre to accord early approval for Phase-II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project.

Hailing Tamil Nadu's Universal Public Distribution System which has ensured a "functional food safety net," Purohit said all rice card holders were being provided with Pongal gift hampers consisting of one kilogram each of raw rice, sugar besides other items this year as well.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court today asked the Kerala Government to file an affidavit listing out the practical difficulties in relocating the toddy shops in the state which have been shut following its order to close down liquor shops along highways across the country.

The bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud asked the state to file the affidavit within four weeks.

Senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for the Kerala Toddy Shop Licensee Association, told the court that over 625 toddy shops were shut in the state and more than 3,000 workers were rendered jobless.

He also told the court that toddy has been considered differently from other forms of liquor as it is a natural drink and is not as intoxicating as other forms of alcoholic drinks.

It has no role in accidents due to drunken driving on highways, Ramachandran said.

He also said that there was hardly any big roads in Kerala where vehicles can be driven at a very high speed.

The association has been seeking modification of the apex court order banning liquor shops alongside highways within 500 metres on grounds that toddy does not fall under the category of alcoholic beverages.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Trump administration feels it is time to try "something different" to prevent Pakistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists as exercising patience or offering inducements have failed to deal with the problem threatening the region's stability, a top official said today.

The remarks by the official came days after the Trump administration suspended approximately USD 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan, resulting in an outrage from Islamabad.

President Donald Trump in a New Year's Day tweet accused the country 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.

The official said policies followed by the successive US administrations post 9/11 vis-a-vis Pakistan have not worked.

The US is committed to not allowing either Pakistan or Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists from where they can attack America and its allies, said the senior Trump administration official on condition of anonymity.

"These sanctuaries really threaten stability in the region and they continue to fuel the overall terrorism problem that we're facing," the official said.

The "previous administrations have tried to exercise what they might call strategic patience or offering inducements like Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill which gave billions of dollars to Pakistan", the official said, adding none of it has worked so far.

In 2009, the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Act (KLB), also known as the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, is passed and Congress authorised tripling of the economic-related assistance to Pakistan to USD 7.5 billion over five years, from the period of 2010 to 2014.

Terrorists continue to operate freely inside Pakistan and there is a relationship between terrorist organisations and the establishment, the official said.

"This administration believes it's time to try something different. We simply can't ignore the sanctuaries if we're going to make progress in Afghanistan," the official said, adding that "the president has been clear about his commitment to stabilising Afghanistan".

On Trump's comprehensive South Asia strategy for regional diplomacy announced in August last year, the official said, "It looked at India-Pakistan relations, encouraging better ties between the two countries and reducing tensions between them".

In August, while unveiling his new South Asia strategy, Trump had accused Pakistan of giving "safe haven to agents of chaos, violence, and terror," and said the time had come "for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to civilisation, order, and to peace".

The official said the Trump's new policy was not about looking at Pakistan through the lens of Afghanistan, but it was about looking at the region and the future of the US.

"9/11 attacks you know had their roots in this region. We've invested a lot of blood and treasure in Afghanistan. We are committed to not allowing the Taliban to dominate Afghanistan and we are committed to not allowing Afghanistan or Pakistan to become a safe haven from which terrorists can attack the US and its allies," the official said.

"So, I wouldn't classify it is looking at Pakistan through the Afghanistan lens. I think that's too narrow of a viewpoint. I think this is about the region and the future of the region. And the fact that these continued sanctuaries really threaten stability in the region and they continue to fuel the overall terrorism problem that we're facing," the official added.

The US and others have long complained that Pakistan gives safe haven to the Afghan Taliban and their allies, the Haqqani network, allowing them to carry out cross-border attacks in Afghanistan. Pakistan denies these allegations but President Trump has escalated the criticism against Islamabad since he took office.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump today postponed the announcement until January 17 of his much- talked-about 'fake awards' to the "most corrupt and biased" American mainstream media for its "dishonesty and bad reporting".

Trump,71, has been at loggerheads with several US mainstream media outlets, including the CNN, ABC News, The New York Times and the Washington Post.

He has quite often described these popular media houses as "fake media".

The awards were supposed to be announced today, but Trump upon his return from the Camp David presidential retreat yesterday tweeted about the new date for one-of its-kind awards to be given to the several media houses.

"The Fake Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday," he tweeted.

"The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!" he said.

The "fake media" term is now popularly related to with which one does not agree with.

On January 2, Trump had tweeted that he would announce the awards to the media houses for "dishonesty and bad reporting".

"I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 o'clock. This would be one of its kind media award by the US president. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned!" he had tweeted.

In November, he tweeted about a competition among news networks for the 'Fake News Trophy', excluding the Fox News.

"We should have a contest as to which of the Networks, plus CNN and not including Fox, is the most dishonest, corrupt and/or distorted in its political coverage of your favourite President (me). They are all bad. Winner to receive the FAKE NEWS TROPHY!," he tweeted on November 27.

In an email to supporters of the president on December 28, the Trump campaign had sought nomination for the 'King of Fake News' trophy.

"At President Trump's request, we are holding a contest to name the 2017 KING of Fake News. And we want to hear from you," it said.

"The FAKE NEWS has utterly abandoned their duty to fairly report the news to the American people. Some journalists and liberal pundits think that Americans are too stupid to see through their amateur efforts to manipulate public opinion, but THEY'RE WRONG," it said.

Noting that Americans are sick and tired of being lied to, insulted and treated with outright condescension, the Trump Campaign had said "That's why President Trump is crowning the 2017 KING OF FAKE NEWS before the end of the year".

"There's no point in pretending that some journalists are anything more than peddlers of falsehoods and liberal propaganda," it said.

As per the Trump Campaign list, the competition for 'King of Fake news' is between three news organisations.

"ABC News "MISTAKENLY" reported that candidate Trump directed Michael Flynn to make contact with Russian officials before the election," it said.

"CNN 'MISTAKENLY' reported that candidate Donald Trump and his son Donald J Trump, Jr had access to hacked documents from WikiLeaks," it wrote.

"TIME 'MISTAKENLY' reported that President Trump removed a bust of Martin Luther King, Jr from the Oval Office," the Trump Campaign said, as it asked the participants to "let the President know if there is another story you think should be crowned as the 2017 KING of Fake News".

Trump's postponement of the awards has come as questions about his mental stability continue to make headlines in the media.

Trump hit back in a series of tweets on Saturday, calling himself a "genius".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Army Chief General on Monday said Indian and Chinese troops had resolved an issue over the recent attempt by Chinese teams to build a road on the Indian side of the border at Tuting in Arunachal Pradesh.

Government sources said two excavators, brought in for road building activities by the Chinese teams, were returned on Saturday following an amicable resolution of the Tuting incident at a Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) between the two sides in Arunachal.

They said the Indian side had conveyed its concerns over the incident to China, which said that the teams had crossed into India by mistake and would no longer engage in such activities.

"The Tuting incident has been resolved," Gen. Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of an event, adding that a meeting of border personnel was held two days ago.

The Army chief also said there was a major reduction of Chinese troops in the Doklam area. Troops from the two countries were engaged in a 73-day long standoff in Doklam in the Sikkim sector last year.

On December 28, Indian troops had foiled attempts by Chinese road building teams to build a track around 1km inside Indian territory in Tuting, government sources had said.

They had said the civilian teams went back when confronted by the Indian troops, but left behind two excavators and some other equipment.

"The two excavators were returned to the Chinese side following the BPM on January 6," the sources said, adding that India's objection to the incident was conveyed to China.

In an address at an event on modernisation of the armed forces, Gen. Rawat said future wars would be fought on difficult terrains and circumstances and the forces would have to be prepared for them.

His comments were seen as an apparent reference to China.

Days after the end of the Doklam standoff, the Army chief had said India should be prepared for a two-front war, noting that China had started "flexing its muscles".

He had also said China was trying to take over Indian territory in a gradual manner, and cautioned the forces to guard against such attempts.

"Future wars will be fought in difficult terrains and circumstances. We have to be prepared for them," Gen. Rawat said.

He further said the armed forces needed major modernisation and that the country must fight the next war with indigenous solutions.

Gen. Rawat said the Army was ready to induct equipment and platforms made by domestic defence firms.



Two doctors from the Yadav community are set to test their political fortunes in the bypoll for Alwar parliamentary constituency scheduled on January 29, which is being viewed as a a semi-final for the Rajasthan Assembly polls due this year.

While the Congress had already nominated former MP from Alwar Dr Karan Singh Yadav, the BJP has given a go ahead to local heavyweight and incumbent state Labour Minister Dr Jaswant Yadav to contest the Lok Sabha bypoll.

While electioneering is focusing on developmental issues, it will be caste factor and doctor vs doctor subtext which will decide the outcome in this Yadav-dominated area.

Both doctors have started campaigning in the constituency to get hold of ground realities much before the names were finalised by respective parties as both have a stronghold in the area.

Dr Karan Yadav is a former MP, having defeated Chand Nath in the 2004 general elections from Alwar.He has also been a two-time MLA from Behror.

He also served as superintendent of state-run SMS Hospital in Jaipur between 1998 and 2003.

After he joined Congress, he won state assembly elections from Alwars Behror constituency and parliamentary elections from Alwar seat.

Dr Jaswant Yadav holds bachelor of ayurveda, medicine and surgery (BAMS) degree and is a state cabinet minister and MLA from Behror.

The bypoll has been necessitated following the death of BJP MP Chand Nath, who had defeated Jitendra Singh in the 2014 Lok Sabha election by a margin of over 2.8 lakh votes.

There are eight state assembly constituencies accommodating nearly 18.27 lakh voters.

Nearly a fourth of the voters in Alwar belong to the Yadav community.

Other communities with significant representation are Meos, Dalits and Brahmins.

The Yadav domination in Alwar can be gauged from the fact that in 11 Lok Sabha elections held since 1977, candidates from the community have won election eight times.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Two men have been jailed in China for insulting a policeman and posting his personal information online after a video of the officer beating a dog to death stirred outrage.

The two men were handed five-day sentences on Saturday, the Changsha police bureau in the central province of Hunan said on their official Weibo social media account.

One of the men published the address and photos of the policeman's house online, while the other "openly insulted" him, the bureau said.

The policeman, surnamed Chen, was seen killing a leashed golden retriever on a sidewalk in front of a dozen onlookers in a video posted online last month.

Surveillance footage from police showed the dog had attacked at least four people.

Lacking a dart gun and unable to trace its owner, Chen and another officer decided to bludgeon the dog to death "to prevent it from hurting more pedestrians", the local Tianxin bureau of Changsha police said on Weibo.

Infuriated dog lovers also directed their anger at Chen's mother, who was harassed at her convenience store, according to the local Xiaoxiang Morning newspaper.

The Tianxin police bureau also received numerous phone calls questioning the officer's behaviour, it said.

"Killing a dog on the street, no matter a good dog or a mad dog, will cause trauma and pain to some Internet users," wrote one concerned commentater on Weibo.

"I support the police in the crackdown of stray dogs, and hope that they devote greater effort in eliminating the mad dogs in public area," wrote another.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Employees of the UCO Bank joined the cleanliness drive at Versova beach here, to support the initiative by lawyer-activist Afroz Shah.

"Employees volunteered for the beach cleanliness drive to mark the Bank's 75th Foundation Day on January six," R K Shah, Zonal Manager of UCO Bank Mumbai Zone, said.

Employees, donning UCO Bank yellow T-Shirts, joined other volunteers in the cleanliness drive yesterday, the bank official said.

The 75th Foundation Day of the bank, which was founded by industrialist G D Birla with inspiration of Mahatma Gandhi, was celebrated with fanfare, he said.

The General Manager and Circle Head of Mumbai Sunil Kumar Pandit said the bank has a pan-India presence and is providing services through over 3,000 branches.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Britain's education minister, Justine Greening, resigned from the government today after refusing another Cabinet position in a reshuffle by Prime Minister Theresa May, a Downing Street source said.

Greening was offered the welfare and pensions brief "but declined to take it," the source added.

"The prime minister is disappointed but respects her decision to leave the government."



Shortly after confirming Greening's departure, Downing Street officially announced she would be replaced by Damian Hinds, who had been serving as employment minister.

Greening, who represents a London constituency and backed Britain remaining in the EU during the Brexit referendum campaign, will return to the House of Commons backbenches.

Some Conservative colleagues immediately voiced their support for her.

Fellow member of parliament Heidi Allen wrote on Twitter she was "bitterly disappointed" at Greening's departure, saying: "A dreadful shame we have lost such a progressive, listening, compassionate woman from government."



May launched a long-awaited reshuffle of her Cabinet today, which nevertheless left most of her senior ministers in position.

Greening becomes the fourth minister since November to leave the government, after deputy prime minister Damian Green, defence secretary Michael Fallon and aid minister Priti Patel were forced out in unrelated scandals.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi High Court was today informed by the central government that an American woman entrepreneur, who was detained and denied entry at Chennai Airport, has been deported to the US.

The issue came up before the court when it was informed that the American citizen, who was living in India for over a decade on a multiple entry valid business visa, was detained at the Chennai Airport at 1.30 am on January 5 and was told that since there was a mark on her file, she would have to go back to the US.

Taking note of the development, the court said that as the 48-year-old woman, Kasha Elizabeth Vande, has already been deported, it cannot restrain the authorities from sending her back to her country.

"Court is informed that the US national was put on a flight the same day and returned to the US on January 5, 2018.

"In view of the above development, the court granting the relief of retraining the authorities from deporting the woman does not arise," a bench of Justices S Muralidhar and I S Mehta said.

During the hearing, the counsel for the Ministry of External Affairs showed a letter from December 2017 that the foreigner was blacklisted as she was involved in NGO activities in Puducherry while holding a business visa.

The government's counsel said her blacklisting was recommended following visa violations.

The court asked whether the woman was informed in advance that she was blacklisted, to which her lawyer Kamlesh Kumar Mishra replied in the negative.

The bench said it was open for the woman to seek appropriate orders from the appropriate forum regarding her blacklisting.

According to her lawyer, Kasha was running a cafe and boutique named Kasha ki Asha in Puducherry.

On her arrival to Chennai via Kuwait Airlines, she was detained at the airport after which she informed her acquaintance Lal Babu Lalit about the incident who then filed a habeas corpus petition in the high court through advocate Mishra.

The plea had sought an order to the authorities to immediately produce Kasha before the court.

The court had sought response of the MEA and Bureau of Immigration on the petition.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Newly elected corporators of the BJP, BSP and SP came to blows in the House today when the national song, Vande Mataram, stopped playing due to a technical snag, Meerut Mayor Sunita Verma said.

The song was being played on a music system in the House for the first time, she said.

The civic body was meeting for the first time after the elections.

The corporators also raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Police had to be called in when some outsiders entered the House.

Verma, from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) always raises unimportant issues.

There was a ruckus last month too, when Verma remained sitting while the Vande Mataram was being recited during her swearing-in ceremony.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Vietnamese court began a major corruption trial today of 22 defendants, including a former senior Vietnamese Communist Party official and a top oil executive the government is accused of snatching from Germany.

Most of the defendants are current or former senior oil executives, including three other former chairmen of state- owned energy giant PetroVietnam.

The company and the banking sector have been at the center of an unprecedented crackdown on corruption under the watch of Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Former Politburo member Dinh La Thang, 57, also a former PetroVietnam chairman, is accused of "deliberately violating state economic management regulations, causing serious consequences" for his role in awarding PetroVietnam's Construction Joint Stock Co, or PVC, a contract to build a thermoelectric plant without a proper bidding process.

He also allegedly advanced USD 67 million to PVC, which did not use the funds for the proper purpose, causing losses of USD 5.5 million to the state.

Thang, the first former Poltiburo member to be prosecuted in decades, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Trinh Xuan Thanh, 51, a former PVC chairman, is accused of the same charge as well as embezzling USD 186,000 from another thermoelectric plant.

The embezzlement offense carries the death penalty.

In August, Germany accused Vietnam's intelligence service of kidnapping Thanh from a Berlin park. Vietnam denied the allegation, saying Thanh turned himself in to police voluntarily, but the incident strained ties and Germany expelled two Vietnamese diplomats.

The trial of Thang and Thanh "sends out a stern warning that there will be no 'no-go zones' in this campaign, and corrupt officials, no matter who they are and what position they hold, will be brought to justice," said Le Hong Hiep, a research fellow at the Singapore-based ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute.

"The campaign has some aspects of political infighting, but the main driver is still the party's wish to stem widespread corruption, which has undermined the people's confidence in the party's governance capabilities as well as its economic reform efforts," Hiep said.

He said political power was previously fragmented in Vietnam, weakening the fight against corruption, but is now concentrated in the party general secretary. The corruption crackdown is intensifying now because Trong and his allies were able to consolidate power after a party congress in early 2016 at which Trong won a second five-year term, Hiep said.

Once a rising political star, Thang was dismissed from the all-powerful Politburo in May and was subsequently fired as secretary of the southern commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City. He was arrested on December 8, and his brother Dinh Manh Thang was detained one day later for alleged embezzlement in another corruption case.

Hiep said the trial of Thanh will continue to have a chilling effect on relations between Vietnam and Germany and may affect a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Union.

"The EUVFTA may be delayed, but I believe it will eventually be ratified by the EU, especially if the trial of Mr Thanh is seen as transparent and fair. In the end, economic considerations may outweigh political ones in this case," he said.

Security around the court house in central Hanoi was tight.

"I'm happy that the government is getting tough on corruption," said Ngo Quang Hung, 62, a retiree who was among several dozen people gathered outside the courthouse.

Foreign media are not allowed to attend the trial, which is expected to last two weeks.

In Berlin, German Foreign Ministry spokesman Rainer Breul said embassy representatives were inside the courtroom. "We will observe it very closely and then evaluate what this means for our policy," Breul said.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, noted that "we have condemned this kidnapping as completely unacceptable. This is a breach of the law."



Germany has made clear that the incident has weighed on trust between the two governments "and that it is necessary for Vietnam to act to restore this trust," Seibert said.

Vietnam ranked 113th out of 176 countries in Transparency International's 2016 corruption index.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A director of two Dubai-based firms has been "non-cooperative" and evading probe in a money laundering case connected with the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper deal, the Enforcement Directorate(ED) today told a court here.

The probe agency was opposing the plea of Rajeev Saxena, one of the directors of M/s UHY Saxena and M/s Matrix Holdings, seeking cancellation of the non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against him by the court last year.

During the arguments before Special Judge Arvind Kumar, special public prosecutor N K Matta, appearing for ED, said Saxena has not joined the probe despite repeated summons.

The counsel said, "the investigation in the matter is going on since June 2016 and Saxena is aware that he is needed in the probe, yet he has been evading it."



The agency, which concluded its arguments today, claimed that during the probe it was found that AgustaWestland, United Kingdom, had "paid an amount of Euro 58 million as kickbacks" through two Tunisia-based firms.

The court has now kept the matter for hearing on January 11 when it will hear arguments on behalf of Saxena, who had approached the court for cancellation NBW issued against him on October 6 last year.

In his application moved through his advocate, Saxena has sought cancellation of the warrant claiming he was not an absconder and he had given all the details and documents to the ED.

Saxena's name was mentioned in a charge sheet filed against his wife Shivani Saxena, who was released on bail after being arrested by the ED.

He has not been arrayed as an accused so far and the agency has told the court that another supplementary charge sheet may follow.

Saxenas are residents of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, an archipelago which is home to the most expensive properties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the charge sheet claimed.

The probe agency alleged that the two Dubai-based firms were the entities "through which the proceeds of crime have been routed and further layered and integrated in buying the immovable properties/shares, among others" in this case.

Maintaining that AgustaWestland had paid Euro 58 million as kickbacks through two Tunisia-based firms, the ED has alleged that "these companies further siphoned off the said money in the name of consultancy contracts to M/s Interstellar Technologies Limited, Mauritius and others which were further transferred to M/s UHY Saxena and M/s Matrix Holdings Ltd, Dubai and others."



The agency had also arrested Delhi-based businessman Gautam Khaitan who is currently out on bail. It had registered a PMLA case in 2014 and named 21 people in its money- laundering FIR.

On January 1, 2014, India had scrapped the contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks of Rs 423 crore paid by it to secure the deal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today offered a piece of advice to politicians, like him, some of whom after becoming a part of the government unfortunately forget to serve people and think they are there to "only enjoy fruits".

Addressing party workers in Jammu city, Kumar said those in and public life should work with honesty. He stressed that the public has given us an opportunity to serve them and "we need to use it to work for their betterment."



Without identifying anyone, he said it was unfortunate that an atmosphere has developed in the country where politicians and those in the government forget to serve people and "they think they are there to only enjoy the fruits."



"Besides concentrating on overall development, we have to work for social reforms as well," Kumar, 66, said.

Underscoring the need for brotherhood and togetherness, the Bihar chief minister said: "We believe that when there is peace in society, it will move forward, and so the country."



"We have to work differently, ensure brotherhood and work for peace in society. We have to see how our efforts can benefit people, especially those on the (poverty) line."



Kumar was accompanied by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on his visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

He launched a website of the JD(U), assured the workers of his participation in the party convention in March-April, and of his full support to strengthen the party in the state.

He said the Bihar government intends to launch a vigorous campaign against child marriage and dowry in the state.

"After implementing a ban on the consumption of liquor, we are planning to launch a vigorous campaign against child marriage and the nuisance of dowry," he said.

State JD(U) president G M Shaheen welcomed Kumar and Modi and said their presence boosted the morale of party workers.

"We felt the need for a website to inform the public about the party programmes. The website will provide an opportunity to interested persons to get membership without any charge and the public can also highlight their grievances so that party workers can try to address them," Shaheen said.

He said the JD(U) plans to participate in panchayat polls next month.

"We are taking part in panchayat polls scheduled to start from mid February," he said, adding that the party aims to contest the next Assembly elections in the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)"Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" today won four Golden Globes, including Best Drama, in an overtly political awards ceremony where Hollywood's biggest turned up in black to say it was "Time's Up" for sexual harassment.

The glittering 75th Golden Globes ceremony, honouring achievements in television and cinema, sent out the message that a new post Harvey Weinstein-era could be on the horizon.

Most award winners, particularly Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman and Frances McDormand, gave rousing speeches on the need for change and gender and race equality.

"Three Billboards...", about an angry mother who goes to extremes to keep the investigation focused on her daughter's murder, became a front-runner at the Oscars.

McDormand won Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Golden Globe, co-star Sam Rockwell won Best Supporting Actor and Martin McDonagh was recognised for Best Screenplay.

The awards were dedicated to what McDormand referred to as the "tectonic shift" in Hollywood's power structure after more than 70 women accused powerful producer Weinstein of sexual misconduct.

Women in the industry have launched the Time's Up movement to address gender disparity and abuse and almost all of Hollywood -- both women and men -- turned up in black at the red carpet to show their support.

McDormand, 60, addressed the Time's Up movement in her acceptance speech, saying, "Some of you may know, I keep my politics private, but it was really great to be in this room tonight and to be part of a tectonic shift in our industry's power structure."



Winfrey, 63, the first African-American woman to be honoured with the annual Cecil B DeMille Award, used her time on stage to deliver a powerful speech about inclusion.

Winfrey, who received a standing ovation twice in her eight-minute speech, said women have not been heard or believed for speaking truth to power but that has to change.

"I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say 'Me too' again," she said.

The Hollywood Foreign Press, criticised for not including women in the Best Director category, tried to make amends by bestowing Greta Gerwig's "Lady Bird" with Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and Best Actress for Saoirse Ronan.

"The Shape of Water", which entered the race with maximum seven nominations, won the Best Director for Guillermo del Toro and the Best Score for Alexandre Desplat.

Gary Oldman won Best Actor in a Drama, for playing Winston Churchill in "the Darkest Hour".

Allison Janney won Best Supporting Actress for her role of an abusive mother in "I, Tonya", a real-life drama on figure skater Tonya Harding.

James Franco won Best Actor in a Comedy for "The Disaster Artist" about Tommy Wiseau, the eccentric Hollywood figure behind "The Room", known as the "Citizen Kane" of bad movies.

But the actor was criticised for rudely blocking Wiseau from the microphone during his acceptance speech onstage.

"Coco" was named Best Animated Film.

Fatih Akin's German revenge drama "In the Fade", starring Diane Kruger, was named Best Foreign Film.

Some expected winners returned empty handed.

Steven Spielberg's newspaper drama "The Post", which had six nominations, including nods for lead stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, failed to win anything.

"Call Me by Your Name" and "All the Money in the World" and "Get Out" were the other films that were snubbed.

In the television category, women dominated the wins. "Big Little Lies", "The Handmaid's Tale" and "The Marvelous Mrs Maisel" were the major winners.

"Big Little Lies" star Kidman got the award for Best Actress in a Television Movie or Limited Series.

"This character that I played represents something that is at the centre of our conversation right now: abuse. I do believe and I hope that we can elicit change through the stories we tell and the way we tell them," Kidman said.

Her co-stars Alexander Skarsgard and Laura Dern won Best Supporting Actor and Actress, and the show also won for Best Limited Series or TV movie.

The TV adaptation of Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale" won Best Drama while lead star Elisabeth Moss got the Globe for Best Actress in a Drama.

"This Is Us" star Sterling K Brown created history by becoming the first African-American actor to win the Best Actor - Drama award.

"I am being seen for who I am, and being appreciated for who I am, and it makes it that much more difficult to dismiss me or dismiss anybody who looks like me," Brown said.

Indian-origin Aziz Ansari finally took home a Globe, winning Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series Musical/Comedy category for his role in "The Master Of None".

The Amazon series "The Marvelous Mrs Maisel", about a 1950s housewife who becomes a stand-up comic after discovering her husband has been cheating on her, won the Globe for Best TV Comedy, and its leading lady, Rachel Brosnahan, walked away with the Best Actress in a Comedy trophy.

Award ceremony host Seth Meyers was the first to address, as he put it, the "elephant not in the room".

"It's 2018 and marijuana is finally allowed, and sexual harassment finally isn't," he began.

"Good evening ladies and remaining gentlemen... There's a new era underway and I can tell because it's been years since a white man was this nervous in Hollywood," he said.

The host took potshots at Weinstein and said the reason he was chosen to present the awards is because he is "a man with completely no power in Hollywood".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The widespread protests in Iran was a sign of failure of the government, US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have agreed, the White House said today.

The two leaders spoke over phone yesterday during which they also discussed the developments in the Korean Peninsula.

North and South Korea are scheduled to hold talks tomorrow.

Trump spoke to Macron to provide an update on developments on the Korean Peninsula, and to underscore American, South Korean and international resolve to achieve the complete denuclearisation of North Korea, the White House said in a readout of the call.

"The presidents also agreed that the widespread demonstrations in Iran were a sign of the Iranian regime's failure to serve its people's needs by instead diverting the nation's wealth to fund terrorism and militancy abroad," it said.

At least 21 people have been killed in Iran after anti- government began on December 28.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A newspaper employees' union today demanded the withdrawal of an FIR against a journalist over her report on alleged breach of details of more than one billion Aadhaar cards, terming it an attack on the free press.

The Confederation of Newspaper and Agency Employees' Organisations, in a statement, condemned the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), saying it should highlight errors in the report, if any, instead of taking penal action.

"The action amounts to an attack on the freedom of the press and also denial of access to the press from reporting any unpalatable to those in authority," it said.

The Delhi Police has registered an FIR on a UIDAI official's complaint over the report in the Tribune newspaper.

A reporter of the newspaper has been booked under the Indian Penal Code sections 419 (punishment for cheating under impersonation), 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery), 471 (using a forged document) and also under sections of the Information Technology Act and the Aadhaar Act.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A woman pleading the Bombay High Court to allow her to terminate her 28-week pregnancy on grounds that the foetus has grave medical abnormalities has caught the court in a fix.

The woman, from Mumbai, and her husband have argued that not only will the child be born with abnormalities and face consequent difficulties, but forcing the woman to continue with the pregnancy will also cause her trauma and affect her "mental health".

A bench of justices R M Borde and Rajesh Ketkar are now in a quandary.

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act has provisions to allow a woman to terminate her pregnancy even if it has gone beyond the permissible 20-week period if the pregnancy and child-birth poses a threat to the woman's physical health or life, the Act does not deal with the mental health of the woman.

It has no provision to deal with foetal abnormalities either.

The MTP Act permits abortions after consultation with one doctor up to 12 weeks. Between 12 to 20 weeks, medical opinion of two doctors is required. Beyond the 20-week, exceptions are legally permissible only if continuation of the pregnancy poses a threat to the mother's life.

In all such petitions that come before the Bombay HC, the court first refers the case to a medical board of expert doctors for their opinion on whether or not such pregnancy poses a threat to the life of the woman concerned.

Often other benches of the Bombay HC have permitted such petitioners, several of whom were minors, and also victims of rape, to terminate the pregnancy if the board had ruled there exists a risk to the woman's life, or in some cases, if the board affirms that the foetus has irreparable or grave medical abnormalities.

In the present case however, while a board of doctors at the government-run JJ Hospital in the city affirmed in a report submitted on January 2 that the foetus has severe brain deformities, that its stomach is not seen yet and that it also has severe cardiac abnormalities, the report ruled that the pregnancy and the consequent childbirth will not pose any risk to the physical health or life of the petitioner.

The petitioner's lawyer Meenaz Kakalia has urged the court to go beyond the definition of the health and life of the woman and the risks to it as defined under Section 5 of the MTP Act.

She has urged the court to consider the "mental anguish and the trauma that will be caused to the woman in forcing her to undergo the pregnancy, and to give birth knowing that the child will be born with life threatening problems, as akin to the possible harm to her life and her physical being."



The bench, however, is in a fix, as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposed amendments to the Act in 2014 - including introducing the concept of risks to the mental health of the woman and also the idea of substantial foetal abnormalities - in the latter case, a pregnancy can be terminated at any point during the pregnancy - the draft bill with such amendments is yet to be ratified by Parliament.

"You prove to us that the threats to the mental well- being of the petitioner is covered under Section 5 of the MTP Act and only then can we allow the plea. Sadly, while the proposed bill provides for the above concept, it is yet to become a law," the bench said.

Incidentally, during his previous tenure as a judge on the Aurangabad Bench of HC, Justice Borde had permitted a victim of rape to terminate her pregnancy, even though it was beyond the 20-week ceiling and posed no threat to her physical health, after she threatened to commit suicide.

"She said if we don't allow then she will have no choice but to end her life. This was a considerable threat to her physical being, to her life, thus, I permitted it,' Justice Borde said.

The bench is likely to pass an order on the present plea on Tuesday, January 10.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Denmark's GN Store Nord is aiming to win a bigger slice of the rapidly growing market for wireless earbuds by introducing a new product challenging Apple's popular Airpods. Wireless is expected to account for an increasing share of the $9.6 billion global earphone and headphone market and that means intense competition between tech companies keen to cash in on the trend. Integrating Amazon's voice control system Alexa and halving the price are among the steps taken by GN to attract new customers with its latest product. "We're expanding our brand to ...By Emilio ParodiMILAN (Reuters) - An Italian appeals court on Monday acquitted two former Leonardo executives in a bribery case related to a large 2010 helicopter contract with the Indian government. Giuseppe Orsi, former chief executive of the Italian state-controlled defence group previously known as Finmeccanica, and Bruno Spagnolini, former head of its helicopter unit AgustaWestland, were both cleared of corruption charges, with the court citing a lack of sufficient proof.In December 2016 Italy's highest court had ordered a retrial of the case after the former executives of the Rome-based ...(Reuters) - Kohl's Corp posted a 6.9 percent increase in comparable-store sales for November and December, helped by strong holiday shopping traffic and higher online sales, leading the department store operator to raise its full-year profit forecast.The numbers compare to the 1-3 percent growth in holiday sales posted by rivals J.C. Penney Co Inc and Macy's Inc last week.Kohl's shares were up 6.8 percent at $58.05 before the bell on Monday.The company said it now expects its fiscal 2017 diluted earnings per share to come in between $4.10 and $4.20, versus its previous forecast of $3.72 to ...By Maria SheahanFRANKFURT (Reuters) - Airline Niki's insolvency should have been filed in Austria not Germany, a Berlin court ruled on Monday, in a move which could unravel last month's deal to sell the Air Berlin business to British Airways owner IAG.Niki filed for insolvency in Berlin last month after Germany's Lufthansa scrapped plans to buy the Austrian airline, grounding its fleet and stranding thousands of passengers.After hurried talks to find a new owner for Niki before it lost its valuable runway slots, IAG agreed to buy the business and make it part of low-cost unit Vueling.But ...By Robert-Jan Bartunek and Jacob Gronholt-PedersenBRUSSELS (Reuters) - Denmark's Novo Nordisk, the world's biggest maker of insulin, has made a 2.6 billion euro ($3.1 billion) bid for Belgian biotech group Ablynx as it seeks to diversify and strengthen its business for treating rare blood disorders.Novo went public with the offer on Monday after Ablynx rebuffed earlier approaches and analysts predicted the Danish group, whose new chief executive is seeking new products to bolster growth, would need to raise its bid to win and might face counterbidders.The approach comes at a time of renewed ...By Ernest Scheyder and Valerie VolcoviciHOUSTON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's administration has proposed opening up nearly all of America's offshore waters to oil and gas drilling, but the industry says it is mainly interested in one part of it, now cordoned off by the Pentagon: the eastern Gulf of Mexico.The industry's focus on an area located near a sprawling network of existing platforms, pipes and ports could ease the path to new reserves, and assuage the drilling opponents near other places offered under the Interior Department's proposed drilling plan issued last ...By Mi NguyenHANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam began the trial on Monday of 22 executives charged over losses totalling hundreds of millions of dollars at the state oil firm, PetroVietnam, with the most serious offences potentially carrying the death penalty.The defendants included the communist state's first politburo member to face trial in decades and a businessman who Germany says was kidnapped by Vietnamese agents from a Berlin park.The trial is part of a widespread crackdown on fraud and mismanagement in the energy and banking sectors that intensified after the security establishment gained ...A Rs 32,000-crore project to indigenously build 12 minesweepers at the Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) in collaboration with South Korean firm Kangnam Corporation has reportedly just fallen through, dealing a major blow to the government's Make in India mission.

According to sources cited by The Times of India, this decision was taken by Union Minister for Defence Nirmala Sitharaman. "Goa Shipyard has been asked to issue a new global expression of interest for the mine counter-measure vessels (MCMVs). The fresh RFP (request for proposal) or tender will follow thereafter," quoted the daily. With this, the Indian Navy's nearly decade-old quest for new minesweepers, desperately needed to beef up security along its long coastline, has been pushed back even further.

The world's fifth largest navy reportedly has only four minesweepers in active service-all acquired from the erstwhile Soviet Union between 1978 and 1988-to defend its 14 ports. The Navy needs six-times that number to plug the shortfall.

Worse yet, the defence ministry last year revealed to a parliamentary panel that all the MCMVs currently operational will be retired by 2018-2020. So the government does not have the luxury of time to float the fresh tender for minesweepers, whose role is to clear sea mines laid by enemy warships, submarines and aircrafts to blockade harbours and offshore installations or to disrupt maritime trade.

Incidentally, this is not the first time that the collaboration between GSL and Kangnam Corp has fallen through. In 2008, the UPA Government had floated a tender for minesweepers that the Busan-based firm had won. Then tom-tomed as India's first major defence hardware import from East Asia, the Rs 2,300 crore deal involved importing two MCMVs and the required technology transfer to indigenously build another six vessels. But the defence ministry had scrapped this deal in 2014 after an inquiry revealed that the South Korean shipyard may have hired middlemen to facilitate the contract.

The following year GSL bagged the larger Rs 32,000-crore order, again in collaboration with Kangnam Corp. Under the new deal, 12 vessels were to be constructed in India, with 60% indigenous content, and deliveries were to be completed between 2021 and 2026.

But perhaps the deal was doomed from the start. The already slow-to-take off project then faced a lot of issues ranging from a difference in opinion over the selection of propulsion engines for the vessels to be built to the quantum of technology expertise to be transferred. In the meantime, GSL has already invested over Rs 700 crore in building infrastructure for construction of the MCMVs.

The ministry of defence will reportedly issue a fresh global expression of interest to Kangnam, Italy's Intermarine Shipyard-which was the second closest bidder in the 2008 tender-and other foreign shipyards that specialize in building MCMVs, with non-magnetic hulls and high-definition sonars, acoustic and magnetic sweeps to detect marooned and drifting mines.

In the face of China flexing its muscles in the Indian Ocean-one of the most militarised regions of the world with at least 100 warships prowling at any given time-one hopes the Indian Navy gets its minesweepers sooner rather than later.



With PTI inputsRyan Bundy, left, walks out of federal court with his wife Angela Bundy, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, in Las Vegas. Ryan Bundy, along with his father Cliven Bundy, brother Ammon Bundy, and co-defendant Ryan Payne, are accused of leading an armed standoff in 2014 against government agents in a cattle grazing dispute. (AP Photo/John Locher)

LAS VEGAS (AP)  A U.S. judge who declared a mistrial last month could end the much-watched criminal prosecution of a Nevada rancher accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authorities.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarros decision on Monday is sure to echo among states rights advocates in Western states where the federal government controls vast expanses that some people want to remain protected and others want open for grazing, mining and oil and gas drilling.

To the Bundys, its really more a political trial than a criminal trial, said Ian Bartrum, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas law professor.

Theyre trying to get a particular message out about federal government overreach in the West, and Nevada in particular, and that states should have more local control, Bartrum said of 71-year-old family patriarch Cliven Bundy and his co-defendant sons, Ryan and Ammon Bundy.

For the government, this is a criminal trial, Bartrum said. They say, You cant have people show up with automatic weapons and defy federal officers.'

Indeed, Steven Myhre, the first assistant U.S. attorney in Nevada, has cast the Bundys and co-defendant Montana militia leader Ryan Payne as leaders of a conspiracy that enlisted protesters and gunmen to do whatever it takes to stop federal Bureau of Land Management agents from seizing Bundy cattle in a decades-long grazing dispute.

The April 2014 standoff 80 miles (129 kilometers) northeast of Las Vegas pitted about three dozen heavily armed federal agents guarding corrals in a dry riverbed against hundreds of flag-waving men, women and children calling for the release of some 400 cows. The cattle had been rounded up from public land where Bundy let his herd graze for 20 years without paying government fees.

Several gunmen among the protesters had assault-style rifles and staked out commanding positions on a freeway overpass. Most of them were acquitted of criminal charges in two trials last year.

Ryan and Ammon Bundy also were acquitted of federal criminal charges in Oregon after leading an armed takeover in early 2016 of a national wildlife refuge to demand the government turn over public land to local control.

In the Nevada standoff, near Bunkerville, no shots were fired before outnumbered and outgunned U.S. Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service agents withdrew.

They got what they wanted that day, Myhre said during Nov. 14 trial openings. They got it at the end of a gun.

Trouble with the case was evident from the start, and Myhre lost a last-minute bid for a postponement. Proceedings were interrupted several times for closed-door hearings and sealed document filings before Navarro declared a mistrial Dec. 20.

The judge signaled she might dismiss the case outright and severely criticized prosecutors for willful violations of constitutional due process, including failing to turn over some evidence to defense teams.

The defense is supposed to be able to see whatever evidence the government has gathered, Bartrum said. The way it works is the defense sees if its relevant and the judge decides if its relevant enough to come in at trial.

The government is saying there was no bad faith, just a regrettable oversight, Bartrum added. But harmless is not for the prosecution to decide.

Cliven Bundys lawyer, Bret Whipple, said Friday he was optimistic his client will be exonerated and freed.

The court laid the foundation when she granted the mistrial, the attorney said.

Bundy is the only one of the four defendants still jailed after refusing the judges offer of house arrest.

He feels that to accept conditions for his release would be to acknowledge he did something wrong, Whipple said. He wants to walk out a free man.

Gregg Cawley, a University of Wyoming professor who writes about land protests in the West, said a collapse of the case would be seen by many as a victory for states rights.

But it would not actually be a clean victory, Cawley said. Conspiracy is very hard to prove. The Bundys got acquitted in Oregon. But if charges in Nevada are dropped, theres no resolution to the question.

It could be seen as criminals going free on a technicality, rather than an actual vindication.A group of diverse but like-minded individuals, the members of ARC have come together in their common desire to fight hatred, bigotry, intolerance and violence because of the harm these antisocial behaviors cause to our society. In that effort, we will not use or sanction the use of illegal actions (such as violence or intimidation) in pursuit of our desired aims and if we learn of anyone who does use these unethical methods we will report those individuals to the authorities. Instead, we will use the guarantees found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that ensure freedom of legal speech and expression.File photo

Searchers believe they have found the wreckage of an airplane that went missing more than a week ago in Box Elder County. The Cessna 172 was carrying two occupants, the pilot 71-year-old Denny Mansell, and a passenger 74-year-old Peter Ellis.

The plane took off from the Ogden Hinckley Airport on the afternoon of December 29 but never returned. The men had told family members, they planned to fly to the Promontory area and view the trains at the Golden Spike Historical Site from the air.

Box Elder County Sheriffs Chief Deputy Dale Ward said, Saturday morning searchers found an object believed to be an airplane, resting on the bottom of the Great Salt Lake, in approximately 14-feet of water. With the help of sonar equipment, they were able to determine that the object was an airplane about the size of the missing Cessna 172. There was also a sizable debris field around the aircraft.

Because of weather and equipment issues, dive teams have been unable to reach the site and determine if it is the same missing plane. They have postponed their dive temporarily until conditions improve.

Ward said searchers are confident that the located object has been absolutely identified as an

airplane, the general size and description of the missing Cessna 172.

During the past week, searchers analyzed radar data from the aircraft prior to its loss of signal. They also followed up on tips from the public and worked with analytical experts, known by the Mansell and Ellis families. They were able to determine, there was a high probability the aircraft was in the north part of the lake.

The missing aircraft is red and white in color. Its registration number is N4395R.

Deputies, along with search and rescue teams have been assisted by the Utah Department of Public Safety, Civil Air Patrol, Box Elder Communications Center, Utah Division of Natural Resources, and the Weber County Scuba/Search and Rescue.

The recovery effort is expected to continue next week.

Ward said the family appreciates the publics help and respecting their privacy during this difficult time.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.comArtist membership applications are encouraged, especially from unrepresented regions of Texas. Applicants must paint daily, blog frequently, and reside in the Great State of Texas. To apply email: INFO on Artists Of Texas and include a link to your art blog or web site for jury panel review.Sisiku Ayuk Tabe Archives

Peu avant son interpellation le 5 janvier 2018 a Abuja au Nigeria, le president par interim dAmbazonie a accorde une interview exclusive a Cameroon-Info.Net. Sisiku Ayuk Tabe souligne quil est ouvert au dialogue pour mettre un terme a la crise sociopolitique dans les regions du Nord-Ouest et du Sud-Ouest, il pose neanmoins des conditions a remplir avant ce dialogue avec le regime. Il indique quil na jamais signe de contrat avec une firme canadienne pour lexploitation du petrole dans la peninsule de Bakassi.

After your declaration of Independence on the 1st October 2017, what is the next step forward?

After the declaration of our independence on October 1st, we have come ahead to name a government. We now have a government in place. There are secretaries of states for different ministries. We have a vice president, we have ambassadors to respective parts of the world and we are going to get to work. As we speak now, our main priority is getting nations of the world to recognize our nation. And when this is done, we will look for the recognition from the African Union and eventually at the United Nations, and we will deal with the setting up of our structures and when we go to Buea, it will eventually be a great mission.

What is your reading of the political situation in the North West and South West regions, of Cameroon in general and of Africa?

Well, It is regrettable the political situation in our nation. The situation in Africa is not also not as great except that we got a small hope in Zimbabwe lately but the African Union being silent on our situation given the magnitude of atrocities that Mister Biya has leveled on our people is regrettable. We believe that political situation will only end up in one thing, - the defeat of Mister Biyas forces out of our land to his rightful boundaries, because we are two neighboring nations. Mister Biya knows and the world should know that there is not act of union between those two nations. So the concocted union of 1961 between the French Cameroon and the former British Southern Cameroon was never materialized and we are going to make sure that as we have started, those two nations will just be brotherly nations, now the relationship between those nations will depend on how we cement the separation because if Mister Biya continues with this his ruthless attitude on our people, then in future the two nations might not be so brotherly.

What is your reaction of the recent acts of violence in the Anglophone regions?

My reaction is that of shock. I am appalled by Mister Biya's brutality on our people. Our people have been peace-loving, they continue to be peace-loving. This our restoration movement has been peaceful and we are people who are unarmed and we have continued to use the first of the argument of our case. We have the right and self-determination that our forefathers were never handed over the certificate of sovereignty for their independence and most importantly, they did not sign any act of union with Mister Amadou Ahidjo, Biya's predecessor. On the strength of these arguments, we know that we have the right to form our own nation which we have declared the restoration on the 1st October 2017 and no matter any acts of violence that are perpetrated by Mister Biya on our people, our resolve to form our nation is firm and we are going to make sure that that happens.

What is the situation of the Cameroonians who ran into the Cross River State of Nigeria and what project do you have for them?

The people who have run into Cross River State and most parts of Eastern States of Nigeria are not Cameroonians, they are former British Southern Cameroonians, but now we call them ambazonians. That situation is deplorable because some of them trekked for five days in the bushes before getting into Nigeria. Of course, most of them are women and little children. The question many people ask is what happened to the men? We have just been informed, either some of the men were just killed, some of them have been disappeared by the forces of Mister Biya or some of them are hiding in the bushes. So the situation is bad and in terms of projects, what we have done is to launch a worldwide campaign, a relief campaign and containers of relief material; clothing, food, medications that our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora have gifted and most of those containers are coming and we hope the containers get into Nigeria before Christmas. We are working with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to make sure that some form of accommodation is provided to our people. In the government that I just announced, we have the department of Health and Social services that is particularly handing that, and thankfully, the under secretary for that department is actually here in Nigeria and she has been on the field and she is still on the field and is providing much support to the refugees. We want to take advantage of this to thank all our brothers and sister in the Diaspora and well-wishers across the world who have come to of our refugees to provided them with much needed relief at this time.

What are your projects and what are the means you have to realize them?

We have lots of projects for all the teams and departments that we have created to resolve the ongoing crisis. The seven ministerial departments we have created are working on their mandates now and they have each got projects which are meant to quickly take us to Buea and when we get to Buea, we will enlarge our team to cover all the functional ministries and the act of nation building will get off in endless.

Until which level are you prepared with your project of the division of Cameroon?

I don't know about the nation of Cameron, those are two different nations. The Republic of Cameroon and former British Southern Cameroon now called the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, those countries have never been one, they are not one today, they will not be one tomorrow. They are two different nations and we hope to keep the as such and to continue to build our own nation that has been devastated and abandoned in the last 56 years.

Have authorities of Yaounde got into contact with you for dialogue?

No authority in Yaounde has gone in contact with me or any member of my team for any dialogue what so ever.

Are you prepared to dialogue with the Yaounde regime, if yes on what conditions?

Of course we are open to dialogue, however the conditions for us to dialogue with the Yaounde regime are as follows:

1- Mancho Bibixy, Penn Terence and all our brothers and sisters who have been arrested unlawfully and put in all the prisons across the Republic of Cameroon and our ambazonians cells must be released unconditionally,

2- Mister Biya must take his forces of disorder from our zone, the military, the gendarmes must vacate our cities,

3- There must be an unconditional amnesty for all those who are in the Diaspora since Mister Biya's airport looks like the only airport through which most of our people want to come home, that must be opened to them without any hesitation,

4- Any dialogue that we want to have with Yaounde must happen out of both our countries, the Federal Republic of Ambazonia and the Republic of Cameroon. That dialogue must be mediated by international organizations preferably the United Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, the European Union, in the presence of France, the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Those are our conditions for us to have a meaningful to look for the root cause of the problem.

A Canadian firm claims to have signed a contract with you to exploit fuel in Bakassi, how true is this and if yes, what are the terms of the said contract?

I have never, not me, not any member of my team has signed any Canadian firm or any firm for that matter, so that is a false claim. We haven't signed any contract with any company for any fuel exploitation in the Bakassi or anywhere in our region for that matter.

When did you start having the idea of the Independence of Southern Cameroons?

The restoration of independence of Southern Cameroons is something that has been mentioned by our forefathers from the word go, that is why the independence vote or the joining vote was 60 to 40. 40 % of the people voted against that and you have to remember, they were caught between the rock and the hot plate the choice they had was joining the Republic of Cameroon or joining Nigeria. In one side, they had left the Republic of Nigeria in 1954, so seven years later, asking them to go back to the Federal Republic of Nigeria or do anything else, was giving them the octane choice of no choice at all. So our people were given one choice of joining the Republic of Cameroon and yet 40% of the people voted against. For me personally, I think the moment I started reading our history the problems our people were facing, not only the problems they were facing but I read through the right we had to make a decision on our future. That right has been deprived from us for long time. It became obvious to me that somebody had to do something about it and so my quest for the restoration for our independence has developed and grown as I learn more about our history. The realization that our forefathers for our independence were never handed the certificate of sovereignty is an insult to us and the knowledge that even the act of union between our two nations was not signed and yet we have been treated as second class citizens and slaves for the last 56 years adds salt to injury, so I think we have a duty, a responsibility to now move our nation to become independent, to take our destiny into our own hands and thats exactly what we are doing.

How did you manage and follow up the manifestations of last 1st October?

Prior to 1st October 2017, I declared the restoration of our independence on the night of 30th September to the 1st October. It was a moment of great pride, it was a moment of joy, although the joy became short lived because as we got up in the morning and started seeing the images of our peace-loving people going out of the streets and celebrating the restoration of their independence. And then we saw the barbaric nature with which Mister Biyas forces came on our people and the genocide that came after. No matter what happened, that is a day in our history that we will never forget, a day that our people decided to stand up as one person to say that enough is enough and that they were taking their destiny into their own hands. I am very proud to be alive to witness this. I am very happy, I am humble to be part of this story, I am particularly humble to be the leader of this great restoration movement at this time. I think we are so lucky to be alive as ambazonians in the 56 years history of our nation. Anyone who is alive now and is partaking in this restoration movement must be very proud because many would have wished to be in our situation, some have gone to meet the Lord. And so those of us who are here now, we have a place in history but we owe to those who have to come after us to tell them what we were doing in 2017. So particularly for the date of 1st October, I think those are the moments of your life where you say, where were you on this date. And I still remember very well where I was on that date. I will see when we get to Buea to tell the world where I was on the 1st October 2017.

Are there any foreign partners on whom you count on this project of Independence?

As soon as we declared our independence, all options for the restoration for a nation, for the sovereignty and of the rebuilding of nation came on the table for us. So we have all the options available now, we would meet foreign partners to make that a reality and I am almost certain that that is what we are working towards and it is looking very good.

What missions are you assigning to the Government you just created?

As I said, we have created a government with seven ministries and ambassadors. The first mission for the ambassadors is to seek recognition by member states. We have deployed ambassadors across the world, to all continents and we are going to continue to deploy more ambassadors as we become friendlier with more nations as we make our case head to other nations, we are going to appoint more ambassadors and we hope that these ambassadors are going to get our recognition for our nation which will eventually translate to the recognition by the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations. That's the priority project for the government, once we get recognition, all other ministries are still working and preparing themselves for the day when we get to Buea and we hit the ground running.| BY Ricki Green |

Australian lingerie label Honey Birdette has launched a new campaign starring British bombshell Roxy Horner.

Titled Do Not Disturb, the campaign stars Horner as she checks-in at a glamorous hotel for a night of debauchery. Surrendering to temptation, pushing all the limits and revealing a bold sensual femininity.

Featuring 12 new lingerie collections; comprising of bras, briefs, thongs, suspenders, chemises and playsuits, the campaign is dominated by a dark decadent palette of black, blush, midnight blue and red.

Each look is styled with Honey Birdettes extensive range of hosiery and perfectly complimented by the white decor of the hotel suite.

The campaign stills are accompanied by a one minute video and like the visuals are overflowing with sensuality and sexual empowerment.

The Honey Birdette Do Not Disturb collection will be available exclusively at Honey Birdette Boutiques in Australia and the United Kingdom, as well as via its Australian, UK and USA online stores.

Creative Director & Photographer: Florian Semanaz

Model: Roxy Horner

Make-Up: Chloe Langford, DLM

Hair: Jayde Turner-Ledwidge, DLM

Videographer: George Tyler| BY Lynchy |

MullenLowe Group China has appointed Dixi Chern to the role of Unilevers Business Director in China.

Chern (pictured left) joins the network with over 10 years of industry experience having been in strategy roles in his past agencies at POSSIBLE and Mirum. Prior to joining MullenLowe Group China, Chern was Media Strategy Director at Starcom MediaVest where he worked on major campaigns for AB InBev across Greater China.

We have gone through a very comprehensive search in the past few months to find the right candidate to take up this vital role, said Richard Tan, CEO of MullenLowe Group China. The global MullenLowe Group has a very long tenure with Unilever for more than a century, and have had 25 years of partnership with Unilever China since 1993. Based on this long-lasting partnership, it is vital that our team leader for the account has the vision and relevant experience to deliver cutting-edge solutions, ensuring the Unilever brands stay ahead in a rapidy developing market.

The cohesiveness and creativity of the fully integrated agency model really attracted me, added Chern. This is a great opportunity and Im looking forward to playing that vital role to make a difference to the Unilever business development in China!| BY Lynchy |

Geometry Global Korea has appointed Mike Forster as its Managing Director. Forster (pictured left) was most recently Managing Director at Geometry Global Indonesia, and reports to Diana Cawley, CEO of Geometry Global Asia Pacific.

Forsters career has mostly centered on building brands and client relationships, with specific focus on brand activation and shopper marketing. Having worked in diverse markets from UK, Netherlands and Russia to Hong Kong and Malaysia, he has helped a number of global and local clients such as Unilever, Diageo, Philips and Coca-Cola, to name but a few.

Forster commented, Its an exciting time to be in South Korea and I believe the dynamic online to offline offer Geometry Global Korea has, with our focus on driving behavior change, uniquely positions us for success with international clients here. Whist the strength of the chaebols is a challenge, recent developments are opening new opportunities for foreign companies.The government of Tajikistan has tasked relevant ministries and agencies to take measures to establish direct air communication with Armenia, news.tj reports.

January 8, 2018, 14:46 Tajikistan prepares for establishing direct air communication with Armenia

STEPANAKERT, JANUARY 8, ARTSAKHPRESS:The governments of Armenia and Tajikistan signed an agreement on air communication on June 14, 2017.

By governments decree the Ministry of Transport together with other relevant ministries and agencies is ordered to take necessary measures to ensure the implementation of a government-to-government agreement between Tajikistan and Armenia on launching direct air communication.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan has been tasked to inform the Armenian side that Tajikistans respective internal procedures necessary for the agreements entry into force have been completed.

During the official visit of the President of Tajikistan to Armenia, the two Presidents agreed to consider the opportunity to launch direct flights.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said they are ready to provide privileges to Tajik partners within the frames of the open sky policy run by Armenia in the aviation field.news, latest-news

There's still not a lot happening around Canberra at the moment but the city's slowly starting to wake up. If you're at home with the kids on school holidays (hang in there, only three weeks left) or have some spare time yourself, here's a few ideas to fill in time this week. Love is in the air at the National Portrait Gallery on Friday January 12 as the Starstruck Summer Nights program takes the floor. There's a 3pm screening of Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom at the National Film and Sound Archive and then tango over to the NPG at 5pm for an after-dark tour and a party inspired by all things Baz. There will be live ballroom dancing, a special performance, and a soundtrack to tempt you to move your feet. There's bar service and snacks available from Broadbean Catering. Friday, January 12, from 5pm-8pm. National Portrait Gallery, Parkes. Exhibition ticket required for tour element only. Make the most of the summer evenings by heading up to the National Aboretum on Friday evenings to enjoy not only the views but food, wine and music. The Curatoreum Shop, National Bonsai and Penjing Collection and Pod Playground will be open until 9pm. Free guided forest walks leave at 6pm and 6.30pm. Free entry and parking. No bookings required. On Friday January 12, hear the Leisa Keen Trio play well-known jazz and pop hits and on Friday January 19, enjoy listening to Mitch Campas play contemporary Top 40, rock, retro and dance music. Friday nights, January 12 and 19, 5pm-9pm, National Aboretum, Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway. Head down to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin on Tuesday nights (weather permitting) for Yoga by the Lake with Kayla Bonney. The class is run in Bowen Park on the Kingston foreshore and is perfect for all levels. The class goes for 60 minutes with 10 minutes of meditation at the end of the class. The class is perfect for beginners and more advanced students as there are lots of posture adjustments offered to suit all needs. The class usually begins slow building to some more dynamic sequences in the middle and stretching to conclude. The class is on a donation basis but there is no pressure for anyone to pay, says Bonney, she just wants everyone to enjoy Yoga. More details on Facebook @yogawithkayla or on Instagram @inspiredphysiology_and_yoga Tuesday nights, 6pm, Bowen Park. The Openair Cinema on the Patrick White Lawns by the National Library kicks off this week. Opening night is Thursday January 11, with a screening of Wonder (bring tissues) and live music by Amy Jenkins from 7pm before the film. It's a great program of films until the end of February, from Star Wars: The Last Jedi to Dirty Dancing. With live music on Saturday and Sunday nights, Friday Sessions and OZHarvest Soul Sundays, there's something for everyone. A great way to see out summer. Openair Cinemas, Patrick White Lawns by the National Library of Australia, January 11 to February 25, gates open at 6pm. Tickets from $20. Star Lounge $40 tickets include a reserved bean lounger, warm blanket hire, wait service and a glass of wine. I'm sure the kids have voiced their opinion consistently over the holidays so take them along to the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House to check out the revamped PlayUp space. Recently transformed the exhibition now focuses on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child in a playful way. From listening pods and a roleplay Kindness Cafe to a fuzzy felt wall and craft activities, the creative exhibition space celebrates the role of children in our community and provides a welcoming environment for families to engage in the rights and responsibilities of children through imagination and play. Free after admission, MOAD, Parkes, open daily from 9am-4pm.

/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/46c16c8e-aa3a-4485-bdc2-1c383f889386/r0_97_1947_1197_w1200_h678_fmax.jpgnews, latest-news

Police searched two properties on Monday as part of the murder investigation of a man in Rivett last December. After Bobby Stuart Allan, 48, died on December 17, police have asked witnesses who may have seen him the evening before to come forward. ACT Policing said a male person was assisting with enquiries, and that about 8.25pm on Saturday December 16, Mr Allan was at Kingsley's Weston Creek and appeared to be accompanied by a woman. Police suspect he was driving his red and white Ford Falcon utility that evening and are also calling for information from witnesses who may have seen it out, or who may be able to identify the woman in images taken at Kingsley's Weston Creek. The ute with NSW registration BS82FE, and in particular the people who removed it from Mr Allan's residence, remain at the centre of the police investigation. On Saturday, December 23, police searched CCTV footage in the area to the north-east of the Fisher shops, finishing in the vicinity of a bike path that runs between 108 and 110 Badimara Street. Police found a number of items of interest on the bike path, including a brown wallet and a black plastic cash tray. Detectives are investigating their link to Mr Allan through forensic testing, although results are not yet available. ACT Policing asks anyone with information to contact it on 131 444, or to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/45dc7552-f469-4201-9985-fd209424594f/r0_129_410_361_w1200_h678_fmax.jpgHis work is informative, topical, funny and quirky and, very importantly, it offers a personal touch. He writes in a style we can call the Simbu School of writing  eloquent, realistic, gritty. He has no respect for stultifying political correctness. He won the 2014 Crocodile Prize essay award.

Sil never ceases to surprise with the range of topics he addresses in his journalism. Stylistically, he walks in the footsteps of the great essayists.

He also authored a significant book, launched in Canberra in 2013, The Flight of Galkope, a magical combination of Simbu history and myth brought to modern times with a thoughtful discussion about the prodigious Simbu diaspora.

TUMBY BAY - Kela Kapkora Sil Bolkin has been a consistent and popular contributor to PNG Attitude and the Crocodile Prize for many years.

Sil was undertaking post-graduate study at the Australian National University when The Flight of Galkope was launched by Charles Lepani, at the time PNGs high commissioner to Australia.

I flew down from Hervey Bay for the event and found to my dismay that the publisher had lost the entire shipment of books. We were undeterred: the book was launched that day with the single proof copy.

The consignment arrived the following day and, as we were both flying out of Canberra, Sil met me at the airport and presented me with a copy.

Now the essays have begun to appear again. Sil hasnt lost any of his bite and readers can look forward to a steady stream of incisive pieces. Sil Bolkin is a substantial and significant Papua New Guinean writer. Heres one of my favourites.

__________

Papua New Guinea as a banana republic: the Chinese Li Wu

KELA KAPKORA SIL BOLKIN

First published in PNG Attitude in February 2014

PORT MORESBY - A recent incident I witnessed at the Taurama Shopping Centre in Port Moresby ended up posing some important questions for all Papua New Guineans.

An argument started between a Tari man in a Chinese kaibar and the Chinese man on the other side of the counter. Moments later, a towering Chinese man came out and punched the 1.5 metre Tari man into submission.

He was beaten and bruised to the point of exhaustion and, as you might expect, two of his Tari wantoks came to the rescue and nearly punched and kicked the tall Chinese man to death.

The public who witnessed the incident were divided in their support. The pro-Chinese mob said the Chinese had created employment and paid taxes through their businesses. They said Papua New Guineans do not create employment but sit and gamble (bom or 7-leaf) or talk politics and wait for free handouts.

They added that Papua New Guineans finding themselves with some money become one-day-millionaires and go on a drinking spree and sing until dawn. They concluded that PNG men and women have no business acumen and should not talk about Chinese business aggression.

On the dissenting side, the pro-Taris said most of the Chinese come into the country through back door deals with politicians and immigration officials and corrupt every system in place. They said being citizens of a superpower doesnt give Chinese the right to break the laws of a small country and trample on its citizens.

As the arguments went on, they almost erupted into another melee but police officers speedily arrived on the scene, and this was most interesting.

Two police cars arrived containing high ranking officers. The Chinese called these senior police officers by name and chatted with them. It was evident they were friends. The policemen ignored the bruised Tari man.

I started taking photographs but an obese policeman demanded that I delete them on the spot. I deleted the shots while he watched. One of the policemen said, You journalists write bullshit. I told him I was not a journalist and didnt even know how to write.

No one could find out the reason for the argument because the Tari man could not speak good Pisin and the Chinese culprit could only speak Mandarin. People tried to ask the young women in the kaibar to explain what went wrong but the Chinese told them not to talk.

Anyhow, no arrests were made. The Taris were told to go home and refrain from being such nuisances and one of the Chinese came out of the kaibar and gave the police servings of rice and stew in takeaway cartons and some Coca Cola.

One of the policemen took the plastic bag without saying thank you and looked in the direction of the crowd, swore and told us to disperse. Maybe swearing at the public was an indirect way of saying thank you to his Chinese friend for the free lunch.

When the police left, a veteran public servant said the Chinese keep a black book that contains the names of the 80% of PNG politicians and bureaucrats who are given Li Wu.

Li Wu in Chinese Mandarin is gift or present and Her Li is a congratulatory gift. Most politicians when they are elected and ministers when they are appointed receive Her Li, the public servant said.

He added that around 80% of top police officers are on the payroll of Chinese businesses. Occasionally you hear people on the streets of Port Moresby say, Em ol polis bilong LGNA or Em ol polis bilong RH. LGNA and RH are, of course, Asian companies.

The incident at Taurama Shopping Centre seemed to confirm what the veteran civil servant had said about the black book and the various police officers in PNG in the pay of both government and Chinese and other Asians.

The Chinese are able to call top ranking police officers who within minutes will arrive to provide protection. The top officers release the Chinese and get junior police to assault Papua New Guineans.

One has to ask, Does the Li Wu to politicians and top bureaucrats make Chinese businessmen and women in Papua New Guinea immune to the laws of the independent state of Papua New Guinea?It's also why Giambra emphasized the need for campaign finance reform and is making it a major focus of his gubernatorial bid. He supports closing the so-called LLC loophole, a gap in election law which allows wealthy individuals to form multiple limited liability corporations and donate huge sums of money to candidates and committees.

He questioned the impact of Cuomo's campaign war chest on his policy-making decisions. The governor's campaign reported nearly $26 million in July and could have closer to $30 million when its latest filing is released later this month.

"How is it that an elected official can amass $26 million and not be compromised?" Giambra said.

Other than closing the LLC loophole he doesn't have a plan to address the state's campaign finance laws. He said he will talk to good government groups, such as the League of Women Voters, and key stakeholders about the best ways to reform the state's campaign finance system.

"It's all about special interest and it's all about campaign donations," he said. "We have to expose that and we have to fix that."

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}Toyota provided a glimpse into the future of mobility with the e-Palette concept, which made its debut at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show on Monday.

The study imagines a future where Toyota merely manufactures the hardware and other companies provide the software to operate the vehicle.



The automaker also announced the e-Palette Alliance alongside the physical concept. The Alliance encompasses a host of launch partners, including Pizza Hut, Amazon, Mazda, and Uber, which will all leverage Toyotas proprietary Mobility Services Platform (MSPF). The goal is to develop the right mobility services for the future alongside the appropriate vehicle.

As mentioned, that vehicle is the e-Palette. Toyota said the concept boasts an open interior ripe for customization. For example, the automaker imagines the concept vehicle as a package delivery van, a ride-sharing vehicle, and a mobile e-commerce vehicle.

The open interior design allows for purpose-built interiors to suit each of the mobility needs specifically. Thus, the e-Palette can shift from one service to the other and companies can ultimately share the platform. Pizza delivery vehicle by day, Uber ride-sharing vehicle by night.

Additionally, the automaker envisions the concept will come in three sizes to meet the needs of all businesses in the budding world of mobility services.

Various companies would take delivery of the e-Palette and provide their own self-driving-car software, while Toyotas Guardian technology works to ensure proper operation. The same MSPF can also provide over-the-air updates for self-driving systems.

The concept isnt quite a reality yet, however. The automakers president and namesake, Akio Toyoda, said the e-Palette concept and Alliance is a stepping stone for a new business model that balances traditional vehicle sales and new mobility services. Toyota hopes to conduct the first vehicle tests in the early 2020s and potentially provide mobility solutions for athletes competing in the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Photo Gallery

VideoThe long-awaited 2018 Ford Mustang Bullitt has yet to premiere but it has already emerged that the first production example will be sold by Barrett-Jackson at the companys Scottsdale auction on January 19, 2018.



Members of the Mustang 6G forums made the revelation after discovering that Lot #3006 is simply dubbed Ford Charity Vehicle and features a darkened image of the original Mustang Bullitt. The description then reveals that Ford Motor Company will auction a special new Ford Mustang at the event with 100 per cent of the hammer price benefiting Boys Republic.

Boys Republic is a private, all-boys school for troubled adolescents in California. Interestingly, Steve McQueen from Bullitt actually attended this school and went on to serve as honorary chairman in 1966 and 1975. Giving the proceeds of the auction to the school will be a perfect way to celebrate the Bullitt legacy.

It is understood that the new Mustang Bullitt will be based around the Mustang GT and therefore continue to use a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine. While it wont benefit from any significant performance increases, the styling of the Bullitt will be bespoke and include a dark green paint scheme, five-spoke wheels with chrome and black accents, distinctive badging, and some unique interior elements.

If reports prove accurate, the Mustang Bullitt will be shown to the world at the Detroit Auto Show.

PHOTO GALLERYGMC and Chevrolet introduced their mid-size pickup twins for the 2014 model year, and since then, changes have been relatively minor. However, a new report from AutoNews published on Monday claimed the GMC Canyon is in for a refresh this year.



The mid-size pickup received two notable updates since its re-introduction: a 2.8-liter Duramax inline-4 cylinder engine and a range-topping Denali trim. Details on what a refreshed Canyon will include are scarce, but design tweaks and new content are likely.

The report also reiterated news that the 2019 GMC Sierra will not show up at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. Instead, Chevrolet will debut the 2019 Silverado in full after its surprise showing in Texas last month.

It will be the first time since 1998 that GMC and Chevrolet will not reveal the latest full-size pickups together. GM President Dan Ammann told the publication that GMC will work to broaden its appeal and further differentiate itself from Chevrolet. While the Sierra and Silverado may be mechanically related, the designs will likely differ quite a bit.

The North American International Auto Show will be heavy on trucks, dictated by consumers relentless appetite for utility vehicles. In particular, the Ford Ranger is rumored to debut at the show and will provide direct competition to the GMC Canyon and its Chevrolet Colorado cousin.

Note: current generation 2017 GMC Canyon picturedThe unimaginable pain and heartache caused by the judge's decision to return shared custody of innocent souls Aubrey and Chloe Berry to their father is worsened in that this heinous murder was avoidable.

The judge was informed by Child Services of two issues concerning the children's safety while in their father's care. Rather than err on the side of caution as is done in restraint order applications, she chose to side with the rights of the accused over the rights of the innocent.

Three things can be gleaned from this. One, many years from now the judge will have filed this decision under "woulda, shoulda, coulda" and her life will carry on. Two, Chloe and Aubrey's lives won't. Three, the time is long overdue for judges to be elected and accountable to the people.

But let's not stop there, the same can be said about the senate. Another example of an appointed position with no accountability and one where you are paid whether you show up for work or not. In addition, we should consider the Parole Board. The lenient sentences being given by appointed judges render the board purposeless. We can all start to improve our lives with as little as a click of a mouse, let your voice be heard. It takes less effort than brushing your teeth and just could improve our lives.

Robert Brown

Photo: Contributed

Police say a Canadian man arrested in the U.S. and charged in the death of his ex-girlfriend last spring has been escorted back to southwestern Ontario.

Ager Hasan, 24, is accused of second-degree murder in the death of his ex-girlfriend Melinda Vasilije, 22, whose body was found with multiple stab wounds in her home in Kitchener, Ont., in April 2017.

Border records show Hasan had already crossed into New York state by the time police had issued a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest, shortly after Vasilije's death.

He has been in police custody since he was arrested in San Antonio, Texas, in July.

Waterloo police say they worked collaboratively with American law enforcement officials to return Hasan to Canada through the extradition process.

He will appear in court in Kitchener on Monday.A central New York used car dealer has been arrested for allegedly failing to pay more than $206,000 in sales taxes to the state Department of Taxation and Finance.

Samy S. Guindy, 53, of 2746 W. Foxhill Lane, Camillus, has been charged with two counts of second-degree grand larceny, 30 counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and 30 counts of third-degree criminal tax fraud, all felonies.

The charges stem from Guindy's ownership of two used car dealerships in Syracuse, Auto Hunter on Lodi Street and the now-defunct Auto Solution of CNY on West Genesee Street.

Guindy is accused of under-reporting sales from December 2010 through August 2015 at Auto Solution of CNY. He failed to pay at least $68,856 in sales taxes to the state, authorities said.

As owner of Auto Hunter, he allegedly under-reported sales from December 2010 through May 2017 and failed to remit at least $137,717 in sales tax payments.

"Sales tax fraud deprives the state and the communities where these businesses operate of revenue needed for vital services, and forces honest taxpayers to shoulder the burden," said Nonie Manion, acting tax commissioner.

The case will be prosecuted by the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office.

If convicted, Guindy faces up to 15 years in prison.

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UPDATE: 3:50 p.m.

Kamloops RCMP are urging the driver involved in a fatal pedestrian collision Sunday night to come forward.

They're asking for the publics assistance and say due to darkness, the driver may have thought they hit an animal.

There is no illumination on that stretch of Highway 5, and the victim was dressed in black.

ORIGINAL: 6:15 a.m.

A body was left lying on a Kamloops highway Sunday night after a hit-and-run collision.

Police were called to the scene in the southbound lanes of Highway 5, near the Trans-Canada Highway junction, just after 9 p.m.

The 911 call reported a body lying on the road.

Police and emergency services found a 21-year-old deceased male who appeared to have been struck by a vehicle, which did not stay at the scene. The victim is not a Kamloops resident, say RCMP Staff Sgt. Edward Preto.

The highway was closed for several hours while police investigated and reopened about 3:15 a.m. Traffic was diverted via Hwy 1 during the closure.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8277.Photo: Google Street View

UPDATE: 11:15 a.m.

All lanes of Tranquille and Eighth Street in Kamloops are now open  to motorists only.

Pedestrians are still being diverted away from the area, police say.

ORIGINAL: 10:50 a.m.

A major Kamloops artery has been closed and a store evacuated due to a possible natural gas leak.

RCMP are redirecting traffic and pedestrians at the intersection of 8th Street and Tranquille Road.

Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says the Penny Pinchers store "experienced a structural problem, and until it is confirmed that the natural gas lines were not compromised, traffic will be diverted from the area."

Fortis Gas crews have been called to the scene.New York State Police are investigating a larceny that took place New Year's Eve in the town of Owasco.

Trooper James Wozniak said police are searching for a man and woman who stole several bottles of alcohol from Owasco Wines and Liquors on Owasco Road.

Wozniak said state police received a complaint after the store owner realized several bottles were missing. Upon further investigation, the trooper said, security footage showed a black male and female had entered the store at around 4 p.m. Dec. 31 and took three bottles of alcohol.

"She placed a bottle in her purse and the male placed two bottles in his jacket," Wozniak said, noting that the alcohol was worth around $100.

Police said there was no weapon involved as the couple could be seen calmly leaving the store. It was unknown if the suspects had a vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Wozniak at (315) 255-2767.

Staff writer Megan Blarr can be reached at (315) 282-2282 or megan.blarr@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter @CitizenBlarr.

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Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.GAC 2017 sales surpass 2 million

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) delivered 178,264 vehicles in December, 2017, up 5.73 percent year on year, but down 1.24 percent month on month. By the end of December, the group sold a total of 2,001,036 vehicles in the whole year, jumping 21.27 percent compared with the year before.

The outstanding sales performance of both joint ventures and self-owned brands contribute together to the sales growth. In the last month of 2017, the delivery of passenger vehicles under GAC self-owned brands reached 43,600 units, increasing 20.79 percent from a year earlier. In 2017, the total sales of passenger vehicles from GAC self-owned brands were around 508,600, growing 36.7 percent compared with 2016.

In 2017, all of GACs joint ventures saw sales growth. GAC Honda handed over 705,000 vehicles last year, exceeding its annual sales target and increasing 10.37 percent year on year. The delivery of GAC Toyota also surpassed its annual sales target with a total volume of 442,400 units, up 4.88 percent compared with the previous year.

The sales of GACs another joint venture with Japanese automakers, GAC Mitsubishi, doubled in the past year. GAC Mitsubishis delivery soared 110 percent to 117,400 vehicles in 2017, the highest growth rate among all subsidiaries of GAC.

GAC FCA sold 222,332 vehicles in 2017. The sales of locally produced Jeep models surged 57 percent compared with the previous year to over 200,000 units.FAW Car acquires 10% stakes in Mobike Chuxing

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- FAW Car Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as FAW Car) announced on Jan. 7 that it signed strategic cooperation agreements with Management Committee of Guian New Area, Guizhou Province and Guian New Area Mobike Chuxing Technology Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as Mobike Chuxing). Besides, it also signed a cooperative production framework agreement on EV project with Sitech Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Sitech).



According to the strategic cooperation agreement signed with Mobike Chuxing, FAW Car plans to acquire 10% stakes in Mobike Chuxing. Joining forces with Mobike Chuxing is deemed as the most significant measure among FAW Car's three agreements.

It is revealed from the agreement that FAW Car will be the product provider and manufacturer of Mobike Chuxing. Besides, FAW Car stated that they will cooperate in car manufacturing and research in customized vehicle segment as well as vehicle sales in mobility service area. Both parties will share such relevant resources as operational experience, operating modes, customer data, etc. Besides, they will also share other advantageous resources, including but not limited to financial service and after-sale network.

The cooperation agreement between FAW Car and Guian New Area showed that FAW Besturn brand will set up an office in Guian Jin'gang Automobile Culture Park, mainly taking in charge of brand promotion, experience and sales for the full lineup of FAW's brands.

FAW Car and Guian New Area will jointly promote the model development and cooperative manufacture for Sitech. What's more, they will also conduct comprehensive cooperation in Mobike's ride-sharing customization development, integrated platform building between vehicles, charging piles and network, as well as a green mobility demonstration area in Guizhou Province.

In accordance with the strategic cooperation agreement signed with Sitech, FAW Car and Sitech will produce NEV products and derivative models at FAW Car's factory, based on FAW Car's NEV manufacturing licenses. In principle, the existing equipment of FAW Car will be prefered to use in car manufacturing. Their cooperation will remain in force from the signing date to Dec. 31, 2022.In our daily experience space has three dimensions. Recently, however, a physical phenomenon that only occurs in four spatial dimensions could be observed in two experiments. The theoretical groundwork for those experiments was laid by an ETH researcher.

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 Chens group at the University of Pittsburgh in the USA has realized Oded Zilberbergs 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

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 whats 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.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,...China releases intelligent auto development strategy





Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 5, 2018, National Development and Reform Commission of PRC released a draft of the innovative development strategy of intelligent vehicles for public comments.



In this draft, it firstly elucidates the development blueprint of China's intelligent auto industry.

It states that by the end of 2020, the framework of technical innovation, industrial ecosystem, traffic network facilities, product regulations and information security will be basically formed. The sales of intelligent vehicles will account for over 50% of total vehicle sales in 2020.

It is predicted that in 2020, over 30 million vehicles may be sold in China. If intelligent vehicles could really take up 50% of overall auto sales, then the annual sales of intelligent vehicle will reach more than 15 million units among which the sales of L3 (including higher level) intelligent vehicles are expected to surpass 3 million units.

Meanwhile, LTE-V2X will cover 90% of Chinas major cities and expressways. Satellite navigation system BeiDou with extreme accuracy will accomplish full coverage around China.

By 2025, China should form a more mature nationwide intelligent vehicle system on basis of 2020. 5G-V2X basically meet the demands of Chinas auto industry development. Almost every new vehicle will be featured with intelligent applications and synergy of drivers, vehicles, roads and cloud will be achieved.

By 2035, China plans to become an automobile power in the world with its intelligent vehicles renowned globally and build an intelligent auto society of security, high efficiency and civilization.

From the above strategic visions, it could be learned that developing intelligent vehicles is imperative for China to become a world-class auto power. To achieve this goal, making a reasonable overall arrangement is very crucial. Taking technical innovation for instance, the industrial reformation may result from innovation of technologies, at the same time, building an independent innovation system requires to mutually develop core technologies, testing and evaluation system and demonstration running management.

Previously, China was short of relevant laws in intelligent vehicle area. The draft also clarifies that a suitable law system should be built to ensure auto enterprises having legal support.Google fired Damore after he wrote a 10-page memo titled "Google's Ideological Echo Chamber: How bias clouds our thinking about diversity and inclusion." Though initially circulated internally in July, it reached a wide audience in August when Motherboard published the memo, saying the "anti-diversity memo" had gone "internally viral" at the Mountain View-based technology company. The memo said that "genetic differences" may explain "why we don't see equal representation of women in tech and leadership."The sweeping tax reform bill, signed into law on Dec. 22 by President Donald Trump, permanently lowers the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. In the wake of its passage, more than 120 companies have announced bonuses affecting about 1 million employees, according to Americans for Tax Reform, the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit started by anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist.Suppliers that sell more than $300,000 of goods annually to Whole Foods will be required to discount their products by 3 percent (for groceries) or 5 percent (for health and beauty products) to fund the new program. Local suppliers will also have to pay $110 for each four-hour product demonstration by Daymon, while national suppliers will have to pay $165. Daymon did not respond to requests for comment."They might think they're not a good cook or a recipe doesn't work when in fact they just aren't using the right tools. ... So you'll have one person using a frying pan and trying to braise in it and that is generally not going to work very well," says Mollenkamp, whose cookbook "Keys to the Kitchen" (Chronicle Books, $35) details pan shapes and materials and how they can affect what you're cooking.On Sunday (January 7), Tom Hanks, Frances McDormand, Michelle Williams, host Seth Myers and the biggest names in Hollywood will be attending the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. But what makes this award show unique is its much-envied dinner menu, and this year, TV and film stars will be dining on world-class dishes and desserts made by executive chef Alberico Nunziata and executive pastry chef Thomas Henzi.



"The 75th anniversary of the Golden Globes is truly a milestone year for the prestigious awards show, and I'm thrilled to be leading the team in creating the special menu for this event," Nunziata said. "We have an incredibly talented culinary team, and we are looking forward to presenting another show-stopping menu for guests this year."



The Beverly Hilton's executive chefs curated a three-course menu for the Golden Globes that begins with a delicata appetizer consisting of burrata cheese, opal basil, teardrop tomatoes, Taggiasca olives, golden frisee, garlic flowers, roasted butternut squash, and purple sweet potatoes with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.





This is followed by an entree of Mediterranean Chilean sea bass served with red beet parmesan risotto, Castelvetrano olive tapenade, broccolini florets, golden stripe baby beets, yellow squash, and zucchini. To round out the meal, guests will enjoy a dessert of Efendi, made with white chocolate coffee cream, coffee liqueur biscuit, Frangelico mascarpone, and crunchy praline.



Moet & Chandon will provide the Champagne for the awards with more than 1,500 Moet & Chandon Imperial minis, 125 cases of Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006, and Moet Rose Imperial magnums. Additionally, 500 Moet 75 drinks (the official cocktail of the Globes) featuring Moet Champagne and honeyed citrus with a candied blood orange slice garnish will be served.



Sunday marks the 43rd consecutive year and the 47th time that The Beverly Hilton has hosted the star-studded event.



The live broadcast will air Sunday, January 7, at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on NBC.In 1982, Sidney (Poitier) received the Cecil B. DeMille Award right here at the Golden Globes, and it is not lost on me that at this moment there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this same award, Winfrey said in her acceptance speech. It is an honor, and it is a privilege to share the evening with all of them, and also with the incredible men and women who inspired me, who challenged me, who sustained me and made my journey to this stage possible.I said to her, I am not trying to be mean, but that is totally gross. You just put all of your germs into that tester. You don't know if you are coming down with the flu tomorrow or might have an eye infection, etc., etc. Ellen, please remind your readers not to spread their germs in testers meant for everyone! Personally, I will not use anything from a tester for this reason. If I buy something and I don't like it, I will return it; I won't risk getting some inconsiderate person's illness!And Lewis, who says she is making a good recovery from an October stroke (she in 2015 endured treatment for brain cancer), said she had also received a gracious apology for the gaffe from journalist Neil Steinberg and that she was touched by the first line: Karen Lewis was fearless.Geely Auto delivers over 1.24M vehicles in 2017, eyes 1.58M in 2018

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Monday, Geely Auto announced that it handed over 1,247,116 vehicles in 2017, soaring 63 percent compared with the previous year and setting another sales record. At the same time, the Hangzhou-based automaker eyes 1.58 million vehicle sales in 2018, jumping 27 percent compared with 2017.



In the last month of 2017, Geely Auto sold 153,625 vehicles, including the sales of Lynk & Co, surging 42 percent year on year. The monthly sales of Lynk & Co reached up to 6,012 units.

According to Geely, the main sales driver was its SUV portfolio, including the Boyue, the Emgrand GS, the Vision SUV and the Vision X3. The delivery of the Boyue in 2017 reached up to 286,885 units and its monthly sales have exceeded 30,000 units for 3 consecutive months.

As Geelys first crossover SUV, the Emgrand GSs December delivery was 18,850 units and its annual sales surpassed 150,000 units. The Vision SUV reported a year-on-year growth of 38.8 percent to 14,610 units in December, 2017. The total sales of Vision SUV in 2017 were 127,042 units.

In sedan segment, Geely delivered 25,074 the New Emgrands in December, 2017 and the models annual sales of last year totaled 264,432 units, up 9.7 percent year on year. The sales of the all-new Vision, launched in November last year, were 14,524 units in the last month of 2017.

As the first model in A+ class segment, the Geely Emgrand GL broke the December sales record with a total of 14,088 vehicles sold in December, 2017. The annual sales of Emgrand GL increased 39 percent year on year to 124,112 units.Near the site of your museum is the Museum of Science and Industry. Its a leftover from the Worlds Columbian Exposition of 1893, a showcase of Americas achievements. Yet there was a glaring exception, as Ida B. Wells, a black journalist, noted by distributing a pamphlet, The Reason Why The Colored American Is Not In The Worlds Columbian Exposition. Visitors to your museum, Mr. President, would learn what was bugging Wells if it had a window looking out on the site of Haitis pavilion at the worlds fair. Frederick Douglass spoke there  because no American exhibition would host him. Yet he was a major historical figure, an escaped slave and a leading abolitionist.The building was completed after Wright died, yet its construction quality was of the highest order, according to William Allin Storrers The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion, an authoritative survey of Wrights buildings. It materials include brick and Philippine mahogany trim. The building later became a bank and professional offices. It is currently empty  and the subject of a clash between preservationists and its owners.After he was hit in the chest, Brown ran to the 300 block of North Lorel Avenue, where he collapsed, police said.The housing allowance makes all the sense in the world, said the Rev. Chris Butler, pastor of Chicago Embassy Church, a small Pentecostal congregation on the South Side, who plans to appeal. If Im looking to be Gods pastor to this community and be available to folks inside and outside the congregation, in a city like Chicago, whether Im doing that as a pastor or an imam or the head of a nonprofit organization, it makes all the sense in the world that I live in that community. In a lot of these kinds of organizations, my church included, were not making the worlds biggest salary. This allowance is so important.The lakefront near Ohio Street Beach was largely empty on a weekday afternoon last week, with only a few people, like John Toner, brave enough to endure the temperatures. Toner, of Philadelphia, stopped to marvel and take a picture of the bobbing chunks of ice in the lake before he walked from the Near North Side to Boystown.Two robberies happened two minutes apart Tuesday, police said. The first was in the 6100 block of South Richmond Street at 11:20 a.m. and the second was in the 6200 block of South Rockwell at 11:22 a.m., police said."There's so much drama going on right now between Mr. Bannon and the president," he said. "I don't really know whether he would be willing to come to talk to members of Congress about the issue but my guess is that special counsel (Robert) Mueller will certainly want to talk to him and others as well and hopefully he can shed a little more light on what's going on and what he knew about Russian interference in our elections." (Rick Pearson)The simple fact is if we had the money in hand that everyone has promised us, wed be able to do everything we want to do and get through February. But Im finding out that people say that theyre doing it, and then you have to kind of chase them down, McCarthy told the Chicago Tribune on Monday. Im not positive on how its going to work out. I dont think we can wait much longer to make a decision. I dont know if were going to be able to do it before then or do it then, I really dont know.The decision comes amid intensifying talks between the White House and Congress on an immigration package that may include protections for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who came to the country as children and were temporarily shielded from deportation under an Obama-era program. Trump said in September that he was ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, but gave Congress until March to act.Ford to build new company in China for all PV business

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- According to insiders from Ford Motor, Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd (Changan Ford) and Ford Motor (China) Ltd. (Ford China) plans to build a sales new company to take charge of all Ford's PV businesses in China, including domestic vehicles of Changan Ford, imported vehicles of Ford brand, domestic and imported vehicles of Lincoln brand and PVs of Jiangling Motors (JMC), like SUV Everest, and be responsible for their sales management and marketing promotion.



Currently, Ford Motor's Chinese businesses can be divided into four major parts, Changan Ford, imported vehicles of Ford brand, JMC and Lincoln brand. All of them own independant sales system.

The new company will integrate resources from different parts to build a much more extensive sales network which may help reduce operating cost, optimize resource utilization and enhance its sales ability and service quality. For instance, vehicles of Jiangling Ford can be sold through the channels of Changan Ford and imported vehicles will get a broader sales network. Besides, it is beneficial for product position and avoiding rivalry among all products of Ford.Anne basically kept our pantry from falling into neglect, said Vera Fina, who back then was a pastoral associate at the church, and who later served as a legislative aide for Willer. She single-handedly made up the bags and decided what foods should go into them.Without her help we wouldnt have been able to stay afloat.Yes, Tehran would oppose all three of those. But Trump might gain new ways to apply pressure. The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. lawmakers  including Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the committee  are negotiating legislation that could set more stringent rules on when and how U.S. sanctions could be reimposed on Tehran.In presenting the budget in November, he said that the $830,000 reduction at the nursing home would be the "first of several years" as they try to achieve the necessary staffing and supplies for the 156 residents.As impressive as UTSA was on Saturday in beating Illinois 37-30, youd never guess the Roadrunners football program is only a decade old. Or that it was UTSAs first time facing a Big Ten opponent. UTSA never trailed in the season opener as Frank Harris was 20 of 32 for 280 yards and a touchdown and ran for a second score. Sincere McCormick carried 31 times for 117 yards, and Brenden Brady ran 11 times for 67 yards and two touchdowns.Board hearings on Pieri's employment status were put on hold pending the outcome of the criminal trial, according to earlier Tribune reports. In December 2015, Lake County Circuit Court Judge Victoria Rosetti found Pieri guilty of one count of false entry. He was found not guilty on two counts of official misconduct and two counts of theft of government property. He was sentenced to two years' probation, the Tribune reported. Prosecutors dropped the most serious count, theft of $100,00 or more, before the case went to trial.Top stories of China NEV market in 2017

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In the past year, the global auto industry has put great efforts in new energy vehicle segment. We made a summary about the top stories of new energy vehicle segment in China in the past year, for your reference.

NEV subsidies said to phase out in 2018

Even though relevant departments have decided in 2015 that NEV subsidy may phase out, it is still a surprise for many automakers when a draft of the phasing out plan was revealed.

The draft shows that it is much more difficult for NEVs to be qualified for the subsidy. The adjusted subsidy policy is likely to favor those vehicles with longer range and lower consumption, which will accelerate the elimination of low-end products and promote the development of the NEV technology.

Previously, the departments were said to reduce the subsidy by 20 percent before 2018, by 40 percent from 2019 to 2020, and be totally withdrawn in 2020.

Dual-credit Scheme to take effect

In September, relevant departments issued the dual-credit scheme, which will begin to take effect from April 1 this year. In 2019, new energy vehicle sales quota for automakers is set at 10 percent of their annual sales. For 2020, the new energy vehicle sales should account for at least 12 percent of automakers total sales volume.

Even though the scheme will be effective starting on April 1, the punishment for those which fail to meet the standard will actually begin from 2019.

Ever since the issue of the scheme, automakers at home and abroad have changed their attitude toward Chinas new energy vehicle market, especially global automakers. In order to gain more market shares in the new energy vehicle market and meet the requirements, many new joint ventures came into being in the last year, such as Zotye Ford and JAC VW.

New startups in new energy vehicle market

In the past year, several new startups managed to launch their mass-produced models against all suspicions.

On December 16, ES8, NIOs first mass-production vehicle, was officially launched in Beijing. At the launching ceremony, the Shanghai-based electric vehicle start-up unveiled the models price and presented many marvellous features and services, such as its swappable battery service system and NOMI artificial intelligence system.

Several days before ES8s launching, another startup, WM released its auto brand and its first SUV model also made debut at the launching conference. The SUV will be officially launched at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show.

NEV joint venture boom

In June, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. (JAC) and Volkswagen AG signed a joint venture agreement in Berlin, in the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The joint venture with JAC would be VWs third joint venture in China, which was forbidden before as foreign automakers could only establish up to 2 joint ventures in China.

Just a month later, BAIC and Daimler signed new framework agreement. Both parties would invest RMB 5 billion in total and introduce Mercedes-Benz battery electric vehicles to China. Besides, they would also set up a battery electric vehicle manufacturing base and power battery factory.

In August, another two joint ventures between global automakers and local ones came into being. The first one is the joint venture between Ford and Zotye. Both parties hold 50 percent of the joint ventures stake and they will offer battery electric vehicles under self-owned auto brands.

Renault-Nissan and Dongfeng entered joint venture agreement to build electric vehicles in China. The new joint venture, dubbed as eGT New Energy Automotive Co., will be owned 25 percent each by the two foreign automakers and 50 percent by Dongfeng.

China said to relax ownership limits on foreign joint ventures

Ever since the reforming and opening, it is stipulated that the foreign party should hold no more stake than the local one to protect Chinas auto industry. But this situation may be changed in new energy vehicle industry.

Zheng Zeguang, Vice Foreign Minister, said that the pilot project to ease control on the stake of special vehicle and new energy vehicle joint ventures will begin before June, 2018 in the free trade zone.

China planning to ban fossil-fuel powered vehicles

Xin Guobin, the vice minister of industry and information technology(MIIT), said at the International Forum (TEDA) on Chinese Automotive Industry Development that his ministry is working with other regulators on a timetable to end production and sales of traditional fossil-fuel powered vehicles.

Even though this plan is not about new energy vehicle, it will boost the expansion of new energy vehicle market. In October, Changan announced its Shangri-La Plan. According to the plan, Changan will start to ban the sales of traditional fuel-powered vehicles in 2025 and invest RMB 100 billion in new energy vehicle segment.

In the last month of 2017, BAIC also said that it will ban the sales of self-own branded traditional vehicles first in Beijing city in 2020. In 2025, the automaker will finally stop the sales and production of those vehicles across China.Wade was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the Dec. 11 fatal shooting in the Walmart parking lot in Fountain Square. Three other men had already been arrested on first-degree murder charges in connection with the shooting, which took the life of 23-year-old Jovan DuBose of Park City, according to authorities.Route 66 Art Show by Artists on the Bluff: From traditional to contemporary, guests can experience something new, something old, something familiar and something out of the ordinary, such as "Once In A Blue Moon," a painting on water by Amy Lee Segami. During the reception, you can meet several artists. 5:30 p.m. Friday, The Gallery , 202 E Wisconsin Ave., Lake Forest, free, 224-544-5961The coroner's vehicle, fire trucks and police cars lined the street and the alley behind the home Monday morning. Yellow crime-scene tape stretched to encompass the two houses on either side of the home with the pool and where the fire occurred. At one point, a fire official brought a yellow, waterproof bodysuit to the backyard, which is not visible from the roadway.The fee  which shows up as a separate line item on shoppers' receipts  does not apply to bags for bulk items, prescription drugs or dry cleaning, as well as yard waste or garbage bags, officials said. In addition, the fee does not apply to bags for purchases at farmers' markets or street fairs. Bags for restaurant carry-out orders and leftovers are also not subject to the fee, officials said.The death of an Oak Park resident who was found inside his residence along the village's eastern border has been ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.Because Benny's fund has raised more than $100,000, the family is able to select specific studies or initiatives they would like the money to go toward, Martinez said. They have asked that funds be used for research of medulloblastoma, the type of brain tumor Benny was diagnosed with 2016, and radiation necrosis, a side effect of the treatment he endured."The good thing, if there is a positive side to a water main break, was that it actually was in the park and we didn't have water in the street," said Public Works Director Mike Millette. "The ground where the break was had been disturbed a little while back for some work in the park, so the frost got in deeper."The latest issue of China Briefing Magazine, titled China Industries Outlook 2018, is out now and currently available to subscribers as a complimentary download from the Asia Briefing Publication Store.

In this issue:

Foreign Investment Performance

Healthcare Reforms Underscore Market Growth

How to Invest in Chinas Growing Education Subsectors

Pollution Controls Create Green Industry Opportunities

At Octobers 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that China had entered a new era. In this new era, according to Xi, Chinas economy and society has reached a turning point.

After then-leader Deng Xiaoping launched his bold reform and opening up policy in the late 1970s, China experienced economic growth and industrialization at a pace and scale unprecedented in human history. During this period, China lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, and became known as the factory of the world due to its outsized role in global manufacturing.

As a result of this breakneck development, China now faces myriad challenges. These include a rapidly aging society, an uneasy transition towards a knowledge-based economy, and a highly polluted environment. In Chinas new era, socioeconomic issues such as these are becoming more important than relentless economic growth and expansion. And foreign investment into China must adapt to respond to these new priorities.

In this issue of China Briefing magazine, we look at the industries that stand to gain from Chinas new era. First, we analyze macro-level foreign investment trends into China, and how the high-tech sector stands out above others. We then shift our focus to Chinas healthcare sector in the context of policy reforms and demographic changes.

Next, we examine how to invest in Chinas education industry, which has become a priority for the central government and private families alike. Finally, we consider how Chinas war on pollution introduces new opportunities for foreign investors.



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The Chinese version of a play based on incidents in ghettos during World War II is to be staged on the mainland toward the end of the year.









When Israeli playwright and director Joshua Sobol first read diaries describing life in the ghetto of Vilna, in Lithuania, during the World War II, he realized that there had been a theater in the ghetto.





Then, in 1982, he started to do research on the subject. He found that many of the people involved were still alive. He felt the urge to adapt the story into a play.





The theater, which was established by Jews who were pushed into the small ghetto by German soldiers, used to stage various shows, including operas, dance and plays.





Sobol could not fulfill his idea of turning the stories into a play until he shared these stories with his students at the Beit Zvi School for the Performing Arts in Israel.





Speaking about how he was moved to write the play, he says: "When I read the diaries of people living in the ghetto, what surprised me most is that they wrote songs which are full of life and hope during the most difficult times.





"Almost every day, people were taken away and killed in the forest some 12 kilometers from the ghetto," says Sobol.





"When I told them (my students) about the theater in the ghetto, they couldn't believe it. We talked about it for two hours, which made me realize that the play was right there."





In 1984, the play, titled Ghetto, premiered at the Haifa Theatre in Israel, and the play has been staged in more than 25 countries, including the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, and has been translated into 20 languages.





The play is scheduled to be staged in China in November, where it will be performed in Chinese for the first time.





Sobol will direct the play in Beijing working with Chinese actors.





His wife, Edna, the set and costume designer, who worked for six productions of the play, will do the set and costumes for the Chinese version.





Sobol recalls that he met a few survivors from the ghetto of Vilna and among them was a woman, who was only 17 when she first moved there.





"I asked what the theater meant to her and to her friends. And she told me that after very hard days of workforced labor by the German soldiersthey put on their best clothes to go to the theater to meet friends. The theater reminded them that they were still human beings," he says.



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.





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 on Thursday. The admission fee will still be pay-what-you-wish for New Yorkers.





Weiss says the extra moneyan estimated $6 million to $11 million per yearwill help bring long-term fiscal stability to the institution. The Met, which has a $305 million operating budget, registered a shortfall of about $10 million for its most recently completed fiscal year.





People from all over the world have been able to come to the museum and pay next to nothing since the museum was founded in 1870, but the number of people willing to pay the 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 says. "The current policy has failed."





Entrance will remain free to all children under 12 and the pay-what-you-wish suggested fee will still apply to students up to graduate school in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Students living outside the tristate area will be charged $12, while seniors will pay $17.





The fee change will affect about 30 percent of the museum's visitors. Weiss says the $25 fee will allow visitors to enter the Met over three consecutive days, instead of just one.





Two cousins from Bologna, Italy, who recently visited the Met chose to pay $15 each, saying they felt this amount was sufficient.





"But $25 is a lot. It's absolutely too much," says Francesca Betocchi, an attorney.





"We think art education should be a free, open door for everybody, not only for those who have more money," says her cousin, Paola Borri, a 51-year-old accountant.





Michael Dysart, a retired psychotherapist visiting the museum, says he understood its financial pressures.





"It's a complicated issue, because everyone needs more money nowall the institutions. They need to be financially secure, but at what cost? What's the trade-off?" he says.





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 decided by the visitor. Lawsuits in recent years have challenged signage at the museum listing a $25 "recommended" admission price, saying some visitors were misled into thinking they had to pay that amount.





Since 2004, the number of adults who have paid the suggested entrance price in full has dropped from 63 percent to 17 percent. Voluntary contributions now average just $9, the museum says.





Factors that may have contributed to this include the economic recession as well as Met programs aimed at attracting younger people.





Weiss says the Met's overall attendance has increased by 40 percent over the past eight years, racking up a record 7 million visitors last year.



Greek authorities were awaiting on Sunday for a formal briefing from U.S. authorities to launch the procedures for the repatriation of the Greek antiquities seized from a billionaire's home and office in New York city, Greece's Culture Ministry said in a press statement.







According to media reports U.S. authorities have seized many art works believed to have been looted from Italy and Greece from the home and office of billionaire- philanthropist Michael Steinhardt.





Among the items is said to be an ancient Greek oil vessel from the fifth century B.C. depicting a funeral scene.

Regarding this particular item, according to the Greek ministry's statement, Greek authorities have been closely cooperating with U.S. authorities for its identification over the past month.





Greece will submit comprehensive information to prove whether the seized items have been looted from the country, according to the press release.



The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will open in the second quarter this year, people familiar with the matter told China Daily.





Although a precise date has not been fixed, the bridge will start services officially around May to June, according to the sources.





The final commissioning date will partially depend on the construction progress of port facilities in Zhuhai and Hong Kong, the sources said.





The Macao checkpoint is more likely to be completed earlier considering its rate of progress, according to the sources.





Meanwhile, policies for cross-border traffic have yet to be reached among the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Guangdong province and the Macao SAR.





This includes the details of the cross-administration management mechanism like customs arrangements, emergency rescue plans and cross-border car insurance arrangements.





The central government will confirm the date later, according to the sources.





Recently, chief engineer of the HZMB Authority Su Quanke said that all work on the principal section-a 29.6-kilometer bridge-island-tunnel complex-is expected to be completed in early February and the contractors will conduct an official handover ceremony.





Except for the principal section, the bridge also consists of ports and link roads in Zhuhai and the Macao and Hong Kong SARs. Those works are conducted by the respective governments.





The 55-kilometer bridge, 20 times the length of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, connects Hong Kong in the east of the Pearl River Estuary with Macao and Zhuhai in the west.





Construction on it began in 2009. Once operational, it will shorten the four-hour drive from Hong Kong to Zhuhai to less than an hour and become the first completed infrastructure project built and managed jointly by the governments of Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao.



A total of 159,100 people were punished in 2017 for violating the Party's code of conduct and corruption in China, according to the top anti-graft body of the Communist Party of China (CPC).





They were involved in 122,100 cases, of which 48,700 were related to poverty alleviation work, said the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI).





Some 61,000 officials were punished for violating the Party's eight-point frugality code from January to November last year in 43,400 cases.





In order to have a deterrent effect, the CCDI also made public 670 cases of violating the Party's code of conduct and corruption on its website last year, based on reports from local Party disciplinary commissions.





A recent public opinion poll showed that 93.9 percent of those surveyed in 2017 were satisfied with the Party's anti-graft work, up from 2012's 75 percent.





Moreover, since the start of 2017, 1,300 fugitives have returned to China, including 347 Party members and state functionaries, as well as 14 who are on the list of 100 "red notice" corruption suspects.





Around 980 million yuan (151 million U.S. dollars) of illicit money has been recovered in the process.





China also held more than 50 consultations with foreign law enforcement departments in 2017 on major cases involving fugitives and illicit money, according to the CCDI.



You are here: China

China has dispatched several vessels to search for and rescue crew members after a Panama-registered oil tanker and a Hong Kong-registered bulk freighter collided Saturday evening, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Sunday.





Spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks in Beijing in response to a question about the collision of the two vessels off the east China coast.





"China attaches great importance to the accident," said Geng, adding that some of the crew members have been rescued while others are still missing.





Geng said China also dispatched several specialized cleaning vessels to prevent secondary disasters.





According to reports, the collision occurred at around 8 p.m. Saturday in waters about 160 sea miles east of the Yangtze River's estuary.





Reports say 32 crew members from the oil tanker, including 30 Iranian nationals and two Bangladeshi nationals, have gone missing.





Geng said the cause of the accident is still under investigation.



You are here: China

Two Chinese scientists, explosives expert Wang Zeshan and virologist Hou Yunde, won China's top science award Monday for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) poses for a photo with explosives expert Wang Zeshan (R) and virologist Hou Yunde, winners of China's top science award, at the National Science and Technology Award Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]



President Xi Jinping presented award certificates to them at an annual ceremony held in Beijing to honor distinguished scientists and research achievements.

He shook hands with them and offered congratulations.

Other leaders, including Li Keqiang, Zhang Gaoli and Wang Huning, were also present.

Monday's ceremony honored 271 projects and nine scientists with national prizes.

Seven foreign scientists won the International Science and Technology Cooperation Awards.

On behalf of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, Premier Li Keqiang extended congratulations to the prize winners and thanked foreign experts for their support to China's science and technology development.

While addressing the ceremony, Li called for more scientific and technological research in major disease prevention and control to improve people's well-being.

He said that more efforts should be made in food safety and pollution control to enable people to live a better life.

Li called for building China's strength in science and technology and urged increasing basic scientific research, diversifying investment in research and development, boosting integration of basic and applied sciences and enhancing innovative ability.

The Premier said China would pursue international cooperation in science and technology and take a more active role in the global innovation network.

"We welcome all kinds of talented people to join China's innovation and entrepreneurship campaign and share the development opportunities and achievements of innovation," he said.

Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli presided over the ceremony, which was attended by about 3,300 people.

Before the ceremony, Xi and other leaders met with representatives of the winners.

Also on Monday, Vice Premier Liu Yandong met with the seven scientists from the United States, Britain, Uzbekistan and Sweden who have won the International Science and Technology Cooperation Awards, and presented the medals to them.Portrait of Emmanuel Macron: Soazig de la Moissonniere / Presidency of the French Republic





The President of France Emmanuel Macron will be visiting China from January 8-10. This will be his first official visit in Asia since his electoral win over Marine Le Pen last May.

His selection of China shows the importance he attaches to the country. Recalling some of Macron's public comments during his pre-election campaign, it was clear he is favorably disposed towards the country.

In his view, "bilateral relations between China and France have historical meaning" and he is prepared "to further friendly ties," with a focus on many issues of common interest such as climate change, energy, trade, terrorism and the preservation of world peace. Macron is also knowledgeable about China's history as he has positively referred to both Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.

From another perspective, his visit has additional symbolic importance. That is because it will be the first visit to the country by a European Union leader since Xi Jinping, the chief of the Communist Party of China, secured a second five-year term at the Party's 19th National Congress.

Hence, the strengthening of Sino-European relations cannot but be a priority for both sides despite some concerns about Chinese investments in Europe, reinforced after President of the European Commission Jean Claude Juncker gave his 2017 State of the Union speech.

Numbers show why China and France are committed to enhancing economic contacts. The bilateral trade volume was approximately 10 billion in 1995 but has achieved an impressive increase since. In 2016, for example, it reached 62.4 billion.

According to the French National Institute, China was then the eighth most important destination for French exports and sixth biggest supplier of French imports following countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy and the U.S. What is even more significant is that  through the years  the Sino-French economic relationship has gone beyond a straightforward buyer-seller collaboration, adopting the form of a solid, long-lasting industrial partnership.

Of particular importance is nuclear energy. The French energy company EDF, for example, has been active in China for decades. Specifically, it has been working with nuclear operator China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) on the Daya Bay and Ling Ao power plants since 1984.

Ten years ago, the two companies set up the Taishan Nuclear Power Joint Venture to construct and operate two nuclear reactors based on European pressurized reactor technology in Taishan, Guangdong Province. EDF and CGN are also partners in the development of the Hinkley Point C, the first new nuclear power station in the U.K. for a generation.

Chinese investments in France are equally welcomed in the words of former French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. Examples include e-commerce giant Alibaba, which has opened branches in Paris and recently announced its agreement with French luxury group Kering. Huawei is also dynamically active and has  inter alia  opened a mathematics research center in the French capital.

Moreover, cooperation at the regional level should not be ignored. In the summer of 2015, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang paid a visit to Marseille and hailed the growing ties between the CMA CGM Group and Chinese enterprises in container purchases, maintenance of vessels, logistics and other businesses. And the Chinese dairy group Synutra has transformed the Carhaix-Plouguer city located in Brittany by investing in a local factory.

If there is a new factor, which can certainly contribute to the advancement of Sino-French relations, this is the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. France is attempting to benefit as much as it can, and President Macron is expected to discuss this theme in Beijing.

The Belt and Road Initiative is a relative new term for French public opinion, which is slowly familiarizing itself with its meaning. During a high-level conference in Paris last November, Director of the French Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS) Pascal Boniface said he expected "multilateral benefits."

At the political level, Beijing and Paris seem to be on the same page on several issues. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, they insist on international law and multilateralism in global governance. France is generally seen an international power not always agreeing with American foreign policy choices and this goes in line with China's calculations on peace, prosperity and a shared world community.

Last but not least, the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate has brought the two sides together in cooperating to uphold this deal. In mid-December, for instance, Macron met with Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai, who was in Paris to attend the One Planet Summit as the special envoy of President Xi.

Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron have already met once on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg and have held various telephone conversations. Their Beijing meeting will give them the opportunity to better set the agenda of Sino-French and Sino-European relations for the coming years. The tone of their communications until now is generating optimism.

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 the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Emmanuel Macron, president of the Republic of France, will pay a state visit to China from Jan. 8 to 10. To mark the 54th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations on Jan. 27, China.org.cn had an exclusive interview with the French president right before his visit. Macron spoke on a host of topics, including the two countries' diplomatic ties, China's Belt and Road Initiative, global anti-terrorism operations, international cooperation and solutions for climate change. The following is the transcript of the interview:





China.org.cn: Hello, Mr. President. You are going to undertake a state visit to China at the beginning of 2018. It will also be your first visit to China since your election as President of the French Republic. Can you tell us what expectations you have for your visit? Which topics will you give particular attention to? What are your thoughts on China?

Emmanuel Macron: I've had several excellent interactions with President Xi Jinping, whom I met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg. He invited me to undertake a state visit to China, which I accepted with great enthusiasm. We hoped that the visit would take place at the earliest possible date, so that together we could define the direction of our comprehensive strategic partnership for the next five years. It's my first state visit to China, and to Asia as well. It is of great importance.

Similar to many French people, I find China to be a fascinating country  the oldest living civilization, a "State older than History" as General de Gaulle said. I'm very aware of the mutual fascination that ties China to Europe, woven along the ancient silk routes that connected Xi'an to the eastern Mediterranean. Our relationship is anchored in time, and in my opinion is based on civilization, in the sense that France and China are two countries with very different cultures but which both have a universal calling. They are two countries that have always been eager, across distances, to meet and recognize each other. It's for all these reasons that I wanted to start my state visit in Xi'an  it's a way to experience ancient China.

I also want to experience the China of today, and to meet its youth, its entrepreneurs, its artists, its researchers. For France, China is a political, economic, scientific and cultural partner of the highest importance. Through the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964, France was the first Western power to recognize the People's Republic of China. In 1997, we were the first to establish a comprehensive partnership. Our relationship has always been pioneering. We must remain at the vanguard.

Consequently, I hope that this visit will allow us to inscribe our comprehensive strategic partnership in the 21st century, so that it reflects how our two countries are today and puts us in a position to respond together, in a decisive manner, to current challenges: the maintenance of peace and stability which have been put in danger by terrorism and nuclear proliferation, the preservation of the environment and the fight against climate change, and free trade between populations and between nations.

China.org.cn: The 19th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and presented the goals and future direction of China's development. What are your thoughts on this? Since you were elected President of France, you've proposed a series of reforms marked by a "quick, precise, and concrete" character, creating a new atmosphere in your country's domestic situation. In your opinion, what will be the new developments in Sino-French relations within the framework of their comprehensive strategic partnership in this new era? In what domains will the two parties strengthen their cooperation?

Emmanuel Macron: I followed the 19th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party with great attention. It's not my place to comment on the sovereign choices that China makes for itself, but I noticed in particular the continued focus on openness, the pursuit of reform, the emphasis on innovation, the qualitative content of growth and the preservation of the environment. These are elements that will allow us to give new impetus to our partnership.

Following the 19th CPC National Congress and the profound political changes in France, which are strengthening us in our will and our ability to reform Europe, the moment is ripe with opportunity. Our country is once again on the international stage. I'm implementing an agenda of transformation that aims to strengthen our country and its ability to innovate, to create jobs and to "liberate creative energies" by giving back to our citizens the possibility to act. I'm doing this with great determination, but also with pragmatism, a cherished virtue in China. My approach is to say what I do and to do what I say, precisely, thoroughly, quickly. This applies on the domestic scene but also in our relations with important partners. I wish to work with President Xi Jinping on a precise roadmap for the next five years and to pursue very closely and attentively its realization. There are three key areas of priority.

The first relates to our global agenda. Multilateralism is currently undergoing a crisis. We have to give it a new dynamic by constructing responses to crises through dialogue, by fighting climate change, by defining the best rules for commercial exchange. I'm convinced that France and China, which are two powers of multilateralism deeply attached to their independence, can work together in changing the situation. Because the challenges that we must confront, most specifically climate change, are creating a need for global coordination, for the first time in the history of mankind.

The second issue concerns our bilateral agenda. China is our most important commercial partner in Asia. We've developed structuring partnerships in civilian nuclear energy and aeronautics. The forthcoming opening in Taishan of the first EPR in the world, which is French-Chinese, demonstrates our ability to undertake ambitious industrial projects together. The direction of Chinese growth towards quality and the new expectations of the Chinese people are opening up new possibilities in sectors where French businesses offer an internationally recognized savoir-faire: the food-processing industry, ecological transition, health, care for the elderly, industrial modernization, innovation, tourism, financial services and the art of living, without forgetting sports, seeing as how our two capitals will be hosting the Youth Olympics two years apart from one another, in 2022 and 2024. This suggests that we need to increase and rebalance our economic and commercial exchanges. This is one of the important topics that I'll bring up with President Xi Jinping.

Culture, education and science must be central to our partnership. France welcomes more than 37,000 Chinese students and is the top non-Anglophone destination outside of Asia for Chinese students. More than 700 agreements tie our universities and higher education establishments together. Two million Chinese tourists come to visit our country each year. France has the most important Chinese diaspora community in Europe. These human connections are the true engine of our relationship. My visit will allow us to consider a whole series of projects that will give the opportunity to our students, entrepreneurs and artists to interact more and undertake initiatives together.

The third issue concerns relations between Europe and China. The European Union is China's number one commercial partner in the world, but the European-Chinese partnership is not at the level it should be. The project I'm undertaking for a strong, sovereign, united Europe that projects its interests and values throughout the world will make Europe a natural partner for China in responding to global challenges. I also hope that we will carry the European-Chinese partnership into the 21st century.

China.org.cn: December 12 marked the second anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, the signing of which illustrated the joint efforts of China and France in the struggle against climate change. China has announced that it will spend 20 billion RMB on the creation of a "Chinese fund for South-South cooperation against climate change", further expressing its determination to actively participate in climate governance. But after American President Donald Trump announced his country's withdrawal from the agreement, the Green Climate Fund, meant to assist developing countries in coping with climate change, has found itself with a financial deficit of 2 billion dollars. In your opinion, what impact will the U.S. withdrawal have on the implementation of the Paris Agreement? What is your evaluation of China's efforts in the fight against climate change?

Emmanuel Macron: China's role in the fight against climate change is essential. Without its determination we wouldn't have reached the Paris Agreement, and without the steadfastness of its engagement the agreement would likely not have withstood President Donald Trump's decision. I've said what I think about his decision: I respect it but I deeply regret it. France and China have given a very firm response together: the Paris Agreement isn't renegotiable, we will continue putting it into operation as planned, along with everyone else who refuses to turn their eyes away from this issue, which is vital and pressing for humanity. Everyone needs to play their part, without ever thinking that the struggle against climate change is someone else's problem, because we are all directly affected by it.

Now, we have to move faster. This was the goal of the One Planet Summit that France organized last December 12 in order to bring together relevant actors and to mobilize financing. Twelve new and very concrete commitments were agreed upon, and they will be very quickly implemented, because we can no longer wait to take action. China has once again risen to the challenge. It announced its decision to create a unified national carbon market, which represents a determined step forward for the pricing of carbon throughout the world. The measures taken by China to achieve its "ecological advancement" goal are impressive. We are accompanying this transition, which is in line with deeply held expectations of the Chinese people, through the French Development Agency: 25 of the 30 projects that have been financed in China since the beginning of its activities 15 years ago contribute directly to the fight against climate change, with spending that has reached 1 billion euros and with significant results, including the creation of a biomass power plant in Yichun, the thermal rehabilitation of public buildings in Wuhan and the conception of a French-Chinese eco-neighborhood in Chengdu.

At the international level, after the American decision, I believe that the fight against climate change relies in great part on the abilities of French-Chinese co-leadership. We are going to strengthen our dialogue in anticipation of the COP 24 in 2018 and the United Nation's Convention on Biological Diversity, which China will host in 2020. I also hope that we will work together on the Global Pact for the Environment, which France has brought to the United Nations in order to bring international law in line with the challenges of our time. In short, we put the environment and the climate at the heart of our partnership. This provides us with significant opportunities. I'll give you an example: Last year, we organized a French-Chinese month on the environment. 100 events took place, with 160,000 participants in 18 Chinese cities. Imagine what this means over the course of a year! I hope that we'll mobilize all the energies of France and China to transform the fight against climate change into an unprecedented opportunity for cooperation and to show the world that we can succeed. In France, we've launched a website, Make Our Planet Great Again, to bring together initiatives that are beneficial for the climate. It is both in French and English. From now on, it will also be in Chinese, because it's with China that we want to, and can, succeed.

China.org.cn: In May 2017, during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, President Xi Jinping proposed the construction of a path for peace, a path for prosperity, a path for innovation and a path for connecting different civilizations. The Belt and Road Initiative connects the economic circles of Eastern Asia, the most dynamic in the world, and the EU, the largest group of developed economies in the world. What do you think of this initiative? In your opinion, how will the Belt and Road Initiative help to strengthen interconnection and exchanges with regards to investments, commerce and human exchange between China and France, China and Europe, and even Asia and Europe?

Emmanuel Macron: The Belt and Road Initiative, launched by President Xi Jinping, is very important. I'm convinced that it can play a major role in structuring the Eurasian region and that it represents a real opportunity to create bridges, through exchange, between countries and civilizations, just as the ancient silk routes once did. It's also important to work for better connectivity between Europe and Asia, something we passionately yearn for. I think it's very important that Europe and China strengthen their collaboration on the initiative. France is ready to play a leading role in this. We must identify concrete projects to implement together in Europe, in Asia and in third countries. We must strive for a good relationship with multilateral authorities in order to assure the coherence of our objectives. We must aim for the best environmental outcome, with, for example  this is an idea I propose  the objective of creating ecological silk roads in the coming century. We must do it within the framework of a balanced partnership, in which the rules of finance correspond to our standards and to what we're seeking together. We also have to be on the lookout for opportunities to cooperate with the states, businesses and civil society of various partner countries. I'm convinced that if we succeed in advancing in such a way, we will be able to contribute to defining the equilibrium of contemporary multilateralism.

China.org.cn: What will be France's response to the frequent terrorist attacks throughout the world, to the instability of the international situation and to the marked growth of uncertainty? How will you work with China on these issues?

Emmanuel Macron: The fight against terrorism is one of top priorities in the world. In Iraq and Syria, we are participating in the international coalition, whose actions have brought about a fatal blow to Daesh's territorial ambitions. In the Sahel, France is playing a leading role, through Operation Barkhane, in the fight against terrorism in a region that covers Mali, Mauritania, Chad, Burkina Faso and Niger, and supports the activity of the joint force comprising these five African countries, the G5 Sahel. To bring a lasting end to this scourge, military action won't be enough.

We have to dry up the sources of terrorism financing. This is the objective of the international conference for mobilization on the fight against the financing of terrorism, which we will organize in Paris next April, to which China is invited. I hope to work actively with China in anticipation of this meeting, but also within the framework of the G20 on the role of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which we hope to strengthen. We must also find political solutions for the crises that in many places  in Syria, in Libya, in Africa and also in Asia  have paved the way for terrorism, which feeds off the chaos they produce as it does from the weakness of states. Regarding Libya, for example, the current situation is in large part the result of military intervention that wasn't joined with a political solution, and I recognize that errors were committed at that time. We've consequently worked to revive the political process within the framework of the United Nations. This is also the direction of our efforts on the Syrian crisis.

More generally, when facing crises, instability and threats against peace and international security, we need to relentlessly seek out paths for international cooperation and to inscribe our responses within a multilateral framework. Regarding North Korea, a subject that I'll bring up with President Xi Jinping during my visit, we'll shoulder our responsibilities with China at the United Nations Security Council for the strengthening and full application of sanctions, in order to bring the North Korean regime back to the negotiating table. I expect much from the indispensable pressure China can exercise on North Korea in order to encourage it to change course.

China.org.cn: With the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union underway, with Germany's domestic situation characterized by uncertainty, with European integration facing challenges, you've proposed to develop a timetable for reviving the European Union at the beginning of 2018. Can you tell us more about the specific plans you have for revitalizing the European Union? In the wake of Brexit, will it be possible for France to become the new financial center of Europe?

Emmanuel Macron: Challenges have always pushed Europe forward; confronting them is the source of its ability to innovate and create. Today we are facing a choice that will be determinant for the continuation of our shared adventure: What kind of Europe do we want for tomorrow? By electing me as President of the Republic, French people have chosen Europe, while others have turned away from it. The path of renunciation was unambiguously offered to them, but they decided to refuse it. This is a strong and brave choice. Since my election, I've consequently hoped that France will carry a message in support of rebuilding Europe. We must give ourselves the means for true European sovereignty on security and defense, on questions of immigration, on foreign policy, on ecological transition, on technology, on everything relating to economic and monetary power. These are the topics we will reflect upon with Germany, with all of our partners and with the European institutions during the coming months in order to produce results that are concrete, visible and quick for our citizens. I know that China wants a strong and stable Europe that will be a strategic partner in globalization. This is my goal as well.

The British have decided to leave the European Union. This is a decision we regret but also respect. Concerning the new economic and financial order within the European Union after the withdrawal of the United Kingdom, it's still too early to comment. On the other hand, what is clear is that our goal is to confirm the leadership role of Paris's financial market in Europe. We have the best offer. Paris is a world city and a global financial center, which is supported by a regulatory and fiscal environment that we are making much more appealing and by a robust development of startups and high technologies. The Parisian financial market, and especially Paris EUROPLACE, is currently intensifying its work to strengthen our leadership role for the development of activities and operations denominated in RMB in Europe.

China.org.cn: During a visit to Africa, you declared that "French will be Africa's first language" and "maybe the world's," which provoked some very animated discussions on the internet, what is your response? It's well known that China and France have close connections to Africa; in your opinion, in what domains will the two countries develop their cooperation with Africa in the future?

Emmanuel Macron: French is currently the fifth most spoken language in the world, the fourth language on the internet, the third language in business, the second language of international information in the media, the second working language for the majority of international organizations and the second most studied language in the world. According to projections, a figure of 770 million French-speakers is forecasted for 2060, 85 percent of which will be in Africa. I support this enthusiasm. In my view, the French language is universal  it's not limited to France.

Today, China has a very strong presence in Africa, a continent in which it's heavily invested with a financial capacity that we don't have. At the same time, France has a deep knowledge of Africa because of its history, its proximity to the continent, its diaspora communities, which China doesn't have. We consequently must work together for Africa, undertaking joint projects there which correspond to real needs and to the choices of African countries, of their people, of their youth. This is the objective of the partnership that, during my visit, will be signed between the French Development Agency and the China Development Bank, which will allow the co-financing of projects focused on the fight against climate change in Africa. I also hope that we will strengthen our dialogue on security in Africa, particularly regarding support for the G5 Sahel. Finally, I think that China can play an important role in education in Africa, which is one of our biggest priorities. In Dakar this February, I will co-preside with the President of Senegal, Macky Sall, over a conference on rebuilding the global partnership for education. I'll be counting on China's support.



 Flash

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Conservative Union and Martin Schulz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) on Sunday kicked off a week-long exploratory talks for a renewed grand coalition government.

Merkel, Schulz, and Horst Seehofer, leader of the Christian Socialist Union (CSU), and some other leading figures of the three parties, 13 for each party, joined the talks at Willy Brandt Haus, SPD's headquarters.

"I think that it can be done. We will work very swiftly and very intensively," she told journalists before the meeting, saying that she acknowledged there was a lot of work ahead, but she was "optimistic" that an agreement could be reached.

For his part, Schulz said he hoped for "constructive and open" talks, calling for speedy progress of the government formation.

Germany has no new government since the Sept. 24 federal elections last year, in which both the Union and the SPD suffered great loss in votes while far-right populist Alternative fuer Deutschland became the third largest party.

The first coalition exploratory talks among the Union, the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) broke down in late November after FDP walked away from the negotiating table.

The coalition with the SPD, the so-called Grand Coalition as they are two largest parties in the Bundestag, remains the only feasible option for Merkel, who said a minority government would not be accepted.

It is expected that an agreement of the talks will be reached on Jan. 12, and then it will be submitted for each party to be approved.

A new government will not be born before the Easter even if talks go well.

Differences still exist between the two sides, especially between the SPD and the CSU. The SPD wants "a United States of Europe" as Schulz said, and the family reunion of refugees, while the CSU wants a limited European Union and opposes the family reunion. Flash

The second Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) forum leaders's meeting will kick off in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Wednesday, with the aim of building a community of shared future of peace and prosperity.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will attend the meeting under the theme "Our River of Peace of Sustainable Development." The river refers to the Lancang-Mekong River.

Originating from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in southwest China, the river is called the Lancang River in China and the Mekong River as it flows through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before emptying into the sea.

More than 326 million people live along the 4,880-km-long waterway, which flows through an area of more than 795,000 square km.

Like the Lancang-Mekong River, the common mission and ideals that bind the six countries together have forged a common destiny for them.

Consensus to build a community of shared future





"Sanya Declaration determined the goal of building a community of shared future of peace and prosperity, which was reaffirmed in the joint press communique of the third LMC foreign ministers' meeting in December," said Hu Zhengyue, vice president of China Public Diplomacy Association and former Chinese assistant minister of foreign affairs.

Sanya Declaration was issued after the first LMC leaders' meeting held in Sanya City in south China's Hainan Province in March 2016.

China has proposed building a community with a shared future for mankind and the LMC cooperation mechanism can be a "good starting point" and a "demostration area" to implement the concept, Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of China Institute of International Studies, told Xinhua.

The six countries - China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam -- are closely inter-connected because they are nourished by the same river, Ruan said, adding that they have very similar development concepts and a lot in common in inter-connectivity, water resources, agriculture and technology.

The six nations have very deep traditional friendship with innate advantages, solid basis, strong willingness and great potential for cooperation, and a have common goal to build a community of shared future of peace and prosperity, said Huang Xilian, deputy director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs under the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

"This is why from the very start the Lancang-Mekong cooperation mechanism has gained great importance attached by and extensive support from the governments and peoples of the six countries," Huang said.

Lancang-Mekong efficiency with bright prospects

The LMC has achieved fruitful results since its inception in 2016. It has demonstrated a Lancang-Mekong speed and efficiency.

On mechanism construction, the LMC has formed dialogue mechanisms at different levels. It so far has held one leaders' meeting, three foreign ministers' meetings and five senior officials' meetings, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou told a recent news briefing.

On regional cooperation projects, most of the 45 early harvest projects identified at the first LMC leaders' meeting and the 13 initiatives put forward by China at the second LMC foreign ministers' meeting have been completed or made substantive progress, reads the joint press communique of the third LMC foreign ministers' meeting held in Dali City of southwest China's Yunnan Province on Dec. 15.

"The reason why the Lancang-Mekong cooperation mechanism has enjoyed rapid development is that the mechanism accords with the six nations' common willingness to enhance all-win cooperation and the trend of regional economic integration," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, "It has showed strong vitality since it was born."

In the first 10 months of 2017, trade between China and the other five countries in the Lancang-Mekong area reached 17.76 billion U.S. dollars, up 15.6 percent from the same period of the previous year, and is expected to exceed 20 billion dollars in the whole of 2017, showed the latest Chinese official statistics.

From January to October 2017, China's investment in the five countries reached 2.68 billion dollars, up 22.3 percent from the previous year.

Guo Yanjun, director of the Institute of Asian Studies of China Foreign Affairs University, is optimistic about the LMC's prospects. "The cooperation initiatives and projects have truly reflected the demands of the six countries and they should further such pragmatic cooperation in the future," he told Xinhua.

However, Guo warned that the cooperation mechanism should not be advanced with a too fast speed as there is development disparity among the countries.

The leaders at the second LMC leaders' meeting are expected to adopt several documents on the future development of the sub-regional cooperation.

"We expect that the upcoming LMC leaders' meeting will achieve fruitful results, chart the course for future development of the mechanism and inject impetus, so as to benefit the peoples in the region," said Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo in a recent signed article.

China-Cambodia ties important for LMC

On Thursday, Premier Li will also pay a visit to Cambodia. It will be his first overseas visit in 2018.

"Premier Li's choice of Cambodia as the destination of his first overseas visit in 2018 shows that China attaches great importance to China-Cambodia relations," Hu Qianwen, former Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, told Xinhua.

During his stay in Cambodia, Li will meet with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, and hold talks with his counterpart, Hun Sen. The two sides will exchange views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern, so as to plan for future development of China-Cambodia relations.

The two sides are expected to reach consensus and sign cooperation documents on infrastructure, science, agriculture, tourism and other fields.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-Cambodia diplomatic relations. "China-Cambodia relationship has developed in a very steady and rapid way and is becoming better and better with very solid strategic mutual trust between the two countries," Ruan said.

"China-Cambodia cooperation is an example of international cooperation that features equality and mutual benefit between a major country and a relatively small country," he said.

Ruan said Cambodia is also very interested in the Belt and Road Initiative, which was proposed by China to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa based on ancient land and maritime trade routes.

"Cambodia has seen that cooperation with China is key to Cambodia's future development, which can help improve its economy and enhance its role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Indo-China Peninsula," he said, "China-Cambodia relationship is in essence a community of shared future."

The relationship between China and Cambodia has its particularity, as it is also that between China and an ASEAN member, Hu Zhengyao said, "The sound development of China-Cambodia relations is conducive to China-ASEAN cooperation and the LMC."

"With a very solid foundation for future development of bilateral ties, it is expected that China and Cambodia can strengthen coordination and cooperation within the framework of ASEAN," Guo said.BERLIN - The foreign ministers of Germany and Turkey on Saturday held meeting in the German city of Goslar, in a bid to seek reconciliation after two years of tensions.

Sigmar Gabriel welcomed his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu to his hometown of Goslar in north Germany.

At a joint news conference after the meeting, Cavusoglu described Gabriel as a "personal friend", and Germany and Turkey as two "proud" nations, while the German lawmaker announced the revival of a joint economy commission which had been suspended amid the diplomatic spat.City plays a major role in the infrastructure network as an industrial center providing technical training for key projects

Liuzhou, a heavy industry city in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has a significant role in the Belt and Road Initiative, both technically and intellectually, local officials said.

LiuGong Machinery, a leading construction equipment manufacturer headquartered in the city, has a presence in 51 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-proposed plan to build a trade and infrastructure network to revive the ancient Silk Road routes.

At the same time, technical institutes in Liuzhou are cooperating actively with colleges in countries involved in the initiative, particularly those in Southeast Asia, to provide technical training for local people.

LiuGong, which launched China's first modernized wheel loader, is extending its range of products and services to help the construction of the high-speed railway between Thailand and China stay on schedule. Construction on the line began on Dec 22.

The company has provided 100 pieces of construction equipment for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and 90 for China-Laos railway projects.

LiuGong became involved in the Belt and Road Initiative much earlier, said Liang Yongjie, senior deputy general manager of overseas sales and marketing at the company. In 2015, the company launched a Belt and Road project together with the Guangxi government and the embassies of 11 countries.

"We have 112 dealers with 398 branches that cover 51 countries involved in the Belt and Road," Liang said. LiuGong has 20 manufacturing facilities worldwide, with divisions in Europe, North America, South America, India, Asia Pacific, Russia, the Middle East and South Africa.

The sales generated from Belt and Road-related countries account for 80 percent of LiuGong's global revenue.

Take India as an example. In 2017, LiuGong's sales growth climbed 54 percent compared to the previous year. Its wheel loaders and motor graders accounted for 20 percent of the market share in the country.

Liang said the company emphasizes the localization of different offices, with 93 percent of employees recruited from local areas.

LiuGong has also set up a center in Thailand to provide training for dealers in local communities. "We also hire local teachers to help remove language barriers, as many people in Thailand don't speak English," Liang said.

The company's education programs are drawing the attention of vocational schools in Liuzhou, as demand is high for skilled workers in railway projects along the Belt and Road.

Liuzhou Vocational and Technical College has a strategic cooperative relationship with LiuGong dating back to 2007.

So far, more than 300 graduates are employed by LiuGong, one-third of whom have worked in countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with some making it to the regional management level.

The two sides have established an international customer experience center, which will be a model example for joint cooperation between colleges and companies, according to Yang Xu, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China Committee at the Liuzhou Vocational and Technical College.

Other vocational schools are taking advantage of the high-speed railway projects springing up across the region. Liuzhou Railway Vocational Technical College is rolling out international vocational education cooperation programs focusing on the Trans-Asian Railway and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway.

The college now educates professional teachers from ASEAN countries through its Sino-ASEAN Rail Transit Vocational Education Teacher Training Center.

According to Qiu Tongbao, the vice-principal, the center has held four training classes for 66 teachers from 12 colleges and universities in Thailand.

The first class for teachers from Indonesia opened in December.

The college has established the Sino-ASEAN Rail Transit Technical and Skilled Talent Training Base in cooperation with Thailand's Ayutthaya Business and Technology Institute, Tangen Vocational Technical Institute, Chonburi Technical College and Nakhon Nayok Commercial Polytechnic College.

The college has also jointly established the China-Thailand Rail Transit College with Rajamangala University of Technology Isan.

According to Qiu, to attract overseas students to Liuzhou for training, there are no tuition fees, and free meals and accommodation are provided. "All they need to pay is the round-trip tickets from their hometown to Liuzhou," said Qiu.

"We are also working on the forming of China-ASEAN Rail Transit International Vocational Education Group by working with universities, organizations and companies. It will be an international cooperation and exchange platform for resource sharing and mutual development," said Qiu, adding that an Indonesia-China high-speed railway institute is also being planned.

Jiao Yaoguang, vice-mayor of Liuzhou, said the city encourages vocational training schools to "go out" as local companies become increasingly influential in the global marketplace.

"It is important that we take advantage of our professional teaching resources," Jiao said. He said different vocational schools can participate in different ways, such as the Liuzhou Vocational and Technology College's focus on manufacturing and Liuzhou Railway Vocational Technical College's focus on high-speed railways.

"Or, for schools like Liuzhou City Vocational Technical School, they can participate in the automobile industry, or even tourism and culinary services," Jiao said.

As Guangxi is the only region in China connected to ASEAN by both land and sea, Jiao hopes that Liuzhou, as the region's industry and transportation hub, can serve as a front door for the Belt and Road Initiative.

Representatives from Asian media visit Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, to focus on the region's development plan under the Belt and Road Initiative.Li Jin / China Daily

(China Daily 01/08/2018 page12)15 Bible Passages You and Your Church Should Keep This Year Christian Post Contributor | 08 January, 2018 by Dr. James Emery White

It's that time of year again.

We're going to lose weight, exercise more, get out of debt, stick to a budget, stop smoking, save for the future and spend more time with family.

We make resolutions because we want to bring change to bear on our circumstances. We want to improve ourselves and our quality of life. And the top resolutions, for most people, tend to revolve around the same three poles: money, health and family.

But what would a set of New Year's resolutions look like for you and your church, your role as a leader or simply as someone who wants to live a life of strategic Kingdom investment?

And specifically, what if they came from the Bible?

Though many more could be added, here are 15 to consider:

1. Pray more.

So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord... 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,'" says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)

2. Invest in your spiritual gift(s).

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (I Timothy 4:14-15, NIV)

3. Get more intentional about evangelism.

I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. (I Corinthians 9:22, NIV)

4. Care for yourself spiritually.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12, NIV)

5. Make the tough decisions you know are best.

And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me  the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. (Acts 20:22-24, NIV)

6. Confront debilitating patterns of sin.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1, NIV)

7. Do the hard work needed to build community.

If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. (Matthew 18:15, NIV)

8. Keep in touch with contemporary culture.

From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders... All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take. (I Chronicles 12:32, NLT)

Read more about Christian New Year's Resolutions on The Christian Post.If youve ever played in Game Square, memorized John 3:16 with hand motions, or scored prizes with Awana Bucks, you have the late Arthur Rorheim to thank.

The Chicago youth minister who co-created the Awana program and served the organization for over 70 years died on Friday at age 99.

Beyond the millions who have participated in Awana, Rorheim reshaped evangelical church life in America by introducing more rigorous and Scripture-centered kids ministry and popularizing church programming on weeknights.

As Awanas cofounder, longtime executive director, and president emeritus, he saw the organization grow from a weekly club at his church on Chicagos North Side to 47,000 churches from 100 denominationsgathering more than 3.7 million participants a week.

Ive never found the word retirement in the Bible, Rorheim would say, and he continued to advise the organization and visit its Streamwood, Illinois, headquarters well into his final years.

He was proud of how God chose to work through an ordinary, untrained man like me, since over his decades of leadership, he never earned a seminary degree or took on formal training in curriculum development.

No other Christian youth organization has done more to reach the youth of our world than Awana, wrote Robert Lightner, Dallas Theological Seminary professor emeritus, in response to Rorheims 2010 autobiography, Mr. Awana.

In the 1930s and 1940s, at a time when churches rarely offered activities for kids beyond Sunday school, North Side Gospel Center senior pastor Lance Doc Latham enlisted Rorheim to lead a weekly club for children. They established a biblical foundation with their early instruction while offering fun activities and incentives especially designed for young minds.

According to his biography:

[Rorheim] then began to conceive many of the features that distinguish Awana clubs and youth programs: curriculum handbooks, outreach events that appealed to non-churched children, a system of awards to motivate handbook completion, uniforms, and a Game Square to capture childrens interest. He eventually named the program Awana, based on its key verse: 2 Timothy 2:15 (Approved workmen are not ashamed).

Image: Awana Clubs International

With over 500 kids in attendance each week, Rorheim and Latham saw the opportunity to expand the model and established Awana as a national organization in 1950. The parachurch ministry expanded internationally in 1972 (first to Bolivia) and now operates in 100 countries and 30 languages.

God showed me that children the world over all have the same needsthey need Christs redemption and they need adults to love themand that he could use Awana to meet the needs of their hearts, Rorheim said.

A 2017 Christianity Today cover story featured the Awana ministry model and how it has evolved in the 21st century, noting Rorheims involvement in the programs origins as far back as 1933. He went on to serve 42 years as executive director and 7 as president.

Many of todays Christian leaders acknowledge the impact of Awana, and Rorheim himself, on their spiritual lives.

I know that I would never be where I am today if it hadnt been for Art challenging me so many years ago, said Willow Creek Community Church senior pastor Bill Hybels, who came to faith at an Awana camp Rorheim led.

Sad to hear of the death of Art Rorheim, tweeted Dan Darling, vice president for communications for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). His idea to entertain kids in a way that would gain an audience for the gospel became a worldwide ministry with tremendous influence. My life and millions of others were impacted by Awana.

Rorheims wife, Winnie, nicknamed Mrs. Awana, died in 2015. They had two children, four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. The family has set up a tribute site at ArtRorheim.org.

Granddaughter Kerrybeth Gwaltney remembered Rorheim, who she called Paco, in a post on Facebook.

Our stories are innumerable, but heres just one: Paco said he could hear the songs of heaven in his last few months of his life. He even created a songbook and said he could point to the songs and hear the music, she wrote. He said he could hear these songs from heaven: I'm So Glad That Our Father in Heaven and The Old Rugged Cross.|

Two weeks ago, the US State Department released its list of countries of particular concern (CPC)a compilation of nations that have engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom.

The list contains the same names as last year: Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Pakistan was added to a special watch list of governments or entities that dont meet the requirements for the CPC designation yet still engage in or tolerated severe religious freedom violations.

The CPC list was about six weeks late, frustrating some religious freedom watchers, including the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which is appointed by the federal government to make policy recommendations.

The State Departments Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF)established nearly 20 years ago under the Clinton administrationis officially tasked with annual reports on the state of religious freedom around the world.

The office is responsible for passing along a list of CPCs to the president each year, who would determine if the religious freedom violations were egregious enough to merit sanctions against particular nations. Almost right awayin 1999that responsibility of naming the CPCs was shifted to the secretary of state.

But it didnt always get done. A list came out promptly in 1999 and 2000, but was running two months late by 2001 and missed 2002 entirely, in the wake of 9/11 and the early years of the Iraq war. There was a list in 2003 and 2004, and the first sanctions appeared in 2005. The spotty performances continued: A list was issued in 2006, but not 2007 and 2008, then in 2009, but not 2010, 2012, 2013, or 2015. Two lists showed up in 2016.

Congress addressed the inconsistent religious freedom reports by unanimously passing the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act in December 2016. It amended the 1998 policy and added a category of entities of particular concern to cover non-government actors such as ISIS or Boko Haram, confimed that the international religious freedom ambassador-at-large reports directly to the secretary of state, and added a 90-day deadline from the time the State Department issues its annual religious freedom report to the time it needs to present a new list of new CPCs.

Not even a year later, the State Department missed its first 90-day deadline, failing to publish a list of CPCs after its August 15 annual report.

The delay was particularly frustrating to USCIRF, which was created in the same bill as the IRF. Over the years, USCIRF has never missed a deadline, functioning as an independent watchdog and recommending lists of CPCs to the State Department. (Because USCIRF is independent, it is thought to have more leeway than the government agency, which might be more hesitant to call out countries it needs to preserve diplomatic relations with.)

Failing to designate CPCs tells the violators of religious freedom around the world that the United States is looking away, USCIRFs chairman Daniel Mark stated in November. The State Department should make such designations without delay.

A major part of the problem may have been that the office is missing an ambassador at large. President Donald Trump chose his nominee for the positionKansas governor Sam Brownbackin July, but Senate confirmation hearings have been slowed down by Democrats angry about Brownbacks stance on LGBTQ issues.

Another uncertainty is the future of the IRF itself. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson wants to combine its office and duties with the Office of Religion and Global Affairs, created four years ago to advise State Department leaders on religion-related policy matters and to help diplomats navigate religious dynamics overseas. (Religious freedom experts are divided over whether the move is a good one.)

Tillerson also wants IRF to absorb the offices for religious minorities in the Middle East and Asia, the representative to Muslim communities, and the special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The efforts are part of an 8 percent cut across the entire State Department, which Tillerson is achieving through hiring freezes and reduced promotions.

His cuts extended to the introduction to this years IRF report; Tillerson used just 440 words instead of the typical 5,000 to explain overall global religious freedom issues. Instead of diving into an explanation of problemssuch as North Koreas religious prisoners, Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria, and the instability caused by Islamic extremism in the Middle EastTillerson called out only ISIS.

Still, the United States promotes religious freedom as a moral imperative, he wrote then. Americas promotion of international religious freedom demands standing up for the rights of the worlds most vulnerable populations.Nebraskans United for Life Welcomes Governor and Abortion Industry Whistleblower

January 12 Celebration of Life in Omaha features citizen journalist Sandra Merritt

OMAHA, Jan. 8, 2018 / Christian Newswire / -- Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts will welcome Sandra Merritt to the Nebraskans United for Life Annual Celebration of Life banquet on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, at Omaha's DC Centre. Merritt, along with undercover journalist David Daleiden, exposed Planned Parenthood's role in the trafficking of aborted baby body parts.



As a result of their video sting on abortion providers and lobbyists, Merritt and Daleiden have been the victims of court action from coast-to-coast. The backlash against the abortion industry has culminated in a Congressional investigation and a national cry to defund Planned Parenthood.

WHAT: Nebraskans United for Life Annual Celebration of Life banquet and fundraising auction



FEATURING:

 Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts -- master of ceremonies

 Sandra Merritt, citizen journalist involved in the undercover video sting that exposed Planned Parenthood's involvement in baby body parts trafficking -- keynote speaker

 Spirit Catholic Radio Network host Matt Willkom -- guest auctioneer



WHEN: Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, reception at 6 p.m. (Central), dinner program at 7 p.m. (Central)



WHERE: DC Centre, 11830 Stonegate Drive, Omaha, NE 68164



TICKETS: $45, available at $45, available at give.cornerstone.cc/NebraskansUL



ONSITE CONTACT: Kristan Gray, Cell 712.246.8378, kgray@nufl.org

"We are excited to have the governor and Ms. Merritt join us," said Kristan Gray, executive director of Nebraskans United for Life. "Both have been staunch advocates in the quest to restore a culture of life for pre-born children. We welcome Governor Rickett's open and unwavering support of life and look forward to hearing Sandra's first-person narrative of the work she did, along with David Daleiden, to expose the abortion industry's unconscionable trade in aborted human body parts."

Thomas More Society attorney Matt Heffron works out of the national nonprofit law firm's Omaha office and will be on hand to support Merritt. "As a participant in the defense of Ms. Merritt's colleague, David Daleiden, I applaud the way she has put herself on the line to fight for what is right," said Heffron. "The work done by Daleiden and Merritt has shone light on atrocities committed by Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation. Decades of nefarious operation in the dark have been revealed online, in courtrooms and the halls of Congress, because of the efforts of these two brave citizen journalists. The Thomas More Society is honored to help defend their right to tell the truth."

About Nebraskans United for Lifehome US University of New Mexico halts fetal tissue research following allegations of illegal activity

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has suspended its fetal tissue research program as the school conducts an investigation regarding allegations that a tissue from an abortion has been misused.

The UNM Health Sciences Centers has confirmed that it has launched an investigation on how one researcher handled and processed a fetal tissue acquired from the local abortion clinic Southwestern Women's Options (SWO).

The university and the SWO have long been accused of violating the law over the transfer of fetal tissue for research. Among the accusers was a post-abortive woman named Jessica Duran, who said that SWO was not forthcoming about what would happen to her fetus.

Under current law, it is illegal to buy or sell fetal tissue, and there are other specific rules for how it can be used.

Allegations against UNM were first forwarded to New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas' office in 2016 by a special U.S. congressional committee created to investigate Planned Parenthood's alleged involvement in the sales of aborted baby body parts and the world of fetal tissue research.

The committee examined tissue procurement firms and research entities including UNM, and it produced a report citing 15 instances in which it provided information to U.S. and state authorities of possible violations of federal and state laws.

On Thursday, the office of the attorney general announced that it has found no violations of state law in its investigation over the transfer of fetal tissue.

Balderas had ordered civil and criminal reviews but his office said that there was not enough evidence to indicate state violations. The investigation, however, was limited to state laws because Balderas had no jurisdiction over federal law. "We consider this matter closed," the attorney general's office said in a letter to pro-life group New Mexico Alliance for Life, which also made allegations against UNM.

The office also noted that the state law that governs research related to fetuses was never intended to regulate fetal tissue resulting from an abortion.

According to Life News, the university had suspended a researcher who was suspected of selling aborted baby body parts to a Michigan company.

Duran's attorney, Michael Seibel, said that he had just learned about the internal review at UNM Health Sciences. "This lady was suspended and barred from her lab in October according to reports and we're just finding out about it now through some sort of internal leak?" Seibel said.

Seibel is also questioning the investigation conducted by the attorney general's office, noting that his client has not been contacted by investigators.

He has accused the attorney general's office of protecting political special interests, but James Hallinan, a spokesman for Balderas, denied the allegation saying the office had conducted a thorough investigation that included interviews.The Alpha Leadership Conference was held May 2014 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Many great speakers were present, but recently a YouTube video from the Conference captured my heart, mind and emotions. (lc15.alpha.org)

Prince Philip Kiril of Prussia was introduced by Alpha Founder Nicky Gumbel. The Prince is the Great, Great Grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last King of Germany, and the the Great, Great, Great Grandson of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. His moving words during the 5 minutes he is on stage are unforgettable.

The Prince's Speech

"My Great Great Grandfather was the favourite Grandson of Queen Victoria, and he was a believer. But I guess he wasn't in true friendship with Jesus. He didn't have the power of the Holy Spirit. He actually didn't want that war. But he wasn't strong enough to stand up against his generals and politicians who said 'well this war is helpful and it's necessary.' We just sang 'If our God is with us then who could ever stop us, who could stand against'. And I guess if he was driven by the Spirit of God, then he could have said 'You can tell me what you want, I don't want this war and here I stand, and you generals can just go your way', and it would have been fine. And so on my heart is to ask you for forgiveness for what my forefathers did...."

Applause and cheering breaks out from the Leadership Conference audience and lasts for over 50 seconds as the Prince is also overcome with emotion and comforted by his teenage son. The camera pans across the auditorium of Royal Albert Hall which was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 as a tribute to her late husband Prince Albert. This was an emotional scene I was watching and it hit me. I was a mess of tears and sobs.

Prince Philip continued, "The German people had to carry the price and there was much worse coming up, when the Monarchy was gone. There has been much loss in Germany and throughout the world and it would take too long to go through all this and ask for forgiveness, but you all understood it straight from my heart. We have a God who can do something with our ruins. I became a pastor because I have this strong hope that He can do something with the German people. Many of them are far from God. Please pray for Germany whenever you think of them or me."

Prince Philip YouTube video:

The known and unknown impact

I have relatives currently living in Germany and had many relatives serving in both World Wars. The apology from Prince Philip went deep into my heart as I saw the faces of my family in my mind. Young men in army and airforce uniforms and young women in nursing apparel. Images of war that I have seen on television and in movies flashed before my eyes. The immense loss of life, the pain and the destruction impacted me at that moment.

As a Pastor and leader, Prince Philip seems to understand the responsibility of loving and leading people. Through the error and omission of his Great Great Grandfather and the conviction of the Holy Spirit in his own life, the speech Prince Philip made at the leadership conference was powerful and will hopefully bring some healing in people who have needed to hear those words.

"To begin loving people today, we must close the door on the past. And that cannot happen without forgiveness! Forgive those who have hurt you - for your sake, not because they deserve it." Rick Warren.

Belinda Croft has been writing for Press Service International since 2010. She lives in Melbourne with her husband Russell and their two sons. Her passion for understanding the things of God in simple ways, social justice and news issues influence her writing style.

Belinda Croft's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/belinda-croft.htmlWhile the world was watching the all-black, red-carpet protest for equality for women at Sunday night's Golden Globes, H&M featured on its website a photo of a black boy modeling a hoodie with the words, "Coolest monkey in the jungle."

As Twitter erupted calling the ad "racist," the Swedish-based international retailer issued an apology and vowed to review their internal policies on diversity and inclusion.

According to the New York Daily News, H&M apologized Monday morning for what many said was an insensitive association between the young model and a hateful slur against black people.

"This image has now been removed from all H&M channels, and we apologise to anyone this may have offended," the company told the Daily News in a terse statement from its Stockholm headquarters.

On Instagram's official page, the company initially posted: "We sincerely apologize for offending people with an image of a printed hooded top. The image has been removed from all online channels."

It's hard not to believe there was no one in the room to notice the racist connotation of putting a black child in that hoodie, an article of clothing that has specific meaning for the Black Lives Matter movement after the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in 2012.

It's hard not to believe there was no one in the room to notice how showing a black child with the slogan comparing him to a monkey would be offensive. Such racist imagery has an historical reference worldwide to describe black people as less than human.

In 2016, a West Virginia woman was fired after posting on Facebook that former first lady Michelle Obama was an "an ape in heels." How many times has this played out in media?

More over, you don't have to be African American to get it. The outcry on social media has been swift.

The Weeknd, who is of Ethiopian descent, posted on Twitter that he would decline to work with the company in the future:

"woke up this morning shocked and embarrassed by this photo. i'm deeply offended and will not be working with @hm anymore... "

Award-winning New York Times columnist Charles Blow tweeted:

"@hm, have you lost your damned minds?!?!?!"

GIRL OF THE YEAR: American Girl unveils new astronaut-inspired doll

Models of Diversity, an organization devoted to promoting equality and diversity in the fashion, beauty, and media industries, condemned the promotion in a tweet:

"@hm And then H&M UK got the bright idea to feature a black boy model with 'Coolest Monkey in the Jungle' hoodie on its website. How on earth can this be?

SHAME ON YOU!"

Over the years, H&M has debut a number limited-edition collections with some of the world's top designers and fashion houses, including Balmain, Jimmy Choo, Comme des Garcon, Roberto Cavalli, Karl Lagerfeld, Versace and Alexander Wang.

UPDATE: The 4-year-old little boy, who lives in Sweden with his family, was accompanied by his step-father to the shoot in London. Neither his mother or step-father saw the hoodie before the ads were released worldwide, according to a source in Stockholm. His mother has faced parent shaming from around the world, especially from her native Kenya, as a result. I've done many shoots with children and sometimes parents are in a waiting room so the children don't get distracted. But I always go over with the parent what the child will be wearing in the shoot. Not sure what happened here.A former Houston Community College trustee will be sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for his influence over contract work with the college.

Chris Oliver, who represented swaths of southwest Houston for the college system for more than 20 years, said he took envelopes stuffed with cash and Visa gift cards  totaling about $12,000  from a one-time HCC contractor who was later appointed Mayor Sylvester Turners public works director.

The extortion and bribery case against Oliver was unsealed over the summer. The acting U.S. attorney agreed to dismiss the extortion case for his May guilty plea on the bribery indictment, for which he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000.

He will appear before U.S. District Judge Vanessa D. Gilmore at 9:30 a.m.

Fallout from Olivers plea began over the summer. He was stripped of his title as the boards vice chair and stopped attending board meetings.

Karun Sreerama, Houstons Public Works director, stepped down in July after he was revealed to have paid Oliver $12,000, which his attorney said was directed by the FBI. The dismissed count described $77,000 in other alleged payments to Oliver.

Oliver's seat was up for re-election in November, and candidates campaigned pledging to restore trust.

HCC has spent at least $175,000 on an investigation into college procurement initiated after Olivers plea. A spokeswoman told the Chronicle that the college expects to conclude an examination of past procurement over the last several years in March.

Separately, trustee Dave Wilson retained consultant Wayne Dolcefinos firm to investigate HCCs procurement, facilities, employment and related financial matters.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges last month asked HCC for more information on board governance in light of these probes, a letter obtained by the Houston Chronicle shows.

It asked HCC to prepare a report explaining its compliance with an accreditation standard that requires board members to act collectively without control by a minority of trustees.

HCC chancellor Cesar Maldonado said in an email to trustees obtained by the Chronicle that the colleges response will be reviewed by the accreditor for further action if necessary, including monitoring, sanction or the appointment of a Special Committee to review the institution.A former Houston Community College trustee was sentenced Monday to nearly six years in prison after a judge said he accepted about a quarter-million dollars in bribes in exchange for his influence over college contract work.

U.S. District Judge Vanessa D. Gilmore asked he ex-trustee, Christopher Oliver, during the proceeding if his conduct was "standard procedure" for HCC trustees and if the college was a "cesspool."

"I don't know about standard procedure... but in my particular case, the line is definitely blurred," he said, as two current trustees watched in the courtroom. "You don't come from wealth. You're in an elected position. Things are thrown at you."

Oliver, 54, who represented swaths of southwest Houston for the college system for more than 20 years, pleaded guilty in May 2017 to taking envelopes stuffed with cash and Visa gift cards  totaling about $12,000  from former HCC contractor Karun Sreerama, who was Mayor Sylvester Turners public works director when Oliver's case was unsealed.

But the judge described deeper corruption.

Between 2009 and 2016, she said, Oliver received 69 bribe payments totaling $225,259 from at least four people seeking contracts with HCC. The $12,000 he accepted from Sreerama in 2015 and 2016 was provided to Sreerama by the FBI, the judge said, and Oliver will be required to repay that sum. After his 70 months in prison, he will serve one year of supervised release.

Red flags about Oliver's conduct were raised with HCC going back to at least 2011, when attorney Larry Veselka told the college's board about the findings of a months-long internal investigation into multiple college trustees. He found that Oliver's voting on a contract connected to a company from which he accepted payments prompted questions.

"Further inquiry could be justified to confirm that there was no quid-pro-quo understanding or that the arrangement or understanding did not constitute a prohibited gift to a public servant," he wrote.

A Houston Chronicle review of trustee minutes, depositions and lawsuits found that HCC trustees did not censure Oliver formally until after his guilty plea last year, despite Veselka's findings and other allegations against him over the years.

On Monday, Gilmore said Oliver served in his position for "too long" as his integrity eroded.

Oliver agreed and said he should not have sought re-election in 2011. "I probably should have called it a career."

He and his attorney declined to comment as they left the courtroom after the sentencing. Oliver will have to turn himself in to begin serving his prison term.

Fallout from the plea at HCC began almost immediately after the FBI announced Oliver's conviction in July. The acting U.S. attorney agreed to dismiss an extortion charge for his guilty plea on the bribery indictment.

Oliver was stripped of his title as the board's vice chairman and stopped attending board meetings. Oliver's seat was up for election in November, and candidates pledged to restore trust. Sreerama stepped down from his position at the City of Houston in late July.

HCC has spent at least $175,000 on an investigation into procurement in the wake of Oliver's plea. The college expects to conclude an examination of past years' procurement in March, HCC spokeswoman Linda Toyota told the Houston Chronicle.

Separately, Trustee Dave Wilson retained consultant Wayne Dolcefino's firm to investigate HCC's procurement, facilities, employment and related financial matters.

HCC's accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, has begun its own review. The agency last month asked HCC for more information on board governance in light of the two investigations, a letter obtained by the Chronicle shows.

It asked HCC to prepare a report explaining its compliance with an accreditation standard that requires board members to act collectively without control by a minority of trustees.

Chancellor Cesar Maldonado wrote in an email to trustees, also obtained by the Chronicle, that the college's response will be reviewed by the accreditor "for further action if necessary, including monitoring, sanction or the appointment of a Special Committee to review the institution."

HCC said that it has put in place additional procedures to detect violations in the future, including requiring HCC vendors who obtain contracts with the college to provide updated conflict-of- interest disclosures every year.

An HCC cabinet signed off on changes to vendor relations in December.

"I am disappointed about what the former trustee has done, but actions have consequences and I believe justice has been served," board Chair Eva Loredo said in a written statement provided by HCC. "Our task now is to retain the public trust... Our goal is to put in place the strongest anti-corruption measures possible. We are committed to ensuring that the future is one that is worthy of our students and the community we serve."

Maldonado said HCC would continue to advocate for "new ideas and practices" to protect the university, though he called current college processes "among the most stringent and comprehensive of any college in the nation."

The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General.

Lindsay Ellis writes about higher education for the Chronicle. You can follow her on Twitter and send her tips at lindsay.ellis@chron.com.The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is set to receive the first $6 million of $125 million in state funding to build a new psychiatric hospital, the first such public facility in Harris County in 31 years.

The 300-bed hospital will be built on land adjacent to the 274-bed, UTHealth-run Harris County Psychiatric Center, providing relief in an area so underserved that the Harris County jail is considered the state's largest mental health facility.

"This is a game changer for Harris County," said Dr. Jair Soares, chair of psychiatry at UTHealth's McGovern Medical School. "It should decompress the situation at the jail and allow local patients who needed longer stays to be treated near home."

Combined with the Harris County Psychiatric Center, the new hospital would make the UTHealth Continuum of Care Campus for Behavioral Health the largest such academic center in the nation.

The Texas Health and Human Service Commission's announcement Monday it is releasing the first round of funding approved by the 2017 Legislature for mental health projects around the state. UTHealth hopes to break ground on the new hospital by early 2019 and begin admitting patients in fall 2021.

The new hospital will admit many patients currently discharged by HCPC, which has only acute-care beds and where the average length of stay is about seven to eight days, partly because it has roughly 45 patients waiting to be admitted at all times. The new hospital will have some acute-care beds but mostly be comprised of sub-acute and residential treatment beds.

It also will mark a new model of state residential psychiatric care. Under the nearly 100-year-old model, psychiatric patients requiring long-term treatment are sent to state hospitals in areas far from where the patient and their families live. Rusk State Hospital, the closest to Houston, is more than a three-hour drive.

Rusk is where HCPC patients needing longer term care theoretically would go, though Soares said only a small percentage do.

The new model calls for such treatment to be delivered in cities, near other psychiatric facilities, as part of an effort to emphasize a continuum of care and do away with the stigma historically associated with mental illness.

HHSC said Monday it will give UTHealth the first installment to allow planning to begin and architects to be hired to design the facility. Soares said the center hopes to receive the rest of the funding, to be given in installments, as the year unfolds.

"This is a huge deal for Houston," said state Rep. Sarah Davis, R-Houston, a member of the House budget-writing committee who played a key role in passing the mental health funding. "It addresses an obvious need and has the potential to save taxpayer dollars by keeping patients out of jails, where they're more expensive to house, don't get adequate long-term psychiatric care and typically end up back on the streets."

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, a long-time advocate of the need for more public psychiatric beds, added that "this is some of the best news I've heard relative to mental health in some time. It doubles capacity  still not enough  and puts mental health into the whole Texas Medical Center research environment where it will get the same due as conditions like cancer and heart disease."

Currently, the only public in-patient psychiatric care in Houston besides HCPC are 32 beds at Ben Taub Hospital, including 12 in its emergency center.

The Texas Medical Center owns the land, currently occupied by a small parking garage, where UTHealth will build the new hospital. The TMC is donating the land to the state, which will be considered its owner. UTHealth has a similar arrangement with HCPC, which is jointly owned by the state and county.

Harris County Mental Health Court Probate Judge Rory Olsen said the announcement "shows the State of Texas is working diligently to improve mental health services for the people of Texas."

"When HCPC opened, it had adequate capacity to serve our needs," said Olsen, whose 2013 writing on the subject is credited by UTHealth leaders for galvanizing the movement for a new facility. "But in the 31 years that have since passed, the county has grown and our population has grown. Thus expansion is needed to continue staying ahead of the curve."

HCPC was originally intended to house 500 beds. Because of limited funding, it was built to only house 250.

Patients who are discharged from HCPC even though they would benefit from longer-term care often run into trouble with law enforcement. The Harris County jail calculates that it houses more psychiatric patients than all of the state hospitals combined.

Besides the $6 million Texas HHSC announced Monday will be coming soon to UTHealth, the agency said it will soon release another $41.7 million for other state projects, part of the 2017 Legislature's $300 million effort to begin improving public in-patient psychiatric care.

The funding represents the first phase of a three-phase effort expected to be continued by the 2019 and 2021 Legislatures.

UTHealth leaders said the campus will be designed to address not only different levels of care but also to integrate the different types of care, including psychiatric, substance abuse and medical care. It will allow psychiatry and behavioral sciences to continue its research into the causes and treatment of behavioral health issues, and to expand its training of the next generation of healers.

Soares said there has some been some preliminary internal design work done on the building, but bidding for the project's architect has yet to go out.

"It will be great to have the two hospitals together on one campus, providing a continuum of care," said Soares, also executive director of the HCPC. "It should have a significant impact on the vicious cycle we see of patients being discharged from acute beds, only to end up returning to treatment or being arrested."When local photographer Jim Olive threatened to sue the University to Houston to force it to pay his price for a photo posted on a UH website, the school told him to get lost. As a state institution, the university said, it has sovereign immunity, which protects it from copyright and most other lawsuits.

Olive did go away, but not for long. He has the university back in court, pursuing an unusual legal strategy more commonly associated with real estate than intellectual property.

Olive recently filed suit against UH in state district court in Harris County, claiming that the university's unauthorized use of his photo of the Houston skyline amounted to "unlawful taking" under the Texas Constitution, which prohibits government agencies from taking private property without adequate compensation. The takings provision is typically used when government wants to build a new road, school or other public projects.

Legal analysts said if successful, Olive's approach could provide a tool for writers, photographers and artists trying to defend their intellectual property in the internet age, when pictures, stories and images are reproduced with little regard to ownership.

"That is quite unusual, to say the least," said Houston intellectual property lawyer Steven Mitby. "It could open up a lot of options."

The University of Houston said in a written statement that it attempted to resolve the matter by offering to pay what it believed to be fair market value for the photograph.

"UH has great respect for artistic talent and federal copyright protections and has routinely paid, and will continue to pay, market value for images provided by artists and professional photographers," said Mike Rosen, executive director of media relations.

Olive is the latest to try a broad interpretation of the takings law to win compensation from a government agency. Hundreds of homeowners have sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, arguing that the agency's decision to release water from local reservoirs during Hurricane Harvey while knowing it would flood their homes amounted to an illegal taking.

Olive, 72, a professional photographer for five decades, specializes in skyline photos. He rents a helicopter for as much as $2,500 an hour and sits sidesaddle out the open door to capture Houston's urban landscape. Olive knows his photos are routinely used without his permission or paymentso he hired a service to find out who is using them.

When he finds an offender, Olive sends a letter about the copyright violation and a bill. Most pay up.

The service notified Olive in 2016 that the University of Houston's C.T. Bauer College of Business had used one of his aerial photos since 2012, according to his lawsuit. He sent the university a bill for $41,000, which included $16,000 for the frequent use of the photo and $25,000 for stripping off Olive's credit line when the university allegedly provided a copy to a national magazine for a story about the university's ranking.

Within days, the University of Houston removed the photo from its website, according to court documents. In a August 2016 letter, the university offered to pay $2,500. When Olive threatened legal action, the university said it was immune from federal copyright lawsuits under the common law principle of sovereign immunity.

"They just blew us off," said Olive. Under Texas law, he would have to convince the Legislature to pass a bill allowing him to sue the university.

But Olive thought there may be another way around the problem when he learned Texas artist David Langford successfully settled a similar dispute. Langford alleged an illegal taking when he sued the Texas Department of Public Safety eight years ago for using his 1984 photograph of a cowboy carrying a saddle without permission or payment on 4.5 million vehicle inspection stickers, according to court documents.

Olive is seeking unspecified damages.The Liberty County Historical Commission will learn more about the historic Caddo Mounds at the regular quarterly meeting on Monday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m., in the A.J. "Jack" Hartel Community Building, 318 San Jacinto St., Liberty. Meetings are open, and the public is encouraged to attend. The guest speaker for the evening will be Rachel Galan of the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site.

Galan began her love of Caddo Culture at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) where she completed her undergraduate work in English and Anthropology. She earned her Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas in Austin. She spent 11 years as a librarian at SFASU during which time she served as Director of the East Texas Research Center, Head of Digital Projects, and Associate Director of the Library. A certificate from SFASU in resource interpretation facilitated a change in career and allowed her to return to her love of Caddo culture.

Galan joined the staff of Caddo Mounds State Historic Site as the Educator/Interpreter in February 2014.

More than 1,200 years ago, a group of Caddo Indians known as the Hasinai built a village 26 miles west of present-day Nacogdoches. The site was the southwestern most ceremonial center for the great Mound Builder culture. Today, three earthen mounds still rise from the lush Pineywoods landscape where visitors discover the everyday life and the history of this ancient civilization.

The Caddo selected this site for a permanent settlement about A.D. 800. The alluvial prairie possessed ideal qualities for the establishment of a village and ceremonial center: good sandy loam soil for agriculture, abundant natural food resources in the surrounding forest and permanent water source of springs that flowed into the nearby Neches River.

From here, the Caddo dominated life in the region for approximately 500 years. They drew local native groups into the economic and social dependence through trade and sophisticated ceremonial/political system. The traded with other native groups in Central Texas and as far away as present-day Illinois and Florida. Caddo Mounds' sphere of influence was only a small portion of the broader Caddo cultural domain encompassing northeast Texas, Norwest Louisiana, western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. The Caddo culture, in turn, had trade connection and perhaps religious and political ties, with similar cultures farther east in the Mississippi Valley and beyond.

The settlement at Caddo Mounds flourished until the 13th century when the site was abandoned. Most archeologists agree that the elite ruling class left Caddo Mounds after the loss of their regional influence, as outlying hamlets and trade groups became self-sufficient and grew less dependent on the cultural center in religious and cultural matters.

The Hasinai Caddo groups continued to live through the 1830s in their traditional East Texas homeland in the Neches and Angelina River valleys but by the early 1840s, all Caddo groups had moved to the Brazos River area to remove themselves from Anglo-American repressive measures and colonization efforts. They remained there until the U.S. government placed them on the Brazos Indian Reservation in 1855, and then in 1859 the Caddo (about 1,056 people) were removed to the Washita river in Indian Territory, now western Oklahoma. The Caddo continue to live in western Oklahoma, primarily near the Caddo Nation Headquarters outside Binger, Oklahoma.

For more information on the Liberty County Historical Commission or the program on Caddo Mounds Historic Site, please email lchc318@gmail.com or call 936-334-5813.The San Jacinto County Republican Party is ready to host this year's annual Reagan Dinner on Feb. 17 with guest speaker Jason Chaffetz.

The Reagan Dinner is the San Jacinto County Republican Party's annual fundraiser that invites visitors to hear from political leaders, some of whom are involved in Texas.

"We basically raise the funds for the party to operate for the year," said San Jacinto County Republican Party Chairman Dwayne Wright. "A lot of the big counties do that as well."

Past guest speakers include Texas Governor Greg Abbot, United States Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and more.

This year's speaker is Jason Chaffetz, a contributor to Fox News Networks who was elected into Congress in 2008.

"He was the Chair of the Oversight Committee," said Wright.

Chaffetz has led investigations into the United States Secret Service, the Department of Education I.T. vulnerabilities, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Office of Personnel Management data breach, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Benghazi terrorist attack, Fast and Furious and more.

According to Wright, Chaffetz is expected to speak on another key investigation, which is the alleged misuse of classified information by Hillary Clinton in the email scandal. Chaffetz left Congress last year.

"Because he's no longer in office he can speak freely," said Wright.

Other speakers for the Reagan Dinner include U.S. Representative Kevin Brady and Rafael Cruz, father of Senator Ted Cruz.

The Reagan Dinner is scheduled for Feb. 17 at the Coldspring Community Shelter located on Hwy 150 across from the San Jacinto Count Courthouse. The event begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person.

For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, call Sheena Bass at 281-389-1618.There is power in numbers and Hollywood's best affirmed that notion.

Actors and actresses "blacked out" the red carpet by wearing black gowns, tuxes, pantsuits, and dresses in pants to the Golden Globe Awards Sunday, Jan. 7.The chief of a small Brazoria County town was recuperating Sunday in Houston after he was struck Saturday directing traffic along Texas 35.

John Barnard, 57, was off-duty and controlling an intersection at Texas 35 and Loop 419, near the refinery complex south of West Columbia. A semi-tractor trailer headed east on Texas 35 swerved around stopped traffic, just as officers instructed a sedan to enter the intersection, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.AP Honor Roll

Katy ISD is one of 447 school districts in the United States and Canada honored by College Board with placement on the eight annual AP District Honor Roll for increasing access to Advanced Placement course work while simultaneously improving the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams.

From 2015-17, the number of AP exams administered in KISD increased by 23 percent. The number of students participating in AP exams increased 26 percent to 9,478 in 2017 and the number of students receiving a 3 or higher increased by 24.6 percent in those two years.

To be included on the AP District Honor Roll, districts must:

Increase participation/access to AP course work by at least 4 percent in large districts, at least 6 percent in medium districts and at least 11 percent in small districts.

Increase or maintain the percentage of exams taken by Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students who scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam.

Improve or maintain performance levels when comparing the percentage of students in 2017 scoring a 3 or higher to those in 2015, unless the district has already attained a performance level at which more than 70 percent of its AP students are scoring a 3 or higher.

Visit https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/score-reports-data/awards/honor-roll for more information.

School boardrecognized

January is School Board Recognition Month and Katy ISD is joining districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their commitment and contributions to our public schools.

"Our board gives their time and energy, without pay, and many times at the expense of their very own families, to provide guidance and leadership to the students, staff and community of Katy," said Superintendent Lance Hindt. "In a climate of change and challenge, they develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues that affect the entire community and the lives of individual students."

Katy ISD trustees are: Ashley Vann, president; Courtney Doyle, vice president; Charles Griffin, secretary; and Rebecca Fox, Bryan Michalsky, George Scott and Bill Lacy, members.

The board will be celebrated throughout the month with a special recognition and presentation at the Jan. 22 meeting.

SPARK Parkdedicated

Waving "Thank You" signs and singing along to a melodious gratitude song, the Franz Elementary Choir officially dedicated their new SPARK Park, which is available for public use during non-school hours and on weekends.

This park is a collaborative effort between Katy Independent School District, Franz Elementary School parents, students, staff, the PTA, as well as local entities, who together contributed to the SPARK grant which was just under $130,000. Fundraising efforts included a $5,000 donation from the PTA and a weeklong of SPARK fundraising activities at the school, that included taping the principal to a wall, crazy hair day and water games that included popsicles, of which $2,150 was collected. Other funding included $1,000 from the West Harris County MUD #7 and $1,000 from Raintree Village Homeowner's Association. Design work was paid for by Katy ISD. SPARK contributed $116,000 from The Kinder Foundation and Houston Endowment park desert initiative.

The park includes a concrete trail, sensory play panels, musical instruments and four bollards covered with tiles painted by students and staff. When visitors walk through the park, they will notice a variety of trees, which include Monterrey oaks, Mexican plums and anacua trees. In total, 34 trees were donated by Trees for Houston.

Principal Yvette Sylvan said, "It has been said that 'A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or a part of the same social network.' It's about feeling connected and responsible for what happens. Humanity is our ultimate community and everyone plays a crucial role."

"We hope during the break you will come and enjoy this park," added Ashley Vann, Katy ISD Board of Trustees president.

SPARK, an organization created in 1983 to increase park and recreational spaces in the Greater Houston area, has helped to turn underutilized school playgrounds into neighborhood parks at more than 200 locations. This is the third SPARK Park at a Katy ISD school.Robinson Elementary hasn't been whole since Hurricane Harvey.

The floodwaters that gushed through the school's doors also forced students to attend two adjacent campuses several miles away: Pleasantville Elementary and Holland Middle.

Fourth-graders shared hallways with eighth-graders. Closets were converted into offices. Principal Paige Fernandez-Hohos split her time between those two campuses and the battered Robinson Elementary, scrambling busses in the morning and walking through her old classrooms that lacked insulation and flooring in the afternoons.

But on Monday, the staff and student body was back under one roof for the first time this school year.

Robinson, which cost $6.5 million to repair, on Monday became the first of seven storm-damaged Houston ISD schools to reopen to students.

The district will rebuild four of those damaged schools  including Kolter, Braeburn, Mitchell and Scarborough elementary schools  at a cost of about $126 million. Meanwhile, Liberty High School has been temporarily relocated to Sharpstown High, and Hillard Elementary is still undergoing renovations.

Fernandez-Hohos said watching students scamper into the school signaled a new beginning.

"It very much feels like the first day, and it's nice that it coincides with the new year," Fernandez-Hohos said. "It's like a fresh start for everybody."

Aside from those schools damaged by Harvey and its floodwaters, three other Houston ISD schools also welcomed students for the first time since renovations and reconstruction projects. Sharpstown High School was rebuilt for $62.8 million and Scarborough High was renovated for $14.6 million as part of the district's 2012 Bond Program. North Forest High School, which was not funded by the bond, opened its new building across the street from its old campus in Northwest Houston. The new school cost $59.5 million.

As students streamed into the reopened Robinson Elementary this week, some walked into classrooms they used last year. Others roamed aimlessly, suddenly strangers in what should have been a familiar school. Teachers and assistant principals were ready to help stragglers get to their correct classrooms.

Students weren't the only ones feeling lost.

For Whitlee Wyche and her family, little has been normal since they stayed dry perched atop furniture in their flooded Tidwell apartment for three days during Harvey.

They moved to an apartment in the Robinson Elementary School zone; four of her children were then bused from the flooded campus to the dry Pleasantville Elementary and Holland Middle schools.

She said that after so much upheaval, it's nice to see her students take another step toward normalcy.

"How do y'all feel about going back to this school?" she asked her car full of fidgeting elementary schoolers.

Her kids were suddenly shy, but 5-year-old Paris gave a thumbs up.

At the entrance to the school, special education teacher Evonnu Rasmus could barely contain her excitement. As kids began shuffling into the school's lobby, she closed her eyes and wrapped several in hugs.

"We're just happy  almost to the point of tears. We're so happy to see them back at our school," Rasmus said. "There's nothing like home, there's nothing like home. I'm still trying to hold back the tears. I'm just so happy to see them."

But not all of the former Robinson Elementary students returned Monday, even though many had registered that morning and in the weeks before winter break.

Fernandez-Hohos said the school usually counts about 700 students, but after the storm, only about 550 returned or enrolled from other schools.

Among those who did not return were Julian and Leila Herrera.

In mid-September, the siblings toured Pleasantville Elementary and Holland Middle to see where Robinson students had been relocated. The family had moved about 30 minutes away from both the original Robinson campus and its relocated classrooms. After only a couple days of rushed commutes, their parents decided to enroll them in a school closer to their temporary home.

Arlett Herrera, Julian and Leila's mother, said the family had hoped to be back in their flooded home by the holidays. But working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and insurers has proved more time-consuming and laborious than she imagined.

Next year, Leila will be in fifth grade. Her mom still doesn't know where Leila will finish elementary school.

"I'm lost," Herrera said. "Do I keep them there or put them back in Robinson? It will be Leila's last year, and she made a lot of good friends at Robinson.WASHINGTON  The Trump administration announced Monday it will end special protections for Salvadoran immigrants next year, a decision that could lead to the expulsion of as many as 200,000 people, many of them from the Houston area.

The long-anticipated decision came from newly-appointed Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who said the special status, known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), will cease on Sept. 9, 2019.

The 18-month delay was designed for an "orderly transition," the administration said in a statement. It also will allow Congress time to craft a potential legislative fix for those who will either be required to leave the country or be deported.

The decision comes as President Donald Trump and congressional leaders are negotiating continued protections for some 800,000 "Dreamers"  young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.

CRACKDOWN: Trump moves to end 'catch and release', prosecuting parents and removing children who cross border

Their special status under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is slated to end in March, unless Congress intervenes.

El Salvador is now the fourth country whose citizens will lose have lost Temporary Protected Status under the current administration, joining Nicaragua, Haiti and Sudan.

Pew Research Center

Until now, Salvadorans had been considered the largest beneficiaries of the program, which provides special legal status for people whose countries have been affected by natural disasters, war or political tumult.

The protections were granted to citizens of El Salvador after a 2001 earthquake that killed more than 1,000 people. The Obama administration temporarily extended the protections in 2016, setting up Monday's deadline for another extension.

DEEPER UNDERGROUND: Businesses feel the pinch as undocumented consumers limit shopping expenses

Pew Research Center

Houston Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee called the decision "cruel" and said that as many as 36,000 people could be affected in Texas.

"El Salvador, a violence-torn Central American nation, suffered catastrophic damage in the 2001 earthquake that launched a humanitarian crisis," she said "According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other religious organizations, 'El Salvador is in no position to accommodate the return of roughly 200,000 Salvadorans' because of violence, food insecurity and lasting devastation from natural disasters.'"

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said there are over 80,000 people from El Salvador who live in the city, and that 19,000 of them will be directly affected by the end of TPS. "Many of them own businesses and work in our service industries," Turner said. "They contribute $1.8 billion to the Texas GDP."

Outside of Houston, the decision is expected to cause shock waves for large populations of Salvadorans in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. In recent years, thousands more have entered the country illegally through Mexico along with others from Central American fleeing violence and poverty.

Activists on both sides of the immigration debate reacted forcefully.

"These individuals are taxpayers and employers. They are homeowners, good neighbors and parents of American children," said UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguia. "Yet, despite a chorus of opposition from elected officials and business, religious, civil rights and community leaders around the nation and around the globe, the Department of Homeland Security has moved forward with a decision that does nothing more than harm our country, our allies, and endanger the lives of individuals who are making measurable contributions to this country."

Murguia urged Congress to take action to extend the status for the Salvadorans. Other critics of the decision noted that the State Department currently has a travel warning for Americans considering travel to El Salvador.

But advocates for limited immigration welcomed the decision.

"By ending the Salvadoran TPS, Secretary Nielsen has taken a major step toward saving the TPS program so it can be used for future emergencies," said NumbersUSA President Roy Beck. "The past practice of allowing foreign nationals to remain in the United States long after an initial emergency in their home countries has ended has undermined the integrity of the program and essentially made the 'temporary' protected status a front operation for backdoor permanent immigration."

El Salvador President Salvador Sanchez Ceren spoke by phone Friday with Nielsen to renew his plea to extend special status for Salvadorans seeking refuge in the U.S., according to the Associated Press.

DEEPER UNDERGROUND: Fearing deportation, undocumented immigrants in Houston are avoiding hospitals and clinics

Among those directly impacted was Cristian Chavez Guevara, a 37-year-old Salvadoran TPS holder from Houston, who said the program changed his life after he first entered the U.S. illegally. "I was able to get a license, pay taxes, and my life finally seemed to feel normal," he said. "Since then, I've been building dreams for the future and working to pave a more promising path forward for my family. All of that has come to a halt today."

Guevara said the impact will be felt in both countries. "The economic situation in El Salvador is very bad," he said. "Organized crime controls the streets and neighborhoods. As TPS holders, we help fill economic needs for our families back in El Salvador. But, all of our dreams and hopes ended today."

STRANGERS IN THEIR HOMELANDS: Trump's deportees are often preyed upon by gangs

Guevara added that his own family will be torn apart, noting that his fiancee is a legal resident. "I have also raised my cousin because her mother was deported when she was young," he said. "What am I going to do now? How am I going to tell them I have to go?"

The decision is likely to add another contrast in the 2018 race between Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican and a hard-liner on immigration, and Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke, a three-term congressman from El Paso who opposes Trump's proposed border wall.

O'Rourke criticized the Trump administration's decision on Twitter, calling TPS a "bipartisan tradition of extending these protections. Without them, thousands of families who have contributed so much to our communities will have their lives thrown into chaos. This is wrong."

Cruz's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In rendering her decision, Nielsen said that conditions in El Salvador have improved sufficiently, determining that "the original conditions caused by the 2001 earthquakes no longer exist."

She cited millions of dollars in international aid since the earthquake that helped finance water and sanitation projects and reopen schools, roads and hospitals damaged by the quakes.

She also noted that the U.S. government has repatriating more than 39,000 Salvadorans in the last two years  which the administration takes as evidence that the country of 6.2 million is able to handle the return of its citizens.

Salvadorans in the United States who benefited from TPS may still receive other protections for which they might otherwise be eligible under immigration law.

Salvadorans with TPS will be required to re-register for the program and apply for employment authorization in order to legally work in the United States until the termination of El Salvador's TPS designation.

-- Washington Correspondent Bill Lambrecht contributed to this report.

***

A NEW AMERICA: President Donald Trump has empowered federal authorities to deport immigrants here illegally, promised to punish so-called sanctuary cities and is pushing Congress to start funding a complete wall along our southern border. Fearful of being exposed and sent back to countries that may no longer be familiar or welcoming, immigrants are withdrawing even more into the shadows. The worry extends to their spouses and children, who, in many cases, are American citizens. Click here to read our series "A New America" on our subscriber website, HoustonChronicle.com.







One of the country's most-popular Japanese ramen chains has filed suit against some like-minded ramen shops in the Houston-area.

Jinya Ramen was founded by Tomo Takahashi in Tokyo, Japan in 2000. The chain came to the United States a decade later first making its mark on the West Coast before heading east.

RELATED: Ninja Ramen owner expanding to Garden Oaks with new restaurant Flying Pho

According to the Southeast Texas Record, lawyers for Jinya filed suit against Ramen Fun, Mikoto, and Atsumi in Cypress on Jan. 4, arguing that the defendants stole its intellectual property and trade dress.

Jinya also says that in particular Ramen Fun allegedly copied its menu and employee uniforms soon after Jinya opened up for business in the area.

The first Jinya in Houston opened near Egret Bay Boulevard in October 2014. A location in Houston's Midtown district opened its doors in 2015. There are now five locations in the Houston market.

The nationwide chain is asking for unspecified monetary damages, according to the suit.

RELATED: Lyric Market culinary hall to open fall 2018 in downtown Houston

Japanese ramen is known for having a thick, pork-based broth and is miles different from the instant ramen noodles with which most people are familiar. One of the most popular styles, Tonkotsu, is a specialty at Jinya. The noodles are aged for three days and the broth is simmered for 10 hours.

The dish has its roots in China, brought back to Japan from soldiers who fell in love with the traditional Chinese street food.

Chron.com reached out to Jinya Ramen for further comment on Monday but has yet to hear back.

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.AUSTIN  Infighting over the heart and soul of the Republican Party boiled over on social media this week as two well-known GOP House members took shots at each other on Twitter over a primary election in southwest Houston.

Rep. Jonathan Stickland, a conservative Republican from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, tweeted pictures Thursday night of his paid campaign staff knocking on doors in Houston for moderate Republican Rep. Sarah Davis's primary challenger, Susanna Dokupil.

"Response so far: Overwhelmingly positive," wrote Stickland.

Davis, who has been under political attack by Gov. Greg Abbott and other conservatives for months, shot back with a meme of Stickland with his 2008 quote: "Rape is non existent in marriage, take what you want my friend!"

Stickland made the comment in a joke online and later apologized  and continued to do so repeatedly in responding to Davis' meme, which she reposted multiple times on Twitter.

"I've apologized 4 stupid comments I made in my younger years, have u publicly apologized for your horrendous liberal voting record?" he responded, adding questions about whether she apologized for her positions on abortion, property tax reform and the minimum wage.

The exchange between Davis and Stickland is the latest example of increased tension in the fight for the direction Texas Republican Party. Stickland, Abbott and others are hoping to edge out the West University Place Republican from the Texas House in favor of a more conservative member and shifting the overall chamber to a deeper shade of red. Meanwhile, House Speaker Joe Straus, a moderate whose leadership team helped block hot button conservative legislation like the so-called bathroom bill, has vowed to do everything he can to help Davis win reelection.

"My race is definitely probably bigger than just me. It probably is about where the party's going to go," said Davis. She said it is unusual to see people from outside her district campaigning in her neighborhoods, which she added is a sign politics are becoming more divisive there.

Davis, a member of House leadership who was first elected in 2010, is facing a trying primary election after becoming the target of conservatives who argue she is too liberal. Her district has supported her over four election cycles, although voters favored Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton by 15 points in the 2016 presidential election.

Davis drew the ire of Abbott during a special legislative session in 2017. During the session, Davis opposed nearly all of Abbott's legislation, including regulating bathroom usage for transgender people, increasing abortion regulations and establishing private school vouchers.

Instead, she called out the governor for not prioritizing legislation that would restore funding for therapy for young children with disabilities and called on the governor to add ethics reform to his agenda. The governor's office then accused her of "showboating."

"The governor is obviously angry at the House because he didn't get everything he wanted out of the special session," she said. "Why he singled me out, I couldn't tell you. I really don't know."

Other Republicans have gotten in the mix to push out Davis, including Stickland, a vocal member of the House's conservative Freedom Caucus known for his agitating style. The group of about a dozen lawmakers have pushed to replace moderate and business-minded Republicans with hard right conservatives who want to shrink government and fight abortion.

"Sarah Davis has been a chief captain for killing conservative legislation in the Texas House and then coming back home to say she tried," said Stickland. "Governor Abbott deserves support for his agenda, an agenda millions of Texans voted for, yet Sarah Davis is a chief captain to defeat Governor Abbott's agenda. Republicans need to know this."

In the past, governors typically avoid engaging much in lower-level races, however Abbott endorsed Davis' opponent, Susanna Dokupil, CEO of Paladin Strategies, a Houston-based strategic communications firm. She worked for Abbott as assistant solicitor general and handled religious liberty issues while he served as Texas attorney general before his election as governor.

The race in District 134 has attracted attention from other outsiders, including Texans for Vaccine Choice, a parent group concerned with government-required vaccinations. The group is regularly at odds with Davis, who has pushed to prove the effectiveness of vaccines, and a fan of Stickland's.

The group conducted an online fund-raiser for Dokupil on Facebook Friday and its members have also knocked doors in the district, said Jackie Schlegel, executive director of Texans for Vaccine Choice.

Early voting for the March 6 primary begins Feb. 20. The winner of the election will go on to face the Democratic nominee in the November general election.

Andrea Zelinski covers state government, politics and the courts for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Send her tips at andrea.zelinski@chron.com.Bunker Hill

12/23/17 at 1800 Hours. 11900 Block of Cobblestone. Fraud. Victim reported that he received a credit card in the mail for a new account at Home Depot. When he inquired with the store, he learned that an account had been opened with a high credit limit and that someone had attempted to make a purchase. However, their charge was declined. Information was obtained and provided to detectives for a follow-up.

12/23/17 at 1815 Hours. 11900 Block of Cobblestone Fraud/Credit Card Abuse. While investigating the above listed incident, officers learned of a neighbor who was also notified of a credit card being opened in his name and that had been used at a Home Depot in Pearland, TX. Charges were in excess of $4000. Information was obtained about this incident was also provided to detectives.

12/23/17 at 1845 Hours. 11900 Block of Cobblestone Fraud/ Credit Card Abuse. Officer was dispatched to the above address in reference to a credit card fraud. This victim also reported being notified of 2 credit cards being opened in his name and both had been used at a Home Depot and a Lowes. Information was obtained and forwarded to detectives.

(Note: Detectives are looking into similarities in the above cases as a possible case of a prior mail theft as being the method of identity theft)

12/24/17 at 1530 Hours. 200 Block of Warrenton. Disturbance. Officers were dispatched to the area in reference to a disturbance and possible argument. Upon arrival officers learned that the subjects had been involved in verbal disagreement only. No violence had occurred.

12/25/17 at 1845 Hours. 200 Block of Bunker Hill Road. Disturbance. Officers were dispatched to a possible domestic disagreement situation. Upon arrival, officers learned that the subjects had been involved in an argument, however, one party had already left the house. The party still present did not want any charges or additional investigation and only wanted the other subject to be spoken to about his behavior.

12/28/17 at 1615 Hours. 11900 Block of Cobblestone. Fraud/Identity Theft. Victim reported receiving information from his credit monitoring service that 2 credit cards had been opened in his name and used to make purchases at a Home Depot. Information was obtained and provided to detectives for follow-up investigation.

12/31/17 at 1715 Hours. 400 Block of Blalock. Officers were dispatched in reference to the burglary of a habitation. Upon arrival officers observed where a suspect had forced entry into the unoccupied residence by kicking out a rear window. The suspect apparently cut him/herself upon climbing through the window into the property. Once inside the home, a TV and a package (gift) with unknown contents was taken. Investigators recovered the blood evidence, shoe prints and fingerprints. The investigation is on-going. (Note: The alarm system was not active and it is unknown exactly when the crime occurred)

1/2/18 at 1315 Hours. 11600 Block of Green Oaks. Fraud. Victim reported that upon receiving his credit card statement he observed numerous unauthorized charges made to amazon on his account. Information about the charges were obtained and provided to detectives for follow-up investigation.

Piney Point

12/28/17 at 1730 Hours. 11400 Block of Memorial drive. Theft by Fraud. Victim reported that he learned that an unknown person had hacked into a family email account and requested through his accountant that a check be cut and sent to a business in Florida. The check has since cleared; however, it was never authorized. A check of the originating email shows it to be fraudulent. Investigation is continuing.

1/4/18 at 2145 Hours. 11500 Block of Memorial Drive. Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle after observing a traffic violation. Through the course of conducting an investigation, officer found the 2 rear occupants to be in possession of narcotics and a firearm. Both were arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail.

Hunters Creek

12/27/17 at 1800 Hours. 100 Inman Oaks. Attempted Fraud. Victim reported receiving a call from his bank advising that a subject had just inquired if a check made out under the victim's name was good. When he was told "no" he left the bank. A check of the victim's accounts showed no other activity. Information was collected and provided to detectives for a follow-up investigation.

12/28/17 at 1630 Hours. 100 Block of Stage Stop. Theft. Victim reported that unknown suspects in a red Ford Explorer stole a backpack leaf blower from a landscaping job site. Only a limited description of the vehicle was available. Information was provided to detectives about the theft. Detectives are checking area Pawn Shops and nearby surveillance systems.

12/30/17 at 0001 hours. 8525 Katy Freeway. Criminal Mischief. Officers were dispatched to a disturbance involving a male and a female. Up on arrival officers learned that after being involved in an argument with her boyfriend the female entered the business where the clerk locked the door in order to keep the belligerent male outside. The male became upset and punched the window causing it to break. The male agreed to pay for the window and made arrangements with the store. A report was written documenting the incident.The newly appointed U.S. attorney took his oath of office Monday in Houston, assuming the role of chief federal law enforcement officer for a swath of Texas that stretches from the Louisiana border to Laredo.

Ryan Patrick, 38, a private attorney, former state district court judge and son of Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, was long considered the front-runner for the post. He is new to the federal court system, having submitted his credentials to the federal bar one week before Donald Trump's inauguration last January.

Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal, presided over the ceremony in her stately wood-paneled courtroom where formal portraits of current and former judges line the walls. She thanked Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez for his service "despite the uncertainties of the comings and goings" of his predecessor and successor and he stood by during the oath. Five judges, the clerk for the district, probation officials, a few federal public defenders, a couple dozen assistant U.S. Attorneys and support staff also watched from the gallery.

None of Patrick's family members were in attendance. A formal investiture ceremony for the entire district will likely be held in late February or early March, Patrick later said.

Referencing an injury that forced her to use a walker, Rosenthal warmed up the crowd noting that the new U.S. attorney is ready and able.

"Mr. Patrick brings energy, enviable youth ... a strong set of legs and a willing heart to the task that lies ahead," she said. "It's not an easy task and it's not an easy district."

"It's never true that a U.S. attorney has an easy path. There are difficult situations, hard issues and challenges," the presiding judge said. "We are by geography, by time, by accidents of history, by politics with the big p and the little p, we're on the front lines. That puts you in really interesting position."

Acknowledging the room was packed with seasoned federal court players, she said, "We are ready to assist you and make life harder for you when we should," which elicited chuckles.

Patrick, in a formal suit with a red and white tie, did not make a statement beyond telling Rosenthal he was ready to begin the oath.

Afterward he told the Houston Chronicle, "I'm excited to be back to work for the people of Texas."

"Except for last year I've spent my whole professional legal career in public service," he said. "And I was eager to get back to it."

Patrick said the structure to perform the work before him is mostly in place. "Nothing needs to be blown up and reinvented," he said. "This is a great district with great people... with very interesting challenges and with the resources and people we have, we're going to meet every one of those challenges."

The position previously held by career prosecutor Ken Magidson handles civil cases and criminal matters amid one of the busiest dockets in the nation, which includes an international border, a major city, a major port and Magidson noted recently, the federal government touches everything in those sectors.

The state's two Republican U.S. senators said upon his formal appointment last month that Patrick is well prepared for the task.

Patrick was narrowly defeated in his bid for reelection, one of several Republican Harris County state district judges swept out of office by Democrats in November 2016.

Patrick spent the past year running his own law firm and doing criminal defense work as senior counsel for the firm HooverSlovacek. He was a state district court judge between 2012 and 2016, and before that served as an assistant district attorney for Harris County. He earned degrees from Baylor University and South Texas College of Law Houston.

In a recently updated Twitter profile, he describes himself as a "Christian, Husband, Father, Baylor Bear. US Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. Former state judge." He lives with his wife and three children in Houston.

The Southern District of Texas includes Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville and Laredo. The district sees a huge influx of immigration, drug and human trafficking cases each year and oversees expansive Medicare fraud and white-collar investigations.

Gabrielle Banks covers federal court for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and send her tips at gabrielle.banks@chron.comWASHINGTON  As the days wound down on 2017, the promise of a simple, fairer tax code got more complicated.

The sweeping tax cuts that Congress passed just before Christmas capped a tumultuous first year for President Donald Trump, and a career capstone for Texas U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, a Republican from The Woodlands.

As chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, Brady had been outlining an ambitious tax reform package for more than two years  long before Trump became the GOP's 2016 presidential nominee.

But the endgame of the negotiations focused on the Senate, where Republicans had a slim two-vote majority.

"If anybody decided to withhold their vote, and certainly with two deciding to withhold their vote, that would have doomed our efforts," said Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate.

RELATED: For Texas, GOP tax bill has its hits and misses

As GOP Majority Whip, Cornyn was the man, on paper at least, most responsible for keeping Republicans in line. That meant the political care and feeding of every senator in the caucus.

"It was a matter of working through the objections and concerns of individual senators, and I don't have to tell you that the tax code is enormously complex," Cornyn said in an interview, "and we were concerned with both the intended and unintended consequences."

As originally envisioned, the blueprint Brady produced with House Speaker Paul Ryan, called "A Better Way," held out the hope of fewer and lower tax brackets, a code so simple, devoid of special interest "loopholes," most people could do their taxes on post cards.

But in Congress nothing is simple.

The final product that came out of months-long negotiations among Republican lawmakers actually increased the number of tax brackets from seven to eight, preserved or introduced new tax breaks for businesses, and curtailed but did not eliminate popular middle-class tax deductions for state and local taxes, including the interest write-off for mortgage loans.

In the end, Cornyn and Brady could say that the vast majority of Americans will see their tax liability reduced, at least initially before some of the individual tax cuts expire. But as always, there were compromises.

"Throughout our nearly seven-year journey on tax reform, we've had to make many choices," Brady told his fellow tax writers as the tax bill headed for final passage in December. "We rejected simply tweaking Washington's monstrous tax code and just calling it a day. Instead we put it all on the table and went bold for the American people."

Critics saw much of the same, including a host of business-friendly measures that would dwarf the average middle-class family's $2,100 tax savings. One of them was extending the "carried interest" loophole that benefits Wall Street hedge fund managers, a perk that Trump had campaigned against.

In a testy television interview on the morning of the bill's final passage, Brady called it an "ancillary" issue that most Americans "can care less about."

But that was hardly the first compromise in the hard-fought tax bill, a historic milestone that Trump was eager to notch by Christmas.

"At the end of the day, the most important thing was to get tax reform done," said Courtney Alexander, a spokeswoman for the American Action Network, a center-right group that sunk $24 million into a public campaign to pass the tax bill. "Not a year from now, but quickly so that people could see the result."

One of the first compromises involved Brady's promise that tax reform should be "revenue neutral," meaning that, for the most part, rate cuts would be offset by new revenues drawn from closing special tax credits and deductions.

The tax bill Trump signed at the end of December, the first major legislative breakthrough of his presidency, is estimated to add $1.5 trillion to the nation's debt over the next decade, though Republicans argue that the budget hole will largely be filled with new revenues from job creation and business growth.

The first sign of retreat on the revenue neutral pledge came last summer when the House leaders' plan for filling the gap  a new 20 percent "border adjustment" tax on imports  ran into a maw of opposition from retailers and conservatives who balked at any kid of a tax increase as part of a GOP reform plan.

"It's a no-starter," said Austin area Republican Roger Williams, who introduced his own tax plan in April. "It's a tax increase."

The White House, after initially wavering, eventually jettisoned the idea  though not until Brady had become the national spokesman for the border tax, which was supposed to close a $1.2 trillion revenue gap.

With the death of the border tax, it became increasingly clear that the original promise of a revenue neutral tax bill could stop the whole tax reform project dead in its tracks.

By fall, prominent GOP voices, among them Texas U.S. Sen Ted Cruz, were arguing forcefully that "revenue neutral" had to go.

"Tax reform does not need to be revenue neutral," Cruz said in a major speech in September at the influential Tax Foundation.

Revenue neutral, in its traditional meaning, Cruz argued, meant the government would simply maintain Americans' overall tax burden, "just shifting money from one pocket to another."

Cruz and his conservative allies maintained that tax reform needed to take into account the expected economic spurt of tax cuts. That concept, called "dynamic scoring" quickly carried the day, allowing congressional leaders to brush off "static" projections of lower revenue based on previous tax law.

RELATED: How will tax overhaul affect Houston economy, real estate market?

Now the Republicans could just assume more revenue growth from an up market, a disputed proposition among independent economists.

Andrew Harnik/STF

The art of compromise

Other compromises would follow.

The House draft of the tax bill, largely shaped under Brady, did not cut the income tax rate for the nation's top earners.

The revenue saved by leaving the top 39.6 rate in place would pay for other tax cuts, while inoculating Republicans against the charge that they were merely doing the bidding of the super-wealthy like Trump.

But that populist message succumbed to supply-siders in the Senate, principally Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey, a chief negotiator who argued that traditional GOP orthodoxy called for across-the-board tax cuts. That included those at the top of the income ladder  those whose tax savings would presumably foster investment that would benefit working Americans.

Democrats, who uniformly opposed the tax bill as a deficit-funded giveaway to the rich, called it "trickle down"  a derisive term harkening back to the days of Ronald Reagan, the last president to preside over a major tax overhaul in 1986.

But Senate Republicans stuck to their philosophy, dropping the top individual rate to 37 percent, a difference that could mean tens of thousands in savings for some of the nation's wealthiest people, especially those in high tax states who were losing most of the deductions they had enjoyed from their state and local taxes.

At the same time, Trump had been pushing for a drop in the top corporate rate from 35 percent to 15 percent  well below the 20 percent in Brady's original plan. But needing to fit the bill's "static score" within an agreed-upon $1.5 trillion limit, lawmakers at first stuck to 20 percent, and then eventually settled on 21 percent.

The $1.5 trillion tax cut limit was the result of another critical decision: To skirt a likely Democratic filibuster in the Senate, which would take 60 votes, Republicans were forced to use a budget maneuver limiting the size of the projected deficit.

Democrats, feeling frozen out, complained of a dearth of public hearings.

Still, there was dissention in the Republican ranks, and with a paper-thin majority in the Senate, GOP leaders could ill afford defections. "We had the experience of the failed vote on the Affordable Care Act staring us in the face," Cornyn said. "Everybody understood the importance of getting this done."

To help get there, the American Action Network, the largest outside group pushing the tax bill, quietly convened a series of weekly meetings of top House, Senate, White House leaders, along with representatives from a host of conservative groups.

"There was always someone from each faction in the room at these meetings," Alexander said.

One near-fatal defection was that of Tennessee Republican Bob Corker, who harbored reservations about the size of the deficit. He wanted a "trigger" that would reverse the tax cuts to the tune of $350 billion if deficit projections grew in the coming years.

For Cruz and other uber-conservatives, that idea was a non-starter. Corker's plan had to go, and in a frantic overnight showdown on the Senate floor, Cruz won the fight. "It really was a battle to see who could persuade the (GOP) conference," he said.

Some tax bills to rise

Other brush fires had to be put out, principally those set by Republican lawmakers in high-tax states like New York, New Jersey and California. Many saw that their constituents would actually face higher federal tax bills if they lost their relatively substantial state and local tax deductions.

The specter of net tax increases in a tax cut bill was sobering, particularly for enthusiastic tax cutters like Cruz.

Brady, heading up the House delegation in Senate-House negotiations, ultimately had to settle for capping, not eliminating, the deductions for state and local taxes. The negotiations also resulted in a revised cap on the mortgage interest deduction, dropping it from $1 million to $750,000 of loan value.

The final bill also increased the exemption amount from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), which is supposed to limit how much the well-to-do can write off with credits and deductions.

On the business side of the tax code, negotiators decided to eliminate the AMT for corporations altogether, another tax benefit designed to stimulate the economy  the GOP's guiding principle.

Another hard-fought provision would allow businesses to immediately write-off the costs of new equipment. While popular with some business interests, it was anathema to others, who feared the loss revenue would keep tax writers  operating under the $1.5 trillion cap  from dropping overall tax rates further.

"We oppose any provision that stands in the way of lower rates," said Freedom Partners vice president Nathan Nascimento.

But the push for lower corporate tax rates gave rise to new fairness concerns, particularly for small businesses.

That concern was championed by Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, who lobbied successfully for the first-ever 20 percent deduction for "pass-through" businesses, those that pay taxes through their owners' personal returns.

While intended as a boon to small businesses, the change also helps mega-real estate conglomerates, including Trump's real estate empire. Another crunch-time change preserved a tax break that benefits pipeline companies, further exposing Cornyn  the official GOP vote getter  to criticism from the bill's opponents.

Cornyn dismissed the charge of favoritism, saying the attack "would make a Russian intelligence officer proud."

Amid growing criticism of the multiplying benefits for the wealthy, a pair of Republican senators, Marco Rubio of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah, finally threatened to hold out unless the GOP plan put more money into the child tax credit. It was a middle-class, family-friendly proposal that ultimately held sway.

Along the way, Cruz succeeded in adding a tax break for private and home-school families, though the benefit for home-schoolers was eventually struck down on technical grounds.

Zach Gibson /Bloomberg

Obamacare repeal

The final controversy of the tax bill was perhaps the most significant: the repeal of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate, a pillar of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul that required most Americans to buy health insurance.

Cruz, an outspoken critic of Obamacare, said he probably had the support of only a half-dozen senators when he first sought to make repeal of the mandate part of the tax plan. Some saw it as a poison pill, but in the end the entire GOP caucus went along.

While repealing the mandate freed up revenue for more tax cuts  the government would save money on insurance subsidies for low-income Americans  it created on final compromise: Sen. Susan Collins of Maine would extract a promise that, in exchange for her vote, Republicans would support separate legislation to shore up the Obamacare insurance marketplaces, whose prices are expected to increase without the individual mandate.

As a new legislative year begins, it remains to be seen if that final deal will stick.

Cornyn called the tax bill end-game the most difficult legislative work of his 15 years in the Senate.

"We all had concerns about the optics of this because we knew this was going to be criticized as tax cuts for the rich, and we were determined to make this benefit all tax brackets," he said.

If there's simplicity in the end, he said, it will come from fewer Americans having to itemize deductions on their tax returns  largely owing to a doubling of the standard deductions and child tax credits.

"The major simplification was that now only about one out of 10 taxpayers have to itemize," he said, "and previously it was about three out of 10."

Cruz, who ran for president on a flat-tax platform, said his biggest regret is that the tax cuts weren't made deeper and more permanent. But he allowed that compromise was critical to success.

"Getting all the pieces together to get everyone to yes was a complicated endeavor," he said.

But he pronounced himself satisfied with the final product: "If we were able to reduce taxes and allow 90 percent of taxpayers to fill out their taxes on a postcard, that's a good thing."Carolyn Kaster/STF

The two greatest presidents in Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's lifetime have been Ronald Reagan and the first year of Donald Trump's presidency, the Houston Republican said in a radio interview this morning in which he repeatedly defended the president's intellect.

"He is one of the smartest people I have ever met in politics," Patrick, 67, told North Texas radio host Mark Davis on 660 AM. "He's able to analyze things so quickly."Ramanan Krishnamoorti envisions a world where accidents like the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill can be prevented.

So more than a year ago, Krishnamoorti and his team at the University of Houston started working on a predictive model that could alert oil and gas company employees when a problem might arise  and how to mitigate it.

"We are trying to apply fundamental science and engineering processes to predict when a catastrophic event might occur and to develop new methodologies to monitor the process," said Krishnamoorti, the school's chief energy officer and director of its Subsea Systems Institute.

And last month, the team received $1.2 million from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine's Gulf Research Program to continue their research. Prior to this grant, the project was funded by $50,000 from the institute, created in 2015 to find ways to reduce the risk of offshore accidents and oil spills following the 2010 accident.

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig, leased by BP, exploded in April 2010, killing 11 crew members and pouring an estimated 3.19 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Academies handed out a total of $10.8 million to six projects, including Krishnamoorti's, last month to improve "understanding and management of systemic risk in offshore oil and gas operations" in response to Deepwater Horizon, according to an organization news release.

Along with Houston's predictive model, the projects include developing better well-sealing techniques, better tools to assist decision making in that environment, and better remote detection capabilities, said Kelly Oskvig, program officer for the GRP's Safer Offshore Energy Systems initiative, in the release.

The Deepwater Horizon accident occurred due to an uncontrolled buildup and release of gas, Krishnamoorti said. This happens when gas and water, for example, flow up the drilling pipe along with oil, where it then can explode once it reaches the surface.

Krishnamoorti's team has been working with Mulberry Well Systems LLC on the project since the beginning, said Colin Leach, company president.

"I have always been involved in what we shall call preventative well control ... being able to see what's going on such that one can avoid problems," Leach said. "That's, as far as I'm concerned, way more important than trying to remedy a blow out after it's occurred."

In the next three years, Krishnamoorti expects to have a model that any offshore drilling company can use to warn when gas or water is flowing up the pipe. That is not currently the industry standard, he added.

If workers know when danger is imminent, he said, they could clear the platform or stop production until the problem is resolved.

The goal is to determine "how best we can ensure safe and reliable drilling operations," he added. "We don't want to put people's lives in danger, we don't want to do environmental damage."

Among other things, Mulberry Well Systems will be assisting the university with making the model practical for use, Leach said.

"We can understand a lot but what difference does it make?" Leach said. "How can we put it in place and have it be something that will provide improvement?"

Krishnamoorti said he believes the model likely will be funneled into commercial production, where it would be sold to a company and could be tailored to their specific needs.

"We can mitigate this easily: once you know you have gas coming out you can manage the pressure so you can prevent such an explosion from happening," he said.

Two other Texas universities, University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, are working with Louisiana State University and others in projects tapped by the National Academies as well, the release stated.

Alex Stuckey covers science and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey.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.BROOK PARK, Ohio -- Council President Mike Vecchio announced city council committee assignments during the Jan. 2 Brook Park organizational meeting. In addition, Mayor Mike Gammella named city commission appointments.

Council members unanimously chose long-time Councilman Rick Salvatore as president pro tempore. Current Building Commissioner Ted Hurst and City Engineer Ed Piatak retain their positions. Clerk of Council Michelle Blazak will remain in her role through January while council members review candidate resumes.

As previously reported, Mark J. Elliott was confirmed as recreation director. Mayor Mike Gammella's proposed appointees for safety director, Scott Adams, and service director, Ron Jordan, will be discussed at the Jan. 16 council caucus, with the possibility of confirmation at the regular council meeting that follows. The mayor told cleveland.com Monday morning he will wait until Jan. 16 to publicly announce his appointments for economic development director and human resources director.

Gammella appointed Robin Way to recreation commission, Chris St. Clair to planning and zoning commission and Terry Gardner to civil service commission. Vecchio's city council committee assignments are as follows: Aviation and Environmental - chairman Carl Burgio, co-chairman Rich Scott, member Edward Orcutt; Finance - chairman Scott, co-chairman Gregory Stemm, member Jim Mencini; Legislative - chairman Mencini, co-chairman Salvatore, member Stemm; Parks and Recreation - chairman Salvatore, co-chairman Mencini, member Brian Poindexter; Planning - chairman Burgio, co-chairman Orcutt, member Stemm; Safety - chairman Stemm, co-chairman Scott, member Mencini; Service - chairman Orcutt, co-chairman Scott, member Mencini; Board of Zoning Appeals - chairman Scott, co-chairman Salvatore, member Mencini.

Salvatore will continue as trustee for Southwest General Health Center and immediate past councilwoman Rachel McDonnell will be council's representative to the Berea Board of Education. Brian Poindexter will serve as board alternate.

Gammella later thanked residents for allowing him to lead Brook Park.

"I intend to work with this community and this council," Gammella said. "My intention and I believe council's intention is to work together over the next four years to move this city forward and act in a professional and expedient manner. I intend to be the best mayor this town has ever had."CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kichler Lighting of Independence with 400 local employees has agreed to sell to Masco Corp. of Michigan.

Kichler Lighting of Independence is being purchased by Masco Corp. of Michigan.

The 80-year-old company that specializes in interior lighting fixtures is expected to retain the Kichler name and "operate in many ways as a stand-alone business," said Masco spokeswoman Sue Sabo.

That includes not making changes in Kichler's 700-person workforce, 400 of them in Northeast Ohio. "At this time, we do not anticipate relocating or eliminating any positions," she said. Companywide, Masco has 26,000 employees.

The acquisition of Kichler is expected to close by March 31. It is a cash deal. The price was not disclosed.

Kichler Lighting, known formally as L.D. Kichler Co, provides lighting for homes and businesses, as well as ceiling fans and outdoor lighting. Kichler generated $450 million in revenue last year.

Masco recently bought another local business, Mercury Plastics, Inc. of Middlefield. Mercury manufactures water handling systems for appliances and faucets, and other plumbing products. Mercury last year had revenues of $45 million and employs 300 people.

Masco is based in Livonia, Michigan, and focuses on the home improvement and building products space. Its brands include Behr paint; Delta faucets, bath and shower fixtures; KraftMaid cabinets; Milgard windows and doors; and Hot Spring spas.

Of its purchase of Kichler, Masco President and CEO Keith Allman said in a statement: "We are excited about the prospects of expanding Masco's reach into the fragmented $6 billion U.S. residential lighting industry.

"Kichler Lighting is a strong strategic fit with our focus on building products where brand, innovation and strength of distribution provide a competitive advantage," Allman said. "Kichler's products share many of the same customers as numerous other Masco brands and will complement our current product offering while strengthening our relationships with these customers."CLEVELAND, Ohio - Greg Huth has been hired as Cuyahoga County's deputy chief economic development and business officer.

Huth, who will earn $120,000 a year, replaces Judith Weyburne, whose title was deputy director of development.

Huth, who began his job today, was deputy director of economic development in Cincinnati. He had served as Cleveland's economic development director from 2004 to 2006, then was an assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor handling civil cases.

He will report to Ted Carter, chief economic development and business officer, and oversee day-to-day operations and strategic planning, the county said.

"The Department of Development plays a critical role in supporting the residents and businesses of Cuyahoga County," Huth said in a news release. "I look forward to being a part of this dedicated and creative team."CLEVELAND, Ohio - Anderson Varejao gave Cleveland all kinds of things during his dozen years with the Cavaliers - the Varejao Flop, the Wild Thing wig, etc. But there's on other thing, perhaps more lasting, that he gave to the city:

Jazz guitarist and fellow Brazilian Diego Figueiredo.

"Cleveland is very special for me,'' said Figueiredo in a call to his home in Franca, Brazil. "That is because the first time I went to Cleveland was to visit my friend Anderson Varejao in 2009.

"After that, I met Jim Wadsworth from Nighttown [where he will return for a Wednesday, Jan. 17, gig], and we started a good connection with Cleveland,'' he said. "I would say Cleveland is my main city in the United States for me.''

Most recently, Figueiredo was in town as part of last summer's Tri-C JazzFest. He's a bit leery, then, of the weather when he gets here this winter. After all, the temperature in his hometown the day of the interview was 96 degrees . . . and the temperature in Cleveland was 4 degrees.

Jazz guitarist Diego Figueiredo, left, and his friend and fellow Brazilian Anderson Varejao pose in an undated photo taken during one of the musician's stops in Cleveland to play the city and visit is friend, who spent a dozen years with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Not to worry, though. It'll be hot enough inside Nighttown, for sure, when he unveils his finger-picking style of acoustic jazz guitar.

"I really like to play solo,'' said Figueiredo, who will do just that at Nighttown. "My main ability is to solo. I like to play with a trio or a quartet or a big band - but it's all a different project.

"For example, last year, when I played at the Tri-C JazzFest, I played with bass and drums,'' he said. "I like to do both. With solo, I can show my real ability and put in all my techniques, and with the band, I have to do something more [and] concentrate on the group.''

Only 37, Figueiredo has already released nearly two dozen albums, his first when he was but 17. It's a pretty heady schedule of recording for a fellow who's constantly touring, albeit with side trips home to the warm climes of Brazil to recharge his batteries in his hometown or in the nation's capital, Sao Paulo, where he also has a home.

"I like to keep recording at least one album a year, sometimes two,'' he said. "I try to get some time [in the studio] between tours, and even inside the tour to record some new product.

"Two years ago, I was in Denmark for a tour and . . . I decided to record a new album there,'' said Figueiredo, who is always working on songs and has them ready to record whenever the opportunity presents itself. That's what happened then: The tour had a five-day break, so he went into a studio in Copenhagen and laid down the album "Broken Bossa.''

As much fun as that is, Figueiredo said he prefers being onstage to being in a booth at some studio.

"I like the connection with the audience,'' he said. "When you are in the studio, you are just you - you don't have the feedback of the audience.

"In a live concert, I can feel that connection, and I can play even better in front of an audience,'' he said.

That's an amazing skill, then, given the beauty of his version of jazz, which as you might expect is heavily flavored by the guitar-driven music of his native Brazil.

"My first teacher was my father,'' said Figueiredo. "He played the old traditional music. He was not a professional, but he loved the guitar. He introduced me to it.

His mentor, though, is a doctor from his hometown named Harolda Garcia, whom Figueiredo met when he was just 12 years old.

"Haroldo is one of the greatest musicians I've ever seen in my life,'' he said. "If I had to choose one guy in my life that changed my music, he was that guy.''

Well, him and Anderson Varejao . . . at least as far as Cleveland Brazilian jazz fans are concerned.

Diego Figueiredo

When:

7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Where:

Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights.

Opener:

Moises Borges.

Tickets:

$20, at the door, online at nighttowncleveland.com and by phone at 216-795-0550.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Bitcoin, the popular cryptocurrency, has served as a financial lifeline for an Ohio man who is among the United States' most prominent right-wing extremists.

A recent Washington Post report examined how the anonymity and decentralization of bitcoin have helped Andrew Anglin, a Columbus area native who runs a prominent neo-Nazi website, and other members of the racist "alt-right" movement to outmaneuver efforts to choke off their financial support.

In an email, Anglin told cleveland.com that the ongoing campaign to pressure "normal" financial companies from doing business with him and others in the alt-right movement pushed them toward cryptocurrency.

Ironically, the move into cryptocurrency enriched rather than impeded Anglin and his allies, since it coincided with an explosion in cryptocurrency prices. But an official with the Southern Poverty Law Center, an anti-extremist activist group, said the center will follow the alt-right's transition into digital currency.

"Right now, it's the money for haters, gun-runners and fentanyl patch smugglers," said Heidi Beirich, director of the SPLC's intelligence project. "But if it's going to be a legitimate currency... we'd like to weed people like that out of that business proposition."

Whether Anglin and his allies are able to continue to outfox their foes may hinge on how well they ride the extremely volatile cryptocurrency markets.

For those who are unfamiliar with the basics of bitcoin, here is a quick explainer.

Bitcoin is both a software-based, online payment network and a currency of sorts.

New bitcoins are awarded to network users as a reward for solving complicated math problems, work that helps maintain the network. The bitcoins then can be traded among users participating in the network. The transactions are publicly recorded in the network, showing the individual accounts, known as "wallets," that made them.

Over the past year, the price of bitcoin has risen astronomically

--

from around $1,000 a piece in January 2017 to as high as $19,800 this month, according to Coinbase, a popular online exchange -- as more people have begun to believe in its value and have invested through online exchanges using "real" money as a form of speculation. This has contributed to wildly fluctuating prices that many economists say resemble a classic investing bubble.

There are two inherent qualities of bitcoin that contribute to its popularity. One, because the network for exchanging bitcoin is decentralized, it can't be shut down. Two, while transactions can be tracked by anyone, the owners of the accounts, or wallets, remain anonymous.

Enter Andrew Anglin, 33, who has been quite public in his solicitation of bitcoin contributions to cover the operating costs and legal expenses associated with running The Daily Stormer, the white-supremacist website he founded. (The website's name is a reference to the Nazi propaganda tabloid Der Sturmer.)

Last January, a group of about 40 protesters gathered outside a suburban Columbus medical clinic owned by Anglin's father, according to an article by Columbus Alive, a weekly newspaper. Anglin had advertised the clinic's mailing address as a destination for cash and check donations to the The Daily Stormer.

Shortly after the protest, Anglin, removed references to the Worthington clinic from his website, according to Columbus Alive. He wrote in a post on his website -- replete with anti-Semitic slurs -- that officials from the Southern Poverty Law Center successfully pressured his father to stop accepting the checks by contacting the clinic's landlord.

Anglin also wrote that Coinbase had suspended the bitcoin wallet that the site had created for him. He previously had been banned from using Paypal, the popular online payment processing company.

So, Anglin advertised a new post-office box in Worthington, as well as a new bitcoin wallet that he said could not be shut down.

Anglin told cleveland.com and others that he is in Africa, although a process server for a federal lawsuit filed against Anglin by a woman in Montana said he spotted Anglin in a suburban Columbus grocery store in December. The Montana woman, in allegations similar to another lawsuit in Ohio, accuses Anglin of encouraging his followers to harass and threaten her online.

After racist protests that turned violent in Charlottesville, Virginia in August, financial companies such as Paypal banned other alt-right organizations from using their services. GoDaddy, the popular web host, canceled the domain registration for Anglin's website, although for now, it's back online with a new host.

The bitcoin wallet that Anglin advertised in February contains bitcoin worth about $3,600 as of late Monday morning, according to blockchain.info, a site that documents bitcoin transactions. But since the wallet was set up, it has accepted bitcoin worth about $555,000, as of late Monday morning.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is among those who have been tracking transactions within bitcoin wallets that the center believes are tied to Anglin and other white supremacists. The group says it plans to release identifying information for more than 200 of these bitcoin wallets in the near future. About 10 of those accounts are associated with Anglin or the Daily Stormer, said Beirich, the SPLC official.

Transactions into the wallet Anglin advertised have slowed down in recent months. According to Bloomberg, other cryptocurrencies with greater anonymity features than bitcoin are gaining in popularity among criminals and other users seeking to hide their transactions.

In an email to cleveland.com, Anglin declined to comment on his own strategy, but said alt-right figures in general have begun to use more private cryptocurrencies since efforts began to track their bitcoin wallets.

"There is no way we would have gotten into Bitcoin if it were not for the persecution by the SPLC and other lobbying organizations. And no one would have switched to privacy coins if they hadn't created these trackers," Anglin wrote.

Beirich acknowledged the SPLC's success in pressuring traditional financial institutions to cut off support for Anglin and other white supremacists has resulted in an unexpected consequence. The group believes another man who helps Anglin run the Daily Stormer now controls bitcoin wallets worth millions of dollars.

"We now have another problem on our hands," she said. "We're concerned with these guys moving money into cryptocurrencies, and also there's the problem that they're finding themselves coming into considerable wealth."

The SPLC now is focusing on lobbying Coinbase and other cryptocurrency exchanges to ban white supremacists from using their services, Beirich said.

"We're going to reach out to the companies that created the bitcoin wallets. We want to ask them to treat white supremacists as Paypal and the credit-card companies basically are," she said.CLEVELAND, Ohio - At age 6, Yvonne Lake has begun puberty.

The first grader marches off to school each morning wearing a training bra. And she returns home many afternoons with tearful stories about bullies teasing her about an exposed bra strap or the fuzz above her lip.

Researchers have linked early puberty in girls with obesity, poverty, high stress levels and single-parent homes. Yvonne falls into most of those categories.

Her mother, Juanita, has mental-health issues and does not work. She is raising her daughter alone on $1,000 a month of disability benefits. Most of that money goes toward the rent.

But a tight budget is perhaps the least of the stressors weighing on this mother and child. Over the last year, they have dealt with isolation, sexual abuse and violence inflicted on Yvonne's estranged father.

For several months now, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer have chronicled Juanita's efforts to navigate her daughter through this troubled landscape. The stories have appeared as installments of "A Greater Cleveland," a series about children growing up in poverty. Today, we reprise some of those stories.

Mother's disturbing discovery

Yvonne is usually talkative, but she won't tell her mother what happened one day last year, when she spent a day in the care of one of Juanita's friends. Yvonne turns silent whenever Juanita raises the subject.

But what Juanita does know is of great concern. She recalls walking in to pick up her daughter and seeing her friend's 10-year-old sister caressing Yvonne's chest. A doctor later tells her that Yvonne showed signs of sexual abuse.

Juanita, who was sexually abused by a brother when she was about Yvonne's age, is now reluctant to leave Yvonne with even her most trusted friends and relatives. And she has been unable to find a child-care service that she considers both affordable and trustworthy.

So, when school is out, Yvonne goes pretty much everywhere her mother goes - to the grocery story, to doctor's appointments and to classes mom is taking at Cuyahoga Community College.

Yvonne is tagging along one summer day, when Juanita is shopping and finds a gently used My Size Barbie doll that would make a great Christmas gift for her daughter. Yvonne spots the doll at the checkout counter and becomes excited.

To preserve the element of surprise, Juanita resorts to fib and says the doll is a gift for a cousin.

For lack of wheels

During the school year, Juanita accompanies her daughter to school - on foot. Mother and daughter walk down their pothole cratered street and wind their way up a hill to Yvonne's elementary school.

The half-mile trek, while easier than an alternate route with an even steeper slope, can be daunting during rainy or bitter-cold days.

Juanita explains that she always used to drive her daughter to school. But no longer. That is because her car sits in a police impound lot because she cannot afford the more than $1,400 in fines and fees that she would need to pay to retrieve it.

Juanita has fallen victim to what advocates for court reform say is a criminal justice system that routinely turns a traffic infraction into a mountain of debt for low-income Ohio drivers.

For Juanita, the trouble began one day last year, when police stopped her for a lane violation after she had dropped Yvonne off at school. Making matters worse, Juanita had allowed her insurance policy to lapse when money was tight. She planned to buy a new policy with her next check, but that check didn't come until two days after she was pulled over.

Because she lacked insurance, Juanita also was charged with misdemeanor driving under suspension. That led police to tow her car and confiscate the license plates.

Paying off her court fines and the fees owed to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles would leave Juanita unable to pay the rent and buy groceries. So, more than a year later, the car remains at the impound lot.

Gun violence hits home

Little Yvonne discovers her mother in bed crying one day, and brushing Juanita's dreadlocks out of her face, asks what is wrong.

While unsure about which words to use, Juanita finally gives in to Yvonne's inquiries.

"Your daddy is in the hospital," she says. "Your daddy was shot in the head."

Yvonne hasn't seen her father, Johnny, in more than a year. He hasn't been a regular presence in his daughter's life since she was a toddler. For some of that time, he was in prison for heroin trafficking.

Word of the shooting has come from Juanita's mother, who heard from acquaintances that Johnny was in a hospital. But she has heard nothing about his condition.

Juanita and Yvonne try to see Johnny. But they find themselves stuck in the hospital waiting room for hours because they don't know the password that Johnny's relatives have put in place to discourage unwanted visitors.

Juanita requests the password via Facebook messages to Johnny's family, but receives no responses.

Before leaving, Juanita pulls aside a nurse and hands her a gold-framed photo of Yvonne, accompanied by a hand-written note from the little girl.

"Daddy I love you," the note reads. "I'm a little disappointed, but I understand you're human. When you feel better, I want you to live better. Maybe if you feel like it, come see me and we can just talk."

The nurse promises to read the message aloud to Johnny, and she says she will place the frame in such a way so that he will see Yvonne's face when he wakes up.

A disheartening move

Mother and daughter are forced to move from their Garfield Heights apartment because the landlord is raising the rent by $40 a month, a sum that breaks the family budget.

Juanita pores over Craigslist rental listings and scours local nonprofit databases for affordable housing. To her dismay, the most affordable options are in questionable neighborhoods of Cleveland, the city she grew up in and hoped she had escaped.

She eventually settles on a one-story, two-bedroom in Cleveland's Union-Miles neighborhood. The place is tucked away on a seemingly quiet one-way street with little foot or vehicle traffic.

On moving day, a neighbor tells Juanita that she has chosen a relatively safe block in the neighborhood.

The neighbor points to a field a couple streets away, where gunfire had erupted a few days earlier. He describes the tracks left in the grass from a police chase that followed the shooting.

"Yeah, stay away from that side of the street," the neighbor says. "But this side is usually quiet."

Stress takes its toll

A week or two after being turned away at the hospital without seeing Johnny, Juanita reports that Yvonne is acting up in school. School officials tell her that Yvonne seems angry and is talking back to the teacher.

Juanita decides to pull Yvonne out of class for a few days.

One day at home, Juanita finds Yvonne hitting her teddy bear and screaming into her pillow. She tells her mother that she doesn't want to lose her daddy the same way that she lost her favorite uncle, who had been gunned down in Cleveland the previous summer.

Juanita later reaches out to a former neighbor, who remains in touch with Johnny's relatives. The neighbor tells her that Johnny has been transferred to a long-term-care facility somewhere in Cleveland. He's listed under a pseudonym, so Juanita has no way of tracking him down.

The neighbor says that Johnny can blink once for yes, and twice for no -- but that's about it.

Without contact with Johnny's family, and with Johnny being in a diminished state, Juanita says it could be a long time, perhaps years, before Yvonne will have the chance of reconnecting with her father.

A Greater Cleveland is a project of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. See the entirety of our project by clicking here.

A Greater Cleveland is a call to action to the community to help identify and remove the barriers to success faced by Cleveland children in poverty. For those moved to make donations, we ask that you consider a gift to the United Way of Greater Cleveland, which is focusing on issues of multigenerational poverty that this series will examine. Because of the sensitive family matters discussed in this series, we have provided the people we write about anonymity and are using pseudonyms to identify them.McCUTCHENVILLE, Ohio -- A father and his young daughter were killed in an early-morning house fire, reports say.

The mother, Lisa Stock, 34, and another daughter, Alana Stock, 1, survived the fire, which occurred at 12:45 a.m. Saturday, the Findlay Courier reports.

Officials tell the Courier that Lisa Stock called 911 to report the fire, saying she was able to get Alana out of the house through a window but that she was stuck inside.

A sergeant with the Wyandot County Sheriff's Department arrived and rescued Lisa Stock, the Toledo Blade reports. Stock then told the sergeant that her husband, Shawn Stock, 37, and another daughter, Avery, 2, were still in the house.

Firefighters were able to get inside and found Avery, who was taken to Wyandot Memorial Hospital. She was pronounced dead at the hospital, the Courier reports.

Shawn Stock died at the scene.

According to the Blade, the fire remains under investigation, but it's believed it was caused by a wood-burning stove in the basement of the home.

If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.comcrime and courts comments section.AKRON, Ohio - The University of Akron's law school will offer summer classes for incoming students.

The Summer Start Program will allow students to begin their studies in late May rather than August.

Participants will take two first-year courses. The courses will be held during the 10-week summer semester. They will be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Students who participate in the summer session can take a reduced course load during the 2018-19 academic year or take two required classes normally reserved for upper-class students.

A few colleges, including the University of Michigan, offer summer-semester programs for law school students.

Akron's law school will operate the program on a trial basis this summer. The pilot program will accommodate up to 30 students and will include up to $2,500 in scholarship assistance.

Nontraditional students can start their legal studies when they're ready rather than having to wait until August, officials said in a news release. UA students can also begin their law school program in the fall or spring semesters.

Prospective summer-program students are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of receiving a scholarship. The application deadline is March 31, 2018. Late applications may be possible depending on space availability.

The program may be canceled if enrollment is insufficient. Students would be notified no later than April 30.

All admitted applicants will be automatically considered for a scholarship. The school received donations to offer scholarships for this summer. If the program is continued, officials hope to raise additional money.LEECHBURG, Pennsylvania -- A police chief is facing charges after being accused of trying to set up a sexual encounter with what he thought was a 14-year-old girl, reports say.

CNN reports Michael William Diebold, the Leechburg police chief, placed an ad online seeking a "fun, discreet, sub playmate -- m4w."

When a person identifying as a girl, 14, responded to the ad, court records show Diebold responded by saying "everyone has to have a first time ... you will just have to get me naked tomorrow," according to CNN.

The "teen" who responded was an undercover investigator, reports say.

Diebold, 40, was charged Friday with several offenses, including unlawful contact with a minor and criminal attempt to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Both are felonies.

According to the Post-Gazette, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro released a statement saying: "This case is particularly heinous because the perpetrator is a public official, sworn to serve and protect the community. We have a zero-tolerance policy for the sexual abuse of children and my office will prosecute any offender to the fullest extent of the law, no matter who they are."

Diebold is being held in Westmoreland County Prison on a bail of $500,000, the New York Times reports. Diebold is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 16 and will plead not guilty, his lawyer tells the Times.

However, the Times reports court records show Diebold told investigators he knew it was wrong to have sexual contact with a 14-year-old is wrong and said his life was "totally over."

Diebold made news last summer when he lost part of his arm in a fireworks accident, according to the Post-Gazette. He was married 18 days after the accident.

The Leechburg police department has three full-time officers, including Diebold, and 15 part-time officers, reports say.

If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section.CLEVELAND, Ohio - Taxpayers should use, or at the very least, take note of our region's great park system, which has grown and improved under the stewardship of Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman.

But the same taxpayers must also start scrutinizing the extraordinary salary and benefits that Zimmerman is getting to manage the park system, which was indisputably well-run by his predecessors, all of whom were paid far less money.

The three-member board of commissioners that is supposed to watchdog our tax dollars and act as Zimmerman's boss has boosted his pay by more than 60 percent since he was hired in 2010. That takes into account his latest raise, approved last month at 3.95 percent, the maximum allowed by his contract.

He was hired at $145,000 and now is paid $237,723.

Zimmerman also receives excellent retirement and health-care benefits, use of a fine SUV -- and five weeks of vacation. Yet, Zimmerman keeps wringing more out of the park system. The board of commissioners agreed in November to allow Zimmerman to convert up to 80 hours of unused vacation time to cash each year.

And, guess what? Zimmerman coincidently said he didn't use 80 hours of vacation in 2017 and cashed those days in. At his 2017 pay rate, that's worth $8,500, or a little more than 3.5 percent of his salary. (Other Metroparks employees are not allowed to cash out vacation days, though they can carry over a limited number of unused time from year to year.)

One only needs to look to the City of Beachwood to see the dangers of a love affair between the watchdog and the executive. For years, then-Mayor Merle Gorden persuaded City Council and voters that the city's success was all a result of his leadership

.

And council made him the highest paid elected official in Ohio. He, too, enjoyed great benefits, including use of a SUV and the ability to cash in unused vacation days.

But Beachwood's council eventually realized it could no longer justify Gorden's rewards and cut his pay and benefits, including the ability to convert unused vacation days. Voters also tired of Gorden and dumped him in November.

Zimmerman now makes nearly as much as Gorden did when he left office and is among the top paid officials in all of Ohio. And it looks like Zimmerman will remain so for years to come.

The Metroparks board just extended Zimmerman's contract through the end of 2023. Zimmerman, by the way, is paid far more than the head of the U.S. National Park Service, whose salary was about $180,000, according to a 2016 figure.

The Metroparks board wants you to believe that it can't find and retain a good guy like Zimmerman without offering such a salary and benefits package. I don't buy it. The park system's own history proves otherwise.

The Metroparks, under the direction of other chiefs, won awards for its balanced budget and the quality of park offerings. Zimmerman puts more emphasis on winning awards than his predecessors did.

Zimmerman has certainly guided the parks to record expansion, but we can't forget that the expansion was made possible in part by the 2013 tax levy renewal - and increase - which was expected to generate around $73 million a year for the park system, up from $53 million annually.

The board, which continues to evaluate Zimmerman behind closed doors, stands by Zimmerman's salary. Metroparks spokeswoman Jacqueline Gerling provided me a list of his accomplishments.

"Under Brian's leadership, Cleveland Metroparks also received several awards in 2017, including winner of the NorthCoast 99 Award for the 11th time and 7th under Brian's leadership," Gerling said in an email. "This year, Brian was also personally recognized as Crain's 2017 Business CEO of the Year, a finalist for E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year and a Smart Business Smart 50 Honoree & Impact Award."

She listed, among other things, the following accomplishments credited to Zimmerman's leadership: The park system continued to have the highest rate of land acquisition under any Cleveland Metroparks leader aside from founder William Stinchcomb; acquired more than 2,000 acres for preservation and conservation since he was hired; completed the Edgewater Beach House; and attracted 30,000 people to the park system's Centennial fireworks celebration. (You can learn more about Zimmerman's accomplishments in this link, provided by the Metroparks.)

The board of commissioners owe it to taxpayers to trim - not expand - the CEO's compensation.

And if Zimmerman doesn't like it, he should go find his pot of gold elsewhere. There are others who can maintain the parks system's excellent track record without being so focused on the end of the rainbow.Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

It is essential to bear in mind that even as you are going for your academic interest, growing yourself as a person is just as vital. You will be capable of making use of your college experience to determine yourself and describe your particular interests. Several colleges need one or additional letters of recommendation.

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Even as selecting a precise major at universities in California is imperative, take care that you take the classes that interest you. Making good choices presents you with innovative interests that you may perhaps not have been conscious of. Moreover, it will make you a more well-informed person and possible employee. Moreover, make sure that your consideration goes further than the traditional coursework.

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If you can't afford while studying far from home, think to enroll in a study abroad program. Going other places along with experiencing different cultures broadens your limits and can give you better career. Nevertheless, you also have to take into consideration the specialization of the best New York colleges versus the course that you would like. It will matter if the college is recognized for its engineering course however the course that you desire is a business one. Thus, precisely pick the college as per your specific need of your targeted field and choose it wisely.

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https://www.youniversitytv.com/We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds..Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymeric structures that can be cross-linked through various methods. They are widely used in cosmetics and skin preparation products and can be formed from polysaccharides found in natural plants. Here, the authors review the main categories of polysaccharides and related products used in the cosmetics industry.

The unique properties of polymeric hydrogelsincluding biocompatibility, high water content, elasticity and softnesshave drawn the attention of scientists in the context of skin preparations.1, 2 Naturally derived hydrogels are usually based on protein chains or polysaccharides formed by single sugar molecules linked together. These possess great potential as ingredients in cosmetics and skin care preparations. Natural sources for polysaccharides also make them inexpensive and easily available.3

The chemical industry is making huge efforts to modify polysaccharide structures and produce refined materials with specific properties. As such, here, the main sources of plant-based hydrogels are reviewed in brief.

Main Sources of Polysaccharide Hydrogels

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Agar: This natural polymer extracted from the cell wall of marine red algae is composed of a galactose polymer and some sulfate groups. Agar keeps the ingredients together in a formulation based on its stability and chemical properties, and it is used in applications to condition hair and moisturize skin. Moreover, it has been widely used in the formulation of facial masks, shampoos, deodorants, lotions and creams.1, 4

Alginate: Alginate, also known as alginic acid, can be obtained from brown algae. Alginate and its calcium salt have a high swelling ratio, which makes them suitable for forming surface films that retain the skins moisture with low tightening effects. Conversely, alginate and its sodium/potassium salts are used to stabilize oil phase cosmetics due to their solubility in water. They can hydrate and soften the skin and, as such, have been incorporated into formulas for soothing, moisturizing and anti-wrinkle products.1, 5

Furthermore, alginate-based wound dressings can prevent the wound from drying and inhibit bacterial activity while absorbing high amounts of exudate. They also can accelerate the healing process by increasing growth of the epidermis. The two main types of alginate dressings are calcium and silver. The former can slow bleeding and upon removal, causes less pain in comparison with conventional products. The latter can be effective for wounds requiring autolytic debridement.68 Finally, alginate also is used in masks for beauty treatments. Such masks typically include sodium alginate and calcium sulfate.9

The unique properties of polymeric hydrogels have drawn the attention of scientists in the context of skin preparations.

Carrageenan: Carrageenan is an esterified galactose containing sulfuric acid, which can be obtained from red seaweed. Its composition consists of elements such as sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium, calcium and sulfate esters of galactose and 3,6-anhydro-galactose copolymers. The major application of carrageenan is as a gelling agent in products such as lotions and creams.10

Cellulose: The most abundant polymer in nature is composed of  (14) linked D-glucose units and can be found in cell wall of green plants and many types of oomycetes and algae. Cellulose and its derivatives are used to stabilize thickeners and can also be applied as protective and softening texturing agents.11, 12

Dextrin: Hydrolysis of starch results in the production of dextrin. Cyclodextrins are one type of dextrins that are used as active agent carriers due to their cylinder-shaped cavity; e.g., they can release the perfumes slowly.13

Glycogen: Mainly composed of glucose, glycogen is a branched polysaccharide with applications for skin conditioning and as a humectant. Refined glycogen compounds may diminish cell degradation and aging, and hinder sun damage in this way.14, 15

Guar gum: This gum is mainly produced from guar bean and is composed of galactose and mannose units. Properties of guar gum such as its non-toxic nature, biodegradability, stabilizing and thickening benefits have resulted in its vast application in pharmaceuticals. Guar gum also has been used as a conditioner in shampoos and in toothpaste formulations.16, 17

Gum arabic: The Arab gum tree is the source of gum arabic, a branched polysaccharide composed of galactose, arabinose and glucuronic acid. It can be used to increase viscosity and emulsify o/w emulsions. Its alkali and alkaline earth salts have also been used as thickening agents in cosmetics.1, 18

Pectin: Pectin is a plentiful polysaccharide in fruits and terrestrial plants. This gelling agent thickens the aqueous component of gels. It also keeps emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid phases. Numerous body and hand products such as hair conditioners, permanent waves, shampoos and cleansers use pectin in their formulations.19, 20

The chemical industry is making huge efforts to modify polysaccharide structures and produce refined materials with specific properties.

Tragant (Shiraz gum): Finally, tragant natural gum can be obtained from the tragant plant, and consists of tragacanthin and bassorin polysaccharides. Tragacanthin, the water-soluble part of the gum, is composed of a main chain of galacturonic acid with different branches of monosugars such as xylose, fucose and galactose. Bassorin is composed of an elongated molecule consisting of arabinose, galactose, rhamnose and galacturonic acid methyl ester, and swells when combined with water.

Tragant has been used as emulsifier, binding agent, thickener and stabilizer in personal care products, pharmaceuticals and foods, and as a texture additive. It has also been employed as a topical treatment for burns. In Saudi Arabia, a natural hair shampoo consisting a mixture of hydrated tragacanth and ground and dried Ziziphus spina-christi is believed to promote hair growth.

References

H Lautenschlager, (Poly) Saccharides in cosmetic productsFrom alginate to xanthan gum, Kosmetische Praxis 4 1215 (2009) E Calo and VV Khutoryanskiy, Biomedical applications of hydrogels: A review of patents and commercial products, Eur Poly J 65 252267 (2015) S Bhatia, Application of Plant based polysacharrides, in Natural Polymer Drug Delivery Systems: Nanoparticles, Plants and Algae, Springer, NY ch 4 (2016) pp 144147 PW Williams and PO Glyn, Agar in Handbook of Hydrocolloids ch 2, Cambridge, Woodhead (2000) p 91 en.zhermack.com/Industrial/Cosmetic/Cosmetic_alginates.kl (Accessed May 9, 2017) J Timmons, Alginates as haemostatic agents: Worth revisiting? Wounds UK 5(4) 122125 (2009) smith-nephew.com/professional/products/advanced-wound-management/algisite-m (Accessed May 9, 2017) woundsinternational.com/media/issues/567/files/content_10381.pdf (Accessed May 9, 2017) fao.org/docrep/x5822e/x5822e04.htm#TopOfPage (Accessed Dec 4, 2017) VL Campo, DF Kawano, DB da Silva and I Carvalho, Carrageenans: Biological properties, chemical modifications and structural analysisA review, Carbohydr Polym 77 167180 (2009) D Klemm, B Heublein, HP Fink and A Bohn, Cellulose: Fascinating biopolymer and sustainable raw material, Angew Chem Int Ed 44(22) 33583393 (2005) cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/cellulose-gum (Accessed May 9, 2017) U Numanoglu, T Sen, N Tarimci, M Kartal, OM Koo and H Onyuksel, Use of cyclodextrins as a cosmetic delivery system for fragrance materials: Linalool and benzyl acetate, AAPS PharmSci Tech 8(4) E85 (2007) cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci/glycogen (Accessed May 9, 2017) cosmeticsdesign.com/Article/2016/10/26/Glycogen-sun-care-ingredient (Accessed Dec 4, 2017) fao.org/ag/agn/jecfa-additives/specs/monograph3/additive-218.pdf (Accessed May 9, 2017) theregreview.org/2012/08/08/8-narayan-guar-gum/ (Accessed Dec 4, 2017) SC Smolinske, Handbook of Food, Drug and Cosmetic Excipients, Taylor and Francis, Abingdon, England (1992) p 7 JA Marlett, Content and composition of dietary fiber in 117 frequently consumed foods, J Am Diet Assoc 92(2) 175186 (1992) P Sriamornsak, Application of pectin in oral drug delivery, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery 8(8) 10091023 (2011)SHELTON  With one structure already taking form, developer R.D. Scinto is continuing work on a three-building, mixed-use development at the corner of Commerce Drive and Bridgeport Avenue.

Its yet another addition to the companys portfolio in Fairfield County, and the Shelton-based agencys chief operating officer Robert A. Scinto said the project is on pace to unveil over 40,000 square feet of retail and medical space at 100 Commerce Drive this spring.

We looked to max out the site with the most square footage we could build, and we went out to the market with this, and it was received very well, Scinto said. We worked very hard to get it leased up. We think its a great corner.

The project is at the site of the former Tetley Tea building across from Walgreens. R.D. Scinto purchased and demolished the building in March to make way for the trio of buildings that will sit on 5.3 acres of land.

A frame of one of the structures is already standing near the entrance of the development with windows installed. According to Scinto, the 6,000-square-foot building will house two restaurants.

The Westport-based Spotted Horse Tavern will be among the tenants in the first building, occupying 5,000 square feet, while the remainder of the space has yet to be leased, Scinto said.

The next portion of the project will be a two-floor, 32,000-square-foot mixed-use building that will house an as-yet-unnamed medical provider on the top floor while several retailers take the lower level.

Among the list of tenants for the main buildings first floor will be sushi restaurant Hunan Pan, liquor store Ninety 9 Bottles and a Robeks location.

More Business Business Scinto plans shopping center on Shelton's Bridgeport Avenue

The foundation is formed right now; were waiting to get a break in the weather, Scinto said, adding that workers plan to start one of four concrete pours to build a 20-foot wall for the building.

Wrapping up the development will be a stand-alone Starbucks, which Scinto said will be an amenity to the developers other properties in the area like, including on Enterprise Drive not far from the site.

We did this because we wanted to get Starbucks closer to our office tenants, then everything else followed, Scinto said.

This will be one of over 30 properties the real estate agency has developed in Shelton and other parts of Fairfield County. It recently wrapped up construction on an 84,000-square-foot facility for Coopers Surgical in Trumbull and a 21,000-square-foot addition to another Trumbull business Scinto said.

We are working on a handful of deals right now that we hope to get done for ground-up construction, he said.

A leader in local grassroots group Save Our Shelton said he supported the Commerce Drive project, adding that the Tetley Tea building had outlived its purpose and needed to be torn down. The group has voiced its opposition to what it calls over-development in Shelton.

Its getting a nice restaurant, and its getting, hopefully, a small amount of high retail which basically serves the community that they have right there, said Greg Tetro, of Save Our Shelton. I dont think its really as invasive or as large as any of the other ones.

Although he said the development on Commerce Drive was a good look for the location, Tetro said he had concerns about the potential exodus of other retailers that have been in the area for years.

Every time something new comes in, something existing gets hurt, and I hate seeing the existing land owners who have been here for a long time get hurt by the newest latest greatest, Tetro added. My hopes are that it adds to the beauty instead of just tearing something down.NEW HAVEN - Attorneys defending Newtown from a negligence lawsuit over the Sandy Hook massacre asked a judge on Monday to throw out the complaint, arguing that educators exercised reasonable discretion in the way they responded to the 2012 school shooting.

The teachers didnt create this emergency, and no one could say that they chose a course of conduct that could be considered negligent, attorney Charles Deluca said in Superior Court, referring to the slayings of 20 Sandy Hook schoolchildren and six educators by a gunman five years ago. They did the best that they could, based on limited information.

But attorneys for parents of two children who died in the massacre who are suing Newtown and the school district for negligence argued that the educators were liable for not carrying out the districts emergency lockdown plan.

The teachers were drilled on these guidelines, said Devin Janosov, one of the attorneys for the parents. If the teachers were drilled on the guidelines, it undercuts the argument that they were discretionary.

The hearing, which lasted more than two hours, is one of the last steps before trial. It is up to Superior Court Judge Robin Wilson to decide either to throw out the parents lawsuit or to deny Newtowns motion and allow the case to proceed.

The lawsuit is separate from a higher-profile negligence case brought by 10 families against the gunmaker Remington. That lawsuit was argued late last year in state Supreme Court and is awaiting a ruling.

At issue in the case against Newtown is whether educators were liable for not following the districts lockdown procedure when a 20-year-old named Adam Lanza broke into a locked school by shooting out a plate glass window.

Newtowns attorneys say it was Lanza - and not educators  who were responsible for the worst crime in Connecticut history.

If anything, attorneys said in court on Monday, the slain educators were heroes.

This was split-second decision-making under an emergency, life-threatening situation, Deluca told the judge.

Among the handful of observers in court were First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and former First Selectman, Pat Llodra.

The judge has 120 days to reach a decision. It was not immediately clear when she would rule.BRIDGEPORT - An 83-year-old city resident was arrested after police said he left his two German Shepherds outside all weekend despite the below-zero temperatures.

Police said animal control confiscated dogs which were being treated at a Shelton animal hospital.If youre doing it right, entrepreneurship will never get easier, no matter what you accomplish. There will always be new challenges to tackle. Mark Zuckerbergs 2018 New Years challenge is proof of that.

As is his tradition, the Facebook co-founder yesterday shared his New Years resolution on the platform. In 2015, Zuckerberg said he would be reading a new book every other week. 2016 saw him building an AI program to run his home. In 2017, Zuckerberg hit the road on his own version of a listening tour as he traveled to the American states he had yet to visit.

But if his 2017 resolution was a response to, as Zuckerberg characterized it, the tumultuous nature of 2016, it seems that his 2018 challenge is meant to reckon with Facebooks role in contributing to that general feeling. Consider also that 2017 saw both increased scrutiny of Facebooks moderation practices and its general counsel -- along with counterparts at Twitter and Google -- testify before Congress about how the tech platform was used by Russian actors to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.

Related: Facebook's Content Moderation Rules Are Both Careful and Shocking

In his post, Zuckerberg reflects back on when he started issuing these challenges to himself in 2009. He recalls the difficulties of growing a not yet profitable Facebook in the midst of recession. So heavy did the concerns weigh on him that the then 25-year-old CEO traded in his hoodie for a tie every day. Zuckerberg noted that 2018 feels much like the early days of the company, in that there is still much work to be done, albeit for slightly different reasons.

Whether it's protecting our community from abuse and hate, defending against interference by nation states, or making sure that time spent on Facebook is time well spent, he wrote. My personal challenge for 2018 is to focus on fixing these important issues. 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. This may not seem like a personal challenge on its face, but I think I'll learn more by focusing intensely on these issues than I would by doing something completely separate.

Related: 21 Weird Things You Didn't Know About Mark Zuckerberg

At the beginning of 2009, Facebook had 150 million active users. As of the end of June 2017, the company had reached the 2 billion mark. If Zuckerberg has his way, that number will only continue to grow. There is no doubt that Facebook is a global force and the events of 2016 and 2017 only served to throw that into sharper relief. But it seems that in order to move forward, Zuckerberg is recentering the companys original mission in his efforts to take on the new challenges ahead, and prevent those challenges from affecting the company's bottom line.

Check out Zuckerbergs full post below.

Related:

Mark Zuckerberg's 2018 Resolution Reveals an Essential Truth About Entrepreneurship

Lo que Zuckerberg ha aprendido de sus propositos de Ano Nuevo

What Do Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett and Other Business Titans Have on Their Desks?



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com

07 Ocak 2018 Pazar, 16:47

CHP General Chair Kemal Klcdaroglu addressed his partys Ankara congress. Klcdaroglu commented on the removal from office of his partys Besiktas Mayor Murat Hazinedar saying, The government wishes to take the debate in a different direction by removing our mayors from office. Nobody will drag us away from Turkeys burning issues. The CHP leader, telling the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors, Do not turn the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors into the Palaces Committee of Judges, responded to Erdogan's retort to those objecting to the latest decree with the force of law, They have got into Klcdaroglu's caique, saying, And is there a caique left that you have not got into? Our caique is the SS Bandrma.

The key points from CHP General Chair Kemal Klcdaroglus speech:

The government wishes to take the debate in a different direction by removing our mayors from office. Nobody will drag us away from Turkeys burning issues.

There was no sub-contracted workers problem before we spoke of it. It was the CHP that brought the sub-contracted workers problem onto the agenda. We said the minimum wage should be 2,000 lira. They put it up a bit but did not make it 2,000 lira. What those on the minimum wage get is 1,709 lira. Lets see you support your household with this money. But, they live in palaces. They have broken away from the people. If you cannot make ends meet on 15,000 lira with no expenses at all, how is a three-child family to get by on 1,709 lira? You should set out and explain this. There is no business here for those who are fixated on the partys internal problems. The party has no need for gossip. We dont want those who do this here.

IF YOU ARE SATISFIED SUPPORT BINALI YILDIRIM

We brought truck drivers problems onto the agenda. They speak of carrying worries not cargos. They buy the worlds most expensive diesel. When I mentioned truck drivers problems, Binali Yldrm said, All truck drivers are satisfied with life. Lets ask truck drivers, shall we, Are you satisfied with your lives? If you are, Binali Yldrm is there, go and support him.

WE WILL GIVE RETIRED PEOPLE A DOUBLE PENSION BONUS AT FESTIVALS

Retired people who you have reduced to the state of avoiding their grandchildren at festivals. You should go and tell retired people, You cannot get by on that money. There needs to be a sitting down and thinking about all the retired. Our word is our bond. We will give retired people a double pension bonus at Ramadan and Sacrifice Festivals. Let no one have worries.

IF YOU WANT TO LIVE LIKE A HUMAN, THE ADDRESS IS CLEAR

Klcdaroglu, stating that he was addressing those on the minimum wage, commented, For as long as you are on the minimum wage, the ruling party will regard you like a slave. If you want to live like a human, the address for you is clear. The name of that address is the CHP. That is, the party of rights, honest endeavour and labour. It is the CHP. It is no easy matter to be part of the CHP. It is no commonplace matter. It means being a person who assumes responsibility and awareness vis a vis their country and people. Gossip  Ali or Veli did so-and-so  the CHP is not the forum or place of duty for this. If my neighbour is hungry I cannot go to bed on a full stomach. Certain people have been wronged and have been unjustly detained. Being part of the CHP is to resist in the face of injustice. Being part of the CHP means fighting and standing alongside those who are in the right.

DO NOT TURN IT INTO THE PALACES COMMITTEE OF JUDGES

We must call to account for the private, absolutely free from all sin, whose throat was cut on 15 July. You issue as many decrees with the force of law as you like, do as you will, we the CHP will not take a step back. Members of parliament are in jail. Why? The Constitutional Court has surrendered to pressure. The Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors has surrendered to pressure. I caution the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors not to make midnight changes of judges. If you do so, you betray democracy. You may be gifted with a post, but you must defend justice. Do not turn the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors into the Palaces Committee of Judges.

They imagine there to be shoeboxes at my home. They investigated my family tree. You cannot find even a pinhead.

THEY PROMISED

The 20 July decree with the force of law coup was staged in the aftermath of the 15 July coup attempt. When I went to the palace, they promised me. They said there would be a holding to account of those who lynched privates who had no knowledge of anything just following their superiors orders. But, under the latest decree with the force of law, they have covered this up. You issue as many decrees with the force of law as you like, we the CHP will not take a step back over defending democracy. They should come out and apologise for the 11,000 Bylock victims and the Ergenekon and Sledgehammer victims.

OUR CAIQUE IS THE SS BANDIRMA

They tell people not to get into Klcdaroglu's caique. And is there a caique left that you have not got into? Our caique is the SS Bandrma.

MEHMET BARLAS HAS HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD

Arms were sent to Syria with the intelligence agency lorries that are public knowledge. Lets see what Mehmet Barlas writes. He says, We made the same mistake in the support we gave to terrorist organisations in Syria, calling them opposition groups. There is a ruling party that supports terrorist organisations in Syria. A pro-regime scribe says so. He says, Regarding the Assad regime as if it were our domestic issue... Mr Barlas has hit the nail on the head. He will also criticise me for saying this. But, the truth is the truth. It is stated in one of their own trusted newspapers that support was given to a terrorist organisation. I thank him.

WE WILL TAKE ANKARA MUNICIPALITY

Klcdaroglu, calling out to party members, said, In local government, we will take, above all Ankara and Istanbul, and Balkesir, Bursa, Antalya, Mersin, Adana and Denizli. Let no one have any worries. We will not memorise a few lines and head off to coffee houses. We will solve the subcontracted workers and farmers problems.

Klcdaroglu, saying, Those of our people to be chosen will have a goal, commented, The first goal  we will take Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. Taking this place will mean transferring resources to the people in the countryside. It will mean leaving no one hungry and abandoned. Taking Ankara Metropolitan Municipality is thus no commonplace event. Taking Metropolitan Ankara means giving account for every cent Ankarans pay. May our holy war be blessed.In a new column Inge van Lotringen, 46, one of Britains most outspoken beauty editors with over 20 years experience answers your most pressing anti-ageing questions.

Q: Im 67 and have suddenly developed milia (small, white bumps) under my eyes. An eye cream from my local chemist that promised to get rid of them didnt work. Is there anything non-invasive that will?

A: The manufacturer of that eye cream was talking nonsense: milia, tiny cysts filled with keratin (fibrous skin cells), sit so deep in the skin that you cannot squeeze them out yourself and no cream will remove them. Dont despair, though, because you definitely can get rid of them.

An anonymous reader asked for beauty advice on removing milia (file image)

Ive been a beauty journalist for 20 years and the industry has never been better at producing effective solutions for your beauty woes  particularly when it comes to anti-ageing face and body treatments, the area I will be focusing on in this column.

From thinning hair to knee wrinkles, every week I will be answering your questions on anti-ageing procedures in as frank and honest a way as I can.

Ive tried a lot of this stuff and, over the years, suffered sores, burns and bruises in the quest for beauty.

So, I know which treatments will actually work and which ones should make you run a mile!

Which brings me back to your milia. The cream might have been useless, but there are several solutions to your problem  good thing, really, as milia are very common and can occur at any age due to build-up of product or cholesterol in the skin.

Inge van Lotringen (pictured) recommended having milia removed by a professional

They do eventually disappear thanks to the skins natural exfoliation process, but that can take years. So consider having them removed by an experienced and insured aesthetician or doctor. They will lance them with a thin, sterile needle, then push them out  youll only feel a little nip. Its speedy and effective and usually costs from 50.

Dr Vicky Dondos of Londons Medicetics Clinic, in my book one of the UKs best face-perfectors (her client list is packed with models and A-listers), prefers zapping them with radio-frequency waves, delivered via a needle (from 95).

Results are immediate, but always make sure that a medical supervisor is on hand to greenlight the procedure when near the eye  you dont want to be zapped in the retina, she says.

As for skincare, Vicky suggests an eye cream with retinol (an active form of vitamin A that stimulates skin cell growth) or mandelic acid (an apple-derived acid that peels the skins top layers) may help prevent milia and slightly speed up their exfoliation. But start sparingly with these as they can cause irritation.

As a rule, everyone should avoid rich creams with mineral oil or silicones as they increase your chances of developing milia.

Ingeborg van Lotringen is the beauty director of Cosmopolitan magazine.

If you have a beauty problem and want no-nonsense advice you can trust, please email me at inge@dailymail.co.uk.Australians are no strangers to flying, with more than 1,600 domestic flights being scheduled every day.

This being said, few know what is really going on behind the scenes to get them to their destination.

So to offer some insight, one female airline pilot has opened up about life in the cockpit after flying the skies on domestic and international flights for nine years.

Skyscanner Australia has interviewed an anonymous female airline pilot who has been flying the skies on domestic flights and internationally flights for nine years (stock image )

When it comes to emergencies, not all flight problems are shared with passengers when they happen.

'It depends what the problem is. We dont want to scare people. You cant hide it if you have an engine fire, but thats a very rare occurrence,' the pilot told Skyscanner.

'We are trained to deal with all sorts of situations, so we try to keep people calm. We once had a huge bird strike and there was blood all over the wings but nobody seemed to notice. We didnt tell them.

'We dont want to get people upset. A slight sense that somethings wrong can send people into hyper-drive.'

The pilot shared with the website that not all flight problems are shared with passengers when they happen

Becoming a pilot is no easy process, with the woman explaining that there are typically two routes you can follow - military style training or private training.

The minimum requirement of hours for people to complete is 1,000, with 500 hours of that as pilot in command in a multi-engine plane.

Although the shift work can be difficult, pilots get staff travel rates or industry rates on flights, hotels, car hire and at some theme parks too.

The minimum requirement of hours for people to complete is 1,000, with 500 hours of that as pilot in command in a multi-engine plane

When flying she said that there needs to be a minimum of two pilots on the flight deck: the captain and the first officer.

One will take charge of controlling and maintaining the flight while the other does radio calls and paperwork.

The woman also revealed that pilots aren't flying the plane the entire time that they're in the air.

'It depends on the flying conditions, how rough the weather is, or how tired you are, but typically we fly it for three or four minutes from take off to 5,000 or 10,000 feet and then we engage the autopilot,' she said.

When it comes to meals pilots don't always eat the same as the passengers on board as they often get special crew meals

When it comes to meals pilots don't always eat the same as the passengers on board as they often get special crew meals but on long haul flights they may be given similar food to the people on board.

Additionally, both pilots always eat different meals to reduce the risk of food poisoning and many of them bring their own meals from home.

'Airline food can be monotonous - you can get the same meals every day for one or two months,' she said.Advertisement

The focus at this year's Golden Globes is not on the awards themselves - but on the very powerful public debut of the Time's Up movement, an anti-sexual harassment initiative spearheaded by some of Hollywood's biggest and brightest female stars.

But it was not just the ladies making a stand at the 75th annual award ceremony by wearing all-black ensembles - their male peers also did their bit to show support for the movement by proudly opting not to wear traditional white tuxedo shirt in favor of donning totally-black suits.

Justin Timberlake, Ewan McGregor, and William H. Macy were just some of the leading male stars who took to the red carpet at Sunday night's awards ceremony wearing all black - with all three men also adding Time's Up pins to their suit jackets in an added show of support.

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Taking a stand: Several men at the Golden Globes showed their support for the Time's Up movement by wearing all-black, including Justin Timberlake (l) and Ewan McGregor (r)

Showing support: Justin, 36, proudly showed off his all-black look, and his Time's Up pin in a selfie with his wife Jessica Biel

What a hero! Thor star Chris Hemsworth jazzed up his all-black suit with a patterned fabric and velvet shoes

Dapper gents: William H. Macy (l) and Joseph Fiennes (r) also opted to eschew the more traditional white shirt in favor of a black option; both also wore pins

Meaningful: Nick Jonas (l), Kit Harrington (c), and Aziz Ansari (r) all took part in the powerful protest

Support: Nicole Kidman's musician husband Keith Urban joined his wife in supporting the movement with an all-black look

Face off: Gary Oldman (l) and Denzel Washington (r), who were both nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama, had another thing in common at the event - their matching all-black looks

Justin, 36, proudly showed off his poignant choice of ensemble while posing for a selfie with his wife, actress Jessica Biel, which he posted shortly before the ceremony - making sure to add the hashtag #timesup.

And the chart-topping singer was not the only male star who made his sartorial mark on the red carpet.

Thor star Chris Hemsworth, 34, who attended the event without his wife Elsa Pataky, looked incredibly handsome in a patterned silk suit, which he paired with some velvet lace-up shoes - injecting some fun elements to the all-black outfit.

William H. Macy, 67, also made a solo appearance on the red carpet, attending without his wife of 20 years, actress Felicity Huffman, and he too chose to do so in a totally black outfit.

The Shameless actor happily showed off his black outfit as he made his way into the event, even pausing to flash his Time's Up badge to photographers as he posed happily for photographers.

Speaking up: The Handmaid's Tale star O-T Fagbenle (l), Seth Rogen (c) and Sam Rockwell (r) also donned all black - although winner Sam chose not to wear a Time's Up pin

Superstars: Actor and model Garrett Hedlund looked incredibly dapper in his all-black outfit as he took to the stage with Kerry Washington during the evening's event

Statement on-stage: Although Andy Samberg did not walk the red carpet ahead of the event, he did show off an all-black outfit when he took his turn in the spotlight while presenting an award with Amy Poehler

Taking his moment: Twilight star Robert Pattinson also chose to avoid the red carpet - but he made his agenda loud and clear when he took to the stage in his all-black look, complete with a Time's Up pin

A sartorial statement: Actor Richard Jenkins (l) and musician and activist Justin Tranter (r) both opted for all-black - albeit in very different ways

Power couple: Jason Bateman and his wife of 16 years Amanda Anka both followed the statement-making dress code

Black out: Norman Reedus (l) and Edgar Ramirez (r) went all out with their all-black outfits and poignant pin collections

Father figure! Stranger Things co-stars David Harbour, who plays Sheriff Jim Hopper, and Caleb McLaughlin both wore black shirts under their suit jackets - although David chose to add a Time's Up pin to his

British star Joseph Fiennes, 47, was another leading man who plumped for a full black look, adding a Time's Up pin to the pocket of his suit, which was also accessorized with a black pocket square and a black tie.

Keith Urban, 50, and Jason Bateman, 48, both matched their wives in all-black outfits, as did rival nominees Gary Oldman, 59, and Denzel Washington, 63, who were up for the coveted Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama gong.

Although Gary eventually walked away with the top prize for his role in Darkest Hour, the two men both made quite a statement on the evening in their powerful ensembles.

Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington - who was no doubt eager to make a positive impression, after being thrown out of a New York bar during a drunken argument - Nick Jonas, Seth Rogen, Sam Rockwell, Richard Jenkins, and activist Justin Tranter also all made their mark in all-black.

Stranger Things: Three of the young leading stars from the Netflix series - (l-r) Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, and Noah Schnapp - also put pins on

Super star: Tom Hanks was pictured wearing a Time's Up badge, while his wife Rita Wilson put a bold spin on the all-black trend with her embellished dress

Standing together: Host Seth Meyers showed off a pin on his lapel as he arrived with his pregnant wife Alexi Ashe

The must-have accessory: Jude Law (l) and James Franco also joined stood in solidarity with the Time's Up stars

The Greatest Showman: Nominee Hugh Jackman - who is up for Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical or Comedy - also added a pin to his jacket

One step further! This Is Us star Chris Sullivan (l) added both a pin, and black nail polish, to his look for the evening, while Sebastian Stan (r) chose just to wear a badge

Dapper duds: (l-r) Daniel Kaluuya, Bradley Whitford, and Freddie Highmore all looked very handsome in their pin-adorned suits

And even those who didn't wear all black found a way to make a stand.

Best actor nominee Hugh, 49, who is up for his appearance in The Greatest Showman, went for a more traditional white-and-black tuxedo, but proudly added the Time's Up pin to his pocket.

Young Stranger Things stars Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, and Noah Schnapp all also wore the pins; interestingly their co-star Caleb McLaughlin opted not to wear one of the badges, however he did plump for an all-black look for the evening.

This Is Us star Chris Sullivan went the extra mile to show his support, not only adding a Time's Up pin to his look, but also painting his fingernails black to match the somber outfits being shown off on the red carpet at this year's ceremony.

The evening's host, Seth Meyers, also proudly showed off a pin on his lapel as he arrived on the red carpet alongside his pregnant wife Alexi Ashe, who stuck to the all-black dress code in a long silk frock.They sent royal fans into a frenzy after finally announcing their engagement last year.

And now Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have delighted fans once again by sending out official thank you cards to their well-wishers.

After being inundated with handwritten notes and letters, the newly-betrothed couple posted thank you notes via Kensington Palace, saying that they were 'incredibly touched' by the reaction.

The cards, which are now circulating on social media, feature the official Kensington Palace crest alongside a photo of the couple, and a short note thanking fans for their 'thoughtful' messages.

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'With warmest thanks': The newly-betrothed couple sent out thank you notes via Kensington Palace, saying that they were 'incredibly touched' by the reaction

Deja vu? The card followed the same format as this note from the Duchess of Cambridge thanking fans for their birthday messages in February last year

An image, shared on Instagram by @ParkysPrincess, shows the inside of the card which reads: 'Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle were incredibly touched that you took the trouble to write as you did in connection to their forthcoming Wedding.

'It really was most thoughtful of you and greatly appreciated. His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle send you their warmest thanks and very best wishes.'

The image of the card, which was originally sent to Lauren Parkinson, was shared online alongside instructions on how royal fans could receive one themselves by writing to the couple at Kensington Palace or Clarence House.

The message inside follows almost the exact same format as a card sent by the Duchess of Cambridge in February last year where she thanked fans for their birthday wishes.

The 'incredibly touched' couple have delighted fans once again by sending out official thank you cards to their well-wishers

The image was shared on Instagram by the page 'Harry and Meghan Updates' along with instructions on how fellow royal fans could receive thank you notes themselves

Break with protocol? Some fans have suggested the card represents a break with tradition as it is unusual for a non-royal's name to appear on official correspondence from the Palace

Royal fans lucky enough to receive a card were thrilled, with one person writing: 'This is such an honour'

Mounting excitement: It comes as the couple are set to tie the knot in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in May

Kate also sent her 'warmest thanks and best wishes' and said she was 'touched' by the messages she received.

Some fans have suggested the card represents a break with tradition as it is unusual for a non-royal's name to appear on official correspondence from the Palace - however, others pointed out that similar cards were sent out when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got engaged in 2010.

Kensington Palace has been contacted for comment.

It is not the first time Harry, 33 and Meghan, 36, have personally thanked fans for their well wishes.

When portraits from their official engagement shoot were released last month, the couple released a bonus 'candid' photo, thanking fans for the 'warm and generous messages they have received during such a happy time'.Countryfile viewers opposed to fox-hunting expressed their anger last night after the show referred to foxes as 'vermin'.

BBC presenter Tom Heap fronted a section on gun laws in the UK countryside that sparked hundreds of emotive tweets, with many declaring the broadcaster 'pro-hunting'.

The row was inflamed after foxes in the piece were described as 'vermin' by presenter Tom Heap as he visited farmers in Lincolnshire.

This weekend, Theresa May ruled out bringing fox hunting back before the next election despite insisting she still personally supports it.

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Presenter Tom Heap felt the wrath of viewers on Twitter after Countryfile aired on BBC One last night; pictured holding a gun and going on a 'lamping' expedition to hunt out foxes, Heap enraged some when he called foxes 'vermin'

Farmers in Lincolnshire appeared on the show to discuss controversial gun laws which sees some GPs charging farmers for authorisation to re-new licenses

To call them 'vermin' is 'disgusting', raged one viewer...while many said the BBC exhibited a clear 'pro-hunting' stance during last night's show

The programme, which aired at 7pm on BBC One, examined the issue of rural doctors providing authorisation for gun owners to re-new licenses.

As Tom Heap joined a farmer in Lincolnshire, Mark Clother, he told viewers: 'He's shooting vermin - foxes that might take poultry from local farms.'

The comment saw hundreds of people join the debate on Twitter, with many blasting Heap for using the term 'vermin'.

@EJANDODIN wrote: 'The only 'vermin' involved in shooting are the 2 legged ones targeting our beautiful badgers, foxes and raptors.'

@suelynne4003 'I have to pay my licence fee for biased presenters to tell us foxes are vermin! I am fuming. These are native mammals and deserve their place in our environment. As for people who want to kill them - no words are printable.'

Heap was heavily criticised on social media for calling foxes vermin but many claimed the BBC has consistently promoted

@Terry_Whittaker raged: 'Welcome to the UK countryside where foxes are shot because people nearby may keep poultry and geese, and a shotgun is referred to as "a vital tool of country life". Vital: adjective 1. absolutely necessary; essential.'

The show followed a 'lamping expedition', which involves seeking foxes at night with a bright 'lamp', as a way of protecting chickens and geese on agricultural land.

As Heap tracked through darkness with Lincolnshire farmer Clother, the pair discussed the best ways to attract foxes including 'squeaking' devices.

Clother then told the presenter that looking for the reflecting eyes of the animal alerted farmers to their presence.

Eventually, they spot the fox's red eyes and make a decision on whether the animal is too far away to shoot. They decide it is and retreat back to the farm.

Femail has contacted BBC's Countryfile for comment.

One of the Lincolnshire farmers who appeared on the show to discuss gun laws takes aim at a shooting range

The farmers in Lincolnshire maintained that the only way to protect their livelihoods was to ensure fox numbers were kept down

This weekend, the British government announced it is scrapping a promise to reconsider the ban on fox hunting, which was outlawed more than a decade ago.

Theresa May ruled out bringing the practice back before the next election despite insisting she still personally supports it.

The Prime Minister accepted that her intervention in favour of fox hunting dealt a blow to the Tory election campaign last year.

The Conservative manifesto included a commitment to call a Commons vote on the issue and it was heavily targeted on social media by Labour.

The law, introduced by Labour in 2004, bans the use of dogs to hunt foxes and other wild mammals in England and Wales.

Mrs May told BBC's Andrew Marr Show she had received a 'clear message' on the issue and said there will not be a vote during this parliament.He's still best known for his starring role in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, nearly 13 years ago.

And fans cannot believe just how much Freddie Highmore has grown up, following his appearance on the red carpet at the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills last night.

The British actor, 25, had been nominated in the Best Actor in a Television Series Drama category for his role in ABC drama The Good Doctor.

Viewers, however, seemed more distracted by his dramatic transformation from the 13-year-old who played Charlie Bucket back in 2005 to the grown-up actor he is today.

Social media users quickly took to Twitter to comment on his appearance, with one fan joking: 'I refuse to believe he is grown'.

Fans have gone wild over Charlie and the Chocolate Factory actor Freddie Highmore's dramatic transformation, following his appearance at the Golden Globes last night

Freddie, then 13, played the lead role in the 2005 adaptation of the Roald Dahl book

Social media users were quick to comment on how different he looked, with one joking: 'I refuse to believe he is grown'

Another wrote 'Freddie Highmore is like 2 years younger than me and I still think he's 11 years old', while one person commented 'I kind of want Freddie Highmore to win just so I can say Charlie Bucket won the #GoldenGlobe.'

Not everyone thought he had changed that much though, with one remarking: 'Freddie Highmore looks the same now as he did in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He just got taller.'

Freddie, who plays a young autistic doctor in The Good Doctor, looked dashing in a black tuxedo and bow tie as he arrived at the star-studded awards ceremony.

His nomination in the Best Actor in a Television Series Drama marked his first ever-nod at the Golden Globes, although he ended up missing out to This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown.

Freddie, now 25, looked dashing in a black tuxedo and bow tie as he arrived at the Golden Globes (left), more than a decade after playing Charlie Bucket (right)

He had been nominated in the Best Actor in a Television Series Drama category for his role in ABC drama The Good Doctor (pictured)

During the early years of his career, Freddie also starred in the 2007 film Arthur and the Invisibles (pictured)

Following his appearance at the Golden Globes, many struggled to shake off the image of Freddie as Charlie Bucket

Others admitted that the last film they'd seen him in was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Although best known for the 2005 film Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Freddie's breakthrough performance was as Peter Llewelyn Davies in the 2004 movie Finding Neverland.

He went on to star in August Rush and Arthur and the Invisibles in 2007, as well as The Spiderwick Chronicles in 2008.

Since then, he has appeared in TV drama Bates Motel, before taking up the role as Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor last year.

Freddie joined his fellow actors in sporting a Time's Up pin on his jacket at the Golden Globes last night.

Freddie took up his role as autistic doctor Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor last year

The star (pictured left at the BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party on Saturday and right in 2008) also gave a critically-acclaimed performance in TV drama Bates Motel

The badge worn by male stars showed their support for the Time's Up movement, an anti-sexual harassment initiative spearheaded by some of Hollywood's biggest and brightest female stars.

Actors and actresses chose to wear black this year, in solidarity with victims of Harvey Weinstein and numerous other figures exposed by the harassment and abuse scandal, including Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and Dustin Hoffman.

During the night, Oprah Winfrey accepted the Cecil B DeMille award and gave a speech which has been hailed 'one of the greatest American speeches'.

Calling for unity following the sexual harassment scandal, she said: 'I want all the girls watching to know a new day is on the horizon.

'And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure they are the leaders to take us to the time where nobody has to say "me too" again.'A mother has shamed her daughter's primary school on Twitter after she noticed that a homework project asked her to research only male scientists.

Jennifer O'Reilly-Turner, from Suffolk, posted an image of the year six project, aghast that students weren't asked to also look into famous female scientists.

After posting the note on Twitter, hundreds of people responded, sharing O'Reilly-Turner's outrage and sharing great examples of women the teacher could have suggested.

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Sexist: Jennifer O'Reilly-Turner, from Suffolk, was shocked to see a list of scientists that her daughter's primary school had asked her to research were all male

The mother, who describes herself on Twitter as 'Teacher, Lawyer, Linguist' originally wrote: 'Most disappointed to see that my child's Year 6 teacher hasnt included *any* female scientists at all in this terms research project. Not even a mention of Rosalind Franklin!

After putting Professor Brian Cox's Twitter handle into the tweet, it caught the eye of plenty of STEM enthusiasts, many who were enraged on the family's behalf.

@LuciaNixon replied: 'V. depressing that primary schools are still sinks of sexism. Can you speak to the teacher or head? Give a talk?'

@MorgaineFee suggested that even if the teacher couldn't think of any names themselves 'the answer is still a couple of Google searches away' before including 'Rosalind Franklin (DNA), Mary Anning (paleontologist), Barbara McClintock (genetist), Dorothy Hodgkin (structure of important organic molecules)' and more.

A doctor, @jesswade, added her thoughts, saying an intervention might be a good idea: 'Maybe we should do a twitter takeover of Megans homework and make our own posters?'

An irritated @ViviKaged penned: 'Great message to send out to young girls. Role models are hugely important (also to POC kids too) plenty of female biologists, let kids research from the thousands that are out there. They might be more inspired then.'

@jondcarroll replied, saying: 'suggest a challenge to that teacher and create the next list with no male scientists!'

Others revealed their own similar scenarios including @PippaBC, who ended up educating her child's school.

She revealed: 'Take it up with them. I did the same after my da's yr2 list of artists was all male. Bought the school a book on women artists and had a word with the teacher  and they changed the list.'

O'Reilly-Turner later revealed that she had been in contact with her child's educator, writing: 'I emailed the teacher, politely pointed out the omission, said theyd be considering a more female input and that in the future they should include more women and the response was basically: "Fine: I look forward to reading about their findings".Until now, flat-chested women unhappy with their lot have had to go under the knife if they want to boost their assets.

But now a high-tech vibrating bra promises to do just that - not only enlarging but making breasts perkier and even bringing them closer together - in the space of just seven days.

The inventor of the Enhancebra, or E-bra, makes the extraordinary claim that his device can permanently increase the size of a womans breasts by one cup size without the need for surgery.

Serbian Milan Milic who claims the vibrating bra works by increasing blood flow to the breasts and improving circulation.

These images, allegedly taken just eight days apart, appear to show how the Enhancebra has boosted this woman's bust - it claims to do so by vibrating and boosting blood circulation

Yours for 150: Inventor Milan Milic claims his device can permanently increase the size of a womans breasts by one cup size without the need for surgery

Speaking about his invention, he previously told MailOnline FEMAIL: It is a natural process that increases the blood circulation that is feeding the breast.

When we researched the human body, we had a theory about how we could manipulate the human body to manipulate the tissue and muscles.

We believe we have found a solution to do this and in this case we use it to enlarge and enhance a womans breasts.'

Now, after 14 successful trials on women around the world, the garment is set to be mass-produced for the first time, the Sun Online reports.

It is claimed that the $199 (150) bra, which will be available to women in the US and the UK from Enhancebra.com, could help millions of women around the world achieve a bigger cleavage without undergoing painful breast augmentation surgery.

Milan, a former engineering student, began researching alternatives to breast surgery after his girlfriend told him she wanted bigger breasts.

The security guard spent months researching the subject as a hobby before making a prototype of his vibrating bra.

In 2015, he brought the device - called the E bra - to the U.S. where two American women became the first to trial it outside of Europe.

This woman trialled the bra over six months and and shared pictures of the dramatic results. After 14 successful trials on women around the world, the garment is set to be mass-produced

The inventor claims the vibrating bra works by increasing blood flow to the breasts and improving circulation (pictured: one woman shows off the results

Miracle bra? It is claimed that the $199 (150) bra, which will be available to women in the US and the UK, could help millions of women around the world achieve a bigger cleavage

Inventor Milan's girlfriend Jelena Sabic, 26, was the first to test the prototype and the couple were blown away when she managed to enlarge her breasts by a whole size in just seven days.

Milan recalled: It all started about two years ago. Jelena wanted bigger breasts and wanted plastic surgery but she was afraid of the operation and the scars afterwards.

She didnt want to insert a foreign body into her body plus it was too expensive for us to afford that operation. So we started to research how we could do it differently. After our research we made the first prototype of the new bra.

We tried the first test of the prototype on Jelena. We thought the first result wouldnt be visible for about two or three months but after just two days the results were very good  we understood we were on to something big.

'After seven days she [had] gone up a whole size. You only need to wear the bra for five minutes a day, three times a day and after just seven days you will have increased her bra size by one cup size.'Meghan Markle's half-sister has said she's certain that their father will walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry in May.

Samantha Grant, 52, confirmed while appearing via live video link from Florida on the Channel 5 show The Wright Stuff, that barring a disaster her father Thomas Markle would take his place beside the royal bride-to-be at Windsor Castle.

Her comments come after reports last week claimed Meghan wanted her mother, yoga instructor Doria Ragland, to have the honour of walking her down the aisle.

But Samantha told Matthew Wright today that 'unless a plane crashes', Thomas Markle 'will be there'.

Samantha Grant is certain that her father Thomas Markle will be walking her half-sister Meghan down the aisle at her May wedding

Host Matthew Wright said during the interview: 'There's a growing hope and expectation here that your father, Thomas, may be walking Meghan down the aisle. Do we know yet whether that will happen?'

Speaking live from Florida, Samantha responded and said: 'Yes he is. God forbid unless a plane crashes'

She added: 'He'll be there one way or the other. Yes he is. Any rumour to the contrary is My favourite new word is becoming 'oh rubbish.' Yeah, so [he] will be there.'

It comes after 73-year-old Thomas broke his silence on the impending nuptials to say he thought his daughter and Prince Harry were 'a very good match'.

Describing the Royal as a 'gentleman', Thomas Markle quashed rumours of a rift with his actress daughter during a conversation with a passerby in Mexico.

Thomas Markle, pictured with Meghan in an Instagram she posted, has expressed his desire to attend his daughter's wedding in person

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to marry on May 19, with rumours swirling about who will walk her down the aisle

The conversation was captured in video footage obtained by the Sun, in which Thomas Markle can be heard expressing his desire to attend the wedding in person.

When asked how he felt about the impending ceremony at St George's Chapel in Windsor, he said: 'I think its wonderful, Im very delighted. I think theyre [a] very good match, Im very happy for them, Meghan and Harry.

'I love my daughter very much  Harrys a gentleman.'

It was the first time Mr Markle has spoken publicly about the Prince, though he has previously said he would 'love to' be the one to give 36-year-old Meghan away on May 19.

Samantha, who has been outspoken about her relationship with her half-sister, also aired her own thoughts on whether President Donald Trump would be invited.

She said: 'I think it is up to Harry and Meg who they want to invite.

Presenter Matthew Wright questioned Samantha on the royal wedding as she said that only a disaster would stop her father attending

'I think Donald Trump is getting to the point where he can't fire everybody. He can fire everybody in the White House and then he'll simply be alone. But he can't fire everybody at the wedding and he certainly can't fire the Royal Family.'

She also described her book, 'The Diary of Princess Pushy's Sister', as a 'service' to 'share information that is socially and historically valuable'.

And asked what she would say to her sister if she could talk to her today she responded: 'I would say "you should know not to believe everything that you read in tabloids".

'I love you, I admire you, I'm incredibly proud of you and we will sit down and have tea and I look forward to it.'

The Wright Stuff airs weekdays on Channel 5 from 9.15am



Princess Charlotte's first day at nursery school has been marked by the release of two pictures taken by her proud mother, the Duchess of Cambridge.

The two-year-old, who is fourth in line to the throne, was photographed at Kensington Palace before travelling to nearby Willcocks Nursery School.

Charlotte is pictured sitting down on some outside steps in the grounds of the famous palace, while another photograph shows the little girl standing as she holds onto a rail.

The young princess is wearing a red coat, 120, by Amaia Kids teamed with a pink scarf, and a Cath Kidston pony rucksack, demonstrating perhaps that she already shares her great-grandmother the Queen's love of horses.



Kate, who celebrates her 36th birthday on Tuesday, is a keen and accomplished amateur photographer who last year accepted a lifetime honorary membership of the Royal Photographic Society which recognised her "talent and enthusiasm".

The Duchess bucked tradition when she took the first official photographs of her newborn daughter in 2015.

Princess Charlotte's first day at nursery school has been marked by the release of two pictures taken by her proud mother, the Duchess of Cambridge

Confident Charlotte beamed for the camera as she posed for pictures on her first day at nursery

Prince George, pictured with his father William on his first day at Thomas's in Battersea. Kate missed accompanying her son on his first day of school on September 7 2017, due to severe morning sickness

Keen photographer Kate, pictured taking snaps of Prince William's helicopter manouvres in Canada, often takes her own shots of her children rather than commissioning official portraits

The photos of Charlotte showed the young princess being cradled by her older brother Prince George at William and Kate's Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.

The 35-year-old, a history of art graduate, has also released pictures to mark other milestones in her children's lives, including George's first day at nursery school and Charlotte's first birthday.

And today was no doubt an important milestone for the pregnant Duchess, who missed accompanying Prince George on his first day of school at Thomas's Battersea due as she was battling severe morning sickness at the time.

The princess will be a full-time pupil at the nursery, which charges fees of just over 3,000 a term for pupils attending its Monday to Friday morning school, and employs lots of play as children learn.

The princess will be a full-time pupil at Willcocks Nursery School, which charges fees of just over 3,000 a term for pupils attending its Monday to Friday morning school

Prince George on his first day at the Westacre Montessori nursery school near Sandringham in Norfolk in January 2016

Charlotte looked much more grown up in the new images released today, appearing to have grown taller, and with longer hair and a more confident smile, than when she was seen back in July during the family's official visit to Poland and Germany.

Although she was briefly spotted in the back of the car as her parents drove to the Queen's Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace in December, she has not been seen publicly in an official capacity for six months.

At her nursery school, the little Princess will enjoy pottery and poetry classes at the sought-after nursery, which is rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted and located next to the Royal Albert Hall.

Before starting officially, she would have been invited with her parents for a short 'stay and play'. Kate and William would then have been asked to leave to see if Charlotte was happy to be left alone.

Charlotte, pictured in July during the family's tour of Poland and Germany in an image used for the family Christmas card

The school recommends in its guidance to parents that pupils bring a toy or photo from home, and take a picture of their teacher back to their house.

It says: 'As your child builds a rapport with the teachers, we will ask you to stay in the vicinity for the first few sessions so that you can return if needed.'

Fees are 9,150 a year for morning sessions and 5,400 for afternoons.

Palace sources said Charlotte would attend the school 'full time' but declined to elaborate on whether that was for either morning or afternoon sessions - or both.

When it was announced that Charlotte would be attending Wilcocks, a spokesman said: '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.'

Royal fans caught a brief glimpse of Princess Charlotte in December as she travelled to the Queen's Christmas lunch with her parents

The youngster was last seen in public in an official capacity during the family's tour of Germany and Poland in July

Princess Charlotte showed her burgeoning confidence as she waved to the crowds during the family's official visit to Poland and Germany

It holds what it calls morning school for 32 youngsters, aged almost three to five years old, who are in class five days a week for three hours.

On its website, Willcocks says pupils experience 'a fun and structured morning with lots of free play where children embark on the first stages of learning to read, write and to understand simple numbers with the minimum of pressure'.

Charlotte may be enrolled in the afternoon school, which is less structured than the morning session but provides a similar wide range of activities including art and music.

Her older brother Prince George attended the Westacre Montessori School in Norfolk, starting in January 2016, as it was close to Anmer Hall where the family was then based.

The little princess is looking much more grown up than when she acted as flower girl for her aunt Pippa Middleton at her wedding in May 2017Anyone who has ever stumbled onto the site People of Walmart would likely be unsurprised to learn that some very strange customers  with very strange taste  have been known to shop there.

But even braced for some weirdness, seeing the most popular things bought from the retail giant's website in each state is still surprising and amusing.

Recently, Walmart released an infographic that shows some of the top-selling products in each US state, offering a peak into the unusual shopping habits of its customers.

Odd habits: Walmart has revealed some of its top sellers in 2017, broken down by state

Get them while they're popular! The store revealed a very varied list of best-selling items on Walmart.com, from coolers in Virginia to plastic hangers in Pennsylvania

The details: More specific information was also shared, including which states favored school supply items, and which preferred beverages

The infographic doesn't list the actual top-seller in each state, rather, it reveals the most interesting of the top 25 highest sellers on Walmart.com.

Still, it's sure to raise some eyebrows that watermelon-flavored gum is so popular in North Dakota that it made it to the top 25 highest-selling products in the whole state.

Food, naturally, is a big seller across the US. North Carolinians are fans of mayonnaise, people in Arkansas buy chocolate more than most anything else, and South Dakota residents need their orange juice.

Some of the choices, though, are a bit surprising. Vanilla frosting is especially popular in Washington, and people in Louisiana seem to do a lot of cooking and baking with root beer extract.

Grape-flavored drink mix is big in Ohio, sweet canned corn is popular in Vermont, and Great Value brand French Fried Onions are a Washington, D.C. favorite.

Bringing the magic in Boise: Kids in Idaho really like My Little Pony miniatures

What the kids are playing with: In West Virginia, lots of little girls are getting dolls from the My Life As series, while Tennessee kids love Disney Infinity Power Discs

Bath tub QB: While it's not surprising that people in Wisconsin buy Green Bay Packers gear, it is a bit of an eyebrow-raiser that they like bath mats with the team logo, specifically

Tastes: In Connecticut, there are a lot of shoppers seeking Scarlett Johansson's Ghost in the Shell DVD. In Delaware, spiced Jelly candy is popular

Spiced jelly candy  those colorful gumdrops covered in sugar  are a top seller in Delaware.

Some toys are also bigger sellers in certain states. The people of Idaho love My Little Pony (specifically, the mini collection), Arizona kids dig L.O.L. Surprise! dolls, and in Hawaii, Farmer Barbie is the most popular of them all.

Tennessee kids love Disney Infinity Power Discs, and parents in Georgia are buying their little ones the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair.

Other odd favorites include a Green Bay Packers bath mat in Wisconsin, lavender-scented cleaning products in Michigan, erasers in Illinois, cinnamon-flavored toothpaste in New Hampshire, and in Connecticut, the DVD of the Scarlett Johansson movie Ghost in the Shell.

The new map includes some of the most popular products for the whole of 2017.A former UFC Octagon Girl who has graced the cover of Playboy magazine has found a lucrative career away from the cameras - as apop-artist who has sold paintings for tens of thousands of dollars.

Brittney Palmer might be best recognized by UFC fans as one of the bombshell models carrying round numbers across the ring between bouts, but she actually lives somewhat of a double life.

The 30-year-old studied classic portraiture at UCLA and attended Brentwood Art Center and today is an accomplished artist in her own right, selling her work for upwards of $25,000 a piece.

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The day job: UFC Octagon Girl Brittney Palmer might be a recognizable face to fight fans, but she is also an accomplished pop artist

In the studio: The 30-year-old model sells her colorful paintings for upwards of $25,000

Some of her high-profile clients include fighting royalty like Floyd Mayweather and Connor McGregor.

'A lot of UFC fighters have actually commissioned me to paint for them. And their wives! And the list keeps going!' she says.

Brittney's paintings focus on pop culture, with bright depictions of celebrity icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan and John Lennon.

The portraits are painted in vibrant colors and see the subjects depicted in close-up glamour-style shots.

Pop at its best: Her work features depictions of pop culture icons in vibrant colors

Ready for their close-up: The subjects are shown in glamour head shot-style poses

A hit: Her paintings have been purchased by the likes of fighters Floyd Mayweather and Connor McGregor

Getting started: The model first turned to painting at 21 years old when her dreams of being a professional dancer were shattered in a serious car accident

She has exhibited her works worldwide at galleries from Miami to Milan and has even previously been enlisted by Reebok to design clothing for UFCs International Fight Week.

The stunning brunette fell into the art world almost by accident, after taking her feelings to the canvas when a car accident left her unable to walk on her own for three months - and shutting down her dreams of being a dancer.

After becoming hooked on painting, she studied her craft and even relocated to Los Angeles to attend university and be a part of the city's thriving arts scene.

She now recognizes her work with the UFC as something that has helped her make her way in her art career as it has given her a platform and opportunities to get her work in front of the right people.

But that doesn't mean it has all been rosy.

Moving on: After falling in love with painting, Brittney moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles to pursue her art studies

Bright future: She has since exhibited her works worldwide from Miami all the way to Milan

On and on: She has been one of the UFC's famous Octagon Girls since she was 20 years old

Recent moves: Brittney recently showed pieces - including clothing - at her No Agency exhibition at Art Basel in Miami, where she sold an illuminated boombox artwork for $25,000

She admits: 'I definitely think there is a stigma that is attached to being a model and being an artist. A lot of people would say that artists are supposed to act a certain way or look a certain way and that's definitely not who I am.

'So I do find there is a little bit of judgement in the beginning of someone finding out I'm an artist, but once people truly get the inside story of me... being an artist is really at my core.'

Brittney focused on her work in preparation for her latest show, the No Agency exhibition at Art Basel, which she has described as being inspired by a trip to Bali.

She was showcased in Miami alongside four other artists including Lee Taylor Jones, Dan Alva, Tanya Ragir, and Tonia Colderon, with each artist also having their work showcased on clothing.

The show was a massive success, with Brittney selling one of her most expensive pieces - an illuminated boombox artwork that moved to the beat of music - for $25,000.Confident Charlotte beamed for the camera as she posed for pictures on her first day at nursery

Posing for her proud mummys camera, there wasnt a hint of nerves about Princess Charlotte as she set off for her first day at nursery today.

Charlotte, who turns three on May 2, even managed a cheeky little smile as she stood on the steps of her parents apartment at Kensington Palace.

Her outfit is likely to have cost well in excess of 300, including her 120 coat from Amaia Kids.

Charlotte was also wearing a pair of 27 red Dona Carmen Mary Jane shoes, 12 chestnut ribbed tights, as well as a 4 hair bow.

Around her neck was a pink woollen scarf, part of a set with a matching Marie Chantal hat and costing 125.

And over her shoulders was a pink spotted rucksack featuring  naturally, for a member of the Royal Family  ponies, which costs 25 from British retailer Cath Kidston.

Charlotte has grown so much since she was last seen officially in public in July when she joined her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on a tour of Poland and Germany.

Right royal resemblance: The Queen Mother in 1907 aged seven has similar features to the young princess who cheekily posed for pictures today

Six months on, not only has her hair grown, but she has also finally lost the dimpled softness of babyhood. Now she looks like such a big girl  and the image not only of her mother at the same age but also of her great-great-grandmother, the late Queen Mother.

Unlike her brother, four-year-old Prince George, who seems a slightly shyer child, Charlotte displays the spirited, coquettish confidence of the former Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, who died in 2002.

All the genes: The young Duchess of Cambridge aged three shares the same big brown eyes and cheeky smile

Charlotte was photographed by her mother Kate, who is due to give birth again in April, on the same sun-bleached stone steps as her sibling for his first day at big school last year.

The duchess, who celebrates her 36th birthday today, also took the official photograph of George on his first day at nursery too. A keen amateur photographer, she has lifetime honorary membership of the Royal Photographic Society.

Charlotte will attend the Willcocks Nursery School, a stones throw from Kensington Palace, five mornings a week  and by the look of excitement on her face, will have no problem settling in. The 20,000-a-year school has been described by society magazine Tatler as being comprised of a mixture of old English families and chic foreigners.

Princess Charlotte's first day at nursery school has been marked by the release of two pictures taken by her proud mother, the Duchess of Cambridge

Charlotte was probably greeted by something familiar on her first day at nursery  her favourite toys. Willcocks makes the gesture for all new children to help them make a smooth transition from home to school.

It is likely Kate was also invited into the nursery for her first stay and play session with Charlotte, where the parent gradually spends more time away from their child until they are happy to be apart from their mother or father for the whole day.

A mummy's fashion verdict Daily Mail consultant fashion editor Camilla Ridley Day, mother of three children aged six, four and two, writes: SHE looks utterly adorable, doesnt she? And with Charlottes outfit, Kate is channelling her taste for timeless classics, such as this well-cut wool coat. Its interesting she has chosen burgundy too. It is a shade Kate often wears, and one that she knows suits brunettes like her and Charlotte well. A perfectionist, she has matched the shoes to the coat, a lovely touch. But while every mother will be tempted to dress up her little girl for her first day, Id be interested to see whether, after hours playing with glitter and glue, she repeats it every day. Take those beautiful tights, which are made by Chelsea designer Amaia and cost around 12. One tumble in the playground and theyre ruined for ever! Advertisement

It will have been an important milestone for Kate, who missed Georges first day at school because of the severe morning sickness she suffered early in her pregnancy with Charlotte.

Founded in 1964, Willcocks is rated outstanding by Ofsted and even teaches its pupils pottery, acting and basic French.

As Charlotte is now at nursery and George at school, the children will not accompany their parents when they undertake a four-day tour of Norway and Sweden this month.

The princess will be a full-time pupil at Willcocks Nursery School, which charges fees of just over 3,000 a term for pupils attending its Monday to Friday morning school

Keen photographer Kate, pictured taking snaps of Prince William's helicopter manouvres in Canada, often takes her own shots of her children rather than commissioning official portraits

Prince George, pictured with his father William on his first day at Thomas's in Battersea. Kate missed accompanying her son on his first day of school on September 7 2017, due to severe morning sickness

Prince George on his first day at the Westacre Montessori nursery school near Sandringham in Norfolk in January 2016

Charlotte, pictured in July during the family's tour of Poland and Germany in an image used for the family Christmas card

The youngster was last seen in public in an official capacity during the family's tour of Germany and Poland in July

Princess Charlotte showed her burgeoning confidence as she waved to the crowds during the family's official visit to Poland and GermanyRevolve co-founders Michael Karanikolas and Michael Mente launched the Los Angeles-based fashion e-commerce company in 2003. Neither had a fashion background, but brought tech and analytics knowledge to the company.

From the beginning, the duo focused on using influencers to sell clothes and an image, above celebrities and traditional advertising. They've enlisted models, bloggers, vloggers, and social media stars to set an example of what the Revolve customer is, giving real-life Revolve customers something to aspire to.

According to WWD, they now have a network of 5,000 influencers. Most of them simply shill clothes, but the top influencers are paid for appearances, sent on trips, and invited to parties.

Behind the brand: Revolve co-founders Michael Karanikolas (left) and Michael Mente (right) with Chrissy Teigen

Those trips are getting bigger and bigger. In addition to summer trips to the Hamptons, Revolve has introduced #Revolvearoundtheworld, taking influencers to far-off locales every year like Croatia and Lake Como, Italy.

They hosted four or five in 2017, and are planning six or seven in 2018.

Taking the social star track certainly seems to be paying off. In October, Revolve was projected to reach $1 billion in sales by the end of the year  a number heavily attributed to the power of influencers. In fact, influencers are reportedly responsible for driving 65 to 70 per cent of sales.

And that's not all: According to Fashionista, influencers who go on these trips are often also paid an appearance fee and given a clothing allowance.

While the pricey trips have raised eyebrows in the past, the most recent one to Phuket has earned the most vocal reaction about race  and it's entirely possible that 'the Mikes,' as they are called at the company, will take notice.

'Listening to our customers guides us every step of the way. Theres only one boss  the customer, and they have the ability to fire the whole company anytime they want,' Mente told Fortune in 2016.

In fact, a desire to appeal to customers in Asian markets may have contributed to the high inclusion rate of Asian influencers on the trip to Phuket.

'The Chinese customers are really convincing us that we have to invest more in this market,' Mente told China Daily in 2016.

'We see social revenue, which means transactions directed from social media, being 10 times larger in China than the US. In the US, Instagram is very popular but it doesn't actually drive sales. In China, however, Weibo and WeChat directly translate to sales as customers can immediately buy Revolve products via these apps.'

The last trip before Phuket  to the Bahamas, just after Thanksgiving  had an even more predominantly-Caucasian guest list. However, it also included African American model Chanel Iman and Nickayla Rivera, who is of Puerto Rican, African American, and German descent.No matter how fussy your children, every youngster enjoys a bowl of creamy tomato soup.

It's a firm family favourite as it's cheap, easy to heat up and keeps everyone happy.

But with dozens of tinned versions on supermarkets shelves, are the luxury soups worth their premium price tag, or can you save precious pennies on a value own-brand version?

Blind taste testers at Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) sampled seven different cream of tomato soups to find out which are the best, and which are not worth the money.

And surprisingly, best-selling Heinz is not the top-rated.

Waitrose's 52p 'essential' cream of tomato soup won the blind taste test, ahead of Heinz's 95p best-selling and much loved Cream of Tomato Soup

The best (and worst) tinned tomato soups 1. Essential Waitrose Cream of Tomato Soup (52p) - 74/100 2. Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup (95p) - 72/100 3. Crosse & Blackwell's Cream Of Tomato Soup (85p) - 67/100 4. Amys Kitchen Organic Chunky Tomato Soup (1.75) - 66/100 5. Free and Easy Tomato Soup (1.65) - 63/100 6. Tesco Cream of Tomato Soup (45p) - 48/100 7. Tesco Everyday Value Tomato Soup (25p) - 44/100 Advertisement

The taste test ranked Waitrose's 52p own-brand cream of tomato soup the best, one above Heinz's famous 95p Cream of Tomato Soup.

The value soup was judged as 'simply delicious,' with testers praising the 'luxuriously smooth' finish and the 'tomatoey tang'.

'The perfect treat to brighten up those gloomy winter nights, at a bargain price,' the testers said.

With a score of 74/100, it beat Heinz's soup by two points.

Judges were also delighted with the much loved brand, and said: 'Glossy thick soup with a bright orange tinge.

'We adored the rich aroma of sweet ripe tomatoes balanced wonderfully by a pinch of salt and single cream, delicate and velvety finish.'

Tesco's 25p Everyday Value Tomato Soup was bottom of the pile with a score of 44/100 (left), but its slightly more premium 45p Cream of Tomato Soup didn't fare much better with a score of 48/100 (right)

They criticised the processed aftertaste, but said that the taste was so distinctive that they were able to tell the soup was Heinz's during the blind test.

Meanwhile at the bottom of the pile, Tesco's cut-price 25p Everyday Value Tomato Soup was slated by judges, and ranked last.

With a score of just 44/100, the testers said: 'This soup did not inspire passion. Our testers enjoyed the vibrant orange appearance but were disappointed by the thin, watery texture.'

Tesco's more premium 45p own-brand Cream of Tomato Soup did not fare much better, with a score of 48/100.

Crosse & Blackwell's 85p Cream Of Tomato Soup was the third best-rated on the list with a score of 67/100, while Free and Easy's dairy-free soup was third from bottom

The judges said: 'Our testers enjoyed the bright orange colour and rich tomato flavours, but all found the strong artificial sweetness and metallic aftertaste overwhelming.'

Crosse & Blackwell's 85p Cream Of Tomato Soup was the third best-rated on the list with a score of 67/100, while the most expensive soup on the list, Amys Kitchen Organic Chunky Tomato Soup (1.79), was mid-pack with a score of 66/100.

Third from bottom was a 1.65 dairy-free creamy tomato soup by Free and Easy which used creamed coconut instead of cream.

But judges, who gave it a score of 63/100, said: 'Though we loved the smooth, silky texture and dark orange hue, some found the flavours too complex and jarring for a tomato soup.'

Brands and supermarkets have been contacted for comment.

A spokesman for Heinz said: 'Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup is the number one choice at the check-out when it comes to canned soup. We use sun-ripened tomatoes with no added preservatives to make Heinz Cream of Tomato and were pleased GHI singled out its balanced flavour and delicious velvety texture.'

A spokesman for Waitrose said: 'Our customers love our essential Waitrose Tomato Soup - and the vast majority of those who've reviewed it have given it five stars out of five - so we're thrilled that the Good Housekeeping Institute feels the same.'Fertility experts have warned the NHS is rationing IVF for older men, despite evidence that age does not affect their chances of having a baby.

Couples who want IVF face strict criteria, with most women aged over 40 unable to get fertility treatment on the NHS.

But some areas also ban men aged 55 from accessing assistance, with officials having considered a cut-off of 40.

Couple who want IVF on the NHS face strict criteria, with most women over 40 denied the treatment and some areas banning men aged 55

Anonymous donors can now be traced Sperm and egg donors can no longer expect to be anonymous because DNA-testing companies have made it simple to track them down, experts have warned. Gene testing firms like 23andMe, which are growing in popularity, could trace family members by flagging up blood relatives who are also registered with them. Social networking sites also make it easier to find donors using clues from other relatives, such as their surname. Men are already thought to have been put off becoming sperm donors by a law change in 2005 which allowed children to find out their names at the age of 18. But those years of anonymity can no longer be counted on, the annual British Fertility Society conference heard. Wendy Kramer, whose Donor Sibling Registry helps children to meet biological relatives, said: My son was the first person to find his donor through DNA in 2005. Now it is a regular occurrence. DNA testing means anonymity is no longer an option. Advertisement

However, the latest research suggests this is unfair, with a 17-year analysis of more than 25,000 couples in Britain showing male age makes no difference to the odds of having a child through IVF.

Mens sperm declines in quality as they get older, seeing their sperm count fall and its quality and swimming ability decrease.

But new technology available routinely on the NHS appears to solve the problem.

The study, not yet published but presented by the University of Birmingham at the Fertility 2018 conference in Liverpool, shows that the live birth rate is roughly 35 babies for every 100 couples having fertility treatment, regardless of the mans age.

This is believed to be almost entirely down to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)  a procedure which has only been possible for the past 25 years. In ICSI, sperm is injected directly into a womans egg. This can require only 20 to 30 sperm, instead of more than 15million which are needed in normal conception or traditional IVF.

The results of the study raise fresh concerns over the strict criteria applied to IVF on the NHS.

In England, some couples are able to get three cycles of IVF through the health service, while others get none and are forced to pay around 5,000 for treatment.

The age limit, set by the clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) which determine local NHS budgets, has been cut to 35 for women in some areas.

And others have set a cut-off for men  usually below the age of 55. Wolverhampton, Wiltshire and North Staffordshire CCGs are believed to be among those with the policy that the male partner must be under 55 for treatment.

In Scotland, fresh cycles of IVF must be started by the female partners 40th birthday. If she is between 40 and 42 and has never previously had IVF, she may be granted one cycle.

Male fertility expert Professor Allan Pacey, from the University of Sheffield, said: There is very little medical evidence to support the decision by CCGs to restrict a womans access to assisted conception based on the age of her male partner.

Both men and women wanting to have children by means of IVF are facing age limits imposed by clinical commissioning groups

I suspect those CCGs who have such male age limits are doing so as a way of rationing treatment, rather than it being for a medical reason.

The study was one of the biggest on male age in IVF, including every couple who had fertility treatment from 2000 to 2017 at CARE, the UKs largest private fertility clinic.

Lead author Dr Ioannis Gallos said: I will no longer tell male patients that their age will make it harder for them to conceive through IVF. There is no reason for male age limits which aim to ration NHS fertility treatment.A newlywed was diagnosed with breast cancer just six weeks after she married her first ever Tinder date on April Fool's Day.

Yasmin Kidwai Coop, 45, a personal assistant, and cameraman Jason Coop, 46, tied the knot on April 1, 2017 - three years to the day after they were matched on the dating app.

Yet just weeks after the couple's luxury honeymoon, Ms Coop, from Kingston, south-west London, found a lump in her right breast while showering.

She said: 'We just wanted to be like any other normal married couple, but instead I was facing a cancer battle as a newlywed. We hadn't even really had a chance [to] start our married life'.

After enduring weeks of grueling radiotherapy and medication to control the cancer, Ms Coop has been given the all clear. She now wishes to raise awareness of the condition, which affects one in eight women in the UK at some point in their lives, to help other sufferers.

She said: 'I want to talk openly about what's happened to me so other people are checking themselves and keeping an eye on their own health.'

Yasmin Kidwai Coop was diagnosed with breast cancer just six weeks after she married her first ever Tinder date Jason Coop (both pictured) on April Fool's Day 2017

Ms Coop endured weeks of grueling radiotherapy after receiving the diagnosis

She found a lump in her right breast while showering shortly after the couple's honeymoon

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER? Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in the UK. Symptoms include a lump or area of thickened tissue in the breast. Other signs may include a change in the size or shape of the breasts; nipple discharge; a lump or swelling in the armpits; dimpling on the skin; a rash in or around the nipple; and a change in the nipple's appearance. Breast cancer is more common in older people, as well as those with a family history of the condition. Obesity and excessive alcohol intake are also linked to the disease. Treatment includes a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

'We hadn't had a chance to start married life'

A few weeks after the couple's three-day honeymoon in a luxurious shepherd's hut in Somerset, Ms Coop found a lump in her right breast.

She said: 'It was pea-sized, but because I had just been on my period, I put it down to swelling and decided I'd go to the doctor if it didn't go away.'

Two weeks later, the lump had not reduced, therefore Ms Coop visited her doctor who referred her for a mammogram at Kingston Hospital.

She said: 'After the scan, the doctors said they weren't worried about my right breast, but had found some unusual lumps on my left side, so sent me for a biopsy.

'Just a week later I was called back in and told I had stage two breast cancer. We had only just got married six weeks earlier. We hadn't even really had a chance [to] start our married life, only for me to be diagnosed with cancer.'

After being referred to The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, Ms Coop had the tumour removed, as well as five weeks of radiotherapy, before taking medication that prevents cancerous cell growth.

She said: 'Doctors told me they had got rid of all the cancer, which was a massive relief. Now I just want to get on with married life.

'We just wanted to be like any other normal married couple, but instead I was facing a cancer battle as a newlywed.

'I found the lump and had my husband at my side throughout. We are hoping the next six months of marriage will be a bit less eventful than the first six.'

Ms Coop is now keen to raise awareness of the condition, saying, 'I want to talk openly about what's happened to me so other people are checking themselves and keeping an eye on their own health.'

The couple got married on the three-year anniversary of their first Tinder date

Mr Coop unconventionally proposed to his later bride over the phone

Ms Coop feels they have not have the opportunity to enjoy being a newly-married couple

Her mother Margaret (pictured) gave her away after her her father died from cancer in 2008

'I knew it wasn't going to be a traditional wedding'

Ms Coop, who lost her father, Shaukat Kidwai, aged just 67, in 2008, after an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer, tied the knot when her then-boyfriend proposed over the phone.

She said: 'It was November 2016 and I knew our three year anniversary was coming up.

'I was in the car one morning and called Jason. I just said, "Our anniversary is on a Saturday next year  so if we are going to get married, that might be a good date".

'I left it with Jason and he called up Lovekyn Chapel, the only remaining free-standing chantry chapel in England, which we loved.

'He booked it for April 1. We knew not many people would want to wed on April Fool's Day.'

Ms Coop, who joined Tinder in 2014, had her mother Margaret, 75, give her away in front of 60 guests.

She said: 'I asked my mum, Margaret, to do the honours, but I knew very well it wasn't going to be a traditional wedding.

'We planned a day which was very collaborative, where our friends and family brought food, my good friend gave Jason a designer suit, as she works in the fashion business, and my dress was from a vintage shop.

'I had flower girls, Jason's niece and two goddaughters, and we had his nephew and my godson as our pageboys.'

Although Ms Coop thoroughly enjoyed the day, she felt the absence of her father.

She said: 'All my dad ever wanted was to see me settle down and be looked after. I wish he had met Jason, so the day was bitter sweet, but also perfect.'

Ms Coop is supporting Cancer Research UK on February 4th's World Cancer Day 2018. Wear a Cancer Research UK #UnityBand to help fund more research, treatments and cures.

Although Ms Coop thoroughly enjoyed her wedding, she felt the absence of her father

She wishes he could have met Mr Coop as he wanted to see his daughter settle down

Ms Coop has been given the all clear and hopes the couple's future will be less eventfulA sensor worn on the thumbnail could prevent skin cancer by alerting wearers when they are getting too much sun exposure.

The battery-free UV Sense device detects radiation from the sun and changes colour to show how high levels are.

By measuring how long a wearer has been outside, the device, which is less than 2mm thick and 9mm in diameter, encourages users to reapply sun cream when scanned by a user's smartphone.

UV Sense, which launched in the US last week, is due to be available in the UK in 2019. Its price is unclear.

Melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer and often spreads, affects more than 15,000 new people every year in the UK. Its main cause is overexposure to UV light.

A sensor on the thumbnail alerts wearers when they are getting too much sun exposure (stock)

UV rays activate a sensor that collects UV absorption information in the capacitor, which stores electrical energy. This is transmitted to a smartphone that gives exposure information

HOW DOES UV SENSE WORK? UV Sense contains a sensor and antenna. It also has a capacitor, which stores electrical energy. UV rays activate the sensor, which collects UV absorption information in the capacitor. The antenna then transmits this data to the app via the user's smartphone antenna, which is activated by tapping or waving the phone close to the thumbnail device. Measuring both UVA and UVB rays, the app gives a score that predicts the radiation's intensity and gauges the risk of negative skin outcomes, such as sunburn and wrinkles. Users can first enter information that describes their skin type to determine how sensitive to the sun's rays they are. Advertisement

Allows wearers to track sun trends

When setting up the device, a connecting app asks users about their skin type to get an idea of how much sun exposure they can tolerate.

The device then recommends sun-safety products and gives general advice.

UV Sense, which can be worn for up to two weeks, also stores three months of UV ray data, allowing users to see 'sun' trends in their local area.

As it is powered by smartphones, being both Android and iPhone friendly, the device does not require any batteries and is activated by UV radiation.

Guive Balooch, global vice president of L'Oreal's Technology Incubator, which manufacturers the device, said: 'Armed with research and consumer insights from My UV Patch, we set out to create something that blended problem-solving technology with human-centred design.'

L'Oreal launched My UV Patch in 2016, however, unlike the patch, UV Sense provides real-time information.

Consumer studies show My UV Patch, which can only be worn for a few days, has a positive impact on the sun-safety behaviours of users with 34 per cent applying sun cream more often and 37 per cent trying to stay in the shade more frequently.

This comes after researchers from Brown University found just one glass of wine a day can increase the risk of certain forms of skin by up to 11 per cent.

For every extra 10g of alcohol a day, the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) rises by seven per cent and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) by 11 per cent, they found.The key to controlling hunger and fighting obesity is in brain cells that produce hormones, according to research.

A new study sheds light on the complex messaging system between neurons in the 'hunger circuit' and the brain.

Scientists showed that antenna-like structures on brain cells, called primary cilia, control appetite, which offers potential new options to treat obesity now that researchers know exactly which neurons to target.

Uncovering the neurological causes of obesity may combat one of the biggest health problems in the world that affects more than a third of adults in the US.

Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco suggest the key to controlling hunger and fighting obesity lie in antenna-like structures in the brain that produce hormones

Previous research has revealed that most of the gene mutations that increase the risk of obesity are located in the brain.

Now it seems controlling appetite could all boil down to the primary cilia - microscopic sensory antennae neurons use to gather information about their environment.

Professor Christian Vaisse, of the University of California at San Francisco, said: 'We're building a unified understanding of the human genetics of obesity.

'Until recently many obesity researchers had barely heard of primary cilia - but that's going to change.'

Although obesity is driven by environmental factors, such as limitless access to sugar and fat-laden foods and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, not everyone becomes overweight.

It has been estimated genetics contribute up to 70 percent towards a person's vulnerability to piling on the pounds.

Most mutations occur in the hypothalamus - the brain's 'hunger circuit' that monitors levels of the hormone leptin that is secreted by fat cells and controls appetite.

Studies on humans and mice found mutations in genes linked to the chemical can't detect when their body has already got plenty of fat - and constantly eat as if they were starving.

Now Dr Vaisse and colleagues have discovered how mutations in the gene MC4R - located in part of the hypothalamus called the arcuate nucleus - and cilia defects drive obesity.

By fluorescently tagging the MC4R protein in the brains of laboratory mice they found it was uniquely concentrated in the cells' primary cilia - suggesting appetite-regulation occurs there.

The findings published in the journal Nature Genetics show that when mice expressed the mutated versions of the human MC4R gene seen in patients with extreme obesity it failed to reach the cilia.

THE FATTER YOU ARE, THE HARDER TO LOSE WEIGHT For those with a lot of weight to lose, a study published in 2015 makes for depressing reading. The fatter a person is, the harder it is for them to lose weight, scientists discovered. Heavier people produce more of a protein that inhibits the body's ability to burn fat, researchers found. This is because fat produces a protein, called sLR11, which stops the process by which cells burn energy to keep warm - and therefore preventing weight loss. The Cambridge University findings may have implications for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic diseases. Advertisement

When the researchers also blocked a protein called ADCY3 which - like MC4 - is found in primary cilia and has been associated with obesity - the animals significantly increased their food consumption and put on weight.

The researchers say ADCY3 and MC4R come together in the primary cilia of neurons in an area called the PVN (paraventricular nucleus).

This allows these cells to detect signals from the arcuate nucleus indicating high body-fat levels - and to reduce appetite.

But if mutations prevent MC4R from getting to the cilia - or other genetic defects damage the primary cilium itself - the brain has no way to pull the emergency brake on weight gain.

High leptin levels indicate excess body fat while low ones warn energy reserves are depleted.

The PVN neurons then send out instructions to the rest of the brain to adjust your appetite and energy level appropriately.

Dr Vaisse said: 'It's exciting how much progress this field has made.

'In the '90s we were asking whether or not obesity is genetic; a decade ago we were discovering that most obesity risk factors primarily impact the leptin circuit in the brain; and now we are on the verge of understanding how defects in this specific subcellular structure of a particular subset of hypothalamic neurons drives weight gain and obesity.'

He said it raises the possibility of developing treatments that could improve appetite control in people with obesity by modifying signaling at the primary cilia of MC4R-expressing neurons.

However, the development of treatments may still be a long way off.

Dr Vaisse said: 'We still know so little about the primary cilium - and particularly how it is involved in signalling within these particular neurons.

'We yet don't know what we might do to fix it when it is broken.'When it comes to survival in the most extreme conditions women really are the strongest sex, a study of famines, epidemics and slavery has found.

It is well known that women are the 'life expectancy champions'  living longer than men in every country in the world.

But to see if this holds true when death rates are 'extraordinarily high', researchers compared the survival rates of males and females in the most 'horrific' situations.

The researchers from the University of Southern Denmark looked at some tragic historical events when average life expectancy dropped below 20 years.

Known as 'high-mortality populations', researchers looked at seven time periods when human lives were wiped out by starvation, disease and violence.

The 'horrific' situations included the 1933 Ukraine famine in the Soviet Union, in which four million people died

These included the 1933 Ukraine famine in the Soviet Union in which four million people died; the 1845 Irish potato famine; life expectancy of slaves in Trinidad in 1813; the Swedish famine of 1772-1773; survival rates of freed slaves from the US settling in Liberia between 1820 and 1843 and a deadly measles epidemics in Iceland in 1842 and 1882.

Researchers analysed records of births and deaths to calculate whether males or females lived longer.

The researchers, from the Max Planck Institute in Odense, southern Denmark and colleagues reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: 'The conditions experienced by the people in the analyzed populations were horrific.

'Even though the crises reduced the female survival advantage in life expectancy, women still survived better than men.'

They added: 'In all populations, they had lower mortality across almost all ages, and, with the exception of one slave population, they lived longer on average than men.

WHAT WERE THE EVENTS STUDIED? The 1933 Ukraine famine in the Soviet Union in which four million people died

The 1845 Irish potato famine

Life expectancy of slaves in Trinidad in 1813

The Swedish famine of 1772-1773

Survival rates of freed slaves from the US settling in Liberia between 1820 and 1843

And a deadly measles epidemics in Iceland in 1842 and 1882 Advertisement

The authors said that in the case of the slaves of Trinidad young adult men may have had a higher survival rate than young adult women 'because a premium was placed' on the survival of male slaves who sold for higher prices.

In Liberia in 1820, freed American slaves were encouraged to migrate back to Africa. But around 43 per cent died in their first year. Life expectancy was staggeringly low - 1.68 years for men and 2.23 years for women.

The authors write: 'Even in Liberia, the population with the lowest life expectancy, newborn girls were hardier than newborn boys,' lending support to the idea there is a 'biological underpinning' of the female survival advantage.

In the Irish potato famine, a type of mould Phytophora infestans caused crop failures over three years  and life expectancy shrank from 38 years for both sexes, to 18.7 years for men and 22.4 years for women.

In the Ukrainian famine  caused by a disastrous collectivisation of agriculture - life expectancy dropped from 41.58 to 7.3 years for men, and from 45.93 years for women to 10.9 years.

Grain confiscated from kulak (rich peasant) family in the village of Udachoye, in the Donetsk region during the famine

In the Ukraine famine  caused by a disastrous collectivisation of agriculture - life expectancy dropped from 41.58 to 7.3 years for men, and from 45.93 years for women to 10.9 years

In Trinidad - the only colony controlled directly from London - birth and death registers of slaves show that life expectancy varied from between 15.18-19.45 for males, and 13.21-20.58 for females.

Conditions on a Trinidadian plantation was incredibly harsh.

The planters of Trinidad rejected in 1832 a document by the British governor which proposed a day off to permit religious instruction and the abolition of the whip  the planters argued the whip was necessary for discipline, and time off for religion would encourage idleness.

In Iceland, life expectancy dropped from 35.35 years to 17.86 for males, and from 40.81 years to 18.82 for females. Many of the people in Iceland died of complications of measles, including dysentery and bronchitis.

During Sweden's last major famine, in 1771, abnormal weather resulted in widespread crop failures and life expectancy dropped to 17.15 years for males and 18.79 for females.Children are experiencing the effects of the opioid crisis as the drug epidemic forces kids out of their homes and into foster care, according to research.

A new study found that in Florida alone, at least 2,000 children were placed into foster care due to parental neglect as the opioid epidemic began to grow between 2012 and 2015.

Addiction to prescription painkillers, such as oxycodone and morphine, has contributed to a dramatic rise in overdose deaths and health care costs, but this study is the first to connect the crisis to orphaned children.

Children removed from their homes due to parental neglect have a greater chance of mental and physical health problems as well as criminality, emphasizing the need to put an end to the public health emergency that killed nearly 65,000 Americans in 2016.

A graph shows the rise in painkiller prescriptions between 2012 and 2015 as it correlates to the rise in children being fostered due to parental neglect in Florida

Researchers from the University of South Florida College of Public Health analyzed data from 2012 to 2015 submitted from Florida to the federal government's Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System.

They found that in 2015, roughly two out of every 1000 kids and teens were removed from their homes due to parental neglect, a 129 percent increase since 2012.

According to the Florida Drug-Related Outcomes Surveillance and Tracking System, the number of opioids prescribed during this same time period rose nine percent.

In 2012, doctors prescribed about 72 prescriptions for every 100 residents.

The findings published in Health Affairs show the rate grew to 81 prescriptions per 100 residents by 2015, averaging about 71 prescriptions during the 2012-2015 time frame.

On average, for every additional six opioid prescriptions per 100 people, the removal rate for parental neglect increased by 32 percent.

This means an estimated 2,000 children were removed from their home as the epidemic grew.

'While the reported drop in opioid prescription rates over the last two years is encouraging, unfortunately it appears illicit opioid use has more than offset the decrease,' said Dr Troy Quast from the University of South Florida College of Public Health.

'We need to keep affected children in the forefront of our minds when tackling this crisis,' he added.

The child mortality rate in the US has progressively declined in the last 50 years and most 15 to 19 years old die as a result of gun violence

Previous research has shown that children removed from their homes due to parental neglect have a greater likelihood of juvenile delinquency, teen motherhood, mental and physical health problems and adult criminality.

This study comes as new research also published today in Health Affairs reveals that the US has the highest child mortality rate out of the 19 other industrialized nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The study from Johns Hopkins Hospital found that over a 50 year period (1961-2010), childhood mortality progressively declined.

From 2001 to 2010 children between 15 and 19 years old were 82 times more likely to die from gun homicide in the US, the study showed.

Another cause of death within that age group was car accidents.

Dr Quast said: 'Through my experience as a foster parent, I've seen first-hand how the foster system has been overwhelmed by children removed from homes where the parents are opioid-dependent.'

'My goal in this study was to gain insight into the factors behind this surge,' he added.Around 90 per cent of Jaguar Land Rover's sales in Britain are diesel models

Jaguar Land Rover launched an attack on the demonisation of diesel as sales in the UK sunk by a fifth in the last three months of 2017.

As the car maker posted a rise in sales for its global business, as we revealed yesterday, JLR  which is owned by India conglomerate Tata Group  said that business in the UK had been hammered by the constant attack on diesel engines.

Around 90 per cent of Jaguar Land Rover's sales in Britain are diesel models, which compares with around 45 per cent globally.

Britain's car industry body said last week that 2017 sales across the sector recorded their biggest drop since 2009, blaming plans to increase a levy on new diesel cars and weakening consumer confidence in the wake of the Brexit vote.

Andy Goss, sales director for JLR said: 'We are facing tough times in key markets such as the UK where consumer confidence and diesel taxes will hit us.'

Goss said that ministers who talked of banning diesel cars and of the engines being dirty were harming the industry.

He said: 'We employ 40,000 people with thousands more in the supply chain. We are delivering huge benefits to the economy.'

JLR said global sales rose 7 per cent to a record 621,109 vehicles in 2017. The company has embarked on a major turnaround plan since being bought by Tata in 2008.

This includes investment in new models and expansion of production with the aim of building around 1m vehicles a year by the turn of the decade.

It said growth in China, its largest market, and in the US helped to offset difficult conditions in Britain and the rest of Europe, where demand was flat.The French owner of Vauxhall will slash another 250 jobs at the group's Astra plant at Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, it was confirmed today.

PSA, which also owns the Peugeot and Citroen brands, said the move was needed to 'accelerate the recovery of plant productivity. The jobs cuts are on top of 400 already announced at the site in October last year.

Vauxhall told Unite union on Thursday that more redundancies were needed in the period between April and September 2018. The Ellesmere Port plant will move staff to a single production shift in April.

Job cuts: The 250 job losses announced today are on top of 400 already announced last year

It said in a statement: Vauxhall Management affirmed the company's continued commitment to the Astra plant at Ellesmere Port.

The company remains confident in the ability of the Ellesmere Port workforce to deliver the necessary improvements in financial performance.

The move heightens fears raised during the 1.9billion takeover about the future of Astra production at Ellesmere Port and further job cuts across Vauxhall and Opel, also bought by PSA, which employ about 4,500 in the UK.

It is believed the fall in the pound has pushed up the costs of some materials, while demand for five-door family cars is falling.

In 2016, Vauxhall sold 60,719 Astras to private buyers and fleet operators to make it the sixth most popular car in the UK.

That figured dropped to 49,370 last year, as sales across Vauxhall's entire range declined by an alarming 22 per cent.

UK registrations of Astra models - which are built at the Ellesmere Port plant - declined by almost 20% in 2017, new figures released this week showed

PSA bought the loss-making European arm of General Motors  which included Vauxhall and Opel  in August.

Amid frantic lobbying from unions and government in the UK, it pledged to stick to GMs existing production commitments in the UK.

That means it is committed to making the Astra in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, until 2021, while production of the Vivaro van in Luton will continue until 2025.

Justin Madders, Labour MP Ellesmere Port & Neston, said it was more 'devastating news' for workers in the area.

He added: 'When previous job losses were announced in October, it was made clear that manufacturing costs were higher at Ellesmere Port than some other plants.

'That is why I called on the government to urgently intervene and work with the management to reduce costs and improve productivity, for example by creating incentives to encourage suppliers to relocate to Ellesmere Port.

'Sadly, and unlike on previous occasions when the facility has faced difficulties, ministers have provided warm words but no concrete action, while governments in other countries are pulling out all the stops to improve competitiveness.'Huma Abedin backed up copies of her emails with Hillary Clinton to her pervert husband Anthony Weiner's laptop, DailyMail.com can disclose - conflicting with her account to the FBI and in court that she did not preserve the conversations.

An examination by DailyMail.com of emails released by the State Department shows that backup copies of many of Abedin's work-related messages with Clinton were created in the dates after Clinton left the State Department in early 2013.

The emails, released at the end of December, show that they had been put on Weiner's laptop by a BlackBerry archiving program.

A tech expert told Dailymail.com that Abedin would have to have activated the backup program and may well have plugged her device into the laptop - raising further questions over her testimony to the FBI.

Abedin was Clinton's deputy chief of staff at the State Department and remains her closest aide.

Like Clinton, she was cleared by then FBI director James Comey in the wake of the investigation into the former Secretary of State and her staff's handling of classified material.

Last Thursday it was revealed that the Department of Justice is looking again at the Clinton email investigation, after President Donald Trump's provocative tweet calling for 'jail' for Abedin. It is also being examined by the FBI's Inspector General.

Huma Abedin did in fact back up her emails between her and Hillary Clinton on to her husband Anthony Weiner's laptop an examination by the State Department revealed

The emails were discovered by the FBI just weeks before the 2016 presidential election when the agency seized Weiner's laptop after DailyMail.com revealed he was sexting a 15-year-old girl

The disclosure that Abedin made backups will raise further questions over Comey's decision-making and is likely to be studied by the Department of Justice's renewed probe.

The emails were discovered by the FBI just weeks before the 2016 election when the agency seized Weiner's laptop after DailyMail.com revealed he was sexting a 15-year-old girl, an offense for which he is now behind bars.

The FBI sought permission to review its other contents when they realized that the laptop contained not just evidence of his perverted grooming of a minor, but emails from the notorious Clintonemail.com server.

Comey sent shockwaves through the election when he revealed that the Clinton email probe had been renewed in October because of the discovery of emails on Weiner's laptop.

He quickly abandoned it, saying the emails were not new, but Clinton continues to believe that his actions helped cost her the election.

Since then legal action by conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch has forced the release of hundreds of emails, including a latest tranche at the end of last week which show that they were on Weiner's laptop because they had been backed up from another device.

The messages were archived from 'BBB Backup' and 'LoaderBackup' from a BlackBerry Bold 9700 in February 2013 - weeks after Huma and Hillary left the State Department

Huma had told the FBI that she did not have a way of preserving the messages she exchanged with her boss and said those conversations were 'left on the system'

Emails released by the State Department this week included at least five messages from Abedin that were marked 'Classified' and were found on Weiner's laptop

The emails show they were sent in from Abedin's BlackBerry on February 3, 2013 and February 7, 2013. She had left the State Department, like Clinton, on January 20

The classified messages included discussions on Israel and other Middle Eastern issues from 2010, 2011 and 2012

It is unclear if whether the FBI agents who examined the emails found in Weiner's laptop in October appreciated that their presence there contradicted Abedin's statements from her deposition

What is unclear is whether the FBI agents who examined the emails found in Weiner's laptop in October appreciated that their presence there contradicted Abedin's evidence to them and a deposition she made under oath.

Abedin had told FBI investigators that she did not have a method of preserving the emails she exchanged on a private server with Clinton.

'Abedin stated that she lost most of her old emails as a result of the transition [from the State Department].

'She had only accessed clintonemail.com through a web portal and did not have a method for archiving her old emails prior to the transition,' said notes taken during an FBI interview of Huma Abedin on April 5, 2016.

Abedin gave a similar response when she was deposed under oath by attorneys from Judicial Watch on June 28, 2016.

'With respect to those State Department work-related emails on the Clintonemail.com accounts, what did you do, if anything, to preserve those emails?' asked an attorney with Judicial Watch, according to a transcript of the deposition.

Abedin responded that she 'did not do anything to preserve those emails'.

Abedin and other members of Clinton's inner circle at the State Department used multiple email addresses  including one official State Department account, and another on Clinton's private email server located at her home. Above they are pictured in 2010

'The instances where it was Clintonemail to Clintonemail, there were instances where the content of those emails had personal matters in there, and there may have also been State Department matters in there, too.

'It was a - a combination. But I did not - I did not preserve those e-mails,' added Abedin.

Abedin and other members of Clinton's inner circle at the State Department used multiple email addresses  including one official State Department account, and another on Clinton's private email server located at her home.

Abedin testified that she left all of her emails from her Clinton server account in her inbox after leaving the State Department. She said she did not delete any emails.

'I just left everything on what - on the system, I guess,' she said during her deposition.

The discovery of the existence of the Clinton server has led to a series of lawsuits by Judicial Watch.

It was during one of those that Abedin was deposed under oath and it was due to another one that the State Department had to release the latest tranche of emails last Friday.

Abedin has said she was not aware that her emails were on Weiner's laptop and did not know how they ended up on his computer.

She reportedly used the laptop occasionally to check her messages.

Some of the emails found on Weiner's laptop were forwarded to him directly from Abedin, their details show.

But many of them ended up on the computer through the backups of Abedin's BlackBerry on February 3, 2013 and February 7, 2013. She had left the State Department, like Clinton, on January 20.

The messages were archived from 'BBB Backup' and 'LoaderBackup' from a BlackBerry Bold 9700.

Ariel Coro, a technology consultant and analyst for Univision, reviewed the emails and told DailyMail.com that Abedin or someone working for her would have had to intentionally set up the backup program for her BlackBerry.

'What you're seeing here is a backup restore of what was sent from her phone,' said Coro.

'They set up a backup to be done when she plugged it in to her computer, to the laptop, or potentially over the air [remotely].

'This is not an accident, this was configured to back up, either directly [to the laptop] or through the air,' he added. 'This was something that was configured, or at least opted-in.'

That means that either Abedin, or an assistant, consciously set up the backup system or that she confirmed that she wanted to backup when she was prompted to by her BlackBerry.

Once that program was set up, it could be scheduled to archive her data automatically. It could have also been programmed to save phone contacts, photos, texts and other phone data.

The emails released by the State Department included at least five messages from Abedin that were marked 'Classified' and were found on Weiner's laptop.

The government classifies information at that level when its exposure 'reasonably could be expected to cause damage to national security.'

The classified messages included discussions on Israel and other Middle Eastern issues from 2010, 2011 and 2012.Philadelphia firefighter Lt Matt LeTourneau (pictured) and the man he was trying to rescue from a house fire have died after the interior of the home collapsed on Saturday morning, pinning them under debris

A Philadelphia firefighter and the man he was trying to rescue from a house fire have died after the interior of the home collapsed on Saturday morning, pinning them under debris.

Lt Matt LeTourneau was trapped for 30 minutes until firefighters were able to remove him, Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said at a news conference later that day.

LeTourneau, 42, was taken to Temple Univeristy Hospital where he was pronounced dead around 11am

The resident of the home was found dead in the building and two firefighters were injured.

The fire broke out around 8.30am on the 2200 block of N Colorado Street, although the cause remains unknown. The blaze was reported at 8.51am and firefighters arrived three minutes later.

Approximately 100 emergency crew members, including LeTourneau, responded to the fire. He was injured when part of the house's structure collapsed.

LeTourneau, 42 (left and right) was trapped for 30 minutes until firefighters were able to remove him. He was taken to Temple Univeristy Hospital where he was pronounced dead around 11am

The fire broke out around 8.30am on the 2200 block of N Colorado Street (pictured), although the cause remains unknown. The blaze was reported at 8.51am and firefighters arrived three minutes later

'All of the men and women of the Philadelphia Fire Department are heroes,' Thiel said

From the day they take the oath to this city, they are heroes. Among those heroes, there are the pantheon of men and women who have made ultimate sacrifice. Today, tragically Lt Matt LeTourneau joins that host of heroes. And our hearts are breaking.'

The department did not immediately identify the civilian who was killed.

Residents said they didn't know the man's full name, but he was called Andre and believed to be in his 50s living alone.

His next door neighbor, Sherel Smith, told The Philadelphia Inquirer that she saw him around 2am Saturday carrying a box containing a heater. He said thathe didn't have heat in his house to face the bitter cold.

'He said he was going to turn on his heater and stay in the house,' said Smith told the newspaper.

LeTourneau (left on the far left, and right) was an 11-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department and he was promoted to lieutenant in 2015. He received a unit citation in 2010 and a letter of commendation for his service during the World Meeting of Families in 2015

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney issued an statement saying all City of Philadelphia flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days. Funeral arrangements for LeTourneau have not yet been announced

Another person from a neighboring home was taken to Temple University Hospital and was listed in critical condition. A name and further details about injuries were not disclosed.

LeTourneau was an 11-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department and he was promoted to lieutenant in 2015.

He received a unit citation in 2010 and a letter of commendation for his service during the World Meeting of Families in 2015.

He lived in Springfield and is survived by his mother, other relatives and friends. He had no children

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney issued a statement saying all City of Philadelphia flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days. Funeral arrangements for LeTourneau have not yet been announced.

The last Philadelphia firefighter killed in action was Lt Joyce Craig, who was fatally injured in December 2014 while battling a wind-whipped house fire.Michael Wolff, author of the new Trump tell-all, 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' said he wasn't out to write such a punishing account of the president's West Wing.

'I would have been delighted to have written a contrarian account here: Donald Trump, this unexpected president, is actually going to succeed,' Wolff said Sunday on Meet the Press. 'OK, that's not the story. He is not going to succeed. This is worse than everybody thought.'

NBC's Chuck Todd had asked Wolff about his previous criticism of media coverage of Trump, as the author once said he thought it too negative.

Michael Wolff, the author of the best-seller 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House', says he wasn't out to burn the president in his new book, however what he encountered at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is 'worse than everybody thought'

Meet the Press host Chuck Todd wanted to know if Michael Wolff had left out 'good stuff' because it went against his narrative. Wolff replied that he actually left out 'stuff that was even more damning'

Wolff explained that that was before he saw the Trump dysfunction, up close.

'You know, I think that in the beginning, the media took this point of view without having had this experience,' Wolff said.

'You know, I went into this, a decent part of the country went into this, his entire staff went into this thinking maybe this can work,' Wolff recalled. 'And that was exactly my frame of reference.'

Moderator Chuck Todd asked Wolff is he purposely left out 'good stuff' because it would take away from the narrative of the Trump presidency being a disaster.

'If I left out anything, it's probably stuff that was even more damning,' Wolff replied.

When Todd asked if, 'It's that bad,' Wolff agreed.

'It's that bad. I mean, it's an extraordinary moment in time and the last several days focused on my book I think are proof of this ,' Wolff said. 'It's not unreasonable to say this is 25th Amendment kind of stuff.'

Todd asked if the 25th Amendment, which, among other things, outlines how a vice president and a president's cabinet can take a president out of office, was ever discussed by staff in Trump's West Wing.

'All the time,' Wolff answered.

The author said staff would use it to describe Trump's behavior saying things like, 'We're not at a 25th Amendment level yet.'

'That's alarming,' Todd noted.

Wolff agreed. 'This is alarming in every way,' the best-selling author said.

'So the 25th Amendment is a concept that is alive every day in the White House,' Wolff said.A third of stalking victims are men, according to new police figures.

The latest data has shown that 41 out of 46 police forces across the UK dealt with 1,800 stalking cases against men between 2014 and 2017.

But it is believed that in reality the figure is much higher as around 85 per cent of stalking victims do not report the incident to the police.

According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, more than 1.2million people were stalked in the year ending March 2016, with 759,000 being women while the other 450,000 were men.

Some 450,000 men (stock photograph) were stalked in the year ending March 2016, figures reveal

Figures obtained by BBC 5 Live Investigates found almost half (47 per cent) of stalking crimes reported by male victims were committed by other men.

The Freedom of Information request showed figures from 41 out of the 46 British police forces who were asked about stalking.

Driving instructor Bob Coughtrey, 53, claimed that his local police force told him there was 'nothing they could do' when he told them he was being stalked.

Mr Coughtrey, from Lancashire, said he was stalked by a female pupil who repeatedly sent himtext messages after she passed her test.

He said: 'She sent me a message which said "part of me wishes I hadn't passed my test, because I would have got to spend more time with you".'

Mr Coughtrey added that the messages became 'darker and darker' and said the phone calls went on 'every night' and would leave him up to 15 voicemails.

However, he said the police told him they could not intervene because she had not made direct contact with him.

But he later said he became 'vulnerable and anxious' when his former pupil arrived at his flat after she followed him home.

More than 750,000 women were stalked during the same year (stock photograph)

He said: 'I phoned 999, and within a few minutes a police car arrived and they arrested her on suspicion of harassment.'

She was given a restraining order and a suspended prison sentence.

He added: 'It's horrible. It's almost suffocating. It changes your life, how you feel about people.

'You feel as if you're not quite being taken seriously, because you're a man.

Sharon Stratton, from the College of Policing, told the BBC: 'I understand stalking is under-reported generally, and men report less than women.

'We must ensure that we encourage people to come forward.'A shopping centre is investigating a complaint after some children were refused entry by a security guard because they were 'Murri'.

A mother shared a post on social media saying her son and nephews were stopping at Vincent Market Place in Townsville, Queensland, when they were allegedly turned away because of their race.

'They were stopped at the entrance by the security guard who told them "all Murri kids under the age of 18 can't enter without a parent after 6 o'clock,"' the mother told Daily Mail Australia.

A shopping centre (pictured) is under fire after a group of children were refused entry by a security guard because they were 'Murri'

A mother shared a post on Facebook saying her son and nephews were stopping at a Vincent Market Place in Townsville (pictured) when they were turned away because of their race

Murri is a term used to describe Indigenous Australians most often used in Queensland as Koori is used in the same way in NSW and Victoria, according to Welcome to Country.

The young teenagers, aged 15, 14 and 12, were in shock after hearing the 'rule' which they hadn't heard before, the mother said.

'While in there, they were also being watched by the two security guards and one staff member,' the mother told Daily Mail Australia.

'He later told us he felt unhappy and violated, they were all really in shock.

'Emotions were running high when they got home.'

Woolworths responded to the complaint online saying they were 'disappointed' by the situation.

'The security guard involved is not employed by Woolworths but provided by the centre itself,' the company wrote.

A Vincent Market Place spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the 'experienced security guard' advised a number of children that 'minors needed to be accompanied by adults after 6pm at the centre', however it is not a rule.

'[It] alleges that the children were advised they could not enter the centre because they were Indigenous,' he said.

'This is simply not the case and the centre retains a diverse customer base.'

'They were told by the security guards there that no Murri's under the age of 18 are allowed to go into Woolies after 6 o'clock,' the mother wrote on Thursday

The centre has referred the incident to its security contractor.

Vincent Market Place spokeswoman Jenny Garland told Townsville Bulletin the allegations were 'ridiculous' and the shopping centre did not have a discrimination policy 'in terms of race'.

'We don't discriminate on who can or can't go in, that's ridiculous,' she said.A United Airlines flight did not heed warnings to hold short of a runway on which a JetBlue flight was arriving at Boston Logan International Airport, authorities say.

The incident occurred on Friday when United Airlines flight 1946 was returning to its gate because of an unspecified maintenance issue,ABC News reports.

Apparently, the Boeing 737 entered a 'safety area' near where the JetBlue plane was due to land, which triggered an alarm.

A United Airlines flight and a JetBlue flight nearly crossed paths on Friday after the United flight, returning to its gate due to a maintenance issue, entered a 'safety area' near where the JetBlue flight was due to land. The JetBlue plane performed a go around. Pictured is a snowy view of Boston Logan International Airport, where the incident took place, on January 4

Air traffic controllers warned the flight to 'hold short of runway 27' at least five times, to which the pilot replied: 'We're short.'

The United flight did not end up reaching runway 27.

But the JetBlue flight nonetheless performed a 'go around,' which United Airlines later said in a statement was 'completely unrelated' to the matter.

GD Pennington, who was on the United Airlines flight, tweeted: 'Close call with our pilot slamming the brakes and go around of landing aircraft.'

Sarah Sossong, who was on the JetBlue flight, tweeted: 'Bravo to our @JetBlue pilot on flight 1154 who pulled up quicklydue to "another aircraft on our runway".

'After a bumpy go around, he landed @BostonLogan to a round of applause.'

The incident comes amid widespread travel chaos following the bomb cyclone that rocked the Eastern Seaboard this past week. Pictured are stranded passengers at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York

Police were called in to break up 'disturbances' caused by furious passengers at the airport; meanwhile, one terminal was evacuated on Sunday due to flooding. Pictured is a view of stranded passengers

Stranded passengers blame card games or check their phones to pass the time as they face delays or cancellations

The incident preceded a Saturday diversion in which a JetBlue flight en route to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from Boston returned to its home base because of an unusual odor smelled by passengers and crew on board.

JetBlue flight 1095 departed at 5pm and returned to Boston Logan at 6.24pm, Fox 25 News reports.

The airline said in a statement: 'Shortly after departure from Boston the crew on board JetBlue Flight 1095 to Punta Cana reported an unusual odor and customers and crewmembers feeling unwell.

Record-setting cold weather has rocked the Northeast

'In an abundance of caution, the crew elected to return to Boston and was met by medical personal. The aircraft will be inspected. '

The incidents come following widespread travel chaos in the aftermath of the bomb cyclone that brought hurricane-force winds and blizzard conditions to much of the Eastern Seaboard this past week.

Police were called in to break up 'disturbances' caused by furious passengers who have been stranded at the John F Kennedy International for nearly two days as a terminal is evacuated due to flooding.

Passengers have complained of being stranded on the tarmac for hours and then facing lengthy delays in baggage claim that made traveling, particularly with babies or the elderly, a misery.

A portion of JFK was evacuated around 1.30pm on Sunday due to a massive water break. The water rose quickly as passengers fled the terminal.

A plane being towed at New York's JFK struck a Kuwait-bound airliner, prompting the flight to be cancelled.

A China Southern plane was being towed at JFK when it clipped the right tail end of a Kuwait Airways plane before the latter was due to takeoff for an overnight flight around 12am Saturday morning, the Port Authority said on Twitter.

On Friday, an American Airlines flight bound for Cancun from JFK turned around for an emergency landing after someone on board said they saw a wing was on fire.

American Airlines officially said that the plane, a Boeing 738, needed to land due to a 'possible mechanical issue'.

And an Airbus A380 - the world's largest passenger jet - was en route to land at the JFK when it was diverted to Stewart Airport in Orange County on Thursday due to winds and whiteout conditions.They have apologised for their actions and vowed to repay their medical costs

The last of the nine to be taken ill has woken up in hospital in a stable condition

A group of backpackers overdosed on hyoscine, mistaking it for a bag of cocaine

A group of backpackers who nearly lost their lives in a bizarre drug overdose have offered to repay their medical bills for the treatment that saved them.

The nine travelers have broken their silence on their 'stupid mistake', explaining that they opened a package sent to their mailbox addressed to someone else, found white powder inside and assumed it was cocaine.

According to Perth Now, it was actually hyoscine, which is a motion-sickness medicine often abused as a date-rape drug.

A group of backpackers who overdose on hyoscine five days ago have now spoken to media

Nine travelers have broken their silence on the 'stupid mistake' that led to their mass overdose

It took less than five minutes for them to be stricken with extreme hallucinations and paralysis - the outcome of what the group described as 'probably the most stupid mistake they had ever made'.

Luckily a friend arrived to the Victoria Park property just in time to call 000 and save the lives of the two women and seven men.

'You can't move your legs...You can't speak, you can't say "help us",'' revealed one of the backpackers, explaining the effect that the drug has on the body.

Emergency services discovered nine seriously ill people in different states of unconsciousness

The men were taken to Royal Perth Hospital, with the last of the group waking up on Monday

A quick-thinking friend called 000, who found nine backpackers seriously ill at a Perth house

The last of the nine people woke up on Monday morning - five days later - with his condition changing from 'critical' to 'stable'.

At the suggestion of the State Government, the group have promised to pay their medical bills for the life-saving treatment they received in Australia, which 'could run into thousand of dollars'.

'Of course we have to pay for the mistake,' said one of the men. 'There's no point that the taxpayers have to pay for us. It is our mistake.

'It is the least we can do to thank the paramedics,police and hospital staff who saved us,' he said.'Thank you to Australia...And, sorry again.'

The last of the nine backpackers to overdose on hyoscine has woken up in a stable conditionTesco has been forced to apologise after giving the wrong medication to a woman with chronic pain syndrome, making her violently sick and leaving her in hospital.

Sasha Jackson, 34, suffers from fibromyalgia, which causes pain all over her body.

After a flare up on New Year's Eve paramedics came to her home in Clevedon, north Somerset and gave her an emergency prescription for anti-inflammatory drug Naproxen.

Her partner Darren Davies, 51, picked it up from the town's Tesco superstore later that day.

But when they started making her vomit incessantly, he realised the box said Metformin  a treatment for type two diabetes.

Sasha Jackson (pictured), 34, suffers from fibromyalgia, which causes pain all over her body

After a flare up on New Year's Eve paramedics came to her home in Clevedon, north Somerset and gave her an emergency persription for anti-inflammatory drug Naproxen

Her partner Darren Davies (pictured right with her), 51, picked it up from the town's Tesco superstore later that day. But when they started making her vomit incessantly, he realised the box said Metformin  a treatment for type two diabetes

Tweeting about the disturbing mix-up he wrote: 'Collected an emergency prescription from Tesco Clevedon following a visit from paramedics, prescription was for Naproxen, what we got was Metformin in a Naproxen box, my partner has been violently ill and had to visit hospital as a result of the side effects of taking this drug.'

It was only after googling the name of the drug on the box that the couple realised what had happened.

The side effects of Metformin include nausea and vomiting.

Shocked they called the NHS 101 hotline, who advised them to go straight to hospital.

Pictured: Tesco Superstore Clevedon where Ms Jackson was given the wrong pills

The 34-year-old was admitted to Southmead Hospial the same day, where staff were astounded at the mix-up.

WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA? Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. As well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia may also have: increased sensitivity to pain fatigue (extreme tiredness) muscle stiffness difficulty sleeping headaches irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)  a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

Mr Davies told the Bristol Post: 'The nurse kept apologising and it wasn't even her fault or Southmead's fault, but I think she was just absolutely horrified and felt bad, I guess, because it looks bad on the NHS.'

He went back to the store on January 2 to tell the store manager what had happened, where he got an apology and the promise of an investigation.

But he claims his partner is still ill, despite having stopped taking the pills.

He told the newspaper: 'At the end of the day, Sasha wasn't feeling good anyway and what she really needed was pain relief. What she got made her much worse.'

Tesco apologised and confirmed no one else had been affected by the mix up.

A spokesman said: 'We are extremely sorry for the concern and upset this incident caused Sasha and Darren.

'There was a selection error when dispensing this individual prescription and no other prescriptions from the pharmacy were affected.

'We are conducting a full and thorough investigation, and will update Sasha and Darren with our findings.'Dante Bencivenga, 58, was kicked off a Spirit Airlines flight for reportedly urinating all over the on-board bathroom, and was later banned from the Florida airport for one year for being belligerent on Thursday

Bad bathroom behavior got one Florida man kicked off his flight, and eventually banned from the airport.

Dante Bencivenga, 58, had already boarded his flight at Southwest Florida International Airport on Thursday but was asked to leave the plane when flight attendants said he urinated all over the toilet and carpet in the on-board bathroom.

He had already deplaned when he was arrested at and charged with trespassing and disorderly intoxication after causing a scene at the Spirit Airlines gate, Fox 4 reported.

Spirit Airlines employees noticed Bencivenga drifting in and out of consciousness as he waited to board his flight on Thursday, Lee County Port Authority Police said.

He also smelled like alcohol.

But he made it on the plane anyway, and made a huge mess in the bathroom.

The man reportedly urinated on top of the toilet and all over the floor in the stall.

When flight attendants noticed, they asked him to leave the plane and he did so without becoming belligerent.

But then, while gate agents were trying to rebook the man for a Friday flight, he grew unruly.

Bencivenga continued to cause a disruption and would not leave the terminal, Spirit Airlines representatives said.

Bencivenga was charged with trespassing and disorderly intoxication, and has been banned from the Southwest Florida International Airport for one year

When officers responded, Bencivenga said he was not drunk, despite what police described as a strong smell of alcohol.

Bencivenga requested to take a breathalyzer test to prove he was not intoxicated, police said.

He was taken into custody at the Lee County Jail and released Friday on $2,250 bond.

Due to this actions after being removed from his flight, Bencivenga has been banned from the Southwest Florida International Airport for one year.Few military men seek sedentary retirements and Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon admits he is dismayed by the idea of a gentle slide into leisurely routine.

When he left the Army in 2011 after 23 years service, he swapped a career commanding troops in the worlds battlefields to volunteer in even more hazardous trouble spots.

The 54-year-old has served in both Gulf Wars, in Bosnia, Kosovo and been twice to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Julia, 50, his wife of 25 years, and their two children, got used to his absences  and his fizzing, restless energy. Why, the man holds a world record for performing 4,448 press-ups in the space of three hours!

Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, pictured here with Julia, his wife of 25 years, has revealed a new horror in Syria that shames the civilised world - and poses a chilling threat to Britain

Excitement and adrenaline still fire my rockets, he says, deploying the metaphors of combat. As a young tank commander, I served in Iraq, and when I came home I felt euphoric: you think youre indestructible, bullet-proof.

Self-preservation is not particularly high on my agenda, but when youve survived wars you develop an instinct for avoiding danger.

While serving in Afghanistan as commanding officer of the UK Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Regiment, he devised a mobile testing unit that allowed DNA samples to be taken from insurgents bombs.

It meant matches could be made with suspects within three hours, instead of the usual 14 days it took to send samples back to the UK for processing.

Suspects could be legally held in custody for only 96 hours, so his invention  one of simple genius  meant evidence could be gathered before they had to be released. It was a breakthrough in battlefield counter-terrorism.

Hamish is a useful man to have around in a crisis, and today he deploys his skills to help the victims of conflict as an unpaid adviser to the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations (UOSSM).

He is also co-director of Doctors Under Fire, a role he shares with London-based trauma surgeon David Nott, who, for the past 25 years, has given up several weeks of each year to operate without pay on victims of conflict in the worlds most dangerous trouble spots.

The two men first met in Syria in 2013. David was en route to a hospital in Aleppo to carry out life-saving surgery on civilian victims of the conflict. The route bristled with armed insurgents intent on killing Westerners.

Hamish, pictured here aged 27 on tour in Cyprus, left the Army in 2011 after 23 years service. Now 54, he has served in both Gulf Wars, in Bosnia, Kosovo and been to Iraq and Afghanistan

Hamish recalls: I said to David, Great to meet you. Im sure youre going to die and we wont meet again, and David replied: Likewise. 

Mercifully, they both survived and a firm friendship formed between two men with a shared humanitarian purpose.

Hamish has witnessed so many acts of violence and evil you might imagine that he is inured to shock. Actually, he is speaking today because he believes the West needs to wake up to the fact that the worst crisis he has ever known is unfolding in Syria.

Ghouta, a besieged suburb of Damascus with some 400,000 inhabitants, is, he says, a scene of horrors that defy belief or description. This benighted area is the last bastion to hold out against the murderous regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and its luckless inhabitants are being bombed, gassed and starved into submission.

In my years of soldiering Ive witnessed many atrocities, says Hamish. But Ive never seen anything as horrific as what is going on in Ghouta now.

It is ten times worse than Afghanistan was in 2007.

Last year, when I was near Aleppo, I thought it was as bad as it could be, but Ghouta is worse. If Armageddon is the end of the world, then it seems as if this final destructive battle is being fought every day in Ghouta.

How the sun still rises over it each morning is a mystery. It is being barrel-bombed relentlessly; its people starved and cowed into submission.

It has been razed to the ground by constant air strikes and its inhabitants now live underground in cellars, caves and tunnels.

However, even this subterranean world does not provide safety: three times in the past four days chlorine bombs have been dropped by Syrian forces on Ghouta. Chemical weapons  outlawed by the Geneva Convention  kill by stealth, infiltrating the underground homes in which innocent civilians live.

Death from chlorine inhalation is grisly. The chemical, combined with water in the lungs, produces hydrochloric acid, which then dissolves the lungs.

Hamish has expertise in this field. A chemical weapons expert, when not volunteering he works for Avon Rubber in Wiltshire, who manufacture the worlds leading gas masks. He also knows how best to deal with a chemical attack and treat its aftermath.

But for the people of Ghouta, the choice is an invidious one. If innocent civilians are flushed out onto the streets by gas attacks, they then face death from the barrel bombs and high-energy explosives that rain down from Putins Russian jets and Assad-regime aircraft, he says.

Daily life is bleak. Water is contaminated and its supply intermittent. It must be boiled before it is drinkable, but wood for fires  the only means of heating and cooking  is running out. And a bitterly cold winter is setting in.

Hamish is now trying to draw the world's attention to Syria. Ghouta, a besieged suburb of Damascus with some 400,000 inhabitants, is, he says, a scene of horrors that defy belief

People have eaten their dogs and cats, says Hamish. Now, if a rat is caught it provides a meal.

And then theres what is perhaps the most grotesque inhumanity of all: the deliberate targeting of hospitals in air strikes, and the killing of hundreds of doctors and medical personnel who are there expressly to save lives.

The rules of war dictate that hospitals and their staff should be protected, says Hamish. In any conflict, they provide sanctuary, solace and hope. In Ghouta they have been cynically destroyed.

In the past 12 months, most of the hospitals UOSSM supports have been destroyed by Russian and Syrian air attacks. Hundreds of medics have also been killed.

The contrast between this hell and Hamishs life in England could not be more stark. The home he and Julia share with their 18-year-old son, Felix (daughter Jemima, 20, is at university), is a spacious modern house in rural Wiltshire.

Hamishs parents, both expats born in India, moved, after its partition, to Kenya, where they were farmers. Hamish boarded at Tonbridge public school, Kent, then studied agriculture at Reading University, where he met Julia, a chartered surveyor.

I ask if she worries about his forays into danger and she says she doesnt. It makes him feel alive  it is what makes him tick. As a military wife you get used to your husband being away. Having Hamish away for short periods now is nothing compared to what Army families go through.

So what motivates him? Why abandon his country home to face death in the most bleak and dangerous corner of the world?

When you see the depravity human beings are capable of, and you know that the West is doing nothing  that no one cares about Syria  the idea of standing idly by is anathema.

Mans inhumanity to man is an outrage, and our political leaders are sitting on their hands. You think: Syria is a three-and-a-half hour flight away, in sight of Cyprus, British sovereign territory, and people are dying there in their thousands.

Having spent my life on the battlefields of the world, its very difficult to stand by and hold the coats when you can do something.

Ghouta is the last bastion to hold out against the murderous regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and its luckless inhabitants are being bombed, gassed and starved into submission

He is calling on the British Government and the United Nations to impose no-fly zones to protect hospitals in Syria.

Such a policy was implemented by Sir John Major in Northern Iraq in 1991  and it saved the Kurdish race, Hamish contends, adding: The failure of our Government to support this initiative now means that a Red Cross or Red Crescent on a hospital is viewed as an aiming mark rather than a protective symbol.

Desperately sick children are languishing without health care. He shows me photos of Rawan al-Nasser who is eight years old but weighs no more than a one-year-old baby. Her kidneys are failing, her brain haemorrhaging and her liver is malfunctioning.

Although she was born healthy, she developed an eye condition which was treated. She seemed to rally, but then four years ago the siege began and all hope for Rawan ended.

Hospitals were shelled. Medics killed. The supply routes for food and vital medicines were cut off. Rawan has not seen a doctor for four years because there are none in the besieged area of the city where she lives, says Hamish. And her condition is compounded by starvation.

He is not an unemotional man but he has the stiff upper lip of an Army commander. His compassion is the muscular variety that favours actions over words.

All over Ghouta, children are suffering. Thousands are starving. Others are dying of treatable diseases and blast injuries.

There are babies like Karim, hit by an artillery attack on a market that killed his mother. He sustained severe injuries to his skull and desperately needs critical care and surgery. Then there is Qassem, aged two, who lost his mother last month in an air strike which blew away half of his face. Treatment in intensive care and reconstructive surgery are vital to keep him alive.

Meanwhile, Putin is parading his military genius and has air and sea bases on the Mediterranean showcasing Russian military hardware, says Hamish.

He has not been constrained by the Geneva Convention or rules of war, or any political democratic concerns at home.

The consequences of Putin and Assads actions in Syria are shocking and far-reaching. Half a million people have died in the conflict. Seventy-five per cent of children there suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.

What a terrible legacy for a country and its people to endure, says Hamish. In the past 12 months, the use of chemical weapons has become the norm in Syria; if not endorsed by Russia, certainly with their knowledge.

Syria has become the benchmark for political and diplomatic failure and inertia by the West. There will be, according to Hamish, chilling consequences for our own security in Britain unless we act

Sarin has killed up to 100. Chlorine continues to be used in Ghouta, where an attack in the summer of 2013 killed 1,500.

It was the 21 chlorine barrel bombs, deployed over a week exactly this time last year in Aleppo, which broke the will of the people in West Aleppo to resist.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to oppose any further investigation by the UNs Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Besides, their antiquated procedures produce reports so long after the event that they have little impact or effect.

This is how atrocities become the norm and why ISIS now views chemical weapons as a key component in its terror arsenal.

Yet, through inertia and inactivity, we in the UK appear to acquiesce in these abuses.

But I believe the time has come to fight for the embattled people of Ghouta  because they cannot help themselves.

Today the area is supposed to be a de-escalation or safe zone  designated as such by Putin himself. But in reality it is a killing field that shames the United Nations Security Council, the UK, the U.S.  in fact, all who claim to stand up for humanity.

Safety and security are, by definition, the underlying and critical requirements for safe zones. So the Syrian air force should be grounded, and Putin has the power to order this.

As it is, however, Syria has become the benchmark for political and diplomatic failure and inertia by the West. Putin is given free rein to do as he pleases, and there will be, according to Hamish, chilling consequences for our own security in Britain unless we act.

It has a direct impact on all of us, he says. Russia may boast that it has won the battle to defeat Islamic State militarily, but we are now losing the war against ISIS as they regroup in Syria, in places like Idlib and Ghouta.

Idlib, a province in north-west Syria bordering Turkey, is one of the rebels remaining strongholds. Of its two million inhabitants, many have been displaced.

Ghouta has been bombarded by airstrikes. Hamish believes the worst crisis he has ever known is unfolding in Syria

It is a breeding ground for bandits and terrorists, Hamish says. If youre being blown up and starved  as the people of Idlib are  and the West is ignoring you, then youve nothing to lose from joining ISIS.

Which is why we must call for a ceasefire.

It is the UK, the EU and the U.S. who are now at the top of ISIS hit lists  and unless we recognise this, we will see horrific ISIS attacks, such as those in Manchester and London, become as normal as chemical weapon attacks are now in Syria.

He calls on the Government to support the UN Geneva Peace Process and the Astana Peace Talks, which seek to resolve the civil war that has ravaged Syria since 2011  and to which, until now, the UK has paid only lip service.

By these means, he says, I hope we can bring fair elections to Syria and get the humanitarian aid, medical help and infrastructure reconstruction to those civilians in the country we have so parlously let down by ignoring their plight.

The UK has the chance to make a real difference. Britain has always prided itself on being a great and stalwart protector of the sick and oppressed. Have we forgotten our role in the world?

Surely, the least we can offer the beleaguered people of Ghouta  and Syria as a whole  is to lead the reconstruction of their country with our troops as the peacekeepers?

Boris Johnson has already suggested that British troops could be available to help ensure governance in Syria, and I would favour a majority western force.

This force would enable aid delivery and reconstruction, which should create the positive conditions in which the Geneva process can unfold.

I would say to the leaders of the Western world: it is time to stop doing nothing about Syria.

What is more important than the plight of dying children like Rawan, Karim and Qaseem  and protecting our own country from the murderous extremes of ISIS?Teachers around the country will soon be equipped with the skills to help their students through mental health-related issues.

As part of a $110 million funding package - set to be announced Monday - the Government will provide educators with free access to training resources.

Teachers in early learning, primary and secondary schools will be granted online and face-to-face programs about mental health and its warning signs, Herald Sun reports.

Learning tools are expected to help teachers identify issues and prevent them from becoming serious, while also helping to connect children to alternative support services.

Teachers around the country will soon be equipped with the skills to help their students through mental health-related issues as part of a $110 million Government package

The initiative will be driven by a $46 million beyondblue education program, which is set to be launched in August.

Teachers are likely to receive training in suicide prevention - designed to help in diffusing crisis situations.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the 'positive initiative' would have a widespread impact and would affect all members of the community.

'These positive initiatives will help schools and communities to support the well-being and mental health of our kids and respond rapidly to personal and community challenges,' Mr Hunt said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt (pictured) said proving free training resources to educators would have a widespread impact which would be felt by all members of the community

The Government package is inclusive of a $16 million handout to Emerging Minds - an organisation that trains people working with children to identify, assist and refer 'at risk' individuals.

An additional $30 million will be given to headspace to ensure continuity of mental health services in primary health, along with $13.5 million for the Orygen National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health.

Kids Helpline and ReachOut will also be divvied out $1.8 million across two years.

Former Australian of the Year and Orygen executive director Professor Patrick McGorry said the funds would be channeled into the development of innovative treatments.

Mr McGorry praised the generous Government package, with three quarters of mental health illnesses affecting people before they reached 25.Craig McLachlan will continue to star in the Rocky Horror Show, as the actor vehemently denies allegations he sexually harassed and bullied his former co-stars.

Three female cast members of a 2014 production of the musical told a Fairfax Media and ABC investigation McLachlan inappropriately touched them or exposed himself.

McLachlan, who has described the allegations as 'made up', is currently on tour in Adelaide starring in a new Rocky Horror production.

Daily Mail Australia understands the tour will go ahead - and the 52-year-old will continue to play his lead role in the remaining six shows, the first of which will be held on Tuesday night.

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Craig McLachlan will continue to star in the Rocky Horror Show amid allegations he sexually harassed and bullied his former co-stars

Erika Heynatz (pictured left) and Christie Whelan Browne are among the women to make allegations against McLachlan, who says the accusations are 'baseless'

Scundi said McLachlan kissed her passionately onstage even after she had asked that it not be done

Production company The Gordon Frost Organisation refused to comment on the matter.

McLachlan said the allegations by Erika Heynatz, Christie Whelan Browne and Angela Scundi are 'baseless'.

'They seem to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety,' he was quoted as writing.

'These allegations are ALL made up.'

But Victoria Police has confirmed it is investigating.

'Detectives from Melbourne SOCIT (Sexual Offences Investigation Team) are investigating allegations of sexual offences dating back to 2014,' it said in a statement on Monday.

Production company The Gordon Frost Organisation refused to comment on the matter

Whelan Browne said McLachlan indecently assaulted her on stage during a sexuel scene

The cast of The Rocky Horror Show, led by Craig McLachlan, are pictured in 2014

'As the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment.'

The actor is also set to star in the return of the popular Doctor Blake Mysteries on Channel Seven later this year, and the network has been contacted for comment.

Whelan Browne also appeared in the Channel Ten program The Wrong Girl alongside McLachlan in 2016 and 2017.

She told the ABC she was dismayed when she learned he had been cast but felt she had to continue to have a civil relationship with him for the sake of her career.

She said his behaviour towards her on that program was appropriate.

But she said during Rocky Horror that McLachlan, who played the transvestite Frank N Furter to her Janet, said he indecently assaulted her on stage during a sex scene.

Craig McLachlan poses with the award for Best Actor in a Musical at the Capitol Theatre in 2014

This 2013 picture Rocky Horror Show's (left to right) Nicholas Christo, Tim Maddren, Ashlea Pyke, Craig McLachlan, Erika Heynatz and Brendan Irving

McLachlan said the allegations by Erika Heynatz, Christie Whelan Browne and Angela Scundi are 'baseless'

Scundi said McLachlan kissed her passionately onstage even after she had asked that it not be done.

She said when she confronted him about the unwanted kiss, he abused and threatened her.

'I said: ''Don't you kiss me. Don't you do that ever again'' and he turned. I haven't felt that terrified ever in my life, or ever again,' she told the ABC.

'He was just a different person. He said: ''You are nothing. Don't you dare talk to me like that. I will end you.'' And in that moment, I believed him.'

McLachlan said Rocky Horror was a 'confrontational musical oozing with sexuality'.

McLachlan is pictured arriving at the 58th Annual Logie Awards at Crown Palladium in 2016

Erika Heynatz is among the women take make serious allegations against McLachlan

'As such, as part of the musical the actors have to perform certain actions, all of which follow from the show itself - and indeed ''make'' the show.'

The three women said they had asked the production company, GFO, for an independent investigation into their claims, but that fell through.

In a statement, GFO said managing director John Frost was not available for an interview and the company declined to make any comment on the record.Advertisement

It is New Zealand's most notorious gang whose members operate in a criminal world of violence that is usually shut off to the outside world.

But one photographer managed to gain their trust - and in turn rare access - resulting in haunting images of some of the key members of the Mighty Mongrel Mob.

Since 2007 Wellington-born Jono Rotman has spent nearly eight years embedded with the Mob, gaining a unique glimpse of their culture, customs and even a bloody clash with rival group the Black Power.

Like most gangs, the Mob, who formed in Wellington and Hawkes Bay in the 1960s, have a stringent code against outsiders, preferring to operate in the shadows. And it's this that makes the chilling images that much more spectacular.

Rotman, who captured images of the gang's key members including convicted killer Shane Harrison, Bung Eye, Greco and Toots, told Daily Mail Australia he began earning their trust while photographing New Zealand's prisons.

I spoke with a gang liaison officer who gave me a contact of someone who bridged the divide between gang and civilian life. Things evolved from there, he said.

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Shane Harrison, who was convicted of murder in 2014, is featured in a chilling series of portraits of The Mongrel Mob by Photographer Jono Rotman

Rotman began travelling the country, visiting the homes and clubs of hundreds of gang members belonging to 30 different chapters.

Their history is extremely violent, so naturally I did feel intimidated at times,' he said. 'There was always an unspoken understanding that if I crossed them they would kill me.

As well as donning menacing face tattoos, some of the Mongrel Mob-who despite being primarily of Maori descent-use reviled Nazi symbols as an another act of rebellion towards authority.

Rotman made it clear he wanted to focus on art, rather than exposing the gang - and in turn they granted him unprecedented access to their inner workings.

Gangs represent a certain set of human drives taken to an extreme. This is what I wanted to explore,  Rotman said.

An exhibition of the portraits sparked outcry earlier this year after including a portrait of murderer Shane Harrison which was exhibited in his victim's hometown.

The work is not about who did what or what happened,' Rotman said. 'This is about a particular part of the country and history of the country I was interested in as a project, not about a stereotype but about these particular people.

Bung Eye, from the Notorious chapter: the artist has spent eight years embedded with the mob, who are the biggest and most infamous gang in New Zealand

Greco from the Notorious chapter: the artist said he managed to reach out to the mob after meeting a gang liaison officer who put him in contact with some members

Denimz from the Rogue chapter: Rotman slowly earned the trust of the gang, travelling across the country to the homes and clubs of hundreds of gang members

Willy of the Mighty Mongrel Mob: Rotman was granted unprecedented access to the inner workings of the gang

Toots from the King Country chapter: There was always an unspoken understanding if I crossed them they would kill me, Rotman said

Sean Wellington and his sons: critics have blasted the images for glamorising gang culture, but Rotman insists they he is merely seeking to objectively show a side of the country's cultural narrative

Zap from the Notorious chapter: the photographer convinced the gang he wanted to focus on art, rather than exposing their criminal conduct

Breeze, a member of the notorious chapter: exhibition, The Mongrel Mob Portraits, is currently being exhibited in the City Gallery Wellington

Aaron from the Rogue chapter (left) and an old snapshot of the notorious chapter of the Mighty Mongrel Mob (right): As well as donning menacing face tattoos, some the mob also sport Nazi iconography as a mark of rebellion towards authority

Rotman has captured over 200 images of the infamous gang, and he says he plans to keep the project runningDetectives hunting the so-called Croydon Cat Killer are helping police a hundred miles away after a man was arrested over a fresh spate of pet killings.

Pet owners have told of their horror after finding their cats dismembered and dumped near their homes.

The bodies of five animals have been discovered in Northampton  and police are probing a possible link between the attacks and the slaughter of hundreds of pets around the M25 over the last three years.

Their devastated owners spoke out after a 31-year-old man was arrested over the killings carried out between August and November.

Yesterday the owners of two-year-old tabby Miti (pictured) told how her head and tail were laid out on the roof of their car, barely a hundred yards from where the remains of another cat were found just weeks earlier

Northamptonshire Police said the suspect, who was also held in connection with arson attacks, has been released pending further investigation.

Yesterday the owners of two-year-old tabby Miti told how her head and tail were laid out on the roof of their car, barely a hundred yards from where the remains of another cat were found just weeks earlier.

The couple, who asked not to be named, live in Duston, Northampton  opposite the house where the suspect was arrested.

Mitis owner, a 39-year-old fork lift driver, said: My wife was traumatised. It is the sickest thing I have ever seen

Just weeks earlier, the body of one-year-old black and white cat Mikka was found in a carrier bag opposite her home in Duston, beheaded with her ears and tail cut off.

That same day another mutilated cat was discovered on a park bench nearby.

Mikkas owners, who have a seven-year-old son, said their pet had been very carefully placed in the bag on the driveway of a neighbour.

We were just horrified, said the father of one who did not want to be named.

To see her like that  beheaded  is beyond horrible. My wife has been terrified of leaving the house when its dark.

In the space of a few months this area has just been under attack. We have had these arson attacks and our pets have been murdered in this sick way...

In August, a 14-year-old girl discovered the body of Rusty left in a bag on her doorstep in Kingsley Park with its head, limbs and ears cut off.

Police said it happened just days after the familys other cat was killed when it was set on fire.

Then in September, the owners of 15-year-old Topsy found the mutilated animal outside their front door.

The suspect was arrested in the early hours of December 8, hours after a nearby residents home was destroyed in an arson attack.

Andy Oldham, 48, who lives in Duston and owns a 16-year-old cat named Smeagle, is unsure if his home was targeted in an attempt to murder his pet.

He said: We heard him, whoever it was, slipping out and then the shed and the roof was completely ablaze.

'The bedroom, the roof, the ceiling is all destroyed. We could have been killed if we hadnt got out in time.

The body of one-year-old black and white cat Mikka (pictured) was found in a carrier bag opposite her home in Duston, beheaded with her ears and tail cut off

Northamptonshire Police confirmed they are working closely with the Met probe into the animal deaths, known as Operation Takahe.

The 31-year-old arrested is thought to be an Eastern European truck driver, according to The Sun.

He had been living in a Duston bedsit for six months and his DNA is said to have been found on one of the mutilated cats.

But Northamptonshire Police said that although the offences are similar to attacks in the London area, officers cannot be sure they were carried out by the same person.

The co-founder of a group cataloguing the deaths does not believe that the person arrested is behind the Croydon killings.

But Boudicca Rising, of South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (Snarl), said another animals mutilated corpse was found in Peckham, south London, just yesterday morning and that other killings were discovered on December 7, 8, and 9.

She said: It is the same thing in Peckham, the cat was mutilated in the same way. Its impossible to say but I am still not convinced that the man from Northampton is the guy responsible for all the killings, and police have not charged him.

The attacker was first dubbed the Croydon Cat Killer, because it is believed the killings started in the South London area in around October 2015.

The Met has been working with the RSPCA and Snarl, while a 10,000 reward has been offered to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest.

Northamptonshire Police said: We arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with a number of arsons in the Duston area and also in relation to a number of recent cat mutilations in Duston and offences in Kingsley Park from August and September last year.

The man has been released under investigation. We are aware of the Metropolitan Police investigation into similar offences in the London area, and we will continue to work closely with them.'A man has been found stabbed to death in his home in the early hours of the morning.

The 32-year-old was discovered by police after they were called to a property on Williams Rd in Strathmerton, in country Victoria, about 1.40am on Monday.

The victim has not yet been formally identified, and homicide squad detectives are on the scene attempting to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

A 46-year-old man was arrested at the scene and is currently being interviewed by police.Commuters returning to work for the first full week after the festive period are enduring travel misery today amid fresh strike action.

Workers at five rail companies stage are walking out in the latest wave of strikes - a continuation of the bitter dispute over the role of guards.

Passengers complained of 'packed' trains, 'heaving' platforms and 'joke' train operators as they struggled to make it into and from work today.

Crowding became so severe on the 7.12am South Western Railway service from Basingstoke to London Waterloo that passengers pulled the emergency cord twice after commuters fainted.

Commuters ride a crowded South Western Railway train on the Portsmouth to London Waterloo line today as workers in five rail companies stage a fresh wave of strikes

With the first two trains cancelled on strike day, the 6.24am South Western Railway service into London from Godalming in Surrey was standing room only today due to RMT industrial action

Commuters board a Greater Anglia train at Shenfield in Essex on the way to work this morning

One commuter posted this picture on Twitter and said: 'Thanks Southern Rai for making my first day back to work a comfortable one as normal'

One passenger told the London Evening Standard: 'It was ridiculously overcrowded. It was certainly among the worst overcrowding I have ever seen.'

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) are walking out today and on Wednesday and Friday on South Western Railway (SWR), Arriva Rail North (Northern), Merseyrail and Greater Anglia, and today on Southern.

Rail workers at five train companies are said to be 'solidly supporting' strikes, while passengers face cancellations and replacement buses because of the latest walkout.

Picket lines were mounted outside stations across the UK, while Transport Secretary Chris Grayling was urged to convene a special summit to try to break the deadlock.

It comes as many commuters would have been hoping for a fresh start this year after suffering the consequences of endless strike action in 2017.

Southern Rail passenger John Read tweeted: 'Another short, packed train today. I guess the carriages are on strike with the guards?'

Lindsay Wade said: 'Five rail firms go on strike... they quote 'for commuters' safety'. Currently the train is so full (of) people they're falling over, crushing each other, arguing... and there is a conductor on the train... we need them for what.'

Commuters wait for trains at Clapham Junction train station in South West London today

Thousands of commuters, including those at Clapham Junction today, face a week of mayhem

Commuters try to board a train at Clapham Junction as train services are hit by strike action

Packed platforms at Clapham Junction station in South West London this morning

A member of the RMT union on the picket line hands a leaflet to a man outside London Waterloo this morning

And Chris Fisher added: 'Lovely day for a train strike by Northern Rail. It's only -4C and there's only two more days of a strike left this week.'

Meanwhile London Mayor Sadiq Khan said today: 'Thousands of people who work in London  once again  face a miserable journey to work due to yet another round of strike action on South West services.

'This Tory government and the private rail companies seem to think that the best way to deal with the long-running and serious grievances of their staff and the trade unions about passenger safety is to ignore them altogether and bury their heads in the sand.

'It is increasingly clear that they simply do not care about the serious impact their failure to resolve these issues is having on the lives of normal people who live or work across London.'

Talks were held between the union and SWR and Arriva, but they ended without any breakthrough to the long-running row over staffing, driver-only operation and guards.

Northern said it will run around 1,350 services on strike days, more than half its normal timetable, with most running between 7am and 7pm.

Commuters at Canada Water station on the London Underground faced long queues, with one saying that this was a knock-on effect from the Southern Rail strikes today

Commuters arriving at Basingstoke train station in Hampshire today were greeted by this delay-filled departures board

Commuters try to get on board a Greater Anglia train at Shenfield in Essex this morning

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union protest outside London Waterloo today

Members of the RMT union on the picket line outside Waterloo station in London this morning

SWR plans to run more than 70 per cent of its normal weekday service of 1,700 trains, although there will be rail replacement buses and arrangements to have tickets accepted on other train companies.

Greater Anglia said it planned to run a normal service with no alterations.

Merseyrail will run a reduced service, mostly between 7am and 7pm, with a break during the middle of the day and no trains on the Kirkby, Ellesmere Port or Hunts Cross lines.

Arriva Buses will accept Merseyrail tickets on all three strike days covering the Northern and Wirral lines.

Southern, which is facing its 39th RMT strike, said it planned to run a normal service on most routes, but advised passengers to check for any last-minute changes before they travel.

Long-suffering rail passengers endured more than seven million severe delays over 12 months, during the 2016-2017 period.

People arrive at Waterloo Station in London this morning on their way to work in the capital

Commuters look at departure boards as others arrive at London Waterloo train station today

People arrive at Waterloo Station in London today as services are hit by strike action

The strikes are affecting services on the regional South Western Railway. Waterloo is pictured

A notice at Waterloo warns of reduced services due to the strike action taking place today

Passengers lost at least 3.6 million hours in a year plagued by the usual issues such as signalling problems as well a wave of strikes and engineering works.

Consumer group Which? analysed data from rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road between April 1 2016 and March 31 this year.

Angie Doll, passenger services director for Southern Railway, said: 'The RMT's action is especially regrettable as the leadership announced this strike just hours after we had invited them for talks in a bid to end the dispute.

'The RMT leadership opposes changes that we made a year ago to improve passenger services. No-one has lost their job. We have made four offers to the RMT to resolve their dispute but they have rejected every one of them without even putting them to their members for a vote.'

Andy Heath, Merseyrail managing director, said: 'These latest strikes are part of a much bigger picture of UK-wide strikes by the RMT which, unfortunately, local passengers are falling victim to.

Furious commuters told of their anger at the train strikes on social media this morning

'I would like our passengers and business leaders to be aware that these three strike days represent a high stakes strategy being adopted by the RMT union with no consideration of the impact on the city region.

'These three days of strike action demonstrate the RMT's disregard for the impact their actions have on our passengers and damage to the economy of the city region.

'Since the last meeting with the RMT there have been eight strike days with the RMT steadfastly refusing to accept all attempts to get round the table. Both passengers and business leaders are saying to us that this is enough and now is the time for talks.'

Andy Mellors, SWR's managing director, said: 'We are sorry that our passengers will once again suffer due to this unnecessary strike action.

'Our passengers just want to get to work in the morning and back home on time in the evening to see family and friends.

'We have repeatedly guaranteed that no one will lose their job and that we will roster a second person on board every train.

Commuters and other social media users voiced their displeasure at the strikes with memes

'However, what we have been trying to talk to the RMT about is what happens if a guard is unavailable at short notice, perhaps due to illness or disruption; and how we might keep passengers moving rather than leave them stranded.'

Richard Allan, Arriva Rail North's deputy managing director, said the company was committed to investing in new and updated trains, better stations and faster journeys.

'During talks, Northern again offered to guarantee jobs and pay for conductors for the rest of our franchise to 2025 if we can reach agreement with RMT.'

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: 'RMT members remain solid and united in each of the separate disputes across the country over rail safety this morning as we continue to fight to put public safety, security and access before the profits of the train operating companies.

'Today we have written to Chris Grayling calling for summit talks under an independent chair to break the deadlock in these long-running disputes.

Southern has said the RMT's action is 'especially regrettable as the leadership announced this strike just hours after we had invited them for talks in a bid to end the dispute'

RMT general secretary Mick Cash says the disputes are 'about putting the safety of the travelling public before the profits of the private train companies'

The RMT criticised Chris Grayling, saying he and Theresa May are happy to cheer on overseas rail companies that rip off British passengers

'We expect a positive response to this important initiative and we welcome the support of both the Labour Party and the TUC for our proposal. It offers a real chance of progress.

'It makes no sense at all that we have been able to agree long-term arrangements in Wales and Scotland which secure the guard guarantee and which underpin the basic principles of safety, access and security for the travelling public.

'If that rail safety guarantee is right for Wales and Scotland then it must be right for the rest of the UK.'

A Department for Transport spokesman said: 'This is a dispute between a private company and the RMT. However, the Transport Secretary recognises the disruption caused to passengers and has met with union leaders on several occasions, including as recently as December, to help bring an end to the strikes.

'He offered guarantees of employment to members who currently fulfil the role of the second person on the train beyond the length of the franchises - instead the RMT called strikes on five train companies to cause maximum disruption to passengers.

'Nobody is losing their job as a result of driver-controlled operation trains - employees have been guaranteed jobs and salaries for several years.'Bernie Sanders received backlash after he stepped out in a pricey jacket Monday for Mayor Bill de Basio's second term swearing-in ceremony in New York City.

The longtime Vermont Senator sported a $690 Burton 2L LZ down coat in the brisk weather New Year's Day and was since dubbed a 'stylish socialist' by The Washington Times.

Sanders, 76, is known for his advocacy of lower and middle-class Americans, whom he expressed his support of during his speech and often on his social media platform.

'Democratic Socialism means democracy. It means creating a government that represents all of us, not just the wealthiest people in America,' Sanders wrote to his Twitter page back in early 2016 prior to Donald Trump's election win.

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US Senator Bernie Sanders speaks during the mayor, comptroller, public advocate inauguration for 2nd term in frigid weather in front of City Hall Monday in New York

Sanders swore in Mayor Bill de Blasio as Mayor of NYC for second term. Frigid temperatures made for a shorter and less crowded ceremony

Sanders was criticized for wearing this $690 Burton 2L LZ down coat while supporting poor Americans

One year later, Sanders penned in a post: 'In terms of our relationship with poor and working people, America's record is worse than virtually any other country on earth.'

Newsweek since slammed the Independent politician for his compromising statements - as the site pointed out that he is 'one of the richest politicians' who has 'three houses.'

A social media statement by Sanders from April said: 'How many yachts do billionaires need? How many cars do they need? Give us a break. You can't have it all.'

Meanwhile, Sanders kept silent on the matter Monday, and said in the beginning of his speech: 'Now, by Vermont standards this is a warm and pleasant afternoon.'

Democratic Mayor de Blasio, a Sanders' supporter, chuckled over the comments as he listened to the six-minute speech which praised the 'good news' in New York in contrast to the 'bad news' over in Washington, the New York Times reported of the event.

'Instead of pandering to billionaires we have a government here which has chosen to listen to the needs of working families,' Sanders said.

The comments led to Sanders administering de Blasio's oath of office, while the mayor took to the mic.

He shared his appreciation of his supporters while discussing the promising four years ahead.

'Something big is happening in New York City, something new, something different, something that has begun a new progressive era in this city's history,' de Blasio said.

'Something is being done here that matters to all of us, but is also being felt far beyond our borders.'



Sanders swears in Bill de Blasio as Mayor during the inauguration for his second term in New York

Sanders and Mr. de Blasio speak while standing together during the swearing-in ceremonyOne of Bondi's most recognisable residents is waging a campaign to rid the beach of mounted police who he says treat the national icon as a 'horse toilet'.

Speedo-wearing Dimitri Moskovich, who works out every day at Sydney's most famous beach, is so upset about horse droppings on his beloved Bondi he confronted Prime Minister Malclom Turnbull last week.

'Stop police horses coming here,' Mr Moskovich told Mr Turnbull. 'We don't need horses here. It's an abuse to our beach.'

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Horse droppings left behind by mounted police patrols on the promenade at Bondi Beach

A NSW Police Mounted Unit patrol walks along the iconic sands of Sydney's Bondi Beach

Dimitri Moskovich is fed up with police horse manure fouling his beloved Bondi promenade

Taken aback, Mr Turnbull replied: 'The horses presumably swim between the flags.'

But Mr Moskovich was not amused. 'Doesn't matter,' he said. 'They s**t on the sand, they s**t on the promenade.'

'You love the beach and it's a disrespect to all of us.'

Mr Turnbull then said: 'You know, that issue has never been raised with me before.'

But Mr Moskovich told Daily Mail Australia he had been trying for years to get police horses banned from Bondi Beach.

'There is no reason for Bondi Beach, which is a national icon, to become a horse toilet,' he said.

Initially Mr Moskovich spoke to individual mounted officers, then took his complaints to Waverley Council and last week went to the prime minister.

Mounted police patrol Bondi Beach which some locals say is being fouled by horse droppings

Dimitri Moskovich (in purple towel) points at police horse droppings left on Bondi Beach

'I kept telling them there is no need for horses,' the 52-year-old said. 'I was telling them the horses should have bags under their bums.'

'Bondi Beach is a national icon and a national icon is being s**t on. It's a disgrace to the whole nation.'

'Every time it's like an assault. It's a violation. I feel like somebody spits in my face.

'I'm an animal lover. When I see a dog s***ts anywhere and the owner does not pick up I say "guys, please pick up". At the same time you can't say anything to the police.'

Mr Moskovich, a property investor who can be found exercising at Bondi up to six hours a day, said he often had to warn tourists about the horse-made hazard on the promenade.

'It doesn't even occur to them that they can walk along Bondi promenade and they can walk in a huge heap of horse s***,' he said. 'It's just wrong.'

'I've seen it on the sand as well but most of the time it's on the promenade.'

Police say that as horses are plant-eaters their droppings (pictured here at Bondi Beach) are not particularly offensive

New South Wales mounted police horses walk through water at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbul (left) is confronted by Dimitri Moskovich (in sunglasses)

Eventually, council officers remove the manure. 'It could be five hours later, it could be the next day,' Mr Moskovich said.

The Russian-born fitness fanatic, who has been pictured in polling booths on election days wearing only his Speedos as he votes, considers Bondi Beach his office.

'If somebody is using your backyard or your balcony as a toilet you would get upset,' he said. 'It's really upsetting.'

Mr Moskovich has used his Facebook page to call for police horses to be banned from the beach.

Social media reaction has mostly been supportive of Mr Moskovich's campaign.

'Coppers should collect their horses dung and grow roses with it,' one user wrote.

'Again with the walking s*** machines!' another wrote. 'How many riots have they stopped today...?'

NSW mounted police patrol Bondi Beach; some locals complain about the horses' droppings

Mounted police horse droppings left on the promenade at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach

A pair of mounted police horses and officers with life guards on the sands of Bondi Beach

A third protested: 'Dimi, I have made complaints to the council and to the police numerous times.

'They aren't going to do anything about it... But they will give you a fine for a dog s*** one millionth of the size.'

And then there was this comment referring to the video of Mr Moskovich with Mr Turnbull: 'I don't recognize the guy in blue T-shirt. Who is Dima talking to?'

A New South Wales Police Force spokesman said the mounted patrols at Bondi were a useful crime-fighting tool which would continue.

'Mounted police patrol Bondi as part of high-visibility policing and community interaction duties,' the spokesman said.

'They venture down on the sand and promenade as that is where they are most visible by the majority of people and the most interaction takes place.

'This also provides a vantage point, by utilising the height advantage from a horse, to identify any criminal activity.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull listens as Dimitri Moskovich complains about police horses

Dimitri Moskovich in his Speedos is a regular sight on Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach

Two mounted police officers and their horses standing in water at Sydney's Bondi Beach

'In relation to the manure, the mounted unit patrols of Bondi are for a few hours at most once a week and they receive a great deal of community support whilst present.'

Mr Moskovich said he got a phone call from a senior mounted unit officer in the days after he confronted the prime minister.

He said he was told bags which are fitted under police horses' tails in some countries were not suitable and that because horses were herbivores their droppings were not particularly offensive.

'If I'm a vegetarian would you be OK if I s**t in the middle of your living room?' Mr Moskovich asked.

'We need police on the beach. Bondi Beach must be policed. But we do not need mounted police on the beach.'

Mr Moskovich made headlines four years ago in a rope climbing accident at the beach when he fell seven metres while distracted by the sight of a 'very nice topless girl'. He suffered 20 fractures to both legs.The year 1968 was memorable for many reasons. Student demonstrators in Paris called for the fall of the French government; in the U.S. people wanted an end to the Vietnam War; while in Prague there was a brief flowering of democracy as protesters took on the communist leadership.

And in Britain? Well, The Beatles may have sung about revolution, but it was a far more mundane development that was to dramatically effect our lives.

Fifty years ago, the full alphanumeric postcode  a combination of letters and numbers  was introduced.

In 1965 Tony Benn (pictured) announced the postal code system would expand nationwide, starting in Central London

On June 5, 1968, residents of the exclusive London district of Mayfair woke up to find they were no longer just living in W1, but a whole new combination that they had to try to remember, composed then of four letters and two digits.

Remember, youre not fully addressed without it, was the memorable slogan on posters and the leaflets that were pushed through letterboxes.

Fail to include the postcode and your letters could be severely delayed, residents were warned.

Over the next six years, tens of millions of UK households would have to get to grips with this addition to their postal address.

They were not to know that what began as a minor irritation would, five decades later, come to define and influence so many areas of our lives, from our status and property values to insurance premiums, loan eligibility, the range of healthcare available to us  and even whether we are targeted by criminal gangs.

Ten most expensive postcodes in Britain W84QP - 36.1M N6 4LP - 22.9M SW1X 7EE - 22M SW10 9TB - 18.6M W14 8AA - 15.1M N6 4LB - 13.7M SW3 6LR - 12.2M W8 5PR - 12.1M W1S 4HE - 11.7M W8 5BT - 10.6M Advertisement

The idea of a postcode originated with Sir Rowland Hill, a Victorian social reformer who is credited with laying the foundations of the modern postal service.

He thought the Post Office charged too much (it was the recipient who had to pay for the letter back then), was slow, unreliable and really benefited only the wealthy.

So, in 1857, he divided London into sectors to help distinguish between streets with the same name in different parts of the city.

Hills system, however, consisted only of one or two letters: W for west, SE for south-east and so on.

It wasnt until 1917 that the Post Office started using numerals in postcodes  and then it was in Dublin (still part of the United Kingdom) where the idea was pioneered.

The now-familiar London postal districts, W1, SW2 etc, followed soon afterwards.

A full code (six letters and numerals) was piloted in 1959 in Norwich  selected because its sorting office had already been fitted with new automated sorting machines using the letters NOR followed by two digits and a letter to identify individual properties.

Remember, youre not fully addressed without it, was the memorable slogan on posters and the leaflets that were pushed through letterboxes. In the six years after it was introduced, tens of millions of UK households would have to get to grips with this addition to their postal address

It was a success. In 1965, Postmaster-General Tony Benn  still Anthony Wedgwood Benn at the time  announced that the postal code system would be expanded nationwide, starting with Central London.

The postcodes Mr Benn settled on, however, were not specific to an individual property.

They consisted of six or seven letters and numerals and covered an average of 15 properties each. Today, there are two million postcodes covering 29 million properties.

The aim of the postcode was straightforward and uncontroversial: a means of helping Royal Mail staff sort letters faster.

Neither Benn nor anyone else foresaw the day when our postcodes would become as much part of our identity as our age or place of education.

Nor could anyone have had any idea of the chaos that could result from a simple change in postcode.

A few years ago, the Royal Mail moved my village from one postcode district to another.

For months, I had problems trying to prove to my bank that I hadnt moved home, or to convince delivery companies that my house existed at all.

It was a sharp reminder as to how much commerce nowadays  even more so in the age of the internet  is linked to this crucial element of our address.

It could have been worse, as one homeowner in Salcombe, Devon, found out when he tried to renew his home insurance. He was refused cover on the grounds that his property was liable to sea flooding  even though it was 250 ft above sea level.

On June 5, 1968, residents of the exclusive London district of Mayfair woke up to find they were no longer just living in W1, but a whole new combination that they had to try to remember, composed then of four letters and two digits (Stock Image)

The insurance company analysed all risk by postcode, and his house had been blacklisted because it shared a postcode with homes much closer to the water.

Residents in Thurso, in the far north of Scotland, have a different problem. When they try to order goods online, they often find that firms will refuse to deliver to them, or demand an extra fee.

As if their homes were not remote enough, they share a postcode district with Kirkwall (KW), the main town on the Orkneys, which is a two-hour ferry journey away  with just two sailings a day.

Meanwhile, the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, which is part of the British Overseas Territory, was given an unusual four-letter postcode  STHL  to stop postal sorting staff confusing it with St Helens in Merseyside. Any letter that found its way on to the St Helena mail ship would not be returned to sender for months.

Today, we are classified by marketing organisations into socio-economic groups based on our postcode.

This determines whether they will target us with marketing campaigns, or whether we qualify for special deals.

Experian, the consumer credit reporting agency, for example, has pigeonholed us into 66 groups. If you live in a townhouse in Chelsea, London, you might be classified as a member of the Uptown Elite, defined as high-status households owning elegant homes in accessible inner suburbs where they enjoy city life in comfort.

If you live in one of Londons poorer districts, on the other hand, you may be classified among Families With Needs, defined as families with many children living in areas of high deprivation and who need support.

You wont be aware of it, but if you apply for a loan, book a holiday or even apply for a job, a company will have access to this information and may be making judgments about you as soon as you disclose your postcode.

Charities make rather cynical use of postcodes, too. In 2013, the National Deaf Childrens Society admitted it used data based on postcodes to direct its door-to-door fundraisers to sectors with the right age, income profiles or a track record of generosity.

It is one of lifes great ironies that we owe our postcodes to that great class warrior Tony Benn who, in 1963, renounced his hereditary peerage so he could stand for Parliament as a man of the people. His unintended legacy has become an instrument of snobbery quite unlike any other

Of course, were all aware of the postcode factor when it comes to property prices. Those digits and numerals can have a huge effect  at least according to the people with the wrong postcodes.

Residents of Whitton in West London fought for 40 years to be shifted from the postcode district TW3, which covers Hounslow, into what they considered the more salubrious TW2 district covering Richmond.

A compromise was reached in 2015 thanks in part to the MP Vince Cable, who was Business Secretary at the time with responsibilities including the Royal Mail.

Whitton is now accepted as part of the formal address  although residents must still put up with the TW3 postcode.

The Whittonites are not the only ones accused of postcode snobbery. Residents of Tyersal in West Yorkshire are campaigning to be transferred from BD (Bradford) to a more upmarket LS (Leeds) postcode. While Windsor residents have risen against their SL (Slough) postcode.

They have failed so far to change it, and surely whats good enough for the Queen  Windsor Castle has an SL postcode  is good enough for them.

There was a time when people would have been glad to move out of Londons East End and settle in Essex. But thats not how its seen by one group of Ilford residents who have campaigned for a London postcode, E19, rather than IG.

The aim of the postcode was straightforward and uncontroversial: a means of helping Royal Mail staff sort letters faster. Neither Benn nor anyone else foresaw the day when our postcodes would become as much part of our identity as our age or place of education

Our cultural identity and passions are now very different from people living in Essex, stated a petition to the Royal Mail last year  and it possibly related to the fact that, while London voted to remain in the EU, large parts of Essex voted to leave.

However, there may be another reason at play. Last January, the website Moneysupermarket.com revealed the IG4 postcode was the worst for burglary in Britain  pushing up premiums for the unlucky residents.

The Royal Mails Address Management Unit has rarely changed a postcode, except for operational reasons. However, it has agreed to give a few organisations a distinctive code  with the former Girobank, for example, carrying the code GIR 0AA.

It is one of lifes great ironies that we owe our postcodes to that great class warrior Tony Benn who, in 1963, renounced his hereditary peerage so he could stand for Parliament as a man of the people.

His unintended legacy has become an instrument of snobbery quite unlike any other.Hope Hicks, White House Communications Director, will need therapy after she leaves her job working for Donald Trump, her friends and family have said.

According to Michael Wolff's explosive new book Fire and Fury, which details the inner workings of Trump's White House, Hicks' family and friends are concerned for her mental health.

'Following the Trump victory and her [Hope Hicks] move into the White House, her friends and intimates talked with great concern about what kind of therapies and recuperation she would need after her tenure was finally over,' the book states.

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The family and friends of Hope Hicks are concerned for her mental health due to her White House job

Hicks was the first person that Trump hired for his campaign back in 2015. She formerly worked for Trump's daughter Ivanka's fashion brand, and was brought on to the campaign team at Ivanka's recommendation.

Hicks took over the role of communications director from Anthony Scaramucci in August of 2017.

Hope Hicks (background, center) came into the role of WH Communications Direction in August of 2017

Wolff's new book 'Fire and Fury' looks inside the Trump administration

The book also gives insight into Hicks' family and friends concerns and how the evolved during the campaign.

'As the campaign progressed, moving from novelty project to political factor to juggernaut, Hicks' family increasingly, and incredulously, viewed her as if having been taken captive,' Wolff reported.

Additionally, Wolff also stated that Hicks hasn't escaped Trump's incendiary nature.

'On more than one occasion, after a day  one of the countless days  of particularly bad notices, the president greeted her, affectionately, with 'You must be the world's worst PR person,'' the report stated.

The book also claimed that Hicks had an on-again, off-again relationship with President Trump's first campaign manager Corey Lewandowski.

The tome, 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' by Michael Wolff says that Hicks was upset about the married Lewandowski's media coverage after he was dismissed from the campaign.

'Trump, who otherwise seemed to treat Hicks in a protective and even paternal way, looked up and said, "Why? You've already done enough for him. You're the best piece of tail he'll ever have," sending Hicks running from the room,' an excerpt said.Just what we needed at the start of January: a gluey Sunday morning interview between BBC TVs Andrew Marr and Prime Minister Theresa May.

For you, Britain, the holiday season is well and truly over. The dreary politicos are back, striking predictable attitudes, spouting prepared positions, uninspiring, interruptive, blame-deflecting, antagonistic  a political class that has become neuralgia made flesh and bone.

The Maidenhead hotel venue with its institutional carpet, high-backed chairs and the obligatory pot plant gave the interview the look of an episode of Songs of Praise broadcast from an old folks home.

Just what we needed at the start of January: a gluey Sunday morning interview between BBC TVs Andrew Marr and Prime Minister Theresa May

The Maidenhead hotel venue with its institutional carpet, high-backed chairs and the obligatory pot plant gave the interview the look of an episode of Songs of Praise broadcast from an old folks home

Christmas had left a powder blue- jacketed Mrs May puffy-faced and a bit shiny on the upper cheeks.

Marrs hair was scraped back Norman Wisdom-style.

The programme should really have been broadcast in black and white.

They clashed for half an hour, though clash wrongly suggests a thrilling clank of blade on breastplate. Instead they kept just missing each other, questions and answers and follow-ups never quite connecting.

Marr opened with a sly put-down. Are you now strong enough to announce a proper reshuffle?

Translation: Youre so pathetically weak, you cant even sack Philip Hammond!

Mrs May: Well, its no prizes for guessing, Andrew, that obviously Damian Greens departure before Christmas means some changes do have to be made.

She would not dignify Marrs acidity by even recognising it.

Fluency is not her art. She speaks with checks and neck convulsions and occasional, bulges of the eyeballs. It would be alarming to have her for your dentist.

Marr kept doing that TV interviewer thing of starting questions with but.

If he seemed truculent at times, it was perhaps because Mrs May ignored questions and said what she and her aides had decided beforehand needed to be said.

Marr asked about a new forest the Government wants to plant in northern England.

Mrs May: Ill talk about the forest in a minute And with that she was off into some stuff about plastic bags. The formula of the modern politics interview demands that the interview ask the politician if she understands public concern, and the politician replies that she recognises it but feels the issue is bigger than that.

Fluency is not her art. She speaks with checks and neck convulsions and occasional, bulges of the eyeballs. It would be alarming to have her for your dentist

These phrases are uttered in the way that Homer used epithets and the way cattle auctioneers skate over early bids at a market sale.

Sure enough, Marr asked Mrs May if she understood why so many people are outraged about the early release of rapist John Worboys.

She recognised it twice and added, five times, that we should look at this whole issue in a wider context.

It was time for the annual tradition of asking about the winter pressures in the NHS  a custom that goes back to the days when Sir Lancelot Spratt was a houseman.

Marr said this years problems were worse than ever and the Tories had cut spending on care.

Mrs May deployed the venerable response that weve put extra money into the NHS.

Marr said a lot of the brightest, best Conservatives like Sarah Wollaston and Oliver Letwin want a new NHS tax.

Translation: Wollaston and Letwin are the sort of civilised Tories we BBC grandees will admit to our dinner parties.

Mrs May tried to argue that money was not the only solution but Marr chopped her short with OK (which is what they say when they want to stop a politician scoring runs).

There was also some brief business about Toby Young, just appointed to some quango. (Mr Young, son of a revered Leftist, is hated by the Islingtonians for having veered to the Right.)

Marr said Mr Young once wrote something on Twitter about womens breasts.

How shocked he looked. Andrew Marr as a sainted beacon of sexual probity!

And so it begins again: another year of attempted harpooning and part-evasions and verbiage and same-old, same-old.

Coming Sundays promise J. Corbyn and the Scots Nats and Uncle Vince Cable and all.

What bliss if a party could find a leader able to invigorate these lifeless pavanes.Some 50 million trees are to be planted to create a 'Northern Forest' between Liverpool and Hull.

The plans have been given the green light by the Government and 5.7 million will be used to back the initiative.

Trees will be planted over the next 25 years across a 120-mile stretch along the M62 corridor to boost habitat for wildlife including birds and bats, protect species such as the red squirrel and provide more access to woodlands for millions of people living in the area.

Plans have been given the green light by the Government and 5.7 million will be used to back the initiative (Stock Image)

Some 50 million trees are to be planted to create a 'Northern Forest' between Liverpool and Hull. Trees will be planted over the next 25 years across a 120-mile stretch along the M62 corridor

The Woodland Trust aims to plant 62,000 acres of woodland in a project which is forecast to cost 500 million over 25 years.

It could generate an estimated 2 billion for the economy in growth in tourism, boosting rural businesses and generating jobs, increasing property values, and reducing the economic impacts of flooding.

The Northern Forest is set to form part of the Government's long-awaited 25-year environment plan and 5.7 million of public money is being committed to launch the scheme.

It is hoped government funding to kick-start planting will help encourage private landowners to come on board with the project.

Planting will begin in March at the Woodland Trust's 1,680-acre Northern Forest flagship site at Smithills, Bolton.

The Northern Forest will connect the five Community Forests in the north of England, the Mersey Forest, Manchester City of Trees, South Yorkshire Community Forest, the Leeds White Rose Forest and the HEYwoods Project.

Woodland will also be created in and around major urban centres such as Chester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Manchester.

The woodlands will be a mix of native broadleaf trees such as oaks and conifers including spruce and pine.

The Northern Forest will connect the five Community Forests in the north of England, the Mersey Forest, Manchester City of Trees, South Yorkshire Community Forest, the Leeds White Rose Forest and the HEYwoods Project

Establishing a new network of forests in England including on farmland, and funding larger-scale woodland and forest creation, also forms part of the Government's clean growth strategy to meet legally binding targets to cut climate emissions.

Austin Brady, director of conservation at the Woodland Trust, said: 'The Northern Forest will accelerate the creation of new woodland and support sustainable management of existing woods right across the area.

'Planting many more trees, woods and forests will deliver a better environment for all - locking up carbon on a large scale, boosting wildlife habitat and greening our towns and cities.

'The Woodland Trust and Community Forests will use new and innovative mechanisms to engage communities and a wide range of partners in delivering the forest.'Seth Meyers blasted Harvey Weinstein as he got the Golden Globes awards underway with a bang.

The awards show's host tackled the Hollywood sex abuse scandal full-on as he cracked awkward jokes about disgraced movie mogul Weinstein and House of Cards actor Kevin Spacey.

Late night host Meyers' opening monologue didn't take long to address the scandal, as he said: 'Good evening ladies and remaining gentlemen.'

He later added: 'Harvey Weinstein isnt here tonight because Ive heard rumors that hes crazy and difficult to work with.

'But dont worry, hell be back in 20 years when he becomes the first person ever booed during the In Memoriam.'

As the gathered stars groaned, he added: 'It will sound like that.'

Seth Meyers blasted Harvey Weinstein as he got the Golden Globes awards underway with a bang

Slammed: Weinstein and Spacey were both the subject of Meyers' jokes as he kicked off the awards ceremony

It was never going to be an easy gig for Meyers, but he received warm applause from the crowd despite a series of awkward jokes about the ongoing scandal in Hollywood.

'Its been years that a white man in Hollywood was this nervous,' he quipped.

'A lot of people thought it would be more appropriate for a woman to host tonight's show, and they might be right, but if it makes you feel any better I have absolutely no power in Hollywood,' Meyers said.

In a similar vein, he joked that they could not find a woman host because they were told they would be 'judged by some of the most powerful people in Hollywood' in a hotel - a reference to how Weinstein's victims say they were abused.

He also joked that he was chosen as the male host for the show because he's a 'man with absolutely no power in Hollywood'.

'Im not even the most powerful Seth in the room tonight,' he joked as the camera panned to comedian Seth Rogen.

'Remember when he was the guy making trouble with North Korea?' Meyers said, in a reference to President Donald's Trump Twitter battle with the rogue state's leader Kim Jong-un.

Late night host Meyers' opening monologue didn't take long to address the scandal, as he said: 'Good evening ladies and remaining gentlemen'

There were audible gasps from stars in the audience - most of whom had worn black in support of the Time's Up movement - as Meyers continued to lay into the likes of Weinstein.

'Its 2018: Marijuana is legal and sexual harassment finally isnt,' the host added, to applause.

Moving away from the Weinstein scandal, Meyers also found time to make another dig at President Donald Trump.

The Golden Globes host made reference to the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner speech in which he roasted Trump - then a member of the audience - telling him he was not qualified to be commander-in-chief.

He continued: 'I just want to say: Oprah, you will never be president. You do not have what it takes. And [Tom] Hanks. Where's Hanks? You will never be vice president.'A man who thought he was on his way to meet up with a 15-year-old boy for sex has been caught in the act by a group of 'creep catchers' in New Zealand.

The 'child sex predator' - who claimed to be 39 - allegedly brought condoms to meet up with a young man who he believed would be turning 16 in three weeks time.

He also dressed in a suit and tie to 'role play as a teacher', for the night-time meet up at a secluded cul de sac in Auckland.

But when he arrived to find the veteran 'paedo hunters' instead of an underage male, he tried justifying his actions, saying he 'would never intentionally harm anyone.'

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The 'child sex predator' (pictured) - who claimed to be 39 - was busted by 'creep catchers' in New Zealand on his way to meet up with a 15-year-old for sex Saturday night

Despite the 'catchers' relentlessly pointing out a child under 16 is unable to legally give consent, the predator proclaimed his intentions were innocent.

'I would absolutely never do anything with someone who was unwilling to do in, in this case I believe the person was interested, they were willing, I was not forcing them or anything like that,' he told the group.

'I would never intentionally and hope never unintentionally actually harm the person.'

The New Zealand Creep Catchers routinely pose as underage children online to lure in predators, then share videos of their busts to social media.

The citizen stingers didn't buy the man's story for a second, clearly seeing through his 'manipulation' tactics, which he frequently used to dull down the severity of his actions.

'Tonight we caught another predator attempting to have sex with an under-aged child. The man, 39 years old (so he says, but probably 48) from Auckland, was caught by the New Zealand Creep Catchers,' they wrote in a Facebook post.

'This creature has brought condoms and dressed up in a shirt and tie in order to role play as a teacher in which he expressed desire to have anal and oral sex with a minor.'

The lengthy exchange between the predator and group, which lasted nearly 25 minutes, left social media users outraged after it was uploaded on Saturday.

He allegedly brought condoms to meet up with a young man who he believed would be turning 16 in three weeks time

More than 500 frustrated commenters condemned the man's behaviour, with them angered at how little remorse he showed for his actions.

'He's f***ing disgusting. Creatures like this roaming our country. Educate and hold your children close people. Thank you creep catchers, keep up the good work,' one disgusted viewer wrote.

'Absolutely vile and even trying to justify what he's doing f***ing creep... one bullet through his head would be the perfect ending to this story,' another added.

Several praised the team's effort: 'Good work guys. We need people like you to catch these scum bags and name and shame them. I have no sympathy for these so called men you guys catch out at all. Nice work and keep it up.'

He dressed in a suit and tie to 'role play as a teacher', for the night-time meet up at a secluded cul de sac in Auckland

After the first heated exchange, the man got into his car and began driving away, only to approach the group again to continue justifying his motives.

When he continued to avoid making an apology or showing any sign of remorse, the group urged that he get in his car and go home.

Eventually - just as he was getting in his car for the second time - he made his confession.

'Yes, for the viewers I'm sorry, I'm sorry I came here tonight, I'm sorry you came out, I never wanted to hurt anyone, that's true, that's always been true. I made some bad decisions.'

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, New Zealand police urged such 'suspicious behaviour' be reported to authorities, rather than dealt with privately.

'Police are aware of the Facebook page NZ Creep Catchers and while we understand the communitys frustration at criminal offending and the power of social media to spread information, we recommend potential offending or suspicious behaviour is reported directly to Police,' the statement read.

'Vigilante action such as this could harm current and future Police investigations targeting online offenders. Police would hate to see actions such as these hinder or prevent a prosecution against an online offender.

We strongly discourage members of the public from taking matters into their own hands as they could place themselves and members of the public at risk.

Police encourages anyone who has concerns about potential offending to contact us immediately. All complaints will be taken seriously and followed up as appropriate.'Clinton James Dally, 36, died on a Bali holiday

The heartbroken girlfriend of the Australian father who died in Bali has described him as a 'good man'.

Clinton James Dally, 36, was found dead in his hotel room after complaining of a headache, just a day after he and girlfriend Ni Ketut Kartika, 29, arrived at Matahari Bungalow.

'I'm feeling too shocked in my heart ... why all the people (that are) nice have such short lives?' Ms Kartika told 9 News.

'He's a nice person and a good man.'

Ms Kartika said her boyfriend of three months went to the pool, drank two cocktails and a Bintang before having dinner.

The heartbroken girlfriend (pictured) of Mr Dally has described him as a 'good man'

'I'm feeling too shocked in my heart ... why all the people (that are) nice have such short lives?' Ni Ketut Kartika (pictured) told 9 News

Mr Dally was found dead of an apparent heart attack on Saturday afternoon at Bali hotel

A photograph taken inside the hotel room shows a carton of cigarettes, a bottle of Gentleman Jack whiskey, some Panadol, Berocca tablets, a phone, wallet and smart tablet on a small table

The Perth man was found in his Kuta hotel room face-down on the bed unconscious.

When the doctor arrived it was declared the man died of an apparent heart attack,The Herald Sun reported.

9NEWS reported that a photograph taken inside the hotel room shows a carton of cigarettes, a bottle of Gentleman Jack whiskey, some Panadol, Berocca tablets, a phone, wallet and smart tablet sitting on a table.

Ms Kartika told police that Mr Dally had been suffering from stomach pains on Saturday morning before he died, and that he had taken a Panadol and had a beer on Friday.

Mr Dally had told his girlfriend he wasn't sick, but simply tired.

Kuta police chief, I Nyoman Wirajaya, said an investigation had been conducted and police had found the room to be neat.

'We do not find any violence or crime in this case,' he concluded. 'The doctor alleged that the victim died because of a heart attack.'

Police said the man's body was taken to Sanglah morgue awaiting instructions from local and Australian authorities concerning an autopsy.

Mr Dally (right) visited the Kuta Art Market (left) on Saturday morning before he passed away

Mr Dally (left) has been found dead in his Balinese hotel room at the Matahari Bungalow (right)The countrys top doctor has called for a serious debate over whether NHS staff should be forced to have the flu jab.

Sir Bruce Keogh, national medical director of NHS England, said thousands of healthcare workers were unwittingly putting patients and their own families at risk.

Latest official figures show that 40 per cent of frontline staff have not been vaccinated. If the flu jab were made compulsory, employees who refused it could be sacked.

Figures have shown the number of patients admitted to hospital with flu has trebled in a week  and are twice as high compared to this time last year.

The countrys top doctor has called for a serious debate over whether NHS staff should be forced to have the flu jab

Sir Bruce, a former heart surgeon, said: I think a serious debate around mandatory flu vaccination is inevitable before next winter.

Flu is a double whammy for the NHS, increasing the number of patients and putting staff out of action, but as a third of people with the virus do not know they are carrying it staff may not know they are putting patients, colleagues and their own families at risk.

People who get the flu jab every year have fewer hospital admissions People who get the flu jab every year have fewer hospital admissions and less severe symptoms, a study found. The Institute of Public Health in Pamplona found that among over-65s admitted to hospital for flu, vaccination in the current and any of the three previous years was associated with a 55 per cent lower chance of having a severe case, a 65 per cent lower chance of being admitted to intensive care and a 56 per cent lower chance of death than in those who had only had the one jab, reported the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Advertisement

This past weeks flu figures underline why it makes sense for NHS staff who havent yet had the flu jab now to do so.

'A proper discussion for next year about mandatory jabs ... would be sensible.

Sir Bruces intervention comes after health chiefs called for doctors to switch to a new vaccine next winter after admitting the current jab is ineffective for over-75s.

Last week NHS England wrote to all GPs saying they should adopt an injection used by other European countries for the last 20 years.

Some healthcare workers refuse to have the flu jab because they do not believe it is effective, while others are worried about the side effects.

Imposing compulsory vaccines would prove hugely controversial and could breach human rights laws.

Cambridge University Hospitals considered bringing in mandatory flu jabs in 2011 but stopped following legal advice.

NHS watchdog Nice is drawing up guidelines on increasing the uptake of the flu jab to be published at the end of the month.

Figures have shown the number of patients admitted to hospital with flu has trebled in a week  and are twice as high compared to this time last year

It is not known if they will call for compulsory vaccinations.

But Professor Paul Cosford, medical director at Government agency Public Health England, said: We would welcome a debate about this ... Healthcare workers have an important role to play in protecting the health of the public.

PHE figures show just 59 per cent of frontline staff have been vaccinated against flu. At some hospitals, only 34 per cent have received the jab.

Some vaccinations are already compulsory for certain staff. Surgeons must be immunised from hepatitis to stop them catching it and spreading it to patients.

ONLY a handful of places remain uninfected by the deadly Aussie flu virus.

Dorset, Ilford, Market Drayton, Telford and the City of London are the only places to have reported zero cases, according to website Flusurvey.org.uk.

However, as the map relies on self-reported data from patients, the situation could be much worse.

The NHS is braced for one of the worst flu seasons in 50 years after a surge in infections in the UK, with hotspots being Plymouth, Doncaster and Belfast.

Only a handful of places remain uninfected by the deadly Aussie flu virus.

Dorset, Ilford, Market Drayton, Telford and the City of London are the only places to have reported zero cases, according to website Flusurvey.org.uk.

However, as the map relies on self-reported data from patients, the situation could be much worse.

The NHS is braced for one of the worst flu seasons in 50 years after a surge in infections in the UK, with hotspots being Plymouth, Doncaster and Belfast.Leading stores are to voluntarily ban sales of products containing acid to under 18s  but it will continue to be available online from many sources.

The move comes amid a spike in acid attacks.

It was presented by the Home Office as a major breakthrough as ministers draw up a formal legal ban that would apply across retailers in the high street and online.

However, there are serious questions over how effective voluntary or legal bans will be, given the difficulty of policing sales.

Leading stores - including Waitrose - are to voluntarily ban sales of products containing acid to under 18s  but it will continue to be available online from many sources

Legal bans are already in place on the sales of knives to under 18s, but studies by trading standards show that many retailers are failing to abide by this.

At the same time, the ban has failed to stem an alarming increase in knife attacks and murders involving teenagers.

In theory supermarkets and other home delivery companies should not be delivering alcohol to addresses where there are no adults present, however this is not being uniformly applied.

The voluntary ban includes products that contain sulphuric acid such as drain cleaners/unblockers, hydrochloric acid (10% and over) such as brick and patio cleaners and sodium hydroxide (12% and over) such as paint strippers.

Former chief prosecutor for the North West, Nazir Afzal, says the voluntary acid sales ban, agreed by by Tesco, Wickes, B&Q, Screwfix, Wilko, the Co-op, Morrisons, Waitrose and John Lewis, does not go far enough.

He said there is a problem because shops which do not comply with the rules are unlikely to face any sanction.

From November 2016 to April 2017 there were 408 attacks across the UK, with 20 per cent committed by under-18s (file photo)

He added: The other issue is online. I checked and you can buy sulphuric acid at 96per cent strength, which will burn your face off, for 10 on next day delivery.

Until you tackle that issue, youre only playing with it rather than tackling it.

Amazon and others sell a range of acid products online. For example, a 1 litre carton of battery acid, which is sulphuric acid, is available for 10.17 on Amazon. This will continue to be available even when a legal ban on sales to under 18s come into effect.

Purchases made through online stores are based on customers having a bank debit or credit card. Generally, these will be over 18 and therefore the proposed ban on sales would not apply.

Russell Findlay, who had sulphuric acid thrown in his face three years ago, said the move was a step in the right direction and a good thing.

However, he said he doubted what impact it would have on people determined to carry acid, and said it was necessary for young people to receive better education.

Crime minister Victoria Atkins welcomed retailers' decision to voluntarily ban the sale of acid to under 18s

He told the BBC: These young gang members, they need to be made to realise how cowardly and craven these acts are.

Nationwide, from November 2016 to April 2017, there were 408 attacks, of which about one in five were committed by under-18s.

The ban will apply to products that contain sulphuric acid, such as drain cleaners; products that contain hydrochloric acid (10per cent and above), such as brick and patio cleaners; and products that contain sodium hydroxide (12per cent and above), such as paint strippers.

The Home Office is proposing to make it unlawful to sell the substances to under-18s, and also make it a criminal offence to be in possession of acid in a public place without good reason.

These are similar to existing controls over the sale and possession of knives by under 18s, which have failed to reduce knife crime.

Crime minister Victoria Atkins said: Im pleased that so many of the UKs major retailers are joining our fight... and signalling they are committed to selling acids responsibly.

This is the next step of our acid attacks action plan that has already seen us consult on new laws to restrict young peoples access to acids.Andrew Pierce questions why Tracey Brabin (pictured) Labour MP for Batley and Spen, formly Jo Cox's seat, didn't condem activist Peter Ward for his 'bomb scare' tweet

After the senseless murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, her friend Tracy Brabin won Coxs Batley and Spen seat in the resulting by-election.

Back then, the ex-Coronation Street actress seemed to espouse the same brand of inclusive politics that had made Cox so well-loved in West Yorkshire.

Unfortunately, now the mask seems to have slipped  and all because the nearby Dewsbury Conservative Association had the temerity to book a dinner at the National Coal Mining Museum.

When the location for the dinner  scheduled for March and with Tory Deputy Chief Whip Esther McVey as guest speaker  became known, it prompted some bitter comments on social media.

Peter Ward, an activist in Brabins constituency party, was so incensed that the Tories would be wining, dining and enjoying themselves in a museum dedicated to mining that he declared on Facebook: Sounds like a good night for bomb scares.

Brabin notably failed to condemn Ward publicly. After threats to the caterers, the event was called off. Mark Eastwood, chairman of Dewsbury Tories, says: Bearing in mind Tracy Brabin took over from Jo Cox . . . after she was killed in an act of terror, its surprising she [didnt criticise] this man after he, in effect, advocated an act of terror.

Brabin later retweeted an apology from Ward about his joke, but what was she thinking?

Peter Ward has since contacted us to say that Tracy Brabin made clear that she did not condone his remark in a private letter

A NIGHT AT THE PANTO WITH SIR NICK

Newly knighted Sir Nick Clegg, who was 51 yesterday, never liked Westminster life. In a magazine interview, the former Lib Dem leader said: People are locked up night after night away from their families.

They feel they should be running the country and yet most couldnt run a whelk stall. They are like Sunday pantomime actors, desperate to put on the make-up and get the applause.

I couldnt describe Clegg better myself.

A cutting riposte to failed Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabees claim that in straight-talking Donald Im a very stable genius Trump, America has its own Winston Churchill.

Winnies grandson, Tory MP Sir Nicholas Soames, begs to differ, tweeting: Am really sorry Governor, but not even the palest imitation. Quite.

THE 11 MPs on the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee are off to Washington DC to quiz second-rank figures at Facebook, Google and Twitter on fake news.

This will allow MPs to meet individuals and organisations conducting work that will aid the Committee in its inquiry, says chairman Damian Collins. Wouldnt it be cheaper to FaceTime these tech titans?

CHAMPERS FOR EU'S TROUGHERS

JOKE OF THE WEEK Shadow Home Secretary Diane the abacus Abbott, who famously got into a terrible muddle over policing figures in a memorable interview during the election campaign, says: There is a 50 per cent chance of a second referendum on Brexit and a 60 per cent chance against. Advertisement

UKIP MEP Jonathan Arnott has learned that for the past four years the European Council has issued a tender for 1,000 bottles of champagne.

This is taxpayers money and, meanwhile, so many of my constituents in the North-East struggle to buy foodstuffs, never mind splash out on fizz, he rightly fumed.

When they divide up the EUs assets, will this country be entitled to 500 bottles?

If so, can we use them to raise a glass to toast Brexit and the end of these obscene wastes of taxpayers money once and for all? Todays European Council is like a scene out of Animal Farm.

Clearly, some are more equal than others. But who should play Comrade Napoleon  Orwells Father of All Animals  and lead the quaffing? Step forward, Jean Claude-Drunker.President Donald Trump's son Eric has was caught on camera wearing a sombrero at his birthday celebration, flying in the face of his father's less-than-flattering remarks about Mexican people during his presidential campaign.

Trump was taped at a restaurant in Westchester County, New York, blowing out the candles on his Fudgie the Whale cake for his 34th birthday.

Guests included his wife Lara, his brother, Don Jr., and a group of friends.

Eric Trump celebrated his 34th birthday in less-than-sensitive style with a sombrero

The sombreros were accompanied by a group of musicians around the table singing Mexican tunes - an interesting choice of atmosphere for a member of the Trump family, given Donald's remarks.

Lynne Patton, a member of the party and an appointee to the Department of Housing and Urban Development posted the following on Twitter: '#HappyBirthday to one of the greatest people I know. We love you, Eric! Amazing night with even more amazing friends. I think Lara summed it up best when she said, 'I love everyone at this table so much!'

The video of the sombrero-wearing comes after his father's inflammatory remarks about Mexican people

In the run up to his election as president, Donald Trump made disparaging remarks about Mexican people.

'They're bringing drugs. They're bring crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people,' he said.

The restaurant, Guadalajara in Briarcliff Manor, New York , said Trump had visited about 'four times in the last three months' according to the New York Daily News.

When asked about feeling awkward serving the party given the president's comments, a staffer at the restaurant told the Daily News: 'We have to take care of him as a regular customer.'Australia's internet speeds have gotten even slower, falling behind countries including Kazakhstan.

The woeful connection speeds have landed Australia the title of having the 55th slowest internet in the world, according to Speedtest.

Compared to last year, Australia's dismal connection has dropped two spots on the global ranking.

Australia's slow internet speeds have dropped two places on the global scale (stock image)

The woeful connection speeds have seen Australia drop to 55th in the world for internet efficiency(stock image)

With download speeds of 25.88 Mbps, Australia falls behind Guam, Lithuania and Macau.

Singapore topped the global list, with download speeds six times faster than down under at rates of 161.21 Mbps.

The slow speeds come despite $49 billion National Broadband Network Australia being implemented around the country.

An NBN Co spokesman told The Australian if more people switch to NBN, speeds should increase.

'This means that the majority of data being captured by these kind of reports are being generated by the five million or so legacy services on slower ADSL services,' the spokesman said.

While one reason for a slower connection is because people are unwilling to pay for faster internet, another is because people don't need faster connections, according to the publication.

Fixed Broadband Speeds SLOWER CONNECTIONS: 55. Australia - 25.88 Mbps 56. United Arab Emirates - 25.69 Mbps 57. Puerto Rico - 24.95 Mbps 58. Vietnam - 24.77 Mbps 59. Serbia - 23.96 Mbps FASTEST IN THE WORLD: 1. Singapore - 161.21 Mbps 2. Iceland - 145.64 Mbps 3. Hong Kong - 141.56 Mbps 4. South Korea - 132.52 Mbps 5. Romania - 98.64 Mbps Source: Speedtest Advertisement

Australia's slow internet speeds are slower than countries including Kazakhstan (pictured)Glenn Dylan Hartland (pictured), 42, allegedly raped women he met on Tinder, held them against their will and distributed sexually explicit images of his victims

A Melbourne man accused of raping women he met on the dating application Tinder has lost a bid to be released on bail.

Glenn Hartland, 43, of Moonee Ponds, is charged with multiple counts of rape and false imprisonment relating to four women he met online between 2014 and 2016.

He was taken into custody in December after allegedly approaching a victim in public. On Monday, he sought bail in the Melbourne Magistrates Court but was denied.

The court heard Mr Hartland is being kept in protective custody after being bashed being bars, according to The Herald Sun.

Police claim Mr Hartland harassed one of his victims, who is a witness in his trial, last month by yelling at her: 'There's no point hiding, you liar'.

Officers allege he also had the woman under surveillance. He was arrested after the incident and charged with four additional offences.

Mr Hartland, from Prahran in Melbourne's south, vehemently denied the charges when confronted by A Current Affair.

Mr Hartland, a self-proclaimed 'fitness fanatic', has boasted of competing in triathlons on social media

One of Mr Hartland's alleged victims has described him as 'a shape shifter.'

'One minute he's a lawyer, the next he's a pro snowboarder,' the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the Herald Sun.

She said she was just one of a list of women who allegedly fell victim to Mr Hartland after meeting him on Tinder.

But Mr Hartland denied the charges this week and said he would fight them in court, no matter no long it took.

'I'm going to fight these charges, whether it takes the rest of my life,' he told A Current Affair.

Mr Hartland's case was one of the first for a new Victoria Police task force.

He claimed the task force wrongly pegged the charges on him.

'They need this to win, but like I said, I'm not going anywhere,' he said.

On his LinkedIn profile, Mr Hartland claimed to be a triathlete, a writer, an entrepreneur and a 'senior life saver'

'I'm going to fight these charges, whether it takes the rest of my life,' Mr Hartland said

On his LinkedIn profile, Mr Hartland claimed to be a triathlete, a writer, an entrepreneur and a 'senior life saver'.

He also claimed to be the owner and founder of Yawsnowboarding, an online store for 'street wear'.

Elite Triathlon Performance Australia released a statement which said Mr Hartland was a club member for a short period earlier in 2017 but was suspended.

The club said his suspension was unrelated to the allegations he faced.

Mr Hartland has not been convicted of any crime and is due to return to court again next week for a preliminary hearing.A little seven-week-old puppy was rescued after being trapped in a boiling hot car in Sydney's west.

Heroic police officers rescued the tanned pup by smashing through the window of the car on one of the city's hottest days.

The distressed puppy was saved from 65C heat inside the car while the outside temperature reached about 40C, NSW Police wrote on Facebook.

A little seven-week-old puppy (pictured) was rescued after being trapped in a boiling hot car in Sydney's west at the weekend

The small puppy was found at Oran Park, 65 kilometres west of Sydney, after concerned passers-by spotted the pooch.

Police were able to give the pup fresh water and air conditioning relief on Saturday and had no sign of injury.

NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail the puppy was taken to a local police station for collection and was 'collected by the owner's land lady' while investigations continue.

'It's a timely reminder not to leave children or animals inside an unattended vehicle,' NSW Police wrote.

In December, a woman's dog died after being left in a car while in the care of its dog walker.

The four-year-old Keeshond was believed to be trapped in the car for about six hours after the dog walker allegedly forgot about it.An Australian nurse who was jailed for running an illegal surrogate baby trade in Cambodia has lost her appeal in court.

Tammy Davis-Charles, 50, was found guilty in August 2017 of running an illegal commercial surrogacy clinic.

The Melbourne woman had her sentence upheld when she appealed at the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Monday.

Charles was arrested in November 2016 with two Cambodian colleagues after the country passed an edict forbidding commercial surrogacy.

Tammy Davis-Charles (pictured), 50, was found guilty in August 2017 of running an illegal commercial surrogacy clinic

On Monday, she lost an appeal to her sentence in the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Members of the Cambodian police escort Australian surrogacy fixer Tammy Davis-Charles (top, R)

Charles and two Cambodian co-defendants were sentenced to one year and six months in prison on charges including being an intermediary in surrogacy and engaging in falsifying documents.

Charles' two co-defendants, Penh Rith and Samrithchan Chariya, also had their sentences upheld.

Appeal Court Judge Kim Dany said the court had 'already given a lenient sentence'.

Dressed in a blue prisoner uniform, Charles did not react to the ruling or speak to reporters afterwards.

She will have one more opportunity to appeal the sentence in front of the Supreme Court.

Cambodia was a popular destination for infertile couples seeking babies through commercial surrogacy before the practice was banned in 2016.

Charles (pictured right) and two Cambodian co-defendants were sentenced to one year and six months in prison

The appeal judge said Charles' sentence was 'already lenient', and ruled to uphold the sentences of the woman's co-defendants, Penh Rith and Samrithchan Chariya

Charles (L) sits in a van while arriving at the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 08 January 2018

Charles (second from left) arrives at the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 08 January 2018

Judge So Lyna said Davis-Charles charged foreign couples between $50,000 to $70,000 for surrogacy services and paid Cambodian women between $10,000 to $12,000 to carry babies on their behalf.

She said Davis-Charles provided surrogacy services to 23 Australian and American couples and that Davis-Charles paid Penh Rithy $600 to $800 to organise paperwork for babies born through Cambodian surrogate mothers.

Judge So Lyna said Charles' assistants, Rithy and Chariya, knew about the commercial surrogacy ban but still engaged in the business.

Davis-Charles sits in a car near the Municipal Court in June 2017 when she was on trial in Phnom Penh

She was found guilty of being a intermediary in surrogacy and engaging in falsifying documents along with her two Cambodian assistants

Davis-Charles, who has been detained in the Cambodian capital since Nov. 2016, told the court during the trial that her job was only to take care of surrogate mothers.

She said she did not know surrogacy was illegal in Cambodia.

Davis Charles was also fined $1,000 and Penh Rithy and Samrithchan Chariya were fined $500 each.

As a result of the ban on commercial surrogacy in Cambodia and Thailand, many couples are now turning to communist Laos for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and surrogacy services.

Despite banning commercial surrogacy, neighboring Thailand remains a key centre for surrogate births, thanks to sophisticated medical care.

Police alleged Davis-Charles moved from Thailand to take advantage of the continued demand after several scandals in the neighboring country prompted a government crackdown.

More than 20 Cambodian surrogate mothers were paired with clients in the Davis-Charles clinic, and they received around $10,000 each.

With cheap medical costs, a large pool of poor young women and no laws excluding gay couples or single parents, countries in Southeast Asia were for years attractive destinations for the surrogacy trade.

Cambodia defended its decision by saying it did not want the country to become a 'factory' for making babies.

Laos has emerged as the next frontier in the 'rent-a-womb' business, which still exists through shadowy unregulated networks in Cambodia and other countries.Actor Craig McLachlan has withdrawn from the current production of the Rocky Horror Show in Adelaide after being accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour and bullying by a number of former female colleagues.

The show's producers, the Gordon Frost Organisation, say they have spoken with McLachlan and have agreed that it is not appropriate for him to continue in the current production.

'We will be conducting a full internal investigation and will cooperate fully with authorities,' GFO said in a statement on Monday.

McLachlan, who has described the allegations as 'made up', had been until today on tour in Adelaide starring in a new Rocky Horror production.

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Craig McLachlan has withdrawn from the current production of The Rocky Horror Show amid allegations he sexually harassed and bullied his former co-stars

Erika Heynatz (pictured left) and Christie Whelan Browne are among the women to make allegations against McLachlan, who says the accusations are 'baseless'

Angela Scundi said McLachlan kissed her passionately onstage even after she had asked that it not be done

GFO said they were not aware of the allegations until Monday, claiming legal correspondence received before Christmas contained no details of the victims or their claims.

'While we clearly cannot comment on the details of this particular case, sexual assault in any form is unacceptable, and we will work diligently within this industry to support the right of all people to be protected in the workplace, and stand by those who are victims of inappropriate behaviour,' the statement read.

'In order to clarify media reports, we wish to state that we were not aware of any details of these allegations until they were published in the media today. We received correspondence from a law firm shortly before Christmas however this contained no details of the claims or the claimants.

'The response from our lawyers was based on this lack of information and was not in any way directed at the women who have come forward and made these allegations.'

McLachlan was still billed as the 'star' of the show at the Adelaide Festival Theatre on Monday (pictured)

The organisation further stated they had no record of complaints from any of the women alleging misconduct by McLachlan, formally or informally, to the company manager or executive producer of The Rocky Horror Show in 2014.

'Furthermore no one at GFO recalls any verbal discussion of this nature. It would be distressing to us if anyone within our company was dismissive of sexual assault allegations, and this will form a part of our internal investigation,' the statement read.

Three female cast members of a 2014 production of the musical told a Fairfax Media and ABC investigation McLachlan inappropriately touched them or exposed himself.

McLachlan, who has described the allegations as 'made up', had been until today on tour in Adelaide starring in a new Rocky Horror production.

GFO added the six remaining shows of the tour will be 'unaffected', and go ahead without the 52-year-old, the first of which will be held on Tuesday night.

Despite the change, McLachlan was still billed as the 'star' of the show at the Adelaide Festival Theatre on Monday.

Production company The Gordon Frost Organisation has released a statement confirming McLachlan has stood down, and there would be a 'full internal investigation' into the claims

Whelan Browne said McLachlan indecently assaulted her on stage during a sexual scene

Channel Seven is seeking an 'urgent update' from December Media, who produce television series The Doctor Blake Mysteries, following the allegations, Mumbrella reported.

The show initially aired on the ABC before it was axed, with the broadcaster saying the time was right to bring the series to an end.

McLachlan said the allegations by Erika Heynatz, Christie Whelan Browne and Angela Scundi are 'baseless'.

'They seem to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety,' he was quoted as writing.

'These allegations are ALL made up.'

The cast of The Rocky Horror Show, led by Craig McLachlan, are pictured in 2014

Craig McLachlan poses with the award for Best Actor in a Musical at the Capitol Theatre in 2014

But Victoria Police has confirmed it is investigating.

'Detectives from Melbourne SOCIT (Sexual Offences Investigation Team) are investigating allegations of sexual offences dating back to 2014,' it said in a statement on Monday.

'As the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment.'

Whelan Browne told the ABC McLachlan, who played the transvestite Frank N Furter to her Janet, indecently assaulted her on stage during a sex scene during the 2014 production.

She later appeared in the Channel Ten program The Wrong Girl alongside him in 2016 and 2017.

Ms Browne told the ABC she was dismayed when she learned he had been cast but felt she had to continue to have a civil relationship with him for the sake of her career.

She said his behaviour towards her on that program was appropriate.

This 2013 picture Rocky Horror Show's (left to right) Nicholas Christo, Tim Maddren, Ashlea Pyke, Craig McLachlan, Erika Heynatz and Brendan Irving

McLachlan said the allegations by Erika Heynatz, Christie Whelan Browne and Angela Scundi are 'baseless'

Erika Heynatz is among the women take make serious allegations against McLachlan

Scundi said McLachlan kissed her passionately onstage even after she had asked that it not be done.

She said when she confronted him about the unwanted kiss, he abused and threatened her.

'I said: ''Don't you kiss me. Don't you do that ever again'' and he turned. I haven't felt that terrified ever in my life, or ever again,' she told the ABC.

'He was just a different person. He said: ''You are nothing. Don't you dare talk to me like that. I will end you.'' And in that moment, I believed him.'

McLachlan said Rocky Horror was a 'confrontational musical oozing with sexuality'.

'As such, as part of the musical the actors have to perform certain actions, all of which follow from the show itself - and indeed ''make'' the show.'

The three women said they had asked the production company, GFO, for an independent investigation into their claims, but that fell through.

McLachlan is pictured arriving at the 58th Annual Logie Awards at Crown Palladium in 2016Bryan Box, known for his role as Jamie Garrison in the Netflix series '13 Reasons Why,' was arrested in California for burglary and theft of elderly residents

Actor Bryan Box, known for his role as Jamie Garrison in the Netflix series '13 Reasons Why,' has been arrested for allegedly burglarizing and stealing from elderly residents in California.

According to the San Francisco Gate, Box, 23, a former caregiver, is accused of ransacking the homes of several residents in the Bay Area, where he used to work prior to his acting career.

Police say Box 'exploited' his role in the web TV series, and entered the properties of his said former clients, who he charmed while speaking of his recent successes.

The newspaper reports that Box was caught after police connected him to a series of burglaries in the vicinity.

He was 'linked to six burglaries' total - added up to a total of $50,000 stolen items.

Among the items, were a Social Security card, jewels, prescription medication and a laptop computer, according to SF Gate.

Back in the fall, police confiscated a portion of stolen items from a pawn shop in the area, where the actor had visited and also spoke of his newly-found fame.

Box (pictured far right) is shown playing the part of Jamie Garrison in the popular 2017 Netflix series

The actor (right) was said to have exploited his role in the series, which police say he talked up to his victims

Box was arrested at his home in Vallejo on December 29 and charged with nine counts of felony charges for burglary, possession of stolen property and theft from elderly.

Other stolen valuables heisted from his ex- elderly clients were found inside his family's Vallejo's home.

Box was booked to jail but later released on bond of $250,000.

He is set to appear in Marin Superior Court on January 16 for his arraignment.

Box is set to appear in Marin Superior Court (shown) on January 16 for his arraignment

Producers of '13 Reasons Why' have not yet shared comment on the shocking matter.

The young actor landed his role as a student in the 2017 controversial series about suicide through a Facebook post inquiry.

The manager of the pawn shop also revealed Box had boasted about his recent notoriety - and lied to him about where the valuables came from.

'(The manager) was able to physically describe defendant and knew about his recent notoriety from the television show '13 Reasons Why,' court documents said, according to the Marin Independent-Journal.

The 'defendant allegedly told (the manager) he had come into possession of a lot of jewelry due to the recent death of an aunt.'Shocking CCTV footage has emerged of a gang of African youths viciously attacking a defenceless African teenager on a suburban Melbourne street.

The video, obtained by A Current Affair, shows the group repeatedly assaulting the young man, throwing him onto the bonnet of a car before beating him to the ground.

The victim then has his head punched and stomped before the gang rob him and casually walk away.

Shocking CCTV footage has emerged of a gang of African youths viciously attacking a defenceless African teenager on a suburban Melbourne street

The footage was captured in Tarneit, a suburb in Melbourne's west. The gang initially confront the teenager, who quickly attempts to flee down a street.

The group catch up to him, before throwing him into the car and begin their brutal attack.

As many as four of the African gang can be seen violently kicking and stomping on the teen as he lays helpless on the ground.

He again attempts to flee, scurrying around the side of the car, but the gang catch him again and use the vehicle as leverage to inflict further damage by jumping off the car onto his body.

As the aggressors subside, other members of the group come in and begin stealing his belongings.

The entire gang then come into shot and surround the injured victim. There appears to be as many as 20 assailants.

They calmly make their way up and down the alley way before walking out of shot.

The teenager is unable to be seen.

He again attempts to flee, scurrying around the side of a car, but the gang catch him again and use the vehicle as leverage to inflict further damage by jumping off the car onto his body

There appears to be as many as 20 assailants. They calmly make their way up and down the alley way before walking out of shot

Police described the incident as 'terrible' and said they fully plan to investigate what appears to be the latest issue of gang violence in the Victorian capital.

'There's a victim in our community who's been subjected to what looks like a really serious assault,' Commander Russell Barret from Victoria Police told A Current Affair.

'Whether there is a level of organisation in it, I can't say at this stage, but we will obviously investigate it.'

Victoria Police could not confirm to Daily Mail Australia whether any charges have been laid.The British soldier arrested after a prostitute fell to her death as they had 'strange, extravagant' sex on a balcony is a convicted rapist on the run from police, it has been claimed.

Reece Vella, from Worcester, was arrested on Sunday afternoon after bar girl Wannipa Janhuathon, 26, fell to her death in the early hours of Saturday in Pattaya,Thailand.

Reece's family said they were 'extremely upset' following his arrest in Thailand, saying he had left Britain months earlier after suffering from PTSD.

Arrested British tourist Reece Vella served as a private in the Royal Logistics Corps, headquartered at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey, until he left nearly five years ago

Vella has been arrested after a prostitute fell five floors to her death as they had 'very strange, extravagant sex' on a balcony at a Thai hotel

The family were concerned for his health, revealing the 25-year-old had not had anything to eat or drink since he was taken into custody.

The former soldier, who followed his two older brothers into the military, quit the army after suffering from PTSD.

Vella served as a private in the Royal Logistics Corps, headquartered at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey, until he left nearly five years ago. During his service, his brother Andrayoss claimed he was one of the top 100 shots in the British Army.

His brother said after leaving the army, he suffered with depression and 'fell into the wrong crowd', serving a stint in prison.

But it has transpired this stretch was for the rape of a teenage girl he was convicted of in 2012.

Vella was jailed for almost five years after he admitted raping the girl in Worcester having punched her twice in the face and hit her with a bin lid, according to The Mirror.

The paper claims he was being hunted by police in the UK.

Reece was briefly allowed to make contact with his family on Monday and, according to Andrayoss, said he was being asked for 12,000 to ensure he is given food and water.

Reece also claimed he did not steal a motorcycle, as the police claimed, but that he had hired it and was due to return it on the day he was arrested.

Andrayoss said: 'I was able to speak to him very briefly. He obviously very stressed. The authorities are going to transfer him to the city's main jail soon.

'When you are in the military you have a family around you to support you, and when he left he fell into the wrong crowd. He was exploited really.'

He also said his brother had struggled with drugs in the past and had served a stint in prison.

'But he had turned his life around,' he added. 'He was going to Thailand to make a fresh start.'

The prostitute suffered severe head injuries and multiple fractures after falling naked along with a half-empty packet of sex drugs from an apartment in the notorious tourist resort.

Police searched the empty room - finding clothes and used condoms - then began a manhunt for the Briton amid suspicions that he had fled the scene.

Vella, from Birmingham, West Midlands, was arrested yesterday afternoon at the nearby Route CC Roadhouse bar and was filmed in possession of two mobile phones - one of which police claim was Wannipa's handset.

Vella, from Birmingham, West Midlands, was arrested yesterday (pictured) afternoon at the nearby Route CC Roadhouse bar. The former soldier, who followed his two older brothers into the military, quit the army after suffering from PTSD

He moved from the semi-detached family home in Worcester to Thailand to start a new life four months ago.

Vella's brother Andrayoss said his family had been devastated by the news ans were sure he was innocent.

'We are in pieces. Extremely upset. My gran is terrified, mum has been crying and dad can't bring himself to talk about it.

'He was in the military for a while. All three of us were. He did service for his country.

'When he left he had some mental health issues and so he fell in with the wrong crowd here in England. He got into a bit of trouble.

'He didn't have anything to do and people were talking in his ear when he was just sat around.

'Reece decided to move to Thailand to start a new life. He's not a bad character, he just made some mistakes.

'He was a great, loving guy to have around in our family. We are very close and he would take my son to play in the park.

'He wanted to get away from here. He was going to train in Muay Thai and sort his head out.

Reece flew to Thailand for a new start four months ago, they said. His family rarely heard from him.

In custody: Vella, 25, is interviewed by Pattaya Police Chief Apichai Krobpetch, far right, after the incident on Saturday morning

'It was a horrible shock when we were told he had been arrested.

'It was an accident. We know it was. People said he ran away after the crime but we don't know anything about that.

'We feel really sorry for the girl and her family. What has happened is horrible.

'What we are going through is horrible too. We face losing Reece. That's something that could happen.

'We haven't been able to speak to him yet, but we have been told he has not had any food or water since he was arrested. He is starving and we have been asked for money to make sure he is fed. It's awful.'

The bar girl, also known by the nickname Joy (pictured), had moved from her home town in Sakon Nakhon province, and was working at Sky Bar in the city's bustling Soi 6 street which is lined with hundreds of prostitutes working in bars and massage parlours

In footage from the arrest, the tourist - who arrived in Thailand between three and four months ago - is heard asking to be un-cuffed before laughing as he says: 'Can I have a cigarette now?'.

He later admitted to police that he had taken the prostitute back to his rented room and 'had sex in the bedroom then on the balcony before she fell'.

The prostitute suffered severe head injuries and multiple fractures after falling naked along with a half-empty packet of sex drugs from an apartment in the notorious tourist resort. Paramedics arrived and performed CPR on Wannipa - who was still alive - but she was later pronounced dead in hospital

He then said he was 'distraught' and returned to a different hotel.

Police Lieutenant Narong Chantra, deputy head of investigations at Pattaya Police, said Vella had been arrested on suspicion of 'negligence causing others to die' and fled the scene knowing that he was staying in the country illegally on an expired visa.

He said: 'CCTV from the incident was examined and after checking evidence at the hotel the suspect was found to be Mr Reece Vella, a British citizen, aged 25 years.

In footage from the arrest, the tourist - who arrived in Thailand between three and four months ago - is heard asking to be un-cuffed before laughing as he says: 'Can I have a cigarette now?'

Thai police said that Vella arrived at the venue earlier in the evening before agreeing a fee of around 1,500 baht (35) then leaving with Wannipa (pictured) and going to a room at the nearby Cosy Beach View condominium block

'An arrest warrant was issued after evidence was presented to the court. The police case is that on the day of the incident Mr Vella visited the bar and paid to take Miss Wannipa away.

'Miss Wannipa and Mr Vella were having very strange, extravagant sex on the balcony until she fell down below and died.

'Mr Vella was in shock and knowing that he had overstayed his visa ran away and kept her mobile phone in his bag and left the room.

'Mr Vella has been arrested on suspicion of negligence causing others to die, overstaying his visa in excess of 59 days and stealing a motorcycle at night.

'The foreign suspect will be processed and prosecuted in accordance with the law.'

Vella was filmed in possession of two mobile phones - one of which police claim was Wannipa's handset

Police claim Vella (pictured on his arrest) and Wannipa had been having what translates as 'fancy or extravagant' sex on the balcony before she fell to her death

But police claim that the pair had been having what translates as 'fancy or extravagant' sex on the balcony of the hotel (pictured) before Wannipa fell to her death

A packet of a Viagra-related gel was found next to Wannipa Janhuathon, 26, after she plunged five floors from a hotel balcony

The bar girl, also known by the nickname Joy, had moved from her home town in Sakon Nakhon province, and was working at Sky Bar in the city's bustling Soi 6 street which is lined with hundreds of prostitutes working in bars and massage parlours.

Thai police said that Vella arrived at the venue earlier in the evening before agreeing a fee of around 1,500 baht (35) then leaving with Wannipa and going to a room at the nearby Cosy Beach View condominium block.

But police claim that the pair had been having what translates as 'fancy or extravagant' sex on the balcony before Wannipa fell to her death - along with a packet of Kamagra oral jelly which was found next to her body at around 5.30am local time.

Sources close to the investigation said that the packet of Viagra-related gel which fell along with her body, gave them the first clue that Wannipa had not been alone - and had actually been mid-way through sex when she plunged naked to the ground.

The building's security guard Kriengsak Khamchachai, 23, described hearing a 'loud crash' as Wannipa hit the floor. Pictured: The Cosy Beach View apartment block

The building's security guard Kriengsak Khamchachai, 23, described hearing a 'loud crash' as Wannipa hit the floor. He then walked over and saw her body in a pool of blood before raising the alarm.

Paramedics arrived and performed CPR on Wannipa - who was still alive - but she was later pronounced dead in hospital.

Devastated staff at the venue said Wannipa was one of the 'happiest, friendliest girls anybody could wish to meet'.

They added in a statement: 'As many of you know we lost our beautiful Joy [on Saturday] morning.

'The place will not be the same without Joy's big cheeky smile and sense of humour.

'She really was a very special girl and left a lasting impression on all of us. She will remain in our hearts forever.'An eye-watering clip shows the South Indian practice of eyeball 'cleaning', in which a healer scrapes a metal pin around their patient's eye in order to remove clumps of dirt.

The cringe-inducing video shows a woman lying on a platform as a healer rolls the pins around her sockets.

The bizarre practice is surprisingly common in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The healer uses what appears to be a bent paperclip scraping it swiftly from side to side across the soft surface of the women's right eye.

Moments later her pulls a lump of dirt from behind the woman's first eyeball - much to her delight.

Then he moves on to her left. It truly is three minutes of uncomfortable footage.

An eye-watering clip shows the South Indian practice of eyeball 'cleaning' in which a healer runs a tiny metal rod around his patient's eye in order to remove clumps of dirt

In some areas of the South Asian country the service is available for an incredibly cheap five Indian Rupees - a measly eight cents - and has been practiced for centuries

But the woman in question seems to enjoy the procedure, grinning throughout.

In some areas of the South Asian country the service is available for an incredibly cheap five Indian Rupees - a measly eight cents - and has been practiced for centuries.

It's not only Indians who enjoy this skin-crawling experience. Barbers in China's Sichuan Province use similar methods to clean customer's eyeballs.

It's all part of the service barbers give in some areas of Sichuan.

An old Chinese saying suggests cleaning the eyes makes the beauty of life more visible.

And some people are prepared to take risks to make sure they don't miss a thing.Onlookers screamed in terror as a female trapeze performer fell 40ft to the ground head-first at a packed circus in Belarus when a stunt went wrong.

During the mobile phone footage, Yulia Tikaeva is seen to swing between two other performers before slipping.

She continues flying through the air before falling and hitting the edge of the safety net as she crashes to the ground.

Yulia Tikaeva was performing a stunt where she was being swung between two other performers

The 20-year-old didn't quite have enough grip and slipped before falling towards the safety net at the circus in Gomel, Belarus

The 20-year-old was carried away unconscious on a stretcher after the fall. She is now in intensive care with 'serious head injuries'.

Children and their parents watched in horror as the Moscow artist fell the equivalent of four storeys, landing on a hard floor during the acrobatic performance in Gomel.

She has major swelling on her head but doctors say 'no bones are broken', and she has been under close medical observation since the accident on Friday.

A spokesman for Gomel city circus said: 'Yulia is still receiving medical treatment. Her skeleton is intact, there are no fractures.

'She has a head haematoma but doctors say that so far surgery is not needed. Time will go and we'll see how she feels. All of us are thinking about her. Many thanks once again for being worried about her.'

Onlookers watched in horror as the Moscow performer fell the equivalent of four storeys

She clipped the edge of the safety net before crashing to the ground. She was carried away unconscious on a stretcher

Another source said her head injuries were 'serious'.

A spectator called Elena said: 'She was not caught in time she fell behind the safety net, with her face down. We had seats in the sixth row and saw how she was down

'The crowd applauded when she was carried away on a stretcher. Circus workers say that by the end of the show that night they received a call from hospital that the girl was alive but still unconscious.'

Another member of the audience Margarita said Yulia 'was flying from the hands of one male artist to another.

'She only touched his hands and fell. It looked like she would fall on the net but she only touched it and crashed onto the floor below.

'All the spectators gasped. She was lying there and did not move. People ran up to her One acrobat showed with his arms that it was the end of performance.

'Then lights went completely off and the girl was carried away. The show went on and horse riders came to perform.

'They wanted to cheer us up after the accident and performed really well.'Former Sinn Fein politician Denis Donaldson was killed in 2006 after being outed as a British spy. Two men have now been arrested over his alleged murder

Two men have been arrested over the murder of MI5 agent Denis Donaldson more than a decade after his death.

The 55-year-old, a senior Sinn Fein official and close colleague of Gerry Adams, was shot dead at a remote cottage near Glenties, Co Donegal, in 2006 after being exposed as a British spy.

Gardai arrested two men, one aged in his 30s and the other in his 40s, on Sunday.

They were being questioned in Letterkenny Garda Station under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act and they can he detained for 72 hours.

Dissident republican group the Real IRA claimed responsibility for killing Mr Donaldson in 2009.

One of those arrested was Gary Donnelly, a hardline republican and independent councillor in Derry and Strabane.

Mr Donnelly was arrested on Sunday after he spoke at a centenary commemoration of the Meenbanad ambush in Co Donegal where two republicans were freed from a British Army escort in what is considered one of the first acts in Ireland's War of Independence.

The dilapidated house near the village of Glenties, Co Donegal, where former Sinn Fein member and British spy Denis Donaldson lived and was killed

Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easpaig, an independent councillor in Donegal who organised the event, said: 'We believe Gary Donnelly's arrest to be politcally motivated.

'It was a staged arrest, politically motivated and it was to undermine the work of independent councillors like ourselves.'

Mr Mac Giolla Easpaig said the arrest warrant had been issued on November 22 and that Mr Donnelly was a frequent visitor to Donegal and could have been arrested on a number of occasions in the last two months.

Mr Donaldson was born in the staunch republican enclave of Short Strand in mainly loyalist east Belfast in 1950.

He later worked in trusted positions in Sinn Fein under the leadership of Gerry Adams.

But he was later outed as a British spy, and claimed he had been turned in a moment of weakness.

At the time of his death the former Sinn Fein head at Stormont was living in virtual squalor at a near-derelict cottage without electricity or running water.This is the moment one brave little dog barks his disagreements to not one but two wild African lions - resulting in the male lion running away from the enraged pup.

At the start of the footage, the couple are seen taking a relaxing walk but as they strut their way through the tall grass they soon get accosted by the small dog and his loud mouth.

The two big cats live in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, in northern Tanzania, of eastern Africa - which is also home to the world's largest inactive, intact, volcanic crater.

This is the moment one brave little dog barks his disagreements to not one but two wild African lions - resulting in the male lion running away from the enraged pup

At first, the pooch is a safe distance away as he shouts at the lion and his lioness.

But then, fed up of being ignored, the dog races towards the pair and faces the male head on.

The pup jumps up and down seemingly trying to bite the wild cat's mane.

Those people shooting the footage can be heard gasping at this astounding turn of events as the dog attacks the lion.

The two big cats live in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, in northern Tanzania, of eastern Africa. The hound is most likely owned by the Maasai people - a semi-nomadic group located primarily in Kenya and northern Tanzania

Shockingly, the lion moves back trying to escape the dog as if he fears the aggressive little pup.

Once the dog has proved his worth and scared the big beast, the video shows the tiny mutt turning his back on the usually fierce creatures and strolling off.

The hound is most likely owned by the Maasai people - a semi-nomadic group located primarily in Kenya and northern Tanzania.

Livestock belonging to the Maasai tribe shockingly graze alongside wild animals all the time.A company director who stole the identities of British vets to feed an addiction to prescription painkillers has been jailed for nearly three years.

Ryan Curtis, 31, forged 34 prescription forms in order to obtain diazepam, codeine and zopiclone at pharmacies across Greater Manchester.

The father-of-two combined the names of vets he found online with stamps and holograms ordered from the internet in order to make the forms appear authentic.

Curtis, who runs an aerial photography company in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, also created an identity card in which he purported to be a veterinary surgeon.

Ryan Curtis (left, outside Manchester Crown Court) forged 34 prescription forms for painkillers, while his partner Natalie Lewis (right) took several of the forms to pharmacies

His partner Natalie Lewis, 33, also helped him to carry out his fraud, presenting several fake prescriptions created by Curtis.

Police were alerted when pharmacists became concerned about the quantity of medication being obtained and the doctors - including one based in Austria - said they had no knowledge of the prescriptions.

Officers raided the home Curtis shared with Lewis and two children and found a computer containing a fake label programme called 'GoDoc'.

It emerged Curtis had set up the fraud after becoming hooked on prescription painkillers several years earlier due to back problems and anxiety.

But further inquiries revealed he had also been selling quantifies of drugs to a teaching assistant, after she found him online.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, Curtis was jailed for two years and eight months after he pleading guilty to fraud by false representation, making articles for the use of fraud and supply of class C Drugs.

Lewis, a care worker, who admitted deception was given a three-year conditional discharge after a judge branded her role as minimal.

Chudi Grant, mitigating, said: 'He has a back problem going back eight or nine years and also suffers anxiety and it was for this reason that he was prescribed medication.

Curtis (left) was jailed for two years and eight months, while his partner Lewis (right) was given a three-year conditional discharge after a judge branded her role as minimal

'As others frequently do, he increased the limit of these drugs so that he could not get sufficient subscription from his GP.

'His use of prescribed medication increased and that has spiralled out of control. In order to get these drugs he started effectively making fraudulent prescriptions.

Drugs sought by Curtis Diazepam, also referred to as Valium, is a medication that typically produces a calming effect on the user. It is also used to treat anxiety and muscular spasms.

Codeine is an opiod painkiller. The drug is commonly used for long-term pain when everyday painkillers, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, haven't worked.

Zopiclone is a type of sleeping pill that is used to treat insomnia. It helps users to fall asleep quickly, and also helps to stop people from waking up during the night. Advertisement

'He initially started taking them for himself but once he could get access to them others wanted to become involved and he sold them on.'

Judge Mark Savill told Curtis: 'You have made a significant number of sophisticated false prescriptions relating to class B and C drugs in relation to animals.

'They involved a number of false veterinary practises and three genuine doctors who you had searched for and used their details.

'This was not a straight forward flick of the pen, bringing them together and using them in the way you did with stamps, logos and holograms seems to be to describe a sophisticated enterprise.

'On one occasions you sold these drugs to someone else. I am concerned primarily about the risk to other people.

'These were drugs that are regulated and you on occasions sold them to people who you should not have.

'Given the level of sophistication and how long it went on for, these offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be imposed.'A man has been caught on tape appearing to abuse his pet dog at a beach in the south of Queensland.

The man and his female companion pulled up at a beach in Currumbin on Monday, with two dogs in the back of their ute.

Footage shows the man appear to hit and kick the young Staffordshire as the pup expressed its excitement to be near the ocean.

Eyewitness Tarah Lee Barry claims the man 'closed fist punched' his young dog 'in the head'.

Scroll down for video

Footage shows a man appearing to hit and kick his excited puppy in an attempt to control him at a beach in the south of Queensland

Ms Barry filmed the altercation between man and dog, trying to make her disgust clear from a distance.

She shared the clip to Facebook, telling her followers the man 'started kicking [the dog] and dragging it around by it's lead yelling at the dog to "settle down"'.

'The poor dog was just super excited about being at the beach and clearly had no training plus the guy had no control of the dog with just a collar to lead it,' she said.

The video shows the man kick his legs and pull hard on the pup's chain collar to restrain it.

Ms Barry said she reported the man's actions to the RSPCA, along with the numberplate of his ute.

A spokesman for RSPCA Queensland told Daily Mail Australia said the organisation were investigating.Estonian Defence Forces General Riho Terras has confirmed that Russia's war games last year simulated a 'large-scale military attack against Nato'

Russia simulated a 'large-scale military attack against Nato' in its war games in September, the commander of the Estonian Defence Forces has claimed.

A massive programme of war games featuring tens of thousands of troops and code named 'Zapad' took place near the Belarus capital Minsk in September.

Estonian Defence Forces General Riho Terras has confirmed that the exercises were a simulation of a conflict with the US-led Nato alliance.

The war games, which occur every four years, showed off Russia's ability to build up its troops with very little notice in case of conflict, Terras said.

At the time of the simulation, there were fears Moscow was using the training as a cover to station soldiers and equipment in the country.

The simulations included artillery, tanks, rocket launches and simulated air and navy raids, were a dry-run for a 'shock campaign' against Western European NATO members - including Germany and the Netherlands.

Drills also rehearsed the capture of the Baltic states - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania- as well as Poland, Norway and the non-aligned states of Sweden and Finland, analysts said at the time.

Gen Terras told German newspaper Bild of the drills: 'Let me be clear: with the exercise Zapad 2017, Russia simulated a large-scale military attack against Nato.

Russia simulated going to war against NATO, bombing Germany and invading Baltic states during its 'West 2017' military exercises

The war games showed off Russia's ability to build up its troops with very little notice in case of conflict, Terras said

The simulations included artillery, tanks, rocket launches and simulated air and navy raids, were a dry-run for a 'shock campaign' against Western European NATO members - including Germany and the Netherlands

'It was not targeted towards the Baltic states only, as it was a theatre-wide series of exercises spanning from high North to the Black Sea.

'The scale and extent of the entire exercise was far greater than officially stated.'

Russia's neighbours claimed at the time that the Kremlin was using the exercises as a rehearsal for an occupation of a number of adjacent nations that were under Moscow's rule before the Communist Soviet Union broke up in 1991.

Moscow has repeatedly said the exercises, which began on September 14, were purely defensive in nature and were not aimed at targeting a third country or group of countries.

Two analysts previously told Bild that the drills were simulations against Nato during interviews in December.

The unnamed experts said the drills imagined the invasion of the Sulwalki Gap, a small area of NATO land that links Belarus with the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

A mock state on a similar stretch of land was created during Zapad and named 'Veyshnoria' before it was 'invaded' as part of the war games.

The experts also claimed Russia practised 'neutralising or taking under control air fields and harbours (in eastern Europe), so there are no reinforcements arriving from other NATO states there'.

Drills also rehearsed the capture of the Baltic states - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania- as well as Poland, Norway and the non-aligned states of Sweden and Finland, analysts said at the time

Russia's neighbours claimed at the time that the Kremlin was using the exercises as a rehearsal for an occupation of a number of adjacent nations that were under Moscow's rule before the Communist Soviet Union broke up in 1991. Pictured, troops during the simulations

The analysts also said that the country's air force flew through the North Sea and past Germany and the Netherlands for two days to rehearse taking out the likes of airports, power reactors and naval bases.

'They exercised bombings of Western European targets, approaching the German and Dutch coast from the North Sea as well as Swedish, Finish and Polish mainland from the Baltic Sea,' the sources said.

'The drill included waves of Tu-95 strategic bombers as well as support aircraft like fighter jets and refuelling planes.'

Targets in a real-life situation would include 'critical infrastructure, that is, air fields, harbours, energy supplies and so on, in order to shock the countries and make the populations demand from their governments that 'we shouldn't be involved here, we should go for peace instead'.

Training manoeuvres over the North Sea may have been designed to show Russia has plans for 'show of force attacks' deep in Western air space, the sources said.

They also suggested missile defence systems were better prepared in Eastern European NATO states compared to the likes of Britain, Germany and Denmark.

The war games also involved anti-submarine warfare and air defence drills throughout the Baltic Sea, it is claimed. This was to practice weakening NATO in the event of an invasion of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

Experts also claimed Russia practised 'neutralising or taking under control air fields and harbours (in eastern Europe), so there are no reinforcements arriving from other NATO states there

Some of the thousands of troops deployed during the exercise are said to have been sent to the Kola peninsula, which borders Norway and Finland. One of the sources said Russia may have plans in place to 'neutralise assets' in the region

There were also anti-aircraft, anti-ship and even anti-combat diver drills in the area, the sources said.

Attacks on Sweden and Finland were also rehearsed in September because Russia 'would not expect them to remain neutral' in the event of a real war, the experts suggested.

Some of the thousands of troops deployed during the exercise are said to have been sent to the Kola peninsula, which borders Norway and Finland. One of the sources said Russia may have plans in place to 'neutralise assets' in the region.

Another exercise reportedly saw two waves of Tu-95 and Tu-22m3 bombers as well as 50 war ships practising raids on Norway's Svalbard archipelago between Russia and the Arctic Ocean.

Up to 12,700 troops took part in the drills in Belarus while a further 12,000 were involved in training in Leningrad and Pskov regions - close to the border with Estonia, - and 10,000 more were sent to the Kola peninsula, the sources said.

But taking into account navy and airforce personnel and National Guard troops, more than 120,000 were involved, they added.

Up to 12,700 troops took part in the drills in Belarus while a further 12,000 were involved in training in Leningrad and Pskov regions - close to the border with Estonia, - and 10,000 more were sent to the Kola peninsula, experts said

One exercise reportedly saw two waves of Tu-95 and Tu-22m3 bombers as well as 50 war ships practising raids on Norway's Svalbard archipelago between Russia and the Arctic Ocean

Speaking as the drills were taking place, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said Warsaw opposed any lifting of Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and role in its separatist conflict

At the time of the drills, the Kremlin said it had provided exhaustive information on the exercises before they were held to the military attaches of all interested countries and allowed their observers to attend the event to allay any concerns.

But the analysts refuted this claim, saying that there was 'not a single observer' - just 'invited guests' from NATO members who were allowed to watch some of the exercises. They were not given access to all of the units that took part, they said.

Speaking as the drills were taking place, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said Warsaw opposed any lifting of Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and role in its separatist conflict.

'We are very concerned by what is happening in Belarus, from the exercises there,' Szydlo said during a visit to Bulgaria.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite made the exercises the centrepiece of her annual speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

'Even as we speak, around 100,000 Russian troops are engaged in offensive military exercise 'Zapad 2017' on the borders of the Baltic States, Poland and even in the Arctic,' she said at the time.

'The Kremlin is rehearsing aggressive scenarios against its neighbours, training its army to attack the West. The exercise is also part of information warfare aimed at spreading uncertainty and fear.'The President of Austria has hit back at racist social media users who attacked a newborn baby for being Muslim.

Asel Tamga became the first Austrian born in 2018. Her birth was celebrated in the local press with a photo of the happy family in which her mother wore a hijab.

A deluge of racist and hateful comments followed on social media, forcing President Alexander Van der Bellen, 73, to step in.

Hurtful abuse: Asel Tamga became the first Austrian born in 2018, but when a photo of her with parents Naime and Alper was posted online it attracted a deluge of racist comments

President Van der Bellen shared a Facebook post condemning the hateful attacks on Baby Asel, and added his own stern words of wisdom.

After wishing Asel welcome to the world, he added that; 'all people are born free and equal to dignity and rights.

'Confidence and cohesion are greater than hatred and incitement.'

Naime and Alper Tamga from Vienna welcomed daughter Asel at 00.47 on New Year's Day, making her the first baby born in Austria in the new year.

A photo of the family was shared on Facebook and a rash of racist comments followed among the thousands of well wishes.

Defender: President Van der Bellen shared a Facebook post condemning the hateful attacks on Baby Asel, and added that 'all people are born free and equal'

One social media user commented: 'The next terrorist is born.'

Another person wrote: 'Does the woman have cancer? Or why does she otherwise wear a headscarf?'

The abuse was so severe that Facebook ended up removing the post, local news reports.

Austrian NGO Netpeace said the deluge of hateful comments is proof that online hatred is growing out of control as social media users even manage to turn a happy family picture into hate speech about religion and ethnicity.

The NGO said it is remarkable that so many people are nowadays even posting such comments under their real name instead of using an alias.

Happy family: Alper, Naime and Asel Tamga pose with their medial team that helped bring her into the world on New Year's Day

Netpeace spokeswoman Sabine Beck said: 'We think that this present case shows that it is about time to take measures.

'We urge the Federal Government to take extensive measures. These range from media education in schools to reinforcement of public prosecutor's offices.'

The hateful messages come amid tensions in Austrian society over the migrant influx to Europe and Islam.

The country's new conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's coalition includes a far-right party.

One of the hostile messages to the baby's family referred to the new far-right interior minister Herbert Kickl, saying he 'is going to send you out of the country. He's the man to do it.'A jealous policewoman threatened to petrol bomb the house of a man she met on Tinder and kidnap his children when he started seeing someone new.

Detective Constable Kirsty Anderson, 39, plead guilty to harassment at Bradford Crown Court and is facing jail.

Anderson, who had worked in the force's domestic violence unit, met the man on a dating app and the two went out for eight weeks until he left her when she became too intense.

The 39-year-old plead guilty to harassment at Bradford Crown Court, and resigned from the force only 24 hours before she entered her plea

She had worked for the police for over 13 years, and resigned on Thursday just 24 hours before pleading guilty.

When her 37-year-old ex began dating someone else, Anderson, from Otley, West Yorkshire, began her threats and harassed him for six months.

The detective told the man that she would make the false claim he had HIV. She also inundated him with phone calls and texts.

Eventually, he reported Anderson to the police force that she worked for, saying that his new partner's hair had begun falling out and she was having panic attacks.

The disgraced former detective also admitted gaining access to police computers for information she was not cleared to see.

Defending, Mike Rawlinson, said the detective had a 'raft of mental health problems,' reports The Sun.

In an online profile, the former police officer said she was 'dedicated and hardworking' and described herself as a 'successful investigator in serious complex crime and acquisitive crime.'

Her sentencing is set for the January 26. She was granted bail, and told she could not contact the victim or his new partner.

Judge Abdul Iqbal said: 'All options remain open, including a custodial sentence.'Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has declared the law applies equally to all Australians following yet another sickening African gang attack in Melbourne.

He made the call on A Current Affair after it aired shocking CCTV footage of African youths viciously attacking a defenceless teenager at Tarneit in the city's west.

'Let's call it out. Everybody regardless of their race or ethnicity needs to abide by Australian law,' Mr Dutton told the Nine Network on Monday night.

Peter Dutton has expressed his outrage at crime following this sickening attack in Melbourne

'The law applies equally and if people regardless of their background are offending against the law, if they are breaking the law, they need to suffer the consequences.

'Because at the moment we've got people who are being subject to home invasions, they're having their cars stolen, they're being attacked in businesses and it is unacceptable.'

Mr Dutton, who now also holds the Home Affairs portfolio, stepped up his rhetoric against the Victorian Labor government after A Current Affair showed African youths repeatedly assaulting a young man, throwing him onto the bonnet of a car before beating him to the ground.

The victim then has his head punched and stomped before the gang rob him and casually walk away.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton (right) told A Current Affair host Leila McKinnon the Victorian government was wrapped up in political correctness

'I've got nothing but praise for the Victorian police but I do believe that the Andrews Government has wrapped itself in this political correctness, which is driving Australians mad,' Mr Dutton said.

The attack happened at Tarneit, in Melbourne's west, where Daily Mail Australia last week witnessed three African teenagers spitting at police as they were arrested at the Tarneit Central shopping mall in Melbourne's west.

The flare up involved African teens and up to 20 officers.

Just three days after Christmas, in the same suburb, African youths calling themselves Menace to Society trashed the Ecoville Community Park, smashing furniture, windows and walls and spraying 'MTS' graffiti.

Tarneit is a troubled suburb, with a riot involving African teens breaking out at the local mall

The Ecoville Community Park at Tarneit was desecrated and smashed just after Christmas

Only days before Christmas, 'MTS' graffiti was also scrawled on an AirBnB party house at Werribee, also in Melbourne's west.

Rocks were also pelted at police forcing them to retreat from the house, when more than 100 youths of primarily South Sudanese appearance turned on them.

Mr Dutto, a Brisbane-based Liberal MP, doubled down on his controversial remarks last week suggesting Melburnians were too afraid to go out to a restaurant at night.

'Victorians aren't stupid and Australians aren't stupid,' the minister said.

'They know that these crimes are taking place and there's a big problem in Victoria, not in NSW, not in Queensland, not in Perth or elsewhere.

'But because there's been a breakdown in law and order in Victoria and that makes Australians mad, that makes Victorians especially mad and Victorians want something done about it.'High street giant H&M has come under fire over a controversial advert for a children's top which shoppers have labelled 'racist'.

The Swedish fashion chain is selling a green hooded top on its UK and US websites emblazoned with the phrase 'Coolest Monkey in the Jungle'.

The image, which has since been taken down from website in the wake of the uproar, shows a young boy modelling the 7.99 hooded top.

H&M is selling a green hooded top on its website emblazoned with the phrase 'Coolest Monkey in the Jungle'

The retailer has now faced a fierce backlash, prompting many to call for a boycott of the store

Customers took to Twitter to question whether H&M were being 'casually racist', pointing out that 'monkey' has long been used as a racial slur.

Even those who doubted the brand was being racist admitted there should have been more awareness of how the image could be perceived.

The campaign group Models Of Diversity, which pushes for more diversification across the industry, said H&M should be 'ashamed'.

Referring to the green top, Labour MP Kate Osamor tweeted: 'I was totally shocked, dismayed to say the very least to find this online imagine. @hm do you think this imagery is an appropriate representation of a young black boy?'

Other Twitter users were also quick to weigh in on the debate.

One wrote: 'Is this part of a publicity stunt? Do some brands want to be dragged on twitter in order to gain more visibility?'

The item has sparked a heated online debate, with many accusing the brand of 'casual racism'

Another added: 'Wow. I mean, put it on a child of literally ANY other race. How did NO ONE consider this is inappropriate? Not the photographer, stylist, creative director, editor... I truly wonder if anyone raised a concern that was ignored or they are all just stupid.'

Others pointed out there appeared to be no racial undertones but asked whether there had been a significant 'oversight' in the advertising campaign.

One Twitter user wrote: 'Do you know that they're not calling him a monkey? It's just a jumper with the name 'monkey' on it, you're making it racist.'

The online listing for the garment, which is made for children aged 18 months to 10 years, is still available to buy online but no longer features the image of the child model.

A spokesman for H&M told MailOnline: 'This image has now been removed from all H&M channels and we apologise to anyone this may have offended.'

Some shoppers have been left outraged by the item, accusing the brand of 'casual racism'

In October a shopper vented her frustration about children's Halloween costumes in the store which were not gender-neutral.

Poppy Lambert-Harden, from Brighton, was shopping with her mother when she discovered that her favourite outfits were in the boys' section of her local store for the second year running.

The observant five-year-old had the same problem last year and was forced to buy a skeleton costume from the boys' section of the store, after complaining girls' costumes 'weren't very scary or cool'.

And the shop has also faced the wrath of customers for the way it sizes its clothes.

Others pointed out there appeared to be no racial undertones but asked whether there had been a significant 'oversight' in the advertising campaign

One size 14 blogger posted a photograph of herself attempting to squeeze into a size 16 dress being sold by the retailer.

And in August, Samantha Bell shared a picture showing how a pair of size 16 jeans from the retailer appeared to be significantly smaller than a Primark pair.

It has previously been suggested that a discrepancy between UK and European sizing at H&M means that shoppers struggle to fit into their usual dress size at the store.The couple had been married since 2013 and share a daughter together.

They first met when Faryal was 19 and Khan was 24 through mutual friends at a party in New York.

At the time, the businesswoman, who runs a cosmetic company, was studying political science and journalism at Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences in New Jersey.

Khan and Faryal are pictured inside the Royal Box at Wimbledon in 2013, the year they married

In exclusive interview with You Magazine in April, she said when they met he said: Youre like a girl I would marry', and she thought 'What a total bull*******.'

When he left they kept in touch over Skype, subsequently meeting again in London eight months later where the pair were photographed together outside Harrods.

They began dating shortly afterwards when he went to surprise her in New York. Three months later, the pair were formally engaged.

But weeks before the wedding in 2013 she was asked by Amirs management team to sign a prenup.

She said during the interview: 'In our culture, thats really bad. I couldnt care less about the money but my parents felt very insulted, especially because they are so well off. My parents didnt make Amir sign a prenup.'

Faryal said she signed it nonetheless, but it was later cancelled by Amir when she fell pregnant with their daughter, Lamaisah. She was born in 2014.

They wed at Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York in front of 250 guests, followed by an elaborate celebration for 3,800 people in Bolton before she moved to the UK.

The pair lived a quiet and happy life for many years until the tail-end of 2016 when things began to sour.

In December, she launched an explosive rant on Snapchat, accusing Khans parents, Sajjad and Falak, of trying to destroy their marriage.

She even claimed her 'evil, hating sister-in-law' Mariyah 'came to hit' her while her husband was not at home.

However Mariyah responded to the allegations by saying: 'Do I look like I can beat someone up?'

Faryal began her series of posts: Don't get your sons married if you're going to abuse and bully the wife.

'I've always been so quiet but seriously this message is for everyone! When you bring someone's daughter  treat her as your own. Your son will be much happier & so will you. :)

Using the Snapchat name Faryalxmakhdoom, she continued: 'When you force your son to divorce his wife, when she's nine months pregnant!!! And your son doesn't ... and he sticks besides his wife. He's called a p***y?

'Ok, I'm guessing Islam teaches us to get married and divorce our wives and treat them bad???

Khan is pictured with his mother, father and brother Haroon in a photo posted on Mariyah's Instagram account

'My husband has done farrrrr more than any son has done. And far more than any brother has done. But why is he treated so bad? Jealousy? That's disgusting.'

While she did not name anyone in the messages, she endorsed comments by her followers which suggested it related to her in-laws.

She also shared a screenshot of Mariyah laughing at a comment on Instagram which suggested Faryal should have been on the 'dogwalk' rather than the catwalk  a reference to Faryal taking part in the Asiana Bridal Show in Birmingham earlier that month.

Faryal added: 'What have I actually done lol been a good wife to your broth.I worked my ass off on a catwalk from 7am till 12am at night.

'My husbands a multi-millionaire but still work and do my own as I can never touch his BLOOD money, when I have a right too! and then I get hating evil sister in laws s******g on me?'

Mariyah responded by saying she 'didn't need to justify herself on social media as "Allah is watching".'

Khan's brother Haroon also appeared to have his say, posting on Twitter: 'The world knows how good the khan family is #saynomore'.

Faryal later published a photograph of Haroon, the other son of Khan's parents Sajjad and Falak, lying on a bed naked and claiming he was drunk.

In an interview with Murtaza Ali Shah at Geo News, Khans parents rubbished Faryal's allegations, claiming she is 'lying' they never laid a hand on her and treated her like their own daughter.

Mr Khan said: 'Faryal was adopting a dress code which in the Islamic faith was not acceptable.

'I ask Faryal to produce evidence of violence. Where is the evidence? We have always held her in highest esteem and gave her the same level of respect and love that we gave to our two daughters.'

Falak said her daughter-in-law has called them 'paindoo' - Urdu for 'villagers' - used as a slur for primitive people from the Pakistani countryside.

She said: 'I am a proud Pakistani, I have always respected my in-laws and we have our traditions and values. No one abused Faryal and I once asked her to take dupatta (veil) and she didn't listen and I never brought up the subject again.

Amir told us that she doesn't listen to him and that we should tell her parents about that. We lived in the same house but Faryal never mixed with us. She called us paindoo. She has forgotten that the same paindoo parents gave birth to Amir Khan and brought him up'.

Khan released a statement on Twitter, describing the actions of both parties as 'childish'.

He said: 'I have supported my wife, and that's because she was in the right.

'Since I've been married I've seen how my family and siblings have treated her. It wasn't fair. I'm not happy that it's come out. It was a private matter and should've kept private.

'My siblings were posting on social media over and over again. I asked my father to have them remove it and no one listened to me.

'I was patient and kept quiet but FARYAL said she couldn't take it anymore and had to speak up. So she did.

'I supported her when it came to family bothering her or upsetting her. But I did not support siblings or my wife to be this childish all over the media, crying and bashing one another. It's really getting out of control and needs an end.'

In January, the couples relationship was strained after a sex tape, featuring Khan performing a sexual act on webcam as female model watched on, was published on major US pornographic website.

It was claimed the X-rated video was made shortly after the couple married in 2013.

Faryal was said to be 'absolutely disgusted' by the revelations, but continued to have a united front with her husband by posting a series of jokey Snapchats together.

Earlier this year, Faryal relived their daughter's glittering 100,000 birthday party last year by posting photos and videos of the event

Tensions between the boxer and his family deepened when he failed to attend Haroons wedding due to training.

Haroon was said to be 'bitterly disappointed' about his brother's absence, but Faryal hit back saying she didn't go because she was not wanted.

On Snapchat, she said: 'Everyone's been asking why I didn't attend Amir's brother's wedding. I kept quiet.

'But the truth is AMIR'S wife and child were not invited. Or even included in the celebrations. They could have at least tried.'

The claim came after Haroon revealed that his brother 'didn't even send a message of congratulations' after the event.

Haroon responded: 'We, family, friends, are all shocked and saddened by what his Faryal has been saying but we tried to forget about the negatives at the weekend and just enjoyed.

'She is a one off and lives by her own set of rules.'

At the end of January, Khan revealed his father Shah, who was his manager, his uncle Taz Khan, formerly his consultant and lifelong best-friend Saj Mohammed, who was his assistant, were all no longer working with him.

He told SportsMail's Jeff Powell: 'I have had to grow up and take control of my own life.

Khan later revealed his father, uncle and life-long best friend Saj Mohammed, were all no longer working with him

'Dad won't be negotiating my contracts any more but I love them and they have been so good for me. But I've matured now and come to realise it is best to keep the two elements of my life apart.'

But his father was said to be 'humiliated' by his very public sacking.

A family friend told MailOnline. 'Credit for that goes to Faryal who got Amir to do it.'

Things quietened between the family for a few months until April, when, during an interview with the Daily Star, she said: 'After everything Amir has been through I'm the only one still standing here  no one else is. I don't see some of his friends, I don't see some of his family members.

The couple continued to remain strong and even announced plans to adopt a child in the new future.

Speaking to The Sun, Khan said: 'When I was in Africa, I met so many young African kids and I loved them.

'I wanted to take them back home with me.'

In June, the couple put their six-bedroom home in Lostock on the market for 1.6million. Two days ago, they knocked 200,000 off the asking price.A gold-toothed Russian foster father has been accused of more than 900 counts of rape and violent sexual acts, mostly against girls aged 13 or under in his care.

Viktor Lishavsky, 37, abused five schoolgirls for whom he was the legal guardian, treating them as his 'personal harem' and 'sexual slaves', it is alleged.

The 'monster' was detained in June last year but now has been identified as more details of his alleged vile crimes have been revealed.

If convicted he would be the worst-ever paedophile in Russia, reports say.

Viktor Lishavsky, 37, has been accused of more than 900 counts of rape and violent sexual acts mostly against girls aged 13 or under in his care

He allegedly abused five schoolgirls for whom he was the legal guardian, treating them as his 'personal harem' and 'sexual slaves'. The 'monster' was detained in June last year but now has been identified as more details of his alleged vile crimes have been revealed

By day he ran a shoe repair shop but at night he regularly attacked the adolescent girls in his care over a five year period, it is alleged.

He was detained in Komsomolsk-on-Amur after one foster girl complained to a teacher who alerted police about a man who was previously head of an evangelical church in Amursk in Russia's Far East.

Other underage girls in his foster family then shared details of how he took them one-by-one to a flat and sexually abused them.

He is accused of 248 rapes plus 358 'violent sexual acts' against girls aged 13 or under, according to a leaked charge sheet.

Additionally, he faces accusations of another 22 'violent acts of a sexual nature' against girls below the age of 14.

Lishavsky allegedly committed a further 11 rapes or other brutal sexual attacks in which he threatened murder or serious harm to health. These involved 'particular cruelty', according to the charges.

Several other charges relate to torturing the girls and abusing his role as a guardian.

Separately, Lishavsky is accused of a further 122 crimes of 'a sexual nature with the use of violence, or threat of violence', and 151 charges of 'sexual intercourse taking advantage of the helpless state of the victim' - all these against underage girls between 14 and 17, according to Mash online news outlet which has links to law enforcement and named him, revealing details of the indictments.

LIshavsky (pictured in a car next to one of the girls who was allegedly in his care) was detained in Komsomolsk-on-Amur after one foster girl complained to a teacher who alerted police about a man who was previously head of an evangelical church in Amursk in Russia's Far East

Social services in the Khabarovsk region are also accused of negligence in putting vulnerable children including orphans under his supervision.

Lishavsky and his common-law wife Olga are reported to have had three children of their own, and to have fostered up to nine more youngsters.

No charges have been brought against her.

When the case first emerged, officials said an unnamed man had been accused of 729 sexual crimes, but now the figure totals 919 - all but a handful involving sex abuse.

He 'considered the girls to be his personal harem', according to a report by Ren TV.

'With the money that the government paid him as a foster parent, he rented an apartment where he had sex with either one or another foster daughter every other day, or every third day,' the network said.

The man was paid 265 a month by the state to care for each of the five adolescent girls he abused.

Officials in the Khabarovsk region of eastern Russia are said to be 'deeply shocked' over the allegations against a man they viewed as a 'model foster father'.

Alla Kuznetsova, education minister in the region, said the foster parents had passed repeated inspections by social services.

Lishavsky and his common-law wife Olga (pictured above) are reported to have had three children of their own, and to have fostered up to nine more youngsters. No charges have been brought against her

Lishavsky's wife, Olga, is pictured above, second from right in the front row, with children who were in the couple's care

'In the case of this family, there were no alarms at all,' she said.

In the first year there were five inspections. In subsequent years, two checks annually, she said.

She confirmed: 'Those five girls for whom the man was guardian have been sent back to the orphanage.'

Local fostering chief Tatiana Petrachkova claimed the alleged paedophile and his wife were seen as 'a trouble-free family' who had won commendations for the way they raised children.

His foster children were shown on local TV as an example of a successful family helping deprived youngsters.

Senior official of the Russian Investigative Committee Igor Komissarov expressed dismay over the alleged reign of terror from 2012 to February 2017.

'Just imagine these girls who were given to a rapist,' he was quoted as saying.

'Why in Khabarovsk region did the so-called foster dad have the opportunity to rape children under his control for five years?'

He claimed a drive by Vladimir Putin's government to close orphanages - many dating from the Soviet era - had had the unintended consequence of seeing children taken on by unsuitable foster parents who abused or exploited them, often sexually.

People had come forward to act as foster parents motivated by the money they were paid by the state, he said.A Sudanese mother, whose eldest son has been imprisoned for gang activity, says a lack of employment opportunities is driving the wave of gang crime in Melbourne.

Asha Awur told A Current Affair the men who come from African nations like Sudan have fled traumatic upbringings and struggle to assimilate immediately into Australian culture.

She says the men feel 'isolated and frustrated' by their new lives, and often turn to crime as a way of combating their feelings and supporting themselves.

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Sudanese woman Asha Awur, who is raising her large family in Melbourne, says a lack of employment opportunities is the driving force behind the wave of gang crime

Ms Awur, a Sudanese mother of young children herself, says this is the case even for children who have moved to Australia, who are working to fit in at school, and in a predominantly Christian nation.

Religion is a major part of life in Sudan, with the majority of the population adhering to Islam.

Ms Awur also said those who come from overseas are not given enough support or opportunity to establish themselves.

The lack of support is something she feels herself, telling the program her Centrelink payment is not enough to raise her children on.

Ms Awur said her children rely on her for extra money, and hypothesises that they steal if she cannot provide it.

'If mum isn't always giving me money, there's no pocket money, and maybe I have to find a different way of stealing, get my own money,' she said, mimicking her children.

Ms Awur also says her Centrelink payments are not enough to raise her large family on

The woman claims the lack of support often results in people abusing drugs and alcohol.

'Noone is helping them out - they can't make money, so they end up in drugs, smoke and drink,' she said.

Berhan Ahmed, the CEO of the African Australian Multicultural Employment and Youth Services, wrote in the Herald Sun last week his organisation, supported by the Government, was working to tackle issues which could lead young Africans to participate in gang crime.

In particular, he referenced employment opportunities and educational support as issues the organisation was looking to help their clients overcome, using 'resourcing that will help prevent their children from being recruited into criminal gangs'.A rescued squirrel which was finally being released back into the wild had his freedom cut short after a house cat attacked and clawed at the animal before it had chance to escape.

Parents in Collierville, Tennessee, took in the grey squirrel after their son, Hoss, found the injured rodent.

They offered care and respite to the adorable animal for a couple of days before sending it back on its way.

However the release ended in tragedy as the family's house cat jumped up the tree and prevented the squirrel from escaping back into the wild.

Hoss wasnt at home when his parents released the squirrel so his mother prepared a goodbye video.

The footage starts with the besotted mother asking the grey rodent to: Look at the camera and say goodbye to Hoss.

The man in the film holding the recovered animal says: There you go, go up that tree.

Parents (pictured) in Collierville, Tennessee, took in the grey squirrel after their son, Hoss, found the injured rodent

At this point the squirrel slowly makes his way up the trunk of the tree with the man offering calming strokes to the rodent.

All seems to be going fine and the man affectionately says, There you go! as the animal continues his climb.

Suddenly, a scream can be heard and just before the camera tilts, viewers can see a cat bounce on the feeble animal and drag him back down from the tree.

Shouts of Oh no, stop! can be heard as the weak rodent is carried away by the fierce feline.

The video was recorded on January 4 2016.

The man in the film holding the recovered animal says: There you go, go up that tree. At this point the squirrel slowly makes his way up the trunk of the tree with the man offering calming strokes (pictured left) to the rodent

The Collierville mother said: We had no idea our cat Tom was outside at the time of release.

Since my son was not home I was making a video for him.

Once Tom got the squirrel he did immediately drop him at our door.

Tom the cat did not kill the squirrel.

She added that the family kept the squirrel so it could continue to recover but that the tiny animal eventually died a few days later from whatever he was sick from originally.Andrew Littlefair, pictured outside Teesside Magistrates' Court, is living in fear of attack

A father who called for people to burn mosques and the Koran after the Manchester bombing has denied he is a racist, saying: 'I have Muslim friends'.

Andrew Littlefair, 50, of Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, wrote in one Facebook post: 'Give me bullets for my gun - I'll shoot every b****** one.'

But he is now living in fear of attack as he faces jail after admitting six counts of publishing threatening religious material intending to stir up religious hatred.

Littlefair, who lives on a cul-de-sac, said: 'I live in a quiet street, and there are a lot of angry people at the moment. I live around a lot of Muslim people and I have Muslim friends who know I'm not racist.

'But it is the people who are not my friends that worry me. I'm worried this being out there is putting me at risk.'

Teesside Magistrates' Court heard he wrote the posts in retaliation to two of the terror attacks to hit Britain last year.

The rant on June 4 came the morning after the London Bridge attack, and less than a fortnight after the Manchester Arena bombing on May 22.

In one post, he wrote: 'It's time to unite and fight wipe out this disgusting disease they call Islam. My grandad didn't fight and die for this!'

The rant by Littlefair came the morning after the London Bridge attack on June 3 (pictured)

Following a court hearing last Wednesday, Littlefair claimed he was drunk and that his words were taken 'out of context'.

He said: 'It was a stupid, drunken rant which I did after seeing pictures of all those bairns after the bombings.

'Yes I had a few drinks on the night before and I'd opened a can that morning. But to say I want to kill Muslims - I mean, I couldn't hurt a fly.

'And I know I shouldn't have said Muslims - I should have said Isis. Isis are not people, they are brainwashing people.

'But I have Muslim friends and I've spoke to some and they are disappointed. But this doesn't show me for who I am.'

The rant also came less than a fortnight after the Manchester Arena attack on May 22 (above)

The court heard the starting point for his crimes is a year in prison. Littlefair said: 'I can't stop worrying and I can't eat.

'(My daughter) is in bits thinking I'm going to go to prison - I'm a 50-year-old and it doesn't feel good to face prison for the first time.

'I just got myself a good, steady job and have to go back to work but I can't concentrate. I just hope to God it is a suspended sentence.'

Magistrates granted him unconditional bail to appear at the court on a future date.Britain could still be regulated by the European medicines watchdog after Brexit in a move which could give EU judges an ongoing say over the UK, it has been reported.

Ministers are said to be pushing for the UK to continue to be subject to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) - which evaluates the safety of medicines in the bloc.

It comes despite a decision by Brussels to move the agency's headquarters out of London to Amsterdam after Britain voted to leave the union.

But any move to keep the UK under the agency's control threatens to highlight deep divisions within the Government as it abides by the rulings of the European Court of Justice.

This could mean that Britain will have to abide by rules, regulations and legal rulings concerning medicines coming from Brussels after we formally quit the bloc.

Tory MP and leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg told Mail Online: 'As the British Medical Journal has been calling on the EU to reform its regulation of clinical trial since 2011 Brexit is an opportunity for the UK to do better.

'Leaving the EU means departing from the direct jurisdiction of the ECJ and that is one of Mrs May's red lines. I expect it to be kept.'

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) - which evaluates the safety of medicines in the bloc - is currently based in Canary Wharf in London but is moving its headquarters to Amsterdam. But the Government is said to be pushing to keep the UK a member of it after Brexit

Theresa May has previously ruled out Britain remaining under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice - saying this is one of her 'red lines' in Brexit negotiations.

But three Government figures have told the Financial Times that Britain is pushing to stay in the EMA while one official said the PM's red line is 'not quite so rigid now'.

The issue threatens to highlight deep splits in the Government over how closely aligned to the EU the UK should stay after Brexit.

Some are pushing for Britain to stay close to the EU after Brexit, but others including Boris Johnson want us to break away more fully and cast off their rules and regulations.

The move comes amid calls among some for the UK's chemical and aviation industries to also continue to be regulated by the EU.

This would mean the sectors would have to stick to Europe's standards and safety rules and be subject to rulings made by EU judges.

Sarah Wollaston, the Tory chairwoman of the Commons health committee, said she hoped 'common sense' would prevail.

Speaking in a personal capacity, she told the newspaper: 'There is a very strong case for allowing flexibility for sector deals, especially when it's in the best interests of patients both here and in Europe.'

Sarah Wollaston, the Tory chairwoman of the Commons health committee, said there is a case to allow sectors to be 'flexible' in the post Brexit deals brokered (file pic)

It comes as Mrs May is preparing to embark on a new year's Cabinet reshuffle in a bid to freshen up her team after the Tory election disaster and shore up her premiership after a calamitous six months.

She wants to overhaul her 'stale, male and pale' top team today - with a former nurse dubbed 'Scary Spice' tipped to become health secretary.

Anne Milton could take over at health if Jeremy Hunt is promoted to fill the gap at deputy PM, left vacant by the axing of Damian Green over computer porn allegations.

Mrs May could also send a stark message to Brussels by installing a dedicated 'Cabinet minister for no deal' to prepare for a collapse in Brexit talks.

Brexit minister Steve Baker is already deputy to David Davis in the Department for Exiting the European Union, and has responsibility for 'contingency planning'.

His role could be beefed up and given the right to attend Cabinet, although he would not be a full member.A Melbourne family have been forced to stash large knives throughout the house and have even turned their toilet into a 'safe room' as they fear the growing presence of gangs in their community.

The Beatons have been terrorised by what they claim are African street gangs, forcing the family to implement increased security measures after five burglary attempts in the past year.

'It used to be you had a fire plan to protect your family, now you need to have a break and enter plan to keep your family safe,' Eric Beaton told A Current Affair.

The family are so scared for their safety they are packing up and moving to the Gold Coast at the end of January.

The Beatons have been terrorised by what they claim are African street gangs, forcing the family to increased security measures after five burglary attempts in the past year

Their two young daughters also hide weapons around the house, stashing knives in various places should they need further protection

The family say they have been 'crying for help' tackling the threat, but feel so let down by law enforcement they have had to resort to extreme measures.

They have turned their bathroom into a 'safe room', where the children are instructed to hide in case of emergency.

'I tell the kids to come (in the safe room) if anything was to happen and they're not to come out no matter how much I scream or yell, unless I do or the police get them out,' Danielle Beaton said.

'I don't care what they do to me as long as my kids stay safe.'

Their two young daughters also hide weapons around the house, stashing knives in various places should they need further protection.

'She runs around and puts knives in certain hiding spots so if they come in she's got something to defend herself with,' Mrs Beaton said.

They have turned their bathroom into a 'safe room', where the children are instructed to hide in case of emergency

'I'm tired of worrying, it's time to go live life now, get out of here,' Mr Beaton said

They say they have been targeted by African gang members five times in the past 12 months, including a break and enter attempt, a house burglary and three attempted carjackings.

'If they don't change their way, there's going to be hell to pay,' Mr Beaton said.

The Beatons say they are devastated to be leaving family and friends, and for pulling their girls out of school, but they see no other option than to flee.

'We've built our life here, but we don't see that life as worth it any more, because we feel like we're in danger,' Mrs Beaton said.

'I'm tired of worrying, it's time to go live life now, get out of here,' Mr Beaton added.The CEO of a cryptocurrency made for live-streaming porn has reportedly disappeared with his investors' money.

Four investors of Fantasy Market have claimed the creator of the digital currency  Jonathan Lucas  has failed to repay their investment despite multiple requests, the New York Post reports.

'Jonathan Lucas (most likely alias) has scammed us and run off with the cryptocurrency,' one angry investor told the newspaper.

The CEO of a cryptocurrency made for live-streaming porn has reportedly disappeared with his investors' money. File photo

In his investment plan, Lucas claimed he was attempting to raise up to $25million.

Fantasy Money tokens, or FMtokens, could be used to pay for viewing live-streaming porn, it said.

It's not known how much money Lucas actually raised.

In private chats, he boasted that he'd raised around $4.4million in September last year, although he later told a reporter that he had raised less than $2million.

Over the weekend, it appeared the company was trying to return investments  asking investors to contact them in the next 90 days.

Four investors of Fantasy Market have claimed the creator of the digital currency has failed to repay their investment despite multiple requests

But one investor, who did get a refund, said he is still annoyed after getting a dollar amount equal to what he invested in September.

'But since the coin has more than tripled in value since then, they kept the rest of my contribution, essentially stealing quite a lot of money from me,' he said.

It comes days after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission warned that investors should 'exercise caution' with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, noting state and federal regulators may not be able to recoup any lost investments from illegal actors.

Many promoters of initial coin offerings (ICOs) and other cryptocurrency investments are not following federal and state securities laws, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton and Commissioners Kara Stein and Michael Piwowar said in a statement.

While regulators are trying to police these quickly growing markets, the SEC urged investors to be vigilant.

'The SEC and state securities regulators are pursuing violations, but we again caution you that, if you lose money, there is a substantial risk that our efforts will not result in a recovery of your investment,' the officials said.Three school bullies have been detained in China after brutally slapping, kicking and stamping on one of their classmates.

The three female pupils from Ningde County, Jiangxi Province, were allegedly enraged after the victim reported to their teacher that they had been smoking in school, according to Chinese media.

They ganged up with four other female pupils from the same class and punished the victim in a dorm room earlier this month.

Local education bureau has launched an investigation into the matters after receiving reports from parents.

Zeng has her hair grabbed by her classmates in the school dormitory in southeastern China

She is brutally slapped as the girls said she reported to the teacher of them smoking in school

Disturbing footage, filmed by a witnessing student, was uploaded to Chinese social media platforms.

Parents of the school's pupils were shocked after seeing the video and reported the incident to the police.

Ningde education bureau reported that the incident happened at 9pm on January 3 in the dormitory of Si Yuan School.

The victim has been named Zeng. Both the victim and the seven attackers are seventh-grade students who are around 13 years old.

It's said that the seven schoolgirls attacked Zeng in the dormitory while she was sleeping.

They grabbed her hair and slapped her face. Blood stains can be seen on the corner of her mouth.

Zeng was forced to kneel down in the front of the bunk beds.

'You wouldn't be beaten up like now if you didn't report it. You are so disgusting,' one of the attacking girls could be heard yelling as she slapped Zeng in the face.

Another girl can be seen kicking and stomping on Zeng's back several times.

'See how nice I am to you, giving you massage,' she said.

Seven girls are brutally kicking, stomping and slapping their classmates as punishment

One girl says she is treating Zeng nice and gives her 'a massage' as she steps on her back

Zeng is then sent to local hospital for checkups and is given counselling guidance

The video was first sent to a closed group chat belonging to a group of students from Si Yuan School. Later, it was shared to other web messaging groups.

It's known that Zeng was sent to Ningdu People's Hospital for check-ups. She was also given counselling guidance.

Parents of the seven schoolgirls were asked to attend a meeting at the school.

The three girls who started the assault were given detention and the others were given verbal warning.

Education bureau officials and teachers offered guidance to students and parents on anti-violence in school.

Apparently, Chinese web users thought the punishment to the attackers were not enough.

'Detentions and verbal warnings are not enough, the school should send them to the juvenile prison,' commented 'lizhaogong'.

'Tumidimifeng' said: 'The girls must have thought they are very cool for beating up people. What a sickening thought.'Three quarters of Swiss people support banning the burqa in all public places, a study has shown.

Three in four Swiss support an initiative to ban all face coverings in public - which would effectively ban the Muslim veil.

A survey of 1,167 people conducted by two Swiss Sunday papers found 76 per cent of those spoken to were in favor of the initiative.

This was compared with 20 per cent who disagreed and three per cent who said they had 'no view' on the issue.

Three in four Swiss support an initiative to ban all face coverings in public - which would effectively ban the Muslim veil

The initiative 'Yes to a ban on face coverings' garnered more than the required 100,000 signatures last September to put the decision to a popular vote, reports The Local.

This put the initiative on the ballot under Switzerland's system of direct democracy, which lets voters decide major policy issues.

The measure was proposed by a group including MPs from the nationalist Swiss People's Party that was also behind a ban on building minarets in Switzerland.

The group called for it to be made illegal for anyone to cover their face in public. Some exceptions include local custom, the weather and health and safety reasons.

A survey of 1,167 people conducted by two Swiss Sunday papers found 76 per cent of those spoken to were in favor of the initiative

Such a law would mean the effective ban of the hijab, niqab and burka, although the committee says it is also targeting hooligans who cover their face for criminal intent.

The Swiss government has publicly opposed the idea, saying it's up to each of the 26 cantons (areas) to legislate on the issue.

The issue has been argued over in Swiss society for many years, with the senate rejecting a draft bill on the topic in March after the lower house approved it.

It was also rejected by the people of Glarus canton during an open-air assembly this May.

Such a law would mean the effective ban of the hijab, niqab and burka, although the committee says it is also targeting hooligans who cover their face for criminal intent. Pictured: One of the Swiss People's Party's posters in the referendum which resulted in a ban on the construction of minarets

But the canton of Ticino, in the south of the country, overwhelmingly backed a regional ban of the burka and other full-face coverings in public in 2013.

However, in December it controversially proposed a counter-project suggesting it be made illegal to force anyone to cover their face.

If the ban goes through, it would put Switzerland alongside France, Austria and other European countries in prohibiting face-covering garments.

The vote is unlikely to take place before 2019.A father-of-one who had acid thrown in his face in a horrifying case of mistaken identity is backing a ban on selling corrosive substances to teenagers.

Andreas Christopheros was left blind and scarred for life after a cup full of acid was hurled at him as he opened the door to his house in Cornwall in 2014.

Now retailers including Wickes, Waitrose and B&Q have signed up to a voluntary code to stop selling corrosives to teenagers under 18 after a spike in assaults.

And Mr Christopheros is urging other stores to take head to save victims from the agonising pain he endured, adding: 'I'll be wearing scars until the day I die'.

Andreas Christopheros was left blind and scarred for life after a cup full of acid was hurled at him as he opened the door to his house in Cornwall in 2014

In 2014 David Phillips (left) travelled more than 300 miles from his home in Hastings, East Sussex to Cornwall where he carried out the sickening revenge attack on Mr Christopheros (right before the assault)

BAN ON SELLING ACID TO UNDER-18S The Home Office said Wickes, B&Q, Screwfix, Wilko, The Co-op, Morrisons, Waitrose, Tesco and John Lewis are among the major retailers to have signed up, which will see under-18s unable to buy the following products: :: Products that contain sulphuric acid such as drain cleaners/unblockers :: Products that contain hydrochloric acid (10% and over) such as brick and patio cleaners :: Products that contain sodium hydroxide (12% and over) such as paint strippers But there are questions over how effective any ban would be, given difficulties in policing sales. The products would also still be available to buy online. Advertisement

In 2014 David Phillips travelled more than 300 miles from his home in Hastings, East Sussex to Cornwall where he carried out the sickening revenge attack - but turned up on the wrong doorstep.

He threw the corrosive liquid as Mr Christopheros answered the door believing he was about to collect a Christmas parcel.

In a bid to encourage more shops across the UK to sign up to the code, Mr Christopheros revealed how he will be forced to undergo surgery for the next five to ten years.

He said: 'I'm without eyesight in my left eye and limited in my right and as time goes on, there's potential for me to go completely blind'.

In August, he was among those backing calls for tougher sentences after suffering horrific burns.

Mr Christopheros' attacker, who was jailed for life back in 2015, had his time cut by the Court of Appeal.

He added: 'It's been a tough ride. It affects every aspect of your life.

'Even when you sleep; from the moment you wake-up, everything is a challenge'.

The new plan will be a voluntary code and will see stores signing up to ban the sale of corrosive liquids to teenagers under the age of 18.

In a bid to encourage more shops across the UK to sign up to the code, Mr Christopheros revealed how he will be forced to undergo surgery for the next five to ten years

Mr Christopheros is also among those backing calls for tougher sentences for those found guilty of acid attacks

Ex-chief prosecutor for the North West, Nazir Afzal, said the voluntary ban did not go far enough as there were no sanctions for failure to uphold it.

He added: The other issue is online. You can buy sulphuric acid at 96 per cent strength, which will burn your face off, for 10 on next-day delivery.

Mr Christopheros added: 'I've always stood by the fact that if someone wants to get their hands on acid, they're going to get their hands on acid.

'I believe any person who carried out an acid attack, no matter how severe the injuries are, the attacker should be facing life with a minimum term of 20 years.

The property developer was left disfigured after David Phillips hurled acid over him

'On top of that, one bit of legislation which I'd really love to see be pushed through is a decanting legislation; to make it an offence to decant acid from it's original, well-labelled bottle, into any other receptacle.

'If this legislation was in place, it would certainly make the jobs of the police officers on the streets much easier to combat.

'To be caught with acid in any bottle that isn't in its original bottle; six months inside.

'I think if people are willing to cross that line, they need to have a sentence which completely justifies that crime.

'At the moment, this is the best I've looked in three years. It's a long road to recovery.

'I'll be wearing scars until the day I die.

'The injuries and the scars have healed somewhat but aspects like my eyesight will deteriorate unless technology advances.'

At the Court of Appeal in April 2016, Phillips had his jail term cut to 16 years and he will be eligible for parole after serving just eight.

Mr Justice Wyn Williams said a life sentence was not justified as, although the crime involved a high level of planning and determination to carry out, it was a revenge attack, albeit on the wrong man.An American husband married to a British woman for 18 years face the prospect of spending the rest of their lives thousands of miles apart after he was told he must return to the US.

Devastated Clayton and Colette Murwin, from Wallasey, in Merseyside, have been informed he does 'not fit the criteria' to stay in the UK.

Mr Murwin, 53, has been ordered to leave the country without appeal and faces deportation at any time.

Devastated Clayton and Colette Murwin, from Wallasey, in Merseyside, have been informed he does 'not fit the criteria' to stay in the UK

The couple lived in the UK from 2000 to 2003 but then moved to America for 13 years to care for Mr Murwin's sick mother.

In 2016 the couple returned to the UK and after his six-month visa ran out, Mr Murwin applied to stay.

But he's now been told his application has been refused, with no chance to appeal.

Mrs Murwin now can't go back to the US because she's been in Britain for more than a year.

Heartbroken Mr Murwin told ITV News: 'I don't need any benefit from this country, I don't need anything...all I need you to do is let me stay here with my wife and live the rest of my life.

'This is my wife. This is wrong on too many levels...you don't do this to people.'

His 56-year-old wife said: 'It's a separation...it's not us doing it...it's like they're forcing us to divorce. We don't want to.'

The couple face living thousands of miles apart after Mr Murwin was told he could not stay in the UK

Mrs Murwin said the ruling was like 'waiting for a death sentence.'

She said: 'We didn't think there would be an issue, because he had been granted it the first time and we can prove our family structure - we have been married for 18 years.

'But apparently we don't fit the criteria for a family life visa.

'We are not sleeping, we are not eating, I am suffering with anxiety and I am scared to go to work in case I come home and he is not here.'

She said her five children consider Clayton their father and one of their seven grandchildren had asked 'why does Grandad have to leave?'

She added: 'There is nothing out there for Clayton, his mum passed in August, and his life is here with his family.'

As their application has been certified, which means they cannot appeal, the only option the couple have is to apply for a judicial review, which costs 4,000.

The review means a judge can overturn the certification, which would give them the right to appeal - but their application could still be denied.

In the meantime, if Mr Murwin doesn't leave the country he will be deported and banned from entering the UK for ten years.

Mrs Murwin cannot go to the US with her husband because she didn't return to the country within a year and so her green card has expired and is unlikely to be renewed.

She said: 'I've found my soulmate and it is not often someone in life does that.

'But then to be told you have to leave them against your will? How can we have a relationship over Skype, after being together all this time?

'It was hard enough doing that with my family while I was over in America and I wasn't happy, which is why we moved back.

'I just want to be able to enjoy my grandchildren, with my husband.'

The letter from UK Visas and Immigration said: 'The UKVI has refused your application primarily as they do not believe or accept that there are insurmountable obstacles to engage Ex1 (consideration of child's best interests) or that there would be very significant difficulties which you and your wife would face in continuing your family life outside of the UK.

'I am sure that you would disagree with this decision.'

A spokesman for the Home Office told MailOnline: 'After entering as a visitor, Mr Murwin applied for leave to remain under Human Rights grounds but his application was refused.

'Mr Murwin is able to appeal the decision from the United States, or make an application for a Spousal Visa as the spouse of a British Citizen.'

A petition has been launched against the ruling and friends and family have started a GoFundMe page to raise funds so the couple can attempt a judicial review.An eminent Muslim leader in the Indian city of Hyderabad has issued a fatwa against the city's prawns, sending its seafood sellers into shell-shock.

Mohammad Azeemuddin, head Mufti of the religious school of Jamia Nizamia, decreed earlier this week that the popular seafood dish was off the menu.

Prawns, he said, were in fact arthropods - insects - and that consuming them was prohibited under Makrooh-e-Tahrimi which translates as 'strictly abominable'.

An eminent Muslim leader in the Indian city of Hyderabad has issued a fatwa against the city's prawns, sending its seafood sellers into shell-shock

This meant they were not halal but were in fact haram meaning strictly prohibited.

The news shocked seafood sellers around the city whose livelihoods depend on selling the tasty treat to Muslim customers.

The fatwa has caused a furor in the capital of the southern Indian state of Telangan because prawn is one its most popular dishes - and many fatwas in the past have allowed it.

But other religious schools in the city have said that prawn is actually fine to eat, reports Gulf News India.

Confusingly, another religious institution in Hyderabad, Madrasa-e-Anwarul Huda, said that prawn was halal and not even Makrooh.

And the authorities of Jamia Nizamia eventually clarified that the fatwa is only strictly applicable to the followers of the Hanafi school of Muslim thought - just one of the four main schools of Sunni Islam.

The fatwa has caused a furor in the capital of the southern Indian state of Telangan because prawn is one its most popular dishes - and many fatwas in the past have allowed itSisters who attempted to smuggle seven Albanian men into the country in a camper van that smelled 'unbearable' because of the toilet have been jailed for 11 years.

Alison and Fabiola Alman were stopped by Border Force officers in Portsmouth when a scan of their vehicle revealed five men in the rear sleeping area.

When searching the vehicle, officers also discovered two more men in a compartment above the cab.

Alison Alman (pictured left), 43, was jailed for six years after attempting to smuggle 11 men into the country in a camper van, while her sister Fabiola (pictured right) was jailed for five

Portsmouth Crown Court heard Alison had got into 4,000 worth of debt with a drug dealer, who said she could pay it off by smuggling what he claimed was his family, including a minor, into the country.

But the 43-year-old was unable to drive the camper van herself, due to a ban after being convicted for drink-driving.

Prosecutor Keely Harvey told the court Alison's sister Fabiola, 47, agreed to drive the camper van.

When stopped by officials, Ms Harvey said both women claimed they had been on holiday and did not know the men were in the van.

She said this was despite a strong smell of urine and excrement described by officers as 'unbearable', which the vehicle hire company had to fork out 3,000 to pay for cleaning.

The court heard Alison blamed the smell on some cheese in the fridge, while Fabiola - who was offered 800 to drive the camper van - said her sister was a 'big eater'.

Officers described the smell of urine and excrement in the camper van (pictured) as 'unbearable'. Alison Alman blamed the stench on some cheese in the fridge.

Ms Harvey said: '[Alison] put the smell down to some cheese kept in the fridge, which had been switched off for 24 hours.

'Fabiola stated that the toilet was full, and put this down to her sister being a big eater; She said she herself suffered from constipation and did not use the toilet.'

Both women were arrested by officials when they arrived on a Brittany Ferries sailing from Bilbao, Spain, to Portsmouth on October 4, last year.

Alison, of Wood Green in London, and Fabiola, from the Sandpits Area of Gibraltar, both admitted assisting unlawful immigration.

Both women were arrested by officials when they arrived on a Brittany Ferries sailing from Bilbao, Spain, to Portsmouth on October 4, last year

Sentencing Alison to six years in jail and Fabiola to five years, Judge David Melville QC said: 'The men were unwanted immigrants, with no right to be in the UK.

'This was a planned operation, in which some care had been taken, and Alison Alman was in desperate need of money.'

The six men have since been returned to Bilbao, while the minor was passed into the care of social services, the court heard.

Speaking after the hearing, chief immigration officer Jo Howorth said: 'These two women claimed the purpose of their trip was to go on holiday, when in reality their intention was to smuggle people into the UK.

'Their attempt was stopped by Border Force officers who identified the people they had hidden in the motor home in squalid and dangerous conditions.

'People smugglers like Fabiola and Alison Alman exploit the vulnerable and put lives at risk while lining their own pockets in the process.

'I hope this case serves as a clear warning that those who try to break the UK's immigration laws will be brought to justice.'A worker from a Chinese factory producing Apple's iPhone has reportedly died after jumping from a 12-storey window.

The worker's colleagues told Chinese media that the worker had been upset about failing to obtain a 'referral fee' which led to his jump on Saturday.

China Labour Watch, a U.S.-based activist organisation, has also stated that a worker at iPhone maker Foxconn died on Saturday after jumping from a window.

A worker at a Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou, China, has reportedly died after jumping off a 12-storey window. In the file photo above, workers walk at Foxconn's Zhengzhou factory

Zhengzhou is the provincial capital of Henan in central China and has about 10 million people

According to Chinese news site Youth.cn, the incident occurred in the evening of January 6 at the Fuhang Apartment in Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of central China's Henan Province.

The worker is said to be working at a factory of Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant which manufactures iPhones. The apartment building is believed to be a dorm building for the factory workers.

Officers from the Zhenggang Police Station have confirmed to Youth.cn the death of a Foxconn employee on January 6.

The police said the worker had jumped off a building and the worker's family members had arrived at the station for investigation.

Youth.cn also quoted a source who claimed to be a worker from the Zhengzhou Foxconn factory.

Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn manufactures iPhones for Apple. The company, owned by billionaire Terry Guo, has factories across China, such as the one in Chengdu (above)

Foxconn has been accused of poor labour practices in the past. In the file photo above, employees work at Foxconn's plant in Guiyang, Guizhou province of China

The source claimed to have seen the worker plunging down from a 12-storey window at around 6pm on Saturday.

The source also claimed that the worker had apparently failed to get a referral fee from his agency, which found the job for him.

China Labour Watch has named the dead worker as Ming Li, a dispatch worker from an agency at the factory in Zhengzhou.

The New York-based group said Ming Li lived at the factory and his motives of jumping remained unclear.

Foxconn's factory in Zhengzhou, a city of about 10 million people, can produce 500,000 iPhones a day, according to a report. Pictured, an attendee inspects the new iPhone SE during an Apple special event at the Apple headquarters on March 21, 2016, in Cupertino, California

Foxconn's factory in Zhengzhou, a city of about 10 million people, can produce 500,000 iPhones a day, according to a report from The New York Times.

The investigative report, published in December 2016, claimed the Foxconn plant - simply known as the 'iPhone city' by locals - is the world's biggest iPhone factory.

Foxconn is owned by Taiwanese billionaire Terry Gou, who has been billed by Taiwanese media as 'the Donald Trump of Taiwan'.

MailOnline has contacted Foxconn regarding reports of the death and is awaiting a reply.

The report comes after a small number of students were discovered in November working overtime in Foxconn's Chinese factory, violating local labour laws.

Apple Inc and Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co and a major supplier to the U.S. firm, have been accused of poor labour practices in the past.

But the U.S. firm has been trying to get a grip of such issues, releasing annual reviews of the iPhone supply chain.A US military helicopter made an emergency landing on Monday in Japan's Okinawa islands, the second incident in three days.

A Marine Corps AH-1 attack helicopter with two people aboard landed in a field at a waste disposal site on Okinawa's main island, according to Japanese media stated.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage after the helicopter landed near a hotel in the village of Yomitan.

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1 attack helicopter sits near a Japanese police vehicle in Yomitan village, Okinawa, Japan on Monday

Photos showed an apparently intact helicopter parked in a grassy area.

The US side told police that a warning light had indicated a problem with the aircraft, public broadcaster NHK said.

It was the latest in a series of incidents involving US military equipment that have fueled local opposition to the basing of American forces on the island.

US military personnel examine US Marine Corps' UH-1Y helicopter after its emergency landing on a beach in Uruma, Japan's southern Okinawa islands, Sunday

'We do not know about the cause as the incident is still under investigation,' the spokesman told AFP.

In a similar incident a Marines Corps UH-1Y helicopter made an emergency landing on a beach in Okinawa on Saturday because its rotor appeared to be spinning too fast.

The chopper, carrying four people, made an emergency landing on a small islet in Okinawa Prefecture.

The U.S. Marine Corps said the emergency landing on the small islet was due to 'indications of the main rotor moving at too high a speed.'

No one was injured, but military personnel could be seen removing a large part of the rotor the next day and carting it away.

US military personnel remove a part of the main rotor on Marine Corps' UH-1Y helicopter from a beach in Uruma, Japan's southern Okinawa islands, Sunday

'I'm speechless. The frequency is too often. It cannot be helped but to think there's a systemic problem within the US military,' Okinawa Deputy Governor Moritake Tomikawa told reporters.

The incidents are the latest in a series that have inflamed Okinawan opposition to the large U.S. military presence on the southern Japan island chain.

In separate incidents last month, parts fell from U.S. military helicopters onto schools in Okinawa.

One boy had minor injuries after an emergency escape window fell from a CH-53 transport helicopter into a school playground in Ginowan city. The school is next to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.The minister in charge of planning for a 'no deal' Brexit will attend Cabinet following today's reshuffle, it has been claimed.

The change is intended by Theresa May to prove to Brussels Britain is serious about walking away from negotiations if only a bad deal is on the table.

Contingency planning for a no deal Brexit is deeply contentious inside Government as the Treasury has been reluctant to commit billions on projects it hopes will be unnecessary.

The role of no deal minister already exists and is held by Steve Baker, David Davis' deputy at the Brexit department.

Brexit minister Steve Baker (left) could be promoted to attend Cabinet and tasked with preparing for 'no deal' departure from the EU

Prime Minister Theresa May (pictured arriving back in Downing Street today) is reshuffling her top team amid fears it is too 'stale, pale and male'

A promotion to make the post one which 'attends Cabinet' was revealed by the Telegraph today as the first act of a dramatic reshuffle of Mrs May's government.

The shake-up got off to a dramatic start today as James Brokenshire resigned as Northern Ireland Secretary.

Mr Brokenshire decided to quit on health grounds as the PM kicked off the overhaul of her 'stale, male and pale' top team.

He is understood to have a lesion on his lung and will need surgery in the coming weeks.

The departure of her close ally will be a blow to Mrs May as she begins her New Year in a bid finally to stamp her authority on the government following the botched election.

Speculation is focused on whether former nurse Anne Milton could take over at health if Jeremy Hunt is moved.

Justice Secretary David Lidington is said to be shifting to fill the gap left by the axing of deputy PM Damian Green over computer porn allegations - although he might not enjoy the same seniority.

Mrs May could also send a stark message to Brussels by installing a dedicated 'Cabinet minister for no deal' to prepare for a collapse in Brexit talks.

Mrs May has previously been too weak to carry out a full shake-up, but sealing the Brexit divorce deal has allowed her to claw her way back into the driving seat.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire decided to quit on health grounds as the PM kicked off the reshuffle

Anne Milton (right) worked as a district nurse for the NHS for 25 years (left) and is now tipped to be the new Health Secretary. Her Commons nickname is 'Scary Spice'.

Jeremy Hunt (pictured leaving his London home today) is tipped to take over as Mrs May's deputy after the departure of Damian Green last month

Boris Johnson (left out for a job this morning) and Brexit Secretary David Davis (right) are expected to be kept in post as the PM stops short of a radical overhaul

Five or six changes are expected to be made at Cabinet level, although the biggest beasts such as Boris Johnson and Chancellor Philip Hammond are considered untouchable.

Education Secretary Justine Greening is said to face a demotion or be sacked amid claims the PM finds her 'patronising'. Ms Greening ignored questions about whether she expected to be fired as she left her London home this morning.

CABINET RESHUFFLE: WHO COULD MOVE? Westminster is rife with rumours as to who could be sacked, moved or promoted in Theresa May's reshuffle Rumoured sackings or demotions: Education Secretary Justine Greening Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom Business Secretary Greg Clark Tory chairman Patrick McLoughlin Communities Secretary Sajid Javid Rumoured promotions: Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt Transport Secretary Chris Grayling Health Minister Anne Milton Justice Minister Dominic Raab James Cleverly MP Nusrat Ghani MP Suella Fernandes MP Rishi Sunak MP Advertisement

Tory chairman Patrick McLoughlin is almost certainly for the chop, while the futures of Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom, Business Secretary Greg Clark and Communities Secretary Sajid Javid are also in doubt.

The move would show EU counterparts in Brussels that Mrs May still plans on leaving the EU even if a deal is not reached.

A government source said Mrs May will promote more women from 'non-white backgrounds' and it has been confirmed she will replace Mr Green after his forced resignation.

Mr Hunt has been tipped to become her effective deputy, with his current role likely to be given to former NHS nurse Ms Milton, MP for Guildford - who is nicknamed 'Scary Spice' for her combative Commons performances.

A minister told the Telegraph: 'If you are a woman in the 2015 intake stand by your phone - if you been a minister of state since 2010 be prepared for bad news.'

A source said that Mrs May will make changes to the Cabinet because she is worried voters see 'stale, male and pale Ministers on the wrong side of 50' in government.

Immigration minister Brandon Lewis would be a popular choice as party chairman.

Government sources have made clear the Prime Minister is not intending to move any of the 'big four' Mr Hammond,Mr Johnson, Home Secretary Amber Rudd or Brexit Secretary David Davis.

Justine Greening faces being demoted or sacked from Education Secretary amid claims Mrs May finds her 'patronising'

Tory chairman Patrick McLoughlin is almost certain to depart, while Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom and Business Secretary Greg Clark (pictured from left) are at risk

Mrs May is set to promote MPs from the junior ranks of government into the Cabinet while giving younger politicians a place on the lower rungs of the ladder.

Meanwhile, junior justice minister Dominic Raab has also been earmarked for promotion.

Mrs May will turn her attention to shaking up the lower ministerial ranks tomorrow.

MPs first elected in 2015, such as James Cleverly, Suella Fernandes, Nusrat Ghani and Rishi Sunak could be given ministerial jobs for the first time.

The changes will be seen as 'succession planning' to bring through a new generation of politicians.

Former Tory leader Lord Howard said Mrs May must make clear that 'no deal is better than a bad deal' in Brexit negotiations.

Allies of Communities Secretary Sajid Javid hope he will survive the reshuffle, while justice minister Dominic Raab will be hoping for a promotion

Commenting on the prospect of a 'no deal' minister, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I certainly think you've always got to make it clear in any negotiation that no deal is better than a bad deal, because if you go into any negotiation saying "I've got to have a deal at any price", you're going to be taken to the cleaners, which is what I feel would happen if Mr Corbyn was in charge of these negotiations.'

He also encouraged the PM to promote talented MPs who entered Parliament at the 2015 and 2017 general elections.

'The challenge facing the Prime Minister today, what she will want to do is to give fresh impetus to the Government and there is an array of talent on the back benches, and in junior ministerial positions,' the peer said.

'There really is, particularly but not exclusively those who have entered Parliament relatively recently and I hope and I believe that the Prime Minister will seize this opportunity to give some of those people a chance to show what they can do.'President Trump's senior policy advisor Stephen Miller reportedly had to be escorted by security from CNN's studios in Washington, DC, after his trainwreck interview with Jake Tapper on Sunday.

Tapper cut 32-year-old Miller's interview short after he started attacking the network's credibility, labeling them 'fake news'.

Tapper accused Miller of wasting his audience's time to please the president.

Apparently after Miller was taken off air, he refused to leave the studios, a CNN source told CBS.

'The segment was over and Mr. Miller was politely asked to leave the set multiple times. After refusing to leave, he was escorted out by security,' the source said.

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Stephen Miller reportedly had to be escorted from CNN's studios in Washington, DC on Sunday after his trainwreck interview with Jake Tapper

Tapper, right, cut Miller's interview short when he questioned the network's credibility

CNN has not issued a statement confirming the report.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, Matt Dornic, a network spokesman, responded to a tweet a CBS reporter published about the story, saying 'This is not a statement from CNN we did not issue a statement'.

'You need to correct or delete this tweet. I don't know your source. But we did not issue any such statement.'

DailyMail.com reached out to the White House for comment Monday morning, and a spokesman pointed out this 'correction'.

President Trump applauded Miller's performance in a tweet on Sunday.

'Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration,' Trump wrote. 'Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!'

Tapper grew tired of Miller repeating pro-Trump and anti-Stephen Bannon talking points and called the aide's constant interruptions 'hysterical,' as he cut the interview short by announcing, 'I think I've wasted enough of my viewers' time.'

The interview began courteously enough with Tapper wishing Miller a 'happy new year.'

It went downhill from there.

Tapper asked Miller about allegations laid out in the new book, 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' by Michael Wolff.

Bannon, Tapper reminded Miller, had criticized the Trump Tower meeting between Russians and campaign staff, saying, 'The chance that Don Jr. didn't walk these Jumos up to his father's office on the 26th floor is zero.'

The president applauded his 32-year-old aide, writing in a tweet that he 'destroyed' Tapper

Tapper wanted to know if Miller had any first-hand knowledge of the now-president meeting with the Russians who visited in Manhattan office building in June 2016.

Miller took the cue to lash out at Bannon.

'Steve Bannon's eloquence in that description notwithstanding, it's tragic and unfortunate that Steve would make these grotesque comments, so out of touch with reality and obviously so vindictive,' Miller said.

'And the whole White House staff is deeply disappointed in his comments, which were grotesque,' he said, using the adjective again.

Bannon, Miller said, wasn't even there.

'It reads like an angry, vindictive person spouting off to a highly discredible author,' Miller continued, pivoting to lash out at Wolff too.

'The book is best understood as a work of very poorly written fiction,' Miller added. 'And I also will say that the author is a garbage author of a garbage book.'

Miller tried to counter Wolff's portrayal of what Trump is like to what the aide personally encountered when traveling with the candidate and now president.

When Tapper tried to get him back on track to talk about the meeting, Miller replied, 'I have no knowledge of anything to do with that meeting.'

From there, the conversation was more about CNN.

Miller charged that the cable news network was going '24/7 with all the salacious coverage.'

'And I know that it brings a lot of you guys a lot of joy to trying to stick the knife in,' he said.

Tapper pushed back on that claim, noting how many people from the White House are quoted, on the record, in Wolff's book.

The newsman also got into a tussle with Miller over who hired him, suggesting it was Bannon who helped bring the young aide on board.

Miller said the credit goes not to Bannon, but to Trump's first campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski. He also said Bannon had nothing to do with the writing of Trump's controversial travel ban.

Pictured above are CNN"s studios in Washington, DC

Throughout the interview, Miller repeatedly praised Trump's political prowess, knocking the 'so-called political geniuses in Washington' who didn't predict the populist Republican's ascent.

'The only person who has called himself a genius in the last week is the president,' Tapper uttered.

Miller said that point was true, calling the president a, 'A self-made billionaire who revolutionized reality TV and who has changed the course of our politics.'

'I'm sure he's watching, and he's happy that you said that,' Tapper shot back.

Miller called Tapper's comment 'condescending' and said it was a 'snide remark,' broadening that point to the whole of CNN.

'You get 24 hours of negative, anti-Trump, hysterical coverage on this network that led in recent weeks to some spectacularly embarrassing false reporting from your network,' Miller said.

Tapper countered by saying, 'I think the viewers right now can ascertain who is being hysterical.'

The conversation further devolved as the CNN newsman tried asking the aide about Bannon's role in the White House and also about a letter Miller helped draft that articulated reasons to fire FBI Director James Comey, a move Trump made in May.

When Tapper got to the president's mental fitness, Miller turned it into a full-on slap of CNN, saying there was a 'crisis of legitimacy' and a 'toxic environment' at the network.

Miller also argued that the president's Saturday tweets, in which he boasted about his 'mental stability' and IQ, were helpful in arguing the point that he had the fortitude to do the job.

'The president's tweets absolutely reaffirm the plainspoken truth: A self-made billionaire revolutionized reality TV and tapped into something magical that is happening in the hearts of this country,' Miller said.

With that, Tapper scoffed.

'The president has an approval rating in the 30s,' the journalist said. 'I don't know what magical you're talking about.'

The two squabbled for a minute more, before Tapper had had enough.

'I get it,' the veteran journo said. 'There is one viewer that you care about right now. And you're obsequious, you're being a factotum, in order to please him.'

Tapper meant Trump.

Miller tried to protest, but Tapper quickly said, 'Thank you Stephen.' The camera panned away from the White House aide as Tapper started reading from the teleprompter, readying his audience the next segment.A 'modern-day slave' who had been living in an attic for six years while being forced to work without pay has been freed in a dramatic rescue operation.

The Hungarian man was found after officers from Britain's specialist anti-slavery unit raided a number of properties in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Investigators said the man's reported ordeal was one of a series of cases where 'vulnerable' people are preyed on by others from their country of origin.

A suspect is led away after a raid by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority in Oldham, last month, saw four people arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences

The man, in his late 50s, claims his exploiters put him to work in a food processing plant and made him collect scrap metal before denying him wages.

Four people have been arrested as part of the investigation, which is codenamed Operation Sidebar.

The man is now safe and is due to be relocated, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) said.

The GLAA, formerly known as the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, was formed after the deaths of 23 cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay in 2004.

It is a law enforcement agency set up to tackle exploitation, human trafficking and modern slavery.

New police-style powers to arrest, search for and seize evidence have given to the unit's officers.

Estimates from the Home Office put the number of suspected 'modern-day slaves' in the UK at 10,000 to 13,000, although the real figure is feared to be far higher.

The GLAA said it had particular focus on car washes as well as industries including cleaning, construction, manufacturing and warehouse working.

The Oldham raids were carried out late last month but details have just emerged.

A 22-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested at a property in Greenacres area of Oldham.

A 60-year-old man was held at a separate address nearby and, 24 hours later, a woman was also arrested.

It is understood the man rescued was found in the attic of one of those who was arrested.

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, formerly known as the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, was formed after the deaths of 23 cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay in 2004 (above)

The four - all Hungarian nationals - were held on suspicion of committing offences under the Modern Slavery Act.

They were questioned and released pending further investigation, the GLAA said. Greater Manchester Police provided support during the raid.

The GLAA said the investigation was launched after concerns were raised by supervisors at a food production factory about the condition of another man, 66, who the GLAA said was being driven to and from work by one of the suspects.

He too has now been relocated from the Oldham area after agreeing to enter the National Referral Mechanism, a process set up by the Government to identify and support victims of suspected human trafficking in the UK.

Senior investigating officer Martin Plimmer said: 'This appears to be another case of opportunists preying on vulnerable fellow countrymen and exploiting them for their labour.

'While we are still in the very early stages of this investigation we appear to have uncovered two victims - one of whom claims to have been exploited for a considerable period of time.

'Working with police and immigration officers, we have been able to arrest suspects and will now gather evidence to ensure that justice is done.'Scientologist actress Elisabeth Moss has been accused of hypocrisy for giving an emotional 'metoo' Golden Globe acceptance speech while her religion has been accused of covering up sexual assaults.

The 35-year-old won Best Actress In A TV Drama at the ceremony in Los Angeles for her portrayal as Offred in the Amazon series The Handmaid's Tale adapted from the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood.

Moss, who rarely talks of her association with the Church of Scientology, made reference 'to the women who were brave enough to fight for equality and freedom in this world'.

But the speech sparked a backlash online with some pointing to allegations made against the religion that it had covered up sexual assaults.

Scientologist actress Elisabeth Moss (pictured) has been accused of hypocrisy for giving an emotional 'metoo' Golden Globe speech while her religion has been accused of covering up sexual assaults

The 35-year-old won Best Actress In A TV Drama in Los Angeles for her portrayal as Offred in the Amazon series The Handmaid's Tale adapted from the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood

One Twitter user wrote that 'her outpourings of supposed empathy and solidarity to the [metoo] movement don't quite ring true since she is still a prominent Scientologist - an organisation which silences women more than any other.'

Another said: 'Elisabeth Moss winning for Handmaid's Tale, and then giving a speech about injustice and inequality, all while being a proud Scientologist is GOLDEN.'

According to Fox News, the church has come underfire recently amid claims it had knowledge of rape claims made against Scientologist actor Danny Masterson long before reports became public in the media.

In November, it was reported that four women had come forward to accuse Masterson of sex attacks.

The historic claims against the 41-year-old all dated back to the early 2000s.

The women, all members of the Church of Scientology, also claim that the organization covered up the alleged sexual assaults by Masterson, a fellow Scientologist. Masterson has denied all the accusations against him.

The case began in 2004 when a woman filed a report with the Los Angeles Police Department saying Masterson raped her when she was 'passed out' in an earlier incident in 2003.

She claims she woke up when she realized what was happening but he choked her until she passed out again. However, the case was eventually closed after the Church of Scientology submitted over 50 affidavits from Scientologists who denied the woman's account.

In a December statement released to the media the church said it 'adamantly denies' ever ignoring any allegations of criminal behavior 'especially at the expense of alleged victims'.

'What is being stated is utterly untrue. This has nothing to do with religion. This story is being manipulated to push a bigoted agenda. The church follows all laws and cooperates with law enforcement. Any statement or implication to the contrary is false.'

Moss (pictured ahead of her acceptance speech) was raised as a Scientologist and in 2013 said that it gave her stability and empowerment and helped her learn to respect herself

The police report detailing the alleged assault from one victim were obtained by The Underground Bunker.

The woman claimed that the church had 'threatened her' and if she told the police she would 'lose everything and everyone'.

She added in her statement to police: 'Then they put me on a massive ethics program as punishment. My rapist was not punished at all.

'They didn't even call him to talk about it. I ended up breaking up with him two months later.'

In Scientology, reporting another church member to law enforcement is considered a 'suppressive act' and which can lead to punishment or even expulsion from the church.

Sources familiar with the case told Buzzfeed, the woman's file had mysteriously vanished in 2004, leaving Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller to reconstruct it.

In her speech on Sunday, Moss used her acceptance speech to honor author Margaret Atwood by reading a message from the author about female empowerment

The other three women allegedly reported their rapes directly to the Church of Scientology.

Moss was raised as a Scientologist and in 2013 said that it gave her stability and empowerment and helped her learn to respect herself.

When asked about her support in 2014, however, Moss would not answer questions about the religion.

Last year, the former Mad Men star responded to a comment about Scientology on Instagram having written about her role in the Last Handmaids Tale.

And while the post initially garnered positive responses, Instagram user @moeleybanks decided to ask a question which compared Gilead, the authoritarian state depicted in The Handmaid's Tale, to Scientology.

'Love this adaptation so much. Question though, does it make you think twice about scientology?' asked @moeleybanks. 'Gilead and Scientology both believe that all outside sources (aka news) are wrong and evil it's just very interesting.'

While Moss usually avoids talking about her religion, on this occasion she responded to the question.

'@Moeleybanks That's actually not true at all about Scientology,' she wrote.

'Religious freedom and tolerance and understanding the truth and equals rights for every race, religion and creed are extremely important to me. The most important things to me probably. And so Gilead and THT hit me on a very personal level. Thanks for the interesting question!'

In her speech on Sunday, Moss paid tribute to Margaret Atwood by reading a message from the author about female empowerment.

'We were the people who were not in the papers,' read Moss. 'We lived in the blank white spaces at the edge of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the story.'

Moss then dedicated the award to Atwood.

'Margaret Atwood, this is for you and the women who came before you and after you who were brave enough to speak out against intolerance and injustice' the Mad men actress continued.

'We no longer live in the blank white spaces at the edge of print. We no longer live in the gaps between the stories.

'We are the story in print. We are writing the story ourselves.' she concluded.French President Emmanuel Macron went out his way to woo Chinese leader Xi Jinping by gifting him a horse from the elite French Republic Guard on the first day of his state visit.

Macron is on a three-day tour of China and picked an 8-year old brown gelding named Vesuvius from the presidential cavalry corps, braving stringent Chinese quarantine checks to offer it to President Xi Jinping.

The choice of the gift, an 'unprecedented diplomatic gesture' according to the French presidency, was made after the Chinese president expressed his fascination for the 104 horsemen who escorted him during his last visit to Paris in 2014.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron are pictured at the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian, Shaanxi province, China

Macron and his wife Brigitte pose for a photo as they tour around Big Wild Goose Pagoda

It is the first time France has offered one of the elite cavalry corps' horses and is also a response to China's 'panda diplomacy', after Macron's wife Brigitte became the godmother of a Chinese panda lent by Beijing to a zoo near Paris.

'It mattered a lot for the president, even if it was very complicated to import a horse for sanitary reasons. It's a symbol of French excellence,' an Elysee official said.

Since his election last May, France's youngest leader since Napoleon has shown his willingness to use symbols and history to win over his global counterparts.

Macron flattered Russian President Vladimir Putin in May with a meeting at the sumptuous palace of France's former monarchy, built in Versailles by Louis XIV - the 'Sun King' - to symbolise absolute power.

He also invited U.S. President Donald Trump to watch a military parade on the grandest avenue of Paris on Bastille Day last July to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War One.

Trump later said Macron was doing a 'terrific job'.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron are greeted by a monk at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the northern Chinese city of Xian

The horse was from raised by the Republican Guards who are seen marching during the annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron went out his way to woo Chinese leader Xi Jinping by gifting him a horse from the elite French Republic Guard. Pictured: Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with a local elderly iman as his Brigitte looks on, during a visit to the Great Mosque of Xian

Macron launched his visit in Xian, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, in a nod to his counterpart's scheme to revive the famous trading route

Macron is on a three-day tour of China. Pictured: The French President poses with children as they are welcomed on the tarmac at Beijing's Capital Airport

After Xian, Macron will travel on to Beijing along with his delegation which takes in some 60 business executives and institutions

Macron launched his visit in Xian, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, in a nod to his counterpart's scheme to revive the famous trading route.

He visited the northern city's famous terracotta warriors along with his wife Brigitte before delivering a keynote speech on the future of Franco-Chinese relations.

The 8,000-man clay army, crafted around 250 BC for the tomb of China's first emperor Qin Shihuang, is a symbol of ancient Chinese artistic and military sophistication in a country that proclaims itself a 5,000-year-old civilisation.

Macron's first official visit to Asia marks a new stage for his diplomacy, which has so far been concentrated on Europe and Africa.

Macron and wife Brigitte meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and wife Peng Liyuan before a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse

In a meeting today Macron urged Europe to take part in China's massive Silk Road infrastructure project but warned against 'hegemony', saying both sides should share the benefits

He plans to seek a 'strategic partnership' with Beijing on issues including terrorism and climate change, and make Xi an ally in implementing the Paris accord to fight climate change after the US pulled out of the deal.

After Xian, Macron will travel on to Beijing along with his delegation which takes in some 60 business executives and institutions.

In Xian, Macron also decided at the last minute to visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, a virtually unknown landmark in the West compared with the terracotta soldiers but well-known by Chinese people as a historic site for Buddhism.

The 40-year old French president is keen to gain more access for French companies to often protected Chinese markets and is travelling with a delegation of about 50 businessmen.Advertisement

Salim Mehajer has revealed the extraordinary precautions he took to keep his identity secret after meeting his new model girlfriend in Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs on New Year's Eve.

In a bizarre letter shared to his Instagram story in the very early hours of Tuesday morning, the 31-year-old said he had first laid eyes on Central Coast business graduate Melissa Tysoe at 10.30pm at the Vaucluse party.

Mehajer said the pair shared a smile of 'immense connection', which magnified when he decided to sit next to her and she didn't move away from him - an action which strangely sent 'shivers' down his spine.

He then went on to explain how delighted he was that his new love interest did not initially know who he was, and how he gave her a fake surname and shut down his social media to prevent her from finding out.

At the time they met, Salim had been through a rough few months, with tapes emerging detailing allegations he had threatened to rape his mechanic's mother and that he was under threat of angry bikies.

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Salim Mehajer (right) and his new sweetheart, Melissa Tysoe (left) have penned gushing love letters to each other, and shared them to social media

Mehajer gave Ms Tysoe a fake last name, and set his social media to private when the pair first met at a Vaucluse NYE party

Salim Mehajer and new flame Melissa Tysoe have both shared gushing love posts to Instagram (Mehajer's left, Tysoe's right)

'She didn't even know who I was, thank god,' he exclaimed through the post.

'Even her sister, who lives in Tasmania, has never ever heard of me. I was like yesssss! [sic].

'To ensure this will continue being the case, I even placed my Instagram account on private, not letting her see my images or understand anything about me.

'I even changed the spelling of my surname in case she decides to Google me.'

Earlier in the year, Mehajer was at the centre of an insurance scandal, with allegations of fraud made against him following a series of unfortunate car accidents.

But none of that appeared to have mattered to his Instagram model girlfriend, who penned a gushing post in support of her new beau on Monday night.

Taking to the picture sharing platform, the business and commerce graduate told her nearly 57,000 followers she shared an 'intellectual connection' with Mehajer, who was a 'kind man with an incredible mind'.

Mehajer first met the businesswoman and Instagram model (pictured) on New Year's Eve, and again 90 minutes later at midnight

While Ms Tysoe's letter focuses on Mehajer's positive attributes, the former deputy mayor of Auburn tells followers how he tried to avoid the blonde beauty finding out who he was

The 31-year-old told social media followers the pair shared a smile of 'immense connection' as the clock struck 12

Ms Tysoe was first linked to Mehajer earlier this month after he shared a video of the pair kissing to his Snapchat account.

The pair have quickly become inseparable, with a bevy of images showing them spending time together and being affectionate.

On Monday night, she attempted to explain how their relationship blossomed so quickly, despite their massive cultural differences.



'What do I see in him? We pray to different gods, we are tied to different cultures, but we share the same passions,' she said.

He shared his utter delight that Ms Tysoe had no idea who he was upon their meeting, and went to great lengths to continue her ignorance

News of the controversial businessman's new relationship broke when he shared pictures and video of the pair on Snapchat (pictured)

At the time Mehajer and Ms Tysoe met, he had made headlines for allegations he had threatened to rape his mechanic's mother, and that bikies were going to 'get' him

Ms Tysoe praised her new beau for his intelligence and values, saying these qualities were not easy to come by.

'For the first time in a long time, I have an intellectual connection with somebody,' she wrote.

'I see a kind man with an incredible mind, a companion who values the same things I do - family, travel, food, new experiences, happiness in confidence, fitness and health, who is so determined in his career and business.

'But above all, someone who does it all for their family. Someone with a cute playful side, who makes me laugh and likes me for me, even though I'm a dork sometimes.'

The pair have been very active on social media, sharing their time together with more than 250,000 combined Instagram followers

Salim's video of the pair kissing (pictured) came just days after he declared his love for former flame Constance Siaflas

Ms Tysoe appeared to directly mention Mehajer's lengthy list of controversies in the letter.

'There is good and bad in everyone,' she wrote.

'Sometimes good people do bad things, and sometimes bad people do good things.

'In the early stages of crossing paths with someone, it is difficult to tell one from the other.

'All I know is, we are human and we all make mistakes, but for most people, their worst mistakes are kept secret and not put out in the media, so we are given a second chance.

'I think he deserves one too.'

Ms Tysoe told followers the pair had much in common, and that he had a 'cute, playful side'

She appeared to directly reference Mehajer's alleged wrongdoings, noting 'sometimes good people do bad things, and sometimes bad people do good things'

Mehajer later shared the post to his Snapchat story, captioning the note: 'She reads me like a book'.

In his lengthy response, which is expected to be continued, he says he had prayed for a woman like her earlier that day.

'What still sends shivers down my spine till [sic] this very day, is that she was an answered prayer I made that day,' he wrote.Nigel Farage appeared to praise Ukip leader Henry Bolton for jilting his wife for a 25 year-old glamour model saying 'at least he is being talked about'.

Mr Bolton hit the headlines last week when it emerged he left his wife Tatiana Smurova - mother of his small two children - over Christmas.

The Ukip leader, who was barely known before his shock election in September, has started a relationship with ex topless model Jo Marney.

Speaking in Brussels today, Mr Farage appeared to endorse the relationship as it has raised Mr Bolton's profile.

Asked about the affair, Mr Farage said: 'At least he is being talked about. People are writing about him - they weren't before.'

The ex Ukip leader was quizzed about his thoughts on the scandal after he travelled to the EU capital for a showdown meeting with Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.

Nigel Farage was quizzed about his thoughts on the Henry Bolton scandal after he travelled to the EU capital for a showdown meeting with Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier. He said: 'At least he is being talked about. People are writing about him - they weren't before.'

Mr Bolton, a father of three, has claimed his wife had been living abroad since July and insisted there had been no 'clandestine affair'.

But Ms Smurova said he sent her a loving text on Christmas Eve and told how she only found out he had left her on December 30 when he dropped the bombshell in a text message.

Speaking on the 'terrible betrayal', Russian-born Ms Smurova, who has dropped the Bolton part of her surname, told the Sunday Mirror: 'What kind of person runs away to sleep with another woman, leaving their two small children over Christmas?

'I'm still breastfeeding his child for goodness sake.

'I feel as though I've been thrown in a cold ocean and I'm just trying to stay on the surface.'

Henry Bolton hit the headlines last week when it emerged he left his wife Tatiana Smurova - mother of his small two children - over Christmas to be with Jo Marney, who he is pictured with

Russian-born Tatiana Smurova, pictured with her young baby Victoria, hit out at her husband for leaving her. She said: 'What kind of person runs away to sleep with another woman, leaving their two small children over Christmas?'

Sources close to the UKIP leader have said his marriage had been under strain for months after his wife moved to Vienna in Austria to take up a job with a EU funded security organization.

But Mr Bolton's other ex wife Lidia Gouniakova broke her silence to claim he is a serial love cheat.

The Russian hairdresser said: He was cheating on me, too.' She claims Mr Bolton ditched her after starting an affair with Ms Smurova.

Two years ago Ms Smurova hit the headlines after giving birth to her second child at London's St Pancras station after going into labour.

The couple named the baby girl Victoria after the rail station.

Ms Smurova went into premature labour as she travelled with her husband from their home in Kent.

The baby was safely delivered by paramedics called to the station by staff.Special counsel Robert Mueller and his team of investigators want to interview President Trump in person as they move forward with the Russia probe  and Trump's lawyers are reaching out for ways to protect the president by limiting the inquiry.

It has long been understood that investigators would seek answers from the man who presided over the campaign and White House that has been probed over issues ranging from any collusion to possible obstruction of justice and other matters.

Trump's lawyers in and outside the White House met with Mueller's team before Christmas where they raised the issue, having already charged Trump associates with lying to the FBI and extracted guilty pleas from others.

Prosecutors have indicated they will likely seek an interview with Trump, the Washington Post reported. Such a preference would be in keeping with standard prosecutorial strategy to talk to everyone who might have knowledge of a situation under investigation.

The president's legal team is mulling how to present the president to the special counsel for questioning when or if the times comes. Trump's team is said to be seeking clarification on the special counsel's desired format on the expected questioning

The push is now being confirmed by people close to the president.

'This is moving faster than anyone really realizes,' a source close to the president told the paper. It could include an interview on a defined are of inquiry.

The person said the president is comfortable participating and that it would put to rest questions of collusion  something Trump has repeatedly denied in public, although not under oath as he would have to with the FBI.

In limited circumstances, this has even brought presidents to be deposed  as President Bill Clinton was required to do in special prosecutor Ken Starr's Lewinsky probe, where his videotaped statements got used against him.

Investigators have already interviewed key figures throughout the White House and has indicted former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort and his former deputy Rick Gates.

President Trump's legal team is anticipating an interview request from Bob Mueller (pictured) before the conclusion of the Russia probe

Trump's White House lawyer Ty Cobb said 'the White House does not comment on communications with the [office of special counsel] out of respect for the OSC and its process,' and repeated its 'full cooperation.'

Trump is experienced in litigation from his career as a real estate mogul.

But a look at his past appearances reveals what his legal team must be mindful of: interviewed directly under oath, Trump has had to acknowledge past misstatements that he was unable to defend.

In his 2007 deposition in a libel lawsuit, he got asked about his note to a reporter where he claimed he owned a 50 per cent stake in a real estate project.

'I own 30 percent,' he testified under oath. 'And I've always felt I owned 50 percent,' he tried to explain, since he didn't put up his own money on the deal. 'The 30 percent equates to much more than 30 percent.'

Again and again, lawyers for the reporter, Tim O'Brien, grilled Trump, as the Washington Post recounted during the campaign.

Then he got asked about saying publicly he was paid 'more than a million dollars' for a speech.

Under questioning, he revealed he got paid 'approximately $400,000.' The balance was for the promotion of the event, which he considered 'of great value.'

The president's legal team is seek to mitigate the risk by various means, from trying to have him answer questions in writing to limiting the scope of the questioning.

If no deal gets negotiated, Mueller's office could subpoena Trump. He has the option of pleading the Fifth Amendment, but failing to answer questions could carry major political consequences, as Trump has said he has done nothing wrong. He also has blasted the Mueller probe as a witch hunt, an argument he could muster if he refuses to cooperate.

Trump's legal team is anticipating an interview request from Robert Mueller before the conclusion of the Russia probe, according to NBC, and may ask the Department of Justice to allow Trump to provide written responses to the special counsel's questions.

There is speculation Mueller, the former FBI Director, may conduct the interview himself. In past presidential grillings, several lawyers on both sides are present

Trump's team is also seeking clarification on the special counsel's desired format on the expected questioning, the network said, including topics and duration, and asking whether Mueller would conduct the interview himself.

Mueller's team is said to be probing allegations that Trump intentionally obstructed justice in the Russia collusion case when he fired former FBI Director James Comey last year in May.

It is also interested in a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer that the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., set up and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, attended.

Manafort has already been indicted in the Russia probe - but not for any contacts he may have had with representatives of the Kremlin in the course of the presidential campaign. He and business partner who also worked with him on the Trump campaign, Rick Gates, have been charged with a dozen financial and lobbying crimes.

Prosecutors have the advantage of knowing what cooperating witnesses have told them. Michael Flynn, former national security advisor to President Donald Trump, leaves following his plea hearing at the Prettyman Federal Courthouse December 1, 2017 in Washington, DC. Special Counsel Robert Mueller charged Flynn with one count of making a false statement to the FBI

Since Mueller's October indictment of Manafort, NBC reports that Trump's legal team has been brainstorming ways to sidestep an interview altogether.

The lawyers reportedly sat down with the special counsel's office in late December.

Prior to that, Ty Cobb, one of Trump's White House lawyers, had said he believed interviews for the investigation were wrapping up.

But the president himself has not been interviewed yet in the election meddling case that has morphed to include his axing of Comey.

Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to the president, also suggested that Trump may have met with the Russians, too, at Trump Tower in the summer of 2016.

NBC reports that Trump's lawyers are seeking to determine whether the special counsel's interest in the president would meet a legal bar for interviewing the nation's chief executive.

Trump's legal team declined requests from comment from NBC. So did Pete Carr, a spokesman for the special counsel's office. Carr also declined to comment to DailyMail.com.

Cobb told DailyMail.com over email, 'The White House does not comment on communications with the OSC out of respect for the OSC and its process.

'The White House is continuing its full cooperation with the OSC in order to facilitate the earliest possible resolution.'

Since the October indictment of Paul Manafort, Trump's legal team has been brainstorming ways to sidestep an interview altogether, NBC reports

The president said Saturday that he would be willing to speak to Mueller, but he's not, as he understands it, under investigation.

'Yeah,' he said. 'Just so you understand  just so you understand, there's been no collusion; there's been no crime And in theory, everybody tells me I'm not under investigation. Maybe Hillary is, I don't know, but I'm not.'

The White House has long said that Comey was fired for incompetence, although the president said in a consequential interview that he had Russia on his mind when he let go of the law enforcement official who was midway through a 10-year appointment.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders reiterated Wednesday that Trump was not involved in the Trump Tower meeting about adoption sanctions, either, that Trump Jr. believed was an opportunity for the campaign to obtain embarrassing information about Hillary Clinton.

'As the President has stated many times, no. And he wasn't part or aware of that,' she said in response to a question about the Bannon claim that appeared in Michael Wolff's blockbuster book 'Fire and Fury.'Robert Prudham, 33, from Maidstone in Kent, swindled almost 5,000 from car park machines (pictured, outside court)

The ex-husband of 'Queen of Benefits' Cheryl Prudham has been jailed after he stole thousands from his bosses and splashed out on a family holiday in the sun.

Robert Prudham, 33, from Maidstone in Kent, swindled almost 5,000 in coins and notes from car park machines, including those at a hospital, while working as a collector for Meteor Parking Ltd.

The father-of-six was jailed for 14 months today after admitting four counts of theft and one of fraud by false representation at Maidstone Crown Court.

After stealing the cash, Prudham handed over around 2,240 to his ex-wife who spent it on a family trip to Spain.

Mother-of-twelve Cheryl, 35, once said to rake in 40,000-a-year from the state, will wait until tomorrow to learn her fate.

She admitted handling stolen goods and was due to be sentenced today via a TV link with Warrington Crown Court in Cheshire, close to where she now lives.

But problems with the link meant the mother, who is now believed to work as a part-time carer, will not be sentenced until tomorrow.

A restraining order, in place after Prudham was convicted of harassing Cheryl, meant the pair could not be in the dock together at Maidstone.

She has previous convictions dating back to 2004, details of which were not given in court, and was warned at a previous hearing that she also faced jail.

Prudham, father to her six youngest children and also known as Robert Ring, stole 4,788 in the space of a month.

He targeted the supposedly tamper-proof cashboxes while emptying machines at car parks, many at train stations, across Kent and south east London.

Robert and Cheryl Prudham at home with nine of her children, when they lived in Kent

He even swiped cash from parking machines at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Kent.

A court heard he also hid his criminal past from a recruitment agency, and resigned just four weeks after landing the job.

The day Prudham quit was also when bosses discovered he had pocketed 2,000 from Fremlin Walk shopping centre in Maidstone.

The next day Cheryl, who was pregnant with twins at the time, paid the holiday installment.

Three months later they were seen with their large brood - then totalling nine and aged between 14 and one - soaking up the sunshine during an all-inclusive fortnight break on the Spanish island of Menorca.

She had gone to a branch of Thomson in Sittingbourne on February 11, 2014, and handed over 2,241.96 in cash, the court heard.

In total, Cheryl paid 7,671.96 in installments for the 14 night break for 11 people at the Victoria Playa hotel in Santo Thomas.

They flew out from London's Gatwick airport on May 16, 2014, and returned on May 30.

Mother-of-12 Cheryl Prudham, who has previously made national headlines after raking in 40,000 a year in benefits (Pictured, with Robert Prudham and her daughter)

Shortly before he quit his job, Prudham had told a colleague the holiday had cost him 10,000.

Details of the trip were revealed during the trial last year of a work colleague Prudham was alleged to have 'corrupted' into stealing with him.

But he was cleared by a jury in less than 45 minutes of any involvement in the thefts carried out over five days in February 2014.

Prudham, who now lives with his new partner in Manchester, has 18 previous convictions for 29 offences, including many for theft and dishonesty.

Jailing him, Judge Adele Williams said his response to previous court orders had been 'abysmal' and he had failed to take advantage of opportunities offered by the probation service.

'You obtained this employment by fraud, you failed to reveal your previous convictions for dishonesty, and obtained a job collecting money by fraudulent means,' she added.

'You then committed the theft offences which was a significant breach of trust. This was quite deliberate dishonesty.'

Prudham, who arrived at court without a bag packed, waved at his girlfriend and family in the public gallery and asked them to send him money.

Eve George, defending, told the court that at the time of the thefts he was 'short of money'.

'It is no excuse but he does have six children with his co-defendant,' she added.

'Since moving to Manchester he has turned over a new leaf and has not committed any more offences.'

He was jailed for a total of nine months on each of the theft charges and five months' consecutive for fraud.

Prudham began working for the car park company, owned by Vinci Services, on January 12, 2014, having told Folkestone-based recruitment company Red Eagle that he was of good character with no criminal convictions.

Left, Prudham poses for cameras outside Maidstone Crown Court today, and right, swearing at photographers during an earlier hearing

The money was meant to be transferred into cashboxes and then taken to a secure central location at Ashford Designer Outlet Centre in Kent to be counted.

But money went missing between collection and drop-off, said prosecutor Oliver Doherty.

When 2,000, mostly in notes, went missing from Fremlin Walk car park, an audit was carried out and the other three thefts were discovered.

'It was easy for the company to check who had access (to the parking machines) because there were security procedures in place and the only people who had access when the 2,000 was stolen was Robert Prudham and his colleague,' said Mr Doherty.

He also told the court the cashboxes could be easily disabled and the money simply tipped out.

'Robert Prudham immediately resigned on discovery of the thefts,' said Mr Doherty.

'The investigation also discovered that Cheryl Prudham, the then partner of Robert, had a family holiday booked with TUI and there had been regular deposits to pay for the expensive holiday.'

As well as the hospital and shopping centre car parks, Prudham stole from machines based at train stations in Borough Green, Chatham, Hildenborough, Longfield, Maidstone East, Meopham, Rainham, Sevenoaks, Staplehurst and Orpington - all in Kent.

Those he targeted in south east London were at Bromley North, Eltham and Mottingham stations.

Prudham resigned on February 10, the day the final amount of money was stolen.

He and Cheryl were living in Gravesend, Kent, at the time.

His 28-year-old colleague, Jacob Underdown, from Sheerness, Kent, who was cleared of three theft offences told the trial he 'didn't have a clue' how Prudham was able to steal the money.

But he also told police Prudham had looked 'pretty shifty' during one of their rounds, adding: 'He said he was going on holiday in April and had 3,000 left to pay.

'He was going to Spain, full board because he has 10 (sic) kids. He said the full cost was 10,000.

'I was with him the whole time and don't recall him taking bags. If he has done it, I don't know how he has done it.'

The prosecutor said it was subsequently discovered money could be stolen from the cashboxes with the tamper seal remaining in place.

Prudham had lied about not having previous convictions when he filled in a job application form with the recruitment agency in September 2013.Two men had been arrested and given detention after publicly insulting a police officer who killed a golden retriever on a street in China.

According to the police, the 24-year-old Mr Zhou posted pictures and personal details of the policeman on Weibo, a Twitter-like social media platform, on December 31. Another Mr Zhou, 26, publicly insulted the policeman on the same day.

The incident occurred on the same day after the policeman was filmed beating a leashed golden retriever to death with a wooden club in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province.

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Horrific: A police officer can be seen holding a long wooden club and wielding it towards a golden retriever that was chained to a road barrier in Changsha two weeks ago.

According to Changsha Police's social media account, each of the two men was given a five-day detention for disclosing confidential information of a police officer and showing disrespect to a police officer.

On New Year's Eve, the police officer was seen repeatedly beating a dog with a wooden club on its head.

The golden retriever can be seen struggling to stand up and crying loud before it died.

The incident has sparked an outcry online as dog lovers criticised the police officer's method of handling a 'dog attack incident'. The public said the officer was 'cruel' and 'heartless'.

Outcry: The incident has sparked fury among the web users and two men who publicly assaulted and disclosed the policeman's address were detained for five days

The horrific incident happened in Changsha (pictured) of Hunan Province in south China

The officer claimed he did not carry any tranquillising gun and decided to use a wooden club to kill the canine instead.

Some said 'out-of-control' dogs should be killed to prevent more injuries as they fear the canine carried any virus such as rabies.

Changsha Police Bureau received flags from citizens who supported the killing of the dog.

The policeman was hailed as hero for beating the 'stray' dog as he performed his duty to protect the citizens.

Changsha Police stated complaints should be expressed through a formal channel and follow the laws and orders.Some 290 migrants have been rescued from the Mediterranean Sea as they tried to reach Europe according to Libyan authorities.

The migrants, including 53 women and 57 children, were rescued from two stranded vessels which suffered engine troubles during the crossing on Sunday

They were rescued off the coast of Garabulli, 30 miles east of Tripoli, then taken to the capital, naval officer Meftah al-Zlitni said.

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Saved: Some of the 290 migrants rescued off the coast of Libya by the navy on Sunday

Rescued: Among the hundreds who tried and failed to cross the Mediterranean Sea were 53 women and 57 children

Desperate: A young child cries as the many people scramble to get off the large dinghy

The bodies of two female migrants were found on one of the vessels, a statement from the navy added.

The rescue took place one day after 64 migrants are believed to have drowned when a smugglers' rubber dinghy sank in the same area of the Mediterranean.

The boat started sinking due to a puncture off the coast of Libya. Italian coast guard eventually rescued 86 people, and retrieved the bodies of eight dead women.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) later said that according to survivors, interviewed by the UN agency in Sicily, there were 150 persons aboard the overcrowded rubber dinghy went it took off from Libya.

The Italian coast guard launched a search but didn't find any more survivors or bodies.

Coast guard rescuers managed to save dozens of migrants who were stranded in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya

The migrants were saved by the Italian coastguard, and survivors say there were around 150 migrants on board the boat before it deflated

Many of the migrants had fallen out of the dinghy and had been in the water for a number of hours

A spokesman for Libya's navy and coastguard said the boat capsized and sank in international waters and that they did not have the resources to rescue them

Rescuers arrived at the scene in the early afternoon and around 20 migrants were in the inflatable while a number of others were in the water

Return: The two boats of migrants were rescued off the coast of Garabulli, 30 miles east of Tripoli, then taken to the capital

Shrinking numbers: Some 119,000 people attempted to cross the Mediterranean in the second half of 2017, a decrease of one third on the previous yea

In need: Medics tend to a migrant after being rescued with others by Libyan coast guards, at a naval base in Tripoli,

Men, women and children regroup at the naval base after trying and failing to sail across the Mediterranean

Since the 2011 fall of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has become a key launch pad for migrants making desperate bids to reach Europe, often on unseaworthy vessels.

Last year, 3,116 people died attempting the crossing, according to the OIM.

There was however a sharp drop in arrivals in Italy during in the second half of 2017 following efforts by Rome to discourage migrants from attempting the crossing.

Some 119,000 embarked on the perilous journey, a decrease of one third on the previous year, according to Italy's interior ministry.

The first six days of 2018 saw 400 people rescued and taken to Italy, compared to 729 over the same period in 2017, it said.

Some of many: Thousands try to make it across the Mediterranean - the first six days of 2018 saw 400 people rescued and taken to Italy

Aid: A worker from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees offers a blanket to a woman carrying a young childThe Ohio Department of Transportation is planning to require fencing at some overpass construction sites after Marquise Byrd (pictured) was killed last month

Ohio state has plans to require fencing at some overpass construction sites after a Michigan man was killed when a sandbag was tossed onto an interstate and smashed through his car windshield.

The change comes after 22-year-old Marquise Byrd, of Warren, Michigan, died on December 22, three days after a car he was riding in was struck by a sandbag tossed from an overpass onto Interstate 75 in Toledo.

Authorities have charged four teenagers with throwing the sandbag and other objects at cars.

The bridge where the sandbag was dropped had fencing, but much of it was removed for a reconstruction project.

Now, a new rule is being drafted that will require temporary fencing during work on overpasses that already have fencing and during projects to add permanent fencing to overpasses, said Matt Bruning, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Transportation.

'There shouldn't be any period of time where there isn't any fencing,' he said.

A year ago, the state agreed to increase the number of highway overpasses with fencing.

The plans call for adding permanent fencing to about 160 overpasses over five years at an estimated cost of just under $1 million per year, Bruning said.

Byrd, of Warren, Michigan, died on December 22, three days after a car he was riding in was struck by a sandbag tossed from an overpass onto Interstate 75 in Toledo

The bridge where the sandbag was dropped had fencing, but much of it was removed for a reconstruction project. Marquise Byrd is (pictured right)

Byrd, who was killed in December when a sandbag was thrown onto Interstate 75 in Toledo from an overpass, had plans to pop the question to his girlfriend on his birthday, a friend said.

'It would have been a surprise to her, and only his mother knew of his plan,' Lillian Diallo said to People.

'He was robbed of being a married father, a husband taking care of his family and living the dream that was almost in his grasp.

'In his mind, that would have been the greatest gift he could have got on his birthday.'

The sandbag hit Byrd in the head and he died at the hospital.

'He was just in a car riding like any of us, not bothering anybody, and the sandbag came down and came down on his side of the car,' Diallo added.

Now, a new rule is being drafted that will require temporary fencing during work on overpasses that already have fencing and during projects to add permanent fencing to overpasses. Byrd is pictured right with family and friends

Byrd was a front seat passenger in a southbound vehicle on Interstate 75 (above) in Toledo, Ohio, when he was struck by a sandbag

Four teenage boys, ages 13 to 15, have been charged with murder in an Ohio juvenile court in connection to Byrd's death.

The teens initially were charged with the juvenile equivalent of felonious assault. The driver of the car, who has not been identified, suffered minor injuries.

Byrd, who was the father of a two-year-old boy, was sitting in the front passenger seat of a car when the sandbag smashed through the windshield on December 19.

Officers received a call at 10.10pm on December 19. They responded to the scene and saw the teenagers leaving the area after the incident.

The Lucas County Coroner's Office said Byrd died of blunt-force trauma injuries to the head and neck.

Police and a prosecutor have said the teens threw other objects from the overpass that night.

The vehicle in which Byrd was sitting on December 19 is seen in the above photo

Byrd's cousin, Shaveontae King said she has no sympathy for the teens and wants authorities to charge them as adults.

'My auntie has to bury her son. He's gone. He's never coming back,' she King said.

'She's holding up the best she can.'

King told The Toledo Blade: 'I would appreciate if [the boys' parents] could at least call my auntie and tell her they're sorry.' She said Byrd was like a brother to her.

When asked to describe him, she said: 'Young, energetic, outgoing, lovable. He had a bright smile.'

The teens have been charged with murder and vehicular vandalism in the Michigan man's death, and they appeared in court last Thursday, when they entered pleas of denial to the charges.

Authorities have charged four teenagers (one pictured right) with throwing the sandbag and other objects at cars

The teens were charged with murder and vehicular vandalism in Byrd's death, and they appeared in court last Thursday, when they entered pleas of denial to the charges

Lillian Diallo, an attorney for the victim's family, told The Blade that the teenagers should have been home instead of out late on the night the sandbag was dropped onto the interstate.

'You dropped a 30-pound sandbag over an overpass,' Diallo said. 'Where is your conscience? Where is your morality? How could you do that to another human being?'

Ohio also agreed to add the fencing at the urging of Randy Budd, whose wife, Sharon Budd, suffered brain damage when teenagers dropped a rock from an interstate overpass onto their car in central Pennsylvania in July 2014.

Those four teenagers were sentenced to prison in the case.

In another case, five Michigan teenagers were charged in October 2017 with second-degree murder in the death of Kenneth White, a father-of-four.

White was killed by a rock that smashed through the windshield of his van as he was heading home from work.A father from Massachusetts stabbed his familys pit bull to death at the weekend after it attacked his one-year-old daughter and bit her face.

According to Falmouth, Massachusetts police, the child was playing in the kitchen at her family's home on Brick Kiln Road just before 9am on Sunday when the pit bull terrier turned on the toddler, causing major trauma to her face.

The girl's father tried to pull the dog off his daughter but couldnt.

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Dog mauling: A one-year-old girl was playing in the kitchen at her family's home in Falmouth, Massachusetts (pictured) on Sunday when her pet pit bull attacked her

The toddler suffered severe trauma to her face and was rushed to a hospital after her father stabbed the dog to death

Police said the father retrieved a pistol from a nearby room, but realized it wasnt loaded.

He then grabbed a knife and started stabbing the dog to save his daughter from its jaws, fatally wounding the animal.

The Falmouth Fire and Rescue Department and Falmouth Police Department rushed to the home and began treating the injured girl. She was transported to the Falmouth Hospital by ambulance, and subsequently airlifted to a Boston area hospital by helicopter.

Falmouth fire Lt Scott Stanbard tells WBZ-TV the toddler's injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

The victim's relatives later revealed to Fox 25 the little girl had three blood transfusions and underwent an hours-long surgery overnight to repair some of the damage. She will also require plastic surgeries in the the coming weeks.

Police said the family had owned the pit bull five years and it had no known history of aggression.

The one-year-old was then airlifted to a hospital in Boston, where she underwent surgery overnight

'At this time, the attack appears to have been unprovoked,' police said in a statement.

Speaking to the Boston Herald, Susan Moran, chairwoman of Falmouths Board of Selectmen, praised the father's 'heroic efforts' to minimize the injuries to his child.Chaos, running rows and f-word confrontations over foreign policy are revealed in a new fly-on-the-wall documentary about the last days of the Obama White House.

Senior officials give the film unvarnished accounts of a 'whole drama' over how Syria was dealt with  and how there was nothing to force the Iranians to abide by their terms of the deal supposed to stop them from getting nuclear weapons.

In 'The Final Year' Ben Rhodes, Obama's deputy national security adviser for strategic communications, also says that it took 'too long' to get the measure of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The documentary, shot by director Greg Barker and produced by Magnolia Pictures, followed Obama and his cabinet during his final 12 months in office.

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Obama's last days in the White House were filled with chaos and f-word confrontations over foreign policy, the new documentary The Final Year reveals. Pictured: (r-l) Obama, John Kerry, then Secretary of State, Samantha Power, Ambassador to the United Nations and Ben Rhodes, who are all featured in the film

But on Obama's final address to the UN, what should have been a largely ceremonial affair, Rhodes says he had a 'huge fight' with Power over the tone of the speech. Pictured: Obama in a still from the trailer talking to his team

The Final Year, out later this month, covers the officials in 21 countries including Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria and Japan, and highlights events such as the Syrian peace negotiations.

It also covers the Paris Climate Accord, the Iran nuclear deal and Obama's visits to Hiroshima and Laos.

On the internal negotiations to find peace in Syria, Samantha Power, Obama's US ambassador to the UN, says it is 'beyond frustrating' and 'haunting' that they couldn't do more.

She says: 'There's no issue where my thoughts and my feelings and ideas have made such a marginal impact on desperate people.'

In a moment of exasperation she says: 'Of course, I ask myself had I made an argument differently, I think we could have tried other things (sighs)...there's a whole drama there'.

Obama's Secretary of State John Kerry says: 'Samantha will get her point of view out there as tough as anybody else.

'We joke and commiserate at times when we're both in the same place and don't get what we wanted. Sometimes we have some tough arguments in this business'.

In the documentary, senior officials give accounts of how there was nothing to force the Iranians to abide by their terms of the deal supposed to stop them from getting nuclear weapons. Pictured: Iran's President Hassan Rouhani

The documentary, out later this month, shows how devastated Obama's team was, some reduced to tears, when they learned Hillary Clinton lost the presidency to Donald Trump. Pictured: Power and Jenna Lyons after seeing Trump won the state of Florida

Obama's national security adviser Susan Rice tries to brush off the disagreements and says they did not want 'group think' among the cabinet.

But on Obama's final address to the UN, what should have been a largely ceremonial affair, Rhodes says he had a 'huge fight' with Power over the tone of the speech.

Power says that she and Rhodes have a 'fundamentally different perspective' about the world and that she thinks the 65 million refugees are a sign things are 'going in the wrong direction'.

Rhodes says that he sided with Obama in saying this was the best moment to be alive and says that Power 'felt that was potentially discordant with the mood'.

On Russia, Rhodes talks about one of his biggest regrets, admitting the administration took too long in figuring out Putin's real interests.

He says: 'The error we may have made is Putin doesn't seem to pursue Russia's national interests - he pursues Putin's interests.

'Russia's national interests are not to have a shrinking economy and be this rogue actor.

'I think probably we figured that out but...that was the thing that took us too long in retrospect, to separate Putin out from Russia'.

The Final Year, out later this month, covers the officials in 21 countries including Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria and Japan, and highlights events such as the Syrian peace negotiations

Ben Rhodes adds that Trump's decision to pull the US out of the Paris Climate Accord will lead to the 'complete isolation of the United States'. He is critical of Trump and says he is part of the 'retrenchment forces pushing back from the other direction' away from Democratic values. Pictured: Obama with Power and Kerry

During negotiations over the Iran deal, Rhodes makes another striking admission, though it is not clear if it was just a phase during the negotiations that eventually led to the deal.

Rhodes says: 'At a certain point the Iranians have a fairly substantial body of evidence to say that they don't need to abide by the deal. We may lose control of it today.'

Rhodes was the subject of a New York Times profile last year that caused a storm because he boasted about setting up an 'echo chamber' to sell the Iran deal to the public, and claiming that he had turned the media into tools.

He is also highly controversial in the Trump White House, where Michael Wolff's explosive Fire and Fury book revealed senior officials believe Rhodes  whose brother is president of CBS News  is a serial leaker who orchestrated attacks on the Trump administration using classified material.

'The Final Year', shot by director Greg Barker and produced by Magnolia Pictures, is out later this month

At one point Rhodes explodes in rage at the bombing of a humanitarian convoy in Syria, apparently by the Russians or the Syrians and says it is 'f***ing sick' nobody is being held accountable for it.

Rhodes is sharply critical of Trump and says he is part of the 'retrenchment forces pushing back from the other direction' away from Democratic values.

He says that 'maybe this just has to happen, confront the ugly reality of it'.

Rhodes says that Trump's decision to pull the US out of the Paris Climate Accord will lead to the 'complete isolation of the United States'.

The last scenes of The Final Year show the heartache among Obama advisers on election night.

Thinking that Hillary Clinton would win, Power invited some women, including Gloria Steinem and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, to watch with her in the West Wing.

Steinem says: 'I didn't think it would be this bad.'

Power can be seen sitting with her head in her hands, crying.

In an offhand remark she says: 'To think of them in control of the Senate, the House and the Presidency'

Rhodes is shown sitting alone in the darkness and is so shell-shocked he cannot even speak when asked how he feels.A motorcyclist who was allegedly clocked travelling 206km/h in an 80 zone told police 'there was no one around, so I just gave it a squirt and that was it.'

The 39-year-old man was pulled over by highway patrol officers on Taren Point Road, in Sydney's south, just after 7am on Monday.

Police allege the man admitted to travelling more than 120km/h over the speed limit on his brand new blue Yamaha R6 motorcycle.

The driver had his license immediately suspended and motorcycle number plate confiscated, and was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice.

A motorcyclist who was allegedly clocked travelling 206km/h in an 80 zone told police 'there was no one around, so I just gave it a squirt'

Social media users were divided in opinion over the image, which was posted to NSW Police's Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Facebook page.

'For sale: Brand new Yamaha R6, low kilometres, only ridden once, make an offer,' joked one man.

'Had someone pulled out of a side street we wouldn't be having this conversation,' one man wrote, condemning the rider for justifying his speed.

'Bike should be confiscated and sold at a public auction, doesn't deserve to ever hold a license to ride again.'

While a majority of the social media users blasted the man's alleged actions, some motorbike enthusiasts were more sympathetic.

'All these cagers not realising how little it takes to squirt a bike from 80 to 200,' wrote one man.

The motorcyclist will appear in Sutherland Local Court in February.Terrie-Ann Jones (pictured) was found dead at her home in the quiet suburb of Cimla, near Neath, South Wales on Friday night

A handyman has appeared in court charged with murdering a 'loving mother' found dead in her home.

John Paul Lewis, 56, is accused of killing Terrie-Ann Jones, 33, inside her semi-detached house in South Wales.

Terrie-Ann, described by her family as the 'life and soul of the party', was found dead at her home in the quiet suburb of Cimla, near Neath.

Maintenance man Lewis, from nearby Briton Ferry, appeared at Swansea Magistrates' Court where he spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Magistrates said he would next appear at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday, January 10, and remanded him in custody.

Miss Jones - who is originally from Bristol - was found dead at 7.35pm on Friday evening.

South Wales Police said specialist officers were giving support to Miss Jones' family.

A statement on behalf of the family said: 'Our lives have been devastated. We've lost a loving mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend to many people.

'Terrie-Ann was the life and soul of the party and is going to be missed by everybody that loved and knew her.'

Cimla town councillor Adam McGrath, who lived on the same street to the home where Miss Jones was found, called her death 'very sad news'.

He said: 'It's such a quiet community and such a quiet area. I actually live in Talbot Road myself, I only live 10 doors way.

'I was here last night and heard all the commotion. It's very, very sad news for the area of Talbot Road. It is such a tight knit community.'Police in Florida say they have shot dead a robbery suspect after he was located in a backyard after a one-hour search.

The robbery happened at a bus stop in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Plantation at around 8pm Sunday night.

The victim waved down officers and told them the suspect had stolen his backpack at gunpoint.

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Police in Florida say they have fatally shot a robbery suspect after he was located in a backyard

The suspect then ran east about a block, crossing into the city of Lauderhill.

Lauderhill police spokesman Lt. Michael Santiago told reporters that officers from his department, Plantation and Davie searched for the suspect.

He said officers from Plantation and Davie found the suspect behind a house and established a perimeter.

'Officers encountered a suspect and shots were fired,' Santiago said. 'The suspect at the time died of his injuries.'

The victim said the suspect had stolen his backpack at gunpoint at a bus stop in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Plantation

Santiago said a gun was found near the suspect.

'Officers from the city of Davie and the city of Plantation were involved in the shooting in Lauderhill's jurisdiction,' Santiago said, according to ABC 10.

No Lauderhill officers fired their weapons and no police officers were hurt during the incident, he said.

The names of the officers and the suspect have not been released. The officers have been placed on administrative leave, according to the Sun Sentinel.Channel 4 News has been slammed for failing to make clear that a junior doctor who appeared on the programme has links to the Labour party.

Dagan Lonsdale was introduced only as a 'junior doctor' when he appeared on the TV news show last week and criticised the government over the state of the health service.

But it later emerged that Dr Lonsdale is a Labour supporter who spoke at the launch of a party health plan last year.

Viewers have since complained that his connections to Labour were not made clear before he was allowed to chastise the Conservative Government and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt live on air.

It comes after the BBC was criticised for failing to point out that a nurse who repeatedly attacked the Government is a pro-Corbyn supporter.

Channel 4 News has admitted it should have informed viewers of the Labour party links of a junior doctor who berated the government when he appeared on the show last week

Dagan Lonsdale was only introduced as a 'junior doctor' before he berated the government over the health service and accused the Health Secretary of 'double speak'

A Channel 4 spokesman has since said: 'We accept that given his previous campaign activity on behalf of the Labour Party, his political interests should have been made clearer to viewers.'

Dr Lonsdale appeared on the show as part of a discussion alongside Labour MP Eleanor Smith and Kate Andrews, from the Institute of Economic Affairs.

He accused Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt of 'showmanship' and 'double-speak' before signing off: 'It's a course created by this government that now must be held to account.'

Dr Lonsdale was hailed by Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan in May last year when he helped launch the party's 'NHS New Deal' alongside another Labour MP, Jon Ashworth.

He has also praised Labour's election campaign as 'extraordinary' on his Twitter feed and retweeted messages by Jeremy Corbyn.

As well as speaking at a Labour event, Dr Lonsdale has previously tweeted messages of support for Jeremy Corbyn, as well as retweeting messages sent by the Labour leader

He previously confronted Jeremy Hunt live on air after ambushing the Health Secretary on Sky News and held a protest outside the Department of Health.

Channel 4 insisted that the discussion with Dr Lonsdale followed an 'in-depth' interview with Mr Hunt running for 'over seven minutes'.

It comes after activist Danielle Tiplady was introduced as a 'staff nurse' when she was interviewed by BBC 5Live and reeled off Labour attack lines on the NHS

It comes after a staff nurse was interviewed by BBC radio without the show mentioning she was a 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'.

Listeners were not told that she was a left-wing activist who had previously written for the communist Morning Star newspaper.

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.'Michael Christopher Sager, 22, was arrested on Friday near Sacramento, California

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his roommate after work crews discovered a human skeleton buried in the backyard of a house.

Michael Christopher Sager, 22, was arrested on Friday near Sacramento, California, where police believe he stabbed his former roommate in 2015 after getting into a verbal altercation.

The crime went undetected, with no missing persons report filed, until work crews renovating a home in suburban North Highlands made the gruesome discovery on the day after Christmas.

Homeowner Dimas Velasquez said extensive repairs to the property were necessary after he evicted the prior tenants in November for unpaid rent, and they left it in squalid condition.

The remains were discovered in a shallow grave just steps from the back door.

The landlord was cleaning out trash from the backyard of this home after evicting the tenants for unpaid rent, when a worker discovered human remains in a shallow grave on December 26

The remains were discovered just steps from the back door in this shallow grave

Sager, who goes by the nickname 'Big Mike', was laid off from his job in January, and had issued fundraising appeals to help pay the rent at the home as well as afford 'skitzophrena pills' (sic)

'It was so much trash back there and we didn't notice anything until we got most of the trash removed, and a cat was digging at an area, and my friend found it,' Velasquez told Fox40.

Police investigators spent two days at the property, painstakingly unearthing the remains until it became clear there was an entire skeleton.

Forensic teams confirmed that the remains were not ancient, and that the death was the result of a homicide.

The investigation led to Sager, who police say had lived in the home at the suspected time of the murder. The landlord identified him as the boyfriend of the daughter who used to live in the home.

The victim was a male in his 20s who also lived in the home, cops believe, but his identity is being withheld pending confirmation from the Sacramento County Coroners office.

Sager posted this image of bladed weapons in June of 2015, saying he was interested in selling them. Police believe the victim was stabbed, but have not specified the type of weapon

Cops believe Sager stabbed his former roommate in 2015 after getting into a verbal altercation

Sager, who goes by the nickname 'Big Mike', grew up in the area, attending high schools in both Sacramento and North Highlands, where the remains were found, according to his Facebook page.

He worked as a machine operator for a printing company until he was fired in January of last year, according to his posts.

In May, Sager created two fundraising appeals on the crowdfunding site GoFundMe.

One requests funds to help pay for household bills, and shows the front of the home where the remains were discovered.

The other requests $300 to pay for 'skitzophrena pills' (sic).

Sager is being held in Sacramento County Jail without bond.

He is next scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon.Senator Rand Paul said he was left in 'living hell' after his neighbor allegedly attacked him outside his Kentucky home in November.

The Kentucky Republican told CBS News' Face the Nation on Sunday for four or five weeks after Rene Boucher allegedly tackled him outside his home in Bowling Green and left him with six broken ribs, cuts on his face, fluid buildup in his chest he was in a 'living hell.'

'Couldn't get out of bed without assistance, six broken ribs, damage to my lungs, two bouts of pneumonia,' Paul said, detailing his agony.

'It was a really tough go of it. But each day I feel a little bit better. This last month I've been doing better.'

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Senator Rand Paul said he was left in 'living hell' after his neighbor allegedly attacked him outside his Kentucky home in November

The Kentucky Republican told CBS News' Face the Nation on Sunday for four or five weeks after Rene Boucher allegedly tackled him outside his home in Bowling Green and left him with six broken ribs, cuts on his face, fluid buildup in his chest he was in a 'living hell'

Boucher has been charged with assault in the November 3 attack at Paul's home, and pleaded not guilty. He was accused of tackling him from behind while the failed GOP presidential candidate was mowing his lawn.

His attorney told CBS in November the attack wasn't politically motivated at all, describing it instead as a 'very regrettable dispute between two neighbors over a matter that most people would regard as trivial.'

The 59-year-old, though, says the attack happened after years of frustration due to being unable to sell his $740,000 home. He said he told Paul in the wake of the mauling that he hadn't been able to sell the house for ten years because the congressman's trees were 'in the way'.

It's believed Boucher was referring to woodland at the back of Paul's property that blocks the doctor's views of the picturesque private lake that forms the centerpiece of their upscale gated community.

Friends say it could explain why the retired anesthesiologist has failed to find a buyer for his five-bedroom, 1.36-acre home which is nonetheless described on property websites as 'overlooking' the desirable water feature.

Boucher's alleged grievance was relayed to the media by another of Paul's neighbors, Alicia Stivers, the first person who saw the bloodied and dazed lawmaker after assault.

Boucher (pictured in court November 9) has been charged with assault in the November 3 attack at Paul's home, and pleaded not guilty. He was accused of tackling him from behind while the failed GOP presidential candidate was mowing his lawn

The 59-year-old says the attack happened after years of frustration due to being unable to sell his $740,000 home. He said he told Paul in the wake of the mauling that he hadn't been able to sell the house for ten years because the congressman's trees were 'in the way'. Boucher's home is pictured

It's believed Boucher was referring to woodland at the back of Paul's property that blocks the doctor's views of the picturesque private lake that forms the centerpiece of their upscale gated community

But regardless of why the assault took place, Paul (pictured November 13) said people shouldn't focus on the motive behind his specific attack but instead should work to deter politically motivated attacks from happening in the future

Boucher has also been said to be a socialist - leading some to wonder whether the alleged attack was politically motivated.

But regardless of why the assault took place, Paul said people shouldn't focus on the motive behind his specific attack but instead should work to deter politically motivated attacks from happening in the future.

'My colleagues come up all the time, and they want to make sure there is some kind of deterrent because people don't want to think that it's open season on our elected officials,' Paul told CBS.

'I think one of the things about motivations is people got obsessed, some in media, about the motivations.

'But I think really we usually don't ask if someone's raped or mugged or whatever why the person did it. We want punishment and deterrents.'

He said he saw similar questions asked about the attacker of the gunman who opened fire on Congress practicing softball in Alexandria, Virginia in June.

Paul added that he doesn't think any motivation or justification 'political or personal' is enough to 'attack someone who's unaware from behind in their own yard.'A British couple have been stranded in Italy after their baby was born 15 weeks early while they were on a Christmas holiday.

Twenty-four-week-pregnant Jordan Wilson and her boyfriend, Ashley Challoner, were on holiday in Venice as an early Christmas treat.

University of East Anglia nursing student, Miss Wilson, was stunned when she woke up one morning surrounded in fluid.

She was forced into labour and gave birth to Matilda, who was due in March, on December 3. The baby, who was born nearly four months early, weighed just 1.7lbs - the size of an iPad.

Matilda, who was born nearly four months early, weighed just 1.7lbs - the size of an iPad

Twenty-four-week-pregnant Jordan Wilson and her boyfriend, Ashley Challoner (left), were on holiday in Venice as an early Christmas treat. Pictured is Matilda (right)

Miss Wilson and Mr Challoner could now find themselves in the country for another three months as they wait for their daughter to grow big enough to come home to the UK.

Miss Wilson, 26, said: 'We booked to come to Venice on holiday before I found out I was pregnant, but we still came because I was only 24 weeks, and you can fly without having to speak to your doctor.

'We flew out on November 28, nothing was wrong, but then I woke up one morning and there was just fluid everywhere.'

Miss Wilson, who had the forethought to take her notes abroad with her, called her midwife who told her to go to the nearest hospital.

Battling the language barrier, the couple managed to ascertain Miss Wilson had gone into early labour.

Drugs kept the delivery at bay for two days, but determined to meet her parents little Matilda was born on December 3 and was taken straight to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Miss Wilson and Mr Challoner could now find themselves in the country for another three months as they wait for their daughter to grow big enough to come home to the UK

She said: 'It didn't have a gynae unit so we were rushed to Trento, in Italy, which is where we are now.'

'Obviously I was shocked. But I would like to think because I'm studying nursing that helped to keep me more calm, the more stressful thing has been understanding the language. And I've been crying a lot but I blame that on the hormones.'

Since she was born Matilda - who has an Italian birth certificate - endured a blood transfusion and was hooked up to oxygen for her first few weeks of life, while the whole family was stranded in Italy.

'We're stuck out here until she's better really,' said Miss Wilson.

Doctors hope to discharge Matilda at the beginning of February, but even then they will need to stay near to the hospital for a couple of weeks until they are sure she is well enough - potentially until her original due date on March 14.

Now, Matilda weighs 2.6lbs - just more than a bag of sugar - and no longer has to use a full face oxygen mask, although she still has a nasal tube.

Miss Wilson's mother, Helen Richardson, started an online fundraising page to help support the couple.

While the couple had insurance which is covering an apartment close to the hospital, and 27-year-old Mr Challoner's boss said his truck driving job would be held for him, they used all their savings for baby supplies to fund their day-to-day living.

Already 1,500 has been reached which will go towards everything from a cot and sheets, to a sterilising unit and baby monitors.

Now, Matilda weighs 2.6lbs - just more than a bag of sugar - and no longer has to use a full face oxygen mask, although she still has a nasal tube

But Miss Wilson said she did not know about the page until someone tagged her in it on social media.

'I think I was the last to know,' she said.

'The support we've had has been overwhelming, not just the GoFundMe page but we could not have asked for better from all the nurses, they're really trying although we don't speak Italian. And I've received messages of support from so many people.'

University of East Anglia nursing student Miss Wilson found out she was pregnant in August - and the couple were thrilled.

The pair saved hard for the holiday, to Venice after a difficult year where Mr Challoner had to move from Norwich to Yorkshire to look after his father.

This meant they had only been able to see each other twice a month, as Miss Wilson still had a year left at university.

The couple are hoping to return home to Britain with Matilda as soon as possible.Tyron S Stapleton, from Omaha, Nebraska, was charged with first-degree sexual assault for having sex with a 13-year-old girl and could face up to 20 years

A Nebraska man charged with sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl claimed that she 'had made a move' on him, according to police.

Tyron S Stapleton, from Omaha, Nebraska, received the first-degree charge and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

A Douglas County judge ordered that the 33-year-old man be held on 10 per cent of $24,000 bail.

During an interview at Project Harmony in Omaha, the now 15-year-old girl shared that Stapleton lived in her family's North Omaha home when he allegedly assaulted her.

She added that the man forced them to have sex, according to an affidavit filed in Douglas County Court as reported by the Omaha World-Herald.

'The victim stated that she told him to stop and pushed (him) away but Stapleton responded, "It's OK. It's OK,"' a detective said in a written statement.

Stapleton, 33, told police that there was 'more to the story' and that the girl had 'made a move' on him

'The victim stated that it hurt during the incident and (she) told Stapleton to stop again, but Stapleton said, "It's OK" and put his hand over her mouth.'

Stapleton shared with local authorities that he remembered living in the upstairs bedroom at the girl's home for two months, according to the affidavit.

He asserted that there was 'more to the story' when told of the assault.

'If I was to come tell you that somebody made a move on me, who's going to believe me?' he explained.

'The girl would follow me and follow me and follow me around.'A Sinn Fein MP who posted a video of himself balancing a loaf of bread on his head on the anniversary of the Kingsmill massacre has been suspended by the party.

Barry McElduff said the insensitive post was not intended as a reference to the republican murders of ten Protestant workmen on January 5, 1976 in County Armagh.

The Kingsmill brand is popular in Northern Ireland and shares its name with the village where one of the most notorious incidents of the Troubles took place.

Mr McElduff said he apologised 'unreservedly' after he was summoned to meet senior party figures at their offices in west Belfast.

Barry McElduff (right) said the insensitive post (left) was not intended as a reference to the republican murders of ten Protestant workmen on January 5, 1976

Barry McElduff said he apologised 'unreservedly' after he was summoned to meet senior party figures at their offices in west Belfast.

Mr McElduff said in a statement: 'I apologise unreservedly for this.

'In recognising the serious consequences of my actions, I fully accept the party's decision to suspend me from all party activity for a period of three months.'

Party chairman Declan Kearney said the West Tyrone MP had fallen well short of the standards Sinn Fein expects of its members.

Before Monday's meeting, Mr Kearney became the first senior leadership figure to comment on the weekend furore.

'What has happened is absolutely inexcusable and indefensible and the party is taking this matter very seriously indeed,' he said.

He added that Sinn Fein wished to express 'deep and sincere regret'.

'What happened is absolutely irresponsible,' he told BBC Radio Ulster.

'Barry McElduff has already made an unreserved apology and that was the correct thing to do in the circumstances.

Mr McElduff said the insensitive post was not intended as a reference to the republican murders of ten Protestant workmen on January 5, 1976 in County Armagh

'The reality is huge offence has been caused and I and Sinn Fein strongly disapprove of what has happened.'

Mr Kearney said Sinn Fein accepted that the incident had caused 'maximum hurt' to the Kingsmill families.

'Sinn Fein expects the highest standards of not only our members but also our very senior elected representatives and what has happened here clearly falls well short of those standards,' he added.

Sinn Fein's former Stormont finance minister, Mairtin O Muilleoir, also apologised for retweeting the video.

Mr Kearney said Mr O Muilleoir had offered the party an explanation for the retweet.

The Police Service for Northern Ireland confirmed they are investigating the message.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams leaving the party's headquarters on the Falls Road in Belfast on Monday

Kingsmill victims: L-R top - Robert Chambers, John Bryans, Joseph Lemon and Joseph McWhirter. L-R bottom - Walter Chapman, John McConville, Kenneth Wharton and Reggie Chapman, who all died in the massacre

Superintendent Emma Bond said: 'Police have received a number of reports of a post on a social media platform, made by a local public representative. Enquiries are ongoing.'

The tragic incident saw 10 people killed when gunmen stopped a van carrying textile workers on their way home, asked them for their religion, lined them up by the side of the road and executed them when they were found to be Protestant.

Just one of the 11 victims who were shot survived the barbaric attack.

In the video, posted onto Twitter, McElduff, the MP for West Tyrone, is seen walking around the shop with the loaf on his head, asking where the store stocked the bread.

The timing of the video has sparked huge debate, coming on the 42nd anniversary of the Kingsmill disaster.

Cold-blooded IRA attack that left just one survivor... who was shot 18 times The Kingsmill massacre took place January 5, 1976 near the village of Kingsmill in south County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Gunmen stopped a minibus carrying 12 textile workers, 11 of whom were Protestant and one of whom was Catholic. After the terrorists asked who on the bus was Catholic, the workers assumed that the gunmen were loyalists and tried to conceal the Catholic's identity. Brutal: The minibus carrying the textile factory workers is left peppered with bullet holes and blood stains the ground after the massacre, as detectives patrol the scene of the murders But after the Catholic was identified he was told to leave the bus and not to look back. The 11 Protestants were all shot. Just one survived, despite being shot 18 times. The South Armagh Republicans claimed responsibility and said the killings were in response to attacks on Catholic civilians. The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) had murdered six Catholics the previous night in the Reavey and O'Dowd killings. After the Kingsmill massacre, Protestant leader Ian Paisley accused Eugene Reavey of organising the murders in retaliation. Devastation: A window on the workers' minibus is left smashed by a bullet after the terrorists lined up their victims and executed them outside their vehicle The Kingsmill massacre was the deadliest mass shooting of The Troubles in the 1970s. In 2007 it emerged that the UVF members behind the Reavey and O'Down killings had planned to murder at least 30 Catholic school pupils in retaliation for the Kingsmill attack. A 2011 report found the attack was carried out by Provisional IRA, despite the group being on ceasefire. It is believed they acted without sanction of the IRA Army Council. Advertisement

Yesterday, McElduff has since taken the video down and apologised.

He tweeted: 'Have deleted video post. Had not realised or imagined for a second any possible link between product brand name and Kingsmill Anniversary.

'Further, I apologise for any hurt or offence caused. Never my intention to offend anyone who has suffered grievously.'

DUP Assembly Member William Irwin has demanded an answer as to why the 'bizarre' video was posted online in the first place.

Irwin said: 'Was it tomfoolery or a blatant insult to innocent victims?

'The timing and brand of bread raises many questions about the motivation behind this video.

'Given Sinn Fein's repeated insensitivity to victims and glorification of terrorists, PIRA victims throughout the United Kingdom have interpreted this video as a calculated and deliberate insult.'

DUP leader also echoed the sentiment, tweeting: 'Kingsmill victims were shot by the IRA after being asked their religion.Shame on any elected rep who posted that inhuman video. I feel sorry for IRA victims & West Tyrone who have McElduff as their MP.All murder was wrong. Glorifying any murderer is sickening. Mocking is depraved.'

Jim Allister, the TUV leader, said it was beyond the 'bounds of credibility well beyond breaking point' to say that the video was not posted as a delibrate reference to the Kingsmill attack.

Allister said: 'Sinn Fein's utter contempt for victims is clearly on display here,' he said. 'Any talk of equality or human rights from that party is once again exposed as so much cant and hypocrisy.'

David Taylor, an Ulster Unionist councillor, said McElduff was unfit to serve as an elected representative.

He said: 'Barry McElduff really is beyond contempt and should be truly ashamed of himself for his actions.'

And Alliance Party leader Naomi Long tweeted: 'I see you have deleted your video. Will you also explain what on earth you were thinking of, posting this on the anniversary of the Kingsmills Massacre?

'Have you any apology to make to those victims & survivors deeply hurt by your antics whether deliberate or not?'A top Democratic donor is thinking about cutting off her donations to the senators who pushed Sen. Al Franken out after he was accused of non-consensual touching.

'In my gut they moved too fast,' longtime Democratic donor Susie Tompkins Buell told the New York Times in a text message. 'For me this is dangerous and wrong. I'm a big believer in helping more women into the political system but this has given me an opportunity to rethink of how I can best help my party.'

Buell said that Franken, who officially left the upper chamber on January 2, 'was never given his chance to tell his side of the story.'

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Donor Susie Tompkins Buell (right), photographed back in 2004 with Hillary Clinton (left), says she might cut off donations to the senators who backed Sen. Al Franken's ouster, telling the New York Times she thought the move was premature

Sen. Al Franken, a Democrat from Minnesota, served his last day on Capitol Hill on January 2 after announcing his resignation in December on the heels of multiple accusations that he acted inappropriately with women

Franken was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior, including groping and kissing women without their consent.

As allegations piled up, he said he wanted the Senate Ethics committee to take up the matter.

His Democratic colleagues, however, wanted him out.

The charge was led by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York with possible 2020 presidential ambitions.

'As for Gillibrand, unfortunately, I believe she miscalculated and she shot herself in the foot,' Buell told the Times. 'I have supported her for many hears. Will I going forward? To be determined.'

Franken's ouster makes the math more difficult for Democrats later this year, as the party already had to defend 23 Senate seats.

Now they have to guard 24.

The two independents who caucus with the Democrats, Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine, are also up for re-election.

BUYERS REMORSE: Democratic donor Susie Tompkins Buell (left), again photographed with Hillary Clinton (right), but in March 2017, said she thought it was a mistake for Democrats to ditch Sen. Al Franken before he was able to tell his side of the story

Susie Tompkins Buell told the Times that Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's (pictured) push to toss Sen. Al Franken out of the Senate over the accusations was a miscalculation

Donor Susie Tompkins Buell (right) is pictured during a fundraising luncheon for Hillary Clinton (left) in 2007. Buell told the New York Times that the Al Franken episode is making her rethink how she gives money to the Democratic Party

Minnesota's Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton chose his lieutenant governor, Tina Smith, to fill Franken's seat until a November special election.

Smith was sworn into the body on Wednesday, alongside Doug Jones, the Democrats' surprise winner in the Alabama Senate race.

She's planning to run in the special election to keep the seat, hoping to fill it for the remainder of Franken's term, which was to be over in 2021.

Republicans are already licking their chops at the opportunities presenting themselves in Minnesota thanks to Franken being pushed out, as Sen. Amy Klobuchar, another Democrat, is up for re-election as well.

'Tina Smith's abysmal name ID makes her one of the worst appointments in history if Democrats intent to keep this sea,' said Michael McAdams, the spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, in a statement to reporters on Monday.

'Not only will Smith have to introduce herself to Minnesota voters for the first time, but she will have to do so while defending a voting record that mirrors Elizabeth Warren's,' McAdams added.

Before Republicans get too giddy, they must find a candidate first.

Former Sen. Norm Coleman, who ran for re-election against Franken in 2008 and was routed by 312 votes, has said that he's out.

The state's former Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, known as 'T-Paw' to supporters, has also said he's politically retired, according to the Pioneer Press.

The only Republican with national name ID who has expressed interest in the Franken seat is former Rep. Michele Bachmann, known for her associations with the Tea Party movement, her colorful husband Marcus and her short-lived 2012 presidential campaign.

Speaking to televangelist Jim Bakker, Bachmann said she's waiting to hear from God and then she'll decide whether to enter the race.

She said that in the 2012 race she 'fulfilled the calling God gave me,' by getting Republicans across the board to support a full Obamacare repeal.

'So the question is, am I being called to do this now?' she said of the upcoming Senate race.Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya believes she had a brief encounter with Ivanka Trump following her infamous meeting with three top Donald Trump advisors in June 2016.

The Kremlin-linked lawyer had met with Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner, and then campaign chair Paul Manafort under the offer of dirt on Hillary Clinton, though Veselnitskaya says she was there to lobby on a Russia sanctions issue.

When it was over, she told NBC she exchanged pleasantries with a blonde haired woman she believes was Ivanka Trump.

FANCY MEETING YOU HERE: Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya believes she chatted with Ivanka Trump following her infamous meeting at Trump Tower

She wasn't sure because she didn't get formally introduced, though a personal familiar with the meeting told the NBC the woman was, indeed, the president's daughter Ivanka, who was a fixture on the campaign and a Trump Organization official.

The claim that yet another Trump family member met with a Russian during the outreach campaign comes despite the White House insistence that Donald Trump did not meet with the Russians.

Former chief White House strategist Steve Bannon, who apologized and tried to walk back some of his comments over the weekend, is quoted in the new bombshell book 'Fire and Fury' expressing certainty that Donald Trump did meet the Russians.

'The chance that Don. Jr did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office on the 26th floor is zero,' he said.

Kremlin-linked lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya says she spoke to a blonde woman there but was not formally introduced

Ivanka Trump, daughter of President elect of the United States, Donald Trump is seen inside the lobby of Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, U.S., on Friday, November 18, 2016

Bannon also labeled the meeting itself 'treasonous,' though he modified the comment over the weekend.

'Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad ..., and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately,' Bannon said in the book.

He said over the weekend that he was referring only to Manafort, a seasoned operative who did millions of work for a pro-Moscow Ukrainian political party, and not the president's eldest son.

There was no collusion and the investigation is a witch hunt,' Bannon said. 'I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency.'

Donald Trump Jr. attended the meeting, but Steve Bannon says he wasn't referring to the president's son when he called it 'treasonous'

Ivanka Trump, daughter of developer Donald Trump, arrives to hear her father announce that he will run for president of the United States, in the lobby of Trump Tower, New York, Tuesday, June 16, 2015

MUZAK TO HIS EARS: Investigators for Special counsel Robert Mueller are reportedly interested in the Ivanka Trump encounter with Russians

Bannon said Sunday: 'My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort, a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate,' Bannon said. 'He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends. To reiterate, those comments were not aimed at Don Jr.'

He also bent over backwards to laud the president.

Russian-American lobbyist Rinat Akhmetshin arrives at the Capitol for a closed door meeting with the House Intelligence Committee November 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. Akhmetshin was reported as one of the people participated in the June 2016 meeting between Russian lawyer Natalia Veselniskaya and Donald Trump Jr., and other Russian Trump campaign officials

'There was no collusion and the investigation is a witch hunt,' Bannon said in a statement. 'I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency.'

The LA Times reported that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation is calling back one meeting participant for more questions and is interested in the Ivanka encounter, which also involved Rinat Akhmetshin, a D.C.-based lobbyist with Russian intelligence connections.

'Investigators also are exploring the involvement of the presidents daughter, Ivanka Trump' - who didn't attend the meeting ' 'but briefly spoke with two of the participants,' the paper reported.Former soldier Michael Hampshire was killed in the blast on May 17, 2015

An experienced former British soldier died after a catastrophic suicide blast in Kabul by an 'opportunistic bomber', an inquest has heard.

Michael Hampshire, 29, was working as a security contractor for HART International, a risk management company operating in the Afghanistan capital when the convoy he was travelling in was targeted.

The B6 land cruiser was in a two car convoy which was almost destroyed after a Taliban suicide bomber detonated a car filled with explosives.

Three people died in the explosion and 18 people were also injured in the attack which happened at 9.05am on May 17, 2015.

Mr Hampshire, from Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, was engaged to wed his fiancee Claire Taylor at the time of his death.

Bradford Coroner's court heard the armoured vehicle carrying Mr Hampshire was blown some 45 metres down the road and he was trapped beneath it after being thrown out the window.

The force of the blast was so strong it sucked the window of the armoured car from the vehicle, the inquest heard.

Detective Chief Inspector Iain McLindon of Scotland Yard said the bomb blast was 'not a targeted attack' but 'an attack on any Western influence operating in Afghanistan'.

Mr Hampshire, from Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, was engaged to wed his fiancee Claire Taylor at the time of his death

Speaking at the inquest today DCI McLindon told the court: 'Michael was a very experienced and good soldier and I suspect that is why HART [International] chose him to be of service to them.

'He worked in Kabul and Somalia and from the statement as a leader of a close security unit in Kabul he was the cream of the crop.'

Mr Hampshire - who had previously been a soldier between 2002 and 2013 - was tasked with picking up a high-profile target from the Baron Hotel in a mission to transport them to the Ministry of Interior.

The subject entered the vehicle at around 8.50am where they set off on their journey followed by German close security and an interpreter behind them in a different vehicle.

DCI McLindon said the investigation had been difficult following the murder of another security operative stationed in Kabul investigating the bombing.

The operative, named Simon Chase at the inquest, had been shot in a restaurant while investigating the perpetrators behind the bombing.

'This made things harder because Northern Island Coroner's Courts don't explore deaths outside their remit,' DCI McLindon added.

Pathologist expert Dr Kirsten Hope undertook the examination of Mr Hampshire's body on behalf of the Home Office.

The B6 land cruiser was in a two car convoy which was almost destroyed after a Taliban suicide bomber detonated a car filled with explosives

Dr Hope said the former soldier would have died 'within seconds and not minutes' and approximated 'his death was rapid'.

A police boss overseeing operations in Kabul at the time has labelled the incident an 'opportunistic attack'.

Alistair Black said he was not aware of any imminent attacks nor had any information to prevent the blast.

Mr Black, deputy senior police officer in Kabul, stated 'Route Abby' or 'Route A' was given to Mr Hampshire and his team because other routes in and out of the city had been blacklisted as 'too dangerous'.

It had been decided on the morning of the incident that the route was safe enough to use prior to the convoy beginning its journey to the Ministry of Interior.

It had been chosen as the designated route following intelligence sought from other international agencies and ground surveillance teams.

Mr Hampshire's father Martin Hampshire, who appears unrepresented at the inquest, asked Mr Black: 'So what could have been done for the incident to be avoided?'

Mr Black responded: 'What happened was a tragic incident. It was an opportunistic attack on an international target.'

Adding: 'It was our job to protect people - it was not that we were there to target them.'

The court heard in his role as a Hart Close Protection Officer, Mr Hampshire would transport government officials, army command and high profile figures.

The inquest, which is due to last eight days, continues.A couple who met on a lonely hearts website have been found guilty of plotting carnage over the Christmas holidays with an Isis-inspired 'Mother of Satan' bomb or ricin attack.

Sudanese asylum seeker Munir Mohammed volunteered for a 'lone wolf' UK mission as he chatted on Facebook with a man he believed was an Islamic State commander.

He enlisted the help of pharmacist Rowaida El-Hassan, drawing on her knowledge of chemicals needed to make a bomb after seeking her out on SingleMuslim.com.

At the time of his arrest last December, Mohammed had two of the three components for TATP explosives as well as manuals on how to make explosives, mobile phone detonators, and deadly ricin poison.

In the days before his arrest, Mohammed was captured on in-store CCTV buying 'acetone free' nail polish from Asda, in the mistaken belief it was a chemical component of TATP.

Sudanese asylum seeker Munir Mohammed (left) enlisted the help of pharmacist Rowaida El-Hassan (right), drawing on her knowledge of chemicals needed to make a bomb

Mohammed, 36, of Derby, and El-Hassan, 33, of Brondesbury, North West London, denied preparing terrorist acts between November 2015 and December 2016.

But following an Old Bailey trial, a jury found the pair guilty of the plot.

Judge Michael Topolski QC remanded the pair in custody and warned them they faced jail when they are sentenced on February 22.

Mohammed arrived in Britain in the back of a lorry and claimed asylum in February 2014, the court heard.

After being left hanging for more than two years, he appealed to Derby MP Margaret Beckett for help with his immigration problems.

The long-serving Labour MP was informed by authorities that his case was 'not straightforward' and had been referred to a 'specialist unit for consideration'.

The bedroom of Mohammed, who is from Derby, is pictured from one angle. He was described as an 'extremely dangerous terrorist' by police

Would-be bomber Mohammed is seen on CCTV on a trip to his local Asda store where he bought the wrong type of nail varnish remover to make explosives

Meanwhile, Mohammed was working at a Kerry Foods in Derby making sauces for supermarket ready meals and wooing a potential British bride he met online.

The prosecution claimed he was drawn to University College London graduate El-Hassan because she referred to having a Masters degree in pharmacy in her dating profile.

She wrote that she was 'looking for a simple, very simple, honest and straightforward man who fears Allah' who she could 'vibe with on a spiritual and intellectual level'.

Jurors were told the pair had a 'rapidly formed emotional attachment and a shared ideology' and by the spring of 2016 were in regular contact on WhatsApp and had met more than once in a London park near El-Hassan's home.

As well as arguments, jokes and every-day concerns, they also shared extremist views and videos.

A Counter Terrorism Policing North East picture of Hydrogen peroxide found in Mohammed's home address

Disposable masks found at the home of El Hassan, She told jurors she had sulphuric acid for her drains and got face masks to wear as she dealt with a damp problem in her flat

Prosecutor Anne Whyte QC said Mohammed 'resolved upon a lone wolf attack' and El-Hassan was well aware of his plan.

In August last year, Mohammed was put in touch via Facebook with a man he believed was an IS commander, known as Abubakr Kurdi.

He pledged allegiance to Kurdi and offered to participate in 'a new job in the UK', said to mean an act of terrorism, jurors heard.

In September last year, Mohammed complained he had not received his instructions, saying in coded language: 'If possible send how we make dough (explosives) for Syrian bread (a bomb) and other types of food.'

Mother-of-two El-Hassan advised fellow divorcee Mohammed on what chemicals to buy for a bomb, jurors were told.

In November last year, Mohammed got hold of a video containing information on how to manufacture ricin, the court heard.

Advent Notebook found in the home of would-be bomber 36-year-old Mohammed, from Derby

In the days before his arrest, Mohammed looked at pressure cookers at Ace Discounts, which the prosecution said could be used to contain the explosives.

When police raided his home on December 12 last year, they found hydrogen peroxide in a wardrobe and hydrochloric acid in the freezer.

Mohammed denied the chemicals were for a bomb, claiming the hydrochloric acid was to clean the alloys on his car and the peroxide was to treat a burn.

He told jurors he sent El-Hassan extremist videos 'mainly for the news' and claimed his intention was 'to marry her'.

However, the court also heard he had an arranged marriage in Sudan with a woman he had never met called Fatima who he was hoping to bring to England on a student visa.

Hydrogen peroxide found in Mohammed's home address (left), and One Shot Drain Cleaner found at the home of El Hassan (right)

El-Hassan, who came to Britain from Sudan at the age of three, told jurors she had sulphuric acid for her drains and got face masks to wear as she dealt with a damp problem in her flat.

Asked if she had feelings for Mohammed, she said: 'It was mixed feelings at the time. Yes, there was emotional attachment.

'There were feelings developing and we were getting to know each other. I was grateful for things he helped me with. And he was grateful for things I helped him with. I liked the attention he was giving me.'

Following the verdicts, Judge Topolski said: 'Munir Mohammed, you have been convicted of planning a potentially devastating terrorist attack by creating an explosive device and deploying it somewhere in the UK targeting those you regarded as enemies of the Islamic State.

'Rowaida El-Hassan, you share the extremist mindset with Munir Mohammed and you were ideologically motivated to provide him with support, motivation and assistance.

'You knew he was engaging and planning an attack. You knew he was planning an explosion to kill and maim innocent people in the cause of Islamic State.'

Mohammed was unanimously convicted and his co-accused by a majority of 10 to one jurors.

It's difficult to know whether El-Hassan was an extremist before meeting Mohammed, say police

Rowaida El-Hassan (pictured) and Mohammed were 'looking for a relationship but... in each other found a shared ideology'

It is 'difficult to say' whether Rowaida El-Hassan was an extremist before she met Munir Mohammed on a dating site or whether she was radicalised through their romance, anti-terror police have said.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Greenwood, who led the investigation into the pair, said he believes they met because they were genuinely looking for a relationship but El-Hassan could have been in no doubt about Mohammed's extreme ideology.

He said: 'I guess from her perspective, she was a single mother and a Muslim looking for a partner.

'So I guess in that sense it's a normal place to look for a relationship.

'I think both El-Hassan and Munir were looking for a relationship but, on that website, in each other found a shared ideology and together became even more dangerous. Because that little bit of knowledge he lacked around chemicals, she had, being a very bright and qualified pharmacist.

The kitchen in the home of El-Hassan, who lived in Brondesbury, North West London, is pictured

'So she was able to give practical advice on where to source the specific chemicals he needed in order to manufacture the explosive TATP.'

Asked whether El-Hassan was radicalised by Mohammed, Mr Greenwood said: 'It's difficult to say, again, because she hadn't previously come to our attention.

'All that I can say is that Munir shared with her some really graphic and brutal execution videos, lots of other ideological material, including children executing Isis prisoners and children involved in military training in the name of the Islamic State.

'And she appeared to be very receptive to that and they seemed to encourage each other with their shared mindsets. She could have been in no doubt as to Munir's mindset because he made it plain to her.'

The lounge at El-Hassan's home is pictured. Asked whether El-Hassan was radicalised by Mohammed, anti-terror police said: 'It's difficult to say'

And asked whether they had a genuine romance, the detective said: 'They definitely did have a romantic relationship or a relationship of sorts. So, to what degree or to what strength of feeling, I don't know.

'But it's certainly possible and couldn't be ruled out they had a relationship as part of what they were both involved with together.

'But that doesn't take away from the fact that, irrespective of whether she was influenced by him, she knew fully his mindset and contributed to a set of circumstances that, had we not intervened, could have resulted in significant loss of life in the UK in the lead-up to Christmas 2016.'

Munir Mohammed is an 'extremely dangerous terrorist', warns police chief

A police chief said officers do not believe Munir Mohammed had selected a definite target but was trying to get orders from ISIS

Munir Mohammed is an 'extremely dangerous terrorist' who was preparing a pre-Christmas attack which would 'almost certainly' have resulted in death and injury, according to anti-terror police.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Greenwood, who led the investigation, said officers do not believe Mohammed had selected a definite target but was trying to get orders from Islamic State.

Mr Greenwood said: 'Mohammed is an extremely dangerous terrorist.

'Had he not been arrested when he was - which was on December 12, 2016, at a time when he'd already started to acquire chemicals, already started to look at pressure cookers, on the delivery mechanism for an attack and was already in conversation with Islamic States operatives - I think he was very close to mounting some sort of attack.

'And that could well have occurred before Christmas 2016 and I think that attack would have involved the loss of life and multiple injuries had Mohammed had his way.'

Mr Greenwood said: 'We're fairly confident that, at the time of arrest, he was well-on with a plan to conduct a terrorist attack in the UK that would almost certainly have resulted in the loss of life and that would probably have been an explosive attack.'

Mohammed, whose bedroom is pictured abopve, was preparing a pre-Christmas attack which would 'almost certainly' have resulted in death and injury, according to anti-terror police

He said: 'I don't think that he had a target at the time of arrest. He'd started to acquire the chemicals and was watching the instructional videos to manufacture TATP.

'So he was acquiring the knowledge and operational capability to conduct an attack but at the same time he was trying to get direct tasking from the Islamic State, he was reaching out on the internet.'

Mr Greenwood said Mohammed was in contact with a key Islamic State commander looking for 'tasking'.

He said: 'I think had that tasking not been forthcoming he would probably have picked a target himself. But he was really keen to act in the name of the Islamic State to be tasked by them and conducting an attack in their name.'

He said: 'This investigation very much typifies the modern threat that we face - a very radical Islamic extremist who's looking on the internet to feed that extremism.

'And he found multiple execution videos, rhetoric of the Islamic State that fed that extremism. That moved on to him seeking instructional videos of how to carry out an attack and then led on, once again, from actually reaching out to speak to members of the Islamic State to act in their name.'New Yorkers have reported seeing 85 UFOs over the city in two years including orange orbs, a cigar-shaped craft and fireballs of lights, researchers have revealed.

There have been a total of 27 sightings above the famous skyscrapers of Manhattan since 2016, according to the Washington-based National UFO Reporting Center.

Brookyln saw 24 over the same period while in Queens, there were 20 reports of unidentified objects including a 'group of about seven UFOs, with a leader to the side, and a cluster to its north,' in June.

New Yorkers have reported seeing 85 UFOs over the city in two years including orange orbs, a cigar-shaped craft and fireballs of lights, researchers have revealed

In Queens, there were 20 reports of unidentified objects including a 'group of about seven UFOs, with a leader to the side, and a cluster to its north,' in June, according to the New York Post.

This compared to just eight strange such incidents in The Bronx and just six in Staten Island.

The Post reports that one report from Manhattan told of an object 'rotating like a drill as it was also moving off axis and in a line towards the east'.

While this was happening, the witness said, you could see 'four lights that would only be on one side and seen' after it fully rotated. The unidentified witness, who saw the object out of a gym window, said it was hundreds of feet long and included 'four other smaller craft appeared that were to me saucer or spherical that blipped in and out.'

Nigel Watson, author of the UFO Investigations Manual, said of the findings: 'It only takes one or two regular witnesses, UFO investigators, groups or promoters to highlight UFO activity in one particular area.

'Another area might have just as many UFO sightings, but if there are no active ufologists there and/or a local media that ignores such stories, then they will never get any attention.

There have been a total of 27 sightings above the famous skyscrapers of Manhattan since 2016, according to the Washington-based National UFO Reporting Center

'Internet reporting sites like the National UFO Reporting Centre make it easy to report sightings, but this is just raw data that needs to be processed and investigated to make any useful basis for analysis.

'When looking at this data you need to obtain detailed reports from witnesses who are reliable and credible.

'Even then expert witnesses, like pilots, can be mistaken and it is notoriously difficult to separate knowns (e.g. misidentified stars, aircraft, rockets etc) from unknowns.

'Large data bases tend to be riddled with a wide variety of errors due to these problems and only give an accurate guide to levels of UFO reporting rather than UFO activity.'

In February last year, it was revealed that more people were reporting sightings of spaceships and UFOs than ever before.

Exactly 104,947 UFO sightings had been reported since the first sign of aliens was spotted in 1905, according to data from the Center's data.

And since the 1990s, the number of other-worldly sightings had shot up from 10,000 to 45,000 a year.

The National UFO Reporting Centre, which is based in Washington, is a site dedicated to keeping track of UFO sightings from across the world.

Data from the site released last year showed that people living in the UK, the US and Australia were most likely to report seeing an alien spaceship, while countries such as Russia, China and Greenland rarely catch a glimpse of extraterrestrial activity.Eleven more members of former Pi Delta Psi frat at Baruch College, New York, were charged over the death of pledge Chun 'Michael' Deng, 19

Four New York City men were given jail sentences Monday in the death of a 19-year-old fraternity pledge during a 2013 hazing ritual in Pennsylvania, with a judge saying she believes they succumbed to 'brainwashing' and 'indoctrination' that is rampant at fraternities around the nation.

Baruch College freshman Chun 'Michael' Deng was blindfolded, forced to wear a heavy backpack and then repeatedly tackled as part of the fraternity's Crossing Over initiation ceremony.

He was knocked unconscious and later died at a hospital.

Police charged 37 people with crimes ranging from aggravated assault to hazing to third-degree murder.

'Not one person out of 37 picked up a telephone and called an ambulance. I cannot wrap my head around it,' Monroe County President Judge Margherita Patti-Worthington said. 'So there's something greater going on here, and I think it's probably really prevalent. We see across the country these issues in fraternities.'

The four defendants sentenced Monday, Kenny Kwan, Charles Lai, Raymond Lam and Sheldon Wong, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, hindering apprehension and other charges.

Kwan got 12 to 24 months in county jail. Lam and Wong were sentenced to 10 to 24 months each. Lai, who spent 342 days in jail after he was unable to make bail, was sentenced to time served.

Kenny Kwan (center) pictured May 15, 2017, is the last of the four men who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the 2013 death of Chun 'Michael' Deng. He got the longest sentence - 12 to 24 months in county jail

Pictured here is Raymond Lam in this May 15, 2017, file photo leaving the Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg who is one of four men who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the 2013 death of Chun 'Michael' Deng

In this May 15, 2017, file photo, Sheldon Wong, right, leaves the Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg, Pa. Wong was sentenced to 10 to 24 months

All four defendants apologized, a few of them tearfully.

Lam was the most emotional, saying he has been consumed by guilt. He said he has attempted to kill himself.

'The guilt will never go away, and I think about Mr. Deng every day,' he said.

In a statement to the court, Deng's mother wrote about the anguish of losing her only son and demanded a sentence that would send a message about hazing.

'This punishment should forever remind them of the pain and grief we will carry for the rest of our lives as the result of their misconduct,' Deng wrote.

'It is also our hope that the punishment may also save lives by sending a clear message to other fraternities and their members that the outrageous tradition of hazing will no longer be tolerated and must be ended once and for all.'

Charles Lai pictured leaving the Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg on May 15, 2017 who is another one of the four men who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Lai, who spent 342 days in jail after he was unable to make bail, was sentenced to time served

Deng was taking part in a hazing ritual at this house in Pennsylvania when he was knocked unconscious. Frat brothers waited an hour before taking him to the emergency room, by which time he was braindead

Earlier Monday, the Pi Delta Psi fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and was ordered to pay a fine of more than $110,000 for its role in Deng's death.

The judge and a prosecutor slammed Pi Delta Psi for calling itself a victim of rogue fraternity members, saying the fraternity tolerated and even encouraged hazing for years.

'It's the epitome of a lack of acceptance of responsibility. It's their rituals and functions that led us here today,' Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Kim Metzger said in court.

Pi Delta Psi has 25 chapters in 11 states, including one at Penn State University that will now have to be disbanded.

In a written statement, Pi Delta Psi, an Asian-American cultural fraternity founded in 1994, said its now-disbanded Baruch College chapter brought 'shame and dishonor' to the national fraternity.

Pi Delta Psi's attorney, Wes Niemoczynski, argued that Pi Delta Psi had developed a 'no excuses' hazing policy before Deng's death but said the policy worked on the 'honor system' and proved to be inadequate.

The fraternity's initiation rituals 'involved some physicality, but they certainly did not involve the level of physicality, the level of inhumanity and the depravity of the individuals who are also coming before the court,' he said.

The defendants sentenced Monday faced the most serious charges. Dozens of other defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to probation.It was supposed to be a night about myriad women in black dresses making a powerful collective statement about sexual harassment.

Instead, it turned into a night about one powerful black woman making what could turn out to be an historic statement of political intent.

Make no mistake, Oprah Winfreys astonishing speech at last nights Golden Globes was the moment she told the world: Im ready to be President of the United States.

Oprahs astonishing speech at last nights Golden Globes was the moment she told the world: Im ready to be President of the United States- and her longtime partner Stedman confirmed it

Her partner Stedman Graham appeared to confirm this by telling the Los Angeles Times: Its up to the people. She would absolutely do it.

And Meryl Streep said an Oprah presidential run was now inevitable: She launched a rocket tonight. I want her to run for president. I dont think she had any intention (of declaring). But now she doesnt have a choice.

Until Oprah got up to receive her Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement, the Globes had meandered along a predictable virtue-signalling path with attendees competing to be the most sincere #MeToo star in the room and host Seth Myers whacking all the right villains, from Weinstein to Spacey.

But within a few minutes, the whole mood changed to one of euphoria and excitement as she spoke with such blazing eloquence and passion that the audience repeatedly jumped to its feet to roar approval.

She invoked Sidney Poitier, who inspired her as a kid when he became the first African-American to win the Oscar for Best Actor.

She invoked Recy Taylor, a young rape victim in Alabama from 1944, whose case was taken up by civil rights heroine Rosa Parks, and who died just ten days ago.

She invoked all the women behind #MeToo but she also invoked every man who chooses to listen.

Finally, she invoked all the little girls watching at home as she had once watched Poitier.

A new day is on the horizon! Oprah shouted to them, and when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say Me Too again.

It was a speech that made the heart pound and the tear ducts sting.

It was also a speech that sounded distinctlypresidential.

Notably, it was inclusive. Oprah was careful, unlike some in the #MeToo campaign, not to sound like she hated all men. She even praised the much-maligned fake news media: I want to say that I value the press more than ever before, she said, speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.

Theres one guaranteed way to earn yourself instant positive headlines from a press that so obviously loathes the current President.

My own mind flashed back to seven years ago this very week to when I looked Oprah in the eye and told her: A lot of people say if you ran for president, youd win.

We were in a Beverly Hills hotel room doing a lengthy interview for CNN. It was my first ever show for the network.

You know, she replied, its one of those things that, if youre living in the ego of yourself, its flattering to hear that. But the thing I really admire about myself is I know where my lane is, and I know how to stay in my lane.

Wheres your lane? I pressed.

My lane is evolving the consciousness of people everywhere, getting people to see the best of themselves and, therefore, the best in other people.

Who knows the American people better than you? I asked.

Listen, she responded, I am not in any position or qualified to run a country, a city, a town hall meeting.

I changed tack.

Let me ask you a different way. You are a very successful businesswoman?

Yes.

And its a billion-dollar-plus business; as an empire, its very impressive and its big.

OK.

And its successful. How would you get America back on its feet again?

Oprah gave me a slightly scolding look.

I dont know the answer to that. Thats out of my lane. Youve now driven off the road and out of my lane!

I want you in that lane!

But you cant put me in that lane!

Why not? Youd be great in that lane.

Oprahs eyes flashed with sudden intensity. No. What I can talk about is compassion for anybody who is struggling, who has lost their job, who doesnt know how theyre going to pay this months bills. I have great empathy for that and understand what it means.

I thought then that Oprah would make a far better first female president than Hillary Clinton.

Seven years ago I interviewed Oprah for CNN and asked her if she'd run, and I thought then she'd make a better president Hillary Clinton

Shes an entirely self-made billionaire who fought her way out of abject poverty and abuse to become the biggest star in America.

Shes got a massively generous heart, giving away a rumoured $500 million to charity.

Shes whip-smart, well read and connected, very warm and funny, knows how to run things, and genuinely cares about people.

Shes also a natural-born winner.

But dont take my word for it, ask Donald Trump.

Trump - here in 1988 - has repeatedly said Oprah would make a great VP - in 1999 to CNN, and in 2015 he repeated it to ABC. I like Oprah. Shes great, shes talented, shes a good person

In 1999, Trump appeared on CNN to talk about a possible presidential run.

Do you have a vice presidential candidate in mind? he was asked.

Oprah, Trump replied immediately. I love Oprah, she would always be my first choice. Shes a great woman, somebody very special. Shes popular, shes brilliant, an exceptional woman. If shed do it, shed be fantastic.

When Trump finally did announce a formal campaign, in June 2015, he hadnt changed his mind about a potential VP, telling ABCs George Stephanopoulos: I like Oprah. Shes great, shes talented, shes a good person.

Ironically, it was Trump himself who almost certainly persuaded Oprah to consider a run, because all the reasons she cited for NOT running were blown apart by his extraordinary victory.

In March last year, Oprah was interviewed by Bloomberg TVs David Rubenstein and asked again if she would be a candidate, given, he said, its clear you dont need government experience to be elected President of the United States.

As the audience whooped, Oprah replied: I thought, Oh gee, I dont have the experience, I dont know enough. And now Im thinking, Oh.

Well last night, that 'Oh' became a 'Lets go, O'.

For the past week, Washington has been agog with Michael Wolffs spectacularly juicy Trump book, Fire and Fury.

Washington has been agog with Michael Wolffs spectacularly juicy Trump book, Fire and Fury for the past week- but I doubt it will end Trump's presidency

The author, who pulled off one of the journalistic coups of all time by implanting himself into the White House for months on end (memo to the administration: if you let a wolf into your house, its probably going to eat everyone..), proclaimed it would mark the end of this presidency.

I very much doubt that.

Trumps base wont give a damn about it, and as for the President himself, he managed, with one tweet, to get everyone talking about the words Trump and stable genius for days on end  which in itself is little short of genius.

What happened last night should worry the President a lot more than Wolffs riotously readable book.

If Oprah does run in 2020, then Trump will face someone who is almost as rich as him, as big a star as him and massively more popular than him.

Hell also face an opponent with a crossover appeal to all sections of American society, a ferocious will to win to match his own, and more than enough self-confidence to handle his inevitable taunts and tweet onslaughts.

In another part of our interview, Oprah hinted at a higher calling.

I have always believed the "Oprah Winfrey Show" was really the foundation for the beginning of what was to come for my supreme moment of destiny, she said. I am very clear that my life and my purpose is bigger than myself. This isn't all about me, you know, having houses and shoes. It's about, how can I be used for something greater than myself? And that is why I'm hereNegro me, former colored girl in Mississippi.

The interview aired on January 17, 2011, which was Martin Luther King Day.

She grew emotional when she spoke about the great civil rights icon.

I know that I would not be here, this life that I live, the dream that I live in, that he predicted for our people, had he not been who he was. I stand in the shoes and on the shoulders of those who have come before me. Im very much aware of that, and Im very connected to it.

Im fairly certain Dr King is looking down on America right now and urging Oprah to rise to her supreme moment of destiny.

Its time to switch lanes, Ms Winfrey.

Run.Craig Branstetter, from Chowchilla, California, was arrested in January 2017 and charged with having unlawful sex with and sending harmful materials to one of his students

A former high school math teacher will serve five years' probation and possible jail time after he was found guilty of sex with a 16-year-old student and texting her inappropriate photos.

Craig Branstetter, from Chowchilla, California, was arrested in January 2017 and charged with having unlawful sex with and sending harmful materials to one of his students at Dos Palos High School, according to ABC 30.

The 44-year-old initially pleaded not guilty, but changed his plea to 'no contest in November, at which time he was immediately sentenced to probation and possible prison time.

The victim, who has not been named due to her age, told police that Branstetter was her math teacher and that they talked to each other over various social media accounts, according to ABC.

The 44-year-old initially pleaded not guilty, but changed his plea to 'no contest in November, at which time he was immediately sentenced to probation and possible prison time

The victim was a student in Branstetter's class at Dos Palos High School, pictured

She said that for several months she would send him photos of her stomach after exercising, and he would respond with lewd and sexual pictures.

The victim also says she and Branstetter had sex three times in his car.

'We feel like this is a fair disposition for the case,' Merced County Deputy DA Harold Nutt told ABC.

And Branstetter's attorney Jeff Hammerschmidt says his client didn't 'get off easy' when he was sentenced to just probation.

'The reality is for a felony probation, a person can do a year in jail,' Hammerschmidt explained.

By pleading no contest and accepting a plea deal, four charges of having sex, molesting and sending harmful matter to a minor were also dropped, according to the Los Banos Enterprise.

The victim, who has not been named, said that she had sex with the teacher three times in his car, and that they exchanged dirty photos over various social media accounts

'There's numerous restrictions on the person's freedom, just because someone gets probation does not mean they got off easy.'

He said the former teacher was evaluated to be sure he wasn't a threat to society, and as a part of accepting the plea deal won't have to register as a sex offender.

Part of the evaluation was by a psychiatrist, who determined he was not a pedophile, according to Merced County Deputy District Attorney Travis Colby.

'His position of public trust does factor in and was considered,' Colby explained.

'This case was pretty straightforward, a teacher who had sexual intercourse with one of the students.'

Branstetter, who is married and a father of two, will turn himself into authorities in February, and has no plans to return to teaching, according to his lawyer.

He might have to serve up to a year in jail in addition to his five years of probation, but that has yet to be decided by Merced County Sheriff's authorities.These incredible pictures show a three-story house left encased in ice after firefighters battled to put out a five-alarm fire in freezing conditions.

Three families 'lost everything' after a massive blaze destroyed their homes at 7 Allston Street in the Boston suburb of Dorchester.

The Boston Fire Department said initial damage estimate for the property  and the one next door at 5 Allston Street  was $1.5million.

A three-story house was left encased in ice after firefighters battled to put out a five-alarm fire in freezing conditions

Three families 'lost everything' after a massive blaze destroyed their homes at 7 Allston Street in the Boston suburb of Dorchester

'The 14 residents of #7 will stay with family and friends,' the department tweeted on Sunday working through the night to extinguish the fire.

'They have lost everything.'

Around 100 firefighters worked through icy and bitterly cold conditions on Saturday night  when temperatures plummeted as low as -4F  as the blaze tore through the wood-framed house.

As they battled the blaze, their jackets and hoses froze solid.

Around 100 firefighters worked through icy and bitterly cold conditions on Saturday night

Firefighters were left covered in ice and with their jackets frozen solid as they battled the fire

The Boston Fire Department said initial damage estimate for the property  and the one next door at 5 Allston Street  was $1.5million

One firefighter was treated at the scene just before 3am before being transported to hospital

One firefighter was treated at the scene just before 3am on Sunday before being transported to hospital.

The fire department said no other injuries were reported.

Joe Finn, the Chief of the Boston Fire Department, took to Twitter to thank all firefighters and command staff for their 'outstanding effort in less than ideal conditions.'

He added: 'Proud to lead you and be part of one of the best departments around.

'Everyone there saw it firsthand. Well trained, Well equipped, Well staffed. Solid Professionals. Thanks.'Police in Michigan are searching for a mother and her boyfriend after the woman's four-year-old daughter was found suffering from severe burns on New Year's Day and later died from those injuries.

The child, identified by family members as Gabby Barrett, was discovered with scald wounds all over her body shortly before 11am on January 1 at her family's mobile home on Greenmeadow Drive in Sumpter Township.

Police officers who responded to the scene found the toddler with 'obvious burns on her arms and legs.

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Wanted: Police in Michigan are searching for Candice Diaz, 24 (left), and her boyfriend, 28-year-old Brad Fields (right), in connection to the death of the woman's daughter

Victim: Gabby Barrett, 4, passed away on January 1 after suffering from scald burns on much of her body

Police were called to this trailer home in Sumpter Township, Michigan, on New Year's Day on receiving a report of an unresponsive child

According to investigators, the mobile home that housed Barrett, her mother and the woman's boyfriend was littered with animal waste and contained guns and drugs.

Gabby was rushed to St Joseph Mercy Hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

Two days later, the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner ruled the child's death a homicide with evidence of multiple traumatic injuries and signs of Battered Child Syndrome.

On Monday, arrest warrants were approved by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office charging Gabby's mother, 24-year-old Candice Diaz, and her partner, 28-year-old Brad Fields, with second-degree murder, felony murder, first-degree child abuse and torture, reported WDIV.

The pair are believed to be traveling in a 2002 Chevy Cavalier with the Michigan license plate DTR1854.

It has been reported that the Michigan State Police and the state's Child Protective Services agency are investigating.

Local police had some past experience with Candice Diaz: in May 2016, SWAT officers were called to the trailer home after the woman reported that her boyfriend had attacked her, shot her dog and then himself.

House of horrors: Police say the mobile home was covered in animal waste and contained guns and drugs

Gabby's family members (grandparents pictured left) say Diaz had custody of the toddler (left and right) at the time of her death

Gabby is pictured with her biological father, Kyle, who is not connected to her death

The man was later arrested and charged with domestic violence.

Diaz eventually pleaded guilty to weapons charges and was sentenced to probation.

On Sunday night, some of Gabby's family members, including her biological father and her grandparents, gathered in Sumpter Township for a candlelight vigil honoring the deceased four-year-old girl, reported Fox 2 Detroit.

According to the family, Gabby's mother had custody of the girl at the time of her passing on New Years Day.

Her parental grandmother, Deborah Barrett, described Gabby as a 'ball of joy' who loved to play and run around the house, while her paternal grandfather, Jerry Barrett, said he misses the child very much.British Pregnancy Advisory Service said they were 'shocked' at the appointment

Theresa May is facing a backlash after appointing a female MP who opposed loosening abortion laws to a senior job representing Tory women.

Maria Caulfield was made the Conservative vice chair for women today as part of the Prime Minister's overhaul of her senior team.

But her appointment has been met with fierce criticism from pro-Choice groups over her role in leading the opposition to proposals to decriminalise some later abortions.

Ms Caulfield, the MP for Lewes in Sussex, had argued that any attempts to change the law would bring 'unjust and oppressive change' and put women and unborn children at risk.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (Bpas), which provides abortion and counselling services, said hit out at the appointment.

Maria Caulfield was made the Conservative vice chair for women today as part of the Prime Minister's overhaul of her senior team (file pic)

A spokeswoman said: 'We are shocked that the Conservative Party has decided to appoint as their vice chair for women an MP who supports the criminalisation of women who end their own pregnancies.

'Just last year, Caulfield led the parliamentary opposition to a Bill which would have decriminalised abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.'

Dawn Butler, Labour's shadow women and equalities minister, said it was an 'appalling decision'.

She said: 'Women deserve to have the strongest advocates at the top of politics, not people who seek to restrict their rights and freedoms.'

Sophie Walker, leader of the Women's Equality Party, said she was 'staggered' by the appointment.

'Women's equality goes hand in hand with reproductive rights,' she said. 'Someone who believes those rights should be restricted can never advocate effectively for us.':

Ms Caulfield spoke against the Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Bill in March, which would have changed abortion laws.

Under current laws, it is illegal for a woman to have an abortion after 24 weeks for non-medical reasons and each procedure must be signed off by two doctors before it can go ahead.

Bpas said the legislation sought to protect women who 'in the most desperate of circumstances' use medication purchased online to end a pregnancy.

MPs voted in favour of the legislation by 172 votes to 142 at its first Commons stage, it ran out of time to make further progress after the snap election was called.

The Bpas spokeswoman said: 'That the new Conservative vice chair for women believes that these women should face up to life imprisonment is appalling.

Theresa May's decision to appoint Maria Caulfield (pictured outside No10 second to far right) as Tory vice chair for women has been met with fierce criticism from pro-Choice groups over her role in leading the opposition to proposals to decriminalise some later abortions

'Maria Caulfield has stated that she wants to be a "voice for the unborn child".

'It is profoundly disappointing that the Conservative Party did not think that a better choice for vice chair for women would be someone willing and able to speak up for the one in three women who will have an abortion in their lifetime.'

In the Commons debate on the Bill, Ms Caulfield said she would refuse to be cowed into silence on her views on abortion.

She said: 'Too often today, debates about abortion - about the risks involved and the rights of the unborn child - are shut down,.

'But I, and many colleagues who share my views, will not be silenced as we seek to be a voice for the voiceless, and as we argue for more modern and humane abortion law that upholds not only the dignity and rights of women but the dignity and rights of the unborn child.'

A former nurse who grew up on a council estate in south London, the Lewes MP said criminal convictions for women were extremely rare and those seeking abortions were not 'living under the constant shadow of arrest'.The secret love story of a holocaust prisoner known as the 'Tattooist of Auschwitz' and his wife - a woman he was forced to ink at the horrific concentration camp - has been revealed for the first time in a new book.

Lale Sokolov - born Ludwig 'Lale' Eisenberg to Jewish parents in Slovakia in 1916 - met his wife Gita Fuhrmannova when he tattooed the identification number '34902' on her skin at Auschwitz in 1942.

While in the camp, they smuggled each other letters through an SS guard and had secret meetings by her block before they were separated upon release.

It wasn't until weeks later that they were reunited in Bratislava, where they wed in 1945 before fleeing to Australia to live out the rest of their lives.

Sokolov kept the stories of his time in Auschwitz secret for more than 50 years, until he told them to writer Helen Morris in the three years before he died in 2006.

Now, in the writer's new book, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Morris tells how Sokolov met wife, Gita, and how they came to live in Australia after World War II.

Lale Sokolov - born Ludwig 'Lale' Eisenberg to Jewish parents in Slovakia in 1916 - met his wife, Gita Fuhrmannova, when he tattooed her at Auschwitz in 1942. While in the camp they smuggled each other letters through an SS guard and had secret meetings by her block before they were separated upon release

It wasn't until weeks after they left the camp that they were reunited in Bratislava, where they wed in 1945 before fleeing to Australia to live out the rest of their lives. Gita and Sokolov pictured together before their deaths in 2003 and 2016, respectively

Auschwitz and its sub-camps, Birkenau and Monowitz, were the only places prisoners received number tattoos. Pictured above, a young man checks the numbers tattooed on the arms of Jewish Polish prisoners coming from Auschwitz, in Dachau concentration camp after its liberation by the US army at the end of April 1945

Sokolov was taken to Auschwitz - the Nazis' biggest death camp - in 1942 when he was 26 years old.

He contracted typhoid shortly after his arrival and was taken care of by the man who had tattooed his camp number, 32407, on his arm.

The Frenchman took him under his wing by teaching him the trade and made him into his assistant.

Eventually, Sokolov was made into the main tattooist, partly because he spoke several languages, including Slovakian, German, Russian, French, Hungarian and Polish.

As the tattooist, he worked in the Political Wing of the SS and tattooed hundreds of thousands of prisoners. A guard was assigned to look after him at all times.

'He never, ever saw himself as being a collaborator,' Morris told the BBC. 'He did what he did to survive. He said he wasn't told he could have this job or that job.

Sokolov was taken to Auschwitz - the Nazis' biggest death camp - in 1942 when he was 26 years old. Gita arrived a year later

Sokolov, pictured with Gita, contracted typhoid shortly after his arrival and was taken care of by the man who had tattooed his camp number, 32407, on his arm. He then became the man's apprentice and later the camp's main tattooist

He fell in love with Gita (pictured above with the couple's one son) when he was forced to tattoo a camp ID on her when she first arrived at Auschwitz

After being released from Auschwitz, Sokolov waited at a train station for weeks in hopes of finding Gita. On his way to a nearby Red Cross, a woman stepped in front of his horse - it was Gita

'He said you took whatever was being offered. You took it and you were grateful because it meant that you might wake up the next morning.'

Auschwitz and its sub-camps, Birkenau and Monowitz, were the only places prisoners received number tattoos.

Prisoners were only tattooed at the camp between autumn 1941 and spring of 1943.

It was in July 1942 when he was given the arm of a young woman to tattoo the numbers 34902 on.

He later said that she 'tattooed her number on his heart', according to the BBC.

It was then he learned that the woman's name was Gita Fuhrmannova, and she was in the women's camp at Birkenau.

With the help of his personal SS guard who watched over him because of his job, he was able to sneak letters to Gita.

He snuck Gita extra food rations and moved her to a better work station within the concentration camp.

Sokolov was made into the main tattooist, partly because he spoke several languages, including Slovakian, German, Russian, French, Hungarian and Polish. As the tattooist, he worked in the Political Wing of the SS and tattooed hundreds of thousands of prisoners. A guard was assigned to look after him at all times

Sokolov was taken to Auschwitz (women pictured at the camp above) - the Nazis' biggest death camp - in 1942 when he was 26 years old

The couple soon were able to have secretive meetings outside of her block.

'Gita, she had her doubts, very strong doubts,' Morris writes. 'She didn't see a future. He always, deep down, knew that he was going to survive.

'He didn't know how, but it comes back to that whole notion of being a survivor. He's a survivor because of luck, being in the right place at the right time, and being able to manipulate opportunities that he saw.'

In 1945, Gita was selected to leave Auschwitz before the Russians arrived.

Sokolov left the camp soon after and made his way back to his hometown of Krompachy in Czechoslovakia using jewels he had stolen from the Nazis.

He found that his sister Goldie had also survived, as well as their family home.

But who he truly wanted to see was Gita.

He traveled to Bratislava in a horse and cart, hoping Gita would make her way through the city, which at the time was an entry point for people returning to Czechoslovakia.

With the help of his personal SS guard who watched over him because of his job, he was able to sneak letters around the camp to Gita

Documents in Morris's book revealed Sokolov's ID number, as well as others who lived in the concentration camp

The couple married in October 1945, but Sokolov was soon arrested after the government learned he was sending money to support an Israeli state. So Sokolov and Gita fled the country, making their way to Vienna, then Paris before deciding to head to Australia, where they lived out the rest of their lives Iin Melbourne

He waited at a train station for weeks until a stationmaster told him to check out the nearby Red Cross.

On his way there, however, a woman stepped in front of his horse - it was Gita.

The couple married in October 1945, but Sokolov was soon arrested after the government learned he was sending money to support an Israeli state.

So Sokolov and Gita fled the country, making their way to Vienna, then Paris before deciding to head to Australia, where they lived out the rest of their lives in Melbourne.

Sokolov started a textile business, Gita began designing dresses, and they had one son together in 1961.

Gita returned to Europe a few times before she died in 2003. Sokolov never returned before his death in 2006.

The former tattooist died in 2006, but before his death he told the stories of his imprisonment to Morris for her book, the Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Her book will be released in the UK on 11 January, 2018.Jean-Claude Juncker today called on the EU states to abandon hopes Brexit will be cancelled and cough up extra money to cover Britain's future contributions.

The EU Commission President has called on European governments to lift a 1 per cent cap on budget increases.

Mr Juncker said extra money was needed to fill a huge black hole that Britain's departure leaves in the EU's long-term plans.

The UK has agreed to meet its commitments during the current budget period running to 2020 but the EU so far has no plan for what to do afterwards.

Jean-Claude Juncker today called on the EU states to abandon hopes Brexit will be cancelled and cough up extra money to cover Britain's future contributions

Mr Juncker claimed at a press conference today that lifting the budget was equivalent to 'one cup of coffee a day'.

He insisted: 'I think Europe is more than one cup of coffee a day.'

Mr Juncker needs to find up to 10 billion euros a year to fill the British hole in the budget.

He warned: 'We need more than 1 per cent [spending] if we are to pursue EU policies and fund them adequately.

'Don't believe those who say [Brexit] is not going to happen. Our working hypothesis is that our British friends will be leaving us in 2019.

'Between now and then we need to find the means of reacting to the loss of a significant number of billion of euros when a net contributor goes.'

The President added: 'We need to deliver on time so the EU can travel in calm budgetary waters towards its future.'

Britain hopes that budgetary pressures will create splits in the EU bloc that it can exploit in the next phase of negotiations.

Britain hopes that budgetary pressures will create splits in the EU bloc that it can exploit in the next phase of negotiations (pictured are Brexit Secretary David Davis and Theresa May head to head with Mr Juncker and EU negotiator Michel Barnier last month)

Brexit Secretary David Davis was reappointed in the Cabinet reshuffle today and will now continue with a whirlwind schedule of visits to European capitals.

Official negotiations are due to resume shortly with a goal of agreeing a transition arrangement by the March summit.

Talks on the future relationship will then finally begin with a view to striking an agreement on the principles of how Europe will work in future by October.

Eloise Todd, chief executive of the Best for Britain, said: 'President Juncker is completely wrong to say Brexit is a dead certainty.

'We have until March 2019; the government wants the date set in stone because every day that goes by exposes their strategy of pretending Brexit is all things to all comers.

'The government think the wool can be pulled over the British public's eyes: Ireland isn't sorted, the kind of Brexit we will end up with isn't sorted, and all the public announcements made by Theresa May about pick n' mix Brexit are impossible.'Pope Francis has appealed for all nations to ease tensions with North Korea and support a ban on all nuclear weapons.

In his annual 'state of the world' address, he called for countries to support dialogue ahead of confrontation, a day before Seoul and Pyongyang hold their first talks in two years

In the speech, Francis also repeated his call for a two-state-solution between Israelis and Palestinians and respect for the 'status quo' of Jerusalem following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognise the city as Israel's capital.

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Pope Francis has appealed for all nations to ease tensions with North Korea and support a ban on all nuclear weapons in his annual 'state of the world' address on Monday (pictured: Pope Francis delivers his speech in the 'Regia' hall at the Vatican)

'It is of paramount importance to support every effort at dialogue on the Korean peninsula, in order to find new ways of overcoming the current disputes, increasing mutual trust and ensuring a peaceful future for the Korean people and the entire world,' Francis said.

The pope addressed envoys from more than 180 countries a day before North Korea and South Korea are due to hold talks expected to address North Korea's participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

Some diplomats see this as a possible opening for discussions on other topics such as humanitarian issues and divided families.

Earlier this month, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un asserted that he had a nuclear button at the ready, Trump tweeted that the U.S. button was bigger and more powerful.

'Nuclear weapons must be banned,' Francis said, quoting a document issued by Pope John XXIII at the height of the Cold War and adding that there is 'no denying that the conflagration could be started by some chance and unforeseen circumstance'.

Noting that the Holy See was among 122 states that last year agreed a United Nations treaty to ban nuclear weapons, he called for a 'serene and wide-ranging debate' on disarmament.

In his annual 'state of the world' address, he called for countries to support dialogue ahead of confrontation, a day before Seoul and Pyongyang hold their first talks in two years (pictured: Pope Francis delivers his speech in the 'Regia' hall at the Vatican)

In the speech, Francis also repeated his call for a two-state-solution between Israelis and Palestinians and respect for the 'status quo' of Jerusalem following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognise the city as Israel's capital (pictured from left: daughter Ivanka Trump, left, wife Melania Trump, Trump and Pope Francis)

The United States, Britain, France and others boycotted the talks that led to the treaty, instead pledging commitment to a decades-old Non-Proliferation Treaty.

At the individual greetings after the speech, Francis spent more time chatting with South Korea's envoy, Jonghyu Jeong, than with most other diplomats.

Washington's new ambassador to the Vatican, Callista Gingrich, attended along with her husband, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Newt Gingrich.

Addressing climate change, Francis called for a 'united effort' to remain committed to the 2015 Paris accord on reducing carbon emissions. French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to breathe new life in the agreement after Trump announced that the United States would withdraw..

Francis, who has made defence of migrants and refugees a major plank of his pontificate, warned against 'stirring up primal fears' of newcomers.

'There is a need, then, to abandon the familiar rhetoric and start from the essential consideration that we are dealing, above all, with persons,' he said.

Migration has become a top political issue in countries including the United States, Italy and Germany.Advertisement

Some 600 men showed up to support students with absent fathers at a Texas middle school's Breakfast with Dads event after just 50 volunteers were sought.

This heartwarming act of kindness occurred last month at Billy Earl Dade Middle School in Dallas.

The middle school has a population of nearly 900 students and about 90 per cent of those pupils come from low-income families.

About 150 male students, ages 11 to 13, signed up for the Breakfast with Dads event, which was held on December 14, 2017, but Kristina Dove, the senior partner relations manager at Big Thought, a youth development nonprofit, wasn't sure if every student would have a father present during the program.

Advocates for a Texas middle school only asked 50 men to support students, who would have been without fathers at their 'Breakfast with Dads' event, and to their surprise 600 men (pictured) showed up

This heartwarming act of kindness occurred last month at Billy Earl Dade Middle School in Dallas. Pictured are some of the hundreds of father figures and mentors who showed up to the event

The middle school has a population of nearly 900 students and about 90 per cent of those pupils come from low-income families

About 150 male students, ages 11 to 13, signed up for the Breakfast with Dads event, which was held on December 14, 2017, but children's advocate Kristina Chaade Dove wasn't sure if every student would have a father there, and decided to call on volunteers

Dove immediately jumped into action, using social media to call for volunteers for the event

And on the day of the program, event organizers were overcome with emotion when 600 men showed up to support their students. This mentor is showing students how to play the trumpet

She immediately jumped into action, using social media to call for volunteers for the event.

'Please Share! Men Needed! On next Thursday, December 14th at 8:30 AM at Dr. Billy Earle Dade Middle School we will host 'Breakfast with Dads' the reality of a great event like this is alot of our kids will not have a Dad present,' Dove wrote on Facebook on December 4.

'But there is nothing like having a male present in the form of a mentor. We are [in] need of at least 50 or more additional male mentors who can devote 1 hour of their Wednesday morning next week to this cause,' she added.

And on the day of the program, event organizers were overcome with emotion when 600 men showed up to support their students.

'When a young person sees someone other than their teacher take interest in them, it inspires them. That's what we want to see happen,' the Rev Donald Parish Jr., pastor of True Lee Missionary Baptist Church and the event organizer, told the Dallas Morning News.

Jason Rodriguez, the assistant chief of police for the Dallas Independent School District Police Department, tweeted about the event.

Jason Rodriguez (center), the assistant chief of police for the Dallas ISD Police Department, participated in the event. He shared this photo on Twitter

'Words cannot describe the impact mentoring youth can have on both you and your mentee. Powerful to see a community of fellow men and fathers come together to wrap their arms around or young men. Thank you for having me out,' Rodriguez wrote (center)

Rodriguez also posted this photo of himself and another student giving a thumbs up

Rodriguez is seen showing one of the young boys how to tie a necktie

'Words cannot describe the impact mentoring youth can have on both you and your mentee. Powerful to see a community of fellow men and fathers come together to wrap their arms around or young men. Thank you for having me out,' Rodriguez wrote.

He posted photos of himself with four students smiling from ear-to-ear. Rodriguez is also seen showing one of the young boys how to tie a necktie.

Stephanie Drenka, a Dallas photographer and blogger, gave details of the event on her website.

'I was privileged to photograph the event at Kristinas request. It was a miracle any of the pictures came out in focus, because I could barely see clearly through the tears streaming down my face and fogged-up glasses,' she recalled on her blog.

Stephanie Drenka, a Dallas photographer and blogger, gave details of the event on her website. She took this photo of one of the men with 'Our sons matter' written on his back

According to Drenka, Jamil 'The Tie Man' Tucker led the auditorium in a hands-on icebreaker activity. Pictured is one of the mentors helping a student tie his necktie

This young man is seen shaking hands with one of the mentors of the program after tying his tie

'When a young person sees someone other than their teacher take interest in them, it inspires them. That's what we want to see happen,' the Rev Donald Parish Jr, pastor of True Lee Missionary Baptist Church and the event organizer said

'I will never forget witnessing the young students surrounded by supportive community members. There were so many volunteers, that at times I saw young men huddled in the center of 4-5 mentors,' Drenka wrote

'I will never forget witnessing the young students surrounded by supportive community members. There were so many volunteers, that at times I saw young men huddled in the center of 4-5 mentors,' Drenka wrote.

'The look of awe- even disbelief- in students' eyes as they made their way through the crowd of Dads was astonishing,' she added.

According to Drenka, Jamil 'The Tie Man' Tucker led the auditorium in a hands-on icebreaker activity.

He talked about learning how to tie a necktie as a rite of passage some young men never experience.

Meanwhile, mentors and fathers handed out ties to the students and helped them 'perfect their half-Windsor knot,' according to Drenka

The mentors and students had breakfast together while they chatted

These three men were paired with a group of three young students

The moving program has not only touched the lives of those who participated, but it also made its rounds on the internet as people said the inspirational event 'brought tears' to their eyes

Meanwhile, mentors and fathers handed out ties to the students and helped them 'perfect their half-Windsor knot'.

The opportunity gap in Dallas has reached a crucial point, with more than 30 per cent of children living in poverty while more affluent areas of the city continue to prosper, according to Drenka.

Studies have shown that the presence of a caring adult in a young person's life can help overcome the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences.

'We hope this event was only the beginning of a movement in Dallas to ensure every student has access to mentorship,' Drenka said.

The moving program has not only touched the lives of those who participated, but it also made its rounds on the internet as several people on social media said the inspirational event 'brought tears' to their eyes.'Morning Joe' co-host Joe Scarborough said Monday it's an open secret that Donald Trump is losing his mind, and The Washington Post has steadfastly refused to let anyone write about it in its pages.

'I've written twice in my column a quote about one of the people closest to Donald Trump during the campaign saying he's got early stage of dementia,' Scarborough said.

'But twice The Washington Post hasn't  would not let me put that in my column,' he added.

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Joe Scarborough (right) said Monday that he's tried twice to write in his Washington Post column about claims that Donald Trump has dementia, but the newspaper censored him

The 'Morning Joe' host interviewed author Michael Wolff (shown) about his new book 'Fire and Fury'

Donald Trump, 17, said on August 19, 2015 that although his father died following a six-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease, he wasn't diagnosed until age 88

Trump's father died in 1999 after a six-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease, a degenerative brain-wasting condition.

DailyMail.com asked Trump about it during an August 2015 campaign press conference in New Hampshire.

'He was 88 years when he developed it, and he died at 94,' Trump observed at the time.

The president is currently 71.

Asked if he had any concerns about his own mental health, he replied: 'No. Not whatsoever.'

'My mother was 88, 89, and she was in amazingly great health. And my father, too, was in great health. They lived long lives.'

Fred Trump is seen at right in 1987, six years before his Alzheimer's diagnosis, along with Trump, his first wife Ivana, and his mother Mary

Author Michael Wolff wrote in his book 'Fire and Fury' that nearly everyone who is regularly around the president is aware of his declining mental state.

'Until your book came out, this was something we were not allowed to speak about,' Scarborough told him.

Wolff said most journalists who cover the White House daily are uncomfortable writing about such an explosive claim because it would shut off their access to the administration.

But a book's author, he argued, doesn't have that problem.

'You can't say what you know, or all that you know, because you have to go back the next day,' Wolff said, adding that 'I could say it because I'm not going back.'It could've been a catastrophe for this dad that had an unexpected interruption after leaving the office door unlocked during a live, at-home TV interview.

Daniel Smith-Rowsey, an adjunct professor and film historian at St Mary's College of California, was being interviewed via Skype about Sunday's Golden Globe Awards on Al Jazeera English when his young son popped into view.

'Umm,' Smith-Rowsey said, with a bit of a laugh from his home in Berkeley, 'that's my child, excuse me.'

Host Sohail Rahman took it in stride and welcomed Rainier, age 5, who his father calls 'Razor,' to the show.

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Daniel Smith-Rowsey (center), an adjunct professor and film historian at St Mary's College of California, was being interviewed from home on live TV by Al Jazeera English's Sohail Rahman (left) when his son, Rainier ('Razor,' at right), age 5, popped into view

'He can come in, it's not a problem, Daniel,' the anchor said. 'We're quite happy to have youngsters on the program, too.'

Smith-Rowsey smiled from ear-to-ear, happy to have his boy welcomed so graciously.

'Oh, OK, he wants to be part of this,' the father told the host, of his cheerful child.

Later, Smith-Rowsey told TODAY in an email: 'I saw [my son] coming in and cursed myself for not locking the door.'

Later, Smith-Rowsey told TODAY in an email: 'I saw him coming in and cursed myself for not locking the door'

Smith-Rowsey didn't miss a beat as he told Rahman that 'Hollywood has never been afraid to be outspoken' while Razor ran his toy car down his father's side

But you never would've known that from the professor's reaction, which was quite different from what viewers saw from professor Robert Kelly, 45, in an interview with the BBC in March, when his children burst into the room unexpectedly.

The video of Kelly shooing one of his children away while his wife, Jung-a Kim, frantically tried to get them out of the room, with a bit of kicking and screaming involved, went viral last year.

Kelly took a lot of flack at the time for keeping such a stern face when his child, Marion, 4, walked up to him while he was on camera, and looking visibly annoyed throughout the interruption.

The political science professor later laughed about the experience, which he admitted in December to the Guardian 'stunned' him and his wife, for both the unexpected nature and the resulting attention the family received.

Smith-Rowsey, on the other hand, couldn't stop grinning as his son gleefully joined in, full of personality during his interview.

'Razor and I had never discussed protocol about this, so I hoped against hope that he would sense that he shouldnt be on camera,' Smith-Rowsey said, of his experience sharing screen time with a tiny, unannounced guest.

But Razor sensed no such thing, much to everyone's delight.

Robert Kelly in an interview with the BBC in March, when his children burst into the room unexpectedly

The video of Kelly shooing one of his children away while his wife frantically tried to get them out of the room, with a bit of kicking and screaming involved, went viral last year

They boy immediately waved to camera, with a toy car in hand, and a big smile on his face.

Smith-Rowsey didn't miss a beat as he told Rahman that 'Hollywood has never been afraid to be outspoken,' while Razor ran his toy car down his father's side.

Smith-Rowsey and Rahman were discussing the #MeToo and Times Up movements, which coincided at the Golden Globes with men and women wearing black in solidarity with individuals across the country, in all industries, who have decided 'Time's up' for a lack of equality and safety in the workplace.

As Smith-Rowsey tied up his comments, his little guy sweetly rested his head on his dad's shoulder.

Host Sohail Rahman took it in stride and welcomed Rainier, age 5, who his father calls 'Razor'

This prompted the proud papa to bring Razor back into the conversation, asking him to echo his sentiments with a gentle, 'Right, my little child?'

'Yes!' Razor piped in, from just off camera.

As Rahman thanked Smith-Rowsey for being on the show, Razor's forearm extended up over his dad's shoulder and he waved a small car.

'Bye!' Razor said, as his dad told Rahman, 'Thanks for having us.'Deputy Daniel A. McCartney, 34, was killed Sunday near Tacoma, Washington

A Navy veteran and father of three who worked as a sheriff's deputy has been shot dead while responding to an armed home invasion.

Deputy Daniel A. McCartney, 34, was killed in a shootout with armed suspects near Tacoma, Washington on Sunday around 11.30pm, after a panicked 911 caller reported an active home invasion.

Dispatchers could hear screaming and scuffling on the 911 call, police said.

McCartney rushed to respond to the home on a wooded street in Frederickson, about 15 miles southeast of Tacoma.

The Pierce County Sheriffs deputy engaged two suspects in a foot pursuit, and was fatally struck in an exchange of gunfire, police said.

One suspect, a white male, was found dead at the scene. Another, a black male, escaped on foot and is still being sought by police.

Officers and medical staff take part in a procession for fallen sheriff's deputy Daniel A. McCartney at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma on Monday

McCartney was killed in a shootout with armed suspects after responding to a home invasion

The home invasion occurred on this wooded street in Frederickson, about 15 miles southeast of Tacoma. Police have launched a massive manhunt for the suspect who escaped.

Cops launched a massive overnight manhunt for the remaining suspect.

Streets were shut down and the media was asked not to respond to the scene as K-9 units actively searched the containment area.

McCartney was rushed to a hospital in Tacoma, and tragically succumbed to the injuries just after 2am.

He was the married father of three young boys, and had joined the Pierce County Sheriff's Department in 2014, the department said in a statement.

The fallen deputy previously served as a police officer in Hoquiam.

McCartney was the married father of three young boys and a proud Navy veteran. Deputies are seen escorting the fallen deputy's body from the hospital early Monday morning

Officers salute as the body of fallen deputy McCartney is escorted from the hospital

'Overnight our department, our community, and especially one of our families suffered an incredible loss,' the statement said.

'Please continue to keep his family, friends, and our department in your thoughts and prayers.'

'We are heartbroken but steadfast in our pursuit of justice,' the department said.

The search for the suspect who escaped was still underway on Monday morning.

Police warned that the black male suspect was armed and dangerous, but provided no further description.President Donald Trump must decide this week whether to waive nuclear sanctions on Iran or effectively end the United States' participation in an international accord with Tehran.

Trump allowed the deal to remain in place last year while Congress considered legislation to strengthen the 2015 agreement. In the meantime, lawmakers opted not to take advantage of an opportunity to reimpose sanctions themselves.

By Friday, Trump must decide to approve an extension or scrap the deal altogether.

The decision is set against a week of anti-establishment demonstrations in Iran that the country's security force said it had quashed on Sunday after arresting the last of the protests organizers.

President Donald Trump must decide this week whether to waive nuclear sanctions on Iran or effectively end the United States' participation in an international accord with Tehran

Trump and his administration had come to the defense of the protesters in Iran. The U.S. president said last week that they would have the full assistance of his government when the time was right.

'Iran is failing at every level despite the terrible deal made with them by the Obama Administration,' he said in one of his tweets. 'The great Iranian people have been repressed for many years. They are hungry for food & for freedom. Along with human rights, the wealth of Iran is being looted. TIME FOR CHANGE!'

The spontaneous demonstrations in response to economic conditions and government oppression, including censorship, and Tehran's enforcers' response offered another reason for Washington to punish Iran.

In October, Trump said he would not certify Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement that was negotiated under the previous administration because it was in violation of the 'spirit' of the accord, citing its development of ballistic missiles and financial support for terrorism.

'We will not continue down a path whose predictable conclusion is more violence, more terror, and the very real threat of Irans nuclear breakout,' Trump stated.

The Trump administration asked Congress then to come up with and pass a companion agreement that addresses those issues.

It said it would also like Congress to amend the legislation that gives lawmakers the authority to slap sanctions on Iran if it decides Tehran is in violation of the nuclear agreement, outlining 'trigger points' instead that set off automatic sanctions.

Trump said he wants Congress to fix 'the deals many flaws' such as existing sunset provisions. The administration would like nuclear sanctions to snap-back on Tehran if it falls back into old habits after prohibitions outlined in the deal have expired.

Trump and his administration had come to the defense of the protesters in Iran, seen here on Dec. 30. The U.S. president said last week that they would have the full assistance of his government when the time was right

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said last week that Trump would be inclined to authorize another sanctions waiver if he felt that real progress was being made toward the changes he demanded in October.

'The president said he is either going to fix it or cancel it,' Tillerson told the Associated Press on Friday. 'We are in the process of trying to deliver on the promise he made to fix it.'

The White House said Tuesday that Trump was keeping his 'options open' as he contemplated the decision.

In his October remarks, Trump said he would keep a campaign promise to rip up the deal if it came to that.

'The deal is terrible. So what we've done is, through the certification process, we'll have Congress take a look at it, and I may very well do that,' he said. 'But I like a two-step process much better.'

Trump is required to consider sanctions on Iran every 120 days. If he does not sign the sanctions waiver this week, the U.S. will be violating its end of the nuclear agreement.

Every 90 days Trump must has also certify Iran's compliance with the nuclear accord. He chose not to in October and is likely to arrive at the same decision now.

It is unclear whether decertification would open a new window for Congress to impose sanctions on Iran, having forgone the opportunity the first time around.

Last week, Sen. Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ben Cardin, the top-ranking Democrat, met with Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, about the changes to the existing sanctions regime that the president wanted.

'My sense is theres a little momentum right now, and it doesnt feel to me like were in a place where the president might do that, but who knows,' he told reporters.

Tillerson suggested during his interview with the AP on Friday that Trump was leaning toward allowing the deal to remain as is while Congress continues to work to address his outlined issues.

'I dont want to suggest were across the finish line on anything yet,' he added.

As White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders held her first press briefing of the New Year last week, the unrest in Iran was front and center.

'We certainly keep our options open in terms of sanctions. In terms of signing a waiver later in January, the President hasn't made a final decision on that,' Sanders said of the sanctions waiver last Tuesday. 'He's going to keep every option on the table.'



The U.S. Treasury Department then hit five Iranian-based entities with new sanctions on Thursday for their involvement in the Irans illicit production of ballistic missiles.

Vice President Mike Pence said Trump's administration would stand with the protests in 'their hour of need' last week. It's anticipated that Trump could use the government's handling of protesters as a reason not to waive nuclear sanctions

Vice President Mike Pence meanwhile said Trump's administration would stand with the protesters in 'their hour of need.'

'The last administrations refusal to act ultimately emboldened Irans tyrannical rulers to crack down on the dissent. The Green Revolution was ruthlessly put down, and the deadly silence on the streets of Iran matched the deafening silence from the White House,' Pence said in as Washington Post op-ed.

'Today, the Iranian people are once again rising up to demand freedom and opportunity, and under President Trump, the United States is standing with them. This time, we will not be silent.'

The demonstrations continued to weigh heavily on Foreign Relations committee members' minds on Monday as Trump neared the deadline for the nuclear sanctions decision.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Bob Menendez wrote Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin asking that the federal government to do more to assure U.S. tech companies that they would not be violating U.S. sanctions if they provide workarounds for protesters to use online platforms that the Iranian government has censored.

'I believe it is both in our national and moral interests to support these protesters and their desire for a free, democratic, and transparent Iranian government that doesnt needlessly waste Irans resources on foreign adventurism that has resulted in massive human rights abuses, funding of terrorist organizations, and the deaths of American soldiers,' they said.CNN's Jake Tapper and White House aide Stephen Miller continued to take jabs at each other once they were off the air.

'This is the reason they don't put you on TV. OK? This is the reason,' Tapper told Miller, according to a transcript given to CBS News.

Miller was Tapper's guest on State of the Union Sunday for a segment that included the Trump aide going after CNN's White House reportage, saying it was 'negative, anti-Trump, hysterical coverage' and Tapper slapping back, labeling Miller himself 'hysterical' and a 'factotum,' and cutting the interview short.

Scroll down for video

After the interview between Stephen Miller (left) and CNN's Jake Tapper (right) concluded on Sunday, Tapper reportedly told Miller that, 'This is the reason they don't put you on TV,' as Miller told the journalist he was 'offended'

The White House is saying that aide Stephen Miller (pictured) was not escorted off Jake Tapper's set, though several unnamed CNN sources say security was called on the Trump aide after the contentious back-and-forth

The president tweeted that he loved what he saw, telling supporters that the 32-year-old Miller 'destroyed' the CNN newsman. Trump also called Jake Tapper a 'flunky!'

'I think I've wasted enough of my viewers' time,' Tapper said, moving on to preview his next guest.

From there, things stayed heated, with Business Insider reporting that security had to usher Miller out, according to two CNN sources.

Another CNN source told CBS, 'The segment was over and Mr. Miller was politely asked to leave the set multiple times  after refusing to leave, he was escorted out by security.'

The network has yet to release an official statement.

CNN's Matt Dornic, a communications professional for the network, pointed this out on Twitter, asking CBS to correct its report.

When DailyMail.com asked the White House to verify the information, a spokesman pointed out this 'correction.'

Later, on Air Force One, Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley told reporters that Miller wasn't escorted off-set, but left on his own volition.

The transcript given to CBS has Miller huffing that he wasn't given three minutes to 'tell the truth about the president of the United States.'

'You had plenty of time,' Tapper responded. 'I let you give like a three minute filibuster at the very very top.'

Miller didn't buy it.

'You gave me two minutes,' he said.

At that point, Tapper seemingly tried to get Miller off the set by saying, 'OK. Thanks for coming in.'

'You should be ashamed of yourself. Honestly,' Miller shot back.

Tapper talked back, pointing to Miller's attitude being the reason the White House seldom puts the aide on TV.

Miller said he was supposed to be talking about the Camp David Summit and he charged Tapper with only wanting to talk about the 'salacious.'

Tapper said he had plenty of questions ready to go on topics like immigration, but didn't get to them because Miller had been repeating himself.

Miller was also angry Tapper referred to him as a 'factotum'  often used as a synonym for servant.

'I had plenty of questions but you kept on repeating yourself and kept on not letting me ask my questions .... after you entire interview attacking CNN ... OK, so don't act so offended,' Tapper said.

Miller had one more response before the tape cut off.

'I'm not acting offended, I am offended,' he said. 'I'm offended by you and I'm offended by your network.'

CNN hasn't responded to an inquiry from DailyMail.com about the authenticity of the transcript.

When Tapper returned from commercial break, Miller was gone and the journalist began the second part of his show by saying, 'Welcome back to State of the Union and planet Earth.'

President Trump applauded the back-and-forth between 32-year-old Miller and Tapper as the aide had accomplished a two-part goal of tarring and feathering former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon and CNN as well.

'Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration,' Trump wrote. 'Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!'

The interview, however had began courteously enough, with Tapper wishing Miller a 'happy new year.'

It went downhill from there.

Tapper asked Miller about allegations laid out in the new book, 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' by Michael Wolff.

Bannon, Tapper reminded Miller, had criticized the Trump Tower meeting between Russians and campaign staff, saying, 'The chance that Don Jr. didn't walk these Jumos up to his father's office on the 26th floor is zero.'

Tapper wanted to know if Miller had any first-hand knowledge of the now-president meeting with the Russians who visited in Manhattan office building in June 2016.

Miller took the cue to lash out at Bannon.

'Steve Bannon's eloquence in that description notwithstanding, it's tragic and unfortunate that Steve would make these grotesque comments, so out of touch with reality and obviously so vindictive,' Miller said.

'And the whole White House staff is deeply disappointed in his comments, which were grotesque,' he said, using the adjective again.

Bannon, Miller said, wasn't even there.

'It reads like an angry, vindictive person spouting off to a highly discredible author,' Miller continued, pivoting to lash out at Wolff too.

'The book is best understood as a work of very poorly written fiction,' Miller added. 'And I also will say that the author is a garbage author of a garbage book.'

Miller tried to counter Wolff's portrayal of what Trump is like to what the aide personally encountered when traveling with the candidate and now president.

When Tapper tried to get him back on track to talk about the meeting, Miller replied, 'I have no knowledge of anything to do with that meeting.'

From there, the conversation was more about CNN.

Miller charged that the cable news network was going '24/7 with all the salacious coverage.'

'And I know that it brings a lot of you guys a lot of joy to trying to stick the knife in,' he said.

Tapper pushed back on that claim, noting how many people from the White House are quoted, on the record, in Wolff's book.

The newsman also got into a tussle with Miller over who hired him, suggesting it was Bannon who helped bring the young aide on board.

Miller said the credit goes not to Bannon, but to Trump's first campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski. He also said Bannon had nothing to do with the writing of Trump's controversial travel ban.

Throughout the interview, Miller repeatedly praised Trump's political prowess, knocking the 'so-called political geniuses in Washington' who didn't predict the populist Republican's ascent.

'The only person who has called himself a genius in the last week is the president,' Tapper uttered.

Miller said that point was true, calling the president a, 'A self-made billionaire who revolutionized reality TV and who has changed the course of our politics.'

'I'm sure he's watching, and he's happy that you said that,' Tapper shot back.

Miller called Tapper's comment 'condescending' and said it was a 'snide remark,' broadening that point to the whole of CNN.

'You get 24 hours of negative, anti-Trump, hysterical coverage on this network hat led in recent weeks to some spectacularly embarrassing false reporting from your network,' Miller said.

Tapper countered by saying, 'I think the viewers right now can ascertain who is being hysterical.'

The conversation further devolved as the CNN newsman tried asking the aide about Bannon's role in the White House and also about a letter Miller helped draft that articulated reasons to fire FBI Director James Comey, a move Trump made in May.

When Tapper got to the president's mental fitness, Miller turned it into a full-on slap of CNN, saying there was a 'crisis of legitimacy' and a 'toxic environment' at the network.

Miller also argued that the president's Saturday tweets, in which he boasted about his 'mental stability' and IQ, were helpful in arguing the point that he had the fortitude to do the job.

'The president's tweets absolutely reaffirm the plainspoken truth: A self-made billionaire revolutionized reality TV and tapped into something magical that is happening in the hearts of this country,' Miller said.

With that, Tapper scoffed.

'The president has an approval rating in the 30s,' the journalist said. 'I don't know what magical you're talking about.'

The two squabbled for a minute more, before Tapper had had enough.

'I get it,' the veteran journo said. 'There is one viewer that you care about right now. And you're obsequious, you're being a factotum, in order to please him.'

Tapper meant Trump.

Miller tried to protest, but Tapper quickly said, 'Thank you Stephen.' The camera panned away from the White House aide as Tapper started reading from the teleprompter, readying his audience the next segment.A hunt is on for Peter McGlade (pictured) after he escaped from North Sea Camp near Boston, Lincolnshire, at 6.10pm yesterday

A convicted prisoner has absconded from a Lincolnshire open prison after jumping over a wall.

A hunt is on for Peter McGlade after he escaped from North Sea Camp near Boston, Lincolnshire, at 6.10pm yesterday evening.

Officers, a drone, dogs and air support have been drafted in as part of the search operation.

Police believe he may still be in the local area.

McGlade is described as being 5ft 5 tall, having brown hair, being clean shaven, having an oval shaped face, and a scar on his right hand.

He was last seen wearing dark clothing with possibly a green hoody.

Police are advising the public not to approach McGlade if they see him, but to instead call 999 quoting incident 286 of January 7.

The case is similar to a 2015 incident in which a brazen inmate walked out of the same prison before tricking a hotel to give him a free room for the night.

Douglas Ward, 26, dodged at least four roll calls at North Sea Camp Prison while he was living it up in the Grade II-listed boutique hotel with wife Eileen, 27.

A court heard the inmate - who was serving more than five years for firearms offences at the time - was only rumbled when suspicious hotel staff discovered his Facebook page listed his status as a 'serving prisoner'.

In a 2015 incident, Douglas Ward, 26, dodged at least four roll calls at North Sea Camp Prison while he was living it up in the Grade II-listed boutique hotel with wife Eileen, 27

By then, Ward had uploaded photographs of him and his wife drinking the contents of the mini-bar in their room at 15-bedroom Cley Hall Hotel, a Georgian property in the centre of Spalding, Lincolnshire.

A judge heard the pictures prompted a friend to ask Ward if he had been released from jail, only for the prisoner to brag that he was just 'out for the day'.

Ward was handed a concurrent 15-month sentence at Lincoln Crown Court for absconding, alongside a 900 Criminal Courts Charge and a 100 victim surcharge.New York's JFK airport has been hit with delays for a fourth day running on Monday.

Travelers faced chaos after the airport was hit with blizzard conditions, a burst water pipe, plane crashes and an armed passenger trying to smuggle a gun past security in recent days.

The Port Authority are now warning of fresh delays at JFK Airport on Monday, with almost 60 flights delayed or cancelled.

The problems began on Thursday when the airport's snow teams weren't able to keep up with the 'bomb cyclone' which brought heavy snowfall and strong winds. JFK was closed, initially to reopen Thursday afternoon.

Huge piles of unclaimed luggage remain at JFK airport which has been hit with days of delays

Many passengers were forced to leave their bags behind as the luggage carousels were not working. Now a huge mountain of bags remain at the airport

Exhausted passengers lay down as they wait for their delayed Avianca flight at Terminal 4 on Monday

A passenger rests in the arrivals area of Terminal 4 near a huge pile of unclaimed luggage, Monday, as New York's JFK airport is hit with delays for a fourth day running on Monday

Avianca passengers wait for flights at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport, Monday, where delays have continued after four days of chaos

The majority of international flights bound for JFK weren't due to arrive until the afternoon, when it was due to reopen, so set off as usual with almost no cancellations.

But the storm got much worse, forcing the airport to close completely until 7am on Friday - meaning dozens of flights already in the air had to divert with many simply returning to their point of origin. More than 6,000 flights were cancelled amid the chaos.

By the time the airport finally did reopen Friday, the dozens of diverted aircraft from Thursday all had to compete with the day's normal scheduled flights.

The result was a disaster. There simply was not enough availability to deal with double the amount of flights, meaning aircraft kept arriving but had nowhere to go, forcing air traffic controllers to direct them to unused runways and taxiways for extended periods of time resulting in very lengthy delays, the PointsGuy reported.

The delays were compounded on Sunday when a water mains pipe in Terminal 4 sprung a leak

Staff were forced to wade through the freezing floodwater at the terminal which was evacuated of passengers

Lost luggage is surrounded by water at the airport where passengers were forced to leave it behind. The leak caused a power outage at Terminal 4 on Sunday which reopened last night

Staff worked quickly to clean up the water which flooded the airport as temperatures plunged to around 5 F degrees

The reopening was compounded by further disasters - such as a plane needing to turn back for an emergency landing after a false alarm and a collision on the tarmac.

One Air China flight had to wait more than hours for a gate at Terminal 1 where it was eventually loaded via airstairs, rather than a jet bridge.

The backlog continued into Saturday where one Aeroflot flight say on a runway for nine hours before the crew finally requested someone come pick them up, and simply left the plane on the runway.

Eventually, the Port Authority stepped in and requested that the FAA stop all arrivals to the backlogged terminals, meaning every inbound flight had to call ahead to the dispatch centers to confirm there was a gate available for them when they landed.

But the mismanagement meant that many passengers had already been waiting hours for their flights.

Passenger Lily Crawford told Pix 11: 'People are sleeping on the ground, people are sitting on the ground. People have taken over wheelchairs. There are no outlets, people are running out of power on their phone.'

She added: 'It's complete chaos.'

Video and photos showed dozens of suitcases on the floor of the terminal as water spewed from the ceiling and onto computers and other technology in an arrivals area

The airport has been rife with chaos for the past weekend as many passengers remained stranded from canceled or delayed flights from Thursday's 'bomb cyclone' snowstorm. Water is seen castigating

Airport employees (left and right) were seen desperately trying to clean up the area

Chaos at @JFKairport terminal 4 after water main break. Listen to passengers describe what happened: It was just a madhouse. They were just like pushing people out. Nobody was moving. Everyone was confused. pic.twitter.com/Y9CdVQcCUX  CeFaan Kim (@CeFaanKim) January 7, 2018

The terminals with the worst delays, Terminal 1 and 4, banned all inbound flights until Sunday morning, forcing international flights once again to return to Europe or Asia.

But a 'cascading series of issues' including extreme cold, frozen equipment breakdowns, staff shortages and difficulties in baggage handling, stopped JFK from getting back on track.

A further delay came on Saturday, when a 61-year-old man, of Queens, was arrested for trying to smuggle a loaded, stolen gun through security. Staff spotted the loaded Sig Sauer P238 .38 caliber gun, which had been wrapped up in a coat, as it went through the conveyor belt of an X-ray machine at security, police said.

On Sunday, a burst mains pipe in Terminal 4 at New York's Kennedy Airport on Sunday caused further delays at the beleaguered airport trying to recover from the aftermath of a snowstorm that has stranded thousands of passengers.

The pipe break sent about three inches of water gushing onto the floor of the terminal.

Video shows streams cascading from a ceiling and people slogging through pools of water. Power to the affected areas was temporarily shut off for safety reasons and additional staffing and busing operations were deployed to assist travelers.

Crowds of angry passengers at the John F Kennedy airport descended into 'near riots' after being grounded for more than two days by the massive 'bomb cyclone' that battered the Northeast last week

Port Authority police officers were dispatched to break up a 'disturbance' over a canceled flight in Terminal 4, Virgin Atlantic tweeted Saturday night. Video (pictured) showed passengers questioning an employee at the airport

'We are sharing a gate with another airline, and they have just cancelled there flight, causing the disturbance and the police being called,' Virgin Atlantic tweeted just before midnight

The water system damage caused 143 flight cancellations. Passengers disembarking from international flights were processed through customs and then were forced to exit the airport without their bags because the baggage claim was not working.

Video and photos showed dozens of suitcases on the floor of the terminal as water spewed from the ceiling and onto computers and other technology in an arrivals area.

Airport employees were seen desperately trying to clean up the area.

The Terminal's arrivals section was reopened later in the evening.

Police were called in to break up 'disturbances' as tempers flared amid furious passengers who had been stranded for for days as the terminal was evacuated due to flooding.

The disturbance was reportedly caused by angry passengers of an XL Airways France flight, whose trip had been delayed for 2.5 days.

The disturbance was reportedly caused by angry passengers of an XL Airways France flight, whose trip had been delayed for 2.5 days

According to passenger, Jeremy Silver, the madness began when travelers learned of their canceled XL Airways France flight at gate B23 (pictured)

Passengers are seen waiting on information about their flights at gate B23

'We are sharing a gate with another airline, and they have just cancelled there flight, causing the disturbance and the police being called,' Virgin Atlantic tweeted just before midnight.

According to passenger, Jeremy Silver, the madness began when travelers learned of their canceled XL Airways France flight at gate B23.

Silver said the incident was a 'near riot' as he prepared to board a bus with Virgin Atlantic flyers whose flight was operating on time.

'It seems as if some punches were thrown as people jostled,' Silver told the New York Daily News.

'The crowd went nuts booing and shouting.'

Silver's flight was headed to London and Virgin had to transport passengers from the terminal to the aircraft via bus.

According to one passenger, travelers were 'literally protesting at the an Air China gate'.

'Then an Air France plane pulls up and the passengers lose it and block the boarding area. One pax saying they've been there for 3 days. Very bad situation at JFK,' the passenger said in a tweet.

A passenger on the plane, Benjamin Sutton, tweeted updates about the XL Airways flight. He tweeted the above photos as he and others were transported on a bus (left) to the aircraft (right)

The flight left shortly before noon Sunday and is expected to arrive in Paris at 1.20am Monday morning

'Update on flight SE041: flight departed JFK at 11:50am. Scheduled arrival at CDG: 00:20am on Jan. 8,' the airport tweeted

Video recorded by one passenger showed angry customers gathered around a JFK employee.

'@XLAirways_NA Fix this. We haven't slept in 2 days and we're all *really* pissed,' on user tweeted in the caption of the video.

Several people are heard in the video trying to get information from the employee.

A passenger on the plane, Benjamin Sutton, tweeted updates about the XL Airways flight.

'The @XLAirways_NA agents keep repeating that other airlines at @JFKairport are dealing with the same issues, but plenty of flights at neighboring gates have boarded and taken off in the meantime,' Sutton tweeted at 6.48am.

About four hours later, Sutton tweeted a photo showing passengers being bused to their XL Airways flight.

The flight left shortly before noon Sunday and is expected to arrive in Paris at 1.20am Monday morning.

Chaos reigns at John F Kennedy Airport as thousands of passengers are stranded due to bomb cyclone-related delays and cancellations

Passengers are packed in quite closely in certain terminals as they ride out the travel nightmare in which they have unwittingly found themselves

'Update on flight SE041: flight departed JFK at 11:50am. Scheduled arrival at CDG: 00:20am on Jan. 8,' the airport tweeted.

In another incident, a woman was recorded on video launching into profanity-laden tirade while waiting for her bags at 2.30am Sunday.

'I'm tired, man,' she shouted, as passengers described waiting hours for their luggage, only for their flight numbers to suddenly disappear from the boards.

A huge pile of lost and unclaimed baggage remains at JFK this morning after travelers could not be reunited with their bags.

'What happened at JFK Airport is unacceptable, and travelers expect and deserve better,' said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.

On Saturday, a China Southern plane was being towed at JFK when it clipped the right tail end of a Kuwait Airways plane before the latter was due to takeoff for an overnight flight around 12am Saturday morning, the Port Authority said on Twitter.

Both aircrafts, which were Boeing 777s, sustained damage. No one was injured.

Kuwait Airways tweeted in Arabic that their plane was made inoperable due to the crash.

A China Southern plane being towed along the tarmac at JFK airport clipped the right tail end of a Kuwait Airways plane early Saturday morning. Pictured is a scene from the incident's aftermath

Both planes sustained damage but no passengers on the Kuwait-bound flight were injured. Pictured is the China Southern plane

Pictured is debris from the crash that left one plane's passengers forced to stay in accommodation after their overnight flight was cancelled

The passengers on the Kuwait-bound flight were booked into hotels and will be rescheduled on different flights

Passengers on Kuwait Airways flight 118 were taken to hotels and alternative routes for them will be planned, NBC New York reported.

In a statement released before the water pipe break, the Port Authority said Saturday's cold 'created a cascading series of issues for the airlines and terminal operators.'

'These included frozen equipment breakdowns, difficulties in baggage handling, staff shortages and heavier than typical passenger loads,' the statement said.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Monday it will investigate the water pipe break that added to the weather-related delays at Kennedy Airport and will 'hold all responsible parties accountable.'

'While the water pipe break that occurred appears to be weather-related, we have launched an investigation into the incident to determine exactly what occurred and why an internal pipe was not weather protected and whether any other failures contributed to this disruption.'

The situation added to the misery piled on travelers after a winter storm blasted New York on Thursday.

Passengers line up near the ticketing area of a terminal at JFK amid the airport's many cancellations and delays

The failure of baggage claim machines has caused the baggage claim process to be done manually - as in, by hand - greatly increasing the amount of time it takes for people to get their luggage

Frustrated: Passengers wait in the airport's Lufthansa terminal area amid the chaos

Carlos Koester, 52, was in New York for a week with his wife and two teens and just wanted to get home to Brazil.

'We love New York, but now we are stuck here. It's frustrating. The storm caught us and now we have been stranded here for 13 hours,' Koester told the Daily News on Sunday.

Passengers complained of being stranded on the tarmac for hours and then facing lengthy delays in baggage claim that made traveling, particularly with babies or the elderly, a misery.

Multiple trans-Atlantic flights simply gave up and went home, including an Aeroflot flight from Moscow that turned back over Iceland.

Customers were outraged over the airport staff's poor communication and baggage claim malfunctions causing all off-loading to be done by hand, according to the New York Daily News.

Instagram user zhxiang20 uploaded a video showing stranded passengers in the airport packed in like sardines.

Stranded passengers play cards and check their phones in an effort to pass the time

The New York City metropolitan area has seen temperatures hovering in the single and low double-digits over the past couple of days. Pictured in the foreground, a man sleeps

Pictured are dozens of suitcases piled atop one another at JFK

The crash comes amid general travel chaos at JFK airport ever since it closed on Thursday due to the 'bomb cyclone' that hit the East Coast. Pictured is a busy scene at a baggage claim

The airport has been plagued with travel delays and baggage claim malfunctions

Another user, Sua Lee, shows utter chaos in a video as people swarm around a JFK terminal in an effort to understand the travel nightmare unfolding around them.

Passengers told DailyMail.com on Friday of their travel nightmares due to the huge snowstorm, which caused more than 5,000 flight cancellations in and out of the US Thursday.

Teacher Jessica Holden, who was returning to New York on a Thomas Cook flight from Manchester, England, said: 'The fight was due to land at 1.55pm, it touched down at 4pm but we were sat on tarmac until 6pm.

'I waited for baggage, then at 7.30pmish they said 'Oh sorry, because the plane went into the wrong terminal we can't bring it in.''

'There was nothing since. It's now 11pm and we've just been told we won't get our baggage tonight. People are getting angry. I just want to go home.'

Gemma Bond, who is from the UK and was visiting New York City for a vacation, said: 'After my flight being cancelled due to JFK's closure I was very lucky to get on a later flight today which had us land at JFK at 5.50pm local time, you could see the airport and runways had masses of back log and that this wasn't going to be a quick exit.

Passenger Gemma Bond took this photo at JFK on Friday night as she was stuck on a plane for nearly three hours after landing

Crews can be seen trying the clear the snow from the runway in this photo snapped by flyer Gemma Bond on Friday night

Cars are covered in snow in the airport's parking lot in the borough of Queens, New York

'After 25 minutes we were informed it could be another 50 minutes it was actually another two hours plus.'

On Friday, an American Airlines flight bound for Cancun from JFK turned around for an emergency landing after someone on board said they saw a wing was on fire.

American Airlines officially said that the plane, a Boeing 738, needed to land due to a 'possible mechanical issue'.

And an Airbus A380 - the world's largest passenger jet - was en route to land at the JFK when it was diverted to Stewart Airport in Orange County on Thursday due to winds and whiteout conditions.

Port Authority said in a statement that it is 'working diligently with the FAA, airlines, and individual terminal operators to limit the arrival of flights into JFK Airport, until there are adequate gates available to handle the backlog of flights due to recovery of flight schedules in the wake of Thursday's storm'.

Charleston, South Carolina's airport has also been heavily affected by the storm.

The Southern, subtropical coastal city rarely sees snow but received four inches during the 'bomb cyclone'.

Forecasters said below-normal temperatures are likely to continue into early next week, predicting freezing rain from Kansas to Tennessee. Ice could complicate road transport.

Mount Washington, New Hampshire recorded the second-coldest temperature on earth early Saturday, minus 36 Fahrenheit.Billionaire Ed Bass married his almost 40-years-younger girlfriend, Sasha Camacho, in two quiet ceremonies at the end of last year.

Bass, 72, and Camacho, 36, married once in Forth Worth on December 16 but would repeat their vows at a home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, just before Christmas.

District Judge David Evans wedded the duo, according to public records.

Billionaire Ed Bass, 72 married his girlfriend, 36-year-old Sasha Camacho, in two quiet ceremonies at the end of last year

The couple had a small party at the City Club of Forth Worth, on Thursday, that was hosted by Mercedes Bass

The couples did their vows at a home belonging to the Hyder family, according to close friends who told the Star Telegram. The Hyders are a prominent family in the Fort Worth area.

They had a small party at the City Club of Forth Worth, on Thursday, that was hosted by Mercedes Bass. She was married to the groom's older brother, Sid before their divorce in 2011.

Ed Bass is one of four sons of Nancy Lee and Perry R Bass - a wealthy business tycoon. The brothers also inherited part of their oil dynasty from uncle, Sid Richardson, but decided to parlay the inheritance to build their own wealth.

Forbes recently estimated Ed Bass' fortune at $2.6billion.

They married once in Forth Worth on December 16 but would repeat their vows at a home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, just before Christmas. Bass waves at Fort Worth Livestock Show in 2012 which he sponsored

In 1984 founded the Biosphere 2 project in Oracle, Arizona.

The three acre project was a venture to potentially establish future life on Mars.

He was instrumental in the opening of the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall in 1998. The 2,056-seat hall with its signature 48-foot-tall limestone angles quickly established the site as a landmark in the city.

Forbes recently estimated Ed Bass' fortune at $2.6billion

In 1984 he would found and become the lead financier for the Biosphere 2 project in Oracle, Arizona. The three acre project was a potential venture to establish future life on Mars

More recently, Bass has been a pusher for the construction of the $540million Dickies Arena in Forth Worth's Cultural District. It will house the Fort Worth Stock Show.

Just last year, Bass - along with the rest of his brothers - sold their oil company to ExxonMobil for $5.6billion in stock.

Also in 2017, he gave $30million to the University of Arizona so that they could continue to run the Biosphere and work to look into climate change.

His new bride is a community volunteer and self-proclaimed business consultant

His new bride is a community volunteer and self-proclaimed business consultant. Camacho lists the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a place of employment on her LinkedIn profile.

Claudia Sazcha Camacho - her legal name according to court documents - and her new husband have not kept their relationship a secret, but have never spoken publicly about it.

Both have been married previously.

Bass was married to wife, Vicki, but they divorced a while back. Camacho divorced back in 2009 in California, according to records.Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney had prostate cancer surgery last summer.

A source described as 'close to' Romney told CNN and then other news outlets that he 'was treated over the summer for prostate cancer. He was treated surgically by Dr. Thomas Ahlering at UC Irvine Hospital in California.'

'His prognosis is good; he was successfully treated,' the source added.

CNN reported that Romney was diagnosed with slow-growing prostate cancer last year, and that the cancer was removed before it could spread beyond Romney's prostate.

Romney's disclosure about his past health problem is likely a sign that he's preparing to run for the U.S. Senate seat in Utah that will be vacated by Orrin Hatch.

The White House said Friday that President Donald Trump spoke with Romney Thursday night, and they discussed Hatch.

Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney was treated for prostate cancer last year; the disclosure may be a sign that he's clearing the decks before making a run for the U.S. Senate seeat being vacated by Orrin Hatch

CNN's Jake Tapper first broke the news on Twitter, providing details about Romney's diagnosis and treatment

Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, moved to his mother's native Utah after he left office. A Mormon, he attended Brigham Young University there.

He has also been an outspoken Trump critic, branding him' 'a fraud' during the 2016 campaign who had 'neither the temperament nor the judgment to be president.'

Romney dropped a hint about his Senate ambitions last week after Hatch announced his plan to retire, changing the location listed on his Twitter account from Massachusetts to Holladay, Utah.

Trump had urged Hatch, his 83-year-old longtime ally, to run for another term. But the senator said last week that 'every good fighter knows when to hang up the gloves.'

A source close to Romney told the Daily Beast that Romney is planning to run for the seat, but would not be announcing his candidacy anytime soon in deference to Hatch.

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Before, after: Mitt Romney updated his Twitter bio to Holladay, UT hours after Senator Orrin Hatch announced he would not be seeking another term

Hatch said last week that he is retiring after the coming November election and won't run again

President Trump tweeted congratulations to Hatch, after he failed to prevent the 83-year-old from seeking another 6-year term

Romney could create real road blocks to the administration's agenda.

If he is elected in deep-red Utah, his role as a never-Trump voice could occasionally ally him with Democrats working to counter the president.

During his famous 2016 speech, Romney said: 'I'm afraid that when it comes to foreign policy he is very, very not smart.'

'Dishonesty is Donald Trump's hallmark,' Romney said in the blistering remarks.

Trump responded at the time by labeling Romney a 'choke artist' who lost the 2012 election to Barack Obama  a 'winnable' race.

On Tuesday, Trump praised Hatch.

'Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career,' Trump wrote.

'He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate!'

Trump's statement referenced an emotional statement by Hatch praising the president who looked on at the White House upon Senate passage of a $1.5 trillion tax cut Hatch had a hand in crafting.

Hatch ignored President Trump's pleadings to seek reelection despite an intensive lobbying campaign that could have prevented the emergence of a potentially serious Republican overseer in Romney.

President-elect Donald Trump and Mitt Romney dined at Jean Georges restaurant, November 29, 2016 in New York City when Romney was under consideration for secretary of state

Hatch was elected in 1976, on a campaign that warned against the dangers of staying in office too long.

The president went out of his way to keep him in the chamber, lauding him repeatedly in public, and slicing away permanent environmental protection from huge swaths of land in Utah that had been designated as a national monument.

The president 'has the greatest and deepest amount of respect for Sen. Hatch,' White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Tuesday, adding that Trump was 'very sad to see Sen. Hatch leave.'

Sanders declined to answer whether Trump would campaign for whoever becomes the GOP nominee in the deep-red state.

'Obviously, I don't think we've made a determination in terms of campaigning, but the President certainly has the greatest and deepest amount of respect for Senator Hatch and his over four decades of experience in the Senate,' she said.

'He's particularly thankful for the senator's leadership and massive effort that he played, and the role that he played in getting the tax cut and reform package passed. And the President certainly praises his service and is very sad to see Senator Hatch leave and knows that he will certainly be missed.'Storms brought rare rainfall to California on Monday and increased the risk of mudslides in fire-ravaged communities, driving property owners to stack sandbags over fears that more devastation could occur.

Authorities in an area known as northern wine country ordered evacuations farther south for towns below hillsides burned by the state's largest-ever wildfire.

Forecasters issued a flash flood watch for parts for Sonoma and Mendocino counties north of San Francisco and warned that heavy rainfall could trigger mudslides in those areas devastated by October wildfires.

The blazes leveled entire neighborhoods, killing 44 people and destroying more than 8,900 homes and other buildings.

Evacuations have been ordered for communities below hillsides charred by California's largest-ever wildfire

Residents of Montecito, CA prepare sand bags ahead of the expected floods

The mudslides could affect a number of towns between Santa Barbara and Ventura

The recent 'Thomas Fire' which devastated parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, have caused emergency services to evacuate residents in some areas ahead of potential flooding, mud slides and debris damage

Storms brought rain to California on Monday and increased the risk of mudslides in fire-ravaged communities in devastated northern wine country

A worker lays out a roll of wattle for erosion control in the wildfire damaged Coffey Park neighborhood Monday, in Santa Rosa, California

A yearslong drought eased in California last spring but hardly any measurable rain has fallen in the state over the past six months.

The extremely dry conditions and high winds last year led to some of the most destructive blazes on both ends of the state.

The storm coming in from the Gulf of Alaska could dump up to 4 inches of rain on Northern California areas still recovering from fires before clearing up by Tuesday evening, National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Anderson said.

'Everything is soaking into the ground at this time, but if it gets very heavy, it could trigger a flash flood warning,' Anderson said.

The storm moved in to the San Francisco Bay Area early Monday, snarling traffic during the morning commute and causing several crashes. No major injuries have been reported.

In this photo provided by Santa Barbara County Fire Department, a flash flood area sign is posted, as evacuations have been issued for several fire-ravaged communities

Authorities ordered evacuations farther south for towns below hillsides burned by the state's largest-ever wildfire

People fill up sandbags under the rain in Santa Barbara, California

Rain water pools where a Fountaingrove neighborhood home once stood

Sand bags were made available to all residents as heavy rain is expected over the next few days. Montecito is home to many celebrities including Golden Globe winner, Oprah Winfrey

Firefighters have control of what was one of the largest wildfires in California history but believe mudslides are on the way. The fire aftermath is seen above in Ventura on Christmas Day

Officials in the city of Santa Rosa, one of the areas hit hardest by the October wildfires, say crews are standing by in case they are needed.

Robert Lewin, director of Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, urged residents of Summerland, Carpinteria and Montecito to leave by mid-Monday local time.

The hillside communities were evacuated last month as the massive Thomas Fire raged.

Mr Lewin said flash floods can turn normally dry creeks into destructive rivers of mud and debris that can wash out roads and destroy homes.

The National Weather Service also issued a winter weather advisory for portions of the Sierra Nevada above 7,000 feet, forecasting about 4 to 7 inches of snow and up to 1 to 2 feet on higher peaks Tuesday.

Members of the Santa Barbara Area Regional Task Force discuss plans while staged at Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara

Members of the Long Beach Fire Department Swift Water Rescue Team check equipment. The team will respond if needed for any area flooding in the Montecito or Carpinteria areas.

A woman walks in the rain at a vista point with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background

Bill Susel, 77, removes debris from a gully in back of his home on Spring Trail in Kagel Canyon, in preparation for expected heavy rains later

Rainwater flows down Alverstone Avenue in Ventura, California

The Thomas Fire, which has burned 280,000 acres and destroyed nearly 1,100 homes, is now landslide territory. The fire is seen above in Santa Barbara on December 13

It says travelers should prepare for difficult travel conditions, including gusty winds, low visibility and slick and snow-covered roads.

In Southern California, residents of the hillside communities of Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria who evacuated flames and smoke in December were ordered to leave again because rain could wash dirt and debris into neighborhoods.

The wet and windy system moving ashore could soak much of the state and drop several inches in parts of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, where the Thomas fire has burned for more than a month and left hillsides bare.

About an inch of rain is forecast for downtown Los Angeles, the most in nearly a year.

The wet and windy system moving ashore could soak much of the state and drop several inches in parts of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, where the biggest California blaze has burned for more than a month

With a burned car in the foreground a worker finishes up erosion control efforts in the wildfire damaged Coffey Park neighborhood in Santa Rosa

Kyle Field installs rain wattles around his property as rain started falling in the area in Ventura. Though Field's home was destroyed in the Thomas Fire, he plans to rebuildThe White House rejected an apology from Steve Bannon, the president's former chief strategist, on Monday, saying there's not any conceivable 'way back' into Donald Trump's good graces for him.

Bannon apologized to President Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr, on Sunday, for slamming a June 2016 Trump Tower meeting that's come under scrutiny from the feds as 'treasonous.' He claims now that he was talking about ex-campaign hand Paul Manafort, not Trump Jr, made he made the remarks to an author of a tell-all book.

Raj Shah, the top deputy White House press secretary, said on Monday, though, that on Fox News that President Trump's opinion 'hasn't changed' since Bannon's statement.

'Frankly, look, the president said it, the man has lost his mind, and good riddance,' Shah proclaimed.

On Air Force One, Hogan Gidley, another White House spokesman told reporters riding with President Trump on Monday afternoon, 'I dont believe theres any way back for Mr. Bannon at this point.

NO WAY BACK: The White House rejected a groveling apology from Steve Bannon, the president's former chief strategist, on Monday, saying there's not any conceivable 'way back' into Donald Trump's good graces for him

'When you go after somebodys family in the matter which he did, two of the presidents children are serving this nation, sacrificing in their service, it is repugnant, it is grotesque,' Gidley stated.

Hammering Bannon, Gidley said, 'I challenge anybody to go and talk about someone else's family and see if that person doesn't come back and come back hard.'

Bannon apologized to the Trumps on Sunday through the website Axios.

'I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency,' the Breitbart News executive said.

He also explained that when he labeled Trump Jr and Jared Kushner's meeting with a Russian lawyer 'treasonous,' he meant for that description to be attached to Paul Manafort, the campaign's chairman and someone who he said should have known better.

Bannon said his comments about the 'treasonous' Trump Tower meeting weren't meant for Donald Trump Jr, but rather former campaign chairman Paul Manafort (pictured), who would known what the 'duplicitous' and 'cunning' Russians were up to

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (right) is trying to make things right with his former boss, President Donald Trump (left)

President Trump is seen returning to the White House after spending the weekend at Camp David. He received an apology from his former Chief Strategist Steve Bannon today

'My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort, a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate,' Bannon explained. 'He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends.'

'To reiterate, those comments were not aimed at Don Jr,' Bannon told Axios.

Bannon has found himself isolated from Trumpworld in recent days, as author Michael Wolff's new book, 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' has hit bookshelves.

A Bannon insider told CNN Sunday that the former chief strategist had planned to attack Wolff in a statement, before the president started attacking him.

Bannon was an on-the-record source for the Wolff book.

'We think it's highly inappropriate,' Shah said on Fox News on Monday.

In the book, Bannon described the 2016 meeting between campaign aides and a group of Russians as 'treasonous' and 'unpatriotic.' He also predicted that the Russia probe, led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, would focus on money laundering.

'Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon said.

On Sunday, Bannon called Donald Trump, Jr 'a patriot and a good man' in his statement.

'He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around,' he said.

Heaping praise on the president, Bannon said, Trump, 'was the only candidate that could have taken on and defeated the Clinton apparatus.'

Bannon also played up his loyalty to the president.

'My support is also unwavering for the president and his agenda  as I have shown daily in my national radio broadcasts, on the pages of Breitbart News and in speeches and appearances from Tokyo and Hong Kong to Arizona and Alabama,' he said at one point.

'I am the only person to date to conduct a global effort to preach the message of Trump and Trumpism; and remain ready to stand in the breech for this president's efforts to make America great again,' Bannon said at another.

The president has lashed out at Bannon publicly hours after an excerpt from Wolff's book containing the 'treasonous' passage hit the web.

'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.'

Later, Trump coined a new nickname for Bannon  Sloppy Steve  in tweets.

'Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job,' Trump tweeted. 'Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad!'

As it smacked around Bannon last week, the White House said that Brietbart should 'consider' firing Bannon, too, putting the conservative activist on the ropes.

Axios also reported that the president wanted his surrogates to go on TV to 'bury Steve.'

Sunday morning Trump took no prisoners as he sent Senior Advisor Stephen Miller on CNN's State of the Union to rip into Bannon, an ally of his when they were both in the administration.

Miller called Bannon's description of the Trump Tower meeting 'grotesque.'

In a contentious back-and-forth with SOTU host Jake Tapper, Miller said Bannon was 'so out of touch with reality and obviously so vindictive.'

Trump heralded his 32-year-old aide with a tweet of appreciation, though not for his Bannon takedown, but for going rough-and-tumble with Tapper.

'Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration,' Trump wrote. 'Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!'

Shah was in the hot seat on Monday, appearing on Fox News.

'This book has little to no credibility. Its a total fabrication,' he said. 'We really think this book is just tabloid trash and really doesn't represent anything going on behind me.'Adam Hettig, 32, was arrested on Saturday after allegedly robbing a Subway in Chili, New York

A parolee was arrested on Saturday after allegedly robbing a Subway restaurant at knifepoint while wearing his ankle monitor.

Adam Hettig, 32, was paroled in March after serving time for a burglary conviction.

Deputies in Chili, New York, responded to a robbery on Saturday and the suspect was described as a white male with blue eyes, and more than 6 feet tall, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.

Police say the suspect used a butcher knife to threaten an employee.

They were then notified by the Monroe Crime Analysis Center that Hettig's ankle monitor showed he had been in the restaurant at the time of the robbery.

A store clerk said that Hettig entered the Subway and used the restroom before going behind the counter.

'When I came out he was pushing up against the door, he pushed it open, and then he went around my back around the table, and he had put a knife to my throat,' said the employee to WHAM.

Police say the suspect used a butcher knife to threaten an employee at a Subway in Chili, New York

The clerk, who wishes to remain anonymous, said Hettig became agitated after demanding money.

'He got impatient, I don't know what he thought I was doing, but he got impatient and that's when he choked me,' said the employee. 'He had the knife in the right hand and choked me with his left (hand).'

Deputies searched Hettig's home and he was arrested without incident.

Police identified Hettig as a suspect based on the clerk's description and the ankle monitor he wore that showed he was at the restaurant

He also admitted to the robbery, according to police.

'It was a very violent robbery. He put the knife right to her throat, so it was good for us to get him taken care of and remove him from doing this to any other store clerks' said Sgt. Scott Walsh, an investigator with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.A powerful thunderstorm rolled over Sydney on Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rain, more than 4,600 lightning strikes and strong winds.

The brunt of the storm lashed the western suburbs overnight, bringing up to 16mm of rain, uprooting trees and knocking off roof tiles near Blacktown.

About 6,800 properties in Bankstown lost power at about 4.30am, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

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A powerful thunderstorm rolled over Sydney on Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rain, more than 4,600 lighting strikes and strong winds (pictured)

By 5am, the thunderstorm made its way to the inner-city, bringing more than 6mm of rainfall in three hours

The brunt of the storm lashed the western suburbs overnight, bringing up to 16mm of rain, uprooting trees and knocking off roof tiles near Blacktown (pictured)

Emergency crews are still working to restore power to 700 customers in Sefton and Chester Hill, 1,300 homes in the Dudley and Whitebridge, 1,400 customers in Narara, Niagara Park and Ourimbah, and 600 customers in Castle Cove and Roseville Chase, according to Ausgrid.

A lightening trike knocked out power to another 1,000 homes in Westleigh, Thornleigh and Hornsby.

By 5am, the thunderstorm made its way to the inner-city, bringing more than 6mm of rainfall in three hours.

Weatherzone reported 4649 lightning strikes between 3am and 6am over Sydney on Tuesday.

Passengers can expect slight delays on domestic flights out of Sydney Airport, but international and domestic arrivals are on time, an airport spokesman said.

Meanwhile, rail commuters on Sydney's north shore T1 line can expect delays.

'It's quite an active lightning system over Sydney,' BOM forecaster Jordan Notara said.

He said the lightning will die down in the next couple of hours and build up again on Tuesday afternoon.

'It's a typical summer scenario,' he said.

Weatherzone reported 4649 lightning strikes between 3am and 6am over Sydney on Tuesday

About 6,800 properties in Bankstown lost power at about 4.30am

Pictured is an uprooted tree in Blacktown in Sydney's west

Passengers can expect slight delays on domestic flights out of Sydney Airport, but international and domestic arrivals are on time

The SES has warned NSW residents to take precautions as the storm activity sticks around.

Residents are warned to secure outdoor furniture, tie down trampolines and stay inside and keep away from windows.

Despite the heavy rainfall, Tuesday's temperature is expected to tip 30C in the city and reach the high 30s around 12pm on Tuesday.

'Today will feel quite humid,' Mr Cronje told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'We're not expecting the sea breeze that helped cool things down a bit yesterday.'

A second round of storms will roll in in the early evening, bringing cool air.

Temperatures will drop between 6C and 8C at night and will remain in the mid-20s on Wednesday.

A lightening trike knocked out power to another 1,000 homes in Westleigh, Thornleigh and Hornsby

Sydney was reportedly the hottest place on earth on Sunday with Penrith taking out the title of the hottest part of the city on Sunday, reaching 47.3C just after 2.30 pm

The thunderstorms come after days of extreme heat.

Temperatures soared to the mid-30s in Sydney on Monday, with the western suburbs reaching 40C, after the city sweated through its hottest day in almost 80 years.

Sydney was reportedly the hottest place on earth on Sunday with Penrith taking out the title of the hottest part of the city on Sunday, reaching 47.3C just after 2.30 pm.

Richmond reached 46.3C just after 2.30pm while the temperature in Bankstown broke 45C.

More than 50 new fires were sparked on Sunday, with 21 blazes continuing to burn into Monday, according to the RFS, and a severe fire danger rating was issued for the Hunter region.

The NSW Rural Fire Service warned residents to prepare their bushfire plans. If people are considering leaving their homes they should 'leave early', the RFS said.Five men including a former soldier and a woman have been charged with belonging to banned far-right terror group National Action.

Joel Wilmore, 24, from Stockport, was a Reservist in the British Army and was detained along with five others during a series of raids across the country last week.

Darren Fletcher, 28, from Wolverhampton, Nathan Pryke, 26, from Cambridge, Daniel Bogunovic, 26, from Leicester, Adam Thomas, 21, and Claudia Patatas, 28, both from Banbury, are all due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

A police spokesman said all six accused had been charged with being a member of a proscribed organisation contrary to section 11 of the Terrorism Act.

The Far-right group National Action has been banned under terrorism laws (stock photograph)

It comes after anti-terror police swooped on a number of addresses and the arrested suspects on January 3.

West Midlands Police said the raids were pre-planned and intelligence-led and insisted there is no threat to public safety.

Mr Wilmore joined the Royal Logistics Corp in June 2011 but was discharged in 2013 after he failed to fulfil basic training obligations, according to Sky News.

Mr Thomas was also charged with possessing information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

And Mr Fletcher was also charged with five counts of breaching an anti-social behaviour order.

A police spokesman last week: 'All six have been detained on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation (National Action) contrary to sec 11 of the Terrorism Act.'

The group of six people have now been charged with belonging to banned far-right terror group National Action

The move is the latest in a wave of arrests of alleged National Action members since the group was banned by the Government.

Counter-terror police have detained dozens of people, including some on suspicion of plotting terror attacks, since the order formally came into effect.

A string of counter-terrorism units were involved in the operation, including from the West Midlands, North West, South East and East England.Venus Romero Iraheta, 18, pleaded guilty to the murder in Virginia on Monday

A teen female MS-13 gang member has pleaded guilty to the revenge killing of another girl after telling her she 'would see her in hell' and stabbing her in savage vengeance for her own boyfriend's death.

Venus Romero Iraheta, 18, pleaded guilty to the murder in Fairfax County, Virginia on Monday, one year to the day after brutally stabbing 15-year-old Damaris A. Reyes Rivas 13 times.

Prosecutors said Iraheta was the main aggressor in the gruesome gang torture and slaying, which was captured on cell phone video. A total of 10 people have been charged in the murder.

Iraheta, then 17, believed Damaris had lured her boyfriend, Christian Sosa Rivas, to his death.

Both Iraheta and Rivas were members of MS-13, an ultra-violent transnational gang based in Central America that has terrorized parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia, investigators said.

Killed: Damaris A. Reyes Rivas, 15, was tortured and stabbed 13 times on January 8, 2017

Authorities suspect that Rivas's death was ordered by top ranking members of the group in El Salvador, supposedly upset over his claim that he was a leading member of the group.

His body wasn't found by police until days later, on January 12, in the icy Potomac River.

In revenge for her supposed role in Rivas' murder, Iraheta lured Damaris to an area near Lake Accotink Park in Fairfax County on the night of January 8, 2017 with an offer to smoke marijuana, according to prosecutors.

Three ghoulish cell phone videos, which have been previously played or described in court, show parts of what happened next.

Jose Cerrato, then 17, shot the videos to prove his loyalty to MS-13, prosecutors said.

Killer: Iraheta was one of 10 people involved in the gruesome murder of Damaris, prosecutors say. She supposedly blamed Damaris for luring her boyfriend to his death days earlier

Iraheta lured Damaris to a wooded area near this park with an offer to smoke weed together, prosecutors say. Three gruesome cell phone videos show the gang torturing the girl

The first video shows the 10 gang members surrounding Damaris in a wooded area of the park, screaming in Spanish and berating her, the Washington Post reported.

One gang member snaps a cigar cutter menacingly at the girl and tells her she's should loose a finger.

A second video shows Damaris stripped of her shirt and shoes, standing shivering in the cold while the group interrogates her about Rivas' death.

Iraheta wields a large hunting knife in the video and a voice is heard off-camera urging 'stick the steel in her' in Spanish.

The cruel torture then moved to one final location, near a Beltway overpass.

Iraheta a recited her full name to ensure Damaris knew her killer's name and 'told the victim she would never forgive her and would see her in hell', an FBI agent testified based on witness interviews.

Killer Iraheta (left) told victim Damaris (right) that 'she would never forgive her and would see her in hell', an FBI agent testified

The third video shows the sickening aftermath of the stabbing, with Damaris lying bloody on her back amid a pile of leaves.

One gang member, Wilmer A. Sanchez-Serrano, is then allegedly seen jamming a large sharpened stick into the girl's throat over and over before the video cuts off abruptly.

Of the others charged in the case, three pleaded guilty in October and are set to be sentenced on May 5.

Cindy Blanco Hernandez, 19, pleaded guilty to two counts of abduction by force and the abduction of another juvenile female.

Aldair Miranda Carcamo, 18, pleaded guilty to gang participation and two counts of abduction by force. Emerson Fugon Lopez, 17, pleaded guilty to abduction in connection with Alexandra's death and gang participation.

Four other suspects are set for trial in the coming months.

If Iraheta had gone to trial for the murder, she likely would have faced damning testimony from the others involved.

She is set to be sentenced on May 25, and faces a maximum of life in prison plus 20 years.Advertisement

Gay couples across the country locked lips at the stroke of midnight as the new Marriage Act officially became legal in Australia.

In an historic moment for the Australian gay community and following a powerful campaign, many same-sex couples signed their names on marriage certificates during spectacular midnight nuptials on January 9.

Newlyweds Luke Sullivan and Craig Burns were one of the first to tie the knot in Queensland during a touching night-time ceremony which saw the pair exchange vows exactly one minute after the law came into effect.

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Newlyweds Luke Sullivan (left) and Craig Burns (right) were one of the first to tie the knot in Queensland during a touching night-time ceremony which saw the pair exchange vows exactly one minute after the law came into effect

The couple (pictured) tied the knot at one minute past midnight in a midnight ceremony in front of 55 friends and family members

The athletes married in a beautiful ceremony at the Summergrove Estate, in the Tweed Coast Hinterland, at 12am in front of 55 family members and friends.

Daylight savings and the time difference meant the grooms were one of the first couples in the country to officially be recognised as married under Australian law.

'It's a very surreal feeling,' an emotional Craig said in the lead-up to the event.

In a reverse-style wedding event, the couple hosted a pre-ceremony reception until 11.30pm when their marriage was officiated under a backdrop of fireworks.

It is a dream both Craig and Luke - who met online three years ago - thought may never become a reality.

The athletes married in a beautiful ceremony at the Summergrove Estate, in the Tweed Coast Hinterland, at 12am in front of 55 family members and friends

Daylight savings and the time difference meant the grooms were one of the first couples in the country to officially be recognised as married under Australian law

'It's a very surreal feeling,' an emotional Craig (pictured left with partner Luke) said in the lead-up to the event

In a reverse-style wedding event, the couple hosted a pre-ceremony reception until 11.30pm when their marriage was officiated under a backdrop of fireworks

'I couldn't help but have this thought, "I might not have this opportunity",' Luke told 7news before his wedding.

The accomplished athletes became engaged in March 2016 after a touching proposal set on the rocks in Byron Bay, NSW, with both men dressed in Speedos as Craig popped the question on one knee.

Their $50,000 nuptials were gifted by businesses across the state who donated their services towards one of the first legal same-sex weddings.

Craig, a sprinter, hopes to qualify for the next Commonwealth Games and will represent Queensland at the 2018 Queen's Baton Relay in March.

It is a dream both Craig (right) and Luke (left) - who met online three years ago - thought may never become a reality

'I couldn't help but have this thought, "I might not have this opportunity",' Luke (left) told 7news before his wedding

The accomplished athletes became engaged in March 2016 after a touching proposal set on the rocks in Byron Bay, NSW, with both men dressed in Speedos as Craig popped the question on one knee

Their $50,000 nuptials were gifted by businesses across the state who donated their services towards one of the first legal same-sex weddings

Teegan Daly and her now-wife Mahatia 'Tie' Minnicon also officially tied the knot in a moving midnight ceremony on January 9.

The couple wed in Melbourne and celebrated until 3am in the morning.

For the historic occasion, Teegan wore a gold jumpsuit and her partner Mahatia opted for a traditional white gown.

Same-sex marriage legislation cleared parliament on December 7, nearly a month after it was revealed 61.6 per cent of participants in a voluntary postal survey backed the change.

Amid scenes of jubilation same-sex couples were quick to lodge formal intentions to wed and while some were granted exemptions to the four-week waiting period, Tuesday is the first official day ceremonies can take place.

Craig, (right) a sprinter, hopes to qualify for the next Commonwealth Games and will represent Queensland at the 2018 Queen's Baton Relay in March

Australian Commonwealth Games sprinter Craig Burns (left) and fiance Luke Sullivan (right) embrace before their marriage ceremony

Craig and Luke (pictured left) pose in a photobooth ahead of their marriage ceremony at Summergrove Estate

The happy couple waited nearly two years after their engagement for the new Australian Marriage Act to come into effect

In Newcastle, 32-year-old Rebecca Hickson will marry her partner of nine years Sarah Turnbull, 34.

The pair said they wanted to be part of history and planned to also be one of the first couples to tie the knot in a ceremony from 8am.

'We've already had our big hoo-ha ceremony three years ago but now we get to declare our love for each other again and have it recognised as a real union,' Rebecca said.

She described the build-up to the postal vote deadline as 'a horrible time' but said the two are now excited to move beyond it.

Australian Commonwealth Games sprinter Craig (left) and Luke (right) pose ahead of their marriage ceremony at Summergrove Estate, New South Wales on January 8, 2018

Craig (right) and Luke (left) are congratulated by friends after exchanging vows at their marriage ceremony

The accomplished athletes became engaged in March 2016 after a touching proposal set on the rocks in Byron Bay, NSW, with both men dressed in tiny Speedos as Craig (left) bent down on one knee

Melbourne couple Ron Van Houwelingen, 50, and Antony McManus, 53, echoed Ms Hickson's feelings about the postal vote and said no country should have to endure the same 'horrendous' process to legalise gay marriage.

On Tuesday, the long-time activists will also look forward and tie the knot where they first met as performing arts students three decades ago - at the former Prahran College of TAFE's David Williamson Theatre.

'I'm looking really forward to celebrating the victory,' Ron said.

It is a dream both Craig (left) and Luke (right) - who met online three years ago - thought may never become a reality

Pictured is Craig and Luke's official marriage certificate which was legally recognised on January 9

The loving couple celebrated well into the night after exchanging vows at one minute past midnight

Newlywed Luke Sullivan (pictured) is embraced by his mother in law Robyn Burns before his midnight ceremony

The couple's (pictured) athletic aspirations will delay their honeymoon until the end of the year

Australian Commonwealth Games sprinter Craig (left)) and Luke (right) walk together before their marriage ceremony at Summergrove Estate

The two have already held more than a dozen commitment ceremonies, including in 1993 on their sixth anniversary when gay marriage 'wasn't on the radar'.

'I suppose it's been a wedding planned for 30 years but we've had really a month to get things together,' he added

'It's been quite hectic trying to organise that in such a short amount of time.

Craig Burns is walked down the aisle by his mother Robyn before his marriage ceremony in Queensland

Craig Burns (left) and fiance Luke Sullivan (right) are congratulated by friends at their marriage ceremony at Summergrove Estate

Australian Commonwealth Games sprinters Craig and Luke Sullivan pose with their parents Rob and Robyn Burns (right) and John and Sue Sullivan

Gillian Brady and Lisa Goldsmith pose after the wedding ceremony at The Court on January 9, 2018 in Perth, Australia

Lisa Goldsmith and Gillian Brady embrace during their touching wedding ceremony at The Court on Tuesday

Lisa Goldsmith and Gillian Brady during the wedding ceremony at The Court on January 9, 2018 in Perth, Australia

The loving couple waited years to finally tie the know after the Australian Marriage Act was finally changed

The couple decided to tie the knot the day the Marriage Act was officially changed on January 9

Couples across Australia wed in midnight ceremonies as the Australian Marriage Act legalising same-sex marriage took effect on January 9

In an historic moment for the Australian gay community and following a powerful campaign, many same-sex couples signed their names on marriage certificates during spectacular midnight nuptials on January 9

Same-sex couple Lisa Goldsmith and Gillian Brady also took the opportunity to wed on January 9 in a touching ceremony at The Court.

The Perth brides married in front of a small group of friends and family with Gillian dressed in a dapper suit while Lisa chose a beautiful white dress.

Sarah Turnbull and Rebecca Hickson were quick to exchange vows too and married in a beautiful ceremony in Newcastle, Tuesday, January 9, 2018.

Today is the first official day same-sex marriage ceremonies can take place in Australia after legislation was passed in parliament in December

Sarah Turnbull (left) and Rebecca Hickson pose for a photograph with their Certificate of Marriage after being married in a ceremony in Newcastle, Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Today is the first official day same-sex marriage ceremonies can take place in Australia after legislation was passed in parliament in December

Sarah Turnbull and Rebecca Hickson were quick to exchange vows too and married in a beautiful ceremony in Newcastle, Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Rebecca Hickson (left) and Sarah Turnbull (right) married in a ceremony in Newcastle, Australia

Both brides opted to wear stunning white gowns during their historic wedding on the day the Marriage Act was changedOne of two men suspected of punching a passenger at Manhattan's busy Union Square subway station - which resulted in the victim getting struck by a train - on Monday appeared in court, where his lawyer praised him as a 'terrific kid.'

Benjamin Gonzalez, 24, of Queens, surrendered to police last Wednesday - more than two weeks after he and another man who has not been identified allegedly attacked Brooklyn artist Francis Christie.

According to police, just before 3am on December 16, Christie was waiting for a Brooklyn-bound Q train at Union Square on his way home from a Christmas party when he was accosted by two men who punched him in the head.

Vicious attack: Benjamin Gonzalez, 24 (pictured in surveillance video, left) is suspected of punching Brooklyn artist Francis Christie (right) on December 16

Christie collapsed to the floor, with his head hanging over the edge of the platform, where the southbound Q train clipped him.

Gonzalez then allegedly pulled up Christies battered head and struck him a second time.

Surveillance video at the station captured the two suspects fleeing after the vicious attack.

The victims skull was fractured but he survived and was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he awakened later not remembering what had happened to him.

ABC Eyewitness News later reported that the victim has sustained brain trauma and fractures to his eye sockets, and his nose was bleeding profusely.

Surveillance video at Union Square station captured Gonzalez and his alleged accomplice (seen in foreground) fleeing after a Q train struck their victim in the head

A lawyer representing Gonzalez (left) said in court the 24-year-old suspect was 'one semester shy of graduating college.' The second suspect (right) has not been named

Christies mother, Joy Wells, who lives in Colorado and runs a horse farm, told New York Daily News that more than two weeks after the attack, her son remains at the hospital and the pace of his recovery has been slow.

Mrs Wells was also dealing with the news that her Army veteran husband had contracted pneumonia and had to be rushed to the intensive care unit in Colorado while she was in New York looking after her son, who is also her only child.

The woman recalled that before the December 16 attack, her son was excited about an upcoming art show in Greenpoint, where he was to present some of his latest works painted with a new chrome pen.

Meanwhile, Christie's alleged assailant Gonzalez appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court, where prosecutors said they have yet to indict him for the subway attack. He faces charges of assault and reckless endangerment.

His lawyer said the 24-year-old suspect was 'one semester shy of graduating college' and described the clean-cut, bespectacled young man as a 'terrific kid.'

Gonzalez remains free on $100,000 bail and he is due back in court on February 21.Commuters are facing lengthy one-hour train delays after too many Sydney drivers called in sick or are on holidays.

Sydney Trains wrote on Twitter the delays are due to 'staff availability' and commuters should allow extra travel time for 'flow on delays'.

About 70 train drivers called in sick Tuesday with Sydney Trains CEO Howard Collins telling reporters the drivers have proper illnesses.

While some commuters are arriving an hour early to beat the delays, carriage overcrowding means people have been turned away from catching their train, Sunrise reported.

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Commuters are facing lengthy train delays after too many Sydney drivers called in sick

Commuters are reportedly being turned away from catching their train due to overcrowding

Some trains are not stopping at all stations and may change 'at short notice' Sydney Trains said

Some commuters are arriving hours early to beat delays but have been stuck on slow services

Thousands of commuters have been left stranded after lengthy delays and cancelled train services hit Sydney as many workers head back to work for the first time after holidays

With many people heading back to work for the first time this week after the holidays, thousands have been left stranded as some trains are not stopping at usual stations and may change 'at short notice', according to Sydney Trains.

There were 18 train cancellations across the city on Monday because of staff calling in sick and lack of staff to cover the shifts.

'We are seeing high levels of sickness of our train drivers ... but we are managing that well,' Mr Collins told 7 News.

The stormy weather also contributed to delays on the north shore line after lightening strikes caused damage to signal equipment.

Buses replaced trains early Tuesday morning between Chatswood and Gordon but train services have since resumed.

Commuters have taken to social media to share their outrage over the delays, many saying the train service is 'utterly incompetent'.

'First you cancel a s***load of services this morning, then the rest are f***ing delayed. Get your s*** together and stop blaming staff for your inability to formulate a functional roster,' one person wrote.

There were 18 train cancellations across the city on Monday because of staff calling in sick

'Caught the train to work Tuesday morning. Arrived Wednesday afternoon,' another wrote.

'Left home at 7.30am ... it's 9.20am and I'm still on the train to work. Snail speed between Central and Museum, literally one stop! SydneyTrains delays are ridiculous. Awful service,' someone wrote on Twitter.

'I have never used a more incompetent public transport in my life,' one shared.

'Usual train service - disappeared. Next service, 30 [minutes] after delays. Whilst on the train - changes to stops,' another wrote.A White House spokesman said Monday that when President Donald Trump has his annual physical on Friday, a mental health evaluation won't be part of the routine.

Spokesman Hogan Gidley swatted away the question with a curt 'no' as he briefed reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump, 71, will undergo a routine checkup at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington, D.C.

Gidley also defended Trump's description of himself as a 'stable genius,' saying the choice of words was a direct response to how reporters misunderstand him.

'Most of the press calls him unstable and stupid,' deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said.

'But the record shows quite a difference, than what the media is trying to portray. He comes back with exactly what he is. He's brilliant, not just in the business world, but as a political tactician, as a president. The accomplishments speak for themselves."

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Gidley said journalists who speculate about the state of the president's mental health are 'ridiculous' and 'repugnant,' particularly those who devote stories and broadcast interviews to doctors who have no firsthand knowledge to share.

It's an 'absolute dereliction of duty for journalists to report, as fact, psychiatrists who have never sat down with the president [or] have a conversation with him,' he said.

'The people who are in with him consistently talk about how incredible he is. I've met with him [on] multiple occasions. He's sharp as a tack, he is a workhorse. He demands his staff to be the same way,' Gidley added.

But Democrats, he complained, repeat talking points holding that 'Republicans are just stupid, cant accomplish things and dont have the capacity to serve.'

Trump swatted down claims of mental instability over the weekend, calling himself 'a very stable genius' and 'like, really smart.'

In a series of Saturday morning tweets, Trump played defense in his battle with the author of a new book that painted a chaotic and dysfunctional picture of his campaign and the early months of his presidency.

'Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart,' Trump tweeted.

The commander-in-chief added that although doubts about his mental capacity have been frequently raised by his critics, he proved them wrong with his 'successful' career in television and business and his stunning victory in the 2016 election.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, Trump called himself "really smart' and 'a very stable genius'

'I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!' he said

Questions surrounding Trump's competence for office intensified following the release of 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' by Michael Wolff, which included shocking claims, including doubts among Trump's senior aides about his mental fitness in the role of 'leader of the free world.'

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders faced questions three days in a row about Trump's mental health and his ability to serve as commander-in-chief.

Sanders said that what 'is really mentally unstable is people that don't see the positive impact that this president is having on the country.'

Trump's father, Fred Trump, died in 1999 after a six-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease, a degenerative brain-wasting condition.

DailyMail.com asked Trump about it during an August 2015 campaign press conference in New Hampshire.

'He was 88 years when he developed it, and he died at 94,' Trump observed at the time.

The president is currently 71.

Asked if he had any concerns about his own mental health, he replied: 'No. Not whatsoever.'

Donald Trump, 17, said on August 19, 2015 that although his father died following a six-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease, he wasn't diagnosed until age 88

Joe Scarborough (right) said Monday that he's tried twice to write in his Washington Post column about claims that Donald Trump has dementia, but the newspaper censored him

The 'Morning Joe' host interviewed author Michael Wolff (shown) about his new book 'Fire and Fury'

'My mother was 88, 89, and she was in amazingly great health. And my father, too, was in great health. They lived long lives.'

'Morning Joe' co-host Joe Scarborough said Monday it's an open secret that Trump is losing his mind, and The Washington Post has steadfastly refused to let anyone write about it in its pages.

'I've written twice in my column a quote about one of the people closest to Donald Trump during the campaign saying he's got early stage of dementia,' Scarborough said.

'But twice The Washington Post hasn't  would not let me put that in my column,' he added.

Fred Trump is seen at right in 1987, six years before his Alzheimer's diagnosis, along with Trump, his first wife Ivana, and his mother Mary

Wolff wrote in his book that nearly everyone who is regularly around the president is aware of his declining mental state.

'Until your book came out, this was something we were not allowed to speak about,' Scarborough told him.

Wolff said most journalists who cover the White House daily are uncomfortable writing about such an explosive claim because it would shut off their access to the administration.

But a book's author, he argued, doesn't have that problem.

'You can't say what you know, or all that you know, because you have to go back the next day,' Wolff said, adding that 'I could say it because I'm not going back.'The White House ripped as 'repugnant' attacks on Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, saying their 'sacrificing' service to the nation should shield them from criticism.

The defense of the 'sacrificing' power couple came amid new charges in Michael Wolff's book against the two, along with slaps at Don Jr. and Eric Trump, and follow Steve Bannon's apology and claim that he wasn't talking about Don Jr. when he called a meeting with Russian 'treasonous.'

'When you go after somebody's family, in the manner in which he did  two of the President's children who are serving this nation, sacrificing in their service  it is repugnant, it is grotesque,' White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told reporters, after getting asked on Air Force One about Bannon's apology.

Ivanka Trump walks with her husband, White House Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, toward Marine One while departing with her father President Donald Trump on February 17, 2017 to South Carolina. The White House said they should not be attacked because of their 'sacrificing' for the nation

'And I challenge anybody to go and talk about someone else's family and see if that person doesn't come back and come back hard,' he said, defending the pushback, which included an extraordinary statement from the President attacking Bannon, his former chief White House strategist.

Gidley was pressed about Ivanka and Kushner's sacrifice. Both moved from New York and set up shop just steps from the Oval Office, declining government salaries. Both have traveled the world with their father, visiting dignitaries and palaces. Kushner has focused on Middle East peace and other topics, while Ivanka has weighed in on tax reform and issues surrounding working women.

'I'm sorry, well, they both gave up personal and private lives to come work at the White House and work for the American people,' Gidley said. 'They do that every day. And it's ridiculous for anyone to try and attack what they do for this nation.'

Wolff in his book, 'Fire and Fury,' says Trump considered Kushner 'a suck-up' and that 'Jared and Ivanka should never have come to Washington.' It also reports that Trump as president was considering Kushner for Secretary of State, and that commentator Ann Coulter told Trump: 'Nobody is apparently telling you this. But you can't. You just can't hire your children.'

STOP THROWING SHADE: White House senior advisor Jared Kushner (R) and Ivanka Trump, the daughter of the US president, stand on the runway at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv

THIS JOB IS A DOWNER: Ivanka Trump (R) and her husband Jared Kushner step off Air Force One upon arrival at Chopin Airport in Warsaw, Poland on July 5, 2017

THE TRAVEL, THE INCONVENIENCE ... The daughter of US President Donald Trump Ivanka Trump (R) and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner make their wave from Air Force One to Marina One upon arrival at the airport in Hamburg, Germany

BACK OFF: Jared Kushner, senior White House adviser, center right, and his wife Ivanka Trump, assistant to U.S. President Donald Trump, center left, arrive for the morning sessions during the Allen & Co. Media and Technology conference in Sun Valley, Idaho

The claim that Ivanka and her husband should be shielded from attacks comes days after a report that the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Kushner Companies for the firm's use of a visa program that lets wealthy foreigners invest and get 'green cards' in return.

The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday that the company was asked about its use of the EB-5 program in May 2017.

Federal prosecutors in New York also had asked about the firms use of the program to secure investors willing to fork over $500,000.

Last year, it was reported that Kushner's sister, Nicole, pitched Chinese investors in Shanghai about investing in the company's two-tour project in New Jersey known as One Journal Square.

'Kushner Cos utilized the program, fully complied with its rules and regulations, and did nothing improper. We are cooperating with legal requests for information,' according to the firm.The Google employee who was fired last summer over his sexist memo explaining why women are 'biologically' less likely to succeed, is now suing the tech giant claiming it discriminates against conservative white men.

Former software engineer James Damore argues he was 'singled out, mistreated, and systematically punished and terminated' after his ten page internal memo on diversity was leaked.

Damore was fired in August shortly after the memo went viral and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who cut a family vacation short to deal with the fall out, released a statement saying the former employee had violated their code of conduct and 'cross(ed) the line by advancing harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace.'

Now Damore is suing Google, claiming that it discriminates against conservative white men.

Former software engineer James Damore (pictured) argues he was 'singled out, mistreated, and systematically punished and terminated' after his ten page internal memo on diversity was leaked

He is now suing the tech giant claiming it discriminates against conservative white men

The suit, filed by Harmeet K. Dhillon, the Republican National Committee's committeewoman for California,in Santa Clara Superior Court, also names another former Google engineer, David Gudeman, as a plaintiff.

It argues that by trying to make the workplace more diverse, and equalize pay and the number of women in the tech firm, that white males were suffering.

'Google's management goes to extreme  and illegal  lengths to encourage hiring managers to take protected categories such as race and/or gender into consideration as determinative hiring factors, to the detriment of Caucasian and male employees and potential employees at Google,' the suit, obtained by Buzzfeed, reads.

The lengthy complaint, which includes communications from other Google employees criticizing Damore for his sexist memo, paints him as the perfect employee.

It describes how he received eight performance related bonuses after joining the company in 2013 and a $150,000 annual stock bonus.

But it says he became unhappy about the company's steps to help minorities into tech.

CEO Sundar Pichai said in August the engineer had violated Google's code of conduct by 'advancing harmful gender stereotypes'

'Damore was surprised by Google's position on blatantly taking gender into consideration during the hiring and promotion processes, and in publicly shaming Google business units for failing to achieve numerical gender parity,' reads the suit.

It highlights a talk given by Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat and Human Resources Director Eileen Naughton in March 2017 which reportedly 'shamed' departments with less than a 50 per cent female workforce.

Damore also claimed in the suit he felt pressured to attend diversity training events because he said that bosses had made it clear that embracing diversity was imprtant when considering promotion.

But when he attended, he felt like his complaints were not heard. He also complained that Google, a 'liberal' company was biased against conservatives such as himself.

The suit states that those holding the diversity events asked for feedback, which is when he wrote his memo, which he also forwarded to several different internal Google discussion forums.

After a coworker leaked the memo, Damore claims in his lawsuit he was threatened and insulted by his coworkers, including one who emailed him calling him a 'terrible person' with 'misogynistic' views and promising to 'hound' him until one of them was fired.

Damore was eventually fired in August although he claims management did not identify 'any Google policy or procedure that Damore had violated,' the suit reads.

However, Damore was on an at-will contract at the time, meaning his employers did not have to prove he'd violated policy.

Damore, who graduated from Harvard in 2013 with a doctoral degree in systems biology, first had his 3,300-word manifesto published by technology news site Motherboard. It noted that women could not get ahead at Google because of biological differences.

It prompted backlash from Google's new head of diversity, Danielle Brown, who denounced the memo in her own note to staff.

She said the memo 'advanced incorrect assumptions about gender' and did not display a viewpoint 'that I or this company endorses, promotes or encourages'.

'DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN' ACCORDING TO JAMES DAMORE'S MEMO The following is an extract from engineer James Damore's lengthy memo Women, on average, have more: Openness directed towards feelings and aesthetics rather than ideas. Women generally also have a stronger interest in people rather than things, relative to men (also interpreted as empathizing vs. systemizing).

These two differences in part explain why women relatively prefer jobs in social or artistic areas. More men may like coding because it requires systemizing and even within SWEs, comparatively more women work on front end, which deals with both people and aesthetics.

Extraversion expressed as gregariousness rather than assertiveness. Also, higher agreeableness.

This leads to women generally having a harder time negotiating salary, asking for raises, speaking up, and leading. Note that these are just average differences and there's overlap between men and women, but this is seen solely as a women's issue. This leads to exclusory programs like Stretch and swaths of men without support.

Neuroticism (higher anxiety, lower stress tolerance). This may contribute to the higher levels of anxiety women report on Googlegeist and to the lower number of women in high stress jobs. Note that contrary to what a social constructionist would argue, research suggests that 'greater nation-level gender equality leads to psychological dissimilarity in men's and women's personality traits.' Because as 'society becomes more prosperous and more egalitarian, innate dispositional differences between men and women have more space to develop and the gap that exists between men and women in their personality becomes wider.' We need to stop assuming that gender gaps imply sexism. Men's higher drive for status We always ask why we don't see women in top leadership positions, but we never ask why we see so many men in these jobs. These positions often require long, stressful hours that may not be worth it if you want a balanced and fulfilling life. Status is the primary metric that men are judged on[4], pushing many men into these higher paying, less satisfying jobs for the status that they entail. Note, the same forces that lead men into high pay/high stress jobs in tech and leadership cause men to take undesirable and dangerous jobs like coal mining, garbage collection, and firefighting, and suffer 93% of work-related deaths. Advertisement

Many have argued that the engineer's memo was proof of the sexist, male-driven structures that Silicon Valley has become known for in recent months.

Others said Damore's concern that the company was too left-leaning was legitimate. Some also claim he is the voice of many conservative employees who are too scared to speak out against Google's politically correct policies because they fear they will lose their jobs.

In his 10-page document, the Damore explained his belief that the company is blind to inevitable differences between men and women and says that staff are trained to think a that lack of diversity is down to discrimination when sometimes there are other factors to consider.

Damore, who graduated from Harvard in 2013, had noted that women could not get ahead at Google because of biological differences.

'At Google, we're regularly told that implicit (unconscious) and explicit biases are holding women back in tech and leadership,' he wrote.

'Of course, men and women experience bias, tech, and the workplace differently and we should be cognizant of this, but it's far from the whole story.

'On average, men and women biologically differ in many ways.'

Among the perceived differences is that women are have 'a stronger interest in people rather than things' which he said explains 'why women prefer jobs in social or artistic areas.'

Men, he said, are more prone to jobs like coding 'because it requires systemizing'.

Damore wrote that women were generally 'more prone to neuroticism' and that this is why there aren't so many females in high-stress jobs. The software engineer has not been identified.

'We always ask why we don't see women in top leadership positions, but we never ask why we see so many men in these jobs. These positions often require long, stressful hours that may not be worth it if you want a balanced and fulfilling life.'

Among the biggest problems, he said, was that staff who do not agree with the company's approach to the issue are told keep their ideas 'in the closet'.

'Google's left bias has created a politically correct monoculture that maintains its hold by shaming dissenters into silence. This silence removes any checks against encroaching extremist and authoritarian policies,' he said.

The suit, filed by Harmeet K. Dhillon, the Republican National Committee's committeewoman for California,in Santa Clara Superior Court, also names another former Google engineer, David Gudeman, as a plaintiff

Later he added that conservatives were an increasingly marginalized minority.

'Conservatives are a minority that feel like they need to stay in the closet to avoid open hostility. We should empower those with different ideologies to be able to express themselves.

'At Google, we talk so much about unconscious bias as it applies to race and gender, but we rarely discuss our moral biases. Political orientation is actually a result of deep moral preferences and thus biases.

'Considering that the overwhelming majority of the social sciences, media, and Google lean left, we should critically examine these prejudices,' he said.

At the end of his memo, Damore suggested 'non-discriminatory ways' to reduce inequality, writing: 'Women on average are more prone to anxiety.

'Make tech and leadership less stressful. Google already partly does this with its many stress reduction courses and benefits.'

He suggested that the company should do away with programs which cater to a specific minority in order to stamp out discrimination.

The engineer faced a barrage of outraged complaints on Twitter after his memo was published online.

Much of the outrage came from Google employees who disagreed with his stance. Other critics said the man deserved to be fired for his opinion.

He was fired shortly after and CEO Pichai released a statement saying that employees have a right to express themselves but 'to suggest a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK.'

The other plaintiff, Gudeman, according to his LinkedIn profile, worked at Google as an engineer from November 2013 to December 2016.

He now works as a self-employed software contractor and writer.

A Google spokesperson did not respond to reporters' requests for comment.A 26-year-old woman is facing serious driving offences after she allegedly stole a car and led police on a dangerous pursuit through Melbourne's south east.

The black Suzuki Swift was stolen from Pakenham resident, Lauren Byers, who was at home when the thief broke through her back door and gate about 7.30 Monday morning.

Dramatic footage taken from a helicopter shows the moment police caught the offenders tail about an hour later as she sped towards the Monash Freeway.

Dramatic helicopter footage captured the moment more than seven police vehicles cornered a 26-year-old woman after she led police on a dangerous chase through Melbourne's south east

The pursuit lasted more than 40 minutes, with the woman seen driving recklessly through busy suburban roads before attempting a u-turn across a median strip and blowing the tyres.

Several police cars closed in on the driver on Heatherton Road as she attempted the dangerous turn, forcing the vehicle to a halt and leaving the thief with nowhere to run.

Still refusing to get out of the written off car, police smashed the windows and used pepper spray in their arrest of the 26-year-old.

Several police cars closed in on the driver on Heatherton Road as she attempted the dangerous turn, forcing the vehicle to a halt and leaving the thief with nowhere to run

Still refusing to get out of the written off car, police smashed the windows and used pepper spray in their arrest of the 26-year-old

Officers from more than seven police vehicles assisted in the arrest, with the woman dragged to the back of a paddy wagon in hand cuffs before been taken away.

The vehicle's owner described the incident as an 'inconvenience', telling Nine News she had only recently finished paying off the vehicle.

The offender is being questioned by police and is expected to be charged with aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and conduct endangering life.In 1964, I was a little girl sitting on the linoleum floor of my mother's house in Milwaukee watching Anne Bancroft present the Oscar for best actor at the 36th Academy Awards. She opened the envelope and said five words that literally made history:' The winner is Sidney Poitier.' Up to the stage came the most elegant man I ever remembered. His tie was white, his skin was blackand he was being celebrated. I'd never seen a black man being celebrated like that. I tried many, many times to explain what a moment like that means to a little girl, a kid watching from the cheap seats as my mom came through the door bone tired from cleaning other people's houses. But all I can do is quote and say that the explanation in Sidney's performance in Lilies of the Field: 'Amen, amen, amen, amen.'

In 1982, Sidney received the Cecil B. DeMille award right here at the Golden Globes and it is not lost on me that at this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this same award. It is an honorit is an honor and it is a privilege to share the evening with all of them and also with the incredible men and women who have inspired me, who challenged me, who sustained me and made my journey to this stage possible. Dennis Swanson who took a chance on me for A.M. Chicago. Saw me on the show and said to Steven Spielberg, she's Sophia in 'The Color Purple.' Gayle who's been a friend and Stedman who's been my rock.

I want to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. We know the press is under siege these days. We also know it's the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to corruption and to injustice. Toto tyrants and victims, and secrets and lies. I want to say that I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times, which brings me to this: what I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And I'm especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories. Each of us in this room are celebrated because of the stories that we tell, and this year we became the story.

But it's not just a story affecting the entertainment industry. It's one that transcends any culture, geography, race, religion, politics, or workplace. So I want tonight to express gratitude to all the women who have endured years of abuse and assault because they, like my mother, had children to feed and bills to pay and dreams to pursue. They're the women whose names we'll never know. They are domestic workers and farm workers. They are working in factories and they work in restaurants and they're in academia, engineering, medicine, and science. They're part of the world of tech and politics and business. They're our athletes in the Olympics and they're our soldiers in the military.

And there's someone else, Recy Taylor, a name I know and I think you should know, too. In 1944, Recy Taylor was a young wife and mother walking home from a church service she'd attended in Abbeville, Alabama, when she was abducted by six armed white men, raped, and left blindfolded by the side of the road coming home from church. They threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone, but her story was reported to the NAACP where a young worker by the name of Rosa Parks became the lead investigator on her case and together they sought justice. But justice wasn't an option in the era of Jim Crow. The men who tried to destroy her were never persecuted. Recy Taylor died ten days ago, just shy of her 98th birthday. She lived as we all have lived, too many years in a culture broken by brutally powerful men. For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up.

Their time is up. And I just hopeI just hope that Recy Taylor died knowing that her truth, like the truth of so many other women who were tormented in those years, and even now tormented, goes marching on. It was somewhere in Rosa Parks' heart almost 11 years later, when she made the decision to stay seated on that bus in Montgomery, and it's here with every woman who chooses to say, 'Me too.' And every manevery man who chooses to listen.

In my career, what I've always tried my best to do, whether on television or through film, is to say something about how men and women really behave. To say how we experience shame, how we love and how we rage, how we fail, how we retreat, persevere, and how we overcome. I've interviewed and portrayed people who've withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning, even during our darkest nights. So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say 'Me too' again.'A British mother is to marry a US convict who is serving life in a maximum security jail for the brutal murders of two men.

Emma Pickett, 33, from Stourbridge in the West Midlands and Justin Erskine, 30, met on a prison pen-pal website and after writing letters to each other for five months, they will now tie the knot.

The pair have only met twice, and it is unlikely they will ever spend time together outside the grounds of the groom-to-be's jail due to Erskine's life sentence without parole.

Emma Pickett, 33, from Stourbridge in the West Midlands and Justin Erskine, 30, met on a prison pen-pal website

Erskine was jailed in 2006 for supplying the knife which killed one of two men murdered during an argument about drugs.

He also dug their graves and helped bury the bodies.

The couple fell in love after meeting on the WriteAPrisoner site, where Erskine's biography asks for 'earnest and (if possible) intriguing, intellectually arousing, interesting, or otherwise fascinating responses only.'

Emma Pickett (right), 33, from Stourbridge in the West Midlands and Justin Erskine (left), 30, met on a prison pen-pal website and after writing letters to each other for five months, they will now tie the knot

He continues: 'This page is one step in a multi-faceted approach to stave ennui, apathy, and cynicism, while restoring my faith in humanity. I kid (?) - no pressure!

'Really, it would just be a pleasantly welcome change of pace to get to know some new people and make some new friends, which is what I suspect I'd be doing with my life, if not for prison.'

Despite his brutal crime, care assistant Ms Pickett has decided put his violent past to one side.

Ms Pickett (left) jailbird beau Erksine (right) have exchanged 1,600 letters since meeting online

The pair have exchanged 1,600 letters between them and are getting married after the felon popped the question in prison, according to The Sun.

He wasn't allowed to go down on one knee because the regulations in the prison are so strict he had to remain seated at all times.

Miss Pickett has agreed to move her whole family - including her three children aged six, 12 and 14 - over to the US to be closer to her soon-to-be husband.

Her eldest daughter calls the murderer 'stepdad' and that Erskine tries to call her youngest every night to read her a bedtime story.

The James T Vaughn Correctional Center in Delaware where the couple met after writing to each other

She told the paper: 'There is a stigma attached to it but it is not the case that everybody in prison is automatically a terrible person.'

They will get married at the James T Vaughn Correctional Center in Delaware where the couple met.

According to state law, they will not be permitted to consummate the marriage and instead the couple have resorted to conveying their intimate feelings via letters.The nephew of French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (pictured) was stabbed in Eilat in Israel

The nephew of French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was among three tourists repeatedly stabbed in the Israeli seaside resort of Eilat, it emerged tonight.

The wounded holidaymakers, who have not been named, were found lying on the promenade last Wednesday after being targeted by a gang of Israeli men.

It comes at a time of heightened tension between France and Israel, as President Emmanuel Macron and Mr Philippe refuse to accept Jerusalem as Israel's capital city.

This has greatly angered many in Israel, and especially those who do not want East Jerusalem to be set aside as the capital of a Palestinian state.

Mr Philippe has also controversially backed the publication of anti-Semitic essays by the author Louis-Ferdinand Destouches, better known as Celine, despite fury from France's sizeable Jewish community.

By Monday night, Israeli news outlets were reporting the shocking Eilat crime, while French media ones generally remained silent.

According to the Israeli i24 news channel: 'The French consul in Tel Aviv was rushed to the spot urgently.

'Three French tourists, including the nephew of the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who was on holiday in the seaside resort of Eilat in Israel, were attacked last Wednesday by a group of Israelis.

'The municipal police found three young tourists lying on the Eilat Promenade with stab wounds on the lower part of their bodies. Two of them were slightly hurt, and the third more seriously.'

All were taken to a local hospital, where they were later joined by the French consul, who is thought to have contacted Mr Philippe immediately.

Two of those hurt were released from hospital on Thursday, while the third remained in a ward. It is not known if he is Mr Philippe's nephew.

A criminal enquiry into the attack has been launched in Israel, with police attempting to bring the perpetrators to justice. They are all believed to be Israeli men, according to detectives.

It comes at a time of heightened tension between France and Israel, as President Emmanuel Macron and Mr Philippe (pictured together) refuse to accept Jerusalem as Israel's capital city

There was no comment on the incident from France's Ambassador to Israel, or from the French foreign ministry.

On Monday, President Macron reaffirmed his country's commitment to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Leaders on both sides must continue 'calling for calm and dialogue', Mr Macron said during a meeting with members of the Palestinian Central Council.

It follows American President Donald Trump plunging the area into renewed chaos by recognising Jerusalem as solely being the capital of Israel, and not Palestine too.

This shocked Western allies including France and Britain as much as it did Arab leaders, who insist that East Jerusalem must become the capital of Palestine.

On Sunday Mr Philippe said he was fine about the publication of Celine's anti-Semitic essays.

Referring to Celine, Mr Philippe said: 'There are very good reasons to detest the man himself, but you cannot deny the writer's central position in French literature.'

But CRIF, France's main Jewish umbrella group, said in a statement that it opposed the publication of the three 'racist, anti-Semitic and pro-Hitler' essays.

Last year the Jewish Agency of Israel claimed that 5000 Jews emigrated to Israel from France in 2016, partly because of security fears, and an atmosphere of anti-Semitism condoned by those in power.A gigantic fire erupted at a warehouse in north London this evening.

Fifteen fire engines and 90 firefighters were called to the blaze at a paint factory in Waterloo Road, Staples Corner.

Dramatic pictures show the extent of the inferno, which could 'be seen for miles around' and broke out just before 9.30pm off the busy North Circular Road.

The fire service battled for three hours before the flames were brought under control at 12.22am.

The London Fire Brigade has now confirmed 'factory workers left the building' before they arrived and no one is believed to have been injured.

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Dramatic pictures show the extent of the inferno, which could 'be seen for miles around' and broke out just before 9.30pm off the busy North Circular Road

Fifteen fire engines and 90 firefighters were called to the blaze in Waterloo Road, Staples Corner

Firefighters were called to the blaze, which sent blue acrid smoke across the far north of London, at around 9.20pm

The flames engulfed a paint factory just off the North Circular Road near Brent Cross

Dramatic pictures show the extent of the inferno, which could 'be seen for miles around' and broke out just before 9.30pm off the busy North Circular Road

Met Police's Barnet force tweeted a dramatic picture of a fireball above the paint factory

Thick blue and black acrid smoke could be seen billowing across the north London skyline, with one neighbour saying he could see fireballs shooting into the night.

People were warned to avoid the area and local residents told to shut their windows and doors.

Concerned passers-by took to social media to alert others of the blaze, which was described by some as a 'huge fireball in the sky'

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) tweeted to say it has received over 45 999 calls in relation to the fire around half a mile away from Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

One person tweeted: 'What on earth is this? Was just on the North Circular.'

Another said: 'Just passed the biggest fire I've ever seen in my life.

'Looks like a warehouse or something of that size near the north circular at Wembley.'

This is the moment huge flames ripped through a paint factory causing smoke to billow across the sky

Around 100 firefighters were called to the scene at Staples Corner, in north west London late on Monday night

Another Twitter user posted: 'HUGE fire off north circular just now. Literally exploding, plumes of smoke. I think it is a warehouse although not confirmed.'

Others have described it as 'horrific', while the police have branded it 'serious'.

One Twitter user posted to say they were being kept awake by the fire three miles away.

One Twitter user posted to say they were being kept awake by the fire three miles away

Achal Dhillon who lives in Hendon, less than half a mile from the scene, said the fire was burning 'quite violently' for more than 30 minutes.

The 33-year-old said he saw fireballs being propelled into the air from the burning building up to a height of 100 metres.

Witnessing the fire spread through the building Mr Dhillon, after spotting what was initially a small blaze or a 'little dot', said there was then a 'loud pop'.

He said: 'Then we saw a lot of flames suddenly rise up by themselves... then just this huge mountain of fire, almost pyramid shaped and spiralling as it was shooting fireballs into the air.

'It is still going, there is a huge trail of thick black smoke.'

Mr Dhillon said he was 'amazed' at how quickly the fire service responded, adding that it was probably only a couple of minutes before they arrived and were tackling the flames.

An LFB spokesman told MailOnline: 'This is a significant fire at a paint factory off the North Circular which can be seen across London.

'We'd ask people to avoid the area if possible and local residents to keep their doors and windows shut.'

'The Brigade was called at 9.20pm. Fire crews from Hendon and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene. The cause of the fire is not yet known at this stage.'

They said the warehouse is 50m by 20m and the fireball is 'very visible and can be seen for miles around'.

They added : 'The Brigade was called at 2120 and the fire was under control by 0022. Fire crews from Hendon and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.

'The cause of the fire is under investigation.'The field of contenders for Manson's remains narrowed after a Monday hearing in LA

The fight over control of Charles Manson's estate and remains has narrowed, with a pen pal and purported grandson emerging as the main contenders.

Other contenders did not appear at a hearing Monday in a Los Angeles courtroom, leaving the fight to grandson Jason Freeman, 41, and pen pal Michael Channels, 52, for now.

At one point, the legal battle threatened to become a circus, with as many as five contenders.

Probate Judge David J. Cowan did complicate matters at the hearing though, by telling Freeman and Channels that the question of venue would be up for debate, the LA Times reported.

He also advised Channels, who is representing himself, that he would be well advised to seek a lawyer as the proceedings complexify.

'I called 50 of them,' Channels replied. 'Half of them hung up on me, the other half laughed.'

Grandson Jason Freeman, 41, (left) and pen pal Michael Channels, 52, (right) are the two primary legal contenders for control of Manson's remains after a Monday hearing

Freeman's attorney Alan Davis has until January 12 to file a claim to recover Manson's remains, as well as arguments on the proper court venue for a ruling on the remains.

The court will decide whether venue is proper in Los Angeles, where Manson resided before his arrest in 1969, or in Kings County, where he was imprisoned for orchestrating the 1969 killings of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and eight other people.

Channels, a pen pal of Manson's for 30 years who claims to have the killer's a last will and testament, must respond to Davis' filing by January 19.

Until then, Manson's body is being held on ice by the coroner in Kern County, where he was hospitalized prior to his death on November 19 at age 83.

Channels says he met Manson in 2002 after the two had corresponded through letters and that soon after, Manson sent him a will leaving his entire estate to him.

Before his death in November, Manson was serving a life sentence for orchestrating the 1969 murders of Sharon Tate and eight others in a murder spree (pictured above in December 1969)

Manson's body is being held on ice at the coroner's office (pictured) in Kern County, where he was hospitalized prior to his death

Freeman's lawyer is skeptical of the will, since it wasn't even properly signed.

'We are aware that there is a document that is reported to be a will, but frankly we are very suspicious,' his lawyer Davis has said. 'Manson was incarcerated and we are suspicious that someone could get to him and get it signed.'

In the so-called will, Manson cuts out both of his known sons from his estate. But even if it was valid, one legal expert says that Freeman would still be the likely beneficiary since the will doesn't mention his grandchildren specifically, just the sons.

'The grandson was not disinherited in the will,' Jack Barcal, a specialist in probate and trust law, previously told the OC Register. 'The property should go to his grandson or whoever the grandchildren are.'

While Channels' alleged will gives him the right to all of Manson's estate - including the rights to cash in his prison account, and the rights to his prison and police records and his image, music, printing, movie and publishing rights, he says it has been more of a hassle than anything.

'It turned into something I have never expected,' Channels said. 'It's a nightmare all the way around.'

Freeman said if he received Manson's remains, he would cremate them and spread them secretly so the location couldn't be turned into a morbid tourist destination.

Channels has said something similar in prior interviews.

'Cemeteries don't want him,' he said. 'They think if they take him, they will pollute the whole ground.'

Channels claims Manson gave him a will not long after they met in 2002, leaving his entire estate to himAdvertisement

A shocking photograph of Aboriginal men lined up, shackled with heavy chains around their necks, and being guarded by white men armed with rifles is just one of many confronting images captured in the late 1800s.

Black and white photos have emerged showing the cruel treatment of Indigenous Australians at the hands of white settlers in the late 1900s.

Other harrowing pictures depict Aboriginal men and boys chained together, standing or sitting, wearing just a cloth around their waists.

Aboriginals lined up, shackled by neck chains and wearing just a pair of briefs with white men standing guard, pictured with a huge rifle is just one many chilling images that have emerged

The shocking black and white photos showcase the cruel ways Aboriginal people were treated from the late 1890s

Huge groups of Aboriginal men and boys are pictured chained together, standing or sitting, wearing just a cloth around their waist, as white police men and 'Aboriginal trackers' stand beside them with four rifles

Aboriginal prisoners (pictured) were chained and forced to lay a railway near Derby, Western Australia, about 1897

The photos, taken between 1890 and the 1930s, show Aboriginal prisoners being captured moments after being caught committing petty crimes such as killing cattle.

The raw images show rows of chained Indigenous people standing under the shade of a tree with police men and 'Aboriginal trackers' pictured with four huge rifles.

Police were paid per indigenous prisoner and cruelly brought them into jail using chains.

While some Aboriginal prisoners are captured working on a boat, other prisoners were forced to lay railways in Derby, Western Australia.

In early Australia, incarceration was used as a tool to weaken the Aboriginal Australians and they were often arrested for petty crimes such as stealing and killing cattle.

The confronting collection of photographs show Aboriginal prisoners across the country, from on board ships to working on wharf rail lines and chained to railway wagons.

Some Aboriginal prisoners are captured on a boat (pictured) while other prisoners were forced to lay railways

Police were paid per indigenous prisoner and cruelly brought them into jail using chains where they were forced to work

In early Australia, incarceration was used as a tool to weaken the Aboriginal people and were often arrested for petty crimes

The haunting collection of photographs show Aboriginal people chained, captioned 'Native Prisoners on N.2', in about 1930

A chilling image shows one lonely Aboriginal man (pictured) standing in chains as he leans against a tree with a piece corrugated iron at the stump of the tree as well as a hat and pile of cloth

One of the photos is captioned 'native prisoners on N2', which is believed to be a ship, shows 12 Aboriginal men lined up with chains to their necks, dressed in rags.

Two white men were photographed leading one Indigenous prisoner by a chain alongside three horses and whip in hand around 1910.

At least 22 Aboriginal prisoners are seen to be chained together while standing in a shallow river of water wearing a cloth around the groin region.

Another image shows white man dressed in shirt and trousers holding a chain connected to two elderly Indigenous prisoners

Hundreds of Aboriginal prisoners were captured and chained, forced to work on many projects including laying rails

Two white men are pictured with three horses, with one of them leading an Aboriginal man by a chain to his neck

At least 20 Indigenous Australians were photographed standing in a shallow river, all chained together (pictured)

Haunting photos show the disturbing history and abuse of aboriginal people in the early twentieth century (pictured 1930)

Another image shows a white man dressed in a shirt and trousers holding a chain that is connected to two elderly looking Indigenous prisoners.

A chilling image shows one lonely Aboriginal man standing in chains as he leans against a tree with a piece corrugated iron at the stump of the tree as well as a hat and pile of cloth.

A line of Indigenous men were photographed at the turn of the century wearing chains during their transit to jail, surrounded by what appears to be white first class citizens.

Australia is marking their ten year anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

One decade ago, the declaration was passed to combat the discrimination, marginalisation and human rights violations of the 370 million Indigenous people living in more than seventy countries today

A line of Indigenous men were photographed at the turn of the century wearing chains during their transit to jail (pictured)

At least 30 Aboriginal prisoners are pictured chained together being led to Cossack Goal in Western Australia around 1902

Shocking images of entrapped Indigenous Australians serve as a reminder of the dark past and oppression that was suffered

The haunting photos show the disturbing history and abuse of aboriginal people in the early twentieth century.

Australia is marking their ten year anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

One decade ago, the declaration was passed to combat the discrimination, marginalisation and human rights violations of the 370 million Indigenous people living in more than seventy countries today.

A decade since this landmark legislation, shocking images of entrapped Indigenous Australians emerged, serving as a reminder of the dark past and oppression that was suffered.James Franco has been accused of sexual harassment by a number of women on social media, many of whom shared their stories on Sunday night after the actor's Golden Globe win.

Sarah Tither-Kaplan was among those who publicly denounced Franco's behavior, with the actress going after Franco for his alleged mistreatment of actresses on his sets.

'Hey James Franco, nice #timesup pin at the #GoldenGlobes, remember a few weeks ago when you told me the full nudity you had me do in two of your movies for $100/day wasn't exploitative because I signed a contract to do it? Times up on that!' wrote Tither-Kaplan.

The actress and comedian has been appearing in short films with Franco for over three years after enrolling at Studio 4, the actor's comedy and improv school.

Studio 4, which had outposts in New York and Los Angeles, closed its doors back in October without warning or explanation.

Also speaking out against Franco was Violet Paley, who tweeted: 'Cute #TIMESUP pin James Franco. Remember the time you pushed my head down in a car towards your exposed penis & that other time you told my friend to come to your hotel when she was 17? After you had already been caught doing that to a different 17 year old?'

Paley, Tither-Kaplan and reps for Franco did not respond to requests for comment.

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The disappearing artist: James Franco was photographed as he signed autographs at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday (above)

Grin and bear it: The actor, 39, was all smiles while making his way into the airport just one day after he picked up the Best Actor Golden Globe for his work in The Disaster Artist

Allegation: Sarah Tither-Kaplan claimed that she was forced to do 'exploitative' scenes with 'full nudity' in two of Franco's films while being paid just $100 (tweets above)

James Franco was speechless as he landed in NYC on Monday night with his brother Dave Franco by his side. He was hit with Sexual assault allegations after women came out against him on Twitter after he received a Golden Globe last night.

Paley, an actress, writer and director living in Los Angeles, later clarified her tweet by writing: 'Just to be clear I wasnt 17, I was an adult.'

The age of consent in both New York and California is 17.

Paley was accused by one man of only speaking up after Franco took home the Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical prize at the Golden Globes on Sunday, to which she replied: 'Hey dude, I get that it looks like that and 3 other girls and I have all spoken up before this. But this time it actually got attention because hes trending. Thanks for your concern!'

Paley also liked a number of tweets posted by others calling out Franco and his hypocrisy for wearing a Time's Up pin to the ceremony.

Spot the fully clothed man: The film Tither-Kaplan seems to be referencing in these tweets is The Long Home (cast photo above), which is directed by Franco

She also retweeted a number of Tither-Kaplan's posts, who followed up her tweet about exploitative nudity by writing: 'Hey James Franco, now that you have a Golden Globe why don't you give speaking roles that don't require nudity in your upcoming films to the dozens of women who have done full nudity + sex scenes in your indie films and art projects?'

The film Tither-Kaplan seems to be referencing in these tweets is The Long Home, which is directed by Franco and stars an eclectic cast of actors including Ashton Kutcher, Courtney Love, Robin Lord Taylor, Annaleigh Tipton, Josh Hutcherson and Oscar-winner Timothy Hutton.

Allegation: 'Remember the time you pushed my head down in a car towards your exposed penis,' wrote actress Violet Paley (above)

'Pretty sure Zoe Levin and Courtney Love are both fully clothed and have lines in the Long Home and if you signed a contract to do said scenes you have nothing to complain about next time don't take the gig,' wrote one social media user in response to Tither-Kaplan's post.

The actress responded to that argument by stating: 'Hi sweetie! I'm not either of those people. There's a BIG difference between being a famous actor who doesn't need money and can turn down jobs and a non-famous actor who needs jobs to survive. Stay blessed! You're part of the problem!'

She later took the time to explain her situation as a working actress who is holding down three to four jobs at a time.

'When you are a struggling, unrepresented, non-union actor who doesn't have a trust fund, life is very different than for an actor who is known, union, and repped. I don't have the luxury of turning down jobs,' wrote Tither Kaplan.

'If a famous actor who has the ability to make or break my career with the snap of his fingers offers me a part, I don't have bargaining power. I need work. I need to eat. I need a career. I can't afford to say "no".'

She then explained: 'And if I do say "no" to an offer, or even try to negotiate for myself, I risk getting labeled as "difficult", "ungrateful", a "diva", and never getting another opportunity again.'

Tither-Kaplan is hoping however that this might all finally change in the wake of this watershed moment.

'I hope that the system of exploiting people under the guise of giving them opportunities changes now that #TIMESUP , but only time will tell if it does,' she wrote.

Accusation: Paley said: '& that other time you told my friend to come to your hotel when she was 17? After you had already been caught doing that to a different 17 year old?'

Talent: Tither-Kaplan (left) has been appearing in short films with Franco for over three years after enrolling at Studio 4, the actor's comedy and improv school

No more: Studio 4, which had outposts in New York and Los Angeles, closed its doors back in October without warning and with no explanation for the sudden decision

Time's up: 'I don't think James Franco would like me and that makes me feel extremely proud,' wrote Full Frontal writer Nicole Silverberg (above)

Full Frontal writer Nicole Silverberg also went after Franco by tweeting: 'The Disaster Artist is actually a fantasy movie by virtue of the scene where a woman is treated poorly on set and every single man notices and immediately speaks up.'

She later noted: 'I don't think James Franco would like me and that makes me feel extremely proud.'

Actress Ally Sheedy was the most notable name to call out Franco on Sunday, doing so in a series of tweets throughout the show.

'Why is a man hosting? Why is James Franco allowed in? Said too much. Nite love ya,' wrote Sheedy at the start of the telecast.

Winner: Allegations against Franco gained notice in the wake of his Golden Globe win (above)

'Ok wait. Bye. Christian Slater and James Franco at a table on @goldenglobes #MeToo,' said Sheedy an hour into the program.

And in her final tweet, posted right after Franco's victory in the Best Actor category, she said: 'James Franco just won. Please never ever ask me why I left the film/tv business.'

Sheedy later deleted the tweets, but soon after she posted a number of women began to speak out against the actor for his admission back in 2014 that he pursued a relationship with a 17-year-old student.

That incident has in no way tarnished Franco's reputation however, with the actor likely to pick up his second Oscar when this year's honorees are announced later this month.

'Its ... rich of James Franco to be wearing a Times Up pin,' tweeted writer Doree Shafrir.

'Still remember that time James Franco grossly tried to pick up a teenager off Instagram. #TimesUp' wrote Samantha Grasso.

'Remember when James Franco tried to solicit a teenager on Instagram? But he was still honored at the Globes. LOL. But yes, Time Is Up, y'all,' read a tweet from the account #blackwomandirectors.

And writer and comedian Miel Bredouw asked: 'When is the time up on James Franco.'

Boy's club: Franco hosted a dinner for the other male actors nominated in the film categories at Sunday night's Golden Globes earlier in the week (l to r: Armie Hammer, Timothee Chalamet, Michael Stuhlberg, Richard Jenkins, Tom Hanks, Hugh Jackman, Gary Oldman, Ansel Elgort, James Franco, Daniel Kaluuya and Sam Rockwell)

Strong tweets: 'Why is a man hosting? Why is James Franco allowed in? Said too much. Nite love ya,' wrote Sheedy, 55, at the start of the telecast (Sheedy's three tweets above)

Don't forget: Sheedy shot to fame in the 80s as a member of the Brat Pack, earning her spot in the infamous eight-actor clique following her roles in The Breakfast Club (above) and St Elmo's Fire

The incident these tweets apparently reference happened back in 2014 when the actor began corresponding with a Scottish teenager.

Lucy Clode, who was 17 at the time, had gone to see Franco on Broadway in Of Mice and Men, and posted a photo to Instagram of herself and the actor taken while he signed autographs that night.

Franco then reached out to Lucy and, after learning she was just 17, began to exchange a number of suggestive messages before asking her what hotel she was staying at in the city.

'Your single? What's the hotel? Should I rent a room?' wrote Franco to the teenager in one rapid-fire exchange.

When she then responded by saying she did not think he was the real James Franco, the actor took a photo of himself waving and sent it to the young tourist.

He then wrote: 'It's me. Yes or no? Tomorrow or Thursday?'

Franco's persistence was later revealed when Clode posted the exchange on her account, forcing the actor to address his pursuit of the teen.

Disaster: Ally Sheedy went after James Franco on Twitter following his Best Actor win at the Golden Globes on Sunday (pair above in 2014 at the opening night party for The Long Shrift)

He addressed the controversy during an appearance on Live With Kelly and Michael.

'It's the way that people meet each other today, but what I've learned- I guess because I'm new to it- is you don't know who's on the other end,' said Franco.

'You get a feel for them, you don't know who you're talking to.'

He then added: 'I used bad judgement and I learned my lesson.'

Franco did not at any point mention the fact that Clode was just 17 and a tourist.

A 2014 New York Times profile of Sheedy reveals that it was around this same time that she first met the actor.

Sheedy said that she was volunteering at the famed LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan when Franco came in to speak with the students while he was appearing on Broadway.

She described the actor as 'a beautiful, generous man' at the time, and said that soon after they met he asked if she would star in an off-Broadway production of The Long Shrift he planned to direct.

It is unclear however what exactly happened between that first meeting and Sunday to upset Sheedy so much.

The actress also liked a few tweets on Sunday in response to her posts, including one that read: 'ALLY SHEEDY QUEEN OF NOT HAVING TIME FOR YOUR HYPOCRISY.'

Another tweet liked by Sheedy read: 'I don't know why this made me tear up, but it's been one of those nights.'

Sheedy shot to fame in the 80s as a member of the Brat Pack, earning her spot in the infamous eight-actor clique following her roles in The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire.

She went on to star in more independent fare like the 1998 film High Art, and in recent years has appeared in just a handful of movies and television programs.Competition is heating up between two of the world's largest tech firms in the battle to dominate CES 2018, held annually in Las Vegas.

Coverage of last year's trade show detailed the rise of Amazon's smart assistant, which was used to enhance everything from cars to refrigerators.

Now Google is hoping to fight back with its own Assistant set to take on its rival and the company's largest presence at the Consumer Electronics Show in a decade.

Voice-commanded virtual assistants packed into speakers and other devices will be a 'game-changing' trend this year, CES researchers have said.

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Competition is heating up between two of the world's largest tech firms in the battle to dominate CES 2018, held annually in Las Vegas. Google is hoping to take on Amazon's Alexa, with the firm's largest presence at the Consumer Electronics Show in years

VOICE ASSISTANTS AT CES Voice-commanded virtual assistants packed into speakers and other devices will be a 'game-changing' trend this year, Consumer Electronics Show researchers have said. Sales of smart speakers are expected to nearly double in the US, to $3.8 billion (2,8 bn), from last year according to Lesley Rohrbaugh and Steve Koenig, researchers with the Consumer Technology Association, which organises CES event. Being able to order items, select music, get information, and more by speaking to digital assistants such as Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft's Cortana has been such a hit that pressure will be on for more ways to interact with machines using voice, the researchers predicted. At the same time, artificial intelligence will improve, with machines getting better at thinking like people, anticipating desires, and holding conversations instead of simply taking orders, according to Ms Rohrbaugh. Advertisement

CES officially kicks off at 9am PT tomorrow (5pm GMT) at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, but members of the media began arriving yesterday for briefings and an early sneak peek.

They were welcomed by the sight of the words 'Hey Google' plastered over the Las Vegas Monorail, which has been wrapped in a giant ad promoting Assistant.

Giant video screens, billboards and an outdoor booth at CES, complete with a twisting blue slide, are just some of the other marketing measures being used by the Mountain View firm to keep the phrase on the minds of visitors to the conference.

In a written statement, Rishi Chandra, VP of product management at Google Home and Scott Huffman, VP of engineering at Google Assistant, said: 'Both the Google Assistant and Google Home had a very big year in 2017, with new devices, new languages and new features.

'The Assistant is now available on more than 400 million devices, including speakers like Google Home, Android phones and tablets, iPhones, headphones, TVs, watches and more.

'We have even more things in store for the Assistant at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

'If you're at CES, stop by the Google Assistant Playground on Central Plaza-21 to check out some of our new integrations, devices, and the newest ways you can use your Assistant.'

Google doesn't usually have a booth at CES and the company hasn't made this kind of impact since its co-founder Larry Page delivered a keynote speech at CES more than a decade ago.

Google Home and Assistant have been trying to catch-up to Amazon's Echo and Alexa for a number of years now.

Apple, whose rival Siri voice assistant and HomeKit platform are key challengers to Google Amazon, traditionally avoids CES, preferring to announce its new products at its own launch events.

Sales of smart speakers are expected to nearly double in the US, to $3.8 billion (2,8 bn), from last year according to Lesley Rohrbaugh and Steve Koenig, researchers with the Consumer Technology Association, which organises CES event.

Giant video screens, billboards and an outdoor booth at CES, complete with a twisting blue slide, are just some of marketing measures being used by the Mountain View firm to keep the phrase 'Hey Google' on the minds of visitors to the conference

Visitors to CES were welcomed by the sight of the words 'Hey Google' plastered over the Las Vegas Monorail, which has been wrapped in a giant ad promoting Assistant.

'That market is not just heating up, it is a wildfire,' Mr Koenig said while discussing industry trends expected to play out at CES and globally in the coming year.

'Compatibility with digital assistants has become table stakes (in the consumer electronics industry).'

Being able to order items, select music, get information, and more by speaking to digital assistants such as Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft's Cortana has been such a hit that pressure will be on for more ways to interact with machines using voice, the researchers predicted.

The CES show-floor is expected to be rife with appliances, televisions, vehicles, speakers, robots, and more augmented with virtual assistant software such as Alexa, Cortana, Google Assistant and Samsung's Bixby.

Coverage of last year's trade show detailed the rise of Amazon's smart assistant, which was used to enhance everything from cars to refrigerators. Google is hoping to fight back with its own Assistant

The CES show-floor is expected to be rife with voice assistant enabled appliances. A woman plays with Buddy the companion robot by Blue Frog Robotics during the CES Unveiled preview event in Las Vegas yesterday

'We will truly be able to converse with our AI devices,' Ms Rohrbaugh said while envisioning where smart speaker technology was heading.

'AI is going to know you and you will be able to trust the device.'

Behind the scenes, telecommunications service providers around the world will continue to roll-out fifth-generation, or 5G, networks capable of moving seemingly limitless amounts of data blazingly fast, according to the researchers.

Such 5G networks will be key to enabling machines such as self-driving cars to process sensor data quickly enough to make real time decisions, they said.

'Clearly, we don't want self-driving vehicles to hesitate for even a millisecond, so we are going to need 5G,' Mr Koenig added.

Those higher speeds will also be necessary to 'make virtual reality really wireless,' handle data used to manage 'smart cities,' power augmented reality, and even to channel the flood of high-definition video streamed online.

'5G and AI are heralds for the coming data age,' Mr Koenig said.

Spending on consumer electronics devices and streaming services in the US alone was expected to climb slightly more than 3 percent this year to $351 billion, with the number of 'connected' devices in the country rising to 715 million from 671 million last year.The Google Doodle for January 8th 2018 celebrates Fearless Nadia, the Bollywood stuntwoman, on what would have been her 110th birthday. Renowned as Indias original queen of stunts, Fearless Nadia is also the alleged inspiration for 2017 film Rangoon, directed by Vishal Bharadwaj.

Who is Fearless Nadia?

Fearless Nadia was born Mary Ann Evans on the 8th of January 1908 in Perth, Australia to a Scottish father and Greek mother. Four years after her birth, her father was posted to India to serve the British Army during World War I and the Evans family moved to the subcontinent.

While receiving a tribute at the Alchemy Festival at Londons Southbank Centre, Fearless Nadia recalled learning how to ride a horse and dreaming about becoming a stuntwoman during her years in Peshawar after her fathers death.

This Google Doodle of Fearless Nadia was created by Bangalore-based illustrator Devaki Neogi

In 1926, Mary Ann Evans returned to Bombay with her son where she was trained by Madame Astrova, a Russian dance teacher, which led to a tour with a dance troupe and then, the Zarco Circus. After adopting her stage name Nadia, as advised by an Armenian fortune-teller, she rose to cinematic fame.

Fearless Nadias first lead role in Jamshed (JBH) and Homi Wadias 1935 film Hunterwali (The Lady of the Whip) saw the original Indian stuntwoman swing from chandeliers, jump from speeding trains and tame lions in her role as Princess Madhuri.

After her raging success, the Wadia brothers then cast Fearless Nadia in five more films; Pahadi Kanya, Miss Frontier Mail, Diamond Queen, Punjab Mail and Lutaru Lalna and a brand of Nadia-themed products, such as belts, matchboxes and playing cards were created and sold.

Using 1940 film Diamond Queen as an example, Mumbai-based film historian Amrit Gangar highlighted to HuffPost India that Nadia stood out and became a feminist icon because none of them played stunts the way Nadia did.

"Her conquering the evil, and woman conquering an obviously all-powerful man and his gangs was a kind of camouflaged message for the Indian masses to fight against the mammoth power of the British colonialists. But basically she showed the woman's power single-handedly, performing her own stunts without any double and that was unprecedented."

Devaki Neogi's rough sketch of Fearless Nadia Google Doodle in the style of a movie poster

"Blonde-haired and sparkling blue-eyed Fearless Nadia became an extremely popular mascot for Wadias' stunt films. Large sections of Indian movie-going people liked the woman fighting oppression and helping the poor like Robin Hood," Gangar said.

Fearless Nadia starred in her last film Khiladi in 1968 and married Homi Wadia five years earlier after his mother died, due to her disapproval. Nadia died on the 9th of January in 1996 in Mumbai at the age of 88.

Last year saw Wadia Movietone embroiled in a legal battle with the creators of 2017 film Rangoon over the resemblance between Kangana Ranauts character Julia and Fearless Nadia. What this reiterates is that Nadia has redefined the Indian heroines role and transformed it into an independent, modern and cosmopolitan entity.

What is a Google Doodle?

Todays Google Doodle of Fearless Nadia was created by Bangalore-based comic illustrator Devaki Neogi and draws inspiration from old-time Hindi cinema action movie posters. Google Doodles were first created by co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page to inform others that they would be attending that years Burning Man Festival.

After a positive response, Googles logo has been changed on a more regular basis in order to mark cultural events or people. Recent Google Doodles have celebrated Kenya Independence Day, Max Born and Robert Koch.Samsung has unveiled a 12-foot (146-inch) television screen that can 'grow' to almost any size and shape.

Called 'The Wall', it can be linked to additional units to build a larger screen and theres no upper limit on how many can be synced together.

The television was revealed yesterday at the 2018 global Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas alongside a host of other gadgets set for release in the coming months.

Bizarre products featured at the event include radiation-proof pants, a smart suitcase that follows you, and an AI mirror that rates your beauty products.

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Samsung has unveiled a 12-foot (146-inch) television screen (pictured) that can 'grow' to almost any size and shape

CES HIGHLIGHTS Samsung's 'The Wall': 12-foot (146-inch) television screen that can 'grow' to almost any size and shape by linking to other screens. ForwardXs CX-1: An artificial intelligence-powered smart suitcase that follows its owner around the airport. HiMirror: A smart mirror that uses facial recognition to chart how effective different beauty products are and whether it's time to try something new. Spartan boxer briefs: Wearable device lined with silver fibres to create electromagnetic shielding for your testicles from smartphone radiation. BrainCo headband: Monitors and analyses brainwaves to provide 'neurofeedback' on whether, for instance, a student is really concentrating on a certain subject. Advertisement

Samsung's modular 'Wall' works on the same principle as stadium scoreboards, where the pixels are made up of LEDs.

It doesnt have to build into a regular rectangle shape, leaving viewers free to pic whatever configuration they choose.

As the worlds first consumer modular MicroLED television, "The Wall" represents another breakthrough, Jonghee Han, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, said yesterday.

It can be customised to any size and delivers incredible brightness, colour gamut, colour volume and black levels.

'Were excited about this next step toward the future of screen technology and the remarkable viewing experience it offers consumers.'

No pricing, or resolution, has been announced, but Samsung says its MicroLED TV will ship sometime this year.

CES is expected to attract more than 170,000 people from around the world over the next three days, and has already seen a number of strange gadgets.

These include ForwardXs CX-1 - an artificial intelligence-powered smart suitcase that follows its owner around the airport.

The case is fitted with facial recognition technology allowing it to lock onto its owner, and has sensors and four-wheel-drive rollers to avoid obstacles.

For those worried about security, the case features an alert that goes off on a smart-connected wristband if it starts going out of range.

Called 'The Wall', the TV (pictured) can be linked to additional units to build a larger screen and theres no upper limit on how many can be synced together

Also revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas yesterday was the HiMirror, a smart mirror that studies your skin to give you beauty tips

Also revealed yesterday was the HiMirror, a smart mirror that studies your skin to give you beauty tips.

The gadget uses facial recognition to chart how effective different beauty products are and whether it's time to try something new.

A hand-held device connects to the HiMirror, providing an analysis of the skins condition and advising how to treat conditions such as lines, red spots, wrinkles, dark circles, hydration and melanin.

The HiMirror uses facial recognition to chart how effective different beauty products are and whether it's time to try something new

Radiation-blocking Spartan boxer briefs (pictured) were also on display, lined with silver fibres to create electromagnetic shielding for your testicles

Radiation-blocking Spartan boxer briefs were also on display, lined with silver fibres to create electromagnetic shielding for your testicles.

The underpants were designed to protect men who put their smartphones in their pockets from tiny doses of radiations given off by their device.

The bizarre wearable device, designed by French researchers, is said to absorb 99 per cent of mobile phone and Wi-fi radiation.

The Spartan underpants (pictured) were designed to protect men who put their smartphones in their pockets from tiny doses of radiations given off by their device

ForwardXs CX-1 (pictured) is an artificial intelligence-powered smart suitcase that follows its owner around the airport. The case is fitted with facial recognition technology allowing it to lock onto its owner, and has sensors and four-wheel-drive rollers to avoid obstacles

Also featured at CES is a gadget created by Massachusetts-based BrainCo, which has has come up a special headband monitors and analyses brainwaves.

The device provides 'neurofeedback' on whether, for instance, a student is really concentrating on a certain lesson or subject.

The BrainCo headband provides the worlds first opportunity to quantify real-time student engagement in class, the firm claims.

Now the data can be used to improve teaching techniques, and perhaps make lessons a little more interesting.DNA evidence is being used to prosecute rhino poachers for the first time.

A unique database in South Africa has been used to catch and imprison criminals who kill the animals for their valuable horn.

The system has so far played a role in the prosecution, conviction, and sentencing of nine people.

One case, involving DNA taken from three horns and tissues from two carcasses, led to a sentence of 29 years.

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A unique database in South Africa has been used to catch and imprison criminals who kill the animals for their valuable horn (file photo)

AFRICA'S RHINOS There are two species of rhino in Africa - the black rhinoceros and white rhinoceros. Despite their names, both the white rhino and black rhino are the same dark grey-brown color. Both species are vegetarian and need to eat large amounts of food everyday. According to WWF, the greatest threat facing both of these species is poaching for the illegal trade of their horns. The number of rhinos poached in South Africa alone has increased by 9,000 per cent since 2007 - from 13 to a record 1,215 in 2014. Powdered horn in used in traditional medicine in certain Asian countries, as a supposed cure for conditions ranging from hangovers to fevers and cancer. While horns are used in traditional medicine, they're also a bought as a status symbol of wealth. Source: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Advertisement

The database, called the Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS), has already been used in more than 5,800 forensic cases.

The system has successfully made links between recovered horns, blood-stained evidence items, and specific rhinoceros carcasses in more than 120 cases.

'RhODIS provides individual matches that, similar to human DNA profiling, is used as direct evidence in criminal court cases,' said Dr. Harper, Director of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of Pretoria.

Black rhinos are considered an endangered species and white rhinos are 'near threatened', according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Rhino poaching has undergone a surge in popularity in recent years and the database is the latest tool in the fight against poachers.

In South Africa, rhinoceros poaching incidents increased from 13 in 2007 to 1,215 in 2014.

Rhinos are killed for their horns, which are sought after for medicinal purposes and, increasingly, as cultural status symbols.

A kilo of rhino horn is worth around 23,000 ($30,000)  making it more valuable than a kilo of gold at 19,000 ($25,000).

In the last 10 years, more than 7,000 African rhinoceros have been hunted and killed illegally.

RhODIS includes a biosampling kit to link rhinoceros horns seized from poachers and traffickers in various countries directly to the specific crime scenes where rhinoceros carcasses were left behind.

The system has so far played a role in the prosecution, conviction, and sentencing of nine people. Pictured is a male northern white rhino, the last of his kind, protected by a ring of armed guards in Kenya

The database, called the Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS), has already been used in more than 5,800 forensic cases. Pictured is an unborn rhinoceros calf in South Africa killed when its mother was murdered by poachers for her horn

The scientists used DNA from 3,085 white rhinoceros and 883 black rhinoceros to determine the probability of a match between rhino DNA and a specific crime scene.

The analysis in the study shows that it it possible to reliably match the unique DNA profile of an individual animal from any tissue - including horns and powders made from the horns - with a panel of 23 different genetic markers.

The dataset also offers insight into rhino populations and found that white and black rhinoceros are actually three subspecies of black rhinoceros.

The paper was published in Current biology.The Google Doodle for January 9th celebrates Har Gobind Khorana, the Indian-American biochemist, on what would have been his 96th birthday. He is most famous for his Nobel Prize-winning research on how the genetic code of a cell, or the order of nucleotides in nucleic acids, control the cells synthesis of proteins.

Who is Har Gobind Khorana?

Har Gobind Khorana was born on the 9th of January 1922 in a village called Raipur in Punjab, now part of Pakistan. He lived in India until 1945 when he was awarded a Government of India Fellowship. This allowed Khorana to travel to the UK and study for a Ph.D at the University of Liverpool where Roger J. S. Beer supervised his research.

Dr. Khorana then spent time at the Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule in Zurich with Professor Vladimir Prelog, returned to India for a brief period and then back to England where his interest in proteins and nucleic acids came to fruition in Cambridge.

The latest Google Doodle celebrates Indian-American biochemist Har Gobind Khorana

In 1952, a job offer took Dr. Khorana to Vancouver, British Columbia, where he worked with Dr. Gordon M. Shrum, Dr. Jack Campbell and Dr. Gordon M. Tener on the subject of phosphate esters and nucleic acids.

As the Google Doodle describes, it was at the University of Wisconsin that he and two others received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1968 for discovering that the order of nucleotides in our DNA determines which amino acids are built and in turn, the proteins that are created for essential cell functions.

Dr. Khorana is also renowned for constructing the first synthetic gene and received a multitude of awards during his lifetime, including the National Medal of Science.

Google Doodle illustrator Rohan Dahotre provides concepts of the Har Gobind Khorana Doodle

What is a Google Doodle?

Google Doodles were first created by co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page to inform others that they would be attending that years Burning Man Festival.

After a positive response, Googles logo has been changed on a more regular basis in order to mark cultural events or people. Previous Google Doodles have also celebrated Nobel Prize winners Robert Koch and Max Born.

Todays Google Doodle was created by Bangalore-based illustrator Rohan Dahotre and celebrates Dr. Khoranas work in DNA.Apple has released an updated version of its operating system software to fix a major microchip security flaw that affected nearly all computer chips made in the last decade.

Last week, Alphabet Inc's Google and other security researchers disclosed two major chip flaws, one called Meltdown affecting only Intel Corp chips and one called Spectre, that left computing devices vulnerable to hackers.

'iOS 11.2.2 includes security improvements to Safari and WebKit to mitigate the effects of Spectre,' the firm said.

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The latest updates, 11.2.2 for iOS and 10.13.2 for macOS High Sierra, are available now for iPhones, iPads, and Macs to protect users. Pictured, a boy makes faces while testing out the Animoji feature on an iPhone X at the Apple Store Union Square on November 3, 2017, in San Francisco, California.

The technology giant also released software updates for its Mac, Apple TV and Apple Watch.

The iPhone maker had said on Thursday it will release a patch for the Safari web browser on its iPhones, iPads and Macs.

Apple had also said that there were no known instances of hackers taking advantage of the flaw.

'For our customers' protection, Apple doesn't disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available,' the company said on its website.

The iOS update is available for iPhone 5s and later, iPad Air and later, and iPod touch 6th generation, it said.

HOW TO UPDATE ALL OF YOUR APPLE DEVICES The latest updates, 11.2.2 for iOS and 10.13.2 for macOS High Sierra, are available now for iPhones, iPads, and Macs to protect users. To make sure you are protected, download the latest updates on your device. On iOS, go to Settings, General then Software Update, then tap Download and Install.

On MacOS, open the App Store and click Updates in the App Store toolbar, then use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.

On Apple TV, go to Settings, System, then Software Updates. Select Update Software, then select Download and Install. After the update downloads, your Apple TV will restart and prepare the update. Macs, iPhones, iPads and Apple TV were all hit by the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities. Apple says it has already put measures in place to help protect its customers and more will be released in the coming days. Measures released in iOS 11.2, macOS 10.13.2, and tvOS 11.2 will to help defend against Meltdown. Apple Watch is not affected by the issue. Advertisement

Every iPhone, iPad and Mac device could be at risk of being hacked, it had previosuly warned.

Apple confirmed last week that almost all of its devices are affected by Intel and Arm chip 'design flaws' that could expose billions of people's personal data to cyber criminals.

The flaws leave the devices open to the devastating 'Meltdown' and 'Spectre' bugs, discovered by security researchers.

The tech company has warned its customers to only download software for its platforms from trusted sources, like the App Store.

Apple has confirmed that all of its Mac and iOS devices are affected by two major chip flaws called Spectre and Meltdown

Apple says it has already put measures in place to help protect its customers from Meltdown and more will be released in the coming days.

The firm today released further measures for its Safari web browser to help defend against Spectre.

Browser makers Google, Microsoft Corp and Mozilla Corp's Firefox all confirmed to Reuters that the patches they currently have in place do not protect iOS users.

With Safari and virtually all other popular browsers not patched, hundreds of millions of iPhone and iPad users may have no secure means of browsing the web until Apple issues its patch.

Apple stressed that there were no known instances of hackers taking advantage of the flaw to date.

In a written statement last week, Apple said: 'All Mac systems and iOS devices are affected, but there are no known exploits impacting customers at this time.

'Since exploiting many of these issues requires a malicious app to be loaded on your Mac or iOS device, we recommend downloading software only from trusted sources such as the App Store.

'We continue to develop and test further mitigations for these issues and will release them in upcoming updates of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.'

Details emerged yesterday 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

Tech firms have been aware of the bugs since last year, with chip manufacturer Intel informed in June 2017, but the finds have only just gone public.

Apple remained silent for more than a day about the fate of the hundreds of millions of users of its products.

Ben Johnson, co-founder and chief strategist for cyber security firm Carbon Black, said the delay in updating customers about whether Apple's devices are at risk could affect Apple's drive to get more business customers to adopt its hardware.

Speaking to Reuters, he said: 'Something this severe gets the attention of all the employees and executives at a company, and when they go asking the IT and security people about it and security doesn't have an answer for iPhones and iPads, it just doesn't give a whole lot of confidence.'

Measures released in iOS 11.2, macOS 10.13.2, and tvOS 11.2 will to help defend against Meltdown, according to Apple.

Apple Watch is not affected by the issue.

Benchmark tests taken in December showed that the updates had no effect on performance, a spokesman for Cupertino-based company said.

Apple says it has already put measures in place to help protect its customers and more will be released in the coming days. Macs, iPhones, iPads and Apple TV are all hit by the weakness. The updates had no effect on performance, a spokesman for Cupertino-based company said

These are expected to cause system slowdowns of around 2.5 per cent.

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 this week.

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.

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.

WHAT ARE THE MELTDOWN AND SPECTRE DESIGN FLAWS? 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

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.

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.

Browser makers Google, Microsoft Corp and Mozilla Corp's Firefox all confirmed that the patches they currently have in place do not protect users. The flaws leave devices like the Macbook vulnerable

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.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF Intel - Chips from the past five years have been patched, more to come The chip manufacturer says it has already issued updates for the majority of processor products introduced within the past five years. By the end of next week, Intel expects to have issued updates for more than 90 per cent of processor products introduced within the past five years. The firm is yet to announce a timetable for patching Intel processors more than five years old. Reports have suggested that up to 15 years of Intel processors may be affected. Google - Patch available today 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. 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

In the coming days, Apple plans to release further measures for its Safari web browser to help defend against Spectre. These are expected to cause system slowdowns of no more than 2.5 per cent

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.

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.

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

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.'

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.

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.

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

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.

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.Classic 80s movie Dirty Dancing is still a huge tourism boost to the quaint country hotel

Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia in the US stood in for the Kellerman's resort in Dirty Dancing

Andrea David puts Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey back in the picture in her compositions

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Thirty-one years on from Dirty Dancing's release in 1987, Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia in the US, where it was filmed, is still welcoming film fans through its doors.

One of them, travel and film blogger Andrea David, spent time recently tracking down the exact spots at the country hotel where key scenes in the cult '80s movie were filmed - and matching them with stills from the movie.

Quaint Mountain Lake Lodge stood in for Kellerman's resort in the movie, and is where the studious Baby Houseman met dancer Johnny Castle and fell in love against a backdrop of Sixties-style drama.

Sadly the hotel's lake has dried up, in the film the boathouse and Baby's family's holiday house looked over it, but the rest is remarkably unchanged, despite three decades passing since Dirty Dancing was filmed there.

While Patrick Swayze and Baby's father, played by Jerry Orbach, are no longer around, there are plenty of mementos still there, as David discovers.

Scroll down - for the nostalgic time of your life.

Virginia Cottage at Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia was Baby Houseman's home in the hit movie Dirty Dancing. It looks exactly the same as it did in 1987. The soundtrack to the movie was one of the key elements of its success. It featured songs such as (I've Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes and Hungry Eyes by Eric Carmen

Dancer Penny Johnson leads Kellerman's guests through a dance class in the movie. Nowadays it's a quieter spot but Andrea David brings it back to life through her photographs

Baby and Johnny hide from her family in Dirty Dancing, or do they? This blogger has a knack for finding the right spot and the right shot to give cult movies a new life on Instagram

The Harvest restaurant at Mountain Lake Lodge is where a lot of the dining scenes were shot in Dirty Dancing. Andrea David recreates a breakfast scene from the movie with Baby's parents, the Housemans

Andrea David places the scene of Baby falling out with her father over her lover, the dancer Johnny Castle (played by Patrick Swayze). In the film the boathouse looks out over a lake, but the lake has since dried up and disappeared

The Houseman's cabin, Virginia Cottage, is almost as they left it from the movie and can be rented out. David puts Patrick Swayze back in one of the most famous scenes in Dirty Dancing

'No one puts Baby in the corner'. Johnny Castle and Dr Houseman face off over Baby before he comes back for her later and utters the immortal line. Blogger Andrea David brings the late actors back to life with her compositions

Dirty Dancing was one of Patrick Swayze's most famous roles. The late actor, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2009, is commemorated at the hotel with this stone

Mountain Lake Lodge still looks as it did in Dirty Dancing which was set in the 1960s at a country club style holiday resort

Time of their lives: 30 years on and fans from all over the world still flock to the site of the cult 1980s love story

The film spawned a number of classic lines like 'I carried a watermelon', which fans quote back in the Dirty Dancing visitors' book

Find more shots from Dirty Dancing's locations on Film Tourismus or @filmtourismus on Instagram.The mysterious American airline that flies US government workers to the secretive Area 51 military base is recruiting cabin crew.

A fleet of passenger aircraft is stabled at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport to ferry the workers to the off-limits area in rural Nevada, and anyone who boards one is sworn to secrecy about where they're going and what they do for a living.

The planes, which don't carry any company logos  they're plain white with a red band down the side - are operated by the US Air Force and are often referred to as Janet Airlines because that's the call sign the planes in it use while in civilian airspace.

One of the unmarked secretive aircraft that fly between Las Vegas and Area 51. The service is now advertising for cabin crew

However, it appears that the airline is advertising for staff after a job advert appeared on the website of AECOM, a private defence contractor that operates the service.

According to the vacancy ad, candidates must be able to perform regular flight attendant duties such as passenger safety briefings, emergency procedures and light cleaning.

However, it's preferred that all applicants should qualify for 'a top secret government security clearance'.

Another job duty is to remain level-headed when dealing with unusual incidents, with the listing giving examples as turbulence, weather delays and even hijackings or bomb threats.

The Area 51 base in the Nevada Test and Training Range, which is a secretive off-limits area owned by the US government

The position is a full-time job but the advert gives no indication of what the salary might be.

It is believed that all Janet Airlines flights fly out of a private terminal at McCarran nicknamed Gold Coast.

From Las Vegas they fly north-west to a place that has what's widely regarded as the most restricted airspace in the world, the Area 51 base in the Nevada Test and Training Range.

It has been reported that once the Janet aircraft approach this secretive area their call signs change from the likes of 'Janet 210' to 'bones 58'.

Services to Area 51 operate from a secretive terminal called Gold Coast at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, pictured

Nick Pope, author of Encounter in Rendlesham Forest and the man who used to investigate UFOs for the British Ministry of Defence, explained to MailOnline Travel that Area 51 is the place where some of America's most hi-tech military hardware is built and tested  but he doubts any of it is extra-terrestrial in origin.

He said: 'Area 51 exists - it's part of a military testing range in Nevada - and because of the remote and sparsely-populated location, it's where various secret prototype aircraft and drones are developed and test flown.

'The UFO and conspiracy theory community think it's the place where crashed UFOs are kept and where the US military are trying to back-engineer this alien technologY.

'Sadly, despite the rumours, I've seen no evidence that we've recovered any extraterrestrial technology.'She ascended back into public life after appearing on the 2017 season of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

And although she was seen as a controversial and outspoken character, Tziporah Malkah has now revealed she was bullied by her co-stars whilst in the jungle.

According to Woman's Day, the 44-year-old formally known as Kate Fisher, took to Facebook to slam Ten and confessed she'd be soon releasing a tell-all blog.

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Opening up: Although she was seen as a controversial and outspoken character, Tziporah Malkah has now revealed she was bullied by her co-stars and the network whilst on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here

'I learned to be thick-skinned in the jungle,' she wrote on the social media account, according to the publication.

'Of course I'm A Celebrity didn't air all the bullying - the network also played a part.'

The magazine also added that when a fan asked for more information, Tziporah told them to wait for the blog and hinted it'd be explosive.

Tormented: 'Of course I'm A Celebrity...didn't air all the bullying - the network also played a part'

'Wait for my blog. I won't be holding back,' she said.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Tziporah for comment.

While fans patiently await her tell-all experience, last week, the former model took social media to air an explosive row with her boyfriend Guy Vasey, 46, where the pair called it quits after just six-months.

It's over: But while fans patiently await her tell-all experience, last week, the former model took social media in an explosive row with her boyfriend Guy Vasey, 46, where the pair called it quits after just six-months

Online war: He proceeded to post an image of a comment written by Tziporah, which read: 'U started it babe. I thought we were in a Prisoners Dilemma but u threw it all out the window when u took ur gloves off and started airing our dirty laundry online. Go for it [sic]'

Continued on: The online war continued with Tziporah telling Guy to go back to go back to 'that woman in Melbourne who you've had multiple 3somes with'

The exchange started when Guy responded to a fan inquiring about their relationship, commenting: 'thanks for your concern I am fine despite what Tz says to me.'

He proceeded to post an image of a comment written by Tziporah, which read: 'U started it babe. I thought we were in a Prisoners Dilemma but u threw it all out the window when u took ur gloves off and started airing our dirty laundry online. Go for it [sic].'

'PS: G-de make the Jews His chosen ppl for a reason. We are stiff necked. U wanna fight me in public? Go ahead, bring on ur own misery [sic],' she went on.

The online war continued with Tziporah telling Guy to go back 'to that woman in Melbourne'.

'So go off and have down trodden kids with her,' she wrote.

Tziporah has since revealed that the pair of back together.Even for the most besotted, some time apart is a good thing.

That seemed to be the case Sunday as Sofia Richie was spotted grabbing coffee in Calabasas, California, while her boyfriend Scott Disick was busy bonding with his son, Mason.

Sofia went low-key in a dark ensemble of a black long-sleeved top with white text splayed across the sleeves and on the chest, with black leggings and white trainers.

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Out and about: Sofia Richie, 19, was spotted grabbing coffee at a Starbucks in Calabasas, California

The 19-year-old model had her dark locks parted on the right, carrying a small black purse on her arm as she emerged holding two beverages and a bag from the coffee establishment.

Disick, 34, looked to be having a carefree day down by the beach with his eight-year-old son Mason, as he relaxed on the deck of a lavish beach house with his arm around his first-born.

The bearded reality star wore a black hooded sweatshirt with blue jeans and black sunglasses, while Mason wore an all-white ensemble of a hoodie, pants and sneakers.

'O no we are not a bunch of beach boys,' wrote Scott, who has two other children with ex Kourtney Kardashian: daughter Penelope, five, and son Reign, three.

Sporty: The daughter of singer Lionel Richie was clad in a dark athletic ensemble

Idyllic: Scott Disick shared a beachfront shot relaxing with his eight-year-old son, Mason

The Sunday outings came less than a week after what was reported to be a tension-fraught New Year's Eve for the couple in Aspen, Colorado, where a source told the New York Post Scott 'went ballistic' and 'crazy' with jealousy when he saw her chatting it up with Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton - who she was romantically-linked with early last year - while the two were party-hopping in the well-heeled town.

After 'Sofia started talking to Lewis' during a billiards game he was playing, a 'very jealous' Scott 'insisted they leave the party immediately,' the insider told the paper.

A source told E! News that Disick was 'frustrated' by the 'unexpected' run-in.

'He doesn't like surprises and reacts aggressively in situations like that,' the source said. 'This isn't the first time that Scott has lost it for a minute.'

Jealous again? Sofia, posed with Lewis Hamilton in January of 2017, rankled Scott when she chat with the racer on New Year's Eve

Luxe living: Scott and Sofia posed on a private aircraft in a shot posted two days before their New Year's Eve row over Hamilton

The insider said that 'everything is fine between' Scott and Sofia following the awkward incident in Aspen. The source said, 'They will get in small fights and are over it within a few minutes,' adding that 'Sofia is definitely a good match for him because she understands him and puts up with his behavior in moments like this.'

A publicist for the racing champ told the newspaper that the meeting was a cordial one without any hysterics on anyone's part.

'Although Mr. Hamilton was in Aspen for the holiday, there was no jealousy, no fight, and no issue,' the rep said. 'Rather, as Ms. Richie has herself confirmed, there was a perfectly friendly, polite exchange and any claim to the contrary is simply false.'She started the new year in style with a picture-perfect proposal on top of the ski slopes in Aspen, Colorado.

And newly-engaged Paris Hilton, 36, flaunted her massive diamond ring while shopping with fiance Chris Zylka, 32, in Beverly Hills on Sunday morning.

The adorable duo wore matching black ensembles as they strolled into Barney's New York, with Paris' sparkling $2million engagement ring taking center stage.

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Back in black! Newly-engaged Paris Hilton, 36, flaunted her massive diamond ring while shopping with fiance Chris Zylka, 32, in Beverly Hills on Sunday morning

The Hilton heiress sported a chic black minidress which featured white piping around her slender waistline and along the collar.

She showed off her toned and tanned legs beneath an adorable pleated skirt, teamed with a pair of crochet black booties.

Paris kept her shoulders covered with a long-sleeved cardigan and carried a small purse with a delicate gold chain across her shoulder.

Lovers in LA: The adorable duo wore matching black ensembles as they strolled into Barney's New York, with Paris' sparkling $2million engagement ring taking center stage

She revealed her massive sparkling ring through a pair of rocker-chic black fingerless gloves.

The Simple Life starlet kept dark cat-eye sunglasses over her eyes and styled her golden locks with delicate curls.

Her actor beau followed the dark theme wearing a long-sleeved sweater and matching black trousers.

Cute: The Hilton heiress sported a chic black minidress which featured white piping around her slender waistline and along the collar

Shop til you drop: Her actor beau followed the dark theme wearing a long-sleeved sweater and matching black trousers

The hotel heiress has only had one thing on her mind  her dream wedding to fiance Chris Zylka  since the actor proposed to her on New Year's Eve.

Paris shared the surprise proposal on Instagram to her eight million followers and has since posted a series of images about her happiness as a bride-to-be.

The couple first met eight years ago at an Oscars party at Chateau Marmont but didn't start dating until 2016, finally making it official on social media in February 2017.

On Sunday, alongside a black and white image of the duo, she wrote: 'Never in a million years did I think I would find someone so completely perfect for me. Someone who would make me happier than I ever dreamed I could be.

The couple have yet to set a date, but the ceremony may take place before the year is out.

Congrats! The hotel heiress has only had one thing on her mind  her dream wedding to fiance Chris Zylka  since the actor proposed to her on New Year's EveShe's currently on holiday in the US with her boyfriend Jeremy Banks.

And it appears Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris may have been surprised with a proposal during the couple's trip to New York City.

The former Bachelor star, 30, shared a romantic New Year's Eve photo on Instagram, and fans were soon drawn to her ring finger.

Is that an engagement ring? It appears The Bachelor's Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris may have been surprised with a proposal during her recent trip to New York City with boyfriend Jeremy Banks

Kiki, who hails from Newcastle, appeared to be wearing a diamond band, which was reported by NW magazine as an 'engagement ring'.

In the photo, Jeremy and Kiki are shown passionately kissing while he affectionately grabs her pert derriere.

The former glamour model is dressed in thigh-high boots, a flirty miniskirt and crop top, and a wide-brimmed grey hat.

Kiki's Instagram followers were thrilled for the couple, with one fan commenting below: 'That is a lucky dude.'

Wedding bells? Kiki, who hails from Newcastle, appeared to be wearing a diamond band, which was reported by NW magazine as an 'engagement ring'

Another wrote, 'FFS I will if you don't!', presumably encouraging Jeremy and Kiki to make it official after dating for over a year.

The Sydney-based couple certainly haven't been shy about flaunting their romance on social media recently.

They shared several Instagram snaps from their trip to the Big Apple, before jetting off to Los Angeles for the new year.

Taking in the sights: The Sydney-based couple certainly haven't been shy about flaunting their romance on social media recently. Pictured in New York

Claim to fame: Kiki appeared on Richie Strahan's season of The Bachelor back in 2016, but her quest for love was unsuccessful

Kiki appeared on Richie Strahan's season of The Bachelor back in 2016, but her quest for love was unsuccessful.

Speaking to Popsugar about her time on the show, Kiki said: 'I knew my relationship with Richie hadn't progressed like the other girls.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Kiki for comment.

Moving on: Speaking to Popsugar about her time on the show, Kiki said: 'I knew my relationship with Richie hadn't progressed like the other girls.' Pictured right: Richie StrahanShe was nominated for her first-ever Golden Globe for her work as executive producer and series lead in murder mystery, The Sinner.

And Jessica Biel was supported by her leading man Justin Timberlake as she attended the 75th annual ceremony at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The actress, 35, united with her husband, 36, in support of victims of sexual harassment and assault by both wearing black to the annual event.

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Loved up: Golden Globe nominated Jessica Biel was supported by husband Justin Timberlake as she attended the 75th annual ceremony at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Sunday

Jessica oozed glamour in an ethereal strapless couture gown as she and her husband of five years shared a sweet moment on the red carpet.

The talented star wore trademark brunette tresses swept back in a loose bun, which allowed her beautiful features to shine through.

The mother-of-one boasted a healthy glow with help from beauty brand St Tropez, using both their Tan Enhancing Body Polish and Instant Tan Finishing Gloss ahead of the awards.

While she added a pair of sparkly dangling earrings and a diamond bracelet to her accessories, as well as a slick of berry-colored lipstick.

Justin looked handsome in a black tuxedo, teamed with a black shirt and black bow tie.

In support: The actress, 35, united with her husband, 36, in support of victims of sexual harassment and assault by both wearing black to the annual event

Glamour couple: Jessica oozed glamour in an ethereal strapless couture gown as she and her husband of five years shared a sweet moment on the red carpet

The Bringing Sexy Back hitmaker sported the Times Up pin in honor of the Times Up Legal Defense Fund, which provides legal assistance to women who experienced harassment or abuse in the workplace.

As the gorgeous couple were preparing for the event earlier in the day, Justin posted a cute snap with the caption: 'Damn, my wife is hot!'

Jessica shared an Instagram snap of herself showcasing the baubles with the caption: 'Just me and a bunch of my sparkly best friends cruising to the globes.'

A hilarious Twitter video was also shared of the couple on the way to the Globes as they rocked out to his new single Filthy.

As long as I've got my suit and tie: Justin looked handsome in the black tuxedo, teamed with a black shirt and black bow tie

Pinned: The Bringing Sexy Back hitmaker sported the Times Up pin in honor of the Times Up Legal Defense Fund, which provides legal assistance to women who experienced harassment

Jessica and the couple's son Silas, two, both star in the newly-released video for the track.

Justin sang along to the song as he repeatedly put the camera on his wife dancing in the backseat.

At one point, Jessica took over the vocals, singing into the camera as she waved her hands over her head.

Stunning: Jessica - who is nominated for two Globes for her work on The Sinner - commanded attention in a gorgeous strapless gown that put her enviable figure on full display

Look of love: Jessica gave a heartwarming glance at her husband of five years

Justin and Jessica began dating in 2007, wed in Italy five years later, and welcomed son Silas on April 8, 2015.

Stars descended on Beverly Hills Sunday to honor the best in film and television as 2018 awards season officially kicks off with the Golden Globes.

This year's ceremony is seen as the first big opportunity for Hollywood to speak with one voice against a pervasive culture of misconduct brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, unmasked as a serial predator.

Handsome gent: Justin looked every inch the movie star as he supported his wife of five years during her big moment

Head turner: Jessica added a pair of sparkly dangling earrings and a diamond bracelet

Dazzling: The actress and mother-of-one injected a bolt of color to her red carpet look with a slick of berry-colored lipstick

The focus on Sunday night is expected to be as much on the stars' acceptance speeches as on the performances being honored at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's glitzy bash.

The ceremony at the Beverly Hilton - the first for late night NBC funnyman Seth Meyers as host - is not as reliable at predicting Oscars glory as the galas held by Hollywood's acting, producing and directing unions.

But it remains one of the most high-profile and glamorous - not to mention boozy -- events of the awards calendar and tends to generate more headlines for tipsy tributes, daring gowns and wacky tuxedos.

Impressed husband: Justin posted a snap of the couple getting ready for the Globes as he captioned it: 'And DAMN, my wife is hot!'

Shout out! Jessica thanked Bulgari for her stunning jewels as she made her way to the event

Sing-a-long: Justin also posted a sweet Twitter video of the couple in the car on the way to the Globes as they rocked out to his new single Filthy

Guillermo del Toro's fantasy romance The Shape of Water leads the film nominations with seven, while The Post and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri are tied for second, with six each.

The top TV contenders were female-led dramas; HBO's Big Little Lies and the FX series Feud: Bette and Joan

Overall, 25 awards are given out - 14 for movies and 11 for TV - and, as usual, the 90-member HFPA has sprung more than a few surprises in the nominations, placing horror satire Get Out in the best comedy-musical category.

There were no nominations at all for female filmmakers despite huge successes in 2017 for Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird), Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman), Dee Rees (Mudbound), Kathryn Bigelow (Detroit) and Sofia Coppola (The Beguiled).

Vocal master: Justin sang along to the song as he repeatedly put the camera on his wife dancing in the backseat

Take the mic: At one point, Jessica took over the vocals singing into the camera as she waved her hands over her head

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent AdvertisementKarl Stefanovic's father previously revealed he barely speaks to his famous son after the Today host and his brother Peter 'walked away' from him 25 years ago.

And Karl's estranged dad Alex Stefanovic, 71, is now reportedly set to release an explosive tell-all to air Karl and his family's 'darkest secrets'.

Reports in Woman's Day claim the book will likely be the end of any potential relationship between the already-strained father and son.

'It's going to be BRUTAL. Honest, but brutal!' Karl Stefanovic's estranged father Alex is writing an explosive tell-all to lift lid of family's 'darkest secrets'

An insider told the publication Alex doesn't hold back while exposing the family's dirty laundry.

'It's going to be BRUTAL. Honest, but brutal,' they continued, adding Alex will detail elements from each of his children's life.

One sensational chapter reportedly explains what Alex describes as the family's 'gambling curse'.

No-holds barred! An insider told the publication, Alex doesn't hold back while exposing the family's dirty laundry in the book

In happier times: The family feud reportedly began when Alex, now 70, divorced Karl and Peter's beloved mother, Jenny Stefanovic

'It was a strained marriage and had been for a long time': Alex previously told New Idea that Karl and Cassandra Thorburn's marriage was in trouble for many years, and claimed Karl had spoken about his troubled marriage in the early 2000's

As Alex has not kept in regular contact with Karl for some years, it's believed he has not met Karl's new girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough, 33.

He previously told New Idea that Karl and Cassandra Thorburn's marriage was in trouble for some time: 'From what I know, it was a strained marriage and had been for a long time.'

'Karl came to see me in the early 2000s and said, "Marriage is too hard, its all over"' he claimed.

Karl shares three children with ex-wife of 21 years: Jackson, 17, Ava, 12, and River, 10.

Alex claims he has been unfairly cast as the 'family villain' and hasn't been able to see his grandchildren.

'Could cost Karl everything of he's not careful': One sensational chapter reportedly explains what Alex describes as the family's 'gambling curse'

He maintains they have not spoken much 'for 10 years' and that Karl and Peter 'sided' with their mother Jenny following the split.

Despite these claims, Alex did see his sons when he attended Peter's wedding to Today newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys in early April.

According to Alex, Karl will also not call him 'dad' and instead refers to him as 'big fella'.

Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Karl's representatives for comment.While those tuning into McMafias first three episodes might have found the plot confusing, there appears to be one simple constant  a topless James Norton.

The 32-year-old British actor, who has been tipped as the next James Bond, has stripped off in every instalment of the BBCs thriller so far - and Sunday night's episode of the show was no exception.

In the clearest sight of his toned torso yet, he was seen donning a pair of black swimming trunks and jumping off a yacht in the south of France, before having a tense discussion on the shore with a sinister new acquaintance.

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Rippling: James Norton flashed a glimpse of his rippling abs as he stripped down to his swimming trunks in the latest episode of his BBC show McMafia on Sunday night

Just as Aidan Turner has taken his shirt off for several scenes in the hit series Poldark, James has kept his fans entertained, having already been involved in three bedroom scenes and two swimming scenes.

Yet, whilst a clear, uninterrupted view of his physique left several fans swooning, the BBC will have been hoping that it also might have served another purpose - arresting the declining ratings.

The big-budget series lost nearly 750,000 viewers between its first two episodes, as many viewers complained that the slow action, use of tiny subtitles and the jumpy locations failed to grip them.

Jump: The 32-year-old actor was seen jumping off a yacht in the south of France in the episode

Cartel: He shared scenes with Caio Blat, who plays Mexican cartel member Antonio Mendez

Since launching on New Years Day with just under 5.6million viewers, the next nights episode was watched by 4.8million, putting it well below the likes of 2016 hit series The Night Manager.

The disparity in the ratings comes despite the remarkable similarities in the productions, both of which feature exotic locations, high drama and violence, large sums of money and are both fronted by brooding British men.

Those looking for an explanation for the dramatic drop in McMafias ratings might point to the somewhat confusing scheduling, which saw three episodes air in one week.

It will now air in the typical drama slot of 9pm on Sundays, though any further dip in the ratings would be a disappointment for those involved, given the large budget and the international scale of the production.

Scenes: The star has appeared in three bedroom scenes and two swimming scenes so far

Bond? The star is rumoured to be the next actor to take on the coveted role of James Bond

In its focus on organised crime and corruption, the series has so far featured several gruesome scenes, including a gang boss being pushed off the roof of a building and Nortons characters uncle Boris having his throat slit.

A young girl being trafficked as a potential girlfriend for a wealthy businessmen was also seen being shot in the knees and left to die after she attempted to escape her hostages.

The violence continued on Sunday, with a police officer being battered to death with a metal pipe and one of the henchmen who murdered Boris being held tortured in a basement.

Ahead of Sundays third instalment, the Russian embassy claimed the programme is a cliched and inaccurate portrayal of its citizens.

Shocked: The gritty drama recently featured one of the most disturbing scenes to air on the BBC, as his character watched his uncle have his throat and wrists slit

Gory: One particularly gruesome scene featured a man getting his wrists and throat sliced in front of lead star James - who plays his nephew Alex Godman

It posted on Twitter that the thriller depicts Britain as a playground for Russian gangsters, an accusation about which the BBC declined to comment.

As the show debuted on New Year's night, viewers took to Twitter to complain about its 'tiny subtitles'; and they later complained that the programme is too gory.

One particularly gruesome scene featured a man getting his wrists and throat sliced in front of lead star James Norton - who plays his nephew Alex Godman.

The show - which has been one of the most hotly-anticipated dramas for the New Year - features eight parts and jumped right into the action with the grisly scene.

Graphic: The show - which has been one of the most hotly-anticipated dramas of the New Year - features eight parts and jumped right into the action with the grisly scene

The highly-anticipated BBC thriller starring James Norton (pictured) started last night

The plot revolves around gangsters - with one murdering Godman's uncle, causing blood to spurt around the room from his wrists, mouth and neck.

'This is so going to be gory!! Thanks #BBC #mcmafia,' one person tweeted; but others were less impressed, with one writing '#McMafia the way the mob slit the uncle' with a string of shocked emojis after it.

McMafia is based on Misha Glennys book of the same name, which focuses on the world of organised crime.

The author previously told The Sun: 'There are a couple of more scenes to make one shiver but I think nothing quite competes with the unexpected shock of that sequence in the opening episode.'

Subtitles: Norton (right) plays the son of an ex-Russian mobster Alex Godman. But viewers claimed some of the scenes spoken in Russian had 'tiny' subtitlesShe commanded attention with her endless skimpy bikini displays on 2017's installment of Love Island.

And Montana Brown continued to turn heads on Sunday, as she accentuated her enviable toned figure and perky posterior in a racy khaki two-piece while enjoying some winter sun in Barbados.

The 22-year-old ITV2 star flashed her pert derriere in the thong bikini as she leaned over her sun lounger while soaking up the luxurious atmosphere in her idyllic Caribbean resort.

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Soaking up the sun: Montana Brown continued to turn heads on Sunday, as she accentuated her enviable toned figure and perky posterior in a racy khaki two-piece while enjoying some winter sun in Barbados

Cheeky: The 22-year-old ITV2 star flashed her pert derriere in the thong bikini as she leaned over her sun lounger while soaking up the luxurious atmosphere in her idyllic Caribbean resort

Getting fellow holiday revellers hot under the collar, she highlighted her slender pins and narrow waist as she searched her beach bag for her phone.

Montana teamed her cheeky bottoms with a plunging bikini top which displayed her taut abs and ample cleavage as she chatted to her mum Sarah on the beach.

Aside from flashing the flesh, the reality TV star continued to showcase her natural beauty as she worked her brunette locks into a sleek top knot while shielding her eyes from the sun with a pair of oversized shades.

Montana shot to fame on ITV2's Love Island this year, and although she failed to find Mr Right, she garnered a huge fan following with her witty sense of humour.

Setting pulse racing: Getting fellow holiday revellers hot under the collar, she highlighted her slender pins and narrow waist as she searched her beach bag for her phone

Mane attraction: Aside from flashing the flesh, the reality TV star continued to showcase her natural beauty as she worked her brunette locks into a sleek top knot

Work it: Montana teamed her cheeky bottoms with a plunging bikini top which displayed her taut abs and ample cleavage as she chatted to her mum Sarah on the beach

The brunette has been riding the wave of fame since departing the Mallorca villa - bagging a presenting role with MTV as well as her own fashion line with Pretty Little Thing.

After the series came to an end, Montana confessed it was the prospect of working in the public eye after the show that convinced her to apply.

She said on Loose Women: 'I just thought it could be a great platform do what I want to do, I dont know what yet. I thought it would open doors and opportunities, to be in the public eye and influence public in good way.

'I definitely thought I was going to find a boyfriend. But its not easy have to find real connection with people, you dont have a connection with everyone.'

No shade: She shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of oversized shades

Figure-flaunting: The London native looked incredible as she relaxed by the sea

Spotlight: Montana shot to fame on ITV2's Love Island this year, and although she failed to find Mr Right, she garnered a huge fan following with her witty sense of humour

She also addressed her decision to have sex on camera with villa squeeze Alex Beattie - against her mother's advice.

She laughed: 'Mum was like, "Do not have sex on camera!" When youre in the moment you forget so easily. You're like, "Oh well!" My mum's words went in one ear, out the other.

'When she came to visit in villa, she was like, "Well talk about when we get home". I have zero regrets looking back and seeing journey I went on.

'I never thought I would have sex but when youre in a relationship with someone It felt right for me at the time.'

Success: The brunette has been riding the wave of fame since departing the Mallorca villa - bagging a presenting role with MTV as well as her own fashion line with Pretty Little ThingKelly Clarkson couldn't contain her excitement as she spotted Meryl Streep at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday.

The 35-year-old songstress had just arrived at The Beverly Hilton and was on the red carpet when she spotted her idol standing several feet in front of her.

Walking down some steps escorted by E! host Ryan Seacrest Kelly suddenly stopped in her tracks, swung around and gasped: 'Oh my god, that's Meryl!'

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'Oh my god!': Kelly Clarkson had a serious fangirl moment on Sunday night as she spotted Meryl Streep on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles

'What happened?' Ryan Seacrest had been escorting the singer down some steps on the red carpet when she suddenly spotted the Oscar-winner

Looking confused Ryan asked Kelly 'What happened?' thinking she'd just tripped on her dress, until he realized the American Idol alum was just having a serious fangirl moment.

Kelly then summoned the courage to turn back around and face Meryl, 68, and asked: 'Oh my god, can I meet you? Ive adored you since I was like 8,' before getting a hug kiss from the Devil Wears Prada star.

The mother-of-two looked gorgeous in a dramatic black ball gown with one gold sleeve, a custom design by Christian Siriano.

Her dark blonde locks were teased up into a sophisticated updo with a little volume on top and she kept her makeup look understated.

Shock: Ryan wasn't sure what was wrong at first as the singer suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned her back to the movie icon

Kelly then summoned the courage to turn back around and face Meryl, 68, and asked: 'Oh my god, can I meet you? Ive adored you since I was like 8,'

Meeting an icon: The Breakaway singer finally summoned the courage to walk over and meet the Devil Wears Prada star

It's happening: Kelly was greeted warmly by Meryl, 68, and the duo chatted for a while

Meanwhile Meryl is nominated for best performance by an actress in a drama for her role in The Post.

Nominated in the same category are Jessica Chastain (Molly's Game), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water), Frances McDormand (Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri) and Michelle Williams (All the Money in the World).

Meryl walked the red carpet hand-in-hand with justice activist Ai-jen Po as the stars protested sexual harassment in Hollywood and across the world.

Oscar winner: Meryl is nominated for best actress for her role in The Post

Beauty in black: Kelly wowed in a dramatic black ball gown with one gold sleeve as she arrived at The Beverly Hilton

This year's ceremony is seen as the first big opportunity for Hollywood to speak with one voice against a pervasive culture of misconduct brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, unmasked as a serial predator.

The majority of stars wore black in solidarity with victims of Weinstein and numerous other figures exposed by the harassment and abuse scandal, including Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and Dustin Hoffman.

Making a statement: The American Idol alum opted for a custom Christian Siriano gown

Guillermo del Toro's fantasy romance The Shape of Water leads the nominations with seven, while The Post and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri are tied for second, with six each.

Overall, 25 awards are given out - 14 for movies and 11 for TV - and, as usual, the 90-member HFPA has sprung more than a few surprises in the nominations, placing horror satire Get Out in the best comedy-musical category.

There were no nominations at all for female filmmakers despite huge successes in 2017 for Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird), Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman), Dee Rees (Mudbound), Kathryn Bigelow (Detroit) and Sofia Coppola (The Beguiled).

Red carpet glam: Her dark blonde locks were teased up into a sophisticated updo with a little volume on top and she kept her makeup look understated

Time-up: This Golden Globe Awards ceremony is the first time Hollywood has united publicly to make a statement against the pervasive culture of misconduct

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent AdvertisementHer dance partner came out as gay in an interview with Attitude magazine this month.

Yet Candice Brown was still being accused of 'snogging' Matt Evers when she made her Dancing On Ice debut on Sunday night, on ITV,

The Great British Bake Off winner also pulled off a spectacular gravity-defying lift during the routine to At Last - but scored a meare 13 points out of 40, putting her in next week's dreaded Skate Off.

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Kisses: Candice Brown (left) was seen kissing her dance partner Matt Evers following her Dancing On Ice debut on Sunday night

Candice lashed out at claims she kissed Matt in a Twitter snap, as she posed between her skating partner and her fiance, Liam Macaulay.

She captioned the pouting snap: ''Snogging' my two favourite boys @Dennisthepug @TheMattEvers Thank you for being my left and right.'

With the perfect pout on her scarlet lips, the baker was kissed on the cheek by both of her favourite boys.

At the end of her performance on Sunday night, viewers took to Twitter in their droves to point out the moment Candice puckered up to her partner.

She had been performing to At Last but sadly fell foul of disappointing critique and will battle it out in next weekend's Skate Off.

Gravity-defying: The baking supremo pulled off an impressive lift during the dazzling routine

Touching: Candice got very close to her partner in the debut dance to Last

It comes a matter of months after Candice was seen getting a kiss from Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, with whom she worked closely on the show in 2016.

The 51-year-old leaned in to give the beauty a farewell kiss after a night out at the Pride Of Britain Awards in November.

Shortly afterwards, Paul announced his split from his wife of 20 years Alexandra but Candice dismissed any speculation of a budding romance.

She told The Sun at the time: 'It's absolutely not for me to say anything.'

Candice and her long-term partner Liam had not long since confirmed their engagement, in October.

Oh dear: Despite her gravity-defying routine, Candice received low marks and will battle it out in the first elimination skate-off next week

Failing to impress: The duo scored a mere 13 of out 40, with Ashley Banjo calling for her to try and feel 'more relaxed' on the rink

Kisses for the mrs: Candice (centre) later poked fun at the claims, as she was sandwiched in with her fiance Liam Macaulay (left) and partner Matt (right)

Meanwhile, Candice's partner Matt made the decision to come out this weekend, when he appeared in the latest issue of Attitude.

Now 41, Matt admitted he had struggled with speaking openly about his sexuality after he saw his uncle banished from the family for coming out, 20 years ago.

He described the heartache of watching his passing from an AIDs related illness when he was not accepted within the family.

'I didn't know I was gay at the time,' Matt explained. 'But when he was dying it hit me really hard that he didn't know the love of his mum, my grandmother.

'They were strict Catholics at the tip of the Bible belt. I wasn't aware of why his passing and the thought of him never being accepted by his own family hurt me so much until I realised I was gay. It's scary, the difference between generations.'

Just friends: Only this week, Matt made the decision to come out as a gay in an interview with Attitude magazine

Meanwhile, Candice opened up about her rib injury during training for Dancing On Ice on Lorraine on Monday.

She explained: 'I fall over on my own feet anyway. My ribs really suffered and I said I'll keep it to myself, I thought they would say I can't compete.

'I sneezed and I thought I was going to pass out. I texted Matt and said "I need help!'

'I went to see the physio, I felt a lot better, it's kind of gritting my teeth and getting on with it.'Fans were left reeling by his death in Friday's double bill, after his discovery of Pat Phelan's crimes led him to be shot and blown up by the builder.

And it seems Coronation Street's residents will soon learn of Luke Britton's passing in the coming days, as teaser images show the Nazir family holding a vigil for the late mechanic.

In scenes set to air next week, Luke's girlfriend Alya will learn of his passing from police, oblivious to the fact that Phelan was responsible for the shocking death.

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Emotional: Coronation Street fans will see the street learn the news of Luke Britton's death next week, as his girlfriend Alya holds a candlelit vigil for the late mechanic

Police will tell Alya that Luke was shot and killed in a dramatic car explosion, with a teaser image showing the Underworld manager struggling to hold back the tears with friend Kate Connor.

Another snap shows Alya standing outside Underworld with a vigil set up to honour her late boyfriend, along with her grandmother Yasmeen and brother Zeedan.

In another image, Phelan can be seen precariously watching the vigil take place, with the Street clueless as to his responsibility for Luke's death.

Shocking: In teaser images, Alya can be seen learning the news of Luke's death along with friend Kate Connor

Responsible: Sinister Pat Phelan, who secretly killed Luke in a dramatic car explosion can be seen precariously watching the vigil in one of the snaps

Condolences: In another image residents of the street can be seen visiting Alya after Luke's death

Luke was killed off in explosive scenes in Friday's double bill, as he pursued Phelan in a dramatic car chase after discovering the builder's crimes.

But evil Pat managed to force Luke off the road before reaching for his gun, walking over to the car and shooting him in the drivers seat of his vehicle.

But the vile villain wasn't done there as he coldly turned back to the car, and shot the petrol tank, engulfing the car in an enormous fireball.

Dramatic: Luke, played by Dean Hagan, was killed off in Friday's double bill, after discovering Phelan's sinister crimes

RIP: Phelan (played by Connor McIntyre) murdered Luke after he realised the mechanic had discovered evidence which implicated him in the disappearance of Andy Carver, who he had shot dead

Despite Phelan's horrendous acts, Dean Hagan, who played Luke, has revealed that his death is the start of a long road which will see Phelan get his comeuppance.

Dean told the Manchester Evening News: 'I was excited to realise I was going to be a pivotal part of the start of Phelan's demise, the start of the unravelling, that someone else has found out the truth and he has now killed again, which is a desperate act and one that is going to eventually start more questions being asked.

'The Phelan era is huge and he has played such a massive part in the street so to be involved in that is brilliant. Luke will play his part in the whole end game.'

No mercy: In the shocking scenes, Phelan was seen running Luke off the road in his car before shooting himShe's known for expressing her opinions as part of the Studio 10 panel.

And on Monday, Jessica Rowe spoke out against attendees wearing all-black outfits to the Golden Globe Awards as a protest against sexual harassment.

The 47-year-old called the demonstration 'dumb' and suggested Hollywood's biggest stars should have boycotted the red carpet altogether for greater impact.

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'It's dumb': On Monday, Studio 10's Jessica Rowe (pictured) spoke out against Hollywood stars wearing all-black to the Golden Globe Awards as a protest against sexual harassment

'It is wonderful women are finding their voice, that we are speaking up, but to me it is dumb to wear black on the red carpet,' she said on Network Ten's morning show.

'Theyre still going to be wearing designer black, theyre going to still be looking gorgeous and wonderful.'

She added: 'To me, it is tokenistic and its not a good way of sending the right message.'

Opinion: 'It is wonderful women are finding their voice, that we are speaking up, but to me it is dumb to wear black on the red carpet,' she said on Network Ten's morning show

The mother-of-two said the celebrity guests could have opted to not attend the ceremony or, at least, wear red or purple instead to represent 'defiance'.

Her Studio 10 co-host Joe Hildebrand also took issue with the protest, which he described as 'strange'.

'The last great Hollywood protest movement about the treatment of women was the #AskHerMore Campaign which said, "We dont want to be defined by what were wearing on the red carpet, we want to be taken seriously as actresses",' he remarked.

'And then the very next social protest movement in Hollywood is one in which theyre defining themselves entirely by what theyre wearing on the red carpet,' Joe added.

Televised debate: Jessica's Studio 10 co-host Joe Hildebrand (second from left) also took issue with the protest, which he described as 'strange'

'Theyre still going to be wearing designer black, theyre going to still be looking gorgeous and wonderful,' Jess said of Golden Globe attendees like Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness

In recognition of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements against sexual harassment in Hollywood and other industries, attendees opted to wear black at the awards show.

Rose McGowan, who has spoken out against Harvey Weinstein in the past, took to Twitter to criticise actresses like Meryl Streep for taking part in the Globes protest.

'Actresses, like Meryl Streep, who happily worked for The Pig Monster (Weinstein), are wearing black Golden Globes in a silent protest,' she wrote.

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent Advertisement

Protest: In recognition of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements against sexual harassment in Hollywood, attendees opted to wear black at the awards show. Pictured: Alison BrieShe presented at the 75th annual Golden Globes on Sunday evening.

But the night was still young as Christina Hendricks made a glamorous entrance at one of the star-studded event's numerous after-parties.

The 42-year-old actress still wore her sweeping black custom gown from American fashion designer Christian Siriano during an appearance at local nightclub Poppy.

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Ready for more: The night was still young as Christina Hendricks made a glamorous entrance at a Golden Globes after-party at Poppy nightclub in Los Angeles on Sunday evening

Just hours earlier Christina oozed movie star glamour as she arrived on the red carpet at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the annual awards show.

While the color of her dress was chosen out of solidarity with the Time's Up movement, it also served to highlight her signature ginger locks.

Daring to impress, the Mad Men star wrapped her enviable figure in the cold shoulder dress that showcased her pretty decolletage.

The flowing train covered a smart set of black capri pants as a thin strap of fabric circled her lithe waist.

Looking good: The 42-year-old actress still wore her sweeping black custom gown from American fashion designer Christian Siriano

Party time: Christina appeared to be in the mood to let her hair down after presenting at the annual event earlier that evening

Incoming: The party capped off an eventful night for the popular actress, who posed for photos as she made her way inside

Her trademark ginger tresses were swept back in a messy bun as the loose locks brushed her petite shoulders.

The Good Girls star went with a few sparkly accessories as she wore diamond baubles on her wrists and ears.

She chose a rose palette for her makeup as she rocked a slight smokey eye and bright berry lip.

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent Advertisement

Striking: The Mad Men star made her presence felt as she posed for photos on Sunday evening

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - TELEVISION Best TV series - Drama The Crown Game of Thrones The Handmaid's Tale - WINNER Stranger Things This Is Us Best performance by Actress in a TV series - Drama Caitriona Balfe, Outlander Claire Foy, The Crown Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Deuce Katherine Langford, 13 Reasons Why Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale - WINNER Best performance by an Actor in a TV Series - Drama Sterling K. Brown, This is Us - WINNER Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan Jason Bateman, Ozark Best TV series - Musical or Comedy Black-ish Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - WINNER Master of None SMILF Will & Grace Best performance by an Actor in a TV series - Musical or Comedy Anthony Anderson, Black-ish Aziz Ansari, Master of None - WINNER Kevin Bacon, I Love Dick William H. Macy, Shameless Eric McCormack, Will and Grace Best performance by an Actress in a TV series - Musical or Comedy Pamela Adlon, Better Things Alison Brie, Glow Issa Rae, Insecure Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - WINNER Frankie Shaw, SMILF Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Big Little Lies - WINNER Fargo Feud: Bette and Joan The Sinner Top of the Lake: China Girl Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies Jude Law, The Young Pope Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks Ewan McGregor, Fargo - WINNER Geoffrey Rush, Genius Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Jessica Biel, The Sinner Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies - WINNER Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan Susan Sarandon, Feud: Bette and Joan Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Alfred Molina, Feud Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies - WINNER David Thewlis, Fargo David Harbour, Stranger Things Christian Slater, Mr. Robot Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Laura Dern, Big Little Lies - WINNER Ann Dowd, The Handmaid's Tale Chrissy Metz, This is Us Michelle Pfeiffer, The Wizard of Lies Shailene Woodley, Big Little Lies Advertisement

Commanding: The actress commanded attention as she donned a sophisticated couture black gown that highlighted her signature ginger locks

Cheers! The actress appeared to be in a celebratory mood as she raised a Moet & Chandon goblet backstage at the annual event

After her wildly successful run as Joan on Mad Men, Christina has found another television project Good Girls that debuts this year.

She'll play a suburban mother who teams up with two friends to risk everything to take their lives back.

Meanwhile, more stars descended on Beverly Hills Sunday to honor the best in film and television as the 2018 awards season officially kicks off with the Golden Globes.

Stunning: The actress ensured she stood out courtesy of her sweeping black gown on Sunday evening

Stunning couture: The flowing train covered a smart set of black capri pants as a thin strap of fabric circled her lithe waist

This year's ceremony is seen as the first big opportunity for Hollywood to speak with one voice against a pervasive culture of misconduct brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, unmasked as a serial predator.

The focus Sunday night is expected to be as much on the stars' acceptance speeches as on the performances being honored at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's glitzy bash.

The ceremony at the Beverly Hilton - the first for late night NBC funnyman Seth Meyers as host -- is not as reliable at predicting Oscars glory as the galas held by Hollywood's acting, producing and directing unions.

But it remains one of the most high-profile and glamorous - not to mention boozy -- events of the awards calendar and tends to generate more headlines for tipsy tributes, daring gowns and wacky tuxedos.

Strike a pose: Christina greeted photographers as she made her way into the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday evening

Hair today: Her trademark ginger tresses were swept back in a messy bun as the loose locks brushed her petite shoulders

Guillermo del Toro's fantasy romance The Shape of Water leads the nominations with seven, while The Post and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri are tied for second, with six each.

Overall, 25 awards are given out - 14 for movies and 11 for TV - and, as usual, the 90-member HFPA has sprung more than a few surprises in the nominations, placing horror satire Get Out in the best comedy-musical category.

There were no nominations at all for female filmmakers despite huge successes in 2017 for Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird), Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman), Dee Rees (Mudbound), Kathryn Bigelow (Detroit) and Sofia Coppola (The Beguiled).McMafia

Rating:

Who could have guessed that the world of inter-national banking involves so much semi-nudity?

McMafia (BBC1) has swept away the fusty old image of pinstripe suits and shiny shoes for ever, replacing it with the essential businesswear of 2018: swimming trunks.

When James Nortons financier Alex Godman isnt looking worried and preoccupied in bed, while reclining topless against a pillow, he is diving off yachts in the Riviera or conducting tense negotiations in his designer bathing shorts.

When Alex Godman (James Norton) isn't looking worried and preoccupied in bed, in McMafia, he is conducting tense negotiations in his designer bathing shorts

Not that most viewers have even noticed, Im sure. Its purely coincidence that millions of British women are suddenly discovering an intense interest in how the proceeds of organised crime are laundered through labyrinthine offshore accounts.

This thriller, based on a true account of how criminal networks today operate as global businesses, has wrestled with a major problem from the start: unless they involve suitcases full of cash, financial transactions are boring.

Wads of banknotes make for great television. And the bigger the better  theres a fantastic moment near the end of the drugs drama Breaking Bad where a 30st crook, grinning with joy, flops back on a $10 million mountain of dollar bills like a double bed.

But bank transfers dont hold the same fascination. Every episode of McMafia involves a shot where Alexs finger hovers over the mouse button of his computer, as he readies himself to make a colossal payment into some bank in the Bahamas.

Christopher Stevens says McMafia (BBC1) has swept away the fusty old image of pinstripe suits and shiny shoes for ever, replacing it with the essential businesswear of 2018: swimming trunks

Will he, wont he? Tens of millions of pounds hang in the balance. But we just dont care. Its only a mouseclick, after all.

Small wonder this drama diverts us whenever it can with glamorous locations, visceral violence and the Norton torso.

TRAINEE OF THE NIGHT Fossil hunter Chris Moore, In Attenborough And The Sea Dragon (BBC1), set Sir David, 91 to work cleaning up dinosaur bones. 'You can begin on three days a week,' he offered. Well, it's good work experience. Advertisement

Its all done with glorious menace. The five-star hotels are lit with golden spotlamps, and the champagne receptions ring with laughter, but every scene feels cynical and fraudulent. These billionaire mobsters know how to spend money, but they have no idea how to enjoy it.

On the rare occasions when Norton has his clothes on, youll have noticed that his face is expressionless. At first he seemed to be hiding his emotions, but now he has admitted that hes no longer sure what hes feeling, or who he even is. That diverts our attention to the female characters, and two are becoming really intriguing  Alexs mother Oksana (Maria Shukshina) and Lyudmilla, the Russian woman captured by people traffickers.

And they dont seem to be quite the victims they first appeared.

Will and Grace

Rating:

Its a fair bet that all the stars of Will And Grace (C5) are glued to McMafia, and not for the high finance. This screamingly camp sitcom, which ran for eight series around the millennium, is back after a 12-year break.

When it launched in 1998, the notion of openly gay characters, having one-night stands and catfights, was outrageous enough, especially for American audiences, to guarantee a gigantic hit. These days, with gay and lesbian couples on every TV quiz show, its about as edgy as a feather cushion.

All four characters look like theyve been preserved by being dipped in varnish. But theres a good reason for bringing them back now  to poke fun at the Trump presidency.

In the opening episode, they broke into the Oval Office: Will and Grace (Eric McCormack and Debra Messing) had a pillow fight, while Jack (Sean Hayes) set about seducing the secret servicemen.

Its hardly satire. But as an excuse for reviving one of the most sharply written U.S. comedies, it will do nicely.He made headlines for all the wrong reasons on Friday night, when he was caught on camera getting thrown out of a New York City bar following a row over a pool table.

But Game Of Thrones star Kit Harington was back to his polished best on Sunday evening, when he stepped out in style for the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

The 31-year-old actor was all smiles as he hit the glittering gala's red carpet in a classic black tuxedo, which he teamed with a matching shirt and bow tie.

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Stepping out: Kit Harington attended the Golden Globe Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, on Sunday evening

With his raven locks styled in his signature curls, the screen heart-throb appeared to be in jovial spirits as he prepared to make his way into the annual awards show.

The night before, he joined his Game Of Thrones co-star Emilia Clarke at the 7th Annual Sean Penn & Friends Haiti Rising Gala in Hollywood.

Nonetheless he was put in the shade by the Mother of Dragons, who donned a gorgeous long red skirt with large golden buttons running along the side of her hip, matched with a crimson-coloured long-sleeved top.

Throne out: His appearance came two days after he was booted from New York City dive bar Barfly, following a row over a pool table

Meanwhile, the actor who plays Jon Snow looked dapper in a black suit worn with a fitted black sweater and matching velour shoes, which was a far cry from his appearance on Friday night in Barfly, a dive bar in Gramercy Park in the Big Apple.

Video of the dispute appears to show Kit attempting to locate his coat and belongings in a manner disruptive to the other revellers.

His leading-man charm didn't appear to impress one young lady, who tartly told him: 'Say excuse me,' as he tried to jostle past her.

The bar has only one pool table, squeezed into cramped quarters outside the restrooms.

Good spirits: The 31-year-old actor appeared to be in good spirits at the glittering awards gala

In good company: The actor was joined by his Game Of Thrones co-star Emilia Clarke

A good looking pair: Emilia beamed while Kit smouldered as they posed for photos on the red carpet

According to one eyewitness, Kit was booted out of the bar and left, but then came back in and had to be physically dragged out into the cold by bouncers, TMZ reported.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Kit Harington for comment.

In September, west London-native Kit announced his engagement to his erstwhile Game Of Thrones co-star Rose Leslie.

Looking good: Kit commanded attention in a smart black tuxedo suit and matching dress shirt

Centre stage: The pair were on hand to present an award at the annual event on Sunday evening

The Brits were flying high in the nominations stakes ahead of the 75th Golden Globe Awards.

Netflix series The Crown - which chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to more modern times - scooped three nominations, but failed to win on the night with Elisabeth Moss and The Handmaid's Tale proving to be its two biggest obstacles.

Elsewhere Londoner Daniel Kaluuya sreceived a nod for his role in Get Out, but narrowly missed out to The Disaster Artist star James Franco in the category for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.

Christopher Nolan, the genius behind acclaimed war drama Dunkirk, was up for Best Director, while the esteemed movie was also in the running for Best Drama Motion Picture, and Best Original Score.

Pals: The night before. he joined Game Of Thrones co-star Emilia Clarke at the 7th Annual Sean Penn & Friends Haiti Rising Gala in Hollywood

Nolan went go head-to-head with fellow Brit Ridley Scott in the Director category, who was nominated for All the Money in the World, while British-Irish playwright Martin McDonagh was also pitted against the directing heavyweights for his crime drama Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

However the award went to Guillermo del Toro for The Shape of Water.

Gary Oldman offered a rare triumph on the night in the otherwise American-dominated Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture  Drama, for his portrayal of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in The Darkest Hour.

While fans of Daniel Kaluuya rejoiced at the actor being nominated for his role in the thriller, the positioning of his nomination was met with controversy after being listed in the Comedy and Musical movie category, despite it being categorised as a horror when it was first released.

British contenders in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture  Musical or Comedy category included veteran actresses Judi Dench, for Victoria & Abdul, and Helen Mirren for The Leisure Seeker.

Raking in the dough: Kit Harington as Jon Snow is seen with Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen in Game Of Thrones. The show's stars are among the highest paid in television

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent Advertisement

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - TELEVISION Best TV series - Drama The Crown Game of Thrones The Handmaid's Tale - WINNER Stranger Things This Is Us Best performance by Actress in a TV series - Drama Caitriona Balfe, Outlander Claire Foy, The Crown Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Deuce Katherine Langford, 13 Reasons Why Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale - WINNER Best performance by an Actor in a TV Series - Drama Sterling K. Brown, This is Us - WINNER Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan Jason Bateman, Ozark Best TV series - Musical or Comedy Black-ish Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - WINNER Master of None SMILF Will & Grace Best performance by an Actor in a TV series - Musical or Comedy Anthony Anderson, Black-ish Aziz Ansari, Master of None - WINNER Kevin Bacon, I Love Dick William H. Macy, Shameless Eric McCormack, Will and Grace Best performance by an Actress in a TV series - Musical or Comedy Pamela Adlon, Better Things Alison Brie, Glow Issa Rae, Insecure Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - WINNER Frankie Shaw, SMILF Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Big Little Lies - WINNER Fargo Feud: Bette and Joan The Sinner Top of the Lake: China Girl Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies Jude Law, The Young Pope Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks Ewan McGregor, Fargo - WINNER Geoffrey Rush, Genius Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Jessica Biel, The Sinner Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies - WINNER Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan Susan Sarandon, Feud: Bette and Joan Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Alfred Molina, Feud Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies - WINNER David Thewlis, Fargo David Harbour, Stranger Things Christian Slater, Mr. Robot Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Laura Dern, Big Little Lies - WINNER Ann Dowd, The Handmaid's Tale Chrissy Metz, This is Us Michelle Pfeiffer, The Wizard of Lies Shailene Woodley, Big Little Lies Advertisement

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent Advertisement

Betrothed: Kit and his fiancee Rose Leslie are seen in July attending the season seven premiere of Game Of Thrones at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles

Jude Law was shortlisted in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for his leading role in The Young Pope, in which he plays the first American pope in history, Pius XIII aka Lenny Belardo.

He went up against Scottish star Ewan McGregor - who was nominated for Fargo - as well as long-time American actor Robert De Niro.

Elsewhere David Thewliss - of Harry Potter and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas fame - was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role as V. M. Varga in Fargo.

Alfred Molina was nominated in the same category for Feud: Bette and Joan, in which he portrays legendary movie director Robert Aldrich.

Flawless: Kit's Game of Thrones co-star Emilia Clark put on a showstopping display in a black sleevless gown as she walked the red carpet

Blonde beauty: Channeling her character on the hit fantasy drama, the star rocked ice blonde tresses and a statement pink lip with the stunning lookShe's presenting at the 2018 Golden Globes.

And Gal Gadot wore black in solidarity for the Time's Up movement as she arrived at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the annual awards show in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The 32-year-old actress stole the spotlight as she donned a sophisticated couture black gown and tailored jacket.

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Classic beauty: Gal Gadot, 32, wore black in solidarity for the Time's Up movement as she arrived at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the annual awards show in Los Angeles on Sunday

Daring to impress, the Justice League star wrapped her enviable figure in the form fitting dress.

The tailored jacket allowed her gorgeous decolletage to take center stage as the dress was low cut.

Her trademark brunette tresses were swept back in a tight bun allowing her youthful face to shine.

The Israeli born beauty went with a few sparkly accessories as she wore diamond baubles on her wrists and ears.

Spotlight stolen: The actress stole the spotlight as she donned a sophisticated couture black gown and tailored jacket

That tailored look: The tailored jacket allowed her gorgeous decolletage to take center stage as the dress was low cut

Gal was joined by her husband Yaron Versano on the red carpet as he cut a dapper figure in a classic tuxedo.

The happy couple were married in 2008 and share daughters Maya, six, and Alma, nine months.

She shared the stage with The Rock Dwayne Johnson as they presented the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series  Musical or Comedy.

Meanwhile, more stars descended on Beverly Hills Sunday to honor the best in film and television as the 2018 awards season officially kicks off with the Golden Globes.

Shining star: Her trademark brunette tresses were swept back in a tight bun allowing her youthful face to shine

This year's ceremony is seen as the first big opportunity for Hollywood to speak with one voice against a pervasive culture of misconduct brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, unmasked as a serial predator.

The focus Sunday night is expected to be as much on the stars' acceptance speeches as on the performances being honored at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's glitzy bash.

The ceremony at the Beverly Hilton - the first for late night NBC funnyman Seth Meyers as host -- is not as reliable at predicting Oscars glory as the galas held by Hollywood's acting, producing and directing unions.

But it remains one of the most high-profile and glamorous - not to mention boozy -- events of the awards calendar and tends to generate more headlines for tipsy tributes, daring gowns and wacky tuxedos.

What a team: Gal was joined by her husband Yaron Versano on the red carpet as he cut a dapper figure in a classic tuxedo

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent AdvertisementShe was wearing plain black in solidarity with the Time's Up movement.

And, as always, Helen Mirren looked her very best as she wowed at the Golden Globes on Sunday night.

Now 72, the age-defying British actress showed off her incredible figure in the gown, which while long-sleeved, featured a leg-baring section of lace.

Always chic: Helen Mirren, 72, wows in leg-baring lace at Sunday's Golden Globes in LA

Her white hair styled in a sleek short style, Dame Helen accessoried with diamonds and a slick of red lipstick.

Helen joined Viola Davis on stage to present Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role in any Motion Picture.

And the two proved a winning double act, as they set up their award presentation to Sam Rockwell.

'Supporting actors are not really supporting at all,' began Viola, with Helen quickly adding: 'Just with not as many lines.'

Pure class: Her white hair styled in a sleek short style, Dame Helen accessoried with diamonds and a slick of red lipstick

Double act: Helen and Viola wowed on stage, winning over fans with their double act

In a back and forth Viola agreed with: 'Or close ups.'

'Or personal make up artists,' said Helen.

'Or publicists.' 'Or remuneration.'

Social media success: The pair were a hit on Twitter

The pair's double act certainly won over Twitter, with fans such as author Glennon Doyle commenting: 'Um my screen just exploded in badassery.'

Another fan, wrote: Helen Mirren and Viola Davis is the buddy movie I need Hollywood.

And it seems the friendship was not just an act, with the pair swigging champagne backstage together after their moment in the spotlight.

Here's to Helen! The pair swigged champagne together from golden glasses backstage

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - TELEVISION Best TV series - Drama The Crown Game of Thrones The Handmaid's Tale - WINNER Stranger Things This Is Us Best performance by Actress in a TV series - Drama Caitriona Balfe, Outlander Claire Foy, The Crown Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Deuce Katherine Langford, 13 Reasons Why Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale - WINNER Best performance by an Actor in a TV Series - Drama Sterling K. Brown, This is Us - WINNER Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan Jason Bateman, Ozark Best TV series - Musical or Comedy Black-ish Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - WINNER Master of None SMILF Will & Grace Best performance by an Actor in a TV series - Musical or Comedy Anthony Anderson, Black-ish Aziz Ansari, Master of None - WINNER Kevin Bacon, I Love Dick William H. Macy, Shameless Eric McCormack, Will and Grace Best performance by an Actress in a TV series - Musical or Comedy Pamela Adlon, Better Things Alison Brie, Glow Issa Rae, Insecure Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - WINNER Frankie Shaw, SMILF Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Big Little Lies - WINNER Fargo Feud: Bette and Joan The Sinner Top of the Lake: China Girl Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies Jude Law, The Young Pope Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks Ewan McGregor, Fargo - WINNER Geoffrey Rush, Genius Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Jessica Biel, The Sinner Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies - WINNER Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan Susan Sarandon, Feud: Bette and Joan Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Alfred Molina, Feud Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies - WINNER David Thewlis, Fargo David Harbour, Stranger Things Christian Slater, Mr. Robot Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Laura Dern, Big Little Lies - WINNER Ann Dowd, The Handmaid's Tale Chrissy Metz, This is Us Michelle Pfeiffer, The Wizard of Lies Shailene Woodley, Big Little Lies AdvertisementShe's known for her love of designer fashion as much as her work ethic.

And on Monday, PR guru Roxy Jacenko looked incredibly stylish as she was spotted heading back into her office in Sydney, wearing a pair of sky-high heels.

The 37-year-old blonde carried a pair of back up ballet flats, alongside her $12,000 orange Hermes Birkin bag.

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Getting down to business! Roxy Jacenko flaunts her trim pins as she totters around in high heels...but carries a back-up pair of ballet flats with her $12,000 Birkin

Showing off a soft golden glow she acquired over the Summer holidays, Roxy stunned in a black long sleeve and lace Dior dress.

The mother-of-two had her blonde locks out and over her shoulders in loose tousled curls, and she covered her eyes with a pair of black aviator shades.

Roxy had appeared on Studio 10 earlier that day to discuss Golden Globes fashion.

Looking good: Showing off a soft golden glow she acquired over the Summer holidays, Roxy stunned in a black long sleeve and lace Dior dress

The savvy businesswoman collects several Birkins, and has a range of different colours, including brown, grey, red, black, purple and bright blue, each potentially priced at a close $100,000 each.

The prize in her collection is a black crocodile skin handbag, which Hermes revealed has an estimated value of AUD$84,350.

This week, Roxy revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she is writing a fourth book, with her six-year-old daughter, Pixie.

New venture: This week, Roxy revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she is writing a fourth book, with her six-year-old daughter, Pixie

The Sweaty Betty PR founder, 37, told Daily Mail Australia they are working on an illustrated book for children about 'doing the right thing'.

'Pix and I are working on a picture book this afternoon for kids to encourage them to be kind and do the right thing. Coming soon,' she wrote on Instagram.

Roxy told Daily Mail Australia the book is set for release by the end of the year.

Incoming! Roxy told Daily Mail Australia the book is set for release by the end of the year

She explained that writing the book will be a way to teach her daughter to always treat others with kindness.

'Pixie and I are working on an illustrated book together for kids which will promote being kind and doing the right thing, regardless of how others are treating you,' Roxy said.

'It so important to understand how to manage relationships and conflict at a young age. So I wanted to do it with her and help her and others in later life.'For the first time this year, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association appointed a Golden Globe Ambassador for its annual awards show.

The role replaces the traditional Miss Golden Globe but still is an honor bestowed upon the offspring of a celebrity.

On Sunday night, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson proudly introduced his teenage daughter Simone Garcia Johnson as the first to take on the job.

'Simone, I am so incredibly proud of you,' the A-lister told the 16-year-old live on stage.

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'Incredibly proud': On Sunday night, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson proudly introduced his daughter Simone Garcia Johnson, 16, at the Golden Globes

Simone is The Rock's daughter from his first marriage to Dany Garcia, who remains his manager.

The teen thanked her parents and told the audience she was honored to have been chosen by the HFPA.

She said she will focus on working to help young women from under-served communities learn new journalism skills.

Family: Simone walked the red carpet with her famous dad and her mother Dany Garcia, along with Garcia's second husband Dave Rienzi, who is also The Rock's personal trainer

In an interview with the NY Times, Simone said she was happy that the HFPA had decided to create a role that wasn't gender defined.

'Im so happy about the change because its more inclusive and it promotes equality,' the teen said. 'Im really passionate about those things.'

Anke Hofmann, vice president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, said the group had been considering a change for a while.

'Now, its gender-neutral, and the ambassador could be a woman, a man, a transgender,' she said.

Cause: As Golden Globe Ambassador, Simone will focus on working to help young women from under-served communities learn new journalism skillsAnne Hathaway and Amy Schumer supported the Hollywood campaign against sexual harassment from home after sickness kept them away from the Golden Globes on Sunday evening.

The flu kept Oscar-winner Anne, 35, bed-bound and unable to attend the glitzy ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills,California.

She took to Instagram to support the Time's Up campaign that encouraged all-black outfits at the awards ceremony to make a statement against sexual harassment in Hollywood and other industries.

Sick solidarity: Anne Hathaway wore all-black at home while sick on Sunday in solidarity with the Time's Up campaign at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California

Anne wore a black slip dress in a selfie and raised two fingers.

'In Solidarity from my sick bed. #TIMESUP #WHYWEWEARBLACK #GoldenGlobes,' she wrote in the caption for her nearly 10 million followers.

Amy Schumer, 36, also was sick but wore all-black in solidarity in an Instagram post with Rachel Feinstein.

'Home sick but proud as hell to wear black in solidarity with my sisters,' Amy wrote in the caption.

Black outfits: Amy Schumer also was home sick but wore black in solidarity along with friend Rachel Feinstein

Jennifer, 48, showed her support from Puerto Rico where she was helping provide relief in the wake of Hurricane Maria in September.

She wore all-black in solidarity and got emotional while speaking with boyfriend Alex Rodriguez, 42, at her side.

'We are humbled and proud to be part of this effort. Today is the Golden Globes in Los Angeles,' Jennifer said voice cracking.

All-black: Jennifer Lopez wore all-black in support of the campaign launched by Hollywood women while providing relief to Hurricane Maria survivors in Puerto Rico

'A lot of the women with hashtag Time's Up are standing up for equality to be treated equally and for sexual harassment.

'I stand here today in black doing the same from far away. And it's the same thing here in Puerto Rico. We want to be treated equally,' she said.

Olivia Munn, 37, also showed support despite being ill.

Equal treatment: The singer spoke emotionally about seeking equal treatment as boyfriend Alex Rodriguez stood next to her

'I'm staying home today sick with the flu. But so appreciative of everyone who has rallied around to support. I'll be watching from home,' she tweeted along with a statement on why supporters were wearing black.

Mark Ruffalo, 50, also took to social media to show his support.

The actor wearing black in a Twitter video urged people to use their social media accounts to spread the word about Time's Up.

'Let's join them. Why not? What do we have to lose? It can only get better,' he said.

The flu: Olivia Munn was at home sick with the flu but still offered her support

Social media: Mark Ruffalo also took to social media to urge people to support Time's UpRyan Gosling famously clarified the pronunciation of her tricky Irish name with his hilarious 'Ser-sha, like inertia' quip back in 2016.

But it would seem Jessica Chastain didn't get the memo as she was widely mocked on social media for 'butchering' Saoirse Ronan's moniker as she presented her with a Best Actress prize at the the 75th Golden Globes at The Beverly Hilton on Sunday.

The Molly's Game star, 40, took to the stage with Thor hunk Chris Hemsworth, 34, to announce the nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture  Musical or Comedy.

Awkward! Jessica Chastain was mocked on social media for 'butchering' the pronunciation of Saoirse Ronan's name at the Golden Globes on Sunday

But Jessica ran into hot water when she attempted to pronounce the Lady Bird star's name while reading out her name alongside fellow nominees Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Margot Robbie and Emma Stone.

Things went from bad to worse when the actress realized she would have to say the tricky Irish moniker once again when she opened an envelope to reveal Saoirse had won the coveted prize.

Co-presenter Chris provided little help, and didn't even attempt to get his tongue around the name, which Jessica pronounced as 'Sher-sha'.

Twitter users quickly flocked to social media to mock the incident, with one writing: 'Jessica chastain butchering saoirse Ronans name is making my eye twitch.'

Uh-oh! The Molly's Game star, 40, took to the stage with Chris Hemsworth, 34, to announce the nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture  Musical or Comedy

Talented: Saoirse, 23, won the coveted prize for her role as the titular character in Greta Gerwig's coming of age story, Lady Bird

Another joked: 'Saoirse Ronan winning gave Jessica Chastain an extra chance to mispronounce her name.'

'We are all the panic on Jessica chastains face when she saw she had to pronounce Saoirse Ronan #goldenglobes,' one Twitter user observed.

Other social media fans called out Chris for refusing to even attempt to say the name: 'Omg Im dead at Chris Hemsworth not wanting to pronounce Saoirse Ronans name when Jessica Chastain held out the envelope to read together.'

Numerous viewers referenced Saoirse's SNL appearance last month, in which she clarified the pronunciation.

Oh dear: Jessica first ran into hot water when she attempted to pronounce the Lady Bird star's name while reading out her name alongside fellow nominees

Here we go: Things went from bad to worse when the actress realized she would have to say the tricky Irish moniker once again when she opened an envelope to reveal Saoirse had won

Paying reference to the 'Ser-sha, like inertia' comment, one said: 'Jessica Chastain clearly didn't see Saoirse Ronan's SNL appearance, or Ryan Gosling's explanation, for pointers on her name... #GoldenGlobes.'

But the criticism wasn't universal, with other Twitter users writing things like: 'Jessica Chastain should get a bonus for pronouncing Saoirse Ronan's name correctly...'

Saoirse, 23, beat off stiff competition from a quartet Hollywood heavyweights to win the prestigious prize for her portrayal of the titular role in Greta Gerwig's coming of age film Lady Bird.

The movie also won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture  Musical or Comedy.

Mocked: Twitter users quickly flocked to social media to mock the incident

Hard no! Co-presenter Chris provided little help, and didn't even attempt to get his tongue around the name

'Butchered': Many fans pointed to Saoirse's SNL opening monologue last month, in which she offered a public service announcement on how to say her name

The Irish actress previously described Ryan Gosling as 'Jesus' for teaching the public how to correctly pronounce her name while presenting her with an award at the Hollywood Film Awards back in 2016.

Discussing his 'It's Ser-sha, like inertia' quip, she said: 'I couldnt believe it! The power of Ryan Gosling is stronger than anything else.'

'He's like, Jesus or something, like a blond Canadian Jesus.'

The Brooklyn star also addressed the issue while making her Saturday Night Live hosting debut in December, kicking off her episode with a public service announcement on how to pronounce her name.

'It's making my eye twitch': The criticism wasn't universal, with other Twitter users praising Jessica for successfully pronouncing the tricky Irish moniker

No drama! The actress appeared to laugh off the faux pas from her seat

Talented: Saoirse beat off stiff competition from a quartet Hollywood heavyweights to win

She explained in her opening monologue: 'I am very Irish, and I have an extremely Irish name. Some would say too Irish. Its Saoirse. It means freedom. But Ive got a little problem; it's spelled wrong. Its a full typo.'

The actress then attempted to teach the proper pronunciation through the medium of song, with SNL cast members coming up with names such as 'Sore Cheese' and 'Sushi' in place of Saoirse.

Big Little Lies and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri were the big winners of the night, picking up four prizes each.

Dominating the television category, Big Little Lies was named Best Limited Series or TV Movie, with three of its stars taking home individual prizes.

Oh what a night! The movie also won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture  Musical or Comedy

Woman of the hour: This marks the first time Saoirse has won a Golden Globe, after previously being nominated for Brooklyn in 2016 and Atonement in 2008

Talented twosome: Saoirse posed on the red carpet at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles with Lady Bird director Greta Gerwig

Dream team: Director Greta and leading Saoirse later posed alongside Timothee Chalamet (who portrayed Lady Bird's love interest) and Laurie Metcalf (who portrayed her mother)

Nicole Kidman won Best Actress, Limited Series or Television Movie for her role as domestic abuse victim Celeste Wright, while screen husband Alexander Skarsgard picked up the Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Limited Series or TV Movie.

Laura Dern was also a winner, taking home Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Limited Series or TV Movie.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri was the big winner in the movie categories, picking up the coveted Best Motion Picture, Drama accolade, as well as Best Screenplay.

Frances McDormand took home Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama and her co-star Sam Rockwell won Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture.

Hollywood glamour: Jessica turned heads in an Armani Prive gown and stunning Piaget jewelry

Missed out: The star was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama for her role in Molly's Game, but the prize went to Frances McDormand

A galaxy of Hollywood greats descended on the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday to honor the best in film and television as 2018 awards season officially kicked off.

The color black was chosen as a simple way to show solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment and assault and make a statement against a pervasive culture of misconduct, brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

The ceremony at the Beverly Hilton - the first for late night NBC funnyman Seth Meyers as host - is not as reliable at predicting Oscars glory as the galas held by Hollywood's acting, producing and directing unions.

But it remains one of the most high-profile and glamorous - not to mention boozy - events of the awards calendar and tends to generate more headlines for tipsy tributes, daring gowns and wacky tuxedos.

Jokers! Chris and Jessica didn't seem too affected by the Twitter drama as they larked around in the press room at The Beverly Hilton when they'd completed their presenting duties

Plenty to smile about: The twosome were laughing and joking as they posed for photographs

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent AdvertisementElisabeth Moss wore black in solidarity for the Time's Up movement at the 2018 Golden Globes.

And the actress took home the award for Best Actress In A TV Drama at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the annual show in Los Angeles on Sunday.

'This is for the women who were brave enough to fight for equality and freedom in this world,' she said in her acceptance speech.

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Class act: Elisabeth Moss, 42, wore black in solidarity for the Time's Up movement at the 2018 Golden Globes in Los Angeles on Sunday

Moss won for her portrayal as Offred in the Amazon series The Handmaid's Tale - which was adapted from the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood.

She used her acceptance speech to honor Atwood by reading a message from the author about female empowerment.

'We were the people who were not in the papers,' read Moss. 'We lived in the blank white spaces at the edge of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the story.'

Moss then dedicated the award to Atwood.

Big winner: The actress took home the award for Best Actress in a TV Drama at the Beverly Hilton Hotel

Portrayal: Moss won for her portrayal as Offred in the Amazon series The Handmaid's Tale - which was adapted from the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood

Gracious: She used her acceptance speech to honor Atwood by reading a message from the author about female empowerment; (pictured with Bruce Miller)

'Margaret Atwood, this is for you and the women who came before you and after you who were brave enough to speak out against intolerance and injustice' the Mad men actress continued.

'We no longer live in the blank white spaces at the edge of print. We no longer live in the gaps between the stories.

'We are the story in print. We are writing the story ourselves.' she concluded.

Sobering words: 'We were the people who were not in the papers,' read Moss. 'We lived in the blank white spaces at the edge of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the story'

Dedication: Moss then dedicated the award to Atwood as she said: ''Margaret Atwood, this is for you and the women who came before you and after you who were brave enough to speak out against intolerance and injustice'

Moss arrived at the red carpet in a classic pilgrim style black couture gown.

Her collar was bedazzled with shiny sequins as she paired the understated look with diamond drop earrings.

Her trademark golden tresses were swept up and back in a messy bun with a a few locks framing her youthful face.

Past hits: Moss also won in 2014 as Best Actress In A Mini-Series for her role in Top Of The Lake and was nominated as Best Actress in A TV Drama in 2011 for her work on Mad Men

Arrival: Moss arrived at the red carpet in a classic pilgrim style black couture gown

Moss also won in 2014 as Best Actress In A Mini-Series for her role in Top Of The Lake and was nominated as Best Actress in A TV Drama in 2011 for her work on Mad Men.

Meanwhile, more stars descended on Beverly Hills Sunday to honor the best in film and television as the 2018 awards season officially kicks off with the Golden Globes.

This year's ceremony is seen as the first big opportunity for Hollywood to speak with one voice against a pervasive culture of misconduct brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, unmasked as a serial predator.

Adornment: Her collar was bedazzled with shiny sequins as she paired the understated look with diamond drop earrings

So proud: The actress posed with her trophy shortly after accepting the accolade on Sunday evening

Plenty to smile about: She shared a backstage laugh with actress and model Samira Wiley

All mine: The actress showed off her trophy at Hulu's 2018 Golden Globes After Party later that night

The focus Sunday night is expected to be as much on the stars' acceptance speeches as on the performances being honored at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's glitzy bash.

The ceremony at the Beverly Hilton - the first for late night NBC funnyman Seth Meyers as host -- is not as reliable at predicting Oscars glory as the galas held by Hollywood's acting, producing and directing unions.

But it remains one of the most high-profile and glamorous - not to mention boozy -- events of the awards calendar and tends to generate more headlines for tipsy tributes, daring gowns and wacky tuxedos.

Youthful: Her trademark golden tresses were swept up and back in a messy bun with a a few locks framing her youthful face

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent Advertisement

Let's dance: Elisabeth let her hair down at the FOX Golden Globes After Party with Amanda Brugel and Yvonne Strahovski

Good times: She rubbed shoulders with stars including Connie Britton at the event

Make mine a double: The high spirited actress hit the bar as the party got into full swing

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - TELEVISION Best TV series - Drama The Crown Game of Thrones The Handmaid's Tale - WINNER Stranger Things This Is Us Best performance by Actress in a TV series - Drama Caitriona Balfe, Outlander Claire Foy, The Crown Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Deuce Katherine Langford, 13 Reasons Why Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale - WINNER Best performance by an Actor in a TV Series - Drama Sterling K. Brown, This is Us - WINNER Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan Jason Bateman, Ozark Best TV series - Musical or Comedy Black-ish Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - WINNER Master of None SMILF Will & Grace Best performance by an Actor in a TV series - Musical or Comedy Anthony Anderson, Black-ish Aziz Ansari, Master of None - WINNER Kevin Bacon, I Love Dick William H. Macy, Shameless Eric McCormack, Will and Grace Best performance by an Actress in a TV series - Musical or Comedy Pamela Adlon, Better Things Alison Brie, Glow Issa Rae, Insecure Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - WINNER Frankie Shaw, SMILF Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Big Little Lies - WINNER Fargo Feud: Bette and Joan The Sinner Top of the Lake: China Girl Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies Jude Law, The Young Pope Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks Ewan McGregor, Fargo - WINNER Geoffrey Rush, Genius Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Jessica Biel, The Sinner Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies - WINNER Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan Susan Sarandon, Feud: Bette and Joan Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Alfred Molina, Feud Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies - WINNER David Thewlis, Fargo David Harbour, Stranger Things Christian Slater, Mr. Robot Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Laura Dern, Big Little Lies - WINNER Ann Dowd, The Handmaid's Tale Chrissy Metz, This is Us Michelle Pfeiffer, The Wizard of Lies Shailene Woodley, Big Little Lies AdvertisementShe may not have stepped out on the Golden Globes's exclusive red carpet in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

But that didn't stop Australian model Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) from lending her support to the Time's Up movement.

As Hollywood stars dressed in black to highlight their support for sexual harassment and assault victims in a post-Harvey Weinstein era, the 30-year-old took to Instagram to show her solidarity.

'Sisters in arms!': Lara Bingle wears black as she voices her support for sexual harassment and assault victims... despite not attending the Golden Globes

In a black-and-white image, Lara could be seen in a black blouse and jeans alongside makeup artist Filomena Natoli and stylist Marina Fonin.

'Sisters in arms. #wewearblack #timesup' Lara, who is married to Avatar star Sam Worthington, captioned the shot.

The other two women also uploaded the same snap to their respective social media accounts.

Marina succinctly summed up her view on the matter by simply writing 'YES' next to the photo.

'#wewearblack #timesup' Despite not walking the red carpet at the lavish event in Los Angeles, Lara didn't let that get in the way of her letting her feelings be known publicly

Meanwhile, Filomena echoed her friends' support for the cause with a lengthy and passionate call to action.

'SISTERS STAND UP,' she wrote.

'#wewearblack whether it's a black suit or a black bikini and stand up against inequality and sexual harassment across all industries, because #TIMESUP on waiting, silence & discrimination. We demand for women and marginalized people in all occupations and industries to feel safe.'

'We demand for women and marginalized people in all occupations and industries to feel safe': Lara, who is married to Sam Worthington (right), was joined by makeup artist Filomena Natoli and stylist Marina Fonin, who called for action

Lara wasn't the only Australian publicly on board with protesting against indecent behaviour by using their clothing.

Helping the A-listers of Hollywood turn the red carpet black were stars from Down Under including Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie.

Nicole, 50, and Margot, 27, both donned the shade as they attended the illustrious event.They are two of America's most beloved comic actresses.

And Carol Burnett and Jennifer Aniston proved the dream team as they united to present at Sunday's Golden Globes.

The pair were on stage to introduce the nominees for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy.

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'She's kinky!' Jennifer Aniston skips the red carpet... but gets a laugh as she tweaks Carol Burnett's ear on stage at the Golden Globes

Comedy gold: The pair were on stage to introduce the nominees for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy

However it was the double act between the pair that impressed, as they jostled for space and teased one another.

Jennifer, 48, who had skipped the red carpet, told Carol: 'Wow. On a night when so many people, all of their dreams will come true tonight, So has mine, because I get to present with my idol, the amazing Carol Burnett.'

Deadpan, Carol, 84, replied: 'Thank you sweetheart, thank you. That's so sweet. And you, know, i'm happy that you're coming back to television because Will And Grace was one of my favorite shows.'

Winning: It was the double act between the pair that impressed, as they jostled for space and teased one another

Approval: The audience laughed away at the comedy onstage

That famous ear: Jennifer tweaks Carol's lobe

As the room erupted in laughter, Friends star Jennifer pretended not to get the joke, so Carol added quickly: 'I'm just kidding.'

During her years presenting her long-running TV variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, the actress always signed off with a slight tug of her left ear - a secret family signal to her grandmother, who raised her.

Jennifer asked Carol if she could touch the famous ear.

'Kinky!' Jennifer asked Carol if she could touch the famous ear

'Kinky!' Burnett joked after the display, asking the actress: 'Was it everything you dreamed it would be?'

Replied Jennifer: 'It was everything, everything, thank you.'

'As I said, she's kinky!' Burnett said.

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent AdvertisementRadio star Meshel Laurie has blasted KIIS 101.1's Jase Hawkins and Polly 'PJ' Harding after yet another controversial stunt from the duo.

Meshel - whose KIIS FM Melbourne breakfast radio show was dumped last year and she and Matt Tilley were replaced by the duo- vented her frustration after seeing their guests, Will and Woody, wear T-shirts with her and Matt's faces on them.

Jase and Polly - who launched their new show on Monday - appeared to encourage the new drive hosts to wear the tops.

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'Sad, please don't use my name and face for cheesy stunts': Meshel Laurie SLAMS KIIS FM hosts Jase Hawkins and Polly 'PJ' Harding (L) for 'tacky' merchandise featuring her picture...after THAT toilet snap

The snap was shared on KIIS 101.1's Facebook and Instagram, but has since been deleted.

Meshel shared a screen grab of the image on her Instagram page, blasting the radio hosts.

'We never had T-shirts or mugs, or any merch (sic) at all, so they've made these especially for a fake stunt. Sad,' Meshel began.

Hitting back: 'We never had T-shirts or mugs, or any merch (sic) at all, so they've made these especially for a fake stunt. Sad,' Meshel vented

Her former colleague: Meshel and Matt Tilley were replaced by Jase and Polly

'Please don't use my name and face for cheesy radio stunts guys. @kiis1011.'

She also shared a meme of Beyonce looking sad, alongside the caption: 'The face you make when you find out the same lame b***hes still bringing you up.'

The 41-year-old also shared a quote that read: 'Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving you happier.'

Drama: She also shared a meme of Beyonce looking sad, with the text that read: 'The face you make when you find out the same lame b***hes still bringing you up'

Her caption read: 'I'm tryin (sic), but sister, some days are harder than others.'

The original post shared on the KIIS 101.1 FM Instagram and Facebook page read: 'Classic stitch up from Will and Woody, as they made the "always awkward" Jase & PJ even more awkward by wearing Matt & Meshel merch on their debut show.'

One follower reportedly called the stunt 'super tacky', while another said it was 'disgusting' and 'so offensive' with one even saying they will never listen to the shows.

The stunt comes after Jase took to Instagram to share a photo of a woman believed to be PJ in her underwear and hunched over a toilet, on Sunday.

Too far? The stunt comes after Jase took to Instagram to share a photo of a woman believed to be PJ in her underwear and hunched over a toilet, on Sunday

Jase captioned the photo, which was shared with his 16,000-plus followers, 'Don't be nervous Peej. Show starts Monday, @kiis1011.'

He then added the crying with laughter emoji.

According to the Herald Sun, the picture was 'liked' by the show's official Instagram account and was posted before station management became aware of it.

Controversial: According to the Herald Sun, the picture was 'liked' by the show's official Instagram account and was posted before station management became aware of it

Sources told the News Corp publication the photo was indeed of PJ and that she was with Jase when he posted it online.

PJ also reportedly shared a unflattering image of her male co-host, but swiftly deleted it.

It is understood the radio stars would post embarrassing snaps of each other every Friday as part of their New Zealand radio show.

Joking around? Sources told the News Corp publication the photo was indeed of PJ and that she was with Jase when he posted it online

Jase recently took to Instagram to reflect on his time in New Zealand before his show moved to Australian airwaves.

'Thanks NZ for the most incredible three years, I've loved every second of it. Time for the next adventure,' he wrote.

PJ also wrote on Instagram: 'Lots of laughs in 2017, here's to a s**t tonne more! Next stop: MELBOURNE (for good this time).'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted KIIS FM for comment who declined to comment.She presented at the 2018 Golden Globes with Dame Helen Mirren.

And Viola Davis wore black in solidarity for the Time's Up movement as she arrived at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the annual awards show in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The 52-year-old actress stole the spotlight as she donned a sleek sleeveless Brandon Maxwell gown.

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Stunner: Viola Davis, 52, wore black in solidarity for the Time's Up movement as she arrived at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the Golden Globes in Los Angeles on Sunday

Daring to impress, the How To Get Away With Murder star wrapped her enviable figure in the form fitting dress.

The low cut couture allowed her pretty decolletage to take center stage as her toned arms were on full display.

Her trademark raven tresses were set au natural with beautiful coils that framed her flawless face.

The Oscar winner adorned her neck with a string of sparkly diamonds that fell in strands across her decolletage.

Spotlight: She stole the spotlight as she donned a sleek sleeveless Brandon Maxwell gown

Beauty queens: Viola joined Helen Mirren on stage to present Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role in any Motion Picture

Viola was joined on the red carpet with her husband and fellow actor Julius Tennon.

She shared Instagram snaps of the happy couple getting ready for the big event.

Viola joined Helen Mirren on stage to present Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role in any Motion Picture.

Happy couple: Viola was joined on the red carpet with her husband Julius Tennon

Impressive: Daring to impress, the How To Get Away With Murder star wrapped her enviable figure in the form fitting dress

And the two proved a winning double act, as they set up their award presentation to Sam Rockwell.

'Supporting actors are not really supporting at all,' began Viola, with Helen quickly adding: 'Just with not as many lines.'

In a back and forth Viola agreed with: 'Or close ups.' 'Or personal make up artists,' said Helen. 'Or publicists.' 'Or remuneration.'

Cheers! And it seems the friendship was not just an act, with the pair swigging champagne backstage together after their moment in the spotlight.

And it seems the friendship was not just an act, with the pair swigging champagne backstage together after their moment in the spotlight.

Meanwhile, more stars descended on Beverly Hills Sunday to honor the best in film and television as the 2018 awards season officially kicks off with the Golden Globes.

This year's ceremony is seen as the first big opportunity for Hollywood to speak with one voice against a pervasive culture of misconduct brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, unmasked as a serial predator.

Style goddess: Her trademark raven tresses were set au natural with beautiful coils that framed her flawless face

Getting ready: She shared Instagram snaps of the happy couple getting ready for the big event

The focus Sunday night is expected to be as much on the stars' acceptance speeches as on the performances being honored at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's glitzy bash.

The ceremony at the Beverly Hilton - the first for late night NBC funnyman Seth Meyers as host -- is not as reliable at predicting Oscars glory as the galas held by Hollywood's acting, producing and directing unions.

But it remains one of the most high-profile and glamorous - not to mention boozy -- events of the awards calendar and tends to generate more headlines for tipsy tributes, daring gowns and wacky tuxedos.

Baubles: Viola showed off her fantastic collection of jewelry for the evening

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent AdvertisementShe just got a clean bill of health after major surgery to finally stop debilitating migraines.

Now Grant Denyer's wife Chezzi, 38, is getting prepared to take life head-on once again, taking to Instagram to proclaim the new year 'our year' for the couple.

On Sunday, the TV producer posted a candid shot of herself nestled next to her Family Feud host husband, gushing over the former Sunrise weatherman along with the caption '2018 is our year, my love.'

'Our year': Chezzi Denyer, 38, has shared a picture of herself and TV host husband, Grant, sitting in a pool, proclaiming it is 'our year,' after the pair have had considerable health setbacks in 2017

Looking loved-up, the pair posed in a swimming pool with Chezzi casually putting her arm around her TV personality husband's neck.

It's no secret the pair have had a trying 12 months health wise.

In March last year, Logie nominee Grant was in a horror car accident which saw him fracture his tailbone and break a finger.

Health woes: The TV producer recently had major surgery in order to correct a sinus issue, which was causing her debilitating migraines

Meanwhile, Chezzi has been dealing with on-going migraines due to a serious sinus condition - affecting her hearing, smell and taste.

But with Grant making a full recovery and Chezzi recently undergoing a serious operation to correct her sinuses, it seems the 38-year-old has been given a new lease on life.

The couple's fans were clearly happy to see her optimistic attitude, with a number of them congratulating her and one user writing: 'sending lots of love with good miracle blessings.'

Renewed optimism: More recently, the couple have been enjoying time together at the Central Coast with their two daughters, Sailor, 6, and Scout, 3

Another Instagram user added 'Beautiful photo! You both look so relaxed.'

The blogger responded in kind, saying, 'Thank you, it's been a wonderfully relaxing holiday! xxx,' while saving more personal messages for friends.

Chezzi has been open about her health struggles, late last month sharing an extremely graphic image of herself post-surgery.

'First time I've been able to wear sunnies!': Chezzi has been keeping fans informed through Instagram of her recovery since her surgery last month

'I've swallowed heaps of blood which makes me feel quite queasy and I have very low blood pressure for some reason,' she posted beside the image.

'I'm on a lot of medication to reduce inflammation and bruising.'

However, updating fans last week, it would seem the surgery was a major success, with life getting back to normal for the mother of two.

Heath setbacks: Both Grant (left) and Chezzi Denyer both had health issues last year, with Grant involved in a horror car crash which saw him fracture his tailbone and break a finger

'First time I've been able to wear sunnies comfortably since my surgery last month!!' she wrote.

Grant and Chezzi married in 2010.

They share two daughters Sailor, 6, and Scout, 3, with the family residing outside of Bathurst.She filmed scenes for The Bold And The Beautiful in Sydney last year.

And American actress Katherine Kelly Lang, 56, appears to have warmed to the idea of a sea change Down Under after making multiple visits to Australia in the past.

Speaking to TV Week, the soap star said she and partner Dominique Zoida have already been looking at properties around North Sydney's.

'We've looked around the Manly area': The Bold And The Beautiful's Katherine Kelly Lang plans move to Australia with partner Dominique Zoida

The trip to Australia was said to be celebratory to mark three decades of the show's TV success.

It also appeared to be a push to promote tourism in Australia - with producers joining forces with the nation's airline Qantas.

'It's always wonderful to be in Australia,' Katherine told the publication while she chomped on a Tim Tam.

'It's always wonderful to be in Australia': The star recently visited Australia as part of an international episode for the soap

'Hopefully we can buy in the near future. But we couldn't live here full-time, because of my job on Bold': It appears the couple were looking for a potential holiday home

The Californian-native recently sold her LA abode and admitted she and partner Dom were hopeful of finding a Sydney house to share.

'I love the idea of having a place here... We've looked around the Manly area and hopefully we can buy in the near future. But we couldn't live here full-time, because of my job on Bold,' she said.

Dom and Katherine also own a Malibu getaway, with the couple listing plans to add a pool and horse stable to the home.

American ties: Dom and Katherine also own a Malibu getaway, with the couple listing plans to add a pool and horse stable to the home

Katherine has been married twice before and has three children: Zoe Katrina D'Andrea, 20, Julian Snider, 25 and Jeremy Snider, 27.

The actress has been one of the star's of the popular American soap opera since 1987.

The Bold And The Beautiful airs weekdays from 4.30pm on Network TenShe's been attempting to see if blondes really do have more fun after dying her brunette locks a bold shade of platinum a few months ago.

And that certainly seemed to be the case for Emilia Clarke as she partied with her Game Of Thrones co-star Kit Harington and Gwendoline Christie at the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on Sunday evening.

The British actress, 31, looked as though she was having an absolute ball as she burst into a fit of giggles while sharing a joke with her fellow cast member Christie, 39, backstage at the high-profile event.

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So blondes DO have more fun? Emilia Clarke, 31, partied with her Game Of Thrones co-star kit Harington at the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on Sunday evening

The British actress was also seen rubbing shoulders with fellow GOT star, Gwendoline Christie

Emilia - who portrays Mother of Dragons Daenerys Targaryen in Game Of Thrones - enjoyed a reunion with another of her HBO co-stars in the form of Kit Harington, 31, as the pair joined forces to present a prize.

The duo addressed the star-studded crowd as they named actor and comedian Aziz Ansari winner of Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy for his role as Dev Shah in Netflix's Master Of None.

Emilia looked incredible as she joined in the Golden Globes Time's Up protest by wearing black in solidarity with victims of sexual harassment and assault.

The actress turned heads in a strapless, figure-hugging Miu Miu dress with a plunging neckline.

Plenty to smile about: The British actress, 31, looked as though she was having an absolute ball as she burst into giggles while sharing a joke with her fellow cast member, 39, backstage

Talented twosome: Emilia enjoyed a reunion with another of her HBO co-stars in the form of Kit Harington, 31, as the pair joined forces to present a prize

Say cheese! The gorgeous duo appeared in seriously high spirits as they took a playful selfie with a female companion

Adding height to her frame with Jimmy Choo stilettos and a matching clutch, Emilia injected some A-list glamour to her look with Harry Winston jewels.

Kit was suited and booted to perfection in a tailored black suit by Dior Homme.

Gwendoline looked equally striking as she hit the red carpet at the Golden Globes, showcasing her statuesque form to perfection in a dramatic ruffle-detail gown by Giles Deacon.

The actress teamed her stunning gown with Ara Vartanian jewelry and Manolo Blahnik shoes as she joined the great and good of Hollywood at the star-studded event.

And the winner is! The duo named actor and comedian Aziz Ansari winner of Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy for his role in Netflix's Master Of None

Doing their bit: The co-stars joined in the Golden Globes Time's Up protest by wearing black in solidarity with victims of sexual harassment and assault

Dapper dude: Kit was suited and booted to perfection in a tailored black suit by Dior Homme

Although Game Of Thrones fans will no doubt be delighted to see some of the cast members in attendance at the Golden Globes, they have a long time to wait until the next installment of the fantasy drama.

HBO recently confirmed season eight will not hit screens until 2019, meaning the show will sit out 2018 entirely.

Season seven of the medieval drama wrapped after just seven episodes on August 27 with an 80-minute segment called The Dragon And The Wolf.

It contained a slew of reveals not least of which was that Harington's Jon Snow is actually the son of actor Wilf Scolding's Rhaegar Targaryen and Aisling Franciosi's Lyanna Stark, long written out of the series.

Pulling out the stops: Gwendoline looked stunning in a semi-sheer black dress which boasted dramatic frills and sash detailing

Three's company! The girls also cosied up to handsome co-star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as the trio once again got the giggles on their way into the HBO afterparty

United they stand: The GoT stars were among those who took a stand against sexual abuse in the entertainment industry by wearing all-black ensembles

That makes him the heir to the Iron Throne and also the nephew of Daenerys Targaryen, meaning their lusty romance is incest.

The final scenes showed the Night King riding undead dragon Viserion with the White Walkers leading an army of the undead as they finally battered down the Great Wall that had kept the south safe for millennia.

A galaxy of Hollywood greats descended on the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday to honor the best in film and television as 2018 awards season officially kicked off.

The color black was chosen as a simple way to show solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment and assault and make a statement against a pervasive culture of misconduct, brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Unlikely duo: Gwendoline shared a moment with famed astronaut Buzz Aldrin at the ceremony, with the pair holding hands and gazing at each other

Trailblazer: The 87-year-old American engineer was one of the first two humans to land on the Moon, and the second person to walk on it

Making a statement: The actress turned heads in a strapless, figure-hugging Miu Miu dress with a plunging neckline

The ceremony at the Beverly Hilton - the first for late night NBC funnyman Seth Meyers as host - is not as reliable at predicting Oscars glory as the galas held by Hollywood's acting, producing and directing unions.

Big Little Lies and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri were the big winners of the night, picking up four prizes each.

Dominating the television category, Big Little Lies was named Best Limited Series or TV Movie, with three of its stars taking home individual prizes.

Nicole Kidman won Best Actress, Limited Series or Television Movie for her role as domestic abuse victim Celeste Wright, while screen husband Alexander Skarsgard picked up the Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Limited Series or TV Movie.

Worlds away from Westeros: Adding height to her frame with Jimmy Choo stilettos and a matching clutch, Emilia injected some A-list glamour to her look with Harry Winston jewels

Blonde ambition: Emilia wore her platinum locks poker straight and injected a welcome bolt of color to her ensemble with a slick of bright pink lipstick

Bad news: Game Of Thrones fans have a long time to wait until the next installment of the fantasy drama

Girl about town: Emilia later continued her night of fun at HBO's Golden Globes afterparty

Best of British: Emilia and Kit looked ready to party as they cuddled up inside the HBO bash

Laura Dern was also a winner, taking home Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Limited Series or TV Movie.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri was the big winner in the movie categories, picking up the coveted Best Motion Picture, Drama accolade, as well as Best Screenplay.

Frances McDormand took home Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama and her co-star Sam Rockwell won Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture.

Oprah Winfrey received the Cecil B. DeMille award for lifetime achievement.

Stealing the spotlight: Gwendoline looked equally striking as she hit the red carpet at the Golden Globes, showcasing her statuesque form in a ruffle-detail gown by Giles Deacon

Ruling the red carpet: The actress teamed her stunning gown with Ara Vartanian jewelry and Manolo Blahnik shoes as she joined the great and good of Hollywood at the star-studded event

Girls just wanna have fun! Gwendoline also headed to continue the party at the HBO bash at Circa 55 inside The Beverly Hilton

Starring role: Nikolaj is best known for playing Jaime Lannister in the hit HBO series

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - TELEVISION Best TV series - Drama The Crown Game of Thrones The Handmaid's Tale - WINNER Stranger Things This Is Us Best performance by Actress in a TV series - Drama Caitriona Balfe, Outlander Claire Foy, The Crown Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Deuce Katherine Langford, 13 Reasons Why Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale - WINNER Best performance by an Actor in a TV Series - Drama Sterling K. Brown, This is Us - WINNER Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan Jason Bateman, Ozark Best TV series - Musical or Comedy Black-ish Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - WINNER Master of None SMILF Will & Grace Best performance by an Actor in a TV series - Musical or Comedy Anthony Anderson, Black-ish Aziz Ansari, Master of None - WINNER Kevin Bacon, I Love Dick William H. Macy, Shameless Eric McCormack, Will and Grace Best performance by an Actress in a TV series - Musical or Comedy Pamela Adlon, Better Things Alison Brie, Glow Issa Rae, Insecure Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - WINNER Frankie Shaw, SMILF Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Big Little Lies - WINNER Fargo Feud: Bette and Joan The Sinner Top of the Lake: China Girl Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies Jude Law, The Young Pope Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks Ewan McGregor, Fargo - WINNER Geoffrey Rush, Genius Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Jessica Biel, The Sinner Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies - WINNER Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan Susan Sarandon, Feud: Bette and Joan Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Alfred Molina, Feud Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies - WINNER David Thewlis, Fargo David Harbour, Stranger Things Christian Slater, Mr. Robot Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Laura Dern, Big Little Lies - WINNER Ann Dowd, The Handmaid's Tale Chrissy Metz, This is Us Michelle Pfeiffer, The Wizard of Lies Shailene Woodley, Big Little Lies AdvertisementShe's The Biggest Loser host who is currently enjoying a well-deserved break in Byron Bay.

And on Sunday, an unsuspecting Fiona Falkiner was overcome with emotion when she walked into her surprise 35th birthday bash.

The bubbly TV personality cried tears of joy when she saw the surprise shindig in her honour, which was organised by her girlfriend Lara Creber.

Biggest shock: On Sunday, an unsuspecting Fiona Falkiner was overcome with emotion when she walked into her surprise birthday bash

Taking to Instagram to capture the moment, the TV personality can clearly be seen in a state of shock, glassy-eyed with her hand over her mouth.

'My first ever surprise party,' she posted, 'No words, tears, laughs and smiles thank you so munch [sic] to all the beauty people in my life.'

The reality star also thanked her girlfriend, writing: 'especially you, @larzicrebs.'

'Body positive': Model Fiona has been enjoying a well-deserved break in Byron Bay with a number of friends, with the bevvy of beauties promoting body 'positive message.'

It comes after Fiona has enjoyed the past week at tourist hot spot, Byron Bay, with girlfriend Lara and a number of their mutual friends.

Spending the time enjoying leisure activities and updating fans with a number of bikini-clad snaps at swimming holes.

'From London to New York and today, all together in Byron Bay,' the curvy TV host under an image of her and a bevy of bikini-clad friends.

Curves ahead: While on holiday with girlfriend Lara Creber, the TV personality has regularly flaunted her curves

Leisure: The TV host also enjoying time at Northern Rivers swimming holes over her New Year break to Byron Bay

The popular host then adding a body positive message: writing 'love your body,' before adding the hashtag #bodypositivebabes.

Socialite Fiona made the decision to go public with her girlfriend in October last year, after images emerged of the couple kissing.

'Who cares if you are tall, short, have some wobbly bits or some muscly bits, hairy or bald, love a man or a woman, every body is unique and beautiful,' she said.

Before adding: 'Instead of casting judgement and negativity towards others. This is the world I want to live in.'

Lovebirds: Earlier this week Fiona and girlfriend Lara Creber shared a loved-up snap, before the shock surprise birthday partyShe's a proud mother to three children with actor husband Chris Hemsworth.

And on Friday, Elsa Pataky doted on her precious offspring, in Byron Bay, on the New South Wales coast.

The 41-year-old opted to go barefoot, and looked beautiful in a Bohemian-style green frock.

Hands-on mother! Barefoot Elsa Pataky, 41, perfects the boho chic look in a patterned green frock, as she doted on her precious children, in Byron Bay last Friday

Elsa, who is known for her roles in The Fast and the Furious franchise, cut a casual figure in a green patterned loose-fitting frock.

Opting to go barefoot, the actress drew attention to a delicate anklet on her right foot.

Carrying her belongings in a black fringed bag, slung across her body, Elsa accessorised further with layers of delicate gold and silver jewels.

Cool and casual: The Fast and the Furious actress went low-key for the occasion, opting for a loose-fitting green patterned frock

Hands-free: Elsa slung a black fringed bag across her body

Leading the way: The blonde beauty held onto her son's hand, as they made their way to what appeared to be an activity centre

Elsa kept her beauty look minimal, allowing her cropped blonde locks to fall effortlessly.

The L'Oreal ambassador appeared to sport just a light coating of foundation.

Elsa was pictured with daughter India Rose, five, and twin sons Tristan and Sasha, three.

The clan headed to what appeared to be an activity centre, with Elsa approaching the counter.

Cute: The tot wore a red T-shirt with a graphic emblazoned on the front, blue shorts and striped socks

Beauty: Elsa allowed her cropped locks to fall effortlessly

Doting: At one stage, the mother-of-three doted on her precious daughter India Rose, five

Elsa and Chris' children looked cute as a button, all sporting casual T-shirts and shorts, going barefoot for most of the occasion.

Meanwhile Chris, 34, made a suave arrival at the 75th Golden Globe Awards, in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The Thor star wore an all-black ensemble, in support of the Time's Up movement, aiming to stop sexual harassment of women.

Attentive: Elsa crouched down to meet her daughter, giving India Rose her full attention

Touching: The L'Oreal ambassador embraced her precious daughter

Natural: Elsa opted to go barefoot, drawing attention to a delicate anklet on her right foot

Chris donned a textured suit jacket and coordinating trousers, along with a dress shirt with several buttons left undone and suede shoes.

The Hollywood heartthrob recently opened up on his relationship with Elsa, telling GQ Australia: 'My wife and I fell in love, had kids, didn't really see each other for a few years, then fell back in love.'

'In terms of work, (Elsa) has certainly given up more than I have,' he continued.

Off they go: The model and her other son were pictured outside, with the youngster appearing very enthusiastic

Mother and daughter: At another stage, Elsa held onto the hand of her daughterHer movie In The Fade won at the Golden Globes on Sunday in Los Angeles.

And Diane Kruger was ready to celebrate as she was spotted in a quirky outfit change at the InStyle and Warner Bros. after-party for the annual awards event.

The actress, 41, donned a dramatic look with torn white fabric strewn across her body as she reveled in the Best Foreign Language Film prize.

Shabby chic: Diane Kruger, 41, was spotted in a quirky ensemble at the InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globes after-party in Los Angeles on Sunday

As if she were Cinderella and her step sisters tore apart her ball gown, Diane wore a chic and shredded wardrobe for the celebrity-stacked event.

The corset white top allowed her enviable figure to take center stage as it cut low and cinched her lithe waist.

Always one on the fashion forward front, the Inglourious Basterds star draped herself in the lace fabric that cascaded along her black leggings.

She paired the daring look with a small silver metallic clutch, black high heels, and a pair of diamond drop earrings.

Reveling: Diane donned a dramatic look with torn white fabric strewn across her body as she reveled in the Best Foreign Language Film prize

Channeling fairy tales: As if she were Cinderella and her step sisters tore apart her ball gown, Diane wore a chic and shredded wardrobe for the celebrity-stacked event

Fashion forward: Always one on the fashion forward front, the Inglourious Basterds star draped herself in the lace fabric that cascaded along her black leggings

Meanwhile, Diane made her red carpet debut with Norman Reedus whom she's been linked to since March 2017 after first meeting as co-stars in Sky back in 2015.

The actress posed alongside her actor boyfriend for the first time in the 10 months since they officially confirmed their relationship before later packing on the PDA with a kiss when In The Fade was named Best Foreign Language Film.

The German-born star dazzled as she hit the red carpet in a stunning black Prada gown with polka dot sheer detailing, gunmetal beaded edges and a dramatic flowing train.

Packing on the PDA: Diane looked utterly smitten as she cosied up to boyfriend Norman Reedus that evening

Come here, you! Norman wrapped an arm around the blonde bombshell as they shared the black carpet

It's official! Diane and Norman made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 75th annual Golden Globe awards at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Sunday

Sealed with a kiss: The couple enjoyed a rare moment of PDA as they celebrated the talented actress' big win with a passionate kiss

The former model was joining in the Golden Globes Time's Up protest by wearing black in solidarity with victims of sexual harassment and assault.

Diane wore her blonde locks swept back from her face in a chic up-do and injected further glamour to her look with dazzling diamond jewelry.

The talented actress completed her ensemble with a small black patent clutch bag and smokey eye make-up.

Her big moment: The actress, 41, was enjoying a major career moment as her movie In The Fade won Best Foreign Language Film

Loved-up: Diane jumped up and planted a huge smooch on her boyfriend of 10 months as In The Fade was named winner of the coveted prize

Norman, 48, followed the lead of his leading lady and also opted for Prada for the night, teaming a satin lapel tuxedo with a black shirt and bow tie.

The Walking Dead star sported the Time's Up pin in honor of the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund, which provides legal assistance to women who have experienced harassment or abuse in the workplace.

The couple went public with their romance in March 2017, two years after meeting when they co-starred in Sky in 2015.

When they met, Diane was still in her decade-long relationship with actor Joshua Jackson, 39.

Gothic glamour: The German-born star dazzled as she hit the red carpet in a stunning black Prada gown with polka dot sheer detailing, gunmetal beaded edges and a flowing train

Black is the new black: The former model was joining in the Golden Globes Time's Up protest by wearing black in solidarity with victims of sexual harassment and assault

Red carpet moment: Diane wore her blonde locks swept back from her face in a chic up-do and injected further glamour to her look with dazzling diamond jewelry

Although the pair walked multiple red carpets during their time as co-stars, the Golden Globes marks their first event as an official couple.

It was a big moment for Diane, with her movie, In The Fade, announced as winner of the Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language Golden Globe.

In the action-packed crime drama - which was released on December 27 - Diane plays Katja, who is seeking revenge after a bombing that kills her husband and young son.

The project marks the first time the actress has appeared in film in her native tongue.

Natural beauty: The talented actress completed her ensemble with a small black patent clutch bag and smokey eye make-up

Woman of many talents: It was a big moment for Diane, with her movie, In The Fade, named as winner of the Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language Golden Globe

Diane recently admitted taking on the role was a life-changing experience and affected her more than she could have ever thought possible.

She explained in an interview with Modern Luxury magazine's January issue: 'Ive been very good up until this point to separate my work from my everyday life.

'This was the first time it wasnt possible. I didnt expect [the film] to affect me this amount... its changed me forever.

'I definitely started to feel like I was drowning in their grief after witness[ing] that much pain. I felt like I was in it.

Oh what a night! The talented actress joined In The Fade's director Fatih Akin on stage in front of the star-studded crowd as he accepted the coveted prize

Leading lady: The director paid tribute to his leading lady for her work in the gritty drama

'I was Katja reacting to what was happening in front of me. I wasnt done at the end. I couldnt have gone on another day - I was a mess; I really was.'

A galaxy of Hollywood greats descended on the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday to honor the best in film and television as 2018 awards season officially kicked off.

The color black was chosen as a simple way to show solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment and assault and make a statement against a pervasive culture of misconduct, brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

More kisses! Diane didn't only reserve the kisses for her man, and puckered up to her director as they posed with their Golden Globe prize backstage after the main event

The ceremony at the Beverly Hilton - the first for late night NBC funnyman Seth Meyers as host - is not as reliable at predicting Oscars glory as the galas held by Hollywood's acting, producing and directing unions.

But it remains one of the most high-profile and glamorous - not to mention boozy - events of the awards calendar and tends to generate more headlines for tipsy tributes, daring gowns and wacky tuxedos.

Big Little Lies and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri were the big winners of the night, picking up four prizes each.

Job of a lifetime: Diane recently admitted taking on the role was a life-changing experience and affected her more than she could have ever thought possible

Dominating the television category, Big Little Lies was named Best Limited Series or TV Movie, with three of its stars taking home individual prizes.

Nicole Kidman won Best Actress, Limited Series or Television Movie for her role as domestic abuse victim Celeste Wright, while screen husband Alexander Skarsgard picked up the Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Limited Series or TV Movie.

Laura Dern was also a winner, taking home Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Limited Series or TV Movie.

Plenty to smile about: The actress said she was 'a mess' psychologically after filming wrapped on the tense drama

I'll drink to that! Diane posed proudly with her Golden Globe award backstage in the Moet & Chandon area

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri was the big winner in the movie categories, picking up the coveted Best Motion Picture, Drama accolade, as well as Best Screenplay.

Frances McDormand took home Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama and her co-star Sam Rockwell won Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture.

Oprah Winfrey received the Cecil B. DeMille award for lifetime achievement at the event, hosted by NBC funnyman Seth Meyers.

Gritty: In the action-packed crime drama - which was released on December 27 - Diane plays Katja, who is seeking revenge after a bombing that kills her husband and young son

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent AdvertisementAdvertisement

After the glitzy annual ceremony at The Beverly Hilton, a host of stars kept the party going after the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday.

Keeping up a show of solidarity for the Time's Up initiative, Emily Ratajkowski, Rumer Willis and Sarah Hyland lead the red carpet arrivals at the InStyle and Warner Bros. after party wearing sexy black gowns.

Gone Girl stunner Emily, 26, opted for a simple black velvet spaghetti strap dress which skimmed the floor and accentuated her slender figure, while Rumer, 29, and Sarah, 27, also made a statement in plunging ensembles.

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Beauties in black: Emily Ratajkowski, Sarah Hyland and Rumer Willis dazzled at the InStyle and Warner Bros Golden Globes After Party on Sunday night

Complementing her black dress, Emily added a dash of color with sweeping red eye-shadow and kept her glossy brunette locks loose.

The Blurred Lines beauty showed a glimpse of cleavage in the low-cut number and donned sparkly hoop earrings for a little bling.

Rumer rivalled Emily on the glamour front as she brought the drama in an extremely low cut dress with voluminous ruffled tulle skirt.

The Dancing With The Stars champ wore her copper red locks super straight and accessorized with a purple clutch and lots of bling.

Slinky silhouette: Emily, 26, looked incredible in a black velvet dress with spaghetti straps

Smouldering: The Gone Girl star made a statement with streaks of red eye-shadow

Striking: Emily wore her glossy brunette locks slicked behind her ears as she posed up a storm on the red carpet

Wow factor: Rumer rivalled Emily on the glamour front as she brought the drama in an extremely low cut dress with voluminous ruffled tulle skirt

Front and centre: The daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis put on an eye-popping display and accessorised with a purple clutch

Glamour: Modern Family star Sarah Hyland, 27, stunned in a black dress with spaghetti straps which showed off some serious cleavage

Sarah, 27, meanwhile sparkled in a black dress with spaghetti straps which showed off some serious cleavage.

The Modern Family star wore her brunette locks in glossy waves and sported some diamond earrings and rings adorning her fingers.

Other stars at the event included Mariah Carey, Miranda Kerr, Reese Witherspoon, Lea Michele, Julianne Hough, Laverne Cox, Nina Dobrev, Kaley Cuoco and Alexandra Daddario.

Mariah commanded attention as she arrived with her toyboy Bryan Tanaka. The adorable duo looked like two kids in love as they giggled through the red carpet in glamorous coordinating black ensembles.

The pop princess rocked a skintight black dress, in solidarity with the Time's Up movement, to the festive after party.

Her plunging, semi-sheer, Dolce & Gabbana dress was held together with one strap across her neck and she sported a pair of sparkling drop earrings.

Ready to party! Song diva Mariah Carey, 47, showed off her figure in a heavily ruched fishtail gown

Making it a date night! The songstress was joined by boyfriend Bryan Tanaka, 34

Stylish: The pop princess rocked a skintight black dress, in solidarity with the Time's Up movement, to the festive after party

Sexy: Her plunging, semi-sheer, Dolce & Gabbana dress was held together with one strap across her neck and she sported a pair of sparkling drop earrings

Suited and booted Bryan looked undeniably handsome with his hair done and untied his bow tie to lead his lady to the party

Hollywood beauties: Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Kravitz and Lea Michele simply glowed in their black dresses

Suited and booted Bryan looked undeniably handsome with his hair done and untied his bow tie to lead his lady to the party.

The dynamic duo playfully held on to each other before Bryan dipped the Heartbreaker to the side for a sweet photo op.

Miranda Kerr took her baby bump to the red carpet as she attended the event in a beautiful black leopard print Balmain gown with a dramatic feathered train and cheeky keyhole detailing.

The mother-of-one, who raises son Flynn, six, with ex-husband Orlando Bloom, 40, teamed her striking dress with strappy Giuseppe Zanotti heels to add height to her frame.

Miranda injected a touch of A-list glamour to her ensemble with sparkling Niwaka jewellery as she tenderly caressed her baby bump on the red carpet.

Mom-to-be: Pregnant Miranda Kerr showed off her baby bump in a skintight animal print dress with long tassels

Wow: The mother-of-one, who raises son Flynn, six, with ex-husband Orlando Bloom, 40, teamed her striking dress with strappy Giuseppe Zanotti heels to add height to her frame

Work it! Miranda injected a touch of A-list glamour to her ensemble with sparkling Niwaka jewellery as she tenderly caressed her baby bump on the red carpet

Screen siren: Kate Beckinsale wowed in a figure-hugging black number with sequinned puffy sleeves

Gorgeous: The Pearl Harbour star's hourglass curves were accentuated by the figure-hugging fishtail gown which featured shoulder pads for extra drama

Blonde beauty: Julianne Hough looked simply stylish in a black gown with silver embellishments and sheer sleeves

Kate Beckinsale wowed in a figure-hugging plunging black number with puffy sequinned sleeves. The Van Helsing beauty wore her long locks up in a playful ponytail and rocked diamond-encrusted earrings.

Her hourglass curves were accentuated by the figure-hugging fishtail gown which featured shoulder pads for extra drama.

Julianne Hough looked simply stylish in a black Jenny Packham gown with silver embellishment and sheer sleeves.

Actress Kaley Cuoco stunned as she arrived on the red carpet with her hunky new fiance, Karl Cook.

The 32-year-old showed off her yoga-toned physique in a sheer frock worn with black undergarments. She tied her blonde locks into high ponytail, which was secured in place with a bow-tie.

Glowing: Actress Kaley Cuoco stunned as she arrived at the event with new fiance, Karl Cook

Sensational: The 32-year-old showed off her yoga-toned physique in a sheer frock worn with black undergarments. She tied her blonde locks into high ponytail, which was secured in place with a bow-tie

Head turners: Vampire Diaries beauty Nina Dobrev looked sensational in a cut-out gown with shimmery panel and Nikki Reed rocked a regal dress with gold embellishments

Pals: The TV sensation put on a leggy display as she posed alongside Big Little Lies star, Reese Witherspoon

Stunning:The Twilight actress looked every inch the beauty icon as she tied her brunette tresses into a chic chignon, which boasted a few loose tendrils framing her face

After party people: Susan Sarandon is seen posing alongside Rosa Clemente, Marai Larasi and Emma Watson

Chest a glimpse: Baywatch star Alexandra Daddario wowed in a halterneck dress with cut-out on the chest

Vampire Diaries beauty Nina Dobrev looked sensational in a cut-out gown with shimmery panel which showcased her enviably toned physique.

Nikki Reed also flaunted her toned legs in an asymmetrical regal dress with gold embellishments.

The Twilight actress looked every inch the beauty icon as she tied her brunette tresses into a chic chignon, which boasted a few loose tendrils framing her face.

Alexandra Daddario wowed in a halterneck dress with cut-out on the chest. She completed the look with a slick ponytail and vampy lips.

Hailey Baldwin oozed sex appeal as she took to the red carpet in a saucy semi-sheer gown with boasted a frilly bustier before exposing her midriff.

The daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin gave a glimpse of her derriere as she worked her angles at the event.

Striking look: The 31-year-old star completed her dramatic look with a deep berry lip color

Sensational: The brunette beauty was keen on showcasing all elements of her sexy dress as she worked her angles

Flashing it: Hailey Baldwin oozed sex appeal as she took to the red carpet in a saucy semi-sheer gown with boasted a frilly bustier before exposing her midriff

Bottoms up! The daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin gave a glimpse of her derriere as she worked her angles at the event

Laverne Cox looked magical in a sparkly gown with sheer bodice and sleeves while Ireland Baldwin went edgy mixing leather and lace and Sistine Stallone shimmered in a sexy sheer embellished gown.

Ashley Judd and Salma Hayek, two of Harvey Weinstein's accusers, held hands as they arrived at the bash.

Diane Kruger opted for an edgy ensemble which including swathes of fabric that looked like they'd been torn.

The German-American beauty exhibited her flawless decolletage in a low-cut white bustier top, which she teamed with skinny black trousers and towering heels.

Bombshell: Laverne Cox looked magical in a sparkly gown with sheer bodice and sleeves

Standing out: Ireland Baldwin went edgy mixing leather and lace while Sistine Stallone shimmered in a sexy sheer embellished gown

Show of unity: Ashley Judd and Salma Hayek, two of Harvey Weinstein's accusers, held hands as they arrived at the bash

Enviable figure: Salma looked flawless as she showed off her curves in a skintight jumpsuit

Let 'er rip! Diane Kruger and Hailey Baldwin opted for outfits including swathes of fabric that looked like they'd been torn

Edgy: The German-American beauty exhibited her flawless decolletage in a low-cut white bustier top, which she teamed with skinny black trousers and towering heels

Cara Santana accessorised with emerald while Tracee Ellis Ross flashed her pink bra top under an oversized blazer.

Pregnant Eva Longoria sported a plunging tuxedo-esque dress with split in the skirt.

The former Desperate Housewives star, who is expecting her first child with husband Jose 'Pepe' Antonio Baston, looked absolutely glowing as she arrived in style.

Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown showed her fashion credentials in a ruffled mini dress.

Christina Hendricks teamed capri pants with a dramatic ball gown with a mix of satin and velvet.

Other stylish arrival at the event included Erika Christensen, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Chrissy Metz, Jamie Chung, Kerry Washington, Busy Philipps and Dove Cameron.

Stylish in pants: Cara Santana accessorised with emerald while Tracee Ellis Ross flashed her pink bra top under an oversize blazer

Two peas in a pod: Cara looked striking as she arrived on the arms of her hunky fiance Jesse Metcalfe

Amazing: Lena Waithe, left, and Tracee Ellis Ross opted for androgynous chic as they took to the red carpet

Happy: The pair looked to be in great spirits as they enjoyed a giggle

Flashing some leg: Pregnant Eva Longoria sported a plunging tuxedo-esque dress with split in the skirt

Radiant: The former Desperate Housewives star, who is expecting her first child with husband Jose 'Pepe' Antonio Baston, looked absolutely glowing as she arrived in style

A galaxy of stars descended on Beverly Hills Sunday to honour the best in film and television as the 2018 awards season officially kicks off with the Golden Globes.

This year's ceremony is seen as the first big opportunity for Hollywood to speak with one voice against a pervasive culture of misconduct brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, unmasked as a serial predator.

The ceremony Sunday night focused much on the stars' acceptance speeches as on the performances being honored at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's glitzy bash.

The ceremony at the Beverly Hilton - the first for late night NBC funnyman Seth Meyers as host -- is not as reliable at predicting Oscars glory as the galas held by Hollywood's acting, producing and directing unions.

Satin chic! Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown showed her fashion credentials in a ruffled mini dress

Bit of both: Christina Hendricks teamed capri pants with a dramatic ball gown with a mix of satin and velvet

Let the fun begin: Erika Christensen channeled gothic princess while Tamera Mowry-Housley opted for something racier, with Tamera accessorizing her look with some Gabriel NY diamond earrings

Young Hollywood: Nicola Peltz looked like a classic Hollywood screen siren as she was accompanied by boyfriend Anwar Hadid

Glitzy: This Is Us star Chrissy Metz wore an off-the-shoulder dress with sequin embellishments

On the same page: Kerry Washington, Busy Philipps and Dove Cameron shimmered in strapless dresses

Pals: Kerry Washington, Debra Messing, and Eva Longoria looked to be in a great mood as they posed together

Girl power: Tarana Burke, top row from left, Michelle Williams, America Ferrera, Jessica Chastain, Amy Poehler, Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, and bottom row from left, Natalie Portman, Ai-jen Poo, and Saru Jayaraman

But it remains one of the most high-profile and glamorous - not to mention boozy -- events of the awards calendar and tends to generate more headlines for tipsy tributes, daring gowns and wacky tuxedos.

Actors and actresses turned out in black this year, in solidarity with victims of Weinstein and numerous other figures exposed by the harassment and abuse scandal, including Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and Dustin Hoffman.

During the night Oprah Winfrey accepted the Cecil B DeMille award and gave a speech which has been hailed 'one of the greatest American speeches' with some even dubbing her the future president.

Showing them how it's done: Stranger Things star Natalia Dyer and Will & Grace's Debra Messing looked effortlessly stylish in their black ensembles

Cute couple! Vanessa Hudgens went for a black and white look as she was joined by boyfriend Austin Butler

Date night: Christian Slater posed with wife Brittany Lopez while Ansel Elgort was all smiles with girlfriend Violetta Komyshan

Nailed it: Mena Suvari, Jackie Cruz and Angela Sarafyan let their individual styles shine through

So glam: Jamie Chung looked gorgeous in a strapless prom-style dress with layered skirt

Lacy ladies: Shay Mitchell, Ali Larter and Michelle Monaghan went slightly sheer

Twitter users went wild over the barnstorming speech, joking that the former talk show host should make a run in 2020.

Winfrey began her speech by saying she hopes by accepting the award, the first black woman to do so, has an impact on young girls.

'At this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this award,' Winfrey said.

Sexy: Lea looked striking in a figure-hugging black down with a soaring thigh high split

Here come the boys! In a sea full of powerful women, the men, Scott Eastwood, Nick Robinson and Dylan McDermott also showed their solidarity in slick black suits

'I want all the girls watching to know: A new day is on the horizon. When that new day finally dawns, it will be because of the magnificent women and many of them are in this room tonight.'

She closed her speech with a call for unity: 'I want all the girls watching to know a new day is on the horizon.

'And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure they are the leaders to take us to the time where nobody has to say 'me too' again.'

Flower power: Bellamy Young and Constance Wu opted for black frocks with floral designs

Wow factor: Molly Sims' dress looked like a piece of artwork with its spectacular sleeves

Red carpet pros: Emily VanCamp and Sonequa Martin-Green knocked it out of the park with demure necklines

No fuss: Danielle Macdonald, Zoey Deutch and Kiersey Clemons kept it simply in plain black

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent AdvertisementThey tied the knot at a Melbourne registry office in 2015 before announcing their abrupt split just months later.

And two years on, millionaire Geoffrey Edelsten, 74, and estranged wife Gabi Grecko, 28, have reconciled after an 'intense reunion' and the couple plan to tie the knot in a second wedding in New York.

The medical entrepreneur told Daily Mail Australia on Monday that he has never been happier and the couple will make their reunion official in a vow renewal ceremony.

True love! Millionaire Geoffrey Edelsten, 74, and estranged wife Gabi Grecko, 28, have reconciled after an 'intense reunion' and the couple plan to tie the knot in a second wedding in New York

He also hit back at recent claims made by his ex-wife Brynne Edelsten, 34, after she said Geoffrey's reconciliation with Gabi is just a 'joke.'

'Brynne misconstrued my comments to her questions about Gabi,' he said.

Geoffrey said his reunion with aspiring rapper Gabi occurred after they made 'intense contact' and decided they wanted to be together again.

'It has got more intense over the past few weeks until present time,' he said.

It's officially back on! The medical entrepreneur told Daily Mail Australia on Monday that he has never been happier and the couple will make their reunion official in a vow renewal ceremony

Loved up! In a surprising twist, the businessman said the couple intend on renewing their vows 'in a synagogue in New York City'

Wearing his ring! Geoffrey was spotted with a lovely piece of jewellery on his ring finger

The successful businessman said the couple intend to renew their vows 'at a synagogue in New York City.'

'There has never been a divorce because neither of us wanted one,' he admitted.

The news comes just one day after Brynne claimed the reunion was a farce.

Gabi in the flesh: 'Apparently it was only a joke about Geoff and Gabi getting back together...that's what he said in his texts to me last week anyway,' she said

'Apparently it was only a joke about Geoff and Gabi getting back together... that's what he said in his texts to me last week anyway,' she said.

The texts show Brynne wishing Geoffrey and Gabi a 'Happy New Year,' followed by a love heart emoji.

Geoffrey replies by saying the 'media reports are a joke' in relation to his romance with Gabi and 'he was in East Timor helping [the] government with medical services.'

New year, new you! The texts show Brynne wishing Geoffrey and Gabi a new year, followed by a love heart emoji

Brynne asked her ex-partner if the news about him and Gabi came as a surprise to which he replied 'big surprise.'

Brynne spent five years married to Geoffrey before citing her husband's 'dalliances' with another woman as the reason the pair split in 2014, claims which Geoffrey denies.

They still 'speak or text' occasionally because there are 'ongoing court proceedings' between the pair, she claims.L'Oreal's new Elvive campaign has sparked mixed reviews after appearing to liken Winona Ryder's career comeback to damaged hair.

The 46-year-old actress - who made an almighty return to the screen as single mother Joyce Byers in Stranger Things - has been unveiled as the latest star to join the all-star L'Oreal family, though it seems not everyone is a fan of the way the brand has marketed her debut.

The ad follows Winona as she prepares to step onstage at an award ceremony, though her identity isn't revealed until 45 seconds into minute-long the commercial.

'How dare they!' L'Oreal's new Elvive campaign has sparked mixed reviews after appearing to liken Winona Ryder's career comeback to damaged hair

Instead, audiences feast their eyes on the unidentified star's beautifully, bouncy curls as she hypes herself up in her dressing room wearing a gorgeous black gown.

When Winona's face is finally unveiled, the screen reads: 'Everyone loves a comeback. Damaged hair deserves one, too.'

However, while the beauty company is no doubt attempting to champion Winona's acclaimed performance in the hit Netflix series, it has certainly divided opinion on social media.

Hair she is! The 46-year-old actress - who made an almighty return to the screen as single mother Joyce Byers in Stranger Things - fronts the beauty brand's latest Elvive campaign

Plot: The ad follows Winona as she prepares to step onstage at an award ceremony, though her identity isn't revealed until 45 seconds into minute-long the commercial

Airing for the first time during Sunday night's Golden Globes ceremony, one viewer slammed: 'Wait was there just a shampoo ad saying we finally let Winona Ryder back in Hollywood because she fixed her hair.'

Another mocked: 'just impulse shouted HOW DARE THEY?! at the shampoo ad with Winona Ryder and the tag line everyone deserves a comeback."'

'First the appalling Winona Ryder damaged hair ad then Tommy stuck alone in a corner. Terrible treatment of my faves tonight #GoldenGlobes75,' raged a further.

Dividing opinion: The commercial has received mixed reviews online

Mystery woman: Instead, audiences feast their eyes on the unidentified star's beautifully, bouncy curls as she hypes herself up in her dressing room wearing a gorgeous black gown

Controversial: When Winona's face is finally unveiled, the screen reads: 'Everyone loves a comeback. Damaged hair deserves one, too.'

However, there were also those who praised the advert and its message.

'#GoldenGlobes Winona Ryder looking fab in the hair ad.Everyone deserves a second chance,' one fan commended.

'Yesss. Winona Ryder in LOreal Elvive ad. You come back girl. Youre perfect in @Stranger_Things,' another raved.

MailOnline has contacted Winona's representative for comment.The cream of Hollywood converged as the 75th annual Golden Globes got underway in Beverly Hills on Sunday evening.

But James Corden opted instead for a comparatively low key night out with stunning wife Julia Carey at a local restaurant, where they enjoyed a dinner date just three weeks after welcoming their third child.

Corden, 39, looked dapper in a navy blazer overlaid with distinctive green and red stitching as they made an exit from Santa Monica eatery Georgio Baldi following a subdued evening away from the red carpet.

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Subdued: James Corden opted for a low key night out with stunning wife Julia Carey at Santa Monica restaurant Georgio Baldi on Sunday evening, where they enjoyed a dinner date just three weeks after welcoming their third child

The Late Late Show presenter added to his look with a simple T-shirt and matching blue chinos, with casual trainers rounded off a distinctly smart-casual ensemble.

Joining her husband, Julia, 37, indicated that shes already bounced back into shape following the birth of their third child, a daughter, on December 12.

Leading the way as they headed towards a waiting car, the TV presenter caught the eye in a black silk blouse and skinny jeans.

Looking good: Leading the way as they headed towards a waiting car, TV presenter Julia caught the eye in a black silk blouse and skinny jeans

A patterned jacket added a distinctive flourish to an otherwise casual look, while tasselled suede boots rounded things off.

James was forced to drop out of his presenting role on The Late Late Show last minute after Julia went into labour.

The role was duly filled by his close friend and former One Direction star Harry Styles - who had announced James' baby joy just 30 minutes after Julia gave birth.

She and husband James are still yet to name their daughter, with James revealing during a later appearance on the US talk show that he had suggested calling their little girl Beyonce.

Leave of absence: James was forced to drop out of his presenting role on The Late Late Show last minute after Julia went into labour

The Gavin & Stacey actor revealed: 'After the baby was born, anyone who's been in this situation will know, we were both crying, I was crying my eyes out, my wife's crying her eyes out, the baby's crying.

'The doctor asked about her name and I don't know why I said it and I looked at the doctor and said, "We're going to call her Beyonce." My wife did not think that was funny.

He claims a nurse actually believed him and had even started filling out the necessary paperwork, as he added: 'I had to go over to her and go, "Excuse me, there's only one Beyonce."'Coleen Rooney was seen stepping out after paying an emotional tribute to late sister Rosie McLoughlin on the fifth anniversary of her death.

The 31-year-old WAG showed off her baby bump in a sporty hoodie and a pair of leggings as she ran errands in Wilmslow on Monday morning.

The brunette kept a low profile during her shopping trip, wearing her hair pulled off her face in a ponytail.

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Emotional: Coleen Rooney was seen stepping out in Wilmslow after paying an emotional tribute to her late sister

Tragic: Her outing came as she shared a moving tribute to Rosie McLoughlin on the fifth anniversary of her death - pictured in 2006

The wife of Everton striker Wayne Rooney was heartbroken after special angel sister Rosie lost her battle with Rett Syndrome, a rare brain disorder that causes severe disabilities, in January 2013 at the age of 14.

And taking to social media platform Twitter on Monday morning, Coleen, 31, made sure her memory was honoured by sharing a poignant image of Rosies name illuminated with lights.

Shortly after posting the shot, the Littlewoods designer was inundated with well meaning messages from members of her loyal 1.31 million following.

'Thinking of u and your family today. Rosie was a special person who I know made the lives of ppl she met brighter,' (sic) wrote one.

Sporty: The 31-year-old WAG showed off her baby bump in a sporty hoodie and a pair of leggings as she ran errands in Wilmslow on Monday morning

Minimal: The brunette kept a low profile during her shopping trip, wearing her hair pulled off her face in a ponytail

Active: Coleen ensures she always makes time for gentle exercise throughout her pregnancy

A second added: 'Big hugs today and hope today is as gentle as it can be. She is looking over you ever day.' (sic)

'Thoughts are with you all x shine bright little angel,' wrote another.

Coleen was said to idolise her adopted sister and chose Rosie as chief bridesmaid when she married Wayne in 2008.

Rosie was originally taken in as a foster child by Coleens parents, bricklayer Tony and Colette, a former nursery nurse, when she was two. Although they were aware she was disabled they did not know the full extent of her condition, which has no cure.

Loading up: Coleen was laden down with heavy bags after her grocery shop

Tribute: Taking to social media platform Twitter on Monday morning, Coleen, 31, made sure her memory was honoured by sharing a poignant image of Rosies name illuminated with lights

Devastated The wife of Everton striker Wayne Rooney was heartbroken after special angel sister Rosie lost her battle with Rett Syndrome, a rare brain disorder that causes severe disabilities, in January 2013 at the age of 14

Support: Shortly after posting the shot, the Littlewoods designer was inundated with well meaning messages from members of her loyal 1.31 million following

In an exclusive article for The Mail on Sunday in 2006, Coleen wrote: When Rosie arrived she could crawl, and even though she couldnt use her hands that much she would handle toys on her play mat and she could eat.

But over a period of time she stopped crawling and lost what use of her hands she had. Then she started having problems swallowing her food.

It took pretty much a year for Rosie to be diagnosed and, looking back, I can see how much Mum pushed to find out what was wrong with her and to try to do what was best for her.

Close: Wayne has previously paid tribute to Rosie in posts shared with his Instagram followers

Loving: Rosie was originally taken in as a foster child by Coleens parents, bricklayer Tony and Colette, a former nursery nurse, when she was two

In a statement released shortly after her death, Tony and Colette wrote: Sadly our special angel Rosie, our much-loved daughter and sister, went to Heaven at 2.50 this morning at home where she was surrounded by her loving family.

Rosie was just 14 years old and fought a lifelong battle with Rett syndrome. Throughout her life she brought so much love and happiness to all our family and everyone who knew and met her.

She was such a strong little girl and an inspiration to us all. We shall cherish for ever the memories we have shared and the love she showed us each and every day of her life. As a family we are heartbroken but we are blessed to have had her in our lives.

Remembering our angel: Coleen makes a point of honouring her sister's memory on social media

Coleen had been on holiday in Barbados with her younger brothers, Joe and Anthony, but cut short the trip when she heard that Rosies condition had deteriorated.

Taking to Twitter to express her sorrow shortly after her passing, she wrote: We are absolutely heartbroken to have lost our angel Rosie.

So glad we ended our holiday short, due to her deteriorating & we was able to spend the last few days together with her and our family! Sleep tight Rosie Mc x. We love you more than words can say x.She's the stunning model who's been referred to as 'Australia's Kylie Jenner'.

But Belle Lucia has now candidly revealed her self-esteem was 'severely affected' by her years-long battle with acne.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, the beauty shared a throwback snap with her 921,000 followers, which showed her suffering from the skin condition as a teeanger.

Candid: On Monday, Australian model Belle Lucia shared a throwback photo of herself as a teenager accompanied by a lengthy caption in which she revealed acne affected her self esteem

The photo was placed side-by-side with a more recent snap of the starlet, who is now no longer suffers from skin blemishes.

Adding a lengthy and emotional caption, Belle began: 'No one is perfect - Left is me as a teenager. I struggled with acne for many years as a young girl, not only was it isolated to just my face but it affected my chest and back.'

She then told fans how severely the condition affected her claiming she had to 'stop modelling as a result'.

'Australia's Kylie Jenner': The beauty, who usually shares bikini photos, got candid with her 921,00 followers

Explaining why she chose to share the picture, the stunner stated: 'I'm posting this to hopefully help those out there suffering with acne or anyone worrying about the way they look'.

'When I was young I wish someone would have told me that your looks don't define you and even the 'models' you see on advertisements aren't perfect', she added.

Belle's candid picture and her brave omission received mountains of praise from her legion of fans, with one gushing: 'Love how real this post is, so beautiful!'

Inspirational: Aussie-based Belle, who is half-German half-Portugese is one of the country's most popular models on Instagram

Another was encouraged by the beauty's wise words, writing: 'Exactly what I needed, Ive been struggling with acne for a while now'.

Aussie-based Belle, who is half-German half-Portugese, is one of the country's most popular models on Instagram.

Frequently sharing sizzling snaps showing off her bikini body, the star was this week seen posing beside a pony in a nude G-string bikini on a beach.She was the controversial Big Brother contestant who left the Gold Coast house with a new boyfriend.

And now Cat Law, 34, has opened up about returning to university as a mature age student in a bid to further her nursing career.

She revealed her plans in a candid Instagram post on Monday.

'I'm heading back to Uni': Former Big Brother contestant Cat Law announces she's going back to school as a mature age student

'Don't be afraid to be thought of as the smart girl. I've decided to take a pretty big life change and return to uni as a mature age student,' she captioned.

A picture showed a very confident Cat wearing black-rimmed glasses.

'That's right, I'm heading back to uni at 34 eek! I've been working as a Registered Midwife for 6 years and now it's time to add Registered Nurse to my name as well. Wish me luck,' she continued.

She's a smart lady! Cat already has three university degrees according to the official Big Brother fan page and a 'fervent obsession with board games'

Where the love affair began: She's also an identical twin and was newly divorced before entering the house (pictured with Lawson)

She finished 11th place on the series before returning to Melbourne to resume working as a midwife - with fellow contestant Lawson Reeves by her side.

Cat already has three university degrees according to the official Big Brother fan page and a 'fervent obsession with board games.'

She's also an identical twin and was newly-divorced before entering the house.

But since being evicted she has found love with Lawson, the pair launching a food blog together and regular posting at music festivals and at the gym.

Christmas at work! But since being evicted she has found love with Lawson, the pair launching a food blog together and regular posting at music festivals and at the gym

They're still together! She was the controversial Big Brother contestant who left the Gold Coast house with a new boyfriend

She recently caused a stir on her Instagram page when she captioned a picture of herself drinking wine with: 'Nothing like having some time to sit and think. Like today for example, I started to wonder if deaf people find farts as funny.'

A fan criticised Cat's humour in the moment, telling her she 'hopes no one close to her ever has a disability.'

Cat was quick to explain that she never intentionally meant to offend.She promised to serenade husband Dr. Rick Wolfe on their first wedding anniversary.

And Gamble Breaux might be planning a dance performance too, as she showcased her moves in an Instagram video on Saturday.

The Real Housewives of Melbourne star, 46, shared footage of herself in a pink bikini and pirate hat while dancing to Michael Jackson's Thriller.

Getting her groove on! Gamble Breaux might be planning a dance performance for her first wedding anniversary to Dr. Rick Wolfe, as she showcased her moves on Instagram on Saturday

'Won the bet! Thriller dance bought to you reluctantly by @lukewolfee hahaha,' she wrote in the caption.

Gamble's 2016 wedding to eye surgeon Dr. Rick Wolfe in Byron Bay, NSW was aired on Real Housewives Of Melbourne.

Around 60 guests attended the beachside wedding, including her co-stars Janet Roach, Gina Liano, Jackie Gilles and Lydia Schiavello.

Thrilling! Over the weekend, The Real Housewives of Melbourne star, 46, shared footage of herself in a pink bikini and pirate hat while dancing to Michael Jackson's Thriller

Gamble stunned in a custom-made Alin Le' Kal gown which clung to her slender figure and featured a long and billowing train.

After the ceremony, the tearful bride thanked her guests, saying: 'It's been one of the best moments of my life. I'm the luckiest girl at the moment.'

Ahead of their wedding anniversary, Gamble announced on social media that she plans to celebrate the occasion with a song.

She was pictured in a recording studio, choosing a drum track for a composition written by Jason Singh.

Gamble wrote in the caption: 'Behind-the-scenes! I am very excited that Jason has agreed to write a song for me to sing to @rickwolfe1 for our anniversary!'

Real Housewives Of Melbourne airs Wednesdays at 8:30pm on Arena

In the recording studio! Ahead of their wedding anniversary, Gamble announced on social media that she plans to celebrate the occasion with a songAngelina Jolie has not been seen alongside estranged husband Brad Pitt in over a year.

But on Sunday evening, Golden Globe viewers did a double take when she sat next to a man who strongly resembles the actor she raises six children with.

The 42-year-old Oscar winner looked happy as she posed with Chris Hemsworth, who has often been called a young Pitt.

They look good together: Angelina Jolie sat next to Brad Pitt look-alike Chris Hemsworth at the Golden Globes on Sunday in Beverly Hills

So five years ago: Jolie and Pitt were side by side at the Globes in 2015

Fans have often said that when Chris starred in Avengers, he looked exactly like Brad when he starred in Troy.

On Sunday Tweeters commented: 'No one acknowledges the similarity between these two! I confuse Chris with Brad all the time lol.'

Another added: 'For a long time I thought that Brad Pitt played Thor in avenges. LOL.'

Photo bomber: Also at the A list table eight was director Taika Waititi

Angelina looked comfortable next to the hunk at their table inside the Beverly Hilton hotel where the Golden Globes took place. Also with them was director Taika Waititi as well as Angie's 14-year-old son Pax.

Chris is a 34-year-old actor from Melbourne, Australia who has been married to Elsa Pataky for seven years.

He is best known for the films Thor, The Avengers, and In The Heart Of The Sea. He can next be seen in Avengers: Infinity War in May.

Confusing: Fans have often said that when Chris starred in Avengers, he looked exactly like Brad when he starred in Troy

Brad, who is still in the process of working out the details of his divorce from Jolie, did not attend the Globes on Sunday.

Angie oozed glamor as she posed with her handsome 14-year-old lad on the red carpet as he matched his mom in a black tuxedo with Time's Up pin.

The By The Sea director looked nothing short of sensational in a black gown, keeping with the event's color scheme, with sheer neckline and feathered sleeves.

No Pitt: Brad, who is still in the process of working out the details of his divorce from Jolie, did not attend the Globes on Sunday; seen in 2015

Her handsome boy! Jolie was joined by son Pax Thien, 14, as well

Class act: Jolie, 42, dazzled in a black gown with sheer neckline and feathered sleeves

The Salt star wore her hair up in an elegant chignon and donned Forevermark Diamond drop earrings for a little sparkle.

She complemented her flawless alabaster complexion with some shimmery pink lip gloss.

Jolie will present a gong during the evening, as well as Jennifer Aniston, who was also previously married to Pitt.

The duo rarely attend the same events but with both slated to be presenting there was higher chance for a run-in between the actresses.

Proud: Angelina looked every inch the doting mother as she posed with the teenageer

Snappy duo: Pax matched his mom in a black tuxedo suit with Time's Up pin

But Aniston, 48, chose to skip the red carpet, instead making an appearance on stage alongside Carol Burnett to present the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy.

It is unlikely the women will be seated near to one another however as Jenny Cooney, a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association - who helps work out the seating plan for the Golden Globes - recently revealed personal circumstances are taken into account when planning who will share a table at the glitzy ceremony.

'There have been years where major stars may be together for the first time since a high-profile split and we go to great lengths to put them on opposite sides of the ballroom' Cooney told Australia's Vogue.

Natural beauty: The mother-of-six looked sensational with her hair pinned up and wearing diamond drop earrings

Vision in black: Jolie showed off her sheer sleeves and the flattering ruching around her waistline

'It was always stressful to have Jennifer Aniston in the same room with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and this year we were wondering if Brad Pitt showed up, how that would be received by Angelina Jolie.

'It's good for the audience but maybe not for the exes,.' she added.

Jolie split with Pitt in September 2016, filing for divorce and citing irreconcilable differences and requesting physical custody for all six of their children.

Ex factor: Jennifer Aniston, who like Jolie was also married to Brad Pitt, presented during the evening but skipped the red carpet

Aniston was married to Pitt 2000 until 2005. They split as it was rumored that the actor had fallen for Jolie on the set of Mr & Mrs Smith.

This year's Golden Globes is seen as the first big opportunity for Hollywood to speak with one voice against a pervasive culture of misconduct brought to light by the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, unmasked as a serial predator.

The focus Sunday night is expected to be as much on the stars' acceptance speeches as on the performances being honored at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's glitzy bash.

Actors and actresses turned out in black this year, in solidarity with victims of Weinstein and numerous other figures exposed by the harassment and abuse scandal, including Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and Dustin Hoffman.

In the spotlight: Later in the evening Jolie took to the stage with Isabelle Huppert to present

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent AdvertisementShe enjoyed Christmas on the golden sands of Miami Beach, but Lottie Moss was back to the comparatively mundane realities of London life as she stepped out on Monday afternoon.

The model sister of catwalk veteran Kate Moss went make-up free for a low-key trip to a Chelsea supermarket, where she picked up several bags of essentials.

Opting for an oversized yellow jumper over black gym leggings, Lottie, 19, looked casual as she handled the rather unglamorous task of navigating her shopping laden trolley across an adjoining car park.

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Here she comes: She enjoyed Christmas on the golden sands of Miami Beach, but Lottie Moss was back to the comparatively mundane realities of London life as she stepped out on Monday afternoon

The young model added to her relaxed look with a pair of running shoes, while her trademark blonde locks were scraped into a messy bun.

Joined by ever-present friend Emily Blackwell, Lottie looked weary during her first sighting in the capital since returning from her idyllic Caribbean holiday.

Making her way hone later that day, the model had her hands full with a heavy looking shopping bag and multi-pack of mineral water as she walked alongside her close friend.

Don't mind me: The model sister of catwalk veteran Kate Moss went make-up free for a low-key trip to a Chelsea supermarket, where she picked up several bags of essentials

Low key: Opting for an oversized yellow jumper over black gym leggings, Lottie looked casual as she ventured out in the capital

In good company: The model was joined by ever present friend Emily Blackwell during her latest outing

Lottie's latest appearance comes after she slipped into a racy black basque for a sizzling new photo shoot.

The willowy model sported a sumptuous bodysuit featuring an intricate lace design and sheer paneling, which protected her modesty with strategically-placed fabric.

Teasing a glimpse of her ample cleavage, the fashionista showed off her model prowess as she seductively gazed down the camera lens.

She styled her long blonde locks in sweeping curls, which cascaded over her shoulders and accentuated her striking looks with a soft pink lip and a sweep of mascara.

Let's go: A rather weary looking Lottie caught the eye as she exited the Chelsea supermarket with Emily on Monday morning

She's got baggage: The young model handled the rather unglamorous task of navigating her shopping laden trolley across an adjoining car park

Hands free: Pal Emily chatted on her phone as they made their way home

The striking model recently jetted to the Bahamas after a warm festive holiday in Miami.

And Lottie has been commanding a strong social media presence during her idyllic getaway, sharing a plethora of bikini-clad snaps via her Instagram page.

On Sunday, she slipped into a tiny white bandeau two-piece as she posed against a backdrop of clear blue waters in Green Turtle Cay.

The blonde looked thoroughly relaxed as she flaunted her washboard abs in the sizzling shot.

Sizzling display: Lottie commanded attention on Monday as she slipped into a racy black basque in a sizzling photoshoot

A sun-kissed Lottie then showed off some serious under-boob as she slipped into a vintage print swimsuit in another sultry snap.

The busty blonde appeared a little windswept as she seductively paraded her ample assets in the skimpy ensemble.

Lottie is known for previously dating Alex Mytton from reality series Made In Chelsea, but their on and off nine-month romance came to an end in July last year.

Idyllic holiday: On Sunday, she slipped into a tiny white two-piece as she posed against a backdrop of clear blue waters during her Bahamas getaway

Buxom blonde: A sun-kissed Lottie then showed off some serious under-boob as she slipped into a vintage print swimsuit in another sizzling snap

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.They have just returned from an envy-inducing getaway to Antigua.

And Millie Mackintosh and her beau Hugo Taylor proved there was no rest for the wicked as they arrived in style to witness Blood Brother FW18 London Fashion Week fashion Catwalk show on Monday.

The former Made In Chelsea stars looked clearly smitten as they put on a trendy display while taking to the front row at the BFC Show Space.

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Hot couple: Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor proved there was no rest for the wicked as they arrived in style to witness a collection at London Fashion Week Men's on Monday

Loved-up: The former Made In Chelsea stars looked clearly smitten as they put on a trendy display while taking to the front row at the BFC Show Space

The Quality Street heiress couldn't keep her hands off her fiance as they fussed over each other ahead of the event.

Millie ensured to arrive in style in a chic white coat, which she paired with a plunging black top.

A pair of shiny biker trousers flaunted her slender limbs, which were accentuated in a pair of towering stilettos.

Relying on her natural features, Millie kept her make-up look simple, opting for mascara-laden eyes and a healthy dose of bronzer.

In love: The Quality Street heiress couldn't keep her hands off her man as they fussed over each other ahead of the event

Looking good: Millie ensured to arrive in style in a chic white coat, which she paired with a plunging black top

Trendsetter: A pair of shiny biker trousers flaunted her slender limbs, which were accentuated in a pair of towering stilettos

Hugo also looked super cool in his all-black ensemble which consisted of a shearling-lined biker jacket.

His matching shirt was casually unbuttoned to expose his chest hair and he accessorised with a dangling gold chain.

The pair proved that it was difficult for them to keep their hands off each other as they attended the stylish event.

Beauty: Relying on her natural features, Millie kept her make-up look simple, opting for mascara-laden eyes and a healthy dose of bronzer

Glossy: Millie's chestnut locks boasted a shiny blow dry

Looking good: Hugo also looked super cool in his all-black ensemble which consisted of a shearling-lined biker jacket

Hunk: His matching shirt was casually unbuttoned to expose his chest hair and he accessorised with a dangling gold chain

While fans know them as an original golden Made In Chelsea couple, Millie revealed the couple go way back as they have been friends for a 'long time' before the show.

Of their relationship, she explained: 'We've known each other since I was 16. So we've been friends for a long long time.'

Millie and Hugo were therefore firm friends for five years before the heiress made her debut on the new reality series at the tender age of 21.

There were break-ups, make-ups, drinks thrown and feisty jealousy while their passionate six-month love affair played out on the show in 2011.

Fashion fans: The duo were there to see the fashion of Men's brand Blood Brother

Golden: The style displayed was fashion-forward with a futuristic edge

Eclectic: The show presented a slew of unique looks, with slogans and written words being a common theme across the looks

Logo: The brand name was a key piece across the looks, with black and white also being a statement

Eyes for each other: The pair proved that it was difficult for them to keep their hands off each other as they attended the stylish event

Way back when: While fans know them as an original golden Made In Chelsea couple, Millie revealed the couple go way back as they have been friends for a 'long time' before the show

Star-studded: Joining Hugo and Millie on the front row were (L-R) Jim Chapman, Oliver Cheshire, Betty Bahz and Ben Nordberg

Suited and booted: Model Oliver Cheshire looked as dapper as ever in a grey suit and turtleneck combo

Of their relationship, Millie explained: 'We've known each other since I was 16. So we've been friends for a long long time'

But their relationship came to a dramatic end when Hugo got together with Millie's best friend Rosie Fortescue while they were still together.

The girls repaired their friendship when Millie left series five of the show and it is believed Rosie will even be a bridesmaid at her wedding.

Millie and Hugo reunited in May 2016, following her divorce from first husband Professor Green.John Heard, best known for playing the father in the Home Alone movies, had at least seven types of prescription drugs in his system when he died of a heart attack on July 21 at the age of 71.

The toxicology results are now in on the actor, who was found dead in a hotel in Palo Alto, California.

They showed he had Tramadol, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Xanax, Buprenorphine, Fentanyl and Hydromorphone in his system, according to TMZ.

Tragic report: John Heard, seen at the Newport Film Festival, had at least seven narcotics in his system when he was found dead in a hotel in Palo Alto, California, on July 21

However, Heard had back surgery two days before his death, and some of these drugs are commonly used to alleviate pain. He was at the hotel to recover.

The report also suggested there was an attempt to revive the star with Narcan, a drug used to counteract the effects of a narcotics OD

The Medical Examiner has already said he died from a heart attack triggered by heart disease and there is no information in the reports as to whether drugs contributed to the cause of death.

The Washington DC native was reportedly discovered by the maid service and was pronounced dead on the scene.

A Palo Alto Police Department spokesman told People: 'I can confirm that our officers responded with the Fire Department to a hotel in our city yesterday on a report of a person in need of medical aid.

'The person was determined to be deceased. While still under investigation, the death is not considered suspicious at this time.'

Heard played Peter McCallister - the father of Macaulay Culkin's character - in the Home Alone movies.

Comedy style: He's best known for his role as the father in the Home Alone movies in the 1990s

Screen dad: Heard played Peter McCallister - the fther of Macaulay Culkin's character

He also starred in Big with Tom Hanks, Gladiator, The Sopranos and Battlestar Galactica.

Heard had been married three times and is survived by three children.

In 1991 he was arrested and charged with third-degree assault for allegedly slapping his former partner Melissa Leo, according to Fox News. In 1997, he was found guilty of trespassing at her Baltimore home.He was left heartbroken when his estranged-wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead embarked on a relationship with Ewan McGregor.

But jilted husband Riley Stearns has vowed to be more positive in the new year as he took to Instagram on Monday with a reflective post.

The snap comes one day after Ewan raised eyebrows by thanking both his wife Eve Mavrakis and his new love - Riley's ex-wife - in his Golden Globes acceptance speech.

Heartache: Riley Stearns has vowed to move on from estranged-wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead as he took to Instagram on Monday to pen an emotional post

Taking to Instagram stories, Riley seemed in a pensive mood as he reflected on the breakdown of his 15-year marriage.

He wrote: 'Remember when I used to post sad stuff ALL THE TIME?? Yeah, sorry about that.

'I'm all about not taking myself too serious in 2k18 (see above) Notice something different? (If you guessed crazy hair you're correct.)'

New romance: The 31-year-old was left heartbroken after Mary embarked on a relationship with Fargo co-star Ewan McGregor

Over the past few months, the television writer has shared a number of downcast Instagram snaps as he struggles to move on from the 33-year-old Final Destination actress.

In December, Riley admitted he was still getting used to being called a divorce  despite still being married to his estranged wife of 15-years.

Sharing on Instagram stories, he wrote: 'Just remembered I got called a divorce for the first time yesterday. Still not as bad as the word fiance tho.'

In a fresh blow, Mary's new flame Ewan was awarded best performance by an actor in a limited series for his role as twins Emmitt and Ray Stussy in Fargo at the Golden Globes on Sunday evening.

First, the 46-year-old actor thanked his estranged wife of 22 years Eve, from whom he separated in mid-2017.

He said: 'I want to take a moment to just say thank you to Eve, who always stood by me for 22 years, he said, 'and our four children Clara, Esther, Jamyan and Anouk.'

Ewan then went on to mention his Fargo costar Mary Elizabeth who plays his character Ray's girlfriend Nikki Swango and who is now his real life girlfriend.

'Awkward': Ewan McGregor thanked both his wife of 22 years Eve Mavrakis as well as new love Mary Elizabeth Winstead in his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes on Sunday

He continued: 'I've always loved being an actor and I got amazing actors to hang out with, and there wouldnt have been any Emmett without David Thewlis and Michael Stuhlbard and Carrie Coon.

'And there wouldnt have been any Ray without Mary Elizabeth Winstead,' he concluded.

Twitter users were quick to react to the Scotsman's speech, calling it 'gutsy' and 'a first'.

'There wouldnt have been any Ray without Mary Elizabeth Winstead' the actor concluded his speech with a shout out to his girlfriend after thanking his wife for 22 years of support

Controversial: Numerous people took to Twitter to comment on Ewan's choice to thank both his wife and girlfriend in his speech

'Ewan McGregor using his speech to thank both his mistress AND his wife he left for her is... gutsy,' one user wrote.

Another added: 'Thanking his wife and the woman he cheated with-thats got to be a first in a speech'

Ewan's separation from Eve, 51, came to light in October, after news of the actor's blossoming romance with Mary emerged.

Earlier in the evening Ewan took to the red carpet solo as he arrived at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

He showed his support for the 'Time's Up' movement, which is protesting the pervasive culture of sexual abuse that has long had a grip on Hollywood, but which is now being widely exposed.

It's complicated: After announcing his split from Eve, 51 (left) in October, Ewan is now dating his Fargo co-star Mary Elizabeth, 33 (right)

Winner: The Fargo star is seen backstage posing with his award for best performance in a limited series

Solidarity: Ewan donned a 'Time's Up' badge, showing his support for the movement, founded in response to the Harvey Weinstein-led sexual misconduct scandal

Sticking with the dress code of black, the Scottish screen star - a Golden Globe nominee - cut a dapper figure in a classic tux, teamed with striped shirt and bow tie, as he joined the protest against Hollywood's many powerful figures who have been toppled in the scandal.

The Fargo star's solo appearance at the event stood in stark contrast to his other outings to the annual glamorous gala, which he was seen taking Eva to in previous years.

And as Ewan stepped out in California, his estranged wife recently shared a shot of herself enjoying her first vacation as a single woman as she shared snaps from a tropical getaway with her children.

Eve shares daughters Clara, 20, Esther, 16, Jamiyan, 16, and Anouk, six, with the star and whisked the girls off for a relaxing trip over Christmas and New Year's.

Taking to Instagram last Monday to share a snap from their holiday, the production designer showed the girls taking a dip in the sea as they beamed for the camera.

At this year's ceremony actors and actresses wore black in solidarity with victims of Weinstein and numerous other figures exposed by the harassment and abuse scandal, including Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and Dustin Hoffman.

Joining the cause: He joined the protest against Hollywood's many powerful figures who have been toppled in the ongoing sexual abuse scandal

Estranged: The former couple's separation came to light in October after the actor's new romance with Mary Elizabeth Winstead emerged

75TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WINNERS - FILM Best Motion Picture - Drama Call Me by Your Name Dunkirk The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy The Disaster Artist Get Out The Greatest Showman I, Tonya Lady Bird - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Meryl Streep, The Post Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Tom Hanks, The Post Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour - WINNER Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird - WINNER Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker Best Director Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water - WINNER Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Ridley Scott, All The Money in the World Steven Spielberg, The Post Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver James Franco, The Disaster Artist - WINNER Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Allison Janney, I, Tonya - WINNER Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" - WINNER Best Original Score in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri The Shape of Water - WINNER Phantom Thread The Post Dunkirk Best Original Song Home from Ferdinand Mighty River from Mudbound Remember Me from Coco The Star from The Star "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman - WINNER Best Screenplay in a Motion Picture The Shape of Water Lady Bird The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - WINNER Molly's Game Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language A Fantastic Woman First They Killed My Father In the Fade - WINNER Loveless The Square Best Animated Feature Film The Boss Baby The Breadwinner Ferdinand Coco - WINNER Loving Vincent AdvertisementThey welcomed daughter Marlowe in 2012 but split in 2015 after three years of being engaged.

But actress Sienna Miller, 36, once again proved that co-parenting is seamless with ex-beau Tom Sturridge, 32, as the actors stepped out in New York after dropping their five-year-old to school on Monday.

The Lost City of Z star went make-up free for the outing as she wrapped up warm in a faux-fur lined khaki green jacket, big enough to hide her hands away from the icy temperatures.

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Friendly: Actress Sienna Miller, 36, looked friendly with ex-beau Tom Sturridge, 32, as the theatrical duo stepped out in New York after dropping their 5 year-old to school on Monday

Sienna touched down in the Big Apple with Marlowe in toe on Saturday, rocking her bright green beanie, and the eye-catching bobble hat made another appearance on morning school run.

The adorable accessory coated her trademark brunette tresses, which draped naturally over her chic coat.

She continued her casually clad trend with stylish grey frayed FRAME jeans, with black leather block-heeled boots, perfect for trudging through the wintry streets.

The Alfie stunner shielded her eyes from the snowy morning glare with round tortoiseshell sunglasses as grabbed a caffiene fix after saying goodbye to her little one.

Casual: The Lost City of Z star went make-up free for the outing as she wrapped up warm in a faux-fur lined khaki green parka, big enough to hide her hands away from the icy temperatures

Ex-boyfriend and fellow actor Tom looked just as casual in his winter get-up, donning a multi-coloured Colmar jacket with skinny black jeans as he chatted to his former flame.

Joining the cosy hat trend, Tom opted for his own black beanie, covering up his chocolate locks.

Despite calling off their engagement in 2015, Sienna confirmed to Harper's Bazaar in March that she and ex-fiance Tom are on great terms, and regularly spend time together with their daughter.

At the time, she gushed to the magazine that she considers the Journey's End actor her 'best friend in the entire world' - and that while they don't share a property, they often stay together to spend mutual time with their little girl.

Admitting their close bond has not broken since they cut romantic ties, she explained: We still love each other.

'I think in a break-up somebody has to be a little bit cruel in order for it to be traditional, but its not been acrimonious in a way where you would choose to not be around that person.'

No hard feelings: Despite calling off their engagement in 2015, Sienna confirmed to Harper's Bazaar in March that she and ex-fiance Tom are on great terms, and regularly spend time together with their daughter

While both stars grew up in Britain, the American Sniper star confessed that she is happy she relocated to New York City last year, in order to challenge herself both professionally and personally.

I just felt like it was so easy and all my friends are there, and wed probably drink too much wine and go to the country for the weekend, she said of her London life.

It was announced in October that Tom joined the cast of the small screen adaptation of the Stephanie Danler novel of the same name.

The film is a coming-of-age story about Tess, a 22-year-old waitress who lives in New York City. The story is based on the author's experience working in restaurants.

Tom will play Jake, a bartender who is set to be in a love triangle with Tess (Ella Purnell) and Simone (Caitlin FitzGerald).She's become a fashion icon after a career in showbiz.

And Ashley Olsen oozed glamour as she stepped out in a sophisticated black gown to a Golden Globes after-party in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

The 31-year-old showed her support for the Time's Up movement with her pin and all-black attire.

Simply stunning: Ashley Olsen oozed glamour as she stepped out in a sophisticated black gown to a Golden Globes after-party in Los Angeles on Sunday night

Ashley's glam black gown featured a ruffled neckline and nearly floor length skirt that skimmed over her slingback heels.

She added a pop of color with her shimmering emerald green earrings, and had her sandy blonde locks slicked back into a no-fuss low ponytail.

The former Full House actress looked her radiant best with ample amounts of mascara, ensuring her hazel eyes shone bright.

Not pictured out with Ashley was her twin sister, Mary-Kate.

Showing her support: The 31-year-old showed her support for the Time's Up movement with her pin and all-black attire

Not ruffling any feathers! Ashley's glam black gown featured a ruffled neckline and nearly floor length skirt that skimmed over her slingback heels

The sisters gave up acting over 10 years ago to pursue their career in the fashion industry.

They've launched the high-end lifestyle band Elizabeth and James, and last summer opened up their first stand-alone store for the company in Los Angeles.

Ashley ended her five-month relationship with 58-year-old financier, Richard Sachs, last year.She's currently in icy New York City, where temperatures have plummeted as a deep freeze sweeps through the metropolis.

And Blake Lively was taking zero chances on the frigid cold as she bundled up from head-to-toe during an outing in the Big Apple on Monday.

The 30-year-old layered up in a floppy midnight blue hat, matching coat, and tasseled scarf.

No chances! Blake Lively was taking zero chances on the frigid cold as she bundled up from head to toe during an outing in the Big Apple on Monday

The star also rocked a chunky pair of glossy black boots as she carried a small bottle of water.

Blonde locks styled down, the actress looked practically makeup free, save for a shade of bright pink on her lips.

The outing comes less than 24 hours after Lively took to Instagram to once again show her solidarity with the Time's Up initiative.

'WOMEN AND MEN join us,' she wrote in the caption of the Time's Up image.

Stepping out in style: The star also rocked a chunky pair of glossy black boots as she carried a small bottle of water

She also re-posted a photo posted by The Handmaid's Tale star Reed Morano, in which she declared, 'We will ALL be treated WITH THE RESPECT WE HAVE EARNED.'

Lively showed her support for the Time's Up movement days earlier on Twitter, though was called out by Dylan Farrow.

Farrow called out both Blake and Cate Blanchett for their decision to work with film director Woody Allen, the adoptive father she claims sexually abused her as a child.

After Lively shared an image stating the aims of Times Up, Farrow responded to the tweet with the words: 'You worked with my abuser, Blake Lively. Am I a woman who matters too?'

Showing her support: The outing comes less than 24 hours after Blake took to Instagram to once again show her solidarity with the Time's Up initiative

Lively, who said she was 'proud' to back the new Times Up campaign, worked with Allen on 2016's Cafe Society.

As for Blanchett, who won an Oscar for her role on Allen's Blue Jasmine in 2014, Farrow queried a description of the Australian actress, 48, as a 'vocal campaigner against sexual harassment'.

Asked Farrow: 'Can one be a "vocal campaigner against sexual harassment" and a vocal supporter of Woody Allen? Seems a tad oxymoronic.'

Hitting back: After Lively shared an image stating the aims of Times Up, Farrow responded to the tweet with the words: 'You worked with my abuser, Blake Lively. Am I a woman who matters too?'

Calling it out: As for Blanchett, who won an Oscar for her role on Allen's Blue Jasmine in 2014, Farrow queried a description of the Australian actress, 48, as a 'vocal campaigner against sexual harassment'

Farrow, now 32, has repeatedly claimed that Allen abused her when she was seven years old.

In an op-ed published last month, Farrow wrote: 'I have long maintained that when I was 7 years old, Woody Allen... sexually assaulted me. I told the truth to the authorities then, and I have been telling it, unaltered, for more than 20 years.'

For his part Allen, now 82, has denied the claims.The line-up of American spin off series The Bachelor Winter Games was announced this week - and the cast includes several familiar international stars.

The Bachelor Australia 2016's Tiffany Scanlon will be taking part alongside Courtney Dober, who placed fourth in Georgia Love's season of The Bachelorette.

Two former contestants from The Bachelor New Zealand, Lily McManus and Ally Thompson, are also signed up - as well as season two leading man Jordan Mauger.

New role: The line-up of American spin off series The Bachelor Winter Games was announced this week - including familiar international stars. Pictured: Tiffany Scanlon and Courtney Dober

The Bachelor Winter Games, which premieres on ABC in the US on February 13, sees American and international Bachelor stars compete in 'winter-themed challenges'.

And, like other shows in the global Bachelor franchise, producers will be hoping the genetically-blessed contestants find love on the slopes.

A second chance at love? Australian Bachelor fans will remember Courtney Dober (pictured) as the likable, albeit rather indecisive, aspiring TV presenter from The Bachelorette season two

Claim to fame: Tiffany's stint on The Bachelor 2016 was forgettable, but she later made global headlines for her relationship with co-star Megan Marx (left), which fizzled out in a few months

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Tiffany and Courtney for further comment.

Australian Bachelor fans will remember Courtney Dober as the likable, albeit rather indecisive, aspiring TV presenter from The Bachelorette season two.

Georgia Love was clearly attracted to Courtney, but he wasn't able to fully commit and she grew tired of his 'ambiguity'. He was sent packing late in the series.

Making a comeback: Three former stars from The Bachelor New Zealand are also representing their country in the Winter Games. Pictured: Lily McManus (right) and Ally Thompson (left)

Meanwhile, Tiffany Scanlon had a blink-and-you'll-miss it role in The Bachelor 2016, after being dumped relatively early in the competition by Richie Strahan.

But she later made global headlines after beginning a same-sex relationship with her female co-star, Megan Marx, which fizzled out after a few months.

Three former stars from The Bachelor New Zealand are also representing their country in the 'International' category in Winter Games.

Last year's Bachelor runner-up Lily McManus is confirmed, as well as English-born yoga instructor Ally Thompson from the same season.

Will he flip a coin again? But it's the inclusion of Jordan Mauger (pictured) - New Zealand's controversial Bachelor from 2016 - that will almost certainly raise eyebrows

But it's the inclusion of Jordan Mauger - New Zealand's controversial Bachelor from 2016 - that will almost certainly raise eyebrows.

Jordan infamously revealed he couldn't decide between his final two women - Fleur Verhoeven and Nazanin 'Naz' Khanjani - so literally 'flipped a coin'.

Unsurprisingly, his relationship with the 'lucky' winner, Ms Verhoeven, didn't last.She previously appeared on the French fashion bible alongside her supermodel mum Cindy Crawford in 2016.

And now Kaia Gerber has truly broken out of her mother's fashion shadow once and for all as she announced on social media that she has landed her first solo cover for Vogue Paris' February issue at the tender age of 16.

The American catwalk star - who made her Paris Fashion Week runway debut in September - has managed to trump her mother agewise to landing her first Vogue cover - Cindy appeared on the front of American Vogue in 1986 then aged 20.

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Fashion feat! Kaia Gerber has truly broken out of her mother's fashion shadow once and for all as she announced on social media that she has landed her first solo cover for Vogue Paris' February issue at the tender age of 16

Owning her solo cover moment, Kaia - who has previously had the cover of sister publication Teen Vogue - donned billowing hot pink Saint Laurent mini dress complemented with a pair of velvet high-waisted shorts.

The high-fashion look oozes eighties vibes as she finishes the ensemble with a pair of fringe thigh-high black boots while her brunette tresses was coiffed over to one side to showcase her statement triangle earrings.

Unable to contain her excitement over her career milestone, she shared the cover alongside a heartfelt caption: 'I MUST BE DREAMING. to @vogueparis and everyone who made this cover possible...

'THANK YOU! and to @emmanuellealt, you made me the happiest girl in the world. SO MUCH LOVE'.

Like mother, like daughter: The incredible fashion feat comes after the daughter of Casamigos Tequila founder Rande Gerber landed major campaigns with Omega and Marc Jacobs beauty last year (Pictured with mother Cindy in 2016)

Kaia's announcement came as Vogue Paris shared the cover on their official page, explaining their excitement for her to be their covergirl.

'Introducing our Feburary cover star Kaia Gerber! (Someone who hardly needs introduction having brought the house down last Fashion Week.),' they wrote.

'Posing for her first solo cover, shot by @DavidSimsOfficial and styled by @EmmanuelleAlt in @YSL by @AnthonyVaccarello, the daughter of supermodel @CindyCrawford shows shes well on her way to fashion stardom. G

Adding: 'Let your copy on January 26. the outlet with with her cover reveal on Twitter'.

Fashion's first family: Kaia has taken the catwalk by storm alongside her model brother Presley, 18, and their runway star parents Rande and Cindy (Pictured together in 2016)

The incredible fashion feat comes after the daughter of Casamigos Tequila founder Rande Gerber landed major campaigns with Omega and Marc Jacobs beauty last year.

Kaia also made her catwalk debut in September 2017 walking in the most sought after shows including Versace, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Isabel Marant, following in the model footsteps of her mother.

There's no denying it can be tough for the offsprings of famous parents to break out of their mother and father's shadow, it appears Kaia doesn't have to be worried after she was named the next big thing in fashion.

Speaking about the teenager, Vanity Fair editor George Wayne told The New York Times: 'Without question, Kaia Gerber. She is exquisite. I saw that full page Omega ad she just did, the campaign for a new watch.

Walk this way: Kaia walked for Yves Saint Laurent (L) during Paris Fashion Week and for Marc Jacob in NYFW in 2017

Sibling chic! Kaia and Presley Gerber appear together in a new Calvin Klein campaign

'She is stunning. She is like her mother, Cindy Crawford, plus more. She is the future. No question.'

Most recently Kaia landed another big modelling contract, starring in Calvin Klein's new Spring 2018 campaign with her big brother, 18-year-old Presley Gerber.

The famous offspring both posed for solo shots for the designer, as well as a loving brother-sister snap.

Photographed by Willy Vanderperre, the ads are part of #MyCalvins ads, which are titled 'Our Youth'.The snow is still thick on the ground in Yonkers, New York.

But Julia Roberts seemed to be coping with the sub-freezing temperature of just 30F when she was spotted out filming a scene for the drama Ben Is Back on Monday after the holiday break.

The 50-year-old actress was dressed in a green parka coat trimmed with faux fur around the hood, a purple turtleneck sweater, jeans and brown leather boots as she walked along the icy sidewalk.

Wrapping up warm: Julia Roberts donned a parka trimmed with faux fur around the hood, a purple turtleneck sweater and jeans as she filmed Ben Is Back in Yonkers, New York on Monday

She pulled a knitted grey hat over her dark red tresses as she smiled at co-star Lucas Hedges, carrying a tan leather Madewell handbag over one arm.

The 21-year-old was also warmly dressed in a teal hoodie that he wore under a black and grey zip-up jacket, well-worn baggy jeans and Timberland-style boots.

The couple were no doubt relieved when filming moved to an indoor shopping mall in nearby White Plains where Julia brought two smoothies to a table where an older man was already eating.

Lucas plays Ben Burns, the beloved son of Julia's Holly Burns, who returns to his family home on Christmas Eve after a long absence, putting everyone in danger.

Mother and son: The actress, 50, plays Holly Burns opposite Lucas Hedges as Ben Burns, her beloved son who returns to his family home on a snowy Christmas Eve after a long absence

Layering up: The 21-year-old was also warmly dressed in a teal hoodie that he wore under a black and grey zip-up fleece jacket, well-worn baggy jeans and Timberland-style boots

The film is written and directed by Peter Hedges, who is Lucas' real father.

Julia is normally based in Los Angeles where she lives with her cinematographer husband Daniel Moder, 48, and their children, twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 12, and 10-year-old Henry.

The pair first met when she was making The Mexican in 2000, in which she starred opposite Brad Pitt and Danny was the cinematographer.

Making his point: Lucas, who is the son of the movie's director-writer Peter Hedges, touched Julia's arm as he talked to her

He's a trouper: Lucas smiled despite the sub-zero temperature as he pushed his hands deep into his pockets

After dating for two years, they wed in July 2002 on her 50-acre ranch in Taos, New Mexico.

Meanwhile, the Oscar winner is also in pre-production on TV series Homecoming, a psychological thriller about employees at a secret government agency who are eager to re-enter civilian life.

Amazon gave the project a two-season order during the summer.

That's better: The couple were no doubt relieved when filming moved to an indoor shopping mall in nearby White Plains

Surprising choice: Julia, in character as Holly, brought two smoothies rather than hot drinks to a table as filming continuedA Gold Coast woman is mourning the loss of her beloved Chihuahua after it died in a David and Goliath battle with a brown snake.

Evangeline Lim, 54, believes 10-year-old Cooper was trying to save her when he took on the highly venomous snake just as she was about to step outside to hang out her washing last week.

"The snake was upside down and Cooper was on top of it and wrestling," the Hope Island woman told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

"He was obviously saving me from the snake."

Ms Lim and her partner managed to rescue Cooper, by putting a pot plant on top of the snake but the tiny pooch had been bitten, and died within about 10 minutes.

Ms Lim says locals need to be aware that deadly snakes may be lurking in their backyards, while security officers at their Riverleigh Drive gated estate have reported spotting snakes every day.The National Party is set to pocket more than $150,000 in taxpayer money from the electoral commission following the by-election in the NSW seat of New England.

The High Court ousted Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce from parliament because of his New Zealand citizenship and a snap poll was called for December 2.

In order to qualify for election funding, candidates must obtain at least four per cent of formal first preference votes.

Mr Joyce secured more than 60 per cent of the vote to reclaim his seat.

Other political parties and independent candidates running for the seat were paid out a combined total of $52,451.Taking a giant leap off the side of a cliff into a rock pool below was exhilarating - and a great way to kick off my time in North Africa.

Before I arrived in Morocco, my mind linked it to images of the desert. And that's exactly what you'll find. But a little bit of exploration, and a 45-minute drive, took me and my comrades well away from the dry terrain and into a paradise oasis of blue pools and waterfalls.

Paradise Valley is a hidden gem, outside the village of Tamaraght, where the desert road climbs, dips and bends into a valley of palm trees, rock pools and crystal clear water.

A bit of hard work is involved to reap the benefits of the valley. But even with a solid, 30-minute hike in the sweltering Moroccan summer heat, there are plenty of rock pools along the way to cool the sun's bite.

The trek is well worth it. We finally came across larger and deeper rock pools, and threw ourselves off heights of five, eight and 12 metres into clear waters below. If leaping from cliffs into narrow rock pools isn't your thing, don't worry - you can loll on a rock before slipping gently into the water.

Hours were spent lounging in the cool water, watching fish swim by and trying to wrap my head around where I actually was in the world.

It's not only the scenery that stole my attention. Each day in Morocco I noticed the local's relaxed attitude, something I was eager to adopt. A country with Islam as their main religion comes today with many opinionated thoughts and assumptions. My advice: put those aside and keep an open mind. As I explored this culture a little deeper, I discovered a kind, happy and relaxed place. Morocco quickly became one of my favourite places.

There seem to be less worries in Morocco than in our westernised society. They seem to have more time for life's simple joys. They seem to care less about having the latest gadgets and the biggest house.

Our driver to Paradise Valley stopped to pick up a man hitch-hiking on the side of the road. Why wouldn't we help an elderly man get from point A to B? But in the western world we would be hesitant to help.

The kindness here felt so refreshing and I encountered it throughout my journey. I found myself to be the happiest I had ever been, in a country completely foreign, surrounded by desert on one side and ocean on the other.

We survived for a few weeks on little money, enjoying the local crepes and vegetable tagines. As for possessions, all I really needed was a surfboard. I spent my days surfing, reading, doing yoga, walking through town, learning about the culture and exploring - which included driving dune buggies into the mountains. I wore the same clothes nearly every day.

My advice for travellers to Morocco is to stay away from the tourist traps and get out of the cities. I spent just one day in Marrakech, because I wanted to slow down, not feel rushed and try new things.

Coming back to a westernised society was a shock. Everything was available at our fingertips; malls were crawling with hungry shoppers. They say culture shock bites when you return home. I found this to be true.

When life gets overwhelming, I often think about my time in Morocco, where I saw how experiences mean more than possessions. When I've saved some more cash, I won't be hitting the mall. I'll return to Morocco, with my surfboard and the clothes on my back.

IF YOU GO

GETTING THERE: Agadir and Marrakech are both six-hour flights from London, which is accessible from Australia via numerous airlines including Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines. Or you can take a flight to Marrakech and Agadir from most European cities, usually with a quick stopover.

STAYING THERE: The Lunar Surf House is hostel-style accommodation with the option of shared or private rooms. The hosts, a Moroccan and Australian couple, provide a Moroccan style breakfast (free) each morning, and dinner (5 euros; $A7.50) each night. The surf house is located in Tamraght, a short taxi ride from the larger city of Agadir, or a four-hour bus ride from Marrakech. Visit www.thelunarsurfhouse.com/

PLAYING THERE: Tours to Paradise Valley can be taken with a guide from Lunar Surf House in Tamraght if you are staying there. The tour is a full day (30 euros; $A45)). Sahara desert excursions are also available through the Surf House.

If you have a short stay in Marrakech you can take a day trip with a local guide to the Atlas Mountains through Atlas and Sahara Tours. Different packages are available depending on what you would like to see and do. Visit atlasandsaharatours.com/

The writer travelled at her own expense.More than 169,000 South Australian households will this week receive instructions on how to slash their electricity bills by 18 per cent.

South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) chief executive officer Ross Womersley says the state government's Concessions Energy Discount Offer will help address cost of living pressures for low-income earners.

"At the lowest end, you might expect savings in the region of $100 a year. At the upper end, the government has calculated that savings are probably closer to $531," Mr Womersley said on Monday.An emotional Nicole Kidman has used her Golden Globe acceptance speech to honour her mother for the work she did in Australia as an advocate for women.

Kidman won the Golden Globe on Sunday for her performance as an abused wife in the TV mini-series Big Little Lies.

The significance of Kidman's win was magnified at the Globes which became a platform for the Time's Up movement supporting all women and men silenced by abuse, harassment and discrimination in Hollywood and other industries.

Kidman and the industry's other elite actors at the Beverly Hilton wore black gowns and suits for the landmark moment in response to numerous scandals involving some of Hollywood's most powerful men.

"My mum was an advocate for the women's movement when I was growing up and because of her I'm standing here," Kidman told the A-List crowd.

"My achievements are her achievements and Antonio Kidman, my sister, and I say thank you Janelle Kidman for what you fought for so hard.

"This character that I play represents something that is the centre of our conversation right now - abuse.

"I do believe, and hope, we can elicit change through the stories we tell and the way we tell them.

"Let's keep the conversation alive.

A teary Kidman ended her speech with words for husband, Keith Urban.

"When my cheek is against yours everything else melts away and that is love," she said.

"I love you so much."There are thousands of incredible images that come to mind when asked about my trip to Borneo. Turtles hatching and fluttering off to freedom on Libaran Island, orangutans swinging from branch to branch across Sepilok's jungle, the piercing yellow eyes of a baby crocodile glaring above the surface of the Sabah's longest river.

But no matter how hard I try to think about the incredible animals witnessed in Malaysian Borneo's wild, there are certain images that almost taint the entire experience.

After four or so hours on a bumpy ride to Tambatuon Village, we jump out and stretch our legs. Pangaloi, or "uncle", who owns the local homestay where we are due to unpack for the night, greets us and shortly after gives us a tour of the village he calls home. He is proud of his town and highly respected by the local Dusun people.

The path is freshly painted with tyre marks from those who drive from the village to Kota Kinabalu for work, food supplies and school. The road outlines a neighbourhood of brightly painted wooden homes and bamboo huts surrounded by rice paddies organised in perfect lines, and bordered by the jungle and the river.

Along the walk, uncle points out the different plants and seeds the local people use for food, including salad leaves, jungle ferns, wild ginger and cocoa. As he touches the different plants and ferns, the rainforest speaks back to us as if inviting us to join in on its chaos. I bump a mimosa pudica, a "shy lady", and watch as its leaves fold inward and droop. It re-opens 15 minutes later, but by this stage we have well moved on.

The river at the base of Mount Kinabalu doesn't wait for us either. It rushes past using the momentum of the soaring mountain above it. Giggles float in the air from a group of children and are only silenced by a large splash as they jump off a tall, wide rock into the gushing river. One, two, three of them run tirelessly in circles. Giggle. Jump. Splash. Giggle. Jump. Splash. Giggle. Jump. Splash. The joy is mesmerising and has me falling well behind the rest of the group who have already turned a corner down the path. I crave the water as the humidity drips off my skin.

I've lost those ahead but it gives me time to take in my surroundings a bit better. Local stray cats and dogs look thinner than the usual pets around my neighbourhood in Sydney. The cats are easily frightened and the dogs fidget and drag their bottoms along the ground. Worms? It must be. It makes me feel uncomfortable but it's not an image I haven't seen before.

I turn the last corner and re-connect with the group. Uncle is pointing to a vegetable he says we will use to make our dinner later tonight. On the final stretch something catches my eye and raises the hair on my arms despite the overwhelming heat.

A macaque monkey is jailed in a small bird cage. Its face is lowered as if embarrassed and its body is limp. A few steps away another macaque monkey is strangled by a metal chain leash locked around its neck. The animal paces back and forth. It's agitated and as we move forward it pounces at us only to be immediately snapped back by the chain.

The images are unforgettable - and not in a good way.

Owning a monkey as a pet is about status in Borneo, Roxy our G Adventures guides says. While the government is cracking down on locals capturing monkeys to domesticate them, the illegal action is still prominent in some regional villages.

It is no use talking to the apparent "owners", Roxy tells us. In a bid to comfort, she suggests we write to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) who carry out work in the nearby regions in a bid to educate local villagers.

We do. But despite the good intention one can't help but to think - have our concerns fallen on deaf ears?

IF YOU GO

GETTING THERE: Singapore Airlines and AirAsia both fly to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Borneo. AirAsia flies with one stopover at Kuala Lumpur. G Adventures will organise an eight-day adventure for you starting from $1499. The trip includes time spent in Turtle Island National Park, Sepilok's orangutan rehabilitation centre, Kota Belud, morning and evening river safaris in Kinabatangan and much more. Visit: www.gadventures.com.au/trips/borneo-east-sabah-adventure/AAES/?ref=list-10741

STAYING THERE: Tambatuon Village Homestead is located on the foothills of Mount Kinabalu and by the Kedamaian River. The accommodation is made up of dorm-like rooms and a common area, kitchen and bathroom. The local Dunsun tribe, the biggest ethnic group in Sabah, will cook you food sourced from the nearby paddy fields and jungle. Visit: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g1720863-d7127822-Reviews-Tambatuon_Homestead-Kota_Belud_Kota_Belud_District_Sabah.html

PLAYING THERE: The homestay runs day-time walks around the village and through the nearby jungle before an early evening cooking class with "uncle" and other locals. Guests are encouraged to go for a dip in the lake that streams down from the top of Mount Kinabalu.

the writer travelled as a guest of G Adventures and Sabah Tourism.The foreign affairs department spent close to $100,000 of taxpayers' money on an Australian tour for European journalists which included business class flights.

Documents obtained by AAP under freedom of information, show six journalists and a think tank researcher were flown business class from Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland and Sweden, at a cost of close to $54,000 in March last year.

The remaining money was spent on hotel accommodation at the Stamford Plaza in Melbourne, Pullman hotel in Sydney, domestic flights in Australia, bus hire and travel allowances covering food costs.

The Office of the Information Commissioner ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to release the documents after a seven-month wait.

The focus of the program was multiculturalism in Australia.

The journalists had briefings with the immigration department about Australia's asylum seeker boat crackdown Operation Sovereign Borders. They also met officials from the social services and foreign affairs.

The group spoke with the Australian Human Rights Commission, Refugee Council of Australia, Network Ten The Project host Waleed Aly, Deng Adut a former South Sudanese child soldier turned lawyer and Australia's 2017 Eurovision entrant, indigenous artist Isaiah Firebrace.

There was also a visit to Wollongong to learn about its history of resettling refugees.

The department says international media visits aim to generate "informed foreign media reporting that contributes to a balanced and positive view of Australia".

"Questions about immigration and multiculturalism are currently attracting significant attention internationally," the program document says.

"Australia has a good story to tell and a positive contribution to make to the international discussion."

The visit coincided with some criticism in Europe about the conditions in Australian-run detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea as well as the Mediterranean Sea migrant boat crisis.

At the time of the visit, Australia was campaigning for one of two seats on the United Nations human rights council against Spain and France, which later pulled out of the race.

While it's common for national governments to invite foreign journalists on study tours it is unusual for them to be flown business class.

In 2016, the department was criticised for spending $215,000 flying 23 bureaucrats business class to Paris to discuss ways to save money.Novak Djokovic has declared himself "ready" ahead of next week's Australian Open as he prepares to return from an elbow injury.

The six-time Australian Open champion touched down in Melbourne over the weekend and immediately hit the practice court at Rod Laver Arena, posting a video on social media.

"Finally back in the land down under," Djokovic posted on Twitter.

"I feel ready! Idemo (let's go)!!"

Djokovic will play two matches at the Kooyong Classic exhibition event as he recovers from the elbow injury that has kept him out of action since July.

He will face Austrian world No.6 Dominic Thiem on Wednesday before taking part in the Tie Break Tens fast-format tournament that evening alongside Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka.

Nadal and Wawrinka are battling to overcome knee injuries ahead of the Australian Open starting next Monday, while Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori have already pulled out of the year's first major.

It is not yet clear who Djokovic will play in his second match at Kooyong, expected to be on Friday.

The former world No.1 and 12-time grand slam champion pulled out of an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi at the end of the year and subsequently withdrew from the Qatar Open.

He will arrive at Melbourne Park as the world No.12, having not played a match since his quarter-final exit at Wimbledon.

But former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said he expected the Serbian to be in the best shape of the big names under injury clouds.

"There's going to be certain players who are very underdone, and you don't expect them to do particularly well," Cash said on Monday.

"Of all the players that are coming back from surgeries or injuries, you'd think Novak would be the best one because he hasn't actually had surgery, even though there's been a niggling problem with his elbow.

"He's been able to train hard."The Northern Territory's top cop has condemned violence against frontline police after a man allegedly seriously assaulted an officer.

The 36-year-old man was charged after he allegedly choked, punched and kicked a male officer in Alice Springs at about 11.30am on Saturday.

The man had been allegedly resisting arrest for a separate matter, during which a female officer also sustained minor injuries to her hands.

The offender was eventually arrested with the help of additional cops, while a 62-year-old woman was charged with spitting on an officer in a separate incident.

They are both due to face Alice Springs Local Court on Monday.

"This type of violence and behaviour is unacceptable and should not be inflicted upon anyone in their workplace," Acting Deputy Commissioner Lance Godwin said.

"We condemn any assault happening to our members in the course of their duties to serve and protect the community.""Concerned" Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt is awaiting with interest how Bernard Tomic shapes up on Tuesday in his opening match of the summer.

Overlooked by Hewitt for an Australian Open wildcard after snubbing last month's wildcard playoff and then withdrawing from the Brisbane International, Tomic will finally surface at the Kooyong Classic exhibition event.

The fallen star will play a best-of-three-sets Fast4 match against Yoshihito Nishioka as a pre-cursor to his appearance on Wednesday in Open qualifying.

Asked if he was pleased Tomic was attempting to qualify, Hewitt didn't appear overly convinced.

"Yeah. See how he goes. I haven't spoken to him. It's going to be interesting if he does play," Hewitt said on Monday.

"I heard that he's playing a match at Kooyong so I guess we'll see where he's at."

Once tight with Tomic, Hewitt remains frustrated that the former Wimbledon quarter-finalist opted to sit out Davis Cup last year during a dismal 2017 in which the world No.17 tumbled to well outside the grand slam cut-off mark.

The Cup captain said despite Tomic trying to qualify for his home slam, he was still worried about the direction in which the 25-year-old's career was heading.

"I'm concerned with where it's going right at the moment anyway," Hewitt said.

"He's 140 in the world and I think everybody knows that he's a lot better player than 140.

"So, at the end of the day, he's just got to commit to the sport and give himself 100 per cent chance every time he goes out to play or on the practice court."

The Open qualifying draw will be conducted on Tuesday, with Tomic needing to win three consecutive best-of-five-set matches to make the main draw at Melbourne Park for the ninth straight year.

He was Australia's last man standing last year, going out in the third round, and has reached the second week of the Open three times - 2012, 2015 and 2016.Popular four-time champion David Ferrer has harnessed all his experience and guile to weather a storm from much-hyped Chinese young gun Yibing Wu, winning 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 at the Auckland Classic.

Eighteen-year-old Wu had a breakout 2017, claiming top spot in the junior rankings and winning the boys' singles and doubles US Open titles, while also taking out an ATP Challenger Tour event in China.

And on Auckland's centre court on Monday, he showed what all the fuss was about as he consistently troubled seventh seed Ferrer by lashing heavy groundstrokes past the tour veteran.

Despite taking Ferrer to a first-set tiebreaker, the Spanish former world No.3's class could be seen from the outset.

Wu sent down a powerful serve that Ferrer miscued and skied high in the air.

However, the ball landed in the court and Ferrer was then able to scramble and regain the advantage during the rally as he eventually forced his Chinese opponent to hit the ball long.

It's a game style Ferrer is renowned for - consistency and an ability to keep as many balls in play as possible - and it eventually showed against the brilliant Wu.

Despite pushing Ferrer deep into the opening set tiebreaker, losing 7-9, Wu could not match it in consistency as he made too many errors.

Earlier, last year's classic runner-up Joao Sousa survived a first-round scare to knock out American Donald Young 6-7 (8-10) 6-4 6-2.

Although he dominated on serve, Portuguese world No.57 Sousa battled to get past his 61st-ranked opponent as he dropped the first set in a tiebreaker.

However, Sousa refocused in the second set to claim it 6-4 before racing to victory in the third.

Like Sousa, tournament officials will have also breathed a sigh of relief to see the men's tournament get under way under bright skies after last week's women's tournament had almost been washed out by severe rain.

Earlier on Monday, men's eighth seed Andrey Rublev withdrew due to a right arm injury.

He has been replaced by lucky loser, Slovakian Lukas Lacko.Chris Lynn has been ruled out of the one-day series against England, with scans confirming he will miss up to four weeks of action.

Lynn was injured while fielding for the Brisbane Heat last week in the Big Bash League, with a replacement set to be named for the batsman before Sunday's series opener in Melbourne.

"He reported increasing discomfort over the 24 hours that followed and the Heat's medical staff made the decision to send him for a scan," Australia's physio Alex Kountouris said.Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi says there will not be an aerial display at this year's Australia Day fireworks show following the death of two people in a plane crash last year.

Experienced pilot Peter Lynch, 52, and his Indonesian partner Endah Cakrawati, 30, died when his Grumman G-73 Mallard flying boat broke up on impact in front of horrified families gathered around the Swan River for the Skyworks last year.

Ms Scaffidi said on Monday that the final report into the incident was still pending but the fireworks would go ahead on January 26.

"The aerial show will not be proceeding, but the Skyworks is so popular and so liked by so many people. I know that people are already counting the days down to it," she told reporters.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is not expected to complete its report into the crash until May.A woman has been charged with animal cruelty after she allegedly left a puppy in a car during scorching temperatures in Sydney's southwest.

The seven-week-old animal was left unattended in a car parked at a shopping centre in Oran Park about 2.40pm on Saturday, police say.

At the time, the temperature in the area was more than 37C.

The 28-year-old returned to the vehicle over half an hour later and was spoken to by officers, who'd placed the distressed puppy inside an air-conditioned police vehicle and gave it water.

She was issued a court attendance notice on Monday night and is expected to face Picton Local Court on February 27.Today's Birthday, January 9: Australian cartoonist Bill Leak (1956-2017).

Controversial cartoonist Bill Leak was posthumously inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame nine months after his sudden death from a suspected heart attack in March last year, aged 61.

His death came amid an ongoing parliamentary and public debate about freedom of speech, with one of Leak's most notorious cartoons inciting a racism complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission, which was later dropped.

The cartoon depicted a police officer telling an Aboriginal man clutching a beer to talk to his son about personal responsibility.

The indigenous father is depicted as replying: "Yeah righto. What's his name then?"

Federal coalition politicians used the backlash to argue Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act needed to be changed, but an attempt to reword the legislation was defeated in the Senate just weeks after Leak's death.

Born in Adelaide in 1956, the third of four children to postmaster father Reginald and music teacher Doreen, Desmond Robert "Bill" Leak spent his first six years in Goroke before his family moved to Condobolin in western NSW.

As a kid, Leak learned to draw from a watercolour book by Australian artist Norman Lindsay.

He later honed these skills at Sydney's Beacon Hill and Forest high schools, drawing teachers in compromising positions to ingratiate himself to bullies.

After high school, he trained at Julian Ashton Art School but dropped out before travelling around Australia and Europe.

He met his first wife, German social worker Astrid Wigand, in his travels and they had two sons, Johannes and Jasper.

Leak returned to Australia in 1983 and took his first professional cartoonist role with The Bulletin that year, then crossed to the Sydney Morning Herald in 1984.

By the time he'd left for The Daily Telegraph a decade later, the illustrator had already won five Walkleys and that year an Archibald Prize people's choice award for a portrait of Malcolm Turnbull.

Many of his most inflammatory works came during his years at The Australian.

In 2015, IS fighters issued a fatwa against him - forcing him to move house - after he drew a cartoon in response to France's Charlie Hebdo massacre depicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

He is survived by second wife Goong, stepdaughter Tasha and his two sons.Same-sex couples are tying the knot across Australia on the first official day of marriage equality, once again celebrating the result of a hard-fought campaign.

One of the first ceremonies took place overnight near Tweed Heads, where athletes Craig Burns and Luke Sullivan timed their proceedings so the marriage would become official minutes after midnight.

"It's a very surreal feeling," Craig told AAP in the lead-up to the event.

The pair first met three years ago and said they fell in love "straight away" before Craig popped the question at Byron Bay in March.

Same-sex marriage legislation cleared parliament on December 7, nearly a month after it was revealed 61.6 per cent of participants in a voluntary postal survey backed the change.

Amid scenes of jubilation same-sex couples were quick to lodge formal intentions to wed and while some were granted exemptions to the four-week waiting period, Tuesday is the first official day ceremonies can take place.

In Newcastle, 32-year-old Rebecca Hickson will marry her partner of nine years Sarah Turnbull, 34.

The pair said they wanted to be part of history and planned to also be one of the first couples to tie the knot in a ceremony from 8am.

"We've already had our big hoo-ha ceremony three years ago but now we get to declare our love for each other again and have it recognised as a real union," Rebecca told AAP.

She described the build-up to the postal vote deadline as "a horrible time" but said the two are now excited to move beyond it.

Melbourne couple Ron Van Houwelingen, 50, and Antony McManus, 53, echoed Ms Hickson's feelings about the postal vote and said no country should have to endure the same "horrendous" process to legalise gay marriage.

On Tuesday, the long-time activists will also look forward and tie the knot where they first met as performing arts students three decades ago - at the former Prahran College of TAFE's David Williamson Theatre.

"I'm looking really forward to celebrating the victory," Ron told AAP.

The two have already held more than a dozen commitment ceremonies, including in 1993 on their sixth anniversary when gay marriage "wasn't on the radar".

"I suppose it's been a wedding planned for 30 years but we've had really a month to get things together," Ron said.

"It's been quite hectic trying to organise that in such a short amount of time."Federal Labor has branded as "luxury excess" a foreign affairs department decision to fly European journalists business class to Australia as part of a $100,000 tour.

Documents obtained by AAP under freedom of information reveal six journalists and a think tank researcher were flown business class from Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland and Sweden, at a cost of close to $54,000 in March last year.

The remaining money was spent on four-star hotel accommodation in Sydney and Melbourne, domestic flights in Australia, bus hire and travel allowances covering food costs.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to release the documents after a seven-month wait.

The focus of the program was multiculturalism in Australia.

While it's common for national governments to invite foreign journalists on study tours it is unusual for them to be flown business class.

Labor's Waste Watch spokesperson Matt Keogh said the program had some merit but could have been run more efficiently.

"How on earth do you justify having business flights to bring these people out for a sales pitch on Australia?" he told AAP.

Mr Keogh doubted the journalists involved had demanded business class flights.

"This is luxury excess in the portfolio from a minister (Julie Bishop) who likes spending her time doing fancy things," he said.

At the time of the visit, Australia was campaigning for one of two seats on the United Nations' human rights council against Spain and France, which both later pulled out of the race.

Mr Keogh questioned whether the department had tried to curry favour with certain nations to support Australia's bid for a seat on the council.

The journalists had briefings with the immigration department about Australia's asylum seeker boat crackdown, Operation Sovereign Borders. They also met officials from social services and foreign affairs.

The department says international media visits aim to generate "informed foreign media reporting that contributes to a balanced and positive view of Australia".

In 2016, the department was criticised for spending $215,000 flying 23 bureaucrats business class to Paris, to discuss ways to save money.Like an AFL player recovering from a gruelling match, I traipse into the icy Tasmanian surf.

I'm usually a big sook when it comes to swimming, sans wetsuit, in chilly water.

But not today.

After a delightful afternoon trekking along the far northeastern coast of Tasmania in the Mount William National Park, I've jumped on the cold water therapy bandwagon. It's invigorating on weary muscles and after the initial temperature shock, a glorious numbness sets in and I feel very alive.

Science says a cold water dip is good for the immune system. It's also great for the soul.

Before too long, it's time to dry off and put the hiking boots back on as we finish the last leg of our nine kilometres for the day.

Our Tasmanian Walking Company guides lead us to our glamour-camping headquarters for the evening.

Tasmanian Holm Oak pinot gris and a cheese platter hit the spot on arrival.

As well as being knowledgeable about the ecology of coastal wattle, local history and identifying Tassie devil poop, our guides are whizzes in the kitchen. They whip up a feast of Thai noodle salad and barbecued salmon made with fresh local produce.

The next day, we set off on the final 14-kilometre leg.

Along the way we see Tasmanian pademelon and Bennetts wallabies munching on grass. The pink granite Eddystone Point Lighthouse marks the halfway point and our lunchtime swim spot as well as the start of the Bay of Fires.

Orange lichen makes the rocks and boulders look like they've had the Jackson Pollock splatter paint treatment.

The Bay of Fires four-day lodge walk is a perfect family holiday for baby boomer parents and their adult children.

On my tour the McCarthys from Brisbane are using the trek to celebrate their folks' 60th birthdays and enjoy some family bonding.

The bay's name refers to Aboriginal fires English explorer Captain Tobias Furneaux saw as he sailed past in 1773. Today, we enjoy walking barefoot along a white sandy beach and a few final rocky hills, before closing in on the architecturally designed, wooden Bay of Fires Lodge.

It's a steep climb to get there. But it's worth it - our lodge host greets us with Epsom salt foot spas, James Boag beers and canapes before a dinner of gourmet laksa deliciousness and an elaborate pana cotta dessert.

On day three, after a hot cooked breakfast of char-grilled mushrooms and scrambled eggs, we set out on a short forest walk.

Banksia trees shaped like candelabras dot along the track as we head to Ansons River for a spot of leisurely kayaking.

My boat buddy and I lag behind the others because we keep getting distracted admiring pelicans.

And just when we thought marshmallow toasting on the fireplace would cap off the evening - an epic lightning storm brews and puts in New Year's Eve fireworks to shame.

IF YOU GO:

GETTING THERE: The Bay of Fires is located on the northeast coast of Tasmania, north of St Helens. The Mount William National Park is a 2.5 hour drive and the Bay of Fires is a three-hour drive from Launceston. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar have multiple flights daily out of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Launceston.

STAYING THERE: Tasmanian Walking Company's four-day Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is $2560 per person between January 2018 - March 31 and $2,380 per person between April 1 and May 1. Trips depart daily. A moderate level of fitness is required, but if you regularly exercise and are capable of walking between nine and 14 kilometres for the first two days you'll be fine. Visit: taswalkingco.com.au

PLAYING THERE: After all that walking, soothe your aches with a Kodo massage inspired by traditional Aboriginal techniques, complete with an indigenous smoking ceremony or a Tasmanian peat mud bath at the Bay of Fires Lodge spa.

The writer travelled as a guest of Qantas, Tasmanian Walking Company and Tourism Tasmania.A 40-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of a toddler she was caring for nearly three years ago in the state's central west.

The carer was arrested on Monday afternoon in Geurie, near Dubbo, following an investigation into the 20-month-old boy's suspicious death on March 23, 2015.

Emergency services were called to a home in Neilrex, south of Coonabarabran, following reports the boy was coughing and not breathing at 5.15am on the day he died.

He was taken to Coolah hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The woman was refused bail and is due to appear in Dubbo Local Court on Tuesday.A police hunt is on for three men and a woman after a man was shot at a Gold Coast home.

Police say the group went to a Carrara home about 4pm on Monday, armed with a gun and a metal pole, and shot the man, leaving him with injuries to his arm and chest.

The 44-year-old victim remains in hospital as police continue to hunt for his attackers, who fled the scene in a car.

A woman and a child who were also at the Carrara home when the shooting occurred weren't hurt.

A large contingent of police spent the night searching for the attackers, but no arrests had been made by early Tuesday morning.Lightning shows are set to continue across skies over NSW as an active system takes centre stage, causing damage in parts of Sydney, according to the weather bureau.

Weatherzone has reported 4649 lightning strikes between 3am and 6am over Sydney on Tuesday.

The city's west and northwest were most affected by storm activity overnight, with the SES receiving 150 requests for help.

Strong winds caused roofs to come off and trees to fall, particularly in Blacktown, SES spokeswoman Sharon Fox said.

The weather bureau says lightning strikes will continue over the Sydney region and most parts of NSW on Tuesday.

Passengers can expect slight delays on domestic flights out of Sydney Airport, but international and domestic arrivals are on time, an airport spokesman said.

"It's quite an active lightning system over Sydney," BOM forecaster Jordan Notara told AAP.

He said the lightning will die down in the next couple of hours and build up again on Tuesday afternoon.

"It's a typical summer scenario," he said.

The SES has warned NSW residents to take precautions as the storm activity sticks around.

Residents are warned to secure outdoor furniture, tie down trampolines and stay inside and keep away from windows.The construction union has criticised the South Australian government for allowing work to continue on Adelaide's tram extension, despite the state sweltering through extreme heat.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union SA secretary Aaron Cartledge says work on the $80 million tram extension in Adelaide's CBD, should have been suspended as the city reached a temperature of 42C last Saturday.

"Once the temperature reaches 37C and beyond, workers should not be out there working on roads or on building sites," Mr Cartledge told ABC radio on Tuesday.China appears unimpressed that Australia and Japan are set to sign a defence pact for military visits.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is expected to travel to Japan this month to sign a visiting forces agreement with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

The agreement will make it easier for Australia, Japan and the US to conduct military exercises together on Japanese soil.

The agreement sets out the legal status for military personnel visits.

A spokeswoman for the Chinese Embassy in Canberra said China was aware of the reports about the agreement being signed.

"This is a bilateral issue between Japan and Australia," she said.

"At the same time, China believes that the military cooperation among the countries concerned should not undermine the security interests of other countries or affect the regional peace and stability."

Japan and Australia have been negotiating an agreement since 2014.Former immigration minister Philip Ruddock will begin assessing whether there is adequate legal protection for religious freedom in Australia.

Mr Ruddock and a panel which includes Australian Human Rights Commission president Rosalind Croucher have been tasked with reviewing the issue following the passage of same-sex marriage laws last year.

The panel will meet in Sydney on Wednesday.

Conservative Liberal senator Eric Abetz said during the campaign for same sex marriage, guarantees for religious freedoms were made.

"It is now clear we need to ensure those promises are actually kept," he told ABC Radio on Tuesday.

Some MPs are keen to ensure parental rights are protected for the teaching of children in schools, and no organisation or individuals who support traditional marriage are penalised for their views.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wants the panel's findings by the end of March.Communities along the mighty Mekong blame China for their shrinking catches

Cambodian fisherman Sles Hiet lives at the mercy of the Mekong: a massive river that feeds tens of millions but is under threat from the Chinese dams cementing Beijing's physical -- and diplomatic -- control over its Southeast Asian neighbours.

The 32-year-old, whose ethnic Cham Muslim community live on rickety house boats that bob along a river bend in Kandal province, says the size of his daily catch has been shrinking by the year.

"We don't know why there are less fish now," he told AFP of a mystery that has mired many deeper into poverty.

It is a lament heard from villages along a river that snakes from the Tibetan plateau through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea.

Nearly 4,800 km (2,982 miles) long, the Mekong is the world's largest inland fishery and second only to the Amazon for its bio-diversity.

It helps feed around 60 million people across its river basin.

Yet control over its taps rests to the north with China, whose premier Li Keqiang will land in Phnom Penh on Wednesday to lead a new regional summit that could shape the river's future.

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Beijing has already studded the Mekong's upper reaches with six dams and is investing in more than half of the 11 dams planned further south, according to International Rivers.

Environmental groups warn the blockages pose a grave threat to fish habitats by disrupting migrations and the flow of key nutrients and sediment -- not to mention displacing tens of thousands of people with flooding.

Communities in the lower Mekong countries have reported depleted fish stocks in recent years and are blaming the dams.

Experts say it is too early to draw full conclusions given a lack of baseline data and the complex nature of the river's ecosystem.

But what they do agree on is that China has the upper hand over a resource that serves as the economic lifeblood of its poor southern backyard.

The lower Mekong countries are "not able to stand up to China geo-politically," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a foreign policy expert at Bangkok's Chulalongkron University.

That allows Beijing to keep "undermining habitats and millions of livelihoods downstream."

- China rewrites the rules -

With control over the headwaters of the river -- known there as the Lancang -- Beijing can dam its section of the river while the impacts are felt downstream.

It can also modulate water levels, a powerful bargaining chip displayed in 2016 when China opened dam gates on its soil to help Vietnam mitigate a severe drought.

The regional superpower is now asserting its authority through the nascent Lancang-Mekong Cooperation forum, while appeasing its Southeast Asian neighbours with investment and soft loans.

Leaders from all six Mekong countries will attend the LMC this week in Cambodia.

Cambodian Muslim men have an haircut on their boat in the Mekong river in Phnom Penh

China's foreign ministry bills the forum, which also covers security and trade issues, as a way to foster "economic prosperity, social progress and a beautiful environment".

But environmentalists say the LMC aims to replace the long-standing Mekong River Commission -- a regional body that has tried to manage development along the river -- albeit without China.

"There is major concern that China's leading role and relative influence will see it prioritising its own interests over meaningful co-operation," warned Maureen Harris, Southeast Asia programme director at International Rivers.

Chinese companies are investing billions of dollars in many of the dams but have so far failed to carry out full environmental and social impact assessments.

Firms and state agencies from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos also stand to gain from their investments in the hydropower projects.

Environmental groups warn the dams pose a grave threat to fish habitats

"Much of the benefit will be reaped by the financial and business interests involved, with impacts to hit hardest local communities along the river," Harris said.

Calls to protect the river have largely gone unheeded in Southeast Asia, where governments are eager to meet energy needs and unwilling to stand up to China or resist its cash.

That makes the Mekong's dependents, such as fisherman Sles Hiet, an afterthought.

"We depend on the Mekong river," he said.

"Even though there are less fish we are still trying because we don't have any other jobs and we have no land to farm."According to the UN and Pakistani authorities, between 30 and 40 percent of diseases and deaths nationwide are linked to poor water quality

Barely 15 days old, Kinza whimpers at an Islamabad hospital where she is suffering from diarrhoea and a blood infection, a tiny victim among thousands afflicted by Pakistan's severely polluted and decreasing water supplies.

Cloaked in a colourful blanket, Kinza moves in slow motion, like a small doll. Her mother, Sartaj, does not understand how her daughter became so ill.

"Each time I give her the bottle, I boil the water," she tells AFP.

But Sartaj and her family drink daily from a stream in their Islamabad neighbourhood -- one of several waterways running through the capital that are choked with filth. Boiling the water can only do so much.

They are not alone. More than two-thirds of households drink bacterially contaminated water and, every year, 53,000 Pakistani children die of diarrhoea after drinking it, says UNICEF.

Cases of typhoid, cholera, dysentery and hepatitis are rampant. According to the UN and Pakistani authorities, between 30 and 40 percent of diseases and deaths nationwide are linked to poor water quality.

And it is costing the developing country billions. In 2012 the World Bank, which has warned that "substantial investments are needed to improve sanitation", estimated that water pollution costs Pakistan $5.7 billion, or nearly four percent of GDP.

"Water is the number one problem for the country," says professor Javed Akram, vice chancellor at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad.

Rawal Lake reservoir serves Islamabad and Rawalpindi but official projections show the country, whose population has increased fivefold since 1960 to some 207 million, will be facing an 'absolute scarcity' of water by 2025

In Lahore, Pakistan's second largest city, the situation is even worse than in Islamabad.

The Ravi River which supplies the city's 11 million or so inhabitants with drinking water also serves as a spillway to hundreds of factories upstream.

River fish are eaten by locals, but "some papers show that in the fishbones, some heavy metal contamination (is) found," says Sohail Ali Naqvi, a project officer with the conservation group WWF.

The Ravi is also used to irrigate neighbouring crops, which are themselves rich in pesticides, warns Lahore environmentalist Ahmad Rafay Alam.

- 'Absolute scarcity' -

The lack of water infrastructure is glaring. In a country where the "environment is not part of the political agenda", there are "nearly no treatment plants", warns Imran Khalid, a researcher at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute.

More than two-thirds of households drink bacterially contaminated water and, every year, 53,000 Pakistani children die of diarrhoea after drinking it, says UNICEF

"Those who can afford it buy bottles of water, but what about those who cannot?" he says.

In Karachi, a megacity whose population could be as many as 20 million people, mafias fill the vacuum left by the creaking local network, selling the precious water they bring in by tanker trucks at high prices.

In the face of widespread indignation, Sindh along with Punjab province, together home to more than half of the country's population, have already announced measures to improve water quality, though their efficacy is yet to be seen.

But Pakistan's water is not only contaminated -- it is becoming scarce.

Northern Pakistan has Himalayan glaciers and high rainfall but so far much of the focus has been on irrigated areas in the south

Official projections show the country, whose population has increased fivefold since 1960 to some 207 million, will run dry by 2025, when they will be facing an "absolute scarcity" of water with less than 500 cubic metres available per person in Pakistan.

That's just one third the water available in already parched Somalia now, according to the UN.

- 'Lack of education' -

Pakistan, a country of massive Himalayan glaciers, monsoon rains and floods, has just three major water storage basins, compared with more than a thousand in South Africa or Canada, says Bashir Ahmad of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council.

As such any surplus is quickly lost, said Ahmad, who denounced "a lack of political vision" to counter the nationwide water crisis.

While official statistics show that 90 percent of the country's water is used for agriculture, the massive irrigation network, built decades ago by British colonists, has deteriorated.

Much of its use appears to defy common sense. "We are neglecting the northern areas, where there (is) a lot of rainfall, to focus on irrigated areas like Sindh or Punjab," says Ahmad.

There, in arid areas where temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), Pakistan grows water-intensive crops such as rice and sugar cane.

"The crisis is looming. In all urban areas, the water table is going down day by day," warns Muhammad Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources.

Pumps draw deeper and deeper into the water table, where the arsenic content is naturally higher, he warns. An international study in August said some 50 to 60 million Pakistanis are slowly poisoning themselves with arsenic-tainted water.

Yet waste remains the norm. In Islamabad, roads are sprinkled to drive away dust, cars are washed daily, and verdant lawns watered generously.

"We own our houses, but not our streams," Ashraf sighs. "That's why we dump our waste in the rivers."Actress and TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey delivered a rousing speech as she accepted a Golden Globe for lifetime achievement

Oprah Winfrey on Sunday declared a "new day" for women and girls facing down abusive men as her powerful speech to the Golden Globe Awards stirred talk that she has a political future.

Within moments of the daytime television trailblazer's remarks at the Hollywood gala, effusive fans called for her to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020, although she has given no indication she is interested.

The 63-year-old Winfrey, whose former talk show ushered in an era of confessional television and helped make her a billionaire, delivered a forceful but tightly focused speech that brought together issues of gender, poverty and race as she accepted a lifetime achievement award.

She saluted the #MeToo movement that has quickly gained steam after revelations of rampant sexual misconduct by film mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Paying tribute to Recy Taylor, an African American woman who daringly reported her 1944 gang rape by six white men in Alabama and died last month just short of her 98th birthday, Winfrey deplored "a culture broken by brutally powerful men."

"For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up! Their time is up!" Winfrey said to a standing ovation and even some tears in the audience.

"So I want all the girls watching here now to know that a new day is on the horizon," Winfrey said.

"And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women -- many of whom are right here in this room tonight -- and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say 'me too' again," she said.

- Hailing role of media -

Oprah Winfrey poses with her lifetime achievement award received at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Winfrey highlighted her own life rising up from a violence-scarred childhood. She recalled her awe as a girl watching television in Milwaukee when Sidney Poitier became the first black person to win the Oscar for best actor in 1964.

She also hailed the role of the media, so often maligned by Trump as "fake news."

"It's the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to corruption and to injustice," she said.

"I want to say that I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times."

At the start of the Golden Globes, host Seth Meyers playfully encouraged Winfrey to run for president against Trump, who made history by winning despite never holding a previous political or military position.

Meyers had appeared at the now infamous 2011 White House Correspondents Association dinner where he and then president Barack Obama mocked the idea of Trump in the White House. The real estate mogul fumed in his seat.

"Some have said that night convinced him to run. So, if that's true, I just want to say, Oprah, you will never be president. You do not have what it takes," Meyers said, while also proposing actor Tom Hanks as a vice presidential candidate.

- Fans see White House -

For some of Winfrey's fans, a presidential run didn't seem far-fetched after her speech, with the topic quickly taking off on social media.

"As I sit here in tears...I have never ever seen such a speech," the country singer Billy Gilman wrote on Twitter.

"@Oprah, my friend. Please run for President. This world needs more of THAT. WOW."

Winfrey had generally stayed away from overt politics until the 2008 election when she campaigned vigorously for Obama in an endorsement credited with helping him secure the Democratic Party's nomination.

The then governor of Illinois briefly considered Winfrey to replace Obama in the Senate, but she did not voice interest.

With her vast audience and quickly relatable style, Winfrey has long been considered one of America's most influential celebrities.

Her show has helped raise discussion in the United States on issues ranging from gay rights to abusive puppy breeding mills, while her endorsement power is avidly sought by the publishing industry.Former oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh (C) has gone on trial under a snowballing anti-corruption sweep which observers say is politically driven

The corruption trial of a Vietnamese former oil executive who was allegedly kidnapped from Germany opened on Monday, a high-profile case that can carry the death sentence.

Vietnam's communist government has embarked on a snowballing anti-corruption campaign, which observers say is politically driven and mirrors a graft crackdown in neighbouring China.

Scores of former officials, bankers and state executives have been arrested or jailed, including a senior banker who has been sentenced to death.

On Monday a court in Hanoi said it had started proceedings against Trinh Xuan Thanh, the former head of state-run PetroVietnam Construction, for alleged mismanagement and embezzlement.

Thanh appeared before the court together with ex-politburo member Dinh La Thang and 20 other senior officials.

They are accused of causing $5.2 million of losses for the state during an investment by PetroVietnam in the construction of a thermal power plant.

German authorities say Thanh was kidnapped from a Berlin park in July and have decried the brazen Cold War-style seizure as a "scandalous violation" of its sovereignty.

Former politbureau member Dinh La Thang is also on trial over mismanagement at PetroVietnam Construction and could face 20 years in jail

Vietnam denies the kidnap and insists the fugitive Thanh had returned home voluntarily to face the charges.

"This is a very serious case, drawing wide public attention," said an online announcement by Hanoi's People's Court, adding the accused all held key positions at major state-owned institutions.

After a two-week trial, Thang and Thanh could face 20 years in jail for mismanagement.

In addition Thanh faces an embezzlement charge, which can carry the death penalty.

The downfall of Thanh and the other men on trial has stunned a public unaccustomed to questioning the role of officialdom in an authoritarian country which routinely quashes dissent.

But the leadership is at pains to parade its anti-graft credentials, experts say, as well as remove political enemies.

In a linked case, last week Singapore deported fugitive Vietnamese intelligence officer Phan Van Anh Vu, who held a senior rank in the secret police.

Vu was trying to seek asylum in Germany, his lawyers said, arguing he may have information about Thanh's kidnapping on German soil.

In Ho Chi Minh City the trial of 46 people -- including former banking tycoons Pham Cong Danh and Tram Be -- also began on Monday.

They are accused of violating lending regulations that caused losses of around $270 million to the Vietnam Construction Bank.

Transparency International has ranked Vietnam 113 out of 176 on its corruption index, worse than its Southeast Asian neighbours Thailand, the Philippines and Myanmar.Cambodian authorities moved to curb the surrogacy trade in 2016

An Australian nurse jailed for 18 months for running a surrogacy clinic in Cambodia had her sentence upheld Monday in a prominent case highlighting the country's role in the lucrative trade.

Tammy Davis-Charles, a nurse in her early 50s from Melbourne, was arrested in November 2016 with two Cambodian colleagues weeks after the country passed an edict forbidding commercial surrogacy.

She was convicted of sourcing clients and falsifying documents, although she said in her trial that she simply provided medical care to the Cambodian mothers.

Appeal Court Judge Kim Dany upheld the verdict during a brief hearing in Phnom Penh, saying the court had "already given a lenient sentence".

Dressed in a blue prisoner uniform, Davis-Charles did not react to the ruling or speak to reporters afterwards. She has a final chance to appeal the sentence in front of the Supreme Court.

Cambodian authorities moved to curb the surrogacy trade after prospective parents -- many from Australia -- turned to the impoverished country in the wake of bans in Thailand and India.

Critics of the practice say it leaves women with few economic choices open to exploitation.

Police said Davis-Charles moved from Thailand to take advantage of the continued demand after several scandals in the neighboring country prompted a government crackdown.

More than 20 Cambodian surrogate mothers were paired with clients in the Davis-Charles clinic, and they received around $10,000 each.

The nurse's two Cambodian colleagues were convicted of the same charges and also jailed for 18 months.

With cheap medical costs, a large pool of poor young women and no laws excluding gay couples or single parents, countries in Southeast Asia were for years attractive destinations for the surrogacy trade.

Cambodia defended its decision by saying it did not want the country to become a "factory" for making babies.

Laos has emerged as the next frontier in the "rent-a-womb" business, which still exists through shadowy unregulated networks in Cambodia and other countries.Rescuers attempting to reach the Sanchi's 32 crew were being beaten back by toxic clouds

An Iranian oil tanker ablaze off China's east coast was at risk of exploding or sinking on Monday, as fears grew for 32 missing sailors amid warnings of a potential environmental disaster.

The huge fire was still raging Monday morning around the stricken vessel, which had been carrying 136,000 tonnes of light crude oil, some 36 hours after it collided with a cargo ship.

But China's English-language state broadcaster CGTN later posted a video on Twitter showing the fire seemingly under control as a second vessel sprayed it with water.

Earlier the transport ministry said rescuers trying to locate the crew of 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis were being beaten back by toxic clouds.

The Panamanian-flagged 274-metre (899-foot) tanker Sanchi is "in danger of exploding or sinking", the ministry said.

Rescuers had recovered one unidentified body as of Monday afternoon, said foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang.

"Conditions... are not that favourable for search and rescue work," he said, adding that "we are also investigating how to prevent any secondary disaster."

The body was found three or four miles from the tanker and "cannot be easily identified" even though the victim had a fire safety vest, Alireza Irvash, from Iran's consulate in Shanghai, told Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.

The accident happened on Saturday evening 160 nautical miles east of the city.

The tanker, operated by Iran's Glory Shipping, was heading to South Korea when it collided with a Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship, the CF Crystal, carrying 64,000 tonnes of grain.

Ten government vessels and "many fishing ships" were helping with the ongoing rescue and clean up effort, the transport ministry said, adding that a South Korean coastguard ship was also on the scene.

A US Navy aircraft took part in the search on Sunday, scouring a wide area before returning to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

- Environmental fears -

As Chinese authorities raced to contain the ship's leaking oil, experts expressed fears the accident could create an environmental disaster.

Collision and tanker blaze

Greenpeace said in a statement it was "concerned about the potential environmental damage that could be caused by the 1 million barrels of crude oil on board".

If all of the Sanchi's cargo spills, it would be the biggest oil slick from a ship for decades.

By comparison, in the sixth-worst spill since the 1960s, the Odyssey dumped 132,000 tonnes some 700 nautical miles off Canada's Nova Scotia in 1988, according to figures from the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation website.

"It's very possible this will kill off marine life across a wide area," Wei Xianghua, an environmental expert at Beijing's Tsinghua University, told AFP of the latest threat.

Even under a best-case scenario, it would take a "long time" for the area to get back to normal, Wei added.

"At present, the only thing to be done is make the best effort to not allow the oil to spread to other places."

China had two vessels working to contain the spill early Monday morning, the transport ministry said.

Iran's Petroleum Ministry said the tanker belongs to the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) and was delivering its cargo to South Korea's Hanwha Total. The ship and its cargo were insured, a statement said.

It was the second accident in less than two years involving a tanker owned by the NITC. In August 2016 an Iranian supertanker and a container ship collided in the Singapore Strait, causing damage to both vessels but no injuries or pollution.

Saturday's collision was the latest in a series of fatal maritime accidents in East Asia in recent years.

Last October, 13 crew on a Chinese fishing boat were killed after their vessel collided with a Hong Kong oil tanker off Japan's west coast.

This handout from China's Transport Ministry taken on January 7 shows a Chinese firefighting vessel spraying water on the burning oil tanker

US Navy vessels have also been involved in some accidents, including a collision between the USS John. S. McCain and a tanker off Singapore last August that killed 10 sailors.The young England captain finished the demanding five-Test series debilitated by a stomach bug

Joe Root ended his troubled Ashes tour of Australia sound asleep as England surrendered to a 4-0 series loss in Sydney on Monday.

The young England captain finished the demanding five-Test series debilitated by a stomach bug which flared overnight and sent him to hospital.

Root could not resume batting at the start of the final day, but came to the crease an hour in when Moeen Ali was dismissed and batted to lunch.

He could not continue after the break as England slumped to a crushing innings defeat and missed the post-match presentations, with vice-captain James Anderson speaking on his behalf.

"He was up all night with some sort of stomach bug, some gastro thing. He is asleep in the dressing-room trying to recover," Anderson told reporters.

"He's not had any sleep, he's not eaten. He's had diarrhoea and vomiting, so I'm guessing he's not in a great state at the minute," the paceman added.

"So to get to the ground in itself is a great effort and then to strap his pads on and bat for as long as he did was a brilliant effort from him and just shows what sort of character he is."

Veteran Anderson praised Root's leadership on a troubled tour plagued by off-field distractions and the unavailability of suspended star allrounder Ben Stokes.

"He wants to lead by example for this team. He's been a fantastic captain throughout this tour," Anderson said.

"You ask any captain that has toured Australia it is not an easy place to come, not an easy place to play, especially when you're on the wrong end of results."

Root finished retired ill on 58 for his fifth half-century of the series, but crucially he was not able to convert any into a Test ton.

He finished the series with 378 runs in nine innings at 47.25, the highest average of his team.

Australian captain Steve Smith praised Root's efforts to try and save the Test for England on a testing final day.

"It took a lot of courage to come out and bat, you could see he was struggling a fair bit, particularly when he was running between wickets," Smith said.

"He's a tough character so he must have been in a pretty bad way not to come out after the break."Sri Lankan newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunga was stabbed in January, 2009, days before he was due to testify in a corruption case involving then defence minister Gotabhaya Rajapakse

The family of a newspaper editor murdered in Sri Lanka criticised the government for failing to bring his killers to justice as they marked the ninth anniversary of his death on Monday.

Lasantha Wickrematunga, a prominent critic of the former administration, was stabbed days before he was due to testify in a corruption case involving the then defence minister Gotabhaya Rajapakse.

The killing sparked an international outcry and shone a light on human rights violations in Sri Lanka under former president Mahinda Rajapakse, Gotabhaya's brother.

President Maithripala Sirisena promised to bring the perpetrators to justice when he came to power in 2015 after ousting Rajapakse, but no one has yet been prosecuted.

In a statement, Wickrematunga's brother Lal accused the government of using the case as a political tool without ensuring justice was done.

"What about bringing the perpetrators to book," he said, adding there was a "sense of hopelessness" over the government's handling of the case.

"Justice needs to be done not as a favour. Justice needs to be done to prevent repetition."

Wickrematunga had accused the former defence secretary of taking kickbacks in arms procurements, including the purchase of second-hand MiG jet fighters.

Gotabhaya Rajapakse has been accused of giving orders to a shadowy military outfit allegedly involved in murdering journalists and political dissidents during Sri Lanka's long-running civil war, an allegation he denies.A North Korean restaurant in Shenyang

While North and South Korean officials hold rare talks this week, in a bustling Korea town in northeast China the rival communities have little to say to each other.

Although their nations are separated by a heavily militarised border, North and South Korean restaurants operate side by side in Xita, the Korean neighbourhood in the city of Shenyang.

Billboards and signs in Korean script hang across the area, which boasts South Korean beer and fried chicken joints, cosmetics counters and clothing stores.

But North Korean businesses now face a Tuesday deadline to clear out as China enforces United Nations sanctions banning their presence following Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests.

After months of tensions that raised fears of nuclear warfare, North and South Korean officials will hold their first dialogue for more than two years on Tuesday.

But in this corner of China, relations between Koreans are tense and show no signs of thawing.

"We're one ethnicity, a big family, but they have a different way of thinking than us," said a North Korean waitress who works at the Pyongyang Rungrado restaurant.

She has lived in Xita for three years but has never spoken to a South Korean. She declined to give her name.

Across the street, the owner of a South Korean restaurant called Number 8 Storeroom said she has never had any contact with the owners of the two North Korean eateries near her establishment.

"I don't want to talk to them," said Jin Meihua, 43, whose restaurant serves eel and steak barbecue to a mostly Chinese clientele.

- Caught in the middle -

Shenyang, a city of 8.3 million, is not far from China's border with the North and houses many of China's ethnic Koreans.

In recent years it became a destination for North Koreans privileged enough to travel overseas.

North Korean eateries and small hotels popped up to feed and lodge them. South Korean boutiques became popular for shopping.

But both sides of Shenyang's Korea town have become ensnared in international disputes.

A North Korean worker inside one of her country's restaurants in Shenyang

South Korean businesses took a major financial hit after China imposed punitive economic measures on Seoul over its decision to host the THAAD US anti-missile defence system, which Beijing sees as a threat to its own security.

"The whole area is in a slump," said Lu Chao, director of the Border Studies Institute at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences in Shenyang.

"Last year there was the THAAD issue with South Korea. Then North Korea created problems with its nuclear testing. Chinese have lost interest in spending their money in Xita."

Many South Koreans packed up and went home as their businesses failed, locals say.

"Things haven't been good since then," said 27-year old Jin Zhenyou, an ethnic Korean waiter at a South Korean restaurant.

The North's own dining establishments are likely to be hard hit by dwindling visitors and a blanket order from China's commerce ministry to shut down North Korean businesses by Tuesday.

Some estimates put their number at around 100 across China.

In Xita, only one has apparently closed so far and waitresses at other establishments said they had no plans to close come Tuesday.

- Socialists vs capitalists -

China's ethnic Koreans could bridge the divide between the two sides, but even they say making friends with North Koreans can be difficult.

"They don't like South Koreans. They won't eat in our restaurants. There's no overlap at all," Jin said.

With the shifting geopolitical situation now hitting the North, South Koreans say they won't be sad to see them go.

South Koreans and North Koreans "don't share any special relationship", said a man surnamed Gong at the local Korea Society in Shenyang.

The citizens "don't hold any events for building friendly relations, they don't know each other and don't communicate with each other," Gong said.

In 2016 the South Korean embassy told citizens to avoid the North's restaurants for safety reasons, according to Chung Young-June, a scholar with the Institute for Sinology at Yonsei University.

The government warning filtered into North Korean eateries, further straining relations between the neighbouring restaurant owners.

"The South Korean government doesn't allow them to eat our food," said the North Korean restaurant waitress.

A South Korean massage parlour in Shenyang

She had no interest in speaking with South Koreans.

"We are a socialist country, they are capitalist," she said.

"We work for each other, we work hard for each other. They are all for themselves, earning for their own lives. We are not like this."Macron chats with Xi during a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe Monday to take part in China's massive Silk Road infrastructure project but warned against "hegemony", saying both sides should share the benefits.

Macron, on the first day of a state visit, also called on Europe and China to team up on curbing climate change in the face of the US decision to withdraw from the Paris accord.

"Our destinies are linked," he said in a keynote speech on the future of Sino-French relations during a visit to the northern city of Xian, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

"The future needs France, Europe and China," Macron said, adding he would travel to China "at least once a year".

Macron started his three-day visit in Xian as a gesture to Chinese President Xi Jinping's huge New Silk Road project, an initiative to connect Asia and Europe by road, rail and sea.

The $1 trillion infrastructure programme is billed as a modern revival of the ancient Silk Road that once carried fabrics, spices and a wealth of other goods in both directions.

Known in China as "One Belt, One Road", the plan will see gleaming new road and rail networks built through Central Asia and beyond, and new maritime routes stretching through the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

The project has spurred both interest and anxiety in many countries, with some in Europe seeing it as an example of Chinese expansionism.

Macron said Europe should join the new silk road initiative but added a warning.

"They cannot be the roads of a new hegemony that will put the countries that they traverse in a vassal state," he said.

"Multilateralism means balanced cooperation."

The ancient Silk Roads were never purely Chinese, he said. "These roads are to be shared and they cannot be one-way."

The United States and Europeans often accuse China of restricting access to its vast market even though they have opened up to Chinese imports.

France has a 30-billion-euro ($36 billion) trade deficit with China.

- Climate battle -

The French president also visited the centuries-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian

Macron's first official visit to Asia marks a new stage in his diplomacy, which has so far been concentrated on Europe and Africa.

He plans to seek a "strategic partnership" with Beijing on issues including terrorism.

In a French version of panda diplomacy, Macron has brought Xi a gift: a retired Republican Guard horse that is currently in quarantine in China.

On climate change, Macron said he would talk to Xi about "relaunching the climate battle" by preparing an increase in their engagements to combat global warming at the COP 24 talks in Poland later this year.

He praised China, the world's top polluter, for committing to the Paris accord after President Donald Trump gave notification of America's withdrawal.

"China kept its word," he said. "You demonstrate your immense sense of responsibility."

Cooperation will "show the world that the French and Chinese are capable of making our planet great and beautiful again", he said in Chinese.

After Xian, Macron travelled to Beijing along with his delegation which includes some 60 business executives and representatives of institutions.

Macron and his wife Brigitte met Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on Monday night at the Diaoyutai State Guest House, where the Chinese leader praised France's foresight in being the first major Western country to establish diplomatic relations with Communist China, in 1964.

"That you have chosen China as your first destination on your first visit to Asia shows the high importance you attach to the relationship's development," he said.

On Tuesday Macron will visit the Forbidden City, meet top Chinese officials and oversee the signing of business deals.

Human Rights Watch has urged him to call publicly for human rights improvements in China during his meeting with Xi, but the French president's office said the matter would be addressed privately.

Along with Brigitte, Macron visited the famous terracotta warriors in Xian, as well as a centuries-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda -- a Buddhist site -- and the city's mosque.

Along with his wife Brigitte, Macron visited the famous terracotta warriors in the northern city of Xian

The 8,000-man clay army, crafted around 250 BC for the tomb of China's first emperor Qin Shihuang, is a symbol of ancient artistic and military sophistication in a country that proclaims itself a 5,000-year-old civilisation.Members and supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community take part in a parade in New Delhi last November

India's Supreme Court on Monday announced a review of a hugely controversial ban on gay sex, saying no one should have to live in fear because of their sexuality.

The court said it would take up a legal challenge by five high-profile Indians who said the colonial-era law created an atmosphere of intimidation.

"A section of people... who exercise their choice should never live in a state of fear," said the court in its ruling, adding that "societal morality" was subject to change over time.

The announcement is the latest chapter in a long-running legal tussle between social and religious conservatives and the gay community over the law passed by the British in the 1860s.

Section 377 of the Indian penal code bans homosexual acts as "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" and allows for life imprisonment, though prosecutions for same-sex activity have been rare.

Gay sex was effectively decriminalised in India in 2009 when the Delhi High Court ruled that banning it violated a person's fundamental rights.

That ruling emboldened the gay community to campaign publicly against widespread discrimination and violence.

But the Supreme Court reinstated the ban four years later in 2013, saying responsibility for changing the law rested with lawmakers not the courts.

That verdict was thrown into doubt again last year when the court referred explicitly to the issue in a landmark ruling upholding the right to privacy.

"The privacy of the home must protect the family, marriage, procreation and sexual orientation, which are all important aspects of dignity," it said in the ruling.Syrian emergency personnel search for victims following an explosion in a rebel-held area of the northwestern city of Idlib on January 7, 2018

Air strikes by regime and Russian aircraft on rebel positions in the northwestern province of Idlib killed at least 21 civilians, including eight children, a monitor said Monday.

The strikes carried out on Sunday were the latest against jihadists and rebels in a week-old regime offensive on Idlib, the last province in Syria to escape government control.

The raid left "at least 21 dead, including eight children and 11 members of the same family" west of the town of Sinjar in the southeast of the province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Regime and Russian strikes are continuing today on several parts of Idlib" province, Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based monitoring organisation, told AFP.Aadhaar is a controversial government scheme that uses fingerprints and iris scans to provide users a unique identity number they can use to access services, including opening a bank account and paying taxes

Indian police are investigating the reporter behind a story on alleged leaks from a government database containing the personal details of more than a billion people, sparking accusations of media censorship.

Police said Monday they were investigating a complaint of cheating, forgery and impersonation against the journalist, who reported last week that it was possible to buy information in the Aadhaar database for just 500 rupees ($7.89).

Aadhaar is a controversial government scheme that uses fingerprints and iris scans to provide users a unique identity number they can use to access government and other services.

It was intended to reduce official corruption, but critics say it violates citizens' right to privacy.

The Unique Identification Authority of India, which administers the government identity card scheme, has denied any security breach but complained to police over the sting.

A police report documenting the complaint names the reporter, Rachna Khaira, as well as her newspaper The Tribune and "unknown persons" behind the alleged data leak.

The Editors' Guild of India said the criminal investigation amounted to an attack on press freedom.

"It is clearly meant to browbeat a journalist whose investigation on the matter was of great public interest," it said in a statement.

Harish Khare, Tribune's editor-in-chief, said he stood by the report and regretted that the authorities had "misconceived an honest journalistic enterprise".

Aadhaar was set up as a voluntary scheme, but has in recent years become compulsory for a growing number of services, including opening a bank account and paying taxes.

Opponents say that its use for what are effectively essential services means their right to privacy is being violated.

There have also been concerns about leaks, but the government has always maintained the system was secure.A Syrian man carries an injured woman after bombardment by Syrian and Russian forces in the rebel-held town of Hamouria, in the Eastern Ghouta enclave near Damascus on January 6, 2018

Regime forces upped the pressure on two of the last rebel bastions in Syria on Monday, pounding the Eastern Ghouta enclave near Damascus and the northern province of Idlib.

Shelling and air strikes on Ghouta, which government forces have besieged for four years, killed at least 20 civilians, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The semi-rural area east of the Syrian capital is home to around 400,000 inhabitants and is targeted almost daily by regime forces trying to flush out rebel groups.

On Monday, a woman and her three children were killed in regime strikes on Douma, which is the main town in Eastern Ghouta, Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based Observatory, said.

In the town's morgue, medics were wrapping the children's shredded bodies in shrouds amid the shrieks of bereaved parents, an AFP correspondent reported.

Chaos engulfed the rudimentary facility as rescuers kept rushing in more wounded, some of whom died before they could receive life-saving treatment.

"I was at the market with my father, selling mint, parsley and onions. The next thing I knew, my foot was bleeding and my dad had a head injury," said Ahmed Hatem, an 11-year-old boy, as he sat on the floor wincing in pain.

Smoke rises after a reported air strike in the rebel-controlled town of Madira in the Eastern Ghouta region on January 8, 2018

A child and two other civilians were also killed in strikes on the small town of Madira, the Observatory said. The violence also left another 13 civilians dead across Eastern Ghouta.

The area, which had been designated as a "de-escalation zone" as part of an international deal last year to bring down violence levels, has witnessed major bloodshed in recent weeks.

Syrian forces also managed overnight to pin back rebels who had surrounded a regime base there.

- Idlib violence -

Rebels led by the Jaish al-Islam group had in recent days surrounded the army's only military base in the area but the state news agency SANA said Monday the siege had been broken.

"Units from the Syrian Arab Army have brought an end to the encirclement of the Armoured Vehicles Base in Harasta," it said, adding that operations were ongoing to fully secure the base.

According to the Observatory, the fighting in Harasta since the base was surrounded in late December left 72 regime fighters and 87 rebels dead.

Displaced Syrians who fled the fighting in Idlib province's southeastern town of Sinjar drive on a road in a rebel-held area near on January 7, 2018

Syrian and Russian aircraft also pounded targets in the northwestern region of Idlib, pressing a week-old operation targeting the last province in the country to escape government control.

Raids Sunday left "at least 21 dead, including eight children and 11 members of the same family" west of the town of Sinjar in the southeast of the province, the Observatory said.

"Regime and Russian strikes are continuing today on several parts of Idlib" province, Abdel Rahman said.

Russian-backed regime forces launched an operation on the edge of Idlib province in the last days of 2017 and have retaken villages every day since.

After the collapse of the Islamic State jihadist group in both Syria and Iraq late last year, President Bashar al-Assad's regime is bent on restoring its grip over the country.

Idlib province, which borders Turkey, is almost entirely controlled by anti-government forces that are dominated by a jihadist outfit known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) consisting mostly of fighters from a former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Among the other groups present in the province are thousands of jihadists from Central Asian states and members of the Muslim Uighur ethnic minority of China's Xinjiang province.

A man cleans debris in the aftermath of an explosion at a base for Asian jihadists in a rebel-held area of the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib on January 8, 2018

An explosion on Sunday in the city of Idlib at a base for the group Ajnad al-Qawqaz, made up of men from the Caucasus wo fight alongside HTS, left at least 43 dead, including 28 civilians, the Observatory said.

The toll went up from 23 after rescuers found more bodies in the wreckage and the most critically injured died of their wounds.

It was not immediately clear whether the blast was caused by air strikes or was the result of the kind of internal clashes that sometimes break out between jihadist and rebel factions.

After shrinking to barely a sixth of the country at the height of the nearly seven-year-old conflict, the areas under government control now cover more than 50 percent of Syrian territory.

More than 340,000 people have been killed and millions have been driven from their homes since Syria's conflict erupted with anti-government protests in 2011.Hong Kong's Secretary of Justice Teresa Cheng said Monday the rule of law in the city has not been compromised, as she spoke at the ceremonial opening of the legal year

Hong Kong's new justice secretary said Monday the rule of law in the city has not been compromised, after a string of cases raised fears the legal system is under threat from Beijing.

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unseen on the mainland as part of the "one country, two systems" deal made when colonial power Britain handed it back to China in 1997.

Those rights include an independent British-style judiciary, viewed as one of the bedrocks of Hong Kong's identity and a key factor differentiating it from mainland China.

But a recent ruling by Beijing approving a plan to bring parts of a Hong Kong high-speed rail terminus, linking the city with the southern mainland, under Chinese national law prompted outrage among some leading lawyers.

They argue it has no legal basis and goes against Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law.

The city's pro-Beijing government has backed the plan and it is likely to be voted through by the legislature, which is only partially elected and weighted towards the establishment.

Last summer Hong Kong's government successfully sought to overturn non-custodial sentences against pro-democracy activists, leading to them being jailed in August.

Concerns were also raised in 2015, when a special "interpretation" of the Basic Law by Beijing led to the ousting from parliament of six publicly elected pro-independence and pro-democracy lawmakers who protested while taking their oaths of office.

"Some suggest that the rule of law in Hong Kong is under threat," justice secretary Teresa Cheng told guests at the ceremonial opening of the legal year Monday.

"If it means that it is being tested I have no qualms with such suggestions. But, with respect, I cannot agree with suggestions that our rule of law is in any way compromised."

She argued that the Basic Law was "open to different interpretations" and that some policies may require new laws to be enacted.

Cheng herself has had a turbulent start to her new role after allegations that some parts of her home were built illegally, an accusation that has dogged a number of leading politicians in space-starved Hong Kong.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma said courts and judges must not be affected by political or other biases.

The city's common law system is "vital to the continuing success of Hong Kong" for both business and the community, Ma added.

"This is a system that has been regarded as being appropriate for our community," he said.Rohingya refugees queue for food at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh in October last year

A Bangladesh court on Monday upheld a government ruling banning marriage between its citizens and refugees from Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya minority, who have fled ethnic violence in the neighbouring country.

The High Court in Dhaka dismissed a legal challenge from a father whose son married a Rohingya teenager in a Muslim ceremony in September despite laws forbidding such unions.

Marriages with Rohingya were banned in 2014 to try to prevent hundreds of thousands of refugees living in Bangladesh from seeking a back door to citizenship.

Babul Hossain, whose 26-year-old son ran away with his new wife after they married, questioned the legality of the ruling that threatens a seven-year jail term for any Bangladeshi who weds a Rohingya refugee.

But the court rejected his plea and ordered he pay 100,000 taka ($1,200) in legal costs.

"The court rejected the petition and has upheld the administrative order, which bans marriage between Bangladeshi citizens and Rohingya people," deputy attorney general Motaher Hossain Saju told AFP.

Hossain's request that the court protect his son from arrest was also rejected, Saju added.

About 655,000 Rohingya have escaped to Bangladesh since August after the Myanmar army began a campaign of rape and murder in Rakhine state.

They joined the more than 200,000 refugees already living in Bangladesh who had fled previous violence in Rakhine.

Aid groups have reported cases of Bangladeshis offering young women marriage as a way of escaping the overcrowded refugee camps along Bangladesh's southeastern border.

Hossain could not be contacted after the ruling.

But in a previous statement, he defended his son's marriage to the 18-year-old Rohingya woman and denied it was driven by a quest for citizenship.

"If Bangladeshis can marry Christians and people of other religions, whats wrong in my sons marriage to a Rohingya?" Hossain told AFP.

"He married a Muslim who took shelter in Bangladesh."Egypt relies on the mighty Nile, seen here in Cairo, for both drinking water and irrigation

Egypt is building a major water treatment and desalination plant, the president said Monday, as the Nile-dependent nation plans for any fallout from an upstream dam being built by Ethiopia.

The North African country is constructing "the largest wastewater treatment and desalination plant", President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said live on state television.

"We are only doing what we need to do so we can solve a potential problem," he added, speaking during the inauguration of infrastructure and housing projects.

While Sisi did not elaborate, Egypt fears its water supply will be affected by Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam being built on the Blue Nile.

Egypt relies almost totally on the Nile for irrigation and drinking water, and says it has "historic rights" to the river, guaranteed by treaties from 1929 and 1959.

Cairo argues that the treaties grant it 87 percent of the Nile's flow, as well as the power to veto upstream projects.

The Blue and the White Nile tributaries converge in Sudan's capital Khartoum and from there run north through Egypt to the Mediterranean.

"We will not allow a water problem to materialise in Egypt. Water must be secured for everyone," Sisi said on Monday.

He did not give further details about the size of the Egyptian water plant or its planned output.

"In order to use water efficiently, we are building a plant. We are aware (of every eventuality) and are prepared" to face them, he added.

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry visited Addis Ababa in December for discussions on the controversial Ethiopian dam.

It is designed to feed a hydroelectric project that would produce 6,000 megawatts of power -- the equivalent of six nuclear-powered plants.

Ethiopia began building the dam in 2012 and initially expected to commission it in 2017.

Ethiopian media reports say that only about 60 percent of the construction has taken place.October 22, 2017: day-old Palestinian conjoined twins Farah and Haneen in an incubator at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City

Conjoined twin girls born in the blockaded Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip were separated in "successful" surgery in Riyadh Monday, the state-run Saudi Press Agency said in a statement.

Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah, who headed the team that operated on Farah and Haneen at the King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital, "affirmed the success of the separation surgery", SPA said.

The operation began on Monday morning, and involved nine stages of anaesthesia and the separation of multiple organs, including the liver, as well as restoring organs in Haneen.

The news comes months after a doctor and family member of the twins pleaded from Gaza that they be allowed to go abroad for the complex surgery.

Allam Abu Hamda, head of the neonatal unit at Gaza's Shifa Hospital, told AFP in October the girls were born joined at the stomach and pelvis and that the complicated condition could not be dealt with in the enclave.

Israel has maintained a blockade of the enclave for a decade, citing security fears over Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas.

Conjoined twins who share key organs have a low chance of survival.

Farah and Haneen, whose condition Abu Hamda said was stable, have one shared leg but separate hearts and lungs.

Conjoined twins born in Gaza in November 2016 later died.

In 2010, conjoined twins from Gaza were transferred to Saudi Arabia for surgery to separate them, but doctors in Riyadh said their condition was too delicate to operate and they died.South African bowler Kagiso Rabada (centre) celebrates the dismissal of Indian batsman Wriddhiman Saha during their fourth day of the first Test match in Cape Town, on January 8, 2018

Eighteen wickets fell in a day as South Africa beat India in the first of three battles between Test cricket's two leading teams at Newlands on Monday with both captains hailing the pitch's contribution to the batting carnage.

"The pitch was outstanding," said Indian captain Virat Kohli after South Africa won the first Test by 72 runs with a day to spare.

"It was great for Test cricket. Both teams were in the game at different stages. As a team we really enjoyed being part of this Test match."

"This was as good as it gets in Test cricket," said South African captain Faf du Plessis.

"It was fantastic to be part of it. It definitely ranks as one of my favourite Test matches."

India were bowled out for 135 after being set to make 208 to win. Man of the match Vernon Philander led the South African attack, which was missing the injured Dale Steyn, taking six for 42.

India had earlier bowled South Africa out for 130 in their second innings. Eighteen wickets fell during the day while 200 runs were scored on a pitch which had plenty of life after being under covers for all of the third day, which was rained off.

Kohli was disappointed with the batting of his number one-ranked team - but felt they had shown they could compete with their nearest challengers in pace-friendly conditions.

He said India were looking forward to taking the South Africans head-on in the second Test starting at Centurion on Saturday.

"We needed someone to go out there and score 75 or 80 and we need to sit down and talk about stringing together partnerships. You can't afford to lose three or four wickets quickly as we did today."

Kohli gave credit to South Africas pace bowling attack.

"Their bowlers create relentless pressure. They force you to play good cricket in every over."

The Indian captain suggested the Indian batsmen might need to show more of the aggressive intent epitomised by Hardik Pandya, who hit 93 off 95 balls in the first innings.

"Hardik showed a lot of character. We need to make their bowlers come back for second or third spells."

Du Plessis admitted that he was nervous about defending a low target after South Africa lost their last eight wickets for 65 runs before lunch.

"The new ball was crucial but I knew that we have got fantastic seam bowlers."

The South African captain said that losing Steyn, who has been ruled out of the rest of the series with a left heel injury, was a big blow.

But he praised the character of the injured bowler, who came out to bat with nine wickets down in an effort to shepherd top-scorer AB de Villiers to a bigger score.

"We didnt want Dale to bat unless AB was still there because we didnt want him to make his injury worse. But he wanted to do it," said Du Plessis.

With Steyn unable to run, De Villiers needed to hit boundaries. Kohli placed eight fielders on the boundary and one of them caught De Villiers without adding to his 35 runs. "We didnt get the runs but it was the mindset that counts," said Du Plessis.

It was a match that was full of drama from the first morning when South Africa crashed to 12 for three after choosing to bat on a seaming pitch.

"Were a team that is prepared to take risk to try to win matches," said Du Plessis. "We knew the pitch would speed up. We were surprised how quick it was on the first day but today was very difficult for batsmen."

Counter-attacking batting by De Villiers and Du Plessis enabled South Africa to make a competitive 286, leading Kohli to regret that India had not taken their chances to bowl them out for a lower total.

But he said the bowlers had rectified their mistakes in the second innings, giving him confidence that they could push South Africa hard at Centurion.

"We need the batsmen to apply themselves and show more character. But if we get a lively wicket our bowlers can exploit their batting again."A Turkish Cypriot man casts his ballot in the parliamentary election in the northern part of Nicosia in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Turkey, on January 7, 2018

Northern Cyprus, a statelet recognised only by Turkey, was Monday set to be ruled by a right-wing coalition sceptical of reunifying the island after the prime minister's party won elections without gaining an overall majority.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), established in the wake of Turkey's 1974 invasion of the island in response to an Athens-backed coup, voted Sunday in snap legislative polls forced by tensions in the previous coalition.

The vote came ahead of presidential polls later this month in the internationally recognised Greek-majority Republic of Cyprus, with peace efforts on hold until both sets of elections are over.

The conservative National Unity Party (UBP) of prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun came out on top with 36 percent of the vote and 21 seats, short of the 26 seats needed for a majority in the 50-member house, according to provisional results.

Its most likely coalition bedfellows appear to be the nationalist Democratic Party (DP) of Serdar Denktas -- the son of the former hardline leader Rauf Denktas and -- the Rebirth Party (YDP) which is made up of Turkish mainland settlers.

They picked up just three and two seats respectively but just enough to create a right-wing coalition if the provisional results released by the election commission are confirmed.

The socialist Republican Turkish Party (CTP) vote share fell sharply to 21 percent, giving it just 12 seats. More than 190,500 people were registered to vote.

"The UBP has emerged as the biggest party by a wide margin," said Ozgurgun in a victory speech early Monday. "We are preparing for new days with the power the people have given to the UBP."

- Blow for Akinci? -

Neither of the three right-wing parties -- including the UBP -- favour a negotiated settlement with the Greek Cypriots to create a single bizonal federal state.

They want a continuation of the status quo, with two "states" on the Mediterranean island.

The People's Party (HP) -- a new party that has expressed scepticism over negotiations to reunify the island -- polled well on 17 percent and was on course to win nine seats.

President Mustafa Akinci, who came to power in April 2015 vowing to find a lasting peace, is however a strong supporter of a federal solution and reconciliation with the Greek Cypriots.

The results may complicate his life as he seeks broad backing at home for a federal solution to the Cyprus problem and convince his Greek Cypriot counterparts he means business.

However, the president has full responsibility for the talks with the Greek Cypriots and any solution that is agreed will be submitted to a referendum.

Akinci's doveish Communal Democracy Party (TDP) was set to win only three seats.

The election in the northern third of Cyprus comes six months after efforts to reunify the island collapsed at a United Nations-hosted peace summit in Switzerland over several sticking points including the withdrawal of Turkey's 45,000 troops.

On January 28, the Republic of Cyprus is set to hold a presidential election in which conservative incumbent Nicos Anastasiades is the frontrunner.

Anastasiades has campaigned on a pro-peace ticket, vowing to attempt to revive talks with Akinci, despite the souring of their relationship after two years of tough and ultimately fruitless negotiations.A file picture of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at a news conference in Cairo on December 11, 2017

Egyptians will head to the polls on March 26-28 in the first round of a presidential election, National Elections Authority chief Lasheen Ibrahim said on Monday.

A second round will be held on April 24-26 if required, he told a news conference in Cairo.

Ibrahim said the commission would accept applications from presidential hopefuls between January 20 and 29.

"The provisional list of candidates and the numbers of their supporters will be published" in state-run newspapers Al-Ahram and Al-Akhbar on January 31, he said.

Once any appeals by rejected candidates are settled, "the final list of candidate names and their symbols will be announced and published in the official gazette and Al-Ahram and Al-Akhbar newspapers" on February 24, he said.

That will mark the official start of the campaign, which will run until March 23, Ibrahim said, with final results to be announced on May 1.

Egyptians living abroad can vote between March 16 and 18, he added, with second round ballots on April 19-21 if necessary.

Incumbent Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is widely expected to stand for re-election and win in the first round.

The former army chief was elected in 2014, a year after leading the military to oust his predecessor Mohamed Morsi amid mass protests against the Islamist's year-long rule.

On Sunday, former premier Ahmed Shafiq, once seen as a main challenger to Sisi, said that he would not be a candidate, reversing a previous pledge to stand.

Shafiq was appointed premier by Hosni Mubarak shortly before he was toppled from the presidency in the 2011 uprising, and only narrowly lost out in the 2012 election to Morsi.

- Years of turmoil -

After years of political, security and economic turmoil since Mubarak's ouster, many Egyptians might have voted for Shafiq, nostalgic for a continuation of Mubarak's rule, analysts believe.

Other potential candidates include Khaled Ali, a rights lawyer and 2012 presidential candidate who challenged the government over Red Sea islands Egypt gave to Saudi Arabia.

In November, Ali announced his intention to stand again in 2018.

However, he had been sentenced in September in absentia to three months in jail on accusations of "offending public decency", a ruling he appealed.

The sentence was over a photograph Ali says was fabricated and that appeared to show him making an obscene gesture while celebrating a court ruling in the case of the islands' transfer.

Ali has said only the committee organising the election can decide whether that ruling would disqualify him as a candidate.

Another hopeful, colonel Ahmed Konsowa, was given six years in prison in December by a military court after the previous month announcing his intention to stand.

Konsowa's lawyer said his client was given the sentence for stating political opinions while still a serving officer, even though Konsowa said he had been trying to resign from the military for more than three years.

Lawyer Asaad Heikal said Konsowa had only followed Sisi's example in announcing his candidacy. Sisi was in uniform when he did so, before later resigning as defence minister.US President Donald Trump's move to cut aid to Pakistan has sparked protests as relations between the two countries sour

A Pakistani court Monday granted bail to an anti-US cleric -- the father-in-law of one of Pakistan's most wanted militants -- days after Washington suspended aid over Islamabad's failure to crack down on extremism.

Sufi Mohammad, whose son-in-law is Maulana Fazlullah, the fugitive chief of the Pakistani Taliban, was himself charged with murder, treason, terrorism and rebellion.

The elderly pro-Taliban cleric and the chief of banned group Tehreek Nifaz-e-Shariat Mohammadi (TNSM) was the architect of a violent movement for the enforcement of Islamic sharia law in country's northwestern Malakand Division.

He was arrested in October 2001 as he crossed the border into Pakistan with a group of armed men, accused of sending hundreds to fight against the US-led international forces seeking to topple the fundamentalist Taliban regime.

But he was released in 2008 under a peace agreement with local tribal elders which settled those charges.

Believed to be in his 90s, he was arrested again in Peshawar in 2009 over an inflammatory speech, and has been held in a maximum security prison.

His trial is ongoing. But on Monday his defence lawyer Fida Gul told AFP that a high court in Peshawar had ordered Mohammad's release.

"He was too old to move and was suffering from kidney problems and weakness, and was taken to hospital many times," Gul said.

The decision came less than a week after the US announced a freeze on aid to Pakistan that could be worth almost $2 bn.

The move is designed to force Pakistan's military and intelligence apparatus to cut support for the Taliban and other Islamist groups, especially those fighting US forces in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has fought fierce campaigns against homegrown Islamist groups, losing thousands of lives in its long war on extremism.

That includes the Pakistani Taliban, headed by Mohammad's son-in-law Fazlullah, who became infamous when he held the Swat Valley from 2007-2009, imposing a harsh brand of sharia law and carrying out public floggings and hangings.

But US officials accuse Pakistan of ignoring or even collaborating with groups that attack Afghanistan from safe havens along the border between the two countries.Critics say Grace Mugabe had not actually studied or undertaken research to earn the doctorate

Zimbabwean anti-corruption investigators said Monday they are probing whether former first lady Grace Mugabe fraudulently obtained a doctorate that she apparently received within months and the dissertation for which remains unpublished.

Grace, whose apparent desire to succeed her 93-year-old husband prompted the army takeover that eventually saw Robert Mugabe resign, was awarded a PhD by the University of Zimbabwe in 2014.

Critics argued at the time that Grace, 52, had not actually studied or undertaken research to earn the doctorate and that she had been handed her diploma just months after enrolling. PhDs typically require several years of full-time research and writing.

Her dissertation has never been made public, according to local media, breaking with the established policy of most Zimbabwean public universities to publish doctoral students' theses.

The state-run Herald newspaper reported in 2014 that Grace's dissertation was on the theme of "changing social structure (and) the functions of the family" and that she undertook research on Zimbabwean children's homes.

Grace was personally capped by then-president Mugabe, who was also the chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, and praised by other government officials who defended the controversial degree award.

"We confirm there is such a report and there is such a probe," said Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission spokeswoman Phyllis Chikundura who declined to provide further details.

In November 2017, Robert Mugabe fired then-vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, a move that was seen as opening the way for his wife's succession. A few days later the military took control of the country, leading to Mugabe's resignation on November 21.

Mnangagwa was sworn in as president days later and both Robert and Grace have kept a low profile since their spectacular reversal of fortune.

During the height of the upheaval, students at the University of Zimbabwe boycotted their end of term exams to call for Grace to be stripped of her PhD and Robert to be stripped of the presidency.

Grace was routinely accused of extravagant spending on luxury clothes and international travel, and of involvement in corrupt land deals.

Dubbed "Gucci Grace", "The First Shopper" or even "DisGrace", she showed her political mettle in 2014 with her ruthless campaign against then Vice President Joice Mujuru, who was then a contender to succeed her husband.

A similar briefing campaign -- conducted both publicly and behind the scenes -- against Mnangagwa is widely seen as having led to her husband's downfall.Police arrest demonstrators in St. Louis who were protesting the acquittal of a police officer involved in a fatal shooting

Police officers shot and killed nearly 1,000 people in the United States in 2017, slightly more than the previous year, according to a tally published on Monday by The Washington Post.

A total of 987 people were fatally shot by US police last year, up from 963 in 2016 and down from 995 in 2015, the Post said.

The newspaper has been logging details of shootings by police in the United States since 2015, tracking local news reports, public records and social media.

The use of deadly force by US police has attracted increased attention in recent years, highlighted by the high-profile slayings of a number of unarmed black men.

Nineteen unarmed African-American men were killed by US police in 2017, up from 17 in 2016 but down from 36 in 2015, according to the Post.

Black males nevertheless continue to be shot at disproportionately high rates, the newspaper said.

Black men, both armed and unarmed, accounted for 22 percent of all people shot and killed by US police last year but make up just six percent of the total US population.

Overall, police shot and killed 68 unarmed people in 2017, up from 51 in 2016 but down from 94 in 2015.

"The national spotlight on this issue has made officers more cautious in unarmed situations," Chuck Wexler, the executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, told the newspaper.

According to the Post database, 735 of the people shot and killed by police last year were armed with knives or guns, up from 693 in 2016.

Forty-six police officers were killed in the line of duty in the United States in 2017, down from 66 the previous year, according to FBI figures.

Deadly shootings by police in the United States are far more prevalent than in other developed countries.

According to the British group Inquest, police fatally shot four people in the United Kingdom in 2016.

Thirteen people were killed by police bullets in Germany in 2016, according to a study by Berlin's Tageszeitung newspaper.Protests broke out in Sudan after bread prices more than doubled last week following a government decision to stop importing grain and allow private companies to do so

Hundreds of Sudanese students from the University of Khartoum threw stones at anti-riot police Monday on a third day of protests against soaring bread prices, an AFP correspondent reported.

Bread prices more than doubled last week as flour manufacturers raised prices on dwindling wheat supplies after the government decided to stop importing grain and allowed private companies to do so.

Sporadic anti-government protests have been held since Saturday in some parts of the country following the price rise.

They were staged again on Monday in the area around Khartoum university, triggering clashes between students and anti-riot police.

"No, no to high food prices," students shouted as they attempted to leave the university campus but were quickly pushed back by dozens of anti-riot police who fired tear gas at them, the AFP correspondent reported.

The protesters then threw stones at the police who closed the main road to the university as thick plume of black smoke billowed over the campus.

Dozens of police in plain clothes were deployed around the university, as the authorities warned of a crackdown.

"Police will crush any protest that results in destruction of property," Minister of State for the Interior Babikir Digna said, according to the official SUNA news agency.

In another protest at Kosti in the state of White Nile, several school children staged a demonstration but it was swiftly broken up by baton-carrying police, witnesses said.

On Sunday, a student was killed during protests in the town of Geneina in war-torn Darfur. It was still unclear how he was killed.

Leading opposition groups have called for anti-government protests after the cost of flour jumped to 450 Sudanese pounds ($25) for a 50-kilo (110-pound) sack from 167 pounds.

Similar protests were held in late 2016 after the government cut fuel subsidies.

The authorities had cracked down on those protests to prevent a repeat of deadly unrest that followed an earlier round of subsidy cuts in 2013.

Dozens of people were killed in 2013 when security forces crushed large street demonstrations, drawing international condemnation.Vladimir Putin is poised to create a special force to protect against terrorist drone strikes on key nuclear power stations, following attacks on Russian bases in Syria.

The move - involving the development of technology to reliably zap drones - comes amid fears that terrorists could use sophisticated long-distance weapons to target nuclear bases.

Russian concerns have been heightened by jihadist attacks on its military bases in Syria using UAVs - unmanned aerial vehicles.

Vladimir Putin is poised to create a special force to protect key Russian installations like nuclear power stations from drone attacks in the same week his forces came under attack from 'assault drones' at its Khmeimim air base and Tartus naval base in Syria

Russia's Ministry of Defence this week shared an image of what it claims is a drone fitted with explosives brought down before it attacked one of their military bases in Syria

Russian concerns have been heightened by jihadist attacks on its military bases in Syria using UAVs - unmanned aerial vehicles. Pictured: An assault drone Russia says was used by militants in Syria

The Kremlin has demanded that the Defence Ministry, several secret service agencies and the Russian National Guard work together to find a solution to destroy drones before they reach their targets.

Technology to zap drones has been developed in Russia but needs testing, said Col-General Sergey Melikov, first deputy director of the national guard.

He made clear nuclear power plants were among the state facilities that required protection.

'We are considering an option to create groups to test experimental equipment to fight UAVs within our units,' he said.

'We have a certain device but it is not clear how easy is it to use.

'It needs to be tested first.

'If we realise that a special unit with a team of specialists needs to be created, of course we will do so.'

The move - involving the development of technology to reliably zap drones - comes amid fears that terrorists could use sophisticated long-distance weapons to target nuclear bases

He revealed the plan is being studied by experts including those from the Defence Ministry and FSB, the former KGB counter-intelligence service.

Security expert Yury Zakharchenko said there was no universal technology yet to fight sophisticated drone attacks.

Such a system or systems must recognise and identify incoming UAVs and then launch an appropriate strike by either radio electronic attack or missile.

'This task has not been resolved anywhere in the world because it's difficult, but the work is being done,' he said.

'The establishment of a separate unit of Rosgvardia (national guard) will perhaps allow us to intensify research and development in this area.'

Recent pictures of captured Jihadist drones in Syria were released.

This week Russian forces came under attack from 'assault drones' at its Khmeimim air base and Tartus naval base in Syria, said the defence ministry.

'Air defence forces detected 13 unidentified small-size air targets at a significant distance approaching the Russian military bases,' said a statement.

'Ten assault drones were approaching the Khmeimim air base, and another three at Tartus.

'Six small-size air targets were intercepted and taken under control by the Russian EW units.

'Three of them were landed on the controlled area outside the base, and another three UAVs exploded as they touched the ground.

'Seven UAVs were eliminated by the Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile complexes operated by the Russian air defence units on 24-hours alert.

'The Russian bases did not suffer any casualties or damages.'

But Russia also fears that 'hooligans' could use drones to cause disruption, said Melikov.

The statement comes days after Moscow announced that two Russian servicemen were killed in a mortar attack by Islamist militants at the Hmeimim air base on New Year's Eve (stock)

After two years of Russian military support for the regime of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad (pictured), President Vladimir Putin announced in mid-December the partial withdrawal of forces from the country, saying their task in the war-torn country had been largely completed

Of the 13 drones used in the attacks, seven were destroyed while the six others were intercepted by the Russian army, it said.

The statement comes days after Moscow announced that two Russian servicemen were killed in a mortar attack by Islamist militants at the Hmeimim air base on New Year's Eve.

According to the Russian Kommersant business daily, seven military planes were 'practically destroyed' in that attack, but the ministry dismissed the report as 'fake'.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Russian forces were on alert following drone attacks on the Hmeimim base, the largest Russian military base on Syrian territory.

After two years of Russian military support for the regime of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, President Vladimir Putin announced in mid-December the partial withdrawal of forces from the country, saying their task in the war-torn country had been largely completed.

The size of the Russian deployment in Syria is not known but independent Russian military expert Pavel Felgenhauer told AFP that up to 10,000 troops and private contractors could have taken part in the conflict.

More than 330,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the Syrian war, which began in 2011 as the regime brutally crushed anti-government protests. Millions have been displaced.US Vice President Mike Pence, seen here during a recent trip to Afghanistan, delayed his Middle East trip amid deadly protests in the wake of Donald Trump's decision to declare Jerusalem Israel's capital

US Vice President Mike Pence will leave next week on a high-stakes trip to Egypt, Jordan and Israel, a US official said Monday, moving ahead with a Middle East tour delayed amid anger over Washington's policy shift on Jerusalem.

Initially set for late December, the trip was pushed back as the region reeled from deadly protests triggered by President Donald Trump's controversial decision to declare the Holy City as Israel's capital -- in a break with decades of US policy.

Pence will arrive in Cairo on January 20 for a meeting with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, heading the following day to Amman for a one-on-one with King Abdullah II.

His trip will conclude on January 22-23 with a two-day visit to Israel, where he will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin, deliver a speech to the Knesset, visit the Western Wall and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem and the West Bank in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognized by the international community.

The city's status is among the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Israel claims all of Jerusalem as its united capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

Trump's controversial decision sparked protests in Arab and Muslim countries and was rejected in a non-binding UN General Assembly resolution.

Tensions ratcheted up a notch this month after Trump threatened to cut hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to the Palestinians -- whose leaders responded by saying they will not be "blackmailed" and that Jerusalem "is not for sale."

Trump came to office boasting that he could achieve the "ultimate deal" that secures peace in the Middle East, something that has eluded US presidents for decades.

But efforts to harness improved Arab-Israel relations to push a peace deal have been at least temporarily derailed by Trump's Jerusalem recognition, with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas warning last month he would "no longer accept" any peace plan proposed by the United States.An apartment building pictured on January 3, 2018 in Ottawa, Canada, where former Taliban hostage Joshua Boyle had been living with his family until his arrest on sex assault and other charges last week

A Canadian man held captive for years in Afghanistan and charged in his home country with 15 offences remained in detention on Monday awaiting a bail hearing delayed to next week.

The judge granted lawyers for Joshua Boyle, 34, more time to prepare for his possible release on bail and scheduled a new hearing for January 15.

Bail would normally include arrangements for his supervision, where he would stay and other conditions.

Boyle appeared for about one minute at the hearing via videolink from an Ottawa detention center, wearing an orange jumpsuit and sporting a wispy beard.

He let out a sigh and furrowed his brow as the judge made his ruling.

Boyle and his American wife Caitlin Coleman were held captive by a faction of the Afghan Taliban for five years. They were freed last October along with their three children born in captivity before returning to Canada.

Canadian authorities charged him last week with 15 counts including assault, sexual assault and illegal confinement.

He was also charged with uttering death threats, misleading police, and causing a person to take a "noxious substance."

Court documents allege the crimes were committed after his return to Canada.

The court has ordered a publication ban on the identities of his victims.

In an earlier statement, Coleman did not comment on the specific charges against her husband but blamed "the strain and trauma he was forced to endure for so many years and the effects that that had on his mental state."

She said it was "with compassion and forgiveness that I... hope help and healing can be found for him."

Boyle and Coleman, who married in 2011, were kidnapped by the Taliban during what they described as a backpacking trip through war-torn Afghanistan in 2012. They were later transferred to the custody of the Haqqani faction, known for its alleged ties to the Pakistani military.

Pakistan's military said the family was freed in a daring rescue operation.

But some US and Canadian officials have questioned that account, suggesting to news outlets it may have involved a "negotiated handover" with the Haqqani network which Islamabad is said to covertly back.Tom Steyer's "Need to Impeach" campaign urged Americans to petition Congress members to impeach President Donald Trump

An American billionaire said Monday he was redoubling his campaign to remove President Donald Trump from office and will plow $30 million into Democrats' efforts to regain control of Congress.

Tom Steyer, who has spent tens of millions of dollars on political campaigns and grassroots voter outreach since 2016, said he would not run for political office this year, as some observers had expected.

Instead, he is focusing on ways to mobilize young voters and flip enough Republican seats to put the House of Representatives in Democratic hands.

The activist and environmentalist, who made his fortune as a hedge fund manager, said he had another main goal.

"My job is to remove Donald Trump from office," he told reporters in Washington. "2018 is a battle for the soul of (this) country. That's why I'm all in."

Last year the 60-year-old Steyer launched Need to Impeach, a campaign that urged Americans to petition members of Congress to impeach the president.

That campaign, which now has 4.1 million signatures, began in October with a multi-million-dollar ad buy on cable television. The ad was apparently seen by Trump himself, who branded the Democratic megadonor "wacky and totally unhinged."

Steyer said he now aims to expand the impeachment campaign into a vehicle for "an unprecedented engagement effort" with young American voters in order to help bring about a wave election in November that ousts dozens of Republicans from office.

"This tide will wash away the stain of the Trump administration, and it will not recede until America lives up to its founding creed, until we guarantee equal treatment, dignity and respect to every American," Steyer said.

The new campaign, NextGen Rising, intends to reach more than three million young voters. It claims it will be the largest youth vote effort in US history.

"I am willing to do whatever it takes to help save our country," Steyer said.US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis visited Pakistan last year and vowed to tread lightly and find "common ground" as Washington pressures its wayward ally to eliminate militant safe havens

The United States has told Pakistan what it must do if it wants Washington to resume paying out hundreds of millions of dollars in security aid, the Pentagon said Monday.

"Our expectations are straightforward," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning told reporters.

"Taliban and Haqqani leadership and attack planners should no longer be able to find safe haven or conduct operations from Pakistani soil."

Last week, President Donald Trump froze payments from the "coalition support fund" for Pakistan, worth $900 million, saying Pakistan is not doing enough to target Afghan Taliban and Haqqani group bases.

The coalition funding is set aside to refund Pakistani spending on counter-terrorist operations.

Also in question is almost $1 billion of US military equipment that has allowed Pakistan access to advanced military technology.

"The United States has conveyed to Pakistan specific and concrete steps that it could take," Manning said.

"We stand ready to work with Pakistan to combat terrorist groups without distinction. We will continue these conversations with the Pakistani government in private."

Pentagon officials are watching to see if Pakistan is going to retaliate against the US by cutting supply lines to US troops from its port at Karachi into Afghanistan.

So far, Manning said, there was no sign Islamabad was preparing to take that course of action.

He stressed that the suspension of funding was not permanent "at this time" and that the money was not being diverted elsewhere.

US officials believe that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency and other military bodies have long helped fund and arm the Taliban for ideological reasons, but also to counter rising Indian influence in Afghanistan, whose government is backed by the US.

Islamabad denies those allegations and has called Trump's decision to threaten funding "counterproductive."Cattle owned by Fulani herdsmen graze in a field outside Kaduna, northwest Nigeria in 2017

At least a dozen people were killed over the weekend in apparent tit-for-tat clashes between farmers and cattle herders in central Nigeria, police and community sources said Monday.

The violence between Christian Bachama farmers and Muslim Fulani herders happened in the Lau district of Taraba state on Friday and Saturday.

Police spokesman David Misal said 12 people were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked Fulani settlements on Friday. A reprisal attack followed on Saturday, he added.

"We recorded four deaths in the Fulani settlements and eight in the Bachama village," he told AFP.

Residents of the affected villages put the death toll at 40. It was not possible to verify either figure independently.

The attacks are the latest in a bloody, long-running dispute over land, exacerbated by religious and ethnic tensions that have killed thousands in recent decades.

The International Crisis Group warned last September the conflict was becoming "as potentially dangerous as the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast".

Herdsman Abdullahi Hamma said suspected Bachama tribesmen launched a dawn attack on his village of Donadda and two others, Babagasa and Katibu.

"We buried 15 bodies of people killed in the attacks on our communities," he added.

On Saturday, Fulani herders stormed Bachama-populated Robi village on motorcycles and opened fire on residents.

"We lost 25 people to an unprovoked attack by Fulani gunmen on our village," said Robi youth leader Felix Uban-Doma.

"Several people were injured."

- 'Spill over' -

Police spokesman Misal said the killings were a "spill over" of similar violence last month in neighbouring Adamawa state. Lau district lies near the state border.

Then, at least 30 Fulani herders were killed by Bachama militia in an attack on four Fulani villages in the Numan district of the state.

The killings led to reprisal attacks by Fulani herders on nearby Bachama villages where several people were killed, leading to an exodus of residents from the area.

"It was those aggrieved by the attack on their kinsmen in Numan that attacked the Fulani communities in Lau, which shares border with Adamawa, and led to the reprisals," Misal said.

Police were deployed in the affected area to contain the violence, said Misal, adding the police arrested three suspects in connection with the violence.

Dozens more people are believed to have been killed in a week of violence between Fulani herders and ethnic Tiv farmers in the Guma and Logo areas of central Benue state.

Benue police spokesman Moses Joel Yamu said it was not yet established how many had died.

"Our primary responsibility is to ensure that lives are protected," he told AFP, adding that reinforcements had been sent to the affected areas.

Last Wednesday, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the Benue state capital, Makurdi, over attacks on farming communities.

The mainly Muslim nomadic cattle rearers have been clashing with largely Christian farmers over grazing rights in Nigeria for decades.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari -- a Hausa-speaking Fulani from northern Nigeria -- has condemned the deadly clashes as "wicked and callous".

But he has been criticised for not doing more to prevent the attacks.The Supreme Court said the juror's statement "presents a strong factual basis for the argument that Tharpe's race" played a role in his getting the death sentence

The US Supreme Court ruled Monday ordered a re-examination of the case of a black death row inmate after one of the jurors at his trial questioned whether black people have souls.

The high court in September halted the execution of Keith Tharpe, who was hours away from receiving a lethal injection, after his lawyers argued that racism had played a "pivotal role" in his death sentence.

Tharpe was found guilty of the 1990 murder of his sister-in-law Jaquelin Freeman, which took place as she drove to work with his estranged wife in the southern US state of Georgia.

In 1998, a group that provides free legal assistance to inmates interviewed members of the jury that imposed the death sentence.

One of them was a white man named Barney Gattie, who according to court records said that: "There are two types of black people: 1. Black folks and 2. Niggers."

"Because I knew the victim and her husband's family and knew them all to be good black folks, I felt Tharpe, who wasn't in the 'good' black folks category in my book, should get the electric chair," Gattie said.

The juror also said that study of the Bible had led him to wonder "if black people even have souls."

"Gattie's remarkable affidavit -- which he never retracted -- presents a strong factual basis for the argument that Tharpe's race affected Gattie's vote for a death verdict," the high court wrote in its 6-3 unsigned opinion instructing a lower court to re-examinee the case.

Defense attorney Brian Kammer said in a statement that there was "clear evidence of racial animus on the part of one of the jurors."

Three conservative justices of the court -- Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch -- dissented.

Thomas, the sole African-American Supreme Court justice, called the majority opinion "ceremonial handwringing" that would ultimately delay justice for Freeman.

In several cases in recent years, the US Supreme Court has established that racial prejudice has no place in the American legal system.

Last February, the high court suspended the execution of a Texan who had been cast during his trial as being potentially more dangerous because he was black.

The Supreme Court also ruled in favor of a black man in May 2016 who was sentenced to death by a jury of 12 white people from which black jurors were excluded.Australian athletes Craig Burns (L) and Luke Sullivan kiss after their marriage ceremony at Summergrove Estate, New South Wales on January 9, 2018

Sharing a kiss as fireworks lit up the night sky, two Australian athletes tied the knot just after midnight Tuesday, in one of the first gay unions in the country following historic marriage equality laws.

Commonwealth Games hopefuls Luke Sullivan, 23, and Craig Burns, 29, said "I do" shortly after the clock struck 12:00 am in rural New South Wales state -- heralding a new chapter for same-sex couples in Australia.

While the historic reforms were given royal assent on December 8, the final step in a process that began with a national postal vote in September, most couples have had to wait 30 days before exchanging vows.

A handful wed last month after seeking exemptions due to their circumstances, including Lauren Price, 31, and Amy Laker, 29, who solemnised their vows in Sydney on December 16.

"We feel very lucky that we get to be one of the first same-sex couples married in Australia," Craig Burns told AFP at the wedding reception in Carool, a picturesque country town close to the popular Gold Coast tourist spot.

"In the past... people couldn't vote, women couldn't vote, so it's like a progression of equality and people wanting acceptance across different backgrounds."

The happy couple were joined by others across the country after parliamentarians in December voted in favour on changing the Marriage Act.

The shift came after decades of political wrangling, and followed an emphatic nationwide voluntary postal vote in support of legalising same-sex marriage.

- Learning curve -

While the historic reforms were given royal assent on December 8, the final step in a process that began with a national postal vote in September, most couples have had to wait 30 days before exchanging vows

Andrew Chatterton and James Hemphill will also marry Tuesday in Adelaide, arranging their wedding in barely a month after becoming engaged on the day the law was passed.

"We've found that some retailers are not quite ready yet for same-sex marriages -- for starters, it was difficult to explain to a jeweller that I was looking for an engagement ring for a man," Chatterton told the Adelaide Advertiser.

"But on the flip side, we have also found that despite some initial confusion, many places have been really enthusiastic about helping us."

Venues and vendors are preparing for a rush of weddings, with the pink dollar tipped to generate Aus$650 million (US$510 million) in the first year if some of the nearly 50,000 same-sex couples tie the knot.

Burns' and Sullivan's Aus$50,000 wedding on the border with NSW and Queensland states was gifted to them by local businesses.

Australia had been seen to be lagging on marriage reform as a growing number of its international peers including the United States and Ireland legalised such unions.

Rob Burns, who was at the Carool wedding reception with his wife Robyn to support their son Craig, said he was not surprised at the time it took for a "conservative country" such as Australia to embrace change.

"It was a real learning curve for us after Craig let us know that he was in fact gay, and now that we know, we wouldn't have him any other way," he told AFP.

"But at that time, it took a little while for us to get used to it because you didn't know, you didn't think about it... It's not going to be easy for everybody else to do it, so that's why it's taken Australia so long."

Gay marriage is now recognised in more than 20 countries, of which 16 are in Europe.US President Donald Trump, seen here in Nashville, Tennessee on January 8, has also indicated he would talk to Robert Mueller, who is heading up an independent investigation into possible links between Russia and the Trump campaign

The White House on Monday refused to say whether President Donald Trump would sit down with investigator Robert Mueller to answer questions about possible collusion between his campaign and Russia during the 2016 presidential race.

"The White House does not comment on communications with the Office of the Special Counsel out of respect for the Office of the Special Counsel and its process," a statement from Trump lawyer Ty Cobb read.

Mueller, a former FBI director, is heading up an independent investigation into possible links between Russian activities and the Trump campaign last May.

He may also be looking at whether Trump and his inner circle sought to obstruct justice, which has raised speculation that the president himself would be interviewed.

Trump had said he fired FBI director James Comey in part because of his earlier investigation into Russia and the 2016 election.

Trump has also indicated he would talk to Mueller, although the political and legal risks of a sitting president being questioned by the special prosecutor are manifold.

Two of Trump's campaign aides have already admitted to lying to investigators and have become cooperative witnesses for the investigation.The Apalachicola Bay in Florida in September 2017 after Hurricane Irma

The US Supreme Court heard arguments on Monday in a bitter fight over water pitting two American states against each other.

On one side in the decades-old dispute is the state of Georgia.

On the other is its southern neighbor, Florida.

Florida v. Georgia concerns the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers, which originate in Georgia, join to become the Apalachicola River and flow downstream into Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida is seeking to have restrictions imposed on how much water Georgia can use from the rivers, arguing that the state's once-lucrative oyster industry in the Apalachicola Bay is drying up.

"Florida has suffered real harm as a result of Georgia's ever-increasing consumption of upstream waters," Gregory Garre, an attorney for the state, told the nine Supreme Court justices.

"Georgia's consumption is unreasonable and largely unrestrained," Garre said.

Georgia argues that the water is needed to provide for farmers in the "Peach State" and for Atlanta, a thriving metropolis of more than five million people that is also the headquarters of Coca-Cola.

- Oyster fishery collapse -

"Florida has not made the case that it needs more water at a time when there is plenty of rain and water in the system," said Craig Primis, an attorney for Georgia.

Workers process Apalachicola oysters

"That water just will wash out to sea and won't benefit anybody," Primis said.

Justice Elena Kagan appeared to lend a sympathetic ear to the arguments of Florida but it was unclear from Monday's arguments how the court will rule.

"You have common sense on your side," Kagan told the attorney from Florida.

The Apalachicola Bay in Florida's panhandle on the state's "Forgotten Coast" was among the top oyster-producing regions in the country until recently.

The Apalachicola Bay once provided 10 percent of the oysters in the United States and 90 percent of those sold in Florida.

But the oyster fishery collapsed in 2012 because of drought, over-fishing and increased salinity in the Apalachicola Bay due to decreased freshwater flow.

To save its oyster industry, the "Sunshine State" launched a legal battle two decades ago which has cost tens of millions of dollars.

Ralph Lancaster, a court-appointed "special master" named to look into the case, found last year that Florida had suffered from the reduced flow of the rivers.

But he determined that no remedy could be found without the participation of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The corps controls five dams on the Chattahoochee River but it is not a party to the lawsuit and answers to Congress.NEW YORK (AP) - With new options and conveniences, there's never been a better time for shoppers. As for workers ... well, not always.

The retail industry is being radically reshaped by technology, and nobody feels that disruption more starkly than 16 million American shelf stockers, salespeople, cashiers and others. The shifts are driven, like much in retail, by the Amazon effect - the explosion of online shopping and the related changes in consumer behavior and preferences.

As mundane tasks like checkout and inventory are automated, employees are trying to deliver the kind of customer service the internet can't match.

In this Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, photo, Laila Ummelaila, a personal shopper at the Walmart store in Old Bridge, N.J., collects items as she shops for online shoppers. Personal shoppers collect items on online orders and greet customers at a pickup location in the parking lot. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

So a Best Buy employee who used to sell electronics in the store is dispatched to customers' homes to help them choose just the right products. A Walmart worker dashes in and out of the grocery aisles, hand-picks products for online shoppers and brings them to people's cars.

___

Editor's note: This story is part of Future of Work, an Associated Press series that explores how workplaces across the U.S. and the world are being transformed by technology and global pressures. As more employers move, shrink or revamp their work sites, many employees are struggling to adapt. At the same time, workers with in-demand skills or knowledge are benefiting. Advanced training, education or know-how is becoming a required ticket to the 21st-century workplace.

___

Yet even as responsibilities change - and in many cases, expand - the average growth in pay for retail workers isn't keeping pace with the rest of the economy. Some companies say that in the long run the transformation could mean fewer retail workers, though they may be better paid. But while some workers feel more satisfied, others find their jobs are just a lot less fun.

Bloomingdale's saleswoman Brenda Moses remembers the pre-internet era, when the upscale store was regularly filled with customers ready to buy. These days, department stores are less crowded and the customers who do come in can make price comparisons on their phones at the same time as they pepper staff with questions.

"You tell them everything, and then they look at you and say, 'You know what? I think I will get it online,'" she said.

Moses has seen her commission rate rise to 6 percent from a half a percent, but her hourly wage dropped from $19 as low as $10 before it came back up to $14. Depending more on commissions means her income fluctuates, and she's competing with her colleagues for each sale.

"Now," Moses said, "you have to fight to make your money."

The same could be said for the retailing industry, overall. In 2017, 66,500 U.S. retail jobs disappeared (not taking into account jobs added in areas like distribution and call centers). In the past decade, about one out of every seven jobs have vanished in the hardest-hit sectors like clothing and consumer electronics, says Frank Badillo, director of research at MacroSavvy LLC. Though department stores have suffered the most, smaller businesses also have struggled to compete with online sellers.

Many of the survivors are rushing to adapt. Of the retail jobs that remain, over the next decade as many as 60 percent will either be new kinds of roles or will involve revised duties, says Craig Rowley, senior client partner at Korn Ferry Hay Group, a human resources advisory firm. He estimates the number is about 10 percent now.

How fast retail jobs will change and what they'll look like depends on three factors, Rowley said: the pace at which online shopping advances; the speed at which robotics and other technology progress; and shifts in the minimum hourly pay.

"Jobs for workers will get more interesting and be more impactful on the company's business," Rowley said. "But the negative side is that there will be fewer entry-level jobs and there will be more pressure to perform."

Some retail workers at the vanguard of the changes - like Laila Ummelaila, a personal grocery shopper at a Walmart in Old Bridge, New Jersey - speak glowingly of their new responsibilities.

Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, has scrutinized every job in its stores as it looks to leverage its more than 4,000 U.S. locations against Amazon's internet dominance.

The company now has 18,000 personal shoppers who fill online orders from store shelves, and 17,000 check-out hosts whose responsibilities are more extensive than the greeters of old, including keeping the area clean and making sure registers move efficiently. The company has also shifted workers from back-room clerical jobs and eliminated some overnight stocker positions in favor of more daytime sales help. The customers like the changes, company officials say, pointing to more than three years of sales growth at its established U.S. stores - a contrast with other, suffering retailers.

Ummelaila became a personal shopper after joining the company three years ago. To meet her store's goals, she must pick one item per 30 seconds. If she can't find something, she has to quickly get a substitute that's as good or better.

"You start to get to know the customers, you know what they like," she said, "how they like their meat ... and how long they keep milk in the fridge."

Best Buy, meanwhile, has begun a free service in key markets where salespeople will sit with customers in their own homes and make recommendations on setting up a home office to designing a home theater system. Best Buy said shoppers spend more with a home visit than they do at the stores. The project follows Amazon, which reportedly has been testing a program that sends employees to shoppers' houses for free "smart home" recommendations.

At Steve Frederick's townhouse in Chicago, Billy Schuler offered advice about speakers that can be adjusted from a smartphone. Schuler, who had previously worked at Best Buy for 14 years, returned to the company to take on the new role.

"Customers are more relaxed when they are in their home," he said. "We can do a walkthrough of the house and see their needs." He likes to "break the ice" by calling the person and chatting a day or two before the visit.

Frederick, who's spending close to $20,000 on the equipment, describes himself as "old-school" and says he needed a lot of help. He thinks it was worthwhile.

"When you are spending that kind of money, you want to have someone come in and explain it," he said.

Schuler declined to give specifics but says he is well compensated. Ummelaila says her pay went up to nearly $12 per hour from $10 when she became a personal shopper.

Target credits its strategy of assigning dedicated sales staff in areas such as clothing, consumer electronics, and beauty for helping increase sales, and says having visual merchandisers create vignettes like shoppers would see in specialty stores inspires people to buy. "You are making an outfit and telling a story on each rack," says Crystal Lawrence, who works at a Target store in Brooklyn, New York. She likes the variety in her new job, and Target says it plans to keep paying higher wages for those specialized roles.

But a survey of nearly 300 retail workers - conducted by the Center for Frontline Retail and Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center - found that of those workers whose job responsibilities have changed, more than 40 percent said they hadn't received pay increases to reflect that.

Wages for hourly retail workers have risen less than 9 percent since 1990, compared with 18 percent for overall workers in the private sector. There has been some progress recently; some of the biggest retailers, like Walmart and Target, have made moves to increase pay in the face of low unemployment and competition for workers.

"For a long period, these retail jobs were just terrible on average," said Michael Mandel, chief economic strategist at the Progressive Policy Institute. "Retail stores have been following one strategy: high turnover, low wages. That strategy is no longer viable."

Mandel sees hope in technology, which he says has historically created more and better-paying jobs than it has eliminated.

The National Retail Federation trade group points to government data showing that even in large supermarket chains where self-checkout has become standard, the number of employees per store has held steady over the 15 years through 2014. And the demand for grocery cashiers increased in the past few years, says Burning Glass Technologies, a company that analyzes labor market data.

McDonald's says the self-serve kiosks it has been rolling out won't result in mass layoffs, but will mean that some cashiers shift roles to accommodate changes like offering table service.

But a report prepared by Cornerstone Capital Group for the Investor Responsibility Research Center Institute predicts that more than 7.5 million retail jobs are at risk of being eliminated by automation over the next several years.

Amazon is testing a grocery store in Seattle without cashiers, using cameras and shelf sensors to keep track of the items that shoppers grab and charge them. Eatsa, an automat-style restaurant in San Francisco, lacks cashiers as well - diners order at kiosks and workers prepare the food behind an opaque wall, with virtually no interaction between them.

Labor groups are trying to address some of the new issues. Under a contract reached last May between Bloomingdale's and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Moses and other members who work at the flagship store in Manhattan can also get commissions from some online sales.

And a labor group representing 1.3 million grocery and food workers is trying to combat automation by highlighting that workers' specialized skills - like the care they take in icing a rose on a wedding cake, or arranging flowers, or the ability of human workers to recognize spoiled food - provide a benefit to shoppers.

"Separating progress for the consumer, for the worker, for the economy versus the stockholders ... those are completely different things," says Erikka Knuti, a spokeswoman for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

Others say automation and happy workers are not necessarily incompatible.

Walmart's CEO Doug McMillon foresees fewer sales associates at his stores, but they'll be better paid and better trained. Walmart has trained 225,000 supervisors and managers on topics like new apps and better customer service. It says managers who go through the academies have better retention rates than those who do not. Workers who report to those managers stay longer. And entry-level workers who complete a new training program are more likely to remain.

It's a shift retailers may have to speed up. Government figures show the rate of retail workers quitting their jobs in 2016 was at its highest since 2007.

Alfredo Duran, who started as a sales associate at Gap and worked at six retailers over 15 years, left the industry two years ago. As a manager at clothing chain Mango, he was making $75,000 a year. But once the store closed, he had trouble finding another job in retail because no one wanted to pay him for his experience.

"It's gone down. One person is doing three jobs. And you can't move up," said Duran, 38, of Queens, New York.

He's now a concierge at a Manhattan hotel, making half of what he used to earn - but happy he left retail.

___

AP Video journalists Terry Chea in San Francisco and Teresa Crawford in Chicago contributed to this report.

___

Follow Anne D'Innocenzio: http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio

In this Nov. 17, 2017, photo taken from video, Billy Schuler, Best Buy in-home advisor, left, speaks with homeowner and customer Steve Frederick, at Frederick's home in Chicago. Schuler offered advice about speakers that can be adjusted from a smartphone. Best Buy has begun a free service in key markets where salespeople will sit with customers in their own homes and make recommendations on setting up a home office to designing a home theater system. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)

In this Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, photo, Laila Ummelaila, a personal shopper at the Walmart store in Old Bridge, N.J., pulls a cart with bins as she shops for online shoppers. Personal shoppers collect items on online orders and greet customers at a pickup location in the parking lot. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

FILE - In this Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, file photo, people wait for their lunch orders to be ready at Eatsa in San Francisco. Eatsa, an automat-style restaurant, doesn't have cashiers, and diners order at kiosks while workers prepare the food behind an opaque wall, with virtually no interaction between them. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, file photo, Target human resources representative Critsina Lugo, seated, talks with a job seeker at a Target store in Dallas. Shifting shopper habits spell disruption for retail workers, who have new duties, different roles, or are fighting for customers. Some of the biggest retailers, like Walmart and Target, have made moves to increase pay in the face of low unemployment and competition for workers. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

In a Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, photo, Laila Ummelaila, left, a personal shopper at the Walmart store in Old Bridge, N.J., helps customer Vicky Soler verify her order at an online shopping pickup location. Personal shoppers collect items on online orders and greet customers at the pickup location in the parking lot. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

In this Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, photo, Setal Gandhi, a department manager at a Walmart store in Secaucus, N.J., demonstrates how shoppers can pick up online orders at a tower near the entrance of the store. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

In this Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, photo, Walmart employee Kenneth White, left, is coached by Shabazz Bonner while using an inventory app during a class at the Walmart Academy at the store in North Bergen, N.J. The retail industry is being radically reshaped by technology and nobody feels that disruption more starkly than the 16 million Americans working as shelf stockers, salespeople and cashiers. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Struggling to score goals and with several important offensive players sidelined, the Columbus Blue Jackets pulled out a gritty win - just the way coach John Tortorella wants his team to play.

Josh Anderson scored the deciding goal in the eighth round of the shootout, lifting the Blue Jackets to a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers on Sunday night.

"That scratching, clawing, spitting, biting doing everything you can to win the game, we did it," Tortorella said.

Columbus Blue Jackets' Josh Anderson, left, tries to take the puck away from Florida Panthers' Mark Pysyk during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky stopped Jared McCann's attempt to secure the win for the Blue Jackets, who also got goals from Artemi Panarin and Jack Johnson in the tiebreaker. Aleksander Barkov, who tied the score with 1:34 left in the third period, and Mike Matheson scored in the shootout for Florida.

"It was a good point," Panthers coach Bob Boughner said after his team lost its third straight. "It was a hard fought point against a real good hockey club. Both teams had good goaltending. We've just got to take this and move on."

Nick Foligno and rookie Pierre-Luc Dubois scored power-play goals for Columbus - just the second time this season the NHL's worst man-advantage unit has come through twice, and both against Florida. Bobrovsky, who took an errant stick under his chin in the final period, had 42 saves through overtime to help the Blue Jackets win for just the fourth time in 11 games (4-6-1).

"We threw a lot of pucks at them and we were able to get a couple big power play goals," Columbus forward Boone Jenner said.

Jonathan Huberdeau also scored for the Panthers and James Reimer stopped 46 shots. Florida's streak has followed a five-game winning streak to close December.

Reimer was clutch in the third period, keeping his team within one goal while making several tough saves in the opening few minutes and later turning aside a breakaway by Dubois.

"He gave us a chance and he definitely was a big part of us getting a point," Boughner said of Reimer, who made his 14th straight start. "You always wish you had two. We had some great chances in overtime and it would have been nice to win it for him."

With the Panthers trailing late in regulation and the teams skating 4-on-4, the puck deflected off the skate of Foligno to Barkov, who slammed it past Bobrovksy for his 13th to even the score.

"The third period I thought we played really well and we just couldn't score a third goal," Tortorella said. "And you knew it was going to happen (that Florida would tie the game)."

Foligno opened the scoring at 9:47 of the first period, wristing a rebound from the slot over Reimer's glove for his first in 11 games.

Huberdeau made it 1-1 just 31 seconds into the second period on the power play with his 15th, a redirection near the crease on pass from Barkov. Huberdeau has scored six times in his last seven games.

Later in the period, Jones zipped a pass from the right side that Dubois tapped in for his ninth on a bang-bang play.

"Our power play hasn't been working this year but I think in our past couple games we're getting closer and closer," Dubois said.

NOTES: Columbus is still without injured forwards Brandon Dubinsky, Cam Atkinson and Alexander Wennberg. ... Florida RW Radim Vrbata missed his fifth consecutive game because of an illness. ...The Blue Jackets are 17-4-3 when scoring first. ... The Panthers, completing the first half of their 82-game schedule, had gone seven contests without a power-play goal.

UP NEXT

Blue Jackets: At Toronto on Monday night.

Panthers: At St. Louis on Tuesday night.

Columbus Blue Jackets' Artemi Panarin, right, of Russia, carries the puck past Florida Panthers' Derek MacKenzie during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Florida Panthers' Aleksander Barkov, right, of Finland, carries the puck upice as Columbus Blue Jackets' Artemi Panarin, of Russia, defends during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Columbus Blue Jackets' Jack Johnson celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers during the shootout period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Columbus Blue Jackets' Scott Harrington, right, checks Florida Panthers' Denis Malgin, of Switzerland, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Florida Panthers' Mike Matheson, left, and Columbus Blue Jackets' Artemi Panarin, of Russia, fight for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)BANGALORE, India (AP) - A fire in a restaurant early Monday killed five workers who were sleeping inside the building in the southern Indian city of Bangalore, police said.

Police officer M.N. Anucheth said the fire broke out after customers left and the sleeping workers were trapped on the ground floor of the Kumbaara Sangha building.

He said the cause of the fire is being investigated.

An Indian police official inspects a burnt restaurant in Kalasipalyam district, a busy and congested area in Bangalore, India, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. A fire in the restaurant early Monday killed five workers who were sleeping inside the building, police said. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

The restaurant is located in Kalasipalyam district, a busy and congested area in the heart of Bangalore, one of India's information technology hubs, in southern Karnataka state.

The Press Trust of India news agency said the five were burned to death.

Last month, a massive late-night fire in a restaurant at a Mumbai complex killed 15 people. The fire raised questions about fire safety norms in pubs and restaurants, leading to safety checks in Mumbai and other cities.BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - James Franco took what was arguably the worst performance in movie history and turned it into what was arguably his own greatest role, taking home a Golden Globe on Sunday for "The Disaster Artist" that puts him on the inside track for an Academy Award nomination.

Franco played Tommy Wiseau, Hollywood cult hero of mysterious origins and the force behind the worst-best-film-ever "The Room," in "The Disaster Artist."

"First person I have to thank is the man himself, Tommy Wiseau, come on up here Tommy!" Franco shouted when he accepted the award.

James Franco arrives at the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Wiseau darted out of his chair, ran across the room, and leapt up to the stage with his long, dyed-black hair and sunglasses looking, as Franco's friend and co-star Seth Rogen described him earlier in the show, "like Johnny Depp went to a costume party dressed as a vampire."

Franco's remarks were as much an acceptance speech for Wiseau as they were for Franco himself.

"Nineteen years ago he was stuck in traffic and saw a sign for the Golden Globes," said Franco, who then broke into Wiseau's mystery accent as he did in the film. "Golden Globz, I don't care, I'm not invited. Guy with long hair, accent. So I show them. I don't wait for Hollywood, I make my own movie."

Wiseau was among the most popular partners for celebrities posing for photos on the red carpet Sunday.

Franco, 39, a clear but not overwhelming favorite in the category, beat out fellow nominees Steve Carell for "Battle of the Sexes," Ansel Elgort for "Baby Driver," Hugh Jackman for "The Greatest Showman" and Daniel Kaluuya for "Get Out."

It was Franco's first Golden Globe for a film role in his third nomination in the movie categories.

He won a Golden Globe playing the title character in the 2002 biopic "James Dean."

His one previous Oscar nomination came in 2011 for "127 Hours."

The 39-year-old Franco later shifted to earnest in his speech, saying the movie was a sincere story of friendship, thanking Rogen and his brother Dave, who co-starred as his best friend in the film.

"I used to want my own Coen brother, someone to collaborate with," James Franco said. "I realized I had a Franco brother. Thanks to my mother for giving him to me."

___

For full coverage of awards season, visit: https://apnews.com/tag/AwardsSeasonPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - An appeals court on Monday upheld the prison sentence of an Australian woman convicted of providing commercial surrogacy services in Cambodia.

Judge Kim Dany said the appeals court found the lower court conviction of Tammy Davis-Charles complied with Cambodian law and therefore upheld the verdict. She did not take questions from media during the court appearance.

Davis-Charles is serving one and a half years in prison after being convicted last August. During the court appearance last year, Davis-Charles said she has "lost everything" since her arrest and wants to be reunited with her family in Australia, including her twin sons.

Tammy Davis-Charles, second left, gets off from a van at an appeals court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. An appeals court on Monday upheld the prison sentence of the Australian woman convicted of providing commercial surrogacy services in Cambodia. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Cambodia banned commercial surrogacy in 2016 after becoming a popular destination for would-be parents seeking women to give birth to their children.

Davis-Charles was arrested in November 2016, within weeks of the ban.

She has said she launched her business in Cambodia only after consulting three local lawyers who assured her the clinic was legal. The surrogates were paid $10,000 for each pregnancy, she has said.

Surrogacy costs are much lower in developing countries than in nations such as the United States and Australia, where services cost around $150,000. The surrogacy business boomed in Cambodia after being restricted in neighboring Thailand, in India and in Nepal.

After Cambodia's crackdown, the trade has shifted to neighboring Laos.

The judge said Davis-Charles could appeal to the Supreme Court if she is not satisfied with Monday's court decision.BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - They are separated by almost 40 years, grew up on different continents, and lead films that couldn't be more different, but the two best actress winners at the Golden Globes Sunday, Frances McDormand, 60, and Saoirse Ronan, 23, agreed that the night was something special - the awards themselves were just almost a side show.

McDormand, who won for portraying the vengeful and grieving mother of a daughter who was raped and murdered in Martin McDonagh's "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," said that while she keeps her politics private that, "It was really great to be in this room tonight and to be part of the tectonic shift in our industry's power structure."

"Trust me," McDormand continued, "The women in this room tonight are not here for the food. We are here for the work."

This image released by NBC shows Saoirse Ronan accepting the award for best actress in a motion picture comedy or musical for her role in "Lady Bird," at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC via AP)

She won her first individual Golden Globe ever in the best actress in a drama category over Jessica Chastain ("Molly's Game"), Sally Hawkins ("The Shape of Water"), Meryl Streep ("The Post") and Michelle Williams ("All the Money in the World").

Backstage when a reporter asked McDormand if there was any danger of Hollywood returning to its old ways, McDormand said sternly, "What do you think?"

"No, there's no going back," she said eventually. "Go forward. In the best possible way."

"Lady Bird" star Saoirse Ronan, meanwhile, also picked up her first Golden Globe win for best actress in a musical or comedy Sunday night.

"I wanted to say how inspirational it has been to be here tonight," Ronan said in a short and sweet speech, where also said "hi" to her mother in Ireland, not on TV, but on FaceTime on a personal phone that someone in the audience held up to the podium. She hugged her movie mom, Laurie Metcalf, as she made her way to the stage.

Ronan plays the title character in the Greta Gerwig-written and directed coming-of-age film "Lady Bird," about a teenage girl in her last year of high school in Sacramento in 2002. The film also won best musical or comedy.

"It's an incredibly special thing to have a character like this exist now finally," Ronan said backstage, alongside Gerwig.

Ronan, who had previously picked up nominations for "Brooklyn" and "Atonement," was up against Margot Robbie ("I, Tonya"), Emma Stone ("Battle of the Sexes"), Judi Dench ("Victoria & Abdul") and Helen Mirren ("The Leisure Seeker").

___

For full coverage of awards season, visit: https://apnews.com/tag/AwardsSeason

Saoirse Ronan arrives at the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

This image released by NBC shows Frances McDormand, left, accepting the award for best actress in a motion picture drama for her role in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC via AP)

This image released by NBC shows Frances McDormand accepting the award for best actress in a motion picture drama for her role in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC via AP)

This image released by NBC shows Saoirse Ronan accepting the award for best actress in a motion picture comedy or musical for her role in "Lady Bird," at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC via AP)The Trump administration is ending special protections for Salvadoran immigrants, forcing nearly 200,000 to leave the country or face deportation, officials said Monday.

El Salvador is the fourth country whose citizens have lost Temporary Protected Status under President Donald Trump, and they have been, by far, the largest beneficiaries of the program, which provides humanitarian relief for foreigners whose countries are hit with natural disasters or other strife.

Two U.S. officials discussed the decision on condition of anonymity with The Associated Press because they were not authorized to speak publicly ahead of the announcement.

One official said Salvadorans will have until September 2019 to leave the country or adjust their legal status.

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Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen's decision, while not surprising, will send shivers through parts of Washington, Los Angeles, New York, Houston and other metropolitan areas that are home to large numbers of Salvadorans

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen's decision, while not surprising, will send shivers through parts of Washington, Los Angeles, New York, Houston and other metropolitan areas that are home to large numbers of Salvadorans, who have enjoyed special protection since earthquakes struck the Central American country in 2001.

Many have established deep roots in the U.S., starting families and businesses over decades.

It also represents a serious challenge for El Salvador, a country of 6.2 million people whose economy depends on remittances from wage earners in the U.S.

Over the last decade, growing numbers of Salvadorans - many coming as families or unaccompanied children - have entered the United States illegally through Mexico, fleeing violence and poverty.

In September 2016, the Obama administration extended protections for 18 months, saying El Salvador suffered lingering harm from the 2001 earthquakes that killed more than 1,000 people and was temporarily unable to absorb such a large number of people.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen faced a Monday deadline to decide whether to grant another extension.

El Salvador President Salvador Sanchez Ceren spoke by phone Friday with Nielsen to renew his plea to extend status for 190,000 Salvadorans and allow more time for Congress to deliver a long-term fix for them to stay in the U.S.

The decision comes amid intensifying talks between the White House and Congress on an immigration package that may include protections for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who came to the country as children and were temporarily shielded from deportation under an Obama-era program.

Trump said in September that he was ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, but gave Congress until March to act.

The U.S. created Temporary Protected Status in 1990 to provide a safe haven from countries affected by earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, war and other disasters, and it currently shields nearly 320,000 people from 10 countries.

Horror: Special Protected Status was introduced in 2001 in the wake of an earthquake on the country which killed 1,000, left thousands more homeless and led to a surge of migration out of El Salvador

Scenes of devastation: The 2001 earthquake devastated the country. The most recent extension to the special immigration status was 18 months ago, when the Obama administration ruled that El Salvador would be unable to absorb 190,000 people returning

There are nearly 440,000 beneficiaries from the 10 countries, including 263,000 from El Salvador, but many have obtained legal status other ways.

The benefit, which includes work authorization, can be renewed up to 18 months at a time by the Homeland Security secretary.

Critics say it has proved anything but temporary - with many beneficiaries staying years after the initial justification applies.

Nielsen said last week that short-term extensions are not the answer.

'Getting them to a permanent solution is a much better plan than having them live six months to 12 months to 18 months,' she told the AP.

In November, Nielsen's predecessor, acting Secretary Elaine Duke, ended the protection for Haitians, requiring about 50,000 to leave or adjust their legal status by July 22, 2019, and for Nicaraguans, giving about 2,500 until Jan. 5, 2019.

She delayed a decision affecting more than 50,000 Hondurans, foisting the decision onto Nielsen.

Last year, the Trump administration extended status for South Sudan and ended it for Sudan.

Other countries covered are Nepal, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.

From day No. 1 of his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to take a hard-line approach to immigration, even going as far as to claim illegal Mexican immigrants living the the country were 'rapists.'

He's still pressuring Congress to allocate funds for his proposed border wall, between the U.S.-Mexico border.

The White House requested $18 billion from Congress this week to fund the beginning stages of the wall.

During the campaign he had promised that Mexico would 'pay for it.' The country has refused.

Also, during the president's first year of office he's tried to limit travel into the U.S., by backing a controversial ban that mainly targeted Muslim-majority countries.

In December, the Supreme Court allowed a revised version of the ban to go into effect while court challenges continue.

Citizens from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Chad and North Korea are barred from entering the United States, along with some groups of people from Venezuela.LONDON (AP) - Prime Minister Theresa May attempted to re-energize her government with a Cabinet shake-up Monday as Britain prepares for a crucial phase in the negotiations over its departure from the European Union.

But May, who heads a minority government divided over Brexit, had limited room to make changes, and the overhaul could reinforce perceptions that her authority is fragile.

The most powerful ministers remained in place, and Education Secretary Justine Greening quit the government after refusing to move to a new post.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, center, with the new Conservative Party Chairman Brandon Lewis, left and his new deputy James Cleverly, pose on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street as May begins to reshuffle her Cabinet in London, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Brexit Secretary David Davis, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Treasury chief Philip Hammond all kept their jobs. So did Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, a frequent target of criticism over failings in the state-funded National Health Service.

May's decision to keep them in their jobs was in part a reflection of her need to balance Brexit-backing ministers like Johnson and Davis with more pro-EU politicians such as Hammond and Rudd.

May's shuffle also was complicated by the resignation of the U.K.'s minister for Northern Ireland amid a long-running political crisis in Belfast. James Brokenshire said he was quitting because he is about to have surgery for a lesion on his lung and will need time to recover.

In a letter to May, Brokenshire said the operation meant he would not "be able to give the effort, energy and complete focus needed at this important time." He was replaced by Karen Bradley, who moved from the sports and culture department.

Northern Ireland's power-sharing administration has been suspended for a year amid a stalemate between the main Irish nationalist and British unionist parties. The parties in Belfast have missed several government-imposed deadlines to restore power sharing, and Northern Ireland faces direct rule from London if a solution is not found soon.

The status of the border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland also remains a major issue in Brexit negotiations.

Britain and the EU are set to begin discussing their future relations, with just over a year to go until the U.K. is set to leave the bloc on March 29, 2019.

May hopes to secure agreement on a post-Brexit transition period by the end of March and to draft a withdrawal agreement by the end of the year.

As Parliament returned from its Christmas break Monday, May summoned ministers to 10 Downing St. to be moved, promoted or demoted.

She removed Patrick McLoughlin, who as Conservative Party chairman oversaw last year's disastrous election campaign. The party lost its majority in Parliament after May called a snap election in what became a failed bid to consolidate her grip on power and to strengthen her hand in the Brexit talks.

May lost a key Cabinet ally before Christmas, when de-facto deputy leader Damian Green was forced to resign for making misleading statements about pornography found on his office computer.

His role as May's chief lieutenant was filled by David Lidington, who bears the grand title of minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

May is set to continue shuffling government ranks on Tuesday. While Brexit divisions have restricted her options, she is looking to make her Conservative government more representative of Britain by promoting more women, people from ethnic minorities and recently elected lawmakers to leadership posts.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May returns to 10 Downing Street in London, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, ahead of an expected Cabinet reshuffle. The British Prime Minister is preparing to shuffle her Cabinet as she tries to bolster her authority ahead of a crucial new phase in Brexit negotiations. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May returns to 10 Downing Street in London, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, ahead of an expected Cabinet reshuffle. The British Prime Minister is preparing to shuffle her Cabinet as she tries to bolster her authority ahead of a crucial new phase in Brexit negotiations. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, right, with the new Conservative Party Chairman Brandon Lewis, pose on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street as May begins to reshuffle her Cabinet in London, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson walks to the Foreign Office as Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to reshuffle her cabinet ministers in London, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. The British Prime Minister is preparing to shuffle her Cabinet as she tries to bolster her authority ahead of a crucial new phase in Brexit negotiations. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson arrives at 10 Downing Street to be reconfirmed as Foreign Secretary, as Prime Minister Theresa May begins to reshuffle her Cabinet in London, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Britain's Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt walks into 10 Downing Street for a meeting about his portfolio as Prime Minister Theresa May begins to reshuffle her Cabinet in London, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Former education secretary Justine Greening leaves 10 Downing Street in London, following her resignation from the Government Cabinet, Monday Jan. 8, 2018. British Prime Minister Theresa May is known to be reshuffling her government team including Cabinet jobs and other ministerial positions. (John Stillwell/PA via AP)

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, second right, with the new Conservative Party Chairman Brandon Lewis, center, and his new deputy James Cleverly, right, pose on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, as May begins to reshuffle her Cabinet in London, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Warsaw town hall says the city mayor's husband has returned money obtained from property restitution that was found to be unlawful, a case that had burdened Poland's main centrist opposition party.

Restitution of private property previously seized by the communist authorities has bred many irregularities blamed on Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz. She used to be a prominent member of the centrist, pro-European Union party Civic Platform - currently the main, albeit weak, opposition to the right-wing government.

Gronkiewicz-Waltz's husband obtained restitution of a house in Warsaw in a 2003 decision that - a special commission recently said - was unlawful. The commission ordered the return of proceeds the family earned in then selling the house.

FILE - In this Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 file photo, shows an apartment building freshly renovated by an international developer group that bought the house from the husband of Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, in Warsaw, Poland. Warsaw town hall says the city mayor's husband has returned money obtained from property restitution that was found to be unlawful, a case that had burdened Poland's main centrist opposition party. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, File)

Warsaw town hall said Monday the money, some 1.1 million zlotys ($318,000) has been returned.BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) - Romania's prime minister failed Monday to deliver the government reshuffle he planned as the powerful leader of his party ruled that any changes would have to wait until the end of the month.

There has been mounting speculation in Bucharest that Premier Mihai Tudose wants to replace Liviu Dragnea, the current chairman of the Social Democratic Party who is facing corruption charges, with a committee of regional leaders.

In an open letter published in Romanian media, senior party member Nicolae Badalau urged colleagues to back efforts to make the party more democratic, to be run by "a collective party leadership."

Dragnea, who can't serve as prime minister due to a 2016 conviction for vote-rigging, still enjoys the support of most regional party bosses.

While playing down talk of rifts in the party and denying he personally had a tense relationship with the prime minister, Dragnea said any reshuffle had to be conducted through normal party channels.

Dragnea said the Social Democrats would hold another party meeting at the end of the month. Tudose said he would present his plans to reshuffle the government then.

Separately, prosecutors froze Dragnea's assets in November amid a probe into the misuse of European Union funds. He denies wrongdoing.

Last year, huge anti-government protests erupted over moves to restructure Romania's justice system, which critics say would make it harder to crack down on high-level corruption.

Dragnea and his allies back the proposals.PRAGUE (AP) - One of Prague's major tourist attractions, its medieval astronomical clock, was stopped Monday and is to be taken away for months for major repairs.

The clock last performed its hourly show of the 12 apostles and other figures for crowds of visitors to the Czech capital on Monday at 9 a.m.

Prague officials say the clock that was installed on the City Hall's tower in 1410 will be completely disassembled and its parts taken for restoration, the first complex fix since World War II.

Tourists stand in front of the famed astronomical clock at the Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. Workers stopped the famous medieval astronomical clock on Monday and parts will be taken off site for months for major repairs. Prague officials say the clock installed on the City Hall's tower in 1410 will be completely disassembled and taken for its first comprehensive restoration since World War II. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

The entire City Hall with the clock were badly damaged in the war and the some of the postwar restoration works were not done properly and need to be fixed.

"It's a necessary and responsible move to preserve it for the generations to come," city councilman Jan Wolf said.

The clock is expected to be back in its place in the late summer.

There are a number of legends linked to the clock. One of them says the entire nation will suffer when it stops running. Record flooding hit Prague and large parts of the Czech Republic in 2002, causing the clock to stop.

In 2011, it was shut down for a three-week repair, and again later that year for five minutes when Vaclav Havel died, to honor the former president.

Tourists take a photo of the famed astronomical clock at the Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. Workers stopped the famous medieval astronomical clock on Monday and parts will be taken off site for months for major repairs. Prague officials say the clock installed on the City Hall's tower in 1410 will be completely disassembled and taken for its first comprehensive restoration since World War II. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Florida wildlife officials say 538 manatees were found dead in the state's waterways last year.

That's the third-highest annual death toll on record for the large marine mammals.

In a Daytona Beach News-Journal report , Volusia County's manatee protection program manager, Debbie Wingfield, said a high number of manatee deaths wasn't unexpected because there's a growing number of manatees in Florida.

Michelle Kerr, a spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's research institute in St. Petersburg, said red tide algae blooms were identified as "a significant contributing factor" to manatee deaths overall in 2017.

Statewide, 106 manatee deaths were attributed to watercraft collisions. Kerr said watercraft collisions account for about 20 percent of manatee deaths over the past five years.

___

Information from: Daytona Beach (Fla.) News-Journal, http://www.news-journalonline.comSOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) - A wealthy Bulgarian businessman has been shot to death outside his company's office in the capital, Sofia.

Police say 49-year-old Petar Hristov was shot while getting into his car at 10 a.m. Monday. Eyewitnesses said the shots came from a nearby car.

Hristov was taken to a hospital but died of his wounds half an hour later.

"There are most likely business interests behind the killing," chief of national police Hristo Terziyski told reporters.

Hristov was the owner of a large dairy company but was also active in construction, real estate and tourism.

The killing comes only a week after Bulgaria took over the six-month, rotating presidency of the European Union, which the Balkan country joined in 2007. Ever since, it has been subject to criticism by Brussels for failing to efficiently fight corruption and organized crime.LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) - A Pakistani official says 147 Indians detained for fishing illegally have been released from prison and handed over to Indian authorities.

The South Asian rivals often arrest fishermen suspected of trespassing in their territorial waters and then periodically release large numbers of them in what is billed as goodwill gestures.

Pakistan released 145 Indian fishermen last month and 220 the previous year. India reciprocated after the 2016 release, but freed a smaller number of Pakistani fishermen.

Maj. Azam Sher, spokesman for Pakistan's paramilitary rangers, said the 147 were allowed to cross the border into India on Monday.

There was no immediate comment from the Indian side.SEATTLE (AP) - A yearlong Associated Press analysis found more than a dozen firearms sold by law enforcement agencies in Washington state since 2010 later became evidence in new criminal investigations.

Identifying guns sold by law enforcement and matching them to new crimes required extensive research and dozens of public records requests to individual agencies.

Using those records, the AP created a database of almost 6,000 firearms sold by law enforcement since 2010. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives declined to release tracking information on guns associated with crimes, so the AP collected that information from individual agencies and compared it with its own database to find firearms with matching make, model, caliber and serial numbers.

This 2014 photo provided by the Yakima Police Department shows a Smith & Wesson 9-mm pistol on a table in the apartment where Kyle Juhl used it to kill himself in Yakima, Wash. The pistol that Juhl used to kill himself was familiar to law enforcement: The Washington State Patrol had seized it years earlier while investigating a crime and then arranged its sale back to the public. It eventually fell into Juhl's hands, illegally. (Amber Ross/Yakima Police Department via AP)

Below are details about guns sold by law enforcement that were later picked up at crime scenes:

BABY SHOT IN CAR SEAT

The Washington State Patrol traded a batch of crime guns with a firearms dealer in June 2010. The batch included a Lorcin L380 semi-automatic pistol. In April 2015, a gang member shot at a car carrying a couple and their year-old daughter. One of the bullets hit the child in the head and killed her. While searching a home frequented by the suspected shooter and many other gang members, the Kent Police Department found a Lorcin L380 semi-automatic pistol - the gun sold by the State Patrol.

TEXT THREATS

The Pierce County Sheriff's Office in April 2014 sold a list of guns at auction that included a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun. In October 2016, Jaylen Bolar sent text messages to his mother, threatening to kill her and others. Angela Almo contacted a behavioral health center instead of the police because she knew her son had firearms, including a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun and she feared he'd be killed in a standoff with authorities.

When the Tacoma police became involved, he denied it, but his aunt confirmed that she, too, had received threats. Robin Olson showed an officer her phone, which contained a message from Bolar asking his uncle to kill him because he was tired of living.

Bolar also threatened to kill a woman who used to be his boss. He was taken into custody, and a search of his home found two firearms in his bedroom. One was the Mossberg shotgun sold by the sheriff's office.

JUVENILES IN STOLEN CAR

The Aberdeen Police Department sold a Lorcin Model L380 pistol in February 2011. In May 2016, the Kent Police Department located a stolen vehicle parked at the Benson Village Apartments and found a gun under the seat - the Lorcin Model L380 pistol sold by Aberdeen police. The three juveniles who stole the car were convicted felons.

DRUNKEN FELON

The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office sold a Hi Point 9mm pistol in March 2014. In October 2015, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call from a woman who said she heard what she thought was a gunshot and went outside to find her daughter's intoxicated boyfriend passed out on the front porch. When deputies arrived, they found a handgun, the Hi Point 9 mm pistol, on the ground next to the man. It was the gun sold by the Kitsap sheriff's office. A search found that the man was a convicted felon who wasn't permitted to have a gun. The deputy put the man in handcuffs and called for medical help.

PROHIBITED FROM HAVING GUN

The Washington State Patrol traded a Lorcin L380 semi-automatic pistol with a firearms dealer in June 2010. In May 2015, the Kent Police Department was investigating a 911 call and encountered four people outside the house. One of the men was prohibited from having a gun, but they found he was carrying a handgun, the Lorcin L380 semi-automatic pistol sold by the State Patrol. The gun had been reported stolen, and he was arrested.

DRUG HOUSE ASSAULT

The Aberdeen Police Department traded a JC Higgins .22-caliber rifle with a firearms dealer in February 2011. In April 2015, the Yakima Police Department responded to a domestic violence assault involving a JC Higgins .22-caliber rifle with the same serial number. The dispute involved an elderly man who had handled his wife roughly and threatened her sister. The man was charged, and police took his firearm. In October 2015, Kent police searched a suspected drug house and arrested several people wanted on felony warrants. They found a .22 caliber rifle - the JC Higgins rifle sold by the Aberdeen police.

FACEBOOK POSTS ABOUT KILLING

The Thurston County Narcotics Task Force sold a Smith & Wesson pistol in August 2012. In October 2013, the Tacoma Police went to the University of Washington, Tacoma to investigate a report of a student who was posting photos of a gun on Facebook and said he had "vivid, colorful dreams of shooting and killing lots of people last night." Police found in his backpack a Smith and Wesson pistol, the one sold by the narcotics task force.

COCAINE PARTY FAVORS

The Bonney Lake Police Department in March 2011 traded a Davis Industries .380-caliber handgun with a firearms dealer who sold it to the public. In February 2012, Kent police stopped a man for an expired registration and discovered baggies of cocaine in his car. He said they were party favors. They also found his concealed handgun, the firearm sold by the police.

THREATS TO KILL

Longview Police Department sold a Davis Industries.22 caliber pistol in August 2016. The Thurston County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call in April 2017 from a man who said his father headed to a house with a gun and planned to threaten the occupants. Jesse Brown threatened to kill the men who lived there and was arrested. Officers confiscated his Davis Industries .22 caliber pistol - the one sold by Longview police - and 15 other firearms.

DRUNKEN FATHER

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office sold a Mossberg, Model 590, 12-gauge shotgun in December 2014. In March 2016, the Tacoma police responded to a call by a 12-year-old girl who said she and her sister fled their home because their father was drunk and was threatening to shoot his girlfriend and threatening to beat up one of the girls because he couldn't find his gun. The police later found a Mossberg, Model 590, 12-gauge shotgun - the gun sold by the Sheriff's Office - in the bathtub.

MAN'S SUICIDE

The Washington State Patrol traded a batch of guns to a firearms vendor in June 2010 that included a Smith and Wesson .9mm handgun. In September 2014, the Yakima Police Department responded to a report of a suicidal man with a gun. They arrived to find 24-year-old Kyle Juhl with a gunshot wound to the head. He used a Smith and Wesson .9mm handgun, the one sold by the State Patrol.

MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY

The Thurston County Narcotics Task Force sold a Springfield Armory .40-caliber pistol in December 2013. In February 2014, the Seattle Police Department helped take firearms from a man who was having a mental health emergency and was at the Involuntary Treatment Act court. One of the guns was the Springfield Armory .40-caliber pistol sold by the task force.

This 2014 photo provided by the Yakima Police Department shows a hole is left in an apartment wall from the bullet of a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol used by Kyle Juhl to kill himself, in Yakima, Wash. The bullet traveled from an adjoining apartment and narrowly missed a neighbor's head as she bent to pick up her little boy. The pistol that Juhl used to kill himself was familiar to law enforcement: The Washington State Patrol had seized it years earlier while investigating a crime and then arranged its sale back to the public. It eventually fell into Juhl's hands, illegally. (Amber Ross/Yakima Police Department via AP)

In this Oct. 20, 2017 photo, signs announce auctions for both guns and an estate at Johnny's Auction House, where the company handles gun sales for about a half dozen police departments and the Lewis County Sheriff's Office, in Rochester, Wash. Law enforcement officials around the U.S. are split over the longtime practice among police departments of selling the guns they confiscate. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)ROME (AP) - Lazio has signed former Juventus defender Martin Caceres from Verona on a one-year contract.

The capital club said in a brief statement on Monday that the deal also includes the option of an extension.

Caceres joined Verona in August 2017 after being released following half a season at English Premier League club Southampton, where he made only one appearance.

The Uruguay international won four league titles and an Italian Cup in his second spell at Juventus but his contract was not renewed when it expired in June 2016 after injury problems.

The 30-year-old Caceres has also played for Barcelona and Sevilla.

Lazio is fourth in Serie A, 11 points behind leader Napoli.ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - Atlantic City's most spectacular casino flop is getting another chance under new ownership and a new name.

Colorado developer Bruce Deifik said Monday he had purchased Atlantic City's former Revel casino hotel from Florida businessman Glenn Straub for $200 million. He plans to reopen it this summer, around the same time the former Trump Taj Mahal casino will reopen nearby under the Hard Rock brand.

The former Revel will be called the Ocean Resort Casino. Deifik called the purchase "a dream come true."

But the news raises a sobering question for a gambling resort that only recently regained its equilibrium following the shutdown of five of its 12 casinos: Might the sudden reintroduction of two large casinos create the same conditions that led to the wave of shutdowns in the first place?

Revel's sale was finalized Thursday afternoon, during a blizzard, a fitting development for a project with a turbulent history. It cost $2.4 billion to build, yet lasted just over two years before shutting down, never having come close to turning a profit.

Deifik is undeterred.

"We are incredibly excited that we were able to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire this tremendous property at a time when Atlantic City is seeing great economic strides," he said. "The former Revel property opened at a time when Atlantic City was still in economic recovery, and operationally it just did not cater to the customer base for this destination."

One new amenity Deifik plans is a sports book facility that would operate if New Jersey wins its U.S. Supreme Court case to legalize sports betting.

He said the casino will employ 2,500 to 3,000 people. It has 1,399 hotel rooms. The gambling area will offer 100 table games and 2,200 slot machines.

Deifik said he plans to bring back some of the restaurants that were popular at Revel, along with some new ones, including an Asian noodle bar. He also plans a high-end players' club.

Deifik is president and CEO of Integrated Properties Inc., which owns 103 commercial properties in five states, including the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Palm Springs, California, and several office and retail centers in the Denver and Phoenix areas.

Analysts are mixed on whether Atlantic City's seven operating casinos can handle two more competitors. Some say the reopenings could hurt smaller casinos and possibly lead one or more to close, but others are optimistic the new offerings - particularly the music-themed, globally known Hard Rock brand - can bring new customers who otherwise would not have traveled to Atlantic City.

Revel opened in 2012, with no less an aim than to rewrite the rules of success in Atlantic City's casino market. It eschewed bus-riding, buffet-patronizing day trippers in favor of a hoped-for clientele of Wall Street traders, hedge fund execs and the highest of high-rollers. It was the only Atlantic City to ban smoking.

None of it worked.

The $13 million in casino winnings it took in its first month ranked it near the bottom of Atlantic City's 12 casinos - a spot it would occupy for its two-year existence. It went bankrupt twice, choking on massive debt it couldn't come close to paying, and closed on Sept. 2, 2014.

Straub, a Polo-loving multimillionaire, bought it for $82 million from bankruptcy court and then fought with state officials over whether he needed a casino license. He said Monday he bought Revel "to keep and not to sell." But he quickly tangled with government regulations at the local and state levels that he said frustrated his plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to help redevelop Atlantic City.

Straub sold the property for $118 million more than he paid for it, but he incurred large expenses while keeping it closed.

But what Straub described as burdensome red tape are rules that all Atlantic City's other casino owners comply with. And a significant portion of his expenses involved legal fees incurred in fighting government regulations with which he disagreed.

Straub said he retains more than 60 Atlantic City properties, with which he plans to "be a spark for catalyzing positive economic movement in Atlantic City."

The closest he got to reopening Revel came with the partial installation of a rope-climbing course in what used to be the casino's port cochere area. But even that modest venture failed and was ripped out while half-finished.

Before settling on a reopened casino and hotel, Straub floated a wide variety of proposed uses for the property. They included a water park; condominiums; a health-themed spa; an equestrian facility; a so-called "tower of geniuses" where the world's top minds would gather to tackle society's problems, and a temporary home for Syrian refugees.

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Follow Wayne Parry at http://twitter.com/WayneParryACHOUSTON (AP) - While she waits at a detention center in Texas to find out if she can stay in the United States, Laura Monterrosa fears that she put herself in danger by coming forward about sexual abuse.

Months after accusing a female guard at the facility of groping her and suggesting they have sex, Monterrosa says she still sees the guard in the dining hall and other parts of the facility. She recalled in a recent interview what the guard had said to her.

"I told her that I was going to tell the supervisor what was happening," Monterrosa said in a recent phone interview from the facility. "She sarcastically said, 'Do you think they'll believe you or me?'"

FILE - This April 22, 2008, file photo shows a dorm area of the T. Don Hutto Residential Center in Taylor, Texas. Laura Monterrosa who is housed at the detention facility waiting to find out if she'll be allowed to stay in the United States, has accused a guard at the facility of groping her and suggesting they have sex. As the national discussion of sexual misconduct grows, advocates for immigrants say they hope the conversation will include immigrant detention facilities. They point to the FBI announcing December 2017 that it had opened a civil rights investigation into Monterrosa's case as a positive sign. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam, File)

As the national discussion of sexual misconduct grows, advocates for immigrants say they hope the conversation will include immigrant detention facilities. They point to the FBI announcing in December that it had opened a civil rights investigation into Monterrosa's case as a positive sign.

"Our immigrant prison system thrives on secrecy," said Christina Fialho, co-executive director of Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement, or CIVIC. "If more people knew what was truly happening behind locked doors, I think there would be an outcry against the immigrant detention system."

Fialho's organization sent a complaint to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in April that listed 27 allegations of sexual abuse in immigration detention over the last three years. The complaint also says that another 1,016 people reported sexual abuse in detention to the Department of Homeland Security between May 2014 and July 2016.

Fialho said many more cases go uncounted because victims are afraid to come forward or, when they do, their cases aren't fully investigated.

Based on CIVIC's analysis of federal data released through a Freedom of Information Act request, DHS investigated less than 3 percent of the sexual abuse complaints it received during that same time period.

Like many of the roughly 35,000 adults in immigration detention, Monterrosa, 23, has requested asylum. She arrived at the southern U.S. border in May after fleeing El Salvador, where she says she was forced into prostitution by her family and that an uncle raped her. The uncle was a policeman, she said.

If her asylum claim is denied, she could be deported. She is currently appealing a denial of her claim in October.

The Associated Press typically does not name victims in sexual assault investigations, but Monterrosa has come forward to encourage other women to report their stories.

The advocacy group Grassroots Leadership, which publicized Monterrosa's case, says two other women in the same facility have since written letters describing sexual harassment.

"Women are forced to do what they say or stay silent out of fear," Monterrosa said.

Bethany Carson, an immigration researcher at Grassroots Leadership, called on authorities to release Monterrosa so "she can live in peace and recover from this new trauma she experienced at the hands of those responsible for ensuring her safety."

Monterrosa is being held at the T. Don Hutto Residential Center in Taylor, Texas, a rural town outside of Austin. Hutto has been the target of lawsuits and criminal investigations since shortly after it opened in 2006, having been converted from a medium-security prison.

Hutto was a facility for women and children until 2009, when the U.S. government transferred families elsewhere and settled a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union over how children were being confined. It's now a 512-bed facility holding only women.

In 2011, a guard was accused of groping multiple women while he was supposed to be taking them to the airport or bus station. He pleaded guilty to federal civil rights charges and received 10 months in prison.

Advocates say problems inside immigrant detention have persisted despite years of calling attention to the topic, in part because the facilities themselves can be impenetrable to the public.

Hutto is operated by the private prison company CoreCivic, formerly known as the Corrections Corporation of America, which runs detention centers across the country under contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE said it received four reports of sexual abuse at Hutto during the past government fiscal year, which ended in September.

Under policies posted on CoreCivic's website, any detainee who reports sexual violence should have "no contact with the alleged perpetrator." Both ICE and CoreCivic prohibit retaliation against a detainee who files a report.

But CoreCivic declined to answer questions about Monterrosa's report that she had seen the guard in the dining hall and referred comment to ICE, as it's required to do under its federal contract, which stipulates that private prison operators must consult with ICE before speaking to the media.

ICE previously issued a statement saying that it concluded Monterrosa's allegations "could not be corroborated and the case lacked evidence to pursue any further action." The agency says it is now referring to the FBI's statement that it had opened an investigation.

In a statement, ICE said it has implemented "strong protections" against sexual assault in its detention facilities.

"It is ICE policy to provide effective safeguards against sexual abuse and assault of all individuals in ICE custody, including with respect to screening, staff training, detainee education, response and intervention, medical and mental health care, reporting, investigation, and monitoring and oversight," the statement said.

ICE has not posted sexual abuse data for all of its detention facilities, despite the commitment it made in 2014 to publish that information online at least once a year, as part of its compliance with a federal law on prison rapes. ICE said that it was "currently working on finalizing such information."

The agency also committed to third-party audits of its detention centers. While it has released the audits of more than 20 facilities this year, Hutto has not yet been examined, though an audit is scheduled for next year.

Seventy-one members of Congress sent a letter to federal officials last month calling on the Department of Homeland Security to "be held accountable for rampant complaints of sexual assault, abuse and harassment within their immigrant detention facilities."

"Immigrants are among the most vulnerable people - many of whom are children away from their families," said Rep. Judy Chu, a California Democrat who signed the letter. "And being detained puts them completely at the mercy of others."

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Follow Nomaan Merchant on Twitter at @nomaanmerchant.

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Sign up for the @APCentralRegion weekly newsletter showcasing our best reporting from Texas and the Midwest at http://apne.ws/2u1RMfvOTTAWA, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio man who withdrew a guilty plea after serving part of a life sentence in the drowning of his 1-year-old son and was found guilty in a jury trial has been sentenced again.

A court official says a judge in Ottawa Monday sentenced Michael Luebrecht to 20 years to life in prison after he was found guilty of aggravated murder.

Luebrecht and his attorney argued that medications he took for mental health issues contributed to the 2005 killing. Luebrecht testified that he didn't remember much in the months before his son Joel's death, but said he recalls killing him.

A judge last May allowed Luebrecht to withdraw his 2006 guilty plea, for which he was sentenced to 25 years to life.

A message was left Monday for Luebrecht's attorney.TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The Latest on a dispute over a book on mass incarceration and racial discrimination that was banned in at least two New Jersey prisons (all times local):

1:45 p.m.

New Jersey corrections officials say a best-selling book on mass incarceration and racial discrimination will now be available to inmates at all state correctional facilities.

The announcement came Monday after the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union questioned why at least two prisons had banned "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander. The group argued the ban amounted to unconstitutional censorship of speech on issues of public concern, which is entitled to special protection under the First Amendment.

Corrections officials noted there was no departmentwide ban on the book. They also say it's being used as a teaching tool in a state program in which inmates enroll in college-level courses while incarcerated.

Prisons and jails are allowed to ban reading materials based on some concerns, such as security.

____

11:20 a.m.

The American Civil Liberties Union wants New Jersey corrections officials to allow inmates to read a best-selling book on mass incarceration and racial discrimination.

The state chapter of the civil rights group sent a letter Monday asking why at least two prisons have banned "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander.

The ACLU calls the ban "ironic, misguided, and harmful." It says the ban amounts to unconstitutional censorship of speech on issues of public concern, which is entitled to special protection under the First Amendment.

A corrections department spokeswoman declined comment Monday and said a statement would be issued later in the day.

Prisons and jails are allowed to ban reading materials based on legitimate concerns such as security issues, but the ACLU contends officials can't claim that justification applies here.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The Mexican man acquitted of murder in a San Francisco case that prompted immigration debate has been denied release from jail pending trial on federal gun charges.

Jose Ines Garcia Zarate appeared in federal court Monday to face two illegal gun possession charges, which were filed after a San Francisco jury acquitted him of murder for the July 2015 fatal shooting of Kate Steinle. Garcia Zarate has been deported five times and has spent a combined 17 years in U.S. prisons for three illegal re-entry convictions before the shooting.

Garcia Zarate says he found the gun that killed Steinle under a seat on a San Francisco pier. He says it accidentally fired when he picked it up.

FILE - In this July 7, 2015 file photo, Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, right, is led into the courtroom by San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi, left, and Assistant District Attorney Diana Garciaor, center, for his arraignment at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco. Garcia Zarate, acquitted of murder in a San Francisco case that prompted immigration debate has been denied bail while he awaits trial on federal gun charges. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via AP, Pool, File)

He was transferred from San Francisco jail to federal custody over the weekend.LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Latest on the federal criminal case against a Nevada rancher accused of leading 2014 armed standoff against U.S. land management agents (all times local):

12:15 p.m.

The Nevada rancher who was accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authorities has walked out of a federal courthouse in Las Vegas as a free man.

Rancher and states' rights figure Cliven Bundy, center, emerges from court on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, a free man, flanked by his wife, Carol Bundy, left, and attorney Bret Whipple, right, at the U.S. District Court building in Las Vegas. The 71-year-old Bundy was freed from federal jail custody after a U.S. judge dismissed all charges against him, two sons and a Montana militia leader who were accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authority in April 2014. (AP Photo/Ken Ritter)

Supporters cheered Monday as Cliven Bundy hugged his wife. He says that he had been jailed for 700 days as a "political prisoner" for refusing to acknowledge federal authority over the land around his cattle ranch.

A judge who found what she called "flagrant misconduct" by prosecutors dismissed criminal charges against the 71-year-old states' rights figure, two of his sons and a Montana militia leader.

The collapse of the case is a stunning failure for the U.S. attorney's office in Nevada.

Newly appointed Interim U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson (el-AYE'-eh-sun) didn't immediately respond on whether the government will take the case to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

____

10:08 a.m.

Criminal charges have been dismissed against a Nevada rancher and his sons accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authorities.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro ruled Monday in Las Vegas that federal prosecutors acted with willful disregard for constitutional due process rights of 71-year-old Cliven Bundy, sons Ryan and Ammon Bundy, and Montana militia leader Ryan Payne.

The judge last month declared a mistrial after a month of proceedings for the same reasons.

Navarro severely criticized prosecutors for failing to properly turn over evidence to their lawyers.

The collapse of the case is a stunning failure for the U.S. attorney's office in Nevada, where 19 co-defendants were indicted in early 2016 on charges including conspiracy, obstruction and threats and assault of federal agents in the April 2014 standoff outside Bunkerville.

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8 a.m.

A decision is due in Las Vegas whether to end the criminal prosecution of a Nevada rancher and followers accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authorities.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro's ruling on Monday comes after she declared a mistrial last month in proceedings against 71-year-old Cliven Bundy, sons Ryan and Ammon Bundy, and Montana militia leader Ryan Payne.

The judge signaled at that time that she might dismiss the case outright.

Navarro severely criticized prosecutors for what she called "willful" violations of due process rights of defendants, including failing to properly turn over evidence to their lawyers.

Her decision is sure to reverberate among states' rights advocates in the Western U.S., where the federal government controls vast lands that some people want to protect and others want used for grazing, mining and oil and gas drilling.

File - In this Dec. 20, 2017, file photo from left, Ammon Bundy, Ryan Payne, Jeanette Finicum, widow of Robert "LaVoy" Finicum, Ryan Bundy, Angela Bundy, wife of Ryan Bundy and Jamie Bundy, daughter of Ryan Bundy, walk out of a federal courthouse in Las Vegas. A U.S. judge who declared a mistrial could on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, kill the much-watched criminal prosecution of a Nevada rancher accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authorities in April 2014. Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro's decision in Las Vegas is sure to echo among states' rights advocates in Western states where the federal government controls vast expanses that some people want to remain unused and others want open to grazing, mining and oil and gas drilling. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

FILE - In this April 18, 2014, file photo, flanked by armed supporters, rancher Cliven Bundy speaks at a protest camp near Bunkerville, Nev. A U.S. judge who declared a mistrial two weeks ago could on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, kill the much-watched criminal prosecution of the Nevada rancher accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authorities in April 2014. Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro's decision in Las Vegas is sure to echo among states' rights advocates in Western states where the federal government controls vast expanses that some people want to remain unused and others want open to grazing, mining and oil and gas drilling. (John Locher/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File)MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - State residents who don't identify as male or female may soon be able to choose another gender on their driver's licenses.

Vermont Public Radio reports the Department of Motor Vehicles' new computer system will allow a third gender option.

Vermont Human Rights Commission Executive Director Karen Richards said the proposed change would help protect transgender people during traffic stops.

"I think it's a major victory for folks who are transgender," Richards said. "It acknowledges who they are, and that's an important thing for us to do."

The state DMV asked a panel of public safety officials if the change would have an impact on police officers' work. The Law Enforcement Advisory Board said members aren't opposed to the idea and would remain neutral on it.

"The general opinion around the table was that it wasn't going to impede the way we conducted our business," Law Enforcement Advisory Board Chairman Richard Gauthier said.

Oregon, California and the District of Columbia offer a third gender option in their driver's license systems.

The third gender option in the Vermont system hasn't been named. DMV officials said they'd want to use something that's uniform nationally.

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Information from: WVPS-FM, http://www.vpr.netLONDON (AP) - Manchester United and Tottenham will play away at fourth-tier clubs in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

United was drawn on Monday to face Yeovil in southwest England for the second time in four seasons. The 12-time cup winners won 2-0 on the 2015 trip in the third round.

Tottenham will go to south Wales to play Newport in just under three weeks.

Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game against Derby County during the FA Cup, third round match at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Friday Jan. 5, 2018. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

English Premier League leader Manchester City could also be playing at a League Two side if Mansfield beats Cardiff of the second tier in a replay.

There are two guaranteed all-Premier League encounters, with Liverpool hosting West Bromwich Albion, and Southampton playing Watford.

If Chelsea beats Norwich in a replay, the Premier League champion will play Newcastle.

Nottingham Forest's reward for eliminating holder Arsenal is an away game against fellow second-tier side Hull, which lost the 2014 final to the Gunners. Coventry, the 1987 cup winner who is in the fourth tier, will play MK Dons after ousting Premier League struggler Stoke.

Another shock in the third round saw Leicester held by Fleetwood to 0-0. The replay winner plays Fleetwood's fellow third-tier side, Peterborough.

___

Fourth round draw:

Bournemouth/Wigan v Shrewsbury/West Ham

Cardiff/Mansfield v Manchester City

Carlisle/Sheffield Wednesday v Stevenage/Reading

Huddersfield v Birmingham

Hull v Nottingham Forest

Liverpool v West Bromwich

Middlesbrough v Brighton/Crystal Palace

Millwall v Rochdale

MK Dons v Coventry

Newport v Tottenham

Norwich/Chelsea v Newcastle

Notts County v Wolves/Swansea

Peterborough v Fleetwood/Leicester

Sheffield United v Preston

Southampton v Watford

Yeovil v Manchester United

Matches to be played over Jan. 26-29BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Federal prosecutors are recommending a former Montana House majority leader be sentenced to 28 years in prison for operating a drug trafficking ring that brought large volumes of methamphetamine into the state.

Court documents filed last week by prosecutors describe former lawmaker Michael David Lange as "the central player" in a conspiracy that brought at least 20 and possibly up to 50 pounds (9 and possibly up to 23 kilograms) of the drug into the Billings area over a seven-month period in 2016.

Lange, 57, pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

FILE - In this April 26, 2007, file photo, Montana House Majority Leader Rep. Michael Lange, R-Billings, speaks during a news conference in Helena, Mont. Prosecutors are seeking 28 years in prison for the former Republican lawmaker after he pleaded guilty to charges of distributing large volumes of methamphetamine in the Billings area. (George Lane /Independent Record via AP, File)

Sentencing is set for Jan. 18 before U.S. District Judge Susan Watters. Each count carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine.

"Lange was responsible for polluting the Billings community and surrounding areas with a significant quantity of highly pure methamphetamine," Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan wrote in the government's sentencing request. "The negative impact associated with at least 20 pounds of methamphetamine is difficult to overstate."

Lange's sentencing request was filed under seal. His defense attorney, Ashley Harada, asked the court to shield the document from public release because it contained "sensitive material related to (Lange's) case strategy and ongoing criminal investigations."

Harada did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

During his three two-year terms in the Legislature, Lange, a Republican from Billings, supported giving $4 million in state money to an anti-methamphetamine public relations campaign, the Montana Meth Project. He was ousted from his leadership position in 2007 after being captured on video in a profane tirade against then-Gov. Brian Schweitzer, a Democrat.

Lange did not seek re-election in 2008 following the end of his third term. He campaigned unsuccessfully that year for the Republican nomination to challenge former U.S. Sen. Max Baucus.

Prosecutors said Lange lived a crime-free life until his early 50s, when he was charged with driving under the influence in 2014. That August, he committed a second DUI in conjunction with a felony charge of possessing over an ounce (28 grams) of methamphetamine in California and was sentenced to 16 months in prison, according to court records.

Shortly after his release, prosecutors said, Lange began dealing in much large quantities of the drug, which was brought in from to California for distribution around Billings. A search of his house in October 2016 turned up more than 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms) of meth along with more than 13 ounces (372 grams) of cocaine and $27,400, authorities said.

A co-defendant, Jose Soltero, has pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine .

Prosecutors recommended Soltero receive almost 20 years in prison. They alleged he acted as a middle man between Lange and a drug supplier in California identified in court documents only by a nickname, "Manny."

Soltero's attorney, Lance Lundvall, downplayed his client's role in the case and requested a sentence of five years in prison.

Lundvall alleged that Soltero and members of his family had been threatened with violence if they did not participate in the conspiracy.WASHINGTON (AP) - Special counsel Robert Mueller's team of investigators has expressed interest in speaking with President Donald Trump as part of a probe into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, a person familiar with the matter said Monday.

The prospect of an interview with the president has come up in recent discussions between Mueller's team and Trump lawyers, but no details have been worked out, including the scope of questions that the president would agree to answer if an interview were to actually take place, according to the person. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.

When or even if an interview would occur was not immediately clear, nor were the terms for the interview or whether Trump's lawyers would seek to narrow the range of questions or topics that prosecutors would cover. Trump's lawyers have previously stated their determination to cooperate with Mueller's requests.

President Donald Trump takes the stage to speak at the American Farm Bureau Federation's Annual Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

It's not surprising that investigators would ultimately seek to interview the president given his role in several episodes under scrutiny by Mueller. Any interview of Trump would be a likely indication that the investigation was in its final stages - investigators typically look to interview main subjects in their inquiries near the end of a probe.

Mueller for months has led a team of prosecutors and agents investigating whether Russia and Trump's Republican campaign coordinated to sway the 2016 election, and whether Trump has worked to obstruct an FBI investigation into his aides, including by firing the FBI director, James Comey.

Comey has said that several months before he was dismissed, Trump told him he hoped he would end an investigation into his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn.

Mueller's team recently concluded a series of interviews with many current and former White House aides, including former chief of staff Reince Priebus and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Four people have been charged so far, including Flynn, who pleaded guilty in December to lying to the FBI about his conversations with the Russian ambassador. Former campaign chairman Paul Manafort was indicted on charges tied to foreign lobbying work.

Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, declined to comment, as did Trump lawyers John Dowd and Jay Sekulow.

Trump did not rule out the possibility of being questioned by Mueller when asked about it at a news conference Saturday. He said there had been "no collusion" and "no crime."

"But we have been very open," Trump said. "We could have done it two ways. We could have been very closed and it would have taken years. But you know, it's sort of like, when you've done nothing wrong, let's be open and get it over with."

A White House spokesman pointed to a statement from White House lawyer Ty Cobb saying the White House doesn't publicly discuss its conversations with Mueller but was continuing to cooperate "in order to facilitate the earliest possible resolution."

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Associated Press writer Chad Day contributed to this report.

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Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAPSAN JUAN DE MARCONA, Peru (AP) - Nasser Al-Attiyah won a second stage three days into the Dakar Rally on Monday to remain a contender in the world's toughest rally.

Al-Attiyah dominated the almost 300-kilometer third stage through and over sand dunes in the Ica Desert to rise to third place.

The two-time champion from Qatar won the opening stage on Saturday but lost time on Sunday because of two flat tires. He endured another flat tire not long after the start from Pisco on Monday but fixed it quickly and still blew away the field en route to San Juan de Marcona.

Driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, of Qatar, and co-driver Matthieu Baumel, of France, race their Toyota during the third stage of the 2018 Dakar Rally between Pisco and San Juan de Marcona, Peru, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Al-Attiyah was just under eight minutes behind overall leader and defending champion Stephane Peterhansel of France. Countryman Cyril Despres, the stage two winner, was second, about three minutes behind.

Nani Roma, the 2014 champion from Spain, rolled his car a kilometer from the finish. Though he still managed to cross the finish line, he was taken to hospital with reported neck and head injuries.

In the motorcycle race, British rider Sam Sunderland won the stage to lead overall.

His cause was helped when Joan Barreda, who dominated the second stage, missed a turn and had to double back. He finished almost 28 minutes behind Sunderland.

Sunderland won by more than three minutes on Monday from Kevin Benavides of Argentina.

Driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, of Qatar, and co-driver Matthieu Baumel, of France, race their Toyota during the third stage of the 2018 Dakar Rally between Pisco and San Juan de Marcona, Peru, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Driver Stephane Peterhansel, of France, and co-driver Jean Paul Cottret, of France, race their Peugeot during the third stage of the 2018 Dakar Rally between Pisco and San Juan de Marcona, Peru, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Sam Sunderland, of United Kingdom, rides his KTM motorbike during the third stage of the 2018 Dakar Rally between Pisco and San Juan de Marcona, Peru, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Driver Carlos Sainz, of Spain, and co-driver Lucas Cruz, of Spain, race their Peugeot during the third stage of the 2018 Dakar Rally between Pisco and San Juan de Marcona, Peru, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)MEXICO CITY (AP) - The governor of the northern Mexico state of Chihuahua claimed Monday that federal authorities have refused to disperse millions of dollars in funding because of a state investigation into possible embezzlement involving the Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, which is led by President Enrique Pena Nieto.

Mexican states rely heavily on federal revenue sharing. Gov. Javier Corral, of the opposition National Action Party, said the federal government agreed to bridge funding of about 700 million pesos in December, but then refused to pay after Chihuahua state prosecutors arrested a former official of Pena Nieto's party.

The former official, Alejandro Gutierrez, is accused of diverting about 240 million pesos ($12 million) in public funds for political campaigning under former Chihuahua Gov. Cesar Duarte, also a member of the PRI.

Corral said the federal government has refused to ask the U.S. to extradite Duarte.

"They don't want to detain Cesar Duarte, but they have detained our money," Corral said.

The federal Treasury Department denied any political motive, saying it has paid out more money than originally budgeted for Chihuahua.CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Same-sex couples married in midnight ceremonies across Australia on Tuesday after the country's last legal impediment to gay marriage expired.

Marriage equality became law on Dec. 9 with overwhelming support in Parliament, but Australia's requirement that all couples give a month's notice for weddings made Tuesday the first possible date for gay marriages.

Athletes Craig Burns and Luke Sullivan married at a midnight ceremony near the east coast city of Tweed Heads.

In this photo provided by Rodney Croome, Lainey Carmichael, left, Roz Kitschke, right, and celebrant Jason Betts pose as they show Lainey and Roz's marriage certificate at their home in Franklin, south of Hobart, Australia Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Same-sex couples married in midnight ceremonies across Australia on Tuesday after the last legal impediment to gay marriage expired. (Rodney Croome via AP)

"It's another way to show your love and appreciation of your partner in front of the people in your life," said Burns, a 29-year-old sprinter who will compete in the Commonwealth Games in Australia's Gold Coast in April.

In Newcastle, north of Sydney, Rebecca Hickson, 32, married her partner of nine years, Sarah Turnbull, 34.

Hickson described the divisive build-up to a gay marriage ballot preceding Parliament's vote as "a horrible time." She said the couple wanted to be part of history by becoming one of the first lesbian couples to marry in Australia.

Lainey Carmichael, 51, and Roz Kitschke, 46, married shortly after dawn before 65 guests at their home in the town of Franklin in the island state of Tasmania.

The early ceremony was mainly to avoid the summer heat, Kitschke said. "New day; new era - and we don' like the heat that much," she said.

Wedding guest Rodney Croome, a long-time marriage equality advocate and spokesperson for Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality, said: "This morning's wedding marked the start of a new chapter in the lives of the two brides but also a new chapter in the life of the nation."

"Today we are a more equal and inclusive country that treats all loving, committed couples the same," Croome said in a statement.

The Australian Parliament overwhelming voted for same-sex marriage after a nationwide postal survey found that 62 percent of respondents wanted marriage equality.

The one-month waiting period was waived for some couples who wed in recent weeks. Those exceptional circumstances included a partner's terminal illness and overseas-based relatives booking flights to Australia before the official start date for the new law was known.

Civil celebrant Charles Foley has been campaigning for years to get Australia to drop the one-month waiting period, which he said is among the longest in the world.

The federal government imposed it at the request of churches decades ago so parishioners would have time to say why they may object to some religious unions, Foley said.

Ireland has a waiting period of three months.

Australia and Ireland are the only countries that have put the question of legalizing gay marriage to a popular vote.

Ireland held a legally binding referendum in 2015 to change its constitution. The referendum found 62 percent of respondents wanted marriage equality.

Australia's conservative government held a non-binding postal survey to avoid dividing its own lawmakers and pledged to vote on the issue if Australians endorsed equality. They did, and lawmakers quickly passed the legislation.

Civil celebrant Judy Ulich married 11 same-sex couples over five days in 2013 in the national capital Canberra before the High Court overturned a local territory law that briefly provided marriage equality. The court unanimously upheld the federal government's urgent case that the territory law was invalid because it was inconsistent with a federal prohibition on same-sex marriage.

Ulich said she was looking forward to marrying for a second time several same-sex couples whose brief marriages had been overruled. But none of her 15 gay marriage bookings was for Tuesday. Most same-sex couples preferred to wait for a suitable weekend.

"Unless people really wanted to make a statement and marry two minutes after midnight, people generally don't choose Tuesday, which is a working day," she said.

"In most cases, they want to have a celebration. They want people to be able to rejoice with them because they had such a big fight to get the right to marry," she added.Nicola Sturgeon has said Scottish independence must remain an option as she criticised the ongoing horror show of the Conservative Brexit plans.

Scotlands First Minister said a new spirit of Scottish assertiveness is needed to deal with the threat she believes Brexit poses.

Writing in The Sunday Mail, she said: The year ahead has the potential to be one of the most significant in Scotlands recent history.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

I believe it will be a year in which a new Scotland continues to emerge, an emboldened, more confident and assertive nation.

 @NicolaSturgeon: In 2018, a new spirit of Scottish assertiveness will be needed to fight the Tories' chaotic plans for an extreme Brexit. https://t.co/m9n5bLGApl  The SNP (@theSNP) January 7, 2018

That is perhaps not the most obvious conclusion to draw from the ongoing horror show of the Tories inept and chaotic Brexit plans, which threaten to do deep and lasting damage to our economy and society.

But it is because of that overarching threat that I believe a new spirit of Scottish assertiveness is needed and will come to the fore.

She added: Last year, I made clear we will scrutinise the detail of any final Brexit deal negotiated by the UK Government before deciding the next steps in terms of giving people a choice on Scotlands future.

However, I have been clear all along that the threat to Scotlands interests means independence must remain an option.

She said SNP MPs and MSPs would continue to oppose Conservative plans for a hard Brexit which takes the UK out of the single market and customs union.

Ms Sturgeon accused Scottish Labour of colluding in their London leaderships shamefully ambivalent attitude to Brexit and claimed Scottish Conservative MPs are lobby-fodder for the Prime Minister.

Scottish Conservative MSP John Lamont said: After last years general election, Nicola Sturgeon promised to put her plans for independence on pause and focus on her day job.

Its clear from her words today that she intends to break that promise within months, and once again put independence top of her agenda.Tolls on the two Severn Bridge crossings have been reduced for the first time today, with car drivers now having to pay 5.60 instead of 6.70.

The fees for the crossings, linking Wales and England via the M4 and M48 motorways, are no longer subject to VAT now that both bridges are run by the UK government.

There are plans to abolish all tolls by 31 December 2018, however, some have questioned why the charge hasn't been lifted immediately now that the bridges are under public ownership.

Highway robbery: Drivers will have to pay less to cross the two Severn Bridges from today, but politicians have argued that the tolls should be scrapped completely with immediate effect now that they are run by the UK government

Former shadow Welsh Secretary Paul Flynn said the Government was involved in 'highway robbery'.

Some 25 million journeys a year are made across the Severn, official figures show. The high cost of driving between England and Wales over the crossing is bad for consumers and businesses, claim campaigners.

As of January 8, cars will pay 5.60, small buses or vans will pay a reduced fee of 11.20 (down from 13.40) and coaches 16.70 (down from 20) to drive between England and Wales.

Not only will this mean extra cash in the pockets of motorists, it will also lift an administrative burden for business users, who will no longer need to claim back VAT.

The move is predicted to save regular motorists around 1,400 a year, reducing the cost of travelling to Cardiff, Newport or Swansea, and be a welcome boost to Wales' economy.

A government study previously estimated that the abolition of VAT on the toll charges would earn the country an extra 100 million a year as more people visited Wales and businesses benefited from cost savings.

The reduction comes as the crossings return to public ownership, with Highways England - a UK-Government owned body overseeing the operation, maintenance and improvements to motorways and major A roads in England - taking over responsibility for the bridges from Severn River Crossing PLC.

The first Severn Bridge was opened in 1966 with a toll in place to cover the 8million cost to erect it

From today car drivers have to pay 5.60 instead of 6.70 to use the bridges. Small buses or vans will pay a reduced fee of 11.20 (down from 13.40) and coaches 16.70 (down from 20)

Drivers as well as the Welsh economy will benefit further when charges are abolished completely by the end of 2018.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: 'In less than a year we will see the biggest economic stimulus for south Wales and the valleys.

'This important move taken by the Prime Minister and the UK Government in regard to the Severn Crossings represents a clear symbol of breaking down the economic and historic barriers which have hindered Wales prosperity, whilst supporting the union of the United Kingdom.

52 years of the Severn Bridges The Queen photographed at the official opening of the first Severn Bridge in 1966 The first Severn Bridge - costing 8 million - was opened by the Queen in September 1966, providing a direct link from the M4 motorway into Wales, with a toll in place for use of the bridge to pay for the cost of construction. Some 30 years later in 1996 the second crossing - ringing in at 332 million to construct - opened to the public.

'My number one priority as Secretary of State was to remove the tolls, which will not only make journeys cheaper for commuters and tourists, but will also create exciting opportunities for businesses and investors looking to make their mark in Wales.

'This will boost Welsh employment and establish lasting relationships between the economies and communities of South Wales and South West England, creating the most natural growth corridor spanning from Cardiff through Newport to Bristol.'

Annual maintenance and operational costs average 15million for both bridges.

The UK government said the continuation of tolling through 2018 will help pay for their upkeep.

'Over the period between the transfer to public ownership on 8 January and the abolition of tolling, Highways England expect to collect sufficient revenue to operate the crossing, phase out tolling, and recover costs that taxpayers historically incurred in the maintenance of these bridges,' an official statement said.

'Tolls will then be abolished by the end of 2018,' Highways England confirmed.

However, former shadow Welsh Secretary Paul Flynn accused the government of 'highway robbery' by continuing the tolls in 2018 despite the bridges being publicly owned.

The Newport West MP told the BBC: 'Wales has been subjected to highway robbery by tolling from when the first bridge opened in 1966.

Wales has been subjected to highway robbery by tolling from when the first bridge opened in 1966 Paul Flynn, MP Newport West

'We have been uniquely punished. This month we should be ending the tolls altogether - to continue them is a rip off.

'It is entirely unjustified. The UK government are very reluctant to give up a cash cow.'

All 180 members of staff for Severn River Crossing became Highways England employees overnight under the deal.

However, 115 toll-collector jobs will be at risk with the abolition of charges to use the bridges at the end of the year.Alton Towers new Wicker Man rollercoaster will feature a six-storey flaming structure in what the theme park claims is the first such ride to combine wood and fire.

The 16 million project, including a 2,028 ft track, is the first wooden rollercoaster to be built in the UK for 21 years, the Staffordshire attraction said.

A 57.5ft wicker man will appear to burst into flames as thrill-seekers race through the structure three times on a wooden track.

NEW FOR 2018: Wicker Man at Alton Towers Resort. The world's first rollercoaster experience fusing wood and fire. #wickermanride https://t.co/3UnVEc9VEX pic.twitter.com/lrNvReoTyq  Alton Towers Resort (@altontowers) January 8, 2018

The rollercoaster, which shares its name with the British 1970s classic horror film, starring Christopher Lee, is due to open to visitors this spring.

Bradley Wynne, the theme parks creative lead said: We hope visitors will be blown away by Wicker Mans breath-taking scale whilst the primal essence of the wooden coaster and astonishing effects will leave them delighted, exhilarated and eager to ride again.

Andy Hine, the chairman of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain, said: Weve been hoping that Alton Towers would invest in a wooden coaster for a long time, and were so pleased its finally coming with Wicker Man.

(Alton Towers/PA)

Alton Towers said the safety of guests has been paramount in building the ride, which has involved rigorous testing and hundreds of training hours for ride operators.

The theme parks operator Merlin Attractions was fined 5 million for a catastrophic failure of health and safety rules over an incident on its Smiler rollercoaster in 2015 when two carriages collided.

Vicky Balch, then 19, and Leah Washington, then 17, could have bled to death from their injuries and each ended up losing a leg after the collision which injured 16 people.Justine Greening has quit the Government after refusing to take the work and pensions post after being moved from the education portfolio, Downing Street sources said.

The move is the biggest upset of a reshuffle which saw Prime Minister Theresa May keep all the political big beasts in her Cabinet in place.

No 10 sources said Mrs May is disappointed but respects Ms Greenings decision to leave the Government.

Honour & privilege to serve in Govt since 2010. Social mobility matters to me & our country more than my ministerial career. I'll continue to do everything I can to create a country that has equality of opportunity for young people & Ill keep working hard as MP for Putney.  Justine Greening (@JustineGreening) January 8, 2018

Ms Greening was succeeded as Education Secretary by Damian Hinds, who was promoted from being a junior work and pensions minister.

The way Ms Greening left the Government could cause a headache for the PM when the Putney MP, who backed Remain in the referendum campaign, returns to the back benches.

Ms Greening had made it clear she wanted to stay in the education post in the run-up to the reshuffle amid a raft of reports that the PM was determined to move her.

Justine Greening leaves 10 Downing Street following her resignation

In an embarrassing twist to a reshuffle beset with social media mistakes, Jeremy Hunt, who was kept on as Health Secretary with an extended social care role in the shake-up, was forced to explain why he had liked a tweet stating that Ms Greening had left the Government.

Mr Hunt tweeted: Like button pressed by accident. Justine was an excellent minister and will be a great loss to govt.

Like button pressed by accident. Justine was an excellent minister and will be a great loss to govt. https://t.co/OOjZHYlPmp  Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) January 8, 2018

The post of Work and Pensions Secretary which Ms Greening turned down was given to former minister Esther McVey.

Former justice secretary David Lidington was appointed Minister for the Cabinet Office, but was not awarded the title of First Secretary of State enjoyed by his predecessor Damian Green.

It was Mr Greens resignation after he admitted lying over pornography on his office computer that prompted the reshuffle.

David Lidington

But Mr Lidington will fill in for Mrs May at Prime Ministers Questions and take on some of the responsibilities for chairing influential Cabinet committees, including some relating to Brexit.

Downing Street confirmed Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Brexit Secretary David Davis are all keeping their current jobs.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire resigned from the Cabinet on grounds of ill health, weeks before major surgery for a lesion on his right lung.

Really appreciate all of the kind messages. Standing down will allow me to focus completely on my family, my health and recovering from surgery speedily so that I can get back to frontline politics as early as I can. Not quite how I thought Id mark my 50th birthday! pic.twitter.com/EDMGBR56y6  James Brokenshire (@JBrokenshire) January 8, 2018

Mr Lidington was also named Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, replacing Sir Patrick McLoughlin, who was sacked as Conservative chairman following criticism of his role in the partys poor performance in last years snap election.

Brandon Lewis has been named the new party chairman, amid farcical scenes which saw the Tories official Twitter account incorrectly announce that the job had gone to Chris Grayling.

Transport Secretary Mr Grayling was kept on at his department despite widespread reports that he faced the axe.

Greg Clark also retained his position as Business Secretary amid speculation he could be sacked, and Downing Street announced Claire Perry would also attend Cabinet as minister of state at the business department.

Sajid Javid has had his responsibility for housing added to his existing Cabinet title in a sign of the issues increasing political importance. He is now Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Housing Secretary @sajidjavid on our new name and his focus on housing following the #CabinetReshuffle https://t.co/CA90qIsSLx pic.twitter.com/8CnJCtBVZv  Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Govt (@mhclg) January 8, 2018

Gavin Williamson retains his role as Defence Secretary, which he has held for just over two months.

Former work and pensions secretary David Gauke has taken over the roles of Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary vacated by Mr Lidington.

Ex-culture secretary Karen Bradley has been moved to the politically sensitive Northern Ireland role vacated by Mr Brokenshire.

Digital minister Matt Hancock takes over from his old boss as Culture Secretary.

Thrilled to become DCMS Secretary. Such an exciting agenda, so much to do, and great people. Cant wait to get stuck in #DigitalCultureMediaSport https://t.co/HlspHnJjHG  Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) January 8, 2018

Environment Secretary Michael Gove, International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox all remain in the same jobs.

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park stays on as Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords.

David Mundell remains Secretary of State for Scotland, and Alun Cairns stays on as Secretary of State for Wales.

Jeremy Corbyn told a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party that the reshuffle was a pointless and lacklustre PR stunt.

He said: In 2018, the impact of Tory austerity is hitting home with the public, most tragically with the most serious NHS winter crisis yet.

And yet the Governments big plan for the new year is to dodge the real issues and reshuffle the pack in a pointless and lacklustre PR exercise.

Its simply not good enough. You cant make up for nearly eight years of failure by changing the name of a department.

Sorry to see @JustineGreening leave government - she brought her non-nonsense, northern accountant's eye to every brief and is a real role model for LGBT+ Conservatives.  Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonPC) January 8, 2018

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson tweeted: Sorry to see @JustineGreening leave government  she brought her non-nonsense, northern accountants eye to every brief and is a real role model for LGBT+ Conservatives.

Former chancellor George Osborne tweeted: Glad to see many of the old Treasury team thriving (and surviving) in this unusual reshuffle  well done @DavidGauke @DamianHinds @sajidjavid @GregClarkMP and my former chief of staff @MattHancock. All competent, creative, hardworking and good to work with.

Andrea Leadsom remains Leader of the House of Commons, despite widespread speculation that Mrs May could demote her.

And Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss also stays in post.Joe Roots bravery was in vain as England slid to an innings-and-123-run defeat in the final Test to complete their miserable Ashes campaign as 4-0 losers.

Root spent much of the morning in hospital suffering the effects of severe dehydration and was unable to rejoin his teams improbable rearguard at the SCG as they resumed on 93 for four  still 210 runs short of making Australia bat again.

The England captain did continue his innings an hour later, after his replacement Moeen Ali was dismissed, but could not do so again following the lunch break as the tourists subsided in his absence to Pat Cummins (four for 39) and finished 180 all out.

AUSSIES WIN! Cummins finishes with four wickets as Australia thrash England to seal a 4-0 series victory: https://t.co/vhFwlbdpM8 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/J7yN24kjc0  cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 8, 2018

Morning session

With Root unable to resume his innings in the morning due after picking up a viral gastroenteritis bug, Moeen walked out with Jonny Bairstow.

But it was a familiar story as the England off-spinning all-rounder once again fell to his opposite number Nathan Lyon for just 13 to leave England 121 for five.

Moeens dismissal brought Root to the crease after he arrived late at the ground.

HERE. HE. COMES!



Dehydration, diarrhoea and vomiting overnight but Joe Root is back in the middle fighting for England #ItsTheAshes #Ashes pic.twitter.com/asIQ0sWf9F  Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 8, 2018

And he moved to his fifth half-century of the series after resuming on 42 not out and was unbeaten on 58 at lunch as England went to the interval on 144 for five.

And that's 50 for the skipper...



Joe Root brings up his fifth half century of the #Ashes



Keep battling Joe #ItsTheAshes #Ashes pic.twitter.com/kOuNzElUPY  Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 8, 2018

The England skipper was not the only player in the wars as Cameron Bancroft, fielding at short-leg, took the full force of a Root pull.

Afternoon session

Roots illness got the better of him and he did not resume his innings after lunch, retiring hurt for a second time.

Joe Root has not resumed after lunch. Jonny Bairstow is batting with Tom Curran.



Follow: https://t.co/la4sylkRna #ashes pic.twitter.com/OK5CcDl1ko  England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 8, 2018

England then suffered a poor start to the session as Cummins quickly removed Bairstow and Stuart Broad to leave them 148 for seven  effectively eight with Root unable to bat.

Just like that Pat Cummins has Jonny Bairstow and Stuart Broad after lunch and England are 148-7 #ItsTheAshes #Ashes pic.twitter.com/Jh0U6VXzJh  Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 8, 2018

Mason Crane followed for two, again to Cummins, bringing last-man James Anderson to the crease with the Australians attacking to the very end.

Look at this field as the #Ashes comes to a close. Aggression to the very end pic.twitter.com/MN69CCHfJy  Sam Ferris (@samuelfez) January 8, 2018

And it was all over when Anderson edged Josh Hazlewood to Tim Paine for his third catch of the session.

Not a bad prediction from former Australia captain Ricky Ponting was it?

Australia win the #Ashes 4-0, just as the great Ricky Ponting predicted to us back in November! #Genius  https://t.co/KWcxhRaNwj  cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 8, 2018

No surprises on the man of the series.

And it was time for the celebrations to start.

Australia skipper Steve Smith celebrates with the urn (Jason OBrien/PA)

Australia celebrate their 4-0 win (Jason OBrien/PA)

And the congratulations roll in.

Congratulation @stevesmith49 and all the Australian team and support staff. Quality cricket all summer, very dominant!!  Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) January 8, 2018

Congrats Australia. You batted better, bowled better & fielded better than England. On a positive note, we were much better at head-butting & throwing beer over each other. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/Fi9kmAPJfN  Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 8, 2018

Congratulations to Australia on winning the Ashes back. I genuinely thought @englandcricket had a great chance before the series started but Steve Smith and his men have been a different level!! #Ashes  Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) January 8, 2018

Australia captain Smith credited Lyon for changing the series with his run-out of James Vince at Brisbane.

After the post mortem of Englands campaign began.

 @jimmy9: "Weve tried really hard but weve not performed well enough. Australia were the far better side" #asheshttps://t.co/ixJpVrkq2I pic.twitter.com/FUCf6tLyGj  England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 8, 2018

"England built their team around their all-rounder."



The biggest thing that went wrong for England?@MichaelVaughan says it was the Ben Stokes incident...#ItsTheAshes pic.twitter.com/DbqEdjVncl  Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 8, 2018Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka has become the latest star to pull out of the first grand slam of the year.

The 28-year-old won in Melbourne in 2012 and 2013, but is unable to travel to Australia this year, organisers said.

She has previously missed tournaments owing to an ongoing child custody battle.

Victoria Azarenka will not compete in Melbourne (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from the AO.



Its unfortunate that @vika7 is unable to travel to Australia this year. The #AusOpen is her favourite tournament and shes looking forward to returning to Melbourne next year, - @CraigTiley  #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 8, 2018

Azarenka, currently ranked 210 in the world, had been given a wild card entry into the tournament, which begins on January 15. Last week, reigning ladies singles champion Serena Williams said she would not play in Melbourne.

The former world number one said she was super close to being tournament-ready but reluctantly withdrew from the competition. It was due to be her first Grand Slam since giving birth to daughter Alexis Olympia in September.

Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori and Svetlana Kuznetsova have also withdrawn.Lidl will open five new stores in and around the London area by March and build its largest British warehouse to date in Luton, Bedfordshire, which will create up to 1,000 jobs.

The German discount supermarket chain says that the move underlines the 'scale' of its expansion plans in the capital. The new sites are all within the M25 belt - Hornchurch, Rosehill, Shepherd's Bush, South Ruislip and Walthamstow.

The company says it has exchanged contracts for the 58-acre Luton site and is planning a one million square foot warehouse.

Capital expansion: Lidl will open five new stores within the M25 belt by March

This will make it Lidl's largest in the UK and double the size of any of its distribution centres in Britain.

Once completed, the warehouse will be the supermarket's fourth for Greater London and create up to 1,000 new jobs.

Lidl said the plans highlighted 'the scale of the supermarket's ambitious expansion plans in London'.

David Skinner, managing director of UK real estate at Aviva Investors  which forms part of the Houghton Regis consortium, in which the site has been secured with  said: 'We are delighted to have secured Lidl as an owner occupier on this important strategic land site.

'The wider consented scheme has consent for over 5,000 homes and, following the recent opening of the new M1 motorway junction, we intend to commence development in early 2019.'

Plans for the new warehouse form part of Lidl UK's 1.45billion investment, which has been earmarked for expansion plans in Britain between 2017 and 2018.

Ingo Fischer, the retailer's board director for expansion and development, said: 'As more London households choose to shop at Lidl we are committed to the continued investment in our operations and infrastructure to support our growth.

'With five new stores opening in the next two months alone, and further store expansion and development plans in place for the Greater London area across the new financial year and beyond, this new warehouse is vital in supporting our ambitious expansion plans in and around the M25.'

Two new regional warehouses were opened in Exeter and Wednesbury last year, while plans are in the works for further distribution centres in Doncaster, Bolton and Peterborough.

Construction has already started on sites in Avonmouth and Eurocentral, Scotland which are each set replace existing warehouses in Weston-Super-Mare and Livingston.

The German discounter's expansion is expected to solidify its standing as the UK's fastest-growing supermarket, increasing the pressure on Britain's 'big four'  Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons.

Kantar Worldpanel figures show that Lidl UK's sales rose 19.2 per cent year-on-year, reaching a market share of 5.3 per cent, while two-thirds of shoppers visited a Lidl or its rival, Aldi, in the preceding three months.

The two retailers now account for almost 1 in every 8 spent in Britain's supermarkets, up from 1 in 25 a decade ago.Harry Kane insists he is happy at Tottenham as long as the club starts winning trophies.

Kane has also denied he is in talks with Spurs over an extension to his contract, which is worth more than 100,000 a week and expires in 2022.

Doubts surrounding the strikers future have resurfaced after Mauricio Pochettino admitted Kane could not be forced to stay if he decides to leave his boyhood team.

Mauricio Pochettino, left, says he cannot force Harry Kane to remain at Spurs (Nigel French/PA)

After scoring twice in Tottenhams 3-0 FA Cup win over Wimbledon on Sunday, Kane was asked what the club needs to do to secure his long-term future.

Ive always said, just keep progressing, keep getting better, Kane said. We want to start winning trophies so thats the aim. As long as the club keeps doing that then Im happy here.

With Philippe Coutinho set to join Barcelona from Liverpool, Pochettino was asked whether Kane could prove a one-off when it comes to players leaving for the worlds top clubs.

Philippe Coutinhos move to Barcelona led to questions being asked about Kanes future at Tottenham (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Pochettino said: The player needs to choose to stay here, you cannot force the player to stay here.

Kane was asked more generally about players now having the power to dictate their own futures.

If a player wants to go then why would you stop him? Kane said. Hes not going to be in the club, hes not going to want to play every game, hes not going to put his heart on the line.

Tottenham are reportedly preparing a new deal for Kane worth 200,000 a week but the striker was not aware of any planned negotiations. Not that I know of, Kane said.

The 24-year-old proved his worth again at Wembley by breaching a disciplined Wimbledon defence twice in two second-half minutes, before Jan Vertonghen added a third with a sensational long-range strike.

With Manchester City almost uncatchable now in the Premier League, the FA Cup would seem to represent Tottenhams best chance of winning their first major trophy since 2008.

I think this year, especially with the league kind of being out of contention  of course we want to finish in the top four  but its a chance for us to win a competition, Kane said.

Yeah, obviously City running away with it makeswe want to win a trophy somehow and this is a competition were looking at to do that.

Kane was a surprise starter against Wimbledon but the forward now has six days to recover for Saturdays Premier League game at home to Everton.

 Mauricio couldn't help but interrupt @JanVertonghen's interview to have his say on his 'goal' against AFC Wimbledon today!  #COYS pic.twitter.com/d051Q153bG  Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 7, 2018

The gaffer asked me yesterday  well, he didnt ask me, he said how do you feel? and I said good and he said youre going to play tomorrow, Kane said.

Its good. Being ill for the first couple of games [last week], its good to get a bit of fitness back and just get back into the swing of it, and obviously great to get two goals.Two people were injured after a fire broke out in the heating and air conditioning system at Trump Tower in New York City.

The citys Fire Department said the blaze broke out at around 7am (noon GMT) on Monday, causing smoke to billow from the roof of the building which contains US president Donald Trumps home and business offices.

Fire officials said a civilian was treated for serious injuries and a firefighter suffered minor injuries. It took about an hour to extinguish the blaze at the high-rise building on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

Smoke billows from Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York

The presidents son Eric later tweeted his thanks to firefighters for doing an incredible job.Egypt will hold a presidential election from March 26-28, with a run-off in April.

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has yet to formally announce his bid for re-election, but is widely expected to run and win a second four-year term.

Authorities have waged a wide-scale crackdown on dissent since Mr el-Sissi, as defence minister, led the military overthrow of Mohamed Morsi, an elected but divisive Islamist president in 2013.

Egypt's national election authority

Lasheen Ibrahim, the chairman of the national election authority, announced the dates for the election on Monday.

A run-off will be held on April 24-26 if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote. Egyptian expatriates will vote from March 16-18 and April 19-21.Indie band Idlewild are to play an intimate gig in Glasgow to mark a charitys expansion in Scotland.

The band will play an acoustic set at the King Tuts venue on February 1.

The gig falls on the same day as the Help Musicians UK (HMUK) charity officially opens its permanent new Scottish operation  Help Musicians Scotland (HMScotland)  in Glasgow.

Were pleased to be playing a special acoustic show at @kingtuts Glasgow on Thu 1 Feb to mark the launch of @HM_Scot. Tickets on sale Wed at 10am  pic.twitter.com/IVv1i6DFeP  Idlewild (@IdlewildtheBand) January 8, 2018

HMUK describes itself as a leading independent charity for people working in the music industry.

Also performing at the celebratory occasion will be Scottish musicians Be Charlotte, Indigo Velvet and SKJOR, all of whom have received support from the charity in the past.

Idlewild band member Rod Jones said: Idlewild are absolutely thrilled to support the launch of Help Musicians Scotland at one of our favourite venues, King Tuts.

Weve played some really special gigs at the venue, the first 21 years ago and a five night stint in 2008, so its truly an honour to return for such a great cause.

Help Musicians Scotland do amazing work to support musicians at all stages in their career.

Were planning a special acoustic set for the evening and fans should expect a fitting set-list to mark a landmark moment for the Scottish music industry.

Idlewild will headline charity gig (Idlewild / PA)

The opening of the Scottish premises by HMUK comes after it launched a base in Northern Ireland in 2016.

Claire Gevaux, director of HMScotland, added: After a year of listening and reflecting on the needs of the Scottish music scene, Im excited to see HMScotland launch in a few weeks.

Tickets, some of which go on sale on Wednesday, are priced at 15 with all proceeds going to the charity.By Beh Lih Yi

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Rolling up the sleeves of her long black robe to reveal a scar from a cigarette burn on her arm, refugee Sara shows how her husband pressed a pillow over her face to shut her up when he attacked her.

The abuse began as soon as they got married in 2009, just a year after Sara had fled her home in Myanmar, where her fellow Rohingya - an ethnic Muslim minority - are shunned and persecuted in the Buddhist-majority nation.

She landed in Malaysia and married her husband, a 42-year-old Rohingya man, the following year.

"I wanted to be a good wife but he was always very angry. He would not allow me to go out, he would expect me to have all the food ready, and prepare him a hot towel and a glass of water when he gets home.

"He would hit me if he was not happy. If I cried, he covered my mouth with a pillow so our neighbours could not hear me," said Sara, who used a pseudonym for fear of retaliation from her husband.

The 30-year-old eventually escaped her home with her six-year-old son and the pair have been living for five months in a shelter run by an organisation that supports migrant workers and refugees.

Stories like Sara's are not unusual among the refugee community in Malaysia, which hosts over 150,000 refugees and asylum seekers, the majority of them from Myanmar and some of whom have lived in the country for over a decade.

Rights groups say uncertainty over their future and years of living in a host country where they are considered illegal migrants have taken a toll on their mental health, and driven up cases of domestic violence among refugee families.

'SILENT IN FEAR'

Kuala Lumpur-based Tenaganita, a campaign group which works with refugees, said there was "extensive" gender-based violence against refugee women in Malaysia.

Since last year, the group has been working with the University of Colorado in the United States to conduct a two-year survey among some 500 Rohingya families in Malaysia on the prevalence of gender-based violence.

Tenaganita's executive director, Glorene Das, said although the survey is still underway, early indications showed both male and female respondents acknowledged physical and emotional abuse happened within their families.

"Not being able to resettle or taking a long time adds stress to the family," Das told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"Ultimately husbands or the male family members tend to take it out on their female partners."

She added that the fact refugees are not recognised by the government also means that victims of violence have no legal avenue to turn to when they want to seek recourse.

"Their deemed 'illegality' renders the women silent in fear," Das said.

While the refugees are recognised by the U.N.'s refugee agency UNHCR, Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 U.N. Refugee Convention, which means all refugees are viewed as illegal migrants awaiting resettlement in a third country.

The country also does not extend protection, job opportunities or education to them, leaving many refugees end up finding odd jobs in the informal sectors as cleaners, waiters or construction workers.

Campaigners say the lack of a formal status often leaves refugees vulnerable to abuse, and at risk of arrest as well as deportation under immigration laws.

Some refugees are resettled by the United Nations in so-called third countries, such as the United States, Canada, the Czech Republic and Australia.

Responding to a query from the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the UNHCR could not say how long on average it takes for a refugee in Malaysia to be resettled because applications are handled on a case by case basis.

But its data showed number of refugees who left Malaysia for resettlement fell from over 12,500 in 2015, to about 8,100 in 2016 and plummeted to 2,338 to the end of October 2017.

"Given the limited numbers of resettlement places, UNHCR must prioritise those with acute and pressing vulnerabilities," UNHCR spokeswoman Yante Ismail said in an emailed reply.

"For those who do not have a pressing need for resettlement, the process can take much longer, or may not even be an available option," she added.

REFUGEE BAN

Although President Donald Trump lifted a temporary ban on most refugee admissions in October, the number of refugees admitted to the United States has dropped, according to a Reuters analysis of State Department data.

UNHCR's Yante said the uncertainty refugees feel about their future brings a "corrosive effect" on their mental and physical health and called on Malaysia to do more to protect them in the country.

Meanwhile violence - especially against women - continues.

Noor Arifah Bujang, who provides counselling to refugee women, said they often told her stories of how their husbands were in constant fear of being arrested and struggled to make ends meet.

"The (husbands) become stressed and they tend to beat up their wives or children. Marital rape is the most common," she said. (Reporting by Beh Lih Yi @behlihyi, Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights, climate change and resilience. Visit http://news.trust.org)SOFIA, Jan 8 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Monday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

-- Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said EU presidency Bulgaria will work to improve relations between the bloc and Turkey. Borissov and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attended the opening of the reconstructed Bulgarian Orthodox church in Istanbul. (Trud, Standart, 24 Chasa, Sega, Monitor)

TRUD - The Bulgarian government plans to spend 271 million levs ($166.53 million)for new fighter jets and ships for the army this year.

-- Police said it has found the man suspected of killing six people on New Year's Eve dead. The 56-year old man was found shot in the head after a four-day search. (Trud, 24 Chasa, Monitor, Sega)

CAPITAL DAILY - Bulgarian central bank reported a loss of 57.6 million euros ($69.17 million) in the first half of 2017, mainly due to negative income from its investment in bonds of euro zone countries. ($1 = 1.6273 leva) ($1 = 0.8327 euros)By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Robert-Jan Bartunek

COPENHAGEN/BRUSSELS, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Denmark's Novo Nordisk, the world's biggest insulin maker, went public with a 2.6 billion euro ($3.1 billion) bid for Belgian biotech group Ablynx on Monday, seeking a new source of growth by bolstering its treatments for rare blood disorders.

Ablynx rejected Novo's latest takeover approach and analysts predict the Danish group, whose new chief executive is trying to expand by buying drugs developed by competitors, might face counterbidders and would need to raise its bid.

Shares in Ablynx closed up 45 percent at 30.80 euros, above the 30.50 euros per share Novo has offered. The bid represents a 60 percent premium to the Belgian company's share price on Dec. 6, which was before Novo's first approach.

The unsolicited bid comes at a time of renewed interest by large drugmakers in smaller biotech firms, with U.S.-based Celgene clinching a deal to buy Impact Biomedicines for up to $7 billion on Sunday and Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical agreeing last week to buy another Belgian biotech group TiGenix for $630 million.

Ablynx said in a statement that its board "unanimously concluded that the proposal fundamentally undervalues Ablynx and its strong prospects for continued growth and value creation".

It later said that Peter Fellner, its chairman since 2013, had decided to resign with immediate effect. It did not say why.

The Belgian group specialises in the research of novel drugs based on nano-bodies found in the immune systems of llamas and alpacas, for which it partners with several of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.

The main attraction for Novo is Ablynx's experimental drug caplacizumab for the rare bleeding disorder acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which would complement Novo's line-up of blood products focused on haemophilia.

The $11 billion haemophilia market is facing upheaval and Novo stands to lose sales following approval of a new Roche drug Hemlibra.

Biopharmaceutical treatments, led by haemophilia, make up around 20 percent of Novo's sales, with diabetes and obesity products accounting for the remaining 80 percent.

"We have solid growth in our diabetes and obesity business but we are struggling a little bit to maintain the same level of growth momentum in biopharma," Novo's Chief Financial Officer Jesper Brandgaard said.

NEW NOVO CEO ACTS

The Danish company said it would pay 28.00 euros per share in cash for Ablynx and an additional 2.50 euros in a so-called contingent value right (CVR) if certain conditions related to other drugs in Ablynx's research portfolio were met.

An acquisition would be the first by Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, who took over a year ago. He has said the firm needs external innovation to broaden its product line-up.

Under previous chief executive Lars Rebien Sorensen, Novo sat out a spate of deal-making across the drugs industry and instead focused on its market-leading position making insulin and other diabetes treatments.

But in March, the company approached Global Blood Therapeutics, a U.S. biotech company focused on serious blood disorders, to discuss a potential takeover, people familiar with the situation said.

Finance chief Brandgaard said the current bid could be revised if Ablynx agreed to engage in talks.

"I think it would be natural to update the bid following a detailed discussion with the board of directors of Ablynx," he said on a conference call, adding that it would be premature to speculate on any increase.

Brandgaard also played down the threat of an interloper, saying: "In terms of counter proposals it is not our understanding that any other bidder is pursuing the target."

BELGIUM'S THRIVING BIOTECH SCENE

Ablynx had already rejected an offer by the Danish group on Dec. 14 and Novo Nordisk said the new bid, made on Dec. 22, was some 14 percent higher.

"Novo Nordisk regrets that the board of directors of Ablynx has so far declined to engage in any discussions, despite the proposals which have been put forward," it said in a statement.

Analysts at Jefferies said they had a fair value of Ablynx at 29 euros per share, rising to 36 euros under a long term upside scenario.

"We envisage Novo needing to hike the offer and could see counterbids," the analysts said.

Tax breaks and other incentives have created a thriving biotech industry in Belgium, with many companies spun off from university projects now listed on its stock exchange.

Ablynx's shares have almost doubled in price in the past 12 months, buoyed by successful clinical trial data.

Its products, which are all still undergoing medical trials, target many different diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or cancer.

Evercore is advising Novo, while JPMorgan is working for Ablynx. ($1 = 0.8353 euros)

(Additional reporting by Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen, Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels, Ben Hirschler in London and Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru; Editing by Keith Weir/David Evans/Alexander Smith)By Bozorgmehr Sharafedin

LONDON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Protests that shook Iran were not just aimed at the economy, President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday, remarks suggesting the real targets were powerful conservatives opposed to his plans to expand individual freedoms at home and promote detente abroad.

The pragmatic cleric, who defeated anti-Western hardliners to win re-election last year, also called for the lifting of curbs on social media used by anti-government protesters in the most sustained challenge to hardline authorities since 2009.

"It would be a misrepresentation (of events) and also an insult to Iranian people to say they only had economic demands," Rouhani was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

"People had economic, political and social demands."

Iran's influential Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday the security forces had put an end to a week of unrest fomented by what it called foreign enemies.

The protests, which began over economic hardships suffered by the young and working class, spread to more than 80 cities and towns and has resulted in 22 deaths and more than 1,000 arrests, according to Iranian officials.

Hamid Shahriari, the deputy head of the Judiciary said that all ringleaders of the protests had been identified and arrested, and they would be firmly punished and might face capital punishment.

An Iranian lawmaker confirmed on Monday the death of one detainee in prison.

"This 22 year old young man was arrested by the police. I was informed that he has committed suicide in jail," Tayebeh Siavashi was quoted as saying by ILNA news agency.

Many of the protesters questioned Irans foreign policy in the Middle East, where it has intervened in Syria and Iraq in a battle for influence with rival Saudi Arabia.

IRANIANS CAN CRITICISE "EVERYONE"

The countrys financial support for Palestinians and the Lebanese Shi`ite group Hezbollah also angered Iranians, who want their government to focus on domestic economic problems instead.

Rouhani won re-election last year by promising more jobs for Irans youth through more foreign investment, as well as more social justice, individual freedom and political tolerance - aims questioned by his main challenger in the contest.

Echoing some of his campaign rhetoric, Rouhani said on Monday people should be allowed to criticise all Iranian officials, with no exception.

Demonstrators initially vented their anger over high prices and alleged corruption, but the protests took on a rare political dimension, with a growing number of people calling on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down.

The Supreme Leader is commander-in-chief of the armed forces and appoints the heads of the judiciary. Key ministers are selected with his agreement and he has the ultimate say on Irans foreign policy. By comparison, the president has little power.

"No one is innocent and people are allowed to criticise everyone," said Rouhani.

Rouhani also dismissed calls from hardline clerics who had asked the government to permanently block access social media and messaging apps.

As protests have ebbed, the government has lifted restrictions it imposed on Instagram, one of the social media tools used to mobilise protesters. But access to a more widely used messaging app, Telegram, was still blocked. The government has said the restrictions would be temporary.

"People's access to social media should not permanently be restricted. We cannot be indifferent to people's life and business," Rouhani said.

State television showed live pictures of more pro-government rallies in several cities, including Sanandaj in western Iran, as marchers carried posters of Ayatollah Khamenei and chanted slogans in his support.

Iranian Vice-President Masoumeh Ebtekar tweeted on Monday that Rouhani has insisted that all detained students should be released.

Mohammad Bathaei, the education minister said on Monday there were many school children among the detainees and he was asking for their release before exam season.

Amnesty International said last week that more than 1,000 Iranians had been arrested and detained in jails "notorious for torture and other ill-treatment over the past seven days", with many being denied access to families and lawyers.

(Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, Editing by William Maclean)By Suleiman Al-Khalidi

AMMAN, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Jordan said on Monday it had foiled an Islamic State plot that included plans for a series of attacks last November on security installations, shopping malls and moderate religious figures, state media reported.

State news agency Petra said the country's intelligence department had arrested 17 members of a cell and confiscated weapons and explosives that the militant group had planned to use in several operations.

"The members of the cell had planned to execute a number of terrorist attacks simultaneously to destabilise national security and sow chaos and terror among civilians," the statement said.

A security source said that members of the cell had been under surveillance from the start when they began to survey high profile civilian and military potential targets.

Security forces have been extra vigilant in recent months with warnings that sympathisers of Islamic State could launch revenge attacks after the militants were driven out of most of the territory they once controlled in Syria and Iraq.

The detainees, who were all from the working class city of Zarqa east of the capital, were being interrogated before being put on trial in a military court, the authorities said without giving a date.

The impoverished city of Zarqa, a traditional hotbed of fundamentalist jihadists, has seen dozens of youths influenced by hardline Islamist ideology joining radical groups in Iraq and Syria in recent years, according to security sources.

The statement said the cell had planned to wage a series of bank robberies and car thefts to get financing, and manufactured homemade explosives from material bought from local markets.

Militants from al Qaeda and other radical jihadist groups have long targeted the U.S.-allied kingdom and dozens of militants are currently serving long prison terms.

King Abdullah, a Middle East ally of Western powers against Islamist militancy who has also safeguarded Jordan's peace treaty with Israel, has been among the most vocal leaders in the region in warning of threats posed by radical groups.

Jordan plays a prominent role in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, providing military, logistical and intelligence support, according to Western diplomats and regional intelligence sources.

Several incidents over the past few years have jolted the Arab kingdom, which has been comparatively unscathed by the uprisings, civil wars and Islamist militancy that have swept the Middle East since 2011.

In the last major incident, Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for a shootout just over a year ago at a Crusader castle in the southern city of Karak in which 10 people including a Canadian tourist were killed. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Ralph Boulton and Sandra Maler)By Thin Lei Win

ROME, Jan 8 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - With their alpine grasslands shrinking due to erratic rainfall and glacier retreat, herders in Peru's central Andes have decided that the future lies in reviving the past.

To improve access to water and save their livestock, indigenous communities in the villages of Canchayllo and Miraflores have restored abandoned dams, reservoirs and canals that date back over 3,000 years.

Two years on from completion of the project - supported by The Mountain Institute (TMI), a U.S.-based non-profit - there are more and better quality pastures for sheep, cattle and alpaca to graze, and milk, meat, and crop yields have risen.

The project's success, benefiting 9,600 people in the Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve, has raised hopes for thousands of highland communities in Peru and elsewhere who are facing similar climate pressures, said Florencia Zapata of TMI, which works with mountain communities.

It could also have far-reaching impacts along the desert coast, home to almost 70 percent of the population, which receives less than 2 percent of Peru's available water.

"Water that most of the population depends on comes mainly from the mountains. So, we need to take care of (that water)," Zapata, who oversaw the project, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a phone interview.

The western ranges of the "brown" Andes - with a marked dry season - are dotted with remains of ancient infrastructures dedicated to managing water, said Jorge Recharte, director of TMI's Andes programme.

The ranges extend to Bolivia, Chile and Argentina and while some water structures are still in use, knowledge and understanding of them had started to vanish as populations dwindled due to migration to the cities, Recharte said.

Peru's glaciers are a source of fresh water for millions of people but they have diminished by 40 percent since the 1970s, government figures showed.

The South American country is home to 70 percent of the world's tropical glaciers, which are "especially sensitive to warming temperatures", the United Nations warned.

Fears over the melting of an Andean glacier has even led to an intercontinental lawsuit that environmentalists are watching closely.

"As glacier retreat progresses and climate change kicks in... new lands are becoming available for agriculture in the Andes," said Alexander Herrera, an archaeologist and associate professor at Colombia's Universidad de los Andes.

"Learning from the past is absolutely crucial for sustainable, low-risk, productive agriculture (of the kind) the Andes have had for thousands of years," said Herrera, who was involved in the Canchayllo and Miraflores projects.

GREY AND GREEN

Peru has a long history of embarking on engineering feats to manage the flow of water for agriculture.

The Incas and the civilisations before them built terraces, cisterns and canals while modern government projects include the $500-million Olmos and the stalled Chavimochic III irrigation projects.

It was at one of the first meetings TMI organised in 2013 that locals raised the possibility of rehabilitating the neglected pre-Inca hydraulic structures.

Designed to slow the movement of water through grasses and soils, they replenished aquifers and springs and helped the grasslands retain more water, allowing biodiversity to flourish.

This way, the ecosystem acted as a buffer against flooding and drought and provided fodder for their animals, who in turn produce cheese and importantly manure, used to cultivate "thousands of native potato, corn, tuber and grain varieties", Zapata said.

The restoration and adaptation of ancient terraces and canals for modern use has been pioneered by British archaeologist Ann Kendall since the late 1970s.

But other attempts by Andean governments and aid groups in the 1980s to revive these technologies for development failed because the focus was more on techniques and less on the needs of the locals, said archaeologist Herrera.

In Canchayllo and Miraflores, the restoration has combined ancient and modern technologies to meet the demands of herders, after months of consultation.

The restored systems incorporate "grey" infrastructure such as PVC pipes, water valves and fences and "green" elements such as restoration of grasslands and wetlands.

The restoration minimised the need for regular maintenance work since labour is in short supply, with the young and able moving to cities for better jobs.

"It is not enough to just improve their infrastructure or water availability. If people are not organised to manage the infrastructure, it will collapse sooner or later," Zapata said.

NOT ANOTHER BURDEN

Julio Postigo, a Peruvian expert on pastoralism in high altitudes, said poor, marginalised communities needed support from government to revive the ancient structures - just as families were supported centuries ago.

"We tend to forget, when we romanticise these Inca or pre-Inca or ancient responses, that they were never taken by individual families," said Postigo, a senior research scientist at the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center.

"You're talking about an empire that decided that that infrastructure was going to be built."

TMI said it was looking to train and work with the Peruvian government and other organisations to replicate the success of projects in central Peru.

But reviving ancient water systems must be part of a wider plan to help communities cope with climate change, said Postigo.

"The people most vulnerable to climate change effects are those who are poorer, less educated, more marginal, indigenous," he said in a phone interview.

"We should fight poverty and improve living conditions. In doing so, those populations will be on a better foot to respond to climate change." (Reporting By Thin Lei Win, Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, corruption and climate change. Visit www.trust.org)ANKARA, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Turkey's nationalist opposition said on Monday it would back President Tayyip Erdogan in the 2019 election, signalling continued right-wing support crucial to his narrow victory in a constitutional referendum last year.

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the smallest of parliament's four factions, backed the vote to grant Erdogan sweeping executive powers, helping it squeak by with a margin of 51.4 percent.

"The MHP will not submit a presidential candidate," MHP leader Devlet Bahceli told a news conference. "The MHP will take a decision to support Erdogan in the presidential elections." Turks will vote for both president and parliament next year.

Bahceli has said he wants a reduction in the minimum 10 percent vote required for a party to enter parliament.

Over the past two decades he has brought the MHP more towards the mainstream and away from its early reputation for ties to rightist street gangs.

The party is now looking to fend off a challenge from Meral Aksener, an ex-interior minister and prominent nationalist who last year founded her own party after breaking with the MHP.

One recent poll suggested that Aksener's party could eclipse the MHP and deprive it of the 10 percent threshold.

Bahceli said the MHP would consider an alliance with Erdogan's AK Party if such a request came from the AKP.

The MHP won as much as 18 percent in the 1999 parliamentary election but slipped below the threshold with 9.5 percent in 2002. It has exceeded 10 percent in elections since and took 11.9 percent in the November 2015 vote.

Founded by an ex-colonel involved in a 1960 military coup, the MHP espouses a mix of Turkish nationalism and scepticism towards the West. It is virulently opposed to autonomy for Turkey's Kurdish minority.

The MHP support base once included sympathisers of the "Grey Wolves", a nationalist youth group that fought street battles with leftists in the 1970s. Mehmet Ali Agca, who tried to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981, was a group member. (Reporting by Ercan Gurses and Ezgi Erkoyun; Editing by David Dolan and Mark Heinrich)By Andy Home

LONDON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Zinc has started the new year with a bang, hitting a fresh 10-year high of $3,380 per tonne in the first week of trading on the London Metal Exchange (LME).

The only historical reference point for zinc at such levels is the bull market of 2005-2007, when LME three-month metal topped out at $4,600.

Few seem to be expecting a return to such extreme pricing but, with funds adding length in both London and Shanghai, there are still many betting that zinc's two-year bull charge isn't over just yet.

They evidently agree with Goldman Sachs, which has revised upwards its price forecasts to $3,300 on a three-month basis, $3,500 on a six-month basis and $2,800 on a 12-month basis.

Even as a supply response starts to build after two years of rising prices, Goldman's view is that "the market is likely to get even tighter in the first half of (this) year." ("Zinc: tightness to persist through 1H2018", Dec. 18, 2017).

Events in the three weeks since the bank issued that forecast have served only to reinforce its core message.

Graphic on LME zinc price:

http://tmsnrt.rs/2D7SQ62

Graphic on LME zinc stocks and time-spreads:

http://tmsnrt.rs/2CE7Qrl

LME SPREADS TIGHTER AGAIN

LME time-spreads eased steadily over the last two months of 2017 to the point that the benchmark cash-to-three-months period <CMZN0-3> was valued at $10 contango in the middle of December, compared with $91 backwardation in October.

This loosening spread structure looked anomalous given the daily declines in LME-registered stocks.

Either it was signalling more metal was on its way to the LME warehouse network or it was no more than a temporary mismatch of short and long positioning across the front part of the curve.

It's the latter interpretation that now looks the most likely.

Absolutely zero fresh metal has arrived in the LME storage system and time-spreads have tightened up again.

That cash-to-three-month period, for example, closed last week valued at $26 backwardation.

More LME spread tightness looks almost inevitable.

Not only is headline inventory still ticking lower on a near daily basis but Friday's LME stocks report showed 25,075 tonnes of net new cancellations as metal is prepared for physical load-out.

All the cancellation action took place at New Orleans, which shouldn't come as a shock since the U.S. port now holds all but 1,700 tonnes of the 180,325 tonnes left in the entire system.

Excluding cancelled tonnage, LME "live" stocks are now just 139,250 tonnes.

Sure, that's still higher than last year's July low point of 69,850 tonnes, but with no arrivals since the middle of October, exchange stocks liquidity is fast becoming a focal point of zinc's narrative of supply deficit.

Graphic on China's net imports of refined zinc:

http://tmsnrt.rs/2CWEwNH

CHINESE ZINC IMPORTS BOOM

One possible reason for so little metal being available for LME delivery, despite the reappearance of a premium for cash metal, is a sharp pick-up in Chinese imports.

China's pull on metal from the rest of the world was distinctly subdued in the first half of 2017, net imports actually falling by 40 percent year-on-year to 170,000 tonnes.

Indeed, China's lack of import appetite was a significant wrinkle in zinc's bull story.

The trend turned in July, however, with imports of refined zinc accelerating sharply.

November itself saw net imports hit 122,600 tonnes, the largest monthly tally ever, eclipsing the previous record of 120,000 tonnes dating from March 2009.

The November count was boosted by the import of 50,903 tonnes of zinc from Spain, making it the second largest supplier in the first 11 months of 2017 after Australia, a more traditional source for Chinese importers.

China imported less than 10,000 tonnes of zinc from Spain in both 2015 and 2016 and even if November's flood turns out to be a one-off, there is a sense of metal moving from off-exchange statistical shadows to plug supply-chain gaps.

The Shanghai zinc contract is backwardated beyond the first three trading months and registered stocks are also close to historical lows.

There was some rebuild over the last week but at 77,383 tonnes, inventory held in Shanghai Futures Exchange sheds is 82,000 tonnes lower than this time last year and 130,000 tonnes lower than in January 2015.

China is itself a major producer of zinc, both at the mined and the refined metal level.

But the country's ability to respond to physical tightness and higher prices has been severely constrained by the ongoing environmental campaign.

While China's zinc mines "used to be the swing producers in previous cycles", Goldman Sachs analysts argue that the country's zinc production in this particular price cycle "has disappointed and is likely to only increase slowly going forward."

THE ONLY WAY IS UP?

The steady attrition of LME stocks and the sharp pick-up in Chinese imports have reinvigorated the bull argument for higher zinc prices.

But, judging by the LME options market, the optimism comes with a sell-by date.

Call options confer the right to buy and, not entirely surprisingly, there is open interest on strikes such as $4,000, $4,400 and $4,500 in each of the next five months.

Beyond June, however, open interest almost totally disappears above the $3,800 strike, suggesting Goldman is not the only one looking for prices to peak around the middle of the year.

The only outlier on the 2018 call options heat map is the four lots (100 tonnes) of open interest on the $5,000 strike in December.

It's a relatively small bet but a big call that zinc's bull charge is going to be extended for longer and further than consensus.

Bullish exuberance?

Quite possibly, but until the LME stocks trend turns, tightness in both physical and paper markets looks set to the defining feature of the zinc market over the coming weeks and months.

(Editing by David Evans)PARIS, Jan 8 (Reuters) - France registered a record number of asylum requests in 2017, when Albanians topped the list despite far slimmer prospects of obtaining refugee status than people from war-torn places such as Syria or Afghanistan.

A more than two-year long migration crisis has caused immigration to become a major political issue in many European countries, including France. Official asylum requests rose 17 percent to exceed 100,000, the highest "in at least four decades", according to Pascal Brice, head of France's refugee office (Ofpra).

"This is not a massive inflow and we are capable of handling the situation," Brice told CNews television on Monday.

The number is sensitive after an election where President Emmanuel Macron faced off against Marine Le Pen of the anti-immigrant National Front.

Macron, who won power in May, has promised to slash the time it takes French officials take to rule on asylum requests - to two months maximum from what Brice said was now about three months on average.

Asylum requests from Albanians rose 66 percent from 2016 but the acceptance rate was low, at just 6.5 percent, Ofpra figures showed.

By comparison, the acceptance rate was 95 percent for Syrians, 85 percent for Afghans and 59 percent in the case of people from Sudan, Ofpra said.

Brice called the surge in Albanian requests "a cyclical phenomenon". Albanians rose from third place in 2016 to the front of the queue of asylum-requesters in 2017, ahead of Afghanistan and Sudan, with Syria further down the line.

The new French number -- precisely 100,412 asylum requests in 2017 - compares to 140,000 asylum requests recorded in the first nine months of 2017 in neighbouring Germany, where limits on the inflow are one key issue in talks where Chancellor Angela Merkel is seeking to forge a governing coalition. (Reporting by Julie Carriat and Brian Love; editing by Richard Lough)BUDAPEST, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Hungary's State Audit Office (ASZ) has fined the main, nationalist opposition party Jobbik 331.66 million forints ($1.29 million) for an anti-government billboard campaign funded by a wealthy adversary of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Jobbik, which entered parliament in 2010 on a radical far-right agenda, is now projecting a centrist image in a bid to unseat Orban at an election due in April, where his Fidesz looks well-placed to retain power.

Confirming the findings of a preliminary report, Hungary's State Audit Office (ASZ) said Jobbik had been fined for running an advertising campaign at below market prices.

The ASZ gave Jobbik 15 days to pay the fine, equal to the price advantage the party received illegally for the campaign, which accused Orban and some of his associates of corruption.

The fine amounted to more than two-thirds of Jobbik's annual state subsidy of 475.8 million forints, and the party said the "court-martial" levy could cripple its election campaign. Jobbik has denied wrongdoing.

Jobbik's subsidy should also be cut by the same amount as the fine, ASZ spokesman Balint Horvath said. Jobbik used billboards owned by tycoon Lajos Simicska, an estranged Orban ally who has since become a supporter of the far right.

Orban says Simicska hijacked Jobbik. Both the party and the tycoon deny this.

Officials at the State Treasury and at Jobbik were not immediately available for comment.

Jobbik received public funds worth nearly a billion forints in 2015 and 2016. The ASZ said Jobbik's finances over that period were not sufficiently transparent.

The ASZ, which is led by ex-Fidesz lawmaker Laszlo Domokos, has rejected accusations of politicking against Orban's foes. It said the investigation was part of a regular biennial review of parties that receive public funding.

A rally last month against the crackdown drew about a thousand Jobbik supporters, though the turnout fell well short of similar demonstrations over the past year.

Fidesz commanded 39 percent of all voters in November, according to a survey by pollster Median published in the weekly HVG. Jobbik was backed by 11 percent, while the Socialists were a distant third with 7 percent.

($1 = 257.56 forints) (Reporting by Gergely Szakacs; editing by Mark Heinrich)CAIRO, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Egypt will hold a presidential election in late March, authorities said on Monday, starting the countdown towards a likely second term in office for incumbent Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Sisi has yet to announce his candidacy for the ballot, which was scheduled for March 26-28.

But he is widely expected to run, having won a landslide victory in the previous election in 2014, the year after - as a military commander - he led the overthrow of elected president Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The national election commission said candidates must register between Jan 20-29 and that, in the event of no single participant winning a majority first time around, a run-off would be held on April 24-26.

The election will be Egypt's third since the 2011 uprising that ended strongman Hosni Mubarak's long rule.

Former prime minister Ahmed Shafik, who was seen as the most serious potential challenger to Sisi's rule, said on Sunday he was no longer considering running.

Shafik returned to Egypt from the United Arab Emirates in December after announcing his intention to run, setting off a firestorm of criticism from state-aligned media and speculation that he was being held by authorities in a Cairo hotel.

Sisi's critics say his popularity has been dimmed by austerity reforms, security problems and a crackdown on dissidents.

His allies dismiss accusations of rights abuses, saying his measures are needed for security in the face of an Islamist insurgency in the North Sinai region that has expanded to include civilian targets.

Another presidential hopeful, rights lawyer Khaled Ali, faces a potential three-month prison sentence handed down in September for public indecency over an alleged rude hand gesture he made outside a courthouse last year.

He may be disqualified from standing if he loses his appeal on March 7.

Ali gained prominence in January last year when he won a case that nullified a government transfer of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, a deal that had prompted mass protests.

Lasheen Ibrahim, the judge heading the commission, told a news conference it would "spare no effort in running elections in accordance with the highest standards of fairness and international transparency."

First round results will be announced on April 2 and, in the event of a run-off, final ones on May 1. (Reporting by Omar Fahmy and Nadine Awadalla; Editing by John Stonestreet)By Benet Koleka

TIRANA, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Albania sacked its national police chief on Monday in apparent response to rising international pressure to crack down on the cannabis trade, which rapidly expanded during his watch.

With the European Union dangling the possibility of accession talks in mid-2018, Albania is stepping up efforts to rein in rampant corruption and organised crime including cannabis cultivation.

The Tirana government gave no specific reasons for the dismissal of Haki Cako, but said in a statement it was looking for a replacement able to cope "with a bigger workload at a faster pace".

Investigators from Italy, a major market for Albanian cannabis trafficked across the Adriatic Sea, said in November that aerial monitoring had turned up just 90 cannabis plots compared with 2,086 in 2016. That prompted Cako to assert that his police had "uprooted cannabis" all over Albania.

But crime gangs continue to smuggle tonnes of cannabis on speedboats across the Adriatic to Italy, a situation the government statement indicated was unacceptable.

"Police work should indispensably be driven towards tangible results to better respond to the requirements of this new stage and the high expectations of the people and our international partners," the statement said.

Cako had no immediate comment on his firing, which came soon after the start of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama's second term and amid an investigation against ex-interior minister Saimir Tahiri for alleged collusion with cannabis traffickers.

Cako was promoted to deputy national police chief in 2014 for his role in ending the open-air growing of cannabis on an industrial scale in the lawless southern village of Lazarat.

But over the next two years cannabis cultivation spread wildly all over the rugged Balkan country under Cako's watch - he became national police chief when his boss resigned - though police said they had cut down more plants than ever before. (Reporting By Benet Koleka; Editing by Mark Heinrich)With many companies using finance outsourcing to add value, increase business flexibility and prepare for future growth, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has played a significant role in being at the forefront of supporting finance outsourcing organizations to build talent by tailoring their qualification to suit the unique requirements and business capabilities needed by this industry.



Amongst such organizations in the country, is WNS Global Services, a platinum approved employer of ACCA. Dinesh Wickremanayake, Managing Director of WNS outlined some of the challenges and changes that will take place in this sector over the next decade.



Wickremanayake stated that Sri Lanka is emerging as a global BPM destination and the sector has been identified as a thrust industry. However, if it is to reach their end goal of delivering 220,000 jobs by 2020, they need to focus on becoming a center of excellence for several key sectors such as financial and accounting services, investment research, human resources services and legal services, along with IT services. Among these sectors, financial and accounting services has shown a notable growth with Sri Lanka having the worlds largest pool of UK qualified English-speaking accounting professionals outside UK. This should be further developed given their immeasurable potential.



He further explained Customers will demand digital services and experiences similar to other industries. Therefore, we need to start taking some bold steps to engage with these emerging innovations if we are we to be successful and remain competitive.



He also cited that whilst maintaining in being comparatively cost competitive than many established global sourcing destinations, Sri Lanka will need to build FinTech or financial technology expertise in the sector.



F&A outsourcing firms will need to help businesses quickly examine large amounts of financial data for better decision-making insights, from revenue assurance, to working capital analytics, to cost reduction, to running robust customer relationship management systems, as well as leveraging data to improve and maximize cash flow and drive strategic initiatives.



F&A outsourcing firms will need to deliver integration and a holistic end-to-end approach with their value proposition expanding beyond the bottom line and directly targeting the clients top line performance. The future of F&A outsourcing will belong to a workforce that is both finance and technology savvy.Professional accounting bodies such as ACCA has been very pro-active in taking such trends into account and incorporating areas such as digitization into their qualifications as a key subject, as well as conducting their examinations online.



Wickremanayake expressed that with the high turnover rate in the sector , Sri Lanka needs to showcase how finance professionals in F&A outsourcing have opportunities for faster career growth and to build experience in different industries in a more global environment. This will help promote the sector as a lucrative career option, leading to a more stable workforce with low attrition rates and building stakeholder confidence.



According to Wickremanayake, organizations selecting their F&A outsourcing firms will be based on provider skills, placing greater demands on their capabilities and service approach in the ability to create value, flexibility, providing business insights, greater efficiency and productivity, and improved governance and transparency. Overall, it will all be about developing better insights to support decision making and providing better service to business with innovation and end-to-end integration by utilizing digitalization.



Investments will need to be made in people with specific training requirements determined at each level, develop competency profiles and steer progressive professional development opportunities for employees. Training will need to cover analytical and innovative skills, business acumen and integrity. International accounting bodies such as ACCA have boldly changed their syllabus to suit such needs of employers by training their students in case study modules known as the Strategic business leader which fosters the practical skills needed in the workplace, along with their Ethics & Professional skills module that gives prominence to the areas of innovation, commercial awareness, analysis, evaluation, problem solving, leadership, team working and communication skills. 



Wickremanayake concluded Ultimately, the future success of this industry will be reliant on the government providing the ecosystem to promote the industry both locally and globally, the private sector offering lucrative career incentives and professional finance bodies training the younger generation with the skills needed by the sector.The bilateral trade between Australia and Sri Lanka has surged to a record high of Australian dollars (A$) 1.3 billion in 2016-17, on the back of strong growth in trade in services, up more than 27 percent, the Australian High Commission said in a media communique.



Growth for the year overall was more than 15 percent year-on-year (YoY), continuing the strong trend growth of 8.6 percent over the past five years.



Education continues to grow as a pillar of the economic relationship with more than 9500 enrolments by Sri Lankan students to study in Australia and thousands more pursuing Australian-affiliated studies locally.



The rapid growth in Australian tourists visiting Sri Lankaup almost 10 percent YoY, saw Sri Lankas services exports to Australia grow by more than 36 percent YoY. Merchandise trade remained steady at around A$ 480 million, based on Sri Lankas traditional strengths in tea, textiles and rubber. Garments exports have grown strongly in the past year reflecting the decision by the Australian retailers to source garments from Sri Lanka. Australias major exports of vegetables, dairy, wheat and machinery have also performed well. There are now more high-quality Australian goods appearing on Sri Lankan supermarket shelves.



Welcoming the trade figures, Australian High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson said, This years figures reflect the steady growth in commercial engagement between our two countries.



As close friends and Indian Ocean neighbours, were now seeing the trade and investment relationship expand as Sri Lankas economy moves forwards and the Australian companies take an increased interest in the Sri Lankan market.



During Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls visit to Sri Lanka in November 2017, the two countries signed the Australia-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement. The arrangement provides a practical forum for our two governments to address trade issues.



Our shared aim is to open up new commercial opportunities for business. Im pleased that the inaugural talks under the arrangement will take place in Canberra in April 2018.



With the recent launch of direct flights between Colombo and Melbourne, we anticipate we will see continued strong trade growth in 2017-18, Hutchesson said.The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) today requested the Prime Minister's Secretary not to allow Temple Trees to be used for election propaganda work.

It said this in the wake of an event where the education ministry distributed mobile lab kits to school principals on Thursday.

In a statement CaFFE accused the Good Governance administration of using Temple Trees, which is the Prime Minister's office for election propaganda purposes and said the former Rajapaksa administration also did this.

The Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) alleged that the Education ministry had distributed mobile lab kits at Temple Trees with the participation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and and Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.

CaFFE said the event was organised by Director of Education (Science), M.P. Vipulasena and that some 3,000 people had participated.

It said even the Rajapaksa administration had misused Temple Trees by hosting events in blatant violation of election laws and the abuse of state resources.

CaFFE said the present administration was also following the example set by the previous administration.

It is saddening to see that state officials have not learned a lesson from what befell Lalith Weeratunga and Anusha Palpita, it said. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)By Harshana Sellahewa

The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA Sri Lanka) recently launched the latest SKYN condom brand to its wide array of contraceptives, at a grand launch event held at the Shangri-La Hotel.



FPA Sri Lanka, founded in 1953, which pioneered family planning services in the country still remains the premier non-governmental organisation involved in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights to all. Today, FPA Sri Lanka is headed by Chandima Gunawardena, President of the organisation.



Asiri Hospital Sexual Medicine Consultant Dr. Lasantha Malavige made the keynote address along with an informative presentation with benefits, drawbacks, as well as precautions on sexual conduct. The chief guest at the event was film producer/director and veteran actor Sanath Gunathilake.



Addressing the gathering, FPA Sri Lanka President Chandima Gunawardena stated: Usage and marketing of a condom has been to some extent a grey market. People know what a condom is but they dont want to talk about it, and that has been impediment to societys progress of the usage of this product. The mission that Im trying to give you is for all of you here to become ambassadors to take this message across and say this is no more a grey market area. This is something that is similar to buying a bar of soap before going to have a bath. You need this to make your immediate society, your family, your friends, lead a healthy and happy life.

The SKYN condom is designed using the very latest technology to give a truly intimate sexual experience. It is the first condom to be introduced to the local market that does not contain natural rubber latex, but instead is made from synthetic polyisoprene. It is therefore safe and suitable for people with a latex allergy or skin irritations.



SKYN condoms, manufactured in Thailand by Suretex Ltd and affiliated to Ansell, a global leader in protection solutions, are rigorously tested and manufactured in accordance with ISO 23409 and have been registered under the Drugs Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka. They offer the same protection against unwanted pregnancies and HIV/STIs as regular

latex condoms.Athek Barata Cementhi, the last major consumer campaign implemented for 2017 by INSEE Cement saw an overwhelming response from Individual house builders island-wide, with Chandika Rajapaksha from Kaleliya, Meerigama, walking away with the grand prize of Rs. 1 million worth of INSEE Sanstha Cement.



The winning prize was handed over by Jan Kunigk, Executive Vice President and Commercial Director of Siam City Cement, at a ceremony held at the INSEE Cement Colombo Warehouse recently.



A successful contractor with over 10 years of practice in the local construction industry, Chandika Rajapakshas win is testament to INSEE Sansthas standing in the market as the leading cement brand, with proven higher strength and durability compared to any other cement available locally.



As a contractor I have been using INSEE Sanstha for over 11 years now, commented Chandika Rajapaksha during the event. The, higher strength, freshness, quality and workability of INSEE Sanstha makes it the best cement for concrete available in Sri Lanka. I am extremely thrilled to have won the grand prize, and I thank INSEE Cement for introducing such campaigns to reward their loyal customers.



The Athek Barata Cementhi campaign, designed to reward loyal INSEE Sanstha customers was carried out from the 15th October  15th December 2017, where 45 lucky winners walked away with Rs. 50,000 worth of INSEE Sanstha Cement through a daily draw. Dealers and masons were also rewarded through this promotion.

While congratulating the winner, Executive Vice President and Commercial Director of Siam City CementJan Kunigk commented, INSEE Sanstha is blended cement with a long-standing legacy. One in every three houses in Sri Lanka is built with INSEE Sanstha, which proves the confidence people have placed on the brand. We are thrilled with the response received on the Athek Barata Cementhi campaign and look forward to a new year that presents more opportunities for us to serve, recognize and reward our loyal customers.Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC recently announced that it has successfully performed a highly specialised spine surgery called minimally invasive lumbar fusion with navigation assistant.



The internationally accredited, multi award-winning healthcare provider Lanka Hospitals has incorporated cutting edge technology and innovative techniques to transform the traditionally long, tedious and risky surgical procedure into a highly successful cost effective surgery, considerably reducing the surgical and recovery time with minimal requirement for post-operative medication. According to Chief Neurosurgeon Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, minimally invasive lumbar fusion is a procedure required to treat patients suffering from unstable spines. The condition may occur since birth in some patients or due to ageing factors for others, where it makes the surrounding tissues of the vertebral column grow thicker. This in turn constricts the nerves within the vertebral column leaving the patient to feel pain down the legs and numbness in addition to causing bladder and bowel problems. The condition if prolonged may cause the spine to collapse with time, requiring insertion of screws to stabilise it. This procedure is not only time consuming, but also makes the patient to be hospitalised for five to six days. Mobilising becomes difficult following such surgeries and recovery tends to slow down. The patient may undergo post-operative pains and discomfort and will be required to depend on lot of medications. In order to avoid the tedious surgical procedure, worlds recognised spine specialists opt for minimal invasive procedure. The minimal invasive surgeries are also used for the decompression of the nerves in conditions such as sciatica and neurogenic claudication Dr. Gunasena added. Minimal Invasive procedure has simplified the decompression of nerves to a great extent; however lumbar fusion still remains a challenging procedure. Staying abreast of worlds most modern and innovative technological advances, Lanka Hospitals has adapted the latest navigation technology to conduct the fusion with highest precision. The navigation is a method incorporated in surgeries where the system overlaps high quality camera imaging with x-ray imagery of a patient, allowing the surgeon to view where and how exactly the screws are placed. This method greatly minimises the complexity of the fusion procedure, and eliminates the possibilities of complications arising from misplacement or mal-alignment of screws. Dr. Gunasena stressed the fact that the availability of an advanced medical procedure in the country will greatly benefit the patients having to seek costly medical procedures from overseas. Furthermore, Lanka Hospitals also incorporates a continuous nerve monitoring system which greatly supports the surgeries. Maximising its own resources, Neurosurgery Department of Lanka Hospitals has not only adapted the minimal invasive procedure, but has also installed specially designed instruments compatible with their navigation system. This further reduces the length of the incision from from inches to two inches. Due to fast recovery, the patients need not remain in the hospital for more than two days. In addition, the post operative blood loss is dropped to almost zero, therefore does not require insertion of drains. Post operative pains last only for one day, and from the second day onwards pains can be conveniently managed with minimal medication.



Conducting the first minimally invasive lumbar fusion with navigation assistant for the first time successfully, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena says his team can complete the surgery within one and a half to two hours. With time, they intend to shorten the time span while increasing efficiency and precision to a great extent.



Elaborating on the benefits of the minimal invasive procedure of Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena stated: Minimal invasive is ideal for the modern day busy lives, as a patient who undergoes the procedure in the morning have the ability to return home within 24 hours. The recovery period is much faster and no post operative medication or physiotherapy is required. Instead of taking leave for months to recover, the new procedure allows a patient to quickly recover and return to work in a matter of 10 to 15 days.



Minimal invasive procedure with navigation assistant is not available in many places in India or Singapore. Only a handful of specialised medical centres in Europe, US and Australia are adopting the procedure. Were very happy that we could perform this surgery in Sri Lanka which no doubt will lead to an amazing breakthrough in neurosurgery in Sri Lanka as well as the South Asian region, Dr. Gunasena further stated.Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda on the left with K.P. Sharma Oli on the right

Elections to the 275-member Lower House of the Nepalese parliament  House of Representatives  were held between November 26 and December 7, 2017.

Earlier, elections to the legislatures of the seven provinces had been concluded. The Left Alliance, comprising the Communist Party of Nepal - Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), and the Communist Party of Nepal - Maoist Centre (CPN-MC),swept the elections to the House of Representatives.



And yet, up to date, a new government has not been formed and the Nepali Congress (NC) headed by Sher Bahadur Deuba, continues to be in the seat of power in Kathmandu. Current indications are that a government might be formed in March.



Elections to the Upper House of parliament  National Assembly  have been delayed because of differences over the mode of election. The cabinet has only now decided to hold elections on February 7. The seven Provincial Assemblies are yet to be convened. New governments are yet to be formed at the provincial level. Governors to the provinces are yet to the appointed. Even fixing the capitals of the provinces has become a subject of agitations. A combination of administrative and political factors has created these uncertainties.



National Assembly



The 59-member National Assembly, which is the Upper House of parliament, comprises 56 members elected by the members of the seven Provincial Assemblies, the Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs of the Local Bodies, and three others nominated by the President to ensure the representation of marginal groups.



The Presidential Ordinance on elections to the National Assembly was delayed because political parties were divided on the mode of election. The still in power Nepali Congress (NC) had advised the President to use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system so that even the smaller parties could find a place. The CPN-MC was neither here nor there but finally opted for the STV system. But the CPN-UML was pressing for the First Past the Post System (FPPS) as it would have the upper hand given the fact that it is the single largest party.



Finally, the NCs views prevailed and the cabinet decided to hold the National Assembly elections on February 7.



Issues in Merger of CPN (UML) and CPN (MC)



Government formation has been stymied also by political confusion in the CPN (UML)-CPN (MC) alliance. The issue is how to share power? In a merged Leftist party, which of the two constituents would be the chair? Will the Prime Ministers office and the chair of the merged party go by rotation?



Seeing the quarrel within the Left Alliance, other parties are fishing in troubled waters. The Nepali Congress (NC), supported by the parties of the Madhesis (who are people of Indian Origin settled in the Terai or plains of South Nepal), are wooing the CPN (MC)with the bait of a Prime Ministerial position through a system of rotation.



The problem in the Left Alliance stems from numbers as well as the self-assessment of the its two leaders  K. P. Sharma Oli of CPN (UML), and Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda of CPN (MC).



First the numbers: In the newly elected 275-seat House of Representatives, Olis party, the CPN (UML), has secured 121 (combining those who came through the First Past the Post system as well as the Proportional Representation System). The Nepali Congress (NC) has got63, and the CPN (MC) 53. The Rashtriya Janata Party has 17, and the Federal Socialist Forum, 16. The Rashtriya Prajatantra Party has 1. The CPN (UML) with 121 members, feels that it has to get the Prime Ministers post and the bulk of the positions in a unified Left party because the CPN (MC) has only 53 members and cannot claim parity.



The other issue is: which of the two leaders is a genuine communist? Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda, being a Maoist with a long revolutionary past, claims to be the more genuine one having led a violent movement for years. Oli, on the other hand, considers himself to be a more practical communist though he too had led a violent movement earlier on in the struggle against the Nepalese monarchy.



Oli considers himself pro-China and anti-India, and therefore a true Nepali nationalist resisting domination by India. On the other hand, Prachanda is seen as pro-Indian which casts a shadow over his attachment to Nepalese nationalism.



While Oli is unsympathetic to, and even against, the political demands of the Indian-origin Madhesis in the Terai region, Prachanda is generally accommodative towards them. Oli is trying to portray himself as a true Nepalese nationalist based on his resolute opposition to the Madhesis demands for greater political representation through constitutional amendments. The fact that the Madhesis invoke Big Brother India constantly, has given the Olis anti-Madhesi stand the look of Nepali nationalism.



It is therefore not certain that the Left Alliance will stay. Prachanda could join Deuba and the Madhesi leaders to form a government. The only thing that will stand in the way of his defection is the mandate of the people in the elections which was for a Left Unity government.



India-China Factor



However, Olis CPN (UML) is most likely to be in the drivers seat. Therefore, New Delhi has reasons to worry. Oli had led the Nepalese nationalist resentment against the Madhesi-implemented and India-backed border blockade in 2015 which caused immense suffering in Nepal.



Oli, who was then in power, swung to the Chinese side. India backed Deuba and Prachanda to throw Oli out. Predictably, the successor Deuba-Prachanda government cancelled a Chinese-funded US$ 2.5 billion hydropower project.



But Deubas lacklustre performance, indecisions on the Madhesi issue and inability to complete earthquake relief works, brought about Prachandas defection to Oli. The defection led to Deubas defeat in the 2017 parliamentary elections.



If Oli is going to be Prime Minister, Chinas footprint in Nepal will expand as 2018 unfolds. Even with Deuba in power, and against Indias advice, Kathmandu had signed the Belt and Road Agreement with China for infrastructural development. But India too has many projects in Nepal and has a strong hold on its power sector.



Above all, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has his Neighbourhood First policy to safeguard because,without being a force in the neighbourhood, India cannot be considered to be the regional power  a tag it needs to secure permanent membership in the UN Security Council on par with its arch rival China.



Whoever is at the helm in Kathmandu in 2018, will have to do a lot of tightrope walking both in regard to issues in domestic politics and in balancing relations between regional rivals India and China.Rafi Group Pvt Ltd which is founded by and comprising of three brothers who have made strides and great endeavours in the world of business, celebrates 2 years in Sri Lanka.



In a press release, the Rafi Brothers announced their happiness and delight of being able to portray the company as a family owned entity in their motherland.

Talal Rafi the eldest of the brothers was educated at Colombo International School. A Graduate of City University UK, he was awarded a First Class Honours Degree in Business Management. He served as a Marketing Manager for a London based firm for 4 years, providing strategic direction to improve the companys brand positioning and pricing strategies. He was accepted into a competitive training programme organised by the Bank of America and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Currently Talal is a Director at Rafi Group (Pvt) Ltd which specializes in branding, social media strategy and communications and consists of several business units including a branding company called T3Follow, a coconut water brand venture called Tropiconut, and a recruitment agency called JobTalks Recruitment.

He is also a Managing Director at Nanjing and You Trading Co Limited, the exclusive national distributor for Chinas largest state owned building materials company, China National Building Materials Group.



Thasim Rafi was educated at Asian International School and holds a Degree in Business Management from the University of East London. At present, he is a Director of Rafi Group Pvt Ltd and prior to starting to starting T3Follow Social Media Management Company and Tropiconut Coconut Water with his brothers he worked in the City of London for a leading Electronic Cigarette company and after coming back from the UK he worked at Union Assurance as a Corporate Sales Manager for 2 years. Thasim was also part of a leading management trainee programme in London and was trained at the Bank of America and RBS. He is also a member of Fight Cancer Sri Lanka, an initiative started last year to ensure that cancer patients get what they deserve.



Talib Rafi the youngest of the three was educated at Colombo International School. Like his brothers, he is a Director of Rafi Group (Pvt) Ltd. He is instrumental in social media management given his skills in graphic designing and company branding. Talib currently has ambitions to leave to Malaysia to pursue a degree in Architecture.Entrepreneur Shalin Balasuriya was awarded the prestigious TOYP award



In the category of business, economic and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment at the awards ceremony held December 16th last year.



Junior Chamber International (JCI) serves to formally recognize young people who excel in their chosen fields and create positive change around the world. By recognizing these young people, JCI raises the status of socially responsible leaders in this world.



Since 1980, JCI Sri Lanka honored nearly 300 individuals from all around Sri Lanka through the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the year award (TOYP). These winners were awarded with the Prestigious TOYP Award at the early stages of their career and they went on to achieve many more milestones in their professional life. The list of winners includes the cream of the decision makers and top game changers in many areas of the country. The list of past winners comprise of Kumar Sangakara, Arjuna Ranatunga, Otara Gunawardena, Nathan Sivagananathan and Bathiya Jayakody to name a few.



Shalin is the Cofounder of Spa Ceylon launched in 2009, and has since witnessed exponential growth both locally and internationally. The brand that re-positioned ayurveda, is currently recognized as the largest Luxury Ayurveda brand in the world with 62 locations across 12 countries, and aspirations to reach 100 stores across 18 countries by the end of 2018.



It is also the only Sri Lankan brand to have as many branded locations internationally and proudly carries the heritage of Sri Lankan through it extensive products range, packaging, store design and marketing in every country they enter into. Spa Ceylon has been recognized with several international awards for its extensive product range and signature spa concept including multiple wins at the world luxury Spa Awards 3 consecutive years.



Shalins portfolio of brands directly employs over 600 staff, contributes significantly to export revenue in Sri Lanka and engages in multiple social responsibility projects. Shalin believes strongly in giving back to the country and community and works through the multiples brands in areas such as skill development, women empowerment, community trade, elephant conservation, reef conservation, reconciliation projects in the north and the continued creation of gainful employment.

Shalin also believes in sharing knowledge and is passionate about promoting young entrepreneurship and though leadership in Sri Lanka and regularly contributes to this through key forums and presentations covering entrepreneurship, branding and thought leadership.Finance Ministry credits achievement to efficient management of govt. coffers

In post-independent SL, budget surplus was first recorded in 1954

Treasury officials hopeful of positive development aiding efficient management of debt

State revenue in first 10 months of 2017 up 10.4 percent YoY to Rs.1473bn



For the first time since 63 years, the government has been able to a record Rs.21.9 billion surplus in the primary balance of fiscal accounts during the first 10 months of 2017, the Finance and Mass Media Ministry said yesterday.



The primary balance in the first 10 months of 2016 was a negative Rs.37 billion.



The ministry in statement credited the achievement to the efficient management of government coffers.



In the post-independent Sri Lankan history, a budget surplus was first recorded by 0.5 percent of the GDP in year 1954. Later in 1956 this budget surplus increased to 2.2 percent of the GDP, the statement said.



Sri Lanka has also recorded current account surpluses from 1955 to 1970 and later from 1973 to 1994. Since then up to now overall budget deficit, deficit in the current account and the deficit in the primary balance were in negative growth, continuously.



The Treasury officials are of the opinion that the favourable situation in the primary balance is a sign of positive growth in economic development, and it would further enhance the countrys capacity to manage the debt repayment efficiently.



Having an excess in the state revenue more than the whole state expenditure minus the interest payment is known as the surplus in primary balance.



The state revenue in the first 10 months of 2017 when compared with the first ten months of 2016 has increased by 10.4 percent to Rs.1473 billion in 2017. It was Rs.1333 billion during the same period in 2016.



The tax revenue during the same period has increased by 14.2 percent to Rs.1470 billion in 2017.



Also the state expenditure has increased by 9.5 percent from Rs.1881 billion to Rs.2060 billion.



The interest expenditure during the first ten months of 2017 alone is Rs.609 billion apart from the domestic and foreign debt repayment of Rs.856 billion.



Sri Lanka during the last two years brought in several decisive measures such as an increase in Value Added Tax and the introduction of new income tax laws aiming to boost government revenue under an International Monetary Fund Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.



However, despite these fiscal side improvements, some slippage in the budget deficit is likely in 2017, mainly as a result of weather-related fiscal costs and higher interest payments.



This could have an adverse impact on achieving the envisaged fiscal consolidation path, while complicating the conduct of monetary and exchange rate policies, Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy told last week during the launch of Central Banks Road Map on monetary and financial sectors.



Sri Lanka was targeting a fiscal deficit of 4.7 percent of Gross Domestic Product in 2017.State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPMC) and Pharma Zone (Pvt.) Ltd entered into an agreement to build the first-ever exclusive pharmaceutical manufacturing zone in Sri Lanka in the Welipenna area of the Kalutara District, at an investment in excess of US $ 10 million.



Pharma Zone (Pvt.) Ltd, located on a 50-acre plot, is a Board of Investment-approved company, the principals of which are Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ismail Ibni Sultan Iskandar and Patrick Lim Soo Kit, a leading Malaysian entrepreneur.



The sultans investment vehicle, Inti Kemuncak Sdn Bhd, is a well-established property development company based in Malaysia focusing on large-scale property development in the Asian region.



Inti Kemuncak is the innovative developer of major townships and urban regeneration projects, including Coronation Square, a US $ 1.2 billion international class urban mixed development located within the prestigious Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) in Johor Bahru.



Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne along with other representatives of SPMC and Pharma Zone (Pvt.) Ltd participated in the agreement signing, which took place yesterday evening at Waters Edge.`



Pharma Zone will facilitate the local pharmaceutical manufacturers with sufficient land for manufacturing plants and basic infrastructure facilities for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products with a view to achieving the governments target of localising production of essential pharmaceutical items to a value of US $ 100 million, thus saving valuable foreign exchange.



Dr. Senaratne expressed his gratitude to the sultan and people of Johor, Malaysia for making Pharma Zone a reality.



He said that the establishment of Pharma Zone by the sultan of Johor would hopefully give confidence and encourage other overseas investors to follow suit.

We are delighted to enter into this agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka, which has always enjoyed warm relations with Malaysia. It is the fervent wish of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, that this venture not only brings commercial prosperity to Sri Lanka but also benefits the people by way of reduced pricing as well as the ready availability of drugs, said Kit.



This is a 100 percent Malaysian investment and it underlines the high regard that the sultan and people of Johor for Sri Lanka, he added.



SPMC Chairman Dr. Sayura Samarasundara said that with the completion of Pharma Zone envisaged to be in operation within one year, the countrys dependency on imported drugs will soon become a thing of the past.



The zone will be run and administered by Pharma Zone, headed by Kit, while SPMC along with the Health Ministry will set the standards and monitor quality.



Electricity, water, road infrastructure, security, waste water management, etc. will all be provided to the companies operating within the zone and it is the intention of Pharma Zone to attract overseas investors to set up operations within the zone as well.

We will be marketing Pharma Zone regionally, said Lim.Swami Swaroopananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, will address devotees in Sri Lanka from January 11-14 during a scheduled tour in the island. During his visit, Swami Swaroopananda will visit five Chinmaya centres in the country established in Kandy, Trincomalee, Ramboda, Jaffna and Colombo.



The talks, scheduled after his visits to the centres, will be based on the theme Life Management Techniques which he has mastered as a senior monk.



Swami Swaroopananda took over the baton from his predecessor Swami Tejomayananda in order to continue the legacy of its founder Swami Chinmayananda. The vision of this organization is to disseminate the knowledge of Vedanta- a universal science of life-for the betterment of the society. After studying business management, Swami Swaroopananda was interested in applying those management techniques in daily life. Inspired by God Hanuman, his talks will bring ancient traditions right to your doorstep.

Swami Swaroopananda was formerly the Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Australia, United Kingdom, Middle East, Africa and Far East.



According to followers of this mission, after being ordained as a monk in Swami Sivanandas Ashram, Swami Chinmayananda was always interested in studying ancient texts which were only available for orthodox priests. Despite various shortcomings and challenges he encountered his never give up attitude motivated him to do his first public lecture in Puna. At present at this venue stands the ChinmayaVibhuuthi, a large set-up which serves as a research centre. This is how the Chinmaya Mission was established.



Swami Swaroopananda was formerly the Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Australia, United Kingdom, Middle East, Africa and Far East.



He has authored several commentaries on important spiritual classics such as IkOnkar, MahaMrityunjaya Mantra and SankaMochan. In addition to that he has also contributed to numerous books on contemporary lifestyle subjects such as Simplicity and Meditation, Storm to Perform, Avatar, Managing the Manager and Journey into Health. The lectures will be held from January 11-14 at the Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandiraya at no: 32 Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mawatha Colombo from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. Entrance free.Thank you for joining! Access your Pro+ Content below.

Countdown to GDPR

In this weeks Computer Weekly, with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming in to force this year, we look at the challenges for businesses to comply by the 25 May deadline. We examine the future for HPE as CEO Meg Whitman steps down. And we find out how the move to hyper-converged systems affects your backup strategy. Read the issue now.This item is available in full to subscribers.

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Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.November 21, 2017

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA - After more than nine years of support to operations in Afghanistan, ARMA Aviation (ARMA) completed delivery of the one millionth Mi-series aircraft spare part for the Afghanistan Special Mission Wing (SMW) and the Afghanistan Air Force (AAF). ARMA Aviation is a sub-contractor under the Future Flexible Acquisition and Sustainment Tool (F2AST) Contractor Logistic Support (CLS) contract. This Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract provides support services and materiel procurement in support of the Non-Standard Rotary Wing Aircraft (NSRWA) Project Management Office (PMO). Through this contract, ARMA has provided full spectrum supply chain management support that includes the forecasting, procurement, inspection, delivery, and inventory management of all spare parts and repair of repairables for the Afghan Mi-17 rotary wing fleet. These efforts have directly impacted the operational readiness of the SMW and AAF units while affording the United States Government a cost-effective and responsive logistics solution.

To recognize this historic event and significant milestone, ARMA presented commemorative tail rotor blades to the NSRWA PMO in Huntsville, Alabama and to the SMW and AAF units in Afghanistan. LTC Chris Enderton accepted the commemorative blade on behalf of the NSRWA PMO in Huntsville on November 16, 2017.

ARMA Aviation president, Steven Shugart, praised the hard work and outstanding performance of both teams. "This day marks a significant event in the sustainment effort of the Afghanistan Mi-17 rotary wing fleet. I want to thank all of our employees for their hard work and dedication as this would not have been possible without each of your efforts."

About ARMA Aviation.

ARMA Aviation is a global leader in the complex world of supply chain and logistics management, aircraft modification, repair and overhaul solutions, and training and mentoring supporting the U.S. Government and its allied partners. ARMA is designed to support our customers, regardless of the challenge, the location, or the mission. We solve the most challenging and complex problems with our most valuable asset: Our People. Our customers' needs come first, and our solutions deliver superior results.

For additional information, please visit our website: http://www.arma-aviation.comMumbai: Karan Johar, most popular for his controversial show Koffee With Karan, has turned an RJ. More so, he has introduced a reverse rapid fire round on the show. This means that he will be the one at the receiving end.

As per a report on Mumbai Mirror, one such incident happened when a caller asked him if he thought asking a celebrity to lose weight for a role amounted to body-shaming, he pleaded guilty.

I asked Alia (Bhatt, who debuted with his Student of the Year in 2012) to lose weight and now, when I see her hysterical about how she looks, I feel responsible. he sighed. Karan went on to tell her that she was pleasantly plump, which is why he thinks now shes obsessed with her weight. Shes in the gym every day and even if she puts on an extra kilo, she goes crazy. I think I am to blame for it. Now that I am a parent, I would never do this to Roohi and I would like to apologise to Alia.

Alia has worked with KJo in Student Of The Year, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Kapoor And Sons, Shaandaar and Badrinath Ki Dulhania.Notwithstanding, clearance from CBFC for an all-India release on January 25, home minister Gulab Chand Kataria has categorically stated that the film will not be released in the state.

Jaipur: Despite a name change, Sanjay Leela Bhansalis controversial film Padmavati, which is now renamed as Padmavat, continues to face opposition from the Rajput community in Rajasthan. Succumbing to pressure from the community  three bypolls are going to take place later this month  Rajasthan government has decided against release of the film in the state.

Notwithstanding, clearance from CBFC for an all-India release on January 25, home minister Gulab Chand Kataria has categorically stated that the film will not be released in the state. He cited the earlier order from Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, who, at the peak of protests against the film, had written a letter to union information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani for necessary changes to the film.

The CM also said maintaining law and order in Rajasthan was the highest priority and it will be maintained at all cost.

It is believed that the ruling BJP was playing safe because of the bypolls scheduled in the state on two Lok Sabha seats and one state Assembly seat, which have a significant presence of the Rajput community.

Only three days ago, Rajput Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi had called upon the community members to gather in Chittorgarh on January 27 and push for a complete ban on the movie.

He said that they will not let the film be released at any cost. A panel that reviewed the film at a special screening has expressed the view that some of the facts presented in the film can upset the Rajputs and the Muslims, but the censor board chief has ignored that, he said.

We have a very clear stand since day one that we want this film to be banned, said Karni Sena member Mahipal Singh Makrana.Mumbai: It seems Hugh Jackman just couldn't hide his disappointment when James Franco won Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for his role in 'The Disaster Artist'.

Franco took the honour over Jackman ('The Greatest Showman'), Ansel Elgort ('Baby Driver'), Daniel Kaluuya ('Get Out'), Steve Carell ('Battle of the Sexes').

During the acceptance speech, 'The Wolverine' star's 'bewildered' reaction was caught on camera, after which viewers rushed to Twitter to point out the actor's disappointment.

Hugh Jackman definitely had a reaction to watching James Franco accept the award he was also nominated for at the #GoldenGlobes: https://t.co/FIqG3l2TFJ pic.twitter.com/ddsaqHgKop  E! News (@enews) January 8, 2018

One person tweeted: "truly feeling REFRESHED by this look from hugh jackman @ james franco"

truly feeling REFRESHED by this look from hugh jackman @ james franco pic.twitter.com/r2KYyyq4pu  Aubrey Page (@aubreypage_) January 8, 2018

As he accepted the award, Franco brought up the stage, the man he plays in 'The Disaster Artist', 'The Room's writer/director/actor Tommy Wiseau.Singapore is known as the one stop shop for shoppers. But Sandalwood actress Ashvithi Shetty recently checked-in to the luxe land in pursuit of greener pastures and discover the clean citys wild side...

Singapore is the cleanest city, no doubt. But, I wanted to digress from the norm and visit farms, reserves, smaller countryside spots and the like. Singapore has islands that house big saltwater crocs  a must-visit! The Night Safari, which is a nocturnal zoo is also another attraction thats a must visit - because this city isnt afraid of the dark! And you find too many kids, locals and even tourists active during such explorations. People need to take safaris more in Singapore, than just visit the streets dotted with shops.

As a nature lover, I ensured I didnt miss the greenery, parks and waterfalls. Singapore has a lot of smaller islands, which are worthy of visiting. A day trip is all you need to discover these small islands, either through bumboats or trails. I was strapped for time, so I couldnt tick that off my bucket list...

Shopping in Singapore is a different experience all together. Id be lying if I said I didnt shop at all. The shopping complexes have accessories at a steal, and the prices are so reasonable that you neednt haggle much. Singapore is the best place to stock up on your staples, as I realised the stuff is made of good quality too. Different streets are popular for different categories, so you need to do your research than expect to find everything at one spot.

Not sure if theres a fail-safe travel tip as such, but Singapore is such a well planned city with exquisite sky scrappers and excellent roads and traffic management that it accommodates and calms even the most hassled traveller!A leather bound Welsh bible close to 400-years-old was recently discovered in the back of a church.

The 1620 Llanwnda Bible has survived fires, a French invasion and was even used as toilet paper, according to a report by the Daily Mail.

"The story goes that the book was rediscovered at the back of the church in the 1990s and nobody realised what it was," Vicar of the church Rev Sarah Geach told the Daily Mail. Adding, "The parish made a cabinet but of course they were not able to store it under the right conditions and over a period of time it started to deteriorate."

So two years ago, the bible was given to conservators at the University of Wales' Trinity St David's in Lampeter, West Wales. In order to revitalise it, the bible was placed in a special room with temperatures set at 15C and humidity levels at 60%.

"What makes it unique is its association with the last invasion on British soil all those years ago," retired lecturer Dr John Morgan-Guy. It will soon go on display at the National Library of Wales.Nobody is sure what it symbolizes or exactly why parents buy the packs of cigarettes for their children (Photo: AP)

Vale De Salgueiro: The Epiphany celebrations in the Portuguese village of Vale de Salgueiro feature a tradition that each year causes an outcry among outsiders: Parents encouraging their children, some as young as 5, to smoke cigarettes.

Locals say the practice has been passed down for centuries as part of a celebration of life tied to the Christian Epiphany and the winter solstice  but nobody is sure what it symbolizes or exactly why parents buy the packs of cigarettes for their children and encourage them to take part.

The two-day celebrations, which start Friday and end Saturday with a Mass, include dancing around bonfires, a piper playing music and an elected king who distributes plentiful wine and snacks.

The legal age to purchase tobacco in Portugal is 18, but nothing prohibits parents from giving kids cigarettes and Portuguese authorities dont intervene to stop the practice.

Guilhermina Mateus, a 35-year-old coffee shop owner, cites custom as the reason why she gives her daughter cigarettes.

I cant explain why. I dont see any harm in that because they dont really smoke, they inhale and immediately exhale, of course, Mateus said Saturday. And its only on these days, today and tomorrow. They never ask for cigarettes again.

Jose Ribeirinha, a writer who has published a book on the Vale do Salgueiro festivities, said the roots of the tradition are unknown, but may have to do with celebrating the rebirth of nature and human life. He said the village is in a region that adheres to many traditions dating back to pagan times, and that since Roman times, during the winter solstice period villagers here have taken the liberty to do things that would be out of the norm in the rest of the year.

Ribeirinha also believes the relative seclusion of the remote village  450 kilometers (280 miles) northeast of the capital Lisbon  has helped keep the tradition alive. He said that the surrounding Tras os Montes region has always been the furthest from Lisbon, the most forgotten one.

Portugal, like many other European countries, has taken steps to reduce smoking, including a partial ban on smoking indoors.Hyderabad: In a major breakthrough, the Rachakonda police on Monday nabbed four members of a chain-snatchers gang who had been targeting women and causing panic in LB Nagar neighbourhood in the recent past. The four accused included three engineering students and a college dropout, police said.

Interrogations revealed that the gang was involved in 18 other robberies committed in a span of three months.

The suspects used to borrow bikes from friends to commit the offences. One of the suspects is the son of a police constable.

The arrested  identified as Chavan Suraj, Kommu Pavan Kumar, Mohd Owais Ahmed and Mamidi Rohit Kumar  are addicted to ganja, alcohol and a lavish lifestyle. They took to snatching and to maintain their lifestyle.

Police said none of them owned vehicles and borrowed bikes and scooters from friends on the pretext of a ride or work. They would commit robberies and return the bikes without their friends even knowing what they were up to.

More than a month ago, they four were apprehended by patrolling teams who found them moving about suspiciously, but they got away by showing their student identity cards.

Often the accused were very high on ganja and even forgot the places they committed the crimes. After detaining them, police showed the CCTV footage of different cases they were involved in, after which they confessed to their involvement in the offences. All four were found to have attended drug de-addiction counselling; one of them is in fact still undergoing treatment.

Rachakonda police commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat said that all the suspects were detained from their college campuses. They robbed elderly women or women walking alone on deserted streets, and spent the booty on ganja, alcohol etc, he said.

They are involved in nine snatching cases in LB Nagar, five in Saroornagar, two in Chaitanyapuri and one each in Meerpet and Vanasthalipuram.

Interstate burglar held

Meanwhile in another case, the Adibatla police nabbed a burglar involved in 18 or so cases in Telangana and AP and recovered valuables worth Rs 6 lakh from him. Police said the accused, Shiva, worked as a daily wage labour, stole valuables from houses that remained locked for long.

Police recovered 19 tolas of gold and Rs 50,000 cash, all worth around Rs 6,20,000, from him.

Woman robbed of gold chain at railway station

Chain snatchers on the prowl at Secunderabad railway station struck yet again when they robbed a women passenger of her 2.7 tola gold chain. The woman was about a board a train on platform no 4 when the incident occurred, police said.

This is the fifth chain-snatching incident at the railway station since December, and like in the past the accused targeted women at a spot on the platform where there were no CCTV cameras.

According to the police, the victim, 29- year-old housewife K. Kavitha, reached the Secunderabad station on Monday morning to travel to Uppal by Sirpur Khagaznagar bound Intercity Express. As the train arrived on platform 4 and Ms Kavitha tried to board it amidst crowding at the door, she felt a sharp tug on her neck. She checked, and realised that her gold chain weighing 27 gm had been snatched. Based on her complaint, the Railway Police registered a case and started investigation.

Earlier in December, four chain-snatching cases had occurred inside the railway station, where the suspects targeted women as they were boarding trains from crowded platforms. In all incidents, the accused chose spots that were not covered by CCTV cameras.Hyderabad: The Railway Police on Monday arrested a six-member gang for robbing a private employee after confining him in an auto rickshaw for three hours. The arrested persons included a student, Shaheed Ahmed and a habitual offender, Owaiz.

According to the police the victim Rajashekar came to Vidyanagar railway station to see off a friend on Saturday night. After that he was walking by the tracks. Seeing him alone, the six member gang attacked him and drove away with him in an auto-rickshaw. The culprits stopped the vehicle at an unidentified location and robbed him of his gold chain weighing 6 gm, a mobile phone and a debit card. After three hours, the men dropped him back near the station and fled.

Police registered a robbery case and launched a hunt. Based on clues, police nabbed the six suspects and recovered the gold chain, mobile phone and debit card from them.Visakhapatnam/Bhubaneswar: The death of first-year intermediate student Shreyash Kesharwani of Sri Chaitanya Junior College took a new turn with Odisha police deciding to transfer the case to PM Palem Police station in Vizag city to look at a ragging angle.

Shreyash (16), of Garposh area of Sambalpur district in Odisha, was a student of the Madhurawada branch of the college in Vizag.

He was allegedly subjected to ragging in the private college hostel on December 26 and died on January 6 evening while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Rourkela.

Shreyas was said to be beaten up by three to four senior students in the boys hostel where he was put up on December 26. The boy had claimed he informed the college authorities about the incident but no action was taken.

His father moved him to Rourkela for treatment. Shreyass family even recorded his statement before his death on video, in which he said that he was tortured and ragged by some senior students and the management had ignored his complaint against them.We are committed to it (Bill) and assure the Mu-slim women that this illegal practice (of instant triple talaq) will be abolished, said Mr Naqvi. (Photo: PTI/File)

New Delhi: With the Triple Talaq Bill failing to get through the Rajya Sabha on the last day of the Winter Session of Parliament on Friday, the Narendra Modi government has now decided to bring it during the Budget Session which will commence from January 29.

Union minister for minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar, while asserting the governments commitment to abolish triple talaq, said that the government will now bring the Bill in the Budget Session.

We are committed to it (Bill) and assure the Mu-slim women that this illegal practice (of instant triple talaq) will be abolished, said Mr Naqvi.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, which criminalises inst-ant talaq and provides for up to three years of imprisonment for accused Muslim men, was passed by the Lok Sabha on December 28. Howe-ver, a united Opposition stalled it in the Rajya Sabha with the Congress moving a motion that the Bill be sent to a select committee for further scrutiny, a move strongly opposed by the treasury benches.

Slamming the Congress for stalling the bill, Mr Kumar said, The Cong-ress is doing injustice to the Muslim women by opposing the triple talaq bill. They are not thinking about ensuring justice to the Muslim sisters. They are doing injustice the same way they did in the Shah Bano case.

The Congress, in turn, held the ruling BJP responsible for the impasse in the Rajya Sabha due to which the Triple Talaq Bill could not be taken up and accused it of treating Parliament as a rubber stamp.

Budget session to begin from January 29

The Budget Session of Parliament is set to commence on January 29 and the Union Budget for 2018-19 will be presented on February 1, the Cabinet Commi-ttee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) recommended on Friday.

According to parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar, the first phase of the session will be from January 29 to February 9.

The Winter Session of Parliament ended on Friday. After a recess, Parlia-ment will meet again from March 5 to April 6.

The Budget Session would begin with the address of President Ram Nath Kovind to the joint sitting of the two Houses on January 29 and the Economic Sur-vey will be tabled on the same day,

The recommendation for the Budget Session dates were made by the CCPA headed by Union home minister Rajnath Singh which met here. It will be sent to the President.

There will be a recess between the session so that the department-related standing committees can clear the budgetary proposals related to their respective ministries.Srinagar: A research scholar at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and a resident of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, has joined the terror group Hizbul Mujahideen.

Police made the discovery after a photograph posted on social media, on Sunday, showed Mannan Bashir Wani holding what appeared to be an AK assault rifle, with a message claiming that he has joined militancy.

26-year-old Wani was pursuing his PhD on Structural and Geo-Morphological Study of Lolab Valley, Kashmir. He had taken a break to go home, had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen on January 5.

Local media reports said his family filed a missing report after his photograph with the assault rifle emerged declaring that he had joined the terror group.

Wani joining the militant group is seen as a setback to government efforts to persuade young Kashmiris to give up violence and return to the mainstream.

Wanis brother, Mubashir Ahmad, a junior engineer told The Indian Express: We have also seen the picture on social networking sites. But we have no idea (whether he has joined militants or not). We lost contact with him on January 4 as his phone was switched off. We thought he had switched it off for some reason or lost it. As we couldnt contact him, we lodged a missing report with police on Saturday.

Wanis brother added that his brother left home for Aligarh a month ago. All this time, we thought he was in Aligarh. He would talk to us regularly. We dont have any idea where he is, he said.

Wanis decision to drop out and join the Hizbul Mujahideen somewhere in south Kashmir has come as a huge surprise to his friends and acquaintances.

According to the AMU website, Wani had received an award for the best paper presented at an international conference on Water, Environment, Ecology and Society in 2016. The site also states that he enrolled in AMU after doing his Bachelors in Geology and Earth Sciences from the University of Kashmir. He completed his Masters and MPhil in Geology from AMU, it says.

Wani has also penned several articles on student politics on an online portal, thecompanion.com. Wanis biographical sketch on the portal describes him as a research scholar at AMU who is a student activist having interest in geopolitics and Islamic revivalist movements.An agitated protestor said, 'When they stole the chappal of a woman (Jadhav's wife) who was in distress, I hope they can use these also.' (Photo: Twitter | ANI)

New Delhi/Washington DC: A group of Indian-Americans and Balochs held a protest by the name 'Chappal Chor Pakistan' outside the Pakistan embassy at Washington DC in US, over the misbehaviour meted out to former Indian Naval Officer Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and wife.

The protestors also donated used shoes to the embassy saying that 'protest is in solidarity with Jadhav's family.'

An agitated protestor said, "When they stole the chappal of a woman (Jadhav's wife) who was in distress, I hope they can use these also."

Washington DC: A group of Indian-Americans & Balochs held a protest by the name '#ChappalChorPakistan' outside Pakistan embassy over the misbehavior meted out to #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife. pic.twitter.com/iVssgetFZQ  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

Another protestor said that Pakistan's narrow-mindedness has been exposed from the way it treated Jadhav's family.

"Policy makers and people here need to understand that Pakistan as a whole is also being run by narrow-minded mentality," he added.

A meeting took place between Jadhav and his family on December 25 in Islamabad, on the request of the Indian government.

Jadhav's wife was asked to remove her shoes and use another pair as she went in the Foreign Office to meet her husband.

Pakistan claimed that her shoes were confiscated on security grounds as there was "something" in it.

Jadhav is on a death row in Pakistan over charges of terrorism and spying for India's intelligence agency- Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

On May 18, 2017, the International Court of Justice stayed the hanging after India approached it against the death sentence.A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India, on Monday said it would reconsider and examine the constitutional validity of section 377. (Photo: File | Representational)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court's decision to reconsider and examine revisit its 2013 verdict that criminalised homosexuality in India was welcomed by people; LGBTQ activists as well as political parties.

An LGBTQ activist said they still have hope in the judicial system.

"We still have hope from Indian judiciary. We are living in 21st century. All politicians and political parties must break their silence and support individual's sexuality," Akkai, LGBTQ activist said.

Congress too welcomed the decision of the apex court on Monday. All India Mahila Congress President Sushmita Dev said, "Congress welcomes Supreme Court's decision. Everybody has equal right to live life the way they want."

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India, on Monday said it would reconsider and examine the constitutional validity of section 377.

The apex court also issued notice to the Centre seeking response on a writ petition filed by five members of LGBTQ community, who say they live in fear of police because of their natural sexual preferences.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said the issue arising out of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) required to be debated upon by a larger bench.

Section 377 of the IPC refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

The bench was hearing a fresh plea filed by one Navtej Singh Johar seeking to declare section 377 as unconstitutional to the extent that it provides prosecution of adults for indulging in consensual gay sex.Succumbing to pressure from the community at a time when three by-polls are going to take place later in January, Rajasthan government has decided against the release of the film in the state. (Photo: File)

Jaipur: Despite a name change, Sanjay Leela Bhansalis controversial film Padmavati, which is now renamed as Padmavat, continues to face opposition from Rajput community in Rajasthan.

Succumbing to pressure from the community at a time when three by-polls are going to take place later in January, Rajasthan government has decided against the release of the film in the state.

Notwithstanding, clearance from CBFC for all India release on January 25, home minister Gulab Chand Kataria has categorically stated that the film will not be released in the state.

He earlier cited the order from chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who had at the peak of protests against the film had written a letter to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and had sought necessary changes in the film as suggested by the Centre.

The CM had also said that maintaining law and order in Rajasthan was of highest priority and it will be maintained at all cost with reference to protests against the film.

Although, the home minister took excuse to threat to law and order if the film was allowed to release, it is believed that the ruling BJP was playing safe because of bypolls in the state for two Lok Sabha and one Assembly seats, which have significant presence of the Rajput community.

Only three days ago, Shri Rajput Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi had called upon the community members to gather in Chittorgarh on January 27 and push for a complete ban on the controversial Sanjay Leela Bhansali film 'Padmavati'.

He said that they will not let the film be released at any cost. A panel that reviewed the film in a special screening has expressed the view that some of the facts presented in the film can upset the Rajputs and the Muslims, but the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief has ignored that, he added.

"We have a very clear stand since day one that we want this film to be banned. The committee made by the CBFC watched the movie and said the movie was vulgar and the facts were distorted. The film is made just to earn money. Along with the name of the movie, the characters names should also be changed," Karni Sena member Mahipal Singh Makrana said.Chinese media has been speculating that Trump's efforts to step up pressure on Pakistan may move it closer to Islamabad as Beijing is involved in a number of projects in the country under the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor. (Photo: File)

Beijing: China on Monday said it is opposed to the US "finger pointing" at Pakistan and linking it with terrorism, insisting that the responsibility of cracking down on terror outfits cannot be placed on a particular country.

China's support for its all-weather ally came as the US stepped up its efforts to pressure Pakistan to eliminate terror safe havens on its soil.

The US last week suspended approximately USD 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan for its failure to take decisive action against terror groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani network.

"China always opposed linking terrorism with any certain country and we dont agree to place the responsibility of anti-terrorism on a certain country," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing.

He was responding to a question on a White House official's remarks that China could play a helpful role in convincing Pakistan that it was in its national interest to crackdown on terror safe havens.

"We have stressed many times that Pakistan has made important sacrifices and contributions to the global anti-terrorism cause," Lu said.

"Countries should strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation on the basis of mutual respect instead of finger pointing at each other. This is not conducive to the global terrorism efforts," he said.

China has been vocal in extending support to Pakistan since US President Donald Trump increased rhetoric against Islamabad providing safe havens for terrorists.

Trump in a New Year's Day tweet accused the country 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.

Chinese media has been speculating that Trump's efforts to step up pressure on Pakistan may move it closer to Islamabad as Beijing is involved in a number of projects in the country under the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Chinese official media is highlighting reports that Pakistan may allow China to build a military base at Jiwani located close to Irans Chabahar port, which is being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

Jiwani is also close to the strategic Gwadar port in Balochistan which is being developed by China.

While defending Pakistan, Lu said China at the same time backed international counter terrorism efforts.

"First and foremost, I would like to say that terrorism is the common enemy of the international community. Cracking down on terrorism calls for the joint efforts from the international community," he said.

"Actually, China is defending countries that have been making anti-terrorism efforts in a just and fair way. China also welcomes all the global joint efforts in terms of counter terrorism on the basis of mutual trust and mutual respect," he said.Jay Shah's lawyer S V Raju, on the other hand, had maintained the article was 'defamatory' and the two witnesses examined by the lower court had established that the reputation of his client was tarnished due to its publication. (Photo: PTI | File)

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by news portal 'The Wire' seeking quashing of a criminal defamation case filed against it by BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay over an article related to his company.

Justice J B Pardiwala rejected the petition on the grounds that the article, "The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah", is per say "defamatory" and the trial court should proceed with the case.

The HC, which had earlier directed the trial court to complete the hearing in the case in six months, on Monday withdrew that order. This means there is no time-frame for the trial court to complete the hearing.

S M Vatsa, the lawyer for the author of the article and editors of the news portal, had maintained the news report was not "defamatory," and the facts presented in it were based on public documents.

The petitioners had maintained the article was a part of investigative journalism and filing a criminal defamation suit against it was against the freedom of the press.

Jay Shah's lawyer S V Raju, on the other hand, had maintained the article was "defamatory" and the two witnesses examined by the lower court had established that the reputation of his client was tarnished due to its publication.

Read: Jay Shah defamation case: Gujarat court summons reporter, news portal

Jay Shah had moved the lower court alleging criminal defamation by the petitioners after the article published by the website claimed his company's turnover grew exponentially after the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre in 2014.

After the suit was filed on October 9, 2017, the court initiated proceedings against them under the CrPC section 202 (to inquire into a case to decide whether or not there is sufficient ground for proceeding).

The suit has been filed against the author of the article Rohini Singh, founding editors of the news portal Siddharth Varadarajan, Siddharth Bhatia and M K Venu, managing editor Monobina Gupta, public editor Pamela Philipose and the Foundation for Independent Journalism.

The foundation publishes `The Wire'.

With the quashing of the plea, the matter is expected to come up for hearing in the lower court on Tuesday.

Jay Shah has separately filed a civil defamation suit of Rs 100 crore against the website over the article.

Read also: Amit Shahs son Jay files Rs 100 crore defamation case against website

Jay Shah had rejected the charge made in the article, insisting the story was "false, derogatory and defamatory.The officials said that the police and other security forces have launched a manhunt for Wani.

Srinagar/Lucknow/Bhopal: At a time when the Jammu and Kashmir is painstakingly trying to persuade the Kashmiri youth to shun violence and return to their homes for living a normal life, a Ph.D. student from the Valley who was studying in Aligarh Muslim University has joined the militants ranks.

The news that 26-year-old Mannan Bashir Wani who was pursuing a doctorate in earth science-geology in AMU has joined formidable indigenous militant outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahedin has not only shell shocked his family and friends, some of the security forces officials have privately admitted that it could leave an adverse impact on their effort to keep the local youth away from the influence of gun.

A resident of Takipora village in Lolab valley of frontier Kupwara district, Wani was to return home four days back. He had reportedly left AMU before commencement of winter vacation at the university on January 6. But instead of turning up at his native place, the photographs showing him with a grenade launcher-cum-assault rifle (possibly modified AK-47) reached the family through social media, the officials said. The photographs were uploaded on Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp with the messages announcing that Wani has joined the Hizb. The Hizb has not confirmed it as yet.

The officials said that the police and other security forces have launched a manhunt for Wani. These officials also said that Wanis family had also filed a missing report after he did not reach home. He was expected to reach home in Kupwara three days ago but when he did not turn up his family reported the matter to the police, said a police official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Earlier Kashmirs police chief ADGP Munir Ahmed Khan had said that he cannot confirm whether Wani had indeed joined the Hizb. While expressing caution, he had said that the photos in question could be photoshopped.

Wani has joined the militants ranks at a time when the PDP-BJP government is trying hard to persuade the local youth who have taken to the gun to shun the path of violence and return home. Khan had on Sunday said that gun-wielding boys willing to quit militancy can now contact their families, return and start their lives afresh and that they dont need to necessarily surrender before the police.

AMU authorities have expelled Wani in view of reports about his joining the Hizb ranks. Wani stands suspended until further probe is carried out into his disappearance and into social media photos that show him holding an AK-47 rifle, said AMU Proctor Prof. (Dr.) Mohd. Mohsin Khan.

The UP officials like their J&K counterparts are shocked to find that Wani has posted his photograph, holding an AK assault rifle, on the social media on Sunday. Senior police officials and intelligence agencies have reached Aligarh to investigate the matter.

SSP Aligarh Rajesh Pandey raided Wanis room in Habib hall of the AMU and seized documents and literature from the room. We will study what kind of literature has been found in the room, he said.

Some university students attempted to protest against the police entering the hostel and one student was arrested.

The officials said that Wani had been studying at the AMUs department of Geology for four-five years and had chosen to specialise in Applied Geology. He had enrolled in the universitys Ph.D. programme and won accolades for his paper on flood risk assessment in his home town Kupwara using remote sensing and GIS techniques.

While AMU officials were tight-lipped on the development, sources said on Monday that Wani had left AMU a few days back and had reached Delhi. He was said to be on his way to his home in Kupwara. His co-students who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Wani was a good student and they expected him to join the civil services.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh police has launched a probe to establish links of Wani to the State.Manan visited Bhopal in 2016 to participate in an international conference organised in AISECT University and stayed in the city for three days. He had presented a paper on water conservation at the conference. We have launched a probe to find out where he stayed during his visit to Bhopal and with whom he had contacted during the period, inspector general of police (intelligence) Makrand Devaskar said in Bhopal.

He added, We will share with other investigating agencies in the country if we get any actionable information regarding his MP connections.

Intelligence sources said the MP anti-terrorist squad (ATS) sprang to action after it was alerted by its Uttar Pradesh counterpart on Wani.

The Hizb late Monday night confirmed Wanis joining the outfit. Hizb spokesman Saleem Hashmi quoted the outfit chief Syed Salahuddin as saying that Wani has joined the militant ranks and that his entry is the negation to Indias propaganda that the youth are joining militant ranks because of unemployment and economic problem.

Hashmi said that the Hizb Chief while speaking at a meeting of its command council also said, Form past several years, the educated youth joined Hizb to take the ongoing freedom movement to the logical conclusion.Sidelined All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader and newly elected MLA in the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, TTV Dhinakaran slams Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Palanisamy. (Photo: ANI)

Chennai: The sidelined All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader and newly elected MLA in the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, TTV Dhinakaran, on Monday slammed Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy over reports of special buses being arranged for the MLAs amidst the ongoing bus strike in the state.

"It clearly shows that the chief minister is only worried about the number of MLAs. He does not think about the state or the people," Dhinakaran told reporters in Chennai.

The transport unions in Tamil Nadu called an indefinite strike on Thursday, demanding pay hike among other things.

As the strike entered its fifth day on Monday, reports started doing rounds that special buses were being arranged for the MLAs.

Transport workers have been demanding for a pay revision to Rs 30,000. However, the authorities have only agreed to pay Rs 24,400.

Following the failure of talks on wage revision and clearance of pending dues with Tamil Nadu Transport Minister MR Vijayabaskar, the strike was declared much to the inconvenience of commuters.

On Sunday, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president MK Stalin urged Chief Minister Palanisamy to initiate talks with transport employees and take suitable actions to end the ongoing strike in the state.Bengaluru: Setting the stage for a battle with the ruling Congress ahead of the Assembly polls, now barely four months away, the BJP's emerging mascot and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday trained his guns on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who had recently asserted that he too was a Hindu.

Addressing the BJP's Parivarthana Rally at Vijayanagar in Bengaluru, Mr Adityanath said the CM had made the turnaround seeing the growing popularity of Hindu ideology in the state.

He (Siddaramaiah) should realise that Hinduism is a way of life in India and not merely the name of a caste or religion. It is basically a culture,'' he quipped making it more than evident that a religion-based strategy would be the cornerstone of the BJP's poll campaign in the days to come.

During the tenure of the previous BJP regime, the government introduced the Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill in the Karnataka Assembly. If he (Siddaramaiah) is a Hindu, why did he and the Congress party oppose the bill?. Now with Assembly elections approaching, he has started dividing castes in the state,' remarked the UP CM.

Drawing a parallel between Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, Yogi hinted that the issue of Hanuman Jayanthi which had become controversial a few months ago after the Congress government banned a procession in Hunsur in Mysuru, may play a dominant role during the Assembly elections here.

Like Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of Lord Rama, Karnataka is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. So, Hanuman Jayanthi is a great issue here as everyone celebrates the day. Like Rama in Uttar Pradesh, it is Hanuman in Karnataka,'' he said.

Keeping the tirade going against the Congress government, Yogi said law and order had completely collapsed here. Earlier, riots used to take place in UP but after the BJP took over, the government has not allowed any riot to happen, he said.

There was a lot of development activity taking place in the country, which the Congress government here was hardly able to comprehend. During the tenure of the previous NDA government, the state had got the Bengaluru International Airport and the Metro project and now, it had the Smart City project. If a government, which thinks on similar lines like the Centre has to be installed in the state, it was necessary to vote for the BJP, Yogi added.Chennai: The first address by a Governor who has been proactive in reviewing government projects and the entry of an AIADMK rebel who has promised to topple the ruling dispensation should make the first session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2018, beginning on Monday, a political potboiler.

The short session  most likely to last a week  will begin Monday morning with the customary address by Governor Banwarilal Purohit in which he is expected to give a sneak preview of the EPS-OPS Governments priorities for the year 2018 and its achievements in the year gone by and will also herald T.T.V. Dhinakarans maiden entry into the Assembly.

Political observers say the current session is unlikely to bring any changes in the state since none of the AIADMKs challengers  Dhinakaran and the DMK  have given notices for no confidence motion against the Edappadi K. Palaniswami dispensation though they claim that they will send them packing at the drop of a hat.

The rebel leader has given ample indications that he will take efforts to topple the government once the Madras high court delivers its verdict on disqualification of 18 MLAs, who withdrew their support to Palaniswami in August last year. If the verdict comes in Dhinakarans favour, he will try to assert his authority during the Budget Session which is likely in March, observers said.

Nevertheless, the session is likely to be a stormy one with the Opposition DMK set to raise the issue of the ongoing strike by transport employees that has virtually brought the state to a halt, the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Ockhi that ravaged Kanyakumari district, review meetings by Purohit in districts and the proposed National Medical Commission Bill by the Centre.

Many a political eyebrow will be raised if Dhinakaran, nephew of V.K. Sasikala, supports DMK in either stalling the House or while supporting the arch-rival on any issue.

Already, Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam have spoken of a DMK-TTV conspiracy in the R.K. Nagar polls that returned Dhinakaran as the victor with a massive margin. The session is also being watched closely in political circles since it is the first time the Assembly is meeting after the EPS-OPS factions merged.

With Dhinakaran harping on his sleeper cells, the AIADMK has counselled its legislators not to get provoked by him and has also issued a whip to its members asking them to attend the session from Monday.

Political analyst Ravindran Duraisamy told DC that the session will be a smooth affair and would see a secret understanding between Stalin and Palaniswami in cutting Dhinakaran to size.

It will be a smooth affair. The ruling party will be particular in ensuring that Dhinakaran does not get undue importance. Opposition leader Stalin will also support the ruling party in this. However, Dhinakaran will try to seek attention and it is to be seen whether he is capable of scoring political brownie points inside the Assembly, he said.General Rawat said that imports in defence technology needed to be lowered down as India should fight the next war with homemade solutions. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Monday called for modernisation of the armed forces, adding that the time has come to take cues from the 'Arthashastra' and 'Chanakya Niti'.

General Rawat also said that every arm and service was looking for upgrades as the future wars would be fought in more difficult circumstances.

Addressing a gathering at the Army Technology Seminar in Delhi, General Rawat said, "There is a huge requirement of modernisation of our armed forces, in every field. The future wars will be fought in difficult terrains and circumstances and we have to be prepared for them."

He further noted there would be proper utilisation of technology if the government assisted the armed forces.

"A good headway has been made in light weight bullet-proof material and fuel cell technology. The journey has begun and this must continue. We are confident that if we get support from industry, we will walk the extra mile to ensure that we utilise the technology they give us," he added.

General Rawat said that imports in defence technology needed to be lowered down as India should fight the next war with homemade solutions.

"We would like to gradually move away from imports (in defence technology), because for a nation like ours, the time has come to ensure that we fight the next war with homemade solutions," he added.Mr Raju contended that as long as there was no violation of law, the court cannot intervene with traditions.

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh BJP leader Raghu Rama Krishna Raju on Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging the order of the Hyderabad High Court directing the Andhra Pradesh government not to allow cockfights during Sankranti and seize the roosters.

Mr Raju contended that as long as there was no violation of law, the court cannot intervene with traditions. He said cockfights were a part of the tradition of the coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh, and the High Court order for seizure of roosters was in violation of Article 13 of the Constitution.

Mr. Raju said roosters were reared by a few farmers as part of tradition; following the High Court order, the police was seizing roosters from every household which was against the rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

He said that the Supreme Court in its order last year on his petition had said that the police and other officials need not seize roosters but they could seize instruments like katti (knife) which are used in cockfights.

He sought directions from the Apex Court against the seizure of roosters.HYDERABAD: The total number of deaths in Telangana state prisons has shown a decline in the past year. About 17 prisoners died in the jails in 2017 as against 24 in the previous year.

Certain measures like prohibition of smoking in prisons, physical fitness initiatives like PT, parade and yoga helped us bring down the deaths, said director general of prisons V.K. Singh.

This apart, the prisons department organises regular health checks and provides quality food to prisoners. Health screening is done every month by a team of doctors who advise the inmates on the dos and donts on health issues. Wherever necessary, they are taken to or admitted in hospitals, said Mr Singh.

Talking about the achievements of the prisons department in previous years, Mr Singh said that in last four years about 1.10 lakh prisoners were provided basic education. All those who were in prison for at least a month have acquired reading skills and are now capable of writing their own name, he said.

The department earned about `12.85 crore last year from units in the prisons and fuel stations run across the state. More fuel stations will be opened soon, he said.

The prison department also has a complaint cell where family members of prisoners can register their grievance. Suitable action is initiated against any official or staff member if the complaint is found genuine. In 2017, a total of 12 complaints were received and action was initiated in all cases, except four which turned out false.

A third-party call centre has been opened to obtain feedback of the behaviour and work at the prisons, he said.

The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has sought more information about the practices employed in state prisons.

Rounded-up beggars free to leave

Director General of Prisons V.K. Singh on Monday said that the prisons department was not detaining Gangireddulu. We do not treat Gangireddulu as beggars. They are part of the local culture and come out during Sankranti season. We do not detain them nor have we brought anyone in the past to the ashram in the prison, he said.

So far, 1,235 male and 553 female beggars have been picked up by the prisons department with the help of NGOs. Those who want to stay at the ashram are being accommodated. Some who are unwilling are being handed over to their family, he said. A separate room will be set aside in all prisons for special mulaqats, he said.Trained by the best of stuntmen, this woman in leather pants, masks and capes performed such death - defying acts that, until then, could only be imagined to be acted out by male professionals. (Photo: Google)

Mumbai: The Google doodle on Monday kickstarted our day on a rather plucky note of reminiscence; it is "Fearless Nadia's" 110th birth anniversary and Google duly paid her homage.

Mary Ann Evans -- popularly known by her stage name Fearless Nadia  forayed into Bollywood as the Stunt Queen of India with her break as the protagonist in the 1935 Hunterwali.

The Google doodle has a dark background with a sketch of Nadia's face wearing a fiery smile, on the left. The actress wears her signature cowboy hat and a shirt with sleeves rolled up; straps of her leather shorts, as seen in Hunterwali, run over her shirt.

The ballet-trained, blue-eyed, Australian-origin actress was a discovery of Jamshed Boman Homi Wadia, a well - known director, screenwriter and producer of Bollywood. She has worked in half a dozen Wadia films which helped her gather the acclaim she holds even today. Apart from Hunterwali, Pahadi Kanya, Diamond Queen, and Lutaru Lalna are some of the films she starred in.

Nadia emerged as a shining star for altering the gaze of an audience smitten by usual masculinity of the silver screen.

Trained by the best of stuntmen, this woman in leather pants, masks and capes performed such death-defying acts that, until then, could only be imagined to be acted out by male professionals.

Nadia was the male-villain conqueror in a wider world of oppression. The sharp curve of her fame springs also from the 'dream-fulfillment' factor that an Indian audience could only surmise; rarely experience outside of reel.

'Woman with a whip' Nadia, was never restricted to one prop; she was seen jumping from chandeliers and rooftops and would, at times, tame lions. Before becoming Bollywood's choicest feisty character, Evans was part of a dancing troupe-cum-circus group in Bombay.

Vishal Bhardwaj also paid tribute to Nadia in his recent directorial venture Rangoon. Kangana Ranaut played the role of Jaanbaaz Julia to commemorate the Nadia's contribution to cinema.

Fearless Nadia, the focal point of Oriental costume-dramas shall always be remembered for her historic moments in Indian cinema. The actress died on January 9th, 1996 which, incidentally, marks Tuesday as her death anniversary.CM Siddaramaiah with Deepak Raos mother at her house in Mangaluru on Sunday. (Photo: KPN)

Mangaluru: Squarely blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Sangh Parivar for raking up communal issues in the coastal region, Chief Minister Siddarmaiah on Sunday stressed the need for harmony and also visited the houses of slain Sangh parivar activist Deepak Rao and Abdul Basheer, a member of the minority community who succumbed to the injuries he sustained in an attack on Sunday.

Mr Siddaramaiah attended the inauguration of various developmental works at Belthangady, Puttur and Moodabidri and also inaugurated a musical fountain in Mangaluru.

At Deepak's house, the Chief Minister asked officials if all the promised compensation had been provided to the family.

He spoke to the family members and asked officials to work on providing a job to Deepaks handicapped brother.

He later visited the house of Bashir at Akasha Bhavana and spoke to the family members there.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister who arrived at Belthangady, was critical about those who played politics over dead bodies. Death is a sad thing, nobody should politicize it, he said adding that peace would prevail in the region if people raised their voices against those who play politics over dead bodies.

He blamed the BJP for trying to divide society to increase its seat tally in the forthcoming elections.

They speak of Sabh ka saath, Sabh ka Vikas, but in reality they incite hatred. Their slogan should not be restricted to speeches, they should follow it in reality, he said, adding, People need not worry. We will take tough step against elements which create problems.

At Puttur too, he took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party for polarising society.

The BJP is trying to divide society in the name of religion and God. Those who speak of setting fire to the district and changing the Constitution are not eligible to even become a panchayat member, he said, adding that sitting MLA Shakunthala Shetty would win again with the support of the people.Srinagar: Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, on Monday said that all disputes could be resolved only through talks. All disputes can be resolved only through talks, he said in an obvious reference to the Kashmir imbroglio.

Kumar who was speaking at an event organised by J&Ks ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in winter capital Jammu to commemorate the second death anniversary of its patron and former Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, that confrontation will not solve anything. He said Mufti also believed in peaceful resolution of issues rather than acrimony or discord.

Kumar was earlier conferred with the first Mufti Muhammad Sayeed award on Probity in Politics & Public Life.

He said that the late leader had a firm belief that issues confronting a system can be resolved only through dialogue and negotiations. He always gave a new direction to the position he occupied, he said adding that he enjoyed a long but intense relation with Mufti in whom he always found a leader who was concerned about the welfare of his people.

On the occasion, renowned economist, columnist and British Parliamentarian, Lord Meghnad Desai delivered the first Mufti memorial lecture on the subject Devolving Power: The British Experience in which he traced the legal and constitutional journey of the British society.

Governor, N. N. Vohra chaired the function which was besides others attended also by Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, Sushil Modi.

Vohra in his speech said that it seems we are not excessively engaged with the issues concerning our people...we failed our youth. He also said, There are lot of disruptions in academics, exams, results are delayed due to so-called domestic and non-domestic issues, an environment has been created which pulls entire policy back.

While paying tribute to Mufti, he said, He would call officers even during my meetings with him and get issues solved.

He said that Jammu and Kashmir has suffered on varied counts because of domestic and external factors which have been detrimental to the States progress and development. He made a passionate appeal for a firm resolve towards negating these factors and work collectively towards achieving our goals.Hyderabad: Though the ongoing survey has detected fake pattadar passbooks issued in the name of non-existent lands and by duplication, the government has no plans to initiate immediate action against the dubious landowners who secured crop loans using the bogus pattadar passbooks. However, the state government is concerned whether the loan amount is repaid with the interest.

Revenue officials have been instructed orally not to book cases. However, the officials have been asked to verify with the banks whether the loans are being repaid.

All old passbooks cease to exist from this month and e-pattadar passbooks will be issued based on the findings of the latest survey. If the land owners repay the loan with the interest promptly, the government has no intention to book cases against them, said a senior official in the revenue department. The survey will be completed in a week.

The department is busy in compiling the survey findings. The data is being uploaded in the digital and manual formats, the official said. If the loan is not repaid for years, the government will book criminal cases. Many farmers have taken loans from Telangana Grameena Bank and other agriculture cooperative societies in the state. These government undertakings will suffer if the loan amount is not recovered, the official added.Despite the BJPs robust and repeated criticism of dynasty politics, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhans elder son Kartikeya made his political entry on Sunday.

New Delhi: Dynastic politics is all set to dominate the forthcoming Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections expected to be held later this year. Despite the BJPs robust and repeated criticism of dynasty politics, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhans elder son Kartikeya made his political entry on Sunday.

Addressing a public rally in Shivpuri, he took on the Congress Jyotiraditya Scindia, accused by the BJP to be a beneficiary of dynastic politics.

Kartikeya, 22, who was addressing a convention of the Dhakad community while campaigning for a BJP candidate for the upcoming Assembly by-election in Kolaras, asked people not to look at the BJP candidate but vote in the name of his father, the chief minister.

The Congress, which won just 58 seats, as opposed to the BJPs 165 seats in the 230-member Assembly in 2013, has slowly been gaining ground.

In the by-elections held in Madhya Pradesh last year November, the Congress had defeated the BJP by a margin of over 14,000 votes. The Congress recent performance in Gujarat Assembly elections has also boosted the partys morale.

The Congress is expected to focus on rural distress and farmer issues in the state. The party has demanded immediate implementation of the Swaminathan Committee report and complete farm loan waiver.

In June last year, police allegedly opened fire on protesting farmers in Mandsaur, killing five. The issue had snowballed into a political controversy.Minister K.T Rama Rao interacts with Karimnagar residents during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the IT Hub at Karimnagar as minister Etala Rajender, local MP B. Vinod Kumar, MLA Gangula Kamalakar and Mayor Ravinder Singh look on.

Hyderabad: IT minister K.T. Rama Rao laid the foundation stone for the IT Hub in Karimnagar and promised to provide jobs to 1,000 locals.

He said that immediately after laying the foundation stone for the IT Hub, six companies had come forward to set up their units and MoUs have been signed.

He said construction of the IT Hub will be completed in a year and will provide plug and play facilities for IT companies. He said it would create employment opportunities for 1,000 people in the first phase.

He said the TRS government had taken steps to establish similar IT hubs in Khammam, Mahbubnagar, Warangal and Nizamabad districts. He said IT exports which were Rs 56,000 crore at the time of formation of Telangana state had now touched Rs 87,000 crore.

Mr Rama Rao said, Our youngsters are second to none and I believe that the next Googles, Facebooks, and WhatsApps will come out of India.

He said Telangana states GSDP growth rate was the highest in the country and that was made possible due to the leadership of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. He said this was evident from Union ministers praising the TRS government for its remarkable performance.

He said the government would try to set up meetings with NRIs from Telangana state settled in other countries and request them to establish their companies.

Mr Rama Rao also launched a pylon for the Rs 250-crore Karimnagar City Renovation Project which includes the Manair river front development. He said while everyone talking about the Sabarmati river front in Gujarat, the Congress governments had forgotten to develop the Manair river front which was just a few kilometres from Karimnagar city. He said recently Government launched developmental works for improving the Lower Manair Dam and its surroundings including constructing a cable bridge. The IT Hub also will be coming as part of River front development.TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy addresses the media outside the Raj Bhavan after submitting a memorandum to the Governor related to sand mafia and law and order situation in the state, while other Congress leaders look on in Hyderabad on Friday. (Photo: DC/File)

Nizamabad: TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy alleged that the government was behaving in an inhumane manner in the murder of village revenue assistant Sailoo in Kamareddy district.

Instead of identifying the accused, the police was trying to hide the facts of incident, he alleged. The family members of the deceased met Mr Reddy in Hyderabad on Monday.

The TPCC chief said that Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan was supporting the government in the case.

If all enforcement agencies collude on the Kamareddy incident, who will save the victims, he asked. He demanded Rs 25 lakh ex gratia for Sailoo.

Sailoo was run over by a sand lorry, it is being claimed that it is not a murder by the sand mafia, and a case of death in a road accident.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused Sangh Parivar of creating law and order problems in the state.

The Chief Minister said the state is known for its peaceful atmosphere and people belonging to different religions and culture lived in harmony. And the attempt is clearly to target this pluralism which is essence of democracy.

He has asked the party men to keep a close vigil on the activities of those trying to foment trouble. The divisive agenda can be defeated by mobilising the people.

Despite peace initiatives taken by the Chief Minister personally, there have been several attempts to derail the process through selective attacks. The Chief Minister called upon party cadre to strongly counter Sangh agenda by exposing their communal politics on the one hand and also the neo liberal policies of the Centre which had wreaked havoc on lives of the people.

The communal and divisive agenda is bring pushed hard to divert peoples attention from the failures of Modi Government, the CM said.It is not wholly clear if the massive nationwide anti-regime protests, starting December 28 last year, which rocked Iran very hard indeed for under a week, officially taking a toll of 22 lives, have exhausted themselves. What we have is a Sunday statement from the countrys Revolutionary Guards, the nearly all-powerful security force, that tens of thousands of security personnel, including the police, were deployed to end the protests. This gives us an idea of the scale of the disturbances.

Unconfirmed reports for the past two days have suggested that former hardline President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, who appears hostile to the present government headed by President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate inclined toward a liberal worldview, has been taken into house arrest for inciting violence.

This has lent to speculation whether the ruling unelected priestly elite of the ayatollahs, led by the 77-year-old Ali Khamenei, who has been in place for 22 years, is now seeing cracks. It is also not clear whether Mr Ahmedinejad, if really guilty of incitement, or others who may have helped provoke the protests, have foreign backing, including those of Western and Arab elements. Irans economy has done reasonably well since the sanctions were lifted in 2015 but unemployment remains high. The protesters were by and large working class people. They questioned Irans regional military involvement in Syria and Iraq  which has raised Tehrans stock  and pointed fingers not just at President Rouhani but also Ayatollaah Khameini. Given Indias close involvement with Iran economically and politically, New Delhi cannot afford to take sides between Tehran and its foreign opponents.The Fire Department of New York says the fire started around 7 am on Monday at the building that contains President Donald Trump's home and business offices. (Photo: Twitter | ANI)

New York: New York City fire officials say a fire in Trump Tower's heating and air conditioning system injured two people and caused smoke to billow from the roof.

The Fire Department of New York says the fire started around 7 am on Monday at the building that contains President Donald Trump's home and business offices.

Fire officials say a civilian was treated for serious injuries and a firefighter was treated for minor injuries.

It took about an hour to put out the fire on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The president's son Eric tweeted his thanks to firefighters for doing "an incredible job."Dubai: An Indian man in the UAE has hit a jackpot by winning a whopping dhirham 12 million ($3.2 million) in the biggest-ever raffle prize money in Abu Dhabi.

Harikrishnan V. Nair, 42, who works as a business development manager for a firm in Dubai and has been living in the UAE with his family since 2002, won the huge amount in Big Ticket raffle draw.

I still cannot believe it. Is it me? Is it really me? an excited Nair, who is from Kerala, told Khaleej Times. He said he had bought the tickets twice before, but had never won.

Nair said he had always wanted to travel the world with his family and the time for it has come. I think 2018 is the year for that. I will plan a world tour soon, said Nair, father of a seven-year old son.

I would like to plan for my sons education and buy another house in India. I want to take good care of my mother and my wifes mother too, who are in India, he said. Charity is also on top of Nair's agenda. I have always wanted to help people in need, and by Gods grace I can do it now. That is something I will really do, he said.

His wife, a logistics support staff, said she could not believe the news. I was dump-founded when I got the call from my husband. First I thought he was playing the same prank I had planned on him, she said.

Now that he has won the jackpot, I will let him figure out what he wants to do with it. He is after all a business development manager and would know better how to manage his funds, she said.

Eight Indians were among 10 people who had won dhirham 1 million ($2.7 lakh) each in a mega raffle draw in Abu Dhabi in October last year. In August, an Indian man had won dhirham 5 million ($1.3 million) in the draw in the UAE.The Every Student Succeeds Act may have kept annual testing as a federal requirement. But it also aims to help states cut down on the number of assessments their students must take by giving districts the chance to use a nationally-recognized college entrance exam, instead of the regular state test, for accountability purposes.

When the law passed back in 2015, some superintendents hailed the change, saying it would mean one less test for many 11th graders, who would already be preparing for the SAT or ACT. Assessment experts, on the other hand, worried the change would make student progress a lot harder to track.

Now, more than two years after the law passed, it appears that only two statesNorth Dakota and Oklahomahave immediate plans to offer their districts a choice of tests. Policymakers in at least two other statesGeorgia and Floridaare thinking through the issue. Arizona and Oregon could also be in the mix.

Thats not exactly a mad dash to take advantage of the flexibility.

Offering a choice of tests can be a tall order for state education officials, said Julie Woods, a senior policy analyst at the Education Commission of the States. They have to figure out how to pay for the college entrance exams, design a process for districts to apply for the flexibility, and find a way to compare student scores on the state test to scores on the SAT, ACT, or another test.

Thats potentially a lot more work than states are currently doing, Woods said. States have to decide what the payoff is for them.

Whats more, the prospect of allowing districts to pick between multiple testsand potentially change them from year-to-yeardrives assessment experts batty, said Scott Marion, the executive director of the Center for Assessment, which works with states to design and implement tests.



Youre just lost, youre just grasping at straws for any kind of comparability among school districts that take different tests, he said. Youre supposedly giving districts free choice and all that nice stuff. But states must decide, do they care about flexibility or do they care about a comparable accountability system? Its hard to have both.

Marion argued that districts might not make technical quality their top criteria for choosing a test. Instead, the pick may be subject to the whims of the local school board or superintendentpositions that tend to have high turnover.

For now, Woods said, most states that want to use college entrance exams for accountability are using those tests as their primary state-wide high school assessment. In fact, a dozen states use either the SAT or the ACT for accountability, according to an Education Week survey published last year.

Potential State Takers

But some states think the potential upside outweighs any concerns.

North Dakota, for instance, wants to offer its districts the chance to take the ACT instead of the state exam, said Kay Mayer, a spokeswoman for the state education department. The state will need approval from the feds for technical reasons, dealing with the federal peer review process. (More on page 2 of this memo from the state to its districts .)

And Oklahoma plans to give districts a choice between two most popular college entrance examsthe ACT and the SAT. The move is very popular with districts, according to Oklahomas ESSA plan, which was submitted to the feds in September .

Oklahomas decision to use a commercial, off-the-shelf college-readiness assessment (e.g. SAT, ACT) as the high school assessment enjoys broad support from stakeholders all over the state [and] responds to local district needs, and has been codified in state law, the Sooner State said in its plan. (Check out the language for yourself on page 27 of the plan. )

Importantly, Oklahoma doesnt currently designate either the ACT or SAT as its main assessment for high school accountability. Instead, the state plans to offer its districts a choice of either test without stating a preference. Its unclear if that that will fly with the feds. The department told the state it needs to pick one test or the other as its primary high school exam, in its feedback letter to Oklahoma.

Georgia finds the option enticing, too. In fact, the state legislature passed a bill last year calling on state board to examine this and other testing flexibility offered under ESSA. The state has started on that work now, said Allison Timberlake, the interim deputy superintendent for assessment and accountability.

Its a slow methodical process to make sure that everything is in place and well aligned, Timberlake said. Among the considerations: whether the college entrance tests offer appropriate accommodations for English-language learners and students in special education and whether they mesh with the states content standards.

State lawmakers in Florida have also expressed interest in offering their districts a choice of the ACT, SAT, or state exam . So far, though, bills that would make this possible have died in the legislature. State law prohibits the education department from making the change on its own, a spokeswoman said. Lawmakers required the state to study the issue. A report released last week concluded that it wasnt a good idea, according to the Orlando Sentinel .

Oregons ESSA plan, which has gotten the green light from the U.S. Department of Education, includes a line saying the state will pursue flexibility under ESSA to allow districts to use a nationally recognized assessment in place of the state exam. The state said it will consider a host of factors, including educator feedback, in making the change. (For more, check out page 27 of Oregons plan ).

And Arizona has also passed a law that would give its districts a choice of tests, not just in high school, but in K-8 schools, too. Offering middle and elementary schools a choice of tests would be a violation of ESSA, Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., an ESSA architect, has argued . Arizona didnt include any mention of its testing law in its ESSA plan, which has already been approved by the feds, so its an open question whether the state will move forward on this.

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .In the backdrop of the bundh in Hubballi city on Monday, Dalit organisations burnt tyres at Chennamma Circle in protest.



They were protesting against the atrocities committed on dalits in Koregaon last week in Maharashtra, and the rape and murder of a dalit school girl in Vijayapura last month.

They protested against Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde's 'we have come to power to change the Constitution', remark and demanded his resignation.

A similar protest with tyre-burning and a road block was held at Hosur Circle as well.A sessions court today rejected the bail plea of a 16-year-old student, accused of killing 7-year- old Pradhuman Thakur at the Ryan International School here.



Additional Sessions Judge Jasbir Singh Kundu declined relief to the accused, who is presently under custody.

The court had earlier reserved the order after hearing arguments of the counsel for the accused, the CBI and the complainant.

The defence counsel had claimed that the charge sheet in the matter was not filed within one month, as prescribed in the Juvenile Justice Act, and he was not given required documents.

Opposing the contention, the CBI had said that the mandatory period for filing a charge sheet is 90 days under CrPC provisions as the accused had been declared an adult by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB).

Pradhuman was found with his throat slit in the school's washroom on September 8 last year.

The Gurgaon Police had claimed the crime was committed by a school bus conductor, which was later refuted by the CBI.

The probe agency had claimed the teenager had killed Pradhuman in a bid to get the school closed so that a parent- teacher meeting and an examination could be deferred.

The court was hearing an appeal filed by the accused against an order of the JJB denying him bail.

The JJB had on December 20 held that the teenager would be tried as an adult and directed that he be produced before the Gurgaon sessions court.

The JJB had noted that the accused was mature enough to recognise the consequences of his actions.

If convicted, the accused will stay in a correctional home till he is 21 years old after which the court can shift him to a jail or grant him bail, it had said.

The board had earlier rejected the bail plea of the Class 11 Ryan International School student.

It had set up a committee which included a psychologist from the PGI, Rohtak, for an expert opinion on the accused, who was taken into custody by the CBI in November 2017.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 lowers the age of juveniles from 18 years to 16 years for heinous crimes such as rape, murder and dacoity-cum- murder, which warrant at least seven years of imprisonment.

However, the JJB first decides whether the crime was "child-like" or was it committed in an "adult frame of mind", following which it orders the accused to be tried as a juvenile or an adult. PTI UK PKS RRT DVMiscreants pelted stones at the Natekal Masjid, near Ullal, early Monday morning.



Consequently, the masjid's glass windows are shattered.

The miscreants have also taken the CCTV camera installed at a nearby shop with them.

The police have seized a bike that allegedly belongs to the accused. The hunt for the accused is on.Former Chief Election Commissioner T S Krishnamurthy has pitched for second round of elections in constituencies where the winning margin is less than the NOTA option and the victorious candidate fails to muster one-third of votes.



He also expressed the view that India's first-past- the-post electoral system has outlived its utility.

"In my opinion, NOTA is very good; we should say if NOTA crosses certain percentage of votes; for example if the difference between the winner and the loser is less than the NOTA votes, you can say we should have second round of elections," Krishnamurthy said.

A law needs to enacted to implement this measure, he said.

NOTA (None of the above) gives the voter a right not to vote for any candidate contesting from a particular seat.

More than 5.5 lakh voters -- or 1.8% voters -- pressed the NOTA button on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the recent assembly elections in Gujarat, where the winning margin was less than NOTA in several constituencies.

NOTA's vote share in Gujarat elections was higher than that of any party other than the Congress and the BJP.

Krishnamurthy also said, "Another possibility is to say that the winner should poll more than 33.33% or one-third of total number of votes polled," a move which would make smaller political parties "disappear".

"There should be second round (of elections) if NOTA is more (than the winning margin) or if a person fails to get 33.33% (of the total votes polled)," he said.

Krishnamurthy said NOTA will eventually force political parties to field candidates known for their integrity, and those who are more popular in segments taking into account people's sentiments.Overcrowding will continue to haunt Indian jails with the latest government statistics showing a rise in population of undertrial prisoners.



The number of undertrial prisoners have increased to 2.93 lakh in 2016, according to latest Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data revealed in Parliament recently, from 2.82 lakh in 2015. If one takes 2000 as a benchmark, the increase in 16 years is close to 1 lakh.



The rise in 2016 comes after a marginal dip recorded in the previous year, the first in the past several years, compared to 2014.



The states responsible for rise in population of undertrial prisoners are Uttar Pradesh and four other states -- Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal -- that records for 53% of the undertrials across India. UP, the biggest state in the country, has topped the list for another year with 68,432 undertrials, up from 62,669, while Karnataka has 10,504 such prisoners, a rise from 9,314 in 2015.



More details are not in public domain as the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is yet to publish the Prison Statistics India report for 2016, which was expected in the second half of last year.



Experts attribute this to unnecessary arrests by police, ignorance of law among undertrials and their inability to get a lawyer due to their poor economic conditions.



Another problem highlighted is the shortage of police escorts leading to a large number of undertrials not being produced in court for their hearings, which prolong their detentions. As per the 2015 report by NCRB, there were 3,599 undertrials who were in jail for more than five years.



Many of them are also unaware of the provision of Section 436A of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which given an undertrial the right to seek bail on serving more than one half of the maximum possible sentence on personal bond.



A study 'Justice Under Trial: A Study of Pre-Trial Detention in India' by Amnesty International India last year had said the country's undertrial population is estimated to be the 18th highest in the world and the third highest in Asia. While more than two-third of prisoners in India are undertrials, it has said, the US that is estimated to have the highest incarceration rate in the world has only 20% of prisoners are undertrials.Al Franken left the Senate at the start of this year, and that means there are only ten Democrats on the Senate education committee. Presumably the panels top Democrat, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state, wants someone to step into Frankens spot and reduce the GOPs majority on the committee back to one vote. (There are twelve Republicans on the panel).

So who may replace him? We came up with a few possibilities, although there doesnt seem to be a clear front-runner.

We also reached out to the four senators offices to see if they had been approached about or had any interest in joining the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. As you can probably tell from the name, the panel also deals with other big-ticket and controversial issues, in particular health care. So the senator who is ultimately chosen for the slot may not have a long record on K-12. And factors such as Democrats positions on other committees, among other things, will play also matter. Weve listed the potential new members in alphabetical order.

 Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey: Hes probably the most prominent name on this list because of the chance hell run for president in 2020, and due to his work on Newark schools while serving as the citys mayor .

Along with Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Booker has previously introduced the Leveraging and Energizing Americas Apprenticeship Programs (LEAP) Act, intended to boost apprenticeship programs with federal tax credits. (Scott is already on the Senate education panel.) Booker has also authored a bill to fund elementary and secondary schools that are open year-round.

 Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware: Coons has written several education-related bills in recent years. Late last year, for example, he introduced the Access, Success, and Persistence In Reshaping Education (ASPIRE) Act with Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. The bill is designed to help more low-income students get into and finish college.

In 2017 Coonsalong with Sen. Angus King, I-Me., and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohioalso introduced legislation to provide tax relief specifically to parents of children with disabilities. And hes worked with Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to back the creation of a pilot program for college savings accounts that would serve low-income students.

 Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland: Back when Van Hollen was in the House, he served on the House education committee, so hes got the relevant congressional experience when it comes to committee assignments. Elected in 2014, Van Hollen has supported the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, which aimed to create a grant program supporting the repair and renovation of schools. Van Hollen has also backed the creation of a database of scholarships focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

 Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia: Warner has backed legislation on a variety of education and education-related topics during his time in the Senate. These include educator preparation, financial counseling for higher education, higher education outcomes, and Pell Grants for those in early college high schools. Warner has also focused on workforce issues.

BONUS: Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota: Shes Frankens replacement, shes new, and she needs committee assignments. Swapping in the newly arrived Minnesota lawmaker for the departed one would be straightforward. Smith has a business background, although shes also worked for Planned Parenthood. Since taking office, she has also highlighted pensions (which the Senate education committee also deals with) as a key priority for her. The same argument about being a rookie and needing committee assignments also holds true, of course, for Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama. He doesnt have much of a background in education.

Its also worth noting that Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire was able to get on the committee during her first term. That could indicate that no veteran senator was particularly keen to get on the committee when this Congress began in 2017.

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .BJP workers, and kin of an accident victim who was brought dead to KIMS hospital here, staged a protest in front of the hospital director's office, alleging 'death due to negligence of doctors'.



Praveen Mulle (23) and Anil Renuke (23) both were seriously injured in a mishap that occurred on Monday at about 3.30 am at the Gaboor bypass Nekara Nagar bridge as the car driver lost control. Both were brought dead to KIMS.

The doctors who attended to the victims at KIMS have declared both Praveen and Anil 'brought dead on arrival' and shifted their bodies to the morgue cold storage.

The relatives of Praveen who came to see his body at KIMS claimed that they saw him 'move his limbs' and conveyed the same to the doctors. The doctors maintained that Praveen was dead.

Soonafter the relatives shifted Praveen's body to another private hospital where the doctors confirmed he was dead.

The protesters claimed that Praveen had died because KIMS doctors had been negligent and demanded a compensation.

KIMS director denied the charges stating that Praveen was brought dead and there was no negligence shown by KIMS doctors.India and China resolved the issues related to road building in Tuting in Arunachal Pradesh, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Monday.



The two sides held a Border Personnel Meeting two days ago where the problems were sorted out, he said.

On December 28, Indian border guards saw Chinese civilians undertaking track alignment activity almost a kilometre inside the Indian territory in Tuting.

While the civilians were not accompanied by Chinese soldiers, construction equipment were brought to the Indian side of the disputed border between the two countries.

"The Tuting incident has been resolved. We had a BPM two days ago," Army Chief said on the sidelines of a seminar.

Officials in Delhi maintained only civilians were involved in the road building work in Arunachal, but media reports originated from Itanagar contradicted the claim with local villagers claiming Chinese soldiers were also involved in the road construction work.

The villagers informed a local policeman, who in turn alerted the Indo Tibetan Border Police, which intercepted the Chinese team and seized two excavators near Bising village under Tuting subdivision.

The unauthorised road construction work in Arunachal Pradesh happened months after troops from India and China had a 72 face-off at Doklam near India-China-Bhutan tri-junction on the eastern front.

Rawat said China substantially reduced its troops from the Doklam area, which is experiencing snowfall.

Earlier addressing a seminar on the technologies required by the army, the Army Chief said India would gradually move away from imports (in defense technology) because the time had come to ensure that the next war was fought with home made solutions.

"There is a huge requirement of modernisation of our armed forces, in every field. The future wars will be fought in difficult terrains and circumstances and we have to be prepared for them," he said.RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, who is lodged in a jail here after his conviction by a CBI court in a fodder scam case, would move the Jharkhand High Court for bail within the next few days, his lawyer said.



"We will read the copy of the judgment and move the high court either on Friday or next Monday," Prasad's lawyer Prabhat Kumar told PTI.

To a query on whether the RJD chief would move the court for parole following his sister's death, Kumar said it was not under consideration.

"No, it is not under consideration," he said.

On December 23, the former Bihar chief minister was convicted in the case, relating to the illegal withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from the Deoghar treasury between 1990 and 1994. On January 6, he was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail by the court.

This was the second conviction of the former Union minister in the scam that was reported, for the first time, 21 years ago.

On September 30, 2013, the 69-year-old RJD leader was convicted in another fodder scam case for the fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 37.7 crore from the Chaibasa treasury and was awarded a five-year jail term.

He was granted bail by the Supreme Court after having spent over two-and-a-half months in jail.

Prasad is an accused in three more fodder scam cases in Ranchi, relating to the "fraudulent" 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 respectively.My friend who owns a small piece of land on the outskirts of Tumakuru is not new to the world of human-wildlife interactions. He respects wild animals, has been involved in many rescues himself, and is sensitive to their needs and space. But what he has been observing over the last few months makes him anxious. "I would spot sloth bears on farmlands at least thrice a week. We would often hear and witness villagers chasing, screaming and pelting stones at sloth bears. The animosity is very real. There is a growing intolerance towards leopards and bears here."



This is not a fresh narrative - we have been reading and witnessing such interactions across India. In particular, more unpleasant stories have emerged from Hassan, Tumakuru and Ramanagara districts this past year. While discussing the issue with Kartick Satyanarayan, the co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SoS, an organisation that has been instrumental in rescuing and providing lifetime care for over 100 sloth bears, the issue of 'conflict' stands out. And, the stories that emerge are not pleasant.

Grim realities

Take for example some of these few incidents. In January 2017, a female sloth bear was critically injured after consuming an explosive device set up as bait by poachers in Chikoppa village located in Kanakapura taluk. She did not make it. In May 2017, a male sloth bear was found in the outskirts of a village located in Chikkamagaluru. The bomb had exploded in the bear's mouth, cracking its skull internally and there were hundreds of bone splinters embedded inside his mouth. He too did not make it.

In the same month, a female sloth bear and her two young cubs were found trapped inside a 20-foot deep dry well near Tumakuru. The mother bear succumbed to injuries and starvation. The cubs, identified as a male and a female made it after being rescued by the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) run by Wildlife SOS. In August 2017, the team successfully rescued and released a wild sloth bear cub trapped in a barbed wire near Koratagere village. In November 2017, two more young sloth bear cubs caught in poacher's snares were rescued.

There are several such grim stories of mortality around us, but so are narratives of faith, commitment and devotion that find their bearing in the world of rescue - like the team at Wildlife SoS, which continues to strive hard to change such tragic incidents to one of hope.

Rescues give a fair picture of the state of wild animals in a given geographical area. None of these SoS calls bear any good news. "We definitely saw an increase in number of cases in 2017 compared with 2016. Our team rescued six wild sloth bears in 2017 in Karnataka that were either severely injured, caught in human-animal conflict or had fallen prey to poacher's snares and explosives used for hunting," exclaims Kartick.

Not all the bears or leopards rescued are released back into the wild. For example, a female sloth named Hamsi with a bullet wound was rescued from Bandipur. Hamsi, today, is friendly with her keeper and has made friends with fellow rescued bears. But not all that are rescued are as lucky, as most don't make it owing to grievous injuries. In Karnataka, places like Tumakuru and Ramanagara have been quite nightmarish for wildlife and humans

alike.

Getting Worse

Incidents of wildlife-human interactions have increased and continue to get worse. Kartick seconds the fact, "Karnataka is prone to several human-animal conflicts, especially cases involving sloth bears and leopards. Over the years there has been an increase in such incidents as a result of a variety of factors including habitat

encroachment, rapid deforestation, poaching and depletion of natural prey base. We have rescued several animals in the Ramanagara area in the past. In 2016, we rescued a sloth bear injured after consuming a country-made explosive, another bear that had fallen into a 20 feet deep well and a 15-month old leopard from an uncovered water tank."

Talking about the reasons behind these recurring incidents, he adds, "The primary causes we have observed over the years include animals that are caught or involved in human-wildlife conflict situations and poaching incidents. Poaching ranks quite high on the list as we often rescue animals that have fallen prey to poacher's snares and explosives used for hunting. Uncovered wells pose a major threat to the safety of wild animals residing in close proximity to human habitations."

The locals don't have it easy either - from loss of livelihood, to threat to life, the challenges are too many. But awareness programmes and constant engagement with locals do pay off, says Kartick. "Our team has been working closely with local communities to educate people, especially those living in human-wildlife conflict zones, about using techniques for avoiding and resolving conflicts as well as encouraging responsible community participation in various conservation initiatives. Over the years, we have witnessed positive responses from the communities, especially from the young generations who are keen to learn more about conservation and respecting the wildlife that reside in close proximity to their homes."

In the month of November 2017 alone, the team rescued three sloth bears that were caught in deadly hunting traps. "In all three cases, local communities were quite supportive and were quick to report the incidents to the Forest Department and Wildlife SOS. As a result of the awareness programmes that we conduct across villages in the region, we have noticed a positive change in the general attitude of the public towards wildlife," he adds.

Although the barbaric practice of dancing bears is a thing of the past, the situation for wildlife living closer to human habitat remain dire. While the attempts at finding long-term sustainable solutions continue, its rescues such as these, done on everyday basis, that add value to the phrase 'every individual matters', human or not!Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today offered a piece of advice to politicians, like him, some of whom after becoming a part of the government, unfortunately, forget to serve people and think they are there to "only enjoy fruits".



Addressing party workers in Jammu city, Kumar said those in politics and public life should work with honesty. He stressed that the public has given us an opportunity to serve them and "we need to use it to work for their betterment."

Without identifying anyone, he said it was unfortunate that an atmosphere has developed in the country where politicians and those in the government forget to serve people and "they think they are there to only enjoy the fruits."

"Besides concentrating on overall development, we have to work for social reforms as well," Kumar, 66, said.

Underscoring the need for brotherhood and togetherness, the Bihar chief minister said: "We believe that when there is peace in society, it will move forward, and so the country."

"We have to work differently, ensure brotherhood and work for peace in society. We have to see how our efforts can benefit people, especially those on the (poverty) line."

Kumar was accompanied by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on his visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

He launched a website of the JD(U), assured the workers of his participation in the party convention in March-April, and of his full support to strengthen the party in the state.

He said the Bihar government intends to launch a vigorous campaign against child marriage and dowry in the state.

"After implementing a ban on the consumption of liquor, we are planning to launch a vigorous campaign against child marriage and the nuisance of dowry," he said.

State JD(U) president G M Shaheen welcomed Kumar and Modi and said their presence boosted the morale of party workers.

"We felt the need for a website to inform the public about the party programmes. The website will provide an opportunity to interested persons to get a membership without any charge and the public can also highlight their grievances so that party workers can try to address them," Shaheen said.

He said the JD(U) plans to participate in panchayat polls next month.

"We are taking part in panchayat polls scheduled to start from mid-February," he said, adding that the party aims to contest the next Assembly elections in the state.Mannan Wani, a Kashmiri research scholar at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), who had been missing for the past few days, is suspected to have joined terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).



A post on the social media, that showed Mannan, who had been pursuing Ph.D in Geology at AMU, with an AK 47, claimed that he joined the HM on Friday, according to the police sources here.

Aligarh police chief Rajesh Pandey said on Monday that the room at the hostel, where Mannan had been living, was raided and articles, including some literature and other documents had been recovered from there.

''We have seized some articles from his (Mannan)...they are being examined,'' Pandey said in Aligarh.

He said that Mannan had been present at the AMU campus till January 2, 2017. ''He had not been since then,'' he added. AMU authorities said that Mannan had been suspended till the investigation is pending.

The varsity officials said that Mannan was a brilliant scholar and that they had no idea how was he radicalised. His friends too expressed surprise and said that he never betrayed any signs that he could join the ranks of terrorists.

Mannan, who hailed from Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir, had been enrolled at the AMU five years back and had earlier completed M.Phil degree from there. His family had lodged a missing report on Sunday, the police said.

Police sources here said that the cops were also trying to ascertain if Mannan was in touch with some others since his disappearance.The Department of Telecom (DoT) has convened the meetings of telecom companies CEOs on January 10, to discuss the call drops issue.



On the same day, the DOT officials will also meet the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) officials on the issue, Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters here on Monday.

In the meeting, the government will inform the service providers that the issue of call drops must be addressed immediately, she said.

The Telecom Department had in a series of meetings over the last few quarters asked telcos to undertake immediate measures to improve call quality, including setting up of additional mobile towers across the country.

The call quality situation has deteriorated, she said, citing the increasing number of consumer complaints.

Over the last two years, service quality in telecom has been a burning issue. In 2016, the regulator had even ordered operators to compensate users for call drops (Re 1 for each call dropped) but the missive was struck down by the Supreme Court.

Stating that the new call drop norms have now come into effect, the secretary said the government is constantly "monitoring" the situation.

Trai's new Quality of Service (QoS) formula came to force on October 1, 2017, and telecom operators may face a maximum penalty of Rs 10 lakh for call drops which will be measured at the mobile tower level instead of the telecom circle level.An Italian court on Monday acquitted Finmeccanica former president Giuseppe Orsi and AgustaWestland former CEO Bruno Spagnolini with charges of bribing Indian officials in connection with the VVIP chopper deal.



The Italian court's order is a set back for the CBI, which had chargesheeted both Orsi and Spangnolini along with former Air Force chief S P Tyagi and others last September.

Italian news agency ANSA reported that the Milan appeals court acquitted Orsi and Spangnolini, who were earlier sentenced to four years six months and four years respectively, for international corruption and fake invoicing in the case.

In December 2016, the Italian supreme court of Cassation ordered a repeat of the appeals trial.

While sentencing them to imprisonment, the court had said there was "reasonable belief that corruption took place" in the VVIP helicopter deal.

India wanted to procure 12 VVIPs Helicopters from Agusta Westland, UK a a subsidiary of Finmeccanica in Italy and a bribe of about a58 million was claimed to have been paid to Indian leaders and officials.

The judgement had created ripples in India then because of mentions of the then Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, senior party leaders Ahmed Patel and Oscar Fernandes as well as former national security adviser M K Narayanan.

According to the CBI chargesheet, there was an estimated loss of a398.21 million (around Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal signed by the UPA government in February 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth a556.262 million.

The CBI has informed the court that it has been able to establish money trail worth a62 million (around Rs 415.40 crore) from countries like Mauritius, Singapore, the UAE, Tunisia, the UK and the British Virgin Island.The government is keen to partner with US-based iPhone-maker Apple, which wishes to set up production units in India, but has sought certain concessions on which there is little agreement.



"We are waiting for a good proposal from Apple. Please give us a concrete proposal and we will examine. We are keen to be partners with Apple," Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu told reporters to a pointed question.

The proposal from Apple was discussed during a recent meeting Apple Inc officials had with the minister. The government had sought investment and job creation details from the company to facilitate setting up its manufacturing facility in India.

Apple had in the past sought certain concessions, which the government said were "exceptional" and could not be granted to a particular company.

It sought duty exemptions on manufacturing and repair units, components, capital equipment and consumables for smartphone manufacturing and service/repair for 15 years. Besides, it demanded relaxation in mandatory 30% local sourcing. Apple also pleaded with the government that it had cutting-edge technology, and hence, it should be given relaxation. The company enjoys similar relations in China.

Apple has been eyeing India, the fastest growing smartphone market in the world, ever since its sales have dipped in the US and China.

But the government has been reluctant in giving the company favours, which other smartphone-makers do not enjoy on Indian soil.

On the country's dwindling exports, Prabhu said that his ministry was mooting the idea of incentivising states to do better in overseas trade.

"We have decided to make the district as the unit for exports rather than the state. We are in the process of preparing a strategy whereby 40% of our GDP should come from global trade and half of that from exports," Prabhu told reporters, after meeting state representatives here at the Council for Trade Development Promotion.

The Commerce Ministry has asked districts to appoint nodal officers to oversee trade. Besides, the states have been asked to prepare their individual policies to increase the level of India's foreign trade.

He said 14 states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Telangana have already prepared policies, while Delhi, Goa and Sikkim are in the process.

The minister said that the ministry is also planning to have a separate ministry for logistics in order to reduce time and cost for foreign trade.

"We're working at making logistics a separate subject that could be handled independently by a ministry," he said.

Middle school-students who were enrolled in Tulsas prekindergarten program as 4-year-olds were more likely to be enrolled in honors courses, and were less likely to be retained in a grade compared to their peers who were not enrolled in pre-K. Thats according to the latest study to find long-lasting benefits from high quality early-childhood education.

The study, The Effects of Tulsas Pre-K Program on Middle School Student Performance , was published last month in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management.

The researchers examined about 2,000 children who entered kindergarten in the fall of 2006. (Excluded from the study were children who attended a Head Start program run by the Community Action Project of Tulsa, or Tulsa CAP. Tulsa CAP children have been the subject of other studies by the same team, but this latest study sought to examine the impact of children who were in the school districts regular pre-K program.)

Overall, 6 percentage points more pre-K children enrolled in honors courses compared to youth who had not attended prekindergarten. There was a small positive impact on standardized math test scores, and also a 7 percentage point reduction in grade retention. (Sixteen percent of former pre-K students were retained, compared to 23 percent for youth who had not enrolled in pre-K.)

The program also showed some evidence of diminishing effects over timethe pre-K programs effects on reading test scores, letter grades, special education, designation as a gifted student, absenteeism, and suspensions were statistically zero.

But its noteworthy that the Tulsa program does have benefits that are measurable, compared to studies of other state-run preschool programs, such as the one in Tennessee , the study said.

So what makes Tulsa stand out compared to other programs where prekindergarten benefits fade after a few years? William Gormley, the studys lead author and the co-director of Georgetown Universitys Center for Research on Children in the United States, has a few hypotheses.

One is that Tulsas program is noteworthy for its quality. Oklahoma has one of the nations oldest universal prekindergarten programs, and under state law, all teachers must have a bachelors degree and be certified in early-childhood education. State law also requires child/staff ratios be maintained at 10 to 1. And in Tulsas prekindergarten classrooms, teachers spent a lot of time on academic subjects compared to other school-based preschool programs elsewhere, the researchers said.

Another important factor, Gormley said: most children in Tulsa attend preschool, and that means that kindergarten teachers were able to adapt their lessons to reflect and amplify what children had learned as preschoolers.

Tulsas pre-K program helps struggling students to keep their heads above water and helps excellent students to advance at a more rapid rate, Gormley said. A pre-K program that continues to boost math outcomes nearly a decade later is a big plus in a world that increasingly values STEM skills.As many as 20 students have scored 100 percentile in the Common Admission Test (CAT) held under the aegis of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow, in November last year.



The results of the nationwide test were declared by IIM-Lucknow on Monday.

"Like last year, 20 candidates have scored an overall 100 percentile in CAT 2017. However, the profile of these candidates has been different compared to those of CAT 2016," IIM-Lucknow said in a statement, announcing the results.

While all the top 20 candidates in CAT 2016 were men and engineers, this time there are "two women and three non-engineers," the premier-B school said.

CAT 2017 was held on November 26, 2017, in two shifts in 140 cities across the country. A total of 1,99,632 students took the test held for admissions to 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and 102 other management schools.

Karnataka has the highest number of B-schools (17), including IIM-Bangalore, which accepts CAT scores for filling their seats.

"The number of those who took the test this year was the largest in three years," IIM-Lucknow said.

The CAT determines the eligibility for admission to IIMs and other institutes which accept its scores for admitting students to the postgraduate programmes in management they offer. The Singapore Management University, a foreign institute based in Singapore, also accepts CAT scores for filling seats with Indian students.

All 20 IIMs admit nearly 4,000 students to their two-year management programmes based on CAT scores.

What next?

"With the results declared, the IIMs will now move in to release their shortlist for subsequent process considering CAT score and other criteria. The subsequent process for IIM-Lucknow comprises ability test and personal interview (WAT-PI)," it said.

Students who cleared CAT 2017 will be called for WAT-PI in February-April.

The IIM Luckow said it will release the list of shortlisted candidates soon.

Students can download their scorecards from the official CAT website, www.iimcat.ac.in.

"Individual SMSes were sent to candidates informing them of their overall percentiles," IIM-Lucknow said.

Students to be admitted to IIMs this year would be the first batch to get a degree in management, instead of postgraduate diploma.

Parliament recently passed a bill to vest degree-granting powers to IIMs and give greater autonomy to the B-schools in their functioning. The Indian Institute of Management Bill, 2017, became a law with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his assent to it on December 31, 2017.The debate on homosexuality was on Monday reignited by the Supreme Court's decision to revisit its 2013 judgement, upholding validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.



The Narendra Modi government would now have to explain its stand with the apex court admitting a fresh plea filed by a group of eminent citizens led by Navtej Singh Johar.

A three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, however, clarified that the court would examine only consensual sexual acts between two adults.

"The consent between two adults has to be the primary precondition. Otherwise, children would become prey, and their protection in all spheres has to be guarded and protected," the bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said.

Senior advocate Arvind Datar also agreed that he does not intend to challenge that part of Section 377 which is related to carnal intercourse with animals.

Govt stand

The order passed on Monday would throw open an opportunity for the Union government to clarify its stand.

In the Suresh Kumar Koushal case in 2013, a two-judge bench of Justices G S Singhvi and S J Mukhopadhyay (both since retired) had held that Section 377 of IPC does not suffer from the vice of unconstitutionality. It had said only Parliament has the power to quash the 1861 law, which made gay sex among consenting adults as a punishable offence.

"Notwithstanding this verdict, the competent legislature shall be free to consider the desirability and propriety of deleting Section 377 IPC from the statute book or amend the same," the bench said.

The previous UPA government had come in for strong criticism with the two ministries of home and health taking contradictory stands on the subject. The home ministry supported the plea for decriminalising the penal provision, while the health ministry maintained that it would involve risk to human beings. The then attorney general had supported the plea, while several religious bodies opposed it.Days after Jammu and Kashmir government announced that it would hold panchayat elections from February 15, the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant outfit on Monday threatened to pour acid into the eyes of people who participate in the poll process.



An audio clip, said to be "leaked conversation" between Hizb-ul Operational Commander Riyaz Naikoo and another commander Sameer Tiger, circulated on social media, threatened to blind the people who participate in the poll process.

"You saw in 2016 how many youth lost their eyesights (to pellets). That is why we have plannedawhosoever fights elections, he will be dragged out of his home and acid will be poured into his eyes so that he loses his eyesight and becomes a burden to his family for life," Naikoo was heard saying in the clip.

DH could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio message but police sources said the voice matched earlier clips released by Naikoo, who succeeded slain Burhan Wani as Hizb-ul chief.

In the 12:34-minute clip, Naikoo also threatened the local community leaders who prompt people to fight elections, saying they will also face the same fate.

The panchayat polls were scheduled in 2016 when the five-year term ended, but the elections could not be held due to unrest in the Valley following the killing of Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8, 2016. The polls could not be held last year as well due to unrest during most part of 2017.

The by-election for Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, which fell vacant after Mehbooba Mufti was elected as Chief Minister in 2016, is yet to be held after it was cancelled following widespread violence on April 9 last year during the Srinagar parliamentary by-polls, which recorded only 6% turnout. Nine people died in the violence that day.

On December 26, the state government announced a massive exercise to elect nearly 18,785 panchs and 2,369 sarpanchs in Kashmir during the elections. The last panchayat election was held in 2011, which saw a record 80% voter turnout.

While more than a dozen panchayat members were killed by the militants between 2011 and 2017, the polls last time, which were held after a gap of three decades, were violence-free. Pakistan based Hizb-ul-Mujahideen chief Syed Salah-ud-Din had that time (in 2011) initially announced that they would not target people associated with the panchayat poll process.

Boycott call

However, later he retracted saying panchs and sarpanchs were exploited by India to project Kashmir as pro-India and "they will continue to be targeted no matter how much the government tries to secure them."

Besides the militant's threats, separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik have also called for a boycott of the upcoming elections.After ruling BJP in Gujarat faced flak from Patel and Koli communities on portfolio allocation to their leaders in the newly-formed Vijay Rupani ministry, on Monday the virus hit the key Opposition party Congress.



The Koli community wanted the Congress to appoint their leader and Jasdan legislator Kunwarji Bavaliya as the leader of opposition in the state legislative assembly instead of Amreli MLA and Patel leader Paresh Dhanani. Dhanani was last week appointed to the post by Congress high command after a claimed consensus among its elected members of the assembly.

The BJP government had faced trouble from Patidars on non-allocation of 'respectable' portfolio to deputy chief minister Nitin Patel and later from koli community for not 'respecting' seniority of fisheries minister Purushottam Solanki.

Now, to make itself heard, the Koli community has planned a massive rally in support of Bavaliya on Wednesday in Ahmedabad. A Koli strongman, Bavaliya, has personally not yet come out in open to announce his displeasure. He had thrown his hat in the ring earlier for the post to which he was pipped by Dhanani. "I am satisified with the high command's decision. The event on the 10th is entirely social and has no connection with any demand," he told reporters.

However, observers believe that it could be a difficult task for Congress and state leadership to pacify the Koli community, a part of the Other Backward Caste (OBC) with sizeable presence in Saurashtra region. In 2017 Assembly polls, Congress had wrest 30 of the 54 seats in Saurashtra-Kutch region from BJP after a gap of over two decades.

Koli meet

The meeting has been called under the aegis of Akhil Bharatiya Koli Samaj, to which presidents and general secretaries of all the state Koli community units have been invited to discuss "about the serious issue of political parties ignoring the Koli samaj". The meeting notice has been signed by Chandravadan Pithawala, president of Gujarat state Akhil Bharatiya Koli Samaj.

"We are more than four decade-old organisation and if BJP can appoint a Koli to country's Presidential post, Congress could have considered a Koli representative for the important position of leader of opposition in the state Assembly," a senior Koli leader said.An association of lawyers on Monday filed a petition in the Bombay High Court demanding a probe into the death of additional sessions judge Brijgopal Harkishan Loya, who presided over a CBI court that was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.



The main prayer from the Bombay High Court was the constitution of a commission of enquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge into the "events and circumstances" surrounding the death of Judge Loya in Nagpur in 2014, that has come to light in the wake of a report published in a news magazine.



The Maharashtra government, registrar general, the journalist and the magazine have been made respondents by the Bombay Lawyers' Association (BLA), which has requested the petition to be treated as a PIL.



BJP President Amit Shah was discharged by the special CBI court in the fake encounter case a couple of years ago.



In the petition, the BLA has quoted several several media reports since the controversy broke out. It also pointed out that Justice P B Sawant, former Supreme Court judge and retired Bombay High Court judges Justice B G Kholse-Patil, Justice B H Marlapalle and Justice A P Shah had called for an independent probe into the death of the presiding CBI judge.



"...That this news report/story has shaken the conscience of the judiciary as well as the legal fraternity. If independence and integrity of the judiciary is to be preserved, then the death of Judge Loya and the circumstances surrounding the same should be thoroughly investigated by a commission of enquiry headed by retired Supreme Court judge," the petition states.

The assurance of former chief minister S M Krishna to participate in the 'Parivartana Yatra', scheduled to arrive in the district on January 19, has brought cheers among the BJP workers of the district.



Krishna, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP, had not participated in any major party programme, so far. The party workers, who met Krishna during his private visit to Bharathinagar recently, appealed to him to be a part of the Parivartana yatra, in the district. Krishna's assurance has given a much-needed morale boost to party functionaries in Maddur constituency.

Moreover, BJP's Karnataka poll in-charge Prakash Javadekar too had met Krishna in Bengaluru recently and had requested him to attend the valedictory of the Parivartana rally to be held in Bengaluru on January 28.

BJP Maddur taluk president Lakshman Kumar said, Krishna's presence during the programme would give a shot in the arm for the party. We would again request him, by inviting him formally, he said.

Yogeshwar eyes Maddur

Channapatna MLA C P Yogeshwar has plans to contest from Maddur and is holding hobli-level party workers conventions. He has been travelling across the district, with an eye on Srirangapatna and Malavalli also, as Maddur is a strong fortress of the JD(S). As Krishna has joined the BJP, old Congress leaders will also join the party. If the party works hard, victory is possible, opined a few locals.

Meanwhile, Yogeshwar is claiming that the BJP will create a history by winning Maddur Assembly constituency. Though the party workers have been urging me to contest from Maddur, the party high command will take a final decision in this regard, he said.

Cong lacks leadership

Though there is no dearth of ticket aspirants in the Congress party, it lacks popular leaders, who can face the BJP, say Congress workers. Congress leader Madhu Madegowda said, the party is being strengthened from the grassroots level. Congress will win the Maddur seat in the upcoming elections, he said.Former chief minister and JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy on Monday said that BJP leaders are behind the murder of Hindu activist Deepak Rao, who was murdered in Dakshina Kannada, recently.



Speaking to reporters here Kumaraswamy said that he has information that a BJP corporator is behind the murder. "I received the information about the involvement of a BJP leader in the murder. But the government should confirm it," he said.

Kumaraswamy said, the police have arrested four persons in connection with the murder a few days back, but, the government is not disclosing the reason behind the murder. The two-national parties - the BJP and the Congress - have come under an agreement in the murder case, he suspected.

Yettinahole project

Kumaraswamy said that he has no objection to the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project. "I never said that I will stop the project. I never opposed it. In the name of projects, including Yettinahole, the state government has indulged in various irregularities. I had said that I will stop the irregularities, but, not the project," he said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress party leaders have been targeting me by taking up the issue as they have no other matter. The CM and Chikkaballapur MP M Veerappa Moily had said that they would provide water to Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts within a year, in 2013. But even after four years, the Congress government has failed to complete the project, he pointed out.

"I have nothing to learn from Siddaramaiah. I have learnt enough from my father H D Deve Gowda," Kumaraswamy said.Language is emerging as a powerful instrument in bonding friendships, cultural ties, and economic relations. The chances of advancement of an individual and humanity is large if we learn more languages said, former MP and member of Kendriya Hindi Samiti Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad.



He was speaking during the inaugural ceremony of the 13th International Conference of South Asian Languages and Literatures (ICOSAL) here on Monday. The Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Language Studies (IILS), Delhi, has organised the three-day conference.

Prasad explained the need to expand the frontiers of positive language and roll back the boundaries of negative language.

The language we adopt, use and nurture over a period of time can form the basis for harmony and peace. Language can be an instrument of peace, both, at the level of individual and the society, he said.

Conflict

Prasad pointed out how language became a source of socio-political conflict with undesirable consequences, during the anti-Hindi agitations a few decades ago.

"Mastery over mother tongue and command over as many languages as possible enhances the choice and scope for the advancement of an individual as well as the society. Vice president M Venkaiah Naidu had command over his mother tongue Telugu and people used to attend meetings just to listen to him. When he moved to national politics, he had no clue about Hindi. But he learnt Hindi and today, he is among the top political communicators in the country. Learning an additional language is a personal choice, based on the context, need, and passion. Master your mother tongue and if you have time and willingness, learn other languages," he suggested.

ICOSAL

ICOSAL is an international forum of scholars from across the globe that deliberates on various aspects of languages, cultures, and literatures of South Asia.

The focus of ICOSAL-13 would be on the differences and similarities between the languages, cultures, and literatures of South Asia, approached from the perspective of the typologies of individual linguistic and cultural phenomena, the historical development of language families, and the numerous contacts between languages spoken in South Asia.

Around 200 participants, including 20 scholars from Russia, the USA, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and other South Asian countries are attending.The ruling BJP government in Rajasthan led by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Monday banned the release of the controversial film 'Padmavat'.



The film slated for release on January 25 will not be screened in any of the theatres in Rajasthan, a press release by Raje said.





The Chief Minister said, "The sacrifice of Rani Padmini is associated with the pride and glory of the state, owing to which Rani Padmini is not just a historical figure but the pride of Rajasthan."





The release said, "We will not allow her dignity to be hurt under any circumstance." The ban, after the film got clearance from Central Board of Film Certification, appears to be intended towards keeping the Rajput community in Bharatiya Janata Party's fold. Raje's announcement comes ahead of Lok Sabha bypolls to be held in Rajasthan on January 29.





Earlier in the day, Gulab Chand Kataria, Rajasthan's home minister, also said the film will not be allowed to be screened in the state.Even as Rahul Gandhi reached out to NRIs in Bahrain as part of his "brand building exercise," Congress and the BJP on Monday traded barbs with the ruling party describing the visit as a "copycat act" to emulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



"Rahul Gandhi's copycat acts of @narendramodi ji continue. In politics, what people look for are 3 C's: Credibility, Conviction & Competence. None of these can come from aping someone else. Isn't this an admission by @INCIndia that the real persona of @OfficeOfRG is unappealing," BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said.

"Rahul has been aping PM @narendramodi Ji. Like Modi Ji, Rahul went to colleges, temples & now NRIs. While imitation is the best form of flattery, it doesn't lead to success," he said.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari hit back at the BJP saying the party and its new President were quite aware not to follow what Modi had done in the last four years.

After his hugely successful visit to the US in September last year, Gandhi is on a day-long visit to Bahrain where he has held meetings with Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Bahrain Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. He also met business leaders of Indian origin and addressed the valedictory function of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin.

Spectacalised diplomacy

Tewari said the Modi government had demolished and destroyed the reliable and sustainable relationships India had developed with countries around the world.

"India's foreign policy lies in tatters and, therefore, the one lesson which I think the Congress has internalised very well is that you do not Spectacalise diplomacy ... it has not brought any dividends to this country at all," Tewari said.UPDATED A new study raises questions about a major shift in testing: substituting the SAT or ACT for states required high school assessments.

The study, by the Assessment Solutions Group , focuses on one slice of the testing question: whether its a good idea to let some districts substitute college-entrance exams for state tests. But the research also echoes broader questions about states decisions to use college-entrance tests, statewide, to measure student achievement.

The study concludes that letting Florida districts use the SAT or ACT instead of its own required Algebra 1 and 10th grade English/language arts tests wouldnt be a good idea, for a variety of reasons, including:



Neither college-entrance exam covered all of Floridas academic standards. The reports authors noted that districts could supplement the ACT or SAT, adding additional questions so all the standards are covered, as other states have done when they use the SAT or ACT. But that choice adds cost and complexity to using a college-entrance exam, the study said.

The college-entrance exams produce different results than Floridas own tests, which casts serious doubt on the interchangeability of the three tests, and the soundness of making accountability decisions based on them.

Lack of transparency about the ACTs and the College Boards accommodations policies leaves an open question about whether all students who need accommodations on the test can obtain scores they can use in college applications. (More on that here .)

.) Florida might not be able to back up a decision to let some districts use the SAT or ACT with the levels of evidence needed for approval by federal reviewers. (The U.S. Department of Educations peer review process evaluates, among other things, evidence that a states chosen tests are aligned to its academic standards .)

Florida requested the ASG study because it has been exploring a new kind of testing flexibility offered by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.

One provision of that law says states may decide to allow school districts to skip their state accountability tests for high school and use a nationally recognized high school assessment"in other words, the SAT or ACTto measure student achievement.

We know that only a handful of states are considering granting this kind of flexibility to districts , for reasons that my colleague Alyson Klein explores today in a blog post on Politics K-12. (Even when the offer of flexibility was shiny and new, states werent showing much enthusiasm about it.)

The study raises questions that are larger than what happens if a state lets some districts substitute the SAT or ACT for its own tests. It revisits a question that has been hovering over an accelerating trend: More and more states have been dumping their high school tests and using college-entrance exams instead as their official high school achievement tests.

The question that has troubled testing experts is the one about alignment"Can a college-entrance exam accurately measure whether students have mastered the skills and knowledge in their states standards?

I had exactly that thought as I was working on the report, said Edward D. Roeber, the lead author of the ASG study. He oversaw assessment in Michigan, a state that uses a college-entrance exam for accountability, and he has consulted on the development of other large-scale tests.

States seem to have this belief that, well, we can just drop our current high school exam, whether its PARCC, Smarter Balanced, or a custom-developed test, and we can get a two-fer by using one of these college-entrance tests. But Im not sure theyve studied it carefully enough.

Its not that its impossible to use the SAT or ACT to measure mastery of state content standards, Roeber said. Its possible. But states shouldnt assume the switch will work for them. They must conduct diligent alignment studies that will identify how well a college-entrance exam covers their academic standards. Since standards differ from state to state, each state must conduct its own alignment study, or it cant claim that the SAT or ACT is fully aligned to its standards, Roeber said.

As of a year ago, a dozen states were using the SAT or ACT as their official high school achievement test for accountability purposes. Since the SAT has been redesigned, states that use it have not yet gone through the federal peer-review process. But at least a couple of states that use the ACT got letters from the U.S. Department of Education last year asking for more evidence of alignment to state standards and/or a deeper dive into accommodations policies.

Questions about using college-entrance exams instead of standards-based tests all boil down to a choice, said Scott Marion, the executive director of the Center for Assessment, which helps states with large-scale assessment.

Everything in assessment is a choice, Marion said. Do you use a test like the SAT or ACT, and focus on predicting whether students will be successful in college? Or do you use a test designed to cover academic standards? Which one are you trying to measure?

Using a college-entrance exam without verifying that it does a good job covering a states standards risks sending confusing messages to schools, Marion said. Teachers will wonder whether they should be teaching the content of the standards their state adopted, or the material covered in a college-entrance exam, he said.

UPDATED ACT spokesman Ed Colby said that the company supported the study by offering information for analysis, but added that alignment results differ based on the methodology used. ACT backs a more holistic method of alignment, he said in an email. The ACT believes that its college-entrance exam is a valid measure of college and career readiness and well-aligned to state college and career readiness standards, he said.

The College Board defended the use of the SAT as a measure of high school achievement. Company spokesman Zach Goldberg said in an email that using the test for accountability saves testing time and measures students on what theyre already learning in the classroom. He said that the SAT meets or exceeds every one of the standards for statewide assessments in the Every Student Succeeds Act, including alignment to state academic standards.

The College Board has conducted studies demonstrating the alignment of the new SAT with the current standards in all 50 states, Goldberg said. The SAT strongly aligns with Floridas own standards. We stand ready to support states who want to use the SAT for accountability.

Get High School & Beyond posts delivered to your inbox as soon as theyre published. Sign up here . Also, for news and analysis of issues that shape adolescents preparation for work and higher education.The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a proposed Free Trade Agreement between the Asean countries and six other member countries that aims to boost goods and services trade by eliminating most tariff and non-tariff barriers - a move that, in theory, would provide India's consumers greater choice of quality products at affordable rates as well as boost service (and goods) exports from the nation's producers.



The RCEP, an economic partnership that includes China, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and the 10 Asean nations, has come into prominence as the world's largest trade pact after the US pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that excluded China and was meant, in part, to marginalise Chinese influence in the region. With the collapse of the TPP, the RCEP has risen in prominence as the pact that would bind Asia in terms of commerce.

As with all trade agreements, however, the RCEP remains mired in controversy in India. Sceptics across the political spectrum doubt the value of the partnership, with concerns that Indian manufacturers and farmers may be unable to compete on a global scale without some level of protection. This begs the question, if India's industry and agriculture are still nascent, when will they grow up, if ever, to face competition? Will industry be forever beholden to protectionist tariffs to survive?

Further, India's position has been that it would allow market access to most countries in the RCEP, particularly for those with which it has bilateral free trade agreements, apart from China with which it has a trade deficit of over $50 billion.

The Indian industry is understandably alarmed at the prospect of having to compete with Chinese companies that produce goods more efficiently and at a lower cost than Indian companies.

However, a time must come when one accepts China's comparative advantage in manufacturing and, instead of raising or keeping tariffs up to protect Indian manufacturing from China, in line with David Ricardo's theory of comparative advantage, India rather pushes for lower Chinese and Asean members' tariffs to India's specialty - IT services.

India's position in the RCEP is the most protectionist of all the nations, with New Delhi first mooting a three-tiered tariff elimination system - 42.5% of product lines to be tariff free for China, Australia and NZ; 65% for Japan and South Korea; and 80% for Asean countries.

This was rejected by all members, including Asean, who pushed for an unacceptable 92%, wherein Indian industry and agriculture would be beset with competition from foreign companies.

The Asean countries are also averse to Indian demands for liberalisation in the services sector, especially to easier movement of Indian professionals to RCEP member countries. India's proposal to make the services agreement under Asean-Australia-New Zealand FTA, signed in 2009, as the template for RCEP has been severely opposed by some members in the grouping.

Finally, India has opposed intellectual property clauses that could affect its generic drug export business. According to newspaper reports, the text of the RCEP indicates that India's Ministry of Commerce is resisting many aspects of the Japanese and Korean demands for higher intellectual property rights (IPR) standards.

The measures go beyond what is required by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS), and are called TRIPS-plus provisions.

The dilemma

Therefore, the RCEP has put huge pressure on India both on the goods side as well as on the services side, and India is moving cautiously. To exit the deal would imperil and set back global trade, while agreeing to the deal means ending policies that have supported Indian industry for decades. It sounds like a Catch-22.

However, if a deal can be reached on goods tariffs vis--vis China, keeping in mind India's justified concerns over the trade deficit, as well as the pressure resisted on intellectual property provisions and, finally, member countries can be pressured to bring down trade barriers to Indian services, a deal is in the interest of all parties.

One may ask, and justifiably, how a free trade agreement sits in sync with the Modi government's stated objective of 'Make in India'. However, this would be a nave question, because to any seasoned observer, the 'Make in India' policy of the government was primarily a branding exercise rather than one meant to provide tangible results, proof of which is that there have been hardly any concrete policy formulations worth their salt to ensure that the idea translated to results on the ground.

In reality, there has been a large amount of continuity in policy between the last government and this and, in fact, any government, be it UPA or NDA, would have pursued the RCEP, with the same concerns over trade deficit with China, intellectual property and the promotion of Indian services.For foreign policy observers, the New Year began with America blocking $225 million in military aid to Pakistan, hours after US President Donald Trump tweeted to slam the country for being a safe haven for terrorists. What made it interesting was not just that the President backed his words with action, but even more that Pakistan, too, did not let it be a monologue, but pointed fingers back at the US.



Trump's public "breaking up" with Pakistan makes one ponder what's in store for the larger realignment in light of regional and global geopolitics. Pakistan's prime minister met his army chief, perhaps worried what more damage the US could do - one speculation being that the US could stifle an IMF-led bailout of Pakistan's economy.

Earlier, Trump had paved the way for a $700 million reimbursement to Pakistan for supporting the US effort in Afghanistan. Stopping the $255 million aid tranche has only led to the realisation that Pakistan is fast becoming a Chinese client state, with Beijing facilitating easy Yuan-based bilateral trade and investment.

Trump's tirade and the fascinating exchange that has followed has only served to highlight the complexity and contradictions in geopolitics. America's tectonic shift towards India is being met with Islamabad's military and economic shift into Beijing's camp. In this Realist zero-sum game, solutions for problems like the rise of extremism and terrorism become subordinated to the global power play between a Superpower and a rising challenger.

Without an alternative base to operate from in Afghanistan, the US is bereft of choice and has to work with Pakistan if it is to remain engaged in Afghanistan. Further, any solution to the crisis in Afghanistan or the larger issues of world terrorism cannot be found in threats by nations to annihilate one another. The problems of global politics are much more complex and require steady engagement in order to be able to deal with evil on a long-term basis.

There is a clamour in Pakistan civil society that their country needs better relations with its neighbours like Afghanistan, Iran, China and even India and therefore it would be apt for it to ignore Trump's America. There is a realisation with Pakistan that it has lost more than gained from the sacrifices it has had to make to be on the right side of America.

Diplomacy cannot be situated within an ambit of on-the-spur declarations on Twitter that lack sound reasoning. Pakistan is a nuclear-armed state. If the US is determined to destabilise Pakistan, has it thought about what's to happen to Rawalpindi's nuclear weapons? The whole of South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region feel the perils involved and have to think in terms of various stakeholders like India, China and Russia over the larger question of who will play the vital role of maintaining stability as Pakistan destabilises.

The complexities of Pakistan's problems are way beyond ordinary comprehension. Trump may be attempting to woo Uzbekistan in order to be able to make up for the loss of Pakistan's support, but will finding new allies work at a time when it is becoming clear that the US is systematically damaging its own value as an ally?

America's ironic situation is easy for anyone to see: only Pakistan can help or harm the US in Afghanistan. No wonder then that critics are pointing to the grave damage that Trump's impulsive tweet might have already done to that cause. Words or actions that have a loud bang but fail to generate the requisite impact prove to be rather counterproductive.

Coercive diplomacy

Pakistan is in a severe internal crisis that is only magnified by its external ambitions. While one may not want to gloss over its dealings with extremists, it is also a fact that it is fighting the largest inland war against terrorism, albeit of its own making. Coercive diplomacy at this stage cannot make its situation much worser, but it is pushing back, banking on other allies, such as China. In time, we will know whether it was America that trumped Pakistan or Pakistan dumped Trump.

Terrorism needs to condemned in the severest of terms, but dropping one ally to build up another cannot be the way forward to dealing with it. India, too, should sense this and instead of celebrating Trump's tweet, New Delhi must realise that the answer to managing its troublesome neighbour has to come of its own engagement with it.

In the quest to push Pakistan to heighten efforts to track terrorist financiers, President Trump has put forth a morally and intellectually weak way forward. Similar damage has been done to the cause of globalisation, with equally impulsive tweets, followed by policy measures that have hurt global trade and technology flows.

Such off-the-cuff remarks by a world leader puts a question mark on the rationality of peoples to tap the right processes and individuals to advance the cause of a stable world order and continued globalisation.

World leaders can, after all, cause or stoke conflicts with the use of one idea or a word that is ill-considered. It is not to say that world leaders must not publish their thoughts on platforms such as Twitter, but to ignore their propensity to cause damage on a global scale will lead to a situation when the benefits of ease of global communications are outweighed by its costs.

(The writer is an Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Delhi)BJP national president Amit Shah will be arriving in Bengaluru on Wednesday evening and will chair a series of meetings to review the poll preparedness of the state unit.



He will be holding two sessions - one with legislators and MPs from north Karnataka followed by those from south Karnataka. He is also likely to take part in the state core committee meeting. The meetings will be held at a private resort on the outskirts of the city.

During his last visit to Bengaluru, Shah is learnt to have taken party state legislators and MPs to task for not following his "one-plus-one strategy," wherein each elected representative not only looks after his or her constituency, but one more allotted by the party. He told them that they should have visited constituencies allotted to them by his next visit to Bengaluru.

The next day, Shah will be visiting Chitradurga, where he is scheduled to address the party's Navakarnataka Nirmana Parivarthana Yatra.BJP national president Amit Shah and Congress president Rahul Gandhi will virtually take over election management of their respective parties in Karnataka as the arch rivals brace for a tough fight ahead of the crucial Assembly polls.



Post Sankranti, both Shah and Rahul are expected to deploy key resources to devise a poll strategy in the state. The 2018 Assembly election is a high-stakes battle for both parties. For the Congress, Karnataka is one of the last major states where it is in power whereas the BJP hopes to extend its winning streak from Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh to Karnataka.

Rahul has convened a meeting of the state party leaders on January 13 in Delhi, following which teams representing key cells - communications, social media and research - will camp in Karnataka. AICC communications wing convenor Priyanka Chaturvedi and AICC research wing chief Rajeev Gowda have already arrived in Bengaluru. AICC social media head Ramya, too will jump into the action soon. All India Professionals Congress chief Shashi Tharoor will also work in the state ahead of the polls. Rahul's own poll strategy team is expected to arrive in Bengaluru closer to the polls, sources said.

In the case of BJP, from February-March till the completion of the polls, a 40-member team of Amit Shah and his trusted lieutenants will descend on Bengaluru to finalise the party's strategy. Starting next month, Shah himself will tour the state extensively to gain command over details, a top BJP functionary said.

Shah is an expansionist unlike his predecessors, party insiders said. His core team comprises key strategists such as Bhupendra Yadav, a Rajya Sabha member known for his acumen to implement election strategy who prefers to work from the party's war room. Yadav is likely to be made in-charge of "page pramukh" initiative of the BJP.

The team also has Arun Singh, BJP national general secretary known for his organisational skills; Om Mathur, who enjoys Prime Minister Narendra Modi's confidence, is said to have prepared the groundwork for a 25-0 clean sweep in the Lok Sabha elections in his home state Rajasthan; BJP national general secretary (organisation) Ramlal is the link between the party and the RSS. He is likely to monitor all organisational affairs and ensure coordination with various Sangh affiliates. They will be assisted by a battery of dedicated party functionaries, sources said.

Congress MP Rajeev Gowda said his research department will work closely with the party's communications and social media teams. "We are the munitions factory," he said. "We will take up studies on what our government here has done. In other states, we were in the opposition and our research focus was different. Here, we are in power, so our work will be different," Gowda said.The leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council K S Eshwarappa on Monday termed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as a madman.



"A madman is governing Karnataka. Siddaramaiah is misusing the government machinery to target the BJP in Sadhana Samavesha," Eshwarappa charged while speaking to media persons here.

"Siddaramaiah is spending taxpayers' money to conduct the Sadhana Samavesha," Eshwarappa charged.

Due to the Congress' support to criminals, Karnataka had become a hub of murderers.

The government had withdrawn cases against PFI and KFD workers despite their involvement in anti-social activities, he stated.

Regarding chief minister's visits to residences of Deepak and Abdul Basheer in Dakshina Kannada, Eshwarappa wanted to know why Siddaramaiah didn't visit residences of over 20 Hindu youths killed in the last four years in the state.

Regarding CM's reference to a currency note counting machine at his residence, Eshwarappa justified it, saying as a businessman he had purchased the machine.The state BJP on Monday stepped up its attack on state government for its "failure" to curb killing of Hindu youths.



BJP leaders led by party state unit president BS Yeddyurappa staged a protest in front of Gandhi statue in Anand Rao Circle condemning the government for not making a sincere effort to stop the killings.

Addressing the party workers, Yeddyurappa accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of using the murders of DeepakaRao and Basheer to provoke communal feelings of people for electoral gains. Home Minister R Ramalinga Reddy did not even hold a meeting with police officers after the murder of Rao and Basheer to control the situation in Surathkal, he said.

While it was the responsibility of every government to maintain law and order in the state, the reverse was happening in Karnataka. The government itself is responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation, he charged.

BJPastate generalasecretary Shobha sought to know on what grounds the government gave permission for PFI to hold its convention at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru last year.

Yeddyurappa also took to Twitter to launch an attack on the chief minister. "Siddaramaiah is indulging in communal politics. So far, 21 Hindu youths have been killed. If you have concern, then scrap the decision taken by the state government to withdraw cases against Popular Front of India (PFI)," he tweeted.State Congress working president Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday that Sangh Parivar was behind the killing of many Hindus, including the BJP workers in the state.



"Sangh Parivar was behind the murder of Harish Poojari. A Bajarag Dal activist is the first accused in a case pertaining to the death of police officer Kallappa Handibag. The BJP leaders speaking on this issue is like rowdies lecturing on law and order," he told reporters.

Rao said he will not deny accusation by JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy that a BJP corporator was behind the killing of Deepak Rao at Suratkal. Kumaraswamy was the chief minister. He normally speaks with proper evidence, he added. The BJP is unable to face the election on development issues, he said.The High Court of Karnataka on Monday said that it can intervene only if the money spent by the government on Sadhana Samavesha was against the provision of law.



A division bench of acting Chief Justice H G Ramesh and Justice P S Dinesh made the observation while hearing a PIL filed by Keertivardhan Joshi, alleging that the ruling party was using public money on Sadhana Samavesha, to fulfil its political objectives.

The petitioner sought time to furnish material for establishing the misuse of funds by the ruling party. The matter was adjourned to Friday.The BBMP will not dole out monetary compensation to people who part with their properties for the widening of Sarjapur Road in southern Bengaluru.



The decision was taken after Bengaluru Development Minister K J George held a meeting with property owners on Monday.

"We will issue Transferable Development Rights (TDRs), not monetary compensation, to property owners," BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad said.

The BBMP is planning to build a six-lane road along with a service road from the Outer Ring Road to the Iblur junction. It intends to acquire 320 properties spread over 2.5 acres.

Property owners, however, want monetary compensation. The meeting was held as some of them complained that the BBMP hadn't consulted them before taking up the project.

'No social impact study'

B V Ramachandra Reddy, of the Committee Against Harassment of Owners in Sarjapur Road Widening Project, claimed the BBMP is planning a social impact survey to find out how many families will be affected by the project. But Prasad denied conducting such a survey.

"It's not necessary to conduct a survey on this road," he asserted.

50 families to be hit

Reddy argues that the survey was important as 50 families would be affected. Thirty of them might become homeless while the rest would lose their livelihood.

As many as 113 out of 248 property owners have raised objections to the TDR, he said. "One of my relatives was compensated Rs 16,000 per square foot for parting with his property for the metro line on Hosur Road. Why can't the BBMP do the same here? Land prices on Sarjapur Road are higher because the locality is more developed and has better facilities," Reddy said.

Reddy accused the civic body of inviting tenders for the projects in May 2017, two months before issuing notices to property owners.

"This is unfair. If the BBMP does not agree to give us monetary compensation and goes ahead with the project, we will approach the court and get a stay," he added.New Orleans maturing charter school field is beginning to reveal structural differences among schools that might help spur student learning.

More than 4 in 5 public school students in the Crescent City attended charter schools in the 2012-13 school year, according to a study by University of Arkansas researcher Patrick Wolf for the Institute of Education Sciences, part of the Louisiana Charter Schools Research Alliance of the Regional Educational Laboratory Southwest. Charter schools tend to serve more black and low-income students than traditional district schools in the city.

Wolf and co-author Shannon Lasserre-Cortez of the American Institutes of Research analyzed student growth from 2012-2014 in language arts, math, and science at 50 of the citys 92 charter campuses (not counting those that did not produce student growth data that year).

They found that charter schools, in general, served wider grade spans within the same campus. The study was not causal, but it did find that charter schools that started in kindergarten and those with extended school years had faster student growth in students language skills than schools that started school at higher grades or with shorter years.

Schools with higher concentrations of experienced teachers were associated with faster student growth, but schools with high concentrations of teachers with graduate degrees were actually associated with lower student growth than average. However, New Orleans charter schools in general had lower concentrations of teachers rated highly effective than the state average.A single foetus was found on the St John's hospital premises on Sunday.



The foetus was found in a public toilet adjacent to the emergency room, following which the hospital authorities informed the police.

"We are waiting for a response from the police. This is the third time in a couple of months that a foetus has been found on the hospital premises," said Dr Sanjiv Lewin, medical superintendent of the hospital.

St John's does not perform medical termination of pregnancies, he said. "I was told that the police have found some evidence from the CCTV cameras in the hospital premises," said Dr Lewin.Five employees of a dingy bar were killed in a fire that broke out in the early hours on Monday.



Prasad (20), Rangaswamy (23) from Gubbi, Mahesh (35), from Channarayapatna, Manjunath (45) from Hassan, and Keerthi (24) from Mandya choked to death at Kailash Bar and Restaurant in Kalasipalyam.

The bar is on the ground floor of the three-storey Kumbaara Sangha building.

Bar cashier Ramachandra received an alert around 2.45 am from Nagappa, who lives in a building adjoining the bar.

#DH_Illustration on the fire broke out at #KailashBar and restaurant in the #Kalasipalyam--KR Market area in the wee hours of Monday morning killing the five people inside. #BengaluruFire. pic.twitter.com/38oZPr6f6f  Deccan Herald (@DeccanHerald) January 8, 2018





Ramachandra then called Prasad, one of those sleeping inside the bar, to ask what had happened.

"Prasad was crying and said the bar was engulfed by smoke. He spoke for three minutes and then cut the call," he told DH.

Ramachandra tried calling Prasad a few minutes later but got no response. He informed the fire service and rushed to the spot, but it was too late.

No ventilation

Two fire tenders and a fire rescue vehicle reached the spot only around 4 am.

The fire force had a tough time opening the metal shutter as it was hot. The workers had died by the time rescue staff gained entry.

Four bodies were found near the toilet on the first floor, while the fifth was on the ground floor.

Mahesh, found near the bar counter near the shutter, had burn wounds on his hands.

The others were found near the toilet, accessed by a flight of metal stairs from the ground floor.

All five died of asphyxiation, the police suspect. The post-mortem was conducted at Victoria Hospital and the reports are awaited.

Criminal negligence

Kalasipalyam police have registered a case of criminal negligence and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

"We have booked the bar owner and licence holder. We are checking if the bar was sublet and will fix culpability," said city police commissioner T Suneel Kumar.

He has ordered an inquiry and expects a report within four days.

The building is 70 years old, and the Class 9 excise licence holder has been identified as V R Dayashankar, whom the police learnt was a paralytic.

The bar was run by his brother Prakash and Somashekar, who holds stakes in the business.

Locked inside?

The five employees were locked inside the bar by the cashier, who retained the keys, families of the fire victims told DH.

The employees had no way to open the shutter and run to safety, they lamented.

Ramachandra, the cashier, told the police the workers had a set of keys, but couldn't explain why they had not been able to open the shutter and escape to safety.



What caused the fire?

Among the devices inside were a fridge, digital video recorder connected to CCTV cameras, and a UPS with batteries.





The police suspect the fire was caused by a short circuit.





The Electrical Inspectorate and experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory will investigate the cause of the fire, police said.





Room infested





For about a week, the five employees had been retiring at night at the bar as their room on the second floor was infested with bedbugs and rats.By Ed OKeefe

8 January 2018

(The Washington Post)  A massive influx of Puerto Rico residents displaced by recent hurricanes is transforming communities in Florida and other states, and a conservative group is moving quickly to woo them ahead of the midterm elections.The Libre Institute, an offshoot of the Libre Initiative, a group backed by the billionaire Koch brothers, is launching new outreach programs this week in the Orlando area designed to provide English-language courses and civics lessons to thousands of Puerto Ricans living at least temporarily in Central Florida as the island continues rebuilding after deadly hurricanes Irma and Maria last fall.Full power has not yet been restored on the island, and Florida officials say more than 300,000 people have at least passed through the Sunshine State from Puerto Rico in pursuit of new opportunities or temporary shelter. Thousands of young island residents have been enrolled in Florida schools while their parents seek work and housing.Residents of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens who can participate in presidential primaries but cannot cast a vote for president  unless they move to the mainland and register to vote. With hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans leaving the island, they are poised to transform several communities in Florida and bolster fledgling island communities in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas while adding to their already large numbers in New Jersey, New York and parts of New England. The ongoing churn has the potential to transform the political dynamic ahead of Novembers midterms, especially in down-ballot races, in which even a few hundred new voters could make a difference.The Libre Institutes Welcome to Florida classes will launch this week at the groups offices in the Orlando area, part of an initial $100,000 commitment by the group that is set to grow in the coming weeks as the program expands to centers in Miami and Tampa, two other parts of the state attracting Puerto Ricans. []Democrats and progressive organizations have sounded the alarm about Libres work in the past, accusing the group of skirting nonprofit laws by handing out ideological material; collecting names, email addresses and phone numbers; and basically doing the early legwork that Republicans should otherwise be doing to win over new voters.Doing anything to track down and even indirectly woo potential Latino Republican voters could be critical next year in Florida, which faces an open gubernatorial race, a competitive reelection fight for Sen. Bill Nelson (D) and a handful of congressional races that could tip the balance of power in the House of Representatives. [more]Tapping Into Social's Sphere of Influence

With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, a new category of celebrity has emerged: the digital influencer. While their names might not be as recognizable as Kim Kardashians or Justin Biebers, these influencers have built strong followings based on their expertise in particular areas.

Because of their reach, digital influencers have been employed by companies for various promotional purposes. An example is a promotion that Fiji Water ran last summer tapping fashion blogger Danielle Bernsteinwhose Instagram handle (@weworewhat) boasts 1.7 million followersand celebrity personal trainer Eric Johnson. The result was a workout program called BodyWoreWhat. For a one-time membership fee of $35, users received access to eight short workout videos and a comprehensive meal plan. In addition to sponsoring the project, Fiji kicked in a 25 percent discount off the first shipment of home delivery for its water.

Fiji is not the only company to have run an influencer-driven campaign. In fact, 60 percent of marketers commissioned influencers to make content for them in 2016, according to a recent report from Forrester Research.

At press time, 2017 figures were not yet available, but the enduring dominance of social mediawith Instagram alone boasting 800 million monthly active users as of Septemberwould seem to suggest that digital influencers will continue to have a special place in marketing strategies for quite some time.

According to the same Forrester report, influencers fall under the umbrella of word-of-mouth marketing, which the report asserts also includes customer and employee advocacy. More specifically, the report defines influencers as mainstream journalists, industry analysts, subject matter experts, independent bloggers, and certain social media celebrities who have influence in a specific topic or category and are not customers or employees of the brand.

For marketing and e-commerce consultant Kathryn Kerrigan, an influencer is a person or entity with a wide network of connections, followers, or fans, and the ability to influence, change, or alter the behaviors, acts, and style of others. She notes that there is an unspoken and unwritten acknowledgment that one who follows an influencer believes in that influencers vision. Typically, influencers are categorized by the number of followers in their networks, she says, noting that a micro-influencer might have a reach of just a few thousand, while a mega-influencersuch as Selena Gomez who, with 128.3 million Instagram followers, is the most followed person on the platformcan command audiences of tens of millions.

There are influencers specific to nearly every industry, from fashion to food to electronics, Kerrigan says, adding that within each industry there are different types of influencers, ranging from members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan to celebrity bloggers like Perez Hilton to thought leaders like Tesla founder Elon Musk.

Felix LaHaye, cofounder of influencer marketing company Open Influence, defines the phenomenon fairly broadly: An influencer is one that has garnered a reputation and subsequently a following on social media platforms for the content that they post.

Like Kerrigan, LaHaye notes that most influencers have a specialty, such as fashion, gaming, or technology. A common criterion for influencers is to have at least 10,000 followers on at least one social platform, he says, and to consistently generate a minimum of 1,000 engagements (likes, comments, reposts, shares, etc.) for each piece of content.The IoT possibility for traditional IPCs: Q&A with Artila director of IoT Division Mike Kao

Artila Electronics is a long-term player in the IPC industry, but unlike most others that focus on developing x86 applications, Artila has chosen ARM-based systems as the main direction for its IPC road trip. Although its products are considered niche devices, the company has still managed to grow rapidly in the solar and power management sectors and are gradually expanding into some emerging sectors such as electric vehicles and charging stations.

Mike Kao, director of Artila's IoT Division, talked about the company's businesses during a recent interview by Digitimes.

Q: What products and business does Artila do?

A: Artila is a developer of ARM-based industrial PC (IPC) products and the company's founders are all from IPC-related industries.

When we started the business, the combination of x86 architecture hardware and Microsoft's operation system was the most commonly seen IPC configuration that companies were offering. To differentiate, we put our focus on ARM-based processors - which by then were used mostly in handsets products - to design and develop IPCs.

ARM-based processer's low-power-consumption advantage allowed us to create IPCs in a rather small form factor. Our main product line: the intelligent Internet of Things (IoT) gateway consisted of IPCs with sizes of a cigarette box and they were also the first device we developed when we were founded.

The IPCs are designed specifically to handle headless applications including data collection and industrial protocol conversion, that do not require a user's interaction and therefore they do not feature any display port for graphic output. After gathering the data, the IPCs then transmit it to a back-end server system for further processing, making the products suitable for device networking purposes.

We started developing the IPCs 12 years ago and by then the concept of Internet of Things (IoT) still did not exist and many traditional industrial devices still could connect to Internet. To connect these traditional devices - that can only output data via conventional serial ports - to the Internet, we have developed our computers to act as a bridge for the two, as Internet has gradually become a standard for data transmission.

Our computers use Linux operating system. With its open platform and powerful functionality, our clients are able to quickly start the application development without hassle. The built-in web server and Internet utility also make remote control of traditional industrial devices an easy task like managing regular office PCs.

For clients that are capable of designing customized networking boards for their traditional devices or wish to integrate the function into their hardware instead of adopting an add-on, Artila is also able to supply only the system on module (SoM) to the clients. The clients only need to place a paired socket for the SoM on their customized boards in order for our SoM to function.

In addition to the intelligent IoT gateway product line, we also have remote I/O products, which are similar to programmable logic controller (PLC) and can be used for auto switch or simple logic control applications such as sensor, data collection or power control.

Q: What applications can the intelligent IoT gateway be used in?

A: One of the major applications for our IPCs is solar power systems. Our device is able to calculate how much power has been generated by the system and sold to the power company.

Another major application is the energy management system. We have seen our shopping mall clients adopt our IPCs to measure each store's power consumption instead of the traditional method of having the power company put a meter for each one of them. The advantage of using our solution is that the shopping mall's management team is able to negotiate better terms with the power company as the team is the one managing the power system.

Q: What are Artila's main target regions? Does Artila have plan for expansion?

A: Currently, Europe is our main market and demand is primarily from the solar and power industries.

For Asia Pacific, our business is mainly from the solar and power industries. Since many of the countries in Asia Pacific, especially those in Southeast Asia, have been aggressively building new power-related infrastructures, demand has been gradually picking up. We are also seeing rising demand from Australia.

North America is another region where we have been expanding our presence. However, instead of the solar and power industries, which have already reached saturation, we are seeing increasing orders from the unmanned device management segment. For example, we have seen clients purchase our solutions to set up IP cameras in sightseeing attractions and sell the videos or photos the device captured to visitors.

Since our solution is based on an ARM processor, its low power consumption and low heat generation are giving it advantages in some niche sectors such as 24-hour surveillance in the wilderness.

Our products are also being adopted in emerging applications such as electric vehicles and their charging stations for measuring power and handling payment.

Q: What is the IPC market's current status based on Artila's observation?

A: We are actually not seeing many players doing solutions like ours and our products so far still have not yet become a solid market that can attract enterprises to form an ecosystem. Although we do not see much of a competition, finding clients is also not an easy task for us.

Simply put, instead of finding clients, our business model is more relying on having clients find us.

Q: What advantages do Artila's products have in competition?

Artila's specialty is actually its firmware customization services. For x86-based IPCs, companies need help from Microsoft to assist them in software, but for ARM-based IPCs, companies need a service provider that is able to write firmware to control the devices for them to perform the functions they need. Atrila's team is able to assist its clients to customize their firmware to best suit their demand.

With IoT gradually becoming a major part of the IPC industry, Artila has been devoted to developing cloud transmission technologies and standards. In the past, we simply added networking functionality to traditional IPCs for them to transmit data to a server system, but now we are also offering support on multiple cloud protocols to our devices for them to build databases in any of the third-party cloud computing platforms from players such as Amazon, Microsoft and IBM.

Compared to x86-based systems that could easily crash after a few power outages, Artila's system features a power outage-proof measure that can prevent system crash and prolong the devices' product life.

Artila director of IoT Division Mike Kao

Photo: Joseph Tsai, Digitimes, December 2017The Trump administration will end temporary legal immigration status for hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans who have been living in the United States since 2001.

The decision means that immigrants from El Salvador who currently have Temporary Protected Status, a program that allows immigrants from countries in crisis to live and work in the United States legally, must return to the Central American nation by September 2019 or be subject to deportation.

The decision could upend the lives of thousands of U.S.-born, school-age children in U.S. K-12 schools. How many children would be affected is unclear, but the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based research group, estimates that the decision could alter the immigration status of as many as one in every five Salvadoran immigrants living in the United States.

The federal government first granted Salvadorans temporary protected status in 2001 during the George W. Bush administration after a series of earthquakes killed nearly 1,000 people and destroyed tens of thousands of homes.

Bush and President Barack Obama extended those protections, finding that El Salvador had not fully recovered from the earthquakes and also suffered from violence that made it problematic to return so many people to the unstable nation.

Cutting off the protected status means that the Department of Homeland Security, under President Donald Trump, signals that the federal government now thinks that conditions in El Salvador have improved enough for the Salvadoran immigrants to return home.

Its a conclusion that immigration advocates disagree with.

Salvadoran TPS holders have been living here with work permission for nearly two decades, Frank Sharry, executive director of Americas Voice Education Fund said in a statement. Now, the Trump administration is trying to drive them back to a country engulfed in corruption, violence, and weak governance.

Even as the country recovers from the earthquake, families and unaccompanied minors have fled El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras in recent years because of rampant violence there and have struggled to adjust and find a place in U.S. schools .

Besides the language barrier, with many Spanish speakers arriving in the U.S. knowing little or no English, a 2016 investigation by the Associated Press found that dozens of districts in 14 states were actively discouraging children from enrolling in schools or setting them up in dead-end alternative programs .

U.S. Census data culled by the Migration Policy institute found several metropolitan areas with significant Salvadoran-born populations, including Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Francisco in California; Dallas and Houston in Texas; and Miami, New York, and the District of Columbia along the East Coast.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen determined that the original conditions caused by the 2001 earthquakes no longer exist. Thus, under the applicable statute, the current TPS designation must be terminated, a press release from the agency read. In recent years, the U.S. government has been repatriating individuals back to El Salvador more than 39,000 in the last two years demonstrating that the temporary inability of El Salvador to adequately return their nationals after the earthquake has been addressed.



Phasing Out Protected Status for Other Immigrants

Temporary protected status never offered a pathway to citizenship for the Salvadoran immigrants. Previous presidents have canceled the protection for immigrants from countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

The Trump administration has been phasing out temporary protected status for immigrants from a number of countries, with El Salvador becoming the latest on the list.

All told, the Migration Policy Institute estimates that the recent decisions by the federal government will force more than 400,000 people to leave the country or risk living as undocumented immigrants.

In November, Homeland Security announced it was canceling the visas for roughly 59,000 Haitians living under protected status in the U.S. since a powerful earthquake in 2010 leveled the country. Now, they must return home by July 2019 or face deportation.

A 2017 Migration Policy study found that the nations Haitian immigrants are concentrated in central and South Florida , and the New York City and Boston metropolitan areas.

Miami-Dade schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, a fierce immigration advocate , estimated that, in his district alone, almost 12,000 students and another 5,700 enrolled in adult education courses would be affected by the decision to end their protected status , NBC 6 in South Florida reported back in November.

In 2015, the U.S. Department of Education estimated that there were close to 24,500 Haitian Creole English-language learners in U.S. schools.

Since Trump took office, Homeland Security has also sunset the visas for thousands of immigrants from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Sudan.

As the July 2019 date nears, removing the protected status for such a potentially large group of students will lead educators to explore what they can do to protect the rights of undocumented students .

Photo: CASA de Maryland, an immigration advocacy and assistance organization, holds a rally in Lafayette Park, across from the White House in Washington on Jan. 8, in reaction to the Trump administrations announcement that it will rescind Temporary Protective Status for immigrants from El Salvador. --Pablo Martinez Monsivais/APSave my User ID and Password

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SEATTLE  Sound Transit is seeking five volunteers to join a citizen advisory group for the West Seattle and Ballard Link light rail extensions.

Members will work with other advisory group members to help refine project alternatives for further study in the environmental review phase. The group will meet monthly through spring 2019 starting in February.





. . .Subscriber content preview

WHITEFISH, Mont. (AP)  The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy is trying to prevent a commercial building in northwestern Montana designed by the famed architect from being demolished.

The Chicago-based conservancy is trying to find someone to pay $1.7 million for the former medical center in Whitefish. The brick building was designed by Wright in 1958, a year before he died.





. . .Subscriber content preview

ANCHORAGE (AP)  Researchers in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska are looking for backcountry enthusiasts who want to aid a science mission.

A program funded by NASA is recruiting citizen scientists to measure snow levels in mountain terrain. The goal is better estimates of the water contained by snow in a watershed.





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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. 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CAMEROUN :: Cameroon, Biya: Outraged by his own creature

Many Cameroonians witnessed with glee as minister and griot in Chief Jacques Fame Ndongo was treated with nothing less than a rude handshake and asked to move on as quickly as possible. The president did not hide his outrage against his creature on national television. The president has not intent to lavish on his creature the attention he does not deserve after being screwed over by the computers fiasco.

First, however, this was the most extraordinary since Mr. Biya is famous for not holding ministerial council, does not receive his ministers, many of them has never met and does not even know him personally We have to wait for a ceremony like this one to hope to deliver information to the boss. Indeed, Mr. Fame Ndongo no longer seems famous in the eyes of his creator. Implicit in the presidents rudeness and, in a normal country, Mr. Fame Ndongo should have given his demission already but we are not in a normal country.

The latest P.R with the presidents computer gift to Cameroonian students turned into a major fiasco to the point that the president did not even bother to include it in his laundry list of accomplishments during his New Year speech. Paul Biya is certainly angry because of the 500,000 computers he had promised to young people went below his own expectation. The students only received computers with 32 GB with windows 10 and updates that take more than half of the 32 GB. These are computers twenty years too late.

The students have now put these computers on sale on the market at a price range between 50,000 and 70,000 FCFA. Basically, kids tell them:  Your stuff is not worth much, but it can still provide some pocket money. 

The minister Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo is accountable for this scandal called PB netbooks with shoddy laptop gifted to students in place of real laptops that President Paul Biya had apparently instructed.

The central question is where is the money? Somebody turned the computers deal into some kind of cash grab. This is another example of a regime full of opportunistic crooks always looking to build an independent income stream from the states coffers.

In a normal country, action must be taken immediately, the Cameroonian state must denounce the contract PB Netbook with the Chinese; for fraud and corruption. If the order is for these Netbooks, the unit price should not exceed 30000 FCFA. In all cases, the scandal is so big that we must denounce the contract and the matching loan and ask the Chinese party to pay damages to the State of Cameroon. But we are not in a normal country, arent we? Nothing but good time ahead

Some begin to visibly become aware of the extent of the problem, and are no longer just saying  well do how , or celebrate the  great achievements  phantasmagorical Paul Biya.

The future of millions of young and old is singularly mortgaged by the catastrophic governance of this man, whether one is a fervent supporter of his thirty-year regime or not.

The time has come to reverse this situation!The members of 20 organisations - including one Jewish - that advocate boycott of Israel will be banned from entering the country. Israel's ministry of strategic affairs, a governmental department, has drawn up the list created to fight the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement, known as BDS. "The anti-Israel boycott campaign seeks not to promote peace but to undermine Israel's national security and existence," said minister Gilad Erdan. "The state of Israel will prevent groups working to undermine its security and core interests from entering Israel." The list comes from a March 2017 law that allows Israel to deny entry to any nonresident who promotes a boycott of the country. The final list was worked out in collaboration with the interior, foreign affairs and justice ministries. The new regulations would take effect in March 2018, one year after Israel enacted the law enabling the ban. Critics of the legislation took aim at the ban on Jewish Voice for Peace, a left-wing Jewish organisation that advocates the boycott as a nonviolent means of ending Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories even as it sought "security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians" as also a solution for Palestinian refugees. "A new crack in the wall of the occupation," tweeted Ayman Odeh, an Arab member of Israel's Knesset. "Minister Erdan has decided to ban Jewish activists who oppose the occupation, although they are entitled to Israeli citizenship by the discriminatory law of return. Oppressive regimes have collapsed because of such internal contradiction." According to a statement by the Strategic Affairs Ministry, those who have carried out ''significant, ongoing and consistent harm to Israel through advocating boycotts may be considered to have their entry barred.'' ''The boycott organisations must know that the state of Israel will act against them,'' Erdan said in a statement. ''The creation of this list is another step in our struggle against the incitement and lies of the boycott organizations.''







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Support our mission and join our community now.The Donegal public is being asked to consult the draft version of the County Donegal Book of Honour which contains the names of all those from Donegal who died during World War I.

Donegal County Museum Curator Judith McCarthy has been working on updating the County Donegal Book of Honour for the last few years and describes the task as a labour of love and one that has allowed her to build on the great work done by Paddy Harte Snr and the County Donegal Book of Honour Committee almost 16 years ago.

I think it is really important that we remember all those who gave their lives during World War 1 - if we dont remember them who will, she said.

There were many Donegal families who lost loved ones during this war and we are planning to publish a new edition of the Book of Honour in November to mark the centenary of the ending of the war and as a tribute to all those from Donegal who died. We are keen to get information that will allow us to fill in some of the gaps that we currently have so that we can have as complete a record as possible says Judith McCarthy.

The County Donegal Book of Honour, The Great War 1914-1918 which was first published in 2002.

The date for submissions to the new edition, including amendments and new information, has been extended to 31 January 2018.

Judith is inspired for personal reasons as she too has family members who lost their lives during this war. My mothers uncle died in 1917 from injuries sustained in France during the war and last year on the 100th anniversary of his death my family and I visited his grave in Dublin. It was an emotional thing to do and even more so when you think that for nearly 100 years his story had been forgotten like so many others in Ireland. My father also lost an uncle in the war  he was only 19 years old and my grandmother never quite got over his loss as he was her youngest brother. I am sure this heartache was felt in many Donegal families as so many young lives were lost during the war.

We now have more information on the men and women who died, including those who enlisted in countries such as Canada, Australia and the USA and with more records being made available online we have discovered the names of other people from Donegal or with a strong Donegal connection that died during the war and these names will be included in the next edition of this book.

However, there are still gaps in the information that we have and that is why we are keen to get more information from the public. For example, we have details of individuals such as Hugh Boyle from Donegal Town who was killed in action on 15 October 1915 but we have not been able to confirm these details in relevant records so we would like to hear from anyone who may have more information.

Further information is also needed for T. Graham, Killymard, Donegal Town; Martin Morris, Donegal Town; Francis T. Kenny, Ardara; Reginald Belvoir, Dunfanaghy, Richard Warburton; Charles Harrigan, Muff and James O'Donnell, Moville.

Anyone who can provide more detail on these individuals should consult the draft Book of Honour available at www.donegalcoco.ie and entries that require further information are highlighted in blue in the draft book.

In updating the County Donegal Book of Honour: The Great War 1914-1918, the Museum is asking the public to consult the draft version of the Book which is available on www.donegalcoco.ie or by appointment in Donegal County Museum.

If any member of the public has any updated or new information or wish to amend any information already contained in the book, they can do so by filling in the details on the Book of Honour form (available at www.donegalcoco.ie) and post or email it to County Donegal Book of Honour, Donegal County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny Co Donegal; or email to donegalbookofhonour@donegalcoco.ie by the 31st January 2018.Former Donegal TD and minister of State Paddy Harte has passed away this morning.

The Fine Gael politician was elected to Donegal County Council in 1960 and to the DAil as TD for Donegal North East the following year. He held the seat until 1997.

The Raphoe-based politician served as minister of state as well as spokesman on Northern Ireland.

Born in 1931, he was well-known in more recent times for his work to create a lasting memorial to Irelands First World War dead which resulted in the Island of Ireland Peace Park and Round Tower on Messines Ridge in Belgium.

Donegal TD Joe McHugh paid tribute to Mr Harte. He said he had left a lasting peace process legacy through his cross-community and cross-Border work.

"I went into politics after Paddy but was acutely aware when I entered Dail Eireann of his work before me for the people of County Donegal," said Minister McHugh.

"He also did incredible work to build bridges on this island during many dark days for our people and his lasting legacy will be the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Flanders, Belgium, which was officially opened by President McAleese in 1998.

"I want to express my deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this time. Go ndeana Dia trocaire air."The tiny West Fermanagh village of Cashel was the subject of a major security alert today. This is the third alert of its type in the past two weeks.

A number of police jeeps, unmarked police cars and other units entered the village shortly after 8am. They set up two road- blocks, one at Cashel Cross at a link road to the county Leitrim village of Kiltyclogher and the other one at Kilcoo Cross, another link road into the county Leitrim village.

Four police vehicles and six officers were present at Cashel Cross while one unmarked police car blocked the entrance to the county Leitrim village at Kilcoo. Officers have already carried out extensive searches of the area between Cashel Cross and Kiltyclogher that is about three quarters of a mile from Cashel.

"Suspect Device"

They were acting on reports that a suspect device was found in the area. The previous security alert on Sunday December 18 caused the road between Cashel and Kiltyclogher to be closed for 48 hours causing considerable inconvenience to locals in this border area.

One local said: This is causing major disruption to people living in the area and there are rumours that there may be a bomb. Naturally this has to be checked out but it is very difficult for people who are trying to get to work and trying to get children to school. It is very worrying.

Police found nothing on that occasion. But it seems that there is still some concern that a suspect device might still be in the area.

Cashel is about two miles from the village of Garrison and seven miles from Belleek on the Donegal border.A HUGE crowd of people attended the candle-lit vigil held in Dundalk earlier tonight for Japanese man Yosuke Sasaki who was killed on the Avenue Road on January 3.

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) business student Veronica Tedzhoyan who is originally from Germany but is currently living at Mourneview Hall in Dundalk told the Dundalk Democrat that she had attended the vigil to "show solidarity".

Saara Salmi, a 23-year-old DkIT social studies student from Finland who also lives at Mourneview Hall said she attended the vigil to "show empathy".

"I'm here to show good will. It's important to show everyone and to support people and to stand up for good and peace and love," she said.

Catriona Watters from Doylesfort Road, Dundalk said: "I just think the town needs to show support to Yosuke and his family. It's such a tragedy."

She added: "I thought the vigil was lovely, all the music was very touching. It's nice his work mate spoke on behalf of the company Yosuke worked for."

Tina Bellew from Castlebellingham worked with Mr Sasaki at National Pen. She said: "I didn't know him well but he always had a smile on his face and seemed like a lovely guy."

She added that the staff at National Pen are "devastated" over what happened to Mr Sasaki.

"We are very supportive to one another. It has brought the two teams a lot closer. I think the vigil is a credit to the town. It was very well organised."

A second National Pen employee, Catherine Crosby from St Nicholas Avenue, Dundalk said there was a "great turn out" for the vigil.

Donna Quinn from Muirhevnamor thought it was "lovely, emotional and sad but well done". David Crosby from St Nicholas' Avenue said: "It was really nice".

Chris Ellis from Doolargy Avenue said: "I came to the vigil to show my support for Yosuke and his family and the two Dundalk lads that were injured. It was a nice turn out for a small enough town.Splend, Australias leading supplier of rental vehicles for the ride sharing drivers, has secured a $7.2 million investment from Element Fleet Management, positioning it realise the next phase of its global expansion plans.

In exchange for the strategic investment, Element has secured a 12.5% stake in the two-year-old business, which previously received funding from Investec Australia in December 2016.

Splend founder and CEO Chris King said Elements investment in his startup will enable immediate launches in Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, resulting in a new and growing source of revenue.

Splend and Element have an existing business relationship with Element providing a host of fleet management services to Splend and its drivers in Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.

Splend currently owns and manages more than 1,700 vehicles, operating in Australias major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra, with additional vehicles recently launched in Toronto, Mexico City, and London.

King said the Element investment will help Splend achieve its target of more than 15,000 vehicles, worth $220 million, under management worldwide by late 2019.

Our relationship with Element is a true partnership, and with their support we feel very confident in taking our business model global, he said.

Jim Halliday, president & CEO  International, Element Fleet Management has joined Splends board of directors. Halliday said Splend is aligned with its vision of bringing more effective, cost-effective car-sharing services to cities.

We are extremely pleased to work with Splend to service the future of share economy vehicle networks, he said. Splend is creating opportunity for drivers around the world to earn a living in the emerging gig economy, and Elements services will help Splend and the drivers it serves be safer, smarter and more productive.

Splends international expansion saw Chris King relocate to London in August 2017 to be closer to Splends new major markets. Mr Kings move paved the way for Nathan Halliday to be promoted from Splend COO to Head of Country  Australia.

Originally established to supply Uber drivers with vehicles, Splend has broadened its driver networks through partnerships with other share economy services and is in discussions with a significant global online retailer to facilitate drivers delivering parcels in major markets.

Since launching in July 2015, we have opened up new employment avenues for gig economy workers who need access to an affordable vehicle solution, King said. We provide a complete service, including training and support, to the growing number of people who earn an income driving.With one week until the 2018 MLK Day of Service, volunteers and organizers are gearing up to complete 50 projects in the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This years day of service marks 50 years since the assassination of Dr. King.Completing 50 service projects across Chattanooga is a great way to begin 2018 and sets an example of how we can extend Dr. Kings message and teachings throughout the year. Our work on Monday is just one more way that we are breaking down barriers and improving the lives of our neighbors and our community, said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke."New for 2018 is the addition of several special projects that also advance Dr.Kings dream of opportunity for all," officials said. "People who are looking for work are encouraged to attend a resume review session at the Edney Building. Another unique project this year is wheelchair cleaning stations at Patten Towers and Whiteside Faith Manor. Anyone who uses a wheelchair or knows someone who uses one is invited to participate in this free service. The League of Women Voters is also hosting voter registration sessions at various locations throughout Chattanooga."We are overjoyed by the number of volunteers who signed up for projects on Monday. We also want people to turn out to take advantage of these free opportunities that will enhance their lives - like the resume review, which could help you land your next job, said Vanessa Jackson, Neighborhood Program specialist for the Office of Multicultural Affairs.Hundreds of volunteers have already registered for Chattanoogas fifth year of A Day On, Not a Day Off, where the Office of Multicultural Affairs mobilizes local citizens, schools, neighborhoods, businesses and organizations to complete service projects around the city. This years MLK Day of Service will include all of Chattanoogas neighborhoods, with projects reaching every corner of the community.Next week, on the morning of MLK Day (Monday, Jan. 15), volunteers will gather on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga at Chamberlain Pavilion for the kickoff and then disperse into neighborhoods to undertake landscaping, clearing debris, trail maintenance, painting, deep cleaning, building repairs, community art projects and more.This years service projects include not only beautification, but also education and outreach. Volunteers will canvass multiple apartments and homes to equip Chattanooga residents with info on their rights under fair housing law.Shortly after the assassination of Dr. King, the 1968 Fair Housing Act became law. It prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and family status, and protects citizens from discrimination when renting, buying, looking for a house or acquiring a mortgage.MLK Day Schedule:Volunteer Check In 8 - 9 a.m.Service Projects Begin - 9 a.m.Kickoff Location: UTC Chamberlain PavilionProjects will last until 12:30 p.m., or earlier as tasks are completed.For more info, visit http://connect.chattanooga.gov/mlkdos/En francais

Microcred loans benefit 1,000 micro-sized firms

Kawther Bedhiafs professional dream started when she was a child in the Tunisian countryside.

I grew up in a town called Hedra, close to the mountains. Being surrounded by beautiful nature inspired me to become interested in local herbs and oils, she explained.

My friends sometimes teased me about this and called me Bio-Kawther. My interest became a passion, so I decided to learn everything possible about organic products.

Kawther is one of 1,000 micro-entrepreneurs who have benefited from an EBRD credit line that is designed to help those frequently overlooked by commercial banks. A loan of TND 4 million (1.6 million equivalent) to Microcred is on-lent to women, young entrepreneurs and people living in rural areas to develop their own businesses.

The project is supported by European Union funding under its EU Initiative for Financial Inclusion.*

Beauty parlour as market niche

I had the idea when I was at home, Kawther said. It suddenly dawned on her that her interest could be turned into a profitable business.

I started to become a hairdresser, then studied to become a beautician. I took out a loan and started working.

A small loan of TND 4,000 helped Kawther establish her dream business. Her beauty parlour uses only organic products and offers a full range of services: facial care, body massages, haircuts and treatments, manicures and pedicures.

She also added a hammam, a spa that is booked by groups of women who want to relax in private among friends.

Using natural products is not only in line with Kawthers upbringing and philosophy, but also increasingly in demand among Tunisian consumers. More and more stands and shops offer these products in the local soukh, where Kawther buys her oils, ingredients and lotions.

This has an important knock-on effect, as her suppliers benefit from her success, too.

Kawther visits us two to three times a week to buy hair and oil products for her beauty parlour, explained a supplier. She is a loyal client.

Her business is well known locally. Indeed, it has become so popular that Kawther needed to employ several people to work with her. She is particularly proud of having created job opportunities for other local women.

With a small loan of TND 4,000 weve helped Kawther establish her dream business. Her beauty parlour uses only organic products and offers a full range of services: facial care, body massages, haircuts and treatments, manicures and pedicures. More videos

Reaching out to Tunisias regions

For small businesses and for entrepreneurs, access to finance is a major challenge in Tunisia, especially in less-developed regions.

We are continuously expanding our activities all over Tunisia and increasing our operational efficiency, said Sehl Zargouni, Chief Executive Officer of Microcred Tunisia.

Our cooperation with the EBRD has helped us to provide financial support to the less developed regions of the country and to contribute to create new opportunities where they are most needed.

Through the EU Initiative for Financial Inclusion we are able to help dynamic entrepreneurs to grow and create new jobs. This is how we can concretely improve peoples lives, says Patrice Bergamini, Head of the EU Delegation to Tunisia.

Together with the EU, the EBRD is offering more loans of this kind to support women, young entrepreneurs and rural populations across the southern and eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region, helping to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth.

Kawther believes that there is still huge potential to improve peoples lives by helping them to develop their own businesses. Its a personal and professional journey, a positive experience that has provided her with new independence and one that she strongly recommends.

I really encourage Tunisian women to take out small loans to make a living for themselves, start their own projects and succeed like me.

* The EU Initiative for Financial Inclusion is a comprehensive programme to help micro, small and medium-sized businesses in the southern and eastern Mediterranean region to become more competitive and grow. It provides finance and know-how to boost development and create jobs.(Photo: REUTERS / Alexei Nikolskyi / RIA Novosti / Kremlin)Russia's President Vladimir Putin (2nd L, first row) attends the Orthodox Christmas service at the Holy Face of Christ the Savior Church in the Russian southern city of Sochi January 7, 2014. Most Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar on January 7, two weeks after most western Christian churches that abide by the Gregorian calendar.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered greetings to Orthodox Christians and all Russians on Christmas as celebrated according to the Julian calendar on Jan. 7.

"My sincere congratulations on Christmas. This holiday brings joy and hope to millions of believers, disseminates spiritual traditions among them," said Putin, Russia's Sputnik news agency reported.

Putin said the Christmas celebration, "unites around everlasting Christian values, centuries-old historical, cultural heritage of our people."

Putin said he appreciated the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations for their efforts in maintaining peace and unity in Russia and developing inter-religious and international dialogue.

State television channels showed a live broadcast of the Mass from Moscow's enormous and elaborate Christ the Savior Cathedral.

The church was demolished during Josef Stalin's dictatorship, but reconstructed after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, The Japan Times citing AP and Reuters reported.

RUSSIAN PATRIARCH KIRILL

Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill conducted the ceremonies at the Moscow site before hundreds of worshippers, including Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as well as several other Russian government and parliamentary officials, Radio Free Europe said.

Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill conducted the ceremonies at the Moscow site before hundreds of worshippers, including Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as well as several other Russian government and parliamentary officials.

Kirill also sent greetings to the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) via a video linkup from the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Addressing Russian cosmonauts Aleksandr Misurkin and Anton Shkaplerov, he said, "You are our heroes. You represent Russia up there, in orbit," according to the TASS news agency.

The ISS crew also includes NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Joe Acaba, and Scott Tingle, as well as Norishige Kanai of Japan.

Orthodox Christians in Russia and most other Orthodox countries celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar on Jan. 7, two weeks after most Western Christian churches that use the Gregorian calendar.

FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY

This comes at the same time when Western Christians observe Epiphany to recall the three wise men who followed a star to Bethlehem find the baby Jesus .

Jan. 7 is a national holiday in Russia, as well as in Belarus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine. The Armenian Orthodox Church celebrated on January 6.

In Egypt, the head of the Coptic Church, Pope Tawadros II, led midnight Mass in the cathedral of the nation's new administrative capital on Saturday.

The Christmas Eve service was attended by President Abdel-Fatteh el-Sisi, who is a Muslim.

Sisi told the packed cathedral outside of Cairo on the Orthodox Christmas Eve that "you are our family. We are one and no one can divide us."

His appearance at the cathedral along with Coptic Pope Tawadros II came as tens of thousands of soldiers and police were deployed outside churches in Egypt to secure against attacks by Islamic militants.

They have targeted Christians for the past two years in bomb attacks that have killed about 100 people.

In Bethlehem, Palestinians Christians, expressed anger at church land sales to Israelis, scuffling with Palestinian police, as they attempted to block the arrival of the Holy Land's Greek Orthodox patriarch for Christmas celebrations.

Demonstrators banged on the sides of police escort vehicles, but Patriarch Theophilos III managed to safely move in his limousine to the Church of the Nativity for the traditional Orthodox Christmas eve observance.Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o...Latest News

New course: Amity introduces MTech in Defence Technology to meet increasing demands The programme will produce postgraduates with necessary skills in Defence technologies to carry out research,

Central Universities to work on mission-mode to fill-up the 6,000 vacant posts by October 2021 Education minister appealed that universities should popularise and promote learning in Indian languages &

CBSE releases sample papers for class X and XII board exams The sample papers have been released for the exams scheduled between November and DecemberWith renovation and construction of Miller Park underway, First Tennessee is one of the private funders to ensure that the project moves forward. Chattanooga Market President Jeff Jackson presented a check from the bank for $125,000 to aid in project funding.

The former park was a place that was less than welcoming to families and workers looking for a place to enjoy lunch or live performances," said Mr. Jackson. "Its our hope that the new design will become Chattanoogas living room with activities and infrastructure that encourage enjoyment of the area by all types of individuals."

Along with changes to Miller Park additional renovations are also scheduled for Patton Parkway. Georgia Avenue will soon close to allow for those renovations to begin.

Were looking forward to project completion this summer, said Mr. Jackson. First Tennessee understands the importance of supporting projects that add to the fabric of our downtown. Were looking forward to a place that will welcome and provide interaction for our citizens.Search All categories Advertising General Aerospace General Agriculture General Airlines General America - Post 9/11 General Apparel General Apple Products General Architectural General Architecture Architecture Art & Entertainments Books Celebrities Country Music Dance Magazines Movies Museums Music Music Downloads News & Talk Shows Performing Arts Photography Television Web Sites Arts/Culture General Auction General Automotive Aftermarket Classic Autos Consumer Publications General Motorcycle & Bike Racing Recreational Vehicle Repair & Service Trade Publications Blogging & Social Media Blogging & Social Media Business Advertising / Marketing Books Consumer Research Direct Marketing e-Commerce Entrepreneurs Finance Franchise Human Resources Insurance Investment Management Markets Network Marketing Online Marketing / SEO Payday Loans Public Relations Publications Real Estate Retail Stocks 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to be a stay-at-home mom to her first child?

According to a new report, the 33-year-old reality star may be ready to walk away from her lucrative career as a television star as she prepares to welcome her first child with boyfriend Tristan Thompson later this year.

Khloe clearly has a lot of resentment towards certain family members over the way they treated her when she was fat, a family insider revealed to Radar Online on Jan. 5. Right now she isnt in constant communication with anyone in her family and they have all just kind of accepted this.

Kardashian is six months pregnant with her first child and planning to give birth in Cleveland, Ohio, where Thompson plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although Kardashian chose to keep her pregnancy a secret from fans for several months, she confirmed she was expecting in December with a photo of her baby bump on Instagram.

As she awaits the birth of her first child, Kardashian is reportedly loving her private life with Thompson in Cleveland more and more. Hence, rather than continue to live in Los Angeles with her family, she prefers to spend the majority of her time in Ohio.

She does not want to move back to L.A. because she loves her life with Tristan in Cleveland. She is also just really tired of having to engage in fights with her sisters and mom, the insider explained.

Radar Online went on to say that Kardashian doesn't want to continue having drama with her family after her baby comes and her boyfriend doesn't want her to do so either. Instead, Thompson is reportedly insisting that Kardashian walk away from her family's reality show because they have more than enough income to live their lives comfortably without Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

Kardashian and Thompson's relationship began in August of last year, months after Kardashian filed for divorce from Lamar Odom for the second time. As for a future marriage to Thompson, Kardashian recently said that she is in no rush to walk down the aisle.

To see more of Khloe Kardashian and her family, including her sisters Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, and 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.A breath of freedom for the new year By Richard E. Ralston

For more than a century we have learned to expect that government can only grow more powerful. No matter how big a political mistake is made, we must live with it forever. The elimination of the individual insurance mandate of ObamaCare should be celebrated as a reversal of this trend. But those free from the mandate will also need the freedom to make better choices. The individual mandate was the linchpin of the Affordable Care Acts fuzzy financial math. The only way to make insurance affordable for older citizens was to mandate that all Americans obtain insurance, forcing young people to buy insurance at unaffordable higher prices. When the constitutionality of this was legally challenged, the U.S. Supreme Court imaginatively ruled that the mandate did not force anyone to buy insurance they did not want, even if they were fined or otherwise penalized if they didnt. It was, you see, just a tax. That is why the recently passed Tax Cut and Jobs Act was so easily able to obliterate the mandate. We have been told ceaselessly and repeatedly that the end of the mandate means 13 million people will have their health insurance taken away. That is an Orwellian way of saying that 13 million people will not be forced, fined, or taxed to buy insurance that they do not want. Allowing people to choose to obtain their own insurance (or not) is intolerable to politicians who believe they know what is best for citizens. Eliminating the coercive mandate is instead a restoration of freedom for those 13 million people. No one should be comfortable with the fact that crucial national policy is determined by this kind of dueling cynicism. But it was all set in motion when ObamaCare was rammed through Congress without a single Republican vote. The then majority knew that the numbers did not add up, and only by forcing young people to buy insurance at a high premium over the actual cost of their coverage could the system break even. With the mandate now gone there is no fix for this. The result will be that an ever increasing escalation in premiums will now begin while both insurers and policy buyers flee the government exchanges. Further premium increases are on the way following a Federal court ruling that Obama-ordered premium subsidies were unconstitutional as Congress never appropriated funds for that purpose. Appeals are working their way through the court system but are not auspicious. And the Trump administration has now ordered the end of the subsidies in any case. The only real solutions to the resulting mess are more freedom and choices, more competition, more use of tax-free health savings accounts, and easier access to generics and other drugs. Allowing consumers to buy health insurance on a national basis across state lines and reforming litigation to reduce legal costs in the healthcare system would also help. These changes will no doubt be met with considerable resistance, but they are necessary to make real improvement. The elimination of the mandate through a tax bill shocked and surprised many after the GOPs embarrassing failures to reform ObamaCare earlier this yearbut it was poetic justice in response to the nonsense that the mandate was actually just a tax. That tax no longer exists and we and our health insurance are now all free to move on. We should relish the rare opportunity to actually reduce the power of government over our lives and decisions. But we still need more freedom, more choice, and more reform to take meaningful control over our own healthcare. Richard E. Ralston, Executive Director, Americans for Free Choice in Medicine, Newport Beach, California Copyright  2017 Americans for Free Choice in Medicine. All rights reserved. HomeThe biofuel crony capitalist revolving door By Paul Driessen

Yet another congressional aide is about to pass through Washingtons infamous revolving door to a lucrative private sector position. Kurt Kovarik, legislative director for Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), will become vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board. To grow and prosper, this industry relies on subsidies and mandates that require steadily increasing volumes of diesel fuel from crops and other sources. As the NBB said in a press release, Kovariks decades of experience in the Senate will serve us well, as we navigate federal policy issues that most affect our industry. His work on energy and tax legislation, familiarity with the key players in Washington and knowledge of biofuels are all reasons we are so happy to have him on our team. Translated into common English, Kovarik will help keep mandates in place and revenues flowing into biodiesel coffers  even as justifications for its special treatment become less persuasive, claims about its supposed benefits are found wanting, and harmful effects on taxpayers and consumers become obvious. Indeed, like corn ethanol, biodiesel is just one more federal program that has become a perpetual fixture, all but immune from any revisions or reductions. Thats because powerful special interests band together to block any such attempts  and make major campaign contributions to friendly legislators. Meanwhile, consumer interests adversely affected by the rules are too diverse, poorly organized and ill-funded to mount an effective campaign against the renewable fuels industry. Thus, when the Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed a minuscule reduction in the total volume of corn ethanol required for blending into gasoline, the biodiesel lobby rose up united in righteous indignation against the idea  even though biodiesel was not being affected. The legislatively created industries always take Ben Franklins warning to heart: We must indeed all hang together, Franklin said just before signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately. Billions of dollars are at stake for biofuel industries, and they will not fail to aid one another. Nor will they deviate from the narrative that plant-based fuels will somehow save Earth and humanity from the alleged ravages of planet-warming fossil fuels, even as developing nations burn more oil, natural gas and coal every year  and the Northern Hemisphere suffers through another nasty, frigid winter. Biofuels from corn, oil palm, soybean or algae require vast expanses of land  dozens or hundreds of times more land than is needed to produce equivalent amounts of energy from coal, oil or natural gas. That land once was or could now be wildlife habitat  and the direct and indirect effects on wildlife populations are often profound, especially when Indonesian and other forests are sacrificed on Gaias altar to establish oil palm plantations for illusory sustainable, renewable energy. The same widespread land and wildlife impacts result from erecting wind turbine and solar panel facilities  to generate expensive, unreliable, weather-dependent electricity  and build (coal or gas-fueled) backup generators, to provide electricity the 75% of the time when there is insufficient sun or wind. Biofuels also require prodigious volumes of water, and in most cases huge amounts of fertilizers, pesticides and fossil fuel energy. And when biofuels are burned in vehicles or fuel cells for electricity generation, they emit enormous quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2). In fact, across their full planting, harvesting, conversion and use cycle, biofuels emit just as much carbon dioxide as fossil fuels. All that extra CO2 is good for forest, grassland, crop and other plants  and recent studies confirm that CO2 is greening our planet, by helping plants grow faster and better. That this CO2 is also causing dangerous manmade climate change is increasingly in doubt, despite what climate doomsayers continue to claim). The assertion that crop-based biofuels are sustainable is not supported by evidence. In reality  as scientist, engineer, former MIT professor and energy analyst Peter Huber observes in his book, Hard Green: Saving the environment from the environmentalists: A conservative manifesto  the best, greenest, most ecologically sound, most sustainable fuels are those that get the most energy per pound of material that must be mined, trucked, pumped, pipelined and burned. Supposedly renewable energy sources do not pass this simple test. (See here, here and here.) But in liberal policy, media and regulatory circles, they are routinely exempt from the criticism, calumny and punishment so regularly meted out to fossil fuels and companies that produce them. For poor developing countries, renewable-only energy policies demanded or imposed by World Bank, EU, environmentalist and other interests perpetuate poverty, joblessness, disease and malnutrition, ensuring nasty, brutish and short lives. Such policies are immoral, genocidal, and properly detested by nations determined to bring health and prosperity to their people. Thanks to fracking and modern exploration and production technologies, the world still has decades or even centuries of natural gas, oil and coal. For a world that still depends on these fuels for 85% of its total energy, that is good news. Its even better news for the future, when humanity will still need fossil fuels for over 75% of a 28% larger total energy supply in 2040, according to the Energy Information Agency. Fossil fuels (as well as nuclear and hydroelectric power) should be embraced, not excoriated, and used with pride until energy sources just as reliable and affordable are discovered someday in the future. It likewise makes little sense to promote biodiesel and corn ethanol while also advocating electric cars. That approach not only increases the demand for reliable, affordable electricity generation  an increasingly impossible dream if we are supposed to rely more and more on wind and solar electricity. It exacerbates problems resulting from mandates that require blending ever more ethanol into decreasing supplies of gasoline for fewer internal combustion engines: eg, having so much ethanol in gasoline for those engines that gaskets are damaged and warrantees are voided, and fraud problems associated with RINs (Renewable Identification Numbers) used to ensure compliance with renewable fuel standards. Plant-based fuels that enrich regional biofuel interests increasingly cause multiple other problems for refiners that provide nearly 90% of vehicle fuels: gasoline and conventional diesel. Under pressure from Big Biofuel and corn-state senators, EPA raised its 2018 biofuel requirement to 19.3 billion gallons, a huge increase from its 16.3 billion gallon mandate in 2014. That means smaller, independent refiners will be unable to blend enough ethanol into their gasoline to meet the mandate  and will have to buy RINs, at inflated and unpredictable prices, to comply artificially with the impossible blending requirement. As the Wall Street Journal notes, Dallas-based HollyFrontier Corp. must spend over $300 million per year on RINs, forcing it freeze hiring, defer capital expenditures and investment, penalize its blue-collar workers, and transfer massive wealth from refiners to ethanol producers, who still demand more. The absurd situation caused Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to copy corn-state senators on hostage taking. (They held up EPA nominees until the agency caved in on ethanol.) Mr. Cruz is preventing action on the Agriculture Department nominee who would control a lot of biofuel money, until a compromise can be worked out between biofuel and conventional petroleum fuels. He secured a meeting but so far no deal. Under fascist-style socialism, the government doesnt own companies outright; it merely decrees how they must operate, what they must produce, who pays and who benefits. Thats where U.S. biofuel policies have taken Americas energy sector. Its time to reform these policies  to reflect todays economic, climate, oil depletion and oil import realities  and set a time certain for ethanol and biofuel mandates to expire. Let real free enterprise operate, instead of crony-corporatist government decrees. Paul Driessen is senior policy analyst for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (www.CFACT.org) and author of books and articles on climate, natural resource and environmental policy. HomeIs democracy mob rule? By J.K. Baltzersen

I was interviewed some time before Christmas by A Swede Speaks. I bluntly told the interviewer that democracy is basically mob rule. A Canadian politician, apparently from Ontario, Rob Wolvin, responded on Twitter on New Years Eve. He claimed democracy is not mob rule. @jkBaltzersen Conversation with JK Baltzersen on constitution, democracy, monarchy and liberty: https://t.co/7NmsPolgdr #monarchy #Democracy #Liberty #Constitution #monarchism #conservatism #democracysausage  A Swede Speaks (@ASwedeSpeaks) December 19, 2017 Strictly speaking, he may be right. At least when were speaking of how democracy generally is implemented as a form of government within a constitutional, institutional, bureaucratic, and procedural framework. However, as long as the people in power and positions follow the correct procedures, they can do almost anything legally and constitutionally. Basically everything is up for grabs in a democracy. Due in large part to the legitimacy that is bestowed on the government by consent of the governed, (almost) anything goes. Also, there is a confusion of the governed and those who govern. We do it to ourselves, we tend to think. Yes, there are limits, but they are grossly overrated. How the system has been rose-colored, may be a significant factor in Donald Trumps coming to power. People are fed up with how a flawed system is being overrated by the elite, and along comes a guy who says things very bluntly indeed. This is not to excuse Donald Trumps many flaws, of course, but serves as one of several explanations. The word democracy does have many different definitions; it may be one of the most misused words in our political vocabulary. If we take the classical definition, it means rule by the majority amongst politically equal citizens. It need not be a direct democracy. There are other definitions where all sorts of criteria are added. It would be more correct to call such enhancements constitutional and/or liberal democracy. Although it can arguably be claimed that conditions that allow relatively free elections to take place should be included in the definition of democracy itself. An example of such conditions is, as Wolvin mentions, freedom of speech. Wolvin also apparently states that an independent judiciary must be part of a system called democracy. I do not seek to undervalue the institution of an independent judiciary. It is important. To claim that it is part and parcel of the concept of democracy even without the constitutional/liberal modifier is, however, dubious (to the extent it is necessary to keep free elections going, it can be conceded, but not in a general sense). Also, note that very much can be done even with an independent judiciary, as long as one follows the correct procedures. Even in a so-called liberal democracy (liberal as in liberty-friendly?), one can tax (a group of) people out of 80 % of their income. As for Wolvins claim that a democracy requires an informed citizenry, there is evidence to suggest that modern mass democracy does not encourage this. It is simply not rational to spend time becoming and staying informed when the impact of ones vote is miniscule. Bryan Caplan, as an example, has written a book on this  The Myth of the Rational Voter. Wolvin seems to be a very enthusiastic proponent of the present-day Commonwealth model of constitutional monarchy, in particular that of Canada. There are several models of constitutional monarchy. We have the European principalities of Liechtenstein and Monaco of today. We had constitutional monarchy models in the 19th century, where the popular power element was less than it typically is today. But lets here keep to the present-day Commonwealth model. This model of constitutional monarchy does have some advantages. No ambitious politician may actually climb all the way to the top, as the top position is reserved. With the separation of the head of state from the political leader, you do not get the same pressure towards deference to the political leader, as you get with the American President. This may have some tempering effects on the system. When you dont have deference towards political leaders to the same extent, that may result in more encouragement towards being an informed citizen (we dont deify our political leaders to same extent, so rational argument is in higher regard). However, the single voters discrepancy between investment in being informed and the small influence through the vote is still there. We must remember, however, that the vastness of modern government is mutual to both the republican and monarchical form. Canada has a so-called welfare state. So do the Nordic countries. So do other European countries. Even the American system has this to an extent, even though it is not as well developed as in other countries. The state reaches far and wide. One can through the system reach deep into ones neighbors pockets. It may not be mob rule in its purest form. It may move slower than mob rule in its purest form. But mob rule it is. The protection given by certain human rights may be a blessing. But there are so-called positive rights, which also creates for others a duty to provide. And even with the rights that protect against certain acts of government, the level of intervention can be immense. The level of rights protections is overrated. [Here is an essay of mine with some reading tips on democracy.] Before universal suffrage there were people warning against the effects of the have-nots getting the opportunity to vote themselves that of the haves. The history of universal suffrage so far has to a great extent proven the warnings correct. J.K. Baltzersen writes from the capital of the Oil Kingdom of Norway. He is the editor of the book Grunnlov og frihet: turtelduer eller erkefiender? (in Norwegian and Swedish; translated title: Constitution and Liberty: Lovebirds or Archenemies?), with Cato Institutes Johan Norberg amongst the contributors. Follow him on Twitter. HomeGivat Hamatos: A strategic Jerusalem neighborhood By Nadav Shragai

The plan to build a Jewish residential neighborhood in Givat Hamatos in southern Jerusalem was already approved by the Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee in 2014. However, it has been frozen for four years. Under pressure from the United States, Germany, and other European Union countries, the issuing of the construction tenders has been suspended time after time. The project is a building plan with strategic significance. It applies to an area alongside the Green line/1949 armistice line (but outside of it), at a distance of about 300 meters from the Talpiot industrial zone and adjacent to Derech Hevron, the main traffic artery of what the world calls West Jerusalem. From the Israeli standpoint, building Givat Hamatos is one of the keys to preventing a division of Jerusalem from the south, where a Palestinian wedge could impede the planned continuity between the Gilo and Har Homa neighborhoods along the southern border of Jerusalem. In October 2017, a drilling project began for sampling soil at the site, so that the building plan could go forward. Under U.S. pressure, however, the process was frozen once again. From the Palestinian standpoint, freezing construction at Givat Hamatos is the key to preserving the option one day of urban and political linkage between Palestinian Bethlehem and Jerusalems Beit Safafa. As the Palestinians see it, such continuity will be part of the Palestinian urban fabric that, in the future, will form east Jerusalem, capital of the future Palestinian state. Givat Hamatos is one of the last reserves of land available for building for Jews within the jurisdictional boundaries of Jerusalem. The plan envisages 2,610 housing units for the Jewish population. Next to Givat Hamatos, in the Beit Safafa vicinity, approval has been given to a next phase to increase construction for Arab housing (600-900 housing units) on private lands, mainly by raising the building percentages at the site and condensing the construction within it. Seeking to avoid conflict with both the Obama and Trump American administrations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered Housing Minister Yoav Galant not to promote it for now.

Memorial to Israeli pilot Dan Givon, Givat Hamatos Location Givat Hamatos is in southern Jerusalem, 813 meters above sea level south of the Green Line, northwest of Mar Elias Monastery, near Beit Safafa, and not far from the Talpiot industrial zone. Before the Six Day War, there were Jordanian outposts at the spot, and sometimes they fired from this hill at the Jewish neighborhoods of Talpiot and Baka. On the second day of the Six Day War, June 6, 1967, a Fouga Magister aircraft was downed there and its pilot, Dan Givon, was killed. Thus the hill came to be known as Givat Hamatos (Airplane Hill). The Beit Safafa residents call the hill a-Tabaliya. They see it as a land reserve that should be allotted to Beit Safafa, claiming that some of the lots there were bought by Beit Safafa residents before the Jordanian period but not registered under their names. They point to the housing shortage in the village and the many land expropriations it has undergone over the years so that nearby Jewish roads and neighborhoods could be built. The Caravan Site The year 1991 saw the establishment at Givat Hamatos of a caravan site for Ethiopian immigrants who had come to Israel in Operation Moses and Operation Solomon. The sites maximum capacity was for 400 trailers spread over about 170 dunams. Today, only a few dozen trailers are left there, mainly inhabited by homeless, non-Ethiopian Israelis. Next to the site, a monument was built to the Ethiopian Jews who died on their way to Israel. Also at the site are relics from the Second Temple period, and what remains of Jordanian communication trenches. Details of the Plan The Givat Hamatos A plan, which was approved and published in Reshumot, the official gazette of the state of Israel, envisages 2,610 government housing units, but the tenders for their construction have been frozen. The height for construction is 12 stories in the center of the neighborhood and four to six stories on its slopes, and the aim is to settle more than 10,000 residents. A shopping center, public buildings, and open public areas are envisaged. The plan creates linkage and territorial continuity with Beit Safafa, and it includes archaeological sites within and adjacent to the territory, where there are remains of buildings from Second Temple days. The Givat Hamatos B plan envisages the building of 600-900 housing units. It was approved by the District Committee and published in Reshumot. It involves increased, condensed construction in the inhabited area and a small amount of new construction on private lands next to Beit Safafa. The Givat Hamatos C plan has to do with construction north of Givat Hamatos A. The planning committees accepted the objections to it and rejected it because of defects in the unification and division process for lands under different ownerships. The Givat Hamatos D plan is a tourism-focused plan involving the building of 1,100 hotel rooms, some of which could be turned into residences in the future. The Territory for the Project About 400 dunams are owned by the state. Ten percent of the territory is privately owned by Arabs from Beit Safafa and by the Greek Orthodox Church. The territory intended for Jewish building belongs to the Israel Land Authority; the area intended for Arab building is privately owned land. The Plans Role in the Israeli Policy to Preserve the Jewish Majority in Jerusalem and Prevent the Citys Division The plan to build the Jewish neighborhood on Givat Hamatos represents a continuation of the building of 12 large Jewish neighborhoods since 1967 in the areas that were added to united Jerusalem. The establishment of these neighborhoods was designed to prevent a second division of the city and also to preserve the Jewish majority in Jerusalem. The building of the Jewish neighborhoods in the many empty lands that were annexed to Jerusalem, neighborhoods in which 212,000 Jews now live, was aimed at ensuring, both territorially and demographically, the Jewish majority in Jerusalem and preventing any possibility of the citys redivision. One of the main reasons for the decline in Jerusalems Jewish majority from 73.5 percent to 60 percent today is that many Jews have left the city. As surveys by the municipality and by the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research have repeatedly found, they leave mainly because of the paucity of residential buildings in the city, the severe shortage of apartments, and the resulting high prices of apartments. Over the past 25 years, more than 400,000 Jews have left Jerusalem while only 250,000 have come to live in it. The Strategic Significance of the Plan From an Israeli Jewish standpoint, Givat Hamatos prevents continuity between Beit Safafa and the neighborhood of Tsur Baher, which would advance the Palestinians future goal of East Jerusalem, capital of the Palestinian state. Palestinian control of the land connects Sharfat with Beit Safafa, high ground overlooking the Malcha neighborhood and even cuts off and isolates the neighborhoods of Talpiot and Baka. Israel seeks its own continuity along the southern jurisdictional boundary of Jerusalem from Har Homa through Givat Hamatos to Gilo, with the aim of preserving the citys unity and averting its division. Givat Hamatos higher altitude provides Israel control over the area between Bethlehem (under Palestinian control) and Jerusalem as well as the region southeast of Jerusalem. At the 2007 Annapolis Conference, the Palestinians suggested a territory swap whereby Israel would continue to control the large Jewish neighborhoods in east Jerusalem, including the Jewish Quarter in the Old City, but excluding Har Homa and Givat Hamatos that Israel would abandon. The War for Urban Continuity The war for urban continuity is a tool for promoting national interests and one of the main facets of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle over Jerusalem. It has been and remains part of both sides strategy in this contest. The Israeli building is orderly building, mainly governmental. The Palestinian building is disorderly building, mainly illegal, stemming both from the paucity of building permits for Arab parts of the city since 1967 and from the Palestinian struggle strategy in Jerusalem. The following examples from other parts of Jerusalem illustrate the war for urban continuity: The Maale Adumim area  The Palestinians are striving to create their own urban continuity from the northern West Bank southward. This planned continuity cuts through the east-west Israeli continuity, which is designed to connect Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. For years the Palestinians have been narrowing the space between the two cities, through which the main arterial road between them also runs. To obstruct the E1 area, A-Zaim and Anata have been converging for years.



Israel has refrained from building the E1 neighborhood, intended to bridge between Maale Adumim and Jerusalem, because of U.S. and European pressures. The United States oppose the Israeli policy of creating west-east continuity, claiming it would preclude the Palestinian north-south continuity that is vital to a future Palestinian state. The Pisgat Zeev area  At the end of the 1970s, it appeared that the Palestinians were threatening to foreclose the Jewish option between the northernmost Jewish neighborhood of Jerusalem, Neve Yaakov, and French Hill to its south. Routes that had been planned for roads were obstructed by Arab building, and areas intended for Jewish building were grabbed by Arabs. Hence the Israeli government decided to expropriate the 4,600 dunams between the two neighborhoods. On this expropriated land the Pisgat Zeev neighborhood was eventually built. Today, with 43,000 residents, it is the second largest neighborhood in Jerusalem after Ramot.





The French Hill area  The initiative to expropriate 800 additional dunams south of the area expropriated for Pisgat Zeev stemmed from the fear of an Arab wedge being formed between Pisgat Zeev and French Hill.



Nevertheless, the Palestinians have managed to build considerably between the two neighborhoods. Today, from the vantage of the French Hill interchange, the nearby Palestinian construction is well evident. Har Homa  The Har Homa neighborhood, where 19,000 people now live, was intended by its planners to create Jewish urban continuity between Armon Hanatziv and Gilo and to prevent Bethlehem and Beit Sahour from extending into Jerusalem. Despite American opposition, the building of Har Homa began in 1997 on land that had been expropriated from both Arabs and Jews.

Ramot  The Israeli planning maps show a continuity of Jewish building between the Ramot neighborhood in northwestern Jerusalem and Givon and Givat Zeev, which are northwest of Ramot. The Palestinians are trying to interrupt this continuity and have purchased lands in the vicinity as part of their own Katana-Biddu-Beit Surik bloc. Building for Arabs in the Framework of the Plan The building of about 600-900 housing units for Arabs in the Givat Hamatos vicinity besides Beit Safafa was in fact approved because the Jerusalem District Court intervened. Beit Safafa residents turned to the court with the demand that the state approve their plan, which  unlike the building plan for the Jews  had not been published in Reshumot. At first, the state argued that this was a secret political decision, but when that claim was rejected, the state announced to the court that the plan would be approved, and it was. The U.S. Position during the Obama and Trump Administrations During the Obama administration, the United States openly opposed the building of the Givat Hamatos neighborhood. During the Trump administration, the United States has continued to oppose the building of the neighborhood but without publicly declaring so. In October 2014, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the United States was deeply concerned by reports that the Israeli Government has moved forward the planning process in the sensitive area of Givat Hamatos in East Jerusalem. She added that this step is contrary to Israels stated goal of negotiating a permanent status agreement with the Palestinians. Her words were a response to the approval of the Givat Hamatos plan by the Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee. European Countries Position Germany is playing a central role in pressuring Israel not to build Givat Hamatos; other European countries oppose it as well. In October 2014 French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said the decision to build homes in Givat Hamatos threatened the two-state solution: One cannot claim to support a solution and at the same time do things against without consequences being drawn. In October 2017, the European Union requested clarifications from Israel about plans for housing units in Hamatos, saying that such building is likely to harm severely the continuity and the existence of a future Palestinian state. Israeli Positions on the Givat Hamatos Issue Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: According to a report that was not denied, Prime Minister Netanyahu told the chairman of the Likuds Jerusalem branch, Ilan Gordo, that Givat Hamatos should be built as rapidly as possible and that he was involved in efforts to get this done. Netanyahu remarked, however, that in the municipal territory of Jerusalem that is over the Green line (the 1949 armistice line), things are more difficult and everything is done little by little. Housing Minister Yoav Galant: On October 16, 2017, Housing Minister Galant said that Givat Hamatos is vital to Jerusalems security and to maintaining Jewish continuity from Gush Etzion to Jerusalem and between Gilo and Ramat Rachel. We will promote the process until a new neighborhood has been built on the hill. Jerusalem Affairs Minister Zeev Elkin: In July 2016, against the backdrop of the approval of the building plan for Arabs in the Beit Safafa vicinity (600  900 housing units), Minister Elkin explained that he did not oppose the widening of the Beit Safafa neighborhood. That is what was supposed to happen according to the plan. What I oppose is that Arabs will be allowed to build in this neighborhood, while Jews will be restricted. If there are political problems, then it affects everyone. If under pressure from the court one has to build  then one should advance the processes for both Arabs and Jews. This is important in principle, and it is important because the Jewish sector has a grave shortage of housing units in Jerusalem. Minister Elkin added, One has to do all in ones power to create political pressure against the international pressure and nevertheless advance construction on Givat Hamatos. I was the first to call for this, and I was joined by Minister Bennett in the name of his whole party and by Minister Kahlon. I hope that my friends from the Likud will also join me and that I will not remain alone in the party on this issue. This is a strategic aspect of the struggle for the future of Jerusalem. Nadav Shragai is a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. He served as a journalist and commentator at Haaretz between 1983 and 2009, is currently a journalist and commentator at Israel Hayom, and has documented the dispute over Jerusalem for thirty years. His books include: Jerusalem: Delusions of Division (Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, 2015); The Al-Aksa Is in Danger Libel: The History of a Lie (Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, 2012); the ebook Jerusalem: Correcting the International Discourse  How the West Gets Jerusalem Wrong (Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, 2012); At the Crossroads: The Story of Rachels Tomb (Gates for Jerusalem Studies, 2005); The Temple Mount Conflict (Keter, 1995); and the essay: Jerusalem Is Not the Problem, It Is the Solution, in Mr. Prime Minister: Jerusalem, Moshe Amirav, ed. (Carmel and Florsheimer Institute, 2005). HomeYear One of making America great again!

By Mark Alexander



In his 1980 presidential debate with Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan did what he would often do in the years that followed: He talked over the mainstream media cameras and spoke directly to the American people. On this particular occasion, he asked, "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" They were not, of course, and they thus entrusted Reagan with two presidential terms to right our nation's course.

Today, only a leftist suffering from the deep denial associated with Trump Derangement Syndrome refuses to acknowledge how much better off our nation is today than it was just one year ago. Notably, Donald Trump has also found a way to talk over the heads of the Leftmedia propaganda machine  social media. Fortunately, Trump's chief of staff, former Marine Gen. John Kelly, is helping his boss refine his use of that message medium.

In the first week of 2017, I had concerns about what a Trump presidency would look like, but I knew for certain that our nation would be better off on his worst day in office than on Hillary Clinton's best.

Two months earlier, like most other constitutionally conservative defenders of Liberty, I had encouraged fellow Patriots to vote for the Trump ticket  as I did personally, motivated primarily by four lines of reasoning.

First, Hillary Clinton (never an option) would have taken the domestic and foreign policy catastrophes implemented by her predecessor and their statist Democrat Party and driven those stakes further into the heart of Liberty.

Second, one of the deepest stakes would have been Clinton's Supreme Court nominees, which would have further advanced her tyrannical "rule of men" agenda over our Republic's Rule of Law mandate. It is that most fundamental republican principle which all federal politicians and administrators have sworn "to Support and Defend," but which those on the Left violate constantly and contemptuously.

Third, though the ranks of genuine conservatives in the House and Senate have grown substantially, the so-called "establishment Republicans" were still in control. We were ready for a Trump detonation in the middle of that status quo "leadership," to set a course for something other than more of the same.

And last but certainly not least, I have known and followed closely the career and policies advocated by Mike Pence for 20 years. Trump's choice of Pence, versus Clinton's pathetic choice of Sen. Tim Kaine for her ticket, spoke volumes about Trump's leadership potential.

So are we better off than we were a year ago? President Reagan would, I think, be proud of the conservative agenda that Donald Trump has pushed through.

All the leftist denial notwithstanding, here is what the Trump administration's domestic policies have helped create in just 12 months.

Headline unemployment is now at its lowest mark in 17 years, though I note this benchmark with caution as there are many Americans who had to take subsistence jobs during the previous eight years.

Trump's policies are righting our nation's economic course. American businesses have created more than 1.7 million new jobs, including almost 160,000 manufacturing jobs and another 58,000 in mining and logging. Notably, the number of illegal immigrants vying for American jobs and lowering American wages has declined significantly.

GDP topped 3% for the last two quarters of 2017. (In the 32 quarters of Obama's "recovery," only twice did he register a GDP of 3% or better.)

Our economy, re-fueled in large part by enthusiasm for the future, is once again growing. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index is at a 17-year high, and the National Association of Manufacturers Outlook Index is at its highest annual average in its history.

Even The New York Times has had to acknowledge, "A wave of optimism has swept over American business leaders, and it is beginning to translate into the sort of investment in new plants, equipment and factory upgrades that bolsters economic growth, spurs job creation  and may finally raise wages significantly." (One can only imagine the gnashing of teeth that took place prior to publishing that single sentence.)

The prospects of continued growth are being supercharged by the Republican passage of tax reform  $1.5 trillion in tax cuts  almost 60% to families, most of whom will now be able to file their IRS return on a single page.

The tax reform measures also repealed the so-called "Affordable Care Act" individual mandate burden on individuals and families.

Economic growth will be boosted by record cuts in government regulations and new accountability measures. The Trump administration eliminated 22 regulations for each new one enacted. Trump signed 15 Congressional Review Act resolutions into law, more than any other president.

The rogue EPA, which has been weaponized by Democrats to control and micromanage economic development, is being reined in. Trump has unleashed energy development to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign energy sources. And the so-called "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau" has been put on notice.

And on the coattails of the U.S. economic recovery, the global economy grew at a faster rate than it has since 2011. That's American leadership. The Trump administration has worked to close hundreds of billions in deals to sell American products abroad. And in recent months foreign companies have announced $50 billion in new U.S. projects.

Trump has put America first by withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, working to modify NAFTA, and saying farewell to the utopian socialists' so-called "climate change" treaty.

While economic strength certainly bolsters Liberty, Trump nomination of more than 70 conservative federal judges, including that of now-Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch for the seat vacated by the revered late Justice Antonin Scalia, has been a critical step to ensuring Liberty for the next generation. Republicans confirmed a record-setting 12 conservative federal circuit judges.

And the year in foreign policy has been favorable, unless you're an adversary of the United States. The most notable advances in U.S. national security interests would certainly include Trump's confrontation of China's nuclear puppet, North Korea and Kim Jong-un.

Just a few short years ago, we heard that "al-Qa'ida is on the run." And when that proved untrue, we heard that "we've contained them." Today, however, we can truthfully report that al-Qa'ida's bloodier successor, the Islamic State, founded in effect by Obama and Clinton, is really on the run, having been largely eradicated from its rat holes in Iraq and areas of Syria. However, so-called "lone wolf" Islamist sympathizers remain a daunting threat to Western Europe and the U.S.

Further, there are emerging democracy movements around the world fueled by the knowledge that they will now have U.S. support. The most notable movement now underway is that challenging the terrorist-sponsoring Islamist theocracy of Iran.

Notably, despite the overwhelmingly anti-Trump media in his first year, versus Obama's overwhelmingly adoring media in his first year, their approval ratings are virtually identical, with both at 46% at the end of their first year.

Leftists have thus far failed to derail Trump's "Make America Great Again" agenda, so in collusion with their Leftmedia public relations outlets, they've created a colossal fake news farce to undermine public support for our duly elected president, most notably their claims of Russian collusion and corruption. However, now that it appears to be Clinton who orchestrated the collusion delusion, the Democrats' next line of attack ahead of this year's midterm elections will most likely be "sexual harassment" claims.

Before the end of this month, I'll be covering in detail the critical issues for maintaining control of the House and Senate this year, starting with the "Trump Effect  Good and Bad," then covering the abject corruption among Obama's deep-state operatives within the Department of Justice and the Demos' Detestable DACA strategy.

But for now, let me just say that I'm grateful for the year just passed for many reasons  and that the future prospects for Liberty are in much better hands than they might have been.

I hope you and your family had a peaceful and joyous Christmas and that many blessings, large and small, come your way throughout this New Year. Know that your Patriot team is all about resolve, not resolutions, as we remain on the wall day in and day out.

Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot PostPeople mag scrubs pornographic image to hide hypocrisy By Selwyn Duke

Like most media reporting on the story, People magazine presented disgraced teacher Mateo Rueda in a flattering light. He was recently fired from Lincoln Elementary School in Hyrum, Utah, for showing young children nude artwork. But hes actually, were to believe, an intrepid martyr persecuted by prudish, uncultured rubes who cant distinguish between porn and fine art. And to prove its point, People printed a couple of the pictures shown to the fifth and sixth-graders, one of which was a full-frontal female nude titled Iris Tree. Only, People obscured the womans nipples and nether region. Apparently adult readers shouldnt see what the children saw. Now the magazine is trying to obscure the truth. After I and others called it out on Twitter  I wrote, If the artwork Iris Tree really is appropriate for 10-year-olds, why are you blurring out part of the picture in your article?  the image completely disappeared from the piece. Thanks to Internet archiving and the computer function Print Screen, however, the evidence remains. The article originally appeared as shown here (thank you, Wayback Machine). And here is the deforested version, with Iris Tree sent to the e-sawmill. Here are the tweets that started it all: Utah Art Teacher Fired for Unintentionally Sharing Classical Nude Paintings Speaks Out https://t.co/TDz4JMwsbn via @people  Cathy Free (@cathyjfree) January 4, 2018 Utah Art Teacher Fired for Unintentionally Sharing Classical Nude Paintings Speaks Out https://t.co/TDz4JMwsbn via @people  Cathy Free (@cathyjfree) January 4, 2018 Unsurprisingly, People also blurred the truth behind the story (which I reported, conducting interviews with local parents), but didnt scrub from its article Ruedas posturing, moral preening and demeaning of his adopted community. Its writer, Cathy Free, quoted Rueda as saying, [E]ven though I was overqualified, I took the [teaching] position with an open heart to make a difference in a predominantly-Mormon community where there isnt much culture. I hate that this controversy happened, but I stand for art, altruism and enlightenment, and Ill never back down from that. Rueda, a native of Colombia, also said, There are a lot of skeletons in the closet of the repressed culture hereand there is very little freedom of expression, reports Free. Rueda had earlier characterized his fellow Cache Valley residents as cultural dead-ends and members of a narrow-minded community. What Free didnt report is that, according to the parents I interviewed, Rueda forced the children to view the nudes and belittled students who complained, telling them they had to grow up. (A local source tells me he is not getting his job back.) Of course, the article by Peoples Free is now free of the Tree, but observers note the hypocrisy. As the aforementioned Twitter respondent also opined: Utah Art Teacher Fired for Unintentionally Sharing Classical Nude Paintings Speaks Out https://t.co/TDz4JMwsbn via @people  Cathy Free (@cathyjfree) January 4, 2018 Its interesting that People didnt demonstrate its own enlightenment and react to the initial criticism by uncovering Iris Tree for all to see, but instead decided it didnt want to be mistaken for Hustler. The only question now is whether, using descriptions Rueda and his defenders have generously applied to opponents, the people at People are best characterized as narrow-minded, repressed prudes, puritans, Nazi-like censors or cultural dead-ends. Because the magazine knows something: Certain images are too indecent for it to publish. But are just fine for 10-year-olds. Contact Selwyn Duke, follow him on Twitter or log on to SelwynDuke.com. HomeThe smoking gun By Dr. Robert Owens

Lets see; the Clinton campaign pays for a former British spy to work with Russian intelligence to create a bogus document that is then used as the basis for wiretaps aimed at the Trump campaign and the media is trying to tell us, Move along nothing to see here. Was the so-called dossier a hit piece from the begging? Maybe we should listen to Mary Jacoby, the wife of Glenn Simpson, the former Wall Street Journal reporter who started Fusion GPS, the firm behind the dossier. She said on Facebook, Its come to my attention that some people still dont realize what Glenns role was in exposing Putins control of Donald Trump. Lets be clear. Glenn conducted the investigation. Glenn hired Chris Steele. Chris Steele worked for Glenn. According to the website Tablet, In June, three months after being hired by the lawyers for the Clinton campaign and the DNC, Simpson brought on Steelebut Steele hadnt lived or worked in Russia in nearly 25 years. Since he was identified as a British spy in 1999, and was head of the Russia desk when Russian assassins killed FSB defector Alexander Litvinenko in a sushi restaurant in the British capital, Steele was hardly in a position to make discreet inquiries. Still, Simpson must have thought Steeles name at a minimum would be useful in marketing whatever his firm pulled together. Reportedly, Steele had a good relationship with the FBI, and journalists love spies who spill secrets. Of course having all this bogus information to accuse Trump would do no good if their candidate was indicted before the election (or after) so of course the crimes of Hillary Clinton had to again be whitewashed. Found under the heading, Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. According to Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I can certainly say that my impression after these interviews is that there was extreme pro-Hillary Clinton bias that benefitted her in this investigation and that she received special treatment as a consequence of her candidacy for president.  And we have email evidence from Andrew McCabe indicating that Hillary Clinton was going to get an HQ Special, a headquarters special. That meant that the normal processes of the Washington field office werent followed and he had a special. And he had a very small group of people that had a pro-Hillary Clinton bias who had a direct role in changing that investigation from one that likely should have been criminal to one where she was able to walk. What should Trump do? Roger Stone in Stone Cold Truth gives this advice, "The president must completely disempower and dismantle Robert S. Muellers fraudulent rogue prosecution gang, which is merely an extension of a larger corruption of power that is unparalleled in our history." Specifically he advises that the president must use every resource at his disposal to prosecute the almost-seditious abuses of power by lawless Clinton-Obama FBI and NSA apparatchiks who: Politically weaponized the federal governments electronic intelligence capabilities to spy on a presidential candidate and his campaign

Colluded with foreign and non-state intelligence agents to manufacture evidence used as false pretexts for securing FISA warrants that employed the national security laws of the United States to give illicit, illegal cover to this political espionage

Used the fruits of this political espionage activity to damage or otherwise hinder this candidate, once he had become president-elect and eventually President of the United States, through surreptitious releases of the criminally-procured information,

Fabricated and instigated false allegations about foreign state collusion implicating the presidents election campaign and family members, and

Perpetuated this massive criminal fraud on the American people for nearly a full year by manipulating and abusing the investigatory and prosecutorial powers of the Department of Justice. He further fleshes this out with the advice to, The president must order his Attorney General to appoint a special counsel to investigate the Obama-Clinton-Mueller-Rosenstein criminal collusion that enriched the Clinton-Democrat crime syndicate by 100s of millions of dollars and further embedded the power of the deep state operators who facilitated what may be the most brazen of self-serving criminal treasons in American history: the multi-billion-dollar Uranium One pay-to-play scam. This incredible scheme perpetrated by the criminal Clintons and their coterie of minions and fellow travelers, implicates top officials of our federal governmentincluding and especially the U.S Department of Justice, including and especially Robert Mueller and Rod Rosenstein. According to Rep. Peter King (R-NY) on Fox News, If theres any collusion issue here, to me, its the FBI, its the Clinton campaign, its the Russians for that matter because it could be very likely that Russians were feeding Steele information to use against Donald Trump and it was fake information. And now the rats begin to abandon ship. The Justice Departments inspector general is conducting a broad investigation into how the department and FBI have handled recent matters, including the Clinton investigation. Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabes activities have been under scrutiny by the inspector general. McCabes tenure has become entangled in recent years in politically charged controversies, including the investigation into Democrat Hillary Clintons use of private email when she was secretary of State, and the ongoing criminal probe into whether Trump or his associates colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 election campaign. McCabe, 49, has served as the No. 2 official at the FBI since February 2016, and would leave some time after he becomes fully eligible for pension benefits in March. So once we are liable to pay him a hefty pension for the rest of his life he leaves. I wonder if any future convictions might interfere with the delivery of that fat pay check to the prison commissary? How could any of this obviously trumped up attack have any chance of success? Just remember impeachment is not a criminal proceeding, its a political one. If the House decides to Impeach a president they can call anything they want a high crime or misdemeanor or just invent one. As former assistant U.S. attorney Andrew McCarthy said, For arguments sake, lets assume the worst: Trump knew [General Michael] Flynn had lied to the FBI (i.e., that Flynn had committed at least one felony), and he leaned on Comey to close the FBIs probe. Even with those assumptions, there is still no obstruction case. The FBI and the Justice Department are not a separate branch of government; they are subordinates of the president delegated to exercise his power, not their own. Therefore as McCarthy says, There is no real crime because of the incontestable power of Trump to fire former FBI Director James Comey. One anti-Trumper author, Jennifer Rubin recently summed up the situation perfectly in the Washington Post, The president doesnt need to commit a crime to be impeached. Just the claim of obstruction of justice will be enough for the Democrats to act, even if, in a strictly legal sense, no crime actually occurred. If the Mueller fishing expedition fails to find any evidence of a real crime by Trump, or if he claims there is evidence of a process-crime such as obstruction of justice, Democrats are likely to use the special counsels report as their platform for the midterm elections. Therefore it will be the midterm elections that decide Trumps fate. It all comes down to a plot starting in the Obama White House to undermine our democracy. As Lee Smith of Tablet puts it, To date the investigation into the Fusion GPS-manufactured collusion scandal has focused largely on the firm itself, its allies in the press, as well as contacts in the Department of Justice and FBI. However, if a sitting president used the instruments of state, including the intelligence community, to disseminate and legitimize a piece of paid opposition research in order to first obtain warrants to spy on the other partys campaign, and then to de-legitimize the results of an election once the other partys candidate won, were looking at a scandal that dwarfs Watergatea story not about a bad man in the White House, but about the subversion of key security institutions that are charged with protecting core elements of our democratic process while operating largely in the shadows. This is the smoking gun. Yes there was collusion. Yes there was (and is) a plot to undermine our system. And yes all the evidence is beginning to point straight at Obama, Hillary, and Democrat controlled Deep State. It is time to drain the swamp before America drowns in the filthy waters of a media enhanced whirlpool. Dr. Robert Owens teaches History, Political Science, and Religion. He is the Historian of the Future @ http://drrobertowens.com  2018 Contact Dr. Owens drrobertowens@hotmail.com Follow Dr. Robert Owens on Facebook or Twitter @ Drrobertowens or visit Dr. Owens Amazon Page / Edited by Dr. Rosalie Owens HomeGov. Andrew Cuomo complained bitterly about the federal governments recent capping of state and local taxes deductions in his State of the State address last week. Washington has launched an all-out direct attack on New York states economic future by eliminating full deductibility of state and local taxes, he said. And he proposed a remedy. We will challenge it in court as unconstitutional, the first federal double taxation in history, violative of states rights and the principle of equal protection.

Previously unlimited, the SALT deduction will be capped at $10,000 under the new federal tax law, resulting in a substantial federal tax hike for affluent families in high-tax states like New York. Cuomo was right to note that removing SALT deductibility is unprecedented in the 100-year history of the federal income tax, but legal challenges to capping the SALT deduction are highly unlikely to succeed.

A U.S. Supreme Court with a conservative majority is unlikely to be receptive to the claims of Democratic state governments. And, in this case, they would be right to reject New Yorks claims. Nothing in the Constitution requires the federal government to make state and local taxes deductible.

What is the basis of the lawsuits that will be brought by the attorneys general of New York and other states? Cuomos invocation of states rights and equal protection are vague, but there are a few potential arguments.

RELATED: Trump's tax law will blow up New York's school funding politics

While the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment applies to the treatment of individuals, not states, in the 2013 case Shelby County v. Holder  which ruled a crucial section of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 unconstitutional  the Supreme Court found an implicit principle of state equal sovereignty, or the idea that each state joined the country on equal footing as each other state. But in that case, the relevant section of the Voting Rights Act applied to some states and not others. The Republican tax law will be applied identically in all 50 states. Its true that the law has a different impact in some states rather than others, but this is true of most of the U.S. Code. After all, the unlimited SALT exemption also impacts some states differently  which is why Cuomo supports it  but that doesnt make it unconstitutional. I dont understand how capping SALT is much different than funding formulas for Medicaid or Medicare that differentiate between low-density and high-density population regions, said Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine and author of an article about the Shelby County case in the Michigan Law Review.

As Litman wrote, theres another reason for liberals to resist using Shelby County to attack the capping of the SALT deduction: Its a hopelessly incoherent holding with no clear basis in the text of the Constitution or in the precedents of the Supreme Court, which puts it among the worst decisions in the courts history. As the recently retired federal judge and conservative legal scholar Richard Posner said, There is no doctrine of equal sovereignty. The opinion rests on air. Reifying this novel doctrine, which was invented by the courts conservative majority to empower Republican-leaning states to make it more difficult for racial minorities to vote, will harm liberal ends more than it will help them. For example, it could be used to stop efforts by a Democratic Congress to strengthen the Voting Rights Act. Liberals should not legitimize this weak and dangerous argument as part of what will be an almost certainly futile quest to win a relatively minor battle.

The challenges to the SALT cap may also invoke Comptroller v. Wynne, a 2015 case that did not allow residents of Maryland to fully deduct the income tax they paid in other states. Some observers have described this holding as a prohibition against double taxation. But Wynnes holding is not obviously applicable here: Marylands tax was held to violate the so-called dormant Commerce Clause, which forbids state regulations and taxes that interfere with the federal power to regulate interstate commerce. This doctrine prohibits states from discriminating against other states in their economic regulations. But this holding isnt relevant to a federal law. Indeed, Congress can permit states to enact laws that would otherwise violate the dormant Commerce Clause, so it would be odd to see this case as limiting federal power. There is no constitutional principle against double taxation per se. And this is a good thing, because this dubious concept is also frequently invoked by conservatives to oppose progressive taxes like the capital gains tax.

RELATED: The 4 big takeaways from Cuomo's State of the State

And then theres the final resort of all dubious states rights arguments, the 10th Amendment, which reserves all powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. But as former Supreme Court Justice Harlan Fiske Stone wrote, The amendment states but a truism that all is retained which has not been surrendered. Its only relevant to cases where the federal government is acting outside its delegated powers. But the tax power is unquestionably a valid federal power, and nothing in any provision of the Constitution requires the federal government to deduct state and local taxes.

Its understandable that a lot of taxpayers in states like New York dont like this policy change, but the appropriate remedy is at the ballot box. Progressives should resist the temptation to invoke specious constitutional arguments that have historically been the source of some of the Supreme Courts worst decisions.

Scott Lemieux is a lecturer in political science at the University of Washington.The Mathews Men

Seven Brothers and the War Against Hitler's U-boats

Hardcover

By William Geroux

Viking

HC, 400 pgs. US$28

ISBN: 0-5254-2815-1 A county goes to war By Steven Martinovich

If there is any branch of the American military apparatus that was absolutely robbed of deserved appreciation for its role in the Second World War, it is very likely that the U.S. Merchant Marine tops that list. Not well known, the Merchant Marine  mostly comprised of civilian ships and crews that ferried supplies for the Allied war effort -- suffered causalities several times that of any American military branch  and accomplished many of its missions early in the war without any protection from the ferocious German U-boat wolfpacks that prowled the Atlantic Ocean. No community in the United States perhaps understood this better than the people of Matthews County, Virginia. William Gerouxs The Mathews Men: Seven Brothers and the War Against Hitler's U-boats boils down the epic story of the Merchant Marine by focusing on the Mathews Country mariners and their families. Few, if any, communities sent as large of a proportion of their men to sea than did Mathews County  seven brothers from the Hodges family alone -- and fewer still suffered as many losses. With few of those Merchant Marine men from the Greatest Generation left today, Geroux made it his mission to tell their story to a world that seems to have largely forgotten their sacrifice. As Geroux reports, the sea-faring tradition of Mathews County stretched back over two centuries as the preferred occupation of any man born there. Whether a fishing boat, commercial ship or Navy ship of war, Mathews men could be found on ships and ports around the world. Although long a sea-faring nation with a navy whose history traced back to the Revolutionary War, the United States Navy entered the Second World War with significant issues, amongst them an inability to ship personnel and supplies to theatres of war. Enter the Merchant Marine who filled the gap with thousands of ships and tens of thousands of men, hundreds of them from the tiny Chesapeake Bay county. The lack of concern by many of the US Navy brass for the Merchant Marine was immediately shown when German U-boats essentially had an unmolested opportunity to hunt ships from the U.S. shore to the Caribbean and all the way to Europe waters. Although Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke highly of the civilian mariners risking their lives for the war effort, the US Navy thought it a poor use of their assets to provide security and defense for the ships. Day after day the ships were torpedoed, often within sight of witnesses standing on American shores, leading to a horrific loss of life  including several men of Mathews County. Eventually, however, as The Mathews Men relates, pressure from Roosevelt, European allies aghast at Navy intransigence from learning their hard-won lessons and public outrage, the US Navy instituted the convoy system. Although safer from the wolf packs, the life of a merchant mariner was still a dicey one as missions took them everywhere from northern Africa, Murmansk and unnamed islands across the Pacific. As the war progressed, the tide began to turn against the Kriegsmarine and the reputation for U-boat service to be a one-way ticket to watery grave began to become a reality for the German submariners. Thanks to the Merchant Marine, tens of millions of tonnes of supplies crossed the Atlantic in a never-ending conveyor belt that fed the Americans and their allies, and the battered peoples of Europe both during and after the war. A story as expansive as the Merchant Marines could have very easily overwhelmed a single book but Gerouxs decision to frame its story by using the men of Mathews County as the paint for the canvas took the story from global history to a personal and intimate story. The reader shares the terror of sudden attack, the relief of surviving or the sadness of families back home when a husband or son joins the countless number of sailors before them who disappear into the waters depths for eternity. Geroux takes a sprawling cast of characters and gives us time to learn who each of them are and the lives of danger they lived in the effort to feed the enormous machine that battled fascism. By the end of The Mathews Men, despite the fact that many of the principals are no longer with us, the reader likely feels that they know the families as well as their neighbours did. It is remarkable that even after seven decades that there are still so many stories left to tell from the Second World War, more amazing still that they are stories that belong not to obscure units or ostensibly inconsequential battles. The US Merchant Machine numbered over 200,000 sailors with nearly 10,000 killed, 12,000 wounded and many ships lost. Part of that is due to the American militarys efforts to keep the deadly reality a secret in order to continue attracting sailors to the effort, part of it also due to the apparent lack of romance that ferrying cargo and troops has. Gerouxs The Mathews Men: Seven Brothers and the War Against Hitler's U-boats deserves thanks for performing the valuable service of reminding us that service didnt just mean a uniform, but also brave men who left small fishing villages for little more than love of country. We may have forgotten their story but hopefully Gerouxs effort brought their story to a wider audience. Steven Martinovich is the founder and editor of Enter Stage Right. HomeOn the nomination of Ward 2 council member Julie Clark, the Estherville City council voted 5-1 to select Cindy Hood to fill the Ward 1 vacancy on the council. Mayor Kenny Billings immediately swore in Hood and she took her seat at the council table for the remainder of Tuesday nights city council meeting.

Estherville city administrator Penny Clayton told Shannon Lehmkuhl, who also submitted a letter of interest for the position, We hope you will remain active in the community, and when a vacancy comes up, you will consider applying for the appointment or running for the office.

Standard city penalties

The council heard from citizens about the change in standard penalty approved by the council at its Dec. 18 meeting. At that meeting, the council clarified certain city code violations that could result in a $625 fine and potentially, in the responding officers discretion, an arrest. The fine and up to 30 days jail is a potential penalty if convicted.

City attorney Jennifer Bennett Finn clarified the intent of amending the ordinance and also stated, I have never recommended jail time for a simple misdemeanor.

Police Chief Brent Shatto said the procedure for removing an animal adjudicated as dangerous is the same as its always been.

The citizen receives a letter ordering the animals removal. The citizen has a right to a hearing before the police chief. Shatto said many cases resulted in the animal being rehomed outside the city. Most citizens are not criminally charged.

Shatto said, Criminal charges would come if the person voluntarily moved the animal to, say, a home in Wallingford, and then the animal is back in town.

Shatto said the department makes every effort to work with the owner to get the animal into a new home. If the animal is impounded, it may be transported to the Northwest Iowa Humane Society in Milford in hopes of having it adopted to a new home in a place where its allowed to live. Only after all avenues are exhausted might the animal be euthanized, Shatto said.

Brent Kottke and Kayleigh White, owners of Diesel, the dog, whose life was spared and status upgraded to that of any other dog in Estherville after a settlement between the City and Kottke, addressed the council, requesting that the council act on its statement that they would take another look at the dangerous animal ordinance.

White passed out a booklet she had prepared, which included a list of organizations that do not endorse breed-specific legislation.

The booklet also includes a statement from Dr. Kristopher Irizarry, PhD, advisor to the National Canine Research Council. Irizarry, writing against breed-specific legislation, stated, It is my professional opinion that this group of dogs [pit-bull type] must be the most genetically diverse dog breed on the planetI think these arguments to protect society from dangerous dogs are flawed because the inherent assumption in these laws is thatcharacteristics in dogs correlate with certain behaviors.

In addition to presenting evidence about breed-specific legislation, White told some of her story of coming to Estherville about two and one-half years ago.

White said she relocated her daughter to live with relatives in Estherville when she fell on hard times.

As I prepared my five year old for the scary, life-changing trip of moving halfway across the country to live with people she only barely knew, without me, I told her stories to comfort her, White said.

White said she told her daughter stories of hope, of making friends, giving her a sense that she could belong there. White took steps to get her life together, then sold most of her belongings, packed what was left, and followed her daughter to Estherville.

For a time, we were happy, White said.

White moved to Estherville and reunited with her daughter. White met Kottke, and they found a home and had a child. White found Diesel as a special gift for Kottke.

I fell in love instantly, White said.

White said Diesel helps Kottke sleep at night. Eventually Kottke went to the Veterans administration to certify Diesel as an emotional support animal.

Whites booklet also listed the states that prohibit the use of breed-specific legislation, including the section of each state code setting out the prohibition.

Our close neighbor of Minnesota happens to be one of them. Iowa itself is edging closer to adhering to this mindset, White said.

White also presented a financial calculator from John Dunham & Associates for Best Friends Animal Society.

The calculator estimated the cost of breed-specific legislation in Estherville.

Enforcement: $5,833

Kenneling: $1,840

DNA Testing: $1,191

Legal fees: $1,142

Euthanasia: $223

TOTAL: $10,229

This did not include over $20,000 to settle the lawsuit with Kottke.

Will Breck, another veteran, also addressed the council, stating, All of us who have served deal with trauma in one way or another. Those who havent may never understand how one animal can make a difference.

Breck added, Were all evolving, and I hope its to reach a point of deciding what is really safe and responsible.

Estherville resident Matthew Ingvall addressed the council about a lesson he learned, which was the importance of adapting. Ingvall said, Id like to see positive change in Estherville.

Kottke said, Im here to do a good thing for everyone else in the town. Acknowledging that the conflict with the city was settled and over, Kottke said, Its a costly and ineffective witch hunt [to ban breeds from town]. Its time to change the law for the good of the community.

Kottke urged the council members to open their minds.

New city council member Hood said, None of the people here is of a closed mindset. I have seen great things with this council. Hood urged Kottke and White to, keep in mind the council is here for all of the city and not just a person who owns a dog.

Just before adjourning, Mayor Billings said, We will review the ordinance.There are three main reasons why Europe should be concerned about the situation in Libya  terrorism, geopolitical competition and migration. Apart from the obvious humanitarian dimension, Europes security interests are at stake including weapons of mass destruction and there are reports that not all chemical weapons have been removed from the country. Terrorism in Libya is a real threat but it is comparatively smaller than the threat of terrorism from within Europe and from Syria. The geopolitical dimension includes Russia seeking to challenge the EU in view of waning US interests but the EU leadership is mostly troubled by mass migration  the key priority from the European standpoint. Migration is a danger to Europes societal stability but it is the integration of migrants and organized crime that pose greater dangers for Europe.

While terrorism from Libya is obviously real, Europe is mostly facing an internal jihadi problem rather than imported problems from countries like Libya. Libya is susceptible to jihadism due to its position of being a gateway to Europe and the fact that the situation in the country remains a fertile ground for new expansionist jihadism. When it comes to geopolitics, it is unlikely that Russian interests are geopolitical in nature. Instead, its cautious strategy and the implausibility of backing a confrontation hint that it is motivated by very narrowly defined economic interests. Migration, in contrast, is in reality mostly about the challenge to integrate the traumatized migrants in the European society rather than about transporting terrorism.

So far, its been obvious that one of the assumptions upon which diplomatic interventions are based on is not proven: that a political agreement will not make Europe safer. A deal will include a major role for Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, which is very likely to spur a violent jihadi backlash. Moreover, if Moscow is indeed motivated by geopolitical interests, such an agreement will leave Russia in a better position to pursue interests such as a naval base and securing a solid position at the negotiating table. Last, but not the least, migratory pressures will not lessen with an agreement. The biggest danger is that a deal will focus on addressing the stream of transit migrants traveling from Libya to Europe while omitting the practices of human enslavement, forced labor and abuse that have become a major source of income for many in Libya.

Regardless of whether there is an agreement, Europe needs a strategy to limit Egypt-backed Haftars campaign designed to eradicate political Islam. As long as the countrys population is being marginalized and targeted with Jihadist ideas, it is unlikely that Europe will be safe. Brussels will have to counter Russia-Mediterranean rapprochement if the Kremlin does indeed have geopolitical ambitions. To counter migration, the EU should also work with armed groups to counter the stream of transit migrants as armed groups are increasingly involved in anti-smuggling operations. Collaboration with the international community also offers hope in tackling migration. On top of easing the migratory pressures, it is also important to increase the protection of migrants within Libya since increasing the protection of migrants could prevent some migrants from trying to reach Europe out of sheer need  while maintaining Europes commitment to human rights.

European Security Interests at Stake in Libya?  Research Paper by Kars de Bruijne, Floor El Kamouni-Janssen & Fransje Molenaar  Clingendael / Netherlands Institute of International Relations.

(The Research Paper can be downloaded here)Morocco has condemned the new deployment of Polisario militias in Guerguarat, the demilitarized border crossing with Mauritania. Moroccos Ambassador to the UN, Omar Hilale, said that these provocations in the area are a major violation of the UN-brokered and -backed ceasefire deal. They also disregard the UN Secretary Generals calls for the withdrawal of all troops from the buffer zone. Morocco has warned the UN Security Council of these irresponsible acts impeding on the political process.

The UN official further explained that through these new actions, the Polisario proved of their readiness to repeat the same scenario of March and April last year when its armed militiamen set up checkpoints in Guergurat but then retreated in humiliation out of the fear that the Security Council might condemn the actions. Mr. Hilale also deplored that the Polisario and its paymaster Algeria, which equips it with vehicles to block Guerguarat road, have not drawn lessons from their humiliating defeat last April.

Morocco, the UN Secretary General and the International Community consider that the Polisarios provocations are detrimental to the efforts led by Mr. Kohler (UNSG Personal Envoy to the Sahara) to relaunch the political process, he added. Mr. Hilale also reminded that the political process was in the need of upholding commitments but this is obviously very unlikely in the context of the recurring Polisario provocations. While reaffirming that his country was faithful to its commitment and withdrew from the area last year in response to calls by the UN Secretary General, Mr. Hilale, however, also noted that Moroccos patience has limits.aviatornxtgen said: Hi Users,



I am a silent observer of this forum and gained so much knowledge regards the application process.



Now I have some questions really need some valuable advise from seniors.



I applied for 189 with point 70. (details on my signature) and 190 (NSW) with points 75.

I am afraid that my points get reduced by 5 due to age by this march.



In case if I received pre invitation from NSW for 190 before march, and after 12 weeks of processing time, i might lose the age points.



1.What happens next upon approval from NSW? Do I need to go back to pool in DIPB with granted 5points for statesponsor or will receive direct invite from DIBP?



2. In the mean time what happens to my 189 EOI? Is that become void after i received the NSW invitation or still remain in pool?

Because I have same EOI ID with 189 and 190 application. Click to expand...

Hey buddy,I can answer few of the questions based on my experience in this forum.If you have the same EOI ID for both 189 and 190 then once you get an invite to apply for visa, only then the EOI freezes/goes into suspend state. If you get invited via your 190 your 189 will not be part of the pool as the process will get initiated as per your 190.Hence i have seen (and did the same) people filing separate EOIs for 189 and 190.Till the time the EOI is active as mentioned above, it will still remain in the pool.As far as the points related to age are concerned, I have read here that in case there are change in points the EOI moves back into the pool due to change in DOE. Unfortunately do not have any experience dealing with pre-invite stage. Seniors can add more.Hello just got my spouse visa granted and I understand that I have to travel within 30 days. Just inquiring about how I will be able to travel( in the future) back and forth between UK and my country....considering that the vignette in my passport is expiring within 30days.We are a retired couple looking to buy a house in the Lower Normandy area and would like somewhere to rent locally (initially) for one month whilst we explore the region and then, if required, re-locate and rent for a longer period, hence it MAY be for more than one month. We are currently renting a cottage elsewhere in France (less than 500 euro's per month) and were hoping to find something similar in Normandy but we have been disappointed by the booking websites (e.g. one quoted from 470 euro's per month but when I completed the form the fee was more than double the original figure - for February!). Other sites have quoted 4, 6 or 12 months lets but already have 'holiday' bookings for March/April so I cannot understand why they will not consider shorter lets as they cannot possibly meet their long term letting requirement.



We have a car so location is not too important as we just wish to continue our exploration of the area. We have visited Lower Normandy on a number of occasions before and have a list of places where we would consider living and would like to live locally for a while.



Please, can anyone provide information where we can find a suitable property (website, local paper etc.)?Asian Spirit said: In Clark Freeport- Air Base there is or was a store named "Oriental." They always had a good stock of large rugs. It's been a long time since I've been to the duty free stores there but would assume they are still there. Also, check the duty free version of Puregold on Clark. They too have the large rugs that you are looking for. Click to expand...

I think I have seen that store Oriental when I was driving around. I'll look for it Saturday.Pure Gold Duty Free Subic hasn't had anything recently. I usually cruise the store at least once every week or two in case they got anything good inWe found one really good deal at HMR Subic a year or two ago and use it in our dining area. Name brand indoor / outdoor area rug, 7 X 10, easily cleaned. Absolutely like new. Probably a return at Costco or Home Depot, etc., in the U.S.HMR has about 90% overpriced U.S. returned junk, but we stop by a lot to look for hidden gems and have found several. Monnday we went in to look for a rug (again) and a couple were promising, but were so dirty and needed cleaning that I could not pull the trigger. On a lark, I bought an interesting one as a temporary solution, for only p5000. Perfect condition! I'll put it in the kids BR after we find a real area rug for the sala.What do you think Americanos?For community leaders across South Texas, Omar Garcia is the face of the Eagle Ford Shale.

During the oil boom, Garcia was the one mayors and county judges complained to when grocery stores ran out of food and truck traffic created rural gridlock. Oil has since busted and recovered, but Garcia and his staff remain the go-between connecting corporations with the 26 counties of the Eagle Ford Shale.

Garcia heads the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable, better known as STEER, the industry group started by the major exploration and production companies working in the 400-mile oil field.

The first Eagle Ford well was drilled in La Salle County in late 2008, setting off a leasing and drilling frenzy. Former Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter once said the Eagle Ford had the potential to be the single most significant economic development in our states history. The field had an estimated economic impact of $123 billion in South Texas in the heyday of the oil boom  a number that got sliced by more than half by the oil bust, according to the University of Texas at San Antonio.

We can make an argument its a part of Texas history, Garcia said.

The field and its workers took a major hit during the oil bust  prices peaked at $107 per barrel in June 2014 and fell as low as $26 per barrel in February 2016  but it continues to be among the busiest U.S. oil fields. The Eagle Ford pumps 1.2 million barrels of oil per day, and last week 70 drilling rigs were at work in the region, according to the service firm Baker Hughes.

STEER just celebrated its fifth year and held its annual awards event  in which it recognizes companies and organizations for things such as health, safety and environmental stewardship  in December at the Pearl Stable.

Garcias background is in economic development. Hes a former vice president of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation and previously worked at the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation. In 2010, then-Governor Rick Perry appointed Garcia to the Texas Economic Development Corporation. He grew up in Kingsville and went to college at St. Edwards University in Austin, where he studied international business and Spanish. Garcia and his wife Christine have two children.

Now Playing: Assistant business editor Jennifer Hiller sat down to chat with Omar Garcia, president and CEO of the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable. Video: San Antonio Express-News

Heres an edited transcript of a conversation with Garcia about the oil business, an ill-fated job move to Houston and the time he found a job in an hour:

Q: Have you ever had to fire somebody directly or handle layoffs? And if you did, how did you handle it?

More Information Quick facts about Garcia What's your morning routine: The alarm goes off at six. Get up, wake up my daughter, cook breakfast, and then it's off to school. After I drop her off depending on my day, I come into the office or somewhere in South Texas. What book are you reading right now? I just finished "Above the Line" by Urban Meyer. I really like reading sports books that go over the team concept that applies to the workplace. But when I don't find myself reading something I want, I usually find myself reading my daughter's third-grade reading list. "Sarah, Plain and Tall" was the last one I read. "Bunnicula" was the one before. What's your favorite restaurant: Two of my favorite foods are steaks and shrimp. So if it's steaks, Bohanan's in San Antonio, and if it's shrimp, it's Catfish Charlie's in Corpus. What was your first job? Believe it or not I was a baker at Sirloin Stockade. I was responsible for baking all the dinner rolls and all the baked goods. What is your passion or hobby outside of work: With kids and a busy schedule, I still enjoy going hunting and fishing when I can, but honestly my weekends are spent with the family and going to their extracurricular activities, whether it's going to a softball game, a soccer game or whatever activity they may have on the weekend. If you had to choose a totally different career in a different field, what would it be: Without a doubt I would love to have been an attorney. I think it would have been a challenge to present to a jury.... that would have been an interesting job to have. See More Collapse

A:In a situation where Ive had to layoff someone, I try to be as helpful as possible, as understanding as possible, but there really is not an easy way to handle a layoff of an individual, because it is life changing at the time.

Q: Have you ever been fired or laid off?

A: I have. It helped shape my career. It was one of my first jobs out of college. It was in Austin working for a consulting firm. We lost a contract that I was responsible for, and with that contract went the funding. The lesson that I learned from that is your career is not always going to go the way you hoped.

Q: How old were you?

A: I was 22 or 23. I was just out of college. Id say 23.

Q: Well, thats a rough intro to the real world. How long did it take you to find a job?

A: An hour.

Q: Are you kidding?

A: Ill tell you the story. So I get laid off. I go back to my office, and the phone rings, and its John Plotnik at Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation. John and Ron (Kitchens, former head of the CCREDC), are on the phone and John goes, Do you believe in God? I said, Yes. He didnt even know that Id been fired, and he goes, Well, Ron and I want to offer you a job. Can you come in on Monday for an interview? And I said, Well, I just got laid off. Your timings impeccable. I explained to him why. I was honest with him. I got laid off on a Thursday. Monday I went to meet to with Ron and John, and that was it. By the following Monday, I was at work in Corpus.

Q: Oh my gosh. Within a week and half.

A: Threw everything in the back of my truck, and were off. Its how I ended up in Corpus. Because almost three weeks prior, Corpus had a marketing contract with a company I was working with to do economic development leads. So I went down three weeks prior to get a tour of the community. They wanted to show me around, show me their real estate sites, available buildings and stuff, so I got to know them really well. I guess they saw something in me that they wanted to hire me three weeks later, and thats how it happened. It was heaven sent. It was a godsend. It was a blessing. Trust me, I went from a low to a high in it was less than an hour.

Q: Thats meant to be. Have you ever really bombed at anything or had a project go wrong or a job that didnt work out?

A: Absolutely. I had career change in 2005, moved to totally different industry from economic development. It was a large corporation, and I took a brand new role or a pilot role if you will, to do business development for this corporation. Between expectations and timelines, my personal goals were not met and that corporations were not met. It was to date one of my career failures.

Q: Was it stressful?

A: It was because I had moved to a new community, a very large community, and had to work really hard to get to know people and to network in a town that Id never lived in, and where relationships and networks were so important to make that job work. It at times became stressful trying to meet as many people as possible and get involved in the community as quickly as I could. But I was essentially an outsider looking in.

Q: How long did you stay there?

A: That job lasted a year and a half. After a year, I started to look. What would I like to do? Do we want to move back to South Texas? Thats when the opportunity arose to go to the city of San Antonio for an economic development position.

Q:Well, tell me about STEER and how STEER got started, and how they found you.

A: They started laying the groundwork in 2011. Companies came together. They wanted a trade association that was specific to South Texas and one that did not focus on lobbying. They only wanted an organization that was engaged in state stakeholder relations, community relations and local issues. In August of 2012, a recruiter called and said, Hey, your name has been given to me by a few people, would you be interested? I went through the interview process and thought really hard as to whether or not I want to leave a very, very good position at the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, an incredible organization, to come to basically a startup. There was nothing. They gave me the name of the organization, a copy of the by-laws, and the checking account, and that was it. They said go get it done. Five years later, we are all so proud of what this organization has done and what it has meant to South Texas. We truly have become the go-to organization for the industry in South Texas.

Q:. Thats a lot to get started.

A: It was like starting up my own business. I can honestly say that I have started up a startup business, even though its nonprofit trade association. I think a lot of what an entrepreneur goes through, I went through to start up this organization.

Q: When you started, it was limited to operators, right?

A: And it still is. The operators are the ones that sit on the board of directors, but we have service companies that are part of the committees, we have the Port of Corpus, Port of Victoria, engineering firms, other companies that do business with the oil and gas industry are part of STEER as well. The main core, or the governing body if you will, is still the (exploration and production) companies.

Q: What kind of things will people call you with?

A: Weve seen it all, whether it was roads at the very beginning where there was dust control issues, whether it was trash on the side of the road. Weve seen it all. Weve seen when the Eagle Ford was blooming in 2014, when the grocery stores ran out of food.

Q: You got calls about the grocery stores?

A: Yeah. Running out of food. Some of these problems we couldnt fix, like that one, but obviously the roads and the dust and the trash, we were very much involved in alleviating those situations with community leaders.

Q: What kind of changes have you seen in the region?

A: Things are manageable now. Infrastructure has caught up. The workforce is OK right now. Well always need the skilled labor, both blue collar and white collar, but were not seeing crews coming from the Bakken (in North Dakota) into the Eagle Ford, and vice versa. Weve got local talent. Were hiring talent from South Texas. I think people can predict their futures without, at this point, seeing a steep rise in oil prices or a steep decline of prices.

Q: What are the big questions that youre getting these days from folks?

A: People want to know how much life is left in the Eagle Ford? Why is everything going to the Permian Basin? Why is the Eagle Ford not getting the attention that it had three years ago? Those are all legitimate questions. The Eagle Ford isnt going anywhere. Theres still a lot of life in the Eagle Ford Shale. Theres still 20 billion barrels of recoverable oil in the Eagle Ford. Youre seeing a lot of infrastructure, pipelines that are being connected from the Eagle Ford into Mexico to service that market. You see also the Port of Corpus Christi and their initiatives to widen the ship channel. Their exports have gone up tremendously since the export ban was lifted. Thats all Eagle Ford Shale.

Q: What do you tell people when they ask about the Permian?

A: Some companies right now have most of their financial resources going to the Permian Basin, and its not to say that theyre not drilling in Eagle Ford, because they still are. But most of their drilling programs are focused in the Permian Basin.

Q: I heard somebody at the DUG Conference talking about how the future of the Eagle Ford was really in gas.

A: Who knows what the future will hold? If oil prices go back in the $80 and $90 range, who knows? What we do know now is that its steady growth, and its manageable.

jhiller@express-news.net | Twiter: @Jennifer_HillerFormer FourWinds Logistics CEO Stan Bates pleaded guilty Monday to eight felony charges, including securities fraud and money laundering, in the criminal case where hes a co-defendant with state Sen. Carlos Uresti.

Bates surprise plea came Monday at a hearing where his attorney was slated to ask U.S. Senior District Judge David Alan Ezra that Bates be tried separately from Uresti and a third defendant, Gary Cain. The three men were arrested in May and charged with a combined 22 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, in connection with their work with FourWinds.

Ive had better days, a glum-looking Bates said before entering a guilty plea.

Ezra told the court that he wasnt told that Bates changed his mind on his request to sever his case until two minutes before the hearing. Bates didnt strike a deal with federal prosecutors as part of his plea. He remains free on bail pending his sentencing April 17.

The United States respects Mr. Bates decision to take full responsibility for his actions, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Blackwell said after the plea was entered, declining further comment.

Bates could testify against Uresti and Cain at their trial, which is scheduled to start with jury selection Jan. 18.

The three are accused of defrauding investors in FourWinds, a failed oil field services company that bought and sold sand used in hydraulic fracturing to extract oil and gas from shale rock.

Kurt May, Bates public defender, declined to comment, and it couldnt be determined what led to Bates decision not to fight the charges.

Bates faces decades in prison and fines of up to $250,000 on most of the individual charges and up to $5 million on each of two charges of securities fraud. He also may have to pay back any ill-gotten gains.

In federal court, taking responsibility for your crime is a big deal and can persuade judges to either stay within the (sentencing) guidelines or deviate lower from the guidelines, said San Antonio defense lawyer Miguel Najera, who is not involved in the case. It may be that they figured any plea deal would be harsh anyway, that by throwing themselves at the mercy of the court, they may get a little sympathy from the judge. Judges arent required to follow the federal sentencing guidelines.

What effect Bates guilty plea will have on Uresti is unclear.

Michael McCrum, a lawyer for Uresti, said his clients situation is completely different than Stan Bates, so we are looking forward to this trial and the truth coming out. The Democrat was FourWinds outside general counsel, a 1 percent owner and escrow agent. He also recruited investors. Bates held a 51 percent stake in FourWinds.

Najera said Bates guilty plea could work for or against Uresti. On one hand, Uresti can argue that Bates was the one committing the crimes and that he had nothing to do with it. Conversely, a co-defendant pleading guilty tends to make it look like youre guilty, although the prosecution has to be very careful about how they argue that, Najara said.

Its possible there was no plea deal for Bates because prosecutors couldnt rely on testimony he might offer, given previous statements he has made. After a court proceeding in Bates personal bankruptcy case where he was on the witness stand for two days in late 2015, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Craig Gargotta said Bates was evasive, exhibited a lack of honesty about his financial affairs and often tried to cover his tracks. Bates invoked his Fifth Amendment right to not incriminate himself 73 times during his testimony.

Some FourWinds investors accused Bates of wasting their money on personal expenses, expensive gifts, exotic car rentals and a wild lifestyle spiced by lavish vacations and women flown in to meet him.

FourWinds entered bankruptcy in August 2015. Gargotta entered an order holding Bates personally liable for the companys $14.7 million in debts. Bates didnt contest the action. The debt cant be discharged by Bates personal bankruptcy.

FourWinds investor Richard Thum, who first went to the FBI to alert agents to potential criminal activity at the company, was pleased with Bates guilty plea.

I am glad that justice finally prevailed, Thum, president of SA Five Star Cleaners, said in a phone interview. Thats what I wanted to have happen. Hopefully, this will never happen again. Thum has said he got back only $163,000 of the $1.4 million he invested with FourWinds.

The San Antonio Express-News chronicled FourWinds demise and its FBI investigation in 2016. At the time, Uresti said he had been contacted as a witness in the probe. Bates, though, had a different take.

Theyve been after Uresti a long, long, long time, Bates said of prosecutors in an interview. Uresti fired back, Thats ridiculous, thats absurd. Its offensive.

Bates was seeking to be tried separately from Uresti and Cain because they were going to blame him for all the problems at FourWinds, according to court filings.

While the government will present evidence against all of the defendants, Bates (sic) will be the only defendant at the joint trial whose co-defendants will be reinforcing the governments position, May, the public defender for Bates, argued in a Friday court filing.

Bates is the fourth FourWinds official to plead guilty. Former Chief Operations Officer Shannon Smith, comptroller Laura Jacobs and marketing director Eric Nelson each pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and are cooperating with prosecutors. Each is scheduled to be sentenced this year.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad accepted Bates guilty plea. Guilty, your honor, was all Bates said when asked how he pleaded to the counts in a grand jury indictment.

During the plea hearing, Blackwell, the assistant U.S. attorney, recounted the charges against Bates.

Uresti and Bates touted Urestis position as a Texas state senator in sales pitches to investors, Blackwell said. Due in large part to the monetary payments that they (the defendants) were paid from FourWinds, FourWinds investors lost collectively millions of dollars.

The conspirators misused investors funds to enrich themselves and others, he added.

The Securities and Exchange Commission last summer revealed that it was investigating FourWinds. The SECs Fort Worth office opened the investigation Aug. 23, 2016, two days after the Express-News first reported on the companys demise.

Bates criminal case didnt stop him from pursuing other frac sand ventures. He and his Bates Energy Oil & Gas were accused by a Kansas company of backing out of a deal to lease frac sand. In November, a state district judge in Kansas entered a $650,000 judgment against Bates Energy for breaching a lease with Caldwell-Baker Co.

Bates Energy also is tied up in litigation with Utah-based Complete Oil Field Services in federal court in San Antonio. Bates Energy accused Complete of failing to accept delivery on more than 40,000 tons of frac sand. Complete filed its own action against Bates Energy, accusing it of failing to deliver sand on numerous occasions.

Patrick Danner is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | pdanner@express-news.net | @AlamoPDMetro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8)  Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Gray is once again joining a beauty pageant.

The 23-year-old, Filipino-Australian model went to the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. office on Monday to file her application for the 2018 pageant.

In an Instagram post, she said her move to apply for the Binibining Pilipinas was not in her plans at all.

"Today marks the reveal of an evolution of self that has been quietly happening away from the public's eye for a little while now. It was in no way planned, but sometimes the stars align to make things happen," she said in her post with hashtag #CatrionaBBP2018 or Binibining Pilipinas 2018.

Gray finished in the Top 5 of Miss World 2016 in the coronation night held in Maryland, U.S. in December 2016.

Other reported Binibining Pilipinas 2018 applicants are volleyball star Michele Gumabao and "Pinoy Big Brother" housemate Vickie Rushton.AUSTIN  Spurred by the national opioid crisis, Texas is joining the majority of states that require medical providers to check patients prescription history before giving them powerful painkillers that can be highly addictive.

Lawmakers hope that mandating use of the states prescription monitoring program will reduce drug abuse in Texas, where more than 2,500 people died from overdoses in 2015, according to federal data.

We should be a part of trying to work with our state and those people who are impacted by this crisis to be able to do something to help them and bring the problem into control, said Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, sponsor of House Bill 2561 that was signed into law last year.

The mandatory checks, however, dont take effect until September 2019. Proponents sought the two-year delay to give pharmacists and physicians time to learn the system.

We want to make sure that  its rolled out very effectively, said Chris Wallace, president of the Texas Association of Business, which supported the bill. That is why waiting is going to be better in the long run.

Texas is one of roughly a dozen states that doesnt already mandate use of the drug-tracking databases, which can help identify over-prescribing and so-called doctor shopping among patients.

The Lone Star State created its prescription monitoring program more than three decades ago, but only a portion of eligible providers are using it, according to Allison Benz, executive director of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

That number has grown, however, since the pharmacy board recently took over the database from the Department of Public Safety, a law enforcement agency, and made it more user-friendly.

Over the last year, the number of provider searches has risen, while the amount of prescriptions dispensed for opioids and other powerful drugs declined slightly, according to data from the pharmacy board.

Its a far better tool than its ever been in the past and its only getting better, said Dan Finch, legislative affairs director for the Texas Medical Association. More and more physicians will use it whether or not theres a mandate, because its providing useful information for the treatment of their patients.

Rob Phelps, the pharmacist in charge at Rite-Away Pharmacy in San Antonio, said staff already check the database, especially for new patients, those who show up erratically or if something seems off. Recently, a pharmacist there elected not to fill a patients prescription just yet after searching the database and seeing it was too soon, Phelps said.

By and large we're already checking it. If I have any whiff of a suspicion then I check it, and I encourage the other staff pharmacists to do the same thing, said Phelps, who questioned the need for a blanket mandate. That is basically telling us how to practice and I am sure the physicians are going to be as unkindly opinionated to that as am I.

Bexar County in 2015 had one of the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths in the state, with more than 100 fatalities that year. But since a peak in 2012, opioid prescribing rates have fallen in Bexar County, a trend mirroring that at the state and national level, according to federal data.

Under the mandate, pharmacists and physicians in Texas will have to look up a patients prescription history before giving them opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates or carisoprodol. The checks wont apply when patients have cancer, or are in hospice care.

Those carve-outs could change, however, before the law even takes effect. A legislative committee is set to study the prescription monitoring program over the coming months and make recommendations for the next Legislative session, which begins at the start of 2019.

Meanwhile, other states are beefing up their prescription monitoring programs by adding more information, such as law enforcement reports on drug-related arrests or overdoses. The more data, the better able medical providers are able to flag people at risk of addiction who can be directed to treatment, said Patrick Knue, director at the PDMP Training and Technical Assistance Center.

The PMPs are just another tool  not any of them are going to be the end all, be all of solving the drug problem, he said. Ultimately, it boils down to folks in the health care community having enough information to provide proper treatment.

amorris@express-news.netDogs roaming the streets continue to be a common sight in some areas of San Antonio, but a heavy dose of education  along with a 12 percent increase in handing out tickets to errant pet owners  is finally making a dent in the problem.

A lot of animals we picked up ended up being owned animals, Animal Care Services Assistant Director Shannon Sims said. Its not a huge stray problem. Its a huge people problem were facing.

In 2013, there were 91,993 calls for service; for 2017, it was 98,092. But fewer animals are being impounded, and the number returned to their owners has more than tripled over the past five years from a little over 2,000 in 2013 to about 7,000 in 2017.

Taking responsibility is the key, officials say.

ACS spokeswoman Lisa Norwood said officers and staff spend a lot of time and energy educating the community that its illegal and unsafe to allow their animals to roam free of restraint. The ticket for a violation carries a $300 fine.

Its the roaming dogs that perhaps live in a front yard with a fence, and a gate, for whatever reason, is left open, allowing the dog to roam free in many neighborhoods, Norwood said. The solution is easy. Just two or three seconds to close a gate and keep the pets on their property. It comes down to one word: responsibility. Owners who allow their pets to roam are irresponsible.

ACS issued more than 11,000 citations last year, and Sims said the agency estimates that 13,000 will be issued in 2018. By contrast, there were only 5,070 issued in 2013.

Were changing peoples mentality about animals, Sims said. Its a long-term investment rather than short-term rewards. The real influence is going to be four or five years down the road.

Sims said roaming dogs are more prevalent on the South Side than on the North Side. City Council Districts 3 and 4 saw 6,200 dogs impounded last year alone  one fifth of all dogs impounded citywide. He said the biggest difference is that homeowner associations, more common on the North Side, can assign culpability, as opposed to neighborhood associations, which are often active on the South Side but dont have the authority to penalize those who let their dogs wander.

There are ongoing efforts on several fronts to address the issue. Last year, the council authorized funding for a dedicated ACS officer in each council district, such as Officer Robert Lopez in District 4, and a new spay/neuter clinic was opened at Brooks City Base.

A routine trip

Josephine Puente regularly sees dogs roaming in her Southwest Side neighborhood. Shes seen dogs of all breeds, sizes and colors during the 20 years shes been living in her home tucked away from busy traffic on Military Highway.

The 80-year-old Dallas Cowboys fan wasnt surprised when a brown and white terrier mix and her four puppies took up residence in a field across from her home. Nor was she surprised when Lopez arrived in his ACS truck. She watched from her driveway as he approached the dogs, a looped rope dangling from his belt, carrying a handful of treats.

As they nibbled at the snacks, Lopez slipped a leash over the adult dogs neck and led her to his truck. Within minutes hed secured two of her pups in kennels beside her. He spent more time rounding up the last two, who had scrambled beneath a parked Chevrolet. Sliding on his stomach, he reached under the car and retrieved the scared pups from their hiding place. He cradled each one separately as he reunited them with their siblings and mother.

They go and they come, Puente said as Lopez drove away in his truck toward the ACS campus, where the dogs would be vaccinated, microchipped and made available for adoption. Sometimes people throw them on the railroad tracks, and some just let them loose.

These are the true strays, the animals that dont have a caretaker, dont have a home or have been abandoned. But, as ACS officials point out, they arent the major problem. While Lopez catches and impounds these animals, hes spending more and more of his time talking with dog owners, trying to persuade them to be more responsible.

In many cases, he is taking more dogs back to a dog owner and educating them or fining them than taking them to the shelter, said District 4 Councilman Rey Saldana, who sees benefits of having a dedicated ACS officer in his district. That does so much to relive the stress not only on strays on the street and residents that call us, but it does so much to relieve more space at Animal Care Services for those dogs that are picked up.

The thousands of requests for picking up stray dogs and sending them to the city shelter are slowly giving way to better relationships with residents and directing roaming animals back home, the councilman noted.

I think its the best innovation we couldve come up with to make sure that someone knows the district as well as the council member who represents it, Saldana said Thats what Robert Lopez is for me.

Educating the community isnt just about publicizing the law against allowing dogs to roam or issuing tickets; its also about teaching prevention. To that end, ACS officers and animal advocates promote spay and neuter programs.

On the South Side, theres the new $1.3 million Brooks City Base Spay/Neuter clinic, which opened in February at 8034 City Base Landing. It offers low-cost surgeries, wellness clinics and educational services to South Side pet owners. The clinic also offers heartworm testing, microchipping and vaccines.

The San Antonio Humane Society operates the 2,500-square-foot clinic, which has separate holding rooms for cats and dogs, a surgery room, a surgery prep area and two exam rooms. The areas humane society is not associated with the Humane Society of the United States.

Krista Lazo, surgery services supervisor and clinic manager, said veterinarians perform an average of 45 surgeries a day at the clinic. She said they also work with the citys feral cat trap-and-release program and 20 local rescue groups.

I think what reminds us of why were here are the rescues, she said, because of the types of pets they bring in and how disheveled they may be.

She estimated that 40 percent of their sterilization surgeries are free and that the remaining 60 percent are low cost, made possible by grants from organizations such as the Petco Foundation.

Weve had an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, Lazo said. As a nonprofit, were grateful to get donations from Petco and the city.

Education continues

On a recent day, Lopez said he wrote more than 20 citations within five hours. By midafternoon he had stopped and talked to three residents about closing their gates and keeping their dogs on their property.

He said that after a year working the district and talking with residents, things have started to look up. He said hes discovered that sometimes, whether someone follows the law is a matter of resources. He promotes the shelters Four Paws program, which helps those who dont have the money to buy a dog house or the ability to fix broken fences.

It used to be a little more troubled, but after paying more attention to neighborhoods within the district it has gotten better, he said. Theres always going to be loose dogs, but education-wise, people have learned to take better care of their animals.

vtdavis@express-news.netThe Texas Senates state affairs committee will hear testimony on campus speech later this month at Texas State University, itself the site of a high-profile First Amendment conflict this fall.

The Jan. 31 Senate hearing will attempt to evaluate any restrictions on Freedom of Speech rights that Texas students face in expressing their views on campus along with freedoms of the press, religion, and assembly and recommend policy changes that protect First Amendment rights and enhance the free speech environment on campus.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Houston Republican, asked the committee in the fall to discuss the issue in the interim.

The topic is not new for Texas lawmakers: State senators and representatives each introduced bills related to protecting expressive activities at public universities and colleges last session, but they died in committee.

Free speech on college campuses has been a polarizing issue in recent years as right-leaning politicians have accused universities of stifling conservative voices.

Texas State University itself was not immune. A student columnist wrote a piece viewed as anti-white called Your DNA is an abomination.

The president of the student government urged the paper to remove the columns author and several editors from staff or risk a loss of funds.

The universitys president weighed in, calling the columns theme abhorrent.

While I appreciate that the Star is a forum for students to freely express their opinions, I expect student editors to exercise good judgment in determining the content that they print, President Denise Trauth said in a statement. The Stars editors have apologized for the column and are examining their editorial process.

Free speech on campus is one of several interim topics related to higher education Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus of San Antonio charged lawmakers with tackling before they return to Austin in 2019. Others include sexual assault, Hurricane Harvey and dual credit.

No higher education committee meetings in either body have been scheduled.One cant miss the badge on the left side of the chest of a law enforcer or first responder. For them, it is an honor and reward for weeks, sometimes months, of training to earn a symbol known for authority and revered for the service and sacrifice paid by those who wear it.

Members of the San Antonio Police Department, San Antonio Fire Department and Bexar County Sheriffs Office will honor the Alamo City with special badges created to commemorate the citys 300th birthday. The badges are paid for by the people who will wear them, the agencies said.

The design work of all four was an interesting process because each of the departments came to us with designs, said Tammany Williams, owner of Celebrate Excellence, which makes medals, awards and trophies. The company made the badges for the Police Department, Fire Department and Sheriffs Office and Bexar County Constable, Precinct 1.

She said each badge is made of a zinc alloy that is similar to pewter, which allows a 3-D effect, and represents law enforcement at the earliest stage of the citys humble beginnings.

The Sheriffs Department will honor the city with a 3-inch badge rendered in 3-D that is available only to sworn deputies and retirees. Depending on rank, the badges will be offered in antique silver or brass.

Designed in part by sheriffs Sgt. Johnny Cavazos and approved by Sheriff Javier Salazar, its shape is a throwback to a historical peace officer shield. It contains an iconic five-point star atop a black field of an underlying shield. The seal of Bexar County is set into the center of the sheriffs star and a coat of arms quadrant that includes representations of Don Alvaro de Zuniga, Duke of Bexar in Spain, in the upper left; Mission San Francisco de la Espada in the upper right; an eagle representing the Aztec eagle of Mexico and the American bald eagle at lower left; and a cannon at lower right, representing battles for independence of the Republic of Texas.

I saw a rough design of the Police Departments badge, so my biggest thing was that I wanted to bring some of the old  the history from one of our previous sheriffs of the 1880s and 1890s and what we had today, Cavazos said.

Bexar County sheriffs Sgt. Tess Christensen and Cavazos have added historian to their duties at the Sheriffs Office and both conducted research to come up with designs for the badge.

We are doing this as a show of universal support, she said. We brainstormed about it and did the research.

Once the badges started showing up on deputies, the orders increased, Christensen said.

Williams said SAFDs badge, still being made, is interesting because it has three components that represent firefighters tools of the trade.

It's the only badge in town that is going to be a more contemporary badge, she said. The others all wanted to have a Western throwback look so they look old-timey.

SAFD Engineer Chris Silva designed the badge, which Chief Charles Hood authorized and is available to active duty firefighters, civilian personnel and pension retirees. The top contains a firefighter helmet and antique nozzles; the Maltese Cross, signifying an engineer rank and a universal symbol in fire service; and an officers badge shield without an eagle, where the helmet and nozzles rest.

Its a combination of all of our rank badges, said Joseph Arrington, SAFD public information officer. It will be customized with each individuals rank and badge number or the 300 for the Tricentennial.

SAPD Chief William McManus was the first to announce the badges in September. They are round, 25/8 inches in diameter and are finished in antique silver or brass, depending on rank of the officer. Designed by Sgt. Tonja Brandt and approved by McManus, it includes the Spanish coat-of-arms; the Franciscan seal; and an image of Martin de Alarcon, the governor of Coahuila and Texas, who established and named Mission San Antonio de Valero  known later as the Alamo  and the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar, a garrison to protect the mission. Officers who purchased them began wearing them Jan. 1.

Williams said she sees the badges as not just collectibles but family heirlooms that will be passed down through generations in the law enforcement and public safety family.

Its an amazing honor to help the law enforcement community in San Antonio celebrate the Tricentennial, said Williams. Its probably the most amazing thing we have ever done, and Im proud to be a part of what will now become a small piece of history for every law enforcement officer in town.

The Tricentennial badges will be worn throughout the year.

Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863Imagine making the nine-month trek to Mars just to have such poor vision upon arrival that its impossible to land.

That would be a nightmare for NASA astronauts headed to the red planet  but its a very real possibility if scientists dont develop a way to counteract a phenomenon that leaves men visually impaired after long-term exposure to zero gravity.

This is a big concern for astronauts, who are mostly pilots, said David Zawieja, regents professor at Texas A&M Universitys College of Medicine who is studying the problem for NASA. You have to have them be able to land and appropriately be able to see. They have to get there, land, do what they need to do and then return.

Researchers dont know why it happens or why only men have been affected and not women, Zawieja said. The leading hypothesis is that increased pressure in the heads of male astronauts is to blame.

Scientists at Texas A&M and Florida State University are studying how fluid pressure changes in a persons head, such as the cerebrospinal fluid that cushions the brain from shock, might affect vision. Theyre also studying coronary artery function.

Space Flight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome appears to be more prevalent during long-duration missions.

Few data exist from which to determine the extent or cause of the syndrome, according to a November risk report produced by Houstons Johnson Space Center.

Researchers expect to have results this year from a study that launched 20 male mice to the International Space Station in August, with a goal of putting scientists one step closer to discovering why the vision problems happen to men.

Some scientists think zero gravity increases the cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the skull, increasing pressure in the back of the eyeballs and the optic nerve, Zawieja said.

When theres increased pressure on the nerve, it doesnt act properly, he said.

Others think the syndrome might be caused by increased vascular fluids, such as blood and lymph, in the head. About 68 ounces of this fluid  the same as a 2-liter bottle of soda  shift from an astronauts legs toward their head in space, according to NASA.

Scott Kelly, the first American to spend a continuous year in space, wrote in his book, Endurance, about the vision changes he experienced on many of his spaceflights. His vision would get blurry about 10 to 12 feet in front of him, he wrote, but eventually returned to normal back on Earth.

After his first long-duration flight, which lasted 159 days, Kelly wrote that doctors found swelling of his optic nerve as well as choroidal folds, similar to stretch marks, on his eye.

NASA researchers have identified these and other eye problems, such as the flattening of eye shape, in many male astronauts on long-duration space missions.

About 60 percent of 300 International Space Station astronauts who were surveyed by NASA said their vision had degraded, according to the Johnson report. It did not specify if the respondents were male or female.

Researchers are attempting creative ways to counteract this problem, but its difficult to do without knowing the exact cause. For example, as part of an experiment during his year on the space station, Kelly would don vacuum pants that literally sucked his body in an attempt to relieve the intracranial pressure experienced during spaceflight.

The human body is roughly 70 percent fluids, which includes blood, lymph and water contained within and around cells. On Earth, our cardiovascular system keeps those fluids distributed throughout our body despite the pull of gravity, according to a June 2015 NASA blog post from the space station. During spaceflight, body fluids accumulate in the upper body, causing a noticeable puffiness in astronauts faces.

The redistribution of fluids may contribute to vision problems in space, the post said.

Reducing the pressure on our lower bodies also reduces the amount of fluid in our heads, Kelly wrote. By studying the effects of (the Chibis pants) on our bodies, we hope to understand more about this problem.

The main problem is that measuring this type of pressure requires an invasive procedure, such as a spinal tap or drilling a hole in ones skull, which cannot safely be done in space.

Thats why the mice are a great asset for researchers.

After the mice returned from their one month on the space station, scientists extracted tissues, arteries and veins from the neck and head, for example. Those samples were tested and will be compared with samples from mice that stayed on the ground at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Zawieja and other scientists are planning a trip to Florida in April to continue their research efforts.

Rodents, obviously, are different from humans, but Zawieja believes that researchers can extrapolate from the findings. And he hopes that their findings eventually help NASA determine a way to combat the problem with astronauts vision, perhaps through medication.

Thats the goal: to figure out how to prevent this so when we go to Mars that by the time we return, we can see, he said.For years, Democrats tried in vain to uproot Rep. Lamar Smith from his 21st Congressional District seat, and political analysts saw little reason to suggest that 2018 would be different.

Every two years since 1986, voters in the right-leaning district endorsed the views of Smith, a skeptic of mainstream scientific views on climate change and a stalwart backer of Donald Trumps agenda, often electing him by margins north of 40 percentage points.

With Smiths announcement in November that he plans to retire from Congress, Democrats see an opportunity to regain the district they last held in 1979. Yet early polling and the nonpartisan Cook Political Reports partisan voter index give Republicans about a 10-point advantage in the district, which stretches from the North Side to south Austin and across parts of the Hill Country.

Now with 18 Republicans vying for Smiths seat and early voting for the March primaries starting in less than seven weeks, the Democratic candidates  Derrick Crowe, Joseph Kopser, Elliott McFadden and Mary Wilson  have turned their attention inward as they seek to differentiate themselves.

Its really just going to be about mobilization and turnout, said Bryan Gervais, a political science professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. If you have Democrats that are angry and frustrated, and Republicans dont have a known name theyve backed year in and year out, thats how Democrats can win. They have to be mobilized, and Republican (turnout) has to be depressed.

Strategically, the Democratic candidates have already established that they would take different approaches in the general election. Crowe, a former aide for House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, plans to induce a massive Democratic turnout by hammering home a progressive agenda through a largely grass-roots campaign.

The way were going to win is by turning out the Democratic voters that typically vote in presidential elections but sit out the midterms, Crowe said.

He made a poke at Kopser, an Army veteran and Austin entrepreneur with a degree in aerospace engineering, whose campaign staff includes Joe Trippi, a longtime campaign consultant who most recently served as Doug Jones chief media strategist in Alabama.

Some of our opponents are building strategies on image consultants, but we have a really solid foundation of people power, Crowe said. I got into this race before the blue wave was discussed. My values led me to fight. And I feel very strongly that progressive values are going to win this race.

McFadden, a former executive director of the Travis County Democratic Party, echoed Crowes view, signaling that his campaign will focus on turning out progressives, not appealing to the center.

Weve looked at this race and the way the lines are drawn. In a wave election, theres probably about a 20,000-vote margin we need to overcome, McFadden said. Theres a huge wealth of voters that vote presidential but dont vote midterms, and thats where the difference is going to be made.

In 2016, Tom Wakely, a Democrat running in the mold of Bernie Sanders, lost to Smith by 73,000 votes. Smiths margin of victory of 20.6 percentage points was the narrowest of his congressional career.

This is a district more or less designed for Lamar Smith, and its designed so that you have (many) upper-class people who tend to vote Republican, Gervais said. Appealing to or adopting something along a Bernie Sanders message wouldnt gain much traction there.

Wilson said she thought all four Democrats see eye to eye on most policy issues. The crowded race should be a boon to the eventual primary winner, she said, because four Democratic primary campaigns will reach more voters on aggregate than a single operation would  possibly spurring higher turnout in November.

A pastor whos also taught math for 20 years, most recently at Austin Community College, Wilson is the only woman running in the Democratic primary. She said voters have expressed support because of her gender, but thats not why she wants people to vote for her.

Im a person whos comfortable in her own skin, and with what my values and priorities are, Wilson said. I think having that comfort level would be really helpful (in Congress)  Im an openly lesbian Baptist minister, and I can count on one hand how many people fit that profile.

Federal Election Commission filings show that Kopser held a wide cash-on-hand edge over the three other Democrats by the end of September, with $219,419, compared with Crowes $24,375, McFaddens $19,690 and Wilsons $3,232.

Kopser is therefore poised to take a different campaign approach. Where his team disagrees with the strategy of the Crowe and McFadden campaigns, said Kopsers campaign manager, Ian Rivera, is that their data show not enough Democrats live in the district to focus solely on turning out progressive voters.

Trippi echoed that idea, saying voters had reached a tipping point with the divisive partisan politics in Washington  and he billed Kopser as the best candidate to harness the public sentiment.

We certainly saw this in Alabama. People are responding to the message of rising above party and just doing whats best for their district or their state, and starting to really reject knee-jerk partisans, Trippi said.

Dean Rindy, a media consultant for McFaddens campaign, rejected the idea that running to the center would appeal to crossover voters. The strategy that will win the district is to mobilize progressives, not convert conservatives, Rindy said.

The experience Ive had is that Democrats who are Republican-lite candidates dont usually win in Texas, he said. You win elections with platforms that mobilize your base.

Much of the Democratic candidates prospects for winning the 21st District lie with who emerges from the Republican field, Rice University political scientist Mark Jones said, because a less conservative candidate could make appealing to moderate voters difficult for the Democratic nominee. The most conservative candidates might repel centrist voters, Jones said, giving the Democrat a chance to scoop them up.

Its going to take a perfect storm for Democrats to win, Jones said. But unlike (previous years), we cant say its completely out of the question.

Where Kopser falls on the political spectrum has become a key point of attack for McFadden and Crowe, who pointed out that Kopser sits on the board of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), a conservative business lobby. He has also expressed support for hydraulic fracturing, an oil and natural gas extraction method that can affect drinking water resources under some circumstances, the Environmental Protection Agency has said.

Rivera said Kopsers view about serving on the TAB board is simple: If youre not at the table, youre on the menu.

If progressive voices refuse to be present in places like that, were ceding the capacity to have our voices heard, Rivera said, noting that Kopser organized business leaders to lobby against the so-called bathroom bill, which would have prohibited transgender Texans from using bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity.

Meanwhile, Kopser sees fracking as a bridge to wean the economy off coal, Rivera said. His ultimate goal is to have an economy that runs on 100 percent renewable energy.

The reality is that we are not going to get there tomorrow, Rivera said. What Joseph sees, what we can do more immediately, is to ensure we phase out coal as an electricity resource. And whats killing coal is natural gas, and fracking is making natural gas affordable.

Local politicians and community leaders are already lining up in large numbers behind the candidates. A slew of Austin City Council and Travis and Hays County officials have put their weight behind McFadden, while several youth Democratic groups, environmentalist Bill McKibben and Our Revolution, a grass-roots group affiliated with Bernie Sanders, have backed Crowe.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton has endorsed Kopser, while Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff announced his support in December, saying he planned to stay connected with Kopsers campaign through the primary.

Ive always felt the Democratic Party is missing some outstanding candidates that are still young, that have a military background, Wolff said. That he combined that with entrepreneurism, its very rare to find a candidate like that.

Rivera counted the ability of Wolff to connect with San Antonio donors as a key advantage.

Rindy called Kopser the candidate of the Washington establishment, noting that the race embodies what has become a party civil war of sorts between D.C. power brokers and grass-roots organizers. Meanwhile, McFadden and Crowe remained unfazed about Kopsers money advantage and the campaign team he has assembled.

Im not concerned about Joe Trippi, McFadden said. I think what were seeing in Kopsers campaign is a lot of excitement from D.C. insiders, but not a lot of support from District 21. And at the end of the day, its the voters who decide this.

Jasper Scherer is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | jscherer@express-news.net | @jaspschererMatthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media

STAMFORD  Building One Community, a nonprofit that provides resources for immigrants, is accepting nominations for its Land of Opportunity Award, which honors residents who immigrated to the greater Stamford area and whose accomplishments embody the spirit of the American Dream.

The Land of Opportunity Award honors the perseverance and resilience demonstrated by the awardee in his or her pursuit of success and commitment to building one strong community, according to the organization. It was established in recognition of immigrant residents best talents, fresh perspectives, new ideas, businesses and vibrant diversity.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3)  Traffic authorities and church officials said there will be changes to this year's commemoration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The Metro Manila Development Authority has announced a new route for Traslacion 2018, or the transfer of the Black Nazarene's image from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.

Instead of passing through the east-bound lane of P. Burgos and Lagusnilad, the procession will use the westbound lane to Jones Bridge. It will skip the traditional routes of McArthur and Quezon bridges.

"Maiiwasan natin 'yung dalawang tulay na laging challenge sa mga devotees. Baka makatulong din ito sa pagpapabilis ng prusisyon," Alex Irasga of the Traslacion's technical working committee said.

[Translation: We will avoid the two bridges that prove to be a challenge for the devotees. It might also help speed up the procession.]

The route for this year's Traslacion.

But roads will be closed as early as Sunday, January 7 from 1 p.m. onwards:

southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard near Quiapo,

eastbound lane of CM Recto Avenue (from Rizal Avenue to SH Loyola St.),

westbound lane of Espana Boulevard (from P. Campa St. to Lerma St.)

Certain roads will be closed to make way for this year's Traslacion.

Quiapo Church Rector Monsignor Hernando Coronel also said organizers will introduce 12 prayer stations along the procession route.

"Para more religious, spiritual kasi 'yung accent ng ating mga pangalanin sa beginning and end," Coronel told CNN Philippines Wednesday.

The stations will also announce quick response units in case of emergency. Around 6,500 policemen will also be deployed to attend to emergencies.

MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago also said 1,300 traffic enforcers will be deployed beginning January 5, Friday.

"On the part of emergency preparedness our team assigned at Quirino Grandstand for first aid and in charge of Pahalik line," Pialago said in a message, referring to the traditional kissing of the Black Nazarene statue.

The Traslacion, a ritual that has been going on for 220 years, begins at 5 a.m. from the grandstand, and may take almost a day. In 2017, the Traslacion reportedly took more than 22 hours before the image of the Black Nazarene was returned to the Quiapo Church.

CNN Philippines Correspondent Anjo Alimario and digital producer Chad de Guzman contributed to this report.One hundred years ago this year the world was in the grips of the worst killer influenza pandemic ever known in modern history. It was a very democratic affliction in that it didnt care if you were Christian, Jew or Buddhist, Chinese, German or American and it was estimated to have killed between 50 to 100 million people worldwide between 1918 and 1919.

The label of Spanish Flu came from the fact that King Alfonso XII of Spain was one of the estimated 500 million people that came down with the illness. Researchers now believe the origins of this strain of flu were located in China and that it mutated after crossing over from birds and then perhaps to pigs and from there on to humans. More American soldiers would die from the Spanish Flu (43,000) then those unfortunate souls who lost their lives from hostile action. Even President Woodrow Wilson fell victim to this dreaded illness in 1919 while he was at the Versailles Peace Conference in France.

In the United States, the first outbreak of Spanish flu was traced to Haskell County, Kansas, in January of 1918. A local doctor warned the U.S. Public Health Service but they took no action. Then on March 4, 1918, a cook at Fort Riley, Kansas, reported sick and by March 11 over 100 soldiers were in the hospital and within a very short period of time 522 soldiers in Fort Riley were in their hospital. The failure to contain the flu when it was still small and still controllable would open Pandoras Box. Soldiers living in cramped barracks often slept no more than three feet from their neighbors which made an ideal setting to spread the illness.

Minnesota wasnt spared the ravages of it either with over 10,000 reported deaths between 1918 and 1919. Faribault County had the very dubious honor of having the first confirmed death in the state. Wells, Minnesota, has been traced to the genus of Spanish flu for both the county and the State of Minnesota.

The Typhoid Mary of the outbreak was a 17-year-old boy named Raymond Paulson. Raymond had enlisted on May of 1918 in the Army and was serving as a musician at Fort Riley, Camp Hancock, and Fort Oglethorpe. When the influenza struck hundreds of recruits the military concluded it was a new form of pneumonia but soon this was proven incorrect. The base commander decided to press the regimental band into becoming health workers because the medical staff were completely overwhelmed. There was a much greater need of hospital orderlies than musicians so the regimental band came to a temporary end. Raymond would never play another musical note in an army uniform.

It was Sept. 18, 1918, when Pvt. Raymond Paulson stepped off the train in his hometown of Wells, Minnesota. He wasnt feeling all that great but he didnt give it much thought. This was his first furlough home since he transferred to duty in the hospital at Camp Oglethorpe, Georgia. He got this time home to recover from appendicitis and the subsequent operation.

Soon after getting to his parents house a telegram came from the Navy. The telegram said Raymonds 22-year-old brother Walter had died from a strange form of pneumonia and his body would be shipped forth with. The day after Walters funeral, Raymond died and the day after that his sister Anna died and sadly, Pastor C.W. Gilman, who conducted Raymonds funeral, was to see the same fate.

The State Public Health Service quickly marshaled its forces and started to generate regulations in an effort to lessen the spread of the flu. They closed all schools, banned public gatherings, required health workers and people exposed to the flu to wear cloth masks. Spitting in public was forbidden. They even went so far as to order that coffins should be closed at funerals. Since streetcars were the way people in Minneapolis and St. Paul got to work, they required the staggering of business hours to avoid packed streetcars. Some of the rather unusual ideas they deployed were banning the sale of ice cream and beverages at soda fountains, plus the shutting down of elevators in buildings of six or fewer stories.

The death records in the Faribault County Recorder Office reveal that 101 deaths were recorded listing Spanish flu as the primary or secondary cause of death during the years of 1918 and 1919. Also, individuals who were under the age of 40 made up the vast majority of those that died. People who died and were over 40 years of age often had some other health problems that compromised their ability to fight off the flu. It is thought that many of the over 40 age group had been exposed to a strain of flu back in the late 1890s and thus obtained some immunity. It was very common for multiple deaths in the same families and for young mothers to lose their life and the newborn infants within hours of each other. When you consider how overworked doctors would have been you would have thought they would have been victims of the flu, but no deaths are recorded in the death records. Schoolteachers didnt fair well, and even the mailman wasnt spared or the butcher in the meat market.

When the 101 deaths are plotted on a map of Faribault County using the home address, it shows that having access to railroads played an important role in the spread of the flu. There are no deaths recorded in Foster Township and Walnut Lake Township and one in Dunbar Township. None of these townships has easy access to railroad travel. The largest clusters of reported deaths were located in Wells, then Blue Earth and, thirdly, Winnebago. All three of these communities had rail service. Wells had both north-south and east-west rail connections, as did Winnebago and Blue Earth.

A.B. Russ is a

representative of

the Faribault County Historical Society.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4)  Mayor Erap Estrada suspended classes in all levels in Manila on Jan. 9 for the celebration of the Feast of Black Nazarene and to make way for the traditional "Traslacion" or procession.

Read: Quiapo Church, devotees prepare for Traslacion 2018

Estrada said in a press briefing on Thursday that offices in the Manila City Hall will also be closed on that day.

Authorities expect millions of devotees to join the Traslacion, an annual procession where the Black Nazarene's image is transferred from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.

Read: 6,500 Manila police ready to secure Black Nazarene procession

The Manila police said this year's Traslacion may be the biggest in history.

The procession will use the westbound lane of P. Burgos St. and Lagusnilad to Jones Bridge, and some roads will be closed as early as Jan. 7.

Read: What's new for Traslacion 2018

The devotees trying to fulfill their "panata" will walk barefoot in the procession.

The panata entails touching the image of the Black Nazarene either by hand or with white towels in a demonstration of faith. It is believed that the Nazarene has healing powers.

Read: Defining the divine: A partial lexicon of the Filipino faith

CNN Philippines Multi-Platform Writer Regine Cabato contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Please refresh the page for updates.CHARGES for livestock yarded at the Muchea Livestock Centre (MLC) have increased by 1.5 per cent, in line with the consumer price index (CPI)  putting fees at $8.06 for live weight cattle and $4.60 for calves, excluding GST.

The fee for sheep and lambs has risen to 87 cents per head, excluding GST.

WA Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA) chief executive Andrew Williams said the increase was from November 2017.

These fees have traditionally gone up from July 1 each year, but this year we left the fees unchanged in July and held up the increase an extra few months, Mr Williams said.

The new fees are on our website and Facebook page.

Mr Williams would not be drawn on explaining why there was a delay.

The fees have risen in line with the CPI rate of 1.5pc per year.

In 2015 the price for yarding liveweight cattle was $7.79 and this rose to $7.91 in 2016, GST excluded.

Clayton Park Grazing Co used the Muchea saleyards recently and received one of the top prices for a Charolais cross steer at $1433.44.

Clayton Park Grazing Co owner Ashley Cooper, who runs a mixed livestock and cropping operation at Eneabba, said he didnt notice the fee increase at the saleyards because hed been too busy with harvest and didnt think about it.

Now that you mention it Ill go and look it up, Mr Cooper said.

He was happy with the sale price.

Mr Cooper said all the costs associated with producing and selling cattle kept going up every year but the prices he got from the stock remained about the same.

I dont know why the fees are always going up  or someones always making up some new fee, Mr Cooper said.

All costs seem to go up but our price doesnt exactly go up.

To be viable we cant really afford to go under that $2.50/kg mark for our prime animals.

Mr Cooper said while there was still money to be made in cattle, the market needed to hold up.

As long as the export market is good, he said.

If that goes itll flood the local market and prices will drop.

Mr Cooper has about 85 breeder cattle.

He said it was a good time of the year to sell off excess stock because over the summer months they struggled to put on any extra weight.

Better to sell them now to keep our costs down because we are really just maintaining them over summer, Mr Cooper said.

The WA beef industry is made up of about 4000 cattle businesses with 25pc owning more than 500 head of cattle, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The ABS reports that the 500 biggest cattle producers own more than 75pc of the States herd, with the largest herds (by number) in the Kimberley.

WAMIAs annual report, ending in June 2017, revealed a major challenge during the year for the MLC was the significant drop in livestock volume with cattle volume for the year being 98,990 head  compared with the previous year of 108,000 head.

Sheep were approximately in line with last year at 608,002, the report stated.

Katanning saleyards manager Rod Bushell said the yarding fee charged per head of sheep was about 80 cents, plus GST, and usually went up by CPI levels.

He said the fees in the Eastern States could range from a small yard at 76c per head to a larger operation charging up to $1.50 per head for sheep.

Mr Bushell said after hearing what some producers were paying he thought Katannings prices were fairly reasonable.

For the past 40 years the Katanning saleyards averaged 20,000 sheep per week or 800,000 to 1.3 million head per year.

In recent times, an average yarding was about 12,000 to 15,000 head due to the downturn in stock numbers Statewide.

Mr Bushell said over the past couple of months they had seen a yarding of 20,000 sheep per week as producers sought to sell off stock before the warmer, drier months.

The Katanning facility has the ability to yard 26,000 sheep in one sale.

With larger sales, the process begins again and a second sale is held on the same day  taking the daily stock yarded to 40,000.

The updated cost to yard cattle (liveweight), have them weighed, scanned in transit, as well as covering the handling fee comes to $19.80 plus GST.

The cattle delivery cost (pickup) is $1.20 per head and the transshipment fee for under six hours is 44c, or a daily cost of $1.29, would be on top of that.

There are also extra charges for feeding stock if they are in the yards beyond the allotted sale and pick up times.WITH the dryer months ahead cattle producers are managing and monitoring their herds for pink eye.

According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) the infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye) is a common and contagious eye condition that occurs in cattle of all ages and classes, although most often in calves and younger stock.

The disease can affect one or both eyes and is extremely painful, causing distress and light sensitivity.

Pink eye in cattle herds has been found to cause significant economic losses due to lost production and a reduction in sale value of cattle due to blindness and scarring of the eyes.

Lancelin cattle farmer and Stable Fly Action Group chairman Bob Wilson has discovered and is treating pink eye in his young herd.

Mr Wilson said he monitored his cattle and tried to provide them with the best possible environment, especially when they were in the yards.

He is concerned about the presence of stable fly on his property that has contributed to pink eye in his cattle.

Mr Wilson said the stable fly tended to be more numerous and aggressive when vegetable growers in the area left their post harvest waste on the ground  providing an environment for the flies to breed.

He said the blood-drinking fly had been present on his farm for years, but this year it had been irritating the young cattle so much it had caused them to bunch together for protection, while flicking sand up to ward off the flys  which has gone into the cattles eyes, causing irritation and infection.

This is the worst season we have had for pink eye, Mr Wilson said.

In one mob about 80 per cent are affected.

The most common time for pink eye is in dry conditions, especially in summer and autumn, when there are high numbers of flies present, which are known to be the biggest spreaders of the disease.

The disease can last from year to year when infected cattle become carriers of the bacteria.

The clinical signs of pink eye include increased blinking, streaming and watery eyes, ulcers on the surface of the eyes, cloudy opaque or white spots in the eye (which is the accumulation of pus and white blood cells) and sensitivity to direct sunlight.

Cattle Veterinary Services partner Ian Bradshaw, Busselton, said pink eye had the biggest affect on young cattle, which were not able to be marketed, especially for exporters, because of the restrictions put on transporting and yarding infected cattle.

Its an animal welfare issue, Mr Bradshaw said.

Pink eye is a fairly painful condition.

Weaner cattle can suffer a fair set back in that they wont eat and they lose condition and they are not marketable.

Mr Bradshaw said while the disease was found all across the State it was usually found in only 1-10pc of a particular herd.

He said treatment of the disease took about two weeks for mild cases and about six weeks for the more severely affected.

Mr Bradshaw said there was a vaccine available but it was a single shot vaccine which was required a good six weeks in advance.

I have several clients who use it regularly, he said.

Its not 100pc effective but it will stop an outbreak and make a significant improvement on the herd.

The DPIRD website said there was one vaccine on the market in Australia to help prevent pink eye in cattle and it needed to be used three to six weeks prior to the pink eye season and immunity had to be maintained with an annual vaccination.

It should also be used in conjunction with advice from a local veterinarian.

If used in the face of an outbreak of pink eye, results of the vaccine could vary.

The main concern, along with the welfare of the cattle, is the adverse effect it has on the sale value of cattle that have recovered from the disease  due to eye losses, scarring and blindness.

Any cattle unable to see are not fit to load or be transported.

There are also exotic diseases that are reportable in Australia with similar clinical signs to pink eye in cattle.

Mr Bradshaw said pink eye was seasonal and dust, flies and UV radiation all caused minor damage to the cattles eyes.

The DPIRD website said that prevention was preferable to treating the outbreak and control measures included reducing dust and controlling environmental factors as much as possible, including when and where cattle are yarded.

Mr Wilson said he had installed sprinklers in his yards to reduce the level of dust when working with the cattle and he had isolated the affected cattle into a separate management group to prevent direct contact and remove the infectious source within the herd.Princess Charlotte had a huge smile on her face as she prepared for her first day of nursery on Monday (08.01.18).

Princess Charlotte

The two-year-old daughter of Prince William and Duchess Catherine smiled widely as she posed for photographs on the steps of Kensington Palace ahead of her first day at the nearby Willcocks Nursery School.

The pictures - taken by the Duchess of Cambridge - posted on the Kensington Palace official Twitter account were captioned: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to share two photographs of Princess Charlotte at Kensington Palace this morning.

"The images were taken by The Duchess shortly before Princess Charlotte left for her first day of nursery at the Willcocks Nursery School."

The location of Princess Charlotte's nursery school was revealed last month in a post shared on the family's Instagram account.

Alongside a photograph of Prince William, Duchess Catherine, Charlotte and her four-year-old brother George, the caption read: "Their Royal Highnesses have also announced this morning that Princess Charlotte will attend the Willcocks Nursery School in London from January 2018."

And the institution were equally "delighted" that the couple - who are expecting their third child together - have selected their nursery for Princess Charlotte to attend.

A spokesperson for The Willcocks Nursery School said in a statement: "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."Manic Street Preachers are eager to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of their 'This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours' album.

Manic Street Preachers

The chart-topping record, which was released in 1998, features hits such as 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next' and 'You Stole The Sun From My Heart', and lyricist Nicky Wire has hinted at how the band plans to honour the landmark.

He shared: "It's 20 years of 'This Is My Truth', so we might do something around that.

"Only because we have so much stuff that's never been heard. In my archive, that's the one that takes up the most space. I don't know about gigs, but there's just so much stuff that no one has ever heard. It's our biggest selling album."

Nicky - who stars in the band alongside James Bradfield and Sean Moore - also revealed some details of their upcoming UK arena tour, promising it will feature "a few nice surprises".

He told NME magazine: "We'll play some more oddities. We did the Q Awards and chucked in 'A Song For Departure' and that went down really well, so there will be a few 'Lifeblood'-ers in there, that's for sure. James is desperate to get 'Prologue To History' in the set. I did tell him there are about 5,000 words in that song so his lung capacity needs to be up.

"There are going to be quite a few nice surprises. 'Slash N' Burn' is going to go back in. Maybe a few more from 'This Is My Truth' too, as it is 20 years. Maybe we'll throw in a few slightly different ones from that."Joe McFadden is still unemployed since winning 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Joe McFadden

The 42-year-old actor's character in BBC medical drama 'Holby City' was killed off before Christmas and the star was hoping after the holiday break the offers would start to pour in.

Joe is quoted by The Sun Online as saying: "There haven't been any job offers.

"There have been some discussions but there is nothing solid at all so I really don't know what I'm going to do.

"I know there was a lot of talk about what might happen but because of everyone being off over Christmas and New Year, nothing has come about."

The former 'Holby' star and his professional partner Katya Jones beat celebrity rivals Debbie McGee, Alexandra Burke and Gemma Atkinson to bag the Glitterball Trophy in the grand final of the dance contest in December, watched by 13 million viewers.

During his time on the show, Joe quit his role in the hospital drama as surgeon Raf di Lucca, who he had played since 2014. Fans were left shocked when Raf was dramatically shot dead by Fredrik Johanssen (Billy Postlethwaite).

After his success on the dancefloor, Joe is hoping to land a role in a West End musical.

He said: "I think that now people have seen me dance it would be a shame not to go ahead and do that again.

"Having just come off the biggest show on television, I want to make the right decision.

"And having done four years on Holby I don't necessarily want a long-term thing.

"But as an actor you never know where your next job will come along so I'll just have to see."

In the meantime, the Scottish actor is going to be busy with the 'Strictly Live Tour', performing with Katya to audiences around the UK.

Joe said: "I'm really looking forward to seeing everybody and dancing again. The Glasgow shows are the ones I'm looking forward to most, getting out in front of my hometown crowd."Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8)  President Rodrigo Duterte might fire more controversial officials under his government, Malacanang Palace announced on Monday.

"Let's just say the President always acts on complaints, and I know of at least three complaints that have been received by the Office of the President," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told CNN Philippines' The Source.

He said that the three officials were "all Presidential appointees," and the President appointed an entity to investigate their profiles.

This comes after Duterte fired Philippine Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) chief Marcial Amaro III over alleged junkets. Amaro maintained his trips abroad were for official business, and a certain business group was behind the move to replace him.

Related: Marina administrator sacked over excessive junkets

Duterte also let go of former Dangerous Drugs Board Chief Diniosio Santiago and former Interior Secretary Ismael "Mike" Sueno for alleged corruption.

"Let's just say that he has given the message to everyone: If you want to travel, make money, join the private sector. You have no place in government," said Roque.

This comes on top of an estimated firing of over 60 policemen, according to an announcement by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Monday.

Roque, on the other hand, said about 30 police officials would get the boot.

"I think it's a minimum of 30 policemen personnel. If I'm not mistaken, there will be at least four colonels," said Roque.

Related: 67 police officers may be dismissed this month

The PNP has struggled with trust ratings amid reports of rogue cops and a surge of about 4,000 deaths during police operations in the drug war.

Among the controversial killings linked to police are the deaths of 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos, detained Albuera, Leyte mayor Rolando Espinosa, and Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo.PLANO, TexasandSHELTON, Connecticut, Jan. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --Research Now SSI continues to support its Davao employees in the aftermath of the December 23, 2017 fire at the NCCC Mall in which 37 of the facility's 500 call center employees perished.

Research Now SSI is continuing to pay the Davao employees despite the loss of the Davao facility and is exploring avenues toprovide them withemployment.

Efforts continue to reimburse employees for personal effects that were destroyed in the fire. Additionally, Research Now SSI continues to secure counseling for employees and victims' families.

These moves are in line with the company's top priority of ensuring the welfare of the families of the victims and the well-being of employees, while cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation of the fire.

In addition to initial financial assistance provided to the families of the employees who were lost, the follow up initiative to raise more funds has netted over US$115,000 to date. The company is now making preparations to release those funds to the families.

Gary S. Laben, CEO of Research Now SSI, says, "Our Davao employees have shown incredible resiliency and strength in the wake of the tragedy. We are committed to helping sustain them as members of our global company and as part of the Research Now SSI family."

The Davao call center operation was founded in July 2008 as part of the company's market research Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) services.

About Research Now SSI

Research Now SSI is the global leader in digital research data for better insights and business decisions. The company provides world-class research data solutions that enable better results for more than 3,500 market research, consulting, media, healthcare, and corporate clients. Research Now SSI operates globally with locations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, and is recognized as the quality, scale, and customer satisfaction leader in the market research industry. For more information, please go towww.researchnow.comandwww.surveysampling.com.

Editors, for more information, contact:

Barbara Palmer

bpalmer@researchnow.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/621661/RN_SSI_Dual_Logo.jpgBEVERLY HILLS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 6, 2018 / During a brazen daytime robbery in Cannes, France on July 28, 2013, $136 million in diamonds and other jewels were stolen from the famous InterContinental Carlton Hotel on the French Riviera. Four years later, that remains the largest heist in Europe in decades, but smaller incidents continue to occur on a regular basis in tourist destinations around the world. While these stories allow for fascinating intrigue, they also make clear the danger of traveling with expensive watches and jewelry. Steven Rostovsky, North America's exclusive Greubel Forsey watch distributor, multi brand pre-owned wholesale dealer and an avid timepiece collector, discusses the steps that should be taken to protect valuable personal items when away from home.

'Most wealthy tourist destinations attract criminals, petty or otherwise, so the first consideration must be whether to even travel with items of importance,' said Rostovsky. If one must, when booking a hotel ensure that it provides a highly secure safe deposit box. Never leave valuables unattended in a room or rental car, and don't wear it in public places where it is first visible and then you may be inclined to take it off, such as the pool or spa. In most states and countries the hotel's liability is limited, meaning they will not be held responsible for any goods lost or stolen on their property. Steven Rostovsky continued to note that theft is not the only threat to jewelry when on vacation. Fine pieces can be subject to damage, especially in transit. If packed improperly, wristwatches, diamonds, pearls or other gems can become scratched and bracelets and necklaces can get caught on one another. Travel cases, made from hard leather to silk, have various pouches designed to keep pieces separate and in their place. A jewelry roll, essentially a soft cloth with compartments that is folded over and tied up with a ribbon, is also commonly used to transport valuables.

If traveling with expensive pieces is a necessity, the best idea is often to have it insured separately from a homeowner's policy. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) works with GemShield, a provider of specialized personal jewelry insurance, to offer reasonable policies. When buying IGI-graded gemstones or other products, consumers can now obtain a plan protecting them against 'all risks' of loss, including theft and damage. Chubb also offers competitive rates for insuring collectible wristwatches. For large collections, you can distinguish between items kept in a bank vault versus those 'out' for use. This significantly lowers the rate for the entire collection. Remember however to notify your insurance provider that you have removed items for use while on vacation. Rostovsky reminded that not all policies provide coverage outside of the United States, so ensure that international travel is included if needed.

Steven Rostovsky is the owner and operator of Rostovsky Watches in Beverly Hills, California. Along with his wife, Janine, and three children - Jason, Taryn and Alexa - Rostovsky is committed to positively impacting greater Los Angeles. The philanthropic family donates regularly to various Jewish and secular groups, and they give their time generously to organizations that help the needy throughout their community.

Steven Rostovsky - Rostovsky Watches in Beverly Hills, CA: http://stevenrostovskynews.com

Steven Rostovsky - on Watches Inspired by Automobiles: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/steven-rostovsky-watches-inspired-automobiles-005100652.html

Steven Rostovsky - Shares Strategies for Finding Collectible Watches: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/steven-rostovsky-shares-strategies-finding-175000342.html

Contact Information:

StevenRostovskyNews.com

contact@stevenrostovskynews.com

http://stevenrostovskynews.com

SOURCE: Steven Rostovsky

PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Sanofi and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNY) announced a strategic restructuring of their RNAi therapeutics alliance to streamline and optimize development and commercialization of certain products for the treatment of rare genetic diseases.



Sanofi noted that it will obtain global development and commercialization rights to fitusiran, an investigational RNAi therapeutic, currently in development for the treatment of people with hemophilia A and B. Global commercialization of fitusiran, upon approval, will be done by Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi. Alnylam will receive royalties based on net sales of fitusiran products. Alnylam will obtain global development and commercialization rights to its investigational RNAi therapeutics programs for the treatment of ATTR amyloidosis, including patisiran and ALN-TTRsc02. Sanofi will receive royalties based on net sales of these ATTR amyloidosis products. With respect to other products falling under the RNAi therapeutics alliance, the material terms of the 2014 Alnylam-Sanofi Genzyme alliance remain unchanged.



Fitusiran complements Sanofi Genzyme's rare hematology portfolio, and creates a focus on bringing an innovative product to market globally, upon approval, for people living with hemophilia, one of the most common rare diseases.



The restructuring will enable Sanofi to assume full responsibility for development and commercialization of fitusiran, including costs. However, during the anticipated transition period Alnylam will fund such costs. Alnylam intends to substantially complete the transition of fitusiran to Sanofi by mid-2018. Sanofi will pay Alnylam a milestone of $50 million following dosing of the first patient in the ATLAS Phase 3 program for fitusiran.



Alnylam will fund all development and commercialization costs for patisiran and ALN-TTRsc02 going forward. There will be no additional milestones due to either company with respect to patisiran or ALN-TTRsc02.



Sanofi intends to substantially complete the transition of its patisiran activities in regions outside the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, consistent with the original scope of its license rights to patisiran, by mid-2018.



Sanofi Genzyme and Alnylam will be eligible to receive tiered royalties of 15 to 30 percent on global net sales of ALN-TTRsc02 and fitusiran, respectively, upon approval and commercialization. Previously, these programs were subject to co-development and co-commercialization terms in the United States, Canada and Western Europe.



For patisiran, Sanofi Genzyme will be eligible to receive royalties, increasing over time to up to 25 percent, on sales in territories excluding the United States, Canada, and Western Europe.



Sanofi continues to have the right to opt into other Alnylam rare genetic disease programs for development and commercialization in territories outside of the United States, Canada and Western Europe, as well as one right to a global license.



Separately, Alnylam also plans to support The Medicines Company's continued efforts with respect to the ORION Phase 3 studies of inclisiran - an investigational RNAi therapeutic targeting PCSK9 in development for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia - throughout 2018. Specifically, The Medicines Company has guided to complete enrollment in the ORION 9, 10, and 11 LDL-C pivotal studies in early 2018 and to initiate enrollment in the ORION 4 cardiovascular outcomes (CVOT) study in mid-2018. Alnylam is eligible to receive milestones and royalties of up to 20 percent from The Medicines Company based on the successful development and commercialization of inclisiran.



In addition, the company plans to continue advancement of its earlier-stage clinical pipeline programs with multiple data read-outs expected throughout 2018. Alnylam also plans to file one or more new clinical trial applications (CTA) in 2018, and advance its infectious disease collaboration with Vir Biotechnology.



The company now expects to end 2017 with greater than $1.7 billion in cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, and restricted cash and intends to provide financial guidance for 2018 in connection with its year-end 2017 financial results in February.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.deGroupe PSA finished 2017 stronger, with five car brands and one mobility brand

A short film (<4 minutes) featuring the year's highlights is now available

Regulatory News:

Groupe PSA (Paris:UG):

2017 in a few minutes

Opel Vauxhall joined Groupe PSA and are now focusing on the deployment of "PACE!", theirstrategic plan to become profitable, electric and global. With these two brands, Groupe PSA is emerging as European champion.

Meanwhile, the Group's teams have been rigorously and methodically rolling out its strategic plan for profitable growth: "Push to Pass".

The worldwide product offensive continued with the Peugeot 3008 (elected European Car of the Year 2017), the Peugeot 5008, Citroen C5 Aircross, Citroen C3 Aircross, Citroen C4 Cactus, the new premium vehicle DS 7 Crossback, and a revamped product offering for light commercial vehicles. And for Opel Vauxhall: the Crossland X, Grandland X and Insignia GSI are worthy of note.

The development of innovative, efficient and useful technologies is on track with a faster shift toward electric technologies, the launch of the AVA (Autonomous Vehicle for All) programme and yet more recognition for the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo PureTech, again classed "Engine of the Year" in 2017.

Groupe PSA now operates in every region of the globe and is forging new partnerships worldwide. It has even returned to the United States with the Free2Move mobility brand.

To better serve its customers, the Group is developing online purchasing services and offering 100% immersive services for customers. It has updated its line-up of used vehicles, parts and services and launched the Free2Move app. Its professional customers have their own dedicated service in Free2Move Lease.

None of these successes would have been possible without the daily commitment of all the Groupe PSA teams and the work carried out alongside employee representatives to build the Group's future.

Watch this short video to review all of the achievements from the past year and see how they have prepared Groupe PSA to face new challenges in 2018.

Video

About Groupe PSA

The Groupe PSA designs unique automotive experiences and delivers mobility solutions to meet all client expectations. The Group has five car brands, PeugeotCitroenDSOpel and Vauxhall, as well as a wide array of mobility and smart services under its Free2Move brand, aiming to become a great carmaker and the preferred mobility provider. It is an early innovator in the field of autonomous and connected cars. It is also involved in financing activities through Banque PSA Finance and in automotive equipment via Faurecia. Find out more at groupe-psa.com/en.

Media library: medialibrary.groupe-psa.com @GroupePSA

Communications Division www.groupe-psa.com/en - +33 6 61 93 29 36- @GroupePSA

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180108005854/en/

Contacts:

Groupe PSA

Media contact:

+ 33 6 61 93 29 36

psa-presse@mpsa.comBRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - U.K. shares were marginally lower on Monday as weak earnings overshadowed a positive trend across Asia and Europe. Investors also looked ahead to a possible cabinet reshuffle this week. The benchmark FTSE 100 was little changed with a negative bias at 7,721 in late opening deals after rising 0.4 percent on Friday. Software giant Micro Focus slumped 11 percent after the company warned the integration of HPE software could delay the division's return to revenue growth. Mothercare shares fell as much as 26 percent after the baby goods retailer warned of substantially lower annual profits. Babcock International Group advanced 0.6 percent as it launched a bid for UK Ministry of Defence's new 1.25 billion pound Type 31e general purpose light frigate program. 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.SHANGHAI, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its success in 2017, the China International Building Decoration Fair (CBD Fair) will return to Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center from March 21 to 23, 2018, with more than 400 global enterprises.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625514/CBD.jpg

CBD-IBCFT (Shanghai) is an extension of the original CBD Fair in Guangzhou, which is the world's largest building decoration exhibition. In 2017, CBD Fair (Guangzhou) covered an exhibition area of 390,000 square meters with 916,013 participants during its run from July 8-11. This March, CBD-IBCTF (Shanghai) will bring together all top-tier brands of the building and decoration sector, including Suofeiya, WISION and PIANO across an area of 80,000 square meters.

Highlights of the fair will include:

Publicly listed enterprises of Customization

Smart Home products varies from Smart Locks to Smart Hanger Systems

Leading brands of Full-home Customization from South China

Rising Premium Remodeling brands from Yangtze River Delta

Top Wooden Doors enterprises from Beijing

High-end Doors & Windows blooming here

This year, CBD-IBCFT (Shanghai) will unveil cutting-edge technologies in intelligent locks as well as smart hanger systems from top brands, including Samsung and TENON.

"With the size of the global smart home market estimated to reach US$ 122 billion by 2022, it's the biggest growth area for the home decoration industry, and presents many crossover opportunities with the electronics and high tech sectors," said president Liu of the CBD Fair. "We hope that our guests will find new product ideas and partnership possibilities at the fair."

CBD-IBCFT (Shanghai) 2018 will also gather top-tier home decoration brands, not only the leading ones from South China, but also those rising from the Yangtze River Delta. Exhibitors will bring their latest and most comprehensive products and share their concepts with participants.

In addition, Wooden Doors will display their premium remodeling products at this year's fair. Manufacturers including TATA, Holtz and Kaimo, the most famous enterprises from Beijing, showcase together with top brands originated from Yangtze River Delta. They will demonstrate new technologies, bringing the home decoration industry into the modern era, enabling buyers to explore home decoration concepts in a new, immersive way.

About the CBD Fair

Founded in 1999, the CBD Fair is hosted twice per year. CBD-IBCTF (Shanghai) is hosted by the China Foreign Trade Centre and the China Building Decoration Association.Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/08/18 -- Spectra7 Microsystems Inc. (TSX: SEV) ("Spectra7" or the "Company"), a leading provider of high-performance analog semiconductor products for broadband connectivity markets, is showcasing its new DreamWeVR products and reference designs for mobile tethered AR/VR/MR head-mounted displays ("HMDs") at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV from January 8-12, 2018.

"As the established market-leader of high-performance semiconductors for AR/VR/MR interconnects, Spectra7 intends to expand into the mobile tethered space and accelerate time-to-market for our OEM customers," said Spectra7 CEO Raouf Halim. "Backed by a very strong patent portfolio, including 36 patents in the field of active cables, our semiconductors and reference designs offer the reality industry's thinnest, lightest, and highest performing mobile solutions."

Spectra7 has established itself as the market leader providing active copper cable solutions for the AR/VR/MR HMD market. Most tethered systems shipping today connect to a PC or console. As smartphones become more powerful, a new generation of mobile HMDs are emerging that connect to a user's mobile device with a thin cable similar to what are used for audio ear-buds today. Spectra7's ICs make this possible by restoring the display and camera data signals that are attenuated and distorted by the extremely thin copper conductors.

Spectra7's Latest Reference Design Configurations

Three DreamWeVR Type-C (VRC) reference design configurations and supporting modules are now available to mobile OEM customers:

- DreamWeVR VRC 4+2 featuring 4 lanes of DisplayPort and USB 2.0 - DreamWeVR VRC 2+2 featuring 2 lanes of DisplayPort and USB 2.0 - DreamWeVR VRC 2+3 featuring 2 lanes of DisplayPort and USB 3.2

These reference designs enable mobile AR/VR/MR OEMs to quickly and cost-effectively bring products to market. These VRC configurations all feature the new USB Type-C connector that is rapidly becoming the de facto interface on virtually all new smartphones1. Active cable module sets to support these reference designs are now available for sampling with production planned for the end of first quarter 2018.

These reference designs feature the Company's latest AR/VR/MR optimized, high-performance, analog IC's that represent the reality industry's broadest range, highest performance, lowest power and smallest size devices, including:

-- VR8200 - DisplayPort HBR2 Embedded Cable Processor

- Delivers DisplayPort bandwidth of up to 21.6Gbps at 4K resolution.

-- VR8300 - DisplayPort HBR3 Embedded Cable Processor

- Delivers HDMI bandwidth of up to 32.4Gbps at 5K resolution for 15 million pixel cinema-grade video.

-- VR8050 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 Embedded Cable Processor

- Delivers up to 5Gbps of sensor/camera data for positional tracking, and gesture recognition.

-- VR8051 - USB 3.2 Gen 2 Embedded Cable Processor

- Delivers up to 10Gbps of sensor/camera data for positional tracking and gesture recognition.

SPECTRA7 HOSTING MEETINGS AT CES 2018

The Company is hosting invitation-only one-on-one meetings with customers interested in previewing these reference designs at CES 2018. Please email Annie Hoang at ahoang@spectra7.com to schedule a meeting.

ABOUT SPECTRA7 MICROSYSTEMS INC.

Spectra7 Microsystems Inc. is a high performance analog semiconductor company delivering unprecedented bandwidth, speed and resolution to enable disruptive industrial design for leading electronics manufacturers in virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, data centers and other connectivity markets. Spectra7 is based in San Jose, California with design centers in Markham, Ontario, Cork, Ireland, and Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, please visit www.spectra7.com.

CAUTIONARY NOTES

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those regarding the Company's future financial position and results of operations, strategy, proposed acquisitions, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believe", "expect", "aim", "intend", "plan", "continue", "will", "may", "would", "anticipate", "estimate", "forecast", "predict", "project", "seek", "should" or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially include, but are not limited to the risk factors discussed in the Company's annual MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2016. Management provides forward-looking statements because it believes they provide useful information to investors when considering their investment objectives and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.

References

1. "USB Type-C Report " (2018 Edition), IHS Markit.

Contacts:

Spectra7 Microsystems Inc.

Sean Peasgood

Investor Relations

416-565-2805

ir@spectra7.com



Spectra7 Microsystems Inc.

Darren Ma

Chief Financial Officer

669-284-3170

pr@spectra7.com



The "European Defence Industries Authorities Directory 2018" directory has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The European Industries Authorities Directory is the most comprehensive and accurate database on companies and executives throughout Europe and those senior defence officials that oversee the purchasing of everything from vehicles, communications equipment and clothing, to electronics, parts and ordnance.

Assisting defence contractors to identify new opportunities throughout this region, this Directory covers thousands of companies providing invaluable comprehensive business information on these companies and its leaders in this industry. Additionally the Directory lets you contact those senior officials responsible for defence procurement from the executive leadership and military and civilian defence and national security agencies down through the service branches. The Directory also gives you names, ranks, areas of responsibility and contact information.

The European Defence Industries Authorities Directory has been especially compiled to assist professionals with market research, strategic planning, as well as contacting prospective clients. It is also an indispensable guide to all of Europe's defence industries, key corporate executives and defence and law enforcement officials responsible for procurement.

Company entries in this Directory typically provide:

Name and address

Phone, fax numbers, email and website addresses

Names of senior management and board members

Description of business activities

Products and services

Brand names and trademarks

Subsidiaries and associates

Number of employees

Financial information

Import/export markets

For more information about this directory visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7blkg5/european_defence?w=4

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180108006091/en/

Contacts:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

Related Topics: Military Aerospace and DefenseThunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2018) - White Metal Resources Corp. (TSXV: WHM) ("White Metal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has received the permit (the "Permit") to fly an airborne time-domain electromagnetic (EM) and magnetic (MAG) geophysical survey on its Gunners Cove Property (the "Property") and is expected to commence the survey within 2 weeks. The Property, located 20 km north of St. Anthony on the Northern Peninsula, Newfoundland, is easily accessible by means of local roads and trails, and consists of 682 claim units (59,402 ha or 594 sq-km). The geophysical survey will cover the entire property.

The geophysical data will assist the Company in better understanding and delineating structural and stratigraphic features which might host gold, and possibly base metal, mineralization. Initial surface grab samples from the new discovery made in September 2017 (news release: September 25, 2017), and follow up sampling recently announced (news release: November 20, 2017), outline a large area of anomalous gold and other metals associated with pyrite-nodules and pyrite stringers, hosted by black shale.

To date, 133 surface grab samples have been collected from the 10 mineralized zones at the Property. The distribution of the samples containing anomalous gold values define an area roughly 5 km x 3 km. Approximately 50% of the grab samples collected in the Gunners Cove area assayed 100 ppb Au (0.1 g/t Au) or greater, with a maximum of 5.9 g/t Au (Mossberg Zone). Silver assay results are also elevated, ranging from less than 1 g/t Ag to a maximum of 9.1 g/t Ag (Cooey Zone) [note: grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to be representative of average grades].

Our work to date at the Gunners Cove Property has highlighted a large area of anomalous gold values and extended the discovery area substantially. Historically, this Property has seen very little exploration work and is a recent prospecting discovery, adding to its importance. Precious metal and base metal mineralization is associated with, and appears to be largely hosted by, pyritic nodules and stringers accompanied by minor silicification and local brecciation, and hosted by an extensive black shale unit.

Following the airborne geophysical survey and associated data processing and targeting, the Company is planning to immediately begin a diamond drilling program. Targets will be based on a combination of regional and local geological knowledge, surface sampling to date, and results of the airborne geophysical survey.

Technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans (P.Geo.), Vice President Exploration and a Director of White Metal, who is a Qualified Person under the definitions established by the National Instrument 43-101.

For more information in regards to the Gunners Cove Property you can visit the company's Web Page at www.whitemetalres.com.

About White Metal Resources Corp (TSXV: WHM):

White Metal Resources Corp is a junior exploration company exploring in Canada and currently has 39,742,740 common shares issued and outstanding.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of White Metal Resources Corp.

"Michael Stares"

Michael Stares, President and CEO

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projection

For further information contact:

Michael Stares

684 Squier Street

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, P7B 4A8

Phone: (807) 628-7836

Fax (807) 475 7200Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2018) - Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSXV: MEK) (Metals Creek or the "company") is pleased to announce that the company has received the permit (the "Permit") to fly an airborne time-domain electromagnetic (EM) and magnetic (MAG) geophysical survey on its 100% owned Great Brehat Property (the "Property") and is expected to commence the survey within 2 weeks. The property is located on the Great Northern Peninsula, near St. Anthony, Newfoundland. The Claims being flown are contiguous to the south of White Metals Resources Corp. new discovery where they recently announced highly anomalous gold values over approximately a 15 sq KM area in black sedimentary shale units (See WHM-TSX.V PR dated November 20, 2017). The Metals Creek claims were staked to cover favorable geology similar to that of White Metals Resources Corp. The company believes this could potentially be a very important new discovery in a unique geological environment similar to other large gold deposits hosted in black shale environments around the world. The company intends on flying 128.5 line kilometers of airborne EM and Mag.

The geophysical data will assist the Company in better understanding and delineating structural and stratigraphic features which might host gold, and possibly base metal, mineralization. Metals Creek will plan an exploration program to evaluate the targets generated by the airborne survey.

In addition, the company has granted 1,000,000 stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation. All such options will have a term of five years at an exercise price of $0.10 per share, will be governed by the terms and conditions of the Corporation's stock option plan and will be subject to vesting provisions.

About Metals Creek Resources Corp.

Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has a 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF) that stretches between Timmins, Ontario and Val d'Or, Quebec. Metals Creek also has an option agreement with Quadro Resources on Metals Creeks and Benton Resources Staghorn Gold Project in Newfoundland as well as two option agreements with Anaconda Mining Inc. on Metals Creek's Jacksons Arm and Tilt Cove Properties also in Newfoundland. The company have also signed a LOI on its Clarks Brook property with Sokoman Iron Corp. and is engaged in the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of other mineral resource properties, and presently has mining interests in Ontario, Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador including the recently acquired Great Brehat project on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland. Additional information concerning the Corporation is contained in documents filed by the Corporation with securities regulators, available under its profile 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) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Alexander (Sandy) Stares, President and CEO



Metals Creek Resources Corp

telephone: (709)-256-6060

fax: (709)-256-6061

email: astares@metalscreek.com

MetalsCreek.com

Twitter.com/MetalsCreekRes

Facebook.com/MetalsCreekDUBLIN, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Adaptive Robotics Market 2017-2021" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The global adaptive robotics market to grow at a CAGR of 27.20% during the period 2017-2021.

Global Adaptive Robotics 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 integration of swarm technology in adaptive robots. After analysis and introspection, many engineers and scientists have tried to adapt automation to highly efficient patterns observed in nature. Worker ants are noted examples of efficient workers that execute all tasks in a focused manner, while maintaining constant communication.

According to the report, one driver in the market is increasing adoption of lean and flexible manufacturing. The global industrial robots market is expected to witness escalating growth with technological advances and R&D investments in robotic science. The adoption of robotics is on a rise owing to the implementation of robotics solutions to achieve high productivity, operational efficiency, and replace manual interventions in major industries such as metal processing, automotive, chemicals, electrical and electronics, and F&B. With changing market dynamics and intense competition among OEMs, there is a surge in the adoption of automation and robotics solutions that can optimize production costs and reduce reliance on heavy automation and manual labor.

Further, the report states that one challenge in the market is complexity in designing. Adaptive robots are very complex in their design as they need to consider dual complexity. First, these robots need to comply with the internal complexity of the design to optimize components and establish communication with various modules. Second, these robots need to maximize their capabilities to sense the environment, learn, and reconfigure themselves with functional architecture. Moreover, to design a robot that has to work in hazardous environments, robots need to provide increased dexterity to adapt to difficult terrains that complicate the programming environment even further.

Market trends

Integration of swarm technology in adaptive robots

IoT and Industry 4.0

R&D in adaptive robotics

Key vendors

iRobot

Rethink Robotics

SoftBank Group

Universal Robots

Yaskawa Motoman

Other prominent vendors

Giraff Technologies

HONDA

PaR Systems

Robotiq

Teledyne SeaBotix

Key Topics Covered:



Part 01: Executive Summary



Part 02: Scope Of The Report



Part 03: Research Methodology



Part 04: Introduction



Part 05: Market Landscape



Part 06: Market Segmentation By Application



Part 07: Market Segmentation By Product



Part 08: Regional Landscape



Part 09: Decision Framework



Part 10: Drivers And Challenges



Part 11: Market Trends



Part 12: Vendor Landscape



Part 13: Vendor Analysis



Part 14: Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7xrd2s/global_adaptive?w=5





Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716GLENDALE, California, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Export Portal, a blockchain-enabled e-Commerce Business to Business Platform, will be meeting with the delegation from Taiwan at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Export Portal believes that no entity should be able to dictate what business should be able to succeed on the world stage.

Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625935/EP_Taiwan.jpg

The Fourth Industrial Revolution will depend on businesses from around the world to promote themselves in a manner that is only conducive to honest, transparent trade. No longer will the restraints of commerce be dependent on anything other than a blockchain enabled e-Commerce. Businesses that register on Export Portal.com are able to explore new markets without the fear of fraudulent companies or transactions.

Export Portal is also looking forward to further discussing our ambitious 2018 plan with the Taiwan Delegation that includes:

Establishing Country Brand Ambassadors in over 100 countries in 2018: (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1c41cc19fdde44fe9fc3771e4d68064d): Integrating country-specific Writers, Bloggers & Vloggers from around the world into our ecosystem: (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/fb0b3ef48cac4677b9079f3d0442a526) Establishing Export Portal offices in key countries around South East Asia to further expand international commerce through ExportPortal.com. Attending key trade-related events in different countries and meeting with business leaders, government representatives, and mSME groups to explore partnerships to further accelerate trade to over 120 different countries that are already represented in over 70 major industry categories on Export Portal's platform.

CEO of Export Portal, Ally Spinu is looking forward to an ambitious 2018 and Taiwan is a key ally in trade with the rest of the entire world. "Export Portal is able to take on companies of every size, but our key verification differentiator is meant to bring honest hard-working small and medium sized companies to a level playing field where buyers aren't at risk of buying from disreputable, unscrupulous and unidentifiable entities." Ms. Spinu continued, "The world is no longer willing to accept dishonest, unreliable trade. Every day, we hear about orders that are changed and companies that are not what they purport to be. The Fourth Industrial Revolution begins in 2018 with blockchain-enabled trade on Export Portal."

The world is getting smaller and now the mouse and the cat are on an even playing field. Shows like CES allow businesses to get to know people and kick the tires on new technology. Export Portal allows the reputation of a company thrive in an online environment with a company dataset that can be utilized by anyone on our platform. A proprietary blockchain enabled International Business Identification Number (IBIN) such as Export Portal's will erase both physical as well as online borders.

While at CES, International Business Development head, John Zahaitis will be meeting with the Taiwan delegation but can also be reached @ media@exportportal.com & +1 (818)965-9399.

Join us.

About Us:

Export Portal is a US-based technology company that is listening to sellers, buyers, and manufacturers the world over about NoFakeTrade. Our proprietary verification process keeps fakes, frauds, IP bandits out and makes entering new international markets a less-stressful need to be done, easy/free to join, must-do for 2018.

To learn more, go to: https://www.exportportal.com/learn_moreNew Hardware Sets Standard for High-End VR Market, While All-New Viveport VR and Vive Video Dramatically Improves the way you Browse, Discover and Acquire VR Content

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC VIVE', the leader in room-scale Virtual Reality (VR), today announced new hardware upgrades that deliver premium VR experiences to consumers and enterprises with the introduction of Vive Pro and Vive Wireless Adaptor. In addition, the company debuted new improvements in how VR users discover, experience and acquire VR content through a radical redesign of Viveport VR and Vive Video. These advancements deliver on VR users' desire for higher resolution, improved audio, greater comfort, wireless freedom and immersive content discovery.

Vive Pro

Vive Pro is a new HMD upgrade from Vive, built for VR enthusiasts and enterprise users who want the best display and audio for their VR experiences. Vive Pro includes dual-OLED displays for a crisp picture resolution of 2880 x 1600 combined, a 78% increase in resolution over the current Vive HMD.

This premium resolution enhances immersion for VR enthusiasts, and the improved clarity means text, graphics and overall experience all come into sharper view. Vive Pro also features integrated, high-performance headphones with a built-in amplifier to offer a heightened sense of presence and an overall richer sound. Vive Pro's new headstrap was built with enhanced ergonomics and comfort, including a sizing dial for a more balanced headset that decreases weight on the front of the headset. Additional improvements include dual microphones with active noise cancellation and dual front-facing cameras designed to empower developer creativity.

"There's a clear need in the VR market for a premium VR experience with high resolution display, integrated audio and the best components available today in a headset," said Daniel O'Brien, GM U.S., VIVE. "Vive Pro offers an immediate upgrade for both VR enthusiasts and enterprises that want to utilize the best VR experience."

More details on Vive Pro availability and price will be made available soon.

Vive Wireless Adaptor

Also unveiled today, the Vive Wireless Adaptor will be the first to market with a truly wireless VR headset integration for both Vive and Vive Pro.

The Vive Wireless Adaptor features Intel's WiGig technology and offers a premium VR wireless experience that operates in the interference-free 60Ghz band, which means lower latency and better performance. The Vive Wireless Adaptor will ship in Q3 to customers worldwide.

"Wireless VR has been on nearly every VR user's wishlist since the technology was unveiled," said Frank Soqui, General Manager Virtual Reality Group at Intel Corporation. "By collaborating with HTC to commercialize Intel's WiGig technology, we will guarantee that wireless VR meets the most discerning quality bar for home users and business VR customers."

Viveport VR

In the largest upgrade to the Viveport customer experience since launch, Viveport VR redefines how users discover, experience and acquire VR content. Instead of a traditional 2D catalog, Viveport VR content is delivered in fully immersive interactive previews. Viveport is embracing a VR first approach by including VR enabled "VR Previews," which are interactive glimpses of content that give customers a room-scale preview of an experience and the opportunity to interact with content before purchasing or subscribing.

"Viveport is moving to a VR first experience model, and with the all-new Viveport VR, we are changing the way consumers discover, experience and acquire VR content," said Rikard Steiber, president, Viveport. "Until now, there has not been a shopping and browsing experience that takes advantage of the full functionality of VR. Available in early access today, Viveport VR increases interaction with content and offers developers a preview that showcases the quality of their titles and experiences."

Earlier this year, Viveport launched the world's first VR subscription service to provide a whole new way to access the best VR experiences for a great price. With more than 1,000 titles available on Viveport today, and more than 325 available for subscription, Vive is changing the way users browse and discover content through Viveport VR.

Vive Video Includes Vimeo

Today HTC Creative Labs also rolled out an upgrade to its native VR video player, Vive Video. Vive Video solves the discovery and acquisition problem for VR video content by delivering a large catalog of high quality streaming video directly to VR headsets. In addition to new features and UI upgrades, Vive Video has integrated content from Vimeo, the world's largest ad-free open video platform home to millions of creators worldwide.

In the new Vive Video experience, a curated selection of Vimeo content will be made available to browse and view in a highly optimized native VR experiences within Vive Video-compatible headsets.

"Whether we're building our own tools in-house or partnering with other innovative platforms, Vimeo is committed to the future of storytelling and finding new ways to support our creators," said Christophe Gillet, GM of Vimeo's Creator Platform. "Not only does the integration with Vive Video showcase some of Vimeo's highest quality, human-curated content within the VR experience, but it also gives those creators an exciting new way to expose their work and engage with audiences."

Vive Video has consistently been one of the most-downloaded and highest-rated apps on the SteamVR platform, enabling users to view 180 and 360-degree video content. Vive Video is available today for both Vive and Google Daydream platforms, and will arrive on Vive Wave in the near future.

For press images and assets for all Vive CES News, please visit: bitly.com/VIVEatCES.

About HTC VIVE

HTC Vive is the creator of the unprecedented PC-based virtual reality system, the Vive, which was built and optimized for room-scale VR and true-to-life interactions. The Vive ecosystem has evolved around its premium VR product portfolio, supported by Vive X, the most active global VR/AR accelerator that has invested in over 80 start-ups, Viveport, a global content platform with the world's first VR subscription model that operates in more than 60 countries, and Vive Studios, Vive's VR content development and publishing initiative. Vive is delivering on the promise of VR with game-changing technology and best-in-class content, bringing VR to consumers, developers and enterprises alike.

For more information on Vive, please visit www.vive.com.

HTC, the HTC logo are the trademarks of HTC Corporation. All other names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625887/Vive_Pro.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625889/Vive_Wireless_Adaptor.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625890/Viveport_VR.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625888/Vive_Video.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/454105/HTC_VIVE_Logo.jpgFREEPORT, N.Y., Jan 9, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Enerkon Solar International, Inc. (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is working to acquire what appears to be a profitable $40,000,000+ asset solar energy company. Enerkon expects to exchange shares in the Target early in this quarter.The Company continues to believe, if and when completed, that this is just the first important step in a change of corporate direction that could increase shareholder value over short and long term time periods. The Company is excited to be working on entering the fast-growing solar energy field. The Company expects to release further information as the execution of the plan unfolds.It is also expected that the Company will have experienced management changes to facilitate the entry into this exciting new developing area of green technology. A key figure in this new management is planned to be Mr. Benjamin Ballout who is expected to replace Dr. John Cappello as CEO.Mr. Ballout, is currently serving as a Managing Director of Diplomatic Trade Ltd., a U.S. corporation with offices out of New York, NY and Beirut-Lebanon. Benjamin is a Midcareer Executive who brings in over seventeen years of experience in various industries from Finance, Real Estate Development, Aerospace and Defense, and International Affairs with an understanding of the international trade and policies that affect global outcomes is part of his work functions.Benjamin is also involved in numerous Nation Buildings projects along with multiple Humanitarian relief effort. He had the privilege to be among forward thinkers to participate in the project on U.S. National Security Reform Act. He also has a wealth of knowledge in the solar energy field.SOURCE: Enerkon Solar International, Inc. (www.enerkoninternational.com)This press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements, defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Statements, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The company, through its management, makes forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future operations, performance and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting the Company's best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. It is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the Company. This press release is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities.Contact Information:John V. Cappello, CEOEnerkon Solar International, Inc.111 West Sunrise HighwaySecond Floor EastFreeport, NY 11520Tel: 484-518-9000This press release was issued through EmailWire.Com - a global newswire with press release distribution services (http://www.emailwire.com).Source: Enerkon Solar InternationalCopyright 2018 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.MINNEAPOLIS (dpa-AFX) - Target Corp. has launched a new denim-focused women's apparel brand called Universal Thread, as the retailer continues to refresh its apparel brand portfolio. The Universal Thread brand will hit stores in early February, with prices ranging from $5 to $39.99. The collection, will include apparel--jeans, tops, dresses, shoes and accessories and will be available in an unusually wide range of sizes, ranging from 00-26W. 'This is the largest brand we'll launch in 2018 in terms of sales volume and size,' said Jessica Carlson, a Target spokeswoman, according to StarTribuen. Target plans to launch several more brands this year. 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.Consumers Can Order Campari America's Spirits Brands via Drizly by Touching Smartphone to NFC-enabled Refrigerator Magnet

Thin Film Electronics ASA ('Thinfilm') (OSE: THIN; OTCQX: TFECY), a global leader in NFC (near field communication) mobile marketing and smart packaging solutions, today announced Campari America as a new customer. Campari America is using Thinfilm's NFC mobile marketing solution to enable consumers to purchase its spirits brands by tapping their smartphone to a 'connected' refrigerator magnet. Once tapped, the magnets which feature Thinfilm's NFC SpeedTap tags and fully integrate with its CNECT cloud-based platform take consumers to a product page on Drizly, the popular beer, wine, and spirits consumer-delivery platform. Consumers are then able to add the item to their cart and immediately check out, all in one cohesive mobile experience.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180108006923/en/

Campari America is using Thinfilm's NFC mobile marketing solution to enable consumers to purchase its spirits brands by tapping their smartphone to a 'connected' refrigerator magnet. Once tapped, the magnets which feature Thinfilm's NFC SpeedTap tags and fully integrate with its CNECT cloud-based platform take consumers to a product page on Drizly, the popular beer, wine, and spirits consumer-delivery platform. Consumers are then able to add the item to their cart and immediately check out, all in one cohesive mobile experience. (Photo: Business Wire)

Click here to view the press release published by Campari America.

The Campari collaboration marks a strong start to 2018 for Thinfilm and builds on the momentum the Company established through the fourth quarter of last year. Key announcements, transactions, and updates include the following:

Growing customer base Thinfilm now has a total of over two dozen in-market customers covering a range of vertical markets, including wine spirits, craft beer, beverages, OTC pharma, cosmetics, tobacco, consumer electronics, and specialty foods

Thinfilm now has a total of over two dozen in-market customers covering a range of vertical markets, including wine spirits, craft beer, beverages, OTC pharma, cosmetics, tobacco, consumer electronics, and specialty foods Compelling case studies Thinfilm has now published four case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of using NFC for mobile marketing; consumer tapping activity is on the rise and NFC has been shown to outperform conventional marketing channels like social platforms and display banners

Thinfilm has now published four case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of using NFC for mobile marketing; consumer tapping activity is on the rise and NFC has been shown to outperform conventional marketing channels like social platforms and display banners CNECT Platform enhancements Version 2.0 of the software is targeted for release in Q2 and will feature functionality enhancements and a new user interface; as of year-end 2017, 441 companies had registered on the cloud-based portal

Version 2.0 of the software is targeted for release in Q2 and will feature functionality enhancements and a new user interface; as of year-end 2017, 441 companies had registered on the cloud-based portal More conversion partners and standard NFC conversion options Thinfilm continues to add to its list of qualified conversion partners around the globe; the Company now offers more than a dozen NFC tag conversion options, including converted labels, folded cartons, ElastiTags, conventional hang tags, drink coasters, bottle neck-collars, coupons, magnets, and direct mailers

About Thin Film Electronics ASA

Thinfilm is a global leader in NFC mobile marketing and smart-packaging solutions using printed electronics technology. The Company creates printed tags, labels, and systems that include memory, sensors, displays, and wireless communication all at a cost-per-function unmatched by conventional electronic technologies.

Thinfilm offers end-to-end mobile marketing solutions that feature hardware, label/packaging integration services, and comprehensive cloud-based management, reporting and analytics. Collectively, these components deliver a powerful 1-to-1 digital marketing platform through which brands of all sizes can connect directly with consumers, all with the simple tap of a smartphone. The resulting disintermediation of search engines, online marketplaces, and social platforms empowers brands to control messaging, enhance consumer dialogue, build loyalty, increase engagement, and drive sales.

Thinfilm's roadmap integrates technology from a strong and growing ecosystem of partners to bring intelligence to everyday, disposable items. Its mission is to effectively extend the traditional boundaries of the Internet of Things to fuel the Internet of Everything.

Thin Film Electronics ASA is a publicly listed company in Norway with global headquarters in Oslo, Norway; US headquarters in San Jose, California; and offices in Linkoping, Sweden; San Francisco; London; and Shanghai. For more information, visit www.thinfilm.no.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to 5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act).

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180108006923/en/

Contacts:

Thin Film Electronics ASA

Bill Cummings, +1 408-503-7312

SVP Corporate Communications

bill.cummings@thinfilm.noMetro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8)  Thousands of devotees gathered at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday for the traditional "Pahalik" of the Black Nazarene  a show of faith and devotion for Filipino Catholics.

Today's event was a preview of the crowd, expected to be in millions, who will attend procession on Tuesday.

According to the National Capital Region Office, around 153,000 devotees had come for the "Pahalik" as of 7:58 p.m. Some 21,000 people were still at the Quirino Grandstand at the time.

Devotees, clad in maroon shirts, lined up to touch and kiss the feet of the Nazareno, the image housed at the Quiapo Church believed to be miraculous.

Unlike in previous years when the "Pahalik" started at 12 midnight of the day before the procession, this year the devotees were only allowed to get near the statue after the 7 a.m. mass.

This tradition of kissing the image of the Black Nazarene will go on until midnight. Church officials will then prepare for the hourly mass before the start of the Traslacion  or symbolic transfer of the icon to its present home in Quiapo Church  at five o'clock Tuesday morning.

According to the National Capital Region Police, around 10,000 were already at the Quirino Grandstand at 6 a.m. Monday.

To manage the crowd, authorities created three lines: one each for males, females, persons with disability and senior citizens.

Quiapo Church officials said they allowed volunteers for the Traslacion to touch the image of the Black Nazarene first since they may no longer get the opportunity once they start working.

Globe Telecom will temporarily cut mobile service in Manila, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, and other neighboring areas starting 5 a.m. tomorrow. Smart Communications will do the same but only along the Traslacion route where officials earlier said mobile signals would be jammed.

No untoward incidents have been reported. First aid stations have been set up all around Quirino Grandstand for any emergency.

Medical workers had treated 54 devotees who mostly complained of nausea and dehydration. Other than that, the Manila police say the day was generally peaceful.

READ: What's new for Traslacion 2018

Earlier, Manila police Spokesperson Supt. Erwin Margarejo said security will be tight in the area and more checkpoints have been put up in strategic locations. Drones are banned.

Six-thousand-five hundred policemen will be deployed to secure the procession.

READ: 6,500 Manila police ready to secure Black Nazarene procession

CNN Philippines' Xianne Arcangel, Makoi Popioco, and Rex Remitio contributed to this report.According to data from London & Partners by PitchBook, venture capital investment into the UKs tech sector reached an all-time high in 2017 with UK firms raising 2.99 billion  almost double the total amount invested in 2016 (1.63bn).

Londons tech sector continues to accelerate the growth of the UKs digital economy, with the capitals tech firms raising a record 2.45 billion and accounting for around 80% of all UK venture capital tech funding in 2017.

Some of the largest deals last year included:

 Improbable (391m),

 Deliveroo (364m) and

 Truphone (255m).

The UK and London remain the favourite destination in Europe for tech investors. UK companies raised almost four times more funding in 2017 than Germany (694m) and more than France, Ireland and Sweden combined.

London tech companies also raised significantly more venture capital investment than any other European city, including Amsterdam, Berlin and Paris.

Fintech was the leading sector for investment in 2017, with UK financial technology companies receiving 1.34 billion in VC funding. Major funding rounds were raised by:

 TransferWise (211m),

 Funding Circle (81.9m), and

 Monzo (71m).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies also received high levels of funding. Big deals included:

 Babylon Health (47.56m),

 Callsign (26.92m) and

 Starship Technologies (13.95m).

During last year, a number of the worlds leading tech companies pledge their long-term commitment to the capital, with significant investments from Amazon, Apple and Google. In the second half of last year, Spotify announced it will expand its R&D operation in London and double its headcount, while Facebook confirmed it will create an additional 800 jobs for its new London headquarters.

FinSMEs

08/01/2018Immusoft, a Seattle, WA-based gene therapy company, closed the first $3m tranche of its Series B funding round.

The round was led by 600 Mile Challenge Fund. In conjunction with the funding, Dr. Anthony Sun, a prifessional with extensive venture capital experience and board of director roles in multiple biotechnology companies, joined Immusofts board.

The company will use the funds to complete its Phase I/II clinical trial in MPS-I (Mucopolysaccharidoses type I) and advance its pipeline, which uses its proprietary Immune System Programming (ISP) approach to B cell modification for treating diseases.

Led by new CEO and board chairman Sean Ainsworth Immusoft is a gene therapy company which has developed a methodology designed to use a patients immune cells to treat disease. Its ISP technology reprograms B cells with the goal of treating diseases, including MPS I, a rare genetic lysosomal storage disease that is expected to be Immusofts first clinical application.

ISP, an ex vivo cell culture system that uses a non-viral system to genetically modify B cells, has its origins in a B cell culture system invented by Nobel laureate David Baltimore, Ph.D., which Immusoft has extensively improved upon.

FinSMEs

08/01/2018The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev announced the intention to create a world cryptocurrency that will be based not on abstract trust but will be secured by specific assets, will be democratic and transparent.

The new cryptocurrency will be called G-Global. It will help the world get rid of monetary wars, black-marketeering and decrease volatility at markets, Nursultan Nazarbayev said at the 10th Astana International Forum (AIF)

Based on the idea of President Nazarbayev in Estonia, the communication platform G-Global Business Portal is established. The essence of this platform is the development of a new type of currency  G-Global cryptocurrency.

The G-Global Business Portal is developing a new cryptocurrency, which is based on human intellectual potential. Consulting marketplace, under the leadership of Denis Tsyro, is engaged in a complex of works aimed at the modernization of enterprises in the real sector of the economy.

According to Nursultan Nazarbayev, the technical progress the most obviously will affect the state of the labor market. Hanon Barabaner, The Deputy Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Club of Scientist, said that the basis for the formation of the new cryptocurrency G-Global will become the human intellectual potential.

The founder of the company CronoBank, Sergei Sergienko has developed the TIME token that allows measuring the efficiency of the employee during his working hours and informs the employer about the usefulness of the employee at the enterprise. The TIME token will be integrated into the G-Global Business Portal system.

G-Global Business Portal is an international communication platform designed to unite experts from around the world. The project itself is a tool for robotization, creation of the smart factories and enterprises and also for digitization of the real sector of the economy.

Mikhail Korb, a Member of Parliament and the Secretary-General of the Centre party of Estonia approved the activity of the G-Global Business Portal as it corresponds with the countrys economic development policy in the field of information technology.ProFinda, a London, UK-based AI-powered expertise finding platform, raised a total of 4.8m in funding.

Backers included Notion Capital and Nextlaw Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to strengthen its proposition and refine the technology.

Led by Roger Gorman, CEO, ProFinda aims to change the way organizations discover and tap into internal expertise and knowledge via an AI-powered platform which builds a dynamic map of all the skills, knowledge, connections and expertise available across a company. Machine learning allows users to match the people with the right expertise to others who require their assistance. ProFinda gives firms an accurate view of all the knowledge contained across their entire talent pool  including employees, alumni, freelancers and other contractors.

Launched in 2011, the technology platform has today users in 1,382 cities globally and the company has client and strategic partnerships across the top six professional services firms plus organizations and networks including Thomson Reuters Elite, LACE partners, Tech London Advocates, construction firm Multiplex, Workforce of the Future Network, CloserStill Media and more.

FinSMEs

08/01/2018Wonderschool, a New York City  based network of boutique, high-quality child cares and preschools, raised $2.1M in new funding.

Backers included Omidyar Network, Be Curious Partners, Rethink Education, Edelweiss partners and Learn Capital.

The company intends to use the funds to expand in New York and continue to grow in the greater Bay and Los Angeles areas.

Developed by veteran entrepreneurs Chris Bennett and Arrel Gray, Wonderschool provides a platform that enables experienced educators and child care providers to start and run their own in-home businesses while providing an affordable service to families in their communities.

Partnering with Wonderschool, educators dont have to find, lease or build a new space. They use an underutilized asset, a providers own home, to enable an individual to quickly start up with minimal overhead. The company provides assistance with licensing, program setup, marketing, payment processing, and everything in between.

The software platform allows teachers to manage their program, students and parents from one place, while also providing parents a real marketplace to search for programs, schedule visits, enroll their children and make payments. Wonderschool collects a percentage of monthly tuition fees from each program to help cover costs of the software and services.

Currently, the company has partnered with 16 programs in Greater New York City and plans to expand to 150 partner programs by the end of 2018. Todays announcement brings total funding to more than $4M in the last year.

FinSMEs

08/01/2018Amid outrage on the FIR lodged over the reporting of alleged Aadhaar data breach, the government on Monday said it has been filed against 'unknown' accused.

New Delhi: Amid outrage on the FIR lodged over the reporting of alleged Aadhaar data breach, the government on Monday said it has been filed against "unknown" accused while asserting its commitment to the freedom of the press.

A day after the Delhi Police confirmed registering of an FIR on 5 January, based on a complaint by Aadhaar-issuing body UIDAI, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad took to Twitter to clarify the government's position on the issue.

"The government is fully committed to freedom of press as well as to maintaining security and sanctity of Aadhaar for India's development. FIR is against unknown," he said.

Though the complaint by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) named four persons, including the Chandigarh-based daily The Tribune's reporter who had filed the story on alleged breach in Aadhaar database, Prasad said the FIR was against "unknown".

"I've suggested UIDAI to request The Tribune and its journalist to give all assistance to police in investigating real offenders," he said. The UIDAI also said that it is committed to the freedom of the press and will approach the newspaper and its reporter for cooperation in the investigation of alleged data breach.

"We're going to write to @thetribunechd and @rachnakhaira to give all assistance to investigate to nab the real culprits. We also appreciate if Tribune and its journalist have any constructive suggestion to offer," the UIDAI said in a tweet.

After filing the police complaint, the UIDAI had, in an earlier statement, said: "This is a case in which even though there was no breach of Aadhaar biometric database, because UIDAI takes every criminal violation seriously, it is for the act of unauthorised access, criminal proceedings have been initiated."

The UIDAI had also said that it respects free speech, including the freedom of the press, and its police complaint should not be viewed as "shooting the messenger".

The FIR had attracted strong criticism from various media organisations and bodies, including The Editors Guild of India which sought withdrawal of the case.

The Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune, Harish Khare, had said in a statement on Sunday that "the authorities have misconceived an honest journalistic enterprise and have proceeded to institute criminal proceedings against the whistleblower".

He said the daily would explore "all legal options" open to it to defend its freedom to undertake serious investigative journalism.The agriculture sector is expected to grow higher than projected 2.1 percent growth by the Central Statistics Office for the current fiscal, following better Rabi crop prospects

New Delhi: The country's agriculture sector is expected to grow higher than projected 2.1 percent growth by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for the current fiscal, following better Rabi crop prospects, the agriculture ministry said.

Last week, CSO had pegged farm and allied sector growth at 2.1 percent for 2017-18, much lower than 4.9 percent achieved in the 2016-17.

The farm sector growth comprises gross value added (GVA) of crops at 60 percent, livestock 20 percent and forestry 8.5 percent and fishing and aquaculture at 5.5 percent.

"The ministry is optimistic about achieving a high growth rate because the Rabi, 2017 is showing a very good performance in addition to good Kharif, 2017," the ministry said in an official statement.

The agriculture sector can, therefore, be expected to register a much higher GVA for the year 2017-18, when final estimate figures are released, it added.

Justifying the reasons for possible higher growth, the ministry said it is of the opinion that the lower coverage of the area by August 2017 on account of the delayed onset of monsoons has caused a poor reflection compared to the actual positive field situation by December 2017.

However, good rainfall thereafter helped increase in area coverage in accordance with the with Kharif targets.

"Despite delay in the onset of monsoons and relatively poorer rainfall vis-a-vis the previous year, the area coverage under Kharif finally rose to 106.55 million hectares against the five year average of 105.86 million hectares," it said.

It is, hence logical, that the computation based on area coverage under crops as in August 2017 had a negative impact on the CSO's advance estimate for the overall agriculture sector.

The GVA estimate is bound to get corrected upwards, if increased area coverage by December 2017 and concomitant production estimate in case of foodgrains, oilseeds, and commercial crops, in particular, are taken into account, it said.

These three account for a higher percentage of share than horticulture in the GVA computation and horticulture is showing a higher productivity estimate, it added.

The ministry further said the livestock and fishery sector was very positive till August 2017 and by December the dominant crop sector has "bounced back".

"If this amended and actual field situation is taken into account in the computation of the GVA for agriculture sector as a whole, its growth rate can be estimated to be much higher than the advance estimate of 2.1 percent," the ministry said.

Stating that the rabi prospects are good, the ministry said rabi crops have been covered in an area of 58.6 million hectares which is a "very good progress".

Considering that the Rabi sowing continues up to the first week of February, the total area under crops and resultant production will be very good, it added.

The ministry also observed that CSO estimates of farm sector growth this fiscal come on the back of a very robust GVA of 4.9 percent in the previous year.

"Considering that crop segment constitutes a dominant component of the GVA computation, its performance is very critical. However, with in elasticity of land where there exists little scope for increase in the average coverage, productivity enhancement assumes importance," it said.

Crops in particular and agriculture, in general, are highly dependent on monsoons and the overall status of weather, the ministry said, adding that even small variations in weather tend to influence agriculture adversely, as seen for example, in the area coverage by August 2017.The Indian government has issued show cause notices to, and may soon blacklist, eight Chinese pharmaceutical companies found to be supplying poor quality raw material to drug manufacturers in this country

New Delhi: The Indian government has issued show cause notices to, and may soon blacklist, eight Chinese pharmaceutical companies found to be supplying poor quality raw material to drug manufacturers in this country.

The notices were issued after a special inspection team of the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) inspected the eight companies in China.

According to documents available with IANS, the eight companies are M/S Qilu Tianhe Pharmaceuticals, M/S Hinan Xinxiang Pharmaceuticals, M/S Zhuhai United Laboratories, M/S Guangzhao Baiyunshan Pharmaceuticals, M/S Shouguang Fukang Pharmaceuticals, M/S Qilu Antibiotics (Linyi) Pharmaceuticals, M/S Qindao Brightmoon Seawoods and M/S Shanghaoi Xiandia Hasen (Shangqiu) Pharmaceuticals.

According to sources in the DCGI, the companies on the verge of getting blacklisted are currently supplying a huge chunk of raw material to the Indian drug manufacturers.

"The allegations against the companies are of providing poor quality products and the action against them will soon be decided by the government. This will be harsh as we don't want the quality of drugs in India compromised," said a senior DCGI officer.

Sources said that with government's action against the Chinese firms, India may witness a shortage of medicines, including for vital diseases such as cancer, for a couple of months.

Data from the Ministry for Chemicals and Fertilisers states that India gets 70 percent of its raw material for drugs from China.

According to figures furnished to the Parliament, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) worth Rs 12,254.97 crore were imported in 2016-17. The figure for 2015-16 was Rs 13,853.20 crore. (API refers to the biologically active component of a drug product.)

In 2014-15, the API import stood at Rs 12,757.96 crore and at Rs 12,061.53 crore in 2013-14.

Sources in the DCGI said that following poor quality of pharmaceutical raw products from China, the Indian government has also decided to inspect API from other countries such as the United States, Italy and some European nations.

India imported APIs worth Rs 18,372.54 crore in 2016-17. This included APIs estimated to be worth Rs 820.18 crore from the United States, worth Rs 701.85 crore from Italy, worth Rs 485.11 crore from Germany and Rs 422.01 from Singapore.

Earlier, in 2014 and 2015, the National Security Advisor's office had warned the government of over-dependence on China for the supply of essential drugs and APIs.

In March 2017, Nirmala Sitharaman, then the commerce and industries minister and now the defence minister, had also said that Chinese APIs were about four times cheaper than those produced in India.

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma too expressed concern over the issue and suggested that an inter-ministerial committee looks into it.The government of India is working on the draft of a new social security scheme that would offer a safety cover all workers including those from the informal sector

The government of India is working on the draft of a new social security scheme that would offer a safety cover for all workers including those from the informal sector who are not covered by the Employee Provident Fund Organisation and the Employees' State Insurance Corporation.

The new scheme aims to offer benefits like mandatory pension, insurance against disability and death and maternity coverage, along with optional medical and unemployment coverage.

Citing an unnamed official from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, The Indian Express reported that the Centre is discussing the scheme with state governments to bring them onboard. It said that the new scheme is likely to be launched this year, ahead of the crucial General Elections to the Lok Sabha.

The report quotes the official saying that the government plans to foot the entire bill for workers below the poverty line, but it has to be shared between the states and the Centre.

The new social security code will "subsume the allocation for a number of existing schemes" such as insurance schemes, disability benefits, maternity benefits, etc run by both the central as well as state governments. "A pool of money is available already but we need to work out how much extra is required, the official added.

Interestingly, in a September 2017 report, the labour ministry has cited multiplicity of schemes as one of the major hurdles in creating a universal social security policy for India.

Terming the new social security scheme as a "path-breaking initiative", the report, said that consensus among the various stakeholders is going to be a key to its success.

The new social security scheme is part of the govt of India's efforts to consolidate the 44 labour laws into four codes  industrial relations, wages, social security, and occupational safety, health and working conditions, it adds.

So far the government has managed to present the Code on Wages Bill, 2017 in the Lok Sabha. The code, which met with a lot of opposition from Lok Sabha members, is currently being reviewed by a Standing Committee on Labour.

The bill subsumes four existing Laws  the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, removing the multiplicity of definitions and authorities leading to ease of compliance.

The new social security code is expected to have a similar effect on various social security schemes in India.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8)  More senators are defending their chamber from attacks and criticisms.

This comes after House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez tagged the Senate "mabagal na kapulungan" (the slow chamber) for allegedly acting slow on some bills.

Senate Minority Leader Frank Drilon believes there is more to the remarks of Alvarez.

Senator Ping Lacson had strong words for Alvarez, saying his comments were "at the very least uncalled for" and "smacks of unparliamentary conduct."

Lacson added, "The Senate works differently from the House in what we think and act more independently as individual members...Nobody, not the Senate President and even the President of the Republic can dictate on us."

Senator Win Gatchalian reiterated the Senate's independence from the House and that all laws are passed meticulously.

"It's is not about quantity but more importantly quality of the legislation that should positively affect the lives of the people," Gatchalian said.

Drilon said the Senate leadership should stand up for the chamber against what he calls "unwarranted attacks."

"Dalawampung taon na ko sa Senado ngayon ko lang naririnig ang Speaker na bumananat sa Senado," he said.

[Translation: I've been serving in the Senate for 20 years, and this is the first time I've heard the Speaker attacking the Senate.]

In a radio interview over the weekend, Drilon said "Regardless of one's political affiliation, the higher obligation of the Senate President is to defend the Senate as an institution of democracy," he said.

READ: Drilon: No-election scenario unlikely in May 2019

Senate President Koko Pimentel, meanwhile, said he has done his duty.

"I feel I have defended the Senate already. Kung kulang pa [If it isn't enough], then all members are free to defend the Senate," he said.

Drilon believes the attacks were apparently meant to justify the Senate's abolition through Charter change.

He said, "Siguro mas madaling i-railroad yung mga kailangang i-railroad."

[Translation: It might be easier to railroad the things that need to be railroaded.]

Alvarez has been pushing for a unicameral form of legislature under a federal system, something that may risk giving up check and balance in law-making.

The Senate President will file a resolution within the week for Congress to convene as A Constituent Assembly to change the Constitution and adopt federalism

Drilon, meanwhile, is backing his Liberal Party's position that a Constitutional Convention is better than a Constituent Assembly in changing the form of government.

Alvarez is also raising the possibility of deferring the 2019 midterm election during the transition  a scenario Pimentel does not see for now.

He said, "Siyempre tuloy po ang eleksyon [Of course the elections will continue]. We are still under the 1987 Constitution.The proposed changes in H-1B visas would have a dramatic effect, particularly on India considering more than half of all H-1B visas have been awarded to Indian nationals

Editor's Note: This is the first in a three-part series on the proposed change in H-1B visa regulation and its impact on India's IT industry, its employees and the future of offshore projects, particularly in the US. In Part-1 of the series, former director of Infosys and present chairman of Manipal Global Education, Mohandas Pai, talks about how the Indian IT sector won't be affected by change in US visa regulations.

If the proposed change in H-1B visas come into force, around 5-7 lakh Indians could be sent home. The move could directly stop hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending. However, IT industry veteran Mohandas Pai demolishes that fear as a myth, stating that the move would hurt the US more because it "simply does not have the talent for the IT sector like India has".

In his bid to stay true to his campaign promise of Buy American, Hire American", boost manufacturing and protect local jobs for Americans, US President Donald Trump is considering new regulations aimed at preventing the extension of H-1B visas, predominantly used by Indian IT professionals.

Pai believes Trump is trying to reduce the 'backlog' of visa applications. Most people who are on an H-1B visa extension and applying for the green card are employees of American MNCs (multinational companies). There are very few from the Indian IT workforce who would want an extension, he says.

However, a media report quoting the Pew Research Center report said that the proposed changes in H-1B visas would have a dramatic effect, particularly on India considering more than half of all H-1B visas have been awarded to Indian nationals.

Pai believes Indian IT professionals who are working on projects in the US are keen only on work visas. If the Trump administration does not extend their visas, senior and high-quality talent will take a beating and that would detrimental to US companies, he says.

Not just the US companies but also their politicians would be affected. Pai believes that they would lobby against it, and that would be good as it may lead to a reform in the green card issuance process.

"We are not sending cheap labour to the US. Our IT talent comprises of highly talented people. They cannot be replaced," Pai said.

The US has a skill gap with over 2 million STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) jobs lying vacant, of which one million is in the IT sector, Nasscom president R Chandrasekhar told the Times of India.

If the new visa regulations come into force, the US tech industry will also be affected by the shortage of skilled professionals in the country. Tech firms in the US depend on the H-1B visas to hire tens of thousands of workforce each year from countries like India and China.

"All this goes to show the deep shortage of skilled professionals in the IT sector," says Pai, adding that not extending H-1B visas would hurt the US more.

Though the chances of IT professionals being deported en masse is a remote possibility, Pai recommends "wait and watch" approach. But even if they are deported, their return, he believes, will not impact company bottom lines negatively.

The talent has valuable experience and companies will not let them go. The US companies hire Indian tech talent paying $125,000 to $150,000 per year. Why would they pay that kind of money to hire people from abroad if they could get this talent within? The US simply does not have the talent for the IT sector like India has," adds Pai.Low-cost carrier IndiGo Airlines is offering tickets starting from Rs 899 on select routes as part of its three-day New Year sale starting from 8 January

Low-cost carrier IndiGo Airlines is offering tickets starting from Rs 899 on select routes as part of its three-day New Year Sale starting from 8 January. The offer is applicable on travel between 1 February 2018 to 15 April 2018, according to the airline's website, goindigo.in.

The discounted fares in this offer are non-refundable upon cancellation, and will not be applicable on group bookings, it said.

The airline is also offering an additional 10 percent cash back of up to Rs 600, and IndiGo Special Service Vouchers of up to Rs 600 on payments made with HDFC Bank Credit Cards, subject to conditions.

As per the latest sale, while a Delhi-Chandigarh flight ticket is available for Rs 899, a Delhi-Jaipur ticket is available for Rs 999 and a Delhi-Amritsar ticket costs Rs 1,099.

The discounted rates, however, are applicable only on bookings made through the airline website, goindigo.in and via its mobile application.

On Sunday, IndiGo, Indias largest airline by market share, launched three daily flights to Hyderabad and two to Bengaluru from Tirupati.

"Low airfares have sparked a strong growth in air travel in the country. The governments regional air-connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) aimed to provide an opportunity to the masses to fly with fiscal incentives saw heavy demand as airlines rush to grab a pie of the skies," reported The Indian Express.

Currently, IndiGo has about 38 percent of the domestic aviation market with about 141 planes and 913 daily flights, the report said.

In the latest September quarter, InterGlobe recorded a steep jump in net profit at Rs 551.5 crore, primarily boosted by a one-time payment towards engine issues and delayed aircraft deliveries and higher margins.There are apprehensions that more such 'frauds' may happen once the individual insolvency regime is introduced

New Delhi: A number of insolvency-bound companies, reeling under huge unserved loans, are scouting for front entities to buy them out in a distress sale under an 'asset reconstruction' model with the help of 'friendly' IRPs, but have landed themselves under the regulatory scanner.

According to top regulatory officials, some of these firms are approaching senior NBFC executives with a good reputation in the market with a novel idea of setting up their own 'asset reconstruction startups' and then bidding for the assets being sold under the insolvency process. They are also trying to rope in some 'friendly' IRPs (Insolvency Resolution Professionals) to help achieve their motive of a 'front entity' acquiring the assets on sale, but the regulators and the government agencies have got a whiff of the whole design including with the help of some whistle-blowers, a senior official said.

The companies which are currently under scanner include those from the steel, power and textiles sectors, the official said, but refused to divulge the names as the investigation is currently underway.

There are apprehensions that more such 'frauds' may happen once the individual insolvency regime is introduced as several HNIs may want follow similar routes to get away from paying debt and still retain some of their assets.

The government is, however, aware of such possible attempts and will keep strengthening the law to check any misuse, officials added.

Around 500 corporates have been admitted for resolution and about 100 companies have commenced voluntary liquidation under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), which is a little over a year old.

A tentative estimate of the total underlying default amount which formed the basis for initiation of resolution of about 500 corporate debtors is about Rs 1.3 lakh crore.

A significant number of lenders have initiated insolvency proceedings against various companies with regard to stressed assets while proceedings have also been started against realty firms and others.

The government recently amended the law to bar wilful defaulters as well as those with NPA accounts from bidding in auctions to recover bad loans through insolvency proceedings, to prevent unscrupulous persons from misusing or vitiating the provisions of the IBC. The amendment also makes certain persons ineligible for being a resolution applicant.

The ineligible persons or entities include undischarged insolvent, wilful defaulters, and those whose accounts have been classified as non-performing asset. These persons, however, can become "eligible to submit a resolution plan" if they clear all overdue amounts with

interest and other charges relating to NPA accounts.

The amendment to the IBC has been brought to address concerns that "persons who, with their misconduct contributed to defaults of companies or otherwise undesirable, may misuse this situation due to lack of prohibition or restrictions to participate in the resolution or liquidation process, and gain or regain control of corporate debtor".

Moreover, this may undermine the process laid down in theIBC as "unscrupulous person would be seen to be rewarded at the expense of creditors".

As the amendment bill was getting passed in Parliament, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said last week that the government has entered into uncharted territory as far as bankruptcy and insolvency code is concerned and would continue to modify the law dealing with the issue.

"Insolvency and bankruptcy is an area in which it is only in the recent years that we have chartered into. It is a learning experience," he said while winding up a debate on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Amendment Bill.

The government, Jaitley said, has been encountering situations which were not anticipated earlier and assured that it would continue to take corrective action.

Jaitley said banks and unsecured creditors will have to take some haircut during the insolvency process and if the same management comes back, nothing would change.

Jaitley said as far as asset-owning companies are concerned, fetching the best prices is the target and any bid which is not viable can be rejected. It is for creditors to decide how much haircuts they want, he said.Patanjali is expected to enter into agreements with major online retailers  Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm Mall, 1MG, bigbasket, grofers, shopclues and snapdeal  to push online sales of its FMCG products

New Delhi: Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali Ayurved is likely to partner with eight leading e-tailers and aggregators to give a big push to online sales of its swadeshi range of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products, said a company official.

The Haridwar-based company is expected to enter into agreements this month with major online retailers  Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm Mall, 1MG, bigbasket, grofers, shopclues and snapdeal  a step through which its range of products will be available on various online platforms.

Patanjali is organising a function on 16 January in New Delhi and representatives of all the online companies are expected to attend it along with Ramdev and its MD Acharya Balkrishna.

"We are now going into massive way. Now, we would have an organised and systematic agreement with the players to place our all product online, so that it could reach to customers to the end point," Patanjali spokesperson SK Tijarawala told PTI.

These partnerships with e-tailers will be in addition to its own portal patanjaliayurved.net, where the company is selling its products online.

"This would change the scenario of whole FMCG trade through online" he added.

Some of Patanajali's products are already available on several online platforms through various other sellers but this would allow the Haridwar-based firm to systematically place its range of products.

"The retailers and aggregators would share the dias.... They are coming and making announcement together that they would be working with brand Patanjali," Tijarawala said, adding that through this arrangement Patanjali's product could be served across the globe.

However, he refused to share further details and arrangements with the online retailers.

Recently, Patanjali had forayed into kids and adult diapers and affordable sanitary napkins segments.

Last month, it had also announced that it would venture into solar equipment manufacturing.

Besides FMCG segment, Patanjali Ayurved is present in other sectors such as education and healthcare.

In 2016-17, it had crossed a turnover of Rs 10,500 crore and aims a two-fold growth this fiscal.The meeting, according to a senior government official, will be attended by vice chairman and members of NITI Aayog, members of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), economists and sectoral experts.

New Delhi: With about three weeks left for Union Budget 2018-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet leading economists and sectoral experts at NITI Aayog on 10 January to deliberate on steps which could be taken to boost growth and generate employment.

The meeting, according to a senior government official, will be attended by vice chairman and members of NITI Aayog, members of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), economists and sectoral experts.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of latest estimates of national income by Central Statistics Office (CSO) which showed that India's growth is expected to slow down to four-year low of 6.5 percent this fiscal, the lowest under the Modi-led government.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 7.1 percent in 2016-17 and 8 percent in the preceding year. It was 7.5 percent in 2014-15.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will present Union Budget on 1 February, the last full budget of the NDA government before the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

For full coverage of Union Budget 2018, click here.Tata Housing and Lodha Group are keen to own the multi-crore six-lane concrete road project that connects Greater Noida with Agra in Uttar Pradesh, reports said.

Tata Housing and Lodha Group are keen to own Jaypee Infratech's Yamuna Expressway, a multi-crore six-lane concrete road project that connects Greater Noida with Agra in Uttar Pradesh, media reports said.

Citing people familiar with the deal, The Economic Times said on Monday that the two real estate companies have filed initial bids for the expressway which comes with "an extensive land bank, with facilities either proposed or already functioning in the immediate vicinity of the access-controlled motorway".

"India's only operational Formula One racing track is located along the road, while the site of the capital region's second proposed airport is close to the first toll gate from the Greater Noida end. Next to the motorway is one of the biggest urban campuses of a state-run university, while the mega convention centre hosting the annual Auto Expo is also adjacent to the expressway," the report added.

Jaypee Group firm Jaypee Infratech has been taken over by a National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)-appointed IRP (Insolvency Resolution Professional) for recovery of bad loans. The group is also facing a case in the Supreme Court due to significant delays in delivery of 24,000 pending flats and plots in its township Wish Town at Noida.

In 2007, Jaypee group started the development of 32,000 flats and plots in its township Wish Town at Noida. The project was to be developed by both Jaypee Infratech and its parent company, Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL).

According to a PTI report, The Jaypee group needs Rs 8,000 crore to complete incomplete flats, of which Rs 6,000 crore would come from home buyers while another Rs 2,000-2,500 crore needs to be infused.

The real estate company, in September, had requested the Supreme Court to allow it to hive-off its rights on the Yamuna Expressway to generate money, which would be used to pay back some of the money it owes to over 30,000 home buyers and creditors.

The Supreme Court, however, had rejected the request in October while barring promoters from selling or transferring assets and had extended the deadline to submit Rs 2,000 crore by November. In November 2017, JAL had deposited Rs 275 crore with apex court which asked it to deposit a further amount of Rs 150 crore and Rs 125 crore on 14 and 31 December respectively. The case is slated for next hearing on 10 January.

On 4 January, the RBI had ordered banks not to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against JIL, according to IIFL.

Jaypee adviser Ajit Kumar had revealed earlier that the real estate company is currently channeling funds generated from Yamuna Expressway, which carries heavy traffic at a toll of slightly more than Rs 2 a kilometre for a car, to complete the pending housing projects by the real estate firm.

Kumar had also said that the "Subject to orders of Supreme Court and NCLT, we intend to complete and deliver all 32,000 units by 2020."

With inputs from PTIUber had 'paused' the service 'to see how that side of India's transport ecosystem evolves'.

New Delhi: Cab-hailing major Uber is re-launching its AUTO service in India, almost two years after shutting down the offering in March 2016, starting with Bengaluru and Pune.

The US-based company, which is locked in an intense battle with homegrown player Ola, will allow customers to book autorickshaw rides through AUTO option on its platform later this month in these two cities.

Ola, which also allows booking autorickshaw rides under Auto service, had launched the offering in Bengaluru and Chennai in 2014. Ola Auto is currently operational across 73 cities with over 1.2 lakh autos associated with the company.

An Uber spokesperson said the company had "paused" the service "to see how that side of India's transport ecosystem evolves".

"Auto rickshaws are ubiquitous to mobility options in many Indian cities. To expand transportation choices for our riders, we are excited to launch AUTO in Bengaluru and Pune," the spokesperson told PTI.

In its previous attempt, Uber's AUTO offering was available in New Delhi, Coimbatore, Indore and Bhubaneshwar.

"We are re-launching AUTO starting with two cities. Gradual geographical expansion like this is common to how we operate in cities around the world and it is something that we are looking at very closely," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that AUTO will include all safety features available for Uber cab rides and riders will be able to pay via cash, Paytm and debit/credit cards.

Uber will only on-board licensed, existing auto-drivers who have been screened and accredited by the authorities and every driver partner on AUTO will be required to submit valid government documents before they are given access to the Uber app, the spokesperson said.

For Uber, India is one of its largest markets where it has seen strong growth.

Japanese conglomerate SoftBank, which is also an investor in Ola, has recently committed investing over $1 billion in the US-based ride-sharing platform. .If Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is cast in Jasmine, it will be her third collaboration with Prernaa Arora's KriArj Entertainment this year.

It looks like a very happy new year for Aishwarya Rai' fans as they might now get to see the actress taking up another challenging role in a film on surrogacy titled Jasmine.

Aishwarya, who is currently shooting for Fanney Khan and also has been roped in for a thriller remake of Nargis starrer Raat Aur Din, India Today has now reported that the makers of Jasmine are in talks her for the film. The storyline of the film would revolve around how a surrogate mother gets attached to the child she gives birth to.

The same report states that Jasmine, which is a co-production of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha director Shree Narayan Singh and producer Prernaa Arora, will be shot largely in Gujarat and Rajasthan's Pushkar. Confirming the news of making the film on surrogacy, director Narayan said to Mumbai Mirror, "It is inspired by a real life story of a woman in Gujarat who does not want to have children but decides to become a surrogate mother for someone else. After a point she gets attached to the child and wants the child back."

The same report states that Narayan took near to three years to complete the script of this drama around motherhood and needs some more time to fine-tune the script as well as prep up to get the film rolling. Jasmine might go on the floors in post-monsoon 2018.

Though Shree Narayan has written and conceptualised the plot, he and Prerna are now looking for a debutant director to helm the film. The same report states that Prerna reasoned Narayan would be busy with the forthcoming Shahid Kapoor-Shraddha Kapoor-Yami Gautam starrer Batti Gul Meter Chalu. "Thats why we are launching two new directors. We will still have him as editor and co-producer," she said to Mumbai Mirror.

The producer also expressed her wish to rope in Aishwarya in the film for the lead role but added that it is subject to her availability.The Golden Globes 2018 was Hollywoods first big awards show, post the Harvey Weinstein reckoning and the #MeToo movement, and it was, as expected, a show alright.

The Golden Globes 2018 was Hollywoods first big awards show, post the Harvey Weinstein reckoning and the #MeToo movement, and it was, as expected, a show alright.

I dont necessarily mean to begrudge the just-concluded Golden Globes awards: it was the first showcase for Times Up (Hollywoods anti-harassment group consisting of over 300 women, including Reese Witherspoon, Shonda Rhimes, and Ashley Judd, among others) and the all-black fashion on the red carpet (despite many peoples misgivings about it) did its bit to make the event seem more funereal than usual.

The not-so-invisible elephant in the room

Seth Meyers opening monologue (where he called out alleged perpetrators Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Woody Allen etc.) was pretty savage, and Oprah Winfreys acceptance speech when she received the Cecil B. Demille award was inspiring and full of hope. Really, there was not much the Globes or the stars or the media could have done differently, to make it any better.

Well, except maybe the Hollywood Foreign Press (the non-profit organization of journalists and photographers who conduct the Golden Globes) couldve nominated the many deserving female directors who were outright snubbed in that category. Oh and, maybe the stars couldve brought a bit more attention to the activists that escorted them to the event, rather than making it seem more like a token gesture. And well, the media (ugh, looking at you, E! News) couldve not strayed from an activist talking about something important to instead focus on the grand entrance of a star(let).

Its so infuriating to watch E! shift focus from women like Tarana Burke and Monica Ramirez. Literally shows the extent of their commitment to this. pic.twitter.com/48bDxArzav  Emilia Petrarca (@EmiliaPetrarca) January 8, 2018

Okay so, it couldve been a lot better, sure. But, to be fair, it was a pretty decent awards show, that did manage to highlight our cultures ingrained gender-inequality, workplace and sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and oppression of minorities.

Heres to a not-altogether-crappy event. Bring on the 2018 awards season!

Red carpet shenanigans

Lets start with the beginning, with whats been (in the less-competitive and impressive years) the very reason I even watch these awards shows - the red carpet arrivals; I follow the philosophy of Jessica Morgan, of the fashion blog Go Fug Yourself that, It is not a personal or intellectual weakness to like clothes and be interested in them.

But this was no normal red carpet; this year, a horde of actresses, actors, other bigwigs vowed to wear black to show solidarity with women across industries struggling with workplace harassment. The usual frothy celebration of fashion and vapid questions about the actresses manicures had to be replaced by something more serious.

And for a large part, the all-black dress code of the #TimesUp movement managed to succeed: it forced interviewers to ask the stars why they were wearing black, instead of the usual whore you wearing? which, in turn, led to a variation of the #AskHerMore movement, i.e. more conversations about the stars and their intent, as well as drawing attention to the work done by the female activists whod accompanied a few of the female actors. Some actors managed to do this better than others, but thats expected. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, E! News goofed up, but thats expected as well. All in all, a moderately successful display of solidarity.

The Seth Meyers show

Then there was host Seth Meyers opening monologue. Meyers, arguably late-night televisions best talk-show host, also is (or seems to be) a staunch feminist. The Jokes Seth Cant Tell segment of The Late Show with Seth Meyers is funny as hell, and true to form, his no-holds-barred-towards-assholes and often-self-deprecatory opening monologue at the the Golden Globes was peppered with quite a few gems:

Oprah Winfrey made almost everyone cry with her speech

Meyers monologue may have set the tone for the evening, but nothing prepared the audience (including those, like me, watching from their homes) for the rousing brilliance of Oprah Winfreys speech. I suppose people were expecting something amazing from her anyway, because, well, Oprah.

But when she finally got onstage to accept her Cecil B. Demille award from Reese Witherspoon (her co-star in the upcoming Ava Duvernay movie A Wrinkle in Time), it was like the room was charged with an energy thats indescribable. And then there was her actual speech: she started off remembering a day in 1964 when she saw the great Sidney Poitier win the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his role in Lilies of the Field, to recounting the moment in 1982 when he became the first black actor to win the Cecil B. Demille award, to acknowledging the fact that many little black girls were probably watching her right then being the first black woman to win the award.

Oprah spoke of harsh truths: the rape of Recy Taylor, the struggle and determination of Rosa Parks, of the many unseen-and-as-yet-unheard victims of abuse and harassment, of the importance of speaking up against oppression and abuse, and then finally, gently, she ushered the rather-stunned audience into a dawn of hope.

Her parting words, I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say Me Too again. brought everyone to their feet, hope in their hearts, and tears in their eyes. Even those who were miles and countries and continents away, like I was.

A breakdown of the awards

As for the actual awards, there were really no surprises. I was super happy that some of my personal favourites, like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Master of None got the recognition and awards these shows totally deserve. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Gilmore Girls creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladinos brilliant new period show) won Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy and the awesome Rachel Brosnahan (who plays the titular character) won Best Television Actress - Musical or Comedy. Aziz Ansari won Best Television Actor - Musical or Comedy for his role as Dev Shah in Master of None, the show he co-creates and co-writes. I love both shows, and it was great to see them win!

Big Little Lies swept the awards in all the categories it was nominated in - Best Actress in a Limited Series (Nicole Kidman), Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series (Laura Dern), Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series (Alexander Skarsgard), and Best Television Limited Series. All super-worthy wins and I cant wait for season 2 to begin! Elizabeth Moss and The Handmaids Tale both won (for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama and Best Television Series - Drama, respectively), and all was right with the world.

Im at a point where movies just dont excite me anywhere near as much as television series do, so I had a pretty lacklustre interest in the proceedings when the movie awards were on. Saoirse Ronan and Frances McDormand won (Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Ladybird and Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, respectively); Ronans lovely Irish brogue and McDormands adorable dont-give-a-damn-ness were a delight!

The rest of the Golden Globe Awards show happened and was, well, competent, I suppose.

Additional highlights:

Natalie Portman, along with Ron Howard, presented the award for best director in a motion picture. Her very-pointed dig at the lack of female representation in that category was incredible because (a) somebody had to point it out on stage, and (b) it made so many male directors uncomfortable. So this is what male privilege looks like, when its kicked in the balls.

Amy Poehlers wickedly amusing refusal to let Seth Meyers mansplain his joke set-up; she delivered the punchline by itself, said the peach in Call Me By Your Name, this scene is the pits! Classic Poehler!

One Amy to the next, as a die-hard Gilmore Girls fan, I was super-excited to see Amy Sherman-Palladino win an award for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Ill be honest, I just wanted to hear her talk and deliver some witty one-liners, and she didnt disappoint: when thanking Amazon Video for giving them the creative freedom to make their show the way they want, she also thanked them for the budget they provided saying, Every cheque cleared. Cut to Jeff Bezos face in the audience, laughing.

Stray observations:

Did anyone else hope to see Amy Poehlers face, when Aziz Ansari won for Master of None? No? No Parks and Recreation fans, wanting to see Leslie Knopes proud mother-hen face as Tom Haverford stumbled onstage? Okay, just me then.

Can we just not eviscerate everything by overthinking and being offended? Like the LOreal Elvive ad with Winona Ryder, that aired multiple times during the show. Im not just saying that because Im a huge, beyond-all-rationale fan of Ryder, but come on!

Her career isnt literally being compared to bad and damaged hair. Comebacks are of many kinds, second chances of many sorts. If Ryders fine doing the ad (as she should be!), why be offended? My favourite tweet about the ad was a positive one, and it really did make me wish LOreal had used the classic line from Heathers.It was rumoured that Pa Ranjith's gangster flick Kaala will be Rajinikanth's last film before his plunge into politics.

On the last day of 2017, Rajinikanth officially announced he is ready to join politics and float his own party. As soon this news broke out, rumours started doing the rounds that the 67-year-old star has finally bid adieu to acting and that Kaala will be his last film.

When we did some digging to validate these reports, we learnt that the rumours are partially true. According to trustworthy sources, Rajinikanth is contemplating leaving cinema for good but only after doing another film with Kabali and Kaala director Pa Ranjith. The project, tipped to be a political drama, is most likely slated to go on the floors later this year.

Rajini sir and Ranjith have held discussions for a new project, a political flick which will be the perfect send off to his acting career. Kaala was supposed to be Rajini sirs last film but he felt he needed to do something that leaves a lasting impact on the audience. It was Ranjiths idea to do a political film thatll be packed with ideologies Rajini sir swears by. The regular shooting is expected to commence from this year-end, a source told Firstpost and added that Ranjith is already working on the script after getting a go ahead from Rajinikanth for the idea.

The casting process, according to the source, will take a while as both Rajinikanth and Ranjith are keenly looking forward to the release of Kaala and how it gets received, especially because it will be used to endorse Ranjiths pro-dalit voice. The film will also have a strong politics reference, Ranjith revealed while addressing a gathering last year in Madurai.

In Kaala, produced by Dhanush, Rajinikanth plays a slum lord-turned-gangster. He fights for oppressed Tamils in Mumbai and takes on a politician, played by Nana Patekar, head on. Not long ago, rumours made headlines that the films story is based on the life and times of Haji Mastan, the famous Mumbai-based smuggler who later turned reformer, but the makers denied it in a statement. The story is not based on any one person or event, Ranjith had said.

Kaala, in Sanskrit, refers to colour, destiny or fate. Predominant portion of the film has been shot in Mumbai. The story unfolds in Dharavi, but the makers could not shoot in the actual slum. Therefore, they erected a set worth over Rs 5 crore in a studio in Chennai to shoot the slum sequences. Kaala also stars Huma Qureshi, Anjali Patil, Pankaj Tripathi and Samuthirakani in pivotal roles.

Although shot as a Tamil film, Kaala is believed to feature some dialogues in Marathi and Hindi. Rajinikanth is said to have mouthed some lines in Hindi in the portion set in Mumbai. The film has music by Santhosh Narayanan. Lyca Productions, the makers of Shankars 2.0, will distribute Kaala worldwide. In a two-film deal, Lyca bagged the rights of Dhanushs Vada Chennai and Kaala.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) - Dozens of rogue policemen are in danger of being sacked as part of Philippine National Police's intensified war against police scalawags.

Director General Ronald dela Rosa said 67 police officers may be dismissed from service before the month ends for their involvement in illegal drugs, grave misconduct, and neglect of duty.

He said a police with a senior superintendent ranking, which he did not name, will be the highest ranking official to be sacked. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told CNN Philippines Monday that four coronels are going to be axed.

"Maybe we will be harsher this time around. Harsh, harsh, harsh. Harsh to the harshest level. Basta wala kaming patawad. (We will have no mercy.) No mercy kami sa mga tiwaling pulis (rogue policemen)," dela Rosa said in a media briefing in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

In December, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered dela Rosa to sack 60 to 90 policemen, including three superintendents, as part of the internal cleansing in the agency.

Dela Rosa, however, said not all those facing charges will be sacked.

He added the cases will be finalized before the end of January. This includes the four police officers who were caught firing their guns indiscriminately during the holiday season and the police involved in the Mandaluyong shooting incident.

Dela Rosa said newly-appointed Interior Department officer-in-charge General Eduardo Ano promised he will help ridding the PNP of rogue policemen.

The PNP Chief led the traditional New Year's Call in Camp Crame, which will be followed by a command conference.Vikram will start shooting for Mahavir Karna this year. The period drama will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam on Christmas 2019.

Chiyaan Vikram is slowly limping back to normalcy. His dad Vinod Raj passed away last week and the actor is fully concentrating on the work front to come out of the huge personal loss.

On Sunday, Vikram made a surprise announcement on Instagram hinting his current mindset. The National Award-winning actor wrote A sun rises as the sun sets and announced his historic period film Mahavir Karna with RS Vimal, who made his debut in Malayalam film industry in 2015 with the critically acclaimed biographical romantic-drama Ennu Ninte Moideen.

RS Vimal had plans to make a film based on Karna, the main protagonist of Hindu epic Mahabharata and announced that Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran would play the lead. Vimal also announced that the budget of the film would be around Rs 300 crore but later in the year, the films producer Venu walked out. When the film was announced, I thought could pull it off in Rs 60 crore but the final estimate was much higher and that is why I was unable to fund Karnan, said Venu in an interview.

After a lot of discussions, RS Vimal came to a conclusion that the Rs 300 crore budget can be recovered only by making Karnan as a pan-Indian film. When Vimal approached Vikram to play Karna, he readily agreed. The film will be produced by United Film Kingdom, a production house based in New York, said a source close to the director.

To be predominantly shot in Hindi, Mahavir Karna will also be dubbed in other regional languages like Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. RS Vimal is planning to rope in leading actors from various Indian languages to make sure that audiences across the country find an emotional connect and top technicians will also be working in the film.

Vikram is currently occupied with two Tamil films  Saamy Square, the sequel to his super hit cop action film Saamy and Dhruva Natchathiram, a slick spy thriller with director Gautham Menon. Vikram will complete Dhruva Natchathiram before April because the film is scheduled to release in May while the producers of Saamy Square are eyeing for a Ramzan release.

The versatile actor is also said to be in talks with Kamal Haasans erstwhile associate Rajesh M Selva, who made his debut with the action thriller film Thoongaa Vanam in 2015. Kamals Raaj Kamal Films is planning to fund the project but Vikram should complete Rajeshs film in five months because he has to shoot for Mahavir Karna from October 2018. RS Vimal is planning to release Mahavir Karna for Christmas 2019 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.The Tribune may have placed their faith in the fact that they were acting in the public interest when they broke the story about the purported flaw in the Aadhaar programme. But the UIDAI response was to file a First Information Report (FIR) against The Tribune on the same day. This though, is understandable, given the peculiar facts of The Tribune's expose.

One of the most infamous pieces of investigative journalism was the Eliza Armstrong case. In 1885, the Pall Mall Gazette, a newspaper in the UK, published a scandalous story entitled The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon. The story was about the purchase of a 13-year-old girl called Eliza Armstrong for the sum of 5.

According to the story, the reporters learnt that girls as young as thirteen could be purchased on the streets of London and shipped to the continental shores of Europe for prostitution. The problem was that in order to cover and report the story, Pall Mall Gazette editor WT Stead had to make that particular purchase. He was brought to trial and sentenced to three months imprisonment for the story.

Investigative journalism is known to have its run-ins with the law. Often times to expose a flaw in a system, a journalist has to embed themselves in the system and thus expose themselves to criminal liability. Journalists rely on the State to decline to prosecute them for exposing these flaws.

The Tribune may have placed their faith in the fact that they were acting in the public interest when they broke the story about the purported flaw in the Aadhaar programme. But the UIDAI response was to file a First Information Report (FIR) against The Tribune on the same day. This though, is understandable, given the peculiar facts of The Tribune's expose.

The Tribune did not hire an in-house hacker to expose the flaws in the UIDAI database. In fact, the breach was not something The Tribune discovered. The Tribune reported that certain persons were selling unauthorised access to the UIDAI's Aadhaar database for a fee and explained how easy it would be to purchase such access.

The FIR filed by the UIDAI is self-explanatory. It only names The Tribune as one of the many accused. The primary accused is not The Tribune, but journalist Rachna Khaira and Anil Kumar, Sunil Kumar and Raj, three people supposedly contacted for the story by Khaira. The Tribune editor was not named as an accused. Khaira was named because she was part of the transaction which led to the sale of the information. Her role, along with the others, will have to be investigated. But if she acted with only the intent of exposing a racket, no criminality should be attached to the act.

Criminal law attaches criminal liability to all those who were involved in an unlawful act. Initially, everyone who was a participant to a crime is listed in an FIR. It does not necessarily mean that they are accused of committing a crime or each one of them will suffer prosecution for that crime. It merely means that each person's role in that particular criminal act warrants an investigation.

The UIADI has a right to know about the extent of The Tribune's involvement with these persons selling Aadhaar data. How much data was accessed by The Tribune via these persons and, in particular, whose data was accessed by the newspaper? Did The Tribune check data of their own employees or enter random Aadhaar numbers? This needs to be investigated. Further, who are Anil Kumar, Sunil Kumar and Raj? How did the reporter learn about them? Does The Tribune have more information about their whereabouts?

These people were clearly not sources. The Tribune burned them when they exposed their names and mobile numbers. Therefore, there is ample room to investigate a crime, since a crime has occurred. People accessed the Aadhaar database unlawfully. These persons need to be brought to book and the only way to move the criminal law machinery is through an FIR.

The Tribune did not hack the Aadhaar database, but it was party to a transaction where the Aadhaar database was breached. If there was a breach, the UIDAI is correct in registering an FIR to investigate the breach. This is not an attack on the press for doing its job. The Tribune was correct to have reported the story. However, this is what would logically follow from any sting operation where the reporter commits a crime in order to bring out a story.

The Tribune should, ideally, fully cooperate with the police and state their bonafides during the course of the investigation. The offences that have been made out in the FIR require a dishonest intention in order to be proved and further, for there to be conspiracy, there needs to be a common dishonest intention.

In cases such as this, where people are exposed via entrapment, the person who is trapping them as well as the people being trapped are arraigned in the FIR. The extent of their involvement will only be determined after the investigation. If the prosecution of The Tribune and its reporter is not in the interests of justice, criminal law has the machinery (Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973) which empowers the high court to quash such a prosecution.

The Tribune in this case, was performing a sting operation. There was no dishonest intent. They should let the law take its own course. Calling this FIR an attack on the freedom of the press is overkill. The nation and the government have a right to know how the database was breached and only a proper investigation will reveal that.In a major setback to the efforts to wean away youngsters from the path of militancy, a scholar from AMU has become the latest entrant in militant ranks.

In a major setback to the efforts by security forces to wean away youngsters from the path of militancy, a scholar at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), who was on vacation at his home in north Kashmirs Kupwara district, has become the latest entrant in militant ranks. This development came to public knowledge after a photo surfaced on social media, showing the youngster armed with an automatic rifle, having joined the Hizbul Mujahideen outfit.

Mannan Bashir Wani, 25, a resident of Takipora village in Lolab, Kupwara, was pursuing a doctorate in Geology at AMU, and was scheduled to return home three days ago but failed to turn up. Instead, a photo went viral on Facebook and Twitter, showing him posing calmly with what looked like a grenade launcher-cum-assault rifle.

The photo described Mannan as having joined the Hizbul Mujahideen on 5 January with the codename Hamzah Bhai'. The description erroneously mentions that Mannan has a PhD in Applied Geology while he is actually pursuing the degree.

Police sources told Firstpost that the young scholar comes from a well-off family in the Lolab Valley. His father, Bashir Ahmed, is reportedly a lecturer while his brother is working as a junior engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government. According to his father, Mannan had been a student at AMU for over four years, He was a timid boy. But an event last year when he was harassed by security forces transformed him. Our whole family is in a shock, Bashir said. The incident took place in November 2017 when the youngster was on way to Srinagar from his home and it was described in a Facebook status by Mannan himself.

In the post, Mannan said the car was stopped four times and he had to get down and prove his identity every time. The most disgusting thing was when an ordinary SOG personnel donning black uniform posed questions like, why had I grown such long hair, why didn't I trim my beard if intend to look smart, why do I wear long boots, why do I wear a shawl in such a young age?

In the chilling Facebook post, Mannan mentions that a lady sitting next to him likened their situation to that of slaves, On this disgusting day, the best moment happened when I got a compliment from the Indian Army officer (who also checked my identity card, but spared me from getting down from the car) about my looks resembling the famous Commander, who has given them sleepless nights, and me passing a gentle smile without uttering a single word, the young scholar wrote.

When he returned home, there was something amiss about him, He looked disturbed that day. I could see the anger and the sadness in his eyes. But I had never thought he will take this extreme step, his father said over phone from Lolab. A friend of Mannan at AMU, who Firstpost contacted, said he had lost touch with him since November, around the same time the incident happened.

According to a profile on AMU's official website, Manaan was awarded 'Best Paper Presentation Award' in an international conference on 'Water, Environment, Energy and Society (ICWEES) held at AISECT University, Bhopal, for his paper Flood Risk Assessment of Lolab Valley from Watershed Analysis' using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Around 400 delegates from 20 countries, including China, US and the UK, participated in the conference.

Mannan had also come to Delhi recently from his University to lend support to the campaign for seeking whereabouts of the missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed, And also I believe, protest March or Sit-ins are only successful when all forms of protest are made simultaneously by people in their own capacities. We can neither expect everyone to come on roads and walk three or four kilometers on foot or lay on ground for days nor can we expect everyone to write long pieces, but, we can at least expect it from everyone to remain protesting for any genuine cause, until the justice is not delivered, in any form which he/she deems suitable and possible, he wrote in his blog post.

Inam, another Kashmiri student at AMU, said he had had little contact with Mannan since he was his senior but the two met once over tea at the university canteen. He talked enthusiastically about Kashmir and Palestine. I met him again on 31 December at his room as I was going home. He promised that once I come back, we will meet and talk for hours. He asked Firstpost to use his first name only due to fear of reprisal by security agencies.

Expressing concern over the new development, Munir A Khan, the police chief of Kashmir region, told Firstpost that a missing report was submitted by Mannan's family on Sunday and a case has been filed. "We have taken cognisance of the case. If true, it is a tragic development, and we will use all our resources to get him back to his family so that he can continue his studies and contribute positively to the society, he said.

However, this latest entry in the militant ranks has got the security establishment worried. According to official records, since 2017, 10 youngsters surrendered after the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a drive in which their families made appeals. "Our forces have so far rescued 75 boys who were on the verge of joining militancy. We are hopeful of getting Mannan back as well," a senior police officer said.

But many more are joining militant groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. "We are fighting a nasty war in Kashmir against an over-populous, poor nation but a true military might, Inam, Mannans friend wrote in a Facebook post. "Picking up a gun to fight the injustice is almost suicidal here. When a young man picks up a gun here, we don't expect a new dawn of freedom, we don't sing ballads of a new revolution. Elegies are written instead, and in total resignation we await the fateful news".The 'Tuting incident' in Arunachal Pradesh has been resolved, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Monday.

New Delhi: The "Tuting incident" in Arunachal Pradesh has been resolved, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Monday, days after Indian troops foiled attempts by Chinese road building teams to build a track on the Indian side of the border.

Rawat suggested that a Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) between the two sides in Arunachal Pradesh two days ago had resolved the issue.

"The Tuting incident has been resolved," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event.

He added that the BPM had taken place two days ago. According to the army chief, there was a major reduction of Chinese troops in the Doka La area in the Sikkim sector.

Chinese road building teams had entered about one kilometre inside Indian territory in Tuting, government sources said, adding that they had come for track alignment activities.

The teams returned when confronted by Indian troops and left behind various road building equipment, including excavators, they said.

The incident came nearly four months after the end of the 73-day Doka La standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim sector.The transgression incident in Arunachal Pradesh, where Chinese workers entered Indian territory constructing a track, has been resolved, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said

New Delhi: The transgression incident in Arunachal Pradesh, where Chinese workers entered Indian territory constructing a track, has been resolved, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Monday.

He also said that there was a major reduction in the number of Chinese troops in the Doka La area.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi, the Army Chief said the "Tuting incident has been resolved".

General Rawat said a Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) took place "two days back" on the issue.

Talking about the situation along the India-China border in Sikkim sector, where the two countries were involved in a 73-day-long standoff in Doka La, he said there was a major reduction in the number of troops on the Chinese side.

A Chinese road construction party entered India on 26 December, 2017, and were constructing a track, around two kilometres away from the nearest Indo-Tibetan Border Police post.

An almost 600-metre-long and 12-feet wide track was constructed on the Indian territory when the Chinese party was stopped.

The Chinese labourers had entered the area inadvertently, according to a government report on the incident. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops were not involved in the incident.

Indian troops pushed back the labourers and seized their equipment.

The incident came nearly four months after the end of the Doka La standoff that went on from 16 June to 28 August, 2017.

Earlier, speaking at the Army Technology Summit here, the Army Chief pitched for modernisation of the force and said India needed to be ready for "future wars".

"There is a huge requirement of modernisation of our armed forces, in every field," he said.

"Future wars will be fought in difficult terrains and circumstances and we have to be prepared for them.

"We would like to gradually move away from imports (in defence technology) because, for a nation like ours, the time has come to ensure that we fight the next war with home-made solutions," he said.Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday launched a pilot 'Delhi Common Mobility Card' which will enable commuters to travel in both Delhi Metro and 250 select city buses.

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday launched a pilot 'Delhi Common Mobility Card' which will enable commuters to travel in both Delhi Metro and 250 select city buses.

The Delhi govenrment aims to shift to a 'Common Mobility Card' which could be used to travel in Metro and all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses by 1 April.

Under the pilot project, Delhi Metro cards will be valid in select 200 DTC and 50 cluster buses from Monday.

During the trial, by tapping the Metro card on an Electronic Ticketing Machine or ETM in a bus, a ticket would be generated, which would also reveal the balance in the passenger's Metro card.

Currently, ETMs are used by conductors in buses to issue tickets.

The money deducted from commuters' Metro cards will go to Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC), which issues the Metro cards. The money will be later transferred to the Delhi government.

Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot said that after the trial period, a new card would be designed which would have both DMRC and Delhi government etched on it.

Commuters would be able to purchase and recharge these cards at all Metro stations, railway stations, airports, Inter State Bus Terminals and DTC bus pass counters.As India (and the world at large) continue to struggle with terrorist attacks, the home ministry has been keeping busy in its efforts to combat radicalism.

Speaking at the annual conference of DGPs and IGPs in Tekanpur on Saturday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh raised the issue of 'do-it-yourself (DIY)' terrorists and lone-wolf attackers, reported Hindustan Times. Calling them the greatest threats to communal harmony, Singh asked for the creation of a dedicated cell to monitor online radicalisation.

The Intelligence Bureau took Singh's suggestion forward as it called for a special unit which will collect data and share information in real time between security agencies. The agency also asked DGPs to study radicalisation patterns in their respective states.

In a separate report, Hindustan Times also reported that the research wing of the home ministry has undertaken a nation-wide project to find out the reasons behind the radicalisation of youth and how could religious extremism be countered in the country. Called the Rad and Derad programme, the project is under the aegis of the National Police Mission programme (NPM) which was introduced in 2005 to modernise police forces for new challenges and to use research to improve counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and the investigation of cyber and economic crimes.

The report also quoted a senior official in the Bureau of Police Research and Development wing of the home ministry who said that the research was a "rare endeavour" by the Centre to gain insight into radicalisation and extremism. The official also said that the focus will not be on any particular religion but on radicalisation itself.

As India (and the world at large) continues to struggle with terrorist attacks, the home ministry has been keeping busy in its efforts to combat radicalism. In November 2017, it formed a new division to exclusively deal with emerging security challenges such as radicalisation. The division  called Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Radicalisation (CTCR)  also encompasses merger of some of the ministry's existing divisions.

The CTCR wing, which is basically a modified version of the home ministry's internal security-II division, will focus on tracking and assessing the online reach of global terrorist outfits like the Islamic State and devising strategies to counter their propaganda while the CIS division will monitor online crimes and threats, including cyber fraud and hacking, and suggest ways to minimise and fight them. "The need for a counter-radicalisation division and policy was felt as (Rajnath) was keen that the problem should be solved from the base," an official at the ministry had said at the time.

A little earlier, in October 2016, it appointed former IPS officer Ashok Prasad as an adviser on cyber and social media, according to The Times of India. This was done because of concerns over use of cyberspace and social media for radicalisation and recruitment of Indian youth. Prasad will help the ministry to adopt a strategy to counter radicalisation on social media as well as fight cyber threats.

The report also noted that of the nearly 60 IS-influenced youngsters arrested across the country, all had been radicalised by people actually based in Iraq and Syria but who are active on social media. The youngsters were constantly asked by their "handlers" via closed Facebook groups, Telegram etc. to pledge allegiance to terrorist organisations and take up lone-wolf attacks in India. Intelligence agencies have been actively tracking jihadi activity on social media and in many cases have managed to intervene right before the plans were executed.

The centre has also looked at ensuring a "nationalist curriculum" in Jammu and Kashmir schools to counter what it believes is a "false narrative" that is impacting youth in the state, reported The Indian Express.

In terms of clear action taken against terrorism, the defence forces killed a total of 203 militants Jammu and Kashmir in 2017 till December 10 which was the highest number in the past seven years. Those killed included some top militant commanders such as Lashkar-e-Taiba's Bashir Ahmad Wani, Abu Dujana and Junaid Mattoo, and Hizbul Mujahideen's Sabzar Ahmad Bhat.

Furthermore, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) has also stepped up its investigations into "terror funding". The arrests of separatist leaders and others by the NIA were preceded by efforts to obtain information through improved intelligence. The government has also made efforts to wean away youth from the influence of separatists by taking steps to boost investment and employment in the state.

As part of its efforts to address the sense of alienation and to improve infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the government released funds under its Rs 80,000 crore (over $12 billion) package for the state announced in 2015. Rajnath too has made regular visits to the state and emphasised that the government is willing to speak to anyone in the state.

In October, the government appointed Dineshwar Sharma, a former Intelligence Bureau chief, as its special representative to "initiate and carry forward a dialogue with elected representatives, various organisations and concerned individuals in the State of Jammu and Kashmir". One of Sharma's objectives apparently is to deal with and contain radicalisation among the youth in the state.

With inputs from agenciesBabul Hossain, a construction worker from the district of Manikganj, had filed the petition with the Bangladesh High Court in December, challenging a government ban on marrying Rohingya for Bangladeshi citizens.

Dhaka: A Bangladeshi court on Monday turned down a petition to legalise marriage between its citizens and refugees from Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya minority.

Babul Hossain, a construction worker from the district of Manikganj, had filed the petition with the Bangladesh High Court in December, challenging a government ban on marrying Rohingyas for Bangladeshi citizens, which has been in effect since 2014, Efe news reported.

"The court dismissed the petition and fined the petitioner 100,000 taka ($1,200) for wasting its time," said deputy Attorney General Motahar Hossain.

Hossain's son got married to a Rohingya in September 2017 at the refugee camp in Kutupalong and since then the couple has been on the run, fearing that they may be arrested.

"The court said this man has committed a crime by bringing the girl outside the camp as she is not a Bangladeshi citizen. He also committed a crime by attempting to marry her since there is an administrative ban (against such marriages)," the Attorney added.

The defence lawyer, ABM Hamidul Mishbah, said that he would file an appeal to the Supreme Court against the order.

In October 2017, the country's Law and Justice Ministry ordered civil registries to thoroughly scrutinize the identity documents of couples before registering a marriage, after a significant increase in the number of mixed relationships.

According to the United Nations Inter Sector Coordination Group, some 655,000 Rohingya refugees have arrived in Bangladesh since August 2017.

The current exodus was triggered by the Myanmar security forces launching an operation in retaliation for an attack by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on several security posts in Rakhine State on 25 August.

The governments of both the countries earlier reached an agreement on the process of repatriation for the Rohingya refugees present in Bangladesh. The process is expected to begin within two months.The results of CAT 2017 that enables candidates to opt for top business schools in the country were announced on Monday, said media reports

The results of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2017 that enables candidates to opt for top business schools in the country were announced on Monday by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow, said media reports. IIM-Lucknow was the coordinating IIM for CAT 2017.

Candidates can check their score on the official website iimcat.ac.in.

To secure admission in IIMs, the candidates who cleared CAT with the percentile criterion set by each IIM will have to appear for a group discussion and personal interview.

According to Hindustan Times report, 20 candidates have scored an overall 100 percentile in CAT 2017. While in CAT 2016 all the top 20 candidates were male and engineers, this year the top 20 list contains two female candidates and three non-engineers, IIM Lucknow officials were quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The names of the candidates who cracked CAT 2017 will be made available on the website of the respective IIMs, said The Indian Express report. Each IIM will send interview letters to the shortlisted candidates directly, added the report. The criteria for shortlisting vary for each IIM and other business schools.

Here are the steps to check the CAT 2017 results:

Open the official website - https://iimcat.ac.in Click on 'Score Card for CAT 2017' on the homepage Enter your details Download and take a print-out of your CAT score card

The CAT 2017 examination consists of three sections: 1) Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension 2) Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning 3) Quantitative Ability

A total of 1,99,632 candidates had appeared for the exam, the largest number in last three years.

CAT is conducted by IIM every year and its scores are used for admission to various management institutes across the country. The test was conducted on 26 November, 2017 in over 140 cities.The Delhi Police on Monday filed a status report on its probe into the death of twin babies at Shalimar Bagh Max hospital before a court, which has directed that the investigation be conducted expeditiously.

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Monday filed a status report on its probe into the death of twin babies at Shalimar Bagh Max hospital before a court, which has directed that the investigation be conducted expeditiously.

"Status report filed. Taken on record. Investigating Officer (IO) states that they are awaiting report from Delhi Medical Council (DMC) and they have already recorded statements of concerned persons. He further states he has given request letter and reminder to DMC to file their report at the earliest.

"Considering the facts of the case, Investigating Officer shall investigate the matter from all angles and shall do the same expeditiously," Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Rajesh Malik said.

During investigation, police claimed to have found that in the death register of the hospital, only the time of birth of the two infants was mentioned but not the time of their death, despite both being handed over in two separate tightly wrapped packages.

The police said a copy of the FIR has been sent to the DMC for expert opinion and their report is awaited.

It said the post-mortem has been conducted and the final report regarding cause of death would be ascertained after getting a final opinion from the histopathology department of Safdarjung Hospital.

The Investigating Officer told the court that they have already recorded the statement of concerned persons, following which the matter was listed for 26 February.

On 24 December, Ashish Kumar, the father of the twins, one of whom was wrongly declared dead by the hospital, had sought a court-monitored probe into the matter, alleging that the ongoing "tainted" investigation may harm the prosecution case. In his plea, Kumar had urged that the station house officer concerned be directed to share details of the progress made in the investigation.

A baby boy and his twin sister, prematurely born at the hospital on 30 November, were declared still-born by the hospital doctors.

But when the parents were on their way to the crematorium, they found the boy was still alive and rushed him to another hospital. He died later at a private nursing home.

The applicant has alleged that there was a delay of 20 hours in lodging the FIR in the matter. "We have also sought a CBI probe in the matter," counsel for Kumar said.

The plea has sought directions to the police to explain why the statements of the family members of the complainant (the father) have not been recorded by the police. It said the hospital did not provide proper care and treatment, which had resulted in the death of the two infants.

The hospital's licence was cancelled by the Delhi government on 8 December, following an uproar over the incident.

But the hospital resumed its operations 10 days later after it got relief from an appellate authority which stayed the Delhi government's order.(CNN)  U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley issued a stern warning to North Korea on Tuesday, saying the U.S. "will never accept a nuclear North Korea."

"As we hear reports that North Korea might be preparing for another missile test -- I hope that does not happen, but if it does -- we must bring even more measures to bear on the North Korea regime," she said. "The civilized world must remain united and vigilant against the rogue state's nuclear arsenal. We will never accept a nuclear North Korea."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held out a rare olive branch to South Korea on Monday, offering talks about sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang next month.

Kim struck an unusually conciliatory note in his annual New Year's Day address, declaring his wish "for peaceful resolution with our southern border."

He also warned the United States that North Korea's nuclear ambitions were now complete and the launch button was "always on the desk in my office."

When asked about the offered talks, Haley said first and foremost North Korea needs to stop making nuclear weapons.

"We won't take any of the talks seriously if they don't do something to ban all nuclear weapons in North Korea. We consider this to be a very reckless regime, we don't think we need a Band-Aid and we don't think we need to smile and take a picture," she said. "We think that we need to have them stop nuclear weapons and they need to stop it now.

She continued: "So 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."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Nikki Haley: 'We will never accept a nuclear North Korea'"The SIT, probing into violence that had erupted after Ram Rahim's conviction, arrested a doctor who is accused of performing castration on Dera followers

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Haryana police, probing into the the violence that had erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa on 25 August after Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's conviction, on Sunday arrested Dr Mahinder Pal Singh alias Mahender Insan, a doctor who is accused of performing castration on Dera followers, said media reports.

According to The Times of India report, Mahender was a close aide to Ram Rahim and was among those seven persons who were booked in the case registered at Sector 5 police station in Panchkula. Mahender was nabbed from the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. He was absconding after a case was registered against him on 28 August, said India Today report.

The report added that he was reportedly hiding inside the Dera complex where the police had conducted a search operation in September last year.

The Times of India report added, that Mahender was seen at the spot just before the violence and was also among those who attended the action plan meeting called by Honeypreet Insan on 17 August.

In October, five Dera supporters in police custody had confessed that Honeypreet, the adopted daughter of Ram Rahim, had masterminded and funded the Panchkula violence, News18 had reported.

Mahender is also a close associate of Dera functionary Aditya Insan, who is alleged to be a key culprit behind the mob violence on 25 August. Adiya has been on the run since registration of case against him. Haryana police in December decided to double the reward money from Rs one lakh to two lakh for information leading to the arrest of Aditya.

Most of the jailed sect chief's confidants including Honeypreet, who was on the run after his conviction, were arrested as Haryana police registered 173 FIRs with nearly 1,000 Dera followers as accused.

On 3 January, Ram Rahim Singh's relative and former MLA Harminder Singh Jassi appeared before the SIT. Assistant commissioner of Panchkula police heading the SIT had asked Jassi to appear before it earlier, but the former Congress legislator had requested for more time.

Haryana remained on edge after the Sirsa-headquartered sect chief was convicted by a special CBI court, triggering widespread violence and arson, mainly in Panchkula and Sirsa, leaving 41 dead and scores injured.

The Dera chief, now lodged in Sunaria jail in Rohtak, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping two disciples.

With inputs from PTIIn a freak accident, at least 11 people were killed on Sunday after a speeding truck hit a three-wheeler and took a tumble, crushing a car and some passers-by in Firozabad

Firozabad: In a freak accident, at least 11 people were killed on Sunday after a speeding truck hit a three-wheeler and took a tumble, crushing a car and some passers-by in Firozabad, the police said.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident and has announced a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased, an official statement said.

According to Firozabad District Magistrate Neha Sharma, those who have lost their lives include, two women, a youth, six men and two children.

The incident took place around 4 pm when the truck, on its way to Kanpur from Agra, lost balance while taking a sharp turn on a busy national highway and hit a three-wheeler, Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar told PTI.

According to the police, a JCB machine was used to remove the debris and pull the bodies out.

"As many as 10 people died on the spot, while a critically injured man succumbed to his injuries on way to Agra," Sharma said.

"Of the deceased, identity of four have been ascertained so far. They are Manoj (35), a resident of Mainpuri, his 12-year-old son Himanshu and nine-year-old son Pranshu. The person who was critically injured and later died, has been identified as Pankaj, also a resident of Mainpuri," the district magistrate said.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem. The truck driver is absconding and further investigation into the incident is underway, the police said.

In the statement issued by the office of the chief minister in Lucknow, Adityanath expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.A fire broke out on the third floor of the sessions court building in Mumbai on Monday morning

Mumbai: A fire broke out on the third floor of the sessions court building in Mumbai on Monday morning, an official said.

No casualty or injury has been reported so far, he said.

The fire brigade got a call at 7.14 am about the blaze in the court building, located near the campus of the Mumbai University in South Mumbai, the official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's disaster management unit said.

The fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot, he said.

"Efforts are on to douse the flames," he said.

The cause of fire was not yet known, he said, adding that an investigation will be carried out into the incident.

Further details were awaited.

This is the fifth fire incident in the city in the last 20 days.

Twelve people were killed when a massive fire broke out at a snack shop in Saki Naka-Kurla area in Mumbai on 18 December.

Later, 14 people were killed in a fire at an upscale pub in the Kamala Mills compound on 29 December.

On another incident on 4 January, four persons, including two children, died and five were seriously injured after an upper floor of a residential building in suburban Marol caught fire.

Besides, a 20-year-old man, who worked for a television serial production unit, was killed in a fire at the Cine Vista film studio in suburban Kanjurmarg on 6 January.The Gujarat High Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by news portal 'The Wire' seeking quashing of a criminal defamation case filed against it by BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay over an article related to his company.

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by news portal The Wire seeking to quash a criminal defamation case filed against it by BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay over an article related to his company.

Justice JB Pardiwala rejected the petition on the grounds that the article, "The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah", is per say "defamatory" and the trial court should proceed with the case.

The high court, which had earlier directed the trial court to complete the hearing in the case in six months, on Monday withdrew that order.

This means there is no time-frame for the trial court to complete the hearing.

SM Vatsa, the lawyer for the author of the article and editors of the news portal, had maintained the news report was not "defamatory," and the facts presented in it were based on public documents.

The petitioners had maintained the article was a part of investigative journalism and filing a criminal defamation suit against it was against the freedom of the press.

Jay Shah's lawyer SV Raju, on the other hand, had maintained the article was "defamatory" and the two witnesses examined by the lower court had established that the reputation of his client was tarnished due to its publication.

Jay Shah had moved the lower court alleging criminal defamation by the petitioners after the article published by the website claimed his company's turnover grew exponentially after the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre in 2014.

After the suit was filed on 9 October last year, the court initiated proceedings against them under the CrPC section 202 (to inquire into a case to decide whether or not there is sufficient ground for proceeding).

The suit has been filed against the author of the article Rohini Singh, founding editors of the news portal Siddharth Varadarajan, Siddharth Bhatia and M K Venu, managing editor Monobina Gupta, public editor Pamela Philipose and the Foundation for Independent Journalism.

The foundation publishes The Wire.

With the quashing of the plea, the matter is expected to come up for hearing in the lower court on Tuesday.

Jay Shah has separately filed a civil defamation suit of Rs 100 crore against the website over the article.

Jay Shah had rejected the charge made in the article, insisting the story was "false, derogatory and defamatory".India and Nepal have reached an agreement to resolve differences on reconstructing damaged pillars along the mutual border and clearing the encroachment on the 'No Man's Land,' an Indian official said on Monday.

Balrampur: India and Nepal have reached an agreement to resolve differences on reconstructing damaged pillars along the mutual border and clearing the encroachment on the "No Man's Land," an Indian official said on Monday.

The agreement was reached during a meeting of Indian and Nepalese officials at the SSB Group centre, Balrampur District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar Misra said.

Six Nepalese officials and officials from five districts of Uttar Pradesh took part in the meeting, he said.

India and Nepal will soon start reconstructing the damaged pillars and clear the "No Man's Land" of encroachers, said Misra, the nodal officer for the Indian side.

A team to survey the border areas for the purpose has arrived in Balrampur, Misra said, adding that the work to be carried out on the border has been divided into three parts.

They include identifying the damaged pillars, reconstructing them and clearing the No Man's Land.

Misra said the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the Public Works Department, Revenue Department, and the Nepali Police will contribute to the process.

He hoped the resolution of differences will help in strengthening ties between the people of the two countries.

Hariprasad Mailani, the nodal officer of the Nepalese side, said no one will be allowed to misbehave with the Indian people and jawans in Nepal.

The SSB, which works under the the Union home ministry, is tasked with guarding the 1,751 kilometre India-Nepal border.

Uttar Pradesh shares a 599.3 kilometre open border with Nepal touching seven districts  Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Sravasti, Balrampur, Sidhharthnagar and Maharajganj.Moshe Holtzberg, the toddler who survived the 2008 terror attack at a Jewish centre in Mumbai, is feeling 'emotional and excited' as he prepares to visit his birthplace during the four day visit to India

Jerusalem: Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who as a toddler survived the 2008 terror attack at a Jewish centre in Mumbai, is feeling "emotional and excited" as he prepares to visit his birthplace during the four day visit to India by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this month.

Moshe, 11, was two-year-old when his parents were killed in the Mumbai attacks at Nariman House (also known as Chabad House) by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists.

The boy, standing and crying between his dead parents' bodies, was saved in a daring move by his brave nanny, Sandra Samuels, who was hiding in a room downstairs when the attack happened.

"Moshe is very excited and at the same time emotional as he gets ready to leave for Mumbai on 15 January. He is returning to his birthplace and is waiting to see many things connected to his late parents that he has heard about from us and his nanny. There are lots of memories," an overwhelmed Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, Moshe's grandfather, told PTI.

In an emotional meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 July in Jerusalem, the young boy had expressed his wish to visit Mumbai.

"I hope I will be able to visit Mumbai, and when I get older, live there. I will be the director of our Chabad House," Moshe had told the Indian prime minister.

Modi had responded by saying, "Come and stay in India and Mumbai. You are most welcome. You and your all family members will get long-term visas. So you can come anytime and go anywhere".

Netanyahu then promptly asked Moshe to join him when he travels to India, a promise he did not forget and has invited the family to join him in Mumbai during his forthcoming visit to India starting on 14 January.

"Moshe says that he was touched by the warm embrace he received from Prime Minister Modi when he met him in Jeursalem during his July visit to Israel. He says that he felt like it was one of his own people giving him a warm hug," Rosenberg said adding, "he is hoping to meet the Indian prime minister again during his India trip".

"He is waiting to host Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara, and hopefully Prime Minister Modi 'at his home in Mumbai'," the grandfather said.

The young boy will be accompanied by his grandparents, Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg, nanny Sandra and a psychologist during his trip to Mumbai.

"During a meeting with the psychologist, who has been mentally preparing him for the visit, Moshe gave him an account of places in Mumbai he would like to visit. He has done his homework and knows about not only the site seeing places but also other places where his parents carried out works related to their assignment," Rosenberg noted.

Moshe's parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, who were serving as Directors at the Chabad House, were killed along with six others when the place also came under attack by Pakistani terrorists during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

"It is heart warming to see that the Indian leadership and the people of India haven't forgotten us and share our pain. It gives us strength and makes us feel one", Rosenberg said.

In a brief telephonic call, Sandra, who was in Afula in the north of Israel where Moshe and his family lives, said that the boy is excited and told her before leaving for school on Sunday that it is like "homecoming" for him.

The family also plans to celebrate Moshe's bar mitzvah in Mumbai. Bar mitzvah is a ceremony performed for Jewish boys at the age of 13 which some Israeli scholars compare with upnayana, or the thread ceremony.

India issued ten year multiple entry visas to Moshe and his grandparents to ease their travel to the country in August. Prime Minister Modi is said to have personally followed up on the matter as promised to Moshe during their meeting.

Sandra also now lives in Israel and has been felicitated with an honorary citizenship by the Israeli government.Delhi Police on Monday said that Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani's request for holding a rally in New Delhi on Tuesday is still 'under consideration'.

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Monday said that Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani's request for holding a rally in New Delhi on Tuesday is still "under consideration", even as the organisers insist it will be held on pre-scheduled time.

The 'Social Justice' rally or 'Yuva Hunkaar Rally' is planned to be addressed by Mevani and Assam peasant leader Akhil Gogoi.

One of the organisers and former JNU Students' Union president Mohit Kumar Pandey said, "There have been a lot of attempts to stop this event and even some media houses are spreading wrong information that the permission for the rally has been denied."

Ever since the rally was announced on 2 January "a lot of money has been spent on posters calling Mevani a deshdrohi (traitor) and urban Naxal," Pandey told PTI, adding the event will be held as per schedule.

Mevani could not be reached for his comments. In a statement, the organisers urged the prospective participants to "assemble on the Parliament Street at 12 pm on Tuesday".

A senior police officer though said, "Mevani's request for the rally is still under consideration."

The rally seeks to raise the demand for the release of Dalit outfit Bhim Army's founder Chandrashekhar Azad and emphasise on issues like educational rights, employment, livelihood and gender justice.

A large section of students from universities and colleges in Delhi, women's groups, teachers' associations and activists associated with Mevani from across the country are expected to attend the rally.

Azad, 30, was arrested in June last year from Himachal Pradesh as he was the main accused in the Thakur-Dalit clash in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district.Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswamy on Monday took up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the plight of 15 fishermen from the state detained by Iranian authorities and sought his intervention in securing their release.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswamy on Monday took up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the plight of 15 fishermen from the state detained by Iranian authorities and sought his intervention in securing their release.

The fishermen engaged in fishing from the Emirate of Dubai fishing base were arrested by the Iranian Coast Guard on 24 October last year after they "inadvertently" strayed into their waters, he told Modi in a letter.

Natives of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts in Tamil Nadu, the fishermen "are reportedly detained in their fishing boats in KISH Island, Iran for the past two months," he said.

An Iranian court imposed fine on these fishermen and the same had to be paid by them with the financial support from their local sponsors from Dubai, UAE, he added.

One of the fishermen was a diabetic and also suffering from hypertension while another " is reportedly having a heart problem and is seeking medical intervention."

The prolonged incarceration of the fishermen who went abroad for earning their humble livelihood would severely affect their families and dependents, he said.

"Hence, I request your personal intervention by instructing the Ambassadors of India in Tehran and United Arab Emirates to provide necessary medical attention and to take effective legal steps to secure the immediate release of these poor innocent fishermen from Tamil Nadu, Palaniswamy urged Modi.Then Principal Secretary of finance department recounted the episode that how a one-line note unearthed the fodder scam, unseating Lalu Prasad Yadav as CM

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav was sentenced to three-and-half years jail in the second of the three fodder scam cases by a special CBI court. Fifteen other apart from Lalu were also convicted in the case.

The multi-million corruption case, which first broke out in the 90s was subsequently stirred up from time to time in the last 21 years. The fodder scam, as we know it, was a classic case of small-scale falsified transactions which flourished over the course of years, got systemised, and snowballed into a Rs 945-crore scam.

The scam took its notorious name from the fact that it was rooted in the Animal and Husbandry department of Bihar government and the fraudulent transactions were made in the name of procuring cattle feed over a period of 20 years, under successive regimes.

However, it took a one-line fax memo, sent by the then Principal Secretary of the Finance Department, Vijay Shankar Dubey, to bring the entire sand castle crashing down. Dubey recounted the episode to Alok Kumar of News18, that how a single-line note unearthed the fodder scam, unseating a sitting chief minister of Bihar and literally paralysing the electoral career of one of the tallest political figures in the state. Here are the edited excerpts.

"By the year 1995-96, the financial condition of the Bihar government was so bad that even government employees were not getting their salaries. I was posted as the principal secretary of finance department, a post I had taken up in July, 1995. Since we were not in a position to pay the salaries of employees, it struck my mind that where was the money going.

Then in the month of September-October 1995, we discovered that Animal Husbandry Department (ADH) was spending more than five times the budgetary allocation. I immediately got suspicious that something was wrong.

On 19 January, 1996 we came to the conclusion that AHD has again exceeded the spending budget allotted to it. It was baffling for me.

I talked to my colleagues and faxed a one-line message that very day to all district collectors. Please report expenditure under AHD for the last three years.

This is the message that opened the Pandora's box, now known as the fodder scam.

On 20 January, I dispatched one of our additional secretaries to Ranchi to find out where the money was spent during the last three years and the very next day, on 21 January, he reported back saying, They have not only exceeded budget limits but all the vouchers and bills are fake, against which the money was withdrawn.

I told him to seize all the bills and come back. He came back to Patna on 22 January. After scrutinising all the documents, I moved a file to the government the next day detailing how a big fraud has taken place in Ranchi. I recommended filing an FIR against the suspects.

Even though the government kept the report under wraps, all district collectors had already started taking actions on my instructions. On 27 January, 1996, I specifically instructed Amit Khare, the then district collector of Chaibasa, to raid the Chaibasa treasury. The finding of raids made headlines all over the country. Soon after the raid employees and fodder suppliers involved in the scam went underground. But the government had not yet taken note of my recommendations. Lalu Prasad Yadav was the chief minister of Bihar.

However, the government finally acted on my recommendations on 30 January. And in the intervening weeks, a lot of things happened. You can interpret what the political leadership could have tried to do. But during this week the media widely covered the findings of the raids in Dumka, Ranchi and in other districts.

Although nobody tried to pressurise me, people in the government certainly tried to delay the investigations. However, it was too late for that and the fact that a scam had been fermenting in the ADH was evident. It was more than a 100 crore scam.

Later that year, under pressure from Opposition, the state government had to recommend a CBI probe and more than 50 cases were filed. On 23 June, 1997 the CBI named Lalu Prasad Yadav as one of the accused, which subsequently forced him to step down from the post of the chief minister."

Vijay Shankar Dubey, 74, is a former chief secretary of Bihar and Jharkhand. A 1966-batch IAS officer, Dubey retired in 2002 and went on to serve as vice-chancellor of Nalanda Open University from 2003 to 2009.A day after Lalu Prasad Yadav was sentenced to 3.5 years in jail in the fodder scam case, the RJD chief's elder sister Gangotri Devi died of shock

A day after Lalu Prasad Yadav was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail in the fodder scam case, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief's elder sister Gangotri Devi died of shock on Sunday, according to several media reports.

"She did not have any disease but she was ill for the past two days and was coughing," The Telegraph quoted her cousin Ramanand Yadav as saying. "She was depressed after she heard that Lalu ji has been sent to jail for three-and-a-half years. The doctor said she died due to a heart attack."

Former Bihar chief minister and Lalu's wife Rabri Devi also said her sister in-law had died due to shock after hearing about the sentencing, The Times of India reported. "Even on Sunday, she spent whole day praying for early release of her brother. When she learnt in the evening that her brother was sentenced to jail for a long period, she was devastated. She passed away because she could not bear the shock of her brother's sentence," she told the newspaper.

"We have informed my father (about the death of our aunt) and are seeking parole for him so he can attend the funeral of his sister," Lalu's son Tejashwi Yadav was quoted as saying by Patna Daily. The report added that Yadav feared the formalities involved in obtaining a bail might not allow Lalu to attend the last rites of his sister.

Gangotri died at her son Rudal Yadav's official residence on Vetenary College campus in Patna, and is survived by two sons and a daughter, according to The Tribune.

On Saturday, a special CBI court in Ranchi sentenced Lalu, along with 15 others, to three-and-a-half years years of imprisonment and fined them a sum of Rs five lakh in connection with fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Devghar treasury between 1994 and 1996.(CNN)  President Donald Trump told reporters Saturday at Camp David that he's open to talking with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"Sure, I always believe in talking," he said. "But we have a very firm stance. Look, our stance, you know what it is. We're very firm. But I would be, absolutely I would do that. I don't have a problem with that at all."

When asked by a reporter if that meant Trump doesn't need any prerequisites to meeting with North Korea, Trump said that wasn't what he meant.

"It's not what I said at all," he responded. "(Kim) knows I'm not messing around. I'm not messing around. Not even a little bit. Not even 1%. He understands that. At the same time, if we can come up with a very peaceful and very good solution, we're working on it ... with a lot of people."

Trump added: "If something can happen and something can come out of those talks, that would be a great thing for all of humanity. That would be a great thing for the world. Very important."

The President's comments come amid heightening tensions over North Korea's nuclear weapons program, with Trump tweeting earlier this week that his nuclear button is "bigger and more powerful" the Kim's. The tweet follows the North Korean leader's remarks in a New Year's Day address that "(t)he entire mainland of the US is within the range of our nuclear weapons. ..."

On Saturday, Trump also praised South Korea for its efforts to open communication with North Korea in an effort to improve relations, including discussion of the participation of North Korean athletes in the Winter Olympics.

"President Moon (Jae-in) called me and we had a great discussion a couple of days ago, and he thanked me very much, and I hope it works out. I very much want to see it work out between the two countries," Trump said, referring to North Korea accepting South Korea's proposal for official talks in what will be the first high-level contact between the two countries in more than two years.

"I'd like to see them getting involved in the Olympics and maybe things go from there. So, I'm behind that 100%," Trump said.

South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Baik Tae-hyun told reporters Friday that North Korea informed Seoul by fax that it has accepted the offer to initiate talks.

The person-to-person talks will be held Tuesday -- the day after Kim's birthday -- at the Peace House in the village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone.

Trump appeared to give himself credit for the meeting during his press conference with reporters.

"A lot of people have said, a lot of people have written, that without my rhetoric, without my tough stance -- and it's not just a stance, I mean, this is what has to be done, if it has to be done -- that they wouldn't be talking about Olympics, they wouldn't be talking right now," he said. "I'd love to see them take it beyond the Olympics. ... At the appropriate time, we'll get involved."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Trump on North Korea: 'I always believe in talking'"The Uttar Pradesh Police said a person detained in Mathura on suspicion of being a terrorist has turned out to be a bonafide resident of Jammu and Kashmir.

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday said a person detained in Mathura on suspicion of being a terrorist has turned out to be a bonafide resident of Jammu and Kashmir.

Inspector General of Police (IG) Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) Aseem Arun said: "As of now no terror link has been established."

The person in question, Bilal Ahmad Rani, was detained on Sunday after he was caught travelling without a ticket on board the New Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express.

Rani was behaving suspiciously and had to be taken for interrogation, Arun said. During questioning, it was established that Rani was "a bonafide resident of Anantnag where his family runs a medical store".

The details of two other Kashmiris living with Rani in a Delhi hotel were also confirmed. They are also residents of Jammu and Kashmir. But they might face some more interrogation, an officer said.Meanwhile his family has informed the police that Mannan has gone missing and efforts to trace him have already started.

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) expelled Mannan Bashir Wani, a Kashmiri research scholar at the university, until further inquiry after reports of him joining militants in Jammu and Kashmir surfaced. The Uttar Pradesh Police also conducted raids at the AMU campus to search for the missing Kashmiri student.

Mannan, a 25-year-0ld who was pursuing his PhD in applied geology at AMU, reportedly joined Hizbul Mujahideen on 5 January. The news broke out after Mannan, who was visiting his home on a break, went missing. He was supposed to reach home on 3 January but he failed to turn up. Subsequently, photographs of him flaunting an assault rifle cum grenade launcher surfaced on social media.

Mannan joined AMU after completing Bachelors in Geology and Earth Sciences from the University of Kashmir. He had also completed his Master's and MPhil in geology from AMU. He had been studying at AMU for past four years. He also won an award for the best paper presentation at an international conference in 2016.

M. Mohsin Khan, the proctor of AMU said that Mannan regularly attended his classes and the university management had no clue about any suspicious activities the student may have indulged in, as reported by India Today TV.

The university sealed his room at the Mohammad Habib Hall, saying his "highly objectionable activities can hamper the peaceful academic atmosphere and create disharmony", a university spokesperson told IANS.

Khan also said since Mannan had breached the AMU Students Conduct and Discipline Rules, the matter was placed before Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor.

"Taking into account the gravity of the offence, the Vice Chancellor has ordered Wani to be expelled from the rolls of the University with immediate effect," said the Proctor, adding the campus and its institutions were out of bounds for Mannan from now on.

The AMU followed a policy of zero tolerance towards anti-national activities and accorded top priority to national security, the university said.

Meanwhile, his family informed the police that Mannan went missing and efforts to trace him have begun.

However, according to an India Today report, the police said it is possible that the picture was photoshopped and his last known location was New Delhi.

"He was scheduled to return home four days ago. But instead his pictures showing him with an AK-47 reached the family," a police officer said, adding that if indeed he has joined militancy, all efforts to pursuade the young man to return home will be made.

The report comes when the Jammu and Kashmir administration has been increasingly stressing upon the need to persuade and bring back young boys waylaid by extremist elements, rather than taking a tough approach against them. According to a Firstpost report, the police is using social media to expand their reach to young Kashmiris who are increasingly being attract by militant groups through the medium to join their ranks.

Mannan, a resident of Takipora village in Lolab, Kupwara, hailed from a well to do family. His father, Bashir Ahmed, is reportedly a lecturer while his brother is working as a junior engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government. According to his father, Mannan was a student at AMU for over four years, He was a timid boy. But an event last year when he was harassed by security forces transformed him. Our whole family is in a shock, Bashir said. The incident took place in November 2017 when the youngster was on way to Srinagar from his home and it was described in a Facebook post by Mannan himself.

In the post, Mannan said the car was stopped four times and he had to get down and prove his identity every time. The most disgusting thing was when an ordinary SOG personnel donning black uniform posed questions like, why had I grown such long hair, why didn't I trim my beard if intend to look smart, why do I wear long boots, why do I wear a shawl in such a young age?

In the Facebook post, Mannan mentioned that a lady sitting next to him likened their situation to that of slaves, On this disgusting day, the best moment happened when I got a compliment from the Indian Army officer (who also checked my identity card, but spared me from getting down from the car) about my looks resembling the famous commander, who has given them sleepless nights, and me passing a gentle smile without uttering a single word, the young scholar wrote.

Meanwhile, his friends and family were shocked at the news and claimed they have no idea whether it is true Mannan's father said he was unable to reach his son and does not know if he has joined militancy. Inam, another Kashmiri student at AMU who knew Mannan, wrote in a Facebook post: "Picking up a gun to fight the injustice is almost suicidal here. When a young man picks up a gun here, we don't expect a new dawn of freedom, we don't sing ballads of a new revolution. Elegies are written instead, and in total resignation we await the fateful news".NCP legislator Marthon Sangma and four other Independent legislators, are set to join Meghalaya's ruling Congress to contest the upcoming Assembly polls, a party leader said on Monday.

Shillong: NCP legislator Marthon Sangma and four other Independent legislators, are set to join Meghalaya's ruling Congress to contest the upcoming Assembly polls, a party leader said on Monday.

The move of the five legislators to join Congress is significant after seven of its legislators had resigned as members of the assembly and joined other political parties.

Independent legislators  Brigady Marak, Ashahel D Shira, Michael Sangma and David Nongrum  who are supporting the Mukul Sangma government had already applied for party ticket to contest the elections.

"They (Nationalist Congress Party and four Independents legislators) have evinced interest to be part of the Congress family. They will be joining us soon and contest the elections on Congress ticket," state Congress chief Celestine Lyngdoh told IANS.

"Some of them left the Congress party the other day and we are glad that these five legislators are joining us and they would surely retain their seats in the assembly," he said.

NCP legislator Sangma said he decided to contest upcoming Assembly elections on a Congress ticket since it will retain power in Meghalaya and there is no other alternative party in the state.

"I am confident that voters in Garo Hills (24 seats in western part of Meghalaya) will not vote for the BJP due to its anti-Christian activities and the NPP too will suffer defeat since it is a part of the BJP-led NDA government at the centre and Manipur," Sangma told IANS.

However, the National People's Party (NPP) has decided not to have pre-poll alliance with the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections.

Last week, five former Congress legislators  Rowell Lyngdoh, Prestone Tynsong, Coming One Ymbon, Ngaitlang Dhar and Sniawbhalang Dhar  joined the NPP.

Former Congress legislator Alexander Hek, who was a Health and Family Welfare minister in the Mukul Sangma cabinet before being sacked last year, joined the BJP.

Incumbent chief executive member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council PN Syiem, resigned from the Assembly and joined the newly-floated People's Democratic Front.

Moreover, veteran Congress legislators including four-time Chief Minister DD Lapang, incumbent Deputy Chief Minister Roytre Christopher Laloo and Health and Family Welfare Minister Roshan Warjri, have been declared "retired" from electoral politics.The Centre has scrapped the Rs 32,000 crore project to build 12 advanced minesweepers (MCMVs) with a South Korean company.

At the time when government has been pushing for 'Make in India' in the defence sector, the Centre has scrapped the Rs 32,000-crore project to build 12 advanced minesweepers (MCMVs) with a South Korean company, The Times of India reported.

Advanced minesweepers are specialised warships which detect, track and destroy underwater mines along the coasts. MCMVs have very low acoustic, magnetic, electrical and pressure signatures. These vessels are designed to have high shock resistance against underwater explosions.

Hindustan Times reported that the negotiations between Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and South Korea-based Kangnam Corporation fell apart in the final stage.

We were unable to resolve commercial complications despite our best efforts. This particular deal with the Koreans is off, GSL chairman Rear Admiral Shekhar Mital (retd) was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying.

The Times of India added that the South Koreans wanted some changes in the original tender for the project. The report also said that there were problems with the terms related to transfer of technology.

The Times of India reported that the Ministry of Defence directed GSL to restart the tender process for the minesweepers.

Thanking Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the "quick decision", Mittal told The Times of India that the latest tender will help expedite the project.

The Centre will soon issue another Expression of Interest (EoI) for the minesweepers to Kangnam, Italy-based Intermarine and other foreign companies.

Nevertheless. this is not the first time that Kangnam has come under the scanner of the Indian government.

Hindustan Times reported that the government had scrapped a similar contract with the company in 2014 amid corruption allegations.

Had the latest deal been finalised, work on the project would have started in April 2018. The delivery of the 12 minesweepers, on the other hand, would have begun in 2021.

However, with latest deal falling apart, India could be without a minesweeper even beyond 2021, Hindustan Times reported. With a 6,000-kilometre-long coastline, India needs at least 24 minesweepers on the eastern and western coast.

Minesweepers become imperative in the larger context of India's maritime security. As noted by media reports, China has been deploying its submarines in the Indian Ocean Region, where India too is a major player. Moreover, these submarines have the capability to quietly lay mines, thus endangering India's maritime interests.

It is to be noted that the Indian Navy had decommissioned two of its oldest minesweepers  INS Karwar and INS Kakinada  after 30 years in service.

With the decommissioning of the two minesweepers, the navy is now left with a fleet of four Soviet-origin minesweeping ships will also be decommissioned by the end of 2018.

A parliamentary standing committee on defence recently criticised the government on the issue and asked it to make efforts to fill the gap in the navy's capability. The worring gap in the operational capacity of the Indian Navy prompted the government to look for more vessels.

Nevertheless, the 'Make in India' project seems to be only on paper as an October 2017 report in The Times of India noted that over half a dozen projects are stuck at various stages of negotiation due to procedural delays and political apathy.

With inputs from PTIShiv Sena leader Ashok Sawant was killed by unidentified assailants in Mumbai's Kandivli on Sunday.

A Shiv Sena leader from Mumbai's Kandivali was killed by unidentified assailants on Sunday, media reports said. Ashok Sawant, a two-time corporator from Samata Nagar, was attacked while he was returning home after meeting a friend around 11 pm, reported India Today.



The Times of India reported that two men attacked the 62-year-old leader with choppers before fleeing the spot.

Sawant, who is the brother of senior police officer Subhash Sawant, was rushed to Shri Sai Hospital in Kandivali but was declared dead on arrival. According to The Times of India, police identified one of the attackers after going through the CCTV footage.

While the motive of the killings is still not clear, report in The Times of India said that Sawant, who had entered cable television business a few years ago, began receiving extortion calls days before he was killed.

An FIR has been filed under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code at the Samata Nagar police station , reported India Today.According to police, Sawant, a former municipal corporator, was returning home around 11 pm from a meeting in Thakur Complex, to his apartment in Videocon Towers, riding pillion on a scooter.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Ashok Sawant was stabbed to death outside his home in Mumbai late on Sunday, police said Monday, adding two alleged assailants have been arrested fro the crime.

According to police, Sawant, a former municipal corporator, was returning home around 11 pm from a meeting in Thakur Complex, to his apartment in Videocon Towers, riding pillion on a scooter.

As they nearly reached his home, suddenly, an unknown person kicked the scooter, making it go off-balance and forcing the driver to stop it. He then entered into a heated argument with this unknown person even as Sawant waited.

As per the witness accounts of the incident, two other persons, who were lying in wait on the dark road, then attacked Sawant with knives and choppers, making him collapse in a pool of blood barely 400 metres from his house.

A police team which arrived at the crime scene soon after took him to a nearby private hospital where he was pronounced dead. The 63-year-old leader suffered at least 17 serious wounds including on the neck, chest and head.

Police have checked CCTV images in the area and have identified one of the two suspected killers. The preliminary motive behind the crime appeared to be extortion.

"We have arrested two persons, and seized an autorickshaw used in the crime, while further investigations are underway," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone XII, Vinay Rathod said.

The assailants had recced the area in advance before committing the crime at the opportune time, travelling in the autorickshaw, the sleuths have found.

Sawant served twice as municipal corporator from Poisar village area, lost the elections once, and his daughter was elected once, after which he was appointed a deputy Vibhag Pramukh by the Shiv Sena.

He is survived by his wife, politician daughter, and another daughter and a son who are both doctors.

Large parts of Kandivali east observed a spontaneous shutdown as a mark of respect and around 5,000 mourners, including representatives of various political parties, turned up for Sawant's funeral ceremonies which were completed at the nearby Borivali east crematorium in the afternoon.Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew the attention of the country's top police officials to the problems arising out of social media and cyber crimes, saying they should be dealt with on highest priority

Tekanpur (MP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday drew the attention of the country's top police officials to the problems arising out of social media and cyber crimes, saying they should be dealt with on highest priority.

Speaking at the concluding day of the annual conference of the DGPs and IGPs here at the BSF Academy, the prime minister said that there was an emerging global consensus towards greater information sharing on illicit financial dealings and India could play a key role in achieving this.

Modi said cybersecurity issues should be dealt with immediately and should receive the highest priority, according to an official release.

In this context, the prime minister particularly mentioned the importance of social media.

He said messaging should rely on local languages for greater effectiveness.

Referring to the radicalisation of youth, Modi urged the top police officers to use technology to pinpoint the problem areas.

Around 250 top officers from the state police forces and central police organisations participated in the three-day meet.

The prime minister said India is an "organic entity" and not an "assembled" one and asked the police officers from the states to open up in sharing information on illicit financial dealings.

He said while openness is getting increased acceptance worldwide, there is a need for greater openness among states too, on security issues.

Modi said security cannot be achieved selectively, or alone, and for that breaking of silos and information sharing among states can help make everyone more secure.

Following a directive of Modi, the home ministry has been organising the conference outside the national capital since the NDA government came to power in 2014.

The last three conferences were held in Guwahati, Rann of Kutch and Hyderabad.

The prime minister recalled how the nature and the scope of the conference have changed since 2014, beginning with its being shifted out of Delhi.

He appreciated the officers who have been instrumental in facilitating this change.

Modi said the conference has now become more relevant, in the context of challenges and responsibilities facing the country.

He said the new format of the conference has resulted in a marked improvement in the quality of discussions.

The prime minister commended the country's security apparatus for the work they have been doing in securing the country.

He said that the officers present at the conference have delivered leadership, despite often having to operate in an environment of negativity.

Modi said that as a result of the discussions in the conference over the last few years, now, once an objective is clearly defined for the police force, there is a lot of cohesion in the execution.

He said this conference was helping top police officers get a more holistic view of the problems and challenges. He said the range of topics being discussed has also become more broad-based over the last two years.

This has helped give a whole new vision to senior police officers, he said.

Discussing ways to add even more value to this conference, the prime minister suggested that the follow up should continue through working groups, all the year round.

In this context, he especially emphasised the importance of involving younger officers. Modi said this would greatly help in improving the effectiveness of the exercise.

The prime minister also presented president's police medals for distinguished service to Intelligence Bureau (IB) officers. During his address, the prime minister congratulated and appreciated the medal-winning officers of the IB, for their dedication and commitment to service.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and union ministers of states Hansraj Ahir and Kiren Rijiju were also present on the occasion.Amicus curiae Amrendra Sharan, submitted his report on Mahatma Gandhi's assassination to the Supreme Court on Monday rejecting the need to re-investigate the case.

Senior advocate and amicus curiae (impartial adviser to court) Amrendra Sharan, submitted his report on Mahatma Gandhi's assassination to the Supreme Court on Monday rejecting the need to re-investigate the case. He said there was no evidence to suggest that Gandhi was killed by a 'mysterious' fourth person.

The Supreme Court had appointed Sharan to examine all the 4,000 pages of trial court records related to Gandhi's killing, based on a PIL filed by Pankaj Phadnis, a researcher and a trustee of Abhinav Bharat, Mumbai, who had raised questions about the probe into Gandhi's murder suggesting it was one of the biggest cover-ups in history. He questioned the 'three-bullet theory' in the murder of Gandhi, suggesting there was a fourth bullet which was also fired by someone apart from Nathuram Godse.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated 70 years ago on 30 January, 1948. There were 12 persons named in the charge sheet. One of the accused had turned approver while five were sentenced to life. Three persons were declared as absconders in the case. Godse and Narayan Dattatraya Apte were hanged at Ambala jail on 15 November, 1949 after the High Court of East Punjab confirmed their death sentence on 21 June, 1949.

According to The Times of India, Sharan told the Supreme Court bench that there is no evidence to suggest Gandhi was killed by anybody other than Godse. The amicus curiae, assisted by advocates Sanchit Guru and Samarth Khanna who pored over all the documents including the Jeevan Lal Kapur Inquiry Commission report of 1969, informed the apex court that allegations of foreign intelligence powers having a hand at play are also baseless.

The report said that the bullets which pierced Mahatma Gandhis body, the pistol from which it was fired, the assailant who fired the said bullets, the conspiracy which led to the assassination and the ideology which led to the said assassination have all been duly identified, thereby debunking the petitioner's claim, as per The Indian Express.

Phadnis, a self-professed Veer Savarkar follower, in his petition claimed, The blame on the Marathi people in general and Veer Savarkar in particular for being the cause of the Mahatmas death has no basis in law and facts. On the other hand, there is a compelling need to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the murder by constituting a new Commission of Inquiry to look into the issue," as per Hindustan Times.

The matter is expected to come up with the Supreme Court bench on 12 January.Odisha state Congress unit has sought immediate intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for amicable settlement of Mahanadi water dispute

Bhubaneswar: Amidst debate on whether a tribunal is required to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattishgarh, the state Congress unit on Sunday sought immediate intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for amicable settlement of the issue.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi should intervene and ask Chhattishgarh to stop project work on upstream of Mahanadi," Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan told reporters.

Harichandan's remark came a day after Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik said that a tribunal is the only way out to resolve the Mahanadi dispute while Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan advocated for a fresh negotiation.

The OPCC president, however, blamed both the BJD and the BJP for the Mahanadi fiasco and accused them of doing politics over the sensitive water sharing matter.

"The Central government has been deliberately delaying formation of a tribunal," Harichandan said adding that Congress would intensify stir over the issue and expose the "politics" of both the BJD and the BJP.

Stating that OPCC has already organised a Odisha bandh over Mahanadi issue, Harichandan blamed the state's BJD government for keeping mum when Chhattishgarh started construction of projects.

He also accused the Centre of siding with Chhattishgarh which is ruled by the BJP.

Harichandan said the water flow in Mahanadi has already declined by 40 percent and the situation will lead to scarcity of drinking water in several cities and villages in Odisha.Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday advocated strong and friendly India- Pakistan relations, while appealing to the leadership of both the countries for steps for the betterment of ties to reduce acrimony, violence

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday advocated strong and friendly India- Pakistan relations, while appealing to the leadership of both the countries for steps for the betterment of ties to reduce acrimony, violence and for an atmosphere of friendship between the two neighbours.

"For how long should humanity be left to bleed? The leadership of both the countries should rise to the occasion

and change the hate mongering between the two into a peace narrative," she told a gathering at the mausoleum of her father and former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed at Bijbehera in south Kashmir on his second death anniversary.

Mehbooba said a friendly relationship between the two

countries would have a positive bearing on the situation in

the state, which had seen enough bloodshed over the last three decades.

"Violence has inflicted only miseries upon the people and the state needs to be taken out of this vicious cycle. This is

the main objective to stitch the alliance (with the BJP) to form the government in the state and my government will

continue to pursue this goal with all seriousness," the PDP leader said.

She added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were the worst sufferers of the India-Pakistan hostilities.

"Deaths on both sides of the border and killings inside the state rob us of peace and only the graveyards are getting filled, devouring the sons of the soil. "Dialogue is the only way out and I appeal to the governments of India and Pakistan to resume the talks and resolve the mutual issues amicably. Dialogue alone will end mayhem and destruction and bring peace," Mehbooba said.

Paying rich tributes to Sayeed, the chief minister said he was the architect of a vision and mission, the sole objective of which was to get Jammu and Kashmir out of the miseries and give its people prosperous and peaceful times.

"Opening of more routes, better neighbourly relations between the two countries and more people to people contacts

were the immediate results of this doctrine. Regretfully, these things were not taken so seriously after the late leader

demitted office in 2005.

"The vision and philosophy of the late leader are becoming more relevant with every passing day as the situation

in the subcontinent obtains," she said.

On the occasion, Mehbooba also outlined the measures taken by her government for the welfare of the people.

The chief minister said she honoured the promise of withdrawal of cases against the youth and regularisation of

60,000 casual and daily rated workers. She claimed that she had secured an adequate financial assistance from the Centre, which would change the development scenario in the state and create huge employment opportunities. "But it all requires a peaceful atmosphere. Many works could not be executed in 2016 due to the unrest and unfortunately, the funds got lapsed," she said.

Earlier, the chief minister paid floral tributes at her father's mausoleum and offered prayers there. State ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior officers and a large number of people had also come to the Dara Shikoh Park to

offer prayers to the former chief minister.(CNN)  On Tuesday, in a building along the border between North and South Korea, negotiators will sit down face to face for the first time in more than two years.

That meeting, the latest in a flurry of rapprochement between the two sides, comes after a breakthrough call between Seoul and Pyongyang last week.

At the South Korean end, were two employees of the Unification Ministry, patiently calling North Korea every day at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and never once receiving an answer.

The welcome break in tensions that have been building on the peninsula amid North Korean weapons testing and saber-rattling rhetoric from Washington, has thrown a spotlight onto the ministry, normally little noticed outside Korea, giving its mission new purpose and importance within President Moon Jae-in's foreign policy.

But despite its growing prominence, reunification of the two Koreas faces almost insurmountable problems, analysts say, and little support among a younger generation that has never known a unified Korean Peninsula.

Important work

Based in an imposing, boxy government building on a tree-lined street near Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, the Unification Ministry is "responsible for all issues pertaining to inter-Korean relations and unification," according to its official website.

This rather bland mission statement masks a sprawling ministry with hundreds of employees and units dedicated to military analysis, negotiations and dialog with North Korea, economic exchanges, and refugee support.

The Unification Ministry was deeply involved in arranging talks between the two Koreas and joint economic projects like the Kaesong Industrial Park.

According to the Yonhap news agency, the ministry's budget for 2017 was $1.02 billion, down 20.5% on the year before, a drop ministers put down to worsened ties between the two Koreas in the last year of the conservative President Park Geun-hye administration.

Support for the ministry has fluctuated as political moods have shifted in South Korea. Under Park's equally conservative predecessor, Lee Myung-bak, it was even "on the chopping block," according to a leaked 2009 US government cable.

"(The ministry) survived, largely because progressive forces came to its defense," wrote US diplomat William Stanton, but key liberal officials were fired, staff cut, and it was moved from a standalone building to offices within a larger complex.

Avoiding conflict

The ministry was founded in 1969 as the National Unification Board, "a government body responsible for all issues pertaining to inter-Korean relations and unification," according to its official website.

This was a period of high tension on the Korean Peninsula. The year before, North Korean commandos had infiltrated Seoul with the intention of assassinating President Park Chung-hee. They came within 100 meters of the Blue House before they were detected and most were killed in a massive gunfight with South Korean guards.

In the year running up to that incident, the US estimated hundreds of North Korean guerillas had crossed the DMZ, and, as South Korean officials told their US counterparts at the time, the feeling in Seoul was North Korean leader Kim Il Sung had shifted "from peaceful unification to the use of force to achieve unification."

While Park's government attempted to reassure its allies it was committed to peaceful reunification, the strongman leader -- who had seized power in a military coup in 1961 -- was widely viewed as unpredictable and hotheaded, and many in Washington feared he was just as likely to spark a second Korean War as Kim.

Despite this, in 1972 both Koreas, after intense negotiations, issued a joint statement laying out their commitment to a peaceful, non-military reunification of the peninsula "without depending on foreign powers and without foreign interference."

According to Shin Jong-dae, a professor at Seoul's University of North Korean Studies, this was the first document agreed on by both Pyongyang and Seoul since the division of the peninsula in 1945.

It also established the hotline between the two countries, which, apart from a brief four year interlude between 1980 and 1984, was in regular use until it was cut off in February 2016.

While relations between North and South Korea have waxed and waned considerably in the intervening period -- declassified cables show North Korea considering unification by force again within years of the joint declaration -- the importance of the communication system set up and the work of the Unification Ministry is evidenced by the sudden breakthrough this month.

Unification uncertainty

A landmark agreement signed by the leaders of both North and South Korea during a period of improved ties in 2000, hinted towards a possible future federalized state, with little indication how this would be achieved.

The agreement tied both countries to "promoting balanced development of the national economy through economic cooperation and by stimulating cooperation and exchanges in civic, cultural, sports, health, environmental and all other fields."

Anwita Basu, an analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), said this could involve "staged reunification," whereby the North "operates as an autonomous region under the overarching governance of the Southern government," but she warned this was incredibly unlikely at the present time, as "North Korea dismisses South Korea as a legitimate state."

"The two Koreas fundamental ideological difference make it difficult to conceive a credible reunification strategy," she added. "Each want to bring the other under its umbrella and government which frankly is intractable."

There are scant examples of peaceful reunification, particularly of such different countries.

In 1990, the Federal Republic of Germany absorbed East Germany and became one country again. While this was a much welcomed and peaceful process, it followed dramatic upheaval and revolution in East Germany which left the government there on the brink of collapse.

The cost of reunification was massive, estimated at upwards of $100 billion a year in the two decades after 1990, and today GDP, unemployment and other economic indicators show former East German states lagging behind their Western counterparts.

Another possible model is that of Hong Kong, control of which was handed over from the UK to China in 1997, establishing the principle of "one country, two systems," by which Hong Kong retained its political and economic models, but sovereignty and ultimate control passed to China.

This was once mooted as a potential model for reuniting Taiwan and China, which split at the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, but in recent years, "one country, two systems" has come under increasing strain, with support for it in Hong Kong falling amid Chinese encroachment and shrinking political freedoms.

Unlikely scenario

Either of the above models would require colossal political change in North Korea, currently one of the world's most autocratic countries, ruled by the third-generation of the Kim family which has been in control since the end of World War II.

"At this stage, reunification is a very remote prospect," said Basu, the EIU analyst.

It's difficult to imagine Kim Jong Un giving up control and allowing his country to be absorbed into South Korea, even with a high degree of autonomy. Nor are South Korea's 51 million people likely to vote to become part of a Kim-ruled united Korea.

A more likely scenario for unification is political collapse in North Korea, brought on by revolution, a military coup, assassination of Kim, or war with South Korea or the United States.

Estimates of the cost of reunification to South Korea range from around $500 billion to several trillion dollars, comparable to the amount spent by Germany since 1990.

Modeling the economic costs is incredibly difficult however, as this would be a completely unique event, potentially catalyzed by violent upheaval inside North Korea and the creation of hundreds of thousands of refugees.

"The differences between the economies of North and South Korea are much greater than were those between East and West Germany," wrote academics Sangmin Bae and Martyn de Bruyn in 2010, pointing to South Korea's far greater population, GDP and quality of life.

"This could lead to massive migration (to South Korea)," they said. "To be sure, the relative costs of unification in Korea would be even higher than the enormous costs in Germany."

Moreover, "unlike the Germans, the Koreans fought a bloody civil war," leaving deep wounds on both sides of the border that could act as a major barrier towards reunification and integration of North Koreans into a South Korean-led country, Bae and de Bruyn said.

A more pressing concern, would be the simple integration of North Koreans into South Korea's highly complex economic system said Basu: "The newly created country (would) struggle to find a unified national identity ... Even today North Korean defectors find it very difficult to integrate into South Korean society. More often than not they are treated poorly and discriminated against."

A Council on Foreign Relations report warned last year a unified Korea "could become a constant source of instability or a country preoccupied with internal problems."

These difficulties, as well as years of North Korean aggression, could explain why South Koreans, particularly younger generations, are less supportive of unification than in the past.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Ministry with 'intractable' task of reuniting North and South Korea."Three militants were killed in an encounter between security forces and militants in Chadoora of Budgam district in central Kashmir, according to several media reports.

Three militants were killed in an encounter between security forces and militants in Chadoora of Budgam district in central Kashmir, according to several media reports.

#Visuals from site of ongoing encounter in Zuhama, Chadoora of Budgam district where one terrorist was killed (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/ixQofF6PX0  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

Security forces began a search operation in Chadoora's Zuhama village after receiving information about the presence of militants in the area, The Times of India reported. The encounter began after militants opened fire on security forces.

A police spokesman told PTI intermittent exchange of fire was ongoing.

On Saturday, four police officers were killed and two others injured in a massive improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore.

On 4 January, the Border Security Force (BSF) 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.

With inputs from PTIA PIL was filed in the Bombay HC seeking a judicial probe into the death of special CBI judge BH Loya, who was then hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.

Mumbai: A PIL was filed on Monday in the Bombay High Court seeking a judicial probe into the 2014 death of special CBI judge Brijgopal Harikrishan Loya, who was then hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.

In its plea, the Bombay Lawyers' Association has sought setting up a commission of enquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to go into the circumstances leading to Loya's death.

Loya died of heart attack in Nagpur on 1 December, 2014, when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter.

In November last year, Loya's death was in spotlight after media reports quoting his sister fuelled suspicion about the circumstances surrounding his death and link to the Sohrabuddin case in which BJP chief Amit Shah, and senior police officials were accused. Shah and many others were later discharged for want of evidence.

"We have sought the appointment of a retired judge of the Supreme Court as commission of enquiry to look into the death of judge Loya and submit a report," the association's president Ahmad Abdi said.

Altogether 23 accused, including police personnel, are facing trial for their involvement in the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, and subsequent disappearance and death of his wife Kausar Bi and their associate Tulsidas Prajapati in Gujarat in November 2005.

The case was later transferred to the CBI and the trial shifted to Mumbai.

"It is to be noted that judge Loya died on 1 December, 2014 and on 30 December, 2014, the special CBI court, which was assigned the case, discharged Amit Shah from the case," the petition said.Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bahrain on Monday as part of his outreach to the Indian diaspora. Congress tweeted: 'Euphoric reception for Congress President Rahul Gandhi on his arrival at Kingdom of Bahrain.'

New Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bahrain on Monday as part of his outreach to the Indian diaspora. Congress tweeted: "Euphoric reception for Congress President Rahul Gandhi on his arrival at Kingdom of Bahrain."

It also said this was Gandhi's first foreign visit since his elevation as party chief in December.

"Fans and well-wishers throng the Bahrain Airport to greet Congress President Rahul Gandhi," the party tweeted.

Gandhi's visit is part of his interactions with Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). Gulf countries have the biggest Indian diaspora of more than 35 lakh.

Gandhi will be the chief guest at the three-day valedictory function organised by 'Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin' (GOPIO) starting on Monday.

Delegates from 50 countries are participating in the event.

Apart from meeting Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa., Gandhi is also likely to meet King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Gandhi will also have an interactive session with business leaders of Indian origin.

Gandhi's outreach is being seen as a move to popularise Congress among the large Indian diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engages with the diaspora during his visits abroad.Rahul Gandhi on Monday embarked on a visit to Bahrain in his first foreign trip after becoming the Congress chief.

New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi on Monday embarked on a visit to Bahrain  his first foreign trip after becoming the Congress chief  where he will address a convention of NRIs and meet the Gulf country's prime minister Prince Salman bin Hamas Al-Khalifa.

Gandhi, who will be a state guest of Bahrain, is also expected to meet King Hamas bin Isa Al-Khalifa.

According to a statement issued by the Congress, Gandhi will be the chief guest at valedictory session of a function organised by Global Organisation of People of India Origin (GOPIO) there on Tuesday.

Delegates of 50 countries are participating in the function, the statement said. He will also have an interactive session with business leaders of the Indian origin on Tuesday.

NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe. Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow.  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 7, 2018

Gandhi is expected to return to India on 9 January.Rajya Sabha MP and BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday sparked off a controversy through his comments on decriminalising homosexuality, and promptly received a Twitter backlash

Rajya Sabha MP and BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday sparked off a controversy through his comments on decriminalising homosexuality, and promptly received a Twitter backlash.

Swamy made the comments after the Supreme Court on Monday said it will re-examine its verdict upholding Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises homosexuality. "Our earlier order needs to be reconsidered," Chief Justice Dipak Misra said on Monday.

Speaking about the case, Swamy was quoted as saying by ANI that homosexual relations are not a problem as long as 'they don't celebrate it, don't flaunt it, don't create gay bars.' He argued that while there cannot be any invasion with respect to private acts, 'flaunting' it should be punished.

As long as they don't celebrate it, don't flaunt it, don't create gay bars to select partners it's not a problem. In their privacy what they do, nobody can invade but if you flaunt it, it has to be punished & therefore there has to be #Section377 of the IPC: Subramanian Swamy pic.twitter.com/hgWtw54U3P  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

The Twitterati were quick to call Swamy out for his statement.

I shall celebrate. I shall not hide. We will create bars not only to select partners but to live free and happy amongst our own. And what is "it"? Sex? That fact we are queer? The fact you can't digest it? What is the "it"? https://t.co/d4n1PeCjqU  Vivek Tejuja (@vivekisms) January 8, 2018

This man is a living Whatsapp forward. https://t.co/kA90seB6wo  Meghnad (@Memeghnad) January 8, 2018

How about not flaunting your heterosexuality, you homophobic bigot. #Section377 https://t.co/zEqAzaQsTf  Prerna Bakshi (@bprerna) January 8, 2018

If you got it, flaunt it. https://t.co/Qxmt9vehWy  V (@ivivek_nambiar) January 8, 2018

National spokesperson for the Congress, Sanjay Jha also reacted to the BJP leader's quote, asking the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi if this was the saffron party's official position on the matter.

Swamy has also made statements in support of Section 377 in the past, even going so far as to calling homosexuality "a disorder that needs to be cured." As this article by Sandip Roy mentions, Swamy has made quite a lot of contradictory statement about Section 377, and against homosexuality. Swamy has at various times termed homosexuality a 'genetic disorder' and 'genetic handicap.'

@rk_patil001 : It is a just mindset bar. Being gay is a disorder that needs to be cured.  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) January 4, 2012

@GentleGawker : Issue is not respect. We respect handicapped persons. Homos are genetically handicapped  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 30, 2015

At other times, he called for criminalisation of 'flaunting' of homosexuality,' or criminalisation of the sexual orientation altogether.

@nonie951 : Section 377 will remain and what is to be criminal used is the flaunting of sexual preference and setting up gay bars.  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) April 11, 2014

Prior to believing it was a disorder, Swamy believed it was a offence that needed to be 'fined'. "In Kautilya's Arthasastra [4.13.236] "ayoni" sex [Homosexual intercourse] is an offence and attracts a fine. Where appropriate, "danda" or prayaaschit," he had said in 2013.

In the past, Swamy has also referred to sexual orientation as a method of attacking political opponents. He had said in 2011 that "If I informed you that one candidate for PM is a homosexual with a British partner resident in Delhi, would that be invasion of privacy ?"

With inputs from agenciesThe Supreme Court decided to reconsider the constitutional validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which has been used to decriminalise homosexuality.

The Supreme Court on Monday decided to reconsider the constitutional validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which has been used to de-criminalise homosexuality.

LGBT Case: Three-judge bench of Supreme Court, headed by CJI said, it would reconsider and examine the Constitutional validity of section 377. pic.twitter.com/vyqOnNY2c1  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and comprising of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud decided to re-examine the top court's earlier order upholding section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. "Our earlier order needs to be reconsidered," said Justice Misra on Monday.

Section 377 of the IPC refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

The petition in the present case was moved by five people who belong to the gay community, reported CNN-News18. They have argued that they are affected by the judgment and since the Supreme Court has itself declared the Right to Privacy a Fundamental Right, they cannot be denied their right to sexual privacy. They said that they live in fear of the police because of their natural sexual preferences. The petitioners also argued that most nations have decriminalised homosexuality and India should not lag behind on the issue.

The petition requires the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2013 judgment in Suresh Kumar Kaushal versus Naz Foundation which upheld the legalities of Section 377. The judgment had struck down the Delhi High Court judgment decriminalising homosexuality. The court said that the confines of law cannot trample on right to life and liberty, people who exercise their choice should not live in fear, according to NDTV. While referring the matter to a larger bench the court observed "what is natural to one may not be natural to others".

The court has also asked the Centre for its stance on the issue. This makes matters interesting as none of the political parties have stuck their head out on homosexuality, said CNN-News18. The right-wing BJP will now have to make clear its stance on the issue.

Further, since a law has been challenged in the present case, the court said that it would be appropriate to form a constitution bench to look into the matter, according to CNN-News18. It is expected that the matter will be heard along with the curative petitions in the Naz Foundation case and the case should come up for hearing after four weeks, though a concrete date has not yet been decided.

The story so far

In 2001, Lawyers Collective, on behalf of the Naz Foundation had filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court in 2001, challenging the constitutionality of section 377 on the grounds that the draconian law grossly violates the right to privacy, dignity and health under Article 21, equal protection of law and non-discrimination under Articles 14 and 15 and freedom of expression under Article 19 of the Constitution. A notice was issued to Union of India in 2002 and the Attorney General was asked to appear. In 2004, the petition was dismissed by the High Court (citing lack of action). A review petition was then filed against the dismissal, which ironically was dismissed too and then after a Special Leave to Appeal was filed in 2005, a year later the Supreme Court said, "the matter does require consideration and is not of a nature which could have been dismissed on the ground afore-stated."

In 2009, the Delhi High Court, much to the relief of the LGBTQI community passed a judgement that Section 377 indeed was violative of Articles 21, 14 and 15 of the Constitution as it criminalised the consensual sexual acts of adults in private.

Before India could take its first steps towards progress however, the Supreme Court quashed Delhi High Court judgement in 2013 and declared that it was a judicial overreach and that it was not "for courts to create the law" according to the two-judge bench headed by Justice GS Singhvi. The Supreme Court backed out, but passed the ball to the Parliament to review a law that considered private sexual activity criminal.

Right to Privacy

When the nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court declared privacy a Fundamental Right, it invited much cheer from many sections of the society, including the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community in India.

In its landmark judgment, the Supreme Court said that "sexual orientation is an essential attribute of privacy". "Discrimination against an individual on the basis of sexual orientation is deeply offensive to the dignity and self-worth of the individual," it said. The 547- page judgement also added that the Right to Privacy and the protection of sexual orientation lie at the core of the fundamental rights guaranteed by articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution.

Justice DY Chandrachud, one of the nine judges, said, "Privacy includes at its core the preservation of personal intimacies, the sanctity of family life, marriage, procreation, the home and sexual orientation. Privacy also connotes a right to be left alone."

"LGBT rights cannot be dismissed as so-called rights," CNN-News18 had quoted the apex court as saying.

With inputs from agenciesThe Tribune's Editor-in-Chief Harish Khare in a statement also said that the newspaper's stories are in the best traditions of responsible journalism.

Chandigarh: In the wake of the UIDAI filing a case over a report in The Tribune on the breach of details of more than one billion Aadhaar cards, the newspaper on Sunday said authorities have "misconceived" an honest journalistic enterprise.

The Tribune's Editor-in-Chief Harish Khare in a statement also said that the newspaper's stories are in the best traditions of responsible journalism.

"We regret very much that the authorities have misconceived an honest journalistic enterprise and have proceeded to institute criminal proceedings against the whistleblower," he said.

He said that The Tribune shall explore all legal options "open to us to defend our freedom to undertake serious investigative journalism."

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Deputy Director BM Patnaik told the police that an input was received from The Tribune that it purchased a service being offered by anonymous sellers over WhatsApp that provided unrestricted access to details of any of the Aadhaar numbers created in India.

On 5 January, a complaint was received from Patnaik and the FIR was registered the same day.

Khare said, "Our stories are in the best traditions of responsible journalism. Our story was in response to a very genuine concern among the citizens on a matter of great public interest."

"My colleagues and I are grateful for expressions of support and solidarity from media organisations and journalists. We at The Tribune believe that our stories were in the nature of a legitimate journalistic exercise," he said.

The Chandigarh Press Club (CPC) condemned the action of the UIDAI for lodging a case against The Tribune reporter over a story on Aadhaar data breach.

"Instead of taking action against people, who were involved in the data breach, the government agency preferred to lodge a case against the reporter, who exposed the loopholes in the system.

"In an act of 'shoot the messenger', the UIDAI had filed a case against the reporter of The Tribune for an article on how anonymous users accessed Aadhaar details and sold it for a fee," CPC, secretary general, Barinder Singh Rawat said in a statement.

The CPC will also hold a protest tomorrow in the club premises, he said.China is likely to ensure that its iron brother doesnt antagonise the mercurial US president beyond a point.

Donald Trumps decision to withhold all security assistance to Pakistan including Coalition Support Funds might not be enough to force a change in Pakistans longstanding policy of using terror as a strategic tool. Unless the Trump administration complements this move with escalatory coercive strategies and raises the cost of noncompliance for Pakistan, the 'failed state' will continue to function as a safe haven for terrorists of all stripes.

Trump is sorely mistaken if he believes that the high-value Taliban or Haqqani Network targets operating from Pakistani soil will be delivered at his doorstep just because he has refused to pay Islamabad another $2 billion. It doesnt happen like that.

That said, to suggest from here that US action will now push Pakistan firmly into Chinese lap and Beijing will emerge as Islamabads sole patron, sponsor and benefactor is patently wrong. It reflects a poor understanding of the China-Pakistan-US dynamic. That such an impression is being actively created by Chinas propaganda machinery should alert us more to its logical impossibility.

Neither has the US cut off ties with Pakistan (it continues to be designated as Americas Major Non-Nato Ally, among other things, and a major receptor of US civilian assistance program), nor does it suit Chinas geopolitical, financial and strategic objectives to take over from Washington.

In fact, a sharp downturn in US-Pakistan ties will go against Chinese interests. Beijing is likely to ensure that its iron brother doesnt antagonise the mercurial US president beyond a point. It may even use its considerable leverage over Pakistan in ensuring that a token action is taken against Haqqani or Taliban operatives.

We have already seen such an eventuality when Pakistan was forced to ban 72 home-grown terrorist organisations  including Hafiz Saeeds Jamaat-ud-Dawa  from raising funds.

The move was ostensibly triggered by a fear that Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Paris-based G7 initiative against global money laundering and terror financing, will take action if Pakistan didnt do so; but Islamabad didnt act until it was goaded by Beijing.

Pakistan-based newspaper The Express Tribune reported, China, which has so far blocked the US and Indian moves, has also advised Pakistan to take some decisive actions against proscribed organisations... Pakistan has to make a tangible move before the planned plenary meeting of the FATF. FATF meets in Paris next month.

As a country that is invested hugely in Pakistan, it is in Chinas interest not to let Pakistan spiral out of control. But the leap of logic that China will use this opportunity to turn Pakistan into another of its autonomous regions is unsustainable. The reasons, as mentioned, are strategic, geopolitical and financial.

Strategically, it makes no sense for China to wish or trigger a complete breakdown of US-Pakistan relationship because that would inevitably draw US and India even closer. For Washington, there will be very little reason to balance its strategic interests between India and Pakistan and it will be free to pivot towards New Delhi at the expense of Islamabad. India already enjoys bipartisan support in US Congress. China is sure to feel insecure over a further alignment of US-India strategic ties.

Conversely, it suggests that China would ideally want Pakistan and the US to maintain a healthy bilateral relationship so that certain implicit limits on US-India relationship are in place, as German Marshall Fund fellow and Pakistan watcher Andrew Small has pointed out on Twitter.

As China sees it, a healthy US-Pakistan relationship places certain implicit limits on the US-India relationship 6/9  Andrew Small (@ajwsmall) January 5, 2018

A collapse of US-Pakistan ties will also mean US forces at Chinese doorstep to flush out the Taliban and Haqqani Network operative and increased military activity in Pakistans restive tribal region. We only need to look as far as the Korean Peninsula to figure out how sensitive China is to this possibility. China has been very vocal against the deployment of US THAAD missile system in South Korea which it perceives to be a spying mechanism. It is therefore very unlikely that Chinese strategy will include defence of Pakistan at all costs against US pressure when the likely outcomes are stacked against its interests.

China uses Pakistan as a strategic leverage against India. As Small has pointed out, it is also in Chinas interest to ensure that Pakistans ties with the US isnt totally derailed. In absence of US economic and military aid, Chinas leverage against a rapidly growing India will considerably weaken.

Politically, theres no reason why China will attempt to fill the void left by lack of US influence over Pakistan. China remains a mercantile power and it defines bilateral and multilateral relationships through an economic prism. It is neither a democracy, nor does it take any interest in spreading the liberal democratic order as a global standard of governance mechanism. It perceives democracy as a flawed system where outcomes are often derailed due to conflicting interests. Given such a predilection, there is no reason why China would want to extend political influence over Pakistan.

Perhaps the biggest fallacy of the theory that China will be happy to bankroll Pakistan lies in the way China perceives aids and assistance programs. It is providing Pakistan with a lot of funds, as Khurram Husain has pointed out on Twitter, but these are almost entirely related to the Belt and Road infrastructure, and aimed at either creating more or safeguarding the existing assets.

Summary of external loans and grants to #Pakistan from all countries and lending agencies in last fiscal year, and budgeted for current fiscal year. Draw your own conclusions. pic.twitter.com/BE5wyIeJTw  Khurram Husain (@KhurramHusain) January 4, 2018

Chinese funds and assistance systems are opaque because the country considers these programs as state secret. In a report published last October, CNBC quotes data from AidData in revealing that Beijing disbursed $354.3 billion to 140 countries. In comparison, U.S. official finance stood at $394.6 billion. But bulk of Chinese aid was in the form of other official flows (OOF), which is primarily intended for commercial projects, while a clear majority of US spending was in the form of official development assistance (ODA), which is "the strict definition of aid."

Infrastructure and transport were the key areas of Chinese funds disbursal, according to the report. And Pakistan does not rank among the top 10 nations to receive Chinese funds.

As Georgetown University Professor C Christine Fair writes in Huffington Post, Unlike Washington which has given Pakistan mostly grant aid, the Chinese only disburse loan aid and that loan is largely designed to enable Chinese businesses to build infrastructure in Pakistan on terms set by the Chinese and favorable to them, using Chinese labor and raw materials imported from China. While Pakistan will get to use the shabby infrastructure that is produced, the projects contribute nothing to Pakistans local economy.

We find an echo of this argument in Evan A. Feigenbaums piece in Foreign Affairs where he writes, the scope and scale of future Chinese economic activity will not, in itself, produce rapid, sustained, and balanced Pakistani growth.... The bottom line is that China will not simply 'bail out' Pakistan with loans, investment, and new untied aid, as commentators watching the deterioration of relations between the United States and Pakistan seem to expect.

An understanding of this calculus presents the US with far more coercive options than it appears on the surface. It also means that China is far more circumspect about its so-called iron brother than it likes to admit.The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Delhi Police on the bail plea of accused Sukesh Chandrashekar, arrested in the Election Commission bribery case involving sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Delhi Police on the bail plea of accused Sukesh Chandrashekar, arrested in the Election Commission bribery case involving sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud sought the police's response and directed it to file a counter affidavit in the matter by 22 January, failing which the it "shall pass appropriate orders".

Chandrashekhar, who was arrested on 16 April last year, was named in the charge sheet for alleged offences of forgery of valuable security, forgery for the purpose of cheating, making a false document and criminal conspiracy under the IPC and provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act.

The police had on 14 July last year filed a 701-page charge sheet claiming that money recovered from Chandrashekar was sent by Dhinakaran through unaccounted channels with the help of other accused persons.

Dhinakaran, accused of trying to bribe EC officials to get the "two leaves" poll symbol for the AIADMK faction led by VK Sasikala, was arrested on 25 April and was granted bail on 1 June.

The police had accused Chandrashekhar, Dhinakaran and others of hatching a criminal conspiracy to bribe the Election Commission officials.Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said those who were involved in attacks against Dalits at Bhima-Koregaon should show courage and come forward

Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said those who were involved in attacks against Dalits at Bhima-Koregaon should show courage and come forward.

Speaking at a function in neighbouring Navi Mumbai, the Sena chief said that some "invisible hands" had a role in playing caste politics in the state.

"The Shiv Sena will not tolerate such people and their tricks of playing the caste card in the state. Those behind the attacks at Bhima Koregaon should show courage and come forward," Thackeray said.

The attack on Dalits at Bhima Koregaon on 1 January led to a statewide bandh on 3 January which turned violent at several places leading to large-scale vandalism of public property.

Attacking the BJP, Thackeray said that the Sena would oppose projects like the Jaitapur nuclear power plant and the mega oil refinery in Nanar, both in Konkan's Ratnagiri district.

He claimed that the 'Make in India' initiative would have a devastating impact on Konkan.

"Konkan chi raakh honaar asun Gujaratla vikasaachi rangoli kadhnaar aahet (While Konkan will be reduced to ashes, Gujarat will prosper)," Thackeray said.

He claimed that projects like the International Financial Services Centre and the bullet train were heading to Gujarat while projects which damage ecology such as nuclear plants and refineries were coming to the Konkan.

"While Israel is known in the world for transforming deserts into green belts, our dream of development is damaging the existing beauty. We will be known in the world for transforming natural beauty into deserts," he said.(CNN)  The US military boosted its stealth attack options in the Pacific on Saturday when the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp moved into the 7th Fleet area of operations.

The 40,00-ton, 844-foot-long Wasp is essentially a baby aircraft carrier. Built in 1980s, it has been upgraded to deploy new Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter jets.

The fifth-generation fighter jets are seen as a major advantage for the United States in any contingencies involving North Korea as they are undetectable by Pyongyang's radars.

While the Marine Corps F-35s, which are based in Iwakuni, Japan, have been involved in recent shows of force on the Korean Peninsula, their ability to take off from the Wasp rather than an airfield brings a new dimension, said Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center.

"It does add a factor to North Korea's calculations," he said.

"Since US warships constitute national territory under international law, it is like stationing the F-35s on a mobile piece of US territory.

"Unlike a US base on foreign territory, one can launch planes from a US warship without informing, much less gaining permission from another country," said Schuster, now a Hawaii Pacific University professor.

US Navy press releases have been touting the move of the Wasp to the Pacific since last year.

"This move ensures that our most technologically-advanced air warfare platforms are forward deployed," Capt. Andrew Smith, who commanded the Wasp until December, said in a press release last summer.

Even though the amphibious assault ship is half the size of US aircraft carriers -- including the Japan-based USS Ronald Reagan -- Schuster said the presence of the Wasp creates the impression of the US having a second aircraft carrier in the region.

Aircraft carriers grabbed headlines in November when the US Navy deployed three together for exercises off the Korean Peninsula. It was the first time three carriers had operated together in the Pacific in a decade.

Amphibious assault ships, however, have limitations compared to the carriers, most importantly catapults to launch heavy aircraft.

The Marine Corps F-35Bs that will operate from the Wasp must take off and land vertically and that means they can't carry as much fuel or weapons or both, Schuster said.

"The rule of thumb is that vertical takeoff and landing means a 50% reduction in payload," he said.

Amphibious assault ships also carry far fewer aircraft than the Nimitz-class carriers, which also have tankers, airborne early warning planes and radar-jamming jets along with F/A-18 fighters.

Those limitations mean the Wasp would be most likely to operate in tandem with an aircraft carrier in any contingency, Schuster said.

The Wasp's arrival in the Pacific comes during what is seen by some as a cooling of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Face-to-face talks between North and South Korea concerning Pyongyang's participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics are expected to begin Tuesday in Panmunjom, in the demilitarized zone that separates the two countries.

But the talks also come after US President Donald Trump tweeted last week that his nuclear button is "bigger and more powerful" than the one wielded by Kim Jong Un. The tweet followed the North Korean leader's remarks in a New Year's Day address that the "entire mainland of the US is within the range of our nuclear weapons. ..."

The Wasp will be based in Sasebo, Japan, and become the flagship of the US Navy's Upgunned Expeditionary Strike Group in the Pacific, the service said. It replaces the USS Bonhomme Richard, which has not been upgraded to handle the F-35s.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "U.S. adds platform for stealth jets to Pacific."BJP questioned the AAP government in Delhi over the deaths of 42 homeless people in the city this month, saying that if Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would have taken an interest, their lives could have been saved

New Delhi: The BJP on Monday questioned the AAP government in Delhi over the deaths of 42 homeless people in the city this month, saying that if Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would have taken an interest, their lives could have been saved.

"At least 42 homeless people have died in the first one week of January 2018, and this information has been confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs," Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party President Manoj Tiwari told reporters.

He also said that since December, over 250 homeless people have died.

Hitting out at the chief minister for preferring the Rajya Sabha elections and candidates over the homeless, the BJP MP said: "If Kejriwal would have taken more interest in the homeless instead of his Rajya Sabha candidates, then we would not have heard about the deaths."

As per the reports of the Centre for Holistic Development, at least 40,633 homeless people have died in Delhi since 1 January, 2004.

The report also claimed that in December 2017 alone, 250 people died on the streets.

According to the report, 44 people died in from 1 January to 6 January, including a two-year-old child.

The BJP leader also said: "Let's leave the blame game and do an all-party meeting on how to save lives of homeless in the city."

Tiwari also said that when he got the news, he went to see the conditions of the homeless in the city during nights.

"I was shocked to see that how people were sleeping with the animals in the Yamuna riverbed and on the streets in the open sky," he said.

He also said that with the help of Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the BJP arranged a temporary night-shelter for over 650 people in the Kashmere Gate area of north Delhi.

As per the Delhi government, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) runs 251 shelters  83 of them housed in permanent buildings and 113 operating out of porta-cabins. Fifty-five temporary shelters in tents have also been put up for the winter season.

On Saturday night, the International Court of Justice Judge Dalveer Bhandari inspected the Delhi government's night shelter in south Delhi's Sarai Kale Khan area. He stressed the need to set up more such facilities.

Bhandari was accompanied by Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain.The Congress welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to reconsider its 2013 verdict, criminalising gay sex, saying Section 377 of the IPC was 'archaic' and had no place in the 21st century.

New Delhi: The Congress welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to reconsider its 2013 verdict, criminalising gay sex, saying Section 377 of the IPC was "archaic" and had no place in the 21st Century.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said Section 377 should be decriminalised and hoped that the government would repeal it or courts read down the article.

"The time has come that either the courts must read down Section 377 or the government should repeal it from the Indian Penal Code. It is an archaic provision which has no place in 21st century India," he told reporters.

The Supreme Court referred to a larger bench a plea seeking decriminalisation of gay sex between two consenting adults.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said the issue arising out of Section 377 required to be debated upon by a larger bench.

The section refers to "unnatural offences" and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath drew a sharp barb from Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, who advised the visiting BJP leader to pick up 'tips' during his stay to control starvation deaths in his home state.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's address to a rally in Bengaluru on Sunday, ahead of the Karnataka Assembly polls this year, drew sharp criticism from Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, who advised the visiting BJP leader to pick up "tips" during his stay to control starvation deaths in his home state.

I welcome UP CM Shri @myogiadityanath to our state. There is a lot you can learn from us Sir. When you are here please visit a Indira Canteen & a ration shop. It will help you address the starvation deaths sometimes reported from your state. #YogiInBengaluru https://t.co/lj0m4fMphC  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 7, 2018

In his speech, Adityanath claimed that Karnataka has been pushed five years back due to the Congress government's anti-development policies. "The party has become a burden...a problem for the nation. Because of corruption, its divisive politics and its anti-development policies, Karnataka has been pushed five years back. The corrupt Congress is using Karnataka as its ATM," he claimed at the public rally in Vijayanagar area.

According to NDTV, Siddaramaiah said, "We're solving historical challenges in HDI (human development index) with a robust welfare program, and India's most effective industrial policies," referring to what he called the "Karnataka Model of Governance". Responding to Siddaramaiah's 'welcome' tweet, Adityanath hit back at the Karnataka chief minister, raising the issue of farmer suicides and death of "honest officers". "As UP CM I am working to undo the misery and lawlessness unleashed by your allies," Adityanath tweeted. He hit out at Siddaramaiah for the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the state, claiming that in five years 22 people affiliated to the RSS or the Sangh Parivar were killed.

Thank you for the welcome @siddaramaiah ji. I heard number of farmers committing suicide in Karnataka was highest in your regime, not to mention the numerous deaths and transfer of honest officers. As UP CM I am working to undo the misery and lawlessness unleashed by your allies.  Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 7, 2018

Adityanath, who was visiting the state for the second time after the launch of BJPs 75-day Parivartan Yatra on 2 November, has become the face of the partys election campaigning after its successful run at the recent Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections.

In his speech on Sunday, he alleged that as the Assembly elections, due early this year, neared, the Congress had resorted to dividing society on the lines of caste.

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister also took a jibe at his Karnataka counterpart, saying Siddaramiah only now recalled his Hindu roots. "Siddaramaiah calls himself a Hindu just as Congress president Rahul Gandhi went to temple after temple during the Gujarat election," he claimed.

However, calling himself a Hindu will not suffice till he continues to endorse eating beef, Adityanath claimed.

With inputs from PTIElections to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly are due in the first half of this year as the term of the present Assembly expires on 6 March

Shillong: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday said it will contest at least 35 seats in the Meghalaya Assembly elections.

Elections to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly are due in the first half of this year as the term of the present Assembly expires on 6 March.

"We are hoping to field 35 candidates for the next election as we have good chance of winning," AAP state president Wanshwa Nongtdu told reporters in Shillong.

He claimed the chances of the AAP is "good".

The AAP leader also exuded confidence that the party will form the next government by fielding "common man" as its candidates.

"We are aam aadmi and we will have common man as candidates, we have few retired officers, few intellectuals who want to contest and we prefer our candidates be to be AAP candidates," he said.

Declaring the first list of candidates, Nongtdu said Peter Aiborlang Dohkrud will contest from Mawlai, Dorass Ramsiej from Mawkyrwat, Wonder Lapang will take on Congress president Celestine Lyngdoh from Umsning constituency in Ri-Bhoi and Debrict Binone from Nongpoh.

According to the AAP leader, the candidates have been approved by AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and party observer for North East, Rakesh Sinha.Nagaland-based group Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defer the state's assembly election and impose President's Rule in order to facilitate solution to the vexed Naga insurgency.

Kohima: Nagaland-based group Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defer the state's Assembly election and impose President's Rule in order to facilitate solution to the vexed Naga insurgency.

In a letter to Modi, the ACAUT said: "If elections are held in Nagaland for the sake of constitutional process before the completion of the negotiation process with the six Naga National Political Groups (or rebel groups) and the NSCN(IM), then solution to Naga problems will remain a mirage."

Expressing appreciation for Modi's "sincere desire" to resolve the Naga political issue, it reminded Modi of his promise to resolve the issue within 18 months and his great personal initiative to invite the NNPGs for talks in 2017.

"Thus, while keeping the backdrop in mind, the ACAUT Nagaland, a people's movement against corruption and illegal taxation, though appreciative, is however afraid that the much yearned Naga Solution will to continue to elude us if the 2018 State Assembly election is held as scheduled in the month of February/March," the letter said.

"Election at this juncture with a duly elected government will consign the peace talks to the backburner for years to come."

In fact, the Nagaland Assembly last year had adopted a resolution urging the central government to take emergent and extraordinary steps for an "honourable and acceptable solution" to the Naga political issues before the Assembly election.

It had also urged the Election Commission not to announce the state election till this is done.

On 3 August, 2015, the central government and the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Iska-Muivah NSCN(IM) signed the Framework Agreement. However, neither released its details.Rahul also touched upon, what he thought were the biggest problems India faced today. He said, 'India's main problem today is the failure of our government to create jobs. Job creation in India is at an 8 year low. Many in the Indian diaspora have lost hard-earned money because of arbitrary decisions like demonetisation. India simply cannot afford this.'

Addressing a convention of NRIs in Bahrain, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that there are 'serious problems' looming back at home, and that the Indian diaspora is much needed at this hour.

"I am here to tell you what you mean to your country, you are important, to tell you that there is a serious problem at home, and to tell you are part of the solution," Rahul said.

He is at a two-day visit to Bahrain, his first foreign trip after becoming the Congress chief. Rahul is expected to come back to New Delhi on Tuesday.

Emphasizing the importance of the Indians living abroad for the nation, he said, "Your tolerance, your patriotism is what India needs today. You have lived with people of different nationalities and you have done so by learning from them and teaching them about some of Indian culture in return." Rahul also said that the Indian diaspora was sending a huge amount of remittance back home, which was a great contributing factor to the nation's growth.

He also said, "All the great leaders of India, whether it was Mahatma Gandhi or BR Ambedkar, they were once NRI's.... It is important for all human beings to know where they come from."

The Congress president further said, "India's main problem today is the failure of our government to create jobs. Job creation in India is at an 8 year low. Many in the Indian diaspora have lost hard-earned money because of arbitrary decisions like demonetisation. India simply cannot afford this."

He said that to top it all the government was in denial. "Tragedy is, instead of focusing the attention of our people towards real issues, there's an increase in hatred. Instead of accepting that we are struggling to create jobs, instead of uniting people of all religions and communities together to face the challenge, the government is busy converting the fear being generated in jobless youth into hatred between communities," Rahul said.

He said that India has become a nation where journalists are shot at for reporting the truth, judges hearing crucial cases are found dead under mysterious circumstances. He said that the rising forces of hatred needed to be curtailed.

"We need you to help us fight these forces. We need you just as we needed you in 1947 to defeat the British forces," Rahul added.

Responding to a question from the audience, Rahul also pin-pointed three key policy sectors he would focus on, if he was in power. He said that job creation will top his priority as India is the second most populous nation and there is rising discontent in the youth about the limited opportunities they get. Secondly, he said he would like to focus on the state and quality of Indian education system, as he felt that only the top layer of educational institutes provided quality education. Rahul also said that he would like to focus upon building a healthcare infrastructure so that the Indian people could access quality healthcare services at an affordable price.

He also spoke of a 'new, shining and transformed' Congress party, while interacting to the audience as he appeared confident of a Congress win in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Interacting with the audience, Rahul said, "Gujarat BJP ka gadh hai aur wahan bhi sirf bach ke nikli hai BJP (Gujarat is a BJP bastion and there too they could just save power." He said that he has always believed that he was only human and not only has he learnt from the party's mistakes but his own as he promised to deliver a "new, shining and transformed" Congress party, which he said will show how forces like BJP can be defeated.

"We are a very powerful party. We have defeated the British, we have laid the foundation of modern India and made sure it stands on its feet. This is surely no small feat... We have experience and we have youth. And come next elections, we will show you how the BJP is defeated," Rahul said.Independent MLA Hanuman Beniwal said the youths had seen through both the major political outfits and 'their false promises' and were looking for a change

Barmer (Rajasthan): Independent MLA Hanuman Beniwal has attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi while announcing that Rajasthan needed a new political party to provide an alternative to both the BJP and the Congress.

Beniwal made the announcement at a huge rally of farmers in Barmer on Sunday. He said the youths had seen through both the major political outfits and "their false promises" and were looking for a change.

Beniwal asked people to refrain from getting lured by promises he said Modi would make at Pachpadra while laying the foundation stone of the Barmer Refinery.

The farmers' rally discussed issues such as loan waiver, irrigation and employment for youths. It was announced that similar rallies will be organised in Bikaner, Sikar and Jaipur.

And in Jaipur, a third front would be announced to contest the next election.

The rally was also addressed by MLA Kirorilal Meena who said: "Hanumanji and I will work together to form a new government in the state.

"We will rule the state by following the 'JM' way where 'J' stands for Jat and 'M' stands for Meena, Mali, Meghwal and Muslims.

"JM also stands for Judicial Magistrate which means that we will work as judicial magistrates to arrest the BJP and Congress in the state," he added.

Meena said Modi had earlier promised to bring home the heads of 10 Pakistani soldiers for every single Indian soldier killed by Pakistanis.

"Now, so many soldiers are dying on the border. Why is Modi not keeping his promise?"Tamil Nadu Assembly session began on a story note with DMK boycotting proceedings and demanding a floor test claiming that ruling AIADMK was a minority govt

The Tamil Nadu Assembly session on Monday began on a stormy note with Opposition DMK boycotting the proceedings and demanding a floor test claiming that the ruling AIADMK was a minority government, said a media report.

#BREAKING -- DMK boycotts Tamil Nadu Assembly, the party acting President MK Stalin says the government is a minority govt and demands a floor test | @nimumurali with more details pic.twitter.com/6m1dawAhOK  News18 (@CNNnews18) January 8, 2018

The DMK has said that the AIADMK does not have required number of MLAs to be in the power, reported News18. The party has accused the state governor Banwarilal Purohit of giving ample opportunity to the government to continue to be in power despite 18 MLAs being disqualified.

The DMK which has been boycotting the customary governors address for the past three years, citing various issues, continued the practice this year also. Purohit made his maiden address on Monday to the state assembly even as DMK along with its allies walked out of the House. Soon after he arrived, Purohit greeted all members of the House with a 'Vanakkam' and began his address.

Even as he began his speech, Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin was on his feet trying to raise some issues. The governor paused for a moment and told Stalin 'please ukkarunga' (please take your seat) in Tamil but to no avail. Stalin was supported by his party MLAs, who raised slogans demanding that their leader be allowed to speak.

A little later, Stalin led his party members and staged a walkout. Congress members and the lone Indian Union Muslim League legislator also followed suit. The governor then continued his address.

The session also witnessed sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran making his debut in the Assembly after having won the 21 December Radhakrishnan Nagar bypoll by a thumping margin of 40,000 votes against E Madhusudhanan of AIADMK.

After being sworn-in as member of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Dhinakaran had lashed out at Palaniswamy and his deputy O Panneerselvam and claimed that the government would not last beyond "three to four months."

Brushing aside his claims, Panneerselvam had said he wouldn't reply to "those who are in dreamland."

The Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, P Dhanapal, in September had disqualified 18 MLAs loyal to TTV Dhinakaran, following their withdrawal of support to Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy.

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 Palaniswamy and then rebel leader and now deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam on 21 August.

According to a government notification, the governor had summoned the Assembly to meet on 8 January at 10 am. The duration of the session will be decided by the House's Business Advisory Committee.

The DMK and other opposition parties had earlier asked Purohits predecessor Rao to order a floor test for the Palaniswamy government and also approached President Ram Nath Kovind with a similar plea.

With inputs from agenciesReuters

A worker at a factory in China operated by iPhone maker Foxconn died on 6 January after jumping from a window, according to a statement from China Labour Watch, a US-based activist organisation, which cited information from employees.

Ming Li was a dispatch worker from an agency at the factory in Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan province. He lived at the factory, one of the companys largest in China.

It is still not known why he jumped, China Labour Watch said in an email.

Foxconns Chinese headquarters in Shenzhen could not be reached for comment outside of normal business hours.

The report comes after a small number of students were discovered in November working overtime in Foxconns Chinese factory, violating local labour laws.

Apple Inc and Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co and a major supplier to the US firm, have been accused of poor labour practices in the past.

But the US firm has been trying to get a grip of such issues, releasing annual reviews of the iPhone supply chain.IANS

Google is secretly reaping millions of money from vulnerable people, seeking treatment for addictive diseases, by charging advertisers secretly working for private clinics' in Britain, a media report said on 7 January.

The internet giant charges the middlemen, known as referral agents, as much as 200 pounds each time someone visits their website via search page advertisements at the top of a Google page, an investigation by The Sunday Times has revealed.

The referral agents advertise themselves as free advice helplines but receive as much as 20,000 pounds commission monthly each time a new patient is referred to private rehabilitation clinics, the report said.

"The level of payments for these referral agents via promoted links cannot be justified in my view especially as those desperate to tackle their addictions are unknowingly picking up the bill," Sarah Wollaston, the Conservative MP, who chairs the health select committee, was quoted as telling The Sunday Times.

She also reportedly called on Google, which made 59 billion pounds from advertising in 2016, to stop selling advertisements to referral agents.

Google refuses to take advertisement from referral agents in the US, where the practice is illegal, but in Britain, it spurs by creating a bidding war between referral agencies who want their advertisements appear at the top of the Google search page, said the report.

However, the tech giant, in a statement on Sunday printed in The Sun, said that they have decided to "extend" the practice of banning referral agents to Britain.

The Sunday Times report meanwhile said that huge commissions taken by these agents have been blamed for significantly increasing the cost of private care for people suffering from addictions.

The referral agents are "parasites targeting sick people at the most desperate time of their lives", said Dominic McCann, development director at the Castle Craig addiction hospital in Scotland.

The illegal practice was discovered by undercover reporters, who filmed two meetings held in 2017 between Britain's leading referral agency executives with Google and the rehabilitation clinics.

The reporters were posing as executives from a new treatment centre that was to be opened in Gloucestershire.

One business owner was reported to have said he was spending 350,000 pounds on Google advertising, to ensure addicts visited his helpline first, the daily revealed.

The Sun quoted a Google spokesperson as saying that they "work to help healthcare providers, from doctors to hospitals and treatment centres, get online and connect with people who need their help".

"Substance abuse is a growing crisis and has led to deceptive practices by intermediaries that we need to better understand."

"In the US, we restricted ads entirely in this category and we have decided to extend this to the UK as we consult with local experts to update our policy and find a better way to connect those that need help with the treatment they need," the spokesperson said.



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.tech2 News Staff

Amazon's virtual assistant Alexa is soon coming to a Windows 10-powered laptop or desktop near you. The company confirmed that the partnership would be unveiled at CES 2018.

According to The Verge, the integration will be made available on desktops and laptops supporting Windows 10. As of now, it will available on desktops and laptops by HP, Lenovo, Asus and Acer.

However, this move is unlike the former talks of a partnership between Alexa and Cortana, Microsoft's native digital assistant. In that case, both the platforms were supposed to work with the help of a cross-link to share data and information between Cortana and Alexa. According to a previous report, both the digital assistants were supposed to interact with the help of their respective devices where an Echo would be able to command Cortana on a laptop.

Here, Alexa would be available a separate app. In order to access the digital assistant, the user can activate it with the help of a shortcut on the keyboard or through a voice instruction which is common to Alexa.

The integration between the operating software and the digital assistant is expected to materialise by spring.

According to the report, HP is planning to bring Alexa to its Pavillion Wave PC while Acer will bring Alexa to select Aspire, Spin, Switch, Swift, and Aspire all-in-one notebooks from the first quarter of 2018. However, the rollout of Alexa would be limited to the United States at first and followed by a wider rollout by mid-2018.IANS

More than 24,000 attempts were made to access pornographic websites in Britain's Houses of Parliament since last June's general election, according to official data.

The figure of 24,473 attempts represents about 160 requests per day on average from computers and other devices connected to the parliamentary network between June and October 2017, The Guardian reported on 8 January.

The report comes after a sex scandal in Westminster, during which Prime Minister Theresa May sacked her de facto deputy, Damian Green after he made "misleading" statements about allegations that police found pornography on computers in his parliamentary office in 2008.

The data, released after a freedom of information (FoI) request, shows a spike in September in the number of attempts to visit the sites, with 9,467 requests from both the Houses of Lords and Commons that month.

Parliamentary authorities said a majority of the attempts were not deliberate.

The figures also showed a sharp decrease in the number of attempts to access pornographic websites in recent years.

In 2016, the parliamentary filtering system blocked 1,13,208 attempts, down from 2,13,020 the previous year.

Figures for January and February 2017 could not be provided by the parliamentary authorities due to changes in technology and the way the data was held, The Guardian reported.

However, the available data showed there were 30,876 attempts from March to October.

During this period, parliament was dissolved from late April to early June ahead of the general election on 8 June, and MPs were away during the summer recess from the end of July to early September.tech2 News Staff

Google has just launched its latest online payment service with the name Google Pay. According to the announcement post on its blog, Pali Bhat, the VP of Product Management for Payments at Google clarified that Google is merging Android Pay and Google Wallet under this new brand to integrate the user experience so that users dont get confused.

This will significantly reduce the time spent in trying to fiddle around different payment apps by Google to pay your bill. According to the post, the company has been working since last one year to refine and integrate these experiences to ensure that the result is much simpler, faster and more consistent.

Google Pay will make it easier to users to save the payment information with their Google account so that they can make quick payment checkouts without the need to locate their credit, debit or any other payment card every time they need to make a payment on their smartphone. Google pointed out that users will start seeing Google Pay online in the store, across Google products and even when users are paying their friends.

If you are one of the impatient ones and want to check out Google Pay in action then you can head over to Airbnb, Dice, Fandango, HungryHouse, Instacart and other apps to check how this new experience works. The company is also offering a number of offers at the time of writing so that early adopters can save time as well as money while making payments.

Google has also invited developers for implementing Google Pay in their websites or apps. They can also work with Googles processor partners to make the Google Pay integration more easy and simpler. By now, you must be wondering that what about Google Tez? Well, fear not, Google clarified at the end of the post that it is working on bringing these experiences to Google Tez users in India. It is likely that Google has also added the 'Pay with Google' that it launched around October last year in the 'Google Pay' branding to make things easier.IANS

On 8 January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told police and security agencies that "highest priority" should be given to dealing with cybersecurity threats and technology which could be used to pinpoint problem areas of radicalisation of youth.

"Cybersecurity issues should be dealt with immediately, and should receive the highest priority," he said addressing the valedictory ceremony at the conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police at the BSF Academy here.

The Prime Minister mentioned about the importance of the social media in this context and spoke about the emerging global consensus towards greater information sharing on illicit financial dealings.

"India had a key role to play in achieving this. Just as openness is getting increased acceptance worldwide, there is a need for greater openness among states too, on security issues."

At the Conference of DGPs and IGPs in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh, there were insightful presentations and fruitful discussions on aspects relating to our security apparatus. There was also a presentation on the implementation status of decisions taken during the last three years.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2018

He said security could not be achieved selectively or alone. "But the breaking of silos and information sharing among states can help make everyone more secure. We are not an assembled entity, but an organic entity."

The Prime Minister recalled how the nature and scope of the annual conference have changed since 2014 when he suggested that the yearly affair should be shifted out of Delhi. This annual conference is an event where top police officers share and discuss security-related issues.

The conference was held in Guwahati in 2014, Gujarat's Rann of Kutch in 2015 and at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad in 2016.

"The conference has now become more relevant in the context of challenges and responsibilities facing the country," Modi said.

He commended the country's security apparatus and said there was a lot of cohesion in managing the country's security.

The Prime Minister also presented President's Police Medals for distinguished service to IB officers.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Ministers of State for Home Hansraj Ahir and Kiren Rijiju also attended the conference.Carrie Gracie, the China editor for Britains public broadcaster the BBC, has resigned from her post in Beijing due to pay disparities with her male colleagues.

Carrie Gracie, the China editor for Britains public broadcaster the BBC, has resigned from her post in Beijing due to pay disparities with her male colleagues. In an open letter, posted on her blog, Gracie  a China specialist who is fluent in Mandarin  said "the BBC belongs to you, the licence fee payer I believe you have a right to know that it is breaking equality law and resisting pressure for a fair and transparent pay structure."

The BBC has come under fire recently for paying male employees more and has pledged to close the gender gap by 2020.

BBC editor Carrie Gracie quits in gender pay gap row, accusing the corporation of breaking equality law https://t.co/NHajKDyqZR  BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) January 7, 2018

In July, it revealed as part of a funding settlement with the government that it paid its then top male star five times more than its best-paid female presenter, and that two-thirds of on-air employees earning at least 150,000 pounds ($203,500) were men.

In the letter, Gracie said there was a crisis of trust at the broadcaster, where she has worked for 30 years, and that it was breaking equality law and resisting pressure for a fair and transparent pay structure.

"In the past four years, the BBC has had four international editors - two men and two women. The Equality Act 2010 states that men and women doing equal work must receive equal pay. But last July I learned that in the previous financial year, the two men earned at least 50% more than the two women. Despite the BBCs public insistence that my appointment demonstrated its commitment to gender equality, and despite my own insistence that equality was a condition of taking up the post, my managers had yet again judged that women's work was worth much less than men's."

She said she had since had been offered a pay increase that remained far short of equality and left her post in Beijing last week, returning to her former job in the BBC TV newsroom.

"I told my bosses the only acceptable resolution would be for all the international editors to be paid the same amount. The right amount would be for them to decide, and I made clear I wasn't seeking a pay rise, just equal pay. Instead the BBC offered me a big pay rise which remained far short of equality. It said there were differences between roles which justified the pay gap, but it has refused to explain these differences. Since turning down an unequal pay rise, I have been subjected to a dismayingly incompetent and undermining grievance process which still has no outcome. Enough is enough. The rise of China is one of the biggest stories of our time and one of the hardest to tell."

The BBC must admit the problem, apologize and set in place an equal, fair and transparent pay structure, she said, calling for an independent arbitration to settle individual cases at the broadcaster.

The BBC cited a BBC spokeswoman as saying that fairness in pay at the corporation is "vital", and that an audit of pay for rank and file staff led by an independent judge found there was no systemic discrimination against women. US editor Jon Sopel earned 200,000-249,999 while Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen earned 150,000-199,999.

Gracie was not on the list.

Industry support poured in for Gracie after the journalist's open letter went viral on social media.

Brava @BBCCarrie for taking a stand! I left the BBC after unequal treatment many years ago. Shocking that nothing has changed. READ #carriegracie's resignation letter here. https://t.co/BlkR9ZRIJG  Louisa Lim (@limlouisa) January 8, 2018

Letter to the BBC audience from BBC China Editor #carriegracie published in @thetimes - steps down over unequal pay #bbcwomen #istandwithCarrie #equalpay  lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) January 7, 2018

#carriegracie A great journalist with rock solid integrity and courage. A big loss. https://t.co/08sMwpkkhU  Fergal Keane (@fergalkeane47) January 7, 2018

1. Society has encouraged women for hundreds of years to be quiet, polite, and unambitious for the benefit of men.  Jamie Lambert (@JamieCollabro) January 8, 2018

2. Men have always been encouraged to fight other men so that they can achieve their best potential. Women have always been encouraged to fight other women so they can be the best for men.  Jamie Lambert (@JamieCollabro) January 8, 2018

3. #CarrieGracie is right in saying that she works as one of four specialist in house editors. Two men, and two women. She has recently discovered that the two men earn over 50% of what she and her female colleague earn.  Jamie Lambert (@JamieCollabro) January 8, 2018

In awe of brilliant journalist #carriegracie forced to quit as BBC China editor on inaction over #equalpay. I simply want the BBC to abide by the law and value men and women equally Read her letter front page @thetimes https://t.co/5UJs6I3RFK

#bbcwomen #istandwithcarrie  lucy siegle (@lucysiegle) January 8, 2018

The admirable & estimable #CarrieGracie, the BBCs China Editor, has resigned over unequal pay. #BBCWomen https://t.co/uXzWzkC5vS  Sangita Myska (@BBCSangita) January 8, 2018

With inputs from agenciesA group of Americans of Indian, Afghan and Baloch descents has protested outside the Pakistani embassy in Washington against the 'inhumane' treatment of the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav during their recent visit to Islamabad

Washington: A group of Americans of Indian, Afghan and Baloch descents has protested outside the Pakistani embassy in Washington against the "inhumane" treatment of the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav during their recent visit to Islamabad.

Braving freezing cold, the protesters also brought along sandals to give them to the Pakistani embassy officials.

"The trial of Kulbhushan Jadhav violated all norms of international law as it was conducted by a military court," said Ahmar Mustikhan, founder of the American Friends of Balochistan, which organised the unique event named as "Chappal-Chor Pakistan" (slipper-thief Pakistan).

Both Jadhav's wife and mother were asked to remove their sandals, mangalsutras and bindis before they were allowed to meet him, and the sandals were subsequently stolen, Mustikhan said.

The protesters said that Pakistan meted out "inhumane" treatment to Jadhav's wife and mother during their tightly-controlled interaction with the 47-year-old Indian national on 25 December in the Pakistan Foreign Office.

During the meeting, whose pictures were released by Pakistan, Jadhav was seen sitting behind a glass screen while his mother and wife sat on the other side. They spoke through the intercom and the entire 40-minute proceedings appeared to have been recorded on video.

"The recent episode of Pakistan makes a mockery of humanity. By not returning the slippers of Smt Kulbhushan Yadav and asking them to remove even bindi and mangalsutras and changing their dresses as well, it is just another sleazy activity Pakistan has done to a Bharata soubhagya nari (married Indian woman)," said Krishna Gudipati, local Hindu community leader in the USA.

Carl Clemens, a volunteer with several local community organisations alleged that the treatment given to the mother and wife by Pakistan foreign office typified the "petty vindictiveness and humiliation" that is the prevalent culture in Pakistan.

"They have humiliated the religious and faith symbols of Hindu womanhood. Because of this sort of behaviour Pakistan has found itself on a watch list. This behaviour will lead to Pakistan's own destruction," said the protester Dhananjay Shevilkar.

Pakistan on 25 December had issued a video of Jadhav in which he was purportedly seen thanking the Pakistan government for arranging a meeting with his wife and mother.

India has asserted that Jadhav appeared coerced and under considerable stress during the tightly-controlled interaction.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April, following which India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May.

Pakistan says he was a commander rank officer in the Indian Navy. But India says Jadhav was a former naval officer.

New Delhi also says Jadhav was kidnapped in Iran where he had legitimate business interests, and brought to Pakistan.

A 10-member bench of the ICJ on 18 May restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case. It is expected to hold another hearing in March or April.China on Monday said it is opposed to the US 'finger pointing' at Pakistan and linking it with terrorism.

Beijing: China on Monday said it is opposed to the US "finger pointing" at Pakistan and linking it with terrorism, insisting that the responsibility of cracking down on terror outfits cannot be placed on a particular country.

China's support for its all-weather ally came as the US stepped up its efforts to pressure Pakistan to eliminate terror safe havens on its soil. The US last week suspended approximately $2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan for its failure to take decisive action against terror groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

"China always opposed linking terrorism with any certain country and we dont agree to place the responsibility of anti terrorism on a certain country," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing.

He was responding to a question on a White House official's remarks that China could play helpful role in convincing Pakistan that it was in its national interest to crackdown on terror safe havens. "We have stressed many times that Pakistan has made important sacrifices and contributions to the global anti terrorism cause," Lu said. "Countries should strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation on the basis of mutual respect instead of finger pointing at each other. This is not conducive to the global terrorism efforts," he said.

China has been vocal in extending support to Pakistan since US President Donald Trump increased rhetoric against Islamabad providing safe havens for terrorists. Trump in a New Year's Day tweet accused the country 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.

Chinese media has been speculating that Trump's efforts to step up pressure on Pakistan may move it closer to Islamabad as Beijing is involved in a number of projects in the country under the $50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Chinese official media is highlighting reports that Pakistan may allow China to build a a military base at Jiwani located close to Irans Chabahar port, which is being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan. Jiwani is also close to the strategic Gwadar port in Balochistan which is being developed by China.

While defending Pakistan, Lu said China at the same time backed international counter terrorism efforts. "First and foremost, I would like to say that terrorism is the common enemy of the international community. Cracking down of terrorism calls for the joint efforts from the international community," he said.

"Actually, China is defending countries that have been making anti-terrorism efforts in a just and fair way. China also welcomes all the global joint efforts in terms of counter terrorism on the basis of mutual trust and mutual respect," he said.Nikki Haley has defended US president Donald Trump's recent 'nuclear button' tweet warning Kim Jong-un of America's might, saying it was required to keep the North Korean leader 'on his toes'.

Washington: Nikki Haley has defended US president Donald Trump's recent "nuclear button" tweet warning Kim Jong-un of America's might, saying it was required to keep the North Korean leader "on his toes".

Trump last week warned that his "nuclear button" is "much bigger and more powerful" than the one controlled by Kim, days after the North Korean leader said that Pyongyang's nuclear weapons can reach anywhere in the US and threatened that he has a nuclear button on his desk.

Haley, the Indian-American US Ambassador to the UN said that the North Korean regime needs to take a series of steps for talks, a day after Trump said that he is open to talks with the North Korean leader.

The steps include stop testing missiles and nuclear weapons and be willing to talk about banning their nuclear weapons, Haley was quoted as saying by ABC News. Asked if the tweet was a good idea, she said: "I think that he (Trump) always has to keep Kim on his toes. It's very important that we don't ever let him get so arrogant that he doesn't realise the reality of what would happen if he started a nuclear war".

Asked if Trump's statement at Camp David on Saturday meant any reversal of the stated US policy with regard to talks with North Korea, she said "There is no turnaround". "What he (Trump) has basically said is yes, there could be a time where we talk to North Korea but a lot of things have to happen before that actually takes place," Haley said.

They have to stop testing. They have to be willing to talk about banning their nuclear weapons. Those things have to happen, she said. "What we're trying to do is make sure we don't repeat what's happened in the last 25 years. Which is them start to act like they're coming to the table, them ask for a lot of money and then them cheat their way through.

"We're going to be smart this time. We're going to make sure that whatever happens makes the United States safer and make sure that we denuclearise the (Korean) peninsula," Haley said.Donald Trump on Monday postponed his much-talked about 'Fake News Awards' to the mainstream media for 'dishonesty and bad reporting' to January 17

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday postponed his much-talked about 'Fake News Awards' to the mainstream media for "dishonesty and bad reporting" to 17 January.

The awards ceremony was supposed to be held on Monday.

Trump upon his return from the presidential retreat of Camp David on Sunday tweeted about the new date of the "one- of-its-kind" awards to various media houses.

The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018

Trump had, on 2 January, announced that he would give away awards to media houses for "dishonesty and bad reporting".

"I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 o'clock. This would be one of its kind media award by the US president. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned!" he had tweeted.

Trump had coined the term 'Fake News' during his presidential campaign, targeting media houses for "biased" news.

He very often identifies CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post as "fake media".

In November, he tweeted about a competition among news networks for the 'Fake News Trophy', excluding the Fox News.

"We should have a contest as to which of the Networks, plus CNN and not including Fox, is the most dishonest, corrupt and/or distorted in its political coverage of your favorite President (me). They are all bad. Winner to receive the FAKE NEWS TROPHY!," he wrote on the micro-blogging site on 27 November.

In an email to supporters of the president on 28 December, the Trump campaign had sought nomination for the 'King of Fake News' trophy.

"At President Trump's request, we are holding a contest to name the 2017 KING of Fake News. And we want to hear from you," it said.

"The FAKE NEWS has utterly abandoned their duty to fairly report the news to the American people. Some journalists and liberal pundits think that Americans are too stupid to see through their amateur efforts to manipulate public opinion, but THEY'RE WRONG," it wrote the supporters.

Noting that Americans were "sick and tired of being lied to, insulted, and treated with outright condescension", the Trump Campaign said, "That's why President Trump is crowning the 2017 KING OF FAKE NEWS before the end of the year. There's no point in pretending that some journalists are anything more than peddlers of falsehoods and liberal propaganda".

As per the Trump Campaign list, the competition for 'King of Fame news' is between three news organisations.

"ABC News "MISTAKENLY" reported that candidate Trump directed Michael Flynn to make contact with Russian officials before the election," it said.

"CNN "MISTAKENLY" reported that candidate Donald Trump and his son Donald J Trump, Jr had access to hacked documents from WikiLeaks, it wrote.

"TIME "MISTAKENLY" reported that President Trump removed a bust of Martin Luther King, Jr from the Oval Office," the Trump Campaign said, asking the participants to "let the President know if there is another story you think should be crowned as the 2017 KING of Fake News".Violent clashes involving gunmen, a community police force and state police killed 11 people in the troubled southern state of Guerrero in Mexico

Acapulco: Violent clashes involving gunmen, a community police force and state police killed 11 people in the troubled southern state of Guerrero, while a separate series of shootouts the previous night left seven dead in the northern Mexico beach resort of San Jose del Cabo.

Guerrero state security spokesman Roberto Alvarez said eight people were initially killed when gunmen ambushed community police before dawn in the town of La Concepcion, near the resort city of Acapulco. Two of the dead were from the community force.

Later in the morning, state police arrived to disarm the local agents, and another shootout erupted in which three people were killed. Alvarez said he did not know how they died, but local media said they were community police.

State Attorney General Xavier Olea Pelaez said 30 members of the community police were detained on suspicion of crimes including homicide and illegal weapons and drug possession.

Among those arrested was Marco Antonio Suastegui, the founder of the community force and the leader of a social movement that for over a decade has fought against a hydroelectric project in the region.

Photojournalist Bernandino Hernandez said that while covering the violence he was beaten, kicked and dragged by state police and forcibly relieved of his camera's memory cards. He also witnessed several other journalists being treated roughly.

Hernandez said he had photographed police using force against locals who tried to prevent the arrest of the community agents: "Some people were dragged by the hair to take them away."

Hernandez is a regular contributor of photographs to The Associated Press but was not on assignment for AP at the time.

Guerrero has been one of Mexico's most violent states in recent years, home to marijuana and opium poppy fields as well as warring organized crime gangs.

It's also where 43 teachers college students disappeared in 2014 after being taken by police from the city of Iguala who allegedly handed them over to a drug cartel. They remain missing.

In the northern state of Baja California Sur, prosecutors said in a statement that marines responding Saturday night to reports of gunfire in San Jose del Cabo came upon heavily armed men wearing tactical vests and riding in two vehicles with license plates from the US state of California.ABC RadioDuring the final North American date of his World Tour, Garth Brooks revealed he was recording his performance in Nashville for a new live album. While we'll likely to have to wait a bit for the audio from Garths tour closer at the Bridgestone Arena on December 22, theres one part of the show you can experience now.

The six-time CMA Entertainer of the Year picked Chris Janson to open, and the one-man virtuoso approached the performance as he often does: accompanying himself on guitar, harmonica and drums as he sang. Perhaps the most moving moment of his set came when he sat down at the piano to play his thoughtful new single, "Drunk Girl."

The "Fix a Drink" hitmaker shared a new video of the song Monday on social media, capturing the moment Music Citys Bridgestone Arena lit up with cellphones as the Missouri native performed the second single from his Everybody album.

Chris kicks off his own trek, The Everybody Tour, on January 11 with a sold-out show in Somerset, Kentucky.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.In a response to panda power, French President Emmanuel Macron is betting on equine diplomacy during his first state visit to China  presenting his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping with a horse as a gift

Xian: In a response to panda power, French President Emmanuel Macron is betting on equine diplomacy during his first state visit to China  presenting his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping with a horse as a gift.

The animal, a retired Republican Guard horse named Vesuve de Brekka, is in quarantine. But Macron will show a photo of it to Xi when they meet later Monday in Beijing.

The French presidential office said Xi had been "fascinated" by their equestrian skills when he was escorted by the guard during his visit to Paris in 2014.

"Wishing to have friendly ties with foreign heads of state, Emmanuel Macron wants to make more than a gift  a diplomatic gesture," the presidency said.

The eight-year-old dark brown horse took part in its last presidential escort on 11 November on the Champs-Elysees. The horses are ridden by sword-wielding guards on formal occasions.

Macron will also offer Xi a sabre engraved with the phrase "Mr Emmanuel Macron  President of the French Republic  Beijing  January 2018".

The gift is Macron's answer to China's panda diplomacy. And the French leader's name in Mandarin is rendered "Ma-ke-long", or "the horse vanquishes the dragon".

The horse arrived in China on a special plane accompanied by the Republican Guard's chief veterinarian and a member of the unit on 4 January, four days before Macron.

He landed in the northern city of Xian early Monday.

The horse will remain in quarantine before joining Xi's presidential stable.

"We appreciate and express our thanks for this move," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular news briefing, adding that Macron's visit was of "great significance".

"We believe this visit will further enhance the friendship between the two leaderships" and improve cooperation, Lu said.French president Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that China and Europe should work together on Beijings Belt and Road initiative

Xian (China): French president Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that China and Europe should work together on Beijings Belt and Road initiative, a project aiming to build a modern-day Silk Road he said could not be one-way.

The ancient Silk Roads were never only Chinese, Macron told an audience of academics, students and businessmen in Xian, an eastern departure point of the ancient Silk Road.

By definition, these roads can only be shared. If they are roads, they cannot be one-way, he said.

Unveiled in 2013, the Belt and Road project is aimed at connecting China by land and sea to Southeast Asia, Pakistan and Central Asia, and beyond to the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Xi pledged $124 billion for the plan at a summit in May but it has faced suspicion in Western capitals that it is intended more to assert Chinese influence than Beijings professed desire to spread prosperity.French president Emmanuel Macron on Monday launched a state visit to China in Xian  the starting point of the ancient Silk Road  in a nod to his counterpart's scheme to revive the famous trading route.

Xian: French president Emmanuel Macron on Monday launched a state visit to China in Xian  the starting point of the ancient Silk Road  in a nod to his counterpart's scheme to revive the famous trading route.

Macron will visit the northern city's famous terracotta warriors along with his wife Brigitte before delivering a keynote speech on the future of France-China relations.

The 8,000-man clay army, crafted around 250 BC for the tomb of China's first emperor Qin Shihuang, is a symbol of ancient Chinese artistic and military sophistication in a country that proclaims itself a 5,000-year-old civilisation.

Macron is beginning the three-day visit in Xian as a gesture to Chinese president Xi Jinping's colossal New Silk Road project, an ambitious initiative to connect Asia and Europe by road, rail and sea.

The $1 trillion infrastructure programme is billed as a modern revival of the ancient Silk Road that once carried fabric, spices, and a wealth of other goods in both directions.

Known in China as "One Belt One Road", the plan is to see gleaming new road and rail networks built through Central Asia and beyond, and new maritime routes stretching through the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

The project has elicited both interest and anxiety and France has so far been cautious on it. Observers say China is waiting for Macron to outline his views on the scheme, in his emerging role as a European leadership voice.

Macron's first official visit to Asia marks a new stage for his diplomacy, which has so far been concentrated on Europe and Africa.

He plans to seek a "strategic partnership" with Beijing on issues including terrorism and climate change, and make Xi an ally in implementing the Paris accord to fight climate change after the US pulled out of the deal.

After Xian, Macron will travel on to Beijing along with his delegation which takes in some 60 business executives and institutions.Iran warned the world to prepare for the possible withdrawal of the United States from the landmark nuclear deal agreed in 2015.

Tehran: Iran warned the world to prepare for the possible withdrawal of the United States from the landmark nuclear deal agreed in 2015.

"The international community must be prepared for the US possibly pulling out of the JCPOA," said deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, using the technical name for the nuclear deal.

Iran signed the accord in 2015 with six world powers, agreeing to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of many international sanctions. US president Donald Trump openly despises the deal  a central foreign policy achievement of his predecessor Barack Obama  but has so far continued to waive the nuclear-related sanctions at regular intervals as required to stay in compliance.

The next deadline for Trump to waive sanctions falls on Friday.

"It's been more than a year that the US president has sought to destroy the JCPOA with all his efforts," said Aragchi, speaking at the Tehran Security Conference. "We in Iran are prepared for any scenario. The international community and our region will be the biggest loser, since a successful experience in the international arena will be lost," he added.

"Our region will not become a safer region without the JCPOA."

A withdrawal by the US will lead to an "appropriate and heavy response," added foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi. "The US administration will definitely regret it," he said on state television.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is due to travel for talks with the European parties to the deal  Britain, France, Germany and the EU  at the end of the week.

Zarif denied reports that the talks would focus on the recent protests in Iran that claimed 21 lives, saying such claims were "baseless and unfounded".

"Given the importance of JCPOA these days, and in particular considering the US destructive policies, based on talks we've had, we agreed to have a consultative meeting

between Iran and the three European Union members," said Zarif, according to state broadcaster IRIB.The footprint of the militant Islamic State group is continuously on the rise in Pakistan as over the past year responsibility for as many as six deadliest attacks, in which 153 people were killed, was claimed by the outfit, according to a think-tank report.

Islamabad: The footprint of the militant Islamic State group is continuously on the rise in Pakistan as over the past year responsibility for as many as six deadliest attacks, in which 153 people were killed, was claimed by the outfit, according to a think-tank report.

The security report by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) on Sunday stated that the Islamic State, especially active in northern Sindh and Balochistan, was also behind the abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals last year, Dawn reported.

"The Islamic State claimed responsibility for just six terrorist attacks in the country, but they were the most deadliest ones. There is a need to take the matter more seriously because there is a possibility that foreign fighters would come to Pakistan in near future as things are continuously changing in the Middle East," said PIPS offical Muhammad Ismail Khan.

"What has been quite alarming is the increasing footprint of Islamic State, especially in Balochistan and northern Sindh where the group claimed responsibility for some of the deadliest attacks," Khan said.

According to the report, despite a 16 percent decline in terrorist attacks last year, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its associated groups remained the most potent threats. They were followed by nationalist-insurgent groups, especially Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front.

It further said that concerted efforts and a revision of the National Action Plan was required to curb the terror group's activities. The report suggested a parliamentary oversight of Pakistan's counter-terror plan.

Militant, nationalist/insurgent and violent sectarian groups carried out 370 terrorist attacks in 64 districts of the country in 2017, the think-tank said.

These incidents, including 24 suicide and gun-and-suicide coordinated attacks, left 815 people dead. The report noted that as compared to 2016, the attacks in the country from across the Afghan, Indian and Iranian borders in 2017 witnessed a significant surge by 131 per cent.

Furthermore, security forces and law enforcement agencies killed a total of 524 militants in 2017, compared to 809 in 2016.

According to the report, it was quite likely that the National Internal Security Policy will take into consideration global and regional scenarios, including relations between Pakistan, China and the US.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu trod carefully on Sunday around a threatened U.S. aid cut to Palestinians, stopping short of backing a funding halt as he repeated calls for a UN agency that helps Palestinian refugees to be dismantled.

Jerusalem: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu trod carefully on Sunday around a threatened US aid cut to Palestinians, stopping short of backing a funding halt as he repeated calls for a UN agency that helps Palestinian refugees to be dismantled.

Netanyahus public comments appeared to reflect a desire to show support for a major ally, but also concern that choking off funds would deepen Palestinian hardship and could put Israel and militants on a course for war.

With Palestinians seething over US president Donald Trumps recognition last month of Jerusalem as Israels capital, he threatened on Tuesday to withhold aid money, accusing them of being no longer willing to talk peace.

On Friday, in a report denied by a State Department official, the Axios news site said Washington had frozen $125 million in funding for UNRWA. The UN agency, founded in 1949 to aid Palestinian refugees, is a main provider of educational and health services in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu said UNRWA was an organisation that perpetuates the Palestinian problem.

It also enshrines the narrative of the so-called right of return. Therefore, UNRWA should pass from the world, he told a weekly cabinet meeting.

Netanyahu made almost identical comments about dismantling UNRWA in June  a message he said at the time he had conveyed to the US ambassador to the United Nations.

Praising Trumps critical approach on the aid issue, Netanyahu steered clear of advocating a suspension of funding for the Palestinians. He said UN money for them should be transferred gradually to its global refugee agency UNHCR with clear criteria for supporting genuine refugees and not fictitious ones, as is happening today under UNRWA.

Chris Gunness, an UNRWA spokesman, said the refugee crisis was being perpetuated by failure of the parties to deal with the issue...

UNRWA is mandated by the General Assembly to continue with its services until a just and lasting solution is found for the Palestine refugees, Gunness said in a statement.

Palestinian officials have said Trumps declaration on Jerusalem, overturning decades of U policy, meant he could not serve as an honest broker in peace negotiations that Washington has been trying to revive, and they condemned his remarks on a funding halt as blackmail.

Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of a state they seek to establish in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The United States is the largest donor to UNRWA, with a pledge of nearly $370 million as of 2016, according to the organisations website. Gunness said the agency had not been informed directly of a formal decision either way by the US administration on cuts.

In addition to its services in Gaza, UNRWA operates in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.CIA chief Mike Pompeo has said that Pakistan continues to provide safe havens to terrorists which is not acceptable to America.

Washington: CIA chief Mike Pompeo has said that Pakistan continues to provide safe havens to terrorists which is not acceptable to America.

US president Donald Trump has asked Pakistan to "cease" being a safe haven for terrorists that threaten the US, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director said on Sunday.

The US has suspended about $2 billion in security aid to Pakistan for failing to clamp down on the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani terror network and dismantle their safe havens.

The freezing of all security assistance to Pakistan comes after Trump in a New Year's day tweet accused Islamabad 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.

"We see the Pakistanis continuing to provide safe harbour, havens inside of Pakistan for terrorists who present risks to the United States of America," Pompeo was quoted as saying by the CBS News.

"We are doing our best to inform the Pakistanis that this is no longer going to be acceptable. So this conditioned aid, we have given them a chance. If they fix this problem, we are happy to continue to engage with them and be their partner.

But if they don't, we're going to protect America," he said.

The CIA director was responding to questions on the recent decision of the Trump administration to suspend approximately $2 billion in security aid to Pakistan.

"The president has made very clear that he needs Pakistan to cease being a safe haven for terrorists that threaten the United States of America, end, period, full stop," Pompeo said, reflecting the stand taken by Trump.

The security assistance can be restored if Pakistan takes decisive actions against terrorists.Senator Rand Paul's proposal to cut aid to Pakistan & use the money for building infrastructure in the US is surely one of the most reasonable ones.

The proposal by Senator Rand Paul to cut off all aid to Pakistan and use the money for building infrastructure in the United States is surely one of the most reasonable proposals to be made. After all, there is more than enough data to indicate that Pakistan is more enemy than ally, funding terrorists who kill US soldiers in Afghanistan, while its nationals are part of nearly every major terrorist attack in Europe and the United States. The approving tweet by President Donald Trump illustrates the rising resentment against a state that has proved itself traitorous several times over.

The proposal was preceded by the State Department announcing a suspension of military aid to Pakistan to the tune of a little over $200 million, which is part of a tranche of authorised aid of about $1.6 billion for FY2017 and FY2018. Though exact figures are unclear, a State Department freeze will probably affect Foreign Military Financing  the funds provided to other countries to buy US hardware  as well as the Coalition Support Fund  the money that is regularly reimbursed to Pakistan for its assistance in the war on terror. However, unnamed US officials also made the now expected statement that "exceptions" to the freeze would be made on national security considerations.

It is therefore hardly surprising that the senator's statement didn't cause an uproar in Pakistan. Barring an odd burning of the flag, and excepted official statements of "betrayal", Pakistanis seemed to have brushed off these developments, accustomed as they are to the US threatening to cut aid or worse, without anything very serious coming out of it.

This has been proved time and again in the past four decades or more. Aid dipped sharply towards the end of the 1970s as apprehension began to climb on persistent intelligence from the Central Intelligence Agency on Pakistan's construction of a uranium enrichment facility. With outrage in the media, and warnings by various officials, military aid was cut off, even as food assistance continued.

Pakistan hit lucky with the invasion of the Soviets into Afghanistan in 1979. Despite the United States sworn objections to nuclear proliferation, concerns on Pakistans ambitions in this area were set aside with a most convenient piece of legislation known as the "Pressler Amendment" in 1985.

Named after Senator Larry Pressler, the amendment used some very curious language. The amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 states that no military technology or assistance would be provided to Pakistan unless the president certified that Pakistan "does not possess a nuclear explosive device and that the proposed United States military assistance program will reduce significantly the risk that Pakistan will possess a nuclear explosive device".

Since Pakistan was careful not to declare a fully assembled nuclear capability, this was read in US circles as meaning that it did not yet possess a weapon. The second clause would have caused apoplexy in Indian circles since it hinted that as long as Pakistan had enough conventional military assistance from the United States, it would not go the nuclear route.

In the event, president after president provided the necessary certification for continued military assistance, even as Congressional testimonies were warning of the advent of an "Islamic bomb". The economic aid, which is always at least half of overall aid, did not even come up for discussion. Overall aid reduced, but never ever stopped entirely.

In the event, the Pakistanis did go nuclear, used its conventional strength to allow an adventure in Kargil, and routed US secret funds to arm the worst elements in the "Afghan resistance". The result is several thousand Afghans died, not to mention a good many Americans both in Afghanistan and back home.

Unsurprisingly, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 also benefitted Pakistan in financial terms, with aid rising from a mere $177 million that year to $831 million (2002), climbing thereafter to a billion a year. This also led to the beginning of the so-called "Coalition Support Funds" which were meant to be reimbursements  to mainly Rawalpindi  for expenses in support of the "war on terror".

The Pakistanis milked that dry with typical South Asian ease, and it was not until questions began to be raised in Congress that greater scrutiny was brought to bear on the accounting process. As recently as 2016, total aid spent was well above $600 million, keeping Pakistan among the top recipients of US aid.

The International Monetary Fund has also come to the rescue of Pakistan with 12 IMF programmes in the last 28 years. The Funds assistance was particularly vital at a time when Pakistan was in danger of defaulting on its foreign debts in the year 2000. The crisis was exacerbated by the countrys nuclear tests and a military coup by General Pervez Musharraf.

It was not until after 2001 and the 9/11 attacks that Pakistan came out of an economic trough with an IMF programme that included debt re-scheduling/write-offs and generous grants by the United States. Certainly, US economic assistance both direct and indirect saved Pakistan from becoming a complete economic basket case.

Senator Rands proposal, if implemented, will be a landmark step since it will affect all aid  economic and military  to Pakistan. Dont, however, hold your breath.

History has shown time and again that the bureaucratic underground and expert lobbying groups will soon get their act together, and plead national security as grounds with a view to keeping Pakistan engaged.

They will argue that aid provides leverage over Pakistani decision making  a view that has been repeatedly negated over the years  and that this will assist 'democracy' in Pakistan. The Pakistan Army, which is now running the country, read the Americans far better than the Americans, who haven't even begun to decipher them.

It is not for nothing that they prefer to pull strings from behind the prime minister of the moment to ensure the facade of democracy is maintained. Continued engagement is also ensured by the leak of a threatened terrorist attack by Al-Qaeda, or an Islamic State leader suddenly emerging from obscurity in Afghanistan. That will cause US intelligence to pause.

In the coming days, there will also be Pakistani statements of everlasting friendship with China. The proposal by Senator Rand came hot on the heels of the inking of the Long Term Plan 2017-2030 between China and Pakistan. It is this document that provides guidelines for the Pakistan-China relationship  which is updated every two years.

The present iteration seems to cover everything from power projects to currency swap and local government. While the Great Chinese Wall around Pakistan is slowly being built project by project, it forms no part of Beijings plan to bankroll the Pakistani state. Neither is it likely to want Pakistan to end access to US defence technology. China will try to soothe the waters and ensure that US aid continues. It will probably succeed. Thats the tragedy.Former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon sought to back away from incendiary remarks quoted in an explosive new book that have landed him in hot water with Donald Trump

Washington: Former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon on Sunday sought to back away from incendiary remarks quoted in an explosive new book that have landed him in hot water with the president he helped elect.

Bannon has found himself in dire straits since excerpts of Paul Wolff's Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House  an explosive behind-the-scenes account that questions the president's fitness for office  were first published on Wednesday.

He has been abandoned by financial patrons, condemned by erstwhile political allies and ridiculed by Trump himself over his reported comments in the book, which he has not denied making.

In the book, Bannon is quoted as saying a pre-election meeting involving son Donald Trump Jr and a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer was "treasonous," and that prosecutors investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia would "crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV."

In a statement to the Axios news website, Bannon, who was a senior Trump adviser until he was ousted in August, said: "Donald Trump Jr is both a patriot and a good man. He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around."

His criticism, Bannon said, was aimed at onetime Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, "a seasoned campaign professional" who "should have known (the Russians) are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends."

'I regret my delay'

But in Fire and Fury, Bannon is quoted as saying that "the top three guys in the campaign"  Manafort, Donald Jr and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner  attended the meeting he described as "treasonous."

The closest Bannon came to an actual apology was saying he regretted the timing of his response.

"I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments."

Trump on Sunday continued his daily assault on Fire and Fury and its author, tweeting that the book  which paints him as disengaged, ill-informed and unstable, with signs of serious memory loss  was a "Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author."

A day earlier, seeking to refute Wolff's suggestion that he lacked stability, Trump called himself a "very stable genius."

Senior Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller treated the book derisively while insisting that his boss was in fact "a political genius," in an interview with CNN on Sunday.

Wolff, Miller said, "is a garbage author of a garbage book." He assailed Bannon, reportedly a key source for the author, as "vindictive" and "out of touch with reality."

'Not going to succeed'

Wolff defended his work on Sunday, telling NBC he "absolutely did not" violate any off-the-record agreements in his reporting but conceding, of the total three hours he said he spent with Trump, that the president "probably did not think of them as interviews."

He also portrayed a high level of concern in the White House over whether Trump risks being removed from office as unfit, as is possible  if difficult  under the constitution's 25th Amendment.

Almost daily, he said, White House aides would say, "We're not at a 25th Amendment level yet."

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, rejected that notion, telling ABC that no one at the White House "questions the stability of the president." She suggested that Wolff was someone who would "lie for money and for power."

But Wolff insisted he did not enter the book project with an anti-Trump bias or agenda.

"I would have been delighted to have written a contrarian account here: 'Donald Trump, this unexpected president, is actually going to succeed.' Okay, that's not the story. He is not going to succeed. This is worse than everybody thought."

CIA director Mike Pompeo, appearing on Fox News on Sunday, insisted that Wolff's portrayal of Trump was "just pure fantasy."

'Hysterical coverage'

Far from being detached and unable to deal with complex policy issues, Pompeo said, "The president is engaged, he understands the complexity, he asks really difficult questions of our team at the CIA." He described Trump as an "avid consumer" of the agency's intelligence.

Pompeo added that Trump was "completely fit," saying it was "ludicrous" to suggest otherwise.

But in a probable sign of White House sensitivities over the book, Miller lashed out in an unusually raw clash with his CNN interviewer, Jake Tapper.

Miller called Tapper "condescending" and "snide," and accused CNN of engaging in "negative anti-Trump hysterical coverage" and "spectacularly embarrassing false reporting."

The two men repeatedly spoke over each other before Tapper declared, "I think I've wasted enough of my viewers' time. Thank you, Stephen," then turned away from Miller  who was still talking  to tersely announce the next guest.

Miller's combative performance on CNN got a thumbs up from his boss.

"Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!" Trump tweeted after the segment aired.The US Navy has joined the search for 32 crew members missing from an Iranian oil tanker that caught fire after colliding with a bulk freighter off China's east coast.

Beijing: The US Navy has joined the search for 32 crew members missing from an Iranian oil tanker that caught fire after colliding with a bulk freighter off China's east coast.

China, South Korea and the US sent ships and planes to search for the 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis who have been missing since the collision late Saturday. The US Navy, which sent a P-8A aircraft from Okinawa, Japan, to aid the search, said late Sunday that none of the missing crew had been found.

The Panama-registered tanker Sanchi was sailing from Iran to South Korea when it collided late Saturday with the Hong Kong-registered freighter CF Crystal in the East China Sea, 257 kilometers (160 miles) off the coast of Shanghai, China's ministry of transport said.

All 21 crew members of the Crystal, which was carrying grain from the United States to China, were rescued, the ministry said. The Crystal's crew members were all Chinese nationals.

It wasn't immediately clear what caused the collision.

State-run China Central Television reported Sunday evening that the tanker was still floating and burning, and that oil was visible in the water. Photos distributed by the South Korean government showed the tanker on fire and shrouded in thick black smoke.

Chinese authorities dispatched three ships to clean the oil spill. It was not clear, however, whether the tanker was still spilling oil as of Monday and the size of the oil slick caused by the accident also was not known.

The Sanchi was carrying 136,000 metric tons (150,000 tons, or nearly 1 million barrels) of condensate, a type of ultra-light oil, according to Chinese authorities.

By comparison, the Exxon Valdez was carrying 1.26 million barrels of crude oil when it spilled 260,000 barrels into Prince William Sound off Alaska in 1989.

The Sanchi has operated under five different names since it was built in 2008, according the UN run International Maritime Organization. The IMO listed its registered owner as Hong Kong-based Bright Shipping Ltd., on behalf of the National Iranian Tanker Co, a publicly traded company based in Tehran. The National Iranian Tanker Co. describes itself as operating the largest tanker fleet in the Middle East.

An official in Iran's Oil Ministry, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters, said 30 of the tanker's 32 crew members were Iranians.

"We have no information on their fate," he said Sunday. "We cannot say all of them have died, because rescue teams are there and providing services."

The official said the tanker was owned by the National Iranian Tanker Co and had been rented by a South Korean company, Hanwha Total Co. He said the tanker was on its way to South Korea.

Hanwa Total is a 50-50 partnership between the Seoul-based Hanwha Group and the French oil giant Total. Total did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It's the second collision for a ship from the National Iranian Tanker Co. in less than a year and a half. In August 2016, one of its tankers collided with a Swiss container ship in the Singapore Strait, damaging both ships but causing no injuries or oil spill.Working from home? Switch to the DIGITAL edition of CLICK HERE to signup now!Acer today announced that it would roll out Amazon Alexa voice assistant to select PCs starting from Q1 2018. The list of PCs includes Aspire, Spin, Switch and Swift notebooks, as well as Aspire all-in-one PCs.

Alexa voice assistant will be initially available in the US via an update through Acer Care Center, and wider support is expected to be rolled out mid-2018. Acer will be utilizing the Intel Smart Sound Technology which is an integrated audio DSP (Digital Signal Processor) built to handle audio, voice, and speech interactions.

The company mentioned that the latest notebooks and desktops would support Amazon Alexa and respond to voice commands quickly while offering high fidelity audio without impacting system performance. Alexa on Acer will be able to check calendars, create lists, answer questions, play favorite music, podcasts or audiobooks; and manage smart home devices by controlling lights, thermostats, and home appliances through voice commands to Alexa.

Alexa voice assistant uses the voice and four digital microphones that support far-field voice recognition from up to nine feet (2.74 m) away, while others with dual microphones will be able to activate Alexa within three feet (0.91 m). Acer has announced Alexa support for the new V6820M/i 4K UHD projector.

The Acer V6820M/i wireless projector has a 120-inch 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) resolution display. It is compatible with HDR and Rec. 2020 signals, supports the Rec. 709 standard for cinema-like color accuracy, and HDMI 3D2 for 3D home theater experiences. The Acer AcuMotion frame interpolation system, which calculates and generates intermediate frames, inserting them into existing ones for seamless motion. The V6820M/i can operate at an extremely low noise level of 19dBA.

Commenting on the same, Jerry Kao, President of IT Products Business of Acer Inc said:

Acer is excited to be among the first brands to bring Alexa to PCs. With industry-leading audio technology across our portfolio, were providing consumers the possibility to interact with multiple voice services on their notebook or desktop. Alexa lets users do thousands of things and were now bringing those capabilities natively to PCs.

Steve Rabuchin, Vice President, Amazon Alexa said:After Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra & Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Karnataka and Chennai, Airtel has launched its 4G VoLTE services in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. This lets Airtel customers enjoy HD quality voice calls along with faster call set up time compared to normal voice calls on their VoLTE-compatible 4G handsets.

Airtel promises seamless connectivity and in the case of non-availability of 4G, Airtel VoLTE calls will automatically fall back on 3G/2G network, said the company. It will also allow customers to continue with their data sessions at 4G speeds while the call is in progress.

Airtel says that customers with Dual-SIM handsets should insert their Airtel SIM in SIM slot 1 and network mode should be set as 4G/3G/2G (Auto) for VoLTE to work properly. The company says that the handset manufacturer need to upgrade the smartphones software to support Airtel VoLTE, even though there are hundreds of 4G smartphones in the market with VoLTE support.

You can check out the complete list of Airtel VoLTE compatible smartphones here. Airtel already said that it plans to roll out VoLTE across the country over the next few months without any time frame.

Commenting on the launch, Manoj Murali, HUB CEO, Kerala & Tamil Nadu, Bharti Airtel said:

We are delighted to extend our VoLTE footprint in Tamil Nadu with the launch of services in Coimbatore. Complementing our world class 4G network, VoLTE will add to the customer experience and our range of smartphone offerings.24 May 2021 --- The natural colors space continues to gather speed in its shift toward close-to-nature ingredients, which are phasing out artificial dyes. Aside from this, there is... Read MoreIn recent years, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) has vastly become one of Ohios largest employers, hiring more than 6,000 workers with thousands more jobs expected as the online retail giant adds three additional warehouses.

The only problem is, according to a new report, is despite the increase in jobs, many of Amazons workforce in Ohio is still reliant on food stamps.

According to the progressive policy group Policy Matters Ohio, as of August, Amazon had 1,430 workers and their family members on food stamps, which is roughly 10% of its workforce.

However, overall, Amazon ranked 19th on a list of fifty large employers in the state that still has its employees receiving federal aid under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Walmart (NYSE:WMT) ranked the highest at 11,560 employees seeking aid, while McDonalds (NYSE:MCD) ranked second at 9,927 employees, according to Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Other companies mentioned included Kroger (NYSE:KR), Bob Evans, Wendys, and Dollar General. According to the report, in order to be eligible for food stamps, a family of three needs to make less than $26,208 a year, or about $12.60 an hour for a 40 hour work week.

In a statement to FOX Business, an Amazon spokesperson said, Amazons full-time hourly employees in Ohio earn between $14.50 and $15 an hour as a starting wage with regular pay increases plus Amazon stock and performance based bonuses. We also provide comprehensive benefits which include health, vision, and dental insurance coverage starting on day one, generous maternity and family leave, tuition for career education, and a network of support to succeed."

Additionally, a source told FOX Business that SNAP eligibility is multi-faceted and is not always determined solely on revenue but rather on the special needs and medical care of the dependents.

Neither Walmart or McDonalds immediately returned FOX Business request for additional comments regarding the report.

It is troubling that so many of those who qualify are working and still dont make enough to get by. The sudden emergence of Amazon as an employer of so many who need that assistance raises a question: Why is this giant, successful company offering such limited pay and hours of work that many of its workers need help buying food? Zach Schiller, Policy Matters research director said.

Schiller added that while those figures include both full and part-time workers, it is likely that mostly part-time workers are the ones who qualify for aid.

Weve appreciated having more employment, but maybe we should be focusing economic development dollars on good jobs. Its pretty clear that a lot of these jobs are not good jobs, Schiller told The Columbus Dispatch. That should raise a policy question for our public officials, and thats why we think its worth pointing out.

Additionally, Ohio has put in a bid to be the home of Amazons second headquarters, which according to The Dispatch, would generate 50,000 more jobs and over $5 billion in investment.

Schiller also pointed out that Amazon receives millions of dollars in state and local subsidies at its warehouses.

According to a Bloomberg Businessweek report, in certain counties in Ohio, emergency responders have answered calls at one Amazons warehouses at least once a day without any financial support from the company.

Amazon has become something of a poster child for incentives that make it tough for public services to accommodate the added strain its facilities bring. In four deals struck through JobsOhio since 2014, the company has received at least $123 million in tax breaks, plus $2.9 million in cash grants, the Bloomberg report said.

However, Matt Englehart, a spokesperson for JobsOhio, told FOX Business, that Amazon has been nothing but a good thing for the state, by more than doubling its job commitments at its fulfillment centers in Etna and Obetz.

"These full-time associates now have jobs that include compensation that pay 30% above the national average for retail workers, opportunities for professional advancement, benefits that include health coverage starting on day one, generous maternity and family leave, and 95% tuition assistance for careers regardless if they are with Amazon," Englehart said.Dividend stocks are a great way to earn passive income, so much so that they could even help you pay off some of your monthly bills. That's right, and it's possible if you invest in stocks that pay you a dividend every month.

To be able to cut a check each month and maintain or raise the payout requires a company to have tenable confidence in its profit-making and cash-generating capabilities. It's easier said than done, which is why while most companies pay dividends quarterly, and only around 40 publicly listed companies pay a dividend every month. Three such companies worth watching are STAG Industrial (NYSE: STAG), Realty Income (NYSE: O), and Pembina Pipeline (NYSE: PBA).

You can count on this company for larger dividends

Real estate investment trusts (REIT) dominate the small group of monthly dividend payers. As a REIT corporate structure requires paying out 90% of net income in dividends, perhaps paying every month comes easier to them. STAG Industrial and Realty Income are two such REITs that have caught my attention.

STAG Industrial, as its name suggests, is an industrial REIT that acquires and operates industrial properties -- mainly single-tenant -- like warehouses, distribution centers, and light manufacturing facilities. As of March 31, 2018, STAG owned 360 buildings across 37 states in the U.S. STAG's strength lies in its diversification.

STAG's properties are leased across diverse sectors and industries, including capital goods, automobiles, food and beverage, consumer durables, and materials. As of last quarter, capital goods was the largest, accounting for 13.6% of STAG's total annualized base rental (ABR) revenue. STAG had 312 tenants as of last count, with no single tenant accounting for more than 2.5% of its ABR.

Because STAG's fortunes aren't tied to any single industry or tenant, the company's funds from operations grew fourfold in the past five years, and annual dividends have increased every year since STAG started paying one in 2011. So, by owning STAG, you not only get paid every month, you can also expect fatter dividends with each passing year. The frequency and growth in dividends can compound rapidly: If you'd bought shares of STAG in 2011 and reinvested dividends, you'd be sitting on more than 200% gains today.

Among STAG's top ten customers are government agency General Services Administration, logistics giants XPO Logistics, FedEx and DHL, footwear designer and distributor Deckers Outdoor, and industrial conglomerate Emerson Electric. I believe exposure to the logistics industry could bring in a good chunk of growth for STAG, specifically from e-commerce. Combine that with the stock's handsome 6% yield, and you could easily bank on STAG to take care of some of your monthly expenses.

This dividend stock's been a multibagger

Realty Income is a formidable combination of dividend growth and yield, having increased its dividends for 82 consecutive quarters and grown them at a compound annual rate of 4.7% since 1994, also the year the company went public. In absolute terms, Realty Income's annual dividend amount per share has nearly tripled since 1994, though the rate of dividend growth has picked up only in recent years. If not for its regular and growing dividends, Realty Income wouldn't be a tenbagger in just 20 years!

Realty Income credits a strong portfolio of properties, diligent management, and opportunistic resale and deployment of proceeds to lucrative acquisitions for its incredible dividend record. As a net-lease REIT, Realty Income secures long-term contracts with in-built annual clauses for rent increases while avoiding several property ownership and maintenance costs. The predictable, growing cash flows go a long way in boosting shareholder returns.

Recent pressure on the retail industry has hit Realty Income shares, only to open up an opportunity for smart investors. Realty Income has more than 5,300 commercial properties, leased out to 254 commercial tenants across 47 industries. As of Dec. 31, 2017, drug and convenience stores combined -- both of which are largely recession-proof -- contributed roughly 21% to the company's rental revenue. Tenant-wise, Walgreens, FedEx, Dollar General, and LA Fitness are the top four contributors to Realty Income's revenue.

The fears appear overblown. A diversified portfolio, 98%-plus occupancy rate, a conservative balance sheet, management's focus on opportunistic growth, and dependable dividends: Realty Income packs a punch. A dividend yield of 5% is the cherry on top for income investors.

An intriguing oil and gas monthly dividend stock

Canada-based Pembina Pipeline is a diversified midstream energy infrastructure and marketing company that's primarily into transportation of various natural gas products and hydrocarbon liquids. The company expects its pipeline division to contribute 60% to its total EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) in 2018. The rest of it should come from Pembina's two other divisions, facilities -- which is into processing and fractionation of natural gas liquids -- and marketing.

The benefits of a diversified and a broadly fee-based services portfolio, which means steady and reliable cash flows, have shown up in Pembina's numbers over the years. Since 1997, Pembina has shelled out nearly 6 billion Canadian dollars in dividends and grown its dividend at a compound annual rate of 4.2% in the past decade.

In major growth moves, Pembina scooped up Canadian midstream company Veresen for CA$9.5 billion last year in its largest-ever acquisition, even as it pumped another CA$4.7 billion into expansion projects. Pembina's operating income hit record highs in fiscal 2017.

The contribution of fee-based services to Pembina's adjusted EBITDA has increased dramatically in recent years, with the company now targeting 80% contribution in the foreseeable future. That's good news for income investors as stable cash flows should also mean higher dividends. In fact, Pembina is targeting 8% to 10% growth in annual cash flow per share. That makes Pembina an intriguing monthly dividend stock -- more so with its dividend yield of 5.3%.

10 stocks we like better than Pembina PipelineWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has quadrupled the market.*

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Neha Chamaria has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends FedEx and XPO Logistics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Investors are issuing a warning to tech giant Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) to curb its smartphone marketing strategy amid fears the iPhone is a mental health hazard to children.

Activist investors Jana Partners LLC and the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), which own about $2 billion worth of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) stock combined, expressed their concerns in an open letter, saying the iPhone is designed to be as addictive and time-consuming as possible.

DivaMoms CEO Lyss Stern told FOX Business Neil Cavuto Monday that the excessive use of smartphones among children is what keeps parents up at night.

It is toxic, especially for their brains that are developing so fast. Their full frontal lobes arent even developed yet, and theres just too much information being thrown at them so fast all the time, she said.

Investors point to several studies that suggest the attachment of digital devices is associated with lack of sleep, higher stress levels that may lead to a greater risk of depression and suicide.

Theyre talking about it from a point of view of an investor, particularly Jana just saying, Listen, if this is found to be true that these link kids to more anxiety, more depression, even in extreme cases suicide, thats going to be bad for the stock, FOX Business Deirdre Bolton said.

The activist investors are urging Apple to develop software that limits time use of its digital products and to fund research to look into links between anxiety levels and excessive smartphone use. The letter calls for Apple to enhance its limited parental controls to provide a more balance approach.

I would never just give my kids the keys to a car and say, Go drive, Stern said. Weve taken steps to train and teach our children, especially the youngest boy, about social media, about what you can and cannot do.Colorado regulators are considering proposed new rules for thousands of oil and gas pipelines after a fatal explosion last year blamed on leaking gas.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission opened two days of hearings Monday on regulations for installing, testing and shutting down flow lines, which carry oil and gas from wells to nearby equipment.

The rules for thousands of oil and gas pipelines are in response to an April 17 explosion in the town of Firestone that killed two people, injured a third and destroyed a house. Investigators said the explosion was caused by odorless, unrefined natural gas leaking from a severed flow line.

Investigators said the line was believed to be abandoned but was still connected to an operating well with the valve turned to the open position.

The flow line was severed about 10 feet (3 meters) from the house, and gas seeped into the home's basement, investigators said. The well and pipeline were in place several years before the house was built.

The proposed rules are a significant expansion of existing ones. A final version will be drawn up after this week's hearings. No date has been set for the commission's seven voting members to approve or disapprove of the rules.

Colorado has nearly 129,000 flow lines within about 1,000 feet (300 meters) of occupied buildings, according to energy company reports submitted to the state last year.

The presence of homes and schools near oil and gas operations is a contentious issue in Colorado, especially in the booming Front Range urban corridor  including Firestone  which overlaps with an oil and gas field.

A 22-page draft of the new regulations says flow lines that are permanently taken out of service must be disconnected, drained and sealed at both ends and any above-ground portion must be removed. The rules also allow energy companies to simply remove the lines.

The proposal also would require energy companies to provide information on the location of flow lines to the Call 811 program, which marks the site of underground utilities at a property owner's request. That's meant to help homeowners and construction companies avoid inadvertently severing a line.

The proposed rules revise or add requirements for designing, installing, testing and documenting flow lines.

Shortly after the explosion, some state officials argued that Colorado should compile a map of all flow lines in the state and make it available online. But Gov. John Hickenlooper decided against that in August, citing concerns about security and theft.

Instead, he said the state would require energy companies to participate in the Call 811 program, saying that would make location information available to anyone who needs it.

The new rules also are intended to close some gaps in pipeline regulation.

Commission staffers noted last week that one federal agency, three state agencies and some local governments have at least some say in pipelines, but a few types of pipelines and activities don't fall within any agency's jurisdiction.

___

Follow Dan Elliott at http://twitter.com/DanElliottAP . His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/dan%20elliott .What happened

Pengrowth Energy Corporation (NYSE: PGH) entered 2017 in a tight spot. With CA$1.69 billion ($1.36 billion) of debt outstanding, the Canadian oil and gas producer needed to act fast to stay afloat since it had several upcoming debt maturities to address and it was dangerously close to breaching its financial covenants. As a result, the company had no choice but to unload a boatload of assets. While that plan worked, the company's stock went on a bumpy ride and ended up losing 44% of its value last year.

So what

In late February, Pengrowth Energy warned that if its lenders didn't provide it with more breathing room by amending some of the covenants on its debt, those borrowings could become due immediately, which could force the company to declare bankruptcy. The oil producer would go on to help its cause by unloading assets to give it the cash to pay down debt. By August it had sold CA$827 million ($666.3 million) in oil and gas properties, which was enough to buy it the needed relief.

Pengrowth Energy sold a couple more assets before the end of the year, which pushed its asset sale total up to nearly CA$1 billion ($810 million). That shrank the company down to just two core assets: the Lindbergh thermal oil facility and a position in the Montney shale gas region, which are both in western Canada.

With its transformation complete, Pengrowth now believes that it can grow from this stronger core position, with it hoping to sanction phase two of its Lindbergh project in the near-term. This expansion would increase its oil production capacity from that facility up to 40,000 barrels per day, which is a significant increase from the 17,700-barrel-a-day capacity it should have this year.

However, this plan has two glaring issues, which weighed on the stock last year. First, Pengrowth noted that it would need to borrow money to finance the project, which is a concern since its balance sheet is just getting back on solid ground. Second, at $55 oil, the project would only earn a 20% return. Contrast that with what fellow Canadia oil and gas producer Encana (NYSE: ECA) can do in current market conditions. For starters, its premium drilling locations in the U.S. and Canada can earn it a 35% after-tax rate of return at $50 oil. Because of those higher returns, Encana can self-fund its five-year expansion plan at $50 oil, generating 25% compound annual cash flow growth in the process, including producing an anticipated $1.5 billion in excess cash over that timeframe.

Now what

Pengrowth Energy worked hard to stay afloat last year, and it's now in a position to start growing again. Yet even with this progress, the company remains well behind other oil producers like Encana, which can grow at a faster rate within cash flow thanks to their stronger asset base. That's why Pengrowth's stock remains depressed and could continue underperforming its peers in the coming years unless oil rockets higher.

10 stocks we like better than Pengrowth Energy CorpWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

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Matthew DiLallo 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.What happened

Shares of gold miner Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY) rose nearly 23% last month, as investors looked forward to a big 2018. While it's been one of the worst-performing gold stocks on the market in recent years, the company has some of the best growth prospects in the industry. Much of the potential will be realized in the year ahead -- with more to come in 2019.

When coupled with lower operating expenses and a relatively clean balance sheet, booming production between now and the end of the decade could lay the groundwork for delivering Yamana Gold closer to its former glory, when it boasted a market cap over $10 billion. Today it sits at less than one-third of that.

The December gains allowed the stock to deliver an 11% gain for the calendar year.

So what

Management hasn't been shy about touting the company's awesome growth potential. Both gold and silver production are expected to soar in 2018 and 2019 as the Cerro Moro mine ramps up activities. The result: a 17% bump in gold production and over 200% increase in silver production between 2017 and 2019.

The immediate influx of cash flow first will be used to lower the company's net debt-to-EBITDA ratio from 2.8 at the end of 2017 to its short-term goal of 2.0, and then eventually to 1.5. Management also promises to use some portion of its extra earnings on development-stage assets and directly creating shareholder value through increased dividend payments.

Now what

Wall Street is right to be excited about what 2018 brings for Yamana Gold stock. Mining companies usually deliver incremental production gains or simply offset production declines elsewhere. Bringing an additional 10 million ounces of annual silver production on line in just two years is almost unprecedented. And given the depressed stock price of the company recently, it promises to force an abrupt readjustment to its market cap, assuming progress is achieved without any surprises.

10 stocks we like better than Yamana GoldWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

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Maxx Chatsko 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.COPENHAGEN/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Denmark's Novo Nordisk, the world's biggest maker of insulin, went public with a 2.6 billion euro ($3.1 billion) bid for Belgian biotech group Ablynx on Monday as it seeks to bolster its treatments for rare blood disorders.

Ablynx said it rejected Novo's latest takeover approach and analysts predict the Danish group, whose new chief executive is seeking growth by buying drugs developed by competitors, might face counterbidders and would need to raise its bid.

The approach comes at a time of renewed interest by large drugmakers in smaller biotech firms, with U.S.-based Celgene clinching a deal to buy Impact Biomedicines for up to $7 billion on Sunday and Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical agreeing last week to buy another Belgian biotech group TiGenix for $630 million.

Novo has offered up to 30.50 euros per share for Ablynx, which represents a 60 per cent premium to the Belgian company's Dec. 6 share price, before its first approach. Ablynx shares were suspended until further notice by Belgium's market regulator on Monday and last traded at 21.20 euros on Friday.

Ablynx said in a statement that its board "unanimously concluded that the proposal fundamentally undervalues Ablynx and its strong prospects for continued growth and value creation".

The Belgian group specializes in the research of novel drugs based on nano-bodies found in the immune systems of llamas and alpacas, for which it partners with several of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.

The main attraction for Novo is Ablynx's experimental drug caplacizumab for the rare bleeding disorder acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which would complement Novo's line-up of blood products focused on haemophilia.

The $11 billion haemophilia market is facing upheaval and Novo stands to lose sales following approval of a new Roche drug Hemlibra.

Biopharmaceutical treatments, led by haemophilia, make up around 20 percent of Novo's sales, with diabetes and obesity products accounting for the remaining 80 percent.

"We have solid growth in our diabetes and obesity business but we are struggling a little bit to maintain the same level of growth momentum in biopharma," Novo's Chief Financial Officer Jesper Brandgaard said.

NEW NOVO CEO ACTS

The Danish company said it would pay 28.00 euros per share in cash for Ablynx and an additional 2.50 euros in a so-called contingent value right (CVR) if certain conditions related to other drugs in Ablynx's research portfolio were met.

An acquisition would be the first by Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, who took over a year ago. He has said the firm needs external innovation to broaden its product line-up.

Under previous chief executive Lars Rebien Sorensen, Novo sat out a spate of deal-making across the drugs industry and instead focused on its market-leading position making insulin and other diabetes treatments.

But in March, the company approached Global Blood Therapeutics, a U.S. biotech company focused on serious blood disorders, to discuss a potential takeover, people familiar with the situation said.

Finance chief Brandgaard said the current bid could be revised if Ablynx agreed to engage in talks.

"I think it would be natural to update the bid following a detailed discussion with the board of directors of Ablynx," he said on a conference call, adding that it would be premature to speculate on any increase.

Brandgaard also played down the threat of an interloper, saying: "In terms of counter proposals it is not our understanding that any other bidder is pursuing the target."

ABLYNX SHARES SUSPENDED

Ablynx had already rejected an offer by the Danish group on Dec. 14 and Novo Nordisk said the new bid, made on Dec. 22, was some 14 percent higher.

"Novo Nordisk regrets that the board of directors of Ablynx has so far declined to engage in any discussions, despite the proposals which have been put forward," it said in a statement.

Analysts at Jefferies said they had a fair value of Ablynx at 29 euros per share, rising to 36 euros under a long term upside scenario.

"We envisage Novo needing to hike the offer and could see counterbids," the analysts said.

Tax breaks and other incentives have created a thriving biotech industry in Belgium, with many companies spun off from university projects now listed on its stock exchange.

Ablynx's shares have almost doubled in price in the past 12 months, buoyed by successful clinical trial data.

Its products, which are all still undergoing medical trials, target many different diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or cancer.

($1 = 0.8322 euros)

(Additional reporting by Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen, Ben Hirschler in London and Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru; Editing by Edmund Blair/Keith Weir/Alexander Smith)The pharma and biotech industry will send billions of dollars back to the United States as a result of President Donald Trumps tax overhaul, Alexandria Real Estate (NYSE:ARE) Chairman Joel Marcus said on Monday.

In our particular niche, since we are in a very unique niche which has a high barrier to entries in these irreplaceable markets  The pharma and biotech industry will repatriate, thanks to the congressional approval, the presidents tax bill, over $150 billion of cash, Marcus told Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria.

Congress passed the tax bill in December, creating the a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. tax systemthe largest in three decades. The legislation aims to create a more attractive environment for business by shifting to a territorial system and reducing the federal tax rate from 35% to 21%.

Marcus expects the cash surplus will go toward creating more jobs, commercial real estate expansion and continued mergers and acquisition (M&A) growth in the sector.

Youll see more M&A and a real continued growth, he said, while pointing out that only 5% of the 10,000 known diseases have been medically addressed. So thats why we were comfortable in giving the street a five-year outlook on our performance.

With a market cap of $16.1 billion and an asset base in North America of 28.6 million square feet, Marcus said the company expects to double its revenues between 2018 and 2022.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. is an urban office REIT focused on collaborative life sciences and technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations.With new options and conveniences, there's never been a better time for shoppers. As for workers ... well, not always.

The retail industry is being radically reshaped by technology, and nobody feels that disruption more starkly than 16 million American shelf stockers, salespeople, cashiers and others. The shifts are driven, like much in retail, by the Amazon effect  the explosion of online shopping and the related changes in consumer behavior and preferences.

As mundane tasks like checkout and inventory are automated, employees are trying to deliver the kind of customer service the internet can't match.

So a Best Buy employee who used to sell electronics in the store is dispatched to customers' homes to help them choose just the right products. A Walmart worker dashes in and out of the grocery aisles, hand-picks products for online shoppers and brings them to people's cars.

___

Editor's note: This story is part of Future of Work, an Associated Press series that explores how workplaces across the U.S. and the world are being transformed by technology and global pressures. As more employers move, shrink or revamp their work sites, many employees are struggling to adapt. At the same time, workers with in-demand skills or knowledge are benefiting. Advanced training, education or know-how is becoming a required ticket to the 21st-century workplace.

___

Yet even as responsibilities change  and in many cases, expand  the average growth in pay for retail workers isn't keeping pace with the rest of the economy. Some companies say that in the long run the transformation could mean fewer retail workers, though they may be better paid. But while some workers feel more satisfied, others find their jobs are just a lot less fun.

Bloomingdale's saleswoman Brenda Moses remembers the pre-internet era, when the upscale store was regularly filled with customers ready to buy. These days, department stores are less crowded and the customers who do come in can make price comparisons on their phones at the same time as they pepper staff with questions.

"You tell them everything, and then they look at you and say, 'You know what? I think I will get it online,'" she said.

Moses has seen her commission rate rise to 6 percent from a half a percent, but her hourly wage dropped from $19 as low as $10 before it came back up to $14. Depending more on commissions means her income fluctuates, and she's competing with her colleagues for each sale.

"Now," Moses said, "you have to fight to make your money."

The same could be said for the retailing industry, overall. In 2017, 66,500 U.S. retail jobs disappeared (not taking into account jobs added in areas like distribution and call centers). In the past decade, about one out of every seven jobs have vanished in the hardest-hit sectors like clothing and consumer electronics, says Frank Badillo, director of research at MacroSavvy LLC. Though department stores have suffered the most, smaller businesses also have struggled to compete with online sellers.

Many of the survivors are rushing to adapt. Of the retail jobs that remain, over the next decade as many as 60 percent will either be new kinds of roles or will involve revised duties, says Craig Rowley, senior client partner at Korn Ferry Hay Group, a human resources advisory firm. He estimates the number is about 10 percent now.

How fast retail jobs will change and what they'll look like depends on three factors, Rowley said: the pace at which online shopping advances; the speed at which robotics and other technology progress; and shifts in the minimum hourly pay.

"Jobs for workers will get more interesting and be more impactful on the company's business," Rowley said. "But the negative side is that there will be fewer entry-level jobs and there will be more pressure to perform."

Some retail workers at the vanguard of the changes  like Laila Ummelaila, a personal grocery shopper at a Walmart in Old Bridge, New Jersey  speak glowingly of their new responsibilities.

Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, has scrutinized every job in its stores as it looks to leverage its more than 4,000 U.S. locations against Amazon's internet dominance.

The company now has 18,000 personal shoppers who fill online orders from store shelves, and 17,000 check-out hosts whose responsibilities are more extensive than the greeters of old, including keeping the area clean and making sure registers move efficiently. The company has also shifted workers from back-room clerical jobs and eliminated some overnight stocker positions in favor of more daytime sales help. The customers like the changes, company officials say, pointing to more than three years of sales growth at its established U.S. stores  a contrast with other, suffering retailers.

Ummelaila became a personal shopper after joining the company three years ago. To meet her store's goals, she must pick one item per 30 seconds. If she can't find something, she has to quickly get a substitute that's as good or better.

"You start to get to know the customers, you know what they like," she said, "how they like their meat ... and how long they keep milk in the fridge."

Best Buy, meanwhile, has begun a free service in key markets where salespeople will sit with customers in their own homes and make recommendations on setting up a home office to designing a home theater system. Best Buy said shoppers spend more with a home visit than they do at the stores. The project follows Amazon, which reportedly has been testing a program that sends employees to shoppers' houses for free "smart home" recommendations.

At Steve Frederick's townhouse in Chicago, Billy Schuler offered advice about speakers that can be adjusted from a smartphone. Schuler, who had previously worked at Best Buy for 14 years, returned to the company to take on the new role.

"Customers are more relaxed when they are in their home," he said. "We can do a walkthrough of the house and see their needs." He likes to "break the ice" by calling the person and chatting a day or two before the visit.

Frederick, who's spending close to $20,000 on the equipment, describes himself as "old-school" and says he needed a lot of help. He thinks it was worthwhile.

"When you are spending that kind of money, you want to have someone come in and explain it," he said.

Schuler declined to give specifics but says he is well compensated. Ummelaila says her pay went up to nearly $12 per hour from $10 when she became a personal shopper.

Target credits its strategy of assigning dedicated sales staff in areas such as clothing, consumer electronics, and beauty for helping increase sales, and says having visual merchandisers create vignettes like shoppers would see in specialty stores inspires people to buy. "You are making an outfit and telling a story on each rack," says Crystal Lawrence, who works at a Target store in Brooklyn, New York. She likes the variety in her new job, and Target says it plans to keep paying higher wages for those specialized roles.

But a survey of nearly 300 retail workers  conducted by the Center for Frontline Retail and Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center  found that of those workers whose job responsibilities have changed, more than 40 percent said they hadn't received pay increases to reflect that.

Wages for hourly retail workers have risen less than 9 percent since 1990, compared with 18 percent for overall workers in the private sector. There has been some progress recently; some of the biggest retailers, like Walmart and Target, have made moves to increase pay in the face of low unemployment and competition for workers.

"For a long period, these retail jobs were just terrible on average," said Michael Mandel, chief economic strategist at the Progressive Policy Institute. "Retail stores have been following one strategy: high turnover, low wages. That strategy is no longer viable."

Mandel sees hope in technology, which he says has historically created more and better-paying jobs than it has eliminated.

The National Retail Federation trade group points to government data showing that even in large supermarket chains where self-checkout has become standard, the number of employees per store has held steady over the 15 years through 2014. And the demand for grocery cashiers increased in the past few years, says Burning Glass Technologies, a company that analyzes labor market data.

McDonald's says the self-serve kiosks it has been rolling out won't result in mass layoffs, but will mean that some cashiers shift roles to accommodate changes like offering table service.

But a report prepared by Cornerstone Capital Group for the Investor Responsibility Research Center Institute predicts that more than 7.5 million retail jobs are at risk of being eliminated by automation over the next several years.

Amazon is testing a grocery store in Seattle without cashiers, using cameras and shelf sensors to keep track of the items that shoppers grab and charge them. Eatsa, an automat-style restaurant in San Francisco, lacks cashiers as well  diners order at kiosks and workers prepare the food behind an opaque wall, with virtually no interaction between them.

Labor groups are trying to address some of the new issues. Under a contract reached last May between Bloomingdale's and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Moses and other members who work at the flagship store in Manhattan can also get commissions from some online sales.

And a labor group representing 1.3 million grocery and food workers is trying to combat automation by highlighting that workers' specialized skills  like the care they take in icing a rose on a wedding cake, or arranging flowers, or the ability of human workers to recognize spoiled food  provide a benefit to shoppers.

"Separating progress for the consumer, for the worker, for the economy versus the stockholders ... those are completely different things," says Erikka Knuti, a spokeswoman for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

Others say automation and happy workers are not necessarily incompatible.

Walmart's CEO Doug McMillon foresees fewer sales associates at his stores, but they'll be better paid and better trained. Walmart has trained 225,000 supervisors and managers on topics like new apps and better customer service. It says managers who go through the academies have better retention rates than those who do not. Workers who report to those managers stay longer. And entry-level workers who complete a new training program are more likely to remain.

It's a shift retailers may have to speed up. Government figures show the rate of retail workers quitting their jobs in 2016 was at its highest since 2007.

Alfredo Duran, who started as a sales associate at Gap and worked at six retailers over 15 years, left the industry two years ago. As a manager at clothing chain Mango, he was making $75,000 a year. But once the store closed, he had trouble finding another job in retail because no one wanted to pay him for his experience.

"It's gone down. One person is doing three jobs. And you can't move up," said Duran, 38, of Queens, New York.

He's now a concierge at a Manhattan hotel, making half of what he used to earn  but happy he left retail.

___

AP Video journalists Terry Chea in San Francisco and Teresa Crawford in Chicago contributed to this report.

___

Follow Anne D'Innocenzio: http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzioSecretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Monday said President Donald Trump must convince farmers he will come to the table and provide a revamped and modernized North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that will benefit American agriculture.

Obviously, NAFTA has been generally good for American agriculture as well as Canada and Mexico and farmers understand that, Perdue told FOX Business Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria.

Perdues comments come ahead of President Donald Trumps scheduled appearance at the American Farm Bureau Federations national convention, where he will address thousands of farmers and ranchers. Trumps appearance at the event marks the first time in roughly 26 years that a sitting president has spoken at the event.

Furthermore, over the last four or five years, farmers have felt pressure over worldwide overproduction, Perdue said, pointing out how agriculture commodity prices are currently very low and hovering around breakeven prices.

That puts a lot of stress on farmers incomes and farm families, he added.

Perdue also discussed the future of the presidents proposed border wall. In his opinion, Trump has effectively delivered his vision for border security.

The president campaigned very strongly on a border wall. He was elected president, and I think its incumbent upon Congress to figure out how to get that done, said Perdue.The fierce revenge tale "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" was named best picture at the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards which focused almost entirely on the growing topic of sexual harassment in show business.

Host Seth Meyers took the stage at the beginning of the night by greeting the crowd as Ladies and remaining gentlemen.

Its 2018, marijuana is finally allowed and sexual harassment finally isnt. Its going to be a good year, he joked, highlighting the fall of several men in power and the #MeToo movement.

The Globes had long been the stomping grounds of disgraced mogul Harvey Weinstein, whose downfall precipitated allegations against James Toback, Kevin Spacey and many others. Weinstein presided over two decades of Globes winners and was well-known for his manipulation of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the 89-member group that puts on the Globes.

Harvey Weinstein isnt here tonight because, well, Ive heard rumors hes crazy and difficult to work with, Meyers said. Dont worry because hell be back in 20 years when he becomes the first person ever booed during the In Memoriam.

President Trump was also a talking point for the late night host.

List of Golden Globes 2018 winners

Were all here at the courtesy of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, he said. A string of three words that could not have been better designed to infuriate our president. The only name that would make him angrier would be the Hillary Mexico Salad Association.

Another big moment of the night came when Lady Bird" won best comedy or musical motion picture. Soon after, Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon announced Gary Oldman as the winner of the best actor in a drama series for his role as Winston Churchill in The Darkest Hour.

Frances McDormand won best actress in a dramatic motion picture for her role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, where she highlighted the hardworking women in her category and Hollywood at large.

The women in this room tonight are not here for the food we are here for the work, she said.

Finally, Barbra Streisand, the only woman to win a Golden Globe for directing, announced Three Billboards also won the most coveted award for best motion picture.

Before the night's biggest awards were given out, The Handmaids Tale beat out dramas such as Game of Thrones and Stranger Things to take home the award for best television drama series.

Adding to the Hulu original series accolades was Elisabeth Moss, who won best performance by an actress in a television drama series for her role as June Osborne. Meanwhile, Sterling K. Brown earned himself an award for best performance by an actor in a television drama series for his role in NBCs This is Us.

Scientologist Elisabeth Moss slammed for 'hypocritical' Golden Globes speech

James Francos unexpected breakout hit The Disaster Artist earned him the award for best performance by an actor in a motion picture, musical or comedy. The star brought Tommy Wiseau, the real man behind his character in the film, up to stage with him for a special thanks noting that it was the enigmatic actor, writer and producers frustration with being stuck in traffic because of the Golden Globes years ago that prompted him to write the now-infamous film The Room.

Saoirse Ronan won best actress in the same category for her part in Lady Bird.

Coco the animated Disney and Pixar film about the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos achieved the Golden Globe award for best animated motion picture.

Aziz Ansari won the coveted award for best actor in a comedy television series for his role on his show Master of None, which debuted its second season on Netflix last year. He beat out other nominees such as "Black-ish" and the "Will and Grace" revival. Meanwhile, Rachel Brosnahan won for best actress in the same category for her role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" won best comedy series.

The show also honored Oprah Winfrey with the Cecil B. DeMille award for her contributions to the world of entertainment throughout her career. In her very impassioned acceptance speech, she refocused the show on the "#MeToo" movement. She noted that she is the first black woman to win this award, which she hoped may inspire young girls.

I want all the girls watching here now to know that a new day is on the horizon," she said. "When that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say me too again.

After that, Ron Howard and Natalie Portman presented the best director award. However, before the names were read, Portman took the opportunity to note that all of the nominees were men.

Guillermo del Toro took home the award for best director for his work on The Shape of Water.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.American Urban Radio Networks correspondent April Ryan was slammed on Monday for a tweet praising how wonderful a president Oprah Winfrey would make if she decided to challenge President Trump in 2020.

If @Oprah ran for president in 2020, she is every person. She has been poor & now rich. She is also a self made Billionaire. She has a grasp of the issues as she used to cover local politics. She can articulate any issue and she has mass appeal beyond race & gender, Ryan tweeted.

The comments beneath Ryans tweet indicate that not everyone agrees with Ryan, who is also a CNN correspondent. One user asked, In 2018 is it really too much to expect that POTUS have some minimum experience in law, governing, and/or policy making?

It appears President Trump has the left feeling that people should have some political experience before occupying the White House. Winfrey, 63, wont have a ton of time to pick up any political experience before its time to start campaigning for the 2020 election and many of Ryans followers feel that would essentially rule her out.

Some claimed the Democrats have a deep bench, while one user simply wrote, She's a celebrity. No. Thanks.

I'd like to see her run for Congressperson, Senator, or Governor and get some governing experience under her belt, another commented, and another added, Stop. This is patently ridiculous and you should know better. Shame on you.

Others were nicer about it, but most responses had the same theme: Do we really need another charismatic figure without legislative knowledge? Really?

April, I love Oprah, and everything you said is true but what the US needs is someone with governing experience. Celebrities are good for bringing light to issues and Oprah is an amazing fundraiser and surrogate but she has as much federal political experience as Trump, another follower wrote.

Ryan has been a thorn in the side of the Trump administration and regularly got into combative confrontations with former Press Secretary Sean Spicer. She also started a #piegate hashtag around Thanksgiving when she joked that a pecan pie in Press Secretary Sarah Sanders' posted tweet was fake pie, accusing her of not really making it herself.

Ryan's glowing description of Winfrey triggered plenty of pushback on Twitter.

For a Washington DC insider youd think youd be smarter. The last thing we need is another celebrity at the top, someone responded while another wrote, Sorry I wouldn't vote for someone from Hollywood and no real experience.

One user asked if people have lost their mind before declaring, I immediately lose respect for anyone gushing that Oprah should be president.

Before Winfrey officially makes a decision, she might want to poll some liberals because it appears the left thinks Trump should be the last celebrity-turned president  at least according to people who responded to Ryans tweet.Bo Derek and John Corbett have been together for 15 years without ever walking down the aisle, but the couple insisted they dont need rings to prove their love is real.

The pair revealed to Closer Weekly Saturday the secret behind their lasting relationship has been spending quality time with each other away from Hollywood whenever possible.

We both travel so much, so for us, our favorite vacation place is home, explained Derek, 61. Thats where the romance is.

We enjoy each others company; we make each other laugh, added Corbett, 56. After 15 years we still hold hands; we still have barbecues with friends a couple times a week. [And Bo] still laughs at all my jokes even though shes heard them a million times. We just enjoy each other. Im sad when shes not around.

However, theres more to their bond than just keeping their romance indoors within their 10.5 acre property. Corbett, whos still recognized by fans as Carrie Bradshaws boyfriend Aiden Shaw on the hit HBO series Sex and the City, told Fox News in August 2017 that faith has kept him grounded over the years.

I went to Catholic school for 12 years and I was an altar boy for about seven of those years, he explained. I spent a lot of time behind the scenes in churches.

In the 80s, he dabbled in born-again Christianity before returning to his Catholic roots.

I have a strong belief in God, he explained, adding he describes himself as a gospel and brunch kind of guy.

Nothing says I love you Jesus more than gospel music and mashed potaters.James Franco won the Golden Globe for best actor in a musical or comedy Sunday night, but his win wasnt without controversy.

Shortly after Francos win for The Disaster Artist, an unverified Twitter account for actress Ally Sheedy began slamming the win.

Her tweets garnered social media attention and were deleted after outlets like Vanity Fair and E! News began reporting that Sheedy had called out Franco. One tweet read, James Franco just won. Please never ever ask me why I left the film/tv business.

Another stated, Ok wait. Bye. Christian Slater and James Franco at a table on @goldenglobes #MeToo

An earlier tweet from the night also referenced Franco. It read, Why is a man hosting? Why is James Franco allowed in? Said too much.

Many fans retweeted and replied to the messages which they took to imply the Breakfast Club star was accusing Franco of some sort of sexual harassment or abuse.

According to Vanity Fair, Sheedy worked with Franco on the 2014 play "The Long Shrift."

Sheedy is best known for her roles in St. Elmos Fire and The Breakfast Club.

Vanity Fair reported that it reached out to both Franco and Sheedy but has not received comment.

This isnt the first time Franco has caused controversy.

In 2014, Franco made headlines when messages became public that showed he reportedly tried to arrange a meetup with a 17-year-old girl at a New York hotel. After the scandal broke, Franco admitted the messages were legitimate and apologized saying he was embarrassed and had used bad judgement.

That same year he shared a nearly nude image on Instagram that showed him posing with his underwear pulled low and his hand in the waistband.

Francos win Sunday puts him on the inside track for an Academy Award nomination.

Franco played Tommy Wiseau, Hollywood cult hero of mysterious origins and the force behind the worst-best-film-ever "The Room," in "The Disaster Artist."

Franco, 39, a clear but not overwhelming favorite in the category, beat out fellow nominees Steve Carell for "Battle of the Sexes," Ansel Elgort for "Baby Driver," Hugh Jackman for "The Greatest Showman" and Daniel Kaluuya for "Get Out."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski said her jet-setting friends are embarrassed to be Americans while discussing if there was any reason for optimism in the Trump era on Monday.

I had some friends that went to Paris over the holiday and they said they were just viscerally embarrassed to be American, Brzezinski said.

The MSNBC star's co-host and fiance, Joe Scarborough, perhaps realizing she wasnt speaking to the average American, tried to intervene with a joke, asking, and Paris, Texas right?

Paris, France, she responded. They said it was the first time that it was sort of chilling.

Brzezinski said her friends didnt even want to share that they were on vacation from the United States.

Daily Caller media reporter Amber Athey didnt appreciate the comment.

Maybe Mikas friends should stay in Paris if theyre too embarrassed to admit that they are American, she wrote. We might be better off.

Last month, Brzezinski upset women who accused Mark Halperin of sexual harassment when she reported that she had tried to arrange a meeting so the now-disgraced political analyst could apologize.

Brzezinski said Halperin, who was fired from MSNBC after being accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, was "more than willing to meet with his accusers and apologize with them face-to-face."

The MSNBC star said she actually tried to offer him to them but the women don't want to talk to him.

Ten of Halperins accusers, including Emily Miller, Katie Glenn, Dianna May, Ella Spektor McManus and Lara Setrakian, sent a letter to MSNBC following Brzezinskis comments. The letter, signed by Ten victims of Mark Halperin, was posted on Facebook and states that Brzezinski was inappropriate for suggesting such a meeting and that she has a conflict of interest because of her personal friendship with Halperin.

Sexual harassment and assault is illegal in the workplace, and represents a violation of the policies and standards of NBC News," the letter said. "It is an unethical and harmful request to ask that sexual assault victims confront their accusers in person and, in particular, on live TV.

The letter went on to ask that Brzezinski practice higher standards of editorial judgment, compassion and human decency.

Brzezinski issued a statement after the backlash:

"We have been trying our best on Morning Joe to have an honest conversation about sexual harassment and sexual assault. The issue has hit close to home given that Mark Halperin was on our show. I have spent a lot of time talking to some of his accusers and to Mark himself. Often I bring up the issue on our show because I think it would be less than genuine to talk about the growing number of cases without recognizing that a former member of our team acted very badly.

"In our discussion about sexual harassment this morning, I said some things that hurt people. In the case of Mark, my goal today was to start a conversation about hearing from the men whenever we can, but I realize that it is not my place. It isnt my call to make, and for that I am truly sorry. As a victim of sexual assault, I understand that each individual's case is different. This is up to the victims, some of whom I've been in contact with. My hope is for all of us to come together to support the brave women who speak out and help make workplaces safer as we continue this difficult conversation in the months and years ahead.Recy Taylors life changed in 1944 when she was abducted and raped by six white men as she walked home from church. But nearly 75 years later, Taylors story  of tragedy, of hope, of perseverance  has renewed interest, including in the form of a new documentary.

Taylor, who would have been 98 on Sunday, was recognized by powerful media mogul Oprah Winfrey at the 2018 Golden Globes Awards. In her acceptance of a lifetime achievement award, Winfrey highlighted the transgressions against Taylor, a black woman, who lived as we all have lived  too many years in a culture broken by brutally powerful men.

Taylor was just 24 years old when she was walking home from church in Alabama. A group of white men pulled up and ordered Taylor into their car at gunpoint, according to the New York Times.

Taylor was taken into the woods where, despite her protestations, she was gang-raped by six men. Taylor was blindfolded, threatened and left on the side of the road after the attack, according to reports.

The NAACP assigned Rosa Parks to investigate the case, and she rallied support for justice for Taylor at the height of the Jim Crow era.

Two all-white, all-male grand juries ultimately declined to indict the men. Some had admitted to having intercourse with her (although they said it was consensual); one attacker admitted that Taylor was crying and asking us to let her go home to her husband and baby during the attack, the New York Times reported.

After the attack, Taylor said she didnt go out at night. And she became scared of living, too, she told NPR in a 2011 interview.

"And then I got afraid of living right there after that happened too, 'cause I was afraid that maybe something else might happen."  Recy Taylor

I didn't go out at night. And then I got afraid of living right there after that happened too, cause I was afraid that maybe something else might happen, she said.

But she also said she tried to live happy and did her best to be nice to people despite what happened to her.

And then again, I get to thinking  I said, Lord, they couldve killed me anyway. They was talking about killing me, but they couldve killed me with their gun. They couldve taken their gun and bust my brains out, but the Lord is just with me that night, Taylor said.

Taylor's story, along with those of other black women attacked by white men during the civil rights era, is told in "At the Dark End of the Street," a book by Danielle McGuire released in 2010.

Shes also the subject of a new documentary, The Rape of Recy Taylor, which was presented at the New York Film Festival in the fall of 2017.

Our film exposes a legacy of physical abuse of black women and reveals Rosa Parks intimate role in Recy Taylors story, the movies website said.

Taylor died on Dec. 28 in a nursing home in Abbeville, Ala., just before her 98th birthday. Her brother said Taylors death was sudden, and she had been in good spirits just the day before.

The Alabama Legislature passed a resolution apologizing to Taylor in 2011. And on Jan. 7, 2018, Taylor was recognized by Winfrey as an inspiration and someone you should know.

For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men, Winfrey said. But their time is up. Their time is up.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Despite eating his very first slice of pizza at the ripe old age of 72, English thespian Sir Patrick Stewart  now 77  has reportedly declared New Haven-style pizza to be the best hes ever eaten.

Stewart, along with his wife Sunny Ozell, made a trip to New Haven, Conn., last week and stopped at the citys famed Frank Pepes Pizzeria Napoletana for a couple of pies, according to Ozells Instagram account. And while Ozell, 38, claimed to be quite impressed by her mighty and compelling white clam pizza, she wrote that Stewart was far more enamored with the olive-topped pie he ate with a knife and fork.

THE TOP 5 PIZZAS IN AMERICA

[Stewarts] was also so tasty he proclaimed it the best pizza hed ever eaten (and, knowing him like I do, I know WHY he made that claim: the crust. Thin and crispy all the way through. Hes unnerved by doughiness, and fails to see the merit in the pliant and supplicant yield of a proper Napoletana pie. I digress), wrote Ozell.

Stewart also posed for a photo with the staff while "passing through" the city, reports the Connecticut Post, and his wife added that she and Stewart were still talking about their garlicky, salty pizzas well after they had finished.

Yay Frank Pepes and yay #newhavenpizza, wrote Ozell.

SEE PATRICK STEWART EAT A CHICAGO-STYLE PIZZA FOR THE FIRST TIME

Stewarts strange relationship with pizza first made headlines in 2013, after he tweeted a photo of himself enjoying his first ever slice at a New York pizza parlor. Stewart, however, was later forced to clarify that he had eaten pizza before  just never by the slice, with his bare hands.

In Stewarts defense, Frank Pepes, which opened in 1925, doesnt sell pizza by the slice, either. Furthermore, its only one of several popular New Haven pizzerias to serve New Haven-style pizza  or, as its regionally known, apizza (pronounced ah-beetz)  which is traditionally made in coal ovens, characterized by a thin, charred crust, and sold by the pie rather than by the slice.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Pizza purists would have a hard time arguing with Stewarts assessment of Pepes apizza, too. The Daily Meal voted Frank Pepes white clam pizza to be the best in America in 2017. Meanwhile, several other pies from nearby New Haven restaurants  including Modern Apizza the now-closed Sallys Apizza  ranked third and eighth on Daily Meals 2017 list.NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

We all know the story.

Wise men come from the east, following a star to Jerusalem. They tell King Herod theyre looking for the king of the Jews.

Like the rest of Jerusalem, Herod is troubled, not thrilled, by the news. To Herod, another king must be a rival for his throne. He knows how to handle rivals.

Herod sends the magi to Bethlehem, Davids city and the birthplace of the Messiah. He tells them to report back, enlisting them as unwitting spies.

The cross was the most radical political act of all. Jesus resisted Jewish rebellion and Roman brutality not by killing but by being killed.

When they trick Herod and return home by a different route, Herod sends thugs to Bethlehem to slaughter every male infant and toddler.

Herod reasons, If you have to sacrifice innocent children to protect your throne, so be it. Thats how the world works.

Its another Passover, but upside down. Herod, the king of the Jews, acts like Pharaoh, slaughtering Jewish babies.

Theres lamentation in Bethlehem as there was when the angel of death killed Egypts firstborn sons. But now Jewish women mourn.

All that blood, yet Herod fails anyway. An angel warns Joseph and he escapes the pogrom with Mary and Jesus. They find refuge  in Egypt of all places!

This is the topsy-turvy world Jesus is born into. Israel has turned into Egypt, while Egypt has become a safe haven for the Jewish savior.

Wise men are part of every Christmas creche and Sunday School pageant. Its the event that Christians commemorate every January 6, Epiphany, the manifestation of Christ.

We know the story, but we may miss the point.

Many Christians think that Herods ruthlessness is based on a misunderstanding. Jesus poses no political threat, they say. Didnt He say, My kingdom is not of this world?

Jesus didnt play politics by Herods rules. He changed the rules. He inspired new political hopes and new forms of political action.

Thats a misreading of Jesus mission. In fact, Herod had a better grasp of Christmas than many Christians. Herod was right: Jesus is a political threat.

We have a hard time seeing this. Modern Christians spiritualize Christianity. But a large chunk of the Bible is political history and political prophecy, which inspire political hopes.

Gods promises lay out what God will do in history on earth among the nations. They are political promises.

We hear them every time we listen to Handels Messiah.

Unto us a Child is born . . . and the government shall be upon his shoulder.

The Lord will set a king on Zion who shall dash [nations] in pieces like a potters vessel.

The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. And he shall reign forever and ever.

Mary sang about it. The birth of her son would bring the proud down from their thrones and raise the humble and fill the hungry.

We may not hear these as political promises, but they obviously are.

Everyone in Herods Palestine understood this. This is one of the reasons first-century Palestine saw nearly as much turmoil as todays Middle East.

At the time of Jesus birth, Rome had ruled Judea for several decades. First-century Jews were divided about how to respond.

Some, like the Jewish convert Herod, prospered from the Roman occupation. But many resented Romes presence, which, they thought, defiled the holy land.

They hoped that God would expel the Romans, restore temple worship, and raise Israel to ancient greatness.

We see Pharisees, for instance, as people obsessed with arcane purity rules. Actually, they were political activists. If they lived strictly by Torah, they hoped, God would rescue them.

They didnt just hope. They agitated. Some Pharisees were fanatical freedom fighters. Riots, terrorism, and symbolic demonstrations were common. So were Roman shows of force.

Jew couldnt be apolitical in this highly charged world. Keeping peace with Rome was as much a political stance as plotting revolution. Peacemakers were liable to be seen as traitors.

In particular, Jesus didnt even try to avoid politics. He preached incessantly about Gods kingdom, and he told Pilate he was born to be a king.

When he said, My kingdom is not of this world, he meant that it doesnt come from earth. His kingdom challenges earthly politics because it comes from heaven.

Even the word gospel has political connotations. It refers to the announcement of a military victory. As N. T. Wright has put it, Jesus proclaimed the victory of God.

Jesus didnt teach his disciples to withdraw from the rough and tumble of Jewish-Roman or Jewish-Jewish conflict. He taught them a different politics.

He had ferocious battles with Pharisees. The Pharisees werent wrong to believe that God made political promises to Israel. They simply practiced the wrong politics.

Jesus taught his disciples to turn the other cheek rather than take vengeance. He instructed them to carry a Roman soldiers luggage a second mile.

He emphasized what he called the weighty things of the law  mercy, justice, and truth. He taught his disciples to overcome evil by doing good, even to their enemies.

The cross was the most radical political act of all. Jesus resisted Jewish rebellion and Roman brutality not by killing but by being killed.

Herod was right, but only partly right. He recognized that another king of the Jews was a threat to his throne. He didnt realize how deep the threat was.

Jesus didnt play politics by Herods rules. He changed the rules.

He inspired new political hopes and new forms of political action. He taught a politics of truthful witness, justice, and mercy, rather than one of fear, violence, and vengeance.

As Wright puts it, Jesus preached a revolutionary way of being revolutionary. Thats the new politics manifested at Epiphany. Nothing is more threatening to the Herods of the world.NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

Proverbs 26:11 admonishes us not to repeat past failures, warning like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

Frustration with Republican Congressional leaders reached a fever pitch in 2017 as little progress was made on longtime promises of repealing ObamaCare and funding the border wall. Thankfully, the party finally came together to pass badly needed tax cuts and repealed ObamaCares individual mandate.

But surely, Republicans arent foolish enough to quickly squander this positive momentum by repeating past failures? And one year removed from electoral victories based on promises of Drain the Swamp! they wouldnt be so foolish to engage in swamp politics again? Apparently, they are.

A recent Fox News report suggests some Republicans want to return to earmarks, one of the most embarrassing Congressional follies in recent history.

Scratching each others backs is how we got $20 trillion in debt. Returning to earmark follies would be a victory for the swamp and a defeat for taxpayers.

Earmarks are simply when members of Congress direct federal spending to local projects in their state. For instance, in a large highway spending bill, the transportation committees would divide a multi-billion dollar bill, and give politicians a few million or billion dollars for their state or district based on seniority or political power. Then these congressmen could choose to spend that money on whichever road or local project they chose.

In theory, no one knows their home state better than the member that represents that area. In practical reality, this led to rampant waste, fraud and corruption. Billions of taxpayer dollars went to frivolous projects with no merit, members built monuments to me with roads and libraries named after themselves, and some even went to jail for pocketing money through earmarks.

You might be thinking: Could earmarks have been that bad? No, it was worse.

It wasnt just that individual earmarks wasted billions of dollars, they were the grease used to speed the tracks for runaway spending bills. Leadership and committee chairs used earmarks to buy votes for bad policy and big spending bills.

Some of the most wasteful earmarks included: $320 million for a Bridge to Nowhere in a small town in Alaska to connect to an island with 50 residents; $500,000 for a teapot museum in North Carolina; $3.4 million for a turtle tunnel under a highway in Florida; $1 million for a museum commemorating the 1969 Woodstock festival.

Monuments to me included: Former Congressman Charlie Rangel, D-NY, earmarked $2 million to the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service in New York. It seems half the state of West Virginia has roads and buildings named after the most prolific earmarker of his day, former Democratic Senator Robert Byrd. Also, Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., earmarked $38 million to a Kentucky park that includes a Mitch McConnell Loop Trail and $14 million to a University of Louisville library that now includes the McConnell Center and Elain Chao Auditorium.

And dont forget the corruption! Former Congressman David Wu, D-Wash., used a $2 million earmark to force the Marine Corps to buy shirts from a company in his district that gave him campaign contributions, but turns out the material could cause severe burns during battle. Former Republican Congressman Duke Cunningham from California was convicted and jailed for taking bribes from lobbyists in return for directing earmarks for them. And former Pennsylvania Democrat Congressman Chaka Fattah got 10 years in prison for using earmarks to enrich himself.

Those who like earmarks claim the White House gets to direct spending through their budget requests, so why cant Congress do it as well? Because painful experience has proven the failure of Congressional earmarks and appropriation bills can be written to reduce and eliminate bureaucratic earmarks. Congress role is supposed to provide oversight of the federal agencies, not join them in adding more wasteful requests.

Earmarks were eliminated in 2010 after a Tea Party wave built on disgust with overspending. The next year, conservatives forced Congressional leaders and President Obama into the first real government cuts in decades through spending caps in the Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011. And now, Congress is considering ending even these meager spending controls and promising members the ability to start the earmark gravy train all over again.

Congressmen and Senators are in Washington to do whats best for the country, not get stuff for their states and districts. There is nothing in our oath of office that says we will protect and defend parochial projects.

As Thomas Jefferson wrote to James Madison in 1796 concerning funding for road improvements for mail delivery:

Have you considered all the consequences of your proposition respecting post roads? I view it as a source of boundless patronage to the executive, jobbing to members of Congress and their friends, and a bottomless abyss of public money it will be a scene of eternal scramble among the members who can get the most money wasted in their state, and they will always get most who are meanest.

Scratching each others backs is how we got $20 trillion in debt. Returning to earmark follies would be a victory for the swamp and a defeat for taxpayers.NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

Anyone who tuned into the Golden Globes Sunday night hoping to be entertained instead got another dose of Hollywood hypocrisy. What could have been mistaken as a prime time blackout on your television screen was instead celebrities, dressed all in black to show solidarity for victims of sexual misconduct.

To many of us it looked like yet another contrived attempt at a lot of pomp and circumstance void of any real credibility.

Harvey Weinstein had a 30-year pattern of abuse that was well known among those in Hollywood. In a town filled with women who call themselves feminists and liberals who claim to champion women, nobody  nobody  who witnessed his abusive behavior said a word. Not one word.

Now that its safe - and one of the most powerful men in Hollywood is no longer a threat to any of their careers - their answer is to dress in black and pat themselves on the back to show they support the very victims of sexual misconduct who they ignored.

Hollywood hypocrisy has hit a new low.

To say celebrities live on their own little elite island detached from the reality most of the country experiences is a tremendous understatement.

Perhaps if they really wanted to elicit change they could have spoken up about a culture of behavior in Hollywood that was permitted to continue for far too long.

Women used the time they had on stage to talk about sexual harassment and sexual assault and eliciting change.

Perhaps if they really wanted to elicit change they could have spoken up about a culture of behavior in Hollywood that was permitted to continue for far too long.

Perhaps they could consider that change doesnt happen from a stage in a room full of their peers congratulating and applauding each other all night.

And maybe  just maybe  they should start talking about changing something when they see it happening, instead of waiting to talk about it on TV, with cameras rolling, while getting accolades from the audience.

On Twitter Sunday, actress Rose McGowan called out the Hollywood fakery, responding to a tweet from Italian Actress Asia Argento, who, like McGowan, has said that she was assaulted by Weinstein. Argento tweeted that nobody should forget that McGowan was the first one to break the silence on Weinstein, and McGowan replied: And not one of those fancy people wearing black to honor our rapes would have lifted a finger had it not been so. I have no time for Hollywood fakery, but you I love.

Sexual misconduct in Hollywood isnt going to be fixed by celebrities making a fashion statement or congratulating themselves for supporting women because it happens to be trendy. Nor is it going to be fixed by an eloquent made-for-TV speech.

A giant of Hollywood, the late George Burns, once famously said, Sincerity - if you can fake that youve got it made. If there was ever a marquee for last nights show, unfortunately that is it.NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

Now that Steve Bannon has carried his political jihad to its logical conclusion, martyrdom never looked so meaningless. A bright and talented man has sacrificed himself over nothing more significant than anger and vanity.

Consider a recent report that Bannon was mulling the idea of running for president in 2020. Presumably that was part of his plan to elect a batch of Roy Moores, depose Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and reshape Congress to match his own definition of economic nationalism.

As such, Bannons decision to go out in a blaze of personal attacks on the president and everybody else in the White House does Donald Trump and the GOP a giant favor. Bannon may live to fight another day, but, thankfully, Bannonism is dead.

But what of Trumpism? Is Fire and Fury, the Michael Wolff book where Bannon leaks and vents, the beginning of the end of Trumps presidency?

Maybe  but probably not. After all, every previous media-hair-on-fire moment has come to a forgettable dead end.

This time could be different, but more likely, the latest explosion of gossip and sniping marks just another day on the razors edge. This is the essential nature of the Trump presidency, where catastrophe is always a heartbeat away. It will be like that as long as hes in the Oval Office.

Take Iran. Clinton shared Obamas fantasy that there are moderates among the mullahs eager to play nice, so she backed the nuclear deal that is helping to finance Iranian war and aggression in the mideast.

This is who Trump is, and a year into his presidency, there is no reason to believe he will change. A penchant for creating melodrama seems essential to his being.

One result is that reports of his imminent demise have been near-constant ever since he came down the Trump Tower escalator in June of 2015. Those predictions have been nonstop  and always wrong.

Of course, this time could be different. Or maybe the next time will. Or maybe not.

Meanwhile, his is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency.

So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one.

Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of Clinton in the White House, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice.

This was truly a change election  and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching and necessary.

The economic boom is the most obvious difference voters got by electing him. The tax law he campaigned on, fought for and signed promises to add new dimensions to the boom and should fuel growth and new opportunities for millions of people.

Generations of families will lead better lives as a result, while a Clinton presidency would have been an orgy of regulations aimed at strangling capitalisms last animal spirits. How many thousands of points lower would the Dow be?

But the Trump effect is not limited to the economy. Think of the difference between Neil Gorsuch and a supreme court justice Clinton would have picked, now multiply that difference throughout the judicial food chain.

Think of Trumps policy toward Israel. Would Clinton dare to right historic wrongs and declare Jerusalem the capital of the Jewish state?

Never. Like Obama, she would have given the Palestinians a hecklers veto  and paid them millions more for their obstinance.

And what of North Korea? While Trumps taunting of Rocket Man makes me uneasy, the big difference is that he refuses to accept a nuclear North Korea. Clinton, on the other hand, would have adopted the Obama policy of containment, which is a diplomatic fig leaf for appeasing a madman with nukes.

Take Iran. Clinton shared Obamas fantasy that there are moderates among the mullahs eager to play nice, so she backed the nuclear deal that is helping to finance Iranian war and aggression in the mideast. Similarly, Clinton probably would repeat Obamas 2009 mistake and remain silent during the current demonstrations against the regime, while Trump is making it clear America stands with the demonstrators.

If Clinton had been elected, we would not know that top FBI leaders conspired against Trump to help her. Her financing of the Russian dossier would still be a secret, and there would be no knowledge that the FBI used her dirtiest trick to spy on Trump associates. Russian collusion would have been accepted as fact without a shred of evidence.

Even with Trump in the White House and Republicans controlling Congress, getting the truth about the deep states political meddling is proving difficult. But with Clinton in the White House, there would be no search and the truth of what looks like an unprecedented scandal would remain hidden forever.

Likewise, Clinton as president would face no further scrutiny over the classified email mess despite the rigged FBI probe that cleared her. And the revived examination of her pay-to-play arrangements as secretary of state would never have been considered.

There is another potential consequence of the election, too. With Bill and Hillary in the White House, would The New York Times have outed Harvey Weinstein as the sexual monster he seems to be?

I think not, for that would have embarrassed the Clintons because of their own sketchy past on the subject. In that case, the #MeToo movement would not exist and the predators, most of them media and Hollywood liberals, would still be in power.

These are just some of the many reasons why a Trump presidency, chaos and all, continues to be the course correction America needed. Heres hoping, then, that the latest predictions of his demise, like all those that came before, turn out to be premature.

Keep reading Michael Goodwin's column in the New York Post.NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

On Inauguration Day 2017, the Obama administration left President Trump a severely weakened and constrained military. For the better part of a decade, President Obama allowed his administrations sequestration to destroy the capabilities and readiness of our armed forces. He forced our Americans in uniform to take the risk that a weaker military would not further endanger their lives and our own national security.

In 2017, we witnessed North Koreas aggressive nuclear action, Russian meddling in democratic systems (including our own), and an Iranian regime dedicated to expanding its sphere of influence at the expense of their neighbors peace and freedoms. On top of all that, our men and women in uniform fight against violent radicalism around the world.

Given the scope of these challenges our military faces, remarkably, Secretary of Defense James Mattis testified, No enemy in the field has done more to harm the combat readiness of our military than sequestration. Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, General Dunford, added, Eight years of continuing resolutions and the absence of predictable funding has forced the [Defense] Department to prioritize near-term readiness at the expense of modernization and advance capability development.

In the final four years of the Obama presidency, our militarys ability to deploy around the world and win wars deteriorated. To right this wrong, in May, an overwhelming 140 of my Republican colleaguesthe majority of the majorityjoined me in asking Speaker Paul Ryan to bring a vote to repeal the sequestration of national defense to the floor. Congress can and must undo the devastation of the Obama era to our defense.

The president also called for this while signing the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18 NDAA) and again in his speech on the National Security Strategy. The first step in ensuring national security is funding our armed forces at the full $700 billion FY18 NDAA requirement.

Our Armed Forces are charged with securing not only our nation but our ideals of freedom and democracy around the world. Sadly, that force eroded during the Obama administration to one that has too many troops that cannot deploy, too many planes that cannot fly, and too many ships that cannot sail.

Our Armed Forces are charged with securing not only our nation but our ideals of freedom and democracy around the world. Sadly, that force eroded during the Obama administration to one that has too many troops that cannot deploy, too many planes that cannot fly, and too many ships that cannot sail.

During the last administration, our Army let nearly 90,000 soldiers go and fewer than 10 percent of our brigade combat teams are now ready to deploy.

We have 41 fewer ships than in 2001, over half of the Navys aircraft are grounded, and the tragedies of the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain show our sailors are pushed to the breaking point.

A full 80 percent of our Marine Corps aviation units lack the minimum number of ready aircraft.

The Air Force needs 2,000 more pilots to fly aircraft that are on average 27 years old.

The FY18 NDAA is a bipartisan effort of the House and Senate Armed Forces Committees to address these serious issues and provide our military the means necessary to regain their readiness. It is a good faith attempt from the Senators and Representatives, Republicans and Democrats, who know the national security landscape best, to regain the preeminence of our military.

Some of my colleagues in Congress are struggling to recognize the risk of continuing to weaken our armed services. We ask our service men and women to do more with less. Each time we defer our responsibility to fund our defense, we fail those willing to protect this nation with their lives.

Expecting our military to successfully operate on this system of fictional and unreliable budgeting is incredibly irresponsible, unrealistic, and gambles with our safety. We cannot continue to neglect our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen and expect them to be ready to answer the nations future calls. We need a fiscal deal to replace the devastating Budget Control Act and end the effects of sequestration.NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

Reversing Obama era policy, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has given federal prosecutors the discretion to prosecute marijuana traffickers. Thats good news for those who believe in the rule of law. And good news, too, for those concerned about public health and the safety of our nations youth.

On Jan. 4, Sessions revoked the Cole Memo, a 2014 Justice Department directive issued by then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole. The memo essentially gave marijuana producers and distributors in states that had legalized the drug immunity for violating federal drug laws.

Sessions directive gives the 94 U.S. Attorneys all over the country clear guidance for deciding when to prosecute those who violate federal law prohibiting marijuana cultivation and distribution.

The Baby Boomers reading this column should realize that the marijuana being produced today is many times stronger and more potent than what we saw in the 1960s. The science today is also much clearer: we have far greater knowledge of the long-term, deleterious effects of marijuana on the physical and mental health of users, particular children and teenagers.

Todays pot pushers are just Big Tobacco 2.0. Why else would they be infusing THC, the active ingredient, into everything from cookies to ice cream to Gummy Bears?

The bottom line: todays pot is a potentially dangerous substance. Thats why it is classified as a Schedule I controlled drug along with heroin, LSD, and ecstasy  it isnt alcohol. While alcohol can be abused, it is not addictive for most people. Moreover, most consumers stop well shy of the point of intoxication. Moderate amounts even have some positive health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Compared to alcohol, we now know that long-term marijuana use can cause physical disorders such as respiratory disease, social problems such as anomie, and mental health problem such as schizophrenia, something we didnt know about in the 1960s.

Its effect on the young may be more pernicious. It may impair the brain development of children and teenagers. It is associated with lower test scores and lower education attainment. Teenagers who use pot are also much less likely to graduate from college and much more likely to attempt suicide.

Todays pot is genetically modified to boost the high a user can get. The goal, naturally, is to get more people hooked on pot, just like Big Tobaccos goal was to get more people hooked on cigarettes.

Todays pot pushers are just Big Tobacco 2.0. Why else would they be infusing THC, the active ingredient, into everything from cookies to ice cream to Gummy Bears?

States like Colorado that have legalized marijuana use have seen huge increases in marijuana-related traffic accidents and fatalities as well as accidental poisonings of both children and pets.

These products directly target the young, creating serious risks for children who may not know what they are ingesting and teenagers who use these products to hide what they are doing from their parents.

States like Colorado that have legalized marijuana use have seen huge increases in marijuana-related traffic accidents and fatalities as well as accidental poisonings of both children and pets. Pot use by teenagers, who are most vulnerable to its damaging effects, has also greatly increased, as have school suspensions and expulsions for pot use.

The Cole Memo ignored all of this information, directing federal prosecutors to back off enforcement.

So does Sessions directive mean federal prosecutors are now going to go after the college kid who smokes a joint in his dormitory? Of course not. U.S. Attorneys have limited resources. They dont prosecute misdemeanors. The only criminals they will take to court are the large-scale manufacturers and distributors.

Revenue-hungry lawmakers in states like California and Colorado may be willing to trade the problems created by marijuana legalization for the tax bonanza they expect to reap. But its a very raw deal for their neighbors. States like Nebraska and Oklahoma have complained that Colorados legalization has increased trafficking into their states, with all of the myriad problems associated with increased drug abuse.

As Sessions memo notes, Congress determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that marijuana activity is a serious crime. The Attorney General has no authority to simply decide not to enforce a law, which is exactly what the Holder/Lynch Justice Department did. States cannot authorize parties to engage in conduct that federal law prohibits and as long as the Controlled Substances Act is on the books, states cannot tell their citizens to disregard it.

From a policy standpoint, it is wise to battle the growth of an industry that distributes a potentially dangerous drug in what is a national market and thus a national, not just a local, problem. But Sessions has also done the right thing from a legal standpoint. He has acted to preserve a constitutional government in which Congress determines what the law is, and the president and the attorney general fulfil their duty to enforce the law  not ignore it.New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday he'll be taking new trips across the country in support of the left, sending out new signals of White House hopes while denying it's a dry run for a presidential bid.

Since coming to City Hall in Jan. 2014, de Blasio has traveled outside the U.S. at least 11 times, including trips to Italy, Germany and France, and has taken trips outside the city at least 53 times  not including trips to Albany and Washington, D.C., The New York Post reported.

Looking to become a national leader in progressive politics, de Blasio has stated that Democrats must embrace a progressive agenda to win elections in the future.

He even offered muted praise for President Donald Trump in how he conveyed an economic vision for fairness.

Thats something Bernie Sanders did a great job with in 2016, and bluntly, Trump got a lot of that message out and attracted a lot of people, he said during a radio interview with John Catsimatidis. That should not be a message that someone like Trump can beat Democrats on.

Democrats have to have the strongest most progressive message of economic change and fairness, so I think thats even more important than a single leader emerging, de Blasio continued. Im going to go all around the country helping to support the folks who will be part of that change and the folks who believe in that kind of vision for the party.

De Blasio previously said hes not running for president and will serve all four years of his second and final term in office.

He won re-election handily in November, becoming the first Democrat to return to City Hall in New York since Edward Koch won a third term in 1985.

He boasted about the city recording the lowest number of annual homicides since the early 1950s. The police departments preliminary count is 290 homicides for 2017, a 14 percent drop from the year before.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.President Trump suggested Sunday that he, top administration officials and congressional Republicans made progress at their weekend retreat on such key 2018 issues as the budget, infrastructure and immigration but also continued to slam the new White House tell-all book as more fake news.

Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President, Trump tweeted. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I!

The president repeatedly has tried to discredit author Michael Wolff and his book Fire and Fury, even before the tell-all officially hit store shelves Friday.

Trump has tweeted a handful of on the matter, including calling Wolff a total loser. And at a Saturday news conference at Camp David, the president calling the book a work of fiction.

The book -- which Wolff claims is based on hundreds of interviews with people close to Trump and at least one recent talk with the president -- suggested Trump lacked the intellectual and emotional capacity to run the country.

Trump also tweeted Sunday: Leaving Camp David for the White House. Great meetings with the Cabinet and Military on many very important subjects including Border Security & the desperately needed Wall, the ever increasing Drug and Opioid Problem, Infrastructure, Military, Budget, Trade and DACA.

The presidents comments again have suggested the GOP-controlled Congress cannot strike a bipartisan deal on immigration, particularly protection for young illegal immigrants, unless Democrats agree to fund his U.S.-Mexico border wall.UK Prime Minister Theresa May shot down concerns about President Trumps mental fitness on Sunday, saying he acts in the best interests of his country.

May was forced to comment on Trumps mental state following the release of Michal Wolffs explosive book claiming some Trump advisers openly questioned the presidents mental capacity for the job.

Speaking with the BBC, the prime minister shot down any accusations against Trump, saying no to question if concerns about Trumps mental fitness were serious.

When I deal with President Trump what I see is somebody who is committed to ensuring that he is taking decisions in the best interests of the United States, she added.

May also reiterated that Trump will be coming to Britain for a visit, but come up short of providing exact date and details.

There have been questions whether Trump will visit the country as a full state visit, which would include meeting the Queen, or if he will opt out for a lower-key working trip amid probable mass protests.

Trump has previously come under fire from British lawmakers after they deemed some of his statements might have violated the countrys hate speech laws  prompting countrys members of the Parliament to debate whether he should be granted a full state visit.

In November, May criticized Trump after he retweeted inflammatory videos from a British fringe far-right political group, saying it was wrong to have done so.

The president, tweeted in response: Dont focus on me, focus on the destructive Radical Islamic Terrorism that is taking place within the United Kingdom. We are doing just fine!

The Associated Press contributed to this report.House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce on Monday became the latest influential Republican lawmaker to announce plans to retire from Congress at the end of his term.

In this final year of my Foreign Affairs Committee chairmanship, I want to focus fully on the urgent threats facing our nation, including: the brutal, corrupt and dangerous regimes in Pyongyang and Tehran, Vladimir Putins continued efforts to weaponize information to fracture western democracies, and growing terrorist threats in Africa and Central Asia, the California Republican said in a statement.

With this in mind, and with the support of my wife Marie, I have decided not to seek reelection in November, Royce said.

RETIREMENTS POSE CHALLENGE AS REPUBLICANS FIGHT TO KEEP CONGRESSIONAL MAJORITIES

He represents a district Democrats would love to flip and could be a problem for California Republicans to hold. Analysts at the Cook Political Report changed their view of the race in that district from "lean Republican" to "lean Democratic" after Royce's announcement.

Still, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Stivers said Republicans "are fired up and ready to hold this seat."

"We have just one message for Democrats who think they can compete for this seat: bring it on," he said.

Royce was first elected to Congress in 1992.

Other Republicans who arent running for re-election include Pennsylvania Rep. Bill Shuster, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee; Texas Rep. Joe Barton, the former chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce committee; Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and Virginia Rep. Bob Goodlatte, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Fox News Bret Baier, Mike Emanuel and Chad Pergram contributed to this report.Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is back at the populist Breitbart News and the administration's former chief of staff Reince Priebus is back at his old law firm.

Bannon and Priebus arent alone in needing to brush off their resumes after working briefly for the Trump administration; in the months after Donald Trump became president, more than one dozen high-level officials have been fired or resigned from the administration.

Read on for a look at what some former Trump administration officials are up to now.

Steve Bannon

Steve Bannon, a hardcore populist, was removed as the presidents chief strategist on Aug. 18, 2017. And it wasnt long before the former Breitbart News chief was back at his old conservative publication.

If theres any confusion out there, let me clear it up: Im leaving the White House and going to war for Trump against his opponents  on Capitol Hill, in the media, and in corporate America, Bannon told Bloomberg following his departure.

Bannon returned to Breitbart as its executive chairman on the same day his ouster from the White House was announced and led its evening editorial meeting, the site said.

And he immediately began to bump heads with his old boss.

Bannon and Trump first clashed during the Alabama special election as both men initially backed different candidates. Bannon backed the beleaguered former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, and Trump campaigned for incumbent Sen. Luther Strange. Moore won.

Bannon had an even greater falling out with Trump and his cohorts when unflattering comments were attributed to him in a recent White House tell-all book, Fire and Fury. In the highly controversial book, Bannon is quoted as calling a meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic.

Trump said Sloppy Steve has lost his mind, and Bannon attempted to backtrack from his comments. He said they were directed at Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign chairman.

My support is also unwavering for the president and his agenda, Bannon said in a statement.

James Comey

In less than a year, James Comey went from FBI director to college faculty.

Comey, who was unceremoniously fired by Trump in May 2017, joined Howard University as part-time lecturer.

The King Chair is part of the Washington, D.C., colleges push to provide students access to experienced, senior public service executives who developed and advanced public policy initiatives, according to a university press release.

Comey, who was sacked from his job at the FBI just two months after he announced the agency was looking into ties between the Trump campaign and Russias meddling in the presidential election, said he was honored to be at Howard.

Howard has a longstanding history of being a vibrant academic community and the perfect place to have a rich dialogue on many of the most pressing issues we face today, Comey said in a statement.

Comeys time at Howard got off to a rough start after his convocation address was overtaken by raucous protestors.

Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci was the White House communications director for only 10 days, but he caused quite the shake-up in less than two weeks.

During his tenure, the Goldman Sachs alumnus ranted about his coworkers in an infamous and crude interview with the New Yorker  specifically slamming former chief of staff Reince Priebus as a paranoid schizophrenic and former chief strategist Steve Bannon.

Since hes left the White House, Scaramucci has been quite active on social media  including tweeting some vaguely self-deprecating images.

In August, Scaramucci tweeted a cartoon depicting a cartoonist banging his head against the wall in frustration as Trump seems to fire White House misfits at a rapid pace. A computer screen in the cartoon reads, New flash! Mooch out!!  invoking Scaramuccis common nick name, The Mooch.

He also tweeted an image of a t-shirt that read, I was communications director for 10 days and all I got was this lousy shirt.

Scaramucci has also appeared on a variety of talk shows, including The View and Stephen Colberts Late Show.

Michael Flynn

Trumps former national security adviser is no longer part of the White House, but he still remains under multiple investigations for his dealings with foreign governments, particularly Russia, during the presidential campaign.

The embattled former Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn resigned under harsh scrutiny in February 2017 after it was revealed that he misled the administration when it came to his ties to and conversations with Russian officials.

Since his firing, Flynn registered as a foreign agent with the Justice Department in March.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating whether Flynn was involved in the push to obtain former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons emails from Russian hackers during the presidential campaign.

Several of Flynns allies and appointees in the White House have been slowly pushed out as well.

Sean Spicer

Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer could have been a star  a dancing star, that is.

After Spicer resigned as Anthony Scaramucci was hired as the White Houses short-lived communications director, he reportedly turned down an opportunity to be a contestant on ABCs Dancing with the Stars.

Sources told TMZ that Spicer turned down the gig because he has an overwhelming number of commitments in the fall and because hes not a good dancer.

Since he announced he was leaving the Trump administration, Spicer has been photographed with fans at Fenway Park and is angling to appear on Saturday Night Live. Spicer was also able to finally meet the pope. The former press secretary was infamously denied the opportunity to meet Pope Francis during Trump's trip to the Vatican in May.

Spicer joined the Worldwide Speakers Group as a paid speaker.

Melissa McCarthys depiction of his press briefing performances earned him a spot in Saturday Night Live lore, but it was his role as the architect of the Republican National Committees PR strategy that earned him a reputation as one of the partys most effective and hardest-charging strategists and communicators, his bio states.

His speaking topics include: navigating crises, a conservative viewpoint, an objective look at the philosophies, people and policies making the news and the Trump administration.

Spicer has continued to consistently share Trumps tweets and messages of support for the administration on Twitter.

Spicer also made a surprise appearance at the Emmy Awards in September, seemingly poking fun at his own claim about the size of the inauguration audience.

Reince Priebus

The former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus has rejoined his old law firm, he announced on Twitter.

Priebus said he has joined the Michael Best & Friedrich, a Milwaukee-based firm, as its president and will work from Washington, D.C. Priebus worked for the firm for about 13 years before he was the Republican National Committee chairman, according to the Associated Press.

Priebus also announced that he has joined the Washington Speakers Bureau.

Trump tweeted his congratulations to his former chief of staff and called him a really good and talented man.

Were proud of you, Reince! Trump said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Vice President Mike Pence will visit Egypt, Jordan and Israel later this month after postponing a trip to the Middle East in December following President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The White House says Pence will travel to the region Jan. 19-23, starting with a meeting in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Pence will also confer with King Abdullah II of Jordan and then hold two days of meetings and events in Israel.

Pence's agenda in Israel includes meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an address to the Knesset, and visits to the Western Wall and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.

Pence postponed his visit to Israel and Egypt in mid-December because of a Senate vote on Trump's tax overhaul.The U.S. admitted significantly fewer refugees in the first three months of fiscal year 2018 as the Trump administration implemented tougher vetting procedures and banned refugees from countries generating most of them.

The Wall Street Journal reported that 5,000 refugees were admitted to the country during the months of October, November and December. The figure is far below similar periods in recent years  with 25,671 refugees admitted in the same period during the Obama administration.

If the current rate of admission continues, the number of people given asylum in the U.S. will not reach the 2018 refugee ceiling of 45,000 set up by President Trump last year. The limit is already at its lowest since the program to resettle the refuges was started in 1980.

The downfall of the number of refugees admitted indicate the broader effect of the administrations crackdown on immigration, including the controversial decision to suspend admission from 11 countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, and creating tougher screening process of applicants.

The administration said the figures reflect its attempt at trying to find a balance between protecting legitimate refugees and the need to protect the countrys security.

Our job is to balance the need to protect legitimate refugees with the need to protect our security, Jennifer Higgins, associate director for refugee, asylum and international operations at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency, told the newspaper.

With admissions suspended from 11 countries, where most refugees tend to come from, nearly a quarter of admissions in the last period were from Bhutan, a tiny country in Asia with fewer than a million people, according to the Journal.

The publications review of the refugee admission data also showed that there has been a significant decline in Muslim refugees coming to the U.S. in the last period, while the proportion of Christians, Buddhists and Hindus has risen. In recent years, almost half of the refugees identified as Muslim, but only 14 percent of people identified as such in the last three months of 2017.

The decreasing number was criticized by advocates of refugees, who said the country is failing to take the leadership.

Its enormously discouraging and dispiriting, and it is another reflection of this administrations march away from the principle of humanity, president of Refugees International Eric Schwartz, who also ran the refugee program at the State Department during the Obama administration, told the Journal.

But the State Department dismissed the allegations that the U.S. is turning back on refugees, saying the number of admitted refugees tend to fluctuate and it remains premature to speculate whether the number will be below the 2018 ceiling.

The premise that we are turning our backs on them is patently wrong, Higgins told the Journal, noting that tougher vetting procedures slowed down due to new initiatives, including rescreening refugee applicants who had already been through the process.

The Associated Press contributed to this reportFormer Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney was treated over the summer after a prostate cancer diagnosis, Fox News has confirmed.

An aide said Romney was surgically treated by Dr. Thomas Ahlering at UC Irvine Hospital. The treatment was successful and Romneys prognosis is good, the person said.

"Last year, Governor Mitt Romney was diagnosed with slow-growing prostate cancer," an aide said. "The cancer was removed surgically and found not to have spread beyond the prostate."

The disclosure comes as Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, is believed to be preparing to launch a campaign for Senate in Utah. GOP Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch recently announced he wont seek re-election.

Romney  who owns homes in both states  changed the location on his Twitter account from Massachusetts to Utah the day Hatch announced his retirement.

The 70-year-old Romney hasnt announced plans to run for the seat, but issued a statement last week praising Hatch.

I join the people of Utah in thanking my friend, Senator Orrin Hatch for his more than forty years of service to our great state and nation, Romney said.

Romney served as governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007. He unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for president in 2008. He then was nominated by the Republican Party for president in 2012, but lost to then-President Barack Obama in the general election.

Romney and President Trump have had a tumultuous relationship. Trump endorsed Romney during the 2012 race, but Romney became a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 election.

Romney was considered by Trump to serve as secretary of state last year, but the president passed him over for now-Secretary Rex Tillerson.

Amid reports of Romney's interest in the Utah seat, Trump publicly encouraged Hatch to seek another term. Since Hatch's announcement, however, Romney and Trump spoke by phone to discuss Hatch and the Senate seat, a White House official said.

Fox News' Kristin Brown and Amy Fenton contributed to this report.The Supreme Court is refusing to intervene in a legal fight over a Mississippi law that permits government workers and private businesses to cite their own religious beliefs to deny services to LGBT people.

Opponents say the law will likely lead to discrimination against those who support same-sex marriage.

The justices did not comment Monday in their decision to leave in place a federal appeals court ruling that allowed the law, known as HB 1523, to take effect. A three-judge panel held that the law's challengers failed to show they would be harmed by it. The appellate judges did not rule on the law's substance.

"Two years ago Mississippi passed one of the strongest religious freedom laws in the country," state House Judiciary B Chairman Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, told the Clarion-Ledger. "I was pleased to read today that the United States Supreme Court refused to intervene, allowing our law to remain in full effect. Congratulations to Gov. Phil Bryant and his legal team."

The Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBT civil rights group, calls it the "most sweeping and devastating state law to be enacted against LGBTQ people in the country."

AG DIRECTIVE PROTECTS RELIGIOUS OBJECTORS TO LGBT RIGHTS

The legal battle is not over, however. A federal judge has allowed the law's challengers to try to find people who have been denied services under the law because they would be able to make a strong legal claim that they have been harmed.

The Mississippi legislature drafted and approved the measure after the Supreme Court's 2015 decision that legalized same-sex marriage across the country. Gov. Phil Bryant signed it into law in 2016, but it was blocked for more than a year amid several legal challenges. It took effect Oct. 10.

The law claims to protect three beliefs: that marriage is only between a man and a woman, that sex should only occur in such a marriage and that a person's gender is determined at birth and cannot be altered.

The law allows county clerks who object to same-sex marriage on religious grounds to avoid issuing licenses to gay and lesbian couples. It also protects merchants who refuse services to LGBT people, and might also affect adoptions and foster care, business practices and school bathroom policies. Opponents say it also allows pharmacies to refuse to fill birth control prescriptions for unmarried women.

Mississippi is one of 28 states that does not have a law prohibiting businesses from discriminating against people because of their sexual orientation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Some 200,000 people could have to leave the U.S. or face deportation as the Trump administration announced it is ending special protections for Salvadoran immigrants, officials said Monday.

Many people from El Salvador have been in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status, a designation that allows certain nations' citizens to remain in America due to a variety of safety concerns. But that temporary status will end in 2019, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

El Salvador is by far the largest beneficiary of the program, according to the Associated Press.

What is Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a special designation that provides humanitarian relief for foreigners whose countries are hit with some unsafe condition  such as a natural disaster or war.

These protections could be granted to entire countries or parts of countries, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). TPS can also be granted to immigrants who are already in the U.S.

Circumstances that could warrant TPS include: ongoing armed conflict, civil war, environmental disaster or an epidemic.

Those who have TPS status cannot be detained by Homeland Security because of his or her immigration status, USCIS said. These individuals are also not removable from the U.S., can receive travel authorization and can obtain an employment authorization document, according to USCIS.

People who have been convicted of a felony or at least two misdemeanors are not eligible for this protection. Additionally, individuals who are found to be participating in the persecution of another individual or engaging in or inciting terrorist activity, may not be eligible for TPS, according to USCIS.

Why was it granted to Salvadorans?

Salvadoran immigrants were granted TPS following the devastating earthquakes that struck Central America in 2001. Many immigrants have since established deep roots in the U.S., starting families and businesses over decades.

TPS for El Salvador had been extended through March 9, 2018, according to USCIS.

However, the status will be officially terminated as of Sept. 9, 2019, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen said Monday, giving immigrants 18 months to leave the country or face deportation.

Why would the Trump administration cut it?

DHS said the decision to terminate TPS for Salvadoran immigrants was made following a review of the situation that prompted the initial designation.

The unsafe conditions caused by the 2001 earthquakes are no longer an issue, DHS said in a press release, citing a significant amount of international aid to assist [El Salvador] in its recovery efforts.

"Getting them to a permanent solution is a much better plan than having them live six months to 12 months to 18 months (in the U.S.)," Nielsen told the Associated Press last week.

What other countries have lost TPS under the Trump administration?

Protections have already been ended for Haitians by Nielsens predecessor, then-acting Secretary Elaine Duke. About 50,000 Haitians are required to leave the U.S. or adjust their legal status by July 22, 2019.

Duke also ended protections for Nicaraguans, giving some 2,500 people until Jan. 5, 2019 to make a decision about their futures.

And last year, the Trump administration extended status for South Sudan and ended it for Sudan. Other countries still covered are Honduras, Nepal, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.President Trump is known for using Twitter to communicate his thoughts  but hes also known for the spelling and grammar errors throughout his tweets.

Heres a look at some of Trumps more interesting online spelling and grammar errors.

Enormously consensual presidency

In an effort to share some praise for his administration from a New York Post columnist, Trump inadvertently referred to his administration as an enormously consensual presidency.

His is turning out to be an enormously consensual presidency. So much so that there has never been a day that I wished Hillary Clinton were President, Trump tweeted on Jan. 7, 2017, referencing a New York Post column by Michael Goodwin.

The problem: Goodwin didnt call Trumps presidency consensual. Instead, he called it consequential.

Trump eventually deleted the tweets and republished a corrected version, but not before Twitter took notice. As Politico reported, the error seemed particularly egregious as the president has been accused of sexual misconduct.

In the original tweets, Trump left out a clause that was critical of the White House from the column. The amended tweets included the phrase, despite my own frustration over his missteps. Additionally, Trump also added Goodwins email address to the original tweet. The corrected tweets included a link to the column, instead.

Covfefe

Trump turned one of his more famous spelling mistakes into a contest of sorts when he asked his 46 million followers to figure out what exactly is a covfefe.

Despite the constant negative press covfefe, Trump tweeted just after midnight on May 31, 2017, in a post that was eventually deleted.

Later that morning, Trump asked which of his followers can figure out the true meaning of covfefe.

Loose

Before Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was dubbed Lyin Ted during the 2016 presidential election by Trump, the Manhattan businessman predicted his GOP opponent would loose to then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Ted Cruz is totally unelectable, if he even gets to run (born in Canada). Will loose big to Hillary. Polls show I beat Hillary easily! WIN! Trump tweeted in January 2016.

The tweet was not deleted.

Payed

All of the phony T.V. commercials against me are bought and payed for by SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS, the bandits that tell your pols what to do, Trump said in a still-live March 2016 tweet.

In nautical terms, the past tense of pay is payed. But when it comes to finance, its paid.

Barrack

In multiple instances, Trump added an additional letter to his presidential predecessors name.

The dying [National Review] has totally given up the fight against Barrack Obama. They have been losing for years. I will beat Hillary! Trump tweeted in January 2016.

Just another desperate move by the man who should have easily beaten Barrack Obama, Trump said in March 2016 in a tweet about Mitt Romney.

Unpresidented

It took Trump and his team more than an hour to fix the atrocious spelling of the word unprecedented in a December 2016 tweet.

China steals United States Navy research drone in international waters - rips it out of water and takes it to China in unpresidented act, Trump tweeted.

The corrected tweet was retweeted more than 18,000 times.

The Guardian dubbed "unpresidented" to be its word of the year.

Honered

The day after he was inaugurated, Trump misspelled the word honored.

I am honered to serve you, the great American People, as your 45th President of the United States, he said.

As the British newspaper Metro reported, that wasnt the first time Trump struggled with a variation of the word honor in tweets. Following a February 2016 debate, Trump tweeted, Wow, every poll said I won the debate last night. Great honer!

Both tweets have been deleted.

Gas and Thr

Trump has often decried the press coverage he has received throughout the course of his presidential campaign and young presidency. And his frustration with the media was glaringly evident with a January 2017 typo-ridden tweet.

Thr coverage about me in the [New York Times] and the [Washington Post] gas been so false and angry that the times actually apologized to its.., Trump said on January 28, 2017.

Aside from not capitalizing the Times, Trump misspelled the words the and has.

Hearby versus Here by

As the Washington Posts Mike Madden pointed out, Trump twice struggled with the word hereby on March 3, 2017.

I here by demand a second investigation, after Schumer, of Pelosi for her close ties to Russia, and lying about it, Trump said.

That tweet was deleted, and Trump tried again.

I hearby demand a second investigation, after Schumer, of Pelosi for her close ties to Russia, and lying about it, Trump said.

Trump eventually got hereby right that afternoon, and the correct tweet garnered more than 39,000 retweets.

Tapp

How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during this very sacred election process, Trump tweeted on March 4, 2017. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!

Despite the blatant spelling error the tweet has not been deleted. It has more than 52,000 retweets.After months of shying away from the toxic topic, Democrats increasingly are embracing political rhetoric that flirts with the impeachment of President Trump  signaling a strategy that could work its way into the mainstream in the 2018 midterms.

From the base, the party sees encouragement. A petition with 4 million signatures demanding Trumps impeachment and a survey showing 70 percent of Democrats backing at least hearings on the matter could nudge Democrats further into the impeachment camp in the new year.

The publication of the Fire and Fury tell-all, meanwhile, has only emboldened Trumps critics, by seeming to raise questions about his stability  which the president openly confronted in a weekend tweet-storm declaring he is a very stable genius.

Democrats must win 24 House seats and two Senate seats to regain control of Congress in 2018, but have a historically tough time motivating their voters in non-presidential years.

'Smart Democrats know its a dumb idea.'  legal commentator Andrew McCarthy, on impeachment push

Neil Sroka, spokesman for Democracy for America, a liberal activist group that endorses and raises money for Democratic candidates, claimed the impeachment push has public support.

Democrats should run on an inclusive, populist agenda of free college and paid family leave, but shouldnt shy away from supporting impeachment, Sroka told Fox News.

HOUSE REJECTS TRUMP IMPEACHMENT RESOLUTION

Millions of people around the country support impeaching the president. Democratic candidates in deep blue districts can and should be for impeachment, Sroka continued. It would be politically stupid for any Democrat to come out against impeachment.

Last month, 58 House Democrats voted to bring an impeachment resolution up for debate. While party leadership has publicly shunned the idea, Democrats recently tapped Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York to be ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, replacing disgraced ex-Rep. John Conyers. Washington Post columnist Paul Kane described the choice as a move to ready themselves for a battle with President Trump that could end with impeachment proceedings, given Nadlers expertise in constitutional law.

Some impeachment advocates say it doesnt matter that Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia isnt complete.

In November, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., and four other Democrats introduced five articles of impeachment against Trump. Reps. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., and Al Green, D-Texas, were the first to introduce an impeachment resolution in July, alleging obstruction of justice in the Russia investigation. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., ended one speech last year with an "impeach 45" chant.

Even Sherman, though, expressed caution against making impeachment a campaign issue.

This is a matter of constitutional principal, not politics, Sherman told Fox News. Members should look at the actions of the president and determine whether they believe he obstructed justice or committed other acts warranting impeachment.  Talk of impeachment has already had an effect. Imagine how President Trump would behave if he thought there was absolutely no risk of impeachment. We need not wait until all the various investigations give us a complete catalog of all of Trumps wrongdoings.

The publication last week of Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House fueled the impeachment fever.

Liberal billionaire Tom Steyer, who has spent $20 million to promote impeachment, sent a copy of the Wolff book to all 535 members of Congress. Steyers NeedToImpeach.com petition collected 4.1 million signatures. He told a California radio station KQED Friday: It is an open-and-shut case, that he has met the criteria for impeachment. We're supportive of the Mueller investigation, he is investigating two out of the nine criteria that this president has met.

Steyer has said in TV ads that past presidents have been impeached for lesser crimes.

But where Trump critics see an open-and-shut case, others see a major pitfall for the party.

Steyers assumption is that Trump committed espionage with Putin. If proven, he would be quite right, but it hasnt been proven, conservative legal commentator and author Andrew McCarthy told Fox News. The country will not broadly find it attractive if there is a lack of evidence. Fair-minded people will not want to impeach. Smart Democrats know its a dumb idea.

McCarthy nevertheless believes Democrats will feel pressure from a rabid base to run on impeachment, and some members could fear a primary if they arent on board.

The base can make Democrats do politically stupid things, said McCarthy, former chief assistant U.S. attorney in New York. If the Democrats front and center issue is impeachment, they will not win in the midterms. It would be a bad strategy to run on.

A Wall Street Journal-NBC poll last month found 41 percent of Americans want Congress to hold impeachment hearings. Of that, 70 percent of Democrats, 40 percent of independents and 7 percent of Republicans back a House inquiry.

Only Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached in the House, where it takes just a majority, and both were acquitted in the Senate, where it takes a two-thirds supermajority to remove. Clintons 1998 impeachment was for perjury and obstruction of justice in connection with the Monica Lewinsky scandal, while Johnsons 1868 impeachment was about violating the Tenure of Office Act after he fired War Secretary Edwin Stanton. President Richard Nixon resigned after the House Judiciary Committee approved articles of impeachment over Watergate, to avoid impeachment and removal. Article II of the Constitution says impeachment can be based on "treason, bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors."

Many Democrats will want to impeach Trump even if they dont have anywhere near the numbers in the Senate, McCarthy said. Thats in part because they hate Trump and in part because theyre still sore about the Clinton impeachment 20 years ago.

But Sroka is taking a just-you-wait approach on the Senate numbers.

Well see what two-thirds looks like, Sroka said. Given the range of impeachment-worthy offenses by Donald Trump, its difficult to compare with what Republicans tried to impeach Bill Clinton over, or what Andrew Johnson was impeached for.Stunning images show the moment that a 50,000-pound humpback whale pushed a snorkeler through the water to protect her from a nearby shark.

The pictures of Nan Hauser, 63, show how the massive sea creature pushed the whale biologist with his head and his mouth, then tucked her under its pectoral fin and even lifted her out of the water on one occasion.

However, lurking near the mammal and Hauser was a 15-foot tiger shark, as well as another whale that was moving its tail to ward off the shark.

SHARK SINKS TEETH INTO SURFER'S LEG IN TERRIFYING ATTACK

The whale biologist told the Daily Mirror that she believes the moment in September reveals the whales intuitive instinct to protect another species of animal.

As Hauser returned to the safety of the boat, in the waters off Muri Beach, Rarotonga, the Cook Islands, the whale even came back to check on her.

Hauser, who lives on the Cook Islands, said to the Daily Mirror: I wasnt sure what the whale was up to when he approached me, and it didnt stop pushing me around for over 10 minutes.

GREAT WHITE SHARK TRACKED FOR YEARS HAS FALLEN OFF THE RADAR

I didnt want to panic, because I knew that he would pick up on my fear, Hauser told the Daily Mirror. I feel a very close kinship with animals, so despite my trepidation, I tried to stay calm and figure out how to get away from him.

Hauser had never seen the whale before she entered the water that day.

On the biologist's nearby research vessel, Hauser's team was worried about her, abandoning their drone footage because, as Nan describes the moment, they "did not want to film my death."

SHARK ATTACKS NEWLYWED ON HER HONEYMOON, VIDEO GOES VIRAL

Dolphins have been known to exhibit protective behavior and many stories have been told, but Hauser had never experienced something like that with a humpback.

For over 10 minutes, Hauser said, she was focused on the whale, unaware of the shark nearby.

They truly display altruism - sometimes at the risk of losing their own lives.

A surfer in Hawaii was recently left with a large gash in her leg after she was attacked by a tiger shark on New Years Eve.Hypothermic sea turtles that were on the brink of death last week along the Texas Gulf Coast are recovering and being released back into the wild.

More than 2,000 cold stunned turtles were rescued out of frigid gulf waters from New Years Day through Friday, in what is now the largest cold stunning event since 1980.

I havent had much sleep, said Donna Shaver, Texas Coordinator of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network.

NEARLY 1,000 SEA TURTLES RESCUED ALONG TEXAS GULF COAST

Shaver organized the enormous rescue effort that spanned almost the entirety of the Texas Gulf Coast. The National Parks Service led the rescues with help from Sea World San Antonio, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, ARK and the Texas Sea Life Center.

The effort was especially difficult Thursday and Friday because many turtles had been exposed to 40-degree water for almost a week.

I put on Facebook a post asking for help from my volunteers, I was desperate, said Shaver.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER OVER 100 NEW SPECIES, INCLUDING CROCODILE LIZARD, SNAIL-EATING TURTLE

The turtles recovered at three local animal rehablitiation facilities -the Texas State Aquarium, Texas Sea Life Center, and ARK.

Nearly 400 turtles were released back home Sunday afternoon. The event brought 2,500 people to Padre Island National Seashore to watch, much like the popular sea turtle hatchling releases. Hundreds more turtles will be released Monday and Tuesday.

Its just release after release, said Shaver.

PYTHON HUNTER KILLS MONSTER 17-FOOT SNAKE IN FLORIDA EVERGLADES, SETS NEW RECORD

Conditions should be much more favorable for the sea turtles this week. After air temperatures dropped below freezing and wind chills hit the teens last week, Corpus Christis forecasted high was above 70 for Monday. Warm air will quickly increase shallow water temperatures where many of the turtles live.

While most of the turtles will go back into the wild, approximately 500 were found dead, or died soon after being rescued. The breadth of the cold made it very difficult to get the turtles out of the water, and some were stuck for many hours if not days.

Its really hard to get to them all before some perish because our events are state wide, said Shaver. Other areas of the country are also having cold stunning but thats in pockets.

The remaining turtles that survived but arent ready to be released will likely have a slow recovery. According to Shaver, some of them will have to be put down.

The likelihood of them surviving and being able to survive in the wild is minimal, said Shaver.James Damore, the onetime Google employee who was fired after he wrote a memo criticizing the firm for pushing diversity, has filed a class action lawsuit against the tech giant.

The suit was filed Monday in Santa Clara Superior Court. Damore is joined in the lawsuit by another former Google engineer, David Gudeman.

READ DAMORE'S LAWSUIT HERE.

Damore, Gudeman, and other class members were ostracized, belittled, and punished for their heterodox political views, and for the added sin of their birth circumstances of being Caucasians and/or males, the lawsuit alleged. This is the essence of discriminationGoogle formed opinions about and then treated Plaintiffs not based on their individual merits, but rather on their membership in groups with assumed characteristics.

EX-GOOGLE EMPLOYEE JAMES DAMORE: 'UNDERGROUND CONSERVATIVE NETWORK' IN SILICON VALLEY BEING HUNTED BY LEFTISTS

Damore told Fox Business that Google still engages in harassment and career sabotage of anyone that expresses a conservative viewpoint, and theres constant shaming and attacks against white men within Silicon Valley.

Google employees and managers strongly preferred to hear the same orthodox opinions regurgitated repeatedly, producing an ideological echo chamber, a protected, distorted bubble of groupthink, the lawsuit continued. When Plaintiffs challenged Googles illegal employment practices, they were openly threatened and subjected to harassment and retaliation from Google.

Damore was fired last summer after he wrote a memo criticizing Google for pushing mentoring and diversity programs and for alienating conservatives. He also blamed biological differences for the relative lack of women in tech.

GOOGLE FIRES EMPLOYEE BEHIND ANTI-DIVERSITY MEMO, REPORTS SAY

"We look forward to defending against Mr. Damore's lawsuit in court," a Google spokesman told Fox News, via email.

The search giants employment practices have been in the spotlight recently. In September, three women who previously worked at Google filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming gender-based pay discrimination. Last month Google scored a win in the lawsuit when a California state judge dismissed class action claims. However, a revised suit seeks class-action status against Google, claiming that the search giant for asking new hires about their prior salary, a practice now banned in California.

The suit, filed last week, also adds a fourth complainant, a preschool teacher with a masters degree. The four women claimed Google underpaid them compared with their male counterparts.

GOOGLE PAYS HIGHER SALARIES TO MEN THAN MORE-EXPERIENCED WOMEN: SUIT

The lawsuit came on the heels of a three-year federal investigation into pay practices at Google. Last year, Labor Department regulators accused Google of underpaying female workers. The Mountain View, Calif.-based firm vehemently denied the charges.

According to Googles most recent workplace data, 69 percent of the companys global workforce is male. In the U.S., 56 percent of the companys employees are white.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogersAn American tourist in Phuket, Thailand, was arrested and transported to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation after allegedly overdosing on Viagra and causing a disgusting scene at the Phuket International Airport.

Steve Cho, a 27-year-old man from New York, was subdued by no less than six security guards  as well as additional airport staff  after he was observed wandering nude through the departures area of the airport while waiting for a flight to Incheon, South Korea, on Jan. 4, The Mirror reports.

PEE-HAPPY PASSENGER ARRESTED AFTER URINATING ALL OVER PLANE BATHROOM

Witnesses say Cho was also babbling incoherently and throwing his own feces at terrified onlookers.

"This was the scariest and most disgusting thing I ever saw at an airport, said one witness who spoke with The Mirror. I stayed away from the man in case he attacked anybody."

Once apprehended by security, Cho was removed to the less populated area of the terminal, where he eventually regained his composure and admitted to ingesting too much Viagra, according to airport officials.

UNITED PASSENGER SMEARS FECES IN PLANE'S BATHROOM, GETS FLIGHT GROUNDED

"He accepted responsibility to reimburse for any damages that he caused. His trip to Incheon was cancelled and he was brought to Saku Police Station for further investigation, said HKT officials in a statement obtained by The Mirror.

''However, we would like to insist that the officers did not harm the man when arresting him and a strict code of conduct was followed, they added.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Meanwhile, Jan. 4, 2018, is shaping to go down in history as perhaps the grossest day in aviation history: That same day, a man aboard a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Hong Kong managed to get the plane diverted to Alaska after smearing his own feces in the planes bathrooms. And in Florida, a man waiting to depart on a Spirit Airlines flight to Michigan was arrested after urinating all over the toilet and carpeting of the aircrafts bathroom.Disney is facing a wave of online criticism for the Black Panthers skin tone on a new collector's pin.

Word of the pin first began circulating on social media after an unofficial website called Disney Pins Blog wrote about its release ahead of the upcoming movie based on the Marvel character. The blog tweeted out a now-deleted photo of the $12.99 pin, available for purchase at Walt Disney World parks, which showed the masked Black Panthers face on a green background. But what people noticed most about the design was the color of the characters skin.

H&M APOLOGIZES FOR 'COOLEST MONKEY' SWEATSHIRT AD FEATURING BLACK CHILD

...uhh... Disney? Yeah... one.......... small........ problem.......... Black Panther isnt.................................. white, one Twitter user wrote in response to the photo. Others agreed, noting how light the characters skin looked under the mask, despite the fact that the Black Panther is African.

Following the initial criticism, Disney Pin Blogs later sent out a second tweet with a new photo of the pin, noting how the stores lighting contributed to the pins original appearance. Sorry for any confusion the previous photo may have caused. It was unaltered, but shot under a bright light at the pin store and may have caused differences in color. We are constantly posting all of the many new pin releases and sometimes make mistakes. Thank you, the blog wrote.

However, despite the second photo, reactions on Twitter largely remained the same, with many pointing out that, regardless of lighting, the characters skin still looks too light.

Omg even the correct lighting version looks white, one user commented.

More brown than light, but TChalla is black, another added.

If it can be confused under different lights it[,] means the designers didn't do their job, another person wrote.

I understand they need the paint to be different enough to be recognizable at a distance, but then why not just have his eyes like [they're] supposed to be? a Twitter user commented, referring to the comic book characters appearance.

Ryan Mondics, the owner and editor-in-chief of Disney Pin Blog, told Polygon there was a large quantity of the pins still available at the World Spring Marketplace as of Sunday

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

A representative for Disney World Resorts declined to comment on the matter.A belligerent Spirit Airlines passenger was arrested at the Southwest Florida International Airport after allegedly urinating all over the lavatory floor during a flight from Fort Myers to Michigan while intoxicated.

Dante Bencivenga, of Fort Myers, Fla., was charged with disorderly intoxication and trespassing on Thursday. He has also been banned from returning to the Southwest Florida International Airport for a year, according to WBBH-TV.

BEAR SPRAY, SICKLES AND ROCKETS: THE STRANGEST THINGS EVER SEIZED BY THE TSA

An attendant had reportedly smelled alcohol on Bencivenga, 58, before he had even boarded the plane, while he was sleeping near the gate. Shortly after Bencivenga boarded, flight attendants learned that he had urinated all over the carpet and toilet in one of the airplanes lavatories while waiting for the flight to take off, and they asked him to leave the aircraft, the Associated Press reported.

Once back at the gate, Bencivenga cursed out an airport agent, who subsequently called in the airport police. He was rebooked on another flight scheduled for Friday, but refused to leave the concourse and continued to cause disruption in the terminal.

He was also adamant that he wasnt intoxicated, and demanded that the responding officer administer a breathalyzer test, which the officer refused, according to WBBH.

UNITED PASSENGER SMEARS FECES IN AIRPLANE BATHROOM, GETS FLIGHT GROUNDED

Bencivenga was ultimately arrested after telling the officer to go ahead and put the bracelets on me, because Im not leaving. He was later booked into Lee County Jail.

Bencivengas arrest occured the same day United Airlines suffered a similar incident on a Hong Kong-bound flight from Chicago, during which a man smeared feces all over two of the aircrafts bathrooms and tried to flush his shirt down a toilet. The United flight was diverted to Alaska, and the passenger was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

A representative for Spirit Airlines was not immediately available for comment.A JetBlue flight departing from Boston on Saturday afternoon had to return to Boston's Logan Airport after an unusual odor was detected on board.

JetBlue flight 1095 from Boston to Punta Cana departed Logan Airport at around 5:00 p.m. but was diverted back to the departure site and landed at 6:24 p.m.

An official statement from the airline says the crew on board reported an unusual odor on the plane, which caused customers and crew members to feel ill.

As a safety precaution, the plane returned to Boston where everyone on board received medical attention and the aircraft will be inspected.

Read the full statement below:

"Shortly after departure from Boston the crew on board JetBlue Flight 1095 to Punta Cana reported an unusual odor and customers and crewmembers feeling unwell. In an abundance of caution, the crew elected to return to Boston and was met by medical personal. The aircraft will be inspected."

More from FOX 25 Boston.Its been more than four years since her son died during a fraternity hazing, but the wound is still fresh for mother Mary Deng.

I feel like theres a cat clawing and scratching at my heart, hurting me persistently and relentlessly, Deng wrote in a statement to be read in court Monday. I wake up and I pray for deliverance.

Dengs son, Chun Michael Deng, was a 19-year-old freshman at the City of New Yorks Baruch College in 2013 when he died while pledging Pi Delta Psi at a rented house in the Poconos.

EX-BARUCH COLLEGE FRATERNITY BROTHERS PLEAD GUILTY IN HAZING DEATH

Michael was blindfolded and forced to wear a heavy backpack before he was repeatedly tackled during a hazing ritual known as glass ceiling.

He became unconscious and was carried inside the house while fraternity members changed his clothes. The frat brothers did a Google search of his symptoms, and hid banners and other fraternity memorabilia in an attempted cover-up, prosecutors said.

Three fraternity members eventually took Deng to the hospital, where he died a day later. Police charged 37 people with crimes ranging from aggravated assault to hazing to third-degree murder.

Four fraternity brothers will be sentenced Monday. The men  Kenny Kwan, Charles Lai, Raymond Lam and Sheldon Wong, all of the Queens borough of New York City  pleaded guilty to felony manslaughter and hindering apprehension charges.

The fraternity itself, convicted of involuntary manslaughter following a trial, also will be sentenced.

One of the frat brothers lawyers, Jim Swetz, told The Associated Press that Michael should not have lost his life.

This was totally unnecessary. But we have to emphasize one thing: Nobody intended for that young man to die, Swetz said, but noted: Whatever Im going to argue at sentencing does not mitigate the loss suffered by the Deng family.

21 NY COLLEGE STUDENTS CHARGED WITH HAZING FRAT PLEDGES WITH ALCOHOL, VOMIT, URINE

Baruch College banned Pi Delta Psi following Michaels death, and school President Mitchel B. Wallerstein said that, Sadly, deaths and injuries as a result of hazing remain a national problem, and the ramifications are frequently devastating.

Prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty against the national fraternity, including a fine of more than $110,000 and a 20-year ban from Pennsylvania. Prosecutors also want the fraternity to notify every college where it has a chapter around the country of its conviction and sentence.

While prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo that Pi Delta Psi has engaged in illegal hazing ... throughout its history, a lawyer for the fraternity, who plans to appeal the conviction, said the district attorneys office is asking for a death penalty to destroy Pi Delta Psi.

PENN STATE FRATERNITY GAVE PLEDGE 18 DRINKS IN NEARLY 90 MINUTES, CHARGES UPGRADED, PROSECUTOR SAYS

Michaels family has sued dozens of criminal defendants, including the fraternity, for civil damages. Three of the cases have settled.

Founded as an Asian-American cultural fraternity in 1994, Pi Delta Psi has 25 chapters in 11 states  including one at Penn State University  and Washington, D.C. The fraternity has said its Baruch College chapter performed an unsanctioned ritual.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.A former California high school teacher was sentenced to probation after allegedly sleeping with one of his students.

Craig Branstetter, who once taught math at Dos Palos High School, was arrested in January 2016 after the victim told police she had sex with Branstetter three times in his car, KFSN-TV reported, citing a police report.

The former teacher also allegedly sent sexually explicit photos to the student, who told police she sent him photos of her stomach after she would exercise.

FEMALE COACH OF BOYS TEAM FACES FELONY SEX CHARGES, REPORT SAYS

Branstetter, who was the victims math teacher at the time, actively pursued the girl through social media, according to the Los Banos Enterprise. The victim also claimed her teacher pursued her through physical contact both during and after school, and he also gave her credit for missing assignments.

In January of last year, Dos Palos Police Chief Barry Mann told the Enterprise Branstetter was highly regarding by many of the students and the professionals in the community, including myself.

Branstetter initially pleaded not guilty to having unlawful sex with a minor and sending harmful material, KFSN reported, but he later changed it to a no contest plea which sparked immediate probation.

Merced County Deputy District Attorney Harold Nutt told the news station that Branstetters sentence is a fair disposition for this case.

EX-TEACHER HELD ON LEWDNESS CHARGE; 7TH ARREST AMONG SCHOOL STAFF THIS YEAR, AUTHORITIES SAY

The former teachers attorney, Jeff Hammerschmidt, said that even though his client was only sentenced to probation, it does not mean they got off easy.

The reality is for a felony probation, a person can do a year in jail. Theres numerous restrictions on the persons freedom, just because someone gets probation does not mean they got off easy, Hammerschmidt told KFSN.

Hammerschmidt added Branstetter will not have to register as a sex offender as part of his plea deal, and the sheriffs office plans to decide if Branstetter will serve time in jail or be electronically monitored.

Its not clear how long Branstetter was sentenced to probation.Two young men in Washington state, who reportedly bragged to friends that they shot up an empty elementary school in the middle of the night, have been charged with malicious mischief, police said.

Teven Callan, 18, of Tulalip, and Samuel Olson, 19, of Marysville, were arrested Thursday after police found reason to arrest them for first-degree malicious mischief, The Herald reported.

Marysville Police said it appeared more than 60 shots had been fired at Pinewood Elementary School, causing up to $55,000 worth of damage.

HERO TEACHER SAVED 17 LIVES DURING NEW MEXICO SCHOOL SHOOTING

The two apparently went to a New Years Eve party afterwards to brag about what theyd done.

They came back to the party shortly after midnight bragging that they had shot up Pinewood Elementary School, Marysville Police said in a statement.

While police believe the shooting was an act of vandalism, and not targeted to anyone in particular, Police Commander Mark Thomas expressed concern to the newspaper that since blinds on many of the buildings windows were drawn, they easily couldve hit someone.

This was upsetting to us, that somebody would act out in such an aggressive manner, Thomas said. And for what?

Four classroom buildings, and the school library, office and gym reportedly had sustained damage from the shooting, and bullet casings were found discovered near a playground. A parking lot light was shot out.

RETIRED CALIFORNIA SHERIFF'S EMPLOYEE SHOT WHILE ANSWERING DOOR, POLICE SAY

Olson, according to The Herald, allegedly told investigators he took a gun from his fathers gun bag, which he and Callan both fired. He also allegedly said the two were both intoxicated at the time.

A school district spokesperson told the newspaper that while they cant address allegations against students, the typical course of action would be some type of consequences."

An Everett District Court Judge set both students bail at $10,000.Four people are dead in Galveston, Tx., Monday after an incident involving gunfire took place at the popular San Luis Resort, which police are calling a murder-suicide.

Two people were found dead and two others  a woman who was found critically wounded and a child  later died at a hospital.

Authorities received calls about gunshots coming from the eighth floor around 4:30 a.m. When they arrived, they found the hotel room's door dead-bolted and later found four people inside had been shot.

POLICE: COUPLE MAY HAVE PLANNED MURDER-SUICIDE TOGETHER

The woman and one of the children were "unresponsive but still appeared to be alive" when police found them, Captain Joshua Schirard of the Galveston Police Department said. They were taken to the hospital, where they died.

The victims were identified as a 37-year-old woman, a 39-year-old man and two boys ages 10 and 5.

"A motive is unknown at this time, but forensic data collected at the scene indicated the female is believed to be the shooter at this time before apparently taking her own life with a 9 mm handgun found adjacent to her body," Schirard said. "There's no indication or evidence that there are any other persons involved or that there are any other suspects still at large."

"Right now, investigators with our Major Crimes Unit, as well as with investigators with our crime scene unit are currently in the room processing the room for forensic evidence that can be collected," Schirard told KPRC.

CALIFORNIA FAMILY DEAD IN APPARENT MURDER-SUICIDE

He had previously called the incident, which authorities believe to be a murder-suicide, an "obviously horrible event."

Paul Schultz, vice president of hospitality for Landry's Inc., said in a statement that "Our thoughts are with the victims and their family members during this difficult time."

"We are still gathering information about this isolated incident, however it appears to have been a murder suicide amongst a family in their room. We are fully cooperating with the Police Department during their investigation and will assist them in any way we can," Schultz added.

MOM, 41, KILLS DAUGHTER, 9, AND SELF IN 'SHOCKING' MURDER-SUICIDE

Authorities said there were no apparent issues before the family checked into the resort, and nothing in the room indicated there was a struggle.

"My heart goes out to the rest of their family, their extended family, their community and our community, the ones that don't have the training to deal with this and have to be exposed to an event like this," Schirard said.

Fox News' Nicole Darrah and The Associated Press contributed to this report.A federal judge dismissed all charges against Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, his two sons and another man on Monday after accusing prosecutors of willfully withholding evidence from Bundys lawyers.

U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro cited "flagrant prosecutorial misconduct" in her decision to dismiss all charges against the Nevada rancher and three others.

"The court finds that the universal sense of justice has been violated," Navarro said.

Either the government lied or [its actions were] so grossly negligent as to be tantamount to lying."  Judge Andrew Napolitano

Bundy's supporters cheered as he walked out of court a free man, hugging his wife. He said he'd been jailed for 700 days as a "political prisoner" for refusing to acknowledge federal authority over the land around his cattle ranch.

On Dec. 20, Navarro declared a mistrial in the high-profile Bundy case. It was only the latest, stunning development in the saga of the Nevada rancher, who led a tense, armed standoff with federal officials trying to take over his land. The clash served as a public repudiation of the federal government.

The Brady rule, named after the landmark 1963 Supreme Court case known as Brady vs. Maryland, holds that failure to disclose such evidence violates a defendants right to due process.

In this case the failures to comply with Brady were exquisite, extraordinary, said Fox News legal analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano. The judge exercised tremendous patience.

The 71-year-old Bundys battle with the federal government eventually led to what became known as the Bundy standoff of 2014. But it began long before that.

In the early 1990s, the U.S. government limited grazing rights on federal lands in order to protect the desert tortoise habitat. In 1993, Bundy, in protest, refused to renew his permit for cattle grazing, and continued grazing his livestock on these public lands. He didnt recognize the authority of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) over the sovereign state of Nevada.

The federal courts sided with the BLM, and Bundy didnt seem to have a legal leg to stand on. Nevertheless, the rancher and the government continued this dispute for 20 years, and Bundy ended up owing over $1 million in fees and fines.

Things came to a head in 2014, when officials planned to capture and impound cattle trespassing on government land. Protesters, many armed, tried to block the authorities, which led to a standoff. For a time, they even shut down a portion of I-15, the main interstate highway running through Southern Nevada.

Tensions escalated until officials, fearing for the general safety, announced they would return Bundys cattle and suspend the roundup.

Afterward, Bundy continued to graze his cattle and not pay fees. He and his fellow protesters were heroes to some, but criminals to the federal government. Bundy, along with others seen as leaders of the standoff, including sons Ammon and Ryan and militia member Ryan Payne, were charged with numerous felonies, including conspiracy, assault on a federal officer and using a firearm in a violent crime. They faced many years in prison.

The Bundy case finally went to trial last October. But just two months later, it ended with Navarro angry, the feds humiliated and Bundy  at least to his supporters  vindicated.

Navarro had suspended the trial earlier and warned of a mistrial when prosecutors released information after a discovery deadline. Overall, the government was late in handing over more than 3,300 pages of documents. Further, some defense requests for information that ultimately came to light had been ridiculed by prosecutors as fantastical and a fishing expedition.

Either the government lied or [its actions were] so grossly negligent as to be tantamount to lying, Napolitano said. This happened over and over again.

Navarro said Monday it was clear the FBI was involved in the prosecution and it was not a coincidence that most of the evidence that was held back  which would have worked in Bundys favor  came from the FBI, AZCentral reported.

The newspaper said after the courtroom doors opened following Navarros ruling, a huge cheer went up from a crowd of spectators that had gathered outside.

Fox News Greg Norman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.The battle brewing over the estate of Charles Manson entered court Monday, though it remains unclear where it will ultimately be fought or whether others will join a pen pal and purported grandson laying claim to the cult leader's possessions and body.

The issue of venue is clouded because Manson, 83, died at a hospital in Kern County in November but was incarcerated in Corcoran State Prison in neighboring Kings County. His body is still being held at the coroner's office in Bakersfield.

Attorney Alan Davis, representing the proposed administrator of the estate for purported grandson Jason Freeman, said Los Angeles County is the proper venue because Manson lived there before he was imprisoned for orchestrating the 1969 killings of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and eight other people.

Judge David Cowan said it was premature to make the determination and he scheduled a hearing Jan. 26 to determine where the two separate matters  who controls his estate and who gets his remains  should be decided.

Michael Channels, who said he became friends with Manson decades ago after repeatedly writing him in prison, challenged the Freeman claim. He holds a will that he said Manson signed and sent him 16 years ago.

The two-page document said Manson disinherited two known sons and any unknown children and leaves Channels the entire estate, which includes potentially lucrative rights to his image and music he wrote and recorded.

Guns N' Roses 1993 recorded a Manson song, "Look at Your Game, Girl," though royalties went to victims under a court order. Manson was also an acquaintance of Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson in 1968, and the band recorded a variation of a Manson song under the title "Never Learn Not To Love."

Channels, a contractor who said he has troves of Manson memorabilia including clothing and letters, and has sold autographed cassettes and CDs of the convict's music, disputed there's much value to the estate.

"I feel sorry for the other side if they do win because there's a lot bad juju that comes along with Charles Manson," Channels said. "It's not all roses."

Others have suggested Channels intends to profit off Manson's will if he prevails.

Channels, who said he couldn't find a lawyer willing to take the case and represents himself, said his mission is only to make sure his friend can rest in peace. He said Manson feared his body could be mutilated and tattoos put on display and ashes worn in pendants.

Court documents filed by Davis claim Freeman is the son of the late Charles Manson Jr. and the grandson of Charles Manson and his first wife, Rosalie Willis.

A man who believes Manson fathered him during a Wisconsin orgy in the late 1960s also plans to make a claim to the estate.

Matt Lentz, a Los Angeles-area musician who goes by the name Matthew Roberts, has a will Manson purportedly signed in January 2017 naming him as beneficiary, said his agent, Mike Smith. He said Manson gave the will to friend and memorabilia collector Ben Gurecki, who is named as executor.

Lentz was expected in court, but didn't show up Monday. Smith said Lentz was also having trouble finding a lawyer to take the case.Three people -- including one firefighter -- were injured when a fire broke out at Trump Tower in New York City on Monday, officials said.

A small electrical fire started in the cooling tower on the roof of the Fifth Avenue high-rise, which was built by President Trump when he was a businessman, just before 7 a.m., the FDNY said. The flames were put out about an hour later.

More than 126 firefighters responded to the scene. Video footage showed several firefighters on the roof while smoke spewed forth.

The building was not evacuated. A firefighter sustained minor injuries when debris fell on him. The building's engineer and another person suffered injuries that were not life threatening. They were treated at the scene and refused further medical attention.

Trump's son, Eric Trump, thanked the New York City fire department for the "incredible job" they did containing the flames before the fire spread.

"There was a small electrical fire in a cooling tower on the roof of Trump Tower," Trump tweeted. "The New York Fire Department was here within minutes and did an incredible job. The men and women of the #FDNY are true heroes and deserve our most sincere thanks and praise!"

Trump Tower has been protected by heavy security presence since President Trump was elected in November 2016. The building houses both businesses and luxury apartments.

First lady Melania Trump and their son Barron lived in the New York City residence for the first few months of Trumps presidency before officially moving into the White House.A Florida couple couldnt getaway with keeping their treehouse up.

The Supreme Court declined to take Lynn Tran and Richard Hazens case, a decision which forces them to tear down their elaborate two-story treehouse beachfront getaway. The treehouse was built on their Holmes Beach property on Floridas Anna Maria Island. The couple brought the case to the Supreme Court after a Florida court ruled they needed a permit to build the house.

Ironically, in order for the couple to take down the treehouse, they will also need to obtain a city permit, WTSP reported.

Tran and Hazen said they built the treehouse in 2011 after city officials told them they didnt need a permit to construct it. They spent six months and $30,000 to construct the beachfront treehouse  complete with hammocks, working windows and a view of the Gulf of Mexico.

"Its hard to describe," Tran told WTSP. "It brings the inner child inside you out."

However, someone complained about the structure and after some digging, the city determined the couple needed a permit to build it. The treehouse was also located in an area where building is prohibited because of a city setback. The couple tried to take the fight to local voters but they were ultimately stopped.

Tran and Hazen have paid thousands of dollars to keep the treehouse from getting torn down, including paying a daily $50 fine. Their lawyer, David Levin, said his clients rights were violated when a Florida court rubber stamped a ruling proposed by Holmes Beach officials without any evidence of independent consideration.

Tran previously told WTSP it would be hard to think about the possibility of the Supreme Court not taking their case, adding the couple didnt do anything wrong.

The likelihood of the Supreme Court taking the treehouse case was slim to begin with. The justices only hear about 80 of the thousands of cases that are requested yearly.

Fox News Elizabeth Zwirz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.Florida authorities are investigating after a mother and her two children were found dead in their minivan on Sunday after it was found submerged in a pond.

The body of Shatoria Brown, 27, was found outside the vehicle, while the bodies of her two children  3-year-old Ra'Layah Johnson and 5-year-old Ra'Majesty Johnson  were found inside.

FLORIDA GIRL, 11, WEARING HEADPHONES, LOOKING AT PHONE HIT AND KILLED BY TRAIN

The crash occurred in Immokalee just before midnight Saturday night, Fox 4 reported, citing Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers said that rather than stopping the car at the end of a street, Brown allegedly continued to drive until the van hit the water.

RaLayah was pronounced dead at a hospital, and RaMajesty was pronounced dead at the scene.

A woman named Michelle, identified by Fox 4 as Browns best friend, said that neighbors witnessed Brown running door to door, asking people for help but was unable to find anyone.

Michelle said thats when Brown ran back to the sinking vehicle to save her children herself.

COLD FLORIDA TEMPS CAUSING IGUANAS TO 'FREEZE,' FALL OUT OF TREES

A number of residents in the Immokalee neighborhood told the Naples Daily News that they didnt hear the car braking or tires squealing before Browns van hit the water.

State highway patrol is investigating the incident.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.A national fraternity has been banned in Pennsylvania and ordered to pay a six-figure fine, and four of its former members were sentenced to jail Monday after a 19-year-old freshman pledge died during a hazing ritual in 2013.

Pi Delta Psi, an Asian-American cultural fraternity, was sentenced Monday for the role its Baruch College campus members had in 19-year-old freshman pledge Chun Michael Dengs death.

In Monroe County court, the fraternity  convicted of involuntary manslaughter  was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. It was also ordered to pay a fine of more than $110,000.

FRATERNITY BROTHERS TO BE SENTENCED AFTER ALLEGEDLY COVERING UP PLEDGE HAZING DEATH

Four of the fraternity's former members  Kenny Kwan, Charles Lai, Raymond Lam and Sheldon Wong  who pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, hindering apprehension and other charges, were sentenced to jail time.

Kwan got 12 to 24 months in county jail, while Lam and Wong were sentenced to 10 to 24 months each. Lai, who spent 342 days in jail after he was unable to make bail, was sentenced to time served.

All four defendants apologized, and Lam, who was the most emotional, said his "guilt will never go away, and I think about Mr. Deng every day." He also said he's attempted to kill himself.

These four men faced the most serious charges. Dozens of other defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to probation.

STATE OFFICE TAKES OVER PENN STATE FRATERNITY-FALL DEATH CASE

"It's the epitome of a lack of acceptance of responsibility, Assistant District Attorney Kim Metzger said in court. It's their rituals and functions that led us here today.

A grand jury said Pi Delta Psi members physically abused Deng before his death in a hazing ritual at a rented house in the Poconos.

The teen was blindfolded and forced to wear a heavy backpack before he was repeatedly tackled during a ritual known as "glass ceiling."

He became unconscious and was carried inside the house while fraternity members changed his clothes. The frat brothers did a Google search of his symptoms, and hid banners and other fraternity memorabilia in an attempted cover-up, prosecutors said.

In a written statement, Pi Delta Psi said its now-disbanded Baruch chapter had brought "shame and dishonor" to the national fraternity, while the fraternity also called itself in part a victim  which Monroe County President Judge Margherita Patti-Worthington scolded.

"I would never label the national fraternity as a 'victim,'" the judge said.

"Not one person out of 37 picked up a telephone and called an ambulance. I cannot wrap my head around it," Judge Patti-Worthington said. "So there's something greater going on here, and I think it's probably really prevalent. We see across the country these issues in fraternities."

Pi Delta Psi has 25 chapters in 11 states, including one at Penn State University that will now have to be disbanded.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.An Ohio man who withdrew a guilty plea after serving part of a life sentence in the drowning of his 1-year-old son and later was found guilty in a jury trial was sentenced again on Monday.

A court official said a judge in Ottawa sentenced Michael Luebrecht to 20 years to life in prison. A Putnam County jury on Friday found Luebrecht guilty of aggravated murder. Luebrecht and his attorney had argued that medications he took for mental health issues contributed to the killing at his northwestern Ohio home in 2005.

Luebrecht had been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after he pleaded guilty in 2006 in the drowning of his son, Joel.

A message seeking comment was left on Monday for Luebrecht's attorney.

Luebrecht testified at trial that he did not remember much in the months before his son's death, but said he clearly recalled killing him.

"There was a mission to kill Joel and that mission had to be done," he said, describing how he felt like there was an outside force pushing him.

The boy's mother testified that she blamed doctors who kept changing her husband's medication that he was taking for depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Amy Luebrecht said medications her husband took from 1994 to 2004 were working until his medication was changed.

County Prosecutor Gary Lammers noted that Luebrecht lied several times on the day of his son's death, including telling a neighbor that the boy fell into a bathtub.Hundreds of mourners have gathered for the funeral of three family members killed in a New Year's Eve shooting at a New Jersey home that also claimed the life of a family friend.

Monday's funeral for Steven and Linda Kologi and their 18-year-old daughter, Brittany Kologi, was held at St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church in West Long Branch. It came two days after mourners had gathered there to remember the fourth victim, 70-year-old Mary Schulz.

Monmouth County prosecutors say the Kologis' 16-year-old son shot the victims at close range with a semi-automatic rifle in their Long Branch home. But they haven't disclosed a motive for the shooting.

Schulz was the longtime partner of Steven Kologi's father, who was in the house but escaped unharmed with two other people.A teenager who sought to avenge the death of her boyfriend and told a 15-year-old girl she would "see her in hell" before stabbing her 13 times pleaded guilty Monday to the brutal slaying that raised the spotlight on MS-13's presence in the suburbs of the nations capital.

Venus Romero Iraheta, who was 17 at the time of the January 2017 murder, pleaded guilty in a Virginia courtroom as an adult in the murder of Damaris Alexandra Reyes Rivas, the Washington Post reported.

Iraheta, now 18, faces a a maximum of life in prison plus 20 years when she is sentenced on May 25.

The January 2017 killing of Reyes Rivas, which ultimately resulted in the arrest of 18 young people, highlighted the brutal nature of one of the nations most violent and powerful street gangs. According to the prosecution,

Reyes Rivas was taken from Maryland to a Virginia park where she was stabbed with a knife and jabbed with a stick by a large group of MS-13 members. Her body was eventually discovered after it was dumped under a highway overpass on the outskirts of Washington, D.C.

Federal prosecutors said Iraheta was the primary attacker, stabbing the 15-year-old 13 times and slicing off one of her tattoos, according to NBC Washington.

MS-13 COHORTS PLEAD GUILTY IN VICIOUS REVENGE KILLING OF 15-YEAR-OLD VIRGINIA GIRL

"She told the victim she would never forgive her, FBI Agent Fernando Uribe said in courtroom testimony. She would 'see her in hell.' She would never forget her name."

Uribe testified in July that Jose Cerrato, a 17-year-old alleged gang member, filmed and narrated the killing on a cellphone with the intention of sending the footage to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador.

Its unclear if the video was ever sent to El Salvador, but Uribe testified that Cerrato was promoted in the gang for his role in the murder, The Washington Post reported at the time.

MS-13 GANG MEMBER FILMED, NARRATED TEEN'S KILLING, FBI AGENT TELLS JUDGE

In October, three MS-13 affiliates pleaded guilty to their roles in the savage death.

As part of a deal with prosecutors, Cindy Blanco Hernandez, 19, Aldair J. Miranda Carcamo, 18, and Emerson Fugon Lopez, 17, pleaded guilty to a host of charges that included abduction and, in two instances, gang participation. They are expected to be sentenced May 5, 2018.A person jumped into a New Jersey Transit police SUV and drove it into the Hoboken terminal doors during Monday morning rush hour at the major transportation hub, police said.

A suspect was arrested shortly after the 8 a.m. incident occurred, transportation officials said. The doors, which led to the terminals waiting room, were significantly damaged. There were no reported injuries.

The motive of the driver was not immediately clear.

Social media users reported seeing the police car stopped at the ferry entrance to the waiting room. Police tape cordoned off the area as officials investigated the scene and the ticketing window was closed.

Hoboken terminal sees thousands of commuters daily who travel through the area between New York City and New Jersey.An hours-long manhunt to find the second man involved in the deadly shooting of a Washington state sheriff's deputy late Sunday has ended after the suspect was captured, police announced Monday.

The deputy, identified as 34-year-old Daniel A. McCartney, was responding to a home invasion about 11:25 p.m. when he began chasing two burglars, Q13 Fox reported. Dispatchers heard screaming and a scuffle during the initial 911 call.

Several shots were fired during the chase, striking McCartney. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Heartbroken to report Deputy Daniel McCartney, #484, lost his life overnight while courageously protecting citizens of Pierce Co., Pierce County Sheriffs Office tweeted.

Its unclear if the deputy was able to return fire at the suspects, who were not immediately identified.

One of the suspects was found dead near the scene, and a handgun was recovered. The second was in police custody Monday afternoon. It was unclear which of the suspects shot the deputy, or if both fired at him.

McCartney, a Navy veteran, joined the force in 2014 and left behind a wife and three young sons, police said.

"Deputy, Father, Husband, Son, Friend, Brother. Hero," police said. "We are heartbroken but steadfast in our pursuit of justice."

Piercce County Sheriff Paul Pastor said, "There's a sadness that will be felt and should be felt in the community" following McCartney's death.

"He is a young deputy who signed up to watch over other people. He had an ethic in his heart for doing something for other people," Pastor said. He told KING-TV he doesn't call McCartney's death "a tragedy," but rather "a murder and a horrible loss."

The incident prompted Bethel schools to be canceled amid the hunt for the second suspect.

Fox News' Nicole Darrah contributed to this report.English is being banned in primary schools in Iran, according to a top official, after the regimes Islamic leaders warned that learning the language of America too early would trigger a cultural invasion of Western civilization.

Teaching English in government and non-government primary schools in the official curriculum is against laws and regulations, Mehdi Navid-Adham, head of the state-run high education council, told state television, according to The Guardian. The assumption is that in primary education the groundwork for the Iranian culture of the students is laid.

The teaching of English usually starts in Iran in middle school, at the ages of 12 to 14, but some primary schools below that age also have English classes, according to The Guardian. Some children also attend private language institutes after their school day, while children from more privileged families attending non-government schools receive English teaching.

The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in all state matters, previously voiced his outrage and said in a speech to teachers, according to The Guardian: That does not mean opposition to learning a foreign language, but [this is the] promotion of a foreign culture in the country and among children, young adults and youths.

A wave of anti-government protest demonstrations began on December 28 in Iran, exploding tensions between the Islamic republics hardline government and its fed-up populace.

Tehran has moved swiftly to quell the most serious protests since 2009s Green Movement, cutting off social media and mobilizing police and military forces to deal with the spreading demonstrations.

Iranian officials said 22 people were killed and more than 1,000 arrested during the protests that spread to more than 80 cities and rural towns, according to The Guardian.

The current protests could have enormous significance for the future of Iran and are focused on a number of issues. One motivation for the protests is the institutionalized discrimination against Irans ethnic minorities and the greater economic hardship in Irans periphery.

President Donald Trump has voiced encouragement for the anti-government demonstrations. The U.S. called a U.N. meeting on Friday, portraying the protests as a human rights issue that could spill over into an international problem.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.A U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane joined the hunt Sunday for 32 sailors after an Iranian tanker collided with a Chinese freighter off Chinas eastern coast, catching fire and spilling oil into the sea.

The crew  30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis  on the tanker Sanchi was traveling from Iran to South Korea when it crashed into the Hong Kong-registered freighter CF Crystal in East China Sea, 160 miles off the coast of Shanghai, Chinas Ministry of Transport said. All 32 people on the Sanchi were missing as of Sunday, but the 21 crew members of the Crystal  carrying grain brought from the United States  were rescued.

"We have no information on their fate," an official in Irans Oil Ministry told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. "We cannot say all of them have died, because rescue teams are there and providing services."

The U.S. sent a P-8A aircraft which searched nearly 3,600 square nautical miles -- but did not find any of the missing crew, the Navy reported.

The Chinese Ministry of Transportation sent at least four rescue ships and three cleaning boats to the collision scene Sunday morning, according to Reuters. The South Korean Coast Guard also assisted with rescue efforts by sending an airplane and ship for the search.

Sanchi, run by Irans top oil shipping operator, was carrying nearly 1 million barrels of condensate, a type of ultra-light oil, Chinese authorities said. The tanker went ablaze shortly after the collision, sending plumes of black smoke into the air as oil spilled into the sea. Its unclear how much oil was leaked and if it was still pooling out of the tanker as of Sunday.

By comparison, the Exxon Valdez was carrying 1.26 million barrels of crude oil when it spilled 260,000 barrels into Prince William Sound off Alaska in 1989.

An official told the AP the tanker was owned by the National Iranian Tanker Co. and had been rented by a South Korean company, Hanwha Total Co.

Saturdays collision was the first major maritime incident since January 2016, when international sanctions on Iran were lifted, Reuters reported. It was the second one for a ship from the National Iranian Tanker Co. in less than a year and a half.

In August 2016, one of its tankers collided with a Swiss container ship in the Singapore Strait, damaging both ships but causing no injuries or oil spill. No one was killed in the incident.

The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group left San Diego Friday on its way to the western Pacific.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.Talks aimed at thawing the frigid relations between North and South Korea are set to start in a few hours.

The first formal high-level talks in over two years will be held in Panmunjom, on the demilitarized zone between the two countries.

Primarily aimed at discussing North Koreas participation in next months winter Olympics in South Korea, Seoul is hoping the talks go beyond that.

We expect the discussion to focus on the mutual interest of improving North-South relations, said Baik Tae-Hyun of the South Korean Unification Ministry.

Clearly, Kim Jong Un does, too.

Ever since his New Years message, the combative leader of the Hermit Kingdom has been talking up warmer ties with the South while keeping his nuclear arsenal trained on the U.S.

Some fear the North is trying to drive a wedge between South Korea and the US. Or that a dovish Seoul could give away too much.

Still, the U.S. did delay U.S.-South Korean joint military exercises until after the Olympics, as requested by the South.

And President Trumps recent references to the talks have been generally positive.

The South Koreans opening this channel could have positive side effects that would make it easier for Americans to talk to North Koreans at a senior level, leading Seoul-based Korea expert John DeLury told Fox News.

Washingtons caveat for U.S.-North Korea talks is a pause in nuclear and missile testing by the North. After a very nervous 2017, the residents in Seoul are merely wishing for more talk, and less provocative action in the region.

I believe any kind of communication is good, one local told Fox News. And, as I understand it, President Trump is behind this as well.

Many in South Korea are torn. They want peace with their feisty neighbor  but dont want to unsettle Uncle Sam.

But they are trying to be optimistic.

Im very hopeful, another resident said. It is a chance to communicate.Italy is warning of extreme avalanche danger in its northwest Piedmont region, while an avalanche already has blocked a road in the neighboring region of Valle d'Aosta.

Italian news agency ANSA says no injuries were reported from Monday's avalanche that isolated Cogne, an Alpine town popular with tourists. Firefighters and others were trying to clear the road.

Also Monday, the regional environmental protection agency ARPA said the threat of avalanches in northwestern Piedmont was "very strong" and rated at the maximum Level 5 on the danger scale.

The agency warned of "possible spontaneous avalanches of medium and large dimensions that could impact roads or infrastructure in the valleys below."

It said snow would be most unstable between Monday night and Tuesday morning.A British mother accused her daughters academy of discrimination after the teen apparently ran afoul of the school's extreme haircuts policy by shaving her head for a charity that makes wigs for children with illnesses.

Anneka Baldwin said her 14-year-old daughter Niamh was placed in isolation at the Mounts Bay Academy in Penzance on Thursday after cutting her hair over the Christmas break and donating it to Little Princess Trust.

I think this is the most courageous and amazing thing to do and makes me so proud, that's why I am so upset that the school has made her feel so low and put her in to isolation because her hair needs to be 1cm longer to be able to join in with classes and be allowed to see her peers in the playground, Baldwin wrote in a Facebook post.

Baldwin said Niamh has always received positive reports and feedback from her teachers at the school, located in the southwestern tip of England.

This doesn't change because of a hair style and to me it is discrimination !!! I'm actually fuming ! Baldwin wrote.

The family told Cornwall Live that Niamh didnt attend school on Friday after the incident, but the school, which describes itself on its website as a place where the rigid schooling models of the past are giving way to an exploration of 21st century learning and living, is doubling down on their policies.

"The policy on extreme haircuts in school is very clear and has been published in our behavior policy for many years, Principal Sara Davey told Cornwall Live. Extreme haircuts including head shaving have never been allowed and this is common for schools across the UK.

A behavior policy document on the academys website that outlines its hierarchy of consequences says students will be placed in the inclusion room if they have extreme hair styles (principals discretion).

The academys website says nothing below a grade two haircut is allowed for boys, according to Cornwall Live.

Davey said the school supports students who want to raise money for charities but said she was surprised the Baldwins didnt approach them before Niamh shaved her head.

"Since returning to school Niamh has had access to her lessons in the inclusion room as we have extensive materials available to students, Davey said. This includes lesson activities and resources via digital technology.

Davey added: "All students know that this is the school policy and they also know that the consequence is to complete school work in the inclusion room until the hair grows so that is it no longer extreme."

Davey said she plans to meet with Anneka Baldwin on Monday to try to resolve the situation, but suggested to Cornwall Live that Niamh should wear a headscarf while her hair grows back.An Iranian oil tanker that's burning out of control off the coast of China reportedly may explode and sink, even as authorities work to recover 31 missing crew members.

At least one crew member has been reported dead on the burning vessel, and there are concerns there may be an explosion, state broadcaster China Central Television reported Monday.

The Sanchi tanker run by Irans top oil shipping operator, National Iranian Tanker Co, had been sailing from Iran to South Korea when it collided with the Hong Kong-registered freighter CF Crystal late Saturday in the East China Sea, about 160 miles off the coast of Shanghai, China's Ministry of Transport said.

The remains of one of the 32 mariners on board was discovered on the blazing wreck Monday afternoon, Iranian and Chinese officials confirmed to Reuters.

Mohammad Rastad, head of Irans Ports and Maritime Organization, told the ISNA news agency the body had been sent to Shanghai for identification. The fate of the remaining 31 sailors is not known.

Search and cleanup efforts have been hampered by fierce fires and poisonous gases that have engulfed the tanker and surrounding waters, state broadcaster CCTV reported. The South Korean coast guard said Monday that thick smoke is still billowing from a burning oil tanker in the East China Sea and bad weather is also worsening visibility.

China, South Korea and the U.S. have sent ships and planes to the area to search for the Sanchi's crew. The U.S. Navy sent a P-8A aircraft from Okinawa, Japan, to aid the search.

"The Chinese government takes maritime accidents like this very seriously, and has already dispatched many search and rescue teams to the scene to carry out search and rescue, Lu Kang, a spokesman at Chinas foreign ministry, told reporters at a news briefing.

It wasn't immediately clear what caused the initial collision, but all 21 crew members of the Crystal, which was carrying grain from the U.S. to China, were rescued, the Chinese ministry said. The Crystal's crew members were all Chinese nationals.

Kwon Yong-deok, a Korea Coast Guard official, told the Associated Press thick black smoke was still billowing from the ship on Monday afternoon and bad weather was worsening visibility at the scene. The Sanchi was carrying 150,000 tons, or nearly 1 million barrels of condensate, a type of ultra-light oil, according to Chinese authorities, who have dispatched three ships to clean the spill.

By comparison, the Exxon Valdez was carrying 1.26 million barrels of crude oil when it spilled 260,000 barrels into Prince William Sound off Alaska in 1989, badly damaging local ecology and the area's fishing-based economy.

US NAVY PLANE JOINS HUNT FOR 32 SAILORS AFTER IRANIAN TANKER COLLIDES WITH FREIGHTER OFF CHINA

The size of the oil slick from the Sanchi  and the scale of the environmental toll  may be smaller. Unlike the thick crude that gushed out of the Valdez, much of the light, gassy condensate from the Sanchi may have evaporated or burned immediately, Kwon said.

The Sanchi's own fuel that leaked during the collision will be more difficult to clean, officials said.

South Korean petrochemical company Hanwha Total Co., a 50-50 partnership between the Seoul-based Hanwha Group and French oil giant Total, said in an email to the AP it had contracted the Sanchi to import Iranian condensate to South Korea.

A Hanwha Total spokesman, who asked not to be named citing office policies, said there is "little possibility" that condensate would leave traces in the ocean after it burned. He added the losses would be covered by an insurance company. The Sanchi's cargo was estimated to be worth more than $60 million.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Poland's new prime minister is looking to improve strained relations with partners in the European Union when he arrives in Brussels on Tuesday.

Mateusz Morawiecki, who replaced Beata Szydlo last month, is expected to stand his ground over several thorny issues that have raised concerns across the EU.

The Polish government's stance on justice reform and immigration has prompted so much unease within the EU that a procedure to strip the country of voting rights in the 28-nation bloc has been started.

Ahead of the introductory bilateral dinner between the new prime minister and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Poland's deputy Foreign Minister Konrad Szymanski said he expects "Brussels to understand our position."A North Korean boater was found near the coast of South Korea in the Sea of Japan on Monday, the Souths Coast Guard said, more than a month after a spate of fishermen and boats from the Hermit Kingdom washed up along the Japanese coast.

The North Korean citizen was found in a small boat near Ulleung Island, just before 8 a.m., according to Yonhap News Agency. Authorities are investigating if the North Korean was attempting to defect to the South.

The North Korean boat was abandoned at sea.

About 1,000 North Korean defect to the South yearly, but the number of defectors began to drop last year compared to previous years, according to the BBC.

A series of odd Hermit Kingdom finds in late November began washing ashore in Japan, including a skeleton-filled ghost ship and a body with North Korean words scribbled on it. Boats filled with North Korean fishermen were discovered several times, but they were ultimately sent back to the regime.

BOAT WITH 10 SUSPECTED NORTH KOREANS FOUND OFF JAPANESE COAST, COAST GUARD SAYS

Officials linked the increase in North Koreans found at sea to a reported campaign by the North to send fishermen farther out for more catches. However, its unclear if people aboard those boats that drift near Japanese shores each year intend to defect or are simply unable to make their way back in unseaworthy wooden vessels.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Free Freightnet Membership

List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours.Yes. I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home.

No. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage.

I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it.

Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time.

Vote

View ResultsLimestone requiring masks as COVID continues to spread Limestone University brought back its indoor mask requirement after an increase in COVID-19 cases were reported amid the spread of a more contagious Delta variant statewide. Limestone President Dr. Darrell...

Local football games cancelled The 2021 high school football season is starting to resemble the shortened and COVID-plagued 2020 season. Gaffney High officials announced Thursday afternoon it was unable to find a replacement game...

STUDENT NOW COLLEAGUE Mercedes Davidson, a first-year seventh grade math teacher at Gaffney Middle School, is not only working at the school she once attended, but alongside one of her seventh grade teachers...

Bond hearing held for murder suspect A Circuit Court judge took under advisement Wednesday a request to set bond for a 28-year-old accused of murder. Zevonta Queon Shands has remained in the county detention center since...News

City council to consider pay raises for staff again

John Baumgartner Pat Hallisey

LEAGUE CITY

Pay raises for League City employees are possible as the city council Tuesday considers whether to make staff salaries competitive with other cities.

City administrators estimate a pay raise option that would cost the city about $523,000. The city council had budgeted $750,000 to cover increasing the salaries for 2018, city staff said.

The $523,506 is less money than City Manager John Baumgartner proposed in December when he said it would cost the city as much as $765,000 to make salaries competitive.

Some of the difference is because the raises will be staggered so the full added cost wont appear in the first year, staff said.

The city council delayed voting on the raises in December until staff worked out the numbers and considered more data. The vote is now back on the agenda for Tuesdays meeting.

The pay raise vote is of particular interest to Mayor Pat Hallisey, who wont be present at Tuesdays League City council meeting but will keep close tabs on the councils vote, he said.

Hallisey will watch the meeting from home as he continues to recover from several surgeries that resulted in an amputated leg. The surgeries came after Hallisey had a heart attack in October. He has been absent from the meetings since then.

Hallisey talked to staff and other council members about the study and its proposed pay raises and other city business, he said.

Employees who work for businesses and nongovernmental companies get raises faster than city employees, he said.

Public employees fall further behind, Hallisey said.

In April, Hallisey had proposed a 3 percent pay raise for all city employees, but council members split their vote 4-4. In a split vote, the item fails.

The city council in April hired New York-based Segal Waters Consulting for $100,000 to determine whether city employees were paid enough or too much. Segal Waters also looked at job descriptions and recommended a few changes.

Segal Waters, which looked at other cities, found that some employees were not paid enough for their job responsibilities. The company suggested a new pay scale to bring salaries up to market value.

Although the citys pay structure is competitive for most positions, some classifications fell below the market and some were above it, according to the study.

If approved Tuesday, the new salaries could take effect as soon as February, Baumgartner said in December.

If You Go What: League City council meeting When: 6 p.m. Tuesday Where: 200 W. Walker St., League CityHey Long Beach! The end of summer is almost upon us, but there's still plenty of sunshine and warm weather outside, which makes for a fun day with the pups at Rosie's Dog Beach. We talked to the beach's creator,...webguy4 said: Nah, American public schools today mostly teach hate for white people. Click to expand...

That is ridiculous, schools today mostly teach needless information which will never be used after it is learned. While a couple teachers here and there may have radical left views, most are fine people trying their best.Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.Fuck, 2018 is proving to be even more hectic than we thought. Eight days in and we've already got some wack job overdosed on Viagra running around Phuket International airport throwing his own faeces at staff and terrified members of the public.Air New Zealand has warned customers not to participate in a Facebook scam offering free flights.



The message, which circulated online on Sunday, asks Facebook users to take part in a short survey in exchange for two free Air New Zealand tickets.

On Sunday night, the airline released a statement on Facebook saying it was aware of the scam.

"This message is not from Air New Zealand and we advise anyone who receives this, not to engage," the statement read.The content you are looking for has either been removed or requires you to login to view

Please login below or register for an account With Naijapals.comkacylee at 8-01-2018 07:12 AM (3 years ago) (f)

Daughter of the Esama of Benin kingdom, Chief Igbinedion, Ora Mantu and her hubby, Umar Mantu, have both welcomed a baby .



The couple who tied the knot here are said to have welcomed a baby boy. Congrats to them.

Daughter of the Esama of Benin kingdom, Chief Igbinedion, Ora Mantu and her hubby, Umar Mantu, have both welcomed a baby .The couple who tied the knot here are said to have welcomed a baby boy. Congrats to them.

Post Reply I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 8-01-2018 07:12 AM (3 years ago) | Addicted HeroSHOCKER! Buhari and Tinubu's APC Is a Fraud On Nigerians - Atiku Abubakar

bohlah at 8-01-2018 08:41 PM (3 years ago) (m)

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he left few months ago, as a fraud.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he left few months ago, as a fraud.

He made the declaration in Kaduna, where one of his supporters, Miss Zainab Musa Pindar, organised a reception for him at the Arewa House to welcome him back to the PDP over the weekend.



The Waziri Adamawa urged members of his new party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to spread the message of the party as the only party that can transform the nation.



Atiku, who was represented by the Chairman of Atiku Care Foundation, Ambassador Aliyu Ibn Abbas, said, PDP still remains the only national party in Nigeria. It is the hope of the common man to be free from the fraud called the APC. He made the declaration in Kaduna, where one of his supporters, Miss Zainab Musa Pindar, organised a reception for him at the Arewa House to welcome him back to the PDP over the weekend.The Waziri Adamawa urged members of his new party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to spread the message of the party as the only party that can transform the nation.Atiku, who was represented by the Chairman of Atiku Care Foundation, Ambassador Aliyu Ibn Abbas, said, PDP still remains the only national party in Nigeria. It is the hope of the common man to be free from the fraud called the APC.

Post Reply I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist Posted: at 8-01-2018 08:41 PM (3 years ago) | Addicted Hero

arusmu at 8-01-2018 08:55 PM (3 years ago)

(m) The worste PDP so far loot at Zainab Musa Pindar still Miss at that age that show they are wicked planning another ground style of sharing PDP atiku go and rest allow people with reasonable character to work even he was slow but changes are showing economic is coming up . Posted: at 8-01-2018 08:55 PM (3 years ago) | Upcoming The worste PDP so far loot at Zainab Musa Pindar still Miss at that age that show they are wicked planning another ground style of sharing PDP atiku go and rest allow people with reasonable character to work even he was slow but changes are showing economic is coming up . Reply

slimber at 8-01-2018 09:01 PM (3 years ago)

(f) Really abeg make we hear word all of una the same Posted: at 8-01-2018 09:01 PM (3 years ago) | Hero Really abeg make we hear word all of una the same Reply

Mykie010 at 8-01-2018 09:03 PM (3 years ago)

(m) PDP pls come and take power back, Posted: at 8-01-2018 09:03 PM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac PDP pls come and take power back, Reply

willyking at 9-01-2018 01:42 AM (3 years ago)

(m) Quote from: arusmu on 8-01-2018 08:55 PM The worste PDP so far loot at Zainab Musa Pindar still Miss at that age that show they are wicked planning another ground style of sharing PDP atiku go and rest allow people with reasonable character to work even he was slow but changes are showing economic is coming up .

there is no change anything u see from hence forth is nothing but a political strategy to hold on to power 4 the second tenure and if mumu like u should fall 4 it..believe me after the election u are going to jump into the lagoon out of frustration..sorry just trying to kick u out of ur gullible mind b4 is too late..we wont allow aaffliction to arise the second time apc or pdp none is good but atlist let kick buhari out to send some message.. Posted: at 9-01-2018 01:42 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac there is no change anything u see from hence forth is nothing but a political strategy to hold on to power 4 the second tenure and if mumu like u should fall 4 it..believe me after the election u are going to jump into the lagoon out of frustration..sorry just trying to kick u out of ur gullible mind b4 is too late..we wont allow aaffliction to arise the second time apc or pdp none is good but atlist let kick buhari out to send some message.. Reply

gogoman at 9-01-2018 02:15 AM (3 years ago)

(m) silly old burger atiku Posted: at 9-01-2018 02:15 AM (3 years ago) | Addicted Hero silly old burger atiku Reply

favourita at 9-01-2018 03:36 AM (3 years ago)

(f) Idiot fellows Posted: at 9-01-2018 03:36 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac Idiot fellows ReplyYusuf Buhari Sneaked To Buy N112M Powerbikes From Germany Without Buhari's Knowledge

nametalkam at 8-01-2018 10:38 PM (3 years ago) (m)

Following President Muhammadu Buharis only son, Yusufs incident in a deadly power-bike accident, whilst racing on Tuesday, December 26,2017. Details have surfaced of how Yusuf Buhari secretly acquired the multi million naira bikes.

Following President Muhammadu Buharis only son, Yusufs incident in a deadly power-bike accident, whilst racing on Tuesday, December 26,2017. Details have surfaced of how Yusuf Buhari secretly acquired the multi million naira bikes.

Gistmania gathered from a reliable source that Yusuf bought the bikes after a suggestion from his friend, Bashir Gwandu for N56m ($157, 000) each. The 2 BMW power bikes were imported from Germany around June, 2017.



The two power bikes were kept secretly in Gwarinpa District, in the Bwari Local Government Area at Gwandus residence.



Yusufs three security operatives seconded from the Department of State Service (DSS) allowed Yusuf to go out at night to race with the bikes, breaking their protocol a move which infuriated the President. The agents proceeded to submit their daily reports but without mention of Yusufs night movements compromising their duty.



Gistmania has learnt that the 3 agents have been removed from service. Gistmania gathered from a reliable source that Yusuf bought the bikes after a suggestion from his friend, Bashir Gwandu for N56m ($157, 000) each. The 2 BMW power bikes were imported from Germany around June, 2017.The two power bikes were kept secretly in Gwarinpa District, in the Bwari Local Government Area at Gwandus residence.Yusufs three security operatives seconded from the Department of State Service (DSS) allowed Yusuf to go out at night to race with the bikes, breaking their protocol a move which infuriated the President. The agents proceeded to submit their daily reports but without mention of Yusufs night movements compromising their duty.Gistmania has learnt that the 3 agents have been removed from service.

Post Reply I specialize in investigative reportage across several subject matter and sectors but mainly focus on metro events and investigation. Do leave your thoughts and opinion on my reports to let me know what you think about them. Thank you Posted: at 8-01-2018 10:38 PM (3 years ago) | Hero

slimber at 8-01-2018 11:16 PM (3 years ago)

(f) Hmmmmmm interesting okooooo Posted: at 8-01-2018 11:16 PM (3 years ago) | Hero Hmmmmmm interesting okooooo Reply

Asterimou at 8-01-2018 11:25 PM (3 years ago)

(m) Thought this Buhari claims he is poor. How manage his son can purchase bike worth this much? Hmm Posted: at 8-01-2018 11:25 PM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac Thought this Buhari claims he is poor. How manage his son can purchase bike worth this much? Hmm Reply

james987 at 9-01-2018 01:59 AM (3 years ago)

(m) People we dey fight corruption... Posted: at 9-01-2018 01:59 AM (3 years ago) | Hero People we dey fight corruption... Reply

gogoman at 9-01-2018 02:12 AM (3 years ago)

(m) which bike be that amount ... una too dey lie jare Posted: at 9-01-2018 02:12 AM (3 years ago) | Addicted Hero which bike be that amount ... una too dey lie jare Reply

favourita at 9-01-2018 03:32 AM (3 years ago)

(f) Idiot fellows Posted: at 9-01-2018 03:32 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac Idiot fellows Reply

willyking at 9-01-2018 04:58 AM (3 years ago)

(m) I hear say he brain don destroy...him and he papa na the same now.. Posted: at 9-01-2018 04:58 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac I hear say he brain don destroy...him and he papa na the same now.. Reply

ebuatuegwu at 9-01-2018 06:44 AM (3 years ago)

(m) Where did he get 112 million from ? Posted: at 9-01-2018 06:44 AM (3 years ago) | Newbie Where did he get 112 million from ? Reply

kacylee at 9-01-2018 06:54 AM (3 years ago)

(f) Quote from: gogoman on 9-01-2018 02:12 AM which bike be that amount ... una too dey lie jare

oga bike wey cost more than that dey, if u dont know does not mean they are lying I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 9-01-2018 06:54 AM (3 years ago) | Addicted Hero oga bike wey cost more than that dey, if u dont know does not mean they are lying Reply

kacylee at 9-01-2018 06:55 AM (3 years ago)

(f) so much for fighting corruption.... abeg how a boy that is not working have such money I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 9-01-2018 06:55 AM (3 years ago) | Addicted Hero so much for fighting corruption.... abeg how a boy that is not working have such money Reply

morganaldore at 9-01-2018 08:03 AM (3 years ago)

(m) Quote from: kacylee on 9-01-2018 06:54 AM oga bike wey cost more than that dey, if u dont know does not mean they are lying

shut up....yea they are lying....if you no know ....know now...yea there are bikes that expensive but bmw has none that price....they should tell us the name of the bike if it true....abi na those $5000 bike when dey that pic ... useless post Posted: at 9-01-2018 08:03 AM (3 years ago) | Upcoming shut up....yea they are lying....if you no know ....know now...yea there are bikes that expensive but bmw has none that price....they should tell us the name of the bike if it true....abi na those $5000 bike when dey that pic ... useless post Reply

Deltaboy1 at 9-01-2018 09:41 AM (3 years ago)

(m) Quote from: gogoman on 9-01-2018 02:12 AM which bike be that amount ... una too dey lie jare

Muslim Hausa idiot Posted: at 9-01-2018 09:41 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac Muslim Hausa idiot Reply

euwilliams at 9-01-2018 10:08 AM (3 years ago)

(f) Quote from: gogoman on 9-01-2018 02:12 AM which bike be that amount ... una too dey lie jare



Gogoman, na because say na Buhari son? If na another people, you go shout it loud to lo condemed it. Posted: at 9-01-2018 10:08 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac Gogoman, na because say na Buhari son? If na another people, you go shout it loud to lo condemed it. Reply

Zaki68 at 9-01-2018 10:13 AM (3 years ago)

(m) LIES I SAW THE BIKE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE BIKE IS NOT MORE THAN 2000 DOLLARS MAYBE NOT EVEN, MY IGBO BROTHERS IN THIS FORUM WILL BE HAPPY WITH THIS KIND OF NEGATIVE NEWS.(NEGATIVE PEOPLE) Posted: at 9-01-2018 10:13 AM (3 years ago) | Upcoming LIES I SAW THE BIKE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE BIKE IS NOT MORE THAN 2000 DOLLARS MAYBE NOT EVEN, MY IGBO BROTHERS IN THIS FORUM WILL BE HAPPY WITH THIS KIND OF NEGATIVE NEWS.(NEGATIVE PEOPLE) Reply

Mykie010 at 9-01-2018 10:40 AM (3 years ago)

(m) Quote from: Zaki68 on 9-01-2018 10:13 AM LIES I SAW THE BIKE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE BIKE IS NOT MORE THAN 2000 DOLLARS MAYBE NOT EVEN, MY IGBO BROTHERS IN THIS FORUM WILL BE HAPPY WITH THIS KIND OF NEGATIVE NEWS.(NEGATIVE PEOPLE)

look at you,are u not ashamed now,when I write abt his lifestyle in UK yesterday, u were complaining. There are bikes of 200k dollars if u don't know,buhari and his family have squandered our money Posted: at 9-01-2018 10:40 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac look at you,are u not ashamed now,when I write abt his lifestyle in UK yesterday, u were complaining. There are bikes of 200k dollars if u don't know,buhari and his family have squandered our money Reply

cypanyahucha at 9-01-2018 11:02 AM (3 years ago)

(m) Na so Nigeria de loose money. Who givam N110 million? Still we are fighting corruption. No wahala. Posted: at 9-01-2018 11:02 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac Na so Nigeria de loose money. Who givam N110 million? Still we are fighting corruption. No wahala. Reply

smart61 at 9-01-2018 12:33 PM (3 years ago)

(m) I know he is the president's son but I don't believe the motorcycle worth 56 millions. Where did they get the receipt with which he bought the power bike from? Let them prove it to us he bought it for 56million naira. Posted: at 9-01-2018 12:33 PM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac I know he is the president's son but I don't believe the motorcycle worth 56 millions. Where did they get the receipt with which he bought the power bike from? Let them prove it to us he bought it for 56million naira. Reply

ruthie at 10-01-2018 09:13 AM (3 years ago)

(f) na so...we haff heard Posted: at 10-01-2018 09:13 AM (3 years ago) | Hero na so...we haff heard ReplyVANCOUVER, B.C. , Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MX Gold Corp. (TSX-V:MXL) (FSE:ODV) (OTCQX:MXLGF) (the Company or MX Gold) is pleased to announce, further to its news release dated November 13, 2017, the delivery of 360 AvalonMiner 741 cryptocurrency mining systems (each, a Mining Rig), purchased from Canaan Creative Co. The purchase of the Mining Rigs equips the Company with a fleet of state of the art, digital currency extraction hardware. Each Mining Rig contains 88 x A3212 16 nm ASIC chips and boasts an in field Reliable Hashrate Per Second (RTHS) of up to 7.8. The Mining Rigs are housed in high-grade aluminum cases and employ innovative Airforming Cooling Technology, allowing more efficient heat dissipation. Coupled with access to contracted low-cost energy sources, the Company expects that the Mining Rigs set up will result in a competitive digital currency extraction environment.



For additional information on the AvalonMiner 741, please see the following link: https://canaan.io/product/avalonminer-741/

Dan Omeniuk, CEO of MX Gold, stated, "Our company is looking forward to developing a pilot project involving a cryptocurrency mining operation to determine whether further investment in the growing cryptocurrency industry is warranted.

The Company is excited to have the Mining Rigs landed and onsite, and is currently completing various testing procedures to ensure optimal operating efficiencies. The Company will disclose in upcoming announcements when the Mining Rigs are installed and fully operational.

For more information on cryptocurrency, please see the following link:

https://clients.haywood.com/uploadfiles/secured_reports/BCOct242017.pdf?inf_contact_key=579b43223c79ee11357ecfc6b62ebaae942374871c40ac756f37211bcc125ddb

About MX

MX Gold is a junior mining company focused on the exploration and development of advanced projects located in Mexico and British Columbia, Canada. The companys primary focus, is the Magistral del Oro tailings project located 392 km SW of Chihuahua and includes a fully permitted, 500 tonne-per-day dynamic cyanide countercurrent system plant constructed in 2013. The company is currently expanding to 1000 tonne-per day which is scheduled to be completed by the 1st quarter of 2018. The Company also owns 50% of the IDS Project, which includes a fully permitted smelter that was completed in 2014 for a throughput capacity of 50 tonnes per day. The smelter was built to receive and process high-grade direct-ship ores and concentrates from small-scale miners across the state of Durango and beyond.

MX Gold Corp. is also focused on the exploration, development and mining of advanced projects located in British Columbia and Mexico. The Companys primary focus in British Columbia is its Willa gold and copper project located 12 kilometers south of Silverton, B.C. In 2015, MX Gold Corp. completed the accretive acquisition of the Willa project and the Max Molybdenum Mine and Mill Complex. This acquisition removed major costs and shortened timelines typically associated with mine project development. The Willa mine is located 135 kilometers south of the Max Mill. MX Gold Corp. can also elect to reopen the Max Molybdenum mining operation once world Moly prices improve. For updates on the Magistral Project please visit our website. www.mxgoldcorp.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Akash Patel

For further information, please contact

Dan Omeniuk, CEO

Email: dano@mxgoldcorp.com

Or at: info@mxgoldcorp.com

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", potential, "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include the expectation that, with access to contracted low-cost energy sources, the Mining Rigs set up will result in a competitive digital currency extraction environment, and statements respecting the future installation and operation of the Mining Rigs. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation: that the Mining Rigs will not enable a competitive digital currency extraction environment; that the Company may not successfully install or render operational the Mining Rigs; that the Company may not be able to attract and retain qualified personnel and management; and that the Company may not be able to fund its operations, as well as other risks and uncertainties identified under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. MX Gold cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and managements assumptions may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and MX Gold does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or managements beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.



TORONTO, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seabridge Gold (TSX:SEA) (NYSE:SA) announced today that drilling will commence next month at its 100%-owned Courageous Lake Project in Canadas NWT. The planned 36 hole, 7,200 meter program will test seven separate targets along a geophysical and stratigraphic break that hosts the Walsh Lake Deposit which Seabridge discovered in 2012 (see September 10, 2012 news release).

The Courageous Lake Project covers almost all of the 53 km long Mathews Lake Greenstone Belt (MLGB) which hosts Seabridges Felsic-Ash-Tuff (FAT) deposit and was estimated in a July, 2012, pre-feasibility study to contain 6.46 million ounces of proven and probable gold reserves as follows:

Courageous Lake Mineral Reserves

Reserve Category Tonnes (000s) Diluted Grade (g/T) Contained Gold

(000s Ounces) Proven 12,300 2.41 960 Probable 78,800 2.17 5,500 Total 91,100 2.20 6,460

Mineral resources (inclusive of mineral reserves) for the Courageous Lake FAT deposit are as follows:

Courageous Lake Mineral Resources

Resource Category Tonnes (000s) Diluted Grade (g/T) Contained Gold

(000s Ounces) Measured 13,401 2.53 1,090 Indicated 93,914 2.28 6,884 Measured+Indicated 107,315 2.31 7,974 Inferred 48,963 2.18 3,432

The Walsh Lake deposit was discovered as part of a campaign designed to extend the Courageous Lake Projects mine life, thereby improving capital efficiency for this remote project. Drilling confirmed a near surface inferred resource at Walsh Lake, estimated in March, 2014, of 482,000 ounces of gold (4.6 million tonnes grading 3.24 g/T). Subsequent metallurgical testing demonstrated that the material is free milling with cyanide recoveries as high as 95%. Based on these factors, the Walsh Lake deposit could be mined prior to constructing the processing plant required for the larger, refractory FAT deposit. This order of development could have significant economic benefits for the Courageous Lake project not only by extending mine life but also by generating cash flow to pay for some capital costs as the FAT deposit ramps up.

Seabridge Chairman and CEO Rudi Fronk noted that, Our aim is to find more Walsh Lake-style deposits which could be added to the front end of a revised mine plan at the Courageous Lake Project where they have the potential to make a significant economic impact. We have a lot of confidence in this program which we have been planning for several years, but spectacular results at KSM kept pushing it back in the queue. Winter is the best season for moving in supplies on the ice road and also moving drills around the property. The Courageous Lake program will be funded from current cash on hand.

Walsh Lake is located about 10 km south of the FAT deposit and is connected to that deposit by a local road network. The Walsh Lake resource appears to be the southern extension of the historical Tundra Mine, a high-grade producer that was abandoned in 1999 as the gold price fell to a 25-year low. Well developed and laterally continuous structural zones are found stratigraphically above and below the extension of the Tundra Mine zone and it is these features that host multiple gold-bearing zones at Walsh Lake. These same structural zones have been traced for about 5 km to the north of Walsh Lake toward the FAT deposit and about 3 km to the south using geophysical techniques, geological mapping and historical drill holes.

The targets in this program are shear zones located near the stratigraphic contact between mafic volcanic rock and clastic sedimentary rocks. The initial drilling is to determine which of the targets are gold-bearing and have strike and width continuity within 200 meters of surface. If these requirements are met, Seabridge expects to proceed with infill drilling to support a resource estimate. See map for target locations.



Exploration activities by Seabridge at the Courageous Lake Project will be conducted under the supervision of William E. Threlkeld, Registered Professional Geologist, Senior Vice President of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Threlkeld has reviewed and approved this news release.



Seabridge Gold holds a 100% interest in several North American gold resource projects. The Companys principal assets are the KSM and Iskut properties located near Stewart, British Columbia, Canada and the Courageous Lake gold project located in Canadas Northwest Territories. For a breakdown of Seabridges mineral reserves and resources by project and category please visit the Companys website at http://www.seabridgegold.net/resources.php.



Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, nor their Regulation Services Providers accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All reserve and resource estimates reported by the Corporation were calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

This document contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements" are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the timing and extent of the proposed program; (ii) the estimated amount and grade of mineral reserves and estimates underlying the reserve determination, including estimates of resources, the capital costs of constructing mine facilities and bringing a mine into production, the amount of future production and estimates of operating costs, net cash flow and economic returns from an operating mine; (iii) mining activities possibly taking place at the Courageous Lake Project, the mining of the Walsh Lake deposit before construction of the larger processing plant for the FAT deposit, the earlier mining of the Walsh Lake deposit possibly yielding significant economic benefits for the Courageous Lake project; (iv) finding more Walsh Lake-style deposits that could be mined at the front end of the mine plan and the potential for them to have a significant economic impact; (v) the Walsh Lake resource appearing to be an extension of the historical Tundra mine; and (vi) completing additional infill drilling and whether it could support a resource estimate. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "envisages", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements are based on Seabridge's or its consultants' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. These assumptions include: (i) the presence of and continuity of metals at the Project at observed or modeled grades; (ii) the capacities of various machinery and equipment; (iii) the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices; (iv) exchange rates; (v) metals sales prices; (vi) appropriate discount rates; (vii) tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operation; (viii) financing structure and costs; (ix) anticipated mining losses and dilution; (x) metallurgical performance; (xi) reasonable contingency requirements; (xii) success in realizing proposed operations; (xiii) receipt of regulatory approvals on acceptable terms, (xiv) the negotiation of satisfactory terms with impacted Treaty and First Nations groups; and (xv) continuity of observed mineralization and its association with other geological structures. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Many forward-looking statements are made assuming the correctness of other forward looking statements, such as statements of net present value and internal rates of return, which are based on most of the other forward-looking statements and assumptions herein. The cost information is also prepared using current values, but the time for incurring the costs will be in the future and it is assumed costs will remain stable over the relevant period.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur, but specifically include, without limitation: risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the mineralized material identified, in particular mineral reserves or mineral resources, from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; developments in world metals markets; risks relating to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar; increases in the estimated capital and operating costs or unanticipated costs; difficulties attracting the necessary work force; increases in financing costs or adverse changes to the terms of available financing, if any; tax rates or royalties being greater than assumed; changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; risks relating to receipt of regulatory approvals or settlement of an agreement with impacted Treaty and First Nations groups; the effects of competition in the markets in which Seabridge operates; operational and infrastructure risks and the additional risks described in Seabridge's Annual Information Form filed with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com) for the year ended December 31, 2016 and in the Corporation's Annual Report Form 40-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR (available at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml). Seabridge cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive.

When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Seabridge, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Seabridge does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Seabridge or on our behalf, except as required by law.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Rudi Fronk"

Chairman and C.E.O.

For further information, please contact:

Rudi P. Fronk, Chairman and C.E.O.

Tel: (416) 367-9292  Fax: (416) 367-2711

Email: info@seabridgegold.net____________________________ 1 Total Measured + Indicated Resource: 362.0 MMT containing 0.26% Ni, 0.14% Cu, 0.231 g/t Pt, 0.244 g/t Pd, 0.04 g/t Au, and 150 ppm Co

TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2018 - Wellgreen Platinum Ltd. ("Wellgreen") is pleased to announce a corporate rebranding and name change to Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. ("Nickel Creek" or the "Company") to reflect the new direction of the Company and the uniqueness of its asset, which is one of the largest undeveloped nickel sulphide and Platinum Group Metals ("PGM") deposits in North America. "We are thrilled to complete our corporate rebranding to Nickel Creek Platinum, a name which reflects our company's significant endowment of nickel and PGMs, particularly in an environment of rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles that require extensive use of these metals," said Diane R. Garrett, President and CEO. "We are also extremely gratified by the fact that our principal project is located in the Yukon, a Canadian Territory with a well-established culture and support for responsible mining, a factor which is particularly important to all of our stakeholders."The new name is effective immediately; however, the Company will begin trading on the TSX under its new name and new ticker  NCP  on or about January 11, 2018. The Company expects to begin trading under its new name and a new symbol on the OTCQX at or about the same time. Our domain name and website address has changed to www.nickelcreekplatinum.com. Any visitors to our current website address and any communication to our current electronic mail addresses will be redirected accordingly.Concurrent with our rebranding, we have renamed our 100%-owned Ni-Cu-PGM project to Nickel Shaw (from Wellgreen). The project name recognizes our partnership, commitment and close community ties with the Kluane First Nation. The word "Shaw" (pronounced "sho") in Kluane means "big"  thereby translating to "big nickel"  a very suitable name for a project which is host to over 2.0 billion pounds of contained nickel (in Measured & Indicated resources). The Nickel Shaw project contains the Wellgreen deposit, as well as the Arch, Quill, Burwash, and Formula targets, comprised of 786 mineral claims totaling 14,382 ha. Our entire property package lies within the settled land claims of the Kluane First Nation, as defined by their treaty with the Canadian and Yukon Governments.Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP) is a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on advancing its 100%-owned Nickel Shaw project with a view to creating Canada's next world-class nickel sulphide mine. The project has exceptional access to infrastructure, located three hours west of Whitehorse via the paved Alaska Highway, which further offers year-round access to deep-sea shipping ports in southern Alaska.The Company is led by a management team with a proven track record of successful discovery, development, financing and operation of large-scale projects. Our vision is to create value for our stakeholders through development of the Nickel Shaw project into a leading North American nickel, copper and PGM producer.The technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by John Marek of IMC. Mr. Marek is a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and an independent consultant to the Company.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This news release includes certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information". Forward-looking information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology, or negative connotations thereof. All information in this release, other than information of historical facts, including, without limitation, regarding the commencement of trading under the Company's new name and trading symbols, the growing demand for electric vehicles, the potential for growing demand for nickel and PGMs, the undertaking of future activities, work programs and development at the Nickel Shaw Project, realization of the potential of the Wellgreen deposit, converting inferred resource material to measured and indicated, and general future plans and objectives for the Company and the Nickel Shaw Project, are forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions, such expectations are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. For more information on the Company and the key assumptions, risks and challenges with respect to the forward-looking information discussed herein, and about our business in general, investors should review the Company's most recently filed annual information form, and other continuous disclosure filings which are available at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.Graeme Jennings, CFA, VP Corporate Development and Investor Relations1-416-304-9322gjennings@nickelcp.comRENO, January 8, 2018 - Magellan Gold Corp. (OTCQB: MAGE) ("Magellan" or "the Company") announced that effective December 31, 2017, it had agreed with Rio Silver Inc. ("Rio Silver") to mutually terminate the Company's option to earn an interest in Rio Silver's Ninobamba exploration property in Peru. Magellan previously announced entering into the option agreement in news releases on July 5, 2016 and October 25, 2016.

In connection with termination of the agreement, Rio Silver agreed, subject to regulatory approval and under certain conditions, to apply to the TSX Venture Exchange for an 18-month extension of 2,750,000 warrants that Magellan holds in Rio Silver stock, which otherwise would expire in February and July 2018. There can be no assurance the warrants will be extended.

Also in connection with the termination of the agreement, Magellan agreed to grant Rio Silver a right of first refusal on any sale of the 2,750,000 shares of Rio Silver stock that Magellan currently holds. The stock and warrants in Rio Silver held by the Company relate to two Cdn$75,000 private placement unit financings subscribed by the Company in 2016 and 2017.

About Magellan Gold Corporation

Magellan Gold Corp. (OTCQB: MAGE) is a US public enterprise focused on the exploration and development of precious metals. In November 2017 Magellan completed the purchase of the SDA Mill in the State of Nayarit, Mexico. Magellan also owns an advanced silver exploration property located in Arizona.

The SDA Mill is a fully operational flotation plant that also includes a precious metals leach circuit and associated assets, licenses and agreements. Currently the Company is focused on acquiring sources of high-grade gold and silver ore that can be trucked to the mill for processing. Several attractive properties have been identified and are being evaluated for potential acquisition.

The 100% owned Silver District Property in southwest Arizona comprises over 2,000 acres covering the heart of the historic Silver District. The property contains a near-surface historical drilled resource of 16 million ounces of silver and exhibits exploration promise for significant expansion.

To learn more about Magellan Gold Corporation, visit http://www.magellangoldcorp.com.

Cautionary Statement

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can legally extract or produce. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves. Currently we have not delineated "reserves" on any of our properties. We cannot be certain that any deposits at our properties will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves." Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of any "resource" estimates will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves or that they can be economically or legally extracted.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements are based on good faith assumptions that Magellan Gold Corp. believes are reasonable but which are subject to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated are discussed in Magellan Gold Corporation's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.







Contacts:



Magellan Gold Corp.

Pierce Carson: (505) 463-9223

John Power: (707) 884-3766

Peter Nesveda (INT IR): +61-4-1235-7375





SOURCE Magellan Gold Corp.

Agreement with Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd ("Gecko Namibia") to acquire a majority interest in seven projects ranging from exploration opportunities to near term feasibility stage





Diversifies Namibia Rare Earths Inc.'s single commodity focus from heavy rare earths on the Lofdal project into a broader portfolio of critical metals and minerals crucial for electric vehicle industry including cobalt, lithium, graphite, tantalum, niobium, and gold





Initial focus will be on cobalt project following discovery of stratabound cobalt-copper mineralization on neighboring license in northern Namibia





Strategic partnership formed with mineral development and mining group, Gecko Namibia, strengthens operational capacities for mineral processing and mine development





Pine van Wyk (NHD Met. Eng. B.Com, MBA), Managing Director of Gecko Namibia, will be appointed CEO of Namibia Rare Earths Inc.





Gecko Namibia and Gerald McConnell, Chair of the Board of Namibia Rare Earths Inc., to complete CDN$550,000 private placement

HALIFAX, Jan. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Namibia Rare Earths Inc. ("Namibia Rare Earths" or the "Company") (TSXV: NRE) today provided an update on its progress towards completing the acquisition of a portfolio of critical metal properties (the "Properties") from Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd. ("Gecko Namibia") in consideration for the issuance of 64,000,000 common shares of Namibia Rare Earths ("Property Acquisition") and on its progress towards completing a $550,000 private placement ("Private Placement") both of which were announced in the Company's press release of November 10, 2017. Pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), the Company is required to issue a news release every 30 days following its initial news release to provide an update on the status of the Property Acquisition.

The Company is focused on the regulatory process to obtain the consent of the Exchange for the Property Acquisition and the Private Placement. Exchange conditional approval of the Property Acquisition and the Private Placement has been received and the Company is working to fulfill all conditions for final approvals. These conditions include the completion of background searches by the TSXV on representatives of Gecko who will become insiders of Namibia Rare Earths.

In accordance with the policies of the Exchange, the Namibia Rare Earths shares are currently halted from trading and it is expected that they will remain halted until receipt and review of acceptable documentation regarding the Property Acquisition, pursuant to Exchange listings Policy 5.3.

Property Acquisition and Private Placement

Namibia Rare Earths has entered into an agreement with Gecko Namibia to acquire its 95% interest in a portfolio of exploration properties consisting of 14 exploration prospecting licences ("EPLs") four of which are pending, one mineral deposit retention licence ("MDRL") and Gecko Namibia's rights under an option agreement to acquire a 60% interest in a further exploration prospecting licence which interest may, subject to the terms of the option agreement, be increased to 80%.

This transaction provides Namibia Rare Earths with a high quality, diversified portfolio of critical metals and at the same time has secured a highly experienced strategic partner. Gecko Namibia and its subsidiaries are substantial participants in the Namibian resource sector with 327 employees and a proven track record in the mining industry. The Gecko Namibia portfolio of properties (see Table 1 Projects 2-8) will expand the Company's commodity base from solely rare earths to a variety of highly critical commodities including cobalt, copper, zinc, lithium, graphite, tantalum, niobium, nickel, and gold. Ground holdings in Namibia will increase from 221 km2 (Lofdal) to over 6,850 km2.

In conjunction with the Property Acquisition, Gecko Namibia and Gerald J. McConnell, Chair of the Board of Namibia Rare Earths, have each agreed to complete a private placement with the Company in the amount of $275,000 at $0.05 per share for total gross proceeds to the Company of $550,000 ("Private Placement"). A total of 11,000,000 common shares of Namibia Rare Earths will be issued pursuant to the Private Placement.

The Property Acquisition and Private Placement are expected to close on or before January 31, 2018 and are subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the final approval and acceptance by the TSXV. Upon completion of the Property Acquisition and Private Placement, Gecko Namibia will own 69,500,000 common shares of the Company representing 43.80% of the outstanding common shares of the Company. The Property Acquisition is conditional upon receipt of the approval of shareholders as required by the TSXV which has been obtained.

The proceeds of the Private Placement will be used to carry out work on the properties acquired from Gecko Namibia with an initial focus on advancing the Kunene cobalt-copper project and to fund general corporate requirements. The common shares of the Company issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period.

Namibia Rare Earths and its insiders are at arm's length with Gecko Namibia and there are no finder's fees payable in connection with the Property Acquisition or the Private Placement.

Following the closing of the Acquisition, Gecko Namibia will nominate two members to the five-member board of Namibia Rare Earths with Gerald McConnell remaining as Chair. Pine van Wyk will be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Namibia Rare Earths based in Namibia and Donald Burton will remain as President.

The Portfolio  Diversification into Critical Metals in Namibia

The transaction dramatically increases the Company's exposure to a wide variety of critical metals and minerals at various stages of development, providing a pipeline of projects spanning the spectrum from near-term discovery to preliminary economic assessment. All the projects are located in Namibia, a stable mining jurisdiction in which the Company has operated for the past seven years and where in-coming senior management have worked for over 20 years. This diversification will provide the Company with considerable flexibility in targeting those commodities which can provide immediate shareholder value. The portfolio of eight projects (which includes Lofdal), their principal commodity targets and development stage are summarized in Table 1 and more fully described below. Project locations are shown in Figure 1. Total expenditures of $84,000 in year one and $422,000 in year two are required to keep the entire portfolio of properties in good standing.

1. Lofdal Heavy Rare Earth Project

Lofdal was already held by the Company prior to this transaction and in terms of project maturity, is the most advanced with a 43-101 resource in place and completed Preliminary Economic Assessment1. In 2016 the Company completed an Environmental Impact Assessment and filed for an Environmental Clearance Certificate from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and concurrently filed for a Mining Licence with the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The Environmental Clearance Certificate was received in December, 2017 as announced in the Company's press release of December 18, 2017.

2. Kunene Cobalt-Copper Project

In terms of commodity interest, the Kunene cobalt-copper project will be assigned highest priority given the high level of investor interest in cobalt and current high cobalt prices. The Kunene project builds upon the recent exploration success led by Dr. Rainer Ellmies (General Manager, Gecko Exploration) to explore for "copper belt" style deposits in northern Namibia. This work led to the first recorded discovery of Copperbelt-type stratabound cobalt-copper mineralization in Namibia in a sedimentary horizon termed the dolomite ore formation ("DOF"). The mineralization is uniformly 5 to 10 meters thick, stratabound within a dolomitic shale horizon, and averages around 0.5% copper and 1000-2000 ppm cobalt. The initial discovery (which is on a contiguous property and is not a part of this transaction) is currently under intense exploration by Celsius Resources (ASX:CLA) including a 15,000 meter drill program to complete a maiden JORC resource estimate by February 2018. As per Celsius Resources' press release dated May 18, 2017 "Data from the first 20 holes drilled across this 11 km zone has enabled the Company to generate an Initial Exploration Target of between 33 and 41 million tonnes, grading approximately 0.13% - 0.17% cobalt and 0.45% - 0.65% copper. It is noted that the potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature, and that there has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource."

The Kunene cobalt-copper project comprises a very large area of favourable stratigraphy contiguous with the DOF discovery adjacent to the ground held by Celsius Resources. Secondary copper mineralization over a wide area points to preliminary evidence of a regional-scale hydrothermal system. Exploration targets on EPLs held in the Kunene cobalt-copper project comprise direct extensions of the DOF style mineralization to the west, sediment-hosted cobalt and copper, orogenic copper, and stratabound Zn-Pb mineralization. Most of the occurrences are likely spatially related to what Dr. Ellmies' geological team has interpreted as a large hydrothermal center termed the Steilrand hydrothermal system. There is considerable scope for further discoveries both along strike of the Celsius discovery and in equivalent stratigraphy elsewhere on the property. Initial investigations will trace the western extension of the DOF which may continue for over 10 km in the project area, and will follow up on numerous copper-cobalt targets drilled in the past but never analysed for cobalt.

3. Black Range Graphite Project

The Black Range flake graphite prospect was discovered in the late 1980's and was explored by Rossing Uranium Ltd. between 1988 and 1992. Rossing interpreted the graphite horizon in a fold structure with a total strike length of about 8 km. Based on 3,821 m of percussion drilling and 3,931 m of diamond drilling from a 1 km segment of the horizon, employing a cut-off grade of 2% graphitic carbon and using the polygonal section method, an historical estimate of 12.46 MT grading 4.63% graphitic carbon was utilized by Rossing to assess the project (reference "The Black Range Graphite Deposit, Feasibility Study Final Report" dated August 1992). This historical estimate does not cite reference to CIMM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Additional drilling and sampling will be required to validate the historic database. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and this historical estimate is not being treated as a current mineral resource or mineral reserve. Preliminary mining plans were drawn up and preliminary metallurgical work was carried out by Mintek of South Africa but the project was terminated before the flowsheet was fully optimized when the decision was made to focus instead on the graphite deposit at Okanjande. Okanjande was brought into production in 2017 by Gecko Namibia in a joint venture with Imerys.

There has been insufficient exploration at Black Range to estimate a Mineral Resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource or the development of an economically viable mining operation. The data cannot be used in its present form for reporting under JORC or NI 43-101. The near-term focus will be on metallurgical test work and, with a viable flowsheet, the project could be taken rapidly to a PEA stage.

4. Warmbad Lithium Project

The Warmbad project is located in southern Namibia near the South African border in an area of historic small-scale pegmatite mining known as the Tantalite Valley. The Tantalite Valley pegmatites have been mined since about 1946 for beryl, columbite-tantalite, lithium and bismuth minerals. Mining has been re-activated by Kennedy Ventures Plc who control African Tantatite (Pty) Ltd. and are producing concentrates of >40% Ta 2 O 5 being sold into global markets. Initial production of 20M tpa concentrate is ramping up to 120M tpa (Kennedy Ventures Corporate Presentation "Meeting Market Demand and Resource Expansion" dated July 27, 2017). An initial lithium resource estimate is being prepared by MSA Group for early 2018 following the sampling of lepidolite bearing pegmatites grading >1.6% Li 2 O. The mineralization hosted on the Kennedy Ventures Pic property is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization hosted on the Warmbad Lithium Project.

The Warmbad EPL covers 605 km2 and hosts three pegmatite occurrences of undetermined extent from government maps. There are no records of any systematic exploration over the EPL. The area has recently been mapped by the Geological Survey of Namibia and the Council of Geosciences (South Africa) which has provided updated geological information. A key result of the mapping campaign is the delineation of previously unknown extensive pegmatite swarms of up to 13 km strike length. None of these pegmatites have ever been sampled and assayed. This new data will be utilized to undertake systematic sampling of the pegmatites.

5. Epembe Tantalum-Niobium Project

Epembe is an advanced stage exploration project with a well-defined, very large multiphase carbonatite dyke that has been mapped and sampled at surface over a strike length of 10 kilometers of which at least 7 km of strike length is mineralised. Gecko Namibia has completed detailed mapping and over 11,000 meters of drilling on the dyke, with preliminary mineralogical and metallurgical studies. The carbonatite contains variable concentrations of pyrochlore which is unusually enriched in tantalum. The other commodities of interest are niobium (hosted in pyrochlore) and apatite. Drilling covered only 15% of the pyrochlore hosting carbonatite. Grades of the drilled portion of the carbonatite average on the order of 150 ppm Ta 2 O 5 , 1,300 ppm Nb 2 O 5 and 2.4% P 2 O 5. Initial sorting tests (XRT) indicate the potential for significant physical upgrading. Planned work will focus on improving grade by optimizing XRT sorting and investigating amenability to XRF sorting. Further work will be undertaken to explore for extensions of mineralized zones along strike and at depth.

6. Grootfontein Nickel-PGE Project

Grootfontein is an early stage conceptual target based on geophysical and historical evidence for a large buried mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex. It is a poorly explored geological complex due to the extensive coverage with Kalahari sands and calcrete.

Based on historic drill holes and airborne magnetic survey interpretations, Grootfontein constitutes a huge mafic complex covering 360 km2 with the potential to host magmatic nickel, copper, vanadium, platinum group elements and chromite mineralisation as cumulates or late magmatic disseminations and stockworks. Previous work by Ongopolo Mining proved that the main intrusive phases are depleted in nickel and copper. The metals were likely fractionated as sulphides during the intrusive phase, gravitationally accumulated in the magma and intruded in the adjacent, preexisting rocks. Only two shallow drill fences (total of 1,386 m) were drilled by Anglo American in 1988 leaving 55 km of strike length untested.

There is also potential for zinc-lead-vanadium mineralisation of the Berg Aukas type where dolomite-hosted deposits bordering the mafic complex, which according to historical records, produced 1.6 MT of ore grading 16.77% Zn, 4.04% Pb and 0.93% V 2 O 5 during the period 1967-1975.

7. Otjiwarongo Carbonatite Project

Otjiwarongo is another early stage conceptual target based on remote sensing data in proximity to known alkaline intrusive complexes, most notably the Okorusu complex which hosts the Okorusu fluorspar deposits. The area of interest is completely hidden by cover. The circular anomaly measures one kilometer in diameter and can be easily tested by drilling to determine if in fact a carbonatite body is the source and what styles of mineralization might be associated with it (fluorspar, rare earths, tantalum, niobium etc.).

8. Erongo Gold Project

The Erongo gold project covers an area of over 600 km2 within the Navachab-Ondundu gold trend. There are numerous mineral occurrences within the project area including at least two gold occurrences. The area has been prospected but not systematically explored. Potential targets include skarn and greisen gold-(copper-bismuth) and tin-tungsten mineralization; pegmatites formed during the late Damaran orogeny hosting lithium minerals and semi-precious stones and structurally controlled gold mineralisation. Historical figures indicate small scale mining for all of those deposit types on the property.

Project Management Strengthened  Operational Experience Focused on Namibia

Operations in Namibia for all projects will continue under Namibia Rare Earths (Pty) Ltd., the Namibian operating company of Namibia Rare Earths. Project management will be streamlined through utilization of Gecko Namibia's in-country administrative and service and the appointment of Pine van Wyk as Chief Executive Officer.

Pienaar-Schalk (Pine) van Wyk (NHD Met. Eng. B.Com, MBA), Managing Director of Gecko Namibia will be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Namibia Rare Earths based out of Namibia. Pine joined Gecko in 2008 bringing over 25 years of extensive process and project management experience to the Gecko Group. Prior to joining Gecko Namibia he worked for Rossing Uranium as Engineering Manager and later with Paladin Energy at the Langer Heinrich uranium mine where he held the positions of Operations Manager and Business Development Manager. As Managing Director for Gecko Namibia, Pine has developed a strong network of contacts throughout the mining sector and with government agencies in Namibia. In addition to his professional qualifications as a Metallurgical Engineer from Tshwane University of Technology (Pretoria), Pine holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of South Africa and Masters of Business Administration from University of Bloemfontein with a focus on project management.

About Gecko Namibia  A Strategic Partner

Gecko Namibia is a private, Namibian-owned, fully integrated exploration and mining company with diversified interests in Namibia. Headquartered in Windhoek, the company and its subsidiaries operate with a work force of 327 employees with a professional management team of 24 people dedicated to every stage of mineral resource development including exploration, mining, mineral beneficiation and processing, and the provision of mine services (drilling, blasting, laboratories, plant construction, processing and contract mining).

Gecko Namibia and its sister company Genet South Africa (Pty) Ltd. ("Genet") were founded by Kobus Smit who is the Chairperson of both groups. Genet is a similar resource focused company providing mining and mineral processing services in South Africa with 703 employees and a team of 20 professional managers. Genet Mineral Processing introduced an innovative dry process, using air clarification to upgrade coal for the South African market, including to clients like Exxaro and Eskom. Mr. Smit's entrepreneurial spirit has led to the establishment of a diversified portfolio of business interests that include some of the most valuable mining and tourism assets in private ownership within the Southern African region. The group also employs 285 people in its various tourism related businesses.

Most notably, in 2003 Mr. Smit and his partners established a new coal mining company, namely Umcebo Mining, which grew into a significant coal producer in South Africa with annual production of approximately 9MT. Over a period, 7 coal mines were developed as greenfield projects, all with in-house capacity. The success of Umcebo was mainly the result of innovative technology in coal processing developed in-house that gave Umcebo Mining a significant competitive advantage over other coal producers. In 2011 Glencore acquired a 41% share in Umcebo Mining. Umcebo Mining was valued R2.2 billion at that time. During 2017, Mr. Smit disposed of all his interest in Umcebo Mining in order to focus on the expansion of his business interests in Namibia.

Graphite Mine in Production

Gecko Namibia was instrumental in bringing the 500,000 tpa run of mine Okanjande Graphite Mine into commercial production in 2017 through a joint venture partnership with Imerys, a global leader in the production of mineral-based, high value specialty products. Gecko Namibia re-designed a portion of the crushing, milling and flotation facilities at the Okorusu Mine for graphite processing of up to 20,000 tpa of graphite concentrate.

Fluorspar Mine and Processing Facilities

Gecko Namibia acquired all the mine and processing facility assets of the Okorusu Fluorspar Mine from Solvay in 2016. A comprehensive test program has been developed with the objective of re-opening the fluorspar operations at Okorusu. Okorusu produced close to 1.8 million tons of fluorspar concentrates over a 27-year period between 1998-2014, when Solvay made the corporate decision to close down its global mining division.

Various Salts and Limestone Operations

Gecko Salt, a subsidiary of Gecko Namibia, operates a small-scale salt production plant located approximately 120 kilometers north of the coastal town of Swakopmund. The project is currently operating at a rate of 200,000 tpa and targeting to increase to 1,000,000 tpa. The first shipment of 25,000 t of salt for the North American market was exported in August 2017.

An internal assessment has been completed over portions of the Otjivalunda salt pans, located north of Etosha National Park, which comprise natural deposits of burkeite, thenardite and sodium sulphate. Gecko Salt intends to initially produce approximately 100,000 tpa of sodium sulphate as well as washing powder, soap and other salt products for sale into the South African market.

An internal resource of 5 million tons of high-quality white marble with >98% calcium carbonate has been defined by drilling near Swakopmund together with an internal resource in excess of 25 million tons of calcitic marble rock for a calcining project. An Environmental Impact Assessment for the project has been completed and the company has received the Environmental Clearance Certificate.

Industrial Corporate Vision

Gecko Namibia envisions substantial industrial growth for Namibia, in part through the realization of its multi-faceted resource portfolio. To this end, Gecko Namibia has initiated two high level projects related to industrial development in the Swakopmund-Walvis Bay area.

An application for the development of a 200 ha industrial park named Nonidas Industria to be located 11km east of Swakopmund is at an advanced stage. The site is uniquely situated between the B2 National Highway and the main TransNamib railway leading inland from Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The Vision Industrial Park (VIP) is a much larger concept that has been proposed by Gecko Namibia to develop a new deep-water port with an associated industrial development zone to be situated 25 km north of Swakopmund. The Namibian Cabinet awarded Gecko Namibia the right to develop a private port together with 700 ha of industrial land for the development of chemical and mining related industries. The port will be designed to accommodate Panama size vessels and have the capacity to handle 5-10 million tons of cargo volume per annum. The concept is very similar to the Coega Project of South Africa where an industrialized development zone was created with a dedicated port facility in 2009. Since its inception, Coega has attracted 54 industrial firms that have brought in over R30 billion in investments.

Donald M. Burton, P.Geo. and President of Namibia Rare Earths Inc., is the Company's Qualified Person and has reviewed and approved this press release.

About Namibia Rare Earths Inc.

Namibia Rare Earths Inc. is focused on the accelerated development of the Lofdal Rare Earths Project and on building a critical metals portfolio in Namibia. The common shares of Namibia Rare Earths Inc. trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NRE".

Web site: www.NamibiaRareEarths.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 foregoing information may contain forward-looking information relating to the future performance of Namibia Rare Earths Inc. Forward-looking information, specifically, that concerning future performance, is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the appropriate securities commissions.





1 Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Lofdal Rare Earths Project Namibia dated October 1, 2014 authored by David S. Dodd, B. Sc (Hon) FSAIMM - The MDM Group, South Africa, Patrick J.F. Hannon, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. and William Douglas Roy, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. - MineTech International Limited, Canada, Peter Roy Siegfried, MAusIMM (CP Geology) and Michael R. Hall, B.Sc (Hons), MBA, MAusIMM, Pr.Sci.Nat, MGSSA - The MSA Group, South Africa

SOURCE Namibia Rare Earths Inc.Thunder Bay, January 8, 2018 - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or "the Company") would like to announce that it has received its permit from the Government of Newfoundland to complete an airborne survey (magnetic (Mag) and electromagnetic (EM)) over its 100%-owned GNP project located near St. Anthony in northwestern Newfoundland. The proposed survey is to the south of White Metal Resources Corp. and Metals Creek Resources Corp. 's projects. A recent discovery of anomalous gold values over approximately 15 sq km in black sedimentary shale units (See White Metal Resources PR dated November 20, 2017) is considered to be significant by the Company's management and could represent a new geological model for the island of Newfoundland. The Company will be flying 156 line-kilometres of airborne Mag-EM. During the late fall of 2017, the Company identified pyritic and graphitic black shales in several locations on its GNP project and limited sampling returned assays from 7ppb to 239ppb gold (Au). The 239ppb Au sample was collect near the southern boundary of Metals Creek's project and is located more than 10km south of White Metal's Gunners Cove discovery and is believed to be the same geological unit.

In addition, Benton also controls the Cape Ray gold deposits located near the southwest coast of Newfoundland and is working on various ways to advance the project in the best interests of shareholders. The Company will inform shareholders of upcoming plans when a material decision has been made.

The previously announced results of the Cape Ray PEA include a pre-tax net present value ("NPV") at a 7% discount rate of $48.5 million with a pre-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 31% and a post-tax NPV at a 7% discount rate of $32.4 million with a post-tax IRR of 25%. The reader should be cautioned that the PEA is preliminary in nature. It contains inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves.

Benton also holds multiple gold and base metal projects that are available for option which can be viewed on the Company's web site. Most projects have an up-to-date NI 43-101 report available. Interested parties can contact Stephen Stares from the contact below.

About Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX)

Benton Resources Inc. is a well-funded Canadian-based junior with a diversified property portfolio in Gold-Silver, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements.

Clinton Barr (P.Geo.), V.P. Exploration for Benton Resources Inc., is the qualified person responsible for this release has prepared, supervised the preparation or approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc.,

"Stephen Stares"

Stephen Stares, President

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections

For further information contact Stephen Stares @:

684 Squier Street,

Thunder Bay, ON

P7B 4A8

Phone (807)475-7474

Cell (807) 474-9020

Fax (807) 475-7200

Web www.bentonresources.ca

Email sstares@bentonresources.ca

Students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) felt on top of the world when they visited a New York landmark as part of their #DMUglobal experience.

A group from across all four faculties ascended 70 floors to enjoy views of the famed skyline from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at the Rockefeller Center.

The Midtown Manhattan activity was one of a selection students could choose from to enhance their cultural understanding of the city.

Amy Transfield described the experience as "breathtaking and definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

The English Language and English Literature student said: "You get a bird's eye view of what life is like in New York rather than being on the ground and living in it.

"It adds to your understanding of the city because you get to see everything."

Her English Literature classmate Ella McGill could directly relate the experience to her course.

"The way that New York has been built there are so many different cultures in it and you can find relevancy everywhere.

"The Rockefeller Center is so ornate, I love the style of it, and then being able to see New York from up high is just the best view I've ever seen in my life."

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Psychology student Hamza Mir enjoyed getting a different perspective of the city.

"Being down on the floor in Manhattan you're always looking up at the sky and seeing how the towers are leaning over you," he said. "Coming up here you get to see how everything is on the same level as you and it's literally an amazing sight.

"It's something that I'm going to take away with me for the rest of my life."

The 360-degree views, taking in the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty to the south and Central Park to the north, proved inspirational for Architecture student Chang Chern Loh.

"This is benefitting my studies," he said, "as the skyline is improving my visuals".

Students also had a chance to explore an exhibition of photographs and artefacts from the Rockefeller Center, famed for its Art Deco style, before taking the Sky Shuttle elevator to the viewing area.

Ryan Cook had never seen anything like it before.

"It is amazing as well as cultural and you don't see many things like this in your life," said the Business and Law student, who is also getting a lot from his academic activities.

"It's good to see American law, the differences and how we can compare our own to theirs. It's very beneficial."Unemployment is back down to near-historic lows -- 4.3 percent nationwide and a bit lower in my own city of Columbia, S.C. Why, then, are so many of my hard-working constituents, and Americans nationwide, so anxious about money? Stagnant wages and rising inequality are parts of the story, but there is an equally pernicious trend that gets almost no attention: income volatility.We live in an economy increasingly dominated by just-in-time workers, and the swings can be wrenching. Think of the hourly worker whose hours are slashed when business slows down, the parent who gets hit with an unexpected hospital bill, or the Uber driver who has a slow week. Think of all of the "independent contractors" who have no sick leave, no health insurance and no job security. Income volatility also affects millions of full-time employees, from salespeople who work on commission to factory workers who get laid off during slow periods.According to an Urban Institute report , roughly a quarter of American families suffer a major disruption to their income each year. Nearly one in five of those families suffer an income drop of 50 percent or more. Volatility is especially traumatic for low-wage workers. And according to studies by the Aspen Institute, about half of low-wage workers are subject to precarious scheduling: they get little advance notice of changes in shifts or the number of hours they will work. For people living paycheck to paycheck, even short swings can cause long-lasting disruptions.I saw this stress firsthand last summer when the city of Columbia hosted a conference on income volatility in coordination with the Aspen Institute's Financial Security Program and LendUp, a socially responsible financial-services firm.We brought together elected officials, local business leaders, community advocates and policy experts. But we also heard from residents. "Stress is at the top of the list," one mother recounted. "You can't even think through in a rational way to work things out because you don't have the energy or focus.""I can't even afford to get sick," said a resident working his way through college. "I had to quit going to school just so I could afford to pay rent."One young mother recounted how she got fired after trying to care for her sick child. "They didn't want to hear the excuse," she said. Another mother with a sick child said she was forced to take out a high-cost "title loan" secured by her car. "I am still paying it off,'' she said. "I think I'm going to give the car back."What can we do? We can't erase income volatility, but we can tame its impact. This will require bold thinking and collaboration across all sectors: elected officials, the business community, the financial-services industry, community advocates, nonprofit leaders and our own public employees.As the mayor of Columbia, I oversee a municipal enterprise that employs more than 2,000 people. To that end, we are exploring a range of new strategies that could serve as a model for other employers. One simple idea: offer employees training in money management. There are a number of useful tools to help people prepare for volatility, but employees are often too busy or tired to think about those issues after work.We also are looking at a pilot program to spur savings and homeownership among city employees. The plan is to offer "lunch and learn" seminars on a wide range of topics, from budgeting to credit management, and to link that with financial incentives for saving and support for down payments on homes purchased in targeted areas.Employers need to think creatively about ways they can improve financial stability. Something as easy as switching from biweekly to weekly paychecks can help. But why stop there? Perhaps it's possible to smooth the monthly income of people who earn uneven but predictable amounts of overtime pay. If electricity customers can average out their bills over the year, why couldn't employees average out their overtime? Employers could also give their workers more advance notice about changes to their schedules or the number of hours they can expect. New York City recently enacted a law that requires exactly that.Financial-services companies can help too. As Sasha Orloff, co-founder and CEO of LendUp, has noted, today's financial-services industry doesn't serve the needs of more than half of Americans, those who don't have access to things like debit or credit cards. Financial-services companies have a huge opportunity to innovate on behalf of these consumers, and some are already working on new ideas. Among them: safer alternatives to "payday" loans.Government also should do more to adapt safety-net programs to the needs of today's workforce. Unemployment insurance helps only about one in five people who lose their jobs, and it does absolutely nothing for people whose hours are cut back. The federal Earned Income Tax Credit provides thousands of dollars to low-income working families -- but only once a year.Neither the just-in-time labor economy nor the other causes of income volatility are likely to fade anytime soon. The good news is that creative solutions are possible, but they require bold thinking on all sides.Governments around the nation are working to design the best vaccine policies that keep both their employees and their residents safe. Although the latest data shows a variety of polarizing perspectives, there are clear emerging best practices that leading governments are following to put trust first: creating policies that are flexible and provide a range of options, and being in tune with the needs and sentiments of their employees so that they are able to be dynamic and accommodate the rapidly changing situation.The Baltimore Health Department has a history of taking risks to help drug addicts. In an effort to prevent outbreaks of HIV and hepatitis, the city was one of the first to open a needle exchange where addicts can swap dirty needles for clean ones. It also made national headlines when the city's health commissioner, Leana Wen, opened the door for any resident to buy naloxone, the life-saving antidote to an opioid overdose.But there's at least one evidence-based method for helping people with substance abuse problems that Wen is hesitant to propose: supervised injection facilities.Supervised injection facilities (SIF) are places where addicts can safely use their own illegal drugs under the watchful eye of a medical professional and with clean paraphernalia provided by the city. Also present are people who can connect users with social services, including drug and mental health treatment and housing assistance. Dozens of studies have shown that SIFs reduce overdoses and do not increase drug use or crime in the community.There are more than 100 of these clinics in Europe and Australia, and one in Canada. In the U.S., however, the idea encounters roadblocks everywhere it goes. But as the opioid epidemic rages on, its supporters don't appear to be giving up, and the country might get its first facility of this kind in 2018.After overcoming many hurdles, the place closest to opening an SIF is King County, Wash., home to Seattle.Seattle and King County officials gave the green light to pursue one in 2017, but an opposition group raised enough signatures that would have put the issue on the ballot. The group argued that because the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis, the public should have a say in how it gets handled. A judge, however, shot down the effort in October, ruling that the petition infringed on the decisionmaking power of the King County Board of Health.There still isnt a timetable for when it will open, though Jeff Duchin, a health officer for King County,says hes confident theyve cleared the biggest logistical hurdles and that the clinic, which will be a pilot project at first, will be well-received.If you think people are just weak-willed, it might seem strange," he says. "When you realize this is a chronic disease and youre engaging them in treatments, it makes more sense."In the past few months, several more places -- Colorado, Delaware, Philadelphia and a county in Vermont -- have started discussing the possibility of an SIF to address the opioid crisis.The Colorado General Assembly is expected to take up the issue when they convene for the 2018 session this month. Denver City Council President Albus Brooks already traveled to Vancouver in November to visit the SIF there.In Philadelphia, the idea has the backing of Mayor Jim Kenney. In Crittenden County, Vt., the top county prosecutor is pushing it, but the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police is opposed, and Gov. Phil Scott remains unconvinced -- although he says the issue should be studied.There's also an ongoing effort in California. After a bill to allow supervised injection sites in California failed in September, the sponsor immediately promised to propose it again this year.While I am disappointed that the bill will not pass at this time, I am committed to finding a way forward next year. The opioid epidemic continues and new solutions are desperately need[ed]," Assemblywoman Susan Eggman posted on Twitter.It faces an uphill battle: Not one Republican supported the measure, and a few Democrats also voted no or abstained from voting altogether.At one time, Boston looked like it might be the first U.S. city with a supervised injection site, but a contentious public hearing on the idea in September appears to have killed it for now."So were going to watch them inject, snort or whatever? And then were going to sit by and wait to see whether we have to jump in and render assistance? I think that is absolutely asinine," said Councilor Michael Flaherty during the hearing.There's a bill toallow the creation of SIFs across the state pending in the Massachusetts Legislature, but it doesn't appear to be a priority for the new year.One thing holding some cities back from opening a supervised injection facility is the Trump administration. While cities don't need approval from the federal government to establish their own SIFs, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has shifted the Department of Justice back to a tough-on-drugs operation.Sessions sent out a memo in May, for instance, encouraging prosecutors to go after "serious drug offenses" and on Thursday, he rescinded an Obama-era memo that urged lax enforcement of federal law in regards to marijuana.Supervised injection facilities are just too radical a venture to embark on during the Trump administration, says Baltimore's Wen, noting that "80 percent of our funding comes from grants, and many of them are federal. It would just be too tricky. I would require specific guidance from the Department of Justice."King County's Duchin, however, is hopeful that the DOJ will maintain its commitment to states rights in this case.This approach is widely recognized in other places, and it isnt a threat to the federal government, he says.Wen also notes that President Trumps opioid commission failed to recommend any harm-reduction solutions -- including needle exchanges and supervised injection sites -- in its report on how to combat an epidemic that killed more than 33,000 people in 2015.SIFs not only save lives, they could also save money: A May report from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the opening of one would save the city of Baltimore $6 million."In the midst of an epidemic, we should be trying all evidence-based methods," Wen says.From optimist to vocal critic

Homeland Security's future role unclear

President Trump's decision last week to pull the plug on his troubled voter fraud commission was partly the result of Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap's effort to force the body to behave in a transparent and bipartisan manner, a struggle that gained intensity Saturday, when Dunlap learned the administration would not be turning over working documents to him as a federal judge had ordered.Trump killed the commission -- which was mired in lawsuits, infighting among commissioners, and an organizational culture so secretive it had refused to tell its own membership if and when it would meet again -- "rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense," according to a White House statement.The president's decision, announced Wednesday, also came less than two weeks after a federal judge ordered the commission to share working documents and scheduling information with Dunlap, who had sued the body in November after he and three other Democrats serving on the 11-member commission had been frozen out of its deliberations. American Oversight, a Washington-based ethics advocacy group that represented Dunlap in the suit, said this was "no coincidence," as the decision had made it "clear it wouldn't be able to operate in the shadows."But in a surprise move revealed Saturday, the Trump administration is resisting turning over the documents. On Friday evening, Dunlap's attorneys received a letter from the Justice Department informing them that it would not be providing the records on the rationale that because the commission no longer exists, Dunlap is no longer a member of it and therefore not entitled to receive them. "The balance of the equities and the public interest have now shifted," explained the letter's author, Joseph Borson, a Justice Department attorney representing the now defunct commission, who added they intended to ask the judge to lift the order on account of the changed circumstances.Dunlap blasted the Justice Department in a written statement released Saturday afternoon, characterizing its response as a "rich blend of arrogance and contempt for the rule of law." He said it was "unthinkable, unconscionable and un-American that the administration would engage in actions that demonstrate such a flagrant disregard for a court ruling and the rule of law" and said he was "more committed than ever" to securing the documents.In an interview before the latest developments, Dunlap said he thought his legal action played a role in Trump's decision to close the commission. "I kind of wondered after the decision if that would be the direction they would take," he said, adding that he would continue to pursue the documents the court said he was entitled to receive. "I think it's more critical now than it's ever been. The president didn't just roll out of bed and say, 'I'm going to dissolve this commission.' This was something they discussed that we were not involved in."Election integrity experts say Dunlap's lawsuit almost certainly played a part in the demise of the commission, which Trump created by executive order in February to substantiate his evidence-free assertion that he had only lost the popular vote because millions of fraudulent ballots were cast for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton."I don't think there's any question that Secretary Dunlap's view from inside the commission and his shining a light on their lack of transparency contributed to its ultimate demise," said David Becker, former director of the elections program at the Pew Charitable Trusts and executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research in Washington, D.C. "He got criticism for even being willing to join the group and to work with an open mind toward something he thought was going to be constructive. I think he's been vindicated."Richard L. Hasen, an election law expert at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, said separate lawsuits by Dunlap and more than a half-dozen other parties combined to block overreach and illegal acts by the commission, which was formally chaired by Vice President Mike Pence and led week-to-week by vice chairman Kris Kobach, a voter fraud activist and Kansas secretary of state."It wasn't as though the lawsuits took so much time that the commission didn't have the bandwidth to be able to do its job," Hasen said. "It's that the lawsuits and related scrutiny indicated that the commission was going to have to operate with a certain level of transparency and evenhandedness which I think would have stymied their ability to have come forward with a sham report to justify a crackdown on alleged voter fraud.""The loss of the commission takes away the bipartisan veneer that Kobach tried to create which included bringing on Secretary Dunlap, which is one of the reasons I opposed his participation," Hasen added.Neither Kobach nor Andrew Kossack, the commission's executive director, responded to requests for comment. Kobach told the Kansas City Star that the blame lay with a "barrage of meritless lawsuits ... all trying to stop the commission in its tracks."Trump, for his part, tweeted that the "system is rigged" and accused "Democrat states" of stonewalling the body's request for detailed voter registration records. "They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally," Trump asserted.Over the summer, Dunlap had been under fire from fellow Democrats for participating in a commission that from its first meeting had made clear it would focus almost entirely on voter fraud, a problem numerous studies and probes by administrations headed by both parties have shown is vanishingly rare. One study by Loyola Law School, Los Angeles professor Justin Levitt found just 31 credible allegations of identity fraud in all primary, general, special and municipal elections between 2000 and 2014, out of more than a billion votes cast. A 2011 voter fraud probe in Maine by Republican Secretary of State Charlie Summers and backed by Gov. Paul LePage found just one instance of fraud.Dunlap repeatedly defended his participation, saying it was a mistake to prejudge the commission's intentions and that, if it were acting improperly, he would be in a position to expose it "with a bullhorn in my hand." But he began to express concern and alarm after the body's second and, as it turned out, last meeting in Manchester, New Hampshire, Sept. 12.Ahead of the meeting -- which was hosted by New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner, one of the other Democrats on the commission -- Kobach asserted in an article in Breitbart News that the Granite State's U.S. Senate race had been "stolen" from Republican incumbent Kelly Ayotte via voter fraud. His evidence was that college students had voted in the election without having acquired a state driver's licenses, even though this is explicitly legal under that state's laws. Dunlap derided Kobach as "reckless," while Gardner defended the integrity of the vote.While the meeting was underway, news broke that one of the Republican members of the commission, Hans von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation's Election Law Reform Initiative, had written Attorney General Jeff Sessions in February to express anger that Democrats and "mainstream Republicans" would be allowed to serve on it, claiming they would seek to obstruct the investigation. The revelation outraged Dunlap, causing him to seriously question the body's intentions.After the Manchester meeting, Dunlap said, he ceased to receive any communications from the group, which for weeks ignored his requests for working documents, scheduling information, and to be included in ongoing deliberations. In October he learned of the arrest of a commission staff researcher on child pornography charges from a reporter; he said he hadn't even been aware the staffer had been hired. He sued to receive working documents Nov. 9.By then it was also clear that the commissioners had no powers. Kobach had sent two controversial requests to election administrators in all 50 states asking them to turn over detailed voter registration information to the commission, including party affiliation and partial Social Security numbers. Neither of the requests -- which were rejected by many blue and red states alike -- was made with the prior approval or consultation with the commissioners. Maine did not provide the requested information, as Dunlap said it would violate state law.A federal judge ruled largely in Dunlap's favor Dec. 22, ordering the commission to turn over the documents. Dunlap said it has neither done so nor communicated with him since."Dunlap was under a lot of fire from Democrats for being on the commission in the first place, and I do think ends up smelling like a rose," said Charles Stewart III, a professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and director of the MIT Election Data and Science Lab. "Because of the lawsuit and his insistence on being included in the commission's work, I think he acquitted himself well."There were conflicting messages coming out of Washington as to what the Trump administration intended to do next.Initially, the White House and Kobach said they were not abandoning their efforts to establish the existence of widespread voter fraud. Trump supposedly directed the Department of Homeland Security to review the commission's initial findings -- the existence of which has yet to be made public -- and "determine next courses of action," according to a White House statement Wednesday. Trump's press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, declined to explain to reporters Thursday why Homeland Security was taking over the data rather than the Department of Justice.Kobach, who is running for governor in Kansas, told the Kansas City Star last week that Trump's decision to end the commission came after weeks of discussion, and that DHS was chosen because it oversees immigration and could help identify noncitizens on voting rolls."This is a tactical shift by the president, who remains very committed to finding the scope of voter fraud," Kobach said.But subsequently, attorneys for the administration denied that the documents were going to be transferred to Homeland Security or anyone else. In its letter regarding Dunlap's lawsuit, the Justice Department saidit was "authorized to report that the state voter data collected by the Commission is not being transferred or utilized." On Friday, Reuters reported that multiple officials within Homeland Security said they were unaware of any plans for the department to begin investigating voter fraud, while department spokesman Tyler Houlton said Kobach was not serving as an adviser to them on the issue, as Kobach had claimed in interviews with reporters.If Homeland Security does take up the issue, election experts are concerned it may damage the newly forged trust between the department and state and local election officials, who have been working together in recent months to improve cybersecurity for voter registration databases and other crucial electoral infrastructure in the face of Russian hacking and infiltration attempts."Election officials are already voicing their concern about this shift and if it will somehow divert resources and attention away from the critical infrastructure work that has been taking place," Tammy Patrick, a former member of President Barack Obama's commission on election administration, said by email. "That work is tantamount to ensuring the security of the (2018) midterms and is already under-resourced."Stewart of MIT agreed. "Nothing good can come of moving this to DHS, and I think the secretary of DHS will have to make a decision about what is most important to the agency's mandate," he said. "There was a lot of work to mend fences between DHS and election officials. Why would you want to throw a monkey wrench right when the work is being done?"Speaking to the Press Herald late Wednesday night,, Dunlap said a shift to Homeland Security would also mean a loss of transparency, which is why he considers it more important than ever to obtain the records documenting what the commission has been planning behind closed doors."I think we need to know what has been discussed and what their blueprint is for what happens next," he said. "I'm still entitled to that information, and I will see what efforts we can pursue to make that happen."Description

GIS  08 January, 2018: The Ministry of Arts and Culture would organise a series of activities to mark the 183rd Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery in Mauritius, commemorated on 1st February. In the context of the celebrations, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness, ON, MP, will be the Chief Guest.

Mr Holness became Jamaicas ninth Prime Minister in 2016. He is a holder of a Master of Science in Development Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies.

Prime Minister Holness has pledged to build partnerships with the private sector, the civil society, the Diaspora, and International Partners in order to achieve the vision of shared prosperity for all Jamaicans through inclusive economic growth and meaningful job creation.

Prior to assuming the responsibility of leading the nation, Mr Holness has worked at various levels of the political and governance systems. He has focused on several key areas comprising: social welfare, community development, housing and education.

Prime Minister Holness has also brought national attention to literacy and has instituted several programmes to place Jamaica on the path to universal literacy at the primary level.Filling a need

Hutchinson discussion?

State assistance?

(TNS)  The city of Chanute is one of only two Kansas towns to build its own fiber-optic communications network open to businesses in its community.While unique for Kansas, a quick search of the internet shows it's not at all unique in the U.S., with municipally run broadband at locales from Florida to California.It's also an idea some Hutchinson community leaders believe should be explored as a way to promote economic development here.In Chanute, the city first began using fiber optics back in 1984 to support the city's electric utility operations."We had three locations we were trying to keep track of, but without SCADA it was a nightmare," said Chanute Utilities Director Larry Gates, referring to the acronym for a computerized monitoring system that records data from multiple remote locations and tells equipment how to operate.In 2001, when the system needed upgrading, they decided to overbuild it, Gates said."We have an awful lot of city services  lift stations, water intake, water treatment, sewer treatment, even Wi-Fi in the parks," he said. "Those are all connected by fiber optic. We also do a lot of security monitoring, with cameras in key locations.""The routes we took are where we put junction boxes," he said. "We did it next to the schools and junior college and the hospital. For the simple reason we started talking about getting them onto our fiber optic network is how we got started being an ISP (internet service provider.)"That was 2005. Since then, Gates said, "we've expanded that quite a bit," offering it to businesses within the community."It's something we did not have here  ultra-high-speed bandwidth  and it's highly reliable," he said. "Once you're connected to the city of Chanute network, you don't have issues anymore."The city has built its system, which now encompasses about 50 miles of cable, "one piece at a time," Gates said, noting it's the most expensive way to do it but was "pay as you go."While not created for that purpose, it has served as an economic development tool, he believes.For example, a drive-through restaurant in town wasn't able to take debit or credit cards because its connection was inadequate and unreliable, "and they were losing a lot of customers," Gates said. "It's a plastic world. People use cards to buy stuff."Others use the system for voice-over-internet, which "is very popular," Gates said."The network provider was having real issues with reliability, continuously having calls drop."The city was exploring building a city-wide system, to offer service to residential customers, when it became a political issue during a city election. The proposal was to bond the project, adding about another 140 miles of line."Some people ran (for City Council) on the basis of fiber optics, putting it to a vote of the people," he said. "We were two weeks away from authorizing a bond issue to do fiber-to-home for everyone on the electrical system when it was stopped."That was in April 2015."We're still waiting on that public vote," he said.Most of Chanute's lines are strung from poles and not buried, "but we have our own utilities" so that's not an added expense and a significant benefit for running its own system."We're a full-service city," Gates said. "We have electric, with our own electric generators. We have water, sewer, even our own gas. We have city trash routes and a landfill. We don't have telephone or cable TV."The community is served by AT&T, which "is reliable," Gates said, but charges more than the city for internet service. They also have a cable provider, which Gates said is "not good service." Being a small community, "I don't think we'll ever see 5G networks.""I don't know that by itself it's an economic development tool," Gates said. "But if you don't have that information highway, you won't see economic development. Everyone is demanding it. ... I think it's a big leveling item for our community. It allows us to compete."Hutchinson city officials had a brief discussion about the city building a fiber-optic system about five years ago, said City Manager John Deardoff, but it never went further than that."We looked at the possibility of doing something like Chanute was doing, but at that time, there was huge up-front money," Deardoff said. "Certainly the payoff was there, but we didn't look into it far enough to see what it would look like."At least one City Council member has expressed an interest in the issue, the city manager said, but "we haven't gotten into any serious conversations about a city utility.""It would take a lot of investigation," he said. "A lot of information would have to be gathered."There's also the issue, he said, of the "free enterprise thing."The city this month is looking at its wide-area network plan, Deardoff said, linking city facilities without relying on an outside provider, "but that's about how far we've gone in terms of building our own."That plan, said Hutchinson IT Director Todd Davis, actually involves very little fiber optics but mostly point-to-point communication using wireless radios, called "air-fiber." Building fiber-optic cables from just City Hall to the Public Works building, he said, would cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.Hutchinson lawmaker Jason Probst, however, believes developing some type of high-speed fiber-optic system for Hutchinson is important for economic development."This is like any other infrastructure," said Probst, D-102nd District. "We build highways to move goods and services and treat them as tools of economic development. I believe the way to continue to move goods and services in the future is through high-capacity internet connections. If the community is not investing in that, and leaving it to private industry, it's subject to pricing mechanisms of the market, which is even more concerning now with what the FCC has done on internet neutrality.""This is like the railroad," Probst said. "If the railroad came to town, the town grew. If it didn't, it died or started to decline. The same thing with highways. If we don't start thinking for the next 50 or 100 years and don't treat internet capacity as a means of economic development, we'll see the same fate as those communities."Noting how internet technology expanded in a relatively short time "from when I was in high school and you had a 2400 baud modem that could only send text" to today's online international marketing that is reshaping retail trade, Probst suggested "we ought to step up to leverage that and take advantage, to make our community a part of it.""I haven't had the chance to research it thoroughly, but I think a community like Hutchinson ought to start looking at what it would cost to build its own infrastructure, to bring in a company like IdeaTek, to use their expertise and maybe work with them under contract," he said. "We need to explore how much those things cost and what good can be gained."Even something like a fiber system just along Main Street, available at low or no cost to entrepreneurs and retailers downtown or for the public using a coffee shop, could be a potential economic boon, helping draw businesses in to fill empty storefronts."I think at the state level, something could be looked at in terms of creating economic incentive, some assistive legislation that would help communities finance this, whether through a bonding mechanism or helping leverage locally raised money to pay for high-capacity infrastructure," Probst said. "We never seem to have a problem coming up with the money if a big corporate firm is looking to come to Kansas. This could be used to develop local talent and skills. To recruit high technological industries into the state, you need high-speed internet."The Minnesota Legislature last year allocated $20 million in state funds for a "Border-to-Border Broadband" grant program, with a focus on assisting new and existing providers to invest in building infrastructure into unserved and underserved areas of the state.The grants can provide up to half of project development costs, with a grant cap of $5 million.And in October 2017, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker announced a second round of broadband grants for that state, awarding up to $7.5 million from funds previously approved in the state budget.Kansas briefly had a Statewide Broadband Initiative, managed by the Department of Commerce. When federal funds for the program ran out in 2014, however, the program ended also.Fiber optic expansion?

Sorry, Hutchinson

Gold standard

Other upgrades

(TNS)  Nate Oswald works for a local fiber-optic network company. Even for him, though, it wasn't easy to get internet service to his rural Reno County home.He first had to convince two dozen neighbors to commit to contracting with his employer, IdeaTek, before the small but growing independent company agreed to string lines to the rural cluster of houses north of Hutchinson at the end of last year."It's 8 miles from here to Hutchinson, and there is a black hole in there for internet service," said Oswald, who lives 4 miles from Hutchinson and was speaking from IdeaTek's downtown Buhler offices. "It is extremely underserved. ... My wife, Terra, works from home. The best we could get was a Verizon hotspot that many times drops service. This will enable her to continue to work from home."Before getting a connection, Oswald was among the nearly two-thirds of rural Reno County residents without internet access except through high-cost cellular data services.Figures from a national organization called Broadband Now show some 12,000 Reno County residents, or 63 percent of the county outside of population centers, have no broadband access other than potentially by phone.For urban areas in the county, just 5 percent, or about 2,500 people, don't have access, though, truth be told, even in urban areas, available service falls well below state and national averages.That same source rates Hutchinson  the 11th largest city in Kansas by population  as the 79th most connected city in the state, with an average broadband download speed of just 25.33 megabytes per second (Mbps).That's nearly a third slower than the average speed across Kansas  which itself is ranked a lowly 40th in the nation for broadband service  and more than 67 percent lower than the national average.The Federal Communication Commission's "benchmark speed" to consider a community served by broadband requires minimum download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps. The average internet download speed in Kansas is 32.24 Mbps, and for the nation, the average is 42.5 Mbps, according to data compiled by Rick Neese of Broadband Now.IdeaTek was building an extension of its fiber lines relatively close to his home, extending the overhead cables along 30th Avenue nearly to Hutchinson, so Oswald, who is engineering coordinator for the company, was able to convince his employer to tap that line, extending a branch up Willison Road to 69th Avenue.The company is open to extending service to other rural housing clusters in the county without access to internet service if it pencils out, said Daniel Friesen, chief innovation officer at IdeaTek. They're now looking, for example, at extending a line at their 30th Avenue terminus farther north to the Rice County line."We have what we call our 'Champions of the build,'" Friesen said. "They are typically the ones who reach out first, and we say, 'If you can get a neighborhood together.' We enable them with marketing materials to gather interest. If they meet an interest-level requirement, we'll do an initial build cost analysis and determine how many customers in an area we have to sign up to make a business case. As soon as it hits that trigger point, we'll start the investment.""WIFCO Steel is a perfect example, where we found an anchor entity to start the process," Friesen said. "Josh Stubbs at WIFCO said 'We rely on good internet service for our business and we need you out here.' We said 'It's going to be tough, but if you can sign up some residential customers, then we'll have the synergy to benefit both sides. It took about six months for the process."They will look at extending service to any businesses in Hutchinson, Friesen said, but Hutchinson residents watching the service coming ever-so-close are out of luck.The 15-year-old company, which has focused on fiber optics for the past decade, has residential customers primarily in Buhler, Inman, Haven, Moundridge, Mount Hope, Andale, most of Yoder and Bentley. It also provides high-speed internet for school districts in Nickerson and Fairfield and has commercial customers in Hutchinson, Newton, McPherson and as far west as Stafford."We've been focusing a lot lately on underserved," Friesen said. "Not formal communities, but underserved groups of rural neighborhoods. We've been very successful outside of Andale, with bedroom developments, and in the Wichita area.""A lot of times, when we have public forum meetings in areas where we're deploying, we get a lot of contact from the outskirts where we hadn't intended to go, but where it might make sense to hop over there," said Jade Piros de Carvalho, director of marketing for IdeaTek. "It made better sense, with a higher subscription rate."Where they are located, said IdeaTek CEO Jerrod Reimer, "we see a 70 percent or 80 percent take rate, which is very high for the industry. That tells us everyone likes our product, and we think they're going to be loyal, long-term customers."The company is not interested, however, Friesen said, in going into larger metro areas like Hutchinson "to get in a nickel and dime fight.""You see in metro areas where customers will switch between AT&T and Cox over 10 bucks," he said. "We want long-term relationships with our customers. We don't really want in that fight. They don't even know who their customers are; they don't care who they are. That's not our mission."Still, only about 6 percent of Reno County residents and less than 2 percent of connections in Hutchinson, the Broadband Now data shows, have access to fiber.IdeaTek has approached rural electric providers about allowing it to share the electric lines under a franchise agreement, which would allow wider and more economical expansion, but so far has been unsuccessful, Friesen said."If you draw a line around Buhler, our 5- to 10-year plan is serving more communities within that 60-mile radius," he said.Fiber optic is the "gold standard" for broadband service. It works by lasers shooting pulses of light across thin strands of glass. The technology offers nearly unlimited expansion and has fewer points of failure than copper wire and cable networks."Nothing is faster than the speed of light," notes IdeaTek's Reimer."It's very future-proof," Friesen said. "And it's very scalable. When we started in Buhler 10 years ago, those same lines will be scalable (allowing expansion) for decades to come."Fiber optic signals can travel farther than signals over copper lines or cables because it doesn't have electromagnetic interference from the lines degrading it. Also, IdeaTek's lines aren't delivering multiple signals, like telephone and television, along with the internet."It's a non-shared, dedicated connection to the customer," Friesen said. "We can deliver the same product in front of our central office as 20 to 30 kilometers away. Because we have a pristine transmission medium, the effort it takes to upgrade the technology is less. We're so far ahead with gigabyte services vs. cable modem."Most of their customers can receive gigabyte service, Friesen said, which is 1,000 megabytes of data  or 1 billion bits  per second. With 1 Gbps, a high definition movie can be downloaded in about 10 seconds.The next step up, Friesen said, is 10 Gbps, which a few of their commercial connections are already delivering.The cost of installing fiber optics, however, is substantially higher than traditional DSL (digital line service) and cable. That's because most of those services use the existing copper telephone or coaxial cable lines installed decades ago.Companies providing those services have been able to boost signals over time, but that's accomplished primarily by installing new technology at the sending and receiving ends and sometimes in-between.While residential fiber optics aren't coming to Hutchinson, for those unsatisfied by the speed of services in town, there are a couple of upgrades in progress by the two primary providers.Also, for unserved or underserved rural residents, a couple of other technologies that could reach them at a more moderate cost are in pilot studies, though it appears fixed wireless through phone and satellite service remain the primary options for the foreseeable future.According to Broadband Now, there are nine residential provider networks in Hutchinson or Reno County. The two primary providers are Cox Communications and AT&T."We definitely have plans for fiber across the state as we look through 2018 and early 2019 that would include Reno County," stated Mandy Wilbert, senior manager of public affairs at Cox Communications in Wichita.The system is not true fiber-optics but uses a technology called DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) to send higher speeds over hybrid fiber-coaxial cable.First released in October 2013, and updated several times since, DOCSIS 3.1 technology supports broadband capacities of at least 10 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream.Cox began offering 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps to residential customers in this area earlier this year, with nearly 40 percent of its customer base having access to it by the end of the year, Wilbert stated."We are on track to reach 99 percent by the end of 2019," Wilbert stated in an email. "Our commitment is to provide gigabit options to all homes and businesses, not just chosen neighborhoods."AT&T launched U-verse, its newest technology, in Hutchinson in 2013, offering speeds of up to 75 Mbps in limited areas.Data shows its average residential speed in Hutchinson is 19.6 Mbps; however, for many customers speeds of just 3- to 6-Mbps are the norm."We would like to provide high-speed internet to as many customers as possible," Chris Lester, lead public relations manager/mid-states market, stated in an email exchange with The News. "At this time, we do offer our 100 percent fiber network powered by AT&T Fiber service to parts of south-central Kansas, in addition to non-Fiber High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) in and around Reno County. We will share more updates about additional locations as we expand access to service."Fiber service in the region, however, the company later confirmed, was limited to Wichita, with no immediate plans to expand it into Hutchinson."We're committed to using multiple technologies to expand internet access to more locations," Lester stated. "In September we launched our innovative Fixed Wireless Internet service in parts of Kansas. By 2020 we plan to connect over 1.1 million locations across the U.S."The company also announced last week it has started testing new technology in Georgia on "Project AirGig," which uses low-cost plastic devices attached to power poles to deliver "last mile access" through 4G and 5G wireless technology.There was no public timeline, however, for how the long testing will proceed and when the technology might be released.Considering possibilities

Flying and the Fourth Amendment

(TNS)  When five teenagers ran from police a few hours before dawn in Saugatuck a few weeks ago, Westport police turned to their newest crime-fighting tool, the drone.I (flew) over the marshland to see if anyone was there, said police Capt. Ryan Paulsson, a certified drone pilot. The vegetation is high enough that you cant really see in.Police said the teens drove a stolen SUV into a police car after breaking into vehicles around the residential neighborhood.Federal Aviation Administration rules treat Paulsson just like any other commercial drone operator, and prohibit flights before dawn. So he waited for sunrise to launch the drone, which has four rotors, is the size of a pizza delivery box and half the weight of a gallon of water.Police found the suspects with traditional policing tools: sniffing dogs, a police patrol boat and thermal imaging devices. But drones are becoming an increasingly important tool for law enforcement.In the crawl-walk-run stage, were crawling, and moving to walking, Paulsson said. Its a new technology to law enforcement ... we dont want to move too too fast with it.The drone industry and the rules that govern it are also moving slowly.The state Legislature considered a bill last year backed by Berlin police that would have allowed cops to fly drones equipped with lethal weapons. The proposal snagged national headlines  no other state allows lethal drones  and died in committee This was originally a good bill to protect communities from unwarranted police drone surveillance and prevent police from weaponizing drones, said David McGuire, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut, in a May 1 statement. The ACLU (supports) protecting people from unwarranted drone surveillance, but opposes the amendment to allow police to equip drones with lethal and less-lethal weapons.Paulsson said Westport police dont currently need those abilities.I dont plan on putting any attachments at this point, Paulsson said. This is purely for documenting scenes, search and rescue and public safety.Some Connecticut companies are positioning for a drone boom.We envision a future where every squad car in America has a drone integrated into its computer system, said Paul Ouellette, a spokesman for a West Haven-based distributor Drone USA. At present, the drone industry is in infancy. (Police) departments are just learning how drones can make their work simpler and safer.This summer, the company flew quadcopter and airplane-type drones in demonstrations to police departments in Trumbull and on Jennings Beach in Fairfield.Drone USA hopes to get a foothold in the Connecticut and New Jersey markets by selling and servicing drones like the DJI Phantom 4 that Paulsson flies. Stamford police use a slightly older model. They retail for between $800 and $1,400.The departments we encounter seem to be at different stages of interest, Ouellette said. For example, some departments are experimenting with DJI products; others tend to favor more sophisticated U.S. manufactured products.Like any novel technology, the drone industry faces a novel set of problems.In August, the U.S. military stopped using DJI drones, which are made in China, due to concern their data might not be secure. Documents posted online alleged data was shared with the Chinese government, and immigration officials started an investigation.DJI Ltd. said in a statement that it doesnt look at flight logs, photos or video unless customers actively upload and share them with us, the Associated Press reported in December.Privacy and other civil rights concerns persist.Without additional legislation, theres no definite rule prohibiting Westport police from flying their drone cameras over peoples houses, according to a 2014 study by the Connecticut General Assemblys Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee.U.S. courts have never defined exactly how far above the ground private property ends and the so-called public highway of the navigable skies begins. The Supreme Court has yet to take up a drone case.There is a place for drones in the police department, but they have to be used in accordance with the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure, McGuire said.In the year or so that Westport police have used a drone, its mainly flown at scenes of fatal or serious accidents, Paulsson said. Where a fire truck ladder can get an aerial shot of a car crash, a drone is safer and quicker. When a worker fell off shaky scaffolding, a drone allowed police to assess the top of the structure without risking a fall.But Paulsson said he can imagine expanding the drones capabilities eventually, perhaps adding thermal imaging and flying at night  abilities that could have simplified the search for the five teen suspects in Saugatuck.Much of that could happen without new legislation. All Paulsson has to do to fly at night, over people, or higher than the standard limit of 400 feet, is to craft a reasonable safety plan and submit it to the FAA for a geographically specific exemption.For now, Paulsson is focused on the basics. He wants two more cops to pass the FAAs remote pilot exam, to increase the departments pilots roster to five. That means learning airspace rules, atmospheric pressure science and airport radio tower communication.Its not an easy exam, he said.Romain Grosjean has tipped McLaren to have a strong year in formula one after dumping Honda power.

The Ferrari-powered Haas driver said the works team of McLaren's new engine supplier - Renault - has "developed the project well and is already in front of us".

And so the Frenchman expects McLaren to be strong with Renault power in 2018.

"McLaren will be very strong," Grosjean is quoted by Italy's Autosprint.

"They have huge resources and probably the biggest structure in formula one," he said.

"The Renault is a respectable engine -- they've had reliability problems but in terms of power they are there now," Grosjean added.

"The bigger question is about Williams, Force India, us and Toro Rosso with their new power unit. I think McLaren will be there with Red Bull, then there will be Renault," he said.

(GMM)China-based GAC Motor will feature its existing sedan, SUV, minivan and NEV at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. A new sedan model and a concept car will also make their world debuts during GAC Motors press conference.

GAC Motors exhibition at 2018 NAIAS will feature high-end models including the GA8, GS8 and GM8, which provided safe and reliable service for attendees at the Fortune Global Forum 2017 as the events official service vehicles.

GAC Motor will debut the GA4, an all-new signature sedan at 2018 NAIAS. This GA4 is a mainstream sedan built on GAC Motors own A-Class sedan platform. GAC will also release its first compact new-energy concept SUV designed for the North American market, called the Enverge.

In 2017, GAC motor met its target of annual sales volume of 500,000 for the year in China, with a 37.2% year-on-year increase. GAC Motor has received top quality ratings from JD Power for five consecutive years.The electric aircraft then went on to complete another seven hours of flying over the following two days before being handed over to Electro.Aero, the aircrafts operator. The Alpha Electro can be registered in Australia as either a recreational aircraft or with CASA. In both cases it can be used for training, even to obtain a private pilot license (PPL). The Pipistrel Alpha Electro is the first electric aircraft that offers the possibility of PPL training.

On 2 January 2018, the first serially-built Pipistrel Alpha Electro took flight in Australia. The aircraft, which received a Special Certificate of Airworthiness from Australias Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in October 2017, took off from Perths Jandakot Airport and conducted two circuits around Jandakot (the 5 th busiest airport in the southern hemisphere with more than 375,000 movements last year).





Richard Charlton, the finance director of Electro.Aero said that it was a smooth, no-drama first flight. Charlton said the aircraft was much quieter and cheaper to operate than equivalent-sized aircraft, powered by piston engines.

The main issue with petrol is the maintenance costs of what is a more complex engine. The electric engine is really simple. It has one moving part, its a very small piece of equipment and it is a solid-state motor. Richard Charlton

For now, the Electro.Aero company is offering trial instructional flights with the Alpha Electro, with a view to eventually offering ab-initio flight training all the way to recreational pilot certificate in the near future.

Alpha Electro is Pipistrels fifth electric aircraft project and the second to result in a commercial product.

The prototype (named WATTsUP) was developed in partnership with Siemens AG, which provided the electric main propulsion components, and represented the next generation of Pipistrels electric aircraft.

Every element of aircraft was refined to be lighter, more efficient and more reliable. The initial 85 kW electric motor only weighed 14kg and was more powerful than the popular Rotax 912 series, typically used on microlights and LSAs. The 17 kWh battery pack was dual-redundant and designed to be either quickly replaceable within minutes or charged in less than one hour, using to the next generation of Pipistrels Battery Management technology.

The serially produced Alpha Electro is an improvement of the WATTsS UP prototype. The airframe uses proven features from hundreds of Pipistrels aircraft flying worldwide. The electric powertrain is operated with one simple lever, enabling the crew to focus on learning piloting skills.

The production version features a 50+ kW motor with a ground-adjustable three-blade 1.65m diameter propeller and a 21 kWh battery pack. Empty weight (with batteries is 350 kg); maximum take off weight (MTOW) is 550 kg; payload is thus 200 kg. Endurance is up to 60 minutes (plus reserve).GREENWICH  When Liz Murray was growing up in the Bronx, her family observed 12 holidays a year, one on the first day of each month.

Living in a small apartment with two parents addicted to drugs, gang violence in her neighborhood, fleas in her hair and little more than a bottle of ketchup in the fridge, the first of the month was when the welfare check came. The money meant they would eat  for however long their $30 of groceries would last them. Her parents could buy again. It felt like a holiday.

At least, that was the joke Murray would make years later to her Harvard classmates when they innocently asked her about her familys holiday traditions. Murray would laugh, and her classmates shocked faces would show her just how far she had come from that childhood of struggle.

Murray, who graduated from Harvard in 2009, is the author of New York Times bestseller Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard. She spoke at Greenwich Academy on Monday morning.

I think no one really knows what is possible until you do it, Murray told students.

Murray was born addicted to heroin, like her mother who used it during pregnancy. Before her birth, her parents hippie disco dancing phase had escalated to intense drug addictions. In fact, her father was in prison for three years when she was born.

Her parents were loving, devoted and educated  her father pursuing a doctorate before addiction debilitated him  but mental illness and drug use impaired their parenting. Murrays father would take her and her sister to the library every Saturday. Her mother, who battled schizophrenia, would sit at the end of her bed and paint her daughter pictures of one day: One day we will have a house, Lizzie, she would say, before going to shoot up at the kitchens Formica table.

When their parents were high, Murray and her sister spent much of their childhood fending for themselves. They knocked on neighbors doors  the ones with good smells wafting from under them  to beg for food. And when their tenement neighbors couldnt give, they chewed on ice cubes and ate ChapSticks and toothpaste.

For their unclean appearances, their clothing with holes, the Murray girls were teased at school until they became chronically truant. Murray went to class just enough to pass the test, get a hot meal and leave.

For so many years, Murrays life was no bigger than survival, she said. But her survival skills were really just being primed.

When Murray was a teenager, her mother was diagnosed as HIV positive. She contracted the disease from sharing needles, and malnourished and drug-addled, her health quickly declined. The family lost their apartment and Murrays father moved into a homeless shelter. Murrays sister moved in with friends, and Murray sunk into the first phase of youth homelessness, couch surfing.

For a while, Murray could crash with a friend here or there, but quickly she was placed into a group home, and just as quickly, the homes violence and its staffs derision made Murray move to the streets. She slept on the D train. She slept in Central Park. She shoplifted food and begged for change. She effectively dropped out of school, attending just enough to get her hot meals, a metro card and sometimes, to sleep in a forgotten stairway.

Murray spent her days putting plants in the window of her mothers hospital room and washing her mothers hair in the sink as it fell away in clumps in her hands. In her backpack, Murray carried around a black and white photo of her mother as a teenager, when she, too, was homeless.

On a Wednesday morning in the Bronx, Murrays mother died. The family buried her the day after Christmas in a pine box in a public grave. The meter was running on the taxi  that Murray had begged for change to take  as her mother was lowered into the ground.

Later, Murray was sitting on the couch of a friend named Bobby. As he complained about his mother burning the pork chops for dinner, Murray thought about her own mother, a beautiful woman with a truck drivers sense of humor and an instant warmth. She had dreams. Now, she was in a box.

Murray thought with gratitude of the things she had: health, friends, a free public high school, a father, love.

And she thought, What if?

What if she went after her own dreams, instead of complain?

There is no later. Your life is now, she realized.

Over the next month, Murray, then 17, interviewed at many public high schools in New York. With her failing transcript and dirty clothes, she was rejected again and again, until interviewing at Humanities Preparatory Academy in Manhattan.

There a ragged Murray met a bow-tie wearing, sunshine-spreading teacher named Perry, who complimented her skull-and-bones pin and accepted her to the school. His tough-love mentorship helped Murray complete high school in two years with straight As.

Perry helped Murray apply to colleges and for scholarships. That spring, she was accepted to Harvard and chosen for a New York Times-sponsored scholarship, her story was told on the front page of the newspapers Metro section. When the story ran, Murray received an outpouring of support from generous community members who rented her an apartment, gave her food and even did her laundry.

I never slept another night out on the streets thanks to those folks, Murray said.

She studied psychology at Harvard and after graduating, released Breaking Night. Murray, who now lives in Manhattan with her husband James and two young children, co-founded the nonprofit Arthur Project, which brings full-time mentors to struggling middle school students. She is currently working on a second book.

Throughout her emotional lecture, she urged Greenwich Academy students to be grateful for the people in their lives, to pursue their what if moments and give back in whatever small ways they can.

Its not success unless it creates opportunities for other people, she said.

emunson@greenwichtime.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson



Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com





Oh, and if you see me driving my red 2010 Mustang GT convertible, please wave.

Hi, I am a retired newspaperman. I wrote 3 books on Trump and the media . I live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 43 years, Lou Ann. I grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather.HARTFORD  First, he flew the rainbow flag over the Governors Residence.

Then Connecticuts Dannel P. Malloy clashed with his Indiana and North Carolina gubernatorial counterparts, one of them being Mike Pence, over their states religious freedom and bathroom laws.

Now, the Malloy doctrine on LGBT rights has another cornerstone  appointing the nations first openly gay chief state Supreme Court chief justice, Andrew J. McDonald.

The governor revealed plans Monday to nominate his longtime Stamford ally and friend to succeed retiring Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers on the seven-member court. The choice of McDonald, a former state senator and one-time general counsel to the governor, is subject to legislative approval.

McDonald, 51, has been an associate justice since 2013, the second of seven state Supreme Court picks of Malloy. Five of the current seven justices are Malloy appointees, a number that could grow to six if McDonald is confirmed.

The historical significance of his rise in the judicial branch was not lost on McDonald, who resides in Stamford with his husband, Charles Gray.

When I was born here in Connecticut, a little more than 50 years ago, loving relationships like the one Charles and I cherish were criminal in 49 states, including Connecticut, McDonald said. And when I came out in the early 1990s, I had family members who loved me counsel me against pursuing either a career in law or public service because of deeply ingrained prejudices held by some people. But now, because of changes brought about by the evolving understanding of people, new statutes passed by legislators and important court cases - indeed, by the rule of law - this day was made possible.

The governor characterized McDonald, a former corporation counsel for the city of Stamford when Malloy was mayor, as a revered jurist.

He has a deep understanding of the role and the impact that the justice system has on the everyday lives of Connecticut residents, and the value of ensuring equality and fairness through the courts many responsibilities, Malloy said.

The emergence of McDonald as the new face of the scales of justice in the state was not without controversy, however.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Herbst, the former Trumbull first selectman, criticized the pick as political and said that McDonald has tried to legislate from the bench. When Malloy was sworn-in to a second term as governor in 2015, it was McDonald who administered the oath of office.

The interpretation of our laws should always remain blind to the influence of politics or even the appearance of influence and that is why I am calling on legislators, of both parties, to support a different nominee for chief justice, Herbst said. Justice McDonalds record demonstrates a propensity for taking positions that have been deemed to be unconstitutional, and in some instances, positions that have been influenced by personal and political opinions that are in contravention to the law.

Herbst said McDonald sided with the majority when the state Supreme Court ruled Connecticuts death penalty law unconstitutional in 2015 by a 4 to 3 vote. The law had repealed capital punishment for those convicted of the most violent crimes after its passage in 2012, but did not apply to those already on death row.

The courts majority ruled that there could not be two levels of justice.

McDonald was the deciding justice in State vs. Santiago, which disregarded the intent of the legislature and the people of Connecticut by allowing the perpetrators of the gruesome Cheshire home invasion to escape the death penalty, Herbst said.

No timetable has been set for McDonalds confirmation hearing before the Legislatures Judiciary Committee, a panel he once headed as a member of the General Assembly. The committees co-chairman is fellow Stamford Democrat William Tong, who is exploring a run for state attorney general.

I see it as a landmark moment for our state for equality and civil rights, Tong said of the choice of McDonald. This nomination has nothing to do with one person. It has to do with breaking down an unjust barrier that has been there for a long time, and its a proud moment for our state.

When McDonald was appointed by Malloy to the bench, there were just seven LGBT justices in the nation. The one-time Stamford Board of Finance chairman appears to have support on the other side of the aisle.

Andrew McDonald will be a fair, balanced and transparent chief justice, said Republican state Rep. Livvy Floren, who represents parts of Stamford and Greenwich. I have known Andrew as a colleague in Stamford and in the General Assembly and as a friend. He is a consummate professional with impeccable credentials - as a lawyer, legislator, and jurist. This is a great day for Andrew and for the people of Connecticut.

http://twitter.com/gettinviggy; nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436The new cafe is scheduled to soft-open as early as next week. Photo: Milla Chappell

This summer, the residents of New York City learned that, at long last, the city would get its very own puppy cafe. In a world that looks more toxic and strange with each passing day, it was the rare bit of good news. Now, there is even better news: We are just weeks away from the moment we have been waiting for. The East Villages Boris & Horton, on 12th Street and Avenue A, is slated to open in a matter of days, with a soft-launch in mid-January and plans to be fully up and barking by the end of the month.

The idea, explains Coppy Holzman, who owns the shop with his daughter, Logan Mikhly, is a place where you can have great coffee, eat, have wine and beer, hang out, and  the most crucial detail  also bring your dog inside. It is meant to be friendly and chill, like an exceedingly well-designed living room that also serves pastries. What it is not, its worth noting, is a canine version of the citys Japanese-style cat cafes, which feature staffs of residential cats up for adoption. Were shooting for a different look and feel than the cat cafe, Mikhly says. We want it to feel as much as possible like your typical coffee shop, but you have the added benefit of hanging out with your dog.

Named for the duos own dogs  Boris is Holzmans soulful two-year-old pit bull mix; Horton, who has been with Mikhly since college, is a snaggle-toothed poodle-Chihuahua combo (no ones totally sure)  Boris & Horton is a BYOD situation, an indoor place you can get a latte with your border collie, and perhaps meet your neighbors. Its not just a coffee shop where people sit there with headphones on their laptops, Holzman says. They want to build a sense of community  and figure the pups will help: Dogs sort of break the ice. And so, the cafe is very intentionally located in the former Ost space near dog-hub Tompkins Square Park, and, sure, every design choice has been made with dogs in mind. There is a dog-centric shop and a puppy Instagram booth; the drinks will be stenciled with Boris or Hortons face. And there will be dog-adoption events on weekends.

For human patrons, there will be pastries from Balthazar and Bien Cuit, plus gluten-free options from Husk Bakeshop, and coffee from City of Saints, as well as a more substantial menu of toasts (sweet and savory), and, in the evening until the 11 p.m. closing time, wine and beer.

Owners Coppy Holzman and Logan Mikhly, along with Boris and Horton themselves. Photo: Milla Chappell

In a surprise to no one, it is difficult and expensive to build a space that is appropriate for both food service and retrievers. To that end, they started working closely with the Health Department from day one  we met with them I dont know how many times Holzman says  to make sure they were building a space that would pass muster, because if your thing is that youre a dog-friendly cafe, you need to be really, extremely positive that you have actual approval to allow dogs.

And so to stay on the right side of code, the space will be formally divided into two very distinct spaces: a cafe side, with food and drink sales, and a dog side, featuring tables and dog-focused retail. There will be an outdoor walk-up window for solo owners to order, so dogs themselves will never have to enter the cafe space, and if you want to doglessly buy a muffin on the cafe side and then cross through the vestibule to the dog side to eat it amid terriers, well, thats up to you.

Needless to say, the Boris & Horton team expects dogs to keep it classy keep it classy is in fact a house rule, governing humping and mounting  and staff members will be trained by the School for the Dogs to read canine body language and anticipate issues. It is important to know your customer.

Non-dog-owners, take heart; you can still be a part of the action: If you just want a good cup of coffee, Holzman says, theyre here for that, too. We want to be a destination for wonderful food and beverages in addition to the dogs. The dog sweaters are just a bonus.Jeremy Tooker has agreed to leave the company. Photo: Four Barrel Coffee

One of third-wave coffees biggest names has stepped down. Over the weekend, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that eight former employees have accused Four Barrel founder Jeremy Tooker of various kinds of misconduct in a new lawsuit, from joking explicitly at work to forcibly groping workers at company parties.

Like with almost all of the other reports of misbehavior in the hospitality world, the women say Four Barrels workplace was overtly sexual, and that they felt powerless because their complaints were dismissed by HR. The lawsuit has two plaintiffs who accuse Tooker of sexual assault and seek damages from him and the company. Among the lawsuits claims: Tooker pulled one womans pants down to her thighs and got on top of her on a hotel bed, and tried to kiss another with such force that it caused soreness on her neck. One adds that she visited the ER after one party, fearing shed been roofied, and there are reports of Tooker making staff play games like Kiss or Slap, in which everyone had to choose which action they wanted to do to him.

Those alleged incidents all occurred at alcohol-fueled parties in 2015, but the Chronicle describes a rampant sexual misconduct in the actual workplace, too  Suck It mugs in the merchandise section, and off-menu items like the Dickens Cider, apparently so named because it sounds like the customer is saying dick inside her.

Tooker was one of the founders of Ritual, an early third-wave roaster in San Francisco, and was also behind the artisanal toast craze that erupted back in 2013, when he introduced it at a cafe that he opened with Josey Baker Bread. Four Barrel has three physical locations, does wholesale to restaurants and cafes, and runs a thriving coffee-subscription business.

Tooker hasnt issued any sort of public statement, but he divested from the company on Saturday. Four Barrels other two co-owners, Tal Mor and Jodi Geren, say theyre deeply saddened by the lawsuit and are taking it very seriously. Theyre accused by employees of knowing about Tookers behavior and not doing enough to stop it, but their official statement promises to take prompt action to address any and all employee concerns, and it appears that theyve temporarily shuttered locations.



Haiti - Security : Towards the creation of a university police force





Considering that a small group prevents the normal functioning of the Faculty of Human Sciences and the Faculty of Ethnology for several months, that these individuals do not cease to pose a set of acts detrimental to the security of the people frequenting the space and of its property : fire attempts, physical and verbal aggression, attempted sequestration, death threats, etc... and that these same individuals are accompanied by questionable people in the walls of the FASH and the Faculty of Ethnology...



The Communication Unit of the State University of Haiti (UC / UEH) meeting in extraordinary session at the end of December 2017 adopted, after consideration, a resolution asking the Executive Council to take all the necessary measures to give the entry and control of the premises to the legitimate authorities of these entities and to guarantee their safety and that of their community and to request, as soon as possible, a police presence in the premises of the Faculty of Human Sciences and the Faculty of Ethnology to restore order, until further notice.



Download the resolution : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/resolution-CUEH-27-12-2017-1.pdf



Fritz Deshommes, Rector and President of the Council of the State University of Haiti confirms that the University is in the process of building a real university police force. This force will be initially formed by University security officers who have been selected on a basis of competence and credibility. He indicates that these security officers are currently undergoing training at the National Police Academy, after having successfully passed an examination and a process of verification of their antecedents by the National Police of Haiti (PNH). Pointing out that until the end of their training, the PNH will be present at the Faculty of Human Sciences and at the Faculty of Ethnology in support of the security service of the University.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19229-haiti-education-illegal-occupation-ueh-announces-first-sanctions.html



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre

























"My love for travelling helped me find words for my books," said, Ms Mridula Sinha, Hon'ble Governor of Goa at a book release function held at Lekhak Manch. She was happy to note that she could see a large number of women browsing through the books at the book fair. On this occasion, Ms Sinha's book Reflections which is the English translation of the Hindi title Samajik Sarokar was released. In addition, the books Rastriya Chetna Ke Vividh Aayam, authored by Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Abhimanyu Anant Kavya Rachnawali by Dr Kamal Kishore Goenka, Sant Sahitya Ki Samajh by Shri Nandkisore Pande and Mahamanav Abraham Lincoln by Shri Ramesh Patange were released. Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, NBT remarked that book fairs are significant as they help large number of book lovers to acquire knowledge through books.



Theme Pavilion

A powerful message on global warming was enacted in the form of street play in Hindi at the Theme Pavilion. Titled 'Jeevan Hamara, Zindagi Hamari' , the play was directed by Bablu Jha and was performed by the artists from Shri Kumar Veer Bhushan and troupe. The session was organised by Babu Shivji Rai Foundation.





Children's Pavilion

A number of activities for children were organized at the Children's Pavilion in which several children from various schools and voluntary organizations participated. Today 'Youth Parliament' was organized by Amity University Press where students discussed about 'Interlinking of Rivers: A Boon or Bane'. In this occasion, Dr. Madhuphul; Amity Children Science Foundation; Dr. Tarun Jindal, Professor and Director of Amity Institute of Environment Science, and Executive Vice President of Amity University Press and Shri Raghuram Krishna Iyer were present. A puppet show on 'pollution caused by digital devices' was also organised at the pavilion.









International Events Corner

A book release function was organized at the International Events Corner by Royal Collins Publishing Group, Canada. On this occasion, Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, NBT released the series of 11 Hindi and 20 English translations of Chinese books. The books launched on the occasion included Cheen Ka Itihaas, Cheen Ki Lok Kala aur Shilp, Cheeni Sabhyata aur Samaj, among others.









Literary Activities

Kamal L Anand, author of the book Natural Health and Healing interacted with the booklovers at Reflections (Authors' Corner). He talked about the lifestyle of the people in recent times and gave tips to tackle health hazards. He also discussed about the basic habits that one should adopt to stay fit and healthy. He was of the view that meditation along with yoga and walking bare feet can cure any disease.



In another session at Reflections, Arun Anand, author of the book Body Organ Donation talked about how, where and why to donate organs. He said that earlier people used to donate eyes, blood, etc. but now people have also started donating hair for cancer patients. He also expressed his concern over illegal organ transplantation.



At Conversations (Authors' Corner), Prachi Gupta, author of the book Super Siblings gave an insight into her journey as an author.



New Delhi Rights Table

New Delhi Rights Table is being organised at the book fair from 8 - 9 January 2018. The Rights Table is a two-day event which provides a platform to publishers, literary agents, translators, authors and editors from India and abroad for business opportunities. During the event, the publishers interact with each other, share their interests, negotiate and discuss about selling/buying copyrights. It is a unique platform that helps participants present their products and ideas to each other, and transfer rights of books available in English, Hindi, and other Indian and foreign languages. This year, more than 70 publishers from India and abroad including Egypt, Japan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia and USA.

Though a working day, the third day of the New Delhi World Book Fair remained busy. A large number of children along with their parents and teachers, students from college and universities and general readers could be seen visiting the Fair. Regardless of new developments in technology, the fascination for books will continue. The theme of the fair 'Environment and Climate Change' is attracting book lovers and helping them understand the need to protect environment.



Haiti - News : Zapping...





North West: Back to school delayed

Because of the rain, the back to classes that was scheduled for January 8 is postponed in the North West Department until new announcement of the Departmental Delegation of North-West.



Decrease in exports, increase in imports

Jean Baden Dubois, the Governor of BRH, informed that Haiti's imports for goods and services during the past fiscal year reached $ 4.7 billion, compared to $ 4 billion for 2015-2017. While the country's exports in the same year fell 5% to $980 million.



France : Haiti 3rd in TOP 5 asylum seekers

In 2017, Albania was the first asylum seeker in France with 7,630 requests, 2nd Afghanistan 5,987 requests (+ 6%), 3rd Haiti 4,934 (due to the large number of Haitians in French Guiana https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22402-haiti-flash-large-scale-haitian-migratory-wave-in-french-guiana.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22525-haiti-flash-illegal-young-haitian-students-in-guyana-threatened-with-deportation.html ), 4th Sudan 4,486 and 5th Guinea with 3,780 applicants.



Donation of 8 million dollars from Taiwan

On Friday, Chen-Hao Hu, the Ambassador of Taiwan (Republic of China) in Haiti and Andre Carmel Beliard, the Minister of Agriculture initialed a memorandum of understanding as part of a project to strengthen the production of rice in the plain of Les Cayes, financed by Taiwan to the tune of 8 million dollars. At the end of this four-year project, the Haitian-Taiwanese cooperation expects an increase in annual production of about 10 metric tons of rice per hectare over an area of about 1,200 hectares.



Collapse in Port-de-Paix, 9 victims

The Directorate of Civil Protection informs us of the collapse, Sunday morning, three houses in the neighborhood of Deux Melisses, Port-de-Paix, who made three slight injuries. In addition, the wall of the Brothers' library collapsed on two small houses in Miryam (a neighborhood of Port-de-Paix), killing a man in his twenties, Peeterson Darcile, and injuring 5 others between 18 at 20 years. The latter are treated at the Beraca hospital where they were transported.



Moise generous with young people

As part of the closing of the Forum of Local Youth Committees https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-23187-icihaiti-social-forum-for-innovation-and-socio-professional-integration-of-young-people.html President Jovenel Moise distributed to the various local committees; a laptop, a USB key, a smartphone and a motorcycle to facilitate their development "To change sustainably the country or the benefit of the greatest number, we must first believe that this is possible. This requires a firm commitment to help young people to face the challenges they face every day," or the benefit of the greatest number, we must first believe that this is possible. This requires a firm commitment to help young people to face the challenges they face every day, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23204-haiti-politic-intervention-of-jovenel-moise-at-the-youth-forum.html



HL/ HaitiLibre

















Hawai'i Free Press Current Articles | Archives Sunday, January 7, 2018 Why save the Hawaii Aquarium Fishery?

By Selected News Articles @ 5:26 PM :: 4790 Views :: Environment, Small Business Why save the Hawaii Aquarium Fishery Aquarium Fish Collectors and what we do by Ron Tubbs, RT Distributors The September 6, 2017 Hawaii Supreme Court HEPA (Hawaii Environmental Protection Act) ruling has nearly shut down Hawaiis aquarium fishery . It will take years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees to get HEPA filings finished even though the studies proved our fishery sustainable long before the courts considered the issue. Based on the Court ruling, all Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) ocean business permits will be facing HEPA permit requirements. As with the Thirty Meter Telescope, we expect to face legal challenges to the aquarium fishery after completing the HEPA filings. Resale of aquarium imports will keep the fishery alive but not for long. We need legislation to save the fishery and all DLNR ocean issued-permit businesses. SB1240, phasing out of the fishery, vetoed by Governor Ige last year, reflected an unscientific nearside approach to Hawaiis Marine resources . Sustainable practices can be used to increase Hawaiis businesses with no or little impact to the environment. Instead of shooting itself in the foot with fishing bans on our proven sustainable fisheries the State needs to continue to explore sustainable management and harvest its vast ocean resources to ensure Hawaiis economic future. Large ocean closures and the forcing of fishers to less sustainable methods are not scientific. FRA and MPA and management areas do work. It took us five years but working directly with state DLNR resulted in laws to make sure in the future the fishery will always sustainable. Hundreds of restrictions and laws were created to protect Hawaiis resources. The Kona rules became effective in 2014 and the Oahu rules in 2015. All this done at the prompting of the fishermen. Many commended us for this and we continue to work with many state officials, the Hawaii State Legislature, and researchers worldwide. It is illegal according to the State of Hawaii Constitution to restrict public access to its ocean resources. The States role is to manage and ensure sustainability and DLNR has done that effectively. To close a fishery as some suggest just to benefit their own ocean tourist business is biased and unscientific. Tourism and fisheries can coexist and have for many years. Hawaii's fish travel the world as our little ambassadors increase awareness to the wonderful amazing fish that exist here in Hawaii. Many consider Hawaii the best vacation destination and Hawaii's fish help increase tourism by making others aware of Hawaii's beauty. Aquariums worldwide educate and empower their owners with an understanding to the world's oceans that no other hobby can provide. The benefits of public and private aquariums are far reaching. Reef fish are the most efficient breeders in the world. Most produce at least 10 to 20,000 fry per spawning with some doing this 7 times a year. Some produce 1 million fry per spawning daily over many days. They are the most renewable resource on the planet. The fishery can actually help save the oceans. Our fishers collect marine fish for studies and public aquariums. Fishermen help monitor and provide information about the resource. Here is a short list of what we do to give back to the oceans we love so much: For years fish collectors have provided fish to educate schools across the nation. In Hawaii schools are taken on field trips to local aquarium fish wholesalers or children to ocean field trips by some of our collectors. One program brought live fish to the classrooms for children education. Fish collection for major public aquariums locally and worldwide educate many on ocean ecology.

I am currently collecting seaweed for a Princeton University Study for run off pollution. My dive partner is a Marine Biologist. Every year we monitor the seaweed in certain areas and take samples for them.

Rare species are left alone and protected by collectors. Collectors have repopulated fish to areas where populations have declined due to extreme warm summers. Fish population issues are reported to researchers.

Turtles caught in nets are removed. Hooks and fishing line around turtles are removed. A hook found in a monk seals mouth was reported by collectors and NOAA captured the seal and removed the hook. Garbage and nets are removed by many collectors. Some even collect the old bottles found in the ocean. Illegal dumping grounds are reported. Old downed planes and wrecks are reported and identified by researchers.

Many boat rescues and ocean users have been aided by tropical fish collectors. Ocean abuses have been reported by aquarium collectors. Many aquarium fish collectors are Marine Biologists, Zoologist, and Ichthyologists. Information is shared by most collectors with other researchers to aid in ocean ecology. Black coral infestation of an invasive species was reported for observation. It has since become a mute issue resolving itself on its own. Dive data pictures and video are shared to further research by many aquarium fishermen.

The recent toxic killing of puffer fish in Hawaii led to a self-imposed no collection of all puffers. Researchers were brought samples and taken to normally abundant puffer locations to help with the problem. The population has since recovered and with our help it was determined that it was a natural toxin causing the problem.

Pregnant reef fish are collected with our help for researchers to aid breeding projects. Ocean food is supplied for captive breeding stocks.

Trigger fish have been supplied for US Naval ocean propulsion studies.

Invasive species like Argus groupers and blue line snappers are targeted and eliminated with the help of the tropical fish collectors. These invasive species eat more marine fish than the aquarium fish collectors take for live aquariums.

DNA samples to study different ecosystems and fish species have been collected and shred with DNA ocean researchers at no cost.

Aquarium fish collectors have gone on TV shows to speak for ocean ecology and share information to protect our ocean. NOAA researchers and others studying fish are educated in fish collecting techniques for research purposes. Tourism is too vulnerable to be a sole source for an economic income base for the state. We need to wisely mange--not shut down--our renewable resources. We are running out of non-renewable resources and need to wisely utilize sustainable. Hawaii can lead the way in ocean resource management (and already was with the aquarium fishery), ocean business development, and decrease its dependence on imported goods. Sea weeds, cultured and wild caught fish and many other ocean resources can supply nutrition and fuels for our state. Clam, lobster, pearl, fish farms, ocean based business could flourish here with the right incentive and help the environment at the same time. Wave or current to power energy and deep cold water cooling of buildings are just a few examples of our ocean resource potentials. If the aquarium fishery closes then sources for breeding stock, research studies and public aquariums also stops. The importance of the economic impacts to Hawaii and to the nations $70B pet industry should not be underestimated. Many jobs have already been affected. The economical cost to Hawaii of eliminating or not saving the Aquarium Fishery is very far reaching. Local dive shops, pet stores, public aquariums, tourism, boating stores, gas stations and the airlines will suffer major income declines due to the fishery. The airlines alone is estimated to make over 7 million in freight charges per year for fish transport. It could mean potential cut backs in flights and flight choices directly hindering the tourist industry. Ticket prices will rise due to lost freight income. Fish and Wildlife inspectors, USDA inspectors and veterinarians will also lose big with inspection declines. The 70 billion dollar pet industry hinges it aquarium supply brands, tanks, foods, filters and many other products on the fishery. Many pet stores especially ones with large salt water sales may and already have gone out of business. It is not the fishery being effected here! Many agree that the worlds healthiest and highest quality fish come from Hawaii. Aquarium fish populations are on the rise. The Hawaii tropical fish collector has been known as the best for ecologically-friendly collecting for over 50 years. The worlds fishermen and ecologists have looked to Hawaii for development of industry collecting methods. The scientific and economic cost of eliminating or not saving the aquarium fishery is very far reaching. Please support Hawaiis sustainable fisheries. Jesus and George Washington where fishermen! I am proud to be one too.YLE on Friday reported that voter support for the incumbent has fallen by eight percentage points over the past month but remains more than two times as high as that for the seven other candidates combined, at 72 per cent.

President Sauli Niinisto remains a strong favourite to win re-election with less than three weeks of campaigning left before the presidential elections.

Jari Pajunen, the managing director of Taloustutkimus, estimated in an interview with the public broadcasting company that support for the incumbent candidate is surprisingly high given that voters tend to revert to their party loyalties as the elections edge closer.

Youd have to predict based on these results that one round of voting will be enough, he commented to YLE.

Taloustutkimus interviewed a total of 1,364 people for the opinion poll between 19 December and 3 January. The poll has a margin of error of approximately 1.9 percentage points.

The poll also discovered other changes in the popularity of the presidential candidates. Pekka Haavisto, the candidate of the Green League, has recorded an increase of one percentage point in support to 11 per cent, while Laura Huhtasaari (PS) and Paavo Vayrynen (ind.) have put some distance between themselves and the remaining candidates with support ratings of five and four per cent, respectively.

Tuula Haatainen (SDP) would win three per cent, Matti Vanhanen (Centre) and Merja Kyllonen (Left) each two per cent, and Nils Torvalds (SFP) one per cent of the vote if the elections were held today, according to YLE.

The first round of voting in the presidential elections will take place on 28 January and the second round, if necessary, on 11 February.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Jussi Nukari  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi SuomiTHE owner of a Henley vineyard wants to put up a sign to make his business easier to find.

Jan Mirkowski says visitors and suppliers struggle to find the entrance to Fairmile Vineyard, which is off Fair Mile.

He needs permission to have the sign on the grass verge, which is owned by the town council.

Mr Mirkowski bought the vineyard in 2012 and planted 12,000 vines the following year, giving him his first harvest in 2015.

Now he wants to develop the business as a tourist attraction.

The double-sided sign would be about 1m wide, 60cm high on wooden end posts. It would be painted green and have the company logo, an exploding bottle crossed with a rowing blade.

The sign could be temporarily removed when the grass was being cut by council workmen.

Speaking at a meeting of the councils planning committee, Mr Mirkowski said: Out of respect for the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and to maintain the sightlines along the road, we are proposing to keep the sign as unobtrusive and low as possible.

The problem is nobody can find the place. Even the people of Henley struggle and a satnav lands you 200 yards short.

The traffic passes at 60mph at that point so the sign should be large if people are going to see it.

He added that even people who did find the entrance didnt realise they then had to go through what appeared to be a private gate.

Mr Mirkowski lives in a house on the site with his wife Andrea and daughters Eloise and Verity.

Councillor Lorraine Hillier said the council had previously banned signs on Fair Mile because it would spoil its appearance.

She said: Now it is about doing it in a tasteful way. I know it is difficult to find the entrance to the vineyard.

Mayor Kellie Hinton said: I am not going to make a decision based on a decision of this council 20 years ago. That is not progressive and it is not a valid reason. Perhaps if the vineyard becomes more of a tourist attraction it could then have a brown sign.

She said the vineyard was included on the tours given to the judges of the Britain in Bloom competition.

We got in touch with Jan and found out about the bat boxes and the bees and the wonderful things he does there for the environment, she added.

Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak said: I am minded to grant permission for a year or two - not in perpetuity  to get used to it and to say if we dont like it.

Councillor Jane Smewing said: It is a really nice sign and I understand the need for it but the photographs indicate that it does interrupt the line of trees.

Councillor David Nimmo Smith said he was concerned about the effect of the sign on the open aspect of Fair Mile, which he wanted to protect.

Asked if the sign was needed all year round, Mr Mirkowski said it was required from the end of February to harvest time in October, adding: I have no objection to lifting it out for three months.

The committee did not support a proposal by Cllr Hinton to approve the sign and review it after a year.

Instead, it suggested having a sign against the vineyards boundary wall or in front of it.

Meanwhile, the committee recommended that an application to replace wooden window frames at a flat in Boathouse Reach with uPVC is refused.

Flat owner Laura Blackmore says the frames have rotted and the replacement grained white uPVC frames would blend in with the traditional frames in neighbouring properties.

However, the Henley Society and neighbour Pilar Carpenter have objected.

Mrs Carpenter said: I have no problem with changing the windows for new. However, they must be of wood construction and the same design as the rest of the block.

If we allow an owner to fit uPVC-type frames it will change the whole frontage of Boathouse Reach from what it looks like today, which is a riverfront building associated closely with Henley river social life and the regatta.

Cllr Gawrysiak said: It should be wooden windows  end of.

South Oxfordshire District Council will make a final decision by January 15.AN OFFICE complex in Henley town centre could be converted into flats.

Ressance of Newbury has applied for permission to redevelop The Hub at Hallmark House, off Station Road, into 23 flats, mostly with two bedrooms.

The developer does not need full planning consent as converting offices into homes is permitted development under a law introduced in 2013.

The three-storey complex, which was built in 1991 on land previously owned by British Rail, is owned by a management company in Portsmouth and divided into about a dozen suites.

These are occupied by a number of businesses, including science consultancy Quintessa, accountants HMT and software firms KitchenCUT, Dendrite Clinical Systems and New Star Networks.

The companies are aware of the proposals but would not comment when approached by the Henley Standard.

South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, could only refuse permission if there was a risk of flooding or contamination on the site or if Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority, believes there would be an adverse impact on traffic or road safety.

Furthermore, a developer with permitted rights does not have to make payments towards improving infrastructure such as roads, schools or GP surgeries or to include a proporation of affordable homes.

The site is not earmarked for development in the joint Henley and Harpsden neighbourhood plan, which names the sites where about 500 homes should be built to meet Government targets.

The plan says Henley should meet the needs of start-up and technological companies by encouraging the provision of shared office space hubs and service centres.

It also backs the Henley town centre action plan, which says commercial premises should be retained rather than converted to residential use.

Stefan Gawrysiak, a town, district and county councillor, said Ressances proposals were yet another blow to the neighbourhood plan.

He said: The problem is that the district council has to approve it and theres no money coming in to offset the impact on the community. It also doesnt have to include any affordable homes, which is absolutely shocking and goes against everything we set out to achieve in putting the plan together.

As it stands, the neighbourhood plan provides enough homes to meet Henleys future need and we need those existing offices to provide jobs much more than we need another 23 flats.

Ken Arlett, chairman of Henley Town Councils neighbourhood plan committee, said: The one advantage is that those flats would be part of the final figure for Henleys quota and Im sure the district council will be pleased to see extra homes built.

Im not sure how well-used those units are, although if this is going to affect any businesses that does cause a problem.

Thats the trouble with Government guidelines just granting planning permission on an ad-hoc basis. We used to say each application is considered on its own merits but that no longer appears to be the case.

In 2016 the district council allowed the former Jet garage in Reading Road to be converted into 53 extra care flats for the elderly.

The site was originally earmarked for 55 regular units, 22 of which were to be affordable.

Ressance did not respond to requests for comment.LEANDER Club will hold events across the world to mark its 200th anniversary.

The first will be the launch of a book about the clubs history at No 11 Downing Street on Wednesday.

Next month there will be a meet the athletes dinner at the club with several Olympic champions. There will also be a celebration in Dublin followed by one in Sydney in March.

On May 2 there will be a service at St Pauls Cathedral while on May 22 there will be a reception at the club and a dinner in New York hosted by club president Jeremy Randall and his predecessor Sir George Cox.

The celebrations will conclude with a bicentenary banquet on October 10 at the Guildhall in London.PLANS to either move or improve Goring Primary School are coming closer to fruition.

The Diocese of Oxford, which is responsible for the Church of England school, has agreed to part-fund an independent study into whether the existing Sixties premises off Wallingford Road are worth refurbishing.

If the study finds that renovation is economical, then this could go ahead.

The school could also be expanded on to the neighbouring Bourdillon Field as the governors say it is running out of space and the building is increasingly dilapidated.

However, if the study concludes that renovation is not viable, the governors could consider moving the school to a new site, probably somewhere on the outskirts of the village.

Last year, the school launched a campaign to relocate to the field east of Wallingford Road and behind the houses off Springhill Road, about half a mile north of the existing site.

The Hildred family, which owns the land, and developer McAdden Homes had agreed to build a larger 6.5 million school there free of charge.

In return, they wanted to build 56 houses next door plus 46 more on a field west of Wallingford Road and 34 flats on the current school site. The governors wanted the scheme to be included in the villages neighbourhood plan, which names the sites where new housing should be built in order to meet Government targets and will go to a referendum next year.

But the parish council, which is overseeing the process, and the neighbourhood plan steering group said this wasnt possible as it was beyond the plans scope and the developers hadnt put those sites forward for housing when invited to do so.

Instead, it agreed to make improving the school a strategic project within the plan.

Oxfordshire County Council and South Oxfordshire District Council, the education and planning authorities, requested more evidence that refurbishment was uneconomical and that the benefits of building a new school in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty would outweigh the impact on the landscape.

The governors agreed to commission the study after forming a working group with the parish council, which owns Bourdillon Field and has agreed in principle to let the school expand.

The council has agreed to pay half the cost while the diocese will pay the remainder.

A consultant will be appointed shortly and their findings should be published within about two months.

If the school decides to relocate, all landowners will be invited to offer sites.

In a joint statement, the governors said: It is appreciated that the schools importance to the community has been recognised within the neighbourhood plan and is acknowledged that a specific land allocation cannot be made in this plan.

All has been going very well with great strides being made to explore all options for the school and to work through the necessary process.

It is expected that the results of the study will be reported by early March.

From that point, the next steps will be considered and agreed and the outcome reported to parents and the whole village.

Helen Scurr, who chairs the governors, said: Its all looking very positive and quite exciting. Weve shortlisted providers for the study and will be appointing them very soon.

What has become clear is that, being in an AONB, we would need a strong evidence base to justify moving the school.

Depending on the outcome, the study will either provide us with that or show how we can make the necessary improvements on the current site.

The school is meant to take up to 212 pupils but the governors say it is already over that number and many applicants are being turned away even if they live in the village.

They say children are being taught in portable cabins, which take up space that could be used for outdoor play. Last year, the school kitchen developed a series of faults which meant that pupils went without hot food for months.

 Electronic signs warning drivers of the 20mph advisory speed limit outside the school have been installed in Wallingford Road. The parish council paid 2,640 towards the two signs, which the schools parent-teacher association will repay through fund-raising. In 2016 a pupil suffered a broken leg when he was struck by a car as he crossed the road further south, near the village centre.A WOMAN was fined more than 200 after parking at Townlands Memorial Hospital in Henley while taking her young son for hearing tests.

Charlotte Currie was twice issued with parking notices after attending appointments with four-year-old Finley, who has hearing problems.

Her appeals were refused andshe was even warned by bailiffs about failing to pay.

Mrs Currie, a digital marketer, is warning other patients to beware of getting caught out if they have to visit the hospital off York Road.

She said: I dont want this to happen to other people as it can be quite scary.

Mrs Currie is the latest in a long line of patients who have been fined by Smart Parking, the company that enforces the hospital car park and also used to monitor the neighbouring car park for the Bell and Hart Surgeries until it was sacked following a string of complaints.

The company uses automatic number plate recognition cameras to log cars entering and leaving the hospital site.

Patients can enter their registration details on a keypad at reception to receive free parking and there is meant to be a 20-minute grace period for those passing through or dropping off patients.

Mrs Currie, who lives in Valley Road with her husband Dave, Finley and the couples other son Luca, six, used to attend appointments at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading before switching to Townlands last year.

Finley had repeatedly failed his infant hearing test and required appointments every three to six months to check his ears.

The first visit was in July when Mrs Currie says she was not aware that she needed to register her cars details when parking.

She was fined 60 and then lost her appeal before being told by the bailiffs that her credit rating would be affected unless she paid. She eventually paid more than 150.

The next appointment was on Thursday, November 16, when Mrs Currie says she was careful to enter her details correctly for fear of getting another fine and even asked the receptionist if she had done it properly.

She said: She said she thought it was fine, although she didnt actually come round the desk and look.

In July I didnt know about the system so I had to pay the fine. I spoke to the bailiffs who said if I didnt pay I would be blacklisted. I got a bit upset and just went online and paid it.

Thats why this time I asked the receptionist and joked with her that because Id had a fine I wanted to make sure this time.

I was even thinking about taking a photo and I thought the CCTV would show me entering my details.

Mrs Currie was happy after the visit as Finley had passed his test only to receive another fine in the post six days later.

She said: It just feels unfair. I have some friends who have had the same thing happen to them. There are so many complaints and you come to wonder if its about making money.

Its not like I didnt have as serious an appointment as someone else who might need a space.

She had to pay by today (Friday) after her appeal failed but has also been back to the hospital to ask for help and was told that a manager would ask for the fine to be rescinded.

She said: Ive asked them to wait and give me a bit of grace. There is the original fine but if an appeal is refused it can quite easily go up to 150. If you cant afford that, its quite worrying.

The Henley Standard has reported on a number of patients who say they have been given fines after parking at the hospital and entering their details correctly.

Others residents say they have been fined for just driving through the site.

Smart Parking also monitors parking at the neighbouring Chilterns Court Care Centre.

The company did not respond to a request for comment.Pro-choice group firm in mission despite SCOTUS ruling

Since the Roe v. Wade ruling by the Supreme Court in 1973, opponents have worked to overturn it. With the new court, they have been more honest and straightforward  they want to get rid of Roe, said Karrie Galloway, Planned Parenthood of Utah president and CEO. Wednesdays decision regarding abortion laws in Texas moves those opponents one step closer. The Texas law prohibits abortion as soon as a heartbeat can be detected, which is typically around six weeks into a pregnancy. This law, according to Planned Parenthood and multiple news sources, was written to avoid any legal ..."uDays" special offer at Ucom: discounts for all smartphones and accessories for 2 days only

For more than 3 hours, 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen have blocked the interstate road

Call on the international community for an adequate response against azerbaijani aggresssion

Transformation and trust are important for success in modern banking. Artak Hanesyan

UCOMS LEVEL UP 1700 REGIONAL TARIFF PLAN USERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN THOSE IN YEREVAN

Joint statement

Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

Covid-19: 163 new cases in Armenia

Armenia: Remarks by Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi at the press point with Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan

The United States Welcomes Azerbaijans Release of Armenian Detainees and Armenias Actions to Facilitate Demining

The Coronavirus-Related Situation in Armenia

International aviation: Council greenlights signing of major agreements with four countries

With UCOMs level up tariff plans subscribers have unlimited access to Netflix, Duolingo and Zoom

Armenia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the early parliamentary elections

Armenias Parliamentary Elections PRESS STATEMENT

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Armenias early parliamentary elections were competitive and well run, but polarized and marred by aggressive rhetoric, international observers say

International election observers to Armenias early parliamentary elections held press conference

Drop Charges Against Rights Defender Sashik Sultanyan

The Coronavirus-Related Situation in Armenia

The European Union in Armenia calls all parties to contribute to a peaceful Election Day to celebrate democracy

22 ventilators to Armenia

PACE to observe the early parliamentary elections in Armenia

With Ucom's level up tariff plans subscribers have unlimited access to Tiktok, Spotify and Coursera

PACE rapporteur welcomes Azerbaijans release of Armenian captives and Armenias handing over of mine-maps to Azerbaijan

Armenia/Azerbaijan: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the latest developments

Pashinyan to publicly apology to Khachatryans

During EURO 2020 Ucom subscribers to take part in the uMeter voting and draw

USA to continue to press for the return of Armenian prisoners of war and detainees: Philip ReekerThis site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services, to personalize ads and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. Learn more here

*Cindy* 1) $10 Amazon Gift Card: Deb Gramie Burgess 2) The Cowboys: Dawn LeGros 3) Rescuing Her Heart: Cindy Klemm *Denise* Audio Codes for The Witness Tree: Marilyn Ridgway and Licha Hanley *Mary* 1) Audio code for The Damsel's Intent: Danielle Grandinetti Owen 2) Reader's Choice: Brenda Walters *Linda* 1) Gold Rush Bride Hannah: Lisa Turley and Jennifer Devon Hibdon 2) $5.00 Gift card to retailer of their choice (Kobo, B&N, AppleBooks, Amazon): Tami le Roux *Grand Prize*: Bonnie Yepsen Weinman *Blog Winners*: 1) Spies & Sweethearts: Sheila64 2) Bent Tree Bride: Roxanne Cruz 3) Rescuing Her Heart: Natalya Lakhno 4) The Debutante's Secret: Connie Porter Saunders

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Winners must leave their email address and will be notified by email and the winners name will be announced in the days comments. No one under 18 can enter our giveaways. No purchase is necessary. All winners have one week to claim their prize. USA shipping only. Offer void where prohibited. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.Turkey to install electronic systems at border with Armenia

Suleiman Soylu, Turkish Interior Minister, spoke about the course of construction work on the border with Iran, as well as the security measures to be taken at the border with Armenia and Georgia. According to "Borsagundem" news site, Suleiman Soylu said that at present, almost half of the 144-kilometer wall was built on the Turkish-Iranian border. The Minister emphasized that the wall should prevent illegal crossing, as well as the entrance of terrorists into their country. Speaking about the security measures to be carried out at the Armenian-Turkish and Turkish-Georgian border, he said that Turkey was going to install electronic systems there. "I think we will take similar measures in Ardahan during one or two months. At this moment we are not building a wall there, we will only install new electronic systems there." To remind, Turkey has begun testing the cameras installed earlier in the Kars state border of the Armenian-Turkish border.The Parliaments decision to send the draft National Medical Commission Bill, 2017, to the standing committee of health has raised hopes for a constructive debate among political parties to remove the draconian clauses in the proposed bill. If not modified, the bill will replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) by a near-total central government department called the National Medical Commission (NMC). Devoid of a federal character, this non-representative body will be a poor substitute for the MCI.

counterpoint Replacing the Medical Council of India with a National Medical Commission is a good idea

The proposed NMC is not representative of the medical profession in India. The MCI has one representative each from state and practising doctors. With this being taken away, it remains to be seen how the ethics of practising doctors providing care to 80% of the population can be managed without having representatives from their own tribe.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is the collective consciousness of more than three lakh doctors from modern medicine, yet it was not consulted when the Union Cabinet took this decision to replace the MCI with the NMC.

The bill is not national as it does not represent all states. Although, each state government does have the presence of a vice-chancellor in the body, the official will be appointed by the governor in through the Centre. It isnt medical either as it allows the mixing of Ayush with modern medicine. Combining the two in the same treatment by the same doctor will constitute a new treatment and hence necessitate a trial, which would require the approval of the ethics committee.

The NMC is not a commission as any commission requires the provision for a developmental grant in the five-year plan. Its also not representative as there is no representation of doctors from every state but only five elected zonal members in the commission with only an appellant authority. The so-called four autonomous boards, with full powers, will have 12 nominated salaried full-time members with no representation from elected members. The bill is not community-friendly; the bill will make medical education expensive in the future. This is because the bill will increase the percentage of fee to be decided by the private colleges from 15% to more than 60% of seats.

One of the main contentions for replacing the bill was to get a new corruption-free mechanism but the NMC has the potential to breed corruption. Full powers are given only to three full-time nominated members in the board appointed on salary by the government. The commission has only appellant powers; more than 60% medical seats in private colleges will have no fee restriction and the penalty for violating norms will vary from 1/2 to 10 times (for example, from 5 crore to 100 crore). Also, the central government vests total control on waiving off penalty, giving permissions, and allowing doctors to practice without fulfilling all norms. The bill is also not students friendly. Those medical students who pass MBBS by grace but fail in the licentiate exam will not be allowed to practice. The so-called autonomous boards are not really autonomous as all boards are under direct control of the government and the commission. And, the commission has regulatory as well as directional powers. The secretary of the commission can be a non-doctor appointed by the government.

The bill is not IMA-friendly, which was not made a part of discussions despite being the largest stakeholder comprising government and private doctors, students, teachers, and hospitals. It is not state medical council-friendly either as it takes away their autonomy to function. Not only this, the NMC will even have directional power over state governments. I hope the standing committee on health will rectify these anomalies by either amending the present NMC act or bring in a better act that takes into account IMAs concerns.

KK Aggarwal is vice president, Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania and former National President IMA

The views expressed are personalGoogle doodle on Monday celebrated the 110th birthday of Bollywood actress and stunt queen Mary Ann Evans, popularly known as Fearless Nadia. The doodle showed the illustration of Fearless Nadia wearing a hat.

The blue-eyed blonde actress, who was born on this day in 1908 in Perth, Australia, is remembered as the masked and cloaked adventurer in a 1935 movie Hunterwali, in which she played the lead role. Mary came to Bombay in 1913 at the age of five with her father Scotsman Herbert Evans, a volunteer in the British Army.

After learning the ropes of outdoor living in Peshawar, she first joined a touring dance troupe in Bombay, then the Zarco Circus. On the advice of a fortune teller, she changed her name to Nadia.

In her first lead role in Hunterwali, Nadia was seen wearing leather shorts, a mask and cape, performing all of her own stunts. In late 1960s, she also appeared in a James Bond spoof called Khiladi (The Players).

Over the years, she swung from chandeliers, sprang from speeding trains and even tamed lions.

Nadias great-grandnephew, Riyad Vinci Wadia in 1993 made a documentary on her, Fearless: The Hunterwali Story. Nadias doodle has been created by Bangalore-based comic illustrator Devaki Neogi.After many hiccups, the Central Board Of Film Certification, popularly known as censor board, has finally cleared Sanjay Leela Bhansalis film for a pan-India release, but thats not good enough for the state of Rajasthan. The state government is still not ready to let the film hit the screens on its territory.

On Monday, ANI tweeted a statement by Rajasthans home minister Gulab Chand Kataria which reads, Following earlier orders of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, movie Padmavat will not be released in the state.

Following earlier orders of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, movie '#Padmavat' will not be released in the state: Gulab Chand Kataria, Rajasthan Home Minister pic.twitter.com/rDQVltZSeo  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

After facing several roadblocks, Sanjay Leela Bhansalis controversial film Padmavati retitled Padmavat, seems set for a January 25 release, sources in Viacom18 Motion Pictures said today.

In November, Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje had written a letter to Union information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani, seeking necessary changes in the movie before its release, so that the sentiments of any community are not hurt.

The film, mired in controversy over its plot line, has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has asked the makers to change the title and suggested other modifications.

The film was earlier scheduled to be released on December 1. Though Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have not released an official statement yet, sources in the production house said the film will release on January 25, a day before Republic Day. The film is releasing on January 25. There is no clarity when the official statement will be out regarding this, sources in Viacom18 Motion Pictures told PTI.

Padmavat stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in pivotal roles. The film will clash with Akshay Kumars Padman.Since 2011, Sajjad Delafrooz has been on a mission to make it big in Bollywood. His portrayal of the menacing villain, Abu Usman, in Salman Khan-starrer Tiger Zinda Hai has finally given him a sense of having arrived in the industry.

The 34-year-old Iranian actor is ecstatic about having garnered praise from all corners for his performance in the film that released in December 2017. I was trying to make this (recognition) happen for years. It feels good to get beautiful messages from people. Directors and producers are congratulating me, and thats the best thing, says Sajjad, who is also gaining popularity among women for his good looks. How does that feel? Its beautiful, he giggles.

Sajjad as the antagonist, Abu Usman, in Tiger Zinda Hai.

Sajjad hopes to only grow from here, and he treasures Salmans advice. After the screening of the film, bhaijaan told me, Be careful about the projects you choose because your life will change now, says Sajjad. About working with Salman, he adds, I met him while I was preparing for the film. He shared tips about working out. He shares his experiences with you, which is the best thing about him.

Years in between him being a PR manager to bagging Tiger Zinda Hai were all about working hard irrespective of results. I still remember the exact date  July 29, 2011  when I decided that I dont want to continue with a 9-to-5 job and instead take up acting. I started by sending my videos and e-mails to people who are in-charge of such things. I even came to Mumbai in 2014 to try my luck, but that didnt work. n 2015, I landed a small role in Baby (starring Akshay Kumar)... But I knew I would have to work harder to be in a better place. I never stopped working. Till 2016, I did international projects, movies, television shows. I speak five different languages, so I got to work in different parts of the world, but nothing worked for me, says Sajjad.

And then, one day, he got a call for the Salman starrer. I would email my work 24/7 to directors and producers, till one day, out of the blue, I got a call for this film. I didnt know what movie it was, and who else was going to star in it. They told me that they liked my audition, and wanted me to give another one. The entire audition process went on for two-and-a-half months, he recalls, now hoping that more such opportunities keep coming his way.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreThe government will invite expressions of interest from those interested in buying state-owned Air India Ltd, after the budget presentation on 1 February, a top government official said.

The move is intended to demonstrate that the National Democratic Alliance is going ahead with the privatisation of Air India despite a parliamentary panel suggesting a five-year pause.

We will be seeking expressions of interest certainly in February, civil aviation secretary Rajiv Nayan Choubey said in an interview on Monday.

The invitation calling for expressions of interest from potential bidders is being drafted, and will be submitted to a ministerial group that has been tasked with Air Indias privatisation, added Choubey.

In a draft report, the parliamentary standing committee on transport, tourism and culture suggested that the Union government put the privatisation plan on hold for at least five years and write off the national carriers debt, the Press Trust of India reported on Sunday.

The government has appointed EY, formerly known as Ernst and Young, to advise it on the privatisation exercise, in which the invitation seeking expressions of interest from would-be bidders is the first step. Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas will be the legal adviser.

The government will vet the responses to evaluate the eligibility of the potential bidders before floating a so-called request for proposal, a detailed document that will be more precise than the document seeking expressions of interest.

IndiGo, run by InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, and Tata Sons Ltd have shown interest in Air Indias operations.

Turkeys Celebi Aviation Holding, Bird Group, Menzies Aviation Plc and Livewel Aviation Services Pvt. Ltd have shown interest in the national carriers subsidiaries.

Last week, Leslie Thng, chief executive officer of Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Ltd, said the latter has an open mind on looking at Air India, noting that the national airlines has a strong brand presence globally.

If you look at the history, Air India was in fact one of the pioneers in many of the aviation launches. Air India actually has a very good reputation in some of the markets. People know about Air Indiathere are a lot of NRIs (non-resident Indians) who live overseas, who know about Air India. It flies to many international destinations. The brand awareness of Air India is not weak, he Leslie Thng added.

Air India had total debt of about Rs48,877 crore at the end of March 2017Rs17,360 crore of aircraft loans and Rs31,517 crore of working capital loans.

The airline has a fleet of about 140 planes, with a 17% share of traffic on routes linking India to international destinations and about 13% of the domestic market.

The national carrier, which is part of the worlds biggest airline grouping, Star Alliance, also has prime slots at airports across the world as also land banks and buildings among its assets.The way the flames of violence recently engulfed more than half of Maharashtra is bound to cause fear and anxiety. During this period the frenzied mobs didnt even spare the buses of children returning from school and pelted them with stones. Shaking with fear, the children had to seek shelter along with their classmates even as their parents were helplessly waiting for them in various parts of Mumbai. All the modes of transport that could have brought their children home were stalled. For some time, the entire governance had become paralysed. This is only one chilling example among many of the lawlessness which spread in large parts of the countrys commercial capital.

It will take some time before the complete damage caused by the protests and the violence can be assessed. But for now, it has raised some disturbing questions. Was the plot for this bloodshed being scripted for a long time? Or is it part of the next stage of conflict likely to grip the country?

To get an answer to these questions, let me take you to Bhima Koregaon. Members of the Dalit community assemble here for a celebration every year. They commemorate the day Peshwa soldiers were defeated here. The victorious army comprised a majority of Mahar soldiers and a few Britishers. That is why Dalits view it as a symbol of the defeat of Brahminical power. I am not going into the details of this clash as many pieces of contradictory information are being fed into the roaring sea of social media.

This issue is an offshoot of a malaise that is rapidly spreading across the country in which self-appointed historians have mushroomed. Ignoring scientific facts, they swear by anecdotes and urban legends. While doing this, they conveniently forget the lessons of history where fictitious definitions can prove hazardous for humanity. The recent incidents in Maharashtra are another example of this.

The tradition of celebration at Bhima Koregaon is not a new development. People have been assembling here for decades. Since it was the 200th anniversary of the incident, so the crowds were expected to be bigger than usual. This was not done in any secret manner. If the state government so desired, it could have made the necessary arrangements. But that wasnt done. Not just this, even when the mobs were running amok, the police didnt display the enthusiasm required to stop them. The TV journalists attacked in Mumbai allege that the police at the spot didnt attempt to protect them. Stories such as these create an atmosphere of suspicion.

If you look closely, you will discover that attempts to stoke caste and religious sentiments have been made periodically over the last few years. Before this, the battleground was in Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur. Here Bhim army chief Chandrashekhar Ravan made some really provocative comments. The result? Two people were killed, many injured and property worth crores set afire. For months after this, the entire region felt the repercussions.

Before this, as part of a conspiracy, a communal colour was lent to the beating up of Dalits in Gujarats Una and the Rohit Vemula suicide in Hyderabad. The Jats in Haryana and the Gujjars in Rajasthan turned violent demanding reservations. You may recall that this phenomenon captured the countrys imagination after a few people raised anti-India slogans in Afzal Gurus memory at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University. Rather than deal with them at the administrative level, these incidents were sensationalised more than was required. This was like showing a light to old dynamite. Its tragic effects are now being felt.

From JNU to Bhima Koregaon, the way the marketplace of hatred is assuming the shape of a well-planned strategy raises some disturbing questions. India is a nation of unity in diversity. Our ancestors adopted this principle after testing it for thousands of years. So, whenever religious or caste passions were unleashed, we were able to successfully douse them. But in the age of social media and exploding political aspirations, traditions are coming in handy to create unrest rather than harmony.

Unfortunately, our politicians are trying to further fan these fires. If you dont believe me, just have a look at the proceedings in the Parliament. Even as Maharashtra was burning, our lawmakers were busy trading charges and counter-charges. They forgot that the people of Maharashtra were looking at them with hope. Our honourable MPs even forgot that every such incident leaves a scar on the face of social harmony.

This doesnt behove a nation emerging as a global superpower.

Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief Hindustanletters@hindustantimes.comIt may be well over nine months since the assembly election results put a spanner on the Congress dream to retain power in Uttarakhand, but unrest over the electoral fiasco has refused to die down in the party.

Congress president Rahul Gandhis decision to let presidents of party state units to continue on their posts even after the organisational polls has sparked a fresh round of tug of war in the partys Uttarakhand unit over what led to its crushing defeat in 2017.

With the latest announcement, senior leaders including former chief minister and current and ex-PCC (Pradesh Congress Committee) chiefs engaged in a war of words over responsibility for the partys loss in the last years assembly polls.

This comes at a time when the civic polls, scheduled in the state in April, are barely three months away.

While former PCC chief Kishore Upadhyay put the blame on the (erstwhile) Congress governments policies and not the party organization for the loss, former CM Harish Rawat said his government did everything possible to ensure the partys victory, though he accepted the moral responsibility for the partys defeat.

Notably, the Congress had battled a wave of anti-incumbency, exit of over a dozen senior leaders and internal factionalism ahead of the polls. As a result, it could go on to win only 11 assembly seats against 57 of the BJP in the February 2017 polls.

State Congress president Pritam Singh, meanwhile, said every leader and member of the party was aware about their responsibility for strengthening the party.

Whatever happened (partys defeat), is past nowit is high time we moved on and worked afresh for the upcoming urban local body polls and later Lok Sabha polls (in 2019) instead of playing a blame game over what or who led (to the assembly polls) fiasco, Singh said.More than 22,000 madrasa students have not been eligible to compete for government jobs and pursue higher education for the last five years since Uttarkhand has not yet recognised Madarsa Education Board certificates for class 10 and 12 as equivalent to those of the state board.

In 2010, Uttar Pradesh  the parent state of Uttarakhand  accorded equivalence to Munshi and Moulvi curriculum taught in Class 10 and Alim in Class 12 under madrasa boards, but this is not the case in the hill state. Madarsa board certificates are not even accepted by the National Institute of Open School (NIOS).

Madarsa Welfare Society chairman Sibte Nabi has been pursuing for recognition to madrasa courses since the education board was formed in 2013. Congress government, whose major vote bank comprised Muslims and minorities, didnt move an inch in this regard (recognition to courses). We are hopeful that the BJP government might take a decision and safeguard the future of Muslim students, Nabi told Hindustan Times.

After the Madarsa Education Board was formed in 2013, madrasas were asked to register themselves with it. Of 297 madrasas in the state, the one in Roorkee is government-aided. But the board certificates of this school are also not equivalent to those of the state board.

In June 2017, a letter written by director general, education, Alok Shekhar Tiwari mentioned that the then government has given nod to grant equivalence to madrasa courses. But no government order (GO) has been issued in this regard.

We were on the verge of issuing the GO during the previous government. Then the government changed and the matter remained in the backburner. We will take up the matter again with the present government, Uttarakhand Minorities Commission chairperson NS Bindra told HT.

Insiders said the approval wont come sooner and the batch of nearly 5300 students appearing for Madarsa Board examinations will face the same fate.

School education secretary Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh said, The minorities commission should get in touch with us on this matter.Expansion of urban local bodies (ULBs) and simultaneous delimitation of wards in municipal areas barely three months ahead of the civic polls has left the Congress in a tizzy in Uttarakhand.

Looking to strike back in the ULB polls due in April, the Congress state unit has alleged that the BJP-led state government was carrying out faulty delimitation (carving out of new or modification of areas in existing wards) to suit its own equation in the upcoming elections.

On Monday, Congress leader Rajkumar led a protest to oppose what the party has termed severe anomalies in the way new wards have been chalked out or existing wards altered in the proposed delimitation of the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC).

The district administration has already received over 150 objections against the proposed delimitation of the DMC. Similar protests are being held by the Congress in other parts of the state as well.

There is no clear mention of boundaries of new wards and maps, said former MLA Rajkumar, who was joined by other Congress leaders and corporators in his protest.

There are wide disparities in the delimitation of wards in terms of distribution of population, former cabinet minister Dinesh Agarwal said.

A delegation of party leaders recently urged the state election commission to take over the delimitation exercise in its hand.

First, the government went ahead with expanding ULBs by adding rural areas in them without taking the stakeholders concerned into confidence. And now, the BJP government is trying to influence the delimitation process to suit its own political motive in the civic polls, Congress state unit president Pritam Singh alleged.

So far, the government has officially announced final delimitation for over 75 of the states 92 ULBs. This includes delimitation that has been finalized for five municipal corporations -- Haldwani, Haridwar, Rudrapur, Kotdwar and Rishikesh, while that of the other ULBs remains to be done.

It is worth recalling that there was a court stay on elections in local bodies of Bhatrojkhan in Kumaon and Roorkee in Garhwal administrative region.

Urban development minister Madan Kaushik, however, rebuffed the Congress allegations, saying there was no intervention from the government in the process at all.

It is their (Congress) insecurity talking... the government has not interfered with the process which is being carried out at the departmental level. Moreover, objections are being invited and heard wherever delimitation is taking place so they (Congress leaders) should present their grievances at the right platform instead of playing blame game over it, Kaushik told HT.Armenian Ambassador against Armenia

On January 11, the European Court of Human Rights will announce another verdict against the Republic of Armenia. The applicant is Alexander Arzumanyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Kingdom of Denmark, who filed a lawsuit before his appointment .He was appointed Ambassador to Armenia in 2017. Alexander Arzumanyan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and leader of the Civil Disobedience Movement, appealed to the fact that he had been detained for alleged "money laundering." Alexander Arzumanyan was arrested in May 2007 and detained on suspicion of legalization of illegal income. The courts ordered his detention on the grounds of the gravity of the offence and the risk of his absconding, obstructing justice or reoffending. They then repeatedly extended his detention on similar grounds, despite Mr Arzumanyans objections, until his release in September on an undertaking not to leave his residence. Relying on Article 5  3 (right to liberty and security / entitlement to trial within a reasonable time or to release pending trial), Mr Arzumanyan complains that the domestic courts failed to sufficiently justify his detention. It should be reminded that in 2007 the National Security Service of Armenia stated that "Vahan Shirkhanyan and Alexander Arzumanyan were in Moscow and ,coming to an agreemet with Levon Markos, the citizen of Russia, who was wanted for financial fraud since 2005, transfered a suspicious amount of money to Armenia." Alexander Arzumanyan does not accept the accusation.The discontent among senior BJP legislators is apparently visible even as the ruling party faces pressure from ministerial berth aspirants.

Former BJP state unit president Bishan Singh Chufal on Monday demanded cabinet expansion of the 9-month-old Trivendra Singh Rawat government to maintain regional balance.

Chufal is a Rajput leader and a five time legislator from Didihat constituency in Pithoragarh district. He was a minister in the BC Khanduri government. Later, he was appointed as the party state unit president.

Chufal was expecting ministerial berth after the BJP won 57 seats in the 70-member Uttarakhand assembly early last year. But his name was dropped to accommodate Prakash Pant, a Brahmin legislator from neighbouring Pithoragarh seat.

A large number of party workers are disappointed owing to regional imbalance of the cabinet, Chufal said in Pithoragarh. Not even a single Rajput leader from Kumaon represents the government, he added.

Chief minister Rawat has nine ministers in his cabinet. As far as caste combination is concerned, three ministers  Satpal Maharaj, Dhan Singh, Harak Singh - are Rajput while Madan Kaushik, Subodh Uniyal, Arvind Pande and Prakash Pant are Brahmin.

Rekhya Arya and Yashpal Arya represent Scheduled Caste community.

As far as representation from the region is concerned, five ministers and chief minister hail from Garhwal while Pant, Pande and both SC ministers are from Kumaon.

Chufal feels Kumaon has been slightly ignored in the cabinet.

Uttarakhand can have maximum 12 members, including chief minister, in the cabinet. Going by the number game, two positions are vacant in the cabinet.

Chufal accepted that he was also one of the aspirant for the ministerial berth and it was not him but the party workers who complain about the negligence of region and caste.

Chufals open claim to the ministerial berth has not gone well with the party which claims to be disciplined.

Party state unit president Ajay Bhatt said cabinet expansion was the chief ministers prerogative. The party will take right decision at the right time, he told HT when asked about the Chufals statement.

Besides Chufal, party has senior legislators like Bansidhar Bhagat, Harbans Kapoor, Munna Singh Chauhan, Harbansh Cheema who are also in the queue.

Moreover, supporters of the two MLAs  Rajesh Shukla and Swami Yatishwaranand - have been seeking respectful accommodation as Shukla and Yatishwaranand defeated then chief minister Harish Rawat from Kiccha and Haridwar (rural) constituencies, respectively.

The party insiders say it was not possible to keep everyone happy therefore some of the senior legislators could be accommodated in the government corporations as the chairpersons and vice-chairpersons.

Between a section of the senior leaders are also in favour of keeping the cabinet expansion issue lingering as accommodating some and leaving many could have adverse affect on the party prospects in local body polls scheduled to be held in April.Inspired by Hollywood movie Gone in Sixty Seconds, two men, who were arrested on Sunday with 22 motorcycles, had set a target of stealing a two-wheeler everyday.

South East district police on Sunday said it had arrested two men  25-year-old Manmeet and 18-year-old Sumit  for their alleged involvement in a spate of such thefts since November. Earlier, the two were in jail for theft and had been released on bail in November. Once Manmeet was released, the two regrouped and decided to go on a stealing spree. They both were fascinated by movies on thieves and used to watch such movies. They were especially fond of Hindi dubbed version of Hollywood movies with such plots and looked for innovative ways to steal, said DCP south east Chinmoy Biswal.

He added that the duo had planned to steal 50-60 motorcycles and then sell them to buy an auto rickshaw to ferry passengers during the day and smuggle liquor and ganja at night.

On how they were finally nabbed, Biswal said, they were gathering intelligence about auto lifters and also keeping a close vigil over the activities of recently released persons.

We received a tip off about the movement of notorious auto lifters namely Manmeet alias Monu and Sumit alias Sonu or Sukka near Kalkaji Mandir on Saturday and also learnt that they would come on a stolen motor cycle. A special picket was set up near the foot-over bridge at outer ring road for vehicle checking, said Biswal.

The two were later seen riding a motorcycle and coming from Nehru Place side. They were signalled by the staff to stop the vehicle for checking but they tried to slip through. However, the staff overpowered and apprehended them, Biswal added.Their numbers dwindle with each passing year, which is understandable. Old derelict homes do collapse after decades of benign neglect.

But this is more than merely sad  given their distinct character. Aged homes in neighbourhoods such as Shahjahanabad and Mehrauli issue their own singular statements of grace, while most modern housing complexes arguably have nothing to say at all.

The other morning, we were lucky to run across a remarkable example of a time- worn structure on a street going up from the Old Delhi neighbourhood of Pahari Bhojla. We found ourselves standing in front of an arched door as thick as a fortress rampart, while two sets of taaks ran along the sides.

A young man approached the door and opened it, and we followed him inside. It was like entering a destroyed world. The roofs had collapsed, and the walls were fading into surreal shades of blue. Switchboards were missing switches. A picturesque window was half-boarded. Rats emerged from a hole in the ground.

A grey cat slunk around a disfigured pillar. There was grime everywhere, including in a small courtyard that stood desolate. A shopkeeper told us that a merchant family lived in the house 25 years ago or so. Those people moved to another part of the city, he guessed.

What sort of lives did this elegant home once harbour? We had somehow joined that lost world by simply entering through the grand doorway. With one fleeting visit, we became a part of something ethereal that gives our city its special melancholic beauty.Jet Airways air hostess, who was caught smuggling $480,200 (valued at 3.25 crore) wrapped in aluminium foil, had reportedly smuggled foreign currency on at least seven previous occasions before she was caught on Sunday late night on board a Delhi-Hong Kong flight.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), who have arrested Deveshi Kulshreshtha (25) along with her agent Amit Malhotra (39), said the duo are part of a bigger international hawala syndicate.

A city court on Tuesday sent Kulshreshtha and Malhotra to two-day judicial custody and directed the DRI to produce them before the concerned metropolitan magistrate on January 11.

Sources said that Malhotra met Kulshreshtha in August last year when he was returning from Hong Kong by a Jet Airways flights. Malhotra had a chat with her while she was serving the meal to him. They exchanged contact details and later met to discuss the plan. She made four-five domestic trips before going to Hong Kong. Before going there, she used to meet the supplier and collect the currency from him, said a DRI official on condition of anonymity.

Investigators said she used to get 1% of the total money she laundered as commission.

In August last year, she travelled for the first time with $50,000. Thereafter, she travelled with $1,00,000 and this was her eighth trip with the Hawala money. Another person used to come to the hotel in Hong Kong to collect the money. Malhotra, who runs a tour and travel business in east Delhis Vivek Vihar, has also been arrested, said the DRI official.

Official said that Amit too had travelled to Hong Kong on multiple occasions on the same money laundering business. The DRI has raided Malhotras house in east Delhi and recovered 3.3 lakh in Indian currency and $2,500 along with other evidence.

The DRI said that some businessmen and colleagues of the airline crew were also on their radar and will be interrogated soon.

Malhotra knew several businessmen and promised to convert their black money into white. Now, we have to work on the leads given by them and more arrests are likely to happen soon, the officer added.

Investigators also said that crew member was well trained in hiding money and used to wrap the currency bundles in aluminum foil, which the scanner at the airport was not able to detect easily.

A Jet Airways spokesperson had confirmed the incident. Based on the investigations and inputs from law enforcement agencies, the airline will take further action, the spokesperson said in a statement on Monday. There was no fresh statement from the airlines on Tuesday.The Supreme Courts decision to review Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which criminalises activities against the order of nature, arguably including homosexual sexual activities, has renewed hopes of the Lesbian-Gay-Bi-sexual-Transgender-Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) community.

Decriminalisation of sexual activities under section 377 is what the community has been fighting for. I am made to feel like a criminal because Im gay. Ive always been a centre of jokes because I am open about my sexual orientation. I have participated in all Pride paradea, shows and protests in Delhi-NCR. This decision of SC has validated my struggle, it all makes sense to me now. I am sure things will change and the right to sexuality will win, I am very hopeful, says Dev Singh, 20-year-old student of Delhi University.

Like Singh, other members of the LGBTQ community, too, are optimistic and expecting a fast forward judgment. Mohnish Malhotra, an activist and one of the organisers of the annual queer pride parade, says, It has been 17 years that we have been fighting and struggling for equality and freedom. The apex court has decided to constitute a bench to review the IPC section; it is a positive response. However, speedy judgment is required.

Section 377 criminalises something which is so natural for our community. I have full faith in the jury. I am sure they will give justice to my community which has been living in the margins and in fear. And when they do correct this angrezo ke zamane ka section 377 (which dates back to 1861), I will celebrate and shout long live Supreme Court from the rooftops, till then I would be very discreet with who I come out to, says Swati.

Bollywood film director Onir, who won the National Award for his film I Am, too, has voiced support of the decision. Last year, the Supreme Courts judgment on privacy was a welcoming move and now, the recent statement that people or individuals who exercise their choice should never remain in a state of fear is a great move. Its heartening news and I am hopeful that it will lead to a favourable judgment in the end, says Onir, who is also an LGBTQ activist.

Follow @htTweets for moreChief minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the countrys only common mobility card system on Monday, allowing commuters in Delhi to use the same prepaid card to travel on Metro as well as DTC and cluster buses. The initiative has been introduced in 250 buses out of Delhis total fleet of 5,421 and the government plans to extend the facility to all public buses in Delhi by March this year.

Common mobility cards are widely used in cities such as London, Hong Kong and Singapore as it provides an integrated ticketing system for different modes of public transport. In Delhi, the government is hoping that buses will become popular among Metro users with smart cards once they realise they can switch smoothly between the two mobility systems. There are 13 lakh active Metro smart card users in Delhi. And, the ridership of DTC buses has come down to 30 lakh from over 45 lakh in just a span of three years.

A DTC bus conductor gives a demo to @htTweets on how a metro smart card can be used in buses. Only a tap on the machine will automatically deduct the journey fare from the card. The common mobility card service was launched by CM @ArvindKejriwal a while ago @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/5kYsbu0x97  Sweta Goswami (@sweta_goswami) January 8, 2018

Here are five things you should know about the common mobility card:

1. Metro smart card holders will be able to travel cashless on 200 DTC buses and 50 cluster buses for now. Just give your smart card to the conductor when you board a bus. He will swipe it on the device for you. Youll be given a paper ticket, which will have the serial number of your Metro card and the remaining balance in it.

2. As of now, the buses that start from Rohini I, Rajghat and Banda Bahadur Marg depots will have this feature. This means buses plying on routes from Mori Gate to Mayur Vihar Phase III, Jahangirpuri to Anand Vihar and Mukherjee Nagar to Inderpuri will offer this service.

3. Delhi is the first city in India to introduce an e-purse travel system that can perform transactions as low as Rs 5. Dont expect a discount in fare though if you are using the smart card on the bus. Such an incentive is offered only in the Metro network so far. The bus fares will remain unchanged.

4. Did you even notice the ETMs in DTC and cluster buses before? Well, they were already installed there. The transport department only added the Secure Access Modules (SAMs) chips that to these machines to equip them to read the Metro cards. The chips that cost Rs 2,000 per bus were imported from South Korea.

5. If the system becomes popular, the government may consider extending it to Metro feeder buses as well. Hong Kongs Octopus card, Londons Oyster card and Japans Suica card is not only used on buses and the Metro but are also accepted for making payments in retail shops.Delhis Kirti Nagar police station  ranked 10th best in the country  is the only one in the Capital with its own website that displays a complete list of all its 135 police personnel and their contact numbers. From the station house officer to the junior-most constable, the website displays the name and details of every cop on its roll.

Senior officers said the aim of the initiative is to make people in the west Delhi police stations jurisdiction area feel that a cop is just a call away.

Kirti Nagar police station had figured in the list of 10 best police stations tweeted by home minister, Rajnath Singh, on Saturday. The survey conducted by Intelligence Bureau through Quality Council of India team identified the police stations after an eight-month exercise. The police stations were evaluated on about 80 parameters involving performance, infrastructure and amenities. The three top police stations in the list were RS Puram Police Station (Coimbatore City), Panjagutta Police Station (Hyderabad) and Gudamba Police Station (Lucknow).

Inspector Anil Sharma, the station in-charge, told HT that he was happy to learn about the news. It is a proud moment for all of us. The idea is not just to increase competitiveness among police stations but also to improve policing, he said.

Senior police officers said that after Sharma took over, he focused on cleanliness of the station premises apart from routine law and order duties. Kirti Nagar police station was also adjudged the best in Delhi for 2016 by a team of senior Delhi police officers.

I credit the team for the recognition. Kirti Nagar was already the best police station in our internal survey. In the past couple of years, the staff has worked to improve all aspects of policing. This includes facilitation of complaint registration, better and welcoming infrastructure and improved conduct dealing with complainants, said DCP (West) Vijay Kumar. Kumar added that the police station was equally alert in preventing crimes and investigating the ones reported. Due to this we have seen a decline in the number of cases registered and more cases being solved, Kumar said.

Last week, Kirti Nagar police station officers started a drive to check tenant verification and booked two landlords for failing to comply. Besides this, a man was booked for encroachment and two burglaries were reported on January 3 and 5.

Apart from nabbing criminals, the station officers have also been using the YUVA programme  a skill development scheme under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana  to help youths in the area. Senior officers said that at least 300 vulnerable youths who were jobless were trained and provided employment. Kirti Nagar station is among the five stations where the YUVA programme was started by Delhi Police.

In a first, a job fair for youths was also organised at the police station. Our beat constables contacted many young men and women who were jobless. We identified those with a clean record and offered to help them find jobs. More than 30 youth were hired by local companies with a verification record by police, said a senior officer.

Another first for this police station is setting up of an alarm system for elderly residents. As elderly residents living alone often fall victim to crime and violence, the local police have assisted in installation of over 200 alarm bells in Kirti Nagar. Many a times old people do not have cell phones or the call doesnt get connected. With these alarm bells in place now, all that they have to do in case of an emergency is to press the switch and alert their neighbour who will in turn inform us. Help at Kirti Nagar is just a call away, a senior officer said.

Two years ago, the dump yard inside the station premises was cleared to make a badminton court for the personnel. A library was also started with a collection of books on criminal justice. Our idea was to make it friendly not just for residents but also for police personnel. Any cop should want to work here and give it his or her best, an officer said.

Residents can also download all forms and register crimes online at the Kirti Nagar police stations website that is also linked to the parent Delhi police site. Forms such as servant, tenant or police verification can be easily filled and submitted on the website. People can also file missing person reports, find helpline numbers, of report stolen vehicles through the website.India and Pakistan have held no substantive talks for close to a decade even as their relations have been buffeted by one storm after another, including a string of cross-border terror attacks that put paid to efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his former Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to restore a semblance of normalcy to ties. The affair of Kulbhushan Jadhav, sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged involvement in espionage, has the potential to add to the chill that currently characterises relations, especially if there is any precipitate action by Islamabad.

Experts and diplomats on both sides have suggested several times that efforts at a breakthrough will have a greater chance of success if New Delhi and Islamabad make a conscious effort to keep dialogue separate from domestic politics. But Pakistani politicians will soon begin preparing prepare for a crucial vote, one that is expected to see Sharifs PML-N party emerge victorious but considerably weaker than in the 2013 election. In such circumstances, hardly any Pakistani politician is likely to make a public pitch for better relations with India. It remains to be seen whether Shehbaz Sharif, being projected as the PML-Ns prime ministerial candidate and who is known to be closer to the military than Nawaz Sharif, will be as committed as his elder brother to the peace process. Soon after the Pakistani polls, expected by June, Indian politicians will begin preparing for next years general election, thereby considerably narrowing the window of opportunity for any talks.

There are several other factors that influence any dialogue or any effort to put relations on an even keel, and which have not been adequately addressed. For decades, India has been loath to hold any kind of talks with the Pakistani military establishment, which has its imprint all over the countrys security and foreign policies. The civilian set-up in Pakistan remains weak despite two successful elections while the military has moved from coups to quietly pulling the levers from the background, sometimes through political proxies and sometimes in concert with the increasingly powerful judiciary. India has never come to grips with this conundrum.

The Indian government has also had a perplexing approach towards Pakistan  talking tough in public while maintaining secret contacts, the latest being the meeting of National Security Advisers in Thailand. Such a course may satisfy its domestic constituency but could make any attempt at detente harder to sell.

Then there are the jihadi groups in Pakistan that remain fully capable to carry out another Mumbai-like attack, the consequences of which would be devastating. Things could get a lot worse before they get better.Even as Hollywood engages in singing self-congratulatory odes to each other for wearing black at the 2018 Golden Globes, one of the worlds most glamorous award functions, the gesture feels empty. The women dressed in black at the event are some of the richest and most powerful women in the world but it has taken a long and painful campaign by many women with comparatively little power to shake them out of their silence.

The #MeToo campaign that became a cascade in 2017 after film producer Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual assault and harassment was initiated in 2006 by Tarana Burke as a grassroots campaign of empowerment for women of colour who had been sexually assaulted. The campaign gained speed in October 2017 when actor Alyssa Milano encouraged women to tweet their experiences with the tag #MeToo after a New York Times investigation revealed multiple allegations of sexual harassment against Weinstein. The campaign quickly spread across countries, languages, and industries. Academia, music, politics, science  women were speaking out everywhere, across social media, accusing assaulters and naming names.

The courage of the whistleblowers is as commendable as the silence of the powerful is shameful. It has taken the pain and courage of many women who have sacrificed much in their personal lives and professional careers for the scandal to finally break. For the glamorous set to now jump on board the #MeToo bandwagon without ever having used their power and authority to call out the assaulters and harassers while they could have is, to put it mildly, hypocritical. Wearing black to award functions is one thing. Making systemic change happen in workplace attitudes, eliminating gender pay gaps, and creating an environment in which the shame of sexual abuse and assault no longer falls on the victim, they might find, is quite another.Think Italian fashion and you are likely to think of chic central, Milan. But Made in Italy actually has its roots in Florence, where the hotly anticipated Pitti Uomo trade fair opens this week. The most famous men here may be naked  from Michelangelos David to the sea-god Neptune  but every year, the Tuscan city becomes the capital of mens fashion, putting on four heady days of ready-to-wear shows.

The event, which kicks off on Tuesday, is a must for buyers, journalists and fashionistas  drawing some 36,000 people last year  who gather to gawp, gossip and go mad over the latest trends at the citys imposing Fortezza da Basso fortress.

Some 1,200 brands are expected to present their Autumn-Winter collections at the 93rd edition under headliner Karl Lagerfeld, with old hands like Paul&Shark alongside newcomers such as M1992 by Italian DJ Dorian Stefano Tarantini. It was Tuscan businessman Giovanni Battista Giorgini who organised the first Italian fashion show, hosting a gathering with US and Canadian buyers, journalists and distributors at his home in 1951  largely in a challenge to French fashion.

Antico Setificio Fiorentino is a silk factory founded in 1786. (Instagram/Antico Setificio Fiorentino)

Then relatively unknown labels such as Simonetta, Pucci, Fontana and Cuppucci went down a storm and Giorgini replicated the shows the following year in a grand hotel, before they became a fixed feature at the majestic Pitti Palace. It was under the Pittis glass chandeliers that the biggest houses  Gucci, Schiaparelli, Ferragamo  showed off their creations until the 1980s, making Made in Italy a byword for the highest quality and most sought-after fashion.

Florences relationship with fashion is rooted in its economic, political and cultural history, dominated by powerful craft guilds, says Angelo Cavicchi, president of the Pitti Discovery Foundation and the Florence Center for Italian Fashion.

Antico Setificio Fiorentino produces jacquard weaves and damasks by hand on looms that once belonged to the citys noblest families. (Instagram/Antico Setificio Fiorentino)

Preserving ancient skills

From the 12th to the 17th century, the city boasted 21 such bodies protecting the interests of the rich and influential in the art and crafts world, the most powerful of which were known as the Arti Maggiori. The elite Arte di Calimala, the guild of cloth finishers and foreign cloth merchants, was among them. It imported raw fabrics before transforming them into refined materials and exporting them in a trade that drove the citys economy.

The Calimala competed with other guilds  like the wool or silk merchants  over who could finance the greatest architectural and artistic works in the city, from the bronze doors of the Baptistery to the Cathedrals famed dome. It was comparable to the key support private companies, including many fashion houses, bring today to cultural projects, says Saverio Pacchioni, a member of the Associazione Partners Palazzo Strozzi, which persuades firms to promote the arts in Florence.

The modern-day city manages to defend its position as a fashion leader by preserving local craftmanship and working in partnership with its close neighbour Prato, the countrys leader in supplying fabrics to the ready-to-wear industry.

Florence boasts historical gems such as the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, a silk factory founded in 1786 which still produces jacquard weaves and damasks by hand on looms that once belonged to the citys noblest families. And the citys traditional skills are protected from the march of time thanks to fashion schools like Polimoda, which ranks among the top 10 such institutes in the world.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for moreAs the government continues to caution people against tobacco and e-cigarettes, a study by the North East Hills University (NEHU) has stated that Electronics Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) or vaping has minimum health and safety concerns compared to the high risk associated with conventional cigarettes. However, previous studies had suggested that e-cigarettes could double risk of tobacco addiction among teens.

According to the study, researchers, who undertook an evidence-based audit of published scientific literature on the issue, came to the same conclusion in their paper titled Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) as a substitute for conventional cigarettes.

Our systematic meta-analysis of published literature compares the health and safety aspects of vaping using ENDS with smoking conventional cigarettes. We find that ENDS have minimum health and safety concerns compared to the high risks associated with conventional cigarettes, said the study.

According to the recently published study, people who have been wanting to quit cigarettes can also switch to ENDS, which is gradually much less harmful. A similar study by University of Catania in Italy revealed no evidence of lung injury amongst even the heaviest e-cigarette users, in the form of physiological, clinical or inflammatory measures. The study stated that no changes were observed in the blood pressure or heart rate of young e-cigarette users.

There was no evidence of health concerns associated with long-term use of e-cigarettes in relatively young users who did not smoke tobacco, said Riccardo Polosa, Director at the University of Catania. For the research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, the team conducted a three-and-a-half-year-long comparative study on a group of daily e-cigarette users aged between 23 and 35 years, and another group of young adults who have never smoked.

The researchers examined health factors like blood pressure, heart rate, body weight, lung function, respiratory symptoms, exhaled breath nitric oxide (eNO), exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lungs in both groups. No pathological findings could be identified on HRCT of the lungs and no respiratory symptoms were consistently reported in the e-cigarette users, Polosa added.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for moreThe 75th Golden Globes kicked off Hollywoods awards season at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California early Monday morning with Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Lady Bird, Big Little Lies and The Handmaids Tale taking home the major film and TV awards, and highlighting the important year it has been for women in the industry. Each of these films and shows feature women in prominent roles, and together with Oprahs stirring speech and the Times Up protest which saw attendees dressed in all-black, the overarching theme of this years show was the empowerment of women.

Here the updates from the show:

9:41 IST: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri ends a remarkable run, wins the Best Picture - Drama award.

9:32 am IST: Frances McDormands performance in Martin McDonaghs Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri was honoured with the Best Actress - Drama Golden Globe. The film previously picked up awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Sam Rockwell).

9:23 am IST: Gary Oldman wins the Best Actor - Drama for his performance as Winston Churchill in The Darkest Hour. It was a tough race, one that also saw Daniel Day Lewis, Timothee Chalamet, Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington in contention. The actor quoted Churchill, saying he was surrounded by the very best people in the industry, while working on the film.

A massive congratulations to Gary Oldman for being awarded the Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama award for his role in @DarkestHour! #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/YyPfI7iBNl  Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018

9:06 am IST: Saoirse Ronan wins the Best Actress Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for her performance in the coming-of-age comedy drama, Lady Bird, which was immediately announced as the winner of the Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. Greta Gerwigs directorial debut beat out the like of The Disaster Artist, Get Out, The Greatest Showman and I, Tonya.

A round of applause for Saoirse Ronan taking home the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for her role in @LadyBirdMovie! #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/fXm4pygZ41  Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018

9 am IST: HBOs Big Little Lies continues its dominance in the TV category. The show took home the Best Limited Series or TV Movie award. It follows a group of mothers in Northern California who each have their own secrets threatening them and their families. The show won the Emmy Award last year for best limited series and will return for a second season on HBO. The show dominated the Globes in the limited series category on Sunday, with wins for Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgard.

Reese Witherspoon, who starred in and produced the series, said of women who have been abused, We see you, we hear you, and we will tell your stories.

8:50 am IST: Guillermo del Toro wins the Best Director award for his Cold War fantasy, The Shape of Water. The film stars Sally Hawkins as a mute cleaning lady who falls in love with an amphibious creature kept confined in a government lab. The film has become of the front-runners for best picture at Marchs Academy Awards. Del Toros acceptance speech, which was interrupted by the orchestra at one point, was an ode to his love affair with monsters.

He thanked the films cast, before continuing: My monsters thank you.

8:40 am IST: Oprah accepted the Cecil B DeMille Award at Sundays Globes ceremony and received a lengthy standing ovation, which she tried to calm down.

She spoke about the feelings she had as a young girl watching Sidney Poitier win the best actor Academy Award in 1964. She likened the pride she felt watching Poitier, the first black man to win the best actor Oscar, to the impact she hoped she could have on young women.

Winfrey also addressed the sexual misconduct scandal roiling Hollywood and beyond, telling those watching speaking your truth is the most powerful tool you all have.

Reese Witherspoon introduced Winfrey and described their friendship, forged over long sessions in a makeup trailer while filming A Wrinkle in Time. Witherspoon said sitting in the room with Oprah was like taking the best business classes, and her hugs could end wars.

Watch Oprahs speech here

"I want all of the girls watching here now to know, that a new day is on the horizon." @Oprah accepts the 2018 Cecil B. de Mille award. #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/hbquC1GBjm  Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018

8:25 am IST: Amazons The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, about a 50s woman to decides to pursue a career in stand-up comedy, wins Best TV Series - Comedy. Star Rachel Brosnahan had already picked up her acting Globe. Aziz Ansari won the Best Actor in a TV Comedy for the second season of Netflixs Master of None.

And the winner of Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy at the #GoldenGlobes is... @azizansari for @MasterofNone! pic.twitter.com/UgwpCH45yd  Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018

8:15 am IST: Diane Krugers In the Fade wins Best Foreign Language film and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri writer-director, Martin McDonagh wins for Best Original Screenplay. Ewan McGregor took home the Best Actor in a Limited Series Globe for his dual performance in the third season of Fargo.

8 am IST: Allison Janneys performance as Tonya Hardings tough-as-nails mother in the dark comedy biopic I, Tonya wins her the Best Supporting Actress - Musical or Comedy award.

.@AllisonBJanney is awarded Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for her outstanding work in @ITonyaMovie. Yay!  pic.twitter.com/tgg72x8p30  Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018

7:55 am IST: Disney/Pixars Coco wins Best Animated Feature. The film is considered a leading contender for an Academy Award for best animated feature. It tells the story of a Mexican boy who dreams of being a musician despite his familys wishes and falls into the realm of the dead. Coco has drawn widespread praise for the culturally authentic way it presents Mexicos Day of the Dead culture.

The winner of Best Motion Picture - Animated goes to the one-and-only @pixarcoco! A well deserved honor, congrats! #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/zxaec9dxEp  Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018

7:40 am IST: James Franco wins for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his performance as Tommy Wiseau in The Disaster Artist, which he also directed. The film is based on the making of The Room, a film that is considered by many to be the worst ever made. Franco opened his speech by inviting Wiseau up on stage and giving him a hug and reading a passage he said Wiseau wrote 19 years ago.

Oh, hai! It took a while, but @TommyWiseau just made it on the stage at the #GoldenGlobes as James Franco accepts his award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. pic.twitter.com/9ticZ4cHVb  Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018

Laura Dern picked up the third acting award for Big Little Lies after Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgards wins.

7:30 am IST: On to the music categories now, and Alexandre Desplat wins for his score for Guillermo del Toros fantasy, The Shape of Water and Hugh Jackmans The Greatest Showman picks up the award for Best Original Song.

7:25 am IST: Alexander Skarsgard wins Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Limited Series or TV Movie for Big Little Lies. Skarsgard plays an abusive husband in the HBO show. His onscreen wife Nicole Kidman also won a Golden Globe.

The #GoldenGlobes award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a TV Series or TV Movie goes to Alexander Skarsgard for 'Big Little Lies'! Congratulations.  pic.twitter.com/s92Yoyu3pV  Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018

7:15 am IST: Hulus The Handmaids Tale wins Best TV Series - Drama, repeating its Emmy win from earlier. The show is based on Margaret Atwoods best-selling novel of the same name.It is the series second win of the evening. Elisabeth Moss won the best actress in a television drama earlier in the ceremony.

Sterling K Brown wins Best Actor in a TV Drama for This is Us.

We're so excited that @HandmaidsOnHulu was awarded Best TV Series - Drama tonight! #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/9TtHKBSVnC  Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018

7 am IST: Elisabeth Moss wins Best Actress in a TV Drama for her performance in The Handmaids Tale. Moss plays one of the few fertile women left in a world ruled by a totalitarian regime where women are considered property. She dedicated her award to Atwood, reading some of the authors words and saying that women are now writing the stories ourselves.

Rachel Brosnahan won the Best Actress in a TV Comedy Globe for her performance in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Brosnahan plays a 1950s mom who decides to pursue a stand-up comedy career. The show is also nominated for best comedy series at the awards.

Elisabeth Moss is awarded with Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama for her role in @HandmaidsOnHulu! #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/36BJuO1pp2  Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018

6:45 am IST: Nicole Kidman wins the first award of the evening - Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for her performance in HBOs Big Little Lies.

She referenced her abused character in her acceptance speech, urging others to keep the conversation about abuse and the treatment of women alive.

The actor also thanked her Big Little Lies co-stars, saying she was sharing the honour with fellow nominees Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley and Reese Witherspoon.

Sam Rockwell wins Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Picture for his performance as a racist cop in Martin McDonaghs Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

6:32 am IST:Host Seth Meyers kicks things off amid a sea of black. Almost everyone in the audience was dressed in black in protest of the ongoing sexual harassment scandal and as part of the Times Up movement, which has over a thousand industry personalities endorsement. Ladies and remaining gentlemen... Meyers opened his monologue. Its 2018 and marijuana is finally allowed and sexual harassment isnt, he said. Addressing Weinstein directly, Meyers said that the disgraced producer would return to the Globes in 20 years when he would become the first person to be booed at the In Memoriam.

Director Guillermo del Toros Cold War fantasy The Shape of Water leads the race with seven nominations, while HBOs Big Little Lies scored six nods in the television category. Del Toro won the Best Director award and Big Little Lies dominated the TV category with three acting Globes and the Best Limited Series honour.

Ahead of the show, all eyes were also on Christopher Nolans World War II epic, Dunkirk, Steven Spielbergs timely tribute to journalism, The Post, Jordan Peeles runaway horror success Get Out, and a slew of critically acclaimed indies such as the romance, Call Me By Your Name, coming of age film, Lady Bird, the Orlando-set drama, The Florida Project and the dark comedy, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

The event, hosted by Seth Meyers, is the first major Hollywood gathering since the Harvey Weinstein scandal brought about an industry-wide cleanse.

Read our predictions here

Check out pictures from the red carpet event here

Catch the complete list of nominations here

(With agency inputs)

Follow @htshowbiz for moreGary Oldman starrer Darkest Hour will release in Indian theatres on January 19. Oldman today won his maiden Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for his portrayal of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the Joe Wright-directed film.

After his win, Oldman said, There are certain figures that are indispensable. And really, looking at Churchill more specifically and closely than just being a figure in British history... really diving into it, our world order weve sort of enjoyed over the past 70 years is arguably down to one man. As I said out there, Im proud of the movie because it shows and illustrates the power of words and actions  that words and actions can literally change the world. And the courage (Churchill) had... he took on this racist thug, this dictator, it showed extraordinary courage. I look at people like Washington and Lincoln, thats who I believe you could compare him to.

Darkest Hour, the film focuses on the early days of World War II. With the fall of France imminent, Britain faces its darkest hour as the threat of invasion looms. As the seemingly unstoppable Nazi forces advance, and with the Allied army cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the leadership of the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The film also stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup and Ben Mendelsohn.Number of Oscars won do not decide talent or creativity, Sir Charles Chaplin once said. Veteran Hollywood actor Meryl Streep has received maximum Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. Her polished performance in The Post helped her to establish this. Iconic performers ruled Hollywood and international cinema prior to Meryl Streep. Vivian Leigh, Katherine Hepburn and Sophia Loren are only a few. Meryl Streep herself stated, It is very difficult to match the inimitable Katherine Hepburn.. Here is a comparative study of three cult actresses, along with Meryl Streep, with an effort to assess if she is the greatest Hollywood actress of all time.

Greta Garbo

A scene from the film 'As You Desire Me', starring Greta Garbo (1905 - 1990) and Melvyn Douglas (Getty Images)

No other actress had the charisma Greta Garbo did. She built around her a mystic aura which made her legion. Though not a classic actress, Greta Garbo was brilliant in author-backed characters, such as Mata Hari and Anna Karenina. Her low-pitched dialogue delivery accompanied with calculated body language made her a demigod to her countless fans. Greta Garbo was never a conventional method actress. She was spontaneous. Her love scenes were serene. She quit at a time no one thought she would.

Ingrid Bergman

A still from Casablanca (1942), in which Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman play lovers separated by war and destiny.

Initially she was termed a Swedish cow because of her height. The ravishing beauty mingled intelligence with fluidity to become an all-time great. Gregory Peck, Humphrey Boggart and Omar Shariff marvelled at her ability to react with multiple expressions. When she cried, Oh Jesus being burnt alive in Joan of Arc, Ingrid Bergman shed real tears. As Anastasia, she proved a perfect foil to the confident Yul Bryner. In Wild Stomboli, Ingrid Bergman scaled peaks of histrionics inspiring Ingmar Bergman to term her an authority of method acting.

Meryl Streep

ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 20: Meryl Streep attends a party honouring Meryl Streep on October 20, 2016 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

As she stood smiling stark naked in a night sequence of Still of The Night, Meryl Streep became the most desirable female for millions of male admires. Blessed with talent, confidence and beauty, she has transcended barriers of acting. No other contemporary or junior has experimented with such a variety of characters like Meryl Streep. Her intensity in Sophies Choice is peerless. As Iron Lady, Meryl Streep is faultless. In Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep combines solid substance with style superbly. With maximum acting accolades, she is great. That she is the best is debatable as her performances are yet to touch souls as much as Ingrid Bergman or Sophia Loren could. Meryl Streep seems conscious in front of a movie camera, sometimes. Ingrid Bergman, Katherine Hepburn or Sophia Loren never bothered about camera angles and performed with an ideal combination of their heads and hearts.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreMoshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who as a toddler survived the 2008 terror attack at a Jewish centre in Mumbai, is feeling emotional and excited as he prepares for his homecoming during the four day visit to India by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week.

Moshe, 11, was two when his parents were killed in the Mumbai attacks at Nariman House (also known as Chabad House) by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists.

The attack on the Nariman House and other locations like the Taj Hotel left 166 people dead.

The boy, standing and crying between his dead parents bodies, was saved in a daring move by his Indian nanny, Sandra Samuels, who was hiding in a room downstairs when the attack happened.

Moshe is very excited and at the same time emotional as he gets ready to leave for Mumbai on January 15. He is returning to his birthplace and is waiting to see many things connected to his late parents that he has heard about from us and his nanny. There are lots of memories, an overwhelmed Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, Moshes grandfather, told PTI.

In an emotional meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 5 in Jerusalem, the young boy had expressed his wish to visit Mumbai.

I hope I will be able to visit Mumbai, and when I get older, live there. I will be the director of our Chabad House, Moshe had told the Indian Prime Minister.

Modi had responded by saying, Come and stay in India and Mumbai. You are most welcome. You and your all family members will get long-term visas. So you can come anytime and go anywhere.

Netanyahu then promptly asked Moshe to join him when he travels to India, a promise he did not forget and has invited the family to join him in Mumbai during his forthcoming visit to India starting on January 14.

Moshe says that he was touched by the warm embrace he received from Prime Minister Modi when he met him in Jeursalem during his July visit to Israel. He says that he felt like it was one of his own people giving him a warm hug, Rosenberg said adding, he is hoping to meet the Indian Prime Minister again during his India trip.

He is waiting to host Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara, and hopefully PM Modi at his home in Mumbai, the grandfather said.

The young boy will be accompanied by his grandparents, Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg, nanny Sandra and a psychologist during his trip to Mumbai.

During a meeting with the psychologist, who has been mentally preparing him for the visit, Moshe gave him an account of places in Mumbai he would like to visit. He has done his homework and knows about not only the site seeing places but also other places where his parents carried out works related to their assignment, Rosenberg noted.

Moshes parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, who were serving as Directors at the Chabad House, were killed along with six others when the place also came under attack by Pakistani terrorists during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

It is heart warming to see that the Indian leadership and the people of India havent forgotten us and share our pain. It gives us strength and makes us feel one, Rosenberg said.

In a brief telephonic call, Sandra, who was in Afula in the north of Israel where Moshe and his family lives, said that the boy is excited and told her before leaving for school on Sunday that it is like homecoming for him.

The family also plans to celebrate Moshes bar mitzvah in Mumbai. Bar mitzvah is a ceremony performed for Jewish boys at the age of 13 which some Israeli scholars compare with upnayana, or the thread ceremony.

India issued ten year multiple entry visas to Moshe and his grandparents to ease their travel to the country in August. Prime Minister Modi is said to have personally followed up on the matter as promised to Moshe during their meeting.

Sandra also now lives in Israel and has been felicitated with an honourary citizenship by the Israeli government.Opposition parties in Andhra Pradesh have been critical of the TDP-led government for failing to build anything other than the Interim Government Complex (IGC) in the last three years in the new capital Amaravati.

The IGC contains five blocks of the Secretariat and one of the Legislature.

But the government has submitted utilisation certificates (UCs) to the Centre, which granted Rs 1,500 crore, stating the money was spent on building structures as mentioned, according to a bureaucrat.

The Raj Bhavan and the High Court are yet to be built as also the permanent Secretariat and the Legislature Complex though 43 months have elapsed since APs bifurcation.

Though the Centre released funds, the state government grossly failed in developing even basic infrastructure in the capital, Pradesh Congress Committee president and former minister N Raghuveera Reddy said.

The Centre granted a sum of Rs 1,500 crore during the financial years from 2014 to 2017 to Andhra for building the Raj Bhavan, the HC, Secretariat and the Legislature buildings and also creating such other essential infrastructure.

Asked on what structures was this money spent, the AP Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) Commissioner Cherukuri Sreedhar said, As it was mentioned.

This implied the grant was utilised for building the Raj Bhavan and other structures specified by the Government of India (GoI).

While releasing the first instalment of the grant in terms of the relevant provision of AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 the Centre specified that Rs 500 crore was for the Raj Bhavan and the Assembly building.

In 2015-16, it released Rs 350 crore for construction of the new capital city and another Rs 200 crore for creation of essential urban infrastructure, including the Raj Bhavan, the HC, the Secretariat and the legislature complex.

Further, Rs 450 crore was released in 2016-17 for creation of essential urban infrastructure.

When pointed out that no such structures exist, except the IGC, Sreedhar said, They are all structures which are under development. Some are under design stage, some under execution stage, some are completed, some are being developed. We have details.

Asked how UCs were submitted when construction of these structures (Raj Bhavan and HC among others) has not even started, the Commissioner maintained, You say they are not yet started, I am saying they are already started.

You are seeing only whats on the ground. There are a lot of preparatory activities for which we have spent the money.

Union Minister of State for Finance P Radhakrishnan told the Rajya Sabha the AP government furnished utilisation certificates for an expenditure of Rs 1,583 crore to NITI Aayog.

Radhakrishnan gave a written reply to a questioned raised by YSR Congress member V Vijayasai Reddy last week.

In its latest status report on the Amaravati project, the CRDA said it has forwarded detailed project reports of government buildings for disbursement of the GoI grant.

The GoI has already released an amount of Rs 1,500 crore to the state government and an additional Rs 1,000 crore is expected to be released, the status report added.

The report said Rs 6,705 crore is required to build the government complex (including the Secretariat, HC and Legislature, among others) over the next three years.

With the Central grant already spent on other purposes, the AP government is now left with no other option but to borrow heavily from outside sources, officials said.

Andhra Pradesh has time till 2024 to build its capital before the current joint capital, Hyderabad, is transferred to Telangana.Convicts undergoing life imprisonment at the Puzhal Central Prison here are giving a fresh lease of life to demonetised currency, converting the shredded notes into customised stationery.

A senior official said the stationery is being used in state government departments and their agencies.

Everyday, a specially-trained team of about 25-30 convicts undergoing life imprisonment at the Puzhal Central Prison here make stationery called file-pads, at the niche hand-made stationery making unit.

While the Reserve Bank of India has offered 70 tons of shredded notes to us, Puzhal jail officials have so far taken delivery of nine tons...We will bring the rest of it in a phased manner, TN Prison Department, DIG (in charge), A Murugesan told PTI.

So far about 1.5 tons of banned currency has been used to make the file-pads, he said.

Using the demonetised currency about 1,000 file-pads are made everyday at Puzhal.

Shredded notes are first made into pulp, then solidified by pouring it into a die-mould and eventually the notes are made hard pads, all in a manual process.

Besides using the banned notes, file-pads are also made using specially procured hard pads from Khadi, the official said.

Used in government offices, a file pad is a type of semi-corrugated, hard pad with corners embellished with red coloured cloth material.

Its cover tag has Urgent and Ordinary markings, typical of the stationery used in government office.

While the convicts get 25 days of file pad making work in a month, they get wages ranging between Rs 160 to Rs 200 (for eight hours a day) depending upon whether they are skilled, semi-skilled or skilled.

There is a proposal to upgrade the hand-made stationery making unit at Puzhal into a semi-automated facility which will enhance the productivity, the official said.

Though six other jails in Tamil Nadu including Vellore, Salem and Madurai make such file-pads, Puzhal is the only centre to make such stationery out of demonetised currency.

Approximately 1.5 lakh file-pads are produced every month in Tamil Nadu.

Central jails in the state specialise in other areas of production apart from stationery-making by using convicts as its labour force.

While Puzhal has a shoe polish making unit, Vellore leads in leather-based accessories such as belts and Tiruchirappalli has a soap bar making unit while Cuddalore makes caps, he said.A Bihar man, who was allegedly abducted and forcibly married to a woman against his will in December last year, on Monday moved a court seeking stringent actions against the culprits.

Binod Kumar, a junior engineer at Jharkhands Bokaro Steel Plant, has alleged he was abducted by unidentified masked men on gunpoint from Mokama, around 80km east of Patna, where had gone to meet his friend.

Kumar said he was driven to an isolated place in Gopekita village near the state capital Patna and forcibly made to tie the knot with a woman, Kundan Kumari, on December 3 last year.

He managed to record the incident on camera and circulated the video, which has gone viral on social media, to his friends and family. The incident eventually came to the notice of the police, who rescued him a day after the forcible wedding.

Pakadua vivah or forcible wedding was a common practice in southeast Bihar but saw a decline after government initiatives and police tightening its grip on people abducting eligible bachelors for marriages to avoid paying dowry.

Kumar has alleged in his petition to the additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM) in Barh that his abduction and the wedding was planned and executed by Surendra Yadav, the elder brother of the woman he was forcibly married to.

He said he has requested the court to initiate criminal proceedings against the culprits and order stringent actions so that such evil and heinous practice does not reoccur.

Kumars elder brother, Awadesh Kumar, said the family has also approached the National Human Rights Commission and other bodies in Delhi after they failed to get justice from Patna Police.

The police had taken its own sweet time to rescue my brother when he was in captivity. Perhaps, they were influenced by the culprits, Awadesh, an employee with the Indian Overseas Bank in Patna, said.

The station house officer of Pandarak police station, Diwakar Vishwakarma, declined his allegations. He said they promptly rescued Kumar and handed him into the safe custody of his relatives as soon as they got the information about his abduction. He said Kumars friend was also present when he was rescued.

Yadav, the womans elder brother, countered Kumars allegation as baseless. He said both families know each other for over a decade and the wedding was being planned since last year when Kumars father Suryug Rai suddenly fell ill.

He said he had paid for Rais treatment and his sisters wedding was finalised with Kumar when his father was in the hospital. He alleged that after his father died, Kumar turned his back and the family started demanding dowry.

Kumar eventually agreed to marry his sister on December 3 after a lot of coaxing, he said.

I wonder why they are creating a fuss after the marriage and defaming my sister by making a fudged video of the wedding viral, Yadav said, adding, his sister has also moved the National Commission for Women (NCW) for justice.Five employees sleeping inside a bar and restaurant in the busy and congested Kalasipalyam area of Karnatakas Bengaluru were killed in a fire that broke early on Monday, officials said.

Police said the fire started at the Kailash Bar and Restaurant located in the Kumbara Sangha Hostel building in the heart of the city at around 2.30am and three fire engines were pressed into service after they received a complaint.

Fire brigade personnel retrieved the charred bodies of the victims after dousing the fire by 4am. The bodies were sent to the state-run Victoria Hospital for an autopsy.

The dead have been identified as Swami (23), Prasad (20), Mahesh (35), all from Tumakuru; Manjunath (45), who hails from Hassan; and Keerthi (24), a native of Mandya.

The cause of the fire is unknown, Bengalurus deputy commissioner of police (West) MN Anucheth said. Short circuit is suspected to have sparked it, he added.

New agency IANS reported that fire and smoke were seen emanating from the bar on the ground floor of the building in the crowded vegetable market area. It cited witnesses as saying the alcohol bottles and other inflammable items stored in the premised fuelled the fire and gutted it.

We have registered a case of criminal negligence amounting to culpable homicide against bar owner RV Dayashankar, who obtained the trade and liquor licences to run it, Anucheth was quoted as saying by IANS.

Bengaluru mayor Sampath Raj, who inspected the burnt bar, told reporters that he had ordered an inquiry to find out why the victims were sleeping in the premises after downing the shutters after 1am.

The mayor said it was a complete violation of rules to allow the workers to reside on the premises.

In such cases, permission has to be sought from the labour department, which was not done, he said.

We are trying to trace the owner because he has flouted multiple rules, including a lack of fire safety measures. We will definitely bring him to book, Raj said.

A compensation of Rs 5 lakh has been decided for the families of the deceased, he added.

Raj said since a fire broke out in a restaurant in Mumbai a crackdown on pubs, bars and restaurants that flouted fire safety laws had been undertaken. He was referring to the fire at a restaurant that sparked a deadly blaze in Mumbais Kamala Mills area, killing 14 people on December 29 last year.

So far, we have issued notices to around 150 establishments, he said.

The Karnataka government allowed pubs, bars, restaurants and eateries in the cosmopolitan city to remain open till 1am almost a year ago to cater to the thousands of tourists and employees of software firms and call or data centres, which operate 24x7 through the year.

Mohammad Abrar, who owns a tea stall nearby, said the Kumbara Sangha Hostel is used by men working in the surrounding shops in the market.

All those who died were regular customers of mine, Abrar said.

According to him, the labourers had worked out a deal with the owner to live inside the Kailash Bar and Restaurant.

(With agency inputs)Former Nepalese king Gyanendra Shah on Monday paid a courtesy call on Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who has long-standing ties with the erstwhile royal family, with aides describing it as a personal meeting.

Adityanath is also head priest of Gorakhpurs Gorakhnath Mutt, which is revered by the former royals of Hindu-majority Nepal. The Nath sect to which Adityanath belongs has a huge following in Nepal.

The two have known each other for decades and it was a personal meeting between them. The visiting dignitary is on a private visit to Lucknow, Awanish Awasthi, UPs principal secretary (information), told HT.

The chief ministers office tweeted a photo of the meeting during which Adityanath is believed to have invited Gyanendra to visit the Kumbh Mela to be held in Allahabad in 2019. Adityanath presented a logo of the mela and gifted the former king a white shawl, believed to destroy all types of pain and agony, according to Hindu mythology.

Gyanendra, accompanied by his wife Komal and daughter Prerana, is staying at a hotel in Lucknow and it could not be ascertained if he would visit Gorakhpur on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on January 14.

Former Nepalese king Birendra, who was assassinated in 2001, regularly visited the Gorakhnath Mutt during the Makar Sankranti festival. In 1992, Birendra drove from Kathmandu to the Gorakhpur mutt.

King Gyanendra had organised a Virat Hindu Mahasammelan a few years back in Nepal and had specially invited Adityanath. The mutt is located in an area on the India-Nepal border and Adityanath commands great respect among the erstwhile Nepalese royals, who as Gorkhas trace their origins to Guru Gorakshnath, who founded the Nath monastic order in the Himalayan region, an official said.

As Gorakhpur MP, Adityanath made occasional visits to Nepal, during which he spoke about the restoration of the countrys status as a Hindu kingdom. Gyanendra was Nepals last king. He stepped down in 2008 after parties voted to abolish monarchy.Home minister Rajnath Singh has asked for the creation of a dedicated cell to monitor online radicalisation, warning the security establishment that do-it-yourself (DIY) and lone-wolf attacks were among the greatest threats to communal harmony, a ministry official said on Sunday.

Singh, who was addressing an annual three-day conference of the countrys top police officials at Madhya Pradeshs Tekanpur, cited lone-wolf attacks that hit France, Germany and the UK last year as examples of new forms of terror.

The minister spoke on Saturday about mowing down civilians and stabbings that have been witnessed across the world. In India, such acts can take a deadlier dimension, the official said.

Taking Singhs suggestion forward, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) on Sunday called for a special unit that would collect data and share information on a real-time basis with central security agencies and state police, an official at the conference said.

The IB made two presentations on counter radicalisation and integrated approach, stressing the need for a national counter-terrorism strategy with a special focus on online propaganda by terror organisations.

The countrys domestic intelligence agency also asked the director-generals of police to study radicalisation patterns in their respective states. The idea is to create a better understanding of radicalisation and emerging patterns in international terrorism, the MHA official said.

Security experts said a substantiated distinction between a DIY attacker and lone wolf had not been formulated. But a DIY attacker may have a handler, which is typically not the case with a lone-wolf assailant. Both have been known to use knives, machetes and high-speed vehicles  like in Nice, Berlin and London.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on Monday expected to address the meeting, which is being attended by state DGPs and inspector-generals of police from all central police forces.

On Sunday, Modi held day-long deliberations with the countrys top security brass. Had focused discussions with groups of officers on specific areas of policing and security, he tweeted, adding that there were insightful presentations and fruitful discussions on aspects relating to our security apparatus.

Officials privy to the closed-door meeting said that the prime minister stressed the need for further tightening countrys security apparatus, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast and the Naxal-affected areas, PTI reported.Indias envoy to China Gautam Bambawale on Monday held talks with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) secretary general Rashid Alimov and discussed measures for strengthening multi-faceted interaction in the China-led regional security grouping.

The Indian ambassador met Alimov and held talks on Indias participation as a member of the SCO and cooperation with its other member countries.

Both sides discussed further development and strengthening of multifaceted interaction in the SCO framework, said a statement by the SCO.

The next SCO Summit will be held in coastal city of Qingdao in East Chinas Shandong province. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the summit.

The SCO, headquartered in Beijing, was founded in 2001.

Comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, India and Pakistan, the SCO aims at military cooperation between the member states and involves intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia and joint work against cyber terrorism.

India and Pakistan were admitted last year into the organisation in which China plays an influential role.

Officials say both India and China look to the SCO as a major platform for improving the bilateral ties bogged down by host of differences and standoff at the Dokalam last year.In his first address to NRIs outside India after taking over as Congress president, Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the government of dividing people on the basis of caste and religion, alleging it was converting the anger of jobless youth into hatred among communities.

Gandhi also assured the NRI community here that he would give a new shining Congress party in the next six months, hinting that there will be dramatic changes in the organisation, in which the people will believe in and trust.

Noting that there was a serious problem in the country, he urged NRIs help solve the problem and be a part of this restructuring.

He also exuded confidence that the Congress will defeat the BJP in 2019 as it had the strength and capability to do so, while noting that the saffron party merely scraped through in recent elections in Gujarat, which is their fortress.

Addressing NRIs at the meeting of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), the Congress president gave his vision for the country saying his top three priorities would be to create jobs, good health infrastructure and an education system.

India today is free, but once again it is under threat. There are two clear threats that face our country today. Our government has failed to create jobs for the people.

Instead of uniting people of all religions together, the government is busy creating the anger due to lack of jobs into hatred between communities, he said.

There is a serious problem in the country and you can solve this problem. I have come here to build that bridge, he told the gathering, while seeking their support in helping change India.

Gandhi claimed that the governments failure to create jobs is resulting in tremendous unrest in India and this anger is visible in the streets and is rising with each passing day.

Instead of removing poverty and creating jobs, what we see instead is a rise in the forces of hate and division, he said.

The Congress chief, who received applause from NRIs who had come from various parts of the Middle East as well as other countries, said he has not come to tell them anything but, Ive come here to ask for your help. We need you to fight these forces of anger and hatred.

Noting that Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and B R Ambedkar were also NRIs, he said Our ancestors needed you in 1947 to protect the idea of India and I have come to seek your help to transform India now.

Gandhi is here as a state guest of Bahrain.

He said that Indian politics is quite a strange experience and noted that signalling by politicians in the country is wrong that leads to incidents of hate and violence against people.

He said when such hate incidents take place, the government is silent on them and that should not happen.

Today the problem is that the signalling is wrong. There is violence against somebody, there is silence. There should not be silence. The government of India should make its position clear. We cannot imagine an India that does not belong to all of us, he said.The opposition Congress on Sunday condemned West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees recent remarks on updating National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying it was unwanted, immature and not based on facts.

Banerjee had on Wednesday accused the BJP-led central government of hatching a conspiracy to drive out Bengalis from Assam by excluding their names from the first draft of the NRC.

We do not know why Mamate Banerjee made that statement. Congress do not support it and we condemn it. It is unwanted, immature and was not based on facts, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Ripun Bora said at a press meet here.

Till the final list of NRC is published, nobody should make such statements, he added.

Such statements only provoke people, but do not help anyone. NRC is for genuine Indian citizens. Where is the question of Bengali or Bihari? How can someone throw Bengalis out of Assam? I think, she (Banerjee) was not properly briefed, Bora said.

He said that the Congress will keep a close watch so that no genuine Indian citizen is left out and no foreigner is included in the final NRC.

If any genuine Indian citizen is not included in the NRC, Congress will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that his or her name is included, Bora said.

The Congress MP said that only 10% of the residents in 13 districts, which have more people of linguistic and religious minority, have found their names in the first draft of the NRC as against around 60-70 per cent in other districts.

Addressing a rally at Ahmedpur in West Bengal on Wednesday, Banerjee had said the Central government was planning to drive out around 1.25 crore people from Assam.

The much-awaited first draft of the NRC was published on December 31 midnight containing 1.9 crore names out of a total application of 3.29 crore people in Assam. The authorities had stated that the rest of the applications are at various stages of verification.A 45-year-old civilian was injured after being hit by a bullet near the Line of Control (LoC) in Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district, the police said.

Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Pukherni village, was injured apparently from sniper fire from across the border around 7.30 pm Sunday, a police official said.

The man was hit by a bullet in the leg and was admitted to a sub-district hospital for treatment, he said.The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) suspended a Kashmiri research scholar on Monday and constituted an inquiry committee, following reports that he had joined the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen on January 5.

Mannan Bashir Wani, a research student of Applied Geology, was last seen on the campus on January 2. A missing persons report was filed on January 5.

Following his disappearance, a picture of him holding a grenade launcher, was shared on social media. News reports said he had joined the Hizbul.

We suspended him following reports that he had joined Hizbul Mujahideen. A committee will look into his activities  both in the department and outside, Prof M Mohsin Khan, the varsity proctor, said, adding that vice-chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor had taken a very serious view of the matter.

UP police sealed Wanis room at Habib Hall after recovered literature from it, in the presence of the proctor.

Later, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rajesh Pandey told media persons, The literature found in room no 237 (of Habib Hall, AMU) has been seized for further investigation. University proctor and other officials were present during the raid.

Police and intelligence agencies have been scrutinising Wanis activities and his contacts in Aligarh, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rajesh Pandey said.

Stating that the matter was related to national security, SP (city) Atul Srivastva said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) were investigating it. The Aligarh police will cooperate with them and report to them, he said.

Police is also trying to determine the authenticity of the photograph shared on social media.

Family Shocked, Wants Him To Return

Wani hails from Lolab area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir.

Kashmir police said they have not yet ascertained whether he has joined Hizbul.

His father came and informed the police. He was in Aligarh and then disappeared. We also know of some photo being shared on social media, and we are investigating the matter, a senior police officer said.

Wanis family has said that he had last left home a month ago for Aligarh and then disappeared.

Mubashir Wani, brother of Mannan and a government engineer, told HT that the entire family is in a state of shock. We will be glad if he returns.

All we want now is for him to come back, his mother is seen wailing in a video clip that surfaced on Monday.

In a video uploaded on local news platforms, Mannans father Bashir Wani is seen saying, He is a mature person and I was never expecting this from him. If he has any issues, he could have addressed it some other way. I have no words to express what we are going through.

His reported joining militancy comes at a time when the Jammu and Kashmir police are encouraging local militants to shun the gun and return home.

Was Awarded For Flood Risk Assessment

Wani was awarded the Best Paper Presentation Award in an International Conference on Water, Environment, Energy and Society (ICWEES) held at AISECT University, Bhopal in 2016.

The award, AMUs website says, was conferred to Wani for his paper Flood Risk Assessment of Lolab Valley from Watershed Analysis Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques.

Wani, had via social media and blogs, raised voice on issues such as the opposition to Kerala woman Hadiyas conversion to Islam and her marriage to a Muslim, demonetisation, the case of missing JNU scholar Najeeb Ahmed, and the encounter killing of eight alleged SIMI activists in Bhopal.

He also raised issues of killings of hundreds of Kashmiris every year and had criticised moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for his statements against the hardline separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Kashmiri social media circles were abuzz discussing how a research scholar from a reputed university ended up joining the militant ranks and users are sharing his Twitter posts and blog posts.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held focussed discussions regarding internal security with heads of state police and paramilitary forces here.

After landing in Gwalior, Modi reached the venue of the Annual Conference of Director Generals of Police (DGPs) and Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) at the BSF Academy here.

The Prime Minister tweeted that there were insightful presentations and fruitful discussions on aspects relating to our security apparatus. There was also a presentation on the implementation status of decisions taken during the last three years.

Had focussed discussions with groups of officers on specific areas of policing and security. I also inaugurated five new buildings at the BSF Academy.

As per reports, there were presentations and discussions on various subjects relating to internal security at the meeting.

According to one account, the Prime Ministers interactions lasted a total of over nine hours.

The Prime Minister will address the valedictory ceremony on Monday afternoon before leaving for Delhi.

Earlier, shortly after Modis arrival in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Modi was the first Prime Minister to give so much importance to internal security.

Chouhan, after receiving Modi at the military air base, told reporters: Earlier, the annual conference of DGPs and IGPs would be conducted in New Delhi and the Prime Minister would inaugurate the event and leave.

But Modi shifted these functions outside the national capital. This time, the function is being held at the Border Security Force Academy in Tekanpur where the Prime Minister will be present for two days. The countrys internal security is very important for him.

Since Saturday, the three-day function of chiefs of state police forces and paramilitary forces has been going on in Tekanpur, around 400 km from the state capital Bhopal.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba are already in Tekanpur. A total of 205 senior police officers are attending the event.Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Monday said majority of Muslims were in the favour of banning the practice of triple talaq.

Triple talaq is un-Islamic and is a bad tradition. We want the empowerment of women. It (banning talaq-e-biddat) is not a Hindu or Muslim issue. We cannot leave out Muslim women in empowerment programmes being undertaken by our government, the minister told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

In recently-concluded winter session of Parliament, Lok Sabha passed a landmark bill making talaq-e-biddat or instant triple talaq a cognisable and non-bailable offence.

The bill recommends maximum three-year imprisonment for any Muslim man who gives instant divorce to his wife by uttering the word talaq three times in quick succession. The bill also provides for subsistence allowance to Muslim women and custody of minor children as may be determined by the magistrate.

Though the bill was tabled in Rajya Sabha, it could not be passed as the Parliament was adjourned till budget session. Opposition members in Upper House had demanded that the bill be referred to a select committee.

Naqvi said majority of Islamic communities and groups have welcomed the Centres move to criminalise tribal talaq.

He said the Central government wanted to offer an economical option of travel to Indian Muslims as Haj subsidy was getting reduced.

The minister said the government of Saudi Arabia accepted the Indian governments request of allowing Haj pilgrims to take the sea route to reach Jeddah.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Switzerland on January 22 on a two-day visit during which he will deliver the keynote address at the plenary session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

This will be the first participation by an Indian prime minister in the WEF in over two decades. In 1997, the then prime minister H D Deve Gowda had attended the Davos Summit.

Announcing the prime ministerial visit today, the external affairs ministry, in a statement, said the prime minister will also have a bilateral meeting with Alain Berset, the President of the Swiss Confederation on January 22.

The theme for this years WEF is Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World.

Prime Minister will deliver the keynote speech at the plenary session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos- Klosters, Switzerland, on January 23, 2018, the ministry said.

The plenary session will be moderated by Prof. Klaus Schwab, the Founder and Executive Chairman, WEF.

To be attended by over 3,000 global leaders, including CEOs, heads of state and government, artists and civil society members, the Davos Annual Meeting of WEF will conclude on January 26.

The WEF, which describes itself as an international organisation for public-private cooperation and was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation, hosts its annual meeting in Davos every year in January.

In a statement last month announcing its co-chairs for the 2018 meeting, the WEF had said that over 3,000 leaders, representing 100 countries, will gather in a collaborative effort to shape the global, regional and industry agendas, with a commitment to improve the state of the world.

Desi cuisine and yoga will mark the start of the five-day annual jamboree of the rich and powerful from across the world in the snow-laden Swiss ski resort town of Davos. This is the first time India will host the welcome reception at the summit.

The Indian presence is set to be the largest-ever with as many as six Union ministers, two chief ministers, several top government officials and over 100 CEOs, figuring among the registered participants.

The official sessions at the WEF will also have special India-focused discussions including one on Indias role in the world, how it is rethinking economics with the use of big data in policymaking and the countrys role in securing peace and stability in the Asian century.

The registered participants from India, include Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region of India Jitendra Singh.

Others expected to be present at the elite global gathering are Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi along with a number of his cabinet colleagues, as well as Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

China is also expected to have a significant presence and its Belt Road Initiative will feature as a key theme in a number of panel discussions, including those attended by Pakistani leaders.Senior advocate Amrendra Sharan told the Supreme Court on Monday that there was no evidence to prove Mahatma Gandhi was killed by anybody other than Hindu radical Nathuram Godse.

Sharan was asked by the court to examine all documents pertaining to the incident after Pankaj Phadnis, a self-professed Veer Savarkar follower, filed a petition insisting that a mysterious person was responsible for firing the fourth bullet that killed the freedom fighter.

Sharan, an amicus curiae in the case, said there was no need to re-investigate or constitute a fresh fact-finding commission in the assassination case. He was assisted by advocates Sanchit Guru and Samarth Khanna in examining nearly 4,000 pages of trial court records, besides the Jeevan Lal Kapur Inquiry Commission report, in this regard.

The earlier probe conducted into the case had correctly identified the assassin, his ideology and bullets used for the crime, Sharan said, ruling out the existence of a second assailant or the firing of four bullets on Gandhi. The report also junked the alleged involvement of a foreign intelligence agency in the assassination, and stated that the petitioners claim was not substantiated by any evidence.

The plea filed by Phadnis in the apex court had termed the investigation into Gandhis assassination as the biggest cover-up in the history of India. The blame on the Marathi people in general and Veer Savarkar in particular for being the cause of the Mahatmas death has no basis in law and facts. On the other hand, there is a compelling need to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the murder by constituting a new Commission of Inquiry to look into the issue, it said.

Gandhi was shot dead by Godse in New Delhi on January 30, 1948.A new name and all-clear from the censor board are still not enough for Sanjay Leela Bansalis period drama Padmavat to get a screening in Rajasthan.

Chief minister Vasundhara Raje said on Monday the Deepika Padukone-starrer, expected to release on January 25, would not be shown in cinemas in the state, even as the Rajput community demanded a nationwide ban on the film.

Queen Padminis sacrifice is linked to the honour and pride of Rajasthan. Queen Padmini is not just a chapter in history but our pride and self-respect. We will not let her dignity be maligned, she said in a statement.

Rajasthan was the epicentre of violent protests by the Rajput community against the alleged distortion of history in the film that was earlier named Padmavati after the Rajput queen whose place in history is disputed.

The Rajput community warned of opposing the BJP in the three by-polls to be held on January 29 and threatened to burn down movie halls if the film was not banned across the country film.

Padmavat will be released four days before polling for Ajmer and Alwar Lok Sabha seats and the Mandalgarh assembly segment. All the three seats have a significant Rajput presence and the BJP wouldnt want to lose its traditional voters.

Deepika Padukone (right) plays the Rajput queen Padmavati in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial. Shahid Kapoor (left) co-stars in the film with Ranveer Singh.

On December 30, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) allowed the films release after asking the producers to change the title to Padmavat. It had also suggested modifications in the disclaimer of the film, making it clear that it did not glorify the practice of sati, and relevant changes in the song, Ghoomar.

Queen Padmini is considered by Rajputs as a symbol of the communitys tradition of putting honour above everything else.

A section of historians, however, doubt the existence of the queen and say she is a fictional character first portrayed in a 16th-century poem as having committed jauhar, the medieval practice in which female royals walked into funeral fires to embrace death over the dishonour of being taken captive.

Addressing a joint press conference in Jaipur on Monday, various Rajput outfits warned of violent protests if the film was released and said they would oppose the BJP in the bypolls.

Giriraj Singh Lotwara said the committee invited to see the film had unanimously rejected it. Then why do they want to show the film? It indicated that there is some underhand deal between the censor board and the film-makers, he said.

Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi of the Rashtriya Karni Sena, which led the protests, threatened to torch cinema halls. Our organisation is active in 19 states. We will not let the film release, he said.

State BJP chief Ashok Parnami said no tampering with history would be tolerated. But added if the censor board had removed objectionable content then there would be no opposition.

His Congress counterpart Sachin Pilot criticised the state government for mishandling the issue and said it was trying to gain political mileage. He said a middle ground should be found so that peoples sentiments were not hurt.

The film, which was to be released on December 1, has been renamed Padmavat after Malik Mohammed Jayasis epic poem and cleared by the censor board that asked the makers to change the title and suggested other modifications.

Though Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Bhansali didnt release a statement, sources in the production house said the film would be release on January 25, a day before Republic Day.

The film is releasing on January 25. There is no clarity when the official statement will be out regarding this, sources in Viacom18 Motion Pictures told PTI.More than a year before the ruling BJP faces the next general election, one of its supporters has launched a private website seeking volunteers who will attempt to gather support for the party to win over 360 seats in the Lok Sabha.

The 44-year-old Vijay Chada, who is followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and finance minister Arun Jaitley on Twitter, launched the website on January 2 asking for supporters to enrol for the 2019 election campaign.

The Lok Sabha elections are expected around April-May next year.

The 2014 campaign was to defeat the Congress after a decade of misrule. The 2019 campaign is to ensure that the good work continues and that the Congress doesnt return back directly or indirectly, Chadas post on the Mission 360+ homepage said, asking volunteers to provide their names, email IDs, Twitter handles and indicate how they want to get involved in the mission.

I mentioned the target of 360+ because the two-third majority mark in the House is 362. BJP has achieved a clear majority. We have to now strive for two-thirds majority in Parliament, Vijay, who is not a member of the BJP, told Hindustan Times on Sunday.

The civil engineer who works as a consultant in IT industry had actively participated in the BJPs 2014 campaign, when the party won an unprecedented 282 seats in the Lok Sabha.

Along with its NDA allies, the number swelled to 336 in the 543-member lower house.

I started this initiative on my own to test the waters. I did not consult any BJP leader. My thinking behind the portal was to see how many people are willing to commit to support Prime Minister Modi when elections are due next year, said Chada, who has over 73,000 followers on Twitter.

The man behind the portal said he has met Modi twice. He added that his attraction for the BJP grew after he heard the speeches of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former BJP chief LK Advani. Now I want the BJP to reach the next level, he said.

BJP spokesperson Sanjay Mayukh said the initiative, though not taken by the party, shows how popular Modi is. There is overwhelming support for the PM and his development agenda. Such initiatives prove his popularity and we respect that.A group of Americans of Indian, Afghan and Baloch descents protested outside the Pakistani embassy in Washington DC over the inhumane treatment of the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav during their recent visit to Islamabad.

Braving freezing cold, the protesters also brought along sandals to give them to the Pakistani embassy officials.

The trial of Kulbhushan Jadhav violated all norms of international law as it was conducted by a military court, said Ahmar Mustikhan, founder of the American Friends of Baolchistan, which organised the unique event named as Chappal-Chor Pakistan (slipper-thief Pakistan).

Both Jadhavs wife and mother were asked to remove their sandals, mangalsutras and bindis before they were allowed to meet him, and the sandals were subsequently stolen, Mustikhan said.

The protesters said that Pakistan meted out inhumane treatment to Jadhavs wife and mother during their tightly- controlled interaction with the 47-year-old Indian national on December 25 in the Pakistan Foreign Office.

#WATCH: Indian-Americans & Baloch held #ChappalChorPakistan protest outside Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC, over misbehavior of Pakistani authorities with #KulbhushannJadhav's mother & wife. pic.twitter.com/o6ugCr2NQL  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

During the meeting, whose pictures were released by Pakistan, Jadhav was seen sitting behind a glass screen while his mother and wife sat on the other side. They spoke through intercom and the entire 40-minute proceedings appeared to have been recorded on video.

The recent episode of Pakistan makes a mockery of humanity. By not returning the slippers of Smt. Kulbhushan Yadav and asking them to remove even Bindi and Mangal Sutras and changing their dresses as well, it is just another sleazy activity Pakistan has done to a Bharata Soubhagya Nari (married Indian woman), said Krishna Gudipati, local Hindu community leader in USA.

Carl Clemens, volunteer with several local community organisations alleged that the treatment given to the mother and wife by Pakistan foreign office typified the petty vindictiveness and humiliation that is the prevalent culture in Pakistan.

They have humiliated the religious and faith symbols of Hindu womanhood. Because of this sort of behaviour Pakistan has found itself on a watch list. This behaviour will lead to Pakistans own destruction, said the protester Dhananjay Shevilkar.

Pakistan on December 25 had issued a video of Jadhav in which he was purportedly seen thanking the Pakistan government for arranging a meeting with his wife and mother.

India has asserted that Jadhav appeared coerced and under considerable stress during the tightly-controlled interaction.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April, following which India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May.

Pakistan says he was a commander rank officer in the Indian Navy. But India says Jadhav was a former naval officer.

New Delhi also says Jadhav was kidnapped in Iran where he had legitimate business interests, and brought to Pakistan.

A 10-member bench of the ICJ on May 18 restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case. It is expected to hold another hearing in March or April.Congress president Rahul Gandhi met on Monday Crown Prince of Bahrain Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in Manama and discussed a variety of bilateral issues of interest during his first foreign trip after becoming the party chief.

Gandhi, who is here as a state guest of Bahrain, is also expected to meet King Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa.

He will address a convention of NRIs and meet the Gulf countrys Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamas Al-Khalifa.

Had a good meeting with Crown Prince of Bahrain, HRH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. We discussed a variety of issues of interest to India and Bahrain, Gandhi said in a tweet.

The Congress president also met with foreign minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Gulf Daily News reported.

Thank you, Your Excellency, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, honourable Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Bahrain for being a gracious host at lunch today, Gandhi tweeted after the luncheon meeting.

According to a statement issued by the Congress on Sunday, Gandhi will be the chief guest at valedictory session of a function organised by Global Organisation of People of India Origin (GOPIO) today.

Delegates of 50 countries are participating in the function, the statement said.

He will also have an interactive session with business leaders of Indian-origin on Tuesday.

NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe. Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow, Gandhi tweeted ahead of his trip yesterday.

Gandhi is expected to return to India on January 9.Union home minister Rajnath Singh has told heads of state police that the rising rate of cybercrime in India is among the latest challenge for law enforcement agencies and both state and central authorities in India must be prepared to deal with the issue effectively.

Singh made the comments during the three-day conference of the countrys top police officials at the Border Security Force (BSF) Academy in Madhya Pradeshs Tekanpur.

Singh cited the data by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), which says there cybercrime has increased by 21% every year, during his speech at the Annual Conference of Director Generals of Police (DGPs) and Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs).

CERT-In, an office within the ministry of electronics and information technology, is the nodal agency to deal with cybersecurity threats.

Mr Rajnath Singh said that social media is increasingly being used to spread rumours and defame public personalities. He also said that social media was being used to disturb the peace and spread terror propaganda, a home ministry official told the Hindustan Times.

Officers present at the conference were asked to hold discussions on effective monitoring of social media, the officer added.

The home minister also spoke about the misuse of social media and internet, a home ministry official told the HT earlier.

The government told the Rajya Sabha last week that cyber crimes cases in the country have grown in the last three years, with the number rising from 9,622 and 11,592 to 12,317 during 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Minister of electronics and information technology Ravi Shankar Prasad told the Upper House that according to CERT-In, 79 phishing incidents affecting 22 financial organisations, 13 incidents affecting ATMs, Point of Sales (POS) systems and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) were reported.

The Reserve Bank of India has registered 13,083, 16,468, 13,653 and 12,520 cases of frauds involving credit cards in 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17 and between April-September 2017 respectively, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval are also taking part in the conference that is being attended by officers of DGP and IGP rank from all the states and central police organisations.

Modi, who is expected to speak on Monday, is likely to address issues related to law and order including cybersecurity.

(With PTI inputs)The Supreme Court said on Monday it will revisit its 2013 verdict upholding Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that bans homosexual sexual acts, and referred a petition against the controversial colonial law to a larger bench.

A three-judge bench of the SC led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the 2013 judgment, which overturned a 2009 Delhi high court verdict that decriminalised consensual same-sex acts, was guided by the perception of majority and concept of social morality.

Concept of consensual sex may have more priority than a group right and may require more protection. A section of people or individual who exercise their choice should never live in a state of fear, the court said.

What is natural to one may not be natural to the other.

The petition, which challenges the legal validity of Section 377 on the ground that it is not a reasonable restriction because the law has the potential to destroy an individuals choice and sexual orientation, was filed by five prominent members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community.

The determination of order of nature is not a constant phenomenon. Societal morality also changes from age to age. Law copes with life and accordingly change takes place, the SC said, asking the petitioners to provide a copy of the petition to the central governments office so that the Centre can be represented in the case.

Read | SC refers Article 377 to larger bench: A timeline of legality of homosexuality in India

The petitioners  bharatnatyam dancer Navtej Johar, culture expert Aman Nath, restaurateurs Ritu Dalmia and Ayesha Kapur and mediaperson Sunil Mehra  had said they lived in fear because of Section 377 and the 2013 judgment ignored harassment and problems arising out of the law.

It is a small victory but it has brought back some hope, for the first time. I am very happy about the development and have full faith in the court, the judiciary system and the Constitution, Dalmia told Hindustan Times. I think it (repealing of Section 377) is just a matter of time now.

Section 377 punishes carnal intercourse against the order of nature with man, woman or animal with life imprisonment, though formal prosecution is rare. But activists allege the law forces LGBT people to live in fear and face blackmail, intimidation and pervasive discrimination.

The court noted it will not judge that portion of the law that criminalises intercourse with an animal. It also specified the discussion would be restricted to consenting adults so that children remain protected. Consent between two adults has to be primary pre-condition otherwise children would become prey, which the constitution does not allow. Protection of children in all spheres has to be guided, it said.

In 2009, Section 377 was read down by the Delhi high court, which decriminalised consensual adult same-sex relationships. But this was overturned in December 2013 by the top court, which asked Parliament to bring a law.

A two-judge bench headed by justice GS Singhvi had said a miniscule fraction of the countrys population constitutes lesbians, gays, bisexuals or transgenders.

A review petition against the decision was dismissed but a curative petition, the last available judicial recourse against an apex court decision, is pending in the SC. The top court has said that the curative will be decided on the limited grounds as raised in the petition. But the petition by the eminent LGBT personalities raised larger issues that needed consideration, it added.

Mondays order holds out hope for LGBT activists as arguments in the case will be heard afresh and petitioners can draw support from last Augusts right to privacy judgment that had upheld the right to sexual orientation and choice of sexual partners. A nine-judge bench of the court had observed that the chilling effect of Section 377 poses a grave danger to the unhindered fulfillment of ones sexual orientation, as an element of privacy and dignity.

The CJIs bench said natural and sexual orientation and choice could not be allowed to cross the boundaries of law. But the confines of law cannot trample or curtail the inherent right embedded in an individual under article 21 (right to dignity), the top court added.

While the court noted that Section 377 punishes carnal intercourse against order of nature, it added that the determination of order of nature is not a common phenomenon. Individual autonomy and individual natural inclination cannot be atrophied unless the restrictions are determined as reasonable.In an apparent retort to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said on Monday that those raising questions over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were afraid of facing the 2019 elections.

We are making progress in a big way and this has caused jealously among some people...Opposition is terming the peoples mandate as fault in the EVMs...there is a move to present ones own shortcomings and wrong policies as the fault of EVMs, Sharma told newspersons here.

He said that going by the claims of these critics, there was nothing wrong in the EVMs in the past 15 years when other parties formed governments.

Now EVMs have started developing faults...what can be more humiliating for the people that their mandate is being challenged by raising a question mark on the EVMs ...This is like making a mockery of democracy, Sharma pointed out.

He said that some people were making fun of all the works being undertaken by the government and presenting an inaccurate picture before the people as they were afraid of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

I remember the statement of former J and K chief minister Omar Abdullah in which he had advised the Opposition parties to prepare for 2024 elections instead of 2019, Sharma said.

On Saturday last, Yadav had convened a meeting of opposition parties to mobilise opinion for demanding that the upcoming bye-elections in Gorakhpur and Phulpur be conducted through ballot papers instead of EVMs. But the Congress and BSP decided to stay away.

Sharma also attacked Yadavs statement on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths recent visit to Noida saying that BJP does not believe in any jinx and the chief minister will repeatedly go to Noida.

During a press conference yesterday, Yadav had taken potshots at Adityanath over the Noida jinx.

The impact of Noida jinx was visible. I have seen in pictures that he (Yogi) could not flag off or press the button for starting metro services, Yadav said.

To a question on potatoes being thrown on roads allegedly by farmers as a mark of protest,Sharma said the government was committed to safeguard the interests of farmers and there was no report of any farmer committing suicide in the state.Almost 80 years after Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in Delhi on January 30, a Mumbai-based engineer has claimed the investigation and trial was a cover-up and has requested the Supreme Court to order a fresh probe.

Senior advocate Amrendra Sharan told the court on Monday there was no proof that Gandhi was killed by a person other than Hindu radical Nathuram Godse and there was no need for a fresh investigation.

But the petitioner, Pankaj Kumudchandra Phadnis, is convinced there was another assassin and a foreign power was involved in the murder.

Speaking to Hindustan Times over the phone from Mumbai on Monday, Phadnis said he had not seen Sharans report but had heard that he told the court there was no proof to back the claim made in the petition.

But it has to be kept in mind that evidence is of two types -- evidence that helps investigation and another is prosecutable evidence. So I do not know what the amicus is pointing to.

An engineer by training, Phadnis, who is also an MBA, is a trustee of the Mumbai wing of Abhinav Bharat, a right-wing Hindu organisation.

Phadnis has distanced himself from the Pune branch of Abhinav Bharat, one of whose founders, Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit, is facing trial in Malegaon blast case.

He was not the first person to raise questions over the investigation and trial into Independent Indias most-talked about murder, Phadnis said.

In fact, a book, Who Killed Gandhi, written in 1963, raised the issue and the allegations that I have made are echoed in the book.

The book was banned and his petition to lift the ban was pending with the Bombay high court, Phadnis said.

He also dismissed allegation that through his petition, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, the ideological parent of the BJP, was seeking to clear itself of the accusation of its involvement in Gandhis murder.

There is no basis to the allegation. I have been filing petitions since 2004, he said.

What his petition says:

Two assassins and four bullets

Other than Godse, the petition claims, there is a suspicion that a second assassin was involved in Gandhis killing.

Four, not three, shots killed Gandhi. Phadnis in his public interest litigation says the freedom icon suffered not three but four bullet wounds and lower courts ignored that monumental evidence in determining the real people behind the murder. Journalists who were eye witnesses claimed to have heard four shots, he says.

The pistol with which Godse shot Gandhi had a seven-bullet chamber, says the PIL. Three shots were fired and four unspent bullets were recovered by police. There was no way the fourth shot could have come from Godses weapon. It had to be from the gun of a second assassin, no trace of whom survives in records.

The PIL also says an examination of the blood-stained shawl that Gandhi wore at the time of his death would reveal the truth behind the number of gunshot wounds and expose the inherent inconsistencies in the murder trial.

Foreign hand

Indias ambassador to erstwhile USSR was informed in February 1948 that the British had organised Gandhis murder, says the PIL. The trial was an eyewash as it was conducted by a court under the control of the British government.

The Kapur commission report of 1969 that examined the assassination had many lacunae and failed to look deep into the real culprits and reasons behind the murder, says the PIL.

Also, there was no post mortem examination of Gandhis body.For at least one of them, it is the intent and not the result that matters. For the other it is both the intent and the result. They are two independents who have thrown their hat into the ring making the Alwar by-elections more interesting.

Kisan Mahapanchayat president Rampal Jat and Rajasthan Berozgar Ekikrat Mahasangh (association of unemployed) president Upen Yadav will be filing their nominations on January 10.

Jat could make a dent in the vote share of both BJP and Congress as there are about 2 lakh farmers in Alwar constituency that has about 18 lakh eligible voters. Rajasthan has witnessed prolonged farmers agitation for the past nine months. While the state government had announced a partial loan waiver in September, farmers are upset that loans have not been formally waived off even more than three months after the announcement.

At a farmers meeting held in Jaipur on Sunday, Jat got the support from 45 different farmers unions.

While Yadav has made his intentions of defeating the BJP clear, Jat said that he will be fighting the elections on a positive agenda.

Our objective is to ensure justice for farmers. I will not indulge in negative campaign, as we have seen that in the past the governments that came to power on negative campaigns did not sustain, Jat told HT.

Yadav, on the other hand, will be targeting the BJP government. BJP has done nothing to generate employment. While unemployment is rampant, no new jobs are being created and the existing vacancies in the government are not being filled. The countdown has begun for the BJP government in state, he said in a Facebook post.

The main fight in the Alwar bypolls is between two qualified doctors  Congresss Karan Singh Yadav and BJPs Jaswant Singh Yadav  as both the national parties look to play the caste card in a constituency where Yadavs and Brahmins make up a significant chunk of votes.

Karan Singh Yadav is a former MP from Alwar while Jaswant Singh Yadav is labour minister in Vasundhara Raje cabinet.

The bypoll to the seat was necessitated following the death of BJP MP Chand Nath, who had defeated his Congress rival Jitendra Singh in the 2014 Lok Sabha election by a margin of over 2.8 lakh votes.

The by-elections to Alwar and Ajmer Lok Sabha seats and Mandalgarh Assembly seat will be held on January 29. The last date for filing nominations is January 10. More independent candidates are expected to jump into the fray.Alleged cow smugglers opened fire when a police team tried to stop them in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, in the wee hours of Monday.

Police said they arrested a suspect, Irsad Mev, under the Rajasthan Bovine Animal (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation Temporary Migration or Export) Act-1995, although three of his accomplices managed to escape. A mini-truck and 13 heads of cattle were also seized.

Mev, a resident of Utawad village in Haryana, was allegedly armed with a countrymade gun.

A countrymade gun was seized from the possession of Irsad Mev, a resident of Utawad village. (HT Photo)

Kaithwara station house officer Yogendra Singh said police barricaded the road on a tip-off earlier that night. The cow-smugglers opened fire at us, forcing us to retaliate. We finally managed to stop the vehicle at Angarawali village, he said, adding that the animals were being transported from Bandikui in Dausa to Haryana.

The seized truck (RJ 05-GB-1680) was registered at Ghatmika village in Mewat region. Its owner, Abdul Ramham, is absconding.

The state government has set up six police outposts across the district to curb smuggling of cattle to neighbouring Haryana. According to police data, 65 cases were registered against cow smugglers in 2015, a similar number in 2016, and 27 until May 2017.Rajput leaders on Monday threatened to boycott the BJP in the byoplls for handing over to the CBI cases of violence by community members during a condolence meeting for slain gangster Anandpal Singh.

Addressing a press conference here, Giriraj Singh Lotwara accused the government of going back on its agreement reached with Rajput leaders that only two FIRs would be given to the CBI for probe.

In a meeting with state home minister Gulab Chand Kataria, Panchayati Raj minister Rajendra Rathore and state BJP president Ashok Parnami it was agreed that the FIR regarding Anandpals encounter and the FIR regarding Surendra Singhs killing would be given to the CBI, Lotwara said.

He said the government had assured that the cases against Rajput leaders would be withdrawn but they had gone back on their word and handed over those 18 FIRs to the CBI. He said the Rajasthan government had taken back case against Gurjars for violence during various agitations.

He said various Rajput outfits have come together to demand that cases against the Rajput community be taken back or the BJP would face the music in the coming bypolls.

Representatives of the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, Rashtriya Karni Sena, Rajput Sabha Ravana Rajput, Sangh Shakti, Marwar Rajput Sabha, and Kshatriya Mahasabha were present in the press conference.

Our aim is to defeat the BJP in all the three bypolls, said Lotwara.

Bypolls will be held in Ajmer, Alwar and Mandalgarh on January 29. The three seats have presence of Rajputs who have traditionally voted for the BJP. Their opposition to the BJP could prove crucial in the poll results.

On July 12, 2017, a condolence meeting for Anandpal Singh in his village Sanvarad in Nagaur district attended by thousands of Rajputs had turned violent leading to the death of a civilian and injuries to 16 policemen.

FIRs had been filed in different police stations against several persons including Rashtriya Karni Sena leader Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi and Shri Rajput Karni Sena president Mahipal Singh Makrana.

Addressing the press conference, Gogamedi said the government had foisted false cases on Rajput community.

It is the Rajput community that has reared the BJP but now we will we will boycott the party. We will not vote for it, claimed Gogamedi.

He also said the community would boycott the 23 Rajput MLAs of the BJP as they did not speak for community.For the success of the parliamentary democracy, the quality of debates should be healthy and in public interest, chief minister Vasundhara Raje said Monday.

We need to ensure that the bills, which are in public interest, do not get stuck due to the ruckus in the House. In the House, we have to agree to disagree and respect the views presented by the members, Raje said.

She was addressing the 18th All India Whips conference in Udaipur on Monday. The two-day meet is hosting around 90 delegates representing the Centre and 19 states. A whip is the member of a political party tasked with enforcing the organisations discipline on its members in the legislature.

The debates held in the legislatures should be cordial and graceful and not personal attacks, she said, adding one should respect their political opponents views.

Remembering her stint as an MP in Lok Sabha, Raje said former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and late Meenu Masani had set the best examples in parliamentary democracy.

The CM said the role of whip is important in the parliamentary system. As a floor manager, the government chief whip has to do away with differences and consult the members of opposition to run the House smoothly.

Union minister for parliamentary affairs Ananth Kumar said the duty of a whip is not only to monitor the members of the party in legislature but also to moderate and motivate them.

He said the Centre has made provision of Rs 750 crore to make all legislative assemblies and legislative councils digital and paperless. Under e-Vidhan, all legislative assemblies will be made digital and paperless in the next five years. The center would bear the expenditure for e-Vidhan of Rajasthan legislative assembly, he added.

Kumar termed the conference a rainbow of political parties and also that of states. He said the parliamentary democracy is the best form of governance.

Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs Vijay Goel advocated simplification of rules of the procedure and changes according to the requirements of present time.

Raje also released a coffee table book New India - We Resolve to Make -- showcasing exhibitions held at 39 destinations across the country on the freedom movement from 1857 to 1947.

The conference would take up and discuss various issues pertaining to smooth and efficient working of Parliament.

Union MoS for water resources Arjun Ram Meghwal, BJP Chief Whip in Lok Sabha Rakesh Singh, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria, state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rajendra Rathore and others were present during the inaugural ceremony.Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Dwaraka Sharda Peeth, on Sunday said there should be no ban on loudspeakers at places of worship of any religion.

If at all such a ban had to be imposed, it should be enforced on loudspeakers at the mosques first, he added.

He made the comment even as the Uttar Pradesh government ordered the removal of all loudspeakers from religious structures and other places where these were being used without proper permission.

Speaking at a press conference at Sri Vidya Math (a monastery) in Varanasi, Swami Swaroopanand said,  If a ban on loudspeakers at religious places is implemented, loudspeakers at all religious places should be banned. This ban should not be restricted to the places of worship of any single religion, he said.

He also came down heavily on pseudo sadhus, saying they were a major threat to the Sanatan Dharma (Eternal Faith or Hinduism).

These sadhus had not only disobeyed Sanatan Dharma but were also making attempts to change both shruti and smriti, he said. Shruti refers to sacred literature considered to be the product of divine revelation. In Hinduism, the revealed texts encompass the four Vedas, the Brahmanas (ritual treatises), the Aranyakas (forest books) and the Upanishads (philosophical elaborations on the Vedas).

The Smritis are a body of Hindu texts usually attributed to an author. They include the epics the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas among others.

He said the onus was on the true sadhus and sanyasis to carry forward the tradition of sanatan dharma as per its dignity.

As long as the true sadhus and mahatmas (great souls) were committed to their duty with complete devotion, the victory of sanatan dharma will continue, he said.

To a question, he said Kashi had always given light of knowledge to the world. This was the essential nature of Kashi and it still existed. Kashi will show the way to make India Vishwa Guru (world leader), he said.The Lucknow University(LU) has declared demonstrations and slogan shouting on the campus illegal. The decision was taken in view of the employees decision to go on strike from Monday.

Demos not allowed LU VC SP Singh directed proctor Vinod Singh not to allow any demonstration or slogan shouting on the campus. The proctor was also asked to ensure that no employee was forced to join the strike. If employees violate this rule, appropriate action would be taken, informed LU spokesperson NK Pandey.

The demands of the employees include regularisation of contractual staff and rollback of transfer order.

LU vice-chancellor SP Singh directed proctor Vinod Singh not to allow any demonstration or slogan shouting on the campus. The proctor was also asked to ensure that no employee was forced to join the strike.

If employees violate this rule, appropriate action would be taken. The proctor was directed to arrange for photography and videography on the campus as per need, informed LU spokesperson NK Pandey.

From Monday, all regular attendance registers of the employees will be sealed by respective deans and heads. Signatures of employees reporting for duty will be taken on plain sheets and sent to the registrar by 10:30 am.

All the deans, head of departments, provosts and other officials of the university expressed solidarity with the decisions of the VC.

The VC asked officials to ensure that the examination/evaluation/practical examinations/teaching must not be halted or disturbed in any manner due to the strike by employees.

The VC informed that most of the demands of the employees were already accepted and therefore there was no justification for the strike.

Singh informed that he had already talked to the two unions of employees.

Regarding transfer order, views of employees had already been invited. If they have any grievances, those would be settled on a case-to-case basis. Hence, the strike called by employees was completely unjustified, claimed LU officials.Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah sparred on twitter on Sunday. Both tweeted barbs at each other on a day when Yogi visited Bengaluru for the BJPs Parivartan Yatra rally, his second in three weeks in the southern state.

Soon, the twitter-war between the two chief ministers turned into a full fledged political controversy with both the BJP and the Congress taking to the social media platforms to target each other.

The BJP that has been getting the UP chief minister to campaign in election-bound states has now decided to get Adityanath to canvass in Karnataka, the state where BJP is hoping to wrest power from the Congress.

In fact more than his speech in which he accused the Congress of ruining Karanataka, it was his tweets that started trending on the social media.

Thank you for the welcome @siddaramaiah ji. I heard number of farmers committing suicide in Karnataka was highest in your regime, not to mention the numerous deaths and transfer of honest officers. As UP CM I am working to undo the misery and lawlessness unleashed by your allies.  Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 7, 2018

Soon after Adityanath landed in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah started the twitter war by tweeting that the UP CM had a lot to learn from the Congress-ruled state.

I welcome UP CM Shri @myogiadityanath to our state. There is a lot you can learn from us sir. When you are here, please visit an Indira canteen and a ration shop. It will help you address the starvation deaths sometimes reported from your state, tweeted Siddaramaiah signing off his tweet with #YogiInBengaluru

Indira canteens, modelled on the lines of the hugely popular Amma canteens in Tamil Nadu, are mandated to provide hygienic, nutritious food such as idlis and rice dishes with the usual accompaniments to the urban poor. The prices are as low as Rs 5 for breakfast and Rs 10 for lunch and dinner. Designed by a former Taj Group chef, the rotational menu has 25 items, which includes brinjal rice, sambar rice, pongal, khara bath, methi rice, and kesari bath as the lone sweet item. A similar canteen with subsidised food has also been envisaged by the BJP government in UP.

@INCKarnataka, the twitter handle of Karnataka unit of the Congress too targeted the Adityanath government. It cited NCRB data to claim that Adityanath-ruled UP, tops India in crime signing off the tweet.

Within hours, Adityanath responded. Thank you for the welcome @siddaramaiah ji. I heard number of farmers committing suicide in Karnataka was highest in your regime, not to mention the numerous deaths and transfer of honest officers. As UP CM I am working to undo the misery and lawlessness unleashed by your allies, he tweeted.

The tweet like the one by Siddaramaiah soon went viral with supporters on each sides joining in.

Adityanaths post was retweeted 4239 times and had 7436 likes against Siddaramaiah whose comment was retweeted 1528 times with 2625 likes.

I welcome UP CM Shri @myogiadityanath to our state. There is a lot you can learn from us Sir. When you are here please visit a Indira Canteen & a ration shop. It will help you address the starvation deaths sometimes reported from your state. #YogiInBengaluru https://t.co/lj0m4fMphC  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 7, 2018

The BJP Karnataka units twitter handle @BJP4Karnataka got active. Thank you, @inckarnataka for putting out a report card of your allies  SP and BSP who ruled UP for the last 14 years and supported the UPA between 2000-14. Do you realise that Yogi has been CM for ONLY 10 months and things are already improving! Being out of power for so long must be hard, went the tweet in response to the Congress listing statistics on poor law and order in the state.

The social media cell managing @INCUttarPradesh, the twitter handle of the UP unit of the Congress joined the war.

Who are you trying to fool. We live here and know how bad the current law and order situation is. Do you want us to list all the rapes, murders, larceny etc in just 2017!, the Congresss UP unit retorted as BJPs Karnataka chief and former chief minister BS Yedyurappa joined what had by now become a free-for-all.

Thanks CM @siddaramaiah for welcoming Shri @myogiadityanath ji to our state. Election eve at least has made you courteous. Inaugurating Indira canteen @officeofRG admitted Amma canteen inspired it. Hope BLR roads turned potholes under your leadership dont impact Yogiji!As part of its drive to free up public spaces and prevent security risks, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) moved 745 abandoned cars, bikes, autos to its warehouse in the last two weeks of December. The vehicles will be auctioned if not claimed by the owners within three months of being towed away.

The 15-day campaign started on December 15. With citizens complaining about a high number of abandoned vehicles encroaching and posing security risks, the BMC has been seizing unclaimed vehicles under Section 314 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1884.

Before towing vehicles to the godown, the civic body waits for 48 hours for the owners to remove them. If nobody reclaims the vehicle within three months of being taken to the warehouse, the BMC auctions it under Section 490 (3) of the Act. If owners come forward, they have to pay a penalty.

Nidhi Choudhari, deputy municipal commissioner (removal of encroachments), told the Hindustan Times, From January 1, zonal deputy municipal commissioners have been empowered to get work done on the zonal level. Areas with abandoned vehicles are to be identified and contractors are to be hired for towing with traffic departments help. If owners do not show up and pay towing fees within three months, these vehicles will be auctioned.

The BMC, which has 10 towing vehicles, acted against about 3,000 abandoned and unclaimed vehicles last year from January to October 2017 and collected a fine of Rs1.38 crore.Around 100 commuters waiting at Umroli station in Palghar were shocked to see the 69164 Up Dahanu-Panvel Multiple Electric Moving Unit (MEMU) whiz past their station around 6am on Monday without making its scheduled halt.

Locals who regularly commute by this train include many school- and college-going students, office-goers and vegetable vendors.

The train left Dahanu at 5.30am and missed Umroli at 5.55am, where it has a scheduled one-minute halt.

Passengers inside the train pulled the alarm chain when they realised that the train had not stopped, which forced it to halt a few metres ahead of Umroli station. Train guard Bipin Patel also pulled the hand brake in his cabin, but by then the train had already crossed the platform, a Western Railway (WR) official said, requesting anonymity. The train could not go back and resumed its onward journey.

Following this, irate commuters at Umroli forcibly held back the next train, a Dahanu-Andheri local, for five minutes instead of its usual one minute.

Members of the Dahanu Vaitarna Pravasi Sevabhavi Sanstha lodge a complaint with the station manager at Palghar station.

Umroli is an unmanned station, meaning that it has no WR staff. It has only a ticket vendor, appointed through a private contractor. There is no communication system to contact Umroli, Palghar and Boisar stations.

The motorman, Prashant Jena, was ordered off the train at Vasai station, and replaced by another motorman, after which the train proceeded to Panvel.

We have ordered an inquiry into the incident, said Ravinder Bhakar, chief public relations officer, WR. Action against the motorman, such as suspension, will be taken only after the inquiry is completed.

Sources said Jena may have been over-confident and lost judgement while approaching Umroli station, because of which he was unable to halt the train at the station.

Prathamesh Prabhutendolkar, an activist from the Dahanu Vaitarna Pravasi Sevabhavi Sanstha (DVPSS), a commuters group, said the motorman failed to report the incident at the next station. The DVPSS has since lodged a complaint at Palghar station.

The motorman is experienced and it was sheer negligence that led to the train skipping Umroli station. It has cost office-goers a days pay, students have had to miss schools and colleges, thanks to the glitch, Prabhutendolkar said. We demand an inquiry into the incident.A fire broke out on the third floor of the sessions court building in south Mumbai, near the University of Mumbai, on Monday morning, an official said. No injuries have been reported.

The fire began around 7 am and was doused by 9.25 am. Six fire engines, five water tankers and an ambulance were rushed to the spot. The court premises were empty as it was early morning, which prevented casualties.

The fire started from a courtroom on the third floor and spread rapidly, gutting the courtroom entirely, an official from the fire brigade said, on condition of anonymity. The wooden benches, chairs and railings proved a challenge as fire officials fought to contain the blaze from spreading to other courtrooms and damaging documents, he added.

Fire officials said the cause of the fire appears to be welding work going on in the court premises. The fire official said: Our prime concern was to stop the fire from spreading as the courtrooms have a lot of wooden furniture and many bundles of documents. Now, we will assess if any documents have been gutted.

This is the fifth fire incident in the city in the past 20 days.

Twelve workers were killed when a fire broke out in a farsan shop in Saki Naka while they were fast asleep, on December 18.

On December 29, 14 people were killed after a fire broke out in an upscale pub in Kamala Mills compound and spread.

On January 4, four members of a family, including two children, died and five others were injured after short circuit triggered a fire in a flat in Marol, Andheri (East).

A 20-year-old man, who worked for a television serial production unit, was killed in a fire at the Cinevista film studio in Kanjurmarg on January 6.The Samta Nagar police have arrested two of five accused men after a former corporator from the Shiv Sena, Ashok Sawant, 62, was stabbed to death near his house in Kandivli (East) late on Sunday. Sohail Dodhia, 30, and Ganesh Jogdand have been arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy.

Ashok Sawant, a resident of Thakur Complex in Kandivli, was returning home with his friend Vinod Sonawane after having dinner at a restaurant in the vicinity when he was attacked around 10.45pm.

Dodhia had allegedly approached Jogdand, an auto driver, and offered him Rs2,000 to drive three others around on Sunday.

On Sunday evening, when Sawant and Sonawane reached the lane near his house, Jogdands auto blocked the bike. Following this, one of the accused kicked down the bike and the other two repeatedly attacked Sawant. According to the police, Sawant was stabbed at least 20 times.

The three, along with the auto driver, then fled the scene. Sawant was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

One of the accused, identified as Jagdish Pawar alias Jagga, had previously had a fallout with Sawant over a financial dispute. Pawar wanted a job as a bodyguard and had approached Sawant for help. However it did not work out.

Three years ago, Sawant had complained to the police that he had been receiving death threats.

There were no recent threats reported to the police, said Anil Mane, senior inspector, Samta Nagar police station.

The police have recovered CCTV footage from the area. The auto driver was traced with the help of the footage from Dahisar. Between Sunday night and Monday evening, the police questioned at least six persons.In view of the Kamala Mills fire that killed 14, Congress leaders on Monday demanded an inquiry into the construction permissions given by the civic body to several commercial establishments in the mills area.

Sanjay Nirupam, Congress city chief, alleged the civic body has allowed restaurants like 1Above and Mojo Bistro to extend structures illegally over the last few years. At least 96 eateries have been running in the Kamala Mills in connivance with the municipal corporation. Civic chief Ajoy Mehta must be held responsible for allowing owners of these establishments to construct in the mills illegally, Nirupam told reporters.

He alleged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) allowed a recreational centre to build a shed, an elevated racing track and an eating area in Kamala and Victoria mills for a penalty of Rs468 for a sqm. The BMC recently faced flak for failing to take strict action against eateries flouting safety norms prior to the fire incident.

In response to the allegation, Mehta said, I am following the Chief Ministers orders for an investigation into the fire. I cannot comment on this allegation as we are working on the report.

Nirupam also demanded that Mehta resign or be suspended, adding that a comprehensive inquiry into his involvement in the matter is necessary.

Gold units at Kalbadevi, Mumbadevi may be shifted

Gold units at Kalbadevi and Mumbadevi may get shifted in the days to come.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to look into the possibility of shifting these units within city limits. He also asked the civic body to check implementation of fire safety norms at the gold units and issue notices to them.

The directives were issued while hearing complaints from citizens on the occasion of Lokshahi Din (Democracy Day) at Mantralaya on Monday. Kalbadevi resident Harkishan Goradia has approached the chief minister complaining about ignorance of fire safety norms at the gold units situated at Kalbadevi and Mumbadevi.

According to Goradia, the owners of these units use furnace for making gold ornaments, but dont follow fire safety norms, making the place extremely dangerous for the residents. Moreover, use of furnace also results in pollution.

Considering this, Fadnavis ordered to issue notices to these gold units within next three months. He also asked BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta to hold a meeting of all people concerned and lookin to possibilities of shifting these units within Mumbai, said a senior official from the chief ministers office.

Three fire officers were killed in a major fire at the four-storey Gokul Niwas building in Kalbadevi on May 9, 2015.The Mumbai crime branch has launched a parallel probe to trace the missing owners of pubs 1Above and Mojo Bistro in the Kamala Mills fire case, in which 14 people were killed on December 29.

The ones still to be arrested in the case include owners of 1Above Kripesh and Jigar Sanghvi and their partner Abhijit Mankar; and owner of Mojo Bistro Yug Tulli. Tullis name was recently added, after the BMCs fire brigade report pointed the fire started at Mojo.

So far, the probe is being carried out by the local police station. The crime branch usually gets involved in important cases and helps local police trace the accused, as it is a specialized branch with a good track record in detecting cases.

The NM Joshi Marg police station have filed a case under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), section 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), along with section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

Sources said so far police teams have gone to several places and are also relying on technical surveillance to nab the suspects. Police teams have searched for the suspects in Pune, Gujarat, Mumbai.

The police have also declared a reward of Rs1 on those giving information on the Sanghvi brothers and Mankar.

Sources said the trio has switched off their phones and are lying low, however the police were confident of nabbing them anytime soon, based on tip-off and informer networks. A look out circular (LOC) has already been issued against the accused to ensure they do not escape from the country.

So far, the police have arrested two managers of 1Above Kevin Bava, 35, and Lisbon Lopez, 34, and Mojo Bistro owner Yug Pathak, son of former IPS officer.Two days after the fire brigade report into the Kamala Mills fire, which claimed 14 lives, revealed that the blaze started in Mojo Bistro, the focus of the police probe into the mishap has now shifted to finding witnesses from the restaurant.

Initially, the police investigating was focused on 1Above, the restaurant adjoining Mojo, as the bodies of victims were found there. The fire brigade report, however, said the fire started from hookah coals in Mojo and then spread to 1Above owing to combustible material and illegal alterations made at both the eateries.

The police have now urged people, who were present at Mojo when the fire broke out on December 29, to come forward and record their statements.

We need statements of the people who were present in Mojo Bistro we are trying to trace them to know what exactly happened and how they escaped, said Suryakant Naikode from the NM Joshi Marg police station.

According to sources, while 14 people who were at 1Above died in the blaze, all 35 patrons of Mojo had escaped with the help of staff after the fire broke out.

Meanwhile, Yug Pathak, the co-owner of Mojo, who was arrested on Saturday, was produced before Bhoiwada court on Sunday and remanded to police custody till January 12. Pathak is the son of former IPS officer KK Pathak.

Pathak and his partner Yug Tulli, a Nagpur-based hotelier, have been booked on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The police are yet to track down Tulli.

Also, the owners of 1Above  Kripesh Sanghvi, Jigar Sanghvi and their partner Abhijit Mankar  who have been booked, are still absconding.The primary inquiry report on Kamala Mill fire, which claimed the lives of 14 people, is expected to be out by Friday, said civic chief Ajoy Mehta on Monday.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged citizens who were witness to the fire to submit any information in the form of statements, videos or pictures relevant to the mishap.

On December 29, a major fire broke out in two high-end restaurants in Kamala Mills at Lower Parel, Mojo Bistro and 1Above. Some of the witnesses of the incident had approached the civic body on Monday. Mehta said, We have been receiving information on the fire through emails and on WhatsApp. We are expecting more people to come forward and report anything related to the fire. The details of the information will be incorporated in the primary inquiry report.

Mehta said people are seeking an appointment in the next two to three days to report about the fire.

Recently, the Mumbai fire brigade submitted its inquiry report to Mehta, wherein it was found that the burning embers from the charcoal came in contact with the combustible material at Mojo Bistro and led to the massive fire. The report also said the combustible thatched roof on the rooftop restaurant was unauthorised.

Mehta said the fire brigade report has technical part regarding the fire, whereas, the primary inquiry report will be a comprehensive report. He said, Officials are visiting every structure in the city premises in order to conduct fire audits and will evacuate the structures immediately if any lapses found in them. The officials will also issue notices and seal these places.The death of Major Prasad Mahadik on December 30 last year in a fire incident in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh near the Indo-China border has instilled single-minded determination in his 30-year-old wife Gauri Mahadik to pay tribute to her husband. And she wants to do that by joining the Indian Army.

Gauri, who lives in Bolinj, Virar, is a qualified Company Secretary (CS) and a lawyer. She has been working with a reputed law firm in Worli since May 2017 and has also worked with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. She wishes to join the Indian Army in whatever capacity she gets employed in, after qualifying the mandatory interviews and other tests. My joining the Indian Army would be the best tribute to my husband, she said.

Major Mahadik, who graduated from Bhawans College, Andheri, had moved with his family to Virar in 2003. Prasad wanted to start a military academy in our native village in Guhagar district so youths could join the Indian Army. His dream will be fulfilled some day, said Shivaji Mahadik, his uncle. Major Mahadik had joined the Army in March 2012. His colleagues also remember him as a dedicated and tough officer, a great sportsman and an excellent guitarist who was fond of music.

Army sources said that on December 30, there was a fire incident in a shelter where Major Mahadik used to live and he passed away as he was trapped. Army officers, who attended the funeral last week, said he was stationed at forward post along the border at a height of above 15,000ft and temperatures going as low as -15 degrees. An internal investigation is on by the Indian Army to ascertain the cause of the fire.The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Monday invited bids for the operation and maintenance of the monorail corridor, for the third time in a year. The planning authority received a very poor response in the first two attempts to find a new contractor.

When tenders were floated for the first time in early 2017, bidders had reverted with problems in tender conditions, owing to which the conditions were relaxed. However, after tenders were floated the second time in October, the MMRDA received just a single bidder - ILFS. On November 9, two rakes of a monorail were charred in a fire at the Mysore colony station, after which the operations have been suspended till date.

A senior official from the MMRDA said, Since we got (only) a single response even after changing tender conditions, we had to bid again. We are expecting a good response now as once the entire corridor is functional, the monorails ridership will also see a boost.

The ridership for monorail phase-I (Chembur-Wadala) has been pegged at 17,000 -18,000 passengers per day and the MMRDA expects this to increase once the entire corridor is functioning. The second phase is from Wadala to Jacob Circle. However, till now, there is no clarity on when phase-1 will resume operations.

Since its inception in 2014, the monorail has been marred by disruptions and delays. Due to the delay in operationalising phase-2 of the corridor, as per initial agreements, the MMRDA has also slapped a fine of

Rs7.5 lakh per day on the current contractor - Malaysia-based Scomi. The penalty is being charged since January 1, 2018.The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished illegal extensions of four popular restaurants in Bandra (West) and Andheri (West) over the weekend, freeing up 4,500 square meters of space.

The eateries are Cafe Bandra and Lacuna Bar in Bandra; and China Gate and Tap in Andheri (West). They were sent notices by officials during their routine inspection around three months ago. Cafe Bandra at Pali Hill had encroached about 600 sqm of open space, said an official

In November, the BMC took action against Lacuna Bar for building a dining area measuring 2,000 sqm. The owners encroached upon the space again and went to court, which struck down their petition. So, we have taken action against them again, said a civic official.

The BMC on Saturday demolished two eateries on New Link Road at Lokhandwala.

Assistant municipal commissioner Prashant Gaikwad told HT, Three months ago, we sent notices to China Gate and Tap located in the same building for illegal extensions. On December 30, we razed the front extension of Tap, and on Saturday, we removed the back extension and other illegal modifications. Unauthorised extensions at China Gate were also demolished.

While a manager at China Gate denied demolition and violations, a representative of Tap said only the smoking area was cleared. Despite repeated attempts , representatives of Cafe Bandra and Lacuna Bar remained unavailable for a comment.

After the Kamala Mills fire in which killed 14 people were killed on December 29, the civic body razed 722 illegal structures from December 30 to January 1.

Civic chief suspended the demolition drive and gave establishments a 15-day deadline to remove unauthorised extensions. The civic body has asked commercial establishments to follow the 35-point Fire Codified Requirement Manual within 15 days.As the ongoing semester will end in the next few months, students are busy preparing for their examinations and the next phase of their academic and professional lives.

Not to be left behind, colleges are doing their bit to ensure that their students excel. From helping them update their curriculum vitae (CV) to putting together applications for higher education, institutes are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that their students prosper.

Towards the end of the academic year, we conduct workshops on different courses, especially for final year students. These workshops not only give career guidance to students, but also prepare them for job interviews, said Dinesh Panjwani, principal, RD National College, Bandra.

He added that the college put together a placement cell two years ago, which works throughout the year to help students find jobs they are interested in.

Many colleges are inviting experts from different fields to interact with students and guide them on life after graduation.

Students are aware of what they want and are always open to more information in those specific fields. Getting first-hand experience of any particular field from someone who has invested years in it is something that most students look forward to, said Madhu Nair, principal, Nirmala College, Kandivli.

He added that the college will be holding a series of interactive sessions between students and experts till February.

While preparing students for job interviews is an important aspect of these workshops, colleges have also realised that several students are eager to launch their start-ups.

Keeping this in mind, a handful of city colleges are mulling introduction of skill development workshops and part-time certificate courses for the benefit of students.

We are planning to start skill development certificate programmes in collaboration with other institutes to encourage entrepreneurship skills in students, said Sobhana Vasudevan, principal, RA Podar College, Matunga.

More colleges are being approached by their students seeking help in putting together their applications for admissions at international universities and colleges.

It is mandatory for colleges to be equipped with answers for questions students ask, especially for higher education and research-based courses. Our teachers help students struggling with recommendations they need to seek admission at international universities and colleges, said Naresh Chandra, principal, Birla College, Kalyan.The anti-corruption bureau (ACB) on Sunday arrested a police sub-inspector at the Meghwadi police station for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs10,000 from an accused who was arrested in a crime case. This is the second case within a fortnight of a police officer accepting bribe inside the police station premises.

According to the ACB, the complainant is a 38-year-old man who was arrested by Meghwadi police in Jogeshwari (East) in a case registered under section 326 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for grievous assault.

The man alleged that the investigating officer Sandeep Badhe, 35, a police sub-inspector from Meghwadi police station who had arrested him, was now demanding a bribe.

The complainant said Badhe asked him to cough up Rs30,000, failing which he would increase the charges against him from grievous assault to attempt to murder under section 307 of the IPC. Booking the complainant under section 307 would have attracted a more stringent punishment for him.

The ACB verified his complaint and then laid a trap. The victim went to the police station with Rs10,000 and after Badhe accepted it, the ACB team swooped in and arrested him.

Badhe has been booked under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The police are conducting a house search to find out if the accused has amassed valuables that are disproportionate to his known sources of income.

On December 27 last year, the Mumbai ACB had arrested a 37-year-old assistant police inspector (API) from Powai police station for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs50,000 from an accused to favour him in a crime case by filing a weak charge sheet in court.Inching closer towards commencement of the Navi Mumbai international airport, GVK Power & Infrastructure Ltd (GVKPIL), which won the contract, signed a concession agreement with City and Industrial Development Company (CIDCO), on Monday, at Mantralaya. Sources said construction of second airport is likely to begin in the six months.

The agreement was signed through a special purpose vehicle [a subsidiary company] Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (NMIAL).

GVKPIL through its subsidiary MIAL holds 74% shares of NMIAL, while CIDCO has the rest [26%]. The initial concession period is 30 years from the appointed date, which is extendable for another 10 years. This means that CIDCO has given us the authority to go ahead and build the airport, said a spokesperson from GVK.

The agreement was signed between GVK Reddy, executive chairperson of Mumbai International Airprot Pvt Ltd (MIAL), and Bhushan Gagrani, vice-chairperson and managing director, CIDCO, at Mantralaya. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was present while signing the agreement.

Reddy said, With the continued support of the Central government, Maharashtra government, CIDCO and all our stakeholders, we are confident of creating and delivering the much-needed second airport for the twin cities of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

MIAL won the bidding process for the Navi Mumbai airport in February 2016. However, it received the letter of award (LoA) from CIDCO on October 25, 2017. The airport is said to become operational by 2019. Though the airport, with an area of 2,320 hectares, has been is the pipeline for several years, various permission and property dispute delayed the project.Last week, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trust, the largest representative body of Indias Parsi-Zoroastrians, announced that its trustees and the officials of the B D Parsee General Hospital have unanimously decided to promote a new secular wing in the compound of the hospital.

The announcement said that a Zoroastrian couple, members of a business family based in Hong Kong, has agreed to donate 22.5 million dollars (about Rs142 crore) for the construction of the new hospital that will be operated by a prominent Indian hospital chain. The money earned from the secular hospital, which as the name suggests, will be open to all communities, will finance the old hospital which is exclusively for Parsis. As a clarification, the trust added that the land on which the new hospital is constructed will remain the property of the Parsi trust.

The explanation did nothing to pacify fears that the community was on the verge of losing another trust-held property to outsiders. The announcement has set off a furore among members of the worldwide Parsi diaspora. One person posted a comment on social media saying that the trusts were gifting away the property to a private company and wondered whether the donor was the broker who negotiated the deal. Another message on social media said that the community was kept in the dark about the transaction. To make things worse, in spite of three written requests, sent to the trustees of the Bombay Parsi Panchayet, they are refusing to make the agreement public another person wrote.

The hospital is located in Kemps Corner, one of the most expensive areas in south Mumbai, and the land, according to one estimate that is doing the rounds, is worth Rs2,000 crores. But the century-old hospital, set up to provide subsidised in some cases, free- medical treatment to Parsis, has been struggling to match its expenses to revenues and donations. Many community members are worried that the hospital will meet the same fate as the Parsi Lying-In Hospital, Fort, which has been closed for decades. The maternity hospital fell into disuse after the Parsi birth rate plummeted. The hospital was shut down and there is a proposal, similar to the one signed up for the Kemps Corner hospital, to allow a private agency to run it. At one time, there were announcements that the citys largest orthopaedic facility will come up in the premises.

At the B D Parsee General Hospital, the first plans for a secular wing was made around five years when a different set of trustees managed the BPP, but at that time the idea was to create a new trust to look after the section. The entry of a corporate hospital chain has set off suspicion that trust land belonging to the community has been signed off to a private company.

BPP trustees were not available for a comment. Former BPP chairman Dinshaw Mehta said that the deal was good. It is the need of the hour; we want to give Parsis the best medical facilities, said Mehta. But there has to be some transparency. They (trustees) can reveal just the highlights of the deal; otherwise the perception is that they are hiding things.

The deal is reportedly for 45 years. There is a confidentiality clause in the agreement, so the trustees have reasons for not making the deal public. There is no clarity on the terms and how Parsis are going to be affected, said Mehta. In the absence of information, all kinds of rumours unfortunately are floating around.The Shiv Sena on Monday continued its diatribe against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government over the law-and-order situation in Maharashtra following the Bhima Koregaon violence and the Kamala Mills compound fire.

An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana slammed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for saying the law-and-order in the state was fine when the government has so far failed to arrest the accused in the Bhima Koregaon and Kamala Mills fire incidents.

Fadnavis, while addressing a curtain-raiser for an upcoming investment summit in Mumbai on Saturday, had said: Even today, the law-and-order situation in Maharashtra is absolutely good, there is no problem with it. Several industrial hubs across the state had witnessed unrest during last weeks Dalit protests.

Even after the riots in Bhima Koregaon and the subsequent protests that went out of control, the chief minister is saying with confidence that law and order in the state is good, and theres nothing to worry. We are happy, but the accused in the Kamala Mills compound fire are still at large, and who is putting pressure on the municipal commissioner? The state government has to give a reply to the people, the editorial in the Marathi daily said.

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday had raised questions about the ability of the states police machinery to apprehend the accused. There is a need to check whether the government is under political pressure to not the arrest the accused, Thackeray said. This statement came after civic chief Ajoy Mehtas statement that he was under political pressure to not take action against restaurants violating fire safety norms.

The Sena also took on the state government for announcing rewards for the three accused in exchange for information on the three partner-owners of the pub 1Above in Kamala Mills. The owners of 1Above are absconding after such an incident, and the police and the government have announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh to mock the victims of the fire. It means that the government is putting the responsibility of catching the accused on the people, it said.For better protection of Maharashtras wetlands, the state government has begun the process to declare at least one wetland in each district along the Konkan coastline as eco-tourism destinations.

Konkan commissioner Jagdish Patil directed collectors from Mumbai Suburban Palghar, Thane and Raigad to survey and select one wetland site each earlier this month. The collectors need to submit the location during the next meeting of the wetland grievance redressal committee (constituted by the Bombay high court (HC) in August 2016) later this month. After preliminary discussions, proposals for each location will be submitted and identified as eco-tourism zones.

Natural wetlands comprise creeks, estuaries, marshes, riverbanks, seashores, backwaters, and coral reefs. Manmade lakes, saltpans, reservoirs, abandoned quarries and dams are also considered as wetlands. Wetland destruction was banned in the state by the HC in 2012.

Wherever tourists come in contact with eco-sensitive zones, they get educated about the importance of such sites. With the right infrastructure and support from our tourism ministry, once these zones become tourist hotspots, we will be able to preserve these wetlands much better, said Patil adding, A clear example of such a zone is Melghat in Amravati, where poaching was rampant a decade ago and still is in some areas. However, after the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve was developed, such problems ceased to exist.

He added that there were three conditions for the selection of these wetlands  the area should be at least 60 hectare in size, it should host migratory bird or resident wetland bird population, and should be home to peculiar floral and faunal species. Satellite maps and wetland atlases are available to the district collectors to prioritise and choose the sites by the next meeting. Once proposals are ready, the state tourism department or regional tourist organisations will be roped in for infrastructure establishment, said Patil.

Other officials from the wetland committee said employment opportunities for local residents was an added benefit. The locations need to be accessible to a large number of tourists, and the current population residing there can help protect the site, assist tourists and generate revenue, said JR Gowda, member secretary of the HC appointed committee.

Environmentalists welcomed the move. Albeit the decision to do this is a decade late, but this is a good move. The best means for conservation is to draw people closer to such areas, by making them attractive and accessible, said Stalin D, director, NGO Vanashakti and member of the committee.There are two objects of medical education; to heal the sick, and to advance the science

- Charles H Mayo (Founder of the Mayo Clinic)

The bill to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a National Medical Commission (NMC) has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health, for review within a month. Fierce debates on the intent and content of the bill continue to rage, as critics decry it as an assault on the medical profession, enthusiasts hail it as a long awaited redemption of medical education and supporters of reform seek revisions to remove infirmities in the bill.

As health systems world over move from physician-centric to patient-centric models of health care, medical education has to become responsive to the health needs of the people, while adopting innovations in pedagogy and practice and stimulating path breaking research. While the quality of medical education and research need improvement, the major failure in India has been in producing the medical graduates and specialists required to support the health system at all levels of care. While we also need to correct the shortages of nurses, allied health professionals and community health workers, the NMC provides an opportunity to commence reform of health education to provide health care with greater outreach, effectiveness, equity and empathy.

The Medical Council of India (MCI) was embroiled in controversy for several years before the Supreme Court intervened to dismantle an entrenched power structure. Attempts to recast medical education, by proposing a National Commission for Human Resources in Health (NCHRH) or amending the MCI Act, failed during the past decade. The NMC bill is a fresh attempt to remove the regulatory cobwebs that cling to medical education and repurpose it for strengthening the health system and stimulating productive research.

The bill envisages a 25-member commission, with mostly nominated members, operating through four subsidiary boards regulating undergraduate education, postgraduate education, medical assessment and rating, and ethics and medical registration. A Medical Advisory Council (MAC) guides the NMC and provides representation to states and union territories. The presence of all members of the NMC in the MAC, with a common chairman, endangers its independent advisory role.

A common National Entrance-cum-Eligibility Test (NEET) will determine entry to undergraduate courses, while a National Licentiate Examination (NLE) at exit will both provide the permit to practice and determine selection to post-graduate courses. While the NLE enables standardisation, NEET will face the challenge of providing a level playing field to students schooled in diverse languages and varied curricula across the country. The parallel track of post-graduate education, governed by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), has been preserved with autonomy and equivalence.

The largely nominated nature of NMC membership has drawn criticism from the IMA, which espouses the ideal of self-regulation by elected representatives of the profession. However, the harsh reality of skewed elections and tarnished governance in the MCI has exposed the frailty of self governance. In contrast, the nominated boards of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the NBE have performed well. However, the federal structure of India must be better reflected in NMC membership.

Most controversy around NAC concerns the proposal to provide cross learning pathways between Allopathy, Ayurveda and Homeopathy. While cross learning is useful to promote complementarity, the IMA denounces bridge courses that draw non-allopathic graduates to allopathic practice, without the requirement of the NLE. Instead of undermining traditional medicine and treating non-allopathic healers as easily available substitutes for absent allopathic doctors, they should be adequately supported to practice what they were trained for. What is missing in the NMC is an inter-professional education platform, which connects medical, nursing and allied health professionals education. Our health system needs nurse practitioners, nurse anaesthetists , physician assistants, community health assistants, dialysis technicians and the like. Primary health services in particular should become less doctor-dependent.

The NMC overreaches in some assigned functions. Medical research is to be regulated, ignoring the role of the department of health research, the Indian Council of Medical Research, other science agencies and institutes, and universities in basic, translational, public health and clinical research. Strangely, the NMC has been asked to prepare a roadmap for healthcare infrastructure in the country, usurping the role of state and central health ministries.

The IMAs concerns include procedural relaxations related to the opening of new medical colleges; the nature and periodicity of inspections; the number of seats; fee fixation for only 40% of private medical college seats and recognition of foreign medical graduates.

There is clear government intent to encourage private investment in new medical colleges and increase production of medical graduates and specialists. While the objective is laudable, it is doubtful if these incentives will encourage private investment in the states that have very few medical colleges. The government has to accept responsibility for investing in new medical colleges, linked to upgraded district hospitals in these states.

K. Srinath Reddy is president, Public Health Foundation of India

The views expressed are personalEven as the city registered 56 organ donations in 2017, the number of recipients in the waiting list continues to outnumber the number of organ donations in Pune.

According to the Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee (ZTCC), Pune branch, in 2017 there were 56 organ donations which saw 79 kidney donations, 53 liver donations, two donations of kidney and pancreas and nine heart donations. Yet the number of recipients in the waiting list continues to increase with doctors stressing on the need for more people to come forward and opt for organ donation.

As per statistics available with the ZTCC, presently, there are 780 people in the waiting list for kidney transplant, 280 for liver transplant, 13 for heart and 30 for kidney + pancreas. This highlights the deficiency in the number of organs donated and the ever-increasing waiting list.

In 2017, Pune was second in the state with 56 organ donations, while in 2016, the city was ranked number one in the state with 58 organ donations. The total number of organ donations in 2015 was as low as 16 in Pune which grew significantly to 58 in 2016.

Aarti Gokhale, central coordinator of Punes ZTCC, said that in the past two years, the body had worked extensively, both in public and private hospitals. Earlier, when we visited hospitals to sensitise people about organ donations, we found that most people did not have any clue about it. Many transplant coordinators said that they had trouble when they talked to relatives of brain dead patients about organ donation. They said most had trouble accepting the idea, she said.

Gokhale added, We started conducting regular medical education programmes for the hospital staff, especially the intensivists (a physician with advanced training and experience in treating critical illnesses). This may have resulted in the increased number of organ donations."

With a view to continue to creating awareness about organ donations, many hospitals have been conducting various programmes in the city emphasising on the importance of organ donation.

Recently, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital felicitated both living donors and deceased donor families, who saved lives of the needy with end stage kidney, liver and heart disease. The families of deceased donors were lauded for their selflessness in turning their moments of personal tragedy into an occasion for saving lives.

Lt Gen Dr Akhil Nagpal, chief of clinical services at Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital said, "There is still severe deficiency in the number of organs donated and the ever-expanding waiting list. The decision taken by people for donating their organs must be lauded and many more should join this social movement.

21-year-old brain dead patient saves three lives

A 21-year-old brain dead patient helped save the lives of at least three people by donating his organs. The patient on Saturday donated his two kidneys and one liver to save lives. The retrieval of the organs was done at Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) making it the first retrieval of the year for the government-run medical establishment.

According to information from the officials of Sassoon General Hospital, the 21-year-old donor died of brain damage after suffering from an electric shock. The boy was admitted at Sassoon General Hospital since January 3 and was declared brain dead on January 6. The medical staff and doctors at the hospital convinced his family to donate his vital organs to save three more lives, said a statement released by the hospital.

Ajay Chandanwale, dean of BJ Medical College said, In the past one and half years, Sassoon General Hospital witnessed six organ retrievals, among which three were women and three were men. The major operation of retrieval as well as donation happened for free at Sassoon General Hospital giving respite to economically-challenged families.

On Saturday, the retrieved kidney was donated to Sassoon General Hospital, while the other was given to Aditya Birla Hospital in Pune. The liver was taken to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune.

Doctors at Sassoon General Hospital said that the 40-year-old recipient at Sassoon General Hospital who received the kidney was in a critical stage as both his kidneys were not functional anymore.Eight years ago, Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) had acquired 15-acre land of Gurmeet Singh and other members of his family in Bakarpur village on the Aerocity Road under the land pooling scheme to build IT City adjacent to Aerocity. Under the scheme, against each acre of his acquired land GMADA was to give him 1,100 yards of land in the developed area of IT City or Aerocity.

As the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) is preparing to acquire 4,500 acres in the periphery of the Chandigarh International Airport, the lines of worry have started deepening on the face of Bakarpur villages Gurmeet Singh and other residents here.

In the package of 1,100 yards, Singh was to be given plots measuring 500 yards, 300 yards , 200 yards, besides a showroom measuring 100 yards. But till date I dont have any idea which plots have been allotted to me and where is the location of my showroom, said Gurmeet Singh.

GMADA officials had to beat a hasty retreat at several places where villagers asked them about the promised plots in lieu of land.

Like me many others  Amarjeet Singh, Sohan Singh , Balihaar Singh, to name a few  are also suffering the same fate. A strong wave of resentment is building up in the villages on the periphery of Aerocity and Chandigarh international airport against the decision of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to acquire their land under the land pooling system.

GMADA has already announced its decision to acquire 4500 acres of land around the international airport. It is also conducting a social impact assessment of this initiative.

For the last several days, GMADA officials are trying to convince villagers to give their land to the authority. The 15 villages from which land will be acquired include Manoli, Chhatt, Badi, Sau, Kurdi, Kishanpur, Paton, Chau Majra, Matran, Bakarpur, Rurka, Safipur, Sainimajra (Premgarh), Naraingarh, and Kishanpura.

The GMADA chief administrator, Ravi Bhagat, said, This land is being acquired to develop the area as a commercial, residential and Institutional hub. Since the international airport is located nearby, there will be a lot of demand for commercial activity and big institutions in the area.

Those who opted for cash got it

Gurbachan Singh, former sarpanch of Sainimajra village said,  The land of many farmers of my village was also acquired and some of them had opted for land pooling system under which they were to be given plots in the developed area. Till now, they have not got the plots and have been visited GMADA office many times . 

He further said the ones that opted for the money have already got cash and purchased land elsewhere. GMADA officials now are embarrassed when people ask to first tell them about their previous plots, said Gurbachan. Besides, the land was acquired by several colonisers with the active collaboration of Punjab government for expansion of Mohali, from Sectors 80 to 115. Land of several villages was acquired for this purpose.

GMADA officials had to beat a hasty retreat at several places where villagers asked them about the promised plots in lieu of land.

Bitter experience

Amrik Singh, sarpanch of Paton village, fumed, Most of the small farmers are illiterate and want compensation in cash, which the authorities are not willing to provide. GMADA has no cash, it wants to do business without spending a paisa on the acquisition of land through the land pooling system.

Calling land pooling financially unviable for small farmers, he said it will take several years before the area gets fully developed and the real estate starts commanding a profitable price. The farmers will have to wait for many years to sell their land. What will small farmers who have barely two to three acres of land do to survive in the interregnum? Also, the government might take several years to allot the plots to them, he said.

Sources in GMADA said this opposition to land pooling is prompting the authorities to introduce a component of cash compensation of up to 15% for farmers. The proposal will be sent to the cabinet for approval in the coming months. Villagers said the Aerocity may take many years to develop. It takes a minimum of five years to develop a city, a farmer cant wait that long, said Satinder Singh of Manoli village.

Only property dealers support the land pooling system, the farmers are against it, he alleged.

We are clearing backlog

We have cleared a large backlog of cases in which farmers didnt get residential plots in the land pooling scheme and the process is still on. Its because of this that all the draw of lots that we have conducted recently have been done for farmers who opted for the land pooling scheme, said Ravi Bhagat. He added, We will make sure we dont repeat the mistakes that were made in the past.After a rap from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) high command and apology from its official candidate Davesh Moudgil, outgoing mayor Asha Kumari Jaswal on Sunday backed out from the mayoral elections.

Even Ravi Kant Sharma, who filed his nomination for the post of senior deputy mayor as an Independent, has pulled out, bringing the five-day-long drama to an end. Both will withdraw their candidature before voting on Tuesday.

Speaking to HT, Jaswal said, Davesh is like my son and had deviated from the path. Now that he has apologised in written, I feel like a lucky mother who was able to put her son on the right path.

Cross-voting still a concern Even as Jaswal decided to withdraw her candidature, fears of cross-voting still remain. The BJP has 20 elected councillors in the 36-member House. While the nine nominated councillors wont be voting, MP Kirron Kher, who is the ex officio member, the Akali councillor and Independent councillor are in Moudgils favour. If the rebel BJP councillors indulge in cross-voting, Congress candidate Devinder Singh Babla  who has just his own and three other party councillors votes  might get catapulted to the post of mayor.

While claiming that she and other rebel councillors will vote in Moudgils favour, Jaswal said she will keep an eye on him so that he doesnt go on the wrong path.

Expressing his happiness, Moudgil said: From day one, I have been saying that she (Jaswal) is a motherly figure to me. Now, all BJP councillors will work towards winning all three seats.

Supported by at least 10 BJP councillors, Jaswal had filed her nomination for the post of mayor, soon after the party finalised Moudgils name on Wednesday. Even the partys official candidate for the post of deputy mayor, Vinod Aggarwal, had staged a coup and said he had filed his papers on behalf of the rebel group.

All these councillors belong to the camp of Chandigarh BJP chief Sanjay Tandon, who wanted to field former mayor Arun Sood.

Attacks Kirron, Jain

Earlier in the day, Asha held a meeting with 11 rebel councillors at her house in Sector 21.

During the meeting, which went on for nearly six hours, she is learnt to have accused Davesh of being corrupt and even called MP Kirron Kher and former MP Satya Pal Jain liars for misleading the party high command.

Later in the evening, Moudgil and Tandon also reached her house. Moudgil handed over a letter to her, in which he mentioned that he apologises for his mistakes and will not repeat them in future.

In fact, some councillors from Tandon camp had earlier lodged a complaint against Moudgil, accusing him of being involved in anti-party activities. This happened after Moudgil did not invite mayor Jaswal for inauguration of a sehaj safai kendra in Sector 47 in October last year and got it inaugurated by the municipal commissioner.

Tandon had also accompanied Jaswal to Delhi on Saturday to apprise the party high command of the situation, but it is learnt that senior BJP leaders told Jaswal to withdraw her nomination or face expulsion.

A senior party leader, not wishing to be named, said Tandon camp was just using pressure tactics as they want the next city BJP president to be from among them.

Both Tandon and Kher want a councillor owing allegiance to them to become the mayor as it will help them in getting the Lok Sabha ticket from Chandigarh for the 2019 elections. In 2014, Tandon was a strong contender but due to infighting in the party, Kher got the ticket.APALA MANDAL

Born: September 22, 2000

Badge of honour: Head girl, Delhi Public School, Chandigarh

Taking the initiative: She believes her generation is intelligent but stifled by injustice, corruption and cut-throat competition in society; she hopes youngsters will overcome these challenges to steer India ahead for we are capable of achieving far more with far less

What turning 18 means to me

Eighteen is just another number for me. Its a number that legally and socially confirms what our parents and teachers have been trying to instill in us: That our thoughts, ideas, actions and behaviour have repercussions and consequences. We have to be responsible for them.

What I want to be and why

I want to be a diplomat. I could be an Indian Foreign Service officer or Indias representative at the United Nations. I have a knack for resolving and preventing conflicts. Friends count on me as Im good at peacemaking so why not play that role at the highest level where it matters the most?

My idea of India

The youth of India have brilliant, amazing minds but they are stifled by the injustice, corruption and cut-throat competition in our society. They are frontrunners when it comes to demanding change but when asked to be the agents of that change, Indias youth takes a collective step backward. That fear, that apathy, that lethargy, scares me.

What makes me happy

My family is super supportive. Conversations with my mother, who is a scientist, sharing stories with my dad, who is also a biologist, and cracking jokes with my 13-year-old sister make me happy. Music makes me happy and Im fond of South Korean boy band BTS (the Bangtan Boys). Im learning Korean through online apps to appreciate the lyrics better. Im a humanities student and am fond of history and languages. I like reading historical fiction and The Last Mughal by William Dalrymple is a favourite.

What makes me angry

Im level-headed and dont lose my cool easily but if you insist Id say when people fail to keep their promise, it is upsetting. I give my word with a lot of gravity and I expect others to do so too.

Fear and fantasy

I fear that I wont be able to live up to the expectations of people and sometimes even myself.

Its my fantasy that one day I will return to Delhi Public School, Chandigarh, as a chief guest. I also want to travel the world and see the places Ive read so much about and already fallen in love with such as London, Athens, Seoul and Melbourne. Most people tend to skip Africa but I want to go there and discover Ghana.

Am I happy where I am?

Im happy now with my family but I know that following my dreams will take me to someplace happier. Im looking to take up a course in political science and international relations in Singapore. Ill return to India for sure because I want to take the civil services and opt for the Indian Foreign Service. To me, happiness is not something you have to achieve. You can feel happy during the process of achieving something.

What money means to me

Anyone who says that money is not important is living in denial. Money helps in fulfilling dreams and also filling the stomach. But there are some things more important than money. When it comes to choosing a job, Id rank satisfaction and security over the package Im offered.

What makes me proud of India

Im proud of how innovative, intelligent and resourceful Indians are. Once the Mars Orbiter Mission succeeded, we proved to the world that in science, like in every other field, Indians are capable of achieving far more with far less.

What I cant live without

I cant do without my friends and family. In this crazy, confused and occasionally terrifying world, they provide me confidence, clarity and support.

What social media means to me

Social media is a tool that can be used to achieve miracles. Crowdfunding is an example. Social media was created to facilitate human conversation not replace it. If used judiciously, it is a vital link.

The change youd like to see in your city

Chandigarh SSP (Traffic) Shashank Anand was at my school recently as a chief guest. I would urge our representatives in positions of power to be more open to meeting and interacting with the aam aadmi. It gives us the feeling that they are there for us and willing to help. I would also want Korean language lessons to be taught in Chandigarh and a restaurant that serves Korean cuisine.

What religion means to me

Religion is the path one chooses to be closer to ones God. Its a personal choice and should be respected as such. Different religions are like different paths to the same goal, that of inner peace. Religious chauvinism makes no sense. The idea that one path is better than the other is baseless. Even not having faith in any religion is a choice.

My role model and why

My mom Lolitika Mandal, an associate professor of biology at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Mohali, is my role model. As a scientist, she has one of the toughest and most demanding jobs but she never fails to balance home and work. She is always in the mood for a quick smile or a silly joke. I value what she once told me: If you want to get something done, youll find a way. But if you dont want to do something, youll find an excuse.

Change I want to see in India

I want the youth of India to shake off the lethargy and fatalistic approach towards changing the system. I want us to become the change we demand so vigorously. Theres a dearth of effective young leaders. Today, the leaders focus on economic minorities, caste, religion rather than the demands of the youth.Over the last four-five years, Rana Daggubati has been gaining and losing weight like its no big deal. After beefing for the Baahubali franchise, he lost muscle to play a navy officer in Ghazi. He lost some more weight to look leaner to play a money lender in Nene Raju Nene Mantri. Soon after the films release, he got back into fitness to complete some leftover portion of his upcoming period film 1945. For his upcoming trilingual film Haathi Mere Saathi, Rana has shed around 15 kg to play a mahout. He plays a character called Bandev and the films first look was unveiled on January 1, 2018.

After finishing Baahubali, I was aware that Id have to lose weight to play any character. So, I started the process slowly. To get in shape for Haathi Mere Saathi, I didnt eat non-veg for almost six weeks. I stopped weight training and did simple cardio exercises to shed the muscle. I lost almost 15 kg, Rana told Mid-Day. To be directed by Prabhu Solomon, the film is said to be a modern-day adaptation of Haathi Mere Saathi and itll be shot in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Rana has an interesting line up of projects. He recently announced that hell play Travancore king Marthanda Varma. To be directed by K Madhu, the pre-production work on the project is already underway. In his other period film 1945, he plays a soldier in Netaji Subhash Chandra Boses Indian National Army.

Entering the new year with a great new story to tell. Introducing #Bandev from #HaathiMereSaathi #HaathiMereSaathiFL pic.twitter.com/7jITiEc82K  Rana Daggubati (@RanaDaggubati) December 31, 2017

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktopAfter vacationing with his wife Namrata Shirodkar and kids in Oman, superstar Mahesh Babu is back home and is ready to rejoin the sets of Bharath Ane Nenu, his next outing with director Koratala Siva. In the film, Mahesh plays a chief minister and hes paired with Kiara Advani, who makes her Telugu debut. Mahesh, whose last four out of five films bombed at the box-office, has bet big on the project and hes confident of striking gold at the box-office.

A fresh schedule starts from later this week in Hyderabad. A few scenes and a couple of songs will be shot in this schedule, a source told Hindustan Times. The entire shoot will be wrapped up by this month-end or by early February. Slated to hit the screens on April 27, the film will take Allu Arjuns Naa Peru Surya head on at the box-office. From March, Mahesh will commence work on his 25th film with Vamshi Paidipally, whose last outing was the heartwarming Oopiri. Mahesh also has a project with Trivikram Srinivas in his kitty. However, this project will only materialize towards the end of this year or early next year.

Mahesh had a ball of a time on his vacation. The pictures from the vacation are proof to the quality time he spent with his kids. Namrata took to her Instagram account to share the pictures. He paraglided with his son, and being the entertainer that he is, he also struck some goofy poses for the camera.

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ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktopDeep divisions have emerged within gurdwara managements in the Canadian province of Ontario over a decision by the Ontario Gurdwara Committee (OGC) to bar Indian officials from the places of worship, with several groups saying they will not back the move and calling for more consultations.

The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council (OSGC) held a meeting on Saturday at the Gursikh Sabha gurdwara in Scarborough, a suburb of Toronto, during which the ban on Indian officials figured in the discussions.

Former OSGC president and council member Harbans Singh Jandali, who was at the meeting, told the Hindustan Times, We have not imposed any ban because this isnt issue for us.

Asked about the OGCs decision, he said, That is their opinion, it is up to them. We have never seen this interference.

He was referring to the OGCs claim that Indian officials were interfering in the affairs of gurdwaras and the Sikh community and making it one of the reasons for the ban.

The OGC, meanwhile, has doubled down on the ban. In a statement, it said that due to increased interference from Indian consular and government officials, it was felt that this notice be put in writing so gurdwaras can place this in plain view.

There also appears to be differences within the community on this matter.

Yudhvir Singh Jaswal, group editor of Y Media Group and host of popular talk shows, said audience members who called in had a mixed response to the OGCs decision. Its safe to say that opinion is divided, he said.

He said certain people are welcoming (the decision), some opposing. He added, They want more consultation on the issue. People are fearing more visa issues and they wonder whether this will further affect relations between India and Canada.

The OGC statement, though, underscored one reality of the decision: That representatives of India were not welcome at many gurdwaras for years and the announcement on December 30 was to formalise a long-standing policy. As far as Indias engagement with many hardline gurdwara managements goes, the situation on the ground is unlikely to alter.

The OGC move may set off a chain reaction within Canada and beyond its borders. Other than gurdwaras in Ontario, a statement issued by the OGC also stated that three gurdwaras in Quebec province are part of the coordinated effort to boycott Indian officials. OGC office-bearers believe similar measures could be undertaken by gurdwara associations in provinces such as British Columbia and Alberta.

Meanwhile, the hardline group Sikhs for Justice has claimed that 96 managements of gurdwaras across the US have passed a resolution banning the entry of Indian diplomats and individuals representing Indian interests in the gurdwaras.

A statement said the Sikhs in America, the Sikh Coordination Committee of East Coast (SCCEC) and American Gurdwara Prabhandik Committee (AGPC) spearheaded the resolution.Swedish clothing giant Hennes and Mauritz on Monday apologised and removed an advertisement of a black child after the company was accused of being racist on social media.

A photo on the companys online website of a black boy wearing a green hoodie with the inscription coolest monkey in the jungle triggered outrage among observers.

Whose idea was it at @hm to have this little sweet black boy wear a jumper that says coolest monkey in the jungle? style blogger Stephanie Yeboah tweeted on Sunday.

You do know that monkey is a known racial slur to black people right? she added.

The image has now been removed from all H&M channels and we apologise to anyone this may have offended, the company told AFP.

A generic photo of the hooded sweatshirt without the modelling child is still available online.

H&M is not the only major company to be hit by an advertisement scandal in recent years.

Spanish clothing brand Zara in 2014 removed a striped pyjamas with a yellow star after facing outrage over its resemblance to clothes worn by Jewish prisoners in concentration camps.

And in October last year, personal care brand Dove apologised after it was accused of racism for airing a commercial showing a black woman turning into a white woman after removing her top.There were no major surprises as Prime Minister Theresa May began the process of tweaking her cabinet on Monday at the start of a new year that will see defining talks in Brussels on the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.

May, who had a difficult 2017  described as annus horribilis  when she lost the Conservative partys majority in the general election and then lost as many as three cabinet ministers, among other setbacks, hopes to give a fresh look to her team.

Downing Street called it a refresh of her ministerial team, but key ministers responsible for Brexit talks  David Davis, Boris Johnson and Philip Hammond  remained unchanged in their posts. Home secretary Amber Rudd too remained in her position.

There was speculation that two Indian-origin Conservative MPs, Rishi Sunak and Suella Fernandes, would be inducted as junior ministers to give wider representation to ethnic minorities. Sunak and Fernandes were first elected in 2015 and re-elected in the 2017 polls.

MP Rehman Chisti, a former advisor to late Pakistan Peoples Party leader Benzair Bhutto, was named one of nine new vice-chairpersons of the ruling party. He shares the communities role with Helen Grant.

According to schedule, the UK is expected to leave the EU by March 29, 2019, which makes 2018 a crucial year to put in place several legislative and other measures, including norms for the post-Brexit stay of 3 million EU citizens here and about 1.5 million Britons in EU countries.

Justice secretary David Lidlington was made Cabinet Office minister, a post held until recently by Mays confidante Damian Green, who was sacked following a row over his accessing porn on office computers and his related statements.

Communities secretary Sajid Javed was retained in the post but housing was added to his portfolio, reflecting Mays intention to focus more on the sector in view of a growing crisis of social housing.

Brandon Lewis, who was immigration minister, was moved as chairman of the Conservative Party.

The reshuffle was continuing on Monday evening and appointments at the junior ministerial level were expected to be made on Tuesday.Iran on Sunday urged Muslim nations to forge closer cooperation to counter the US policy of seeking to create division among them.

The US dishonest, duplicitous and divisive policy towards Muslim countries, including Iran and Pakistan, requires that they bolster cooperation against the US in addition to maintaining vigilance and taking preventive measures, Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, was quoted by the Press TV as saying.

Shamkhani made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistans National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua, whose country has recently come under criticism by US President Donald Trump.

We will not allow some countries to affect relations between the two countries through sending weapons and hiring terrorists to create insecurity on their borders, Shamkhani said.

He also highlighted the need of lifting the Saudi Arabia blockade on Yemen, saying Muslim countries and the international community support political talks among Yemeni groups as a way to end the bombardment and siege of the country by the Saudi-led military coalition.

For his part, Janjua urged Muslim countries to exercise vigilance against foreign conspiracies hatched to increase the rift among them.

He emphasized that Islamabad would seek to develop its security and economic cooperation with Tehran.The activities of the Islamic State are on the rise in Sindh and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan but most of the terror attacks in the country in 2017 were carried out by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), according to a new report from a think tank.

The Pakistan Security Report 2017, released by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) on Sunday, said the IS claimed responsibility for six of the deadliest attacks that killed 153 people.

The IS has claimed responsibility for just six terrorist attacks in the country, but they were the most deadliest ones, such as attacks on the convoy of Senate deputy chairman Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Sehwan shrine, Shah Noorani shrine in Lasbela, Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta and Dargah Pir Rakhyal Shah in Fatehpur area of Jhal Magsi district and the abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals, PIPS official Muhammad Ismail Khan told the Dawn newspaper.

There is a need to take the matter more seriously because there is a possibility that foreign fighters would come to Pakistan in near future as things are continuously changing in the Middle East, he added.

The report further said that despite a 16% decline in terror attacks in 2017 as compared to the previous year, the TTP and its affiliates posed the strongest threat, followed by separatist groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front.

The report said such realities require concerted efforts and a revision of the controversial National Action Plan, which was framed by the government to fight terror after Taliban fighters stormed an army-run school in Peshawar in December 2014 and killed nearly 150 people, most of them children.

According to the report, militant, nationalist or insurgent and violent sectarian groups carried out 370 terror attacks in 64 districts of Pakistan last year. A total of 815 people were killed and 1,736 were injured by these attacks.

There was, however, a decrease of 16% in the number of attacks over the previous year while the number of people killed decreased by 10%.

As many as 213, or 58%, of these attacks were carried out by the TTP, its affiliates such as Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and other religious militant groups. A total of 186 people were killed in these attacks.

Separatist groups, mostly in Balochistan, were responsible for 138 attacks, or 37% of the total, killing 140 people. As many as 19 terror attacks were sectarian-related, in which 71 people were killed and 97 injured.

Compared to the figures for 2016, cross-border attacks in the country increased by a daunting 131%, according to the report. A total of 188 lives were lost and around 348 people were injured in these attacks.

Security forces and law enforcement agencies killed a total of 524 militants in 2017, compared to 809 in 2016.

National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua, in an interview in the report, revealed that a national security policy has been documented and circulated internally in the government. Another interview with the national coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Ihsan Ghani, revealed that a new counter-extremism policy will be announced this year.An Italian appeals court on Monday acquitted Giuseppe Orsi, the former president of defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica, over charges of alleged bribes paid in exchange for a Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal to sell 12 AgustaWestland helicopters to the Indian government.

Milans third court of appeal also acquitted Bruno Spagnolini, former CEO of the companys helicopters subsidiary AgustaWestland, who had also been handed a four-year jail term on the same charges, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Orsi was arrested in 2014 and resigned as chief executive of Finmeccanica which was later renamed as Leonardo.

He was at the helm of AgustaWestland when the deal was struck and was suspected of involvement in the payment of bribes.

Orsi had been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail for false accounting and corruption.

The case against Orsi and Spagnolini resulted from an investigation launched in 2012 into the sale of 12 luxury helicopters to India.

The two were accused of international corruption and false invoicing in relation to bribes exchanged for the contract with India.

Both were cleared on charges of committing international corruption at the first-instance trial in 2014 but convicted of false invoicing and sentenced to two years in prison.

In Italy, criminal sentences are not usually considered definitive until the appeals process has been exhausted.

Both appealed against the conviction, while the prosecution appealed against the acquittal on the corruption charge.

In December 2016, the supreme court of cassation ordered a repeat of the appeals trial.

India had scrapped the contract with Finmeccanicas British subsidiary AgustaWestland in January, 2014 for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks paid by the firm for securing the deal.

Indias defence ministry had ordered a CBI probe into allegations of kickbacks to the tune of Rs 362 crore after the arrest of Orsi and Spagnolini by Italian investigators in connection with the case.

In 2010, India had inked the deal to acquire 12 three- engine AW-101 helicopters from AgustaWestland for VVIP use.

In view of the corruption charges, India also barred Finmeccanica and its group companies from participating in any new programme of the defence ministry.

The CBI in September last year charge sheeted former IAF Chief S P Tyagi in a Delhi court along with nine others for bribery in the case.

They were charge sheeted for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the IPC in the case relating to alleged bribery of Rs 450 crore.

The CBI alleged there was an estimated loss of Euros 398.21 million (approximately Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euros 556.262 million.The deep foundation testing for Dubai Creek Tower, which is set to eclipse the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest structure, was successfully completed last month as experts cleared the skyscrapers complex design.

Fugro, a Dutch multinational company that provides geo-technical and survey services, completed the testing for the 928-metre (3,045-foot) structure being built by Emaar Properties in the Dubai Creek Harbour complex.

It is designed to be almost 100 metres (322 feet) taller than the 828-metre (2,717-foot) Burj Khalifa, which has been the worlds tallest building since it was completed in 2010.

Emaar Properties released photos last year showing parts of the new towers 236-foot-deep foundation that will be topped with 1.59 million cubic feet of concrete. Reports have suggested that the structure will be completed in time for the Dubai Expo 2020.

The testing and monitoring for the foundation of the Dubai Creek Tower, which will have a central concrete column supported by a network of steel cable stays, was done between June 2016 and August 2017 by Fugro.

Fugro carried out one of the most comprehensive geotechnical investigations in the region. We then tested the in-situ performance of the proposed foundations in order to optimise the final design of the core and the cable anchorage foundation design, said Joyshwin Sumputh, the service line manager for Fugro.

Emaar awarded the contract for the Dubai Creek Tower to France-based Soletanche Bachy in June 2016.

This is probably one of the most challenging and demanding buildings under construction in the world, said Vincent Leblois, the project manager for Soletanche Bachy.

Emaar Properties have described the Dubai Creek Tower as a monument to the world whose design was inspired by the lily flower and traditional minarets. The tower was designed by neo-futuristic Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava. Every day following sunset, the tower will emit a beacon of light from its peak.

The pile foundations for the gravity-defying structure, a joint venture of Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, have been completed and the developers say the tower will elevate the citys position as a world-leading metropolis of the future.

Located minutes away from Dubai international airport, the Tower will have several observation decks with 360-degree views of Dubai Creek Harbour and the city. The tower also overlooks the Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary and will be close to the worlds largest shopping mall, which too will be built by Emaar Properties.

The total built-up area of the mall is expected to be 3 million square metres, including 1.7 million square metres of retail area. By comparison, the worlds current largest mall  Emaars Dubai Mall  has a total area of 1.12 million square metres.No one in the White House questions the mental stability of Donald Trump, US top envoy to the UN Nikki Haley has said in response to an allegation against the American President in a controversial book.

Indian-American Haley, the first-ever Cabinet-ranking official in any presidential administration, defended staffers in the Trump administration as loyal and respecting.

Haleys defence of Trump comes after the publication of the book titled Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by journalist Michael Wolff, in which he claims to have interviewed more than 200 people familiar with the purported chaos inside the Oval Office.

In the book, Wolff writes that people around Trump regularly question his intelligence and fitness for office.

I know those people in the White House. These people love their country and respect our president... No one questions the (mental) stability of the president, Haley said Sunday.

I cant vouch for anything like that. I dont know if it was 200 interviews with Steve Bannon, or if it was 200 interviews with himself, but I can tell you, I know these people. I work with these people, she said.

Trump, 71, has repeatedly slammed the book as fake, describing it as full of lies.

Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! Trump said in a tweet.

The Trump administration has been dealing with the fallout of the book since it hit the stores on Friday.

I work with the president and speak with him multiple times a week, this is a man, he didnt become the president by accident, Haley said.

We need to be realistic at the fact that every person, regardless of race, religion, or party, who loves the country, should support this president. Its that important, she said.

Haley said she was in constant communication with not only with the president but also with people around him.

Im around them all the time. I see these people put everything they have got into their jobs and into respecting and trusting the president. If they didnt, they wouldnt be there, she said.

Throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart, Trump tweeted on Saturday.

Earlier, White House aide Stephen Miller described the book a grotesque work of fiction.A suspected militant on Monday divulged that there was a plan to storm the Akshardham Temple and disrupt the Republic Day parade on January 26 in the national capital.

During his hours long interrogation by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Bilal Ahmad Wani revealed about the terror-attack plan.

The ATS said, Wani disclosed that he along with two of his companions were planning to attack Akshardham temple and disrupt the January 26 parade.

The trio lodged into the Al Rashid Guest House on January 2 near Jama Masjid.

The Uttar Pradesh ATS and Delhi Police reached the hotel and found that Wanis friends, identified as Mudsir Ahmed Wah and Mohammad Ashraf, vacated the room on January 6 night.

A high alert has been sent in search of the alleged absconding terrorists.

Security has also been beefed up in Delhi-NCR, ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.

Wani, 32, a resident of Dialgam, Anantnag tehsil of South Kashmir, was detained by the Government Railway Police (GRP) for travelling without a ticket in Shatabdi Express.

He was handed over to the ATS on Sunday.

Police have recovered Aadhaar cards and several documents from his possession.US President Donald Trump postponed Monday his much-talked about Fake News Awards to the mainstream media for dishonesty and bad reporting to January 17.

The awards ceremony was supposed to be held Monday.

Trump upon his return from the presidential retreat of Camp David Sunday tweeted about the new date of the one- of-its-kind awards to various media houses.

The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday, he tweeted.

The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated! he said.

Trump had, on January 2, announced that he would give away awards to media houses for dishonesty and bad reporting.

I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. This would be one of its kind media award by the US president. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned! he had tweeted.

Trump had coined the term Fake News during his presidential campaign, targeting media houses for biased news.

He very often identifies CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post as fake media.

In November, he tweeted about a competition among news networks for the Fake News Trophy, excluding the Fox News.

We should have a contest as to which of the Networks, plus CNN and not including Fox, is the most dishonest, corrupt and/or distorted in its political coverage of your favorite President (me). They are all bad. Winner to receive the FAKE NEWS TROPHY!, he wrote on the micro-blogging site on November 27.

In an email to supporters of the president on December 28, the Trump campaign had sought nomination for the King of Fake News trophy.

At President Trumps request, we are holding a contest to name the 2017 KING of Fake News. And we want to hear from you, it said.

The FAKE NEWS has utterly abandoned their duty to fairly report the news to the American people. Some journalists and liberal pundits think that Americans are too stupid to see through their amateur efforts to manipulate public opinion, but THEYRE WRONG, it wrote the supporters.

Noting that Americans were sick and tired of being lied to, insulted, and treated with outright condescension, the Trump Campaign said, Thats why President Trump is crowning the 2017 KING OF FAKE NEWS before the end of the year. Theres no point in pretending that some journalists are anything more than peddlers of falsehoods and liberal propaganda.

As per the Trump Campaign list, the competition for King of Fame news is between three news organisations.

ABC News MISTAKENLY reported that candidate Trump directed Michael Flynn to make contact with Russian officials before the election, it said.

CNN MISTAKENLY reported that candidate Donald Trump and his son Donald J. Trump, Jr. had access to hacked documents from WikiLeaks, it wrote.

TIME MISTAKENLY reported that President Trump removed a bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. from the Oval Office, the Trump Campaign said, asking the participants to let the President know if there is another story you think should be crowned as the 2017 KING of Fake News.President Donald Trumps former strategist Steve Bannon on Sunday sought to back away from derogatory comments ascribed to him about Trumps son in a controversial book that sparked White House outrage and could threaten his job.

Bannon, who was ousted from the White House in August, was quoted in Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, by journalist Michael Wolff, as saying a June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians attended by Donald Trump Jr. and his fathers top campaign officials was treasonous and unpatriotic.

The president said Bannon had lost his mind, and the White House suggested the hard-right news site Breitbart News should part ways with him as its executive chairman.

Donald Trump, Jr. is both a patriot and a good man. He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around, Bannon said in a statement released on Sunday, adding that his comments were directed at Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign manager, and not aimed at the presidents son.

I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr. has diverted attention from the presidents historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency, Bannon said.The US government announced Monday the end of protected status for about 200,000 Salvadorans in the country since before 2001, a move that threatens tens of thousands of well-established families with children born in the United States.

Homeland Security Department secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced the end of the 17-year-old temporary protected status (TPS) for the Salvadorans, which had shielded them from deportation ever since two major earthquakes rocked El Salvador in early 2001.

They were given 18 months to leave or be deported, enough time that a legislative solution could be crafted by Congress to allow them to stay.

Only Congress can legislate a permanent solution addressing the lack of an enduring lawful immigration status of those currently protected by TPS who have lived and worked in the United States for many years, said the DHS.

The move came in the wake of the termination of similar TPS protections for 59,000 longtime resident Haitians and 5,300 Nicaraguans late last year, after having been allowed to set deep roots inside the United States for decades.Labour Youth is calling on the Minister for the Environment to reconsider his reappointment of Conor Skehan as Chair of the Housing Agency.

Labour Youth Chairperson, Chloe Manahan has expressed "extreme concern over the appointment of anyone who considers the current housing and homelessness crisis as normal and accuses families of 'gaming' the system".

Commenting on the reappointment of Conor Skehan as Chair of the Housing Agency, Chloe Manahan said: To see Mr. Skehans reappointment for another year is frankly frightening.

"Normalising homelessness and victim blaming those who live on the streets and in hotels are not the types of behaviour the Irish people expect to see from a person whose role was created to resolve the housing crisis in Ireland.

"Following a year where the government underdelivered on promises of building new homes and housing people living in hotels and family hubs, this move has confirmed our fears that a blase policy on housing is set to continue in 2018.

The comments made by Conor Skehan over the last weeks and months were both incorrect and deeply offensive. In reappointing him, Minister Eoghan Murphy and an Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have tacitly endorsed those totally unacceptable remarks.

Mr Skehan has not effected adequate progress in his role and has continuously offended victims of homelessness, those working to alleviate the crisis as well as wider Irish society. We strongly encourage Minister Murphy to reconsider his reappointment."The former attorney general and businessman, who passed away last night, has been described as having been "one of the most outstanding personalities in modern Irish life".

The 71-year-old Dubliner was a member of the Fine Gael party and at one time back in the early 1970s ran for the party but failed to win seat.

He was a qualified barrister and was the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for International Migration until last year.

Sutherland, who once scooped the European Person of the Year Award, was founding Director-General of The World Trade Organisation and was also a former Chairman of Goldman Sachs International (19952015).

Irish President Michael D. Higgins leads the tributes this morning, describing Peter Sutherland as a great advocacy on behalf of migrants.

Labour Leader Brendan Howlin said: "Peter was an Irish giant on the international stage but a man who never forgot where he came from.

"While we may have had political differences his commitment to internationalism and multilateralism through his career was consistent and deeply felt.

"At this difficult moment I and the Labour Party send our condolences to his family, his friends and his political family."



Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin all paid tribute, saying: I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Sutherland this morning. Peter made an outstanding and distinguished contribution to public life in his capacity as an Attorney General, European Commissioner and first Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

"In more recent times as the UN Special Representative for International Migration he was uncompromising in highlighting the rights of migrants and refugees.

He was a champion of free trade and fair competition. He had a keen intellect and understood the changing nature of global trade and economy.

Peters dedication to public service was not only confined to his work here in Ireland. In his capacity as European Commissioner for Competition he revolutionised competition and trade laws.

"For example, the liberalization of the EU aviation sector owes much to his work as EU Commissioner."

He adds: Personally, in my capacity as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Minister for Foreign Affairs I had the opportunity to meet with Peter on many occasions. His commitment to Ireland was always constant.

"He advised successive Governments on global trends and always looked out for opportunities for Ireland.

"When I established the Global Irish Economic Forum he was an early and committed participant.

"He was a true patriot who had a great love for his country irrespective of his success on the world stage."

Here's a video clip of Peter being interviewed by Gay Byrne:

It was both an emotive and triumphant night at the Golden Globes, as the awards show was dominated by the Time's Up campaign against sexual harassment, abuse and gender discrimination. Women at the awards show wore black to show their support for the #MeToo campaign, and many of the speeches referenced the recent revelations that have racked Hollywood, starting with Seth Meyers opening speech, where the late night host declared Its 2018, marijuana is finally allowed and sexual harassment finally isnt. Its gonna be a good year!

Meyers continued, For the male nominees in the room tonight, this is the first time in three months it wont be terrifying to hear your name read out loud. Did you hear about Willem Dafoe? Oh, God, no! He was nominated. Dont do that! Dont do that.

Meyers poked fun at Donald Trump and Harvey Weinstein, and paid homage to some of the nominated films of the night, including Jordan Peele Daniel Kaluuya is nominated for best actor for his work in Get Out. Daniel plays a young man lured to an event full of aging white people desperate to reclaim their youth, and  The host paused, looked around the room and dramatically cried Oh, my God, Daniel, its a trap! Get out!

Oprah was receiving the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille award last night, and in the true spirit of Oprah, Meyers decided to put some good intentions and aspirations out into the universe, saying, in 2011 I told some jokes about our current president at the White House Correspondents Dinner  jokes about how he was unqualified to be president  and some have said that night convinced him to run. So if thats true, I just want to say: Oprah, you will never be president! You do not have what it takes! And Hanks! Where is Hanks? You will never be vice president! You are too mean and unrelatable. Now we just wait and see.

Oprah was the first Black woman to receive the Cecil B. DeMille award, and her speech was triumphant and empowering, paying homage to other women of colour who had fought to overcome oppression.

Her inspirational, uplifting speech discussed race and gender and the fight for equality, and began by remembering watching Sidney Poitier winning an Oscar, becoming the first Black man to do so. She continued, In 1982, Sidney received the Cecil B. DeMille award right here at the Golden Globes and it is not lost on me that at this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this same award.

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Oprah also told the story of Recy Taylor, a woman who fought for justice in the Jim Crow era after she was raped, and linked Taylors fight for justice with the #MeToo campaign, and women everywhere, in all industries, who had survived gender discrimination and sexual violence.

I want tonight to express gratitude to all the women who have endured years of abuse and assault because they, like my mother, had children to feed and bills to pay and dreams to pursue, Oprah said passionately. They're the women whose names we'll never know. They are domestic workers and farm workers. They are working in factories and they work in restaurants and they're in academia, engineering, medicine, and science. They're part of the world of tech and politics and business. They're our athletes in the Olympics and they're our soldiers in the military.

As she was cheered on by the audience, Oprah asserted that "I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say 'Me too' again."

As the awards were handed out, it turned into a triumphant night for the Irish, as Saoirse Ronan deservedly won Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her role as the ambitious, angsty and assertive teen in Greta Gerwigs Lady Bird, giving a shout-out to her mother who was Face Timing into the awards during her acceptance speech. I just want to say how inspirational it's been to be in this room tonight," said Ronan. She thanked "all of the women who I love so much in my own life who support me every single day".

Lady Bird also won Best Picture  Musical or Comedy at the awards show, and director Greta Gerwig thanked Ronan and co-star Laurie Metcalf, calling them both goddesses.

London-Irish director Martin McDonagh also had a fantastic night, as his film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri was nominated for six awards and was the biggest winner on the night, winning four awards, including Best Motion Picture - Drama.

McDonagh also won the Best Screenplay award for his searing study of a mother angrily grieving the rape and murder of her daughter, with actors Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell winning Best Actress - Drama and Best Supporting Actor respectively for their performances in his Oscar-tipped film.

When Frances McDormand accepted her award for Best Actress, she gave a fiery feminist speech, saying, As many of you know, I keep my politics private. But it was really great to be in this room and to be part of a tectonic [shift] in our industry power structure. Trust me, she continued, the women in this room tonight are not here for the food. Were here for the work.

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Gary Oldman won Best Actor - Drama for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in WWII biopic Darkest Hour, while Allison Janney won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of LaVona Golden, the mother of controversial ice skater Tonya Harding, in I, Tonya. Actor-director James Franco was the Best Actor - Musical or Comedy winner for his film The Disaster Artist.

And the main directing award of the night came with a nicely placed dig from Natalie Portman, who calmly said And here are all the male nominees, before introducing the five men up for the award.

Guillermo Del Toro took home the award for Shape of Water, beating out Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Christopher Nolan (Dunkirk), Ridley Scott (All the Money in the World), Steven Spielberg (The Post.)

Barbara Streisand also called out the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for their historical lack of recognition of women directors, coming onstage to present the final award of the night, Best Picture  Drama. Backstage I heard they said I was the only woma to get the best director award, mused Streisand, and you know, that was 1984: That was 34 years ago. Folks, times up! she said, invoking the movement of the same name. We need more women directors and more women to be nominated for best director. There are so many films out there that are so good directed by women.

Streisand did finish on an inspiring note, remarking Im very proud to stand in a room with people who speak out against gender inequality, sexual harassment, and the pettiness that has poisoned our politics, she said. Im proud that our industry, faced with uncomfortable truths, has vowed to change the way we do business.

See the full list of winners below:

Best Motion Picture  Drama

Call Me By Your Name

Dunkirk

The Post

The Shape of Water

WINNER: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Motion Picture  Musical or Comedy

The Disaster Artist

Get Out

The Greatest Showman

I, Tonya

WINNER: Lady Bird

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Best Motion Picture  Animated

The Boss Baby

The Breadwinner

WINNER: Coco

Ferdinand

Loving Vincent

Best Motion Picture  Foreign Language

A Fantastic Woman

First They Killed My Father

WINNER: In the Fade

Loveless

The Square

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture  Drama

Jessica Chastain, Mollys Game

Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water

WINNER: Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Meryl Streep, The Post

Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture  Drama

Timothee Chalamet, Call Me By Your Name

Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread

Tom Hanks, The Post

WINNER: Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture  Musical or Comedy

Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul

Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker

Margot Robbie, I, Tonya

WINNER: Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird

Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture  Musical or Comedy

Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes

Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver

WINNER: James Franco, The Disaster Artist

Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman

Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture

Mary J. Blige, Mudbound

Hong Chau, Downsizing

WINNER: Allison Janney, I, Tonya

Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird

Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

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Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture

Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project

Armie Hammer, Call Me By Your Name

Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water

Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World

WINNER: Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Director  Motion Picture

WINNER: Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water

Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk

Ridley Scott, All the Money in the World

Steven Spielberg, The Post

Best Screenplay  Motion Picture

Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, The Shape of Water

Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird

Liz Hannah and Josh Singer, The Post

WINNER: Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Aaron Sorkin, Mollys Game

Best Original Score  Motion Picture

Carter Burwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

WINNER: Alexandre Desplat, The Shape of Water

Jonny Greenwood, Phantom Thread

John Williams, The Post

Hans Zimmer, Dunkirk

Best Original Song  Motion Picture

Home, Ferdinand

Mighty River, Mudbound

Remember Me, Coco

The Star, The Star

WINNER: This Is Me, The Greatest Showman

Best Television Series  Drama

The Crown

Game of Thrones

WINNER: The Handmaids Tale

Stranger Things

This Is Us

Best Television Series  Musical or Comedy

Blackish

WINNER: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Master of None

SMILF

Will & Grace

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Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

WINNER: Big Little Lies

Fargo

Feud: Bette and Joan

The Sinner

Top of the Lake: China Girl

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Jessica Biel, The Sinner

WINNER: Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies

Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan

Susan Sarandon, Feud: Bette and Joan

Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies

Jude Law, The Young Pope

Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks

WINNER: Ewan McGregor, Fargo

Geoffrey Rush, Genius

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series  Drama

Caitriona Balfe, Outlander

Claire Foy, The Crown

Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Deuce

Katherine Langford, 13 Reasons Why

WINNER: Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaids Tale

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series  Drama

Jason Bateman, Ozark

WINNER: Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us

Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor

Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul

Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series  Musical or Comedy

Pamela Adlon, Better Things

Alison Brie, GLOW

WINNER: Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Issa Rae, Insecure

Frankie Shaw, SMILF

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series  Musical or Comedy

Anthony Anderson, Blackish

WINNER: Aziz Ansari, Master of None

Kevin Bacon, I Love Dick

William H. Macy, Shameless

Eric McCormack, Will & Grace

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Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

WINNER: Laura Dern, Big Little Lies

Ann Dowd, The Handmaids Tale

Chrissy Metz, This Is Us

Michelle Pfeiffer, The Wizard of Lies

Shailene Woodley, Big Little Lies

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

David Harbour, Stranger Things

Alfred Molina, Feud: Bette and Joan

Christian Slater, Mr. Robot

WINNER: Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies

David Thewlis, FargoWASHINGTON - If President Donald Trump and his Republican allies are right, the $1.5 trillion tax cut plan they sped into law last month will make individuals and businesses more prosperous. Paychecks will grow. Stocks will surge further. Consumers will spend more. The economy will accelerate.

Critics counter that the tax plan will mainly enrich the already wealthy and swell corporate profits while leaving most ordinary households with comparatively modest tax cuts - and, eventually, tax hikes.

So how best to judge who's right?

As soon as summer, it may become clear whether the tax cuts have unleashed stronger consumer spending. But it could take years to know whether many people are enjoying the generous pay raises.

Here are five ways to assess whether the tax plan is delivering on its promises:

Are you spending more?

The tax cuts were sold as a way to turbocharge spending on cars, appliances, home projects and splurges out at restaurants. All that is tracked by the government as retail sales, which are up a decent 4.2 percent year to date.

By February, workers should begin receiving more take-home pay because the tax cut means that a lesser portion of their income will be withheld for taxes. With more money in their pockets, consumers typically spend more. If that pattern holds true again, spending at retailers could begin rising within months.

Yet there's also the risk that the tax cuts - spread out over 26 paychecks this year - might feel too paltry for some Americans to notice or care enough to step up their spending. Others might be inclined to use their tax savings to pay health care or child care costs, in which case the boost to retail spending - the economy's primary fuel - might not budge much.

More stock gains?

Trump, a billionaire businessman, treats the stock market as an emblem of his success. He boasts frequently about record high stock indexes as proof that his economic agenda has already cheered investors, emboldened businesses and enriched most Americans.

The Standard & Poor's 500 stock index has climbed more than 22 percent since Trump's 2016 election. Many stock analysts have suggested that the stock market has likely priced in much of the higher profits that might result from slashing the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. But Gary Cohn, Trump's top economic adviser, has asserted that the stock market had yet to fully account for how much the tax cuts would boost profit margins.

Even if stock market keeps rising, it would intensify what critics say the tax cuts would do overall: reward the rich and neglect pretty much everyone else, thereby further widening the nation's wealth gap. Less than half of U.S. households own any stocks, even in retirement accounts.

A more robust economy?

Trump administration officials have asserted that the tax cuts would propel the economy ahead at a sustained 3 percent annual rate year after year, up from a recent annual pace of roughly 2 percent.

Their idea is that companies would invest in new equipment, which would increase worker productivity and wages. Those workers would then spend their windfalls and help accelerate the economy.

Trump has gone so far as to forecast annual growth of as much as 6 percent a year - a boast that draws widespread skepticism among mainstream economists.

Cranking out more goods?

Trump has said that lower corporate tax rates will draw factories back to the United States from overseas Last month, the president cited an example: The owner of the New England Patriots would be investing in a paper mill.

"A friend of mine, Bob Kraft, called me last night, and he said this tax bill is incredible," the president said. "And he said, based on this tax bill, he just wanted to let me know that he's going to buy a big plant in the great state of North Carolina, and he's going to build a tremendous paper mill there."

The government monitors the manufacturing sector's performance, so any changes will become evident in that data over the next few years.

Is your pay up?

Trump says lower business tax rates will lead to handsome pay raises for workers. An average household would receive an additional $4,000 a year, according to Trump's top economist, Kevin Hassett. That's equivalent to a nearly 5 percent pay hike.

Almost no mainstream economist envisions anything close to that much pay growth. A number of companies, including AT&T, Comcast and Wells Fargo, have recently paid bonuses to employees - as a result, they said, of the lower tax rates. But most Americans will know if the corporate tax cuts are helping them only if some of the tax savings goes into significant pay increases, not just one-time bonuses. The best measure on a month-by-month basis comes from the government's jobs report: Average hourly earnings.

Some economists say it could take more than a year to assess whether the tax cuts have raised pay broadly. But Hassett said the tax cuts could be the very spark needed to ignite higher wages.

"It's precisely now that we buy insurance for that wage growth with a big tax reform," he said.Federal taxes can be confounding in any typical year. But the GOP-led Congress' dash to approve the most sweeping tax overhaul in three decades has left many households unsure of what changes might await them come Jan. 1 and what they should do - if anything - before or after then.

Here are some things to know.

Rate change

For individuals, the legislation generally lowers rates across income levels. It retains the number of tax brackets - seven - but changes the rates that apply to particular income levels. For a couple filing jointly, the brackets will be 10 percent for taxable income up to $19,050, 12 percent on $19,050 up to $77,400, 22 percent on income to $165,000, 24 percent up to $315,000, 32 percent to $400,000, 35 percent to $600,000 and 37 percent on income above $600,000.

These rates don't include the effects of deductions, which could change someone's marginal tax rate. The marginal rate is the highest rate that applies to a taxpayer's income. But under the bill, the individual tax rate cuts aren't permanent; they're set to expire in 2026.

Taxpayers, on average, would receive a $1,600 tax cut in 2018, according to an analysis by the Tax Policy Center, though about 5 percent of households would pay more. The policy center says middle-income households would receive a tax cut of about $900, while the top 1 percent would get a tax cut of about $50,000.

By 2027, after most individual income tax provisions expire, more than half of taxpayers would pay more tax than under current law.

One way to take advantage of next year's lower tax rate would be to defer income, if possible, from 2017 into 2018. An employee could, for example, ask her employer to defer an annual bonus until next year. Or freelancers or business owners could delay submitting invoices until 2018, so that the eventual payment would become part of next year's income and be subject to a lower tax rate.

Standard deduction

The bulk of Americans don't itemize their tax deductions. They instead benefit from claiming the standard deduction. Under the bill, the standard deduction will roughly double to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for couples. As a result, a greater share of these taxpayers' income will be shielded from tax. And because of the new cap on itemizing state and local tax deductions, households that previously itemized may now fare better by taking the standard deduction. (The increased standard deduction is also scheduled to expire in 2026.)

Taxpayers who have itemized their deductions but will likely take the standard deduction next year might consider making full use of their deductions during 2017. This could include making charitable contributions or paying for unreimbursed business expenses before year's end.

But if a household's deductions - for charitable giving, mortgage interest, state and local taxes of up to $10,000 and other items - exceed $12,000 (or $24,000 for a couple), it can still itemize and claim the higher amount.

Yet the bill doesn't just provide new benefits; it also takes away some. An example is the personal exemption. A taxpayer can now deduct from his income a $4,050 exemption for himself, his spouse and each dependent. So while the standard deduction is doubling, that benefit could be offset for families by the elimination of the personal exemptions.

Child tax credit

The child tax credit, which helps parents offset the cost of raising children, will double from $1,000 per child to $2,000. The bill also makes up to $1,400 of the credit refundable. This means you can claim that portion of the credit even if your income if too low for you to owe tax.

This is a credit, so it's particularly valuable because it directly reduces your tax bill - not just your taxable income. Taxpayers don't have to itemize to receive it. The credit will begin to phase out once a household's adjusted gross income hits $200,000 for individuals, or $400,000 for couples.

Still, because of how it's written and because of other tax changes, the increased child credit won't provide much help for low- and middle-income families. About 10 million children in the lowest-income working families would receive a token increase of $75 at best, if any at all, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. That's because the size of the credit depends on a taxpayer's income; lower-income workers don't earn enough to receive much of a credit. And about 1 million children will be denied the credit because they lack a Social Security number, another new addition to tax law under the bill.

On top of that, the child tax credit also expires in 2026.

Mortgage interest

The bill limits the deduction to interest paid on the first $750,000 of a loan for a newly purchased first or second home. The current limit is $1 million. That means people who would like to buy a home in an expensive market may encounter a tax disincentive to do so. This could also make it harder for home owners in those markets to sell their houses.

A homeowner who is affected by this tax change might consider making an extra mortgage payment in 2017 before the tax changes reduce the portion of their mortgage interest that they can deduct next year.

State and local taxes

The tax plan ends the unlimited federal deduction for state and local income and sales taxes. Taxpayers will now be allowed to deduct only up to $10,000 in combined property and state and local income taxes.

This could hurt people with heavy tax burdens in such high-tax states as New York, New Jersey and California. And the architects of the Republican bill barred taxpayers from prepaying in 2017 any state or local income taxes that will face next year.

While the bill doesn't expressly address the prepayment of property taxes, doing so might be ill-advised.

You can only pay property taxes that you have already been assessed for, says Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt. Every taxing authority runs on a different schedule, so the timing of your assessment will vary by location.

So if you have a bill for property taxes due now or early next year, go ahead and pay it now, he says.

What you shouldn't do, Steber says, is pay this year for taxes that haven't been assessed yet because that runs against the intent of tax law.

Check with your local taxing authority to see what your options are.

Pass-through income

The legislation cuts taxes on business income - specifically for business people whose profits are "passed through" and taxed at their personal tax rate.

Many experts argue that his will provide an incentive for taxpayers to become independent contractors and restructure their salaries as business income. A high-income earner who would otherwise have to pay the top rate of 37 percent would pay roughly 30 percent on pass-through income.

The bill tries to prevent the abuse of this provision through various measures.

One will bar some occupations, such as lawyers, from exploiting this provision. Still, clever accountants may find a way around those rules. If so, it might be worth checking with your accountant next year to see if it makes sense to set up an LLC or other partnership and reap the benefits.

Health care

The bill retains deductions for medical expenses not covered by insurance for 2018 and 2019 once expenses exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. That rises to 10 percent starting in 2020.

And it repeals the requirement in Barack Obama's health care law that people pay a tax penalty if they don't buy health insurance.Archway Properties has kicked off Park Air 59, a 111-acre mixed-use development at the northeast corner of U.S. 59 and Will Clayton Parkway in Humble. The project, announced in conjunction with a new medical building, is designed to include retail, restaurant, industrial and services.

Vital Heart & Vein has purchased 4.2 acres in the park for a 65,000-square-foot, three-story medical office building, NewQuest Properties announced. Houston-based Archway Properties has started construction for the cardiology group and plans to complete the building in mid 2018.Camden Property Trust has received building permits for the company's planned downtown high-rise development, Camden Conte.

The permits for the project at 1515 Austin total more than $52 million, and include a tower and parking garage, according to city of Houston records collected by real estate data firm Build Zoom.

The site of the 21-story project is a block from Toyota Center.

RELATED: River Oaks apartment tower underway after developer secures financing

Ziegler Cooper, the architecture firm that designed the tower, said it will be built in an east-west orientation, "creating a more energy-efficient exposure of the facades and maximizing views to downtown and the adjacent Root Square Park."

The placement of the tower will also minimizes the tower's shadow onto the building's amenity deck.As with any awards show, The Golden Globes can be viewed by who didn't win as much who did.

This year, the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements were not only reflected in the acceptance speeches and choice of clothing during Sunday night's ceremony -- black was worn by many in solidarity -- but in the movies that won as well. Best picture drama winner "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" and best picture comedy/musical winner "Lady Bird" have women at the heart of their stories as do the most honored TV series such as best drama winner "The Handmaid's Tale," best musical or comedy series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," and best miniseries or TV film "Big Little Lies."Who: Shanon Scott, owner of Sud Italia

Background: Scott has been helping shape Houston-area Italian wine lists as a restaurant manager for nearly a quarter of a century - at Arcodoro, Da Marco, Simposio and Arturo's, to name four of his previous postings - but this Rice Village spot is his own.

What: 2016 Planeta Chardonnay and 2011 Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi

Why: Scott acknowledges that, even with a restaurant that's as obviously Italian as his is, customers still come in requesting California chardonnays and cabernets. Rather than throw them out head first, he sells them on alternatives such as these, remembering how he "fell in love with both the Planeta and Mastroberardino wineries while on my yearly pilgrimages to Italy." The former's chardonnay vineyard is in Menfi, Sicily. The wine, he says, "is yellow straw in color with note of light fruits and nuts with a crisp finish. Unlike most Italian white wine, this bottling is aged up to eight months in oak." Mastroberardino, arguably Campania's most famous producer, is in the hilly countryside near the ancient city of Atripalda, 30 miles from Naples. It's made from aglianico, a grape that's possibly Italy's oldest varietal and one that was likely brought from Greece in ancient times. Scott describes the Taurasi as being "dark red with the rich flavors of black fruit, tobacco with lingering notes of dark berries and a very clean finish."

Price: $99 for the Planeta and $118 for the Taurisi at Sud Italia, 2347 University

Dale RobertsonYou know our drill here in the Chronicle wine department. The tasting panel convenes, we sample everything blind and come up with a collective score, placing a high emphasis on unanimity, ready availability and value. It's not a perfect system because food pairings and the conviviality of the dining experience get factored out of the equation, and our recommendations are limited to only those wines the panel members taste together.

Obviously, I have the pleasure of sampling many others that don't go through the formal vetting process. So today I'd like to share a few that have turned my head and turned on my taste buds recently. Had I been formally tasting them, I'd have scored each of them at least a 9 on the 10-point scale, but all were consumed in social settings. I wasn't taking notes, just celebrating friendships. Hence, the assessments here are provided by others.

Also, unfortunately, you're not likely to find them sitting on shelves around town, but they're definitely worth tracking down. I wouldn't hesitate to try different vintages or similar wines from any of the producers either.

2005 Jordan Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The famous California cab is three-fourths cabernet with merlot (19 percent) and petit verdot (5 percent) making up the rest. The wine spent six months in large upright oak tanks, then aged in French and American oak barrels for 12 months. Prior to release, the wine was bottled and held for another 20 months.

From the winemaker: "The palate exudes flavors of red currant, dried cherry, and blackberry with a hint of vanilla and coconut from oak aging. Round tannins balance and support this medium-bodied wine, which will continue to age gracefully for several more years."

Price: $89 from jordanwinery.com

Cameron Hughes Lot 528 Napa Valley Meritage NV

It's about a third cab and a third merlot with the rest of the Bordeaux grapes in the blend, too. The vintage blend is 75 percent 2014 and 25 percent 2013.

From the winemaker: "The beautiful perfume suggests the presence of ample mountain fruit, with violets and ripe bing cherry married with darker berry fruit and chocolate mocha oak notes. Very complex already with more to come. The amply weighted palate has good tension between the mountain fruit components and the plumper benchland fruit  balanced and complex on the palate with a deliciously supple finish."

Price: About $16

2013 Lagone Aia Vecchia Toscana

It's a blend of merlot, cabernet and cab franc from Tuscany's Bolgheri region. Aged for 12 months in oak, then another six months in the bottle.

From the winemaker: "On the nose, the wine is delicate with notes of cherry, vanilla, raw beef and herbs. On the palate, it is dry, structured and elegant with flavors of plum, ripe cherries, wild berries and a hint of spice, followed by a lengthy and smooth finish that begs for food."

From wine critic James Suckling, who awarded a score of 92: "A rich, flavorful red full of ripe fruit and new wood. Full-bodied and intense but shows an underlying freshness and depth."

Price: About $15

2015 Masseria Li Veli Susumaniello Salento

The susumaniello grape is an ancient variety in far south Italy that has a very close genetic relationship to Sangiovese, crossed with another as-yet-unidentified grape, although this particular susumaniello is much riper and richer than any sangiovese you'll taste.

From the winemaker: "On the nose it presents a distinct red berries aroma, from raspberry, sour cherry, to blackcurrant, followed by liquorices, rhubarb and rawhide leather. On the mouth it tastes soft with a good fatness, very elegant and well balanced by a tannins party. The long finish on the palate shows a touch of acidity and a great freshness."

Price: $22.97 from WineChateau.com

2014 Vignetti il Passo Zabu

It's a blend of nerello mascalese and nero d'avola from a team of young winemakers who planted the vineyards in the hills above Lake Arancio in southwestern Sicily only 12 years ago. The grapes were dried naturally in the sun, then underwent long maceration on the skins. Aging lasted six months in barriques.

From the winemaker: "Bright ruby red with a vivid aroma of red fruits, spices and red flowers. Warm, full, soft and well-balanced, with aftertaste of red fruits on the finish."

Price: $19.24 from spiritboss.com

2011 Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne

Winemaker Giancarlo Pacenti is one of the most progressive and forward-thinking cellar masters in Brunello's prime sangiovese country.

Winemaker's notes: "Structured and elegant with silky tannins and a long finish."

From Wine Advocate Robert Parker, who awarded a score of 93: "Shows great balance that is due, in part, to the advanced age of the vines (most of which were planted between 1967 and 1972). The wine delivers a very fine silky quality of tannin and an elegant approach. The bouquet exhibits elements of forest fruit, crushed mineral, balsam herb and wild mushroom. The effect is graceful and nuanced."

Price: $99.99 from klwines.com

2014 Davis Estate Zephyr Private Reserve Napa Valley

The estate is in Calistoga and once won a Houston Rodeo Grand Champion Best of Show saddle. The wine is 85 percent cabernet with cab franc, petit verdot and merlot making up the rest. Barrel aging (60 percent new French oak) lasts 28 months.

From the winemaker: "Rich, ripe aromas and flavors of sweet berry complemented by attractive tones of oak, chocolate, and anise fill the glass. With two full years of barrel age, this wine is well structured and shows good tannin depth and weight. The result is a well-integrated wine showing silkiness and finesse with overall balance and harmony."

Price: $105 from shop.davisestates.comA second suspect arrested in Montgomery County during a nationwide human trafficking sting in 2017 was indicted Thursday.

Luis Mario Pena, 34, of Houston, is accused of running a prostitution enterprise of more than two people, according to court documents. He was arrested on a second-degree felony aggravated promotion of prostitution, which could land him in prison for up to 20 years. He was on parole at the time of his October arrest.

Pena is one of several people arrested in Montgomery County during an FBI sting, dubbed Operation Cross Country XI, on Oct. 12-15. The sting took place in major cities and regions throughout the country, including the Houston area. Nationwide, 84 children were recovered from human trafficking, including one from the Houston area.

KATY: Couple ordered to prison for 'enslaving' nanny

During the sting, law enforcement in Montgomery County arrested about 15 people, including some charged with prostitution, tracking or solicitation of sex. While some of those arrested were victims of human trafficking, prosecutors charged seven of them for allegedly paying for prostitutes or promoting a prostitution ring:

Jose Martin Gutierrez-Mendez, 37, of Pasedena  prostitution

Luis Mario Pena, 34, of Houston  aggravated promotion of prostitution

DeShawn Aaron Crawford, of Las Vegas  promotion of prostitution

Joseph Sylvester Hernandez Jr., 22, of Cleveland  prostitution

Dorcell Juvar Hightower, of Conroe  aggravated promotion of prostitution

Horace Lewis, 53, of Conroe  prostitution

Christopher Alexander Gibson, 26, of Houston  promotion of prostitution, possession with intent to deliver, theft of a firearm

Gutierrez-Mendez pleaded guilty days after his arrest in exchange for a 45-day jail sentence. Pena was indicted Thursday but has not received a trial date yet. Crawford has not yet been indicted.

Prosecutors claim Hernandez, who was out on bond at the time, failed to appear for a Dec. 6 court date and has a warrant out for his arrest. Hightower was released on a $1,500 bond and is awaiting trial.

Lewis pleaded guilty and received no jail time but had to pay a $1,500 fine. Gibson was indicted Dec. 21.

Pena is being held in the Montgomery County Jail with no bond.AUSTIN  Despite pleas for more diversity and less of a big-money presence, Gov. Greg Abbott's appointments to state boards and commissions remain mostly Anglo, largely male and liberally sprinkled with donors to a giant campaign war chest years in the making, a San Antonio Express-News analysis shows.

Since taking office as governor in January 2015, Abbott has appointed 889 people to boards or elevated them to chairmanships.

Two hundred fifty-nine of those picks  and their spouses in some cases  have donated roughly a combined $14.2 million to Abbotts campaigns since June 2001, according to an Express-News analysis of documents from the governors office and Texas Ethics Commission.

That was when Abbott left the Texas Supreme Court and successfully ran for attorney general, a move that put him on the path to becoming governor.

About 29 percent of the Republican governors appointees are donors, with their contributions ranging from $25 to more than $1 million. Their tally is part of more than $130 million in donations from 2001 through last October.

The analysis included contributions from appointees spouses if the appointees and spouses also had given jointly to Abbott.

Geographically, San Antonio yielded the third-largest number of picks, at 54, following Austin (152) and Houston (102).

Looking at the gender and ethnicity of Abbotts appointees, nearly 72 percent are Anglo and more than 63 percent are men  and more than 45 percent are both Anglo and male. About 16.4 percent of his appointees are Hispanic, 6.6 percent African-American and 3.3 percent Asian-American.

By contrast, Hispanics make up about 39 percent of the Texas population, while African-Americans account for 12.6 percent of the population. Women make up just more than half of the Texas population. Minorities make up the majority of the population in every major Texas city, except Austin.

This appointment pattern didnt start with Abbott.

Governors before him appointed a significant percentage of Anglo men and picked supporters for key posts  although the late Democratic former Gov. Ann Richards more than two decades ago appointed a larger percentage of women, African-Americans and Hispanics than the Republicans who followed her.

Abbotts staff said he looks for the best-qualified individuals, never takes contributions into account in making appointments and pushes for diversity.

His appointees typically appear qualified for their posts and include people with track records of noteworthy business success. Some draw broad praise, while others have stirred opposition in some quarters due to their records or views, or because of a desire for more diverse representation in key spots.

Several African-American and Hispanic Democratic senators raised the diversity issue in the 2017 regular legislative session, when no African-Americans were named to the plum spot of University of Texas System regent.

The House, meanwhile, approved a bill by a Republican lawmaker to curtail the appointment of large donors. The measure died in the Senate in the regular session.

Abbotts spokeswoman, Ciara Matthews, emphasized that most of those appointed by Abbott arent donors and said his office has ongoing efforts to recruit appointees who represent the states gender, racial and geographic diversity.

The governor and his office are constantly encouraging qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to get involved in the appointment process and that process is yielding results, she said.

Abbott and his team did a presentation on appointments at a Hispanic leadership conference that Abbott hosted in San Antonio in October and encouraged people to apply.

One factor never considered is whether a potential appointee has contributed to the governors campaign. Proof of that is that more than 70 percent of Gov. Abbotts appointees have never contributed to him. To suggest otherwise would be false and a disservice to the character and quality of the individuals who are appointed to selflessly serve the state without compensation, Matthews said.

Matthews said Abbott has more than 66,000 individual donors and less than 1 percent of those donors have been appointed to positions of service.

Seeking more diversity

Abbotts record has come under increasing scrutiny as he heads toward his re-election contest, an effort in which he has an advantage as a Republican incumbent with a campaign piggy bank that topped $40 million at last count.

His cash on hand is expected to increase substantially with the finance report thats due Jan. 15.

The senators who pushed for more diversity in early 2017 didnt take issue with the quality of the people chosen by Abbott for the UT board. But the governors choices left the oversight panel without an African-American, as it has been since 2013.

That prompted Democratic Sens. Royce West of Dallas and Borris Miles of Houston to abstain from voting in 2017 on the confirmation of former board vice chairwoman Janiece Longoria of Houston, former Sen. Kevin Eltife of Tyler and Rad Weaver of San Antonio, chief executive officer of McCombs Partners.

Longoria is Hispanic, while Eltife and Weaver are Anglo  and all are donors. All are well-regarded, but the senators said their concerns went beyond the individuals at hand.

The only thing that we can do right now as an African-American is stand in the room, ask to speak when appropriate, but we cant be involved in the deliberation process. Think about that, West said before the nominees were confirmed 29-0 by the Senate.

West in a December interview said that hed had a conversation with the governors office and would work with Abbotts team to help diversify appointments to key boards.

I have the offices pledge to do that, West said, adding that he would recommend qualified people to be considered.

Suffice it to say that Im a Democrat and hes a Republican. Im not going to have a bunch of Republican names that Ill be able to give him for consideration, West said, but Im going to do my best to give him quality persons regardless of their political affiliation for consideration.

Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, also spoke in the Senate that day and added in a December interview that a better effort can be made to have more balance.

The diversity of our state is what makes us strong. Adding more diversity to the gubernatorial appointees would make us stronger, said Menendez, who added that diverse appointees by the governor would serve as a sign to agency heads that their teams also should be diverse.

At the same time, Menendez pointed to Weaver as a regent appointee whose background has prepared him to be receptive to students needs.

Weaver has recounted that after his father died when he was 16, he applied to a Ford scholarship program in an effort to help his mother with expenses. He came to the attention of auto magnate Red McCombs, who offered him a job washing cars and became a mentor and more to him.

Menendez said Weavers experience will allow him to empathize with the struggles of students.

Abbotts other UT regent appointees also have won praise. In 2015, his first UT nominees were widely seen as calming animosity directed at the flagship campus in Austin over issues including admissions. They did, however, draw concern from some tea party and grassroots conservatives who wanted more of a probe of campus practices.

Pay to play bill dies

There have been other criticism as well.

When Abbott appointed energy billionaire Kelcy Warren to the Parks and Wildlife Commission, environmental advocates protested because of controversies over the Tran-Pecos and Dakota Access pipelines built by his company.

Similarly, Abbotts appointment of pension-reform advocate Josh McGee to lead the Pension Review board was likened by Texas AFL-CIO spokesman Ed Sills in 2016 to appointing Godzilla to guard Tokyo.

More than a year later, AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said McGee hasnt torn the town apart, although he still thinks McGee would like to do so. McGee in the past has said workers should get the pensions theyve been promised and emphasized that the state board doesnt have the authority to make plan changes.

Levy had praise, however, for Julian Alvarez II, a chamber of commerce president whom Abbott named to a Texas Workforce Commission spot designated for a labor representative.

The AFL-CIO initially criticized the appointment because of his background, and Levy said he still believes Alvarezs experience wasnt appropriate for the position.

But Levy said Alvarez has worked really hard. He has reached out to us  I will certainly give him credit for working to basically serve working people.

Neither Alvarez or McGee is listed as an Abbott donor.

Senate Nominations Committee Chairman Brian Birdwell, a Granbury Republican whose panel is a crucial stop for appointees facing Senate confirmation, said Abbott and his team have clearly worked hard to nominate some of the best and brightest Texans  a fact evidenced by the overwhelming support these men and women have seen through the rigorous Senate confirmation process.

The appointment of donors has been spotlighted in part because they show up on the choicest boards, including top university boards of regents and the Parks and Wildlife Commission.

Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, won House approval of a bill that would have barred the appointment of gubernatorial campaign donors if they had given more than $2,500 in the previous year.

It also would have prohibited appointees from giving more than $2,500 annually while serving.

Theres no such bar on contributions now. As one example, two Abbott appointees who have given Abbott more than $1 million apiece overall  energy executives Warren and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board appointee Javaid Anwar  each gave $250,000 to him this year alone.

The so-called pay-to-play legislation died in the Senate, and Larson blamed Abbotts displeasure with the measure for the governors decision to veto a number of his bills. Abbott since has had turnover in staff, and Larson professed hope for the future.

Larson said he will look forward to working with the governors new staff to see if we can find a way to fix an issue that goes back several decades and multiple administrations next session.

The lawmaker repeatedly has said that his measure wasnt aimed at Abbott, but at the long-standing practice by governors of appointing donors.

Perrys appointment of donors was quantified in a 2014 analysis compiled by Texans for Public Justice for the Austin American-Statesman, which found nearly one-fourth of those named by Perry gave money to his campaign either before or after their appointment.

The appointment of Anglos and of men also isnt so different from previous governors, especially Abbotts Republican predecessors, George W. Bush and Rick Perry.

Abbott so far has appointed a larger percentage of Hispanics and Asian-Americans, and a smaller percentage of African-Americans, than Bush or Perry, the states longest-serving governor.

Abbott has appointed a smaller percentage of Anglos than both Bush, who named 77 percent, and Perry, 75 percent.

But Richards, the last Democrat to serve as governor, appointed a larger percentage of Hispanics and African-Americans.

Richards, who made it her avowed mission to open the doors of government to a wider variety of people, appointed 59 percent men and 67 percent Anglos during her 1991-94 term.

Thirteen percent of her appointees were African-American and 18 percent Hispanic. There were no Asian-Americans listed on a Richards tally previously provided by the governors office, but her other category was 2 percent, compared with 1 percent for Perry and Bush, and 1.6 percent for Abbott.

Will it change?

Craig McDonald of Texans for Public Justice, which tracks money in politics, didnt hold out much hope for change with regard to appointment of donors.

Campaign contributions buy a lot of things. And appointments, just by looking at the numbers, seem to be one of them, McDonald said. We think its a motivation for donors who want something out of government, who want to buy not just access to a politician, but a prestigious spot in Texas government.

But Eltife, who has contributed nearly $70,000 to Abbott, mostly through his campaign account, said he didnt give campaign donations with the expectation of getting an appointment.

I give to a lot of Republican candidates in the state of Texas, so its not just limited to someone who can appoint me, Eltife said, adding that he also has fundraisers for a variety of candidates at his Tyler home. I did that when I was in the Senate, when I couldnt get an appointment. I never expected an appointment out of any of my donations. I just want good people to serve in office.

Eltife also said that from his perspective as a senator under Perry and Abbott, I thought they both have done a good job of finding qualified people to serve.

At the same time, Eltife said, he understands the concerns voiced by senators ahead of his own confirmation.

I fully understand their position, Eltife said. Their concern is to make sure we have proper minority representation on our boards in the state, and I fully support their position  You want a broad range of views. Its in the best interest of the boards that were serving on to have those broad range of views. Its healthy for our state, its healthy for the agency or institutions we serve.

Peggy Fikac is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | pfikac@express-news.net | @pfikac

Methodology: Data for this story was collected via Texas Public Information Act requests. One dataset contained roughly 16 years of information  including names, professions and city and state of residence  on those who have donated to Abbotts campaigns. The other dataset contained the name, race, gender and appointment of nearly 900 of his appointees. The two datasets were meticulously compared, but analyzing records in this way leaves a small room for error, and the Express-News was conservative in its analysis where necessary. Questions about the analysis for this story can be sent to datateam@express-news.net.



WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump expressed misgivings about his administration's infrastructure plan Friday at Camp David, telling Republican leaders that building projects through public-private partnerships is unlikely to work - and that it may be better for the government to pursue a different path.

Then on Saturday morning, Gary Cohn, the president's chief economic adviser, delivered a detailed proposal on infrastructure and public-private partnerships that seemed to contradict the president. He said the administration hoped $200 billion in new federal government spending would trigger almost $1 trillion in private spending and local and state spending, according to people familiar with his comments. Cohn seemed to present the plan as the administration's approach, although the president had suggested such an approach might not work.

The seemingly contradictory statements, made within 24 hours of each other, show the uncertainty of the administration's approach to its top legislative priority in 2018: building roads, bridges and highways. Trump and his White House have been determined to pitch an infrastructure plan in 2018, despite Republican misgivings about the cost, a rapidly rising deficit and a preference to consider others matters first.

White House officials and Hill aides confirmed the president's comments. Another White House official briefed on the comments said that Trump was musing aloud and that the administration still planned to pursue public-private partnerships for infrastructure. This person, though, said Trump had continually expressed skepticism behind the scenes about such a plan.

"He doesn't think they will work," this person said.

Trump and Cohn have had a rocky relationship after the economic adviser criticized the president's comments about white-supremacist riots in Charlottesville, suggesting that there were "many fine people on both sides." Several White House advisers have said recently that the former Goldman Sachs banker may exit. Asked about that Saturday, Trump pulled Cohn up to a news conference stage and asked if he was staying. The economic adviser said yes and that he was having fun.

"Gary, hopefully, will be staying for a long time," Trump said. "Now, if he leaves, I'm going to say: 'I'm very happy that he left.' OK? All right?"

"I'm happy," Cohn said.

Republicans are loath to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure, as the deficit is expected to grow considerably after the tax plan passed in December. Trump did not specifically delineate how he would pay for the projects without the partnerships.

During the campaign, Trump promised a $1 trillion infrastructure plan that he said would create millions of jobs through a combination of investments from the federal government and private companies. Staff members at the White House have spent months assembling a package of ideas, though his first budget just allocated $20 billion a year over 10 years for the mostly unspecified projects.

In September, though, Trump began musing to Democrats and others that the public-private partnership idea might not work. He referenced at least once, for example, some projects in Indiana that he believed did not work out the way the private sector had promised. In 2014, then-Gov. Mike Pence arranged a deal with Isolux Corsan, a Spanish construction firm, to extend a stretch of interstate in the southern part of Indiana. The firm had turned in the lowest bid but never completed a project in the United States before, and it fell behind schedule. The state of Indiana had to eventually dissolve the partnership and issued public debt to finish the project, though it still remains incomplete.

Trump's repeated complaints about the effectiveness of public-private partnerships have infuriated and surprised some administration aides who have worked on the plans for months. They were hoping to propose a package of infrastructure goals later this month, though that timetable remains fluid.

Democrats have often said they would support more infrastructure spending, and many labor unions have also said they would like to work with Trump on these plans. But they have remained wary of how Trump would plan to pay for any of the projects, and those questions appear to remain unresolved.

The weekend, White House and legislative leaders said, was largely marked by bonhomie - even if many key decisions on issues such as immigration, infrastructure and funding the government were not made. Trump had clashed with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., earlier in his tenure and had been at times critical of House Speaker Paul Ryan, (R-Wis. The intent of the weekend was to build camaraderie, officials said.

Trump vented about former White House strategist Stephen K. Bannon, to the pleasure of McConnell and others, and criticized a tell-all book on his administration from the author Michael Wolff, saying the author barely knew him and had made up large parts of the story.

Wolff spent considerable time in the West Wing and talked to Trump, although others have pointed out factual issues in the book.

There was little talk about repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act or launching a campaign to curb entitlement spending - issues that are now unlikely to come up legislatively in 2018.

Trump had previously said he wanted to return to health care early in 2018, but he has instead told advisers in recent weeks that he can sell repealing the individual mandate. Top officials have also convinced him that there is no path to repealing the law.

Trump has also decided that pursuing cuts to the country's entitlement spending in 2018 is not a good bid for him, and he purposefully left it out of public comments, advisers said.

White House officials complained that their nominees weren't going through the Senate quickly enough - much of the government is unfilled - and pushed McConnell to do more, people briefed on the summit said. The White House has been criticized for its slow pace of nominating people to key jobs.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen briefed legislators on what the administration wanted on border security in exchange for a deal on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and there was a consensus that it needed to happen before March, when a deadline set by the White House expires.

Trump told the leaders that they needed to focus on selling their 2017 accomplishments and continued to cast his administration in historic terms, even in private. The president has the lowest poll numbers of a first-year president in decades, and leading Republicans fear privately that the midterm elections could be damaging.

---

The Washington Post's Damian Paletta contributed to this report.

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Video: President Trump called the director of the National Economic Council, Gary Cohn, to the podium to ask if he was happy with his role in the Trump administration during a news conference at Camp David on Jan. 6.(The Washington Post)

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Video: The GOP is starting 2018 with a lofty legislative agenda. Here are ten of its top priorities this year.(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Embed code:A Harris County death row inmate convicted for his role in a 1994 murder-for-hire lost out Monday on an appeal in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Joseph Prystash was sentenced to death more than two decades ago for acting as the middleman in the murder of Farah Baquer Fratta, a Missouri City police officer's wife.

"Today's decision sends a ray of hope to the Baquer family who have waited painstakingly for over 20 years seeking justice for their murdered mother and daughter Farah," said city of Houston victim advocate Andy Kahan.

BACKGROUND:Attorneys attack former prosecutor in another high-profile murder trial

Now Playing: Texas News & Crime Video: Houston Chronicle

The 34-year-old mother was shot in the head while stepping out of her car inside her garage.

The couple was in the midst of a contentious divorce and slated for a child custody hearing less than three weeks after the killing.

Her estranged husband was at church at the time of the crime, but investigators immediately zeroed in on him as a prime suspect. Before the slaying, he'd reportedly asked around for a hit man and on the night of the murder he repeatedly retreated to the church office to make phone calls, according to authorities.

Records later showed those calls went to Prystash's girlfriend, who later offered up details to police in exchange for immunity. In the end, police arrested Fratta for planning the slaying, Howard Guidry for carrying it out and Prystash for acting as middleman between the two.

Prosecutors said Prystash set up the killing in exchange for a Jeep.

All three men were convicted and given death sentences. They are still on death row.

While Guidry and Fratta both saw their initial convictions reversed and sent back to a lower court, Prystash's case has continued moving forward.

The former auto mechanic's appeal to the nation's highest court revolved around jury selection questions as well as references to unajudicated offenses in the determination of future dangerousness, a key factor in doling out a death sentence.

Prystash's lawyer did not immediately offer comment. Although often a Supreme Court loss can signal the setting of an execution, the 61-year-old does not currently have a scheduled death date.

A spokesman for the Harris County District Attorney said prosecutors will meet later this month to discuss the case.

Kahan expressed hope that a date could be near.

"One would certainly hope this puts the Baquer family one step closer to the final resolution," he said.

The court also rejected without comment on Monday an appeal from a San Antonio man convicted of killing a store owner during a robbery. Christopher Young does not yet have an execution date for the 2004 slaying of Hasmukh Patel.WASHINGTON  The Trump administration announced Monday it will end special protections for Salvadoran immigrants next year, a decision that could lead to the expulsion of as many as 200,000 people, many of them from the Houston area.

The long-anticipated decision came from newly-appointed Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who said the special status, known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), will cease on Sept. 9, 2019.

The 18-month delay was designed for an "orderly transition," the administration said in a statement. It also will allow Congress time to craft a potential legislative fix for those who will either be required to leave the country or be deported.

Now Playing: The Trump administration will end the relief program that grants TPS to immigrants from El Salvador, leaving nearly 200,000 vulnerable to deportation. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@FantasticMrNate) reports. Video: Buzz 60

The decision comes as President Donald Trump and congressional leaders are negotiating continued protections for some 800,000 "Dreamers"  young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.

CRACKDOWN: Trump moves to end 'catch and release', prosecuting parents and removing children who cross border

Pew Research Center

Their special status under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is slated to end in March, unless Congress intervenes.

El Salvador is now the fourth country whose citizens will lose have lost Temporary Protected Status under the current administration, joining Nicaragua, Haiti and Sudan.

Pew Research Center

Until now, Salvadorans had been considered the largest beneficiaries of the program, which provides special legal status for people whose countries have been affected by natural disasters, war or political tumult.

The protections were granted to citizens of El Salvador after a 2001 earthquake that killed more than 1,000 people. The Obama administration temporarily extended the protections in 2016, setting up Monday's deadline for another extension.

DEEPER UNDERGROUND: Businesses feel the pinch as undocumented consumers limit shopping expenses

Houston Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee called the decision "cruel" and said that as many as 36,000 people could be affected in Texas.

"El Salvador, a violence-torn Central American nation, suffered catastrophic damage in the 2001 earthquake that launched a humanitarian crisis," she said "According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other religious organizations, 'El Salvador is in no position to accommodate the return of roughly 200,000 Salvadorans' because of violence, food insecurity and lasting devastation from natural disasters.'"

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said there are over 80,000 people from El Salvador who live in the city, and that 19,000 of them will be directly affected by the end of TPS. "Many of them own businesses and work in our service industries," Turner said. "They contribute $1.8 billion to the Texas GDP."

Outside of Houston, the decision is expected to cause shock waves for large populations of Salvadorans in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. In recent years, thousands more have entered the country illegally through Mexico along with others from Central American fleeing violence and poverty.

Activists on both sides of the immigration debate reacted forcefully.

"These individuals are taxpayers and employers. They are homeowners, good neighbors and parents of American children," said UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguia. "Yet, despite a chorus of opposition from elected officials and business, religious, civil rights and community leaders around the nation and around the globe, the Department of Homeland Security has moved forward with a decision that does nothing more than harm our country, our allies, and endanger the lives of individuals who are making measurable contributions to this country."

Murguia urged Congress to take action to extend the status for the Salvadorans. Other critics of the decision noted that the State Department currently has a travel warning for Americans considering travel to El Salvador.

But advocates for limited immigration welcomed the decision.

"By ending the Salvadoran TPS, Secretary Nielsen has taken a major step toward saving the TPS program so it can be used for future emergencies," said NumbersUSA President Roy Beck. "The past practice of allowing foreign nationals to remain in the United States long after an initial emergency in their home countries has ended has undermined the integrity of the program and essentially made the 'temporary' protected status a front operation for backdoor permanent immigration."

El Salvador President Salvador Sanchez Ceren spoke by phone Friday with Nielsen to renew his plea to extend special status for Salvadorans seeking refuge in the U.S., according to the Associated Press.

DEEPER UNDERGROUND: Fearing deportation, undocumented immigrants in Houston are avoiding hospitals and clinics

Among those directly impacted was Cristian Chavez Guevara, a 37-year-old Salvadoran TPS holder from Houston, who said the program changed his life after he first entered the U.S. illegally. "I was able to get a license, pay taxes, and my life finally seemed to feel normal," he said. "Since then, I've been building dreams for the future and working to pave a more promising path forward for my family. All of that has come to a halt today."

Guevara said the impact will be felt in both countries. "The economic situation in El Salvador is very bad," he said. "Organized crime controls the streets and neighborhoods. As TPS holders, we help fill economic needs for our families back in El Salvador. But, all of our dreams and hopes ended today."

STRANGERS IN THEIR HOMELANDS: Trump's deportees are often preyed upon by gangs

Guevara added that his own family will be torn apart, noting that his fiancee is a legal resident. "I have also raised my cousin because her mother was deported when she was young," he said. "What am I going to do now? How am I going to tell them I have to go?"

The decision is likely to add another contrast in the 2018 race between Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican and a hard-liner on immigration, and Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke, a three-term congressman from El Paso who opposes Trump's proposed border wall.

O'Rourke criticized the Trump administration's decision on Twitter, calling TPS a "bipartisan tradition of extending these protections. Without them, thousands of families who have contributed so much to our communities will have their lives thrown into chaos. This is wrong."

Cruz's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In rendering her decision, Nielsen said that conditions in El Salvador have improved sufficiently, determining that "the original conditions caused by the 2001 earthquakes no longer exist."

She cited millions of dollars in international aid since the earthquake that helped finance water and sanitation projects and reopen schools, roads and hospitals damaged by the quakes.

She also noted that the U.S. government has repatriating more than 39,000 Salvadorans in the last two years  which the administration takes as evidence that the country of 6.2 million is able to handle the return of its citizens.

Salvadorans in the United States who benefited from TPS may still receive other protections for which they might otherwise be eligible under immigration law.

Salvadorans with TPS will be required to re-register for the program and apply for employment authorization in order to legally work in the United States until the termination of El Salvador's TPS designation.

-- Washington Correspondent Bill Lambrecht contributed to this report.

***

A NEW AMERICA: President Donald Trump has empowered federal authorities to deport immigrants here illegally, promised to punish so-called sanctuary cities and is pushing Congress to start funding a complete wall along our southern border. Fearful of being exposed and sent back to countries that may no longer be familiar or welcoming, immigrants are withdrawing even more into the shadows. The worry extends to their spouses and children, who, in many cases, are American citizens. Click here to read our series "A New America" on our subscriber website, HoustonChronicle.com.







A Houston couple's $20 million gift will create a first-of-its-kind regional mental health policy center, aimed at improving access to the best treatments and initially focusing on those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute will announce Monday the establishment of the center, funded by a donation from Maureen and Jim Hackett, longtime philanthropists and mental health advocates. The center will align institutional strategies and particularly target children, projected to be one of Harvey's hardest hit and most overlooked victims.

"For some time, we've recognized the need for a dedicated presence in Houston to coordinate mental health practices," said Andy Keller, president and CEO of Meadows, a 4-year-old statewide institute with offices in Austin and Dallas. "The Hackett Center for Mental Health in Houston will provide data-driven insights into what works and mobilize health system and government leaders to make hard decisions of how best to provide those treatments to more people."

The gift, to be paid in full by 2020, is believed to be one of the largest ever for a mental health endeavor.

The focus on children affected by Harvey follows Meadows research that in the storm's worst affected areas, rates of post-traumatic stress disorder could be as much as five times more than pre-hurricane rates in youth 5 to 11 years old; three times more in those 12 to 17 years old; and six times higher in parents and caregivers and school personnel.

'Part of city's agenda'

The center, scheduled to become operational Jan. 15, was lauded by Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Texas Medical Center President Bill McKeon for the mental health policy expertise and resources it will bring the region. In addition, numerous mental health leaders praised the direction it should provide to currently scattered services.

"Harvey didn't create every problem we have in Houston, but it both exposed and elevated the need for behavioral health services," Turner said in a statement. "This will be part of the city's agenda and we look forward to working with the Hackett Center in Austin next session."

Long history of giving

The gift comes at a most opportune time, Keller said, given that mental health needs typically begin to increase at 60 to 90 days after natural disasters, peak at about 18 months and slowly drop after 24 months. In December, nearly 2 in 10 of more than 1,600 Texans in 24 Harvey-affected counties said their mental health is worse, according to a survey by the Washington-based Kaiser Family Foundation and the Houston-based Episcopal Health Foundation.

Maureen Hackett said the need for better post-Harvey services was driven home by her family's experiences. She was out of town when Harvey hit but found it fairly traumatic just not being able to immediately return to Houston, where her daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren lived in their pantry for a few days, and flooded roads blocked access to her husband, hospitalized at the time in the medical center.

More Information Texas mental health needs - 3 out of 4 Texans has a friend or family members who has experienced a mental health issue. - An estimated 310,000 children and youth in Harris County have mental health needs each year. - Harvey is projected to cause a 20 percent increase in new mental health problems in the worst affected areas. Source: Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute The numbers $20M Amount of Houston couple's gift for mental health policy center. 2 in 10 Of more than 1,600 Harvey-affected Texans who say their mental health is now worse. 2020 Year by when the gift will be paid in full. See More Collapse

"Even so, when I thought about it, my family was safe," she said. "But that thousands had to obtain shelter at NRG (Stadium) and George R. Brown (Convention Center) was remarkable. Maybe better care would have made a difference. I thought, 'what can we do?' "

Emmett applauded the Hacketts for creating the center. "We need all the help we can get," given that "the county jail currently serves as the state's largest mental health facility," he said.

The Hacketts have a long history of giving to mental health causes, from the Harris County Felony Mental Health Court and the Harris Center for Intellectual and Developmental Disability to such national groups as the Alzheimer's Association and American Psychiatric Foundation. Their philanthropy helped bring the famed Menninger Clinic from Kansas to Houston.

The Meadows gift is the couple's largest ever and the latest example of oil money funding Houston medical needs. Jim Hackett was the CEO of Anadarko Petroleum Corp., one of the world's largest independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies, and before that he was president and COO of Devon Energy Corp., also a Fortune 500 company.

Maureen Hackett, a one-time pharmaceutical sales rep turned philanthropy executive, attributed the couple's interest in mental health to issues in their own family, in friends and in students she used to instruct as a substitute teacher.

"We're no longer whispering that mental health matters, but we're not shouting either," she said. "It's time to make some noise."

Hackett said the center will evaluate mental health programs on the ground and map delivery systems, "where they're good and where collaboration would make them better." It also will fund brain health research, raise public awareness and work to try to prevent mental health from being cut from insurance plans.

The center will attempt to build mental health services capacity in Harris County schools, an effort that Meadows already is engaged in as part of a state task force, requested by Gov. Greg Abbott, charged with increasing such services in educational settings affected by Harvey. Houston leaders also noted the area's shortage of pediatric providers, including at hospitals, where, for instance, both Texas Children's and Children's Memorial Hermann do not have in-patient psychiatric units.

Houston is 'perfect'

Meadows plans to lease space for the Hackett Center in the medical center. Susan Fordice, the former president of Mental Health America of Greater Houston, has been hired as its executive director, and plans call for it to contract with several research fellows.

Keller said Houston is the perfect place for the program because it has such "a wide array of exciting systems and such big mental health needs."

"There really isn't a research-based mental health policy center focused on one area anywhere in the country," said Keller. "We think it can create systemic change and be a model for other cities to create similar centers."AUSTIN - Despite pleas for more diversity and less of a big-money presence, Gov. Greg Abbott's appointments to state boards and commissions remain largely Anglo men - many of whom have donated to a giant campaign war chest years in the making, a San Antonio Express-News analysis shows.

Since taking office as governor in January 2015, Abbott has appointed 889 people to boards or elevated them to chairmanships. Nearly 72 percent are Anglo and more than 63 percent are men - and more than 45 percent are both Anglo and male. About 16.4 percent of his appointees are Hispanic, 6.6 percent African-American and 3.3 percent Asian-American, much skewed from the state's population.

According to an Express-News analysis of documents from the governor's office and the Texas Ethics Commission, 259 of those picks - and their spouses in some cases - have donated roughly a combined $14.2 million to Abbott's campaigns since June 2001.

About 29 percent of the Republican governor's appointees are donors, with their contributions ranging from $25 to more than $1 million. Their tally is part of more than $130 million in donations since 2001 - when Abbott left the Texas Supreme Court and successfully ran for attorney general, a move that put him on the path to becoming governor.

Abbott's staff said he looks for the best-qualified individuals, never takes contributions into account in making appointments and pushes for diversity.

"One factor never considered is whether a potential appointee has contributed to the governor's campaign," said Ciara Matthews, Abbott's spokeswoman. "Proof of that is that more than 70 percent of Gov. Abbott's appointees have never contributed to him. To suggest otherwise would be false and a disservice to the character and quality of the individuals who are appointed to selflessly serve the state without compensation."

"The governor and his office are constantly encouraging qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to get involved in the appointment process, and that process is yielding results," she said.

Abbott has more than 66,000 individual donors, "and less than 1 percent of those donors have been appointed to positions of service," Matthews said.

Push for diversity

The governor's record has come under increasing scrutiny as he heads toward his re-election contest, where his $40 million campaign piggybank gives him great advantage. And his cash on hand is expected to increase substantially with the finance report due Jan. 15.

The senators who pushed for more diversity in early 2017 didn't take issue with the quality of the people chosen by Abbott for the University of Texas Board of Regents. But the governor's choices left the oversight panel without an African-American, as it has been since 2013.

That prompted Democratic Sens. Royce West of Dallas and Borris Miles of Houston to abstain from voting in 2017 on the confirmation of former board vice chairwoman Janiece Longoria of Houston, former Sen. Kevin Eltife of Tyler and Rad Weaver of San Antonio, chief executive officer of McCombs Partners.

Longoria is Hispanic, while Eltife and Weaver are white - and all are donors. All are well-regarded, but the senators said their concerns went beyond the individuals at hand.

"The only thing that we can do right now as an African-American is stand in the room, ask to speak when appropriate, but we can't be involved in the deliberation process. Think about that," West said before the nominees were confirmed 29-0 by the Senate.

West in a December interview said that he had a conversation with the governor's office and would work with Abbott's team to help diversify appointments to key boards.

"I have the office's pledge to do that," West said, adding that he would recommend qualified people to be considered.

"Suffice it to say that I'm a Democrat and he's a Republican. I'm not going to have a bunch of Republican names that I'll be able to give him for consideration," West said, "but I'm going to do my best to give him quality persons regardless of their political affiliation for consideration."

Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, also spoke in the Senate that day and added in a December interview that "a better effort can be made to have more balance."

"The diversity of our state is what makes us strong. Adding more diversity to the gubernatorial appointees would make us stronger," said Menendez, who added that diverse appointees by the governor would serve as a sign to agency heads that their teams also should be diverse.

Abbott's other UT regent appointees also have won praise. In 2015, his first UT nominees were widely seen as calming animosity directed at the flagship campus in Austin over issues including admissions. They did, however, draw concern from some tea party and grassroots conservatives who wanted more of a probe of campus practices.

Criticism of picks

There has been other criticism as well.

When Abbott appointed energy billionaire Kelcy Warren to the Parks and Wildlife Commission, environmental advocates protested because of controversies over the Tran-Pecos and Dakota Access pipelines built by his company.

Similarly, Abbott's appointment of pension-reform advocate Josh McGee to lead the Pension Review Board was likened by Texas AFL-CIO spokesman Ed Sills in 2016 to "appointing Godzilla to guard Tokyo."

More than a year later, AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said McGee "hasn't torn the town apart," although he still thinks McGee would like to do so. McGee in the past has said workers should get the pensions they've been promised and emphasized that the state board doesn't have the authority to make plan changes.

Levy had praise, however, for Julian Alvarez II, a chamber of commerce president whom Abbott named to a Texas Workforce Commission spot designated for a labor representative.

The AFL-CIO initially criticized the appointment because of his background, and Levy said he still believes Alvarez's experience wasn't appropriate for the position.

But Levy said Alvarez "has worked really hard. He has reached out to us.  I will certainly give him credit for working to basically serve working people."

Neither Alvarez nor McGee is listed as an Abbott donor.

Senate Nominations Committee Chairman Brian Birdwell, a Granbury Republican whose panel is a crucial stop for appointees facing Senate confirmation, said Abbott and his team "have clearly worked hard to nominate some of the best and brightest Texans - a fact evidenced by the overwhelming support these men and women have seen through the rigorous Senate confirmation process."

Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, won House approval of a bill that would have barred the appointment of gubernatorial campaign donors if they had given more than $2,500 in the previous year.

It also would have prohibited appointees from giving more than $2,500 annually while serving.

There's no such bar on contributions now. As one example, two Abbott appointees who have given Abbott more than $1 million apiece overall - energy executives Warren and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board appointee S. Javaid Anwar - each gave $250,000 to him this year alone.

Decadeslong issue

The so-called pay-to-play legislation died in the Senate, and Larson blamed Abbott's displeasure with the measure for the governor's decision to veto a number of his bills. Abbott since has had turnover in staff, and Larson professed hope for the future.

Larson said he will "look forward to working with the governor's new staff to see if we can find a way to fix an issue that goes back several decades and multiple administrations next session."

The lawmaker repeatedly has said that his measure wasn't aimed at Abbott, but at the long-standing practice by governors of appointing donors.

Former Gov. Rick Perry's appointment of donors was quantified in a 2014 analysis compiled by Texans for Public Justice for the Austin American-Statesman, which found nearly one-fourth of those named by Perry gave money to his campaign either before or after their appointment.

The appointment of Anglos and of men also isn't so different from previous governors, especially Abbott's Republican predecessors, Perry and George W. Bush.

Abbott so far has appointed a larger percentage of Hispanics and Asian-Americans and a smaller percentage of African-Americans than Bush or Perry, the state's longest-serving governor.

Abbott has appointed a smaller percentage of Anglos than both Bush, who named 77 percent, and Perry, 75 percent.

But Ann Richards, the last Democrat to serve as governor, appointed a larger percentage of Hispanics and African-Americans.

Richards, who made it her avowed mission to open the doors of government to a wider variety of people, appointed 59 percent men and 67 percent Anglos during her 1991-94 term.

Thirteen percent of her appointees were African-American, and 18 percent were Hispanic.

There were no Asian-Americans listed on a Richards tally previously provided by the governor's office, but her "other" category was 2 percent, compared with 1 percent for Perry and Bush, and 1.6 percent for Abbott.

Will it change?

Craig McDonald of Texans for Public Justice, which tracks money in politics, didn't hold out much hope for change with regard to appointment of donors.

"Campaign contributions buy a lot of things. And appointments, just by looking at the numbers, seem to be one of them," McDonald said. "We think it's a motivation for donors who want something out of government, who want to buy not just access to a politician, but a prestigious spot in Texas government."

But Eltife, who has contributed nearly $70,000 to Abbott, mostly through his campaign account, said he didn't give campaign donations with the expectation of getting an appointment.

"I give to a lot of Republican candidates in the state of Texas, so it's not just limited to someone who can appoint me," Eltife said, adding that he also has fundraisers for a variety of candidates at his Tyler home. "I did that when I was in the Senate, when I couldn't get an appointment.

"I never expected an appointment out of any of my donations. I just want good people to serve in office."City and county officials are dealing with what they say is an unprecedented surge of property owners paying taxes early, as homeowners - particularly in predominantly Democratic states with high local tax rates - try to avoid the effects of the tax-code overhaul signed last week by President Donald Trump.

That bill, which takes effect in 2018, limits the amount of state and local tax payments people can deduct from their federal taxes to $10,000. The provision was one of the most contentious in the tax bill shaped by Congressional Republicans, with critics saying it would unfairly penalize residents of blue states and cities with a heavy local tax burden.

Those fears have been dramatically illustrated this week in the Washington, D.C., region, as hundreds of homeowners have lined up at tax offices to pre-pay their property taxes for 2018 before the limit on deductions kicks in.

There is no guarantee this ploy will work: The tax bill is silent on whether 2018 property-taxes paid in 2017 will avoid the deduction cap that applies to income-tax filings for 2018 and beyond. (Income tax prepayments of this kind are specifically barred under the bill.)

A spokesman for D.C. Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey S. DeWitt said the District's tax attorneys presume the Internal Revenue Service will decide in the coming months whether property-tax prepayments can be deducted in 2017 filings.

But that hasn't stopped people - those with the ability to come up with a few thousand dollars on short notice - from trying.

More than 1,700 taxpayers lined up outside the Fairfax County, Va., government center Tuesday to pre-pay their property taxes, while 750 people sent wire transfers and about 650 dropped off payments in a government lockbox that normally gets two or three pieces of correspondence a day, said director of revenue collection Scott Sizemore.

"There is simply no comparison" to previous years, said Sizemore. "It's unprecedented."

Arlington County, Va., treasurer Carla de la Pava said about 30 people were waiting when her office opened at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

As of 10:45 a.m., the county had accepted more than $5 million in early payments from 644 taxpayers.

"This is completely unusual. They've been coming in for weeks," said de la Pava, adding that some taxpayers were paying up to three years of taxes in advance.

Homeowners were advised to seek professional tax advice before making a decision.

"We're making sure we tell people we can't guarantee it's deductible" on their 2017 federal tax forms, said Roger Zurn, treasurer in Loudoun County, where a steady stream of 10 people at a time have been waiting at the Sterling and Leesburg government offices.

Virginia, along with D.C. and Maryland, is among the places hardest hit by the loss of the deduction for state and local taxes. More than 37 percent of tax returns filed in Virginia in 2015 included the deduction, according to data from the Tax Policy Center.Godofredo A. Vasquez/Houston Chronicle

Harris County Commissioners Court is slated to vote Tuesday to authorize the buyout of 39 flood-prone homes in the city of Houston.

The properties would be clustered in north, northwest and southwest Houston in Independence Heights, Braeburn Glen and Langwood neighborhoods.All national elections are hyped as seminal. The midterms of 2018 are the real deal.

If Democrats win at least one branch of Congress, there will be an investigative feast - with rich targets - of the ethically challenged administration of President Donald Trump, plus a check on presidential actions. If Republicans retain full control, expect renewed attacks on Obamacare, efforts to cut Medicare and Social Security, and one or two more right-wing Supreme Court justices.

Equally significant will be gubernatorial and state legislative contests. These will serve either to complement or counter national policies and will set the table for redistricting following the 2020 census.

In race for House of Representatives: Most polls suggest that Democrats will gain the two dozen seats they'd need to take control.

Democrats start with an advantage in contests for 14 Republican-held seats in the deep-blue states of California, New York and New Jersey. They expect to win most of those. They see promising opportunities in more than a dozen other states, multiple ones in a couple.

In Senate races: The electoral map is daunting for Democrats when it comes to senators. They have to defend 26 seats, the Republicans only eight. To take over, Democrats need a net gain of two.

At the moment, six Democratic incumbents face difficult challenges, though two of them - Montana's Jon Tester and West Virginia's Joe Manchin - appear to be in good shape. Three Republican seats look competitive, and Democrats think at least one more will be in play either because a right-wing challenger supported by the Steve Bannon wing of the Republican party will rough up a safe incumbent, or because of a surprise in Texas or some other demographically fluid state.

Even if all those factors break in the Democrats' favor, they'd still be at a disadvantage. They'd have to win eight of the 10 competitive races - all but one (Nevada) in states carried by Trump last year. A must-win for Democrats is Tennessee, where former Governor Phil Bredesen will mount a strong challenge in a heavily Republican state. (Incumbent Senator Bob Corker is retiring.) Republicans would be concerned if they can't unseat Senator Claire McCaskill in Republican-friendly Missouri.

In races for governor: There are 35 gubernatorial offices up for grabs, with 26 held by Republicans and one, in Alaska, by an independent. For Democrats, there's a Big Five: Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. All but Pennsylvania are now in Republican hands.

What happens in these states can influence national politics. For one thing, they're all battleground venues in presidential elections. But the biggest factor is the influence they will have on redistricting after the 2020 census.

Beyond the Big Five states, a fierce battle is brewing in North Carolina, where gerrymandering has given Republicans almost a 2-to-1 majority in the legislature and 10 of 13 U.S. House seats. In moves Vladimir Putin would admire, Tar Heel Republicans ruthlessly changed rules and procedures in 2016 after voters elected a Democratic governor, stripping him of many executive powers.

The nationwide outcome will be affected by legal rulings on challenges to the way many states draw legislative districts and a Supreme Court decision this session on gerrymandering cases from Wisconsin and Maryland. There are also efforts underway to set up ballot referendums in Michigan and, less likely, Ohio to create nonpartisan redistricting commissions.

Hunt, a Bloomberg View columnist, is former executive editor of Bloomberg News and one-time executive Washington editor at the Wall Street Journal.As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content.

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PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Council President Peter Marchetti has handed out committee assignments to the City Council.

The president is tasked with appointing the council's six subcommittees with five members each. Marchetti, Vice President John Krol, and Ward 7 Councilor Anthony Simonelli will serve on two committees each. The other councilors will serve on three and of those, all but the two newest councilors will have chairmanships.

Marchetti will chair the Finance Committee and be the vice chairman of Public Health and Safety  taking on one extra committee than he had last year. Krol will be the vice chairman of Community and Economic Development and sit on Ordinance and Rules, the same two roles he had the last term.

Ward 3 Councilor Nicholas Caccamo was tapped to chair the Community and Economic Development Committee. He sat on it last term and fills the chairmanship vacated by former Councilor Kathleen Amuso, who did not seek re-election.

"It's one of the most exciting committees we have, its most important task is the block grant appropriations. It's a great chance to make some meaningful improvements across our city," Caccamo said.

"I hope to work closely with the Community Development Office to create a meaningful spending plan. It's also driven by community needs through public hearings which is a great way to get the pulse of each new year."

Caccamo said he's quickly gearing up for a meeting regarding the development of the former St. Mary's the Morningstar Church property  for which the mayor will be proposing a tax increment financing package to assist. And he is looking at accepting the PACE program from the Department of Energy to help small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits.

Overall the Ward 3 councilor is "very happy" with his committee assignments. He also retains a seat on Ordinance and Rules and is vice chairman of Buildings and Maintenance  a committee he chaired this last year. He is one of the councilors who will be returning to the same committees as the last term.

Simonelli is also returning to familiar committees. He will serve on Public Works and Buildings and Maintenance. He had the same two last year as well as Public Health and Safety, which he was not appointed to this time. He said he got what he asked for with the appointments to Public Works and Buildings and Maintenance.

"As a ward councilor, I believe Public Works is very important to serve on, as it deals with issues a ward councilor faces regularly," he said.

He'll serve on that committee with Ward 5 Councilor Donna Todd Rivers. Rivers shares Simonelli's view that Public Works is a good committee for ward councilors but she hoped to give it up and move into finance. Rivers felt the new councilors would benefit from Public Works while she could dive deeper into the city's finances.

"I felt I would give up the seat. I really wanted to learn finance and learn that committee," Rivers said.

Marchetti didn't honor her request. But Rivers isn't that upset about it. She says she can still learn about the issues and have her voice heard on the committee even if she isn't a member. She plans to attend the meetings as a member of the audience and pay close attention to the discussion at that level before the topic is sent to the full committee.

"Whether you are sitting in the five chairs or in the black chairs, if it is something you care passionately about you can still be involved," Rivers said.

While Rivers may not have gotten Finance, she is excited about her chairmanship of Buildings and Maintenance. She says the city's buildings are a major priority but that committee hadn't had much life to it in recent years.

"I think that committee needs more action. I would like to meet more," she said. "I'd like to bring it to life."

Rivers isn't the only one who didn't get what she wanted. Councilor at Large Melissa Mazzeo wanted to be on Community and Economic Development but wasn't assigned it.

"A few things that concerned me was putting the two new councilors on Community and Economic Development. I felt that I would better serve the public on that committee. I have been through three administrations and felt my experience with economic development issues and ideas are needed," Mazzeo said.

The former council president also got ousted from the chair of Ordinance and Rules, one of the more coveted committees to be on, to the chagrin of some of her colleagues. In her place is last term's committee vice chairman, Peter White. Mazzeo will still have a seat on Ordinance and Rules as the vice chair and she will also sit on Finance and Public Health and Safety.

"I was discouraged Melissa Mazzeo wasn't chair of Ordinance and Rules," Ward 4 Councilor Christopher Connell said.

Connell had even hoped to join Mazzeo on that committee as well but he wasn't appointed. Instead, Connell will chair Public Works, vice chair Finance, and sit on Building and Maintenance.

Connell is happy with his chairmanship of Public Works, where he can get even more involved with a topic he had been delving into heavily over the course of the last year.

"I really want to get into the water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades. And really get into the enterprise fund accounts," Connell said.

Simonelli also feels Mazzeo would have been a better chair for Ordinance and Rules.

"I found it strange that Councilor Mazzeo, who arguably is the most knowledgeable councilor regarding ordinance and rules, or Councilor Rivers (who has a law degree) should not be given the chairmanship of O&R," Simonelli said.

White, meanwhile, considers being tapped to head Ordinance and Rules an honor. He's also looking forward to the work on the Community and Economic Development Committee.

"I am honored to be chosen to chair Ordinance and Rules for this term. My plan is to run fair and orderly meetings and just help keep the process moving forward," White said. "I am hoping that the newly created business development manager might have some more items going before Community and Economic Development and also housing projects like the former St. Mary's project."

White will also sit on Public Health and Safety and says all three of his committee assignments will serve a role in the implementation of recreational marijuana.

The newest at-large councilor, Earl Persip, feels Marchetti did a good job assigning him to committees that fit with his skills and expertise. He'll sit on Building Maintenance, Community and Economic Development, and Finance.

"I'm happy with my assignments and I believe I was assigned to committees where I can have a strong impact and bring solid experience. I think President Marchetti was thoughtful when giving committee assignments, and he put councilors on committees where they can do the best work given their particular skills," Persip said.

"I've managed tight budgets for over 10 years in circumstances where every dollar counts, and I'm currently responsible for building facilities at both Berkshire Family YMCA properties. My career and volunteer work also give me a lot of experience working with the community, and that should give me a good handle on issues facing the Community Development committee."

It is the Economic and Community Development position that excites Persip the most because of the wide range of topic he'll handle.

The other newcomer to the council, Moon, will have seats on Public Works, Public Health and Safety, and Community and Economic Development.

Vice President Krol is happy with returning to the same committee positions as last year. But, he'd like to have seen Persip and Moon take on even bigger roles.

"I would have liked to have seen our new councilors better represented on the two most active, and in many ways, most important committees: O&R and Finance," Krol said.

Meanwhile, Ward 2 Councilor Kevin Morandi is particularly happy about taking over the chairmanship of Public Health and Safety. He had last served as the vice chairman but former chairwoman Lisa Tully did not seek re-election. He'll also stay on Finance and Public Works, two committees he had sat on during this last term.

Morandi doesn't mind serving on the same committees as last year. He believes that it is important to have the most experienced councilors on each committee.

"I think it is very important to have consistency on all of these committees for the next two years as every committee is going to have real important and essential items referred to it. Having the most experienced and informed members that have been on these committees and are familiar with the process and items that are referred to them is essential," Morandi said.

Caccamo agrees that there are benefits to having consistency with the committee assignments, but he said there are also benefits to having new voices. Making those decisions and finding that balance is the responsibility of the council president.

"There are some benefits to being on the same committees, but it's also important to have new views. Selecting committee assignments really allows the president of the council to set a vision for the legislative branch based on prior experiences," Caccamo said.

Overall, White thinks Marchetti had created "a good mix given that there are only six committees for 11 councilors to serve on." And Morandi said everyone on every committee has a vital role in city government this term.

"Every subcommittee from O&R to Building and Maintenance will play important roles in the next two years as I really expect and hope that many initiatives and ideas will be brought forward as we continue to try and make Pittsfield a vibrant and thriving economically driven city once again. With only two new councilors coming onto these committees I feel it will be a lot easier of a transition for everyone," Morandi said.

Ordinances and Rules

Peter White, Chair

Melissa Mazzeo, Vice Chair

John Krol

Nicholas Caccamo

Donna Todd Rivers

Community and Economic Development

Nicholas Caccamo, Chair

John Krol, Vice Chair

Peter White

Earl Persip

Helen Moon

Buildings and Maintenance

Donna Todd Rivers, Chair

Nicholas Cacccamo, Vice Chair

Anthony Simonelli

Christopher Connell

Earl Persip

Finance

Peter Marchetti, Chair

Christopher Connell, Vice Chair

Earl Persip

Kevin Morandi

Melissa Mazzeo

Public Health and Safety

Kevin Morandi, Chair

Peter Marchetti, Vice Chair

Helen Moon

Melissa Mazzeo

Peter White

Public Works

Christopher Connell, Chair

Kevin Morandi, Vice Chair

Anthony Simonelli

Donna Todd Rivers

Helen MoonThe deteriorated roof over the boiler room at Hoosac Valley Elementary has been reconstructed.

Hoosac Valley Elementary Boiler Room Roof Repairs Completed

ADAMS, Mass.  The Hoosac Valley Elementary School finally has a structurally sound roof over its boiler room.

"This has been around for a while now, but we did allocate money for it and we knew it needed to be done," Chairman John Duval said at last week's meeting of the Selectmen.

Discussions about repairing the roof go back to 2016, when the Adams-Cheshire Regional School Committee began the process of closing one of its two elementary schools.

The roof on the formerly named C.T Plunkett boiler room was in disrepair and with the cost likely to have some effect on the School Committee's decision, the town of Adams pledged to fund the repair.

Initially, the project was estimated to cost nearly $400,000, however, then town Administrator Tony Mazzucco thought this amount was not realistic. The project was held up until this past fall, when the town brought on Souliere & Zepka Construction who could do the repair for $198,000.

With Cheshire Elementary School's untimely closing, this delay did deepen the rift between the two towns. Cheshire had concerns that Adams did not actually intend to repair the roof.

Interim Town Administrator Donna Cesan's written report to the Selectmen stated that the lengthy project is essentially complete. She wrote that a final punch list needs to be formed and after those items are completed, the project can be closed out.

Another project Cesan listed in her report was the upcoming demolition of the 50 Commercial St. property the town recently received permission from housing court to take down.

"If you have been by there, I am sure that you have seen the fence surrounding that building," Duval said. "We thank the [Department of Public Works] for taking care of that for us and it is coming down."

Cesan, who did not attend the meeting, wrote that the demolition will go out to bid this week.

Late last year, the town gave owner Charles Ransford 30 days to demolish the building on his own because it was a public safety concern. Ransford did not do this.

Cesan wrote that the town is still waiting on approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection because the building does contain hazardous materials and whoever is awarded the demolition bid will have to remove all the debris.

The demolition will be paid out of the slum and blight removal line item in the budget, however, a lien will be placed on the property in an attempt to recoup costs.Unionized nurses from BMC delivered a petition to trustee Jerome Jay Anderson at Pittsfield Co-op on Monday.

Talks Continue Between BMC, Nurses; 2nd Strike Authorization Vote Set



Nurse Leilani McCardle-Hover gives Pittsfield Co-op staff the petition, asking that it be passed along to bank president J. Jay Anderson. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The unionized nurses at Berkshire Medical Center will be voting again to give the bargaining committee the authority to call a one-day strike.

Berkshire Medical Center management and the hospital's Massachusetts Nurses Association chapter have been at an impasse in negotiations for a year and a half.

In October, a one-day strike was held, followed by a four-day lockout by BMC when the two sides couldn't reach a settlement.

Since then there have been three negotiation sessions with one more scheduled for Tuesday. The union says there has been some consensus on a few of the issues during those sessions, but not on the two major points of contention: staffing and health insurance.

Hospital officials say they believed that the "cooperative and collaborative tone" of the sessions meant progress toward a settlement.

The union has once again called for a vote to give the bargaining committee the authority to call another one-day strike should the committee feel it is needed. The vote doesn't necessarily mean there will be a strike, nor does it set a timeline.

On Monday, a group of nurses tried to get the hospital's board of trustees aware of the nurses' issues in hopes they'll urge management to settle.

"What we were hoping to accomplish is just trying to make contact with the board of trustees. They've been a little elusive. Those that we've been able to talk to seem receptive to the plight of the nurses. But what they need to understand is our management at BMC is not listening to us. We are not being heard," said Leilani McCardle-Hover, who works as a nurse in the critical care unit.

A half dozen or so nurses went to the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank to give a petition with nearly 600 signatures to trustee Jerome Jay Anderson, president and chief operating office of the bank. But in the nurses' second attempt to hand deliver petitions to trustee members, Anderson was not available. Nor was John Bissell when the nurses attempted to deliver the petition to his work at Greylock Federal Credit Union in August.

The petition reads: "As trustees, you are stewards tasked with overseeing Berkshire Medical Center. BMC and the patient care that nurses and other staff provide are among our community's most valuable assets. Since BMC is funded primarily through public money  tax dollars and generous donations  trustees have an obligation to take the time and listen to the patient safety concerns being raised by the community and nurses. This is your job. Therefore, we are asking you to intervene NOW and convince BMC's administration to settle a fair contract with nurses. There can be no further delay. Patient safety is, and has always been, our No. 1 priority. Please demonstrate through your swift action that it is yours as well."

Since the October strike, three negotiation sessions were held  on Nov. 14, Nov. 28, and Dec. 20  and consensus has been reached on workforce safety proposals. But, the union says the main sticking points hadn't been settled.

"We always go into bargaining with hopefulness that they will come to the table. That they'll enter the room, speak with us, and want to get down to business and finish this off," McCardle-Hover said of the next bargaining session.

"We're not asking for a whole lot. We're asking for charge nurses without a group. We're asking for them not to make staffing any worse than it is and quite honestly since we've come back from the strike things have gotten worse."

Brenda Cadorette, BMC's chief nursing officer, responded in a letter to nurses about the past three negotiating sessions. The first had focused on staff safety and security and the second on a review of actions taken to date along with discussion about concerns and suggestions, she said. "As a result of that sharing of ideas, at the third post-strike session, we responded to the bargaining committee's safety proposals with some modified language that, after some discussion, the hospital and the union were able to find a way to resolve these important safety and security issues," she wrote, but added further on that "we have continuing disagreements about how the charge nurse function is addressed in the MNA collective bargaining agreement."

McCardle-Hover, who works in critical care, said there have been issues since the strike with paid time off and vacations being denied. And the floors remain short staffed. BMC, however, says it has cut its nurse vacancy rate by 45 percent with expectation of more improvement in that area.

Hospital officials also remain hopeful and agreed there has been progress made toward a settlement.

"Our positive experience in the three negotiating sessions since October led us to believe that we could work collaboratively with the union to resolve the remaining outstanding issues with our registered nurses," Cadorette wrote. "We were, therefore, both surprised and disappointed to learn that the MNA had scheduled votes on January 11 and 16 to authorize a second strike. "We remain hopeful that the cooperative spirit that the bargaining committee showed at the most recent negotiating sessions will continue in future ones and will result in a fair and reasonable agreement that serves the interest of the registered nurses, the other hospital employees, the hospital itself and, most importantly, the community that we all, collectively, serve."

The contract talks have now entered their third calendar year. The previous contract expired in September 2016 and talks spanned all of 2017  with the help of a federal mediator. The sides have had differences in opinions regarding staffing and health insurance.When I started at Penguin 20 years ago, as part of an entirely new team, there was a real sense that change was needed and that we had been brought in to achieve it. One of our challenges was to reinvigorate the likes of Anthony Burgess, George Orwell, James Joyce and Evelyn Waugh and appeal to a new generation by showcasing this amazing Penguin backlist in a more relevant way. The collection of re-branded classics would be called Penguin Essentials: we aimed to persuade new readers to discover these books as well as re-ignite existing readers love for them.

The brief from my managing director at the time was to ignore everything that had been done before and completely reinvent the covers. This was an exhilarating challenge. I was new at Penguin, full of ideas and felt like I needed to prove myself. I thought of it as a rebirth, a shake-up of a great brand with a long and respected design history.

Coe's critique of Thatcher's Britain was redesigned by UNGA (Broken Fingaz), Israeli graphic artists

It was also really exciting trying to capture the attention of young people who wouldnt necessarily pick up The Dubliners or A Room with a View, redesigning the covers to convey that the stories had contemporary relevance. I started thinking about what was turning young people on, and looked everywhere for inspiration: skateboard shops, record covers, street art and fashion.

As I was personally very inspired by music I turned to designers in the music industry, people who could produce a fresh and interesting cover. The first commission I made was Intro, an agency that was doing cool design work for Manchester-based record label, Blood and Fire, creating jackets for bands such as Primal Scream. When I called them up and asked if theyd like to do a book cover they replied that theyd never done one before. I said it didnt matter, that was the whole idea, and told them to choose whichever book they wanted from the list I gave them. My only instructions were: Do what you want. Treat it like its a record.

Vladimir Nabokov's scandalous 1955 novel reimagined by Katharine McNaughton

I then approached design collective Tomato and told them that Intro was doing a cover. Before I knew it, lots of people wanted to design an Essentials cover for me. I think these creatives were drawn in by the Penguin brand and that the titles up for grabs were fantastic; people were queueing up to do a George Orwell or a Jack Kerouac cover. Plus, they were all excited about having creative freedom with no boundaries. We were initially meant to publish ten but, because of the buzz, we extended it to 20 titles in the first year.

Our commissions became increasingly unexpected and brave and we started contacting up-and-coming creatives from further afield. For example, we found two Israeli skateboarders online, now known as UNGA (Broken Fingaz), and asked if they wanted to redesign the cover of Jonathan Coes What a Carve Up!. We had to get a synopsis translated and sent over to Israel as they couldnt get the book in Hebrew.

One of my highlights is Hatch Show Prints design of A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham. They are Nashville-based printers who designed Elvis Presleys show posters in 1956 and many well-known country-western adverts. I am also thrilled that we were able to get Banksy involved, who reimagined the cover of Nick Caves And the Ass Saw the Angel. I approached him through a friend of a friend in a bar, and never expected hed do a cover for us.

Hatch Show Print also designed Elvis Presleys show posters in 1956

The Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is steeped in design history and, as its not far from my home, I often visit for inspiration. When they mentioned their plans for an Elizabeth Friedlander exhibition, a designer who designed book covers for Penguin in the 1950s and 1960s, I suggested I could pull together something contemporary to tie in with the show. Friedlanders daring approach to book design and her free spirit in going against convention reflect the energy and ingenuity of all the artists who have collaborated with us on the Essentials since 1998.

Napoleon dynamite: Orwell's 'Animal Farm' by Pete Fowler

The 20 Years of Penguin Essentials exhibition is significant as the covers have never been recognised as a body of work before and it is moving to see the work of so many talented individuals displayed together. Working on the Penguin Essentials was a real career high and I am very proud that the series remains as energised and exciting as when it was first launched 20 years ago. The philosophy of the series still remains the same today: we want to continue to redesign the classics to capture the imagination of all kinds of people whilst showcasing creatives from around the world.

Designers Intro were more used to creating album sleeves for bands such as Primal Scream than covers for Orwell books

The diversity of the artists weve commissioned is quite incredible, and when we put together the exhibition and looked at the covers as a whole for the first time, its clear that they are standing the test of time. Designers look back all the time for inspiration  Id like to think that in another 20 years, design students will look back at the Penguin Essentials and draw inspiration from this body of work.

John Hamilton is Art Director at Penguin Random House UK and the founder of the Penguin Essentials series. The '20 Years of Penguin Essentials' and 'Elizabeth Friedlander' exhibtions are on display at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, East Sussex, until 29 April (ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk)American actor Kirk Douglas was honoured last night at the Golden Globes, the 101-year-old appearing on stage alongside daughter-in-law Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Douglas, who was sat in a wheelchair, was given a standing ovation by the star-studded audience following a short video tribute to the iconic actor.

"What do you say? Zeta-Jones, who is married to Douglass son, Michael Douglas, began. The veteran actor replied: "Very good!"

Zeta-Jones continued: In 1991 my father in law, this living Hollywood legend Kirk, was recognised by the Writer's Guild Of America for his role in ending the Hollywood Blacklist.

 Golden Globes 2018 highlights

She proceeded to tell the audience how Douglas hired famed screenwriter Dalton Trumbo  one of many blacklisted communist-aligned Hollywood writers  to write the screenplay for the Stanley Kubrick-directed Spartacus.

Catherine, you said it all, Douglas said with a smile. I worked on a speech but I dont want to say it because I could never follow you.

Douglas celebrated his 101st Birthday last month with friends and family.

Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Show all 30 1 /30 Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Margot Robbie The Australian actor is renowned for her sartorial prowess and this ornate Gucci gown is no exception. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Maggie Gylenhaal The American actor offset the minimalism of her custom Monse jumpsuit with dramatic drop earrings reaching down to her decolletage. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Alilison Janney Before taking home the award for best supporting actress for her role in I, Tonya, Janney turned heads on the red carpet in a graphic Mario Dice fishtail gown. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Reese Witherspoon & Eva Longoria While the Big Little Lies producer opted for a off-the-shoulder Zac Posen number, Eva Longoria donned a custom Genny gown, complete with a thigh-high slit. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Alison Brie The Glow star opted for a billowing trouser suit by Vassilis Zoulias. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Jessica Chastain The Molly's Game star donned a custom Armani Prive off-the-shoulder gown. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Mandy Moore The This Is Us star chose a halterneck gown from Rosie Assoulin's Fall 2017 collection, paired with a Tyler Ellis clutch. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Catherine Zeta-Jones Not one to shy away from a daring design, the Welsh actor donned a sheer plunging gown from Zuhair Murad's couture collection. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Penelope Cruz Ralph & Russo know a thing or two about dressing high-profile celebrities (remember that Meghan Markle dress?) making the Australian design duo a perfect fit for Cruz, who stunned in an ornate couture gown from their latest collection. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Meryl Streep and Ai-jen Poo Streep donned a custom Vera Wang gown with a sweetheart neckline at this year's ceremony. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Alexis Biedel The Handmaid's Tale star wore a dynamic strapless jumpsuit by Oscar De La Renta, complete with a leaf-like sash and a classic burgundy lip. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Allison Williams Bringing a splash of colour to the Globe's all-black-everything aesthetic, the Get Out actor wore a strapless Armani Prive couture gown. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Oprah Winfrey Winfrey opted for a form-fitting Atelier Versace gown as she took to the stage to accept the Cecil B. de Mille award. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Lily James The British actor went all-out glamour puss in this Valentino couture gown. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Naomi Campbell The British model kept it classic in an off-the-shoulder pleated number by Jean Paul Gaultier paired with Neil Lane jewellery. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Saoise Ronan The Irish actor might have taken home the prestigious gong for best actor, thanks to her stellar performance in Ladybird, but her custom Atelier Versace gown is no less noteworthy. Paired with Cartier jewellery, Ronan is the epitome of elegance in this award-worthy look. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Zac Efron If anyone can make an all-black suit their own, it's the Disney heartthrob-turned-bonafide-talent Efron, who took to the red carpet in a sleek Hugo Boss tuxedo. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Angelina Jolie A strong contender for best-dressed, Jolie paired her Atelier Versace dress with Forevermark jewellery and Stuart Weitzman shoes. The effortlessly chic up-do perfectly compliments the actor's sheer neckline while proudly showing off her diamond earrings. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Kerry Washington The Scandal star channelled rock'n'roll glamour in this sequin Prabal Gurung gown, complete with a thigh-high slit. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Millie Bobby Brown She may only be 13 years old, but the Stranger Things actor has already firmly established herself as a red carpet pro and this custom Calvin Klein mini is no exception. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Kendall Jenner When it comes to red carpet fashion, the reality star-turned-model is known for her regal tastes and this Giambattista Valli gown is the perfect fit for Jenner's perennial princess aesthetic. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Justin Timberlake and Jessie Biel While Timberlake oozed sophistication in a Dior Homme tuxedo, Biel opted for a strapless tulle gown from Dior's Spring couture 2017 collection. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Dakota Johnson The American actor is a longstanding Gucci girl so it's no surprise she chose a belted velvet number from the Italian design house. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Nick Jonas Showing his support for the Times Up campaign, the singer donned an all-black tuxedo on the red carpet. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Zoe Kravitz If anyone can pull off paired-back simplicity on the red carpet, it's Zoe Kravitz. The Big Little Lies star paired her stunning custom Saint Laurent gown with emerald drop earrings and a striking red lip i.e. an exemplar in the 'less is more' aesthetic. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Emilia Clarke The Game of Thrones star turned heads in a strapless Miu Miu gown. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman If there's one couple that knows how to master the art of red carpet coordination, it's Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, whose ornate custom Givenchy gown perfectly complimented the simplicity of her husband's all-black ensemble. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Gal Gadot The Wonder Woman star made her mark on this year's red carpet with a fitted strapless Tom Ford complete with a touch of androgyny thanks to a cropped tailored blazer. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Daniel Kaluuya The Get Out frontman glided across the red carpet in a classic Gucci tuxedo. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Kate Hudson If anyone can pull off a plunging sheer Valentino gown, it's Kate Hudson. The actor completed her look with a dramatic pendant necklace while keeping her hair and makeup fairly simple, allowing the dress to take centre stage. Rex Features

Meanwhile, the Golden Globes were cause for much celebration, many worthy nominees taking home prizes including Oprah, who gave an incredible speech. Read the full winners list here.Recy Taylor was the woman at the heart of Oprah Winfrey's powerful Golden Globes speech - a woman who suffered so brutally, but battled tirelessly for justice.

"In 1944, Recy Taylor was a young wife and mother walking home from a church service she'd attended in Abbeville, Alabama, when she was abducted by six armed white men, raped, and left blindfolded by the side of the road coming home from church," Winfrey said, accepting the annual Cecil B. DeMille award for lifetime achievement.

"They threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone, but her story was reported to the NAACP where a young worker by the name of Rosa Parks became the lead investigator on her case and together they sought justice. But justice wasn't an option in the era of Jim Crow."

"The men who tried to destroy her were never persecuted. Recy Taylor died ten days ago, just shy of her 98th birthday. She lived as we all have lived, too many years in a culture broken by brutally powerful men. For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up."

"Their time is up. And I just hopeI just hope that Recy Taylor died knowing that her truth, like the truth of so many other women who were tormented in those years, and even now tormented, goes marching on."

Taylor died in her sleep on 28 December at a nursing home in Abbeville, her brother Robert Corbitt said. He said Taylor had been in good spirits the previous day and her death was sudden. She would have been 98 on Sunday. Taylor was 24 when she was abducted and raped as she walked home from church in Abbeville. Her attackers left her on the side of the road in an isolated area.

The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) assigned Rosa Parks to investigate the case, and she rallied support for justice for Taylor. Two all-white, all-male grand juries declined to charge the six white men, who had admitted to authorities that they assaulted her.

Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Show all 55 1 /55 Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Meryl Street and Ai-jen Poo Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Rosa Clemente and Susan Sarandon Getty Images Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Shailene Woodley and activist Calina Lawrence NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Emma Watson and Marai Larasi Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Amy Poehler and Saru Jayaraman Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Laura Dern and Monica Ramirez Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Michelle Williams and Tarana Burke Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Debra Messing Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Caitriona Balfe Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Allison Williams Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Zoe Kravitz Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Viola Davis and Julius Tennon Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Tracee Ellis Ross Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Sarah Paulson Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Sadie Sink Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Rita Moreno Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Millie Bobby Brown Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Michelle Pfeiffer Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Margot Robbie Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Mandy Moore Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Maggie Gyllenhaal Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Lily James Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Kendall Jenner Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Kit Harrington Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Kerry Washington Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Kelly Clarkson Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Dakota Johnson Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Kate Hudson Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Jessica Biel Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Jamie Chung Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes James Franco and Dave Franco Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Issa Rae Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Isabelle Huppert Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Heidi Klum Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Gwendoline Christie Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Geena Davis Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Claire Foy Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Elisabeth Moss Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Diane Kruger Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Catherine Zeta-Jones Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Angelina Jolie Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Nicole Kidman Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Mary J. Blige Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Mariah Carey Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Katherine Langford Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Salma Hayek and Ashley Judd Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Gillian Anderson Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Gal Gadot Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Emilia Clarke Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Alicia Vikander Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes America Ferrera and Natalie Portman Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Sally Hawkins Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Saoirse Ronan Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Reese Witherspoon and Eva Longoria Rex Features



In a 2010 interview, Taylor said that she believed the men who attacked her were dead, but she still would like an apology from officials. It would mean a whole lot to me, Taylor said. The people who done this to me ... they cant do no apologising. Most of them is gone.

The Alabama Legislature passed a resolution apologising to her in 2011. Taylors story, along with those of other black women attacked by white men during the civil rights era, is told in At the Dark End of the Street, a book by Danielle McGuire released in 2010.

A documentary on her case, The Rape of Recy Taylor, was released this year. It is Recy Taylor and rare other black women like her who spoke up first when danger was greatest, Nancy Buirski, the documentarys director, told NBC News. It is these strong womens voices of the Forties and early Fifties and their efforts to take back their bodies that led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott and other movements that followed, notably the one we are witnessing today.

Additional reporting by AP.The red carpet at this years Golden Globes was amass with black gowns and tuxedos as actors and actresses united to protest sexual misconduct in Hollywood in light of the Times Up campaign.

While the likes of Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, Justin Timberlake and many more donned their best all-black ensembles, some attendees shunned the protest entirely by wearing brightly-coloured dresses.

Whether they received the memo or not, those who failed to turn up in their best all-black-everything look have been widely criticised online.

Blanca Blanco was one of the attendees who did not conform to the implicit dress code and instead turned up in a slashed scarlett gown by Atria.

Social media users were quick to accuse the 36-year-old of purposefully rejecting the Times Up movement by donning an outfit that some deemed inappropriate.

Blanca Blanco doesn't necessarily have to conform to the #WhyWeWearBlack dress code, yet to show up in a gown that's not only bright red but extremely skimpy seems like a crass f*** you to the whole movement, wrote one social media user.

Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Show all 30 1 /30 Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Margot Robbie The Australian actor is renowned for her sartorial prowess and this ornate Gucci gown is no exception. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Maggie Gylenhaal The American actor offset the minimalism of her custom Monse jumpsuit with dramatic drop earrings reaching down to her decolletage. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Alilison Janney Before taking home the award for best supporting actress for her role in I, Tonya, Janney turned heads on the red carpet in a graphic Mario Dice fishtail gown. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Reese Witherspoon & Eva Longoria While the Big Little Lies producer opted for a off-the-shoulder Zac Posen number, Eva Longoria donned a custom Genny gown, complete with a thigh-high slit. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Alison Brie The Glow star opted for a billowing trouser suit by Vassilis Zoulias. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Jessica Chastain The Molly's Game star donned a custom Armani Prive off-the-shoulder gown. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Mandy Moore The This Is Us star chose a halterneck gown from Rosie Assoulin's Fall 2017 collection, paired with a Tyler Ellis clutch. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Catherine Zeta-Jones Not one to shy away from a daring design, the Welsh actor donned a sheer plunging gown from Zuhair Murad's couture collection. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Penelope Cruz Ralph & Russo know a thing or two about dressing high-profile celebrities (remember that Meghan Markle dress?) making the Australian design duo a perfect fit for Cruz, who stunned in an ornate couture gown from their latest collection. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Meryl Streep and Ai-jen Poo Streep donned a custom Vera Wang gown with a sweetheart neckline at this year's ceremony. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Alexis Biedel The Handmaid's Tale star wore a dynamic strapless jumpsuit by Oscar De La Renta, complete with a leaf-like sash and a classic burgundy lip. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Allison Williams Bringing a splash of colour to the Globe's all-black-everything aesthetic, the Get Out actor wore a strapless Armani Prive couture gown. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Oprah Winfrey Winfrey opted for a form-fitting Atelier Versace gown as she took to the stage to accept the Cecil B. de Mille award. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Lily James The British actor went all-out glamour puss in this Valentino couture gown. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Naomi Campbell The British model kept it classic in an off-the-shoulder pleated number by Jean Paul Gaultier paired with Neil Lane jewellery. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Saoise Ronan The Irish actor might have taken home the prestigious gong for best actor, thanks to her stellar performance in Ladybird, but her custom Atelier Versace gown is no less noteworthy. Paired with Cartier jewellery, Ronan is the epitome of elegance in this award-worthy look. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Zac Efron If anyone can make an all-black suit their own, it's the Disney heartthrob-turned-bonafide-talent Efron, who took to the red carpet in a sleek Hugo Boss tuxedo. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Angelina Jolie A strong contender for best-dressed, Jolie paired her Atelier Versace dress with Forevermark jewellery and Stuart Weitzman shoes. The effortlessly chic up-do perfectly compliments the actor's sheer neckline while proudly showing off her diamond earrings. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Kerry Washington The Scandal star channelled rock'n'roll glamour in this sequin Prabal Gurung gown, complete with a thigh-high slit. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Millie Bobby Brown She may only be 13 years old, but the Stranger Things actor has already firmly established herself as a red carpet pro and this custom Calvin Klein mini is no exception. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Kendall Jenner When it comes to red carpet fashion, the reality star-turned-model is known for her regal tastes and this Giambattista Valli gown is the perfect fit for Jenner's perennial princess aesthetic. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Justin Timberlake and Jessie Biel While Timberlake oozed sophistication in a Dior Homme tuxedo, Biel opted for a strapless tulle gown from Dior's Spring couture 2017 collection. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Dakota Johnson The American actor is a longstanding Gucci girl so it's no surprise she chose a belted velvet number from the Italian design house. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Nick Jonas Showing his support for the Times Up campaign, the singer donned an all-black tuxedo on the red carpet. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Zoe Kravitz If anyone can pull off paired-back simplicity on the red carpet, it's Zoe Kravitz. The Big Little Lies star paired her stunning custom Saint Laurent gown with emerald drop earrings and a striking red lip i.e. an exemplar in the 'less is more' aesthetic. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Emilia Clarke The Game of Thrones star turned heads in a strapless Miu Miu gown. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman If there's one couple that knows how to master the art of red carpet coordination, it's Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, whose ornate custom Givenchy gown perfectly complimented the simplicity of her husband's all-black ensemble. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Gal Gadot The Wonder Woman star made her mark on this year's red carpet with a fitted strapless Tom Ford complete with a touch of androgyny thanks to a cropped tailored blazer. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Daniel Kaluuya The Get Out frontman glided across the red carpet in a classic Gucci tuxedo. Rex Features Golden Globes 2018 Best Dressed Kate Hudson If anyone can pull off a plunging sheer Valentino gown, it's Kate Hudson. The actor completed her look with a dramatic pendant necklace while keeping her hair and makeup fairly simple, allowing the dress to take centre stage. Rex Features

Other guests to defy the sartorial blackout included German model Barbara Meier, actress Zenobia Shroff and president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Meher Tatna, who also donned a red outfit.

While many complained that failing to comply with the #WhyWeWearBlack movement indicated a lack of support to victims of sexual harassment, others were quick to point out the hypocrisy of criticising women for their outfit choices.

How hypocritical of people to criticise Blanca Blanco for wearing a dress that they say supports sexual misconduct. I thought it doesn't matter what you wear?? If you're going to believe in something, believe it at all times, not when it's convenient for you, wrote one user.

Writing in a tweet to Blanco, another added: Women who are shaming you and questioning your integrity based on the colour of your dress and the style are part of the problem. We should support one another.

In response to the vitriol, Blanco proceeded to share her support for the Times Up campaign, writing in a tweet: The issue is bigger than my dress color #TIMESUP  before adding shaming is part of the problem.In news that will strike joy into the hearts of both committed vegans and omnivores attempting Veganuary, Dominos has launched vegan pizzas.

The bad news is, however, that its currently only available in Australia.

The new range of pizzas are made with vegan mozzarella cheese and there are three flavours from which to choose: The Vegan Avocado Veg (topped with fire roasted peppers, mushrooms, red onions, capsicum, olives and spring onion), the Vegan Spicy Trio (baby spinach, fresh tomato, red onion and chilli flakes), and the Vegan Margherita.

However, any pizza on the menu can also be made vegan merely by requesting the new cheese.

Fortunately Dominos sauces and pizza bases are already vegan.

This is also great news for people with allergies and food sensitivities as it contains no dairy, gluten, or soy, said Nick Knight, CEO of Dominos Australia and New Zealand.

The cheese is made by supplier Follow Your Heart, and Knight says it has the same taste, texture and melt as real dairy cheese.

The decision to launch vegan pizzas was made in response to a survey on the companys Facebook page last year.

(Domino's (Domino's)

We were blown away by the response to the survey and for this product in general, said Knight.

At Dominos we pride ourselves on our people-powered pizza mantra and listen to what our customers want.

The popularity of, and demand for, vegan products has increased considerably over the years, so its great we are now able to offer this high quality, non-GMO, plant-based and preservative free Vegan Cheese.

Its set to be available for a limited time but if theres enough customer demand, it could be a permanent feature.

Sadly for those of us on the other side of the world, there dont seem to be any plans to launch the vegan cheese in the UK.

Joshua Speers, a spokesperson for Dominos UK, told The Independent: We dont currently offer a pizza suitable for vegans, but this is something we regularly explore.

While we havent found a solution yet, we hope to offer a vegan pizza one day.

Theres hope yet.A restaurant has been fined 50,000 in addition to other costs for serving food on unhygienic wooden boards and putting the health of their customers at risk.

Ibrahims Grill and Steak House restaurant is based on Warwick Road in Birmingham.

In October 2016, the restaurant received a visit from Birmingham City Councils Environment department to assess the hygiene levels of the establishment.

Recommended Office teabags contain 17 times more germs than a toilet seat

This came after a party of 14 were allegedly left with food poisoning after dining at the restaurant.

At the time, Birmingham City Council found that the cleanliness of the restaurant was not up to par.

They recorded that employees chose to wear disposable gloves instead of washing their hands, failed to clean the premises efficiently and served food on wooden plates that could not be properly cleaned.

After serving the restaurant improvement notices, Birmingham City Council returned two months later only to find that the same unhygienic wooden plates were still being used to serve food.

Last week, the Birmingham Magistrates Court fined Ibrahims Grill and Steak House 50,000 for their failure to comply with the improvement notices, with an additional 670 in costs and 120 as a victim surcharge.

Mark Croxford, head of environmental health at Birmingham City Council, has spoken about the responsibility that culinary businesses must bear to look after the health of their customers.

It is completely unacceptable for businesses to put the health of people eating at their restaurants at risk, he said in a statement tweeted by the Birmingham City Council.

The owners were given sound advice which they chose to ignore.

I am pleased magistrates supported our efforts with a large fine and hope advice we give on improving businesses to protect health will not be ignored in future.

According to the Food Standards Agency, there isnt strong evidence to suggest that wooden chopping boards are less hygienic than plastic ones, as long as theyre cleaned properly after use.

The Independent has reached out to Birmingham City Council and Ibrahims Grill and Steak House restaurant for comment.Chinas space station is not out of control and people living under it arent in danger, a leading Chinese engineer has said amid fears it could soon slam down to Earth.

Repeated warnings have suggested that the space agency has lost control of its station and that it could plummet down to Earth. But it has told the public that it knows exactly what is going on with it.

Tiangong-1, which translates as heavenly palace, was launched into orbit in 2011. Since then it has been undertaking experiments, in large part as a test to have a permanent station in space by 2023.

Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Show all 30 1 /30 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An image from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shows a 200,000 mile long solar filament ripping through the Sun's corona in September 2013 Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa Celebrates 50 Years of Spacewalking For 50 years, NASA has been "suiting up" for spacewalking. In this 1984 photograph of the first untethered spacewalk, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless is in the midst of the first "field" tryout of a nitrogen-propelled backpack device called the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Hubble Cosmic Couple The spectacular cosmic pairing of the star Hen 2-427  more commonly known as WR 124  and the nebula M1-67 which surrounds it ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Veil Nebula Supernova Remnant Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled in stunning detail a small section of the Veil Nebula - expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago Nasa's most stunning pictures of space The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launch The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, carrying three new astronauts to the International Space Station. It also took caviar, ready for the satellite's inhabitants to celebrate the holidays Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth from the ISS From the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry W. Virts took this photograph of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Gulf Coast at sunset Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Black Hole Friday Nasa celebrated Black Friday by looking into space instead  sharing pictures of black holes Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space NuSTAR X-rays stream off the sun in this image showing observations from by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, overlaid on a picture taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Cassiopeia A c A false colour image of Cassiopeia A comprised with data from the Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-Ray observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Orion Capsule splashes down The Orion capsule jetted off into space before heading back a few hours later  having proved that it can be used, one day, to carry humans to Mars Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth Observations From Gemini IV in 1965 This photograph of the Florida Straits and Grand Bahama Bank was taken during the Gemini IV mission during orbit no. 19 in 1965. The Gemini IV crew conducted scientific experiments, including photography of Earth's weather and terrain, for the remainder of their four-day mission following Ed White's historic spacewalk on June 3 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Frosty slopes of Mars This image of an area on the surface of Mars, approximately 1.5 by 3 kilometers in size, shows frosted gullies on a south-facing slope within a crater. The image was taken by Nasa's HiRISE camera, which is mounted on its Mars Reconaissance Orbiter Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Yellowstone from space NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman shared this image of Yellowstone via his twitter account Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Saturn This near-infrared color image shows a specular reflection, or sunglint, off of a hydrocarbon lake named Kivu Lacus on Saturn's moon Titan Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Worlds Apart Although Mimas and Pandora, shown here, both orbit Saturn, they are very different moons. Pandora, "small" by moon standards (50 miles or 81 kilometers across) is elongated and irregular in shape. Mimas (246 miles or 396 kilometers across), a "medium-sized" moon, formed into a sphere due to self-gravity imposed by its higher mass Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An X1.6 class solar flare flashes in the middle of the sun in this image taken 10 September, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy An image of the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy seen in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory. Regions of space such as this are where new stars are born from a mixture of elements and cosmic dust Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Mars Rover Spirit Nasa's Mars Rover Spirit took the first picture from Spirit since problems with communications began a week earlier. The image shows the robotic arm extended to the rock called Adirondack Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Morning Aurora From the Space Station Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured this photograph of the green lights of the aurora from the International Space Station Nasa/Scott Kelly Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Launch of History - Making STS-41G Mission in 1984 The Space Shuttle Challenger launches from Florida at dawn. On this mission, Kathryn Sullivan became the first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk and Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space. The crew of seven was the largest to fly on a spacecraft at that time, and STS-41G was the first flight to include two female astronauts Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Fresh Perspective on an Extraordinary Cluster of Galaxies Galaxy clusters are often described by superlatives. After all, they are huge conglomerations of galaxies, hot gas, and dark matter and represent the largest structures in the Universe held together by gravity Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Sees a Galactic Sunflower The arrangement of the spiral arms in the galaxy Messier 63, seen here in an image from the Nasa Hubble Space Telescope, recall the pattern at the center of a sunflower ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Pluto image Four images from New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) were combined with colour data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced colour global view of Pluto Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Fresh Crater Near Sirenum Fossae Region of Mars The HiRISE camera aboard Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired this closeup image of a "fresh" (on a geological scale, though quite old on a human scale) impact crater in the Sirenum Fossae region of Mars. This impact crater appears relatively recent as it has a sharp rim and well-preserved ejecta Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Peers into the Most Crowded Place in the Milky Way This Nasa Hubble Space Telescope image presents the Arches Cluster, the densest known star cluster in the Milky Way NASA & ESA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space An Astronaut's View from Space Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted this photo from the International Space Station on 2 September 2014 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Giant Landform on Mars On Mars, we can observe four classes of sandy landforms formed by the wind, or aeolian bedforms: ripples, transverse aeolian ridges, dunes, and what are called draa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Expedition 39 Landing A sokol suit helmet can be seen against the window of the Soyuz TMA-11M capsule shortly after the spacecraft landed with Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Jupiter's Great Red Spot Viewed by Voyager I Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and perhaps the most majestic. Vibrant bands of clouds carried by winds that can exceed 400 mph continuously circle the planet's atmosphere Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Chandra Observatory Sees a Heart in the Darkness This Chandra X-Ray Observatory image of the young star cluster NGC 346 highlights a heart-shaped cloud of 8 million-degree Celsius gas in the central region

It was supposed to be decommissioned in 2013, with a controlled destruction. That has been repeatedly delayed, however, leading to fears that it could be out of control and the Chinese space agency is simply waiting for it to fall back to Earth.

If it did so and managed to land over a populated area, the remains of the space station that dont burn up on re-entry could cause serious damage.

Recommended Out of control Chinese space station about to fall to Earth

Zhu Congpeng, a top engineer at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, told the state-backed Science and Technology Daily newspaper that the space station was not crashing and did not pose a safety or environmental threat.

We have been continuously monitoring Tiangong-1 and expect to allow it to fall within the first half of this year, Mr Zhu told the newspaper.

It will burn up on entering the atmosphere and the remaining wreckage will fall into a designated area of the sea, without endangering the surface, he said.

Re-entry was delayed in September 2017 in order to ensure that the wreckage would fall into an area of the south Pacific Ocean where debris from Russian and US space stations had previously landed, the paper said.

The California-based Aerospace Corporation, a non-profit group that conducts federal research, said the Tiangong-1s re-entry was unlikely to be controlled but was highly unlikely to hit people or damage property, according to a post on its website last updated 3 January.

Although not declared officially, it is suspected that control of Tiangong-1 was lost and will not be regained before re-entry, it said. There may be hazardous material on board that could survive re-entry, it said.

Advancing Chinas space programme is a priority for President Xi Jinping, who has called for China to become a global space power with both advanced civilian space flight and capabilities that strengthen national security.

Beijing insists that its space programme is for peaceful purposes, but the US Defence Department has said Chinas programme could be aimed at blocking adversaries from using space-based assets during a crisis.

ReutersA map of the UK which reveals the worst hit area for flu has shown that cases are rising across the country.

Created by online tool Flusurvey, the red zone map is updated every three minutes to reflect the growing number of Influenza like illnesses reported by members of the public who are registered on the site.

Red zones reflect areas with high numbers of cases, while blue zones reveal areas that have not been affected.

As the latest map shows, there are currently less than five areas in the UK with no cases of influenza, showing a significant increase in the last three days.

(Flusurvey.org.uk (Flusurvey.org.uk)

So far, the City of London seems to have been spared while Leeds, Bath and Plymouth are some of regions with reported cases.

The number of reported cases has surged in 24 hours, reports the Evening Standard, with some attributing this spike to the surge in one particular strain of flu: Aussie Flu, also known as H3N2.

The deadly strain has already reportedly taken the lives of some people in Ireland.

Dr Richard Pebody, acting head of respiratory diseases at Public Health England, has said that the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the illness, reports The Sun.

"As we would expect at this time of year, flu levels have increased this week," he said.

"Our data shows that more people are visiting GPs with flu symptoms and we are seeing more people admitted to hospitals with the flu.

"The vaccine is the best defence we have against the spread of flu and it isnt too late to get vaccinated."

He pointed out that while Flusurvey's map is a useful tool, it currently only contains data for 7,500 Britons and should be interpreted with caution, particularly because it simply reflects data for flu-like illnesses and does not specifically reveal the rising number of cases of the Aussie Flu strain.

According to the NHS, symptoms for flu can include an aching body, exhaustion, loss of appetite, sudden fevers, nausea and headaches.

"People suffering with flu-like symptoms should catch coughs or sneezes in tissues and bin them immediately, wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water and frequently clean regularly used surfaces to stop the spread of flu.

"Avoid having unnecessary contact with other people if you or they have symptoms of flu."US brewing giant Molson Coors has bought Aspall, the British cider brand founded in Suffolk in 1728, for an undisclosed amount.

Molson Coors said it aims to develop Aspall into the UKs top-selling premium cider brand.

The UK currently accounts for almost half of the global cider market, according to the National Association of Cider Makers.

The Chevallier family, which has been been brewing cider at Aspall Hall in Suffolk for almost 300 years, will continue to play a role in the companys future, Molson Coors said in a statement. The company added Aspall would remain a cornerstone of the surrounding community in Suffolk.

The firm will also acquire Aspalls organic cider vinegar range, which it says is made using a fermentation process that is the only one of its kind it claims is unique in the world.

Barry Chevallier Guild, chairman of Aspall, said: There is a real opportunity to elevate and grow the status of English cider in the UK and abroad both as a beverage and as an excellent partner for food.

We believe that Molson Coors investment will provide the catalyst to grow Aspall and build the recognition for quality cider worldwide.

The total UKs cider market value grew by more than a quarter between 2010 and 2015 and is projected to continue that growth until 2020, according to data from Nielsen.

Molson Coors makes a number of well-known drinks brands, including Miller and Britains best-selling beer, Carling. The company operates three UK breweries at Burton-upon-Trent, Tadcaster and Burtonwood, as well as one in Cork, Ireland.

It bought Cornwall-based Sharps brewery for 20m in 2011.A former Royal Bank of Scotland trader has been fined 250,000 and banned from regulated trading by the City watchdog over his role in the Libor-rigging scandal.

Neil Danziger, who was a derivatives trader at the state-backed bank, improperly and routinely asked RBS Libor submitters to change the rates they submitted in order to benefit his positions, the Financial Conduct Authority said on Monday. The misconduct took place between 2007 and 2010.

Mr Danziger is not a fit and proper person because he acted recklessly and lacks integrity, the FCA said.

He submitted RBSs yen Libor rate himself on occasions where other employees responsible were absent. On those occasions he took into account requests of other RBS derivatives traders [and] trading positions for which he and other derivatives traders were responsible, the FCA stated.

The Libor rates submitted by the major banks are used to price billions of dollars of loans and trillions of dollars of derivatives. A small movement either way could provide large gains or losses for a trader.

The FCA said that Mr Danziger had also recklessly entered into 28 wash trades  deals that effectively cancel each other out  which had no legitimate commercial rationale. The purpose of these trades was to pay fees to brokers in return for personal hospitality that they had provided Mr Danziger, the FCA said.

Mark Steward, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said: Proper standards of market conduct reflect the interests of the whole community in the well-being of our financial markets.

Mr Danzigers reckless disregard of these standards has no place in the financial services industry.

Market participants cannot turn a blind eye to what the community, through its laws and regulations, expects, nor apply their own, lower standards. This substantial fine and ban should reinforce that message.

The watchdog added that Mr Danziger acted recklessly and with a lack of integrity in deliberately closing his mind to the risk that his actions were improper.

Mr Danzigers lawyer Ben Rose, of the law firm Hickman & Rose, said: Mr Danziger continues to dispute the FCAs findings and feels strongly that he is being scapegoated for the systemic problems relating to Libor.

However, the last five years have been incredibly challenging. He is emotionally exhausted and financially drained. He leaves it to others, better resourced, to press the FCA for answers, hopeful that, one day, the real truth will come out.Japanese firm Takata has called back another 3.3m faulty airbags in what has become the largest auto parts recall in history.

Paperwork filed in the US with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed the latest recalls concerned frontal airbags fitted to certain vehicles made in 2009, 2010 and 2013.

Models manufactured by Honda, Toyota, Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar-Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Tesla are affected.

Notices of the expanded recalls were posted on Saturday on the NHTSA website and car makers are expected to give details on exact models hit by the recall later this month.

Transport authorities worldwide have deemed Takata inflators containing the chemical ammonium nitrate are unsafe.

The chemical is used to create a small explosion to fill airbags quickly in the event of a crash.

However, it can deteriorate when stored at high temperatures or humidity causing it to burn too fast and blow apart its metal canister.

This explosion can then spray hot shrapnel at drivers and passengers inside the vehicle.

The parts have been linked to at least 20 deaths worldwide and are thought to have left another 180 people injured.

In a statement posted on its website, the company said: Takata Corporation apologises to the driving public for the widespread concern and inconvenience caused as a result of our inflators.

We urge US drivers to visit the NHTSA website to check if your vehicle is under recall, and to take immediate action if your vehicle is identified as requiring repair.

Biggest business scandals in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Biggest business scandals in pictures Biggest business scandals in pictures Volkswagen emissions scandal VW admitted to rigging its US emission tests so that diesel-powered cars would looks like they were emitting less nitrous oxide, which can damage the ozone layer and contribute to respiratory diseases. Around 11 million cars worldwide were affected. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Martin Shkreli and Turing Pharmaceuticals Martin Shkreli became known as the most hated man in the world after his drug company, Turing, increased the price of a 62-year-old drug that treated HIV patients by 5,000% to $750 a pill. He was charged with illegally taking stock from Retrophin, a biotechnology firm he started in 2011, and using it pay off debts from unrelated business dealings. Shkreli, who maintains he is innocent, and says there is little evidence of fraud because his investors didn't lose money. Biggest business scandals in pictures Panama Papers: Millions of leaked documents expose how worlds rich and powerful hid money - April 2016 Millions of confidential documents have been leaked from one of the worlds most secretive law firms, exposing how the rich and powerful have hidden their money. Dictators and other heads of state have been accused of laundering money, avoiding sanctions and evading tax, according to the unprecedented cache of papers that show the inner workings of the law firm Mossack Fonseca, which is based in Panama. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Google's tax avoidance Google reached a deal with the HM Revenue and Customs to pay back 130 million in so-called back-taxes that have been due since 2005. George Osborne championed the deal as a major success. But European MEPs have since called for the Chancellor to appear in front of the committee on tax rulings to explain the tax deal. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Rogue trader A French court cut the damages owed by rogue trader Jerome Kerviel from 4.9bn (4.2bn) to just 1m (860,000). The court ruled on that Kerviel was partly responsible for massive losses suffered in 2008 by his former employer Societe Generale through his reckless trades. Kerviel has consistently maintained that bosses at the French bank knew what he was doing all along. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Barclays CEO under investigation for trying to identify whistleblower - Monday Paril 10 Authorities have launched an investigation into Barclays chief executive officer Jes Staley for trying to identify a whistleblower, the bank said on Monday. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) are both investigating Mr Staley after the bank notified them that Mr Staley had tried to identify the author of two anonymous letters, which were sent to the board and a senior executive in June 2016. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures UK to crack down on bank money laundering after reports of 65bn Russian scam, City minister says - March 2017 The Economic Secretary to the Treasury has vowed that the Government will crack down on money laundering practices, after several of the UK's biggest banks were accused of processing money from a Russian scam, believed to involve up to $80bn (65bn). Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former HBOS bankers convicted of bribery and fraud over 245m loan scam - February 2017 Two former HBOS bankers were among six people found guilty of bribery and fraud that cost customers and shareholders hundreds of millions of pounds, the BBC reports. Lynden Scourfield, 54, a manager at HBOS, forced struggling clients to use the services of his friends David Mills, 60, and Michael Bancroft, 73. In return, the two businessmen arranged sex parties, cash and lavish gifts. On Monday, the three were convicted at Southwark Crown Court on accounts including bribery, fraud and money laundering. Mark Dobson, another manager at HBOS, Alison Mills, and John Cartwright were also convicted. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Lloyds chief apologises for damage caused by affair allegations - August 2016 Antonio Horta-Osorio, the chief executive of Lloyds Bank, has broken his silence over allegations about his private life admitting he regrets any "damage done to the group's reputation". In a message sent to the bank's 75,000 employees, the banker said that anyone can make mistakes while insisting that staff had to maintain the highest professional standards. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Christine Lagarde faces court over 340m Bernard Tapie payment - July 2016 The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, must stand trial in France over a payment of 403 million (now 340m, then 290m) to tycoon Bernard Tapie, a France's highest appeals court has ruled. The court rejected Ms Lagarde's appeal against a judge's order in December for her to stand trial over allegations of negligence in her handling of the affair. Ms Lagarde could risk a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros if convicted. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures HSBC senior manager arrested in FX rigging investigation at JFK airport in New York - July 2016 A senior executive at HSBC has been arrested at New York's JFK airport for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to rig currency benchmarks, according to reports. Mark Johnson, global head of foreign exchange cash trading in London, was reportedly arrested on Tuesday. He will appear before a federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Bloomberg said. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Former PwC employees found guilty in 'Luxleaks' tax scandal - June 2016 Two ex- PricewaterhouseCoopers staffers were found guilty in Luxembourg of stealing confidential tax files that helped unleash a global scandal over generous fiscal deals for hundreds of international companies. Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet face suspended sentences of 12 months and 9 months and were ordered to pay fines of 1,500 (1,230) and 1,000 (822) for their role in the so-called LuxLeaks scandal. Despite the minimal sentences, the ruling was described by Deltours lawyer as shocking and a terrible anomaly. The ruling puts on guard future whistle-blowers, Deltour told reporters.The LuxLeaks revelations sped beyond Luxembourg, causing European Union regulators to expand a tax-subsidy probe and propose new laws to fight corporate tax dodging, while EU lawmakers created a special committee to probe fiscal deals across the 28-nation bloc. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Goldman Sachs dealmakers lavished Libyan officials with prostitutes to win contract - June 2016 A former Goldman Sachs dealmaker trying to persuade Gadaffi-era Libya to invest $1 billion with the investment bank procured prostitutes and invited Libyan officials to lavish parties in the hope of winning the business, the High Court heard on Monday June 13.The Libyan Investment Authority sovereign wealth fund is suing Goldman Sachs for inappropriately coercing its naive staff into giving its sovereign wealth fund cash to the bank to invest in products they did not understand. The products were designed to generate big profits for Goldman, the LIA claims.Goldman denies wrongdoing and says the LIA was treated as an arms-length customer Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former boss of BHS said his life was threatened - June 2016 Darren Topp, the former boss of BHS, has said former owner Dominic Chappell threatened to kill him when he challenged him over a 1.5 million transfer out of the business. MPs on the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee asked Mr Topp about a 1.5 million transfer Mr Chappell made from BHS to a company called BHS Sweden. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley admits paying workers below the minimum wage - June 2016 Mike Ashley admitted paying Sports Direct employees below the minimum wage at a hearing in front of MPs. The company founder said that workers were paid less than the statutory minimum because of bottlenecks at security in an admission that could result in sanctions from HMRC. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Mitsubishi admits improper fuel tests - April 2016 Mitsubishi has admitted to using false fuel methods dating back to 1991. The scale of the scandal is only just coming to light after it was revealed in April that data was falsified in the testing of four types of cars, including two Nissan cars. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Quindell, the scandal-ridden insurance firm Quindell was once a darling of AIM but its share price fell in April 2014 when its accounting practices were attacked in a stinging research note by US short seller Gotham City. In August the group was forced to disclose that the 107 million pre-tax profit it had reported for 2013 was incorrect, and it had in fact suffered a 64million loss. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Toshiba Accounting Scandal The boss of Toshiba, the Japanese technology giant, resigned in disgrace in the wake of one of the countrys biggest ever accounting scandals. His exit came two months after the company revealed that it was investigating accounting irregularities. An independent investigatory panel said that Toshibas management had inflated its reported profits by up to 152 billion yen (780m) between 2008 and 2014. Biggest business scandals in pictures FIFA Corruption Scandal Fifa, football's world governing body, has been engulfed by claims of widespread corruption since the summer of 2015, when the US Department of Justice indicted several top executives. It has now claimed the careers of two of the most powerful men in football, Fifa President Sepp Blatter and Uefa President Michel Platini, after they were banned for eight years from all football-related activities by Fifa's ethics committee. A Swiss criminal investigation into the pair is ongoing. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Libor fraudster City trader Tom Hayes, 35, has become the first person to be convicted of rigging Libor rates following a trial at London's Southwark Crown Court. Hayes worked as a trader in yen derivatives at UBS before joining the American bank Citigroup in Tokyo. He was fired from Citigroup following an investigation into his trading methods. He returned to the UK in December 2012 and was arrested following a two-and-a-half year criminal investigation by the SFO. Getty

The latest round of recalls form part of the largest operation of its kind in the auto industry.

In the US, 19 manufacturers have issued recalls for 69m faulty airbags fitted to around 42m vehicles, while recalls have also been issued in Japan, China and Oceania.

The scandal forced the company to file for bankruptcy in June 2017 amid spiralling debts.

Many automakers have been slow to replace the potentially deadly inflators, with a report in September last year suggesting less than half had been repaired.A major breakthrough in Brexit negotiations scored at the end of last year is likely to have bolstered confidence across the UKs business community, a new report suggests.

Accountant and business advisor BDO said on Monday that its monthly Optimism Index, which measures how firms expect their order books to develop over the next six months, increased from 102.05 in November to 102.15 in December.

The rise in business optimism is also being reflected in the jobs market, BDO said.

Recommended Brexit drags on UK services firms in December

The companys Employment Index, which indicates firms hiring intentions, rose by 0.2 points to 111.26 in December.

Despite the positive outlook for 2018, the Output Index, which measures how much companies produce across the manufacturing and services sector, fell from 98.99 in November to 98.45 in December, the lowest reading in almost two years. Business output growth has now fallen for five consecutive months.

BDO said that the UKs falling output growth is being driven by the slowdown of the dominant services sector, which has been weighed down by Brexit uncertainty.

A breakthrough deal between Britain and the EU on Brexit was reached in December after months of stalled negotiations, paving the way for future trade talks.

Peter Hemington, partner at BDO, said UK business leaders were now more confident about the year ahead and were bolstering their recruitment efforts as a result.

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.

However, despite unprecedented levels of employment, business output continues to slow, he said.

While the Government prioritises securing our future outside of the EU, it must not overlook the immediate challenges stifling the growth of our economy. The perennial productivity problem must be addressed by accelerating investment in infrastructure and training before we fall further behind our G7 counterparts, he added.

BDOs data is based on a weighted average of the UKs main business surveys from the Confederation of British Industry, the Bank of England and IHS Markit.Finland's repeated success in national education rankings suggests there are at least a few lessons the US can learn.

For one, the tiny Nordic country places considerable weight on early education. Before Finnish kids learn their times tables, they learn simply how to be kids - how to play with one another, how to mend emotional wounds.

But even as kids grow up, the country makes a concerted effort to put them on a track for success.

Here are some of the biggest ways Finland is winning in global education.

1. Competition isn't as important as cooperation.

Finland has figured out that competition between schools doesn't get kids as far as cooperation between those schools.

One reason for that is Finland has no private schools. Every academic institution in the country is funded through public dollars. Teachers are trained to issue their own tests instead of standardised tests.

There's no word for accountability in Finnish, education expert Pasi Sahlberg once told an audience at the Teachers College of Columbia University. Teachers are trusted to do well without the motivation of competition.

And that's because...

2. Teaching is one of the most-respected professions.

Teachers aren't underpaid in Finland like they are in the US. In fact, they're valued a lot since Finland puts a lot of stock in childhood as the foundation for lifelong development.

To become a teacher in Finland, candidates must have first received at least their master's degree and complete the equivalent of a residency program in US medical schools. Student teachers often teach at affiliate elementary schools that adjoin a university.

The result: Teachers can be counted on to know the best pedagogical research on education that's out there.

3. Finland listens to the research.

In the US, research studies looking at what works in the classroom and what doesn't often get stuck in the mud of local school-board politics. Parents argue certain policies aren't right for their kids.

In Finland, research comes with no such political baggage. The government makes its education policy decisions based almost solely on effectiveness - if the data show improvements, the federal Ministry of Education and Culture will give it a shot.

Overall, education in the United States is much more political than it is in Finland, where it's much more of a professional issue, Sahlberg told Business Insider.

In short, Finland gets things done.

4. Finland isn't afraid to experiment.

One big benefit of listening to the research is you're not beholden to outside forces, like money and political clout. Finland's teachers are encouraged to create their own mini-laboratories for teaching styles, keeping what works and scrapping what doesn't.

It's a lesson for the US: An experimental mindset at the top can lead teachers to think outside the box.

5. Playtime is sacred.

Compared to the US, where free playtime has been dwindling in kindergarten for the last two decades, Finnish law requires teachers to give students 15 minutes of play for every 45 minutes of instruction.

The policy stems from Finland's deep, almost storybook belief that kids ought to stay kids for as long as possible. It's not their job to grow up quickly and become memorisers and test-takers.

The results speak for themselves: Study after study has found that students given at least one daily recess for 15 minutes or more behave better in school and do better on assignments.

6. Kids have very little homework.

For all the things Finnish schools offer kids, what they seem to lack is homework. Many kids receive only a small amount of it each night.

The philosophy stems from a mutual level of trust shared by the schools, teachers, and parents.

Parents assume teachers have covered most of what they need in the confines of the school day, and schools assume the same. Extra work is often deemed unnecessary by everyone involved.

Time spent at home is reserved for family, where the only lessons kids learn are about life.

7. Preschool is high-quality and universal.

Some of the only opportunities many American kids get to stretch their imagination, get dirty, and play games come in preschool. The trouble is, parents are often expected to pay for that early education, setting up disparities that could last through the child's later years.

In Finland, parents are guaranteed everything. Preschool and daycare are both universal until age 7, and more than 97% of three- to six-year-olds take advantage of at least one, NPR reports.

More than that, though, the preschools are good. They align their curricula with one another and prepare kids along similar tracks. By the time kids start getting actual work, parents can rest assured the same lessons are getting elsewhere taught across town.

8. College tuition is free.

Unlike American students, who rack up tens of thousands in college-loan debt, Finns pay nothing to go to college. For bachelor, master, and doctoral programmes alike, their education is subsidized by a combination of taxpayer dollars and the federal government.

This takes a huge burden away from young people's minds when they don't need to wonder whether they can afford to pay for their studies, Pasi Sahlberg, Director General at the Centre for International Mobility, told Business Insider.

Sahlberg said the system comes from a belief that education, including higher education, is a human right and also a great equalizer in our society.

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Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.Every day since 5 February 1924, the Royal Greenwich Observatory has made the pips available to the BBC, every 15 minutes. If youre a radio listener youll generally hear them on the hour, just before the news.

Otherwise known as the Greenwich Time Signal, the pips arent just some aural window dressing. You can, indeed, set your watch by them; the six short beeps at one-second intervals are the world standard from which all time ravels out on Earth; everywhere is relative, plus or minus, give or take, to Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT.

Today (8 January) is the birthday of the man responsible for the pips, Sir Frank Watson Dyson. He was born 150 years ago, in 1868. Were his only contribution to British life the beloved pips, then his place in history would be assured. But there was much more to Dyson than that. In fact, Jodie Whittaker taking controls of the Tardis on Christmas Day aside, Sir Frank might be the nearest thing we have to a real-life Time Lord.

He served as Astronomer Royal from 1910 until 1933, and perhaps his most significant gift to science is effectively proving Einsteins Theory of General Relativity by observing the behaviour of stars seen near the sun during the eclipse of 1919 and providing evidence for how, as Einstein had theorised, light bent in gravitational fields.

Eclipses were of great interest to Dyson. According to his obituary in the astronomy journal The Observatory, he had organised expeditions to farflung corners of the globe to observe them, including travelling to Portugal in 1900, Sumatra in 1901 and Tunisia in 1905.

But The Observatory calls his expeditions to view the 1919 total eclipse of the sun, on May 29, as the most remarkable incident in Dysons whole career. Einsteins Relativity: The Special and General Theory was published in 1916, in the midst of the First World War, and as strange as it seems to us in this instant information age, copies of the US-published document were hard to come by in the UK because, as The Observatory put it, of the cessation of normal scientific exchanges brought about by the war.

The theory of general relativity states, in simple terms, that what we think of as the force of gravity arises from the curvature of time and space; it explains the motion of planets around stars, the whys and wherefores of black holes, and theorises on the origins of the universe.

Dyson thought that the best way to test the theory would be by observing light from stars during a total eclipse, with the best one on the horizon in 1919. There was only one problem and that was when Dyson started planning his trips, the Great War was in full force, and no-one could say for certain when it was going to finish.

In the face of great discouragement from the authorities and the astronomical community, Dyson went ahead and began to organise two expeditions to observe the eclipse from the best positions  Brazil and the island of Principe, off the coast of Liberia. Dysons obituary points out that the Armistice was signed just three months before he was due to set off.

Theres a romantic, almost Indiana Jones-esque quality about the idea of Dyson bullishly organising his expeditions at the height of the worst conflict the world had ever seen. But it wasnt just the imperial spirit of one born in the Victorian era. Science, especially astronomy and our understanding of the universe, was at a crossroads, just as the world had been at a crossroads with the war.

The old empires and European houses that had thrived for centuries had collapsed into conflict, paving the way for a new world to emerge f. Similarly, Einsteins theories had set the world of science at each others throats. As The Observatory said: Many eminent men of science had refused to accept Einsteins theory; this was probably due in part to the upsetting of old and ingrained ideas that it caused.

Dyson was born near Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire, and his parents  his father was a Baptist minister  moved when Dyson was very young to Yorkshire. He was schooled at Heath Grammar School in Halifax, later winning scholarships to Bradford Grammar School and ultimately Trinity College, Cambridge.

(Yorkshire, and the West Riding in particular, has a long tradition of turning out famous scientists; Joseph Priestley, born in Birstall, the man who discovered oxygen; Todmordens Sir John Cockroft, who shared the Nobel Prize in 1951 for his work on splitting the atom; Bradfordian Fred Hoyle, who rose to prominence in astronomy after Dysons death. Perhaps theres something in the water up there, some dogged determination to not believe a thing until its been seen with your own eyes.)

The machine used to generate the pips in the 1970s (Getty)

After studying maths and astronomy at Cambridge, Dyson joined the Royal Observatory at Greenwich in 1894. He served as Astronomer Royal for Scotland from 1905 until 1910, when he took up the position as Astronomer Royal for Britain, coinciding with becoming Director of the Greenwich Observatory. He held both posts until his retirement in 1933.

In 1945, after seeing the effects of the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Albert Einstein famously spoke of how scientific discoveries can be twisted not for the good of humanity, but for its destruction. One quote often attributed to him is: If only I had known, I should have become a watchmaker.

Dyson died in May 1939, before the Second Wold War had even begun, sailing back from Australia, where he had been in ill health.

Funnily enough, it was his interest watches, clocks, and time itself, that led to his development of the famous pips. The very idea for a permanent, accurate, audible time-keeping signal was Dysons. Having spoken to the head of the BBC, John Reith, Dyson set to work with Frank Hope-Jones, the clockmaker, to come up with two free-pendulum clocks which marked time via two weight-driven astronomical regulators  and sent the time, as pulses of sound, to Broadcasting House in London where they were converted into the recognisable pips.

The two clocks  one was a back-up  were actually built in 1874, and served until 1949, when advances in timekeeping meant they were replaced several times until the BBC installed two of its own atomic clocks in the basement of its London headquarters, which operate to this day.

The pips have been used and adapted for all manner of things. So recognisable are they as a symbol of British life that they were incorporated into the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. In 2014, to mark their 90th birthday, the pips were remixed to play Happy Birthday for the Today programme on Radio 4.

It would be fitting if the BBC had plans for something similar to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the man who was such an important figure in British science and astronomy, but perhaps nothing can top the eulogy delivered by the vicar of Greenwich during Dysons funeral in 1939: If I were asked to say what I believe was the outstanding feature of his life I would say his friendliness, beautifully natural, without a trace of patronage; it was never hard work for him to be friendly, it was part of him.An Isis-supporting couple have been found guilty of preparing to launch a terror attack using a homemade bomb and chemical weapons in the UK.

Security services feared Munir Mohammed and Rowaida el-Hassan were ready to strike before they were detained in December 2016, with police saying a significant loss of life had been averted.

Mohammed, 36, had already amassed two out of three core components for triacetone triperoxide (TATP), the unstable explosive used in recent Isis attacks, including in Paris and Brussels.

He had also downloaded manuals on how to make mobile phone detonators and ricin, a deadly poison that can kill an adult victim with just a few grains.

Mohammed, of Leopold Street in Derby, and El-Hassan, of Willesden Lane in north-west London, denied preparing terrorist acts between November 2015 and December 2016 but a jury found them both guilty.

Judge Michael Topolski QC remanded them in custody and warned them they faced jail when they are sentenced next month.

He said Mohammed had been convicted of planning a potentially devastating terrorist attack by creating an explosive device and deploying it somewhere in the UK targeting those you regarded as enemies of Isis.

Rowaida El-Hassan, you share the extremist mindset with Munir Mohammed and you were ideologically motivated to provide him with support, motivation and assistance, the judge added.

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You knew he was engaging and planning an attack. You knew he was planning an explosion to kill and maim innocent people in the cause of Isis.

The Old Bailey heard that El-Hassan, a pharmacist, became a willing participant in the plot after meeting Mohammed on dating website SingleMuslim.com.

She had advertised for a simple, very simple, honest and straightforward man who fears Allah who she could vibe with on a spiritual and intellectual level.

Recommended Terrorist manuals to make New York bomb remain online

Prosecutors said Mohammed was specifically drawn to her profile in late 2015 after seeing she had a masters degree in pharmacy, aiming to use her chemical knowledge in the attack.

Jurors were told the pair had a rapidly formed emotional attachment and a shared ideology and were in regular contact on WhatsApp by spring 2016, meeting in a London park near El-Hassans home.

Records of their messages show they shared extremist views and videos, while Mohammed was put in touch with a man he believed was an Isis commander via Facebook.

Prosecutor Anne Whyte QC said Mohammed resolved upon a lone wolf attack, while working making sauces for supermarket ready meals, and El-Hassan was well aware of his plan.

He pledged allegiance to the man, known as Abubakr Kurdi, and offered to participate in a new job in the UK  a phrase jurors were told referred to a terror attack.

In September 2016, Mohammed complained he had not received his instructions, telling his contact: If possible send how we make dough [explosives] for Syrian bread [a bomb] and other types of food.

Munir Mohammed looking at pressure cookers at a shop in Derby, during the time he was attempting to build a bomb (North East Counter Terrorism Unit)

El-Hassan, a 33-year-old divorcee with two children, advised Mohammed on what chemicals to buy for a bomb, the court heard.

That November, Mohammed got hold of a video containing information on how to manufacture ricin, and days before his arrest he was captured on CCTV buying acetone free nail polish from Asda, in the mistaken belief it was a component of TATP.

He also looked at pressure cookers at Ace Discounts, which the prosecution said could be used to contain the explosives, according to several terrorist manuals.

Police found hydrogen peroxide in a wardrobe and hydrochloric acid in the freezer of his home during a raid on 12 December 2016 but Mohammed claimed they were for domestic purposes.

He told the Old Bailey he sent El-Hassan extremist videos mainly for the news and claimed his intention was to marry her.

But Mohammed had an arranged marriage in Sudan with a woman he had never met called Fatima, who he was hoping to bring to England on a student visa.

He had arrived in Britain in the back of a lorry and claimed asylum in February 2014, the court heard.

After awaiting a decision for more than two years, he appealed to his local MP Margaret Beckett for help, but she was told his case had been referred to a specialist unit for consideration.

El-Hassan, who came to Britain from Sudan at the age of three, told jurors she had sulphuric acid for her drains and got face masks to wear as she dealt with a damp problem in her flat.

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. 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Asked if she had feelings for Mohammed, she said: It was mixed feelings at the time. Yes, there was emotional attachment.

There were feelings developing and we were getting to know each other. I was grateful for things he helped me with. And he was grateful for things I helped him with. I liked the attention he was giving me.

Police said it could not be proven that El-Hassan was an extremist before she met Mohammed, but could have been in no doubt about his jihadi beliefs.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Greenwood, who led the investigation, said the website they used was a normal place to look for a relationship.

But Mohammed used it to get advice on where to source chemicals to manufacture TATP from El-Hassan, who was previously unknown to the security services.

Munir shared with her some really graphic and brutal execution videos, lots of other ideological material, including children executing Isis prisoners and children involved in military training in the name of the Islamic State, DCI Greenwood said.

She appeared to be very receptive to that and they seemed to encourage each other with their shared mindsets... irrespective of whether she was influenced by him, she knew fully his mindset and contributed to a set of circumstances that, had we not intervened, could have resulted in significant loss of life in the UK in the lead-up to Christmas 2016.

Sue Hemming, the head of of the Crown Prosecution Services counter-terror division, said the couple were clearly attracted to each other through their support for Daeshs violent ideology and its intolerance of those who do not subscribe to its views.

They planned to kill and injure innocent people in the UK and had the mindset, the methodology and almost all the material needed, for Mohammed to carry out an attack, she added.

Both will be in prison, where they cannot plot together and will no longer be a danger to the public.

Additional reporting by PAA 17-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to launching a spate of acid attacks in attempts to steal mopeds in London.

Derryck John, who previously could not be named because of his age, doused six delivery riders with corrosive liquid in just 90 minutes in a rampage through London on 13 July.

One of his victims was left with life-changing injuries and others bear long-term mental and physical scars from their ordeal.

John, from Croydon, managed to steal two of the six mopeds he targeted from their owners before being arrested at 3am the following morning.

He pleaded guilty to six counts of throwing a corrosive liquid with intent to disable, burn, maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm, two counts of robbery and four counts of attempted robbery at Wood Green Crown Court.

The defendant originally denied the charges and had been due to stand trial, but changed his plea on the first day of the hearing.

 Men on mopeds hurl acid at five victims in 90-minute London rampage, say police

An indictment lists another unidentified person, who is believed to have been on the same moped as the defendant, as involved in the attacks.

In a note read to the court by judge Noel Lucas QC, John said the guilty pleas were entered on the basis that the acid was thrown to incapacitate the victims and that the other male involved was much older than me.

I really didn't appreciate the damage that would be done, the boy added.

Recommended Man admits causing grievous bodily harm in acid attack on cousins

I'm terrified of the sentence that I will receive and I'm very sorry for what I did and realise I will receive a significant sentence of imprisonment.

Reporting restrictions had banned John's identity being released because of his age until Monday's hearing.

But Judge Lucas told the court there was an "overwhelming, huge public interest" in naming the teenager following his guilty pleas.

The substance used is thought to have had a PH of one or two  making it the strongest acid available  the court heard.

John did not enter a plea on a further charge of robbery on 25 June and his mother sobbed and shouted as she left court.

His first victim was Jabed Hussain, who was working for UberEats at the time and credits his melted helmet for deflecting the acid and saving his life.

Delivery riders during a demonstration in Parliament Square on 18 July (PA)

He told The Independent he was concerned that the courts powers will be insufficient to punish the 17-year-old when he is sentenced on 9 March.

I just want to see the time in prison he gets, Mr Hussain added. A lot of these criminals are under 18 so are we going to let them do whatever they want to? That makes me angry.

The guilty plea came a day after the Government announced major retailers had signed a voluntary commitment to stop selling corrosive products to under-18s in shops or online.

But Mr Hussain claimed attackers will seek other ways of obtaining the substances, adding: Theyll get it from the kitchen, theyre going to get it from the garage. They will try something else.

I dont know what the Government are doing. They are cutting a lot of police, there are long waits for ambulances and for doctorsI think acid attacks are getting worse now.

Mr Hussain has been unable to return to work since the attack, where he sustained damage to his lungs by accidentally inhaling water tainted with acid as his face was rinsed off.

He joined hundreds of delivery drivers protesting to demand improved safety measures earlier this year and has met with MPs and police on the issue.

Mr Hussain is calling for more high-visibility police patrols and a boost in frontline policing, as officer numbers remain at their lowest level since 1985 despite a 13 per cent rise in recorded crime.

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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. 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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. 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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

Figures collated by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) found more than 400 acid or corrosive substance attacks were carried out in England and Wales in the six months up to April 2017.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Kearton, its lead on corrosive attacks, revealed last month that the UK now has one of the highest rates of acid attacks per capita in the world  and the number is rising.

It appears that in 2017 we will again exceed previous records for the number of attacks [but] I strongly feel that this is an under-reported crime at this time, she said at the time.

Investigators have warned corrosive substances are being used as an alternative weapon by gang members and robbers, who have also used them on pedestrians to steal phones.

But delivery drivers are being overwhelmingly targeted by assailants attempting to steal their scooters, who have also deployed weapons including knives and hammers.

The Government has responded by proposing stricter controls on the sale of acid and a law making it illegal to carry the fluid in a public place without a good reason.

But the consultations on new laws, including on increasing sentences by classifying acid as a dangerous weapon, have just finished and the measures have not yet come into effect.

Police are currently carrying out a survey of attacks across England and Wales, with the results due in February, and the Home Office has commissioned separate research seeing convicted attackers interviewed to learn more about their motivations.

Additional reporting by PAA new police watchdog has launched with strengthened powers to investigate alleged wrongdoing by forces across England and Wales.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has replaced the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) amid anger and mistrust over the investigations into the deaths of several men in custody.

The Home Office said its structure would ensure greater accountability to the public by empowering the watchdog to launch its own investigations without referrals from police and making its probes completely separate from those carried out internally by forces.

Michael Lockwood, the former chief executive of Harrow Council, is heading the IOPC alongside deputies and regional directors.

Public confidence in policing is best served by robust and independent oversight, he said. People need to know that when things go wrong, or serious allegations are made about police officers, they will be thoroughly investigated by a truly independent body.

Relatives of suspects killed and injured in police custody have previously expressed doubt about the IPCCs independence and powers.

The family of Rashan Charles, one of four black men who died after police contact last year, hit out at the lack of prompt and effective action after Scotland Yard refused to suspend the officer who restrained him.

Rashan Charles is one of four black men who died after police contact in 2017 () (Facebook)

Protests demanding justice for Mr Charles and another black man, Edson Da Costa, spilled into rioting over the summer in London.

The ongoing investigations are among those being transferred to the new IOPC, which is charged with investigating deaths and injuries involving police, as well as complaints against bodies including the Home Office, National Crime Agency and HM Revenue and Customs.

Mr Lockwood said the watchdog will probe alleged corruption and oversee the complaints system in England and Wales to set the standards by which police handle internal investigations.

The IOPCs powers were expanded by the Policing and Crime Act 2017, with reforms led by Theresa May during her time as Home Secretary.

Unlike the IPCC, it can initiate its own investigations without relying on a police force to record and refer a case, reopen probes where new evidence has emerged and investigate all disciplinary claims against chief officers.

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

There will no longer be managed and supervised investigations, which formerly saw the IPCC oversee those carried out by police forces, with the separation aimed to safeguard its independence.

The IOPC will also be able to bring disciplinary cases against police officers even if their home force disagrees with its findings and takes no action.

We are absolutely determined to make the police complaints and discipline systems simpler and more transparent for the benefit of the public, said the minister for policing, Nick Hurd.

We want confidence in policing to continue to grow and be underpinned by the vital role the reformed IOPC will play.

Under the leadership of Michael Lockwood and the newly appointed board, it will provide powerful scrutiny for policing, with new powers to begin investigations when they are deemed appropriate and be decisive in concluding cases.For an hour and a half they just about managed to keep the Today programme on the straight and narrow as a serious news programme.

Then, just after the 7.30am news, the Today programme went the full W1A.

For those who dont know, W1A is the BBCs satire of management culture at the BBC. Its fiction, but real events constantly conspire to make it look more like a documentary.

As Mondays Today programme  broadcast in the wake of an almighty row caused by the BBCs China editor resigning in protest at a secretive and illegal gender pay gap  was about to prove.

Lets pick up that story about the woman sitting next to me, said John Humphrys, male, 600,000-650,000 salary, in the studio beside  Yup, co-presenter, very much ex-BBC China editor, Carrie Gracie, female, pay 135,000 and flipping angry.

Not that Mr Humphrys could just turn his chair slightly and, you know, interview Carrie Gracie about the row concerning Carrie Gracie.

Because if Carrie Gracie is presenting the BBC programme discussing the row about Carrie Gracie, Carrie Gracie cant discuss the row about Carrie Gracie on the programme discussing the row about Carrie Gracie.

Or, as Mr Humphrys earned some of his hefty salary by succinctly explaining: Now, BBC rules say presenters of a programme arent allowed to use that programme to declare their own views. A presenter cant suddenly turn interviewee... So I need to talk to another presenter.

So it was that John Humphrys, with Carrie Gracie sitting beside him, discussed the row about Carrie Gracie with Mariella Frostrup, who was not next to him, but talking down a bad line from rainy Somerset.

Not to worry, though, this is the BBC. Other media organisations might keep their skeletons in triple-locked cupboards, never to be mentioned on-air, online or in print, ever. Not the Beeb.

Rather gloriously, pretty heroically, they were going to give this Carrie Gracie thing another go, on Womans Hour.

Now, because of BBC impartiality rules, began presenter Jane Garvey.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA 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

Ms Garvey, who criticised the BBC after the disparity between male and female stars was revealed in July, and who has also joined colleagues in describing Ms Gracie as brave and brilliant, could not discuss the issue.

But now, an hour after the Today programme finished, Carrie Gracie could discuss the row about Carrie Gracie because she was no longer presenting the programme discussing the row about Carrie Gracie, and the BBC had devised a cunning plan.

Jane Martinson, explained Ms Garvey, Is a freelance journalist. She is in our radio car and she is going to speak to Carrie Gracie. (Location unstated, but presumably fairly close to the BBC studio.)

So what, finally, did we learn once Gracie could speak unfettered by BBC impartiality rules about hers BBC pay?

Well, if you will send a fearless reporter to examine the actions of a secretive, heavily censored one party state [as she put it in her resignation letter] 

I could NOT go to China and collude, knowingly, in what I considered to be unlawful pay discrimination, said the dissident Gracie.

NOR, she added, could I stay silent and watch the BBC perpetuate a FAILING pay structure by discriminating against women.

I chase around being surveilled the whole time, she explained (talking about China not the BBC), dealing with intimidation, dealing with police harassment.

She added: Every day I go out without fear or favour, facing intimidation in China, facing censorship, actually telling the story and shining a light.

I am not going to NOT shine a light when I find a problem in my home organisation.

I didnt want more money, she said. I wanted equality, and there was still a big gap between myself and my male peers.

She didnt name those male peers, but they were presumably her international editor counterparts, Jon Sopel the US editor who was revealed in July to earn 200,000-249,999 a year, and Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen, 150,000-199,999.

And yes, Ms Gracie did have the self-awareness to add: I believe in public service broadcasting. I do think salaries at the top are unacceptably high, for presenters, and stars and also the managers.

Which might not have been music to the ears of BBC director-general Tony Hall (450,000-499,999).

They had already tried a judge-led audit of rank-and-file BBC staff pay that found no systemic discrimination against women.

On Monday the BBC added a statement that declared: Fairness in pay is vital. A significant number of organisations have now published their gender pay figures showing that we are performing considerably better than many.

But journalists and presenters, male and female, within the BBC and at other organisations, were still speaking out in support of the dissident Gracie.

And the dissident Gracie was now doing a pretty fine job of talking for herself.

Maybe it was time for Tony Hall and chums to have a meeting, try a bit of good old managerial blue-sky thinking?

Ms Gracie has already said she is returning to the BBC newsroom, presumably as a presenter: so what about telling wonderful Carrie she can have that presenting job for life (while gently reminding her about those BBC impartiality rules for presenters)?

There may, alas, never be another series of W1A, but the Today programme is back again tomorrow morning.The number of people requesting charitable grants to pay for household appliances and other basic needs has surged since the government abolished its emergency grants scheme in 2013, The Independent can reveal.

New figures show requests to one of the UKs leading poverty charities  from people needing help to afford basic items such as fridges and washing machines  has soared by 244 per cent since community care grants (CCG) were axed by the coalition government. Charity Turn2us, which helps people in financial hardship to access charitable grants and support services, received 55,601 enquiries last year, compared with 16,018 before the state aid was slashed in 2013. More than 700 enquiries have been made to the charity in the first five days of this year alone.

Other smaller charities supporting households in financial need also saw heightened demand after CCGs were scrapped. Figures from End Furniture Poverty, a charity in Liverpool which provides furniture for families in need, show demand increased by 68 per cent in the two years from 2013, from 36,775 to 61,826. Separate figures from Turn2us show more than half of people making the requests had turned to expensive forms of credit to buy home appliances because they do not have the means to pay up front. Others simply went without, with one in three using a household appliance that was faulty, broken or old.

One elderly woman said she was only able to afford a tabletop fridge for 70, which she paid in instalments, and in which she could only store milk and maybe butter and cheese. Another person with financial difficulties said their cooker was not working properly and was overheating, adding: Im scared it could cause a fire.

Previously, CCGs were available to vulnerable people, including domestic violence victims or those leaving care, to help them buy goods needed to return to independent living under the governments social fund. But under the Welfare Reform Act 2012, the social fund was abolished, and responsibility for provision of emergency funds was handed down to local councils. However, as a result of significant cuts to local authorities in recent years, providing crisis payments to those in need of support was proving a stretch too far for many councils, according to the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents local authorities in England and Wales.

Campaigners have said the localisation of emergency assistance schemes has led to funding levels being lower and provision patchy. An upcoming analysis by charity Child Poverty Action Group shows some London councils were spending 61 per cent less on local welfare assistance than was being spent in their areas under the national social fund prior to its abolition in 2013, while others had stopped the funds altogether.

In response to the subsequent soaring demand, the amount of charitable grants and donations given to households on low incomes has increased. In order to plug the gap left by the 2013 legislation, Turn2us introduced a response fund in April of last year, which has given 504,000 to people in grants so far, on top of the usual sums it gives out, which average at 3m a year. Items donated to people in need by End Furniture Poverty also increased, with the charity having given out 26,346 worth of furniture before CCGs in 2011-12, rising to 61,826 three years later.

Simon Hopkins, chief executive of Turn2us, told The Independent: Our grants have been helping people in poverty buy essential household appliances for decades, but weve seen a surge in demand for them since the abolition of the CCGs. This hidden form of poverty can have a snowball effect on peoples lives, impacting their health and wellbeing, and often leading to them using high-cost credit to purchase home appliances.

Paul Colligan, campaigns officer at End Furniture Poverty, echoed his concerns, saying: Since the social fund was abolished and replaced with devolved local welfare provision, we have definitely seen an increase in people coming to us for help. The squeeze on household budgets over the last few years has left many struggling to furnish their homes to even a very basic standard.

Patchy provision of, and cuts to, devolved local welfare schemes mean that a lot of people do not know where to turn to for help, or simply cannot access help that existed previously, he added.

Damon Gibbons, director of the Centre for Responsible Credit, meanwhile told The Independent it was unsurprising that more people are having to turn to charities for help to obtain basic items.

Government is simply not funding local authorities in England adequately to provide the support that many vulnerable people need to live independently in their homes, he said. Cuts to local welfare schemes are particularly affecting people with long-term illnesses or disabilities, young people leaving care, women fleeing domestic violence, people with prior experience of homelessness and frail elderly people returning to their homes after a stay in hospital or who are struggling to remain independent and avoid going into care homes.

Alison Garnham, chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group said the new figures showed the level of need for emergency aid was huge. She said: Where once the national social fund scheme provided CCGs or interest free budgeting loans to help deal with unexpected costs like having to replace a fridge or a cooker, preventing struggling families from being tipped into a financial crisis, now there is often nowhere to turn except high-cost creditors or hire-purchase shops which charge up to three times the normal price. This puts families at risk of spiralling debt.

Emergency assistance schemes have been localised and funding is no longer ring-fenced, with the result that funding levels are lower and provision patchy. Today, if your oven breaks down and you havent spare money there may or may not be any help to apply for, depending in part on your postcode. If we are concerned to support struggling families and to reduce the risk of destitution we should be investing in a clearer delivery framework and ring-fenced funding for local welfare provision for those in acute need, as still exists today in Scotland.

A spokesperson for the LGA said: Councils will see their core funding from central government further cut in half over the next two years and local government faces an overall funding gap of 5.8bn by 2020.

Faced with significant cuts to the money they receive to look after the elderly, protect children, repair the roads and collect the bins, providing crisis payments to those in need of support is proving a stretch too far for many councils, they added. The Government needs to use the final Local Government Finance Settlement to provide new funding for all councils over the next few years so they can protect vital local services from further cutbacks. Without this additional funding, many will continue to be unable to afford to continue to run local welfare assistance schemes.

A Government spokesperson said: Our welfare reforms are restoring fairness to the system and we continue to spend around 90bn a year supporting people of working age, including those who are out of work or on a low income.

Changes to the social fund mean that local authorities can ensure help is targeted to support the most vulnerable people in our local communities.Fluffy could be Britains biggest rescue puppy - and shell grow to the size of a small tiger.

The cuddly-looking Caucasian Shepherd is only ten-months old but already tips the scales at 44kg.

She is 5ft 6in tall on her back legs and when fully grown she will stand at around 2ft on all fours.

The giant puppy is likely to reach between 60kg and 80kg as an adult, putting her on a par with a small adult tigress.

Fluffy is currently being looked after by Dogs Trust in Ilfracombe, Devon, after she was picked up as a stray.

The Shepherd, also known as a Caucasian Ovcharka and Russian Bear Dog, is among the largest and most powerful dogs.

Regarded as brave and strong-willed, they are extremely strong and originate from the Caucasus Mountains where they were used to protect livestock from wolves and bears.

On her back legs she is as tall as the average Dogs Trust employee and will need to live in an adult-only home with owners who are experienced with giant breeds.

Elise Watson, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, said: When Fluffy first arrived, we couldn't believe how big she was for her age.

As a ten-month-old pup she is going to continue growing, so we would love to hear from potential owners who have a lot of space in their heart and home for this loveable larger lady.

The dogs from Instagram Show all 6 1 /6 The dogs from Instagram The dogs from Instagram Noodle the Dachshund is just over a year old and comes with her own hashtag (#OodlesOfNoodle) The dogs from Instagram Three-year-old Staffie Ramsey was malnourished when he was adopted as a puppy but is now big and boisterous with ripped muscles and a cheeky grin The dogs from Instagram Winny the Welsh Corgi has been credited with the breed's upsurge in popularity The dogs from Instagram Bruno the miniature Dachshund has 66,700 followers The dogs from Instagram Mika the Husky has 58,900 followers The dogs from Instagram Elle the French Bulldog has 8,868 followers

Fluffy loves to play but sometimes forgets how big she is which is why we would recommend an adult only home with owners who can provide her with all of the training and socialisation she needs to grow into a confident loving adult.

Owners should also be aware that Fluffy is a large, strong dog that has lots of growing left to do so experience of caring for larger breeds would be beneficial.

SWNSThe Rail, Maritime and Transport union has called for a special summit to try to break the deadlock on the dispute over driver-only trains which threatens to cause mass disruption to the train network as thousands of drivers walk out.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash has written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling proposing the meeting with the Department for Transport and the train companies to resolve the dispute over driver-only trains.

The suggestion came as union members working for Southern, Arriva Rail North, Merseyrail, Greater Anglia and South Western Railway launched a fresh wave of strikes on Monday morning which will disrupt services.

Commuters on Southern Rail have been warned that staff will be out on strike on 8 January for 24 hours. RMT members on South Western Railway, Greater Anglia, Merseyrail, Arriva Rail North and the Isle of Wights Island Line will also walk out on Monday for 24 hours but will hold additional strikes on 10 and 12 January.

The RMT said the meeting could consider how the principles of the agreements the union has reached in Scotland and Wales, which will keep guards on new trains, can be applied to the current disputes while meeting any concerns the Department for Transport and train companies have about future train services.

Mr Cash said: I last met Chris Grayling on 12 December, where we were told the train companies were free to negotiate deals like we have reached in Scotland and Wales where the guard has been retained but I then subsequently received a letter from Chris Grayling asking the union to accept the principle of driver-only trains.

In light of this lack of clarity, and the contradictory messages emanating from the Government, I have been seeking further talks with the Secretary of State but unfortunately have not had a positive response to that request.

I have therefore written to Chris Grayling proposing a summit which could also be presided over by an agreed independent chair and which would consider how the principles of the agreements RMT have recently reached in Scotland and Wales, which will keep the guard on new modern trains, can be applied to the current disputes whilst at the same time meeting any concerns the Department for Transport and train companies have about future train services.

I have told the Secretary of State that agreements have been reached in Scotland and Wales for safe, secure and accessible modern services and that with good will on all sides we can reach an agreement in England as well.

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

The RMT has previously said it has made every single effort to resolve the dispute which it says is about safety. It says plans to make trains driver-only  meaning drivers will need to get off the train and ensure all doors are shut before departure  are unsafe and the additional presence of guards is safety critical.

But rail companies such as Southern have previously said that giving drivers responsibility for closing doors gives guards more time to help passengers and keep them safe. They also say it will allow trains to depart promptly when no guards are available.

In Junw 2016, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch said they had found no evidence to suggest that driver-only operated trains cannot be dispatched safely.

TUC general secretary Frances OGrady said: The way to resolve any dispute is through talks. We urge the Government to respond positively to the RMTs proposal for a summit involving the RMT, relevant companies and the Department for Transport.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: Despite the best efforts of the RMT to cause misery for passengers, the train companies will keep passengers moving with the majority of services running as planned.

This dispute is not about safety and no-one is losing their job  employees have been guaranteed jobs and salaries for several years.

At Southern Rail, where these changes have already been introduced, there are now more staff dedicated to working on trains than previously.

The independent rail regulator has stated unequivocally that driver-controlled trains, which have been used in this country for more than thirty years, are safe.

Additional reporting by PAA Royal Navy frigate was sent to intercept two Russian warships sailing through the English Channel.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the HMS Westminster escorted the pair, along with two supporting vessels after they came into the Royal Navys area of national interest.

It said the Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate joined them as they passed close to UK territorial waters in stormy conditions.

The frigate will remain at sea as it escorts as the two Steregushchiy-class frigates, Soobrazitelny and Boiky along with support vessels Paradoks and Kola as they head north.

Commander Simon Kelly, the Commanding Officer of HMS Westminster, said his ship's "role as the Royal Navys Fleet Ready Escort is to be at very high readiness to respond to anything the British government requires."

He added: While today most people are returning to work for the first time in the New Year, HMS Westminsters ships company has been at sea and at readiness as part of the Royal Navys commitment to keep Britain safe at all times.

The English Channel is an absolute lifeline for the UK, and it is very important HMS Westminster and the Royal Navy maintains a watchful eye on this key strategic link.

It is believed the ships were returning to the Baltic after carrying out operations in the Middle East.

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

The English Channel is one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes and contributes 10bn to the British economy annually.

The incident is one of several interventions the Royal Navy has made against Russian ships in recent weeks.

HMS St Albans was deployed to escort another Russian ship, the Admiral Gorshkov, through the Channel over the Christmas period while the HMS Tyne escorted a Russian intelligence-gathering ship through the North Sea and onto the Channel on Christmas Eve.

The Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force have been kept busy by incursions into British airspace and territorial waters in the few years as tensions with the Kremlin has increased.

Recommended Britain to deploy missiles to Estonia as Russian threat looms

The West has been at odds with Russian President Vladimir Putins regime since its annexation of the Crimea in 2014 and its subsequent repeated incursions in Ukraine.

Tensions have increased over the past due to Russian involvement in the war in Syria and allegations that it meddled in the US presidential election in 2016.

Some analysts have suggested that Russia's repeated incursions into UK territory could be designed as a "distraction" from its military operations in the rest of the world.

Russian security analyst Keir Giles told The Independent the focus on the UK distracts attention from the country's activity in Eastern Europe and the Middle East as well as bring attention to its military capability  possibly making it appear stronger than it actual is.British people are more concerned about terror attacks than most of their major neighbours, with more than six in 10 concerned that a major incident will take place in 2018, new research shows.

Almost two thirds (65 per cent) fear an attack this year, the survey by pollster Ipsos MORI found. This compares with 60 per cent of respondents in Turkey, 53 per cent in France, 51 per cent in Germany and 51 per cent in the US.

Among the 28 countries surveyed, Chinese people are among the least likely to fear a terror attack, with only 15 per cent worried that one will happen.

Only 13 per cent of Argentinians fear an attack and just 11 per cent of Serbians are worried about being hit.

The study, which surveyed 21,548 adults around the world, also revealed that four in ten British people think a war between North Korea and the US is likely.

But this proportion was considerably higher in the US, Turkey and Colombia  where the figure stands at 47 per cent, 49 per cent and 55 per cent respectively.

Despite widespread concerns about terror and war, people in most countries are largely optimistic that their personal lives will improve over the coming year.

Seventy-six per cent of all respondents agreed with the statement: "I am optimistic that 2018 will be a better year for me that it was in 2017".

(Ipsos MORI (Ipsos MORI)

Colombians were the most optimist with 65 per cent of people strongly agreeing that this year would be better than last.

Peru, Chile and China were also among the most optimistic countries.

The UK was meanwhile among the bottom five for this optimistic outlook, with two thirds of Britons disagreeing with the statement. Only Belgium, Italy, France and Japan were below Britain.

Britons were the third most likely to say Donald Trump is likely to be impeached in 2018, at 43 per cent, below only Turkey and Canada. In the US, a third of people said they were of the view that the impeachment of their president was likely.

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

The British public is looking forward to 2018 with a mixture of hopes and fears," said Gideon Skinner, head of political research at Ipsos MORI. "Most of us think that 2018 will be a better year than 2017, but otherwise we have worries both at home and abroad.

Britons are the most likely to expect a major terrorist attack in 2018, while two in five think a war between the US and North Korea is likely.

"Britons also expect global temperatures to keep on increasing, and, like several other European countries, are relatively less optimistic about the global economy than people in emerging economies (although not quite as pessimistic as last year).The EU would help the UK abandon Brexit if it changed its mind, according to the Labour MP Chuka Umunna, who has held private talks with most EU governments.

In a new weekly column for The Independent, Mr Umunna said the 27 EU members saw Brexit as a damage limitation exercise and did not want to punish the UK, as some Brexiteers claim. They believe Brexit is bad for them and us, he wrote. If, when we see what the Brexit deal actually looks like, we want to change our minds and fight to reform the EU from within, they would be delighted.

Dismissing claims by some lawyers that the exit process could not be halted, he added: There is unanimous acceptance that Article 50 is revocable and they would be very very happy for the UK to continue as a member of the club. That is why it makes sense to keep an open mind on what we do at the end of these negotiations.

Recommended This is what 27 EU representatives really think of Brexit

Mr Umunna, who met EU government representatives in recent months as co-chair of the all-party Parliamentary Group on EU Relations, revealed that some officials privately describe the Governments view of the EUs position as a fantasy and a delusion.

He warned the UK will not be able to have its cake and eat it, saying: The problem is that most EU governments are not clear what May thinks a bespoke UK arrangement would look like. He said no diplomat he had spoken to believes it would be possible to strike a trade agreement by the time a two-year transitional period ends in 2021.

One senior EU representative told Mr Umunna the UK lacks a national position on how to approach Brexit. He said EU members had noted the backseat driving by Brexiteers ministers such as Boris Johnson and Michael Gove as they undermined Ms May by setting out their own red lines.

The former Shadow Business Secretary contrasted the Governments incoherence with the iron discipline of the EU27 in the talks. He said the Prime Ministers charm offensive, including one-to-one dinners with EU leaders, in Downing Street has in the main been rebuffed.

Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is welcomed by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker Reuters Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders EU President Jean-Claude Juncker greeting Theresa May at the EU Commission in Brussels PA Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May poses for a picture with European Council President Donald Tusk REUTERS Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker walks behind British Prime Minister Theresa May EPA Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker address a press conference at the European Commission in Brussels AFP/Getty Images Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at a press conference with EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders Britain's Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis (L) and Michel Barnier (2-L), the European Chief Negotiator of the Task Force for the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the United Kingdom under Article 50 enter the room by the emergency exit to attend British Prime Minister Theresa May press briefing on Brexit Negotiations in Brussels. EPA Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders Britain's Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis (L), Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May (2-L), European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (2-R) and European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (R) in a meeting on Friday morning AFP/Getty Images Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters Brexit bonhomie as May finally seals agreement with EU leaders European Council President Donald Tusk addresses a media conference at the Europa building in Brussels AP

However, Ms May and her ministers insist they should aim high in the negotiations to forge a deep and special partnership with the EU. They argue that the UK can win a much more ambitious trade deal than the EU-Canada agreement because it starts from a position of full alignment with EU regulations. They are confident they can ensure that services, including financial services, will be covered by the deal, and believe that differences between EU members will surface when trade talks begin.Looming disruption to the flow of medicines after Brexit means Britain must seek to stay under EU regulation, senior Government figures have conceded.

Ministers are already pushing for the chemicals and aviation industries to remain under Brussels supervision  despite it clashing with Theresa Mays pledge to end oversight by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

Now three leading Government figures have told the Financial Times that Britain will also need to stick with the EUs rules on standards and safety for medicines.

The move follows a stark warning by the drug giants of significant disruption to the supply chain for medicines and that customs delays would damage time and temperature sensitive materials.

Meanwhile, Britain's biggest drugmaker said it would have to divert up to 70m from developing new cancer drugs in order to prepare for the impact of Brexit.

Glaxo-SmithKline (GSK) estimated that 1,700 of its products would be directly affected by the need for new regulation processes and approval systems  leaving less money for clinical trials.

Staying under EU regulation would be welcomed by the industry, but would be a headache for Mrs May if it crosses her red line that the ECJ must play no role in settling disputes.

Furthermore, Britain will lose 900 skilled jobs when the body regulating the sale of drugs, the European Medicines Agency, is required to move from London to Amsterdam  because of Brexit.

One Government official told the Financial Times that the ECJ red line had been blurred and was not quite so rigid now.

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

Sarah Wollaston, the Conservative chairman of the Commons health committee, has said she hoped that common sense will prevail on medicines regulation.

However, Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, has warned Britain it cannot cherry pick parts of the EU single market it wishes to remain within.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the body representing the UK's 63bn life sciences sector, has led criticism of the potential impact of Brexit on the flow of medicines.

Drugmakers AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Roche and Merck also set out their concerns in evidence submitted to an investigation by the Commons business select committee.

The fears threaten to cast a shadow over the Government's launch of a deal giving millions of pounds worth of support for life sciences firms, under the Prime Ministers industrial strategy.

Steve Bates, chief executive of the UK's BioIndustry Association, said, late last year: Businesses now need certainty. The best way to do this is by an early agreement to a transition timeframe and continued close regulatory cooperation.

We must now ensure Brexit does not disrupt the safe supply of vital medicines to tens of millions of families in the EU 27 and the UK.

Greg Clark, the Business Secretary, is backing demands from UK firms to stay within the EU's Chemicals Agency, while Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said aviation in Britain would continue to be regulated by the EU.Leading Brexiteer Nigel Farage has met with the European Commissions chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels.

The former Ukip leader, who is still an MEP, warned Mr Barnier that unless Brussels offered compromise then support for quitting the bloc without any trade deal would increase.

His comments come as Theresa May appoints a new minister at the Brexit Department specifically in charge of preparations for a no-deal Brexit, as part of a wide-ranging cabinet reshuffle.

A European Commission spokesperson said that the EU had for months now been busy on planning for all possible outcomes.

Commenting on the meeting between Mr Barnier and Mr Farage, he added: As you can imagine, the two men discussed the state of play of Article 50 negotiations.

Following the meeting, Mr Farage said: Mr Barnier clearly did not understand why Brexit happened. I left with the impression that it has not been previously explained to him that the Brexit vote was primarily about controlling mass immigration and democratic self-determination.

Brexit Secretary David Davis and Michel Barnier at a meeting in Brussels (EPA)

Unless Mr Barnier can compromise somewhat and be prepared to give on services and financial services, the calls to go out of the EU under WTO [World Trade Organisation] rules will increase.

He added: I wouldnt say its a happy new year for the Brexit deal.

The move to emphasise the possibility of a hard Brexit on the UK side is the latest example of brinkmanship in the talks, which made headway in December after the Prime Minister worked around concerns from her Northern Irish allies, the Democratic Unionists, about the future of the provinces border.

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

Economists have warned that a no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for the UK economy.

US think tank the Rand Corporation has said no deal could cost the UK $140bn (103bn) over the next 10 years, while the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has put the figure at 40bn in 2019 alone due to sluggish economic growth.

Business investment would seize up, and heightened price pressures would choke off private consumption, the OECD said.Theresa May has been warned that appointing a minister for no deal in todays reshuffle would be fresh evidence of her veering towards hardline Tory Brexiteers.

A minister charged with preparing for Britain to crash out of the EU without an agreement is tipped to be handed a seat at the Cabinet table, although he or she would not be a full member.

The move would inflame Tories urging the Prime Minister to reject a no deal outcome, by giving the option a higher profile, although it is unlikely to change government policy.

Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, said Mrs May should be focusing on negotiating the best exit terms, not on how to salve ideological arguments in her deeply divided party.

The Government should not even be considering leaving the EU with no deal - that is the worst of all possible options, he said.

However, this shows the journey the Conservatives are taking, steering the country further and further into a highly damaging hard Brexit.

For the good of our economic future, a no deal Brexit must be ruled out immediately.

And Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP First Minister, tweeted: If this is true (lets hope not), it will show yet again that the views of hardline Tory Brexiteers are more important to the PM than the interests of the country. No deal is unthinkable. No Brexit should be the clear preference over no deal.

Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA

The Daily Telegraph reported that a minister for no deal" will be appointed, a decision that would delight anti-EU Tory ministers and backbenchers.

Steve Baker, a hardline Eurosceptic MP and a leading figure in the Leave campaign in the EU referendum - who is already a Brexit minister  is likely to take on the role.

However, in practice, Mr Baker is already the minister preparing for no deal  for which the Government has, controversially, set aside hundreds of millions of pounds.

Furthermore, the no deal outcome is now seen as less plausible after Mrs May promised full alignment of regulations if necessary to prevent the return of a hard land border in Ireland.

Britain will be required to make that a legal commitment before the EU agrees to negotiate the transitional deal which the Prime Minister is seeking, to cushion the impact of Brexit for businesses.

Full alignment is likely to mean Britain effectively remaining within the EUs economic structures, after Brussels rejected new technology solutions to the border controversy as magical thinking.Jeremy Corbyn has attacked Theresa Mays Cabinet reshuffle, branding it a pointless and lacklustre PR exercise.

The Prime Ministers New Years reshuffle follows her partys poor result at last years general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority.

It also comes as Ms May has fielded attacks over her administrations handling of the NHS winter crisis.

The Labour leader accused Ms May of using the reshuffle to dodge the real issues, and said people are dying because of this Governments decisions.

He said: In 2018, the impact of Tory austerity is hitting home with the public, most tragically with the most serious NHS winter crisis yet. And yet the governments big plan for the New Year is to dodge the real issues and reshuffle the pack in a pointless and lacklustre PR exercise.

Its simply not good enough. You cant make up for nearly eight years of failure by changing the name of a department.

Back in the real world, outside Westminster, our health service is on its knees: with patients dying as they wait for ambulances to arrive, ambulances stacking up outside hospitals, and corridors full with trolleys and patients.

Mr Corybn also took aim at rising rail prices and the Governments chaotic Brexit negotiations.

He said: Were not only seeing growing problems across the NHS; the cost of travel is going up; our social security system is being dismantled; our housing crisis has been cruelly exposed by the terrible Grenfell Fire, and by the Conservatives in Windsor who want to sweep rough sleepers from the streets; and the Governments threat to jobs and living standards from its chaotic Brexit negotiations.

But yesterday Mr Corbyn was accused of a lack of leadership after rejecting calls to join a cross-party coalition to keep the UK in the single market after Brexit.

Ian Blackford, the SNPs leader in Wesminster, said it was utterly pathetic that Mr Corbyn had rejected the offer.

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. 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Last year Mr Corbyns own protracted shadow Cabinet reshuffle was the subject of intense scrutiny after mass front bench resignations following the partys EU referendum campaign.Jeremy Hunt has kept his job as Health Secretary, despite overseeing what is widely viewed as a winter crisis in the NHS.

However, Theresa May has added social care to his responsibilities, to signal her determination to sort out one of the biggest issues facing the country.

Mr Hunt had been tipped for a sideways move to a different department, perhaps business, after becoming hugely unpopular with many patients and health staff.

But, after a lengthy meeting in Downing Street, No 10 announced he would head up a new, rebranded Department of Health and Social Care.

The Government has spoken repeatedly of its wish to integrate health and social care, but the programme has only begun on a small scale, in some areas.

The impact of adding to Mr Hunts list of responsibilities appears limited, given that his department already oversaw social care policy, although funding is delivered through local councils.

There was speculation that he refused a move to business, where Greg Clark remains as the Secretary of State.Justine Greening has quit her job as education secretary after Prime Minister Theresa May tried to move her to another department in her latest reshuffle.

After a standoff during a gruelling three-hour meeting in Downing Street on Monday, Ms Greening walked out of the Cabinet.

The former minister was pushing to stay in her education brief and was unwilling to accept a different job offered to her by the Prime Minister.

Downing Street aides said Ms May was disappointed but respected Ms Greenings decision to leave.

Ms Greening had been promoting her achievements at the Department for Education in recent days after facing criticism from Ms Mays allies.

She had been attacked for not being as loyal to Ms May as others and not being on the same wavelength as her over her education reforms.

But as Ms Greening received word that she was being pushed out of her department, she began a counteroffensive at the weekend touting rising school standards and new measures to boost literacy.

 Justine Greening refuses to comment ahead of cabinet reshuffle

The Prime Minister offered Ms Greening a job at the Department for Work and Pensions, but failed in her attempt to keep the minister from quitting in protest at the move from education.

Ms Greening was succeeded as Education Secretary by Damian Hinds, who was promoted from being a junior Work and Pensions Minister.

The way Ms Greening left the Government could cause a headache for the PM when the Putney MP, who backed Remain in the referendum campaign, returns to the backbenches.Sinn Fein has said a video of one of its MPs with a Kingsmill-branded loaf on his head on the anniversary of the Kingsmill massacre was inexcusable and indefensible.

Party chairman Declan Kearney said West Tyrone MP Barry McElduff had fallen well short of the standards Sinn Fein expects of its members.

Mr McElduff has apologised for the post, insisting it was not meant as a reference to the Republican murders of 10 Protestant workmen in 1976.

Recommended Sinn Fein MP under police investigation following Kingsmill loaf tweet

He has been summoned to a crunch meeting with the Sinn Fein leadership in Northern Ireland on Monday afternoon.

The well-known Kingsmill brand of bread shares a name with the south Armagh village that witnessed one of the most notorious incidents of the Troubles, when gunmen stopped a van carrying textile workers on their way home, identified the Protestant occupants, lined them up at the side of the road and shot them.

Mr Kearney became the first senior leadership figure to comment on the weekend furore on Monday morning.

What has happened is absolutely inexcusable and indefensible and the party is taking this matter very seriously indeed, he said.

He added that Sinn Fein wished to express deep and sincere regret.

What happened is absolutely irresponsible, he told BBC Radio Ulster.

Barry McElduff has already made an unreserved apology and that was the correct thing to do in the circumstances.

The reality is huge offence has been caused and I and Sinn Fein strongly disapprove of what has happened.

Mr Kearney said Sinn Fein accepted that the incident had caused maximum hurt to the Kingsmill families.

Sinn Fein expects the highest standards of not only our members but also our very senior elected representatives and what has happened here clearly falls well short of those standards, he added.

Sinn Fein's former Stormont finance minister, Mairtin O Muilleoir, has also apologised for retweeting the video. Mr Kearney said Mr O Muilleoir had offered the party a fulsome explanation for the retweet.

The storm around the social media post is threatening to further disrupt faltering efforts to re-establish a power-sharing executive at Stormont, with the Democratic Unionists characterising it as an affront to victims.

Mr McElduff has offered to meet relatives of the sectarian outrage but a number of them, including the only survivor of the gun attack, Alan Black, have rejected the invitation outright.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is examining the video after receiving a number of complaints, while the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards at Westminster has also been alerted.

In the short video, Mr McElduff, who is known for his light-hearted social media contributions, is filmed walking around a shop with a Kingsmill loaf on his head, asking where the store kept the bread.

It was posted around the 42nd anniversary of the Kingsmill outrage.

He has faced multiple calls to resign in the wake of the controversy.

On Saturday the republican MP deleted the video and apologised.

When I posted the video I had not realised or imagined for a second that there was any possible link between the brand name of the bread and the Kingsmill anniversary, he said.

It was never my intention to hurt or cause offence to anyone and in particular to victims of the conflict who have suffered so grievously.

I apologise unreservedly for the hurt and pain this post has caused.

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

Mr Black, who survived the gun attack despite being shot 18 times, rejected Mr McElduff's apology.

It was like a punch to the stomach, it was so callous, he said of the video.

To mock the dead and dance on their graves is depraved.

PATheresa Mays bid to renew her Government with a Cabinet reshuffle fell flat on Monday after key minsters refused to be moved from their jobs and one walked out of her Cabinet.

The Prime Minister had wanted to keep Justine Greening in her top team, but failed to stop her quitting with the former education secretary rejecting a transfer to another department.

Ms Mays authority was further called into question after Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt not only rebutted an attempt to move him, but managed to secure an enhanced role in his current post.

One senior Conservative MP said: If this was meant to show she has the power to reshuffle her Cabinet, it has shown the complete opposite.

Changes made to the set up at Conservative HQ were at least well received, with new Party Chairman Brandon Lewis and his deputy James Cleverly expected to have a positive impact on the Tories campaign machinery.

But the day started with a botched statement, naming the wrong person being given a top job, and was then characterised by a series of announcements confirming Ms May would allow people to keep posts.

The Prime Minister had already conceded there would be no move for her most senior ministers  Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Chancellor Philip Hammond, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Brexit Secretary David Davis  despite talk last year that some might be transferred or sacked.

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

But she did want to shift Ms Greening and Business Secretary Greg Clark, both who had been criticised by her allies, and also Mr Hunt.

Ms Greening left Downing Street around 8pm on Monday night after a gruelling three-hour meeting in which she rebuffed attempts by Ms May to make her stay at the Cabinet table.

The Prime Minister had wanted to move her from the Department for Education for some time, with Ms Mays allies claiming the former minister was disloyal and had not fully embraced the spirit of the PMs desired reforms.

But Downing Street also wanted to avoid the instability of a long-serving minister quitting and heading to the backbenches, where she is now free to join forces with rebels who like her voted to stay in the European Union.

The plan was to offer her a job at the Department for Work and Pensions, but Ms Greening refused and had already made her intentions clear days before as she started tweeting about her achievements at the DfE.

Aides said Ms May was disappointed, but respected Ms Greenings decision to leave. Damian Hinds will replace her as the new Education Secretary.

 Jeremy Hunt arrives in Downing Street for the Cabinet reshuffle

Ms Greening said on Twitter: I'll continue to do everything I can to create a country that has equality of opportunity for young people & Ill keep working hard as MP for Putney.

Mr Hunt also refused a move proposed to him and instead argued he stay in post at the Department of Health to fully merge the NHS and social care.

Its meant to be about the Prime Minister asserting her power, but its served to underline her weakness Senior Tory MP

One party source told The Independent: It is apparently just possible that Jeremy Hunt was speaking the truth when he said that the health job was the last one big job he would do in politics.

It seems that was his intention, and he didnt feel leaving during the winter pressures on the NHS in particular was the right thing.

Mr Hunt apparently argued his case for staying so passionately, that he now takes responsibility for the drive to reform the NHS, gaining a new job title  Health and Social Care Secretary  and departmental name to reflect the enormity of the job ahead.

Sajid Javid will also head a department with new name, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, in an attempt to underline Ms Mays commitment to tackling the housing shortage.

 Norman Smith on the confusion surrounding Chris Grayling's position in cabinet reshuffle after Tories post wrong tweet

In both cases officials said the costs of changing stationery, signs, business cards and branding for the newly named departments would be kept to a minimum.

Ms May had planned to move Mr Hunt to the Department for Business, where critics claimed Mr Clark had failed to live up to the job.

But after being kept waiting at Downing Street, Mr Clark was told he would keep his post and will now push through Ms Mays pledge to cap energy bills.

Another minister Ms May is said to have wanted moved, Andrea Leadsom, will also keep her job as Leader of the Commons.

One Senior MP said: I hadnt appreciated that reshuffles were about people turning up to Downing Street and telling the Prime Minister what job they wanted.

Its meant to be about the Prime Minister asserting her power, but its served to underline her weakness.

Another MP said it would not inspire people to think the Government had renewed vision, adding: Theres not very much there which is meaty.

The Work and Pensions post was eventually taken by Esther McVey who wins her first Cabinet post, with the former holder of that role David Gauke going to the Ministry of Justice.

Ex-Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke moves to the Ministry of Justice (Getty)

Ex-Justice Secretary David Lidington moved to the Cabinet Office to take up responsibilities left by Damian Green, who quit last year following an investigation into breaches of the ministerial code.

Mr Lidington will deputise for Ms May at Prime Ministers Questions and chair critical Cabinet committees, including those on Brexit, but will not receive the prestigious First Secretary title Mr Green had.

The day started badly when Conservative HQ announced on social media that Chris Grayling would be the new party Chair, only for the message to be deleted moments later.

That job went to Mr Lewis, who with his deputy Mr Cleverly, will head a team of party vice-chairs designed to bring on new talent and show a fresher more diverse face to the Tories.

James Brokenshire resigned from his Northern Ireland secretary job on grounds of ill health, weeks before major surgery for a lesion on his right lung, and was replaced by Karen Bradley.

Her old slot was filled by Matt Hancock, who was promoted to be the new Culture Secretary.

Others who remained in post included Liam Fox at International Trade, Michael Gove at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mr Grayling as Transport Secretary and Penny Mordaunt at International Development.

David Mundell stays on as Scottish Secretary and Alun Cairns as Welsh Secretary, while Jeremy Wright keeps his job as Attorney General.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson and Chief Whip Julian Smith keep their roles having only recently been appointed. Close Theresa May's cabinet reshuffle: Key positions

Theresa Mays attempts to reassert her authority through a Cabinet reshuffle ran into difficulties after senior ministers refused to move from their jobs.

Education Secretary Justine Greening dramatically quit the Government when Ms May tried to move her to the Department of Work and Pensions, leaving the Prime Minister scrambling to promote junior ministers to her top team.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt also spent more than 90 minutes in Downing Street where he resisted Ms May's attempts to persuade him to switch to Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and allow Business Secretary Greg Clark to take on his role.

Recommended Justine Greening quits job in reshuffle blow for Theresa May

Cabinet big beasts such as Boris Johnson, Philip Hammond and Amber Rudd all kept their jobs, which led to critics quoting the PM's widely mocked election campaign claim that "nothing has changed" - when she made a major U-turn on a social care pledge.

Earlier, the shake-up descended into chaos when the Conservatives official Twitter account accidentally put out that Transport Secretary Chris Grayling would become party chairman  before Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis was officially appointed shortly after.

Former Justice Secretary David Lidington was appointed to replace the PM's close ally Damian Green, who was sacked as the Cabinet Office minister and de facto Prime Minister last month for misleading statements over pornography found on his office computer.

A younger and more diverse team of MPs was appointed to hold various Conservative party posts, although the appointment of pro-life MP Maria Caulfield to a prominent women's role attracted controversy.

Please see the live updates belowHuman rights campaigners are calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ghana after a new report found violence towards LGBT people by mobs and family members is on the increase.

The report, No Choice but to Deny Who I Am: Violence and Discrimination Against LGBT People in Ghana, has revealed the retention of a colonial-era provision in the countrys Criminal Offences Act prohibiting and punishing unnatural carnal knowledge, coupled with a failure to actively address violence and discrimination, is relegating LGBT Ghanaians to effective second-class citizenship.

The Human Rights Watch, which published the 72-page report, has also said LGBT people are continuing to be attacked by mobs or even by their own family members.

For example, in August 2015, in Nima, a town in the Accra region, members of a vigilante group known as Safety Empire brutally assaulted a young man they suspected was gay. And in May 2017, in a village outside Kumasi in the Ashanti region, the mother of a young woman organised a mob to beat up her daughter and another woman because she suspected they were lesbians in a same-sex relationship.

Human Rights Watch interviewed 114 LGBT people for the report, as well as representatives for human rights organisations based in Ghana, a Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) complaints officer, the assistant police commissioner and three diplomats.

Although LGBT people are rarely, if ever, prosecuted under the countrys anti-gay laws, Wendy Isaack, LGBT rights researcher for the Human Rights Watch, said it directly contributes to the climate in which violence against LGBT people is common.

Homophobic statements by local and national government officials, traditional elders, and senior religious leaders foment discrimination and in some case incite violence, she added.

LGBT Ghanaians should have the same protection from the government as everyone else.

And the government should work to address the stigma that subjects people to violence in their own homes, the place where they should feel safest.

Lesbians, bisexual women and transgender men are frequently victims of family violence, the Human Rights Watch found, with many being beaten, threatened and driven out of their homes.

LGBT+ rights around the globe Show all 9 1 /9 LGBT+ rights around the globe LGBT+ rights around the globe Russia Russias antipathy towards homosexuality has been well established following the efforts of human rights campaigners. However, while it is legal to be homosexual, LGBT couples are offered no protections from discrimination. They are also actively discriminated against by a 2013 law criminalising LGBT propaganda allowing the arrest of numerous Russian LGBT activists. AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Brunei Brunei recently introduced a law to make sodomy punishable by stoning to death. It was already illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Mauritania Men who are found having sex with other men face stoning, while lesbians can be imprisoned, under Sharia law. However, the state has reportedly not executed anyone for this crime since 1987 Alamy LGBT+ rights around the globe Sudan Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sudanese law. Men can be executed on their third offence, women on their fourth Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Saudi Arabia Homosexuality and gender realignment is illegal and punishable by death, imprisonment, whipping and chemical castration Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Yemen The official position within the country is that there are no gays. LGBT inviduals, if discovered by the government, are likely to face intense pressure. Punishments range from flogging to the death penalty Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Nigeria Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal and in some northern states punishable with death by stoning. This is not a policy enacted across the entire country, although there is a prevalent anti-LGBT agenda pushed by the government. In 2007 a Pew survey established that 97% of the population felt that homosexuality should not be accepted. It is punishable by 14 years in prison Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Somalia Homosexuality was established as a crime in 1888 and under new Somali Penal Code established in 1973 homosexual sex can be punishable by three years in prison. A person can be put to death for being a homosexual Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Iraq Although same-sex relationships have been decriminalised, much of the population still suffer from intense discrimination. Additionally, in some of the country over-run by the extremist organisation Isis, LGBT individuals can face death by stoning Getty

LGBT people in Ghana say that the violence against them has been getting steadily worse since President Nana Akufo-Addo said in an interview for Al Jazeer that the law criminalising homosexuality in Ghana remained because he did not believe there was a sufficiently strong coalition across public opinion calling for a change.

Leading Ghanaian activist LGBT Mac-Darling Cobbinah told The Independent the community would remain resolute and continue to sensitise people to understand LGBT issues.

I think we need to employ a lot more allies who will speak on the issues and not hide behind screens as existing currently, he said.

Speaking out will help people know and better understand that humans rights of sexual minorities is not based on the type of sex people prefer but its instead about humanity and dignity for all persons.

I support any move to create a rainbow nation for all persons than to throw the few minorities out of their country of birth because of their orientation.

And one gay man from Ghana  who asked us to keep his identity anonymous out of fear for his own safety  told The Independent the key to surviving in Ghana when you identify as LGBT is by staying strong.

Daily life for the perceived and known LGBT community in Ghana is characterised with a number of negative experiences which come from all corners, he said.

We continue to face a high level of stigma and discrimination from health facilities, family, communities, with pockets of people facing daily physical, verbal and emotional abuses  including injustice, extortion, blackmail and rejection.

There is a fair number who also experience dismissal from work as a result of their sexuality, legal injustice, healthcare inequalities, maltreatment and neglect.

Countless people have considered suicide, seeking asylum or total isolation as a possible solution to help them deal with their sexuality.

As Ghanaians we need to start rigorous discussion around promotion of human rights [for LGBT people], redefining legal terms and, if possible, repealing laws that criminalise homosexuality.

Whether we are lawmakers or ordinary citizens we need to come to terms and accept the undeniable fact that LGBT people are human being who belong to families. They are our sons, our daughters, our teachers and our pastors. They are human just like any other person hence they deserve to be accorded dignity, respect and love.

And one lesbian who also asked to remain anonymous said that the government needed to stop treating LGBT people as outcasts in our own society.

We want to be free so we can stand tall in public and not deal with obstacles and harassment daily  this will make it easier for us to get an education, learn a trade, get jobs and be useful and productive Ghanaians, she said.

Homophobic sentiment is rife throughout the Ghanaian government, however. In February 2017, Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, Mike Ocquaye, referred to homosexuality as an abomination and equated it with bestiality, calling for stricter laws against same-sex conduct.

This is in spite of the fact the anti-gay law is inconsistent with basic tents of the Ghanaian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, respect for human dignity and the right to privacy.

It also violates several human rights treaties that Ghana has ratified, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, which adopted a groundbreaking resolution in April 2014 calling on African governments to prevent and punish all forms of violence targeting people on the basis of their real and imputed sexual orientation or gender identity.Maurice Owiti is 47 years old and works as a caregiver in a rural Kenyan village. In a poor community such as his, Owiti is lucky to have a job. But until late 2016, spending even $20 a month on school fees for his son was a struggle.

Then a charity called GiveDirectly showed up in October and announced to Owiti and dozens of other residents that they'd be receiving $22 a month for the next 12 years. It was part of an experiment in basic income, a system that involves giving people a standard salary just for being alive, no strings attached. (At GiveDirectly's request, Business Insider has concealed the Kenyan village's name and location to protect the recipients there.)

As basic income has gained mainstream interest as a way to reduce poverty, people have started speculating how it might play out on a large scale. Would the system make people work more or less? Would they spend all the money immediately? Where would the funds come from?

A myth gets proven wrong, one transfer at a time

In the 13 months since GiveDirectly began its experiment, Owiti and his fellow villagers have slowly and quietly been disproving the biggest misconception about basic income - that people who receive free money will stop working and waste the cash on vices like gambling, drugs, or alcohol.

Anecdotal evidence and nearly all empirical research has shown that unconditional cash transfers help people help themselves. Recipients often use the income to pay for their kids' school fees, buy medicine, repair their homes, and invest in their small businesses to further grow their wealth. While some use the money for so-called temptation goods, as economists call them, the majority of recipients defy the stereotype that people in poverty somehow lack moral character or responsibility.

As advocates often claim, what the poor seem to suffer from is actually a lack of cash.

If this money were to be given to everybody, this would be a very good thing, Edwin Odongo Anyango, a 30-year-old recipient in Kenya, told Business Insider.

Anyango earns money mostly through manual labour jobs. He said the basic income money has enabled him to buy milk on a more consistent basis and pay for his child's preschool fees. His wife, also a recipient, has put the money into her business selling secondhand clothes.

What this money does is it creates hope, Anyango said. And when people have hope, they are happy.

Caroline Teti, the field director for GiveDirectly, works with villagers on a near-daily basis to make sure the experiment is running smoothly. The study expanded to include dozens more villages and thousands more people in mid-November, but so far Teti has only observed a few people who seem to misuse the money.

Even those, she said, tend to split the money between practical purchases and indulgences.

People have needs, Teti said. Especially in poor communities such as this, if they get a basic income, it goes directly into those needs.

The abuses are few and far between

Agrippa Agida Onywero Krispo, a 40-year-old day labourer, said he's used the money for small home repairs and new shoes. He's also used it for gambling and to record a CD of him singing. Recently, the money he put towards the CD was stolen by his recording partner, who disappeared when it came time to sell the freshly made copies.

I think for my next project, I am going to be more careful, Krispo said. I'm not going to make the same mistake, because I think about that money that I put into the production, that I can't now get back. And I feel very angry.

Other research has found that people's spending on alcohol and cigarettes actually went down when they received direct cash transfers. Faced with a brighter future, many people stop using temptation goods as a way to cope with a hopeless situation, researchers have discovered. In the village GiveDirectly is working with, interviews with nearly a dozen recipients showed that most people have actually worked more since the study began.

The research isn't conclusive, however. There is still a possibility that follow-up studies will find GiveDirectly recipients used their cash on vices after covering their basic needs.

But so far, the findings are hopeful. When people in need are given the means to improve their lives, that's exactly where the money goes.

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Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.A man has been jailed for marrying a woman and then wedding her daughter, without first getting a divorce.

Christopher I Hauptmann, 44, married Shannon Deitrich in Florida in November 2015.

The following September, he tied the knot with her 18-year-old daughter, Kaylee Durovick, without divorcing her mother first. He remains in a relationship with the teenager.

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Authorities in Pennsylvania first became suspicious of Hauptmann  who worked as a bail bondsman  after receiving reports he was using an alias and possessed a gun, despite being prohibited from doing so because of a previous drug conviction.

Detectives in Northumberland County discovered Hauptmann used the name Christopher Buckley on some legal documents, according Penn Live which originally reported the story.

Hauptmann, from Shamokin in Pennsylvania, pleaded no contest to bigamy, forgery to authorities and owning a firearm as a convicted criminal charges at Northumberland County Court.

By pleading no contest, he admitted there was enough evidence to find him guilty of the charges, but he did not admit guilt.

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 was an opportunity to give him certainty and closure," Hauptmann's defence attorney Peter Kay told The Daily Item newspaper. "He's been sitting a long time in jail." He said his client was looking forward to "closing this chapter of his life".

Judges sentenced him to between a year minus a day to two years minus a day in prison followed by 10 years' probation. He is barred from contact with Ms Deitrich.

He was given credit for the 332 days he had already spent in jail, after he was unable to post his $300,000 (221,500) bail.A couple got engaged amid friends and family and within hours were married after the groom had planned the entire event to make life easier for his bride.

Nicole Rios, nee Carfagna, has lupus  a condition with no cure that can be exacerbated by stress, such as that which accompanies planning a wedding.

Her husband Danny, decided to ask if she wanted to have the wedding immediately at their home in Smithtown, New York, instead.

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Ms Rios has undergone chemotherapy to help with her lupus and told the BBC that it has been a tough time for the couple with her illness.

Stress is not good with lupus. I would have been sick the majority of the time, I wouldnt have enjoyed it, she said.

What if wed planned the wedding then on the wedding day Im sick? So this took all that stress away, the new bride explained.

Mr and Ms Rios were returning from a trip from Walt Disney World when she noticed their home decorated with lights.

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I thought Dannys mom and stepdad had decorated our house for Christmas...But Danny took me by the hand and I saw a big tent in our backyard, with our family lined up outside it, Ms Rios said, describing the scene.

All who were gathered thought it was an engagement party as Mr Rios got down on one knee and proposed. They were in for a surprise as Mr Rios took Ms Rios aside and said: If you want, I have everything set up to get married.

Ms Rios said she didnt need to think about it. Suddenly all my jitters and anxiousness went away because I knew I wanted to marry him. I just said yes.

There were already a tuxedo and wedding dress hanging up as well as a backyard tent full of guests and food. In addition, Mr Rios father was ordained earlier in the day in order to marry the couple.

The brides brother served as her man of honour as well.

Ms Rios said it was like a fairytale and that her wedding went perfectly.Police in Hartford, Connecticut charged a woman Thursday with animal cruelty in connection with a grim scene reported by a neighbour on New Year's Day: A dog chained to a small shelter outside a home - and frozen solid.

The incident was one of several similar deaths reported in recent days as bitter cold grips the eastern United States, prompting animal rescue organisations and local authorities to issue warnings about giving pets shelter.

Several of the deaths occurred in Ohio. In Toledo, a dog was found frozen to death on a front porch last week. Three other frozen dogs were discovered over two days this week in Franklin County, Ohio, a shelter told a local television station. Authorities in Butler County, north of Cincinnati, said Wednesday that they had charged the owners of one deceased dog with cruelty to a companion animal.

"The dog was found in an outside dog house with no insulation. The dog was frozen to death due to the severe cold weather," read a Facebook post from the office of county sheriff Richard K. Jones. "Sheriff Jones would like to remind everyone that freezing to death is a horrible way for an animal to die."

In Michigan, Detroit Dog Rescue said a Pomeranian mix left outside its offices Monday night was found dead the next day. The group said on Wednesday that it managed to rescue another dog that was found cowering and shivering in a barrel outdoors - but not before its paw pads and penis got frostbite.

"Trying to escape the frigid temperatures he curled up and crouched down, but even his underbelly and penis began to freeze," Detroit Dog Rescue said about the pooch, which it called Joey, in a Facebook post. "His feet are so painful he doesn't want to stand."

With weather forecasters predicting more days of snow and brutal cold across much of the east, animal protection groups urged people to report any animals seen left outside to local law enforcement authorities.

"Dogs, cats and horses depend on our care, especially during life-threatening cold snaps. Take the animals in, or somehow provide a safe environment for them," Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive of the Humane Society of the United States, said in a statement.

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

Several states and local jurisdictions have in recent years stepped up penalties against pet owners who leave animals exposed to extreme weather, both hot and cold. The laws vary, but in some cases offenders face fines or cruelty charges, and even felony charges if the animal perishes.

Animal protection groups and veterinarians say that although dogs, cats, horses and other animals grow thicker coats in the winter, the fur doesn't make them able to withstand subfreezing temperatures. Fluffy huskies can do better than smooth Chihuahuas, but experts say the general rule is that if it's too cold for you outside, it's too cold for pets.

Not sure whether it's too cold to walk Fido outside? Here are seven tips on keeping pets cosy from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

Towel-dry your pet's paws after it comes in from the snow, and remove any snowballs from its fur. Don't shave your dog in the winter - let it grow out its long coat to keep it warm. If your dog has short fur and obviously did not evolve for wintry weather, consider a coat or a sweater vest to provide an extra layer of "fur." Ice, salt and chemicals from the ground will get stuck in your pet's feet and fur; wash its paws when it comes in to remove these potential hazards. Use pet-friendly ice melts on your sidewalks and driveways - even if you don't have pets. Giving your pet plenty of fresh water will prevent its skin from flaking and itching in the dry weather. Car coolant and antifreeze are lethal to animals, so clean up any spills or leaks immediately.

The Washington PostThe Trump administration has told lawmakers that it wants $18 billion (13 billion) over the next decade for the initial phase of a Mexico border wall, laying out for the first time a detailed financial blueprint for the president's signature campaign promise.

The money would pay for 316 miles of new fencing and reinforce another 407 miles where barriers are already in place, according to cost estimates sent to senators Friday by US Customs and Border Protection. If the work was completed, more than half of the 2,000-mile border with Mexico would have a wall or other physical structure by 2027.

Democratic lawmakers blasted the $18 billion request, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, and it arrived in the middle of delicate budget negotiations that include the risk of a government shutdown 20 January if no deal is reached.

"President [Donald] Trump has said he may need a good government shutdown to get his wall. With this demand, he seems to be heading in that direction," said Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee's immigration subcommittee.

CBP provided the funding outline at the request of Durbin and other senators preparing to launch negotiations this month on several contentious immigration issues, including a potential deal to protect the hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who will be subject to deportation when the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program expires, beginning in March.

With their votes needed to keep the government open, Democrats are looking to use their leverage in the spending talks to force the Republicans who control Congress to reach a deal on DACA.

Though Trump ran for office on a promise that Mexico would pay for a border wall, the spending plan indicates American taxpayers would fund it for at least the foreseeable future.

Trump has told Democrats he is unwilling to reach an agreement unless they fund his wall plan, among other measures, but the CBP document is the first time his administration has sketched out what that might cost.

In addition to the $18 billion in wall funding, the CBP also requested $8 billion for additional personnel and training, $5 billion for new border technology and at least $1 billion to build more access roads. The final price tag for the CBP spending plan would exceed $33 billion over the next decade, according to a copy of the document obtained by The Washington Post.

The $33 billion would not include what are likely to be additional funding requests for the other Department of Homeland Security agencies central to Trump's plans for an immigration overhaul, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is looking to add 10,000 more officers and dramatically expand the number of beds it has available for immigration detention.

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

Benjamin Cassidy, the DHS assistant secretary for legislative affairs, said in a letter to Durbin that the funding requests "were developed through a rigorous assessment and are derived directly from the experience and insight of US Border Patrol Agents in the field, supported by operational data and analysis."

"It is essential to note that this submission represents only one element of the President's overall immigration priorities," Cassidy wrote. "Effective border security will not be successful unless we close dangerous legal loopholes that enable illegal immigration and visa overstays. If these loopholes are not closed, and enforcement capabilities are not enhanced, our immigration system and border cannot be secured."

Democrats have repeatedly said they will not pay for a wall. Even though on a year-over-year basis the CBP request would not represent a dramatic funding increase over current border spending levels, it would represent a long-term commitment to a physical structure that Trump would be able to claim as a political trophy.

Democrats and immigration activists have recoiled at the administration's other enforcement plans, including proposals to expedite the deportation of unaccompanied minors, tighten asylum standards and crack down on so-called "sanctuary cities" that do not allow local police to cooperate with federal immigration agents.

"Trump can have a shutdown fight over his stupid wall that pleases the nativists in his base, or he can have a breakthrough that pairs the Dream Act and border security so he can brag he did something Obama couldn't get done. He can't have both," said Frank Sharry, executive director of America's Voice, an immigrant advocacy group. "This move by the White House does not bode well."

Republican reaction was muted Friday. Even many Republicans have deemed a physical wall along the entire border unnecessary and impractical, saying that more effective border security could be achieved through other means, including better surveillance and technology.

Recommended Trump administration being sued for dumping waste in Gulf of Mexico

CBP said it would like to add more than 2,000 miles of what it called a "total Border wall system" that would eventually encompass 864 miles of new primary wall on land where no barrier currently exists. It would add 1,163 miles of replacement wall or secondary wall, which DHS officials said could consist of a wall backed by a fence or two fences.

Some of the new barriers would have to be installed along the winding banks of the Rio Grande, where landowners have protested construction of new fencing on their ranches and farms.

The $18 billion would cover only the initial phase of the CBP plan. About 650 miles of the border with Mexico currently has some form of physical obstacle, from vehicle barriers to taller steel fencing designed to prevent people from climbing over.

CBP is evaluating several prototypes, all of which are significantly taller, but the funding request sent to senators does not specify what type of barrier would be used.

Trump has said he may travel to San Diego to inspect the prototypes, which range in height from 18 to 30 feet and combine different formulations of see-through steel bars, concrete slabs and metal spikes.

The Washington PostDonald Trump has said his Fake News Awards, which he first mentioned four days ago, and in which he has promised to proclaim the most dishonest and corrupt media organisation, will apparently go ahead over a week later than the President earlier planned, due to increased interest.

On 3 January Mr Trump said he would be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday 8 January at 5.00pm.

His tweet prompted international bemusement and amusement, but now the President has said he is delaying the honours citing the interest in and importance of the awards.

Writing on Twitter he said: The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!

The US President also indicated what kind of award categories the public can expect to see.

Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned! he tweeted.

The Presidents announcement comes as his administration is dealing with significant allegations from journalist Michael Wolffs book Fire and Fury, detailing Mr Trumps first year in the White House.

Amongst countless revelations, the book claims former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon described a meeting between Donald Trump Jr and a group of Russians was treasonous.

It also says the Trump campaign did not expect to win the US election and Trump himself was befuddled by the result, that he was angry A-list stars snubbed his inauguration, and that he found the White House scary.

Other parts of the book described how White House staff and the Presidents own family are forced to treat Mr Trump like a child, that he often repeats himself and that the people around him frequently question his suitability for the role.

Mr Trump dismissed the book as phony, adding the author is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book.

The books publication renewed debate on Mr Trumps mental health.

Mr Trump hit back on Twitter, writing: I think [I] would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!

During his tenure as President, Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed the media has been unfair to him. In particular he has lashed out at what he calls the failing New York Times, as well as CNN and NBC describing them as fake news.

Mr Trumps awards have been met with widespread mirth with US talk show hosts offering themselves up for consideration for the awards.

On Thursday The Late Shows Stephen Colbert released a spoof ad asking the President to consider his show in all categories, including Least Breitbarty, Fakest Dishonesty, Dishonestest Corruption, and for The Eric Trump Memorial Award for Disappointment.

On Friday the Daily Show with Trevor Noah took out a full colour Oscar-style advert in the New York Times also apparently aimed at sealing a victory in Mr Trumps awards.

For your most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year consideration, the ad began, including various real quotes, including from Breitbart calling the show political propaganda, and the New York Post describing it as monotonousliberal dogma.

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

It is unclear how Mr Trumps awards will be judged.James Damore, a former Google engineer, has filed a lawsuit against the tech giant for alleged discrimination against him for his conservative political views.

Mr Damore and lawyer Harmeet Dhillon held a news conference in San Francisco and said the company discriminated against white men who held political views different from those of Google executives.

He has been joined in the class action suit by another former Google engineer, Dave ,Gudeman according to the complaint filed in Santa Clara Superior Court in northern California.

Recommended Google bans people from posting negative reviews of former employers

The lawsuit says: "Google employees who expressed views deviating from the majority view at Google on political subjects raised in the workplace and relevant to Google's employment policies and its business, such as 'diversity' hiring policies, 'bias sensitivity,' or 'social justice' were/are singled out, mistreated, and systematically punished and terminated from Google, in violation of their legal rights.

Mr Damore was sacked last August when his 10-page internal memo criticising the companys diversity policies - specifically questioning the biological capability of women to be in engineering roles - and has been unemployed since.

The document had, according to Ms Dhillon, been with Google Human Resources department or circular file well before being exposed by Motherboard and then published in full by Gizmodo.

Ms Dhillon said that in California your political views are a protected characteristic and that what Google has allegedly done to Mr Damore and others is illegal.

She said during the news conference: I dont want people to get fired for their liberal views.

But, added that Mr Damore was fired within 48 hours of the internal memo leaking because a mob on the internet determined his views unpopular.

Many of our laws are drafted for the unpopular, argued Ms Dhillon, who added that in her view Google thinks the only way to achieve parity in the workplace is through quotas.

Mr Damore said he would open to going back to work at Google and it is his hope that the lawsuit really help[s] Google [become] a truly inclusive place.

He also noted that about half of the people at Google who responded to an internal poll actually agreed with his divisive memo.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Ms Dhillon noted that Googles motto is dont be evil but there is nothing more evil than managers refusing to hire or work with employees who voted for President Donald Trump, for example.

She said the company was not uniquely hypocritical and pointed to the recent Golden Globes awards ceremony and Hollywood in general as the center of...liberal virtue signalling.

One of the other purposes of the lawsuit is to push back on the one story of Google, Ms Dhillon said.

The company is currently handling another lawsuit filed by four former female employees against it for that story - that the company does not have enough female engineers and that there is a great pay disparity between men and women in the tech industry as a whole.

The US Department of Labour is investigating the issue as well, though Google has said it has not found any pay or job duty disparities.

Ms Dhillon argued on behalf of Mr Damore that it is entirely possible for Google to hire a bunch of women and pay them less, adding that it is illegal in the state to reserve jobs for women and protected minorities.

Though unemployed, Mr Damore made the rounds on several news programmes in the wake of the leaked memo. He claimed on CNBC that discrimination at the company against white, male conservatives was akin to being gay in the 1950s.

Google has not publicly responded to Mr Damores lawsuit.Last May, Jared Kushner accompanied President Donald Trump, his father-in-law, on the pairs first diplomatic trip to Israel, part of Kushners White House assignment to achieve peace in the Middle East.

Shortly before, his family real estate company received a roughly $30 million investment from Menora Mivtachim, an insurer that is one of Israels largest financial institutions, according to a Menora executive.

The deal, which was not made public, pumped significant new equity into 10 Maryland apartment complexes controlled by Kushners firm. While Kushner has sold parts of his business since taking a White House job last year, he still has stakes in most of the family empire - including the apartment buildings in and around Baltimore.

The Menora transaction is the latest financial arrangement that has surfaced between Kushners family business and Israeli partners, including one of the countrys wealthiest families and a large Israeli bank that is the subject of a US criminal investigation.

The business dealings dont appear to violate federal ethics laws, which require Kushner to recuse himself only from narrow government decisions that would have a direct and predictable effect on his financial interests. And no evidence has emerged that Kushner was personally involved in brokering the deal.

But the deal last spring illustrates how the Kushner Cos' extensive financial ties to Israel continue to deepen, even with his prominent diplomatic role in the Middle East. The arrangement could undermine the ability of the United States to be seen as an independent broker in the region. The Trump administration already inflamed tensions there when it said last month that it recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and would move the US Embassy there from Tel Aviv.

I think its reasonable for people to ask whether his business interests are somehow affecting his judgment, said Matthew T. Sanderson, a lawyer at Caplin & Drysdale in Washington who specialises in government ethics and was general counsel to Senator Rand Pauls presidential campaign.

Raj Shah, a deputy White House Press Secretary, said the Trump administration has tremendous confidence in the job Jared is doing leading our peace efforts, and he takes the ethics rules very seriously and would never compromise himself or the administration.

Christine Taylor, a spokeswoman for Kushner Cos, said the company has partners around the world. It does no business, she said, with foreign sovereigns or governments, and is not precluded from doing business with any foreign company simply because Jared is working in the government.

Menora, which is also Israels largest manager of pension funds, has done numerous other real estate deals, including several in the United States, said the Menora executive, Ran Markman, who is the companys head of real estate. He said he had never met Kushner. In negotiating the deal with Kushner Cos, Markman said, he worked with Laurent Morali, the firms president.

The deal was not done because of the so-called connections of Jared Kushner or Donald Trump, Markman said. The connection to the president was not an issue. It didnt make us do the deal, it didnt make us not do the deal.

Kushner resigned as chief executive of Kushner Cos when he joined the White House last January. But he remains the beneficiary of a series of trusts that own stakes in Kushner properties and other investments. Those are worth as much as $761 million, according to government ethics filings, and most likely much more: The estimate nets out the significant debt accumulated by the firm, which has done about $7 billion of deals in the past decade.

Abbe D. Lowell, a lawyer for Kushner, said in a statement: Jared Kushner has not been involved in, nor spoken about any Kushner Companies activities or project, since shortly before the Inauguration. He has an ethics agreement, reviewed by lawyers, with which he is in full compliance. Connecting any of his well-publicised trips to the Middle East to anything to do with Kushner Companies or its businesses is nonsensical and is a stretch to write a story where none actually exists.

But Sanderson, the lawyer who specialises in government ethics, said, Their standard seems like some version of Its a conflict when I think its a conflict, and Ill make that judgment myself.'

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

One issue, said Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen, a nonprofit government ethics group, is that the ethics laws were not crafted by people who had the foresight to imagine a Donald Trump or a Jared Kushner.

No one could ever imagine this scale of ongoing business interests, not in a local peanut farm or a hardware store but sprawling global businesses that give the president and his top adviser personal economic stakes in an astounding number of policy interests, Weissman added.

The New York TimesFirefighters have responded to a fire at Trump Tower, the Manhattan home of US President Donald Trump.

One person suffered minor injuries, while another sustained serious and possibly life-threatening injuries, New York Fire Department said. Mr Trump was in Washington at the time of the blaze.

Footage of the incident showed around a dozen firefighters on the roof of the tower, while white smoke billowed from one corner of the top of the building.

Donald Trump was not in the tower at the time of the blaze (REUTERS)

A blaze was reported at 7am local time from the top floor of the building, the New York Fire Department said.

A fire official told ABC the fire was inside one of the vents on the roof of the building.

"This building has two roofs  a low roof, where all the mechanical equipment is ... and a top roof ... with some vents to cover that equipment so you don't see it from the outside," the official said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

"So we had flames coming out of those vents  again no fire inside the building."

About 84 firefighters attended the scene and brought the blaze under control in about an hour, the fire service said.

Eric Trump, one of the president's sons, described the blaze as "a small electrical fire".

"The New York Fire Department was here within minutes and did an incredible job," he said.

"The men and women of the #FDNY are true heros and deserve our most sincere thanks and praise!"

The tower houses businesses and luxury apartments, including Mr Trump's penthouse, which reportedly occupies the top three floors.Three people have sustained non-life threatening injuries after a fire was reported in Trump Tower, the New York residence of President Donald Trump.

Mr Trump was in Washington at the time of the fire, which was quickly extinguished.

Footage of the incident showed around a dozen firefighters on the roof of the tower, as white smoke billowed from one corner of the top of the building.

Recommended Ivanka Trump opens fashion shop in Trump Tower

A blaze was reported from the top floor of the building at 7am local time, the New York Fire Department said. Secret Service agents had first noticed the fire, and had informed building management about the issue.

About 84 firefighters attended the scene and brought the blaze under control in about an hour, the fire service said. A spokesman with the Fire Department of New York called it a quick, easy, and routine situation.

The fire wasnt in the building, it was on top of the building, the fire department wrote on Twitter. We had flames coming out of the vents, no smoke condition or fire was on the inside.

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

Eric Trump, one of the presidents sons, said on Twitter that it was a small electrical fire in the cooling tower on the buildings roof.

The New York Fire Department was here within minutes and did an incredible job, he said. The men and women of the #FDNY are true heroes and deserve our most sincere thanks and praise!

The tower houses businesses and luxury apartments, including Mr Trumps penthouse, which reportedly occupies the top three floors. No evacuations were reported in the building

Just hours after the fire was reported, the streets below had calmed down, and just one fire truck remained nearby with its siren lights still spinning. Tourists passed by in the frigid New York weather, snapping photos of the building, unaware that a plume of smoke could have been seen earlier in the day. Some said that they had stumbled across the shining, black tower as they walked around Midtown Manhattan, but didnt initially intend on visiting the famed metropolitan home.

No, no, no, Hilda Bandiera, who was visiting New York with her husband, Alfred, from Australia, said when asked if she had ventured down Fifth Avenue specifically to see Mr Trumps building. Were not adding to his economy.

The area around the tower had a notably smaller security footprint than is seen when members of the first family are staying at the skyscraper. Metal barricades remained at the site, their bases covered in snow, but foot traffic hardly warranted even that. Traffic on Fifth Avenue  which was a tangled mess during the presidential transition period last year, and while First Lady Melania Trump still lived at the tower  appeared to run smoothly, even with the lingering presence of the New York Fire Department.

Matt Mahoney, a construction worker in the area, stood catty-cornered from the tower with a cigarette, and recalled the commotion of the morning. Mr Mahoney said he lives in Staten Island -- one of the few hotspots of Trump supporters in New York City  and that theres generally congestion near the tower now that Mr Trump is president. Fire or no, theres always a little bit more congestion than there was before.

As for Mr Trump, who Mr Mahoney says he voted for, the fiery rhetoric of the campaign - fuelled by frequent tweets and big promises  hasnt cooled down to something more statesman like, as Mr Mahoney said hed like to see.

The way he acts, the tweets... Hes a little bit of a loose cannon than youd like, Mr Mahoney said, indicating that it has been an accumulation of questionable behaviour over the past year that has soured him a bit on Mr Trump.

Overall, the conduct has been non-presidential, Mr Mahoney said. But, theres still time for the President to contain the blaze that has been his presidency, he said.The Trump administration has declined to renew the temporary protected status of Salvadoran immigrants to the US, giving an estimated 263,000 people less than two years to leave the country or be deported.

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation has allowed immigrants from El Salvador to live and work in the US since 2001, when a pair of earthquakes crippled much of the Central American nation.

Immigrants will have until September 2019 to leave the country or find other means of lawful residency, according to multiple news reports.

In a letter to Congress members, Homeland Security secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said conditions in El Salvador had improved significantly since 2001, rendering the original justification for the protected status void.

Congress now has 18 months to pass legislation protecting Salvadoran immigrants or their legal status will be revoked, according to a letter first seen by The Washington Post.

People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Show all 16 1 /16 People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Chicago, Illinois, February 16, 2017. Theopolis Waters/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Washington, DC, U.S., February 16, 2017. Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The crowd, which grew to well over a thousand participants, marched from the Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capital. Across the country hundreds of restaurants and eateries are closing for the day to protest President Trump's immigration policies and to highlight the contributions of immigrants to U.S. business and life. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants AUSTIN, TX - FEBRUARY 16: Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Chicago, Illinois, February 16, 2017. Theopolis Waters/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Chicago, Illinois, February 16, 2017. Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The crowd, which grew to well over a thousand participants, marched from the Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capital. Across the country hundreds of restaurants and eateries are closing for the day to protest President Trump's immigration policies and to highlight the contributions of immigrants to U.S. business and life. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The crowd, which grew to well over a thousand participants marched from the Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capital. Across the country hundreds of restaurants and eateries are closing for the day to protest President Trump's immigration policies and to highlight the contributions of immigrants to U.S. business and life. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants High school student Kathia Suarez holds up a sign as she protests with others outside the Grayson County courthouse in downtown Sherman, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. LM Otero/AP People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants High school senior Vicky Sosa holds a sign outside the Grayson County courthouse in downtown Sherman, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. In an action called "A Day Without Immigrants," immigrants across the country are expected to stay home from school, work and close businesses to show how critical they are to the U.S. economy and way of life. LM Otero/AP

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) occasionally grants protected status to immigrants from countries where conditions prevent the countrys nationals from returning safely, or where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. The designation must be renewed in six, 12 or 18-month periods.

Every president since George W Bush has extended the protected status of Salvadorans, allowing many to create permanent lives within the US. More than half of all Salvadoran immigrants have lived in the US for 20 years or more, according to the Centre for Migration Studies. 10 per cent are married to a legal resident.

 Donald Trump's immigration crackdown encapsulated in poignant footage of father being deported

Amanda Baran, a consultant to the Immigrant Legal Resource Centre, called Mondays decision reckless and heartless.

El Salvador is one of the worlds most dangerous countries, and will be unable to absorb the return of these thousands of people whose lives are inextricably intertwined with those of ours here in the United States, she said in a statement.

Amnesty International also decried the decision, claiming the US "could be sending people to their deaths".

More than 1,000 people died and thousands more lost their homes in the 2001 earthquake in El Salvador. While the country has since rebuilt, poverty and gang violence remain rampant.

El Salvador was ranked the third most dangerous nation on the globe by the World Economic Forum in 2017. The countrys homicide rate remains one of the highest in the world, with a reported 80.94 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2016.

The Obama administration cited drought, poverty and widespread gang violence  among other things  as reasons for renewing the TPS in 2016.

El Salvadorans were the largest group receiving protected status in the US, followed by some 86,000 Hondurans, whose fate is still unclear. The Trump administration rescinded protections for approximately 45,000 Haitians and 2,500 Nicaraguans last year.In August last year two staffers from the US House Intelligence Committee arrived in London and turned up unannounced at the office of Christopher Steele. Not finding him there, they went to the office of his lawyer demanding to see him.

The timing of the visit was of importance. It took place when special counsel Robert Mueller and the Senate Intelligence Committee were making progress in their attempt to speak to the former MI6 officer who had produced the dossier on Donald Trumps Russian connection. The two men had been sent by Republican members of the House Committee with the aim, it was suspected, of intimidating Mr Steele.

Last Friday, at the end of a week which had been dominated by highly damaging and humiliating revelations about Mr Trump in Michael Wolffs book Fire and Fury, two Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Lindsay Graham and Chuck Grassley, asked the US Justice Department to start an investigation of Mr Steele over his contacts with the media. It is highly unlikely to come to anything, accompanied as it was with the acknowledgement that it is not intended to be an allegation of a crime.

But this is part of a far wider pattern of action to damage the investigations into the Trump teams Russian connection, something which is only likely to gather more pace and scale after the announcement that preliminary discussions have already been held for the President to be interviewed by the FBI.

Recommended Trump lawyers preparing for possible Mueller interview over Russia

The attempt at undermining the inquiries had begun soon after they were announced, with Devin Nunes, the Republican chair of the Houses own inquiry into Russian meddling, being forced to step down over secret contacts with the Trump White House.

Mr Nunes, who refused to recuse himself temporarily from the chair and was subsequently cleared by the House Ethics Committee over the passing of information, has declared to Fox News that I am in charge, I have always been in charge of the investigation. Mr Nunes, it is believed, was one of those who sent the staffers to see Mr Steele last summer without telling the Democrats in the committee.

Mr Nunes has been pursuing alleged bias against Mr Trump in the Justice Department and FBI, issuing subpoenas for confidential documents in the Russia inquiry. Mr Nunes has charged that it seems the Department of Justice and FBI need to be investigating themselves. The senior Democrat in the House Committee, Adam Schiff, has complained from the beginning of this investigation theres been an effort to circle the wagons around the White House by the chairman and some of the Presidents allies. Mr Nunes, he held, wants to investigate anyone but the Russians.

A whole range of FBI and Justice Department officials, from Robert Mueller and acting FBI Director Christopher Wray to deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who has been vocally supportive of Mr Mueller, have come under attack from the Republican right.

Some of the focus is now on Jeff Sessions. The attorney general recused himself from the Russia investigation after revelations of a meeting he had with the Russian ambassador to the US in 2016. Mr Trump is reported to have been furious with Mr Sessions and had asked White House counsel Don McGahn to urge him to change his mind.

Mr Trump has repeatedly railed against Mr Rosenstein. Even last July he was annoyed that Rosenstein is from Baltimore: there are very few Republicans from Baltimore, if any, he is a Democrat. Mr Rosenstein, it has been pointed out, is neither from Baltimore nor a Democrat. But Mr Trump continues to see him as a threat.

Soon after the news broke of Mr Trumps projected interviews with investigators, messages began to appear in social media from the Presidents supporters of the need for changes in the Justice Department. Tom Fitton, the head of a conservative lobbying group called Judicial Watch, tweeted: Sessions should unrecuse himself and clean house. Republican congressmen Mark Meadows and Jim Jordan have demanded recently that Mr Sessions should resign.

The removal of Mr Sessions, Trump supporters have pointed out, would enable the appointment of a new attorney general who could take back the Mueller investigation from Mr Rosenstein, then give it a time limit and start cutting back on funding with the hope it will peter out.

The net may appear to be closing around the Trump White House, with the Presidents former campaign manager Paul Manafort and his former national security adviser Michael Flynn already charged, and Jared Kushner under intense scrutiny  but the campaign to protect Mr Trump will not end anytime soon.After losing supporters and donors, Steve Bannon apologised for his alleged remarks about President Donald Trumps son in the book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

According to the books author Michael Wolff, the former White House strategist and current Breitbart News executive said Donald Trump Jr was treasonous and his meeting with a Kremlin-linked lawyer during the height of the 2016 campaign was unpatriotic.

Mr Bannon told Axios in a statement that Mr Wolff misquoted him: My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort.

The bombastic editor was effusive in his praise of the Presidents son after billionaire and Breitbart news financial backer Rebekah Mercer threw her support behind Mr Trump.

Mr Trump Jr is both a patriot and a good man. He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around, said Mr Bannon in his apology.

Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, Mr Bannon is quoted as saying in the book as special prosecutor Robert Mueller carries on with the FBI investigation into alleged collusion between Russian officials and Trump campaign team members.

Mr Manafort, the former campaign manager, has been indicted on several counts of financial crimes in the investigation.

 Donald Trump says Michael Wolff is a fraud denying the contents of book Fire and Fury

Mr Bannon said in his apology that Mr Manafort is a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate. He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends. To reiterate, those comments were not aimed at Don Jr.

He also explained this his comment about the June 2016 meeting between Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya and Mr Trump Jr, Mr Manafort, and the Presidents son-in-law and White House adviser Jared Kushner stemmed from my life experiences as a Naval officer stationed aboard a destroyer whose main mission was to hunt Soviet submarines as well as his stint at the Pentagon during President Ronald Reagans administration.

Mr Bannon also snuck in a dig at Hillary Clinton, making sure to mention his films about Reagans war against the Soviets and [Ms] Clintons involvement in selling uranium to them.

His apology comes on the heels of several tweets by the President about the made up stories in the book, a few in particular in which he referred to his former staffer as Sloppy Steve.

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 White House statement read.

Still, in the apology Mr Bannon described his support for the Presidents agenda as unwavering and said he was the only person to date to conduct a global effort to preach the message of Trump and Trumpism.

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

To perhaps further prove his role as a surrogate for the President, Mr Bannon repeated Mr Trumps claims that the Russia investigation is a witch hunt.

I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr has diverted attention from the presidents historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency, Mr Bannon said.

Though, he appeared to hold back any apology for his comments about Mr Kushner and the Presidents daughter Ivanka Trump, whom he allegedly referred to as Javanka in the book. Mr Bannon had called the pair the railhead of all bad decisions, according to Mr Wolff.

Mr Wolff, for his part, said on MSNBC that Mr Bannons comments were certainly directed at the Presidents son and not Mr Manafort.

Fire and Fury went on sale days earlier than planned and publishers are rushing to print more copies in order to meet high demands.

Mr Wolff gathered the reporting in the book by spending time with the transition team and at the White House over 18 months with the freedom to record conversations.

He conducted 200 interviews including Mr Trump and took, according to him, something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing to do so.An Iranian oil tanker that caught fire after colliding with a freighter off the east coast of China is at risk of exploding or sinking, Chinese state media reported.

Rescuers from three countries have struggled to find the 32 missing crew members and contain oil spewing from the wreck, which could pose an environmental hazard.

State broadcaster China Central Television, citing Chinese officials, said the ship was manned by 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis.

Search and cleanup efforts have been hampered by fierce fires and poisonous gasses, which have engulfed the tanker.

The body of one crew member out of the 32 thought to be on board has been found (Getty)

The body of one crew member has been found aboard the ship, an Iranian official said. Mohammad Rastad, head of Irans Ports and Maritime Organisation, was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency that the body was sent to Shanghai for identification.

The Panama-registered tanker, the Sanchi, was sailing from Iran to South Korea when it collided with the Hong Kong-registered freighter, CF Crystal, in the East China Sea, 160 miles (257km) off the coast of Shanghai, Chinas Ministry of Transport said.

China, South Korea and the US sent ships and planes to search for the Sanchis crew. All 21 crew members of the crystal were rescued, the Chinese ministry said.

It was not immediately clear what caused the collision.

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

Kwon Yong-deok, a Korea Coast Guard official, said thick black smoke was still billowing from the ship on Monday afternoon and bad weather was worsening visibility at the scene.

There are also concerns the oil blaze could be an environmental risk. The Sanchi was carrying nearly one million barrels of condensate, a type of ultra-light oil Mr Kwon said may have evaporated or burned immediately.

But any of the highly toxic condensate that leaked into the sea could be a lot harder to detect, contain and clean up, John Driscoll, of JTD Energy Services, told the BBC.

Chinese authorities have dispatched three ships to clean the spill.

By comparison, the Exxon Valdez was carrying 1.26 million barrels of crude oil when it spilled 260,000 barrels into Prince William Sound off Alaska in 1989, badly damaging local ecology and the areas fishing-based economy.

The seas around China have been compared to the Bermuda Triangle after research by German newspaper Die Welt found them to be the most dangerous in the world.

The paper said at least 33 ships were lost in 2016 alone.

Additional reporting by APAustria's president Alexander Van der Bellen has intervened after the first child born in Vienna in 2018 was subjected to a torrent of Islamophobic abuse.

Asel Tamga was named "the first Viennese baby" of the year and photographed in the arms of her hijab-wearing mother.

Rather than being greeted with good wishes, articles about the birth were bombarded with hundreds of anti-Muslim and racist comments.

Mr Van der Bellen, Austria's left-wing leader, noted the birth in a Facebook post, saying: "Welcome, dear Asel!"

He quoted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, saying: "All men are free and born equal in dignity and rights."

Public announcements of New Years Babies" are customary in the German-speaking media, but anti-hate groups say they have become the focus of racist abuse, which has risen following an influx of refugees.

More than 145,000 people have applied for asylum in Austria since 2015, according to government figures.

Secretary general of the Vienna chapter of the Roman Catholic charity Caritas, Klaus Schwertner, commented on the abuse Asel received.

In the first hours of her life, this sweet girl was already the target of an unbelievable wave of violent, hateful online commentary, he said in a Facebook post.

It is a completely new dimension of online hate, targeting an innocent newborn."

One comment on an article reacting to the birth on Austrian daily Heute said: Im hoping for a cot death, the site reported.

Deport the scum immediately, another comment said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The incident comes two weeks after the country's far-right Freedom Party entered into the coalition government for the first time and seized control of several powerful ministries, including foreign, interior and defence. The development is expected to toughen Vienna's stance on immigration and asylum seekers.

Mr Van der Bellen, a former Green Party leader who narrowly beat a far-right candidate to take office in January last year, has spoken against racism on a number of occasions.

Last March, he called on all women to wear headscarves in solidarity with Muslims to fight what he called "rampant Islamophobia".A senior German politician has apologised after pledging to enact a final solution to the refugee question in Europe.

Manfred Webers political opponents pointed out that the top MEPs language on the refugee crisis bore a striking resemblance Nazi terminology used during the Third Reich in relation to Jews.

But the CSU MEP, who is a member of Angela Merkels political alliance and who heads up the centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, said he now regretted making the comments.

My choice of words yesterday was wrong and I regret it. But accusing me of intending any further associations is dishonest and completely mischaracterises my personal view and position, he said.

This is where I remain on the issue: We need in 2018 a European answer to the migration challenge. We Europeans must offer further protection for people in need and at the same time stop illegal migration.

Speaking at a party retreat in the Bavarian monastery town of Seeon, Mr Weber had said, according to German newspaper Bayerischer Rundfunk: In 2018, the central European issue will be the final solution to the refugee issue.

Mr Weber described the policy as a "finale Losung", a very similar term, especially when translated into English, to the word "Endlosung", used by the Nazis to describe the Holocaust.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was at the meeting

German media such as the magazine Der Spiegel said the wording clearly recalls the Nazi era.

The comments were particularly contentious because the meeting happened to be attended by Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban  who has been repeatedly accused of deploying antisemitic tropes in his campaign against refugees and Jewish businessman George Soros.

Mr Weber pledged an alliance with the so-called Visegrad states of Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. The countries have formed an anti-refugee bloc and European level, and Poland in Hungary in particular have elected increasingly authoritarian and illiberal governments.

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 CSU, which is technically a separate party to Angela Merkels CDU despite a long-term electoral alliance, lost out to the rise of the far-right AfD and has long called for a more hardline right-wing direction to win back voters, especially on immigration.

As leader of the EPP Mr Weber commands the largest bloc of votes in the European Parliament.A Quaker organisation which received the Nobel Peace Prize for rescuing refugees from the Nazis during the Second World War is among 20 activist groups whose members will be barred from entering Israel over their support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

The blacklist follows up on a controversial law enacted by Israel last year which bans any activist who "knowingly issues a public call for boycotting" the country.

Responding to the list, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) said it would continue to work for "peace and justice."

Recommended Israel publishes list of organisations banned from entering country

The group, together with the Friends Service Council, a British Quaker organisation, won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 for assisting Second World War refugees, primarily Jews.

"We answered the call for divestment from apartheid South Africa and we have done the same with the call for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions from Palestinians who have faced decades of human rights violations," said Kerri Kennedy, an AFSC official.

Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Show all 18 1 /18 Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Israeli forces scuffle with Palestinians at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City AFP/Getty Images Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' A Palestinian protester hurls stones as tear gas is fired by Israeli troops Reuters Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' A Palestinian protester runs during clashes with Israeli troops REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Israeli forces scuffle with Palestinians at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City AFP/Getty Images Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Palestinian protesters run during clashes REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Israeli border policemen and a Palestinian protesters clash REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Palestinian protesters react to tear gas REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Israeli border policemen hold on to a Palestinian protester REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Palestinian protesters react to tear gas fired by Israeli troops REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Israeli border policemen and Palestinians scuffle after Friday prayers in Jerusalem's Old City REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' A Palestinian protester moves a burning tire during clashes with Israeli troops REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Worshippers chant as they hold Palestinian flags after Friday prayers Reuters Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' A Palestinian protester hurls back a tear gas canister fired by Israeli troops REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' A wounded Palestinian protester is evacuated during clashes with Israeli troops REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Israeli border policemen and a Palestinian youth scuffle REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Israeli border policemen detain a Palestinian man REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' A Palestinian protester uses a sling to hurl stones towards Israeli troops REUTERS Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during 'Day of Rage' Journalists react to tear gas fired by Israeli troops REUTERS

The listed groups, primarily from Europe and America, count thousands of people as members. It includes the UK-based Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and War on Want.

Asad Rehman, executive director of War on Want, said the blacklist is "a desperate attempt to silence a growing movement that is holding Israel to account for its systematic abuse of Palestinian rights, and persistent violations of international law."

Mr Rehman said: "This measure is typical of Israels ongoing repression of the Palestinian people.

"The UK government must condemn this latest crackdown on human rights defenders. They must also take immediate steps to hold Israel to account for its continuing violations of Palestinian rights through measures such as the immediate suspension of its trade relations with Israel, including the arms trade".

He added: "This blacklist is a repressive tactic borrowed from the same playbook used by the apartheid regime in South Africa, when it tried to censor critics. Such attempts to silence human rights defenders through blacklisting and targeted harassment failed then as they will now."

 Rock star Roger Waters says Radiohead should not be playing in Israel due to the BDS movement

Hugh Lanning, chair of the PSC, said in a statement: "This latest announcement should be a wakeup call for the UK government and all those who continue to describe Israel as a normal liberal democracy. Liberal democracies do not prevent entry to individuals whose only offence is to draw attention to human rights abuses and to call for non-violent action to address them. Only states that wish to protect their ability to act unjustly behave in this way.

"Boris Johnson must take robust action to protect the rights of UK citizens to protest peacefully and to cross borders without illegitimate restriction. He should make clear that the UK Government will not cooperate with these measures."

The US-based Jewish Voice for Peace, which was also blacklisted, said in a Facebook post: "Israel's decision to specifically ban JVP is disconcerting but not surprising, given the further erosion of democratic norms and rising anxiety about the power of BDS as a tool to demand freedom."

Responding to news of the blacklist, Gary Spedding, a British cross-party consultant on Israel and the Palestinian Territories, told The Independent the blacklist was merely an excuse to legally justify barring activists and human rights observers from entering the country.

The boycott movement has thousands of supporters around the world (AFP/Getty Images)

A statement by Israel's Strategic Affairs Ministry said those who have carried out "significant, ongoing and consistent harm to Israel through advocating boycotts may be considered to have their entry barred." It said "central figures in key boycott organisations" risked being prevented entry.

"The boycott organisations must know that the state of Israel will act against them," Gilad Erdan, the minister for strategic affairs said in a statement. "The creation of this list is another step in our struggle against the incitement and lies of the boycott organisations."

The BDS movement has urged businesses, artists and universities to sever ties with Israel and includes thousands of supporters around the world.

Supporters of the movement say the tactics are a nonviolent way to promote the Palestinian cause, while Israel says the campaign goes beyond fighting its occupation of territory Palestinians claim for their state and often masks a more far-reaching aim to delegitimize or destroy the nation of Israel.

Last year, Hugh Lanning, chair of the PSC, became the first British citizen to be refused entry to Israel under the law, and Professor Kemal Hawwash, a British-Palestinian man, was also forced to fly back to the UK.

In a statement, the Israeli embassy in London said: "Like all other democracies, Israel will deny entrance to organisations and individuals working to undermine and harm Israel's national security. The organisations named in the list released yesterday have undertaken ongoing, consistent and significant action to promote and advance a boycott of Israel."

It said the regulation excludes political criticism of Israel as criteria for an organisation appearing on the list, and added that several other counties had taken steps to counter boycotts against Israel.A British man who faced years behind bars in Dubai after being found with too many anti-depressants, has been freed.

Maritime security officer Perry Coppins, 61, was arrested in November after being stopped at Fujairah sea port with a six-month supply of prescribed medication.

The father-of-three, from Nottingham, was later diagnosed with prostate cancer and his family feared his detainment would mean a death sentence if he was not released to seek treatment.

Recommended Taking these prescription drugs into Dubai could get you arrested

Mr Coppins was held in jail for for five weeks despite having GP prescriptions for three types of anti-anxiety drug, all legal in the United Arab Emirates, and explaining to customs officials and police that he needed enough medication for a half-year sea voyage.

Detained in Dubai (DiD), a legal organisation which had taken up his case, said Mr Coppins learned on Sunday that charges against him had been dropped. His passport has been returned and he has been told he is free to return home.

DiD chief executive Radha Stirling said: We welcome the decision by Dubai authorities to take the humane and sensible course with Perry.

This case should never have escalated to the point of criminal charges, but without the scrutiny of the international media, it is unlikely that Perry would be a free man tonight.

In the absence of such attention, what was essentially a misjudgment by one customs official turned into a literally life-threatening situation for Perry.

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

DiD claimed Mr Coppins was denied his medication in custody, and his condition deteriorated rapidly as he suffered severe withdrawal, including hallucinations, bouts of blindness and weight loss.

His hands and feed were shackled in prison and he spent all of his savings on legal costs and living expenses while awaiting a 15 January trial, the organisation added.

Mr Coppins arrest is the latest in a string of cases in which Britons have been incarcerated in Dubai, often over disputed accusations of minor crimes.

Ms Stirling said: We advise caution to all visitors, including those transiting through the UAE to utilise caution when doing so.

As we have seen in many cases recently, such as Asa Hutchinson, who was merely in the vicinity of an alleged crime, even if someone has not broken the law, they can still find themselves facing prosecution.Iraqi security forces are forcibly returning civilians from refugee camps to unsafe areas in the predominantly Sunni Anbar province, exposing them to death from booby-traps or acts of vigilantism, refugees and aid workers say.

Managing more than two million Iraqis displaced by the war against Isis is one of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's most daunting tasks. But critics say he is more interested in winning elections in May than alleviating the suffering of displaced Iraqis and returning them safely home.

Authorities are sending back people against their will, refugees and aid workers say, to ensure that the election takes place on time. People must be in their area of origin to vote and if they do not get home, this could delay the election.

Abadi is riding a wave of popularity after defeating Isis in Iraq and is anxious the election should not be held up.

His strategy is not without its hazards. Abadi risks alienating Sunni voters if displaced Sunnis are seen to be suffering from being sent home to dangerous areas.

Abadi is seeking a second term in which he plans to fight corruption and maintain national unity in the face of Kurdish separatism. He will need all the votes he can muster to face down a challenge from candidates linked to Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias.

Interviews with aid workers and dozens of displaced people at camps in the town of Amriyat al-Falluja, located in the Sunni heartland of Anbar province, 25 miles from Baghdad, as well as with several families who were returned to other areas in the province, reveal that many were forced to go home and several suffered death or injury.

Aid workers said military trucks arrive at camps unannounced and commanders read out lists of people, who have one hour to pack their belongings and go.

The aid workers, who all spoke on condition of anonymity, estimated that between 2,400 and 5,000 people were forcibly returned between 21 November and 2 January.

"These returns are not safe," said one aid worker. "Even those who don't openly resist really have no other choice. They cannot really say no to a bunch of people with guns."

An Iraqi military spokesman said the claim that the military forced displaced civilians to return against their will was an exaggeration.

"Our primary concern is the safety of our citizens, our job is to protect people," Iraqi Joint Operations Command Spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Rasool told Reuters.

However, "citizens have to go home" now that Isis had been defeated, he said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Some aid workers said local military commanders told them the orders came from Abadi's office. The prime minister's spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.

On 25 November, security forces arrived at a camp in Amriyat al-Falluja and told Saleh Ahmed, 37, and his family to return to their home town of Betaya, his father, Mahdi Ahmed, said.

They refused because contacts at home told them the area was filled with booby-traps left by retreating Isis fighters and their houses had been destroyed.

A local commander assured them the area was safe, saying it was "better to go live in a tent in your home town than live in a tent in the camp".

Saleh reluctantly took his wife and some of his children and got on the truck. Mahdi Ahmed, 72, remained at the camp with his sick wife, another son, and some of Saleh's children as their names were not on the list.

"They gave him a tent. He went back to our destroyed house and tried to pitch it in our yard," Mahdi Ahmed told Reuters at the camp in Amriyat al-Falluja.

An explosive went off. Saleh's wife was killed instantly and his daughter sustained full body burns. Saleh lost one eye and was seriously injured in the other, according to one of his sons, who witnessed the incident.

The Ahmeds' case is not unique. Abdallah, 17, told Reuters his family was forced to return to the town of Jweibeh on 26 November.

A week later masked men arrived at the family home at 2 am demanding to speak to the father. When he refused to open the door, they burst in and started shooting. Abdallah's father suffered leg injuries and his mother lost a finger.

The family do not know what the men wanted.

"It's not that we don't want to return but it has to be safe," said Abdallah, who is now the family breadwinner, working at a shop in the city of Falluja.

For many it is not economically viable to leave the camps, where they can set up barber shops or fruit stands at makeshift markets, making about $50 a month.

That sum would not be possible back home where jobs, basic services, and schools are non-existent.

"I can't afford to return," said camp resident Alaa Hussein.

Recommended Iraq executes 38 Isis suspects on terrorism charges

One man whose father suffers from kidney failure said leaving means losing access to the camp's dialysis machine. His village, 280 miles from the camp, does not have one.

"I will return once there are adequate health services there, but why should I go before then?" said Jassem Ali, 37.

Five camp residents told Reuters separately they were forced to leave but had to turn back because checkpoints manned by Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias were demanding bribes of up to $400 to let people through, a sum none could afford.

They spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. Reuters was unable to independently verify the claim.

A US diplomat in Baghdad said she had heard reports of forced returns, which the embassy had brought to the attention of the Iraqi government.

She said the government had stressed its commitment to safe and voluntary returns but also said that "there is a real desire to get people home as quickly as possible".

The United Nations says more than half of displaced Iraqis have already returned. More than 3.2 million people were back home at the end of December, with 2.6 million still displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration.

For Mahdi Ahmed, the government has achieved the reverse of what it intended.

"They are doing this because of the election, but if I go back and see my house destroyed, my money gone, and my life ruined, why would I vote for them?" he asked.

ReutersAs British Airways prepares for its biggest summer programme of flights from Gatwick for a decade, The Independent has learned that thousands of passengers will find themselves buying BA tickets but flying on a different carrier.

The airlines parent company, IAG, paid over 50m for slots at the Sussex airport previously owned by Monarch, which closed in October.

Permission to land and take off at specific times is granted on a use it or lose it basis, so BA will be expected to operate 28 per cent more flights to fill the slots. The airline has already announced plans for more than 15 per cent additional arrivals and departures, including increased flights to Spain and Portugal.

Without a commensurate increase in the number of aircraft and staff based at Gatwick, the airline will have to bring in planes and crews from elsewhere  a practice known as wet leasing.

A spokesperson for British Airways said: Some routes will be operated by BA planes, other services will be operated by BA CityFlyer aircraft and other wet lease carriers on our behalf.

Customers will be notified ahead of their flight which of these carriers will operate their flight.

One of the airlines will be Titan Airways, based at Stansted airport. It has covered for British Airways on an ad-hoc basis, for example during last years Mixed Fleet cabin crew dispute at Heathrow.

Titan is expected to operate some longer-distance European services from Gatwick, including routes to Larnaca and Paphos in Cyprus, Dalaman in Turkey, the Canary Islands and Madeira.

In pictures: British Airways disruptions Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: British Airways disruptions In pictures: British Airways disruptions A passenger looks at a British Airway plane at John F. Kennedy (JFK) international airport in New York Getty Images In pictures: British Airways disruptions British Airways planes are seen at Heathrow Terminal 5 Reuters In pictures: British Airways disruptions Passengers stand at the British Airways check-in desk after the London's Gatwick and Heathrow airports suffered an IT systems failure, at the 'Leonardo da Vinci' airport in Fiumicino, near Rome, Italy EPA In pictures: British Airways disruptions Arrivals notice boards are displayed at Heathrow Terminal 5 Reuters In pictures: British Airways disruptions People wait with their luggage at the British Airways check in desks at Heathrow Terminal 5 Reuters In pictures: British Airways disruptions Thousands of passengers face a second day of travel disruption after a British Airways IT failure caused the airline to cancel most of its services Getty Images In pictures: British Airways disruptions A woman covered in a blanket sleeps in Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 Getty Images In pictures: British Airways disruptions People sleep next to their luggage at Heathrow Terminal 5 Reuters In pictures: British Airways disruptions People sleep at Heathrow Terminal 5 in London Reuters In pictures: British Airways disruptions A woman sleeps on a luggage trolley at Heathrow Terminal 5 Reuters In pictures: British Airways disruptions People queue to enter the terminal at Gatwick Airport Reuters In pictures: British Airways disruptions People wait with their luggage at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 Getty In pictures: British Airways disruptions Thousands of passengers face a second day of travel disruption after a British Airways IT failure caused the airline to cancel most of its services Getty In pictures: British Airways disruptions People queue with their luggage outside Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 Getty Images In pictures: British Airways disruptions People queue for check-in at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5. Thousands of passengers face a second day of travel disruption after a British Airways IT failure caused the airline to cancel most of its services Getty Images In pictures: British Airways disruptions People sleep next to their luggage at Heathrow Terminal 5 Reuters In pictures: British Airways disruptions People wait with their luggage at Heathrow Terminal 5 Reuters

The airline flies Airbus A320 and A321 jets, matching BAs short-haul fleet, as well as Boeing 737s, 757s and 767s. BAs current two-class system will be operated on the Gatwick flights.

One member of British Airways cabin crew at Gatwick, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: Passengers are already angry about Buy on Board [the switch to paid-for food and drink in economy class], and itll be even worse when they find theyre flying on an airline they dont know.

A frequent flyer on BA, who also asked for anonymity, said: Many people will have made an active choice to fly BA because they have faith in their pilots.

But Victoria Moores, European editor for Air Transport World, said: Wet leasing is a perfectly normal for airlines. If airlines kept spare aircraft in their fleets, that would be expensive, potentially pushing ticket prices up.

By bringing in aircraft from elsewhere when they need them, airlines can stay agile, seize opportunities and add flights when there is demand. That is what BA is doing here; they are seizing the opportunity of these slots to grow their business.

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It is better for the airline and the customer when they fly their own aircraft, so this is likely to be a short-term solution until they can fly the routes themselves.

Malcolm Ginsberg, editor in chief of Business Travel News, said: When passengers arrive to board and aircraft through an airbridge the majority have not a clue what they are getting on.

Last summer during the cabin-crew dispute, British Airways covered some flights using aircraft and crew from Qatar Airways  which owns one-fifth of IAG, BAs holding company. BA had applied to the Civil Aviation Authority to deploy the Qatari airline again this year, but the application has now been dropped.

The Monarch slots can be used for any destination, but British Airways has chosen to add flights to a number of destinations previously flown by the defunct carrier, with new flights from Gatwick to Palma, Menorca and Gibraltar duplicating old Monarch routes.Travel from New Yorks JFK airport has been disrupted for the fifth day running, after a burst water pipe compounded the issues caused by extreme weather in the city.

At around 5.30pm (GMT) on 7 January, the airport tweeted: Due to a water main break at JFK Terminal 4 there are flight delays. Please check with your airline prior to coming to the airport.

The burst pipe flooded the arrivals area of Terminal 4, which serves 30 international airlines, with three inches of water. It also spilled onto the road outside and froze over.

The incident shut down arrivals and Customs and Border Patrols for more than four hours; electricity to the entire terminal was switched off to prevent short circuiting the building.

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This led to more flights being delayed and increasing numbers of passengers being stuck at the airport.

We will thoroughly investigate why this pipe burst and thoroughly investigate why it was not adequately protected and thoroughly investigate the contingency plan for this event, Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey which manages the airport, said at a press conference.

He called the closing of the arrivals area for several hours totally unacceptable, saying: It is not what the Port Authority expects in terms of providing service to its passengers, and it is totally not what the Port Authority expects from its private operators.

The problem has been now been fixed. However, the airport is still issuing regular alerts saying: There may be delays at JFK. Please allow extra time and contact your airline.

Heavy snow, ice and harsh winds in the area led to all flights being suspended at various points on 4 and 5 January, with many passengers stranded in the city for several days.

As of Sunday night, more than 500 flights had been cancelled or delayed, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.

Many UK travellers due to fly home with Norwegian were affected by the storms. Brigida Downing, whose son was scheduled to fly from JFK on 4 January, told The Independent that the experience has been a nightmare. After her sons flight was cancelled, Norwegian transported him and his fellow passenger to a hotel, telling them they would fly the next day instead. However, when this flight was also cancelled, passengers were told the airline was not prepared to pay for another night in the hotel, nor transportation back.

My son and others had to pay for a taxi back to the hotel where they were told that if they wished, they could have a refund for their flight and could try to get on another flight, she said. My son checked and the cheapest flight back, if indeed one was going, was 2,000 plus pounds.

Snow and heavy winds have caused disruption at JFK over the last week (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Jan Coates told The Independent that some of her family are still stuck in New York after they enjoyed a group trip there over the New Year. She said: My husband and I flew out after a delay of six hours on a Virgin flight to Heathrow. Two of our sons flew out two hours later, also after a delay (and a couple of hours on the tarmac!) on BA.

Our remaining two sons, daughter-in-law and new fiancee have just got off an aircraft after two hours waiting and are going to a hotel for a THIRD night.

Independent travel correspondent Simon Calder advised those stuck in New York during the storm: Airlines have a clear and unlimited obligation to provide a hotel room and all meals, as well as transport to and from the airport, until they can get you home. Thats the law.

Although the situation has improved, the weather and backlog of cancelled flights is still causing havoc today at JFK, with 27 of the 40 scheduled departing flights between 12am and 5.59am delayed.

Meanwhile 38 of the scheduled departing flight between 6am and 11.59am are currently delayed, and a further nine have been cancelled.A couple from Florida has been charged with animal cruelty after their pet cat was discovered in checked luggage when they were attempting to fly from Erie International Airport in Pennsylvania to Tampa, Florida, on New Years Day.

Olivia Sari and Nicholas Larrison, both 21, were heading home after the Christmas holidays on 1 January when their six-month-old cat, named Slim, was found stowed in a piece of luggage filled with clothes.

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The airport baggage inspection system alerted Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials that the bag required extra checks, reports the Erie Times-News. Staff opened the bag to find the feline inside.

Ian Bogle, the airports director of public safety and facilities, called the incident: A poor decision made on the customers part.

Bogle told the Erie Times-News that each airline has its own system for flying with pets; packing an animal into a piece of checked luggage is not the recommended way, he said.

The pair faces fines for transporting animals in a cruel manner and packing the cat without food, air or water according to police.

Sari and Larrison have not yet entered pleas to the charges.

Bogle said Slim the cat was given to the Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, an animal shelter in Erie County, to look after.

Its not the first time passengers have tried to check in an unusual item. The Independent reported on the strangest things travellers have tried to take on Virgin Atlantic flights. These included live goldfish, a car bumper, a fridge freezer, a bath tub, a bed headboard, tyres and an entire cow carcass.Former US special envoy to Northern Ireland George Mitchell  who chaired the negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998  says the key to successfully concluding any negotiation is to gain the best possible understanding of what we routinely call the bottom line, or the basic objectives for each party.

In their less guarded moments, fantasy and delusion are words commonly used by other EU member states ambassadors to describe our Governments understanding of the EUs negotiating position in the ongoing Brexit talks.

Another Mitchell dictum is that when people arent really clear about their own bottom line or objectives and theyre just trying to get as much as they think they can, that makes it very hard to bring about an agreement. Step forward Prime Minister Theresa May.

In 2017, May repainted so many of her red lines during the first phase of the talks that its no longer clear what her bottom line really is. Her eventual acceptance of a divorce bill of up to 39bn, having ruled out such vast payments last January, is just one example.

In contrast, I and other members of Parliaments All-Party Parliamentary Group on EU Relations (which I co-chair) have followed Mitchells advice and have been meeting representatives of EU Governments (the EU27) over the last few months to better understand their motivations and to inform how we vote on the Withdrawal Agreement, having forced the Government to grant Parliament a meaningful vote last month.

So what is the view from the other side of the negotiating table?

A senior representative of one government told me the UK lacks a national position on how to approach Brexit. This is self-evident. Calling a general election in 2017 and losing her majority has meant May cannot be sure to carry the Commons on Brexit matters.

In the Cabinet, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Environment Secretary Michael Gove have set out their own red lines at variance with Mays. This very public backseat driving and undermining of May has been noted in other European capitals.

The incoherence of our Government is in stark contrast to the iron discipline of the EU27  which has undoubtedly strengthened the EUs hand. May has sought to break their unity and lobby individual heads of EU governments  for example, by inviting fellow Prime Ministers for one-to-one private dinners at Downing Street  but I am told such offers have in the main been rebuffed.

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To get to the second phase of negotiations, the future of the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland was deliberately fudged. By common consent, it is nowhere near to being resolved.

Ireland, which effectively holds a veto on any deal reached by the EU27 with the UK, will not sanction any breach of the principles set out in Mitchells Good Friday Agreement. The bottom line: no physical border.

UK ministers believe that, in the absence of the UK being a member of the EU single market and customs union (ruled out by May), this can be achieved through the use of new technology; very few people Ive spoken to think this is possible.

Frontbenchers from both our main parties have at times talked about aiming to have our cake and eat it. At the start of the process, Brexit Secretary David Davis said the goal was an agreement with the EU which will deliver the exact same economic benefits which we enjoy as a full EU member. Brexiteers asserted the EU27 would make special exception for the UK because the French want to sell us their cheese, the Italians their Prosecco and, above all, the Germans their cars.

But all those countries have many other global customers. For them, maintaining the integrity of the EU and its single market override these commercial considerations. So: no cake, and no eating of it.

Despite this, May continues to insist we will extract a bespoke deal appropriate for the UK, insisting that therefore talk of adopting the agreements Norway or Canada have with the EU as models to follow is not helpful.

The problem is that most EU governments are not clear what May thinks a bespoke UK arrangement would look like, and any such agreement on our future trading relationship with the EU will need to be finalised before the expiry of the transition period, less than two years after the scheduled March 2019 exit date.

No diplomat I have spoken to believes it is possible to do this in such a short timeframe.

This perhaps explains why Davis has conceded the Governments starting point is the Canada model and it wants what he calls a Canada plus-plus-plus model. The EU free trade agreement with Canada took seven years to finalise and, in the main, covers goods  however, 80 per cent of our economy is services.

Davis believes we can secure a Canada-style arrangement that extensively covers services too (hence the plus-plus-plus label). However, other member states say it is notoriously difficult to get their national parliaments to ratify FTAs that cover services due to domestic political challenges.

Overall, the dominant sentiment is that far from seeking to punish the British people for voting to leave the EU, the EU27 see this whole Brexit process as damage limitation. They believe Brexit is bad for them and us.

If, when we see what the Brexit deal actually looks like, we want to change our minds and fight to reform the EU from within, they would be delighted.

There is unanimous acceptance that Article 50 is revocable and they would be very, very happy for the UK to continue as a member of the club. That is why it makes sense to keep an open mind on what we do at the end of these negotiations.

Chuka Umunna is the Labour MP for Streatham and former Shadow Business SecretaryWhen I awoke this morning, I thought about the world we are currently living in and, for the first time in my life, I was scared. But during my morning commute to work, I was delivered an unlikely flurry of hope.

Oprah Winfrey delivered one of the most powerful and iconic speeches at the Golden Globes Awards last night after she became the first black woman to be awarded the Cecil BDeMille Award.

She addressed racism, sexism and the #MeToo movement, which have been hot topics since the exposure of Harvey Weinsteins alleged heinous crimes last year.

Her monologue, which even honoured Rosa Parks and the late civil rights icon Recy Taylor, paid homage to all the women who have come forward to share their story, share their truths and expose their abusers, and to those who continue to fight for equality.

Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Show all 55 1 /55 Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Meryl Street and Ai-jen Poo Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Rosa Clemente and Susan Sarandon Getty Images Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Shailene Woodley and activist Calina Lawrence NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Emma Watson and Marai Larasi Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Amy Poehler and Saru Jayaraman Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Laura Dern and Monica Ramirez Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Michelle Williams and Tarana Burke Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Debra Messing Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Caitriona Balfe Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Allison Williams Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Zoe Kravitz Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Viola Davis and Julius Tennon Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Tracee Ellis Ross Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Sarah Paulson Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Sadie Sink Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Rita Moreno Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Millie Bobby Brown Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Michelle Pfeiffer Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Margot Robbie Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Mandy Moore Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Maggie Gyllenhaal Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Lily James Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Kendall Jenner Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Kit Harrington Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Kerry Washington Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Kelly Clarkson Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Dakota Johnson Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Kate Hudson Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Jessica Biel Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Jamie Chung Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes James Franco and Dave Franco Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Issa Rae Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Isabelle Huppert Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Heidi Klum Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Gwendoline Christie Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Geena Davis Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Claire Foy Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Elisabeth Moss Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Diane Kruger Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Catherine Zeta-Jones Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Angelina Jolie Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Nicole Kidman Rex Features Wearing black for women  activists and actors at the Golden Globes Mary J. 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It is not lost on me that, at this moment, there is some little girl watching as I become the first black woman to be given this same award, Winfrey said in her powerful speech. It is an honour and it is a privilege to share the evening with all of them.

For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up. Their time is up.

So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say me too again.

As I listened to her speech on my phone, droplets forming round my eyes whilst waiting for the typically delayed circle line, I felt the urge to stand up on the platform and chant along with her: Their time is up. Their time is up. Their time is up.

It is. And they should be scared.

For years, women have been at the hands of their abusers and have been shunned, ignored and dismissed. But in 2017 we saw the biggest scandals of Hollywood unravel as Harvey Weinsteins victims bravely came forward to share their stories.

 Golden Globes 2018 highlights

But more importantly, and disturbingly, the leader of the free world is still allowed to roam free, despite having a number of sexual assault claims to his name. And while the conversation surrounding those claims is still active, he does his best to use Twitter as a filibustering tool to realign the attention of the press.

Rather than using his platform and powers to instil positive change, he abuses it. If celebrities and media moguls like Donald Trump can be voted in as the President of the United States, why cant Oprah Winfrey run for office too?

Instead of supporting a president whom, in a 2005 conversation with a television host, boasted of his stardom by stating that when he meets beautiful women he feels able to grab them by the pussy, we should be condemning him.

Instead of supporting a president who publicly endorsed embattled Alabama Republican Senate nominee Roy Moore, discounting the sexual assault allegations against him, we should be condemning him.

Instead of supporting a president who uses social media to belittle and bully, we should be condemning him.

This is why we need Oprah.

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Its about time we had a strong, independent and intelligent woman leading the way and encouraging young women like me to follow suit. In racist America, she was a black woman who came from a life of abject poverty and abuse, dealt with her own teenage pregnancy, was a single mother and became one of the most powerful household names in the world. Her journey has been an inspiring one  and one we can all look up to.

As a 25-year-old woman who has survived sexual assault and rape, for once in my life, a celebrity-made speech made me feel supported. It made me feel heard. It made me feel like the pain I have endured over the last six years is finally being recognised. The #MeToo and the #TimesUp campaigns have highlighted how, when executed collectively, female solidarity can stand up against sexual harassment.

Changing the colour of your outfit wont change how people think or behave, but using your voice will.

I praise Oprah for using her speech to address such poignant issues. I praise Oprah for continuously using television as a medium to make her voice and the voices of others heard.

We can all learn from Oprah, but what can we learn from Donald Trump other than how to behave like a petulant man-child? Im getting behind Oprah for president in 2020.Sri Lankan American candidate for Maryland governor Krishanti Vignarajah, a former policy director for Michelle Obama, is now the lone woman in the race for the seat as policy consultant Maya Rockeymoore Cummings dropped out of the race. Cummings dropped out for personal considerations, making the announcement a week after her husband, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, was admitted to a hospital for a bacterial infection in his knee. (McArthur Newell/Letsgetmade photo)Afghans and international workers based in Afghanistan take part in a yoga session to mark International Yoga Day at the Indian embassy in Kabul June 21, 2016. The ancient Indian practice of yoga is celebrated every year on June 21 as International Day of Yoga. (Shah Marai/AFP/Getty Images)Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party on Monday reacted angrily to the latest judicial "twist" involving one of eight Turkish servicemen that has asked for political asylum in the country, calling on the Tsipras government to "finally realize that Greece remains a rule of law state and an EU member ."Whats Behind the Disappearance Of 420,000 Palestinians in Lebanon?

By Franklin Lamb

Rashidieh Palestinian camp, on the border of Occupied Palestine:

January 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The first ever official census of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon was finally released on 12/21/2017 in Beirut. The village by village and camp by camp survey by 500 specialists found that only 174,422 Palestinian refugees are living these days in the country. Counted were al Palestinians living in the 12 official camps and 156 informal settlements known as gatherings and those living outside these areas across Lebanon. This figure is shockingly lower than the previous estimate of 469,331 Palestinians by UNWRA and as many as 600,00 by others for political purposes.

Lebanon is a country where demographics have long been a politically sensitive subject to be approached with extreme caution. For the past nearly 85 years (since 1932) Lebanons leaders have refused to allow a count of the population out of feelings of terror that a rival sect, among the 17 other rival sects, might gain power at their expense were there to be an honest count. Consequently, plenty of political lords have used fake population figures, without fear of contradiction by a forbidden official government count, to secure benefits-political and financial- for their own sect.

With respect to Lebanon and regional endemic tribalism, one is reminded of the words of Hannah Arendt from her volume, The Origins of Totalitarianism:

Politically speaking, tribal nationalism always insists that its own people is surrounded by a world of enemies, one against all, that a fundamental difference exists between these people and all others. It claims its people to be unique, individual, incompatible with all others, and denies theoretically the very possibility of a common mankind long before it is used to destroy the humanity of man.

The reason for UNWRAs own higher figures since it was created by General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) 69 years ago this month to help feed and care for refugees forced out of their homes in Palestine, its mandate has always been to register all Palestinians who, since the 1948 Nakba, apply for its help. This UNWRA has faithfully done to the best of its ability while facing many obstacles-political and financial-over the decades. Affecting its record keeping, starting in 1950s, scores of thousands of Palestinian refugees left Lebanon for a better life abroad. Just as more than 1,780,000 Lebanese have done since the onslaught of Lebanons civil war in 1975. Hence the larger number of UNWRA recorded registrants. UNRWA does not have a headcount of every Palestinian refugee who currently resides in Lebanon. What they do have are official registration records for the number of registered Palestine refugees in Lebanon. If a Palestinian registered with UNRWA in Lebanon should decide to live outside Lebanon, as countless thousands have, they dont normally advise UNWRA that they are moving.

As a gentleman this observer admires, Hassan Mneimneh, chairman of the Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee, which coordinated the census, told the media a couple of weeks ago, tens of thousands of Palestinians left Lebanon when the Palestinian Liberation Organization withdrew from the country in 1982. This observer knows something about this firsthand as he was on one of the August 1982 boats than left Beirut harbor by boat for Tunis courtesy of an invitation from Yasser Arafat along with the American journalist, Janet Lee Stevens. Unfortunately, Janet missed the boat as she was assuring a group of Palestinian women in Burj al Barajneh camp in South Beirut that all would be OK as they worried about losing their PLO protection. The next month was the Sabra-Shatila massacre and seven months later April 18, 1983 Janet and our unborn child, Clyde Chester Lamb III were killed in the bombing at the American Embassy.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians left Lebanon when the PLO withdrew from the country in 1982.

Like the Lebanese over the past 3 decades, many Palestinians try to leave Lebanon at the first opportunity. And why wouldnt they? Lebanese seemingly leave their birth country any chance they get these days and during Lebanons civil war more than one million left and hundreds of thousands have until today. There are fewer than 3.5 million Lebanese remaining with many of them searching for the first opportunity to begin a new life elsewhere because they realize that there is little future here for their children given the deep prevailing corruption of the former warlords who appointed themselves political lords. Other reasons include the growing Iranian occupation of Lebanon and the failure of the Sunni and Christians to counter the takeover of their country.

According to this seminal study, undertaken by both Lebanese and Palestinian statistics bureaus and the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, 45.1 percent of the 174,000 Palestinians in Lebanon live in refugee camps, while the remaining 54.9 percent live in other gatherings. According to the census taking teams spokesperson: We would see huge numbers used, 500, or 600 thousand, and these would be used in politics. But this demographic project was able to define things, and thank God today we have results,

Prime Minister Saad Hariri said in an address at the event where the figures were released. The survey sheds much needed light on the living conditions of 174,422 Palestinian refugees, as well as another 18,601 Palestinians who fled the neighboring conflict in Syria to camps in Lebanon. The survey found that the number of Palestinian in Lebanon were split essentially evenly between men and women, with half of the total being 24 years or younger. The percentage of Palestinian youth is nearly identical to the numbers of youth across the Middle East.

Dear reader can imagine what these demographics and living conditions portend for this region as the bright, energetic and acutely aware youth seek justice and empowerment from dictatorships who have cynically denied them empowerment for countless decades. Revolution is in the air across in Lebanons Palestinian camps and across this region.

The survey sheds light on the living conditions of 174,422 Palestinian refugees, as well as another 18,601 Palestinians who fled the neighboring conflict in Syria to camps in Lebanon. The painstakingly conducted count found the Palestinians evenly divided between men and women with half of the total 24 years or younger. While 7.2 percent are illiterate, 93.6 percent of children aged between three to 13 were enrolled in schools. Also documented is the well-known fact that Lebanons Palestinian camps suffer serious problems, with varying degrees of poverty, diseases, overcrowding, unemployment, poor housing and lack of any functioning infrastructure. The census found that the rate of unemployment among young Palestinians aged 20 to 29 is 28.5 percent whereas for Lebanese it is currently 6.8 percent.

Announcing the population survey results, Prime Minister Saad Hariri said Lebanon had a duty towards Palestinians. He pointed to exaggerations as for the number of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon which estimated the count at 600,000. He said the actual number is 174,422, assuring that the State will adhere to its responsibilities.

Hariri lamented how some parties in the international community wish to offer no help to UNWRA but instead want to disrupt UNRWA. Pointing to the UNRWAs financial crisis, he said: It directly affects the basic requirements of refugees in Lebanon. We call upon donor countries to increase their contributions and support to enable UNRWA fulfill its financial obligations to meet the needs of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. With a total of $644,701,999 in contributions, the US, EU, UK, Sweden, Norway, Germany, The Netherlands and Japan pay 71% of the annual UNRWA budget. Mr. Hariri omitted mention of the fact that Lebanon, like Israel, donates zero dollars to UNWRAs budget.

Assuming the PM is sincere, and this observer does, then Lebanon adhering to its responsibilities can be quickly demonstrated by its Parliament granting Palestinians the half-century overdue elementary civil rights to work and to own a home granted to every refugee on earth by every country but Lebanon.

Why do many Lebanese politicians inflate the number of Palestinians in Lebanon?

Plenty of Lebanese and regional political lords have used the inflated Palestinian population figures seeking political advantage.

Lebanons anti-Palestinian block that consistently mispresents the number of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon is led by more than one Christian militia who committed the 1982 massacre at Sabra-Shatila and by the Amal Shia militia that carried out the 1985-89 massacres at three camps which they servilely, on orders from the east, labeled wars of the camps. There were no wars but rather massacres of Palestinian civilians who were without weapons to protect themselves since the PLO left Lebanon in August of 1982.

Among others with a long history of misrepresentation of the number of Palestinians, is Lebanons Iran appointed President, Michel Aoun. When this observer last met with Aoun as part of a delegation of pro-Palestinian Americans, Aoun stressed the point as he has done dozens of times before and since, that there are 600,000 Palestinians in Lebanon who, he implies are sucking Lebanon dry. Sometimes Aoun, who this past week, 12/26/2017, was accused by Ashraf Rifi former General Director of the Lebanons Internal Security Force (ISF) (2005-2013) and Minister of Justice (2014-2016), of stealing $ 26 billion uses the figure of 500,000 Palestinian refugees.

In Aouns defense re the $ 26 billon theft charge by Rifi, to date its unproven and if he did it Aoun would by no means be setting a record for theft of public money among Lebanons political lords, some of whom continue their decades work of bleeding Lebanon dry. Also accused by Mr. Rifi of the same crime as Aoun is his anti-Palestinian son-in-law JebranBassil , who Aoun, in Lebanese got appointed Foreign Minister despite Bassil having admitted he has no qualifications for the post but is close to Hezbollah and Iran like his father-in-law. This week Bassil is again facing calls to resign. This time for remarks he made this week about Israel being no threat to Lebanon. Speaking on Iran funded Al-Mayadeen on 12/26/2017, Bassil in his position as Lebanons Foreign Minister, stated: For Lebanon, [Israel] isnt an ideological cause. We are not against Israel existing in security. We accept it. We are not against it. We just want all people to live in peace and to recognize each other. This is not a blind cause. Adding We are a people who accept and want the Other, despite our differences.

In response to Bassils statements, former Environment Minister Mohammad Machnouk called on Bassil to immediately be fired, declaring: If JebranBassil does not find an ideological difference with Israel and demands security for it, Cabinet should dismiss him because he violates the Constitution. Is this Lebanons position in international forums? This is shameful!

As do some other anti-Palestinian politicians in Lebanon, including the former Minister of Education and Aoun partner, Elias Bou Saab as he a few months ago incited his Christian supporters with the 600,000 Palestinians in Lebanon gross exaggeration at an event at the American University of Beirut (AUB) which this observer attended. Mr. Saab knows that many of his and Aouns Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) political party supporters worry about Muslims swamping them politically and socially much as was the case in the run-up to the 1975-90 civil war.

Truth told Mr. Saab is probably not all that wild about this observer because at the above-noted event earlier this year in the presence of the UNs elegant Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag and a number of officials and directors of NGOs and plenty of media, this no-account observer proceeded to deliver a short- well so it seemed to me- lecture with ample details and statistics to the then Minister of Education Bou Saad on the subject of inflating the number of Palestinians in Lebanon for political purposes. I also painstakingly addressed the subject of the right to work and home ownership for Palestinian refugees forced into Lebanon against their will seven decades ago. Despite the Ministers public assurance that he would meet with me and we can fix the problem about the right to work I still not heard from the gentleman.

But as life instructs us, there is plenty of good in all of us and during his three years as Minister of Education, Elias Bou Saab did, to his great credit, work to get a significant number of the 200,000 Syrian refugee kids now scattered across Lebanon into its public-school system employing a double session innovation whereby Syrian child could study using the same classrooms during split shift afternoon-evening time slot.

Some of the same political motivations have led to fake statistics regarding the number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. As of the end of November 2017, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) tallied 997,905 Syrian refugees in Lebanon. A clear majority of them being women and children who fled their country to Lebanon from the outbreak of the civil war in March of 2011. More than 70% live in extreme poverty, struggling to eke out a living while sheltering in informal tented settlements or unfinished buildings because Parliament has refused to authorize refugee camps where they could receive more organized assistance.

The highest number of Syrian refugees who were ever in Lebanon from the ongoing war next door was 1,011,366. From 2011 until September 2017, nearly 49,000 Syrians departed Lebanon for third countries under the UNs resettlement program including the United States, Sweden, and France. Others left on their own, making the dangerous sea journey to reach Europe.

As with the Palestinian refugees count, the UN Syrian refugee tally has been shown to be 500,000 fewer than the 1.5 million scare tactic number some Lebanese politicians and their media have hyped for political purposes. By buying food and necessities, made possible with international humanitarian aid, partly in the form of food stamp ATM cards the Syrians are growing Lebanons economy and Lebanon shopkeepers are generally thrilled with them.

But Syrian refugees are not growing Lebanons economy according to experts at the International Labor Organization (ILO) as fast as the Palestinian refugees would grow this countrys ailing economy if they were allowed the elementary civil right to work and home ownership as required by international humanitarian law and Lebanons constitution. Lebanese law targets Palestinians that denies them the right to work, social security, or joining a union. There are at least 25 banned areas of work for Palestinians including medicine, law, engineering and pharmacy. Also outlawed for Palestinian is ownership of land, property or a home.

As Fathi Abu al-Ardat, a representative of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Lebanon, noted this past week: when Palestinians have the rights to work and can live a decent life, they will improve the country on the level of economics, on the level of community, even on the level of security and stability for the country.

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Iran & Hezbollah know better but also use inflated Palestinians population numbers to keep the increasingly restive Shia population loyal by inflating the size of the Palestinian Sunni Takfiri threat to Lebanon. Approximately 92-96% of Palestinians are Sunni and many resent Irans efforts at colonization for several reasons. One is that in Syria, Irans funded and trained 12 militia including Hezbollah and the Al Quds force that have killed nearly four thousand Palestinians, and have targeted a majority of Syrias ten Palestinian camps. Including the destruction of Yarmouk in Damascus which before the civil war began was home to 120,000 and another Palestinian camp in Latakia last month. The most recent demolished camp, over the past two weeks, was in the Southern Ramal district of Latakia, which residents claim Iran wants to develop. For nearly 70 years, Ramal has been located along Latakia citys southern coastline, on a strip of land that slopes down towards the Mediterranean Sea. The district was settled as an informal encampment in the 1950s by Palestinian refugees fleeing Jaffa and other coastal towns. Approximately 10,000 Palestinians in Syria have lost their homes in Ramal.

By slinging inflated figures for the number of Sunni Palestinians in Lebanon at the Shia community, Irans leadership reportedly hopes to help Hezbollah whose primary bases, South Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and South Lebanon increasingly believe that their sons, brothers and fathers are dying in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Afghanistan for no reason except the whims of Irans Wali al-faqih. Iran also seeks to instill fear among its own population to quell the growing number of protests from its own population spreading across Iran.

Iran, according to even neighborhood Hezbollah sources, has vastly overreached in the region with its hegemonic objectives and the people of the region, including increasing numbers of Shia, including thousands of fed up Iranians. Many Hezbollah leaders have long objected to what they have been ordered to do in Syria and the region. Moreover, thousands of Iranian citizens have taken to the streets of the countrys second-largest city, Mashhad and other towns this week to once again protest high prices, unemployment, and the fact that their government is spending countless billions funding militia across the Middle East while our women are selling themselves on the streets for money to feed their families and our young men are forced to steal! Videos on Nazars Telegram channel showed citizens in Mashhad, an important religious center in the northeast of Iran, not chanting Death to America but rather Death to the dictator (Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei) and protesting about their rulers efforts at regional hegemony, rather than improving conditions at home. Not Gaza, not Syria, not Lebanon, my life for Iran was one of main chants.

Irans brutal theocratic rulers have a problem as many Iranian believe and hope that the current rebellion will rapidly spread and become for their rulers what Benghazi in February 2011 was for Gadaffi and Deraa, Syria was a month later for Assad.

The claimed Resistance has also long used the inflated figure for political advantage as they seek to rein in many of their hard-core Shia supporters with claims that Palestinians in Lebanon comprise another 600,000 Sunni so why empower them with the civil rights to work and own a home? Given Hezbollahs political power it would take just 90 minutes in Parliament to grant Palestinians the right to work and home ownership. But the tribal Resistance axis has chosen to block these elementary civil rights.

Hopefully growing pressure from the new generation of young Palestinians vying for leadership positions in the camps and the growing number of young Shia in the region who no longer want to be fodder from their leaders seeking revenge for the events at Karbala 1,500 years ago, can persuade the Resistance that true Resistance begins with improving the Palestinian camps and being allowed to seek a job. Not killing and being killed crossed this region, with no end in sight nor any cogent rationale.

Franklin Lamb volunteers with the Lebanon, France, and USA based Meals for Syrian Refugee Children Lebanon (MSRCL) which seeks to provide hot nutritional meals to Syrian and other refugee children in Lebanon. http://mealsforsyrianrefugeechildrenlebanon.com . - fplamb@gmail.com.

Join the DiscussionHome No More Worshiping Of The Military Time to Call out US Militarism for What It Is: The Key Threat to Americas Security By Dave Lindorff January 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - I was in the grocery store a while back when, after my items were tabulated, the checkout clerk asked, Would you like to contribute to the Wounded Warriors fund? I glanced at the line of people to my left  a little cross-section of America  and feeling a little skeptical about how theyd respond, I said, No I dont think so. Id rather put my money towards some anti-war organization working to try and make sure that there are no more wounded soldiers, and to relief organizations that are supporting the hundreds of thousands of victims of Americas illegal wars abroad. The clerk looked a little taken aback and muttered okay, but to my surprise, nobody spoke up in the line. I was expecting at least one person to call me out as a terrorist supporter or a commie or who knows what, but instead there was just silence. Maybe people were thinking about it. Maybe they just didnt know how to react. But in any case I think its past time that we on the anti-war left started making it clear that this glorification of American wars, the thanking of people in uniform for their service, and the blind acceptance of the prevailing argument that everyone in the military is defending our freedom, has to be challenged at every opportunity. Look at the map of the globe. According to Nick Turse, writing in the Nation magazine and quoting information from Ken McGraw, a spokesman for troops are fighting in the Pentagons Special Operations Command, US Special Forces are stationed in 177 countries, and on any given day are conducting missions  actual or training missions  in 80-90 of them. As we saw recently with the deaths of several Green Berets in Niger, even members of Congress with a need-to-know responsibility, like those on the Intelligence Committees and Armed Services Committees of the House and Senate, dont know (or claim they dont know) where all those operations and those Special Forces are. As well, US troops are fighting hot wars in places like Afghanistan and Iraq and Syria, most of them completely illegal, like most of the Special Operations actions, and the drone wars in a host of other countries from Pakistan and Yemen to Somalia, Sudan and, of course, Syria again. Not a single one of those operations involve anything that remotely threatens the security of the United States, nor are those troops  regular or Special Forces  in any way defending our freedom, which is not under serious threat by any country in the world which cannot be addressed by foreign and domestic police and the FBI. There are terrorist groups that might like to blow something up in the US, but actually, the threat of terrorism has only grown exponentially the more war-making the US has engaged in. Even many military experts say that the US drone killings and the special ops attacks abroad, which tend to kill more innocent people than actual terrorists, only produce more angry people willing to try to take revenge on Americans within their reach, so that approach is clearly doing nothing to defend our freedom or our safety. Meanwhile, many of the people deemed to be terrorists are actually more accurately described as freedom fighters themselves. Take the Taliban. We may not agree with their medieval religious views, particularly about women, but the fact is that they have never sought to attack America as terrorists, foreign and especially domestic, have done, but have been fighting to drive foreign fighters  primarily American, out of their country. (While the US refers to Taliban attacks on US forces and private contractors in Afghanistan as terrorism they are actually acts of war by an armed national resistance.) Indeed the Taliban more closely resemble our own celebrated anti-colonial rebels of 1776 than they do the terrorists of Al Qaeda. Furthermore, if the truth be told, the US, through the Pentagon and the CIA, has long been providing arms and training to Al Qaeda-linked groups in both Libya and Syria for years, and actually created or helped create Al Qaeda in the first place. How is that defending our freedom? National security is a lot of things. The intermediate range nuclear missile treaty negotiated by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 represented a huge improvement in the national security of both the US and the USSR, and didnt involve any fighting at all. The same could be said about the recent agreement negotiated by the Obama administration and the government of Iran, guaranteeing as it does (at least so far despite opposition and threats by the Trump administration not to honor its commitments), that Iran will not seek to develop nuclear weapons for at least a decade. The evidence clearly shows that national security is far better achieved by intelligent diplomacy than by war. The current Korea crisis provides a good example. The fact is that over half a century of overt and aggressive hostility by the US towards the mere existence of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea to Americans) has led not to more security for either the US or its client state, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), but rather to the DPRKs long and ultimately successful effort to protect itself by becoming a full-fledged nuclear power, with both nuclear bombs and missiles capable of delivering them across the Pacific to US targets. Hows that for defending our freedom? Had the US, years or decades ago, agreed to finally negotiate an end to the Korean War, instead of leaving it in an unstable limbo with no formal conclusion, all the while calling for an end to the government in the north, the government in Pyongyang would never have felt it necessary to achieve nuclear power status. If we had wanted to convince Kim Jong-un of the urgency of the DPRKs becoming a nuclear power, we couldnt have done it better than by launching an undeclared war to oust the leader of Libya, Muammar Gaddafy, from power, brutally killing him in the processa campaign that destroyed one of the most modern states in Africa or the Middle East and left it in a state of bloody chaos, spreading deadly weapons all across the Middle East. Never Miss Another Story Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter National security also means having a society that functions well for all its citizens, providing them with jobs that pay a living wage, with health care, with education, with a safe, sustainable environment, and with a secure old age. On all those counts, the US is a catastrophic failure. Hell, I just heard a report that 1.5 million school children in this country do not have a home to live in, and are going to school each day from shelters or from the homes of friends or relatives who have taken them in because theyve lost their homes. This in the richest country in the world! In 2016, over 40 million of 320 million Americans were classed as food insecure, meaning they dont have enough food for an active and healthy life. Again, this is in the richest country in the world. The US is also one of the few developed countries in the world where college is not free or virtually free to all those who are admitted. Instead, we have college grads or people who have had to drop out of college who hold a total of $1.48 trillion (yes thats a T) in outstanding college loan debt, much of it carrying extortionate interest rates of 6% or more. The reason we have these outrages in the US should be obvious, but isnt, because the corporate media never really mention it, and when they do, dont mention it relates to the above, and other, national crises. It is military spending, which, when fully counted to include Veterans benefits and health care, the huge secret intelligence budget, the budget for the Energy Department, which is mostly for the huge US nuclear stockpile, and of course interest on the debt for the funds borrowed to pay for Americas military and its endless wars, ads up to some $1.3 trillion a year and rising. That figure represents 54% of all discretionary spending in the federal budget. So no. Im not supporting private charity funding for Americas wounded soldiers. That is a cost that should properly be borne by the US taxpayer. Nor do I agree that our men and women in uniform are defending our freedom, and I feel no need to thank them for their service. I would like to tell them I feel sorry that they were misled into joining, and if they were injured, am all the sorrier, but I hope they will warn other young people not to make the same mistake they did. And I do believe that the American public should support adequate care for them, though it would be far better and more cost-effective to achieve this important goal by simply establishing a medicare for all single-payer health care system in which all Americans have access to free, taxpayer-funded health care. Countries where such an approach, or something like Britains National Health System, dont need a special Veterans Administration to finance and provide medical care for military veterans. Their veterans simply get first-rate care like the rest of the citizenry. Its time to get the US out of the empire business, out of the endless cycle of wars and special operations actions and targeted drone attacks, out of promoting war and insurgency by providing arms to one or both sides of foreign conflicts, and out of the insane nuclear weapons business. The way to national security is through peace and negotiation, not through war. Lets tear down the Pentagon and replace it with a small rectangular building, bring home the 200,000 troops stationed abroad, and shrink the US military budget back to a small fraction of its present size  a size appropriate for a country at peace with the world and secure in its borders. Lord knows that with all the 300 million-plus guns in private hands in the US, no country would ever dare to invade this place! And once weve eliminated that deadly and insidious military-industrial-complex that the retiring President Dwight Eisenhower so presciently warned us all against, we can start to really tackle the real threats to Americans security: poverty, ignorance, disease and climate change. Note: For those who might fret that America's gun owners might not actually have the skills or courage to thwart some invasion by a professional military (coming across the border from Canada, Cuba, Grenada or Mexico, for example), I'm not averse to retaining the National Guard, but only as a true volunteer force of weekend soldiers, or perhaps draftees serving a one-year stint as weekend soldiers, and only if those Guard Units are rigorously under the command of each state's governors, with nationalization requiring an act of Congress, and only in the event of a true national emergency, like an invasion. They would not be permitted to be dispatched abroad, and, like soldiers in Germany, they should have a right to be unionized. As a way of ensuring that their numbers stayed small, I would propose that such Guard units be funded 25% by the states, which would be reimbursed only if the whole National Guard were nationalized. http://thiscantbehappening.net Dave Lindorff is an American investigative reporter. His work was highlighted by Project Censored 2004, 2011 and 2012. ==== Join the Discussion It is not necessary for ICH readers to register before placing a comment. This website encourages readers to use the "Report" link found at the base of each comment. When a predetermined number of ICH readers click on the "Report" link, the comment will be automatically sent to "moderation". This would appear to be the most logical way to allow open comments, where you the reader/supporter, can determine what is acceptable speech. Please don't use the report feature simply because you disagree with the author point of view. Treat others with respect, remembering that "A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still."- Benjamin Franklin. Please read our Comment Policy before posting - Search Information Clearing House === Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load.New Book on Trump Reveals Plan to Cede Control of West Bank and Gaza to Jordan and Egypt



'Fire and Fury' also sheds light on rivalry between Kushner and Bannon on Israel policy



By Amir Tibon

January 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - A new book chronicling U.S. President Donald Trump's rise to power and first year in office presents Israel as a major point of contention between two of the president's closest advisors  Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon. Details regarding the Trump administration's internal debate in Israel are revealed in Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House." The book, which is currently at the center of a political storm, also details casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson's behind-the-scenes involvement on this issue.

Adelson is the owner of the Israeli daily Israel Hayom, widely considered a mouthpiece for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is known for his strong right-wing positions on Israel. During the 2016 U.S. election, he was one of the most significant donors to Trump's presidential campaign. Wolff's new book states that Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief political adviser, was "the only person" in the White House that Adelson "trusted on Israel."



According to the book, Bannon was pushing to move the American Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Trump's first day in office. He also wanted to finally kill the two-state solution by announcing that Jordan will take back the West Bank and Egypt will assume control over the Gaza Strip. In the book's first chapter, he is quoted telling Roger Ailes, former head of Fox News, this plan, adding that Adelson, Trump and Netanyahu were all "on board" with the idea.

The U.S. Embassy was not moved on Trump's first day in office. In fact, almost a year later, the president has yet to move it, and has signed two presidential waivers, each delaying the move by half a year. With regard to Bannon's plan on the West Bank and Gaza, it is highly unlikely that Jordan and Egypt would agree, since both countries are already dealing with many other internal problems and would not benefit from taking millions of Palestinian under their control.



Later in the book, Wolff details how Trump decided to give Kushner, his son-in-law, responsibility over the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations portfolio, and how this immediately created tension between Kushner and Bannon over competing over who is "better" for Israel  from a right-wing policy point of view. This competition was part of a larger feud between the two senior aides over the direction of the Trump presidency, with Bannon pushing the agenda of the far-right and Kushner pushing for a more "normal" Republican way of governing.



"One of Bannons accusations against Kushner, the administrations point person on the Middle East, was that he was not nearly tough enough in his defense of Israel," Wolff writes, adding that the accusations were a "complicated and frustrating business" for Kushner. Wolff also writes that "Bannon did not hesitate to ding Kushner on Israel, that peculiar right-wing litmus test. Bannon could bait Jews  globalist, cosmopolitan, liberal Jews like Kushner  because the farther right you were, the more correct you were on Israel."



According to Wolff, "Bannons effort to grab the stronger-on-Israel label was deeply confounding to Kushner, who was raised as an Orthodox Jew. For Kushner, Bannons right-wing defense of Israel, embraced by Trump, somehow became a jujitsu piece of anti-Semitism aimed directly at him. Bannon seemed determined to make Kushner appear weak and inadequate  a cuck, in alt-right speak."



Wolff adds: "on Israel, Bannon had partnered with Sheldon Adelson, titan of Las Vegas, big-check right-wing contributor, and, in the presidents mind, quite the toughest tough-guy Jew (that is, the richest)."

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According to the book, Adelson came out in Bannon's defense when Trump considered firing him last summer, at one point telling the president that the far-right adviser was "the only person he trusted on Israel" in the Trump White House. Later, the book also touches on Adelson's decision to support a campaign orchestrated by Bannon against Trump's National Security Adviser, H.R. McMaster, claiming that he was hostile to Israel.



Eventually, Bannon was fired from the White House and lost the president's faith, while McMaster is still a senior member of the administration  perhaps proving some possible limits to Adelson's influence.



Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9

 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018



In the book, Wolff describes a conversation between Bannon and one of his own closest advisers, in which Bannon is quoted saying that Kushner's father, billionaire Charles Kushner, is worried that the FBI investigation into the Trump-Russia connection will somehow lead the investigators to his family's finances.



....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!

 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018



The full paragraph reads: "'Charlie Kushner,' said Bannon, smacking his head again in additional disbelief. 'Hes going crazy because theyre going to get down deep in his shit about how hes financed everything. The rabbis with the diamonds and all the shit coming out of Israel and all these guys coming out of Eastern Europe all these Russian guys and guys in Kazakhstan. And hes frozen on 666 [Fifth Avenue], when it goes under next year, the whole things cross-collateralized hes wiped, hes gone, hes done, its over. Toast.'"



The book, released on Friday, became an instant bestseller upon its release. Trump has dismissed the book on Saturday, calling it a "really boring and untruthful book" in a Tweet. He added that Wolff "used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad!"



Later on Saturday, Trump said in a tweet that his "two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart," further calling himself "a very stable genius."

This article was originally published by Haaretz -

====

Rami Khouri interview with Aljazeera tv on the Middle East portions of Michael Wolff's book on the Trump White House

- See Also -

Tapes Reveal Egyptian Leaders Tacit Acceptance of Jerusalem Move

Join the DiscussionHome Iran 'Ground Zero' for US Regime Change By Finian Cunningham January 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - There seems little doubt that the surge in New Year protests across Iran was, at least in part, following a regime-change agenda set by the United States. Public statements issued by US President Donald Trump and his senior officials all made strident calls in support of protesters while denigrating the Iranian government as a "brutal oppressor." Arguably, that amounts to audacious incitement of sedition in a foreign state, and such American misconduct should be legally sanctioned. Whats remarkable too is just how close the recent turmoil in Iran seemed to follow a well-worn US formula for regime change, including political statements of condemnation; biased media coverage to undermine the legitimacy of the target government; and the apparent hijacking of peaceful protests by violent provocateurs. Such a formula has been used by Washington and its allies in dozens of countries over the decades, including more recently in Syria during the 2011 unrest that led to an all-out war. What is acutely resonant is the historical background. Iran was probably the first nation to have been subjected to American regime-change operations in the post-Second World War period, with the CIA-led coup carried out in 1953. But first, lets look at the flagrant attempts by the US to destabilize the Iranian government through highly pejorative and misleading public statements. Last week, the American ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley even claimed that "the Iranian people are crying out for freedom against their dictators." A senior official in the US State Department also admitted that his government was communicating via social media with demonstrators in Iran. Washingtons top diplomat, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, openly said in a media interview this weekend that his government is seeking "political transition in Iran  or, in other words, regime change. Also this weekend, the US called an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in an attempt to censure the Iranian government for the dozens of deaths incurred during the week-long protests. Haley declared: "The world is watching what Iran does." Iran, Russia, and China have berated the US for violating Iranian sovereignty by interfering in the countrys internal affairs. The brazen attempt by the US to fuel protests in Iran is indeed a serious breach of the UN Charter forbidding interference in any nations political matters. US regime-change policy is arguably criminal conduct. It remains to be seen just how actively involved on the ground US agencies were in stoking the recent protests in Iran. The initial demonstrations that first broke out on December 28 in the city of Mashhad quickly spread to dozens of other urban centers. Iranian authorities have blamed the US and other foreign enemies for being behind the disturbances. A legitimate part of the rallies was motivated by genuine economic grievances among the population. But at the same time, the rapid escalation of violence and armed attacks on police stations suggest that a subversive plot was being orchestrated. The role of the US news media, and to lesser extent European, in covering the Iranian unrest was also indicative of a geopolitical agenda. The American media, in particular, tended to portray the protests in a benign light as an uprising against an autocratic regime. Nikki Haley, the US envoy to the UN, dismissed Iranian claims of foreign subversion. Haleys dismissal contradicts the public statements and admissions of the US president and other senior officials. However, Iran has sound reason to suspect a pernicious agenda seeking to exploit social protests. In 2013, some 60 years after the 1953 coup in Iran, the CIA was obliged to disclose classified documents that prove the agency was behind that infamous event. The CIA worked covertly with its British counterpart MI6 to carry out Operation Ajax to overthrow the elected government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. Mosaddegh intended to nationalize Irans oil industry, thereby threatening American and British interests. The coup ushered in the rule of the pro-Western Shah Pahlavi who opened up Iranian oil fields to American and British companies. The CIA and US military were lynchpins in the Shahs regime and its brutal repression of Iranians until he was finally overthrown in the Islamic Revolution of 1979. For this reason, Washington has never forgiven the Iranian people and is why the US political establishment is driven by regime-change obsession in Tehran. What is telling are the similarities between events then and now. The CIA-led coup in 1953 involved a propaganda campaign using news media outlets to undermine the government. The New York Times labeled Mosaddegh a dictator and compared him to Hitler and Stalin. Britains state broadcaster, the BBC, was also involved in the campaign to undermine the Iranian authorities, as Mark Curtis recounts in his book Web of Deceit. Back in Washington and London, the political leaders implemented an economic embargo on Tehran and denounced it as a Soviet stooge. When the coup got underway, the CIA is now on record admitting that it paid thugs and provocateurs to launch street violence in Tehran, which was blamed on the authorities ostensibly showing a heavy-hand. Never Miss Another Story Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter From the CIA and MI6s point of view, the coup was a stunning success. The regime change opened up big oil interests. For the Iranian people, it meant years of vicious repression under the Shah and his CIA-trained SAVAK secret police. In 1953, the CIA was only newly formed in the aftermath of the Second World War. What the Iran coup marked was a fateful turning point for the agency, and the nature of American governments ever since, with global repercussions. In its original formation, the CIA was only intended to serve as an intelligence gathering service to aid US presidents to formulate foreign policy. What the coup in Iran marked was the beginning of a "secret government" within the US; one that was above the law and unaccountable. US presidents would come and go in elections, but the "deep state" of the CIA would remain. It assumed the powers to carry out regime change against any foreign government regardless of international law. Subversion and political assassination would become tools of this new US statecraft. Once the CIA got the habit of regime change in Iran it could not stop. Since 1953, the American secret government has gone on to conduct dozens of such dirty operations around the world with deadly and horrific consequences for masses of people. While the recent social protests in Iran have subsided, nevertheless there also seems to be another, more sinister dimension to the Iranian disturbances  an illegal agenda of regime change promoted by Washington. Given that Iran is "ground zero" for Americas historical worldwide practice of regime change, the threat to national security from foreign interference is an understandable concern. Russia and China have taken the correct position in warning the US to cease adding instability in Iran. The Iranian people must be safeguarded from external meddling to resolve their own internal problems. The laughable irony is that while American politicians and media complain hysterically about others meddling in their country, they have no qualms about brazenly poking into Iran. Finian Cunningham has written extensively on international affairs, with articles published in several languages. He is a Masters graduate in Agricultural Chemistry and worked as a scientific editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, England, before pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. He is also a musician and songwriter. For nearly 20 years, he worked as an editor and writer in major news media organisations, including The Mirror, Irish Times and Independent. ==== Rami Khouri interview with Aljazeera tv on the Middle East portions of Michael Wolff's book on the Trump White House Join the Discussion It is not necessary for ICH readers to register before placing a comment. This website encourages readers to use the "Report" link found at the base of each comment. When a predetermined number of ICH readers click on the "Report" link, the comment will be automatically sent to "moderation". This would appear to be the most logical way to allow open comments, where you the reader/supporter, can determine what is acceptable speech. Please don't use the report feature simply because you disagree with the author point of view. Treat others with respect, remembering that "A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still."- Benjamin Franklin. Please read our Comment Policy before posting - Search Information Clearing House === Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load.Iran in 2018

By Paul Craig Roberts

January 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - In 1953 Washington and Britain overthrew the democratically elected government of Mohammad Mosaddegh and installed a dictator to rule Iran for the benefit of Washington and the British. In declassified documents, the CIA has admitted its role in overthrowing the Iranian government. The overthrow pattern is always the same. Washington hires protesters, then introduces violence, controls the explanation, and unseats the government.

Ever since the Iranian Revolution that overthrew the Washington-installed dictator in1979, Washington has been trying to regain control of Iran. In 2009 Washington financed the Green Revolution, which was an attempt to overthrow the Ahmadinejad government.

Today Washington is again at work against the Iranian people. It is difficult to believe that any Iranian, after watching what Washington-organized protests have done to Honduras, Libya, Ukraine, and Syria, have attempted to do to Iran in 2009, and is attempting to do today to Venezuela, could possibly in good faith go out into the streets against their own government. Are these Iranian protesters utterly stupid or are they hired to commit treason against their country?

Why does Iran permit foreign-funded operatives to attempt to destabilize the government as Ukraine did and as Venezuela does today? Are these governments so brainwashed by the West that they think that democracy means permitting foreign agents to attempt to overthrow the government?

Are governments so intimidated by the Western presstitutes that they find it challenging to defend themselves against foreign-paid provocateurs?

Having succeeded in causing violent protests in Iran, Washington now intends to use an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Iran in order to set the stage for more intervention against Iran. The Washington-incited violence has been turned into a human rights issue against Iran. Will Washington get away with it?

Irans fate is up to Russia and China. If Washington succeeds in destabilizing Iran, Russia and China are next. Russia seems to understand this. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said yesterday: We warn the US against attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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Just as the Russian government comprehended that Russia could not permit Washingtons destabilization of Syria, Russia understands she cannot permit the destabilization of Iran.

The leader of Turkey has aligned with Russia, declaring obviously some people from abroad are provoking the situation.

That is obvious to everyone but Americans, who are constantly lied to by their government and by the presstitute lie factories such as CNN, New York Times, Washington Post, BBC.

Trump and Haley are the type of loudmouths who are likely to break Washingtons power and influence over the world. They take names, admit that they bribe foreign leaders, and issue insane threats. If this doesnt wake up the rest of the world, nothing will.

Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. Roberts' latest books are The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West , How America Was Lost , and The Neoconservative Threat to World Order .Mapping a World From Hell

76 Countries Are Now Involved in Washingtons War on Terror

By Tom Engelhardt

January 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - He left Air Force Two behind and, unannounced,  shrouded in secrecy , flew on an unmarked C-17 transport plane into Bagram Air Base, the largest American garrison in Afghanistan. All news of his visit was embargoed until an hour before he was to depart the country.

More than 16 years after an American invasion liberated Afghanistan, he was there to offer some good news to a U.S. troop contingent once again on the rise . Before a 40-foot American flag, addressing 500 American troops, Vice President Mike Pence praised them as the worlds greatest force for good, boasted that American air strikes had recently been dramatically increased, swore that their country was here to stay, and insisted that victory is closer than ever before. As an observer noted , however, the response of his audience was subdued. (Several troops stood with their arms crossed or their hands folded behind their backs and listened, but did not applaud.)

Think of this as but the latest episode in an upside down geopolitical fairy tale, a grim, rather than Grimm, story for our age that might begin: Once upon a time -- in October 2001, to be exact -- Washington launched its war on terror. There was then just one country targeted, the very one where, a little more than a decade earlier, the U.S. had ended a long proxy war against the Soviet Union during which it had financed, armed, or backed an extreme set of Islamic fundamentalist groups, including a rich young Saudi by the name of Osama bin Laden.

By 2001, in the wake of that war, which helped send the Soviet Union down the path to implosion, Afghanistan was largely (but not completely) ruled by the Taliban. Osama bin Laden was there, too, with a relatively modest crew of cohorts. By early 2002, he had fled to Pakistan, leaving many of his companions dead and his organization, al-Qaeda, in a state of disarray. The Taliban, defeated, were pleading to be allowed to put down their arms and go back to their villages, an abortive process that Anand Gopal vividly described in his book, No Good Men Among the Living .

It was, it seemed, all over but the cheering and, of course, the planning for yet greater exploits across the region. The top officials in the administration of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were geopolitical dreamers of the first order who couldnt have had more expansive ideas about how to extend such success to -- as Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld indicated only days after the 9/11 attacks -- terror or insurgent groups in more than 60 countries. It was a point President Bush would reemphasize nine months later in a triumphalist graduation speech at West Point. At that moment, the struggle they had quickly, if immodestly, dubbed the Global War on Terror was still a one-country affair. They were, however, already deep into preparations to extend it in ways more radical and devastating than they could ever have imagined with the invasion and occupation of Saddam Husseins Iraq and the domination of the oil heartlands of the planet that they were sure would follow. (In a comment that caught the moment exactly, Newsweek quoted a British official "close to the Bush team" as saying, "Everyone wants to go to Baghdad. Real men want to go to Tehran.")

So many years later, perhaps it wont surprise you -- as it probably wouldnt have surprised the hundreds of thousands of protesters who turned out in the streets of American cities and towns in early 2003 to oppose the invasion of Iraq -- that this was one of those stories to which the adage "be careful what you wish for" applies.

Seeing War

And it's a tale that's not over yet. Not by a long shot. As a start, in the Trump era, the longest war in American history, the one in Afghanistan, is only getting longer. There are those U.S. troop levels on the rise ; those air strikes ramping up ; the Taliban in control of significant sections of the country; an Islamic State-branded terror group spreading ever more successfully in its eastern regions; and, according to the latest report from the Pentagon, more than 20 terrorist or insurgent groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Think about that: 20 groups. In other words, so many years later, the war on terror should be seen as an endless exercise in the use of multiplication tables -- and not just in Afghanistan either. More than a decade and a half after an American president spoke of 60 or more countries as potential targets, thanks to the invaluable work of a single dedicated group, the Costs of War Project at Brown Universitys Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, we finally have a visual representation of the true extent of the war on terror. That weve had to wait so long should tell us something about the nature of this era of permanent war.



Americas war on terror across the globe (from the Costs of War Project). Click on the map to see a larger version.

The Costs of War Project has produced not just a map of the war on terror, 2015-2017 (released at TomDispatch with this article), but the first map of its kind ever. It offers an astounding vision of Washingtons counterterror wars across the globe: their spread, the deployment of U.S. forces, the expanding missions to train foreign counterterror forces, the American bases that make them possible, the drone and other air strikes that are essential to them, and the U.S. combat troops helping to fight them. (Terror groups have, of course, morphed and expanded riotously as part and parcel of the same process.)

A glance at the map tells you that the war on terror, an increasingly complex set of intertwined conflicts, is now a remarkably global phenomenon. It stretches from the Philippines (with its own ISIS-branded group that just fought an almost five-month-long campaign that devastated Marawi, a city of 300,000) through South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and deep into West Africa where, only recently, four Green Berets died in an ambush in Niger.

No less stunning are the number of countries Washingtons war on terror has touched in some fashion. Once, of course, there was only one (or, if you want to include the United States, two). Now, the Costs of War Project identifies no less than 76 countries, 39% of those on the planet, as involved in that global conflict. That means places like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya where U.S. drone or other air strikes are the norm and U.S. ground troops (often Special Operations forces ) have been either directly or indirectly engaged in combat. It also means countries where U.S. advisers are training local militaries or even militias in counterterror tactics and those with bases crucial to this expanding set of conflicts. As the map makes clear, these categories often overlap.

Who could be surprised that such a war has been eating American taxpayer dollars at a rate that should stagger the imagination in a country whose infrastructure is now visibly crumbling ? In a separate study , released in November, the Costs of War Project estimated that the price tag on the war on terror (with some future expenses included) had already reached an astronomical $5.6 trillion. Only recently, however, President Trump, now escalating those conflicts, tweeted an even more staggering figure: After having foolishly spent $7 trillion in the Middle East, it is time to start rebuilding our country! (This figure, too, seems to have come in some fashion from the Costs of War estimate that "future interest payments on borrowing for the wars will likely add more than $7.9 trillion to the national debt" by mid-century .)

It couldnt have been a rarer comment from an American politician, as in these years assessments of both the monetary and human costs of war have largely been left to small groups of scholars and activists. The war on terror has, in fact, spread in the fashion todays map lays out with almost no serious debate in this country about its costs or results. If the document produced by the Costs of War project is, in fact, a map from hell, it is also, I believe, the first full-scale map of this war ever produced.

Think about that for a moment. For the last 16 years, we, the American people, funding this complex set of conflicts to the tune of trillions of dollars, have lacked a single map of the war Washington has been fighting. Not one. Yes, parts of that morphing, spreading set of conflicts have been somewhere in the news regularly, though seldom (except when there were lone wolf terror attacks in the United States or Western Europe) in the headlines. In all those years, however, no American could see an image of this strange, perpetual conflict whose end is nowhere in sight.

Part of this can be explained by the nature of that war. There are no fronts, no armies advancing on Berlin, no armadas bearing down on the Japanese homeland. There hasnt been, as in Korea in the early 1950s, even a parallel to cross or fight your way back to. In this war, there have been no obvious retreats and, after the triumphal entry into Baghdad in 2003, few advances either.

It was hard even to map its component parts and when you did -- as in an August New York Times map of territories controlled by the Taliban in Afghanistan -- the imagery was complex and of limited impact. Generally, however, we, the people, have been demobilized in almost every imaginable way in these years, even when it comes to simply following the endless set of wars and conflicts that go under the rubric of the war on terror.

Mapping 2018 and Beyond

Let me repeat this mantra: once, almost seventeen years ago, there was one; now, the count is 76 and rising. Meanwhile, great cities have been turned into rubble ; tens of millions of human beings have been displaced from their homes; refugees by the millions continue to cross borders, unsettling ever more lands; terror groups have become brand names across significant parts of the planet; and our American world continues to be militarized .

This should be thought of as an entirely new kind of perpetual global war. So take one more look at that map. Click on it and then enlarge it to consider the map in full-screen mode. Its important to try to imagine whats been happening visually, since were facing a new kind of disaster, a planetary militarization of a sort weve never truly seen before. No matter the successes in Washingtons war, ranging from that invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 to the taking of Baghdad in 2003 to the recent destruction of the Islamic States caliphate in Syria and Iraq (or most of it anyway, since at this moment American planes are still dropping bombs and firing missiles in parts of Syria), the conflicts only seem to morph and tumble on.

We are now in an era in which the U.S. military is the leading edge -- often the only edge -- of what used to be called American foreign policy and the State Department is being radically downsized . American Special Operations forces were deployed to 149 countries in 2017 alone and the U.S. has so many troops on so many bases in so many places on Earth that the Pentagon cant even account for the whereabouts of 44,000 of them. There may, in fact, be no way to truly map all of this, though the Costs of War Projects illustration is a triumph of what can be seen.

Looking into the future, lets pray for one thing: that the folks at that project have plenty of stamina, since it's a given that, in the Trump years (and possibly well beyond), the costs of war will only rise. The first Pentagon budget of the Trump era, passed with bipartisan unanimity by Congress and signed by the president, is a staggering $700 billion . Meanwhile, Americas leading military men and the president, while escalating the countrys conflicts from Niger to Yemen , Somalia to Afghanistan, seem eternally in search of yet more wars to launch.

Pointing to Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, for instance, Marine Corps Commandant General Robert Neller recently told U.S. troops in Norway to expect a bigass fight in the future, adding, I hope Im wrong, but theres a war coming. In December, National Security Adviser Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster similarly suggested that the possibility of a war (conceivably nuclear in nature) with Kim Jong-uns North Korea was increasing every day. Meanwhile, in an administration packed with Iranophobes, President Trump seems to be preparing to tear up the Iran nuclear deal, possibly as early as this month.

In other words, in 2018 and beyond, maps of many creative kinds may be needed simply to begin to take in the latest in Americas wars. Consider, for instance, a recent report in the New York Times that about 2,000 employees of the Department of Homeland Security are already deployed to more than 70 countries around the world, largely to prevent terror attacks. And so it goes in the twenty-first century.

So welcome to 2018, another year of unending war, and while were on the subject, a small warning to our leaders: given the last 16 years, be careful what you wish for.

Tom Engelhardt is a co-founder of the American Empire Project and the author of The United States of Fear as well as a history of the Cold War, The End of Victory Culture . He is a fellow of the Nation Institute and runs TomDispatch.com . His latest book is Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World . The map in this piece was produced by the Costs of War Project at Brown Universitys Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs.

Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook . Check out the newest Dispatch Book, Alfred McCoy's In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of U.S. Global Power , as well as John Dower's The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II , John Feffer's dystopian novel Splinterlands , Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead , and Tom Engelhardt's Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World .

Copyright 2018 Tom Engelhardt

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Join the DiscussionAre our Leaders Really that Stupid? Or...

By John Perkins

January 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - News about civilian casualties in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and other countries where US military forces are involved takes us back to the Vietnam War. Makes us ask: how stupid are our leaders?

A relevant question as we end this year and begin a new one.

2017 saw the airing of Ken Burns PBS series The Vietnam War. It leaves no doubt that massive air strikes, bombings and napalm that killed civilians turned the citizenry against the US. Even those people whom we purported to be helping grew to hate our presence in their country. Our military commanders and political leaders came to understand that we were so despised by the Vietnamese  including our allies in the South  that ultimately, we could not win and had to get out. Perhaps more than anything else, it was the killing of civilians that brought about the USs ignominious defeat.

Yet, here we ago again! The numbers are debated, but the fact is that our drones, planes, missiles, bombs and on-the-ground soldiers are killing thousands of innocent civilians throughout the Middle East.

Although estimates vary, even the most conservative suggest that for every civilian killed at least ten more people turn against the US. Disillusioned by Washington, they look to others  ISIS, China, Russia. Not only are we losing another war (wars), we are also strengthening the very people we profess to oppose.

Are our leaders really that stupid? Or is there another motive?

There is a great deal of talk these days about cutting back on Big Government and trying to balance the budget. Strikingly absent from such talk is the simple fact that Big Governments most impressive office is the Pentagon and the most effective budgetary items to cut are the incredibly wasteful amounts spent on military equipment and strategies that fail to accomplish the goals and instead turn millions of people against us.

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Washingtons recently passed 2018 military budget was touted as $700 billion; however, it actually surpasses $800 billion when relevant sections of the State and Energy Departments and intelligence agencies are included. This is bigger than the combined military budgets of the next seven  nine (depending on how it is measured) largest countries. (1)

Where does that money go? Who profits from these expenditures? How many of our elected officials own stock in Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, General Dynamics and the other merchants of death, as well as the banks and Wall Street firms that finance them? (2)

You, Ken Burns, and I may think that we lost the Vietnam War. But investors in war profiteering corporations came to a different conclusion. They did then and they do now.

How stupid are they?Trump After Saudi Palace Coup: Weve Put Our Man on Top



By Spencer Ackerman



January 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Mohammed bin Salman, the 32-year old Saudi crown prince in the process of purging his blood-relation rivals for the throne, is an inveterate player of video games, in Michael Wolffs explosive book Fire & Fury. A lesser-explored section of the book shows MBS throwing himself into cultivating Trump as a step toward consolidating his own power. His path was to ignore Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in favor of son-in-law Jared Kushner  looking to family channels instead of formal ones is a characteristic of most authoritarian countries  like meeting someone nice at your first day of boarding school, a Kushner friend observed. Leveraging Trumps ignorance, Kushners inexperience, a shared hostility toward Iran and the administrations allergy to Obamas foreign policy, MBS dangled a shiny orb in front of the White House: Middle East peace, to satisfy Trumps longing for a grand victory. Its MBS who brokers Trumps Louis XIV-like reception in Riyadh, a gaudy spectacle of adulation in which the Saudis assembled a host of Middle Eastern strongmen to seal a symbolic allegiance with Trump through touching a bizarre glowing sphere. Jareds gotten the Arabs on his side, Wolff quotes Trump. When MBS moved in November to purge his opposition, Trump would tell friends that he and Jared had engineered a Saudi coup, Wolff writes, with Trump boasting: Weve put our man on top!

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The immediate question for the Trump-MBS relationship is whether MBS can actually deliver the Israeli-Palestinian-Arab peace entente Trump desires, a herculean task under any circumstance and one complicated even more by Trumps formal recognition of Jerusalem as exclusively Israeli. But MBS, now entrenched as crown prince, already got what he wanted from Trump.

This article was originally published by Daily Beast -

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Join the Discussion"You Cant Make This S--- Up": My Year Inside Trump's Insane White House

By Michael Wolff

Author and columnist Michael Wolff was given extraordinary access to the Trump administration and now details the feuds, the fights and the alarming chaos he witnessed while reporting what turned into a new book. Editors Note: Author and Hollywood Reporter columnist Michael Wolffs new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House (Henry Holt & Co.), is a detailed account of the 45th presidents election and first year in office based on extensive access to the White House and more than 200 interviews with Trump and senior staff over a period of 18 months. In advance of the Jan. 9 publication of the book, which Trump is already attacking , Wolff has written this extracted column about his time in the White House based on the reporting included in Fire and Fury. Image by Luke McGarry

January 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - I interviewed Donald Trump for The Hollywood Reporter in June 2016, and he seemed to have liked  or not disliked  the piece I wrote. "Great cover!" his press assistant, Hope Hicks, emailed me after it came out (it was a picture of a belligerent Trump in mirrored sunglasses). After the election, I proposed to him that I come to the White House and report an inside story for later publication  journalistically, as a fly on the wall  which he seemed to misconstrue as a request for a job. No, I said. I'd like to just watch and write a book. "A book?" he responded, losing interest. "I hear a lot of people want to write books," he added, clearly not understanding why anybody would. "Do you know Ed Klein?" author of several virulently anti-Hillary books. "Great guy. I think he should write a book about me." But sure, Trump seemed to say, knock yourself out.

Since the new White House was often uncertain about what the president meant or did not mean in any given utterance, his non-disapproval became a kind of passport for me to hang around  checking in each week at the Hay-Adams hotel, making appointments with various senior staffers who put my name in the "system," and then wandering across the street to the White House and plunking myself down, day after day, on a West Wing couch.

The West Wing is configured in such a way that the anteroom is quite a thoroughfare  everybody passes by. Assistants  young women in the Trump uniform of short skirts, high boots, long and loose hair  as well as, in situation-comedy proximity, all the new stars of the show: Steve Bannon, Kellyanne Conway, Reince Priebus, Sean Spicer, Jared Kushner, Mike Pence, Gary Cohn, Michael Flynn (and after Flynn's abrupt departure less than a month into the job for his involvement in the Russia affair, his replacement, H.R. McMaster), 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. Their estimable accomplishment of getting to the West Wing risked at any moment becoming farce.

A new president typically surrounds himself with a small group of committed insiders and loyalists. But few on the Trump team knew him very well  most of his advisors had been with him only since the fall. Even his family, now closely gathered around him, seemed nonplussed. "You know, we never saw that much of him until he got the nomination," Eric Trump's wife, Lara, told one senior staffer. If much of the country was incredulous, his staff, trying to cement their poker faces, were at least as confused.

Their initial response was to hawkishly defend him  he demanded it  and by defending him they seemed to be defending themselves. Politics is a game, of course, of determined role-playing, but the difficulties of staying in character in the Trump White House became evident almost from the first day.

"You can't make this shit up," Sean Spicer, soon to be portrayed as the most hapless man in America, muttered to himself after his tortured press briefing on the first day of the new administration, when he was called to justify the president's inaugural crowd numbers  and soon enough, he adopted this as a personal mantra. Reince Priebus, the new chief of staff, had, shortly after the announcement of his appointment in November, started to think he would not last until the inauguration. Then, making it to the White House, he hoped he could last a respectable year, but he quickly scaled back his goal to six months. Kellyanne Conway, who would put a finger-gun to her head in private about Trump's public comments, continued to mount an implacable defense on cable television, until she was pulled off the air by others in the White House who, however much the president enjoyed her, found her militancy idiotic. (Even Ivanka and Jared regarded Conway's fulsome defenses as cringeworthy.)

Steve Bannon tried to gamely suggest that Trump was mere front man and that he, with plan and purpose and intellect, was, more reasonably, running the show  commanding a whiteboard of policies and initiatives that he claimed to have assembled from Trump's off-the-cuff ramblings and utterances. His adoption of the Saturday Night Live sobriquet "President Bannon" was less than entirely humorous. Within the first few weeks, even rote conversations with senior staff trying to explain the new White House's policies and positions would turn into a body-language ballet of eye-rolling and shrugs and pantomime of jaws dropping. Leaking became the political manifestation of the don't-blame-me eye roll.

The surreal sense of the Trump presidency was being lived as intensely inside the White House as out. Trump was, for the people closest to him, the ultimate enigma. He had been elected president, that through-the-eye-of-the-needle feat, but obviously, he was yet  Trump. Indeed, he seemed as confused as anyone to find himself in the White House, even attempting to barricade himself into his bedroom with his own lock over the protests of the Secret Service.

There was some effort to ascribe to Trump magical powers. In an early conversation  half comic, half desperate  Bannon tried to explain him as having a particular kind of Jungian brilliance. Trump, obviously without having read Jung, somehow had access to the collective unconscious of the other half of the country, and, too, a gift for inventing archetypes: Little Marco  Low-Energy Jeb  the Failing New York Times. Everybody in the West Wing tried, with some panic, to explain him, and, sheepishly, their own reason for being here. 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 fucking fool."

Part of that foolishness was his inability to deal with his own family. In a way, this gave him a human dimension. Even Donald Trump couldn't say no to his kids. "It's a littleee, littleee complicated " he explained to Priebus about why he needed to give his daughter and son-in-law official jobs. But the effect of their leadership roles was to compound his own boundless inexperience in Washington, creating from the outset frustration and then disbelief and then rage on the part of the professionals in his employ.

The men and women of the West Wing, for all that the media was ridiculing them, actually felt they had a responsibility to the country. "Trump," said one senior Republican, "turned selfish careerists into patriots." Their job was to maintain the pretense of relative sanity, even as each individually came to the conclusion that, in generous terms, it was insane to think you could run a White House without experience, organizational structure or a real purpose.

On March 30, after the collapse of the health care bill, 32-year-old Katie Walsh, the deputy chief of staff, the effective administration chief of the West Wing, a stalwart political pro and stellar example of governing craft, walked out. Little more than two months in, she quit. Couldn't take it anymore. Nutso. To lose your deputy chief of staff at the get-go would be a sign of crisis in any other administration, but inside an obviously exploding one it was hardly noticed.

While there might be a scary national movement of Trumpers, the reality in the White House was stranger still: There was Jared and Ivanka, Democrats; there was Priebus, a mainstream Republican; and there was Bannon, whose reasonable claim to be the one person actually representing Trumpism so infuriated Trump that Bannon was hopelessly sidelined by April. "How much influence do you think Steve Bannon has over me? Zero! Zero!" Trump muttered and stormed. To say that no one was in charge, that there were no guiding principles, not even a working org chart, would again be an understatement. "What do these people do?" asked everyone pretty much of everyone else.

The competition to take charge, which, because each side represented an inimical position to the other, became not so much a struggle for leadership, but a near-violent factional war. Jared and Ivanka were against Priebus and Bannon, trying to push both men out. Bannon was against Jared and Ivanka and Priebus, practicing what everybody thought were dark arts against them. Priebus, everybody's punching bag, just tried to survive another day. By late spring, the larger political landscape seemed to become almost irrelevant, with everyone focused on the more lethal battles within the White House itself. This included screaming fights in the halls and in front of a bemused Trump in the Oval Office (when he was not the one screaming himself), together with leaks about what Russians your opponents might have been talking to.

Reigning over all of this was Trump, enigma, cipher and disruptor. How to get along with Trump  who veered between a kind of blissed-out pleasure of being in the Oval Office and a deep, childish frustration that he couldn't have what he wanted? Here was a man singularly focused on his own needs for instant gratification, be that a hamburger, a segment on Fox & Friends or an Oval Office photo opp. "I want a win. I want a win. Where's my win?" he would regularly declaim. He was, in words used by almost every member of the senior staff on repeated occasions, "like a child." A chronic naysayer, Trump himself stoked constant discord with his daily after-dinner phone calls to his billionaire friends about the disloyalty and incompetence around him. His billionaire friends then shared this with their billionaire friends, creating the endless leaks which the president so furiously railed against.

One of these frequent callers was Rupert Murdoch, who before the election had only ever expressed contempt for Trump. Now Murdoch constantly sought him out, but to his own colleagues, friends and family, continued to derisively ridicule Trump: "What a fucking moron," said Murdoch after one call.

With the Comey firing, the Mueller appointment and murderous White House infighting, by early summer Bannon was engaged in an uninterrupted monologue directed to almost anyone who would listen. It was so caustic, so scabrous and so hilarious that it might form one of the great underground political treatises.

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. It was all his idea to fire Comey! "The daughter," Bannon declared, "will bring down the father."

Priebus and Spicer were merely counting down to the day  and every day seemed to promise it would be the next day  when they would be out.

And, indeed, suddenly there were the 11 days of Anthony Scaramucci.

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Scaramucci, a minor figure in the New York financial world, and quite a ridiculous one, had overnight become Jared and Ivanka's solution to all of the White House's management and messaging problems. After all, explained the couple, he was good on television and he was from New York  he knew their world. In effect, the couple had hired Scaramucci  as preposterous a hire in West Wing annals as any  to replace Priebus and Bannon and take over running the White House.

There was, after the abrupt Scaramucci meltdown, hardly any effort inside the West Wing to disguise the sense of ludicrousness and anger felt by every member of the senior staff toward Trump's family and Trump himself. It became almost a kind of competition to demystify Trump. For Rex Tillerson, he was a moron. For Gary Cohn, he was dumb as shit. For H.R. McMaster, he was a hopeless idiot. For Steve Bannon, he had lost his mind.

Most succinctly, no one expected him to survive 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. (At least nine major law firms had turned down an invitation to represent the president.)

There was more: 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.

By summer's end, in something of a historic sweep  more usual for the end of a president's first term than the end of his first six months  almost the entire senior staff, save Trump's family, had been washed out: Michael Flynn, Katie Walsh, Sean Spicer, Reince Priebus, Steve Bannon. Even Trump's loyal, longtime body guard Keith Schiller  for reasons darkly whispered about in the West Wing  was out. Gary Cohn, Dina Powell, Rick Dearborn, all on their way out. The president, on the spur of the moment, appointed John Kelly, a former Marine Corps general and head of homeland security, chief of staff  without Kelly having been informed of his own appointment beforehand. Grim and stoic, accepting that he could not control the president, Kelly seemed compelled by a sense of duty to be, in case of disaster, the adult in the room who might, if needed, stand up to the president  if that is comfort.

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. (With Melania a nonpresence, the staff referred to Ivanka as the "real wife" and Hicks as the "real daughter.") Hicks' primary function was to tend to the Trump ego, to reassure him, to protect him, to buffer him, to soothe him. 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. Instead, the interview went to Fox News' Sean Hannity who, White House insiders happily explained, was willing to supply the questions beforehand. Indeed, the plan was to have all interviewers going forward provide the questions.

As the first year wound down, Trump finally got a bill to sign. The tax bill, his singular accomplishment, was, arguably, quite a reversal of his populist promises, and confirmation of what Mitch McConnell had seen early on as the silver Trump lining: "He'll sign anything we put in front of him." With new bravado, he was encouraging partisans like Fox News to pursue an anti-Mueller campaign on his behalf. Insiders believed that the only thing saving Mueller from being fired, and the government of the United States from unfathomable implosion, is Trump's inability to grasp how much Mueller had on him and his family.

Steve Bannon was openly handicapping a 33.3 percent chance of impeachment, a 33.3 percent chance of resignation in the shadow of the 25th amendment and a 33.3 percent chance that he might limp to the finish line on the strength of liberal arrogance and weakness.

Donald Trump's small staff of factotums, advisors and family began, on Jan. 20, 2017, an experience that none of them, by any right or logic, thought they would  or, in many cases, should  have, being part of a Trump presidency. 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.

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.

This article was originally published by Hollywood Reporter -

====

Join the DiscussionHome Trump Would Do The Palestinians A Favour By Cutting Off Aid To The PA By Abdel Bari Atwan January 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Like many other Palestinians, I pray and implore God that US President Donald Trump makes good on his threat to cut off the Palestinian Authority (PA)s $300 million annual grant  and also that the European donors follow suit. For that would mean the collapse of the PA and the Oslo accords that brought it into being in exchange for ceding 80% of Palestines territory and recognizing the Israeli state. Trump took a leaf out of the book of some of the Arab Gulf states on Tuesday night when he took to Twitter to accuse the Palestinians of ingratitude and insubordination. W e pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue, he declared. With the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them? This is something of an inversion of Trumps policy towards the Gulf states. From them, he has been demanding hundreds of billions of dollars in return for their military protection. From the Palestinians and the PA, he is demanding concessions over Jerusalem and the West Bank in exchange for a paltry $300 million per year. A more shameless act of blackmail is hard to imagine. Trump excels at this extortionist method of doing business and knows no other way of operating. It is all about deal-making and profit-taking with no regard to morality or values, international law, political considerations or the minimal rights of others. Either submit to the dictates of Netanyahu  as conveyed by Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner  or else. US aid to the PA is aimed at pacifying the Palestinian people and bribing them to abandon all forms of resistance to the occupation by preoccupying them with seeking to improve their living conditions under the rubric of economic peace, while deluging their ruling elite in Ramallah with loans, mortgages, flashy cars and other trappings of luxury. Living conditions for the majority of Palestinians were much better before the advent of the PA and the signing of the Oslo Accords. They were not more prosperous in material terms, but they upheld the concept of bread and dignity, and launched a popular uprising that gained the respect of the entire world, laid bare the inhuman practices of the occupation and put into question the very existence of an Israeli state. That is why Western neo-colonialist minds devised a lifeline for it in the form of the Oslo Acords. PA spokespersons have said that they will not submit to blackmail and that Jerusalem is not for sale, for however many billions of dollars. These are commendable words. But what really matters is the practical actions that the PA takes to counter these two stances: Israels, in passing legislation aimed at the ceding of any inch of Jerusalem or the West Bank settlements in any future peace deal; and Washingtons, in recognizing the conquest and annexation of the Holy City as the occupation states capital. The one step the PA has taken is to invite the Palestine Central Council (PCC) to convene next week  in Ramallah, of all places, under the spears of the occupation  to devise a response to Netanyahu and Trumps blackmail. Its spokesmen  such as chief negotiator Saeb Erekat  have also urged countries to move their PA-accredited embassies to East Jerusalem, as though they have a choice in the matter or would be free to do so. What kind of deficient thinking is this? The PCC is supposed to be the intermediary body between the Palestine National Council  the Palestinian parliament-in-exile  and the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). The latters mandate expired two decades ago, and the majority of its component factions  with the exception of Fateh and the Popular and Democratic Fronts (PFLP and DFLP)  long ago ceased to have any meaningful following among the Palestinian public. Around half of the PCCs membership has gone to meet its maker, and the other half are waiting their turn and are well past retirement age. Critical views are rarely aired, and are unwelcome on the occasions when they are, for no voice can be allowed to rise above that of the anointed leader Mahmoud Abbas. Around a year ago, the PCC  meeting in the PA compound in Ramallah  took a headline-grabbing decision to halt security cooperation with Israel. The move was greeted with loud applause, as delegates congratulated each other on the PLOs act of reassertion and on the resultant reversion to resistance to the occupation. But that decision remains a piece of paper in Abbas desk. Its practical impact was zero. The Palestinian people long ago lost confidence in the PA and its institutions and leadership. They have been reduced to relying on Trump and his decisions to arouse them from the comatose condition that has afflicted them since the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, and to rid them of the PA that has been humiliating, subjugating and selling them illusions for the past 20 years. Again, we reiterate that we fervently hope that Trump does not back down from his threats, and goes ahead and cuts off his poisoned chalice of aid to the PA. That could deal a death blow to the US influence in the Middle East and perhaps the entire Islamic world, and signal the start of a new phase in which the Palestinians find their feet again and reunite around a platform of resistance and self-respect, under a different leadership capable of shouldering the historic responsibility. This article was originally published by Raialyoum - ==== Join the Discussion It is not necessary for ICH readers to register before placing a comment. This website encourages readers to use the "Report" link found at the base of each comment. When a predetermined number of ICH readers click on the "Report" link, the comment will be automatically sent to "moderation". This would appear to be the most logical way to allow open comments, where you the reader/supporter, can determine what is acceptable speech. Please don't use the report feature simply because you disagree with the author point of view. Treat others with respect, remembering that "A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still."- Benjamin Franklin. Please read our Comment Policy before posting - Search Information Clearing House === Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load.The number of Nigerians that have been kept captive in Libya can not be quantified, looking at the number of those that returned back home in 2017.

About 490 Nigerians returned from Libya on Sunday, at the Port Harcourt Airport at about 4.55 p.m.

The returnees are among 5,027 expected to return from the West African country.

Source: ( Premium Times )10 Human Skulls were recovered from the home of Prince Johnson Igwedibia, popularly known as General Don Waney, in his Aligwu community, Omoku, in Ogba/-Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State. The NigerianArmy also recovered decomposing human remains.

According to reports, General Don Waney, was to be recognized as the Paramount Ruler of Aligwu by Gov Nyesom Wike until the notorious kidnapper met his waterloo after being linked with the killing of worshipers on New Year day in Omoku, River State.

Vanguard says wild jubilation erupted in Rivers State, yesterday, following military confirmation that notorious kidnapper, cultist and killer, Don Waney, has been killed by security operatives.A Yaba Chief Magistrates Court, Lagos State charged a father, Segun Durojaiye, and his brother, Emmanuel Durojaiye, with incest after they allegedly raped his 16-year-old daughter for four years.

Segun, 52, who resides at Baba-Benja Street, and Emmanuel, 44, of No. 10, Durojaiye St., all in Oreyo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, are facing a charge of defilement.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Ibijoke Akinpelu, the accused committed the offences between 2014 and 2017 at their residences.

Akinpelu told the court that the father started sleeping with his daughter in 2014 after she confined in him about her uncles inappropriate show of affection.

He added that after the death of the victims stepmother in the same year, she was asked to go and stay a few weeks with her uncle and he began to molest her sexually.

The victim broke her silence after she had had a series of abortions and was helplessly losing weight from the trauma.

The case was reported at a police station and the accused were immediately arrested, she said.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

Section 137 prescribes life imprisonment for child rape.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In her ruling, the magistrate, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oghre, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1m each with two sureties in like

She said one of the sureties should be a Level 15 officer who has a titled document or a traditional ruler.

Oghre said the sureties should show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until March 12 for mention.

(NAN)The Mexican man who claims to have the worlds longest penis has been accused of being a cheat after a doctor disclosed that his manhood is only 6-inches long.

Robert Esquivel Cabrera, 54, from the northern town of Saltillo who is said to have worked on his penis by stretching it using weights, boast of 18.9inch manhood and cannot have sex because of the size.

A radiologist, Dr. Jesus Pablo Gil Muro, who examined Mr. Cabrera, said that the man refused to take off all of the bandages around his penis and wouldnt let the doctor see the skin.

Speaking to the Sun Online, Dr. Muro said: When he came here to do a CT scan, my first impression was that it was a unique and unusual case. I had never seen a patient like Roberto.

He said he had become suspicious, and conducted a CT scan, saying: What the CT scan showed was that there is a very large foreskin. It goes just before the knee.

But the penis itself is about 16 to 18cm from the pubis.

He explained: So, it doesnt go all the way through the foreskin.

The rest of the tissue found there is just foreskin, blood vessels, and some inflammation of the skin.

According to Dr. Muro, his penis is actually only six inches long.

This shocking claim comes just weeks after 47-year-old Jonah Falcon from New York who formerly held the record of the worlds longest penis for having a 13.5-inch, accused him of being a fraud because he has been weighing his genitals down and stretching the foreskin to grow his penis.

Mr. Falcon told The Sun Online in December 2017 that Mr. Carbreras was not 19 inches, saying he could have a normal sex life if he got circumsized.

The man stretched his foreskin constantly, from what I understand, but its normal underneath, he said.

I think its ridiculous and he seems kind of desperate. No matter how big he is, its not going to change the fact that Im 13.5inches.

Mr.Cabrera who has since been registered as a disabled since he can no longer have sex is currently receiving government handouts, despite refusing to get a reduction because he hopes to find work in the American porn industry.

-DailymailNollywood actor and model, Chris Okagbue took to social media to complain about the way models are treated in Nigeria.

According to him, Upcoming comedians are paid better than experienced models

The actor took to Instastory to lament about the situation, he wrote;

Its only in Nigeria that models are the least wealthy people in Showbiz. Even an upcoming comedian of today is richer than model with 5years experience. #fact #shameonyouagencies

And after you branch off to other fields like film or music n become successful, some random stupid agents will open their rotten garlic gutter smelling mouths n say we made him who he is.

The thunder that will strike you pple is still doing rehearsals for the main show!! Delusional retards!!

source: GistreelReal Madrid went 16 points behind league leaders as the galaticos and Celta Vigo both shared the spoils and their host, in a game that ended 2-2 on Sunday night.

Two first half goals from Gareth Bale cancelled the first by Celta Vigo before the hosts equalised in the second half.

The hosts also missed a penalty as Iago Aspas spot kick was saved by Keylor Navas.

Source: ( Premium Times)Sadiq Daba visited the Secretariat of the Women Arise and Centre for Change in Lagos, accompanied by two of his sons.

Mr. Daba was full of excitement, and said, his visit was to appreciate the President of Women Arise and Centre for Change Dr Joe Okei Odumakin and all Nigerians, who rallied support towards towards securing medical care, for him.

Mr. Sadiq Daba described Dr Joe Odumakin as an indefatigable woman of esteem and high standards, sincerity, honesty ,love, care ,adoration and an Angel.

source: TheinfongThe Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has warned any teacher in public primary schools who decide to join the indefinite strike today, (Monday) will be dismissed from duty.

The Chairman of the Kaduna State branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr. Audu Amba, confirmed to one of our correspondents on phone on Sunday that teachers in public primary schools would embark on indefinite strike on Monday to force the state to reverse the sack of over 20,000 of its members the state government claimed had failed its competency test.

However, the NUT chairman refrained from making comments on the latest threat by the governor, saying I will not comment on this now.

El-Rufai, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, in a statement said any strike embarked upon by the teachers would be considered illegal and would be treated as such.

The governor noted that strike or no strike, nothing would derail the education reforms being implemented by the state government.

He said the state would neither be blackmailed by the action of the teachers nor mortgage the future of two million primary school pupils.

The governor insisted that as an employer, the government has every right to determine who its employees are or can be, and the minimum qualifications they must possess.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )Andover Properties LLC, which operates the Storage King USA self-storage brand, has acquired AAA Storage Hwy 27 & Postal Center in Minneola, Fla. The property at 995 US-27 comprises 75,000 square feet of storage in more than 600 units. Andover plans to modernize the facility by rehabilitating the older structures and adding security and lighting, according to a press release.

The site is near existing and planned residential developments as well as retail stores and fast-food eateries. The population of Minneola, a suburb of Orlando, has been experiencing strong growth, and the city recently received its own exit on Floridas Turnpike, according to Michael Wachsman, Andovers director of acquisitions.

In November, Andover purchased a 3-acre parcel in Homestead, Fla., on which it plans to build a 110,000-square-foot self-storage facility. The property will feature one multi-story, climate-controlled building as well as several single-story structures with drive-up units. Its expected to be complete late next year.

Founded in 2003 and based in New York City, Andover owns and operates 28 self-storage facilities in nine states, totaling nearly 1.9 million rentable square feet of storage space in 15,650 units. The firm focuses on the acquisition, development and management of industrial, retail and self-storage facilities, primarily in the North and Southeast.The fat tax is a new entry this year

Let them drink soda! Tempers came to a head in 2017 when local committees in US cities and counties began wrangling over levies on sugary fizzy drinks.

The sugary drinks tax is intended to provide buffers for the public health systems bearing the results of the health repercussions such as diabetes, and to curb consumption as a form of prevention, although the effectiveness of the latter remains questionable.

Across the US, more than one in three adults and one in six children, aged two to 19, are obese, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which result in more than $150 billion in healthcare costs annually.

"Investing in obesity prevention provides a significant return on investment for the American taxpayer," the CDC advises. Nearly half (49%) of American adults drink a sugar-sweetened beverage on a given day and to undercut these habits health officials have demanded a tax on sugary beverages.

Opponents of the controversial tax consider it a manifestation of a nanny state in which the government interferes too much with personal choices.

"The beverage industry is a major economic contributor to the global economy, and selective taxation can have negative economic results," a spokesperson for the International Council of Beverage Associations tells International Tax Review.

A global wave of taxation for sugary drinks is likely to alter beverage company strategies to include less sugar in products and ultimately lower any potential impact from additional taxation.

The toast of the town was certainly the overturning of the sugar tax in Chicago in October, which repealed the year-old sweetened beverage tax ordinance in Cook County, shortly after it was introduced in 2016.

Former New York city Mayor Michael Bloomberg contributed $3 million in support of a campaign to uphold the measure in the fight against Big Soda, after failing to implement the tax in New York.

Berkeley, California, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were among the first cities to pass the tax on sugary drinks, followed by Albany, San Francisco and Oakland, all in California; and Seattle, Washington; Boulder, Colorado; and Portland, Oregon.

Industry associations have argued the tax will cause mass chaos and confusion for customers.

In Cook County the tax rate was $.01 per ounce of sweetened beverage  simple enough.

But what happens when it's a syrup?

The Cook Country Sweetened Beverage Tax specified: "Sweetened beverages produced from syrups using a beverage dispensing machine and powders using a beverage dispensing machine or by hand mixing (fountain drinks, lemonade, etc.)  tax is applied to the total amount of beverage that the syrup or powder will make per the manufacturers' directions."

For example, a 5 gallon bag of syrup will make 3,840 ounces of beverage  at tax rate of $.01 per ounce of sweetened beverage, the tax for that bag of syrup is $38.40.

The tax is also thought to be an easy money grab for governments. The most obvious example is the probably the UAE, which in October instated a 50% tax on soda and 100% on energy drinks.

The sin taxes, levied on goods deemed as part of unhealthy lifestyles such as alcohol and tobacco, are nothing new. American comedian Paula Poundstone famously said: "The wages of sin are death, but by the time taxes are taken out, it's just sort of a tired feeling."

The material on this site is for financial institutions, professional investors and their professional advisers. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws.  2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQ.

Share this articleJanuary 8, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) On Thursday, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced it will seek to allow offshore drilling. This proposal would be the largest expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling in history. Areas targeted for exploration and possible drilling would be the Pacific Ocean, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the Eastern Seaboard, and over 100 million acres in the Alaskan Arctic.

The following statements from education policy experts at The Heartland Institute - a free-market think tank - may be used for attribution. For more comments, refer to the contact information below. To book a Heartland guest on your program, please contact Media Specialist Billy Aouste at media@heartland.org and 312/377-4000 or (cell) 847/445-7554.

"With Secretary Zinke's exciting plan to unleash America's offshore oil and gas potential, President Donald J. Trump is leading the United States forward in a successful quest for world energy dominance."

Tim Huelskamp, Ph.D.

President

The Heartland Institute

thuelskamp@heartland.org

312/377-4000

Dr. Huelskamp represented Kansas' 1st District in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017.

"During the eight years of the Obama administration, a nation trying to become independent of Middle Eastern oil was deprived of that possibility - namely by placing more and more of its vast off shore oil deposits off limits to the detriment of industry and the public.

"At last President Trump is righting this disastrous policy and granting the nation the use of our valuable natural resources. President Trump should be commended for no longer kowtowing to the demands of the green lobby, which wishes to deprive citizens of the world's most inexpensive fuel and farmers from their plants' primary fertilizer - carbon dioxide - which is their 'breathe of life'.

"It's time for the public to understand that utilizing fossil fuels has no negative impact on the environment. They don't affect the temperature of our planet, and they do improve the standard of living of every American."

Jay Lehr

Science Director

The Heartland Institute

jlehr@heartland.org

312/377-4000



"Even as Al Gore claims a cold winter is exactly what we should expect from global warming, President Trump ignores this nonsense and proceeds with his America First Energy Plan. The move to allow offshore drilling is a profoundly positive policy that will benefit all Americans. Thank you Mr. President."

Fred Palmer

Senior Fellow, Energy Policy

The Heartland Institute

fpalmer@heartland.org

312/377-4000

"This is great news. One more step in President Trump's plan to make American energy dominant. The Trump administration recognizes fossil fuels are the lifeblood of the U.S. economy, provide high paying jobs, and benefits the nation as a whole.

"Though the dividends in terms of oil produced may not be paid for years, starting the exploration and leasing now, means more oil and gas will be delivered in a timely fashion to keep the economy humming along as production from existing platforms in the Gulf, off the coast of California, and the Arctic decline over time."

H. Sterling Burnett

Senior Fellow, Environment & Energy Policy

The Heartland Institute

Managing Editor, Environment & Climate News

hburnett@heartland.org

214/909-2368

"According to the International Energy Agency, there is a continued large-scale need for investment to develop a total of 670 billion barrels of new resources to 2040, mostly to make up for declines at existing fields rather than to meet the increase in demand. Developing offshore resources will be crucial to meeting this goal.

"Offshore oil production is a large part of American oil production, with the Gulf Coast producing approximately 1.5 million barrels per day, which is approximately 17 percent of total U.S. oil production.

"It generally takes several years before offshore oil fields can be developed, therefore the Trump administration is giving energy producers the option to explore for oil and gas reserves and develop leases should high oil prices return in the coming years and decades.

Isaac Orr

Research Fellow, Energy and Environment Policy

The Heartland Institute

iorr@heartland.org

312/377-4000

"Once again we see good things from Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. With yesterday's announcement, he took the next step for developing the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (National OCS Program) for 2019-2024, which proposes to make over 90 percent of the total OCS acreage and more than 98 percent of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources in federal offshore areas available to consider for future exploration and development.

"The Draft Proposed Program (DPP) includes 47 potential lease sales in 25 of the 26 planning areas - 19 sales off the coast of Alaska, 7 in the Pacific Region, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, and 9 in the Atlantic Region. This is the largest number of lease sales ever proposed for the National OCS Program's 5-year lease schedule.

"As this moves forward, we should see economic growth, new high-paying jobs, and increased energy security."

Bette Grande

Research Fellow, Energy Policy

The Heartland Institute

governmentrelations@heartland.org

312/377-4000

Ms. Grande represented the 41st District in the North Dakota Legislature from 1996 to 2014.

"Realistically, opening an area for 'drilling' that has been closed for decades, really means starting the process of evaluating the resource potential of an area using state of the art seismic data. It is in the interest of any nation to have an accurate assessment of offshore energy reserves. To incentivize industry to start the process, there must be the opportunity to actually capture the resources via drilling if the seismic data and geology indicate the potential reward is worth the cost. At a minimum, the Trump administration is doing the right thing by initiating that process.

Joseph Leimkuhler

Vice President, Drilling

LLOG Exploration L.L.C.

Policy Advisor, The Heartland Institute

media@heartland.org

312/377-4000

"Opening up offshore oil and gas drilling will be a boon to the American people. It will not only be several times more cost effective than wind and solar energy, it will enable our energy industry to increase the exporting of fuels."

Walter Cunningham

Apollo 7 astronaut and author

Policy Advisor, The Heartland Institute

walt@waltercunningham.com

312/377-4000

"Being true to its goal of energy independence and energy domination, the Trump administration provides the mechanism for this goal by opening up the nation's vast store of oil and natural gas in offshore waters. This will create thousands of high paying jobs, billions of dollars in taxes and royalties, and makes America an energy provider for nations unable to supply themselves.

James H. Rust

Professor of nuclear engineering (ret.), Georgia Tech

Policy Advisor, Energy & Environment

The Heartland Institute

jrust@bellsouth.net

404/875-3874

"I wholeheartedly applaud the proposal to increase off shore drilling. In light of the enormous uncertainties surrounding the CO2 - global warming link, U.S. energy independence should be this country's top priority."

Arthur Viterito, Ph.D.

Professor of Geography

College of Southern Maryland

Policy Advisor, The Heartland Institute

arthurv@csmd.edu

312/377-4000

The Heartland Institute is a 34-year-old national nonprofit organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Its mission is to discover, develop, and promote free-market solutions to social and economic problems. For more information, visit our website or call 312/377-4000.

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Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.aspRyanair has announced changes to its baggage system which will come into place next Monday, writes Cillian Sherlock.

You will no longer be able to bring two carry-on bags with you onto the plane unless you are a priority boarding customer.

From Monday, your second, larger wheelie bag must be placed on hold at the boarding gate, still free of charge.

Non-priority customers will still be allowed to bring one smaller carry-on bag onto the aircraft.

Regular fliers may already be accustomed to being asked to place their carry-on luggage on hold.

Ryanair said too many customers were availing of the two free carry-on service which lead to not enough overhead cabin space.

The airline said this caused boarding and flight delays.

As part of its "Always Getting Better" programme, the airline also announced that the check-in bag allowance has increased from 15kg to 20kg for all bags while the fee has been cut from 35 to 25 for the 20kg bag.

Priority Boarding comes at a cost of 5 at the time of booking, or 6 if added on the Ryanair app up to 30 minutes before scheduled departure, or two hours before your scheduled departure on Ryanair.com

"Were reminding our customers that from Monday, only Priority Boarding customers will be allowed to bring two carry-on bags on the aircraft," said Ryanair's Kenny Jacobs.

"All other customers will be allowed to bring one smaller carry-on bag on board, while their second (bigger) wheelie bag will be placed in the hold (free of charge) at the boarding gate.

"This will speed up the boarding of flights and eliminate flight delays, alongside our new checked bag policy which offers our customers lower bag fees for a 33% increase in their checked bag allowance.Dancing with the Stars judge Lorraine Barry has said she is going to auction off her DWTS dresses for charity.

Speaking on The Ryan Tubridy Show on RTE Radio 1 this morning, Barry said she plans to use the auctions to help raise money for dementia.

Barry told Tubridy that she gets all her dresses made in Italy.

"I fly to Italy and I have a stylist over there. I also have Clementine, my stylist here.

"Together we work on the outfits, which is so exciting for me because its like me preparing for my competitions all over again. So I used to design my own dance dresses and now Im doing it for the judges."

Barry has decided each month, one dress that she has worn will be auctioned for charity.

"I want to actually auction each month, one dress...one of the dresses I will wear.

"At the end of the month we are going to then do an auction and that will then go to a lovely charity for dementia."

Barry decided to raise money for dementia as "its in the news and it happens to a lot of the older generation.

"Dancing has helped dementia tremendously, it really keeps the brain going, the coordination of the body as well, so it has been proven to be very good."

While on the show, she also chatted to Tubridy about the returning show, where the men took to the dancefloor last night.

Getting ready for Show 1 tonight. Its hair and make up time ..... this brings back great memories of me getting ready to compete....  Loraine Barry (@loraine_barry) January 7, 2018

Barry said she felt the judges were very honest and found last nights dancers "were all on quite an even par, some parts were good and some parts were not so good."

You can listen to the full interview below.The Health Minister says it is time to break the cycle of overcrowding in the health service.

Simon Harris was speaking after it was agreed all non-urgent elective procedures are to be curtailed in a bid to tackle the problem.

The emergency department taskforce met this afternoon to discuss the ongoing crisis and to set out measures to deal with it.

There are 555 patients waiting on trolleys around the country today, compared to last Wednesday's record high of 677.

General Secretary of the INMO Phil Ni Sheaghda says there is a concern we havent seen the worst of it yet.

She said: "Its been confirmed that the flu spike is probably not with us yet, and we are concerned about the availability of acute beds.

"The HSE have confirmed that they have notified hospital groups that they should curtail all non-urgent elective work, particularly as we are going to be facing a bigger crisis in the area of the flu in this week and next week."

Patients representatives have expressed their concern over the move to curtail some procedures.

Stephen McMahon with the Irish Patients Association said: "The issue of planned electives being cancelled, I did raise it as a concern and I am to provided with a report of the numbers of patients who have been affected by that.

"Obviously then from that, is to ensure that those patients are rescheduled back in quickly to get the necessary treatment, mindful of the fact that in some cases, they have been waiting for years."Maurice McCabe had reason to believe the worst was past by late 2016, until false reports of child sex abuse blighted 2017, says Michael Clifford.

Last year wasnt supposed to be major in the story of Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

He had been through the ringer and had come out the other side, it had seemed.

However, an incident in September 2016 proved vital in his unfolding story.

McCabe and Superintendent David Taylor had both made protected disclosures after a meeting between the two of them.

At the meeting Taylor, who by then had been suspended from the force for over a year on an unrelated matter, told the sergeant that he had been part of a conspiracy to smear McCabe.

This, he said, had taken place when Taylor was head of the garda press office, a position he held between 2012 and 2014.

Taylors role was to brief journalists that McCabe had questions to answer in relation to child sexual abuse. This was entirely scurrilous, but Taylor said he was only doing his job.

He also claimed that he was acting on instructions from then commissioner, Martin Callinan. Mr Callinan denies any such activity.

Taylor also claimed that Noirin OSullivan, who was deputy commisisoner at the time, was aware of the campaign. She denies any such knowledge.

Following on from the meeting between McCabe and Taylor, the former made a protected disclosure about this information. He informed Taylor about this and Taylor made his own disclosure.

Retired judge Iarfhlaith ONeill was appointed to examine the disclosures. He reported back to the then Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, on December 6. There was no further development until late January, when word seeped out that a decision was imminent.

Frances Fitzgerald

Meanwhile, away from the glare of the media, McCabe and hiw wife, Lorraine, were coming to terms with another shocking development. Through their solicitor, they had applied for the file on McCabe held at Tusla, the child and family agency.

This came about following a letter received the previous year, which had suggested that McCabe was suspected of serious child abuse.

This was completely false and would eventually be discovered as the result of a series of shocking errors at the agency.

The problem originated when Ms D, the daughter of a colleague of McCabes, attended a counselling session in July 2013.

In 2006, she made an allegation against McCabe that he had touched her inappropriately some eight years previously, when she was six.

The allegation came some months after McCabe had reported her father for ill-discipline. Her father had also unsuccessfully applied for the job McCabe held, sergeant-in-charge at Bailiborough garda station.

The allegation was investigated and found not to have substance. The local state solicitor said if the alleged incident had even occurred, it amounted to horseplay.

The DPPs ruling was equally emphatic. The ruling questioned the credibility of the allegation, adding that it was vague and then stated: Even if there wasnt a doubt over her credibility, the incident, as described, does not constitute a sexual assault or, indeed, an assault.

McCabe assumed that was the end of the matter, but, unbeknownst to him, it surfaced again in 2013. In July of that year, Ms D attended counselling. At the time, McCabe was engaged in highlighting malpractice in the penalty points system.

Ms D said that the emergence of his name had brought up for her the issue from the past. By July 2013, McCabe had not been publicly identified in the media, but his name would have been known to gardai in Co Cavan.

Following the counselling session, the counsellor wrote up her notes and thereafter mixed up the file. McCabes name was mistakenly inserted into a completely unrelated file, one that involved an allegation of child rape.

The mistake was discovered eight months later, in May, 2014, but McCabe was never informed of its existence. Then, in January 2016, he received a letter from Tusla, saying he had to be interviewed to check whether he was a danger to children.

He followed it up and, all of 12 months later, on receiving his file, he could see what had occurred. Lorraine McCabe contacted the Minister for Children, Katherine Zappone, and demanded a meeting over how this could have been perpetrated against her husband by a state agency.

Maurice McCabe

The couple met the minister on January 25. Zappone resolved to find out what exactly had happened.

On Tuesday, February 7, in a separate development, the Cabinet agreed that a commission of inquiry should be set up, on foot of Judge ONeills recommendation. The Cabinet was not informed that another element of the story had come to the fore through Tusla, nor that the minister for children had met the McCabes.

Then, the following day, in the Dail, Brendan Howlin dropped a bombshell. He told the House that he had, that morning, received information from a journalist that OSullivan had, in the past, forwarded information to journalists alleging that McCabe was guilty of sexual crimes.

This was the first time that McCabes name had been publicly associated with such matters. The commissioner issued a press release, denying, in the strongest possible terms, the suggestion that she had engaged in the conduct alleged against a serving member of An Garda Siochana.

Within 24 hours, the story of what McCabe had been subjected to in Tusla had begun to emerge. The story broke in the Irish Examiner and, later that evening, on RTEs Prime Time.

There was an immediate public and political outcry. McCabe had been widely commended for his actions and now it looked as if he had been the subject of a major smear campaign.

At the heart of the matter was the question as to whether elements within Tusla had conspired with elements in An Garda Siochana to smear McCabe.

A few days later, the McCabes issued a statement through their solicitor, Sean Costello.

We have endured eight years of great suffering, private nightmare, public defamation, and State vilification, arising solely from the determination of McCabe to ensure that the Garda Siochana adheres to decent and appropriate standards of policing in its dealings with the Irish people.

Our personal lives, and our family life, and the lives of our five children, have been systematically attacked, in a number of ways, by agencies of the State, they said.

The statement pointed out that the family did not have faith in another behind-closed-doors inquiry, after their experience at the OHiggins commission.

Under the circumstances, the Government had little choice but to accede to the request.

Instead of a commission of inquiry, there would now be a public tribunal, chaired by Judge Peter Charleton, to investigate all the issues around whether there had been a campaign to attack McCabes character.

The tribunal began public hearings in June to deal, initially, with the generation of the false allegation against McCabe in Tusla.

What emerged over the course of a months evidence was a series of mistakes in the agency that pointed towards extremely slipshod practice, rather than conspiracy.

A litany of errors was uncovered. At one point in the hearings, the area manager for Tusla in Cavan/Monaghan was asked about the errors.

There isnt an error in his [McCabes] favour, Patrick Marrinan, lawyer for the tribunal, put to the witness. Nobody made a mistake by which he benefited, do you understand?

And there are those who may say that this litany of grave errors cant just simply be the coincidence after coincidence after coincidence that is being suggested, do you understand?

Lowry replied that he understood.

I think they are terrible errors, consistently, but they were absolutely coincidences, he said. Bad file management.

The other matter to emerge from the tribunal hearings is that there was knowledge of the false allegation within the gardai, all the way to up headquarters. Yet nobody thought to inform McCabe, a serving garda, that this had occurred. Judge Charleton has already stated that he regards this as a serious matter.

The tribunals report on Tulsa has not been issued, as of yet, and most likely wont be, until all of the other modules are completed.

In September, the tribunal heard evidence in a separate, unrelated module concerning a different garda, Keith Harrison. He and his partner had alleged that there had been collusion between the gardai and Tusla in an attempt to target him.

Judge Charleton issued his report in November, which dismissed the allegations in their entirety.

In reality, the Harrison stuff should never have been included in the tribunal and was only there because, initially, it appeared as if it might be similar in some way to what the McCabes had gone through. The tribunal certainly dismissed the notion of any such similarities.

Elsewhere, there was further fall-out. In September, OSullivan resigned, citing the pressures of being accountable to various bodies.

It has become clear, over the last year, that the core of my job is now about responding to an unending cycle of requests, questions, instructions, and public hearings, involving various agencies, including the Public Accounts Committee, the Justice and Equality Committee, the Policing Authority, and various other inquiries, and dealing with inaccurate commentary surrounding all of these matters, her resignation letter read.

OSullivan had been under pressure on a number of fronts, but her handling of the Maurice McCabe story was particularly questionable.

In December, Fitzgerald, resigned. She had become embroiled in a controversy over how much she knew about an attempt to smear Sergeant McCabe at the OHiggins tribunal.

OSullivan is due to give evidence at the Charleton Tribunal tomorrow and Wednesday, while Fitzgerald is scheduled to appear before the tribunal on Tuesday, January 16.The digitalisation of National Library of Ireland papers will shine a light on the pre-independence era, writes Niall Murray.

THE letters, official documents, secret military orders, and other papers from figures in Irelands political and military revolution are to be made available online.

A project to digitise some of the most important manuscript collections held in the National Library of Ireland (NLI) will mean the documents are easily accessible to researchers and others interested in the history of the period that led to Irish independence.

The NLIS Towards A Republic project will see large tranches of documents made available in a number of phased releases.

These may be linked to the commemoration of significant events during the remainder of the Decade of Commemorations through to 2023. It will include, for example, the digitisation of personal papers of signatories to the December 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty that secured Irish independence, but which also led to partition and the Irish Civil War the following year.

Other key moments likely to be marked are the December 1918 general election in which Sinn Fein secured most Irish seats, the genesis of Dail Eireanns formation in January 1919. The NLIs collections include the personal papers and archives associated with many leading figures in the revolutionary government.

Among those likely to have their material digitised are Sinn Fein founder and early Dail minister Arthur Griffith, and Irish Parliamentary Party leader John Redmond, whose Home Rule campaign was overtaken by Sinn Fein after the Easter Rising.

Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith.

But the papers of people lesser-known to the general public will also help tell the story of what happened behind the scenes.

The items held by the NLI from Sean M ODuffy, for example, mainly relate to the operation in Wexford and Wicklow of the courts operated by Dail Eireann as part of the republican governments efforts to undermine the British justice system in Ireland.

The centenary of womens suffrage will be celebrated in 2018, as the general election of 1918 was the first in which women  although not all  had a vote. It was also the vote in which Irish revolutionary Constance Markievicz became the first woman elected to Westminster, though she took part instead in the first Dail.

The papers of both prominent and lesser-known women active in the period may also be digitised by the NLI. It has a collection, for example, of papers relating to Annie OFarrelly, who was involved with the IRA and Cumann na mBan, including her letters home while a prisoner of the Irish Free State in the Civil War.

Papers of JJ OConnell and Ernie OMalley give an insight into the operations of the IRA during the War of Independence, and into both sides in the subsequent Civil War during 1922 and 1923.

The importance of publicity and propaganda to the campaign for independence, and how those tactics were deployed, should be evident in papers of figures such as Erskine Childers and Piaras Beaslai. While both worked in that area, they took opposing views during the Civil War, and Childers was executed by the National Army in November 1922.

The NLI said the personal papers of many figures provide complex insights into the events and personalities that shaped the period.

They go beyond the experience and perspectives of the individuals themselves through their correspondence and interaction with diverse and opposing figures and organisations, a spokesperson said.

The NLI expects the digitised resources in its Towards A Republic project to be of great interest to historians, researchers, school, third-level, and lifelong learning programmes.

They will also appeal to family researchers, media, those engaged in podcasting and video focusing on archival materials, public talks and discussions, and digital humanities projects.

The project is being undertaken as part of a 2m investment in cultural digitisation approved in November by then-culture minister Heather Humphreys to support initiatives at the NLI and other national institutions and cultural heritage organisations.

Among the themes that Towards A Republic will allow researchers to explore, without having to visit the NLI reading rooms in Dublin, is the international dimension to the independence campaign.

An archive of thousands of items associated with Art O Briain tells the story of the Dails work in London as it sought international recognition and funding for an Irish republic.

The same collection features hundreds of letters and replies in relation to Irish prisoners in England during the War of Independence, and in support and sympathy around the 1920 hunger strike and death of Corks Lord Mayor Terence MacSwiney in Brixton Prison.

For affairs on the other side of the Atlantic, insights can be gleaned from papers likely to be put online in relation to the work of Irish-American leaders and those who toured the US from Ireland.

Irish republican leaders with John Devoy, seated, in America, probably in 1919 or 1920. Standing, left to right: Harry Boland, Liam Mellows, Eamon de Valera, Patrick McCartan, and Diarmuid Lynch. Picture: National Library of Ireland

John Devoys papers include notes and correspondence in relation to his work seeking support for Irish independence among the Irish-American community, and from officials in the US administration.

The veteran republican had helped organise funding and attempts to arm the 1916 Rising. But he clashed with Eamon de Valera when Dev toured the United States during the War of Independence on a mission for political and financial support.

Dev was accompanied on the tour by the Dails representative in the US, Patrick McCartan, whose papers in the NLI detail his part in that clash which split the Clan na Gael movement.

Other figures whose papers are being considered for online publication include Florence ODonoghue, one of the key figures in the Cork IRAs major role in the War of Independence.

With hundreds of folders of documents from the period, as well as later testimonies given to him when he became a historian of the revolution, Kerry-born ODonoghues collection helps paint a particularly vivid picture of the IRAs use of intelligence in the conflict with British Crown Forces.

A collection of letters used by ODonoghue and historian Meda Ryan for their biographies of anti-Treaty IRA chief Liam Lynch is also held separately by the NLI.

It contains many insights into the progress of the War of Independence, and the situation leading to the Civil War, which came to an end shortly after Lynch was shot dead on a mountain near the Cork-Tipperary border in April 1923.

But one letter, written in the final weeks before the July 1921 Truce led to the end of the War of Independence, reveals the ordinary strifes that beset even the leading revolutionaries.

He closed a letter to his mother with the usual guidance on which safe-house address to send her reply, but not without also issuing an important instruction.

I am after breaking my rimless glasses, so for heavens sake send me on by post my other goldrimmed ones, wrote Lynch.The Decision Support Service will implement the Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) Act, enabling people who are physically or mentally diminished to have a say in how they live, but its terms will inevitably be set and reset by the messiness of human need, says Caroline ODoherty.

ITS the new state agency that few will people have heard of, but which many will come to entrust with some of the most personal aspects of their life and death.

The Decision Support Service (DSS), consisting of a director and a large, empty office floor, will be built up over the coming year for the implementation of one of the most reforming pieces of human rights legislation of recent times.

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act has been law for two years, but it has yet to be commenced (apart from the appointment of a director).

Aine Flynn, formerly a senior solicitor at KOD Lyons, a law firm specialising in criminal law and human rights, is that director. She headed up the human rights side of KOD Lyons and says she sees the act primarily as human rights legislation.

Im hoping to market, so to speak, the DSS as a human rights agency. It has human rights very much at its core, she says.

So what are those rights? They are the right to have input into decisions about how you live your life, when your capacity to make those decisions, and make them known, is diminished by illness or disability.

The ward-of-courts system was set up for such cases, but it stems from the archaic and insultingly titled Lunacy Act of 1871. It concentrates on people with property or other assets, is run by the courts, and is applied in the most extreme cases.

It has been an all-or-nothing situation: you either become a ward of court (where a court-appointed committee handles your affairs, as is currently the case for 2,800 people) or you rely on an ad hoc arrangement (where well-intentioned family members, carers, and other professionals do what they think is in your best interest).

For many people, their capacity to make decisions varies with the nature of their condition, the kinds of decisions they face, and when they face them.

Ms Flynn says traditional mental status examinations do not allow for such subtleties. There has been a move away from them, but, I think, it possibly still is happening that people would be asked do you know who you are?, where you are?, who the Taoiseach is?, can you spell this word backwards?, and so on, and then, following that algorithm, a decision is made that you dont have capacity and, potentially, dont have capacity in relation to anything.

The act introduces the functional test of capacity, which is time-specific and issue-specific, so its a recognition that you may have capacity to decide about one matter, but perhaps not about something that is more complex or grave.

So, if you have an intellectual disability, you might be very well-equipped to say what you want to do with your income or your social welfare payment, or where you want to live and with whom, but, at the same time, you may need greater support around dealing with an inheritance or something like that.

To ensure the person gets the right balance of assistance and freedom, the act provides for a range of supports.

A person who is aware they have difficulties handling their own affairs may appoint a decision-making assistant  typically a family member or carer  to help them get the information and explanations they need to make a decision for themselves, or they can appoint a co-decision-maker to make the decision jointly with them.

Assistants and co-decision-makers will be registered with, and supervised by, the DSS, which has powers to intervene and investigate, if there is any complaint or doubt about how they are handling their responsibilities.

A further tier of support will come from the appointment, by the Circuit Court, of a decision-making representative, who will make decisions on behalf of someone who, even with help, does not have the capacity to do so themselves. Those decisions must reflect the will and preference of the person, rather than what may be considered to be in their best interest.

Yet another tier comes in the form of enduring powers of attorney, whereby a person can, at a time when they have full decision-making capacity, appoint someone who will take over when they no longer have that capacity. Again, the DSS will supervise.

Once the act is implemented, people who are currently wards of court will be assessed to see what, if any, arrangement best suits their needs.

But, simultaneously, many more people will begin to enter the various different arrangements provided for. In many cases, that will be prompted by a healthcare issue, but the impetus can come from many different sources.

It could fall to a solicitor, to the bank manager, to an insurance professional  to all sorts of people  to perform a functional-capacity test and decide whether or not they think the person in front of them has the capacity to take the decision that is on the table. If they think capacity is an issue, theyll need to get us involved.

It sounds like a big responsibility and Ms Flynn doesnt downplay its significance, but she says there will be codes of practice for different professions to follow.

Aine Flynn, the first director of the new Decision Support Service, which will be built up over the coming years.

The National Disability Authority is drafting 11 suites of code on the non-health side, and then HSE has a group working on a guide to the act for all social and healthcare professionals. And, certainly, I know the Law Society has been doing work on it.

But she believes the level of understanding among professionals in commercial fields is probably patchy and that there is a wariness about the changes.

I fully understand that a lot of professionals are saying this is all about exposure for me, that its a whole new way to have to do things, so I want resources and training, that I want an absolutely cast-iron explanation of how this is going to work, so that Im not going to land myself in trouble.

I absolutely get that and I think thats something that we all have a responsibility to work towards.

The last thing I want is for someone to think, if I am charging a small fee to do a small piece of work for a vulnerable person  say, as a solicitor  why would I bother, if its going to involve so many complicated new processes?

So, it does require education, but its coming and I think we just need to embrace it and accept that what we have, at the moment, is not satisfactory. What we have, at the moment, is, she says, lots of ad hoc processes.

The healthcare profession know that next of kin has no basis in law, for example, and so the act brings certainty as to who is responsible for what.

I appreciate, entirely, that families dealing with, perhaps, intellectually disabled adults, might think, I dont need this hassle. Theyve been caring for somebody since childhood, they know exactly how to handle the situation, and to say to them theres now a new way of doing things, I think, presents difficulties and challenges.

But this isnt about finding fault with people who have the best interests of their loved-ones at heart.

They, above all, have the human rights of their loved-ones as a central consideration, so I think the act and the DSS has to be sold to them as a force for good.

While the act is the result of years of campaigning by disability rights groups, its application is universal  particularly the section dealing with advance healthcare directives (AHDs), or living wills, as they are sometimes called.

AHDs have become more common in recent years and doctors do their best to honour them  especially where they are made by people with terminal illness who know their prognosis.

An AHD allows them to set out how far they want doctors to go in saving or prolonging their life, and can address issues such as resuscitation and life support.

But there is no legal basis for them and if a fit-and-well person was to make one, on the off-chance they were to become suddenly and critically ill or injured, its not clear how much weight their AHD would carry in the emotionally charged setting of an intensive care unit, with a distraught family maintaining a bedside vigil, begging doctors to do everything in their power to keep their loved-one alive.

Ms Flynn has considered such scenes and believes having an AHD registered with the DSS would, in most cases, help families deal with the tragedy they are facing.

Everybody should have an advance healthcare directive and enduring power of attorney, she says.

People fear that its an awful burden on somebody to make them their attorney, but it means they have the seal of approval to proceed with decisions, rather than have a situation where there might be a group of siblings and theyre left wondering who should take charge and whether they have to have family conferences about everything. The nature of families is that, perhaps, you dont all see eye-to-eye, but if youre simply following a directive, that can be better for relations and put you under less pressure.

Practical issues arise with the creation of registers of AHDs and decision-makers. They may need to be accessible on a 24-hour basis, so a bespoke IT system, with linkages to hospitals and other institutions, will have to be developed, and there are data-protection questions around who will be allowed to access them.

All that has to be worked out, but its a doable exercise, if a complicated one, Ms Flynn says.

Nothing can be worked out until the right people are in place, however, and, in the coming weeks, a human resources manager will be appointed to start recruiting the IT, legal, administrative and other professionals necessary to get the agency ready for business.

Ms Flynn estimates that she will need upwards of 50 people, but they may not all be full-time or in one location, as panels of solicitors may be created around the country who can be called upon to help on a case-by-case basis.

These are just the practicalities and, having overseen the merger of two law firms, to create KOD Lyons, she is confident that the right structures and systems can be put in place.

What she is more concerned about, however, is getting mindsets right. The new act places the will and preference of the person who is the subject of an assisted decision arrangement at its centre.

In Ireland, up to now, and even in Britain, where assisted decision-making has been law for some time, the guiding principle is the best interest of that person.

Thats a big change, because that sort of paternalism has informed policy for generations, she says.

It may be in the best interests of a vulnerable person that they enter residential care for their own health and safety, for example, but if their will and preference is to remain living independently, then thats what must take precedence.

A proportion of older people living in nursing homes could stay in their own homes, if they had sufficient supports and, anecdotally, the view is that many of them would prefer that.

The act could prove a lifeline for them, because they will have to be asked for their consent to be moved to, or retained in, a nursing home, and if they are unable to give consent, a DSS-registered decision-maker, assistant decision-maker, co-decision-maker, or attorney will have to step in and give their honest appraisal.

If the persons will and preference are to be at home, then efforts will have to be made to honour their wishes.

That could put pressure on the HSEs stretched home-care packages and community supports, but Ms Flynn says resources should not be the decider of human rights. The new procedures will apply to all new residents  not just of nursing homes, but other residential care units, too  but they will also apply retrospectively to existing residents, who did not give full consent to their care arrangement.

Effectively, they are being contained, Ms Flynn says. They are subject to constant supervision and their movements are curtailed, so they dont have their liberty and they are not consenting to that arrangement.

What safeguards are there around that, who is monitoring that, who has give their approval to that deprivation of liberty? Its not provided for in law.

Something like 80% of the nursing home population would have capacity issues, because they would be dementia sufferers and, in a great many cases, steps need to be taken to safeguard them and, therefore, doors are locked and movements are restricted. But who says its alright to lock that door? Thats whats going to be regulated.

New Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, or DOLS, will be written into the act to ensure the proper procedures are gone through, before a person is placed in a setting where freedom is restricted.

Those already in residential care will have their case reviewed either by the courts or a specially convened tribunal  the mechanism has not been worked out, yet. Upwards of 25,000 cases may have to be reviewed. It would require, Ms Flynn warns, an awful lot of work.

In many cases, the existing care arrangement may be found to be working perfectly well for all concerned, but Ms Flynn wont second-guess what scenarios might arise  under the DOLS or any other provision in the 137-page act.

One section may have to be rewritten, depending on the outcome of the next abortion referendum, and any ensuing legislation. It states that where a pregnant woman lacks capacity and has an AHD that stipulates refusal of certain treatments, but which doesnt specify what should happen if she is pregnant at the time it is consulted, then it should be set aside and treatment continued for the sake of the unborn.

Where the woman lacks capacity and has an AHD that stipulates refusal of certain treatments, even if she is pregnant, an application must be made to the High Court to decide how to proceed.

So, despite the groundbreaking nature of the act, as it is currently written, it probably would not have made much difference in the tragic case of Miss P, the young woman in the early stages of pregnancy who was declared brain dead, but kept artificially alive, against the wishes of her parents and partner, for three weeks in 2014, while legal argument raged over what to do about her foetus.

The act cant cover everything. There are codes of practice which will attempt to cover as much as we can envisage, but not all the answers will have occurred to me, yet, and not all the answers are contained in the act. Thats why we will have litigation over this, Ms Flynn says.

She makes this prediction in a matter-of-fact manner and says it is nothing to be afraid of. There are solicitors just like me  probably former colleagues of mine  who will be going through this with a fine-toothed comb and who will, undoubtedly, challenge aspects of it.

Thats okay. If a law is going to work well, it has to be robust and, for it to be robust, we have to find out if it has weaknesses and address those.On the 50th anniversary of Terence ONeills meeting with Jack Lynch, Ryle Dwyer examines the two leaders efforts to improve relations between North and South

Fifty years ago today, Prime Minister Terence ONeill of Northern Ireland called on the Taoiseach Jack Lynch at Iveagh House, Dublin.

There had been no advance publicity, largely to ensure that Ian Paisley would not be able to upstage the meeting with his antics.

ONeill arrived in Dublin, unannounced on January 8, 1968. Lynch came out to the car to greet him. The dozen reporters present were impressed at the friendly informality.

How are you Jack? ONeill said as he alighted from the car, extending his hand to the Taoiseach.

ONeill was accompanied by his wife, Jean, and a number of officials. They had lunch in Iveagh House with the Taoiseach and his wife, Maureen, together with a number of official staff, and five of Lynchs cabinet colleagues and their wives.

The ministers were Tanaiste Frank Aiken, Charles Haughey of Finance, George Colley of Industry and

Commerce, Neil Blaney of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Transport Minister Erskine Childers.

The official statement at the end of the four-hour meeting stated that progress had been made in areas of consultation and co-operation.

The Taoiseach said they discussed industry, tourism, electricity supply, and trade, as well as tariff concessions, and measures taken by both governments to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease from Britain.

Afterwards, ONeill returned to the North, by a different route in order to avoid any possible demonstration. Ian Paisley had been developing a high profile for himself with his attacks on ONeill in recent months. But he missed the opportunity to protest on this occasion.

Next day he issued a statement regretting ONeills return home. I would advise Mr Lynch to keep him, Paisley announced.

Five years earlier, in 1963, ONeill had become Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. From very early on, he tried to break down sectarian barriers between the two Northern communities.

He also sought to improve relations with the Republic by eradicating the impasse in relations that had existed since the 1920s. He invited Taoiseach Sean Lemass to meet him at Stormont on January 14, 1965.

Lemass courageously accepted the invitation. At their initial meeting, when they were briefly alone, Lemass said to ONeill, I shall get into terrible trouble for this!

No, Mr Lemass, the Northern premier replied, it is I who will get into terrible trouble.

ONeill made his return visit to Dublin on February 9, 1965, and the two leaders agreed to co-operate on tourism and electricity. It was Lemass who made the most significant concessions, because the Irish Constitution did not recognise the existence of the North.

Article 2 of the Constitution actually claimed sovereignty over the whole island. Thus, by formally meeting the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, ONeill claimed that Lemass accorded him a de facto recognition.

The Taoiseach then bolstered this at their follow-up meeting in Iveagh House, Dublin, three weeks later.

The place card in front of me at Iveagh House bore the inscription, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, ONeill proudly explained. Surely this was tantamount to formal recognition. But many Unionists still had grave reservations about dealing with the Republic of Ireland.

In 1966 Ian Paisley established the Protestant Unionist Party to oppose ONeill. He roused sectarian tension by holding mass demonstrations at which he branded ONeill as the Ally of Popery.

Nevertheless, public opinion polls indicated support for ONeills leadership from both communities in the North.

After Jack Lynch replaced Lemass as Taoiseach in late 1966, ONeill continued with his efforts to improve relations with the Dublin government by inviting Lynch to Stormont Castle. The Taoiseach travelled to Belfast by car on December 11, 1967.

There was no formal announcement of his visit, but word was leaked to Paisley after the Taoiseachs car crossed the border.

Paisley arrived at Stormont with his wife and a handful of supporters, just minutes before the Taoiseach. With snow on the ground, two of Paisleys church ministers  Rev. Ivan Foster and Rev. William McCrea  began throwing snowballs at Lynchs car.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) promptly grabbed the two ministers. While they were being bundled into a police car, Paisley was bellowing, No Pope here! 

Which one of us does he think is the Pope? Lynch asked his travelling companion, T.K. Whitaker.

Paisley demanded to be arrested by the RUC, and actually tried to get into the police car with his two colleagues, but he was pulled away. The two clergymen were taken to an RUC station and quickly released.

Lynch ridiculed the protest. It was a seasonal touch, he said. It reminds me of what happens when I go through a village at home and the boys come and throw snowballs.

Paisley said he had come to protest against the smuggling of Lynch into Stormont. If he had known about the visit earlier, he said that he would have brought along 10,000 people to protest. Denouncing ONeill, as a snake in the grass, he went on to accuse Lynch of being a murderer of our kith and kin.

There is no doubt that Capt. ONeill has the full support of his colleagues and of the country, the Unionist Newsletter proclaimed in an editorial.

ONeills four formal meetings with Lynch and his predecessor had contributed to a thaw in relations at the summit between Belfast and Dublin, but the whole process was exploited by others to fan the flames of Northern sectarianism.

People did not realise it in early 1968, but Northern Ireland was about to explode. On October 5, 1968, people gathered in Derry for a civil rights march that had been banned by Stormont.

When the march began, it was viciously attacked by the RUC. This ignited a series of further protests, which ultimately led to Bloody Sunday, and the eruption of the Troubles for the next quarter of a century.Maurice McCabe and his family are hoping to finally learn in the coming weeks what, if any, lengths were gone to by agents of the State to attack him, shut him up, or even destroy his character, writes Michael Clifford.

Did elements and agents of the State collude to attack the character of Maurice McCabe?

This is the principal question to be addressed when the Disclosures Tribunal resumes public hearings today.

The issue was the focus of the first module of the tribunal last year, but now it moves into a different phase.

Its a matter of immense importance. If the State colluded in any way to attack a citizen, particularly a member of An Garda Siochana, then serious accountability is required.

There have been instances when agents of the State may have been responsible for attacking citizens, usually where the target was suspected of serious criminal offences.

The McCabe case, however, is of a completely different order. His offence in the eyes of the States agents was to highlight how An Garda Siochana was not doings its job properly, and the lengths to which some were willing to go to cover up malpractice.

The issue to be opened today involves what happened behind the closed doors of a Commission of Investigation in May 2015.

The OHiggins commission was set up on foot of a report in 2014 from senior counsel Sean Guerin.

He had investigated Sergeant McCabes allegations of malpractice in Cavan/Monaghan and found that a full commission would be required to properly investigate the matter.

Guerin went even further. I have seen extensive documentation which gives cause for concern about the personal and professional consequences for Sergeant McCabe of his having made the complaints examined in this report and other similar complaints.

It is not for me to express any view of those matters, except to say that Sergeant McCabes experience calls for examination.

Retired high court judge Kevin OHiggins was appointed to chair the commission. He began work in December 2014 and commenced hearings on May 14, 2015. The Commission of Investigation model was introduced by then minister for justice Michael McDowell in 2004 to alleviate the huge costs of public tribunals.

By 2004, the planning and payments to politicians tribunals had been sitting for seven years  and both were only roughly halfway through their eventual life spans. There was, among the public, outrage at the cost as lawyers drank deeply at the tribunal trough.

McDowells model was to put an end to this expensive method of inquiry. It was to be conducted in private, alleviating the need for everybody to be lawyered up. Prior to OHiggins, the model was used a number of times, most successfully in inquiries into clerical sexual abuse.

But just as holding inquiries behind closed doors cuts down on cost, it also cuts down on transparency. While inquiries are usually set up in response to public concerns, the public do not have sight of the inquiry in progress. Instead, just a report is published.

Notwithstanding this reservation, the model was regarded as a success. Then along came the OHiggins commission and some of what went on behind the inquirys closed doors would eventually elicit major controversy.

The Disclosures Tribunal will examine whether there was an attempt in the early days of OHiggins to portray McCabe as a man with a grudge. If the turbulent sergeant had a grudge, this would cast his complaints of malpractice in a different, darker light.

It would portray him as a man not intent on highlighting malpractice but one who was out to do harm to the reputation of the force. If successful, it would also call into immediate question the high opinion that the public, and much of the body politic, had of McCabe at the time.

The issue that was about to impinge on OHiggins concerned an allegation by the daughter of a colleague of McCabes dating from 2006. The girl, now known as Ms D, claimed that McCabe had touched her inappropriately some eight years previously when she was six.

Some months before she made her complaint, McCabe had reported her father for indiscipline and he in turn had been demoted from his post.

The allegation was investigated and found to have no basis. However, the aspect of the case that was about to explode on the OHiggins commission concerned how the DPPs directions were regarded and dealt with.

On day two of the OHiggins hearings, May 15, 2015, retired chief superintendent Colm Rooney was in the witness box. On foot of questioning about meetings with McCabe he told of a meeting which he dated to May/June 2007, he claimed McCabe had requested the meeting.

Mick Wallace recently gave the Dail a summary of the evidence given by Rooney on that occasion.

Chief superintendent Colm Rooney said Maurice was angry and vicious and wanted the DPP to overturn the directions from the Ms D file, not realising that Maurice had already seen them, agreed with them and wouldnt be looking for them to be overturned.

As Wallace pointed out, Rooney was unaware that McCabe knew the directions and that the directions could not have been more favourable to him. (McCabe had been furnished with the directions by the local state solicitor once they arrived back from the DPP).

McCabe gave evidence to this effect on the next day the commission sat. Why, then, was he described as being angry in Rooneys original evidence?

Rooney was recalled to respond. At this point, he was not as emphatic as he was originally about McCabes emotional state at the meeting. There was a reference to an interpretation of McCabes anger through his body language.

Rooneys evidence on the issue, any inconsistencies and any possible explanation of why he may have provided an apparent inaccurate portrayal of McCabe in his original evidence will all be examined by the tribunal.

While Rooney was giving evidence on the first occasion, another meeting was introduced by counsel for the garda commissioner, Colm Smyth. He said there would be evidence McCabe expressed a grudge at the second meeting, which occurred in Mullingar in August 2008, associated with the DPPs directions in the Ms D case.

The meeting was between McCabe and two other officers, a superintendent and a sergeant. McCabes counsel Michael McDowell said that his client was being ambushed. He demanded some basis on which this allegation was to be introduced.

The following Monday, OHiggins and McCabes legal team were furnished with a document laying out how McCabe expressed this grudge. The document was prepared by the chief state solicitors office, which in turn comes under the aegis of the attorney general.

The five-page document went through a sequence of events, including the meeting with Rooney and leading up to the meeting in Mullingar. It stated that at Mullingar, Sgt McCabe conveyed that the only reason he made a complaint against Superintendent Clancy (McCabes district officer) was to force him to allow Sgt McCabe to have the full details of the DPP directions conveyed to him.

Again, this ignored that McCabe had possession of the DPPs directions. But in any event, McCabe was adamant that he never said any such thing, he never expressed any grudge as laid out in the chief state solicitors document. And he could prove it.

He had recorded the meeting in question at a time when he had come to believe he couldnt trust anybody. His precaution turned out to be prescient. This was one of at least four occasions on which he would be forced to revert to a recording in order to dispute another version of the meeting.

The recording was handed in and OHiggins had it verified. The superintendent was called to give evidence, which turned out not to coincide with the CSSO document.

Nothing more was heard of this matter until a year later days after the OHiggins report was published. On May 15, 2016, the Irish Examiner broke the story of what had occurred behind the closed doors of the commission.

The Disclosures Tribunal will now examine in detail what transpired during those hearings at OHiggins. In particular, it will examine how the commission could have been informed that there were two meetings in which McCabe had expressed anger or a grudge, which would have portrayed him as a man ill disposed towards An Garda Siochana for personal reasons.

This stuff is deadly serious. It may be attributable to misunderstandings, mix-ups, mistakes. If so, the carelessness shown to somebody who had been through what McCabe had endured, and a complete subsequent failure to even contact him to explain or apologise, was inexcusable.

The alternative explanation  that a person or persons were out to attack McCabes character on a false premise  is even more arresting. The tribunal will have some very serious deliberating to undertake.

Noirin OSullivan

Among the witnesses scheduled to appear in the first two weeks of the hearings are Noirin OSullivan, the senior counsel who represented her at OHiggins, Colm Smyth, and Anne Marie Ryan, a solicitor who worked in the Chief State Solicitors office.

Maurice McCabe is also scheduled to give evidence in relation to his module.

The tribunal will also examine the extent of the knowledge of what was happening at the commission around May 2015. The civilian head of human resources in An Garda Siochana, John Barrett, has told the tribunal that a colleague informed him in the weeks before the commission hearings began that, we are going after Maurice at the commission.

The other person who had some knowledge of what was occurring was then minister for justice, Frances Fitzgerald. She resigned over the issue in November and has claimed that she will be vindicated at the tribunal.

How far Judge Charleton intends to go in relation to Fitzgeralds position, and whether he considers her possible vindication to be included in the terms of reference remains to be seen.

The final module of the Disclosures Tribunal, which will follow the OHiggins module, concerns whether or not there was a smear campaign against McCabe conducted by senior Garda management.

This allegation originated with a protected disclosure made by the former head of the Garda press office, Superintendent David Taylor.

He has alleged that he briefed journalists on foot of instructions from then commissioner Martin Callinan that McCabe had questions to answer in relation to child sexual abuse.

Taylor says he was acting on instructions, and claims that Noirin OSullivan, who was deputy commissioner at the time, was fully aware of the campaign.

Both Callinan and OSullivan deny vehemently any knowledge of a smear campaign.

A number of high-profile journalists will be called to give evidence in relation to briefings from Supt Taylor, and/or other senior gardai.

Taylor has waived any right to privilege as a journalistic source.

Whether or not journalists are willing to give evidence about the briefings remains to be seen.

There will also be evidence from TD John McGuinness. He claims that he was briefed by Callinan about McCabe in a meeting in a car park outside Dublin in January 2014. This was a few days before McCabe was due to give evidence before the Dail Public Accounts Committee, of which McGuinness was chairman.

John McGuinness

The Kilkenny TD has provided the tribunal with a statement about the car park meeting. He claims Callinan asked him was he aware of issues surrounding McCabe.

The TD replied he had heard rumours about child sexual abuse but that he had been assured by McCabe that there was no truth to it.

Mr Callinan stated to me that the rumours were true, that Mr McCabe had sexually abused someone and that he was not a credible person, according to John McGuinness statement.

He went on: Mr Callinan stated that an investigation into Mr McCabes activities was underway.

Mr Callinan then asked me was I aware that Mr McCabe had abused family members.

I was shocked and extremely troubled by what Mr Callinan was telling me because the allegations being made were extremely serious and the person relaying them to me was the commissioner of An Garda Siochana.

Martin Callinan

Callinan denies ever saying any of these things. All such allegations about McCabe are completely untrue and scurrilous.

Judge Charleton will have to decide whose version of the meeting he accepts.

The comptroller and auditor general Seamus McCarthy, who keeps a very low public profile, has also provided a statement to the tribunal over what he alleges were comments made to him by Callinan. These comments differed only in emphasis from those that McGuinness claims were made to him.

There will also be evidence from RTE presenter Philip Boucher Hayes on foot of a statement he has made about what he alleges Callinan said to him about Sgt McCabe.

Judge Charleton has indicated that he hopes to finish public hearings before Easter, but these things have a habit of taking on a life of their own. The hearings are bound to be dramatic and may even be sensational.

However, far more important is the substance of the issue. Sgt McCabe and his family are entitled to know what, if any, lengths were gone to by agents of the State to attack him, shut him up, or even destroy his character.

On a broader front, the matter at issue goes to the heart of the operation of a democracy and the rights that citizens are supported to have therein.A new book on Donald Trump's White House has brought matters to a head between the US president and his former chief strategist, Stephen Bannon. But Elizabeth Drew argues the book mostly tells us what we already knew: that Trump is unqualified to be president and incapable of staffing his administration with competent aides.

THE new book about Donald Trump and his dysfunctional US presidency (Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, by Michael Wolff) has left much of Washington reeling.

Despite the White Houses constitutionally dubious threat to quash the book, the publication date was moved up four days.

But the bulk of Fire and Furys disclosures, though deeply disquieting, arent surprising.

Its not yet clear how Wolff, the books controversial author, obtained information, but it must be assumed that he taped interviews, particularly the long conversations throughout the book.

What Wolff has achieved is to get attributed quotes from high officials about how the president functions, or doesnt.

But the book mostly tells us what political-journalistic Washington already knew: that Trump is unqualified to be president and that his White House is a high-risk area of inexperienced aides. The only surprise is that there havent been more calamities.

A good portion of what was released before the books publication concerns a battle between two of the most talkative, argumentative, self-regarding braggarts US politics has ever seen: Trump and his one-time chief strategist, Stephen Bannon.

In the summer of 2016, with his campaign lacking a leader, Trump made Bannon  a scruffy, scrappy former businessman, who was then the executive chair of Breitbart News, a website preaching white nationalism  the campaigns chief executive. Bannon was full of big ideas about what a right-wing populist campaign would look like.

In many ways, however, Bannons ideal campaign closely resembled what Trump was already saying and doing: appealing to blue-collar workers by attacking immigration  for example, saying that hed build a big, beautiful wall along the border with Mexico, for which the Mexicans would pay  and trade agreements that Trump alleged were unfair to the US.

These voters came to form the core of Trumps base, and his success in wooing them, combined with Hillary Clintons stunning failure to do so, goes a long way toward explaining why he is president and she is not.

The problem for Trump is that the citizens he was wooing have never added up to a near-majority of voters. His famous base is less than 40% of the public.

But Trump and Bannon preferred not to think about that.

Trump is prone to taking out his frustrations on others  he is never to blame for his failures  and, inevitably, these landed on Bannon, who bragged more than was good for him about his power in the White House and who asserted more than he should have.

Bannon was ousted from the administration and left in August. Though he and Trump stayed in touch, in retrospect, an eventual falling-out seems to have been inevitable.

Trump and Bannon were like two overweight men trying to share a single sleeping bag. Their political world wasnt big enough for both.

They disagreed bitterly over whom to back in the race to fill a Senate seat from Alabama; but, at Bannons urging, Trump backed the erratic former state Supreme Court judge, Roy Moore, whod been removed from the bench twice, and who lost the race.

Bannon wanted to shake up the Republican establishment by backing similar outsider candidates in this years mid-term elections, which, if successful, could make it all the harder for Trump to obtain victories in Congress.

Despite his denials, it was Trump who more or less agreed to allow Wolff, whose reputation for slashing his subjects Trump presumably would have known from his years in New York City, to interview the White House staff for a book.

Some aides say they believed they were talking to Wolff off-the-record. But, even if that were true, it was hardly soothing to a furious president: they had said these things.

In Trumps view, Bannons great sin, with regard to Wolffs book, was to say highly negative things about the presidents family. Trump was particularly infuriated by Bannons description of a now-famous meeting that his son, Donald Jnr, and other senior campaign staff held in Trump Tower in June, 2016, with some Russians who said that they had dirt on Hillary Clinton.

Bannon told Wolff that the meeting was treasonous. But, depending on what actually transpired in that meeting, Bannon might not have been so far off. (Trump himself participated in a meeting aboard Air Force One, as he returned from his second presidential trip abroad, to draft a statement to cover up what happened in that Trump Tower meeting.)

Trump was also reportedly furious that Bannon had described the presidents favourite child, Ivanka, as dumb as a brick.

Wolff also reports that Ivanka and her husband, White House senior adviser, Jared Kushner, had agreed that, after their expected success at the White House, it would be Ivanka who would run for president.

Overstating matters, as is his wont, Trump claimed, in effect, that Bannon had had nothing to do with his election victory, and that the two had almost never talked one-on-one.

And, as is his wont, Trump threatened to sue Bannon. Trump has a long track record of threatening lawsuits without ever filing them, but even the threat can be costly to the putative target.

Yet the momentary obsession with the feuding within the Trump camp shouldnt obscure other realities. Behind the drama, Trump has certain, clear goals, and cabinet and agency heads who share them  and who dont get distracted by the publication of a juicy account of the presidents behaviour.

While much of Washington and its press corps were discussing the latest revelations, the US Department of Justice, which is supposed to be somewhat independent of the White House, was being turned into a partisan instrument for pursuing the presidents grudges.

Indeed, last week, it was disclosed that the DoJ was reopening an investigation into the already thoroughly investigated matter of Hillary Clintons emails. The FBI, it was also disclosed, would be looking into the Clinton Foundation.

The use of a government agency to punish a presidents previous opponent recalls the behaviour for which Richard Nixon was impeached in the 1970s, and suggests a very different form of government than a democratic one.

Elizabeth Drew is a contributing editor to The New Republic and the author, most recently, of Washington Journal: Reporting Watergate and Richard Nixons Downfall.That is the most challenging element, said one minister. While it is a straightforward way of dealing with it as an issue legally, that will cause most concern at Cabinet, from a political perspective.

The Irish Examiner has learned that the most likely date for a referendum is Friday, May 25, should the Cabinet agree to put the question to the people.

The committees report, which was published before Christmas, will be discussed by the Cabinet for the first time when it gathers on Wednesday.

While Health Minister Simon Harris will recommend to the Cabinet that abortion up to 12 weeks should be legalised, several other Cabinet ministers, speaking to the Irish Examiner, have expressed their deep discomfort with such a suggestion.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Harris said the report of the Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment should be taken seriously and acted upon.

I will be supporting, he said. I have come on my own journey. I cannot ignore that abortion is a reality for women in this country. Irish women go abroad and women access the abortion pill in an unregulated fashion in Ireland.

My own, personal view is that we should legislate along the lines of what the committee is recommending.

My own view is that the committees report should be taken very seriously and acted upon.

As minister for health, and as a Government, our job is to put the question.

Mr Harris and his officials have been developing various legal possibilities, since Leo Varadkar has become Taoiseach, and have been anticipating whatever scenarios the committee could have recommended.

Mr Harris said he was aware of concerns within Cabinet, but he could not say if individual ministers would campaign against a motion to repeal.

However, one senior Government source said the committees report gave the Cabinet a huge amount of political cover.

The benefit of the report is that it is all-party and we would be loath to deviate from it, a source said.

Once we deviate, it becomes our problem, but if we stick to the report, there is political cover.The Western Islamic Cultural Centre has lodged an objection with An Bord Pleanala, against the refusal, by Galway City Council, to grant it retrospective planning permission for the use of a house at Mincloon, Rahoon, on the western outskirts of the city, as a place of worship.

The application would have allowed the centre to continue to use the building for assembly for prayer in November.

The application had been opposed by a number of residents in the Rahoon area, who complained that there had been intensification of the use of the building, which was in a rural area without any public lighting or footpaths.

They claimed that a high level of traffic visited the mosque, on a road that was inadequate for such volume.

Locals said the suggestion, by the Western Islamic Cultural Centre, that the use of the building as a mosque was ancillary to its main use as a dwelling was incorrect.

The primary use is as a place of worship, involving, at times, a large number of persons, meeting a number of times throughout the day, said one resident.

The residents complained that a loudspeaker was used for some meetings and that the centre was open from 5am to 2am.

Galway City Council acknowledged that councillors had voted, in 2016, in favour of a material contravention of the Galway City Development Plan, against the advice of council planners to allow consideration of the use of specific lands in Mincloon as a place of congregation and worship for the citys Muslim community.

However, the council said it was also obliged, under planning legislation, to consider all potential impacts of the development.

It ruled that the use of the building as a place of worship would pose a public health hazard, because its effluent- treatment system was inadequate for the numbers using the centre.

The council said the level of noise and traffic associated with its use as a mosque would adversely affect local residents in a quiet, rural area, while the capacity of the local road network was deemed inadequate to cater for the number of vehicles using the premises.

In its appeal to An Bord Pleanala, the Western Islamic Cultural Centre claims that special zoning allows for the use of the building as a place of worship.

It claims the building is used primarily as the residence of the local Imam.

As is normal in a Muslim community, people call in to see the Imam, sometimes with their children, for prayer, advice, and to have the children blessed.

There are gatherings at prayer times, although people call in socially throughout the day and evening, said Niall Kearns, an architect advising the centre.Two senior judges were also told Dublin-based Hayes may separately be spoken to by lawyers acting for the coroner in the currently suspended inquests into the deaths of the 21 victims.

Hayes previously told a BBC interview he took collective responsibility for the organisations activities in England, including the pub bombings. He also claimed to have defused a third bomb placed outside Barclays Bank on the citys Hagley Road, when the scale of the bloodshed on November 21, 1974, became clear.

Speaking in July, when asked if he had planted either bomb in the Tavern in the Town or the Mulberry Bush, he replied: No comment. No comment.

Hayes had also made remarks about the explosives timers and the telephone warning given prior to the blasts, Lord Justice Simon and Mrs Justice Carr heard.

Late last month, West Midlands Police secured a court order to obtain un-broadcast material from the BBC interview as part of the continuing criminal investigation.

Ten of the victims families were at the High Court in Birmingham yesterday, in a legal bid to overturn coroner Peter Thorntons ruling banning the identification of suspects at fresh inquests. They are asking for a judicial review, in order to widen the inquests scope and include the perpetrator issue.

Progress on the hearings is currently suspended, pending a legal ruling.

In submissions for the coroner opposing the families application, his barrister Peter Skelton, said it was an important distinction in law that coronial and criminal processes were entirely separate. In court, Mr Skelton said the criminal process was continuing, and raised Hayes as an example of the polices ongoing work.

He said: The West Midlands Police must go about their own function and the coroner will not seek to in any way compromise that. He added: It is conceivable that if there was a criminal lead during the coroners hearing the inquest would again be suspended.

A person could be charged and prosecuted during those proceedings. For example, Michael Hayes.

That is a possibility and it will will remain a possibility throughout the inquest.

Lord Justice Simon asked what the aim of the coroner would be in viewing the un-broadcast BBC footage, given the perpetrator issue had so far been ruled out of the inquests scope.

Mr Skelton said: No, the coroner isnt investigating whether Mr Hayes perpetrated the attacks, but whether the IRA perpetrated the attacks. It may be Mr Hayes is interviewed in due course by the coroners legal team in order to further those issues.

After two days of legal submissions, Lord Justice Simon told the hearing

: This may seem to some to have been rather dry legal analysis. But we have not overlooked the background and concerns of those in court over these issues. We will however reserve our judgment. I dont think theres any serious possibility of a judgment being made before the new year.A spokesman for the hospital last night confirmed that up to 15 non-complex patients were being moved to various hospitals, with the majority going to beds bought in the Mater Private in Mahon, while others went to South Infirmary and Clonakilty Community Hospital.

He confirmed the transfer of the patients was down to overcrowding pressures.

He also intimated that similar moves had been made by other hospitals around the country in recent days.

Extra paramedics were brought in to move the patients from CUH.

News that the hospital was having to move the patients came as a two week closure of elective (non-urgent) surgeries was due to come to an end today.

That fortnights closure  the hospital met resistance from surgeons and anaesthetists when it tried to make it three weeks  came at a time when there were 1,431 people on the in-patient/day-case waiting list.

The hospital had claimed it was standard policy to curtail routine elective surgery to allow for a surge in trauma cases over the Christmas period.

Tony McNamara, chief executive of Cork University Hospital, wrote on the hospitals website calling for more honest national debate on the trolley crisis and queried figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

He said many patients were appropriately on trolleys in assessment units, awaiting a decision as to whether they needed to be admitted.Attorney general under Garrett FitzGerald by the time he was 35, Sutherland went on to a glittering career in international industry, banking and, in later years, as an advocate for dealing with the migrant crisis.

A devout Catholic, his death yesterday morning at the age of 71 at St James Hospital in Dublin, in the presence of his family, was greeted with sadness and a slew of warm tributes from political leaders both at home in Ireland and across Europe.

Yet, his critics say, he was the face and defender of big business and integration at the expense of ordinary citizens, taxpayers and nations, a charge he vehemently denied.

Survived by his wife Maruja, children Shane, Natalia and Ian, and 10 grandchildren, Sutherland had suffered ill health in recent years.

He suffered a cardiac arrest in London in September 2016 on his way to Mass at Brompton Oratory, and also survived throat cancer.

He was substantially impacted by this and was in hospitals in London and Dublin since then, his family said in a statement. Despite great efforts by his medical staff and his own indomitable spirit, he succumbed to an infection.

We are consoled that in his last year we were able to repay some of his love and kindness.

Sutherland was born in Dublin in 1946 and, as the son of a well-known insurance broker in South Dublin, was sent to Gonzaga College.

He claimed later that the hand of the Jesuits influenced him greatly.

He was a devout Catholic, his family said. This didnt make him doctrinaire. Instead, it gave him a lifelong instinct for charity and volunteerism. It wasnt just about writing the cheque  he wanted to be with people.

He studied law in UCD before becoming a barrister. He was also on the legal team defending Capt James Kelly in the 1970 Arms Trial, and represented the owners of the Stardust nightclub in the inquiry that followed the disastrous fire there in 1981.

He unsuccessfully stood for Fine Gael in Dublin North-West in the 1973 general election.

He later said that this defeat changed my life  if I had got into the Dail, I would have given up everything.

Under Fitzgerald, he was chosen as attorney general in the Fine Gael-Labour coalition in the early 1980s. As attorney general, he voiced strong concern over the wording of the 1983 Eighth Amendment, which brought him into conflict with some Cabinet ministers, including Michael Noonan.

In September 1984, he was nominated to be Irelands next EEC Commissioner and went on to occupy senior roles in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (now the World Trade Organization).

He went onto become the chairman of Goldman Sachs International and also took on the chair of British Petroleum, having also served a period as chairman of Allied Irish Bank.

He received an honorary knighthood from Britains Queen Elizabeth II in 2004 for services to industry.

Despite making London his home, he maintained very strong links with Ireland.

In 2006, he donated 4m to a new law school in UCD that was subsequently named after him.

The same year he was appointed as an expert adviser on Vatican finances by Pope Benedict XVI.

President Michael D Higgins yesterday led tributes to Mr Sutherland, saying he learned of the news of his passing with great sadness and describing him as a passionate European.

Throughout his career, Peter Sutherland remained deeply committed to peaceful co-operation and integration in Europe, promoting greater awareness of the importance and possibilities of Irish engagement in European decision-making, said President Higgins.

His loss will be felt most acutely by his family and friends, and as President of Ireland I wish to express my deepest sympathies to them.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar too paid a warm tribute to Mr Sutherland.

He was a statesman in every sense of the word; an Irishman, a committed European and a proud internationalist, said Mr Varadkar. Throughout his life, he was a champion for individual and economic freedoms.

Tanaiste Simon Coveney said Mr Sutherland enjoyed an extraordinary career and was a strong believer in rules based globalisation, as well as a committed European. He held a firm belief in the promise of the EU, and served as a European Commissioner in the late 1980s.

I knew him as a compassionate, driven, global thinker who was always willing to challenge views, said Mr Coveney. His intellect was extraordinary, and he used his talents to be one of Irelands most influential people, in business, politics and across human rights globally.

Irelands EU Commissioner, Phil Hogan, described him as a very distinguished European Commissioner for Competition from 1985 to 1989.

Peter was probably Irelands most distinguished international statesman and leaves behind a rich legacy of achievement, whether in the legal or business worlds or, more particularly, in public service, said Mr Hogan. In all of the roles he performed, he did so with professionalism, enthusiasm and accomplishment.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin described Mr Sutherland as a true patriot who made an outstanding contribution to public life not just in Ireland but around the world.

Peters dedication to public service was not only confined to his work here in Ireland, said Mr Martin. In his capacity as European Commissioner for Competition he revolutionised competition and trade laws. He was a true patriot who had a great love for his country irrespective of his success on the world stage.The total number of people working in the sector has almost halved since the economic downturn in 2008.

Figures published by the National Transport Authority show there was a total of 26,012 licensed taxi drivers at the end of 2017.

It indicates there was a net reduction of 408 individuals working as taxi drivers over the previous 12 months and an annual decrease of 1.5% in driver numbers.

The total number of drivers has now fallen by 45% since levels peaked in 2009 when there were 47,222 working in the sector.

Taxi representative bodies have complained that operational costs have soared in recent years largely as a result of large increases in motor insurance premiums.

Jim Waldron, spokesman for the National Private Hire and Taxi Association said some drivers were finding it more lucrative to return to their former professions.

Many people from trades in the construction sector became taxi drivers when building work dried up and they are now going back to their old jobs as they are providing more regular work and pensions, Mr Waldron said.

He claimed that the cost for new entrants to the industry was prohibitive as first-time applicants had to buy wheelchair accessible taxis which are considerably more expensive than standard vehicles.

Taxi drivers have welcomed a 3% increase in fares announced last summer which is due to be implemented on February 1  the first price increase since 2015.

There were a total of 20,581 taxis and hackneys licensed at the end of December  223 fewer than at the end of 2016.

More than half of all licensed vehicles operate in Dublin, with 10,688 registered taxi cabs in the capital, followed by Cork (1,780) and Meath (1,091).The technique involves equipping fishing nets with electrodes which send an electric current through the seabed. This causes a muscular convulsion in fish which forces them out of the seabed and into the net.

Electric pulse fishing has been banned in Europe since 1998 but a decision by the European Commission and Council at the end of 2006 has authorised it via certain exemptions. In November, the EU Fisheries Committee voted to allow electric pulse fishing by a small percentage of ships on a trial basis and under strict conditions.

The technique was pioneered by the Dutch in the early 1990s and they remain its biggest advocates, claiming it allows trawlers to catch more of their target species in better condition, causing less damage to the seabed than traditional trawling.

However, environmental organisations dispute this, calling the technique the marine equivalent of fracking and pointing out that Europe is the only place in the world to allow the use of pulse fishing.

Now, in response to Novembers vote, a European-wide group of NGOs and fishing organisations has written to the European Commission calling for the original 2006 decision of the European Commission and Council to be revoked. It also outlined what it says was the questionable morality of this decision.

The organisations point out that the decision was taken against scientific advice and under the pressure of Dutch fishing lobbies.

This dubious 2006 decision has had serious consequences for both marine ecosystems and humans, said the group. Not only is the seabed impacted by huge industrial nets, but marine organisms are brutalised  electrocution causes fracture of the spine, bruising, and burns.

Following the vote last month, Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada said: We simply dont know the long-term effects it will have on stocks or the environment. All we have are anecdotal, and often conflicting reports from various proponents from the industrial sector, many who have vested interests in the practice.

It would be highly irresponsible at the best of times to allow any such practice to go ahead unfettered without first thoroughly researching it, but with Brexit posing the biggest threat to our fishing industry in history, we have to be more protective of Irish waters than ever.THE aftershock of the Harvey Weinstein scandal was felt in some unexpected places, including the furthest reaches of Federation space. Several weeks after the studio boss was unmasked as a serial sexual criminal, Anthony Rapp, a relatively obscure actor starring on Star Trek: Discovery, went public with details of an unwanted sexual advance hed received as a 14-year-old from a then 26-year-old Kevin Spacey, Netflix star and doyen of high-class acting.

This brought to a crashing end Spaceys 30-year career. It also plunged Netflixs cash-cow drama House of Cards into crisis (Spacey is gone but House of Cards is to return for one final season). Though the point seemed lost amid the calumny, Spaceys overnight descent into ignominy was, along with everything else, supremely ironic. While Star Trek: Discovery originated on CBS in the United States, in the rest of the world it is carried by Netflix.

Were so very proud of Anthony and what he had the courage to do, says Sonequa Martin-Green, who plays the lead Discovery character of science specialist Michael Burnham. We love him, we stand by him and with him.

It was appropriate that Star Trek should be involved, however peripherally, in exposing the toxicity of Hollywood. As far back as its original 1960s iteration, Trek has wrapped itself in progressivism.

Famously, the first interracial kiss on American television was between Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura. Later, under Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), the Next Generation would similarly champion diversity and predict an optimistic future for mankind (in addition to prophesying Irish renunciation in 2024).

Discovery is different, being darker, more a slow-burn and with the iconic Klingon alien race controversially re-imagined as grumpy ogres.

However, with Martin-Green given chief billing at Burnham, the conflicted daughter of contrasting human and Vulcan cultures, the sci-fi sagas commitment to celebrating diversity endures. Rapp, for is part, plays the first openly gay Star Trek TV character (in the new JJ Abrams movies, Hikaru Sulu is gay).

We like to believe our show can make change, says producer Aaron Baiers. Anthony Rapps courage has made change. I am so proud of him, because he has made change that we can see in this moment. Very few people can say that.

Discovery, set several years before the original Captain Kirk Trek, furthermore arrives when Americans traditional of tolerance is under attack as never before. One year into the Trump presidency, the shows message of universal peace and brotherhood feels increasingly like wish fulfilment.

Every Star Trek has tackled its time, says Martin-Green. The original was leading into the Civil Rights Movement. None of us expected to have a Civil Rights Movement 2.0 in America.

Martin-Green, who initially achieved fame as Sasha on The Walking Dead, tries to look to the positives as Hollywood and America take the measure of themselves. In lifting the lid on the dark side of Tinsel Town, especially, an opportunity for reckoning  and healing  has presented itself.

I like to say it is a time of enlightenment, she says.There is an awakening of these issues. We need to have a light shown on such things.

When we first meet Lt Burnham, she is headstrong and narrow-minded. A human raised by Vulcans and step sister of Mr Spock, the character is initially encountered endangering her fellow-crew mates when she responds rashly to a Klingon face-off. This is fresh territory for Star Trek which, though capable of remarkable nuance, usually presents its chief protagonists as conventionally moral and courageous. Burnham is more grey than black and white, a sensibility which chimes with the mood of contemporary drama says, Baiers. He cites sword and sorcery blockbuster Game of Thrones as a major influence.

I came late, very late, to Game of Thrones, he says. The goal for us with the new Star Trek was something that fans would love, but that was also for people who didnt think they would like Star Trek. We have more hope than Game of Thrones, which is very bleak.

Star Trek: Discovery, it should be acknowledged, is not universally beloved. A not insignificant number of Trek fans sees this gritty, often bleak saga as a repudiation of everything the original stood for. The old, shiny utopianism is gone, replaced by a murky sensibility that arguably has more in common with Das Boot or the 2004 reboot of Battlestar Galactica.

What was interesting about Star Trek in the past is that it often looked abroad for inspiration, towards the Cold War and what have you, says Baiers. Many of us are pained by what is happening politically in the United States at the moment. As writers on the show, it has been fascinating to look into our own backyard.

This has itself caused controversy. Quick to anger and governed by a simple, almost childish, moral code, the Klingons have been perceived by some as embodying Donald Trump and his followers.

Unfairly, some people have tried to say: Oh, the Klingons represent Trump supporters, acknowledges Baiers. They are just as importance to us this season as what happens to the Federation. The Klingon leader has a very Christlike philosophy. He wants to start a war of racial purity. And yet he accepts outcasts and strangers.

The journey to screen was occasionally torturous. Bryan Fuller, a wunderkind show-runner behind Hannibal and American Gods, had been initially lined up to oversee the project.

However, he departed early on, with Baiers part of the team stepping in.

Theyve held true to Fullers original vision of a series headed by a strong female role-model. Baiers and company even stuck with the name Michael, a nod to Fullers tradition of giving his lead female characters a male handle.

This is where I tear up a little, says the chatty Martin-Green. When I think about the younger generation of girls watching this and gleaning from it the possibilities [in their own lives and careers]. Because [Discovery] is serialised we are able to explore diversity in a way other Star Treks werent.

I am this strong, bad-ass woman going through an identity crisis. To have a strong female character, who is also vulnerable. I am so grateful to be able to portray that on screen.Instagram and YouTube are two platforms that blogger Katie Brennan from Dublin is embracing wholeheartedly.

The digital consultant posts about travel, fashion, food and beauty on her blog, okaybee.net, and social media sites, but says YouTube is an interesting new platform for her.

Ive been moving more toward YouTube lately as its a new challenge for me that I want to explore, she said.

Katie focuses on a range of topics online, having started out discussing only fashion.

It started out as solely fashion, but has moved into a lot more travel as I have travelled a lot these past two years. Id say its a mix of travel and lifestyle.

An avid user of social media, Katies says she uses it more often than I should but loves being inspired by what she finds there.

I most enjoy the inspiration I get from different people, whether its places to travel, trends, food to try, theres always something new online.

Although balancing her full-time job and her blog can be a challenge, Katie says she has learned invaluable skills online that she can apply to her career.

I think its definitely taught me how to multitask more. Its tough to juggle a full-time job and keep up with my site and YouTube.

It has also taught me that I can teach myself to do lots of different things  like video editing  and thats a skill I bring into work all the time, she says.

The main problem Katie encounters is having too many ideas for online content and struggling to find time to act upon them.

I have 10 post ideas currently and five videos to edit, with more content on the way.

Its not a bad problem, but it can get on top of you if you dont keep churning out content, she says.

Luckily, Katie has found support from people in a similar position  other Irish bloggers.

Irish bloggers are a very supportive community. Theres several bloggers that Ive physically not met before, but because we support each other online, I feel like I know them!

I also find plenty of bigger bloggers who are very willing to support small bloggers like me, which is lovely, says Katie.

I should have started my blog when I had the idea. It took me four years of doubting myself before I started it, and even then, I kept it secret from family and friends for nearly a year.

My advice would be to go for it, find your niche, and be proud of what you create, she said.This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.A Chinese vessel (R) is dispatched to rescue crew members after a Panama-registered oil tanker and a Hong Kong-registered bulk freighter collided in waters about 160 sea miles east of the Yangtze River's estuary, Jan. 7, 2018. Thirty-two crew members, including 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis, have gone missing after two vessels collided off China's east coast on Saturday evening, China's Ministry of Transport said Sunday. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-two crew members, including 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis, have gone missing after two vessels collided off China's east coast on Saturday evening, China's Ministry of Transport said Sunday.

The collision, between a Panama-registered oil tanker and a Hong Kong-registered bulk freighter, occurred at around 8 p.m. Saturday in waters about 160 sea miles east of the Yangtze River's estuary, the ministry said.

The 32 missing crew members were all from the oil tanker, which capsized after the collision. All 21 crew members on the bulk freighter -- all Chinese nationals -- have been rescued, according to the ministry.

The 274-meter-long oil tanker SANCHI, owned by an Iranian shipping company and with 136,000 tonnes of condensate oil on board, was traveling from Iran to the Republic of Korea (ROK). It caught fire after the collision and was still burning, according to the ministry.

The ministry said oil spilled into the sea, but did not specify the area of contamination.

The 225-meter-long bulk freighter CF CRYSTAL carried 64,000 tonnes of grain and was partly damaged. It is owned by a Chinese shipping company and was traveling from the United Statesto Guangdong, China.

Chinese maritime authorities have dispatched eight vessels, including three specialized cleansing vessels, for search and rescue. After coordination by the China Maritime Search and Rescue Center, the ROK dispatched a coast guard ship and a fixed-wing aircraft to assist in the search and rescue.

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[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.

Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.

These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience  the local community.

It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.

CloseAllie Gross covers Teton County government. Originally from the Chicago area, she joined the News&Guide in 2017 after studying politics and Spanish at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- John Young, America's "most experienced astronaut" who walked on the Moon during the Apollo program and commanded the first space shuttle mission, has passed away, NASA said Saturday.

Young died Friday night following complications from pneumonia, the U.S. space agency said in a statement. He was 87 years old.

"Today, NASA and the world have lost a pioneer," acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot said.

Young is the only U.S. astronaut to go into space as part of the Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle programs, and the first to fly into space six times, said NASA.

Young made his first flight as an astronaut in 1965, joining astronaut Gus Grissom on Gemini 3, the first manned flight of the early NASA human spaceflight program that helped the agency get ready for the Apollo moon landings.

Then, in 1966, he flew as Commander on Gemini 10, the first mission to rendezvous with two separate spacecraft on the course of a single flight.

He also orbited the Moon in Apollo 10 in 1969, and landed there in 1972 as Commander of the Apollo 16 mission.

In 1981, he served as Commander of STS-1, the first space shuttle mission, which some have called "the boldest test flight in history."

Two years later, on STS-9, his final spaceflight, Young landed the space shuttle with a fire in the back end, according to NASA.

He retired from NASA in 2004.

"Astronaut John Young's storied career spanned three generations of spaceflight," Lightfoot said. "He was in every way the 'astronaut's astronaut. We will miss him."

[ Editor: WPY ]Militants have carried out one shelling of Ukrainian armed forces in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in Donbas in the past 24 hours, and one soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been wounded, the press center of the ATO headquarters has reported.

"The Christmas truce lasted for almost a day, but in the evening the enemy could not resist provocations and thwarted the agreements of the Trilateral Contact Group on the ceasefire... During the execution of the combat mission in the Luhansk sector, one soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was injured during the past day. He was promptly taken to the military hospital," ATO HQ said in a message on its Facebook page on Monday morning.

In particular, in the Donetsk sector, the enemy using 82-mm mortars and small arms fired at the fortifications of ATO forces near Verkhniotoretske. The militants fired a dozen mines at the Ukrainian defenders. Ukrainian military servicemen did not open fire.

"There were no violations of ceasefire in other sectors," the press center said.The decisions on the possible extradition of leader of the Movement of New Forces party, ex-President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili would be made by the Justice Ministry after receiving conclusions of the extradition check being underway, Spokesman of Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine (PGO) Andriy Lysenko has said.

"According to the European Convention on the extradition of offenders, the extradition of a person occurs under the condition of committing a crime for which, under the legislation of a party that requires extradition, a sentence of imprisonment of at least one year can be imposed. We now know that the status of Saakashvili has changed. He has already been convicted, but the Kyiv city prosecutor's office, at the request of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine ... is conducting an extradition check on Saakashvili at the request of competent Georgian authorities. With the purpose of verification and clarification of all the circumstances ... which may become the basis for refusing the extradition of the said person to another state, Saakashvili is invited to the Kyiv city prosecutor's office to provide appropriate explanations," Lysenko said on 112.Ukraine TV channel on January 5.

According to him, the extradition check has already begun, but there are no specific standards regarding the duration of this verification.

According to him, within the framework of this extradition check, the Kyiv city prosecutor's office sent inquiries to other state authorities of Ukraine, and the conclusions on the results of this check will be provided to the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine for making the final decision on extradition.The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit [official website] ruled unanimously [opinion, PDF] Friday that a Baltimore law [text] that requires pro-life pregnancy clinics to post signage in their waiting rooms stating that they do not offer or refer women for abortions, is unconstitutional.

The court found the law violates the First Amendment [text], ruling in favor of the Greater Baltimore Center for Pregnancy Concerns [advocacy website], which provides prenatal services and counseling for women regarding alternatives to abortions.

The city had argued that the law was meant to address concerns of deceptive advertising and reduce potential health risks from delayed abortions.

Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III opined that the citys law did not satisfy its reasoning, calling it too loose a fit:

Baltimores chosen means here are too loose a fit with those ends, and in this case compel a politically and religiously motivated group to convey a message fundamentally at odds with its core beliefs and mission. The ordinance forces the center to utter in its own waiting room words at odds with its foundational beliefs and with the principles of those who have given their working lives to it. What the record does show is affirmative advocacy of abortion alternatives by a lawful non-profit group. None of the public advocacy of alternatives, however, suggests that the center would provide help or assistance in obtaining an abortion. Without proving the inefficacy of less restrictive alternatives, providing concrete evidence of deception, or more precisely targeting its regulation, the city cannot prevail.

The decision upholds the ruling [opinion, PDF] by Judge Marvin Garbis of the US District Court for the District of Maryland [official website] made in October 2016.

According to Baltimores attorney, the city may appeal to the US Supreme Court as well as submit a brief in the upcoming Supreme Court case [JURIST report], regarding whether California violates First Amendment rights of pro-life private crisis pregnancy centers by requiring signs on how to obtain state-sponsored services, including abortion and contraception. California argues that the Reproductive Facts Acts [text], which in October 2016 was upheld [opinion, PDF] by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit [official website], simply informs women of their options.The US Supreme Court [official site] on Monday blocked the execution of Georgia inmate Keith Tharpe, ordering [opinion, PDF] the federal appeals court in Atlanta to examine claims that a juror voted for the death sentence because Tharpe was black.

By a 6-3 vote, the court questioned a decision by the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit not to consider Tharpes latest appeal involving claims of racial bias on the part of the juror.

Tharpe was sentenced to death in 1991 for the murder of his sister-in-law. Seven years later, Tharpes attorneys obtained a signed affidavit by juror Barnie Gattie, who used racial slurs to refer to black people and stated that after studying the Bible, I have wondered if black people even have souls.

The majority reasoned that, Gatties remarkable affidavit, which he never retracted, presents a strong factual basis for the argument that Tharpes race affected Gatties vote for a death verdict. At the very least, jurists of reason could debate whether Tharpe was shown by clear and convincing evidence that the state courts factual determination was wrong.

Justice Clarence Thomas authored a dissenting opinion joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch in which he accused the majority of bending the rules to show their concern for racial justice. Thomas argued the court should not be in the business of ceremonial handwringing. Thomas said that Gatties comments are disturbing, but the courts ruling will only prolong the inevitable, while further delaying justice for the victim and her family.Since the beginning of the year, more than 22,500 people have passed the biometric control when crossing the Ukrainian border, of which almost 15,500 are citizens of the Russian Federation, the assistant to the head of the State Border Service of Ukraine Oleh Slobodian has said.

"More than 22,500 people have passed biometric control since the beginning of the year. This is the citizens of 70 countries that, according to the decision of the NSDC [National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine], must undergo biometric control. Out of 22,500 almost 15,500 are citizens of the Russian Federation," he said on 112.Ukraine TV on Saturday, January 6.

Slobodian said that the database of biometric control has just begun to be filled. Therefore, it is premature to link the fact that citizens of other countries are not allowed to Ukraine with its functioning.

According to the State Border Guard Service, the biometric control system works efficiently, "no serious problems have been noted."The decision of Tbilisi City Court about finding leader of the Movement of New Forces party Mikheil Saakashvili guilty in the case on "malicious abuse of power" as Georgian president at present does not give legal grounds for Ukraine to extradite him, defending lawyer of Saakashvili Ruslan Chornolutsky has said.

"We believe that all the cases that are opened in Georgia against Saakashvili are charges over political reasons, but I want to emphasize that even if the authorities of Ukraine somehow wants to use this case to press on Saakashvili, then any actions for extradition or expulsion of him from Ukraine, even on the basis of the so-called decision of the Georgian court, will be illegal," he said on NewsOne TV Channel on Friday, January 5.

Chornolutsky said that Saakashvili today has "enough legal status that forbids Ukraine to extradite or expel him."

The lawyer said that the ex-president of Georgia has been living in Ukraine for several years, and is now in the status of a person who is suing the State Migration Service for refusing to grant him the status of a protected person after the deprivation of Ukrainian citizenship, and in accordance with criminal procedural legislation this does not allow Ukraine to extradite him.

Chornolutsky said that Saakashvili has an official certificate from the State Migration Service that he is allowed to stay in Ukraine until at least March 1, 2018, and in the future this term should be extended while the trials with the migration service are going on.

He also said that the defense of Saakashvili in Georgia has the opportunity to continue defending his interests and after the decision of the Tbilisi City Court, in particular, to file an appeal.PHNOM PENH, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's upcoming official visit to Cambodia will be of great significance to Lancang-Mekong cooperation and China-Cambodia ties, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo said in a recent signed article.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia. Li's visit to Cambodia is significant in consolidating the two countries' traditional friendship, expanding pragmatic cooperation, comprehensively promoting the development of the Lancang-Mekong River Cooperation (LMC) mechanism and jointly building a community of shared future by China and its neighbors, the ambassador said.

The friendship that was forged and cultivated by Chinese and Cambodian leaders of previous generations has grown stronger, Xiong said, adding that the historical visit of Chinese President Xi Jinpingto Cambodia in October 2016 opened a new era for the two countries to develop their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Li will attend the second LMC leaders' meeting in Phnom Penh and pay an official visit to Cambodia from Jan. 10 to 11. The LMC comprises six countries -- Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Li's upcoming visit will inject impetus into the development of China-Cambodia ties in the new era, Xiong said.

China and Cambodia are highly complementary in their economies and share closely aligned development strategies, with great cooperation potential in the fields of global production capacity, trade and investment, infrastructure interconnectivity and energy resources, he said.

According to statistics, as of October 2017, China has been the biggest source of foreign investment for Cambodia, with the agreed investment amount to Cambodia standing at 12.57 billion U.S. dollars which accounts for 36.4 percent of the country's total foreign investment, Xiong said, while stressing China's contribution to the social and economic development of Cambodia.

China and Cambodia have maintained close cooperation on global and regional issues, understood and supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, and jointly preserved regional peace, stability and development, he added.

The LMC mechanism has grown rapidly in less than two years and demonstrated strong vitality and robust development momentum under the political guidance of the leaders of the six countries, Xiong said.

China highly values Cambodia's contribution to the development of the LMC mechanism and is willing to build an economic development zone in the Lancang-Mekong region and promote the establishment of a community of shared future with related countries, the ambassador said.

Xiong said he expects that the upcoming LMC leaders' meeting will achieve fruitful results, chart the course for the future development of the mechanism and inject impetus, so as to benefit the people in the region.

The Communist Party of China successfully held its 19th National Congress in October 2017, identifying the direction and goal of China's foreign policy in the new era which is holding high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, promoting the establishment of a new type of international relations and a community of shared future for mankind, he said.

"We believe that, under the guidance of the leadership of China and Cambodia, as well as joint efforts of regional countries, the Chinese premier's visit will make new contributions to the further development of the China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic partnership, and regional peace, stability and prosperity," Xiong said.Steve Bannon (Xinhua file photo)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Steve Bannon, former White Housechief strategist, apologized on Sunday for comments he had made and was quoted in a new controversial book calling U.S. President Donald Trump's eldest son's 2016 meeting with Russians "treasonous and "unpatriotic."

"Donald Trump, Jr. is both a patriot and a good man. He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around," Bannon said in a statement to news website Axios, breaking five days of silence since his comments were revealed.

"My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort, a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate," Bannon said. "He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends."

"My support is also unwavering for the president and his agenda," Trump's ex top strategist said, adding he regrets his delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Trump's eldest son.

Britain's The Guardian newspaper on Wednesday first revealed that Bannon, quoted from excerpts of the book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," described the 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between a Russian lawyer and Trump' s son and son-in-law as " treasonous" and " unpatriotic."

Later on Wednesday, Trump said in a White House official statement that Bannon had "lost his mind" and had "no influence" within his government.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders also fiercely slapped Michael Wolff's book -- Fire and Fury, saying that it is "filled with false and misleading accounts," adding that Trump felt "furious" and" disgusted" about Bannon's comments in the book.

Since then, Bannon has been greatly isolated from his political allies and conservative donors, including billionaire Rebekah Mercer and her father Robert Mercer.

Bannon was chief executive of the Trump campaign in its final three months during the 2016 U.S. elections. He became the White House chief strategist after Trump took office in Jan. 2017 and left the White House in August before returning to his perch as chairman of right-wing Breitbart News.WASHINGTON (AP) - Steve Bannon is trying to make amends.

President Donald Trump's former chief strategist has issued a statement to the news site "Axios" reaffirming his support for the president and praising Trump's eldest son.

Bannon says Donald Trump Jr. "is both a patriot and a good man" and has been "relentless in his advocacy for his father."

Bannon infuriated Trump with comments he made to author Michael Wolff describing a meeting between Trump Jr., senior campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

But Bannon says his description was aimed at former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, not Trump's son.

Bannon says he regrets that his "delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr. has diverted attention" from Trump's achievement.

And he says his support for the president is "unwavering."CENTRAL POINT, Ore. -- The Jackson County Sheriff's Office says a man is lodged in the Jackson County Jail on sexual abuse charges involving two children in incidents three years apart. Detectives believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.

Michael James Rardin, 36, is currently in jail on charges of sexual abuse in the first degree, attempted sexual abuse in the first degree, and private indecency. According to a news release from the Sheriff's Office, the investigation began with a report that Rardin sexually abused a 10-year-old girl in September 2017. Rardin is also accused of trying to abuse another girl in 2014.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office says they investigated approximately 150 cases of child sex abuse last year.

"It's incredibly rare for a child to make up an allegation of sexual abuse. So, it's very important for parents or whoever receives a disclosure to report that so we can get help for the child," says Sgt. Julie Denney from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office says Rardin left the area during the investigation. A judge issued a warrant for Rardin's arrest on November 22, 2017, for charges related to both incidents. Rardin returned and was arrested at Jackson County Circuit Court on January 5, 2018.

The Sheriff's Office says Rardin is transient and is known to have stayed in several different homes in Jackson County, California, and Iowa in recent years.

Based on information from the investigation, the Sheriff's Office says detectives are concerned Rardin may have more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Steve Bohn at (541) 774-6168.

There will be a seminar on recognizing the signs of child sex abuse on January 25th at the Medford Public Library. It will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, visit: http://cacjc.org/services/prevention or contact Leah Howell at: protectourchildrenjc@gmail.com 541-292-2408Maple Street resident Kevin Bos, centre, was happy to see Liberal MLA Norm Letnick, left, and Ben Stewart, the partys candidate in the Kelowna West byelection, show up at his house on Sunday.Thirty-two crew members -- 30 Iranians and two Bengalese -- have gone missing after two vessels collided off China's east coast Saturday evening, China's Ministry of Transport said on Sunday.

The accident happened at about 8 pm Saturday, when the Panama-registered oil tanker SANCHI and the Hong Kong cargo ship CF CRYSTAL collided 160 sea miles east of the Yangtze Estuary.

The oil tanker caught on fire after the collision and the 32 crew members onboard went missing, while 21 crew members on the cargo ship were rescued, as the damage to the ship did not compromise safety, the statement said.

By 9 am Sunday, a maritime law enforcement vessel and two special rescue vessels arrived at the site to conduct search and rescue operations.

The South Korean coast guard also sent a vessel and rescue helicopter to the spot.

Fire experts, the Chinese coast guard, three specialized cleaning vessels and a high-power tug were on their way to the accident site to assist with rescue and investigation work.

The floating oil tanker is still burning with oil spilling into the sea, the statement said.

The 274-meter-long oil tanker, which belongs to Bright Shipping of Iran, was heading from Iran to South Korea, carrying 136,000 tons of gas condensate with 32 crew members.

The Hong Kong cargo ship, 225 meters in length, belongs to Wenlin Changfeng Shipping from Zhejiang province. Carrying 64,000 tons of food, the ship was bound for Guangdong province from the United States with 21 Chinese crew members onboard.

[email protected]Joshua Boyle speaks to the media after arriving at the airport in Toronto on Friday, October 13, 2017. Boyle was arrested by Ottawa police late last month and made his first court appearance on New Year's Day facing 15 charges, including eight counts of assault, two of sexual assault, two of unlawful confinement and one count of causing someone to take a noxious thing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan DenetteSmoke rises from railway cars that were carrying crude oil after derailing in downtown Lac-Megantic, Que., Saturday, July 6, 2013. Closing arguments will continue in Quebec today at the jury trial of three men charged with criminal negligence in the Lac-Megantic rail disaster that killed 47 people. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul ChiassonA CN locomotive moves in the railway yard in Dartmouth, N.S. on February 23, 2015. The potential dismantling of the North American Free Trade Agreement poses the biggest risk to Canada's railways not benefiting this year from healthy economies and higher demand to move crude oil, say industry observers. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew VaughanThis photo provided on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018 by the Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Civil Defense workers inspecting a damages building after a bombing that targeted the office of Ajnad al-Koukaz, a militant group consisting of foreign fighters mostly from the Caucuses and Russia, in Idlib, Syria. A Syrian monitoring group and paramedics in northwestern Syria say the death toll from a massive bombing has risen to at least 25 in addition to nearly 100 others wounded. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP)FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2017, file pool photo, Steve Bannon, appointed chief strategist and senior counselor to then- President-elect Donald Trump, arrives for the presidential inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington. Trump returned fire with both barrels Jan. 3, 2018, against 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." (Saul Loeb, Pool via AP)Experts slam Bannon for likening China to Nazi Germany

Steve Bannon (Xinhua file photo)

The comparison of China to Nazi Germany made by Steven Bannon in an explosive book about the Trump presidency was met with a hail of criticism from Chinese experts who said his comments showcased anxiety among the US elite toward a rising China.

US President Donald Trump's former chief political strategist was quoted as saying that China is on the verge of becoming a new Nazi Germany in the controversial book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White Houseby journalist Michael Wolff.

"China is where Nazi Germany was in 1929 to 1930," Bannon was quoted as saying. "The Chinese, like the Germans, are the most rational people in the world, until they're not. And they're gonna flip like Germany in the '30s. You're going to have a hyper nationalist state, and once that happens you can't put the genie back in the bottle."

Bannon also referred to China as the real enemy of the US and the first front in a new Cold War. "We don't get China right, we don't get anything right," he said.

"Bannon's extremist expression shows that the elite in the US regard China as a big threat to the US-led global order. They treat China as a potential destroyer of world prosperity and stability and distort China's diplomatic policies," Diao Daming, an associate professor at Renmin University of China in Beijing, told the Global Times.

It reflected anxiety among the elite over the US recession and the rise of China in the past few years, Diao asserted.

Bannon has long been critical of China and spreads the China threat theory, said Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University's Institute of International Relations.

As a radical in the political arena, he is dedicated to shaping strong anti-China rhetoric and calling on the US to take a tougher strategy toward China, he noted.

Since China and the US have established diplomatic ties in 1979, the US has been providing investment, technologies and markets to China in the hope of integrating the country into the Western international order. However, as China ascends to a major global power, the elite in the US policy community have gradually lost their confidence in their own power and call on the US government to define China as a strategic competitor, Li said. Bannon was calling for a shift in strategy while criticizing Trump's attitude toward China as "not tough enough," he said.

According to Breitbart News, a far-right American website managed by Bannon himself as executive chairman, he compared China to Nazi Germany and referred to the US as "a de facto 'tributary state' to China" in a speech during his visit in Japan in early December. He also reportedly called for the US and East Asian allies to unify and constrain China's "frightening," "audacious" and "global" ambitions.China has dispatched several vessels to search for and rescue crew members after a Panama-registered oil tanker and a Hong Kong-registered bulk freighter collided Saturday evening, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Sunday.

Spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks in Beijing in response to a question about the collision of the two vessels off the east China coast.

The Panama-registered oil tanker is seen on fire in waters about 160 sea miles east of the Yangtze River's estuary, Jan. 7, 2018. Thirty-two crew members, including 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis, have gone missing after two vessels collided off China's east coast on Saturday evening, China's Ministry of Transport said Sunday. (Xinhua)

"China attaches great importance to the accident," said Geng, adding that some of the crew members have been rescued while others are still missing.

Geng said China also dispatched several specialized cleaning vessels to prevent secondary disasters.

According to reports, the collision occurred at around 8 p.m. Saturday in waters about 160 sea miles east of the Yangtze River's estuary.

Reports say 32 crew members from the oil tanker, including 30 Iranian nationals and two Bangladeshi nationals, have gone missing.

Geng said the cause of the accident is still under investigation.PLEASANT HILL, Ore -- Several fire crews were called out Monday morning to the 36,000 block of Valley Road in Pleasant Hill.

A call came in around 4 a.m. of a house fire but crews discovered it was at a business called Tannerite. The company makes exploding rifle targets.

Neighbors confirmed with KEZI 9 News that multiple explosives were going off.

"Because of the nature of this location and the products that are on scene the fire crews are cautiously approaching this firefight. This has been a defensive fight so they've been using water and keeping it separate from the houses," said Chief Andrew Smith from the Pleasant Hill-Goshen Fire District.

As of 5:15 a.m., firefighters were able to get the fire under control. They are mopping up hot spots. They also say they do not believe anyone was inside the home. No one was injured.A PLA navy pilot prepares to fly over the Bohai Sea in 2016. Photo: VCG

As China's aircraft carrier fleet expands, the Chinese navy is exploring ways to streamline the training process for its pilots by introducing a new generation of aircraft to aeronautical university training programs, Chinese military experts said on Thursday.

According to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) official website 81.cn, China's Naval Aeronautical University deployed a third generation domestically-made training plane for its pilot cadets in the skies of Bohai Bay on Tuesday.

Although the report did not specifically name the aircraft used in the training, Song Zhong, a military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times it was likely to be the Navy JL-10H, also known as the L-15B Falcon supersonic jet.

It marks the first public reported deployment of the L-15B jet trainer, which was developed by Hongdu Aviation Industry in Nanchang, East China's Jiangxi Province.

The use of such an advanced trainer jet at university-level training programs shows the PLA Navy is exploring a more streamlined training system which will conclude after only two stages at the university and the navy. This is a significant streamlining of the previous process, which involved a three-level system consisting of training at military bases between the two, Song said.

"The PLA Navy has indeed been devoting increasing efforts to training its pilots, especially for aircraft carrier-based planes," Zhang Ye, a research fellow at the People's Liberation Army Naval Research Institute, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Testing the waters

China currently has only one aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, which was commissioned into service in 2012. The country's second carrier and the first domestically-built one, widely known as the Type-001A, is expected to soon undergo sea tests.

The sea trial for the Type-001A could be conducted as early as the beginning of 2018, Zhang Ye previously told the Global Times.

The Type-001A is similar in appearance to the Liaoning, and also has a ski jump-style launch ramp on its flight deck where aircraft are launched and recovered. It is thought to be able to carry about 40 jets, roughly the same number as the Liaoning, Yin Zhuo, a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Equipment Research Center, told a China Central Television (CCTV) military program in December.

"The number of pilots for fixed wing shipboard aircraft should be around twice as many as the carrier can carry, that is to say, it will be somewhere between 80 and 100," Xu Guangyu, a retired major general and senior adviser of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Recruits needed

The Naval Aeronautical University opened in 2017, the result of merging the navy's aviation academy and its aeronautical and astronautical university, according to the PLA Navy official WeChat account on May 31. The university recruited 450 pilot cadets in its first round of admissions.

The Chinese navy will urgently need about 400 pilots, as China is expected to roll out at least four aircraft carriers in the near future, Song noted. He also stressed that instead of using pilots from the PLA Air Force who fly from ground bases and have developed a different flying experience than that needed for shipboard flights, it was better to train new pilots for aircraft carrier-based tasks.

The subjects for the navy-trained pilots cover the ski-jumping launch style for China's current aircraft carriers with upward decks, as well as catapult take-offs for the country's future straight-deck aircraft carriers using an electromagnetic launcher system, Xu said.

The catapult take-off training includes both ground-based and shipboard exercises. By the time the shipboard training is completed, China will have its third aircraft carrier with an electromagnetic launcher system ready, Xu noted.

The university has its main campus in Yantai, East China's Shandong Province, and three other campuses in Northeast China's Liaoning, North China's Hebei and Northwest China's Shaanxi Provinces.

The PLA Navy's pilot-training university facilities are mainly located in northern China because the region has better weather conditions and longer training-friendly hours for the pilots than the south of the country, Song said.

The first batch of navy-trained pilots successfully completed night missions over the South China Sea in a new type of fighter jet in August 2017.

Independently trained by the PLA South China Sea Fleet, the pilots underwent multiple night flight mission training, including solo flights, multi-fighter coordination, target search and strikes over the South China Sea, CCTV reported. All training missions were accomplished in one operation, it said.Kilkennys Aut Even Hospital was celebrated by the Irish Heart Foundation for leading the way in heart health at the charitys annual Healthy Eating and Active@Work Awards.

The charitys flagship health programme recognises efforts to improve healthy eating practices and physical activity among staff across the country.

According to the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke, there are real bottom line benefits to workplace health promotion that provide wins for both the employer and the employee in terms of reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and improved employee morale.

A pioneer in the field of workplace health, the IHF has been boosting the heart health of almost half a million employees in more than 400 companies nationwide for over 20 years through its annual Workplace Awards.

Workplaces can apply for Bronze, Silver or Gold levels in both awards.

An example of Gold Healthy Eating Award criteria is that fish is offered at least 50% of the week on the hot/cold menu, and an example of Gold Active@Work Award criteria is that a company develops a workplace policy encouraging physical activity.

This year, Aut Even Hospital was presented with a Bronze Healthy Eating Award by the IHF for its ongoing commitment to providing and promoting healthy meal options in its restaurant.

Ultimately, the charity hopes to support companies to achieve as high a level as possible over time.

Presenting the awards, Tim Collins, CEO of the Irish Heart Foundation, said: 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable through lifestyle change.

This represents a huge opportunity to positively influence peoples cardiovascular risk though encouraging and supporting active living, healthy eating and other healthy behaviours.

The workplace is an ideal setting for health promotion and the promotion of physical activity as a positive health behaviour.

Professor Donal OShea, Clinical Lead for Obesity with the HSE, said: Low levels of physical activity have a detrimental impact over time, increasing risk of heart disease and stroke, the leading cause of death and disability.A local councillor has called for more investment in primary care in light of the ongoing overcrowding crisis at St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny.

Last week, the hospital was consistently among the worst affected in terms of patients on trolleys and wards, according to figures from the INMO. While the beginning of this week has seen a reduction on that of last week, today's figure of 25 people on trolleys and wards is still at the higher end of the scale.

Local councillor Pat Fitzpatrick says we need to invest properly in primary care facilities to help solve the problem.

"It is fair to say that about 99% of care is delivered at the primary level by well trained, professional health care practitioners, yet this Government only commits around 2% of the annual health budget to primary care," he said.

"It clearly doesnt make sense. In the UK 9% of the budget is dedicated to primary care, such a level of funding in Ireland would have a transformative effect of the health service."

The communities I represent across North Kilkenny are in urgent need of proper investment in local medical infrastructure. The development of more primary care centres in county Kilkenny both north and south would allow local people suffering from medical problems to be cared for in their own community where they can build a relationship with their medical advisors at all levels, it would undoubtably improve patient outcomes and importantly, would reduce the pressures being experienced in St Lukes Hospital presently.

Cllr Fitzpatrick said the delivery of a world class primary care model is critical if overcrowding in St Lukes Hospital and other regional hospitals is to be tackled.

Working to deliver a world class primary care model is so important to the future of health care in this country, I believe that we need to establish a special office tasked with the responsibility of delivering a world class primary care model," he said.

"This office needs to be resourced and made up of the best medical minds currently involved in developing the primary care model. Take it out of the political sphere and allow the experts get on with it.KIMT News 3- Several people have reached out expressing their concerns over the future of the Iowa Hawk-I Insurance program that has not yet received federal funding.

According to the Iowa Department of Human Services, the program helps around 44,000 families in Iowa and received 92 percent of its funding from the federal government. While they say the US Congress has yet to re-up the funding, they are still optimistic that they will, but others worry.

Its pretty darn hard, says Lee Okurland, of Northwood. Its so frustrating and hurtful."

Okurland is not impacted by the program not receiving funding, but sympathizes with those who are, saying his wifes father is now being impacted by the healthcare system.

Youre someone who is 91 years old and really doesnt understand what hes going through, says Okurland. He is comfortable with his living situation. What is this going to do to his physical health as well as his mental health when he realizes that he will no longer live in the place that he enjoys and gets good care?

If this program is not funded, it will then fall on the state to figure out if they can find it in their budget to fill the void.

It will be a huge chunk of our budget, said State Senator Amanda Ragan. This is a much-needed program, so I hope that the federal government will continue with this program and reauthorize it.

Notices to the families on the lack of funding for the program would start going out February of this year if Congress doesnt pass the funding. Those we spoke with at DHS say short-term funding has been passed that will get them through February, but they arent yet aware of how much that funding will actually be.

This is a really important program that is making sure working families have healthcare for their children, says Senator Ragan. I cant imagine what would happen if this doesnt get re-authorized.

For those struggling with the healthcare system themselves, bringing the community together to help is their answer.

Who is going to take care of these families? says Okurland. Food, clothes and heat have to come first.

Those with DHS say they working on alternatives if the planning is not approved, saying they are in discussions with Medicaid.Gan Wei, the wife of Jia Yueting, founder of debt-laden technology company LeEco, posted on her Weibo account on Sunday a summary of her efforts to resolve the company's debt problems by working with a task force.

Gan said that e-commerce platform LeMall.com, a subsidiary of LeEco, had been sold to Leshi's Tianjin unit, subsidiary of the listed company Leshi Internet Information & Technology Corp, at 92.9 million yuan ($14.32 million). This transaction involving core assets partly resolved the debt of the listed company, the post said.

The main business of the Tianjin unit is marketing smart and internet TVs.

Shares in smartphone maker Coolpad Group worth HK$807 million ($103 million) were transferred to China Merchants Bank (CMB) in a partial debt-equity swap. The debt owed to CMB amounted to about HK$1.4 billion, so almost 60 percent was settled in this way, the post said. Gan will seek communication with CMB to un-freeze other assets so that more debts could be paid, the post added.

Jia resigned from Coolpad as executive director on November 17, 2017.

Gan expressed her gratitude to investors in LeEco and Coolpad Group, saying more understanding and time was needed, the post said. Gan was entrusted by Jia to settle the debts. Jia has been ordered by the China Securities Regulatory Commission's Beijing branch to return to China and settle the debt.FOREST CITY, Iowa  An arrest has been made in connection to Fridays pellet gun shooting of a Forest City school bus.

Forest City police say 32-year-old Martin Tindall has been charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a felony, and third-degree criminal mischief. He was jailed in Winnebago County.

On Friday around 7:40 a.m., a Forest City school bus was traveling southbound on Clark St. when one of the rear windows exploded.

No students were hurt. The Forest City PD was called and determined the window had been shot out by a high-powered pellet gun (a Crossman Optimus Air Rifle).

According to court documents, Tindall was interviewed about the incident and admitted to law enforcement that he was shooting his air rifle towards the school bus.

Court documents state the pellet landed in a females hair.

Tindall is being held on $2,000 cash bond and his initial court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the Winnebago County Courthouse.

UPDATE:



Court documents say the Tindall lives in the neighborhood where the shooting took place, on South Clark St. However, one neighbor said he hasn't seen Tindall living at that address.

The neighbor said South Clark St. is usually quiet and neighborly, and he's shocked something like this happened. He also said it's scary as quite a few kids live in this neighborhood.

"Anytime a weapon is discharged, there's that element that something could go wrong," Glen Pannkuk, the neighbor, said, "and especially when it's little children that have nothing to do. They're just innocent, and they might suffer the consequences."

Pannkuk said he believe the shooting was intentional.

"If you're shooting at a squirrel up in a tree, it's going to be up in the air," Pannkuk said. "It's not going to be down on a trunk, and if the bus gets between you and that tree, why are you squeezing the trigger?"AUSTIN, Minn.  A Mower County man is pleading guilty to possessing drugs near a school.

23-year-old Brandon Michael Zarate of Austin was arrested on November 7, 2017. He was charged with 2nd degree sale of methamphetamine in a school zone and 3rd degree possession of meth in a school zone after an investigation conducted by the Austin Police Department and the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team.

Authorities say he delivered meth to a confidential informant in May 2017 and they believe the drug was being kept at Zarates home, which is within one block of Sumner Elementary School.

No sentencing date has been set.DES MOINES, Iowa  Cerro Gordo County Auditor Ken Kline has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of Elections for Iowa.

Secretary of State Paul Pate announced his hiring of Kline on Monday morning.

I am very pleased Ken will be joining our team as we head into the 2018 election season, says Secretary Pate. Kens experience, ingenuity and dedication will be a welcome addition to the staff. He has served the people of Iowa very capably for more than a quarter of a century and is well regarded by election officials across the state and country.

Kline will take on his new job on January 22.

It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve the voters of Iowa, to join the excellent staff in Secretary Pates office, and to work with all 99 county auditors in implementing clean, fair elections across the state, says Kline.

Kline replaces Carol Olson, who is becoming state director for U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley.

The Cerro Gordo County Treasurer will take over until a new auditor is picked. The Board of Supervisors could call a special election to fill the job until 2020 or they could appoint someone to serve until the 2018 general election. The public could also override an appointment by filing for a special election.DECORAH, Iowa  A Calmar man is facing several drug charges after a weekend search.

The Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office says it executed a search warrant at 106  North Maryville Street in Calmar on Saturday. 21-year-old Cody Johnson was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana-2nd offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Sheriffs Office says an investigation is continuing and more charges are pending. The Iowa State Patrol and the Decorah Police Department assisted with this case.HANCOCK COUNTY, Iowa  A Klemme man is facing two felony charges and five additional misdemeanors after he allegedly eluded law enforcement.

According to court documents, Shain Arne, 45, is facing felony charges for eluding law enforcement and possession of a firearm by a felon after an incident Friday in Kanawha.

Police say Arne didnt stop when lights and sirens were activated by a marked police SUV. The traffic stop was initiated on Locust St. and the defendant continued driving west on East 1st St before stopping in the 200 block of West 1st St.

Police say he was pulled over for driving a vehicle with no plates and was found to have a 22 long rifle/.410 pistol under the passenger seat.

Arne is also facing misdemeanor charges for possession of a controlled substance, driving while license is suspended/canceled, operating a non-registered vehicle, driving while barred and failure to provide insurance.MASON CITY, Iowa  A Mason City woman is facing a felony charge after police say she pointed a gun at two people during a road rage incident.

Aerial Miller, 34, is facing a charge of intimidation with a dangerous weapon after an incident Friday around 4 p.m.

Mason City police say she brandished a 9 mm pistol toward two people in the 00 block of S. Taft Ave.

Police say the two victims were able to describe the pistol to officers and they felt that Miller was going to execute the act.

She is being held without bond in the Cerro Gordo County Jail.(Kitco News) - A famous and likely the most expensive bottle of vodka made out of gold, which appeared on one of the House of Cards episodes, was stolen from a bar in Copenhagen last week.

But, as it turned out, the thief was only after the alcohol, as the bottle itself was found discarded three days later.

The unique Russo-Baltique bottle  worth about $1.3 million  is made out of 6.6 pounds of gold, 6.6 pounds of silver and has a diamond-encrusted replica of the Russian Imperial Eagle on its cap.

It was stolen from Denmark's trendy Cafe 33 on Tuesday and found on Friday by a building site six miles (10km) north of Copenhagen, still intact but empty, said local police.

The bottle appeared on season three of the popular Netflix House of Cards show. The episode depicted the U.S. President Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, being served the bottle.

After its appearance on the show, the vodka bottle was loaned to Cafe 33 by the Latvia-based Dartz Motor Company and was displayed uninsured, according to reports.

The bar released the video footage of the theft, which shows a masked man looking for the bottle with a flashlight and quickly making his escape after locating it.

Owner of the bar, Brian Ingberg, told AFP that somebody most likely stole a set of keys from a former employee.By Wayne Cole and Charlotte Greenfield

SYDNEY/WELLINGTON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - The Australian and New Zealand dollars held firm on Monday as optimism about the global economy underpinned commodity prices and riskier assets, encouraging bulls to steadily wear away at chart resistance.

The Australian dollar was steady at $0.7861 and just off a three-month high of $0.7875.

The currency has been having trouble clearing a chart barrier around $0.7884/7892, a double top from October, though that means a break higher would be all the more bullish.

Sean Callow, a senior currency strategist at Westpac, noted leveraged funds had sold a net 55,700 Aussie contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in the past three weeks.

Indeed, positions have turned net short for the first time in six months, suggesting the risk those shorts would have to be covered if the currency kept rising from here.

"Curious to see net sales despite the commodity rally and U.S. dollar weakness," said Callow. "It's a helpful backdrop for further Aussie gains."

Prices for some of Australia's major commodities have been rallying on a combination of concerted global economic growth, resilient demand from China and a soft U.S. dollar.

Iron ore futures climbed 5.8 percent last week alone and the steel-making mineral is Australia's single biggest export earner.

Domestically, the market will have to navigate data on jobs ads and approvals to build new homes on Tuesday and retail sales on Thursday. The latter disappointed for much of last year and another poor result could set the Aussie back.

The New Zealand dollar has also benefited from recent gains in dairy prices, as well as the appetite for risk trades in general.

The kiwi had edged up to $0.7178 on Monday, just under last week's three-month top of $0.7187. Resistance comes in at $0.7217, which was a peak from October.

The currency had eked out gains of around 2 percent against the U.S. dollar since the week before Christmas.

"With risk appetites remaining solid, market positioning short, the domestic data calendar light and the U.S. dollar on the back foot, the bias is for upward moves to continue in the near-term," said Philip Borkin, senior economist at ANZ Bank, in a research note.

New Zealand government bonds eased, sending yields 3 basis point higher at the long end of the curve.

Australian government bond futures were little changed with the three-year bond contract off half a tick at 97.890. The 10-year contract was steady at 97.3600.

(Editing by Sam Holmes)SEOUL, Jan 8 (Reuters) - South Korea's government was suspected of buying U.S. dollars around the 1,050 won mark on Monday, two foreign exchange traders told Reuters.

"The (foreign exchange) authorities probably took actions to show that they will not allow the won to rise beyond the 1,050 level," one trader told Reuters.

The won touched as high as 1,058.8 against the greenback in early trade on Monday, its highest intraday level since October 2014. The currency sharply extended losses to 1,069.9.

(Reporting by Kyungho Lee, Dahee Kim; Editing by Sam Holmes)Urumqi Railway Bureau said 700 China-Europe trains ran through the capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in 2017.

Westbound freight trains from other parts of China stopped in Urumqi for goods adjustment before exiting the country through Horgos or Alataw Pass for destinations in Central Asia or Europe.

Thanks to streamlined procedures and better communication with railway authorities in other countries, the transportation time for China-Europe trains has been shortened and departure frequency has increased, according to the bureau.

Last year, 70 percent of China-Europe trains exited China from Xinjiang.

"Urumqi plans to send 1,400 China-Europe trains in 2018, further improving connectivity with Central Asian and European cities," said Nan Jun, vice general manager of Xinjiang Xintie International Logistics Company.BUDAPEST, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Hungary's State Audit Office (ASZ) has fined the main, nationalist opposition party Jobbik 331.66 million forints ($1.29 million) for an anti-government billboard campaign funded by a wealthy adversary of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Jobbik, which entered parliament in 2010 on a radical far-right agenda, is now projecting a centrist image in a bid to unseat Orban at an election due in April, where his Fidesz looks well-placed to retain power.

Confirming the findings of a preliminary report, Hungary's State Audit Office (ASZ) said Jobbik had been fined for running an advertising campaign at below market prices.

The ASZ gave Jobbik 15 days to pay the fine, equal to the price advantage the party received illegally for the campaign, which accused Orban and some of his associates of corruption.

The fine amounted to more than two-thirds of Jobbik's annual state subsidy of 475.8 million forints, and the party said the "court-martial" levy could cripple its election campaign. Jobbik has denied wrongdoing.

Jobbik's subsidy should also be cut by the same amount as the fine, ASZ spokesman Balint Horvath said. Jobbik used billboards owned by tycoon Lajos Simicska, an estranged Orban ally who has since become a supporter of the far right.

Orban says Simicska hijacked Jobbik. Both the party and the tycoon deny this.

Officials at the State Treasury and at Jobbik were not immediately available for comment.

Jobbik received public funds worth nearly a billion forints in 2015 and 2016. The ASZ said Jobbik's finances over that period were not sufficiently transparent.

The ASZ, which is led by ex-Fidesz lawmaker Laszlo Domokos, has rejected accusations of politicking against Orban's foes. It said the investigation was part of a regular biennial review of parties that receive public funding.

A rally last month against the crackdown drew about a thousand Jobbik supporters, though the turnout fell well short of similar demonstrations over the past year. Fidesz commanded 39 percent of all voters in November, according to a survey by pollster Median published in the weekly HVG. Jobbik was backed by 11 percent, while the Socialists were a distant third with 7 percent.

($1 = 257.56 forints)

(Reporting by Gergely Szakacs; editing by Mark Heinrich)BUDAPEST, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Hungary posted a 334.9 billion forint ($1.30 billion) budget deficit in December, the Economy Ministry said on Monday, adding that the cash-flow based deficit widened to 1.974 trillion forints by the end of December.

In its statement, the ministry did not provide any further details on the preliminary figures.

In December the Economy Ministry said it expected hundreds of billions of forints worth of additional European Union development funds to flow in by the end of the year, adding that there was a possibility of undershooting its 2017 deficit target. The 2017 target was 2.4 percent of economic output. ($1 = 257.28 forints)

(Reporting by Gergely Szakacs and Sandor Peto)DUBLIN, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Ireland will hold two bond auctions during the first quarter, on Feb. 8 and March 8, after kicking off its funding drive for the year with the sale of 4 billion euros of 10-year debt last week, the debt agency said on Monday. The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) plans to issue between 14 billion and 18 billion euros of long-term debt in 2018 and covered around a quarter of that with last week's sale via a syndication of banks. Ireland will also hold a treasury bill auction on March 15, the NTMA said in a statement.

(Reporting by Conor Humphries; Editing by Peter Graff)

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.HANOI, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Following is a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0502 GMT.

January 8 USD/VND mid-point 22,401 USD/VND interbank 22,709/22,710 USD/VND unofficial 22,690/22,720 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.42/36.64

Interbank offered rates Overnight 1.4-2.0

1 week 1.6-2.1

1 month 3.2-3.6

3 months 4.4-5.0

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath)By Shihar Aneez

COLOMBO, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka aims to raise $500 million this month via development bonds and is in the process of divesting two state-owned hotels, the central bank and a ministry said on Monday, as the government faces unprecedented debt repayment this year.

President Maithripala Sirisenea's administration must repay an estimated 1.97 trillion rupees ($12.85 billion) in 2018 - a record high - including $2.9 billion of foreign loans, and a total of $5.36 billion of interest.

The central bank announced plans to raise $500 million in 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year Sri Lanka Development Bonds (SLDB) out of planned $3 billion for this year at both fixed and floating rate arrangement, the central bank said in a posting on its website.

The cabinet last week approved plans to borrow some $5 billion in 2018, including $2 billion of sovereign bond sales and $3 billion of development bonds to refinance big debts that fall due this year. A total of about $2.5 billion worth of SLDBs mature this year.

The government has also called for a request for proposal (RFP) to find investors for 45 billion rupees ($293 million) worth of Grand Hyatt Colombo property that includes a 458-room, 5-star hotel and 100 apartments.

The government has offered 100 percent shares in Grand Hyatt Colombo property and said an investor would be selected through a competitive process, the Ministry of Public Enterprise Development said in a posting on its website.

The government has entered into a 20-year management contract with the Hyatt Group to run the hotel, which is due to be completed and to begin operations this year.

The government also said it was seeking investors for a 51 percent controlling stake in a 350-room 5-star hotel in the heart of the capital, Colombo, which Hilton International runs under a management contract.

The ministry said Hilton International had indicated its desire to renew the contract after the current one ends in 2019.

The divestment of state-owned hotels comes as the repayment of expensive infrastructure foreign loans starts this year, which has left the island nation facing a debt crisis.

Central bank governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy said last week the government should go for the sovereign bond as early as possible as there was ample money in global capital markets ahead of expected rate increases by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The government is trying to pass a Liability Management Act that would allow it to borrow more than budget limit as it tries to manage a debt repayments over the next two years. It also plans to reschedule some loans. The $81 billion economy expected foreign currency outflows of $5.6 billion in the next 12 months including loans, securities, and deposits, compared with a current $8 billion in foreign exchange reserves, according to central bank data. ($1 = 153.6000 Sri Lankan rupees)

(Reporting by Shihar Aneez; Editing by Robert Birsel)(Updates with details)

LISBON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Portugal's IGCP debt agency said on Monday that the government's net borrowing requirement in 2018 is around 10.9 billion euros and that it plans on gross issuance of 15 billion euros worth of bonds.

It said bond issuance will be carried out through regular auctions as in previous years, to be held on the second, fourth or fifth Wednesday of every month. It will also sell new bonds via syndication through banks.

IGCP said it will carry out debt buybacks in order to reduce "excessive concentration of redemptions over time".

Treasury bill auctions will continue to be held on the third Wednesday of every month, and on the first Wednesday if there is sufficient demand.

In the first quarter IGCP will hold T-bill auctions on Jan. 17, Feb. 21 and March 21. A total of up to 4.5 billion euros of bills will be issued in the quarter, IGCP said.

Portuguese bonds put in one of the strongest performances in the euro zone last year as the country's economy grew rapidly and it regained investment grade status from rating agencies after several years being classed as junk.

(Reporting By Axel Bugge; Editing by Catherine Evans)(Adds hopes to list in early February in paragraph 5)

MADRID, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Spanish residential developer Metrovacesa, which was taken over by creditors during the country's property crash, said it plans to list on the stock market, highlighting renewed investor faith in Spanish real estate.

Residential construction in Spain is now thriving with foreign investment pouring into developments in cities and coastal resorts, a decade after a property bubble burst and wreaked havoc on the country's financial system.

The sector has become one of the hottest in Spain for investor activity in recent years. House builder Neinor Homes listed last year, the first flotation by a Spanish residential builder in a decade.

Metrovacesa, with a net asset value of 2.7 billion euros ($3.2 bln), has already appointed banks for its IPO and said the flotation on Spanish stock exchanges was aimed at widening its shareholder base to ease access to capital markets and financing for projects.

The company did not say in the statement when it intended to list, but a source close to the matter said it hoped to float in early February.

The company, which owns the largest land bank in Spain, will look to sell existing shares owned by Spanish banks Santander and BBVA in the offering, it said in a statement released to the market regulator.

Santander and BBVA own the majority of the company which they obtained in 2009 in exchange for Metrovacesa's massive debt, built up during an unsustainable expansion during Spain's decade-long property boom.

BBVA, Santander, Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley are acting as the joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners for the offer.

Goldman Sachs and Societe Generale are acting as additional joint bookrunners, the company said in the statement. ($1 = 0.8353 euros)

(Reporting By Sonya Dowsett; Editing by Angus Berwick, Susan Fenton and David Evans)(Adds more detail, FCA evidence)

By Emma Rumney and Kirstin Ridley

LONDON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Britain's financial watchdog fined ex-Royal Bank of Scotland trader Neil Danziger 250,000 pounds ($338,000) on Monday and barred him from working in financial services.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said in a statement it had found that between 2007 and 2010 Danziger, who traded products referenced to the Japanese Yen variant of Libor (London Interbank Offered Rate), was knowingly involved in the bank's manipulation of the benchmark rate.

Danziger disputes the FCA's findings and feels he is being "scapegoated for the systemic problems related to Libor", his lawyer, Ben Rose, a partner at law firm Hickman and Rose, said.

However, the ex-trader is too emotionally and financially drained to fight further, Rose said in a statement, adding: "He leaves it to others, better resourced, to press the FCA for answers, hopeful that, one day, the real truth will come out."

Danziger was dismissed over Libor-rigging at the end of 2011, after just over nine years with RBS, which was fined 390 million pounds by UK and U.S. authorities for its part in the global scandal that engulfed some of the world's biggest banks.

"Mr Danziger's reckless disregard of these standards (of market conduct) has no place in the financial services industry," Mark Steward, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said.

Libor underpins hundreds of trillions of dollars of transactions and is used to set rates on credit cards, student loans and mortgages.

'WASH TRADES'

The FCA said Danziger had routinely made requests to RBS's primary Libor submitters to benefit his trading positions, and took those positions into account when acting as a substitute submitter. On two occasions, it said, he enlisted help from brokers to manipulate Libor.

Between 2008 and 2009, the watchdog said he entered into 28 "wash trades", two identical trades that cancel each other out.

The trades had no legitimate purpose other than to pay two broker firms as thanks for personal hospitality Danziger had received, the FCA said in its statement.

Danziger has denied that the trades and hospitality were connected.

In a notice of its decision on Danziger, the FCA detailed a phone call that one broker made to a colleague of Danziger's at RBS on June 26, 2009.

The broker said he had been out with Danziger the previous evening, and asked whether Danziger was in the office. He "owes me a little switchy today", the broker is alleged to have said.

The FCA said that in a separate phone call with another individual on the same day, the broker said he had run up a 2,000 pound drinks bill that evening and that Danziger had told him to "put a switch through".

The FCA said 'switch' was a term used for wash trade, and that Danziger executed one later that day.

The regulator first proposed action against Danziger in 2014, but this was put on hold due to a then ongoing investigation by the Serious Fraud Office.

(Reporting by Emma Rumney and Kirstin Ridley; Editing by Keith Weir and Alexander Smith)Yang Zhengqing, 52-year-old village cadre in Guizhou Province, died in an accident while en route to provide relief and support to villagers in an impoverished area.

Widespread reaction and sympathy flooded Chinese social media as thousands posted tributes to the memory of Yangs life and work while offering their condolences to his family and friends.

Yang Zhengqing, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Party Branch of Xiaohe Village in Guizhou Province, was a native of the village.

Yangs wife discovered her husbands body next to his motorcycle on December 25, 2017.

He called to ask if a water pipe had been installed, said one of the villagers. It would be the last phone call Yang would ever make. He said that and he and some other cadres had discovered a water source and they were talking about ways to divert it, the villager said.

During Yangs meeting on how best to divert the water source, his wife called and asked him to come home. Yang said that he still had two homes he needed to visit, and asked her not to wait up.

It was reported that government officials had recognized Yangs passing as a death in the line of duty. During his 13 years of service as the village cadre, he helped villagers build bridges, repair canals, plant fruit trees, and establish a village council to resolve issues among the locals.

(Compiled by Hu Xiaoyu)A hand grenade explosion resulted in one fatality at Varby Gard metro station in Stockholm, Swedend on January 7, 2017.

Stockholm (Peoples Daily)  An explosion at Varby Gard metro station in Stockholms residential Huddinge district resulted in one fatality and at least one injury on January 7.

Local media reported that a hand grenade exploded as the victim, a 60-year-old man, tried to pick it up.

Police officers cordon off the area outside Varby Gard metro station, where two people were injured in an explosion, in Stockholm, Sweden, January 7, 2018. Photo: Reuters

Swedish authorities said the incident was unrelated to terrorism and evidence indicating as such had yet to emerge.

The victim was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Officials have not released his identity.

Police investigate the explosion outside Varby Gard station in a Stockholm suburb. Photo: Rex

A 40-year-old female who was with the victim sustained minor injuries.

Varby Gard station remained closed while bomb squads scanned the perimeter for explosive devices.By Kim Yoo-chul



The top financial regulator will partner with authorities in China and Japan to curb speculation using digital tokens, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) said Monday.



FSC Chairman Choi Jong-ku said the three nations have discussed how to regulate cryptocurrencies.



Choi did not elaborate but he expressed concern over the recent bitcoin craze among Koreans.



"After inspection of cryptocurrency accounts, we've decided to impose new regulations to deal with anonymous accounts and possible money laundering," he said.



Choi noted that the country lacks concrete information on what exactly is going on in the "digital currency space" as there are no direct rules on virtual money trading.



The top financial regulator is set to carry out a joint in-depth inspection of six leading local banks that provide virtual currency accounts to investors.



The six are Nonghyup, the Industrial Bank of Korea, Shinhan, Kookmin and Woori banks, and the Korea Development Bank. Shinhan, Kookmin and Woori are among the country's top four lenders alongside KEB Hana.





Over concerns surrounding anonymous cryptocurrency transactions, the FSC asked local banks to implement "know-your-customer" rules, a time-honored principle in the financial sector.



Meanwhile, investors having active accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges are required to link those accounts with a separate bank account.



It's mandatory to offer identification information if they wish to either deposit or withdraw funds.



"We will pay extra attention on whether those banks apply protective measures for those involved in cryptocurrency trading," Choi said.



If banks fail to comply with the guidelines, he noted they will be forced to shut down their digital token accounts.



Choi said the regulator will team up with the justice ministry and tax agency to set up a legal base, allowing the regulator to inspect cryptocurrency exchange operators directly.



"We aim to track where the money for cryptocurrency deals came from," he said.



The regulator also pledged to take steps to toughen punishment against crimes involving cryptocurrency transactions. More than 2 million Koreans are known to own bitcoins.





It remains to be seen whether such measures and the strong stance will work. But analysts said the effect, if there is any, will be short-lived.

By Yoon Ja-young



The U.S. Trump administration will toughen pressure in the upcoming talks to amend the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (KORUS FTA), but Korea would not accept revisions that hamper development of technology or hurt future generations, Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong said Monday.



Kim cited Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "It is better to have no deal than a bad deal," he said, making it clear that the country will stand up to unacceptable demands.



Following the U.S. pressure to revise the five-year-old trade deal, the two countries had the first round of revision talks in Washington, Friday, examining areas sensitive for each other.



Korea suggested investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) clause as the sector that needs a revision while the United States wants measures to increase its automobile exports to Korea.



"We have just started negotiations, but it won't be easy. There will be lots of work to do in a short period of time," the minister said.



"Ahead of the first anniversary of his inauguration, the Trump administration will add pressure to consolidate his supporters."



Kim also pointed to the U.S. protective measures on imports from Korea, which include safeguard actions on washing machines from Samsung and LG as well as anti-dumping duties on steel.



It even used ambiguous criteria such as "adverse facts available" in imposing them. The United States will also publish investigations on steel on national security grounds around the end of January, and the U.S. President will decide on safeguard measures on Korea's washing machines following a recommendation by the U.S. International Trade Commission.



Kim said Korea should continue its outreach in the United States to minimize damage on the industry. "We will take firm measures against U.S. actions breaching global norms, including taking the case to the WTO."



He also stressed talks with China to expand that FTA to the services sector.



"China is generally regarded as a manufacturing country, but services make up 60 percent of its economy."



He said that Korea should expand its share in tourism, healthcare and culture where it has strengths, and also stressed protection for Korean companies that invest in China.



"The services sector is more effective than manufacturing in job creation, which is the key agenda of the current administration."



He said that Korea should go beyond the G2 countries, diversifying to countries like the former Soviet Union and Southeast Asian countries.By Park Jae-hyuk



Celltrion has surpassed Hyundai Motor in terms of market capitalization Monday, as the third largest company on the country's stock market, after Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.



The Korean pharmaceutical firm's market capitalization reached 37.1 trillion won ($34.8 billion) on the day _ higher than that of the country's largest carmaker with 33.2 trillion won. Celltrion has already overtaken POSCO with 32.2 trillion won and Naver with 31.3 trillion won.



The company's stock on the day rose 13.3 percent from the previous session, closing at 302,500 won on the KOSDAQ market.



Last month, the top ranking company on the junior tech-heavy index filed an application to the Korea Exchange so as to move to the KOSPI market, the nation's main bourse on which the above mentioned conglomerates are listed.



It is expected to make its KOSPI debut next month at the earliest, considering the process typically takes about 45 days.



If Celltrion continues to keep up this pace, the company will take the fourth spot on the benchmark index, following Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and the preferred stock of Samsung Electronics.



Because of the biosimilar producer's bright outlook on the expansion of its presence in the European and the U.S. markets, analysts said Celltrion will continue to remain strong.



"Celltrion will face various favorable factors for a few years," said analyst Kang Yang-ku at Hyundai Motor Investment & Securities.



"The company plans to release Herzuma, a biosimilar for the treatment of breast cancer, in the European market in the first quarter of this year. Also, it is expected to win approvals for Herzuma and Truxima, a biosimilar for treatment of haematological cancers, in the North American market in the second quarter."



In addition to Celltrion, the group's other affiliates have enjoyed the performance of their stocks from the beginning of this week.



Shares of Celltrion Healthcare, the company that conducts worldwide marketing, sales and distribution of biological medicines developed by Celltrion, closed at 117,500 won, up 7.8 percent from the previous session. Those of Celltrion Pharm, another subsidiary of Celltrion, closed at 66,800 won, up 4.38 percent from the previous session.



Against this backdrop, Celltrion Chairman Seo Jung-jin has recently become the nation's fourth-richest man in stock holdings, followed by SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo.



The value of stock held by Seo surpassed 5 trillion won as of Friday, because of the rapid hike in Celltrion Healthcare shares, according to Chaebul.com, a conglomerate information provider.



Seo holds a 36.18 percent share of Celltrion Healthcare, but he does not own any Celltrion stocks.



Those richer than Seo in stock holdings were Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong and AmorePacific Chairman Suh Kyung-bae.

By Jun Ji-hye



United Arab Emirates (UAE) Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan's key aide arrived in Seoul, Monday, amid high hopes that his visit will contain allegations about a possible rift in bilateral nuclear cooperation and economic relations.





Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, a key aide to United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, and the chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi, arrives at the National Assembly, Monday, for a meeting with Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun. / Yonhap

The visit by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi, comes about a month after Im Jong-seok, presidential chief of staff, visited the Middle East country in December.



Al Mubarak is one of the closest aides to the UAE crown prince. He was present at meeting with Im.



During his high-profile two-day visit, the UAE official is expected to pay a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in in an apparent bid to address speculation about a bilateral feud. The government is expected to explain the results of the meeting to the press afterward.



Im's visit to the UAE, which Cheong Wa Dae claimed was aimed at boosting the morale of Korean soldiers stationed there and enhancing bilateral relations, has caused speculations that his mission was to handle complaints from the UAE.



The opposition bloc claimed that the visit might have been aimed at mitigating the UAE's concerns over the possible impact of President Moon's nuclear phase-out policy on a $40 billion bilateral deal. Under the deal, signed in 2009 under the Lee Myung-bak government, Seoul was to build and operate four nuclear reactors in the Middle Eastern country.

Eyes are on whether the visit of Al Mubarak will be able to remove various allegations about bilateral relations.





President Moon Jae-in and his chief of staff Im Jong-seok attend a meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, Monday. / YonhapFrench right groups commemorated Charlie anniversary at the Les Folies Bergeres theatre in Paris on January 6. (Photo: Christophe Archambault/ AFP)

January 7 is the third anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attack. Some French groups hosted events to remind people of Je suis Charlie or the I am Charlie campaign.

Groups all over the country hosted memorial events celebrating freedom of expression and commemorating the victims on Saturday.

The attackers recorded by monitor on January 7, 2015. (Photo: AFP)

In 2015, the Paris offices of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo were stormed by two masked gunmen, killing 12 for a cartoon featuring the Prophet Muhammad. Two days later on January 9, the attackers killed at least two people in East Paris.

In response, more than 4 million people marched across the country in support of the victims under the slogan Je suis Charlie.

The sales of the magazine returned to their pre-2015 levels, according to an interview with a kiosk keeper by France 24. The magazine sold out 1 million copies right after the attack while average sales before were 60,000.

The latest edition of Charlie Hebdo.

The Islamic State calendar?

Weve already given, referring to the French tradition of selling New Years calendars door to door. (Photo: AFP)

Graffiti of the smiling faces of murdered Charlie Hebdo cartoonists Charb, Cabu, Wolinski and Tignous were defaced by Hitler moustaches. The moustaches were removed just in time for the anniversary of the attack.

Sixty-one percent of French still identify with "Je suis Charlie," 10 percent less than in 2015, a French Institute of Public Opinion poll found. For some, that 10 percent is significant.

Some people in the neighborhood of former Charlie Hebdos Paris office told French media that freedom of expression also implies the right to be, or not to be, Charlie.

"Terrorism is now the main source of concern for the French," the National Observatory of Delinquency said.

One out of three people see terrorism and attacks as the most worrying problem for today's French society, which was "almost non-existent before the attacks of January 7 and 9, 2015," the article said.

With military operations in Syria, Iraq and the Sahel region, France has become a major target of terrorist attacks.

The Charlie Hebdo attack seemed to signal the start of a series of terror attacks all over the country.

As atrocities have mounted in France, Je suis Charlie today has evolved into a more complex feeling among French, meaning more than that single attack, more than the fight against terrorism and more than a defense of free speech.By Yi Whan-woo







An opposition lawmaker raised allegations, Monday, that South Korea signed at least six secret military deals with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the governments of conservative Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye.







Rep. Kim Jong-dae of the Justice Party claimed the Lee government signed five of the deals on military cooperation, while the Park administration signed at least one.







Kim said such deals are believed to be closely linked to Lee's "energy diplomacy," a controversial investment project in overseas energy that ended up reporting lower-than-expected profits and severe losses.







The legislator also said the military deals are suspected to be related to Korea's landmark $18.6 billion nuclear reactor project with the UAE during Lee's term in 2009.







Korea then beat the more favored U.S. and French rivals to one of the Middle East's biggest ever energy contracts.







During the Park government in 2016, Korea also won another nuclear plant bid worth $49.4 billion.







The Justice Party lawmaker called the six alleged secret deals "unjust," saying "They were in violation of our law."







He criticized the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) as well, pointing out that its predecessor, the Saenuri Party was, the ruling party under Lee and Park.







"The LKP must repent its past and sincerely apologize to the people," Kim said. "I plan to visit the UAE to investigate the case and will disclose every single truth concerning the LKP if it does not repent."







The allegations coincided with the visit of UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan's trusted aide Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak to Seoul, Monday.







He arrived here amid rumors that Korea recently had a diplomatic row with the UAE over President Moon Jae-in's nuclear phase-out policy, and that Moon hurriedly sent his chief of staff Im Jong-seok to the UAE last month to restore relations.

By Kim Hyun-bin



The Ministry of Education (MOE) plans to ban English classes at daycare centers and kindergartens, following its recent controversial decision to scrap afterschool English classes at elementary schools.



In December, the ministry said it will abolish afterschool English classes for first and second graders when the 2018 term begins in March.



Officials believe starting English at a young age has little benefit and claim that it creates a great deal of stress for children.



"There are two main reasons the ministry is working to get rid of the program. Many experts believe the process of learning English is too stressful and less effective for young children." said Kwon Ji-young, a director of early childhood education, at the MOE. "Secondly, English will be provided in classes starting in the 3rd grade, so English classes before this only become early preparation for elementary school."



A daycare enforcement regulation under the Ministry of Health and Welfare allows foreign language classes to be taught at daycare centers. However, the government is now aiming to make changes.



"An enforcement regulation at the ministry allows foreign language classes after school; we need to get rid of it," said Kwon Byung-ki, a director of the division of childcare policy at the ministry.



"Since it's not law, all we need is the minister's approval to take out the enforcement regulation."



The ministries are both onboard to ban English classes at daycare centers and a final decision is expected to be made within the month.



There are around 40,000 daycare centers in Korea and 70 percent are members of the Korea Edu-care Association (KEA), which are strongly opposed to the ban.



"Banning the classes overall without the consent of parents or their views is absurd. We are against the move." said Ryu Ho-young, a manager at (KEA) "We are scheduled to open a board of directors meeting Jan. 11 to come up with countermeasures."



Many parents are worried that the ban will leave them no choice, but to put their children through private education.



"Even with the government ban on English classes, there is a good chance parents might consider sending their kids through private education, because most parents believe English is an important factor for them." said Choi Sun-hee a teacher at a daycare center in Seoul.



Many experts are worried the ban could cause a balloon effect toward private education as more parents might choose this as an alternate option.



By Jung Min-ho



Tens of thousands of English teachers across the country are in danger of losing their jobs as the government is set to ban English education for children from preschool to second grade.



About 7,000 afterschool English teachers at elementary schools will lose their jobs in March when the new policy comes into force for first and second graders.



When the Ministry of Education applies the policy to 50,000 kindergartens and daycare centers later this year as announced, tens of thousands more teachers will suffer the same fate.



Kim Min-jung, 34, a part-time English teacher at one kindergarten and three daycare centers in northern Gyeonggi Province was recently notified the kindergarten decided to terminate her contract owing to the policy.



"I will probably lose three other jobs as well. Many teachers are concerned and feel insecure about their careers," she told The Korea Times Monday.



Many English teachers at kindergartens and daycare centers  institutions partly sponsored by the government  have already started to look for jobs at private academies or in completely different fields, she noted.



Hundreds of English teachers have posted on a petition on the Cheong Wa Dae website urging the government to reconsider the policy, but the ministry remains firm in its decision.



The ministry said the policy is in line with the Constitutional Court's 2016 ruling that found its prohibition of intensive English education for first and second graders constitutional. The court said teaching them Korean and English simultaneously may hinder their development of Korean proficiency.



Then the ministry decided to expand the policy to kindergartens and daycare centers as many policymakers pointed out there was no point implementing the policy if kindergartens and daycare centers continued to teach English to younger children.



But teachers and parents alike have criticized the ministry, saying demand for English education will remain strong. They believe many parents will send their children to more expensive private institutions if they can afford it.



"On the other hand, children from poor families will no longer be able to learn English. This will deepen the English gap between children," said another English teacher, 28, who refused to be named. "What the ministry is trying to do is to simply cut the investment for English education for all. The policy will only make private academy owners smile."





By Kang Aa-Young, Park Si-soo







A man was accused of allegedly spending 1.6 million won ($1,500) using a credit card he had stolen from his ex-girlfriend.







Busan Dongnae Police Station said the man, 26, surnamed Kim, broke into the woman's home on May 27 and fled with her credit card. He allegedly used the card 117 times over six months, buying goods worth 1.6 million won.







The victim realized her card was missing in December and reported it to police. She told police she had not realized the card was missing for some time because she did not sign up for a transaction messaging service to her mobile phone.







Police traced the card's transaction history, but it is not known whether the ex-boyfriend has admitted any wrongdoing.







The two met through a chatting website.





By Oh Young-jin





US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson is expected to be deployed near the Korean Peninsula ahead of the Feb. 9-25 PyeongChan Winter Olympics.





The carrier is en route to the Western Pacific, the ROK Navy said Sunday.





The battle group includes the nuclear-powered super-carrier and guided-missile destroyers and other warships. It left San Diego last week for the "regularly scheduled deployment" to the region.





The battle group's move is aimed at supporting the operations of the Japan-based Seventh Fleet in its area of responsibility.





"The deployment marks the second time the Carl Vinson Strike Group will operate throughout the Indo-Pacific region under U.S. 3rd Fleet's command and control," the Navy was quoted by Yonhap as saying. "The strike group became the first in recent history to demonstrate the command and control construct called 3rd Fleet Forward when units completed a six-month deployment last year."





The Vinson is expected to reach the waters near the Korean Peninsula ahead of the opening of the PyeongChang Olympics on Feb. 9.

By Oh Young-jin





The governmnt will inspect six major local banks over virtual accounts offered to cryptocurrency exchanges.





The move is another in a series to prevent speculation and money laundering, while putting a damper on the hot new money market.





According to Yonhap news agency, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) will carry out inspections -- Woori Bank, Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, NongHyup Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea and Korea Development Bank -- from Monday through Thursday.





The number of accounts in cryptocurrency exchanges came to 111 and their combined deposits are estimated at 2 trillion won ($1.8 billion).





Each account may have spawned millions of virtual accounts.





The authorities will check whether the six banks carried out their obligations to prevent money laundering in managing virtual accounts.





They are seeking to cut off fund inflows into cryptocurrency exchanges and shutter cryptocurrency exchanges that have loopholes in their system.





The government plans to issue another warning message this week against cryptocurrency speculation.





The government also said only real-name bank accounts and matching accounts at cryptocurrency exchanges can be used for deposits and withdrawals in a move to curb a frenzy of speculative investment into cryptocurrencies.





Despite a boom in cryptocurrency transactions, their exchanges go largely unregulated in South Korea, as they are not recognized as financial products. There are also no rules for protecting virtual currency investors.





By Choi Ha-young



A group of People's Party lawmakers opposing Chairman Ahn Cheol-soo's plan to merge the minor liberal party with the minor conservative Bareun Party said Monday they will leave and create a new party if the merger goes through.



Ahn is pushing for the merger with the Bareun Party in preparation for local elections in June, but around 18 lawmakers primarily from the liberal Jeolla provinces are against it, calling for the maintenance of the "reformist" values of the party.



"If our efforts to interrupt the collusion of the conservatives fall apart, the only possible way is to create a new party," said Rep. Cho Bae-sook, a four-term lawmaker and leader of the group. "If Ahn sticks with the merger, we don't have effective countermeasures."



In a separate meeting, the anti-merger People's Party members lashed out at Ahn's "dictatorship." Reps. Chun Jung-bae and Chung Dong-young  advocates of ex-President Kim Dae-jung's Sunshine Policy  attended the meeting.



On Dec. 31, last year, Ahn won a party-wide vote on whether to merge with the Bareun Party. However, he still has to undergo a party convention, the final decision-making body regarding the merger. "Unfortunately, if the party leadership unreasonably pushes ahead with the merger, that's out of my control," Rep. Cho said.



For the anti-merger faction, creating their own party is the only possible choice, since the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is unlikely to embrace the Jeolla lawmakers. However, a bumpy road is ahead for the anti-merger lawmakers, since they cannot organize a negotiation body without at least 20 lawmakers.



According to a Gallup Korea poll issued Friday, the merged party's support rate stood at 17 percent  a combined 10 percentage points higher than the People's Party with 7 percent and the Bareun Party with 5 percent. Further, political bigwig Sohn Hak-kyu said he backs the merger.



However, Cho noted the soaring popularity of the new merged party is "pointless," saying the move was not "sustainable."



"The party will be trapped in an ideological dispute due to their differences in identities. I think they will be divided before the next general election," Cho said. "The merged party is likely to attract conservative voters, but it won't be able to appeal to them, as long as there's the Liberty Korea Party (LKP)."



Ahn has reiterated the necessity of the centrist party, to absorb those fed up with the hegemony of the two major parties  the DPK and the LKP.



On Wednesday, pro-merger lawmakers from the People's Party and the Bareun Party held their first official meeting. There, they decided to create a new party that pursues "reform and political change."



However, concerns linger over the internal unity of the merged party, considering their differences of opinion on national security. Bareun Party Chairman Yoo Seong-min is known as the most hawkish figure in politics here, while the People's Party has welcomed inter-Korean dialogue.

By Kim Hyun-bin







A patent court ruled against Starbucks on Monday, dismissing its claim that the Japanese-based dairy company Morinaga copied its iconic trademark logo.





The Patent Court of Korea ruled against the plaintiff, the world's largest coffee franchise, dismissing its argument that Morinaga, widely known for its brand of Mt Rainier milk coffees, copied the Starbucks logo.





Starbucks opposed the registration, claiming that Mt Rainier's logo looked similar to Starbucks' famous circular, green and white mermaid logo.





Mt Rainier's black and white circular logo with a mountain bearing the name Seattle, a U.S. city, came under contention.



Starbucks pointed out that Morinaga's logo made a direct reference to Seattle, the "Birthplace of Starbucks" and famous for coffee and the cafe culture.





The Seattle-based company said the Japanese brand benefited from the Starbuck's trademark logo known around the world.





However, the patent court rejected Starbucks' claim, stating that in 2005 the Morinaga brand beverage made more than 258 billion won ($241 million). Since then through 2014, the Japanese company has recorded 438 billion won in sales each year.





"The two logos' exteriors and designs are considered different, one highlighting the word Mt Rainier, the other Starbucks," the patent court said. "Consumers have different images when looking at the two logos."





Mt Rainier coffee was registered for sale in Korea starting February 2015.



By Doug Bandow





The long-suffering American hope that economic liberalization would yield intellectual and political freedom in China is officially dead after President Xi Jinping's coronation at last year's party congress. He emphasized party control, strengthened personal power, and stifled intellectual dissent.



Xi appears to be the most powerful Chinese leader since Deng Xiaoping if not Mao Zedong. At the congress Xi outlined his vision for the future: The People's Republic of China is to develop into a "fully modern economy" and become "a global leader of composite national strength and international influence."



The PRC already is arguably close to achieving both objectives. Although the country faces significant economic and political challenges, so far it has confounded the doomsayers.



Beijing is likely to pose a substantial challenge to U.S. interests and values. That doesn't make conflict inevitable or even likely, but to effectively respond policymakers should better prioritize Washington's objectives.



Indeed, America's leaders, if they deserve to be called that, should start by rescuing the U.S. political system from laughing-stock status. Compare presidents and America loses. By all appearances, President Xi is serious, determined, and competent; he knows both privilege and hardship; he even lived in America, now his country's chief adversary. Even Chinese inclined toward democracy have trouble defending the American system these days.



The operation of Congress, too, fails to live up to what the world's most powerful nation requires. The democratically elected U.S. body should easily outdistance China's rubber-stamp National People's Congress, but the inability of American legislators of both parties to work effectively with each other also seems to discredit America's democratic experiment.



Moreover, Washington needs to restore its economic self-confidence. The U.S. should emphasize opening Chinese commercial and investment markets, not closing the American economy, as President Donald Trump would prefer. Low cost foreign goods benefit both consumers and producers, including exporters. The U.S. economy needs to become more competitive and efficient.



The administration also should press President Xi to live up to his past emphasis on market reforms, which would benefit American businesses and Chinese consumers. Not incidentally, doing so would help counteract the Xi regime's expansion of state control over the economy. To achieve further liberalization the president should drop his counter-productive threats of a trade war.



Politically, Washington should treat the PRC as a serious competitor. Depending on the issue, China may be adversary or ally. The U.S. should emphasize areas where the two nations' interests coincide and look for compromises where interests diverge. Washington cannot dictate: negotiation over contested issues is inevitable.



North Korea may be the most important current controversy between Washington and Beijing. The PRC desires neither a failed state on its border _ consider how Americans view Mexico _ nor a reunited Korea allied with America hosting U.S. troops. The Trump administration should offer concessions to win China's cooperation.



Overall, Washington must channel the two nations' rivalry away from military confrontation. The PRC would be a formidable opponent even now. It would not win a global war with America, but has demonstrated no interest in matching the U.S. around the world.



Rather, China hopes to deter Washington from intervening against the PRC in its own neighborhood. While the Pentagon hopes to counteract China's anti-access/area denial strategy, deterrence is much cheaper than power projection. A few missiles or torpedoes are far less expensive than the aircraft carrier they might sink.



Moreover, even victory for the U.S. would not mean the end of conflict. A resentful, still growing PRC would be an even more formidable foe in the future. The American people aren't likely to fund endless conflict far from the U.S. when their own defense is not directly at stake. Limiting Beijing's influence in its own neighborhood is not worth catastrophic conflict.



However, Americans in and out of government should do what they can to expand the free information flow to Chinese citizens. The administration should not launch an official propaganda campaign _ they rarely turn out well.



Telling nationalistic Chinese what to believe would be counter-productive. Widening their access to information while allowing them to draw their own conclusions would be a better approach. Washington should cooperate with private organizations to blow holes in the Great Firewall and use the access of Chinese media to the U.S. to address Beijing's restrictions on American journalists.



Although the PRC's climb to greatness is not assured, it is likely to pose an ever more serious challenge to the U.S. The Trump administration must demonstrate maturity and sophistication if Washington is going to respond effectively.





Doug Bandow (chessset@aol.com) is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. A former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan, he is the author of several books, including "Foreign Follies: America's New Global Empire."



By Kwon Yulejung





The previous year has gone, and the New Year has arrived. Many people spent the holidays by traveling to scenic destinations, such as a beach, hill or mountain, to watch the first sunrise of the year; going to church to attend the first worship or other religious service of the year at churches; or to their hometown to spend time with friends and families.

In contrast, from 2009 to last year, I spent the moment of transition to the New Year at the Memorial Tower of the Daejeon National Cemetery, to honor fallen sailors and marines. While I was usually at the tower with many junior officials, in 2014, when I led the Veterans Entitlement Commission, I visited the tower alone and showed my heartfelt respect for the fallen sailors and marines.



Before the yearend season began in early December, I considered making some changes in the informal annual ritual and asking some charitable organization members to join us the meaningful event. To my relief, they accepted the invitation and responded with great expectations.



However, I felt anxious about the event; while I extended the invitation to more people, the event was still exclusive. I felt the significant ceremony should be open to the public. Thus, about 10 days before the New Year, I asked some junior officials to publicize the event by posting invitations on websites and notices in many bustling areas.



Such gradual changes led to the creation of the first New Year's Moment of Respect at Midnight at the Memorial Tower of Daejeon National Cemetery, a public event that welcomes the prosperous New Year. In addition to attending the memorial service at the tower, those present left their new year resolutions on the registers. The resolutions of some participants will be on display in an exhibit at the Patriotism Hall.



The event was attended by more than 50 members of the charitable organization, , as well as by many elementary and secondary school students, who overcame their drowsiness, and their parents. Seeing the students participate have me hope about our country's bright future, as they represent future excellent leaders in many fields. An hour later, the charitable organization members participated at another important ceremony at the location of the sailors and marines' bronze reliefs, about 1 kilometer away. The 55 bronze reliefs were made in tribute to the navy sailors and the marines who sacrificed their lives to defend the Northern Limit Line on the West Sea.



Nevertheless, I was a little upset that the number of attendees ? about 120 ? fell short of the expected 150. This low attendance might be due to the lack of concerted public relations efforts in a short period of time.



I make every effort to attract as many daytime visitors to the cemetery as possible to let them feel the patriotic spirit and to let them thank the honorees for their selfless contribution to the nation. After official opening hours, the cemetery is restricted to bereaved families who visit their loved ones' graves, following a strict process of identification. Only during that New Year's Eve event was the cemetery open to the public, which was a privilege.



I hope that the next event will be attended by much more people.





The writer is the chief director of the Daejeon National Cemetery. Write to him at england6227@hanmail.net.





US President Donald Trump arrives with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to speak to the media following the Congressional Republican Leadership retreat at Camp David, Maryland, US, Jan. 6, 2018. (Photo: Reuters)

Washington (People's Daily) - US President Trump said at Camp David during the US presidents retreat on January 6 that he would not refuse "a phone call" with Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un.

"Sure, I always believe in talking," he answered at the press conference when asked if he was open to having a phone conversation with DPRK's Kim Jong Un. "Absolutely I would do that, no problem with that at all," he added.

Although Trump competes on Twitter with Kim regarding the "nuclear button" earlier this week, after this speech, some believe the phone lines at the White House are open if Kim wants to talk.

DPRK and Republic of Korea (ROK), known as North Korea and South Korea, plan to hold high-level diplomatic talks for the first time next week. Trump told the press he had a phone call with Moon Jae-in, ROK president, and mentioned he would like to see North Korea "getting involved" in the Pyeongchang Olympic Games. "I hope it works out. I very much want to see it work out between the two countries," he said.

Cautiously he added that the willingness to talk doesnt mean there are no prerequisites coming to the table. He declared that the stance of the US is already well known to the world, and the US is and will be very firm on the issue.

Trump pointed out to Kim Jong Un that, "He knows I'm not messing around. I'm not messing around. Not even a little bit. Not even 1 percent. He understands that."By John Burton





Many things divide North and South Korea. But the two appear to share the same growing fear that a possibly mentally unstable U.S. president could plunge the Korean Peninsula into a horrendous conventional war and even a nuclear one.



North Korean leader Kim Jong-un spotted that opportunity to win over South Korea when he proposed in his New Year address holding direct talks with Seoul, which will result in today's scheduled meeting between the two sides in Panmunjeom, their first high-level dialogue in two years.



Kim's clever diplomatic move underscores that this year could determine the future relationship between Washington and Seoul. It will also provide a test of how willing President Moon Jae-in is to stand up to the Trump administration and whether that will force the U.S. to take a less aggressive approach to Pyongyang.



Kim is pushing hard the nationalist button to win support in the South. He referred in his speech to "uriminzokkiri" (among us Koreans only) in creating peace on the Korean Peninsula and he reached out to Koreans overseas as well. It is the type of appeal that won favor among South Korea's leftist students and labor unions in the past.



My money is that today's meeting will result in North Korea participating in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics next month because Kim is betting that South Koreans will be shown on global TV rooting as much for the North Korean athletes (however few there will be) as South Korean ones in a show of ethnic solidarity against outside forces, i.e. the U.S.



Some believe that Kim will try to overplay his hand by staging missile tests in the next few weeks. But I believe that Kim will resist such moves in the near-term since he wants to stage a propaganda coup at the Olympics in front of the world.



Indeed, Kim has already won a victory of sorts since Washington is expected to postpone its annual joint military training exercises with South Korea until after the Olympics are over in mid-March.



North Korea's participation in the Olympics could set the stage for more wide-ranging discussions with Seoul later. With Kim's announcement that his country has completed its nuclear program, he may pivot toward seeking some form of economic cooperation with South Korea that would undermine the "maximum pressure" sanctions being pushed by the U.S. Moon might be tempted to reopen the Gaeseong Industrial Complex given the controversial circumstances of its closure under former President Park Geun-hye.



If he does so, in the belief that it will ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Moon will face criticism by conservatives at home as well as the U.S., which could potentially weaken relations with Washington. But the U.S. has only itself to blame for a more independent stance by Moon in the face of Trump's deliberately provocative language against Pyongyang.



Whether the momentum toward engagement will last after the Olympics remains to be seen. A lot will depend on the actions of Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul.



On Pyongyang's part, it must refrain from continuing nuclear and missile tests to avoid antagonizing South Korea and the U.S. If it does so, then Washington needs to sit down for talks with North Korea without demanding the precondition of Pyongyang committing itself first to denuclearization, something that it is unlikely to happen. A show of good faith on the U.S. part would be scaling back its joint military exercises with South Korea.



And this is where Moon needs to play a crucial role by persuading the U.S. to agree to take such an action. If Washington refuses to do so, then Moon should remind Trump that the U.S.-South Korean alliance should be a collaborative one.



If Trump refuses to pay any attention and continues to tweet insults aimed at Kim that threaten to disrupt the signs of detente on the peninsula, then perhaps it's time for Moon to stand up to the U.S. president and pursue a policy of engagement on his own.



Moon should argue that dialogue with the North is more urgent than ever since North and South Korea, not the U.S., would bear the brunt of any conflict and the next several months could prove crucial in preventing a war. If Moon is blamed for weakening the sanctions regime against North Korea by reopening Gaeseong, for example, his response should be that the U.S. should be offering a diplomatic exit ramp for Pyongyang to de-escalate its nuclear program.



Moon, of course, would be rightly faulted for making concessions if North Korea continues testing its nuclear arsenal, but if Pyongyang decides on a moratorium, then the South Korean president would be in his rights to pursue detente on his own if necessary.



Kim has been very skillful in trying to drive a wedge between the U.S. and South Korea, but it is really the responsibility of Washington to correct the situation.





John Burton (johnburtonft@yahoo.com), a former Korea correspondent for the Financial Times, is now a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and consultant.

By Nam Hyun-woo



With fears over massive data leaks rising following reports that Intel's central processing units (CPUs) have "the worst-ever" security flaws, concerns are rising that bitcoins and other digital coins stored in personal computers or cloud servers using those chips can be stolen by cyberattackers.



According to CoinKorea, one of the leading cryptocurrency online communities, hackers might use the bug called Meltdown to steal cryptocurrencies in computers and servers used by exchanges and traders.



By using the Meltdown bug, attackers can break the fundamental memory isolation between user applications and the computer's core memory. By bypassing the barrier, hackers can peep into data processed by the CPUs, including passwords and other secrets, according to a paper issued by researchers who discovered the flaw.



Michael Schwarz, one of the researchers, posted on Twitter video footage of the bug in action, stealing a password in real time.



"The biggest problem of Meltdown is that no encryption or vaccine program can prevent or defend against those attacks because the flaw stems from vulnerability in hardware architecture," CoinKorea said. "We strongly recommend that software patches against Meltdown should be installed in personal computers and servers which store cryptocurrencies. Especially, we believe urgent responses are required for exchanges."



The bugs are already affecting the digital token scene, though indirectly. On Friday, several cryptocurrency exchanges, including Bittrex, were taken offline as Azure cloud services offered by Microsoft were being patched for the fix.



Concerns are also growing over some exchanges using centralized ledgers because they keep investors' private keys and data stored in one place.



Earlier this week, a group of researchers announced they have discovered "one of the worst CPU bugs ever found" and named them Meltdown and Spectre. Those two bugs affect nearly all processing chips made by Intel, AMD and ARM, meaning almost every modern computer, smartphone and cloud service in the world may be vulnerable to attacks through those flaws.



Unlike Meltdown, which is so far known to affect only Intel chips, Spectre affects not only Intel but also AMD- and ARM-manufactured chips. It allows hackers to trick error-free programs running best practices into giving up secret information, according to the Spectre paper issued by the researchers.



Following the announcement, Intel and other chipmakers have released a patch for users to update their operating systems.



However, a number of info-tech experts have claimed those patches may slow down computers, while Intel denied it in its statement, saying: "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."



Suspicions are also growing that Intel may have delayed reporting about the bug, even after becoming aware of the flaws months earlier.



Google, whose Project Zero team joined the discovery, said it informed the affected companies about the flaws in June 2017.



Business Insider reported that Intel CEO Brian Krzanich sold $24 million in stocks and options in November after Intel was informed of the vulnerabilities. Intel said Krzanich is "unrelated" and he will "continue to hold shares in line with corporate guidelines."

The snowstorms have forced cancellation of some high-speed train services. / Courtesy of Reuters



By Kinling Lo, Mimi Lau





A second wave of blizzards is expected to hit central and southern China this week, compounding transport woes from last week's heavy snowfalls.

The National Meteorological Centre said snow had already started falling again on Sunday in the provinces of Henan, Hebei, Hubei and Anhui, and further falls were expected this week in the northeast provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang.

Light falls were forecast for mountainous parts of Fujian and Guangdong in the south.

The centre said rainstorms had hit northern areas of Guangxi and Guangdong, as well as Jiangxi and Fujian provinces, and would continue until Tuesday morning.

Heavy snow paralysed public transport and energy supplies in central and eastern China last week, killing at least 15 people in the most severe weather so far this winter.

Anhui was particularly hard hit, reporting 1.26 billion yuan (US$194 million) in direct economic losses from the wild weather since Tuesday, according to Anhui Daily.

By Saturday, more than half a million people in Hubei province had been affected, hundreds of whom had to move out of their homes, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

On Sunday, 19 high-speed train services from southwestern regions  including Chongqing and Chengdu  were cancelled because of the conditions.

Dozens of highways in nine provinces  Shanxi, Shandong, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi, Anhui, Guizhou and Gansu  were also closed, according to a highway monitoring website Chinahighway.com.

Beijing remained largely unaffected, with only light snowfalls in mountain areas in its western and northern regions. Shanghai reported rain on Sunday but the rest of the week was expected to be clear.

In Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province, a waitress said business at the restaurant she worked at had halved because of the heavy snow.

"Everyone is talking about the snow this year  it's been some of the worst in the last few years," she said.

"Not many customers are dining in and we have had to turn down delivery orders too because the roads are too slippery for vehicles. Sanitation workers and snowploughs are working non-stop to clear the icy snow to make way for traffic."

Although the next wave of snow would be less severe than last week's, there was the risk of sleet in Hunan, Guizhou and Jiangxi provinces, according to the Public Weather Service Centre.

In January 2008, central and southern China was thrown into chaos for weeks when unexpected blizzards and sleet inflicted widespread damage to transport networks.Half of all its new cars sold in China are expected to be smart cars by 2020, according to a document released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on Jan. 5 which is soliciting public opinions.

According to the NDRC, China will be a smart-vehicle power before 2035, whose standards of smart vehicle manufacturing will be used worldwide.

The NDRC considers the upgrading of the automobile industry an urgent need, calling the transformation from mechanic products under manual operation to smart devices a priority of the industry.

It believes China is holding institutional advantages, because through national-level planning, the allocation of resources would be easier to achieve.

In addition, the overall scale of the Chinese automobile industry, internationally leading communication technologies, and the rapid development of infrastructure will all contribute to the effort to implement the smart car strategy.

The NDRC said that 90% of major cities and expressways will be covered by vehicular with a wireless network that can support smart vehicles by 2020, and the China-developed Beidou Navigation Satellite System will achieve full coverage of the country.

In the future, smart vehicles are expected to be interconnected by a system that integrates not only automobiles but also traffic lights.Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Hamburg, Germany, July 8, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday arrived in Xian, capital of Shaanxi province, as the first European leader to visit China since the conclusion of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

According to information released by Elysee Palace, the French president would visit the famous Terracotta Warriors in Xian and the Forbidden City in Beijing. During his very first visit to China, Macro will be welcomed by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping with a series of events, while the two heads of state will further strengthen bilateral ties by reviewing past achievements and outlining a direction for future cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields.

As the first major Western country that established diplomatic relations with China, France has been long considered as an important partner to help China boost its relations with the European Union, especially after Brexit. Experts noted that Macrons China visit may promote the Belt and Road Initiative, helping China to deepen its cooperation with European countries.

[File photo]

France may take a leading role in the promotion of Belt and Road Initiative among Western countries. Enterprises in France hope to expand their business in China, while China wants to make Sino-French relations as a role model [for other European countries]. Better bilateral relations would be a win-win solution for both sides, Liu Zuokui, a Chinese Academy of Social Sciences scholar, told Xinhua.

China-France ties are currently at their peak, with Paris being Beijing's fourth largest trading partner in the EU and Beijing ranking the first among Frances Asian trading partners.

[File photo]

In addition to bilateral trade, experts noted that the two leaders will also exchange opinions on major international and regional issues, reaching positive consensus on multilateralism and globalization in the face of growing U.S. isolationism.

Xi and Macron will discuss strengthening cooperation to safeguard multilateralism, build an open world economy, improve global governance, and work jointly to tackle global challenge, said Geng Shuang, a spokesperson for the Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Chinese scientists on Monday dismissed rumors of possible dangers caused by the countrys retired space station Tiangong-1, noting that most of its components will burn up safely while re-entering earth, posing no threat to Earth.

Weve been keeping an eye on Tiangong-1s movement. The space lab is expected to return to the Earth in the first half of 2018, with most of its components being burning up during the course of its re-entry. What is left of the space lab will fall into the ocean, without causing damage to the Earths surface, Zhu Congpeng, chief designer of the Tiangong-2 space lab, told the Science and Technology Daily.

The remarks are Chinas latest response to the rumors that the retired space station may pose an environmental threat to earth. Several Western media outlets, including CNN and The Guardian, have reported that the space lab is out of control and that pieces weighing up to 100 kg could fall to the surface when the space lab breaks apart.

Chinese experts and engineers have dismissed such reports, noting that China has rich experience in controlling falling spacecraft. According to statistics from China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO), the last controlled fall took place in September 2017, when Tianzhou 1, Chinas unmanned cargo spacecraft, successfully plunged into Earths atmosphere and burned up after a series of braking maneuvers by ground control.

Unlike reusable spacecraft, a controlled descent requires the space station to burn as much as possible when entering the atmosphere. Compared to Mir, Russias 20-tonne space station, which safely plunged to Earth in 2001, almost all of the 8.5-tonne Tiangong-1 will burn up, said space expert Pang Zhihao.

Chinese authorities have been making promises to keep a close eye on the re-entry of Tiangong-1. According to a note sent to UN in May 2017 by the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, Chinese authorities reiterated that the probability of the re-entry causing damage to aviation and ground activities is very low, and promised that its orbital status and other information relating to Tiangong-1 will be publicized both in Chinese and English regularly.

According to the latest statistics released by CMSEO on its official website, the Tiangong-1 had run at a height of 286.5 km high from December 17 to 24, 2017, without any noticeable issues.

As Chinas first space lab, Tiangong-1 was launched in September 2011 and ended its data service in March 2016. It was in service for 4.5 years, 2.5 years longer than its designed life, and had docked with Shenzhou-8, Shenzhou-9, and Shenzhou-10 spacecraft and undertaken a series of tasks, making important contributions to Chinas manned space cause, Xinhua reported.Rome, January 8 - The leaders of the main centre-right parties agreed that they will run in a four-way alliance in the March 4 general election in a meeting Sunday at ex-premier's Silvio Berlusconi's home at Arcore, near Milan. This means that a group of centrists will also feature in the coalition, along with Berlusconi's Forza Italia, the League and the Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, despite the reservations of League leader Matteo Salvini. FdI leader Giorgia Meloni also attended the meeting. The centre-right alliance is ahead in the polls.Rome, January 8 - Industry Minister Carlo Calenda said Monday that the government was considering three offers for Alitalia, adding that a decision would be made within days. "Today we have three offers on the table," Calenda told Radio Capital. "What the (airline's) commissioners will do, at the end of this week or the start of the next, I imagine, is to say which of these offers is the best and, therefore, who it is possible to start exclusive negotiations with. "I have no preferences. It's a highly objective issue for me and the assessment will be made on the basis of the figures".Rome, January 8 - The return to school after the Christmas holidays for many Italian nursery and elementary school pupils was delayed due to a one strike by some teachers on Monday. The strike was called by a number of unions in protest by a ruling by the Council of State, Italy's top administrative court, excluding some groups of people from public teacher recruitment lists. The teachers are holding several rallies, including one outside the education ministry in Rome.Rome, January 8 - The leaders of the main centre-right parties agreed that they will run in a four-way alliance in the March 4 general election in a meeting Sunday at ex-premier's Silvio Berlusconi's home at Arcore, near Milan. This means that a group of centrists will also feature in the coalition, along with Berlusconi's Forza Italia, the League and the Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, despite the reservations of League leader Matteo Salvini. FdI leader Giorgia Meloni also attended the meeting. A joint statement said that one of the alliance's policies would be to scrap the 2011 'Fornero' pension reform featuring in a mechanism to raise the retirement age on the basis of life expectancy to make the system more sustainable. The centre-right alliance is ahead in the polls.Chinas express delivery industry hit a new record in 2017, handling 100 million parcels each day, China National Radio reported on Jan. 7.

The industry has become a highlight of Chinas economy. For instance, the number of logistics orders of the country surged to 812 million on December 11, 2017, Chinas largest annual online shopping craze, from 152 million 4 years ago.

Fang Zhipeng, general manager of China Postal Express & Logistics, said that e-commerce is driving the rapid growth of the logistics industry. The delivery volume generated from online shopping accounted for nearly 70% of the total amount, he said, adding that the compound growth of the industry has hit 54% from 2010 to 2016.

In 2017, 15 million environmentally-friendly packages and tens of billions of electronic express sheets were used, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 136,000 tons.Vatican City, January 8 - Pope Francis repeated his call for the status quo be maintained with respect to Jerusalem during a meeting with the diplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican on Monday. "I direct a special thought to the Israelis and the Palestinians following the tensions of recent weeks," the Argentine pontiff said. He added that the Holy See, "in expressing pain for those who have lost their lives in the clashes, renews its pressing appeal to consider every initiative so that it avoids aggravating conflicting positions, and calls for a common commitment to respect the status quo of Jerusalem, a holy city for Christians, Jews and Muslims, with respect of the pertinent United Nations Resolutions".Rome, January 8 - Puglia Governor Michele Emiliano said Monday that he does not intend to withdraw his appeal against the plan for an environmental clean-up and revamp of the ILVA steelworks in Taranto. Industry Minister Carlo Calenda has warned Europe's biggest steel plant risks closing unless the appeal is dropped. Emiliano said he would not withdraw the legal action and "put the health of the Taranto people at risk even if the regional assembly asked me to". "There is an attempt by many subjects to interfere," added Emiliano. "ILVA is used to having its way in the region, it is not used to having to submit to the legal regulations of the region". Commissioners are running ILVA after it was put in administration and started undergoing the economic revamp and clean-up programme after years of being linked to high cancer rates in Taranto.Brussels, January 8 - Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said Monday he was ready to run for parliament in the March 4 general election. "There have been talks and I made myself available," said Padoan, answering a question on whether he had been asked to stand.Rome, January 8 - Italy's strike watchdog said Monday the grass-roots COBAS school union's strike call was against the law. It said it broke a rule requiring 15 days' notice. COBAS had also not tried to avert the strike by talks with the education ministry, it said. Today's strike by COBAS "does not comply with the law," the watchdog said. It said "this had already been reported to the trade union organisation (for other strike calls) on December 28 and January 3." It said "therefore, in the course of our next session, the strike authority will weigh the opening of the process to issue the relevant sanctions." COBAS was just one of many school unions who struck on Monday.Brussels, January 8 - Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said Monday he was ready to run for parliament in the March 4 general election. "There have been talks and I made myself available," said Padoan, answering a question on whether he had been asked to stand. Democratic Party (PD) leader and ex-premier Matteo Renzi said later Tuesday he had asked Padoan to run.Turin, January 8 - A Turin doctor who went missing in Panama in late November is dead, his family said Monday. Virginia Sanchesi, the former wife of Furio Ferrari, and Ferrari's daughter Elodie said the 70-year-old, who had been living in central America for years, had died. They asked the Italian foreign ministry to "help us understand what happened".Florence, January 3 - A man knocked down and killed a pedestrian at Sesto Fiorentino near Florence Tuesday. The man, a 33-year-old Moroccan, fled the scene but police caught him. He was charged with vehicular homicide. The victim was a 58-year-old factory worker who died of cardiac arrest. He was rushed to hospital where vain attempts were made to revive him. The Moroccan was known to police for petty theft, sources said.The one thing thats clear, absolutely crystal, about organized, encouraged, endorsed or enforced policies related to COVID-19 response was summed up in just a few words last week by Huntersville ...

Theres an intriguing sounding course being offered this fall at Davidson College. It hasnt stirred any local or national uproar, it hasnt motivated people to attack its concept without understanding ...

More than a half-century ago, the first sections of pipe that would become part of the Colonial Pipeline were laid in the Huntersville community. That also marked the start of...This transcript appears in the December 22, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

ZEPP-LAROUCHE WEBCAST

The Coming Collapse of Russia-Gate:

We Need LaRouches Four Laws

To Move Forward!

This is an edited transcript of Helga Zepp-LaRouches weekly webcast of Dec. 14, 2017.

[Print version of this transcript]

Harley Schlanger: Hello, Im Harley Schlanger from the Schiller Institute. Welcome to this weeks international strategic briefing from Helga Zepp-LaRouche, the founder and President of the Schiller Institute. I have to say this has been an extraordinary last couple of days, in terms of the unravelling of the so-called Russia-gate investigation, the exposure of the web of corruption surrounding Robert Mueller and his investigation. As weve been saying since the outset of the attacks on Trump, during the campaign last year, this is coming from the highest levels of British intelligence; it includes the networks of Mueller and Comey at the FBI, Justice Department and others. Its quite extraordinary, including the statement from the Deputy Attorney General yesterday in the House Judiciary Committee, when he said it doesnt matter if theres bias, as long as theyre able to do their job.

White House/Peter Souza Robert Mueller

Helga, this is exactly what we pointed out in the special dossier we did on Robert Mueller. Why dont you catch us up on these developments in the last couple of days?

Helga Zepp-LaRouche: This is very fascinating because what is now happening is exactly the opposite of what the intention was: Namely that those people who tried to prove collusion between Trump and the Russian government, are now the targets of a potential investigation themselves, with quite incredible implications. There are already calls out that all of these peopleMueller, McCabe, Bruce Ohr, Peter Strzok, and various other individualsthat they should all be led away in handcuffs. This is the demand of former judge and prosecutor Jeanine Pirro, on Dec. 9 on Fox Television, and what she referred to is the fact that now it is becoming very clear in the hearings in the House and in the Senate, that there was collusion among people who were clearly a task force against Trump even before he was elected, who wanted to have a sort of life insurance policy against the possibility that Trump might be elected, and they worked together with the former MI6 agent Christopher Steele on his dirty dossier.

Now, it turns out that the degree of corruption is even much deeper. For example, the wife of the recently demoted Associate Deputy Attorney General Bruce Ohr worked for the very firm which was dealing with Christopher Steele on behalf of the Obama administration and Hillary Clinton election teamnamely Fusion GPS.

So there is very clearly conflict of interest, to say the least, and what happened in the hearing was that the situation became so hot that FBI Deputy Director McCabe, at the last moment, discovered a so-called conflict in his schedule, and he didnt appear. House Intelligence Chairman Congressman Nunes immediately said that he didnt believe that for a second, because it was not credible. The cover-up no longer works, because the questions asked of these individuals were about things that they should already have volunteered themselves. If there were signs of bias in the investigation, they should have volunteered this themselves without waiting to be asked.

I think this is turning the whole situation around. Russia-gate is crumbling, and this has incredible strategic implications, because this whole thingif we recall how this developedwas all intended from the very beginning, by the Obama administration, and the leftovers from the previous Bush administration, to prevent President Trump from developing a positive relationship with Russia. And now that it has turned against those who are the accusers, that opens a whole new strategic dimension.

Schlanger: What Id like to do is go through a couple of the things that came out, including these incredible text messages that were sent from Peter Strzok, who is the former number-two counterintelligence official for the FBI, who was involved in the interrogation of HillaryI should say the friendly investigation of Hillary Clinton on the emails. He actually softened Comeys conclusions on Hillary Clinton so there would be no legal problem for her. He was involved in the Flynn interviewthis guy Strzok is a walking conflict of interest! But the Inspector General of the Justice Department put out 90 pages of SMS messages, and in one of themthis is the one thats most damningStrzok said to his girlfriend Lisa Page, who is an attorney who worked directly under FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, I want to believe the path you threw out for consideration in Andys office, that theres no way Trump gets elected, but Im afraid we cant take that risk. Andy is Andrew McCabe: There was a meeting in McCabes office to discuss how to keep Trump from getting elected, by top officials of the FBI! I think this is absolutely unprecedented.

Peter Strzok

Zepp-LaRouche: Yes! It is a coup. And there was a congressman from Florida, Gaetz, who warned Trump that this is a coup against him. I think that that is absolutely the case. President Putin of Russia had said several months ago, that what is going on against Trump is exactly a MaidanI mean the kind of coup which occurred against the Ukrainian government in February 2014. And I think if you look at the dramatis personae, the relevant figures, then its very clear that it is exactly the same apparatus which was also responsible for the Maidan in Kiev. So I think this is not the end of the story, but an incredible crime is just being discovered and being brought into the open.

Schlanger: On the whole question of Mueller and his role, we played a major role in exposing that in our dossier, which were now going to reprint. People can get that and use it. This is an unfolding story of a coup that were ahead of! We can cut it off, we can end this attempted coup if we do our job, instead of letting them go ahead unimpeded.

One of the other really striking things in this whole thing is where you see that Fusion GPS and Christopher Steele were brought in by Bruce Ohr, the Associate Deputy Attorney General, for discussion. This shows that the Justice Department and the FBI, back in August of 2016maybe even in July of 2016were working out an operation against Trump. Now, is any of this getting out in the media in Europe as far as you know, Helga?

Zepp-LaRouche: No! We are putting it out, but so far, I have not seen anyanycoverage of this at all. What the media are playing up here is the election result in Alabama, as a big blow to Trumpsaying that the end of Trump is already in sight. So the picture the European population gets is quite the opposite of what is happening.

Schlanger: The thing thats being kept out of the media because of the focus on all these other kinds of things, is the recent developments around North Korea. Rex Tillerson, the Secretary of State, said that the U.S. is ready for negotiations without preconditions, in cooperation with Russia and China. There have been some other developments around the whole North Korea question. What do you have on that?

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U.S. State Department

Zepp-LaRouche: Somebody in the State Department felt it necessary to immediately correct Tillerson, by saying yes, thats true, but now is not the right time. So you can see an ongoing battle on every issue, even in the State Department, with Tillerson being contradicted.

But otherwise, the situation looks hopeful. Certainly the whole North Korean issue is extremely dangerous, because clearly North Korea now is a full-fledged nuclear power; it has ICBMs which can reach everywhere in the United States and many other places as well, and therefore, we are sitting on a powderkeg as long as the U.S. and South Korean, and Japanese military maneuvers are still scheduled.

But there is hope right now, because you had high-level representatives of the United NationsUnder-Secretary-General Feltman, who is an American, and from Russia and Chinain Pyongyang. Therefore, if Pyongyang would send a signal that it wont do any tests for the next 60 days, and if the United States calls off this big maneuver which is supposed to start at the beginning of the year, then conditions would be right. Especially if the Tillerson approach of sitting down at the table without preconditions is actually maintained, there is, indeed, hope.

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UN/Rick Bajornas

And I think it shows once more, how extremely important it is that the big powersthe United States, Russia, Chinawork together. Because there are several conflicts in the world which cannot be defused if those powers are on a confrontation course against each other. So I think it is dangerous, but it is also hopeful right now.

Ukraine Narrative Failing

Schlanger: And on this question of the battle against Trumps attempt to bring us into a relationship with China and Russia, we saw two things in the last couple of days: One was Joe Bidens comments against the Russians in Italy. But then, also this crazy speech from National Security Advisor McMaster, who spoke at a British-American think tank thats committed to keeping the so-called special relationship together, and he said, geopolitics are back with a vengeance. I think hes answering you on that one, Helga, because youve made the point that we have to get beyond geopolitics. He went on to talk about Russian military aggression, and Chinese economic aggression. This shows these coup-plotters are still making clear what their intention is.

Zepp-LaRouche: Yes, Biden also claimed that the Russians intervened in the outcome of the referendum concerning the change of the Italian Constitution last year, and he was immediately refuted by the Five-Star party, by the Lega Nord, and by former Prime Minister Berlusconi. Most of the political spectrum in Italy said Biden is completely off.

But I think the truth is about to come out in many places. One other thing on this Russia question is an ongoing trial against the Berkut special police battalion which is standing trial for supposed criminal activity during the Maidan coup in Kiev in early 2014. Now the lawyer for this battalion has two or three witnesses, Georgians, who claim that they had been hired as snipers by Mikheil Saakashvili, from Georgia, at the time; and that they were ordered to shoot on both the demonstrators on the Maidan as well as at the police. And that confirms, again, our analysis of how this thing was completely orchestrated to create chaos and the condition for the coup against Yanukovych.

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youtube

This is very interesting, because these people will provide testimony in a court case by telephone hookupobviously, they dont want to appear and admit their deeds, but they are basically admitting what they didand that means that the whole narrative on Ukraine is also crumbling.

Putin once said that if Ukraine had not happened his opponents, would have invented some other problem, some other story, and I believe that thats true. But as history unfolded, it was Ukraine: first, the $5 billion that Victoria Nuland admitted was spent by the State Department in order to finance the color revolution in Ukraine, starting in 2004the Orange Revolution and then the Maidan. The whole narrative hinges on the fact of the referendum in the Crimea, when the population decided to be part of Russia. And that development was used to demonize Putin, and to impose the sanctions.

However, if you take it back and see that the actual trigger point was not the annexation of Crimea, as it is always portrayed, but that there was a staged coup in which snipers fired on people from both sidesthat unravels the whole narrative.

I want to point our readers and viewers to a dossier we published about the Ukraine story as well, because I think the narrative, as it is called, is failingyou know, narrative means its not the truthand I think the truth also has to come out on Ukraine. And then the whole pictureits almost like a catharsis which is taking place, or were seeing the beginning of it, but sometimes, such real cleansings are absolutely necessary.

Schlanger: Also the proof that this had nothing to do with the well-being of the people of Ukraine, is the complete dysfunction of the current government, and the fact that Saakashvili, whom you mentioned, led Georgia in a rebellion against Russia and triggered another crisis much earlier. Recently theyve been trying to arrest him in Ukraine, and his own organizers have been saying theyre going to overthrow the current government of Ukraine!

I would like to call our listeners attention to a very powerful report given by Natalia Vitrenko, a good friend of yours and the Schiller Institutes, at the recent Schiller Institute conference in Bad Soden. Its available on the New Paradigm Schiller Institute website, https://schillerinstitute.com/media/chinas-initiative-view-ukraine/.

We talked a little bit before about the Italian situation: You mentioned to me before the webcast, a new documentary on the Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank case, and the implications of this for the situation in Europe. What can you tell us about this documentary?

Zepp-LaRouche: I can only advise our viewers to absolutely try to watch this movie. Its a documentary by ARTE, which is the German-French TV channel; it exists so far only in German and in French, but the story told there is absolutely mind-boggling. The title of it is Death of a Banker, and it refers to the supposed suicide of a banker named David Rossi, on March 6, 2013. He was the communications manager for Monte dei Paschi, the oldest bank in the world. This all occurred in the context of the big financial crisis of 2007-2008, in the circumstances in which a small bank called Antonveneta was taken over by Santander and Monte dei Paschi was drawn into this. There was an incredible amount of wheeling and dealing, covering up losses with derivativesthis looks like another case of Mario Draghi saying he would do whatever it takes to save the euro, which he said as ECB head, in terms of buying up bonds and quantitative easing. However, this is a case where that question comes up. Because it was Draghi in his function as head of the Banca dItalia, who agreed to this wheeling and dealing, even if much was completely dubious.

Now clearly this David Rossi knew about criminal activities inside and outside of the bank. The thing that makes this documentary so absolutely suspenseful, is video footage which shows the end-phase of his fall from his office building, and then shows him lying dead on the street. Then a man, another banker from the same bank, comes by without even looking closely or trying to help him, walks away, comes back, and makes a call on his mobile phonethis is all very, very suspicious.

There is now a new forensic investigation in Italy into the circumstances of this supposed suicide. The initial findings say that he could not have fallen by himself, and end up in the position in which he landed on the street. His wife is very active, and his family does not believe it was suicide at all; she has already posted this movie on her Facebook page, even though its only in German and French so farand its going viral. The mainstream media are not yet reporting it, but this is an unbelievable story.

One implication is that a banker from Deutsche Bank who was also found dead in London one year later [in January 2014], a person called William Broeksmit, was involved in similar financial arrangements.

This is a case where it has been said that the Italian banking crisis created a risk to the European system, but as the authors of this movie have pointed out, the Italian banking system was completely fine, including Monte dei Paschi, until Italy was forced to have a huge privatization of its banking sector to supposedly make Italy ripe for the euro.

I would guess that this is not the end of it, because there are now criminal investigations into the circumstances, and this is clearly another case where you see the criminal activity around this banking system. I think our viewers should really watch this movie.

European Union Flounders

Schlanger: This just underscores the whole point that whats going on in Italy, and whats going on with the investigation into the Maidan, exposes how the total instability of Europe is part of the reason for the coup against Trump: Because beginning with the Brexit, we have been seeing the disintegration of political parties in Europe, and the loss of any approach to a real production policy. We see the Chinese becoming very much involved in Europe right now.

And Id like you to give us a quick update on whats going on in Germany: Because it appears as though theres still a very significant problem in putting together a new government after the recent elections.

Zepp-LaRouche: Well, its now already two and half months since the elections, and the first effort by Merkel to form a government with the [Free Democratic] liberal party and the Greens failed. Now, theyre trying again, a Grand Coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD), but in the Social Democracy there is a lot of opposition against the continuation of the policy which almost destroyed the SPD in the earlier coalition. The crazy proposal by Martin Schulz, the head of the SPD, is now to form another Grand Coalition, but this time it will be a cooperation coalition, which is the idea that they only agree on certain particular points, and then place ministers into the cabinet on that basis; and on the points they dont agree on, each side can be free to form opposition coalitions in the Bundestag, in the parliamentwhich obviously is ridiculous. Because how can you be in the government and oppose your own government at the same time? And that would also mean that on certain issues, the CDU/CSU could only get a majority by relying on the AfD, the Alternative for Germany, which is an extreme right-wing party which has very dangerous elements within it.

So I think this is total instability. As long as you dont have a government in Germany, all the plans for Europe are null and void, because without a German government those plans cannot be implemented.

What is on the table right now are various proposals which only differ in nuances: One is by French President Macron, which is to have a European Finance Minister, and a European budget. Then you have [EU Commission] President Juncker, who wants to put everything under the European Union Commission, and build that bureaucracy up as a European government; and German SPD leader Martin Schulz, who says, yes, we must have a United States of Europe.

This is a very absurd proposal; it was absurd all along, because there is no European people. There are many different cultures, traditions, and languagesand people in one part of Europe have no inkling whats going on in another part of Europe because they cant read the newspapers, they dont understand the history, and they are totally uninformedso theres no European people.

But if this scheme was already dubious many years ago, it is completely impossible now, because the East Europeans, the Central Europeans, and people from the Balkans have a completely different attitude towards Chinas New Silk Road. There is Austria, where the new coalition government program even includes a paragraph that Austria will cooperate with the Belt and Road Initiative. Switzerland is excited to be cooperating with China in this respect. Hungary just now blocked a NATO/Ukraine commission meeting, because they dont agree with the policy of NATO encircling Russia. And so there is no unity. But clearly, this is all because they dont want to look at the axioms of their policy failures.

In the rest of the world, there is a growing awareness that Europe is not functioning, but I think it requires a real policy discussion: What are the principles of economy? What is in the interest of the people? How should we form a policy, a vision for the future? And none of these things has been addressed by the present coalition discussions in Germany.

But there is a growing demand, coming from industry, from the Mittelstand [small and medium-sized industry, especially high technology]and the Schiller Institute is holding events to try to make the policy of the Silk Road better known. People must know more about the real advantages of cooperating with the Belt and Road Initiativefor example, in the reconstruction of Syria which is now seriously on the table, especially because of the roles of Russia and China; and also the need to cooperate in the development of Africa. The problem is, rather than joining hands in win-win cooperation with China, what Brusselsand unfortunately also Berlinare saying, is they feel that they have to be in geopolitical competition with China.

And I think this problem of thinking in geopolitical terms is the main obstacle. If you look at the long arc of human history, it is very clear that unless we develop a vision of one, single, humanity working towards the common aims of mankind, we are not going to make it, and we will always be in danger of war. In the time of thermonuclear weapons, this could be fatal for the human race.

So we have to develop a different perspective on how nations can cooperate.

Schlanger: I think we have a perfect example of that coming from China right now. Theres a discussion about investment in providing electricity for more than one billion people in mostly Africa and South Asia. The Chinese are talking about $1.5 trillion investment to do that! Thats obviously aimed at precisely what youre talking aboutthe improvement of the future for people who otherwise have no hope.

Id like to come back to one final point here, which again, gets at this question of why theyre trying to get rid of Trump. There was an announcement a couple of days ago by President Trump about the U.S. space program, and his commitment to take the United States back to the Moon, and beyond to Mars and to other planets, other galaxies, even. This kind of optimism was also seen in a China-U.S. conference on space, where there was discussion about collaboration for the futurewhich by the way, right now is not allowed, because of the rules against the U.S. scientists talking to the Chinese, enforced by the same FBI that weve seen in this conflict of interest.

So, what are your thoughts on this great potential for the space cooperation?

Zepp-LaRouche: There is also an agreement between the United States and Russia to build a lunar space station together, a decision by Trumpyou can really see who is who when you see how people react to that. ESA, the European Space Agency, was completely enthusiastic and welcomed that; the Chinese government expressed happiness about this decision. The European media covered it as though Trump were completely crazy to go back to the Moonthis is really incredible! The people who have been in space, the astronauts, come back and say, this is an incredible experience, because in space, it doesnt matter what nationality you are, because you have to rely on each other, otherwise you cant carry our such an extremely challenging mission. And a Russian cosmonaut just said: We should develop an attitude of solving problems on Earth with the same spirit with which we cooperate in space.

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White House/Joyce N. Boghosian

That is a point we have been making for a very long time, that once you take the view that man is not an Earth-bound earthling, but that we are continuing the process of evolution, not only by developing infrastructure across all continents, and developing a World Land-Bridgebut that the next natural step in infrastructure development is in nearby space. Industrializing the Moon is the precondition for longer space-flights to other planets; and that is the natural identity of man, that we are part of that universe, and not just earthlings with limited resources.

So I think its a very optimistic thing that President Trump has reconnected to the spirit of John F. Kennedy. This is exactly what we have been fighting for, to put an end to the negative cultural paradigm of the period between John F. Kennedys assassination and the end of the Obama administration when space was really on the back burner, and no fundamental progress was made.

I think this is all reason for optimism, and you should really help to get this message out, because the mass media are keeping the lid on a lot of positive developments which would give people enormous optimism if only they knew about them.

Schlanger: And to close with that thought, we are now releasing a new pamphlet titled, Americas Future on the New Silk Road, which outlines why, as you said, this is not just necessary, but how Lyndon LaRouche, your husband, developed the economic policy, his Four Laws, on how we can do it. Without those four basic laws, were not going to be able to take advantage of this, and thats a central part of this fight.

So Helga, this has been a very rapidly moving discussion today. I thank you for giving us this update, and Im sure that events are going to continue at this accelerating pace. Well be back again next week, with the next Schiller Institute international webcast. Thank you.

Zepp-LaRouche: Bye-bye.This article appears in the December 29, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

ZEPP-LAROUCHE WEBCAST

Time To End the Reign of Geopolitics

[Print version of this article]

This is an edited transcript of the Dec. 21 weekly webcast of the founder of the Schiller Institutes, Helga Zepp-LaRouche. A video of the webcast can be found at newparadigm.schillerinstitute.com.

Harley Schlanger: Hello, Im Harley Schlanger from the Schiller Institute. Welcome to this weeks Schiller Institute International Webcast, featuring Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder of the Schiller Institutes and also the president of the German Schiller Institute.

We have been in the forefront of the very significant developments that took place this week. We will discuss them today to get our audience abreast of these issues and strategic developments, including the continuing evidence of the corrupt and immoral practices of the Special Counsel Robert Mueller. There are now Congressmen calling for shutting down the investigation and even putting some of these people in jail. This is occurring just as we are expanding our distribution of the Mueller dossier.

Xinhua

Its also a moment of very grave danger. Theres a good reason why wars and terrorist events, and false flag attacks often occur at the end of the Summer and during the Christmas seasonmainly because people arent paying attention. So we have to make sure that people are paying attention as we enter this crucial period at the end of 2017.

Now, Id like to begin with the national security strategic doctrine that was just released by the President and the administration. Helga, youve pointed to the differences between what Trump said and the language of the doctrine. There are some differences, but one of the key problems, as you identified, is that this is part of the old geopolitics. So Id like you to discuss what you mean by that and why thats a significant problem.

Helga Zepp-LaRouche: The paper was written by a woman named Dr. Nadia Schadlow, who is said to be close to H.R. McMaster, and worked earlier in the vicinity of Bush and Cheney. She comes from an army background. This document looks at the world from the standpoint of, as you said, geopolitics,and if you look at it from that standpoint, then of course China and Russia, but especially China which is rising, are regarded as rivals or enemies. Trump, in a very unusual move, insisted that he present the paper, rather than the National Security Advisor who normally presents such a report. It seems that he did that in order to soften certain formulations. For example: Apart from going through some of the language of the report, he also said that he wants to build a very strong partnership with Russia and China. This had the ridiculous effect with some European newspapers commenting, he cant even read the paper, because he said things which are different than the report. It reflects the fact that the faction fight in the Trump administration is far from being overthat there is still an effort by the neocons and by leftovers of previous administrations, in various parts of this administration, which expressed themselves in this report. And Trump, who after all had a very successful state visit to China a little while ago and who has talked successfully on the telephone with Putin in the last week, defeating a terrorist attack that was planned for St. Petersburg. Trump still has the inclination that he wants to work with Russia and China.

But I think if you look at the extremely sharp reactions coming from the Russian Foreign Ministry, from Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman of the Kremlin, from Chinas Global Times newspaper, from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and from the Chinese Embassy in Washingtonthey all say that this doctrine reflects an outmoded kind of thinking. They point to the fact that there is a completely new era shaping especially the West Pacificone of the six regions discussed in this paper. This is one of the areas which has been changed completely through the Belt and Road Initiative, where all the countries in the region are cooperating with China in win-win cooperation to the mutual benefit of each of them. And therefore, since the offer has been made many times to the United States, and to Europe, to cooperate with the Belt and Road Initiative, there is actually no reason to go into such an adversarial position. The Russians called it an imperial document, and insist that it still reflects the desire to insist on a unipolar world, which is long gone, so its a completely futile effort. And the Chinese were also extremely critical, saying that this is an outmoded way of thinking and cannot lead to anything positive.

It shows you that the world is still very far from being out of the danger zones. I normally give credit to Trump, because unlike his predecessors Bush and Obama, he has extended his hand to Russia and China, and he still has the potential to move the world in a different direction. Nevertheless, when he does something which Im not so happy about, I take the liberty to say so.

It is interesting that of all places, the Wall Street Journal had an article yesterday, The New Era of Global Stability, by Arthur Herman, who is still thinking in geopolitical terms. He says that given the fact that you have three menTrump, Xi Jinping, and Putinwho are all working in what he calls a balance of power,which I dont think is the right expressionbut he says, therefore we have left behind the Wilsonian age of permanent wars which led the world to almost continuous wars, in Korea, in Vietnam, in Afghanistan, in Libya, Syria, and so forth. He says that age is now over because of these three men.

I think there is a completely different quality to that relationship, and the potential of that relationshipnamely, what Xi Jinping calls a community for a shared future of mankind. What we normally call humanity united for the common aims of mankindthat is the potential.

We are in one of these areas, and one of the commentaries in one Chinese paper said that there are many different conceptions about how the future of mankind should be shaped, and that it is not yet a settled question. And I think that that is absolutely true, but that is why it is so absolutely important to overcome the geopolitical view which insists that groups of countries, or one country, have a legitimate interest against the others. That is the kind of thinking which led to two world wars in the Twentieth Century, and I think it should be obvious to anybody that in the age of thermonuclear weapons, that thinking can only lead to the possible annihilation of the human species: We should get rid of it.

Schlanger: Ive received several emails from viewers who have said they agree with a lot of what we say, but they dont understand why youre so focussed on this question of geopolitics, because they say, isnt geopolitics the natural order? in international relations. Youve basically answered that question, but is there anything else youd like to say on that? Because I think this is the crucial issue, coming up as it does around this national strategic document.

Zepp-LaRouche: The only way to look at it is from the long arc of the evolution of the human species. In the beginning, when you still had tribal formations and little ethnic groupings, people had various ways of settling conflicteither diplomacy or negotiationsand if that didnt work, conflict and war. That was a characteristic of human development for a very long time. I dont think that is the true nature of mankind, because if you continue with the idea that if all negotiations and diplomacy fail, you still can resort to warin the age of thermonuclear weapons this would be the end of civilization. This idea of using war as a means of conflict resolution, corresponds to the age of maybe four-year-old little boys who think its all right to kick each other in the knee. I think humanity has the potential of becoming adult, that you can, indeedthrough negotiation, and especially through the establishment of a higher order of collaboration in the interest of everybodythat you can establish a way of the human governance worldwide, where war is no longer a method of resolving conflict.

Much of this way of thinking comes from the great thinker of the Fifteenth Century, Nicholas of Cusa, who is the father of modern science, and who is also the father of the idea of the sovereign nation-state. He developed a method of thinking which he called the coincidentia oppositorum, the coincidence of opposites. He said that because man is capable of creative reason, that you can think on a higher order where conflicts on a lower order disappear. This is the argument that the One has a higher power than the Many. That thinking went into the Peace of Westphaliathe idea that you can overcome conflict by establishing a common interest. And even if perhaps Nicholas of Cusa is not very well known in China, yet still I think that probably because of the Confucian tradition, the idea of the New Silk Road, the Belt and Road Initiative of Xi Jinping, reflects exactly that philosophical approach.

So, if mankind were to become adult, we would not waste any more energy on stupid things like chasing money, stock market speculation, and other things which are really a waste of time. People would become creative and relate to the creativity of the other, and that not only between people, but also among nations. So I think that that is the right way to look at things, and not from the standpoint of eternal Aristotelian conflict between A and B, one geopolitical group against another. Instead, the Cusan view of the coincidence of opposites, the one humanity first, is the better way to look at it.

Schlanger: I had some experience recently resolving conflict between three and four year-olds, and I can assure you that adult supervision is absolutely necessary, and thats what youve been talking about in terms of the Cusan approach.

We saw something completely crazy in the last days, from Newsweek magazine and Bildzeitung, again, bringing up the specter of the Russian army overrunning Europe. Whats wrong with these people?

Christmas Surprise for Bob Mueller?

Zepp-LaRouche: Well, it is very clear that the Russian maneuvers, Zapad 2017, which the Newsweek article and also the Bildzeitung referred to, was a demonstration on the side of Russia that they intend to defend their country. It is a reaction to the whole NATO policy of encirclement, of moving more and more troops to the Russian border. But the idea that Russia would move to occupy the three Baltic states, bomb Poland with Iskander missiles from Kaliningrad, and bomb infrastructure of Germany, Sweden and Finlandthats just completely absurd! This would never happen.

Its just a scare story, among other things to create a motivation for a conventional buildup. These articles also come in the context of the decision of the European Council to create a European defense union, which is a completely ridiculous idea. This will not make the EU more integrated. On the contrary, it will only cause more opposition.

Its an expression of those people who absolutely oppose the new paradigm, who want to use geopoliticsits the old British manipulation, divide and conquer, play the weaker against the stronger and vice versa, and in that way keep control. So its really a tool of the oligarchists and imperialists to keep to the old order, but I dont think it has any chance of success.

Schlanger: Speaking of the old order, weve seen the continuation of the Mueller investigation. But we now are seeing something different emerge: There were the scandals around Andrew McCabe, the deputy director of the FBI; Strzok and his mistress writing text messages to each other about the necessity to prevent Trump from becoming President, or to have an insurance policy were he to become President. Theres also Bruce Ohr and his wife who are part of the Fusion GPS crowd.

Now, this led to comments from Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), the Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, who said these scandals demonstrate unprecedented bias. Jim Jordan, the Republican Congressman from Ohio, said Everything points to the fact that there was an orchestrated plan to try to prevent Donald Trump from becoming the President of the United States. Senate Judiciary chair Chuck Grassley is calling for firing some of these people. What is it going to take to shut down the Mueller investigation, given all these exposes coming out right now?

Zepp-LaRouche: There are rumors circulating that Trump may come out with a Christmas surprise. If that were to happen, it would be an interesting thing. It could be the appointment of somebody to investigate this whole complex, in the form of a special investigator. But I think also, already now, these congressmen and senators you mentioned, Nunes, Grassley in the Senate, Gowdy, and Gaetz, and various othersI think theyre quite fired up already about what theyre finding.

CSPAN

Even the European media are not entirely covering it up any more. There was a quite good article in Denmark, in the conservative daily Berlingske Tidende, which said that Obama bureaucrats conspired to prevent the election of Trump, and after that failed theyre trying to topple him; and then they go through the whole story of who the culprits are. So it is coming out. Even the major German daily FAZ could not avoid reporting it, even though, in their typical way, they tried to downplay it and say, all these people who say there is a Deep State, are conspiracy theorists, and so on. But the truth is coming out.

FBI

We in the United States, that is, our colleagues from LaRouche PAC, have launched a full mobilization with many activists; they distributed the dossier about Mueller to all the Congressional offices. They had many in-depth discussions, amidst increasing interest. It seems that some people in the Congress realize that whats at stake is the Constitution of the United States. Congress has oversight rights over the intelligence agencies, and if these agencies are loyal to a previous administration which was involved in such incredible schemes, they are aware of the fact that if they dont act right now, then you can throw the Constitution of the United States in the wastepaper basket.

CSPAN

But I think it will require a continuous effort and mobilization, because the people on the other side are quite desperate. They see that their whole system is coming down. Several people said that what was done by the Department of Justice, or some people in it and in the FBI, were felonies. They are trying to twist the situation to avoid the consequences of their acts. Its reaching a very, very serious point, the tide is already turning. But it is a fight, so stay tuned with us, and dont be complacent. Dont eat too many cookies over Christmas: Stay tuned and stay mobilized.

Schlanger: And I also think its important that we provide a certain kind of leadership thats essential, which is to identify not just the connectos and the names and the corruption, but the intent. This again gets to the thing you were talking about in the beginning, the attempt to stop President Trump from having a strategic-cooperation alliance with Russia and China. James Clapper, the former Director of National Intelligence, stuck his foot in his mouth once again, saying, Putin knows how to handle an asset, and thats what hes doing with the President.

So I think its crucial that we get people to understand that this is not just about Trumps character, or people not liking Trump, but it has to do with the whole shift into a new paradigm, as weve been discussing.

Now, on that, you talked a little bit before about the situation in Europe. Theres a whole series of crises brewing, in East Europe, and the banking situation. Theres been a statement from a prominent Italian economist that the euro is fascist. Whats going on? Whats the latest on the situation in Europe?

Zepp-LaRouche: This Italian economist is very critical of the euro, for similar reasons to why we have been critical, or for example, the late Professor Hankel who had laid out the argument quite well, that the Eurozone was never an optimal currency zone, because some countries which had a rural character, and you had industrialized countries. And further, Europe is not a country, there is no European people. Its not like the United States, and its not even like Latin America; because you have almost 30 nations, cultures, traditions. People in one country, in Slovenia for example, know absolutely nothing about people in Alsace-Lorraine. There is just no way that you can even know, because you cant read their newspaperseven if the newspapers dont report much anyway. So there is no European people.

And what this Italian Professor Bagnai said is that even if the supporters of the euro dont wear black shirts, nevertheless, anybody who plans to implement his goal through violence represents a form of fascism. And what hes referring to is that everybody knows the euro does not function; he said its written in all the textbooks, that its only a question of time until this euro construction collapses; and then, that crisis is intended to lead to a further, forced European integrationand he says, that is fascism.

Now, that is not as far-fetched as some people may think. Because for example, Jacques Attali, who was the key advisor and eminence grise of France in the time of Mitterrand, had said many times that the fathers of the euro deliberately created it with a birth defect, so that it would come to a crisis, and then that crisis would be used to implement the political union which could not be put through otherwise. That is, there is very clearly a big opposition against the idea of a United States of Europe, for the reason that I said earlierthat there is no European people.

So there are these calls right now: French President Macron, European Council President Juncker, German social-democratic leader Martin Schulz, they all have given only slightly different versions of an idea that, now, because of all of these crisesthe refugees, the tensions among the different East and West European countriesthat one should impose a United States of Europe. I think this has as much chance as a snowflake in hell, because all these efforts to impose a supranational construct which eliminates even more sovereignty, will only cause more opposition and more reaction. So I think it will not work.

I find it quite significant that several advisors of Hungarian Prime Minister Orban have said that this discussion about a United States of Europe reminds them of Hitler. So the tone has become quite sharp, and I think its very far from unity.

And the latest atrocity, so to speak, is the fact that the European Union has decided to apply Article 7 to Poland, taking its voting rights away. Now, first of all, this will also not work, because this could only be implemented if there were unity among the other 26 states, but Hungary already said they will not back the decision of the EU against Polandand theyre now talking about similar measures against Romania. I think all of this will just lead to more controversy, and more disunity, and if they keep doing this, Poland may even leave the EU, because under no circumstances will they back down.

Schlanger: And just quickly, on the crisis in Europe, anything on the non-government situation in Germany?

Zepp-LaRouche: Oh, that is a terrible situation, because, you know its now almost three months since the election, and first, the so-called Jamaica [black, gold, green] coalition talks failed. Now, theyre talking about a Grand Coalition between the Christian Democrats and the Social-Democrats of the SPD. Merkel says only that she will only accept a coalition as the outcome, while the SPD says, no, they want to have an open-ended discussion, maybe resulting in support for a minority governmentwhich Merkel has ruled out. All of this is going on and on and on, and I think the biggest problem with this is that none of the participating parties has any vision of what the future of Germany should bewhere should Europe be in 10 or 100 years from now? So its all about power politics; its about position; its about little issues, and it just means theres no government in sight before Easter, theyre now saying.

But naturally, no decision will be made for Europe until you have a German government, so the whole situation in Europe is extremely fragile right now. And you know, many more countries are taking that as a reason to ally more and more with the Silk Road. Austria, Switzerland, the East Europeans, the Balkan countries, Italy, Spain, and Portugalthey are all strengthening their ties with the Belt and Road Initiative, and that is a very good thing. And it means the position of resistance maintained by Brussels and Berlin will not be tenable for very long.

A Meltdown of the System

Schlanger: From the United States, this last couple of days, there was the passage of so-called tax reform bill. I know you have some thoughts on this. This is not going to solve any problems: What do you have to say about it, Helga?

Zepp-LaRouche: This is celebrated as the first big victory of President Trump. I dont think it will solve anything, if you dont put it in a package of other measures, including Glass-Steagall, and a credit system like Roosevelts Reconstruction Finance Corporation or the National Bank of Alexander Hamilton, and end the speculation in the derivatives sector. If you only lower taxes under these circumstances, without curbing the other factors I just mentioned, what it probably will do, is it will attract some investment in the United States for sure, but people in Germany are already saying, well, we have to protect ourselves, and take countermeasures against it, so it will lead to an increased tension internationally. Probably in the United States, todays big corporations and banks will just use these tax cuts to invest more in the stock market, in buying up their own shares, which they have been doing since the crisis of 2008 with Quantitative Easing and the zero-interest-rate policy. One reason why this is to be feared, is that Jamie Dimon, for example, laughed, and said: This is wonderful, this is Quantitative Easing 4.

I think it just requires a continuation of our mobilization. I know our colleagues in the United States from LaRouche PAC have produced a new pamphlet with the demand implementing the Four Laws of my husband, Lyndon LaRouche, and showing why the United States must join with China in building the New Silk Road, both domestically and internationally. This pamphlet, LaRouches Four Laws & Americas Future on the New Silk Road, is out. I would encourage you, our viewers and listeners, to get hold of this document: Read it, because it has all the solutionsthe correct economic conceptions for the United States and the rest of the world to get out of this present crisis.

This is all extremely urgent, because we could have a meltdown of the system any minute.

Let me mention briefly, this bitcoin mania which is going on, is really a reminder of the Dutch Tulip Bubble in 1637 before it burst. China has recognized that danger, theyre banning speculation in bitcoins. And all of these mad crazes just make clear, the urgent need to implement Glass-Steagall, and the entire Four Laws of Mr. LaRouche, which include a massive increase in the productivity of the workforce through a crash program in fusion technology, in space cooperation, and in high-tech investments in general, including high-technology infrastructure.

The recent Amtrak accident in Washington State just underlines that this is absolutely necessary. Unless this is all done as a package, I dont think the world will get out of this crisis.

Schlanger: Helga, Id like to conclude with a question that again has come up from several viewers: People fall prey to this idea that somehow China is a threat, and one of the things that people have picked up on is this concept of Socialism with Chinese characteristics. Now, youve written extensively on this, and its not fair to ask you to summarize it in a couple of minutes, but thats what Im going to do!

What does Xi Jinping mean by Socialism with Chinese characteristics?

Zepp-LaRouche: I think you also find right now, a growing self-confidence among the Chinese, who point to the fact that nobody can debate the incredible success of the Chinese model of economy. And they point to the fact that their model is clearly very, very much superior and more successful than the Western model, which they refuse to follow.

Now, there is such a thing as the determinative value of facts. And people should ask themselves, why is the Chinese model more successful? Well, the answer is very simplethat it is primarily devoted to the common good. This is always criticized by the West, with claims that China is suppressing freedom and human rights, and so forth. But in reality, if you ask yourself, is this complete mega-individualistic hedonism of the Westis that really a value which is so desirable? Values which have reached a point, where everything goes, everything is allowed. There are no more criteria for truth, or for the acceptance of the common good, everything is the survival of the fittest, and those who are rich become richer, and those who have the misfortune to be poor become pooreris that really so desirable?

In China, Im convinced that while there is debate about Marx, and there is a debate about socialism with Chinese characteristics, yet Im absolutely convincedand I have looked at it for a long time and from many aspectsthat what is meant by Chinese characteristics, refers to the two and half thousand years of Confucian tradition in China. I have written an article at the beginning of this year, actually, pointing to the affinity of the ideas of the German poet Friedrich Schiller and Confucius, who both have an image of man, that man has the moral obligation to self-perfect his entire life or her entire life, in order to serve the common good better and more efficiently.

Obviously, sometimes that means that individual rights are curtailed a little bit for the common good. One very good example was the building of the Three Gorges Dam, where people in the West were completely hysterical and said, oh, these poor peasants, who have to be moved so this dam could be built, this is trampling on freedom and human rights. Well, but what if you take the view that with this dam you had an enormous gain of hydropower, and that thousands and thousands of people would not drown every time the river flooded? Maybe it is better to act in the common good, and indeed these very peasants got other living quarters that were much more modern and much better. So this is a typical example of what can be done if you put the common good first. That is what China has very clearly done, and they have lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty. They also have a very clear plan to move the remaining 42 million poor people out of poverty by 2020, and theyre acting very effectively to do that. We may have mentioned that already, but Ill say it again: They locate where the poor people are, which regions they live in, and then they ask what are the reasons for the povertywhat has to be done to address it, to get them out of it? They use e-commerce, for instance, to allow the farmers in far distant rural areas to market their products. Theyre moving very, very efficiently to uplift the entire population out of poverty.

Now, how many poor people are there in the United States, how many homeless? We heard figures in the last period, the unbelievable figure that 10% of all schoolchildren in New York come from homeless backgrounds. That doesnt mean they live on the streets, but they dont have their own home. In Europe there are 90 million poor, and nobody is talking about lifting them out of poverty. The rate of poverty in Greece, just increased, whereby I think two-thirds of the whole population is below the poverty line and have incomes of below 1,000 euros; and a very high percentage of that, again, have only part-time jobs, earning something like 450 euros per month. And there is no plan to change thaton the contrary, the EU is implementing more vicious austerity all the time.

cc/Giannis Angelakis

I think that people should not look at this China question with prejudice. The Chinese model is completely different: Its based on 2,500 years of tradition, and there is something to this Chinese way of approaching things through peaceful approaches, through a win-win offer which is really a better model of governance. And people shouldnt be so prejudiced. I have found that most people know nothing about China. You have a few, a handful of people who have been there, who do business there, and they are completely excited about the options which the New Silk Road is offering to the world. They are really transformed and totally excited.

Because of the negative media, there are many people who still believe in the Chinese threat, who believe in the yellow peril, and other decades-old propaganda campaigns. I think its a shame: Because if you look at China without prejudice, it is an incredibly interesting cultureits rich, its 5,000 old, it has produced beautiful things in music, in poetry, and in philosophy. Its already one of the vanguard countries in scienceits an innovative country. So I would suggest that people, rather than simply believing what Im sayingstart to investigate China and look for yourself. And you will find that it is completely different from what the Western media or some of the geopolitical think-tanks are trying to tell you. And you will discover beautiful things, I promise.

Schlanger: On that uplifting note, Helga, on behalf of the Schiller Institute, Id like to wish people a Merry Christmas, but with your suggestion: Dont just eat cookies and drink rum punch. Use your holiday as an opportunity to reflect on the great opportunities for mankind today, and what it means to have the Christmas Spirit, and in that sense the Christmas Spirit and the Silk Road Spirit should be one and the same.

So Helga, well see you next week! Thanks a lot.

Zepp-LaRouche: Yes, Merry Christmas.Jordan on Sunday said it had agreed to a UN request to deliver humanitarian aid to tens of thousands of Syrians stranded near a border crossing between the two countries.

Foreign ministry spokesman Mohammed al-Kayed said, however, it will be a "one-off" operation to send "humanitarian aid across the Rukban border crossing" towards a desert area where the Syrians are struck.

He said it was in response to a request by the United Nations and that the aid would be lifted across the border using special equipment.

Kayed did not elaborate on the kind of humanitarian aid that would be sent to the Syrians or when they were expected to receive it, nor did he say how many Syrians are stranded in the desert.

According to UN estimates based on satellite images, between 45,000 and 50,000 Syrians have been stuck for months on the Syrian side of the frontier near the Rukban border crossing.

Conditions are worsening for them as winter grips the region -- which Jordan declared a "closed military zone" after a 2016 suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State group killed seven Jordanian soldiers.

In October, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi had insisted that aid to those stranded near Rukban should come from Syria itself after the UN said deliveries were difficult to make because of the war.

The UN refugee agency says it has registered more than 650,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan since the conflict in Syria began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.

However, Amman says it is hosting 1.3 million Syrian refugees, and has repeatedly called for more assistance to do so.

Short link:

This article appears in the August 16, 2013 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

Bust the London-Riyadh

Global Terror Axis

by an EIR Investigative Team

[PDF version of this article]

Aug. 13If another major terrorist attack like the Sept. 11, 2001 hits on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, or the Sept. 11, 2012 armed assault on the Benghazi, Libya U.S. Mission occurs, you can blame it on George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and the British and Saudi monarchies. The wellspring of all significant international terrorism today is the Anglo-Saudi imperial alliance, expressed most vividly in the 1985 Al-Yamamah arrangements between London and Riyadh that persist to this day.

Al-Yamamah ("The Dove") was ostensibly an arms-for-oil barter deal, first brokered by then-Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States, Prince Bandar bin-Sultan, and then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Under the cover of the arms-for-crude-oil deal, over the succeeding 28 years, hundreds of billions of dollars in cash have been squirreled into offshore bank accounts in such notorious havens as the British and Dutch Caribbean Islands, Switzerland, and Dubai.

Those funds have bankrolled nearly 30 years of global terrorism and coups d'etat, dating back to late-1970s British and American sponsorship of the Afghan "mujahideen" which spawned al-Qaeda and every other Muslim Brotherhood offshoot now imposing a reign of terror across the entire Islamic world, and into Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Beginning in the mid-1980s, Al-Yamamah slush funds bankrolled the Afghan "resistance," separatist wars in Africa, and the 1990s conflicts in the Balkans following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. An honest and thorough investigationyet to be accomplishedwould all-but-certainly reveal that Al-Yamamah funds bankrolled the 9/11 terrorists.

The existence of an Anglo-Saudi top-down command over al-Qaeda and every other jihadist front group is well known within some circles at the highest levels of the U.S. governmentdating back decades. But the successive Bush (41 and 43) and Obama administrations have presided over a brutal coverup of this Anglo-Saudi treachery, making them complicit before, during, and after the fact, in terrorist atrocities that have claimed tens of thousands of lives globally, and provided the pretext for every police-state tyranny that has been wrought on the United States over the past dozen years.

The single most glaring case of coverup of the Anglo-Saudi terror is the refusal of the George W. Bush and Obama administrations to release the 28-page chapter from the final report of the Joint Congressional Inquiry probing the 9/11 attacks, which catalogued the roles of the Saudi Ministry of Defense and Aviation, Saudi Arabia's General Intelligence Directorate (GID), and then-Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Prince Bandar bin-Sultan, in the financing and protection of teams of 9/11 hijackers (see accompanying documentation).

Had Presidents George W. Bush or Barack Obama released those 28-pages, and allowed a thorough investigation into the role of British and Saudi intelligence in the September 2001 attacks, it is quite possible that Ambassador Christopher Stevens and the other American diplomats and security officers who were killed or injured in the 2012 attacks on the Benghazi Mission and CIA Annex, would still be alive today. Thousands of others, killed or injured in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya, Syria, Mali, and other frontline battlegrounds, too, might have avoided their fate. And the enormous buildup of the Big Brother espionage state that has now finally been partially exposed by the Edward Snowden, IRS, and other recent revelations, could never have been allowed or justified.

In addition, as the result of the failure to expose and wipe out the Anglo-Saudi authorship, funding, and protection of the global jihadist- and narco-terrorist nexus, the so-called "Global War on Terrorism" has been turned into one of the biggest criminal hoaxes in modern history.

Virginia Republican Rep. Frank Wolf has gathered the signatures of more than 160 House Republicans demanding the creation of a Congressional Select Committee to probe the Sept. 11, 2012 attacks on the American facilities in Benghazi, Libya. The Obama White House is desperate to block any such investigation. In tandem with the release of the buried 28 pages from the earlier Congressional Joint Inquiry into the original 9/11 attacks, such a Benghazi inquiry could unearth the actual roots of the two greatest terror atrocities against the United States since the British sacking of Washington and the burning of the White House in the War of 1812.

An Open Secret

The suppression of those 28-pages has been repeatedly cited by former Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.), Lyndon LaRouche, authors Anthony Summers, Robbyn Swan, and others, as the crucial element in a far-broader coverup of the roots of modern irregular warfare and terrorism.

Much of the evidence of the deeper oligarchical roots of global irregular warfare is hidden in plain sight.

In December 2000, the editors of EIR submitted a memorandum to then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, calling for a formal investigation to determine whether Great Britain should be put on the State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism. The EIR document was based exclusively on formal complaints and evidence submitted by governments from every continent, all detailing the fact that Great Britain had provided safe haven and logistical support to terrorist organizations, including the Chechen separatists (Russia), the narco-terrorist FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), Sendero Luminoso (Peru), the Kurdish Workers Party (Turkey), Gamma al-Islamiya (Egypt), Ansar al-Sharia (Yemen), the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (Libya), and the Islamic Guerilla Army (Algeria).

The EIR memorandum named Osama bin Laden, who, at the time, was maintaining a home in Wembley, England, and operated a propaganda office in London under the protection of the British Crown, as a subject for investigation.

In 2007, EIR published exclusive evidence about the true nature of the Al-Yamamah-BAE Systems project and the offshore terror funds. Among the evidence presented by EIR was material drawn from a semi-official biography of Prince Bandar, which detailed the offshore sequestration of Al-Yamamah profits and their use to arm the Afghan mujahideen, African governments, and other agencies engaged in "the fight against communism." Prince Bandar boasted in that book that the Al-Yamamah deal was a product of the unique relationship that existed between the British and Saudi monarchies, which allowed for the build-up of a massive "black fund" with no governmental oversight.

That EIR expose included details, provided in public locations by Senator Graham and others, detailing some of the evidence of the Saudi official funding of 9/11.

When the investigations into the BAE-Saudi program threatened to blow up the Anglo-Saudi controlling hand over al-Qaeda and other jihadist terror, British Prime Minister Tony Blair ordered the Attorney General to shut down the probe on "national security grounds." To this day, Al-Yamamah barter deals between BAE and the Saudi Defense Ministry continue to feed the offshore terror slush funds.

In 2010, Ian Johnson wrote a book-length account of the British and American intelligence services' long-running sponsorship of the Muslim Brotherhood, A Mosque in Munich, which catalogued the 1960s emergence of the Muslim World League as the international recruitment arm of the Saudi-funded global jihadist terror. The Johnson account demonstrated that the Anglo-Saudi intelligence "special arrangements" predated Al-Yamamah by decades.

Also in 2010, British researcher Mark Curtis wrote another book-length account, Secret AffairsBritain's Collusion With Radical Islam, based largely on declassified British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and MI6 documents, showing that the British Crown intelligence service has been the sponsor and controlling force behind the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood and all of its even more violent offshoots, dating back to the organization's founding in the British-occupied Suez Canal Zone in Egypt in the 1920s.

The History Commons, a little-known but important online archive (www.historycommons.org), has assembled over 20,000 news entriesall from public sourcesdetailing the Anglo-Saudi links to the 9/11 hijackers and other brutal acts of mass terror. It is an open secret, frequently publicized in the British media, that "Londonistan" is the capital of global jihadist terrorism. Despite the EIR effort in late 2000 to shut down the British Crown's transparent alliance with Saudi Arabia in sponsoring worldwide terrorism and separatist insurgency (Chechnya, Kurdistan, Kashmir, etc.), London remains the protector and recruitment hub for terrorism on every continent to this day.

The issue before us is not the availability of evidence. The issue is that leading government circles in Washington, London, and Riyadh are committed to covering up the Anglo-Saudi responsibility for 9/11, Benghazi, and other atrocities. Until and unless that coverup is broken, no one is immune from attack. The fact that two successive American PresidentsGeorge W. Bush and Barack Obamahave put their personal imprimatur on the coverup of the British and Saudi monarchies' role in funding and orchestrating terrorism is grounds for prosecution and impeachment.

Anglo-Saudi 'Thirty Years War'

The British alliance with Saudi Arabia to promote global terrorism and genocide has been a dominant policy for more than 30 years. Back in the mid-1970s, Dr. Bernard Lewis, a leading British intelligence "Orientalist," called for an "Arc of Crisis" extending across the southern tier of the Soviet Union, from the Caucasus to Central Asia and into Western China's Xinjiang Province. Lewis called for Western intelligence sponsorship of an Islamic fundamentalist jihad against the "Godless communist monolith."

The "Bernard Lewis Plan," as it came to be known, gridded precisely with the official policy of the British monarchy to reduce the world population to below 1 billion people, through war, disease, and famine. Lewis was dispatched to the United States in the mid-1970s, where he sold the British new Thirty Years War scheme to such prominent American national security figures as Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, Dick Cheney, Michael Ledeen, Richard Perle, and the entire coterie of neoconservatives who would come to populate two Bush administrations.

In effect, the "Bernard Lewis Plan," promoted by the British Crown and adopted by the Carter, Reagan, and Bush administrations, fostered a Thirty Years War that rages to this day. Starting in Afghanistan, London and Riyadh, with the complicity of dupes and traitors in Washington, created a global "dark age" legion of fanatical suicide fighters, who have gone from Afghanistan to Iraq, Syria, Libya, and beyond.

The sponsorship of this "new dark age" project is a top-down affair. The policy of the British monarchy is vast population reduction. They have a witting ally in Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that some of the very jihadist forces unleashed with London sponsorship and Saudi funding will ultimately bring down the Saudi monarchy itself.

Senior U.S. intelligence sources have confirmed that the "new" British policy for the entire Islamic world is the promotion of a permanent sectarian conflict between Sunni and Shi'a, exploiting a 1,000-year-old split within Islam, with the goal of mass genocide.

One of the most important British assets in this global genocide scheme is Prince Bandar. Trained in Britain, Bandar was not only the Saudi interlocutor with the British Crown and BAE in forging the original Al Yamamah deal. As Saudi Ambassador in Washington (and as practically an adopted son of George H.W. Bush), Bandar presided over the Saudi intelligence officers who shepherded the 9/11 hijackers for a year, leading up to the September 2001 attacks. His wife, Princess Haifa, provided cover for Bandar's direct financing of at least one team of the hijackers.

Today, Bandar is in an even more prominent position, as national security advisor to King Abdullah, and as head of the Saudi GID intelligence service. It is Bandar who is behind the deployment of thousands of "dark age" suicide fighters into Syria and Lebanon, to guarantee that the Sunni versus Shi'ite conflict reaches a critical mass of killing and hatred to last a century.

Bandar, however, is a foolish pawn in a much bigger game, a game controlled from London, not Riyadh. That oligarchical game is one of divide-and-conquer. Ultimately, it is a game of mass population reduction on a scale never before seen in history.

It is that British policy that must be stopped. The suppressed 28 pages from the Congressional Joint Inquiry are the crucial entry point for exposing the true nature of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and all that followed. Open that door and the entire Anglo-Saudi war against civilization can be exposed. From Bandar to BAE to the British Crown, the true masterminds of the heinous crime of 9/11 can be revealed. Those in the United States who have been complicit in the coverup of that crime can and must, as well, be brought to justiceincluding those currently occupying the highest office in the land.This article appears in the December 22, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

Trumps Space Directive:

Back to the Moon

with a Renewed Purpose?

by Kesha Rogers, independent candidate for Congress from the Texas 9th CD

[Print version of this article]

Dec. 18 (EIRNS)Space Policy Directive 1, signed by President Trump on Dec. 11, represents a change in our national space policy, to return human beings to the Moon and then carry out a mission to Mars and beyond. In his address during the signing ceremony, the President declared,

The directive Im signing today will refocus Americas space program on Human exploration and discovery. It marks an important step in returning American Astronauts to the Moon for the first time since 1972 for long term exploration and use. This time we will not only plant our flag and leave our footprint. We will establish a foundation for an eventual mission to Mars, and perhaps someday to many worlds beyond. This directive will ensure Americas space program, once again, leads and inspires all of humanity.

The signing of this directive came only nine months after the President signed the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017, in March. Shortly after that, the President relaunched the National Space Council, with Vice President Pence at its head. The first meeting of the council, on October 5, unanimously recommended a plan to return human beings to the lunar surface.

View full size

NASA

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 17 Moon landing on December 7, 1972, the last time that human beings walked on the surface of the Moon. Apollo astronaut. Harrison Schmitt, the last living crew member of that Apollo 17 mission, was present at the signing of the space policy directive on Dec. 11. He has not only advocated a national mission to return to the lunar surface, but has been a strong proponent of mining helium-3 on the Moon for advanced propulsion and other energy uses.

During the ceremony, the President pledged that we will return to the Moon. Addressing Schmitt, he said,

Exactly forty-five years ago, almost to the minute, Jack became the last American to land on the Moon. Today we pledge that he will not be the last, and I suspect that we will be finding other places to land, in addition to the Moon.

This new policy under President Trump shuts down the ridiculous plan of sending human beings to an asteroid, and commits the USA to making lunar exploration a national priority.

In 2010 this author launched her campaign as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, to save our national space program from the hideous and destructive cuts of former president Obama, who declared, in reference to the need to send human beings back to the lunar surface, that we had been there, done that. President Obamas policy did not merely reject the relaunching of a lunar mission; he rejected the future progress that a full lunar development missionrequiring and enabling the breakthrough to thermonuclear fusion powerwould mean for humanity as a whole. Obama condemned the very idea of the quality of national mission that would restore optimism to the country and unify it around a real science driver and economic recovery program, as expressed in a national space mission coherent with Krafft Ehrickes Three Laws of Astronautics (see below).

A national space mission renews the opportunity to launch a real physical economic recovery program for the nation. Such a real recovery program requires the adoption of Lyndon LaRouches four economic laws to save the United Statesspecifically, abandoning the use of Wall Street to generate profits from speculation, and employing a federal credit system, through which credit is issued to

generate high productivity trends in improvement of employment, with the accompanying intention, to increase the physical-economic productivity, and living standards of the persons and households of the United States.

Examples include upgrading to high-speed rail for freight and passenger transportation, upgrading to nuclear fission and fusion for abundant electrical power, and upgrading to a full human space program that brings our Moon into the economic grasp of mankind, garnering all the spin-off technologies of all of these upgrades to every sector of our economy, including agriculture, medicine, machine tool design, and supply-chain logistics.

In essence, this requires a crash science-driver program to develop a fusion energy economy, and the exploration and development of space, which is also key to the productive cultural and economic future of our nation, and the world.

Remember the unifying words of President John F. Kennedy:

For the eyes of the world now look into space, to the Moon and to the planets beyond, and we have vowed that we shall not see it governed by a hostile flag of conquest, but by a banner of freedom and peace. We have vowed that we shall not see space filled with weapons of mass destruction, but with instruments of knowledge and understanding.

The instruments of knowledge and understanding must be our renewed commitment today to peaceful cooperation in the development and exploration of space with all nations. We must abolish any laws that prevent our national space agency from working in cooperation with any nation, including China. China has taken a leading role in space exploration through its national space program, and responded very positively to the announced plans of the United States to send human beings back to the surface of the Moon and on to Mars. In a press briefing, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said, China is glad to see countries making progress in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes. He said, China hopes members of the international community will reach an agreement on preventing the weaponization of outer space.

It is time for President Trump to commit our nation to join with all leading nations of the world in a community of shared destiny in the exploration and development of space, as the basis for meeting the challenges and solving problems facing all mankind.

The President of the United States will address the nation on January 30 in his first State of the Union Address. We must see to it that nothing gets in the way of him fulfilling a commitment to renew our national mission and restore optimism to our nation.

Krafft Ehrickes Three Laws

Ehricke summarized his philosophy of astronautics in three laws (1957):

First Law. Nobody and nothing under the natural laws of this universe impose any limitations on man except man himself.

Second Law. Not only the Earth, but the entire Solar System, and as much of the universe as he can reach under the laws of nature, are mans rightful field of activity.

Third Law. By expanding through the universe, man fulfills his destiny as an element of life, endowed with the power of reason and the wisdom of the moral law within himself.

The first law is astronautics challenge to man to write his declaration of independence from a priori thinking, from uncritically accepted conditions, in other words, from a past and principally different pre-technological world clinging to him. This can be done.

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of this country prove it.PRESS RELEASE

Haiti:

LaRouche Demands Urgent U.S. Action

To Prevent Rainy Season Devastation

Feb. 22, 2010 (EIRNS)Lyndon LaRouche today issued an urgent call for the United States to send the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with the Haitian government to help relocate up to a million Haitians, now homeless and living amid the rubble of shattered Port-au-Prince in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake that killed some 300,000 Haitians.

This has to happen before the rainy season, which will begin soon, he stated. He noted that the immediate emergency is that the rainy season is upon us, and under current conditions, Port-au-Prince within a month or two will be subjected to floods, hit by mudslides, and become inundated in deadly sewage from the 1.5 million people who are now homeless and destitute in that city. These are people who have no choice but to live in the streets and slums under ramshackle pieces of plastic, and amid human excrement that is not being removedbecause there is no ability to do so, nor even a place to take it.

Haiti did not have a single sewage treatment plant even before the earthquake. It has long the victim of the globalization and free trade policies of London-centered financial predators.

LaRouche stressed that if we do not act, Haiti will soon face conditions in which dengue, cholera, malaria, typhoid and other epidemics will spread, with devastating consequences. Haiti is the image of what awaits all of humanity under the current, bankrupt British-imperial international financial system: it is the face of the New Dark Age. We must stop it in Haiti, if we are to have the moral fitness to survive on this planet.

To prevent another wave of mass deaths and total national disintegration, LaRouche advocated that a bilateral treaty agreement between the United States and Haiti should be promptly reached, designed to evacuate up to a million people from this potentially deadly situation into the United States on an interim basis, and possibly into inland parts of Haiti as well. Under a reasonable Presidency, the U.S. can mobilize the capacity to do that, and he stated that the United States can further use its military capacity, through the Army Corps of Engineers, to either rebuild semi-permanent housing, or reopen military bases with barracks, including those shut down under the BRAC commission.

Full reconstruction in Haiti will take up to 25 years, LaRouche has pointed out, but in the short term it is possible to build new relocation camps and even cities outside of Port-au-Prince, where the essentials of life can be provided: food, water, sanitation, a roof over their heads, and sufficient energy and electricity to make all this possible. Even under a dysfunctional, impeachable President Obama, the United States must act, and act quickly, LaRouche stated.

In his Jan. 30 international webcast, LaRouche responded to a question about Haiti, saying that the United States has to take the kind of approach that Presidents like Lincoln and Roosevelt did:PRESS RELEASE

German High Court Confirms

Duggan Death a Suicide:

Ruling Exposes British Lies

Against LaRouche

Feb. 24, 2010 (EIRNS)The German Constitutional Court, the highest court in Germany, issued a ruling on Feb. 23, upholding the March 2003 finding of German police officials that British national Jeremiah Duggan committed suicide by running into a busy highway in Wiesbaden, Germany in March 2003.

For the last seven years, the circles of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the British monarchy have used the Duggan case for an international smear campaign against American statesman Lyndon H. LaRouche, Jr. Despite all the evidence, the original determination of the German investigating officials, and previous lower court rulings in both Germany and England, these British enemies of LaRouche have fraudulently insinuated that LaRouche or his associates were somehow responsible for Duggan's death.

At the behest of these circles, Mr. Duggan's mother and father, Erica and Hugo, filed a legal challenge in Germany claiming that the original investigation was flawed and incomplete. They claimed to have new evidence that cast doubt on the original determination by the German police. These wild and unfounded assertions formed the basis for an international propaganda campaign against LaRouche. See this release and this one.

The Constitutional Court ruling dismissed all of the Duggans' claims. Further details will be posted shortly.

[Background on the Duggan case]PRESS RELEASE

LaRouche PAC Releases

NAWAPA XXI Special Report:

Reviving the Economy, Creating

Jobs, and Restoring Public Credit

April 14, 2012 (EIRNS)The Lyndon LaRouche Political Action Committee has just released a 100-page economic special report: NAWAPA XXI, a 21st-century advancement of the continental water management project, the North American Water and Power Alliance. The Special Report contains a detailed plan designed to employ well over 4 million people in productive labor and manufacturing. The program is also designed to re-establish water, food, and power security for the North American continent. NAWAPA XXI will generate 42 gigawatts of surplus power for the United States and Canada, and supplement the existing water flows of the four major river basins in the U.S. Southwest while potentially doubling the amount of irrigated farmland in the southwestern United States from 22 million acres presently to approximately 41 million acres.

Additionally, nearly half of the NAWAPA XXI report is dedicated to a proposal to fund NAWAPA through the restoration of the historic U.S. system of public credit. This proposal begins by separating valid debts from gambling debts under a new Glass-Steagall act, and continues stepwise to the establishment of a National Bank and the funding of NAWAPA XXI. The national policy precedents are then illustrated in detail, discussing Alexander Hamilton's establishment of the first National Bank, John Quincy Adams system of U.S. internal improvements, Abraham Lincoln's Greenback policy, and the most recent precedent for a sound system of public credit, Franklin D. Roosevelt's RFC and TVA.

According to the principal author, Michael Kirsch, the project itself not only encompasses continental resource management, power generation, and water transfer routes, but is integral to national sovereignty. "Because we look at a national credit system approach," Kirsch said on April 7, "we are looking at the nation's interest, and therefore the government's interest, in making such projects feasible due to this long-term credit institution."

The first edition run of NAWAPA XXI is the result of 2 years of investigation and planning by LaRouchePAC researchers, in collaboration with a team of experts in the fields of nuclear science, agriculture, transportation, engineering, project planning, and geology. According to the LaRouchePAC research team, the March 2012 first edition will soon be followed by a second edition based on the input provided by professionals reached during the just-commenced phase of intensive outreach by LaRouche PAC and associates.

Currently there are 10,000 print copies of NAWAPA XXI (first edition) being distributed across the United States. Dave Christie, LaRouche PAC-endorsed congressional candidate in Washingtons 9th District, noted that there is a significant, positive change in outlook among unions, engineers and other experts, compared to 2010 when the NAWAPA Overview was initially released. Christie noted,

"With our original NAWAPA outreach, a lot of the unions and professionals were tricked, the stimulus had them tricked. Now they have seen how terrible Obama is, that the stimulus was a hoax, and they're upset. The country is falling apart and they are more susceptible to big ideas."

LaRouche PAC and associates have been holding extensive meetings with unions, industry experts, government officials, as well as contacting congressional candidates with the full implications of the NAWAPA XXI platform. Kirsch insists that making NAWAPA XXI a reality means that leaders in government as well as in industry, technology, and science must commit themselves now, to define the upcoming 2012 election with this patriotic, national mission. Invoking the spirit of John F. Kennedy, to whom the report is dedicated, Kirsch states that the theme of NAWAPA XXI is the unity of the nation. "It's every state," said Kirsch. "It's a union of states. Every increase in productivity in one place is an increase in another. NAWAPA XXI increases the power of the nation as a whole."

This report is available from LaRouche PAC.PRESS RELEASE

MEMO TO THE U.S. CONGRESS ON OBAMA GUN-RUNNING TO SYRIA:

It's Already Happening

by William F. Wertz, Jr.

July 1, 2013 (EIRNS)This release was issued today by the Lyndon LaRouche Political Action Committee.

June 29Three recent articles published by Reuters (June 18) and the New York Times (June 22 and June 29) now confirm what LaRouche PAC has asserted for months: Contrary to law and without authorization, the Obama Administration has been running guns from Benghazi to Syria, starting several months prior to the terrorist attack on the U.S. mission and CIA annex on Sept. 11, 2012.

The guns were being run, and continue to be run, by a cut-out of the February 17th Brigade, a "former" member by the name of Abdul Basit Haroun. Haroun is a close associate of the head of the February 17th Brigade Ismael Al-Sallabi and the commander of the February 17th Brigade Fawzi Bukatef, both of whom are quoted in the first two of above-cited articles in defense of Haroun's gun-running.

The February 17th Brigade, founded by the Emir of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), Abdelhakim Belhadj, is the militia that was hired by the U.S. to protect the mission in Benghazi. When the attack occurred the February 17th Brigade was nowhere to be found.

The most recent New York Times article confirms that Qatar has been shipping weapons to Syria since 2011, including at least one shipment of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles (MANPADS) from Libya.

Prior to these articles, there was already an abundance of evidence strongly suggesting that the Obama administration,under the auspices of John Brennan, had been running guns to the Syrian opposition from Benghazi since at since 2011. We provide that evidence below.

Following President Obama's June 16 announcement of his decision to openly provide weapons to the Syrian opposition, several bills have been submitted in the Congress to prevent him from doing so, arguing that such a decision requires the approval of Congress in accordance with the War Powers Resolution and the U.S. Constitution. Legislation introduced by Rep. Walter Jones threatens that to provide weapons thus is an impeachable offense. It has also been reported that a number of Congressional committees have rejected proposals by the Administration to fund the arming of the Syrian opposition with funds already allocated for intelligence purposes.

Yet President Obama has already been providing weapons to the Syrian opposition, including weapons from Libya, in collusion with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.A.E., Turkey, and Jordan for over a year. In doing so, he has already committed an impeachable offense in violating the U.S. Constitution. And in the case of weapons shipped to Libya, and from Libya to Syria, he has violated the UN arms embargo.

As perhaps even John Kerry will recall, during the 1980s, when the U.S. Congress cut off funding to the Contras in Nicaragua, Vice President Bush prevailed upon his good friend Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan to secretly fund the Contras. This is the same Prince Bandar who funded the first two 9/11 hijackers to arrive in the U.S. And it is the same Prince Bandar, now Director of Intelligence in Saudi Arabia, who has been arming al-Qaeda in Syria.

Obama and his current CIA Director, John Brennan, have been using that same Iran-Contra method, first to illegally arm the al-Qaeda affiliated Libyan Islamic Fighting Group in Libya, headed by Abdelhakim Belhadj, and then to arm the al-Qaeda-dominated opposition in Syria. As the authors of the book Benghazi: The Definitive Report point out, "From Oliver North to John Brennan, this is just the way that the system works regardless of the administration. The dead bodies they leave in their wake ... are, at the end of the day, just collateral damage in a war waged by those with political ambitions."

The Evidence of Obama's Gunrunning

On March 7, 2011, the London Independent reported that Obama asked Saudi Arabia to supply arms to the Libyan opposition. He did this despite the fact that the UN Security Council had unanimously imposed an arms embargo to and from Libya on Feb. 26, 2011.

In addition, in the Spring of 2011, Obama approved the provision of weapons by Qatar and the U.A.E. to the Libyan opposition, according to the New York Times (Dec. 5, 2012). Those weapons did not go to the Libyan Transitional National Council (TNC), but directly to the LIFG, according to an Oct. 17, 2011 Wall Street Journal article.

The UN Panel of Experts confirmed that Qatar and the U.A.E. violated the UN arms embargo, in reports to the President of the Security Council on March 20, 2012, Feb. 15, 2013, and April 9, 2013.

In respect to Qatar, the UN report states that despite that country's denials, "the Panel stands by its findings that Qatar supplied arms and ammunition to the opposition during the uprising in breach of the arms embargo." The report also points to the collusion of NATO in violating the UN-imposed no-fly zone and arms embargo. Citing flights organized by the U.A.E., the report states that the flights "received deconfliction numbers from NATO, the existence of the no-fly zone and the arms embargo imposed by the Security Council in resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011) notwithstanding."

The report confirms that, since the overthrow of Qaddafi, "The Syrian Arab Republic has presented a prominent destination for Libyan fighters. A number of them have joined brigades as individuals or through networks to support the Syrian opposition." ... [M]ilitary mat,riel has also been sent out from Libya to the Syrian Arab Republic through networks and routes passing through either Turkey or northern Lebanon.... Transfers of military mat,riel have been organized from various locations in Libya, including Misrata and Benghazi. The significant size of some shipments and the logistics involved suggest that representatives of the Libyan local authorities might have at least been aware of the transfers, if not actually directly involved."

During the same month that Qaddafi was assassinated, October 2011, according to the Daily Telegraph and other sources, Mustafa Abdul Jalil, the head of the Libyan TNC, and Burhan Ghalioun, the head of the Syrian National Council, reached an agreement for military support to the Syrian opposition from Libya. The Emir of the LIFG, Abdelhakim Belhadj, then traveled to Turkey in November 2011 to meet with the Syrian Free Army to provide training and weapons.

That same month, according to the website Albawaba.com and the truthseeker.co.uk, 600 LIFG terrorists went to Syria to commence military training and operations. They were led by Mahdi al-Harati, deputy commander of the Tripoli Military Council under Belhadj. Then, according to Ahmed Manai, President of the Tunisian Institute of Internatonal Relations, and a member of the Committee on Arab Observers in Syria, on Dec. 11, 2011, an agreement was signed in Tripoli among Jalil, Belhadj, Rashid al-Ghannushi (head of the Muslim Brotherhood in Tunisia), Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hamad Jabber bin Jassim al-Thani, and the number two of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria, to provide weapons and fighters to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Stevens Secures MANPADS; Brennan Exports Them

According to Benghazi: The Definitive Report, by Brandon Webb and Jack Murphy (New York: William Morrow, February 2013), the operation was run by now-CIA Director John Brennan outside of the traditional command structure, with Obama's approval.

The book reports that the United States had been facilitating, or, at the very least allowing, large weapons transfers from Libya to rebel fighters in Syria. The authors maintain that this did not fall under the purview of a Foreign Services officer in the State Department, such as Ambassador Stevens, but rather, "Stevens likely helped consolidate as many weapons as possible after the war to safeguard them, at which point Brennan exported them overseas to start another conflict."

On Feb. 2, 2012, Andrew J. Shapiro, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, said in a speech that the United States was engaged in Libya in the most extensive effort to combat the proliferation of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) in U.S. history. Libya had acquired 20,000 MANPADS, and, according to Shapiro, only 5,000 could be accounted for as of that date. He further reported that many of the weapons were taken by militias, and that many of the militias remain reluctant to relinquish them. Furthermore, he said that "we cannot rule out that some weapons may have leaked out of Libya."

In August 2011, the LIFG's Belhadj led the takeover of Tripoli, thanks to the backing of Qatar, and became the commander of the Tripoli Military Council, in charge of coordinating defense on a national level, under the TNC. On Sept. 4, 2011, he was appointed to the Supreme Security Council. One week after he was appointed to command the Tripoli Military Council, Belhadj (founder of the February 17th Brigade), Ismael al-Sallabi (head of the February 17th Brigade), and TNC head Jalil went to Qatar, where they met with the financiers of the revolution and NATO officials, according to Kronos Advisory, LLC.

On Sept. 27, 2011, ABC News reported that Peter Bouckaert of Human Rights Watch had taken pictures in Libya of pickup truckloads of missiles being carted off by the Libya opposition. He said: "I myself could have removed several hundred if I wanted to, and people can literally drive up with pickup trucks or even 18 wheelers and take away whatever they want. Every time I arrive at one of these weapons facilities, the first thing we notice going missing is the surface-to-air missiles." Richard Clark, former White House counterterrorism advisor and now a consultant to ABC News, said, "I think the probability of al-Qaeda being able to smuggle some of the Stinger-like missiles out of Libya is probably pretty high."

UN Panel of Experts Documents Two Shipments

On April 27, 2012, according to the UN Panel of Experts report, Lebanese authorities seized a shipment of arms and ammunition destined for the opposition forces in the Syrian Arab Republic. The Panel inspected the shipment and concluded that "the shipment consisted of Libyan arms and ammunition that were transferred to the Luftfallah II in breach of the arms embargo." The shipment included "SA-24 short range surface-to-air missiles and SA-7b manportable air defense systems, anti-tank guided missiles," etc.

Yet already on Sept. 14, 2012, three days after Stevens was killed, the Times of London reported that a Libyan ship carrying weapons, including SAM-73 surface-to-air anti-aircraft missiles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) for the Syrian opposition, had docked in Turkey. The UN has confirmed that the ship was the al-Entisar. It sailed from Benghazi to Iskenderun, Turkey, where it docked on Aug. 25, 2012, returning to Benghazi on Sept. 3.

Both of these documented shipments to Syria from Libya, and undoubtedly others, occurred after Obama reportedly signed a secret order authorizing the CIA to help coordinate the shipment of weapons by Saudi Arabia and Qatar to the Syrian opposition (See below).

So, on the one hand, beginning in August 2011, the U.S. and U.K. were reportedly trying to secure the MANPADS in Libya; but on the other, the Obama Administration, which approved the illegal provision of weapons by Qatar and the U.A.E. to the LIFG, had enlisted those allies to provide arms and jihadists in the effort to overthrow Assad.

Obama Signs "Finding;" Involvement of Senior White House Officials

Sometime in early 2012, or perhaps earlier, Obama signed a "finding" that permitted the CIA and other U.S. agencies to provide support to the Syrian opposition, Reuters reported on Aug. 1, 2012. The news agency added that the U.S. was collaborating with a secret command center operated by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar near the Syrian border, in Adana, Turkey, which is five miles east of Incirlik, a U.S. air base where U.S. military and intelligence agencies maintain a presence.

The arms airlift expanded after the November Presidential elections, according to the New York Times of March 24, 2013 ("Arms Airlift to Syria Rebels Expands, with Aid from CIA"): "More than 160 military cargo flights by Jordanian, Saudi and Qatari military-style cargo planes land[ed] at Esenboga Airport near Ankara, and, to a lesser degree, at other Turkish and Jordanian airports."

The CIA has been directly involved in this operation, the Times reported: "From offices at secret locations, American intelligence officers have helped the Arab governments shop for weapons, including a large procurement from Croatia.

"Qatar and Saudi Arabia had been shipping military materials via Turkey to the opposition since early and late 2012. Simultaneously, arms and equipment were being purchased by Saudi Arabia in Croatia and flown to Jordan on Jordanian cargo planes for rebels working in southern Syria and for retransfer to Turkey for rebels groups operating from there. "On a string of nights from April 26 through May 4 [2012], a Qatari Air Force C-17a huge American-made cargo plane made six landings in Turkey, at Esenboga Airport. By Aug. 8 the Qataris had made 14 more cargo flights. All came from Al Udeid Air Base 4 in Qatar, a hub for American military logistics in the Middle East. "American officials have confirmed that senior White House officials were regularly briefed on the shipments. "Through the fall [of 2012], the Qatari Air Force cargo fleet became even more busy, running flights almost every other day in October.... Soon other players joined the airlift: In November, three Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130s landed in Esenboga, in a hint at what would become a stepped-up Jordanian and Saudi role. Within three weeks, two other Jordanian cargo planes began making a round-trip run between Amman, the capital of Jordan, and Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, where ... the aircraft were picking up a large Saudi purchase of infantry arms from a Croatian-controlled stockpile."

The Jordanian planes bore the logo of the Jordanian International Air Cargo firm, which, the article reports, is a front company for Jordan's Air Force.

A Gun-Runner Confesses

On June 18, 2013 Reuters published an interview with Abdul Basit Haroun ("Adventures of a Libyan Weapons Dealer in Syria") in which he admitted that he is involved in shipping weapons from Benghazi, Libya to Syria. Haroun said that his first shipment of weapons to Syria was successfully delivered aboard the Entisar in August 2012. An earlier shipment on the Luftfallah II was intercepted on April 27, 2012 by Lebanese authorities. According to Haroun, he now delivers weapons to Syria on chartered flights to neighboring countries, and then smuggles them over the border to Syria.

On June 22, the New York Times published an article entitled "In Turnabout, Syria Rebels Get Libyan Weapons" that reports that the chartered flights are being financed and provided by Qatar: "Many of the same people who chased [Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi] to his grave are busy shuttling his former arms stockpiles to rebels in Syria.... Evidence gathered in Syria, along with flight-control data and interviews with militia members, smugglers, rebels, analysts and officials in several countries, offers a profile of a complex and active multinational effort, financed largely by Qatar, to transport arms from Libya to Syria's opposition fighters."

The Reuters article then quotes Ismail al-Sallabi, the head of the Feb. 17th Brigade, who says: "Abdel Basit Haroun was with us in the February 17 brigade before he quit to form his own brigade." Haroun said that he can collect weapons from around Libya and arrange for them to be delivered to the Syrian rebels because of his contacts in Libya and abroad. "They know we are sending guns to Syria. Everyone knows."

According to the article, Haroun runs his operation with an associate, who helps him coordinate about a dozen people in Libyan cities collecting the weapons. Both said several flights had been chartered to Jordan or Turkey to deliver the weapons. Haroun's associate runs a relief organization, the Libyan National Council for Relief and Support. Haroun said he had no control over which groups received the weapons. However, both he and his associate traveled with their first successful delivery in August 2012 over the Syrian border, to ensure it reached its destination.

The New York Times quotes Fawzi Bukatef, who was the commander of the February 17th Brigade in Benghazi, that the Libyan militias have been shipping weapons to Syrian rebels for more than a year.

The article also states that the weapons are sent on ships or Qatar Emiri Air Force flights to a network of intelligence agenices and Syrian oppostion leaders in Turkey. Qatari C-17 cargo aircraft have made at least three documented stops in Libya this year, the Times writes, including flights from Mitiga airport in Tripoli on Jan. 15 and Feb. 1 and another that departed Benghazi on April 16. The planes returned to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The cargo was then flown to Ankara, Turkey.

Al Udeid Air Base, as of 2010, was the home of 10,000 U.S. personnel and 100 Qataris.

Another article in the New York Times on June 29 entitled "Taking Outsize Role in Syria, Qatar Funnels Arms to Rebels," further confirms that Qatar has been shipping arms to the Syrian rebels since 2011. "Qatar's covert efforts to back the Syrian rebels began at the same time that it was increasing its support for opposition fighters in Libya." The article further confirms that "a shipment of Eastern bloc missiles [MANPADS] had come from former Qaddafi stockpiles."The furor over journalist Michael Wolffs bestselling book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House showed no sign of abating, with publisher Henry Holt and Co. rushing to print more copies of the book, and responding to a cease-and-desist letter from President Trumps lawyer on Monday.

CNN reports that Henry Holt has ordered more physical copies of the book after evidently being caught flat-footed by high demand. Since last week, Fire and Fury has been the No. 1 bestselling book on the Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites. Amazon is advising customers that orders for the book will be fulfilled within 2 to 4 weeks, while Barnes and Noble says it expects to ship orders on Jan. 19.

Demand for the book has affected brick-and-mortar bookstores as well, with retailers either selling out of the expose within hours, or still waiting to receive copies of the book from distributors. In Southern California, Eso Won books has sold out and ordered additional copies of the book, as has Vromans, reports the Orange County Register.

Fire and Fury, which goes behind the scenes at the White House, first caught the nations attention last week. Wolff makes several shocking claims in the book, asserting that Trump never expected to win the presidency, prefers to eat fast food because hes afraid of being poisoned, and appeared not to know who former Speaker of the House John Boehner was.

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The book also claims that former Trump advisor Steve Bannon believed that a meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and several Russians at Trump Tower was unpatriotic and treasonous, and that he referred to Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump as dumb as a brick. After the excerpts were published, Trump slammed both Wolff and Bannon on Twitter, calling author Wolff a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book and referring to his former chief aide Bannon as Sloppy Steve.

Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018

On Thursday, Trumps attorney Charles J. Harder sent a cease-and-desist letter to Wolff and Henry Holt, demanding the book be pulled from publication. First, Henry Holt moved up the books release date, and on Monday morning, John Sargent, the CEO of parent company Macmillan, shared a letter saying that the publisher planned to stand behind Wolff and his book.

"[A] demand to cease and desist publication  a clear effort by the President of the United States to intimidate a publisher into halting publication of an important book on the workings of the government is an attempt to achieve what is called prior restraint, Sargent wrote. That is something that no American court would order as it is flagrantly unconstitutional.

There is no ambiguity here, the letter continued. This is an underlying principle of our democracy. We cannot stand silent. We will not allow any president to achieve by intimidation what our Constitution precludes him or her from achieving in court. We need to respond strongly for Michael Wolff and his book, but also for all authors and all their books, now and in the future. And as citizens we must demand that President Trump understand and abide by the First Amendment of our Constitution.

While physical copies of Fire and Fury are, at the moment, exceedingly hard to come by, e-book versions and the downloadable audio book are available immediately for those who cant wait for the books next print run.

A pirated version of the book has been making the rounds. On Monday night, Wikileaks Twitter account posted a link to a PDF version of the book hosted on Google Drive, which was since taken down.

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Should you read Fire and Fury?

Fire and Fury: An analysis from Washington

Michael Wolff, author of new Trump book, not one to shy away from controversyPEN Center USA, the Los Angeles branch of the literary and human rights organization PEN International and a vital force in the citys literary community, will join forces with the New York PEN in 2018.

The new combined entity will be known as PEN America and will be overseen by Suzanne Nossel in New York.

Michelle Franke, executive director of PEN Center USA, will continue her role in Los Angeles.

PEN America reached out with a hope that we could unify the writers coast to coast and in doing so better serve the complimentary missions of both organizations, Franke told The Times.

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The unification, she said, comes at a moment of critical need for writers and readers in the country. For two branches that typically competed for funders and competed for members, we will be able to create a unified community.

A statement released by Nossel echoed her sentiment: The decision to join forces was born of a shared sense of urgency to fortify our collective efforts at a time of unprecedented challenges to free speech here at home.

Existing Los Angeles programs, including the Emerging Voices Fellowship, PEN in the Community and the annual fundraising gala and literary awards, will continue.

As a member of the L.A. literary community, I feel really excited, said Franke. I think it gives our members and PEN at large an opportunity to rise to the challenge of this moment. She added that the new structure will allow the Los Angeles PEN to expand its scope and make contact and assess and deliver on regional needs for writers who are living in the western United States.

PEN Center USA professional members have been asked to vote in favor of unification, which, pending approval, will become official on March 1.

agatha.french@latimes.com

@agathafrenchyEgypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has denied media reports that Egypt demanded the exclusion of Sudan from negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project, which has been the source of tension between the two neighbouring nations.

In a live interview on ON ETV channel's Kol Youm talk-show on Sunday, Shoukry denied media reports in recent days that Egypt wanted the World Bank to replace Sudan in the GERD talks.

In late December, Egypt recommended that the World Bank act as an impartial technical mediator in the GERD talks between Shoukry and his Ethiopian counterpart Workenh Gebeyehu in Addis Abba.

"We did not recommend the exclusion of Sudan. On the contrary, I spoke with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim El-Ghandour concerning our recommendation the next day," said Shoukry.

Egypt's foreign ministry sent an official letter to the Sudanese foreign ministry concerning its World Bank recommendation, but there has been no reply so far, Shoukry said.

He called on the Egyptian media to be objective in discussing issues affecting Egypt-Sudan relations and to avoid disrespect to either side.

Commenting on Sudan's decision to recall its ambassador to Cairo for consultations on Thursday, Shoukry said the move was related to the region of Halayeb and Shalateen, which both Egypt and Sudan claim as sovereign territory.

"The Sudanese ambassador was recalled because of the Halayeb and Shalateen issue," he said, adding that due to the sensitivity of the issue, the leaderships of the two countries had agreed to deal with it alone.

Sudan has long maintained that the area of southern Egypt known as the Halayeb Triangle belongs to Sudan and is being occupied by Egypt.

Shoukry said that Sudan is among the most important countries for Egypt, with a whole foreign ministry department dedicated to Sudanese affairs, led by one of his assistants.

Short link:

With every passing day, it becomes clearer whos reaping the benefit of the huge tax cut handed over to American corporations by the Republican-dominated Congress in December.

Spoiler alert: Not workers or customers, but shareholders, especially the rich ones. (Dont be fooled by those $1,000 bonuses handed out by a few big companies anxious to curry favor with the Trump White House  if they were serious about improving their employees lot theyd distribute the money in the form of permanent raises, not a bonus that you can safely bet will be a distant memory by this time next year.)

The big drug company Pfizer seems intent on being a pace-setter in cranking out the benefits of the tax cut to stakeholders who need them the least. In an announcement over the weekend, Pfizer said it was shutting down its research efforts on treatments for Alzheimers and Parkinsonism. The company didnt say how much it was spending on the two conditions, but said about 300 researchers will lose their jobs as it redirects its research and development budget elsewhere.

Its really alarming to see such a large pharmaceutical company deciding to abandon research into the brain and central nervous system. James Beck, chief scientific officer, Parkinsons Foundation

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Pfizer routinely reviews its R&D pipeline, the company said in its formal statement of the change. It said it was continuing its R&D programs for the drugs tanezumab and Lyrica. Thats a bit of non sequitur, since the first is a treatment for chronic pain from osteoporosis and other conditions and the latter is a drug for nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles and spinal cord injury and is an anti-seizure medication for epilepsy patients. They do both fall within the neurology field, however, which also encompasses Alzheimers and Parkinsons.

Pfizers announcement dismayed advocates for victims of central nervous system diseases, which have presented researchers with some of the most intractable challenges in the healthcare field.

Its really alarming to see such a large pharmaceutical company deciding to abandon research into the brain and central nervous system, James Beck, chief scientific officer at the Parkinsons Foundation, told me Monday. Its telling for how difficult it is to do research into neurodegenerative diseases. Of even greater concern, he said, is that having Pfizer exit does not augur well for what other companies are likely to do.

Pfizers move also raises questions about what role Big Pharma should play in drug R&D, especially for conditions without known treatments or those with relatively few sufferers.

Research into these two diseases is about as risky as one could imagine, since no treatment thus far has been shown to have any promise in curing either disease or averting its onset; some drugs may delay symptoms for up to a year or temporarily alleviate symptoms, but patient advocates consider those to be modest advances at best.

On the other hand, an Alzheimers cure would be the very definition of a blockbuster drug, since 5.5 million Americans are known to suffer from the disease and the patient base is expected to expand markedly as the population ages. Parkinsons afflicts about 1 million Americans, the Parkinsons Foundation says.

Normally, that would place this research right in Pfizers wheelhouse. The company is explicit about basing its R&D strategy on drugs with multi-billion dollar blockbuster potential, as its R&D chief, Mikael Dolsten, told a J.P. Morgan healthcare conference on Monday.

No one would say that drug companies should engage in research as a philanthropic exercise, but within the context of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, Pfizer looks risk-averse. The second-biggest U.S. drug company by sales (after Johnson & Johnson), Pfizer in recent years seems to have devoted more effort to financial engineering than biomedical engineering. In 2015, for instance, it announced a $160-billion merger with Allergan, the maker of Botox. The deal was a so-called inversion, aimed transparently at cutting Pfizers tax bill in part by eliminating U.S. tax on $147 billion in profits it had stashed overseas.

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Although the company denied that the deal was simply a tax transaction, the truth emerged in 2016 when the deal was canceled; the only thing that had changed was that the U.S. Treasury had implemented new rules that all but eliminated the tax savings. So, bye-bye, Allergan.

Pfizer is expected to be among the prime beneficiaries of the corporate tax cut. The measure allows companies to pay a tax rate as low as 8% on foreign earnings they bring home, a big discount from the 21% top rate the law assesses on domestic earnings, itself a big cut from the previous rate of 35%. By some estimates, that could be worth more than $5 billion to Pfizer alone, not counting any gains from the lower tax rate.

As it happens, Pfizer signaled how it would apply the tax savings even before the final passage of the tax bill: The company announced a $10-billion share buyback on Dec. 18, four days before President Trump signed the tax cut into law. That buyback was on top of $6.4 billion left to be spent from a previous buyback plan, and was accompanied by a 6% increase in the companys stock dividend, which will be worth roughly another half-billion dollars a year.

For comparisons sake, Pfizers entire research and development budget averaged about $8 billion a year from 2014 through 2016.

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Pfizers diversion of its tax break to shareholders parallels its behavior the last time American companies received a tax holiday on repatriated foreign earnings. That was in 2004, after corporations promised to apply their tax savings to hiring more workers and investing in their business. Instead, they laid off workers, bought back their shares, and pumped up their CEO compensation.

Pfizer brought home more than any other company in that amnesty, $35.5 billion, according to a 2007 investigation by Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich. From 2004 through 2007, Levin reported, Pfizer bought back more than $27 billion in stock and reduced employment by 11,748 workers.

This time around, the company is again gifting its shareholders and laying off workers. Abandoning a challenging research field is a new wrinkle, however.

Whats most discouraging to patient advocates is the dearth of alternatives to big pharmaceutical companies in brain research. Pfizers withdrawal, especially if it prompts other big pharma companies to flee the field, places more of the burden on small biotech firms, academia, foundations and government. The news reinforces the urgent need for additional federal investment in Alzheimers research, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Foundation of America told me. But the Trump administration has placed funding for government research projects in almost all scientific fields on the chopping block.

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Some experts recognize that the big drug companies may have been less than sturdy partners all along. Many groups have been hoping for quick wins in the [central nervous system] space and we havent succeeded, Beck of the Parkinsons Foundation says, so theres some frustration from the viewpoint of management that were not getting the progress we need.

He says his organization and others will still focus on the most promising pathway to a cure: Trying to understand the mechanisms of these diseases, which are still very murky. Only once those riddles are solved can drug research truly move ahead.

But as long as purely economic considerations drive drug R&D, the prospects for progress are dim. The Republicans who drafted the corporate tax cut promised that it would lead to more business investment and therefore economic growth. But as Pfizer demonstrates, all the incentives run in the opposite direction: More investment in shareholder welfare, less economic growth, and less attention to what corporations are supposed to exist for  improving peoples lives.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

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Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.The publishing sensation of this young year is Michael Wolffs inside-the-West-Wing tell-all, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

Within days of its publication date, which was moved up by several days to meet frenzied demand, the book was sold out at stores; it dominated the Sunday cable talk shows; provoked President Trump and his minions to a string of furious attacks; and has the official chroniclers of White House dysfunction at big East Coast newspapers crabbing about trivial inaccuracies (a sure sign that it has struck a nerve).

Fire and Fury was destined for success for several reasons. It fits the prevailing narrative about the Trump administration as perfectly as the last piece fits a jigsaw puzzle. It goes down easy, slathered over with the moist lubricant of gossip. Its not too heavily freighted with serious stuff like policy, and whats there is given a once-over-lightly treatment that affords readers the sensation of knowing just enough about that stuff for dinner-party conversation.

[Working for Trump] is like trying to figure out what a child wants. Former White House aide Katie Walsh, according to Fire and Fury

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But having spent hours this weekend absorbing the book cover-to-over (figuratively speaking  my version was on a Kindle), I can tell you that theres absolutely nothing new of any importance in Fire and Fury. If youve been following the Trump administration over the last 12 months, you already know everything in it.

Oh, sure, there are a few fresh nuggets here or there, sprinkled about like the hard bits in the Christmas fruitcake you cracked a tooth on over the holidays, but most are scarcely more interesting than the one about the internal architecture of Trumps hairdo (page 79 on Kindle).

None of that may be important, however, because the proper way to think about Fire and Fury is not as a book, but as an event. The vast majority of people discussing it over the next few weeks  assuming the furor lasts that long  will not have read it. When the Sunday cable talk shows went into full cry over it, they focused largely on the West Wings reaction to it.

The drama was all about whether Trump would throw a conniption, or did Stephen K. Bannon permanently blot his copybook by getting quoted saying stuff not too far from what hes said in public, etc., etc. It was no longer even necessary to read Fire and Fury, because you could learn all you needed to know about its text from the bare context provided by the Sunday hosts before they brought in their roundtables of Washington insiders and political pundits to masticate the gristle of what it all means.

But having done the reading homework myself, I can tell you that the first 30% of Fire and Fury is an engaging read, full of little frissons of revelation. Its not badly written, though portions show the effects of hasty editing to meet a deadline.

After the first third, however, it becomes boring, repetitious and, ultimately, depressing. There just isnt much for Wolff to say about the White House after hes said it once, and the discouraging thought that his cast of characters are in place because of a quirk of the American presidential electoral system that surprised them as much as it shocked outsiders soon outweighs any pleasure one might get from watching them bite each others heads off.

Lets take a quick look at the basic narrative threads of Fire and Fury. Stop me if youve heard these before.

Trump didnt want to win the election, and no one around him thought he would. Duh. If it wasnt evident from the performance-art nature of his election campaign, the notion that Trump was serious about governing couldnt survive his immigration executive order, issued seven days after the inauguration. There was the slipshod drafting of the order, the failure to run it past the people who would be responsible for implementation, and its taking immediate effect, which created massive chaos at major airports coast-to-coast and around the world. No one who cared about governing would do anything this way.

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Then theres the ludicrous collection of numbskulls and vandals walking the hallways and heading government departments and agencies. Its one thing to put people in place with the intention of refashioning government health, environmental and educational policy; quite another to give the job to people who have absolutely no executive experience or, in fact, knowledge about their jobs, and who instantly go to war with their own staffs. Step forward, former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Now please sit down again.

In any event, Wolff isnt much more interested in government than Trump; important issues such as healthcare repeal, education policy and the environment make walk-on appearances in Fire and Fury mostly in the course of the books real topic, which is the internecine squabbling over them.

Everyone around him treats Trump like a child. Duh. One of the money quotes from the book retailed endlessly by commentators is that dealing with Trump is like trying to figure out what a child wants. Wolff attributes it to Katie Walsh, a Republican Party functionary who spent a brief period on the White House staff before being exiled, ostensibly to her own relief, to a post at the Republican National Committee. But is this apercu supposed to be new? To my recollection, scarcely a single anonymously sourced inside-the-White-House story appearing over the last 12 months lacks a similar quote, or at least the same implication.

Everyone around him thinks Trump is an idiot. Duh. Kevin Drum of Mother Jones had fun last week by posting a quiz in which readers were asked to match a description of Trumps intellect (fool, idiot, moron, with various profane qualifiers appended), to the person who uttered it. A few came from the book, but a few were preexisting. The sources included Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin, and 21st Century Fox Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch. Anyway, clearly not news.

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Trumps eruption over the weekend to the effect that hes real smart and a stable genius may have had the air of Fredo Corleones equivalent pleading in The Godfather, Part II, as numerous cinema experts pointed out, but that wasnt the first time that hes tried to establish his intellectual bona fides by assertion, rather than action. Anyway, theres been plenty of reporting over the months about the need to present information to Trump in pictorial form rather than via the written word. Nor are questions about his reading ability new; a friend of mine who brought a lawsuit against Trump over a business deal came away from a deposition convinced Trump was illiterate, and that was decades ago, when he was still swanking around as a big shot in New York real estate circles.

The White House is rent by war among advisors. Wolff identifies the principal camps during his time as a fly on the wall as those of Bannon; first daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner; and former Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, who was replaced by John F. Kelly at the end of July. This started to be widely known even before inauguration day.

But Wolff may actually have made a signal contribution to Trumpology here by making clear how much each gang leaked to undermine the others. Despite the obligatory paragraphs in all those inside-the-West-Wing scoops in the big papers about how many sources they were based on (how many people work in the White House, anyway?), it appears from Wolffs book that those stories really all emanate from the power jockeying among those three groups; sometimes its one camp leaking against the other two, sometimes two camps in temporary alliance against the third.

This just tells you that the correct rule of thumb to apply when reading any of these yarns is the Latin term Cui bono? (Who gains?) The one notable aspect of all this is Wolffs obsession with Bannon, which almost approaches Bannons obsession with himself. Bannon emerges as the hub around all the White House intrigue spins, which may or may not have been true. But its Bannons view, which makes it a teeny bit suspect as it comes through Wolff.

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The bottom line is that much of Fire and Fury reads like warmed-over gruel. Some anecdotes have been widely reported in the past  high-level disagreement over Afghanistan policy, the hash Trump made of his response to the Charlottesville racial violence, the 10 days of Anthony Scaramucci  and are repeated by Wolff with a soupcon of insider spin as though being seasoned to make them appear to be his own discoveries.

None of this makes Fire and Fury unimportant. For one thing, its notable that the book has ticked off everybody in or near the White House. Trump is incensed for obvious reasons. Bannon and others directly quoted are embarrassed to the point they fear for their futures in the Trump-iverse.

The official chroniclers of Trump dysfunction are worried about their book contracts and sales because Wolff got there first  more so because he stripped the inside story of the decorous veneer that weighs down the accounts appearing in the serious press and applied the shiv to his sources with maximal viciousness and cruelty. After Fire and Fury, no one will need another inside-the-White-House book. Wolff collected all the stories and let it rip.

The last thing to be said about Fire and Fury is the curious vacuum at its center. One character fails to emerge from its pages with any color: Donald Trump. Wolff claims to have interviewed him directly, but that doesnt come through at all. The Trump around whom all these satellites orbit remains a black hole. No one really explains what he thinks, what he does, who he is.

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As a result, the book ends up being mostly about everyone elses interactions with each other, and very little about their interactions with the president of the United States. Maybe Trump meant it that way, or maybe theres simply no one there. That wouldnt be news, either.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.With new options and conveniences, theres never been a better time for shoppers. As for workers  well, not always.

The retail industry is being radically reshaped by technology, and nobody feels that disruption more starkly than 16 million American shelf stockers, salespeople, cashiers and other workers. The shifts are driven, like much in retail, by the Amazon effect  the explosion of online shopping and the related changes in consumer behavior and preferences.

As mundane tasks such as checkout and inventory are automated, employees are trying to deliver the kind of customer service the internet cant match.

So a Best Buy employee who used to sell electronics in the store is dispatched to customers homes to help them choose just the right products. A Wal-Mart worker dashes in and out of the grocery aisles, hand-picks products for online shoppers and brings them to peoples cars.

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Yet even as responsibilities change  and in many cases, expand  the average growth in pay for retail workers isnt keeping pace with the rest of the economy. Some companies say that in the long run the transformation could mean fewer retail workers, though they may be better paid. But while some workers feel more satisfied, others find their jobs a lot less fun.

Bloomingdales saleswoman Brenda Moses remembers the pre-internet era, when the upscale store was regularly filled with customers ready to buy. These days, department stores are less crowded and the customers who do come in can make price comparisons on their phones at the same time as they pepper staff with questions.

You tell them everything, and then they look at you and say, You know what? I think I will get it online, Moses said.

Moses has seen her commission rate rise to 6%, from 0.5%, but her hourly wage dropped from $19 to as low as $10 before it came back up to $14. Depending more on commissions means her income fluctuates  and that shes competing with her colleagues for each sale.

Now, Moses said, you have to fight to make your money.

The same could be said for the retailing industry overall. In 2017, 66,500 U.S. retail jobs disappeared (not taking into account jobs added in areas such as distribution and call centers). In the last decade, about 1 in 7 jobs have vanished in the hardest-hit sectors such as clothing and consumer electronics, said Frank Badillo, director of research at MacroSavvy LLC. Though department stores have suffered the most, smaller businesses also have struggled to compete with online sellers.

Many of the survivors are rushing to adapt. Of the retail jobs that remain, over the next decade as many as 60% either will be new kinds of roles or will involve revised duties, said Craig Rowley, senior client partner at Korn Ferry Hay Group, a human resources advisory firm. He estimated the number is about 10% now.

How fast retail jobs will change and what theyll look like depends on three factors, Rowley said: the pace at which online shopping advances; the speed at which robotics and other technology progress; and shifts in the minimum wage.

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Jobs for workers will get more interesting and be more impactful on the companys business, Rowley said. But the negative side is that there will be fewer entry-level jobs and there will be more pressure to perform.

Some retail workers at the vanguard of the changes  such as Laila Ummelaila, a personal grocery shopper at a Wal-Mart store in Old Bridge, N.J.  speak glowingly of their new responsibilities.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the nations largest private employer, has scrutinized every job in its stores as it looks to leverage its more than 4,000 U.S. locations against Amazon.com Inc.'s internet dominance.

Wal-Mart now has 18,000 personal shoppers who fill online orders from store shelves, and 17,000 checkout hosts whose responsibilities are more extensive than the greeters of old, including keeping the area clean and making sure registers move efficiently. The company has also shifted workers from backroom clerical jobs and eliminated some overnight stocker positions in favor of more daytime sales help. The customers like the changes, company officials say, pointing to more than three years of sales growth at its established U.S. stores  a contrast with other, suffering retailers.

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Ummelaila became a personal shopper after joining the company three years ago. To meet her stores goals, she must pick one item per 30 seconds. If she cant find something, she has to quickly get a substitute thats as good or better.

You start to get to know the customers, you know what they like, she said, how they like their meat and how long they keep milk in the fridge.

Best Buy Co., meanwhile, has begun a free service in key markets in which salespeople will sit with customers in their own homes and make recommendations on setting up a home office or designing a home theater system. Best Buy said shoppers spend more with a home visit than they do at the stores. The project follows Amazon, which reportedly has been testing a program that sends employees to shoppers houses for free smart home recommendations.

At Steve Fredericks townhouse in Chicago, Billy Schuler offered advice about speakers that can be adjusted from a smartphone. Schuler, who had previously worked at Best Buy for 14 years, returned to the company to take on the new role.

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Customers are more relaxed when they are in their home, he said. We can do a walk-through of the house and see their needs. He likes to break the ice by calling the person and chatting a day or two before the visit.

Frederick, who is spending close to $20,000 on the equipment, describes himself as old school and says he needed a lot of help. He said it was worthwhile.

When you are spending that kind of money, you want to have someone come in and explain it, he said.

Schuler declined to give specifics but said he is well compensated. Ummelaila said her pay went up to nearly $12 per hour, from $10, when she became a personal shopper.

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Target Corp. credits its strategy of assigning dedicated sales staff in areas such as clothing, consumer electronics and beauty for helping increase sales, and it says having visual merchandisers create vignettes like shoppers would see in specialty stores inspires people to buy. You are making an outfit and telling a story on each rack, said Crystal Lawrence, who works at a Target store in Brooklyn, N.Y. She said she likes the variety in her new job, and Target says it plans to keep paying higher wages for those specialized roles.

But a survey of nearly 300 retail workers  conducted by the Center for Frontline Retail and Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center  found that of those workers whose job responsibilities have changed, more than 40% said they hadnt received corresponding pay increases.

Wages for hourly retail workers have risen less than 9% since 1990, compared with 18% for private-sector workers overall. There has been some progress recently; some of the biggest retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Target, have made moves to increase pay in the face of low unemployment and competition for workers.

For a long period, these retail jobs were just terrible on average, said Michael Mandel, chief economic strategist at the Progressive Policy Institute. Retail stores have been following one strategy: high turnover, low wages. That strategy is no longer viable.

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Mandel sees hope in technology, which he says historically has created more and better-paying jobs than it has eliminated.

The National Retail Federation trade group points to government data showing that even in large supermarket chains where self-checkout has become standard, the number of employees per store has held steady over the 15 years through 2014. And the demand for grocery cashiers rose in the last few years, said Burning Glass Technologies, a company that analyzes labor market data.

McDonalds says the self-serve kiosks it has been rolling out wont result in mass layoffs, but will mean that some cashiers shift roles to accommodate changes such as offering table service.

But a report prepared by Cornerstone Capital Group for the Investor Responsibility Research Center Institute predicts that more than 7.5 million retail jobs are at risk of being eliminated by automation over the next several years.

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Amazon is testing a grocery store in Seattle without cashiers, using cameras and shelf sensors to keep track of the items that shoppers grab and charge them. Eatsa, an automat-style restaurant in San Francisco, lacks cashiers as well  diners order at kiosks, and workers prepare the food behind an opaque wall, with virtually no interaction between them.

A labor group representing 1.3 million grocery and food workers is trying to combat automation by highlighting that workers specialized skills  such as the care they take in icing a rose on a wedding cake, or arranging flowers, or the ability of human workers to recognize spoiled food  provide a benefit to shoppers.

Separating progress for the consumer, for the worker, for the economy versus the stockholders  those are completely different things, said Erikka Knuti, a spokeswoman for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

Others say automation and happy workers are not necessarily incompatible.

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Wal-Mart Chief Executive Doug McMillon foresees fewer sales associates at his stores, but says theyll be better paid and better trained. Wal-Mart has trained 225,000 supervisors and managers on topics such as new apps and better customer service. It says managers who go through the academies have better retention rates than those who do not. Workers who report to those managers stay longer. And entry-level workers who complete a new training program are more likely to remain.

Its a shift retailers may have to speed up. Government figures show that in 2016, the rate of retail workers quitting their jobs was at its highest since 2007.

Alfredo Duran, who started as a sales associate at Gap and worked at six retailers over 15 years, left the industry two years ago. As a manager at clothing chain Mango, he was making $75,000 a year. But once the store closed, he had trouble finding another job in retail because no one wanted to pay him for his experience.

Its gone down. One person is doing three jobs. And you cant move up, said Duran, 38, of Queens, N.Y.

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Hes now a concierge at a Manhattan hotel, making half of what he used to earn  but happy he left retail.

A look at retailers new jobs

Confronting changing shopper habits and increased competition from online sellers, retailers are creating new jobs at their stores and redefining employee duties. Heres a look at some new positions and shifting roles at major retailers.

Wal-Mart

 Personal shoppers: These workers fill online grocery orders from store shelves, in some cases finding one product every 30 seconds, and take the items to shoppers cars at the curb.

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 Checkout hosts: Not just greeters, theyre responsible for overseeing the self-checkout and scan-and-go areas and helping customers navigate them. They also keep the checkout area tidy, judge if more registers need to be opened, and help customers with questions as they come and go.

Target

 Visual merchandisers: They create the kinds of fashion or home design vignettes that shoppers may be more used to seeing in specialty stores than discount chains. Target says this inspires shoppers to buy more.

 Dedicated sales associates: These employees work only in a particular area, such as clothing, electronics, beauty and grocery, rather than shifting from department to department. They get extra training on the brands in their areas; their focus is helping shoppers.

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Best Buy

 In-home advisors: They visit shoppers homes and recommend products suitable for their spaces to help them create a home office or set up a home theater. The service is free.

Bloomingdales

 Personal stylists: Some stylists now pull options for shoppers ahead of time based on their answers to an online questionnaire about price, favorite brands, style and sizes, and make refinements based on text conversations. Thats similar to the styling services offered by online companies such as Stitch Fix. But instead of receiving clothes to try on at home and possibly send back, shoppers then work with stylists in person, at the store. Bloomingdales is testing the service at its Manhattan SoHo store and says the online component offers speedier service. Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue also have personal stylists, as well as an online component.Two big shareholders of Apple Inc. are concerned that the entrancing qualities of the iPhone have fostered a public health crisis that could hurt children  and the company as well.

In a letter to the smartphone maker dated Jan. 6, activist investor Jana Partners LLC and the California State Teachers Retirement System urged Apple to create ways for parents to restrict childrens access to their mobile phones. They also want the Cupertino, Calif., company to study the effects of heavy usage on mental health.

There is a growing body of evidence that, for at least some of the most frequent young users, this may be having unintentional negative consequences, says the letter from the two investors, which combined own about $2 billion in Apple shares. The growing societal unease is at some point is likely to impact even Apple.

Addressing this issue now will enhance long-term value for all shareholders, the letter says.

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The letter cited early research showing some negative effects phone usage has had on children, such as being distracted in the classroom, higher risks of depression and suicide, and sleep deprivation.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the letter, which was reported earlier by the Wall Street Journal.

Its a problem most companies would kill to have: young people liking a product too much. But as smartphones become ubiquitous, government leaders and Silicon Valley have wrestled for ways to limit their inherent intrusiveness.

France, for instance, has moved to ban the use of smartphones in its primary and middle schools. Meanwhile, Android co-founder Andy Rubin is seeking to apply artificial intelligence to phones so that they perform relatively routine tasks without needing to be physically handled.

Apple already offers some parental controls, such as the Ask to Buy feature, which requires parental approval to buy goods and services. Restrictions can also be placed on access to some apps, content and data usage.

The letter asks that Apple go further in its efforts to understand the effect its products have on children, including:

Creating a committee of child development experts to study the issue.

Using the latest research to create tools that give parents more control over their childrens technology usage, such as allowing parents to input a childs age and being offered age-appropriate phone setup options that limit screen time, restrict usage hours and reduce the available number of social media sites.

Publishing annual progress reports, much like Apple does for environmental and supply chain issues.

The activist pressure is the latest in a series of challenges for the tech giant. Last week, Apple said that all of its Mac computers and iOS devices, which include iPhones and iPads, faced security vulnerabilities due to flawed chips made by Intel Corp. At the tail end of 2017, the company apologized to customers for software changes that caused older versions of its iPhones to run slower than newly introduced editions.

Times staff writer Tracey Lien contributed to this report.

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UPDATES:

8:20 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details from the shareholders letter.

This article was originally published at 6:45 a.m.James Damore, the former Google engineer who was fired after writing a widely circulated memo arguing women were biologically inferior to men in coding, has sued the Mountain View, Calif., tech giant alleging discrimination against his political views.

In a class-action complaint filed Monday, Damore argued that he was harassed at Google for being a white male. Another former Google engineer, David Gudeman, is also a member of the suit.

Damore, Gudeman, and other class members were ostracized, belittled, and punished for their heterodox political views, and for the added sin of their birth circumstances of being Caucasians and/or males, the suit says.

Diversity training was supposed to reduce bias at Google. In James Damores case, it backfired. 

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Damore raised a furor at Google when he released a 10-page memo in August slamming the company for liberal bias, complaining about diversity training and blaming biological shortcomings for the dearth of women in tech.

Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai quickly denounced Damores memo for advancing harmful gender stereotypes. The company said it fired Damore for violating its code of conduct.

We look forward to defending against Mr. Damores lawsuit in court, a Google spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement.

The company is currently fighting claims by the U.S. Department of Labor that it discriminates against women by systematically paying them less than their male counterparts.

The Damore memo emerged as a symbol of Silicon Valleys dysfunction at a time when reports of sexual harassment and abuse abounded at some of the biggest companies and venture capital firms.

In addition, Damores memo has become something of a litmus test for liberal and conservative views. The engineer has received support from the likes of WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange and members of the alt-right (though Damore told CNN he does not support the alt-right).

Damores attorney, Harmeet Dhillon, is the Republican National Committees committeewoman for California. She did not respond to a question about whether Damore was funding his suit alone or receiving support from a benefactor.

In the lawsuit, which was filed in state Superior Court in Santa Clara, Damore and Gudeman allege that they were treated like second-class citizens because of their gender and race. They said white men were booed during company-wide weekly meetings and that hiring managers were instructed to discriminate against people with conservative views.

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The complaint says Google promoted all manner of lifestyles except for Damores.

Google furnishes a large number of internal mailing lists catering to employees with alternative lifestyles, including furries, polygamy, transgenderism, and plurality, for the purpose of discussing sexual topics, the suit says. The only lifestyle that seems to not be openly discussed on Googles internal forums is traditional heterosexual monogamy.

Damore said he received threats from his co-workers after his memo was distributed. One of them came from a fellow engineer who emailed to say Damore was a misogynist and a terrible human and vowed to keep hounding him until one of them was fired, before signing off with an expletive.

Companies do not have to abide by the 1st Amendments free-speech guarantees, which are only aimed at the government. That gives Google the right to fire employees it deems incompatible with the companys values, legal experts say.

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david.pierson@latimes.com

Twitter: @dhpierson

UPDATES:

1:35 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting.

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11:45 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional information.

2:35 p.m.: This article was updated with comment from Google.

This article was originally published at 11:20 a.m.VTech Electronics, a maker of electronic toys, has agreed to pay $650,000 to settle charges from the Federal Trade Commission that it collected personal information on hundreds of thousands of children without their parents knowing.

VTech  a Hong Kong company whose North American operations are based in Arlington Heights, Ill.  says that it did notify parents and that the allegations are based on technical provisions of a childrens privacy law.

According to the complaint, the company also failed to protect the data it collected, enabling a hacker to gain access in late 2015.

The childrens privacy case was FTCs first involving internet-connected toys, said Tom Pahl, acting director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection. It shines a light on the growing market, which is expected to reach $15.5 billion by 2022, up from an estimated $4.9 billion in 2017, according to a report from England-based Juniper Research.

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This settlement sends a message to parents, Pahl said. Parents should read a companys privacy practices, make sure that companies get their permission to collect their childrens information and be aware of their other rights.

VTech makes toys such as smart watches and handheld smart devices for children.

The FTC alleges that the Kid Connect app used with some of VTechs toys collected information on children without notifying parents or getting their consent. That practice is required for children younger than 13 by the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act.

VTech also collected information from parents via its online platform Learning Lodge Navigator, where the Kid Connect app was available for download. As of November 2015, parents had registered and created accounts with Learning Lodge for almost 3 million children, including about 638,000 Kid Connect accounts.

VTech spokeswoman Kaleigh Steinorth said that the company did give notice and get parents consent, and that it designed Kid Connect in a way that ensured parents knew how the system worked and what information would be collected.

The allegations were based on technical requirements of the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act regarding how parents must be notified and how companies must verify that the consenting person is the parent, she said in an email. We have taken steps to ensure compliance with these technical requirements.

The Consumers Union, a nonprofit organization that does product testing and research, has asked the FTC to look into privacy and security concerns related to smart and connected toys.

Parents have a right to know and a right to choose how their childrens personal data is collected, Katie McInnis, technology policy counsel for Consumers Union, said in a statement.

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The FTC launched its investigation in late 2015 after the hacker gained access to VTechs networks, exposing the information, photos and audio of Kid Connect users. The FTC also alleged that VTech falsely stated in its privacy policy that personal information would be encrypted when it was not.

As part of the settlement, VTech is required to put a data security system in place that will be subject to independent audits for 20 years.

Theres not a consistent practice over time of companies making sure they are always staying one step ahead of the hackers, Pahl said. This settlement, Pahl said, will help to make sure that kind of program they develop is in place and works.

amarotti@chicagotribune.comRead the full transcript of Oprah Winfreys speech that fired up the Golden Globes

Oprah Winfrey won the Cecil B. DeMille Award at Sundays Golden Globes, making history as the first black female recipient. Her fiery acceptance speech will no doubt go down in history too, igniting speculation that maybe she has political aspirations.

Winfrey declares a new day on the horizon, stirs hope (in some) of a presidential run>>

Heres the full transcript:

Thank you, Reese [Witherspoon, who presented the award].

In 1964, I was a little girl sitting on the linoleum floor of my mothers house in Milwaukee, watching Anne Bancroft present the Oscar for best actor at the 36th Academy Awards. She opened the envelope and said five words that literally made history: The winner is Sidney Poitier. Up to the stage came the most elegant man I had ever seen. I remember his tie was white and, of course, his skin was black. And Id never seen a black man being celebrated like that.

And I have tried many, many, many times to explain what a moment like that means to a little girl, a kid watching from the cheap seats, as my mom came through the door bone-tired from cleaning other peoples houses. But all I could do is quote and say that the explanation in Sidneys performance in Lilies of the Field: Amen, amen. Amen, amen.

In 1982, Sidney received the Cecil B. DeMille Award right here at the Golden Globes, and it is not lost on me that at this moment there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given the same award. It is an honor and it is a privilege to share the evening with all of them and also with the incredible men and women whove inspired me, whove challenged me, whove sustained me and made my journey to this stage possible: Dennis Swanson, who took a chance on me for A.M. Chicago, Quincy Jones, who saw me on that show and said to Steven Spielberg, Yes, she is Sofia in The Color Purple, Gayle [King], who has been the definition of what a friend is, and Stedman [Graham], who has been my rock, just a few to name.

Id like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., because we all know that the press is under siege these days. But we also know that it is the insatiable dedication and the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to corruption and injustice, to tyrants and victims and secrets and lies. I want to say that I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times, which brings me to this: What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And Im especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories.

Each of us in this room are celebrated because of the stories that we tell. And this year we became the story. But its not just a story affecting the entertainment industry. Its one that transcends any culture, geography, race, religion, politics or workplace. So I want tonight to express gratitude to all the women who have endured years of abuse and assault because they, like my mother, had children to feed, bills to pay and dreams to pursue.

Theyre the women whose names well never know. They are domestic workers. And farm workers. They are working in factories and they work in restaurants and theyre in academia, and engineering, and medicine, and science. Theyre part of the world of tech and politics and business. Theyre our athletes in the Olympics and theyre our soldiers in the military. And theres someone else: Recy Taylor. A name I know and I think you should know too.

In 1944, Recy Taylor was a young wife and a mother. She was just walking home from a church service shed attended in Abbeville, Ala., when she was abducted by six armed white men, raped and left blindfolded by the side of the road coming home from church. They threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone, but her story was reported to the NAACP where a young worker by the name of Rosa Parks became the lead investigator on her case. And together, they sought justice.

But justice wasnt an option in the era of Jim Crow. The men who tried to destroy her were never [prosecuted]. Recy Taylor died 10 days ago, just shy of her 98th birthday. She lived as we all have lived, too many years in a culture broken by brutally powerful men. For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men. But their time is up.

But their time is up. Their time is up! Their time is up. And I just hope  I just hope that Recy Taylor died knowing that her truth, like the truth of so many other women who were tormented in those years, and even now tormented, goes marching on.

It was somewhere in Rosa Parks heart almost 11 years later when she made the decision to stay seated on that bus in Montgomery, and its here with every woman who chooses to say, Me too. And every man who chooses to listen.

In my career, what Ive always tried my best to do, whether in television or through film, is to say something about how men and women really behave. To say how we experience shame, how we love and how we rage, how we fail, how we retreat, persevere and how we overcome.

Ive interviewed and portrayed people whove withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning, even during our darkest nights. So I want all the girls watching here now to know that a new day is on the horizon!

And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight. And some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say Me too again. Thank you.The 75th Golden Globes were the first major awards show of Hollywoods #MeToo movement, and the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. didnt miss its cue.

The procession of black dresses that began at the Beverly Hiltons red carpet moved to the winners podium as films and television shows driven by women  Lady Bird, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Handmaids Tale, Big Little Lies and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel  prevailed at a ceremony marked mostly by serious speeches focusing on months of allegations and admissions of sexual harassment within Hollywood.

Theres a new era underway, host Seth Meyers said moments into his opening monologue, and I can tell, because its been years since a white man was this nervous in Hollywood.

1 / 48 Graham Broadbent, producer of "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, accepts the award for motion picture - drama at the 75th Golden Globe Awards on Sunday. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 2 / 48 Lady Bird director Greta Gerwig accepts the award for motion picture - musical or comedy at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 3 / 48 Oprah Winfrey, recipient of the Cecil B. Demille Award, delivers a powerful speech at the 75th Golden Globe Awards on Sunday. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 4 / 48 The Golden Globes audience stands at attention for Oprah Winfrey, recipient of the Cecil B. Demille Award. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 5 / 48 Natalie Portman and Ron Howard present the director nominees, or as Portman pointedly put it: Here are the all-male nominees. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 6 / 48 The Shape of Water director Guillermo del Toro made sure his speech counted at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 7 / 48 In a Harry Potter reunion, Emma Watson and Robert Pattinson present an award at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 8 / 48 With the cast and crew from Big Little Lies alongside her, Reese Witherspoon accepts the Golden Globe for television limited series. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 9 / 48 I, Tonya actress Allison Janney wins the Golden Globe for performance by an actress in a supporting role in a motion picture. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 10 / 48 Presenters Jessica Chastain and Chris Hemsworth. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 11 / 48 Lady Birds Saoirse Ronan wins the award for actress in a motion picture musical or comedy. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 12 / 48 Presenter Salma Hayek Pinault (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 13 / 48 Alicia Vikander and Michael Keaton (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 14 / 48 Thelma & Louise duo Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon reunite as presenters at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 15 / 48 Darkest Hours Gary Oldman accepts the award for actor in a motion picture - drama. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 16 / 48 Isabelle Huppert, from left, and Angelina Jolie present at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 17 / 48 Frances McDormand delivers a powerful speech in accepting the actress award for "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 18 / 48 Presenter Barbra Streisand issues a call for more women directors to be nominated. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 19 / 48 Aziz Ansari, winner of the Golden Globe for performance by an actor in a television series  comedy, accepts his trophy. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 20 / 48 Emilia Clarke and Kit Harrington present at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 21 / 48 Amy Sherman-Palladino, creator of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, accepts the award for television series  musical or comedy. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 22 / 48 Halle Berry (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 23 / 48 Edgar Ramirez, Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin and Darren Criss (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 24 / 48 Hugh Grant (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 25 / 48 Winner of the screenplay  motion picture Golden Globe, Martin McDonagh, writer of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, accepts his award. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 26 / 48 Kirk Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 27 / 48 Coco director and producer Lee Unkrich accepts the award for animated film. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 28 / 48 Presenters Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 29 / 48 Big Little Lies actress Laura Dern wins for actress in a supporting role in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 30 / 48 Tommy Wiseau, left, James Franco, winner of actor in a motion picture  musical or comedy for The Disaster Artist, and Dave Franco at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 31 / 48 Kerry Washington and Garrett Hedlund (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 32 / 48 Bruce Miller, producer-writer of The Handmaids Tale on Hulu, accepts the award for television series  drama at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 33 / 48 Christina Hendricks and Neil Patrick Harris (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 34 / 48 Meher Tatna, HFPA president, at the 75th Golden Globe Awards (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 35 / 48 Presenter Seth Rogen (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 36 / 48 Roseanne Barr and John Goodman (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 37 / 48 Big Little Lies actor Alexander Skarsgard wins the award for actor in a supporting role in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 38 / 48 Mariah Carey and Common present an award at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 39 / 48 Elisabeth Moss wins the Golden Globe for best actress in a TV drama for The Handmaids Tale. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 40 / 48 The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, indeed. Rachel Brosnahan wins best TV comedy actress. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC) 41 / 48 Presenters Carol Burnett and Jennifer Aniston bond at the 75th Golden Globe Awards. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 42 / 48 The Greatest Showmans Zac Efron presents a Golden Globe award. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 43 / 48 Sam Rockwell wins a Golden Globe supporting actor-motion picture award for "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 44 / 48 Oscar and Golden Globe winners Helen Mirren and Viola Davis present an award at the Golden Globes. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 45 / 48 Nicole Kidman wins the Golden Globe for best actress in a limited series for "Big Little Lies. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 46 / 48 Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot present an award at the Golden Globes. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 47 / 48 After host Seth Meyers talks up The Post and its cast at the Golden Globes, he shoos away a presenter with an armful of awards. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC) 48 / 48 Seth Meyers takes on the hosting duties at the 75th Golden Globe Awards on Sunday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. (Paul Drinkwater / NBC)

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GOLDEN GLOBES 2018: Full coverage | Winners | Red carpet photos

By the way, he continued, a special hello to hosts of other upcoming awards shows that are watching me tonight  like the first dog they shot into outer space.

If this years Globes marked a new age for awards shows, it wasnt remarkably different from previous editions, save for the monochromatic evening wear, the on-point #MeToo messaging and, for the most part, the jettisoning of snark, though the show did have a few priceless, snide moments. (Natalie Portman, presenting the director category: And here are the all-male nominees.)

The evening, long marketed as the looser, less inhibited answer to the stodgy Oscars, actually felt a lot like the Academy Awards with plenty of effusive and heartfelt acceptance speeches, with particular note being paid to the front-row presence of Oprah Winfrey, the recipient of the HFPAs Cecil B. DeMille honor. (Meyers did one bit pegged to Winfrey running for president in 2020.)

All that attention proved prescient as Winfrey delivered the evenings big powerhouse moment with nearly everyone in the Beverly Hiltons ballroom hanging on every word.

Ive interviewed and portrayed people whove withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning  even during our darkest nights, Winfrey said. So I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon. And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say, Me too, again.

MORE: Read the full transcript of Oprah Winfreys speech

If Winfreys speech (one she had been asked to trim by three minutes  nope) was a stirring, spiritual call to arms, Frances McDormand used her moment, a win for lead drama actress for Three Billboards, to deliver a couple of caustic broadsides, even, as she noted, I keep my politics private.

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McDormand praised the HFPA because they managed to elect a female president. And then she addressed the women in attendance.

It was really great to be in this room tonight and to be a part of a tectonic shift in our industrys power structure, McDormand said. Trust me, the women in here tonight are not here for the food. We are here for the work.

Theres no going back, McDormand added backstage. No, we just go forward, in the best possible way.

Three Billboards, with McDormand playing a grieving mother seeking justice for her murdered daughter, took the most movie awards, with trophies for drama film, screenplay and supporting actor Sam Rockwell. Guillermo del Toro won for directing The Shape of Water, a sweet, sincere fantasy about a romance between a mute cleaning woman and an Amazonian river god.

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The mother-daughter coming-of-age story Lady Bird took feature film honors for comedy/musical with Saoirse Ronan winning for her lead turn as the extraordinarily ordinary high school senior.

Get Out, nominated in that category and also for Daniel Kaluuyas lead turn, did not win any awards. The Post and Dunkirk were similarly shut out.

Two of the years biggest television events premiered shortly after last years Globes ceremony, and the HFPA, a group that takes delight in beating Emmy voters to the punch, had little choice but to follow their more esteemed counterparts and recognize Hulus drama The Handmaids Tale and HBOs limited series Big Little Lies.

Elisabeth Moss, herself an Emmy winner for playing a baby-making slave in a near-future patriarchal society, took the lead actress Globe, dedicating the honor to Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood.

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Margaret Atwood, this is for you and and all of the women who came before you and after you who were brave enough to speak out against intolerance and injustice, and to fight for equality and freedom in this world, Moss said. We no longer live in the blank, white spaces at the edge of print. We no longer live in the gaps in the stories. We are the stories in print, and we are writing the stories ourselves.

Moss wasnt the only one honoring an iconic woman. Carol Burnett earned a standing ovation, with fellow presenter Jennifer Aniston asking if she could imitate Burnetts legendary sign-off move and pull on the legends ear. (Kinky! Burnett joked, asking, Was it everything you dreamed it would be?)

Barbra Streisand received a standing ovation too, and roaring applause when she noted that she remains the only woman to win the Golden Globe for directing  an honor she received 34 years ago.

Folks, times up, she said, repeating the nights prevailing message: Women are no longer content to remain on the margins.

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See the most-read stories this hour 

glenn.whipp@latimes.com

Twitter: @glennwhippA Cairo prosecution office has ordered the detention of a police officer and a low-ranking policeman over the death of a young man in police custody on Friday.

The young man, nicknamed Mohamed Afroto, was arrested on Friday on charges of drug dealing and taken to a police station in Cairo's Moqattam district.

The two policemen are accused of "murder and use of brutality," a source from the prosecution office told Ahram Online.

Prosecutors have also ordered the detention for four days of 43 people arrested on charges of storming the police station on Saturday following the man's death.

Clashes erupted between protesters and police on Saturday when news of the detainee's death spread. Protesters set fire to tyres and vehicles near the police station and police fired teargas and birdshot.

Protesters blamed police for the death, while his family said that he was tortured to death in custody.

Several unnamed security sources were quoted by local media as saying that Afroto died of a drug overdose.

The prosecution said the man's body "showed no outward injuries."

However, a post-mortem report said the death was caused by "severe laceration of the spleen and abdominal bleeding."

Egypt's Interior Minister Magdy Abdel Ghaffar ordered his ministry's department of inspection to launch a probe into the incident.

Short link:

The 75th Golden Globes are in the rearview mirror, but a handful of moments are worth remembering, at least for a little while. Whether you missed the broadcast Sunday night or just want to revisit the good stuff, here are seven moments that stood out.

1. James Franco fends off Tommy Wiseau onstage

The first person I have to thank is the man himself, Tommy Wiseau!" said James Franco, who dragged brother Dave Franco to the stage and also summoned the director of The Room after winning actor in a motion picture  musical or comedy. He almost regretted his decision though: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, he said as he stuck out his arm and blocked Wiseau, whom he portrayed in The Disaster Artist, from taking the microphone in his stead. (But you can read what Wiseau would have said onstage here.)

2. Oprah Winfrey rallies the troops

3. Elisabeth Moss gets literary

Elisabeth Moss set the bar high early in the ceremony with her acceptance speech for actress in a TV series  drama. The star of Hulus The Handmaids Tale invoked the words of Margaret Atwood in her message, celebrating the uprising against the marginalization of women. We no longer live in the blank white spaces at the edge of print, Moss said. We no longer live in the gaps between the stories. We are the story in print, and we are writing the story ourselves.

4. Frances McDormand gets bleeped  but not really

Frances McDormand had a lot to say  the Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri star said so herself  but not all audiences got to hear all of it. Seemingly random bleep-outs around words like tectonic shift marred her victory speech for actress in a motion picture  drama. Looks like it was a technical glitch, though, as her words can be heard above in full. I'm gonna keep it short, because weve been here a long time, McDormand said before settling into a sassy speech, and we need some tequila.

5. Natalie Portman and Barbra Streisand have issues with the directing category

Natalie Portman and Ron Howard present the 2018 Golden Globe for director. Paul Drinkwater / Associated Press

OK, this was actually two moments. And here are the all-male nominees, Natalie Portman deadpanned as she (and male director Ron Howard  awkward) presented the directing contenders. Eventual winner Guillermo del Toros whaddya gonna do? facial expression in response was priceless. And as Barbra Streisand introduced the nominees for best picture  drama, she marveled that she was the only woman in the Globes 75-year history to win for directing. You know that was 34 years ago, she said. Folks, time's up.

6. Greta Gerwig speaks for Lady Bird

Normally, when a film wins for motion picture  musical or comedy, a producer does the honors. But after Eli Bush got his hands on the trophy, he ceded the spotlight to the movies writer-director. The only person who should speak for 'Lady Bird' is Greta Gerwig, Bush said. In her thank-yous, the effusive, breathless Gerwig included her mom, her dad and the people of Sacramento, who gave me roots and wings and helped me to get where I am today. Just thank you, thank you, thank you!

7. Seth Meyers scores with a high-stakes monologue

We didnt forget: The show opened on a high note. Seth Meyers had a lot to lose by hosting Hollywoods first nationally televised event since the Harvey Weinstein scandal and all that followed it. By the way, Meyers said early on, a special hello to hosts of other upcoming awards shows who are watching me tonight like the first dog they shot into outer space. (Jimmy Kimmel laughed at that one.) Getting by with a little punch-line assistance from audience members who were not white men, he successfully navigated the monologue minefield.

Times staff writer Libby Hill contributed to this report.

Support our journalism Please consider subscribing today to support stories like this one. Get full access to our signature journalism for just 99 cents for the first four weeks. Already a subscriber? Your support makes our work possible. Thank you.

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Beyond wearing black, Hollywood stars discuss how they can improve their industry

Photos: All-black style on the red carpet shows solidarity

Not one man mentioned the #MeToo movement in his acceptance speechThe Golden Globes are known for celebrating the best in movies and television, but during the 75th Annual Golden Globes on Sunday (January 7), another art form was celebrated: Italian cuisine. After winning the award for Best Actor in a Television Series (Musical or Comedy), Master of None star Aziz Ansari gave thanks to the entire nation of Italy.

I genuinely didnt think I was going to win, because all of the websites said I was going to lose. Also, Im glad we won this one because it would have really sucked to lose two of these in a row. It would have been a really sh---y moment for me, but this is nice, Ansari said in his acceptance speech.

The 34-year-old actor then went on to thank his fellow cast members and collaborators on Master of None, but then he thanked the most important cast member of all: Italian food. I want to thank Italy for all of the amazing food we ate in season two.

Indeed, the first two episodes of the Netflix shows second season heavily featured Italian food. Ansaris character Dev traveled the Italian countryside and learned to make pasta by hand. He also visited some top Italian eateries, including Via Luigi Carlo Farini and Via Stella. The food porn didnt end there; Master of Nones second season also included visits to some of New York Citys hottest dining spots, such as The Four Horsemen, Sauvage, PDT, and Il Buco.

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Watch Ansaris acceptance speech below. (Warning: foul language.)

https://twitter.com/goldenglobes/status/950201376369295362

Ansaris shout-out to Italy and its food wasnt the only big food and drink moment of the 2018 Golden Globes. The night also included Tom Hanks brining out martinis for his entire table (perfectly filling his role as Americas fun uncle) and Frances McDormand declaring that she was getting a round of tequila shots for all her fellow Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama) nominees.

Who knows? The food-centric Golden Globes could be one of the biggest celebrity food news stories of the year - and its only January. While we wait to see what the rest of this year cooks up, check out the biggest celebrity dining moments of 2017.

View slideshow

More Celebrity Bites:Jeanne Pepper Bernstein has been searching for her 19-year-old son since he went missing in Lake Forest last Tuesday. On Sunday afternoon, she had a message for him.

If theres any way you can come home, whatever has happened, wherever youve been, whoever youve talked to  it doesnt matter, she said in an interview with The Times. We love you so much that we would give up everything we have to have you back.

Blaze Bernstein, 19, of Foothill Ranch has been missing since Tuesday. (Family photo )

As she offered her wrenching plea, family and friends used drones to canvass the Foothill Ranch area of Lake Forest, where authorities believe Blaze Bernstein was last seen by a friend in Borrego Park. Meanwhile, Orange County sheriffs investigators were actively following leads to solve his mysterious disappearance.

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Sheriffs officials said Blaze Bernstein, a pre-med student at the University of Pennsylvania, never returned to his parents home in Foothill Ranch late Tuesday night after visiting the park with a friend.

The friend told investigators that he went into a restroom at the park and when he came out, Blaze Bernstein was gone, said Carrie Braun, a spokeswoman for the Sheriffs Department. The friend last saw him about 11 p.m. Officials dont believe foul play was involved and said the friend is not a suspect in the disappearance.

Blaze Bernstein left belongings behind  including his keys, wallet, credit cards and eyeglasses  when he left his parents home to see the friend without saying goodbye  we didnt even hear him leave, said his father, Gideon Bernstein.

Jeanne Pepper Bernstein and her husband, Gideon, in Orange Countys Borrego Park, where their 19-year-old son, Blaze, was last seen. (Maria Alejandra Cardona / Los Angeles Times )

Pepper Bernstein felt something was off the next afternoon, when Blaze, the oldest of three children, didnt show up for a dentist appointment. Shed hoped to have lunch with him before driving with him to the appointment. When Blaze didnt come home, she and her husband assumed he would meet her at the dentist.

The teenager was scheduled to catch a flight back to Pennsylvania early Sunday, Pepper Bernstein said, though theres no sign he returned on his own. She said her son was excited to return to school. Over the weekend, she found a note on his computer describing how important it was to be an optimist. Blaze, she said, managed his stress with school by cooking and writing.

Hes a phenomenal, unique, interesting person, she said. Blaze was like any normal kid his age at an Ivy League school.

Before leaving home, Blaze Bernstein had been in lengthy communication with his friend on social media apps that do not leave a permanent record, authorities said.

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Blaze Bernstein was described as white, 5 feet 8, 130 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a dark-colored jacket, a dark-gray long-sleeved top and white Adidas sneakers when he disappeared, authorities said.

Search efforts were expected to continue Monday. Sheriffs investigators are urging anyone with information about Bernsteins whereabouts to call (714) 647-7000.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.comAgents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation were involved in a shooting while executing a search warrant in Los Angeles early Monday morning, authorities said.

The shooting took place after agents had an altercation with someone around 5:40 a.m. in the 10300 block of Horse Haven Street in Sun Valley, according to Mike Gifford, a spokesman for the FBI in Los Angeles.

One person was shot and taken to an area hospital, according to Gifford, who could not offer details about that persons condition. No law enforcement officers were injured, he said.

The FBI and LAPD were executing a search warrant at a residence on the block, Gifford said. He declined to comment on the case the warrant was related to, and could not say if the person who was shot was armed.

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No LAPD officers opened fire, Gifford said.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

UPDATES:

10:10 a.m.: This story was updated with comments by an FBI spokesman.

This article was originally published at 7:35 a.m.Since Kevin Hoor emigrated from Iran a decade ago, he said the price of groceries, housing and gas in his home country has sharply increased. Young people there are facing a dearth of economic opportunities and many residents are living in poverty.

People cannot live over there  its not habitable, said Hoor, a 38-year-old Encino resident. You cannot afford your basic needs, like food, like housing.

Hoor was one of about 2,000 demonstrators who descended on Westwood on Sunday afternoon to show support for anti-regime protests that erupted in Iran late last month.

Some waved or wrapped their bodies with Iranian flags, while others held up signs that read Free Iran. They chanted in Persian and in English as they marched past the federal building on Wilshire and through surrounding neighborhoods in West Los Angeles, home to a large Iranian expatriate community commonly referred to as Tehrangeles.

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A large crowd of people marched thru Westwood today to show support for anti-regime protests in Iran. Theyre suffering from poverty, absolute poverty, one demonstrator said. This is the least we can do to show were with them. pic.twitter.com/1ly7q7wwcO  Alene Tchekmedyian (@AleneTchek) January 8, 2018

The uprising in Iran 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.

Theyre suffering from poverty, absolute poverty, that exists in Iran because of the not appropriate policies of the government, Hoor said. We are living in a very different, very safe country  we cannot feel their suffering. This is the least we can do to show were with them.

Demonstrators gathered at the federal building about 1 p.m. Los Angeles police had expected a crowd of about 2,000, and officers at the event said it appeared about that many people showed up. Some protesters followed the group with plastic bags, picking up trash as officers guided traffic.

Also demonstrating was Nanaz Baghai, a doctor who said she left Iran in 1976 and was studying medicine at USC during the revolution. She said she was marching Sunday for womens rights and education for all in Iran, and against government corruption.

Were going to do everything in our power to help democracy, she said.

Times staff writer Sarah Parvini contributed to this report.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

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Twitter: @AleneTchekThe fight over Charles Mansons body and property became more complicated after a hearing in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Monday.

Saying that dispensing the killers property and his remains were two different legal decisions, Probate Judge David J. Cowan told the killers longtime pen pal and an attorney for Mansons grandson that a decision was weeks away.

Both men have to file paperwork on why they should receive Mansons body and in which county they believe that decision should be made. Attorneys for Kern County  where Manson died on Nov. 19  are awaiting the decision since they have the killers body on ice.

The judges order Monday further delays the conclusion of the Manson saga.

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Attorney Alan Davis, representing Mansons grandson, Jason Freeman, has until Friday to file a claim for Mansons remains, as well as arguments on the proper court venue. Michael Channels, a pen pal of Mansons for 30 years who says he has a last will and testament from the killer, has to respond to Davis filing by Jan. 19.

A judge will then decide Jan. 26 where the respective cases should be heard.

Kern County said it wasnt sure how to decide that because Manson lived in Los Angeles County before he was arrested and in Kings County when he was behind bars. State code says those decisions are made in the county where the decedent domiciled, or lived, and theyre not sure if that means before he was in prison or after.

With these legal intricacies in mind, the judge Monday told Channels that he should hire a lawyer to help.

I called 50 of them, Channels replied. Half of them hung up on me, the other half laughed.

Channels said his relationship with Manson blossomed some 30 years ago out of morbid curiosity that led to him to first write the killer. About 15 years ago, he claims, Manson sent him a last will and testament awarding him everything.

In his spare time, he also operates the website Mansonsbackporch.com, an online museum of the killers photos, writings and stories. There used to be recordings of phone conversations between Channels and Manson on there, but Channels said he took them down after Manson died.

A note under the canteen section of the site said that it was under construction as it developed payment options to purchase limited editions and hard to find items of the Manson family. It was not immediately clear how long that note had been on the site.

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Manson was the mastermind of the gory rampage that claimed the life of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and six others during two August nights in Los Angeles in 1969. The killings both terrified and fascinated the nation.

Freeman, the killers grandson in Florida, said if he received Mansons remains, he would cremate them and spread them secretly so the location couldnt be turned into a morbid tourist destination. Channels said he would do something similar and had no plans for the killers remaining property.

At least two other people are poised to enter the fray as well  a man in Santa Monica claims to have another final will and testament from Manson and the mans colleague claims to be Mansons biological son. But neither had filed court documents for their claims as of Monday.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

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For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.Ahead of a strong winter storm that could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, authorities have ordered evacuations of Santa Barbara County neighborhoods that sit below areas recently burned by wildfires.

Residents who live in the following areas were told to evacuate by noon Monday: north of Highway 192, east of Cold Springs Road, and west of Highway 150/the county line, as well as along Tecolote Canyon, Eagle Canyon, Dos Pueblos Canyon, Gato Canyon and in the Whittier fire burn areas near Goleta.

A voluntary evacuation warning was issued for all areas south of Highway 192 to the ocean and east of Hot Springs Road/Olive Mill Road to Highway 150/county line, Santa Barbara County officials said.

People in these areas should stay alert to changing conditions and be prepared to leave immediately at your own discretion if the situation worsens, the county said in a statement.

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Almost 4 inches of rain is expected in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties  where the massive Thomas fire has scorched more than 281,000 acres  from Monday evening through Tuesday morning. Authorities warned of the potential for heavy rain, strong winds and extremely dangerous flash flooding and debris flows.

The nearly extinguished wildfire, which erupted Dec. 4, is the largest fire on record in California. Residents who live in areas burned by the Whittier, Sherpa and Rey fires are also affected by the evacuations.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AleneTchekA suspect has been arrested in the stabbing of a Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy on Monday morning, officials said.

The deputy, described as a 26-year veteran of the department, was attacked around 10 a.m., said Nicole Nishida, a spokeswoman for the department. Authorities said the deputy was taken to a hospital and was in good condition.

The deputy was in the parking lot of a restaurant in the 18900 block of Soledad Canyon Road, in Canyon Country, when he was confronted by by Donald Chinchilla, 21, according to authorities.

Chinchilla reportedly asked the victim if he was a deputy, and when he said that he was, Chinchilla allegedly stabbed the deputy in the torso and fled.

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Chinchilla, a Canyon Country resident, was later found in the backyard of a residence in the 18900 block of Nearbrook Street, authorities said. He has been taken to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs Station and was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on a police officer.

A large kitchen knife was recovered at the scene of the stabbing, the department said.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

UPDATES:

2:30 p.m.: This article was updated with the suspects name and details of the attack.

12:35 p.m.: This article was updated with information about the suspects arrest.

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11:25 a.m.: This article was updated with additional information from the Sheriffs Department.

This article was originally published at 10:30 a.m.Thousands were evacuated in burn areas Monday as the first major rainstorm in nearly a year moved into Southern California, triggering stern warnings from authorities about flash flooding and debris flows.

The rain is of greatest concern in the mountains of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties burned in the massive Thomas fire, where officials said mudslides are possible.

It does look like the heaviest rainfall amounts would be within or near the Thomas fire burn area, said Robbie Munroe, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service.

By Monday night, showers had fallen throughout the region, but the main storm front was expected to move in early Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, damaging wind gusts and possible thunderstorms, the weather service said.

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The slopes that provide such ample views of the California coastline are also forcing up moisture from the storm, further squeezing out heavy rain. The same topography is responsible for the dreaded sundowner winds that pushed flames downhill into homes last month.

1 / 53 Firefighters successfully rescued a 14 yr old girl, right, after she was trapped for hours inside a destroyed home in Montecito Tuesday morning. (Mike Eliason / Santa Barbara County Fire Department ) 2 / 53 Santa Barbara County firefighters rescue two men and a woman from flooding and debris flow on Hot Springs Road in Montecito early Tuesday. (Mike Eliason / Santa Barbara County Fire Department) 3 / 53 Contractors for the city of Ventura work to clear a huge tree toppled by wind on South Chestnut street between Main and Santa Clara Streets in downtown Ventura on Tuesday morning. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 53 A car was stuck in a mudslide early Tuesday morning on Topanga Canyon Blvd., in Topanga. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 53 Mario Romero looks at mud debris covering Maricopa Highway 33 North of Ojai that has several closures due to mud and debris slides covering the roadway Tuesday morning. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 53 Debris and mud cover the entrance of the Montecito Inn after heavy rain brought flash flooding and mudslides to the area. (Daniel Dreifuss / Associated Press) 7 / 53 A rainbow appears over the deadly mudslide in Montecito along Olive Mill Road. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 53 A man walks by destruction along Olive Mill Road in Montecito. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 53 A sheriffs deputy stands near a body covered by a tarp near Hot Springs Road in Montecito after a deadly mudslide swept through the area. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 53 Mangled cars are stuck near Olive Mill Road in Montecito after a major storm hit the burn area Tuesday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 53 Scene from the 300 block of Hot Springs Road in Montecito following debris and mud flow due to heavy rain Tuesday morning. (Mike Eliason / Santa Barbara County Fire Department)) 12 / 53 A mangled car along with other debris is wrapped around a tree along Hot Springs Road in Montecito. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 53 Scene from the 300 block of Hot Springs Road in Montecito following debris and mud flow due to heavy rain Tuesday morning. (Mike Eliason / Santa Barbara County Fire Department) ) 14 / 53 Scene from the 300 block of Hot Springs Road in Montecito following debris and mud flow due to heavy rain Tuesday morning. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 53 Sheriffs deputies carry a body from the debris near Hot Springs Road in Montecito after a major storm hit the burn area Tuesday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times ) 16 / 53 Orange County search-and-rescue crews look for missing people along Olive Mill Road and Hot Springs Road in Montecito. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 53 A house is left among boulders and mud along Glen Oaks Drive in Montecito. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 53 The 101 Freeway is covered with mud and debris at Olive Mill Road in Montecito. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 53 Montecito resident Terry Connery, second from left, is assisted on Wednesday by, from left, firefighters Mark Todd, John Cecena and Jeff Shea after the storm. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 53 A home off of Romero Canyon Road in Montecito is inundated with mud. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 53 Crews work to clear debris from the closed 101 Freeway at Olive Mill Road in Montecito. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 53 The 101 Freeway remains closed as mud and debris clog the roadway at the Olive Mill Road overpass in Montecito. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 53 A member of the search and rescue team inpsects property near a home along Glen Oaks Drive in Montecito. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 53 Aerial image of mudflow and damage to homes in Montecito. (Matt Udkow / Santa Barbara County Fire Department ) 25 / 53 Ventura County fire Capt. Clay Cundiff searches a home for a woman who was reported missing by friends and family on Lilac Drive and Tollis Avenue in Montecito. She was later found safe. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 53 A member of the San Bernardino Search and Rescue holds a picture that was found along the East Cold Springs Creek in Montecito after a major storm hit the burn area Wednesday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 53 Tim ODonnell, a member of the L.A. County Search and Rescue team, searches under Ashley Road along the East Cold Springs Creek in Montecito after a major storm hit the burn area Wednesday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 53 Travis Zehntner looks over the wreckage of a Glen Oaks Drive home where family friend Rebecca Riskin was killed. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 53 A home on West Park Lane along San Ysidro Creek in Montecito on Thursday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 53 A Cantin family holiday card in a pile of debris in the 300 block of Hot Springs Road in Montecito. From left, Kim, mother who survived; father David, who was killed; son Jack, who is still missing; and daugher Lauren, who was pulled from the family home early Wednesday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 53 A structure sits in a tree Friday on East Valley Road in Montecito. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 53 A dog and its handler from Riverside County search the rubble of a Hot Springs Road home Friday in Montecito. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 53 Water rises high near a home on East Valley Road on Friday in Montecito. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) 34 / 53 A dog helps rescue workers search through rocks, mud and debris for bodies Saturday in Montecito. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 53 Firefighters look for missing people along Hot Springs Road in Montecito on Saturday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 53 Los Angeles City firefighter Jeffrey Neu gives water to Faith, a cadaver dog, while searching in a wood pile in Montectio Creek. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times) 37 / 53 A Montecito freeway sign sits in mud on Highway 101.= (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times) 38 / 53 A view of the Thomas Fire burn zone and San Ysidro Creek in the Santa Ynez Mountains which brought mud and debris into Montecito neighborhoods. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 53 Los Angeles City firefighter Hollyn Bullock uses a rescue tool to pry open a car door along Montecito Creek. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times) 40 / 53 Montecito neighbors hug at a candlelight vigil outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 53 Mourners gather for a candlelight vigil outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunday for victims of the Montecito mudslides. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 53 Geness Lorien listens to speakers during a candlelight vigil outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 53 Mourners gather for a candlelight vigil outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunday for victims of the Montecito mudslides. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 53 Mark Vance shovels mud away from his house on Olive Mill Road in Montecito, California. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 53 Jesse Rudnick, with the Regional Task Force 1 out of Marin County Fire and Rescue, searches for missing people around a Montecito home. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 53 Hugo Bautista, left and Jose Garcia, contractors with Union Pacific Railroad make sure track is clear at the Olive Mill Road crossing in Montecito. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 53 Amtrak has added extra trains and cars for passengers trying to get around the 101 Freeway closure in Montecito. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 53 Crews continue to clear mud and debris from the 101 Freeway near Olive Mill Road on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Officials said they hoped to have the freeway opened by next Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 53 Cal Trans crews work on clearing a drain along the 101 Freeway in Montecito on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 53 A worker takes a breather from directing a bulldozer driver who clears mud from the 101 freeway in Montecito. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 53 Progress is slowly being made as a worker and trucks traverse a recently cleared portion of the the 101 freeway at Olive Mill Road in Montecito. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 52 / 53 Santa Barbara Supervisor Joan Hartmann, from front left, Jefferson Litten, Hartmanns Chief of Staff, and San Barbara City Councilman Eric Friedman, pink shirt, join others as they applaud first responders, fire fighters and law enforcement whove been aiding in the aftermath of the Montecito mudslide during a community meeting at the La Cumbre Junior High School in Santa Barbara. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 53 / 53 Margaret Stewart, with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, watches as her dog, Veya, tries to locate a victim of the mudslide along Highway 101 at Olive Mill Road in Montecito. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

On Monday afternoon, Los Angeles County issued evacuations in Kagel Canyon, Lopez Canyon and Little Tujunga Canyon, all of which were hit by fires in December. Officials in Duarte also ordered those who live in the Fish fire burn area to evacuate at 7 p.m. A shelter will open at 1600 Huntington Drive.

Evacuations were also ordered in Santa Barbara County neighborhoods that sit below areas recently burned by wildfires.

Residents who live in the following areas were told to evacuate by noon Monday: north of Highway 192, east of Cold Springs Road, and west of Highway 150/the county line, as well as along Tecolote Canyon, Eagle Canyon, Dos Pueblos Canyon, Gato Canyon and in the Whittier fire burn areas near Goleta.

A voluntary evacuation warning was issued for all areas south of Highway 192 to the ocean and east of Hot Springs Road/Olive Mill Road to Highway 150/county line, Santa Barbara County officials said. In Los Angeles County, Burbank officials issued a voluntary evacuation warning for residents who live in areas burned by the La Tuna fire.

(Source: Santa Barbara county )

People in these areas should stay alert to changing conditions and be prepared to leave immediately at your own discretion if the situation worsens, the county said in a statement.

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Teri Lebow, 65, of Montecito, stayed with friends in Los Angeles for 12 days during the Thomas fire. Her San Ysidro Lane home suffered ash and smoke damage from the blaze.

On Monday, she was preparing to evacuate once again, but this time in heavy rain. I feel like its insane, she said.

Im just tired. I cant seem to get my life kick-started, Lebow said.

I dont have any hills behind my house, Lebow said, so shes not nervous about the mudslides doing damage to her home.

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While her husband is traveling for work, Lebow had gardeners put sandbags around her home. She plans to head to a Four Seasons hotel.

The storm was initially forecast to produce up to 4 inches of rain over the south-facing mountains and foothills, but forecasters Monday increased those totals again.

Some communities  particularly within the Thomas fire burn area  could see up to 9 inches of rain between Monday and Tuesday, with rain dropping at a rate of up to 1 inches an hour, Munroe said. Debris flows begin at about a third of that rate, he said.

The best chance for thunderstorms throughout the region will fall on Tuesday.

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When a fire sweeps through an area, it not only burns the vegetation but damages the soil itself. The intense heat makes the soil unable to absorb water the way it normally would.

Downtown L.A. is expected to get about an inch of rain over a 12-hour period beginning at midnight Monday.

A major storm is also hitting Northern California. That is causing concerns about flooding in the wine country fire zone, where more than 10,000 homes were burned in October.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for the burned north Bay Area that begins Monday afternoon and lasts through Tuesday morning.

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Good news: #AtmosphericRiver is bringing a much-needed statewide soaking through Tuesday.

Bad news: Heightened concern for debris flow and mud/rock slides over recent burn areas, especially in SoCal pic.twitter.com/BAfHIfsfCG  NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) January 8, 2018

In Southern California, residents who fled the 15,000-acre Creek fire in Los Angeles County were bracing themselves for possible mudslides.

Over the weekend, Patricia Beckmann Wells, her husband and their 5-year-old son began putting out extra sandbags around their property in upper Kagel Canyon, where theyve lived since 2008. On Monday afternoon, the L.A. County Sheriffs Department began mandatory evacuations for their area.

The Wells family evacuated to a Motel 6 for three days during the Creek fire, but they arent planning to leave this time.

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No more Motel 6 for us, Beckmann Wells said.

Residents in the community received emails from a neighbor over the weekend, with maps outlining the damage from the Creek fire and potential mudslide areas. Each time, the neighbor signed off with: #KagelStrong!

Most of us are aware that the lower part of the canyon is going to be a mudslide, Beckmann Wells said. Were expecting to just be trapped in the canyon. Everyone is just out getting supplies and holing up to stay here. Nobody wants to evacuate. They dont see this as the threat the fire was.

The attitude of this group is very rebellious, she said, adding that neighbors have been checking in with one another to help prepare for the storm. Its really such a caring, unique community, in that were all aware of who needs what and were going to rush over if something happens, Beckmann Wells said.

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She said the family bought gasoline on Sunday and that theyre thinking about getting another generator battery. Beckmann Wells said she is also planning to get food that doesnt need refrigeration, so that they arent too reliant on the generator.

She said her son isnt worrying about the storm.

Hes not stressed out, but he is learning how important nature is, she said. Hes learning that there are dangerous things in nature that we need to be prepared for.

 Storm preparation in Kagel Canyon

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Times staff writer Michael Livingston contributed to this report.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

brittny.mejia@latimes.com

UPDATES:

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9:25 p.m.: This article was updated with information from the National Weather Service.

5:10 p.m.: This article was updated with information from the National Weather Service.

4 p.m.: This article was updated with information about evacuation orders and advisories in Duarte and Burbank.

1:45 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Montecito resident Teri Lebow.

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12:45 p.m.: This article was updated with details about evacuations.

10:30 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from Kagel Canyon resident Patricia Beckmann Wells.

This article was originally published at 8:47 a.m.Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Monday that the Egyptian state would not allow the nation to be hit by a water shortage, pointing to steps taken to protect water resources and ensure they are properly managed.

El-Sisi made the comments as he announced the construction of Egypt's biggest water treatment and desalination project, costing almost LE70 billion.

"We won't allow a water-shortage crisis to occur in Egypt. We have not only to keep our share of the Nile, but but also to use our share to the maximum," he said during a short statement.

"Egypt is currently carrying out the biggest water treatment and desalination project, just in case of any circumstances concerning the sharing of water."



The water treatment and desalination project was highlighted by El-Sisi at the inauguration of several national transportation and residential projects in Cairo's 10th of Ramadan Cty.

"This is not for luxury but to resolve a possible situation," he said, adding that he did not want to elaborate more.

Egypt has expressed concerns over Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project, saying it will affect Egypt's share of Nile River water, a claim rejected by Ethiopia.

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have been involved in talks for the past three years concerning the dam and its effect on the downstream countries. The Nile River is the main source of fresh water in Egypt.

El-Sisi said that the government started implementing the water treatment and desalination project three months ago.

"This is our country, and water for agriculture and drinking must be secured for citizens from Aswan to Alexandria, so that no problem will occur later and we say that we are not ready for it," he added.

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It started four years ago, when Cliven Bundy and his sons refused to pay federal grazing fees and stared down government agents in an armed standoff outside their Nevada ranch.

The Bundys dared the federal government to arrest them. The government did, charging them with a range of felonies.

On Monday, a federal judge in Las Vegas set them free.

The decision left federal prosecutors swallowing another defeat at the hands of a family whose defiance has become a rallying cry for Westerners who believe the federal government has no business managing public land. Four times now  in high-profile cases in Nevada and Oregon  the Bundy family and its allies have beaten the federal government in court.

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For the latest showdown, supporters set up banners and signs on Las Vegas Boulevard. One drove from Montana to provide Facebook updates for devotees of the cause.

At least 100 Bundy backers filled the courtroom Monday. Some wore shirts with American flag motifs. Others carried pocket Constitutions in their button-down shirts. More than a few wore cowboy boots.

Their heroes sat looking up at U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro. Cliven Bundy, 71, wore a jailhouse jumpsuit. His son Ryan, 44, who led a large group of supporters in prayer before entering the courtroom, removed his cowboy hat. Another son, Ammon, 42, and a militia member, Ryan Payne, barely moved.

It was their moment.

1 / 7 From left, Ammon Bundy, Ryan Payne, Jeanette Finicum, widow of Robert LaVoy Finicum, Ryan Bundy, Angela Bundy, wife of Ryan Bundy and Jamie Bundy, daughter of Ryan Bundy, walk out of a federal courthouse in Las Vegas. Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro declared a mistrial in the case against Cliven Bundy, his sons Ryan and Ammon Bundy and self-styled Montana militia leader Ryan Payne. (John Locher / Associated Press) 2 / 7 Ammon Bundy, left, hugs is aunt Lillie Spencer outside of a federal courthouse in Las Vegas after U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro declared a mistrial in the case against Cliven Bundy, his sons Ryan and Ammon Bundy. (John Locher / Associated Press) 3 / 7 Rancher Cliven Bundy, 67, looks over the Virgin River on some of his 150 square miles of property in Bunkerville, Nevada on August 20, 2013. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 7 The Bundy family and their supporters fly the American flag as their cattle is released by the Bureau of Land Management back onto public land outside of Bunkerville, Nev. (Jason Bean / Associated Press) 5 / 7 Rancher Cliven D. Bundy, 67, is reflected in a mirror that rests on a mantle place in his home in Bunkerville, Nevada. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 7 Army Veteran Jason Bullock, left, Booda, middle, and Socks, right, volunteer as a personal security guard standing at the entrance to Cliven Bundys ranch in Bunkerville, Nevada July 30, 2014. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 7 Jerry DeLemus, a 59-year-old self employed construction man from Rochester N.H., has been appointed the commander of a camp where armed supporters of rancher Cliven Bundy live and patrol his ranch and cattle in April 2014. (John M. Glionna / Los Angeles Times)

Navarro rebuked federal prosecutors  using the words flagrant and reckless to describe how they withheld evidence from the defense  before saying that the universal sense of justice has been violated and dismissing the charges.

Supporters dabbed their eyes with tissues. Outside in the hall, there were cheers.

The four defendants were charged with threatening a federal officer, carrying and using a firearm, and engaging in conspiracy. The case had once looked like a slam-dunk to some.

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The images that had made the Bundys heroes to some  armed supporters facing down federal agents as contractors with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management tried to seize cattle  seemed to be compelling evidence.

Mondays dismissal was hinted at last month when Navarro ordered a mistrial. But she offered prosecutors a chance to make their case for why she should grant another trial.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Steven Myhre wrote in his brief that the government had shared 1.5 terabytes of information with defendants and noted that it was by far the largest review and disclosure operation in this [U.S. attorneys office] history.

Myrhe also argued the government needed to protect some witnesses from leaks that might lead to threats, so it culled the database with witness protection in mind.

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Unprecedented database volume and witness concerns aside, the government never let these obstacles stand in the way of diligently working to fulfill its discovery obligations, he wrote.

Navarro didnt buy it and shredded the government for a reckless disregard for Constitutional obligations. She said she was troubled by the prosecutions tardiness in delivering information about the governments placing of surveillance cameras and snipers outside the ranch.

After the decision, Cliven Bundy emerged from an elevator at the courthouse dressed in jeans, button-down shirt and gray blazer.

Im not used to being free, put it that way, he said. Ive been a political prisoner for right at 700 days today. I come into this courtroom an innocent man and Im going to leave as an innocent man.

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He also seemed ready to resume his role as a leader on the issue of local control of federal land. Its a decades-long fight for Bundy, who first tussled with the Bureau of Land Management in the 1990s by refusing to pay grazing fees for his cattle using federal land.

As he and his wife, Carol, walked out into a spitting rain, hundreds of supporters cheered. A Not Guilty sticker had been stuck to his lapel. The rancher took off his hat and waved it to the crowd before posing for pictures.

He criticized Clark County commissioners, the Clark County sheriff and Nevadas governor for not coming to his defense.

My defense is a 15-second defense: I graze my cattle only on Clark County, Nev., land and I have no contract with the federal government, he said. This court has no jurisdiction or authority over this matter. And Ive put up with this court in America as a political prisoner for two years.

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His attorney, Bret Whipple, said there would be a news conference Tuesday in front of Las Vegas police headquarters to talk about control of public land.

U.S. Atty. Dayle Elieson of Nevada, who was appointed by Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions last week, released a short statement after the decision. We respect the courts ruling and will make a determination about the next appropriate steps.

Ian Bartrum, a law professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said that while the court decision was a defeat for the Justice Department, it could be seen as a victory for Trump administration policy to shrink national monuments and push for local control of federal land.

Most of Trumps base are Bundy supporters, Bartrum said in an email. This plays right into the larger Trump narrative about the Swamp versus the People. I think you might be right to say they arent that unhappy  and will likely make some political hay out of it.

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Advocates for federal enforcement of land regulations were quick to criticize the governments handling of the case.

Federal prosecutors clearly bungled this case and let the Bundys get away with breaking the law, Kieran Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. The Bundys rallied a militia to mount an armed insurrection against the government. The failure of this case will only embolden this violent and racist anti-government movement that wants to take over our public lands.

Twice last year, Las Vegas juries acquitted or deadlocked on felony charges against Bundy supporters. Then Ammon and Ryan Bundy each beat federal felony charges in a case stemming from a 41-day standoff in 2016 at an Oregon wildlife preserve.

david.montero@latimes.com

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Twitter: @davemontero

UPDATES:

8:15 p.m.: The story was updated throughout with details of the court proceedings and background on the case.

The story was originally published at 10:20 a.m.The marijuana movement is charging ahead.

To date eight states  California, Colorado, Nevada to name a few  have legalized weed for recreational use since 2012. And the trend continues.

This year, several states all across the country are looking to legalize and, in turn, rake in millions of dollars in tax revenue.

Even with the Trump administrations announcement last week that it would scrap an Obama-era policy offering legal shelter for state-sanctioned marijuana sales, organizers and lawmakers are forging forward with legalization efforts.

Here are some of those states:

Vermont

This month the state is poised to make history, becoming the first to legalize marijuana through a legislative measure and not a state-approved ballot initiative.

Last week, lawmakers in the Vermont House of Representatives passed H.511. The bill allows individuals to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and to grow up to two mature plants. The Senate is set to vote on it in the coming days, where supporters have said they have enough votes for its passage.

Republican Gov. Phil Scott indicated last month he would sign the legislation if it arrives on his desk.

Matt Simon, New England director for the Marijuana Policy Project, a group dedicated to ending cannabis prohibition nationwide, said it was an important step for the state where polls have shown that voters support legalization.

We applaud lawmakers for heeding the calls of their constituents and taking this important step toward treating marijuana more like alcohol, Simon said.

Rhode Island

Last year, lawmakers in Rhode Island debated a bill that would legalize pot. It was the third time in three years that state Sen. Josh Miller, a Democrat from the Providence area, introduced a pot legalization bill. Although it died in a committee, supporters remained undeterred.

A commission was formed last year to look into best practices for legalization and another bill is expected to be debated this legislative session. Supporters in the state say it is missing out on tax dollars that are being raked in by other New England states such as Massachusetts and Maine that have recently legalized.

In recent months, members of the commission have visited with Colorado officials to learn about how they implemented legal sales.

Michigan

Organizers in the state are working to secure enough signatures to get legalization on the ballot in November.

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is leading the effort and needed to gather 252,523 valid signatures of registered Michigan voters by late last fall. The group said it submitted more than 360,000 signatures and is awaiting confirmation from the state.

The state will generate substantial tax revenue and see a lot of new jobs created, said Mason Tvert, who has helped pass legalization efforts in several states. Other states have demonstrated the benefits of replacing prohibition with regulation. Michigan voters appear to be ready to follow their example.

New Jersey

With Republican Gov. Chris Christie on his way out, it seems legal pot is on its way in.

Democratic Gov.-elect Phil Murphy, a former Goldman Sachs executive, has pledged to sign legislation into law that would allow for the possession and sale of recreational marijuana. Leaders of the Democratic-controlled Legislature said a bill could be passed by early spring.

Murphy has said legal pot could bring in an estimated $300 million in tax revenue.

Legalize marijuana so police can focus resources on violent crimes, Murphy says on his campaign website.

Connecticut

Lawmakers in support of pot legalization have said  like their counterparts in Rhode Island  that they dont want to lose tax dollars to their neighbors in Massachusetts. Even so, the allure of such revenue only goes so far.

Four bills to legalize and tax the sale of marijuana were introduced last year, but each died in committee hearing rooms.

This year legislators have  yet again  vowed to present legalization bills.

Support our journalism Please consider subscribing today to support stories like this one. Get full access to our signature journalism for just 99 cents for the first four weeks. Already a subscriber? Your support makes our work possible. Thank you.

kurtis.lee@latimes.com

Twitter: @kurtisaleeFormer 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney was treated for prostate cancer last year, says an unnamed aide to Romney.

The spoke on the condition of anonymity because the aide was not authorized to discuss a sensitive health issue publicly. The aide said Monday that Romney was diagnosed with slow-growing prostate cancer last year. The cancer was removed surgically and found not to have spread beyond the prostate, the aide said.

The news comes as Romney, 70, weighs whether to run for a Utah Senate seat occupied by Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch. Hatch announced last week that he would not seek another term this fall.President Trump and Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis should be congratulated for contributing to the steady decline of Islamic States territorial claims.

Several years ago, in October 2014, Islamic State controlled land from central Syria to the fringe of Baghdad  territory that included large key cities such as Mosul, Fallujah and Tikrit in Iraq and Raqqah in Syria. Today, it controls only a sparsely populated chunk of desert on both sides of the Iraq-Syria border.

Its shrinking territory notwithstanding, Islamic State continues to fly a black flag of aggression rather than a white flag of surrender. It flies this flag most effectively online, using the internet to promote warped religious views, recruit fighters, inspire deadly acts of terrorism and encourage disruption and chaos.

The battle against Islamic State will not be won until it is defeated in the cyber arena. The acting director of intelligence at the National Counterterrorism Center, Lora Shiao, acknowledged this in early December when she testified before the Senate: We dont see ISIS loss of territory translating into a corresponding reduction in its ability to inspire attacks.

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Building the capacity to inflict cyber destruction requires tools that are far easier to obtain than other forms of WMD.

To beat back Islamic States virtual caliphate, the U.S. and its allies must develop two separate but interlinked strategies.

The first must focus on defeating Islamic States online propaganda and recruitment operations, including its use of the internet to instigate attacks in the physical world.

As Andrew Byers and Tara Mooney wrote recently in Foreign Affairs, this will require close coordination and information-sharing across U.S. governmental agencies, including the National Security Agency, Cyber Command, the National Counterterrorism Center, the CIA and other components of the Department of Defense. Countering Islamic States propaganda will require particular creativity  and experts with language and dialect fluency, sophisticated cultural awareness and social media savvy.

It will also require cooperation from the private sector. In some respects, such cooperation has already begun, with Facebook and Twitter removing Islamic State material and deleting related accounts. But tech companies will need to go further and share information about accounts that disseminate Islamic State propaganda. In return, the government needs to make educational resources and training available to tech companies, allowing them to better police hateful and dangerous messages.

The second strategy must focus on Islamic States ability to carry out actual cyberattacks on network infrastructures.

Last June, an Islamic State sympathizer group called Team System Dz hacked Ohio Gov. John Kasichs website to display the message, I love the Islamic State . . . . You will be held accountable Trump, you and all your people for every drop of blood flowing in Muslim countries.

In November, Swedish radio stations were reportedly hacked to play a song, For the Sake of Allah, that encourages people to join Islamic State.

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Some analysts describe these events as a form of cyber graffiti and dismiss the notion that Islamic State has the capacity to wreak real havoc online. The problem with this view is that it risks assuming past performance is an indicator of future capability.

Islamic State wants to see our destruction, and the world has paid a deadly price for assuming it was the terrorist equivalent of a junior varsity team.

While Islamic State and its adherents may not possess the cyber sophistication of North Korea or Russia, building the capacity to inflict cyber destruction requires tools that are far easier to obtain  and more difficult for intelligence agencies to trace  than other forms of WMD.

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When an enemy wants your defeat, you have to assume they will find the means to achieve it. The U.S. needs to actively monitor, identify and prevent attempts by Islamic State to use cyber tools to cause harm.

While the two strategies address different risks, they reinforce each other. Disrupting Islamic States recruiting and propaganda efforts will work to block its access to human expertise, capital and cyber tools. Preventing cyberattacks by Islamic State limits its attractiveness to would-be followers. The failure to carry out either strategy could be devastating.

Matthew R. A. Heiman is a visiting fellow with the National Security Institute at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School. He served as an attorney with the national security division of the Department of Justice and as a legal adviser to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or FacebookCustoms and Border Protection last year awarded a $297 million contract for assistance in recruiting and hiring the 5,000 border patrol agents President Trump believes we need to combat the recent surge of illegal immigration at the southern border with Mexico.

Those bold numbers may please the Make America Great Again crowd, but it will be exceedingly difficult to find qualified agents, or to deploy them effectively since the border is actually quieter than ever.

Under the Clinton administration, it took 27 applicants to yield one Border Patrol officer. And the hiring ratio has gotten worse. This spring, when Customs and Border Protection requested bids for private contractors to help fulfill Trumps order, it wrote that it now takes 133 applicants to hire one full-time employee.

A private contractor may improve on those figures by designing a new recruitment strategy and implementing it in labor markets that Customs and Border Protection hasnt previously tapped. The contractor may not repeat the agency s past mistakes, like spending millions on polygraph tests for applicants who have already admitted to disqualifying offenses like human trafficking. Still, its a tough task. The contractor needs to find men and women who will be willing to work in remote areas, can pass the physical fitness requirements and havent touched marijuana in at least two years.

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But lets imagine that Customs and Border Protection succeeds in hiring, training and equipping all 5,000 of new officers and manages to hang on to the roughly 20,000 agents it already has (which hasnt been easy up to this point). Are they as urgently needed at the border as the executive order would have us believe? The best evidence available tells us the answer is absolutely not.

In 2017, the number of people apprehended at the border fell 26% compared with the previous year, and they havent been this low since the Nixon administration. The recent surge of illegal immigration at the southern border with Mexico, the presidents basis for his border security push, reflects only a temporary rise in apprehensions from 2015 to 2016. If you zoom out, thats a blip in a long, downward trend, from more than 111,000 in 2004 to fewer than 30,000 last year.

As of August 31,2017. (U.S. Border Patrol/Brookings )

Besides, Customs and Border Protection doesnt even seem to know where it would be optimal to deploy additional personnel or whether theyre needed at all. According to a special report from the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General, Neither CBP nor ICE could provide complete data to support the operational need or deployment strategies for the additional  agents and officers they were directed to hire.

A suddenly larger law enforcement agency, with numerous new recruits and without a clear deployment strategy, isnt just a financial liability, but a safety risk.

Another Homeland Security Inspector General report found numerous problems with DHS agencies keeping track of and securing their equipment. Customs and Border Protection, for instance, did not have an accurate firearm inventory and one agent left his gun in a backpack at a gym, where it was stolen.

Adding an enormous number of employees to an agency that faces administrative dysfunction and has no coherent plan to detail new agents will create a scenario in which costs will be high and benefits may be quite low.

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Theres negligence and inefficiency, and then theres actual malfeasance. In the spring of 2016, around the time Trump was starting to make inflammatory speeches about immigrants, the Homeland Security Advisory Council cautioned that Customs and Border Protections disciplinary process was broken. It urged CBP to hire an adequate number of internal investigators and described serious dysfunction in the handling of complaints and disciplinary cases. For major areas of concern like domestic violence and alcohol abuse, it found that the agency lagged behind standard law enforcement practices. A host of harmful activities, from bribery to alleged sexual assault, have come to light and caused problems for Customs and Border Protection in the past.

The risk is that Trumps hiring surge at the border will make the news and please his base, while accomplishing little and increasing the possibility of policy failure.

Christine Stenglein is a research assistant at Brookings. John Hudak is a senior fellow in governance studies at Brookings.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or FacebookWe knew that Golden Globes night would be different this year. In fact, if you were watching the E! channel Sunday, you saw red-carpet coverage of actresses wearing only black to signify their solidarity with the #MeToo movement and the #TimesUp initiative against sexual harassment in Hollywood. Then you saw an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians in which Kim Kardashian decides she wants to do something about homelessness and tours a homeless encampment. I wasnt sure which show Id seen was more  upending. (Oh, of course, it was the Kardashians.)

The Globes show is always irreverent, relatively speaking  a big, kooky, slightly boozy Hollywood love-in hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., the obscurity of which stars like to make fun of even as they accept its awards. Even in this years different climate, Frances McDormand, the brilliant, no-nonsense actress who so terrified the NBC censors when she took to the stage to accept an award that they bleeped her before she needed bleeping, made a joke about not knowing who the members of the HFPA are.

But, it was a different show  and possibly a harbinger of what we will hear at the Oscars in less than two months. Actresses, and actors, spoke of the profound belief that the banishment of many of Hollywoods sexual predators and harassers was more than a passing outrage. This was, they said, a sea change for women, for minorities, for anyone outside the traditional white male power structure who had been harassed or marginalized. I really hope that they are right. But consider all the work that has yet to be done. After Oprah Winfrey accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award and gave a bravura speech that had the Beverly Hilton room on its feet and launched a profusion of tweets drafting her for president, the next award was for best director. And, as actress and award presenter Natalie Portman pointedly noted, here are the all male nominees

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As everyone has said repeatedly, Hollywood wont change until women and people of color are a bigger part of its ranks, and with bigger roles. Cant wait for the night that Natalie Portman gets to announce that all the nominees for director are women. Or, how about just some of them are?

carla.hall@latimes.com

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook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It sounds simple enough: If Donald Trump can win the presidency, why couldnt Oprah Winfrey?

A day after her rousing speech on the #MeToo movement at Sundays Golden Globe Awards, a Winfrey 2020 boomlet suddenly dominated American politics.

The idea of a television talk show host, even one as popular as Winfrey, making a viable run for the White House would have struck many as absurd not long ago.

Not so in the era of Trump.

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The chatter about Winfrey did, however, spark debate on the paramount role of fame in a presidential campaign.

Oprah gave one of the best political speeches since Obama left the stage, but does that mean Americas longing for another celebrity novice? asked Rose Kapolczynski, a Democratic campaign consultant in Los Angeles.

Is it good for democracy if 100% name ID and one good speech make you the presidential front-runner?

Good or bad, its all but inevitable that a famous candidate would dominate a race.

The name of the game in elections is name recognition, and you get that from celebrity, said Martin Kaplan, a USC professor who specializes in the impact of media and entertainment on society.

Pundits quickly started handicapping Winfreys odds, starting with a scramble for the Democratic nomination.

Winfrey, 63, is younger than some of the top Democrats who might run, William Kristol, editor of the conservative Weekly Standard magazine, told followers on Twitter.

Sounder on economics than Bernie Sanders, understands Middle America better than Elizabeth Warren, less touchy-feely than Joe Biden, more pleasant than Andrew Cuomo, more charismatic than John Hickenlooper, he wrote.

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Winfrey meets all three constitutional tests to run for president: Shes over 35 years old, shes a U.S. citizen born in the United States, and she has lived here for more than 14 years.

Her wealth would be an enormous asset, just as Trumps was. Winfreys net worth is $2.8 billion, according to Forbes.

Oprah Winfrey campaigns for Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama at a rally in Los Angeles on Feb. 3, 2008. (Ric Francis / Associated Press )

But much of the Oprah 2020 chatter ignores the hard realities of running for president, even for one of the nations best-known celebrities.

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You have to want to do it, because its an enormous challenge, an enormous trial, an enormous test of your soul, said J. Ann Selzer, an Iowa pollster.

To millions of Americans, Winfrey might seem familiar after decades appearing on TV, acting in Hollywood movies and reporting now as a special correspondent on CBS 60 Minutes.

But presidential candidates face a vetting far more invasive than anything Winfrey has ever endured.

Beyond the news medias scrutiny of her personal and professional life, opponents  including a large field of Democrats  would compile dossiers on her past, timing the release of embarrassing details to inflict maximum damage.

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My experience with celebrities is theyre enamored with the talk and with the thought of being president or governor or what have you, but when they step up to the line and they understand the scrutiny they have to go through  they back away, said John Weaver, a top strategist in the presidential campaigns of Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, both Republicans.

Weaver also questioned whether voters would see a campaign run out of Bel-Air as a suitable antidote to Trumps disruptive presidency.

Winfreys candidacy would indeed defy the historical pattern of voters picking presidents they expect to correct a predecessors flaws, said Katie Merrill, a Democratic strategist in the San Francisco Bay Area. One of the starker examples: President Carter, widely seen as weak, was ousted by tough-talking Ronald Reagan.

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I think it is far more likely that the American public will go to the opposite of the current occupant of the White House, picking a traditional elected official seasoned in public policymaking  not another celebrity outsider, she said.

Winfrey, who supported Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for president, has shot down past speculation that she might run.

There will be no running for office of any kind for me, she told her best friend, Gayle King, in October on CBS This Morning.

Is @Oprah running for POTUS in 2020? "There will be no running of office of any kind, for me." pic.twitter.com/2T0PJnGDFG  CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) October 18, 2017

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But after Winfreys Golden Globes speech Sunday on the national upheaval over sexual harassment, her longtime partner, Stedman Graham, told The Times: Its up to the people. She would absolutely do it.

It would not be easy. Thousands of hours of video, some never seen by the public, would instantly become fodder for attacks.

In the context of a campaign, little-noticed banter from years ago can turn toxic.

Trump once told radio shock jock Howard Stern that he enjoyed seeing naked women backstage at his beauty pageants.

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He also told Stern that he backed President George W. Bushs invasion of Iraq, a statement he later denied making despite the audio evidence.

And Trumps campaign nearly collapsed when a recording surfaced of him telling Access Hollywood anchor Billy Bush that he got away with sexually assaulting women because he was famous.

In the end, Winfreys fame could well help her weather controversies, just as it did for action movie superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger when, days before he was elected governor of California, multiple women accused him of groping.

At a certain point, celebrities become transcendent, said political scientist Ross Baker of Rutgers University. People are just blinded by the glitter.

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Some Hollywood stars, including Meryl Streep and Sarah Silverman, called on Winfrey to run, but public enthusiasm is no sure thing. A Quinnipiac University poll last March found 52% of voters viewed Winfrey favorably, but 69% said she should not run for president in 2020.

Winfrey, who lives in a mansion in Montecito, Calif., would inevitably be pegged by Republicans as a Hollywood elitist. On Monday, the attacks were swift.

Mocking Winfrey online, some conservatives posted photos of her at glitzy banquets with former movie producer Harvey Weinstein, who was disgraced by the multiple allegations of sexual abuse against women that helped set off the #MeToo movement.

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michael.finnegan@latimes.com

Twitter: @finneganLAT

UPDATES:

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9:13 p.m.: This story was updated with additional details and quotes throughout.

6:35 p.m.: This story was updated with context and a quote.

This article was originally published at 1:35 p.m.The Supreme Court voted Monday to give a black inmate convicted of murder in Georgia a chance to overturn his 27-year-old death sentence because of racist comments made by a white juror years later.

The unsigned opinion prompted a dissent from Justice Clarence Thomas and two other justices, who derided their colleagues for ceremonial handwringing that callously delays justice for the black woman who was the murder victim.



For the record: An earlier version of this report referred to Pena-Rodriguez vs. Colorado as Pena-Rodriquez vs. Colorado.

In 1990, Keith Tharpe ambushed and assaulted his ex-wife and shot and killed her sister, Jacquelin Freeman. A few months later, a jury convicted him of those crimes and unanimously voted in favor of a death sentence.

He was set to be executed on Sept. 26 when his lawyers presented to the Supreme Court a statement from Barney Gattie, one of the jurors in Tharpes case.

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Gattie had spoken to defense lawyers in 1998 and said he saw two types of black people, some of whom were nice black folks like Freeman and her family. He used the n-word to characterize the others.

I felt Tharpe, who wasnt in the good black folks category in my book, should get the electric chair for what he did After studying the Bible, I have wondered if black people even have souls, according to Gatties statement.

The Supreme Court issued a late-night order to stop Tharpes execution. And Monday, the justices issued a three-page ruling that told the 11th Circuit Court in Atlanta to reconsider Tharpes plea for a new sentencing hearing.

The appeals court had previously rejected Tharpes request, noting that state judges reviewed what Gattie had said and found no evidence Tharpe had been a victim of a racial bias in the jury room.

Our review of the record compels a different conclusion, the justices said in Tharpe vs. Sellers. They said Gatties affidavit presents a strong factual basis for the argument that Tharpes race affected Gatties vote for a death verdict.

The opinion stops well short of reversing Tharpes death sentence, however. He still faces a high bar in overturning a state judges ruling that Gatties racist views did not play a role in the jurys deliberations, the court wrote.

The high court has long struggled with the question of whether and when federal judges should intervene to reopen old death penalty cases that were resolved in state courts.

Since the 1990s, both the Supreme Court and Congress have said federal judges should generally defer to the factual rulings of state courts and reverse them only for extraordinary reasons.

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But last year, the high court changed course somewhat in two decisions involving race. It reopened the case of a black death row inmate in Texas whose sentencing hearing included testimony from a crime expert who said blacks are more likely than whites to commit future crimes.

Some toxins can be deadly in small doses, said Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. in Buck vs. Davis, explaining why that testimony called for a new sentencing hearing.

And in the case of a Mexican American convicted of a sexual assault, the court in Pena-Rodriguez vs. Colorado said trial judges should reconsider a jurys verdict if they learn that a juror made racist comments during the deliberations.

Lawyers for Tharpe cited both decisions in the emergency appeal that spared their clients life.

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We are thankful that the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the serious implications for fundamental fairness of the clear evidence of racial animus on the part of one of the jurors who sentenced Mr. Tharpe to death, Brian Kammer, a lawyer for Tharpe, said Monday. We look forward to pressing Mr. Tharpes case in the 11th Circuit.

Lawyers for Georgia had told the court that Gattie, who is deceased, had disavowed his initial statement to the defense lawyers and said he had been drinking heavily. He later testified before a judge and said his views on race did not affect his decision as a juror. The judge also heard from the other jurors, two of whom were black, and they insisted race played no role in their deliberations.

In a 13-page dissent, Thomas, a Georgia native and the courts only African American, said Gatties views are certainly odious. But their odiousness does not excuse us from doing our jobs correctly.

The court must be disturbed by the racist rhetoric in that [first] affidavit and must want to do something about it. But the courts decision is no profile in courage, he said. Justices Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Neil M. Gorsuch joined his dissent.

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Major questions before the Supreme Court this year 

david.savage@latimes.com

On Twitter: DavidGSavageEgypts National Elections Authority (NEA) announced on Monday that voting in the upcoming 2018 presidential elections will begin in March.

In an official announcement during a Cairo press conference, NEA head Lasheen Ibrahim announced the timetable for the highly anticipated elections, with proceedings to take place between late January and 1 May, when the NEA will announce the winner and new president of Egypt.

The NEA is set to receive requests for nominations from 20 January till 29 January in its headquarters on downtown Cairos Qasr El-Einy Street.

During the first week of February, the authority will disqualify some of the candidates, announcing the reasons for doing so on 6 February. It will also accept official complaints on 7 February and rule on them on 9 February.

The official list of candidates is set to be announced on 23 February, 2018.

Voting by Egyptian expats is set to begin on16, 17 and 18 March, with an electoral silence due on 14 and 15 March.

Elections nationwide are set to start on 26, 27 and 28 March, with electoral silence set for 24 and 25 March.

In the case of no run-offs, the winner of the elections will be announced on 2 April, 2018.

However, in the case of a run off, a second round of voting will be held on April 19, 20, and 21 for expats abroad and on 24, 25, and 26 April for voters within Egypt. In the case of a run-off, the winner will be announced on May 1.

The upcoming presidential elections are Egypt's third since the January 25 uprising. The latest were held in 2014, resulting in Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi assuming office that June after he secured 96 percent of the vote over his sole competitor, leftist politician and leader of the Egyptian Popular Current, Hamdeen Sabahi.

President El-Sisi has not yet announced if he intends to run for re-election, though others have announced their candidacies, including prominent human rights lawyer Khaled Ali in November 2017.

However, Ali is currently awaiting a final verdict for a previous sentencing of three months in prison for offending public decency after making an "obscene hand gesture" during a demonstration outside the State Council headquarters in January 2017.

The final decision is set to be handed down on 7 March.

If Ali's conviction is upheld, he will be ineligible to run in the 2018 elections according to Egypt's Presidential Elections Law.

In November, former Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq also announced his intention to return from the United Arab Emirates, where he had resided since 2012, in order to run in the 2018 Egyptian elections.

Shortly following his return to Egypt in early December, the 76-year-old former air force general stated that he would make a decision whether he should run for president after assessing the situation on the ground.

In a surprise move, Shafiq announced on Sunday that he would not run, stating that he "would not be the best person to lead state affairs in the coming period."

The 2018 elections are the first to be supervised by the recently-established NEA, an independent authority with the sole responsibility of supervising general elections and referendums in Egypt.

Short link:

In all likelihood, Utah will have a new U.S. senator next year by the name of Mitt Romney.

The question isnt why so many here eagerly embrace the peripatetic former presidential hopeful, who grew up in Michigan and made his public life in Massachusetts. Hes the closest thing possible to a native son who wasnt actually born on Utah soil.

The greater mystery is how Romney, given his evident disdain, would get on with President Trump: as another in the lockstep Republican ranks or, some hope, a leader of resistance from within the GOP?

There is ample support for either tack; voters in few, if any, states view Trump with the deep ambivalence felt in Utah.

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Theres a very strong tribal pull to the Republican Party that has many loyal to the president, said Jim Bennett, whose father and grandfather  both members of the GOP  represented Utah in the Senate for a combined 42 years. Bennett quit the party when Trump became its White House nominee.

Anticipating a Romney candidacy, Bennett suggested that there is a large contingent of the electorate that wants him to go back to Washington and be that thorn in the side of the Trump administration.

The fact [that Trumps] capable of starting a nuclear war on Twitter, Bennett said, far outweighs anything positive he might achieve.

But Jeff Hartley, a longtime GOP strategist, said many Utah voters are quite pleased with Trumps policies, high among them the recently enacted tax cut, even if they sometimes find his personal behavior repugnant.

I dont think they want to see Mitt Romney go back there and be the strident leader of any opposition, Hartley said. Theyll want him to disagree on some issues but agree on a lot of other issues.

I dont think [Utah voters] want to see Mitt Romney go back there and be the strident leader of any opposition. GOP strategist Jeff Hartley

Romney, 70, a former Massachusetts governor who keeps two homes in Utah, has yet to publicly announce his intentions. Most, though, consider it a foregone conclusion he will seek the Senate seat held by the retiring Republican Orrin G. Hatch. And should he run, it seems a virtual certainty he will win.

He understands the Washington political arena, said Jack Sturgeon, 60, a military recruiting officer and enthusiastic Romney backer in Lehi, a fast-growing bedroom community and tech hub about half an hour south of downtown Salt Lake City. Hatch has a great reputation, but it took years for him to build up. Romney already has the contacts and the reputation.

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Jack Sturgeon said Romney wouldnt have to start from scratch like others who might be elected Utah senator. (Mark Z. Barabak/Los Angeles Times )

Utah Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than 4 to 1, and Romney, who attended Brigham Young University in Provo, gained lasting hero status by helping rescue the scandal-tarnished 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics.

Romney also was the first Mormon to win a major party presidential nomination, and his 2012 campaign remains a singular point of pride in a state dominated, culturally and politically, by the church.

Hes the one guy that could get away with moving into the state and becoming immediately a long-term citizen, Hartley said.

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Utah has been far less enamored of the president, whose boorishness, antagonistic approach to immigration and strident anti-Muslim rhetoric loudly clash with the churchs values of modesty, outreach and religious tolerance.

Trump won Utah with barely 45% of the vote, the poorest showing in any state he carried, and a recent survey showed 53% of residents viewed his presidential performance negatively. Nearly 4 in 10 strongly disapproved.

Patricia Hall is among those who cant abide Trump. She voted for independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin and hopes Utahs next senator wont defer to the president out of party loyalty, the way Hatch, who has voted in line with Trump more than 95% of the time, seems to do.

Thats why Im glad he quit, said Hall, 60, who ventured out on a cold, dismal day  a pall of brown haze hung over the Salt Lake Valley like a dirty blanket  to return Christmas gifts at an outlet mall in Lehi.

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Patricia Hall thinks Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch has been a bit too chummy with President Trump. (Mark Z. Barabak/Los Angeles Times )

Marty Przybyla couldnt disagree more.

There are things  his tweeting mainly  she doesnt like about Trump. But the 70-year-old retired state worker said she voted for him precisely because he wasnt a standard-issue politician, and she finds Romneys criticisms unhelpful.

Hes too much of an establishment Republican, Przybyla said of the former Massachusetts governor. He needs to support the president.

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Marty Przybyla said Romneys criticisms of Trump show hes too much a part of the GOP establishment. (Mark Z. Barabak/Los Angeles Times )

Romneys relationship with Trump has been a tortured mix of insult, antagonism and accommodation, starting when Romney, playing elder party statesman, sought to thwart his nomination.

Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud, Romney said in a March 2016 summons-to-the-barricade speech at the University of Utah. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University.

Trump responded  via Twitter, naturally  that Romney had no guts and choked in 2012. A total joke, and everyone knows it!

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Still, Trump was said to be considering Romney to be secretary of State, or at least appeared to, discussing the job over dinner at one of his Manhattan hotels. Afterward, Romney effused over the president-elect  I can tell you Ive been impressed by what Ive seen.

Trump, however, ended up choosing Rex Tillerson, and the exercise seemed intended more to humble Romney than serve as serious tryout.

Romney renewed his public criticism of the president after his equivocal response to the racist and anti-Semitic violence last summer in Charlottesville, Va., and, more recently, after he endorsed accused sexual predator Roy Moore in Alabamas Senate race.

Trump responded by publicly urging Hatch, 83, to seek an eighth Senate term. We hope you will continue to serve your state and your country in the Senate for a very long time to come, Trump said, in remarks widely seen as an attempt to block Romneys candidacy.

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After the courtship failed  Hatch announced his intention to step aside earlier this month  Trump and Romney had a cordial phone conversation and, according to the Salt Lake Tribune, the president encouraged him to run.

One intimate said Romney has learned not to take Trumps disparagement personally. If he says something evil about you, as long as you dont overreact, hell forget, said the longtime associate, who asked not to be identified to avoid riling either Trump or Romney.

Another person close to Romney said, if elected senator, hes not going to be the voice of never Trump.

The more productive path I think he sees is, Where can I try to influence the president? said the Romney advisor, who also requested anonymity because he did not want to speak out before the former governor announced his candidacy. And in cases where that doesnt work, hes going to express his opposition.

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Romney himself has kept mum about his plans. But he dropped what seemed like a big hint: Hours after Hatchs announcement, he changed the location of his Twitter biography from Massachusetts to Holladay, Utah, a Salt Lake suburb in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains.

Times staff writer Noah Bierman in Washington contributed to this report.

mark.barabak@latimes.com

@markzbarabakIf the events of last week didnt convince you that California will enter its second year of self-proclaimed resistance to President Trump with gusto, the Golden Globes made it ever clearer that the most powerful forces on the West Coast are not in line with the administrations priorities.

Trump reiterated some of those priorities over the weekend, speaking alongside Republican congressional leaders about his plans to insist on a border wall while coming up with a fix for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. We want DACA to happen. We all  everybody, I think I can speak for everybody  we want John Cornyn from Texas. We all want DACA to happen. But we also want great security for our country, Trump said.

For the record: An earlier version of this newsletter incorrectly called John Cox a billionaire. Hes a multimillionaire.

And those werent even the biggest headlines of the weekend. More on the Fire and Fury in Washington is below. Well start with the Russia investigation.

NEW DETAILS ABOUT TRUMP TOWER MEETING

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David Cloud scoops that special counsel Robert S. Mueller III has recalled for questioning at least one participant in a controversial meeting with a Kremlin-connected Russian lawyer at Trump Tower in June 2016, and is looking into Trumps misleading claim that the discussion focused on adoption, rather than an offer to provide damaging information about Hillary Clinton.

Some defense lawyers involved in the case view Muellers latest push as a sign that investigators are focusing on possible obstruction of justice by Trump and several of his closest advisors for their statements about the politically sensitive meeting, rather than for collusion with the Russians.

Cloud also reports that investigators are exploring the involvement of the presidents daughter, Ivanka Trump. Details of the encounter were not previously known.

NUNES TARGETS JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Rep. Devin Nunes first strode into the spotlight last year by suggesting the Obama administration may have improperly spied on Trumps team. The episode backfired, but the Tulare Republican is still working to show Trump has been unfairly treated. Chris Megerian and Joseph Tanfani look at how Nunes is targeting the Justice Department and raising questions about how it has conducted the Russia investigation, a parallel probe that has Democrats crying foul.

CRIMINAL PROBE FOR DOSSIER AUTHOR?

Many Republicans have spent the last year brushing off concerns about the Russia investigation. But now two of them, Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Lindsey Graham, say there might be grounds to prosecute someone  the former British spy who tried to expose Trumps alleged ties to Russia. They say the former spy, Christopher Steele, may have lied to investigators about his contact with reporters.

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NATIONAL POLITICS LIGHTNING ROUND

-- Will Oprah Winfrey run for president? Its up to the people, Winfreys longtime partner, Stedman Graham, told The Times on Sunday night after the idea was floated repeatedly at the Golden Globes. She would absolutely do it. And from Winfrey herself: Okaay!

-- Read her speech.

-- Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House book dominated political conversation over the weekend, as the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern and as fired former aide Stephen K. Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in the books explosive portrait of Trump.

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-- For his part, Trump defended his intelligence and went after the press.

-- Jackie Calmes looked at how response to the book over the last few days metaphorically fits the warring and chaos within the White House which Wolff recounts.

-- Read the juiciest excerpts.

Get the latest about whats happening in the nations capital on Essential Washington.

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THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR BROWNS NEXT CHAPTER

A year from today, he will begin his first full day as a private citizen. And chances are, Gov. Jerry Brown will be walking the grounds of his familys Northern California ranch  a place the veteran politician says is the right place at the right time.

The governor gave The Times an exclusive look at the home he and First Lady Anne Gust Brown are building on the property in rural Colusa County. As Brown told Sacramento bureau chief John Myers for Sundays story, he doesnt intend to just disappear from politics altogether.

My ambitions, they have some vitality to them, he said.

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Dont miss the video of Brown talking about his great-grandfather, who bought the ranch in 1877, and the governor touring the property with his dog, Colusa.

Myers also offers some excerpts of his interview with Brown in his weekly column about current politics  including the governors sharp critique of House Republicans who voted last month for the tax overhaul.

GOVERNORS RACE HEATING UP

A new year and a new Republican candidate have cracked open Californias sleepy race for governor, unleashing predictions of a splintered GOP vote that could sink Republicans and lead to a November election between two Democrats.

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Former Northern California Rep. Doug Ose jumped into the race Friday, becoming the third major GOP candidate in an already crowded field. His decision comes as front-runner Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom faces an uptick in attacks by the Republicans, who see him as the Democrat headed for the November ballot and hope to paint him as a liberal bogeyman to lure more GOP voters to the polls in the June primary.

In response, GOP gubernatorial candidate John Cox, a multimillionaire, pledged to spend up to another $1 million of his own money on his campaign to match donors to Oses campaign.

Prior to Oses announcement, the two other GOP candidates for governor  Cox and Assemblyman Travis Allen  clashed in a fiery debate in front of the Redlands Tea Party Patriots at a barbecue restaurant in Mentone. In an informal straw poll before and after the event, both men gained support, but Allen had the clear edge.

Meanwhile, Democratic front-runner Gavin Newsom courted California Democratic Party delegates for their endorsement in advance of their convention in February and took a shot at a company that has employed his main rival.

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A POLICY ABOUT-FACE ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT RECORDS IN SACRAMENTO

In November, leaders of the California Senate and Assembly refused to make public records of some of the most serious sexual misconduct investigations in recent years.

On Friday, with The Times and others insisting there was no legal justification to keep those documents private, officials decided to change the policy. It remains unclear exactly when the documents will be released.

When they are, well be covering the news on our Essential Politics news feed about California politics.

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MORE HARASSMENT FALLOUT IN SACRAMENTO

Faced with the threat of an embarrassing Senate vote to suspend him, state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) agreed Wednesday to take a one-month paid leave of absence.

Mendoza said he made the decision after a four-hour closed session with Senate Democrats who were considering a rare vote of suspension because of concern over allegations that he harassed three former aides.

Rep. Brad Sherman is changing some policies after learning about sexual harassment allegations made against Matt Dababneh, who was a staffer in Shermans office before being elected to the Assembly.

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And in an update to our investigation about accusations against Raul Bocanegra, who resigned as The Times prepared to publish a report, one of his accusers is running for his seat. Dakota Smith writes that Yolanda Anguiano said she didnt have political aspirations, but changed her mind and is now preparing a bid for the Assembly district in San Fernando Valley.

WEED WARS

As the Trump administration targets recreational pot, it has placed thousands of marijuana businesses in California at risk, prompting one Democrat to revive a proposal to make California a sanctuary state for the marijuana industry.

Borrowing an idea from a new state law on immigration enforcement, the measure would prohibit state and local agencies, absent a court order, from assisting in federal drug enforcement efforts targeting those who have state licenses to grow and sell marijuana.

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Patrick McGreevy explains how state leaders are preparing for possible political and legal battles in response to the DOJ decision.

BLUNTING THE TAX BLOW TO CALIFORNIA

Calling a state income tax payment a charitable contribution so it can be deducted on a federal tax return seems nutty, even for California government, George Skelton writes in his Monday column. Last week, the idea was introduced as legislation by state Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). And its probably a justifiable tax dodge in an effort to defend millions of California taxpayers from Trump and the Republican Congress, Skelton says.

BIDEN SPEAKING IN L.A.

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Theres still time to get your tickets to The Times Ideas Exchange event with former Vice President Biden.

The Democrat, out with a new book, will sit down with Patt Morrison in downtown Los Angeles Wednesday night.

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MARIN COUNTYS HOUSING AND SEGREGATION WOES

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Marin County is the most racially inequitable in the state, according to a new study, a problem that researchers attribute to disparities in housing affordability and homeownership rates between whites and blacks and Latinos.

County residents have long been hostile to new development, and Marin has some of the most naturally beautiful landscapes in the state. But it also has some of the nations highest housing costs as well as housing segregation patterns dating back decades, Liam Dillon reports.

BOOM IN NEW HOUSING PROMISED IN NEW LEGISLATION

A new bill from a Bay Area lawmaker could bring millions of new homes near transit lines across California.

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The measure from Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) would loosen most zoning restrictions within a half-mile of transit, including Metro lines in Los Angeles. Wiener says the measure will help with the states housing affordability problems and meet its environmental goals. But those opposed to the bill are concerned that it might dramatically alter the character of neighborhoods.

TODAYS ESSENTIALS

-- This weeks California Politics Podcast takes a look at the mood of the Legislature as it returns to work with sexual harassment debate hanging over the state Capitol. The episode also examines the Trump administration actions hitting California on everything from pot to offshore oil.

-- A Los Angeles-area GOP organization sparked controversy by inviting a local John Birch Society leader to headline their meeting.

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-- A California legislator wants to better track prescriptions of opioid medications to try to curb abuse of highly addictive drugs.

-- There are few formal racial profiling complaints filed against California police officers and even fewer of them are proven, according to new data released by the state Attorney Generals Office.

-- Brown blasted plans by the Trump administration to expand oil and gas drilling off Californias coastline.

-- New legislation would bar the sale of gasoline-powered cars in California starting in 2040.

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-- Rep. Duncan Hunter called the FBI investigators looking into his campaign spending biased and accused them of political motives in an interview with a local TV station.

-- The Congressional Leadership Fund, a conservative super PAC endorsed by GOP leadership, has opened up a fifth California office in the district of Rep. Mimi Walters ahead of the midterms.

-- Meet the newest state Assembly member from L.A.: Wendy Carrillo.

-- ICE is increasing its presence in California because of its sanctuary state law, according to Trumps immigration chief.

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LOGISTICS

Essential Politics is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

You can keep up with breaking news on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics?

Miss Fridays newsletter? Here you go.

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Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com.

Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox.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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Watch Live: White House holds surprise news briefing amid government shutdown 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Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is heading to Newport Beach for a $1,000-per-person campaign fundraiser Thursday.

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pacific Club, 4110 MacArthur Blvd.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Costa Mesa, is one of the top organizers of the fundraiser, and former Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina will attend. Jeb Bush, who also made a bid for the Republican nomination but has dropped out, was invited but said he is unable to attend. Both Bush and Fiorina have endorsed Cruz.

Cruz, a U.S. senator from Texas, also made a fundraising appearance in Newport Beach in December.

Cruz is trailing Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump in California, according to a USC and Los Angeles Times poll. Trump had the support of 37% of GOP voters surveyed, while Cruz had 30%.

For more information about the fundraiser, visit the Republican Party of Orange Countys website, ocgop.org.Ten Years Ago

A series of three winter storms that began on a Friday in January 2008 and continued for four straight days brought 6.39 inches of rainfall to the city. The only damages reported by the public works director involved boulders that washed off a hillside onto Corona Drive in the Flintridge area and some new leaks in the roof of the Community Center on Chevy Chase Drive.

Twenty Years Ago

La Canada Presbyterian Church culminated a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary with two morning services in its sanctuary that honored charter members.

Thirty Years Ago

A power outage that left 2,000 La Canada homes without electricity for several hours was reportedly caused by a peacock that had become entangled in power lines off Harter Lane.

Forty Years Ago

Faced with declining enrollment and a depleted reserve fund, La Canada Unified School District officials were seriously considering the closure of Oak Grove Elementary School, adjacent to La Canada High School. Oak Grove had first opened its doors in the fall of 1952.

Fifty Years Ago

When new postage rates went into effect on Jan. 7, 1968, raising the cost of first class stamps from 5 cents to 6 cents, La Canada residents made an unprecedented run on 1-cent stamps at the local post office, depleting the entire supply of 40,000 in a single day. In the words of then-Postmaster Dick Mason, the run that took place Jan. 8, 1968 was worse than Christmas.

Sixty Years Ago

The front window of the Cornet variety store in the 400 block of Foothill Boulevard (near where McDonalds restaurant is today) was boarded up awaiting repairs after a car driven by a Georgian Road resident crashed through it on a Thursday at about 10:30 a.m. The vehicle left behind more than $2,000 in damages. The three employees and two customers in the store at the time of the accident were not injured, nor was the driver, who said her car accelerated when she thought she was hitting the brakes.

Compiled from the Valley Sun archives by Carol Cormaci.The Viking Sun sailed into the Port of Los Angeles last week with a full contingent of passengers who, fittingly enough, spent two sunny days exploring Southern California.

The ships visit marked a number of firsts: It was Viking Cruises first world cruise, its first West Coast port of call, and the first opportunity for the lines U.S.-based employees, who work in Woodland Hills, to see one of the ships they help to market and create.

The Sun, which was launched in September, is the companys newest ship. It left Miami on Dec. 15 on a five-month, 141-day itinerary with 64 port calls and rates that started at $50,000 per person.

After it left Los Angeles on Friday, the Sun set sail for Papeete, French Polynesia.

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Viking, a 20-year-old company, is known for its fleet of 64 river boats, which command about 50% of the market in Europe. The company now has four ocean-going ships and has four more under construction.

Despite its relatively recent entry into the ocean-going cruise ship market, it scored well this year in annual popularity contests sponsored by CruiseCritic.com and other cruise websites and publications.

Its river and ocean ships feature modern Scandinavian design. They are a departure from some of the more flamboyant looks that can be found on other ships.

We call it understated elegance, said Viking chairman Torstein Hagen, addressing ship visitors in Los Angeles. No neon, no casinos, no umbrella drinks.

Among Vikings other departures from standard cruise lines: It doesnt allow children younger than 18; has no giant slides or other huge activities for guests; has no inside rooms or formal nights; and doesnt charge for Internet usage.

We dont try to be all things to all people, said Hagen, noting that the companys target audience is made up of experienced travelers 55 and older.

Vikings recent awards include being rated a top ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisures 2016 and 2017 worlds best awards, Cruise Critics 2017 Cruisers Choice Awards; and Luxury Travel Advisor magazines 2017 Awards of Excellence, where it picked up best cruise line for luxury ocean cruises and best luxury river cruises awards.

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Twitter: @latimestravelPope Francis on Monday urged concerted international efforts to rebuild trust on the Korean peninsula and in Syria, using his annual foreign policy address to demand that political leaders put the dignity of their people before war, profit or power.

In a wide-ranging speech to ambassadors from about 185 nations, Francis reaffirmed the need to respect the status quo of Jerusalem and refrain from any initiative that exacerbates hostilities.

Francis didnt cite the United States by name, but many elements of his speech could have been read as an implicit appeal to the Trump administration: He called for governments to provide universal healthcare for all, demanded that they respect commitments made in Paris in 2015 to curb global warming, urged them to better integrate migrants and to participate in a serene and wide-ranging debate on nuclear disarmament.

Speaking on the 100th anniversary of President Wilsons proposed League of Nations, Francis said todays leaders can learn two lessons from the ashes of World War I: That victory never means humiliating a defeated foe, and that war isnt deterred by the law of fear, but rather by the power of calm reason.

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Francis has voiced rising alarm about the threat of nuclear conflict in North and South Korea, asserting at a special Vatican nuclear conference in November that there simply is no reason for an atomic arms race and every reason to destroy existing stockpiles. On Monday, he listed the threat of nuclear war on the Korean peninsula at the top of his rundown of global hot spots.

He said it was of paramount importance to support every effort at dialogue in order to find new ways of overcoming the current disputes, increasing mutual trust and ensuring a peaceful future for the Korean people and the entire world.

He also called for confidence-building measures in Syria and for the international community to facilitate the return of all refugees, particularly Christians who have fled communities that have had a Christian presence since the time of Christ.

He didnt refer to the U.S. decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem, but he cited recent tensions in the Holy Land in renewing what he called the Vaticans pressing appeal that every initiative be carefully weighed so as to avoid exacerbating hostilities. He urged a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians and for Jerusalems status quo to be respected, noting the city is sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims.

Francis sole mention of his native Latin America was over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Venezuela, where the Holy See had tried  but failed  to facilitate talks between the government and the opposition. The Argentine pope said he hoped elections this year in Venezuela would resolve the existing conflicts and give residents hope for the future.In the Gaza Strips impoverished refugee camps, the United Nations blue-and-white flag is ubiquitous, fluttering over schools, clinics and food distribution centers.

It is in these teeming streets and alleys that President Trumps threat to block millions of dollars in funding for Palestinians probably would be felt the most. Much of that aid goes to the U.N. agency that works with Palestinian refugees, and almost everyone here relies on the services it provides.

Palestinian leaders accused the administration of blackmail after Trump and his U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, suggested last week that the administration might freeze U.S. aid if they dont resume peace talks with Israel. But the threats also raised alarm among Israelis who have been some of fiercest critics of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA.

Members of the Israeli defense establishment warned that any sudden loss of aid to Palestinians could undermine Palestinian leaders who cooperate with Israel on security matters and could help extremists by worsening the already desperate conditions faced by more than 2 million people registered as refugees in Gaza and the West Bank.

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Sacks of flour, some of which were part of U.N. and U.S. humanitarian aid but are now offered for sale by a vendor, sit outside a food store in Gaza City. (Lefteris Pitarakis / Associated Press )

If the funds to UNRWA stop, this will be a death sentence for my family, said Huda Talba, 46, whose family of nine is packed into a two-bedroom house in Gazas Beach refugee camp.

Talbas husband, a builder, hasnt been able to work since a fall on a job site 15 years ago. So the family depends on monthly food packages and about $514 in cash assistance that UNRWA provides every three months. Five of the couples seven children attend schools operated by the U.N. agency. And family members go to an UNRWA health center for treatment whenever they get sick.

Why do we have to pay the price of the American-Abbas problems? Talba said, referring to the standoff between Trump and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Its collective punishment.

Trumps decision last month to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital caused outrage among Palestinians, who claim part of the city as the capital of a future independent state. The announcement, which upended decades of U.S. policy, led Abbas to declare that Washington no longer has a role to play in brokering what Trump has called the ultimate deal: peace between Israel and Palestinians.

We pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect, Trump complained in a pair of tweets Tuesday. With the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?

...peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018

Trump did not specify what aid he had in mind. The U.S. also provides support to Palestinians through the U.S. Agency for International Development.

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But when Haley was asked Tuesday about U.S. aid for UNRWA, she said the president doesnt want to give any additional funding until the Palestinians agree to come back to the negotiation table.

An official familiar with the matter said the administration failed to make an expected $120-million disbursement to UNRWA that day. But the U.S. has not formally notified the organization of a final decision on whether funding would be discontinued or maintained.

There are still deliberations taking place, and we have missed no deadline, a State Department official said Saturday.

The U.S. is UNRWAs largest single donor, contributing about a third of the organizations budget, or more than $350 million annually.

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Some Israeli politicians have pressed Washington to curtail the funding, arguing that UNRWAs schools have been used by Hamas militants in Gaza to conceal tunnels and rockets intended for use in attacks on Israel.

Its very existence perpetuates the dire situation of Gazas population, who suffer under the rule of Hamas, Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the ultranationalist Jewish Home party, said in a statement last week.

Others, however, worry that without help from UNRWA, Palestinian refugees will become more susceptible to recruitment efforts by Hamas and other militant factions.

While UNRWA is far from perfect, the Israeli defense establishment, and the Israeli government as a whole, have over the years come to the understanding that all the alternatives are worse, Peter Lerner, a former spokesman for the Israeli military, wrote in an opinion piece in Haaretz newspaper.

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Behind the scenes, Israeli and Palestinian officials have worked closely to prevent terrorist attacks in Israeli territory, and Israel does not want to see that cooperation compromised. Some Palestinian factions already accuse Abbas, who is struggling politically, of colluding with the enemy.

On Sunday, in another sign of cooperation, Israel announced that it would renew electricity supplies to Gaza, six months after cutting them off.

But Israel would not welcome having to provide the kinds of services financed by U.S. aid to UNRWA. The organization runs 359 schools, providing an education to 290,000 children in Gaza and the West Bank. Its doctors provide 6.2 million consultations annually, and it distributes food and cash assistance to more than 1 million vulnerable refugees.

Gershon Baskin, who is co-chairman of the think tank Israel-Palestine: Creative Regional Initiatives, argues that Palestinian officials should take charge of Palestinian schools. But he questions the wisdom of any cuts that could jeopardize education.

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Palestinian children attend a soccer training session given by the Spanish club Real Madrid in the West Bank city of Ramallah on March 23, 2015, as part of a project organized through the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA. (Abbas Momani / AFP/Getty Images )

These are schools that are already at a breaking point, running on double shifts, he said. So the principal population to suffer if this goes through would be kids. And also, from an Israeli security point of view, Im not sure that having hundreds of thousands of kids at loose ends is very good.

Even with U.S. support, UNRWA has faced chronic shortfalls in funding over the years and in 2015 came perilously close to delaying the start of the school year. The agencys spokesman, Chris Gunness, said the fallout from a funding cutoff could be profound, long-lasting, dramatic and unpredictable.

The human impact of this could be catastrophic; the implications of this on regional stability are incalculable, he said in an email.

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In addition to its work in Gaza and the West Bank, the organization provides services to about 3 million Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, where camps have evolved into de-facto neighborhoods, albeit ones beset by chronic overcrowding, sub-par housing and rickety infrastructure.

From the Times archives, 1988: U.N. Aid Agency Walking a Tightrope in West Bank, Gaza 

In Shatila, a camp in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, residents navigate a maze of narrow streets riddled with potholes, walking past ramshackle buildings of exposed cinder block, walls plastered with posters of Abbas and the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Suspended above the streets is a shambolic canopy of electric wires that deliver a few hours of power a day.

Palestinians live in terrible conditions here, and its already a catastrophe, said Amina Hassanein, a 45-year-old resident. Without UNRWA, well go down to zero.

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For others, UNRWA serves a more existential purpose.

There is no witness to the tragedy of the Palestinian people other than UNRWA, said Mohammad Afifi, a 58-year-old shopkeeper who was born and raised in Shatila. I hold on to UNRWA because I hold on to my right of returning to Palestine.

Indeed, most of those currently registered as Palestinian refugees are descendants of those displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, with little personal connection to the land that Israel now claims, even if their families still hold on to the keys of their former homes.

This absurdity needs to stop, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting Sunday. UNRWA is an organization that perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem.

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Still, he said he would prefer that funding for UNRWA be gradually shifted to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. This is how to rid the world of UNRWA and deal with genuine refugee problems, to the extent that such remain, Netanyahu said.

UNRWA officials reject the contention that the agency has contributed to the conflict. What perpetuates the refugee crisis is the failure of the parties to deal with the issue, Gunness said.

ALSO

Organizations that promote a boycott of Israel are no longer welcome there

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Q&A: U.S. declaration of Jerusalem as Israels capital has sparked worldwide anger. But theres been plenty of precedent

Israels transportation minister offers Trump a gift: A train station at the Western Wall

Times staff writer Zavis reported from Beirut and special correspondents Tarnopolsky and Abu Alouf from Jerusalem and Gaza City, respectively. Special correspondent Nabih Bulos in Beirut and Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

alexandra.zavis@latimes.com

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Twitter: @alexzavisAir strikes by regime and Russian aircraft on rebel positions in the northwestern province of Idlib killed at least 21 civilians, including eight children, a monitor said Monday.

The strikes carried out on Sunday were the latest against jihadists and rebels in a week-old regime offensive on Idlib, the last province in Syria to escape government control.

The raid left "at least 21 dead, including eight children and 11 members of the same family" west of the town of Sinjar in the southeast of the province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Regime and Russian strikes are continuing today on several parts of Idlib" province, Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based monitoring organisation, told AFP.

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Jan 8, 2018, 2:46pm ET

Bullitt Mustang could debut this month

The first example of the new Bullitt Mustang will likely be sold at auction.

Ford's next-generation Mustang Bullitt could be just days away from its official unveiling, a listing from the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction has revealed.

We've been hearing rumors about a Bullitt Mustang revival for several months now, but it looks as though that long wait is about to come to an end. Lot #3006 for the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction is described as a "special new Ford Mustang to be sold with 100% of the hammer price benefiting Boys Republic, indicating it could be the long-rumored Bullitt Mustang.

Boys Republic is a key clue as it's the same school in Chino Hills, California that Bullitt star Steve McQueen attended as a teen. McQueen later served as the school's honorary chairman. Perhaps even more telling, Barrett-Jackson has deleted all mention of Boys Republic since the listing was first noticed by the fan site Mustang6G.

Specs on the new Bullitt Mustang remain a mystery, but you can expect a Highland Green paint job, unique wheels and a V8 under the hood. The Barrett-Jackson auction is scheduled to take place on January19, but it's possible Ford could unveil the limited-edition Mustang at next week's Detroit auto show.An SUV driver died Sunday afternoon when the vehicle became wedged underneath a tractor trailer along Interstate 78 in Upper Macungie Township, state police said.

Pennsylvania State Police in Fogelsville said the 12:29 p.m. crash occurred on the shoulder of the highway in the eastbound lanes -- about 1.5 miles west of Exit 48.2, near Route 100 South.

The 68-year-old male driver of a black Ford Flex ended up crashing into the back of the truck, with the SUV becoming pinned underneath, police said. A front passenger had to be freed by mechanically by fire crews while the driver, whose identity is being withheld pending next of kin, was pronounced dead at the scene by Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Gabrielle Riley.

The passenger was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township with injuries unknown. Police said the tractor trailer was disabled and unoccupied at the time of the accident.

Police shut down the eastbound lanes between Exit 45 and 48 during the accident.

Also responding to the crash was the Fogelsville Fire Dept., Upper Macungie Fire Dept., Weisenberg Fire Dept., Cetronia Ambulance, V&M Towing Company ad Yocum Towing Company and Recovery.

The accident remains under investigation by state police in Fogelsville and the Lehigh County Coroner's Office.

What you can do:

Those who witnessed the crash are asked to call Pennsylvania State Police in Fogelsville at 610-395-1438.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.By Tony Rhodin and Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com

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The Lehigh River on Jan. 8, 2018, in Easton had a large amount of ice after a deep freeze that has seen the region not escapee 32 degrees since Dec. 25.

Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com

A threat of ice and snow early Monday afternoon has led to schools in the Lehigh Valley and northwest New Jersey announcing early dismissals. The following list is compiled from school websites and Twitter accounts and WFMZ's updating list. We'll update as information comes in.

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Allentown School District

The middle and high schools will dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and the elementaries will shut at noon.

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Alpha Public School

Dismissal is at 12:25 p.m.

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Bangor Area School District

The high school and middle school will dismiss at noon. The elementary schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. All after-school activities are postponed.

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Belvidere School District

All students being dismissed at noon.

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Bethlehem Area School District

High schools will be dismissed at 11 a.m. Middle schools will be dismissed at 11:35 a.m. Elementary schools will be dismissed at 12:05 p.m. Child care centers will remain open. All after-school and athletic events canceled.

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Bethlehem Catholic High School

Noon dismissal.

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Catasauqua Area School District

Catasauqua High School and Catasauqua Middle School will dismiss at 10:30 a.m. and Sheckler Elementary at 11:15 a.m. All evening activities are cancelled.

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Easton Area School District

A heating unit at Easton Area Middle School is malfunctioning and cannot be fixed quickly. Due to this problem and the forecast for freezing rain, schools will close early. Middle school students will board buses at 9:45 a.m. High school students will boarding buses at 11:20 a.m. Elementary students will boarding buses at noon.

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Easton Arts Academy Elementary Charter School

Noon dismissal.

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East Penn School District

Secondary students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. and elementary students at 12:30 p.m. There will be no PM kindergarten

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Greenwich Township School District

Middle school dismissal is at 12:20 p.m. and elementary school dismissal is at 12:55 p.m. Afternoon prekindergarten and kindergarten and after-school activities are canceled.

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Hackettstown School District

The high school and middle school will dismiss at 12:15 p.m. Hatchery Hill and Willow Grove schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.

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Harmony Township School

Dismissing at 1 p.m. Parents are asked to update Pick Up Patrol by 12:15 p.m. All after-school activities are cancelled. The board of education reorganization meeting is still on at 6 p.m.

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Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

11 a.m. dismissal. Afternoon and evening activities cancelled.

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Lopatcong Township School District

Elementary school dismissal is at 12:45 p.m. The middle school dismisses at 1 p.m. Aftercare, afternoon prekindergarten and kindergarten and all after-school activities are canceled.

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Moravian Academy

Noon dismissal. All after-school activities are canceled. Extended care in Bethlehem will remain open.

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Nazareth Area School District

Elementary schools dismiss at 11:30 a.m. The middle school dismisses at 11:37 a.m. The high school dismisses at 12:15 p.m. The intermediate school dismisses at 12:40 p.m. Afternoon and evening activities are canceled.

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Northampton Area School District

High school and middle students will be dismissed at 11 a.m. Elementary students will be dismissed at noon. All activities are cancelled for this evening.

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Northern Lehigh School District

The high school and middle school will dismiss at 10:30 a.m. High school students who were arriving late because they were non-testers for Keystone do not need to report. Slatington Elementary will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. and Peters Elementary at 12:30 p.m. Lunches will not be served. All after-school sports and activities are canceled. Monday nights school board meeting is canceled.

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North Warren Regional School District

Dismissal will be at 12:30 pm. Student after-school activities are cancelled.

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Northwestern Lehigh School District

Middle school 10:25 a.m.

High school 10:35 a.m.

Elementary 11:35 a.m.

There will be no afternoon kindergarten or afternoon LCTI. Lunches will not be served.

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Notre Dame High School (Green Pond)

11 a.m. dismissal.

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Palisades School District

High school and middle school dismissal: 11 a.m.

Elementary school dismissal: noon

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Parkland School District

Secondary schools dismiss at 11:30 a.m. Elementary schools dismiss at 12:15 p.m. Students leaving via non-public transportation are dismissed at 11:30 a.m.

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Pen Argyl Area School District

High School and Plainfield Elementary dismissal is at 11:45 a.m. Wind Gap Middle School dismisses at 12:30 p.m.

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Phillipsburg School District

All schools closing early according to the half-day schedule.

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Pohatcong Township School

Dismissal is at 12:45 p.m.

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Salisbury Township School District

Secondary schools dismiss at 11 a.m., elementaries at 11:45 a.m. Non-public transportation begins at 11 a.m. Evening activities are canceled. The operations meeting scheduled for Monday night is moved to Jan. 17.

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Saucon Valley School District

Grades 6-12 will dismiss at noon. Grade 5 will dismiss at 12:45 p.m. with the elementary school. Lunches will be provided prior to dismissal.

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Southern Lehigh School District

Secondary students will be dismissed at 11.30 a.m. Elementary students will be dismissed at 12.30 p.m. Morning kindergarten students will remain in school, be served lunch and be dismissed at 12.30 p.m. There will be no afternoon kindergarten. All after-school and evening events and activities are cancelled.

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White Township Consolidated School

Dismissal is at 1:30 p.m. All after-school activities are canceled.

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Whitehall-Coplay School District

The middle school will dismiss at 11 a.m., the high school at 11:30 a.m. and all elementary grades at noon. There will be no afternoon kindergarten and all after-school activities are cancelled.

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Wilson Area School District

Wilson Area Intermediate School will dismiss at 11:25 a.m. Wilson Area High School will dismiss at 11:45 a.m. The elementary schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.

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Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.A young Rathangan man was sentenced to 11 months in prison after he pleaded guilty at Naas District Court last Thursday, January 4, to charges of possession of cannabis and cocaine.

Adam Daly, 26, with an address listed as Apartment 2 Fordes Flats, Rathangan, was charged with possession of the drugs at his own address on April 16, 2016. Evidence was heard he had 7,100 of cannabis and 460 of cocaine. However, defence counsel Sarah Connolly said she understood there was so little cocaine it could not be given a value.

The drugs were discovered at the mans house after Gardai obtained a search warrant. Judge Desmond Zaidan was told that the defendant claimed he was minding it for others.

This is a man who has never abused alcohol, Ms Connolly told the court, adding that cannabis was simply what he did. She added that he had accumulated some debts over time and had to do favours, if I can put it like that.

She said that he had made great changes to his life in the meantime, and a letter of testament was handed in from his partner to the effect that he helped her greatly with their child. The couple are expecting a second child. And he is beginning a training course shortly.

She noted that a probation report considered him at a moderate risk of re-offending. At the ripe old age of 26 he has finally grown up and copped on, she added.

However, Judge Desmond Zaidan opted not to give Mr Daly a chance. Noting his 16 previous convictions, including for similar offences, he said that if I gave him a slap on the wrist it would just be sending out the wrong message.

The judge sentenced the defendant to 11 months on the cannabis charge, and a four month concurrent sentence on the cocaine charge.Tina Kenny (nee Casey)  Mansfield Grove, Athy / Dublin

Passed away peacefully on January 7 2018. Sadly missed by her husband Dave, daughter Amy, grandchildren Ciara, Leah and Sean, son-in-law Anto, relatives, neighbours and friends. Reposing at Thompsons Funeral Home, Chapel Hill, Athy today Monday January 8 from 5pm  7pm. Removal on Tuesday morning January 9 to Newlands Cross Crematorium for Service at 1pm. No Flowers Please

Edward (Ned) Dwyer  Celbridge / Slane, Meath

January 7, 2018 (peacefully) surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Mary (May), dear father of David, Celine, Mary and Eamonn and a devoted grandfather of Rachel, Matthew, Ruth, Elliott and Alison. Sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren, daughters-in-law Mary and Mairead, brother Mick, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. R.I.P. Reposing at his son Davids home on Monday evening January 8 from 5pm to 8pm. Removal to St. Patricks Church, Celbridge on Tuesday morning, arriving for Requiem Mass at 11am followed by burial in Donacomper Cemetery, Celbridge. Family flowers only, please.

Ross Alan Mahon  Mullacash, Naas

January 6 2018, following a short illness in Beaumont Hospital. Adored son of Alan and Anne-Marie, cherished brother of Robert, Simon and Rebecca. Sadly missed by his parents, brothers, sister, sister-in-law Sarah, nephew and godson Hugo, Rebeccas partner Darren, grandmother Evelyn Reidy, extended family and many friends, and colleagues in Google. Requiem Mass in St. Peters Church, Two Mile House, Naas, on Wednesday January 10 at 11am with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. House Private.

Pat O'Neill  Knocknacree, Castledermot

January 7 2018 peacefully at Naas Hospital; Deeply regretted by his loving wife Kathleen, daughters Caroline and Lorraine, sons Patrick and Ray, daughters-in-law Sinead and Louise, sons-in-law Patrick and Killian, sisters Bridie, Betty, Sheila and Fran, brothers-in-law, grandchildren Chloe, Sarah, Ryan, Ruby, Lucy, Jack and Lexie, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends. Reposing at his residence from 12 noon on Monday January 8 until 9pm. that night. House private thereafter please. Removal on Tuesday morning January 9 to The Church of The Assumption, Castledermot arriving for 10.30am requiem Mass with burial afterwards in Coltstown Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to The Irish Cancer Society. Donation box in church.

Joseph (Joe) Smith  Dublin 8, Dublin / Monasterevin

January 5 2018. (suddenly), Joseph (Joe), beloved husband of the late Maura, cherished father of John, loving grandfather of Eimear and dear brother of Pat. Deeply regretted by his loving sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. R.I.P. Reposing in Cunninghams Funeral Home, Clonsilla on Tuesday evening January 9 from 6pm to 8pm. Removal to St. Teresas Church, Clarendon Street on Wednesday morning January 10 arriving for Requiem Mass at 11.30am followed by burial in St. Marys Churchyard, Clonsilla. Family flowers only, please. Donations if desired to the Irish Heart Foundation.A POST-mortem is to take place due this Monday following the discovery of a mans body in Limerick city.

The man, who is aged in his 40s and has been named locally as Martin Clancy, was discovered at a flat on Little OCurry Street in the city centre on Sunday evening.

Gardai at Henry Street are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the discovery, and have been at the scene since around 6pm on Sunday.

Gardai remain at scene of discovered body in Limerick city. For more, follow @Limerick_Leader and pick up tomorrows Limerick Chronicle for full coverage. pic.twitter.com/GK8WCTYvyt  Fintan Walsh (@FintanYTWalsh) January 8, 2018

It is understood that the body had a number of injuries when it was discovered.

The scene has been preserved and the entire street, which adjoins Windmill Street and OCurry Street, has been cordoned off.

A post-mortem is due to take place sometime this Monday, and it is understood that the Garda Technical Bureau is due to arrive at the scene shortly after 11am.

The State Pathologist has also been notifiied of the discovery.

Gardai in Limerick city remain at the scene of the discovered body. Full Street is cordoned off. For more coverage, follow the @Limerick_Leader pic.twitter.com/vslSOFHiHI  Fintan Walsh (@FintanYTWalsh) January 7, 2018

There has been widespread surprise and shock felt by residents living in the area, which has been described by locals as very quiet.

Garda are appealing for witnesses or to anyone who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious in or around Little O'Curry Street to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061-212400, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.THE UL Hospitals Group has urged at-risk members of the public to avail of the flu vaccine, as the outbreak continues to circulate in Limerick.

This comes as University Hospital Limerick was the most overcrowded in the country on Monday morning, with 55 patients on trolleys, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

And to add to its overcrowding problem, it has been treating 11 flu cases at UHL with a number of other cases showing flu-like symptoms, as of Monday afternoon.

As a result, the group has imposed visiting restrictions on the Dooradoyle hospital.

We regret any inconvenience caused to patients and relatives by these necessary measures, which are being taken in the interests of patient care.

As flu can be carried in to the hospital by patients or visitors, it is necessary to restrict visitors to one person per patient only and to remind members of the public that visiting hours are from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 9pm only and are to be strictly adhered to. Members of the public are reminded not to bring children on visits anywhere in the hospital. Parents visiting children are unaffected by the restrictions but are advised not to bring siblings, a spokesperson said.

He added that people with flu-like symptoms are advised to contact their GP by phone in the first instance and avoid presenting at the emergency department at UHL.

Any patient presenting in any part of the hospital for any reason should also advise staff if they or a family member has been showing symptoms of flu or indeed of norovirus (winter vomiting bug).

People in at-risk groups include those who are 65 and older; children with chronic illness; all cancer patients; pregnant women; people with morbid obesity; nursing home residents; and healthcare staff.

In relation to overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick, the spokesperson said that it apologises for any distress or inconvenience caused to patients or their loved ones who have experienced long wait times in recent days.

We acknowledge this is a particularly difficult situation and wish to reassure patients and their families that we are working to alleviate the situation. We also acknowledge the difficult situation for our staff and thank them for their continued dedication and commitment to patient care.

UL Hospitals Group has urged people to avail of the local injuries units at St Johns, Ennis and Nenagh Hospital in the event of a non-emergency.

However, if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.BOOKS of evidence have been served on five men who are charged in connection with a shooting incident on the southside of Limerick city last summer.

A 23-year-old man sustained wounds to his chest, abdomen and elbow when he was shot near a house in Kennedy Park at around 2.15pm on July 11, last.

The shooting was allegedly connected to a feud between two criminal gangs involved in the drugs trade.

The defendants are Emmett Kiely aged 26, of Maple Court, Kennedy Park; Ray Dore, aged 25, of Dromroe, Rhebogue; Keith Lillis, aged 24, of Galvone Road, Kennedy Park; Stephen Grace, aged 26, who has an address at McGarry House and William Woodland, aged 24, of Shanabooly Road, Ballynanty.

Kiely, Woodland and Dore are each charged with assault causing harm and with possession of a 410 gauge Spanish made double-barrelled breech loading sawn-off shotgun.

Keith Lillis is charged, under the provisions of the Criminal Law Act, with the unlawful possession of the same firearm and with impeding the garda investigation by disposing of the a firearm.

The fifth defendant  Stephen Grace  is accused of setting fire to a gold Suzuki Vitara belonging to the victim shortly after the shooting as well as three charges of acting with the intention of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a suspected offender by moving a vehicle, disposing of keys and a petrol can.

Previously Limerick District Court was told it will be alleged the injured man was phoned and deliberately lured to the area and that he and two associates fled on foot after he was shot.

A double-barrelled sawn-off shotgun and a number of cartridges were seized by gardai in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

The Director of Public Prosecutions previously directed trial on indictment and last week, Sergeant Donal Cronin says books of evidence  each totalling three volumes  had been served on each of the defendants.

Judge Marian OLeary noted this and having issued the alibi warning in each case she formally sent the matter forward for trial at Limerick Circuit Court.

Each of the accused men, who are in custody, were granted legal aid to include the cost of a solicitor and barrister.Russia said on Monday militants had used drones to attack its naval and air bases in Syria on Saturday, Russian news agencies reported.

The Russian Defence Ministry said there were no casualties or damage as a result of the attacks, which involved thirteen armed drones, on its Hmeimim air base and Tartus naval base in western Syria, the agencies reported.

The ministry said last week that two Russian service personnel were killed in a mortar attack on the Hmeimim base on Dec. 31.

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A JUDGE expressed her sympathies with a young Limerick man who caused a car crash, due to the location where it happened.

Paul McMahon, aged 19, of Clonee, Ballyagran, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at ORourkes Cross, Bruree.

Sergeant Donal Cronin said it was a very challenging driving environment.

Sgt Cronin said on February 25, 2017, Mr McMahon was exiting the service station and was caught short with regard to oncoming traffic.

Considerable material damage was done. There is also a personal injury claim. He is a young man with no previous convictions and has no penalty points. He met gardai and co-operated fully. He appreciates his error, said Sgt Cronin.

Judge OLeary said she sympathises with Mr McMahon.

It is a dreadful place to try and get in and out. I know it well. I can sympathise, said Judge OLeary.

Marie Forde, solicitor for Mr McMahon, said her client is a from an excellent family background.

He is driving for three years. He started on tractors. He works full-time. His insurance is 5,000, said Ms Forde.

What will that go to now? asked Judge OLeary.

Ms Forde said: Thats the difficulty. Theres a material damage and injury claim. Judge OLeary fined Mr McMahon 300.WHEN Eamon de Valera was arrested for his role in the 1916 Rising, he was wearing a uniform produced at the old Limerick Clothing Factory on Lord Edward Street.

It was a fact he remarked upon when he later visited the Limerick city site, once labelled the biggest clothes manufacturer in the world.

Generations of Limerick people worked at the factory from the 1850s through to the 1970s. Built in 1853, the manufacturing plant was known worldwide for pioneering mass production techniques and technologies until its closure in 1975.

In 2015, a rejuvenation project was undertaken on the site, creating 80 new social housing units geared towards older people and community facilities.

As new residents start to receive the keys to their new homes, they are also presented with a copy of A Stitch in Time: A History of Limerick Clothing Factory to mark a new beginning for the historic site.

The book is the result of two years of extensive research carried out by independent historian Sharon Slater.

The beginnings of the book came about with the Planning and Development section of the council who were working on the redevelopment of the site, Ms Slater tells the Leader.

Ive worked a lot in Limerick history, especially19th century,that is my key area, so it was really a glove that fit.

What was interesting about the factory even from the earliest days, was that they had set up a conveyor belt system of operation.

Each person who was in the factory had their own job. They only had to train one women, one girl as shed start out, in sewing cuffs. So she didnt need to know how to put a button on. She had one skill and she could learn that one skill quickly.

This was in the really early days of the assembly line, it was quite unique to do it. People would come from all over the world to see it.

It would another 40 years before Henry Ford introduced the assembly line to his factories, according to Ms Slater.

The vast majority of employees at plant were women.

Women had a massive unemployment rate in Limerick, it wasnt normal for women to be working.

So having this income coming in from the daughters, or the sisters or the mothers was a huge bonus to the area, to all of Limerick.

The company itself was founded by businessman Peter Tait and the factorys first secure contract was supplying the British army with uniforms during the Crimean War.

The factory is still associated with Tait, even though he had no association with it during the last 100 years of its existence, Ms Slater explains.

The factory went on to become a major military uniform supplier, even producing the uniform worn by the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.

There was a huge debacle over that.As we look back on that time today, they were arming the bad guys, pretty much, laughs Sharon.

In some parts they were considered almost war criminals, Peter Tait was brought up later on charges by the American government but the case was thrown out.

Material for A Stitch in Time was sourced from multiple depositories, including the national archives of both England and Ireland.

The oral histories of former workers before the closure of the factory were also vitally important, Ms Slater adds.

Theres never just a source in these projects. Like weaving the story together, pulling all the threads and trying to make it mesh.

A Stitch in Time is available from OMahonys and the Celtic Book Shop.ENTERPRISE Ireland, the agency responsible for developing Irish business globally, has revealed a 9% increase of jobs in its Limerick client companies.

A total of 8,269 people are now employed by firms supported by the agency in Limerick alone.

Nationally, a total of 19,332 new jobs were created by companies supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2017.

Some 209,388 people are now employed in companies supported by the agency, the highest total employment achieved in the history of the agency.

Two thirds of the new jobs in 2017 were created were outside Dublin. The west, mid-west and north west saw the largest level of increases at 7% in 2017.

Enterprise Ireland hailed this strong performance as a tribute to the continuing growth of an entrepreneurial climate for start-ups, plus strong jobs growth in various sectors including construction, engineering, life-sciences, digital technology, electronics and food sectors.

Enterprise Ireland chief executive Julie Sinnamon said the figures represent another year of strong performance by our client companies who now employ over 209,000 people and are a barometer of the robust health of Irish businesses. Despite the challenge and uncertainty created by Brexit, Irish companies have continued to grow their global exports, supporting strong job creation across all of the regions of Ireland.

In Limerick, the net change in jobs in the county is 664 last year, when job losses are also taken into account.

In Tipperary, there was an increase of 427 in jobs to 5,907. In Clare, there was a net increase of 136 jobs, up to 3,709.

The highest percentage increase in jobs across the country, 12% was recorded in Co Leitrim, whose Enterprise Ireland backed roles now stand at 559, up 61 from last year.A DRUG addict has admitted using a counterfeit 50 note to buy a DVD worth 1 from a charity shop in Limerick.

Limerick District Court was told Louise Mason, aged 30, who has an address at Larch Court, Kennedy Park tendered the note in an effort to get money to buy heroin after she relapsed and went back on drugs.

Sergeant Donal Cronin, prosecuting, said Ms Mason, who was identified as a suspect from CCTV, entered the store on September 29 last and left with the change having tendered the fake note to a worker.

Judge Marian OLeary heard the money has not been repaid and that the charity remains at a loss.

The defendant made admissions when subsequently questioned about the matter by gardai.

Solicitor Sarah Ryan said her client, who has a number of previous convictions, was accompanied by another person on the day who had asked her to offer the counterfeit note as payment as he believed he would have been apprehended.

She accepts she took part in the enterprise to get heroin. It was due to drug addiction, she said, adding that the 30-year-old accepts the charity shop was a vulnerable target and that her actions were mean.

She said Ms Mason had been off drugs for a considerable period of time but had started taking them again a number of months before the offence.

She has an addiction, she puts up with it, said Ms Ryan, who described her client as a private and quiet individual who says very little to anybody.

Judge OLeary was told the defendant, who has a number of convictions for begging in the city centre, is currently on a methadone programme but is attempting to deal with her addictions on her own without the assistance of any agency.

The judge commented it is obvious that Ms Mason needs some help and she will not be able to do it on her own.

In the circumstances, she adjourned the matter to later this month to facilitate the preparation of a pre-sanctioned probation report.

This, she said, would determine what penalty she will impose.SOME OF Limericks up-and-coming researchers will travel to the capital this week to showcase their scientific research to the masses at the prestigious BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

Students from 18 secondary schools across the city and county will commence their presentations for judges and some science fanatics this Wednesday for the four-day event at Dublin's RDS.

More than 50 local students will cover the science, technology, engineering and maths spectrum at the exhibition.

The categories include technology; chemical, physical and mathematical sciences; biological and ecological; and social and behavioural sciences.

Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh principal Donncha OTreasaigh, whose students have been involved in the exhibition for 11 years, said that is a great achievement for Limerick schools to get involved.

Its always a great start to the New Year when you have so many students involved in a competition that is so prestigious as the BT Young Scientists. They have had thousands of entries and they accept just over 500 projects, he said.

One group of fact-checkers at Colaiste Iosef, Kilmallock will present their fake news algorithm, entitled Filter, in a bid to better educate people on current affairs.

Castletroy College will showcase a rugby helmet that can detect a concussion, which then notifies the team doctor.

Students at Laurel Hill Secondary School have developed a device, called Baby on Board, that alerts parents if they have left their child in their car by accident to prevent hot car deaths.

And a group of young researchers at John the Baptist Community School hope to find a link between late-life depression and Alzheimers disease.

Noel Kelly, Colaiste Iosef principal said that students have been working very hard and show great enthusiasm in exploring their chosen subjects.

The BT Young Scientist exhibition is expecting a footfall of more than 50,000 visitors, with 82 judges examining 1,100 students projects, from January 10 to 13.

There will also be special events including a Q&A with an astronaut in training, a 3D space journey, the popular World of Robots show, and many more.

Tickets are available online, costing 6 for students, 12 for adults and 25 for a family pass which includes two adults and two children. For more info, visit btyoungscientist.com.

- The most recent edition of the Limerick Leader broadsheet (in shops now and available as e-paper) features a two page spread on some of the schools taking part in this week's exhibitionLIMERICK gardai have confirmed that they are treating the location of the discovery of Martin Clancy's body as a crime scene.

Gardai have been granted a further 48 hours to examine the apartment where the body of the man in his 40s was found.

The body of Martin Clancy, 45, was discovered in his upstairs flat on Little OCurry Street on Sunday evening.

The body was removed to University Hospital Limerick at 3pm for a post-mortem examination, following a preliminary examination carried out by State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy.

Since 6.30pm on Sunday, gardai have preserved the scene and have cordoned off Little OCurry Street, on both OCurry Street and Windmill Street.

There is a visible presence of gardai in the surrounding area, including Henry Street, where a number of locals and businesspeople are being contacted in connection with the death.

Following the discovery of the body, there has been widespread shock felt by the community.

Daniel Nedelcu, pictured below, who resides downstairs in the same building, said that the body was first discovered by a woman, who knew Mr Clancy, between 5pm and 6pm on Sunday.

The 50-year-old said that he last spoke to Mr Clancy when he asked him to mind his apartment while he was attending his mothers funeral in Romania in late December.

He said that he had known Martin Clancy since he moved into the flat two months ago.

When he arrived home at Little OCurry Street on January 5, he noticed that Mr Clancy was not at home, but could hear his dog barking.

He said that he fed Mr Clancys dog that evening and returned to his apartment downstairs. Mr Nedelcu said that on Sunday, two woman arrived outside the building, looking to speak to Mr Clancy.

He said that the two women told him that they were trying to contact him for the last few days and he doesnt answer.

He said that one woman entered Mr Clancys flat, where she discovered his body.

An Garda Siochana and the National Ambulance Service later arrived at the scene.

Gardai at Henry Street are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the discovery and have been at the scene since around 6pm on Sunday.

Garda are appealing for witnesses or to anyone who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious in or around Little O'Curry Street to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061-212400, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800-666111 or any Garda Station.THE State has been given additional time to secure directions in the case of a man who is accused of raping a woman in Limerick.

The 29-year-old defendant, who is originally from Romania, is accused of raping the woman at an address in Dooradoyle on September 9, last.

Concerns were expressed last month that the State was not doing its best to progress the case with solicitor Ted McCarthy pointing out that his client has been in custody since he was charged.

While he was previously granted bail, the defendant has not been in a position to take it up and remains in custody.

During a review of the case in early December, Mr McCarthy raised concerns about the delay in securing directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Limerick District Court was told the charge was quite complex and that there was a forensic element to the investigation which takes time.

Its a very modest and short period of time in investigative terms, said Sergeant Donal Cronin at the time.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the delay, Mr McCarthy submitted the State was not being sympathetic towards his client who, he said, enjoys the presumption of innocence.

The State is obviously not doing its best, he said, submitting delays of three or four months should not be allowed.

During a review of the case in recent days, Judge OLeary was told directions were still not available.

Sgt Cronin insisted the matter is being progressed as quickly as possible. Quite a lot of work has been done on it, he said.

Mr McCarthy reiterated his concerns again pointing out that his client remains in custody  four months after the offence is alleged to have occurred.

The matter has been adjourned for further review later this month.Stock Market News

Europe open: Stocks add to gains as analysts debate outlook 08-01-2018 09:56



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.ukStock Market News

FTSE 250 movers: TP Icap lower after new purchase; Babcock steams ahead 08-01-2018 13:44



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.ukFive Muslim rebels and a soldier were killed during a weekend ground and air assault by Philippines security forces on militants supportive of the Islamic State group in a restive southern region, the military said Monday.

The Philippine army pounded some 50 militants with artillery in a five-hour attack on the island of Mindanao Saturday, according to regional military spokesman Captain Arvin Encinas.

One soldier and at least five members of the rebel Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in the clash, he said, adding that while small and fragmented the militant group was a threat in the region.

"They have enough people to conduct atrocities, and they are actively recruiting," he said.

The Muslim minority of the mainly Catholic Philippines considers Mindanao as its homeland. Decades of armed rebellion in the region has claimed more than 100,000 lives by official estimates.

Last year another group pledging allegiance to IS occupied the Mindanao city of Marawi and fought a bloody conflict with US-backed Philippine government forces for five months, leaving more than 1,100 people dead.

In response to that violence, President Rodrigo Duterte put Mindanao under until the end of 2018.

But sporadic fighting has continued as a network of rebel groups operating on the island splinters, even after the main militant organisation the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) engaged in peace talks.

Short link:

Stock Market News

Shanta Gold appoints Luke Leslie as CFO 08-01-2018 10:21



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.ukStock Market News

Solo Oil looking forward to second Tanzania well 08-01-2018 15:52



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.ukA fire broke out at Trump Tower in midtown Manhattan, but there were no injuries reported, NBC News and CBS News said on Monday.

U.S. President Donald Trump was in Washington at the time.

Short link:

Out of the $190 million, 75% will be financed through a non-recourse project debt from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.



The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency is covering the remaining 25% of the projects cost which is financed with equity capital.



Construction of the three power plants will begin in Q1 2018 and the projects will be operational by Q4 2018.



We are very excited that our first projects in Egypt have not only achieved financial close but are three photovoltaic power plants supporting the Egyptian government in its pursuit of securing 20% of renewable energy in the power generation mix by year 2022, Paddy Padmanathan, president & CEO of ACWA Power said.



The projects will power 80,000 houses and will save 156,000 tons of CO2 per year, the company said.



ACWA Power is partnering with the Chinese group Chint and the Egyptian groups Tawakol and Hassan Allam Holding, two of the most reputable local companies in Egypt on the project, highlighting the companys commitment and belief in the Egyptian Market, the press release read.



ACWA Power is also contracted for other energy development projects in Egypt, including the Dairut 2250 MW combined-cycle gas turbine power plant, and a series of more than 500 MW wind projects and 1 GW of photovoltaic projects.

Short link:

The state Fair Political Practices Commission is recommending that AC Transit Director Mark Williams be fined $60,000 for failing to file legally required campaign finance reports for five years.

The commission, which enforces the states campaign finance laws, will consider imposing the judgment at its Jan. 18 meeting.

Typically, an officeholder or candidate and the FPPC staff will negotiate a settlement when investigators find a finance law has been violated. But Williams had not responded to 14 notices to contact the commission.

Attempts by The Chronicle to reach Williams on Monday also were unsuccessful.

Williams, 31, of Castro Valley, was elected to the AC Transit board in 2010, representing Ward 4, which includes Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, San Lorenzo and parts of Hayward and San Leandro. He was re-elected in 2014, capturing 58.1 percent of the vote.

He serves on the boards external affairs committee, according to the transit districts website, and serves on the City of San Leandro Redevelopment Successor Agency Oversight Board, The American Public Transportation Association Transit Board Members Committee and the Transit Board Members Legislative Subcommittee.

In a 108-page order, the commission found that Williams failed to file 10 semi-annual disclosure statements that report how campaign funds are raised and spent. He also failed to file two additional reports during his 2014 re-election campaign.

The failure to comply with these obligations denied the public important information regarding contributions and expenditures made in support of a candidate before the election, the order concluded.

In Williams last filed report, at the end of 2010, his campaign had $6,297.

The recommended fine is the maximum allowed under the law  $5,000 for each violation.

This goes to the heart of California campaign finance law, said spokesman Jay Wierenga, referring to the mission of the commission. People are supposed to be able to see how candidates are raising and spending their money.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuanFormer FourWinds Logistics CEO Stan Bates pleaded guilty Monday to eight felony charges, including securities fraud and money laundering, in the criminal case where hes a co-defendant with state Sen. Carlos Uresti.

Bates surprise guilty plea came Monday at a hearing where his attorney was slated to ask U.S. Senior District Judge David Alan Ezra that Bates be tried separately from Uresti and the other defendant, Gary Cain. The three men were arrested in May and charged with a combined 22 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, in connection with their work with FourWinds.

Ive had better days, a glum-looking Bates said before entering a guilty plea.

Ezra told the court that Bates changed his mind two minutes prior to the hearing. Bates didnt strike a deal with federal prosecutors as part of his guilty plea. He remains free on bond pending his sentencing on April 17.

The United States respects Mr. Bates decision to take full responsibility for his actions, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Blackwell said after the guilty plea was entered, declining further comment.

Bates could still testify against Uresti and Cain at their trial, which is scheduled to start with jury selection on Jan. 18.

The three are accused of defrauding investors in the failed oil field services company, which bought and sold sand used in fracking to extract oil and gas from shale rock.

Kurt May, Bates public defender, declined to comment, so it couldnt be determined what led to Bates decision not to fight the charges.

Bates faces decades in prison and fines of up to $250,000 on most of the individual charges and up to $5 million on each of the two charges of securities fraud. He also may have to pay back any ill-gotten gains.

In federal court, taking responsibility for your crime is a big deal and can persuade judges to either stay within the (sentencing) guidelines or deviate lower from the guidelines, said San Antonio defense lawyer Miguel Najera, who is not involved in the case. It may be that they figured any plea deal would be harsh anyway that by throwing themselves at the mercy of the court, they may get a little sympathy from the judge. Judges arent required to follow the federal sentencing guidelines.

What impact Bates guilty plea will have on Uresti is unclear.

Patrick Danner is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | pdanner@express-news.net | @AlamoPDFormer San Antonio TV anchorwoman Ainsley Earhardt, now a co-host on Fox News Channels signature morning news block Fox & Friends, has a starring role in a new Stephen Colbert Showtime series  well, sort of.

Earhardt, who drew killer ratings here when she co-anchored the morning news on KENS from 2005 to 2007, has been animated for the new half-hour cartoon comedy that lampoons the Trump administration. Shell be featured alongside animated versions of her co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade.

RELATED: San Antonio weather TV vet Albert Flores exits WOAI

"Our Cartoon President" is set in a virtual White House. It's co-executive produced by Colbert and reflects the far-from-flattering opinions of the president he shares nightly on his CBS "Late Show." The 10-episode series bows at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 on Showtime.

Saturday, Colbert showed television critics the trailer. Although Earhardt and the gang weren't on hand to comment, their animated versions react positively to the show at the end of the preview clip.

Im just glad Showtime is getting out of the smut business! Doocy opines approvingly.

With a show that funny, who needs affordable health care! Kilmeade adds.

Smiling from ear to ear, the cartoon Earhardt agreees: Not me!

Will the famously right-leaning Fox News team be regulars on the show? Colbert and fellow executive producer R. J. Fried said yes.

Theyre very much a part of the White House, we believe, Fried said.

RELATED: San Antonio native's TV soap still sinfully strong

I think theyre the very first image of the first episode, Colbert said.

We have a president who is hyper-interested in television, and so those characters and Hannity, Maddow, Anderson Cooper, Wolf Blitzer, they will all make appearances, but perhaps none more than Fox & Friends. It appears to be his favorite show, Fried said.

As for who voices the trio, Colbert couldnt recall off the top of his head. People do multiple voices.

Colbert then quipped: I think we actually got Steve Doocy and Ainsley and the brown-haired guy whos not Doocy to do it.

We have a really wonderful cast of people, but. . .I think Jeff Bergmans Trump is what centers the whole thing, Fried said.

Trump, naturally, is the lead, but the show is not just about him. It also portrays the interpersonal relationships of the people around the president. The relationships you imagine they have  animated  which I think at this point is the only way to truly accurately capture what it must be like to be inside the White House. I think Michael Wolff stole all ten of our episodes to write that damn book of his because theres nothing in that book thats not in our show, Colbert quipped.

RELATED: Two more leave San Antonio TV in year-end exodus

Colbert and Fried looked at hundreds of different Trump impressions, before deciding on Bergman. A highly respected voice-over artist/actor and cartoon impressionist, Bergman has provided voices of various classic cartoon characters, including Bugs Bunny, after Mel Blanc died in 1989.

We felt like his (Trump) was the most real and had the most humanity within it, Fried explained..

Each episode will reflect up-to-the-minute White House news, Fried said, on top of more fleshed-out interactions amid the players. These include Trumps wife, Melania, his children, his staff and others. .

This show is a combination of long-term narrative and also has what were going to do is have a cold open scene. (Thats) something that were going to animate that week  and, hopefully, update it right up until airtime. So, yes, the news cycle will certainly be a part of the show, but, as Stephen said, its about relationships. Its about the narrative of the White House. And we want people who watch this show months from now to still look back and enjoy it as well.

RELATED: S.A. native Carol Burnett to Jennifer Aniston: You're kinky!

Texas also will be represented. Sen. Ted Cruz will be animated and voiced, thanks to a brilliant performance by James Adomian, who is genius and always delivers amazing characters, Fried said.

When one critic worried that such a comedic cartoon would somehow cutify or normalize the president and his administration, Colbert promised that wouldnt happen.

I dont think were complimenting him, Colbert said. And I dont think theres anything normal about his behavior as a cartoon. And I think that the subjects were picking are dark enough that they reflect the stakes of truly cartoonish behavior in the actual 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

That why we want to include the topical things. . .to keep reminding the audience that, while were doing a comedy and its always going to be comedy, and its a cartoon, this behavior is really not what you want in the White House. And the stakes are reminded by the topical pieces well be putting in.

Jeanne Jakles column appears Thursdays and Sundays in mySA. Read more of her columns here. | jjakle@express-news.net | @JakleJLike many of his peers, James Franco turned up at the Golden Globe Awards Sunday night wearing the black-and-white pin to support the evening's Times' Up anti-sexual harassment message.

But shortly after winning best actor for "The Disaster Artist," the actor's name was lighting up Twitter - and not just because some people were annoyed that he didn't let Tommy Wiseau, the eccentric director and inspiration behind his "Disaster Artist" performance, speak.

Actress Ally Sheedy found Franco's presence upsetting enough that she tweeted about it. Her tweets were cryptic, and she quickly deleted them after they gained notice by Vanity Fair and other publications, but they hinted at something sinister. People wondered if she was referring to anything related to the ceremony's theme around combatting sexual harassment and inequality in Hollywood and in other professions.

One of Sheedy's tweets read, "James Franco just won. Please never ever ask me why I left the film/tv business." A tweet from her earlier in the night also referenced a problem with Franco's presence. It read, "Why is a man hosting? Why is James Franco allowed in? Said too much."

Many users retweeted and replied to the messages, which they took to imply that the "Breakfast Club" star was accusing the actor of some sort of sexual misconduct.

Franco in 2014 directed Sheedy in an Off-Broadway production of "The Long Shrift," Vulture reported. But there is nothing in her tweet that indicated she was referring to that experience. The Cut and other publications reached out to the actress for comment.

Others on Twitter wondered if Sheedy's comments referred to headlines Franco made, also in 2014, for reportedly trying to arrange a meet-up with a 17-year-old girl at a New York hotel.

Franco, 39, had tried to contact the girl, visiting New York City from Scotland, via social media after encountering her outside his Broadway production of "Of Mice and Men," the Business Insider reported. He allegedly offered to rent a room to spend time with the "almost 18"-year-old.

After the girl went public with their online exchange, Franco appeared on "Live With Kelly & Michael" and acknowledged he had messaged her. He said that he was "embarrassed," had "used bad judgment" and that "social media is tricky," Fox News reported.

He also posted a semi-joking tweet, saying he hoped that parents would "keep their teens away from me," the Business Insider said. That same year he also shared a nearly nude image on Instagram that showed him posing with his underwear pulled low and his hand in the waistband.

But in the wake of the nation's post-Harvey Weinstein reckoning with sexual harassment in Hollywood - and the #MeToo theme of Sunday night's Golden Globes - many women Sunday on Twitter cried foul over Franco's "bad judgment" excuse over the incident with the teen girl, as well as his unspecified actions regarding other issues.

Feminist writer Jessica Valenti wrote:

"Whatever I still remember James Franco trying to pick up a teenager on Instagram."

BuzzFeed News culture writer Anne Helen Peterson added:

"quick ask Franco about the difference between skeezing on undergrads and sexual harassment."

BuzzFeed News senior tech writer Doree Shafrir was among those who pointed out some kind of irony in Franco wearing the pin celebrating the Time's Up initiative.

"It's rich of James Franco to be wearing a Time's Up pin," she wrote.

Actress Sarah Tither-Kaplan also had a problem with Franco wearing the Time's Up pin, suggesting that Franco exploited her when she agreed to appear nude in two unnamed films she did for him.

"Hey James Franco, nice #timesup pin at the #GoldenGlobes, remember a few weeks ago when you told me the full nudity you had me do in two of your movies for $100/day wasn't exploitative because I signed a contract to do it? Time's up on that!" she wrote.

When another user suggested to Tither-Kaplan that she had no right to complain about doing the nude scenes after she signed a contract, Tither-Kaplan responded that the Time's Up initiative is designed to fight abuses of power by male directors and producers. She suggested that this is what happened with Franco:

"Sweetheart, the movement is about abuse of power, not just sexual abuse. If you don't know what it's like to be a struggling actor and how people in power take advantage of women in the industry, then educate yourself. Sending love," she wrote.

"I have to think about how I'm going to be able to afford to feed myself and pay rent before I turn down any job.

"If a famous actor who has the ability to make or break my career with the snap of his fingers offers me a part, I don't have bargaining power. I need work. I need to eat. I need a career. I can't afford to say 'no.'

"And if I do say 'no' to an offer, or even try to negotiate for myself, I risk getting labeled as 'difficult,' 'ungrateful,' a 'diva,' and never getting another opportunity again.

"I hope that the system of exploiting people under the guise of giving them opportunities changes now that #TIMESUP, but only time will tell if it does."San Antonio Coffee Festival organizers are reading and listening to scathing customer complaints of long lines, dried up vendors and cramped spaces after the event brought in an unprecedented amount of visitors on Saturday.

The free event, hosted at La Villita, celebrated its 6th year with 25 vendors  an increase from last year's 14  and more space, but founder Linda Brewster said that still wasn't enough to accommodate the three-fold increase in visitors.

"We were astonished," Brewster added. "This was year 6, we've never had that outpouring. We thought were were going to be kind of empty, honestly."

RELATED: San Antonio Coffee Festival heading to La Villita

Posts on the event's Facebook page roasted the festival for being "poorly planned," "disastrous" and "disappointing."

The festival, which was scheduled to last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., had to stop accepting $5 coffee flight purchases around 1:30, according to Facebook posts and Brewster.

Brewster said the organizers collectively made the "sad decision" to stop accepting new attendees to "preserve" the experience for guests who were already on the grounds.

Brewster said she didn't change much of her marketing plan this year, so she's unsure what caused the sharp uptick in attendance, especially after seeing a "slow growth" over the past five years.

"We just thought we were totally covered," she said.

Still, she does see a positive. Brewster said the increased interest is a sign San Antonio is quickly growing its coffee culture and matching that of places like Austin and Houston.

RELATED: Photos: San Antonio Coffee Festival delights La Villita with local brews, entertainment

And though the founder and her team has not made any "firm decisions" on what will happen next year  whether that means limiting tickets or changing venues they are aware of the discontent.

"We are dedicated and committed to listening to people and we have a list of problems, we know what we want to improve," she said. "We understand that it's time to grow it up and that's a good place to be at."

Read some of the reactions in the gallery above.

Madalyn Mendoza is a digital reporter for MySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| mmendoza@mysa.com | Twitter: @MaddySkyeThe sexual advances began within the first three months of her new job with Dimmit County, Maria Luisa Perez said.

"I think it happens more than people think," Perez, 54, said. "I have to say I never thought I would be in this position, this predicament. But it happened."

A settlement was recently reached after Perez alleged that Eloy Rodriguez, the county's regulatory and compliance director, sexually harassed her. Perez started working for Dimmit County in April 2016 as the events coordinator. A year later, in June, she filed a sexual harassment complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Rodriguez, who was her supervisor.

RELATED: Zapata official accused of sexual misconduct kissed women on the neck, reports say

It had grown to the point, Perez said, where she was uncomfortable going to work because of the lewd comments made by Rodriguez a daily basis. Perez said Rodriguez asked her to expose herself and on several occasions made indecorous comments about her salary, insinuating she wouldn't receive a raise without engaging in sexual acts with him.

"He would tell me, 'well you're not getting a raise Ms. Perez because you're not doing me yet,'" Perez said. "The tipping point for me was when he said, 'I'm going to rape you, you're going to love it and I feel in my heart that you won't tell on me.' That was back in January 2017."

A phone number for Rodriguez could not be located. He is no longer employed at the county. Dimmit County Attorney Daniel Gonzalez declined to comment.

Perez said she had told Rodriguez to stop multiple times, however, the comments continued.

"I just had enough. I was emotionally drained. I couldn't sleep, just wondering what action can I take, this is not right, I feel powerless not having any type of control because he's my superior," she said.

READ MORE: Local law enforcement raids three maquinitas, home in north Laredo

Before she brought the allegations to the human resources department, Perez went to the Texas Rangers. She inquired about the legalities of recording a conversation.

"We're such a small community that I really didn't know who to trust. I knew that it was going to come down to my word against his word," she said. "He had been there for about 15 years. Who am I? I'm just coming in."

Perez said she was able to record Rodriguez making an inappropriate comment.

When Perez met with a human resources employee, who happened to be her cousin, she said she was told to not rock the boat or she would be blackballed and have difficulty finding another job. Perez moved forward nonetheless.

RELATED: Rape records shed light on TAMIU sexual assault incidents

"And now I know how it really feels," she said. "How there's a lot of women that hold back and not saying anything because yes they feel hopeless, 'I need my job. What am I going to do?' They fear retaliation. They fear being blackballed, not being able to find another employment, tainting their professionalism, their career.

""I just want women to know that they do have a voice and they can be heard. They shouldn't feel ashamed because they've done nothing wrong and there are laws that protect the victims."

As of December, Perez no longer works for the Dimmit County.A man has been arrested for allegedly having improper communication with a juror during his murder trial in December.

Michael Molina, 26, was arrested Wednesday on two counts of improper influence, according to Webb County Sheriff's Office records. The charge is a Class A misdemeanor punishable with up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

The Webb County District Attorney's Office and Molina's attorney, Jose Tellez Jr., declined to comment on the allegations Wednesday.

READ MORE: Home raided as part of maquinita investigation belonged to UISD football coach

Molina was charged with murder in connection to the shooting of 19-year-old Rodolfo M. "Rudy" Garza in 2015.

Mistrial

His trial began Dec. 11 with jury selection. The following day, before opening statements, the courtroom was sealed off to the public so jurors could be questioned individually, the court's docket states.

49th District Court Judge Jose Lopez declared a mistrial in the case after Molina allegedly contacted a family member of a juror during the trial. Court records state that he contacted an unnamed person outside of the courtroom. That person then communicated with a sister of one of the jurors. In turn, she contacted the juror in question, records state.

The defense asked the court to issue a subpoena for the person who was allegedly contacted by Molina and a motion for mistrial was granted at the urge of the defense, the court docket states. Molina was admonished and reminded that cellphone use is prohibited during the trial, including breaks, according to the docket.

Also, a request to revoke Molina's bond was denied by the court. A new trial date is set for March 5.

Murder case

Laredo police said the homicide case unfolded at around midnight July 3, 2015, when officers responded to an injured person report in the 2000 block of Mallorca Drive.

First responders discovered that Garza had been shot in the head. He was rushed to a local hospital and later taken to San Antonio, where he died.

Molina was seen running from the scene, according to court documents. He was the last person to see Garza, records state.

RELATED: Mall del Norte store employee accused of embezzling money to pay child support

Police detained Molina after a lookout was issued.

Molina told LPD that he was inside Garza's room playing Xbox when he learned that he was missing and later found shot in the backyard, the complaint states.

"Molina stated that he went to give (Garza) chest compressions and provide medical aid until the paramedics took over," according to the document.

His statement contradicted what Garza's mother told police, according to LPD. He also denied owning a firearm.

Molina could not explain to police a box of shotgun shells that were found by detectives in his black gym bag. The bag was located in a living room in the 2000 block of Mallorca.

In addition, Molina had no explanation for an empty gun case found inside of his room and two boxes of live ammo for a .22-caliber, which was the same make and model found at the crime scene, according to police.

READ MORE: Woman in South Laredo struck by stray bullet on New Year's Eve

"Molina stated that the ammo was old and that he got it in 2012 during the Zombie Apocalypse era," the complaint states.

Police said they recovered a .22-caliber semi-handgun and a cut-off shotgun in the attic of Molina's parent's home in the 2000 block of Mallorca.

The complaint states that the .22-caliber firearm could have been used in the homicide.

Joana Santillana may be reached at 956-728-2528 or jsantillana@lmtonline.com8:08 All right: Signing off now. Time to do the actual writing of the GLOBES story. Look back here in about an hour. And to anyone who has been reading along, let me say it has been a pleasure and a distinct sensation. Goodnight.

8:07 Wow. Three Billboards wins best picture, drama. All right, there we go. I said it six minutes ago, and now its even more true. The strength of this movie is the story of the night and the surprise.

8:04 Seen at the Golden Globes: Tonya Harding gives Barbra Streisand a standing ovation.

8:01: Frances McDormand wins best actress in a drama for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: She praises the Hollywood Foreign Press for managing to elect a female president. (Thats a tequila shot for sure.) The strength of this movie is the story of the night.

8:00: Wow: Isabelle Huppert is there.

7:51: Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis present actor in a drama: And the winner is Gary Oldman. As it should be. For The Darkest Hour. Thanks Kristin Scott Thomas as Clementine Churchill for putting up with all those awful cigars. Thanks his wife who told people, I got to bed with Winston Churchill, but I wake up with Gary Oldman. Says that his movie shows that words can change the world, and Boy, oh, boy can it use some changing. If we were doing the Trump drinking game, would that count?

7:44 Best picture musical or comedy: Lady Bird wins. Wrong choice. It should be I, TONYA.

7:37: One Good Thing About This Show: None of the song nominees were sung. Oscars take note.

7:34: Best actress in a musical or comedy: Presented by Jessica Chastain and a tall Australian actor. Saoirse Ronan wins for Lady Bird.

7:28 BIG LITTLE LIES: Best TV movies or limited series.

7:27 Oprahs speech: For two or three seconds after, people thought maybe Trump wasnt president anymore.

7:25 Greta Gerwig introduces her own movie, LADY BIRD: This is a director with a future.

7:19 Guillermo del Toro wins best director: For The Shape of Water. Says directors trade three years of their life for one entry on IMDB. These movies are their life. As the music comes in to cut him off: Lower the music guys, he says. Its been 25 years. Give me a minute. Also says, Somewhere Lon Chaney is smiling at us. And no, he doesnt mean Lon Chaney Jr.

7:08 Reese Witherspoon presents Oprah Winfrey with the Cecil B. DeMille Award: Oprah pays tribute to Sidney Poitier, who inspired her when she was a little girl, watching him win best actor for LILIES OF THE FIELD. We all know that the press is under siege these days. Pays tribute to the press. I value the press as never before, as we navigate ... these times. Also pays tribute to the #MeToo movement. This year we became the story.

6:53 Halle Berry: Seriously under-used actress. She should be hitting her stride right now, not limping from one bad X-Men movie to another. (Even if theyre good, who cares, in terms of what Halle Berry can actually do on screen?)

6:46 The Golden Globes used to be fun: Remember? Theyd all sit there and get drunk? Now its the mini-Oscars. Just a few years ago, in fact, they didnt even broadcast the Globes live on the West Coast. Once I wrote about them on deadline by having my mother, in New York, leave the phone in front of the TV. In recent years, unfortunately, they have to be regarded as important, and that has been the kiss of death.

6:42 In the Fade win best foreign film: Interesting choice. From Germany. Not the usual art film. More or less a thriller, about a woman (Diane Kruger) whose husband and child are killed in a terrorist attack, and so she starts figuring out how to get back at the terrorists.

6:36 Martin McDonagh wins best screenplay: For Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. This is good to see. I didnt expect this movie, which I really liked and put in my top 10, to get much traction at awards time. It seemed too tough and arch to get widespread support. Its good to be wrong sometimes. If I were wrong about the prospects of This is me, it would be even better.

6:33: Wow. Kirk Douglas: Catherine Zeta Jones, his daughter-in-law, pays tribute to his breaking of the blacklist 58 years ago. What a great actor  and a great movie star. By the way, at one point, they cut to a close-up of Christopher Plummer in the audience and he suddenly looked like a young guy.

6:29: ALLISON JANNEY wins supporting actress for I, TONYA: And comes to the stage to the accompaniment of (SHES JUST A) DEVIL WOMAN. Very appropriate considering the role she played. She thanks Tonya Harding. Says this is a movie about class in America. It sure is. Janney is great in the film. The best guess is that she is going to walk very easily toward an Oscar nomination and to, most likely, a victory.

6:21: COCO wins best animated film.

6:19: Allison Janney has a fake bird on her shoulder: A reference to her role in I, TONYA. Very funny.

6:16: More TV stuff. Laura Dern wins for BIG LITTLE LIES. Supporting actress.

6:12: Oscar Rumination #1: Just for the record, Franco winning best actor for THE DISASTER ARTIST isnt going to mean anything in terms of the Oscars  he probably wont even be nominated. The winner in the musical or comedy category is usually not a factor.

6:09: James Franco wins best actor in a musical or comedy: For The Disaster Artist. And brings onstage Tommy Wiseau, the man he mercilessly imitates in the movie.

6:01: THIS IS ME wins best song: I love it. This is not only the worst song nominated; its the worst song in The Greatest Showman. And serious, that is saying something. This song is so dreadful I knew when I heard it that it would win all kinds of awards.

5:58: Alexander Desplat wins best score for SHAPE OF WATER.

5:55: Alexander Skarsgard wins for something. Oh, yeah, BIG LITTLE LIES: Looking forward to the movie stuff. In the meantime, Skarsgard wins supporting actor. Says working with Nicole Kidman was the greatest experience of his career.

5:46: Best drama TV: THE HANDMAIDS TALE : The shows creator thanks everyone in the country whos doing everything they can to keep THE HANDMAIDS TALE from becoming real. Nice and succinct and we get the point.

5:43: Sterling K. Brown wins: My wife taught him acting at Stanford, when he was a freshman, and tells me his talent was unmistakable then.

5:37: Political speeches: So far, everybody seems obligated to turn their win into a political speech, or at least to relate their victory to the issue of women in the workplace or to the importance of telling womens stories. These are worthy causes and sentiments, and in the case of Elisabeth Moss and THE HANDMAIDS TALE, the connections are real. But it would be a regrettable byproduct of the age of Trump if the left were to become suddenly and completely humorless and self-serious. In any case, it would make for a very long night. And a very long awards season.

5:31: Elisabeth Moss wins for TVs THE HANDMAIDS TALE: Best actress in a TV series, drama. Margaret Atwood, this is for you . . . Talks about the importance of womens stories. Carol Burnett and Jennifer Aniston presented.

5:26: A tribute to THE GREATEST SHOWMAN: Wow, is this bad. So, so bad. Soooo bad.

5:18 Best supporting actor: Now this is good news. Sam Rockwell wins for THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSISDE EBBING, MISSOURI. Rockwell is a GREAT actor, and until this minute, I wasnt altogether sure that anyone else knew it. Its nice to be in a movie that people see, he says. I had no idea Bill Esper was his acting teacher  Rockwell just thanked him.

5:10 Seth Meyers Monologue: My original idea was to create a drinking game, where I drink a shot of Tequila every time someone makes a veiled or overt reference to Trump. Good thing I didnt. There were four references in Meyers monologue alone.

4:36 Pre-Show Arrivals: All right. Im vaguely watching the annual exercise in weird priorities and spiritual error known as the Golden Globes receiving line. Ill be live-blogging from 5 p.m. on, commenting on the winners, the nominees and counting how many veiled thinly-references are made to Donald Trump. Last year Meryl Streep stole the show when she devoted her speech to criticizing Trumps mocking of a handicapped person. Lets see who tries to top that.

 Mick LaSalleAt least four ducks have been shot with arrows in a Pearland neighborhood since Christmas Eve, and one resident has documented the incidents and rescued two of the ducks.

Julie Dalton has encountered all four Muscovy ducks, with arrows sticking out of their bodies, at her home in the West Oaks subdivision.

Dalton said she saw two injured ducks on Dec. 24, another that was very badly injured on Dec. 31, and a fourth on Jan. 3.

"What kind of jackass does that?" she said.

On Dec. 24, two ducks approached her yard with arrows sticking out of their bodies.

SHOCKING: Dogs allegedly tortured in 'worst' case out of Midland, Texas

A male duck had an arrow in its wing, and possibly in its body through the wing, and a female duck had an arrow in the upper part of its thigh, Dalton said.

Dalton made several phone calls to find someone who could help the ducks, then Pearland Animal Control officers arrived and attempted to help catch them. The male duck flapped its wing and the arrow came out, but the female got away with the arrow still there, Dalton said.

On Dec. 31, Dalton found another female duck shot twice in the leg and unable to use its foot.

"Instead she was dragging it around as she hopped on the other leg, and she would occasionally fall down," Dalton said. "Heartbreaking."

Dalton began posting about the injured ducks on Nextdoor and Facebook, and she said many residents in the neighborhood are now on the lookout for a perpetrator.

On Jan. 1, the two injured female ducks were at Dalton's home, and by Jan. 2 other ducks were starting to peck at the female that was unable to walk.

On Jan. 3, a new injured male arrived at Dalton's home. She and her father, who lives next door, were able to capture that duck and the seriously injured female and transport them to the Wildlife Center of Texas, which rescues and rehabilitates injured animals.

Dalton said she's filed reports with the Pearland Police Department and is hoping someone is able to identify the person shooting the ducks.

"This is not someone who hunts animals, this is someone who just enjoys hurting them," Dalton said.

Pearland Police Officer Jason Wells said residents of Pearland are legally allowed to trap and remove ducks on their own property, but removal should be done in a humane fashion.

He said police and animal control officers are patrolling the West Oaks neighborhood, looking into the possible animal cruelty case. "Injuring animals is not humane," he said.

Any resident who needs assistance removing ducks from private property may call Animal Control at 281-652-1970. The City of Pearland offers duck removal services free of charge.

Dana Burke is a digital reporter at Chron.com. You can read more of her stories here and follow her on Twitter at @danapburke.CHONGQING, China - For 40-year-old Mao Ya, the facial recognition camera that allows access to her apartment house is simply a useful convenience.

"If I am carrying shopping bags in both hands, I just have to look ahead and the door swings open," she said. "And my 5-year-old daughter can just look up at the camera and get in. It's good for kids because they often lose their keys."

But for the police, the cameras that replaced the residents' old entry cards serve quite a different purpose.

Now they can see who's coming and going, and by combining artificial intelligence with a huge national bank of photos, the system in this pilot project should enable police to identify what one police report, shared with The Washington Post, called the "bad guys" who once might have slipped by.

Facial recognition is the new hot tech topic in China. Banks, airports, hotels and even public toilets are all trying to verify people's identities by analyzing their faces. But the police and security state have been the most enthusiastic about embracing this new technology.

The pilot in Chongqing forms one tiny part of an ambitious plan, known as "Xue Liang," which can be translated as "Sharp Eyes." The intent is to connect the security cameras that already scan roads, shopping malls and transport hubs with private cameras on compounds and buildings, and integrate them into one nationwide surveillance and data-sharing platform.

It will use facial recognition and artificial intelligence to analyze and understand the mountain of incoming video evidence; to track suspects, spot suspicious behaviors and even predict crime; to coordinate the work of emergency services; and to monitor the comings and goings of the country's 1.4 billion people, official documents and security industry reports show.

At the back end, these efforts merge with a vast database of information on every citizen, a "Police Cloud" that aims to scoop up such data as criminal and medical records, travel bookings, online purchase and even social media comments - and link it to everyone's identity card and face.

A goal of all of these interlocking efforts: to track where people are, what they are up to, what they believe and who they associate with - and ultimately even to assign them a single "social credit" score based on whether the government and their fellow citizens consider them trustworthy.

At this housing complex in Chongqing, "90 percent of the crime is caused by the 10 percent of people who are not registered residents," the police report said. "With facial recognition we can recognize strangers, analyze their entry and exit times, see who spends the night here, and how many times. We can identify suspicious people from among the population."

Adrian Zenz, a German academic who has researched ethnic policy and the security state in China's western province of Xinjiang, said the government craves omnipotence over a vast, complex and restive population.

"Surveillance technologies are giving the government a sense that it can finally achieve the level of control over people's lives that it aspires to," he said.

In this effort, the Chinese government is working hand-in-glove with the country's tech industry, from established giants to plucky start-ups staffed by graduates from top American universities and former employees of companies like Google and Microsoft, who seem cheerfully oblivious to concerns they might be empowering a modern surveillance state.

The name of the video project is taken from the Communist slogan "the masses have sharp eyes," and is a throwback to Mao Zedong's attempt to get every citizen spying on one another. The goal, according to tech industry executives working on the project, is to shine a light into every dark corner of China, to eliminate the shadows where crime thrives.

The Sharp Eyes project also aims to mobilize the neighborhood committees and snoopy residents who have long been key informers: now, state media reports, some can turn on their televisions or mobile phones to see security camera footage, and report any suspicious activity - a car without a license plate, an argument turning violent - directly to the police.

To the eyes of the masses, in other words, add the brains of the country's fast-growing tech industry.

By 2020, China's government aims to make the video surveillance network "omnipresent, fully networked, always working and fully controllable," combining data mining with sophisticated video and image analysis, official documents show.

China is not alone in experimenting with these new technologies. The FBI's Next Generation Identification System uses facial recognition to compare images from crime scenes with a national database of mug shots. Police forces across the United States have been using algorithm-based techniques for several years to predict where crimes are likely to occur.

Chicago police identified and a court convicted a thief using facial-recognition technology in 2014, and Britain used a Japanese program called NeoFace Watch to spot a wanted man in a crowd in May.

The United States, with around 62 million surveillance cameras in 2016, actually has higher per capita penetration rate than China, with around 172 million, according to Monica Wang, a senior analyst in video surveillance and security at research consultants IHS Markit in Shanghai.

Yet it is China's ambition that sets it apart. Western law enforcement agencies tend to use facial recognition to identify criminal suspects, not to track social activists and dissidents, or to monitor entire ethnic groups. China seeks to achieve several interlocking goals: to dominate the global artificial-intelligence industry, to apply big data to tighten its grip on every aspect of society, and to maintain surveillance of its population more effectively than ever before.

"Deep learning is poised to revolutionize the video surveillance industry," Wang wrote in a recent report. "Demand in China will grow quickly, providing the engine for future market growth."

In the showrooms of three facial-recognition start-ups in Chongqing and Beijing, video feeds roll past on big screens, with faces picked out from crowds and matched to images of wanted men and women. Street cameras automatically classify passersby according to gender, clothes and even hair length, and software allows people to be tracked from one surveillance camera to the next, by their faces alone.

"The bigger picture is to track routine movement, and after you get this information, to investigate problematic behavior," said Li Xiafeng, director of research and development at Cloudwalk, a Chongqing-based firm. "If you know gambling takes place in a location, and someone goes there frequently, they become suspicious."

Gradually, a model of people's behavior takes shape. "Once you identify a criminal or a suspect, then you look at their connections with other people," he said. "If another person has multiple connections, they also become suspicious."

The start-ups also showcase more consumer-friendly applications of their technology. Companies like SenseTime, Megvii and Cloudwalk provide the software that powers mobile apps allowing people to alter, "beautify" or transform their faces for fun.

Much of their business also comes from banks and financial companies that are using facial recognition to check identities, at ATMs or on phones. Some airports in China already employ facial recognition in security checks, and hotels are doing the same at check-in; a Chinese version of Airbnb promises to use it to verify guests' identities, while China's version of Uber, Didi Chuxing, is using it to verify those of its drivers.

Some of the applications have a slightly gimmicky feel. A lecturer at a Beijing university was said to be using a face scanner to check if his students were bored; a toilet roll dispenser at a public facility outside the Temple of Heaven in Beijing reportedly scans faces to keep people from stealing too much paper, while a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Hangzhou allows customers to simply "smile to pay."

Other ideas are struggling to move beyond the pilot stage: a plan to identify jaywalkers in Chongqing has already been abandoned, while residents have responded to facial-recognition gates on some apartment buildings in Chongqing and Beijing by propping the doors open.

Yet facial recognition is not going away, and it promises to become a potent tool for maintaining control of Chinese society.

So far, the technology doesn't quite match the ambition: It is not foolproof.

"There will be false positives for the foreseeable future," said Jim Dempsey, executive director of UC Berkeley's Center for Law and Technology. This raises two critical questions, he said: Does a country's due process system protect people from being falsely convicted on the basis of facial-recognition technology? And are the false positives disproportionately skewed toward certain minority groups, such as Chinese Muslims?

In China, the tech companies claim many times greater accuracy rates than, for instance, the FBI, and probably justifiably so, experts say: after all, they have been able to draw on a huge pool of photos from government records to improve their algorithms, without any pesky concerns about privacy.

More than anything else, experts say, deep learning technologies need huge amounts of data to come up with accurate algorithms. China has more data than anywhere else in the world and fewer constraints about mining it from its citizens.

"Now we are purely data driven," said Xu Li, CEO of SenseTime. "It's easier in China to collect sufficient training data. If we want to do new innovations, China will have advantages in data collection in a legal way."

Smart technology backed by artificial intelligence will be a tool to assist the police forces of the future. Chinese IT and telecoms giant Huawei says its Safe Cities technology has already helped Kenya bring down urban crime rates.

But who's a criminal? In China, documents for the Police Cloud project unearthed by Human Rights Watch list "petitioners" - people who complain to the government about perceived injustices - as potential targets of surveillance, along with anyone who "undermines stability" or has "extreme thoughts." Other documents cite members of ethnic minorities, specifically Muslim Uighurs from Xinjiang, as subjects of scrutiny.

Maya Wang, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, said what sets China apart is "a complete lack of effective privacy protections," combined with a system that is explicitly designed to target individuals seen as "politically threatening."

"In other countries, we are often concerned about the use of big data for deepening existing policing bias - for example, for targeting historically disadvantaged groups like African Americans in the U.S. context - but for the Chinese systems, the targeting of people of certain ethnicity is a fundamental function of the system," she added.

In Muslim-majority Xinjiang, where a spate of violent incidents has been blamed on separatists or Islamist radicals, facial-recognition cameras have become ubiquitous at roadblocks, outside gas stations, airports, railway and bus stations, and at residential and university compounds and entrances to Muslim neighborhoods, experts say. DNA collection and iris scanning add extra layers of sophistication.

At Megvii, marketing manager Zhang Xin boasts that the company's Face++ program helped police arrest 4,000 people since the start of 2016, including about 1,000 in Hangzhou, where a major deployment of cameras in hotels, subways and train stations preceded that year's G-20 summit.

Very likely among that number: some of the dozens of dissidents, petitioners and citizen journalists who were detained in and around the city at that time.

Frances Eve, a researcher for Chinese Human Rights Defenders in Hong Kong, argues that China's tech companies are complicit in human rights abuses.

"It's basically a crime in China to advocate for human rights protection," she said. "The government treats human rights activists, lawyers and ethnic Uighurs and Tibetans as criminals, and these people are being caught, jailed and possibly tortured as a result of this technology."

---

Shirley Feng contributed to this report.

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Video: China is pursuing an ambitious plan to make an omnipresent video surveillance network to track where people are and what they're up to. The Washington Post's Simon Denyer looks at the technology that will make this possible.

Embed:In November 2008, a Turkish man named Yilmaz Altun crashed to the floor of the airport in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. The 23-year-old had been waiting for a flight home when he collapsed. In checking on the ailing young man, authorities discovered a large fresh wound snaking down his abdomen. His left kidney was gone.

Altun told police he had donated the organ at a clinic called Medicus on the city's outskirts. A broker in Istanbul had offered Altun a generous sum for the kidney. He would later recount lying in the same room as the man - a 74-year-old Israeli - who had paid about $145,000 for his organ, the Guardian reported in 2010. The two men, donor and recipient, locked eyes before the anesthetic kicked in.

The young man's collapse was the first domino to go in a complex investigation into an international organ black market operating out of the Balkan country. Desperate donors, mostly from Turkey and the former Soviet Union, provided the organs. Buyers, many from Israel, paid between 80,000 and 100,000 euros for the kidneys. International prosecutors would later determine at least 23 victims had their organs removed at Medicus in an eight-month run in 2008.

"The sole and driving motive for this exploitation of the poor and indigent was the opportunity for obscene profit and human greed," Jonathan Ratel, the prosecutor with the European Union's rule-of-law mission in Kosovo, told the Irish Times in 2013. "This was a cruel harvest of the poor."

Despite the investigation, the main players behind the Medicus operation have continued to slip from justice - until last week. On Friday, authorities in Pristina announced Moshe Harel, an Israeli national, had been arrested in Cyprus, Reuters reported. Accused of being the fixer who found donors, Harel has been wanted by Interpol since 2010 on charges of human trafficking and intentional infliction of grave injuries. He is also wanted on a warrant for the same crimes in Russia.

Organ harvesting is a particularly sensitive topic in the region due to Kosovo's war-scarred recent history. An international court was set up after a 2010 report from the Council of Europe accused guerrilla fighters of harvesting organs from Serbs in the 1998-1999 Kosovo War, Reuters has reported. The charges have yet to be substantiated, although the rumors remain part of the war's haunting legacy.

Local authorities raided Medicus within hours of Altun's 2008 airport fall. Inside the clinic, investigators discovered records detailing numerous kidney exchanges, with many clients traveling from across the world, including Canada, Germany and Poland, for the illegally harvested organs.

According to the Guardian, Medicus was allegedly run by Lutfi Dervishi, a prominent Kosovo urologist, and his son, Arban. The procedures at the clinic were allegedly performed by Yusuf Ercin Sonmez, a Turkish surgeon know as "Doctor Vulture" in his homeland after he was banned from practicing medicine in the country for his role in the illegal organ trade. Harel was "a key figure in the trafficking and organized crime aspect of this case, as the prominent facilitator or 'fixer,'" judges later determined, the Irish Times reported.

"Medicus was one of a constellation of clinics operated by Sonmez, Harel and others," lead prosecutor Ratel told the Times in 2013. "We found clinics in Azerbaijan and other places and we believe there may be one in South Africa."

Harel was arrested in 2008 in connection with the Medicus investigation. He was later released and disappeared. Sonmez also could not be located. In 2010, both men were indicted by European Union prosecutors, according to Haaretz; Dervishi and his son were also indicted and both pleaded not guilty. In 2013, judges found both Dervishis guilty of organized crime and human trafficking. In their ruling, the judges noted the men behind Medicus purposely lured poor individuals into the operation.

"They were promised modest sums of money, usually in the range of $10,000 . . . in return for their kidney. Most were deceived into thinking that kidney transplantation was legal in Kosovo, when in fact it is not," the judges said in their verdict, according to the Irish Times. "Several donors were not paid as much as they had been promised, and at least two were cheated out of the entire amount and went home with no money and only one kidney. Some have encountered ongoing health problems."

Following the verdicts, Dervishi and his son Arban were sentenced to eight and seven years in prison, respectively. They ran. In 2016, Dervishi was rearrested. His son remains missing, as does the Turkish surgeon, Sonmez. In a twist last year, the Kosovo Supreme Court overturned the 2013 convictions due to "procedural irregularities." Prosecutors are currently retrying Dervishi, and he could soon be joined by the alleged fixer, Harel.

Last Friday, Kosovo authorities confirmed to Reuters an official request for Harel's extradition has been filed with Cyprus. Harel's has not commented or entered a plea.A Washington state sheriff's deputy who was the first to respond to a 911 call about a home invasion was fatally shot late Sunday - and a suspect is still on the loose, authorities said.

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department identified the deputy as Daniel McCartney, 34. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and a married father of three sons.

"Overnight our department, our community, and especially one of our families suffered an incredible loss," the sheriff's department said on its Facebook page. "We are heartbroken. . ."

Someone called 911 just before 11:30 p.m. Sunday saying an intruder was inside a home in Frederickson, a suburb just southeast of Tacoma.

During the call, according to the Tacoma News-Tribune, dispatchers heard screaming and the sounds of a scuffle. They alerted deputies, and McCartney arrived about six minutes later.

The responding deputy encountered two burglary suspects, the department said. During the ensuing chase, police believe, at least one of the suspects fired shots.

When other law enforcement officers arrived, they found one of the suspects dead of a gunshot wound. Nearby, they discovered the fatally wounded deputy.

McCartney was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 2 a.m.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the other suspect and blocked off several roads in the suburb.Every 45 seconds or so, oystermen plunge their long-handled tongs into the shallow blue-gray waters of Apalachicola Bay, rake the bottom and deposit meager-looking piles on the bow of their flat-bottomed boat. A gloved co-worker culls the keepers from the empty shells and immature oysters, which are tossed back.

"See these guys here?" asked Shannon Hartsfield, whose family has fished and oystered and crabbed and shrimped here for four generations. He pointed to a nearby boat.

"Three tongers and one culler? Usually you'd have one tonger and two or three cullers. That's the flip-flop. Used to, that man right there'd keep two cullers busy all day long."

Apalachicola Bay, an estuary recognized by the United Nations for its uniqueness, once produced 10 percent of the nation's oysters and 90 percent of those from Florida. Why it doesn't anymore - why its oyster production has fallen so dramatically - has been the subject of decades of litigation, which now has landed before the Supreme Court.

Florida v. Georgia, which is to be argued Monday, is a water fight that pits the thirsty megalopolis of Atlanta and the farmers of southeastern Georgia against conservationists and seafood producers in this stretch of the Florida Panhandle called the Forgotten Coast. Both states need the fresh water that starts in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains - as well as in a spring just south of the Atlanta airport - and meanders hundreds of miles before finding its way into the Gulf of Mexico via the Apalachicola River.

So far, Georgia has been the big winner, aided by decisions from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that allow it to keep the lion's share of the water.

Often in such Supreme Court fights, each state wants water for growth. But in Apalachicola, leaders say getting a greater share is necessary to allow the place to stay as it is. The fresh water provides the perfect degree of bay salinity required to sustain the seafood industry, they say, and thus a way of life.

Rural Franklin County has as much coastline as the state of Alabama but fewer than 12,000 residents, "and only one traffic light that changes color," said county Commissioner Joseph "Smokey" Parrish.

"There's no theme parks, there's no movie theaters, there's no shopping malls. There's no 10-story condominiums," said Parrish, whose day job is overseeing the processing of shrimp at Buddy Ward & Sons Seafood in the town of Apalachicola. "Everybody who comes here says, 'Man, keep it just the way you have it.' "

Dan Tonsmeire of the conservation group Apalachicola Riverkeeper noted that the area's significance has received international, national and state accolades. If state and local officials in Florida have often squandered its natural resources in the name of growth, they've done the opposite here, he said.

"You can't come up with an area that has more designations of its ecological importance," Tonsmeire said. "And we're going to lose it, knowingly. That's what's at stake here for the Supreme Court."

The legal fight has been raging for three decades; Florida has spent nearly $57 million in legal fees on the current lawsuit alone. Georgia has spent upward of $40 million and says it is time for the Supreme Court to end the fight.

"Florida would have this court put at risk the economic foundation of the country's ninth largest metropolitan area, as well as a multi-billion dollar agricultural sector that provides key crops and generates thousands of jobs," Georgia says in one of its filings with the justices.

Florida has not proved that dramatic cutbacks in Georgia's water usage are necessary to save the bay, Georgia's lawyers said.

"It is one thing to make allegations - and Florida has made plenty of them - but it is another thing altogether to back them up," the brief states. "On that score, Florida's case fell woefully short."

At stake is the water in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river basin, which drains roughly 19,600 square miles in parts of Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

The Chattahoochee River flows from north of Atlanta, and there are five federal dams that provide flood control, hydropower and recreation. Especially important is Lake Sidney Lanier, which provides drinking water for many of the nearly 6 million residents of metro Atlanta.

The Flint flows from a spring near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the busiest in the world, and sweeps through southwestern Georgia, where farmers depend on irrigation for growing cotton, corn, soybeans, peanuts and pecans, among other crops in a more than $4 billion industry.

The two rivers converge at the state border to become the Apalachicola, which runs for 106 miles to the bay. Its wide flood plain through the Florida Panhandle serves as a spawning ground for crabs and Gulf fish, and it nourishes the largest stand of tupelo trees in the world. In the spring, beekeepers bring their hives upriver to collect tupelo honey, which is prized not only for its unique taste but because it does not crystallize.

Florida argues that the ever-increasing water consumption by its neighbor to the north endangers an estuary that is home to the highest density of amphibian and reptile species in North America, and which supports hundreds of endangered or threatened animal and plant species.

The state blames the lack of fresh water for leading to a collapse of the Apalachicola Bay oyster fishery in 2012. A higher degree of salinity in the bay supported predators, such as conchs, that devastated the oysters.

Georgia says Florida made its own mess, by allowing the bay to be over-harvested, and says studies question the role the reduced fresh water played in the declining oyster population.

Disputes between states are called cases of original jurisdiction at the Supreme Court. Having the high court decide the equitable apportionment of natural resources, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. once said, was the alternative to the states taking up arms against each other. Before hearing the dispute between Florida and Georgia on Monday, the justices will review a fight that pits Texas against Colorado and New Mexico.

To hear Florida's complaint, the court assigned Ralph Lancaster of Maine to be special master. He processed years of conflicting expert reports, conducted a five-week trial and begged the states to settle the fight themselves. Seventy lawyers converged; no compromise emerged.

Lancaster ultimately delivered, from Florida's perspective, a good news/(very) bad news decision.

"As the evidentiary hearing made clear, Florida points to real harm and, at the very least, likely misuse of resources by Georgia," Lancaster wrote. "There is little question that Florida has suffered harm from decreased flows in the river" and "Georgia's upstream agricultural water use has been - and continues to be - largely unrestrained."

Lancaster followed that with a big but. Even if he ruled for Florida, Lancaster said, there was no guarantee that reduced consumption in Georgia would result in more water in Florida. That decision would be made by the Corps of Engineers. And because the Corps enjoys sovereign immunity, Florida could not force it to be a party to the lawsuit.

Georgia tells the Supreme Court to accept the special master's bottom line.

"Florida failed to prove, by clear and convincing evidence (or any other plausible standard), that the relief requested would effectively redress its alleged injuries," its brief states.

Because it is the Corps that regulates the water in the basin, it said, "any potential benefits to Florida from a consumption cap on Georgia would be either speculative or nonexistent."

Florida tells the justices it is only common sense that restrictions in Georgia would yield more water downstream. It contends the special master made a mistake of law by requiring Florida to "guarantee" its proposed remedies would work, and asks the court to send the case back for more work.

In an amicus brief, the U.S. government sides with Georgia. But Florida points to somewhat vague language in the brief to argue that the Supreme Court's decision could influence the federal regulation of the riverflow.

Back on the river, a bald eagle glided overhead, and the marshes appeared lush and wild. But Tonsmeire spots plants that tolerate salt water too far upstream, and remembers the loss of tupelo trees. He has been the Apalachicola "riverkeeper" since 2004, and will soon retire with its future in doubt.

"I know we can get better conditions in the bay without having to starve the farmers off the face of the Earth up there and without having Atlanta having to stop growth," he said. "It's possible to do."

Hartsfield, president of the Franklin County Seafood Workers Association, knows that it is not as simple as getting more fresh water.

It used to be that 90 percent of Apalachicola's oysters were shucked in the processing plants, and their shells returned to the bay where they formed a bed for the next generation. But Americans now want their oysters raw, not fried or stewed, and the oysters leave here with their shells.

The oystermen on the bay were once limited to 20 bushels a day - about 250 oysters in each. "The limit now is three bags per person" and each bag brings about $70, he said. "Nobody catches their limit."

Hartsfield believes the bay should be closed to oystering for a couple of years, a view that is not popular with all of his peers. Maybe that would show whether the bay could recover on its own.

But Apalachicola is used to talking in superlatives about its most famous product, and Hartsfield said: "We have the fastest-growing oyster in the world, with the right conditions."WASHINGTON - Vice President Mike Pence's office has announced new dates for his delayed trip to the Middle East: Jan. 19-23.

Pence was originally scheduled to travel the week before Christmas, but postponed the trip so that he could remain in Washington in case his vote is needed to pass tax legislation. At the time, White House aides insisted that the move had nothing to do with uproar in the region over the Trump administration's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Many U.S. allies disagreed with Trump's decision, as no other country has its embassy in Jerusalem, under a long-standing international consensus that the city's status should be decided in a peace deal between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Pence plans to leave Washington on Jan. 19 and arrive in Egypt on Jan. 20 to meet with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Pence will then travel to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah II on Jan. 21, a meeting that was not on his original itinerary. Pence will then spend Jan. 22 and 23 in Israel, where he will participate in a bilateral discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, and give a speech at the Knesset. While in Israel, Pence also plans to visit the Western Wall and Yad Vashem.

"At President Trump's direction, the Vice President is traveling to the Middle East to reaffirm our commitment to work with the U.S.'s allies in the region to defeat radicalism that threatens future generations," Pence's press secretary Alyssa Farah said in a statement on Monday morning. "The Vice President is looking forward to meeting with the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, and Israel to discuss ways to work together to fight terrorism and improve our national security."

This trip, which has been in the works for months, was originally supposed to include meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar mosque and the pope of the Egyptian Coptic Church, who leads the largest Christian denomination in the Middle East. Pence had also planned to visit Bethlehem.

But after Trump announced on Dec. 6 that his administration had decided to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, breaking with decades of U.S. policy, Abbas and others canceled their meetings. At the time, Abbas's diplomatic adviser, Majdi Khaldi, said Abbas would not meet with Pence "because the U.S. has crossed red lines" with its decision on Jerusalem. Sissi has agreed to meet with Pence, despite the deep unpopularity of Trump's decision.

Originally, Pence had planned to focus heavily on the persecution of Christians and religious minorities during his visit. Following the Jerusalem decision, the focus of the trip sharply shifted to rebuilding relationships in the region and on the collective problem of terrorism. In particular, Pence plans to make clear that Egypt continues to be an "incredibly important" partner in the region, according to aides. Ahead of the original trip last year, a senior administration official said the Trump administration understands that "the Palestinians may need a cooling-off period," and Pence did not plan to put any pressure on them during his trip.Harris County Sheriff's Office

A Baptist pastor charged with prostitution earlier this year will spend a year on probation after admitting guilt in a plea deal Monday, according to court officials.

Eddie Hilburn, a pastor at The Woodlands First Baptist Church, was arrested July 19 by the Harris County Sheriff's Office and charged with prostitution, court records show.A South Side gift shop that went up in flames Sunday night was declared a major loss by the San Antonio Fire Department.

About 13 units responded to the fire at the Three Diamonds Gift Shop at 2503 Commercial Ave. The business was vacant and closed for the day.

Apartments that are attached to the business but were currently used for storage survived the blaze, officials said.

RELATED: Head-on collision kills two in South Bexar County

SAFD Battalion Chief Brian ONeill said the building was considered a major loss.

About 80 percent of the structure is damaged, its not a total loss, but a major loss, ONeill said. The one area we were able to salvage is where the apartments are supposed to be; that area is still OK.

A neighbor who lives on the next street stated a witness told him she saw a male jump over the gate that is located on the side of the business before it went up in flames.

RELATED: Quarrel between couple leads to stabbing on the North Side

I rushed over here when I saw the smoke and heard the sirens, Samuel Uresti said. The young lady that lives next door to the business got scared because when she rushed outside, a guy ran into her and she told him What are you doing? And she heard the explosion in the building and he took off running.

Arson personnel were called out to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.

Jdelvalle@express-news.netThe angels led the way into the hall, followed by Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the rebano, or herd of animals. The Spanish Christmas carol Alegria, Alegria, Alegria  meaning joy in English  echoed through San Fernando Cathedrals Community Center as the biblical re-enactment of the Three Kings kicked off.

The play later came to a close with the appearance of the kings, Gaspar, Melchoir and Balthasar, who were said to follow the path of a star to baby Jesus manger, where they arrived after a 12-day journey bearing gifts. The tale is celebrated in the annual Three Kings Day holiday, also called the Day of the Epiphany.

The childrens performance Sunday afternoon marked the highlight of the 24th annual Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, a celebration of Three Kings Day put on by the Puerto Rican Heritage Society of San Antonio. As usual, music, dance, food and arts and crafts accompanied the performance, but this year, the organizers added something new: the Promesa de Reyes.

The promesa calls for a pact or promise to the kings. In exchange, the kings are thought to provide aid or intervention in a moment of need. This year, event co-chair Mari Goyco asked for help for the inhabitants of Puerto Rico, many of whom still lack power and other basic needs following Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island in September.

For many at the center, the promesa was a return to a tradition they practiced as children.

We thought, what better year to bring back that tradition? Silva said. Were going to promise to the three kings that well continue this event, so they will bring back Puerto Rico to its normality, and bring back the things they need.

Some in attendance Sunday had family members living in Puerto Rico, and still communicated with them only sporadically. New Braunfels resident Amy Alemany, 35, recalled having trouble contacting her sister for nearly a month after the hurricane hit. Alemanys sister lost everything in the storm, including her house, and is soon moving to San Antonio to find work.

Not being able to help, its tough, because theres nothing you can do from over here, said Alberto Quinones, 36, Alemanys husband. You can't go there, because you just become another mouth to feed.

Alemany felt hopeless and powerless in the aftermath, she said. But Sundays celebration reminded her of her childhood, decades before the storm, when she would put grass for the kings camels in her shoe box and wait to receive gifts the next day.

The celebration is a special holiday for kids in Puerto Rico, considered more momentous than Christmas because most children receive their gifts on Jan. 6, when the kings are thought to have completed their journey. According to the tale, they arrived with gifts for Jesus  gold, frankincense and myrrh  after the 12-day trip beginning on Christmas.

On Sunday, Cuarteto Borinquen, a local band, marked the occasion by playing Christmas carols, turning the celebration into a dance party.

One young performer, 3-year-old Marina Rodriguez, grabbed the mic and sang along with the band. Between songs, she sang Mi Burrito Sabanero, a popular Latin American Christmas song.

Shes always singing and dancing at home, said Diana Buxo, Marinas mother. Shes my little artist.SAN ANGELO  The slate of Democratic candidates looking to pull an upset against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott came to a most unlikely place to make their case to party primary voters: a remote West Texas city that has steadfastly voted Republican for decades.

All 10 Democrats running for governor in the March 6 primary faced off for the first time in a two-hour forum Monday, criticizing Abbott and the Republican Party for failing Texans on public education, health care, foster care and a number of other divisive issues.

"Our state needs an outsider with a fresh perspective to fix this mess," Houston entrepreneur Andrew White, son of late Gov. Mark White, told the group of 100 Democratic faithful in a message echoed by several of others. "We live in Trump's prison now. I want to break Texas out."

White proposed a coastal spine and a new Houston reservoir to protect against future hurricanes, as well as a pay raise for teachers that would be funded by closing a loophole in property tax laws.

"I'll restore sanity and bring hope to Texas," he said.

Citing four decades of military service and years as a federal agent, former Dallas Sheriff Lupe

Valdez said her campaign is based on a simple premise: "You have to learn how to serve and serve in a way that does not hurt people."

San Antonio businessman Tom Wakely called for a business income tax, ending the death penalty and open-carry of firearms, legalizing marijuana and for new taxes on oil and gas production  an idea that brought groans from several in the audience.

Austin businessman James Jolly Clark called for a longer school day, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for huge cuts in property taxes and for state environmental regulators to be fired for doing a bad job protecting Texans. He also blasted Republicans in Austin who he said wasted time on the controversial bathroom bill and are "flushing our state down the toilet."

Grady Yarbrough, a retired teacher, focused on improving public education and access to health care.

Houston electronics businessman Joe Mumbach called for a $15 minimum wage, which he said will boost the state's economy. He said Texas Democrats must convert Republicans to their views to win the election.

Former Balch Springs Mayor Cedric Davis Sr. called for cash grants for Harvey victims to allow them to get back on their feet more quickly, and for an end to state tax abatements that shortchange school programs.

Houston mortgage broker Demetria Smith blasted Texas officials for not following the U.S. Constitution and said Texas needs a governor who will ensure compliance.

Flower Mound financial analyst Adrian Ocegueda called for changes in campaign-finance laws and an end to politicians who "don't know how to say no to money."

"Your voice is what's important, and your voice is what needs to be heard on election day," said Dallas businessman Jeffrey Payne. Instead of a blue wave that Democrats are wanting next November, he said, "I believe a blue tsunami will hit Texas."

Most of the candidates are unknown to most Texans, though a few like Valdez, White and Davis are relatively well-known in their hometowns. Most are struggling to raise campaign funds to get through the primary and into the general election against Abbott, who reportedly has around $50 million in his war chest.

Most said they had no plans to campaign while they were in staunch GOP San Angelo.

David Currie, chairman of the Tom Green County Democratic Party, said while Texas Democrats have been "living in a political desert for 24 years," he hopes the large field of candidates who have filed to challenge Abbott could portend a change in state politics in the fall.

"I am hopeful that having this many candidates will energize people to think about the future of Texas," he said, "and to vote for change."

mike.ward@chron.com

twitter.com/@ChronicleMikeMarshall's men's soccer team made a statement in the first test of its NCAA title defense as the top-ranked Thundering Herd defeated No. 21 James Madison, 6-1, on Thursday night. Vitor Dias had two goals and two assists to lead Marshall.New Delhi : The Supreme Court today referred to a larger bench a plea seeking decriminalisation of gay sex between two consenting adults. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said the issue arising out of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) required to be debated upon by a larger bench.

Section 377 of the IPC refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

The bench was hearing a fresh plea filed by one Navtej Singh Johar seeking to declare section 377 as unconstitutional to the extent that it provides prosecution of adults for indulging in consensual gay sex. Senior advocate Arvind Datar, appearing for Johar, said the penal provision was unconstitutional as it also provided prosecution and sentencing of consenting adults who are indulging in such sex.

"You can't put in jail two adults who are involved in consenting unnatural sex," Datar said and referred to a recent nine-judge bench judgement in the privacy matter to highlight the point that the right to choose a sexual partner was part of fundamental right. PTILook for a different sort of Golden Globes red carpet Sunday night.

Fashions critics will once again be sharing their thoughts on the best and worst of the attire worn by celebrities arriving at the 75th Golden Globe Awards, which begin at 8 p.m. Eastern from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

But there is a new twist this year: Out of solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment and assault, many women have said they will be dressing in black for the Globes.

Eight actresses, including Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams and Emma Stone, announced Sunday that they will be bringing gender and racial justice activists as their guests, including MeToo founder Tarana Burke and the director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, Ai-jen Poo. The advocates and activists said Sunday that their hope in walking the red carpet is to shift the focus back on survivors and solutions, and away from perpetrators of sexual misconduct.

Red carpet arrivals were scheduled to be streamed live on Facebook beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern. The ceremony will be live-streamed on NBC's website and its app for viewers with a paid television subscription.

Check back often for the latest in photos and other updates from the red carpet.

Meryl Streep & Ai-jen Poo, a leader in organizing female immigrant workers for more than 20 years, walk the #GoldenGlobes red carpet. pic.twitter.com/l04Xh8WNp7  Who What Wear (@WhoWhatWear) January 7, 2018

Claire Foy is in a suit, solidifying her place as queen of my heart. #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/6np1AoXnsq  Kate Halliwell (@Kate__Halliwell) January 7, 2018

Incredible. @DebraMessing, while being interviewed by E!: "I was so shocked to hear that E! doesn't believing in paying their female co-hosts the same as their male co-hosts." #GoldenGlobes #TimesUp pic.twitter.com/7G64HLtw3C  Kaivan Shroff (@KaivanShroff) January 7, 2018

As for the awards themselves, the Golden Globes honor the best in film and American television in 2017. The closely watched race for best picture is considered wide open, with contenders including Guillermo del Toro's "The Shape of Water," Steven Spielberg's "The Post" and Martin McDonagh's "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri."

Here is a full list of nominees.

Hosting duties will fall a Globes rookie: late-night host Seth Meyers. He will have his hands full trying to match last year's broadcast, hosted by Jimmy Fallon. It was watched by 20 million viewers, an eight percent increase.

Last year's broadcast also roped in one notable viewer: then President-elect Donald Trump. He was critical of Streep after the actress's forceful political acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award. This year, the honor will go to Oprah Winfrey.

Sarah Paulson and Amanda Peet at the #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/mWn0jWzCOy  Sarah Paulson Pictures (@paulsonpics) January 8, 2018

The Associated Press contributed to this report.This is the first in a series of articles about wineries in Burgundy, France visited by the author.



BEAUNE, FRANCE - The church bell chimes twelve times.

The sound of the bell drifts down into the soaring, barrel-vaulted cellar deep beneath Collegiale Basilique Notre Dame, a small stone church in the walled city of Beaune.

You can barely hear the bell standing near the far end of the cellar's arched, stone ceilings. And throughout the cellar, neatly arranged in rows, stand stacks of oak barrels filled with wine.

"This is the cellar that used to belong to the church," says Frederic Drouhin, president of Maison Joseph Drouhin and the great grandson of the legendary Burgundy winery's founder. "It's from the 13th century where you see the architecture is more Gothic."

"It's quite an emotional cellar," Frederic adds. "My cellar people, they love to come here and work here at 7 a.m. in the morning. You have some operation to do, some racking the casks. You come down. It's quiet. You hear the bells of the church. And they always say to me, 'It's emotional because I'm doing something that someone has been doing the same job for a century, two centuries, three, four, five, six, seven centuries.' People have done the same job in more difficult conditions. Because there was no light, just a candle. It was a challenge but it's emotional. So they fight almost to be the ones working here."

Walk down a narrow, dimly-lit maze of hallways and you find other stone cellars, some of them dating back thousands of years, all of them filled with barrels and bottles of Joseph Drouhin wine.

And long before Maison Joseph Drouhin owned these cellars, they belonged to the Dukes of Burgundy, the Kings of France and the monks who made and stored wine in them.

"By walking through the cellar, you can go through the history of France, two thousand years of history," Frederic says.

He pauses and looks around the dimly-lit cellar. "Those stones, if they could talk, they would have years of stories to tell," Frederic says.

Fortunately, Frederic knows many of these memorable stories.

And he loves telling them as

he walks through the winery's vast cellars.

Like the one about his grandfather, Maurice Drouhin, a member of the French Resistance during World War Two. Maurice narrowly escaped from the Nazis through the "liberty door," a hidden door in the wine cellars. From there, Maurice made his way underground to the Hospices de Beaune, the city's iconic hospital located several blocks away. There, the hospital's nuns hid Maurice for four months until the allies liberated Beaune in September 1944.

After the war, Maurice gave the Hospices de Beaune 6 acres of vineyards to thank them for helping him. And every year since then, Frederic Drouhin buys much of wine from the Hospices de Beaune's vineyards at the world-famous annual auction held the third weekend in November in Beaune - to thank the Hospices for hiding his grandfather.

There's also the story about the rollerskating races Frederic and his three siblings used to have in the cellars when they were kids.

"When I was young, Philippe and Veronique, we used to race, roller skating around here, the full blitz," Frederic says. "And the pavement was not so great. There were lots of pebbles and rocks. So we often fell down and we missed a few turns and broke a few bottles."

"And the electricity in those years was tricky," Frederic adds. "Sometimes, you were in the dark. And you had no cell phone, no light. So we knew by heart the architecture of the cellar, how to walk out of the cellar if you were completely in the dark great. How many steps straight and then turn right then a few steps straight to find your way out. Otherwise, you were in trouble."

Playing around in the cellars also exposed them to the wine business in a fun way, Frederic says, "without noticing it - the ambiance, the caves, the wine... That's clearly the thing that got us the virus, the passion about wine."

That's probably why all of them went into the family business. Frederic is the company's president. Veronique is the head winemaker. Philippe manages the estates. Laurent manages marketing in the United States, the winery's top export market.

And each Joseph Drouhin wine Frederic pours one Friday morning in November in the historic cellars in Beaune has a story to tell. And here they are, in Frederic's own words with a few tasting notes added by myself. Hope you enjoy.

JOSEPH DROUHIN WINES TASTED

WHITE WINES

2014 ROSE ROCK CHARDONNAY

(Chardonnay from Oregon)

"Thirty years ago, we started our venture in Oregon. The question we are often asked, 'Why did you go to Oregon? Well, it's a combination of several factors. A vision, clearly my father had. He had traveled and visited Oregon in the past."

"The wine world is a small village so we met with some people in 1987. A hill was put for sale. My father said, let's go on holiday there, visit and we had to stop the car at the bottom of the hill because there was no road, no nothing. So he climbed with a wine maker through a wheat field and when they reached the top of the hill, they saw the scenery. They felt it. Clearly, it's as simple as that."

"You have a lot of tiny broken pieces of volcanic rock at the site and that gives the wine, which is very unique, a kind of saltiness, a little bit like Chablis. There's no chalk. And the way the vineyard vinifies the Rose Rock, is half in barrel and half in tank. And the blend of the two keeps the freshness. So the complexity and the freshness of Rose Rock gives it its balance. It's a Drouhin wine. Because what we like in our wine is balance. And when it's balanced, it's elegant."

Writer's Tasting Notes: Flinty, salty, exquisite.

2015 JOSEPH DROUHIN CHABLIS PREMIER CRU MON DE MILIEU

(Chardonnay from Burgundy, France)

"At Joseph Drouhin, we have 80 hectares (200 acres) of property. Half is in Chablis, half is in Cote D'Or. 90 percent of the properties are Premier Cru or Grand Cru. That represents 60 different appellations. Overall, we produce 90, 95 appellations so all the others are from purchased grapes.... They also give advice to grape growers during the growing season. .... That way, we have control of the quality."

"The characteristic of Chablis is chalky soil, very chalky soil, almost no earth, all rocks. And the climate cool, cold. And you can have frost, like you did this year. But because it's a cooler climate, you have more freshness. This wine is on the Right Bank of the River Chablis. This is from an estate of about 2 hectares (5 acres) next to the Grand Cru."

"2015 was a good year, a warm year in Burgundy. You have lemon zest, the nice texture and the saltiness at the end that's typical of Chablis. A little bit of dryness, a little bit of flintiness, a rocky texture. It's very classic for Chablis. Perfect with oysters or filet sea bass. Keep it simple. No sauce. Grilled cheese. Linguini with seafood."

Writer's Tasting Notes: Beautiful bouquet, floral aromas. Hints of lemon, salt, chalky.

2015 JOSEPH DROUHIN POUILLY VINZELLES

(Chardonnay from Burgundy, France)

"This wine is from next to Pouilly Fuisse. It's a small appellation in terms of size but Pouilly Fuisse has become much more of a commodity and Pouilly Vinzelles is a great alternative to Fuisse. And we now have a contract with the producer - 30 acres, facing east and you can see Mont Blanc in the morning if the weather is clear."

"It's clay, limestone soil but the climate is warmer. To me, this is the kind of wine that's a good introduction to Burgundy. Some of the villages are getting more expensive but Burgundy can remain affordable and Pouilly Vinzelles is one of them."

"This one is partly vinified in barrel, partly vinified in tank to keep the freshness and concentration. Nice texture, with apricot flavor and freshness. It's fresh, almost like cypress. Nice complexity and clean. It's a wine that works very well in restaurants in France."

Writer's Tasting Notes: Ripe apricots, tastes like a toned-down Chablis. Subtle.

2014 JOSEPH DROUHIN PULIGNY-MONTRACHET CLOS DE LA GARENNE

(Chardonnay from Burgundy, France)

"Now we will go in the heart of Cote D'Or. It's north of the appellation of Puligny, full of small walls, bushes. It's not one single vineyard. You have eight different small parcels and because you have bushes and rocks there, rabbits used to hide in the area and there's a specific breed of rabbit called 'lapin de garenne' that used to live in that area, hence the name of the vineyard."

"We will try the 2014 vintage because I thought it was interesting to try to a warm year and a cold year just to show you the influence of what is going. It's a cooler year. The mouth is more focused at the end, more rich, more precision and this is what we like about the vintage, the precision. At Drouhin, we say it's the most elegant because they are naturally elegant."

Writer's Tasting Notes: Lovely, buttery wine. Full, long aftertaste. Elegant. Precise.

RED WINES

2014 JOSEPH DROUHIN FLEURIE HOSPICES DE BELLEVILLE FLEURIE

(Gamay from Burgundy, France)

"So we will go now to the south, the Beaujolais. The region is completely rejuvenating with new investors and most important, their terroir, their potential. And the reputation of the region will grow again by showing the best terroir."

"We have been selling wines of Beaujolais for generations, starting with Joseph Drouhin. We were looking for the right way to invest in the Beaujolais. We never got the right fit until the Hospices de Belleville, a very small charity hospital which got some donations of vineyard buildings."

"So handshake agreement in 2014 and we began the work. On my way back, I cross my father in the street and said that we just signed an agreement with Hospices de Belleville. And he said, you're not aware of what happened with Maurice Drouhin at Hospices de Belleville? And I said no but you're going to tell me."

"We go in the office and he said Maurice Drouhin was very involved with the management of the Hospices de Beaune and the auction itself and as he was doing a good job, the Hospice of Nancy up north and the Hospice de Lyon in the south said can you come and help because we have some questions, some management questions. But on the way to Lyon, there is that small hospital, Belleville, in a tiny community, 3,000 inhabitants. So he was there between the end of World War Two and maybe the mid 50s."

"And then it became very emotional again to me because I am walking in the corridors, in the rooms where my grandfather walked 70 years before... It's a great story. I love it."

"This is a Gamay. And we wanted to have a slightly different approach when making the wine... We want a little bit more complexity and density... So we are experimenting. I believe we gave it better dimension. I think it will show to the markets that Beaujolais have aging capacity."

Writer's Tasting Notes: Floral aromas, soft fruit flavors (including dried cherries), good length, long aftertaste.

2014 ROSE ROCK PINOT NOIR EOLA AMITY HILLS

(Pinot Noir from Oregon)

"So we fly back around the world to Oregon with Rose Rock. The domaine is on the top of the hill. There's a lot of energy in the wine. We try to look for a lot of elegance. The challenge for us is to keep the elegance and the model is Chambolle Musigny. We try to get closer to Chambolle Musigny style. What I like about the wine is that in the nose it's both floral and fruity."

Writer's Tasting Notes: Light fruit, cherries, elegant long aftertaste.

2013 JOSEPH DROUHIN PREMIER CRU BEAUNE GREVES

(Pinot Noir from Burgundy France)

"So now we go back to Cote D'Or in the Cote de Beaune district. A Premier Cru, a single vineyard, facing east, very slopey. When you harvest, you have to go from the top to the bottom because you can't climb like this with the cases. It has the morning sun. It has a lot of big rock."

"As a result the wines from Beaune Greves always show more structure, more backbone with a slow evolution. Beaune Greves has that sort of austerity. The 2013 vintage was difficult vintage in terms of weather. And now after four years, it's a nice evolution. It's nice with vegetables, a nice rib eye steak or even barbecue as well. This is a wine that requires food."

Writer's Tasting Notes: Spicy, licorice taste. Big, meaty wine. Long, clean finish.

2013 JOSEPH DROUHIN CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY PREMIER CRU

(Pinot Noir from Burgundy France)

"I have to explain a little bit the history of this wine. My father made some donations to all of us. When there was the first (child), a boy, business was good. Then Veronique arrived, a girl, another great vintage. Then another brother was born, difficulty in the business. Then I arrived, another boy, another disaster, revolution in France (in 1968), it rained every single day of the summer of the vintage so I was given some vineyards of the Chablis."

"Then I grew up and I said, 'Oh dad, can I drink my wine?' and he said no, there was a frost, no crop. The following year, I said to my dad, 'Can I drink my wine?' and he said no, we had frost again. So I said thank you for the donation from Chablis but it's far away for a weekend. I prefer red wine to white wine, Cote de Nuits to Cote De Beaune. I prefer Chambolle-Musigny. And he said, well, you have expensive taste and I said well, I was trained at the right school."

"So he made a donation of Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru. But the vineyards are too small to be vinified apart in a single vineyard so we blend them together. There are four parcels and two of them are from my vineyard. But I kept Chablis."

"When people describe the wines of Chambolle Musigny, they often say it's silky. And I say no, because silk is thin and cold. And I say no, it's cashmere. It's the perfect texture, the warmth and the softness. And that softness of tannins is very typical of Chambolle Musigny and especially at Drouhin."

"It goes well with quail, duck, filet mignon, veal, local mushrooms in season, that would be ideal. Lamb goes very well with Pinot Noir... I like them when they're between five and nine years of age."

Writer's Tasting Notes: Best wine of the tasting. Outstanding. Smooth, long, lush finish. Fantastic now with aging potential. Classic cashmere character!

2014 DOMAINE DROUHIN OREGON LAURENE PINOT NOIR

(Pinot Noir from Oregon)

"When we produced this wine, my father brought a bottle in the cellar that bottle, (Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru). And he said we will not copy this wine but we will try to get as close as possible to this wine. So that was the objective when we started to produce Laurene."

"Laurene is the name of Veronique's daughter, her oldest daughter. She has three children - Laurene, Louise and Arthur. And each of her selections bears the name of her children. Marketing is very simple at Drouhin."

"2014 in Oregon was very strange weather. The growing weather was very nice, we started the harvest in beautiful sun. And in the middle of the harvest, our manager came to us and said, 'Did you check the weather forecast?' And you look at the sky, crystal clear, not a single cloud. We expect tomorrow more than 100 millimeters of rain and it will last three days. How come? We are going to have the tail of a tornado that hit Japan."

"We said this is a disaster. We're going to lose the crop. So we wait another three days, it clears and back to normal weather but in the meantime, the grapes are like this (big) because of all the water. Rot was not yet an issue but we had to harvest quickly... And yet when you taste the wine, you don't imagine this wine went through the trouble."

"It's very elegant. To me, it's one of the greatest vintages Veronique ever produced. The length is there."

Writer's Tasting Notes: Elegant wine with long aftertaste. Ripe fruit taste, cherries.

2011 JOSEPH DROUHIN NUITS ST. GEORGES VAUCRAINS PREMIER CRU

(Pinot Noir from Burgundy France)

"2011, just to show you a more mature Premier Cru from Burgundy. 2011 was a good year, not a large crop. The vintage was a little bit forgotten because 2010 had a great reputation, the focus was there so we began to sell 2011 a year later than expected."

"Nuits-Saint George is probably one of the most well known appellations worldwide... This is a single vineyard, Vaucrains. It can be a little austere young, a little closed. They don't really reveal themselves. But when you go north, you get closer to Vosne-Romanee. There, you get more floral, more opening than the south where it is really very tight."

"As you see with an older vintage, you get the secondary aroma. You get more mushroomy, earthiness, a little bit of licorice as well. You find backbone, the profile is Nuits-Saint George. With this wine, you need a boeuf bourguignon. You need texture. That's the diversity of Burgundy."

"Technically, we could make all the wines perfect and erase all that but then it's just a Pinot Noir. Let's keep that diversity."

Writer's Tasting Notes: Austere food wine with hints of licorice. Restrained wine with age-worthy potential.

(Next Week - Review of wines from The Farm Winery and interview with winery owner, plus the Wine Of The Week Under $10.)

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican's weekend section every Thursday.

Follow Ken Ross on TwitterU.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, on Monday called Attorney General Jeff Sessions' elimination of rules that allowed states to legalize marijuana "an incredibly destructive thing to do."

Sessions last week rescinded an Obama-era memo that said the Department of Justice would not prosecute marijuana users and businesses who were conforming with state law in states that legalized recreational marijuana use. Instead, Sessions is leaving it up to each U.S. Attorney how to prosecute marijuana crimes.

Massachusetts legalized marijuana on the ballot in 2016 and is currently in the process of creating rules to govern the new industry, with the first retail shops expected to open in July.

"States like Massachusetts are working hard to put sensible rules in place to deal with marijuana," Warren said, speaking to reporters after an unrelated event at a Boston community health center.

"Jeff Sessions has left it up to the individual U.S. attorneys, but that creates a whole new level of uncertainty that makes it much more difficult for a state like Massachusetts to be able to finish and implement rules that Massachusetts believes are the safest rules and the best ways of dealing with marijuana," Warren said.

Warren said during the 2016 ballot campaign that she was open to legalizing marijuana in order to more tightly regulate it.

U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling said he will focus on prosecuting cases that involve "bulk cultivation and trafficking cases, and those who use the federal banking system illegally."

Jim Borghesani, a spokesman for the Yes on 4 coalition that advocated for legalizing marijuana, on Monday called on Lelling to provide an unambiguous statement about whether his office will prosecute marijuana businesses or banks providing services to marijuana businesses that are complying with state law.Congress Street was a slushy, slippery mess Monday morning after a pipe burst and flooded parts of downtown Boston overnight.

The Boston Water and Sewage Commission told commuters to expect delays in the area Monday morning after a pipe break involving a "fire hydrant lateral pipe" on Congress Street flooded multiple streets in downtown Boston, from City Hall to Faneuil Hall.

Congress St. incident involved a hydrant lateral. Crews will remain on scene for repairs. Water service should not be affected. Pedestrians and commuters should avoid the area throughout the morning. https://t.co/iHRI93PgSa  BWSC (@BOSTON_WATER) January 8, 2018

Pedestrians were urged to avoid the area altogether as cleanup crews worked on removing the pools of water. The mess created slick conditions in an area that typically sees heavy foot traffic before work hours.

The incident rerouted traffic off of the Interstate 93 ramp and closed connecting streets in the heart of Boston, causing major delays and traffic headaches Monday morning.

Water Break Update:



Traffic southbound on Congress is closed at Merrimac. Eastbound is open from North Street in Faneuil Hall.



Best routes are down New Sudbury from Cambridge Street.



South on Merrimac from the Garden, or from the Northbound Expressway to North St and Congress.  Gov't Center Parking (@GCGParking) January 8, 2018

Spreading salt along North Street in #Boston as pedestrians try to make their way after #CongressStreet water pipe break overnight. Leftover water freezing up making for a slick walk around the area. pic.twitter.com/BP6j6dbHLS  Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) January 8, 2018

Flooding Shuts Down Congress Street Near Boston City Hall https://t.co/6Z4A8n1IY5 pic.twitter.com/geM7CGUVD6  Boston Informer (@boston_informer) January 8, 2018Cultivating, distributing and possessing marijuana is a federal crime and marijuana businesses can't be assured they won't be prosecuted, the top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts said Monday, after legalization advocates.

"I understand that there are people and groups looking for additional guidance from this office about its approach to enforcing federal laws criminalizing marijuana cultivation and trafficking," Andrew Lelling, the US Attorney in Massachusetts, said in a statement. "I cannot, however, provide assurances that certain categories of participants in the state-level marijuana trade will be immune from federal prosecution."

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions last week rescinded an Obama administration memo that allowed a marijuana industry to flourish in states that have legalized the substance. He is reportedly leaving further action up to local US attorneys.

Massachusetts voters broadly legalized recreational marijuana through a 2016 ballot question. Medical marijuana became legal in Massachusetts after a 2012 ballot question.

The new state agency, the Cannabis Control Commission, is setting up a framework for the regulatory oversight of retail pot shops that are due to open in July 2018.

But Lelling said Congress "unambiguously" made marijuana an illegal drug.

"As a law enforcement officer in the Executive Branch, it is my sworn responsibility to enforce that law, guided by the Principles of Federal Prosecution," Lelling said in a statement. "To do that, however, I must proceed on a case-by-case basis, assessing each matter according to those principles and deciding whether to use limited federal resources to pursue it."

Acknowledging that he has been asked for details on how he plans to enforce federal laws criminalizing marijuana cultivation and trafficking, Lelling placed the ball back in Congress' court.

"Deciding, in advance, to immunize a certain category of actors from federal prosecution would be to effectively amend the laws Congress has already passed, and that I will not do," he said. "The kind of categorical relief sought by those engaged in state-level marijuana legalization efforts can only come from the legislative process."

Marijuana advocates said Sessions' move "created a procedural vacuum" and has done "no favors" to US attorneys like Lelling.

"We understand the reluctance to provide categorical answers but moving forward under a vast cloud of uncertainty is difficult for all stakeholders, including the residents of Massachusetts," Jim Borghesani, spokesman for the group behind the 2016 marijuana legalization ballot question, said in an email to MassLive.ENFIELD --Enfield Police are assisting the Connecticut Department of Corrections (DOC) in searching for an inmate who escaped from the Carl Robinson Correctional Institution in Enfield sometime Sunday.

The offender, identified by officials at the DOC as Jerry Mercado, 25, was unaccounted for during a routine facility check at 3:15 p.m.

Officials said the facility will remain on lock down until the inmate is found.

Mercado, of Hartford, is classified as a low risk offender. He is serving three years for third-degree burglary charges.

Officials said emergency notification to local and state officials and members of the public have been made through the state's alert system.

Anyone with information about this inmate is asked to call 911 or notify state or local police at 860-763-6400.Advocates who worked to pass the 2016 ballot question legalizing marijuana in Massachusetts are asking the state's top federal prosecutor for "clear, unambiguous answers" about what he plans to do.

Massachusetts voters backed a ballot question broadly legalizing marijuana, with 53.7 percent voting "yes."

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who opposes marijuana legalization, last week rescinded a memo that under President Obama allowed states to move towards legalization. Sessions will reportedly leave it up to local US Attorneys to make decisions about prosecutions.

Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level.

Andrew Lelling, the US Attorney for Massachusetts, said in a statement last week that his office will "pursue federal marijuana crimes as part of its overall approach to reducing violent crime, stemming the tide of the drug crisis, and dismantling criminal gangs, and in particular the threat posed by bulk trafficking of marijuana, which has had a devastating impact on local communities."

But marijuana advocates say that statement doesn't go far enough in explaining his office's approach to the legal marijuana industry that's forming in Massachusetts.

A new state agency, the Cannabis Control Commission, is building the framework to oversee Massachusetts retail pot shops, which are slated to open in July 2018.

"Massachusetts voters deserve clear, unambiguous answers from U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling to the following questions: Will your office prosecute businesses granted a license by the Cannabis Control Commission in the areas of cultivation, testing, manufacturing or sales and lawfully operating within all parameters of that license?" Jim Borghesani, who served as the spokesman for the marijuana legalization ballot campaign. "And will your office pursue charges against licensed cannabis businesses lawfully utilizing banking services or the banks lawfully providing those services?

Answers are "essential for Massachusetts voters and for elected officials, the Cannabis Control Commission, state and municipal budget writers, future cannabis industry applicants and investors, and state and local law enforcement agencies," Borghesani added.

Lelling's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday morning.HAMPDEN -- Multiple area fire departments helped Hampden firefighters battle a blaze off Somers Road on Monday morning.

The call for a report of a structure fire at 131 Somers Road -- a private driveway leading to several structures, including at least two homes, a garage, barn and other smaller structures -- came in shortly before 10 a.m.

There were no apparent injuries in the fire, which triggered a mutual aid response from other fire departments, including East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Monson, Somers and Wilbraham.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage were not immediately known.

Some fire trucks were seen making their way up the long driveway, while others staged on Somers Road about 100 yards south of Bayberry Road.

Firefighters could be seen dragging hoses along the snowy drive. Hampden has no fire hydrants or public water supply, so tankers had to repeatedly fill a portable folding tank set up at the staging area near the end of the driveway on Somers Road.

The weather conditions were far from ideal for fighting a fire, with temperatures ranging from the high-teens to the low-20s. Heavy black smoke could be seen drifting high into the bright morning sky, which clouded over by early afternoon.

Hampden police officers blocked southbound traffic on Somers Road at the corner of Mill Road, directing vehicles west on Mill toward East Longmeadow. Northbound traffic on Somers was blocked around the area of Kibbe Lane.

A police officer at the corner of Somers and Mill roads prevented a silver pickup truck from driving south toward the fire scene until he learned the driver was either a resident of the Somers Road home or a relative of someone who lives there.

Online records indicate 131 Somers is the address of Mancuso Tree Service, a local business owned by Guy Mancuso of Hampden. But the driveway also leads to another home nestled in the hills just south of Mancuso's property that is apparently accessed by his driveway. That home is owned by the Ross family, according to Mancuso.

This is a developing story and additional information will be posted when it becomes available.NORTH ADAMS - A 42-year-old resident was stabbed in the torso and bled to death and her husband faces murder charges in her killing.

Christa Leigh Steele-Knudslien's death was a homicide, Dr. Robert Welton, associate medical examiner for the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled after performing an autopsy on her body Sunday, according to Berkshire District Attorney David F. Capeless.

Steele-Knudslein also suffered multiple blunt force trauma to the head the autopsy determined, he said.

Police found Steele-Knudslein dead inside her Vaezie Street home Friday night. Shortly after they arrested her husband Mark S. Steele-Knudslein, 47, of the same address, and charged him with one count of murder, Capeless said.

He is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning in Northern Berkshire District Court.

State police detectives assigned to the District Attorney's Office, members of the North Adams and Adams Police Departments and the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section are conducting the investigation.SPRINGFIELD -- As a single mother of three boys, including one with special needs, Keri Rodrigues was often frustrated with how little power she had over decisions made about her children's education.

"I was shocked to find out as a parent that I had no power and I know that the only way to build power is to come together and unite," said Rodrigues, a former union organizer and founder and CEO of Massachusetts Parents United.

The organization, which has been around for over a year, uses networking to bring parents together to advocate for their children and families.

Currently the organization has chapters in East Boston, Dorchester, Lawrence and Lowell. On Saturday the organization opened a Springfield welcome center on Maple Street.

"We are also hoping to do the same thing in Holyoke, Chelsea and Lynn this year," Rodrigues said.

The opening coincided with Three Kings Day, celebrated in many parts of the world on January 6, 12 days after Christmas Day.

About75 children were given toys in collaboration with the New North Citizens Council, Ward 1 School Committee member Maria Perez, Prospect House, Wayfinders and other local organizations, said Kim Rivera, director of community engagement for the organization.

"It's important that this generation starts teaching the new generation about their culture and this was a great way to celebrate that, " she said.

Rodrigues said she hopes the Springfield welcome center for the organization will inspire parents to fight for not only their children's education, but their quality of life.

"We want to advocate for safer neighborhoods, safer housing, food security and access to great schools for all of our kids," she said.Oprah Winfrey accepted a Cecil B. de Mille Award at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards ceremony Monday night. The popular media figure and businesswoman used her acceptance speech to directly address the series of sexual assault cases recently brought to light.

"For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up," Winfrey said.

Perhaps most well-known for her talk show "The Oprah Winfrey Show," Winfrey is a successful multi-billionaire and philanthropist. She is not new to outstanding awards, either: in 2013, President Barack Obama honored Winfrey with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Winfrey began her speech by highlighting courageous stories of African Americans, such as that of Recy Taylor, who died last month at the age of 97, shortly after the release of a documentary about her. At the age of 24, Taylor was the victim of gang rape in Jim Crow-era Alabama, and, though it was to no avail, she bravely sought justice using the help of the NAACP.

In her speech Winfrey also tackled head-on the #MeToo movement, or the series of sexual assault claims that surfaced following allegations made against film producer Harvey Weinstein and other powerful figures. Winfrey paid respect to the women who have come forward with their stories as well as "the women whose names we'll never know."

Winfrey ended her speech on a hopeful note: "I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon," Winfrey said to thundering applause. That new day, she added, would be the result of leaders who will help create a new era of transparency, "the time when nobody ever has to say 'Me too' again."Remember when conservatives would frequently trumpet the notion that in our nation, where the federal government has constitutionally circumscribed powers, the states can serve as laboratories of democracy, acting as testing grounds for particular policies? Apparently Attorney General Jefferson Sessions didn't get that memo.

Sessions, who'd served as a U.S. senator from Alabama for fully two decades before President Donald Trump tapped him to be the nation's top law-enforcement official, rescinded a Justice Department policy that had allowed states that had legalized recreational marijuana to conduct their experiments without fear of running afoul of federal authorities.

Sessions, a Republican and a conservative, behaved like neither with his needlessly rash act.

And it wasn't only today's hipsters and leftovers from the summer of love who found Sessions' decision irrational, illogical, intemperate. Here was Colorado's junior senator, Cory Gardner, a Republican, speaking on the floor of the Senate in response to Sessions' move:

"I will be putting a hold on every single nomination from the Department of Justice until Attorney General Jeff Sessions lives up to the commitment he made to me in my pre-confirmation meeting with him. The conversation we had that was specifically about this issue of states' rights in Colorado. Until he lives up to that commitment, I'll be holding up all nominations of the Department of Justice.

"The people of Colorado deserve answers. The people of Colorado deserve to be respected."

Hear, hear.

Gardner, it's worth noting, is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. In other words, he's no outlier, no squirrelly libertarian taking shelter in the Republican caucus, but is instead a solid member of the party hierarchy.

Seven states -- including Massachusetts -- and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana, and others will doubtless be following suit. The trend is clear to most everyone. But not to Sessions.

He wants to impose his own will on the states, overriding the votes, and voices, of the people. That's no one's definition of conservatism. It's authoritarianism.

Though an act of Congress currently shields states that have legalized medicinal marijuana from federal intervention, Congress has made no similar move regarding states that have legalized weed for recreational use.

It's time for lawmakers to get off the dime and do what's needed to restore some order.Wait a minute -- you mean Mexico isn't going to pay for Donald Trump's border wall?

Late last week, with Congress working to keep federal operations from shuttering on Jan. 19 and hoping to find a way to shield from deportation the estimated 690,000 people who'd been brought into our nation illegally as children, the president insisted that he'd need $18 billion for construction of parts of his wall on our border with Mexico.

This is foolish in so many ways.

But Trump, who described himself over the weekend as a "very stable genius," persists nonetheless in pushing for his beloved wall.

It's important to remember that the man formerly known as The Donald launched his bid for the Republican Party's presidential nomination in June 2015 with a denunciation of Mexicans. He rode down an escalator at Trump Tower and gave a lengthy, only semi-coherent statement during which he said:

"When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best. ... They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists."

That was toward the beginning of his rambling address. Much later, near the end, he said:

"I will build a great, great wall on our southern border. And I will have Mexico pay for that wall.

"Mark my words."

So why the request now for billions of dollars for the wall?

Trump's wall has always been a twisted fantasy. It's a product of his dark imaginings, meant to appeal to people's worst instincts. It might sound good to those who don't understand the complexities of today's economy. Or to those who simply don't much like foreigners, especially those who aren't white.

Trump often dismisses reports he dislikes as "fake news." Now he's calling a new book that calls into question his mental acuity and paints a disturbing picture of a Dysfunctional White House in near complete disarray a "fake book."

All the while, of course, more and more people have come to think of Trump himself as pretty much a fake president. And lots of what he believes, or purports to believe at any given time, as genuinely unreal.

Congress faces important work over the very near term. On spending. On protections for the so-called dreamers, those who were brought here illegally as children. On the debt ceiling.

Trump, by needlessly adding his foolish wall into the mix, is only making things more difficult.A pickup truck was unoccupied when a MBTA commuter rail train hit it Monday morning, a spokesman for the public transit agency said.

A MBTA spokesman said the truck was unoccupied and police are investigating the incident, which occurred in South Weymouth. There was no damage to the Pond Street railroad crossing.

Shuttle buses arrived at the South Weymouth commuter rail stop to ferry passengers to Braintree Station, where they would be able to board the MBTA's Red Line and head into Boston.

The South Weymouth commuter rail stop is on the Kingston/Plymouth commuter rail line.

The truck incident added to the delays affecting the overall system, which transit officials said is still recovering from last week's snowstorm and deep cold weather.U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, called President Donald Trump's decision to end protected status for people who fled from El Salvador "fundamentally wrong."

"It doesn't make America safer. It doesn't make America stronger," Warren said. "It takes away people who work hard, and it takes away the message to the world that we are a beacon of liberty and that we stand for those who need a place of safety."

Temporary Protected Status is a federal program that temporarily lets residents of certain countries remain in the U.S. because conditions in their homeland are too dangerous to return. The status must be periodically updated for each country.

The Trump administration announced Monday that it would end TPS for people from El Salvador in September 2019. That means the approximately 200,000 Salvadorans currently in the U.S. under the program will have to either leave or apply for another legal status. Congress could potentially pass a bill giving them legal status.

El Salvador residents were given TPS after a 2001 earthquake, so recipients have been in the U.S. since 2001. Department of Homeland Security officials said since 2001, schools and hospitals have been rebuilt, homes have been repaired, and international aid has been provided to restore water, sanitation and roads.

"The substantial disruption of living conditions caused by the earthquake no longer exist," Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen wrote in a statement.

The Trump administration made a similar decision on Haiti, planning to end TPS in that country in July 2019.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, had urged the Department of Homeland Security to give people from TPS countries some kind of legal status. Massachusetts is home to an estimated 6,000 Salvadorans with TPS status.

Warren, speaking to reporters after an unrelated event at a Boston community health center, said people with TPS "are people who have been working in our communities, who have paid taxes, who have escaped a brutal circumstances in their home countries. There is no reason for him to deport them wholesale."

"He has attacked our Haitian communities," Warren said of Trump. "Now he's picked another group. This is fundamentally wrong."

Advocates for immigrants say El Salvador has high rates of crime and gang activity, and it is not safe to deport people back to El Salvador. Many of these people have American-born children who are U.S. citizens.

The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition condemned Trump's decision. "Given the dire conditions in El Salvador, which the U.S. State Department has warned Americans not to travel to, it is clear that nothing - not natural disasters, not hunger, not rampant violence - is seen as a valid justification anymore for protected status," said MIRA executive director Eva Millona. "Our government is perfectly comfortable sending longstanding, law-abiding residents into life-threatening conditions, and their U.S. citizen children as well."China's forestry authority has made a plan to boost the domestic forestry industry and increase its forest resources to the world's average by 2050.

The plan unveiled by Zhang Jianlong, chief of State Forestry Administration, at a conference which closed on Friday, is the latest move taken by government sectors to implement the ruling party's modernization blueprint.

At its 19th National Congress in November, China's ruling party decided to make the country prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful by 2050.

Zhang said that by 2050, China's forest stock will expand to 26.5 billion cubic meters, and 72 percent of the growth of forestry industry will come from technological advancement.

Although China has seen its forest resources growing fastest in the world in the past five years, Zhang said that forestry remained "a weak link" of China's modernization drive.

"Inadequate forestry resources were a significant cause of China's fragile ecology and the lack of ecological products," Zhang said.

To improve the situation, the administration has broke down the country's forestry modernization goals into different phases.

In the first phase from now until 2020, China's forest coverage rate is expected to reach 23.04 percent from 21.66 percent, while the volume of forest resources will expand from 15.137 billion cubic meters to 16.5 billion cubic meters.

From 2020 to 2035, the percentage of forest coverage will grow further to 26 percent while forest stock will rise to 21 billion cubic meters.

Over the same period, the greening rate in the rural area will surge from 30 percent to 38 percent. By 2050, the figure will reach 43 percent.

Zhang said that in 2018, the afforested areas in both cities and counties would be 6.67 million hectares.

The aggregate output of the forestry industry will reach 7.5 trillion yuan in 2018 compared with 7 trillion yuan in 2017, while the imports and exports of forestry products will rise to 160 billion U.S. dollars from 150 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, he said.BOSTON -- After touring a Roxbury community health center, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, called on Congress to provide long-term funding to community health centers and a children's health insurance program.

"Right now, Congress has failed in its responsibility to you and the people of Massachusetts and the people of America," Warren said during a roundtable with health care professionals at the Dimock Center.

Funding for community health centers and a children's health insurance program for low-income kids referred to as CHIP both ran out by Oct. 1, although states had money to continue the programs into 2018. Congress then passed a short-term reauthorization to fund the programs through March.

But health care advocates say that is not good enough, since health centers must plan their long-term budgets and adjust their staffing accordingly.

"It has a chilling effect on health centers across the country trying to provide critical services," said Michael Curry, legislative affairs director for the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. "They can't do that to the best of their ability if they're not sure if funding is coming tomorrow."

Warren said she is frustrated because both the health centers and the children's health insurance have always been bipartisan programs. "Now the politics in Washington have become so toxic that the Republicans have withheld reauthorization for community health centers and CHIP as part of their negotiations to try to get other legislative items on their agenda," Warren said.

Nandini Sengupta, medical director of health services at the Dimock Center, told Warren that she can remember 20 years ago before the children's health insurance program existed. "We had two-tiered health care, for insured and uninsured kids," Sengupta said. "We had to think what we could do for uninsured kids with limited resources. ... I never want to be in that position again."

Warren said she will fight for a full reauthorization for both federal programs with increased funding.

"It's not as if there's wasted money. It's not as if anyone says these services aren't needed," Warren said. "Everyone in this country agrees these are the services that are needed, that this is the sensible way to provide those services. ... Yet right now the Republicans in Washington are playing political games with our children's health."

Speaking to reporters after the roundtable, Warren was asked about speculation about President Donald Trump's mental state. Warren said the discussion is not about politics, but about the country and about being able to get things done like funding children's health care. It is also about being a leader in the world.

"I'm very worried that we're at a point in America where so many people are questioning the mental stability of our leader," Warren said. "That's not good for our country at home, and it's not good for our country around the world."The World Bank took a tough position on climate action recently, announcing its plans to discontinue support of any upstream oil and gas projects in 2019.

By Mario L. Major

https://interestingengineering.com/the-world-bank-plans-to-end-support-of-fossil-fuels-in-2019Deserved or not, the assumption in election years is that Idaho lawmakers want to keep things simple: Steer clear of big, controversial issues, quickly wrap things up and get back to their districts to start campaigning.

But 2018 is shaping up to be a gangbuster political year for Idaho, for two particular reasons.

BY CYNTHIA SEWELL

[email protected]

http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article193412264.htmlFormer Sungevity CEO Andrew Birch breaks down why American consumers are being charged two times more for solar than their peers overseas.

Andrew Birch

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-to-halve-the-cost-of-residential-solar-in-the-us?utm_source=Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GTMDaily#gs.RViIHwYAt the end of the year, the Federal Communications Commission released data that it knows to be inaccurate, which will damage the lives and livelihoods of millions of our fellow citizens who live and work in rural America.

Across the country, the Federal Communications Commission wants millions of rural Americans to think they have broadband at home and the workplace  when they dont. The self-reported claims of service are very convenient for large telecommunications companies, which might face more competition otherwise.

By Jonathan Chambers

***

The current state of broadband Internet access in rural Montana http://www.matr.net/article-80750.htmlA requirement that Portlanders selling their houses disclose the results of a home energy audit took effect this week, though it appears to be off to an uneven start.

The requirement, approved by the Portland City Council in 2016, is intended to give buyers a better idea of their maintenance costs in the long run. Its modeled off programs in cities including Austin, Texas; Berkley, California; and Boulder, Colorado.

By Elliot Njus

[email protected]

The Oregonian/OregonLive

http://www.oregonlive.com/front-porch/index.ssf/2018/01/portland_home-sellers_must_dis.html#incart_m-rpt-2Senators Questioning of Wells Fargo CEO Forces Bank to Drop Forced Arbitration Motion Against Victims of Fraud

U.S. Senator Jon Testers high profile grilling of the Wells Fargo CEO has resulted in justice for fraud victims following the banks scandal involving the opening of more than 3.5 million fake bank accounts for its customers.

During a Senate Banking Committee hearing in October, Tester secured assurances https://www.facebook.com/senatortester/videos/10155752724731665/ from CEO Tim Sloan that the bank was not requiring victims of Wells Fargos fraudulent actions to enter into forced arbitration and eliminate their right to sue the bank.

In contradiction to Sloans testimony to Tester, Wells Fargo was actively attempting to block a class action lawsuit in a federal Utah court https://www.tester.senate.gov/files/Letters/Motion%20and%20Memo%20in%20Sup%20of%20Renewed%20Motion%20to%20Compel%20Arbitration.pdf by requiring the victims to enter into forced arbitration. As a direct result of Testers questioning, Wells Fargo on Thursday withdrew its motion to require forced arbitration. Now customers who had fake Wells Fargo accounts opened in their name have the right to sue the bank for its fraudulent actions.

"Wells Fargo must be held accountable," Tester said. "This is a step in the right direction to ensure that victims of fraud are made whole again and I will keep fighting relentlessly for the millions of families that were deliberately lied to and bullied by Wells Fargo so they can receive justice."

Before Wells Fargo withdrew its forced arbitration motion, Sloan was scheduled for a deposition on January 5 and the judge had scheduled a two-day trial set to begin on January 22 to specifically determine whether Sloan waived Wells Fargos right to seek forced arbitration during his testimony with Tester. Rather than cooperate with the deposition, Wells Fargo chose to drop the motion.

Forced arbitration clauses block consumers from suing a company over fraudulent actions and require them to seek recourse through a third-party arbitrator.

Tester has sponsored legislation https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4884 to eliminate the ability of any bank to force customers into arbitration on any issue associated with fraudulent accounts, and he opposed legislative efforts to repeal the ban on forced arbitration clauses in banking contracts.

Tester also successfully demanded https://www.tester.senate.gov/files/Letters/2017-10-04%20IRS%20Equifax%20Contract.pdf the IRS rescind a $7 million contract with Equifax after the companys major data breach that jeopardized the personal financial information of tens of millions of Americans.The marked low pressure area evolving to the north north east of St Brandon has intensified into a tropical depression over night while moving slowly in a general south-south-easterly direction . At 0900 hours this morning it was located at about 350 km to the north east of St Brandon.

The tropical depression is evolving in a favourable environment and therefore, it will continue to intensify and become a Moderate Tropical Storm this afternoon. It will then be named JOANINHA.

The system will continue to track south-south-west passing within 150 km to the East of St Brandon Island on Saturday 23 March 2019 around mid-day. As from Sunday 24 morning, most Weather Prediction Models are recurving the system towards the south, then towards the southeast.

On this new trajectory, it will approach both Mauritius and Rodrigues and represents a potential threat to both Islands.

There is still lot of uncertainties as to it final track. But there are some indications that it will pass between Mauritius and Rodrigues on Monday early morning  with a strong likelihood that it will be closer to Rodrigues on Monday evening  passing to the south west of Plaine Corail, Rodrigues. Weather in Mauritius will gradually become cloudy with passing showers as from tonight (Friday) night. The Showers will become more frequent during the week-end. Wind will strengthen gradually with gusts of 65 km/h on Saturday 23 March 2019. Gusts will increase to reach 80 km/h on Sunday 24 March 2019.

Weather at Rodrigues will be cloudy with passing showers. The showers will be moderate to heavy as from tonight with isolated thunderstorms. Gusts will increase gradually to reach 65 km per hour on Saturday and 85 km per hour on Sunday.

The Meteorological Services is closely monitoring the evolution of this system and will regularly inform all concerned.The east Chinese city of Yiwu, known as the "world supermarket" for its wholesale goods, saw steady growth in trade last year, the city's customs said Saturday.

Official data showed the city achieved a total trade volume of 211.3 billion yuan (32.6 billion U.S. dollars) from January to November, up 4.4 percent, with exports standing at 208.1 billion yuan, up 4.1 percent, and imports at 3.2 billion yuan, up 34.3 percent.

Yiwu exports over 20,000 types of Christmas items to more than 100 countries and regions every year, accounting for 60 percent of the world's market share. A merchant told Xinhua that her company alone sold 200,000 Christmas trees to countries including the United States, Argentina, Italy and Colombia last year.

According to Yiwu customs, the city exported 1.4 billion yuan of Christmas goods to countries such as Chile, the United States, the Philippines, Brazil and India from January to November.

Belt and Road countries have also become important export destinations, leading many merchants to add Arabic specifications to their products, in addition to Chinese and English.

The customs said India is the largest importer, with trade volume exceeding 13 billion yuan, while Hungary and Angola registered the highest year-on-year growth of 232 percent and 101 percent, respectively.France is home to Airbus, one of the largest plane makers in the world, and also a key aviation partner in China.

The win-win relationship is expected to grow even stronger in the future as China, the world's second-largest economy, may become the world's largest aviation market.

Airbus predicts that China will leapfrog the United States and become a one trillion U.S. dollar aviation market in less than 20 years.

The company has been investing locally in China since 1985. In 1996, Airbus teamed up with China Aviation Supplies and established its first local joint venture  Hua-Ou Aviation  a company that specializes in training and providing support to Airbus customers in China. Hua-Ou has helped Airbus' Chinese partners train some 15,000 staff including pilots, flight attendants and maintenance workers.

Local assembly and completion facilities have also been established, and the Airbus' A320 family assembly line in Tianjin can deliver 50 airplanes a year. The first A330 aircraft also rolled off from its completion center in Tianjin in September 2017.

"It presents a huge opportunity for us because we are here to provide aircraft and associated services to our Chinese customers," said Francois Mery, the Chief Operating Officer for Airbus Commercial Aircraft China.

In addition, Airbus is also looking to start exchanging thoughts with its Chinese competitors like COMAC in uncompetitive domains such as aircraft management and market studies.

The aviation cooperation between China and France does not only involve building and buying airplanes - different educational programs have been set up. For example, the French Civil Aviation University or ENAC has teamed up with Tsinghua University to establish an Executive MBA program that specializes in aviation.

"The growth of education, especially in this area, is something that is definitely needed with the large growth of the marketplace. And there will be more skilled laborers as well as skilled technicians and financiers who can help grow the market even more," said David Yu, aviation investor, and a professor at New York University Shanghai.

The total value of industrial cooperation between Airbus and the Chinese aviation industry has passed half a billion U.S. dollars, and the company aims to increase its investment in China to 1 billion U.S. dollars each year by 2020.With improved air quality in Beijing, people near Tuanjiehu Park are choosing to spend time with children outdoors. / CGTN Photo

After five years fighting air pollution, people in Beijing are breathing noticeably cleaner air.

According to local weather authorities, the Chinese capital has been successful in executing its 2013 plan, reducing concentrations of PM2.5  fine particulate matter in the air  to less than 60 micrograms per cubic meter, by limiting it to 58 micrograms.

Official data shows the city recorded only 23 heavy pollution days in 2017, compared to 58 days back in 2013. And over two-thirds of the whole year were good air days.

The improvement in air quality has also impacted the sales of smog-related products, such as face masks and air purifiers.

Inside the shopping centers of Beijing's commercial hotspots, most of the facial masks remain on the shelves untouched. It's pretty much the same for other household products, like air purifiers.

Having worked at a store selling air purifiers for three years, Mr. Wang Wanli told CGTN that he used to sell 20 to 30 air purifiers each day during peak smoggy weather. But now, the number is less than ten for a whole week.

Beijing saw a heavy burst of smog in 2013. People spent over half the year living under a hazy spell. On Jan. 12 of that year, the PM2.5 reading once surpassed 900 micrograms per cubic meter in downtown areas. The spell forced Beijing to issue its first ever orange alert for heavy smog.

Authorities listed several factors that have contributed to the improvement in the city's air quality, including efforts to demolish coal-fired boilers and the reduction of high-emission vehicles. They also attribute the improvements to drier and windier weather over the past year.

Beijing authorities have vowed to limit 2.5PM particle emissions to 35 micrograms per cubic meter by 2030 which is still higher than the maximum of 10 micrograms recommended by the World Health Organization.

Li Xiang, the director responsible for air quality control at Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau, said vehicle emissions take up an increasing percentage of the total pollutants in Beijing. As a next step, they will intensify supervision of high-emission vehicles, among others, to keep the capital's skies blue.Gan Wei, the wife of Jia Yueting, founder of debt-laden technology company LeEco, posted on her Weibo account on Sunday a summary of her efforts to resolve the company's debt problems by working with a task force.

Gan said that e-commerce platform LeMall.com, a subsidiary of LeEco, had been sold to Leshi's Tianjin unit, subsidiary of the listed company Leshi Internet Information & Technology Corp, at 92.9 million yuan (.32 million). This transaction involving core assets partly resolved the debt of the listed company, the post said.

The main business of the Tianjin unit is marketing smart and internet TVs.

Shares in smartphone maker Coolpad Group worth HK7 million (3 million) were transferred to China Merchants Bank (CMB) in a partial debt-equity swap. The debt owed to CMB amounted to about HK.4 billion, so almost 60 percent was settled in this way, the post said. Gan will seek communication with CMB to un-freeze other assets so that more debts could be paid, the post added.

Jia resigned from Coolpad as executive director on November 17, 2017.

Gan expressed her gratitude to investors in LeEco and Coolpad Group, saying more understanding and time was needed, the post said. Gan was entrusted by Jia to settle the debts. Jia has been ordered by the China Securities Regulatory Commission's Beijing branch to return to China and settle the debt.Chinese bidders should adjust strategies in overseas buys

A Chinese company that agreed to acquire a German aerospace parts supplier may be forced to back out of the deal, with the German government having reportedly intervened in the takeover worrying concerns the shift of core technologies into Chinese hands.

While the Chinese company, a unit of State-owned China Iron and Steel Research Institute Group, is waiting for details of the official probe into its bid to buy Cotesa GmbH, it is losing confidence in the deal, according to a source inside the group.

"I'm not aware of the specifics of the deal and the German government investigation yet, but if it did intervene, we understand the deal is over because we have been through this type of government intervention before in the U.S. and Japan and there is just no way around it," the source told the Global Times on Sunday.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press about the case.

The Financial Times reported on Thursday that the German Ministry of Economics has intervened in the deal, with an investigation "to check whether it complies with Germany's law on foreign trade."

In the report, an unidentified spokesperson of the ministry did not provide further information as to how and why this specific case was targeted for an investigation and which specific German law on foreign trade was involved.

The German Ministry of Economics did not immediately respond to an email seeking information.

The deal, which reportedly involved an investment of 100 million euros (0.28 million) to 200 million euros, had been agreed upon between the two companies before the investigation.

If the Chinese company backs out, it would add to a growing list of Chinese companies' failed overseas merger and acquisition (M&A) deals, as suspicion of Chinese investments has been growing not only in Germany but the West in recent years amid China's rise.

The German government has stopped several high-profile Chinese deals, including the takeover of Germany's largest manufacturer of industrial robotics Kuka AG and chipmaker Aixtron. In July, the German government changed its law to block foreign takeovers in critical sectors.

"This is a trend prompted by Chinese companies' global shopping frenzy in 2016 and China's rise in technology and in the manufacturing sector, and it's only going to intensify because the competition between China and these established technological powers is only going to intensify," said Chen Fengying, an expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

Chen told the Global Times on Sunday that, as unease about China's rise grows in the West, Chinese companies will have to adjust their strategies such as bringing in a third party in this kind of M&A deal to cope with potentially unfair treatment and regulatory scrutiny.

Chen said the acquisition frenzy by Chinese companies in 2016, which saw numerous deals that did not make any business sense to outsiders, coupled with China's stated goal of becoming a manufacturing power under its "Made in China 2025" initiative "really scared countries like the U.S. and Germany."

The U.S. has also blocked several Chinese deals involving high-technology companies and financial services, including Ant Financial's proposal to purchase MoneyGram, which was terminated last week after failure to win U.S. regulatory approval.

Commenting on the failed Ant Financial-MoneyGram deal, Geng Shuang, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Wednesday urged the U.S. to "provide a fair and predicable environment for Chinese companies investing and operating in the U.S."Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (3rd R) poses for a group photo with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha (3rd L), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (2nd R), Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong (2nd L), Vice President of Myanmar Sai Mauk Kham (1st R), and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh (1st L) before the 1st Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, March 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

The second Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) forum leaders's meeting will kick off in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Wednesday, with the aim of building a community of shared future of peace and prosperity.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will attend the meeting under the theme "Our River of Peace of Sustainable Development." The river refers to the Lancang-Mekong River.

Originating from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in southwest China, the river is called the Lancang River in China and the Mekong River as it flows through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before emptying into the sea.

More than 326 million people live along the 4,880-km-long waterway, which flows through an area of more than 795,000 square km.

Like the Lancang-Mekong River, the common mission and ideals that bind the six countries together have forged a common destiny for them.

CONSENSUS TO BUILD A COMMUNITY OF SHARED FUTURE

"Sanya Declaration determined the goal of building a community of shared future of peace and prosperity, which was reaffirmed in the joint press communique of the third LMC foreign ministers' meeting in December," said Hu Zhengyue, vice president of China Public Diplomacy Association and former Chinese assistant minister of foreign affairs.

Sanya Declaration was issued after the first LMC leaders' meeting held in Sanya City in south China's Hainan Province in March 2016.

China has proposed building a community with a shared future for mankind and the LMC cooperation mechanism can be a "good starting point" and a "demostration area" to implement the concept, Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of China Institute of International Studies, told Xinhua.

The six countries - China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam -- are closely inter-connected because they are nourished by the same river, Ruan said, adding that they have very similar development concepts and a lot in common in inter-connectivity, water resources, agriculture and technology.

The six nations have very deep traditional friendship with innate advantages, solid basis, strong willingness and great potential for cooperation, and a have common goal to build a community of shared future of peace and prosperity, said Huang Xilian, deputy director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs under the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

"This is why from the very start the Lancang-Mekong cooperation mechanism has gained great importance attached by and extensive support from the governments and peoples of the six countries," Huang said.

LANCANG-MEKONG EFFICIENCY WITH BRIGHT PROSPECTS

The LMC has achieved fruitful results since its inception in 2016. It has demonstrated a Lancang-Mekong speed and efficiency.

On mechanism construction, the LMC has formed dialogue mechanisms at different levels. It so far has held one leaders' meeting, three foreign ministers' meetings and five senior officials' meetings, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou told a recent news briefing.

On regional cooperation projects, most of the 45 early harvest projects identified at the first LMC leaders' meeting and the 13 initiatives put forward by China at the second LMC foreign ministers' meeting have been completed or made substantive progress, reads the joint press communique of the third LMC foreign ministers' meeting held in Dali City of southwest China's Yunnan Province on Dec. 15.A job seeker talks to a recruitment agent at a jobs fair at Beijing's International Exhibition Center.

Globally expanding, talent-hunting Chinese companies across industries are causing big changes in the composition of clients of major headhunters.

For instance, till five years back, more than 90 percent of Korn Ferry's clients were not Chinese companies. Today, more than 50 percent of its corporate customers are Chinese, including State-owned enterprises, that are expanding globally through overseas offices, subsidiaries, projects, mergers and acquisitions.

Huang Jigong, partner-in-charge of Heidrick & Struggles China, a US-based headhunter from the top five, said Chinese companies now form the majority of the firm's clients.

The change is being attributed to expanding Chinese companies' new thrust on hiring qualified or high-level personnel, industry insiders said.

Huang said, "The change shows Chinese companies are according priority to human resources in their business expansion strategy."

Liu Jialiang, chief representative of Beijing office of Korn Ferry, one of the world's top five headhunters based in the United States, said Chinese customers are looking for talent to lead their overseas projects or offices.

"Our clients expect candidates to know overseas markets well, be able to adapt to new environments quickly, and have good communication and leadership skills," he said.

Korn Ferry's Chinese clients include internet giants Baidu Inc, Alibaba Group and Tencent, and China General Nuclear Power Group.

Comparing the emphasis in hiring strategies of foreign and Chinese companies, Huang of Heidrick& Struggles said the former have long-term plans for new executive managers, while the latter tend to seek candidates who are practical, efficient and quick to generate profit.

Different from job websites or recruitment agents, top-end headhunters mainly look for C-level executives, including CEOs, CFOs and COOs.

Such firms typically charge 28 to 30 percent of the candidate's salary in the first year, which often exceeds 1 million yuan (3,000) as service fee. The whole process takes about three to six months.

Huang said many of Heidrick & Struggles' customers are internet and high-tech firms that hire foreign employees from Silicon Valley or overseas Chinese with educational or working experience in developed countries.

Liu from Korn Ferry said employers in fields such as big data and artificial intelligence will hire talent in the future. Globally, such recruits will be expected to bring advanced ideas and narrow the gap between the employers and their competitors in developed countries.

At the same time, such professionals will be attracted to China, too, due to its broad market and various applications of technologies, he said.

Besides the "go-global" strategy, business transformation is also creating the need for talent among Chinese companies.

"A real estate enterprise, for example, may one day decide to enter financial services. But there is no time to train an eligible executive manager from within its system," Liu said.

The government also tends to hold a more flexible attitude toward human resources. Korn Ferry was commissioned by the Chaoyang district of Beijing to recruit for 17 posts related to environmental protection, he said.

"It's a dynamic and diversified market," said Liu. "Mobility of talented personnel can bring vitality."

Headhunters, who own massive databases and proprietorial evaluation systems that use both work experience and technological tools to measure performance, can play a part in the process, besides offering related advisory services, he said.Volkswagen's next-generation Magotan catches visitors' eyes at an auto expo in Jinan, Shandong province.

Over 20 million cars involved across the country, with seatbelts and airbags the main culprits

Carmakers in China recalled more than 20 million defective cars in 2017, a record high since the country introduced legislation on car recalls in 2004, according to an official with China's top quality watchdog.

A total of 20.05 million faulty cars were recalled last year, up 77 percent from 2016, said Yan Fengmin, head of the law enforcement department of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

Statistics show that 5.59 million faulty cars were recalled in 2015 and 11.34 million in 2016.

"The annual growth was more than 50 percent in each of the past three years," Yan said.

Only the United States tops China for the number of recalled cars.

Yan said since China began implementing the rule of recalling defective cars in 2004, carmakers have announced 1,548 recalls, involving a total of 56.74 million vehicles.

Airbag and seatbelt problems were the major culprits behind recalls in 2017, affecting 10.64 million cars, 53.1 percent of the annual total.

Yan said defective Takata airbags that may explode under certain conditions caused 29 automakers to recall 9.87 million vehicles in 2017 alone.

In total, the issue led to the recall of 19.52 million vehicles from 38 companies across China.

Globally, 120 million cars have been equipped with the faulty Takata airbags. The US has been by far the hardest hit, with at least 12 deaths out of the 20 recorded worldwide. So far, the defective airbags have not injured or killed people in China.

Millions more will be recalled in 2018. German carmaker Volkswagen AG announced in September that it and its Chinese partners will recall 4.86 million cars in China over faulty Takata airbags, which will be the largest ever recall in the history of the world's largest automotive market.

Following airbags are defective powertrains, which resulted in recalls of more than 4 million cars in 2017, accounting for 20.4 percent of the total in the year.

Problems concerning steering systems and electrical equipment each triggered recalls of around 1.7 million cars, and some 800,000 cars were recalled because of car body problems.

Yan said customers' rising awareness of protecting their rights facilitated the authorities' work in investigations that prompted recalls.

Based on leads from different sources, the quality watchdog conducted 43 car-related investigations in 2017, forcing carmakers to recall 13.58 million cars, 68 percent of the total recalled in the year.

Yan said the authorities also summoned 36 carmakers for meetings about faulty airbags, urging them to make recalls.

He added that all carmakers that equipped their cars with Takata airbags had finished recalling cars or issued recall plans by the end of 2017.

Efforts in this respect will constitute a major focus of the quality watchdog's work in 2018, Yan said.

He added the quality watchdog plans to work with the concerned authorities to introduce car emissions-related problems into China's car recall regulations, and gradually include all problems that affect people's safety and property in legislation.A small yellow robot developed by Chinese technicians is safeguarding coral reefs in the South China Sea.

When it finds crown-of-thorns starfish preying on coral polyps, the robot rushes and kills them.

The 45-cm-long, 29-cm wide and 22-cm-tall robot weighs less than 10 kilograms. Equipped with four high-power thrusters, it moves freely like a skilled diver.

The robot is an underwater observation device, designed and made by Qingdao Robotfish Marine Technology Co Ltd. Fan Ping is the company's chief technology officer.

Fan's team at first thought of calling it the Starfish-Killing Robot, but they eventually settled on Coral Guard.

Fan said the robot was tailor-made to protect coral polyps from the nibbling starfish and it also can fight off sea urchins.

"A coral reef is fragile and is one of the most complex ecosystems," Fan said recently, adding that protection of coral reefs can help save tens of hundreds of other species.

More important, protecting coral reefs is significant for maritime rights and interests, he emphasized.

Fan said his company's underwater robot is the third to prevent the threat to reefs from starfish, following those made by companies in Japan and Australia. Such robots are a welcome alternative to using chemicals and divers and they are safe and effective.

"Our robot monitoring range can reach 10 meters and it only allows 1 cm deviation from the target," he said, adding that is quite a feat for a small robot with present technology.

The robot began its testing stage in June and it was delivered to users in September.

"The miniaturization of robots is a trend of the future and has market potential in maritime preservation," Fan said. "It will be no surprise to see a group of small robots operating together underwater for marine observation in the future," Fan added.

Fan also said his company has just updated a new underwater robot that weighs less and has strong resistance against underwater currents with more advanced equipment such as a depth sensor and electronic compass. The new robot is expected to be used in aquaculture.

Fan is now designing a server and plans to establish a remote controller. After the new robot has undergone testing, people can operate the device and learn how it works by logging on to the company's website.French President Emmanuel Macron, who once described himself as a "Maoist", will embark on his three-day trip to the very land that nourished Maoism on Monday, with bilateral trade, climate change and the Korean Peninsula situation expected to be on the agenda.

For Beijing, this visit will be the first by a major European leader since China successfully held the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) last autumn. For Macron, it will be the young leader's first visit to Asia since he took office last May, as he has yet to forge a clear policy in the region.

The 19th CPC National Congress took place in October and advanced the major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics became the main goal of China's diplomacy.

"To welcome the young leader's first state visit to China represents the beginning of China's efforts to pursue the major-country diplomacy," commented Shen Xiaoquan, an international studies researcher.

Meanwhile, Macron has moved into a void created by Britain's Brexit retreat and the weakening of Angela Merkel in Germany, and US isolationism under Donald Trump, to play an increasingly active role on the global stage, which is expected to accelerate this year with trips to Iran and Asia, including the upcoming state visit to China.

Macron: Fan of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping

Though just elected as the French leader last May, Macron is well known in China - not only for his age and his romance with his teacher who is 24 years older than him, but also for his keen interest in modern Chinese history especially in two of China's most influential leaders: Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.

In an interview with French local media, Macron said: "I am a Maoist [Je suis Maoiste]." He went on to elaborated that for Mao, "a good program is what works [un bon programme c'est ce qui marche]."

During his campaign, Macron used anecdotes and references from Chinese history several times. And once he invoked Deng's saying, "It doesn't matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice," in response to a question on French commercial radio network RTL about how the then-candidate saw the left and right divide in France.

And he even referred to the intense presidential campaign and endless opinion polls as a "long march"  a long and daring military maneuver by China's Red Army, which laid the foundation for the eventual victory of the CPC.

There are comments that Macron appreciates China very much, and some trails can be seen in the young leader's book "Revolution" published last November. In the book he spoke highly of Chain'[s economic development and wrote that "Chinese leaders have never forgotten the fact that France was the first major Western power to establish full diplomatic ties with China." (In 1973, Georges Pompidou became the first Western head of state to visit Beijing.)

Overview of previous high-level bilateral visits and economic ties

France is the first Western country to have held a strategic dialogue and built a comprehensive partnership with China. Their ties have been solidified by an intense series of high-level visits.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Macron for the first time during the Hamburg G20 Summit in July, where they both agreed to promote bilateral relations and cooperation. Xi made a state visit to France in 2014 and an official visit in 2015 for the Paris Climate Conference.

On the French side, former French President Francois Hollande made two state visits to China, in April 2013 and November 2015. Hollande also attended the G20 Hangzhou Summit in September 2016 and met with Xi on the sidelines of the event.Uber's rivals are stepping up the battle for ride-sharing dominance in Europe, with local startups raising funds and global adversaries increasing contact with local regulators as they seek to gain a toehold in the region.

Taxify OU is looking to raise $50 million in the first quarter to fund expansion plans, according to a person familiar with the matter. The move comes after the Estonia-based startup revealed in October that it received backing from Chinese giant Didi Chuxing.

Mytaxi -- a black-cab taxi app backed by Daimler -- is also looking to expand the number of cities it serves across Europe, including a handful of new cities in the U.K., said General Manager Andy Batty.

Interest in London, Europe's most lucrative market, has also increased from providers outside Europe. In late October, Ola board member and former Vodafone Chief Executive Officer Arun Sarin and Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal met with Michael Hurwitz, Transport for London's Director of Transport Innovation, to discuss developments in the industry in London and India, according to meeting records seen by Bloomberg News.

From November 2016 to November 2017, executives at Uber's main U.S. rival, Lyft Inc., met with TfL seven times, most recently with an October phone call between TfL Managing Director Leon Daniels and Lyft Head of Global Policy Mike Masserman to discuss the Mayor of London's transport strategy. While both sides won't elaborate on matters discussed, these meetings are typically designed to pave the way for doing business in the U.K. capital. Previous entrants have spent time forging ties to London regulators before submitting transportation licenses.

"We regularly talk to companies around the world about innovation that could improve transport in London," TfL's Hurwitz said in a statement.

A spokeswoman from Lyft declined to comment. Ola didn't respond to a request for comment.

Much of the perceived opportunity stems from Uber's recent conflicts with regulators. The European Union's top court in December ruled Uber must be regulated as a transportation service, a blow to the company's attempts to avoid taxi rules and licensing requirements. Uber is also appealing Transport for London's surprise decision in September to ban the app on safety and regulatory concerns. The court hearing is set for either April or June. Uber is hoping that it can settle its issues with TfL outside of court, a person familiar with the matter said.

A spokesman from Uber declined to comment.

The recent ruling narrows the difference between companies such as Uber and Taxify -- which rely on connecting an ever-growing pool of self-employed drivers to pick up passengers -- and rivals such as Mytaxi and Gett, which allow users to hail local licensed black cabs.

"All depends how the cases that are currently pending will deploy," said Matteo de Renzi, CEO of Gett UK. "In the short term it has been definitely an opportunity for the whole industry I think, a big wake-up call for the traveling public and corporates."

Taxify is concentrating on winning over drivers. "This year our main value prop is the same -- treating drivers better," said Markus Villig, founder and CEO of Taxify, who cited a commission of 15 percent versus Uber's 25 percent. He added that the startup is targeting $1 billion in revenue in 2018.

Other rivals are looking at M&A opportunities. A few days before Christmas, Daimler -- the German maker of Mercedes and Smart automobiles -- bought a majority stake in French private-hire limousine operator Chauffeur Prive. Daimler already owns Mytaxi and Car2Go, a car-sharing service that lets consumers pick up a car on the street.

Despite Uber's latest setbacks, rivals still have some way to go to catch up. Gett operates in about 100 cities, including New York, London and Moscow. Taxify operates in 19 countries, while Mytaxi is active throughout Germany and the U.K.

By comparison, Uber is active in various guises throughout almost all of Europe, and is the dominant player in both London and Paris. Taxify is still waiting for approval from TfL to operate in the U.K. capital after the regulator in October halted operations less than a week after they started.The Iranian-owned oil tanker Sanchi is on fire after colliding with a cargo ship off the Yangtze estuary on Saturday.

Thirty-two crew members30 Iranians and two Bangladeshiswere missing after two vessels collided off China's east coast Saturday evening, the Ministry of Transport said on Sunday.

The incident happened about 8 pm Saturday, when the Panama-registered oil tanker Sanchi and the Hong Kong cargo ship CF Crystal collided 160 nautical miles east of the Yangtze River estuary.

The oil tanker caught fire after the collision and the 32 crew members onboard were missing, while the 21 crew members on the cargo ship were rescued, as the damage to that ship did not compromise safety, the statement said.

By 9 am Sunday, a maritime law enforcement vessel and two special rescue vessels arrived at the site to conduct search and rescue operations.

The South Korean Coast Guard also sent a vessel and rescue helicopter to the spot.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Chinese government has paid great attention to the incident.

On their way to the site to help with the rescue and investigation were fire experts, the China Coast Guard, three specialized cleanup vessels and a high-powered tug, the Ministry of Transport said.

The floating oil tanker was still burning on Sunday with oil spilling into the sea, the statement said.

The 274-meter-long oil tanker, the property of Bright Shipping of Iran, was heading from Iran to South Korea to deliver 136,000 tons of condensate, an ultra light crude.

The Hong Kong cargo ship, 225 meters long, belongs to Wenlin Changfeng Shipping from Zhejiang province.

The ship, carrying 64,000 tons of food, was bound for Guangdong province from the United States.Just six months ago, after Michael Diebold lost his left hand and part of his arm in a fireworks accident, he became a local celebrity.

The police chief of the small Pennsylvania town of Leechburg drew sympathy from community members, some of whom raised funds to help with Diebold's medical expenses. A church hosted a fundraising dinner, while others sold T-shirts that said: "We Stand By Ours. #teamdiebold1565."

Just 18 days after the accident, Diebold got married and about 200 people attended the ceremony. He smiled at his bride, who was dressed in an off-the-shoulder white dress, as she placed a wedding band on his right ring finger, and attendees raised their phones to catch the moment.

Diebold made the news again recently. This time, he wasn't smiling - and it's unlikely that anyone in the town of 2,000 was.

The 40-year-old has been accused of soliciting sex from a teenage girl online. He was arrested Friday on felony charges, including unlawful contact with a minor and criminal attempt to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. Both are first-degree felonies.

"This case is particularly heinous because the perpetrator is a public official, sworn to serve and protect the community," Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in a statement. "We have a zero tolerance for the sexual abuse of children and my office will prosecute any offender to the fullest extent of the law, no matter who they are."

The arrest followed an investigation that involved an undercover officer who posed as a 14-year-old girl, authorities said. The investigation began after Diebold, using the username KuteCop4You, posted an ad on a social media app, CBS affiliate KDKA reported, citing the criminal complaint. Authorities said he and the undercover agent talked multiple times, with Diebold sending inappropriate photos and asking to meet for sex.

Diebold was arrested after he showed up at the meeting location. He then admitted that he'd been posting personal ads online for several years and acknowledged talking about sex with the purported 14-year-old, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported, citing the complaint.

"Diebold admitted that he knew that sexual contact with a 14-year-(old) child was wrong and illegal and that his life was totally over," the complaint said.

Leechburg Mayor Wayne Dobos said the allegations shocked many in the town, including him, who did not know that Diebold may have had a secret life.

"We've had enough notoriety in town, and something like this, we didn't need at all," Dobos told The Washington Post.

Media coverage around Diebold began in June, when he was handling fireworks during an event, and one piece misfired and exploded on him, his mother, Karen Diebold, told the Post-Gazette. Michael Diebold, who is also a fireworks business owner, lost nearly his entire left arm.

Controversy followed as Diebold tried to get back on duty months later. He told KDKA in December that he was ready to return to work. Doctors had cleared him and the state had recertified his firearms license, but town officials told him that he couldn't go back just yet and placed him on paid leave. Diebold threatened to sue.

Dobos said the Leechburg Borough Council wanted Diebold back at the police department, which employs only three full-time officers, including the chief, and several part-time employees. But he said Diebold needed to first take a physical test to ensure he's able to perform his duties. Lawyers representing Diebold and the town were finalizing what those tests would be when he was arrested, Dobos said.

Diebold, who's in the Westmoreland County Jail on a $500,000 bond, is scheduled for a hearing on Jan. 16. Online court records show that he did not ask for a public defender but do not list an attorney for him.

Town officials have not figured out who will fill Diebold's job. Dobos said the other two full-time officers have been sharing Diebold's duties over the past months.

"This is a very, very rare instance," Dobos said. "We got to play everything by ear."Niagara Falls might be at its most spectacular in winter.

Over the recent holidays, the icy cascade captured the public's imagination: numerous newspapers ran stories about the frozen wonderland, and social media posts about the falls were widely shared.

But this is business as usual. Niagara Falls is replete with icicles and a glistening layer of ice every winter. As of now, the waterfall is still unfettered. Later in the winter, it will likely be fronted by a buildup of congealed ice.

Even that, though, will be just a vestige of what used to occur before Niagara Falls was remade in the 20th century. Much of what seems natural at Niagara Falls - ice formation, and the actual waterfall itself - is manufactured. Put differently, one of North America's most celebrated natural wonders is, in many ways, unnatural, the product of decades of human intervention and manipulation.

Now, Niagara Falls never actually freezes over completely (though ice jams upstream can temporarily still the waters). Ice does form or gather at the base of the waterfall, building upward and outward, creating what is called the "ice bridge." But water keeps flowing underneath the two main cataracts - the bigger Horseshoe Falls and the smaller American Falls - that make up the frozen facade.

Up until the early 20th century, the two eponymous communities of Niagara Falls, one Canadian, one American, would congregate on the ice bridge for transnational ice parties. Kids would climb the ice mountains and slide down.

But these frozen festivities came to a tragic end on Feb. 4, 1912. The ice broke up and three people perished. Excursions onto the ice bridge were banned.

The ice would continue to cause problems in the following years, taking out the famed Honeymoon Bridge in January 1938.

How could such an unruly and unpredictable environment be tamed? By the time ice destroyed the bridge, experts were on the cusp of providing some answers.

Since the late 19th century, there has been a tension between beauty and power at Niagara Falls. On the one hand, it was considered the epitome of the natural sublime. On the other, Niagara was also the cradle of large-scale hydroelectric production and distribution. Successively larger generating stations were built, several taking turns wearing the mantle of biggest in the world. Industries such as aluminum and electro-chemicals arrived to take advantage of the cheap electricity.

As more power turbines came online, more water had to be diverted from the river. Various groups worried that siphoning off water harmed the scenic beauty of the cascades, along with the naturally occurring erosion that annually moved the Horseshoe Falls upstream some seven feet. Industrialists responded by disingenuously suggesting that diverting more water would protect the falls by slowing erosion.

Agitation for the preservation of Niagara Falls led governments to pass legal limits on diversions during the first decades of the 20th century. The U.S. and Canada formed engineering boards to study how to best replumb Niagara Falls to maximize water abstraction while veiling the impact on the waterfall's appearance. They schemed to curtail the annoying spray and mist that left visitors soaking.

The result of these diplomatic talks was the Niagara River Diversion Treaty in 1950, which determined that during tourist hours half of the river's volume would be diverted around the falls to the downstream generating stations. The rest of the time - that is, at night and in the winter - three-quarters of the water was diverted.

But taking the majority of the water would have an unmistakable impact on the aesthetic appeal of the waterfall. This wouldn't be good for the local tourism industry, not to mention all those claims about Niagara as the sublime.

The solution? Shrink and reshape Niagara Falls.

The 1950 treaty called for the binational construction of the International Niagara Control Works. These consisted of various weirs, dams, excavations and fills meant to halt erosion and "beautify" the Horseshoe Falls by reapportioning the flow of water over the lip. In the words of the technocrats, the overarching goal was creating the "impression of volume" with an uninterrupted "curtain of water."

The crest of the Horseshoe was reduced by several hundred feet, and the V-shaped notch in its riverbed was chiseled out. Islands and shoals were removed, while others were added. Above the waterfall, a control dam with movable gates was installed across the river. Reclaimed areas at the flanks of the cataract were landscaped, fenced and turned into the main public viewing points, while the face of the falls was riveted with cables and anchors.

Niagara Falls was changed - but in order to look more like itself. In the process it was also transformed into a tap. Nowadays, the hydropower intakes at Niagara have the capability to completely turn off the falls.

Seeing as how Canadian and American engineers had given this great - and powerful - natural icon such a facelift, dealing with ice might seem like small potatoes by comparison. Yet controlling ice in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence basin had long been marked by scientific uncertainty. Despite the use of the ice-deterring control dam aided by ice-cutter boats, ice still threatened to jam up the "organic machine" that Niagara had become.

One of the biggest worries was that ice would interfere with the water intakes for the new hydroelectric generating stations. The solution: the Niagara River Ice Boom. First installed in 1964, the boom was initially made of timbers. Now it consists of several hundred 30-foot pontoons, usually put in place around mid-December. (A video feed of the boom is available online.)

Despite the boom, and depending on winter conditions, Niagara Falls can still become encrusted in ice. But the large ice bridges of the past, as well as the full-throated flow of water over the falls, are no more.

Like the waterfall, the ice regime of Niagara has become, in the parlance of academics working at the intersections of environmental and technological history, a hybrid infrastructure that blends the artificial and the natural. Arguably, the real waterfall now drops down the penstocks of the power generating stations, far from public view.

Granted, drawing a stark distinction between the "artificial" and the "natural" is itself a problem. So is the hubris that leads to engineering enormous waterfalls.

The history of manipulating Niagara Falls conveys powerful messages about our willingness to reorder nature. And one of those messages is this: Remaking one of the continent's premier natural symbols to fit our notions of progress gives license and encouragement to do the same to any other part of the nonhuman world. If we alter and commodify even those celebrated features of the natural world we claim to cherish, aren't we sure to undervalue and exploit the rest of it?

---

Macfarlane is an assistant professor in the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at Western Michigan University who is completing a book on the history of modifying Niagara Falls.PORTLAND, Ore. - The simplest question among pot smokers - is this stuff legal? - doesn't have a crystal-clear answer anywhere in America. It many places it is now simultaneously legal and illegal, the same way physicists will tell you (shifting here to a 3 a.m. dorm room discussion) that light is both a particle and a wave.

Eight states have legalized recreational marijuana for people age 21 and older, with California joining that group on Jan. 1. Other states allow the cultivation and distribution of pot for medicinal use, and many have taken steps to decriminalize marijuana possession.

But under the federal Controlled Substances Act, it's the same weed it's always been, a "Schedule 1" drug that is illegal to possess, much less grow or distribute.

And the situation just became a whole lot foggier.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions this week took on the marijuana industry by rescinding enforcement guidelines that had been issued by the Obama administration. Those guidelines had finessed the state-federal conflict by saying, in effect, that federal prosecutors wouldn't go after people who complied with state laws, but would instead concentrate on drug cartels, money laundering and other high-priority targets.

In canceling the Obama policies, Sessions gave U.S. attorneys across the country full discretion to pursue criminal cases involving marijuana. In a memo, he said the federal pot statutes "reflect Congress' determination that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that marijuana activity is a serious crime."

But proprietors, activists and consumers said such words aren't going to shut down the burgeoning marijuana industry.

In Portland, Oregon, sales manager Kevin Yearout of Stone Age Farmacy - where the marijuana sells for $10 a gram and you can buy pot-infused gummies, caramels, jellies, lemonades, taffy, chocolate and cakeballs with "cannabutter" - said he smells corporate influence behind the Sessions announcement: "It goes back to pharmaceuticals. They want people to take pills and they can make money."

Nearby, at Five Zero Trees - a pun invoking Oregon's first area code - the heavily tattooed store manager, Josh Sisco, proudly showed off some of the store's most-popular strains, including Cherry Kush and Mt. Hood Magic Durban Poison. He said Sessions' decision will boost sales.

"It's like back when people said Obama was coming for everyone's guns and gun sales spiked," he said.

In Los Angeles, at New Amsterdam Naturals, a licensed medical marijuana shop, the management declined a request for comment. But customer Deborah Harrison was happy to opine on Sessions as she entered the store.

"I could care less what he thinks," Harrison said. "This is California, and we are going to do what we do here. He can push it if he wants to, and we can secede from the union."

Tom Miller, a pipe layer in the natural gas industry, spent part of Friday morning at Boulder Botanics in Colorado, examining canisters of cannabis with strains named Gorilla Glue, Big Bubba Diesel, and Dawg's Waltz. The weed sells for $150 to $250 an ounce, and Miller said he wanted to try it all. He had just arrived in the state, which has embraced legal sales.

"It helps more than opioids," he said, citing his home state of West Virginia's struggle with opioid abuse. "They could use this instead of being hooked on opioids. Everyone's on pills."

Marijuana is now legal in much of the West, as well as in Massachusetts and Maine. In the District of Columbia, people 21 and older can grow, possess or give away modest amounts of it, and smoke it legally at home. Medical marijuana is legal and strictly regulated in the District, but selling pot for recreational use is still illegal. It also remains illegal on federal property.

State laws vary, with some treating marijuana as if it were no more a drug than alcohol. There are still major kinks in the law for marijuana entrepreneurs, who struggle to find banks willing to take their money - and wind up carrying brown paper bags of cash to pay their utility bills, said Jonathan Robbins, an attorney with Akerman LLP, where he is chair of the Cannabis Practice Group.

Robbins emphasized that the decision by Sessions does not change any of the nation's marijuana laws; this was purely a policy change at the Justice Department.

"There certainly is less clarity," Robbins said. "We don't know as we sit here today what the practical effect of Mr. Sessions' pronouncement is going to be."

His legal advice to marijuana growers and distributors: "It's very, very important that any folks who are operating in this space go to great lengths to make sure they are fully compliant with the laws of the states in which they operate."

Patrick Moen, a former Drug Enforcement Administration agent who is now general counsel for Privateer Holdings, which invests in the legal cannabis industry, said the Sessions move is largely symbolic, noting that the Justice Department did not send out a directive to crack down on marijuana. Nor does Moen think the DEA will ramp up marijuana enforcement, particularly given how closely the federal agents rely on their local and state partnerships in drug task forces.

"I would be shocked if there is anyone at the agency that is interested in prioritizing cannabis investigations," Moen said. "It is not an effective use of time and resources. And it's fraught with political peril."

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, asked Friday if marijuana use is legal in his state despite the federal law, was emphatic: "In the state of California, it is legal."

But what about the federal statutes?

"The federal government is not the state of California," he said.

Becerra said he has reached out to the four U.S. attorneys in California, hoping to discuss the issue, and to seek ways to work together to focus on black-market marijuana operators and people who do not obide by the state's laws, which made recreational marijuana legal this week. "There's no need for us to butt heads," he said.

Speaking by phone from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Serge Chistov, an investor in northwest Colorado's Honest Marijuana Company, said the three local marijuana dispensaries had opened for business and no one seemed paranoid about being raided by the feds.

Chistov said of the Sessions announcement: "This is nothing but a bark. Genie's out of the bottle. Ain't going back in the bottle. Too much money."

- - -

Blakemore reported from Boulder, Colorado, and Achenbach reported from Washington. Rob Kuznia in Los Angeles contributed to this report.Once upon a time, people had phones hard-wired in their houses. These phones were called "landlines," and they relied on wires strung throughout their communities to operate. It was an effective technology, but one that necessarily meant that your ability to place and receive a telephone call was limited to a particular vicinity. Over time, inventors came up with a thing called a "cordless phone," which extended that range slightly, but not much.

For pollsters, this was useful. There was a phone number that was connected to a house where you knew certain people lived, and so you could call that number and have a good sense that you were talking to Joe Smith, registered Republican.

Then capitalism got in the way. The invention of the cellphone and the rapid adoption thereof meant that people were no longer tied to a particular physical location when making calls. About a decade ago, as more Americans began relying solely on cellphones, pollsters began incorporating those numbers into their pool of contacts. This was tricky for several reasons, including that federal law mandates that cell numbers be hand-dialed. As The Washington Post's Scott Clement explained a few years ago, this means that it can cost twice as much to call cell numbers. In the already-tight economics of polling, that's a problem.

A decade ago, though, only about 1 in 8 adults lived in wireless-only households, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. As of the second half of 2016, though, slightly more than half of American adults fit that description for the first time. The most recent figure, for the first half of 2017, established that 52.5 percent of adults live in wireless-only households.

Generally speaking, pollsters are ill-advised to ignore cellphone users, if only because they'd be missing half of the country. But there's another reason that pollsters need to include cell users: The demographics of those with and without access to landlines is stark.

Consider race and ethnicity. Nearly two-thirds of Hispanic adults in the United States live in households that are wireless-only. More than half of black adults and Asian adults do, as well. But fewer than half of white Americans do.

Including only landlines in polling - which, we will note, is not common practice at this point - means you're much less likely to reach Hispanic voters.

Or younger ones. Nearly three-quarters of adults ages 30 to 34 live in wireless-only households. Those younger than 25 are less likely to - probably because some chunk of that group lives in a household with someone age 45 or older (that is, a parent). Among those 65 and up, fewer than a quarter live in a wireless-only household.

There's a trend undergirding this. Those under the federal poverty level are much more likely to live in wireless-only households than those earning at least twice that level.

Income, age and race all correlate to another factor: homeownership. If you own a house, you're much more likely to have a landline in that house, both because older Americans still have landlines/are more likely to own houses and because people who rent are less likely to have a landline installed.

Owning a home tends to correlate to another characteristic: being likely to vote. If you have lived in the same place for a decade, you're probably pretty familiar with where you need to go to cast your ballot - and it has been a long time since you've had to register at your new address.

The idea that the mode of reaching someone in a poll affects the results isn't just a theory. In December 2015, we looked at research that showed spreads of more than 20 points in presidential and congressional polling depending on whether the respondent was reached on a cellphone or a landline.

That discrepancy, incidentally, is precisely why the National Center for Health Statistics collects this data. In an interview in 2015, an associate director for the agency explained to NPR that there were significant differences between the two populations.

"People who are wireless-only are more likely to smoke, they're more likely to binge drink, they're more likely to be uninsured," he said. "In effect, they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors."Forty-six states permit naloxone to be purchased without an individual prescription. Laws in the remaining states vary, with some permitting naloxone to be prescribed only for use on a patient of the prescriber, while others permit it to be prescribed for use on other people, such as friends and family members of the patient.

In the District of Columbia, Narcan is available at retail pharmacies only via prescription. At least three community health organizations - HIPS, Family Medical and Counseling Service and Bread for the City - disburse it free without a prescription to clients and family members.U.S. customs agents conducted 60 percent more searches of travelers' cellphones, laptops and other electronic devices during the government's 2017 fiscal year, according to statistics released Friday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The agency said it searched 30,200 devices, but the inspections affected 0.007 percent of the 397 million travelers - American citizens as well as foreign visitors - who arrived from abroad during the 12-month period that ended Sept. 30.

CBP published the figures as it issued new guidelines formalizing the way its officers conduct searches and handle the information they obtain.

The agency said the increase was not the result of a policy directive but, rather, an indication that electronic devices are increasingly viewed as critical sources of information on potential security threats.

"In this digital age, border searches of electronic devices are essential to enforcing the law at the U.S. border and to protecting the American people," CBP official John Wagner said in a statement.

American citizens and other travelers have expressed astonishment and alarm in recent years at requests to hand over their cellphones from U.S. customs officials at airports and border crossings.

But CBP said the practice is justified and its standards have been thoroughly reviewed to ensure they are not an unreasonable violation of privacy rights.

The agency said it sometimes needs information it obtains from devices to determine the admissibility of foreign visitors, viewing them as potential sources of intelligence on terrorism, child pornography or other criminal activity.

Under the new guidelines, travelers who are selected by its officers for additional screening could be asked to unlock their electronic devices for inspection or provide passcodes. They will be asked to disable the devices' data transmission, according to a senior CBP official who briefed reporters on the changes Friday.

Only information physically stored on the device - such as photographs or phone numbers - would be subject to search, said the official, who the agency would not allow to be quoted by name. CBP agents would not be allowed to seek information stored externally or on a "cloud" linked to the device.

Such inspections would constitute a "basic search," the agency said. But in cases where officers determine they have reasonable suspicion of a criminal act or potential threat to national security, they may, with a supervisors' authorization, conduct an "advanced search" by connecting it to other applications and potentially copying its information.

Passwords provided by travelers would be destroyed and not retained by the government, the CBP official said.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., a key ally of privacy rights groups, called the new CBP guidelines "an improvement" but said they're still too intrusive for U.S. citizens.

"Manually examining an individuals' private photos, messages and browsing history is still extremely invasive, and should require a warrant," Wyden said in a statement. "I continue to believe Americans are entitled to their full constitutional rights, no matter where they are in the United States."

Last year U.S. civil rights groups filed suit against the federal government in an attempt to curb device searches.

According to the senior CBP official, about 20 percent of the travelers whose devices are inspected are U.S. citizens. The rest are permanent residents, visitors or other travelers whose admissibility to the United States is subject to CBP discretion.

American citizens who refuse to allow their devices to be inspected cannot be denied entry into the United States, but their devices could be retained for as many as five days, the official said.

In cases where noncitizens refuse the search, they could be denied entry and sent home.

CBP said the decision to review a travelers' electronic device would not be made at random, and would be requested by officers as part of their broader effort to evaluate whether to allow someone into the U.S.

Imagery and information that is noncriminal, including political or sexual content, could also be used by CBP officers to determine whether to admit a foreign visitor, the CBP official said.A car takes up one of the shared parking spaces in Huangsi No 24 community, Beijing, on Thursday. (Xin Wen/China Daily)

Beijing has launched its first shared parking project in a residential community, to make better use of public spaces.

Finding a place to park has long been an issue for the Huangsi No 24 community, which has 1,600 households and more than 800 automobiles, but only 400 fixed parking spaces.

"We've been trying to find ways to ease the parking problem for a decade," said Wang Bin, the community's director, who manages the subdistrict where the shared parking project was launched on Dec 29.

"Shared parking spaces provide a new way for us to deal with the difficulty of parking from inside and out."

Located beside a park and near several restaurants and shops, the community's parking spaces are frequently used by nonresidents. About six months ago, the subdistrict began charging outside cars 10 yuan (.50) an hour to park.

"It definitely solves part of the problem, but some residents started to complain about the inconvenience of parking and about cars outside the community taking up the parking spaces," Wang said.

Now, users can book a parking space through a mobile app and reserve a time slot. The app also guides them to the spot.

"It aims at making full use of the parking spaces - when they are available for others - in order to provide convenience for residents," Wang said.

Zhang Tao, a 22-year-old saleswoman who lived in the community for two years, applauded the project as she said the issue of parking has been a big problem.

"It's a good way to provide the shared space for parking cars," she said. "It would be better if it could be used in more public spaces to ease the problems when commuting between companies and communities."

Zhao Ting, 67, who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 40 years, said it was hard for her to walk in the community with cars cluttering the subdistrict.

"But I don't believe shared parking can solve the essential problem," she said. "Moreover, it's also hard for me to use it."

To better serve the local people, a multistory parking garage will also be built outside the gates of the community, Wang added.For the first time, Ford will release its best-selling F-150 truck with an optional 3.0-liter diesel Power Stroke engine that will come with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg later this year.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker will start taking dealer orders on the new 2018 Ford F-150 diesel in mid-January, with deliveries expected to start this spring. With the addition of the diesel engine, Ford now offers its F-150 with six different engine options.

The first-ever diesel engine offered for the F-150 comes as a 3.0-liter powerstroke with an 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford reports that it is capable of 11,400 pounds of towing, a 2,020 payload, and making 250 horsepower and 440-pounds of torque.

Per the estimated EPA fuel economy rating, Ford says the final figures will be released this spring.

"For every truck owner who wants strong fuel economy while they tow and haul, we offer a new 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 engine that dreams are made of," Dave Filipe, Ford's vice president global powertrain engineering, said.

"The more you tow and the longer you haul, the more you'll appreciate its class-leading towing and payload capacity and how efficient it is at the pump."

Ford's F-Series has been America's top-selling vehicle for 40 straight years.

The 2018 F-150's frame will come made of high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy which helped decrease its weight by 700 pounds. Ford says this weight-reduction allowed its engineers to invest in new areas aimed at generating better towing capacity paired with the improved fuel economy rating.

This new diesel option is available in 4x2 and 4x4 trucks, and in the Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum editions. For fleet customers, Ford will offer the diesel option on all trims with SuperCrew 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot beds, and SuperCabs with a 6.5-foot bed.

The 2018 Ford F-150 Diesel was unveiled at a tight-lipped media event the same day the automaker announced it was moving 220-plus employees back into Detroit proper.

The automaker will move its autonomous and electric vehicle business and strategy teams back into Detroit in early 2018. More than 220 employees will work out of the Detroit location, which will reportedly focus on "mobility challenges and solutions in an urban setting."

Another aspect of the Power Stroke diesel option is the segment-exclusive 10-speed "SelectShift" automatic transmission that Ford expects to maximize "shift points and gear ratios to optimize power." What this all means is that the transmission can select the right gear for the right time regardless of sequential order.

For those curious about its weather testing and capabilities, the Dearborn-based automaker says it tested the F-150 diesel in Davis Dam, Arizona. The Power Stroke-equipped F-150 climbed 13 miles at a 6 percent grade in temperatures at levels hotter than 100 degrees. The F-150's 3.0-liter Power Stroke comes with an engine-driven fan and dual radiator shutters to help in those high-temperature conditions.

"We know that competing diesels with electric cooling fans have to dial back on power under extreme heat and altitude, so we decided on a viscous-controlled mechanical fan that has the capacity to move much more air across the radiator and intercooler in extreme conditions," David Ives, Ford diesel engine technical specialist, said.

"This gives F-150 Power Stroke owners more power and more passing capability in harsh conditions."

As for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ford was tight-lipped about anything coming with them other than its new F-150 models. The automaker's press conference is currently scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14 at an offsite location.

Before the 2018 NAIAS opens to the public from Jan. 20 to Jan. 28 at the Cobo Center in Downtown Detroit automakers show off new models and make world debuts in scheduled press conferences. Press preview days are scheduled for Jan. 14 to Jan. 16, which is when to check in with MLive for any breaking news or coverage of fresh reveals.ZEELAND, MI - Automotive supplier Gentex Corp. is moving inside the home with a $5 million investment with Yonomi, a 5-year-old software company that focuses on smart home applications.

The relationship will allow Gentex to use Yonomi's software applications in more than 70 popular smart home applications, the companies said in an announcement on Monday, Jan. 8.

Gentex is using Yonomi software to launch HomeLink Connect, an new home automation app that pairs with the vehicle and allows drivers to operate home automation devices from the vehicle's center console display or rearview mirror controls.

Drivers of HomeLink Connect compatible vehicles will be able to download and configure the app to control individual home automation devices, or set up entire home automation "scenes," the announcement said.

"For instance, when heading home, one HomeLink button press could adjust a thermostat, turn on home lighting, disarm the security system, unlock the door, and begin playing music."

The new HomeLink Connect leverages Gentex's cloud infrastructure and customized apps to integrate Yonomi technology so that automakers can offer vehicle-to-home connectivity.

"Over the past year, Gentex and Yonomi worked together to pilot Yonomi One, a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that handles the complex tasks required to integrate products and services with all the top smart home devices and platforms."

Gentex CEO and President Steve Downing also will join Yonomi's board of directors, according to the announcement, released at the outset of the giant Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

"Our exclusive partnership with Yonomi helps ensure that HomeLink Connect is compatible with the ever-expanding list of smart home devices," said Downing.

"Our combined capabilities will help us provide automakers with a versatile, comprehensive and robust home automation platform that opens HomeLink to new markets and users by providing an ever-expanding number of use cases."A sign posted outside a nature area in northeast Ann Arbor on Dec. 30, 2017, indicating shooting of deer will be occurring here in January 2018. (Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

By Ryan Stanton | ryanstanton@mlive.com

Ann Arbors third-annual deer cull is getting started, and it could be the biggest one yet.

Its scheduled to last more than three weeks and sharpshooters hired by the city are tasked with killing up to 250 deer.

Continue reading for a quick overview of which parks and nature areas are closed for the cull and other important information.

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1. What is a cull?

Culling refers to the act of killing wildlife by firearm or bow, the city states on its deer-management website.

In this case, the citys hired sharpshooters from Connecticut-based White Buffalo Inc. will be using rifles, not bows, to shoot deer in the city this month.

The city has a permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to conduct the cull in designated parks, nature areas and other areas using firearms.

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2. When is the cull happening?

The cull is scheduled to last from Monday afternoon, Jan. 8, through Jan. 31, with shooting taking place in different areas daily from afternoon until midnight.

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The city of Ann Arbor released this map showing areas where deer management activities will take place in January 2018. The red areas show the zones where nonlethal sterilizations occured from Jan. 2-7. The orangish yellow area is the University of Michigan's Nichols Arboretum, which is expected to close select days for lethal shooting. The green areas show city parks and nature areas, and the blue areas show UM and Concordia University properties, all of which will be closed from 3 p.m. to midnight from Jan. 8-31 for lethal shooting.(City of Ann Arbor)

3. Which city parks will be closed?

The following city parks and nature areas will be closed from 3 p.m. to midnight each day, including weekends:

Arbor Hills Nature Area

Barton Nature Area (only the area north of Warrington Drive)

Bird Hills Nature Area

Foxfire West Nature Area

Glazier Hill Nature Area

Huron Parkway/Braun Nature Areas

Leslie Park Golf Course

Leslie Woods Nature Area

Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area

Oakridge Nature Area (east of Huron Parkway only)

Oakwoods Nature Area

Olson Park (dog park and parking lot will remain open)

South Pond Nature Area (only the area in the vicinity of NAP office at 3875 E. Huron River Drive).

Stapp Nature Area

Sugarbush Park (north of Rumsey Drive only)

Traver Creek Nature Area

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A plaque at the entrance to the University of Michigan's Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor on Dec. 30, 2017. (Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

4. Will there be shooting on university properties?

The University of Michigans Nichols Arboretum will be closed for culling from 4-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11; from 3 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, Jan. 16; from 4-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19; and from 3 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, Jan. 23.

In addition, from Jan. 8 through Jan. 31, some other University of Michigan and Concordia University properties will be closed every day from 3 p.m. to midnight. See those locations on the map above.

According to the city, several safety protocols are in place and a city security contractor, in communication with White Buffalo, will perform a roving patrol of closed public areas when sharpshooting activities are occurring. City police also are expected to coordinate with the University of Michigans Division of Public Safety and Security for all sharpshooting activities on university property. The city notes the professional sharpshooters also are responsible for following safety protocols.

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A deer in a backyard near Huntington Drive and Apple Way on Ann Arbor's east side on March 2, 2015. (Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

5. Will shooting occur on private property?

The city says it's expected that shooting will occur on a small number of city-selected private properties with owner permission in wards 1 and 2, which include the north and east sides of the city, and also around Mary Beth Doyle Park on the south side of the city in Ward 3.

The city says immediately adjacent neighbors in those areas are being notified, but the city is not notifying other nearby neighbors and is not posting signage warning of the shooting on private property.

At the advice of the citys contractor who performs sharpshooting activities in other communities, it is safer to not publicize specific private property addresses. Their experience has been that they can operate safely within the confines of pre-selected private parcels, the citys deer-management website states.

According to the city, there will be no shooting on private property without owner permission and residents do not need to modify their normal routines during culling activities on private property.

The sharpshooters no longer have to keep a 450-foot distance from people's homes and other occupied buildings, as the safety-zone rule that was in effect for previous culls has been lifted. That has prompted backlash from some residents who are concerned there will be shooting close to homes without people knowing, though city officials maintain everything will be done safely.

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A map showing the locations of reported deer-involved traffic crashes in the Ann Arbor area in 2016. (Courtesy of MichiganTrafficCrashFacts.org)

6. Why is the cull happening?

The city is trying to get a handle on what city officials and some residents consider to be a deer overpopulation problem.

They argue deer browsing is adversely impacting nature areas and people's private landscaping and gardens, and they're also concerned about deer-vehicle crashes.



See a September 2017 memo from ecologist Jacqueline Courteau regarding deer browse levels in Ann Arbor.

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A deer-crossing sign near Huron High School along Huron Parkway in Ann Arbor on Dec. 30, 20177. (Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

7. What will happen to the venison?

According to the city, the deer will be processed and the venison will be donated to Food Gatherers to be distributed to local food pantries.

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A "heat map" posted on the city's deer-management website indicating where deer populations are believed to be the highest in Ann Arbor.

8. How many deer are in Ann Arbor?

There has been a handful of official counts conducted via helicopter over the last few years, with the results reported by the city with the disclaimer that its not expected every deer was counted.

During a limited count that did not cover the entire city, 116 deer were spotted on Feb. 10, 2015.

During an expanded count that covered all of the city and some areas just outside city, 168 deer were spotted on March 6, 2015.

Nearly a year later, after the first cull was underway and after 51 deer already were killed, 202 deer were spotted on Feb. 18, 2016.

A total of 156 deer in Ann Arbor were killed during the citys first two culls in 2016 and 2017.

A total of 315 deer were detected in Ann Arbor during another population count conducted in early February 2017.

A report from White Buffalo last March estimated detection rates for the 2017 count ranged from 28 percent to 60 percent, depending on the area, and overall it estimated there were about 450 deer in wards 1 and 2, which include the north and east sides of the city. That's where the city has focused its population-reduction efforts.

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A trail-cam image provided by White Buffalo showing deer in Ann Arbor in February 2017.

9. When will the city stop killing deer?

This is another one of the questions the city answers on its deer-management website. The City Council in 2015 approved a four-year program that anticipated annual culls, though the program could continue after the initial four-year period if theres support.

Once a community begins deer management activities to address deer browse damage, it requires some level of actions to continue unless the tolerance of the community changes, the city states on its deer-management website, noting the city is using a mix of methods to control the deer population, including non-lethal sterilization, and that mix could change in the future.

Because deer dont have natural predators in urban environments and they reproduce at a rate that rapidly increases their population, it is necessary to remove 30 to 40 percent of the deer population annually in order to maintain a stable population size, the city website states. The sooner a large population of deer is brought to an acceptable level, the fewer deer that will have to be removed annually and cumulatively. The citys future deer management efforts include deciding which method is appropriate for maintaining an acceptable level of deer impacts in the community.

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A sign outside the Oakridge Nature Area along Huron Parkway in Ann Arbor on Dec. 30, 2017, warning of the upcoming deer cull. (Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

10. How much is all this costing?

The city is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to get a handle on the deer population in the city.

The City Council originally approved a $260,000 budget for this years deer-management activities, including the lethal cull, non-lethal sterilizations, vegetation-impact studies, and signage/education efforts.

Using some of those funds, the City Council voted last July to approve a two-year contract with White Buffalo for continuation of surgical sterilization and sharpshooting services at a cost of up to $170,000 per year. The council later voted in October to increase this year's contract amount with White Buffalo by another $35,940, while taking an extra $110,000 from the city's cash reserves. As a result, the 2018 deer-management program budget is now $370,000.



See the city's budget breakdown.

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Read more

19 deer in Ann Arbor sterilized after week of ovary removals

Behind the scenes of Ann Arbor's deer sterilization effort

Ann Arbor's plan to shoot deer in neighborhoods has some residents in fear

Ann Arbor protesters spell 'Save The Deer' in lights outside city hallUPDATE: Party store customer fought armed robber who wished him a merry Christmas

BAY CITY, MI -- A local man has been arrested and charged with robbing a Bay County party store mere days after he was released from jail and a few days before Christmas.

Bay County Sheriff's deputies on the night of Jan. 6 responded to a tip that 25-year-old Michael J. Sauve was in a Kawkawlin house with his girlfriend. Deputies found Sauve at the location and arrested him without incident. They also arrested the girlfriend on an outstanding warrant, said Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham.

Two days prior, authorities had issued a warrant for Sauve on charges related to the recent armed holdup of the Cass Avenue Party Store, 1500 Cass Ave. in Portsmouth Township.

Sauve on the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 8, appeared before Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly for arraignment on two counts of armed robbery. The charge is punishable by up to life in prison.

Sauve asked the judge to appoint him an attorney, saying he's not employed and cannot afford to hire one of his own. He added he had dropped out of high school in ninth grade.

Kelly asked Sauve if he is on bond on any other offense.

"Yeah, I think so," Sauve replied. "I think it's driving with no ops (operator's license). I don't even remember. I'm on bond, though; I know that."

Cunningham previously said that a man at about 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 entered the party store and brandished an airsoft gun. He robbed both the clerk and a customer of an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing, the sheriff previously said.

Deputies on Dec. 22 posted Sauve's mug shot on their agency's Facebook page, describing him as a "person of interest" in the robbery. Cunningham has not elaborated on what led investigators to link Sauve to the crime.

Sauve's criminal record dates back to 2008, when he was still a juvenile. In March, he was sentenced to two years' probation on a conviction of illegal possession of a financial transaction device. His rap sheet also includes convictions of third-degree home invasion, domestic violence, second-offense domestic violence, assaulting police, and assault with a dangerous weapon, the last two of which landed him in prison for a few years.

The Michigan Department of Corrections discharged Sauve from Circuit Court probation in December. He was released from the Bay County Jail on Dec. 18, just three days before the Portsmouth Township store was robbed.

Sauve still owes $250 in fines related to two domestic violence convictions in 2016 and 2017.

Kelly set Sauve's bond at $250,000 cash-surety. He is to appear for a preliminary examination at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24.FLINT, MI -- Attorneys for two top officials at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have been spending more time in court on the Flint water crisis, and the proof is in the invoices being picked up by state taxpayers.

Records requested by MLive-The Flint Journal from DHHS show billings by Willey & Chamberlain PLLC to represent department Director Nick Lyon have already topped $776,000, and invoices from Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels PC for work on behalf of State Medical Executive Dr. Eden Wells have reached $297,915.

Lyon and Wells are the first Flint water defendants to start preliminary examinations, which are continuing in Genesee District Court, but their cases still may have far to go.

Exams for the pair and nine other current and former city and state employees charged with criminal wrongdoing related to the water crisis are all scheduled to start or restart within the next 30 days.

Costs will rise further as attorneys attempt to convince district court judges the cases against their clients should not be bound over for jury trials in Genesee Circuit Court.

As long as they go on, state taxpayers are paying for both the prosecution and the defense attorneys in each of the cases.

Although total spending on law firms related to the water crisis was not immediately available, costs had already exceeded $16 million in early October, including $5.5 million through the end of the last fiscal year for Attorney General Bill Schuette's investigation and prosecution.

State Rep. Sheldon Neeley, D-Flint, said the high cost of defending those accused of criminal wrongdoing is another injustice for taxpayers.

"We're paying for the defense and the prosecution," Neeley said. "It's a total molestation of dollars. The victims are the tax-paying citizens."

State employees have continued to be paid after having been charged with water crisis crimes, and Lyon and Wells have remained on the job while colleagues have been placed on paid leaves.

Lyon's legal bill from Willey & Chamberlain is by far the highest at DHHS, already surpassing the total contract amount agreed to by the state for his representation.

Lynn Sutfin, a spokeswoman for DHHS, said the department is in the process of obtaining additional money to add to that and other contracts -- changes that must be approved by the State Administrative Board.

Lyon and his attorneys have been in court for 10 days during his preliminary examination so far compared to nine for Wells.

He faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and misconduct in office.

Wells is charged with obstruction of justice and lying to a peace officer for her role in the water crisis. Special prosecutor Todd Flood has also said he will seek additional charges of involuntary manslaughter and misconduct in office against her.

Wells and Lyon are not the only state employees who have compiled hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal expenses.

At the state Department of Environmental Quality, attorneys for five employees had already run up individual bills of more than $400,000 as of September, including former district supervisor Stephen Busch, represented by Kotz Sangster Wysocki of Detroit, at more than $1 million, and more than $1.6 million for lawyers representing two executives who resigned from their jobs and who were never charged with criminal wrongdoing.

Busch is among four current and former DEQ employees scheduled to begin hearing evidence against them at preliminary examinations Monday, Jan. 8.GENESEE COUNTY, MI - The race for Genesee County's next judge is on.

With at least two longtime Circuit Court judges exceeding the state age limit to run for their seats in the November election, the county bench is bound to see some fresh faces this year - and local attorneys aren't wasting any time in staking their claims on the ballot.

On Monday, Jan. 8, attorney Brian Pickell - son of Genesee County Sheriff Robert J. Pickell - declared his run for the bench at a press conference at the Flint Township Police Station.

In a room filled with the county's legal who's who, Brian Pickell announced his bid for the 7th Circuit Judicial Bench, leaning on his twenty-plus years of law and experience in elder abuse litigation.

"I've experienced several facets of the law, and have experience in the job, ready to hit the ground running on day one," Pickell said. "As an attorney, I've fought vigorously to protect individuals from all walks of life - most recently, the elderly, some of our most cherished loved ones ... If elected as your next judge, I will work hard to protect the rights of senior citizens and other vulnerable people in our community, dedicated to getting justice for seniors who have been victimized and protecting from predators who prey on their kindness. The elderly have given so much to us. Those who try to harm them will be dealt with harshly and swiftly."

Pickell, who said he's lived in Genesee County nearly all his life, comes to the campaign with 17 years of experience working in Oakland County in intellectual property law and 3 years in elder abuse and probate cases.

"I want to serve the community in a big, big way ... I have the judicial temperament for this job," Pickell said. "I'm compassionate, kind, I have patience, and I believe I can deal with those who come before me and can treat them with fairness and with respect."

Richard McNally

Another Genesee County lawyer -Richard McNally - has also thrown his hat in the ring for 7th Circuit judicial seat.

A nearly lifelong county resident with trial experience as a former assisting prosecuting attorney in Grayling and over 35 years of private practice dealing in Genesee Circuit Court cases, McNally said he will bring unrivaled experience and balance to the bench.

"I've been in private practice for over three decades, so I'm not beholden to any special interests," McNally said. "We've got a lot of challenges in Genesee County that will affect circuit court in years to come. The Flint water crisis litigation, for example, is going to affect a whole generation of kids, kids who have been permanently damaged neurologically ... I'm ready to help make the important decisions that will affect our county."

Pickell and McNally are some of the earliest public bids vying to fill the seats of longtime Genesee County Judges Geoffrey L. Neithercut and Judith R. Fullerton, who will be over age 69 by campaign season and thus barred from running for re-election, according to state law.

The law was recently challenged by another Genesee County Judge - Michael Theile - in federal court, arguing that the age restriction is outdated and unconstitutional. The lawsuit was dismissed based on previous Sixth Circuit and Supreme Court rulings.

Neithercut will leave his spot on the bench in November after 24 years as a county circuit judge and eight years on the district court bench.

Fullerton will step down after 36 years on the circuit bench and two years as district court judge.

All non-incumbent judicial candidates are required to file with the Secretary of State no later than Tuesday, April 24, per the state's website. Primary elections will be held on August 7, and the general election will be held on November 6.

Since December 2017, the seat of another longtime Genesee County Circuit Judge - Archie L. Hayman - has been vacated after the judge retired to go into private practice. Per the Michigan Constitution, Gov. Rick Snyder will appoint Hayman's replacement - an announcement which is still forthcoming, a Snyder spokesperson said.U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducted 30,200 searches of travelers' electronic devices in the fiscal year 2017, up nearly 60 percent from 19,051 in 2016, according to the newly published data.

About 80 percent of searches are of non-U.S. citizens, said an ABC News report, noting that only diplomats are exempt.

The number of searches of cellphones, laptops, tablets and other electronic data across U.S. airports spiked from 2015 to 2016 and the upward trend continued last year.

CBP released an updated policy directive earlier this month, which provided clarified guidance and standard operating procedures for searching, reviewing and retaining information found on these devices.

Under the CBP policies, U.S. custom officials are instructed to ask travelers to turn off their data transmission capability, such as putting a phone in airplane mode, before an officer looks at the phone, so that cloud data won't inadvertently be viewed.

They are also instructed to document passwords only for the purposes of opening a phone or other device, according to the directive. CBP officers must destroy the password once the device is opened.

The directive also distinguishes "basic" and "advanced" searches. A basic search is a review of the content on the phone. An advanced search is when CBP is required to conduct further forensic testing to retrieve the data based on "reasonable suspicion" of a violation of the law or a "national security concern."

If someone refuses to unlock a device, the device can be detained by CBP. U.S. citizens will always be allowed to enter the U.S., but their phones could be held back, generally for no more than five days.

For non-citizens, refusal to open a device could lead to denied entry. If incriminating information is found, CBP officers could refer the case to an investigative agency, like the FBI, or for non-citizens, deny them entry into the U.S.

CBP is authorized to search any device of any international traveler, no matter they are U.S. citizens or not, as they leave or enter the United States, similar to a bag search.Temperatures across mid-Michigan managed to break out of their recent arctic chill on Sunday.

But the increasing temperatures do not mean that Mother Nature will be giving residents a long break from wintery conditions.

A winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service runs from 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7 until 8 a.m Monday, Jan. 8 for a number of counties, including Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, and Oakland.

Two to four inches of snow by Monday morning may slicken roads for those commuters heading to work, school, and other points in between. Reduced visibilities will also be possible during the snowfall.

Some of the snowfall may begin to melt over the next few days, as high temperatures are forecast to reach into the mid-30s on Monday and Tuesday before topping 40 degrees on Wednesday.GRAND RAPIDS, MI - After months of discussion and review, four strategies aimed at addressing affordable housing issues in Grand Rapids appear to be moving forward.

The city commission will host a public hearing on the strategies at its 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, meeting on the ninth floor of city hall.

The four strategies are among 11 that the commission has been reviewing since November, and were identified by the city manager as the steps that could be most easily addressed first. City staff are referring to the package of potential policies as "Housing NOW."

The goal of the housing strategies is to identify ways that the city can work with nonprofits and private developers to provide affordable housing, said First Ward Commissioner Jon O'Connor, who helped to lead the most recent housing task force in 2017.

"Given the limited resource environment, we know we're not going to be the sole provider of affordable housing," O'Connor said.

Residents have been pressuring city officials to take action when it comes to the rapidly changing affordability of Grand Rapids neighborhoods as the city's development booms. City officials have heard reports from two different housing work groups in the past two years on the issue that have yet to be adopted.

Here are the four strategies that the commission is seeking public input on Tuesday:

-A change in PILOT fees for housing developers to pay for the Affordable Housing Fund (#1 of 11)

The payment in lieu of taxes program applies to housing projects that are financed with federal or state housing aid; that serve low-income families, the elderly or the disabled and that are owned by a qualifying nonprofit or association.

Instead of paying property taxes, the property owner pays a service charge on their mortgage to the city.

The city is proposing to give property owners the option of continuing to pay the standard four percent service charge -- or to pay a one percent service charge to the city and a two percent service charge into the city's affordable housing fund.

The newly established fund is designated for investments in affordable housing incentives and initiatives, and has yet to be used in a significant way by the city due to its small size. The commission set aside $1 million last year to kick-start the fund.

O'Connor said he believes the change in PILOT fees will potentially have the biggest impact out of the four strategies the commission is tackling first.

Projects that qualify to pay the fee instead of paying traditional property taxes typically have better financial projections, which makes them more attractive to the state's Low Income Housing Tax Credit program for selection.

The state program is the biggest source of new affordable housing units in Grand Rapids, O'Connor said.

-A change in zoning incentives to guide new construction (#4 of 11)

Neighborhood Enterprise Zones are a zoning tool that allow developers to apply for tax incentives for new construction of rental units or repairs to existing units.

The criteria needed for a developer to qualify for a zone would be changed to put a more specific emphasis on affordable housing, and would shorten the base tax exemption period from 12 to nine years to provide a greater incentive for complying.

-Create an equitable development policy that developers could choose to follow (#5 of 11)

The city is considering a policy that would allow it to strike voluntary equitable development agreements with interested developers.

The agreements would be between the city, an investor and a community organization that would allow all three to agree on a joint set of goals and interests for a project.

The policy would apply to any private development on city-owned property, public or private projects that cost more than $10 million and any project seeking assistance from the city's new affordable housing fund.

Violation of the agreement would allow the city to rescind its financial incentives.

-Create a city policy to guide future property purchases (#7 of 11)

As a way to increase the number of housing units at affordable prices, the city could partner with a developer to invest in part of a property in order to control the cost of the units.

Though the city cannot legally dictate rents in private developments, it can control rents in properties that it owns.

After the hearing Jan. 9, the commission will likely vote on the four policies at its next meeting Tuesday, Jan. 30.

Grand Rapids has dedicated a special section of its new city website to its work on affordable housing, including links to the draft policies for all 11 proposals.

The city deems housing to be "affordable" when the annual cost to a renter or homeowner is no more than 30 percent of their annual income.

Area Median Income is a federal definition that varies based on the size of a household.

Generally, "low-income" means households that make half of the AMI. For a single person in Grand Rapids, that's an annual income of $23,250.

Grand Rapids has a goal to create rental housing for people with household incomes at 60 percent or less of the Area Median Income, and to help residents with household incomes at 80 percent AMI attain home ownership.GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The fate of The Rapid's second bus rapid transit line is in the hands of a federal agency.

Funding for the 13-mile-long Laker Line was authorized in President Barack Obama's last budget for fiscal 2017 - but The Rapid has yet to see any of the $56.4 million it was promised.

"We're all scratching our heads," said Michael Bulthuis, spokesman for The Rapid.

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, recently asked the head of the Federal Transit Administration about the grant and has not yet received a response.

"Unfortunately, there has been a bureaucratic logjam that has delayed the money from being released," said Brian Patrick, Huizenga's communications director, noting that Huizenga believes the project ultimately will be funded.

The $70.5 million Laker Line, once built, will run 16 articulated buses from Grand Valley State University's Allendale campus along Lake Michigan Drive into Grand Rapids, stopping at the Pew Campus and ending at GVSU's facility on the Medical Mile.

The bus rapid transit line will replace The Rapid's existing Route 50. The project was formally introduced in 2013 as The Rapid launched its first bus rapid transit line, the Silver Line.

The Rapid applied for $56.8 million in funding from the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grant program in August 2017, but has not heard back about the status. Bulthuis said formal approval of the grant application is needed before the money can be awarded.

In a letter dated Dec. 14, Huizenga asked K. Jane Williams, the acting administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, for a status update on the Laker Line grant.

"As you know, the Laker Line timetable has been carefully orchestrated in an effort to complete the project on schedule and within the budget," Huizenga wrote. "Further delay in the receipt of the grant will have a negative chain reaction impacting schedule, cost, and development."

Huizenga's office has not yet received a response, according to his staff.

"We're still very optimistic that we'll get the grant very soon," Bulthuis said.

The Rapid has been counting on the federal grant to pay for 80 percent of the $70 million project. The rest of the cost will be covered by the Michigan Department of Transportation, which has already allocated the $14 million it pledged.

Should The Rapid receive the federal grant in time, station construction would begin this spring and last throughout 2019, with a grand opening of the Laker Line in May 2020, Bulthuis said.

The Laker Line will offer bus service similar to what The Rapid offers on its existing Route 50. Buses will pick up passengers from stops every five to six minutes at peak times.

The travel time will largely be the same too, Bulthuis said.

What the Laker Line will be able to offer is larger buses that can carry more riders, making the route more efficient, Bulthuis said. The articulated buses have seats for 60 passengers and can carry up to 80 to 90 people. The current Route 50 buses seat 40 passengers and can carry up to 50 to 60 people.

Without the federal grant in hand The Rapid is unable to start construction on the 20 platforms it needs to build for the stations, and cannot purchase the 16 articulated buses that will run the route.

Traffic signal priority technology will also be installed to extend green lights for buses to pass through, and to turn red lights back to green several seconds faster.

The Rapid is also waiting to build the turn-around for the Laker Line at Prospect Avenue on the Medical Mile. A turn signal will be installed to allow the buses to turn left off of Michigan Street into a small turn around - called a "loon" - at Prospect and Michigan.

GVSU will pay for operation of the Laker Line as a part of its existing 10-year contract with The Rapid that began in July 2013.

The university pays $53 per revenue-hour to cover fuel, maintenance and driver staffing expenses for routes 50 and 85 - a rate that can be adjusted depending on costs to The Rapid.

The Laker Line will have 14 stops:

GVSU's Kirkhof Center

GVSU's Mackinac Hall

Ferndale and Lake Michigan Drive

Cummings and Lake Michigan Drive

Standale Trail and Lake Michigan Drive

Maynard and Lake Michigan Drive

Covell and Lake Michigan Drive

Fulton and Garfield

Fulton and Straight

GVSU's Pew Campus

Monroe and Louis (Silver Line stop)

Monroe and DeVos Place (Silver Line stop)

Michigan and Bostwick (Silver Line stop)

Michigan and Lafayette

Recently the city closed the intersection of Fulton and Mt. Vernon at GVSU's Pew Campus for five months to study the impact of the possible changes that could come as a station is added just east of the intersection.GRAND RAPIDS, MI. -- Latin Grammy Award-winning pianist Gabriela Montero will take the stage in the Grand Rapids Symphony's first concert of 2018.

Montero will be the featured soloist in a concert devoted to the music of Russian composer Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky.

Performances are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 12-13, in DeVos Performance Hall.

Music Director Marcelo Lehninger will lead the orchestra in Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 and in the Polonaise from Tchaikovsky's opera, Eugene Onegin.

Montero will be soloist in Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 for the fourth concerts of the 2017-18 Richard and Helen DeVos Classical series.

She first wowed audiences with the classical masterpiece as a child.

Montero was just 12 when she won the Baldwin National Competition and AMSA Young Artist International Piano Competition, leading to a performance of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Montero gave her first public performance at age 5. Three years later, she made her concert debut with the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra, earning a scholarship from the Venezuelan government to study in the United States.

The twice Grammy nominated artist, who performed at the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2008, won the Bronze Medal at the 13th International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 1995.

In addition to her interpretations of classical masterworks, Montero is celebrated as a brilliant improviser, a skill that's almost disappeared among contemporary classical pianists.

Montero began improvising at the piano at age 4. For many years, she kept her improvisational forays a secret. The world-famous Argentinian pianist Martha Argerich encouraged her to do it in public.

Her 2006 recording "Bach and Beyond" for EMI, a recording entirely of her improvisation on themes of J.S. Bach, held the top spot on the Billboard Classical Charts for several months. Two years later, her follow-up CD, "Baroque," garnered a Grammy Award nomination.

Montero won the 2015 Latin Grammy Award for Best Classical Album for her debut recording as pianist performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, as composer of an original work, "Ex Patria," and as an improviser.

A humanitarian and activist for human rights, Montero was appointed first Honorary Consul of Amnesty International in May 2015.

Inside the Music, a free, pre-concert, multi-media presentation will be held before each performance at 7 p.m. in the DeVos Place Recital Hall.

The complete All Tchaikovsky program will be rebroadcast on April 8, 2018, at 1 p.m. on Blue Lake Public Radio 88.9 FM or 90.3 FM.

Tickets start at $18 and are available online at GRSymphony.org.

Full-time students of any age are able to purchase tickets for only $5 on the night of the concert by enrolling in the GRS Student Tickets program, sponsored by Comerica and Calvin College. This is a MySymphony360 eligible concert.IONIA COUNTY, MI - David Somers underwent surgery for a benign brain tumor the day before an apparent murder-suicide Saturday, Jan. 6, on the side of I-96, his daughter said.

Somers, 51, and his wife, Lisa Kaye Somers, 50, were found dead on the side of the road while her daughter, Amedy Dewey, 18, survived a gunshot wound.

A loaded shotgun was found underneath the husband.

Shelbi Somers, 23, said she doesn't know what to think but said the surgery could have been a factor in what she called an inexplicable act. Her father had been diagnosed with the tumor within the last year.

He told her afterward that the operation went well. The tumor was removed through a nasal cavity, she said.

"He wasn't concerned. From what he told me, everything went fine."

Her father had not be in trouble before, state police records showed.

"I mean, it's completely out of character," she told MLive and The Grand Rapids Press.

"No one would think that would happen. It's important for everyone to know about this part of it," she said.

Cherie Hall, a cousin to David Somers, told MLive: "The entire family is in shock."

Police continue to investigate.

David Somers had just picked up his wife and step-daughter, from Gerald R. Ford International Airport after the woman returned from a Bahamas vacation. He did not go on the trip because of his surgery, his daughter said.

"There is no clear motive at this time of what prompted this violent incident ...," Ionia County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

"Investigators continue to have contact with family and other law enforcement agencies to determine details of this tragic event."

Ionia County sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a motorist needing help on I-96, near Nash Highway, about 10 miles southeast of Lowell.

A deputy spotted a parked Chevrolet Equinox, on the side of the road with its lift gate and passenger doors open, when he got to the scene around 10 p.m. He soon reported two people face down on the ground, with a third - the daughter - injured but breathing in the vehicle.

The teen, a high-school senior in the Midland area, was rushed to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital where she is in critical but stable condition.

While Ionia County sheriff's deputies and state police investigated at the scene, Manistee County sheriff's deputies responded to the Somers' home in Kaleva to make sure there were no other victims.

Police consider the deaths to be an apparent murder-suicide.

Shelbi Somers could not imagine her father harming anyone. She said it is probably hard for others to understand that her father, if he committed the shootings, was a good man.

"People wouldn't think he's a good guy (based on the shootings)," she said. "That's not the case."

She said family and friends have been "very supportive. Everyone's been very supportive."Behold the first great Twitter feud of 2018.

It comes courtesy of two of the United States' greatest natural resources, Lake Superior and Mount St. Helens.

It all started when Lake Superior's Twitter account, which brags about being the G.L.O.A.T. (greatest lake of all time), seemingly took an unprovoked shot at the Washington volcano famous for its major 1980 eruption, the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States.

Since when do mountains have fingers to tweet?  https://t.co/mAduHeJydP  Lake Superior (@LakeSuperior) January 5, 2018

Mount St. Helens had been pointing out a Forbes story titled "Mount St. Helens Is Rumbling Again With 40 Earthquakes Since New Years Day" with the caption, "I'm back b*****."

But the Great Lake bordering much of Michigan's Upper Peninsula wasn't buying the hype.

Maybe, but youre only half of what you used to be. And not as pretty. pic.twitter.com/wpoWb108tS  Lake Superior (@LakeSuperior) January 5, 2018

That prompted this response from Mount St. Helens.

Youre a lake  A weak ass lake at best. #WannabeOcean https://t.co/S4hrPgzEPl  Mt. St. Helens (@MtStHelensWA) January 5, 2018

The conversation then proceeded to go back and forth, with both Twitter accounts rallying public support from followers. Since we're in Michigan, here are the best roasts laid down by Lake Superior and those who love it.

I'm not saying size is everything, but... @MtStHelensWA would fit entirely on my third biggest island. #GLOAT pic.twitter.com/jElxGWJRYI  Lake Superior (@LakeSuperior) January 8, 2018

The ongoing conversation between @LakeSuperior and @MtStHelensWA inspired Julie's current work (btw, Lake Superior rocks!) pic.twitter.com/ky5EOfiRa9  Keith Meyers (@UPTreefarmer) January 7, 2018

I love you @MtBakerWA, but honest question: How many people have you eaten? @LakeSuperior has a well-documented, insatiable thirst for human souls. Mortals tremble at her sight. (or maybe it's just the always-frigid water)  Mikael Naramore (@MikaelNaramore) January 6, 2018

Heres the real poll after @MtStHelensWA fake poll.



Where do you prefer to live, near mountains or near a lake?  Lake Superior (@LakeSuperior) January 6, 2018

Truth be told, I wouldnt be here without volcanos.



By still,  > https://t.co/W3Q3HhdnCv  Lake Superior (@LakeSuperior) January 6, 2018

Oh hunny, youre so wrong.



You see, my black rocks are the oldest exposed rocks in all of North America, produced by volcanic formation during the Precambrian period.



Yeah, thats over 500 million years ago. Which, by the way, outdates you. https://t.co/Zu7f2D30qV  Lake Superior (@LakeSuperior) January 6, 2018

Twitter can be a dark and dangerous experience, but then @LakeSuperior throws major shade at @MtStHelensWA and it reminds me why we all joined this platform in the first place pic.twitter.com/5oPwFiP9hA  Max Andrew Dubinsky (@MaxDubinsky) January 5, 2018

Ive lived at the shores of the Atlantic, the Pacific & Lake Superior. Superior is, by far, more immediately volatile. To watch a storm rile and roil Superior in November is to watch Natures power in full force.  Dr. Casey J Rudkin (@DrCaseyJRudkin) January 5, 2018

Washingtonians and Oregonians, remember it is much safer over here than by earth pimple @MtStHelensWA. pic.twitter.com/j6nckIGVAf  Lake Superior (@LakeSuperior) January 5, 2018

That big eruption @MtStHelensWA is so proud of would only raise the lake level about 1.5 if it were dumped into @LakeSuperior  Joe Shannon (@variablesource) January 5, 2018

In comparing lakes and mountains I'd go with: @LakeSuperior being the Everest of lakes while @MtStHelensWA is the Lake Minnetonka of mountains...it's there and it's sorta cute, but in the grand scheme it doesn't really matter.  Heikkila (@LukeHeikkila) January 5, 2018

I know our friend @LakeSuperior rumbles on the regular. Probably need to take it down a notch @MtStHelensWA  Rogue Chewbacca (@RogueChewbacca) January 5, 2018

Largest lake in the world vs. what used to be the 5th highest peak in Washington before it got angry and blew its top? That's cute.  Scott Niska (@scottniska) January 5, 2018DUNKIRK, N.Y. - A New York ice cream producer has recalled 320 cases of Meijer Purple Cow brand Orange Cream Bars.

Dunkirk-N.Y.-based Fieldbrook Foods Corporation issued the voluntary recall on Jan. 5 due to the possibility that the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing revealed the presence of the bacteria in another production lot that has been fully contained.

The recall is out of precaution for consumer health and food safety. The company has suspended production and distribution of the product while it cooperates with the United States Food and Drug Administration to fully investigate the source of the problem.

The recalled Purple Cow Orange Cream Bars were sold in Meijer retail stores located in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin, according to the FDA.

The product comes in a 12-ct. retail box and has a production date of Nov. 30, 2017 and a "best by" date of Nov. 30, 2018. No illnesses have been reported, but those who have purchased the product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Fieldbrook Farms also recalled 20 cases of the Tops brand of Orange Cream Bars sold in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Consumers with questions may contact Fieldbrook Foods at 1-800-333-0805 x2270.JACKSON, MI - An attorney defending a man accused in a shooting death outside an apartment complex last summer had serious doubts about the credibility of the prosecution's key witness on Monday.

Despite these concerns, the case against Hassan Moore was bound over to circuit court after the continuation of his preliminary examination on Jan. 8, before District Judge Joseph Filip.

Moore, 21, is charged with one count each of open murder and felony firearms for the shooting death of 18-year-old Morris "Boogie" McBride Jr. in the early morning hours of July 19 outside one of Reed Manor's apartment buildings, 301 Steward Ave.

"The testimony that was offered here today was for promises made in Tennessee," W. Otis Culpepper, Moore's attorney, said. "Look at the facts, (the witness) had an expectation of receiving benefits, and I'm not even sure the testimony here establishes he shot at the same person."

The witness, Keith Roberson, testified he spoke to Moore on several occasions in August while sharing a jail cell with him in Tennessee, Roberson said.

In their talks, Roberson said Moore told him the U.S. Marshall Service was after him because he had shot and killed someone he "had a beef with" outside an apartment building in Jackson earlier that summer, providing details of how it happened.

Roberson said Moore told him he saw a 21-year-old man who had shot at him a year prior walking toward an apartment building in Jackson and fired about three shots at him before fleeing.

Roberson also said Moore told him a family member sold the gun he used and his friends burned the clothes he was wearing after he fled the scene.

After about a week of thinking about what he was told, Roberson said he contacted jail staff asking for favors in return for information he knew about Moore.

Roberson said he was made several promises by jail staff to "put in a good word" for the information he provided, but has yet to receive any benefits.

Roberson stated he was in jail for violating parole and was hoping to be released early to take care of his kids.

Sometime after Moore left the jail, Roberson called Moore's mother and was allegedly promised she would put money in his account, Roberson said.

Culpepper challenged Roberson's recollection, arguing he was asking Moore's mother for money during their phone conversations.

Roberson did not receive any money from Moore's family while in jail, prosecutors said.

When first questioned by prosecutors, Roberson stated he did not recall what he said to the officers in Tennessee.

At the request of the defense, Filip emptied the courtroom while a video recording of his interview was played to refresh Roberson's memory.

"There are some credibility issues, especially with the promises made by the officer in Tennessee," Filip said in binding over the case. "There was a great deal of enticement and the deal with the mother is baffling, but this a jury question."

McBride suffered a single gunshot wound to the back and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel, police said previously.

Sgt. Wes Stanton, the lead detective in the case at the time, testified previously Moore was developed as a suspect in the shooting during the investigation. He attempted to interview Moore in August while he was in the Jackson County Jail on an unrelated matter, but Moore refused to speak with him, he said.

Moore's case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson. He is being held in the Jackson County Jail without bond.KALAMAZOO, MI -- A precautionary advisory is being issued for municipal drinking water customers living in an area on the east border of Kalamazoo.

The city of Kalamazoo's Department of Public Services is repairing a water main break on Shakespeare Avenue, between Lake Street and Stockbridge Avenue, that resulted in a temporary loss of pressure Sunday.

All water intended for drinking within the affected area should be boiled due to a temporary pressure loss that will occur within the water main during the repair.

Affected properties are within Kalamazoo Township, with one residence in the city. Homes on both sides of the following streets impacted by the advisory:

Shakespeare Avenue - South from Lake Street to Clinton Avenue

E. Stockbridge Avenue - From western end of Street easterly to Schuster Avenue

Byron Avenue - From E. Stockbridge south to Egleston Avenue

Egleston Avenue - From Byron Avenue east to Schuster Avenue

Schuster Avenue - From Lake Street south to Clinton Avenue

Clinton Avenue - From Shakespeare Avenue to dead end east of Schuster Avenue

This advisory is precautionary. There have not been any confirmed tests showing bacteria present in the water main at the location of the break.

Initial sampling results will be available within 24 hours and the final set within 48 hours, according to a press release. The city expects the advisory will be lifted within 72 hours.

No special precautionary measures are necessary for water used for personal hygiene.

A Boil Water Advisory warns residents their drinking water may be contaminated. When a break occurs in a water main, or a complete loss of pressure in a significant part of the water system, there is the possibility for contaminants to enter into the water main while the repair is being completed.

Once an advisory or notice has been lifted, residents should flush out all plumbing lines and fixtures with running water and replace all water filters.

Call (269) 373-5337 with any questions related to boiling tap water or general water quality questions or visit the City of Kalamazoo website at kalamazoocity.org.KALAMAZOO, MI -- Consumers Credit Union has a new corporate headquarters.

The Kalamazoo-based financial institution opened a 92,000-square-foot, newly built administrative center in late December in The Groves Education Business Technology Park in Texas Township.

The three-story glass, steel and concrete structure is the working home of 150 workers, who began relocating there in early December from four other area locations.

During five years of planning for the project, Kit Snyder, president and chief executive officer of Consumers, said he expected the facility to provide the space and infrastructure the credit union needs for collaboration and teamwork.

"It also becomes one central location for recruiting and retention of West Michigan talent," he said as more plans for the project were announced in March of 2015.

"We are excited to have many of our support and sales teams combined under the same roof," he stated in a press release this week. "With Consumers now serving more than 85,000 members at 19 offices, this building allows us the space and infrastructure needed to provide the world-class member service for which we are known."

The credit union will not say how much it spent on the development or to acquire some 22 acres of land it is using at The Groves business park, off the intersection of I-94 at 9th Street and Elm Valley Drive. The new construction included a 107,000-square-foot parking structure.

Lynne Jarman-Johnson, chief marketing officer for the credit union, said it is poised to expand. Administrative workers from four locations have relocated to the headquarters but three of those are retail locations and they remain open.

The fourth was at 7040 Stadium Drive, but would no longer accommodate the company's needs. Its administrative workers have relocated to the corporate headquarters and its retail workers relocated in late October to the 6,082-square-foot retail office that the credit union opened last April at 1900 S. Drake Road.

"We are not closing," Jarman-Johnson said. "We are expanding our footprint, and in every market we will be hiring."

Along with consolidating many of its administrative efforts, she said, "The whole point of the corporate headquarters is so that we could recruit the top talent."

The financial institution has nearly 300 workers at offices in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Holland, South Haven and Coldwater as well as Kalamazoo. But Jarman-Johnson said it expects that number to grow.

She said the headquarters serves a much larger purpose than the new retail banking office on Drake Road.

"Drake Road and Stadium Drive (office) is a retail office with offices for detailed member transactions including mortgage, business and investments," she explained. "Transactions including mortgage, business and investments."

She said the new corporate campus in The Groves, "brings our non-retail member service professionals together in one building -- operations, lending, IT, marketing, training, member service center, digital service representatives, card services, mortgage operations, executives. We all now work collaboratively in the same spaces to exceed member expectations."

Consumers said the wooded site was chosen for its natural setting, visibility and central location in West Michigan.

The state-of-the-art building has a open-office concept and was designed to emphasize flexibility and interactivity. It was designed by HOK, a leading global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. AVB of Portage was the construction manager and Kalamazoo's Bosch Architecture assisted as a consultant to the process.CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, a subsidiary of State-owned trainmaker CRRC, on Sunday unveiled a prototype of the world's first lightweight subway car body made of carbon fiber.

The cars will be lighter, use less energy and release fewer emissions, as well as being safer, according to a post on the company's WeChat public account.

The advance will lead to the mass application of carbon fiber as a material in the area of rail transit, noted the post. The company did not say when it plans to apply carbon fiber in mass production, it said its intellectual property rights guaranteed the mass adaptation of the material.

The car is 35 percent lighter than traditional metal-body subway cars, the post said, which will reduce wear and tear on the rails.

The company has proprietary technology for the carbon fiber body, which utilizes composite materials to cope with the structural requirements of rolling stock. The development of the new material also explored ways to set standards for the design, processing and quality checks.

In October 2017, the company produced the first China-made subway cars for Boston's orange line as part of a 284-carriage order signed by the company with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in December 2014.

The deal was the first time a Chinese train car maker won a bid in the U.S. market.WHITEHALL, MI - Already Muskegon County's largest industrial employer, Arconic Inc. plans to add jobs and invest locally.

The company plans to invest in high-tech machinery and equipment at its facilities in Whitehall, a project that is expected to generate investment of up to $10 million and create 38 jobs over the next several years.

Arconic was awarded a $400,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF). Michigan was chosen over competing sites in multiple states.

The city of Whitehall is waiving permitting fees in support of the project.

The investment comes as the company announced plans on Monday, Jan. 8, to freeze pensions for about 7,900 of its U.S. employees, effective April 1, 2018.

Arconic employs more than 2,200 people in Muskegon County, and is second only to Mercy Health Muskegon in overall employment.

"Arconic's expansion here rather than in another state means good jobs for Michigan residents and underscores the strength of the state's aerospace sector," said Jeff Mason, CEO of Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the state's chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the MSF.

Arconic's 155-acre Whitehall campus is one of the largest centers of operation for Arconic. There are hundreds of Arconic plants around the world, employing over 40,000 people.

The campus is located at 1 Misco Drive. It produces cast components for commercial passenger jet engines and military aircraft jet engines, among other products.

Arconic broke from Alcoa Inc., taking its new name and independent identity, on Nov. 1, 2016. The separation of Arconic from Alcoa was announced during September 2015.

Arconic consists of fast-growing units that supply components to the aerospace and automotive industries. It includes what was Alcoa Howmet-Whitehall, Alcoa Power and Propulsion, Alcoa Howmet Research Corp., Hot Isostatic Pressing, Ti-Cast and other units.

During 2014 and 2015, Alcoa invested nearly $40 million in what is now Arconic's Whitehall facilities, adding aerospace manufacturing capacity and jobs.

Arconic's tagline "Innovation, Engineered," reflects the company's mission - to invent, develop and deliver products and solutions through precision engineering and advanced manufacturing, according to a press release from the company.

Arconic's power and propulsion unit, headquartered in Whitehall, was founded in 1951 as the Michigan Steel Casting Co. Later known as Howmet Corp. It was purchased by Alcoa in 2000.

Arconic's global investment casting research and development facility is located in the Operhall Center at 1500 S. Warner St. in Whitehall.LUDINGTON, MI - An iconic West Michigan monument honoring Father "Pere" Jacques Marquette has come under fire recently, and now the Michigan Association of Civil Rights Activists is calling for the Christian cross to be removed.

Both the Michigan Association of Civil Rights and the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation say the cross is a violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits displaying religious symbols or maintaining said monuments with public funding.

A special meeting of the Pere Marquette Township Board is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, to discuss the fate of the cross and to receive public comment. Township officials plan to meet in the Peterson Auditorium, 508 N. Washington Ave. in Ludington.

Pere Marquette Township Supervisor Paul Keson said there is "a high local interest in the community wanting to be a part of or have a chance to express their opinions ... on the Father Marquette Memorial."

"I feel one of the worst things we could do is make a decision without our local body expressing their thoughts on our community's historical markers," Keson said. "I have no idea how the board might act or what they may decide, but I do know that we are committed to taking whatever time may be needed to review and consider all of our options."

The cross is in a hilltop memorial park on a small peninsula in Pere Marquette Township. The peninsula separates Lake Michigan and Pere Marquette Lake, and the cross is visible from either side. It was erected in 1955 on the spot where Marquette reportedly died.

Marquette was among the first European travelers to explore the area in the 1600s. The Pere Marquette Rail Road and Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon are named in his honor.

At present, both groups are simply calling for the cross to be removed. Neither the Michigan Association of Civil Rights Activists nor the Freedom From Religion Foundation have threatened to sue Pere Marquette Township.

Mitch Kahle, co-founder of Michigan Association of Civil Rights Activists said his group and others won't take any legal action until a decision is made by the Pere Marquette Township Board.

"We understand political pressures in these situations, but a majority public opinion is irrelevant in the court of law," Kahle said. "The state of Michigan's Constitution in Section 4 is almost more explicit than the U.S. Constitution where it says no person or entity shall be compelled to erect a religious symbol or appropriate from the treasury to benefit any religious sect.

"In this case, Section 4 is being trampled on."

The complaint originated with a Pere Marquette Township resident who reached out to both groups seeking support, said Ryan Jayne, staff attorney with the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Jayne said he believes case law makes it clear that such a cross is unconstitutional.

"The federal courts have been consistent in their rulings about large crosses on government property," Jayne said. "The Latin cross is a symbol of Christianity and does not contain a secular message, and it is therefore inappropriate for them to be on government property. Additionally, there's the problem that the government is paying to maintain the cross, and that raises another issue."

Jayne called the township's consideration of the cross and its removal heartening but "unnecessary."

"Even if 99 percent of residents want to keep it there, the Bill of Rights exists to protect a minority from the majority," Jayne said. "So even if there's just one person complaining, that cross needs to come down."

If the township votes to keep the cross, Jayne said his foundation "will consider all of our legal options." Those options include a civil lawsuit filed against the township, or continued correspondence with local officials to educate them on case law regarding religious symbols.

Jayne said both options have proven to be effective in similar situations.

"Once (the township) takes a look at case law and the price of a lawsuit, I'm confident they'll decide to do the right thing," he said.

A similar complaint roiled Grand Haven residents in 2014 when Michigan activists led by Kahle began a battle to remove the city's Dewey Hill cross landmark.

The Grand Haven cross doubled as an anchor but could be converted to a Christian cross during religious holidays. The city used public funds to preserve the cross at Dewey Hill, which is owned and maintained by Grand Haven.

Kahle and the Michigan Association of Civil Rights Activists threatened to sue if the city refused to comply. In January 2015, the Grand Haven City Council voted in favor to display the cross only as an anchor - and without a lawsuit from Kahle and his cohorts.

Kahle said the similarities are striking between the Pere Marquette and Dewey Hill crosses. For one, both symbols are entangled with other government symbols and property.

"In Grand Haven, the cross ... was a modular assembly that could be made into a an anchor, a cross or a star for the Nativity scene," Kahle said. "They were entangling religious symbols with a government symbol. In Pere Marquette, they used tax funds to build a public boat ramp which shares the same property as the cross.

"And in all of their documentation, (the township) only refers to it by the 'Father Marquette shrine.' When I think of shrine, I think temple or mosque. They're saying that a government body can own a religious shrine and pay to maintain it."

Some residents balked at the Grand Haven decision, calling it an infringement on religious speech. A counter-lawsuit to force the city to display the cross was dismissed in August 2015 by Ottawa County Circuit Court Judge Jon Hulsing.

Hulsing ruled that the question before him was whether he could order the city to display its own property "in such a way as to form a religious symbol" against the wishes of the city council.

"The answer to that question is an unequivocal 'No,'" Hulsing concluded.

The same group in December 2016 lost its appeal in state court.

Kahle said if Pere Marquette Township needs a guide, they should look no further than Grand Haven.

"We just want to see the type of action the board takes," Kahle said. "I do know that life is going on just fine in Grand Haven without the cross on Dewey Hill. And I suppose life will go on just fine in Ludington and Pere Marquette Township."SAGINAW TWP, MI -- A 3-year-old boy never got the chance to even start school before he was fatally beaten on New Year's Day, allegedly by his mother's boyfriend.

Jordan "Baby J" Brown was a happy kid who loved to watch SpongeBob SquarePants, according to his mother, 28-year-old Katie Leuenberger.

Everything was fine at home on Jan. 1 when Leuenberger went to the store to get a money order to pay her rent, she said.

When she returned, police were at her home and informed the mother of six that Baby J had been rushed to the hospital.

Her boyfriend, 26-year-old Tavaris J. Williams, was later arrested and arraigned on one count of first-degree child abuse, a potential life offense.

"If I knew this was going to happen I wouldn't have left that day," Leuenberger said.

The family had fallen on hard times recently and Leuenberger took to Facebook with a plea for help paying her rent just a week prior.

She shared a GoFundMe page that asked for any help possible. Leuenberger said it was a last resort.

Nine months earlier, her children's father was killed in a crash.

"Before all this, we were OK," she said. "We struggled a little bit, but we were OK."

Leuenberger said that she is hurt and furious.

"No parent should have to go through this," she said. "I wouldn't wish this on nobody. Losing their father was hard enough."

"There is nothing a child can do so bad to deserve this," she said.

No funeral arrangements have been made for Baby J, who was taken off life support on Friday, Jan. 5, she said.

His brothers and sisters don't know what is going on yet, Leuenberger said.

"They just know that Jordan went to the hospital because he was sick," she said.

Williams is held in jail on a $500,000 bond.

An autopsy scheduled for Monday, Jan. 8, was delayed and prosecutors will review the results to determine if Williams' charges will be amended, according to Saginaw County Chief Prosecutor Chris Boyd.Matt Weigand | MLive.com file

By Heather Jordan | hjordan@mlive.com

Saginaw County Department of Public Health officials routinely inspect area restaurants, coffee shops, hospital cafeterias, churches, hotels and other places where food is served to the public. The food service inspection reports, which can be found online here, detail any health code violations that are found as well as actions taken to correct them.

There are three types of violations: core, priority foundation and priority. Priority foundation and priority violations are the more severe types of violations.

Food service establishments typically are subjected to two routine inspections per year. Depending on the number and type of violations found, one or more follow-up inspections may be required.

Here's a look at the inspections conducted Nov. 20 to Dec. 3, 2017.

Don't Edit

Google Maps

American Legion Post #125

13613 Dixie Highway, Birch Run 48415

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 29, 2017

Priority foundation: There is a clear spray bottle with a clear liquid in it that is not labeled. Person in charge stated the liquid is sanitizer. Label the bottle as to contents., ***Corrected*** Person in charge labeled the bottle of sanitizer during the inspection.

Priority foundation: Facility has not submitted water sample for private well since 2015. Submit a water sample by 12-31-17 and annually after for the water supply. Note: Person in charge stated he will submit a water sample by 12-31-17. *This violation requires a follow-up inspection.

Core: There are several containers of food throughout the facility that are not in the original container and are not labeled. Label all food with a common name.

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American Legion Post 22

2200 S. Niagara St., Saginaw 48602

Follow-up inspection conducted Nov. 29, 2017

Priority: Violation has been corrected. The hot water is now hot enough for proper sanitizing.

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Ames United Methodist Church

801 State St., Saginaw 48602

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 29, 2017

Core: Facility does not have a current ServSafe allergen certified manager. Provide a copy within 30 days.

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Auntie Anne's Pretzels

4787 Fashion Square Mall, Saginaw 48604

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 29, 2017

No violations

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B&C Pizza

230 S. Center, Saginaw 48638

Routine inspection conducted

Priority foundation: There is a can of pizza sauce and a can of black olives on the can storage rack with heavy dents on the seams of the cans. Discard/mark for return. Note: Person in charge marked the two dented cans for return during inspection.

Priority: There is a container of cooked pasta and a container of pasta sauce with a discard date of 11-23 present. Discard the past date cooked pasta and pasta sauce. Note: Person in charge discarded the container of cooked pasta and pasta sauce that were past date for discarding during inspection.

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Burger King

7868 Gratiot Road, Saginaw 48609

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 30, 2017

Core: Food worker preparing food not wearing hair restraint. Provide and wear effective hair restraint as required.

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Carrollton High School

1235 Maple Ridge Road, Saginaw 48604

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 30, 2017

No violations

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Charley's Philly Steaks

4859 Bay Road, Saginaw 48604

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 29, 2017

Core: Interior of microwave oven is not clean. Maintain clean as required.

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Chen's Mongolian Grill

4837 Bay Road, Saginaw 48604

Follow-up inspection conducted Nov. 28, 2017

Priority: Violation has been corrected. There are no cracked or broken food containers observed at the time of this follow up.

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Chester Miller

2020 Brockway St., Saginaw 48602

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 30, 2017

No violations

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Coco Loco Mexican Grill & Bar

7467 Gratiot, Saginaw 48609

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 30, 2017

Priority foundation: No chlorine or quat test strips on site. Provide chemical test strips as required. Corrected. At time of inspection both chlorine and quat test strips were provided.

Core: No hand washing signage provided in men's restroom. Provide hand washing signage as required.

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Community Christian Reformed Church

6045 Mackinaw, Saginaw 48604

Follow-up inspection conducted Dec. 2, 2017

Priority foundation: Corrected. At time of inspection all affected areas, equipment and utensils had been washed, rinsed and sanitized. No evidence of pests was observed.

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Country Inn & Suites

2222 Tittabawassee Road, Saginaw 48604

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 29, 2017

Priority foundation: No hand soap provided at only hand washing sink in kitchen. Provide hand soap as required. Corrected: At time of inspection, person in charge provided soap at the hand sink.

Priority: Quat test strip did not detect any chemical present in sanitizing compartment of three-compartment sink. There was no chemical for sanitizing on site. Provide chemical in concentration directed on manufacturers label to ensure effective sanitizing step as required. At time of inspection, person in charge purchased quat sanitizer and provided appropriate chemical concentration to effectively sanitize. Concentration verified by quat test strip.

Priority: Individually packaged cream cheese cold held on buffet line with internal temperature of 65 F. Cold hold potentially hazardous food at 41 F or below. At time of inspection, out of temperature cream cheese was discarded.

Priority foundation: Several potentially hazardous foods (PHF) open and held under refrigeration longer than 24 hours not provided a date mark: diced deli ham, gallon 2% milk, gallon skim milk, pre-cooked eggs, cooked sausage patties. Provide date mark as required. At time of inspection the PHF the person in charge knew the open date of was provided a date mark: diced deli ham, 2% milk and pre-cooked eggs. The person in charge did not know the open date of was discarded: skim milk, cooked sausage patties.

Priority foundation: Internal thermometer not provided in refrigeration unit in storage area. Provide internal thermometer as required.

Priority foundation: Chemical (quat) test strips were provided but not being used to verify chemical concentration in sanitizing compartment of three-compartment sink. Use chemical test strips to verify chemical concentration is at appropriate level as required.

Core: Establishment does not employ a full-time managerial employee who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute. Michigan food law requires food establishments employ a minimum of one managerial employee who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute. Provide copy of current certificate to this office within 90 days. Establishment does not currently employ a ServSafe manager that has completed the required allergen training. Complete allergen training and provide copy of certificate to this office within 90 days.

Core: Small white cutting board on shelf for use is scored and heavily stained. Resurface or replace to provide cutting surface that is smooth and easily cleanable.

Core: Hand washing signage not provided in men's and women's restrooms used by food workers. Provide hand washing signage as required.

Core: Interior of reach-in freezer in storage area is not clean. Maintain clean as required.

Core: Current food license not posted. Post current food license in a conspicuous place for public inspection.

Core: In-use wiping cloth sitting on counter in kitchen. Store in-use wiping cloths completely submersed in an approved chemical sanitizing solution between uses.

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Covenant HealthCare

1447 N. Harrison, Saginaw 48602

Follow-up inspection conducted Dec. 1, 2017

Priority: *Corrected  there are no cooling violations at the time of inspection. The blast chiller is being used.

700 Cooper Ave., Saginaw 48602

Routine inspection conducted Dec. 1, 2017

No violations

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Elias Bros Big Boy

6301 Dixie Highway, Bridgeport 48722

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 20, 2017

Priority: An employee was observed cutting onions and kale that were put into a bowl for kale salad with their bare hands. Discard. Wear gloves or use another means to prevent bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food. Note: Person in charge discarded the container of kale salad during inspection. Person in charge will re-educate use of gloves with employees.

Priority: There is a container of employee medication being stored on a shelf located above the food preparation area. Store all employee medications in an approved area. Note: The employee removed the medication from the shelf and put the medication in their pocket.

Core: The bottom interior of the two door victory freezer has a build up of ice and food debris present. Clean routinely.

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Firehouse Subs

5208 Bay Road, Saginaw 48604

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 30, 2017

No violations

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Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge

1 Covered Bridge Lane, Frankenmuth 48734

Follow-up inspection conducted Nov. 27, 2017

Priority: ***Corrected*** No cold holding violations observed during follow-up inspection. Facility replaced Pepsi cooler and is now using an ice bath in the Ratskeller kitchen to maintain cold holding temperatures.

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Golden Glow Ballroom

2950 S. Graham Road, Saginaw 48609

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 22, 2017

Priority: At the bar, near the banquet hall entrance, there is a pest strip that is not being used according to manufacturer's directions. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use for all pesticides. Corrected: Pest strip was discarded.

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Jet's Pizza

5695 Bay Road, Saginaw 48604

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 30, 2017

Priority foundation: Unlabeled squirt bottle containing oil looking product identified by dish washing employee as dish detergent. Clearly label all containers with the common name of the product they hold. , corrected. At time of inspection dish washing employee labeled the container to identify the product as dish soap.

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Kabob and Curry House

4070 Bay Road, Saginaw 48603

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 20, 2017

Priority: The chlorine dish machine is registering less than 10 parts per million chlorine. Repair. Provide an approved concentration for sanitizing. Note: Person in charge will use the dish machine to wash/rinse equipment then manually sanitize in the three-compartment sink. A compartment was set up with an approved chlorine solution for sanitizing during inspection. *This violation requires a follow-up inspection.

Priority: 1 - There is a container of raw beef being stored above cooked chicken and cooked potatoes. 2 - There is a flat of raw shell eggs being stored above ginger root that does not get cooked. Store all raw animal foods below and away from any ready-to-eat foods. Note: Person in charge moved all raw animal foods to be below and away ready-to-eat foods during the inspection. *This violation requires a follow-up inspection.

Core: There are several walls throughout the facility that are not clean and have splashed food debris present. Clean the walls routinely.

Core: There are two cracked sour cream containers being used to store beverage single-use lids. Discard the two cracked sour cream containers. Store the single-use lids in a durable container.

Core: There is a bag of clean wiping clothes being stored on the floor in the front waitress area. Store the wiping clothes in an approved manner.

Core: 1 - There are several containers of food stored uncovered in the walk-in cooler. Store all food covered. 2 - There are several containers of spices being stored in the dry storage area that are uncovered. Store all spices covered. 3 - The bottom of the single-door beverage air cooler has standing water present and food is being stored on the shelf. Store the food in a dry location.

Core: There are several spices throughout the facility that have been taken out of their original containers and are not identified. Label all spices with a common name as to contents.

Core: A scoop is being stored with the handle in contact with the food. Store the hand extended out of the product to prevent contamination.

Core: There are several wiping clothes being stored on counter tops and cutting boards throughout the facility. Store all in-use wiping clothes in an approved sanitizer solution.

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Lazy Dog Pizza Co.

154 S. Main St. Suite 5, Frankenmuth 48734

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 27, 2017

Priority foundation: There are two containers of cooked sausage, a container of cooked chicken, an opened bag of cooked chicken wings and chicken tenders, and a container of sliced roast beef all without date marks for discarding. Provide. Note: Person in charge stated all food was prepared the night before. Person in charge provided proper date marks to all noted food.

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Legends

4142 W. Michigan, Saginaw 48638

Routine inspection conducted No. 27, 2017

Core: Food worker preparing food without wearing hair restraint. Provide and wear appropriate hair restraint as required.

Core: Lid of the ice machine falls off when it is opened and closed. Repair to provide lid that is in good working condition.

Core: Front exterior door has a large gap at its bottom edge. Provide tight-fitting door to prevent the entrance of rodents and pests.

Core: In-use wiping cloths stored in a sanitizer solution with a chemical concentration above the labels directed 150 parts per million. Chlorine concentration verified by chemical test strip. Provide chemical solution in the concentration directed on the products label. At time of inspection person in charge provided sanitizer in an appropriate chemical concentration.

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Malt Shop

112 Chapman, Chesaning 48616

Follow-up inspection conducted Nov. 22, 2017

Priority: *Corrected* the pest strips were removed from the facility and are no longer being used.

Priority: *Corrected* the cook was observed changing gloves when changing tasks.

Priority foundation: *Corrected* proper date marks for discarding are on all potentially hazardous foods.

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McDonald's

3700 E. Genesee, Saginaw 48601

Follow-up inspection conducted Nov. 27, 2017

Priority: Violation has been corrected. The soap and sanitizer dispenser has been replaced and there is no longer a leak.

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McDonald's

2930 Tittabawassee Road, Saginaw 48604

Routine inspection conducted Dec. 1, 2017

Priority: McCafe pitchers and equipment are not being washed, rinsed and sanitized at the frequency required. Wash, rinse and sanitize food contact surfaces at least every four hours during continual use as required. At time of inspection McCafe pitchers and equipment were washed, rinsed and sanitized.

Priority: None of the compartments of the three-compartment sink hold water. Repair three-compartment sink to hold water and be in good working condition.

Core: Floors throughout facility especially under equipment and at floor wall junctures are not clean. Maintain clean as required.

Core: Automatic dish machine is not in working order. Repair or replace dish washing equipment to be in good working condition as required.

Core: Outside detached shed is unorganized with several pieces of unused equipment and unnecessary clutter. Remove litter, clutter, and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used from premises as required.

Core: Several wiping cloths throughout facility sitting on counters out of sanitizing solution between uses. Store in use wiping cloths completely submersed in an approved chemical sanitizing solution between uses.

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McDonald's

6331 Dixie Highway, Bridgeport 48722

Follow-up inspection conducted Nov. 27, 2017

Priority: ***Corrected*** all food properly marked with discard times during follow-up inspection. No other time-control violations observed.

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Meher Inc./Subway

7210 Gratiot, Saginaw 48609

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 30, 2017

Core: Establishment does not employ a full time managerial employee who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the american national standards institute. Michigan food law requires food establishments employ a minimum of one managerial employee who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American national standards institute. Provide copy of current certificate to this office within 90 days.

Core: Bandana-style hair restraint worn by food workers does not effectively restrain hair. Provide and wear hair restraint that effectively covers and restrains hair.

Core: Packages of steak thawing at room temperature on prep table. Use approved thawing method as required.

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Mooney's Ice Cream and Cakes

5716 State St., Saginaw 48603

Routine inspection conducted Dec. 1, 2017

Core: Establishment's ServSafe manager has not completed the required allergen training. Complete allergen training and provide copy of certificate to this office within 90 days.

Core: Interior of ice cream freezers with ice buildup. Clean at the frequency required to preclude the buildup of ice.

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Rusty Saw Smokehouse

540 S. Orr Road, Hemlock 48626

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 22, 2017

Core: The shelves of the reach-in coolers in the kitchen have an accumulation of food debris. Clean the inside of equipment routinely.

Priority foundation: The hand sink in the kitchen does not have any paper towel. Provide hand towels at each hand sink. Hand towels were provided at the hand sink.

Priority: In the storage area there are jars of in-house prepared peppers, garlic, and oil mixtures that are stored at room temperature. Cold hold all potentially hazardous foods at 41 degrees F and below. *Note* the jars were all discarded. *Note* this violation requires a follow-up inspection.

Priority foundation: In the walk-in cooler, there are several containers of mashed potatoes, cooked pork roasts, cooked ribs and other in-house prepared foods without date marks for discarding. Provide proper date marks for discarding. *Note* dates for discarding were provided for all in-house prepared foods. *Note* this violation requires a follow-up inspection.

Priority: 1) In the reach-in cooler across from the grill line, there are containers of cooked sausages, cooked roasts and other in-house prepared foods past date for discarding. 2) In the walk-in cooler there are containers of cooked rice, and other in house prepared foods that are past date for discarding. Discard all past date foods. *Note* the past-date foods were discarded. *Note* this violation requires a follow-up inspection.

Priority foundation: The hand sink in the kitchen has food debris in the bottom of it. Use hand sinks for hand washing only. Proper hand sink usage was discussed with the person in charge.

Core: The cutting boards across from the grill line have deep cuts and grooves in them and are not easily cleanable. Resurface the cutting boards so that they are smooth, and easily cleanable.

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Saginaw Learn to Earn Academy

1000 Tuscola St., Saginaw 48607

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 20, 2017

No violations

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Shahi Indian Cuisine

4614 State St., Saginaw 48603

Follow-up inspection conduced Nov. 20, 2017

Priority: the chlorine sanitizer test strips were unable to detect any chlorine sanitizer present in the dishwashing machine. Repair dishwasher so it can properly wash, rinse, and sanitize. *note: person in charge moved all warewashing to the three-compartment sink until the dishwashing machine can be maintenanced by ecolabs. *This violation requires a follow-up inspection

Priority: *Corrected: There was no cross contamination at the time of inspection.

Priority: there are several potentially hazardous foods (phf) at the buffet line cold-holding at 52 degrees f, including rice pudding, mango pudding, cucumber/tomato salad, and chick pea salad. To avoid contamination, cold hold all phf at 41 degrees f or below. *note: person in charge identified that the food had been out at the buffet line for at least two hours. In accordance with the eap, all phf cold-holding above 50 degrees f for zero to two hours must be discarded. *note: all phf cold-holding out of temp was discarded. *this violation requires a follow-up inspection.

Priority foundation: *Corrected: All food was properly date-marked at the time of inspection.

Core: *Corrected: Facility provided a copy of the allergen training certification. See attached photo.

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Subway

1447 N. Harrison, Saginaw 48602

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 28, 2017

No violations

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Szechuan House Express

120 W. Genesee, Frankenmuth 48734

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 21, 2017

Priority foundation: There are four cans of peaches and one can of hoisin sauce with dents present on the seams being stored on the dry storage rack. Discard/mark for return. Note: Person in charge removed all of the dented cans and placed them in a box labeled "return" during inspection.

Priority: There is a container of house prepared sweet and sour sauce on the prep table at 70 degrees F. Person in charge stated that it has been sitting out since the night before. Discard. Cold hold the sweet and sour sauce at or below 41 degrees F. Note: Person in charge discarded the container of sweet and sour sauce during inspection. *This violation requires a follow-up inspection.

Core: There are several containers of food in the front prep cooler and walk-in cooler that are not covered. Keep all food covered to prevent contamination.

Core: The scoop for the ice is being stored with the handle in contact with the ice. The scoop for the wonton chips is being stored with the handle in contact with the wonton chips. Store the scoops with the handle extended out of the product.

Core: There is a wall tile missing above the walk-in cooler creating a big open space. Repair/replace the wall tile above the walk-in cooler.

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The New Pompeii

5110 Dixie Highway, Saginaw 48601

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 20, 2017

Core: There is a container of cooked noodles that is being stored in the bottom of the cooler where standing water is present. Store the container of cooked noodles in a dry location. Clean up the standing water.

Core: The pizza prep cooler door seals are cracked and torn. Repair/replace the cracked/torn door seals.

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The Shed of Marion Springs

11995 S. Merrill, Brant 48614

Follow-up inspection conducted Nov. 21, 2017

Core: *Corrected  facility provided a copy of the approved allergen training.

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The Willow Tree

4751 Fashion Square Mall, Saginaw 48604

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 28, 2017

Priority: 1. The following items were past the consume-by date: portioned bags of rice pilaf with consume by date of 10/29, pan of kidney beans with consume by date of 11/26, tray of cooked ribs with a consume by date of 11/19, container of black bean soup with consume by date of 11/25. 2. The following foods were not dated with a consume by date: two pans of cooked potatoes, two pans of cooked macaroni and cheese and an open retail package of corned beef. 3. The following foods were improperly dated for eight days: a mayonnaise cheese mixture dated 11/24-12/1 and a pan of crab cakes dated 11/22-11/29. Any required food that is past the consume-by date, not labeled with a consume-by date, or improperly dated shall be discarded. Note: All foods that were past the consume-by date, not dated or improperly dated were discarded. A follow-up inspection is required for this item.

Core: There is grease and food debris on the floor next to and under the deep fryers. The physical facility shall be kept clean. Ensure all areas are cleaned on a regular basis to prevent a build up of soil residues.

Core: 1. The small red cutting board at the bar is heavily scratched. 2. The cutting boards at both prep coolers in the kitchen are heavily stained and worn. Cutting boards shall be resurfaced or replaced when they are no longer capable of being properly cleaned and sanitized. Resurface or replace cutting boards.

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Tim Hortons

4870 State St., Saginaw 48603

Routine inspection conducted Dec. 1, 2017

Core: Areas of floors in kitchen under equipment and at floor wall junctures are not clean. Maintain clean as required.

Core: Clean utensils stored with food contact surface exposed. Store clean utensils inverted to protect food contact surface from contamination as required.

Core: Dipper well holding ice cream scoops between uses was turned off so scoops were stored in standing water. Store in use utensils as required. At time of inspection, dipper well was turned on.

Core: Interior of high low refrigeration unit at grill line is not clean. Maintain clean as required.

Core: Current food license is not displayed. Display current food license in a conspicuous place in view of the public.

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Union State Sports Bar

54 E. Morley Drive, Saginaw 48601

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 27, 2017

No violations

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Valley Columbian Building

4840 Shattuck, Saginaw 48603

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 22, 2017

No violations

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VFW Post 1859

3169 Carrollton Road, Saginaw 48604

Routine inspection conducted Dec. 1, 2017

Core: Facility needs a certified allergen trained manager. Provide documentation of allergen training by 3-1-18.

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Wendy's

4305 Bay, Saginaw 48603

Routine inspection conducted Nov. 29, 2017

Priority: Air gap not established at ice machine. Provide air gap as required. Corrected. At time of inspection, person in charge provided appropriate air gap at ice machine.

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Mouse droppings, fly zapper over food in Saginaw-area kitchens Nov. 13-19

Mold growth on cooler walls and more in Saginaw-area kitchens Nov. 6-12

Food stored on the floor and more in Saginaw-area kitchens Oct. 30-Nov. 5

Standing water and more violations in Saginaw-area kitchens Oct. 23-29The Pistons' Luke Kennard (left), Andre Drummond and Langston Galloway (9) watch the action from the bench. (The Associated Press)

Three road games lead to season's midway mark

The competition isnt particularly tough for the Detroit Pistons this week.

But does that matter? The Pistons seem to play some of their best basketball against top competition while playing down to lesser teams.

They have defeated Golden State, Boston, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Houston and Minnesota (twice), while losing to the Lakers, Dallas and Orlando.

Detroit will reach the mid-season mark following three road games this week. Here are five things to watch:

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Andre Drummond has missed two of the past three games due to a rib contusion. (MLive/Mike Mulholland)

Will Drummond return soon?

Center Andre Drummond has missed two of the past three games with a rib contusion. The Pistons didnt practice Sunday, so there was no update on his condition. The team could use him Monday in New Orleans, which has two star big men in DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis.

If Drummond cant go, Eric Moreland likely will start because of his defensive ability. He played well in Saturdays victory over Houston (career highs with eight points and four assists, in addition to eight rebounds), in his first career start.

Boban Marjanovic also should get some minutes if Drummond is out. Marjanovic has scored in double figures (10 and 15 points) in two of the past three games.

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Dwight Buycks is averaging 13 points in his past three games. (The Associated Press)

Can Buycks' ride continue?

Dwight Buycks was playing in China a year ago and looking for an NBA job in July while playing in the Summer League. Now hes playing a key role as the Pistons backup point guard to Ish Smith, with Reggie Jackson out at least another month with a sprained ankle.

Buycks is coming off a career-high 16 points, including 4-of-5 3-pointers, against the Rockets and is averaging 13 points over the past three games while shooting 16 for 29 (55.2 percent).

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The Pistons' Andre Drummond shoots over the Pelicans' Anthony Davis. (AP file photo)

Big Easy has been quite difficult

The Pistons start the week Monday in New Orleans (8 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit), where they have lost eight in a row, dating back to their last victory there on Dec. 5, 2007. The Pelicans, overall, have beaten Detroit in nine of their past 10 meetings.

Despite a dominant one-two punch of DeMarcus Cousins (25.9 points, 12.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists) and Anthony Davis (25.6 points, 10.3 rebounds), the Pelicans, under former Pistons coach Alvin Gentry, have lost three of four and sit at .500 (19-19).

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Former Piston Spencer Dinwiddie is averaging a career-high 13 points per game for the Nets. (The Associated Press)

Familiar face in Brooklyn

Former Pistons guard Spencer Dinwiddie is experiencing a breakout season in Brooklyn, averaging career highs in points (13.0) and assists (6.4) while starting a career-high 28 games. The Pistons selected Dinwiddie 38th overall in 2014. He averaged only 4.4 points in 46 games over two seasons in Detroit.

The Pistons visit Brooklyn on Wednesday (7:30, FSD). DAngelo Russell leads the Nets (15-24) in points (20.9) and assists (5.7).

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The Bulls' Nikola Mirotic drives against the Pistons' Anthony Tolliver. (AP file photo)

Bulls running better lately

The Pistons visit Chicago Saturday in their first of four meetings with the Bulls (8 p.m., FSD). Chicago (14-26) has lost four of its past five but has gone 11-6 following a 3-20 start. Nikola Mirotic is averaging 17.4 points and 7.0 rebounds while 7-foot rookie forward Lauri Markkanen, the seventh overall pick, is averaging 14.9 points and a team-leading 7.5 rebounds.

The Pistons have won seven of their past 11 games against the Bulls.Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "Titan Company is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 915 and target of Rs 950. Bharat Forge is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 740 and target of Rs 765. Mindtree is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 620 and target of Rs 645."

"MCX India is hanging around recent supports of about Rs 900. So maybe keeping an Rs 900 type of stop loss you could expect a rally back towards the 200 day which is Rs 1,060."

"Bharat Electronics (BEL), PTC India are all Budget type stocks. So chances are that the defence stocks will pick up going into the Budget. Nothing significant on BEL."

"PTC, maybe looks a bit better than BEL although a lot of PSUs will go up in anticipation. So I think Rs 110 is a fairly decent stop loss and maybe you can look at Rs 130-135," he said.The other IPO which also received huge responses were Happiest Minds Technologies and Chemcon Speciality Chemicals, which was subscribed 150.98 times and 149.3 times respectively. Interestingly, both these stocks have seen bumper listing gained over 100 percent. Let's see how the IPO subscription and listing happened in 2020 so far, considered only IPOs issue size over Rs 100 crore.

Dream Gateway Hotels Ltd, an arm of Kolkata-based real estate developer Jain Group, is planning to dilute 25 percent stake with its maiden IPO on BSE's small and medium enterprise platform by March 2018.

The company operates the Holiday Inn hotel in Kolkata under a management contract with Intercontinental Hotels Group.

"We are at an advanced stage of launching an IPO and the issue will be completed over the next two months," Dream Gateway director Rishi Jain told PTI.

"We are looking at raising Rs 35-37 crore from the public issue to fund an expansion of the property, diluting 25 per cent stake," he said.

The hotel has been operational since February 2017 and the company is expecting a revenue of Rs 20 crore in the current fiscal, Jain said.

The company is optimistic of a valuation of around Rs 150 crore.

However, according to an analyst tracking the hospitality sector, the expected valuation is on the "higher side".

"With limited data available, the hotel would ideally be valued at Rs 110-120 crore based on replacement cost estimates," Managing Director-India (Hotels & Hospitality Group) JLL, Mandeep S Lamba, said.

Given the hospitality industry has been stressed for a while and as Kolkata is expected to see a continued increase in the inventory of hotel rooms, the market is likely to see some corrections in rates going forward, he said.

Hotels are typically valued by Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) methodology which is considered the gold standard. Other methodologies include EBIDTA multiples and replacement costs.

Jain said that the cash raised through IPO will be used in expanding the 137-room Kolkata property to 215 rooms with an investment of Rs 60-70 crore.

The company also has two hotels in Siliguri and Durgapur in the pipeline.The fee hike is set to be implemented from October 2, 2020

Even as the H-1B visa issue continues to make headlines here, Indian techies in the US say they are not worried about being asked to return back home just yet  a stark contrast from the uncertainty they faced around the same time last year.

Several Indian H-1B visa holders in the US that Moneycontrol spoke to pointed out that unlike in India, mainstream media outlets in the US were not talking about the self-deportation proposal that McClatchy reported in December.

The news portal said the US government was considering new regulations that could potentially stop hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending.

I haven't seen any single mainstream news channel here publishing it, said a 34-year old Indian techie whose husband is an H-1B visa holder and works for one of the largest US-based technology companies. Stress is always there about the new rules, but this news about extension or self-deportation being reported in India was over the top, she added.

Most hold the view that while the Trump administration is making good on his campaign promise to curb the misuse of the H-1B visa regime, any large scale change will not come into effect overnight.

There are no H-1B woes really. We (Indian techies) are all at a stage where we dont want to keep worrying about this. We will see what to do if at all an order gets passed or this proposal becomes law, said another engineer who has been in the US for eight years now, and is working with a hardware giant on an H-1B visa.

Agreed a New York-based executive at a US-based financial firm. The mainstream media (in the US) is mostly looking at wider immigration reforms, which includes H1B, as well as immigration of Mexicans into the country,

The H1-B visa programme, with Indian techies beings its biggest recipients, has been an important reason for the Indian IT industrys success over the past two decades.

A foreign worker with an H-1B visa can stay in the US for a maximum of six years, with an initial validity of three years that can then be extended for another three years, according to legal advice site nolo.com.

The total number of Indian engineers on H-1B visas in the US, according to industry insiders, is between 300,000-350,000. This includes employees of Indian IT services and global companies/MNCs.

Last year, when President Donald Trump took office, Indian techies were shaken and worried about their future as uncertainty loomed large over the fate of the H-1B visa programme.

Nothing related to H1B is being prominently reported and they are looking at immigration issues at a holistic level. Sometimes the H1B issues is seen by the liberals as a tool for filling technology requirements, while for the right wing conservation side, it is seen as something that is being misused by foreigners, specifically Indians, said the New York executive quoted above.

The Indian IT industry has often been accused of misusing the H-1B visa system, a claim it has consistently denied. The

Over the course of the last year, the US government has attempted to fix some parts of the H-1B regime, including policy memoranda through the legal immigration agency and an executive order named Buy American and Hire American to suggest reforms to help ensure that H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid beneficiaries.Patients line up in the middle of the night for appointments the following morning at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH).

With hospitals across much of China packed with patients stricken by the most severe flu outbreak in years, epidemiologists say the virus cannot be compared to SARS.

Health institutions in China are reporting many more flu cases this year than the last three winters. Kindergarten and primary school students are most affected, China National Radio (CNR) reported, quoting the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Saturday at Beijing Children's Hospital 300 patients were still waiting to see doctors after normal working hours. Top hospitals and medical centers in many parts of China, including Xi'an, Guangzhou and Hebei Province are reporting a dramatic increase in the number of patients suffering flu symptoms, CNR reported.

However, online comments suggesting the current flu outbreak is comparable to the SARS epidemic were rejected by experts.

Liu Youning, a professor of epidemiology and respiratory medicine at the PLA General Hospital in Beijing, told the Global Times the two viruses have different pathogens and are not comparable.

"The flu virus, which has a much lower death rate than the SARS virus, is quite mild this year. It mainly targets the elderly and children," Liu said, noting that the mortality rate of those infected by SARS was as high as 10 percent.

The current strains of flu are mainly Influenza A/H3N2 and Influenza A/H1N1 and Influenza B (Yamagata), according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission.

Local medical institutions have to register and transfer patients whose body temperature is above 38 degrees to second-tier and top-tier hospitals, Caixin quoted a staff member from a local community hospital in Shanghai as saying.

Wang Dayan, the director of the Chinese National Influenza Center, said the flu rate is expected to go down around Spring Festival as the rate comes close to its peak after a period of rapid growth, CNR reported.Concerned about the deteriorating call drop situation, the Department of Telecom (DoT) will meet service providers on January 10 to discuss the burning issue as also the new service quality norms that have been implemented in the sector.

"We want to convey to the operators, the government's concerns on state of call drops. Service providers have to get their act together," Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters here today.

She was speaking on the sidelines of a conference to mark the completion of the first phase of Bharat Net project.

The meeting with telecom industry CEOs will be chaired by the DoT Secretary.

The meeting is also slated to discuss the new stringent call drop norms that were enforced by telecom regulator TRAI in October last year.

On the same day, DoT will also hold a separate meeting with the telecom regulator on the call drop issue.

The Telecom Commission, meanwhile, will meet tomorrow to discuss multiple issues including some recommendations by Interministerial Group (IMG) on relief measures for the stressed industry, importantly, the raising of spectrum caps.Representative image

South American country Peru generated its highest export sales to India during January- October 2017 with shipments totalling USD 1.57 billion, as compared to other Asian economies like China, South Korea, Japan and the UAE.

According to the country's Exports and Tourism Promotion Board, Peruvian sales to Asian markets went from USD 10.53 billion (January-October 2016) to USD 15.59 billion in the same period last year.

The target markets included China, South Korea, India, Japan, the UAE, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.

"In particular, Peru's sales to India registered the highest growth rate by totalling USD 1.57 billion between January-October 2017, a 126.78 per cent increase over the same term in 2016 (USD 694.16 million)," a statement said.

Also, Indian importers have shown a growing interest in Peruvian avocados, leading to a steady increase in its consumption since 2016, it said.

In 2015, Peru became the second largest exporter of table grapes- Red Globe variety- to India, a position it holds even today. These grapes are typically available in Indian supermarkets between December and April every year.

Peru's exports to India also include gold, silver, copper, Sacha Inchi, Quinoa, Camu Camu, among others.

"With the India-Peru trade agreement discussions, India will be able to move ahead of the stereotype of seeing Latin America through the Brazilian lens.

Open trade barriers between the two countries provide Peru with a new and significant trade partner, because of which the economy is enjoying a surge," said the statement issued by the Commercial Office of the Embassy of Peru.live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

Shares of companies referred to National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for bankruptcy proceedings are now a favourite among punters, as per a report in Business Standard.

Last year in June, the Reserve Bank of India has identified 12 companies and come out with a second list comprising 28 accounts worth over Rs 1.5 lakh crore for resolutions under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

The report said these firms shares have risen from 40 percent to 100 percent in the last three months, despite them incurring huge losses and defaulting on their loan repayments.

High net worth individuals are showing a lot of interest in trading the shares of stressed companies on anticipation that these firms have some intrinsic value left in them and many of them are trading below book value.

Some verticals of firms such as Lanco Infratech and Videocon are doing well, giving a return of 100 percent and 65 percent respectively in the last three months. The scrip of infrastructure major Jaypee Infratech is up 70 percent although it is struggling to deliver flats to homebuyers in Noida.

However, analysts have cautioned investors saying that dabbling in these stocks is very risky.Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has put in place stricter norms wherein clearing corporations are now required to keep a close tab on losses made by members during intra-day trades.

The move follows discussions about the risk arising out of accumulation of crystallised obligations or profit/loss on trade due to intra-day squaring off of positions.

"The intra-day crystallised losses shall be monitored and blocked by clearing corporations from the free collateral on a real-time basis only for those transactions which are subject to upfront margining.

"For this purpose, crystallised losses can be offset against crystallised profits at a client level, if any," SEBI said in a circular on Monday.

Besides, the regulator said that crystallised losses would be calculated based on weighted average prices of trades executed.

In case, the crystallised losses exceed the free collateral available with the clearing corporation, then the entity concerned would be put under risk reduction mode.

"Adjustment of intra-day crystallised losses shall not be done from exposure free liquid net worth of the clearing member," the circular said.

Currently, the margining system of clearing corporations levies margin based on net buy value of unsettled trades in the cash segment and on the net open positions in the derivatives segments.

"As such, the risk of crystallised obligations (profit/ loss on trade) incurred due to intra-day trades does not get fully captured in the margining system and consequently in the clearing corporation's risk management system for the purpose of providing further exposure to the clearing member," the circular said.

The issue of risk arising out of accumulation of crystallised obligations incurred on account of intra-day squaring off of positions was discussed at SEBI's Risk Management Review Committee meeting.With an eye on state and general elections, the government is set to roll out a social security scheme across the country for the unorganised sector.

While the organised sector is already covered by various social security laws like those governing provident funds, pension funds and insurance schemes, employees in the unorganised sector have to fend for themselves.

The scheme reportedly aims for universal coverage that is outside the ambit of the EPFO (Employee Provident Fund Organisation) and the ESIC (Employee State Insurance Corporation).

The central government is working with states to bring them on board for part-financing the scheme. In the current scenario, in a company in the organised sector, the employee and employer contribute equal amounts towards EPFO and ESIC. But in the unorganised space, both the central and state governments are expected to be the only contributors and employees will not be made to share the burden.

When implemented, the scheme would be a big boost for employees working in the unorganised sector. The scheme will cover mandatory pension, insurance against disability and death, and maternity coverage, alongside optional medical and unemployment coverage. In short, it will take care of the risks that an employee working in the unorganised sector is exposed to.

However, the move will have repercussions on the economy  some positives and some negative.

Firstly, it will increase government spending and bloat its finances, leaving lesser room for developmental work. Since the coverage is expected to increase multifold, as 83 percent of workers are in the unorganised space, the impact on the overall economy will be huge. The government is yet to work out the cost of this move.

On the other hand, money will flow from the governments account into the provident funds, pension funds and insurance accounts of the individuals. This money will reside in the funds which generally invest in government bonds. In other words, most of the money will come back to the government but there will be an added cost to it as the government will have to repay the amount to the employees along with an interest cost.

The biggest beneficiary will no doubt be the employees as their risk is getting covered. Many employees in the unorganised sector use the Public Provident Fund (PPF) as a proxy for provident fund investments that are available to organised players. With the government taking care of the risk, money will be freed for these employees either to invest in higher yielding investments or can be utilised in spending on consumables or non-consumables, which are both beneficial for the economy.

Apart from these direct impacts, an indirect benefit of the move will be that it will throw up data points like employment and other economic parameters which were not available. It will also help in weeding out a number of non-existent employees that many promoters use to show higher expense and file lower taxes.

A social security scheme for the unorganised sector was long overdue. However, the timing of implementation suggests it is political in nature as the cost of the move will be felt over the next few years but the government can claim a moral victory.January 08, 2018 / 09:57 PM IST

21:13 Siemens bags contract worth Rs 579 cr for Gujarat Metro Link

Siemens on Monday said that it has bagged a contract worth Rs 579 crore for electrification work of Gujarat Metro Link Express.

"Indian mass-transit operator Metro Link Express for Gandhinagar and class="scayt-misspell-word" data-scayt-word="Ahmedabad" data-scayt-lang="en_US">Ahmedabad (MEGA) Company Ltd has awarded an order of approximately Rs 579 crore (Euro 76.04 million) to the consortium of Siemens Ltd India and Siemens AG, Germany for electrification of the 39.2-kilometer Metro Express Link in Ahmedabad, Siemens said in a statement.

According to the statement, the line, currently under construction, will run in Ahmedabad city in two corridors.

21:56 That's all for today, readers. Thanks for staying on with our coverage of the day's action. Your enthusiasm encourages us to better our coverage every day. Do come back tomorrow for more news, views and insights.

20:48 JUST IN | RBI seeks SC permission to initiate insolvency proceedings against Jaiprakash Associates Ltd

RBI on Monday approached the Supreme Court to seek permission for initiating insolvency proceedings against JAL. Homebuyers worried that if insolvency proceedings against JAL is allowed, who will deposit Rs 2000 crore with the Supreme Court registry: Sources

21:55 Nalco eyes Rs 31,000 crore turnover by 2032

State-owned Nalco on Monday announced formulation of a long-term corporate plan, which envisages the aluminium maker to reach a turnover of Rs 31,248 crore and a PAT of Rs 3,010 crore by 2032.

With the release of corporate plan, Mines Secretary Arun Kumar appreciated the efforts of Nalco in formulating a plan that provides a strategic way forward for the company up to 2032The long-term strategy foresees the company to reach a turnover of Rs 31,248 crore and a PAT of Rs 3,010 crore by 2032, the company said in a BSE filing.

The new plan expects the company to reach a turnover of Rs 18,171 crore with a PAT of Rs 1,693 crore by 2024 with the augmentation of the smelting capacity to 1.1 million tonnes and refining capacity to 3.27 million tonnes, it said.

21:53 SEBI tells clearing corps to monitor intra-trade losses

Markets regulator SEBI has put in place stricter norms wherein clearing corporations are now required to keep a close tab on losses made by members during intra-day trades.

The move follows discussions about the risk arising out of accumulation of crystallized obligations or profit/loss on trade due to intra-day squaring off of positions.

The intra-day crystallized losses shall be monitored and blocked by clearing corporations from the free collateral on a real-time basis only for those transactions which are subject to upfront margining. For this purpose, crystallized losses can be offset against crystallized profits at a client level, if any, SEBI said in a circular.

21:47 "Instead of accepting that we are struggling to create jobs, instead of uniting people of all religions and communities together to face the challenge, the govt is busy converting the fear being generated in jobless youth into hatred between communities," Rahul Gandhi said at convention of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin in Bahrain, reports ANI.

21:45 "Your talent, skills, tolerance, patriotism is what India needs today. You have shown us how you have built the countries you have journeyed to," says Rahul Gandhi while addressing Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin in Bahrain, reports ANI.

21:44 Achhe din have arrived in Himachal Pradesh, says Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday said that achhe din (good days) had arrived in the state and that his government would not tolerate corruption at any level.

He also said that there was no scarcity of funds for developmental works.

Corruption would not be tolerated at any level and my government would make sincere efforts to fulfil the wish of party leaders to break the jinx and retain power in the next assembly polls, he said at a gathering in Dharotdhar in his home constituency Seraj.

21:41 BMC chief asks hoteliers to strictly follow fire safety norms

The municipal chief on Monday asked restaurant and hotel owners to strictly follow rules related to fire safety at their establishments.

Representatives of the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) had met Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ajoy Mehta on Monday against the backdrop of the Kamala Mills fire that killed 14 people in the early hours of December 29.

A senior BMC official told PTI that the stern advice was well received and the AHAR representatives assured the civic chief of full cooperation in making restaurants and hotels in the city safe for its patrons.

21:40 Supreme Court stays High Court verdict against 85% pictorial warning on tobacco products

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Karnataka High Court order quashing the 2014 government regulation that packets of tobacco products must carry pictorial warning covering 85 percent of the packaging space, saying that "health of a citizen has primacy".

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud was "unimpressed" with the submissions of the Tobacco Institute of India (TII) that the interim stay would harm the fundamental right to do business of tobacco manufacturers.

"Considering the ...submission advanced at the Bar and keeping in view the objects and reasons of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 and the measures taken by the state, we think it appropriate to direct stay of operation of the judgement and order passed by the High Court of Karnataka," the bench said.

21:35 Congress attacks govt for scrapping defence projects

The Congress on Monday accused the government of compromising national security following reports claiming that it has scrapped various defence projects including the Rs 32,000-crore minesweeper project.

Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said the scrapping of Make in IndiaMinesweeper Project and the governments opaqueness on INS Arihant are two glaring examples of this compromise.

Indias maritime security is compromised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi government as Chinese threats loom large.

21:25 Gujarat High Court rejects The Wire's plea against Jay Shah's defamation suit

The Gujarat High Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by news portal 'The Wire' seeking quashing of a criminal defamation case filed against it by BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay over an article related to his company.

Justice J B Pardiwala rejected the petition on the grounds that the article, "The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah", is per say "defamatory" and the trial court should proceed with the case.

The High Court, which had earlier directed the trial court to complete the hearing in the case in six months, on Monday withdrew that order.

21:20 Urgent need to raise tax base to achieve fiscal target: SBI report

SBI

India needs to urgently raise its tax base to meet the fiscal deficit target without curbing essential expenditure, says areport.

The country's gross fiscal deficit as percentage of GDP, started shooting up after the 2008 financial crisis, said the report  'India's Public Finance Trends'.

However, with economic recovery gaining pace, the government embarked on the path of fiscal consolidation and has brought down its fiscal deficit to 3.5 percent of GDP in 2016-17.

"The states' fiscal deficit, however, has increased. To reach the combined target of 6 per cent fiscal deficit for the Centre and states an alignment of the policies of the Centre and states is required," it said.

21:10 Air India terminates over 400 contractual employees

Disinvestment-bound Air India has terminated the services of over 400 employees who were hired by the airline on contractual basis after their retirement.

The employees affected are those hired for non-technical roles and the move follows an order from the airline's Chairman and Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola. The latest directive follows a similar order issued in August, which put on hold proposals for employing recently retired officials as well as renewing contracts for those former employees who were due for an extension.

"The CMD has directed that contract of the retired employees under non-technical category (i.e. excluding pilots, flight dispatchers, service engineers, OPT, OTT instructors, flight safety) be terminated with immediate effect," as per a circular issued by Executive Director-Personnel on January 5.

21:07 Bitcoin is an asset, not a currency: Israels central bank

Israels central bank said on Monday it would not recognize virtual currencies such as bitcoin as actual currency and that it was difficult to devise regulations to monitor the risks of such activity to the countrys banks and their clients.

Deputy Governor Nadine Baudot-Trajtenberg said there had been public complaints Israeli banks were making it difficult for some customers to transfer money from their accounts to buy bitcoin. But this was something the central bank would not be able to address. Other central banks faced the same problem.

The Bank of Israels position is that they should be viewed as a financial asset, Baudot-Trajtenberg told a meeting of Israels parliamentary finance committee, noting that there was no government responsibility for investors in bitcoin.

21:06 Congress Karan Singh Yadav files nomination for Alwar Lok Sabha bypoll

Accompanied by former Union minister Bhanwar Jitendra Singh and supporters, Congress candidate Karan Singh Yadav today filed his nomination for Alwar Lok Sabha bypoll to be held on January 29.

The last date for filing of nominations is January 10. The scrutiny of the nomination papers will take place on January 11 and the last date of withdrawal of nomination is January 15.

After filing his nomination, Yadav said, There is resentment among the public due to bad governance in the state and the Congress is going to win the bypolls.

21:04 Supreme Court to hear on February 6 plea to bring CBI under ambit of RTI Act

The Supreme Court on Monday fixed February 6 for hearing a plea challenging the government's 2011 decision to keep the CBI out of the ambit of the Right to Information Act.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud posted the matter for final hearing after the parties said that they need time to make detailed submissions on the issue.

21:00 G-sec investment limit oversubscribed, FPIs bid for Rs 12K crore

Government bonds attracted bids worth nearly Rs 12,000 crore from foreign investors in Monday's auction, as against the debt investment limit of Rs 6,666 crore on offer, exchange data showed.

The auction for investment limits for such securities has been receiving a good response from foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in recent past.

The auction was conducted on BSEs ebidxchange platform from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, after the close of market hours.

20:58 Rahul Gandhi meets Bahrain Crown Prince; discusses bilateral issues

Rahul Gandhi on Monday met with Crown Prince of Bahrain Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa here and discussed a variety of bilateral issues of interest during his first foreign trip after becoming the Congress chief.

Gandhi, who is here as a state guest of Bahrain, is also expected to meet King Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa. He will address a convention of NRIs and meet the Gulf countrys Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamas Al-Khalifa.

Had a good meeting with Crown Prince of Bahrain, HRH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. We discussed a variety of issues of interest to India and Bahrain, Gandhi said in a tweet.

20:56 Expect hike in minimum pension to Rs 7.5K per month under EPS-95

Pensioners under EPS-95 may get a minimum of Rs 5,000 a month as interim relief, and Rs 7,500 eventually, in view of the assurances by the Labour Ministry, the organisation pushing for the cause said on Monday.

The pension is Rs 1,000 a month at present, provided under the Employees Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) managed by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

The All India EPS-95 Pensioners Sangharsh Samiti said in a statement that the Labour Minister had assured its delegation, on December 6, 2017, of meeting its demands.

20:51 Supreme Court to hear on February 6 plea to bring CBI under ambit of RTI Act

The Supreme Court on Monday fixed February 6 for hearing a plea challenging the government's 2011 decision to keep the CBI out of the ambit of the Right to Information Act.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud posted the matter for final hearing after the parties said that they need time to make detailed submissions on the issue.

The case was first filed in the Delhi High Court, but later transferred to the top court after the Centre had said that several petitions in this regard have been filed in different high courts across the country.

20:41 Lalu Prasad Yadav to move Jharkhand High Court for bail

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is lodged in a jail here after his conviction by a CBI court in a fodder scam case, would move the Jharkhand High Court for bail within the next few days, his lawyer said.

Prasad's lawyer Prabhat Kumar told PTI that Prasad's lawyers will move the high court either on Friday or next Monday.

An official of Birsa Munda Central jail said certified copies of the CBI court's judgement sentencing the 16 fodder scam convicts, including Prasad, were handed over to them on Saturday.

20:38 Trade setup for Tuesday: Top 15 things you should know before Opening Bell

The Nifty which started with a gap on the higher side rose to a fresh record high of 10,631.20 in morning trade on Monday and made a small bull candle on the daily candlestick charts.

The index is now trading well above its crucial short-term moving averages which suggest strength in the ongoing momentum. Investors are advised to stay long with a target of 10,650-10700 in the next few trading sessions.

But, even though the momentum is strong, most of the technical indicators are trading in an overbought zone which suggests that markets could face some selling pressure near key resistance levels.

Read the full report here

Misa

Bharti's

PMLA

The Enforcement Directorate on Monday sought cancellation of the bail to a chartered accountant, accused in a money laundering case and alleged to have links with RJD chief Lalu Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti.

The ED's counsel alleged before Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva that CA Rajesh Agarwal laundered money for various persons through shell companies.

The counsel said Agarwal, the main accused in the case, was wrongly granted bail by the trial court while co-accused  two Delhi-based businessmen brothers Surendra Kumar Jain and Virendra Jain  are in jail under judicial custody.

It sought cancellation of the bail granted to Agarwal, saying since it was an economic offence he should not have been granted the relief.

Iran said on Monday it might reconsider its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog if the United States failed to respect its commitments in the nuclear deal Tehran struck with world powers in 2015.

US President Donald Trump must decide by mid-January whether to continue waiving US sanctions on Iran's oil exports under the terms of the nuclear pact that eased economic pressure on Tehran in exchange for limits on its nuclear programme.

In October, Trump refused to certify that Iran was complying with the deal, also known by its acronym JCPOA, even though the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was.

20:26 Bengaluru fire update: A case has been registered against 4 persons under the section 304 IPC in connection with fire incident at Kailash bar restaurant in Kumbaara Sangha building that killed five people last night. FSL, Electrical Inspectorate and fire services team inspected the spot of the incident, reports ANI.

Saudi Aramco has invited banks pitching for roles in its stock market listing, including Citi and Goldman Sachs, for meetings in the kingdom in the coming weeks to make their case, according to three banking sources familiar with the matter.

The meetings are an indication that preparations for a 2018 initial public offering, which could be the biggest IPO in history, are progressing despite market speculation it could be delayed or even shelved.

Executives from Citi, Goldman and Deutsche Bank, which are all bidding to be global coordinators for the share sale, are among the teams invited to present their pitches in person, said the three sources, including two bankers who expect to attend the meetings.

The talks will be held at the end of January or beginning of February in the Eastern Province city of Dhahran, where the state oil company is headquartered, they added.

20:23 South Africa trounce India by 72 runs, Vernon Philander wrecker-in-chief with six wickets.

Sukhbir

Badal

A day after Punjab's Congress government launched its farm debt-waiver scheme, the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal on Monday accused the ruling party of defrauding farmers by waiving only a part of their loan.

"Debt-waiver (scheme) is a massive fraud with the farming community. There cannot be a bigger fraud than this," SAD president Sukhbir Badal told reporters here.

The opposition party has decided to meet Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore on January 12, seeking the dismissal of the Amarinder Singh government. It will also hold a meeting of the core committee of the party on the same day on the issue.

20:19 Bitcoin drops below USD 15,000 as South Korea reviews accounts

Bitcoin fell below USD 15,000 on Monday after South Koreas financial regulator said it and other agencies are inspecting six local banks that offer digital currency accounts to institutions.

Bitcoin, the worlds biggest virtual currency by market value, was last down 7.57 pct at USD 14,902.99 on the Luxembourg-based Bitstamp exchange.

20:17 Bhima Koregaon violence: RPI workers take out morcha in Sangli

Thousands of Republican Party of India (RPI) workers on Monday participated in a morcha seeking action against perpetrators responsible for the last weeks violence against Dalits in Bhima Koregaon in Pune district.

Local RPI leaders demanded that the judicial inquiry ordered by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis into the violence be completed within a stipulated time and the culprits be awarded punishment.

The morcha was taken out from Vishrambaug locality of the city to the new Collectors office, a distance of around 4 kms.

20:14 Kapil Mohan, the creator of Old Monk, passes away at 88

Brigadier (retd.) Kapil Mohan, former Chairman and MD of Mohan Meakin Ltd and the man behind the rum Old Monk, passed away on January 6. He was 88 years old.

As per reports, Mohan, who was keeping unwell in his last years, died of a cardiac arrest in Ghaziabads Mohan Nagar area. He is survived by his wife Pushpa Mohan.

Recipient of Padma Shri in 2010, Kapil Mohan led the much-needed diversification of the company after he took over the reins of the erstwhile Dyer Meakin Breweries.

Before 1966, Mohan was at the helm of Trade Links Pvt Ltd.

20:13 Nabard plans to almost double balance sheet to Rs 7 trillion in 5 years

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) is looking to almost double its balance sheet to Rs 7 trillion over the next five year from Rs 3.9 trillion now.

The development finance institutions chairman Harsh Kumar Bhanwala said the just legislated Nabard Bill will help in growing its balance sheet size.

Last week, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Amendment) Bill, 2017, was passed by Parliament after the Rajya Sabha okayed it and the new law allows the institution to increase the authorized capital by six times to Rs 30,000 crore from Rs 5,000 crore now. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha last August.

20:10 Affordable home-loans next threat to banks: Moodys-ICRA report

Even as a lot of thrust is being given to the affordable housing segment, a report has flagged concerns about the growing delinquencies in this segment, which are expected to continue in 2018.

Competitive pressures and larger exposure to the self-employed are the prime reasons for the build-up of stress in the segment, a joint report by Moodys and its domestic affiliate ICRA said on Monday.

While asset quality is expected to remain stable in the traditional housing segment, delinquencies could further build up in the affordable segment in the calendar year of 2018, ICRAs structured finances head Vibhor Mittal said.

20:01 Centre changes tack on national anthem in cinemas

The central government on Monday changed its stand on playing the national anthem in cinema halls and asked the Supreme Court to modify its order making it mandatory to play the anthem before the start of every movie, sources told CNN-News18.

The government informed the court that it has formed an Inter-Ministerial Committee to frame new guidelines, and said it would decide further action once the panels recommendations come out.

The affidavit said that the Inter-Ministerial Committee, which will be headed by the Additional Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been set up by an order on December 5.

The matter is scheduled for hearing on Tuesday.

19:52 Bharat Net phase-2 may be completed by December 2018

The government on Monday expressed hope that second phase of Bharat Net project to provide broadband connectivity and services to 1.5 lakh gram panchayats will be completed ahead of schedule by December this year.

The original timeline for completion of the second phase is March 2019. Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said financial incentives and disincentives should be built into contract clauses to reward players for on-time delivery, and ensure speedy execution of the second phase of the project.

For the second phase, financial incentive and disincentive clauses should be incorporated, Sinha said at an event to mark the completion of the first phase of Bharat Net project and felicitate its implementation partners.

19:49 Wheat output may touch all time high of 100 million tonnes this year: Agriculture Secretary

The country's wheat production is expected to touch an all-time of over 100 million tonnes in the current 2017-18 crop year (July-June) due to likely increase in acreage and yields, Agriculture Secretary SK Pattanayak said on Monday.

In the 2016-17 crop year, wheat production had reached a record 98.36 million tonnes. The previous high was 95.85 million tonnes in 2013-14.

The government has kept a target of 97.50 million tonnes wheat output for the current year. Sowing of wheat, the main rabi (winter) crop, begins from October and harvesting from March.

19:47 Crisil retains 7.6% growth estimate for FY19 on lower base

Attributing the continuing slowdown to the impacts of the demonetisation, GST implementation and weakness in agriculture, rating agency Crisil has maintained its FY19 growth estimate at 7.6 percent on the low base.

"The pace of economic growth has slowed down this fiscal year, which is attributable mostly to the lingering impact of the demonetisation, transitory disruptions caused by the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST), and weak agricultural growth," it said in a note today.

The note comes days after the Central Statistical Office came out with its advanced estimates of growth for FY18 suggesting a slowdown in GDP expansion to 6.5 percent, the lowest in four years.

19:43 Would like tax-free status for term insurance plans: Bajaj Allianz Life chief Tarun Chugh

Private life insurance company Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance is looking for a tax-free status for term insurance plans in the upcoming union budget. In an interaction with Moneycontrol, Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, said that they have also sought a separate section of tax incentives for pension products, similar to what is available for the National Pension Scheme (NPS).

Chugh said that in terms of the businesses, the company has seen a 58 percent group in rated new business and a 65 percent growth in individual rated premiums. In terms of the business mix, the company has 65 percent unit-linked insurance plans while 35 percent comprises of traditional products.

He said that the spurt in the equity markets has also led to millennials entering the space. Millennials are getting into the market and the equity cult is getting better, added Chugh.

Read the full report here

19:39 International Olympic Committee extends the deadline for North Korea participation in Winter Olympics, reports AFP news agency.

19:36 Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje says Padmavat will not be released in the state, keeping in view the sentiments of the people. Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has been instructed for the same, reports ANI.

19:28 PM Modi asks top police officials to deal with cyber crime on priority

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today drew the attention of the country's top police officials to the problems arising out of social media and cyber crimes, saying they should be dealt with on highest priority.

Speaking at the concluding day of the annual conference of the DGPs and IGPs here at the BSF Academy, the prime minister said that there was an emerging global consensus towards greater information sharing on illicit financial dealings and India could play a key role in achieving this. (PTI)

19:15 Nvidia partners with Uber, Volkswagen in self-driving technology

Nvidia Corp will partner with Uber Technologies Inc and Volkswagen AG as the graphics chipmaker's artificial intelligence platforms make further gains in the autonomous vehicle industry.

The company, which already has partnerships in the industry with companies such as carmaker Tesla and China's Baidu, makes computer graphics chips and has also been expanding into technology for self-driving cars. (Reuters)

18:49 Ahead of Budget 2018, PM Modi to meet economists, sectoral experts on January 10

With about three weeks left for Union Budget 2018-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet leading economists and sectoral experts at NITI Aayog on January 10 to deliberate on steps which could be taken to boost growth and generate employment.

The meeting, according to a senior government official, will be attended by vice chairman and members of NITI Aayog, members of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), economists and sectoral experts.

18:37 Jaguar Land Rover global sales up 6.5% in 2017

Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover today reported 6.5 percent increase in global sales at 6,21,109 units in 2017.

Sales of Jaguar brand of vehicles during the year were at 1,78,601 units, a growth of 20.1 percent, the company said in a statement.

Land Rover range posted sales of 4,42,508 units in the year, an increase of 1.8 percent, it added. (PTI)

18:19 Rural economy, monsoons to boost FMCG companies in 2018, says report

In the next 12 months, consumer goods companies would see a revival, both in volume and margin terms, with an anticipated revival in the rural sector, said a report.

With a few state elections and expected populist budget, the rural sector is anticipated to be prime beneficiary. This, coupled with improving macros and good monsoon after two consecutive droughts, also augur well, said the report on the consumer goods sector brought by Edelweiss. (PTI)

18:09 VVIP chopper deal: Dubai-based businessman evading probe, ED tells Court

A director of two Dubai-based firms has been "non-cooperative" and evading probe in a money laundering case connected with the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper deal, the Enforcement Directorate(ED) today told a court here.

The probe agency was opposing the plea of Rajeev Saxena, one of the directors of UHY Saxena and Matrix Holdings, seeking cancellation of the non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against him by the court last year. (PTI)

17:51 Awaiting concrete proposal from Apple: Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu

The commerce and industry ministry is awaiting a concrete proposal from iPhone maker Apple to set up manufacturing unit in India, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu said today.

"We are waiting for a good proposal from Apple...Please give us a concrete proposal. If the proposal comes, we will examine it. We are always open for that," Prabhu told reporters here.

During a recent meeting with Apple officials, the minister has asked them for a proposal. (PTI)

17:31 L&T shares up nearly 2 percent as arm wins orders worth Rs 2,265 crore

Shares of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) today rose by nearly 2 percent after the company said its construction arm has won orders worth Rs 2,265 crore from Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority.

The stock went up by 1.80 percent to end at Rs 1,338.10 on BSE. During the day, it gained 2.35 percent to Rs 1,345.50 - its 52-week high. On NSE, shares of the company rose by 1.77 percent to close at Rs 1,338.25. (PTI)

17:16 Mercedes tops Indian luxury car market in 2017; sells 15,330 units

Mercedes-Benz continued its hold on the Indian luxury car market, maintaining top position for a third year in a row in 2017 with record sales of 15,330 units, beating rivals BMW and Audi.

The company, which sold 13,231 units in 2016, said it was able to clock 15.86 percent increase in sales on the back of new products and a robust customer centric approach in 2017, which was otherwise a "challenging and a year of missed opportunities" for the industry. (PTI)

17:02 Safe havens to terrorists in Pakistan not acceptable to United States: CIA

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief Mike Pompeo has said that Pakistan continues to provide safe havens to terrorists which is not acceptable to America.

US President Donald Trump has asked Pakistan to "cease" being a safe haven for terrorists that threaten the US, the CIA Director said yesterday.

The US has suspended about USD 2 billion in security aid to Pakistan for failing to clamp down on the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani terror network and dismantle their safe havens. (PTI)

16:51 SBI to raise up to USD 2 billion via overseas bonds

The State Bank of India (SBI) plans to raise up to USD 2 billion (over Rs 12,600 crore) by issuing bonds in US dollar or other convertible currency over two fiscals to fund overseas expansion.

"The executive committee of the Central Board.. has approved long term fund-raising in single/multiple tranches up to USD 2 billion," State Bank of India (SBI) said in a regulatory filing.

It said the fund-raising will take place through a public offer and/or private placement of senior unsecured notes in US Dollar or any other convertible currency during 2017-18 and 2018-19. (PTI)

16:42 Tata Motors to show 26 smart mobility solutions at Auto Expo

Homegrown auto major Tata Motors today said it will showcase 26 smart mobility solutions across its passenger and commercial vehicles at the upcoming Auto Expo in February.

The company also said it will have the global premiere of models of some key passenger vehicles (PV) and commercial vehicles (CV) with a new design language. (PTI)

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, who is lodged in a jail here after his conviction by a CBI court in a fodder scam case, would move the Jharkhand High Court for bail within the next few days, his lawyer said.

"We will read the copy of the judgment and move the high court either on Friday or next Monday," Prasad's lawyer Prabhat Kumar told PTI.

15:47 BJP

Jyotiraditya

Scindia's

A BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh has said that he would break senior Congress leader Jyotiradiya Scindias hands and chop off his tongue if he dares to challenge Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The threat came from Madhya Pradesh BJP leader Radhe Shyam Dhakad, who is also the president of Kirar Seva Samaj.

15:24 NGT

Haryana

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Haryana government and civic bodies in Palwal district to submit a time-bound action plan with regard to collection, segregation and disposal of solid waste generated in the city.

Siddaramaiah

A Twitter war between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath, mocking each other on the issue of development and governance, has gone viral on the internet.

BJP

Three youths have been arrested in Odisha's Jajpur district for allegedly posting derogatory remarks against a BJP leader on social media.

The trio was held on the basis of a complaint lodged by BJP's state unit secretary Simantini Jena, the officer in-charge of Barachana police station, Anita Sahoo, said.

15:12 Padmavat

Leela's

Bhansali's

Padmavat

Padmavat

Padmavati

Sena

Fadnavis

Sanjaycontroversial film '' is slated to release on January 25, according to India Today. The movie's release has been put off by a couple of months now owing to a few controversial scenes in it and the approval comes after the name of the movie was changed tofromearlier.

The Shiv Sena today said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' claim that the law and order situation was under control rings hollow as most culprits of the Kamala Mills compound fire here were still at large.

The BJP ally, a partner in the Fadnavis government, also raised the issue of alleged political pressure on BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta to not act against 10-15 illegal pubs and restaurants in the compound after the December 29 blaze in its premises.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today launched a common card for rides on public buses and the metro, terming it a big step in the city's transport sector.

Delhi is the first city in the country to have a common mobility card, which can at present be used on 200 DTC and 50 cluster buses plying on different routes, apart from metro trains.

Drones will now monitor railway projects, aid in crowd management and oversee maintenance work across its zones, railway officials said today.

Cameras (UAV/NETRA) will be used for various railway activities especially project monitoring and maintenance of tracks and other railway infrastructure, the national transporter said in a statement.

14:41 Pragati

NGT

The Delhi government has assured the National Green Tribunal that there would be no felling of trees without requisite permission for carrying out redevelopment work at Pragati Maidan exhibition ground in New Delhi.

The government today expressed hope that the second phase of Bharat Net project to provide broadband connectivity to 1.5 lakh gram panchayats will be completed before time by December this year.

Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said financial incentives and disincentives should be built into clauses for the second phase of the project to reward players for on time delivery.

cos

ISMA

The government has assured that it would consider hiking import duty on sugar from the current 50 per cent to check any cheaper shipments from neighbouring Pakistan, the Indian Sugar Mills Association said today.

In view of steep fall in global prices, Pakistan has not been able to export its surplus sugar and is mulling a subsidy to make outward shipments viable.

Sikar

Fatehpur Shekhawati in Rajasthan's Sikar district shivered under a minimum temperature of minus 1.8 degree Celsius as mercury dropped by nearly one degree Celsius at most places of the state today.

Severe cold reportedly claimed the life of a man in Sikar whose body was found lying near Palsana bus stand.

Two Apple investors are urging the iPhone maker to take action to curb growing smartphone addiction among children.

Jana Partners LLC and the California State Teachers' Retirement System, or CalSTRS, said today in open letter to Apple that the company must offer more choices and tools to help youngsters fight addiction to its gadgets.

13:51 DoT

telcos

Concerned about the deteriorating call drop situation, the Department of Telecom (DoT) will meet service providers on January 10 to discuss the burning issue as also the new service quality norms that have been implemented in the sector.

Amid a boycott by opposition parties led by the DMK, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today made his maiden address to the state assembly, urging the Centre to sanction Rs 4,854 crore towards Cyclone Ochki rehabilitation work.

The Central government reduced its energy subsidies  financial benefits provided to boost energy production and consumption  by over Rs 82,000 crore ($15 billion) between 2013-14 and 2015-16, a drop of 38 percent, IndiaSpend reported.

During the same period, carbon-emitter fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas remained the largest beneficiaries.

Amicus

A senior lawyer, appointed as amicus curiae by the Supreme Court, has said that there is no need to reopen Mahatma Gandhi's assassination case, News 18 reported.

On Monday, senior advocate Amarendra Sharan mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice SA Bobde. He informed the court that his report has concluded there is no necessity to re-investigate the assassination after six decades.

No one in the White House questions the mental stability of Donald Trump, US' top envoy to the UN Nikki Haley has said in response to an allegation against the American President in a controversial book.

Haley, the first-ever Cabinet-ranking official in any presidential administration, defended staffers in the Trump administration as loyal and respecting.

13:22 JNU

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has decided to go ahead with its plan to not mark their attendance as the administration insisted on introducing a mandatory attendance rule.

During a meeting with the JNU vice chancellor this morning, JNUSU president Geeta Kumari said, "we explained to the administration how such a surveillance is going to curtail academic freedom and destroy JNU culture".

The Supreme Court of India has said that it will revisit its verdict on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises consensual gay sex in the country. A Supreme Court Constitution bench will hear the plea filed by a group of LGBT activists.

Chappal

Chor

Jadhav's

A protest by the name of 'Chappal Chor Pakistan' was held outside the Pakistan embassy by a group of Indian-Americans and Balochs over the misbehaviour dispensed to former Indian Naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav's kin, Times Now reported.

Aadhaar

The journalist booked by Unique Identification Authority of India for the Aadhaar database breach story said she has earned this FIR and was happy about the development.

"I think I have earned this FIR. I am happy that at least the UIDAI has taken some action on my report and I really hope that along with the FIR, the government of India will see what all breaches were there and take appropriate action, she said.

Naqvi

Saudi Arabia has given its nod to India's plan to revive the option of ferrying Haj pilgrims via sea route to Jeddah, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in a statement today.

Naqvi made the comment after the signing of annual Haj agreement between India and Saudi Arabia in Mecca.

The Enforcement Directorate today said it has attached assets worth Rs 472 crore, including one in Australia, in connection with its money laundering probe in the PACL ponzi scam case.

The ED had registered a criminal case against the firm in 2015 based on a CBI FIR against the group, its directors and officials.

Kathua

A live mortar shell allegedly fired by Pakistan Rangers earlier this month was found in a field in a village in the border belt of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, leading to panic in the area, police said today.

Security forces recovered the live shell yesterday from Bobiyan village, an official said.

BRD

A major fire broke out today at the state-run BRD Hospital, infamous for deaths of scores of children last year allegedly due to shortage of oxygen, fire department said. No loss of life has been reported so far.

12:10 BJP

bypoll

TMC

The West Bengal unit of the BJP was left red-faced after former TMC MLA Manju Basu turned down the saffron party's offer to contest the upcoming Noapara assembly bypoll.

The BJP central leadership had announced Basu's name as the party's candidate for the byelection yesterday evening. Hours later, Basu told reporters that she is still with the TMC.

DMK

Tami Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today made his maiden address to the state assembly even as the main opposition DMK along with its allies walked out of the House boycotting his speech.

Soon after he arrived, Purohit greeted all members of the House with a 'Vanakkam' and began his address. Even as he began his speech, Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin was on his feet trying to raise some issues.

A sessions court today rejected the bail plea of a 16-year-old student, accused of killing 7-year-old Pradhuman Thakur at the Ryan International School here.

Additional Sessions Judge Jasbir Singh Kundu declined relief to the accused, who is presently under custody.

Imran

Makki

Despite Pakistan losing out on American aid over support to terror groups, Pervez Khattak, a prominent leader of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), attended a public meeting of the Difa-i-Pakistan Council in Peshawar on Sunday.

Among those present was Abdul Rahman Makki, who was filling in for his brother-in-law and 26/11 attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, who was barred from attending the meeting by the Punjab government in Pakistan.

Beating England by an innings and 123 runs in the fifth and final Test in Sydney, Australia today sealed the 2017-18 Ashes series 4-0. Steve Smith's side regained the Ashes by winning the first three Tests - the hosts have won seven of the past eight series down under as well as 15 of their past 20 home Tests against England.

NDMC

At least, 30 leading restaurants in Delhi's Khan Market are to be sealed by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on Monday for alleged misuse of land, media reports said.

The NDMC has been mandated by a Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee to take action against those using land in contravention of the 2021 master plan, The Times of India reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron today launched a state visit to China in Xian - the starting point of the ancient Silk Road - in a nod to his counterpart's scheme to revive the famous trading route.

Macron will visit the northern city's famous terracotta warriors along with his wife Brigitte before delivering a keynote speech on the future of Franco-Chinese relations.

Muzaffarnagar

Shamli

Two people have died due to intense cold wave conditions in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts, according to the administration.

A 42-year-old man, identified as Pritam Singh, collapsed due to cold at his home in Wajidpur village yesterday. He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead, a report from the district headquarter said.

Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath engaged in a war of words on Twitter on Sunday after the UP CM entered the poll battleground with a mega rally in Bengaluru.

It all started as the BJP star campaigner launched a scathing attack against the Congress CM for calling himself a Hindu and Siddaramiah replied by teaching Yogi about the Karnataka model of governance with a reference to a reported starvation death in UP. Yogi took the jibe in his stride and reminded Siddaramiah of failings in his own state by pointing at farmer suicides.

Mohan

Bhagwat

After a spat over the unfurling of the national flag in Kerala on 15 August, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is all set to hoist the tricolour again in the Left-ruled state on Republic Day.

He will hoist the flag on 26 January in a school on the outskirts of Palakkad, RSS members said.

UIDAI

Aadhaar

UIDAI

Aadhaar

Firstpost

In the wake of thefiling a case over a report in The Tribune on the breach of details of more than one billioncards, the newspaper on Sunday said authorities have "misconceived" an honest journalistic enterprise, according to a report by

The Tribune's Editor-in-Chief Harish Khare in a statement also said that the newspaper's stories are in the best traditions of responsible journalism.

10:05 Jammu

Bandipora

Four Kashmiri boys were arrested on Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district for lining up as Pakistan's national anthem was played before the start of a cricket match.

Police said they were looking for the organisers of the match who arranged the shooting of the video.

A former Shiv Sena corporator was killed by unidentified assailants here last night, a police official said today.

Ashok Sawant, 62, a two-term corporator from Samata Nagar in suburban Kandivali, was attacked with choppers while he was returning home after meeting a friend around 11 pm, he said.

6th

A massive fire broke out in the Mumbai City and Sessions Court building in Fort, southern part of the city here on Monday near the University of Mumbais South Mumbai campus next to Rajabai Towers.

According to BMC disaster control 8 fire tenders were rushed to the spot and efforts to douse the fire were on. No casualties were reported so far.

Modi

Rahat

Sushma

One direct phone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi King in 2015 turned out to be a decisive game changer and facilitated a massive evacuation of Indians and foreigners stranded in war-torn Yemen, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today.

'Operation Rahat' was launched by Indian Armed Forces to evacuate more than 4,000 Indian citizens and other foreign nationals from Yemen during the 2015 military intervention by Saudi Arabia and its allies. The 11-day evacuation by sea started on April 1, 2015 from Aden port.

Rajya

Sabha

The Rajya Sabha lost half of its working time due to disruptions in the Winter Session during which the contentious triple talaq bill also could not be passed with the government and the opposition trading barbs over it.

The truncated session started on a stormy note with the opposition creating an uproar over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks against his predecessor Manmohan Singh.

US President Donald Trump has asked Pakistan to "cease" being a safe haven for terrorists that threaten the US, the CIA Director Mike Pompeo said today.

The US has suspended about USD 2 billion in security aid to Pakistan for failing to clamp down on the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network terror groups and dismantle their safe havens.

Aadhaar

The Editors Guild of India has expressed concern over an FIR filed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) against the newspaper The Tribune for running an article that allegedly exposed a data breach of the Aadhaar project.

In a statement, the Guild condemned UIDAI's action "to have The Tribune reporter booked by the police as it is clearly meant to browbeat a journalist whose investigation on the matter was of great public interest". It added that the action is "unfair, unjustified and a direct attack on the freedom of the press".

Lodha

Jaypee's

Real estate developers Tata Housing and the Lodha Group have filed initial bids for debt-laden realtor and road builder Jaypee Infratech, the fate of which is now being decided at the Supreme Court and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), The Economic Times reported.

Two people familiar with the bidding process told ET that both property companies are keen to own Jaypee's Yamuna Expressway, a prime concrete road project that starts at the eastern end of Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and runs up to Agra. The Yamuna Expressway carries heavy traffic at a toll of slightly more than Rs 2 a kilometre for a car.

08:32 Rahul

Rahul Gandhi today embarked on a visit to Bahrain--his first foreign trip after becoming the Congress chief--where he will address a convention of NRIs and meet the Gulf country's Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamas Al-Khalifa.

Gandhi, who will be a state guest of Bahrain, is also expected to meet King Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Agitating transport unions have been misled about the wage hike, Tamil Nadu Transport Minister MR Vijayabhaskar said, as the indefinite strike call given by them entered its fourth day today.

The unions, which launched the strike on January 4 over wage revision, declared that their agitation would continue till their demands were met.

Aadhaar

The Congress on Sunday accused the NDA government of destroying the Aadhaar programme and called the FIR against The Tribune and its reporter "unfortunate", Firstpost reported.

Alleging that the government had "dictatorial" tenancies, Congress said that the NDA has been silencing every voice of dissent.

Mahanadi

Amidst debate on whether a tribunal is required to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattishgarh, the state Congress unit today sought immediate intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for amicable settlement of the issue.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi should intervene and ask Chhattishgarh to stop project work on upstream of Mahanadi," Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan told reporters.

08:05 Bengaluru

Five employees of a bar-cum-restaurant were charred to death when a major fire broke out at Kumbaara Sangha building in Kalasipalya here in the early hours today, police said.

The incident occurred at 2:30 AM at Kailash Bar and Restaurant when the employees were asleep.

08:00 China December forex reserves rise to $3.14 trillion, highest since September 2016

Chinas foreign exchange reserves rose $20.2 billion in December to $3.14 trillion, beating economists' estimates. This is the highest level since September 2016 and the biggest monthly increase since July, reports Reuters.

In November, the reserves increased by $10 billion.

The increase in December is on the back of tight regulations and a strong yuan, which continued to discourage capital outflows, central bank data showed on Sunday.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected reserves to rise by $6 billion to $3.125 trillion.

07:40 Trump administration believes it should try new policies for Pak

The Trump administration believes that it is time to try something new other than maintaining strategic patience and offering inducements to Pakistan to prevent it becoming a safe haven for terrorists from where they can attack the US and its allies, a senior official said today.

He said the polices followed by the successive US administrations post 9/11 vis-a-vis Pakistan have not worked, reports PTI.

The US is committed to not allowing either Pakistan or Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists from where they can attack the US and its allies, said the senior Trump administration official who spoke to a group of reporters on condition of anonymity.

"These sanctuaries really threaten stability in the region and they continue to fuel the overall terrorism problem that we're facing," he said.India Economy

Singapore can provide a good base for Indian companies as a civil aviation, trading and financial hub, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the two-day ASEAN India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2018 held here, Teo made a vigorous pitch on the opportunities available for Indian businesses in Singapore.

"As a civil aviation, trading and financial hub, we are a good base for Indian companies to work from in order to expand to South-east Asia and beyond," he said at the PBD gala dinner.

The annual conference, that celebrates the achievements and contributions of the Indian diaspora, is being held with an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) theme this year, to mark 25 years of dialogue partnership between India and the regional bloc.

Singapore, the ASEAN chair, is hosting the meeting for the first time in South East Asia.

ASEAN is India's 4th largest trading partner, accounting for 10.2 per cent of Indias total trade.

India is ASEAN's 7th largest trading partner. Trade is back on track and registered an 8 per cent increase in 2016- 17, as compared to the previous year.

Many multinational companies have their headquarters in Singapore, noted Teo.

Today, Indian companies form the largest contingent of foreign companies here: there are more than 8,000 of them, double the number in 2009.

Singapore, he said, plays a key role in connecting many companies from all corners of the world who use the country as an operational base, among them more than 7,500 Chinese ones registered here.

These Singapore-based companies form a vibrant community, and can work together to tap on the country's business infrastructure and its network of 20 implemented free trade agreements with 31 trading partners to help them expand abroad, said Teo.

Noting the strong turnout from Indian and Singapore businesses - many of which operate across the region - at the conference, Teo also made a pitch for businesses to urge governments to facilitate the ease of doing business and to enact policies to attract greater investments and cross-border partnerships.

"Businesses can play an important role by encouraging governments, both at national and state levels, to be more competitive, responsive and plugged into global value chains," The Straits Times quoted the deputy premier as saying.

He added that, as ASEAN chair, Singapore is committed to deepening the group's relations with its key partners, including India.

Two events on the horizon will help further enhance ties: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's trip to India later in the month for the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit - his first ASEAN-related summit as 2018 chair - and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore later in the year to deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-la Dialogue.

Teo also detailed three key areas in which ASEAN and India can work together more closely: economic integration, connectivity and digital technologies.

Southeast Asia and India represent a quarter of the world's population - 1.8 billion people - and a combined GDP of more than USD 4.5 trillion.

By 2025, India's consumer market is expected to become the fifth largest in the world, while South-east Asia will see a doubling of middle-class households to 163 million.

"Against this backdrop, we are starting from a modest base," said Teo, noting that ASEAN-India trade accounted for only 2.6 per cent of the bloc's external trade in 2016.

"There is much scope to strengthen our linkages and trade ties," the daily quoted Teo as saying.

He called for ASEAN and India to press on with economic integration, pledging that Singapore, as ASEAN chair, will do what it can to secure the support of India and all other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership countries to advance negotiations on the pact.

Connectivity can be boosted too, said Teo, noting that with India's strategic location, maritime and air connectivity can be expanded to bring the country closer to the rest of ASEAN.

He noted that India has many airports ready and available to connect many more points in ASEAN.

"The key to unlocking this potential is to further liberalise air services as Singapore has done," said Teo, adding that India could start, as a pilot project, to allow one or two of its key cities to have open skies with those in ASEAN.

Thirdly, ASEAN and India - both fast-changing markets with an appetite for innovative solutions - can cooperate in digital technologies.

There are opportunities for platforms such as India's e- payment and digital identification systems to be harmonised with those in the region.

On the security front, Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, was heartened to see that defence cooperation between India and ASEAN has intensified.

India, which is located strategically along important sea-routes from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, is integral to the security in the region, he noted.

"ASEAN and India share a common interest to keep these vital conduits of trade and economic exchange open," said Teo.

"And it is crucial that we continue to uphold our shared principles of the freedom of navigation and respect for the rule of law."

Earlier today, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on two-day visit to Singapore, said that India's dialogue partnership with ASEAN has evolved into a strategic partnership and the Indian diaspora provides a platform for stronger ties with the grouping.Shanghai scientific institutes and individuals received 58 national science and technology awards, the top science award in China, for the year 2017 at the National Science and Technology award ceremony held in Beijing this morning.

It's the first time that the proportion of awards heading to Shanghai exceeds 20 percent of the total number, the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission said.

According to the data it compiled, the awards won by Shanghai last year was six more than the year 2016, covering the natural sciences award, technical invention award, science and technology progress award, and the international science and technological cooperation award.

The institutes affiliated to the Shanghai branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) received seven of the Natural Sciences awards and Technical Invention awards, one first prize and six second prizes.

The project that received first prize for Natural Sciences is a rice variety designing project in which three institutes  the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology and CAS  joined forces.

Combining genetics, molecular biology and genomics, it studies the molecular mechanism of ideal, high-yielding rice varieties and works on breeding rice based on their findings. The results may have the possibility to tackle problems like starvation.

Another Technical Invention second prize project was led by Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica researcher Yang Yushe, who presented his new medicine, Antofloxacin Hydrochloride.

The medicine, with almost no phototoxicity and much less cardiotoxicity than similar medicines, helps to treat various diseases related to bacterial infection. It's China's first new medicine with independent intellectual property rights since 1993.

The clinical research found that the efficacy of this medicine reached 98.8 percent, with only 1.2 percent of patients showing side effects in IV phase clinical trials, much lower than its counterparts. By the end of 2016, the medicine had entered 150 hospitals and medical institutions in 22 provinces and municipalities and was included in the medical insurance medicine list in more than ten of these areas.

Hu Lili and her team from the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics also won a second prize for Technical Invention with their mass production technology of neodymium doped laser glass.

Neodymium-doped phosphate glass is a special glass that is used in high powered laser devices. Hu's technology helps lift the yearly average production of large-size, high-performance neodymium doped laser glass nearly ten times  from 150 to 1,200 pieces. The mass-produced N31 laser glass is already in use at China Shenguang laser facilities and the Shanghai Superintense-Ultrafast Lasers Facility.

The other three projects conducted by local CAS teams who won prizes are led by Dong Shaoming and Huang Fuqiang, both from Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, and You Shuli from Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry. They worked on space remote sensing facility production technology, solar energy photoelectric material, and aromatic compounds.

Fudan University and East China Electric Power Design Institute respectively participated in an infectious disease prevention and treatment project and a super high voltage direct current project, which are two of the three special prize winners of the National Science and Technology Progress Award.

The SINOPEC Shanghai Research Institute of Petrochemical Technology received first prize with its S-MTO technology using methanol  a kind of bulk raw material  to produce alkene, an unsaturated hydrocarbon often used in the chemicals industry. Its yield of alkenes was significantly improved with the new technology.

American professor Polichronis-Thomas Spanos offered support in the establishment of Tongji University's international research center of stochastic mechanics, and Yang Shi, a Chinese American Harvard Medical School professor, helped in the founding of Fudan University's Institute of Biomedical Sciences and its epigenetics research center. They shared the International Science and Technological Cooperation award with five other expats.Durba Ghosh

The first post-GST budget, potentially the last one for Modi-led central government, is expected to be a populist one for obvious reasons.

The startup ecosystem is expecting to feature heavily in the upcoming budget by a government which is adamant on promoting a digital economy.

On top of their minds are issues related to taxation. Several startups have faced unfair scrutiny from Income Tax department since last year overvaluations at which capital was raised from angel investors. At the heart of the matter is the "angel tax" clause introduced in the Income Tax Act in the 2012 budget.

The Indian Income Tax Act states that any consideration that if a company receives from a resident in excess of a fair value, then such shares will be taxed as 'income from other sources'.

But the critical question boils down to what can be considered a fair value?

At present, the angel tax rate stands at a whopping 30 percent, which according to Nasscom has resulted in a 53 percent drop in angel funding during the first half of 2017.

We have spoken about this issue. The methods of assessment in India are flawed, which creates a mismatch between how investors assess a startup and how tax authorities do the same. It is very arbitrary, says prominent angel investor Mohandas Pai, who has invested in over 40 startups startups such as Zoomcar, Tripoto, Tracxn, GoCoop, LetsVenture, HomeLane, Zimmber and others.

Startup investors are hopeful that the government will resolve the issue of angel tax in the upcoming budget, which is one of the major key reasons for a sharp fall in angel investment for startups in 2017.

Another prominent angel investor Sharad Sharma, who is also the co-founder of Indian Software Products Industry Round Table  iSPIRIT, feels the angel tax is arbitrary, but it isnt the only factor that is pulling down angel investment in the country.

The startup ecosystem is witnessing a seismic change. Policies will evolve accordingly. iSPIRIT is strongly pushing for the abolition of Angel Tax, but that is not necessarily a budget issue. The government recognises it so we hope it will happen in due course, Sharma says.

In the quarter ending June for instance, venture capital investments in startups in India declined by over 25 percent from a year ago. The amount slid to USD 275 million in 78 deals from last years USD 309 million in 104 investments, according to a report by research firm Venture Intelligence.

Ishan Singh, an angel investor part of Mumbai Angels Network agrees with iSpirt's Sharma. Singh is optimistic about 2018 and says that the cautious sentiment among investors is due to other macro factors such as demonetization and GST, while angel tax is just part of the problem.

Some reports suggest a 30 percent drop in startup and Series A investments in 2017. Most reports suggest this due to lack of Series A exits and investors being wary of the sector. However, this is not entirely true. The fact is that 2017 saw exits of USD 2.55 billion, which is nearly 40 percent higher than the previous year, Singh says.

But no doubt, Angel Tax remains to be a bone of contention between authorities and investors, even after the government exempted 'innovative' startups from this tax in 2016 budget.

Whether a startup is innovative or not, currently depends on a certification by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), which is further weighed down by several other riders. This has led to several companies not being incubated inside government registered incubators or eligible for government grants.

I as an investor have submitted a mammoth amount of documentation to support the funding and valuation reasoning. Its kind of harassment. Angel Tax must go... We require more angel capital. But angel tax has a reverse effect, Manish Singhal, founder of Pi Ventures says.

While investors are hope to get more clarity on the innovation clause, the solution to safeguard angel investment, Pai says, is to allow only accredited angel investors to be part of the system.

Angel tax is to prevent unsafe money entering the system. Since there are concerns that investments in startups may not be necessarily made by genuine investors, angel groups and genuine high net worth individuals can be accredited just like venture capital funds are. (The government should) allow HNIs to register as accredited angel investors, advises Pai.

Venture investor Ankit Totla, who recently launched a unique platform Investimonial to connect genuine investors with aspiring start-up entrepreneurs feels that tax authorities must be educated and made aware of the valuation process to avoid a mismatch between calculations.

Tax authorities have a very narrow view of any entity that is earning profits. That legacy point of view has to change to let startups flourish, he adds.

The investors are expecting the upcoming budget to also announce concrete measures for continued push and incentive for digital payments.

Expanding the coverage of Mudraa and other credit guarantee schemes to cover new age business models and fintech platforms will help the sector to get more access to credit and digital existence. Secured API access to customer information using GST system and simplification around GST will be an additional benefit, Totla says.

Investors have also raised concerns over complicated rules of taxation on employee stock options.

Currently, a tax is levied on exercising the employee stock option, which makes it difficult to hold on to the stocks.

Tax should rather be levied on the sale of such stock options. We want people to hold on to their stocks, but the current tax format prevents that, Pai says.CNBC-TV18 brings you a brand new week of Bull's Eye. It's the popular game show where market experts come together to dish out trading strategies for you to make your week more exciting and compete with each other to see whose portfolio is the strongest.

Remember these are midcap ideas not just for the day, but stocks that look attractive in the medium-term as well.

This week, Ruchit Jain, Vishal Malkan and Kunal Saraogi battle it out for top honours.

Below their top stock picks and analysis:

Ruchit Jain of Angel Broking

Buy Kolte-Patil Developers with a stoploss at Rs 358 and target of Rs 400

Buy Caplin Point with a stoploss at Rs 640 and target of Rs 740

Buy Sintex Plastic with a stoploss at Rs 82 and target of Rs 100

Buy PG Electroplast with a stoploss at Rs 415 and target of Rs 490

Vishal Malkan of malkansview.com

Buy Hexaware Technologies with a stoploss at Rs 345 and target of Rs 375

Buy JSW Energy with a stoploss at Rs 91 and target of Rs 98

Buy L&T Finance Holdings with a stoploss at Rs 173 and target of Rs 185

Buy Syndicate Bank with a stoploss at Rs 78 and target of Rs 87

Kunal Saraogi of Equityrush

Buy India Cements with a stoploss at Rs 196 and target of Rs 205

Buy Bajaj Finance with a stoploss at Rs 1800 and target of Rs 1850

Buy United Spirits with a stoploss at Rs 3850 and target of Rs 4050

Buy Just Dial with a stoploss at Rs 540 and target of Rs 570live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

Shares of Hindustan Construction Company gained 5 percent intraday on Monday as investors cheered a recent order win by the company.

The companys joint venture has been awarded a contract worth Rs 484 crore for the metro rail project in Pune.

HCC is the lead partner in the JV with AL FARA'A and has 51 percent stake in the JV. "The contract is for construction of eight elevated metro rail stations viz. Vanaz, Anand Nagar, Ideal Colony, Nal Stop, Garware College, Deccan, Sambhaji Park and PMC on Line II of Pune Metro Rail Project," the company said in a filing to the exchanges on Monday morning.

Further, it added that the work involved general and structural civil works of the station buildings and architectural and site development.

This is the second order that the firm has received from the project, with the earlier one being construction of nine elevated stations on Line I.

At 10:01 hrs Hindustan Construction Company was quoting at Rs 43.45, up Rs 1.55, or 3.70 percent, on the BSE. It touched an intraday high of Rs 44.00 and an intraday low of Rs 42.05.Sun Pharmaceutical Industries shares closed at Rs 591.60, rising 2.22 percent after sources told CNBC-TV18 that the US Food and Drug Administration is expected to inspect company's Halol facility for 2 weeks.

The re-inspection of plant by the US Food and Drug Administration is likely to begin on February 12 and end on February 23, according to reports.

Sources said the US FDA inspection dates could change on account of technicalities.

In December 2015, the USFDA had issued a warning letter to Halol unit (Gujarat), which accounts for around 20 percent of US Sales for Sun Pharma.

The plant was re-inspected by USFDA in November-December 2016 & issued 9 observations.

Sun Pharma has no comment w.r.t re-inspection of Halol facility.The Enforcement Directorate on Monday sought cancellation of the bail to a chartered accountant, accused in a money laundering case and alleged to have links with RJD chief Lalu Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti.

The ED's counsel alleged before Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva that CA Rajesh Agarwal laundered money for various persons through shell companies.

The counsel said Agarwal, the main accused in the case, was wrongly granted bail by the trial court while co-accused  two Delhi-based businessmen brothers Surendra Kumar Jain and Virendra Jain  are in jail under judicial custody.

It sought cancellation of the bail granted to Agarwal, saying since it was an economic offence he should not have been granted the relief.

Meanwhile, Agarwal's counsel claimed that he has not yet received the complete paperbook after which the court asked the ED to supply the documents.

The court listed the matter for consideration on February 13 and directed Agarwal's counsel to file his response to ED's plea seeking cancellation of bail.

Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain, appearing for the ED, had earlier told the court that the anti-money laundering agency was probing a separate graft case against Bharti, with whom Agarwal is suspected to have had links.

The ED has claimed that Agarwal was associated with some transactions involving a firm, allegedly linked to Rajya Sabha member Bharti, which is under the scanner for suspected tax evasion.

Agarwal, who was arrested on May 23 last year in connection with a Rs 8,000 crore money laundering racket allegedly involving two Delhi-based brothers, was granted bail on September 4 by the trial court, which said no purpose would be served by keeping him in custody.

The case had emerged after the ED filed a criminal complaint in February last year under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

It was based on a charge sheet filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office against certain individuals and firms "for providing accommodation entries by accepting funds from their beneficiaries through mediators and converting the same into share premium transactions in the beneficiary company".

The ED claimed that the entire racket could be worth about Rs 8,000 crore.

It recently filed a second charge sheet against Misa Bharti and her husband in the case before the trial court.

In July last year, ED filed the first charge sheet in the case against various accused, including Agarwal, but it did not make Lalu's daughter an accused. However, the document contained her name.

It had raided the farmhouses of Bharti and her husband Shailesh Kumar in Delhi in relation to the case being probed against Agarwal, the Jain brothers and others, who are alleged to have laundered money using over 90 shell companies.

Besides Agarwal and the Jain brothers, it included the names of around 35 people and the firms as accused.

The ED also claimed that Agarwal was instrumental in providing accommodation entries to many high-profile people and political entities to help launder their slush funds. These include those being probed by the Income Tax Department in a Rs 1,000 crore dubious land deal case.

The ED had in May last year filed a charge sheet against the Jain brothers. It had also attached agricultural land worth Rs 1.12 crore belonging to them in Bhatti village in the National Capital Region.Pensioners under EPS-95 may get a minimum of Rs 5,000 a month as interim relief, and Rs 7,500 eventually, in view of the assurances by the labour ministry, the organisation pushing for the cause said today.

The pension is Rs 1,000 a month at present, provided under the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

The All India EPS-95 Pensioners Sangharsh Samiti said in a statement that the labour minister had assured its delegation, on December 6, 2017, of meeting its demands.

It said the minister had assured the Samiti that their demands including a minimum pension of Rs 7,500 would be taken up for discussion with the Prime Minister as well as the finance ministry.

It had demanded that all the 60 lakh pensioners under the EPS-95 scheme should be provided with a minimum monthly pension of Rs 7,500 and as an interim relief, all of them should be given Rs 5,000 per month.

The Samiti said the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Labour also discussed their demands in their meeting held on January 5.

There are around 60 lakh pensioners out of which around 40 lakh are getting less than Rs 1,500 per month at a time when the government has about Rs 3 lakh crore of pension funds, the Samiti had said earlier.Nadia (image courtesy: Google)

Google India is paying a tribute to Mary Evans Wadia on her 110th birth anniversary with a special Doodle. Wadia, Indias first stuntwoman and late actress, was also known as Fearless Nadia.

She was born on January 8, 1908, to a Scottish father Herbert Evans and a Greek mother Margret in Perth, Western Australia. Her birth name was Mary Ann Evans.

Nadia came to Bombay at the age of five when her father was transferred to India but had to move to Peshawar after the untimely death of her father. She acquired skills such as horse riding, hunting, fishing, and shooting during her stay there.

In 1928, she moved back to Bombay with her family and started working as a salesgirl in the Army & Navy Store. She then came in contact with Russian dancer, Madame Astrova, who runs a ballet dance school who recognised Marys natural talent and selected her to be a part of her travelling troupe.

Her talent was first spotted by Eruch Kanga, a Lahore-based cinema owner and recommended her to JBH Wadia and Homi Wadia, the brothers who owned the production called Wadia Movietone.

They asked her to learn Hindi and gave her a small role in their movies called Desh Deepak and Noor-e-Yaman which were well received by the audience.

The brothers launched her as a lead heroine in 1935 film Hunterwali. She was given the nickname Fearless Nadia after the movie by the future husband, Homi Wadia. The film proved to be a huge success and she later went on to act in a number of stunt movies.

The character Jaanbaaz Julia from the movie Rangoon featuring Kangana Ranaut in lead role is inspired by the life of Fearless Nadia.

She married Homi Wadia in 1961 and became Nadia Wadia.The Gujarat High Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by news portal 'The Wire' seeking quashing of a criminal defamation case filed against it by BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay over an article related to his company.

Justice J B Pardiwala rejected the petition on the grounds that the article, "The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah", is per say "defamatory" and the trial court should proceed with the case.

The High Court, which had earlier directed the trial court to complete the hearing in the case in six months, on Monday withdrew that order.

This means there is no time-frame for the trial court to complete the hearing.

S M Vatsa, the lawyer for the author of the article and editors of the news portal, had maintained the news report was not "defamatory," and the facts presented in it were based on public documents.

The petitioners had maintained the article was a part of investigative journalism and filing a criminal defamation suit against it was against the freedom of the press.

Jay Shah's lawyer S V Raju, on the other hand, had maintained the article was "defamatory" and the two witnesses examined by the lower court had established that the reputation of his client was tarnished due to its publication.

Jay Shah had moved the lower court alleging criminal defamation by the petitioners after the article published by the website claimed his company's turnover grew exponentially after the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre in 2014.

After the suit was filed on October 9 last year, the court initiated proceedings against them under the CrPC section 202 (to inquire into a case to decide whether or not there is sufficient ground for proceeding).

The suit has been filed against the author of the article Rohini Singh, founding editors of the news portal Siddharth Varadarajan, Siddharth Bhatia and M K Venu, managing editor Monobina Gupta, public editor Pamela Philipose and the Foundation for Independent Journalism.

The foundation publishes 'The Wire'.

With the quashing of the plea, the matter is expected to come up for hearing in the lower court tomorrow.

Jay Shah has separately filed a civil defamation suit of Rs 100 crore against the website over the article.

Jay Shah had rejected the charge made in the article, insisting the story was "false, derogatory and defamatory".India's dialogue partnership with ASEAN has evolved into a strategic partnership and the Indian diaspora provides a platform for stronger ties with the grouping, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today.

Addressing the Indian diaspora at the ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, Swaraj reaffirmed India's commitment to ASEAN.

"We are here to reaffirm our commitment and to share the course of our journey ahead to the future of India and ASEAN in the world," Swaraj told some 3,000 delegates.

"Our diaspora provides a platform for a stronger relationship between India and ASEAN countries," she said.

Noting the 25-year milestone of ASEAN-India partnership, she said, "Our dialogue partnership has evolved into a strategic partnership."

"India's engagement with the ASEAN region lies in the clarity of the principles that we share. We believe that when all nations adhere to international rules and norms and when we conduct on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect, our nations feel secure and our economies prosper, Swaraj said.

"As India's economy grows its ties will deepen, its trade and investment flow will grow, she said, emphasising that ASEAN was a part of Indias Act East Policy.

She said states play a vital role in India's progress and advancing the country's economic ties with the world.

She highlighted the presence of Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the gathering and underlined that the North East will grow and become a bridge to South East Asia.

"Our North East region will prosper when it is better connected to South East Asia and when the North East becomes our bridge to South East Asia, we will be closer to realising our hopes for India and ASEAN ties," she said.

She called for addressing the common challenges in the region like creating skills for the digital age, generating jobs in the age of disruption, meeting the need of rapid urbanisation, protecting the bio-diversity and making the energy sources cleaner.

"We are moving from industrial age to information age. The global power balance is shifting, and the relation between nations are changing, said Swaraj.

"There is interesting new technology but unsettled question of history still divides us. At the same time, we see progress and opportunities as never before, said the minister.

"It is the time for India and South East Asia to work for prosperity for its people and secure a peaceful future for new generation," she stressed.

ASEAN is India's 4th largest trading partner, accounting for 10.2 per cent of Indias total trade.

India is ASEAN's 7th largest trading partner. Trade is back on track and registered an 8 per cent increase in 2016- 17, as compared to the previous year.

New Delhi will host a commemorative summit on January 25 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Dialogue Partnership between India and the ASEAN in which all the leaders of the grouping are expected to participate.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.One direct phone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi King in 2015 turned out to be a decisive game changer and facilitated a massive evacuation of Indians and foreigners stranded in war-torn Yemen, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said.

'Operation Rahat' was launched by Indian Armed Forces to evacuate more than 4,000 Indian citizens and other foreign nationals from Yemen during the 2015 military intervention by Saudi Arabia and its allies. The 11-day evacuation by sea started on April 1, 2015 from Aden port.

Addressing the Indian diaspora at the ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) here, Swaraj said that relentless Saudi bombing of Yemenese locations had made evacuation of Indian civilians next to impossible.

She gave a blow-by-blow account of how the 'Operation Rahaat' in Yemen was successfully carried out.

Swaraj said that she approached Modi and suggested that the excellent rapport he enjoyed with Saudi King (Salman) be put to good use.

Modi then made a direct phone call to the King in Riyadh, requesting a safe passage for Indian nationals and evacuation efforts and sought a halt in bombings for a week, she said.

According to Swaraj, the Saudi King replied that India's request was too important to be ignored but also expressed his inability in bringing about a total halt to the bombings.

The Saudi King, due to the friendship with Modi, agreed to halt bombings between 9 AM and 11 AM daily for a week, the minister said.

Seizing the opportunity, Swaraj claimed that she requested the Yemenese authorities to open their Aden port and airport in Sanaa, so that civilians could be evacuated to Djibouti with alacrity for two hours daily for a week.

"Yemenese told me they will do anything for the Indians," Swaraj said, addressing the gathering of over 3000 people, mostly belonging to the Indian diaspora, in the presence of Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

This coordination set in motion a critical evacuation exercise of not only 4,800 Indians but also 1,972 people from other countries in 'Operation Rahat' which was led from the front by Minister of State for External Affairs and former army chief General (retired) VK Singh, she added.A Northeast China university found itself in its students' cross hairs on social media Friday after it banned late-night online gaming on its campus network.

Among the posted screengrabs from frustrated students at Shenyang Aerospace University showing failed update messages and blank screens on gaming sites was the notice from school network administrators breaking the news, China Youth Daily reported.

The ban, which blocks ports between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, aims to ensure students "get ample rest" and "put their energies into studying and living," the announcement read.

However, the policy did not score well with students or social media users.

News of the ban generated 475,000 comments on Sina Weibo Friday. "College life is incomplete without gaming," one netizen wrote.

"They're adults that should be responsible for themselves. College is not high school," posted another.

Some supported the school's move. "Personally, I hope my school bans it. One of my roommates not only plays games every day, but also yells at the screen all the time."

Policies that limit gaming on campus networks are common.

"Actually the bans don't work. There are always ways to get around them," wrote another Sina Weibo user.Moneycontrol News

The Road and Transport Ministry is likely to push for 'mandatory' phasing out of old truck and buses from Indian roads, reports CNBC TV-18.

According to sources, the Ministry is considering hardening its stand on scrapping old trucks and buses by setting 15-years or 20-years as upper age cap. However, it is yet to take final call.

The move will affect over 11 lakh trucks and buses plying on Indian roads. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has already imposed ban on trucks, buses above 15 years in New Delhi.

Old cars will remain out of the ambit of this new policy, which is likely to be announced in next six to eight weeks, according to sources.

Sources say the Road Ministry may write to the Finance Ministry for GST benefits for replacements of old CVs "with or without incentives".

While the Road Ministry is still mulling over the upper age cap limit, sources say that majority of the Voluntary Scrappage Policy is likely to remain voluntary.

The move is likely to be a big boost for Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra & Mahindra as it would create new demand for trucks and buses.

Earlier, Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had said that a draft policy for scrapping old vehicles was prepared and presented to the Cabinet. The government had also appointed a management consultancy to come up with a policy which entitles those disposing their old vehicle to a discount while buying a new one.

In September last year, Gadkari had said that the government would start a vehicle scrappage scheme as soon as it gets a go-ahead from the GST Council.

We have requested the Finance Ministry to find a way out for including the scrapping policy in GST council. Once that comes into effect we can further develop the Kandla auto cluster in Gujarat, added Gadkari.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM) has been pushing strongly to implement a scrappage incentive scheme that will push out 15-year-old polluting trucks and buses out of the market and generate demand for new trucks.Armed with a high court order, the Yogi Adityanath government today banned the use of loudspeakers at temples, mosques and other public places without permission and set January 15 as the deadline to remove the amplifiers.

After receiving flak from the Allahabad High Court over noise pollution in Uttar Pradesh, the state government also issued detailed directives on the use of permanently installed loudspeakers at these places.

The high court had last month asked the state government whether the loudspeakers or public address systems at mosques, temples, churches and gurdwaras, among other places, were installed after obtaining a written permission from the authorities concerned.

Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar said, "On the directions of the court regarding ensuring implementation of noise pollution control rules, a government order giving detailed instructions has been issued."

This practically implies that sound should not go beyond the periphery of the public or private place, Kumar said.

The 10-page-order has directed a survey of permanently installed loudspeakers and issuance of show cause notice to those using them without requisite permission.

If the permission to install loudspeakers at religious or public places was not sought before January 15, the government would start removing these from January 20. After that, action will be initiated under noise pollution control laws.

A format for applying for permission, issuance of permission and action against those who neither apply for permission nor comply with terms and conditions of permission has also been issued.

It also requires the district magistrates to categorise areas into industrial, commercial, residential and silence zones. Each area has separate maximum limits for permissible sound levels.

The loudspeakers installed in public places cannot have a sound level more than 10 decibels above the ambient noise level at the periphery of a public place and 5 decibels above the ambient noise level at the periphery of a private place, Kumar said.

The Lucknow bench of the high court had on December 20 sought to know as to what action has been taken against such unauthorised installations and also against the officers who failed to ensure mandatory requirement of obtaining written permission in their area.

It directed the principal secretary (home) and the chairman of the UP Pollution Control Board to file their personal affidavits along with the information sought on February 1.

The division bench of justices Vikram Nath and Abdul Moin issued the directions on a PIL moved by lawyer Moti Lal Yadav, seeking strict compliance of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules that had been framed in 2000.

Noting that the right to live in freedom from noise pollution and the right to sleep was a facet of Article 21 of the Constitution, the bench cautioned the officials to appear in person before it, if their personal affidavits were not filed till the next hearing.Mithulal Bafna, a Thane resident, has filed a complaint with the Maharashtra Medical Council against the doctors of Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital for convincing him to take to a new and expensive heart valve procedure for his ailing wife that they claimed was "200 percent safe", reports the Times of India.

Despite the assurance, Bafna lost his wife a fortnight ago. The procedure was unsuccessful because the heart valve "fell" into her heart during a procedure carried out in the presence of the hospital's top heart specialists.

The new procedure - transcatheter mitral valve repair - costed Bafna Rs 43 lakh. With the doctors giving him the assurance that his wife will be back home in five days, he was ready to pay the hefty fee. But his wife went into a coma for nearly two months and died a few minutes after she left the hospital in an ambulance on December 19.

The hospital refunded Rs 12.47 lakh to Bafna on "humanitarian grounds" with authorities claiming the patient was taken care of without any negligence.

The family, however, claim they were not informed of how risky the procedure was and said they never met the cardiologist Ravinder Singh Rao before the procedure. Bafna told the paper he would have never gone forward with the procedure had he known how risky it was. He also said his wife's condition did not really warrant an immediate fix.

The imported valve, of which the family paid Rs 11 lakh, actually costed Rs 1.5 lakh as per the sale papers.

One of the doctors told the paper the family had apparently threatened him over the expenses.

Apart from Rs 12.47 lakh refund received from Hinduja, Bafna got an insurance claim of Rs 11 lakh.

"We were told the total expense would be Rs 20 lakh, but it ballooned," said Bafna's son-in-law Bharkatiya.

On the other hand, the doctors responsible for the case disagree on the family's claims. The ones involved were Medical Director Sanjay Agarwala, Cardiac Surgeon Kushal Pandey and Rao.

Pandey had been the doctor to the deceased when she was operated on six years ago for an unusually small mitral valve. He said she was very sick and had hardly six months to live.

Agarwala told the paper, "The valve failed to deploy but the surgeons saved the day and fixed a mechanical valve."

Dr Rao, who carried out the procedure, said, "Valves slip away after placement in 20 percent of these cases. This is valve embolism, a well-documented entity."He also said that he had waived his charges for this case.

The doctors said the patient did not have an option but to undergo the surgery as she had slim survival chances. Pandey said if and when the valve failed to be deployed they do a 're-do surgery'. "She was critical for the first 48 hours. But she made it back to the ward. She was recovering till she vomited and that triggered an infection," he said.New Delhi: A view of Parliament in New Delhi on Sunday, a day ahead of the monsoon session. PTI Photo by Kamal Singh (PTI7_16_2017_000213B)

The Rajya Sabha lost half of its working time due to disruptions in the Winter Session during which the contentious triple talaq bill also could not be passed with the government and the opposition trading barbs over it.

The truncated session started on a stormy note with the opposition creating an uproar over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks against his predecessor Manmohan Singh.

The remarks, made during the Gujarat elections campaign, led to acrimonious exchanges between the two sides in the Upper House with the Congress-led opposition demanding an apology from the prime minister on the issue.

The matter was, however, resolved with the intervention of Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, who helped both sides sit together and amicably resolve the dispute.

The matter ended with the sides making statements in the House, stressing that they respected the high posts of the prime minister as well as the former prime minister, and would not say anything to denigrate them.

The opposition also raised the issue of remarks made by Union minister Anantkumar Hegde against the Constitution and the attacks on Dalits in Bhima-Koregaon in Pune district on January 1, which led to uproarious scenes and disruptions.

However, when the triple talaq bill was introduced for consideration in the Rajya Sabha, the opposition brought two amendments in it for sending it to the Select Committee.

The House saw sharp exchanges over the issue, with the treasury benches blaming the opposition for stalling the key legislation seeking to empower women's rights and make triple talaq a cognisable offence with jail up to three years.

However, the opposition led by the Congress was adamant to send the bill to the Select Committee for further scrutiny.

The bill would now be taken up in the Budget Session which starts later this month.

The Rajya Sabha lost 34 hours working time to such disruptions.

Chairman Naidu urged members to seriously introspect and not treat Parliament as an extension of politics, which is marked by deep divisions and acrimony.

The session which started on December 15 had 13 sittings in all. The House, however, tried to make up this loss by sitting late for about three hours to complete legislative and other important businesses.

It worked for 41 hours that saw the passage of nine Government Bills.

The bills that were passed in the House included the Companies (Amendment) Bill, the Indian Institutes of Management Bill, the Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill, the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill and the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill.

Besides, the Repealing and Amending Bill, the Repealing and Amending (Second) Bill, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Amendment) Bill were also passed.

There were 51 special mentions on matters of public importance which were made during the session. Fifty-one matters were also raised with the permission of the Chair.

The House also discussed during short duration discussions the issues of excessively high levels of air pollution in Delhi, the state of the economy, investment climate and job creation in the country and the need to address the challenge of rising unemployment.

During the session, 19 Private Members' Bills were introduced and one Private Members' Bill namely the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2016 (insertion of new article 16A) was discussed and motion for consideration of the Bill was negatived.

However, no Private Members' Resolution could be discussed during the Session. During the Session, 110 reports/statements of various parliamentary committees were also tabled.

The issue of disqualification of two former JD-U members Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar Ansari from the membership of the Rajya Sabha with effect from December 4, 2017, under the tenth schedule of the Constitution, also came up.

The House was informed by the Chair about the resignation of three sitting members - Manohar Parrikar, Mukul Roy and M P Veerendra Kumar

During the session, the House made references to the passing away of Shri Arjan Singh, Marshal of the Indian Air Force and 12 former members of the Rajya Sabha.

Twelve new ministers, inducted into the Union Council of Ministers, were introduced by the prime minister and the new secretary general, Rajya Sabha, was also introduced by the chairman to the House.

The House bid farewell to three members, Karan Singh, Janardan Dwivedi and Parvez Hashmi, representing the NCT of Delhi, whose term of office would expire on the January 27.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj made a statement regarding the meeting of the family members of Kulbhushan Jadhav with him in Pakistan and the situation arising there. Members of various parties and groups also expressed their concern.

The Minister of Commerce and Industry also laid a statement regarding 'India's stand in the WTO'.

Fifty statements on the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the reports of various DRPS Committees were also laid on the Table of the House.

A Report of the Inquiry Committee in respect of Justice S K Gangele, Judge, Madhya Pradesh High Court were presented on the Table of the House.

During the Session, 210 Starred Questions and 2,239 Unstarred Questions were admitted and answered. Of these 46 Starred Questions were orally answered.Samsung has patented a 3D touch system possibly for its unannounced bendable Galaxy phonethe Samsung Galaxy X.

Reported by GSMArena, the patented material bends when it is pressed by a finger it allows the screen to measure the force of the press. This is similar to the resistive touchscreen of previous generation smartphones.

However, Samsung is not the first company to come up with 3D touch. Apple had introduced the feature in 2015. Android users have been waiting for it ever since.

From Android Nougat onwards, the most popular operating system in the world started supporting pressure sensitive displays. Though, not many major phone makers came ahead to take advantage of this.

The bendable phones by Samsung are due to release this year. The company had earlier said that there were certain hurdles which needed to be resolved for 2018 release.

The future itself: Samsung files patent for palm-reading technology for user recognition

"As the head of the business, I can say our current goal is next year (2018)," Koh Dong-jin, president of mobile business at Samsung Electronics had told Associated Press. "When we can overcome some problems for sure, we will launch the product."

Samsung has been toying with the idea of a bendable smartphone since 2013. Throughout the year, the company exhibited a prototype called Youm at technology conferences and media events. Post Galaxy Note 7 debacle, the desire to try and come up with something different will be keenly watched.

In September, in a filing from the company with the Korean National Radio Research Agency (NRRA), the phones model number had appeared.

Also Read: Samsung's foldable smartphone just received its final certification, may launch soon

Interestingly, the filing adds N0 to the model number of the phone SM-G888, which according to LetsGoDigital points towards its release in South Korea. However, almost certainly, after the launch of Apple iPhone X, it will be introduced globally.US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Saturday, the White House said on Sunday, and Trump provided Macron with an update on developments on the Korean Peninsula and the two discussed demonstrations in Iran.

The White House said the conversation was intended "to underscore" U.S., South Korean and international resolve to achieve the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

"The Presidents also agreed that the widespread demonstrations in Iran were a sign of the Iranian regime's failure to serve its people's needs by instead diverting the nation's wealth to fund terrorism and militancy abroad," the White House said in a statement.US President Donald Trump's tweet about having a bigger nuclear button than Kim Jong Un's has kept the North Korean leader "on his toes" and made clear the risks of a nuclear standoff, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Sunday.

After Kim asserted that he had a nuclear button at the ready, Trump last week dismissed the taunt by saying in a tweet that the U.S. button at his disposal was bigger and more powerful.

The comment drew criticism, including from former Vice President Joe Biden, who said it caused allies to lose confidence in Washington.

Asked on the ABC program "This Week" whether the president's tweet was a good idea, Haley said: "I think that (Trump) always has to keep Kim on his toes. It's very important that we don't ever let him get so arrogant that he doesn't realize the reality of what would happen if he started a nuclear war."

Haley said North Korea should be clear that the United States will not reduce pressure on Kim.

"We're not going to let them go and dramatize the fact that they have a button right on their desk and they can destroy America," she said. "We want to always remind them we can destroy you too, so be very cautious and careful with your words and what you do."

ClA Director Mike Pompeo also defended Trump's nuclear button comment on the CBS "Face the Nation" program, saying it was "consistent with U.S. policy," which was denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

Pompeo said he still believed, as he had said in October, that North Korea is just a few months away from crossing the threshold to putting a U.S. city at risk of nuclear attack. But he declined to be more precise.

The Central Intelligence Agency head also rejected a New York Times article on Sunday that reported U.S. intelligence agencies had been unable to foresee the North's rapid nuclear strides over the past several months.

Pompeo said U.S. intelligence had provided an understanding of North Korea's capabilities and intent, and got the pace of the nuclear program "mostly right."

In a separate appearance on the "Fox News Sunday" TV program, Pompeo asserted that North Korea was being "strangled" by Trump and this was the reason why it had agreed to hold official talks soon with South Korea.Rebel AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran listening the speech of Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on his maiden appearance as MLA after winning the Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar bypoll last month, in the State Assembly in Chennai (PTI)



Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu addresses a press conference, in New Delhi (PTI)

Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah, centre, celebrates the wicket of South African Captain Faf du Plessis on the fourth day of the first test between South Africa and India at Newlands Stadium, in Cape Town, South Africa (AP)

Para-military personnel patrol in ITO area, ahead of the Republic Day parade in Delhi (PTI)



Enthusiasts flying kites in the shapes of various animals and birds on the second day of International Kite Festival, in Ahmedabad (PTI)

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, delivers his keynote address at CES in Las Vegas, Nevada (Reuters)



Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma and Secretary of Justice Teresa Cheng attend a ceremony to mark the beginning of the legal year in Hong Kong, China (Reuters)

Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage leaves a meeting with European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (unseen) at the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium (Reuters)



Guillermo del Toro poses backstage with the award for Best Director - Motion Picture for "The Shape of Water" (Reuters)Leaving everything for the one you love may sound romantic but it may also end up being counter-productive. A man from Saudi Arabia discovered this the hard way after his wife divorced him for loving her more than his mother.

According to a report in Saudi Gazette, a Saudi court granted divorce to a woman from her husband after she claimed that the man was not trustworthy as he had left his family for her. "I can never trust a man who does everything to keep his wife happy while he denies even a small favour to his mother," the woman was quoted as saying to the judge in the report.

The 29-year old man was reportedly left devastated following his wifes decision and had declined to grant her a divorce. He tried to defend himself in front of the judge by claiming that he had loved his wife above everything and had left everything for her. "Didn't I abandon my own family for you?" he was quoted as asking her in the report.

The woman too agreed to this claim and accepted that there were no problems in their relationship and he was keeping her happy. She stated that her husband had done everything for her, from taking her to foreign trips to buying her expensive gifts. However, she was appalled by the way he treated his family.

Claiming that she feared that her husband could leave her also the same way he left his own family she returned the dowry her husband had given her.

The court, after carefully going through arguments from both the husband and wife sided with the woman and to the shock of the husband granted a divorce. Adding to this, an anonymous judicial source reportedly applauded the woman's decision to leave the husband who had abandoned his mother and family.The US Navy has joined the search for 32 crew members missing from an Iranian oil tanker that caught fire after colliding with a bulk freighter off China's east coast.

China, South Korea and the US sent ships and planes to search for the 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis who have been missing since the collision late Saturday.

The US Navy, which sent a P-8A aircraft from Okinawa, Japan, to aid the search, said late yesterday that none of the missing crew had been found.

The Panama-registered tanker Sanchi was sailing from Iran to South Korea when it collided late Saturday with the Hong Kong-registered freighter CF Crystal in the East China Sea, 257 kilometers (160 miles) off the coast of Shanghai, China's Ministry of Transport said.

All 21 crew members of the Crystal, which was carrying grain from the United States to China, were rescued, the ministry said. The Crystal's crew members were all Chinese nationals.

It wasn't immediately clear what caused the collision. State-run China Central Television reported Sunday evening that the tanker was still floating and burning, and that oil was visible in the water. Photos distributed by the South Korean government showed the tanker on fire and shrouded in thick black smoke.

Chinese authorities dispatched three ships to clean the oil spill. It was not clear, however, whether the tanker was still spilling oil as of today and the size of the oil slick caused by the accident also was not known.

The Sanchi was carrying 136,000 metric tons (150,000 tons, or nearly 1 million barrels) of condensate, a type of ultra-light oil, according to Chinese authorities.

By comparison, the Exxon Valdez was carrying 1.26 million barrels of crude oil when it spilled 260,000 barrels into Prince William Sound off Alaska in 1989.

The Sanchi has operated under five different names since it was built in 2008, according the UN-run International Maritime Organization. The IMO listed its registered owner as Hong Kong-based Bright Shipping Ltd, on behalf of the National Iranian Tanker Co, a publicly traded company based in Tehran.

The National Iranian Tanker Co. describes itself as operating the largest tanker fleet in the Middle East.

An official in Iran's Oil Ministry, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to reporters, said 30 of the tanker's 32 crew members were Iranians.

"We have no information on their fate," he said Sunday. "We cannot say all of them have died, because rescue teams are there and providing services."

The official said the tanker was owned by the National Iranian Tanker Co. and had been rented by a South Korean company, Hanwha Total Co. He said the tanker was on its way to South Korea.

Hanwa Total is a 50-50 partnership between the Seoul- based Hanwha Group and the French oil giant Total. Total did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It's the second collision for a ship from the National Iranian Tanker Co. in less than a year and a half. In August 2016, one of its tankers collided with a Swiss container ship in the Singapore Strait, damaging both ships but causing no injuries or oil spill.Stay up to date with First Reading, our newsletter packed with the latest on the federal election

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Sign Up Now>Morgan Hill Police arrested a San Jose man this morning who is accused of scamming hundreds of dollarsor morefrom employees of local businesses by telling a sad story about recent personal unfortunate circumstances that can be solved with a loan of a few dollars.

After the suspect conned more than half a dozen unsuspecting strangers in this manner in recent months, Bay Area television station KSBW last week ran a series of news reports about the alleged scammer and his methods.

Following the media coverage, MHPD identified the suspect as Jayson Wayne Goodrich. MHPD Sgt. Troy Hoefling said officers arrested Goodrich on a $40,000 felony warrant out of San Jose the morning of Jan. 8, as Goodrich was leaving a motel in San Jose. MHPD also booked him on suspicion of four misdemeanor counts of theft by false pretenses.

Goodrich allegedly approached employees at four Morgan Hill businesses, at different times, and told his targeted victims that he had lost his wallet and his car had broken down, according to police and victims. To top it off, Goodrich would even tell the victim that his father-in-law had recently become sick. He would then ask the victims if he could borrow some cash so he could tow his vehicle, promising to return shortly to pay them back.

Except he never returned each time a victim handed him the cash, according to police. Goodrich allegedly succeeded in scamming employees of GVA Cafe, Le Pooch Grooming, Quilts and Things and Coffee Guys in Morgan Hill, from late 2017 to the first days of January.

A follow-up report on KSBW last week noted that after their initial story on Goodrich, they heard from victims in Gilroy, San Jose, Santa Clara, Hollister and other communities who claimed he scammed them in a similar way.

Hoefling added that Goodrichs fraudulent scheme spans a much larger region, highlighting the need for other victims to come forward.

Over the last six months, he has gone everywhere from Sacramento to King City doing this on a daily basis, trying to get $1,000 a day to support a drug habit, and to live on, Hoefling said.

Christina Wong, a barista at Coffee Guys, said she was working when Goodrich perpetrated the scam at the shop on East Third Street. He entered the shop looking frazzled and confused, and relayed the tale about his lost wallet and broken-down vehicle. He also told the coffee crew that he worked at a construction site next door. Wong said her co-worker fell for the scam, and gave Goodrich $150 of her personal money, which she expected to be reimbursed later that day.

After receiving the cash at Coffee Guys, Goodrich even wrote down a name (John Thompson) and a fake phone number if they needed to reach him, Wong said. After Goodrich didnt return for a while, the baristas began calling the phone number, but the suspect never answered their calls.

Wong said the suspect was totally convincing because he presented himself as a nice, genuine, humble man.

It sucks for people who are nice, and trying to be a Good Samaritan, Wong said.

She didnt remember exactly when Goodrich played the scam at Coffee Guys, but she estimated it was in late summer or early fall 2017.

Anyone with information about Goodrichs alleged crimes can contact MHPD at (669) 253-4984.Chinese Premier Li Keqiang addresses the National Science and Technology Award Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang expects enterprises to be the "main players" in technological innovation.

Li was addressing an annual ceremony held in Beijing Monday to honor distinguished scientists and research achievements.

He also noted that the human factor is the most important element, requiring more reform to the science and technology (S&T) system and improvements to the incentive mechanism.

Leading personnel in innovation should have a greater say in resource allocation and decision-making in research.

"Concrete efforts should be made to ensure that those with merit and contributions gain respect and benefits," he said.

Monday's ceremony honored 271 projects and nine scientists with national prizes.

Wang Zeshan and Hou Yunde won the top science award.

Seven foreign scientists won international S&T cooperation prizes.

On behalf of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, Li extended congratulations to the prize winners and thanked foreign personnel for their support in China's S&T development.The Shanghai government is looking to build on the city's reputation as the birthplace of China's film industry by establishing a large high-tech film production base in Songjiang district within the next few years.

This measure was one of the 50 guidelines released by the municipal government on Dec 14 aimed at further developing the city's cultural and innovative industry.

According to Yu Xiufen, director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and TV, the Songjiang base will consolidate the city's abundant film resources that are currently scattered across districts like Jing'an, Xuhui and Putuo.

Public information shows that there are more than 5,000 film and TV program production companies registered in Songjiang. The total output of the film industry in Songjiang reached 25.7 billion yuan (.9 billion) in the past 11 months of last year.

"For all the cities in the world where the film industry prospers, there are always large-scale production bases featuring a large number of professional studios. These bases are usually complemented by special effects studios. Professional teams with expertise in this industry are willing to come together in such bases," she said.

"There are also teams responsible for the daily management of the bases, providing first-rate services so that film crews will be willing to shoot there. Post production, distribution and financing companies can all be found in such bases. This is an example that Shanghai can follow," she added.

Authorities will also look to set up three other areas that would help to nurture talent, attract investment and enhance the site recce process in filmmaking.

In terms of talent training, Yu said that companies should work closely with institutions such as the Shanghai Film Art Academy, Shanghai Vancouver Film School and Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts to seek innovative training methods.

Yu emphasized on the importance of setting up a complete industry chain in Shanghai covering production, distribution, finance and other related areas. In addition, local tourism administrators should turn existing film production bases into tourist destinations.Professional and community involvement:

Meals on Wheels, Texas Size Garage Sale, Senior Link and Midland Memorial Hospital Auxilary

How did you decide to serve the community as a volunteer at Senior Link and Midland Memorial Hospital?

Im a retired school teacher of 32 years. I have worked since I was 12, and I couldnt imagine doing nothing with my life after retirement. A friend of mine invited me to volunteer with her at the Texas Size Garage Sale. From there, other friends invited me to volunteer at Meals on Wheels and the auxiliary at Midland Memorial Hospital.

What talents and skills do you share with the community through your roles at Senior Link and MMH?

Testimonials "Tomi serves ... with love and a huge smile" Tomi Reyes is a sweet, kind and caring woman who gives and gives all with a smile. Midland RSVP is honored to nominate Tomi for her dedication to the various areas she serves. Tomi is one of the hard workers at the annual Texas-Size Garage Sale, where she sorts and organizes donations. Tomi is a dedicated "Pink Lady" for Midland Memorial Hospital and helps package meals in Senior Link Midland's Meals-on-Wheels kitchen. Tomi is also part of the RSVP's SWAT (Seniors with Available Time), where she and others in the group prepare mailings for more than a dozen local nonprofits. In addition, Tomi finds time monthly to make calls for RSVP to collect volunteer hours. Tomi serves well at all of these areas -- all with love and a huge smile. We are blessed to have Tomi as our volunteer and special friend. Saul Herrera, director of Retired Senior Volunteer Program --- "She knows how to make people feel right at home and comfortable" Midland Memorial Hospital is blessed to have Tomi Reyes volunteer at the Information Desk. She has a warm and inviting smile that instantly makes people feel welcome. She brings such a touch of happiness with her each Wednesday morning she volunteers. Tomi meets and greets patients and their families as they come in the front door. In addition to meeting and welcoming guests to MMH, she also delivers flowers and gifts to patients. She also escorts patients and families to their destinations within the hospital. This makes for a wonderful patient experience for MMH patients and their families. One of her favorite things to do is to take gifts to new mothers. The auxiliary has a group of ladies who make blankets, hats, booties and other small items that are given to the new mothers. "I just love making new mothers happy. It is a highlight of my day," Tomi says. "I know that these items were made with care and love, so I give care and love when I deliver these to the new parents. It is delightful to watch their expressions when I arrive in the patient room with gifts, especially ones of this handmade quality." Another duty Tomi likes to do is to deliver pillowcases to patients who have birthdays while they are in the hospital. "The pillowcases are also made by volunteers. When I take them to a patient, it just makes their day. It is an unexpected treat for the patients and makes them feel special," she says. Tomi has volunteered more than 250 hours of time with the volunteers at the hospital. She works a four- hour shift on Wednesday mornings and sometimes will substitute for another volunteer who cannot make their shift. Tomi is such a wonderful person. It shows in her smile and her warm friendly nature. She immediately makes friends and knows how to make people feel right at home and comfortable. Our hospital patient experience leadership is teaching staff how to make the most of every patient encounter by excellent "power moves." Tomi just loves to make great power moves, and her moves make a difference for patients. Kim Modisett See More Collapse

I thoroughly enjoy working with people. At the hospital, I work at the information desk where I assist people getting from place to place. I brought some lessons that I learned in the classroom to help me while volunteering. I consider myself highly organized, which helps when sorting, organizing and pricing at the garage sale. I am very task-oriented, and I work hard to make sure each job is finished. I also think of myself as a problem-solver, and I look forward to good challenges and the opportunity to figure things out.

What unexpected lesson have you learned while serving as a volunteer and through your nonprofit work?

I have made many wonderful friends through volunteering. I am amazed by the dedication of the people that I volunteer with. Most of them are in their 70s, 80s and some in their 90s. These people give of themselves on a daily basis. They are hard-working and dont hesitate to jump in and make a contribution to society. From these veteran volunteers, I have learned the meaning of dedication and commitment for a good cause.

Why is volunteerism a priority for you?

I strive to make a difference in other peoples lives. I like the feeling of being productive and doing something with my life. At the end of my day, I have a gratifying feeling knowing that Ive made a difference in someones life. I had a long career in teaching, where I tried to be a positive influence in my students lives. When my season of teaching came to a close, I still felt the call to help and serve others. I have not found anything else that has brought me closer to God than service to my neighbors.

How long has Midland been your home, and why have you stayed?

Midland has been a home for our family for a long time. Midland was our home in the early 80s, but certain opportunities moved our family to New Mexico for almost 20 years. Even while living in New Mexico, Midland was a home we always visited; it was a home away from home. Midland is a great place to raise a family. We have fostered deep connections to friends, and our family grew from it. Through these stronger relationships, our roots in Midland continue to go deeper and stronger each day.

What else would you like our readers to know about you?

I was born in Mexico and moved to the United States when I was 6 years old. I am one of 21 siblings. I know and understand the value of hard work, and I strive to live a good life and do Gods will. When God opens doors, I try to be obedient and walk through them. Volunteering, I feel, is where God wants me to be. It has been, and continues to be, a blessing to serve the community.Brad Pitt almost had a chance to watch Game of Thrones with Emilia Clarke.

At Sean Penn's annual gala for Haiti last Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Milk Studios in Los Angeles, the movie star and producer offered to donate $120,000 to go on an HBO date with the 31-year-old actress.

Clarke and her co-star Kit Harington was in attendance at the said charity event.

According to Variety, the auction to watch one episode of the award-winning fantasy series with Clarke started at $20,000. However, the race quickly escalated. Pitt bid $80,000 and then outbid himself and offered $90,000.

When Harrington offered himself to sit in and watch the episode with Clarke and the winning bidder, Pitt raised his bid to $120,000.

Unfortunately, the actor was outbid by another attendee who offered to pay $160,000 for the unique and rare opportunity.

Mother Of Dragons Fan

Another gala attendee told Us Weekly that the 54-year-old was all laughs despite losing the chance to watch Game of Thrones with Clarke and Harrington.

"When the auction announced Emilia Clarke, they called her out in the crowd and Brad literally turned his whole neck to find and look at her and enthusiastically clap," shared the anonymous source. "Emilia was covering her mouth and giggling. [Leonardo DiCaprio] enthusiastically watched the whole auction, turning his head back and forth between Brad and Emilia."

Pitt was out when the bid reached $150,000. He chuckled when the host called him out for giving up too easily.

'Game of Thrones' Celebrity Fans

Pitt is not the only celebrity who, like the rest of the world, is obsessed with the HBO drama. Hollywood stars are also feverishly awaiting and anticipating who will take the throne and rule the Seven Kingdoms.

Kristen Bell threw a party with a themed menu to celebrate the premiere of Game of Thrones season 7 in July 2017.

Madonna once dressed as Clarke's now-iconic character, Daenerys Targaryen (complete with her own little dragons), at a festival in 2014.

Beyonce was outed as a massive fan when Clarke stated that she could not take home her own character's dragon eggs because, apparently, rapper Jay-Z bought one for his wife.

Anna Kendrick of Pitch Perfect 3 is enthusiastic whenever the award-winning television series is on.

Just watched Game of Thrones and now I'm in a GREAT mood. Who wants shots?!?!?  Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) April 14, 2014

Meanwhile, the television adaptation of George R.R. Martin's novels almost tested Blake Lively's marriage with Deadpool star, Ryan Reynolds.

"He did everything he could to pirate episodes that hadn't even been shot yet," Lively revealed in a previous interview. "So that was a little tough point in our marriage. Now we're through it because there's a new season coming out."

Game of Thrones Season 8 will premiere in 2019 on HBO.

 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.People's Liberation Army personnel across the nation began military training on the land, water and in the air starting on Wednesday. President Xi Jinping, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged the military to continue to improve its combat-ready training so it will be able to win modern wars. The photo is taken on Jan 4, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's military has conducted more than 4,000 realistic combat exercises since President Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, launched the annual training program on Wednesday.

More than 4,000 training grounds nationwide from all branches of the People's Liberation Army, including the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, Armed Police and logistic forces, have begun their annual exercises, Xinhua News Agency reported.

On Wednesday morning, after a short ceremony, Ground Force battalions and aviation corps from the snowy forests in northern China's Heilongjiang province immediately began a realistic war game exercise.

"It's unprecedented to jointly train with aviation units on the same day of the launch," said Xu Jiqiang, a tank specialist who has participated in annual training 15 times.

The Ground Force training is also moving from sole ground combat to a comprehensive system that incorporates both ground and air units, he added.

At a naval dock in the South China Sea, officers and soldiers loaded troops and equipment onto vessels, immediately dispatched ships, and practiced repelling plane and missile attacks from the air, according to Xinhua.

At the same time, officers onboard submarines in the East China Sea were shouting combat commands, simulating a real attack scenario where they had been detected by an enemy submarine.

Thousands of meters above ground, dozens of fully loaded Chinese warplanes from northern China practiced dogfights, ground-target missile strikes and long-distance travel in the blistering cold.

Yang Junqi, an officer with the PLA Air Force who led the flight team, said all the training was based on real combat standards. "The battle starts the moment the plane takes off," he said.

The Rocket Force practiced emergency formation and volley firing using missile carriers, aiming to become a strategic force that is accurate and devastating whenever necessary.

At a logistics base, more than 360 troops pledged their allegiance to the national flag before a day of intensive repair training. Sheng Wugang, a military engineer from the base, said the training added new malfunctions and other emergencies to test troops' ability to deal with the most dire and extreme situations.

In the cold Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, armed police officers were conducting wilderness survival and reconnaissance training across the barren desert, snowy plateaus and mountainous valleys.

While all the exercises were going on, all five theater commands of the PLA were on duty and closely monitoring the training in their regions. Zhang Qingfeng, an officer from the Western Theater Command, said: "The military is only as effective as the command it receives."

The commanders should focus on strategy, research and training for wars, and must understand how to cooperate and win wars with other branches of the military, he said.About 120 members of the Florida National Guard are being deployed to the Middle East.

Florida National Guard unit deploying to Middle East



Troops will be deployed for one year

Hundreds attended a ceremony in Lakeland on Sunday



The soldiers are members of the 3rd of the 116th Field Artillery Battalion. They'll be supporting Operation Spartan Shield, which includes defending the United States against the threat of terrorism and extremism and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, according to the United States Army.

This is the first field artillery combat mission within the Florida Army National Guard since WWII, according to the battalions high ranking leaders.

Hundreds attended the troops deployment ceremony in Lakeland on Sunday, held at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

These [troops] are going to be going into harms way. My wife and I will be praying for them every day just to make sure they come back safe, said Gov. Rick Scott, who attended the ceremony.

The soldiers will be deployed for one year. Its a long time for their loved ones.

Im sad about having to be alone for a whole year with our babies. Thats the worst part I guess, said Julia Beeson, whose husband is being deployed for the second time.

Its definitely going to be hard. This whole year was hard just thinking about it. Im hoping it will go by quickly, said Nicole Abrams, whose fiance is being deployed.

The couple plans to wed soon after he returns.

Governor Scott, a Navy veteran, said he knows first-hand what these families are going through.

You know it is nice now that theyll have a better time to talk to them through FaceTime, through Skype and things like that but still theyre not home, theyre not able to put in the bed, give them a hug. You really feel sorry for the families, Gov. Scott said.

Scott said the Florida National Guard has been deployed more than 100 times since September 11, 2001.SpaceX is looking ahead to its test launch of its Falcon Heavy rocket after a successful launch of a top-secret government payload Sunday night.

SpaceX launched 1st rocket of 2018 on Space Coast

Now, company turns its attention to Falcon Heavy test launch



RELATED: SpaceX launches mysterious Zuma mission

See all Florida launch schedules here

The launch of the "Zuma" payload marked the first launch of 2018 on the Space Coast.

A Falcon 9 rocket soared into the night sky after launching from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The Zuma mission is so secret that the government has not disclosed what agency the payload will be used for.

Less than 10 minutes after launch, SpaceX landed its first-stage booster back on land at the Air Force station.

The rocket, traveling at the speed of sound, created a sonic boom as it touched down.

Now, SpaceX will turn its attention to its Falcon Heavy rocket launch. SpaceX founder Elon Musk calls it the world's most powerful rocket.

A test firing is set for this week, and the test launch is set for the end of this month from the Space Coast.

"It will be not quite as big as the shuttle, but it's able to put a payload into space significantly larger than the shuttle, and it will be the biggest payload capability since the Saturn V that took us to the moon," said Dale Ketcham, vice president of Space Florida. "The neat thing about that is Elon Musk hasnt guaranteed it's going to work, but he has guaranteed its going to be exciting."

The Falcon Heavy will be capable of sending humans to the moon or Mars one day. To prove that, the Falcon Heavy will send a red Tesla Roadster to the orbit around Mars. Musk is also the founder of Tesla.

Not to be outdone, United Launch Alliance is also preparing for its first Space Coast launch of 2018 this month. An Atlas V rocket with an early-warning missile detector satellite is scheduled to launch Thursday, Jan. 18.A North Carolina school district is requiring students to have a doctor sign a medical form before they can apply lip balm on themselves.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools mom says son's lip balm confiscated

Email said lip moisturizer was considered medication, she says

Pediatrician: It's common to have parents sign forms for lotions, balms



A mother of a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools student was advised this week not to make an issue of what her son looked like after his lip balm was confiscated.

"His entire mouth is red, just raw from him licking his lips all day," the mother said.

A teacher later sent an email saying that her son's ChapStick had been confiscated.

"My child's lip moisturizer was considered a medication, and [they said] that I would need to complete a form," the mother said.

She said she was told that the school district requires a medical authorization form with a doctor's signature as well as a questionnaire indicating how often the student should take the medication.

The mother said a school nurse told her that ChapStick has ingredients to soothe and heal cracked lips, and therefore is medication.

The school district did not respond to repeated requests by Spectrum News for comment.

Dr. Holly Smith, a concierge pediatrician with Signature Health in Charlotte, said it's common to sign forms for lotions and lip balms.

"These over-the-counter products get classified as over-the-counter medications in the school's mind," Smith said.

Smith says dry skin is more a side effect of bitter cold, not necessarily a medical condition, "and it doesn't really require a doctor to make the diagnosis," Smith said.

Despite that, she said it's common to sign these type of forms when it comes to lotions and lip moisturizers.

"It takes time out of our day of taking care of patients to have to stop and fill out a form. ... Some practices will charge for various forms to be completed," Smith said.MEXICO CITY, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Mexican marines exchanged gunfire with a group of gunmen in the popular beach resort of Los Cabos, in North Mexico's Baja California Sur state, leaving seven dead, officials said on Sunday.

The state's Attorney General's Office (PGJE) said the clash took place late Saturday, as the marines headed to a neighborhood in San Jose del Cabo, one of two towns that comprise the resort, to investigate the sound of gunfire.

On the way, the marines detected armed men riding in two vehicles, both with U.S. license plates, in the road ahead of them and ordered them to stop, but they sped up in an attempt to flee while the occupants fired their guns.

As the chase continued, both vehicles eventually crashed into walls or barricades, though the four occupants of the second vehicle got out and continued to fire on the marines until they were killed.

Marines seized high-caliber weapons and vehicles in the operation.

The PGJE said it opened an investigation into the incident it said was "allegedly linked to criminal events that have taken place in the state."

In late December, authorities found bodies hanging from bridges near Los Cabos, in a sign that violent crime sparked by rival drug trafficking organizations is plaguing the state.BERLIN  A town councilor was arrested Saturday morning on a DUI charge.

Local police stopped JoAnnAngelico-Stetson, 56, of East Berlin on Middletown Road, just before 12:30 a.m. after an officer observed her failing to properly signal while making a left turn, according to an arrest summary.

Police said their investigation found Angelico-Stetson to be under the influence of alcohol, although the report doesnt indicate her blood-alcohol-content level. She was released on a $500 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Jan. 17.

Angelico-Stetson said Monday, I deeply regret my actions and fully accept all responsibility and consequences. My work on behalf of the Town of Berlin and its residents will not change based on this isolated incident. My commitment and dedication to the community I am honored to serve will continue. I humbly ask for your support as I deal with this matter constructively, thoughtfully, and proactively.

The Democratic town councilor was elected in November after previously serving on the Board of Education and is also a current member of the Economic Development Commission.

akus@record-journal.com

203-317-2448

Twitter: @KusReporterMERIDEN  Over the years, three generations of the Carrero family have arrived on camelback at the citys annual Three Kings Day celebration.

You know why Im happy today? Aida Carrero said. My husband was the first king, my son was a king and now its my grandson.

The event at the Meriden Public Library drew about 170 people on Sunday. It began more than 30 years ago, organized by Genaro and Aida Carrero, and has grown to include sponsorship by the library, Casa Boricua de Meriden and the city of Meriden.

The Carreros have since passed the torch to their 43-year-old son, Jerry, whose son Daniel, 15, played the part of the one of the kings Sunday, riding a camel and handing out gifts to kids.

Ive been doing it with my parents as long as I could remember, Jerry Carrero said. Its truly a community event. Its our religion but also its our culture.

Three Kings Day is especially popular in the Latin American countries.

Christmas is more Europe and the United States, Jerry Carrero said, but in South America, they really celebrate Thee Kings Day as a day to give presents.

Traditionally, kids put hay and water under the bed for the camels to receive their gifts. Aida Carrero said her kids use to dig up frozen grass from their yard to keep up the tradition.

Anabel Beltran Roman, executive director of Casa Boricua, said the agency invited Puerto Rican evacuee families with young children.

Karen Roesler, library director, said she remembers bringing her own children to the event more than 25 years ago.

Its just a happy day for everybody that comes, Roesler said.

The library is closed Sundays, but the building opens to host the event, which included live music in the teen center, refreshments in the Cook Room, gifts for children handed out by the kings, and a short film playing about the holiday in the Griffin Room and camel rides outside.

The camels, from Commerford Zoo in Goshen, wore an extra cover to guard against the cold.

ltakores@record-journal.com

203-317-2212

Twitter: @LCTakoresMERIDEN  Local police were at Maloney High School Monday morning to ease concerns of parents and students after an online threat was discovered that mentioned MHS.

Police said they were notified around 9:30 p.m. Sunday about the online threat that mentioned MHS. Principal Jennifer Straub sent out a robocall to parents notifying them of the situation, police said. The threat was deemed not credible and police noted there was an arrest in Virginia, where there is a Monticello High School.

Officers were at the school this morning but have since cleared and noted there were no issues.MERIDEN  Keith Gordon, fire chief of the South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department for the last 10 years, has retired after 27 years with the department.

Out of all the paperwork and all the aggravation, the best thing I got to enjoy was to go to somebodys house  and to help them, Gordon said. When they or their family came back to thank you for saving them, it was all worth it.

Gordon was instrumental in developing an entrance exam for new recruits, a fund drive, a night crew, and various other projects.

I enjoyed taking on a project and seeing it to completion and then starting something else, Gordon said. Ive never been somewherethat I hadnt left it in a way better position than I found it.

Gordon, 65, has also served as the director of asset protection and risk management for Adams Hometown Markets for about 23 years. He plans to move to Florida with his wife.

Gordon started with the South Meriden Fire Department as a EMT in 1991, about a year after moving to Meriden. After a few months, he realized he could do all the drills the firefighters could, so he became certified as a firefighter as well and now has a Fire Officer 2 certification. Before serving as chief, Gordon spent 10 years as deputy chief.

He started in emergency response when he was 18 years old in Levittown, New York. For more than 10 years he was a EMT with the Wantagh Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Even after moving up to Middletown in 1982, he served 12-hour shifts with the station whenever he went back to visit his mother.

He was inspired to become a EMT after his father died in a time when first responders were not trained in CPR. His first years with the ambulance corps consisted mostly of transporting patients to nursing homes and doctors appointments, but when Gordon became chief he expanded the service and started a night crew. The station then moved to a primary position answering 911 calls.

When he first moved to Middletown, Gordon also joined the Durham Ambulance Corps and worked at Middlesex Hospital as a paramedic assistant. At Middlesex, he helped develop a paramedic assistants program and won the American Hospital Association Award for Volunteer Excellence in the early 90s.

In South Meriden, Gordon started a fund drive to collect money for purchasing things they couldnt afford through the city budget. During his time, the department was able to buy a Jaws of Life extrication tool and got an inflatable boat donated by the Kiwanis Club, turbo engines from the Lions Club, and a Chevy Suburban from CT Light and Power. They painted and added lights to the donated vehicle to transport officials to scenes and to be able to send one person to medical calls, Gordon said.

Gordon also served on the Meriden City Council for 16 years, beginning in 1995. With the help of the Board of Education, he started a program for teaching every high school junior CPR before their senior year.

As a volunteer firefighter and a volunteer fire chief, not only that, as a city councilor  he was a big advocate for public safety, Meriden Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Dunn said, pointing to the Adopt a Hydrant program. Hes a champion of public safety.

Gordon will be replaced by Steve Legere. Legere has served as the deputy chief for 10 years and as a volunteer for 21 years.

(Hes) a smart man, very organized, and I think hell do well, Gordon said of his successor.

bwright@record-journal.com

203-317-2316

Twitter: @baileyfaywrightThis weekend features a January run up to Castle Craig, a chance to shop for weddings at the Oakdale Bridal Expo, and a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Peabody Museum.

Want your weekend event listed? Contact Bailey Wright at BWright@record-journal.com

MERIDEN

Bernie Jurale Tradition Run

When: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday

Where: Hubbard Park, 999 West Main St.

Description: The 49th annual run brings together a few hundred runners each winter up to Castle Craig. The run starts at 10:30 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m. There is no charge to participate. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the maintenance facility in Hubbard Park.

Sportscard and Memorabilia Show

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday

Where: Orville H. Platt High School, 220 Coe Ave.

Description: The show will feature the latest in wax boxes and packs, rookie cards, jersey cards, autograph cards, inserts, vintage cards, supplies and more.

Platt High School Cheerleaders Paint Night

When: 7-9 p.m., Friday

Where: Holy Angels Gym, 585 Main St.

Description: The Platt High School Cheerleaders will host a "Paris in Winter" fundraiser painting night. Tickets are $40 per person and WEPA Art Studio will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to the cheerleaders.

WALLINGFORD

Kids Cooking Class

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday

Where: ShopRite, 846 North Colony Rd.

Description: Kids will learn basic cooking skills and get to help the instructor, Marisa, prepare a meal.

Oakdale Bridal Expo

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday

Where: Oakdale Theatre, 95 South Turnpike Rd.

Description: KC101 will host its 3rd annual wedding and bridal expo, featuring The Lights Camera DJs, food samples, vacation packages, photographers, and day spas. Tickets are $5 at the door.

SOUTHINGTON

Bread for Life Paint Party

When: 2-5 p.m., Sunday

Where: Bread for Life, 31 Vermont Ave.

Description: Bread for Life will host a BYOB fundraising paint party with d'oeuvres and coffee. Artist Chris Brown will guide painters to create a winter scene with a snowman and quote. Tickets are $35 with all proceeds bbenefiting Bread for Life. Register by Jan. 11 by contacting missy@southingtonbreadforlife.org or 860-276-8389.

Basics 101 Essential Oils Class

When: 10:15-11:45 a.m., Saturday

Where: 495 Spring st.

Description: A Drop of Oily Wellness will host a free class about essential oils and chemical-free living, including what to avoid in cleaners and personal care products.

CHESHIRE

Library After Hours: Spirits Alive

When: 6-7 p.m., Friday

Where: Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St.

Description: The library will host the Cheshire Historical Society's Spirits Alive show. There is no admission fee, but registration is encouraged as seating is limited. Snacks and soft drinks will be available for sale from the Friends of the Library.

The Reluctant Dragon Puppet Show

When: 2:30-3:15 p.m., Saturday

Where: Artsplace, CPFA, 1220 Waterbury Rd.

Description: The free puppet show will be performed by Lion Heart Puppets and is suitable for kids ages 4 to 11. Call to reserve a spot in advance at 203-272-2787.

NEW HAVEN

22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice

When: 12-4 p.m., Sunday

Where: Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave.

Description: The weekend's event will include world-class performers, community open mics and educational activities for all ages. There will also be special Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. programming, including the 9th annual Teen Summit, Professional Poetry Slam and art contest. Admission is free. The program will continue Monday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HARTFORD

Exhibit Tour of That's Weird

When: 2 p.m., Saturday

Where: Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library, 1 Elizabeth St.

Description: Join the historical society for a guided tour of their That's Weird exhibit every Saturday from Nov. 18 to April 28. Admission is free.

Extreme Pint Brewfest

When: 4-8 p.m., Saturday

Where: Polish National Home of Hartford, Inc., 60 Charter Oak Ave.

Description: Tickets are $65 and include admission to the BooYah concert, a commemorative glass and a prefixed buffet from the Polish National Home of Hartford. Over 20 breweries will be featured, including Goose Island, Stony Creek, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and City Steam Brewery.

bwright@record-journal.com

203-317-2316

Twitter: @baileyfaywrightJERUSALEM, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- A total of 35 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip at Israel in 2017, compared with 15 in 2016 and 21 in 2015, according to the statistics from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the number of "terror" attacks either in the West Bank or by "terrorists" who came from the West Bank totaled 99 in 2017, a substantial drop from 269 in 2016 and 226 in 2015, the IDF statistics reported.

The IDF said that 20 people were killed and 169 wounded in "terror" attacks in 2017, while 17 killed and 263 wounded in 2016. In 2015, in total, 28 people were killed and 360 wounded.

A total of 42 weapon workshops which were believed to have been used to manufacture firearms were uncovered or sealed, while 455 guns that were illegally owned by Palestinians were confiscated by the Israeli army, according to the IDF figures.

In retaliation to the rocket attacks, the IDF struck 59 targets in the Gaza Strip in 2017, including rocket launches and training camps, weapons production sites, observation posts and more, according to the IDF's figures.

As for the rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, the IDF said it holds Hamas responsible for all rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.In the weeks after Stephen K. Bannons ouster from the Trump White House last August, his flagship organization Breitbart News verged, at times, on a Bannon vanity project.

Ads on the website promoted fidget spinners emblazoned with Bannons likeness ($7.95 each) and a 212-page hagiography  Bannon: Always the Rebel, by Keith Koffler. Breitbart writers were dispatched to Alabama to boost the Senate bid of Bannons preferred candidate, Roy S. Moore.

But as Moores loss last month suggested, Bannons influence only stretches so far  a lesson that he is now confronting in humbling terms, as his leadership of Breitbart, arguably the most influential right-wing website, is suddenly in doubt.

Bannons belief that his own cult of personality could satisfy Breitbart readers has run into the fallout from his brazen criticisms of President Donald Trump, published by Michael Wolff in the book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

Once seen as a champion of Trumpism, Bannon has been reduced to Sloppy Steve, as Trump phrased it, with the White House urging Breitbart to consider removing Bannon. The quoted remarks have roiled not just members of his pro-Trump Breitbart audience, but also a major patron, heiress Rebekah Mercer, who controls a minority stake in the site, where Bannon serves as executive chairman.

The question now: Does Bannon need Breitbart News more than Breitbart News needs Bannon?

People who go to Breitbart dont go there everyday because they give a damn about Steve Bannon, said Kurt Bardella, a former Breitbart spokesman. We could be looking at a new world order here in terms of who will occupy the space of Donald Trumps preferred conservative platform.

Bannon appears to be trying to stay at Breitbart. His penance began on Sunday, with a public statement in which he attempted to distance himself from his portrayal in Wolffs book. For one thing, he claimed, his description of a 2016 meeting between Russians and Donald J. Trump Jr. as treasonous was intended to criticize Donald Trumps former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, not the presidents son.

Media figures more famous than Bannon have learned the hard way that audiences tend to remain loyal to institutions, rather than individuals. For Bannon, the possibility of losing control of Breitbart  the vehicle that propelled him into the national spotlight, and eventually the highest echelons of power  could present a significant test to his potency as a leader of a political and cultural movement.

Among the most unsettling developments for the Bannon camp was losing the support of Mercer, a hard-line conservative donor, who said on Thursday that her family had ceased communicating with Bannon and denounced his statements in the Wolff book. I have a minority interest in Breitbart News and I remain committed in my support for them, Mercer said in a statement.

Perhaps luckily for Bannon, Mercer cannot unilaterally dismiss him from his company. Bannons fate was probably in the hands of Breitbarts other owners  the family of Andrew Breitbart, the founder, who died in 2012, and its chief executive, Larry Solov, the former Breitbart News general counsel and childhood friend of its founder.

Representatives of Bannon and Breitbart News did not respond to inquiries over the weekend about Bannons future at the site.

Under Bannon, who assumed stewardship after Breitbarts death, Breitbart News moved from a scorched-earth fringe site  known mostly for publishing incendiary articles that were deemed sexist, racist and xenophobic  to an unlikely voice for disaffected conservatives and a rallying place for passionate supporters of Trump.

Its readers remain faithful to the president, a fact that Bannon seemed to acknowledge in his statement on Sunday.

I am the only person to date to conduct a global effort to preach the message of Trump and Trumpism, and I remain ready to stand in the breach for this presidents efforts to make America great again, he wrote.

Bannons aggressive style and creative agitprop were clear factors in Breitbarts recent success. On Facebook, its reach now rivals news organizations like Yahoo and The Washington Post. The site hired correspondents in Europe and the Middle East, and poached reporters from establishment news organizations like The Wall Street Journal.

In Washington, Bannon kept a residence at the so-called Breitbart Embassy, a Capitol Hill townhouse controlled by the site, where he courted candidates and threw VIP-filled soirees. A recent book party for Laura Ingraham, the Fox News host, attracted prominent journalists and White House officials.

But as Bannon nurtured his real-world aspirations, Breitbarts audience waned from the heights of last years presidential race. In November, the site received 13.7 million unique visitors in the United States, according to data from comScore, down about 20 percent from last January. It also lost advertisers who did not want their brands to appear alongside Breitbart articles.

The site struggled for acceptance in other ways, too. Despite employing a full-time reporter in the White House, Breitbarts application for congressional press credentials was denied. Its hunt for a larger headquarters in Washington was stymied by some commercial landlords who were uncomfortable about housing the business.

Bannon, a tenacious and shrewd operator, may yet cling to his Breitbart chairmanship, and Trump is known to re-embrace associates even after public defenestrations. The campaign manager whom he fired in 2016, Corey Lewandowski, remains a close adviser.

On Sunday afternoon, a blaring, all-capital-letters headline on Breitbart.com announced to readers that, reports notwithstanding, its leader was sticking with their cause. Steve Bannon Issues Statement, the headline read. My Support Is Unwavering for Trump and His Agenda.ALIGARH, India  Signs and banners for Paytm, Indias biggest digital payments service, festoon Pooran Singhs cellphone shop, where people drop in all day to add data or talk time to their prepaid phones.

Yet few of these people actually use Paytm at the store, which straddles two dusty streets in this sleepy north Indian city in which tractors jostle with cows for space on the narrow roads.

People recharge in cash, Singh said, after a young man handed him 20 rupees (about 32 cents) to top up his mothers phone.

The scene in Singhs shop underscores a persistent reality of Indias economy: People prefer cash for most routine transactions, despite intensive efforts by the government and global technology companies to lure them onto digital platforms.

Indias reluctance to give up paper money poses challenges for the firms that are vying to offer electronic payments, including local players like Paytm, which has received financing from the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, and American tech companies, like Facebook, Google and PayPal.

Cash is convenient, said Caesar Sengupta, who oversees Googles products for emerging markets. Its anonymous. You can use it everywhere.

Even so, tech companies see Indias low rate of digital payments as an opportunity. They all cite China, where in just a few years, mobile payments became so popular that it is now difficult to get through the day with cash alone.

In India, were going to see a similar rise, Sengupta said in November, shortly after Google introduced Tez, a payments app for India.

One reason for tech companies optimism is that digital payments in India have increased during the past year. The value of transactions using digital wallets, the business on which Paytm was built, rose 64 percent from December 2016 to December 2017. Transactions made with the Unified Payments Interface, a government-backed technology used by Tez and many other mobile apps, went from virtually nothing a year ago to $2.1 billion last month.

Leading Indias budding payments shift are Paytm and its chief executive, Vijay Shekhar Sharma.

Sharma founded the company seven years ago as a way for cellphone users to pay their bills online. It is now Indias largest consumer-payments app, with 302 million account holders and 90 million active users.

Customers can use it to buy goods at physical stores, book movie or airline tickets, send money to each other or order items from Paytms online mall. A transaction requires a quick scan of a merchants bar code or a few taps on a smartphone, rivaling Apple Pay or Venmo in simplicity.

Sharma aspires to put his company at the center of Indians financial lives, and he has pledged to spend $1.9 billion over the next two years toward that goal.

(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)

Our truest ambition is for Paytm to be known as the bank for this new-age, digital, mobile world, he said in an interview at the companys headquarters in Noida, just outside Delhi.

Merchants like Singh are crucial to Paytms plans.

The company pays Singh a bounty of 20 rupees for each of the eight or so customers he signs up each month, with additional payments if a newcomer continues to use the service. He earns an additional 18 rupees each time he verifies the identity of an existing Paytm user with his fingerprint scanner, a new requirement imposed by the government on all digital wallet companies.

Singhs phone shop has also become a virtual ATM for Paytms nascent banking division, which plans to turn 100,000 shops across India into mini-branches where customers can deposit and withdraw cash, get a loan and buy insurance policies.

We really want to reach the underserved, underbanked customer, said Renu Satti, who leads the Paytm bank.

(END OPTIONAL TRIM.)

Paytms strategy dovetails with the goals of Indias central government. Narendra Modi, who became prime minister in 2014, has sought to recast his country as digital India, and his government has heavily promoted cashless transactions.

In November 2016, Modi suddenly banned most of Indias currency. The edict forced people to exchange their rupees for new notes at banks, setting off a short-term cash crunch and prompting many Indians to consider digital options.

Still, the countrys cash economy has endured.

Only one-third of Indias 1.3 billion residents have access to the internet. Of those who are able to go online, just 14 percent make mobile payments at least once a week, according to Kantar TNS, a research firm based in London.

Consumer trust is a big issue. Ghani Khan, who was finishing a snack with his wife at Aligarhs lone McDonalds, said that someone had once stolen 3,300 rupees, what would be about $52 now, from his Paytm account.

People feel scared to use these apps, Khan said. Although he got his money back, he now avoids payment apps, preferring to use cash or his debit card. (Paytm says that most such problems are related to thieves who call users and persuade them to turn over sensitive account data.)

(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)

Merchants also worry that officials are promoting digital transactions as a way to better track commerce  and collect more taxes.

Anusheel Shrivastava, a top Kantar executive in India, said his firm found that 6 percent of mobile phone users made at least one digital transaction a day in 2017, up from 2 percent in 2016.

That number is likely to increase further when WhatsApp, the messaging service owned by Facebook, adds payments to its service in the next few months.

Paytm stands out in part because of the 10,000 employees that it has in the field to help new businesses use the service, educate existing ones about new features and troubleshoot problems. There are about 6 million merchants in its network, from giant multinationals like Uber to tiny neighborhood sweet shops.

We have to train them, we have to retrain them, we have to visit them, said Yashwin Gupta, who oversees a team of 65 Paytm representatives in the region that includes Aligarh. Thats our daily job.

The job is getting easier now that Paytm is better known.

Last month, Mukesh Gupta sought Paytms help in setting up the service for his toy shop here after 10 to 20 percent of his customers asked to pay with Paytm. People like to spend money on more than just needs, he said.

(END OPTIONAL TRIM.)

Aligarh, with 1.2 million residents, is a barometer for Paytms progress because it is a midsize city, and because Sharma, the companys chief executive, grew up nearby.

On one visit home, he said, he met a Hindi-speaking merchant who did not know how to get money out of Paytm and into his bank.

The problem? Paytms app for merchants was in English, and the icons were not clear enough for those who did not speak the language. Paytm soon developed a Hindi version.

In recent months, skeptics have questioned whether Paytm can maintain its growth. The new regulations requiring customer verification could turn off some customers. The company is also spending heavily on incentives, such as giving cash back on certain purchases and free credit-card processing for merchants.

Sharma said such expenses were necessary investments.

The only way to grow digital transactions is to make them free, he said. This is a culturally different country being built.Details have been released on the city of San Antonios first seven CivTechSA projects  a new partnership with Geekdom aimed at finding ambitious startups to help solve some local problems, for free.

While the winning companies dont get paid, they get a 16-week residency with the city where they can embed with officials and access city data to tackle the problem. They can also sell their products back to the city or to other municipalities.

CivTechSAs first projects include developing tech solutions for the Animal Care Services Department, San Antonio International Airport and Alamodome. The group posted its list of challenges on LinkedIn last week.

RELATED: San Antonio company debuts gaming device at consumer tech show in Las Vegas

The citys Office of Innovation partnered with co-working space Geekdom to launch the program, and a special committee will choose in March the first three companies to participate in the residency, which is scheduled for April through July, Joyce Deuley, program manager of CivTechSA at Geekdom, wrote in a Jan. 2 LinkedIn post.

Residents will then present their solutions to the City of San Antonio in a Demo Day slated sometime in the Fall, according to the post.

The request for proposals, which is where companies can bid to be selected, goes live on Jan. 12, CivTechSA said in a tweet.

From the startups perspective it works more like an incubator, and so well incubate their ideas, Jose De La Cruz, chief innovation officer for San Antonio, said in a previous interview. They wont necessarily be paid for the startup residency, but if at the end of the residency, they provide a product, the city could choose to purchase that product.

Click through the slideshow above to see what challenges the city wants companies to tackle.Oprah Winfrey accepted a lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes by saying she hopes, as the first black women to accept the honor, that it has an impact on all young girls watching the award ceremony.

The actress and media mogul accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award on Sunday, Jan. 7, and received a lengthy standing ovation. Then she spoke about the feelings she had as a young girl watching Sidney Poitier win the best actor Academy Award in 1964. Winfrey likened the pride she felt watching Poitier, the first black man to win the best best actor Oscar, to the impact she hoped she could have on today's youth.

RELATED: Golden Globes red carpet transformed by black dress protest

Winfrey also addressed the sexual misconduct scandal roiling Hollywood and beyond.

"I want to say I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times," she said. "Which brings me to this: What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. I'm especially proud and inspired by all the women who felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories."

Winfrey also alluded to the story of Recy Taylor, an African-American woman who was beaten and raped in 1944 in Alabama after she left church.

"Recy Taylor died 10 days ago," Winfrey told the audience. "She lived too many years in a culture broken by brutally powerful men. Women were not believed." Then, referencing sexual abusers and harassers in Hollywood and everywhere today, she warned, "their time is up."

RELATED: Recy Taylor: Here's the Story of the Woman Oprah Praised at the Golden Globes

She then thanked the "magnificent women" and "phenomenal men," both in the room and not, who she said are "fighting hard to make sure they are the leaders to take us to the time where nobody has to say 'me too' again."

Winfrey's powerful speech also inspired those watching to tweet about her running for president in 2020.

Reese Witherspoon introduced Winfrey and described their friendship, forged over long sessions in a makeup trailer while filming "A Wrinkle in Time." Witherspoon said sitting in the room with her was like taking the best business classes, and her hugs could end wars.

SFGATE's Alyssa Pereira contributed to this report.The big news out of the 2018-19 season announcement for The Playhouse San Antonio is that the theater is getting a new name: The Public Theater of San Antonio.

We want San Antonio to know were their theater, said George Green, the theaters CEO and artistic director. If you go back to the inception of the organization, it was built for the citizens of San Antonio. Over 100-plus years, this organization has evolved to serve the needs of the time and of the city.

And we want to make sure that we push access as a major part of who we are, so thats the vision statement  theater for all.

Green was to make the announcement at a party at the theater Sunday evening. The new name takes effect immediately.

The idea of rebranding has been in the works since Greens first day on the job in the summer of 2016, he said.

Weve gone through almost two years of ideas, he said. Weve done lot of work. Its not just, Hey, lets change our name.

The companys home base in San Pedro Park opened in 1930 as the San Antonio Little Theater, but the organizations roots go back a few decades earlier, to the San Antonio Dramatist Club, which began in 1912.

Omar Leos, president of the board, said the new name reflects the organizations history.

It was the first city-owned, publicly built theater in the country. Since it was created by the city and of the city, I think its so appropriate that the name says that, Leos said. Thats what the intention was.

The spaces previous names  San Antonio Little Theater, the San Pedro Playhouse and The Playhouse San Antonio  will be honored with metal signs depicting each logo that will be displayed in the lobby. The new name and logo will also be featured.

Hopefully, people can recognize that and understand we are not throwing away the past, said Green, adding that the theater is also creating an online archive tracing its history.

The theater is continuing its transition toward becoming a professional Actors Equity company, a move that began last year. Equity represents actors and stage managers across the country. Among the steps that will be taken next season is that every production will have an Equity stage manager, and more Equity contracts will be offered to actors.

Another element new to the theaters programming is a cabaret series that is under development. It will include Broadway Nights, the weekly series that Rebecca Trinidad created and hosted at the Woodlawn Theatre for five years. She announced in December that the Woodlawn run was ending but that the show was being reformatted and would resurface in 2018.

The Publics 2018-19 season on the Russell Hill Rogers stage is as follows. All but two of the five shows have come through on tour but have never been staged by a San Antonio company. A sixth show will be announced Feb. 8.

Disneys Newsies: The much-adored musical is adapted from the 1992 movie based on the real-life newsboys strike of 1899. A touring edition played the Majestic Theatre in 2015. Green is directing this one. Sept. 14-Oct. 14.

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914: The third go-round for this revue, a powerful look at the real-life armistice that occurred on the front lines during the first Christmas of World War I. The Marcsmen, the mens a cappella ensemble that has participated every year, will once again take part in the production. Bill Gundry directs. Nov. 23-Dec. 23.

Rent: The rock musical has been done in San Antonio  its come through on tour, and its been staged at the Woodlawn Theatre and at the Sheldon Vexler Theatre  but it has never been done at The Public. The show follows a group of 20-something artists struggling to support themselves as they follow their respective muses. David Nanny directs. Jan. 25, 2019 -Feb. 17, 2019.

Once: The musical is adapted from the 2007 movie about a couple of musicians who meet cute and wind up falling hard for one another. The score includes the Oscar-winning song Falling Slowly. A touring edition played the Majestic Theatre in 2015. Molly Cox directs. May 17-June 9, 2019.

Matilda: The Musical: The musical is adapted from Roald Dahls tale about a neglected little girl who discovers that she has surprising powers and puts them to use to combat the many bullies in her life. A touring production played the Majestic last year. Ken Urso directs. July 12-Aug. 11, 2019.

The Cellar Theater season holds:

Fun Home: A touring production played at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts last year, but The Public will be the first San Antonio theater to produce it. The musical is based on Alison Bechdels graphic memoir dealing with, among other things, her coming out and her discovery that her father had been closeted. Molly Cox directs. Oct. 19-Nov. 18.

An Infinite Ache: David Schulners one-act begins with an awkward first date then speeds through the couples possible life together. The director will be announced later. Dec. 28, 2018-Jan. 20, 2019.

Daddy Long Legs: The musical is about a young orphan whose schooling is paid for by an anonymous benefactor, to whom she is required to write monthly letters. Through her correspondence and her growing relationship with a roommates uncle, she gradually transforms into an independent woman. The director will be announced later. March 1-17, 2019.

Freuds Last Session: Mark St. Germains play offers a far-ranging discussion between Dr. Sigmund Freud and writer C.S. Lewis. David Rinear directs. April 19-May 12, 2019.

Sink, Florida, Sink: This world premiere will be the first offering in the theaters Fresh Ink Theater Program, which aims to nurture the creation of new work. Playwright David Kimple will begin workshopping the script in the next few months, Green said. Lana Russell directs. June 14-30, 2019.

Real Women Have Curves: Teatro Audaz, the Latinx company in residence at the theater, will stage Josefina Lopezs play in which a group of Latinas talk about their lives while sewing in a Los Angeles factory. Omar Leos directs. July 12-Aug. 11, 2019.

Deborah Martin is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | dlmartin@express-news.net | @DeborahMartinENBRIDGEPORTDuck hunters ran afoul of Black Rock residents Monday after their gun blasts sounded near Captains Cove.

Reports of gunfire arent unheard of in the area, but the blasts usually come from inland.

Police responded to the reports around 1:45 p.m. in what is an annual spate of complaints about duck hunters.

Captains Cove employees are used to the hunters.

We just kind of tolerate it, said Bruce Williams, VP of Captains Cove. It does get your attention ... bang, bang.

Connecticut hunters are barred from firing their weapons within 500 feet of structures, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Bridgeport police did not find any wrongdoing, according to department dispatch reports.Army Pfc. Ryan Brisson of Waterford has received a Soldier's Medal, the highest award for noncombat heroism.

Brisson received the award from Gen. Mark Milley, Army chief of staff, during a ceremony at 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Headquarters in Fort Campbell, Ky.

Brisson was one of six soldiers assigned to C Troop, 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team who earned the medal in recognition of heroic actions rescuing four crew members following a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash at Fort Campbell.

"I'm very humbled to be a part of this," Milley told the medal recipients. "I've been in the Army for 40 years and I've only seen a few Soldier's Medals. It's a very rare thing. What you (soldiers) did took tremendous courage. You knew it was very likely you would be hurt yourself, but you did it anyway. You make anyone who has been associated with the 101st enormously proud."

The aircraft, flown by four crew members from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade crashed into a forest on the installation shortly after takeoff. According to eyewitness accounts, the location of the crash, and the fact that the aircraft suffered major fuselage damage and was inverted, created a complex scene.

"The way it landed upside down in the ravine made it very difficult to access the crew," said 1st Sgt. Adolfo Dominguez. "It also began to catch fire very quickly. The whole experience opened our eyes that these emergencies can happen. But it was amazing to see the soldiers' mentality of: 'I will do anything I have to do in order to save these pilots' lives.'"

Brisson and the other soldiers used water, fire extinguishers and soil to control the fire, which allowed them to remove and treat three of the injured crew members. They then performed multiple immediate and inventive actions to remove the trapped crew chief from the still-burning wreckage.

"What this unit (rescuers) did, from the time the incident happened, was pure agility and pure instinct," Lt. Col. Adisa King, squadron commander, said. "When you know that your brother is down, nothing is going to stop you. We talk about leaving no soldier behind, and they proved that. It didn't matter what it took to get that crew and those pilots out, these soldiers were going to do it."

Families, friends and fellow soldiers attended the awards ceremony. One individual had an extremely close connection to the incident. Spc. Grant Long, 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st CAB crew chief, was on board the helicopter and was injured in the crash. In a touching moment, Milley invited Long to help him pin the medals on the soldiers who saved his life.

Col. Derek Thomson, 1st BCT commander, described the actions taken by the soldiers.

"Brisson displayed exceptionally courageous initiative when he, without orders or guidance and complete disregard for his own safety in the face of life-threatening danger, cut free two crewmen from the crashed UH-60 Black Hawk," Thomson said. "Brisson also crawled into the wreckage to help dislodge one of those crewmen who was trapped, ultimately saving his life."

Brisson moved into intense flames, heavy smoke and violent explosions to help rescue the crew, according to Thomson. First, he moved to the right side pilot who was in pain and stuck upside down with his harness still on. Brisson immediately pulled his own knife out, cut the pilot's harness, and with the assistance of others, pulled him from the aircraft.

"When I first got there, I saw a couple soldiers hanging upside down. They were still strapped in," Brisson said. "I used my Gerber to cut his belt, and he fell down from the seat."

Brisson then quickly moved to the left side crew chief, who, was stuck in his harness, and also cut him free. The crew chief dropped to the ground but his foot was pinned between the collapsed engine and aircraft paneling, only inches from the spreading fire. During this initial attempt to recover the crew chief, Brisson was mere feet from the flames and was breathing in dense smoke.

"The second soldier was also trapped, and I could see the flames were nearing his back," he said. "I just acted on instinct, when I saw he was in pain. I wasn't thinking about how dangerous it was, I just thought if it was me, I hope they would help get me out. I have a brother in the Army and I hope someone would help him out in a situation like that."

Brisson then joined the group effort to free the fourth crew chief, showing extreme bravery by crawling into the burning wreckage to try to cut the boots off of the crew chief. Brisson aided in the rescue efforts longer than any other soldier on the scene.

The other soldiers who earned the medal are Staff Sgt. Beau Corder, Memphis, Tenn.; Staff Sgt. Richard Weaver, Indianapolis; Staff Sgt. Engel Becker, Miami; Sgt. Damon Seals, Sparta, Tenn.; and Spc. Christopher White, Harmony, Pa.

News of your troops and units can be sent to Duty Calls, Terry Brown, Times Union, Box 15000, Albany, NY 12212 or brownt@timesunion.com.French President Emmanuel Macron's first state visit to China begins Monday, as Chinese experts express hope the young and energetic leader will help enhance China-EU relations.

China attaches great importance to its relations with France, which has recently become a more prominent leader in Europe and global affairs, Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs of Renmin University of China, told the Global Times.

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Macron will pay a state visit to China from Monday to Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Friday.

"This is Macron's first state visit to China, which is of important significance as it will carry on the past and open the future. During the visit, the two heads of state will comprehensively review and look into the future of China-France relations," and "bring the close and enduring China-France comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights," Geng said.

Macron is a symbol of the future for Europe and to some extent even representative of the West, Wang said. With Angela Merkel struggling to form a cabinet and Teresa May preoccupied with Brexit, Macron and France have moved to a more prominent position in Europe, he said.

France's role

"Both China and France are permanent members of the UN Security Council, and China-France relations extend far beyond their bilateralism and have global significance," Geng said at a press conference.

After Brexit, France will become the only nuclear power and the only permanent member of the UN Security Council in the EU. Compared to Merkel, young Macron represents the future of the EU and his visit also represents the pragmatic cooperation between China and the EU, Wang said. "France can help China explore more diplomatic space in the EU."

A delegation of 50 business executives, from nuclear giants EDF and Areva, aircraft maker Airbus and hotels group Accor, as well as representatives of the French beef, pork and milk lobbies are expected to travel with Macron. Airbus is in talks to sell 100 or more jetliners to China, Reuters reported on Friday.

"Although France's role and influence in the West has been suddenly enhanced due to Trump and Brexit, it doesn't mean France will dominate the Sino-French relationship," said Song Luzheng, a research fellow at the China Institute of Fudan University in Shanghai.

Apart from trade issues, jointly safeguarding globalization and free trade, cooperation on climate change and terrorism, Song says there are other issues Macron should consider. Making France the first major Western power to provide visa-free entry to Chinese tourists and declaring France a strong partner to promote the Belt and Road initiative are important issues, Song said.

Without such breakthroughs, "the visit would be just showing that the two countries have maintained their relationship and demonstrate their shared stance in safeguarding globalization and free trade to the US and the world," he said.

During the visit, Xi will host state events for Macron. Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhang Dejiang will also meet him separately. The two sides will exchange in-depth views on China-France relations and issues of common interest.

Apart from Beijing, Macron will also visit Xi'an, the capital city of Shaanxi Province.

Visiting Xi'an, an ancient capital of China, is a tradition of previous French presidents' state visits to China.

"Apart from showing respect to Chinese culture, the arrangement may also represent France's attitude to the Belt and Road initiative, because Xi'an is the origin of the ancient Silk Road," Wang said.Frozen pipes and heating problems have closed a number of schools in southwest Connecticut.

Fairfield Ludlowe High School is closed Monday due to frozen water pipes.

Park City Magnet School, at 1526 Chopsey Hill Road in Bridgeport is also closed due to burst pipes, according to Av Harris, Bridgeports director of legislative affairs and public policy.

Harris said some pipes burst in a second-floor bathroom, causing flooding in a hall way, one or two classrooms and the schools cafeteria.

Fairfield Wheeler School in Bridgeport is also closed because of heat related problems in the building.

A burst pipe has also closed Dunbar Elementary School in Bridgeport.

The Gaelic-American Club in Fairfield is also closed Monday because of a burst water pipe.

In Norwalk, following the extreme cold this weekend, Wolfpit Elementary School had no heat Monday morning.

All arriving students, both those on buses and walkers, were transported by school buses to Norwalk High School for classes Monday.

Students will return to Wolfpit for dismissal this afternoon was usual, school officials said.College presidents today must be prepared to manage their campuses reputations and maintain student safety amid man-made and natural crises, a report out this fall from the Journal of Education Advancement and Marketing found.

Crisis-prone universities are vulnerable to threats of violence, due to their open access to the public, and other risks in an era of student protest and political division, State University of New York at Albany professor Eric Stern and communications administrator Joseph Brennan wrote in the report.

This has significant implications for the way that universities select and prepare not only their leaders, but also those who advise and support top leadership in crisis situations, they wrote.

Texas campuses in 2017 perhaps typified the crises  both man-made and natural  that universities must navigate.

Universities and colleges in Houston feared the worst when Hurricane Harvey approached in August. Though largely physically unscathed, campuses here had to assist their students, many of whom suffered damaged homes, and reorganize course schedules.

Presidents and other university administrators communicated often with students and their families in an effort to ease concerns and spread important information.

Violence near the University of Virginias campus in August put schools nationwide on edge as students and staff feared that protests would turn violent at their colleges, too.

A white nationalist shortly after announced a White Lives Matter event at Texas A&M University for Sept. 11, which the university later canceled. Regents supported the university's decision to call off the event.

One University of Texas at Austin student died in a stabbing by a fellow student in May as rumors spread on social media about a potential second attacker.

UT-Austin President Greg Fenves validated students feelings in a news conference after the attack: There is fear, and that fear is justified We have lots of emotions, including fear and distrust, and we recognize there is tremendous pain among the student body.

Colleges long recruited academics to lead their institutions, but in recent years, boards have hired leaders with business experience, recognizing that leading institutions with massive budgets and thousands of employees takes management expertise.

But the fall report indicates that apart from business acumen, crisis communications expertise may be a commodity that search committees should also seek in college presidents.

The authors recommend that university leaders study reputational threats in addition to safety preparedness as they consider how to respond to crises.

Colleges and universities sometimes seem to almost purposefully have been designed to produce crises, the authors wrote, citing open access to criminals and the passionate debate that occurs on college campuses.

Lindsay Ellis writes about higher education for the Chronicle. You can follow her on Twitter and send her tips at lindsay.ellis@chron.com.In a yellow-brick farmhouse, down a rural road in southwestern Ontario, Grant and Ada Triebner lived a quiet life together.

A collection of family photographs offers glimpses into their decades-long marriage: Ada, posing in her white, lace-trimmed ballgown and Grant in his suit on their wedding day. The smiling couple holding children, then grandchildren, in their arms. Ada and Grant sharing a kiss for the camera in their later years, their graying hair a testament to the durability of their love. Grant playing the violin, riding a motorcycle, or driving a tractor around their property.

It was outside their beloved farmhouse in the small municipality of Bluewater, after a bitterly cold night last week, that Grant and Ada Triebner died together within hours of each other, police told Canadian news outlets.

Grant Triebner was found dead inside an open barn on his snow-covered property Wednesday morning, having suffered a fatal "medical event," provincial police told the Canadian Press in a statement.

Wanting to check on her husband, police said, Ada Triebner stepped out of her farmhouse and into the frigid cold, amid temperatures that dropped to about 14 degrees Fahrenheit. She died from exposure to the extreme cold, police said.

"The kind and loving husband and father suffered from a massive heart attack," an obituary read, "and his loving and supportive wife died trying to save the love of her life."

Police found the couple during a welfare check at about 9 a.m. Wednesday morning and released their causes of death on Thursday.

Their deaths came amid an "unseasonable deep freeze that's gripped Southwestern Ontario," local newspaper the London Free Press reported. The tragic ending stunned members of their small rural community. But their story also reached strangers far beyond Ontario, underscoring the dangers of the unusually cold temperatures sweeping across Canada and the U.S.

The municipality of Bluewater mourned the deaths of the Triebners on Facebook, and warned residents to help safeguard their neighbors during this time of extreme cold, "particularly those who are elderly, with health issues, or simply living alone."

"Let's blanket this community with all the warmth Bluewater is capable of and keep each other safe," the municipality posted on Facebook.

Relatives described the Triebners as an inseparable couple that loved their church, their family and their home. Before they both retired, Ada Triebner worked as a schoolteacher, and Grant Triebner as a cash crop farmer, their longtime neighbor Jim Rowe told the London Free Press. Grant Triebner also drove a school bus, and many of his long-ago students shared memories of him in condolence notes on the funeral site.

"Grant was my bus driver for years," a note from Jackie Westelaken reads. "He was a kind man with a great sense of humour. We always had nice chats as I was often the last to be dropped off."

The couple lived "unencumbered in a world that sometimes has an appetite for greed," their niece, Ethel-Lori Triebner, wrote in a tribute in the London Free Press.

Through the years, they took care of each other, overcoming the death of their son, Mark, in 1987, to cystic fibrosis.

A family friend, Annette Gilbert, recalled in a condolence note on the funeral home site how Grant Triebner would be "joking, teasing and singing while doing Mark's therapy," and how Ada Triebner would be "busy at the wood stove just trying to keep us out of trouble."

"What a privilege I didn't recognize as a child to have spent time in the home of such a resilient couple," Gilbert wrote.

"Our families have been connected from the 60s through sad times and happy times," another family friend wrote on the funeral site. "(Now) your parents are with Mark who welcomed them with open arms and his devilish grin so like your Father's grin."

Rowe, the couple's neighbor, remembered Triebner as an active lover of the outdoors. He was "always building something" and could play several instruments, Rowe said. He could often be found outside, riding his bicycle in the summer or clearing snow out of the driveway in the winter.

He was "always fiddling with something, he was a master at building things, or working on a motor or making something work or getting an old tractor to run," Rowe said.

Most of all, their relatives and friends recalled, the couple showed a devotion to their faith and to each other.

Martha Heywood, a member of their church, told the Toronto Star that Grant had medical issues and Ada "suffered a little" from dementia. "He was determined that he could take care of Ada as she had taken care of him all those years," she said.

A niece, Elizabeth Jolly, described Grant Triebner's "mischievous nature" and Ada Triebner's "gentle serenity."

"We so loved listening to Uncle Grant's wonderful tales of days gone by, his boisterous laugh and to Aunt Ada saying "Oh, Grant!" recounted another relative. "They were, to us, an amazing example of how a marriage should be. They very obviously adored each other."

"They never did much apart from each other," Rowe said. "They were so close, together all their lives."

Their funeral service will be held this week, and the couple will be buried at the cemetery just down the road from their house.

They will share the gravestone with their late son, Mark. The marker, arranged before they died, is inscribed with a reference to a bible verse: John 11:25. "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die."For the past week, all of Washington has been chewing over Michael Wolff's new book about President Donald Trump and trying to assess which damning conclusions are actually true. But one of the bleakest scoops about Trump popped up elsewhere on Sunday night.

Axios' Jonathan Swan reports that Trump has significantly curtailed his official schedule as president - to the point where his first meeting is often held at 11 a.m., and he spends almost the whole morning in his White House residence watching TV, tweeting and making phone calls. That chunk of his day, generally between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., is dubbed "executive time" - a phrase that is bound to become the butt of plenty of jokes. Trump then has other periods of "executive time" sprinkled in throughout his official work schedule, which is usually between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Nice work if you can get it. And a short commute, too!)

The idea that Trump spends plenty of time on nonofficial pursuits isn't completely groundbreaking. A simple perusal of Trump's Twitter feed shows how much time he spends prosecuting feuds and responding to things he has clearly seen on TV, and it has been reported that being president hasn't been a particularly joyful pursuit for Trump.

But the extent to which he is not engaged in the very serious matters of being president has never been so firmly quantified. As the New York Times's Maggie Haberman noted in response to Swan's piece, the White House has bristled at such questions and lashed out at The New York Times for suggesting Trump watched four to eight hours of TV in a given day.

Notably, Sarah Huckabee Sanders's response to Swan's story doesn't exactly read like an ironclad denial. Instead, she insists that Trump includes official business during his morning routine, which she concedes includes time in the residence.

"The time in the morning is a mix of residence time and Oval Office time but he always has calls with staff, Hill members, cabinet members and foreign leaders during this time," Sanders told Swan. "The president is one of the hardest workers I've ever seen and puts in long hours and long days nearly every day of the week all year long. It has been noted by reporters many times that they wish he would slow down because they sometimes have trouble keeping up with him."

It's true that the Trump presidency can be exhausting, but it's mostly because of Trump's penchant for controversy, which he often stokes through his Twitter feed during off-hours. And Trump's Twitter habit only seems to have increased as a portion of his day in recent weeks.

And the reason Swan's scoop paints such a bleak picture of Trump is because it suggests he's not particularly interested in the official duties of being president. Whatever you think about Trump's policies or his fitness for the job, the job requires one to be fully engaged, to be processing information (preferably from sources other than cable news), and to always be, for lack of a better word, on. The idea that Trump doesn't take his daily intelligence briefing until 11 a.m. is shocking just by itself. And whoever leaked his official schedules to Swan seems to be concerned that Trump just isn't up to the job right now.

It also is completely counter to Trump's brand and the promises he made on the campaign trail. Trump said he wouldn't even take vacations as president. "I would rarely leave the White House, because there's so much work to be done," he told the Hill newspaper in June 2015. "I would not be a president who took vacations. I would not be a president that takes time off."

He added in January 2016: "Somebody says, 'Why don't you take a vacation before you become president?' I said because I like doing this."

The question increasingly is what "this" is. And judging by the Axios report, "this" is increasingly spending time outside the Oval Office and tweeting. It suggests that, relative to past inhabitants of the Oval Office, we have a part-time president.WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's former chief strategist offered a semi-apology Sunday after days of withering castigation from the White House over his scathing comments in a new book, praising Trump in a public statement that aimed to soften his earlier criticism.

Steve Bannon's mea culpa came as Trump and his senior aides continued a barrage of public insults against him. The president's top policy adviser, Stephen Miller, on Sunday called Bannon an "angry, vindictive person" whose "grotesque comments are so out of touch with reality."

In a written statement, Bannon asserted that passages in "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by Michael Wolff in which he was quoted as being critical of Donald Trump Jr.'s contacts with a Russian lawyer - calling their 2016 meeting at Trump Tower "treasonous" and "unpatriotic" - were a mischaracterization.

Bannon insisted his criticism was aimed not at the president's eldest son but rather at former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who was fired and is facing charges in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. Manafort, who also attended the meeting along with Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, should have known "how the Russians operate," Bannon said.

"Donald Trump Jr. is both a patriot and a good man," Bannon said. "He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around."

Bannon was quoted in the book speculating that Trump Jr. told his father about the meeting shortly after it took place but offered no evidence. In Sunday's statement, however, Bannon emphasized that he believes there "was no collusion" between the campaign and Russian operatives, who have been accused by U.S. intelligence agencies of meddling in the presidential election.

"The investigation is a witch hunt," Bannon said. "I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr. has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments."

But the White House did not appear eager to forgive Bannon or welcome him back into Trump's good graces. And Trump on Sunday continued to lambaste Wolff on Twitter, denouncing the "Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author."

Amid questions raised in the book about his mental fitness for office, Trump wrote in the tweet that "Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I!"

On CNN's "State of the Union," Miller repeatedly slammed both Bannon and Wolff, calling the book a "betrayal of the president" that is "so contrary to the reality of those who work with him."

Miller added that "the book is best understood as a work of poorly written fiction. The author is a garbage author of a garbage book."

Wolff defended himself on NBC's "Meet the Press" and suggested the chaos and uncertainty in the White House is worse than his book described.

"If I left out anything, it was probably stuff even more damning. It's that bad," he said. "It's an extraordinary moment in time. The last several days focused on my book are proof of this. What happened here? What's going on here?"

Wolff went so far as to raise the specter of the 25th Amendment, which allows a president's Cabinet to remove him from office for being unable to perform his duties, although experts said that amendment was designed with the idea of a president being incapacitated by, for example, a coma.

"It is not an exaggeration or unreasonable to say this is 25th Amendment kind of stuff," Wolff said.

Bannon's statement came after Trump berated him in public and private, mocking the often disheveled Breitbart News chairman on Twitter as "Sloppy Steve" and belittling him as "poor" and "a liar" to Republican leaders during weekend meetings at Camp David, Maryland.

The ugly falling out between the two men - Bannon served as campaign chief executive after Manafort was dismissed and was widely credited with helping Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton - has threatened to distract the White House from its policy agenda in an election year.

Although Bannon was forced out of the White House in August amid escalating feuds with Trump's family members and other senior aides, Trump remained close to him, speaking to him occasionally by phone over objections from advisers.

Bannon had planned to use his continuing clout with the president, along with the news pages at Breitbart, to advance his own nationalist agenda, including threatening to try to unseat Republican incumbents who did not support Bannon's hard-line immigration and anti-globalization positions.

Instead, Trump has sought to punish Bannon, and the former insider appears isolated, not only from the West Wing but also from his outside supporters, including financier Rebekah Mercer. Mercer, who had helped finance many Bannon initiatives, issued a rare public rebuke of him in which she said she would to sever ties with him.

At Breitbart, company leaders have debated whether they could force Bannon from his top perch.

"Bannon's apology had nothing to do with repairing the relationship with Trump," said Christopher Ruddy, chief executive of Newsmax and a Trump confidante. "It had everything to do with repairing his relationship with Trump supporters who read Breitbart and big donors he depends on."

Inside the West Wing, aides said Trump and his top advisers quickly issued an ultimatum: Allies had to choose sides - they either supported the president or they supported Bannon. There could be no middle ground.

Bannon's statement, one person close to him said, was as much about stanching the tide of supporters and potential backers distancing themselves as it was appeasing the president. He continues to privately criticize Kushner and Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter, who, according to the book, he referred to as "dumb as a brick."

Bannon also has continued to call Trump a "vessel," a Bannon ally said, while casting himself as something of a revolutionary in the conservative movement.

He has tried to convince allies in recent days that all will be fine - even texting one "onward!" - but he seems jolted and "even more manic than normal," in the words of one person who spoke to him. He has remained ensconced in his Capitol Hill townhouse, with a rope on the steps blocking people from approaching. "STOP!" a large red sign reads, urging visitors to check in downstairs.

"He knows he is at his lowest point," said one associate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. "He won't tell you that, but he knows it."

In his statement, Bannon declared that his "support is also unwavering for the president and his agenda. . . . President Trump was the only candidate that could have taken on and defeated the Clinton apparatus. I am the only person to date to conduct a global effort to preach the message of Trump and Trumpism; and remain ready to stand in the breach for this president's efforts to make America great again."

Almost as soon as excerpts from Wolff's book leaked last week, many Bannon associates urged him to issue a statement defending himself. But before he could do so, the White House released a personal statement last week from Trump saying his former adviser had "lost his mind."

At first, Bannon did not want to apologize, people who spoke to him said. But after meeting with allies and advisers, he grew convinced that things would worsen unless he did. Those close to Bannon said that as the controversy unfolded, he seemed eager to find a way to try to repair his relationship with the president.

Bannon has told others that Trump will eventually come back around to him when the president needs him, and that he plans to use his Breitbart platform to wage battles with the Republican establishment over spending and immigration this spring.

But whether Bannon will have the clout - or any allies - to launch a fight remains unclear.

Miller and Bannon were once considered kindred spirits - both immigration hard-liners who sought to exploit Trump's populist rhetoric to advance a nationalist agenda. But as Bannon lost favor in the West Wing, Miller reportedly realigned himself with a faction led by Kushner and Ivanka Trump.

Asked on CNN whether the president knew about Trump Jr.'s meeting with the Russian lawyer when it occurred, Miller said Bannon was not present and therefore "is not even a remotely credible source on any of it."

Growing frustrated as Miller praised the president while evading questions and repeating his talking points, CNN host Jake Tapper cut him off early and went to a commercial. "I think I've wasted enough of my viewers' time," Tapper said as Miller attempted to keep talking.

"Welcome back to planet Earth," Tapper said to viewers after the show returned.

But Trump was eager for the last word.

In a tweet, the president wrote: "Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!"

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Video Embed Code:

Video: President Trump used to have kind words for his former chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, but things changed after Bannon's comments in "Fire and Fury." (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Embed:PORTLAND  The accident on the Arrigoni Bridge in November that took the life of a 22-year-old Middletown man remains a priority for the Portland police officer conducting the investigation into Daquan Moores death.

Moore was riding a moped east across the bridge en route to Portland late on the night of Nov. 4 when he was struck from behind by a speeding car traveling east . The vehicle pushed/carried the moped for several hundred feet before the scooter disengaged from the car, according to authorities.

But instead of stopping, the car accelerated, crossed the bridge, and then turned around in a Main Street service station and headed back toward Middletown, according to the accident report. As the car passed the wreckage of Moores moped, the driver slowed near the scene before continuing on his way, police said.

Police recovered the vehicle, a white 2001 Audi sedan, which was turned over to them by an attorney representing the cars owner.

In the weeks since then, Officer Paul Liseo has remained in contact with Moores family as he continues to gather statements and compile additional details about the accident.

As he sat at a desk in police headquarters last week, Liseo held up a bulging file folder. Its every bit of five inches (thick), Liseo said, and it contained supportive documentation as he works to build the case against a suspect.

Meanwhile, Liseo continues to search for the driver of a second car recorded on surveillance video crossing the bridge when the accident occurred. Police have identified that vehicle as a silver or champagne-colored 1999 to 2001 four-door Chrysler LHS sedan with Connecticut license plates.

Were looking for the driver of that car as a witness, Liseo said. Were looking for that person to come forward to provide us with any information he can about the other vehicle.

Like the Audi, the driver of the Chrysler also crossed the bridge into Portland, turned around in the service station and then doubled back across the bridge toward Middletown. Liseo secured surveillance video of the Chrysler as it turned around and uploaded the video onto the Middletown Police Department Facebook page.

Anyone with information about either the Chrysler (and its driver) and/or the accident is asked to come forward and contact Liseo at 860-342-6780 or through Middletown Central Dispatch at 860- 347-2541.

Reporter Jeff Mill covers East Hampton, Portland and Cromwell. Contact him at jeff.mill@hearstmediact.com.DAMASCUS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army captured on Sunday a key stronghold of al-Qaida-linked militants in the country's northwestern province of Idlib, as part of a major military offensive to capture a strategic air base in that province, a military source told Xinhua.

The town of Sinjar fell to the army after the al-Qaida-linked Levant Liberation Committee (LLC), otherwise known as the Nusra Front, was defeated in nearby towns and villages in the southern countryside of Idlib, a major stronghold of the LLC and like-minded militant groups.

Also, the towns of Mutawasita, Khiara, and Kafrya al-Ma'ara have fallen to the army west of Sinjar, the military source said on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, activist groups said the LLC militants withdrew from the town after all of the surrounding areas had fallen.

Sinjar is the latest major stronghold to fall in the southern countryside of Idlib since the army unleashed an operation in that part of the country over two months ago.

The town will be a key launching pad for further military operation in Idlib, and it's only 14 km from the key Abu al-Duhur Air Base, whose recapture is a major goal behind the military operations in Idlib and it would enable the Syrian army to regain the upper hand in carrying out airstrikes 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.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor group said recently that over 70 towns and villages in southern Idlib have fallen back to the Syrian army forces during the current operation in Idlib.Hardin County's oldest capital murder trial, which began with jury selection today, could be delayed again after a last-minute request by the defense for a change of venue.

Ryan Gertz, one of Jason Wade Delacerda's two defense attorneys, said he filed a change of venue motion on Thursday requesting the trial be moved out of the county. Gertz said he doesn't think his client can get a fair trial in Hardin County because of the media coverage surrounding the case.

Delacerda, 40, of Kountze was indicted in 2011 on a capital murder charge along with his then-girlfriend Amanda Nichole Guidry, 36, in connection with her 4-year-old daughter's death. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in Delacerda's case.

Gertz said a hearing on Friday will determine whether the case moves forward in Hardin County or is moved to a neighboring county.

Jury summons were mailed to 500 Hardin County residents for the trial, Gertz said. About 130 of those potential jurors will be given a 10-page questionnaire today, which will include questions aimed at determining whether Delacerda can receive a fair trial in Hardin County, he said.

The results of those questionnaires will be reviewed at the Friday hearing, he said.

The preference of courts is to move a trial to a county adjacent to the original jurisdiction. In Delacerda's case, those would include Jefferson, Orange, Jasper, Tyler, Polk or Liberty counties.

"The argument that we would make at that point is that all of those counties get their news from the same source, so we run into the same issue," Gertz said.

Gertz said many Southeast Texans are familiar with the death of 4-year-old Breonna Nichole Loftin.

Loftin died at a Beaumont hospital from blunt force trauma on Aug. 17, 2011. Hospital staff told Hardin County investigators the girl had burn marks, bruises and signs of sexual abuse, a sheriff's investigator wrote in a 2011 arrest affidavit for Guidry and Delacerda.

Guidry, the girl's mother, was released from jail in December 2014 on a reduced $250,000 bond. Her original bond was set at $1.5 million.

Hardin County District Attorney David Sheffield said in November that he plans to prosecute Guidry in 2018 but is not seeking the death penalty. She faces life in prison if convicted.

MGstalter@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/morgGstaltNEW DELHI - An Indian government agency has filed a police complaint against a journalist who exposed a possible security breach in the country's vast biometric database that contains the personal details of over a billion citizens, raising fresh concerns about shrinking press freedom in India.

The complaint against journalist Rachna Khaira came after she wrote an article in the Tribune newspaper saying that reporters were able to buy access to addresses, emails, and phone numbers of a billion citizens for about $8. For an extra $5, reporters purchased access to a software that allowed them to print unique identity cards, which enables people to access a host of government services such as free school meals and fuel subsidies.

Khaira's investigation created an outcry in India as it suggests the data of a billion citizens may not be protected as well as the government had previously claimed. The breach she uncovered, the article said, exposed almost every Indian citizen to identity fraud and intrusions of privacy.

The police complaint against Khaira is the latest in clashes between India's government and media. India ranks 136 in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, down three points from the previous year. Killings of prominent journalists such as Gauri Lankesh and Sudip Datta Bhowmik have sparked protests around the country.

Speaking to NDTV, Khaira said the revelations in her story were just the "tip of the iceberg." She said, "We have almost completed our entire investigation... We have got much more than what we have exposed so far and which we are going to bring up in the next few days."

In response to Khaira's story, the Unique Identification Authority (UIDAI), which oversees the biometric program sent a letter to the Tribune's editor saying, "It is the UIDAI's position that there was absolutely no access to the biometric details (i.e. fingerprints and iris scans) of any individual whatsoever on the said UIDAI portal." The letter then asked the newspaper's editor to clarify if the reporter had accessed fingerprint and iris data and the number of individuals whose data the reporter had accessed for the story.

India's minister of law, Ravi Shankar Prasad, however suggested that the government did not support the Unique Identification Authority's heavy-handed approach to the journalist's investigation. In a tweet, Prasad wrote: "Govt. is fully committed to freedom of Press as well as to maintaining security & sanctity of #Aadhaar for India's development. FIR is against unknown. I've suggested @UIDAI to request Tribune & it's journalist to give all assistance to police in investigating real offenders."(sic)

And in a turnaround late Monday, local time, the Unique Identification Authority said it would work with the Tribune to identify wrongdoing.

"UIDAI is committed to the freedom of Press. We're going to write to @thetribunechd & @rachnakhaira to give all assistance to investigate to nab the real culprits. We also appreciate if Tribune & its journalist have any constructive suggestion to offer."

In light of the tweet, it was unclear if the agency would continue with its police complaint against Khaira.

The governing Bharatiya Janata Party had earlier tweeted from its official account that Khaira's report was "fake news." In another tweet, it quoted tech titan Nandan Nilekani who created the biometric program known as Aadhaar saying: "The security concerns raised around Aadhaar are complete nonsense, figment of imagination and a deliberate attempt to create an alarmist talk."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government champions the biometric database as a way to tackle welfare fraud and corruption in India. In the past year, the Modi government has tried to make Aadhaar cards mandatory to access a number of essential public services but was held back by activists who filed cases against the government in the Supreme Court.

In the meantime, government officials have visited remote parts of the country to encourage people to sign up to the biometric database voluntarily. So far, its efforts have worked - over a billion Indian citizens have signed up. However, thousands of Indians are still not on the database.

India's Editors Guild said in a statement that the Unique Identification Authority's decision to pursue criminal action against the journalist was "unfair, unjustified and a direct attack on the freedom of the press." In a statement, it said, "Instead of penalising the reporter, UIDAI should have ordered a thorough internal investigation into the alleged breach and made its findings public."

The Tribune's editor Harish Khare issued a statement saying, "Our story was in response to a very genuine concern among the citizens on a matter of great public interest.

"We regret very much that the authorities have misconceived an honest journalistic enterprise and have proceeded to institute criminal proceedings against the whistleblower."WASHINGTON -

Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III has told President Trump's legal team that his office is likely to seek an interview with the president, triggering a discussion among his attorneys about how to avoid a sit-down encounter or set limits on such a session, according to two people familiar with the talks.

Mueller raised the issue of interviewing Trump during a late December meeting with the president's lawyers John Dowd and Jay Sekulow. Mueller deputy James Quarles, who oversees the White House portion of the special counsel investigation, also attended.

The special counsel's team could interview Trump soon on some limited portion of questions - possibly within the next several weeks, according to a person close to the president, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal conversations.

"This is moving faster than anyone really realizes," the person said. Trump is comfortable participating in an interview and believes it would put to rest questions about whether his campaign coordinated with Russia in the 2016 election, the person added.

However, the president's attorneys are reluctant to let him sit for open-ended, face-to-face questioning without clear parameters, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Since the December meeting, they have discussed whether the president could provide written answers to some of the questions from Mueller's investigators, as President Ronald Reagan did during the Iran-contra investigation. They have also discussed the obligation of Mueller's team to demonstrate that it could not obtain the information ite seeks without interviewing the president.

The legal team's internal discussions about how to respond to a request for an interview were first reported Monday morning by NBC News.

Dowd and Sekulow declined to comment.

In a statement, Ty Cobb, the White House lawyer overseeing the administration's response to the Mueller investigation, said that "the White House does not comment on communications with the OSC out of respect for the OSC and its process," referring to the special counsel's office.

"The White House is continuing its full cooperation with the OSC in order to facilitate the earliest possible resolution," Cobb added.

Cobb had repeatedly said all interviews of White House personnel by Mueller's office were on schedule to be completed by the end of December or early this year. On Monday, he said he remains confident that any portion of the investigation related to the president or the White House will wrap up shortly.

Mueller and Trump's legal team plan to meet again soon to discuss both the possible terms and substance of the interview, as well as Mueller's timeline for the investigation, according to one person familiar with the plan.

Trump's lawyers hope to obtain from the special counsel's team a clear idea of the categories of questions that would be posed to the president.

For months, Trump's legal team has been researching the conditions under which the president would be required to submit to an interview with the special counsel, who is investigating Russia's meddling in the 2016 election.

"No lawyer just volunteers their client without thinking this through," said one of the people familiar with the talks.

It has long been expected that Mueller would seek to interview Trump, in part because the special counsel is scrutinizing whether actions he took in office were attempts to blunt the Russia investigation, according to people familiar with questions posed to witnesses.

In May, Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey after Comey testified on Capitol Hill that he could not comment on whether there was evidence that Russia had colluded with the Trump campaign.

The president also dictated a misleading statement later released by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., about a meeting that Trump Jr. had with a Russian lawyer during the presidential campaign.

Veteran prosecutors said it is unlikely that Mueller would agree to have any witness, even the president, submit a declaration or provide written answers to questions to avoid a sit-down interview.

Some experts said a presidential interview could signal that Mueller's investigation into the Trump's actions is nearing its end, but they cautioned that the special counsel might have a different strategy.

"It would certainly seem they would be close to wrapping up as it relates to the core matter they are investigating," said Solomon Wisenberg, a deputy independent counsel who questioned President Bill Clinton in 1998. "You would want to know as much as possible before you go to the president. "

Asked on Saturday if he had agreed to be interviewed by Mueller, Trump said he had nothing to hide.

"Just so you understand, there's been no collusion, there's been no crime, and in theory everybody tells me I'm not under investigation. Maybe Hillary [Clinton] is, I don't know, but I'm not," Trump told reporters at Camp David. "But we have been very open. We could have done it two ways. We could have been very closed, and it would have taken years. But you know, sort of like when you've done nothing wrong, let's be open and get it over with."

"Because, honestly, it's very, very bad for our country," the president added. "It's making our country look foolish. And this is a country that I don't want looking foolish. And it's not going to look foolish as long as I'm here."

In June, after Comey told a congressional panel that Trump had privately asked for his loyalty, the president said he would be willing to testify under oath to dispute the fired FBI director's claims.

"One hundred percent," Trump said when asked if he would give a sworn statement to Mueller.

Sitting presidents have been interviewed by prosecutors in the past, though courts have urged government investigators to seek such interviews only when they cannot obtain relevant information another way.

Clinton's attorneys repeatedly fought independent counsel Kenneth W. Starr's attempts to interview their client until investigators obtained a subpoena to force his testimony. It was the first grand jury subpoena served on a sitting president. Clinton then negotiated to testify before a grand jury via video and audio link from the White House Map Room.

In the videotaped interview in August 1998, which lasted four hours and saw questions from three prosecutors, Clinton admitted to inappropriate sexual activity with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, but he claimed he had been legally correct in denying that he had had sexual relations with her. He also denied having committed perjury in a lawsuit brought by Paula Jones.

Not all presidential interviews with prosecutors have come at the end of an investigation.

In 2004, President George W. Bush sat for an in-person interview with special prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald, who was investigating whether senior White House aides leaked a CIA operative's identity and broke her cover as punishment for her husband's criticism of the Iraq War. Bush volunteered for the interview, which lasted 70 minutes and was conducted in the Oval Office. Bush was far from the last one interviewed in the probe; Fitzgerald later questioned several more central witnesses.

"The leaking of classified information is a very serious matter," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said at the time, adding that Bush was "pleased to do his part" to aid the investigation.

Reagan testified in the Iran-contra investigation while in office and twice more after he left office. He also answered in writing some written questions presented to him by the grand jury and the independent counsel in the probe.

In 1975, President Gerald R. Ford was interviewed as part of a grand jury investigation into an assassination attempt. In a taped session in the Old Executive Office Building, Ford shared his recollections of events when Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a Charles Manson follower, tried to shoot Ford at close range in Sacramento in September 1975. The tape was used at her trial that year.

---

The Washington Post's Rosalind S. Helderman contributed to this report.MEXICO CITY - The Trump administration's decision to eliminate residency permits for some 200,000 Salvadoran migrants could cause far-reaching disruptions in the small Central American country, including a steep decline in remittances from abroad and a destabilizing wave of returning citizens to a homeland still racked by violence, according to immigration experts.

But Salvadoran officials took a more optimistic view Monday. They characterized the U.S. decision as an 18-month grace period, giving the government time to lobby Washington to find a permanent solution to avoid deportation for these Salvadorans.

"We are going to focus on the United States Congress, so that they pass legislation that allows our compatriots" to become residents, Hugo Martinez, El Salvador's foreign minister, said in a phone interview. "We think we have sufficient time and will work hard for this alternative."

If no legislation materializes, Monday's decision could result in the deportation of Salvadorans who have lived in the United States for decades, whose children are U.S. citizens and who send home billions of dollars a year to relatives in El Salvador. They would be returning to a country that has had one of the highest murder rates in the world in recent years, as well as a rampant gang problem.

The Salvadoran government has lobbied the Trump administration for months to find a solution that would allow these people to stay in the United States, rather than end the Temporary Protected Status program, or TPS, that has been in effect since 2001. Over the weekend, El Salvador's Foreign Ministry continued tweeting about the benefits that Salvadorans bring to the U.S. economy and culture, saying that 95 percent of Salvadorans in the program are employed or own their own businesses.

The Salvadorans with TPS status "have become important members of their communities in the United States, and their contributions are key to the development of that nation," the ministry wrote Sunday on Twitter.

Martinez, the foreign minister, predicted that even if no solution is reached after 18 months, the number of deportees will be "far fewer than 190,000," as Salvadorans can try other paths to regularize their immigration status. The government is also planning a "very intensive program" for deportees, including loans and job training, he said.

"We have in the immediate future a great challenge," Martinez said at a news conference Monday.

Under the terms of the decision announced Monday by the Department of Homeland Security, the administration will notify Salvadorans who benefit from the program that they have until Sept. 9, 2019, to leave or find a way to obtain legal residency.

In 2001, after two deadly earthquakes struck El Salvador, the George W. Bush administration allowed undocumented Salvadorans who were residing in the United States before February 2001 to apply for protected status, which allowed them to obtain work permits and spared them from deportation. The temporary program has been renewed several times in the ensuing years.

"Salvadorans have been beneficiaries of this program for so long it created an illusion that this would lead to a permanent residency," said a Latin American diplomat who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the issue publicly. The prospect of losing this status is "going to be very, very disappointing, not only back in El Salvador."

According to the DHS statement, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen decided that conditions in El Salvador have improved significantly since the earthquakes, erasing the original justification for the program. The announcement also comes in the context of the Trump administration's wider efforts to cut legal immigration to the United States and deport more of those who enter the country illegally.

The estimated 200,000 Salvadorans who enjoy this protected status also have roughly as many U.S.-born children, who are now at risk of seeing their parents and other relatives deported. "Families will be torn apart," the diplomat said.

If all TPS holders return or are deported, it will impose an enormous strain on a country of 6.2 million people where poverty is widespread and gang violence remains a serious problem. Although homicides have fallen over the past two years, El Salvador still had nearly 4,000 killings last year, giving it the highest murder rate in Central America, at more than 60 homicides per 100,000 people. In 2001, the year of the earthquakes, there were about 2,300 homicides.

Another major impact of the decision could be a decline in the amount of money that Salvadorans in the United States send home. Remittances now surpass $4.5 billion a year, accounting for about 17 percent of the country's GDP, according to the World Bank, and ranking as its single greatest source of income.

"The economic impact is going to be undeniable," said Roberto Rubio-Fabian, executive director of FUNDE, a nonprofit research organization in San Salvador. Remittances are the "pillar that supports an economy with serious structural problems," he said.

Experts said there are no good estimates yet about the potential loss in remittances, as it remains unclear how many migrants with TPS might end up returning to El Salvador. If large numbers do return, voluntarily or by being deported, they could push others out of the workforce.

"They're going to come back as pretty qualified, bilingual people," said Geoff Thale, a Central America expert at the Washington Office on Latin America. "What this is going to do is displace people there" and potentially cause "another surge in people leaving the country and looking for work here."

The administration's decision could also mean political trouble for President Salvador Sanchez Ceren, a former guerrilla commander during El Salvador's civil war who has been in office since 2014. His leftist political party, the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), could suffer in local and congressional elections in March, as well as a presidential contest next year, as a result of the TPS decision, according to political analysts.

"This will have a cost," said Sandra de Barraza, a columnist with La Prensa Grafica, a Salvadoran newspaper. "The government could have had a more aggressive policy of assisting" those in the TPS program.

Some Salvadoran officials noted that other countries, such as Honduras, received a shorter grace period before their TPS program ended.

"I see this time they've given us as positive, so that we can fight for another status, and I don't expect a massive deportation in the short term," said Hector Antonio Rodriguez, the head of El Salvador's immigration agency.

He predicted that if TPS holders are deported, many will try to return to the United States.

"They are not going to want to stay in El Salvador," he said. "They are going to try again to go by land into the U.S."DAMASCUS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish army is preparing to unleash an offensive against the Kurdish-controlled Afreen region in northern Syria, pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV reported on Sunday.

The Turkish army has set up field hospitals in a Turkish border area of Kumlu close to Syria's Idlib province in northwestern Syria as part of the preparation to wage an offensive on Afreen in the countryside of Aleppo province in northern Syria, said the report.

Citing sources, the report said 15,000 Turkish soldiers have been amassing in the Kilis area in Turkey to take part in the offensive.

Turkey has for long expressed its stance regarding the growing Kurdish influence in northern Syria. Afreen is a strategic Kurdish-controlled area, whose capture will deal a strong blow to the Kurdish Syrians and their plan to have an autonomy stretching along the Syrian-Turkish border.

The Syrian government has repeatedly condemned both Turkey and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The Syrian Foreign Ministry has vehemently condemned the Turkish role in Syria on several occasions, while also slamming the SDF and their plans to play outside the umbrella of the Syrian government.

Late last month, Syria's Foreign Ministry held Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responsible for the bloodbath in Syria.

In a statement, the ministry said the "aggression of Erdogan and the entry of his forces into Syria is one form of supporting the terrorists."

On Dec. 20, Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad described the SDF as "new Daesh (Islamic State)," saying the SDF should be a part of Syria.

The sharp comments came as the government perceives the Kurdish activities as separatist, despite the repeated remarks from the Kurds that they were not seeking independence.WASHINGTON - The Trump administration announced Monday that it will terminate the provisional residency permits of about 200,000 Salvadorans who have lived in the country since at least 2001, leaving them to face deportation.

The administration said it will give the Salvadorans until Sept. 9, 2019, to leave the United States or find a way to obtain a green card, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. After earthquakes hit the country in 2001, Salvadorans were granted what is known as Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, and their permits have been renewed on an 18-month basis since then.

Monday's announcement is the latest step by the administration to cut the number of foreigners living in the United States - by squeezing the flow of legal immigration and intensifying efforts to expel those who arrived illegally.

The efforts span nearly every facet of the American immigration system. Arrests by immigration enforcement agents have increased 40percent. Trump has slashed the number of refugees accepted by the United States to the lowest level since 1980. And last week his administration sent lawmakers an $18 billion blueprint for the first phase of a Mexico border wall.

The 200,000 Salvadorans are among the nearly 1 million immigrants whose lives in the United States have been upended and set to a deadline under President Trump. The largest group, nearly 700,000 undocumented immigrants who were protected under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, are set to begin losing their temporary work permits in March at the rate of nearly 1,000 per day.

Democrats and immigrant rights groups denounced the Trump administration's TPS decision, which they characterized as another attack on the United States' tradition of humanitarianism toward immigrants and refugees. On Monday, however, DHS officials resisted suggestions that the decision by Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was part of a broader anti-immigrant agenda. They described it in narrower legal terms, as a recognition that conditions in El Salvador have improved enough since the earthquakes to no longer warrant the TPS designation.

"Based on careful consideration of available information, including recommendations received as part of an inter-agency consultation process, the Secretary determined that the original conditions caused by the 2001 earthquakes no longer exist," the DHS statement read.

The statement noted that the U.S. government has deported more than 39,000 Salvadorans in the past two years, demonstrating, it said, "that the temporary inability of El Salvador to adequately return their nationals after the earthquake has been addressed."

Nielsen recently met with El Salvador's foreign minister and spoke with President Salvador Sanchez Ceren, according to the DHS.

In total, DHS officials said, 262,500 Salvadorans have been granted TPS permits, but recent estimates indicate that closer to 200,000 people with that status reside in the United States.

Immigrant advocates, Salvadoran government officials and others had implored Nielsen to extend the TPS designation, citing the country's gang violence and the potentially destabilizing effect of so many people being sent home. El Salvador's homicide rate - 108 per 100,000 people in 2015 - was the world's highest for a country not at war, the most recent U.N. data shows.

Others urged Nielsen to consider the approximately 190,000 U.S.-born children of Salvadoran TPS recipients. Their parents must now decide whether to break up their families, take their children back to El Salvador or stay in the United States and risk deportation.

Senior DHS officials told reporters Monday that Salvadoran parents would have to make that choice. "We are not going to get involved in an individual family's decision," said the official, who the agency did not allow to be quoted by name.

The potential economic impact on American companies and businesses was not a factor either, officials said. The mayors of Houston, Los Angeles and other cities with large number of Salvadorans had urged Nielsen to taken into account the wider contributions of TPS recipients, a third of whom are U.S. homeowners, according to recent surveys.

"Only Congress can legislate a permanent solution addressing the lack of an enduring lawful immigration status of those currently protected by TPS who have lived and worked in the United States for many years," Monday's DHS statement read. "The 18-month delayed termination will allow Congress time to craft a potential legislative solution."

Trump administration officials have repeatedly said they considered the TPS program an example of American immigration policy gone awry, noting that when Congress created the designation in 1990, its purpose was to provide "temporary" protection from deportation following a natural disaster, armed conflict or other calamity.

In November, the DHS ended TPS for 60,000 Haitians who arrived after a 2010 earthquake and for 2,500 Nicaraguan migrants protected after Hurricane Mitch in 1998.

A six-month extension was recently granted to 57,000 Hondurans, a decision made before Nielsen's arrival, by then-acting DHS secretary Elaine Duke. That move frustrated White House officials who wanted Duke to end the program.

Lawmakers from both parties who represent cities and states with large immigrant populations blasted the DHS decision. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., called it a "cynical move" whose purpose is to "score political points with the extreme right-wing Republican base."

On the other side of the aisle, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., urged the Trump administration to reconsider, warning that it would be "devastating" to send Salvadorans home "after they have created a humble living for themselves and their families."

The TPS decision came as Congress deliberates DACA's fate. Some lawmakers see the looming Jan. 18 deadline for a must-pass government spending bill as leverage to forge a DACA solution.

Trump is demanding significant concessions. He wants to beef up border security and scale back legal immigration channels in exchange for supporting permanent legal residency, and possibly citizenship, for DACA recipients.

The president is scheduled to meet with a bipartisan group of lawmakers at the White House on Tuesday to continue the talks.

There were new signs Monday that TPS could end up as a bargaining chip in the DACA negotiations. A person familiar with the talks said Congress could step in to help the Salvadorans, Haitians and other groups whose TPS permits are now set to expire in 2019.

Democrats and Republicans have been privately discussing the possibility of curbing the diversity visa lottery program - which grants about 55,000 green cards each year to people from nations with low immigration rates to the United States - in exchange for sparing TPS recipients from deportation. Trump has insisted that any DACA deal must get rid of the lottery.

One aide on Capitol Hill familiar with the negotiations said Democrats would prefer a narrow deal to legalize DACA recipients. But this person added that if Trump insists on seeking significant border security upgrades and cuts to legal immigration, then Democrats will insist on extending TPS.

Some Republicans fear that if a DACA deal falls through, it could harm the party in immigrant-heavy voting districts during a midterm election year. Meanwhile, immigration hawks are urging Trump to motivate his base by holding a harder line, as he did throughout the 2016 campaign. The president's top policy adviser, Stephen Miller, has been opposed to continuing DACA, and he is said also to have championed ending the TPS program.

"The fix has been in for these TPS decisions, regardless of the facts on the ground in these countries," said Kevin Appleby of the New York-based Center for Migration Studies.

"The decision on El Salvador is particularly damaging," he said. "It not only will uproot families and children who have lived here for years; it also will further destabilize an already violent country."

The DHS said in its announcement that it conducted extensive outreach to Salvadorans living in the United States, including "community forums on TPS, panel discussions with Salvadoran community organizers, stakeholder teleconferences, regular meetings with TPS beneficiaries, news releases to the Salvadoran community, meetings with Salvadoran government officials, meetings at local churches, and listening sessions."

Jaime Contreras, vice president of Local 32BJ, the largest property-service local in the Service Employees International Union, called Monday's decision "shameful." In the Washington area, he said, TPS recipients clean Reagan National Airport, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and "every major landmark you can think of."

"They have families here. A lot of these people own homes," said Contreras, whose union represents about 160,000 commercial office cleaners, security officers and others nationwide. "It's time for Congress to do the right thing."

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The Washington Post's Ed O'Keefe and Maria Sacchetti contributed to this report.

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Video: DHS announced on Jan. 8 that it will end protected immigration status for about 200,000 migrants from El Salvador. This is what you need to know about TPS.(Melissa Macaya,Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post)

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WASHINGTON -

The Trump administration announced Monday that it will terminate the provisional residency permits of about 200,000 Salvadorans who have lived in the country since at least 2001, leaving them to face deportation.

The administration said it will give the Salvadorans until Sept. 9, 2019, to leave the United States or find a way to obtain a green card, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. After earthquakes hit the country in 2001, Salvadorans were granted what is known as Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, and their permits have been renewed on an 18-month basis since then.

Monday's announcement is the latest step by the administration to cut the number of foreigners living in the United States - by squeezing the flow of legal immigration and intensifying efforts to expel those who arrived illegally.

The efforts span nearly every facet of the American immigration system. Arrests by immigration enforcement agents have increased 40percent. Trump has slashed the number of refugees accepted by the United States to the lowest level since 1980. And last week his administration sent lawmakers an $18 billion blueprint for the first phase of a Mexico border wall.

The 200,000 Salvadorans are among the nearly 1 million immigrants whose lives in the United States have been upended and set to a deadline under President Trump. The largest group, nearly 700,000 undocumented immigrants who were protected under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, are set to begin losing their temporary work permits in March at the rate of nearly 1,000 per day.

Democrats and immigrant rights groups denounced the Trump administration's TPS decision, which they characterized as another attack on the United States' tradition of humanitarianism toward immigrants and refugees. On Monday, however, DHS officials resisted suggestions that the decision by Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was part of a broader anti-immigrant agenda. They described it in narrower legal terms, as a recognition that conditions in El Salvador have improved enough since the earthquakes to no longer warrant the TPS designation.

"Based on careful consideration of available information, including recommendations received as part of an inter-agency consultation process, the Secretary determined that the original conditions caused by the 2001 earthquakes no longer exist," the DHS statement read.

The statement noted that the U.S. government has deported more than 39,000 Salvadorans in the past two years, demonstrating, it said, "that the temporary inability of El Salvador to adequately return their nationals after the earthquake has been addressed."

Nielsen recently met with El Salvador's foreign minister and spoke with President Salvador Sanchez Ceren, according to the DHS.

In total, DHS officials said, 262,500 Salvadorans have been granted TPS permits, but recent estimates indicate that closer to 200,000 people with that status reside in the United States.

Immigrant advocates, Salvadoran government officials and others had implored Nielsen to extend the TPS designation, citing the country's gang violence and the potentially destabilizing effect of so many people being sent home. El Salvador's homicide rate - 108 per 100,000 people in 2015 - was the world's highest for a country not at war, the most recent U.N. data shows.

Others urged Nielsen to consider the approximately 190,000 U.S.-born children of Salvadoran TPS recipients. Their parents must now decide whether to break up their families, take their children back to El Salvador or stay in the United States and risk deportation.

Senior DHS officials told reporters Monday that Salvadoran parents would have to make that choice. "We are not going to get involved in an individual family's decision," said the official, who the agency did not allow to be quoted by name.

The potential economic impact on American companies and businesses was not a factor either, officials said. The mayors of Houston, Los Angeles and other cities with large number of Salvadorans had urged Nielsen to taken into account the wider contributions of TPS recipients, a third of whom are U.S. homeowners, according to recent surveys.

"Only Congress can legislate a permanent solution addressing the lack of an enduring lawful immigration status of those currently protected by TPS who have lived and worked in the United States for many years," Monday's DHS statement read. "The 18-month delayed termination will allow Congress time to craft a potential legislative solution."

Trump administration officials have repeatedly said they considered the TPS program an example of American immigration policy gone awry, noting that when Congress created the designation in 1990, its purpose was to provide "temporary" protection from deportation following a natural disaster, armed conflict or other calamity.

In November, the DHS ended TPS for 60,000 Haitians who arrived after a 2010 earthquake and for 2,500 Nicaraguan migrants protected after Hurricane Mitch in 1998.

A six-month extension was recently granted to 57,000 Hondurans, a decision made before Nielsen's arrival, by then-acting DHS secretary Elaine Duke. That move frustrated White House officials who wanted Duke to end the program.

Lawmakers from both parties who represent cities and states with large immigrant populations blasted the DHS decision. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) called it a "cynical move" whose purpose is to "score political points with the extreme right-wing Republican base."

On the other side of the aisle, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) urged the Trump administration to reconsider, warning that it would be "devastating" to send Salvadorans home "after they have created a humble living for themselves and their families."

The TPS decision came as Congress deliberates DACA's fate. Some lawmakers see the looming Jan. 18 deadline for a must-pass government spending bill as leverage to forge a DACA solution.

Trump is demanding significant concessions. He wants to beef up border security and scale back legal immigration channels in exchange for supporting permanent legal residency, and possibly citizenship, for DACA recipients.

The president is scheduled to meet with a bipartisan group of lawmakers at the White House on Tuesday to continue the talks.

There were new signs Monday that TPS could end up as a bargaining chip in the DACA negotiations. A person familiar with the talks said Congress could step in to help the Salvadorans, Haitians and other groups whose TPS permits are now set to expire in 2019.

Democrats and Republicans have been privately discussing the possibility of curbing the diversity visa lottery program - which grants about 55,000 green cards each year to people from nations with low immigration rates to the United States - in exchange for sparing TPS recipients from deportation. Trump has insisted that any DACA deal must get rid of the lottery.

One aide on Capitol Hill familiar with the negotiations said Democrats would prefer a narrow deal to legalize DACA recipients. But this person added that if Trump insists on seeking significant border security upgrades and cuts to legal immigration, then Democrats will insist on extending TPS.

Some Republicans fear that if a DACA deal falls through, it could harm the party in immigrant-heavy voting districts during a midterm election year. Meanwhile, immigration hawks are urging Trump to motivate his base by holding a harder line, as he did throughout the 2016 campaign. The president's top policy adviser, Stephen Miller, has been opposed to continuing DACA, and he is said also to have championed ending the TPS program.

"The fix has been in for these TPS decisions, regardless of the facts on the ground in these countries," said Kevin Appleby of the New York-based Center for Migration Studies.

"The decision on El Salvador is particularly damaging," he said. "It not only will uproot families and children who have lived here for years; it also will further destabilize an already violent country."

The DHS said in its announcement that it conducted extensive outreach to Salvadorans living in the United States, including "community forums on TPS, panel discussions with Salvadoran community organizers, stakeholder teleconferences, regular meetings with TPS beneficiaries, news releases to the Salvadoran community, meetings with Salvadoran government officials, meetings at local churches, and listening sessions."

Jaime Contreras, vice president of Local 32BJ, the largest property-service local in the Service Employees International Union, called Monday's decision "shameful." In the Washington area, he said, TPS recipients clean Reagan National Airport, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and "every major landmark you can think of."

"They have families here. A lot of these people own homes," said Contreras, whose union represents about 160,000 commercial office cleaners, security officers and others nationwide. "It's time for Congress to do the right thing."

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The Washington Post's Ed O'Keefe and Maria Sacchetti contributed to this report.

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Video: DHS announced on Jan. 8 that it will end protected immigration status for about 200,000 migrants from El Salvador. This is what you need to know about TPS.(Melissa Macaya,Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post)

Embed code:President Donald Trump Sunday night misquoted in a tweet a flattering column in the New York Post as lauding his "enormously consensual presidency." He then corrected it to reflect the real word: "consequential."

In the New York Post column, Michael Goodwin spoke highly of Trump's year in office, writing that it "is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency." He also wrote that "despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president."

In a late-night string of tweets, Trump directed his millions of followers to the column but misquoted it, replacing the word "consequential" with "consensual." He also left out the author's references to the president's "missteps." Instead of linking to the article, Trump tweeted out an email address for Goodwin.

Trump or someone acting on his behalf deleted the tweet shortly after posting it, replacing it with a new tweet correctly quoting the article and linking to it.

The president's apparent error, however short-lived, was quickly captured in screen shots - and promptly mocked across social media.

The deleted tweet stirred memories of the famous late-night "covfefe" incident - the president's garbled tweet about the press that became an instant worldwide joke.

The president's reference to consent also happened to coincide with the Golden Globe Awards, where Hollywood stars wore black to protest sexual misconduct in the workplace - as some Twitter users pointed out.

Joy Reid tweeted "He also coined the soon-to-be trending term 'consensual presidency,' on the night of the black dress, #TIMESUP#goldenglobes no less. Yeah this show won't make it to season two. . ."

Others on Twitter brought up the fact that more than a dozen women accused President Trump of sexual misconduct during the 2016 presidential campaign. Amid the #MeToo sexual harassment movement, three women last month launched a renewed public push to gain attention for their allegations, which the White House dismissed. The president has denied any improprieties.

Pe Resists tweeted "Which, considering the allegations of multiple women against you, is rather Freudian. . ."

Nita Chaudhary tweeted "It's almost as if he doesn't know the definition of consensual."Chinese peacekeepers patrol around the perimeter of UN House in Juba on 27 January 2016 (UNMISS Photo)

Source: sudantribune.com

The incident reportedly occurred at the same location where two Chinese peacekeepers were killed during fighting in South Sudan 18 months ago.

Peacekeepers at the United Nations compound in the capital Juba were told armed militants had entered a restricted zone on Thursday afternoon, South China Morning Post reported in its Saturday edition.

Fifteen militants carrying rifles and pistols were found in a restricted area ... chasing civilians after two gunshots were heard at about 4pm, the paper, quoting the official newspaper PLA Daily, said.

It also said Lt. Yang Yongqiang, one of 15 Chinese peacekeepers, rushed to the restricted zone where civilians are usually protected.

I told the armed men that they were in a place where weapons are prohibited, but they became agitated and started firing shots into the sky, Yang told the newspaper.

The situation reportedly worsened as more militants appeared in the restricted area and some of them  numbering about 30 at that stage  had their weapons allegedly aimed at the peacekeepers.

This was a very tense stand-off and the armed group was extremely hostile. It wouldve been very easy for us to lose control of the situation, Yang was quoted as saying.

According to the report, however, the peacekeepers negotiated with the militants, who agreed to lower their weapons and left the area.

South Sudans civil war, now in its fifth year, has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than two million people. Several ceasefire agreement signed by the warring parties have not held.

China, according to the United Nations, has more than 2,600 peacekeepers serving around the world with most of them serving military engineers and logistics staff, police and medical personnel.

At least 18 Chinese have reportedly died on peacekeeping missions, with half of them in Africa, from disease, traffic accidents, extreme weather and due to armed attacks.San Antonio native and queen of TV comedy Carol Burnett not only got a standing ovation on Sunday nights Golden Globes, but got her ear pulled by Jennifer Aniston.

Burnett and Aniston presented two awards together  best actress, TV comedy series; and best actress, TV drama  and the Friends star made no secret of how in awe she was to be on stage with the television icon.A greenway trail linking two main parks in Converse is closer to reality after City Council unanimously accepted advance funding from a grant for the $1.51 million project.

We have been successful in acquiring funding for this project, but now we have to make our match, said City Manager Lanny Lambert, whose retirement became effective at the end of the Jan. 2 meeting.

The vote authorizes interim City Manager Le Ann Piatt to sign an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the citys $450,000 share of the cost.

In January 2017, City Council authorized staff to apply for the Greenway Trail grant to link Converse City Park, at School Street near FM 78, and Converse North Park, at 8200 Spring Town off Toepperwein Road.

Manny Longoria, city public works superintendent, told the council that the project was conceived as part of the Parks and Environmental Commissions recreation vision master plan, adopted in 2015, which set out to develop a plan to link all the citys parks with a greenway trail system.

In July, the city was notified by MPO officials that its grant had been selected for funding.

The city has identified a potential route that follows a creekway north and west from Converse City Park to Binz-Engleman Road, and goes under the Union Pacific railroad tracks to FM 1976. From there, the route would go north along Janice Lane to connect to property just south of Converse North Park.

Longoria explained that a preferable option would require the city to acquire right-of-way from a private landowner. Attempts to negotiate with the landowner have been problematic to this point, Longoria added.

Under the grant, there is no ability for condemnation or eminent domain of any land needed for the right of way from the landowner. So without progress in talks with the landowner, this option will not be viable.

The grant provides federal transportation grant funding in the amount of nearly $1.09 million to construct the Converse greenway trail. Longoria said the federal money can only be spent on construction, and cannot be used for such actions as design, right-of-way purchase or environmental studies. The city is responsible for the rest of the funding, which will cover those project essentials.

The project comes from TxDOTs 2018 funding cycle. Longoria estimated a three-month month engineering-and-design phase, followed by about six months of construction.

In other action, the council gave the go-ahead for the city to file two applications with the Federal Emergency Management Agency ) on behalf of Fire Department.

The first grant request concerns staffing. Lambert said the city filed a similar application last year but was unsuccessful. The citys application asked for six positions.

The three-year grant would be similar to the program the city currently uses to fund staff on the Police Department. If approved, the city pays 25 percent of all associated costs in the first year, while FEMA pays 75 percent. In year two, the cost is split 50-50, and in year three, the city pays 65 percent while the agencys share drops to 35 percent. The following year, the city assumes total funding responsibility for the staffing costs.

If the city is successful, Lambert said, it would be notified in mid- to late 2018 and funding would begin in 2019.

Council also approved a second FEMA resolution for replacement of the Fire Departments 21-year-old pumper truck. This is the second year for the application, which was also turned down last year.

If approved, FEMA would pay 90 percent of the estimated $650,000 cost of the pumper. The city would only have to contribute 10 percent, or $65,000. A decision on the application, due next month, will be announced in September.

The fire departments pumper, purchased in 1996 for $200,000, has accumulated 100,000 miles. We ran the wheels off it when it was first out, Fire Chief Richard Wendt said.

The pumper is due to be replaced sometime in the 2019-2020 time frame, Wendt said. It will be placed in the capital improvement plan to be replaced, through the annual budgeting process. But landing the grant, he said, would mean a way less drastic amount that youre going to have to cough up to get it.

jflinn@express-news.netFederal agents and San Antonio police worked together Sunday to track down a man who allegedly threatened shootings in the city's movie theaters.

San Antonio police posted an officer safety bulletin on Friday after police in West Monroe, Louisiana, contacted them about a threat they saw on social media, authorities said.A suspected armed robber with multiple facial tattoos was taken into custody Saturday by San Antonio police after an officer recognized him during an unrelated call, officials said.

David Marek, 37, who is from Arizona, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery and theft. His tattoos include horns over each eye, "713" under his left eye, and a tear drop to the side of his left eye.

The arrest stems from a Dec. 5, 2017, robbery of a convenience store in the 900 block of West Hildebrand Avenue. Officers responded there around 3 a.m., according to an arrest affidavit.

RELATED: Former Spurs player arrested in S.A. on drunk driving charge

The clerk told them a man wearing a black jacket and black cap pulled out a handgun and demanded money, lottery tickets and cigarettes. The clerk also noted the man had tattoos on his face, including a tear drop by his eye, authorities said.

Later that morning, the stolen lottery tickets were cashed at a different convenience store in the 1200 block of Babcock Road for a total of $100. The man who cashed those tickets matched the same physical description given by the clerk, according to the affidavit.

The man visited a Valero gas station in the 7200 block of Blanco Road a few hours later, cashing two other stolen lottery tickets for a total of $50, police said.

Investigators still couldn't identify the suspect, however. On Wednesday, San Antonio Crime Stoppers released surveillance images of him and offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.

RELATED: Neighbor details man's bizarre behavior before S.A. shop erupts in flames

Police did not receive tips on the suspect, according to the affidavit, but an officer recognized Marek during a call for service on Friday.

Marek was taken in for questioning and allegedly confessed to the robbery and detailed the items he stole from 7-Eleven.

His bail was set at $76,000.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSABy Guo Yuandan

China's Central Military Commission (CMC) held an annual military training kicking-off ceremony in the year of 2018 on the morning of January 3. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), gave instructions and orders to all Chinese armed forces in the ceremony.

This was the first ever ceremony held by China's CMC. What are its implications? We interviewed some experts to learn the answers.

The main venue of the ceremony was a shooting range of an army regiment under the Central Theater Command of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). More than 7,000 fully armed military members lined up, and nearly 300 pieces of equipment were positioned in a rapid and orderly manner.

Meanwhile, in response to Xi Jinpings orders, a total of 4,000-plus sub-venues were also set up across the military, including field-oriented sub-venues for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, Strategic Support Force, and the Chinese People's Armed Police Force.

The annual military training of 2018 began shortly thereafter. Various troops launched their exercises as planned. According to the official microblog of the PLA Air Force, multiple J-11B and JL-10 fighters were engaged in a real-combat air confrontation and live-fire air-ground assault training at an airport in north China on January 3. The highlight of the training was live-fire operations.

Stress on combat readiness

An insider with 30 years of military experience told the reporter on January 3 that this annual military training kicking-off ceremony held by the CMC was the first of its kind in Chinas military history. It signals to members of the armed forces a clear intention to comprehensively elevate the troops combat readiness.

The insider added that the presence of all military leaders from the CMC chairman to its members demonstrated the importance that the leadership attaches to the military training. The ceremonys being set at the very beginning of 2018 manifests the leaderships determination to make good progress in the New Year to come. In addition, the venue, a vast shooting range, indicates the CMCs intention of creating an awe-inspiring impression with fully armed soldiers.

Highlight of real-combat training

After the ceremony, the official Internet accounts of the Southern Theater Command, the Northern Theater Command and the Western Theater Command of the PLA successively released their coverage of starting military training, with all of them stressing real combat readiness.

A Marine Corps brigade of the PLA Southern Theater Command organized a real-combat-oriented confrontation exercise between red and blue sides of mechanized infantry platoons in mountainous regions in the brigades first training this year.

In 2018, the PLA will roll out training campaigns following the new version of Military Training Outline, one of the guidelines of which is to increase training intensity, difficulty and length to meet real combat requirements.

Another official media release said that an aviation brigade under the 79th Group Army required its soldiers to stretch their fighting performance, including that of weaponry, to the extreme in difficult and complicated weather and terrain conditions.

Some analysts said that the high attention the CMC attached to the military training may curb some impractical showy moves in military training.

The promotion of censorship and accountability in military training has been in full swing across the armed forces in recent years.

Last March, 57 military units involving 99 military officials were called to account, punished and criticized.

In June, 107 military training experts were hired as the first batch of CMC military training inspectors.

In November, the first censorship campaign on military training was carried out in joint campaign training of services and arms. This also guaranteed progress in real-combat-oriented military training.

Real combat training and peaceful development do not conflict

China always adheres to a defensive national defense policy. Chinas military development is meant only to safeguard national security without targeting any country or object.

The PLAs determination to safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity is unshakable. Wu Qian, spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular ministry press conferencein November 2017 that military training must stay aligned with international strategic layout changes and Chinas security situation to ensure that China can decisively cope with various threats and emergencies.From San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to San Antonio to Germany, Indiana and Panama, Phyllis Neumann lived all over the world, teaching and opening up her homes.

Last count, she moved over 100 times, said Kay McInnes, daughter of Phyllis Neumann.

Neumann died Jan. 4 due to complications from Alzheimers. She was 87.

Born in El Paso, Neumann was raised in San Luis Potosi until her mother died when she was 14.

Her father just couldnt keep her in Mexico, McInnes said, so Neumann moved to Texas to live with her aunt and uncle.

At boarding school, she had to take a foreign language but already knew Spanish and English, so she took French. Her love of the languages and teaching grew and she got her degree in education at the University of Texas at Austin.

After graduation, she married Donald Neumann, who served in the military and led her all over the world.

She made learning fun, McInnes said. For the most part, she taught in lower-income schools. She would do a massive fundraising event making tamales so anyone who wanted to go to the Pan American Spanish Forum in San Antonio in the spring would be able to go.

About 20 to 30 students would attend the convention of Spanish speakers every year, in large part to Neumanns support.

More Information Phyllis Jean Bateman Neumann Born: June 13, 1930, in El Paso Died: Jan. 4, 2018, in San Antonio Preceded by: Parents Ralph Lowell and Meta Ormsbee Bateman; stepmother Anice Bateman; husband, Donald; and brother, Ralph Bateman Jr. Survivors: Daughters Terry Felux and Kay McInnes; sons, Loring, Paul and Michael Neumann Sr.; sister Sue Crawford; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. Services: Visitation Jan. 12, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 East. Service Saturday, 10 a.m., at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 19291 Stone Oak Pkwy. See More Collapse

My parents sought out low income places without a lot of access to resources, McInnes said, adding that her parents aided foster children, foreign exchange students and anyone who needed help coming through their house.

God had called them to help, McInnes said. You can tell that by how they were always involved.

In their 60s, Neuman and her husband left for Panama where they planted churches and raised up pastors for seven years.

The Panamanians were their people, McInnes said. They went through the Lutheran church and thats where there was an opening.

The couple returned home after a head-on collision in Panama that put them both in the hospital.

We went to visit them in the ICU and everyone waiting was there to see them, McInnes said. A group spent a weeks wages to come up and hold a last service with them.

They were eventually transported back to San Antonio by their five children, but not before Donald Neumann could say, it took an accident to get you to Panama.

jpolcyn@express-news.netIt should not come as a surprise. We certainly have had enough hints that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions was planning on repealing the Obama administrations 2013 hands-off policy  known as the Cole memo  regarding enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states where recreational use is legal. That covers eight states and the District of Columbia. The most recent convert is California, which legalized recreational marijuana use Jan. 1.

Here is the bottom line: The criminal justice response to drug use has failed. And Sessions repeal of the Cole memo is simply another page from that tired old playbook that has no basis in fact.

Sessions has a long history of concerns about marijuana. As attorney general of Alabama in 1996, he supported a mandatory death penalty bill for a second conviction for marijuana trafficking (including marijuana dealing). He has since made no secret that he is dubious about marijuana, that good people dont smoke marijuana, and that it is a very real danger.

Scientific evidence does not appear to be a high priority for Sessions or the Trump administration.

So we either just say no, or we ramp up the war on drugs. How well have those approaches worked in the past? Not well.

Prior to the announcement about repeal of the Cole memo, the key drug policy initiative has been to require U.S. attorneys to charge the most serious offense in federal drug cases, with the goal being the maximization of punishment. It is obvious that the only response that the Trump administration has to drug use is punishment. It seems they have not seen the memo that reports that the recidivism rate of drug offenders is 77 percent.

I want to be clear. I am not a marijuana advocate. I dont really have an opinion about whether someone should use marijuana recreationally, just as I dont have a position on recreational use of alcohol. I would add, however, that there are potential harms associated with any substance use, harms that include abuse, dependence and addiction, and a variety of behavioral and physical health implications.

One issue opponents of marijuana legalization, including Sessions, claim is that marijuana is a gateway drug, meaning it leads to the use of harder drugs such as crack or heroin. The evidence they cite is that among users of harder drugs, the majority used marijuana at some point. What they fail to appreciate is that the gateway argument also requires that among marijuana users, the majority of them use harder drugs. That is not the case, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a branch of the National Institutes of Health.

In 2015, 1.6 million people were arrested on drug charges, and nearly half of those were for possession of marijuana. The war on drugs is alive and well despite the fact that the vast majority of experts and the majority of the public have concluded it is a dismal failure. In fact, a recent poll from the Pew Research Center indicates that nearly three-quarters believe that the government should provide treatment for people who have drug problems rather than prosecuting them for drug use. Moreover, between 55 percent and 65 percent believe marijuana should be legalized.

Of course, Sessions does have an explanation for why public opinion supports a different course of action for the drug problem: I do believe  that the public is not properly educated on some of the issues related to marijuana.

Simply put, the criminal justice response does not work. Legalization takes the cartels out of the marijuana business (a good thing), provides revenue to states (a good thing), and keeps hundreds of thousands of individuals out of the criminal justice system (a good thing).

If we are concerned about the fact that people use marijuana, or that some users will eventually abuse it and thus develop substance use disorders, federal enforcement will help neither of these concerns. Drug abuse is a medical disorder that requires a public health response. Sessions ought to keep that in mind.

William R. Kelly is a professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin.Bookstores have long been an anomaly along West Commerce Street, past the railroad tracks leading into the heart of the West Side. One of the first privately funded West Side bookstores was operated by Rolando Cortez and Rodolfo Ramirez, two entrepreneurs who dabbled in the consciousness-raising philosophy of an indigenous Weltanschauung, a cultural and political worldview.

Books sold there elicited a cultural awareness of La Raza Cosmica, a collective synthesis that blended Africans, Asians, Europeans, Indios and Mestizos, all transforming a new cultural order.

Penca Books was located at 1817 W. Commerce St. near Centeno Supermarket. It was a real eye-opener. The term Penca translates from Nahuatl to Great Stalk.

COMMENTARY: Education is the engine that drives us, but it doesn't get enough attention in San Antonio

La Raza Cosmica (1925) was a striking manifesto written by Jose Vasconcelos, a Mexican intellectual who asserted that the Mexican Revolution heralded a new cultural synthesis of ideas. Like Vasconcelos, co-owner Ramirez was a dedicated intellectual with a predilection for literary theory and the history of marginalized peoples of the Southwest. His partner, Cortez, had a knack for accounting and meeting with booksellers and venture capitalists hoping to make a fast buck in the rising Latino book market.

Together, they exhibited acumen for acquiring culturally relevant literature reflecting the community.

One of the first authors to read and sign books at Penca Books was Rudolfo Anaya, who had just published Bless Me, Ultima (1972), a Bildungsroman about a young, restless Chicano boy growing up in New Mexico. He was the first novelist to set foot at the bookstore. And many people packed the small place just to bear witness to his success.

Sporting a black turtleneck and jet-black hair, the soft-spoken Anaya signed books and tallied how many rejection slips he had accumulated. But he never gave up on his dream. His novel was published by Tonatiuh Quinto Sol International, founded by Octavio Romano and a group of University of California, Berkeley intellectuals. They formed a publishing outlet because they wanted to publish unknown Americans ignored by the Eastern literary establishment.

READ MORE: Express-News selects the best books of 2017

Months later, in the Aug. 31, 1972, issue of The New York Review of Books, Harvard historian John Womack Jr. wrote a long essay covering 15 books under the title,  A special Supplement: The Chicanos. They had finally been recognized by an elite highbrow journal.

Anayas novel was a template for other writers who saw in Bless Me, Ultima an affirmation of the Mexican-American experience.

Penca Books soon afterward ventured into its own publication imprint with Jose Reynas Raza Humor, a book about joking and the unconscious. It was linguistic ethnography of Southwest humor with a focus on recent immigrants coming to America. As demand grew for cultural books, more bookstores began making them available to readers.

What Penca Books did back then was organize poetry readings, give voice to Chicano intellectuals whose ideas were changing old belief systems, and provide a new forum for change. West Side residents visited the store for its colorful pinatas, posters, and walls of paperbacks, novels and Mexican history books, in both Spanish and English.

Although the bookstore closed its doors before the decade was over, its short-lived success created other venues for emerging writers and thinkers. Penca Books quickly faded from memory without even a historical marker to recognize its existence in the burgeoning literature of the Southwest.

The antediluvian dark days of literary exclusivity was slowly receding as more Mexican-Americans were experimenting with writing and self-expression. Despite its short experiment in selling Latino books, Penca Books deserves a chapter in the literary history of the West Side.JERRY LARA /San Antonio Express-News

They say that with age comes wisdom. And for the most part, thats true. At 68, I like to think I have most things in my life figured out. I raised one daughter, and studied and worked in the molecular biology field, teaching biology, chemistry and dual credit chemistry to high school students for many years.

But I will readily admit that as I age, I also am more honest with myself about the things I may not know. I have found Im not truly prepared for some of the things that come with the older years. Navigating the older years takes planning and deliberate choices we dont always have the foundation to understand. As children, were taught to be adults, but no one teaches us how to be elders in our community.BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China has made the utmost efforts in the search and rescue operations after two vessels collided off China's east coast,a foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday in Beijing.

Rescuers found one body this morning at around 10: 30 am, spokesperson Lu Kang said at a daily press briefing.

The collision, between a Panama-registered oil tanker and a Hong Kong-registered freighter, occurred at around 8 p.m. Saturday in waters about 160 sea miles east of the Yangtze estuary.

Thirty-two crew members, including 30 Iranian nationals and two Bangladeshi nationals, are missing.

"We have sent several rescue vessels to the scene," Lu said, while expressing gratitude for other countries' assistance in the rescue mission.It was easier to cross the River Suir bridge in Thurles during the War of Independence than it has been over the past few weeks, thanks to the inexcusable condition of roads in the town, according to Sinn Fein councillor David Doran.

Describing the street conditions in the Cathedral Town as being worse than Syria, Cllr Doran told members of Tipperary County Council this Monday that all members of the local authority should be permitted to meet with Transport Infrastructure Ireland at the annual briefing which will take place in late January/early February.

The condition of the streets in Thurles, especially the River Suir bridge, was an embarassment to me as a public representative. We were all out encouraging people to come to Thurles to do their Christmas shopping and yet the streets were worse than Syria.

It would have been easier to cross the Suir Bridge during the War of Independence, than it has been over the last few weeks. It is totally unacceptable and somebody has to take responsibility for it, Cllr Doran said.

However, despite the issues highlighted in Thurles, there was widespread welcome for very significant allocations for Tipperary Town and for Golden, as well as an allocation of 654,000 for Slievenamon Road in Thurles to be totally overhauled.

Director of Services Mr Marcus O'Connor said that the annual meeting with TII in January would follow the format of the last number of years and shot down Cllr Dorans suggestion that any councillor who wishes to attend be permitted to do so - the Chairpersons of the Municipal Districts, Chairperson of the County Council, and officials are the agreed representatives from Tipperary who attend the meeting. He added that the success of the previous meetings is now being recognised in the allocations received  a sentiment echoed by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joe MacGrath.

I am very much in touch with the conditions of the roads of Tipperary and I accept totally that they are not in the condition that they should be  I have said this in the past. This is as a result of the reduced allocations over the last five-six years, but we are now seeing for the first time, an increase in the allocations and this is to be welcome and acknowledged. We are going to see improvements in road conditions over the next while and we need to try and do all in our power to find further investment and allocations for our roads, Mr MacGrath said.

Cllr Jim Ryan had suggested raising a loan to undertake the necessary resurfacing works required for the roads, but this too was shot down by Mr O'Connor who said that the department would not sanction such actions for ongoing maintainence.

While the TII has taken major criticism for the condition of roads in Thurles town and other towns around the county also, Cllr Seamus Hanafin pointed out that the loss of the block grant for urban areas following the wipeout of the Town Councils is where the real issue rests. Instead of fighting with the TII, we should be writing to the department to try and have the block grant resored for urban roads. In Thurles alone, we have lost 500,000 over the last three years for streets and footpaths  that would have made a huge difference to the urban roads and it is the same in all the other towns, Cllr Hanafin said.

The allocations for Golden and Tipperary town were welcomed broadly by members including Cllrs Roger Kennedy, John Crosse, Denis Leahy and Michael Fitzgerald who said that he too had been embarrassed by the condition of the roads in these areas, similar to the embarrassment felt in Thurles and Borrisokane in recent times.JUBA, Jan. 8 (ChinaMil) -- "I am not afraid to face the muzzle because we are here to protect the land," said Yang Yongqiang, a platoon leader of the 3rd Infantry Company of the 4th Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion to South Sudan, upon recalling the incident that happened a day ago.

On the afternoon of Jan 4, local time, Lieut. Yang and his men successfully expelled tens of armed militants from the weapon exclusion zone delimited by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

At about 4 p.m., Yang and 14 Chinese peacekeeping infantrymen were patrolling the restricted areas outside the UN House camp located in Juba, capital of South Sudan when two shots were heard from afar.

The 15 Chinese peacekeepers spared no time driving their assault vehicle towards the direction from where the shots were fired.

"Fifteen unidentified people were found, fourteen were armed with rifles and one was armed with a pistol, and they were pursuing a civilian in the weapon exclusion zone," reported the No 5 guard post though the wireless intercom.

The UNMISS requires the peacekeepers on patrol duty should make sure that no armed personnel enters the weapon exclusion zone.

Yang and his patrol team arrived at the scene at 16:04. "I immediately negotiated with the armed militants and told them that they intruded into the weapon exclusion zone where no firearms were allowed," Yang recalled.

While Yang was negotiating with the fifteen militants, more armed men flocked towards them and in less than a minute, the number of unidentified militants reached thirty. They aimed their guns at the Chinese peacekeepers. A conflict might break out at any moment.

Yang and some peacekeepers made their utmost efforts to argue reasonably with the armed militants. Meanwhile, on the patrol team's assault vehicle and infantry fighting vehicle, the operators of heavy machine guns and cannons were in combat readiness.

"At the time of the confrontation, the armed militants kept carrying their loaded rifles and were hysterical. The situation was very likely to get out of control at any time," Yang said.

Eventually, under the mighty deterrence of the Chinese peacekeepers, the commander of the militants beckoned to his men to holster their weapons and said they would immediately leave the weapon exclusion zone.U.S. President Donald Trump and aides on Sunday heaped scorn on a new book detailing his chaotic first year in the White House and suggestions that he is not mentally fit to be the U.S. leader.

Trump, in a Twitter comment, said, "Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author."

Trump's ire was aimed at journalist Michael Wolff, who, based on 200 interviews with Trump and numerous of his aides, described a dysfunctional White House in his book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released Friday.

Trump said that three decades ago, another Republican president, Ronald Reagan, was also faced with stories questioning his mental acuity "and handled it well. So will I!"

Stephen Miller, Trump's top policy adviser, assailed Trump's former chief strategist Stephen Bannon for comments in the book alleging that Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner, now a key White House adviser, and then-campaign manager Paul Manafort were "treasonous" and "unpatriotic" for meeting in the midst of the 2016 presidential campaign with Russians claming to have incriminating information about Trump's challenger, Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Miller on CNN described Bannon as an "angry, vindictive person" whose "grotesque comments are so out of touch with reality." Miller said the "whole White House staff is deeply disappointed in his comments" in the book.By PTI

BENGALURU: A Twitter war between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath, mocking each other on the issue of development and governance, has gone viral on the internet.

Adityanath took part in the 'Nava Karnataka Parivartan Yatre' rally organised by the BJP's Karnataka unit here yesterday, as part of the party's ongoing state-wide 75-day campaign to "expose misdeeds" of the Siddaramaiah government.

Welcoming the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Siddaramaiah tweeted that there's a lot Adityanath can learn from Karnataka to address the reported starvation deaths in his state.

I welcome UP CM Shri @myogiadityanath to our state. There is a lot you can learn from us Sir. When you are here please visit a Indira Canteen & a ration shop. It will help you address the starvation deaths sometimes reported from your state. #YogiInBengaluru https://t.co/lj0m4fMphC  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 7, 2018

Adityanath promptly responded.

Thanking Siddaramaiah for the welcome, he cited an increase in farmers' suicides and alleged ill treatment to honest government officials under the Congress dispensation.

He also pointed out that he was trying to "undo the misery" unleashed by Congress' allies in Uttar Pradesh.

Thank you for the welcome @siddaramaiah ji. I heard number of farmers committing suicide in Karnataka was highest in your regime, not to mention the numerous deaths and transfer of honest officers. As UP CM I am working to undo the misery and lawlessness unleashed by your allies.  Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 7, 2018

The "welcome" barb between both the chief ministers has gone viral, with supporters of political parties they represent taking sides and trolling each other with hashtags "#YogiInBengaluru" and "#HogappaYogi" (go Yogi).

Addressing the 'Nava Karnataka Parivartan Yatre' rally yesterday, Adityanath alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka was pushing the state five years back "due to corruption, divisive politics and anti-development policies".

Accusing the Congress of trying to divide the society on caste lines, keeping assembly elections in mind, he said: "The party has become a burden...a problem for the nation." Assembly elections are due in Karnataka early this year.

This is the second visit of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister to the state in less than a month to campaign for his party.

His last visit was to Hubbali on December 21, 2017 to address a rally.

Adityanath has also attacked Siddaramaiah personally for endorsing eating beef.By ANI

WASHINGTON: A group of Indian-Americans and Balochs held a protest by the name 'Chappal Chor Pakistan' outside the Pakistan embassy here, over the misbehaviour meted out to former Indian Naval Officer Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and wife.

The protestors also donated used shoes to the embassy saying that 'protest is in solidarity with Jadhav's family.'

An agitated protestor said, When they stole the chappal of a woman (Jadhav's wife) who was in distress, I hope they can use these also.

Another protestor said that Pakistans narrow-mindedness has been exposed from the way it treated Jadhavs family.

Policy makers and people here need to understand that Pakistan as a whole is also being run by narrow-minded mentality, he added.

A meeting took place between Jadhav and his family on December 25 in Islamabad, on the request of the Indian government.

#WATCH: Indian-Americans & Baloch held #ChappalChorPakistan protest outside Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC, over misbehavior of Pakistani authorities with #KulbhushannJadhav's mother & wife. pic.twitter.com/o6ugCr2NQL  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

Jadhavs wife was asked to remove her shoes and use another pair as she went in the Foreign Office to meet her husband.

Pakistan claimed that her shoes were confiscated on security grounds as there was "something" in it.

Jadhav is on a death row in Pakistan over charges of terrorism and spying for India's intelligence agency- Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

On May 18, 2017, the International Court of Justice stayed the hanging after India approached it against the death sentence.By ANI

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani Urdu newspaper has issued its annual 2018 calendar with United Nations-designated terrorist and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed on it.

The revelation was made by a Pakistan-based journalist, Omar R Quraishi, who mentioned it on his Twitter handle.

In a tweet, Quraishi mentioned, "Pakistani Urdu newspaper 'Khabrain' issues its annual 2018 calendar with JUD chief Hafiz Saeed on it."

Pakistani Urdu newspaper 'Khabrain' issues its annual 2018 calendar with JUD chief Hafiz Saeed on it pic.twitter.com/6LiyHnOxA8  omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) January 8, 2018

Saeed was recently released from house arrest after a Pakistani court cited lack of evidence against him in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case.

The JuD chief is also looking to contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan and has, thereby, formed a party by the name of Milli Muslim League (MML).

Earlier this week, Saeed invited all Islamic states to launch 'Jihad' against the United States and Israel.

The event was conducted in the wake of US President Donald Trump-led administration unilaterally identifying and declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Meanwhile, Pakistan recently prohibited Saeed's Jamaat-Ud-Dawah (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) from collecting donations.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) ordered to prohibit all companies from donating cash to JuD and FIF, as well as several other such organisations named in a list of banned outfits by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

India has, time and again, protested against Pakistan for harbouring Saeed, who is wanted for allegedly plotting the Mumbai attacks.Arab states will soon embark on a diplomatic drive to persuade the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on territory captured by Israel in the 1967 war, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said.

Six Arab foreign ministers met in Amman on Saturday to follow up on earlier decisions taken by the Arab League to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's move in December to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a decision that overturned decades of U.S. policy on the Middle East.

A committee made up of Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Palestinians and headed by Jordan was set up after an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Cairo shortly after Trump's decision that called on Washington to abandon its decision.

The Arab League said at the time the move would spur violence throughout the region and described Trump's announcement as a "dangerous violation of international law" which had no legal impact.

Safadi said the ministers would recommend a series of moves to a full ministerial meeting of the Arab League due later this month. "We will confront the decision by seeking a [UN] resolution, an international one, to recognize a Palestinian state on 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital," said Safadi.

He did not elaborate on the timing of the diplomatic moves nor say whether he was referring to a UN Security Council or General Assembly resolution.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama is set to make his first talk show appearance on Jan. 12, on the first episode of a new show featuring longtime late-night host David Letterman.

This will be Obama's first on-camera talk show interview since he left the presidency Jan. 20, 2017. He has largely stayed out of the media spotlight since then.

Letterman's show, titled My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, is his first project since he retired from the long-running Late Show with David Letterman in 2015. His new Netflix series is expected, as the title suggests, to feature high-profile guests for in-depth interviews, both in and out of the studio.

Kent Memorial Library will present a program, Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. following the librarys annual meeting.

The program, to be held at town hall on Kent Green Boulevard, will feature Connecticut resident Sam Ducharme, who set out on a 2,180-mile, 14-state backpacking trip from Springer Mountain, Ga., to Mt. Katahdin, Maine.

During his six-month journey, he documented the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the wildlife, the hardships encountered on the trail, as well as the people, culture and humanity at its finest.

He will also discuss how he returned to the trail the following year, connecting with aspiring Thru Hikers, paying it forward, and his return to the summit of Katahdin one year later.

Ducharme is a retired K9 Officer and is a lifelong resident of Connecticut.

He has two adult sons, both serving in the United States Air Force.

As an avid outdoorsman, and finding the empty-nest, Ducharme decided to buy a backpack and a plane ticket to Georgia.

From there, he started walking north. With no prior backpacking experience, he learned on the trail.

For information and RSVP, call 860-927-3761.Those Who Served: He helped keep our birds in the airIn the 1980s and 90s it appeared buyers and collectors couldn't go wrong with classic cars as their values appeared to be rocketing by the day. That all stopped with the global financial crisis of a decade ago, but now things appear to be getting onto a more even keel. Although current and relatively modern cars can still be something of a risky investment, there are two going under the hammer at the Barrett-Jackson auction on January 20where depreciation won't be a concern for their eventual buyers.

The two cars in question are the very first example off the production line of the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and a new Ford GT that will have the honor of being the first one to be auctioned. The proceeds of the sales of both cars will go to charity.

Even though you could order a new Ford GT from Ford directly, this one going up for auction will mean an easier route for getting your hands on one than hoping to get an application to buy one from Ford accepted. Although no GT comes cheap, this one is expected to go for considerably more than a new one from Ford would cost as it offers the chance to get one without jumping through the application hoops, and of course, there's the charity aspect too. Proceeds from the sale of the GT will go to the Autism Society of North Carolina.

Proceeds from the sale of the ZR1 will go to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports seriously injured emergency first responders. Although the Corvette will go for a lot of money for the same reasons as the Ford, the eventual buyer will be able to specify the ZR1 to their own requirements as this model isn't out yet. That means it can be ordered as a coupe or as a convertible, and with either a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Also Watch: Kevin Flynn, President & MD, FCA India | InterviewNorth and South Korea will hold the first high-level talks in two years in the border truce village of Panmunjom on Tuesday.

North Korea on Sunday informed South Korea who will be representing it at the talks, a day after the South sent a list of its own delegation. It will be the first meeting between the two sides since December 2015.

Unification Ministry spokesman Baek Tae-hyun said, "The agenda includes matters regarding the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang as well as other issues of mutual interest such as improving inter-Korean ties."

A Cheong Wa Dae official said, "Those negotiations must succeed in order to make room for the remaining issues." But there are concerns that North Korea will make demands that are unacceptable for South Korea, like a permanent halt to U.S.-South Korean military drills.

New Delhi: India will consider initiating preliminary talks with neighbouring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to seek lower import duties for its sugar exports to prevent a glut next season, a top government official said.

In the current 2017/18 season sugar mills in India, the world's biggest consumer of the sweetener, is expected to produce just enough to meet its annual consumption of about 25 million tonnes.

However, output is expected to jump next season, which starts in October, raising the possibility of a drop in domestic prices. That could make it difficult for mills to pay millions of cane farmers on time, just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a national election in early 2019.

Preparing for the potential glut, the Indian government will ask both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to lower their import tariffs for sugar exports from India, said the official, who asked to remain anonymous because he is not authorised to talk to media.

About half a dozen Bangladesh refineries, which turn raw sugar into refined, or white, sugar could be interested in securing supplies from India, said Abinash Verma, director general of the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).

Bangladesh, which currently imports raw sugar from Brazil, the world's biggest producer, will find it easier and more economical to import from neighbouring India, Verma said.

Sri Lanka, which allows duty-free sugar imports from Pakistan, could also be keen to import white sugar from India, he said.

"Between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, India can look at exporting about 3 million tonnes, provided Colombo and Dhaka agree to India's request of concessional tariffs," Verma said.

India, the world's biggest sugar producer behind Brazil, is likely to churn out more than 25.1 million tonnes in the current marketing season, according to the ISMA.

However, plentiful rains in western and southern India are expected to boost 2018/19 output.

"We'll get some concrete sense about next year's production in July," Verma said.

India is likely to start the new marketing year on Oct. 1, with an opening stock of 4 million tonnes of sugar, almost unchanged from a year ago, he said.

Verma played down talks of large-scale imports from Pakistan into India.

"Since there is hardly any price parity, we do not foresee bulk imports from Pakistan, with barely 2,000 tonnes shipped into India so far," Verma said.Attari: A total of 147 Indian fishermen crossed over to India through the Wagah border on Monday after spending eight months in captivity in Pakistan, officials said.

In a goodwill gesture, Pakistani authorities had released 147 fishermen on Sunday.

The fishermen crossed over to India this evening through the land transit route of Wagah/Attari border on the basis of the 'Emergency Travel Certificate' issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, officials said.

Their release followed a December announcement by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal that nearly 300 Indian fishermen would be freed in two phases till January 8.

On December 28, Pakistan had released the first batch of 145 Indian fishermen, who were held there on similar charges. The fishermen travelled from Karachi to Lahore and then crossed the border on Monday, the officials said. After crossing over to the Indian side, a medical examination of the prisoners was conducted by a team of Indian doctors, they said.

The travel expenses of the fishermen were reportedly borne by the Edhi Foundation, a Pakistan-based not-for-profit welfare organisation.

Fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each other's territorial waters since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border and the wooden boats lack the technology to avoid being drifting away.

Owing to prolonged bureaucratic and legal procedures, the fishermen usually languish in jail for several months. A number of non-governmental organisations in both India and Pakistan have raised the issue, pressing their governments to release arrested fishermen without much delay.Srinagar: on Monday, several protesters marched on the border area of Tangdhar along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

But this was not protest for azadi, jobs, electricity or to keep surroundings clean. Instead, it was a demonstration for a bypass to avoid a risk-laden route which claims lives every winter.

The residents of this border area marched to push for the construction of a proposed 6km tunnel bypassing Sadhana Top - a high point on the Kupwara-Tangdhar road vulnerable to avalanches and road sinks.

Last week, 11 residents, including four women and a one-year-old baby perished in snow slides. Their frozen bodies were recovered several hours later after locals, police and Army carried a herculean rescue mission.

This became the fresh trigger for agitated residents longstanding demand of an all-weather tunnel bypassing the dangerous stretch on Sadhana top.

While several people were seen marching on Tangdhar township's centre, many more came out in solidarity in Srinagar and Jammu as well in support of the demand.

Hum kaya chate  tunnel. Hamari maange poore karo (We want tunnel. Accept our demands), shouted the people as they marched through the Tangdhar market.

Situated at the altitude of 3000 meters, Sadhana Top is prone to avalanches and road accidents. Snow closes the pass for more than six months in winter, restricting the movement of people of the area. Last year, a patient had to be ferried on a cot by the people to reach to the hospital because the road was closed.

Seventy thousand people of Karnah remain cut off from the rest of world six to seven months due to snowfall on the pass. Every year, we suffer casualties. People of the area are demanding a tunnel. Only fake promises were made in the past, said Ahsan-ul-Haq, a scientist from the area.

Jammu and Kashmir public works minister, Naeem Akthar, said they have taken up this issue with the Centre. We have taken up the issue with the centre. This is one of the areas which remains cut off. You have already got major tunnels sanctioned. At least three are completing and for other three DPR (detailed project report) are being prepared, he said

Last summer, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti promised the residents that a tunnel would be constructed in the area which is surrounded by Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on three sides.

''Either open the road to Muzaffarabad for us to give us better connectivity or construct the tunnel. We cannot remain in cage for six months every year,'' a senior citizen told CNN-News18 in Srinagar.Milan: An Italian appeals court on Monday acquitted two former Leonardo executives who were accused of paying bribes to Indian Air Force officials in exchange for a Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal to sell 12 AugustaWestland helicopters to India.

Giuseppe Orsi, the former president of defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica that was later renamed Leonardo, and Bruno Spagnolini, former CEO of the company's helicopters subsidiary AgustaWestland, were cleared of charges as "there isn't sufficient proof", according to the sentence read out in court.

Orsi was at the helm of AugustaWestland when the deal was struck and he is suspected of involvement in the payment of bribes. He had been sentenced to four-a-half-years years in jail for false accounting and corruption. Spagnolini, who had also been handed a four-year jail term on the same charges, was also cleared.

In December 2016, Italy's highest court had ordered a re-trial of the case.

The CBI, however, said the acquittals will have no bearing on their case as it is based on an independent investigation with strong evidence. The officials said the same set of evidence had resulted in their conviction earlier.

The UPA government had in February 2010 signed a contract with UK-based AgustaWestland to purchase 12 AW101 helicopters for the Indian Air Force for Rs 3,600 crore.

The case against Orsi and Spagnolini resulted from an investigation launched in 2012 into the sale of the helicopters to India. These choppers were supposed to be used for flying the President of India, the Prime Minister, and other such VVIPs.

India scrapped the contract with AugustaWestland in January, 2014 over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks paid by the firm for securing the deal.

India's defence ministry had ordered a CBI probe into the allegations of kickbacks to the tune of Rs 362 crore after the arrest of Orsi and Spagnolini by Italian investigators in connection with the case.

Several IAF officers, including its former chiefs, came under the scanner. Former Air Force chief SP Tyagi, his cousin Sanjiv alias Julie Tyagi and lawyer Gautam Khaitan were also arrested by the CBI for alleged corruption in the case.Karishma Hasnat

Gangtok: Academy Award winning music composer AR Rahman was named the official brand ambassador of the north eastern state of Sikkim, one of the favourite destinations of tourists preferring the upper reaches.

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling announced Rahmans name at the inauguration of the state Red Panda Winter Carnival at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok on Monday.

The maestro, who would also compose the tourism anthem for the state, wore the traditional Khada and lit the festivals inaugural lamp. Chamling presented him with a hand-woven carpet.

This was Rahmans first visit to Sikkim. Sources told News 18 that Rahmans team would be organising a concert in the state sometime in March.

A number of Bollywood celebrities, including actor Sridevi and her producer-husband Boney Kapoor, are scheduled to take part in the 11-day-long winter carnival. Another global celebrity and Assam tourism ambassador Priyanka Chopra is scheduled to visit Sikkim in April for the premiere of her home production Pahuna-The Little Visitors. The film has been shot exclusively in Sikkim.

Besides interacting with journalists, Rahman would also take part in the official dinner hosted by Chamling.Bengaluru: Five employees of Bengalurus Kailash Bar and Restaurant were killed when a fire broke out at the establishment while they were sleeping early on Monday.

The incident occurred around 2:30am when people noticed smoke billowing from the restaurant, which is located on the ground floor of the Kumbara Sangha Building in Kalasipalya area of the city.

Two fire trucks and one rescue vehicle were pressed into service and the fire was put out by the time of publishing this report. The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.

"An incident of fire has occurred at Kailash Bar and Restaurant located in the ground floor of Kumbaara sangha building (in the vegetable market area). Fire and smoke was noticed by some persons at around 2.30 am and fire services were pressed into action. Two fire tenders and one fire rescue vehicle attended to it and it has been doused," a senior police officer said.

The deceased were identified as 23-year-old Swami, 20-year-old Prasad, 35-year-old Mahesh, 45-year-old Manjunath and 24-year-old Keerthi. While the first three were natives of Tumkur, the latter belonged to Hassan and Mandya, respectively.

The Kailash Bar and Restaurant is licensed to one VR Dayashankar.

The incident comes days after a massive blaze claimed the lives of 14 people in a Mumbai rooftop pub, bringing into question the licensing norms and inaction of civic authorities against flouting of fire safety rules.Bengaluru: A 20-year-old Hindu woman allegedly committed suicide after being hounded for sending a WhatsApp message that said I love Muslims. A local BJP youth wing leader has been arrested and police is on the lookout for four others.

Dhanyashree, a 20-year-old B.Com student, was found hanging in her room on Saturday, the police said. The incident took place at Mudigere town near Chikkamagaluru, also known as Indias coffee bowl.

The woman was chatting with her friend, Santhosh, on Friday when the conversation veered towards the futility of fighting over caste and religion. In a reply to a question posed by him, she had replied I love Muslims.

Anilraj, who is BJP Yuva Morchas Mudigere town president, went to the woman's house to warn her against befriending Muslims, police said.

Infuriated by her message, Santhosh warned her against having any kind of relationship with Muslims. He had also shared the screenshot of their conversation with local Bajrang Dal and VHP members. The screenshot of the message went viral, causing mental agony to Dhanyashree and her mother.

Chikkamagaluru SP M Annamalai said that some youths, including the BJP youth wing leader Anilraj, then visited her house on Friday evening and threatened her and her mother against being friendly with Muslims.

Dhanyashree committed suicide the next day. A note found near her body said the incident had ruined her personal life and education.

Police have arrested Anilraj, who is BJP Yuva Morchas Mudigere town president. The police have also launched a massive manhunt for the main accused Santhosh and three others.

Five people had gone to her house. We have taken this incident seriously. All of them will be punished. Please dont call it moral policing. Call it moral goondagiri, the SP said. He added that action will be taken against others who shared the screenshot of the WhatsApp message.New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre and the Election Commission to consider with "due seriousness" a plea seeking that convicted persons be barred from forming political parties and becoming their office-bearers for the period they are disqualified under the election law.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud directed the Centre and the poll panel to file their response.

"Please take this matter with due seriousness," the bench observed while noting that the government and the Election Commission have not filed their reply despite notices being issued to them.

The top court has posted the matter for further hearing on February 12.

It had earlier agreed to examine the constitutional validity of Section 29A of the 1951 Representation of the People Act (RPA) which deals with the power of the poll panel to register a political party.

The plea claimed that under the statutory schemes, the poll panel was empowered to register political parties, but it lacked the authority under the RPA to de-register them. The petition, filed by a lawyer and Delhi BJP spokesperson Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, has said that if a person on conviction in a criminal case was barred from contesting elections, it would be incongruent to allow such person to form or head a political outfit.

The plea said convicted politicians, who are barred from contesting elections, can still run political parties and hold posts in them, besides deciding as to who will become a lawmaker.

It has sought a ban on convicted persons from forming a political party and becoming office bearers for the period they are disqualified under the election laws. It has sought a direction to declare Section 29A of the RPA as "arbitrary, irrational and ultra-vires" to the Constitution and to authorise the poll panel to register and de-register political.

The plea has also sought a direction to the EC to frame guidelines to decriminalise the electoral system and ensure inner party democracy, as proposed by the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC). The petition said that currently, even a person who has been convicted for heinous crimes like murder, rape, smuggling, money laundering, loot, sedition, or dacoity, can form a political party and become its president or office bearers.

The petition named several top political leaders who have been convicted or have charges framed against them and were holding top political posts and "wielding political power". It said the proliferation of political parties has become a major concern as Section 29A of the Representation of of the People Act, 1951, allows a small group of people to form a political party by making a very simple declaration.

"Presently, about 20 percent of registered political parties contest election and remaining 80 percent parties create excessive load on electoral system and public money," the plea said and sought implementation of the 1990 Goswami Committee on Electoral Reform.

The plea also claimed that in 2004, the poll panel had proposed amendment to Section 29A, authorising it to issue apt orders regulating the registration or de-registration of political parties.New Delhi: India and China averted another Doklam kind standoff and resolved a dispute over intrusion by Chinese troops into Arunachal Pradeshs Tuting area.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said the Chinese side agreed to stop road construction activity on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control and returned the two excavators and other equipment seized from workers last month.

Government sources said an amicable solution to the Tuting incident was found at a Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) between the two sides in Arunachal.

They said the Indian side had conveyed its concerns over the incident to China, which said that the teams had crossed into India by mistake and would no longer engage in such activities

"The Tuting incident has been resolved," Gen. Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of an event, adding that a meeting of border personnel was held two days ago.

The Army chief also said there was a major reduction of Chinese troops in the Doklam area. Troops from the two countries were engaged in a 73-day long standoff in Doklam in the Sikkim sector last year.

On December 28, Indian troops had foiled attempts by Chinese road building teams to build a track around 1km inside Indian territory in Tuting, government sources had said.

They had said the civilian teams went back when confronted by the Indian troops, but left behind two excavators and some other equipment.

"The two excavators were returned to the Chinese side following the BPM on January 6," the sources said, adding that India's objection to the incident was conveyed to China.

In an address at an event on modernisation of the armed forces, Gen. Rawat said future wars would be fought on difficult terrains and circumstances and the forces would have to be prepared for them.

His comments were seen as an apparent reference to China. Days after the end of the Doklam standoff, the Army chief had said India should be prepared for a two-front war, noting that China had started "flexing its muscles".

He had also said China was trying to take over Indian territory in a gradual manner, and cautioned the forces to guard against such attempts. "Future wars will be fought in difficult terrains and circumstances. We have to be prepared for them," Gen. Rawat said.

He further said the armed forces needed major modernisation and that the country must fight the next war with indigenous solutions. He said the Army was ready to induct equipment and platforms made by domestic defence firms.New Delhi: An Italian appeals court on Monday acquitted two former Leonardo executives who were accused of paying bribes to Indian Air Force officials in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

Giuseppe Orsi, former chief executive of the state-controlled defence group, formerly known as Finmeccanica, and Bruno Spagnolini, once at the head of helicopter unit AgustaWestland, were cleared of charges as "there isn't sufficient proof", according to the sentence read out in court.

In December 2016, Italy's highest court had ordered a re-trial of the case, after the former executives of the Rome-based group were found guilty on corruption charges related to a Rs 3,600 crore contract to supply a dozen helicopters to the Indian government

The scale of the AgustaWestland scam was around Rs. 3,600 crore, however, by June 2014 the Central Government had managed to recover Rs. 2,068 crore of the total losses. The scam dates back to February 2010, when the Indian Government signed a contract to purchase 12 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters for the Communications Sqaudrons of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

These were meant as transport for VVIP passengers such as the President and Prime Minister of India. However, it became apparent only three years later on February 12, 2013 when Orsi, the CEO of Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland's parent company, was arrested by Italian authorities. It emerged that several top Indian politicians and officials were accused of accepting bribes from AgustaWestland middlemen as kickbacks for the awarding of the contract.

Christen Michel, a middleman, had reportedly instructed an AgustaWestland employee to target people close to former Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Michels note to Peter Hulett, an AgustaWestland employee, reportedly contained the names of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Ahmed Patel, Pranab Mukherjee, M. Veerappa Moily, Oscar Fernandes, M. K. Narayanan and Vinay Singh as potential targets.

A day after Orsis arrest, then Defence Minister AK Antony ordered a probe in the case, which opened a Pandoras Box. In that same month, the CBI started a preliminary inquiry against 11 people, including former IAF Chief SP Tyagi and three of his brothers. The FIR also mentioned Italy-based Finmeccanica, UK-based AgustaWestland and Chandigarh-based IDS Infotech and Aeromatrix.

In March, Defence Minister AK Antony admitted that there had been corruption and bribes had exchanged hands. In April 2016, an Italian court said there was "reasonable belief that corruption took place" and by December, SP Tyagi had been arrested by the CBI in the case.Annual South Korea-U.S. drills will not be shortened now that they are being postponed until after the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, the military here insisted Friday.

The schedules of other joint exercises will also likely be affected. But there may be some adjustments to scale and procedure. "Normally, U.S. military officials arrive here ahead of drills to make preparations," a military officer here said. "But it seems there will be a snag in their schedules this year."

The U.S. is carrying out joint drills not only with South Korea but with Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand, so the ones here could be scaled back to conduct the other exercises on a normal scale. There could also be obstacles to the participation of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and other high-end U.S. weaponry.

Moon Chung-in, President Moon Jae-in's special security adviser, said "The joint drills could be scaled back by circumstances even if it isn't done intentionally."

In a statement last week, the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command said the two countries will "work together to determine the actual dates of the exercises."

The exercises are normally conducted in March and April, but will likely kick off in late April this year. The "Key Resolve" drill is a command post exercise using computer-based simulations, while the "Foal Eagle" drill is a field training exercise mobilizing troops and equipment. They normally take about two months.

Last year, Key Resolve ran from March 13-24 and Foal Eagle from March 1 until April 30. This year the Paralympics end on March 18, so the drills will have to wait until after that.

The postponement is expected to cause a domino effect on other joint South Korea-U.S. exercises.

New Delhi: Manipurs once-dreaded encounter specialist, head constable Herojit Singh has now moved the Supreme Court with a sensational disclosure that he was witness to a large number of fake encounters in Manipur between 2003 and 2009.

Herojit, who has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, has further alleged that all of these fake encounters were carried out on the direct orders of the superior officers.

Singh was one of the main encounter specialists among Manipur commandos in those six years.

According to NHRC data, Manipur has the dubious distinction of the maximum number of fake encounters in 2008-09, only after Uttar Pradesh.

Over six years after the killing of PLA militant Sanjit Meitei, Herojit Singh had first confessed on News18 in 2016, of killing Meitei.

Singh went on record to say that he pumped bullets into the former PLA militant while acting on orders from his senior, the then Additional Superintendent of Police in Imphal. He said that he shot Meitei on the chest with a 9mm pistol.

Singh had also claimed that the Manipur DGP and Chief Minister were in the know about the execution.

Commandos of Manipur Police were in July 2009 accused of killing Sanjit, who was shot dead on a busy road in Imphal, even after surrendering. The killing of the unarmed youth led to protests across the state.

Herojit now claims that after his tell-all interview in 2016, when he wanted to file an affidavit in the trial court regarding the same, lawyers supposedly acting in my defence abandoned me saying that since I had given an affidavit to the trial court (in Imphal), they could not defend me. Apparently, the court appointed an amicus but it was not verified. In any case, I was never given a chance to appoint a lawyer of my choice and I went unrepresented.

His affidavit in the Supreme Court that is up for hearing on Monday, further mentions that there was a plan to kill him and that he survived an assassination bid.

The affidavit says, On 30.4.16 at 8.30 p.m. a TATA pickup truck without lights and number plate deliberately slammed into my car about a kilometer from my house with the intention of killing me. I was seriously injured with multiple fractures and had to take 38 stitches. I continued to pose a threat to all the officers who gave orders and routinely continued to give orders without hesitation and without reason for the extrajudicial executions of innocent citizens of India and this is why I fear that I will suffer the same fate. (sic)

#EXCLUSIVE -- Manipur Encounter specialist Herojit has moved the Supreme Court, claiming to be involved in fake encounters | @SubhajitSG with more details pic.twitter.com/6Vu31V0R3I  News18 (@CNNnews18) January 8, 2018

His affidavit is particularly harsh on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he says in spite of asking the agency to record his fresh statements in front of the magistrate and disclose the identity of the senior officers who had ordered the extrajudicial executions, the CBI seemed completely disinterested and wanting to cover up the crimes that have taken place.

Also, one of the important prayers mentioned by Herojit is to recover the 3 or 4 diaries where he had made notes about all the fake encounters. By his own admission, he made the entries serially.

The incidents were noted down with the names of the victims, their addresses and other details in the following order: (i) the name of the victim (ii) his age (iii) parentage (iv) address (v) place of occurrence (vi) date of the killing or arrest (vii) remarks such as killed or done or arrest and (viii) the call sign code of the superior officer who gave the order to kill.

These diaries were seized by the CBI from Herojits government accommodation at the Manipur Police Commando Complex at Minuthong, Imphal in 2010. He now believes that the CBI will destroy or suppress these diaries.

Hence, one of the reasons for my making of this affidavit is to ensure that these diaries are produced before this court. I am also making this affidavit to tell the Supreme Court that I can contribute to the investigation since I was present at many of these fake encounters in respect of which this court has asked for investigation.

Babloo Loitongbam, the Executive Director of Human Rights Alert calls Herojit's decision brave and historic. He added that the case will help in deconstructing the killing machine that the Manipur forces have become.

The Supreme Court had in July, ordered a CBI probe by a special investigating team (SIT) into the 98 fake encounter killings in Manipur over the last decade.

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Uday U Lalit passed the order on a writ petition filed by the Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association (EEVFAM), who had alleged that there were 1,528 fake encounter deaths in Manipur in the past decade. The group further demanded an SIT probe.

The bench then asked the CBI director to nominate a group of five officers to go through the records of the cases, lodge necessary FIRs and complete the investigations into the same by December 31, 2017 apart from preparing the necessary charge sheets. The bench had then directed the CBI to probe into the 98 encounters and submit a report within the first week of January 2018.New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Switzerland on January 22 on a two-day visit during which he will deliver the keynote address at the plenary session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

This will be the first participation by an Indian Prime Minister in the WEF in over two decades. In 1997, the then Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had attended the Davos Summit.

Announcing the prime ministerial visit on Monday, the external affairs ministry, in a statement, said the Prime Minister will also have a bilateral meeting with Alain Berset, the President of the Swiss Confederation on January 22. The theme for this year's WEF is 'Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World'.

"Prime Minister will deliver the keynote speech at the plenary session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, on January 23, 2018," the ministry said.

The plenary session will be moderated by Prof. Klaus Schwab, the Founder and Executive Chairman, WEF. To be attended by over 3,000 global leaders, including CEOs, heads of state and government, artists and civil society members, the Davos Annual Meeting of WEF will conclude on January 26.

The WEF, which describes itself as an international organisation for public-private cooperation and was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation, hosts its annual meeting in Davos every year in January.

In a statement last month announcing its co-chairs for the 2018 meeting, the WEF had said that over 3,000 leaders, representing 100 countries, will gather in a collaborative effort to shape the global, regional and industry agendas, with a commitment to improve the state of the world.

Desi cuisine and yoga will mark the start of the five-day annual jamboree of the rich and powerful from across the world in the snow-laden Swiss ski resort town of Davos. This is the first time India will host the welcome reception at the summit.

The Indian presence is set to be the largest-ever with as many as six Union ministers, two chief ministers, several top government officials and over 100 CEOs, figuring among the registered participants.

The official sessions at the WEF will also have special India-focused discussions including one on "India's role in the world", how it is rethinking economics with the use of big data in policymaking and the country's role in securing peace and stability in the Asian century.

The registered participants from India, include Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region of India Jitendra Singh.

Others expected to be present at the elite global gathering are Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi along with a number of his cabinet colleagues, as well as Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. China is also expected to have a significant presence and its Belt Road Initiative will feature as a key theme in a number of panel discussions, including those attended by Pakistani leaders.Lucknow: Welcoming the Uttar Pradesh governments order on the removal of illegal loudspeakers from religious places, Muslim clerics have termed it a move in the interest of the nation.

Sufiyan Nizami, a cleric, said, "The Allahabad High Court's order should be welcomed by everyone as it is in the interest of the nation. But if the government has to act it should first check on the loudspeakers used in private functions such as marriages and political rallies. The use of loudspeakers at religious places is done for a very limited period of time.

After being pulled up by the HC over noise pollution, the UP government on Sunday issued detailed directives on the use of permanently installed loudspeakers at public places.

The HC in December 2017 had asked the UP government whether the loudspeakers or public address systems installed at mosques, temples, churches, gurdwaras etc. were installed after obtaining a written permission from the authorities concerned.

The Yogi Adityanath government has set a deadline of January 15 to obtain permission from authorities on loudspeaker usage.

The government has also directed action against the authorities who fail to ensure compliance.

The division bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Abdul Moin issued the directions on a PIL moved by lawyer Moti Lal Yadav, seeking strict compliance of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules that had been framed in 2000.

Reiterating that right to live in freedom from noise pollution and right to sleep being a facet of Article 21 of the Constitution, the bench cautioned the officials to appear in person before it, if their personal affidavits were not filed till the next hearing.

As per rule, loudspeakers installed in public places cannot have a sound level more than 10 dB (decibel) above ambient noise level at the periphery of a public place and 5 dB above ambient noise level at the periphery of a private place.New Delhi: A senior lawyer, appointed as amicus curiae by the Supreme Court, has said that there is no need to reopen Mahatma Gandhi's assassination case.

On Monday, senior advocate Amarendra Sharan mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice SA Bobde. He informed the court that his report has concluded there is no necessity to re-investigate the assassination after six decades.

The bench said it will take up the matter on January 12, when it would examine a PIL that has sought a re-investigation into the murder on the ground that evidence, which might point at involvement of a foreign agency, had been overlooked.

But Sharan, in his report, maintained that allegation raised regarding involvement of some foreign intelligence agency in the assassination was baseless and not substantiated by any evidence.

Bullets which pierced Gandhis body, pistol from which it was fired, assailant who fired bullets, conspiracy and ideology which led to assassination have all been duly identified. No material has come to light to throw any doubt. There is no need either of a re-investigation or to constitute a fresh fact finding commission with respect to Mahatma Gandhi assassination case," stated the report.

It further told the court that there is no evidence to prove that Mahatma was killed by a mysterious person other than Nathuram Godse.

Sharan also trashed the petitioner's theory that it was a fourth bullet fired by a mysterious person that took the Mahatma's life.

In October, the Supreme Court had wondered whether it will be wise and legal to reopen Mahatma Gandhis assassination case after six decades.

The court had raised several questions over the legality and maintainability of the PIL but agreed to examine various aspects of it before taking a final call.

It had then asked senior advocate Amarendra Sharan to go through the petition and several documents relied upon by petitioner Dr Pankaj Phadnis, a researcher and a trustee of Abhinav Bharat, Mumbai.

Phadnis has sought the re-opening of the investigation into Mahatma Gandhis murder, suggesting it was one of the biggest cover-ups in history.

In the petition, Phadnis has also questioned the three bullet theory relied upon by various courts of law to hold the conviction of accused  Nathuram Godse and Narayan Apte who were hanged to death on November 15, 1949, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar who was given the benefit of doubt due to lack of evidence.

He has claimed that the Justice JL Kapur Commission of Inquiry set up in 1966 was not able to unearth the entire conspiracy that had led to the killing of Gandhi.

Inspired by Savarkar, Abhinav Bharat, Mumbai, was set up in 2001 and it claims to work for socially and economically weaker sections with a focus on bridging the digital divide.New Delhi: A research scholar at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) who had taken a break to visit his family in Kashmir, has instead joined militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, months after complaining of harassment by armed forces in a Facebook post.

A photograph of Mannan Bashir Wani, holding what appeared to be an automatic assault rifle, surfaced on social media on Sunday. According to the photographs caption, Wani joined the militant group on January 5 and his code name is Hamzah Bai.

A local news agency in Srinagar named GNS quoted official sources as saying that 26-year-old Wani, the son of Bashir Ahmad Wani of Takipora village in North Kashmirs Kupwara district, was to return home three days ago.

He was pursuing PhD in Geology at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). However, he didnt report back home, sources told the news agency.

Wani, who has an M Phil in Applied Geology, comes from a well-to-do family in the Lolab Valley. His father is reportedly a lecturer, while his brother works as a junior engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government.

This photo of Mannan Bashir Wani, holding what appeared to be an automatic assault rifle, surfaced on social media on Sunday.

As per the information on AMU website, Wani was awarded the 'Best Paper Presentation Award' in an International Conference on 'Water, Environment, Energy and Society' (ICWEES) held at AISECT University, Bhopal, in 2016.

A close friend of Mannan said on condition of anonymity that the AMU student was pushed to militancy by an event last year when he was harassed by armed forces on his way to Srinagar.

He was rattled by that incident. He shared with me how he was harassed, but I never knew Mannan will take such an extreme step, the friend said.

The incident the friend was talking about reportedly took place in November 2017 when Wani, on way to Srinagar from his home, was harassed by the armed forces. A day later, Wani himself recounted the incident on Facebook.

In the post, Wani said the car he was travelling in was stopped four times by armed forces and he had to get down and prove his identity every time.

The most disgusting thing was when an ordinary SOG personnel donning black uniform posed questions like 'why had I grown such long hair, why didn't I trim my beard if intend to look smart, why do I wear long boots, why do I wear a shawl in such a young age? (sic) the Facebook post said.

Wani further wrote how an army officer mocked him for his resemblance with a militant commander.

On this disgusting day, the best moment happened when I got a compliment from the Indian Army officer (who also checked my identity card, but spared me from getting down from the car) about my looks resembling the famous Commander, who has given them sleepless nights, and me passing a gentle smile without uttering a single word (sic), he wrote.

His friend said Wani was a staunch supporter of human rights.

Last year, he had travelled from Aligarh to Delhi to support a campaign for missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed, who has not been seen since October 2016 after a clash with ABVP members.

In a blog post later, Wani had said: I believe, protest March or Sit-ins are only successful when all forms of protest are made simultaneously by people in their own capacities. We can neither expect everyone to come on roads and walk three or four kilometers on foot or lay on ground for days nor can we expect everyone to write long pieces, but, we can at least expect it from everyone to remain protesting for any genuine cause, until the justice is not delivered, in any form which he/she deems suitable and possible.

Jammu and Kashmir Police told News18 on Monday that were investigating the case. We are trying to ascertain how the student left his studies to join the militant group, a senior police official said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Kupwara Shamsher Hussain confirmed that the police had received a report from Wanis family that they were unable to contact the PhD student and yet there is no confirmation about his joining militancy.Lucknow: Controversy over painting the Lucknow Hajj office walls in saffron doesnt seem to be anywhere near an end even after authorities repainted them. Now, noted actor Prakash Raj has taken to Twitter to take a jibe at the UP chief minister.

Prakash Raj, in reference to the reports of the UP government painting the walls of the Lucknow Haj office in saffron, asked, Is changing colour of walls vikas?

The governments move to paint the walls of the Hajj Committee office in saffron invited a lot of criticism from opposition leaders and clerics. The walls were earlier painted in green and white. Facing a lot of flak over the change in colour, authorities rushed to save face and blamed the contractor and soon the walls were repainted in their original colour.

The actor even took note of potato farmers dumping truckloads of potato in front of the CMs residence. He said, What about the farmers dumping potatoes in your front yard?

Meanwhile, former Uttar Pradesh CM and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav wasted no time in supporting Rajs jibe and shared his Twitter post.

Is changing colour of a wall VIKAS....?? What about the farmers dumping potatoes in your front yard...#justasking pic.twitter.com/v1OOJfYPRd Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) January 7, 2018

Farmers have expressed their distress by dumping potatoes in front of your house. And your agriculture minister says... the potatoes are of not of good quality and hence the protest is politically motivated... Is this the way you perceive farmers anguish. If changing colour of a wall is Vikas. Then is vikas Mr. Vikas the painter? Prakash Raj tweeted on Sunday.

This is not for the first time that the National Award-winning actor has hit out at the UP CM. When Yogi Adityanath was appointed as the chief minister of UP, Prakash Raj had tweeted that CM Yogi is confused if he is the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or a Rajpurohit.Washington: A group of Americans of Indian, Afghan and Baloch descents has protested outside the Pakistani embassy here against the "inhumane" treatment of the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav during their recent visit to Islamabad.

Braving freezing cold, the protesters also brought along sandals to give them to the Pakistani embassy officials.

"The trial of Kulbhushan Jadhav violated all norms of international law as it was conducted by a military court," said Ahmar Mustikhan, founder of the American Friends of Baolchistan, which organised the unique event named as "Chappal-Chor Pakistan" (slipper-thief Pakistan).

Both Jadhavs wife and mother were asked to remove their sandals, mangalsutras and bindis before they were allowed to meet him, and the sandals were subsequently stolen, Mustikhan said.

The protesters said that Pakistan meted out "inhumane" treatment to Jadhavs wife and mother during their tightly- controlled interaction with the 47-year-old Indian national on December 25 in the Pakistan Foreign Office.

During the meeting, whose pictures were released by Pakistan, Jadhav was seen sitting behind a glass screen while his mother and wife sat on the other side. They spoke through intercom and the entire 40-minute proceedings appeared to have been recorded on video.

"The recent episode of Pakistan makes a mockery of humanity. By not returning the slippers of Smt. Kulbhushan Yadav and asking them to remove even Bindi and Mangal Sutras and changing their dresses as well, it is just another sleazy activity Pakistan has done to a Bharata Soubhagya Nari (married Indian woman)," said Krishna Gudipati, local Hindu community leader in USA.

Carl Clemens, volunteer with several local community organisations alleged that the treatment given to the mother and wife by Pakistan foreign office typified the "petty vindictiveness and humiliation" that is the prevalent culture in Pakistan.

"They have humiliated the religious and faith symbols of Hindu womanhood. Because of this sort of behaviour Pakistan has found itself on a watch list. This behaviour will lead to Pakistans own destruction," said the protester Dhananjay Shevilkar.

Pakistan on December 25 had issued a video of Jadhav in which he was purportedly seen thanking the Pakistan government for arranging a meeting with his wife and mother.

India has asserted that Jadhav appeared coerced and under considerable stress during the tightly-controlled interaction.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April, following which India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May.

Pakistan says he was a commander rank officer in the Indian Navy. But India says Jadhav was a former naval officer.

New Delhi also says Jadhav was kidnapped in Iran where he had legitimate business interests, and brought to Pakistan.

A 10-member bench of the ICJ on May 18 restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case. It is expected to hold another hearing in March or April.New Delhi: The Supreme Court reignited the homosexuality debate on Monday, saying a Constitution Bench will review its 2013 judgment upholding the validity of Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises gay sex.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said the issue arising out of Section 377 required to be debated upon by a larger bench.

Section 377 of the IPC refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

The bench was hearing a fresh plea filed by one Navtej Singh Johar seeking to declare Section 377 as unconstitutional to the extent that it provides prosecution of adults for indulging in consensual gay sex.

Senior advocate Arvind Datar, appearing for Johar, said the penal provision was unconstitutional as it also provided prosecution and sentencing of consenting adults who are indulging in such sex.

"You can't put in jail two adults who are involved in consenting unnatural sex," Datar said and referred to a recent nine-judge bench judgement in the privacy matter to highlight the point that the right to choose a sexual partner was part of fundamental right.

The relook comes months after some judges on a nine-judge Constitution Bench, which had held Right to Privacy as a fundamental right, denounced discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

During the historic Right to Privacy hearing in August, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul had said that relationship and lifestyle were the individuals choices. It is an individuals choice as to who enters his house, how he lives and in what relationship. The privacy of the home must protect the family, marriage, procreation and sexual orientation which are all important aspects of dignity.

A two-judge bench had in 2013 ruled that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code will continue making gay sex  irrespective of age and consent  an offence.

The court had held that Section 377 did not suffer from any constitutional infirmity and that it was for Parliament to consider the desirability and propriety of deleting Section 377 from the statute book or amend it. Under Section 377, voluntary carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal," is punishable with imprisonment from 10 years to life.

This judgment had turned the clock back on the rights of homosexuals in the country, as the Supreme Court had set aside the historic 2009 Delhi High Court judgment that decriminalised gay sex by holding that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code violated the principles of equality and non-discrimination in the Constitution.

The review petition filed by Naz Foundation against this judgment was dismissed in 2014. But the case is still alive since the curative petition is still pending before the top court.

(With PTI inputs)Gurugram: A Sessions Court on Monday denied bail to a 16-year-old Ryan International student who has been accused of killing seven-year-old Pradyuman Thakur in the school premises and is now being tried as an adult.

Judge Jasbir Singh Kundu had reserved his order on the teens bail application on January 6. During the hearing, the counsels advocating for the CBI and Pradyuman's father Barun Thakur had submitted that the investigation was at a crucial juncture and that the statements of all witnesses were yet to be recorded.

The CBI counsel had also argued that if the juvenile is released on bail, evidence could be tampered with and witnesses could be intimidated.

The Sessions Court on Monday also dismissed the defence counsels argument that the accused be given default bail since the CBI failed to file a chargesheet within a month.

Sandeep Aneja, lawyer for the accused, had argued that under Section 10(5) of the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Model Rules, 2016, the chargesheet should have been filed within a month. "As the CBI has failed to complete the probe within the given time, the child should be given the benefit of default bail," said Aneja.

The CBI objected to this, saying that rules nowhere spoke about completion of the investigation within a month. The agency maintained that since the accused is involved in a heinous crime, it was not bound to file the chargesheet within 30 days.

The defence lawyer has filed two more applications  one opposing the Juvenile Justice Board's decision to allow the CBI to record the teenagers fingerprint. The second application challenges the legality of the teens CBI custody between November 8 and 11. The court will hear these appeals on January 22.

Pradyuman Thakur was found with his throat slit in the Gurugram school's washroom on September 8. The Gurgaon Police had initially claimed that the crime was committed by a school bus conductor, which was later refuted by the CBI.

The CBI has alleged that the teenager killed Pradyuman so the school would be forced to postpone examinations and a parent-teacher meeting.New Delhi: Underlining that "health of a citizen has primacy", the Supreme Court, on Monday stayed an order which had quashed the rule for 85% pictorial health warning on cigarette packets and other tobacco products.

The bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, held that business considerations will have to give way to issues of health, more so when the activity in question may lead to "destruction of health".

The bench stayed the Karnataka High Court order that had quashed the 2014 rule for 85% pictorial health warnings on the ground that it lacked any basis or scientific reasoning. The HC had also said that such pictorial health warning should be reduced to 40%, as it was earlier.

But the Court allowed the request made by Attorney General K K Venugopal, that public health consideration warranted an immediate stay of the HC order.

"Keeping in view the objects and reasons of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 and the measures taken by the State, we think it appropriate to direct stay of operation of the judgment and order passed by the High Court of Karnataka," ordered the bench.

It added: "Though a very structural submission has been advanced by the learned counsel for the respondents (tobacco companies) that it will affect their business, we have remained unimpressed by the said proponement as we are inclined to think that health of a citizen has primacy and he or she should be aware of that which can affect or deteriorate the condition of health".

The Court will now hear the case on March 12.

The High Court of Karnataka last month struck down the central government rules requiring 85 per cent of a tobacco pack's surface to be covered in health warnings. The rules had been in force since 2016.

An 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.Just one day remains until the deadline for the closure of North Korean businesses around the world under a UN Security Council resolution from September.

China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed that North Korean companies in China, either joint ventures or sole investments, must close by Jan. 9. Yet a lot of them were still open on Sunday.

A staffer at the Haedanghwa restaurant in Beijing, which is wholly North Korean-owned, said both branches will still be open for business after Tuesday. "You can still eat North Korean kimchi and see our staff perform after that date," the staffer said.

And a staffer at Okryugwan, another North Korean restaurant in Beijing, replied to questions about the closure, "I don't know what you're talking about. That will not happen."

The Chilbosan Hotel in Shenyang, the only hotel North Korea operates in China, said it is taking reservations after Tuesday. A symbol of cross-border cooperation, the hotel is believed to be a haven for North Korean agents. North Koreans own a 70-percent stake and Chinese the rest.

The Chinese co-owners, a trading arm of Liaoning Hongxiang Group, were blacklisted by the UN Security Council last year for helping North Korea's missile development and nuclear weapons programs.

Little is known about North Korean businesses in China. Most of the 100 or so North Korean restaurants there seem to be nominally owned by Chinese citizens but run by North Koreans.

In Shenyang, where there are a lot of them, at least half have apparently been told to shut down. Some North Korean restaurants in Beijing changed staff and menu to Chinese to stay open.

New Delhi: The acquittal of former top executives of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland -- Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini -- will have no bearing on the CBI case as it is based on an independent investigation with strong evidence, senior central agency officials said on Monday.

The comments came after Orsi, ex-president of defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica, and Spagnolini, a former CEO of the company's helicopters subsidiary AgustaWestland, were acquitted by an Italian court on Monday.

The officials said the same set of evidence had resulted in their conviction earlier.

The sources said the case in Italian courts is based on the evidence gathered by the Italian authorities whereas the CBI carried out a completely independent investigation in the matter.

They said there is an option of appeal with Italian authorities even after the order of the Milan court of appeals.

"We have had a completely different probe. We have very strong case," CBI Spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said in New Delhi. In Italy, criminal sentences are not usually considered definitive until the appeals process has been exhausted. The case against Orsi and Spagnolini resulted from an investigation launched in 2012 by Italian authorities looking into alleged corruption into the sale of 12 helicopters to India for the use of VVIPs worth Rs 3600 crore.

The two were accused of international corruption and false invoicing in relation to bribes exchanged for the contract with India.

Both were cleared on charges of committing international corruption at the first-instance trial in 2014 but convicted of false invoicing and sentenced to two years in prison. Both appealed against the conviction, while the prosecution appealed against the acquittal on the corruption charge.

In December 2016, the supreme court of cassation ordered a repeat of the appeals trial.

Milan's third court of appeal on Monday acquitted Orsi and Spagnolini, who were serving four-and-a-half years and four years sentences under the charges.Late night talk show host David Letterman is returning to television next week with an interview of former US president Barack Obama, streaming giant Netflix announced Friday.

Letterman, 70, who officially retired in 2015 after a 22-year run as the host of Late Show with David Letterman -- a very American melange of celebrity interviews, monologues and sketches -- had said in August that he would be back in 2018 on Netflix.

The streaming platform teased the new show's January 12 launch in a tweet with a lineup topped by the former US leader: "Obama. Clooney. Malala. Fey. Stern. Jay-Z. #MyNextGuestNeedsNoIntroductionWithDavidLetterman."

Actor George Clooney, Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai, actress Tina Fey, shock jock Howard Stern and rap superstar Jay-Z complete the lineup. This would be Obama's first televised interview since his departure from the White House a year ago. He is certain to be asked about Donald Trump, even though the former Democratic president has been extremely reticent about his successor.

The new show will consist of six hour-long episodes built around Letterman's star guests. One will be released per month. Nearly 14 million people watched Letterman's final show on CBS in May 2015. Known for his acid wit, the 10-time Emmy winner has made only fleeting appearances on US television since then.California: The Golden Globes, once the stomping grounds of Harvey Weinstein, will belong to someone else this year.

The 75th Golden Globe Awards is considered wide open, with contenders including Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water, Steven Spielberg's The Post and Martin McDonaugh's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

But whoever takes home the hardware Sunday, the spotlight is unlikely to stray far from the sexual misconduct scandals that have roiled Hollywood ever since an avalanche of allegations toppled Weinstein. Out of solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment and assault, many celebrities are dressed in black including Michelle Williams in an embellished off-the-shoulder look and "Me Too" founder Tarana Burke at her side.

Turning the Globes dark on the fashion front had been anticipated for days after a call for massive reform following the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and numerous others in Hollywood, media, fashion, tech, publishing and other industries. The new initiative Time's Up, backed by more than 300 women in Hollywood, doled out pins intended for those who might already have locked in more colorful looks.

Not everybody supports the protest. Rose McGowan, who has accused Weinstein of rape, has loudly and persistently called the effort an empty gesture.

Williams has brought #MeToo founder Tarana Burke to the awards show to help highlight gender inequality. Seven other actresses, including Emma Stone and Meryl Streep, are bringing activists to the ceremony, which is the first major awards show since the sexual misconduct scandal roiled Hollywood.

Streep will attend with Ai-jen Poo, the director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance; Williams with Tarana Burke, the founder of the "Me Too" movement; and Watson will bring Marai Larasi, the executive director of Imkaan, a black-feminist organization.

In a statement Sunday, the advocates say they were inspired by the Time's Up initiative. They say the goal in attending the awards will be to shift focus away from the perpetrators and back on survivors and creating lasting change.The much-awaited 75th annual Golden Globe Awards concluded at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California with the red carpet buzzing with celebrities turning in large numbers. The highly anticipated wear-black protest was the highlight of the event with the likes of Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, Emma Watson, Gal Gadot, Katherine Langford, Michelle Williams, Kelly Clarkson, David Harbour, Sterling K Brown and others opting for dark fashion. In the light of the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and several others in Hollywood, the 75th edition of the prestigious awards became all the more important.The night belonged to Big Little Lies, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri and Oprah Winfrey. Here's all that happened at the award ceremony.Shillong: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday said it will contest at least 35 seats in the Meghalaya Assembly elections.

Elections to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly are due in the first half of this year as the term of the present Assembly expires on March 6.

"We are hoping to field 35 candidates for the next election as we have good chance of winning," AAP state president Wanshwa Nongtdu told reporters in Shillong.

He claimed the chances of the AAP is "good". The AAP leader also exuded confidence that the party will form the next government by fielding "common man" as its candidates.

"We are Aam aadmi and we will have common man as candidates, we have few retired officers, few intellectuals who want to contest and we prefer our candidates be to be AAP candidates," he said.

Declaring the first list of candidates, Nongtdu said Peter Aiborlang Dohkrud will contest from Mawlai, Dorass Ramsiej from Mawkyrwat, Wonder Lapang will take on Congress president Celestine Lyngdoh from Umsning constituency in Ri-Bhoi and Debrict Binone from Nongpoh.

According to the AAP leader, the candidates have been approved by AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and party observer for North East, Rakesh Sinha.Suri (WB): A senior leader of the Trinamool Congress today organised a massive "Brahmin and Purohit Sammelan" (a Brahmin convention) in Bolpur town of Birbhum district, a move seen by the opposition BJP to arrest consolidation of Hindu votes in favour of the saffron party.

The day-long sammelan is being organised by the party's Birbhum district president, Anubrata Mondal, in his home district.

Mondal said the convention aims to highlight "misinterpretations" of the Hindu religion made by the BJP and discuss what the Hindu religion stands for. "The Hindu religion is being misinterpreted by the BJP. Today we will discuss the real meaning of Hindu religion," Mondol told reporters.

A source in the ruling party said around 12,000-14,000 Hindu priests are attending the meet that started around 12.30 pm today.

The priests will be felicitated with a copy of the Gita, shawl, and pictures of Sarada Maa and Ramakrishna, he said.

The saffron party has accused the Trinamool Congress leadership of practicing "soft Hindutva" to stop the Hindu voters from uniting under the BJP.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent visit to Sagar Island to take stock of arrangements for the January 14 Makar Sankranti festival also came under attack from the saffron party.

"The so-called secular leaders are practicing Hindutva because they are well aware that Hindus are uniting under the BJP. They have realised that they will no longer be able to win elections by appeasing Muslims," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.Kolkata: Former Trinamool Congress MLA Manju Basu on Monday rubbished reports that she is contesting on a BJP ticket for the Noapara Assembly bypolls, scheduled to take place on 29 January this year.

Basus statement came hours after the West Bengal unit of BJP announced her name as its candidate for the West Bengal bypoll. I am not contesting on behalf of BJP. I am with our party supremo Mamata Banerjee and I am with her in every decision, she said.

Later in the day, BJP announced Sandeep Banerjee as their candidate from the Noapara Assembly seat.

TMC rebel and now BJP leader Mukul Roy claimed Basus name was decided after consulting her. He alleged that she changed her stand due to pressure from Mamata.

Basu's name was finalised by BJP's secretary of Central Election Committee on Sunday afternoon and a copy of draft letter was sent to party president Amit Shah.

Basu is a two-time Trinamool MLA and has been vocal about the way the party was functioning in her district. Speculations about her switchover to the BJP were rife after she met BJP leaders Kailash Vijayvargiya and Mukul Roy.

Her decision not to contest on a BJP ticket seems to have left the partys top leadership red-faced. The partys national general secretary, Ramlal, has sought a report from state president Dilip Ghosh on why Basu suddenly backed out.

Arjun Singh, TMC MLA from the adjacent Bhatpara constituency, however, maintained that there is no pressure on Basu from the party.Mumbai: Former Shiv Sena corporator Ashok Sawant was killed by unidentified assailants while returning home late on Sunday, police said.

Sawant, 62, a two-term corporator from Samata Nagar in suburban Kandivli, was attacked 200 metres from his home while returning after meeting a friend around 11 pm, a police official said.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital in Kandivli but was declared dead on arrival, the official said.

Sawant had entered the cable television business a few years ago, and according to media reports had been receiving extortion threats.

A case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code was registered and police were trying to ascertain if any CCTV cameras nearby recorded the attack.

(more details awaited)New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Monday said Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani's request for holding a rally in New Delhi on Tuesday is still "under consideration", even as the organisers insist it will be held on pre-scheduled time.

The 'Social Justice' rally or 'Yuva Hunkaar Rally' is planned to be addressed by Mevani and Assam peasant leader Akhil Gogoi.

One of the organisers and former JNU Students' Union president Mohit Kumar Pandey said, "There has been a lot of attempts to stop this event and even some media houses are spreading wrong information that the permission for the rally has been denied."

Ever since the rally was announced on January 2, "a lot of money has been spent on posters calling Mevani a deshdrohi (traitor) and urban naxal," Pandey told PTI, adding the event will be held as per schedule.

Mevani could not be reached for his comments. In a statement, the organisers have urged the prospective participants to "assemble on the Parliament Street at 12 pm on Tuesday".

A senior police officer though said, "Mevani's request for the rally is still under consideration."

The rally seeks to raise the demand for the release of Dalit outfit Bhim Army's founder Chandrashekhar Azad and emphasise on issues like educational rights, employment, livelihood and gender justice.

A large section of students from universities and colleges in Delhi, women's groups, teachers' associations and activists associated with Mevani from across the country are expected to attend the rally.

Azad, 30, was arrested in June last year from Himachal Pradesh as he was the main accused in the Thakur-Dalit clash in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district.Bengaluru: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah continued his war of words with his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, asking him to read what Swami Vivekananda has to say on cow slaughter before questioning his credentials as a Hindu for promoting beef.

Taking to Twitter once again to hit back at Yogi, Siddramaiah wrote in Kannada that the Hindutva he follows is defined by the principles of Swami Vivekananda, and not those of Nathuram Godse, who had assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.

Before giving us lessons on gau-hatya, read what Swami Vivekananda says about the issue. This is what I ask of CM Yogi Adityanath, the Karnataka CM tweeted.

In another tweet, he said, Who are these people to question our food choices? A lot of Hindus eat beef. If I want to eat it, I will. Who are they to object to it? I don't eat beef only because I don't like it.

The sharp retort came in response to the UP CMs scathing attack against Siddaramaiah for his recent assertion that he was a Hindu at a mega rally in Bengaluru on Sunday.

He cannot be a Hindu and promote consumption of beef. When the BJP was in power here, we enacted a law prohibiting cow slaughter. The Congress government repealed that law, he said to loud cheers from BJP supporters.

Yogi said Siddaramaiah has only now remembered his Hindu roots because of the approaching election. "Siddaramaiah calls himself a Hindu just as Congress president Rahul Gandhi went to temple after temple during the Gujarat election," he claimed.

Siddaramiah had responded to the searing jibe with his own barb on Twitter, teaching Yogi about the Karnataka model of governance with a reference to a reported starvation death in UP.

In his tweet on Sunday, he welcomed Yogi to Bengaluru and asked him to tour the Indira canteens and other ration shops started by his government to learn" from them. "It will help you address the starvation deaths sometimes reported from your state, the Karnataka CM wrote, sharpening his attack as the state heads to a high-pitched election in April.

The barbs did not end there as Yogi was not the one to take the taunt lying down. He reminded Siddaramaiah that the number of farmer suicides had been highest in Karnataka during his tenure. not to mention the numerous deaths and transfer of honest officers. As UP CM I am working to undo the misery and lawlessness unleashed by your allies, Yogi wrote.Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon will meet on Tuesday his quasi-counterpart from North Korea, Ri Son-gwon, who chairs the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland. The first high-level inter-Korean talks in two years will discuss North Korea's participation in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and "other issues of mutual interest."

International reaction has been largely positive. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the talks and characteristically took all the credit, saying, "If I weren't involved they wouldn't be talking about Olympics right now." The Chinese government said South Korea and the U.S.' decision to halt joint military drills during the Winter Olympics would be reciprocated by a cessation in North Korea's nuclear and missile tests during that period.

The official [North] Korean Central News Agency said Sunday that North and South Korea must "mutually" head toward cooperation, but the U.S. insists that the pressure on the North must be maintained via sanctions.

Seoul must go into the talks with a clear sense of objectives. Its guiding principle must be that any dialogue must be geared toward solving the North Korean nuclear issue, and no agreements must be entered that make it harder to resolve the standoff. For example, no international principles must be compromised just to ensure a bit of glory for the Pyeongchang Olympics. There can be no promise to halt joint South Korea-U.S. military drills simply for a mere North Korean promise to freeze its nuclear program, because that would simply buy North Korea more time as it tries to perfect a nuclear-tipped intercontinental missile.

Seoul would be reduced to a tool in realizing Pyongyang's evil schemes. It must not allow itself to get sucked into concessions that weaken international pressure on the regime.

Germany's opposition parties on Sunday called for the abolition of a new law that aims to rid social media of hate speech, saying it was wrong for private companies to be making decisions about whether posts are unlawful. The legislation, which came into force on January 1, can impose fines of up to 50 million euros ($60.1 million) on sites that fail to remove hate speech promptly, raising fears that Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms could block more content than necessary.

So far Twitter has deleted anti-Muslim and anti-migrant posts by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and also blocked satirical magazine Titanic's account after it parodied the AfD's anti-Muslim comments. Nicola Beer, the general secretary of the liberal Free Democrats (FDP), told Welt am Sonntag newspaper that prosecuting authorities needed to be equipped with tools to enforce the law on the internet rather than leaving decisions about the legality of posts to platform operators.

"The past few days have clearly shown that private providers aren't always able to make the right decision about whether suspected criminal statements made online are unlawful, satirical or a tasteless expression of opinion that nonetheless needs to be tolerated in a democracy," she said. Beer added that the existing law needed to be replaced with a "proper" one.

Simone Peter, the leader of the Greens, told the same newspaper that it was not acceptable that U.S. companies such as Twitter were able to influence freedom of opinion and the press in Germany, referring to the suspension of Titanic's account. She said networks such as Twitter need to take some responsibility for posts on their platforms but "without being given the role of a judge".

After the Titanic account was blocked a Twitter spokesman said the company did not comment on individual accounts for reasons of privacy and security. Sahra Wagenknecht, the parliamentary leader of the radical Left, told the Funke group of newspapers that her party supported initiatives to abandon the law. "The law is a slap in the face for all democratic principles because, in a constitutional state, courts rather than companies make decisions about what is unlawful and what is not," she said.

The AfD has already announced that it will consider filing a complaint against the law. On Thursday Germany's top-selling Bild newspaper also called for the law to be scrapped, saying it was stifling free speech and making martyrs out of anti-immigrant politicians whose posts are deleted.

Watch: Bose QuietComfort 35 ii Review | Noise-Cancellation Meets Google AssistantGoogle sold more than one Home smart speaker every second since it started shipping in mid-October, taking the sales numbers to over six million, the company has announced. "We sold more than one Google Home device every second since Google Home Mini started shipping in October," Rishi Chandra, VP, Product Management, Google Home, said in a blog post on Friday.

"Google Home usage increased 9X this holiday season over last year's, as you controlled more smart devices, asked more questions, listened to more music, and tried out all the new things you can do with your Assistant on Google Home," added Scott Huffman, Vice President, Engineering, Google Assistant. The tech giant currently offers three Home devices -- the original Home, the Home Max, and the Home Mini. However, it did not reveal the sales figures for the individual devices.

Meanwhile, Amazon, Google's main rival in the smart speaker space has not revealed exactly how many Echo smart speakers it has sold but it pegged the number of its competing Echo Dot sales in the millions, according to Businessinsider.com. Google in November rolled out an update that will allow you to use Home speakers as intercom systems in your house.

People can now broadcast their voice from Google Assistant on smartphones or voice-activated speakers like Google Home. "When you need to round up the family in the morning, just say 'Ok Google, broadcast it's time for school!' and your message will broadcast to all Google Assistant-enabled speakers in your home," Alex Duong, Product Manager, Google Home, said in a blog post.

To get the feature work, sign in with the same Google Account for all devices. The feature is currently available in the US, Australia, Canada and the UK.

Watch: Bose QuietComfort 35 ii Review | Noise-Cancellation Meets Google AssistantIn a bid to block the repeal of net neutrality, the Internet Association, a US political lobbying body representing Google, Facebook and other tech giants, will join the legal battle to sue the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). According to a report, the Internet Association also reiterated its call for Congress to come up with a legislative replacement for the new FCC rules released by its Indian-origin Chairman Ajit Pai this week.

"The final version of Chairman (Ajit) Pai's rule, as expected, dismantles popular net neutrality protections for consumers," said Michael Beckerman, President and CEO, Internet Association. "This rule defies the will of a bipartisan majority of Americans and fails to preserve a free and open internet," he added. The new FCC rules get rid of the Barack Obama-era net neutrality regulations that prevented broadband service providers from blocking or slowing down websites or creating the internet "fast lanes".

"The rules were intended to create a level playing field on the internet," the report added. In its final document, the FCC also argued that the US had lost billions of dollars worth of investment to build out better broadband infrastructure. Members of the Internet Association also include Amazon, Twitter, Microsoft and Netflix. Pai has dubbed Twitter as "part of the problem".

"When it comes to an open internet, Twitter is part of the problem. The company has a viewpoint and uses that viewpoint to discriminate," Pai has told a gathering at an event in the US. "Twitter blocked Representative Marsha Blackburn from advertising her Senate campaign launch video because it featured a pro-life message. Before that, during the so-called Day of Action, Twitter warned users that a link to a statement by one company on the topic of internet regulation 'may be unsafe'," he added.

"And to say the least, the company appears to have a double standard when it comes to suspending or de-verifying conservative users' accounts as opposed to those of liberal users. This conduct is many things, but it isn't fighting for an open internet." Over 200 businesses have asked the FCC to reconsider its plan to end net neutrality.

Watch: Bose QuietComfort 35 ii Review | Noise-Cancellation Meets Google AssistantBeijing: China today said it is opposed to the US "finger pointing" at Pakistan and linking it with terrorism, insisting that the responsibility of cracking down on terror outfits cannot be placed on a particular country.

China's support for its all-weather ally came as the US stepped up its efforts to pressure Pakistan to eliminate terror safe havens on its soil.

The US last week suspended approximately USD 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan for its failure to take decisive action against terror groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

"China always opposed linking terrorism with any certain country and we dont agree to place the responsibility of anti-terrorism on a certain country," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing.

He was responding to a question on a White House official's remarks that China could play the helpful role in convincing Pakistan that it was in its national interest to crack down on terror safe havens.

"We have stressed many times that Pakistan has made important sacrifices and contributions to the global anti-terrorism cause," Lu said.

"Countries should strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation on the basis of mutual respect instead of finger pointing at each other. This is not conducive to the global terrorism efforts," he said.

China has been vocal in extending support to Pakistan since the US President Donald Trump increased rhetoric against Islamabad providing safe havens for terrorists.

Trump in a New Year's Day tweet accused the country 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.

Chinese media has been speculating that Trump's efforts to step up pressure on Pakistan may move it closer to Islamabad as Beijing is involved in a number of projects in the country under the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Chinese official media is highlighting reports that Pakistan may allow China to build a military base at Jiwani located close to Irans Chabahar port, which is being jointly developed by India, Iran, and Afghanistan. Jiwani is also close to the strategic Gwadar port in Balochistan which is being developed by China.

While defending Pakistan, Lu said China at the same time backed international counter-terrorism efforts. "First and foremost, I would like to say that terrorism is the common enemy of the international community. Cracking down on terrorism calls for the joint efforts from the international community," he said.

"Actually, China is defending countries that have been making anti-terrorism efforts in a just and fair way. China also welcomes all the global joint efforts in terms of counter-terrorism on the basis of mutual trust and mutual respect," he said.An Iranian oil tanker ablaze off China's east coast was at risk of exploding or sinking on Monday, as fears grew for 32 missing sailors amid warnings of a potential environmental disaster.

The huge fire was still raging on Monday morning around the stricken vessel, which had been carrying 136,000 tonnes of light crude oil, some 36 hours after it collided with a cargo ship.

But China's English-language state broadcaster CGTN later posted a video on Twitter showing the fire seemingly under control as a second vessel sprayed it with water.

Earlier the transport ministry said rescuers trying to locate the crew of 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis were being beaten back by toxic clouds.

The Panamanian-flagged 274-metre (899-foot) tanker Sanchi is "in danger of exploding or sinking", the ministry said.

Rescuers had recovered one unidentified body as of Monday afternoon, said foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang.

"Conditions... are not that favourable for search and rescue work," he said, adding that "we are also investigating how to prevent any secondary disaster."

The body was found three or four miles from the tanker and "cannot be easily identified" even though the victim had a fire safety vest, Alireza Irvash, from Iran's consulate in Shanghai, told Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.

The accident happened on Saturday evening 160 nautical miles east of the city.

The tanker, operated by Iran's Glory Shipping, was heading to South Korea when it collided with a Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship, the CF Crystal, carrying 64,000 tonnes of grain.

Ten government vessels and "many fishing ships" were helping with the ongoing rescue and clean-up effort, the transport ministry said, adding that a South Korean coastguard ship was also on the scene.

A US Navy aircraft took part in the search on Sunday, scouring a wide area before returning to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

Environmental Fears

As Chinese authorities raced to contain the ship's leaking oil, experts expressed fears the accident could create an environmental disaster.

Greenpeace said in a statement it was "concerned about the potential environmental damage that could be caused by the 1 million barrels of crude oil on board".

If all of the Sanchi's cargo spills, it would be the biggest oil slick from a ship for decades.

By comparison, in the sixth-worst spill since the 1960s, the Odyssey dumped 132,000 tonnes some 700 nautical miles off Canada's Nova Scotia in 1988, according to figures from the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation website.

"It's very possible this will kill off marine life across a wide area," Wei Xianghua, an environmental expert at Beijing's Tsinghua University, told AFP of the latest threat.

Even under a best-case scenario, it would take a "long time" for the area to get back to normal, Wei added.

"At present, the only thing to be done is make the best effort to not allow the oil to spread to other places."

China had two vessels working to contain the spill early Monday morning, the transport ministry said.

Iran's Petroleum Ministry said the tanker belongs to the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) and was delivering its cargo to South Korea's Hanwha Total. The ship and its cargo were insured, a statement said.

It was the second accident in less than two years involving a tanker owned by the NITC. In August 2016 an Iranian supertanker and a container ship collided in the Singapore Strait, causing damage to both vessels but no injuries or pollution.

Saturday's collision was the latest in a series of fatal maritime accidents in East Asia in recent years.

Last October, 13 crew on a Chinese fishing boat were killed after their vessel collided with a Hong Kong oil tanker off Japan's west coast.

US Navy vessels have also been involved in some accidents, including a collision between the USS John. S. McCain and a tanker off Singapore last August that killed 10 sailors.New York: Three people were injured in an early-morning fire at the top of Trump Tower in midtown Manhattan, the New York Fire Department said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump was in Washington at the time. Trump's primary residence was in the building before his election victory and inauguration nearly a year ago.

One firefighter was hospitalized with nonlife-threatening injuries, while two people received minor injuries that were treated at the scene, including a building worker whose injury was initially described as serious, the Fire Department said.

Eric Trump, one of the president's sons, said on Twitter that it was a small electrical fire in the cooling tower on the building's roof.

"The New York Fire Department was here within minutes and did an incredible job," said the younger Trump. "The men and women of the #FDNY are true heros and deserve our most sincere thanks and praise!"

[caption id="attachment_1626435" align="alignnone" ] Smoke rises from Trump Tower in New York, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. The department said the fire started Monday in the heating and air conditioning system of the building. (Jeff Levi via AP)[/caption]

The Fire Department said the fire was not inside the building, but on top of it.

"We had flames coming out of the vents. No smoke condition or fire was on the inside," Manhattan Borough Commander Assistant Chief Roger Sakowich said on Twitter.

The cause of the blaze is being investigated by the city fire marshal, a department spokesman said. Once the investigation is complete, the results will be released, the spokesman, Firefighter Jim Long, said.

As firefighters battled the blaze, a plume of smoke spewed from the roof of the 68-story structure.

The fire was reported by phone shortly before 7 am EST (5.30pm IST) on the top floor of the building, and was declared under control about an hour and 15 minutes later, the department said.

Some 84 firefighters and medical crews responded as 26 emergency units with lights flashing converged on the crowded midtown Manhattan location, it added.

In addition to the president's 66th-floor penthouse, Trump Tower houses the headquarters of the Trump Organization as well as other residences, offices and stores.Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron laid a wreath on Monday in honour of the slain journalists of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo which faces falling sales and stifling security measures three years after it was attacked.

At a low-key commemoration ceremony to mark January 7, 2015, massacre, Macron was joined by journalists from the magazine, members of his government and the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo.

Two French jihadists who had sworn allegiance to al-Qaeda killed 11 people at Charlie Hebdo's offices in 2015 over the staunchly atheist magazine's satirical coverage of Islam and the prophet Mohammed.

The assault, which saw a policeman executed at a point-blank range nearby, profoundly shocked France and marked the beginning of a series of jihadist attacks that have claimed 241 lives in total, according to an AFP toll.

"We must never forget these terrible days," Francois Hollande, president at the time of the attacks, wrote on Facebook on Sunday while saying France could be "proud" of its reaction to the bloodshed.

Charlie Hebdo, which prides itself on being provocative, returned to the murder of its famed cartoonists and writers in its latest issue which laid bare the struggles of the surviving staff.

"The 7th of January 2015 propelled us into a new world of armed police, secure entrances and reinforced doors, of fear and death," wrote contributor Fabrice Nicolino in a column.

"And this in the heart of Paris and in conditions which do not honour the French republic. Do we still have a laugh? Yes," he added.

The magazine pays between 1.0-1.5 million euros (1.2-1.8 million dollars) in security costs annually at its heavily protected offices which are at a secret location, its editor Riss wrote.

Sales meanwhile have fallen sharply since a wave of popular support -- a "Je suis Charlie" defence of press freedom -- following the bloodshed. It revived the financial fortunes of a business that has faced regular difficulties in the past.

Company revenues fell to 19.4 million euros in 2016, down from more than 60 million in 2015, according to figures first reported by the BFM news channel and confirmed to AFP by the magazine.

Its journalists and editors still regularly receive death threats and the magazine courted fresh controversy in November with a front-page on the Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan who has been accused of sexually assaulting women.

The Swiss academic, who is widely read and followed in France, was depicted with a huge erection above the line: "I am the sixth pillar of Islam."

The magazine also regularly mocks Christian and Jewish leaders as well as politicians of all stripes.

Two days after the Charlie Hebdo attack, another French extremist took hostages at a Jewish supermarket in eastern Paris, killing four people before elite police raided the premises and shot him dead.

Anti-terror magistrates investigating the incidents are expected to finalise their probe in the next few months but have been unable to determine how the Charlie Hebdo killers -- Cherif and Said Kouachi -- coordinated with the supermarket shooter, Amedy Coulibaly.

Le Monde newspaper reported Sunday that 14 people had been charged in connection with the attacks and that investigators had traced the weapons to arms traffickers in north-east France and Belgium.

Relatives of the victims of the attacks had requested low-key commemorations on Sunday.New Delhi: Indian and Baloch activists protested outside the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC on Monday.

While India-American protesters were protesting Islamabad's ill-treatment of jailed Indian National Kulbhushan Jhadav, the Baloch exiles were protesting the mistreatment of the ethnic Baloch population in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province in terms of area.

Protesters united under the slogan "Chappal Chor Pakistan" (She-thief Pakistan) and deposited footwear outside the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC.

"When they stole the chappal of a woman (Kulbhushan Jhadav's wife, who went to Pakistan to visit him) who was in distress, I hope they use these also. I want to say one thing- Pakistan ka matlab kya? Amreeka (America) se dollar la, Hindustan ke joote kha. (What does Pakistan stand for? Getting American dollars and incurring India's wrath)," one protester told ANI.

"Pakistan's narrow-mindedness was exposed with how they treated Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and wife. What policy makers and people here need to understand is that Pakistan as a whole is also being run with the same narrow-minded mentality," said another protester.

This comes at a time when Islamabad is facing increasing international pressure, particularly from the United States, which had recently asked Pakistan to do more in the fight against terrorism and stop providing safe haven to terrorists. The US, after a terse tweet from its President Donald Trump, had decided to stop further aid to Pakistan.Islamabad: The footprint of the Islamic State terror group is continuously on the rise in Pakistan as over the past year responsibility for as many as six deadliest attacks, in which 153 people were killed, was claimed by the outfit, according to a think-tank report.

The security report by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) has stated that the IS, especially active in northern Sindh and Balochistan, was also behind the abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals last year, Dawn online reported.

"The IS claimed responsibility for just six terrorist attacks in the country, but they were the most deadliest ones. There is a need to take the matter more seriously because there is a possibility that foreign fighters would come to Pakistan in near future as things are continuously changing in the Middle East," said PIPS official Muhammad Ismail Khan.

"What has been quite alarming is the increasing footprint of IS, especially in Balochistan and northern Sindh where the group claimed responsibility for some of the deadliest attacks," Khan said.

According to the report, despite a 16 per cent decline in terrorist attacks last year, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its associated groups remained the most potent threats. They were followed by nationalist-insurgent groups, especially Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front.

It further said that concerted efforts and a revision of the National Action Plan was required to curb the terror group's activities. The report suggested a parliamentary oversight of Pakistan's counter-terror plan.

Militant, insurgent and violent sectarian groups carried out 370 terrorist attacks in 64 districts of the country in 2017, the think-tank said.

These incidents, including 24 suicide and gun-and-suicide coordinated attacks, left 815 people dead. The report noted that as compared to 2016, the attacks in the country from across the Afghan, Indian and Iranian borders in 2017 witnessed a significant surge by 131 per cent.

Furthermore, security forces and law enforcement agencies killed a total of 524 militants in 2017, compared to 809 in 2016.

According to the report, it was quite likely that the National Internal Security Policy will take into consideration global and regional scenarios, including relations between Pakistan, China and the US.Washington: The head of the Central Intelligence Agency said on Sunday that Russia and others are trying to undermine elections in the United States, the next major one being in November when Republicans will try to keep control of Congress.

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to try to help President Donald Trump win, in part by hacking and releasing emails embarrassing to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and spreading social media propaganda.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo told CBS that the Russian interference is longstanding, and continues. Asked on "Face the Nation" if Moscow is currently trying to undermine US elections, Pompeo responded: "Yes sir, have been for decades."

"Yes, I continue to be concerned, not only about the Russians, but about others' efforts as well," Pompeo said, without giving details. "We have many foes who want to undermine Western democracy."

Moscow denies any meddling in the 2016 elections to help Republican Trump win. US Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating whether any crimes were committed. Two Trump associates, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and campaign aide George Papadopoulos have pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents in the probe. Trump denies any campaign collusion with Russia.

Trump has at times suggested that he accepts the US intelligence agencies' assessment that Russia sought to interfere in the election but at other times has said he accepts Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials that Moscow meddled.

Trump has frequently spoken of wanting to improve relations with Putin, even though Russia has frustrated US policy in Syria and Ukraine and done little to help Washington in its standoff with North Korea.

Pompeo told CBS that the CIA had an important function as a part of the national security team to keep US elections secure and democratic. "We are working diligently to do that. So we're going to work against the Russians or any others who threaten that very outcome," he said.

Trump said on Saturday that he planned an active year on the campaign trail on behalf of Republican candidates running in the mid-term elections, in which all of the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be up for election. Republicans hold majorities in both.Washington: Former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon on Sunday sought to back away from incendiary remarks quoted in an explosive new book that have landed him in hot water with the president he helped elect.

Bannon has found himself in dire straits since excerpts of Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" -- an explosive behind-the-scenes account that questions the president's fitness for office -- were first published on Wednesday.

He has been abandoned by financial patrons, condemned by erstwhile political allies and ridiculed by Trump himself over his reported comments in the book, which he has not denied making.

In the book, Bannon is quoted as saying a pre-election meeting involving son Donald Trump Jr. and a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer was "treasonous," and that prosecutors investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia would "crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV."

In a statement to the Axios news website, Bannon, who was a senior Trump adviser until he was ousted in August, said: "Donald Trump Jr. is both a patriot and a good man. He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around."

His criticism, Bannon said, was aimed at onetime Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, "a seasoned campaign professional" who "should have known (the Russians) are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends."

'I regret my delay'

But in "Fire and Fury," Bannon is quoted as saying that "the top three guys in the campaign" -- Manafort, Donald Jr. and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner -- attended the meeting he described as "treasonous."

The closest Bannon came to an actual apology was saying he regretted the timing of his response.

"I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr. has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments."

Trump on Sunday continued his daily assault on "Fire and Fury" and its author, tweeting that the book -- which paints him as disengaged, ill-informed and unstable, with signs of serious memory loss -- was a "Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author."

A day earlier, seeking to refute Wolff's suggestion that he lacked stability, Trump called himself a "very stable genius."

Senior Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller treated the book derisively while insisting that his boss was in fact "a political genius," in an interview with CNN on Sunday.

Wolff, Miller said, "is a garbage author of a garbage book." He assailed Bannon, reportedly a key source for the author, as "vindictive" and "out of touch with reality."

'Not going to succeed'

Wolff defended his work on Sunday, telling NBC he "absolutely did not" violate any off-the-record agreements in his reporting but conceding, of the total three hours he said he spent with Trump, that the president "probably did not think of them as interviews."

He also portrayed a high level of concern in the White House over whether Trump risks being removed from office as unfit, as is possible -- if difficult -- under the constitution's 25th Amendment.

Almost daily, he said, White House aides would say, "We're not at a 25th Amendment level yet."

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, rejected that notion, telling ABC that no one at the White House "questions the stability of the president." She suggested that Wolff was someone who would "lie for money and for power."

But Wolff insisted he did not enter the book project with an anti-Trump bias or agenda.

"I would have been delighted to have written a contrarian account here: 'Donald Trump, this unexpected president, is actually going to succeed.' Okay, that's not the story. He is not going to succeed. This is worse than everybody thought."

CIA director Mike Pompeo, appearing on Fox News Sunday, insisted that Wolff's portrayal of Trump was "just pure fantasy."

'Hysterical coverage'

Far from being detached and unable to deal with complex policy issues, Pompeo said, "The president is engaged, he understands the complexity, he asks really difficult questions of our team at the CIA." He described Trump as an "avid consumer" of the agency's intelligence.

Pompeo added that Trump was "completely fit," saying it was "ludicrous" to suggest otherwise.

But in a probable sign of White House sensitivities over the book, Miller lashed out in an unusually raw clash with his CNN interviewer, Jake Tapper.

Miller called Tapper "condescending" and "snide," and accused CNN of engaging in "negative anti-Trump hysterical coverage" and "spectacularly embarrassing false reporting."

The two men repeatedly spoke over each other before Tapper declared, "I think I've wasted enough of my viewers' time. Thank you, Stephen," then turned away from Miller -- who was still talking -- to tersely announce the next guest.

Miller's combative performance on CNN got a thumbs up from his boss.

"Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!" Trump tweeted after the segment aired.A house built on a rock on the river Drina is seen near the western Serbian town of Bajina Basta, about 160km (99 miles) from the capital Belgrade May 22, 2013. The house was built in 1968 by a group of young men who decided that the rock on the river was an ideal place for a tiny shelter, according to the house's co-owner, who was among those involved in its construction. (Image: Reuters)Government has turned down a request by cash-strapped urban local authorities to use the Zesa pre-paid platform to collect revenues.



Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) president and Harare mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni had requested for a new system where water and electricity bills are jointly paid at Zesa offices.



The envisaged system was expected to help recover debts from defaulting residents, who owe local authorities more than $1 billion.





At a meeting held at Town House on Tuesday last week, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo told the UCAZ president that it was not possible for the city to use that option.





Cllr Manyenyeni confirmed the development last week. The new minister feels it is ceding authority, he said. For now, we might get to do a trial in one ward (Harare) if the Zesa board agrees.





Local Government, Public Works and National Housing permanent secretary Mr George Magosvongwe said Minister Moyo was best placed to comment on the reason why Government declined the proposal.





It is a direct delivery from him (Minister Moyo), he said. It is better for him to comment on the issue. We are, however, looking at various options to improve revenue collection, which balances the interests of local authorities and councils.

Minister Moyo could not be reached for comment.

Last year, Cllr Manyenyeni said the proposal had the potential to improve municipal finances and facilitate better service delivery.





Right now the message to residents is pay up, he said then.

We expect those who are making noises against pre-paid water meters (resident associations) to be louder about the payment of bills.





If there was greater compliance, we would not be wasting money in finding alternative solutions. We are looking for these solutions because of defaults in payment and ballooning debtors books. Residents should pay and get the required services.





Harare is owed more than $700 million, with the city now employing various strategies, including evictions, to those who are leasing council properties.





Council has also resorted to issuing summons to defaulters in an attempt to recover outstanding debts.

Mutare City Council is now resorting to debt collectors to recover more than $41 million from ratepayers.





Chitungwiza ratepayers owe the local authority close to $60 million in unpaid rates and bills, while other local authorities are also owed millions by ratepayers. Herald(Newser)  Iran's primary schools are no longer permitted to teach English over fears that such early lessons could open the door to a Western "cultural invasion," reports Reuters. An education official announced on state-run TV Saturday that the rule applies to both public and private institutions. "Teaching English in government and non-government primary schools in the official curriculum is against laws and regulations, declared Mehdi Navid-Adham. Iran's students are typically taught English starting around age 12, but the new concerns appear to surround schools where the foreign language curriculum begins earlier. In 2016, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei complained about the "promotion of a foreign culture in the country and among children."

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Saturday's announcement came at a conspicuous time for the Iranian government, whose Revolutionary Guard said the same day that security forces had ended the wave of anti-government protests that erupted last month. Officials did not link the English lesson announcement with the protests, but the Guard blamed the unrest on foreign entities, including the US. Some were skeptical about enforcement of the new ban. It is not even do-able, with [many] families prioritizing English in their childrens education," one reformist politician tells the Financial Times. In his 2016 speech, the ayatollah warned that foreign nations looking to expand their "colonization" can do so most easily by shaping the thoughts and culture of young people. (Read more Iran stories.)(Newser)  "Bravo Debra Messing for dragging E! news while appearing on E! news," People news editor Nigel Smith tweets. "I think she just set the tone for the night." The San Francisco Chronicle reports that last month Catt Sadler left E! after more than a decade while revealing that she was paid half what her E! News co-host Jason Kennedy was paid. Messing didn't hold her tongue when interviewed by E! on the red carpet ahead of the 75th annual Golden Globes on Sunday. I was so shocked to hear that E! doesnt believe in paying their female co-hosts the same as their male co-hosts. I mean, I miss Catt Sadler, the Will & Grace star told correspondent Giuliana Rancic. We stand with her."

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Messing added: "Thats something that can change tomorrow. We want people to start having this conversation that women are just as valuable as men. Messing's boldness got a reaction online, with the praise on social media being summed up by one tweeter: "Debra Messing for POTUS." Messing wasn't the only star to bring up Sadler. We support gender equity and equal pay, and we hope that E! follows that lead with Catt as well," the New York Times quotes Eva Longoria as telling Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet. "We stand with you, Catt. (Read more Golden Globes stories.)(Newser)  Jared Kushner's family real estate firm has continued to extend its business ties to Israel despite his role leading the administration's peace efforts in the Middle East, raising concerns that he may be breaking the spiritthough not the letterof conflict-of-interest laws. The New York Times reports that shortly before President Trump's son-in-law departed on a diplomatic trip to Israel last year, Kushner Companies received a $30 million investment from Israeli insurer Menora Mivtachim; that investment went to Maryland apartment complexes that Kushner still has a stake in despite stepping down from the company after accepting a White House job last year. The company has also taken out large loans from Israeli banks.

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With Kushner playing such a big role in the peace process, "I think it's reasonable for people to ask whether his business interests are somehow affecting his judgment," government ethics expert Matthew Sanderson, a lawyer who advised Rand Paul's campaign, tells the Times. Kushner's lawyers and White House officials, however, stress that he is in full compliance with ethics rules. We have "tremendous confidence in the job Jared is doing leading our peace efforts, and he takes the ethics rules very seriously and would never compromise himself or the administration," White House spokesman Raj Shah tells the Jerusalem Post. (Read more Jared Kushner stories.)(Newser)  It started with a half-kidding plea at the beginning of the Golden Globes for Oprah Winfrey to run for president, but by the end of the night, that thought was gaining steam. As the awards show opened, host Seth Meyers joked that if his stint as host at the 2011 White House Correspondents' Association dinner had somehow prompted Donald Trump to run for president, "I just want to say: Oprah, you will never be president! You do not have what it takes." He also not-asked Tom Hanks to be vice president, calling him "mean and unrelatable." The crowd laughed, but then Winfrey dropped a bombshell speech as she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award later in the eveningand that has now renewed whispers about the mega-star actually running, per the Washington Post.

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Winfrey has said in the past she would "never run for public office," but she's given other hints she's not 100% against the prospect. The Post notes it's "no longer all that far-fetched to think that someone known primarily for their work on TV and with absolutely no governing experience could not only run for president but also win." Per the AP, Twitter was abuzz after her speech Sunday, with comedian Sarah Silverman tweeting: "Oprah/Michelle 2020." Winfrey's longtime beau and her best friend also weighed in. "I thought that speech was incredible. I got goosebumps," BFF Gayle King told the Los Angeles Times, and Stedman Graham, who's been with Winfrey for decades, added: "It's up to the people. She would absolutely do it." One other who thinks she's a winner: her potential rival. "Oprah will end up doing just fine with her networkshe knows how to win," Donald Trump tweeted in 2012. (Read more Oprah Winfrey stories.)(Newser)  New York City fire officials say a fire in Trump Tower's heating and air conditioning system injured two people and caused smoke to billow from the roof. The Fire Department of New York says the fire started around 7am Monday at the building that contains President Trump's home and business offices. WPIX reports the rooftop fire was noticed by the Secret Service, who alerted building officials who were able to track the blaze to its source in a vent.

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WPIX says a building engineer tried to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher and suffered smoke inhalation in the process; fire officials say the civilian was treated for serious injuries, reports the AP. A firefighter was treated for minor injuries, reportedly sustained when debris fell on him. The Washington Post notes the building wasn't evacuated over the one-alarm fire.

(Read more Trump Tower stories.)(Newser)  The Supreme Court gave a death-row inmate a potentially life-saving reprieve on Monday because of racist comments made by one of his jurors. Keith Tharpe has been sentenced to death in Georgia for the rape and murder of his sister-in-law, but the court ordered a new look at his request for an appeal of that 1991 death sentence, reports USA Today. It's all because his lawyers obtained a signed affidavit years after the case from one of his jurors in which the man complains about "n------" and adds that after studying the Bible, I have wondered if black people even have souls. Tharpe is black, and the Supreme Court declared in a 6-3 opinion that juror Barney Gattie's views may have tainted his ability to deliver a fair verdict.

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"Gatties remarkable affidavitwhich he never retractedpresents a strong factual basis for the argument that Tharpe's race affected Gattie's vote for a death verdict," the decision states. The court's lone African-American, Clarence Thomas, wrote the dissenting opinion, which was signed by justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch. "The court must be disturbed by the racist rhetoric in that affidavit, and must want to do something about it," Thomas wrote, per SCOTUSblog. "But the court's decision is no profile in moral courage." He added that the decision "callously delays justice for Jaquelin Freeman, the black woman who was brutally murdered by Tharpe 27 years ago." The case now moves back to the federal appeals court in Atlanta. (Read more US Supreme Court stories.)(Newser)  A judge in Pennsylvania has banned a fraternity from operating in the state for 10 years after the organization was found criminally liable for the death of a pledge four years ago. In December 2013, Chun Hsien Deng, a student at Baruch College, died after falling unconscious during a hazing ritual to get into Pi Delta Psi, an Asian-American fraternity. At the time, prosecutors said Deng had suffered from "major brain trauma" following a game of "Glass Ceiling," in which he was blindfolded, made to carry a backpack filled with sand, and assaulted by fraternity members. Prosecutors also said there was a "considerable delay" between the time Deng fell unconscious and when he was taken to a hospital.

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Five frat members and Pi Delta Psi were charged with third-degree murder. Four of the men pleaded to lesser charges and will likely be sentenced later today, while the fraternity was acquitted. But Pi Delta Psi was found guilty of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, the New York Times reports. In addition to the 10-year ban, the judge ordered the fraternity to pay $112,500 in fines. The fraternity says it will appeal the decision, but the very fact that prosecutors chose to charge the fraternity, and the fact that a guilty verdict came down, could be a sign of the law taking a more aggressive approach to college hazing rituals that result in death. (Read more hazing stories.)Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community.

Submit here29,682 new COVID cases in Kerala; Night curfew, Sunday lockdown to continue

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that there has not been a big COVID spike after the Onam holiday as earlier feared. The State is expected to receive 9,97,570 more vaccine doses on Sunday.New Delhi:

A fire broke out at the premises of Mumbai Session Court in Karamveer Bhaurao Marg on Monday morning, reported news agency ANI.

At least five fire engines were rushed to the spot to douse the fire. As per last reports coming on the incident, the fire was brought under the control. No casualties have been reported.

The fire brigade got a call at 7.14 am about the blaze in the court building, located near the campus of the Mumbai University in South Mumbai, the official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's disaster management unit said.

The fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot, he said. "Efforts are on to douse the flames," he said. The cause of fire was not yet known, he said, addingthat an investigation will be carried out into the incident.

This is the fifth fire incident in the city in the last 20 days. Twelve people were killed when a massive fire broke outat a snack shop in Saki Naka-Kurla area here on December 18.

Later, 14 people were killed in a fire at an upscale pubin the Kamala Mills compound on December 29. On another incident on January 4, four persons, including two children, died and five were seriously injured after anupper floor of a residential building in suburban Marol caughtfire.

Besides, a 20-year-old man, who worked for a television serial production unit, was killed in a fire at the Cine Vistafilm studio in suburban Kanjurmarg on January 6.

This is sixth incident of fire reported in Mumbai, since the Kamala Mills fire incident on December 29, which left 14 people dead. The other fire incidents in the financial capital of India were in Marol in Andheri East, killing a family of four, Nagpada in Mumbai Central, Cinevista film studio in Kanjurmarg, and another fire in Lower Parel.New Delhi:

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming period drama 'Padmavati', which has been into the limelight since its inception, is given U/A certificate after several modifications, suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification.

While speculations have been rife about the Deepika Padukone-starrer releasing worldwide on January 25, sources closed to the industry said uncertainty still prevails over the release date of Padmavati.

In its 28 December meeting with the makers, the review committee of CBFC and a special panel of historians recommended five modifications to the film.

While the first suggestion was to rename the film as 'Padmavat', several other changes were made in the scenes related to Sati and Jauhar.CBFC has also asked Bhansali to modify the song 'Ghoomar' featuring the Mewar queen Padmini, played by Deepika Padukone.

Also Read: Former Mewar royal slams changes suggested by CBFC in 'Padmavati' as cosmetic

'Padmavat' is happened to be the first Indian feature film to get a simultaneous global release across 60 countries by global studios-Paramount Pictures, while sources closed to the film suggest that the film will not hit the screens in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Moreover, Karni Sena and several other Rajput outfits are continuing to hold out their protests against the film despite the changes.

The film, which was earlier scheduled to hit cinema houses on December 1, features Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in the lead.

Also Read | Padmavati: Push for complete ban, Karni Sena chief to community members

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.Aligarh:

A research scholar hailing from Kupwara of north Kashmir was on Monday expelled by Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) authorities in the wake of reports alleging that he may have joined a terror group after his photo appeared in the social media showing him with an AK-47 rifle.



A team of senior AMU officials sealed the room of Mannan Basheer Wani, 26, on Monday morning immediately after they received a letter from the Superintendent of Police, Aligarh regarding the alleged "nefarious" activities of the student, university officials said.



Wani was a researcher in the Department of Geology and was last present in his department on January 2, according to AMU officials, who said that the university has initiated an inquiry into the matter and intensified security checks including in all its hostels in view of the incident.



According to the officials, Wani hailed from Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir and had left for his hometown shortly before the commencement of the winter vacations at AMU on January 6.



A senior AMU official said that prior to the police department's letter, the university had not received any intimation from the students family that he had not arrived at his home after leaving Aligarh.



Suspicion over Wani's antecedents was triggered after his photograph showing him holding a gun appeared on various social media sites. It was suspected that the scholar from Tikipora in Lolab area might have joined the Hizbul Mujahideen.



However, police in Jammu and Kashmir said it was too early to confirm if Wani had joined militancy. A police official said Wani's last known location was Delhi a few days earlier and they are ascertaining where he went after that.



Meanwhile, the AMU Proctor, Professor Mohsin Khan, told PTI that the University had set "up a comprehensive inquiry into the entire matter" and is also taking further necessary steps for beefing up security in hostels of the university.



The Proctor said nothing whatsoever suggesting that Wani was in any way involved in radical activities had come to their notice before this episode. The inquiry committee would, however, fully probe this matter, he said.



Khan said that even before the incident came to light, the University Vice Chancellor, Tariq Mansoor, had issued a directive to the security staff to step up vigil on all entry and exit points of the university.



Checking of identity cards of all youths entering the campus and different hostels had also been intensified.



Khan said that university authorities have also decided to conduct surprise checks in different hostels of the university during night hours to ensure that no external elements, including expelled students, are taking shelter in hostels in connivance with any of the inmates.



A weekly check of all video footage of close circuit television will henceforth be undertaken to keep a vigil.



Prof Shafey Kidwai, member-in-charge, public relations and media advisor to the AMU vice-chancellor, said that the universitys "zero tolerance" policy towards any anti-national activity on the campus was "very clear".



"We have zero tolerance to any such activity and as far as we are concerned, we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to inculcate a sense of patriotism and commitment to the task of nation-building.



"As a responsible institution of higher learning, we utilise every platform in the institution to promote the values of pluralism and tolerance in the institution," he added.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Amid criticism of action by authorities over a newspaper report on Aadhaar data breach, Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday said that the government is committed to the freedom of the Press and the FIR has been filed against unknown entities.

Government is fully committed to freedom of Press as well as to maintaining security and sanctity of Aadhaar for Indias development. FIR is against unknown, Prasad said on social media platform Twitter.

The Delhi Police has registered an FIR (First Information Report) on a UIDAI officials complaint over the newspaper report on alleged data breach of Aadhaar details even as the daily said it will defend its freedom to undertake investigative journalism.

Also Read | I have earned the FIR, says Tribune journalist booked for report on breach of Aadhaar details

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Deputy Director B M Patnaik told the police that an input was received from The Tribune that it has purchased a service being offered by anonymous sellers over WhatsApp that provided unrestricted access to details of any of the Aadhaar numbers created in India, the police had said on Sunday.

On January 5, a complaint was received from Patnaik and the FIR was registered the same day, the police said.

The Editors Guild Of India sought government intervention for the withdrawal of the case and called for an impartial investigation into the matter.

Criticising the lodging of the FIR, the guild said it was deeply concerned over reports that the UIDAI deputy director had registered a complaint in which the reporter of The Tribune, Rachna Khaira, has been named.

Prasad said: Ive suggested UIDAI to request Tribune & its journalist to give all assistance to police in investigating real offenders.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Rahul Gandhi embarked on a visit to Bahrain on Monday, his first foreign trip after becoming the Congress president. Rahul shall be addressing a convention of NRIs and meet the Gulf countrys Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamas Al-Khalifa.

Gandhi, who will be a state guest of Bahrain, is also expected to meet King Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa.

According to a statement issued by the Congress, Gandhi will be the chief guest at valedictory session of a function organised by Global Organisation of People of India Origin (GOPIO) there on Tuesday.

Delegates of 50 countries are participating in the function, the statement said.

Also Read: Venkaiah Naidu sends privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi, Congress says send one to PM Modi too

He will also have an interactive session with business leaders of the Indian origin on Tuesday.

NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe. Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow, Gandhi tweeted ahead of his trip.

NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe. Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow.  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 7, 2018

Gandhi is expected to return to India on January 9.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Bahrain, launched a scathing attack against Modi government during his address to the Indian diaspora in Manama on Monday.

While addressing NRIs, Rahul Gandhi said, There is a serious problem at home, and you are part of the solution. Instead of accepting that we are lacking in job creation, the government is dividing the country on religion basis.

People are killed in India because of religious issues, judges die mysteriously, journalists are killed, and the PM has nothing to say, Rahul said.

Invoking NRIs to participate in countrys development, Rahul said, Your patriotism is what India needs today.

Rahul said the global vision for India cannot be built without brothers and sisters living abroad as they send almost 3.5% of India's GDP.

Rahul also attacked the Modi government on increasing incidents of violence in India and said, We have to make India a centre of Ahimsa (Violence) and not violence.

I am here to seek your help, we need you to fight these forces of hatred as every single Indian, who is anywhere in the world, is our asset, added the Congress President.

The Congress president also met with foreign minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Gulf Daily News reported.

Thank you, Your Excellency, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, honourable Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Bahrain for being a gracious host at lunch today, Gandhi tweeted after the luncheon meeting.

Thank you, Your Excellency, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Hon. Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Bahrain, @khalidalkhalifa for being a gracious host at lunch today. pic.twitter.com/zDtwBaqpQ0  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 8, 2018

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Ashok Sawant, a Shiv Sena leader and ex-corporator in Mumbai was stabbed to death on Sunday around 10:45pm near his house by two unknown assailants.

Sawant, a two time corporator from Samta Nagar in Mumbai was attacked near his residence just as he was returning after meeting a friend.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Police filed a case under IPC section 302 and were investigating the matter.

Media reports said that the deceased had entered a cable business and had been receiving extortion calls for the last few days.

They also said that he had brought the matter to their notice. Media reports said the murder was probably connected to these extortion threats.

Sawant is survived by his wife, son and two daughters.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.Washington:

SpaceX Zuma secretive government spacecraft launched into low orbit Washington, Jan 7 (AFP) John Young, a legendary US astronaut who went into space six times, orbited the moon and then walked on its craggy surface, has died, NASA has announced.

He was 87 and died late Friday of complications from pneumonia, the space agency said. He lived in a Houston suburb just minutes from the NASA Space Center.

NASA and the world have lost a pioneer, agency administrator Robert Lightfoot said in a statement. We will stand on his shoulders as we look toward the next human frontier.

Young was a man of many firsts: the only astronaut to fly in the Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle programmes (and the first to command a shuttle flight); and the first to fly into space six times.

He once held the world record for total time spent in space, NASA said.

Young joined Gus Grissom on the Gemini 3 mission, then commanded the first space shuttle mission in what some people called the boldest test flight in history.

He commanded Gemini 10, the first mission to rendezvous with two other spacecraft during a single flight.

Young orbited the moon in Apollo 10, and made a lunar landing with Apollo 16. In an iconic display of test pilot cool, he landed the space shuttle (STS-9) with a fire in the back end, NASA said.

He was in every way the astronauts astronaut, Lightfoot said. But he was also described as a savvy engineer and a test pilots test pilot.

While in the navy, Young set world records for the fastest ascension from a standing start in an F-4 Phantom II jet.

Once, during an air-to-air missile test, Young and another pilot approached each others aircraft at a potentially calamitous speed of Mach 3 (2,300 miles per hour, or 3,700 kilometers per hour), according to Youngs website.

I got a telegram from the chief of naval operations, Young said in his understated way, asking me not to do this any more.

Fellow astronaut Charles Bolden called Young and Robert Hoot Gibson the two best pilots he had ever known.

Never met two people like them, he said. Everyone else gets into an airplane; John and Hoot wear their airplane. Theyre just awesome.

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.Beijing:

China on Monday said it is opposed to the US finger pointing at Pakistan and linking it with terrorism, insisting that the responsibility of cracking down on terror outfits cannot be placed on a particular country.

Chinas support for its all-weather ally came as the US stepped up its efforts to pressure Pakistan to eliminate terror safe havens on its soil.

The US last week suspended approximately USD 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan for its failure to take decisive action against terror groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

China always opposed linking terrorism with any certain country and we dont agree to place the responsibility of anti-terrorism on a certain country, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing.

He was responding to a question on a White House officials remarks that China could play a helpful role in convincing Pakistan that it was in its national interest to crackdown on terror safe havens.

We have stressed many times that Pakistan has made important sacrifices and contributions to the global anti-terrorism cause, Lu said.

Also Read | Donald Trump walks the talk as US suspends over USD 1.15 billion security aid to Pakistan

Countries should strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation on the basis of mutual respect instead of finger pointing at each other. This is not conducive to the global terrorism efforts, he said.

China has been vocal in extending support to Pakistan since US President Donald Trump increased rhetoric against Islamabad providing safe havens for terrorists.

Trump in a New Years Day tweet accused the country 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.

Chinese media has been speculating that Trumps efforts to step up pressure on Pakistan may move it closer to Islamabad as Beijing is involved in a number of projects in the country under the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Chinese official media is highlighting reports that Pakistan may allow China to build a military base at Jiwani located close to Irans Chabahar port, which is being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

Jiwani is also close to the strategic Gwadar port in Balochistan which is being developed by China.

While defending Pakistan, Lu said China at the same time backed international counter-terrorism efforts.

First and foremost, I would like to say that terrorism is the common enemy of the international community. Cracking down of terrorism calls for the joint efforts from the international community, he said.

Actually, China is defending countries that have been making anti-terrorism efforts in a just and fair way. China also welcomes all the global joint efforts in terms of counter-terrorism on the basis of mutual trust and mutual respect, he said.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.Beirut:

An explosion at a base for Asian jihadists in northwestern Syrias Idlib city on Monday killed 23 people including seven civilians, a monitor said.

Extremist groups fighting in Syria count thousands of Asians among their ranks, including many from central Asian states and members of the Muslim Uighur ethnic minority of Chinas Xinjiang province.

A large explosion this evening hit the base of the Ajnad al-Qawqaz faction in Idlib, said Syrian Observatory for Human Rights head Rami Abdel Rahman, adding that most of the non- civilian casualties were fighters from the group.

He did not specify the cause of the blast, but activists on social media said a car bomb was responsible. Dozens of people were wounded, particularly fighters, according to Abdel Rahman who said the base was almost completely destroyed and that nearby buildings were damaged.

The Ajnad al-Qawqaz group includes hundreds of Caucasian fighters and is battling alongside the Fateh al-Sham Front, a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, to repel a Syrian regime advance in the southeast of Idlib province.

The area has seen intense clashes following a regime offensive aimed at seizing a strategically vital highway between Damascus and second city Aleppo.

The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of activists across Syria, said regime forces had seized more than 60 villages in the area since December 25.

An alliance dominated by Fateh al-Sham controls much of Idlib province where there are regular car bombings, often blamed on disputes between armed factions.

Some residents blame the Islamic State group for such attacks, although the group has no open presence in the province.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.Washington:

A group of Americans of Indian, Afghan and Baloch descents has protested outside the Pakistani embassy here against the inhumane treatment of the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav during their recent visit to Islamabad.

Braving freezing cold, the protesters also brought along sandals to give them to the Pakistani embassy officials.

The trial of Kulbhushan Jadhav violated all norms of international law as it was conducted by a military court, said Ahmar Mustikhan, founder of the American Friends of Baolchistan, which organised the unique event named as Chappal-Chor Pakistan (slipper-thief Pakistan).

Both Jadhavs wife and mother were asked to remove their sandals, mangalsutras and bindis before they were allowed to meet him, and the sandals were subsequently stolen, Mustikhan said.

The protesters said that Pakistan meted out inhumane treatment to Jadhavs wife and mother during their tightly- controlled interaction with the 47-year-old Indian national on December 25 in the Pakistan Foreign Office.

During the meeting, whose pictures were released by Pakistan, Jadhav was seen sitting behind a glass screen while his mother and wife sat on the other side. They spoke through intercom and the entire 40-minute proceedings appeared to have been recorded on video.

The recent episode of Pakistan makes a mockery of humanity. By not returning the slippers of Smt. Kulbhushan Yadav and asking them to remove even Bindi and Mangal Sutras and changing their dresses as well, it is just another sleazy activity Pakistan has done to a Bharata Soubhagya Nari (married Indian woman), said Krishna Gudipati, local Hindu community leader in USA. Carl Clemens, volunteer with several local community organisations alleged that the treatment given to the mother and wife by Pakistan foreign office typified the petty vindictiveness and humiliation that is the prevalent culture in Pakistan.

They have humiliated the religious and faith symbols of Hindu womanhood. Because of this sort of behaviour Pakistan has found itself on a watch list. This behaviour will lead to

Pakistans own destruction, said the protester Dhananjay Shevilkar. Pakistan on December 25 had issued a video of Jadhav in which he was purportedly seen thanking the Pakistan government for arranging a meeting with his wife and mother.

India has asserted that Jadhav appeared coerced and under considerable stress during the tightly-controlled interaction.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April, following which India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May.

Pakistan says he was a commander rank officer in the Indian Navy. But India says Jadhav was a former naval officer. New Delhi also says Jadhav was kidnapped in Iran where he had legitimate business interests, and brought to Pakistan.

A 10-member bench of the ICJ on May 18 restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case. It is expected to hold another hearing in March or April.

Washington DC: Indian-Americans & Balochs at #ChappalChorPakistan outside Pakistan Embassy donated used shoes to the embassy in protest against misbehavior of Pakistani authorities towards #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife, say, 'protest is in solidarity with #Jadhav's family.' pic.twitter.com/Zka5nLDXkr  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

Pakistan's narrow-mindedness was exposed with how they treated #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife, what policy makers & people here need to understand is that Pak as a whole is also being run w/same narrow-minded mentality-Protester at #ChappalChorPakistan protest in Washington DC pic.twitter.com/E62v0t3LsJ  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

When they stole the chappal of a woman (#KulbhushanJadhav's wife) who was in distress, I hope they use these also. I want to say one thing- Pakistan ka matlab kya? Amreeka (America) se dollar la, Hindustan ke joote kha!: Protester at #ChappalChorPakistan protest in Washington DC pic.twitter.com/nky7TrsRoD  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

Washington DC: A group of Indian-Americans & Balochs held a protest by the name '#ChappalChorPakistan' outside Pakistan embassy over the misbehavior meted out to #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife. pic.twitter.com/iVssgetFZQ  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.Beijing:

The US Navy has joined the search for 32 crew members missing from an Iranian oil tanker that caught fire after colliding with a bulk freighter off Chinas east coast on Saturday.

China, South Korea and the US sent ships and planes to search for the 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis who have been missing since the collision.

The US Navy, which sent a P-8A aircraft from Okinawa, Japan, to aid the search, said on late Sunday that none of the missing crew had been found.

The Panama-registered tanker Sanchi was sailing from Iran to South Korea when it collided with the Hong Kong-registered freighter CF Crystal in the East China Sea, 257 kilometers (160 miles) off the coast of Shanghai, Chinas Ministry of Transport said.

All 21 crew members of the Crystal, which was carrying grain from the United States to China, were rescued, the ministry said. The Crystals crew members were all Chinese nationals.

It wasnt immediately clear what caused the collision. State-run China Central Television reported Sunday evening that the tanker was still floating and burning, and that oil was visible in the water. Photos distributed by the South Korean government showed the tanker on fire and shrouded in thick black smoke.

Also Read: China to spend over USD 2 billion in R&D in 2018

Chinese authorities dispatched three ships to clean the oil spill. It was not clear, however, whether the tanker was still spilling oil as of Monday and the size of the oil slick caused by the accident also was not known.

The Sanchi was carrying 136,000 metric tons (150,000 tons, or nearly 1 million barrels) of condensate, a type of ultra-light oil, according to Chinese authorities.

By comparison, the Exxon Valdez was carrying 1.26 million barrels of crude oil when it spilled 260,000 barrels into Prince William Sound off Alaska in 1989.

The Sanchi has operated under five different names since it was built in 2008, according the UN-run International Maritime Organization. The IMO listed its registered owner as Hong Kong-based Bright Shipping Ltd, on behalf of the National Iranian Tanker Co, a publicly traded company based in Tehran.

The National Iranian Tanker Co. describes itself as operating the largest tanker fleet in the Middle East.

An official in Irans Oil Ministry, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to reporters, said 30 of the tankers 32 crew members were Iranians.

Also Read: Ship collides with oil tanker off Chinese coast, 32 crew members missing

We have no information on their fate, he said on Sunday. We cannot say all of them have died, because rescue teams are there and providing services.

The official said the tanker was owned by the National Iranian Tanker Co. and had been rented by a South Korean company, Hanwha Total Co. He said the tanker was on its way to South Korea.

Hanwa Total is a 50-50 partnership between the Seoul-based Hanwha Group and the French oil giant Total. Total did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Its the second collision for a ship from the National Iranian Tanker Co. in less than a year and a half. In August 2016, one of its tankers collided with a Swiss container ship in the Singapore Strait, damaging both ships but causing no injuries or oil spill.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.Washinton:

The widespread protests in Iran was a sign of failure of the government, US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have agreed, the White House said on Monday.

The two leaders spoke over phone on Sunday during which they also discussed the developments in the Korean Peninsula.

North and South Korea are scheduled to hold talks on Tuesday.

Trump spoke to Macron to provide an update on developments on the Korean Peninsula, and to underscore American, South Korean and international resolve to achieve the complete denuclearisation of North Korea, the White House said in a readout of the call.

The presidents also agreed that the widespread demonstrations in Iran were a sign of the Iranian regimes failure to serve its peoples needs by instead diverting the nations wealth to fund terrorism and militancy abroad, it said.

At least 21 people have been killed in Iran after anti- government began on December 28.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.paraklisi

VersesKarterios of old towards fire and spear,You showed yourself steadfast towards the match against both.This Saint contested during the reign of Emperor Diocletian and Governor Urban of Caesarea in Cappadocia in the year 298, and he was a priest and teacher of the Christians.St. Karterios the Hieromartyr(Feast Day - January 8)He built a house of prayer, namely a small church, and there the Christians would gather, where he taught them to revere Christ alone as the true God, and to not recognize any other god besides Him. For this he was accused to the governor, and he hid. However the Lord appeared to him and said: "Go, O Karterios, and reveal yourself to those who seek you, for I am with you. You must suffer many things for My name. For many through you will believe in Me and be saved." The Saint was then filled with joy and thanked God, and he emboldened himself. Therefore he was first shut up in prison. Then he stood before the governor, and was ordered to sacrifice to the false god Serapis. Instead the Saint had the idol cast to the ground by his prayers. Because of this sixteen soldiers beat him with clubs, just as drums are struck. They then suspended him on a wooden stake, and with razors they removed his nails from his hands and feet, and with iron claws they tore at his entire body. By means of a divine Angel however, he was exalted above these torments and became healed. But the governor again ordered that the ankles of the Martyr be pierced through with iron, and a fiery plowshare was placed on his chest. After this he was made to sit on a red-hot stool of iron, then again he was cast into prison.At night the Lord again appeared to him, and freed him from his bonds. When many of the unbelievers saw him healthy, they went to him and were baptized by him, and they were liberated from their sicknesses. For this the Saint again received punishment. They hung large rocks from his hands and feet, and with clubs they beat him in the stomach. Then with lit lamps they burnt him, and sprinkled on him tar and pitch. They then forced him to drink molten lead. Lastly he was put in burning fire, but he remained unharmed, sending up hymns and thanks to God. Then a certain Jew who stood there became very enraged, and the villainous one took a spear and passed it through the side of the Saint. And at first, so much water came out of his side, that it extinguished the fire of the furnace, and then blood issued forth. In this way the brave struggler delivered his soul into the hands of God, and received from Him the crown of the contest.Each year, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare tallies the number of marriages that took place in Japan between January and October. In 2017, approximately 607,000 couples tied the knot during that period, which was roughly 13,000 less than the same time frame in 2016.

This was the fifth straight annual decline, and the lowest number of people getting married since the end of World War II.

The ministry says the dropping marriage number is due to the decreasing population of young adults, and that in order to reverse the declining birth rate, changes must be made to Japanese society in order to make marriage easier for couples. While no specific proposals accompanied the release of the statistics, critic often blame Japanas high childcare and educational costs, as well as some companies considering marriage and motherhood to be limiting factors on a working womanas professional commitment.

Although not mentioned by the ministry, another likely reason for declining marriage numbers is Japanas rapidly increasing acceptance of unmarried couples living together. In modern times, the stigma of two consenting adults sharing a home without being wed has largely disappeared, removing much of the urgency to get married, at least if the couple isnat planning to have children anytime soon (unwed pregnancies are still largely frowned upon in Japan).

Cohabitation, and thus the ability to essentially sample married life without being legally married, may also be a contributing factor in another development. It wasnat just the number of marriages that dropped last year, as the ministryas survey also showed that only 212,000 couples divorced during the period for 2017. That figure, down 4,800 compared to 2016, was the lowest in 20 years, which suggests that, at least in some cases, Japanese divorces are being prevented by incompatible couples not getting married in the first place.The U.S. Marine Corps said Sunday one of its helicopters made an emergency landing on an islet in Okinawa the previous day after an instrument reading indicated the main rotor was amoving at too high a speed.a

None of the four crew members aboard was injured when the UH-1 helicopter landed on a sandy beach on Ikeijima Island. U.S. military personnel continued checking the aircraft Sunday morning and removed the main rotor.

aWe are grateful that a no one was hurt and no property was damaged. The Marine Corps will rigorously investigate the cause of the incident,a a Marine Corps officer said.

The incident is the latest in a series of accidents and mishaps involving U.S. aircraft stationed in Okinawa, which hosts the bulk of U.S. military forces in the country. The chopper belongs to U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on the main island of Okinawa.

Koichiro Nakajima, the Defense Ministryas local bureau chief, told reporters after inspecting the helicopter that safety remains the priority.

aFlight safety is above everything else. We want (the U.S. military) to work toward that end,a he said.

Nakajima also met the head of the Ikeijima Island residentsa association, who strongly protested the accident.

The chopper apparently landed about 100 meters from a house, a resident said.A guitarist for avisual-keia band Codomo Dragon has gone missing, the group revealed via its Twitter account last week.

In a series of tweets on Friday, the band said guitarist Kana did not arrive for an appointed meeting and has been out of contact since earlier that day. It also mentioned that he would not be appearing on stage for a show in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture later that night.

Members of bands in the visual-kei genre are known for sporting gaudy hairstyles and ostentatious costumes on stage.

Codomo Dragon formed in 2010. The five-piece has released three full-length albums.

In a tweet on Saturday, the band said that police had received a missing persons report from Kanaas family.

Codomo Dragon is scheduled to play shows in Yokohama and Tokyo on Sunday and January 13.Tatsuro Toyoda, the former Toyota Motor Corp president who led the company's climb to become one of the world's top automakers, has died. He was 88.

Toyoda, a son of the company's founder, died Dec 30 of pneumonia, the Japanese automaker said Saturday.

Toyoda, the automaker's seventh president, stepped down as president in 1995, while continuing in other posts, such as adviser, a title he held until his death.

He was instrumental in setting up the California joint venture with U.S. rival General Motors called NUMMI, or New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., which began production in 1984. At that time, it was heralded as a pioneer in international collaborations in the industry.

With a career focused on international operations, Toyoda served as NUMMI's first president, and is known for his efforts to bring together Toyota's corporate culture of super-efficiency, teamwork and empowering workers with American culture, including introducing a new style of labor-management relations.

Toyoda's father, Kiichiro Toyoda, founded the company. His brother Shoichiro Toyoda, whom he succeeded as president, is current President Akio Toyoda's father. When Tatsuro Toyoda handed the helm to an executive outside the Toyota family, there was speculation he may be the last Toyoda family member to lead the company.

But Akio defied skeptics to become president in 2009, underlining the family's legacy for the automaker. The rural house that marks the automaker's humble beginnings serves as a monument today. Toyota employees still repeat the sayings handed down by the family leaders about hard work and hands-on approaches.

The company name is spelled and pronounced with a "T," instead of the "D'' as in the family name, because it was considered to bring luck, according to fortune-telling.The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will start developing a new high-efficiency radar system in fiscal 2018 to monitor space debris as small as about 10 centimeters, as part of its efforts to avoid collisions between debris and artificial satellites, according to sources.

JAXA plans to begin full-scale operations of the new radar as early as fiscal 2023 in cooperation with another radar system separately designed by the Defense Ministry, the sources said.

The agency currently uses a radar system deployed in Okayama Prefecture to monitor space debris that travels over Japan in low Earth orbit at an altitude of several hundred to 2,000 kilometers. However, the current system only covers debris that is 1.6 meters across or larger. It cannot track particles of about 10 centimeters, which comprise the majority of space debris.

JAXA is to build the new radar system adjacent to the existing one. The agency aims to achieve 200 times the detection capability of the current radar, by significantly increasing the output of electric waves cast onto space debris and utilizing a processing technology for special signals.

As a result, JAXA will be able to monitor about 10-centimeter-sized space objects in low orbit, where many Earth observation satellites and others travel, they said.

If data analysis suggests the possibility of collisions between space debris and JAXAas about 10 satellites operating in low orbit, the agency will use the new system to change the satellitesa orbit from the ground by remote control.

The Defense Ministry is also preparing to install a radar system in Yamaguchi Prefecture to monitor space debris in stationary orbit at an altitude of about 36,000 kilometers. Satellites traveling in stationary orbit include communication and meteorological satellites that are important for activities of the Self-Defense Forces.

JAXA intends to create a system in fiscal 2023 to monitor space debris pieces by using two radars in cooperation with the ministry as well.

The number of pieces of space debris a including broken pieces of artificial satellites whose operations were terminated, and wreckage from rockets a has been increasing yearly with the progress of each countryas space development.

About 20,000 space debris particles that are larger than 10 centimeters are mainly in low orbit.Taiyo Middle School, located in the Kanagawa Prefecture city of Hiratsuka, is celebrating the 71st anniversary of its founding this year. To mark the occasion, the school is introducing new uniforms for students enrolling in April, when the 2018 school year begins.

But while uniforms are usually designed to implement sameness, Taiyoas girls will actually be able to show more variety in their mode of dress, as the new uniforms officially allow girls to freely choose between wearing a skirt or slacks.

This wonat be the absolute first time for girls at Taiyo to wear long pants on campus. During the winter months, for example, some girls opt to wear slacks because theyare warmer than a skirt. However, with the new uniforms principal Yugo Kuriki is stressing that slacks are not an aalternatea or amodifieda girlsa uniform, but have full standing equal to the skirt version.Consumer groups and farmers in Japan fear the repercussions of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, which is quickly moving forward on the heels of Prime Minister Shinzo Abeas conference of the other 10 nations (including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam) now involved in talks.

Japan is calling for a possible signing in March after working diligently to lead the agreement forward even after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States, sending the trade pact negotiations into chaos. Japanese citizens' groups and farmers, though, are concerned that the agreement may weaken some of Japan's existing laws regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as well as open Japan's domestic agriculture sector to competition from large multinational firms.

Citizen campaigns against GMOS

The story of GMOs in Japan is one that has been largely advanced through citizens and consumer campaigns. Topping the list of groups working on the issue is the Citizens Union of Japan (CUJ), which has been actively advocating for GMO labeling since the early 1990s, after the Japanese government approved the domestic sale of imported genetically modified soybeans, corn and other grains. CUJ started the campaign to demand mandatory labeling, and members of CUJ created an organization committed solely to the GMO issue, called the Non-GMO campaign.

Along with the CUJ, the Non-GMO campaign has the goal of a GMO-free Japan and like the CUJ opposes Japan's move to advance the TPP. Public aversion to GMOs around the world, along with the high percentage of imported foods in Japan's domestic market, reached a water mark in 1998 when rainbow papaya became available in Japan. When Japanese consumers became aware that the papaya was genetically altered, citizens' groups protested and the public and media led an outcry against the genetically modified fruit.

The Japanese government responded to these concerns by creating its own regime that controls and monitors Japan's imported food. The system works; in September 2000, for example, Japan's inspectors detected StarLink corn in a U.S. shipment bound for use as food. The detection of the GMO corn, which was not even approved as animal feed in Japan ( although it was authorized for such use in the U.S.), caused a nationwide recall of more than 300 corn-based foods.

It is this very set of laws that consumer groups feel are in jeopardy, as Japan scrapped its 1952 Seed Law, which was the legal foundation for Japan's agricultural experiment stations, in advance of TPP negotiations last fall. These stations create budget requests for prefectural governments' seed expenses. The experiment stations name seeds that are recommended to local farmers and make budget requests to assist with production costs of the seeds, which are then sold to farmers at a cheaper cost. The seeds have all been grown domestically until now, but the abolishment of the law means that private companies may produce and sell seeds that come from outside of Japan.

Moreover, some commentators argue that seeds are likely to become more expensive as the abolishment of the Seed Law undermines the budget requests that experiment stations create on behalf of prefectural governments.As Israel has shot to the top of President Donald Trump's agenda, world leaders have looked for the perspective of one of Trump's biggest and most reliable voting blocs. And Johnnie Moore, the White House's evangelical gatekeeper, has been there to provide it.

Moore, a wunderkind PR executive, has served through the Trump candidacy and presidency as the shepherd for many conversations between Trump aides and conservative evangelical leaders who, like Moore, consider the Jewish state - and the status of Jerusalem in particular - to be at the top of their priority list. At 34, Moore has been consulted about the topic at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and at private meetings with Arab leaders. He was in the Oval Office a few weeks ago for a private ceremony honoring Trump for saying the United States officially considers Jerusalem the capital of Israel.

For evangelicals, "those who bless Israel will be blessed," Moore said he tells White House officials.

Asked how America recognizing contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital furthers peace, Moore responded with a long pause and then a short answer: "There are better people to ask that question." And after Trump recently threatened to pull U.S. funding for the Palestinians? "I'm not tracking that closely because I just got back" from vacation, he said.

This is classic Moore: Pushing and maneuvering passionately for his goals and then deflecting or going silent on matters he views as peripheral to them. With a pragmatism he learned years ago at the knee of Moral Majority icon the Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr., he goes for the priorities he thinks he can achieve and leaves the rest alone.

The Senate race in Alabama and Christian nationalist Roy Moore? "I'm not involved." Trump's penchant for lying? "I don't want to get into it. Because I don't focus on those things." The GOP tax law that bitterly divided religious leaders? "I don't think there's an answer."

"For me, that's all noise," he said. "It's not that it isn't important, but I don't have time for all that. . . If I did dig into it, I might have stronger opinions, and that would be a distraction for me."

Moore sees his approach as savvy pragmatism; others see it as opportunism. Either way, it explains a lot about the rapid upward trajectory of his career. In just a few years, the cheery former youth pastor rocketed from a young competitive debater in rural Virginia to a protege of Falwell, then to chief of staff for reality TV mogul and Christian activist Mark Burnett, and now to adviser to Trump. As the point man for evangelicals seeking White House access, Moore is often the one who picks which leaders get to participate on the advisory council, an unofficial and loosely organized group of conservative evangelicals that is the only significant pipeline of religious feedback into the White House.

To some, Moore's pragmatism is overdue, and also shrewd - a ditching of Religious Right-era litmus tests combined with a Trumpian willingness to make deals. To others, however, Moore's calculations symbolize the disintegration of Christian witness and a willingness to let the churches stand for nothing as much as political power. It also reflects an era when religious institutions have lost influence, making way for the Christian power broker who has no clear constituency - no church, nonprofit or television audience - but one of the thickest Rolodexes in conservative Christianity.

"Johnnie is walking a line," said Chris Seiple, a longtime evangelical advocate and government adviser on international religious freedom who once worked with Moore and Burnett. "He might say, 'Hey I'm called to love everyone,' and that public condemnation [of Trump] doesn't do anything. But there are thresholds of public integrity. Right now, it's only evangelicals that have access, and it makes people say, 'Those damn evangelicals, all they do is worship at the altar of political access and expediency.' "

(That characterization lacks nuance. While white evangelical voters overwhelmingly support Trump, many prominent conservative evangelical leaders, especially millennial ones, have stayed away or condemned the president for lying, targeting immigrants and refugees, and bragging about sexual abuse, among other things.)

Moore's pragmatism appeals to Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights group. Cooper has become tight with Moore since Moore moved with his family from Virginia to Orange County, California, a couple of years ago. Now the pair travel together to places that include D.C. and Bahrain to promote religious tolerance, particularly of Jews and Christians.

These days, Cooper said, alliances are shifting - anti-Semitism is rising in Europe and on U.S. college campuses, he says, and sometimes new partners emerge, even in places you might not expect.

"With Johnnie, he has access [to power] and is also a doer, is fair, doesn't have an ax to grind. . . . I'm looking for more Johnnie Moores, and wherever we find them, we will work with them."

---

Moore was a champion high school debater in Lynchburg, Virginia, when he says a debate judge penalized him after he advocated for the Ten Commandments in his public school classes. Moore passed the incident on to his local pastor - Falwell, a famous televangelist and conservative activist at the time. A bond grew between them, and a couple of years later, when Moore was just 20, Falwell made him campus pastor at Liberty University, then head of communications for the giant school, then head of it global outreach program. In the latter position, Moore took hundreds of Liberty students to countries from India to Tunisia.

But the position that most made Moore was when Falwell charged him with picking speakers for convocation, Liberty's weekly student gathering. In recent years, convocation has gone from a massive chapel service to a high-profile weekly talk before thousands that has featured nearly every GOP presidential candidate - as well as some Democratic ones, including Bernie Sanders. (Moore says most Democrats turned Liberty down.)

At first, Moore wasn't interested in bringing politicians, and chose more pastor-type speakers. But in 2008 he saw how Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee shot up in the polls after appearing at a Liberty convocation.

"I was like: Wow, we are of national consequence," he said.

Falwell taught Moore about pragmatism, he says. "The greatest lesson I learned from him was: Don't worry about what you disagree about, worry about what you agree about and work on those things" with others, he says.

Moore's focus on Mideast Christians began randomly, in 2013, when he was traveling with megachurch pastor Rick Warren, a mentor (and now Moore's pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California), and wound up in Jordan. Moore was struck, and humbled, by how little he knew about Christianity in the Middle East - overwhelmingly Orthodox and Catholic - the birthplace of his faith.

Within a year or two, Moore began reading and writing about violence and persecution of Middle East Christians, primarily by Sunni Islamic extremists who target all opponents, from Shiites to Yazidis to Kurds, and who have dramatically decreased religious diversity in the region. At lightning speed, Moore became a kind of de facto celeb-spokesman.

That's because, longtime activists said, so few U.S. evangelicals were publicly taking up the issue, and even fewer who had the public charm and communications skills of Moore, who wears an easy smile and a chic suit and who brings the emotional, accessible, preaching style of your typical American evangelical megachurch to the dense topic of Middle Eastern religion.

Some longtime activists on Mideast religious tensions say Moore has no role in shaping policy or even advising on it, and rather serves as a kind of passionate, extremely well-connected advocate.

The difference between Moore and some others is "to be frank, a lot of them don't leave the Beltway. . . . There are a lot of people who do the work, but you also need people who seek and attain a public platform," said Andrew Doran, vice president of the board of the advocacy group In Defense of Christians, which has honored Moore.

Moore describes his whole life changing as he delved deeper into his Middle East work, a feeling of understanding Christianity for the first time - through persecution. In his latest book, "The Martyr's Oath," which was published in the fall, he holds up Christians whose lives are at risk as the real believers and lambastes American Christians as "self-medicating on religion so we don't feel quite so bad about our total self-centeredness."

"I don't think you can fully understand Christianity if you're not persecuted or helping people who are persecuted," he said during a recent interview in Washington.

---

That Moore said this sitting in the luxurious Trump International Hotel lobby, which serves as an unofficial office for him during his frequent trips to the District of Columbia, while being served hot popovers by the constantly present waitstaff, is exactly the kind of irony his critics note. Moore presents himself as an advocate for religious freedom, they note, even as he serves Trump, who hesitated to criticize Nazis after the violent rally in Charlottesville in August and called for a ban on Muslims coming to America.

This contrast is at the heart of the controversy around Trump's evangelical advisory group. While informal and ad hoc, it is the president's only known religious advisory body, and is homogenous in its makeup - no other faith groups are represented. While there was a specific evangelical advisory board of around 25 people during the campaign, since the election its membership has been fluid, and Moore says hundreds of evangelicals have been brought into the White House for group meetings on topics from Israel to mental health.

It's difficult to gauge the group's real power, but there is no question that the members have regular access and that their political opinions and friendship are sought by the White House. The leaders are understood to be Moore, Florida megachurch pastor Paula White and Tim Clinton, head of the world's largest association of Christian mental health counselors.

About seven or eight of the current regulars are clients of the communications firm Moore founded in 2015. The firm, which serves religious clients, is named Kairos, the Greek word for "an opportune moment."

As a gatekeeper for the White House, Moore's supporters say his role is to connect people, to be the guy who can make things happen.

"He's surfacing the agenda items of others," said James MacDonald, a Chicago-area megachurch pastor who was on the council in 2016. Robert Jeffress, a Texas megachurch pastor on the council, said Moore's "value" is being the one who picks specific issues for council members "to see if it's something we'd like to speak into or not."

The Rev. Jerry Falwell Jr., current president of Liberty University and a regular in the White House evangelical group's conversations, says Moore shows evangelicals they can be "good Christians" and be involved in politics. "His role is less about influencing policy as it has been about influencing evangelicals," Falwell said. "He's been a good rebuff to the evangelicals who criticize Trump."

Moore's gift is being able to speak to different types of people, to exude warmth and collaborative energy during one of the most divisive periods in modern America.

"I think he makes himself useful in D.C., and in D.C. it's rare to get emails like: 'How can I be helpful to you?' " said Michael Wear, an evangelical consultant who worked for President Barack Obama.

But Moore's close affiliation with the divisive president complicates his desired image as a bridge-builder. Moore is a frequent target of Christian Trump critics; they note that he and members of the council are silent on many justice issues roiling evangelicals, such as racism and Trump's demeaning comments about women, but that some took the time to issue statements defending the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner (when he was being questioned about Russia contacts), and on behalf of Trump's God-given right to attack North Korea.

Moore seems largely unburdened by the controversy around his work with Trump, possibly because it also allows him to pursue what he views as his larger purpose of combating Christian persecution. Moore sounds proud as he talks about helping to lead a group of evangelical pastors - including a bunch of Trump advisers - earlier this fall for a warm visit with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who has been more friendly to Egypt's Christian minority but whose jails are filled with political prisoners.

In his own view, he's just exhibiting pragmatism evocative of Falwell Sr., or Trump - even if it means making compromises to get the job done.

"I'm not ashamed at all of my association with President Trump - not an ounce. In fact, I'm grateful for President Trump, especially the promises he's fulfilled to our community," Moore said, citing Trump's support for religious freedom exemptions. The administration supported a baker who was at the Supreme Court last month defending his refusal to bake for a same-sex couple's wedding.

Yet at times it appears Moore is quite aware that he is working in the unsteady eye of a cultural and political storm - not the best vantage point from which to see clearly.

"I may look back and be totally wrong in the way I've engaged in the public square," he said. " If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but I don't want to look back and say I wasted the opportunity to help people."After the snow from last week's "bomb cyclone" melts, cities and towns across the northeast will find their roads and sidewalks still a ghostly white.

That fine white powder is salt, America's favorite de-icing chemical. More than 15 million tons of the stuff is applied annually only to wash away with snowmelt or spring rains. But just because it's gone from your block doesn't mean it's gone for good. In fact, it may end up in your faucet.

Road salt is an influential part of a decades-long chemistry experiment local governments have unwittingly conducted on soil, waterways, and infrastructure. Studying river data nationwide, a study published Monday explains that 37 percent of all U.S. river systems have greater salinity, and 90 percent have seen a decrease in acidity, compared with a century ago. The two trends are related, scientists conclude, as urbanization and widespread use of chemicals such as road salt damage America's water and soil quality while corroding infrastructure.

Why is less acid bad? Here's how nature usually works. Raindrops absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, turning them slightly acidic. It's the same reaction that makes drinking a lot of seltzer potentially bad for your teeth. When that rain hits the ground, specifically rock and soil, the acid frees up ions from mineral salts-and washes things like magnesium and calcium into rivers and out to sea, a process that scientists call "weathering."

Humanity has put this process on steroids. First, we've increased the amount and types of acid in rain. Industrial pollution turned precipitation so ecologically harmful by the middle of the last century that Congress had to amend the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions. The move worked, which means there's less acid pounding the pavement. But there's still plenty.

Second, manmade environments such as cities are often made of materials much more easily "weathered" than natural ones-the manmade "rocks" of roads and buildings are washed away into rivers more easily. Infrastructure is an easier target for stronger acids to dislodge calcium, magnesium, sodium, manganese and other positively charged ions from otherwise stable salts.

Finally, winter storm managers take what's already an easily weatherable, salt-rich urban and suburban environment and slather it in road salt. North American rivers take in this additional salt, wreaking slow-moving havoc on drinking water and infrastructure in the process.

Road salt, sewage, irrigation run-off, and briny water from fossil-fuel production and mining all change the chemical composition of soils, dislodging the calcium, potassium, and magnesium that are supposed to be there, and replacing them with sodium, which isn't.

Put simply, a lot more salt is being pushed into our water, and that's bad. Easier weathering and the resulting increase in the alkalinity of waters (the opposite of acidity) across the North American continent is a process that now has a name-"freshwater salinization syndrome"-according to the authors of the new paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Sujay Kaushal, lead author and associate professor at the University of Maryland, said that his research hit home, literally. A few years ago, a neighbor knocked on his door asking him why his tap water had turned black, hours after a local journalist had come to his house reporting a story on the very topic.

The culprit, he suspected, was manganese and iron released from aging Washington cast-iron pipes, and probably helped along by decades of periodic pulses of road salt. Manganese is a potential neurotoxin, and has been linked to Parkinson's disease and impaired child neurological development, he said.

Kaushal said chemists talk of the process by which water becomes less acidic, or more "base," as "mobilizing a strong base," a bit of dark humor among beltway scientists. Only it's probably certain there's little political support for the wrong kind of minerals in your drinking water.NEWTOWN  Oz Griebel understands that running as an independent candidate for governor this year is not without its challenges  namely the inability to apply for millions in public campaign funds or to receive money from one of the major parties.

Griebel, along with his running mate, Monte Frank, also needs to collect 7,500 signatures to be included on the Nov. 6 ballot. On Saturday afternoon, they held an event in Edmond Town Hall to get the process rolling.

But Griebel, who ran for governor as a Republican in 2010, and Frank, a lifelong Democrat, ultimately decided their unaffiliated campaign is the path to victory.

The people weve talked to are looking for a different approach thats more focused on whats good for the state, as opposed to whats good for the party, Griebel said.

When deciding to run again, Griebel said, he wanted to ensure that his time and energy was spent getting on the ballot, rather than trying to win the nomination of a specific party.

And as for the decision to forgo public funding, it was more of a philosophical statement than a political one. Griebel didnt apply for public funding during his 2010 campaign, arguing that the $30 million spent by the state in most gubernatorial election years could be better spent.

I dont think thats the right thing to do with taxpayer money, he told a small crowd of residents during the Newtown press conference.

The candidates also said that, if elected, their first priority would be to create jobs.

Griebel said his business experience, including 17 years leading the MetroHartford Alliance, an organization of business leaders, would help his goal to reignite the private sector.

But these economic priorities, he added, will go hand in hand with the social justice issues championed by Frank, an attorney and Newtown resident. Frank represents business and municipal clients in state and federal courts and is a former president of the Connecticut Bar Association.

Frank told the crowd he would continue, as he did at the CBA and in his own initiatives, to address issues such as the opioid crisis, the treatment of refugees, promotion of diversity and gun-law reforms.

He is the founder of Team 26, a group of bicyclists who make an annual ride to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness about gun violence in memory of the Sandy Hook massacre victims.

"As the first candidate for statewide office from Newtown since (the Sandy Hook massacre), I promise that I will carry that special Newtown spirit to Hartford, Frank said, noting how the community came together without regard to party after the 2012 shootings. We know the people of Connecticut are exhausted by the political rancor and bickering and are ready for a new way forward....No party, no politics, just solutions.

This year, Griebel is one of three unaffiliated candidates who have registered for the gubernatorial race so far, according to the State Elections Enforcement Commission. The race is also crowded with nearly 25 candidates from the major parties.

Griebel and Frank join a long list of third-party or unaffiliated hopefuls who have tried to become the states top elected official in the last few decades.

Most have not fared well. In recent elections, independent candidates have typically claimed no more than 1 and 2 percent of the vote, less than the margins separating the major-party candidates.

One exception was in 2010. Some Republicans believe the 18,000 votes won by Independent Party candidate Tom Marsh cost the GOPs Tom Foley in his loss to Democrat Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

Malloy beat Foley by about 6,400 votes.

The only successful run for governor by a third-party candidate in recent history was in 1990, when former Republican Lowell Weicker Jr. won running under the banner of A Connecticut Party. He served one term.

A Connecticut Party ran another candidate in 1994, who received nearly 20 percent of the vote but lost to Republican John G. Rowland.

Griebel and Frank said Saturday they couldnt be sure how many of the necessary 7,500 signatures they collected so far, since the press conference was one of the first events since they announced in late December. But Frank said they were hoping for a few hundred by the end of the day.

Our approach is going to have to be a lot more imaginative, a lot more grass-roots and (will depend on) a lot of people feeling good about what they heard and their willingness to go out and spread the word, Griebel told the crowd.

aquinn@newstimes.comIts invisible, odorless and is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Yet people are often unaware its in their homes.

January is National Radon Action Month, and the Connecticut Department of Public Health is urging state residents to test their homes for radon as soon as possible.

Formed from the natural decay of uranium, radon is found in rock, soil and water. While radon in outdoor air poses a relatively low risk to human health, it can enter homes from the surrounding soil and become a health hazard inside buildings.

Because you cant see or smell radon, people are often unaware that this silent killer could be in their homes.

The states Radon Program recommends that all Connecticut homes be tested for radon, especially recommended in the winter months. Connecticut residents may obtain a free radon test kit by completing an online form on the DPH Radon Program website at ct.gov/radon. The online link will be available through Jan. 12 and while supplies last. Local health department/district partners were provided 1700 test kits for distribution in their local communities to support radon awareness. Test kits can also be purchased from the American Lung Association by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA or at your local hardware store.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that homes with radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L be fixed. Homeowners should consider reducing their potential lung cancer risk by fixing homes with radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. Smokers exposed to radon have a much higher risk for developing lung cancer.

Radon problems can be corrected by qualified radon contractors, with costs typically ranging between $1,200 and $1,500. A homeowner should hire a qualified radon mitigation (reduction) contractor to decrease airborne radon levels. To learn more about radon and to obtain a list of qualified radon mitigation contractors, visit the DPH Radon Program web site at ct.gov/radon.WOODBRIDGE  A residential fire in Woodbridge Friday left one family displaced and sent a firefighter to the hospital with a head injury, according to reports.

The fire was reported around 5:30 p.m. on Inwood Road in Woodbridge.

When fire crews arrived, they found the family of four who lived there safely outside. The home, however, was fully engulfed in flames that, at points, stretched nearly 20 feet in the air, officials said.

Since there were no hydrants in the area, a Seymour fire tanker was called to the scene to assist Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Department with the fire.

Further complicating matters were the nights high winds gusts and freezing temperatures, which combined to create ice as firefighters tried to fight the flames with water. Additional crews were eventually called in to deice the roads.

A live power line down at the scene also required assistance from the United Illuminating Company.

The fire took more than two hours for firefighters to extinguish. When the live flames were quenched, crews brought in an excavator to search the debris for additional hotspots.

Officials said that they believe the fire began in the homes attached garage, though the exact cause of the fire is still uncertain.

While battling the fire, one firefighter suffered a gash to his head and was transported to a local hospital. It is uncertain which company the firefighter was from.

While Woodbridge fire units worked  with the help of units from other nearby towns  to put out the fire, Seymours engine 13 was providing town-wide coverage for Woodbridge.Here we come, waddling out of 2017 and right into the new years first major dump.

Speaking of dumps, Connecticuts bedraggled, part-time General Assembly will be back in the Capitol on Monday, with their duct tape and dreams, trying to solve the latest crisis in the never-ending saga.

Yep, they got caught offending a voter group of more than 100,000 elderly participants in the Medicare Savings Program. Its tough nickel-and-diming your way through a $5-billion deficit in a $20-billion annual budget, so lawmakers  approving a proposal by the governor  cut income limits by half.

When the state Department of Social Services sent letters describing the new income requirements that would take effect Jan. 1, the criticism of legislative leaders was strong.

Gov. Dan Malloys DSS bought them some time, extending the old income levels through June.

In the Capitols new bipartisan landscape, with Republicans actually taking responsibility instead of pointing fingers at Democrats, political expediency called for them to act.

Malloy, making a sensible but more-challenging request, wants them to tackle the bigger issue of a projected $220-million deficit in the budget that runs through June 30.

But lets take bipartisan baby steps.

So, on Monday state lawmakers will shake and bake their way to restoring $54 million in the current budget to help about 161,000 people in all (the governors budget office estimates) to pay for Medicare Part B premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Theyll also find $130 million to keep the income levels in the next biennium. This will all swirl around in the crucible of a big election year.

Malloy, the Democratic lame duck, wont go gently into that political night. Its legacy-building time and hes essentially become a party unto himself, pouring water  or gasoline  as the occasions may require, on various legislative schemes, during a year that will be remembered as a turning point in Connecticut history.

On Friday, he tried to deflate lawmakers.

This isnt a long bill, and yet it embodies of all the bad practices that have imperiled Connecticuts state budget for decades, Malloy said Friday. In terms of budget gimmickry, it shoots the moon: wishful thinking, pushing problems off into the future, and shoddy math  most egregiously in the form of double-counting savings in our already underfunded teachers pension system.

Republicans havent enjoyed a majority in the state House or Senate since before John Rowland, the good-time Charlie of state politics now lingering in his second federal-prison stint, won the governors race in a three-way contest back in 1994.

That GOP control of the state Senate lasted only two years.

Now, Republicans are as close to grabbing back the executive and legislative branches as they have in 30 years or longer. The current flat-footed 18-18 tie in the Senate, with Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman as the Democratic hammer who broke about 14 tie votes last year, is fragile at best.

The 79-72 Democratic lead in the House is a bit of a reach for the GOP this fall, but every day House Minority Leader Themis Klarides of Derby doesnt make a move toward running for governor, brings her closer to becoming the first female Republican Speaker of the House.

And nothing is easier, or more true, than Republican charges that Malloy and his Democratic enablers enacted the states two largest tax hikes since the 1991 income tax. Forget the billions in state employee givebacks. Forget the investments in the states under-funded pensions. Taxpayers, taxpayers, taxpayers have such short attention spans and the only people who watch the gubernatorial debates, where such nuance will be aired, are the Democrat and Republican bases.

For whatever reasons, maybe hes not soft and cuddly enough, Malloy has an approval rate of under 25 percent. Rowland was a very likable pol, a young up-and-coming congressman, a schmoozer, an entitled crook who doled out an unnecessary $56 million contract for a juvenile prison that is headed for closure.

Democrats with some sense of scope hope that President Donald Trump hangs on, without starting a nuclear war, because he can definitely become an issue in the 2018 elections.

And if Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim doesnt become their candidate, forcing voter apathy and a 20-percent party turnout, they can play their Trump card into possibly maintaining control of state government.

Some history: In 1957, at the height of Republican President Dwight Eisenhowers two terms, the GOP controlled the Connecticut House of Representatives by 249 to 30.

In 1967, after the states Constitutional Convention of 1965, while Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson enjoyed post-JFK popularity, Democrats took control 117-60.

In 1973 and 74, at the zenith of Richard M. Nixons imperial presidency and his Silent Majority, Republicans were back to a 93-58 edge in the House. After Watergate and Nixons resignation, Democrats held a 118-33 majority.

Finally, during the sweet spot of the Ronald Reagan administration, 1985-86, House Republicans held a 85-66 majority. Little did they know that it would be their last for more than three decades.

The House GOP finally reached their low ebb, a 37-114 minority, during 2009-2010, President Barack Obamas first term.

Yep, theres a lot at stake in 2018.

Ken Dixon can be reached in the Capitol at 860-549-4670 or at kdixon@ctpost.com. See twitter.com/KenDixonCT. His Facebook address is kendixonct.hearst.When it comes to gubernatorial races, Republicans say they're a victim of their own success from two great election cycles in a row. Going into 2018, Republicans control a near-record high of 33 governor's mansions, including a number in blue and swing states. Democrats, meanwhile, hold a near-record low.

Which means in 2018, the only place to go may be up for Democrats.

And Democrats will have a lot of opportunities to chip away at their deficit. Of our top 10 governor races, eight are GOP-held seats. Most of those Republican governors are term-limited out in 2018.

Any seat Democrats win back is critical for the future of the party. Many of the governors will be able to veto electoral maps drawn by state legislatures with new census data in 2021. And because Republicans also currently control a majority of state legislatures, the governor's mansion may be the only way for Democrats to stop maps that lock them out of power for the next decade.

Here are the top 10 governor posts most likely to flip parties, ranked in order of least (10) to most (1):

10. Maryland (Republican incumbent): This is one of several blue states that Republicans now control, and it won't necessarily be easy for Democrats to wrestle it back. Polls show that two-thirds of the state approves of Gov. Larry Hogan, R, and Democrats are mired in a crowded primary to unseat him. But anti-Trump sentiment in this liberal state may be too strong for even a politically skilled governor like Hogan to overcome.

9. Ohio (Open): This is the first of several governor's mansions in Trump states that Democrats are targeting. Gov. John Kasich, R, is term-limited, and Democrats hope that Republicans' domination of the state mansion, plus anti-Trump sentiment, plus a liberal hero of sorts in former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau chief Richard Cordray running for the Democratic nomination, could give them the edge. But it's not clear whether Ohio will go Democratic, given that it went for President Trump by nearly 10 points.

8. Connecticut (Open): Democratic Gov. Dan Malloy, D, will not seek a third term, and with good reason: More than two-thirds of the state disapproves of him, according to a 2016 Quinnipiac poll, and the state is struggling financially. Republicans sense an opening, saying Connecticut probably will be their top offensive target next year. First, they must pick a candidate. There are nearly a dozen on either side, and no one in particular stands out.

7. Michigan (Open): Democrats are bullish about taking back the governor's mansion here for a few reasons. Trump won the state by less than a percentage point, and outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder, R, is highly unpopular; his handling of the Flint water crisis might taint any GOP nominee. Democrats are excited about Gretchen Whitmer, a former party leader in the state Senate.

6. Florida (Open): This perpetually competitive governor's race just got a lot more interesting thanks to Trump, who endorsed Rep. Ron DeSantis, R, to replace outgoing Gov. Rick Scott, R, setting up a potentially expensive primary on the Republican side against front-runner Adam Putnam, the state's agriculture commissioner.

Democrats have their own primary. Former congresswoman Gwen Graham, the daughter of a popular governor, hasn't been able to stamp out lesser-known challengers. A competitive Senate race could overshadow and shape the governor's race.

5. Nevada (Open): Nevada Democrats have found electoral success when the rest of their party struggled. Voters here went Democratic down the ballot in 2016. This time, term-limited Gov. Brian Sandoval, R, is one of the most popular politicians in the state, and he has declined to back the front-running Republican, Attorney General Adam Laxalt. A potential front-runner on the Democratic side is Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak, a well-known figure in the Las Vegas area. Also watch a competitive Senate race here to try to unseat vulnerable Sen. Dean Heller, R.

4. Illinois (Republican defending): What happens when two billionaires clash? We're about to find out. Gov. Bruce Rauner, R, is running for reelection in one of the bluest states in the Midwest and has given his campaign $50 million. But that's peanuts to fellow billionaire J.B. Pritzker, who has said that if he wins the nomination (in a field that includes a member of the Kennedy family), he'll spend whatever it takes to win the general election. The Illinois race is shaping up to be the most expensive nonpresidential race in American history, which both sides say make it extremely unpredictable.

3. Alaska (Independent): Gov. Bill Walker is the only independent governor in office right now, and he could soon realize the perils of not having a major-party backer. Republicans are planning to make an effort to oust him, while this race in a Republican state isn't really on Democrats' radar.

2. Maine (Open): Term-limited Gov. Paul LePage, R, is one of the most controversial governors. He's also one of the least popular, which makes any Republican effort to replace him an uphill battle. Both sides acknowledge this governorship is likely to flip to Democrats, especially since Sen. Susan Collins, R, decided not to run for it.

1. New Mexico (Open): Alongside Maine, New Mexico is Democrats' best pickup opportunity in 2018. State voters went for Hillary Clinton by nearly 10 points, and outgoing Republican Gov. Susana Martinez (one of just six female governors in office now) isn't very popular. She's leaving behind a high unemployment rate and struggling education system. This race could come down to two members of Congress: Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D, and Stevan Pearce, R.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, has reassured Federal Governments commitment to return all stranded Nigerians from Libya.

Onyeama gave the assurance when he received 491 Nigerian returnees from Libya at Port Harcourt International Airport, alongside Rivers Government officials.

The minister said there were stories of exploitation and suffering by stranded Nigerians in Libya, which compelled Federal Government to act decisively.

He added that we made it clear to the Libyan Government that we want to see all Nigerians there. We insisted that we should see all of them, instead of hearing from them.

We made it clear that they ( Libyans ) are signatories to international conventions and we expected them to have control of those who guard our children.

They cooperated with us because of respect for Mr President, there were people who were making money from these children and did not want them to return home.

We carried out rigorous outreach to ensure that we have everybody back.

The minister noted that the programme was a continuous process that would return all stranded Nigerians from Libya.

The minister explained that the Libyan Government got the message that as far as they are Nigerians, we have zero tolerance for molestation.

The Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Sir Kenneth Kobani, who led the state delegation, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for making efforts in returning the stranded Nigerians.

He said as a state government, we had no choice really, let me say that the Rivers State Governor made it clear to me that we should do everything possible to make sure that this exercise was handled smoothly.

The Rivers State Government would do everything in its power to assist federal agencies handling this programme, because above everything else, we are all Nigerians and this programme is a clear indication that when we work together, we can achieve anything.

What you are seeing here today clearly shows that our governor and indeed the President feel same about this issue.

On behalf of the Rivers State Governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, I will like to thank President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and his team who worked tirelessly to make the return of our brothers and sisters successful.

Reports say that all the returnees were profiled at designated booths at the airport.

The minister was accompanied by officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service, NEMA NAPTIP and military personnel.The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State has called for the disqualification of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the coming 2019 governorship election over alleged violation of the Electoral Act.The party faulted the recent three million man march for Governor Ambode insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has not lifted the ban on political campaigns in the country.In a statement by its publicity secretary, Mr Taofik Gani, the party said: Unless INEC and Police exert their powers to guarantee credible election by at least giving their opinions on the recent three million man march for Governor Ambode, we shall deem the 2019 Lagos governorship election as already rigged for APC.The party also called on INEC and the Police to be unbiased, nonpartisan and assertive as we go into the 2019 general elections by using the disqualification and needful arrests of all those who are initiators, perpetrators and intended beneficiaries of pre-election malpractice capable of also overheating the polity and provoking confrontations and violence.But reacting, Lagos State Government has described statements by Lagos Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that it would defeat the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2019 governorship poll as infantile and highly inconsequential.The states Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr Abdul-Akeem Abdul-Lateef, made the remark at the weekend, during the third Iju-Ishaga Health Day held in Lagos.He said the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration would not be distracted by statements made by the PDP.He said: I want to assure Lagosians that Governor Ambode will not be distracted by the statement by the PDP. He will not be distracted by political Lilliputians whose current retrogression has compelled them to operate as dysfunctional silos.The party said it is hinging the said call to disqualify Governor Ambode and APC from participating in the 2019 Lagos governorship election on the heels of the self-confession of a group itesiwaju ipinle Eko vanguard led by one Mr. Seyi Bamigbade that they organised a 3 Million Man March for Governor Ambodes reelection in 2019.According to the party, such exercise at this period is a breach of the electoral act and elections guidelines as INEC has not declared political campaign permissible.It stated that we strongly believe that the exercise must have been directly induced, midwife and sponsored by the state government, using Lagos tax to overreach other persons and political parties in the 2019 elections.It is also laughable that an acclaimed performing governor can be so jittery of reelection that over 12 months to the contest, he is already using state funds to jump-start campaign even against the Electoral Act and good conscience.Though we know that the claimed 3 Million Man March is a fluke and propagandists, since they have made the self-confession, then Mr. Seyi Bamigbade and his members of the organising group should be arrested for electoral misconduct.General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, yesterday, admonished Nigerians to live a lifestyle of praising God, even in the face of challenges confronting them.Speaking during the Churchs annual thanksgiving at its national headquarters, Throne of Grace Parish, Ebute-Meta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye assured the congregation that a conscious attitude of offering thanksgiving to God for what he has done in the past would guarantee a better future for them.Preaching on message titled: The Power of Gratitude, he admonished: Do allow what you dont have to blindfold you to what you already have. Do not forget where you started from and how far God has brought you.There are few people among us who cannot understand why God is so good to us. Considering our background, parents, our abilities, we find it difficult to understand how God has been so gracious to us.Let us learn to appreciate God. In what ways are we better than those that have died? How can we explain Gods safety while traveling without any record of accident, provision of food, for sound sleep and good health? Was there any special thing we did last year to experience Gods favour and mercy?Declares 80 days prayer and fastingEarlier, he declared an 80- day prayer and fasting spiritual exercise of the church, during the annual Ministers Thanksgiving held at the redemption camp.He explained that the first phase of the spiritual exercise would kick off on January 11, 2018 and ends on March 1, 2018, while the second phase would commence from July 1, 2018 through July 30, 2018.The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress APC has described the reappointment of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the Director General, Presidential Campaign Council of President Muhammadu Buhari as not only a good omen, affirmation of the greatness of Amaechi in terms of his ability in human organisation but also acceptance of the fact that Amaechi has all it takes to once again lead the party to victory.We are totally convinced that Amaechi will succeed in this onerous task not minding the arduous nature of this present task in view of how far PDP have gone in poisoning the minds of some Nigerians against the present administration on her efforts to ratify the wrongs of the party during her 16 years misfortune leadership of Nigeria.The party described the request by the PDP leadership that Amaechi should resign his Transportation Ministry portfolio not minding the revolution he is igniting in the sector as ranting of a frightened and defeated foe who are cowed by the person and the capability of Amaechi to once again see to the woeful defeat of PDP come 2019.We sympathise with PDP as it will take them to do more than they are currently doing to wrestle power from APC. Besides, Amaechi need not to resign his office as there is no constitutional backing to effect that only that PDP and his cohorts are totally afraid of the visionary and revolutionary trends of AmaechiThe party in a press statement circulated on Monday by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze the SSA Media and Public Affairs Consultant to the APC Rivers State Chairman, Dr Ibiamu Davies Ikanya further reiterated that if Amaechi could led APC to victory in 2015 when PDP was in power, defeating the party now that the party is in disarray and in the hands of those that impoverished our people through looting our common patrimony with impunity the task before Amaechi and his Team becomes easier to achieve.The APC reiterated that the task of ensuring PDP and her co-looters are kept at bay from the centre of power should not be left in the hands of Amaechi and his team but every patriotic Nigerian must assist and cooperate to ensure the success of this venture so that President Buhari will continue in his mission of rebuilding Nigeria to a better country as envisioned by the founding fathers of our nation.The statement congratulated Amaechi and urged him not to be deterred by the PDP propagandists and un-progressive forces positioned to frustrate the efforts of this administration.The party pleaded with the APC chieftains to close ranks and ensure the victory of the party come 2019 knowing that PDP has only one single agenda of returning to power in order to safeguard their looted funds and continue to plunder our common patrimony with impunity and in this regard, it will be suicidal to allow such a group that put us in our present sorroy state to stage a come-back to power. The fact remains that no sane Nigerian will sit and allow such a group to come to power once again in our life time.The APC reiterated that President Buhari, the APC leadership and the entire Nigerians can count on the support of all the good people of Niger Delta region as the region have fared better under this administration than what the region got from the 16 years misfortune of PDP leadership.The party enumerated the following as some of the gains that the Niger Delta region has benefitted from this administration:1.The allocation of over one Hundred and twenty five billion Naira (N125b) out of the N8.612 trillion appropriation bill presented by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 to the National Assembly to fund capital projects in 2018 in the Niger Delta region. This to us is unprecedented and a total demonstration of the unalloyed desire of President Muhammadu Buhari to right the wrongs the region suffered in the hands of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) particularly during the villainous regime of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan whose regime was a misfortune for the region as he ensured that no project was situated in the region throughout his infamous six years of lootocracy2.Earmarking of N53.89 billion for Niger Delta Ministry and N71.2 billion for Niger Delta Development Commission for capital projects in the 2018 budget. The region is also to benefit from the budgetary allocation for the Niger Delta amnesty programme retained at N65 billion3.The East-West Road abandoned by the Jonathan Administration will be completed hopefully by this year with the budgetary allocation of N17.32 billion4.The inclusion of N5bn in the 2018 budget for the formal take off of the Maritime University located at Okerenkoko in Delta State once again affirms the unflinching commitment of the APC led Federal Government under the leadership of President Buhari to develop the Niger Delta region. The party commends the President for his directive for the immediate release of N1b to the university to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment separate from the N5B take off grant.With commencement of full academic activities of this university that will go a long way to assist in the development and emancipation of our region.5.The APC explained that the region will also benefit from the huge allocations of N555.88 billion, for the ministry of power, works and housing and that of the ministry of Transportation with N263.1 billion plus other ministries as the 2018 budget estimates also contains the extension of Rail line to Warri in Delta State and the completion of the Uyo-Calabar Express Road.6.The inclusion and full implementation the Ogoni clean-up exercise and the execution of the Multi-Billion Naira Bomu-Bonny road project which when completed would open up the economic potentials of the Niger Delta Region beyond the shores of Nigeria. These projects will surely open not only the Niger Delta region but attract the elusive investments to the region. Based on this revolutionary trend by President Buhari who has proved that he is a true son of the region; the party after due thought and deliberation on the 2018 budget estimates rechristened the budget the budget of hope, peace, emancipation and unity of Niger Delta region.7.The formal flag-off of the construction of the Bonny/Bomu Road/Bridges in Rivers State on 12th October, 2017 by the APC led Federal Government which is monumental, historical and unprecedented. By this event, he has demonstrated that he is not like Dr Goodluck Jonathan and Gov. Nyesom Wike who claim to be sons of the region but did/doing everything humanly possible to frustrate the development of the region.8.President Muhammadu Buhari Administration recently release a whopping sum of N900 billion owed the Niger Delta Development Corporation (NDDC) by previous federal administrations including the administration of Dr. Jonathan.9.The successful kick-off of the Ogoni Clean-up exercise, the Calabar  Lagos Rail Line that cuts across the region, the renovation/reconstruction of both Enugu  Port Harcourt, Uyo  Calabar Highways and the West-East Road, the renovation of the Afam Power plant in Rivers State, resumption of work on the Port Harcourt International Airport, renovation and reconstruction of the Enugu  Port Harcourt Rail Line, among other projects.10.Inaugurated a world-class fertilizer plant built by Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, in Port Harcourt which has capacity for 1.5 million Metric Tons of Urea fertilizer, this worlds largest single-train Urea plant and one of the ambitious green field projects of Indorama in Nigeria and has a production capacity of 4000 metric tons (MT) of nitrogenous fertilizers per day or 1.5 MT per annum demonstrates the desire of this administration to rebuild the Niger Delta region and once again demonstrates the concern of the APC led Federal Government towards the emancipation and rapid development of the State and region contrary to the erroneous insinuation that APC is not doing much to improve the State.11.The 40-kilometre road from Bodo to Bonny Island. In between it are three bridges  a 1000 metre bridge across the Opobo creek, a 640 metre bridge against the Nanabie Creek and a 550 metre bridge against the Afa Creek. This will ultimately connect all of the communities and hopefully in a time not too far away, we can drive to Bonny Island from Bodo Through this project Industries have also gotten a gateway and coupled with the uninterrupted power supply enjoyed by residents and indigenes of the community, the improvement in the economy of Rivers State will know no bounds.Indeed President Buhari have shown true leadership cum statesmanship, not just expressed, but conspicuously put into action and giving the people firsthand experience of what democracy is and should be. A rare gem and a true leader whose love for the region is infectious and we wish to urge him not to trouble himself about campaigning in the region as his works and feats in the region have finished his campaign for him the APC further averred.With this development, we rejoice with Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation, for his patriotism and national outlook and for proving that we are a trusted breed that will take Nigeria to the desired promise land the statement concluded.ENDSLong Live APC!Long Live Rivers State!!Long Live Federal Republic of NigeriaLong Live President Muhammadu BuhariChief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,SSA Media and Public Affairs Consultant to the State Chairman, APC Rivers State.The Senate Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi has said the endorsement of the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof Kolapo Olusola as sole candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was a wishful thinking.She also described the killings of innocent Nigerians across the country and sundry hardship being experienced by the citizens as evidence of a failure of governance.Senator Olujimi said this at the weekend when she hosted her constituents in Ekiti South senatorial district to a thank you get together party in Omuo Ekiti, where she distributed items worth N200 million.Olujimi said her ambition to govern Ekiti State remained intact, adding that the endorsement of the Deputy Governor as the sole candidate of the party was a wishful thinking.The lawmaker said the partys national leadership will conduct free and fair primary and the best candidate will emerge as opposed the one that has been endorsed.She said: It is the business of the party at the national level to conduct a primary. What happened is just wishful thinking. The party had already said that there would be a free and fair primary and that is where I stand.The five of us that are aspirants have come together to say that there must be free and fair primaries. If the primary is fair, only the best will win, not the one that has been anointed.The former Deputy Governor, who said that the PDP handed over a good government to the APC in 2015, said people have seen the difference today.She said for the past two years the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has demonstrated crass incompetence and lack of profound grasp in the running of a great nation like Nigeria, hence the unprecedented hardship and suffering the citizenry are being subjected to.Speaking further on what she described as APC wasteful years, she said, In the last 18 years of this Democracy, I have not seen a government that is poorly managed like this APC-led government. They rode to power on the pretext of populist ideology. They did not have a blueprint on how to govern the country.They dont know what to do up till now. We are just drifting, everybody is just doing what he likes and so, we went into a recession. They say we are technically out of it, but I dont know what they mean because people are still in recession.No jobs anywhere, prices of goods have skyrocketed. The roads are bad. Electricity is zero. A man who cannot put food on his table who cannot send his children to school is in recession. People that are begging are too many, that is not the Nigeria we knew. The Nigeria we knew is the one everybody will eat and drink and some would even travel at Christmas. But right now, it is no longer so.We handed over a good government to APC. Forget all the lies and half truth, the bulk passing and the razzmatazz. People have now seen the difference. I am not one to speak evil about a government. This one has failed all of us.So people must follow the PDP. The party knows how to govern and have people at heart. Yes, I admit we made mistake. But we know how to regulate ourselves and deliver good governance to the people, she said.A set of 481 Nigerians evacuated from Libya arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State on Sunday with sad storie...

A set of 481 Nigerians evacuated from Libya arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State on Sunday with sad stories.While some of the returnees (females) were pregnant and looked tired, a large number of them, especially the young men, appeared emaciated ostensibly due to the lack of adequate food inside their detention camp in the North African country.This is just as the Federal Government promised to rehabilitate the returnees, who flew in with a chartered Max Airline at exactly 4.55pm.One of the returnees, who spoke with newsmen, 42-year-old Lucky Iyanusa from Edo State, said he went through hell after he was arrested by the Libyan police.Iyanusa explained that many Nigerians were killed by Libyan security agents for no reason, adding that the entire N850,000 he spent in order to get to Europe through the North African country had gone down the drain.The returnee, who was an artisan before he left Nigeria, recalled that he had to sell all his tools before he could embark on the journey to Libya from Kano State through the desert.I travelled to Libya on June 9, 2017. My aim was to travel to Europe and the only way I could achieve that was to get to Libya first. The financial condition with me and my family in Nigeria was bad and I had to sell all my work tools to travel to Libya by road.I moved to Libya from Kano State and through the desert. I could not get to Europe because I was arrested by the Seaside (Marine Police in Libya). The day I was arrested, 290 blacks were killed by the Libyan policemen; that was in November, 2017. Nigerians, Ghanaians and Malians were killed. Some had their legs shot and amputated.We were arrested and kept in an underground cell since last month. Inside the prison, we met some of our Nigerian brothers, who had been there for up to three years, four years, six months, nine months. Nigerians are going through hell in that place. We were fed once a day with something that looked like the bottom of a water bottle.People have been travelling through the desert; I am not the first person. We have burgers we pay to enhance our move. I paid N850,000 to a burger for me to travel to Libya and to Europe. I was washing cars to feed when I got there, Iyanusa, who was in tears, added.Addressing the returnees, who were served rice immediately they were ushered into the Hajj camp near the airport, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, explained that apart from rehabilitating them, government would ensure they (returnees) were gainfully employed.We saw the inhuman condition you went through; we saw the traumatic condition. Despite the inhuman conditions you were subjected to, you comported yourselves in a very responsible manner.We know that many of you were trafficked. We will make provisions to rehabilitate you to enable you to get good jobs. You have exhibited self-control. We will not abandon you.We will do everything possible to rehabilitate you. We want you to become advocate of the youths. We want you to go out there to share your experiences with the youths out there on what you encountered as to discourage them from embarking on such trip.The minister commended the Rivers State Government and other Federal Government agencies for the role they played in bringing back the returnees.In his remark, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, said the state was in support of the Federal Governments efforts to bring Nigerians back from Libya.Wike, who was represented by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr. Kenneth Kobani, stated that there was a common concern when it the issues concern Nigerians irrespective of tribe or state.Among Federal Government delegation to Libya are the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mustapha Maihaja, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri Erewa.Maihaja said, In line with the mandate from President Muhammadu Buhari, we have started repatriating Nigerians who are trapped in Libya. We are using Max Air and Medview Airlines with a target of completing the process in three weeks.The first batch in the inaugural flight included 481 returnees. We have put necessary logistics in place for a hitch-free evacuation.The returnees will undergo profiling, medical examination and other processes before reuniting them with their families.We are collaborating with relevant state governments to receive these returnees at the Reception Centre.The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the inability of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Ministry of Petroleum Resources to find viable solution to the incessant fuel crisis in the country has wrecked the nations economy.





Long Queque at Total Fuel Station beside Total Village along Aba Road in Port Harcourt weekend. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke

This is just as the party chided the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu over his proposals to trade away the nations resources to other interests under sneaky subsidy deals.





The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, also expressed sadness that President Buhari had refused to heed wise counsel from Nigerians to quit as Minister of Petroleum Resources and allow competent hands to effectively manage the sector, adding that his aloofness has left the nation with no hope of any way out of the current fuel crisis and its attendant hardship on Nigerian citizens.





It is now clear to all that President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government is bent at wrecking the nation. Instead of abating, the situation is getting worse under the APC administration, which on December 6, 2017 promised to end the fuel crisis within one week.





What is more frightening is the atrocious proposals by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu which amounts to trading away the nations resources to the mercy and vagaries of international interests through questionable subsidy plans that is completely against national interest.





This same Minister who denied that there are plans to increase the price of fuel is also plotting an indirect hike through a wicked price modulation plan where the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC will be allowed to continue to sell at N145 per liter in its few mega stations across the country while the independent marketers should be allowed to sell at whatever price that is profitable to them in all their outlets, the statement read in part.





According to the PDP, it is now clear to all that the APC government is only being perfidious with our oil sector, particularly in its promise not to increase fuel prices. We all know that there are very few NNPC stations and that most of such stations will not even have the products. What this means is that after ruining the system, the APC administration is now contemplating handing Nigerians over to unspeakable whims of independent marketers, while attempting to cover shady subsidy regime through which billions of naira could be frittered away daily under their watch.





This proposal will leave our economy, which is already weakened by the incompetent and corrupt APC government, in complete comatose and result in more hardship on the already impoverished Nigerians.





With the poor purchasing power of the naira, also due to bad polices of the APC government, any additional anti-people policy will ultimately spell doom for our dear nation.





Nigerians are now aware that the same government that boasts of zero tolerance for corruption has been engaged in unspeakable grafts, including unabated siphoning of our national resources through underhand subsidy deals, direct diversion of public funds in various sectors and depletion of our foreign financial instruments, and this must stop.After a holistic examination of the power sector problems, the Federal Government is taking gradual but aggressive measures in short and...

After a holistic examination of the power sector problems, the Federal Government is taking gradual but aggressive measures in short and long-terms. The incremental power policy initiated by the Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Fashola is the short-term solution. The mega projects, such as the Mambilla project expected to generate over 3000 megawatts (mw) is the long-term solution.To Fashola, it makes no economic sense to concentrate on building new power projects and abandon the idle completed but faulty power plants as well as those on the verge of completion but abandoned for one reason or the other. He said the country has over 12,000mw idle capacity.Fashola said: Lets get these idle megawatts on stream by making rehabilitation of the power a priority. Lets make use of what we have first before looking for new ones, he said. It is this conviction that led to embarking on the incremental power policy.We cannot have 12,000Mw installed and be concentrating on new ones without optimizing the existing ones  Egbema and Gbarain power plants are not finished, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, and Geregu are not optimised because there is not enough gas.In some places there are transmission problem. This is what the ministry is now tackling. The Federal Governments focus now is on what will help on immediate contribution to increased power, whether it is on generation, transmission or distribution segment of the value chain. It is this priority that will determine the project government will award the contract.If it is transmission project, we will award the contract. It is the one that goes to a power plant that is ready to deliver power? Some have gas and the power is there, but they cannot evacuate. So, lets build the transmission line. Some have the transmission facility but dont have gas. So, lets build the gas pipeline.That is what is happening in places like Omoku plant in Rivers State. We will complete Omoku by March this year and it will give us about 270mw. We will finish Gbarain any time from now and it will give us over 115mw, Alaoji by June this year.The minister went further: We will get more power from Kaduna, 215mw. We will get 10mw from wind plant in Katsina State this year. Zungeru project would have given us 700mw but was locked up in court for three years before we came on board. We have got the parties out of court but have lost three years. It will deliver by early next year another 700mw. Azura in Edo State, they refused to sign the partial risk guarantee but the Buhari administration has signed it.Azura project is on track and will be finished in June this year and will give us 450mw. So, we have to prepare to evacuate Azura and I have submitted the memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to approve the funding. We have to quickly build a 14-km 330kv line so we can evacuate power produced there to the grid.We are also trying to complete some rural electrification projects using Rural Electrification Agency (REA). There are many rural electrification projects from 1999 including various constituency projects. All of that will translate to more power.At the last all-stakeholders monthly meeting in Kogi State last month, it was reported at the meeting that Geregu Power Plant owners whose majority shareholder is Forte Oil Plc, invested $94 million and raised the generation capacity from 414mw to 434mw.Stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged significant improvement on generation capability from what it was in January/March 2017, when it was constrained by gas and debts to GenCos and Gas Suppliers.They acknowledged that the N701 billion guarantee programme has helped in securing the production side of the value chain by enabling the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc to pay generating companies and gas suppliers.The running of the three turbines in Gergu I is part of the successes recorded by the intervention on generation. Only one out of turbines in Geregu I and II were running when the minister visited in 2016. The new challenge is that the turbine output is curtailed due to insufficient distribution infrastructure to take the power from the power plants.They said: Available nationwide generation capacity has reached over 7000mw, which cannot be evacuated due to the Transmission Company of Nigerias (TCNs) efforts to improve and complete transmission facilities with the support of state governments such as Kogi State. Distribution Companies have pledged to match the transmission capacity in order to deliver the additional 2000mw to consumers.On Friday December 8, 2017, a peak generation of 5155mw to the grid was reached, surpassing the previous peak of 5074mw in February 2016, which was the product of team work from the Presidency, TCN, and all government agencies, as well as private generation and distribution companies and the support of the various communities, such as Ajaokuta, which plays host to our vital power infrastructure.Fashola also held discussions with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and various chambers of commerce and industries in the states on how to deliver the unutilised 2000mw generated power.The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is also providing assistance to improving generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. For instance, its intervention has brought tremendous improvement in power supply in Okene, Idah, Confluence Beach, Ankpa, Felele, Ohunene, and Ayingba areas of the state, among others.NDPHC noted that construction on Okija and Omotosho community connection project is complete and was planned for energization by December 31, 2017The Benin Electricity Distribution Company noted that all 36 communities in Ondo North are now connected after signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the DisCo, and that connection in Ode-Aiye in Benin DisCo in Ondo South will be completed early this year.The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company also confirmed that the 60MVA substation at Aba has been restored while TCN noted progress of projects in Obajana, Egbe, Kabba and Okene to improve supply in Kogi State. TCN is also proposing a 330kV line from Makurdi to Ayingba to ensure Kogi State benefits from the upcoming Mambilla Hydro projectThe GenCos, DisCos and TCN restated committed to improving customer service in the power sector by informing customers at least seven days in advance of any planned repair or maintenance outage of infrastructure to the affected communities.According to Fashola, the DisCos are behind other segments of the value chain  generation and transmission, even as he noted the governments effort at boosting DisCos capacity.Fashola said: The problem is that DisCos dont have capacity to expand the way it is expected. We have talked about their challenges  exchange rate, liquidity and population growth, among others. The meter roll out that was expected has not happened in the way we expected it. Some have happened. The second problem is that most of the equipment they bought were old enough, nobody can dispute that. So, they must expand, that is the problem. But we will be able to know what each DisCo needs and what it costs. When get FECs approval, they (DisCos) will inject the idle 2000mw into the grid.The World Bank Group also acknowledged the efforts and improvements in the power sector. The World Bank Group and the Federal Government after a two-day high-level consultation on the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP), reached some agreements. The PSRP is a comprehensive programme of policy, legal, regulatory, operational and financial interventions that will restore service efficiency and long-term power sector viability.The measures that will be implemented through 2021, are aimed at improving transparency, service delivery and re-establishing investor confidence, and hence, investment in the sector. Accelerating electricity access including through off-grid public private partnerships is an important component of the PSRP.They assessed progress in implementing the programme and followed on similar high-level talks that took place in Abuja in December 2016 and in Washington during the World Bank/ IMF Spring meetings.The Federal Government has prepared a financing plan to ensure financial sustainability of the power sector and included it in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper submitted to the National Assembly in October last year. The plan will be monitored regularly and incorporate contingencies should the sector shortfall deviate from the base case assumptions until retail tariffs are adjusted in line with improved service delivery to attain cost recovery by 2021.The PSRP envisages measures to contain costs and carefully manage contingent liabilities to ensure cost-reflective and affordable tariffs. In this context, it was agreed that existing generation infrastructure assets will need to be optimised before the sector assumes new financial obligations that could not be supported.The World Bank is committed to assisting the Federal Government with programme implementation, working closely with the PSRP Implementation Monitoring Team, which reports directly to the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.The World Bank will continue the preparation of the proposed $1 billion Performance Based Loan (PBL) to support the programme. The Federal Government and the World Bank Group agreed on the necessary steps to present the PBL to the World Banks Board of Executive Directors for consideration.Some teachers in Kaduna state refused to return to work on Monday in compliance with the directive of the state chapter of the Nigerian Uni...

Some teachers in Kaduna state refused to return to work on Monday in compliance with the directive of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).





The union had asked its members to stay away from work in protest of the decision of the state government to sack over 21,000 teachers who failed a competency test last year.





But Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, warned teachers to ignore the directive or comply with it at the risk of losing their jobs.





TheCable observed that while some schools were open after the Christmas and New Year break, others were under lock and key.





Schools like Aliyu Makanma Model Primary School, Barnawa, LEA Primary School, New Millennium City and LEA Primary school, Narayi, among others were deserted when this newspaper visited on Monday.





An official of the NUT, who did not want to be mentioned, said a task force constituted by the union was set up to ensure total compliance.





But at LEA primary school in Sabon Tasha, GRA, teachers were seen discussing in groups while pupils played inside the school compound, around 8:3oam.





We are aware of the strike, but we have not received any letter. We are waiting for an official letter from our union, as soon as we received it, we will leave one of the teachers said.





Also at the Government Secondary School, Kakuri near St. Gerald Catholic hospital, teachers reported to work.





We came to school because today is resumption date. We heard about the strike, but we have not received any circular regarding the strike. As soon as we receive the circular, we will comply a teacher, who refused to be named, said.





The NUT official said it was possible that some of the teachers who reported to work did not receive the circular.



Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the federal government has expressed concerns over the growing wave of violent altercations between pastoralist and sedentary farmers, saying the trend must be halted before the elections.At a meeting between the Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, five state governors and security chiefs, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh however conceded that the federal government has not done enough to cater for the needs of the herdsmen.The farmer and herdsmen must not have his life threatened by circumstances surrounding his profession. We do not want the farmer to lose his crops nor would we want anyone to. Over the years we have not done much to look seriously into the issue of livestock development in the country. People ask the question why should government get involved?Why shouldnt the herdsmen manage their own livestock? I am sad to tell you that in the last 50 years until recently we may have done enough for the rice farmer, the cassava farmer, the maize farmer, the cocoa farmer, but we havent done much for herdsmen and that inability and omission on our part is resulting in the crises we are witnessing today.In Europe, every cow that is farmed gets a subsidy of Six Euros per day; we have done next to nothing for the cattle rearers here and as a result its operation has become a threat to the existence of our farmers and that is what this communique will seek to resolve, said Ogbeh.Cattle ColoniesWe are planning a programme called cattle colonies not ranches but colonies where at least 5, 000 hectares of land would be made available, adequate water, adequate pasture would be made available. We also want to stop cattle rearers from roaming about; the culture of cattle roaming about will be stopped. The cattle will be provided with water and adequate security by the rangers, adequate pasture milk collection even security against rustlers to enable them lead a normal life. This has been done elsewhere in India, Ethiopia and even Brazil, Ogbeh explained.Declaring the meeting open, Dambazau had earlier established a nexus between communal and electoral violence, stating that; Knowing that general elections are fast approaching and considering the history of political and election violence in Nigeria, all necessary steps must be taken to ensure that the recently witnessed crimes and violent conflicts are curtailed with utmost dispatch.The meeting which is ongoing was convened by Gen. Dambazau and has governors of Benue, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa and Taraba in attendance as well as the Inspector General of Police, DG DSS, and Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC.Speaking further, he said; I wish to express the appreciation of the FG for your (governors) individual commitment and cooperation with the federal security agencies in addressing the menace of rural crimes particularly kidnapping, rustling and the most recent violent clashes between herdsmen and farmers.Threats to peace and public safety in any form at any location will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of governments at all levels to provide, unconditionally, sustainable peace and public safety within their territorial boundaries. Against this background, the meeting is convened to primarily bring us together to share our experiences on the aforementioned security challenges. The meeting will then agree on necessary measures to be taken and apportion responsibilities.The immediate repercussion of this menace include hunger due to acute shortage of food, diseases, criminal activities and deepening animosity between ethnic and religious groups. The current situation is very dangerous for the northern part of the country in particular and the country in general.The meeting is currently in a closed session.The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, on Monday, failed to persuade the Federal High Court in Abuja to grant an interim injunction stopping the Senate from probing the controversial reinstatement of former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, into the Civil Service.The AGF had gone before the court to challenge the powers of the National Assembly to investigate circumstances that led to Mainas recall, four years after he was dismissed by the Federal Civil Service Commission for absconding from duty.Maina who was dismissed from service in 2013 following a recommendation by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, was recalled last year and deployed to the Ministry of Interior under controversial circumstances.His reinstatement was purportedly based on a memo from the office of the AGF.Malami had in a letter with Ref. No. HAGF/FCSC/2017/Vol. 1/3, directed the FCSC to give consequential effect to a judgment he said voided the process that led to Mainas dismissal from service.On the strenght of the letter, the FCSC, at the end of a meeting it held on June 14, 2017, requested the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, vide a letter marked FC.4029/82/Vol. III/160, and dated June 21, 2017, to advise the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to consider the AGFs letter and make appropriate recommendations regarding Mainas case.In line with the directive, the Ministry of Interior, at its Senior Staff Committee meeting held on June 22, 2017, placed reliance on the AGFs letter and recommended that Maina be reinstated into the Service as Deputy Director on Salary Grade Level 16.Consequently, the FCSC, on August 16, 2017, approved the reinstatement of Maina with effect from February 21, 2013 (being the date he was earlier dismissed from ServiceThe FCSC further okayed Maina to sit for the next promotion examination to the post of Director (Administration) with Salary Grade Level 17.However, recall of the former pension boss into the civil service sparked-off a public protest that forced President Muhammadu Buhari to order his immediate sack, with the Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita queried.Meanwhile, in the heat of the situation and leakage of several memos that traced Mainas recall to the office of the AGF, Malami, insisted that he acted in the national interest.Determined to get to the root of the saga however, both the Senate and the House of Representatives constituted different panels to investigate the matter.Following AGFs claim that the letters could not have legally emanated from him, the Senate, which had already commenced its own probe, decided to carry out forensic examination of all the correspondences that led to Mainas reinstatement.In a bid to stop the process, the AGF, filed the ex-parte motion that was declined by the court on Monday.Specifically, the AGF prayed the court to among other things, determine whether the National Assembly has the right to probe issues relating to the employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant.He wants the court to declare that: The employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant are matters outside the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).That the National Assembly cannot legitimately regulate the employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant, which are matters exclusively within the purview of the Federal Civil Service Commission under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria1999 (as amended).As well as to declare That the National Assembly lacks the legislative competence to investigate the employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant which are matters exclusively within the purview of the Federal Civil Service Commission under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria1999 (as amended).The AGF contended that the power of investigation vested on the National Assembly by section 88 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is limited and such that can only be exercised within the confines of Section 88 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).He argued that being the chief law officer and Minister of Justice of the federation, that he was bound to ensure compliance by the Federal Government of Nigeria and or any of its cognate organs/agencies with the express or implied contents of extant Judgements and Orders of competent courts in Nigeria.According to the AGF, The defendant cannot constitute itself into a quasi-appellate court, tribunal or panel with a view to reviewing any executive action taken in compliance with the adverse judgment in the said Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/65/2013.Meantime, instead of granting the ex-parte order to halt further investigation into the matter, Justice Binta Nyako who heard the application in chambers on Monday, ordered the AGF to go and put the National Assembly on notice.Justice Nyako further directed that all the court processes should be served on the National Assembly to enable it to appear before the court to show cause why the orders sought by the AGF should not be granted.The suit was adjourned till January 15 for the National Assembly to show cause why the ongoing probe should not be stopped.It will be recalled that Maina who is currently in hiding, was accused of complicity in pension fraud running into over N100 billion.The Senate had at the end of an earlier investigation by its joint committee on public service and establishment and state and local government administration, issued a warrant of arrest for Mainas arrest.The former pension boss was subsequently declared wanted by the Police, following which he reportedly fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a development that led to his dismissal from service in 2013.Armed robbers on Saturday attacked Nollywood comedian, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, at his Lagos residence, carting away about N...

Armed robbers on Saturday attacked Nollywood comedian, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, at his Lagos residence, carting away about N14.3m cash as well as properties.

Mr Ibu reported the matter to the Lagos state police at the weekend.





According to him, his wife was at home when the robbers invaded his house.





According to my wife, the operation started at about 3am and lasted till about 4:25am this morning after which they left with all my property and cash, Mr Ibu said on Saturday.



The wife of the President, Mrs. Ai-sha Buhari, has thanked Nigerians for the prayers offered for her ailing son, Yusuf. Yusuf was invo...

The wife of the President, Mrs. Ai-sha Buhari, has thanked Nigerians for the prayers offered for her ailing son, Yusuf.Yusuf was involved in bike accident on December 26, last year around Gwarimpa, Abuja. He sustained a head injury and broken limb.According to a message posted on her Instagram page, @aishambuhari, Mrs Buhari thanked all Nigerians for their prayers and also the medical team whom she said ensured that Yusuf remained stable while receiving treatment.Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole, she noted, headed the medical team attending to her son.The message read: On behalf of my family, I will like to thank well-meaning Nigerians for their prayers in the past weeks.Special thanks to the team of doctors and specialists who have worked tirelessly to ensure that my son, Yusuf remains stable, most especially Nurse Eze Doris Eberechukwu of Nisa Premier; the medical team chaired by the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole; the team of neurosurgeons, Prof. Temitayo Sokunbi; Prof. B.B. Shehu; Dr. Biodun Ogunbo and Assistant Prof. M.Raji Mahmud; the team of orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Felix Ogedengbe and Dr. Akinola; the intensivists, Dr. Simon Esangbedo; the personal physician to the President, Dr. Suhayb Sanusi; my personal physician, Dr. M. Kamal and the nurses have all ensured that he remains stable while receiving treatment.Also many thanks to Dr. Jaf Momoh, CMD of National Hospital Abuja and his team for their continuous support.Benue born Nollywood actress, Meg Otanwa has reacted to the killings in her home state.

Benue born Nollywood actress, Meg Otanwa has reacted to the killings in her home state.

Meg, who is from the Idoma tribe, spoke on the bloodletting in an open letter she penned on Monday.





The star thespian of Emem Isongs Ill take my chances lamented that attack on her kinsmen by Fulani herdsmen has been going on for years.





She also recalled her personal encounter during an attack on a community.





Meg, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, appealed to President Buhari to be on the right side of history by choosing to defend and protect the innocent and defenseless citizens.









Full text of her letter below





Dear President Muhammadu Buhari, One fateful day I received numerous calls from home: A u Fulani! A u fulani!! E ku pewa eh, meaning, The Fulanis! The Fulanis! Theyve come again! It was Jan 17th last year, the herdsmen had attacked a neighbouring village and the villagers had run into our village for safety.





The marauders took lives and left a trail of destruction behind them. These attacks have been going on as far back as I can remember. I remember my grandmother hiding some of my siblings and I under the bed because a u fulani were coming. That was well over 20 years ago.





We had travelled home for Christmas and on this fateful day, villagers ran back from their farms covered in blood and tears from herdsmen attacks. That was my first memory and encounter with the name Fulani. In June of 2017, I lost my cousin, Sunday Fabian Otanwa, in the hands of these same herdsmen in Makurdi.









Sunday was in the police force, he was deployed to a village to protect the people. He and his colleagues became a target for the herdsmen, they launched another attack just to kill the security personnel in the villages. Sunday was killed. Please tell me Mr President, are we second class Nigerians? Why must we continue to suffer in the hands of these faceless barbaric criminals?





They come to kill and claim our ancestral land. The people of Benue State are predominantly farmers. That is what they know. Benue State did not become the Food Basket of the nation for nothing. Farming is the means of livelihood for most people in Benue State. So when they attack our crops, they attack our very existence. The Open Grazing Prohibition and Establishment of Ranches law has been signed since May 2017.





So why are we still left to fight these criminals off our lands? These attacks and killings have persisted and worsened over the years in places as disparate as Plateau, Kaduna, Enugu among other parts of the country. Mr President Sir, with all due respect, we do not need your condolences anymore. Weve received enough of that for over 20 plus years.





Open grazing is now against the law. The governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has cried out to the federal government for help. He is not the Commander In Chief; you are, sir. So please deploy the army to protect and secure Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, Enugu and every other part of Nigeria that has experienced these vicious attacks and yet still remains under threat.





Why send the army to stop protesters? They are only speaking out in a bid to protect their lands and livelihood. If you are indeed for all Nigerians, please do what is required of a leader: let the affected communities see and feel that the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cares about them, not only through words, but also through action. The activities of these mysterious Fulani herdsmen continue to oppress my people and my home, Benue.





I also believe that it is necessary to point out at the same time that this isnt a fight between Fulani people and other ethnicities of this great country, because not all Fulanis perpetrate such wicked acts, in the same way that not all Nigerians are out to cheat or scam people; this is a war between good and evil, between light and darkness, between men bent on destroying lives and properties and those who wish to live in peace and a shared prosperity.



The All Progressive Congress (APC) says the People Democratic Party (PDP) is a dying party with no hope of redemption.Delta state chapter chairman of the party, Jones Erue said this in a statement while calling for the cancellation of Saturdays local government polls in the state.According to Erue, PDP thwarted the peaceful electoral process to revealed their dying state and cause chaos in the state. Erue said the PDP were scared and amazed at the APC preparedness, organization and mobilization which informed their action to go against due process.He said the APC were not surprise at the outcome of the election because of mass irregularities that mar the election.The Statement in part:This election was conducted in substantial non-compliance with the provisions set out in the DSIEC Law 2017 because sensitive election materials were not delivered as expected to most of the polling units where the actual elections were due to take place.The bastardization of this simple election that ought to be peaceful shows that PDP is now a dying party in the state, and that they were totally amazed by the level of preparedness, organization and mobilization that APC mustered across the entire state.Many Returning Officers were not at the polling units to conduct the elections nor to announce the outcome. For example, a DSIEC Returning Officer at Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area was arrested at a Hotel Annex in Ozoro facilitating illegal thumb-printing of votes, and was handed over to the Nigeria Police at Ozoro.We are not shocked by the outcome of the election because we had issued out a note of caution previously, warning about the potential for active connivance between DSIEC and PDP officials or agents.Stakeholders in the power sector believe that only steady electricity can guarantee economic growth and stimulate industrialisation. In t...

WITHOUT steady power supply through effective electricity generation, transmission and distribution networks, turning the industrialisation plan of the Federal Government into reality may remain mirage for a very long time.Reason: the three chains of generation, transmission and distribution have always posed serious challenges from the outset.Observers note that long before the privatisation of the sector by the government, the challenges have lingered from the era of power managements under the defunct Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN), the National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Plc.In a move to tackle the challenges head-on, President Muhammadu Buhari set an agenda for the sectors development with a road map for achieving uninterrupted power.As of the last count, the Buhari administration has provided N701 billion payment assurance guarantee to operators to stimulate investment in the sector. The vote is among other interventions made by the government to reposition the sector.According to the government, the fund has brought confidence to the production side of the power business. The Presidency explained that the intervention is partly responsible for the increased power production to 7,000 megawatts.Available records also show that governments action in transmission service expansion through Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has also increased transmission capacity to more than 5,000 megawatts to make power relatively steady.Critics, nonetheless, observe that the feat recorded in power generation and transmission has not been fully replicated in the distribution chain.The critics described as unfortunate that 2,000 megawatts of the power been generated are not being distributed due to inadequacy of distribution networks.But, the Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Fashola, insists that the incidents of total and partial grid collapse have reduced, preparing grounds for effective distribution.He said: The fact that we can produce more than 7,000 megawatts and put more than 5,000 megawatts on the grid means that we have 2,000 megawatts of unused power left.This is a new problem that we must resolve; we must get those 2,000 megawatts out to the people who need power.More power generation is coming in 2018 from power projects such as Gbarain Generation Company Ltd; 115 megawatts, Kashimbilla in Taraba; 40 megawatts, Afam III in Rivers; 240 megawatts, Gurara in Niger; 30 megawatts, Dadin Kowa in Gombe State; 29 megawatts and Kaduna; 215 megawatts, among others.All of these do not include mini-grids and solar systems that are in various stages of development.The minister spoke of plans to ensure the distribution of the remaining 2,000 megawatts of power to industrial customers.He said: If we can produce 7,000 megawatts and we can only distribute about 5,000 megawatts, the problem has changed from lack of power to locating where the need is.It involves designing a solution that takes the balance of 2,000 megawatts to those who need it and can pay.We must act to build the bridge that connects this gulf of supply and demand; that bridge is a bridge of data and information about finding the location of the businesses and industries that need power and getting the 2,000 megawatts waiting for deployment.Fasholas explanation notwithstanding, analysts identify deficiency in distribution infrastructure, poor utilisation of existing distribution networks and inadequate power evacuation at newly completed Independent Power Projects (IPP) as reasons for the unutilsed 2,000 megawatts.However, the Niger-Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) says it will help to improve distribution of electricity to consumers by embarking on the construction of distribution networks.The NDPHC Managing Director, Chiedu Ugbo, said the company was developing 296 distribution projects across the country.Ugbo said: We also have to work with the government for the minister to make sure that we complete a number of our distribution projects.We have completed more than 20 distribution projects to improve the ability of distribution companies to take more power to the people.We have seven distribution infrastructures in Kogi and these are completed projects yet to be taken over by the distribution companies.We cant leave this projects idle, the projects are being vandalised, some of the parts have been stolen, we need companies to start using this project to supply electricity to communities.Besides the efforts by government agencies, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANEDS) has been working to boost the electricity distribution network.Despites, the various interventions, stakeholders in the electricity sector, are pushing for more efforts to further expand distribution infrastructure and make use of the unused energy.They call on relevant agencies to give adequate attention to power generation, transmission and distribution to ensure steady power supply.A human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to immediately release the seven Cameroonian separatists that were arrested by the Department of State Services in Abuja on Saturday.Falana said in a statement that the arrested freedom fighters  Mr. Sikiku Tabe, Prof. Che Awasum, Mr. Nalowa Bih, Dr. Fidelis Che, Dr. Nfor Nfor, Dr. Henri Kumeng and Dr. Cornelius Kwanga  who are calling for the secession of the Southern region of Cameroon, entered Nigeria legally and thus should not be treated as criminals.He said the agitators, who are calling for the creation of the independent state of Ambazonia, had been held incommunicado and denied access to their lawyers, doctors and relatives contrary to the provisions of the United Nations Minimum Standards for the Treatment of Prisoners.Falana said, Since the Cameroonians entered Nigeria legitimately their arrest and detention by the Federal Government cannot be justified under the law. As Africans, the detainees are entitled to human rights to personal liberty, freedom of association and freedom of expression guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.Furthermore, their unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination is protected by article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights which has been ratified by both Nigeria and Cameroon.The human rights lawyer urged the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), not to extradite the agitators as Nigeria had no extradition treaty with Cameroon.He further advised the Federal Government to consider the safety of Nigerians in Bakassi who might suffer attacks from supporters of the arrested freedom fighters.Falana said, Having failed to crush the ideas which recently led to the demand for the state of Biafra by the members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, the Federal Government should not attempt to provoke the marginalised people of Southern Cameroon by frustrating their legitimate demand for an independent state of Ambazonia.Since the Federal Government has not succeeded in completely defeating the dreaded Boko Haram sect it should not declare war on the people of Southern Cameroon and thereby further expose the displaced people of Bakassi to reprisal.We are therefore compelled to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to order the immediate release of the detained Cameroonian freedom fighters without any further delay. Since Nigeria has no extradition treaty with Cameroon, the Attorney General of the Federation lacks the vires to initiate extradition proceedings under the Extradition Act (E25) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 for the extradition of the detained Cameroonian freedom fighters.Falana added that although the Federal Government was under pressure from President Paul Biya of Cameroon to hand over the detainees to the security forces in Cameroon, it must be realised that the detainees were entitled to reside or visit Nigeria without any molestation.Two members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria otherwise known as Shiites were reportedly killed during a protest against the continu...

Two members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria otherwise known as Shiites were reportedly killed during a protest against the continued detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, in Kaduna on Sunday.Also, three persons were said to have been wounded and said to be receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital in the state.However, the State Police Command confirmed that only two civilians were injured, adding that nobody died in the clash.The spokesman for the police in the state, ASP Mukhtar Aliyu, said policemen were at the Leventis roundabout after receiving reports that the Shiites were about to embark on a protest march.He noted that the police were on ground to disperse the protesters because of government ban on such protest in the state.According to him, in the course of doing that however, there was an altercation between the protesters and the police.He added that two civilians and one policeman were injured as a result of the disagreement.Aliyu said the situation had been brought under control, adding that the police made some arrest.However, Aliyu did not give the number of those arrested but said that they would soon be charged to court.But the Shiites spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, confirmed that one person was killed while several others were injured.It has been confirmed that one person was killed and several others were injured by the police, he said.The Free Zakzaky Protests broke out in Kaduna along the Ahmadu Bello Way on Kano Road at 5pm on Sunday.The police shot sporadically to disperse the protesters thus forcing motorists and other road users as well as residents to scamper into safety.Our correspondents observed that some traders hurriedly locked up their shops and fled the scene for fear of stray bullets.Earlier, Musa had issued a statement to explain that the processions were held in major towns of the North to protest their leaders continued detention.He added that their action became necessary in view of the deteriorating health condition of El-Zakzaky.He said, Free Zakzaky processions were carried out in major towns of northern Nigeria to press for the freedom of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky because of the news of his deteriorating state of health.Protests had taken place in Kaduna, Kano and Bauchi among several other places yesterday (on Saturday) night.By Noah Cohen and Marisa Iati | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Driven by a historically low homicide total in Newark and a drop in violence in Camden County, homicides in New Jersey fell by about 7 percent in 2017 over the prior year, according to an NJ Advance Media analysis.

An informal survey of county prosecutors found there were 335 homicides in the state in 2017, compared with 362 killings in 2016.

"Though final numbers are still not available, we know that there has been a significant reduction in violent crime overall in New Jersey, including a very significant reduction in the total number of homicides, with certain cities seeing dramatic reductions," Attorney General Christopher Porrino said in a statement.

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He credited bail reform, which created a presumption of detention for serious gun offenses and for repeat offenders, with keeping high-risk offenders behind bars. More than 7,400 people were detained without bail from January through November, Porrino said in a statement.

(State Judiciary data in July showed a 20 percent decrease in the number of people held in jail awaiting trial under the new bail system.)

Porrino said his office also created a new policy to combat victim and witness intimidation, caught 466 dangerous fugitives, enhanced community policing, referred certain high-risk offenders for federal prosecution and took almost 5,000 guns off the street this summer in a gun buyback program.

In 2017 there is nothing that we worked harder on than reducing violent crime, and thankfully those efforts have yielded results," Porrino said.

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Jon Shane, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, cautioned against drawing conclusions from comparing homicide totals in 2017 and 2016.

That information alone, he said, is not enough to determine whether homicides are down because of law enforcement strategies, or other factors typically tied to crime, including unemployment, high school graduation rates and the availability of affordable housing, he said.

In order to empirically measure long-term trends  you need many years worth of data, and you also need to know what has been going on that might be responsible for those things," Shane said.

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Below, see a county-by-county breakdown of homicide numbers. All data was collected by NJ Advance Media from prosecutors' offices across the state, and reflect counts as of Dec. 28, 2017, or later.

Some law enforcement agencies that reported homicide totals included incidents in which a police officer fatally shot someone. The numbers are preliminary, as they are collected ahead of the Uniform Crime Report, which is verified by the New Jersey State Police against federal guidelines.

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Atlantic County

2017: 22 homicides

2016: 20 homicides

Thirteen of the county's homicides, or just over 60 percent, took place in Atlantic City, according to city police.

In a particularly deadly 10-day span, three men were shot to death in separate incidents in a downtown neighborhood. David Blackwell Jr., 31, of Hammonton, was killed May 5 on N. Virginia Avenue. Anthony A. Jordan, 28, of Atlantic City, on May 11 was found shot to death in a car on Brigantine Boulevard. Less than four days later, Atlantic City resident Keith Cundiff Jr, 32, was killed on N. Maryland Avenue.

Police have charged Lorin Wright, 31, of Atlantic City, in Cundiff's death.

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Bergen County

2017: 4 homicides

2016: 7 homicides

Bergen County had one homicide each in Bergenfield, Hackensack, Edgewater and Paramus. The suspects in all four killings knew the victims. Three were domestic violence incidents, and authorities say another was the culmination of a dispute between two residents of the same building.

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Burlington County

2017: 13 homicides

2016: 19 homicides

The slayings of Sasikala Narra, 38, and her 6-year-old son, Anish, were some of the county's most brutal killings this year. Narra's husband told police he discovered the bodies March 23 in their Maple Shade apartment.

The case remains unsolved, and authorities have offered a $25,000 reward for tips in the investigation.

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Camden County

2017: 34 homicides

2016: 55 homicides

This year's homicide count in Camden County represents a steep decline from the previous year.

"Police involved shootings that result in a death, as well as vehicular homicides that fit within the New Jersey manslaughter statute, are included in the Camden County Prosecutor's Office homicide statistics for the sake of transparency," an agency spokeswoman said.

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Cape May County

2017: At least 2 homicides

2016: 0 homicides

The prosecutor's office was unable to provide the number of homicides for 2017 by deadline, but there were at least two killings in the county.

Herbert Tozer, 51, of Middle Township, is accused of stabbing 45-year-old Robert Niemezura in a Rio Grande motel in January. Tozer was indicted on murder charges in March.

An Ocean City woman, Denise Webber, was found dead by strangulation at a hotel in July. Her roommate and romantic partner, 49-year-old Paul Kline, is charged in her killing.

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Cumberland County

2017: 12 homicides

2016: 12 homicides

Half of the Cumberland County homicides occurred in Bridgeton, a city of approximately 25,000 residents that saw five slayings and a fatal police-involved shooting.

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Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Essex County

2017: 111 homicides

2016: 126 homicides

County records list all homicides, which include fatal shootings by police officers. Newark police, however, provided a total of murders, which does not include officer-involved shootings.

Newark saw homicides fall to a historic low this year, city officials said at a December press conference. The state's largest city saw 72 murders in 2017, a roughly 25 percent decline from the year prior.

"Obviously, this is not a victory. We're not claiming that we won here. We recognize that we still have a long way to go," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka told reporters.

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Gloucester County

2017: 7 homicides

2016: 5 homicides

Clayton, Elk, Glassboro, Paulsboro, Washington Township, Woolwich and Woodbury had one homicide each in 2017.

In the Woolwich case, a man is accused of murdering his wife, dumping her body in the pool and then driving to get Applebee's takeout. In Woodbury, investigators say a burglar beat a woman to death while she was house-sitting for a friend.

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Patrick Villanova | The Jersey Journal

Hudson County

2017: 25 homicides

2016: 29 homicides

Hudson County's homicides included 19 killings in Jersey City. Hoboken, Union City, Kearny and Guttenberg accounted for the remaining killings in the county. A review by The Jersey Journal in October, depicted in the graph above, found the bulk of the county's homicides were the result of shootings.

Officials said 2016 marked a decline in killings for the county, the Jersey Journal reported.

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Hunterdon County

For the fourth consecutive year, there were no homicides in Hunterdon County.

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Mercer County

2017: 25 homicides

2016: 25 homicides

The state's capital, Trenton, accounted for 21 of this year's homicides in Mercer County, according to the county prosecutor's office. Ewing, Hamilton, Hopewell and Lawrence each logged one killing this year.

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Lawrence saw its first slaying since 2001 in November, when 23-year-old Devin Smith was shot in the back of his head as he sat at the bar in an Applebee's on Route 1.

"It's very unusual to have a homicide in an establishment like an Applebee's  a family restaurant," Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri previously said. "It goes to illustrate how violence has proliferated and that no community is exempt from violence."

Prosecutors charged Noel Powell III, 27, of Lawrence, in the shooting. Sources told NJ Advance Media the killing stemmed from a decades-old dispute involving the two men and their families.

Defense attorney Robin Lord said Powell maintains his innocence.

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Middlesex County

2017: 12 homicides

2016: 8 homicides

Desiree Alvarado, 38, was fatally shot in broad daylight on a New Brunswick street in July. Christian Cortes, 25, of North Brunswick, was quickly charged in the killing of the mother of four. Alvarado's family said they had no idea what motivated the shooting.

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Cindy Capitani | NJ Advance Media

Monmouth County

2017: 12 homicides in 9 incidents

2016: 6 homicides

The count for this year included the stabbing death of 11-year-old Abbiegail Smith, whom prosecutors say was killed by her upstairs neighbor, Andreas Erazo, on July 12 in Keansburg. Her body was found in a rear area of the Hancock Arms apartments after her mother reported her missing.

On New Year's Eve, a 16-year-old killed his parents, sister and a family friend with a semi-automatic rifle, prosecutors said. The teenager, whose name has not been released because he's a juvenile, is charged with four counts of murder and a weapons charge.

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Authorities searched the woods behind the Lakeland Bus depot in Rockaway Township on Sept. 8 as part of a death investigation. (Justin Zaremba | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Morris County

2017: 2 homicides

2016: 2 homicides

A U.S. Marine was shot to death by her ex-boyfriend at her Morris Plains apartment complex in August, Mayor Frank Druetzler said. A month later, a homeless man from Dover was charged in the Labor Day killing of another homeless man in Rockaway.

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Ocean County

2017: 5 homicides in 4 incidents

2016: 7 homicides

This year's toll included an August double murder-suicide in Lacey. In that case, prosecutors say Gregg Scott, 51, beat to death his 48-year-old wife, Kimberly Dunphey, and their 7-year-old son, Owen Scott, before killing himself. The slayings, authorities said, stemmed from a marital dispute.

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Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Passaic County

2017: 23 homicides

2016: 20 homicides

A double homicide in Paterson in March was connected to Kim DePaola, a cast member on the TV show "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." Aaron Anderson, 27, and Antonio Vega Jr., 25, were shot in the head and found inside an Audi, belonging to DePaola, that was set on fire. Authorities said they were killed during a robbery.

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Salem County

2017: 3 homicides

2016: 5 homicides

The homicides in Salem County this year included two stabbings and a shooting, according to authorities. Fatal stabbings occurred in Pennsville and Salem, while the deadly shooting was in Penns Grove.

Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan said it was unusual that there were more stabbing deaths in 2017 than there were shooting deaths because there is a proliferation of guns here and in other neighboring counties. He said authorities believe drug and alcohol use have contributed to the countys homicides.

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Somerset County

2017: 3 homicides

2016: 3 homicides

Killings in Bridgewater, Franklin Township and Bound Brook marked the three homicides this year in Somerset County.

In Bridgewater, a son is accused of stabbing his mother to death and seriously injuring his father. An 18-year-old man is accused of fatally shooting an 18-year-old woman near a deli in Franklin. A Paterson man faces charges in the death of another man in Bound Brook.

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Sussex County

There were no homicides in Sussex County for the second year in a row, according to the county prosecutor's office.

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Authorities investigate the fatal shooting of Anishalee Cortes in Roselle on June 13, 2017. (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Union County

2017: 19 homicides

2016: 22 homicides

There were eight homicides in Elizabeth, five in Plainfield, two in Roselle, two in Union Township, one in Hillside and one in Linden.

Anishalee Cortes, 22, in June was shot to death by her ex-boyfriend, Dominick Richards, in his Roselle driveway before he turned the gun on himself, authorities said. Richards, 49, had previously been charged in Essex County with assaulting Cortes at gunpoint, but a judge found there was not enough evidence to hold him behind bars.

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Warren County

2017: 1 homicide

2016: 2 homicides

A murder-suicide in White Township was the only homicide of the year in the county of approximately 106,000 people. Authorities said the two men involved were residents of Easterseals group home, which serves homeless people with mental health diagnoses.

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Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook.

Marisa Iati may be reached at miati@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Marisa_Iati or on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tipsBy NJ Advance Media staff

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Matt Smith | For NJ Advance Media

Determining Who's No. 1 (in the country)

For Bergen Catholic, this week is all about wrestling for the No. 1 ranking in the country. The school from Oradell will host the Who's No. 1 Duals on Saturday and host several of the country's top teams. Around the state, other teams are wrestling for rankings, divisional clout and other sorts of bragging rights as county tournaments and national tournaments highlight this week's slate of must-see action. Of course there are big-time duals as well. We'll highlight everything to keep on your radar this week below.

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Tim Hawk | For NJ.com

Haddonfield at Collingswood, Tuesday, 7

Haddonfield knocked off one of its Colonial Conference Liberty Division rivals with a hard-fought win over West Deptford last Wednesday. It has a good chance to secure the division title if it can pull out a win over the Panthers in this rematch of last year's South Jersey Group 2 final.

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Chris Faytok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Point Pleasant Beach at Colonia, Wednesday, 6

The Garnet Gulls -- the team to beat in Central Jersey Group 1 -- have won eight of their dual meets by 30 points or more. Colonia is 4-1 and might help Point Beach work up a sweat in a few bouts. Two of the better potential match-ups feature Colonia's Luke Pero (6-2) versus Joe Fritsch (5-2) and Jared Hoeler (6-4) of Point Beach against John Piznanski (9-2) at 170 pounds.

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Tim Wynkoop | For lehighvalleylive.com

No. 6 Phillipsburg at No. 9 Hunterdon Central, Wednesday, 6:30

It's the slugfest for control of the Skyland Conference-Raritan Division. For the second year in a row, Hunterdon Central looks like the team to beat on paper but beating Phillipsburg is always easier said than done. This is pairing that pits Hunterdon Central's advantage in the lowerweights against a Phillipsburg team that does not give up bonus points.

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Chris Faytok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

No. 11 Raritan at No. 19 Long Branch, Wednesday, 6:30

The coin flip and bonus points figure to be huge in this match between non-divisional powers. Several bouts figure to be keys in the outcome:

 Long Branch's Ryan Zimmerman (12-1) vs. Rob Taddeo (10-5) at 113 pounds.

 Raritan's Anthony Aquilano (12-3) vs. Dan Santos-Silva (12-3) at 170.

 Long Branch's Peter Wersinger (12-2) vs. Justin Acevedo (13-3) at 195.

 Raritan's Matt Spirko (11-3) vs. Kevin Cerruti (11-1) at 285.

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Al Amrhein | For NJ Advance Media

West Deptford at Woodstown, Wednesday, 7

Colonial Conference contender West Deptford travels to Salem County for an intriguing matchup against Woodstown, which has a good young nucleus and should be in the South Jersey Group 1 mix to reach a second straight final.

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PLUS: Wrestling results and links for Saturday, Jan. 6

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Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

No. 10 High Point at Newton, Wednesday, 7

Newton is on the brink of securing a big program victory, and after two close losses to Phillipsburg (38-29) and South Plainfield (39-27), this could be that opportunity. The winner of this dual will be the front-runner for the NJAC-Freedom Division title, and a possible pairing between Newton junior Wyatt McCarthy (10-1) and High Point senior Shane Kobis (12-0) should be a marquee bout at 145.

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Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com

No. 4 Paulsboro at Gateway, Wednesday, 7

The young Gators don't have the depth to hang with Paulsboro - not many teams do - but there should be some very good individual matchups for Gateway seniors Dante and Antonio Mininno and Timmy Sparks, among others.

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Larry Murphy | For NJ Advance Media

Pennsauken at Delran, Wednesday, 7

This non-division match in the Burlington County Scholastic League will provide fast-starting Delran with its first challenge of the season. Delran has scored east victories over Palmyra (72-6), Westampton Tech (70-3), Ewing (63-9), Willingboro (78-6) and Burlington Township (57-20). Pennsauken's top wrestlers so far have been Carlos Padua (3-0/113) and Briheem Tyson (3-0/195).

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Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Jackson Memorial at No. 13 Southern, Thursday, 6:30

Southern is coming off a quadrangular sweep where it knocked off West Morris (37-28), Paramus (49-13) and Mount Olive (45-14). Jackson Memorial, still trying to get healthy, lost to Fair Lawn (40-27). It's rarely boring when these two Shore Conference Class A South rival tangle. There are some potentially interesting bouts:

 Jackson Memorial;s Vin Scolo (7-3) vs. Matt Brielmeier (125) at 106 pounds.

 Southern's Robert Woodcock (10-2) vs. Brandon Burkert (1-1) at 132.

 Southern's Nick Pepe (12-3) vs Nick Tomasiello (2-0) at 145.

 Jackson Memorial's David Lemay (8-2) vs. Matt Mackanic (12-2) at 220.

 If Southern chooses to, it could match Nick O'Connell (9-0) up a class against Kyle Epperly (11-2) at 160.

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Chris Faytok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

East Brunswick at Perth Amboy, Friday, 5

A big match for two teams headed in different directions in the early going. While East Brunswick would love to get off the schneider, will the Bears consider bumping up state-placewinner Mitchell Polito (5-0/126) to 132 against Perth Amboy's James Rodriguez (7-1/132). Perth Amboy also has one of the most exciting wrestlers in the GMC in senior, 106-pounder Joe Pacheco (10-1). Yerami Jonenez is 8-3 at 160 pounds for Perth Amboy.

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Larry Murphy | For NJ Advance Media

Allentown, Point Pleasant Borough at Colts Neck, Saturday, 10

Point Pleasant Boro, which looks like it will challenge Raritan for the Central Jersey Group 2 title, should dominate the field in this quad. However, there could be an interested individual match-up between Allentown's Joe Lamparelli (13-0) and Point Boro's Ben Sabo (11-0) at 113 pounds.

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Matt Smith | For NJ Advance Media

Who's No. 1 Duals at Bergen Catholic, Saturday

The headline says it all. The venue has changed over the last three years, but the idea remains the same -- bring the best teams in the country to one venue to decide who is No. 1. This year's field features Blair, Bergen Catholic, Malvern Prep (Pa.), Lake Highland Prep (Fla.) and Buchanan (Calif.). Could this be the year Bergen Catholic, ranked No. 2 in the country, dethrones Blair or does the current No. 1-ranked team showcase its perennial power.

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Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com

Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament at Phillipsburg, Saturday

Pope John remains the favorite to win its second straight team title, but the tri-county showdown is always full of terrific wrestling and plenty of storylines. Andrew Gapas of North Hunterdon, last season's Most Outstanding Wrestler, is back to defend his title and will once again be featured in one of the toughest brackets along with Pope John state runner-up JoJo Aragona, Phillipsburg state medalist Cody Harrison and several other contenders like Shane Kobis of High Point.

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Alexandra Pais | For NJ Advance Media

Somerset County Tournament at Hillsborough, Saturday

Bound Brook has won six straight team titles but may be hard-pressed to make it seven after getting hit hard by graduation. Watchung Hills, a team that was second a season ago, enters as a favorite and brings back defending champions Danny Miller and Rob Saum. Also keep an eye out for Manville senior Michael Tyle, who enters as the state's No. 1-ranked heavyweight.

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Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com

Escape the Rock at Council Rock South (Pa.), Saturday and Sunday

Kingsway and Delsea become the latest New Jersey teams to attend this tournament, which is nearing Beast of the East level in terms of participation. Delbarton, Hanover Park and Paulsboro will also be among the team competing. Delbarton's Nico Nardone (106), Anthony Clark (113) and Pat Glory (126), Hanover Park's Nicky Raimo (132) Kingsway's Quinn Kinner (138) and Delsea's Billy Janzer (182) are all No. 1 seeds.

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Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Sam Cali Invitational at West Orange, Saturday and Sunday

The tournament honors the memory of former Don Bosco and Rutgers wrestler Sam Cali. Cali and classmate Leo Vagias, who was a standout kicker and punter for Don Bosco's football team, were killed in a car wreck in 2016. Don Bosco, DePaul and Seton Hall Prep will be three of the top teams competing in the 32-team tournament.

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Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com

More wrestling on NJ.com

 Hot takes for early 2017-2018 wrestling

 Pound-for-pound rankings

 Weight class rankings

 Wrestling Top 20

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Pat Lanni may be reached at planni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatLanniHS. Like NJ.com High School Sports on Facebook.UPDATE: Man found keys in SUV before crashing into terminal

A man is in custody after stealing a police SUV and crashing it into the waiting room at the Hoboken Terminal this morning, NJ Transit officials say.

No one was injured in the incident, which occurred around 8 a.m., when the man got into an NJ Transit K9 vehicle and crashed it through the doors that lead from the ferry slip to the terminal's waiting room, causing "significant damage," NJ Transit spokeswoman Lisa Torbic said.

The man, whose identity has not yet been released, was arrested at the scene. Authorities are still investigating the incident and are trying to determine the man's motive, Torbic said.

NJ Transit train service in and out of Hoboken is not being affected by the crash, Torbic said, adding that the normal on-board ticket purchasing surcharge is being waived.

Meanwhile, the terminal's waiting room is closed while authorities continue their investigation. A train is currently serving as a temporary waiting room on track 8, the spokeswoman added.

NBC4 New York is reporting that the FBI's New Jersey office is aware of the incident and members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force are responding to the scene as a precaution.Aqua Survey, Inc., based in Flemington, and the Stockton Presbyterian Church have collaborated to donate funds to build a school in a remote area in the very impoverished village of Vieng Xai, Laos.

Currently the 263 elementary school students attend a tattered, bamboo-hut school without electric.

They have worked hard to provide the funds for all materials and four professionals to oversee the villagers' construction of the school. The villagers have been very involved with the school's construction.

The country is poor largely due to the 80 million, fully-fused, yet unexploded Vietnam-era bombs that remain in their topsoil. History books call it "The Secret War." Accidental detonations still occur weekly. Income in this village ranges per family from $30 to $50 per month.

Aqua Survey, a unexploded ordinance detection and survey company, works in Laos, and was aware of the critical shortage of adequate school buildings.

The school will be dedicated on Jan. 27.

"I was inspired to build the school in memory of Hunterdon County's Jason Fuhr and to honor the Viegn Xai village children," said Ken Hayes of Aqua Survey. "Jason was a great supporter of kids and education in South Hunterdon School District. 'The most important industry in any community is education,' Jason (said).

"I have traveled and worked in Lao PDR, Southeast Asia, twenty times. On Jan. 23, I will lead a group of Americans to participate in the dedication festival, including U.S. school teachers, Jason's widow (Irma, 84-years-old), three Aqua Survey UXO specialists and school supporters. ... Our Lao Team will return to JFK on Feb. 2."

Submitted by Ken HayesAuthorities are looking for a man who robbed a bank in South Brunswick on Monday morning.

The robber fled into the woods behind Wells Fargo in Kendall Park after demanding money, South Brunswick police said in a statement.

Described as 6-feet tall and in his late 20s, the man was wearing a black vinyl jacket and a black and blue hooded sweatshirt with a black scarf, cops said.

His face was partially concealed, surveillance photos show.

Police didn't disclose how much money he took from the bank, which is located at the intersection of Road 27 and New Road.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.A Tenafly man has pleaded guilty to violating a U.S. foreign corruption law in connection with his role in a scheme to bribe a Qatari official, according to the Department of Justice.

Joo Hyun "Dennis" Bahn, 39, worked as a real estate broker in Manhattan and is the nephew of the former former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Ban Ki-moon was set to run for president in South Korea but announced in February 2017 that he would not be running.

In 2014 and 2015 Bahn attempted to secure the sale of a building in Vietnam owned by Keangnam Enterprises Co Ltd, a Korean construction company where his father was an executive, according to the Department of Justice.

Bahn and his father, Ban Ki Sang, agreed to pay $500,000 to a foreign official from Qatar's sovereign wealth fund in order to persuade him and the fund to purchase a building in Vietnam, according to authorities.

The two defendants used Malcolm Harris, an arts and fashion consultant and blogger, as a middleman, asking him to pass the money on to the official in Qatar, authorities said. Harris said in related proceedings that he never transferred the money and stole it instead, the DOJ said.

Bahn's scheme to bribe a foreign official to close the real estate deal in Vietnam would have earned him a multimillion-dollar commission, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Berman said in a statement.

"As Bahn's conviction demonstrates, federal law enforcement stands ready to root out commercial bribery wherever it is found," he said.

Originally charged in 2016 along with his father and Harris, Bahn pleaded guilty Jan. 5 to one one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and one count of violating the FCPA.

The FCPA is used to prosecute individuals, companies and corporations with U.S. ties that bribe foreign officials to retain business overseas.

"Bribery and corruption undermine fair competition and the rule of law," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan in a statement, adding that the Department of Justice is "committed to prosecuting those like Bahn who seek to corruptly tilt the playing field to their advantage."

The FBI's International Corruption Squad in New York City investigated the case. The unit is part of the agency's Fraud Office, which formed the squads in 2015 with the goal of addressing national and international implications of foreign corruption.

Harris pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme in June and was sentenced to 42 months in prison. Bahn's sentencing is scheduled for June and his father is still awaiting trial.

Erin Banco may be reached at ebanco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ErinBanco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.By Peter Kasabach

If you give them tax credits, they will come. Or so goes the thinking behind New Jersey's $7 billion incentive package offered to Amazon this fall.

If Amazon agrees to locate its HQ2 in the Garden State, the deal would be the second largest economic development incentive package ever provided to a U.S. company.

Offered under the Grow New Jersey Assistance program, deals like the Amazon package traditionally use tax incentives to attract businesses to New Jersey's identified growth areas, including its depressed cities, to stimulate growth. However, a bill being considered in the waning days of this legislative session would, among other things, change the current program stipulations to allow Amazon to set up shop anywhere in the state, including a cornfield.

Even without the additional concessions offered to Amazon, the state's incentive program is expensive and lacking in return on investment. With renewed attention and interest in New Jersey's economic incentive programs and a new governor taking charge, it is time to rethink the goals of the incentive program and make some changes. Here are four ways to get started:

Offer the right-size economic incentives ...

New Jersey currently pays far more in business incentives than our peer states, yet we have lagged in new job creation. According to a recent report by McKinsey & Company, New Jersey pays more than five times as much as our neighbors for every dollar of investment it attracts and for every job created or retained. Between 2010 and 2016, states paid about $69,000 on average per job attracted through incentives like tax credits. New Jersey, meanwhile, pays as much as $162,000 per job.

...in the right areas.

The Amazon request for proposals made it clear that economic incentives were the icing on the cake, not the cake itself. Amazon's top priorities, as with most large and growing companies, is to locate to places where their Millennial workforce wants to be.

As we work to attract more young companies like Amazon, we should ensure our incentive programs provide the largest incentives for urban emerging markets. It is no secret that

New Jersey is losing its Millennials -- a trend that will have a growing negative effect on New Jersey's economy if it continues. A recent report by New Jersey Future found that Millennials prefer to find work in walkable communities where they can also live and play, rather than in the traditional suburban office park. Unfortunately, many of the places in New Jersey with these attributes have suffered from years of regional neglect and under-investment. State incentive programs can help companies that are seeking these locations serve as the catalysts for these urban areas to become self-sufficient drivers of our economy.

Add features that work for high-growth and start-up companies.

According to the McKinsey report, more than 80 percent of New Jersey's incentive deals are geared toward older, established companies, which traditionally invest less capital in operations and create fewer jobs than young, fast-growing companies. The current program can be modified to meet the needs of fast-growing companies, including reducing the time a company must stay in the same building and providing development incentives for creating start-up space, not just incentives to tenants for occupying the space long-term.

Complement incentives with place-based infrastructure and housing investments.

As the Amazon process has highlighted, New Jersey can compete better with national and global locations by providing not just financial incentives, but also the kind of places companies and their workers want to be. By adding a strong place-based component to our economic incentive program, the state and host communities can make comprehensive investments that will make those places more appealing for economic investment. For example, improvements to transit service, downtown public spaces, and retail areas can make a place safer and more attractive for investment.

New Jersey is an expensive place to live, which is another contributing factor to our Millennial flight. Companies benefiting from our incentive programs could work with the state to make housing more affordable for workers by providing benefits to employees such as help with down payments, education and counseling, and rental assistance. We should be using incentives to attract businesses that will form long-term partnerships with the state in making investments in infrastructure and the communities in which they locate.

Monitor and measure results.

We should be monitoring and measuring all of our economic development programs to ensure they provide the anticipated return on taxpayer investment. According to McKinsey, Virginia is a leader among states in getting the biggest bang for its economic-development buck because it monitors and measures its incentive programs carefully and holds its corporate incentive recipients accountable for their commitments.

In short, New Jersey simply cannot afford to continue investing as we are. By offering appropriately sized incentives for young, fast-growing companies who want to make long-term investments in our urban communities, New Jersey stands to improve its job-growth rate, keep its Millennials, and generate the kind of places that both employers and workers are seeking.

That would be a much greater return on our investment than we're currently seeing.

Peter Kasabach is the executive director of New Jersey Future is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that promotes policies for sustainable growth and development in New Jersey.

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.There are legitimate problems in our election system, and they all cheapen - or even jeopardize - our democracy.

The grim catalog includes documented foreign interference, dated technology, lousy turnouts, and rampant voter suppression - usually in the form of public officials disenfranchising Americans by tossing ballots, purging rolls, or creating barriers such as reduced voting hours.

Election fraud is not one of those problems.

In fact, voter fraud is virtually nonexistent in the United States, which is probably one reason why President Trump last week disbanded the burlesque act known as the Presidential Advisory Commission on Voter Integrity, which was a fraud in itself.

This commission was born of a toxic alliance, comprised of a petulant liar with a baseless claim that 3 to 5 million fraudulent votes were cast in 2016; and a conspicuously-pale political party's obsession with clipping the civil rights of minorities, students, and the poor - three groups that typically vote for the other party.

But the commission was a fiasco from the start because it was tasked with finding something that does not exist. Empirical fact: Every reputable study says voter fraud is a myth. The most recent found 34 credible allegations of fraud between 2000 and 2014 - out of more than 834 million votes cast - and most allegations are usually clerical errors.

It also defies common sense: Defrauding the system risks a felony conviction, an absurd price to pay for an extra vote that will have no impact on an election.

"But rather than address these real threats to elections integrity," said Dale Ho of the ACLU's Voting Rights Project, "the commission engaged in a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonizing the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate."

That was never the commission's chief aim, however.

It was chaired by Kris Kobach, an anti-immigrant zealot who was given unprecedented authority to prosecute voter fraud as Kansas Secretary of State, and who has convicted a total of 9 people (including 4 seniors who accidentally double-voted) in a state of 1.8 million voters. His goal was to have the commission fortify Republican efforts to make it more difficult for minorities to vote, as bogus claims of widespread fraud produced actual changes in policy in GOP-dominated states.

Since 2010, the Brennan Center for Justice reports, 23 states have enacted new restrictions, from photo ID requirements to reduced poll access. The Obama Administration repeatedly fought these states in court, but the Jeff Sessions Justice Department have dropped many of the cases.

Predictably, the commission ultimately died from hubris. In June, Kobach asked states for every voter's name, address, social security number, and party affiliation. More than 40 states told him to take a hike. That overreach led to an avalanche of lawsuits from states and civil rights activists - one suit was filed by a member of the commission - which drove Kobach and his tax-funded travesty out of business.

But Trump's party subsists on counterfactuals. As long as the GOP faces adverse demographic trends, its lawmakers will use the voter fraud myth to justify changing laws that deter minority voters who lean Democratic.

The president still insists there is "substantial evidence of widespread fraud," so the commission's findings, vapid as they are, will be turned over to Homeland Security for review.

Meanwhile, a case involving 7,500 citizens of color who were thrown off the rolls in GOP-dominated Ohio in 2016 goes before the Supreme Court this week. It's a shame Trump doesn't do irony: He was right that the integrity of our elections is under attack, but the chief enemy of our democracy is not a neighborhood of disenfranchised voters from Cleveland.

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.Gov. Chris Christie ordered state offices closed Monday ahead of freezing rain and sleet is expected to blanket New Jersey.

The governor shuttered offices for non-essential state workers at 3 p.m.

Despite Christie's order, both the state Senate and state Assembly are expected to continue their final voting sessions of the legislative calendar that ends Tuesday at noon, officials in each chamber told NJ Advance Media.

Though forecasters say the timing of the precipitation is uncertain, the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for most of the state until 9 p.m. The weather service is also concerned about light icing, with snow and sleet accumulations up to a half-inch possible.

Road conditions are available at the New Jersey Department of Transportation website at www.511NJ.org.

NJ Advance Media staff writers Jeff Goldman and Brent Johnson contributed to this report.The Eagles are preparing for a playoff run, with an NFC Divisional match-up against the Atlanta Falcons coming on Saturday.

The Sixers are in the thick of the NBA season.

They're still finding time to help each other out. Or, at least, to help out Sixers' rookie Ben Simmons.

The LSU product is in the midst of an All-Star campaign, and the NBA, the most social media savvy league in sports, has added Twitter into its fan-voting process for All-Star game starters this year. Traditional online voting methods are also still available.

The process is simple -- tweet the player's name and the #NBAVote, and it counts.

On the NBA's first official voting tally, Simmons was doing quite well. He ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference for back-court players with 210,085 votes. Sixers center Joel Embiid was in third in the front-court with 433,161 votes.

Embiid has a real shot at starting. Simmons has a tougher road.

Some Eagles players are trying to contribute to the cause anyway.

In recent days, Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount and receiver Alshon Jeffery both tweeted support for the Sixers' star. Blount also tweeted for Joel Embiid.

Simmons appreciates it, too.

"It means a lot," he said.

Lets do it, Philly! Put my bro @BenSimmons25 in the All-Star Game! #NBAVOTE  LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) January 5, 2018

Simmons likely won't end up starting in the All-Star game, which will take place in Los Angeles on Feb. 18, but he still could be named an All-Star reserve.

In any event, Simmons understands it will be an uphill battle.

"I think it would be a blessing. It would be amazing," Simmons said. "But it's tough. You have a lot of vets in front of you who haven't been there yet, but whatever happens, happens. I'm blessed to be in this position to even be recognized. That'd be great."

The Sixers next game is on Thursday in London at 3 p.m. ET against the Celtics.

Zack Rosenblatt may be reached at zsr1090@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @ZackBlatt. Find NJ.com on Facebook.Driving around the city these days, the turmoil that upended so many of New Orleans' public spaces last spring feels surprisingly distant, like a chapter in a book long finished. Whether at City Park, Jefferson Davis Boulevard or Lee Circle, the stone plinths that once housed monuments of Confederate icons now lift up only empty sky.

For residents who remember the protests and counterprotests, the cranes and the cheers, such stillness now feels strange--as though these silent stones are now unsure of their purpose.

Benjamin Morris

Contributing writer

Fortunately, with the arrival of "Prospect.4: The Lotus in Spite of the Swamp," local monument-watchers have a host of new material to consider, as artists from around the world have brought works to the city that engage the notion of monumentality in numerous ways. With insight, wisdom, and humor, these artists invite us to look anew at old questions: How does our past define us? What do we choose (or refuse) to honor? And what kinds of legacies do we desire to leave for future generations?

On the grounds of the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, is Hank Willis Thomas' "History of the Conquest," 2017, a large bronze sculpture of a young black boy wielding a bow and arrow while riding a giant snail. An outsized recreation of a tiny 17th-century German artwork, Thomas' piece here takes aim at prejudiced historical depictions of the people of North Africa, his critique using the same materials as typical monuments to military figures or colonial regimes. That he has grossly inflated the size of the original artwork adds an "Alice in Wonderland" sense of fantasy and mystery that forces passers-by to confront this strange and compelling sculpture.

Not far downriver, Jennifer Odem's "Rising Tables," 2017, emerge like plinths in Crescent Park on the batture of the Mississippi River. Abstract, imposing and ornate, the terraced layers of these repurposed stacked tables invoke the architecture of pagodas and shrines, iconic sites of reverence across religious traditions. Though their form recalls the shape of monuments, Odem has suggested that these tables are intended to symbolize survival: the adaptiveness of local residents to changing water conditions, as well as our resilience in seeking high ground during storms and floods.

But regarding them on a clear winter's day, next to the unstoppable current, a deeper impression sets in. As the Mississippi River flows past unperturbed by our presence, it's hard not to feel the expansiveness of time, as well as one's own miniscule place within it. The brevity of our lives contrasts the ancient movement of this body of water. In this sense, these tables remind us to slow down, to honor what is important rather than merely urgent, in an age defined by distraction, consumption, and immediate gratification.

Most directly engaging the tensions of race and history that have roiled our city, however, are the photographs of Angolan artist Kiluanji Kia Henda, on display at the Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., New Orleans. In his works, Kia Henda reimagines monuments in Angola, placing his friends and other artists, typically depicted in striking garb or poses, atop the foundations erected by Portuguese rulers. The result is a series of images that at once laugh at the former colonial powers and project a new, more equitable, vision of history and citizenship for modern-day Angola.

In the three-part "Redefining the Power III" (Series 75 with Miguel Prince), 2011, an archival image of the statue of former colonial governor Pedro Alexandrino is contrasted with a contemporary view of the pedestal, emptied of its subject and shown in disrepair as vegetation cracks the casements. In a third photograph, artist Miguel Prince occupies the spot where Alexandrino once stood, boldly facing the camera, wearing bright, colorful clothing, and proving an unmistakable symbol of vitality next to the worn effigy of the long-departed officer.

Of course, celebrating our tricentennial, we here in New Orleans know that the book of our own history is far from finished--nor is the story of the monuments that commemorate it. Following the removal of P.G.T. Beauregard, Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee from public prominence, no shortage of ideas has arisen over what should take their place--including, pleasingly, the notion of a new Allen Toussaint Circle down in the CBD, or a Norman Francis Boulevard as a direct corridor to Xavier University.

Amid this new debate, it would be well-worth our time to consider the questions and insights these artists have offered, in the hopes that a truly pluralist solution can be found.

***

In November, Prospect New Orleans opened its fourth citywide art exhibition, which takes place every three years. On view through Feb. 25, "Prospect.4: The Lotus in Spite of the Swamp" brings together 73 acclaimed artists from New Orleans and around the world in 17 venues, including museums, galleries and public sites, across the city.

Viewing many of the artworks is free, though museum admission may apply. For maps and more information, visit the Prospect New Orleans website.

This article was produced as part of a collaboration between Pelican Bomb and NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. More information about Pelican Bomb can be found at pelicanbomb.com.Passengers aboard the Norwegian Breakaway -- the cruise ship that will relocate to New Orleans later this year -- got a "nightmare" ending to their vacation after the ship was caught in the powerful winter storm that battered the U.S. East Coast last week. The Breakaway, which saw some flooding during the storm, is expected to begin sailing from New Orleans in November.

CBS New York reports the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was on its way back from the Bahamas to its current homeport in New York when it got caught in the storm in the Atlantic Ocean. Videos taken by passengers and shared on social media show the ship listing as waves churned outside, heavy rain and wind whipped at the windows, and water flooded into carpeted hallways and staircases.

Travelers described seasickness, glasses falling from shelves and water leaking from the ceiling and into staterooms as the ship passed through the storm for two days.

"There were people crying, everyone was throwing up. It was a nightmare," passenger Olivia Ross told CBS New York.

Now safely back on land, the report says many passengers are demanding refunds. In a statement, Norwegian said the ship "encountered stronger than forecasted weather conditions" and apologized to customers.

Norwegian announced in October 2017 it would relocate the Breakaway to New Orleans to sail week-long as well as 10- and 11-day cruises to the Caribbean starting this fall. The ship will be the largest to call New Orleans its homeport and will nearly double Norwegian's capacity in the city.

Despite reports of flooding, the ship was quickly back in service: The Breakaway left New York on Saturday (Jan. 6) for a 14-day cruise after a one-day delay.A man was killed early Monday morning (Jan. 8) in an Algiers shooting, New Orleans police said. His name has not been released.

According to NOPD, someone reported gunfire at 12:20 a.m. Monday near the 6300 block of Woodland Highway (map). Authorities later found the man on the driveway of an apartment complex. He had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene, NOPD said.

Authorities did not release any additional information, including the man's age, a possible suspect or a description of a potential suspect. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Homicide Detective Tanisha Sykes at 504-658-5300 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

--

Carlie Kollath Wells is a morning reporter at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Have an early-bird tip? Send it to her: cwells@nola.com or Twitter @carlie_kollath.Research into what astronomers have called "the most mysterious star in the universe" has signaled "a new era of astronomy" for humanity, according to Louisiana State University.

KIC 8462852, or "Tabby's Star," is more than 1,000 light years away and is about 50 percent bigger and 1,000 degrees hotter than the Sun, according to a university news release. Researchers stated the celestial body stands out among its interstellar peers because it exhibits variations in brightness, "inexplicably dimming and brightening sporadically like no other."

This phenomenon was first discovered by citizen scientists known as the Planet Hunters in 2015. LSU stated the star, nicknamed after LSU astronomy professor Tabetha Boyajian, has cultivated several theories among scientists to explain its light patterns, including the notion that it's an "alien megastructure orbiting the star."

However, Boyajian is convinced the strange behavior from Tabby's star is originating from comet dust, not aliens. Her conclusion is mentioned within a new body of data collected by her and her team of more than 100 researchers in partnership with the Las Cumbres Observatory in a new paper in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

"Dust is most likely the reason why the star's light appears to dim and brighten," Boyajian said in a released statement.

"The new data shows that different colors of light are being blocked at different intensities. Therefore, whatever is passing between us and the star is not opaque, as would be expected from a planet or alien megastructure," she added.

Scientists at the Las Cumbres Observatory observed the star's presence from March 2016 to last December, LSU stated. During the period, four episodes when the star's light dipped were observed beginning last May. Scientists wrote the light patterns are "almost certainly caused by something ordinary, at least on a cosmic scale." However, researchers stressed "that makes them more interesting, not less."

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Scientists have yet to reach a consensus on which theory most accurately explains the star's light patterns. Regardless, scientists like Tyler Ellis, an LSU doctoral candidate studying this star, are excited because research on the star has generated a massive amount of astronomy data.

"We're gathering so much data on a single target. This project is reflective of changes in astronomy with the access to this flood of data," said Ellis in a released statement.

The data from Tabby's star was collected after more than 1,700 people donated more than $100,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to fund the research. The funds supported a network of telescopes worldwide used to observe and gather data on the star. Boyajian, who created the campaign online, stressed she is "so appreciative" of everyone who contributed to the campaign.

"If it wasn't for people with an unbiased look on our universe, this unusual star would have been overlooked," Boyajian said.

. . . . . . .

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.If Domonique Crosby has her way, she will graduate from high school this spring at age 20. To her, earning her diploma, even two years late, feels like something of a miracle.

Held back in the fourth grade, Crosby was 16 years old when she entered George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans. As a freshman, she constantly got into fights and spent long hours in a disciplinary classroom. As a sophomore, she worked six hours a night at a burger joint in a shopping mall. She became chronically absent and lethargic when she was in class

"I got home at 9 o'clock and I'd do homework. It was hard to get up in the morning and go to school," she said. "I wanted to give up. I thought I should get a job. I felt like I was already behind and I was too old to still be in high school."

Administrators at Carver say students who enter high school overage feel like they're wearing a scarlet letter, regardless of why they were retained. "There's so much shame attached to it. Students constantly tell me, 'I want to be at my right grade,'" said Jerel Bryant, Carver's principal. "It's a huge thing."

Those doubts and shame are one of the many reasons overage students are at significant risk of dropping out of school. But in New Orleans, overage students are incredibly common. Nearly 1 in 5 of Crosby's classmates at Carver are also at least two years overage for their grade. All across the city, the number of students who are significantly older than their classmates is at crisis levels.

The proportion of overage students  those who have been retained for at least one grade  hovers around 40 percent for New Orleans high school students, according to an analysis of 2014 data by researchers at Education Research Alliance for New Orleans, which is based at Tulane University. Forty-six percent of twelfth-graders were at least one year older than their peers.

Interviews with students and experts and data gathered for this story suggest that the instability after Hurricane Katrina contributed to the problem, but the crisis is also partly man-made. For years, Louisiana has been a national leader in the movement to end "social promotion," or the practice of moving children up through the grades, regardless of their academic achievement. The state enforced strict policies to retain children who failed high stakes tests, ballooning the ranks of those who were held back.

Related: A new movement to treat troubled children as 'sad, not bad'

Now, after realizing that academic stragglers who were retained frequently didn't receive the support they needed, the state is changing course. One study by the Louisiana board of education showed 40 percent of retained eighth graders did not even make it to a high-school campus after being held back.

"We think there is a better route," said John White, Louisiana's superintendent of education, who emphasized that state standards were still firmly in place. "We are not getting away from state requirements. We're getting away from requiring retention."

Louisiana had long erred on the side of social promotion, often passing underachievers through school despite low reading and math levels. In the mid-2000s, Louisiana implemented high-stakes tests known as Louisiana Educational Assessment Program, or LEAP, which required fourth and eighth graders to show that they were grade-level proficient.

Students who fell short were assigned mandatory summer-school classes, after which they took the test again. If that second attempt wasn't successful, students couldn't move on to fifth or ninth grade. The practice of retention in Louisiana also extended beyond the high-stakes grades. In 2015-16, more than one-third of all retained students were from grades K-3. In that same year, 10 percent of all ninth graders were held back. In a presentation a few years ago, a top education-department administrator, Chief of Literacy Kerry Laster, wrote "We retain students despite overwhelming research and practical evidence that retention fails to lead to improved student outcomes." Laster's presentation, based on 2010 data, reported that 28 percent of Louisiana students did not make it to fourth grade on time.

For the overage high schoolers interviewed for this story, formal retention  in which a failing student is required to repeat a grade because of underachievement in class or on the LEAP  was almost always a part of the picture. That seems to match overall results from the National Survey of Children's Health, which includes a question for each household asking how many students ages 6 through 17 have ever been retained. A 2011-12 survey found an average of 9 percent of students nationwide had repeated at least one grade; in Louisiana, the average was 23 percent

Retentions in Louisiana peaked a few years after Katrina and have fallen steadily since; nearly 9 percent of the state's students were held back in 2007, only 5 percent were retained in 2011. By the 2015-16 school year, the latest data available online, Louisiana retained 4 percent of its students, still roughly twice the 2.2 percent national average.

Related: The lost children of Katrina

Overage students give varying reasons for their retention. Some lost interest in school and became chronically absent; others were pushed out or held back for behavioral reasons. Nearly all are lagging academically: The average reading level of students entering Carver High School is fifth or sixth grade.

For Crosby, as with most overage kids, a combination of factors contributed to her being held back. When she was only 7 years old, she lost her dad to gun violence. Hurricane Katrina came later that same year, and her family was forced to find a new home. They traveled first to Atlanta, but eventually ended up in Houston. Crosby guesses she missed at least two more months of classes before enrolling in a local school in Houston, where she remembers feeling different and confused. "I really didn't know what they were talking about," she said. "It felt like I was drained, like I was dragged away from the place where I normally would be. It felt like a place I wasn't welcome."

She returned to New Orleans for fourth grade, just in time to take the LEAP test. She failed, and was formally retained.

Without a doubt, Katrina was a key factor for nearly all of this year's overage seniors, who were not solely "held back" in the traditional sense. Most students lost months or even years of school time after Katrina hit in 2005. The disaster also spurred prolonged displacement, culture shock and grief. For many, students said they were left reeling and felt as though they were in a fog. For children who came from New Orleans neighborhoods with high levels of poverty and violence, the storm and its aftermath added yet another layer of trauma.

Even as early as 2006 and 2007, it was apparent to sociologists Lori Peek and Alice Fothergill, authors of the book "Children of Katrina," that students were falling way behind as a result of the storm and its aftermath. "When New Orleans schools really started opening, we would see kids who were a foot taller than their classmates," Peek recalled recently. "Teachers told us, 'Oh, of course, that's a Katrina effect. These are children who missed one, two, even three years of class time.''

Peek said she has often wondered about the children who were out of school and away from New Orleans for so long after Katrina. "For children who struggled mightily after Katrina, displacement  often multiple displacements  was always at the root," she said, recalling the children she worked with, whose minds seemed clouded, leaving them with no memory of where they had been living even three months before.

Related: Charter schools aren't measuring up to their promises

But the proportion of overage students in Louisiana schools outside New Orleans is still startlingly high, averaging around one-third of students in 2014. That suggests that the state's frequent use of retention may have played a bigger role in producing the high number of overage students than Hurricane Katrina. And though school performance has improved significantly since Louisiana implemented LEAP more than a decade ago, the state still has "a lot of struggling students," said White.

He said he's determined to offer more support to those children.

Three years ago, the state piloted a program called "transitional ninth grade" that moved students who had failed 8th grade to high-school campuses where they could take a mix of courses, some at-grade-level and some remedial. The pilot came in the wake of the internal education-department analysis showing the high percentage of retained eighth graders who never went to high school, said Ken Bradford, an assistant superintendent in the department who specializes in high-school academics.

Two years ago, the state also temporarily waived mandatory-retention requirements for fourth grade as it prepared to institute a more challenging curriculum. Then in 2015, the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act, allowed states to measure success with more just than test scores. Early this past December, the state released guidance to explain how to institute alternatives to retention in fourth grade, to comply with a resolution passed by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in October.

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Students who failed LEAP suddenly have more options than pass or fail.

Related: City that loved and lost high school football finally gets it back

Under the new scenario, retention in fourth grade "should be a rare choice," said White, noting that now, for each failing student, schools will institute interventions that must be documented in the state's student-information system until the student achieves basic proficiency on the LEAP test.

Certainly, Louisiana schools still have limited resources and tools to help struggling students, White said. "But they have much better tools than they did in 2005 when the retention policy was put into place," he said. "And that means that the retention policy should change with the times."

Domonique Crosby is a now a senior, straight-A student who seems to know exactly what she wants from her future. She'll attend college, maybe at UCLA or maybe somewhere closer to home. Then she'll go on to med school to become an obstetrician-gynecologist who will work in under-served communities.

Bryant, Carver's principal, nodded when he heard her plans. Crosby can do "anything she puts her mind to," he said.

The numbers of overage students are higher in schools like Carver that serve students from the city's most challenged communities. And though Carver is one of the stars among those schools  several education advocates pointed to it when asked which high schools were doing exceptionally well with overage students  graduation rates have generally risen in high schools across New Orleans.

Related: An urban charter school achieves a fivefold increase in the percentage of its black and Latino graduates who major in STEM

At Carver last year, 19 percent of the graduating class was overage  two or more years behind. Bryant expects a similar proportion this year. The statistic is uncommon: Most high schools report only a small percentage of overage students in the graduating class, because the majority drop out before graduation. "I honestly have never heard of anything like that," said Peek, the sociologist, who was also impressed with a section of the Education Research Alliance analysis showing that overage students in New Orleans are less likely to drop out than overage students elsewhere in Louisiana.

White sees that as the result of the work that the schools are doing. "What's happening in New Orleans is you have schools that won't give up on their kids," he said. "When kids get into high schools, their schools are hanging onto them."

For teachers and administrators at Carver, the first task is to minimize the perception that age matters. "You don't have 19 or 20 bouncing around on the top of your head," Bryant tells students. "No one is seeing that. They don't know your age."

On the senior hallway, Crosby is best known as a whip-smart student who is inseparable from her closest friend, Terr'Nique Delair. "She's my other half. She brings joy to my life," Crosby said.

Only Crosby and Delair know that there's an age gap between them, Crosby said. "She's not overage  she's graduating on time. But she's my best friend."

At Carver, one of Crosby's biggest adult cheerleaders has been Brian Gilmore, the big-voiced discipline dean who often stands at the end of the senior hallway with a walkie-talkie between classes. "He always reminds me, 'You've come a long way," she said. "Why give up now?'"

That's by design, said Bryant, who pairs each student with an advisor, who is instructed to get to know that child "extremely well." Bryant sees those relationships as especially vital for overage students, who "are constantly weighing other options." (Though boys generally tend to lag in academics, national statistics suggest that the proportion of girls and boys who are overage is similar.)

Anytime a student is absent, someone on Carver's staff personally calls the child's parent or caregiver. One of the city's largest school social-work staffs  three full-time social workers assisted by social-work interns from Tulane  help students with everything from toothaches to juvenile-court appearances. In December, the school hired a new staffer, charged with tracking down chronically absent students (those with more than 10 absences), in an effort to get them engaged and back on the rolls before they formally drop out.

Related: Is school choice helping or hurting Catholic schools in New Orleans?

Carver is also one of a small handful of schools that works with the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies to create a trauma-sensitive environment in which students and teachers learn to cultivate supportive relationships. So whenever Crosby was disciplined for fighting, she was sent to a classroom run by a teacher named Liza Figueroa, who became a cheerleader of sorts. "Ms. Figueroa would tell me, 'You shouldn't be here, you should be in your class, doing your work,'" Crosby said. "After she repeated it enough times, I believed it."

Though Carver's official school rating is still a D, its trajectory looks positive. There's a certain joy emanating from the school's hallways, which are ornamented with green and orange, the school's colors. In early December, a student brass band roamed the hallways to spread holiday cheer. As Crosby stood in the senior hallway talking, other students passing by stopped to give her a quick hug.

Here, amid the green and orange, she can be herself, Crosby said. "If I was at another school, I think that my age would come up. I think people would make jokes about it," Crosby said.

Instead, she's surrounded by friends, including elementary-school classmate Rory Williams, who also will be 20 when he graduates. Williams was tempted to quit school and go to work to support his ailing mother, he said. But first he consulted with Carver teachers and a favorite uncle, who reminded him that many of his friends work at fast-food places, where few jobs pay enough to support a household. "So I am going to get my diploma and be the first in my family to go to college," he said.

Crosby nodded. She, too, has family in mind when she thinks about college. Her mother, who does home healthcare, had to drop out of nursing school when she got pregnant with Crosby's older sister. Her mother's hopes of returning to school were dashed a few years later, when she became pregnant again, with Crosby.

"Her dream stopped when she had us," Crosby said. "That made me interested in becoming an ob-gyn and keeping that dream alive."

- - -

Story by Katy Reckdahl

This story was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for our newsletter.State officials will hold a public hearing in Belle Chasse Monday evening (Jan. 8) on the proposed $561.8 million budget for coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects for fiscal year 2019. The biggest share of the 2019 budget will go to restoration projects funded by financial settlements associated with the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Monday's hearing by the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority staff will be at the Belle Chasse Auditorium, 8398 Hwy. 23. An open house begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6:30 p.m. meeting on the plan.

Follow this meeting live on Facebook.

The plan calls for spending less than what the state has budgeted for fiscal year 2018, which ends June 30, in part because of the timing of the receipt of money from the BP oil spill, and in part because the state expects less federal offshore oil revenue than previously forecast.

The proposed plan calls for 23 projects to be under construction during the upcoming fiscal year, which starts July 1. The plan includes projects funded with state money and those that are largely paid for with federal dollars, such as the New Orleans to Venice hurricane levees being built in Plaquemines Parish by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

It also includes $34.9 million in oil spill money to continue the planning process for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, which is to be built near Myrtle Grove on the West Bank in Plaquemines Parish, and $20.6 million in oil spill money for planning for the Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion on the Mississippi's east bank in Plaquemines Parish.

Another $2 million would begin restoration of Queen Bess Island in Plaquemines Parish, using money from BP that is part of the federally-required Natural Resource Damage Assessment provisions of the Oil Pollution Act. The project would replace a rookery habitat for shore and wading birds, and is scheduled to receive another $18.5 million in NRDA money in fiscal year 2020.

A hearing in Houma will be held Tuesday, starting with an open house at 5:30 p.m., at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center in Houma. Another hearing is scheduled for Jan. 10 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Public comments will be accepted through Feb. 12, and a final version of the plan will be considered by the authority at its Feb. 21 meeting.

A copy of the full annual plan is available online at the CPRA web site.

The authority-approved version of the plan will be presented to the Legislature for an up-down vote on March 14.A Powerball ticket sold at a Metairie store was a big winner in Saturday's drawing, according to the Louisiana Lottery Corp. It's worth $150,000.

The ticket was sold at Paul's Stop-n-Shop at 1030 Veterans Memorial Boulevard. It matched four of the five white ball numbers, the Powerball and had a Power Play included.

Saturday's winning numbers were:

12-29-30-33-61, Powerball: 26, PowerPlay: 3x

A single Powerball ticket sold in New Hampshire won Saturday's jackpot worth $559 million. There was no immediate word who holds the ticket or where it was sold. If the winner chooses the lump sum cash option, the payout was estimated to be about $352 million before taxes. (Good news for the winner: There is no state tax on lottery winnings in New Hampshire.)

There were also winning tickets worth $1 million each sold in Connecticut, New Jersey, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.

Because there was a jackpot winner, the grand prize resets at $40 million for the next drawing.

The last time there was a Powerball jackpot winner was Oct. 26 with a single ticket worth $191.1 million. It was sold in Eunice, La.

Powerball is held in 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

--

The Advance National Desk contributed to this story.Regine Chassagne and Win Butler are the founders of the alt-rock band Arcade Fire. The rock stars are also proud Uptown residents and New Orleans cultural enthusiasts. On Feb. 6, the couple will lead a brand-new Mardi Gras foot parade through the French Quarter starting at 2 p.m..

The marching group, called the Krewe of Kanaval, will have a Haitian theme, related to Chassagne's Haitian heritage (Kanaval is the Haitian spelling of Carnival). Chassagne and Butler teamed with Preservation Hall music club owners Ben and Jeanette Jaffe to form the new group. The parade will ramble from Pres Hall on St. Peter Street to Armstrong Park. The cost to join the 150-member krewe is $1,000 to $5,000, with proceeds benefiting KANPE, a Haitian charity and the Preservation Hall Foundation.

In a press release, Chassagne explained the motivation to form the group like so:

"I fell in love with New Orleans the same way everybody does ... Growing up in a Haitian family in French-speaking Montreal, the Creole culture within New Orleans (La Nouvelle-Orleans) was not lost on me. Preservation Hall has been a family to us and so we invited them to join us in Haiti to see KANPE's work there. There is such a deep historical, cultural and spiritual link between New Orleans and Haiti ... we decided to unite and start a krewe that would benefit underserved people in both places."

It won't be the couple's first foray into New Orleans parading. In January 2016, they led an astoundingly well-attended and resonant memorial parade dedicated to the recently deceased pop superstar David Bowie.

Last year, Chassagne and Butler produced a music video shot during the aftermath of the Muses parade on Napoleon Avenue. The video demonstrated an insider's understanding that the massive trash pickup after a parade is all part of the Carnival spectacle.

Naturally in the Crescent City, any change equals pain. So Chassagne and Butler can expect a certain amount of disdain for their new marching group. But objectively it's difficult to see a downside (except traffic, maybe) to an afternoon foot parade led by exceptionally cool musicians, a week ahead of Fat Tuesday. When it comes to niche Mardi Gras marching groups, in my book, more is better.

Doug MacCash has the best job in the world, covering art, music and culture in New Orleans. Contact him via email at dmaccash@nola.com. Follow him on Twitter at Doug MacCash and on Facebook at Douglas James MacCash. As always, please add your point of view to the comment stream.Oprah Winfrey, by all accounts, gave an inspiring speech while accepting the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes Awards on Sunday night (Jan. 7). In an event freighted with the undertones of the recent Hollywood sexual abuse scandals, the #MeToo movement and issues of pay inequality and other injustices, Winfrey said she wanted her remarks "to be a meaningful moment."

"I've interviewed and portrayed people who've withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning, even during our darkest nights" Winfrey said. "So I want all the girls watching here now to know that a new day is on the horizon!

"And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight. And some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say "Me too" again. Thank you."

Inspiring.

In just minutes, "Oprah 2020" was trending on social media as people at the event and the millions watching on TV decided they had spotted a candidate they could get behind in the 2020 race for the White House.

In a brief interview backstage at the event, Winfrey tamped down expectations of a move into politics. Asked if she had any plans to run, she responded: "I don't -- I don't."

Others around the 63-year-old self-made billionaire were less definite. "It's up to the people," Winfrey's longtime partner, Stedman Graham, told The Los Angeles Times. "She would absolutely do it."

Please don't.

No offense to Winfrey, who has a great personal story, has clearly established herself as an entrepreneur, businesswoman and outstanding communicator, but if there is one thing we should have learned in the past year is to be wary of celebrity politicians. Social media has not yet proved that it's good at chosing the leader of the free world.

Golden Globes media was also buzzing about a Winfrey ticket that might include "Fast and the Furious" star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and all-time movie good guy Tom Hanks.

Without disparaging the character or good intentions of Johnson or Hanks, I would repeat: No thanks.

Being president, as the current occupant of the Oval Office is no doubt learning, is an incredibly difficult job. Making public appearances and delivering inspirational remarks is just a small part of the skills required. Giving away cars and houses make you popular, but don't necessarily make you a good president.

That is why, until recently, the American electorate put an enormous amount of weight on political experience that included running government machinery, understanding and setting public policy and respecting the art of political compromise.

Being successful in business is not always a predictor of success in a democratic process that demands leadership but also consensus building.

Ronald Reagan, our only president to come from a show business background, had also served two terms as governor of California, headed up a union and also benefited from the experience of two losing presidential campaigns before getting elected to the highest office in the land.

Politico political writer Gabriel Debenedetti noted in a quick Twitter analysis that Winfrey for president, "makes some sense, all things considered" -- name recognition, access to deep-pocketed donors, her own financial resources and the advantages listed above -- but wonders whether she is ready to make that leap. She would be starting out more popular than a lot of other possible candidates.

But again, with no offense to Winfrey, The Rock or any other actor, actress, talk show host or reality TV star thinking of running for office, it's better to set one's sights a little lower and gain some experience in politics and governing before trying to take the top spot.

It will be better for you and for America.

Tim Morris is an opinions columnist at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. He can be reached at tmorris@nola.com. Follow him on Twitter @tmorris504.Prairieville lawyer Aaron Lawler became the third member of the Ascension Parish Council to have a recall petition filed against him in the past two weeks, as some residents revolt over the pace of new developments and their impact on floods and traffic.Oprah Winfrey for president? It's the sort of thing that people have half-joked about over the years, even though the former talk-show host and currently revered media mogul has said she has no intention of running for public office.

But after Seth Meyers joked about it during Sunday night's Golden Globes, followed by a rousing speech from Winfrey in accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement, the idea seems to have taken off in Hollywood and on social media.

"If we're going to have a billionaire, she may as well be actually a billionaire and actually self made. #Oprah2020," wrote commentator and Blacklist founder Franklin Leonard on Twitter, using a suddenly popular hashtag.

"I will now officially divide time like this: Everything that happened before (that) Oprah speech: Everything that will happen after," actress Reese Witherspoon wrote.

"Oprah/Michelle 2020," Tweeted comedian Sarah Silverman.

If you listen to Winfrey's longtime companion, Stedman Graham, she might no longer be entirely opposed to the idea.

"It's up to the people," Graham told The Los Angeles Times on Sunday when asked if Winfrey would consider a White House run. "She would absolutely do it."

Added longtime Winfrey pal and confidante Gail King: "I thought that speech was incredible. I got goosebumps."

King wasn't alone -- although, to be fair, not everybody was exactly thrilled with the idea of sending Winfrey to Washington. While some swooned over her Globes speech, others engaged in collective online eye-rolling, pointing out the folly of replacing one billionaire TV star as president (Donald Trump) with another.

Still, they naysayers seemed to be in a minority after Sunday's speech -- besides, it's probably never a good idea to underestimate Winfrey.

A sampling of other pro-Winfrey posts on Twitter from Sunday night:by Stephanie Russell

The Rohingya people, a Muslim ethnic minority living in Myanmars western Rakhine state, have been described as one of the worlds most persecuted minorities. Myanmar, which is 90 percent Buddhist, has denied the Rohingya citizenship and the right to free movement and higher education.

Last August the Myanmar military and police began a crackdown against the Rohingya in retaliation for alleged insurgent attacks on Myanmar border posts. Since then the Myanmar security forces have committed wide-scale human rights violations, including executions; mass killings of men, women and children; gang rapes; torture; and the burning of more than 288 Rohingya villages. The violence and brutality caused more than 600,000 Rohingyas  more than half of the 1 million Rohingya who lived in Myanmar  to flee across the border to Bangladesh by the end of October.

Myanmar has not granted U.N. human rights monitors access into the worst affected areas, because they want to avoid the scrutiny, explains Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications alumna Ravina Shamdasani 00, a spokesperson for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. Of course, we cant let them avoid the scrutiny, so we do remote monitoring from across the border.

In mid-September the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Raad al-Hussein, sent a team to Bangladesh near the Myanmar border to interview refugees who fled Myanmar. In a report issued in early October the U.N. human rights office concluded that the brutal, well-organized attacks have been carried out against the Rohingya community with the intention of not just driving them away but also preventing their return. The high commissioner described the Myanmar government operations against the Rohingya in northern Rakhine state as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Theres virtually no part of the world where human rights is not a concern for the U.N. office for human rights. In addition to Myanmar, the office is zeroing in on other countries with grave violations, including Syria, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Philippines and Venezuela.

Shamdasanis role at the U.N. human rights office is to shine the spotlight on the governments committing the worst abuses and expose them to international scrutiny. I am passionate about ensuring that the U.N. human rights office has a robust public voice so that were able to amplify the voices of the victims, speak truth to power and alert the international community about the commission of serious human rights violations, so they can address or prevent them from occurring, she explains.



Ravina Shamdasani was 11 years old and living with her family in Hong Kong when right outside her school she saw massive student protests in 1989, just before the June 4 Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing. Then in 1997 she witnessed the handover of the former British colony to China. So I grew up at a time in Hong Kong when human rights and politics were very much at the top of our minds, because we were going to be handed over from the U.K. to China and would have to face all the uncertainties that come with that.

It was during the handover that Shamdasani decided to go into journalism. She thought, Im good at writing, I have an interesting perspective on things, given my background, and Im interested in social issues. And, most importantly, this is a time when you need watchdogs to make sure that when this delicate transition is happening, the rights of people are protected.

Shamdasani opted to go to the States for college because no country values freedom of expression as much as the United States, she says. Just as she was beginning to look at schools, she met Medill professor Abe Peck when he was in Hong Kong on business, and their conversation convinced her that Medill was the school for her.

After graduation, Shamdasani worked briefly in public relations in Chicago but soon went back to journalism when she a got a job in her hometown with the South China Morning Post. She naturally gravitated toward covering human rights issues and ended up creating a human rights beat at the newspaper, particularly relating to refugees, discrimination and national security laws. It was during this time that she first began to interact with the United Nations.

I decided eventually that I didnt just want to write about human rights, she recalls. I wanted to go work in the field of human rights. Shamdasani earned a master of laws in human rights at the University of Hong Kong, shortly after marrying McCormick School of Engineering alumnus Amit Wadhwa 00 (they met as students the summer before their junior year  at the Northwestern Arch on the day that Ravina was learning to ride a bike). When her husbands employer transferred him to New Zealand, Shamdasani left the South China Morning Post and took a job with a nongovernmental organization in Auckland that worked with ethnic minority immigrants and refugees.

I want to make young people aware how important their role is as young Americans, as students, as young global citizens, to really reshape the direction of the world.  Ravina Shamdasani

While Shamdasani found it rewarding to help people on a day-to-day basis, she was frustrated with the limited impact of working at the grassroots level. There was an institutional shortfall that was causing many of the problems the immigrants and refugees were facing, she says. So I decided that I wanted to work at a higher level to be able to affect policy, to be able to affect systemic change.

After her husband was accepted into an executive MBA program at INSEAD outside Paris, Shamdasani decided on one of her visits to France to travel to Geneva to network at the United Nations. Her journalism background and masters in human rights were the right fit for the U.N. human rights office. In 2008 they offered a three-month stint, which then turned into a full-time job that shes held for nine years.

When Shamdasani returned to Northwestern last April to speak at a student conference, she sat down with Northwestern magazine editor Stephanie Russell to talk about her work at the United Nations.

SR: What brought you back to campus for the first time since you graduated in 2000?

RS: Northwestern students decided to host a Model United Nations for about 600 high school students from around the U.S., mostly from the Midwest. It was late January when they invited me to speak, when a lot of us in the world were a bit uncertain about the direction where things were headed and what was happening with populist movements everywhere and recent elections. I immediately thought, Yes, absolutely, I want to go back to the U.S., and I want to speak to the students there. And I want to make young people aware how important their role is as young Americans, as students, as young global citizens, to really reshape the direction of the world.

And I thought back to when I was a student and recalled that you really arent aware of the power that you have as a young person to change the world. Its kind of an abstract concept.

Lately the U.S. has been questioning its role globally at a very fundamental level. And this is very worrying for those of us who are not Americans and who live in the rest of the world. The United States has been a champion internationally. And the United Nations relies a lot on the U.S. for its support, both financially but also in terms of its moral and political support in pushing the human rights agenda. And should the U.S. withdraw from this completely, that would be a catastrophe.

The rhetoric around that was just very worrying for us, so I welcomed this opportunity to come back and to speak about the importance of the U.N., the work that we do with the support of the U.S. and why its so important that we keep doing this work.

Tell me about your job.

My job is to be the mouthpiece of the office and to speak out on human rights issues around the world. The great thing about the U.N. human rights office is that were based in Geneva. The U.N.s political headquarters are in New York  thats where the secretary-general and the Security Council are  but the humanitarian headquarters are in Geneva. That distance gives us a lot more freedom. We are able to speak out on human rights issues, and were less bound by political considerations, in a sense, which is what makes the job quite satisfying.

Where is the U.N. human rights office active today, and what is its role?

The U.N. human rights office has a global mandate. So we have a presence in about 60 countries where we cooperate very closely with the governments. Its not all naming and shaming. We work a lot with governments to build institutions, to do trainings, for example, with police officers, to train them on what their duties are under international human rights law and under their own laws as well. For example, you do not torture to interrogate  there are other methods to use. So we advise on law reform in post-conflict societies. We also advise on constitutions.

For example, in Tunisia  which was really the only success story of the Arab Spring  soon after the former president was deposed, we were invited to set up an office there. So weve been there since 2011 working hand in hand with the government in crafting the constitution, making sure that NGOs, civil society, people from all walks of life are involved in the process and that they have ownership of that process. So the institution building, law reform, training  all of that, were very much active on in these 60 countries. Apart from that, there are the places where we just engage with NGOs and governments, and we try to persuade. Where persuasion and constructive advice and offers of assistance dont work, then we go public.

What do you find most worthwhile about your work?

For example, last April we issued a very strong press release on Burundi. The president is not respecting the term limits of his presidency, and the youth wing of his party is stoking up ethnic hatred. These youth groups are chanting songs, urging or threatening their opponents with rape, saying, We will rape these women and impregnate them to create more of our own. Its reminiscent of the genocide in Rwanda and in Burundis history as well.

So its very shocking and alarming stuff. But theres been nothing in the world media about this at all because, you know, its this little African country that most people dont even know about or where its located. So its our job to put this country on the map and to raise the alarm bells.

After we issued the press release we did a press briefing and did a lot of interviews on this issue. And its been in the headlines  if you look it up, youll see there are a lot of stories about this. And its partly the language that we use, because we use language that journalists understand. Quite often, well do a press release, and it will appear in AP, Reuters, wherever, almost copied and pasted. And we love that, of course, because that way our message is getting out there unadulterated. Now what ends up happening is that sometimes youre a voice in the wilderness. You get your headlines for a few days, and then people forget about it and they move on.

Theres a lot of criticism of the United Nations and calls from some countries such as the United States to cut its budget. Whats your take on this?

Theres a lot of talk of reforming the U.N. to make it more effective. Its clear that the U.N. is far from perfect. It does need reform. It does need to be made more effective. And even the secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, has agreed to this. But it all has to be done in a constructive manner. It all has to start from the premise that the U.N. is a very important institution and multilateralism is very important.

The United Nations was set up after the Second World War, so that never again would there be such a war. Any reform of the U.N. has to start from the premise that that goal is still a valid one and that this institution needs to be strengthened to better serve that goal.

What does the United Nations Human Rights Council do?

The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body, so its a body of states. When they pass a resolution setting up an investigative mission or a fact-finding mission into a particular country, its naming and shaming in an international forum by your peers. You are being held to account. So its a pretty big deal for states when a commission is set up to review something in a country. Eventually, we might call for the situation to be referred to the Security Council or even to the International Criminal Court. So there are results. You see the impact of your work, which is quite satisfying.

The public pressure sometimes does work. But it often doesnt. Syria is a key example of the failure of everyone.

What are some of the other trouble spots that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is closely monitoring?

Yemen is another one thats been a priority for us. More than 5,000 civilians have been killed since war broke out in 2015. And a cholera outbreak has claimed more than 2,000 lives since April. Millions of people are at risk of famine. And yet all of this was avoidable; its completely man-made. The cholera and famine are due to the blockades and sieges that have been imposed, which have resulted in a lack of humanitarian assistance and medical care.

For three years we at the U.N. human rights office were calling for an independent international investigation into the conduct of the hostilities, including the conduct of the coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia. But there was a lot of reticence in the international community. They were more than happy to set up an international inquiry into Syria and Burundi. But on Yemen there was a lot of reticence because of the parties involved. Finally, in September this year, our persistence paid off and an international inquiry was set up. We hope this will put on notice the parties to the conflict that the international community is watching them closely.

Venezuela is another hot spot. The situation continues to deteriorate. The constituent assembly has been getting rid of human rights defenders and watchdogs, including the attorney general, who was the one person in government who seemed to be holding the government to account.

Can you tell me about one of the successes of the U.N. human rights office of which youre most proud?

When the Obama administration joined the Human Rights Council, it made a tremendous contribution over eight years. One issue that was a very difficult one was discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex, or LGBTI people. This is an issue that was so contentious, so controversial that the U.N. Human Rights Council had never been able to act on it. But during the past eight years, with a lot of behind-the-scenes work, we managed to get a resolution passed in the Human Rights Council to create a special rapporteur [an independent expert or investigator] on discrimination against people on the basis of their sexual orientation.

The high commissioner had conducted and released a mandated report that was groundbreaking  it was the first time in a U.N. setting that we were able to expose the kinds of human rights violations that people are subjected to merely on the basis of their sexual orientation. And the Obama administration played a very important and key role in making this happen. This is the kind of thing that you can see with that leadership role. We need more of that.

Putting it in the U.N. context helped us make it a human rights issue. This is not about whether you think that its OK for people to have consensual same-sex relationships. Its about people being killed, people being subjected to violence, people not getting jobs or access to their fundamental human rights simply because of whom they choose to love. Theres a lot that can be done once the U.N. takes up an issue.Mohammed Ssemanda, a 50-year-old Muslim man from Uganda, made news headlines all over Africa last month, when he married three women in a single ceremony, because he couldnt afford to marry them separately.

Ssemanda, a food vendor from the town of Katabi, in Ugandas Wakiso district, caused quite a shock when he showed up at the local parish with three women, all wearing white wedding gowns. He told reporters on the scene that his wives all know that he isnt doing very well financially, but they all agreed to marry him out of love. The 50-year-old added that the women arent jealous of each other and know that he will work very hard to support them.

Photo: Watchdog Uganda

My wives are not jealous against each other. Good enough, each has got a home and I promise to work harder and support them, the man said, adding that he opted for a single wedding ceremony because he just couldnt afford to pay for three weddings.

His brides, 48-year-old Salmat Naluwugge, 27-year-old Jameo Nakayiza and Mastulah Namwanje, 24, were all overjoyed during the ceremony and seemed to enjoy all the attention. Interestingly, Naluwagge has already been married to Mohammed for the last 20 years, so this was just a renewal of their marriage. The couple have five children together. If you couldnt tell from the photo, the other two women are actually sisters, and also have children of their own.



Asked how she feels about the 3-in-1 wedding, Salmat Naluwugge told Uganda Vision: I thank our husband for marrying us all at once; it is a sign that he will not discriminate or take sides with any of us.

Poligamy is frowned upon even in most Muslim countries, with many believing that it is only acceptable for the sake of widows and orphans with no means to support themselves, so Mohammed Ssemanda has drawn some criticism. However, there were also those who applauded his idea for the simple reason that it saved money.Since unemployment is the lowest since 2000, the stock market is setting records, and businesses talk of expanding, Americans are perplexed at the continued sniping at President Trump.

Trump and his staff are battling a wave of negatives in Michael Wolffs new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. Trump used a press conference and Twitter to denounce the book and slam the media for focusing on it.

Pro-Trump forces quote Maggie Haberman of The New York Times as saying Wolff gets basic details wrong; Alisyn Camerota of CNN as saying the book is sloppy; John Podhoretz, New York Post, calling it blithe ignorance, and Rich Lowry, National Review, saying it is too stupid and malicious for words.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-back-slamming-calling-author-total-loser-book/story?id=52176166

Trump's "shoot from the hip" communications habits give the media plenty to write about.

David Harsanyi

Conservative economists, including David Harsanyi, senior editor of The Federalist, says not enough credit is being given to deregulation and corporate tax cuts as factors that have resulted in a 4.1% jobless rate including driving unemployment among blacks to 6.8%, lowest in 44 years.

Employment gains for 2017 totaled 2.1 million according to the Jan. 5 report of the Labor Dept. of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This was the seventh straight year of increases of two million-plus, it noted.

The Dow-Jones average rose 220 points Jan. 5 to a record 25,295.

The first year of Trump, coupled with the end years of Obama, will go down as one of the greatest periods of job growth in recent decades, Prof. Joseph Foudy of New York University told the New York Post.

Admittedly, helping the low jobless rate is that some workers have given up seeking jobs at the present time.

The business community, however, is solidly behind the Trump Administration and will do everything in its power to back policies that spur economic growth. A growing economy is good for PR, marketing and advertising.

Regs Blocked or Taken off Table

Hundreds of Obama Administration regulations have been blocked from implementation and thousands of others will never even be considered, says Harsanyi.

His complaint is that the liberal-oriented press props up economists who tell them what they want to hear. Economists who obsess over inequality rather than economic growth, about the future of labor unions, or climate change, are the ones whose comments get picked up, he says.

Plenty of economists are making good arguments for the free market but will never be members of the economists say, clique that gets quoted, he adds.

NYT Schizoid on Trump and Economy

Harsanyi is mystified at the contradictory messages that mark New York Times coverage of Trump and the economy.

He notes that after having bombarded readers with news of a homicidal Republican tax plan for so many weeks, NYT then said, at the start of a page one article: A wave of optimism has swept over American business leaders and is beginning to translate into the sort of investment in new plants, equipment and factory upgrades that bolsters economic growth and spurs job creationand may finally raise wages significantly.Boston-based March Communications has been hired by digital performance management company Dynatrace as its North American PR agency of record. Dynatrace provides artificial-intelligence powered, full-stack automated monitoring. March will work with the companys global marketing team to support brand campaigns, thought leadership programs and general awareness building. Weve needed an agency onboard to help us build great relationships, get our story out there to important stakeholders and become more widely known, said Dynatrace senior director of brand and comms Frances Ward. Were thrilled to have March onboard to do that for us.







Diffusion has been named PR agency of record for Burrow, a company offering modular, customizable couches. Diffusions integrated communications campaign for Burrow will focus on telling the Burrow evolution story, building the companys overall brand awareness and spotlighting the company as well as its founders entrepreneurial story. The campaign will also position Burrow as one of the few companies offering luxury furniture at an affordable price point. Diffusion not only proved their media mastery in the consumer space, assuring they could get us the media we wanted, but they also went above and beyond to understand our story and core values, said Burrow co-founder Stephen Kuhl







BML Public Relations has brought on Mountain Creek Resort and kosher-food brand The Manischewitz Company as clients. The agency will assist Mountain Creek Resort as it works to overcome challenges left behind by previous ownership and change its consumer profile during the peak winter sport season. As agency of record for Manischewitz, BMLPRs remit is to help the company increase its brand awareness during holiday purchasing seasons as well as promote the launch of new additions to its food lines. In addition, BMLPR has added several new staffers: Jennifer Petrella and Chelsea Newberg have been brought on as assistant account execs and Kelsey Moran will serve as account coordinator. It is an exciting time in our agencys tenure and we are delighted to have the opportunity to announce positive growth from both the client and staffing sides of our business, said BMLPR president and CEO Brian M. Lowe.Finn Partners today announced that it has acquired London-based travel and tourism firm Brighter Group.

Financial terms of the acquisition, which is effective immediately, were not publicly disclosed.

One of the UKs largest independent travel and tourism PR firms, the Brighter Group represents clients across the travel sector and also provides crisis, media training and event production offerings.

The Brighter Groups Debbie Flynn with Finn Partners founding partner Peter Finn.

The agency, which staffs 22, was founded in 1995 by CEO Debbie Flynn. Clients include Belize, Dubai, Intrepid Travel, Jordan, Air Europa and South African Tourism.

In light of the acquisition, the agency will now be known as The Brighter Group, a Finn Partners Company, and will physically move its operations into FPs existing London offices.

Flynn takes the position of managing partner and reports to Chantal Bowman-Boyles, who leads Finn Partners Europe, and Gail Moaney, who heads FPs travel practice. Brighter Group chairman Steve Dunne becomes senior partner of strategy and non-executive director Fiona Jeffery takes the role of Finn Partners global tourism advisor.

No other staff changes were reported.

Finn Partners founding partner Peter Finn told ODwyers that the acquisition bolsters the global independent agencys tourism practice, which continues to be a high-growth area, while simultaneously providing an opportunity to extend its US-based tourism practice into London.

The move means well be able to offer support in EMEA to our existing client base composed of world-class destinations, global airline and hotel brands, and travel services companies, Finn told ODwyers. The acquisition is also another important step in our overall growth in Europe, as my vision is for Finn to become one of the worlds top three independent marketing and communications firms with offices on every major continent.

Global M&A advisor SI Partners advised Brighter Group in the deal.

Roger Stone

Former Trump adviser Roger Stone says the president should make good on his campaign-trail vows to let individual states decide on the legality of marijuana.

In an e-mail Stone sent out on Jan. 6 under the heading Protect State Legalized MarijuanaStop Jeff Sessions Now, there is a link to a video that shows previous statements the President has made regarding medical marijuana and juxtaposes those statements with the sharply divergent opinion of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

While Jeff Sessions and his Justice Department moved last week to rescind an Obama-era policy used as a protection for states that have legalized marijuana, the video shows Trump telling an audience I think medical should happendont you agree? Sessions, however, is shown making the statement, Good people dont smoke marijuana, and a Newsweek headline seen in the video refers to the Attorney Generals war against legal marijuana.

The video is part of a fundraising drive for the United States Cannabis Coalition, a pro-cannabis project formed by Stone that is dedicated to influencing federal level decision makers so they honor States Rights and state mandated marijuana laws as well as reform our antiquated and failed federal drug laws, according to its website.

Last June, Stone told VICE News that his first and foremost goal was persuading Trump to keep his pledge and direct the Justice Department to reflect the views you stated in the campaign.

For 30 years, Stone says in another video, made to inaugurate USCC, I have marched, written about, spoken about, and advocated drug law reform. He goes on the say that as a candidate, my friend Donald Trump said that he supported states rights in the matter of whether the states could legalize marijuana.

Samantha Barry

By hiring Samantha Barry as its new editor-in-chief, Glamour is making a dramatic break with the past. Barry, who comes to the magazine from CNN Worldwide, where she was executive producer for social and emerging media, has never worked at a magazine before. Barry will take over the reins from departing EIC Cindi Leive on Jan. 15. Sam is Glamours first digital-native editor, which is to say she arrives from the future rather than the past, Conde Nast artistic director Anna Wintour said. Barrys hiring comes as the company is placing more emphasis on its digital products, such as Vanity Fairs The Hive and them, a site aimed at the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender audience. It has also reduced the frequency of several titles, with GQ, Architectural Digest and Glamour going from 12 issues a year to 11, and Teen Vogue discontinuing its print version altogether.



James Langford

The Washington Examiner has hired James Langford as business editor. He will report on the impact legislative and regulatory action in the federal capital has on corporate revenues, share prices, deals and planning. In addition, the Examiner is launching a business section on its website, and Langford will soon be joined by a second business reporter to increase the papers business coverage both online and in print. Langford previously was banking & finance editor at TheStreet, and he has also served as deputy editor for Americas aerospace/industrial news at Bloomberg News. Washingtons impact on business is an area of news Ive wanted to cover better for some time, said Examiner editorial director Hugo Gurdon, and its great that it is now ready for takeoff.



Sean Moran

Viacom has signed an agreement to acquire influence-marketing company WHOSAY. The companys reach into next-generation advertising and marketing platforms and solutions is meant to boost Viacoms capabilities across advertising, marketing and digital content. WHOSAY has executed more than 50 campaigns for MTV, BET and other Viacom brands over the past two years. In addition, the company has built a bricks-and-mortar-focused WHOSAY Shopper team, which will open up potential new retail opportunities for Viacom brands. Were excited about a deeper integration with WHOSAY and the strength of our combined capabilities, said Viacom head of marketing & partner solutions Sean Moran. This partnership will add to our linear, digital and mobile arsenal by bringing us further into the world of social media and shopper marketing.In Portland author Leni Zumas' America, women's family planning rights are all but relics.

Abortion has been recriminalized nationwide. Canada has established a "Pink Wall" blocking American women from crossing the border to terminate pregnancies or become pregnant using in vitro fertilization. And a new "Every Child Needs Two" law is about to restrict adoption to married couples.

"Red Clocks" (Little, Brown and Company, 368 pages, $26) is, of course, fiction, but it has the urgent feel of today's news. "There's not much in 'Red Clocks' that hasn't been suggested by an actual U.S. lawmaker," Zumas said in a recent interview. Her novel, set in a gray Oregon coast town, follows four women all on the verge of becoming undone in some way as their options tick away.

"There's so much ... cultural, familial or actual policy regulation around women's bodies," Zumas said. "That's really what I wanted to explore in this book, and not necessarily reach any resolution or answer about it, but really investigating what does it mean to feel pressure to live your life a certain way or to want a certain thing, and what happens if you don't want it or what happens if getting what you want doesn't make you happy."

Zumas, an associate professor in Portland State University's Creative Writing Program, will launch her book at a reading at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Powell's City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside St. She'll also appear at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Broadway Books, 1714 N.E. Broadway. Here are excerpts from a recent interview.

Q: Tell me where the title comes from.

A: A "red clock" is a uterus and it's a phrase that just came to me. I was thinking about all the ways in which the uterus is about cycles and timing, but also this now fairly stale, outdated notion of the biological clock. Red is blood but it's also the idea of danger, a warning.

Q: This book feels super topical, but I imagine that its journey actually started some time ago.

A: I started writing this book in 2010 and I was not yet living in Portland, I was living in Asheville, North Carolina, at the time. The book was set in a vague location. And then I got the job at Portland State and moved out here and the first time I went to the Oregon Coast I was blown away. So I decided to relocate the book there. It also fit that it's not this sunny, warm, bikini type of beach, it's more of a forbidding place.

Q: When you said you started writing the book in 2010, I wondered how much revising did you do in the wake of the 2016 election.

A: I felt so much ambivalence about working on this book because I was still revising it and thinking these things could happen and may happen. It was a really strange revision process. I did feel more of an urgency, I think, in certain details like the Pink Wall or the "Every Child Needs Two" law, getting really particular and specific about the threats of this legislation on people because of the changes in our government.

Q: How much of this book is personal?

A: I really struggled with infertility. I have a son who's 5 and I conceived him using IVF. One of the things that brought me into some of the political elements of this book was several years ago when I was doing some research about IVF, reading about it on the New York Times, and I started seeing a lot of really negative blowback in readers' comments about IVF.

When it comes to making decisions about what women's bodies are and are not supposed to do, people get very prescriptive about what should be happening. That was definitely a personal connection I had to the question of legislating around different kinds of fertility treatments, as well as abortion because it's part of the same coin.

Q: The publisher is pegging the book to Jan. 22 (the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion nationwide). What's your take on that?

A:). I think it's actually a pretty important anniversary to have conversations around. I'm thinking of the tax bill that just passed and the fact that they got pretty close to putting fetal personhood language into the tax bill - that an unborn child, quote unquote, at any stage of in utero development can be the beneficiary of a college savings plan. If that had gone through, that would have actually set the stage to reverse Roe v. Wade.

I have spent my whole life thinking OK, abortion is legal, and now that feels kind of naive to me, that belief, "Oh, that's a law and so that's going to be there for us."

Q: Are you concerned about the book being pegged as an abortion book when it's so much more?

A: Yes and no, because the question of a woman's right to choose is one of the core questions or anxieties in this book, but as you say, there's a lot of other things the book is about. In terms of my own process, I definitely did not start out with political themes in mind. What I started out with were characters and particularly the idea of female friendship and all the ways it can be burdened by either envy or competition or difference or just having different experiences and not being able to share them.

Q: The Mender character was fascinating. How did you research some of her remedies?

A: I read a lot of botanical books, like books on herbalism, books specifically on wildcrafting in the Pacific Northwest and edible plants in the Pacific Northwest. I have a couple of friends who are herbalists and so I would sometimes say, "How do you use mugwort?" That research was really fun.

Q: Goofy question of the interview: If your book were an herb, which one would it be?

A: I think it would be ghost pipe. I really just like the name. But it also is something that you can boil and eat with lemon and salt and it can be very delicious, but also poisonous if eaten in too great a quantity.

Q: Is there anything in particular that you hope readers take away from this book?

A: Multiplicity and complexity in human beings and no one being only one thing or only one way, particularly because I think one of the problems in our politics now is there is such a reductive tendency toward "if you're pro-American then you have to be anti-this." So not being reductive but being able to take in contradictory truths at once.Robert "Bob" Frasca, the co-founder of Portland-based ZGF Architects and whose body of work helped define the city's skyline, died Jan. 3 of complications from leukemia, the firm said Monday. He was 84.

Updated Jan. 22: A public memorial is set for 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Kaul Auditorium at Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd. in Portland.

The Oregon Convention Center, KOIN Tower and Portland World Trade Center are among his most recognizable works. Many of his other projects are part of the city's fabric, including Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and Portland International Airport.

Frasca was born in 1933 in Niagara Falls, New York, to John and Jean Frasca, both Italian immigrants who had met in the United States. His father worked as a blacksmith who frequently drew designs for metal products. He taught his son to draw, and later enrolled him in art school.

Frasca earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where renowned architect Pietro Belluschi was a dean. Belluschi, who had a storied career in Portland, encouraged him to move to the city.

Frasca arrived in 1959 and worked at the firm Wolff and Zimmer Architects and at the Portland Planning Commission. He left Portland for a fellowship that took him on a tour of Europe, then returned in 1966 to found ZGF with Norm Zimmer and Brooks Gunsul.

He took a special interest in hospital buildings that included elements of nature and art. His work in this area included the Vollum Institute and Doernbecher Children's Hospital at Oregon Health & Science University in Southwest Portland.

He focused his work around the experiences of the people who would occupy the buildings and took special care to include pleasant common areas that would encourage spontaneous meetings and conversations.

Frasca particularly wanted doctors and researchers in his medical buildings to spend their time thinking about diseases and cures, without their environs getting in the way.

"He thought they were doing God's work," said Jeanne Giordano, Frasca's wife, "and he was just building cathedrals for them."

The Doernbecher project, in particular, won acclaim as a feat of engineering. It was built like a bridge to span a canyon and two roads, an effort necessitated by the OHSU campus' hilltop terrain.

The idea began in a morning meeting, where Frasca and others working on the project were discussing the need for a bridge to connect the hospital to other parts of the campus. Frasca proposed making the building itself a bridge, said former associate hospital director Susanne Banz, and he started sketching out the idea on a napkin.

The work at OHSU helped raise ZGF's profile, and other prominent hospitals across the country sought to hire the firm to design new facilities. Frasca would go on to design the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center at the National Institutes of Health's campus in Maryland.

The firm also designed the Justice Center downtown Portland, which houses the Portland Police Bureau headquarters and the Multnomah County Jail. That project also brought the firm national attention.

In 1991, ZGF won the American Institute of Architects' Architecture Firm Award, its highest honor. The firm has remained prominent, and it was named the best in the United States in 2016 by Architect, the institute's magazine.

"Bob always thought about how to use the client's resources, whether it was people's time or their money or budget, in the best possible way," said Jan Willemse, managing partner in ZGF's Portland office. "That kind of stewardship is something he taught to all of us."

In recent years, Frasca split time between Portland and New York, but he remained actively involved in his firm's projects.

Frasca had a lifelong passion for tennis, a sport he picked up in high school, and he often invited new employees at ZGF to play. He also traveled frequently and, coworkers recalled, he would occasionally send postcards from his trips featuring scenes he had sketched or water-colored himself.

But the trips often became research expeditions, his wife said, where he would absorb and memorize every detail of buildings and designs that caught his eye.

"Architecture was what got him up in the morning," Giordano said. "Talking architecture, talking to architects, or talking architecture to people who were not architects.

He is survived by Giordano; his children, Andrea and Jason; his sister, Joyce Broderson; and his grandson Nicolas. His first wife, Marilyn Buys, died in 2000.

Donations in Frasca's memory may be sent to Dr. Nicole Lamanna Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research Gift Fund at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City or the Architecture Foundation of Oregon.

A public memorial is set for 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Kaul Auditorium at Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd. in Portland.

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com

503-294-5034

@enjusLAS VEGAS -- A judge Monday threw out criminal charges against Nevada cattleman Cliven Bundy, his two sons and a co-defendant in their 2014 standoff with federal agents, citing "flagrant misconduct" by prosecutors and the FBI in not disclosing evidence before and during trial.

"The government's conduct in this case was indeed outrageous," said U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. "There has been flagrant misconduct, substantial prejudice and no lesser remedy is sufficient."

The judge issued her ruling before a packed courtroom with nearly 100 spectators inside and more than a dozen others waiting outside the doors. Cliven Bundy's lawyer put his arm around his client. Supporters held hands, wiped tears from their eyes and hugged. One looked up and whispered, "Thank you, Lord.''

The dismissal with prejudice, meaning prosecutors can't seek a new trial, marked an embarrassing nadir for the government, which now has failed to convict the Bundys in two major federal cases stemming from separate armed standoffs.

Document: Transcript of Judge's ruling

The second stunning victory for the Bundys and their followers may serve to bolster their fight against federal control of public land, but it's not clear how their movement has fared.

The three have spent most of the last two years in jail. Ammon Bundy, who led the 2016 takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, owes at least $180,000 in legal fees in that case and said most of the national clients for his business, a vehicle fleet service, have left out of fear.

But he promised to keep working for his cause. "I'm not done fighting by any means," he said.

Cliven Bundy called himself a "political prisoner" for 700 days and said his argument lies with local authorities, not the federal government.

"I come in this courtroom an innocent man and I'm going to leave as an innocent man," he said.

"My defense is a 15-second defense," he said. "I raised my cattle only on Clark County, Nevada, land and I have no contract with the federal government. This court has no jurisdiction and authority over this matter."

The Bundy patriarch said Nevada's governor, Clark County, Nevada, commissioners and the sheriff were "aiders and abettors'' and "terrorists'' for failing to protect his family's rights, property and liberties.

He said he plans to go home and have a "good steak,'' continue to graze his cattle and will talk more at a news conference Tuesday outside the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

Bundy, 71, sons Ammon Bundy, 45, and Ryan Bundy, 42, and co-defendant Ryan Payne, 34, were indicted last year on conspiracy and other allegations, accused of rallying militia members and armed supporters to stop federal officers from impounding Bundy cattle in April 2014 near Bunkerville.

The government authorities were acting on a court order filed after Cliven Bundy failed to pay grazing fees and fines for two decades. Outnumbered, the federal contingent retreated and halted the cattle impoundment on April 12, 2014.

Prosecutors and the lead FBI agents in the case quietly sat listening to the judge's ruling. They didn't make any statements in court.

Later, Nevada's interim U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson, released a short statement, saying, "We respect the court's ruling and will make a determination about the next appropriate steps.''

The government may appeal the dismissal. The prosecution team in recent weeks added a new assistant U.S. attorney, Elizabeth White, the chief appellate lawyer in the Nevada U.S. Attorney's Office. Attorney General Jeff Sessions also sent an evidence discovery expert to the federal prosecutors' office in Las Vegas to review the case.

Public land advocates fear the fumbling of the Nevada case, following the 2016 jury acquittals of the Bundy brothers and others in the armed takeover of the Oregon wildlife refuge, will buoy the Bundys' claims of federal government overreach and embolden militias to engage in future showdowns over who has authority over public land.

"This is an outrage, a total miscarriage of justice,'' said Patrick Donnelly, Nevada state director for the Center for Biological Diversity, outside the courthouse. "The prosecution mangled this case. It should have been a slam dunk.''

Donnelly said he thinks the dismissal will invigorate the Bundys' "fringe movement,'' though he doesn't think their actions have led to a huge rise in support.

"Bundy is an outlier," he said. "This whole movement is an outlier fringe movement. But it only takes a handful.''

Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive officer of the Anti-Defamation League, decried the government's mistakes and also predicted similar confrontations in the future.

"This case represented the last opportunity for justice in this case of extremists who had organized in armed opposition to the government,'' he said.

The judge on Dec. 20 had declared a mistrial in the case after finding prosecutors withheld six types of evidence from defendants, representing at least 1,000 pages of documents, that should have been shared at least a month before the trial started in November. She said then that she would consider whether to dismiss the case outright or allow a new trial.

On Monday, she spent a half-hour delivering a scathing assessment of the prosecution's and the FBI's conduct as she tossed out the charges.

Navarro found prosecutors engaged in a "deliberate attempt to mislead" and made several misrepresentations to both the defense and the court about evidence related to a surveillance camera and snipers outside the Bundy ranch in early April 2014, as well as threat assessments made in the case.

"The court is troubled by the prosecution's failure to look beyond the FBI file," she said.

She said she "seriously questions" that the FBI "inexplicably placed'' but "perhaps hid" a tactical operations log that referred to the presence of snipers outside the Bundy residence on a "thumb drive inside a vehicle for three years,'' when the government has had four years to prepare the case.

"The court has found that a universal sense of justice has been violated,'' Navarro said.

The judge said it was especially egregious that the prosecutors chose not to share documents that the defendants specifically asked for in pretrial motions and "grossly shocking'' that the prosecutors claimed they weren't aware the material would help the defendants in their defense.

"The government was well aware of theories of self-defense, provocation and intimidation,'' Navarro said. "Here the prosecution has minimized the extent of prosecutorial misconduct.''

Just before the hearing, Ryan Bundy led relatives and supporters in prayer in the courtroom corridor, even saying a prayer for the judge.

"Father in heaven ... we thank you for the protection that was given to us over this duration of time and through this trouble," he said, his head bowed as he held his cowboy hat over his chest. "We ask that you bless Judge Navarro and she will choose to side with thee and liberty. ... Father in heaven, we need our father home. Father in heaven, we need freedom back in our land."

After the judge's decision, Ryan Bundy said, "It's about time. It's about time."

Ammon Bundy, holding black bound copies of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, called his wife and said he was heading back to Emmett, Idaho. "I'm going to go home, take care of my family and go to work," he said.

He also plans to celebrate his youngest child's birthday. The boy, Elias, turned 3 on Monday and Bundy missed the first two birthdays while he was in custody or at the Malheur refuge.

Ammon and Ryan Bundy have been out of jail since November, when they were allowed to stay in private homes under GPS monitoring. But their father declined to be released then because he said other defendants remained behind bars.

After the dismissal, Cliven Bundy tried to walk out of the courtroom in his blue jail garb and ankle shackles but was blocked by deputy marshals. He was released soon after, wearing a cowboy hat, gray tweed blazer and cowboy boots. He took hugs and handshakes from supporters.

For Ryan Payne, who awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiracy in the Oregon refuge takeover, the judge's ruling was "bittersweet,'' said his attorney, assistant federal public defender Brenda Weksler. Payne was ordered to report to the U.S. Marshal's Service.

He remained on GPS monitoring and home detention late Monday. He'll appear by phone in a hearing Tuesday with Oregon's U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown to determine if he'll be held while awaiting sentencing in the refuge case.

"This prosecution has really been a tragedy for everyone involved,'' said Ryan Norwood, Payne's co-counsel. "Ryan Bundy, Cliven and Ammon lost two years of their lives from this.''

Co-defendants convicted during two earlier Bunkerville trials are likely to seek the dismissal of their cases through appeals, arguing that they went to trial without the evidence that came out piecemeal during this trial.

But defendants still awaiting trial -- Cliven Bundy's sons Melvin Bundy and Dave Bundy, Jason Woods and Joseph O'Shaughnessy -- are in a different category. The judge ruled that they couldn't join their father and brothers' motion to dismiss the charges because they failed to demonstrate how the prosecution's violations harmed their rights. The deadlines for the government's sharing of evidence hasn't expired yet for their cases, and the judge set their trial date for Feb. 26.

Prosecutors had argued that any failure to provide evidence was "inadvertent'' or because they reasonably believed the law didn't require them to share the material. They had sought a new trial, contending that they "neither flagrantly violated nor recklessly disregarded" their evidence obligations, but believed the material they failed to promptly share wasn't relevant for the defendants' defense.

Lead prosecutor Steven Myhre wrote in a court brief that he and his colleagues believed the court's restrictions barring self-defense arguments during the earlier Nevada standoff trials meant his team didn't have to share information about certain aspects of the law enforcement response. Myhre until last week served as Nevada's acting U.S. attorney but is now back in his earlier role as first assistant U.S. attorney.

The judge, however, found the prosecutors' violations were "willful" and led to due process violations. She said they waited too long to provide FBI and other agency reports, tactical logs and maps on surveillance, including the location of a camera and snipers, outside the Bundy ranch; threat assessments that indicated the Bundys weren't violent; and nearly 500 pages of U.S. Bureau of Land Management internal affairs documents that included paperwork indicating that cattle grazing hadn't threatened the desert tortoise, considered an endangered species.

Late disclosures of evidence trickled out just before and during the start of the trial "by happenstance,'' defense lawyers noted. One government witness under cross-examination by Ryan Bundy, for example, acknowledged watching live-feed video images from an FBI surveillance camera and another referenced a 2012 FBI threat assessment that determined the Bundys weren't likely to be violent.

In pretrial motions, Ryan Bundy requested evidence on any "mysterious devices'' outside the Bundy ranch in early April 2014 and Payne's lawyers sought all threat assessments in July 2017, but prosecutors didn't turn over the information until ordered days before or during trial.

Defense lawyers argued that the government didn't "seem to recognize'' or "professed ignorance'' on what constituted Brady material, required by the 1963 landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brady v. Maryland to be shared with the defense.

They urged dismissal, saying it was the only remedy for the government's callous disregard of its constitutional obligations to share any potentially favorable evidence with the defense.

Cliven Bundy's lawyer said he took no joy in seeing other lawyers getting rebuked for misconduct, but called the judge's ruling the right one.

At the end of the day, Bret Whipple said, the biggest takeaway from the dismissal is the importance of "fairness and due process.''

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonianSALEM -- Cliff Bentz was sworn in Monday as the newest member of the Oregon Senate.

Bentz was previously a state representative, but resigned after being appointed by county commissioners to the Senate seat vacated by Ted Ferrioli, the former Senate minority leader. Ferrioli resigned because Gov. Kate Brown appointed him to the Northwest Power & Conservation Council.

Bentz is an Ontario Republican and attorney by trade, and first elected to the Legislature in 2008. Since then, he's become one of the Legislature's leading Republican voices on energy and infrastructure policy. He co-wrote the $5.3 billion transportation plan lawmakers passed in 2017.

Bentz was introduced at his swearing in by Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, and Senate Minority Leader Jackie Winters, R-Salem, who both lauded Bentz's civic achievements.

"He's starting to make me nervous. Every time he joins an organization he becomes president or chairperson," Courtney joked to an audience in the Senate chamber.

Bentz was sworn-in by Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Balmer. At the ceremony, Bentz said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve in the Senate and described the Capitol as "a smorgasbord of opportunity" for people interested in civic engagement.

At approximately 36,000 square miles, the Bentz's new district is gargantuan. It is about the size of Indiana and larger than a dozen states, Courtney said. It encompasses all or parts of 11 counties: Baker, Clackamas, Deschutes, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Lake, Malheur, Marion, Wasco and Wheeler.

-- Gordon R. Friedman

503-221-8209; @GordonRFriedmanMarcus Mumford, the Utah defense attorney who was tackled and stunned with a Taser by federal marshals moments after the acquittal of his client Ammon Bundy in the Oregon refuge occupation case, told a judge Monday that he will voluntarily give up his standing to practice in federal court in Oregon.

Mumford effectively put an end to Judge Michael Mosmans attempt to officially ban him in Oregon's federal district.

The move also means that federal prosecutors cant use any negative findings that might have been made in the Oregon case as they try to punish Mumford before the Utah State Bar.

Mumford announced in September that the U.S. Department of Justice had filed a Utah bar complaint against him to limit or stop him from practicing in Utah out of his Salt Lake City office.

Mumford and his attorney, Matthew Umhofer, left Portland's downtown federal courthouse without making any comments. But Umhofer said he might have something to say later Monday after talking with his client.

Mosman pursued the sanction against Mumford, citing repeated instances of Mumford's arguing with U.S. District Judge Anna Brown during the 2016 refuge occupation trial, inappropriate commentary on a witness in the presence of a jury and failures or refusals to observe court rulings. Mumford previously told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Mosman was being "vindictive."

Matt Schindler, one of Mumford's supporters, said Mumford's decision to give up his ability to practice in federal court in Oregon was a smart move, given that the federal judges seemed certain to punish him.

Mumford didnt do anything to deserve professional sanctions during the occupation trial and represented Ammon Bundy zealously and successfully, said Schindler, a Portland area attorney who was defendant Kenneth Medenbachs standby lawyer during the same trial.

What we need far more of in our legal community are Marcus Mumfords, Schindler said Monday. We have plenty of people who are polite.

We need people who give everything they have to give, he said.

Mumford had shouted at the judge, argued for Bundy's release and demanded to see a detention order from Nevada following the October 2016 announcement of not guilty verdicts for Bundy and six co-defendants on federal conspiracy, weapons and other charges in the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge earlier that year.

Mumford faced criminal charges after deputy marshals tackled him in the courtroom, Tased him and took him into custody. Prosecutors later dropped the criminal charges against Mumford for his courtroom behavior.

Schindler said it appears that not only federal prosecutors but federal judges were shocked and upset about the not guilty verdicts. Lashing out at Mumford was a way of penalizing someone, he said.

Mosman didnt preside over Mondays hearing. Federal Judge John Coughenour met briefly with Mumford and the other attorneys in chambers before Mumford re-entered the courtroom and announced his decision to voluntarily withdraw from federal practice in Oregon.

As far as Im concerned, that resolves the matter," Coughenour said.

Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Maxine Bernstein contributed to this story.

-- Aimee GreenA 53-year-old man who was accused of beating another man and burning him in a Southeast Portland garage fire has been sentenced to 6  years in prison.

The victim -- Jeremy Purcell, 37 -- suffered serious wounds but survived long enough to be taken to the hospital. He died later on that day in February 2013.

Ervin Oliver Golden Jr. had faced a life sentence with a 25-year minimum if he had been convicted of murder -- the charge he faced at a trial scheduled to start Monday. But instead, Golden pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree manslaughter and received the lesser prison sentence.

Golden and a second man -- Mark Lyle Moore Sr. -- had both been accused of killing Purcell, who lived in the garage in the 9900 block of Southeast Yukon Street. During a 2015 trial that ended in mistrial, the prosecution contended that the men were retaliating against Purcell because they believed Purcell had stolen Golden's wallet and a car belonging to one of Golden's associates, a cocaine dealer.

The Oregon Supreme Court in March 2017 ordered that the murder case against Moore be dropped, finding that a second trial would violate Moore's constitutional right against double jeopardy. But the high court didn't make such a finding in Golden's case, because Golden's attorney at the time had asked for the mistrial.

Defense attorney Tom Hanrahan, who was assigned to Goldens case after the first trial, said the prosecution would have had trouble proving its murder case against Golden, and the likely result would have been a manslaughter conviction.

Glen Banfield, the prosecutor who handled the case, said his office agreed to the plea deal after reviewing the evidence and condition of some witnesses just before trial, which was set to begin nearly five years after Purcell's death. Declining to be more specific, Banfield said he believed a jury might acquit Golden -- and that the plea agreement at least allows for Golden to be held partially accountable for his actions.

-- Aimee GreenWASHINGTON - In one of its most significant immigration decisions to date, the Trump administration said Monday it will terminate the provisional residency permits of about 200,000 Salvadorans who have lived in the country since at least 2001, leaving them to potentially face deportation.

The administration said it will give the Salvadorans until Sept. 9, 2019, to leave the United States or find a way to obtain legal residency, according to a statement Monday from the Department of Homeland Security. The Salvadorans were granted what is known as Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, after earthquakes hit the country in 2001, and their permits have been renewed on an 18-month basis since then.

Monday's announcement was consistent with the White House's broader stated goal of reducing legal immigration to the United States and intensifying efforts to expel those who arrived illegally. But Homeland Security officials characterized the decision by Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen in narrower legal terms: as a recognition that conditions in El Salvador had improved enough since the earthquakes to make the TPS designation no longer warranted.

"Based on careful consideration of available information, including recommendations received as part of an inter-agency consultation process, the Secretary determined that the original conditions caused by the 2001 earthquakes no longer exist," Monday's DHS statement read. "Thus, under the applicable statute, the current TPS designation must be terminated."

The DHS statement also noted that the U.S. government has deported more than 39,000 Salvadorans in the past two years, demonstrating, it said, "that the temporary inability of El Salvador to adequately return their nationals after the earthquake has been addressed."

DHS officials said 262,500 Salvadorans have been granted TPS permits, but recent estimates indicate the number of people who reside in the country with that status is closer to 200,000.

Immigrant advocates, Salvadoran government officials and many others had implored Nielsen to extend the TPS designation, citing the country's horrific gang violence and the potentially destabilizing effect of so many people being sent home.

Others urged her to consider the approximately 190,000 U.S.-born children of Salvadoran TPS recipients. Their parents must now decide whether to break up their families, take the whole family back to El Salvador, or stay in the country and risk deportation.

Senior DHS officials told reporters Monday that the families would have to make that decision, and that the impact on American businesses, among other potential consequences of the TPS decision, were not part of Nielsen's decision-making process. They said it is up to Congress to determine a remedy.

"Only Congress can legislate a permanent solution addressing the lack of an enduring lawful immigration status of those currently protected by TPS who have lived and worked in the United States for many years," the DHS statement read. "The 18-month delayed termination will allow Congress time to craft a potential legislative solution."

Trump administration officials have repeatedly said they viewed the TPS program as an example of American immigration policy gone awry, noting that when Congress created the designation in 1990, its purpose was to provide "temporary" protection from deportation following a natural disaster, armed conflict or other calamity.

In November, DHS ended TPS for 60,000 Haitians who arrived after a 2010 earthquake, and for 2,500 Nicaraguan migrants protected after Hurricane Mitch in 1998.

A six-month extension was recently granted to 57,000 Hondurans, a decision made before Nielsen's arrival by then-Acting DHS Secretary Elaine Duke. That move frustrated White House officials who wanted Duke to end the program.

Lawmakers from both parties who represent cities and states with large immigrant populations blasted Monday's DHS decision, including Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., who called it "a shameful and cynical move" whose purpose was to "score political points with the extreme right wing Republican base."

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., said he urged the Trump administration to "reconsider" the TPS decision. "Since 2001, these people have established themselves in the United States, making countless contributions to our society and our local communities. It would be devastating to send them home after they have created a humble living for themselves and their families."

There were new signs Monday that TPS could end up as a bargaining chip in a potential congressional immigration deal. A source familiar with the negotiations said Congress could step in to help the Salvadorans, Haitians and other groups whose temporary protected status is now set to expire in 2019.

Democrats and Republicans have been privately discussing the possibility of curbing the diversity visa lottery program - which grants about 55,000 green cards each year to immigrants from nations with low immigration rates to the United States - in exchange for extending TPS protections as part of the talks over the fate of younger immigrants known as "dreamers" who were brought to the country illegally as children.

President Trump has railed against the diversity program, saying that any deal to provide legal status to the dreamers must get rid of it.

"The fix has been in for these TPS decisions, regardless of the facts on the ground in these countries," said Kevin Appleby of the New York-based Center for Migration Studies.

"The decision on El Salvador is particularly damaging," he said. "It not only will uproot families and children who have lived here for years, it also will further destabilize an already violent country. It is incredibly shortsighted and undermines our interest in a stable Central America."

DHS said in its announcement that it conducted extensive outreach to Salvadorans living in the United States, including "community forums on TPS, panel discussions with Salvadoran community organizers, stakeholder teleconferences, regular meetings with TPS beneficiaries, news releases to the Salvadoran community, meetings with Salvadoran government officials, meetings at local churches, and listening sessions."

Nielsen met recently with the El Salvador's foreign minister and U.S. ambassador, and spoke with President Salvador Sanchez Ceren, according to the announcement sent to lawmakers.

Jaime Contreras, vice president of Local 32BJ, the largest property service local in the Service Employees International Union, called Monday's decision "shameful." In the Washington area, he said, TPS recipients clean Ronald Reagan National Airport, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and "every major landmark you can think of."

"They have families here. A lot of these people own homes," said Contreras, whose union represents about 160,000 commercial office cleaners, security officers and others nationwide. "It's time for Congress to do the right thing."

--The Washington PostUPDATED Monday, Jan. 8: Oil tanker burning off China's coast at risk of exploding

***

BEIJING -- An Iranian oil tanker collided with a bulk freighter and caught fire off China's east coast, leaving the tanker's entire crew of 32 missing and causing it to spill oil into the sea, authorities said Sunday.

Chinese authorities dispatched police vessels and three cleaning ships to the scene after the collision, which happened late Saturday. The South Korean coast guard also sent a ship and a plane to help search for the missing crew members -- 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis.

The Panama-registered tanker Sanchi was sailing from Iran to South Korea when it collided with the Hong Kong-registered freighter CF Crystal in the East China Sea, 160 miles off the coast of Shanghai, China's Ministry of Transport said.

All 21 crew members of the Crystal, which was carrying grain from the United States, were rescued, the ministry said. The Crystal's crew members were all Chinese nationals.

It wasn't immediately clear what caused the collision.

State-run China Central Television reported Sunday evening that the tanker was still floating and burning, and that oil was visible in the water.

It was not clear, however, whether the tanker was still spilling oil. The size of the oil slick caused by the accident also was not known.

Earlier Sunday, Chinese state media carried pictures of the tanker on fire with large plumes of smoke.

The Sanchi was carrying 136,000 metric tons (150,000 tons, or nearly 1 million barrels) of condensate, a type of ultra-light oil, according to Chinese authorities.

By comparison, the Exxon Valdez was carrying 1.26 million barrels of crude oil when it spilled 260,000 barrels into Prince William Sound off Alaska in 1989.

The Sanchi has operated under five different names since it was built in 2008, according the U.N.-run International Maritime Organization. The IMO listed its registered owner as Hong Kong-based Bright Shipping Ltd., on behalf of the National Iranian Tanker Co., a publicly traded company based in Tehran. The National Iranian Tanker Co. describes itself as operating the largest tanker fleet in the Middle East.

An official in Iran's Oil Ministry, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters, said 30 of the tanker's 32 crew members were Iranians.

"We have no information on their fate," he said. "We cannot say all of them have died, because rescue teams are there and providing services."

The official said the tanker was owned by the National Iranian Tanker Co. and had been rented by a South Korean company, Hanwha Total Co. He said the tanker was on its way to South Korea.

Hanwa Total is a 50-50 partnership between the Seoul-based Hanwha Group and the French oil giant Total. Total did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It's the second collision for a ship from the National Iranian Tanker Co. in less than a year and a half. In August 2016, one of its tankers collided with a Swiss container ship in the Singapore Strait, damaging both ships but causing no injuries or oil spill.

-- The Associated PressJoel Davis, The Oregonian

By Grant Butler, The Oregonian/OregonLive

HBO recently wrapped up the first season of "The Deuce," a drama about the pimps, prostitutes and the rise of the porn industry in 1970s New York City. For people who only know the cleaned-up Times Square of today, it's hard to believe that the heart of the Big Apple was ever this gritty.

Don't Edit

Donald Wilson, The Oregonian

Portland might not have had the level of crime and corruption depicted on the show, but the Rose City had its share of hookers, johns, adult theaters and porn shops in the early 70s. And the city continued to grapple with growing vice into the 90s, with efforts to zone where adult businesses could locate, and the creation of no-prostitution corridors.

Don't Edit

Joel Davis, The Oregonian

Today, sex trafficking continues to be a serious problem in Portland and its surrounding suburbs, and theres no shortage of strip clubs in the metro area. But the adult theaters that used to be all over town  there were as many as 18 at their peak  have almost completely vanished. And the internet has taken the oldest profession from the street corner to online websites, creating the illusion that theres less prostitution now, though the police blotters tell a different story.

Don't Edit

Portland has always had a gritty underbelly

Don't Edit

Jim Hallas, The Oregonian

Before the 1970s, Portland had plenty of vice, thanks to organized crime, bordellos, and corrupt politicians who looked the other way. It goes all the way back to the citys earliest days, when dancehalls, saloons, gambling parlors and brothels catered to young men who were early settlers.

In the 1950s, payoffs and kickbacks from organized labor and racketeers were so widespread across all levels of city government that it attracted national attention.

By the 1960s, an area of downtown along Southwest Third Avenue that's now (ironically) home to the Justice Center and the new federal courthouse had so many run-down hotels and taverns that the Portland Police Bureaus vice squad referred to it as The Circus.

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Jim Hallas, The Oregonian

Its a mobilized meeting ground for lonely men and Portlands prostitute patrols, The Oregonian wrote in an article with the headline Sundown changes drab area into sleazy vice playground.

After 9 p.m., the cars and their solitary masculine drivers endlessly circle the block in the quest for questionable commercial companionship.

The girls  and in most cases thats a euphemism  inhabit the taverns and station themselves along the sidewalk. The tricks take their pick and its a short drive or a quick walk to a $2 sleazy hotel.

Prostitution wasnt limited to downtown. In North Portlands Albina district, vice squads patrolled around the clock, but had little success curtailing activity. Were dealing with street-smart cookies, one vice officer told The Oregonian.

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Oregonian file photo

By the 1970s, hookers were a common sight along numerous Portland streets, including Southeast 82nd Avenue, Northeast Sandy Boulevard, and Northeast Union Avenue (now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard).

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The Oregonian/1972

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Michael Lloyd, The Oregonian

In the 1980s, North Interstate Avenue, with its cheap motels and easy access to Interstate 5, became another corridor where prostitution was common.

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Mary Tapogna, The Oregonian

Throughout the 1970s, '80s and '90s, Portland Police arrested prostitutes many times, but those efforts often weren't effective. The Oregonian reported numerous cases of women who had been arrested more than 50 times for prostitution, and continued to work the streets.

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Taking on the johns

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Brent Wojahn, The Oregonian

Over the years, there were a number of grassroots campaigns by citizens to fight prostitution. In 1982, Rev. Mathew Allen Watley led a group of 250 marchers along Northeast Union Avenue. Among the marchers were Portland's police chief and Multnomah County's district attorney.

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Tom Treick, The Oregonian

In 1986, the King-Elliott Crime Prevention Committee put up billboards along Northeast Union Avenue telling prostitutes and their customers that they were not welcome. The message: "The neighbors are watching. Don't trick yourself. You can get arrested for prostitution."

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C. Johns, The Oregonian

In 1989, demonstrators on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard held up signs to show passers-by their opposition to prostitution in their neighborhoods.

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Steve Nehl, The Oregonian

Similar protests followed that same year, when demonstrators marched against prostitution on Southeast 82nd Avenue as part of the National Night Out campaign against crime. Later, both Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Southeast 82nd Avenue would be declared prostitution-free zones.

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Michael Wilhelm, The Oregonian

One of the ways that Portland Police addressed prostitution was targeting customers. In this 1992 photo, an officer posing as a prostitute talks to a potential customer who stopped along the 1400 block of Northeast Sandy. The man was later charged.

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Prostitution moves indoors

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Joel Davis, The Oregonian

By the 1990s, prostitutes were leaving street corners to work as nude dancers, lingerie models and escort service employees. And police were baffled about how to combat it.

I'm not sure we have the kinds of tools on the books to deal with those issues, Police Chief Charles Moose told the City Council in 1994. Not everyone has been astute enough to see what's going on.

Sex-related businesses such as some lingerie modeling shops, tanning shops and bookstores offering live models put customers one-on-one with the performing woman, and some businesses allowed both parties to be nude.

Moose said Portland residents might be glad to have fewer streetwalkers in their neighborhoods, but he asked if the city should turn its head simply because more prostitution is out of sight.

"Do we idly stand by, since it's not on the street, and say we don't care what you're doing?" he asked. "What is our city willing to accept?"

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The 1970s boom in adult theaters

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Michael Lloyd, The Oregonian

Downtowns Southwest Fourth Avenue was home to the Blue Mouse movie house, which was known for its inexpensive tickets, racy B movies, and illicit activity. It was frequently raided by the police vice squad, and was later torn down in the late-70s to make way for a multi-story parking garage.

While the Blue Mouse was semi-legit, other downtown theaters would become full pornographic theaters in the 1970s.

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David Falconer, The Oregonian

In 1971, the Oregon Legislature passed a new criminal code that removed almost all restrictions on what adults could read and hear. That ushered in the 1970s boom in pornographic theaters. As competition grew, many theaters added dancers and performers doing simulated sex acts on stage between films.

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Dana Olsen, The Oregonian

Or at least they were supposed to be simulated. The Oregonian sent reporters to numerous theaters in 1972, and witnessed actual sex acts at several. That same year, Portland Police raided Northeast Portland's Walnut Park Theater, which boasted live sex shows featuring audience participation.

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James W. Ficus, The Oregonian

In Old Town, there was a cluster of theaters that showed X-rated films. The old burlesque house the Star Theater showed erotic movies and featured strippers throughout the 1960s and 70s. In the late-70s, one of those strippers was a teenage Courtney Love, who would later go on to rock fame and tabloid notoriety.

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James W. Ficus, The Oregonian

At Northwest Fifth Avenue and Glisan Street was the Old Chelsea Tri Cinemas, which featured two screens showing straight pornography, and a third screen, called the Tom Kat, which screened gay pornographic films.

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Collage by Grant Butler, The Oregonian/OregonLive

Portlands pornographic theaters advertised in The Oregonian, drawing complaints from readers. The newspaper adopted a policy that prohibited the use of offensive pictures in the ads, but theaters started using suggestive wording, so in 1972 the paper stopped accepting the ads.

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Michael Lloyd, The Oregonian

Only one of the 18 adult theaters from that era is still in operation, the Oregon Theater at Southeast 35th Avenue and Division Street.

In this 1974 photo, the three men entering the theater were defense attorney Howard Lonergan, First Assistant United States Attorney Jack Collins, and United States District judge James Burns. The trio viewed the infamous film "The Devil in Miss Jones," which was the focus of a federal court case.

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Video changes the porn landscape

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Bob Ellis, The Oregonian

Those adult theaters were killed off by the arrival of home video. Instead of having to go to a sketchy theater, people could watch pornography in their living rooms from VHS or Betamax tapes. The sale and rental of these tapes created businesses for adult bookstores, which started carrying movies in addition to racy magazines.

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Bill Murphy, The Oregonian

In the late 1970s, the expansion of Cindys Adult Books on West Burnside Street and Northwest Fourth Avenue caused a flurry of complaints and protests from citizens. It took over the space that had been Hawkins Trading Post, a second-hand store that offered clothing and shoes to residents of the neighborhood.

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Benjamin Brink, The Oregonian/OregonLive

Cindys would continue to be a lightning rod, with many citizens complaining about how its large sign right next to the Chinatown gate ruined what should have been a picturesque corner. Those complaints continued until the store was demolished in 2008.

The vacant lot left by Cindy's would become a new source of neighborhood anger when it became a homeless camp that many considered as much of an eyesore as the old adult bookstore. That camp remained until it was relocated to the Rose Quarter last year.

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The "Not in my backyard" movement

While adult bookstores downtown were just-barely tolerated, the Portland City Council didnt want them popping up all over the city. In 1981, it approved an ordinance prohibiting adult bookstores from locating within 500 feet of residential zones and schools, in neighborhood commercial zones or within the downtown multifamily residential zone. That ordinance required four of 12 bookstores in the city to relocate. Additional ordinances were later approved to limit the locations of other adult businesses, such as massage parlors.

But in 1984, a Multnomah County judge ruled that these ordinances violated the free speech provision of the Oregon Constitution. And those ordinances were struck down by the Oregon Supreme Court in 1988.

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Joel Davis, The Oregonian

The ruling opened the door for Fantasy For Adults Only Video, which was a sort of Blockbuster Video of pornography, and opened stores in locations that seemed designed to provoke controversy. In Northeast Portlands Kerns neighborhood, a Fantasy opened in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

I didn't buy my house and fix it up to have this garbage going on, one resident fumed in 1992 after the store opened.

Fantasy also opened locations in a one-time Wendys restaurant, a former Dennys near Tigard, a business park in Beaverton, and on West Burnside Street just a couple of blocks away from a Catholic cathedral and school. Three of those locations are still in operation.

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Bob Ellis, The Oregonian

Portland wasnt alone in trying to regulate where adult bookstores could open. In 1984, Daniel Cossette opened All-Adult Video in Oak Grove, and it was the first adult video store to open in Clackamas County. That prompted the formation of Clackamas County's new Citizen's Advisory Committee on Pornography, which wanted to regulate where adult businesses could operate.

Cossette defended his business: This isnt a sleazy porn shop and its not going to be. Im not going to cater to that kind of crowd.

Despite the protests, All-Adult remains in business today.

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Topless bars and strip clubs

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Brent Wojahn, The Oregonian

Portlands oldest topless bar is the downtown institution Marys Club. It originally opened as a piano bar during the 1930s, and was a popular nightspot into the 1950s, when Southwest Broadway was home to numerous movie theaters, restaurants and bars. In the mid-50s, the club started featuring topless dancers wearing pasties.

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Joel Davis, The Oregonian

Marys Club owner Roy Keller told The Oregonian in 1965 that the club used to have the reputation for attracting the rough merchant seaman crowd, but the clean, lovely personalities of the dancers were attracting a more-refined crowd.

Marys introduced all-nude dancing in 1985 after a judge overturned city ordinances banning it at venues serving alcohol. In the late-80s, one of the dancers at Marys was  you guessed it  Courtney Love.

Marys Club continues to operate today, and is a popular spot with U.S. Navy sailors when the Rose Festival fleet arrives every June.

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Allan J. de Lay, The Oregonian

By the mid-1960s, Marys was joined on Broadway with the Broadway Inn, where Higgins restaurant is located now. The restaurant featured topless dancers who would do the then-provocative Mashed Potato, the Monkey and the Shotgun.

Its just fantastic, said Broadway co-owner Sam Usher. Its the new beat. I guess  the younger generation. But Saturday night about 50 percent of our crowd was over 30.

Given the Broadway Inns close proximity to the old Oregonian building, which was across the street, its a good bet that a fair chunk of that Saturday night crowd was off-the-clock reporters and press operators.

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Oregonian file photo

Perhaps the most-notorious topless business in the Portland area was Jiggles Tavern, which opened in Tualatin in 1984 right off of Interstate 5. The OLCC canceled Jiggles liquor license in 1987, when a judge concluded that the club had been secretly owned by a Washington man with connections to a convicted Seattle racketeer.

Despite the ruling, Jiggles remained open, serving soft drinks and continuing to feature topless dancers. Jiggles would continue operating until 2014, when the club lost its lease to make way for a new commercial development thats now home to a big-box sporting goods store and an upscale grocery chain.

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Joel Davis, The Oregonian

Another notoriously sketchy strip club in the 1980s was Old Towns Club Macombo. In 1989, police raided the club, arresting two workers, an ex-manager and six dancers on accusations of racketeering and prostitution. The owners of the club were associated with the same Seattle organized crime family that had been linked to Jiggles Tavern. The club, which featured a neon sign that boasted 20 gorgeous girls and 3 ugly ones, was shut down and the door chained shut. The building itself was not seized because the Dougals leased the space.

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More Portland nightlife history

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Collage by Grant Butler, The Oregonian/OregonLive

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-- Grant Butler

gbutler@oregonian.com

503-221-8566; @grantbutlerTuesday 9 January 2018 11:19am



Professor Neil Gemmel (left) and Professor Tony Merriman.

Two University of Otago academics have received Fulbright New Zealand Scholar Awards to undertake research in the United States.



Professors Neil Gemmell and Tony Merriman have been awarded up to $US37,500 to support research for three to five months in the US.



Professor Gemmell, head of the Universitys Department of Anatomy, will research the usefulness of new "gene drive" technologies for the control of predatory pests, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Broad Institute.



Professor Merriman, of the Department of Biochemistry, will research the genetic basis of urate control and gout in African-Americans, at the University of Alabama Birmingham.



Gout, which affects 6 to 8 per cent of Maori and Pasifika adults, is one of his primary research areas.



Fulbright New Zealand Scholar Awards are for New Zealand academics, artists or professionals to lecture and or conduct research at US institutions. Their aim is to promote mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchanges between New Zealand and the US.



More than 3000 people have benefited from the programme, jointly funded by the US and New Zealand governments, along with sponsors and donors, since it was established in 1948.



The 2018 Fulbright New Zealand Scholars will be honoured at the annual Fulbright Award Ceremony in June.Data from last summer shows 12 of the 13 upstream tributaries of the Pine River contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The Healthy Pine River citizens group will hear the data explained at a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Alma Public Library. The public is invited.

Senior Aquatic Biologist Molly Rippke of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality will speak about the sampling project conducted by MDEQ last summer. Her presentation will explain the results, and there will be questions and answers afterwards.

Streams that flow into both the Pine and Chippewa rivers were sampled in July and August to help determine the sources of the bacterial contamination. Streams sampled were in Mecosta, Isabella and Gratiot counties.

DNA analysis of the samples is under way at a bacteriological research lab at Saginaw Valley State University. The analysis will determine if the E. coli bacteria are human are bovine.

"We expect to see both," said Gary Rayburn, chair of the Healthy Pine River group. "We know there are leaking septic tanks along the river, and our group is working to address that issue. We also know that agricultural runoff is a big problem in our county with 23 CAFOs and other large farms located here."

The Mid-Michigan District Health Department determined two summers ago that signs should be put up warning people about the contaminants in the river to help prevent illnesses caused by E. coli and other bacteria present in the Pine River. There are signs in Alma and Arcada Township at access points near the river.

About 25 percent of the drinking water for Alma and St. Louis is drawn from the Pine River, the Healthy Pine River citizens group stated.As the tax season quickly approaches, the Michigan Department of Treasury has issued the following warning as cybercriminals typically increase their tax scams through phone scams and email phishing schemes.

These scammers try to obtain personal information using different tricks and tactics so they can file income tax returns and claim refunds on behalf of unsuspecting taxpayers. Some scammers may also allege a taxpayer owes taxes and aggressively demand payment for a quick payout.

"When taxpayers proactively look for scams, they are less likely to be a victim of a tax-related identity theft and other cybercriminal activities," said Deputy State Treasurer Glenn White, head of Treasury's Tax Administration Group.

Treasury will never:

 Initiate a phone call or email to ask for personal information.

 Call or email to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the department will first send a bill through the U.S. mail to any taxpayer who owes taxes.

 Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.

 Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

 Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

Cybercriminals often alter caller ID numbers and emails to make it look like the state Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service or another official agency is contacting a taxpayer. Scammers may use employee titles, a person's name, address and other personal information to sound official.

Taxpayers who are contacted by a scammer should immediately cease the call or delete the email.

Taxpayers who have received a call or email from a scammer should report the case to the IRS through the web or by calling 800-366-4484. To learn more about tax-related identity theft, go to www.michigan.gov/identitytheftMidland County Sheriff Scott Stephenson has announced two recent promotions in leadership at the Midland County Jail.

Now serving in new roles are Capt. Jeff Derocher and Lt. Amy Randall.

Derocher was promoted to his new position on Nov. 14, upon the retirement for former jail Capt. Rich Harnois.

Derocher began his career with the sheriff's office on March 1, 2002, and has worked as a corrections deputy, corrections shift leading and jail lieutenant.

"Capt. Derocher has earned this position and will continue to elevate the standards that the Midland County Jail is known for," Stephenson said in a media release.

Randall is replacing Derocher's former role.

She joined the sheriff's office on Jan. 22, 2003, and has served as a corrections deputy and corrections shift leader prior to her promotion.

"Amy Randall brings a fantastic skill set to this position as she knows all of the day to day operations of our jail," Stephenson said. "Over the years, Lt. Randall has earned the respect of her co-workers. She will be an excellent addition in her new role."Were All Owners, not Attendees. Were All Followers, not Fans. Were Spiritual Contributors, not Spiritual Consumers.

THE CHURCH

GracePoint in Valparaiso, Indiana

THE CHALLENGE

To be a place where Christian grow and the unchurched are welcomed and loved.

THE BIG IDEA

Create a church that shares one common vision and set of values.

In 2000, Ben Lamb was a student pastor at a traditional church in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he had worked for almost nine years. Over time, Lamb noticed that the return rate on visitors was zero.

People wouldnt come back. Not only that, but sometimes folks would leave during the service, recalls Lamb.

As time marched on, the congregation continued to dwindle until there was practically no one left.

We were this amazing social club for ourselves, but who does that serve? asks Lamb. Church business meetings turned ugly with lots of tears, raised voices and heartache because nobody wanted to budge on their agendas. Ultimately, they decided to shut the church down and start fresh.

There comes a time when you cant adjust. You have to completely change, says Lamb.

In 2009, GracePoint Church started out with just 24 people, then dropped to 18. As they infused high-quality music with heartfelt teaching, the numbers quickly began to grow. Now Lamb guides an average of 900 worshippers each Sunday as GracePoints lead pastor. He attributes the booming growth to the fact that the church encourages people to come as they are.

There are so many churches in our town, but there wasnt one that felt comfortable for unchurched people. We feel like Jesus heartbeat is for the unchurched, says Lamb, who estimates that 87 percent of the people in his community dont attend church. Thats 146,000 who are unchurched.

Lamb and his staff focus on the people theyre trying to reach rather than those theyre trying to keep.

Pastor Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of Life.Church, said, To reach people no one is reaching, we have to do things no one is doing, says Lamb. We agree with that philosophy.

Therefore, on Sundays the congregation rallies to create a comfortable environment. That means intentionally not looking or sounding like a church. It also means expressing genuine love and acceptance for all who enter, and creating a casual atmosphere so that everyone can feel relaxed and welcome.

We dont think were the church. Were simply a church, says Lamb. Traditional churches in the area send people to us. We send people to them. We want folks to find the right fit for their needs.

For eight years, GracePoint operated out of an elementary school, which required more than 150 volunteers to show up each Sunday at 4:45 a.m. to transform it into a worship and Sunday school space.

It goes to show the ownership our folks feel, says Lamb. Here are people who werent even going to church and now are willing to give most of their Sunday to serve.

A man named Cyrus knows firsthand what that evolution feels like. His story is the reason GracePoint exists. He was completely unchurched and had been battling drug use, depression and addiction when three years ago, he received a DUI. Sentenced to perform community service, Cyrus began coming to GracePoint to help with morning setup. Over time he developed a brotherhood with his fellow volunteers. Touched by the love and lack of judgment, Cyrus began attending church at GracePoint and even got baptized. He now leads a mens Bible study and serves as a volunteer team leader at church.

In November 2017, GracePoint opened the doors of their brand-new building. Though its wonderful to no longer be operating in a mobile capacity, some members were sad to give up their Sunday morning bonding time.

After the disintegration of the first church, Lamb knew the importance of having his team unite around one common vision and set of values. They also made a conscious choice not to offer a membership class because they didnt want church to feel like an exclusive club.

Were all owners, not attendees. Were all followers, not fans. Were spiritual contributors, not spiritual consumers, says Lamb. Church isnt a spectator sport.

Even though GracePoint targets unchurched people, a number of churched people enjoy being a part of the fabric of the church. They also love having a place where they can comfortably invite their friends.

Lamb admits that it can sometimes be tough to move forward, especially when faced with harsh criticism by naysayers. Its all good, he says, because in the end, Jesus will say, Well done, good and faithful servant.Motion Industries Announces Organizational Changes

Randy Breaux

Jan. 5, 2018 - Motion Industries, Inc. recently announced three management changes that became effective in December. Tim Breen, Motion Industries President and CEO, announced the following promotions:

Randy Breaux was promoted to Executive Vice President of Marketing, Distribution, and Purchasing. Breaux previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Marketing, Distribution, and Purchasing. He joined Motion Industries in 2011 as Senior Vice President after 20+ successful years at Baldor Electric Co.

Kevin Storer

Kevin Storer was promoted to Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations and President of Mi Mexico, and will maintain responsibility for all field branch sales in the United States and Mexico. This change solidifies his position as the leader for field sales and allows the field to move in an agile, highly coordinated fashion with respect to operating efficiently, as well as seizing future opportunities in a decisive manner. Storer began his career with Motion Industries in the West Group in 1987, and held significant positions in the company before being promoted in 2016 to his most recent position as Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations and President of Mi Mexico.

Mark Stoneburner

Also, Mark Stoneburner was promoted to Senior Vice President of Industry Segments and Business Development. Stoneburner joined Motion Industries in 2016 as Corporate Account Vice President - Industry Segments.

With annual sales of $4.6 billion, Motion Industries is a leading industrial parts distributor of bearings, mechanical power transmission, electrical and industrial automation, hydraulic and industrial hose, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial products, safety products, and material handling. To learn more, please visit: www.MotionIndustries.com.

SOURCE: Motion Industries, Inc.Flambeau River Papers Idles Paper Machine No. 3 in Park Falls, Wisconsin Jan. 8, 2018  Flambeau River Papers (FRP) announced that it is idling paper machine No. 3 at the company's pulp and paper mill in Park Falls, Wisconsin. The machine produces uncoated freesheet grades. The mill will continue to operate its two other paper machines that produce specialty paper grades. According to a news story by Seth Carlson, managing editor of the Price County Review, about 82 people will lose their jobs at the mill  67 union employees and 15 management positions. FRP's chief executive, William (Butch) Johnson on Jan. 5 told mill employees that the key to FRP's long term viability is the enhanced dedication and focus of all at FRP on increasing technical papermaking capabilities and continued growth of sales of FRP value-added and specialty papers. FRP expanded efforts to grow production of value-added and specialty papers about five years ago, and sales of these grades now represent over 90% of the mill's capacity on Paper Machines #1 and #2. That while papers like laser bond and offset (run on PM #3) have been good fill grades for the mill in the past, they are no longer and jeopardize the mill's ability to continue operations, Johnson explained. Therefore, we will exit production of these commodity-type papers and idle our #3 PM, effective January 5th 2018. As a result of idling #3PM, some of our fellow FRP employees will lose their jobs and our surrounding community will be impacted. This will be painful for all of us. We are committed to doing what we can to help the affected employees find new jobs, Johnson said. These painful changes at the mill are necessary to help ensure a viable and sustainable pulp and paper operation for Flambeau River Papers, the City of Park Falls, and all the good paying jobs that the mill provides. SOURCE: Flambeau River Papers LLCAs children, most of us grew accustomed to a common daily routine known as bathtime. Somewhere along the messy road to adulthood, we stopped taking baths and that's a damn shame because they are way more fun than showers. To this day, I still regret the moment when I decided to make the switch. While it's important to practice good hygiene on the regular, there's so much more to feeling clean than just rubbing soap all over your body and then rinsing it off. Now that self-care is a trendy topic, baths are bubbling up to the mainstream again and adults are relapsing to their favorite childhood pastime  minus the rubber duckies.

I am one of the few New Yorkers who is fortunate enough to have a bathtub in my apartment so I always make time to indulge in this glorious, solitary activity. I also happen to live alone in a studio so the prospect of soaking my body in other peoples' filth never crosses my mind. (Yes, I know it's a privilege!) In honor of National Bubble Bath Day, I've selected 26 items that are guaranteed to provide you with the best bath of your entire life. Because nobody deserves to have the most outrageous and luxurious me time more than you. Remember, your body is a temple so worship it!

Umbra, Me Time Bamboo Bath Tray Caddy ($49, available at Urban Outfitters)



For the person who wants to partake in activities during their bath, this bamboo caddy is essential. In addition to holding drinks and snacks, this sturdy unit can support the weight of a book or tablet. (Please proceed with caution if you choose to bring electronics into the tub though).

SipCaddy, Bath & Shower Portable Suction Cupholder ($13.95, available at Amazon)



I may be doing a Dry January, but that doesn't mean that you have to follow my lead. This mini caddy is perfect for when you just want a glass of your favorite beverage and nothing else. (No more accidentally knocking things over on the edge!) Cheers to drinking responsibly  safety over everything!

Urban Outfitters, Bamboo Bath Mat ($35, available at Urban Outfitters)

Because you should only step out on the finest of mats! Bamboo is a better material for a mat because it's a natural, eco-friendly product that is immune to mold, bacteria and fungi. Plus, its decorative and makes your space look way more stylish. Keep it clean and cool.

Fresh, Rice Sake Bath ($82, available at Sephora)

The fact that this costs more than an actual bottle of sake has me giddy. Fresh states that this natural soak was inspired by the traditional Japanese Geisha bathing routine though, and I firmly believe that it's very important to know yourself and your worth so go ahead and spill those coins.

Antica Farmacista Prosecco Bubble Bath ($38, available at Nordstrom)

A little bubbly for your bubble bath! C'est la vie cherie.

Unbound, Bean vibrator ($29, available at Unbound)



This WATERPROOF vibrator will have you rub-a-dub-dubbing in all the right places if you catch my drift... If you really want to give yourself a BIG splash, consider opting for Squish. The rubber ducky retired for a reason, y'all.

Deluxe Comfort, Bath Luxury Full Body 3 Panel Bath Pillow ($35.99, available at Wayfair)

The fact that this pillow has the word luxury in its name is a sign that this is a product worth purchasing. Seriously though, it's important to be super comfortable when you take a dip in your tub so go buy a bath pillow ASAP.

Ultimate Ears, WONDERBOOM Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker ($100, available at Urban Outfitters)

A waterproof speaker is crucial for a bathroom anyway, so you might as well get one now. This bad boy can be hung from anywhere and last up to 10 hours before you have to hook up the USB charger. You'll want to create a special playlist for this occasion as well  I highly recommend sprinkling Rhye in the mix.

SHHHOWERCAP, The Minx ($43, available at SHHHOWERCAP)



Normally, I wouldn't suggest that anyone pay more than $5 for a plastic shower cap that can easily be purchased at any local convenience store, but this list is all about doing the most and treating yourself so why not invest in a chic cap that completely repels moisture? If you're not trying to get your hair wet, this cap really is a life saver.

Herbivore Botanicals, Coconut Soak ($18-32, available at Nordstrom)

All of your troubles will float away as you descend into paradise with this organic coconut milk powder. It's like bathing in a tub full of pina colada.

Sakara Life, Detox Tea ($20, available at Free People)



Let the unwinding begin with a piping hot cup of this delicious detox tea, a caffeine-free blend of herbal goodness. If you want to stock up on snacks, you can browse from Sakara Life's entire clean boutique too!

LEIF, Herbal Bath Tea Soak ($42, available at LEIF)

For those moments when you want to have your tea and spill it too ;-) You can choose from lavender rose and chamomile sage.

Cannabis Beauty Defined, Therapeutic Soak ($55, available at Medical Marijuana Inc.)

This cannabinoid-infused soak not only enhances the therapeutic experience that the average bath provides, but it's also good for your skin which is a bonus! According to Medical Marijuana Inc., bath products with hemp oil contain "essential nutrients that protect and rejuvenate the skin" including "vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids." Obviously, consult your doctor if interested in using this type of product.

Olverum, Original Bath Oil ($52, available at Follain)

Less is more when it comes to applying this bottle of essential oils. The moment it makes contact with your skin, your body will feel changed forever.

Diptyque, Baies Large Candle ($165, available at Nordstrom)

Nothing sets the mood quite like a burning wax candle with a heavenly scent of roses and blackcurrant leaves. This luxurious french perfumer is famous for its signature candles and is absolutely worth the splurge.

Province Apothecary, Lavender Essential Oil Incense ($16, available at Province Apothecary)

Because aromatherapy is cheaper than retail therapy all day every day. Don't forget the fancy incense holder!

Mullein & Sparrow, Rose Bath Salts ($44, available at Mullein & Sparrow)

You're going to feel like a million bucks after soaking in these salt crystals, rose petals and essential oils.

May Lindstrom, Honey Mud ($90, available at Follain)

I guarantee that you'll feel 100% better after you wipe this mask off your beautiful face.

Grown Alchemist, Body Cleanser in Chamomile, Bergamot & Rosewood ($28, available at Amazon)

This Australian brand knows a thing or two about how to take care of what's down under. Your skin will feel nourished to the bone after this cleansing.

Frank Body, All That Shimmers Gift Set ($49.95, available at Urban Outfitters)



Shine bright like a diamond, babe! This cute kit comes with a shimmer scrub, shimmer oil and illuminator that will make your skin even more radiant. Bomb cyclone, who?

Omorovicza, Gold Sugar Body Scrub ($99, available at Omorovicza)



Your body will be ready to glow all the way up after you scrub off all those dead skin cells with this fancy potion.

Baudelaire, Small Wool Sponge ($18, available at Anthropologie)

Toss out your loofah and upgrade to a sponge! In the tub, no one will shame you for being your baddest and bougiest self. While you're at it, don't forget to pick up a cedar and sisal bath brush.

Parachute, Classic Bathrobe ($99, available at Parachute)



The cozy vibes don't have to stop when you step out of the tub! Wrap yourself in this glorious robe made of 100% Turkish cotton and continue to wear nothing underneath for the rest of the day.

Pai, Head To Toe Hero Buriti Balm ($30, available at Pai)

Sensitive skin has met its match with this blend of buriti oil, kukuki and calendula. Apply it after you've finished drying off and let the moisturizing begin.

Palermo Body, Hydrating Body Oil ($36-56, available at Palermo Body)

The last thing you want to be post-bath is a prune, so massage this botanical oil into your skin for some much-needed deep hydration.

Tatcha, Gold Camellia Beauty Oil ($95, available at Sephora)



Once you're done with your first layer of post-bath moisturizing, slather on this 23-karat gold oil for an au naturel glow. Your body will thank you for the royal rehydration treatment.

Splash Photo via GettyIt's a great day for brujas: Loquita Bath and Body just relaunched its online shop. Made in California by Yamira Vanegas, the vegan and cruelty-free line is a favorite for Chicanx and Latinx folks  the bruja bath bomb, modeled after Sweethearts conversation hearts, especially. It's always in high demand, Vanegas says, and hard to keep in stock.

That bath bomb is newly available, and on Friday, she's unveiling additional snark-bearing hearts: Chingona, chismosa, mala hierba, mejor sola, me vale. For Spanish speakers, these are basically the bath bombs we didn't know we were missing.

Related | 26 Things You Need For The Most Luxurious Bath Experience Ever

"The whole brand started because I was looking for items for self-care and I wanted something that spoke to me, and I couldn't find anything like that," Vanegas says. "There was nothing that was Latino related at all. Maybe a few things here and there, but there was no brand that was specifically that and encompassing their whole brand."

And what better way to soothe than a soak that boosts your independence? Mejor sola is part of a longer idiom that translates roughly to "better alone than in bad company." After a breakup, hearing that is like a salve for the soul  and Loquita boosts its power with a corresponding bath bomb.

Promoting self-care is major part of the brand's mission. Vanegas notes it's not a novel concept; in Latinx culture, it's omnipresent.



"I feel like a lot of people don't realize that our grandmas and tias have been telling us about self-care. They say cuidate [take care]... Whether it's to put on a sweater or make sure you're eating  you know how your grandma's always like, have you eaten? Even if they don't realize it, they're telling you to practice self-care. That's what they're telling you," she says.

VapoRub, a mainstay cure-all in Latinx culture, is in the Loquita mix too, as a shower steamer. Sana Sana  culled from the traditional rhyme in Spanish to encourage healing  gets the steamer treatment, as well. Loquita's catalog hits pretty much every item in the bath-and-body spectrum: Hand scrubs (Manos Sucias) face masks, bath teas with herbs and leaves to complement the bruja bombs, whipped soaps (El Burrito Sabanero), mani bombs for nail health, face masks (Bate Bate Chocolate, named for a reggaeton song), loofah soaps (Estropajo, not your Abuelita's variety), and loads more.

Vanegas also incorporates a lot of '90s references; it's the decade during which she grew up. Now, with two kids of her own, she's witnessing the era's fun-loving timelessness firsthand. Loquita will feature more of that this year, she says. (We're hoping for a revival of the limited-edition Selena-inspired Bidi Bidi bath bomb and Como la Flor shower fluff, of course).

In everything Loquita creates, there's always a bit of wit, and a heaping helping of self-love.

"The name of the brand, Loquita, that's what my whole life has been from beginning to the point I'm at now. I've always been crazy, and to me, that's a reclaimed term," she says. My dad would tell me, Estas loca, estas loquita, what are you thinking?' But I own it, and I'm like telling the world, yeah, I am a loquita, but that's the best part about me, that I'm crazy enough to follow my dream."

More more information on Loquita, visit loquitabath.com.Patna: Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) leader Pappu Yadav, who has waged a war against Bihar doctors and hospitals for providing poor service and exploiting underprivileged patients, held a kangaroo court of sort outside the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna to hear from the disgruntled patients and their family members.

Calling it 'Aapka Sevak, Aapke Dwar', the Madhepura MP held his 'durbar' under a tree as patients and their family members surrounded him to tell their harrowing accounts with the hospital or the doctors.

People attending the 'court' told Yadav how the doctors did not make routine rounds in the hospital and nurses ignored them all the time. On Sundays, things are even worse as there are hardly any doctors on duty to attend to the patients. Pathologists are also not available and sometimes it takes days to get a blood or urine test result. People with serious illness also have to wait hours, sometimes days, to get admitted in the Emergency, patients or their family members told the MP.

During his show and tell, Yadav paid for the treatment of 66 patients.

Meanwhile, IGIMS officials expressed their resentment against Pappu Yadav's latest stunt saying he had no official permission to hold his 'court' inside the hospital premise.

Hospital Director Prof. N R Biswas, in a letter to Home Secretary, lodged his complaint against the JAP leader saying neither he had acquired proper permission to hold a meeting at the hospital nor had he informed the hospital in advance about his visit.

Patna District Magistrate (DM) Kumar Ravi, however, said that Yadav did have permission to hold the meeting on two conditions  one prohibiting him from using any megaphone and second, he could not hold a political meeting inside the hospital premises.Joshua A. Hatten, 31, who listed addresses in Tuscola and Villa Grove, was released from the Ford County Jail and into the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections on Dec. 31.US shamed itself by targeting Iran at UNSC: President Rouhani

01/08/18

Source: Press TV

President Hassan Rouhani says the United States shamed itself by trying to target the Islamic Republic at a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting it had called on the recent events inside Iran. "A gathering and protest may be exploited by certain sides. This is natural and happens all over the world," said Rouhani at a meeting with staff of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance in Tehran on Monday.



"A failed attempt"

Nikki Haley, US Ambassador to the United Nations

(source: Iranian daily Nasle Farda)



Rouhani pointed to the new US administration's mistakes in dealing with Iranian people, noting that the White House "keeps hitting rock bottom in the wrong approaches it has chosen to deal with the Iranian nation."

"Over the past days, the US's political reputation has been destroyed at the UN Security Council," Rouhani asserted.

Washington, Rouhani said, "abuses its permanent membership at the Security Council and calls for a meeting [on Iran], and there, the world countries slap the US in the face."

Last week, Iran witnessed peaceful protests against recent price hikes and the overall economic condition of the country. However, limited numbers of violent individuals, some of them armed, sought to turn the peaceful protests into street riots.

Some foreign media outlets, meanwhile, tried to depict the entire situation as an uprising targeting Iran's Islamic establishment.

Mindful of how the violent individuals sought to hijack the peaceful rallies, however, the original protesters soon heeded calls by authorities to leave the streets, paving the way for law enforcement officials to deal with the vandals and armed elements.

On Friday, the Council gave into a US push for a meeting on the events inside Iran. The session, though, did not go as planned as the Council's veto wielders and Washington's own allies used the debate to criticize the White House for involving the body in Iran's domestic affairs.

At the meeting, several UNSC members defended Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement with world countries, including Washington, and warned the US against attempts to exploit the recent developments inside Iran to undermine the accord.The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has congratulated the country for marking her 25th Anniversary as a Republic.



The CCG said 25 years under a Fourth Republic, in peace and stability, was no mean achievement.



Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Sunday, the Reverend Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, General Secretary of the CCG, said: We give thanks to God for how far He has brought us.



We want to give thanks to God for his grace and mercy towards us, especially in leading us to a new year in 2018.



He said moving forward as a nation, and with 25 years without any military interference, the people and the Government of Ghana must glorify the Lord and use the lessons learnt to guide the present and the future, especially during elections.



We have a lot to learn, especially during elections. Whenever we are close to an election, it is like our country is about to break due to instances of violence, which cause fear and panic, Rev. Opuni-Frimpong said.



He said Ghana could have peaceful election devoid of fear and panic while the political parties must demonstrate to the people that they had learnt something as leaders over the 25 years.



Rev. Opuni-Frimpong said the vigilante groups must be talked to, to channel their energies into productive ventures rather than engaging in vandalism, which retarded progress.



The CCG has, meanwhile, commended the current administration for its resolve to better the lots of Ghanaians through the laudable social intervention programmes.



It however, advised the Government to depoliticise those interventions and make them national ideas and projects, especially the Free Senior High School Policy.

Source: GNA









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Featured VideoThe son of late Managing Editor of Al-Hajj newspaper; Alhaji Bature, Mubarak Bature has indicated that his father died as a result of high blood pressure (Hypertension).



Immediately, the death of the veteran journalist was announced, a publication that circulated within the media fraternity indicated that, he died of stroke.



The reports indicated further that, Alhaji Bature collapsed at his bathroom prior to the Christmas festivities and was rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital where he was on admission receiving treatment before his sudden demise on Friday January 5, 2018.



The spokesman for the family, Amos Blessing Amorse had debunked that the media reports about the late Managing Editor Of Al-Hajj newspaper are untrue and thus the public should disregard it.



But speaking in an exclusive interview with Razzonline.com in line with what killed his Father, the first son of the late veteran Journalist Mubarak Bature who is based in the United States revealed candidly that:



First of all, what I know is my father died of bp... he was admitted at the surgical ward of the Korle Bu teaching hospital for two weeks ...thats what I know, Mubarak told Razzonline.com



Mubarak explained extensively that, though the post mortem is not yet out, the doctors actually told him his late dad died of BP



The late Alhaji Bature Iddrisu was laid to rest around 3pm on Saturday, January 6, 2017, after Jannaiza Prayers was observed at his family house at Nima, Gorillas; adjacent UNIBANK in accordance with the Islamic faith.



He was an outspoken political commentator on Adom TVs morning show, Badwam, and a member of the National Democratic Congress.

Source: razzonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoThe President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the 4th Republic is to the great credit of the Ghanaian people, the ordinary men and women who make up the fabric of the Ghanaian nation.



According to President Akufo-Addo, 25 years ago, the Ghanaian people resolved to build, under God, a united nation, grounded in democratic values and the rule of law, and, largely, have gone a long way towards realising it.



President Akufo-Addo made this known on Sunday, 7th January, 2018, at the Independence Square, at an inter-faith thanksgiving service held to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the establishment of the 4th Republic.



It will be recalled that the Constitution of the 4th Republic came into force, and the 4th Republic duly inaugurated on 7th January, 1993, i.e. its Silver Jubilee.



The Constitution became effective, following the decision of the Ghanaian people, given in overwhelming numbers, to adopt it as the fundamental law of the land in the Referendum of 28th April, 1992. The vote was three million, four hundred and eight thousand, one hundred and nineteen (3,408,119), representing 92.59%, in favour, with two hundred and seventy two thousand, eight hundred and fifty five (272,855) against, i.e. a mere 7.41%.



The 4th Republic was, thus, promulgated with immense, popular backing, and, on 7th January, 1993, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings was sworn into office as the 1st President of the 4th Republic.



It is for this reason that President Akufo-Addo commended the erstwhile Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), the 1991 Consultative Assembly, the Movement for Freedom and Justice (MFJ), the pro-democracy organisations, civil society and religious bodies, whose collective efforts and agitations led to the birth of the 4th Republic.



He also paid tribute to Parliament, under the leadership of successive Right Honourable Speakers  Justice D.F. Annan, Peter Ala Adjetey, Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo, Edward Doe Adjaho, and, currently, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye  for growing stronger in stature, and in its contribution to good governance.



In ensuring that the commitment made twenty five years ago to embark on the journey of multiparty democracy resounds strongly, one of the most important actors in the preservation of this has been the Judiciary, he said.



The President continued, Today, I pay tribute to their Lordships Philip Archer, I.K. Abban, E.K. Wiredu, George Acquah, Georgina Wood, and, the incumbent, Sophia Akuffo, the Chief Justices of the 4th Republic, who have ensured, and are still ensuring that the Judiciary plays its role as the defender of the rights and liberties of the people, and as an independent arbiter, which aims to inspire confidence in the citizenry.



President Akufo-Addo also remembered with with gratitude the contribution of the Council of State, under its various leaders, in helping to steer the ship of state to this happy day, and also to past and current officials in the public service, and to the active and retired members of the security services  the Armed Forces, the Police Service, the Fire Service, the Immigration Service, the Prisons Service  who have played their part in helping to preserve the security and the stability of Ghana.



This survey cannot be complete without mention of the Electoral Commission (EC), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), political parties, trades unions, civil society organisations, traditional authorities and religious bodies in the success of the 4th Republic, he 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.

Featured VideoThe President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is confident that with a spirit of reconciliation, fairness, integrity and hard work, the best days of Mother Ghana lie ahead of us.



According to President Akufo-Addo, our goal has to be constant  to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of Ghanaians, who yearn for improvements in their living standards, in conditions of peace, security and solidarity, and to put Ghana onto the path to sustained progress and prosperity.



We can hope for a brighter future, because we are blessed with enormous wealth and human potential.



President Akufo-Addo made this known on Sunday, 7th January, 2018, at the Independence Square, at an inter-faith thanksgiving service held to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the establishment of the 4th Republic.



With the country experiencing the longest, uninterrupted period of stable, constitutional governance in our history, he stated that this period has banished the spectre of instability that disfigured the early years of Ghanas existence, and the benefits are showing.



Cataloguing some of the benefits, the President noted that Ghana has witnessed sustained growths in the size of the economy; rising levels of per capita real incomes; systematic expansion of the private sector; and taken strong measures to try to protect our lands, water bodies and environment from the menace of environmental degradation.



Additionally, over the last 25 years, efforts to meet the most basic elements of social justice, i.e. education from kindergarten through to secondary school, and accessible healthcare to all our citizens, are ongoing.



The President indicated further that the under the 4th Republic, media freedom has been entrenched; attachment to the rule of law, probity and accountability, respect for individual liberties, human rights, the principles of democratic accountability and social justice have been deepened; and an environment in which government and regulatory policies attempt to enhance, rather than inhibit or frustrate, trade, commerce and investments is being created.



Democracy, equality of opportunity and respect for human rights, ideals which have stood the test of time, President Akufo-Addo said, have now found firm anchor in the countrys body politic.



This, he added, is evidenced in the election of 5 Presidents in the history of this Republic, and even when there was disagreement with the outcome of an election, it was the Supreme Court, rather than the streets, that determined its result.



Despite all these gains, the President indicated that Ghana has not reached the potential she should have.



The biggest challenge we face continues to be eradicating widespread poverty. We still have challenges in the performance of our public services; we face threats, traditional and contemporary, to our nations security and social stability, in the form of chieftaincy conflicts, land disputes, ethnic conflicts, vigilantism, cyber security issues, youth unemployment, economic hardships, and corruption in our public life, he said.



In addressing these challenges, the President told the gathering that we have begun to take a deep look at the structure of our economy, and transform it, from a raw material producing and exporting one to a value-added, industrialised economy, with a modernised agriculture, to serve better our needs.



He continued, The era of Ghanas industrialisation has dawned, so that we can trade in the global marketplace, not on the basis of raw materials, but on the basis of things we make, inspired by our sense of enterprise, creativity and innovation. It is the most effective way we can generate jobs and wealth for the masses of our people, and join the ranks of the developed, prosperous nations of the world.



With Ghanas obligation to the unity and integration of the region and continent remaining, President Akufo-Addo stressed that achieving functioning, common regional and continental markets will help consolidate the process of structural transformation of our economy, on which we are engaged, and will, thus, help open up the space for accelerated development.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoFormer President Mahama has challenged the Akufo Addo Administration to arrest him and his wife, Lordina Mahama, if the government believes they were in any way involved in the DKM scandal.



John Mahama said he and his wife were vilified by the NPP during the 2016 electioneering period and wondered why its members had suddenly gone quiet over the matter after winning the election.



Thousands of customers of DKM Microfinance Company lost their investments, running into millions of cedis, after the owners of the company invested in unapproved ventures and lost their funds.



The Bank of Ghana subsequently confiscated the assets of the company and appointed the Registrar Generals Department to commence the liquidation process to refund customers of the company in 2016. While some of the customers are yet to receive any pesewa from the official liquidator, others have complained that the amount of money they have been given is not a representation of their investments.



Speaking at the NDCs Unity Walk in Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region Region on Saturday, the former President said the governments silence on claims that he owned the company had vindicated him.



When the DKM issue came up, the NPP accused my wife and I of owning that company. So they said when they come into power, they will retrieve the money from us and give it back to those it was taken from. By Gods grace today, they are in now power. I challenge them to investigate the ownership of DKM. If DKM is owned by my wife and me, arrest us but they are now very quiet.



For lies, if you tell one, you have to keep telling lies to save yourself. It is said that you can lie to win power but you cant govern a nation with lies, he added.



Ill investigate DKM  Akufo-Addo



President Akufo-Addo while campaigning ahead of the December general elections promised to investigate the DKM scandal if he gets the nod.



I will investigate governments inability to pay the monies owed as well as investigate the DKM scandal and to ensure that there would be total restoration to all affected in both scandals, said Nana Akufo-Addo, in November 2016 when he addressed NPP supporters in the Brong Ahafo Region.

Source: citifmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoDeputy Minister of Information and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has called on government appointees to desist from actions that embarrass the government and have the potential to bring down the image of the current administration in the eyes of Ghanaians.



According to him, it is becoming embarrassing when you "continuously have to explain" that government is "not aware" of a particular issue, which has incurred the wrath of the public.



What I can agree with is that this is embarrassing . . . it gets embarrassing as you continuously have to explain that we were not aware of this . . . and I would like to say to all of us as government appointees, Chief Executives, Deputy Ministers, Ministers that these actions we are taking that are embarrassing the government, are the actions that will bring us down in the eyes of the Ghanaian who is watching us and viewing us . . . we are chipping away governments credibility if we continue to do this . . . 



His comment follows various actions and decisions of some government agencies especially the payment of TV license (click to read) as well as the compulsory charge of first aid kits by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) (click to read).



Even though government intervened in some of these actions, the former radi broadcaster says it is important for appointees to seek clearance before doing anything.



Kojo Oppong Nkrumah who was contributing to a panel discussion on Joy FMs newsfile programme indicated that there are a lot of state owned agencies that sometimes forget that the job they are doing is not as of right unto them, they have been appointed into some of these roles by political head . . . if you are going to do something to charge the people some amount of money, it is important in the first place to clear with the channels up . . . It is not the mere fact that youre a Deputy Minister, a Chief Executive officer of something, then literally you have space to do as you decide.



According to him, the issue is not whether or not Ghanaians are willing to pay, however when something doesnt make sense, it doesnt make sense no matter how you rap it, toast it, burn it, it doesn't make sense.



We cannot continue (with) this level of embarrassment for the government . . .  he opined.

Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoFormer Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Victor Smith, has accused his former boss, Jerry John Rawlings of not paying heed to wise counsel given him by his peers.



Former President Jerry John Rawlings is noted for his blunt criticism and swift response to issues. The current incident was when he criticized former President Mahama for continuously keeping him waiting at functions.



Rawlings, who was speaking at the 36th anniversary of the 31st December 1981 revolution in Ho, expressed his disappointment in the fact that official programmes are held up in wait for Mr. Mahama before commencement.



He has not learnt the lesson of how not to be late for functions. Each time they keep me waiting just because of him. Ladies and gentlemen, dont worry he will learn it, he said.



Speaking to Ekourba Gyasi on Atinka AM Drive, Victor Smith stated that, Mr Rawlings has resorted to bluntly throwing undeserving comments at peers meant to disrespect them.



According to Victor Smith, the former Presidents utterances are appalling, adding that there are several decent ways of expressing frustrations at issues and situations.



He stated that, it was obvious that the former President does not listen to wise counsel offered him by people around give him.



Former President Jerry John Rawlings is the only President who uses public platforms to chastise and ridicule people, even his party people. He has attained the position of a headmaster who only chastises but refuses to be chastised, he charged.

Source: atinkaonline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoJames Kwabena Bomfeh has called on President Akufo-Addo to steer the affairs of the country effectively in the year 2018.



To him, the President has no excuse this year but to work hard to ensure Ghana succeeds.



He was speaking on the New Year edition of Kokrokoo on Peace FM.



Making his submission on the programme, James Kwabena Bomfeh popularly called Kabila urged the President not to slack in his duties, emphasizing that "2018, Ghana must succeed. 2018, Ghana must work again. 2018, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo must work to make Ghana work and succeed. 2018, we must be responsible citizens to support President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.



Kabila also commended President Akufo-Addo for celebrating Ghana's Silver Jubilee of the Fourth Republic together with Former Presidents John Dramani Mahama, J.A Kufour and J.J Rawlings.



He noted the presence of all the former Presidents during the occasion would solidify the country's democracy.



According to him, it is about time Ghanaians let go of their bitterness towards the former Presidents and one another; a lesson he believed has been demonstrated by President Akufo-Addo.



Touching further on the 25th anniversary of Ghana's Fourth Republic, Kabila advised that some provisions in the 1992 Constitution should be reviewed because they're archaic.



He singled out the indemnity clauses in the constitution which provide legal exemption from liability for wrongdoing should be removed to make the Heads of State accountable for their actions and inactions.



President Akufo-Addo on Sunday led Ghanaians in a Thanksgiving Service at the Independence Square in Accra to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Fourth Republic under the theme "25 Years of the Fourth Republic - Celebrating the Goodness of the Lord".

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoMarking another setback for LGBTQ civil rights following oral arguments in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, the U.S. Supreme Court just declined to hear arguments in the cases challenging Mississippis controversial HB 1523  also known as the anti-LGBTQ license to discriminate law.

Back Story

As we reported last year, [Mississippi HB 1523] enables legal discrimination against same-sex couples, transgender men and women, and any unmarried couple who engages in sexual relations outside the boundaries of marriage. After two legal challenges failed to stop the law from taking effect last year, a legal battle made its way up through the courts to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

That court refused to issue an injunction against the law citing a lack of existing harm. Under this current record, the plaintiffs have not shown an injury-in-fact caused by HB 1523 that would empower the district court or this court to rule on its constitutionality, wrote Judge Jerry E. Smith in the Fifth Circuits majority opinion. Smith added, We do not foreclose the possibility that a future plaintiff may be able to show clear injury-in-fact  but the federal courts must withhold judgment unless and until that plaintiff comes forward.

Following that decision last summer, plaintiffs in the case decided to petition the Supreme Court  and did so in October 2017.

The organizations petitioning the court  Lambda Legal and the Mississippi Center for Justice  said at the time that HB 1523 was a transparent attempt to undermine the equal dignity of LGBT citizens established in this courts decisions. They added that the law was an equally transparent attempt to endorse particular religious beliefs as state policy.

Today, the high court refused to hear the case (meaning the Fifth Circuit decision will stand and the law will remain in full effect).

Todays Supreme Court Decision

In their refusal, the Supreme Court agreed with the Fifth Circuit that plaintiffs in the case against HB 1523 did not have sufficient standing to bring the case before the high court.

In the refusal the court argued  without commenting on the merits of the case (which is important)  that no one could show actual injury from the law. This isnt uncommon, but it is a punt that will delay substantive examination of the laws effects on LGBTQ people in Mississippi.

Reacting to the case, the ACLU of Mississippi released a statement expressing disappointment.

We are deeply disappointed in the Supreme Courts refusal to hear challenges to HB 1523, the anti-LGBT law that allows religion to be used as a way to discriminate based on specific beliefs about gay marriage, transgender individuals, and sex before marriage, said Jennifer Riley Collins, Executive Director for the ACLU of Mississippi. This law very simply is a license to discriminate. While the right to ones religious belief is fundamental, a license to discriminate is not. Same-sex couples deserve to be treated with the same dignity and respect as anyone else.

Collins added:

However, the fight is not over. The ACLU of Mississippi expects that our narrower challenge will now move forward. Our case was filed on behalf of a same-sex couple planning to marry in Mississippi in the near future. We will continue to proceed on behalf of our members  Nykolas Alford and Stephen Thomas  to protect them and other same-sex couples from this harmful and discriminatory law. This law should not allow state employees to withhold marriage licenses from same-sex couples. While we are disappointed in the Courts decision, the ACLU of Mississippi will not stand quietly by while discrimination is sanctioned. We believe in the rule of law, and we are concerned that harm is already done when any citizen is treated as second class. We want to hear from anyone who experiences discrimination in marriage, health care, or any other context. House Bill 1523 cannot trump the Constitution or other federal anti-discrimination statutes. We stand ready to ensure that those rights are enforced and that all Mississippians are protected from discrimination. Again, we urge the community to contact us if they or someone they know experiences any discrimination.

While the news is disappointing, its not without a silver lining: the court offered no opinion on the merits of the case since they ruled exclusively on standing. That means the high court  much like the Fifth Circuit  may be willing to hear a case after someone injured by the law files a case against the state.

Mississippi Today analyzed this possibility last year after the Fifth Circuit three judge panel ruling also excluded the merits of the case:

For the original plaintiffs, however, the judges decision to avoid any discussion of the merits of the religious freedom law is telling. Rob McDuff, the lead attorney on one of the two cases to challenge the law, said Thursdays decision does not make House Bill 1523 constitutional. Even though this is an adverse decision I am pleased that we were able to stop HB 1523 from going into effect for the past year, and hopefully our efforts to see further review will prevent it from going into effect in the future. But whatever happens, it is clear that this law is unfair and intolerant and unconstitutional and the Fifth Circuits decision based on the doctrine of standing does not change that, McDuff said.

To that end, Lambda Legal is already seeking plaintiffs for a new case. If you are in Mississippi and you have faced or fear anti-#LGBTQ discrimination, PLEASE get in touch. We and @justice4ms are here to help, they wrote on Twitter today. The tweet contained a website where anyone affected by the law can notify the two organizations in order to move forward with a case containing actual injury.

PREVIOUSLY

Peacock Panache readers:

Tim Peacock is the Managing Editor and founder of Peacock Panache and has worked as a civil rights advocate for over twenty years. During that time hes worn several hats including leading on campus LGBTQ advocacy in the University of Missouri campus system, interning with the Colorado Civil Rights Division, and volunteering at advocacy organizations. You can learn more about him at his personal website.

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We hope you enjoyed reading this article! If you would like to support our ongoing work, please consider buying us a cup of coffee. It's not much, but we don't do this for the money. We do, however, need caffeine to keep going some days!If you do donate, send us a message through our Contact Us page or via social media so we can thank you!Want to know more about Food Network's Alex Guarnaschelli?

Miss Pennsylvania Katie Schreckengast chatted with t he frequent "Chopped" judge as she visited the Pa. Preferred Culinary Connection stage on Jan. 7. Guarnaschelli did two cooking demonstrations, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on the stage, located in the Main Exhibit Hall.

Guarnaschelli, who is executive chef at Butter restaurant in New York City, won the 'The Next Iron Chef: Redemption" in 2012, earning the coveted title of Iron Chef. She recently published her third cookbook, "The Home Cook: Recipes to Know by Heart."

Every year, Pa. Preferred brings in a celebrity chef to its week-long lineup of cooking demonstrations. Throughout the week, a mix of chefs, cooking school students and celebrities are scheduled to cook during the eight day show from Jan. 6 to 13.

Katie, the Palmyra native and Penn State Blue Band member who finished in the Top 10 in the Miss America pageant in September, has been touring the 2018 Pennsylvania Farm Show with PennLive. You can watch her take on the best food court foods here and her favorite baby animals here.

For more on the farm show:LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Oprah Winfrey's moving speech at the Golden Globes has some fans and fellow celebrities calling for her presidential run.

The actress accepted the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award at Sunday's ceremony, and it didn't take long for Twitter to start lighting up with the hashtag #Oprah2020.

Comedian Sarah Silverman tweeted "Oprah/Michelle 2020." Leslie Odom, Jr., who played Aaron Burr in the Broadway musical "Hamilton" tweeted "She's running. A new day is on the way."

Y'all want #Oprah2020 so bad? Prove it. Spend this year electing Black women to office in 2018. Put in the work. Show some receipts. Then we can talk about the presidency in 2020. Deal? pic.twitter.com/6zX0rpTJJ3  April is at Sundance (@ReignOfApril) January 8, 2018

For more than three decades, @Oprah has been inspiring others, giving a voice to the voiceless, and telling stories that had the power to change lives. Her speech at the #GoldenGlobes tonight was presidential. #Oprah2020 pic.twitter.com/MvCcyq3V5s  Joseph Amodeo (@josephamodeo) January 8, 2018

#OprahWinfrey, thank you for giving a little Mexican American girl, from the wrong side of the tracks, a chance to DREAM. Now please run for President. #Oprah2020! pic.twitter.com/LIsuZ8JKK7  DanaCortez (@DanaCortez) January 8, 2018

Winfrey's longtime partner Stedman Graham tells the Los Angeles Times "It's up to the people" whether she will be president, adding "she would absolutely do it."

Winfrey brought the typically rowdy crowd to silence and tears with her speech.

She spoke of seeing Sidney Poitier win an Academy Award when she was a girl, and weaved it into the #MeToo movement.Five residents were displaced after a house fire in York County, but no injuries were reported.

York Daily Record reports the fire occurred at approximately 3 p.m. Sunday in the 100 block of Edgar Street in York.

Four dogs and two cats were also safe, according to a Facebook post by York City Department of Fire/Rescue Services.

Crews (C Platoon) are taking up from the fire in the 100 blk. of Edgar St. American Red Cross Central Pennsylvania... Posted by York City Department of Fire/Rescue Services on Sunday, January 7, 2018

The American Red Cross also responded to assist the residents, according to the post.A state appeals court has refused to overturn the suspension of the state medical license of a Camp Hill doctor who admitted illegally prescribing pain-killers from a pizza shop.

The Commonwealth Court panel did rule, however, that Dr. Joseph T. Acri doesn't have to wait at least five years to seek reinstatement of his license.

Acri, 60, was charged by the state attorney general's office nearly two years ago. Investigators said Acri wrote bogus Oxycodone prescriptions to four people on prescription pads taken from Carlisle Regional Medical Center. Acri wasn't working for the center at the time.

Also, he was accused of writing drug prescriptions from a Camp Hill pizza shop to people he didn't even examine. Acri issued illegal prescriptions between 2011 and 2014, investigators said.

In September 2016, Acri pleaded guilty in Cumberland County Court to four felony charges of prescription drug fraud. Two months later, county Judge Albert H. Masland sentenced him to 3 to 23 months in prison, followed by two years of probation.

In his appeal to Commonwealth Court, Acri claimed his civil rights were violated because the state Board of Osteopathic Medicine suspended his medical license without granting him a hearing to defend himself.

Judge Patricia A. McCullough found in Commonwealth Court opinion that the board's action was proper because state law requires automatic license suspensions for physicians who illegally prescribe drugs. That mandate "bears a real and substantial relationship to the goal of safeguarding the public," McCullough wrote.

Her court did overrule the medical board's decision that Acri must wait five years to request reinstatement of his license. The wording of state regulations on that issue is "confusing," McCullough found, so Acri can seek reinstatement at any time.

The state judges made no recommendation regarding whether he should get his license back, though.A driver who may have had been experiencing a medical emergency crashed into a Lebanon County pizza shop Sunday, injuring two workers.

Steven Landes, 65, of the 400 block of Homestead Drive, South Lebanon Township, drove his SUV into Pucillo's Pizza & Pasta, 1032 S. Fifth Avenue, at 12:12 p.m. Sunday, police say.

Two workers in the kitchen at Pucillo's suffered moderate injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

As many of you have already seen or heard already we had an accident today at Pucillos. We had a vehicle go into the... Posted by Pucillo's Pizza & Pasta on Sunday, January 7, 2018

South Lebanon Township police say they believe Landes suffered a medical condition prior to and during the accident. Witnesses said they saw his blue Mazda SUV run north through a field at a high rate of speed toward Pucillo's, running into the building.

The restaurant had damage to the building and kitchen and remains closed, says Pucillo's Facebook page.A divided Commonwealth Court panel has agreed an Old Older Amish family must connect to a public sewer system, despite their claims that will force them to compromise their religious beliefs.

The issue is electricity.

The Yoder family, like others of their sect, shun the use of electricity, especially when it is from the grid.

For years, the Yoders have been fighting the sewer connection order because it requires them to install an electric grinder pump to shunt waste from their home into the Sugar Grove Area Sewer Authority's system in Warren County.

Commonwealth Court has weighed in on this dispute before. In June 2016, the state judges heard another appeal by the Yoders and then sent the case back to the county court for further debate on whether the use of electricity was required in this situation.

County President Judge Maureen Skerda concluded the electric grinder pump was the only feasible option and after weighing another appeal by the Yoders, two out of three judges on the Commonwealth Court panel agreed.

In the state court's majority opinion, Judge Robert Simpson cited other instances where the Yoders used electricity and were not shunned by their conservative religious community. They had used telephones and power tools and had ridden in cars, Simpson observed.

He rejected the family's argument that they should simply be allowed to keep using their outdoor privy, which lacks electricity and running water.

Simpson and Senior Judge Dan Pellegrini concluded Skerda was right to deny a preliminary injunction sought by the Yoders and instead allow the authority to hook their property to its system by installing the electric pump.

Judge Patricia A. McCullough voiced the dissent, arguing the Yoder's are sincere in their religion-based shunning of electricity. "I believe (the Yoders) are being denied their rights to religious freedom," she wrote.An official with Milton Hershey School confirmed the possible threat police are investigating was not aimed at the school.

Schools spokeswoman Keri Straub said she has been in touch with investigators, and that the threat was aimed at a school in Albemarle County, Virginia.

"Everything has been confirmed that arrests have been made there," Straub said.The state flag will be flown at half-staff in honor of a firefighter who died in the line of duty.

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered Monday that all commonwealth flags on the Capitol Complex and at state facilities in Philadelphia be lowered to honor fallen Philadelphia firefighter Lt. Matt LeTourneau.

LeTourneau, 43, was killed while battling a row-home blaze in North Philadelphia on Saturday.

"We are mourning the tragic death of Lt. Matthew LeTourneau from injuries received battling a significant fire over the weekend," Wolf said in a news release. "I urge all Pennsylvanians to join me in keeping his family, his colleagues and all our first responders in your thoughts. His sacrifice for his fellow citizens will not be forgotten."

The state flag will be lowered at sunrise on Tuesday, and fly at half-staff through sunset Saturday.Though mixed precipitation and slick roads prompted early dismissals at Northern Lebanon School District, a gas leak sent some students home even earlier on Monday.

An external leak was discovered outside of the middle and high schools before 9 a.m., according to a Facebook post on the district's page.

Students were assigned to different classrooms, and UGI and emergency personnel were notified.

"At that time, we made the decision to dismiss the students from middle/high school and had the buses immediately return after they dropped off our elementary students," the post read. That dismissal started at 8:50 a.m.

UGI later determined the leak was the result of a poor connection outside of the building, and repairs are ongoing.

School is scheduled to start on time Tuesday.Tuition changes could be coming to some universities in the State System of Higher Education next fall in an effort to increase enrollment and better compete with other schools.

East Stroudsburg University, for example, is looking to test out a tuition model that provides students with a four-year price guarantee.

Starting in the fall, that university is proposing to make a switch to begin using this approach that is already in place at over 60 colleges and universities across 21 states and the District of Columbia.

A State System board committee discussed three universities' alternative tuition rate proposals on Monday and voted to recommend them to the full board when it meets later this month - but East Stroudsburg proved the most controversial.

Proposed to be called the "Warrior Pledge," incoming students would know upfront what their tuition will be for four years at East Stroudsburg. If they take longer to earn their degree, the price would increase starting in the fifth year.

"We do think it will help our students and their families deal with the cost of higher education by giving them an affordable and predictable tuition rate," said East Stroudsburg's President Marcia Welsh. "We also feel very strongly it will encourage students to complete in four years."

The system universities have been experimenting with different tuition models since 2011 as it begins to move away from the one-size-fits-all approach that it has embraced since its creation in 1983.

Some - but not all - of those test models have been deemed a success and aren't changing such as Millersville's move to a per-credit tuition rate rather than one that charged students the same rate regardless of whether they took 12 credits or 18 credits a semester.

Under the proposed tuition restructuring at East Stroudsburg, incoming classes of students would pay slightly more than the system-wide base tuition in their first three years and slightly less than that rate in the fourth year. An additional 1 percent would be tacked on that would be dedicated to providing institutional financial aid to needy students.

Then in each subsequent year, the four-year rate charged to each incoming classes would be locked in at a rate that would increase annually by whatever percentage the board approves for the system-wide base tuition rate hike.

The board's newly named University Success Committee narrowly voted to recommend to the full board East Stroudsburg's four-year guarantee plan by a 3-2 vote. Two representatives from Gov. Tom Wolf's administration on the committee cast the dissenting votes.

Sarah Galbally, Wolf's policy and planning secretary, said she thought it was inappropriate to roll out new tuition pilots at this time since a separate task force is expected to issue a recommended broader tuition pricing policy in April.

"It seems like we're approving something but we're also waiting on this collective work that should be informing these types of policy decisions," Galbally said. "I have a little bit of a hard time getting to a yes on this one."

The system's interim Chancellor Karen Whitney said the tuition rate restructuring ideas the board is considering are in line with the direction the task force is heading.

Like Galbally, Whitney said she questioned whether this model leads to higher graduation rates and boosts enrollment. An East Stroudsburg vice president, who had experience with this tuition model at an Arizona university where he formerly worked, said that school's four-year tuition guarantee achieved both of those goals.

"I am convinced that given the region that East Stroudsburg is serving, ... what this approach will do is allow the president and her team to work with prospective and current students in a very competitive multi-state market to plan in extraordinary stable ways," Whitney said.

A separate tuition change that the committee approved would reduce the per-credit undergraduate tuition rate for students attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Northpointe and Punxsatawney campuses, starting in the fall. Enrollment at those campuses has been on the decline.

In-state freshmen and sophomores enrolled at these two regional campuses would pay 80 percent of the per-credit rate charged at IUP's main campus. The idea is to increase enrollment at these campuses and make their rate more competitive with Butler County Community college.

IUP President Michael Driscoll anticipates each campus would only need to add 10 full-time equivalent students to break even from the discounted rate.

The other university requesting a new tuition structure is Mansfield where two tuition pricing experiments are currently underway. One began in the fall of 2015 and the other the following year.

Both were aimed at luring in more students, particularly out-of-state students, to this northern Pennsylvania university. One relied on a multi-tier approach that set a student's tuition rate based upon his or her scholastic achievement. The other froze the per-credit rate for up to eight semesters.

Running these two pilots at the same time has led to 27 different tuition rates and was becoming difficult for the university and its student information system to manage, system officials said. So university officials are asking for approval to come up with a transitional rate structure for the next year's incoming class to begin to move away from those two cumbersome models.

The committee voted unanimously to ask the full system board to delegate authority to itself and the board's executive committee to make this decision by the end of February. It also is recommending some changes to the out-of-state student pricing models in place at several universities.

The State System enrolls more than 105,000 students and includes Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities.Finance Minister Bill Morneau takes questions as the Liberal cabinet meets in St. John's, N.L. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. The federal ethics commissioner has cleared Finance Minister Bill Morneau of insinuations that both he and his father benefited from insider information to save half a million dollars on the sale of shares in the family-built company. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew VaughanOntario Labour Minister Kevin Flynn speaks at the legislature in Toronto, Monday, May 25, 2015. Ontario's minister of labour suggests businesses struggling with new legislation that hikes minimum wages should consider price increases. Kevin Flynn says that businesses have many options open to them, adding that raising prices could be part of a strategy to ensure they make a profit as well as pay a living wage. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank GunnPope Francis poses for a family photo with diplomats accredited to the Holy See inside the Sistine Chapel, at the end of an audience for the traditional exchange of New Year greetings, at the Vatican, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, pool)In this image made from video run by China's CCTV, a rescue ship sprays water to put out a blaze at the Panama-registered tanker "Sanchi" after a collision with a Hong Kong-registered freighter off China's eastern coast, Monday, Jan. 8, 2017. The U.S. Navy has joined the search for 32 crew members missing from the oil tanker that caught fire after colliding with a bulk freighter off China's east coast. (CCTV via AP Video)FILE - In this Oct. 29, 2017 file photo, provided by Egypt's state news agency, MENA, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi salutes as he inspects troops with Minister of Defense Sedki Sobhy, in the Red Sea port city of Suez, Egypt. Egypt said Monday, Jan. 8, 2018 that the presidential election will be held March 26-28. El-Sissi has yet to formally announce his bid for re-election, but is widely expected to run and win a second four-year term amid a wide-scale crackdown on dissent. (MENA via AP, File)S. Arabia changes Aramco status from national oil company to joint-stock company -official bulletin

By Reuters

DUBAI

Petroleumworld 01 08 2018

Saudi Arabia has changed the status of its national oil giant Aramco to a joint-stock company as of Jan. 1, in a key step for an initial public offering (IPO) planned for later this year.

The sale of up to 5 percent of Saudi Aramco, expected to go ahead in the second half of 2018, is a centrepiece of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan to reduce the dependence of the Saudi economy on oil. The plan is championed by Saudi crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

The change, which was published in a cabinet decree in the kingdom's official bulletin on Friday, is a requirement for local companies in Saudi Arabia ahead of listing, a senior Aramco source, who declined to be named, told Reuters.

As a customary step in the preparation process for a Saudi IPO, Saudi Aramco has converted to a joint stock company, the source said.

This establishes the framework to allow future investors to hold shares in the company alongside its shareholder, the government.

But it is an important step as it shows the IPO process, which could be the biggest in history raising up to $100 billion, is moving ahead despite market speculation it could be delayed or totally shelved.

Prince Mohammad told Reuters in October it was still on track for 2018.

Aramco has a fully paid capital of 60 billion riyals ($16.00 billion) divided into 200 billion ordinary shares, according to the company's bylaws published in the official bulletin.

The firm's board will have 11 members and the power to list the company in domestic and international markets, it said. The government will propose 6 members of Aramco's board, but shareholders with a more than 0.1 percent stake will have the right to propose a member to the general assembly.

The government will have the right to appoint or change the company's chairman, a position currently held by Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih.

The government will remain the major shareholder of Aramco and retain the ultimate decision on output levels and production capacity, it said.

The state will remain the only responsible entity to make the final decisions regarding the maximum levels of hydrocarbons that can be produced at any time, it said.

Saudi officials have said domestic and international exchanges such as New York, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong have been looked at for a partial listing of the state-run oil firm.

They also left the door open for other options including an exclusive listing on the kingdom's bourse Tadawul and an IPO coupled with a private placement to a strategic investor as a precursor to an international IPO.

Aramco's IPO will comply with regulations of the Saudi stock exchange and also regulations of the international market where it will be listed, the official bulletin said.

Investors have long debated whether Aramco could be valued anywhere close to $2 trillion, the figure announced by the crown prince, who wants to raise cash through the IPO to finance investment aimed at helping wean the world's biggest oil exporting nation off its dependency on crude.

A kingpin of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Saudi Arabia is also leading members and other rival oil producers such as Russia to restrict oil supplies under a global oil pact to drain inventories and boost oil prices.

In November, OPEC and non-OPEC producers agreed to extend oil output cuts until the end of 2018 as they try to finish clearing a global glut of crude while signalling a possible early exit from the deal if the market overheats. ($1 = 3.7502 riyals)





Analysis: Trump energy policy riles competing sectors

By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 01 08 2018

When the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump proposed new subsidies for coal and nuclear plants, it seemed like an obvious way to deliver on campaign promises to boost the nation's energy industry.

And yet the plan, announced in September, set off sharp criticism from other sectors that Trump has also vowed to help, such as natural gas and utilities.

Subsidies don't make you competitive - and don't make you great again, said Robert Flexon, the president and chief executive of Dynegy Inc, a Houston-based utility that owns both coal- and gas-fired power plants.

Squabbling over the proposal exemplifies the administration's larger struggle to deliver on promises of a sweeping energy renaissance across the coal, oil, gas and nuclear industries.

Trouble is, policies that help one of those sectors often hurt another, illustrating the complexity of energy regulation and the difficulty in appeasing competing interests. While election campaigns often seek to neatly divide voters into two camps - those supporting energy vs. those supporting the environment - such rhetoric fails to capture the messier policy impacts on profits, hiring and emissions reductions across the energy landscape.

There is little evidence that Trump's moves so far have aided energy firms of any stripe; some administration proposals have languished amid divisive politics, while other regulatory changes have seen their impact muted by market forces.

Utilities, for instance, have shown little interest in buying more coal-fired power despite the regulatory rollbacks in Trump's pro-coal push.

A broader measure of investor sentiment on the energy industry - the Standard & Poor's 500 energy index - lost more than 7 percent in 2017 even as stock markets soared.

White House and Energy Department officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Another political flashpoint has been the administration's waffling over proposed changes to biofuels policy.

Trump's Environmental Protection Agency initially entertained a plan from oil refiners to upend regulations requiring them to blend ethanol into their gasoline - then rejected it after a backlash from the ethanol industry, rooted in Midwest corn-growing states that supported Trump's election.

The dispute sparked open warfare among the congressional backers of various industry interests, including threats to block Trump's agency nominations and accusations he had welched on campaign promises.

Even the coal industry, which played a starring role in Trump's campaign, has seen a marginal return on its lobbying efforts. It has, for instance, had little success so far in attacking subsidies for wind and solar power.

Trump and others in his administration have criticized renewable energy as expensive and dependent on government support. But the White House has not sought to repeal tax breaks expected to provide $12.3 billion to renewable energy firms by 2020, which other Republicans continue to support.

Fossil-fuel firms clearly have more influence on policy under Trump and easier access to decision makers. Coal, oil, and gas company executives have met regularly with senior administration officials, according to official agency schedules.

Their policy victories include rollbacks of regulations limiting emissions of carbon, methane and other pollutants; the opening of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling; and the lifting of a coal-mining moratorium on federal lands.

But the impact of these moves on production, profits and jobs remains uncertain. Demand for additional drilling and mining leases on federal lands has been thin , and top U.S. oil and gas companies have told shareholders in regulatory filings that environmental regulations have little impact on their business.

While coal advocates have generally cheered Trump's ascension, White House policies have so far had little effect on U.S. coal consumption.

Robert Murray, chief executive of private coal company Murray Energy Corp., said Republican efforts to boost coal have addressed only the low hanging fruit of overturning a few environmental regulations while avoiding tougher issues.

The oil and gas industry, also championed by Trump, similarly feels let down by an administration it had hoped would strip away government interference, said Susan Ginsburg, a senior vice president of regulatory affairs for the Independent Petroleum Association of America, which represents small oil and gas companies.

The industry, she said, expected that markets would be allowed to work.

HELP FOR COAL HURTS NATURAL GAS

For the coal industry - which has seen a decade of decline amid competition from cheap natural gas - the wish-list for the Trump administration is long.

In the months after Trump was elected, Trump and senior cabinet members including Energy Secretary Rick Perry met with mining executives such as Murray. Other administration officials met with lobbyists for coal firms including Peabody Energy Corp, the nation's largest miner.

Murray handed the White House a long list of recommendations, including rescinding pollution controls, slashing the EPA's size and ending green energy incentives.

Emails obtained by the Sierra Club in October revealed that Peabody had also given the administration a list of proposals, including a controversial electricity pricing measure based on the argument that coal and nuclear plants improve grid reliability.

Perry proposed in September that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission reward coal and nuclear plants that have 90 days of fuel supply in reserve by covering their operating costs through power pricing changes. FERC is expected to decide on the request by Jan. 10.

That proposal irritated oil and gas producers, along with renewable energy firms. Both were caught off guard, said a Washington-based oil-and-gas lobbyist who spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern over offending the administration.

Nobody in the oil and gas industry, or in the renewables industry for that matter, was consulted, the lobbyist said. It just came out of nowhere.

The American Petroleum Institute, which represents major U.S. oil and gas companies, wrote that the plan upsets the very foundations of the competitive wholesale electricity markets.

Michael Steel, a spokesman for the Affordable Energy Coalition, which has oil major BP as a member, called the proposal an unfair subsidy.

The Department of Energy is trying to pick winners and losers in a way that will raise costs for consumers by billions of dollars, Steel said.

BROKEN PROGRAM'

The political dustup over biofuels policy provides another telling example of the difficulty appeasing competing industry camps.

The Renewable Fuel Standard was introduced under former President George W. Bush as a way to help farmers and reduce oil imports. But refining companies say it costs them a fortune and threatens their survival.

Refiners expected changes to the policy after Trump named billionaire investor and refinery owner Carl Icahn as an unofficial adviser on regulation. Icahn and others proposed shifting the blending requirement to other businesses and reducing biofuels blending quotas.

But the proposals drew heavy fire from the ethanol industry and its backers. Republican Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa in October threatened to block a key EPA nomination until the administration rejected the proposals - which it did days later, at Trump's direction.

The refining industry, in turn, was outraged by the reversal. Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and other lawmakers from states with refineries demanded a meeting with Trump. Cruz later said he would block a nomination to the Department of Agriculture over the issue.

The White House is now mediating talks between both sides.

EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman, asked if the agency could have handled the situation differently, said: It is good public policy to vet our options with all stakeholders, which is what we have  and will continue  to do.

Follow Trump's impact on energy and environment at The Trump Effect www.reuters.com/trump-effect . For an interactive graphic charting the policy changes, see: here





OPEC problem, U.S. shale returns to growth: Kemp





By John Kemp

LONDON

Petroleumworld 01 08 2018

U.S. crude oil prices have risen above $60 per barrel which should accelerate shale drilling and production in the next few months, provided the price increase is sustained.

U.S. crude futures are trading over $60 for all delivery months between February and August 2018, an increase of about 40 percent since the middle of 2017 ( tmsnrt.rs/2CW5DIt ).

And the futures strip for 2019, the benchmark against which U.S. shale producers can execute hedges for next year's output, is trading over $56, up almost 20 percent on the last six months.

Harold Hamm, chief executive of Continental Resources, one of the largest producers in North Dakota and Oklahoma, said last year that prices needed to be above $50 to be sustainable.

Analysis of earnings statements and drilling behaviour of the shale firms confirmed most were not breaking when futures prices were below $50.

Breakeven prices for shale vary tremendously between different companies, different basins and even different wells within the same play.

But with futures prices above $60, a much wider range of wells and shale plays should now be profitable.

Futures prices are sending a clear signal to shale firms that they should step up drilling programmes and boost output.

Experience shows changes in drilling rates generally follow changes in futures prices with a lag of about 16 to 20 weeks.

Futures prices have been rising fairly consistently for 27 weeks since hitting a trough around $43 in late June 2017.

Drilling rates, as measured by the Baker Hughes rig count, started turning up 19 weeks later, consistent with normal behaviour.

The rig count unexpectedly stalled in the second half of December, but the continued increase in futures prices strongly suggests the rig count will start increasing again and should rise at least through March and April.

Shale production is already increasing strongly as a result of the growing number of wells drilled earlier in 2017 and completed in the second half of last year.

Monthly completion rates across the seven major shale plays climbed from 700 in January 2017 to 921 in June and 1,086 in November, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Production from the Lower 48 states excluding the Gulf of Mexico, much of it from shale formations, has surged from 6.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in January 2017 to 7.0 million bpd in June and 7.7 million bpd in October.

Production from the Lower 48 excluding federal waters in the Gulf is forecast to top 8 million bpd before the end of 2018, according to the Energy Information Administration.

The continued rise in prices makes it more likely the forecast will prove correct and onshore output will top 8 million bpd even earlier this year.

The more U.S. crude prices rise, the bigger the eventual production response is likely to be, which could significantly complicate OPEC's attempt to draw down global oil inventories.

OPEC must decide how far it is willing to allow prices to rise before increasing shale output threatens both its market share and its plan to reduce inventories.





Russia launching an influencing campaing on Mexican election: White House





By David Alire Garcia and Noe Torres

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 01 08 2018

The Russian government has launched a sophisticated campaign to influence Mexico's 2018 presidential election and stir up division, a senior White House official said in a video clip published by Mexican newspaper Reforma.

U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said in a speech last month to the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation that there was already evidence of Russian meddling in Mexican elections set for July.

We've seen that this is really a sophisticated effort to polarize democratic societies and pit communities within those societies against each other, said McMaster in a previously unreported video clip from Dec. 15 that was posted on Twitter by a reporter with Mexican daily newspaper Reforma on Saturday.

You've seen, actually, initial signs of it in the Mexican presidential campaign already, said McMaster, a former Army general. He did not elaborate in the clip on how Russia was seeking to influence the election.

Reforma published a story on Saturday on the comments, which have since been shared many times on social media.

President Donald Trump's senior national security aide added in the clip that the U.S. government was concerned by Russia's use of advanced cyber tools to push propaganda and disinformation.

A request for comment sent to McMaster's office at the White House and a request for comment from the Russian government in Moscow were not immediately returned on Sunday.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied accusations by U.S. intelligence officials and others of interfering in foreign elections.

In July, Mexico will elect a new president to succeed Enrique Pena Nieto, who is barred by law from seeking a second six-year term. Congressional seats plus some governors' races will also be up for grabs.

According to opinion polls, the frontrunner in the presidential contest is the leftist former mayor of Mexico City, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who is running on an anti-corruption platform.

Lopez Obrador, a two-time runner-up for the presidency and a divisive figure in Mexican politics for over a decade, is seen by some analysts as the Kremlin's favorite, given the positive coverage he has received from government-funded media outlets like Sputnik and Russia Today.

Both China and Russia are taking an increasing interest in Latin America as the United States, under Trump, has adopted a more protectionist stance and the future of the North America Free Trade Agreement looks uncertain.

Lopez Obrador has been a fierce critic of Pena Nieto's sweeping energy overhaul, which was favored by U.S. officials and oil companies. He has said he would seek friendly relations with the U.S. government but would demand respect.

In 2016, Russia Today's Spanish-language YouTube channel began running a weekly video blog entitled The Battle for Mexico, hosted by a prominent supporter of Lopez Obrador, according to David Salvo at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, who has written about Russian attempts to influence politics in Latin America.

Pena Nieto's office and the foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on McMaster's statement.

Some Mexican political commentators said that there was little reason yet to fear Russian involvement in the election.

The point is that Washington hasn't provided any solid proof for this, said Marco Cancino, head of Mexico City-based consultancy Inteligencia Publica.

So far, it's just speculation.





Oil tanker carrying 136,000 tons of light oil ablaze off Chinese coast at risk of explosion

CCTV via Reuters TV



Smoke and fire billow from the Panama-registered tanker Sanchi, carrying 950,000 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

An Iranian oil tanker ablaze off the Chinese coast was at risk of exploding or sinking, authorities said Monday, as they reported there was no sign of survivors 36 hours after the vessel erupted in flames.

A huge fire was still raging around the stricken ship, which had been carrying 136,000 tons of light oil, with fierce heat and thick black smoke billowing from the vessel and the surrounding sea.

The body of one crew member was found aboard the tanker, an Iranian official said.

Mohammad Rastad, head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization, was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency that the body was sent to Shanghai for identification.

Rescuers were attempting to reach the other 29 Iranian and two Bangladeshi crew members but were being beaten back by toxic clouds, authorities said.

The Panamanian-flagged 274-meter tanker Sanchi is in danger of exploding or sinking, the ministry said.

The U.S. Navy sent a military aircraft to assist with the search, which spanned an area of about 12,350 square km but said in a statement it did not locate any of the tanker's 32 missing crew members.

The Sanchi tanker, run by Iran's top oil shipping operator, collided Saturday evening with the CF Crystal about 300 km off China's coast near Shanghai and the mouth of the Yangtze River Delta.

Chinese state media showed pictures of the tanker ablaze and billowing plumes of thick dark smoke on Sunday. China sent four rescue ships and three cleaning boats to the site, while South Korea dispatched a ship and a helicopter.

The Panama-registered tanker was sailing from Iran to South Korea carrying 136,000 metric tons of condensate, an ultra light crude. That is equivalent to just under 1 million barrels, worth about $60 million, based on global crude oil prices.

The freighter, which was carrying U.S. grain, suffered limited damage and the 21 crew members, all Chinese nationals, were rescued.

The extent of the environmental harm and size of the spill were not yet known, but based on the tanker's tonnage, it has the potential to be the worst since 1991 when 260,000 metric tons of oil leaked off the Angolan coast.

Hanwha Total Petrochemical Co. Ltd. in South Korea was due to receive the cargo and was looking at ways to replace the lost barrels, a spokesman said.

The company may use its own stock, ask Iran for another shipment or seek alternative condensate supplies from Qatar, he said. The accident was not affecting its operations on Monday, he added.

Poor weather conditions Sunday night made it hard for the rescue crews to get access to the tanker.

Trying to contain a spill of condensate, which is extremely low in density, highly toxic and much more explosive than normal crude, may also be difficult.

It is only liquid in certain pressure and temperature conditions and often evaporates into air or dilutes into water when exposed to the atmosphere or during uncontrolled spills.

When liquid, condensate is colorless and virtually odorless. Surface spills of condensate are therefore difficult to detect visually, making them hard to manage and contain.

Shanghai Maritime Bureau's navigation department said the collision did not impact traffic in and out of Shanghai, one of the world's busiest and biggest ports, or ports along the Yangtze River.Less than a week after state regulators shut down construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline, a consultant for Sunoco Pipeline on Monday updated its estimated economic impact of the project to $9.1 billion  assuming the company is able to resume construction.

Sunoco Pipeline LP and its parent company, Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP), are spending $5.1 billion over five years in Pennsylvania on the Mariner East system, including pipelines and reconstruction of a former refinery in Marcus Hook, according to the report by Econsult Solutions, a Philadelphia firm hired by Sunoco.

Econsult more than doubled its 2015 estimated direct and indirect economic impact of the Mariner East project from $4.2 billion to $9.1 billion, attributing the higher estimate to the addition of a third pipeline, as well as the construction of a gas-liquids processing facility in Marcus Hook.

In addition to the one-time economic boost during construction, the associated projects will produce $140 million to $210 million of ongoing annual economic impact in Pennsylvania, according to the report.

The report was released only a few days after the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection halted construction on the Mariner East 2 pipeline to correct "egregious and willful violations," including unauthorized drilling to install the pipeline and failing to notify the agency when discharges or spills of drilling fluid occurred.

Sunoco said the release of the economic-impact report update was in the works before the DEP suspended its construction permits, and is unrelated to the state action.

"We are working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to fulfill the requirements of the Jan. 3 order as quickly as possible, so we may resume construction promptly," said Jeff Shields, a Sunoco Pipeline spokesman.

An environmental group organizing local pipeline opponents, Food & Water Watch, dismissed the report as "dubious research," and said its release "should not distract us from the life and death safety risks the Mariner East pipeline poses to our communities."

The report underscores a major reason why the Mariner East project has enjoyed strong support from political, business, and labor leaders, who regard it as a major investment to channel the Marcellus Shale output through Pennsylvania, and potentially induce additional economic growth.

The Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance, a labor and business coalition that supports the build-out of pipelines, said Monday that the Econsult report validates its argument that the Mariner East project is good for the state's economy.

The Mariner East system is designed to carry gas liquids  propane, butane, and ethane  from the shale region of Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia to a terminal that Sunoco has built on the site of the former Marcus Hook refinery.

The original Mariner East pipeline is an 80-year-old conduit that previously carried refined fuel such as gasoline from the refinery to Pennsylvania outlets. It was reconfigured n 2014 to carry gas liquids, which are valuable materials associated with natural gas production used in the production of petrochemicals. Much of the material is being exported to Europe.

The Mariner East 2 pipeline, whose construction was suspended last week, is largely adjacent to the older pipeline and would dramatically expand the system capacity. Sunoco also has commitments to add a third pipeline to the route as soon as the ME2 is completed.

But construction has generated vociferous political and legal challenges along its route, resulting in the ouster of two local township boards in the November election and an ongoing legal battle organized by the environmental groups led by the Clean Air Council.Tim Piazza died after falling down a flight of stairs during pledge night. Read more

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office has agreed to take over the manslaughter case against former Pennsylvania State University fraternity members accused in last February's hazing death of a pledge.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office announced Monday that it would take the case from the new Centre County district attorney, Bernard Cantorna, who said he had a conflict of interest that prevented him from prosecuting it.

In a statement, Shapiro promised "an independent review" of the death of sophomore Tim Piazza, which leaves open the possibility that the charges could be dropped, increased or changed.

Twenty-six members of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity remain charged in the death of the New Jersey engineering major after a booze-fueled party at which prosecutors have alleged hazing occurred. Eight of the members are charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault; other charges include hazing, reckless endangerment, and furnishing alcohol to minors.

Cantorna, who was sworn in as districtaAttorney this month, had refrained from commenting on the case after he was elected. After consulting the State Bar Ethics Committee, he last month requested that the attorney general take over the matter because he had "previously served as counsel" to some of the participants.

His predecessor, Stacy Parks Miller, who lost a bid for re-election, initially charged 18 members of the fraternity in Piazza's death, and later charged 12 more. Four members initially charged had their cases dismissed. Piazza became intoxicated, fell down the fraternity stairs, and later succumbed to a brain injury, ruptured spleen and collapsed lung. Fraternity members didn't call for help until nearly 12 hours later.

Following a lengthy preliminary hearing that spanned multiple days and weeks, a Centre County judge gutted the case and dismissed the most serious charges.

Parks Miller last fall refiled them against eight of the members and continued to press the case until she left office.

Defense attorneys in the case have argued that Parks Miller overcharged and that there was insufficient evidence to prove that their clients forced Piazza to drink or that their actions led to his death.

Frank Fina, an attorney who represents Beta Theta Pi chapter president Brendan Young, said he welcomed the review by the attorney general.

"I think that's entirely appropriate," said Fina, a former prosecutor in the Attorney General's Office, though not under Shapiro.

Tom Kline, an attorney for Piazza's parents, said they have "full confidence in the Attorney General's Office and look forward to the continued prosecution of those who are responsible for the death of their son."

.Patricia Randzo gave 34 years of her life to city kids, retiring as principal of the school system's Philadelphia Military Academy in April.

Randzo didn't like to spend much time away from the students she worked with, so she had plenty of unused sick, personal, and vacation days when she left the district: roughly $69,000 worth. She was going to use the money to buy a house.

But nearly a year after Randzo left the system, she hasn't bought the house because she's still waiting for her money. And she is not alone: The Philadelphia School District is sitting on a years-long backlog of unpaid termination payouts, some dating to the early 2000s.

One recent retiree was told she would have to wait for two years to get the funds she is owed, despite union contracts that say employees are entitled to the payments in a timely manner  most within 90 days of leaving the district.

"It's ridiculous," Randzo said.

Terms vary for the various labor unions that work within the district, but typically, School District employees are paid out for 100 percent of their unused personal time and 25 percent of their unused sick time during their tenure. The reasons behind the struggle to promptly pay them are complex, blamed on old back-office systems that make it tough to do the needed verifications before checks are cut and an unusually heavy workload for the district's human resources and payroll departments.

The effects of the 2012 doomsday budget also still linger. That year, the school system laid off thousands of employees, including half the staff devoted to processing the payout checks. New labor contracts for most unions also meant a crush of new work for already overburdened departments, officials said.

Uri Monson, the district's chief financial officer, said the problem is improving. An August report by then-City Controller Alan Butkovitz identified a backlog of $6.6 million in payouts owed to more than 5,000 former School District workers; Monson said that, as of November, the number was closer to 4,000 workers, despite the departure of 1,200 staffers who retired or resigned at the end of last school year.

The average wait for a check, Monson said, is down to 14 months from 17, and the total owed is also less.

Still, he said, "this is a bad problem. We know it; we're not where we need to be. But for the first time in years, we're looking at systemic ways of making it better."

Two new employees have been added to help address the backlog, he said. And an outside audit of the termination pay process is expected by the end of the month so that when new financial systems are finally adopted, the district won't be automating bad processes.

"This is as high a priority for me as it's possible to be," Monson said.

Albert Poppa hopes so. Poppa retired in June after nearly 42 years as a school police officer.

"I was a good employee, too," he said in an interview. "When I left, I had a lot of time. That meant I always came to work."

Poppa expected a prompt payment  his contract said within 60 days  of the $23,000 he earned. So far, he hasn't gotten a dime.

"I've gotten a runaround," said Poppa. "I'll call, and they'll say they're shorthanded. They say, 'Let me put you through to somebody,' and then it goes through to a machine, and I never get a call back."

It stings, Poppa said.

"I put almost 42 years in, and they turn around and slap me in the face," he said. "Where's our money?"

Also waiting is Arlette George, who left the district in June 2016 after almost 20 years as a school counselor. Eighteen months in, she's still waiting for the $20,000 she's owed.

"They're cheating me out of my retirement money," said George. "They're violating our contract, and they're making interest on our money."

Lisa Ciaranca Kaplan earned national accolades for her work as principal of Jackson Elementary in South Philadelphia. She retired in June after 37 years as a teacher, central office staffer, and principal.

When Kaplan asked someone in payroll when she might expect her term pay  somewhere north of $40,000  the answer astonished her: Two years, she was told.

"I said, 'Excuse me, are you joking?' and she said, 'No, two years. We're very short-staffed,' " Kaplan said.

Kaplan knows as well as anyone the effects of the awful budget cuts of the early 2010s, having absorbed the jobs of many when times got tough. "When they lay off people at schools, we still have to do their work," Kaplan said.

When the money finally does come through, it won't come with interest. (Kaplan asked.)

"How do you just not pay people?" Kaplan said. "You devote 37 years of your life to a job, and then they tell you they can't pay you the money they owe you."Jackass star and West Chester natieve Bam Margera was arrested in California over the weekend for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and was released after posting $15,000 bail.

Margera, 38, was arrested by California Highway Patrol officers just before 8 a.m. Sunday in Los Angeles. According to People magazine, officers stopped Margera because he was talking on his cellphone while driving. Police then conducted standard field sobriety tests.

Officers arrested him and booked him around 10 a.m. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department records, Margera was released just after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

As brother Jess Margera told Page Six, the Margera family is "trying to help him from across the country."

"He's with a friend out there, and we're trying to see if he wants to go to rehab or anything," Jess said. "We're trying to help him."

The arrest, Margera's first for DUI, comes after the birth of his first son, Phoenix Wolf Margera, with wife Nicole Boyd in December. The child was born as Margera was mounting a return to professional skateboarding after years of alcohol abuse, as chronicled in the Vice series Epicly Later'd last year. Margera also spoke with the Inquirer about his struggle with alcohol, saying his success on Jackass encouraged his addiction.

"It took me four beers to even feel normal. People go to rehab because drinking made them lose their job and their wife. My job is to do dumb, jackass s , and the more shots of Crown Royal I'd do, the braver I'd be. Drinking helped me get paid," he said. "I've come to terms with the fact that it doesn't take drinking to be funny, but it took me a long time to figure that out."

Margera's friend and fellow Jackass star Ryan Dunn was killed in a drunk driving crash in West Chester in June 2011. Zachary Hartwell, a production assistant on Jackass Number Two, was also killed in the accident.

"This definitely woke me up. Coming from a 'Jackass,' I recommend to everybody, don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking. Just don't," Margera said in an interview on 93.3 WMMR's Preston & Steve Show after Dunn's death. "Whenever you're drunk you think you're not. If you even drink at all, don't get behind the wheel."Temple University senior Kalen Allen, who accepted a deal from Ellen DeGeneres in an appearance on her show last week, now has more information about what it means for his budding viral video fame.

"Basically, 'Kalen Reacts' is moving to The Ellen DeGeneres Show," he said. "Now, all the videos will be distributed through Ellen."

Allen, 21, says he doesn't remember much of his appearance on the show.

"It was surreal," he says. "Honestly, once I stepped on stage, I don't remember any of the interview. When I watched it on television, it was like watching it for the first time. I was on an adrenaline rush."

The Kansas City, Kan., native was invited on the show last Tuesday because of his YouTube channel, which features videos of him wittily poking fun at weirdly popular (and just plain weird) recipes for classic dishes on websites like Buzzfeed's Tasty. Think mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts, or potato salad cake lined with hot dogs, and you'll have got a good idea of what Allen does.

The videos have been a hit online since Allen started releasing them in November. His YouTube account has earned more than 5 million views since. In December, they caught the attention of DeGeneres, who called them "the best thing on the internet right now."

Allen says he is unsure whether the videos will be released online or via The Ellen Show, or both. The ultimate fate of the "Kalen Reacts" channel is similarly unclear, as Allen says details are still in the works. However, he plans to continue making his recipe reation videos for the show and hopes to branch out to other topics in the future.

"This is like a dream come true," he says. "The best part is knowing that I haven't even graduated, and I already know what's next."

He says he will move to Los Angeles from Philadelphia on Saturday. He plans to finish his degree through Temple's study-away program by taking classes in the L.A. area. He will return to Philadelphia for graduation in the spring before heading back to LA.

Grad school, though, is off the table. In December, Allen said he was considering pursuing further education and had applied to Yale, New York University, and the Juilliard School. He has since withdrawn his applications.

"That was surreal to me because, oh my god, it's Juilliard, but this is happening," Allen says.

Allen held five jobs to help support himself in school, but he has since quit all of them in order to pursue DeGeneres' offer.

He says he is thankful for the security the opportunity provides. Most artists, he says, don't have that luxury.

"It's hard being a struggling artist, because you never know what your next step is going to be. Now, I know," he says. "That's the most powerful thing for me."PLEASE NOTE: Because of wintry weather, the Poet Laureate reading at the Free Library has been postponed until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Philadelphia's new poet laureate is a bridge-builder.

Raquel Salas Rivera is the new adult poet laureate of Philadelphia for 2018-2019, succeeding Yolanda Wisher. In a ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday in Room 108 of the Free Library of Philadelphia, Beth Feldman Brandt, who chairs the selection committee, will make the announcement. The new laureate will read, as will Husnaa Hashim, announced in September as the new youth poet laureate.

Rivera, 32, is a networker, bridging people of different geographical situations (as a Puerto Rican and Philadelphian), languages (writing in Spanish and English), and races ("I'm a very white-passing Puerto Rican, with a very fair father and a mother much blacker than I am"). As a person identifying as queer and nonbinary (that is, not fitting traditional categories of male or female), Rivera bridges sexual/gender identifications, as well as social/economic classes ("my mother has slavery in her background, my father much more wealth and access to privilege"). The new poet laureate talks about the great news and plans for the laureateship.

How does it feel?

After that first "What just happened?" sort of shock, there was definitely excitement about what this meant, my being a bilingual poet, what it means for migrant communities, what it means symbolically, and the work I want to do in Philly, and I got hyped. What a great thing to happen.

You were born in Puerto Rico, came to the United States at 6 months old with your parents, then moved to Puerto Rico  one can't really say "back"  at 14 to live with your mother. You came to Philadelphia when you were accepted to Penn. That makes for a very complex relationship with country and city.

I had never really considered going back to the United States. But of all the places I visited, I really liked Philadelphia and the idea of being here. It was important that I feel at home, really comfortable. I'm queer, nonbinary, and I needed to be in a place where I wouldn't feel isolated. And when I came here, I was lucky to find so many different spaces where my work was welcomed. I didn't expect that. Often, the United States is seen as monolingual, and that's not the case at all. I was writing a lot of poetry around identity and being a migrant in the United States, and the politics of language, and I found people were super-receptive. I usually read the Spanish first and then the English. And people were super into it.

I also just really thought the city was really beautiful. My plan was go back eventually to Puerto Rico, but then I fell in love with a Philadelphian, Philly-raised. I learned a lot about Philly through her.

As a Puerto Rican, and as a person self-identifying as a migrant, you have very mixed feelings about this country, with its burdened colonial past, its prejudices, its class structure. Yet here you are.

I don't identify as an American, but I identify as a Philadelphian! That's a common experience for a lot of people, often unspoken. This is a huge country, and every place is really different, and beyond the U.S. political borders, many people identify with regions, with cities and towns. To say "I'm an American" is a political statement, and "I'm a Philadelphian" is an identity locator.

You're going to be a poet laureate, meaning you're about to get really into Philadelphia, a city of neighborhoods.

I've never seen anywhere else the post of a city's poet laureate be what it is in Philly  a position of such significant social service. There is so much to do, neighborhood to neighborhood and culture to culture. We do have bridge-builders here: Poets like Kirwyn Sutherland and Yolanda Wisher are moving between spaces. Yet Philly is still very segregated along racial lines, and people often stay within their communities. There are ways of changing that, putting people into spaces they wouldn't ordinarily be in. And that's something I put in my application that I wanted to do. I want to do a series called We, Too, Are Philly, based on Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too," in which we involve poets of color and poets of more than one language in different activities.

Philly has so many incredible poets here for a city of its size. There's so much going on in the sanctuary movement, this being a sanctuary city, so much good stuff being written about the immigrant and sanctuary experience. Maybe it's the time for it.Pastor Gloria White-Hammond officiates a Sunday service at Bethel AME Church on Dec. 3, 2017, in Boston. Pastor White-Hammond conducts workshops with her parishioners around end-of-life issues to help them talk about death, name a health care proxy and fill out their end-of-life wishes. Read more

"It would feel like murder to pull her life support," a young woman tells the doctor.

The woman sits by a hospital bed where her mother, Selena, lies unresponsive, hooked up to a breathing tube. The daughter has already made one attempt to save her mother's life; she pulled Selena out of the car and performed CPR when her heart stopped en route to the hospital  an experience she calls "beyond terrifying."

Now the doctor tells the family that Selena will never wake up in a meaningful way. But the daughter says she can't let her mother go: "I'm always looking for another miracle."

The scene, captured in the documentary Extremis, took place in a hospital's intensive-care unit in Oakland, Calif.

Three thousand miles away, at Boston's Bethel AME Church on an evening this past fall, the Rev. Gloria White-Hammond watched the film with a group of women from her predominantly black congregation. As they gathered around a long table in the church's youth center at 7 p.m., White-Hammond offered oranges and chocolate chip cookies  and a warning that the film might be very hard to watch.

White-Hammond, a 67-year-old physician, activist and minister who also teaches at Harvard Divinity School, is accustomed to broaching difficult subjects. She often speaks out about having been sexually abused by her father during childhood  an experience that motivated her to work with survivors of sexual violence in Sudan. Now, she's using her unusual credentials as a pastor  and a pediatrician  to take on a new subject: death.

As the film ended, White-Hammond and her congregants sat quietly as letters on the screen revealed Selena's fate: The family had Selena surgically attached to a breathing machine. She lived that way, drifting in and out of consciousness, for nearly six months.

White-Hammond broke the silence with a prayer.

"We know Selena," she said, speaking metaphorically. "Her brothers are our brothers."

Like Selena, most of the people in the room were black women. They are grappling with the question: If they end up like Selena, what would they want their families to do?

"God, guide us and direct us," said White-Hammond as heads bowed. After they die, she said, her parishioners may see the face of Jesus, and "sit at his feet and be blessed."

But first, they have work to do.

White-Hammond is determined to get all of her 600 congregants to write down their end-of-life medical wishes and discuss them with their doctors and families.

White-Hammond treated patients until about seven years ago, and her husband and co-pastor, Ray Hammond, is a doctor, too. But when an organization called the Conversation Project approached her a few years ago about leading death-and-dying workshops with her congregation, she discovered she hadn't planned for her own death or serious illness.

"I didn't have my own documents" outlining medical wishes, she said. "I was kind of embarrassed."

Nationwide, only a third of Americans have documented their end-of-life wishes, according to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation. For black adults 65 or older, rates are much lower: Only 19 percent have documented their end-of-life wishes, compared with 65 percent of whites. Older black adults are half as likely as whites to have named someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they became incapacitated, the poll found. (Kaiser Health News is an editorially independent program of the foundation.)

Another KFF poll found that blacks are more likely than whites to say that living as long as possible is "extremely important," and that the U.S. medical system places too little emphasis on extending life.

As part of the discussion at Bethel AME, White-Hammond asked attendees to look through the "Five Wishes" end-of-life planning document. At monthly workshops over the last two years, White-Hammond has introduced more than 100 parishioners to the document. She said people often get stuck when filling out the second wish, which asks whether they want life support in certain grim scenarios that they may not be familiar with, such as permanent brain damage.

White-Hammond screened Extremis to illustrate what ventilators and feeding tubes are really like  and what it's like for families to make decisions without explicit instructions. The documentary, which lasts an intense 24 minutes, provoked a strong response.

Janine Hackshaw, 35, an immigrant from Trinidad who works in microfinance, told the group she felt anger toward one ICU doctor in the film. She thought that the doctor was rushing a family to make a life-or-death decision about whether to put their loved one on a ventilator.

"Why is she rushing?" Hackshaw asked. "Do you need the machine for something else?"

Mistrust of the medical establishment is one major reason black Americans are less likely to write down their end-of-life wishes and more reluctant to end life support, White-Hammond later said. That mistrust stems partly from historical racism, including segregated hospitals, forced sterilization of black women, and the infamous, government-led Tuskegee syphilis experiment that denied effective treatment to black men.

The mistrust persists today as "race becomes more tense" across the country, and as people continue to experience disparities, White-Hammond said. Like some other black church leaders across the country who are trying to change perceptions around hospice, White-Hammond says she believes that cultural change can start at church.

"We're capitalizing on our credibility as an institution of faith" to drive conversations around end-of-life care, she said. The goal, she said, is to make these discussions "part of the culture."

Another obstacle, White-Hammond said, is that people don't want to talk about death.

Rhona Julien, another parishioner who hails from Trinidad, said she regrets avoiding the discussion with her mother before she died three years ago. When her mother started to talk about dying, Julien would change the subject.

"I never wanted to deal with it," she said.

But she said she learned a lot from her mother's death, including the pressure families could create to keep a person alive. Julien, a 58-year-old environmental scientist, was the sole caretaker for her mother, who had pulmonary fibrosis. At the very end, Julien said, her siblings wanted to put their mother on a ventilator, to keep her alive long enough so that they could fly from Trinidad to say goodbye. Julien refused.

"She's not going to be connected to a machine to keep her alive for other people's benefit," Julien recalled thinking.

"Nobody should be hooked up to this and that, like Frankenstein," she said.

A 23-year-old Haitian-American woman in the group said she has not been comfortable speaking up to her family about her grandmother's care. (She declined to give her name, for fear of upsetting her family.)

She described her grandmother, who moved to the U.S. from Haiti, as an independent, strong-minded woman who would regularly walk an hour to church instead of taking a bus. She raised three kids on her own and made a life in the U.S., even though she didn't speak English, couldn't read, and had no formal education.

Her grandmother was so prepared for death that she had a drawer in her room with clothes that she planned to wear at her funeral  an elegant white suit and white, wide-brimmed hat. She would check the drawer every couple of weeks.

But when the grandmother had a stroke a couple of years ago in Randolph, Mass., doctors asked if she should be kept on feeding tubes or offered only comfort care. The family chose feeding tubes. The grandmother, who is 85 and cannot walk or talk, has been living in a bed ever since.

The young woman said she feels frustrated that her family didn't prioritize what her grandmother would want.

"We were hoping for a miracle," she said. But she knew her grandmother "wouldn't have decided to live a life where she would be bound to a bed."

Alice Coombs, one of three black female doctors participating in the evening's discussion, turned to the young woman and gently suggested that she speak up on her grandmother's behalf.

"I took it as a challenge," the young woman later said, "to talk about this topic."

Julien said she was initially reluctant to talk to her own kids about her end-of-life wishes  "Are you jinxing yourself?" she wondered  but she successfully broached the subject as part of homework for the workshop.

After watching the film Extremis, she said, she felt motivated to take the next step: "I'm going to fill out these forms!"

As the discussion ended, White-Hammond prayed to God for help filling out those end-of-life forms. "Put the fire under us," she asked, so the task doesn't languish "on the to-do list."

Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation and is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.Flu shots are encouraged for most people, such as this patient in Brownsville, Texas, but new data show that sometimes doctors and nurses do not follow the advice. Read more

Doctors and nurses often suggest that patients get an annual flu shot. But do they roll up their own sleeves?

At a handful of area hospitals, the answer is often no. In the most recent data compiled by the federal government, 13 facilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware reported that fewer than 60 percent of health-care workers had received a flu vaccination.

>> SEARCH: See how your hospital did on flu shots and other quality measures

Among them were four in the Philadelphia area, including the three hospitals in the Inspira Health Network in South Jersey: Inspira Medical Center Elmer (at 35 percent, tied with a hospital in North Jersey for the lowest flu-shot rate in the three states), Inspira Medical Center Vineland (45 percent), and Inspira Medical Center Woodbury (57 percent).

But since the end of the six-month period represented in the data  Oct. 1, 2016, through March 31, 2017  the network has started requiring flu shots for all employees, both in hospitals and outpatient settings, said Paul Lambrecht, vice president for quality and patient safety.

Frequent hand-washing, another recommended preventive measure, requires constant effort. But flu shots are a commonsense way to reduce the risk of infection without day-to-day action, he said.

"It's protection you don't even have to think about," Lambrecht said. "You get your vaccination, and you go about your life. You're protecting yourself and others."

The fourth Philadelphia-area facility with a flu vaccination rate below 60 percent was Barix Clinics of Pennsylvania, a bariatric surgery center in Langhorne, at 38 percent. A Barix spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

The highest vaccination rate in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware was 99 percent, a figure reported by these area hospitals:

Bucks County. Doylestown Hospital, Grand View Hospital, Jefferson Bucks Hospital (formerly Aria), and Rothman Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital.

Montgomery County. Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health, Lansdale Hospital, and Holy Redeemer Hospital.

Philadelphia. Jefferson Frankford Hospital, Jefferson Torresdale Hospital (both formerly Aria Health), and Roxborough Memorial Hospital.

The three former Aria hospitals started requiring flu vaccines in the 2011-12 season, said Kelli Wiercinski, director of infection prevention and employee health. Most employees get the shot during special "blitz days." For others who may be unable to leave their work station, such as emergency-room physicians, the hospitals administer flu shots from mobile carts, she said.

The vaccination-rate figures are compiled by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on its Hospital Compare web site, at medicare.gov/hospitalcompare.

The evidence is mixed as to whether vaccinating doctors, nurses, and other health-care workers reduces the number of patients that get sick, but the prevailing wisdom is that the shots are a good idea. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all health-care workers get an annual flu shot, both to protect patients and employees.

Some hospitals encourage vaccination, while others, like Inspira, have instituted outright requirements. At hospitals with vaccination mandates, there has been occasional resistance among employees who have no contact with patients. Others may object for religious reasons or because they are allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine.

Concocting the annual flu vaccine requires educated guesswork, so getting a shot does not guarantee you won't get flu. But the CDC says recent reports that it is only 10 percent effective this year are wrong  as that figure refers to just one strain, and is based on Australia's experience. Overall effectiveness is more likely closer to last year's, 39 percent.

And the vaccine is the best option medicine offers to reduce the risk of contracting the illness. Even in those who do get sick, having had the vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms. Most patients recover after a week of misery, but flu viruses are blamed in thousands of deaths each year.

As in any workplace, doctors and nurses who get the flu are advised to stay home, but some of them nevertheless decide to drag themselves in to work. In a recent CDC survey, four in 10 health-care professionals said they came to work while suffering flu-like symptoms.The owner of a medical marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles prepares his monthly tax payment. Marijuana businesses may become even more dependent on cash thanks to recent action from Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Read more

By rolling back an Obama-era memo that shielded legal marijuana users, growers and distributors from federal prosecution, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions may compel many banks and credit unions to stop working with marijuana businesses.

That's because the memo Sessions rescinded, drafted by former Deputy Attorney General James Cole, is the foundation of Treasury Department guidance that created legal space for banks and credit unions to offer accounts to marijuana dispensaries, grow operations, distributors and manufacturers.

Without access to the banking system, the rapidly growing marijuana industry  valued at $6.7 billion in 2016  would have to rely on cash. That would make cannabis businesses, owners and employees vulnerable to theft and complicate state efforts to collect taxes on drug sales.

Taking away the banking guidance could have a bigger impact on the state-sanctioned cannabis industry than giving federal prosecutors more leeway to bring legal action against it, said Andrew Freedman, a consultant who previously served as Colorado's "pot czar."

While prosecutions depend on a number of factors, from prosecutors' desire to go after cannabis businesses to the volume of cases courts can handle, many  if not all  of the 390 banks and credit unions that currently provide accounts to marijuana businesses would drop those accounts if the Treasury bureau in charge of safeguarding the financial system, called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network or FinCEN, changed its directives, say banking and cannabis industry insiders.

"The FinCEN guidance was the one place they went to mitigate risk," Freedman said of financial institutions.

Banking has always been a challenge for the cannabis industry in states that allow sale and possession of the drug. Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and federal law requires banks to steer clear of participating in illegal activity. Still, thanks to the Obama-era guidance, a growing number of financial institutions have started to serve the industry.

Rachel Pross, chief risk officer for Maps credit union in Oregon, where recreational marijuana sales are legal, says her institution has a plan in place to drop their marijuana-related accounts if the federal government pulls both the Justice and Treasury guidance. "If we didn't have that guidance and framework to follow, we could in theory be prosecuted for federal money laundering," she said.

Maps is one of the few financial institutions in Oregon that have been openly serving marijuana businesses. Without it, businesses may have no other option but to rely on cash. "In the worst-case scenario, if we faced federal prosecution for continuing to serve these businesses, we're talking like $30 million being put back into the streets of the Willamette Valley," Pross said.

Pross said she expected the Justice and Treasury department guidance to be changed at the same time, because the 2014 Treasury guidance tells banks and credit unions to monitor marijuana-related accounts for any activity listed as an enforcement priority in the Justice Department memo.

But Sessions' marijuana enforcement memorandum made no mention of the Treasury guidance, and the Treasury department has yet to announce any changes to its policy.

"FinCEN works closely with law enforcement and the financial sector to combat illicit finance and provide relevant information that allows law enforcement to pursue their priorities. We will continue to work with DOJ and other stakeholders on this issue," Steve Hudak, chief of public affairs for the Treasury bureau, said in a statement.

Lawyers who advise banks are now scrambling to clarify the rules. "The Sessions rescission technically states that it is business as normal, and hence it is possible for FinCEN not to rescind its guidance, but rather, to clarify it by deleting the references to the Cole Memorandum," Joseph Lynyak, a banking regulation expert and partner at the law firm Dorsey & Whitney, said in an email. That would allow Treasury to maintain some version of the guidance that permits marijuana accounts.

However, now that the Justice Department has given federal officials more leeway to go after the marijuana industry, banks and credit unions that are following the Treasury guidance and filing regular reports on their marijuana-related accounts run a higher risk of prosecution, he said.

That's a risk some banks and credit unions may not be willing to take  regardless of the fate of the Treasury guidance.

Hilary Bricken, cannabis business attorney and head of the Los Angeles office of the firm Harris Bricken, said financial institutions currently working with marijuana businesses may keep doing so for now, but banks and credit unions that were thinking about entering that line of business may steer clear. "I am positive that it will chill participation for those who are thinking about it," she said.

The financial institutions that serve the industry have always known that the Obama-era guidance was fragile and they might have to eject marijuana clients in a hurry. Sessions, a longtime foe of marijuana legalization, became attorney general last February and hinted in December that change was coming.

"From day one when we started this business, we had an exit strategy. We've always kept an eye on the Cole memo," said Shane Saunders, chief experience officer at Maps.

Saunders said the credit union will survive if it has to drop its marijuana accounts. He's more worried about how the surrounding community will handle an influx of cash. "That's really our greatest concern," he said.

Stateline is a project of the Pew Charitable Foundation.The Darby Borough priest sent to prison for embezzling more than a half-million dollars to help fuel his gambling habit raises questions about the role of his two co-conspirators: the casinos and the state.

No doubt Msgr. William A. Dombrow is responsible for his actions and will serve his time in prison. But the casinos and lawmakers in Harrisburg share some responsibility for enabling the gambling addiction of Dombrow and thousands of others like him.

It is not enough to advertise gambling hotlines and issue canned statements telling customers to gamble responsibly. Nor is it enough to set aside a paltry .002 percent of casino revenues to treat gambling addicts.

The jobs and tax revenue generated by casinos come at a cost.

One national study found that living within 10 miles of a casino increases the odds of a person's becoming a problem gambler by 90 percent. Other studies have found that anywhere from 30 percent to 60 percent of casino revenues come from problem gamblers.

A casino executive at Parx once famously said at an industry conference that most of its customers visit 200 times a year, or an average of four times a week. An executive at the Harrah's casino in Chester  which Dombrow frequented  said a "segment" of its customers came six times a week.

In short, the success of Pennsylvania's casinos depends in large measure on repeat and problem gamblers. And unlike Las Vegas, which attracts tourists from all over, the casinos here cater mainly to locals who visit again and again. (On the other hand, Nevada ranks first in gambling addiction.)

Casinos are complicit. They aggressively market to gamblers by emailing them free-play vouchers, food coupons and other incentives to get them to keep coming back. In fact, casinos can track gamblers' activity through reward cards many plug into slot machines, which generate most of the revenue.

Studies show modern slot machines are designed to addict gamblers. Indeed, the casino industry spends lots of time and money trying to influence consumers' behavior through technology and the design of casinos  down to the seats, carpet and layout.

The state plays a role in pushing more gambling as well. State lawmakers  led by former Gov. Ed Rendell  legalized slots in 2004. Six years later, the state added table games.

In October, the Republican-controlled Legislature approved a major expansion of gambling by allowing gambling online and in airports, bars and truck stops as well as smaller "satellite" casinos.

Since the state taxes slot machine revenue at 55 percent, Harrisburg could be considered a majority partner in the casinos. As such, lawmakers have a duty to look out for the safety and welfare of residents, and not just maximize tax revenues.

In addition to stripping wealth from residents, casinos (and the lottery) create an unaccounted social cost seen in addicts like Dombrow, who stole life insurance funds from dead priests to gamble at Harrah's.

Thanks to the efforts of the state, Pennsylvania is second only to Nevada in casino gambling. Lawmakers need to take more responsibility for preventing and treating the gambling addiction they help enable.As a longtime Philadelphia resident born in Korea, I am deeply concerned about loose talk of nuclear war with North Korea. We should be de-escalating tension with North Korea, not trading insults about the sizes of each other's nuclear buttons.

As 58 retired U.S. military leaders recently reminded us, any unilateral attack by our country on North Korean soil would put countless lives of South Koreans and Americans at risk, and wreak havoc on the global economy. It's time for Congress, including the Pennsylvania delegation, to listen to the American people and avoid miscalculations that could turn war of words into war of fire and fury.

Like many immigrants, I feel a deep sense of loyalty and patriotism to a country that has given me so much. In 1981, my mother and I left South Korea with $300 in our pocket and two bags of clothing. I entered the sixth grade in public school not speaking English and graduated from high school as a valedictorian with a scholarship to MIT. My first job out of college was at Merck's Pennsylvania research facility. In 2000 I founded my own biotech company.

My job has taken me across the world, including back to South Korea, home to technological innovations, the world's 12th largest economy, and next door to the world's second and third largest economies, China and Japan. I have seen firsthand the incredible advancements by South Koreans, who painstakingly rebuilt their country after the armistice that halted (but never ended) the Korean War in 1953. It is the first country that went from being a recipient of foreign assistance to a major donor country with a thriving democracy. By any measure South Korea is a remarkable success story.

So that is why talk of military option against North Korea is so disturbing. A military strike by the United States would immediately put the 10 million people living in Seoul, South Korea's capital, at risk. For me, that's not just an abstract number; my extended family lives in Seoul, and so do tens of thousands of American men and women who are stationed in South Korea to protect our ally.

Disturbingly, no one who says only military action will change North Korea's behavior has explained what happens after the first strike.

Who among them have seen what war does to a country? Ask any older Korean who lived through the war and they will tell you that it brings out the worst in humanity. About 1.2 million South Koreans perished as a result of the Korean War and the GDP fell by 80 percent, making the already poor country at that time even poorer. Those lucky enough to survive the immediate impact of war dealt with unimaginable poverty and lasting health issues.

My father's family came down from North Korea during the Korean War. But hundreds of thousands of people just like me and my father still languish in North Korea under a totalitarian regime hell-bent on arming itself for survival. Without talking to the regime, we risk miscalculating each other's intentions and stumbling into confrontation. It's time for the United States to pursue direct talks with North Korea without pre-conditions.

I urge everyone to call or write your member of Congress and demand talks, not war, with North Korea before it's too late.

J. Joseph Kim is president and CEO of Inovio Pharmaceuticals and on the board of the Council of Korean Americans, a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of successful Korean American leaders.Oprah Winfrey accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. Read more

Oprah Winfrey for president? A memorable speech during the Golden Globes on Sunday night is fueling speculation that the popular talk show host and current 60 Minutes correspondent might be interested in running for president.

According to CNN, the interest could be more than just speculation. Reliable Sources host Brian Stelter is reporting that Winfrey is "actively thinking" about running for president in 2020, according to two of Winfrey's close friends.

The sources told Stelter that they had been privately encouraging Winfrey to run, dating back several months. In the past, Winfrey has repeatedly denied interest in running for president, telling CBS This Morning in October 2017, "There will be no running for office of any kind for me."

The speculation about Winfrey's presidential aspirations went viral following her emotional acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award, in which she vigorously defended journalism and spoke passionately about sexual harassment. Her remarks, my colleague Ellen Gray wrote, "sounded like a stump speech."

"I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon," Winfrey said. "And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say 'Me too' again."

NBC was criticized for sending a message from its official Twitter account during the speech declaring Winfrey "OUR future president." NBC has since deleted the tweet, blaming the post on a third party agency hired to send out social media messages in real time during the Golden Globes.

"It is in reference to a joke made during the monologue and not meant to be a political statement," NBC said in a message on Twitter Monday morning.

Following her speech, Winfrey's longtime partner Stedman Graham told the Los Angeles Times a presidential bid was certainly possible.

"It's up to the people," Graham said. "She would absolutely do it."

In light of the reaction to Winfrey's speech, Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep told the Washington Post she thought Winfrey had no choice but to run for president.

"She launched a rocket tonight. I want her to run for president," Streep told the Post's Steven Zeitchik after the show ended. "I don't think she had any intention [of declaring]. But now she doesn't have a choice."Alison Malmon was wrapping up the end of her freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania in 2000 when she got the news: Her older brother Brian, a student at Columbia University, had killed himself.

He'd struggled for years with mental illness, Malmon said, but concealed his symptoms. Determined to help, Malmon formed a group at Penn a year and a half later to empower students to talk openly about mental health. Her group, Active Minds, blossomed into a national organization that today has more than 450 campus chapters. Leaders with the organization spend their time planning programming and talking with college students about the now well-documented pressure today's young people face.

"What you hear often is just a need to be perfect," said Malmon, now the group's executive director, "and a need to present oneself as perfect."

A new study out of the United Kingdom shows just that  today's college students want to be perfect, and more so than their parents did. But the reasons behind that, the researchers say, are deeply ingrained in today's culture.

Two British researchers studied more than 40,000 students from the United States, Canada and Britain in what they believe is the first study examining perfectionism across multiple generations. They found that what they called "socially prescribed perfectionism" increased by a third between 1989 (when Gen Xers attended college) and 2016 (with a mix of millennials and Gen Zers), and that culture could be driving up rates of mental-health disorders.

Lead researcher Thomas Curran said that while so many of today's young people try to curate a perfect life on Instagram, social media's grip isn't the only reason for perfectionist tendencies. Instead, he said, it may be driven by competition percolating more into modern society, meaning young people can't avoid being sorted and ranked in education and employment. That comes from new norms like greater numbers of college students, standardized testing, and parenting that increasingly emphasizes success in education.

"We now have forms of competition where it never used to be," said Curran, of the University of Bath. "Forcing [college students] to compare, compete, and keep up with social comparisons in turn is forcing them to develop perfectionist tendencies."

Curran and coauthor Andrew P. Hill, an associate professor at York St. John University, analyzed college students between 1989 and 2016 who completed the "Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale," a survey that puts a figure on perfectionism. The survey asks respondents to agree or disagree on a scale with statements like: "When I am working on something, I cannot relax until it is perfect," or "Anything that I do that is less than excellent will be seen as poor work by those around me."

The study, published Dec. 28 in the journal Psychological Bulletin, concluded that three categories of perfectionism, which they define as "a combination of excessively high personal standards and overly critical self-evaluations," increased since 1989:

Self-oriented perfectionism  a self-imposed desire to be perfect  increased by 10 percent. Other-oriented perfectionism, or the practice of holding others to irrationally high standards, increased by 16 percent. Socially prescribed perfectionism, or the perception that there are unrealistically high expectations from others, increased by 33 percent.

It's the latter dimension that gives researchers the most concern. Curran and Hill describe socially prescribed perfectionism as "the most debilitating" and said it's a better predictor of depression and suicide than the other two.

So where's that socially prescribed perfectionism come from? Curran said it would be "easy" to attribute the rise to social media, and while he admitted those platforms "put the problem on steroids," he said there are other factors, like an increase in meritocracy among millennials.

The researchers say today's hypercompetitive society tells young people: Have the highest grade point average, get into the best school, obtain the highest-paying job, and the perfect life can be yours.

For example, in 1976, half of high school seniors expected to get a college degree of some kind. By 2008, more than 80 percent expected the same, but actual degree attainment didn't keep pace. The researchers say this suggests expectations are increasingly unrealistic. They also said changes in parenting style over the last two decades might have had an impact. Curran and Hill wrote that as parents feel increased pressure to raise successful children, they in turn pass their "achievement anxieties" onto their kids through "excessive involvement in their child's routines, activities or emotions."

Those in the mental-health community like Malmon say they're concerned about the impact the culture of perfectionism has on mental health on campuses. She's comforted, she said, by students working to destigmatize the issue.

"Mental health has truly become this generation's social justice issue," she said. "It's our job to equip them with the tools, to let people know that it's not their fault, and that seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness."The falafel was crispy on the outside, folded into warm pita with char lines from a grill, and accompanied by a crunchy green salad. Baristas standing before a pristine wall of white subway tiles poured hot La Colombe coffee. Steamed shrimp dumplings were juicy and firm in translucent wrappers alongside a bowl of vegetable ramen with edamame, seaweed, and a soft egg. Sunlight poured in from windows on all sides, the departing gate was steps away, and outlets for phone charging were everywhere.

Seasoned travelers can summon memories of Philadelphia International Airport as it was decades ago: the dark, ill-lit corridors, grim terminals, yellowed fluorescent lights, and palettes of brown and gray. As renovations have started taking the terminals away from the atmosphere of the old PHL, executives say the infusion of new eateries is a crucial step toward shaking off the airport's age-old reputation as one of the nation's worst.

"What we've always heard is people get here early," James Tyrrell, chief revenue officer of PHL, said as he stood in the newly renovated Terminal B. "So many of those people  everyone from families going to Disney World to business travelers to young people with disposable income  they end up with extra time here, and they want choices. They haven't always had that."

In Terminal B, much of the gate seating has been replaced with high-top tables and chairs, and bars were moved right into the waiting areas at some gates. Instead of cramming into plastic chairs that put them shoulder-to-shoulder with other travelers, passengers can order drinks and food from cushioned stools, charge phones and laptops, pay with touchscreens without waiting for checks, and order to-go meals. Vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful, and drinks can be customized using a range of liquor.

"It's a modern setup," Tyrrell said. "People don't want to sit next to each other in those traditional gate seats, but they will here. It creates a whole different environment. People interact with each other more, like you'd see in a bar."

The restaurants are part of an estimated $900 million in improvements planned for PHL, a project that includes new roofs, elevators, technology, and other infrastructure upgrades. In order to attract more discerning diners, airport executives and New York food and beverage provider OTG management brought on the city's highest-profile chefs and restaurateurs.

La Colombe opened last spring in Terminal A, the first of what will eventually be four locations throughout PHL. That terminal also is the site of American Express' new Centurion Lounge, where elite cardholders can enjoy specialty cocktails and an Israeli-influenced menu designed by Michael Solomonov.

Most of PHL's newest destinations are in Terminal B, which last year underwent a $30 million redesign financed by OTG. The 60,000-square-foot facelift brought six new restaurants into the gate areas, with 1,000 iPads for placing orders.

Germantown Biergarten mimics the brewpubs that have taken root in the city and suburbs, with a menu offering a wide range of beer and snacks, like pretzels and brats. Nearby is Nomad pizza's Stalin Bedon-approved Mezzogiorno, which sells thin-crust pizzas, charcuterie, and antipasti. The LOVE Grill, with a menu from former Percy Street BBQ chef Erin O'Shea, serves comfort food, like hot dogs and cheesesteaks.

The Mediterranean menu at Baba Bar was created by Nicholas Elmi, the Top Chef winner behind South Philadelphia's Laurel and ITV. The falafel was well-seasoned and tasted much fresher than one might associate with airport food. At Boule Cafe, frittatas, soups, and pastry are bathed in rose-gold lighting. Noobar, created by chef Hiroyuki "Zama" Tanaka of Zama sushi in Center City, offers sushi, ramen, dumplings, and Japanese snacks that, like the Baba Bar food, came out looking just like the photos on the iPad menus.

Like less-sophisticated airport fare, these eats aren't cheap; at Baba, the falafel sandwich is $11 before tax and tip, and by-the-glass wines range from $11 to $35. At Noobar, the vegetarian ramen and an order of shrimp dumplings came to about $25 with tip.

Terminal D is now home to two gourmet burger spots: Bar Symon, Food Network chef Michael Symon's gastropub; and Mo' Burger. In Terminal F, there's the Jose Garces-affiliated Local tavern, which resembles Village Whiskey and which was one of the airport's earliest forays into iPad ordering.

More restaurants are coming to Terminal C in the years to come, Tyrrell said. Even the airport's four Chickie's & Pete's locations are expected to undergo renovations soon.

On a recent afternoon, travelers passing through PHL said they were largely impressed with the new dining options. Some said they weren't totally sold on the touchscreen ordering, but Melissa Thomas of Boston, who frequently travels to Philadelphia for work and who has spent time in the new Terminal B, said she welcomed the convenience.

"It's all overpriced, but that's just something you can't get away from at the airport," she said, leaving the airport on a recent trip. "But in terms of quality, it's a lot better than it ever was."Adrianne Gunter sits on the steps outside her Philadelphia apartment holding a steel cane that helps her get around due to her Multiple Sclerosis. Gunter waited 788 days for a hearing in Philadelphia, all while her Multiple Sclerosis worsened and she continued to be unemployed and dependent on her mother. The Social Security Administration says it doesnOt have enough judges and support staff to keep up with the pace of applications and appeals. Jose F. Moreno/Staff Photographer Read more

Four Philadelphia-area congressmen sent a letter Monday to the acting chief of the Social Security Administration asking that the agency address the sometimes years-long delays for Philadelphia-area residents seeking disability-benefits hearings.

The letter to acting Commissioner Nancy Berryhill, signed by U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans, Robert Brady, and Donald Norcross, all Democrats, came in response to an article in Sunday's Inquirer that reported that applicants in the city are waiting an average of 26 months for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) appeal hearings. That's the longest average waiting time for any city in the country. Applicants in adjacent counties in South Jersey and Pennsylvania also are experiencing average wait times of 20 months or longer.

"While we are certainly sympathetic to the budgetary constraints of your agency, we are deeply concerned by the number of individuals subject to undue stress and health risks brought on by reports of bureaucratic inefficiency," the letter said.

Across the country, more than 1 million people are waiting for appeal hearings after being denied disability benefits. Philadelphia's two hearing offices each have 5,000 pending cases. The Elkins Park and South Jersey offices each have about 10,000 people waiting for decisions.

The administration has acknowledged it has a problem and said it does not have enough administrative law judges and support staff to handle the backlog, which started years ago. Hiring freezes made it hard to catch up.

"We therefore request that your agency detail the number of such staff members that would be necessary to begin to reverse this problem," Monday's letter said.

The administration previously said its goal was to hire 250 judges each year for three consecutive years starting in 2016. But in the last two years combined, only 396 judges were hired.

The congressmen also asked Berryhill how much funding would be required to address the backlog "so that we may do all we can to fight for this additional funding for fiscal year 2019."

The Inquirer story highlighted the wait for Adrianne Gunter, a 33-year-old West Philadelphia native and University of the Arts graduate, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015. She waited 788 days  more than two years  for an SSI appeal hearing. Since her Dec. 13, 2017, hearing, she is still waiting for a decision.

"This is simply unconscionable," Boyle, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Northeast Philadelphia and Montgomery County, tweeted Sunday. He vowed then to write a letter to the administration asking for improvements.

Brady and Evans issued a joint letter to Berryhill in August complaining about the long wait times and what they perceived as understaffing in the Philadelphia offices.

"We are writing with great concern about the staffing of the two main Social Security Office of Disability Adjudications and Review (ODAR) hearing offices serving our disabled constituents  constituents who are largely of low or no income," the congressmen wrote, noting that the Philadelphia office had six judges and the Philadelphia East Office eight. "The understaffing at the two Philadelphia ODAR offices requires a prompt response."

Stanley White, Brady's chief of staff, said his office has yet to receive a response from Berryhill or the SSA.

The Philadelphia hearing office, however, has seven judges now.

Monday's letter from the four congressmen also asks Berryhill for a meeting with her and her staff to discuss "specific needs and goals."On the outskirts of Chinatown, nestled between an accountant's office and a liquid nitrogen ice cream shop, a glass case holds a line of products that some women believe can stop time.

Made of seemingly fantastical ingredients including deer antler extract, wild ginseng and snow lotus herb, and bottled in royal-purple jars with a phoenix atop the lid, the History of Whoo's Hwanyu line claims to bring you closer to immortality, or just look like it. It's among the top tier of Korean skincare products, with a price tag to show for it: 25 milliliters of eye cream costs $420, while a 60-milliliter jar of face cream is $750. But the crown jewel is the signature ampoule, a long golden tube filled with a concentrated serum that's said to be akin to Botox  minus the botulism.

"My skin is vibrant, alive and glowing," said one fan on Reddit's thriving AsianBeauty forum. "Now I can finally see what it means to take perfection beyond perfection."

It costs $1,100.

The craze around Korean beauty, or K-beauty, has barreled forward in the last few years, with mainstream Western retailers like Sephora, Target and CVS all selling and marketing Asian beauty products, and Korean 10-step skincare routine YouTube videos being produced by the hundreds. Here in Philly, Jeanne Lee is betting the trend will stick: She opened Ga-In BeautyZone in March 2015, a store that, with a few exceptions, exclusively sells Korean beauty products. The Chinatown location was strategic  China is a massive market for Korean beauty companies.

(Looking for Asian beauty products in the Philly region? Here's our insider's guide.)

A native of Jinju, South Korea, who moved to Philadelphia with her family when she was 18, Lee, now 45, has yet to sell the ampoule (she just started stocking it), but her older customers do come for the other creams and serums of the History of Whoo's pricey purple Hwanyu line. Her most popular History of Whoo products are the slightly more affordable Cheongidan line, which she refers to as the "yellow line," $680 for a 10-piece set. Lee also stocks a range of other brands for varying budgets, like Su:m37, Isa Knox and Beyond, all owned by Korean chaebol LG, plus stacks and stacks of sheet masks  pieces of face-shaped fabric drenched in serum that you unfold and leave on your face for 20 minutes.

Outside of partnering with Western retail giants, Korean brands test demand within the U.S. market by selling through ecommerce sites like Soko Glam and Peach & Lily, said K-beauty consultant Ju Rhyu. But you can't get everything online, and even then, the threat of fakes abound.

Patrapan Juntavee, a fledgling orthodontist and 31-year-old mother of two whose 14-step skincare routine mostly comprises products she purchased at Ga-In, says she prefers to shop at the Chinatown boutique because she knows she's getting the real thing. (Lee says that sometimes customers ask to see her invoices as proof that what she's selling is legit.) Plus, Juntavee said, Lee and sales associate Linda Xu are patient, helpful and generous with gifts and samples. In the dizzying world of K-beauty, sometimes you need a guide.

But can a brick-and-mortar store that only sells K-beauty survive?

Despite the Korean skincare buzz, Lamei Zhang of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation says the neighborhood has not seen a proliferation of beauty stores, though shops offering beauty services are becoming more common. (Ga-In, like its fellow Asian beauty stores 931 Skincare in Chinatown and 2050's Beauty & Cosmetic on Washington Avenue, offers services like facials and eyelash extensions in private rooms at the back of the store.)

There are other Philadelphia stores that sell the high-end Korean products stocked by Ga-In  in the H-Mart at 69th Street and in the plaza at Sixth and Washington Avenue  but they appear to cater specifically to Asian customers, while Ga-In's central location taps a wider audience. Xu says in the earlier days, Ga-In's clientele was largely Asian, but that has since changed. She remembers how one morning she came to open the shop at 10:30, as she usually does, and was surprised to find a white woman waiting for her. "Is this the Korean cosmetics store?" the woman asked.

Lee, a former property manager who once ran a cosmetics and health food store at 69th Street, thinks an image change will boost the store's visibility. Next month, she'll rebrand as a Nature Collection franchise, hoping to capitalize on the brand of a well-known (and also LG-owned) Korean cosmetics store that's been opening U.S. locations, including one in North Wales' Korean mega-grocer Assi Plaza. Lee's store will be the first Nature Collection spot in the city.Three days after new District Attorney Larry Krasner fired 31 people in a dramatic office shakeup, the impact began to ripple through Philadelphia's court system on Monday.

One judge took the bench and criticized the prosecutor's office for asking to postpone a murder trial  scheduled to begin Monday  because the assistant district attorney handling the case was among those handed a pink slip.

"This court has been placed, because of the management decisions by the new district attorney, in an exceedingly difficult position today," said Common Pleas Court Judge Barbara A. McDermott.

In a different courtroom, another judge agreed to delay a vehicular homicide trial because the prosecutor on that case had also been forced out. Lawyers were asked to return Tuesday to figure out the next step. The judge, meanwhile, ordered the defendant's house arrest lifted immediately  saying that to maintain the restriction because of staffing issues in the prosecutor's office was "not fair."

And while scheduling delays are hardly a rarity at the Criminal Justice Center, a supervisor in the District Attorney's Office acknowledged "scrambling" to adjust to the changes.

The developments were the latest aftershocks from Krasner's staffing announcement Friday. A career defense attorney until he was sworn in as district attorney this month, Krasner had vowed to make sweeping changes to the office, which he criticized as "off the rails" during his campaign.

And while it was not clear whether the fallout from the firings would last for days or weeks, Krasner signaled Monday that he was continuing to reorganize the office.

He announced the appointment of a new victim-services supervisor, Movita Johnson-Harrell, a Philadelphia-based anti-violence activist, calling her a crucial link between his office and victims and witnesses. Johnson-Harrell lost her father, son, brother, and cousin to gun violence, Krasner said in a statement, spurring her to create a foundation in her son's name and become an advocate on issues relating to public safety.

A spokesman said Krasner also spent part of Monday appointing new interim chiefs in certain units affected by departures.

The new district attorney has yet to publicly comment on last week's forced resignations or explain why certain prosecutors were asked to leave. His spokesman, Ben Waxman, said in a statement Friday that the changes were part of a desire "to take the office in a different direction," something Krasner stressed repeatedly on the campaign trail.

The impact did not sit well with the relatives of Marquan Royster, who came to court Monday for the scheduled trial of his alleged killer, Ameer Murphy, and instead learned it would be rescheduled. Royster, 18, was shot dead in March 2015 in West Philadelphia.

The delay was necessary because Krasner ousted Andrew Notaristefano, the assistant district attorney who had been handling the case.

"It makes it very hard to move on and grieve properly," said one family member, who asked not to be identified criticizing the prosecutor's office. "It's like we're basically starting from scratch again."

On Monday, Notaristefano sat in the back of the courtroom  to support the victim's family.

McDermott was critical of the impact of his firing, though she acknowledged Krasner had the right to do so. Still, she said, the District Attorney's Office exhibited "bad management" by not developing a contingency plan earlier to replace Notaristefano. The last-minute request to delay the trial was "devastating" for both families, she added.

McDermott agreed to postpone the prosecution until April, but apologized to the packed courtroom, saying the decision brought her "dissatisfaction and unhappiness." She also said she was planning to schedule a hearing to see whether the District Attorney's Office could or should bear the costs of the delay  including the price of keeping Murphy behind bars for another three months.

At one point, with her frustration over several unrelated cases bubbling, she summoned Brian Zarallo  chief of the district attorney's homicide unit  to her courtroom. Zarallo told the judge he was "scrambling" to make necessary adjustments given the sudden reduction in his staff.

"Figuring out the fallout is an ongoing process," he said.

Royster's supporters said Johnson-Harrell, the new victim coordinator, stopped into the courtroom with Krasner on Monday and talked to them, but that Krasner did not personally address them. They left the courtroom upset, saying the entire process left them feeling "re-victimized."

Waxman, Krasner's spokesman, said the new district attorney understands there will be confusion and bumps in the road during the transition, which is why he moved to quickly appoint Johnson-Harrell and brought her to court on Monday.

On a different floor, Judge Glenn Bronson had to reschedule a vehicular homicide trial because the assigned prosecutor, Thomas Lipscomb, was also a casualty of Krasner's reorganization. In that case, defendant Hector Torres Jr. is accused of participating in a street race in August 2016, resulting in a crash and the death of a 3-year-old girl in North Philadelphia.

Bronson was not as explicit as McDermott in his reaction to the firings, but acknowledged them in agreeing to postpone the proceeding.

"It was extraordinary circumstances," the judge said.

Staff writer Julie Shaw contributed to this article.Chester police are investigating two nonfatal shootings that occurred Sunday evening within minutes of each other.

At about 5:40 p.m., police were dispatched to the Sun Village area for a report of shots fired. The officers found the victim, a 14-year-old boy who is a city resident, with what appeared to have a graze wound to his right foot.

The boy was taken by paramedics to Crozer-Chester Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and later released.

He told police that an unknown vehicle was driving by the area when he heard shots and saw numerous flashes of light, which he believed to be gun-muzzle flashes.

At about 5:48 p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the area of Third and Lamokin Streets for a report of shots fired. Shortly after, a second report was made that a person had been shot and was being helped into a vehicle.

The victim, Tyleel Scott-Harper, 21, another city resident, arrived at the medical center with a graze wound to his right arm. He told police that he had just left a store at Third and Lamokin when he heard shots fired. The victim was listed in good condition Sunday night.

Anyone with information about the first shooting is urged to contact Det. Benjamin Thomas at 610-447-8426 or bthomas306@chesterpolice.org. Information about the second shooting should be given to Det. Brian Pot at 610-4476-8431 or bpot302@chesterpolice.org.Jerusalem Old City is seen through a door with the shape of star of David, in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. The Israeli government on Sunday banned 20 international advocacy groups from entering the country, including one based in Philadelphia. Read more

Israeli officials have banned the Philadelphia-based Quaker organization the American Friends Service Committee from entry into the country.

The organization, which has worked on social justice issues for nearly 100 years, is among 20 advocacy groups on a blacklist published Sunday by the Israeli Ministry of Strategic Affairs. The ban follows a law passed in March to deny visas to those who support any boycott of Israel. The AFSC and most of the groups on the list have supported the BDS or "boycott, divestment, sanction," movement, started in 2005.

The movement discourages international companies from doing business with Israel, and discourages people from buying Israeli products. It's an attempt to put economic and political pressure on Israel to comply with international laws regarding its policies with Gaza and the West Bank.

Organizers of the movement also have urged celebrities not to visit or perform in the country. Pop artist Lorde canceled her Israel concert this summer.

"Motivated by Quaker belief in the worth and dignity of all people, AFSC has supported and joined in nonviolent resistance for over 100 years," president Joyce Ajlouny said in a statement. "We answered the call for divestment from apartheid in South Africa, and we have done the same with the call for BDS from Palestinians who have faced decades of human rights violations."

Ajlouny said the Quaker group has a long history of economic activism dating back to the "Free Produce Movement," a boycott of American goods produced using slave labor during the 1800s.

"This ban only feeds those who are saying that grassroots support for nonviolent social change movement is the way in which change will be brought," said Michael Meeryman-Loetz, Middle East Program director for the AFSC. "It's a sign of the success of BDS and to a certain extent the desperation of the government."

The ban will create some complications for the Quaker organization, which was founded in 1917. AFSC has offices in Jerusalem and Gaza. The organization runs a youth civic engagement program for Palestinians and partners with various Israeli human rights groups.

"We're feeling disappointment that speaking out for human rights and pushing for equality for all has resulted in a situation where some of our staff may be denied entry to the country and cut off from relationships with partners we work with in Israel and Palestine," he said.

Rabbi Albert Gabbai, who heads Congregation Mikveh Israel in Center City, said BDS discriminates against Israel. He wouldn't comment on individual groups blacklisted, but said the movement as a whole unfairly targets the country.

"These are people against Israel [who want] to destroy Israel. It's not really to force Israel to do things," Gabbai said. "What about Syria, where they killed more than a million people? Why not discriminate against North Korea? BDS as a movement is racist and discriminates against one group and one country only, and that's very bad."

Of the 20 groups banned, six were based in the United States and at least three have chapters in Philadelphia, including National Students for Justice in Palestine, which has a chapter at the University of Pennsylvania; Code Pink, a female-led peace organization; and Jewish Voices for Peace.

Marta Guttenberg, who is on the steering committee for the Philadelphia Chapter of Jewish Voices for Peace, said several of the 50 or so volunteer members have family in Israel and visit frequently. While she said the ban was discouraging, she's unsure how it will be enforced.

"We're an all-volunteer chapter, we're pretty much all-volunteer nationally," Guttenberg said. "So it's not going to be that easy for the Israeli equivalent of the TSA to figure out who actually is a member and hold them."

She said she was pleased to be on the same blacklist with the AFSC, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 for helping World War II refugees, many of them Jews.

"We are trying to speak against a totalitarian system that silences people for speaking up in a nonviolent way," she said.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at a home in Atlanta during a targeted enforcement operation in 2017. Read more

Activists are opposing Bensalem officials' plan to have township police officers assist federal authorities in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants.

At issue is the Bucks County township's potential participation in a program known by the legislative clause that brought it to life  287(g). That's a partnership initiative between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, and state or local police agencies that agree to help enforce federal immigration laws within their jurisdictions.

If approved, Bensalem would be the first Pennsylvania police agency to join with ICE.

Members of Buxmont Inclusive and Progressive, a year-old grassroots advocacy group, had planned to speak out, along with representatives of the Bucks County NAACP, Make the Road Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition, a justice organization, at Monday night's Bensalem Township Council meeting. The meeting has been postponed, due to weather conditions.

Township Public Safety Director Fred Harran said law-abiding undocumented immigrants have nothing to fear. Officers would not be checking the immigration statuses of people who work at local businesses or with whom they come into routine contact. The ICE partnership would come into play only when a crime is committed for which an officer would make an arrest, Harran said.

For instance, he said, a motorist who was pulled over for an expired inspection or broken headlight would not be questioned about immigration status. But a driver stopped and arrested for drunken driving, if undocumented, would be turned over to ICE, and from there possibly deported.

"Here's the trick not to get deported: If you're in this country undocumented, obey the law," he said. "Don't commit a crime, and you're not going to have a problem in Bensalem Township."

Why, he asked, would he not use any tool at his disposal to remove criminals from the community?

"My job is to prevent a victim tomorrow, and if I can do that by keeping a criminal off the street today, I'm going to do it," Harran said. "I don't know why anybody would be upset with what we're doing here, once they understand."

Efforts to reach Bensalem Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo were unsuccessful.

Activists said a partnership with federal authorities would have unintended and harmful consequences.

"It creates a culture of fear, it destroys the police-community relationship. It also opens us to lawsuits," said Laura Rose, a leader of Buxmont Inclusive. "We don't want 287(g) to get a toehold in Bucks County."

The program largely went dormant under President Barack Obama, but has been revived since President Trump was elected.

ICE now has agreements with 60 law-enforcement agencies in 18 states, and has trained and certified more than 1,822 officers, according to the agency. The tally includes 18 local agencies in Texas, five in North Carolina, and four each in New Jersey, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Arizona.

An ICE spokesperson said the agency does not identify local police departments that may be seeking a partnership until a formal memorandum of agreement has been signed. An earlier application from Bensalem was turned down during the Obama administration.

Bensalem, bordered by Philadelphia to the west and south, is home to 60,354 people. The population is 75 percent white, 11 percent Asian, 8 percent Latino and 7 percent black, census figures show.

Nearly 11,000 are foreign-born, more than one out of five residents.

Money magazine named Bensalem one of the nation's 50 best places to live in 2014, citing gorgeous state parks, gambling at Parx Casino & Racetrack, and concerts at the TD Bank Amphitheater, now the Penn Community Bank Amphitheater.

Nationally, moves to make local police work in concert with ICE have been hugely contentious. While some jurisdictions have been eager to aid the federal government, saying it helps remove criminals, others want no part.

The latter group includes Philadelphia.

City officials went to court  and won a preliminary injunction in November  to block the Trump administration's effort to withhold grant money from "sanctuary cities."

The administration aimed to withhold $1.5 million from Philadelphia unless the city agreed to more actively help federal agents arrest and hold people who had entered the country illegally. City officials argued that local police are not part of federal immigration forces, and more, that they're trained to treat everyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system the same.

Broadly defined, a sanctuary city limits cooperation with federal authorities who enforce immigration law. Leaders of those cities seek to ease fears of deportation among undocumented residents, believing members of immigrant communities will then be more willing to report crime.

Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions argue that sanctuary city policies allow dangerous criminals to be released into local neighborhoods. They want more help from police agencies, not less.

ICE officials say the 287(g) program strengthens public safety and helps build consistency in immigration enforcement across the country.

After a memorandum of agreement is signed, local officers undergo a four-week basic training program, and then a once-every-two-years refresher course, at the ICE Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center ICE Academy in South Carolina.

The program took root in 1996, when the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act. That allowed the director of ICE to forge partnerships with state and local agencies. In 2009 ICE revised the program to make the arrest and detention of criminal aliens a priority.

"Our state and local law-enforcement partners have become a force multiplier," ICE officials say on the agency website, "allowing ICE to actively engage more officers/agents into ongoing enforcement operations nationwide."

Opponents say many people in Bensalem and Bucks County are upset, certain that a police-ICE partnership will be divisive.

"It's very disturbing, because we have a large immigrant community of many nationalities," said Theresa Conejo, a local activist. "We pride ourselves on that."A woman was killed early Monday in a fire that that ripped through a West Philadelphia row house.

The fire at 819 N. Holly St. was reported about 3:45 a.m. and firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control while contending with bone chilling cold and icing of their equipment.

A spokesman for the Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Yvonne Floyd, 68. She was found inside the house. Public records indicate that she lived there.

The home was tucked between two vacant row houses and officials said that may have delayed the fire being reported. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

The victim was the third person to die in a fire in Philadelphia in three days. On Saturday, Fire Department Lt. Matthew LeTourneau was killed while battling a blaze in a North Philadelphia home where a resident also died.Funeral arrangements have been made for the Philadelphia Fire Department lieutenant who died Saturday after being trapped under rubble and debris while battling a blaze that engulfed a two-story North Philadelphia rowhouse.

The department announced Monday that viewings for Lt. Matthew LeTourneau will be held from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul at 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Friday at the cathedral. LeTourneau will be buried at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Marple Township, Delaware County.

LeTourneau, 42, of Springfield, Delaware County, died Saturday morning after he was pulled from the rubble at 2240 N. Colorado St. He was an 11-year veteran of the department, most recently assigned to Engine 45 Platoon A at 26th Street near York Street in North Philadelphia. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Springfield Fire Company.

His body was escorted by fellow firefighters to O'Leary Funeral Home in Springfield on Saturday night.

The blaze, reported at 8:51 a.m. Saturday, also claimed the life of the man who lived inside the rowhouse. A spokesman for the Medical Examiner's Office said Monday that the man had yet to be identified. Two other firefighters were also injured in the blaze.

The cause of the two-alarm fire has yet to be determined. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Monday said that its National Response Team was assisting the Fire Department and the Fire Marshal's Office.

In a statement, the ATF said that when firefighters responded, they found the man's body near the front door.

"During firefighting operations, the second floor of the structure collapsed, trapping PFD Lt. Matthew LeTourneau," the statement said. LeTourneau was pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital that morning.

Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said Saturday afternoon outside the hospital that it took firefighters and paramedics about 30 minutes to free LeTourneau following the structural collapse.

While trapped, LeTourneau "was never alone," Thiel said. "The rescue effort started almost immediately."

Neighbors on Colorado Street said Saturday that they didn't know the full name of the resident who died, but said he was in his 50s and lived alone. Some called him Andre or Drew.

One next-door neighbor said that about 2 a.m. Saturday, she saw the man returning home, clutching a box that contained a heater.

She said the victim told her he didn't have any heat in his house. "He said he was going to turn on his heater and stay in the house," said the neighbor, Sherel Smith, 30.

Fire Department spokesman Capt. William Dixon said he was not able to comment Monday on whether the heater was a cause of the fire.After years of hard work towing tourists through historic Philadelphia, eight horses that belonged to the Philadelphia Carriage Co. are getting the retirement they earned.

The company, which had drawn city attention for numerous code violations at its stables and concerns over the poor condition of the horses, ceased operations Jan. 1 under a consent decree with the city. That leaves just one stable, 76 Carriage Co., operating horse-drawn carriage tours in the city.

The horses were transferred Saturday to Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue, a 139-acre farm in Mount Airy, Md., that, according to the city, has assumed all financial responsibility for the horses. Two more horses will arrive this week.

Christine Hajek, the director of the sanctuary, confirmed the arrival of the horses and said the sanctuary would invest about $1,000 in routine care for each horse before determining whether to offer them for adoption or allow them to retire at Gentle Giants. She said the horses did not appear to have been maltreated.

"All of the horses are in excellent condition," she said. "They are at the perfect weight. They have lovely hoof care. No part of this case revolved around the neglect of the horses."

Previously, inspectors from the Animal Care and Control Team, which investigates violations of the city's animal-welfare code, reported that the horses appeared malnourished and filthy, that at least one was lame and that another suffered from a respiratory condition likely caused by poor ventilation in the stable.Owner Jeff Harris, right, and apprentice mechanic Kevin Bass hold up cut bike locks at Frankinstien Bike Worx on Spruce Street on Dec. 17. Read more

To Taylor Henry, a bike is a way of life. It's how he pays his rent. It's how he affords groceries.

So when Henry, a 20-year-old courier for the food delivery site Caviar, gets his bike stolen, he's left powerless.

That's happened "plenty of times" during his 12 years living in Philadelphia, said the Mayfair resident, and the impact is always dire.

"My bike is my paycheck.  Once you get your bike stolen, you have to make up for it by paying for a new lock and equipment," Henry said. "It makes you start falling behind on bills."

For those who don't use their bike as a way to make a living, it still can be essential  bikes are the primary source of transportation to work for more people per capita in Philadelphia than in the other 10 biggest cities in the United States, according to the 2016 American Community Survey.

And it's disabling when these ways of getting around, which cost several hundred dollars on average, are stolen. As of Dec. 25, there were about 1,560 reported bike thefts in the city in 2017, with the most thefts occurring in parts of Fairmount, Center City West, and North Philadelphia, according to data provided by Philadelphia Police. Nearly 1,800 bike thefts were reported in 2016 and about 2,000 the year before.

Those numbers pale compared to the actual bike thefts, according to John Boyle, a research director at the Bike Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. He puts the real number four to five times higher.

And once they're stolen, they're difficult to get back.

Captain Krista Dahl-Campbell of the 26th district, concedes that bike theft is a low-priority call, and one that won't get immediate attention if a homicide or armed robbery occurred nearby.

There's a slim chance of finding a stolen bike too, Dahl-Campbell said.

Bike owners' sense of frustration could be eased by Philadelphia Stolen Bikes, a Facebook group of more than 5,300 members who use it as an alternative reporting service and source of support when their bikes go missing.

Posting there is the first thing Henry does, having had a bad experience reporting a theft to police when he was a teen.

Jeff Harris, one of the group's administrators and owner of Frankinstien Bike Worx on Spruce Street near 16th, said the Facebook group fills a need spurred by the city's inadequate response.

"It's like the Wild West out here," he said.

Every day about five people post about a stolen bike on the page, which was started in 2011, though only about 5 percent of the posts lead to owners' reunions with their bikes, Harris added.

Cyclists have reached out in vain to City Councilmen Allan Domb, Kenyatta Johnson and Mark Squilla to press for a greater police response, he added. Representatives for Domb and Squilla said the councilmen don't remember discussing bike theft, and Johnson's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Besides providing income and transportation, bikes carry sentiment for many riders  like Monika Creidie, who rode a green Raleigh for 43 years until it was stolen Oct. 19 from 15th and Pine Streets. Her parents gave it to her when she turned 9.

Creidie, 53, of Northern Liberties, didn't report the theft because it "wouldn't have been helpful," she said. Per a friend's suggestion, she turned to the Facebook group.

Members of the page were supportive, but she's not optimistic about its recovery, she added.

"People would say that it's nice, and I would say I've had this since I was 9," Creidie said. "The amazement on their faces  I'll miss that."

Finding a bike through the group isn't impossible, though  Josa Lazas, 32, of Pennsport, credits the page for the return of his Surly Steamroller.

Lazas posted in the Facebook group in August after his blue and pink bike was stolen near The Dolphin Tavern on Broad and Tasker streets. It was worth more than $1,000, he said.

Three months later, someone replied with a link to his bike for sale on Craigslist. Lazas coordinated with police to stage an undercover pickup, leading to a reunion just after Thanksgiving.

"[The] Philadelphia Stolen Bikes group is a gem and  I think as soon as it was stolen, I went and posted in there because that's always been  [a] reliable community."

Dahl-Campbell urges people to report bike thefts to police. The Bike Coalition lists it as the first step in its quick guide of "What to do if your bike is stolen," and Philadelphia Stolen Bikes' description also encourages it.

But there are preventative measures that Dahl-Campbell suggests, too, including documenting the bike's serial number and any distinguishing features.

"The easier it is for us to identify it's your bike, the easier it is to give back to you," Dahl-Campbell said.

Officer Shaun McPhillips of the 9th District has reunited 12 people with their bikes by monitoring the Facebook group. He said a detective is assigned to every reported theft, but having a "solvability factor," like a video of the crime or a witness, increases the chances of recovery.

"We investigate as much as we can," McPhillips said. "A lot of it is, bikes are stolen and there's nothing to go on. It's just like a dead end."

Proper locking can also help avoid bike theft. Shelly S. Walker, owner of Fairmount Bike Works, knows from costly experience that it's wise to loop a cable through the bike's front wheel, as well as a use a U-lock to cement the bike's frame and rear wheel to a bike post. The Bike Coalition also has a guide on how to properly lock a bike.

Citywide solutions, though, are more ambiguous. Walker said bike shops play a role in spotting stolen bikes and suggested someone ought to create a privately run database for shops to search if they suspect a bike is stolen. Similarly, Boyle of the Bike Coalition thinks a citywide database for registering bikes would increase rates of recovery.

"I think that could really help," Walker said.

Until city officials become more proactive, Harris said, cyclists will maintain the same attitude toward bike theft: resignation.

"If someone who owns a million-dollar condo gets ripped off or one of their buddies from City Hall gets ripped off, they'll pay attention," he added. "But I feel like we're second-class citizens as bikers.  This is a major problem."Andy Williams, founder and CEO of Medicine Man Denver poses for a photo in Denver on Jan. 4. Colorados top federal prosecutor said his office wont alter its approach to enforcing marijuana crimes after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions withdrew a policy that allowed pot markets to emerge in states that legalized the drug. Read more

WASHINGTON  Much of Congress was up in arms when Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced changes last week that opened the door to more federal marijuana prosecutions, undercutting a growing number of states that have legalized the drug for medical or recreational purposes.

But will the GOP-led body defy President Trump's top law enforcement officer? And will prosecutors given them reason to?

One initial test is pending in the coming days, when lawmakers will attempt to pass a sweeping government funding bill  the kind of measure that for years has included bipartisan language barring prosecutors from pursuing cases against medical marijuana use in states that permit the practice.

Some, including New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, want to make sure that policy is renewed, and perhaps expanded to cover recreational marijuana use.

The so-called Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment has been in place  and regularly renewed  since 2014. Its fate is up for consideration again because it is scheduled to expire on Jan. 19, along with the most recent federal spending package.

"Extending the rider that prevents the Department of Justice from interfering in states' ability to set medical marijuana policies really is a no-brainer," Booker, a Democrat, said in a statement to the Inquirer and Daily News. "What's more, Congress should act to pass a permanent law that ends the federal prohibition of marijuana. We can't afford to allow Attorney General Sessions to reinvigorate the failed War on Drugs."

The rider prevents prosecutors from bringing charges against people who legally use medical marijuana in the 29 states that allow it plus Washington, D.C. Among them are New Jersey and Delaware. Pennsylvania plans to make medicinal cannabis available in the coming months. Eight states and Washington, D.C. have legalized marijuana more broadly.

But the rider has limitations, said Sean O'Connor, a University of Washington law professor who leads the school's Cannabis Law and Policy Project. It doesn't protect unauthorized medical marijuana use or adults who use the drug recreationally.

"It gives [Sessions]  and any U.S. attorneys that want to be aggressive  plenty of folks to go after if they want to," O'Connor said.

Much will depend on individual U.S. attorneys, many of whom are still awaiting Senate confirmation. Colorado's U.S. attorney, for example, said his office would not change its approach. The drug is legal there for medical and recreational use.

But in western Pennsylvania, Scott Brady, the top federal prosecutor, told a Pittsburgh TV station that he would "vigorously enforce federal law," and "protect the citizens of western Pennsylvania from those individuals and criminal organizations which traffic in all illegal controlled substances, including marijuana."

Lawmakers hoping to short-circuit such prosecutions could try to legalize marijuana entirely, O'Connor said. "That overrides everything."

Booker introduced a bill to do that last year, arguing that marijuana prosecutions unfairly punish minority communities without improving public safety. The plan hasn't gained much traction, and medical use has more bipartisan support than recreational legalization. Some advocates think Sessions' move could build support for the idea as lawmakers react to a move that might undermine laws in their states and potentially disrupt legal marijuana businesses that have flourished.

"Prosecute Hillary Clinton, not medical marijuana businesses and patients!" tweeted U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, one of a number of Republicans who reacted harshly to Sessions' announcement.

Sen. Brian Schatz (D., Hawaii), tweeted, "There is a growing bipartisan group of senators that is not going to stand by while Jeff Sessions takes us back several generations on marijuana policy."

The public view on marijuana has softened. A Gallup poll in October found that 64 percent of Americans favor legalization, including 51 percent of Republicans.

But in Congress few specific plans have emerged in the days since Sessions' announcement, and it's unclear if Republicans have the appetite for fully legalizing the drug or counteracting a president who has made law and order central to his agenda.

Another option could be expanding the budget amendment to cover recreational marijuana, and attaching that to a must-pass spending bill to keep the government running, which might leave Trump with little choice but to accept it.

The new Department of Justice guidelines wiped out Obama-era rules that directed federal prosecutors to take a hands-off approach in states that legalized marijuana. The change does not order prosecutions, but opens the door for prosecutors to pursue charges tied to marijuana use if they choose, since the drug remains illegal under federal law.

Lawmakers have several tools they can use to push back and protect state laws and programs. Sen. Cory Gardner (R., Colo.) said he is prepared to block Justice Department nominees until Sessions reverses course. U.S. attorney nominees could also face sharp questions about marijuana prosecutions  and their intended approaches  at confirmation hearings. Lawmakers could try to block nominees if they don't like the answers.

"Devoting our limited resources to prosecuting medical marijuana use that is permitted under Delaware state law is a poor allocation of federal time, money, and manpower that should be focused on more important things, such combating violent crime on our streets," said a statement from Sen. Chris Coons (D., Del.), a member of the Judiciary Committee.

Among the many U.S. attorney nominees still awaiting Senate approval is Bill McSwain, chosen to be the top federal prosecutor in Philadelphia. New Jersey has an interim U.S. attorney, Craig Carpenito, but no one has been nominated yet for a full appointment.

Another less drastic step, O'Connor said, could be to "reschedule" marijuana, moving it off the Drug Enforcement Administration's list of the most dangerous narcotics  like heroin  and regulate it more like a prescription or over-the-counter drug.

Until there is clarity, however, he said the new guidelines could discourage investment in medical marijuana businesses, since banks, insurance companies or delivery drivers may be reluctant to work with such enterprises if they face the possibility of a federal prosecution.

"The real fear is that U.S. attorneys could prosecute anyone who is at all involved," O'Connor said.White House senior policy adviser Stephen Miller (left) had to be removed by security after a contentious interview with CNNs Jake Tapper on Sundays State of the Union. Read more

On CNN's State of the Union Sunday morning, President Trump's senior policy adviser, Stephen Miller, engaged in a tense, 12-minute interview with host Jake Tapper in which he tried to defend his boss' comments on Twitter about being a "very stable genius" and "like, really smart."

But it appears Miller's on-air anger wasn't just for show.

A CNN source has confirmed a report by Business Insider's Linette Lopez that Miller had to be escorted off the set after the interview. According to the source, Miller was politely asked to leave the set multiple times, but refused. Eventually, security was called and escorted the agitated Miller off Tapper's set.

Neither CNN nor the White House immediately responded to request for comment.

Miller was dispatched to CNN amid the fallout over Michael Wolff's best-selling new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. The juicy, high-in-demand book quotes former Trump strategist Steve Bannon calling a 2016 campaign meeting at Trump Tower between three top campaign officials  Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner and Donald Trump Jr.  and a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

Bannon also suggested to Wolff that Trump himself met with the Russian lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya, after she met with the top campaign aides. Miller sidestepped repeated questions from Tapper on whether that claim was true.

"I have no knowledge of anything to do with that meeting," said Miller, who was a senior policy adviser on Trump's campaign at the time the meeting took place.

Trump has repeatedly denied claims he was aware that his eldest son, as well as his son-in-law, had met with the Russians at Trump Tower.

Despite suggestions on Fox News that CNN attempted to silence Miller, the top Trump staffer was given more than 12 minutes to defend the president. He repeatedly praised Trump as a "political genius" and bashed Bannon's quotes as "grotesque" and "vindictive." Miller also refused to answer most of Tapper's questions, leading the host to suggest Miller's comments were aimed at one individual  Trump himself.

"There is one viewer that you care about right now," Tapper said. "And you're being obsequious, you're being a factotum, in order to please him."

Miller's refusal to answer Tapper's questions led the host to wrap up the segment early, over Miller's objections, while saying, "I think I have wasted enough of my viewers' time."

Watch:

Despite declaring last February that "I don't watch CNN," Trump himself appeared to confirm Tapper's suspicions about an hour later, when he blasted the CNN host on Twitter as a "flunky."

"Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration," Trump wrote on Twitter Sunday morning. "Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!"

Trump said in November that he doesn't have time to watch TV "primarily because of documents," but according to a new report by Axios' Jonathan Swan, the president has pushed back the start of his workday to 11 a.m. to accommodate more "Executive Time," which includes watching TV and posting on Twitter in his official residence.

"The time in the morning is a mix of residence time and Oval Office time, but he always has calls with staff, Hill members, Cabinet members and foreign leaders during this time," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders wrote in response to the Axios story. "The president is one of the hardest workers I've ever seen, and puts in long hours and long days nearly every day of the week all year long. It has been noted by reporters many times that they wish he would slow down because they sometimes have trouble keeping up with him."Steve Bannon's apology for his comments trashing President Trump's family did little to tamp down the president's anger at his former chief strategist, as aides describe the president demanding a stark choice from supporters of both men: you're either with Bannon, or with me.

Trump's aides are tracking who came out with full-throated criticism of Bannon over the weekend, and they put out the word that the president is keeping score.

Trump remains irritated over losing the first week of the year to titillating excerpts from the book Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff, which is focused on the president and his dysfunctional White House.

One person who was judged as being insufficiently critical of Bannon was David Bossie, president of Citizens United. On Friday night, Bossie came out with a forceful condemnation of Bannon, his longtime friend, in an op-ed in The Washington Post.

Bannon may have hoped his apology would begin to put the episode behind him. A half dozen sources describe almost the exact opposite: Trump remains angry at the disloyalty of his former strategist, and is forcing a him-or-me moment inside Trump World and the Republican Party as a whole.

"I don't know if it's ever repairable," said Matt Schlapp, the chairman of the American Conservative Union, who has been friends with Bannon for two decades. "These wounds are pretty deep."

The implications for Trump's agenda are stark: at a moment when he needs maximum coordination to push through infrastructure, welfare reform, and funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall, he's at war with the leader of the party's activist base  the very voters who propelled Trump to the White House in 2016.

Bannon's lengthy apology followed days of scorching responses from the president, both in public and privately to aides, to comments attributed to Bannon in Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

It also comes after key financial backers Rebekah Mercer and Sheldon Adelson cut ties, and questions simmered about Bannon's continued role at Breitbart, the conservative news website. These could doom his efforts to oust mainstream Republican incumbents in Congress and replace them with nationalist or anti-establishment alternatives. And those very mainstream GOP lawmakers, furious among other things at Bannon's role in a losing Senate campaign in Alabama in December, won't shed any tears.

"He may or may not know it, but the only way he is relevant to anyone other than the people he pays is if Trump lets him be," said Fred Brown, a crisis communications strategist and former GOP spokesman. "The fact that Bannon was dumb enough to make people choose between him and the president shows he has a more delusional opinion of himself than even Trump does."

Wolff's explosive book, publication of which was moved up four days to Jan. 5 despite  or because of  a cease-and-desist order from Trump, asserts that many of the president's own top advisers think the former New York real estate developer is unfit to serve. Trump, 71, who on Saturday declared himself a "very stable genius" in a tweet and later held a press conference at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland to drive the point home, said Bannon had "lost his mind" after being forced out of the White House in August.

The president has minimized Bannon's role in Trump's 2016 election win, characterized him as self-interested and destructive, and nicknamed him "Sloppy Steve." At the same time, Trump denounced Wolff's book as "fiction," as well as "really boring." On Sunday he bemoaned a "Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author."

While Trump is known for resuming ties with former advisers he has ousted, Bannon's transgressions cut so close to the nerve that they probably can't be reversed. As of Sunday evening, no one from the White House had directly reached out to Bannon since the fallout, three people familiar with the matter said. White House officials instructed television surrogates over the weekend to swing harder at Bannon, noting that Trump would be watching. Among those following the order to the letter was senior adviser Stephen Miller, who said Bannon's comments were "vindictive" and "out of touch with reality" and that his importance to the campaign and administration had been greatly exaggerated. Miller was once among those most closely aligned with Bannon.

Wolff's book says Bannon labeled as "treasonous" Donald Trump Jr.'s and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner's 2016 meeting with Russian nationals, held in an attempt to dig up dirt on Democrat Hillary Clinton, and called Trump's daughter Ivanka "dumb as a brick." Bannon also predicted in the book that the special counsel investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia would "crack" Trump Jr. "like an egg on national TV."

In his apology on Sunday, Bannon didn't specifically deny the comments. Bannon said his support for the president and for Trump's agenda was "unwavering" and that his comments about the Russian meeting were aimed at Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort rather than Trump's son, whom he described as "both a patriot and a good man."

Corey Lewandowski, who preceded Manafort as campaign manager, said on Fox News Sunday that "I can't justify what Steve said." If what Bannon was reported to have said was accurate, he owes "the entire Trump family" an apology. At the same time, Lewandowski, who himself has floated in and out of Trump's orbit over the last two years, suggested a path for Bannon's rehabilitation.

"If Steve Bannon wants to get on the Trump team and join with the president to make sure that we hold the House in 2018, and we hold the Senate or expand our majority, then he'll be welcome to do that," Lewandowski offered. "But if you want to run an agenda which is antithetical to the president's agenda, then there's no place in the Republican Party for you because Donald Trump is the head of the Republican Party."

Bloomberg contributors: Ros Krasny Ben Brody and Jordan Yadoo.Here's how badly six Democrats want Mike Stack's job.

On Saturday, they endured a deep freeze, a packed opening day at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, three hours of a Penn Ag Democrats luncheon (meatloaf, gravy, veggies, a potato thing), awards presentations, and speeches by Bob Casey and Tom Wolf.

All to get five minutes each to tell a couple hundred folks why they should be Wolf's running mate this time around.

So it goes when you screw up, as Stack did, one of the sweetest gigs in American politics.

Stack spoke Saturday, too. But he came late, long after lunch, awards and speeches. Even after some of the crowd had left. Long after Wolf had made his exit.

(I'm pretty sure Wolf's security is under orders to keep them apart. Stack, you may recall, no longer has security.)

Need a quick refresher on Stack's uniquely Pennsylvania head-shaking saga?

Well, the Philly boy/lieutenant governor's high-perk post  nation's highest LG salary ($162,373); only LG with a mansion  is in a bit of jeopardy.

This due to bad behavior by him and his wife toward mansion staff and security that led to Wolf pulling both last year after ordering an investigation, findings of which Wolf (who claims to be all about transparency) refuses to release.

Stack, a longtime member of the Screen Actors' Guild (evidenced anytime he presides over the Senate), chalks this up to a "private family health issue" for which his wife, Tonya, sought mental-health treatment.

Anywho.

Stack's in the race for reelection. There's legislation to abolish the office. And Stack, so far, has six challengers.

As Rep. Scott Conklin (D., Centre), who emceed Saturday's event, put it, "Each one of these candidates brings something to the table."

(I immediately thought meatloaf, gravy, veggies, some potato thing.)

Yet, despite the fact it's all but certain none would be in the race without the Stack flap, not one of them brought to the table any reference to it, or to Stack.

They played nice.

The biggest name (and presence) in the mix is Braddock Mayor John Fetterman, a U.S. Senate candidate in 2016. He made clear he'd use the office to expand his efforts in social justice and equality that brought him national attention as an Allegheny County small-town mayor.

Montgomery County Rep. Madeleine Dean stressed her understanding of the legislature and nudged at Stack stuff, saying she's not in public service for perks. She pledged, if elected, not to live in the LG's stone mansion (with swimming pool). She suggested it be used as an opioid treatment facility.

Aryanna Berringer, an Iraq War vet, mom of three, and IT contractor from Allegheny County, touched the crowd with her life story: "I grew up poor (the youngest of 10) with a dad who was black and a mom who is white." She said anyone in her family should be generations away from running for office, "Yet, here I am."

She drew big applause suggesting public school cafeterias buy much more of their food from Pennsylvania farmers.

Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said she's running because "local government needs a voice at the table."

Lancaster County Commissioner Craig Lehman wants to attack state budget woes with "policies that make sense" (which, come on, are often better than those that don't).

And Ray Sosa, Montgomery County banker/insurance broker, wants to cut the costs of prison recidivism by giving more opportunity to those who served time.

Stack, too. Speaking of his work as chairman of the state Board of Pardons, he stressed reducing incarceration costs, then (ironically, pointedly, or intentionally) said, "I've always believed in giving people second chances."

He might well get one. Multiple opponents help. If they share big chunks of the statewide vote, Stack could win with his Philly base.

When I ask him about the field, he says, "The more the merrier.  I'm confident in how I do in competition."

The competition ends May 15. The Farm Show ends Jan. 13. Those who can should visit the latter and vote in the former.Malaysia Airlines Is Flying to Brisbane Australia in 2018

Good news travellers! From our reliable sources, Malaysia Airlines will be flying back to Brisbane, Australia. BNE is the third busiest airport in Australia. It will be four times weekly from KLIA to BNE (Brisbane Airport).

Malaysia Airlines had a long-time partnership with BNE. Malaysia Airlines flew to Brisbane for 25 years. Hence in August 2015, Malaysia Airlines stop flying from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane Australia due to its restructuring.

Australia welcomed over 400,000 Malaysian travellers in 2017 period, a new record for Tourism Australia Malaysia. The double digits growth of Malaysian travellers to Australia could be a reason to reignite the Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane route. Currently, AirAsiaX is from Kuala Lumpur to Gold Coast in Queensland. With this new route, Queensland will expect more tourists from Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia Airlines will commence its flights to BNE in June 2018. It will be four times a week. The timetable is as below.

Days Departure Arrival MON/WED/THUS/SAT KUL 0950 BNE 1955 MON/WED/THUS/SAT BNE 2320 KUL 0550

It is an awesome news if you ask us. Since we never been to Queensland, maybe we should start planning to visit the sunshine state in 2018?

Wilson Ng A Father and traveler who enjoys to eat, shop, travel and taking pictures with Samsung S21 Ultra. Im a full time blogger, youtuber and father for two.

I travel around 17 International trips per year. Remember to follow us at www.instagram.com/placesandfoods and www.youtube.com/placesandfoods. For ads or features, contact me at [email protected] See author's postsOfficer Christopher Beaudion (Photo: Monroe PD)

A Monroe, LA, police office died about 3 a.m. Sunday when his patrol vehicle crashed into a tree.

Louisiana State Police Troop F said its troopers responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of South 2nd and Winnsboro Road in Monroe. The preliminary investigation revealed that Officer Christopher Beaudion, of the Monroe Police Department, was traveling south on South 2nd in his assigned Ford Crown Victoria.

For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered to the left. His vehicle then traveled across both northbound lanes and struck a tree, according to the Magnolia Reporter.Ekin Bike Patrol performs automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), speed detection, and parking violation detection on the move. Photo: Ekin

Ekin, known for its safe city technologies, has now launched its full line of mobile and versatile security products in the United States. Ekin provides police departments, airports, shopping centers, and municipalities with sophisticated, comprehensive security technology. Ekin's award-winning mobile and fixed product offering includes: Ekin Bike Patrol, a smart patrol product for bicycles; Ekin Patrol G2, a smart patrol product for use on authorized vehicles renowned for its design and superior technology; Ekin Micro Spotter, a compact, high-resolution video recording device; and Ekin Face, facial recognition technology developed with deep learning. Information from all Ekin products across a city is collected and centrally managed using Ekin's proprietary Red Eagle Safe City Operating System, which offers a new way of looking at city safety and surveillance.

While a city controlled by a traditional surveillance system is secure to some extent, Ekin's smart, connected system is proven to dramatically enhance safety citywide: after employing the use of Ekin's Safe Traffic system, Abu Dhabi police saw a 34% reduction in traffic accidents in 2014 when compared with 2013. In total, Ekin products detected over 20,000 traffic violations in Abu Dhabi in 2014. Ekin currently works with more than 20 municipalities and has built over 500 City Safety Control Centers around the world.

Ekin Bike Patrol is made to be easily installed on any police bicycle. It is one of Ekin's many safe city products designed to work together. Photo: Ekin

Orkunt Yozgat, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Ekin, said: "We are excited to extend our promise of safety and security to cities across the United States. For the past 20 years, Ekin has been dedicated to improving city safety and regulating traffic with our innovative approach to safety. After demonstrating our products starting in Texas and Florida, we look forward to partnering with local law enforcement agencies and private corporations to provide citizens with a greater sense of security."

Ekin's safe city products available for the first time to the U.S. market include:

Ekin Bike Patrol performs automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), speed detection, and parking violation detection on the move. Bike Patrol is easily installed on any police bicycle and enables law enforcement to prevent disorder caused by parking violations. Click for photos and product information.

performs automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), speed detection, and parking violation detection on the move. Bike Patrol is easily installed on any police bicycle and enables law enforcement to prevent disorder caused by parking violations. Click for photos and product information. Ekin Patrol G2, the second generation of Ekin's internationally renowned Patrol product, can be installed on any authorized car to enhance city safety with its mobile ALPR, facial recognition, and speed and parking violation detection technology. Powered by Ekin Face, Ekin's proprietary facial recognition software, Patrol G2 captures all faces within its field of view and compares them with a police department's database of wanted suspects. Click for photos and product information.

the second generation of Ekin's internationally renowned Patrol product, can be installed on any authorized car to enhance city safety with its mobile ALPR, facial recognition, and speed and parking violation detection technology. Powered by Ekin Face, Ekin's proprietary facial recognition software, Patrol G2 captures all faces within its field of view and compares them with a police department's database of wanted suspects. Click for photos and product information. Ekin Micro Spotter , Ekin's most compact and versatile product, is easily mounted on a pole, tripod, or any point on a vehicle, including a roof or hood. Micro Spotter's high-resolution video surveillance ensures traffic safety by automatically and continuously detecting license plates, vehicle speed, and red light violations. Click for photos and product information.

, Ekin's most compact and versatile product, is easily mounted on a pole, tripod, or any point on a vehicle, including a roof or hood. Micro Spotter's high-resolution video surveillance ensures traffic safety by automatically and continuously detecting license plates, vehicle speed, and red light violations. Click for photos and product information. Ekin Face, a face detection and analysis system, recognizes faces with high accuracy to ensure continuous safety. When searching for a suspect, Ekin Face provides law enforcement with a list of possible time zones, images, and videos where specified individuals might have appeared, delivering important results in a timely manner.

The Kissimmee (FL) Police Department had the opportunity to test out Ekin Patrol and praised the device for its ability to combine several elements - like multiple cameras, a radar unit, automatic vehicle location and automatic license plate recognition systems, plus the wiring for each - into one simple, easy to maintain system.

While most city safety systems feature several disconnected products, Ekin Red Eagle (OS) central management software provides users with a distinct advantage and ease of use, according to the company, in addition to the company's distinctive facial recognition technology and products like Ekin Patrol and Ekin Bike Patrol smart patrol products. Law enforcement agencies and private corporations interested in Ekin solutions can email Orkunt Yozgat at [email protected] to learn more about Ekin's product offering and to schedule a demonstration in their city.

To learn more about Ekin and its line of safe city products now available in the United States, visit www.ekin.com.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee said two words about Trumps behavior in relation to firing Comey that should terrify the White House. Schiffs talked about the potentially corrupt intent behind the presidents actions.

Video:

Schiff said, It is certainly appropriate, and I think even necessary, that we investigate this, and I do think that it is evidence that bears on the intent of the president in urging White House Counsel to urge Jeff Sessions to ignore the advice of the ethics lawyers at the Justice Department. It certainly appears consistent with what the President has said about his firing of James Comey  and that is, he had Russia on his mind. He wanted loyalty from James Comey, he wanted loyalty from Jeff Sessions, and the way the President interprets loyalty is not loyalty to country, not loyalty to justice, but rather loyalty to him and having his back when it concerns the Russia investigation. I think this could very well be evidence that goes to the Presidents intent, and of course, one of the elements of obstruction is having a corrupt intent that accompanies these acts.

Republicans have argued since Comey was fired that Trump didnt know what he was doing, and didnt understand politics. The GOP defense has been that Trump had no corrupt intent, but the evidence is piling up that Donald Trump knew exactly what he was doing. Trump was trying to kill the Russia investigation from the first moment that he took office. By wanting Jeff Sessions to stay in charge of the Russia investigation, Trump showed that he was trying to obstruct the investigation through the Attorney General.

Trump has been his own worst enemy. If he ends up being charged with obstruction of justice, he will only have himself to blame.

If Democrats take back the House in 2018, it may not matter what Robert Mueller finds, because Adam Schiff will be the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, and investigating Trump for obstruction of justice.821 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  The head of the Central Intelligence Agency said on Sunday that Russia and others are trying to undermine elections in the United States, the next major one being in November when Republicans will try to keep control of Congress.

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to try to help President Donald Trump win, in part by hacking and releasing emails embarrassing to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and spreading social media propaganda.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo told CBS that the Russian interference is longstanding, and continues. Asked on Face the Nation if Moscow is currently trying to undermine U.S. elections, Pompeo responded: Yes sir, have been for decades.

Yes, I continue to be concerned, not only about the Russians, but about others efforts as well, Pompeo said, without giving details. We have many foes who want to undermine Western democracy.

Moscow denies any meddling in the 2016 elections to help Republican Trump win. U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating whether any crimes were committed. Two Trump associates, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and campaign aide George Papadopoulos have pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents in the probe. Trump denies any campaign collusion with Russia.

Trump has at times suggested that he accepts the U.S. intelligence agencies assessment that Russia sought to interfere in the election but at other times has said he accepts Russian President Vladimir Putins denials that Moscow meddled.

Trump has frequently spoken of wanting to improve relations with Putin, even though Russia has frustrated U.S. policy in Syria and Ukraine and done little to help Washington in its standoff with North Korea.

Pompeo told CBS that the CIA had an important function as a part of the national security team to keep U.S. elections secure and democratic. We are working diligently to do that. So were going to work against the Russians or any others who threaten that very outcome, he said.

Trump said on Saturday that he planned an active year on the campaign trail on behalf of Republican candidates running in the mid-term elections, in which all of the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be up for election. Republicans hold majorities in both.

(Reporting by Susan Cornwell; editing by Grant McCool)504 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

By David Alire Garcia and Noe Torres

MEXICO CITY (Reuters)  The Russian government has launched a sophisticated campaign to influence Mexicos 2018 presidential election and stir up division, a senior White House official said in a video clip published by Mexican newspaper Reforma.

U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said in a speech last month to the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation that there was already evidence of Russian meddling in Mexican elections set for July.

Weve seen that this is really a sophisticated effort to polarize democratic societies and pit communities within those societies against each other, said McMaster in a previously unreported video clip from Dec. 15 that was posted on Twitter by a reporter with Mexican daily newspaper Reforma on Saturday.

Youve seen, actually, initial signs of it in the Mexican presidential campaign already, said McMaster, a former Army general. He did not elaborate in the clip on how Russia was seeking to influence the election.

Reforma published a story on Saturday on the comments, which have since been shared many times on social media.

President Donald Trumps senior national security aide added in the clip that the U.S. government was concerned by Russias use of advanced cyber tools to push propaganda and disinformation.

A request for comment sent to McMasters office at the White House and a request for comment from the Russian government in Moscow were not immediately returned on Sunday.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied accusations by U.S. intelligence officials and others of interfering in foreign elections.

In July, Mexico will elect a new president to succeed Enrique Pena Nieto, who is barred by law from seeking a second six-year term. Congressional seats plus some governors races will also be up for grabs.

According to opinion polls, the frontrunner in the presidential contest is the leftist former mayor of Mexico City, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who is running on an anti-corruption platform.

Lopez Obrador, a two-time runner-up for the presidency and a divisive figure in Mexican politics for over a decade, is seen by some analysts as the Kremlins favorite, given the positive coverage he has received from government-funded media outlets like Sputnik and Russia Today.

Both China and Russia are taking an increasing interest in Latin America as the United States, under Trump, has adopted a more protectionist stance and the future of the North America Free Trade Agreement looks uncertain.

Lopez Obrador has been a fierce critic of Pena Nietos sweeping energy overhaul, which was favored by U.S. officials and oil companies. He has said he would seek friendly relations with the U.S. government but would demand respect.

In 2016, Russia Todays Spanish-language YouTube channel began running a weekly video blog entitled The Battle for Mexico, hosted by a prominent supporter of Lopez Obrador, according to David Salvo at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, who has written about Russian attempts to influence politics in Latin America.

Pena Nietos office and the foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on McMasters statement.

Some Mexican political commentators said that there was little reason yet to fear Russian involvement in the election.

The point is that Washington hasnt provided any solid proof for this, said Marco Cancino, head of Mexico City-based consultancy Inteligencia Publica.

So far, its just speculation.

(Reporting by David Alire Garcia and Noe Torres in Mexico City; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason in Washington and Jack Stubbs in Moscow, Editing by Rosalba OBrien)1.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

Trump adviser Steven Miller was asked if the President met with any Russians. Miller responded by attacking the book Fire and Fury but never denying that Trump met with Russians during the campaign.

Video:

Miller said, Its tragic and unfortunate that Steve would make these grotesque comments out of touch reality and so vindictive and the whole White House staff is deeply disappointed in his comments which were grotesque and with respect to the Trump Tower meeting hes talking about, he wasnt there when this went down, so hes not a credible source on any of it. It reads Luke an angry vindictive person spouting out to a highly discredible author. The book is a poorly written fiction. I also will say the author is a garbage author of a garbage book. The tragic thing about this book and there are many things that are unfortunate but the portrayal of the president in the book is so contrary to reality, to the experience of those who work with him, to my own experience having spent the last two years with him. 

Miller never denied that Trump met with Russians.

If the President didnt meet with any Russians, Miller could have answered no. A one-word denial would have been worked.

By dodging the question, and going off on a rant about the book, Miller made it look like the White House has something to hide. Special Counsel Robert Mueller may already know the answer to the question of whether or not Trump met with Russians, but if he doesnt, he now should want to talk to Stephen Miller ASAP.

The White House claims that Trump did nothing wrong, but when offered the opportunity on the record to say that Trump did nothing wrong, they dodge the question.

Before Miller got kicked off of CNN, he may have put his boss in a world of hurt with what he didnt say on national television.

The more the White House tries to defend the President the worse things get for Trump.2.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

In a late night tweetstorm, Trump quoted an article that praised his presidency as a way of proclaiming himself a better president than Hillary Clinton.

Trump tweeted:

His is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency. So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one. Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018

Clinton in the WH, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice. This was truly a change election  and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching & necessary. Thank you Michael Goodwin! https://t.co/4fHNcx2Ydg  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018

Trump is so insecure that he is sitting up at night tweeting quotes from a New York Post op-ed column because he knows that he still doesnt measure up to Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

A stable genius president would not be tweeting on a Sunday night about how great of a president he is. Deep down inside, Trump knows he is failing. He knows that he will never be a good president, much less a great one.

The President Of The United States is coming unglued in real time in front of the entire world on social media. He is trapped in the 2016 election and still trying to prove that he deserves something that he never really won.

Donald Trump continues to show that even he doesnt believe that he is a legitimate president.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

By Ginger Gibson

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Democrat Tom Steyer, who has spent millions on national ads calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump, will spend $30 million this year trying to get members of his party elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to win control of the chamber from Republicans, he announced on Monday.

Steyer, who also said he will not personally run for office, added that he will also continue his national campaign calling for impeachment.

My fight is in removing Donald Trump from office and removing Donald Trump from power, Steyer said.

The House impeaches, or brings formal charges against an official, in what would be the first step in removing Trump from office. The U.S. Senate tries the case.

Steyer said his organization is working to have constituents deliver to members of Congress copies of the controversial book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by Michael Wolff, which challenges Trumps fitness for office.

Steyer will not, however, require House candidates whom he supports to pass a litmus test supporting impeaching Trump, he said.

The $30 million will be used to mobilize young voters in 10 key states: Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, California, Pennsylvania, Iowa, New Hampshire and Arizona, Steyer said.

Americans will head to the polls in November when 34 seats in the Senate and all 435 House seats will be up for grabs. Democrats are hoping to ride wins last year in Alabama and Virginia to victory in those elections, potentially taking control of Congress.

The task which I feel called to do is organizing and mobilizing Americas voters  they have got to be the most powerful forces in American politics, Steyer said at a Washington, D.C. press conference.

Steyer said he knows that some Democrats think talking about impeachment is a distraction but that he feels it remains important to focus on ousting Trump.

We know this makes some of our friends and allies in this city uncomfortable, Steyer said. We believe this is a false choice  the fact is the two are fundamentally intertwined.

(Reporting by Ginger Gibson; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)444 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

Michael Wolff, author of the book Fire and Fury covering the behind-the-scenes drama within the White House during the first year of the Trump administration, doubled down on his claim that Steve Bannon described Donald Trump Jr.s meeting with a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic.

Bannon, former White House deputy chief of staff, backtracked on Sunday in a statement to Axios. In addition to insisting he still supports Trump and his agenda, he said the treasonous comment was aimed at former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, who is currently under investigation for his communication with Russians during the campaign and was indicted in October.

My comments about the meeting with Russian nationals came from my life experiences as a Naval officer stationed aboard a destroyer whose main mission was to hunt Soviet submarines to my time at the Pentagon during the Reagan years when our focus was the defeat of the evil empire and to making films about Reagans war against the Soviets and Hillary Clintons involvement in selling uranium to them, he said.

He added, My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort, a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate. He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends. To reiterate, those comments were not aimed at Don Jr.

But in an appearance on MSNBCs Morning Joe, Wolff contradicted Bannons statement.

I like Steve, Im grateful for the time he gave me, the insights he gave me and I dont want to put him in more hot water than he is already in, but it was not directed at Manafort, it was directed directly at Don Jr., he said.

Bannons backtracking came after he was abandoned by several of his most important allies following the uproar caused by the treasonous quote, including the billionaire Mercer family, which has been one of his most crucial financial backers over the years. There have even been reports that the board of directors of the alt-right news site Breitbart, one of Bannons most effective tools at reaching conservatives, was considering getting rid of him.

Enter here to win a free digital copy of Fire and Fury.

Wolff claims to have recorded hours and hours of his conversations with the interview subjects for his book, including Bannon, so hopefully hell be able to prove who the former Trump staffer was referring to.Fire broke out on the roof Trump Tower, the 68-story New York City skyscraper that serves as The Trump Corporations headquarters and the location of the presidents beloved penthouse, on Monday morning.

The New York Fire Department received a call reporting the one-alarm fire at around 7:30am. A spokesman said there had been no evacuations and that the flames were under control.

At the time of this writing, there are conflicting reports as to whether there are any injuries. While police said there were none, a reporter with WPIX said there were two confirmed injuries.

The presidents son Eric Trump was the first member of the family to comment on the incident.

There was a small electrical fire in a cooling tower on the roof of Trump Tower, he tweeted. The New York Fire Department was here within minutes and did an incredible job. The men and women of the #FDNY are true heroes and deserve our most sincere thanks and praise!

The Trump Organization released a similar statement confirming the cause of the fire and praising the firefighters who responded.1.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

Oprah Winfrey is seriously considering running for president in 2020, as Trump biggest nightmare could come in the form of Oprah 2020.

Video:

CNNs Brian Stelter reported, For the past few hours since that speech last night Ive been calling, reaching out to some of Oprah Winfreys close friends, business associates, counterparts trying to found out how real this is. The #oprah2020 trending on Twitter, chatter her speech at the Golden Globes sounded presidential. According to two of her close friends, she is actively thinking about running for president in 2020. That doesnt mean shes made up her mind. Im told she has not made up her mind. While it seems premature to make any decision given we havent seen the midterm elections. She is being told by the inner circle to consider it seriously. One described the conversation with Oprah where they were trying to urge her to go ahead and think about running, laying out the case for an Oprah Winfrey presidency. Of course, some of it is obvious. She is a self-made woman, of course, a very rich, wealthy woman, well-known all around the world, in some ways what president trump is not in terms of her status, her stature, her celebrity, especially among women and minority groups. Shes the anti-Trump, but shes also a TV star like trump, a lot of factors here but the headline is that these close friends have been urging her to run for months and she is actively thinking about it.

Oprah with her connection to the Obamas would be a difficult candidate for any Democrat to beat in a primary. She has the kind of potential that could quickly thin the 2020 Democratic primary field.

Obamas Iowa 2012 campaign manager has already reached out to Winfrey:

A speech like this doesnt happen by accident:

Oprah gave the sort of soaring speech full of history, hope, and vision that the country hasnt seen since Obama left office. Oprah Winfrey has the potential to electrify the country if she runs. If Democrats are looking for a candidate who can blow Trump meager celebrity out of the water, and restore hope to America, it wouldnt be surprising if the movement to draft Oprah swept the nation like wildfire.962 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

While trying to discredit Michael Wolffs book Fire and Fury Sebastian Gorka accidentally blew up Trumps claim that Wolff never had White House access.

In an op-ed for The Hill, Gorka wrote:

So, when I met Michael Wolff in Reince Priebus office, where he was waiting to talk to Steve Bannon, and after I had been told to also speak to him for his book, my attitude was polite but firm: Thanks but no thanks.

The problem is that Gorkas admission contradicts Trumps tweet:

I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018

Wolff had zero authorized access, but he was in then White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus office in the West Wing. What is a man who doesnt have White House access doing in the Chief of Staffs office, and who told Gorka that he had to speak to Wolff? Gorkas boss was Steve Bannon, so it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out who ordered Gorka to speak to Wolff.

This Keystone Cops administration cant even keep their story straight among themselves. Not only did they give Wolff access to the White House, but they ordered staff to talk to him. The whole Fire And Fury debacle is another self-inflicted wound from an incompetent administration that cant stop falling flat on its face.1.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

Trumps lawyers are trying to do everything that they can to keep their client away from sitting down for an interview with Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Video:

Kristen Welker reported on MSNBCs Andrea Mitchell Reports, We spoke to three sources familiar with the matter who say the talks are preliminary and they are ongoing. With the presidents legal team considering a range of options which include how the president would be interviewed directly by special counsel Mueller or potentially his investigators, the legal standard for when a president could be interviewed, things like the location, the duration, potential topics and then this really caught our attention, potential compromises including written responses instead of a formal sitdown with one source even saying there are talks of submitting an affidavit.

Trumps lawyers know that the fastest way for their client to end up in jail or impeached would be to sit him down to answer questions from Robert Mueller. The Special Counsel doesnt have to agree to any of Trumps conditions, and Trump doesnt have to agree to an interview. The danger for the White House is that if Trump doesnt submit to questions, Mueller could subpoena him to appear in front of the grand jury, and the last thing that the Republican Party wants to see is their pathologically lying president placed under oath.

The President claims that the Russia scandal is a hoax while behind the scenes, his lawyers are trying to cut a favorable deal for his testimony.

Trump has embraced the delusion that the Russia scandal is not real, but those fantasies will be shattered when he finally has to answer questions from the Special Counsel. Mueller is following the leads to Trump, and the presidents survival may depend on whether or not his lawyers can cut a deal.Now stay with me. It's not what you think. Behind every product, brand or idea, you'll find an expo that mainstreamed and popularized it, says Pappas's book, "Flying Cars, Zombie Dogs & Robot Overlords." There is almost nothing in the world today  no product or invention now etched in the public consciousness  that wasn't catapulted there by the booster rocket of a world's fair or trade show.

And yet nobody knows the super-sized role they play

"What fascinates me is an industry that has such an impact on our daily life, and we know almost nothing about it," Pappas said.

Pappas is a expert on the subject. He is paid to be one. As a writer for Exhibitor Magazine, a trade show publication, Pappas' job has taken him across the country and around the world, attending fairs in Shanghai, China, South Korea and Kazakhstan. The hardcover book, published by Lyons Press, costs $15 on Amazon.

Expos were the way things went viral before there was a digital world. Before there was Facebook and Twitter, inventors and companies turned to fairs to get eyeballs on their inventions and products by the millions. Social movements, like the temperance movement against public drunkenness, gained national attraction at expos. The nation of Japan, a country with a long history of self-imposed isolation, used fairs to raise its profile and become an economic behemoth.

The Aunt Jemima brand went from nothing to one of the two most entrusted brands in America, thanks, yes, you guessed it, to a fair.

"And 124 years later, it is still a powerful viable brand in the country. That to me is astonishing," Pappas said.

And yet no one seems to know this about world fairs. Take the Columbia Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Some accounts says that almost 25 percent of the country attended it.

In 1959, Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev held their famous kitchen debate at the national exhibition in Russia.

Pappas's book is divided into short histories that examine everything from atomic shelters to vibrators and tobacco to the pure food movement. Each chapter is no more than three to five pages long. The result is a colorful cultural and economic history of, well, everything.

"Not every subject is going to be interesting to everybody, but I thought by making it a browser's book, it might be more interesting," Pappas said. "It's how I like to look at those things: Just enough to give me a bit of knowledge and whet my appetite for more. And then I move on to the next thing."

Pappas said the Bible offers one of the earliest recorded instances of a fair. But the modern fair that would create the template for future fairs and trade shows was the great exhibition in London in 1851. All subsequent fairs would have similar elements: grand exhibit architecture, mass crowds, over-sized props and celebrity visitors.

The rise of technology and social media has given rise to debate about whether such shows are now defunct. Some companies have even tried virtual trade shows. But Pappas believes there is no substitute for the real thing. The next world fair will be hosted by Dubai, which could be the mother of all fairs. Rumor has it that it will be introducing flying cars.

"They are already in the works," Pappas said. "This might be that tipping point where a lot of people will see them, and get a chance to try them out. I really hope they go through with it."Blue state governments are reeling following enactment of the tax reform bill, which among many other virtues, corrects an injustice: residents of low-tax states like South Dakota will no longer be forced to subsidize residents of high-tax states like New York. Or at least, not to the same extent. State and local taxes will still be deductible, up to $10,000.

The Associated Press reports: States exploring tax changes in response to federal overhaul.

In New Jersey and California, top Democratic officials want to let people make charitable contributions to the state instead of paying certain taxes.

Sure, thatll work.

In Connecticut and New York, officials are exploring a switch from income taxes to new ones on payroll. A few governors have even called for tax cuts.

Even! You have to read quite a bit farther to learn any more about this radical approach.

This week, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo used his state-of-the-state speech to pledge to sue over the GOP tax plan, which he called an assault by the federal government.

***

Im certainly not a constitutional lawyer, but the notion that this is not constitutional is something we want to pursue, said Phil Murphy, New Jerseys Democratic governor-elect.

You really have to laugh about that one. It is an assault to say that taxpayers in South Dakota only have to subsidize New Yorkers up to $10,000? And the State of New York will sue, alleging that the Constitution requires South Dakotans to subsidize them? What provision of the Constitution might that be? I somehow missed that one when I studied constitutional law.

More on turning taxes into charitable deductions. (Actually, it has always been possible to donate money to the federal government, but few have been moved to do so.)

California state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat who is running for the U.S. Senate, introduced legislation this week that would allow people to make charitable donations to the state instead of paying income taxes. That would allow them to claim a charitable deduction on federal taxes. 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.

Its nice to know that Democrats are now opposed to double taxation! If they had told us this sooner, we could have eliminated taxes on dividends and permitted repatriation without applying the U.S.s onerous and redundant corporate income taxsomething the Democrats fought tooth and nail.

The AP turns to one conservative commentator for a moment of sanity on the proposal to replace income taxes with payroll taxes:

Nicole Keading, an economist at the conservative-leaning Tax Foundation, said that change also could mean that states would replace progressive income tax structures with flat payroll taxes. You would be raising taxes on low-income people, she said.

Not that the Democrats have ever minded doing that. But the issue here is a simple question of fairness. If voters in a particular state think it is worthwhile to enact high taxes to support high spending by their state, fine. But they cant expect residents of states that have made different policy choicesand whose governments are, in all probability, more efficientto subsidize their choice.Steve Bannons days as an influential player may be over. If so, what is his legacy?

Its not the election of President Trump. This was down to Trump himself, as the president likes to remind us.

Nor is Bannons legacy hanging tough on Billy Bush weekend, though at times this seems to be what he is most proud of. And his legacy is not blowing a safe Senate seat in Alabama. Roy Moore gets the credit for that.

In my view, Bannons legacy will be the Trump administrations assault on the administrative state. Readers may recall that early in the Trump presidency, Bannon identified deconstruction of the administrative state as one of the administrations three core policy goals (protecting national security and reviving the economy, including trade, were the other two). He was referring to our runaway bureaucracys threat to constitutional government  a threat posed by a lazy and complicit Congress, a liberal judiciary, and an aggressive left-wing bureaucracy.

A little less than a year after Bannons pronouncement, Team Trump has taken significant steps to combat the administrative state. Stanley Kurtz describes these steps:

Th[ey] include working with Congress to rescind many Obama-era regulations via the heretofore little-used Congressional Review Act; introducing regulatory budgeting designed to remove several outdated rules for each new one put in place; as well as major deregulatory moves at the FDA, FCC (ending net neutrality), EPA (ending the Clean Power Plan), the Departments of Education (withdrawing guidance documents on Title IX), and Interior (reducing federal restrictions on public land use).

And, with the guidance of his legal team, Trump has appointed judges  most notably Justice Gorsuch  who grasp the constitutional critique of the administrative state.

Kurtz suggests that battles over the size, scope, and constitutional legitimacy of the administrative state may become the centerpiece of our politics, energizing populist movements on both right and left. Indeed, he suspects that this process is already underway.

Kurtz directs our attention to a new book  Deconstructing the Administrative State: The Fight for Liberty  by Emmett McGroarty, Jane Robbins, and Erin Tuttle. McGroarty and Robbins helped lead the grassroots movement against the Common Core education standards. Tuttle is one of the Indiana mothers who helped ignite the anti-Common Core movement in the states.

Drawing on this background, the authors highlight the frustrating and sometimes ugly day-to-day politics of the administrative state, examining the state and local levels, as well as the federal. In so doing, they draw attention to the administrative states assault on the constitutional authority of the states. It turns out that, in Kurtzs words, vast swathes of state policy are now effectively controlled by anonymous federal technocrats. As former Nebraska governor Ben Nelson once said, I honestly wondered if I was actually elected governor or just branch manager of the state of Nebraska for the federal government.

The books most controversial theme may be its discussion of businesss role in expanding the administrative state. Kurtz points out that, while business favors the Trump regulatory rollback at the federal level, many businesses are allied with progressive activists seeking to expand the federal bureaucracys hold over states and localities:

Businesses favor an unconstitutional federal takeover of education because they want national markets for textbooks and testing software. Businesses support the dumbed-down Common Core standards advocated by many progressives because theyre more interested in workforce development than classic liberal education for citizenship. Businesses favor federal attempts to force dense housing and public transportation on the suburbs when that means access to federal subsidies for building projects.

The political class, including the GOP, promotes these interests. McGroarty, Robbins, and Tuttle show how desirable committee assignments and leadership positions are tied to fundraising, which in turn pulls the GOPs congressional leadership in the direction of businesses that benefit from the largesse of the administrative state. Thus, says Kurtz, if business opposition to regulation at the national level separates Republicans from Democrats, the affinity of business for the regulatory state, especially at the state and local levels, separates the GOP establishment from the base.

Thats why populism has a major role to play in the deconstruction of the administrative state. Indeed, Kurtz contends that the administrative state is already a populist rallying cry, even if not by that name. Steve Bannon can take some of the credit.

If President Trump follows his 2017 successes against the administrative state with major moves against federal control of localities  e.g. via common core and HUDs affirmatively furthering fair housing regulation  he will further energize his populist base. If not, Stanley predicts that this base will energize itself once the next Democratic president re-seizes pen and phone on the Obama model

Either way, Kurtz concludes:Today, Steve Bannon issued a statement expressing regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding [Donald Trump Jr.] has diverted attention from the presidents historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency. Bannon rejected the idea, attributed to him by Michael Wolff, that Trump Jr. did anything treasonous by meeting with Russians during the presidential campaign. He said his remarks were directed at Paul Manafort.

Bannons statement of regret followed sharp attacks against him by President Trump and the decision by his principle financial backer, Rebekah Mercer, to cut him off. They also came shortly after Stephen Miller bashed Bannon during an interview with Jake Tapper. Miller was a protege of Bannon, at least in Bannons view.

Here is Bannons statement:

Donald Trump Jr. is both a patriot and a good man. He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around. My support is also unwavering for the president and his agenda  as I have shown daily in my national radio broadcasts, on the pages of Breitbart News and in speeches and appearances from Tokyo and Hong Kong to Arizona and Alabama. President Trump was the only candidate that could have taken on and defeated the Clinton apparatus. I am the only person to date to conduct a global effort to preach the message of Trump and Trumpism, and I remain ready to stand in the breach for this presidents efforts to make America great again. My comments about the meeting with Russian nationals came from my life experiences as a Naval officer stationed aboard a destroyer whose main mission was to hunt Soviet submarines to my time at the Pentagon during the Reagan years, when our focus was the defeat of the evil empire, and to making films about Reagans war against the Soviets and Hillary Clintons involvement in selling uranium to them. My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort, a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate. He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends. To reiterate, those comments were not aimed at Don Jr. Everything I have to say about the ridiculous nature of the Russian collusion investigation I said on my 60 Minutes interview. There was no collusion and the investigation is a witch hunt. I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr. has diverted attention from the presidents historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency.

Rich Lowry characterizes this statement as groveling and he isnt wrong. However, I consider it a limited, modified grovel, as Richard Nixon might say.

Keep in mind that Donald Trump Jr. wasnt the only Trump family member blasted by Bannon, at least in Wolffs telling. Bannon also ripped Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.

Wolff says Bannon described Ivanka as dumb as a brick and predicted that she would bring down her father. He also says Bannon told him Robert Mueller will end up digging up dirt on money laundering involving Kushner. The Kushner shit is greasy; theyre going to go right through that, Bannon is quoted as predicting.

Bannons statement of regret doesnt mention Kushner or Ivanka (Jivanka, as he supposedly called them). It only mentions Donald Jr. I suspect thats because Bannon doesnt have anything against Jr. but continues to hold a grudge against Jivanka.

But what of Bannons claim that his charge of treason was directed only against Manafort? He explains that Manafort, a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate. . .should have known they are duplicitous. The inference is that Donald Jr. had no reason to know this, so his participation was not treasonous. (Its not clear whether Bannon thinks the same defense applies to Kushner, who was also at the meeting).

Bannon is saying that Donald Jr. wasnt smart or experienced enough to realize what the Russians were up to. Jr. was, in effect, a babe in the woods.

This is not a flattering picture of the presidents son. Nor is the naivety defense Trumps position on the Russia meeting. Trump rejects the idea that there was anything treasonous about the meeting (and he is right).

I imagine the president will be gratified to see Bannon retreating. However, I doubt he will deem this limited, modified grovel sufficient.Teacher collective bargaining is a highly debated feature of the education system in the US. This paper presents the first analysis of the effect of teacher collective bargaining laws on long-run labor market and educational attainment outcomes, exploiting the different timing across states in the passage of duty-to-bargain laws in a difference-in-difference framework. Using American Community Survey data linked to each respondents state of birth, we examine labor market outcomes and educational attainment for 35-49 year olds, separately by gender. We find robust evidence that exposure to teacher collective bargaining laws worsens the future labor market outcomes of men: living in a state that has a duty-to-bargain law for all 12 grade-school years reduces male earnings by $1,493 (or 2.75%) per year and decreases hours worked by 0.52 hours per week. Estimates for women do not show consistent evidence of negative effects on these outcomes. The earnings estimates for men indicate that teacher collective bargaining reduces earnings by $149.6 billion in the US annually. Among men, we also find evidence of lower employment rates, which is driven by lower labor force participation. Exposure to collective bargaining laws leads to reductions in the skill levels of the occupations into which male workers sort as well. Effects are largest among black and Hispanic men, although white and Asian men also experience sizable negative impacts of collective bargaining exposure. Using data from the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, we demonstrate that collective bargaining law exposure leads to reductions in measured cognitive and non-cognitive skills among young adults, and these effects are larger for men.President of the Republic of Poland Mr. Andrzej Duda sends an occasional telegram

to the President of the United States of America Mr. Donald Trump to mark

the Centenary of President Woodrow Wilsons Plan for Peace The Fourteen Points

Dear Mr. President,

We have entered the year 2018 which for the Republic of Poland is a particular one: on November 11, Poland is going to celebrate the centenary of regaining independence.



In this connection, the day January 8, 1918, has a symbolic dimension to us. Precisely one hundred years ago, President Woodrow Wilson announced his Plan for Peace: The Fourteen Points to the international order nascent after World War 1. For my country, point 13 was the most valid one, it provided for the creation of an independent Polish state which should be assured a free and secure access to the sea whose political and economic independence and territorial integrity should be guaranteed by international covenant. This declaration has been seen by all Polish people, back then and now, as a landmark event on the way to regaining our sovereignty after 123 years of enslavement.

The political concept presented by the American leader one hundred years ago relied on two values, equally close to our two respective Nations; that of equality among states: big and small alike, and of their indisputable right to self-determination. The friendship forged between the Polish and the American Nation, founded on those two values, continues until today. In this vein, particular satisfaction can be derived from our strategic partnership which is growing dynamically, with its broad scope yielding tangible benefits to the whole region of Central Europe.

Recalling this special historic occasion, as much as the excellent shape of our bilateral relations between Poland and the United States of America, I wish you, Mr. President, all success throughout the New Year, and I look forward to meeting you soon,

With kind regards,

Andrzej Duda

President of the Republic of PolandAHMEDABAD, India, January 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

ANU, a pioneer in its focus on providing education for the Built Environment, invites application for the second cohort of Anant Fellowship, a one-year, post-graduate academic program - the first-of-its-kind in the world.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625509/Anant_National_University_Logo.jpg )



The Anant Fellowship aims to nurture and empower solutionaries (revolutionaries with tangible, constructive, innovative solutions) who prioritise the pressing issues of equity and sustainability while designing, developing, planning, and preserving the Built Environment of the country. With the belief that Built Environment is a tool for social change, the Anant Fellowship exposes its Fellows to interdisciplinary perspectives so that they go on to design solutions that are socially, environmentally, ethically, and economically appropriate.

Conceptualized in a unique manner, the Anant Fellowship combines academic rigour and intensity with first-hand, experiential discovery to create a balance between theory and praxis, between instruction and experimentation, and between paced-learning and open-ended discovery. Four thematic tracks run through the Fellowship - a) Domain and Technical Learning, b) Society and Cultural Immersion, c) Self-Development and Leadership, and d) a year-long Live Action Project aimed to make a positive change at the grassroots level.

Qualifications

The Fellowship is open to students from all backgrounds. Preference will be given to students from the disciplines of architecture, design, planning, environmental sciences, civil and construction engineering, archaeology, heritage and conservation, and relevant social science disciplines of anthropology, sociology, history, geography, geology and other allied fields.

Applicants must have a sound academic record and should have successfully completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree before the start of the Fellowship.

Applicants must be able to show a demonstrated commitment to improving the Built Environment and an understanding of the issues pertaining to the area.

Anant Fellowship is committed to diversity; we invite applications from students and professionals of all age-groups, socio-economic backgrounds, and geographies both in India and internationally.

Admission and Selection Process

Resume, SOP, and Work Sample to be submitted electronically on or before February 15th, 2018 alongwith the application form available online.

alongwith the application form available online. Candidates shortlisted will be invited for two rounds of telephonic and/or in-person interview before the final decision is communicated to them.

Those selected for admission in first round will be automatically eligible for guaranteed full or partial scholarship covering Tuition, Boarding, and Lodging.

Last date for application for Round 2: February 15, 2018

For more details, visit: http://anu.edu.in/fellowship/, or follow on Facebook: @anantfellowship

Or

Admissions Office:

Anant Fellowship Programme Office,

T: +91-2717-302063; M: +91-8141033344

E: [email protected]

Campus Address:

Sanskardham Campus,

Bopal-Ghuma-Sanand Road, Ahmedabad - 382 115, Gujarat, India

T: +91-2717-302063; M: +91-8141033344

About Anant National University

Anant National University, located in the sprawling Sanskardham Campus in Ahmedabad, is preparing to be India's leading private teaching and research university in the fields of built environment, design, and sustainability.

The university is led by a cadre of eminent people from academia, business, and government, each of whom are leaders in their respective fields. Some members of ANU's Governing Board: Mr Ajay Piramal, President, Anant National University (Chairman, Piramal Group and Shriram Group); Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha, Provost, Anant National University (Founding Dean, Indian School of Business; Founder & Trustee, Ashoka University); Mr. Abhishek Lodha (Managing Director, Lodha Group); Mr. Adil Zainulbhai (Chairman, Network18; Chairman, Quality Council of India; Former Chairman, McKinsey & Co., India); Ms. Indira Parikh (Founder President, FLAME University); Dr. Sudhir Jain (Director, IIT Gandhinagar) and several others.

SOURCE Anant National UniversityThe report " Automotive Chassis Market by Chassis Type (Backbone, Ladder, Monocoque, Modular), Material (Steel, Aluminum Alloy, Carbon Fiber Composite), Electric Vehicle (BEV, PHEV, HEV), Vehicle Type (PC, CV), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025" , published by MarketsandMarkets, the global market is estimated to be USD 50.78 Billion in 2017 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.59% to reach USD 78.44 Billion by 2025. The growth of this market is fueled by growing vehicle production, increasing global demand for LCVs due to industrialization, and the increasing demand for crash safety.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )



Browse 84 market data Tables and 50 Figures spread through 174 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Automotive Chassis Market - Global Forecast to 2025"

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Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report

Monocoque type chassis to hold the largest share in the automotive chassis market, in terms of volume

The monocoque chassis is projected to account for the largest share in the global automotive chassis market in 2025 as it is widely used in passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles. Its light weight construction helps in improving the fuel efficiency of vehicle.

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Better space utilization and light weight construction are expected to increase the penetration of skateboard type chassis construction in electric vehicles

The penetration of skateboard type chassis construction is expected to grow at a faster CAGR than monocoque chassis. It can be attributed to the better space utilization and reduction in weight achieved by using this type of chassis. The entire battery pack can be kept inside the chassis, with its weight spread equally throughout the chassis. It also allows to use any kind of body construction over it, which is not the case in monocoque construction. Tesla uses this chassis construction in its Model S.

Asia Pacific: Leading the automotive chassis market

Asia Pacific is estimated to account for the largest share, in terms of volume, of the automotive chassis market in 2025. The region comprises developing economies such as China and India. Vehicle production volumes have increased over the years, with OEMs in this region catering not only to the domestic demand but also to overseas demand.

The automotive chassis market is dominated by a few globally established players such as Robert Bosch (Germany), Continental (Germany), Benteler (Germany), Magna (Canada), and Aisin Seiki (Japan).

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https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/automobile-suspension-systems-market-939.html

Automotive Lightweight Materials Market by Material (Metal, Composite, Rubber, and Plastic), Application, Component (Frame, Engine-Exhaust, Wheel, Door, Hood & Trunk Lid, Seat, Instrument Panel, Bumper-Fender), Vehicle Type - Global Forecast to 2021

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/automotive-lightweight-materials-market-23937731.html

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Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "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.



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SOURCE MarketsandMarketsARONwhich stands for Augmented-Reality Optical Narrowcastingis an entirely new communications channel. It operates without reliance on the Internet or cellular networks, harnessing infrared light waves to create an independent, optical communications channel with unprecedented power, flexibility and freedom.

SureFire is unveiling its remarkable new technology this week at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

"For years now, it has been our quest to bring free-space optical communications to the consumer," said SureFire's Narkis Shatz, Ph.D., program lead and one of the inventors of ARON. "ARON is the first to succeed in demonstrating the capability to do so."

Both an alternative and a complement to radio frequency waveswhich are used today by smartphones and mobile devices all over the worldARON transmits data by way of a patented combination of optical beacons and signals.

It can send and receive any form of digital informationincluding high-definition video.

It is fast, secure and private.

It's 300 times more energy-efficient than wi-fi, and can operate on solar power.

Installed in a smartphone or automobile, it's inexpensive to deploy and use.

It capitalizes on an entirely unregulated communications platform.

With nearly limitless capacity for integration and personalization, it enhances the augmented-reality experience like no mobile technology in existence today.

ARON is built on the scientific foundation of what Alexander Graham Bell proclaimed was his greatest inventionthe photophone. Developed and optimized by SureFire over the course of the last three years, it establishes range, data-rate and miniaturization standards never before achieved in the field of free-space, consumer optical communications.

Indeed, ARON makes this visionary technology readily accessible to consumers, businesses and governments for the first time everbringing new meaning to the idea of mobile connectivity.

"When Dr. John Matthews founded SureFire, he established a legacy of superior quality and a commitment to advanced technology," said Joel Smith, Chief Administrative Officer of SureFire. "Because of his foresight and vision, we were able to develop ARON and are now excited to explore applications for it that capitalize on consumer use."

For more information, please visit aron.surefire.com.

About SureFire

Located in Fountain Valley, California, SureFire, LLC is the leading manufacturer of high-performance flashlights, weapon-mounted lights, and other tactical equipment for those who go in harm's way, or anyone who demands the ultimate in quality, innovation and performance. SureFire illumination tools are used by more SWAT teams and elite special operations groups than any other brand. SureFire is an ISO 9001:2000-certified company.

Press Contact:

Jonathan Mudd

strat-igence, Inc.

[email protected]

(202) 286-3240

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625427/ARON_logo_Logo.jpg

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625438/ARON_CES.mp4

SOURCE SureFireSHANGHAI, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its success in 2017, the China International Building Decoration Fair (CBD Fair) will return to Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center from March 21 to 23, 2018, with more than 400 global enterprises.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625514/CBD.jpg

CBD-IBCFT (Shanghai) is an extension of the original CBD Fair in Guangzhou, which is the world's largest building decoration exhibition. In 2017, CBD Fair (Guangzhou) covered an exhibition area of 390,000 square meters with 916,013 participants during its run from July 8-11. This March, CBD-IBCTF (Shanghai) will bring together all top-tier brands of the building and decoration sector, including Suofeiya, WISION and PIANO across an area of 80,000 square meters.

Highlights of the fair will include:

Publicly listed enterprises of Customization

Smart Home products varies from Smart Locks to Smart Hanger Systems

Leading brands of Full-home Customization from South China

Rising Premium Remodeling brands from Yangtze River Delta

Top Wooden Doors enterprises from Beijing

High-end Doors & Windows blooming here

This year, CBD-IBCFT (Shanghai) will unveil cutting-edge technologies in intelligent locks as well as smart hanger systems from top brands, including Samsung and TENON.

"With the size of the global smart home market estimated to reach US$ 122 billion by 2022, it's the biggest growth area for the home decoration industry, and presents many crossover opportunities with the electronics and high tech sectors," said president Liu of the CBD Fair. "We hope that our guests will find new product ideas and partnership possibilities at the fair."

CBD-IBCFT (Shanghai) 2018 will also gather top-tier home decoration brands, not only the leading ones from South China, but also those rising from the Yangtze River Delta. Exhibitors will bring their latest and most comprehensive products and share their concepts with participants.

In addition, Wooden Doors will display their premium remodeling products at this year's fair. Manufacturers including TATA, Holtz and Kaimo, the most famous enterprises from Beijing, showcase together with top brands originated from Yangtze River Delta. They will demonstrate new technologies, bringing the home decoration industry into the modern era, enabling buyers to explore home decoration concepts in a new, immersive way.

About the CBD Fair

Founded in 1999, the CBD Fair is hosted twice per year. CBD-IBCTF (Shanghai) is hosted by the China Foreign Trade Centre and the China Building Decoration Association.

SOURCE The China (Guangzhou) International Building Decoration FairD-Link showcases new 11AX routers, next generation Covr Wi-Fi Systems, and mydlink solution.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading international provider of networking solutions D-Link today introduced new products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company announced products and solutions that offer more comfort and convenience, more peace of mind, more power and performance, and more seamless coverage to meet the demands of consumers today who require reliable home networking for the ever-increasing number of connected devices.

D-Link showcased the new mydlink Connected Home Ecosystem with new products and the new mydlink app. Products include the CES 2018 Innovation Awards Honoree DCS-1820LM 4G/LTE Outdoor Camera, as well as other new smart cameras, smart plugs, and a water sensor. D-Link's new mydlink ecosystem consolidates non-router mydlink devices under one single app, increasing smart automation possibilities and enabling rich features such as cloud recording and IVA. Its One-Tap feature allows consumers to easily control multiple devices and bundle multiple actions into scenarios. BLE makes setup simple and quick, and 3rd party compatibility with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant, and IFTTT means that mydlink meets the needs of every smart home owner, without locking them into any one ecosystem.

D-Link also announced its next generation Covr whole home Wi-Fi solutions powered by the Qualcomm Mesh Networking Platform. The Covr Dual Band Whole Home Wi-Fi System (COVR-C1203) brings whole home network coverage within reach of more consumers due to its affordable price. It is the first mesh system with swappable covers in different colors. The Covr Tri Band Whole Home Wi-Fi System (COVR-2202) was selected as a CES 2018 Innovation Awards Honoree. It delivers powerful performance and speed, and its smart backhaul feature uses smart antennas to automatically optimize backhaul signal between the Covr Points for a more reliable connection. Both Covr Whole Home Wi-Fi Systems feature Smart Roaming, Smart Steering, and seamless connection for homes of any size and on multiple devices simultaneously. The solutions are also scalable, as users can add extra Covr Points depending on their individual needs. Setup and management are simple with the D-Link Wi-Fi app.

The new DIR-X6060 and DIR-X9000 11AX Ultra Wi-Fi Routers offer premium performance for multiple devices in dense environments. The DIR-X6060 is a dual band router with combined speeds up to 6000 Mbps, and the DIR-X9000 is a tri band router with combined speeds up to 11,000 Mbps. Featuring improved coverage and 4x more capacity over 11AC with a 1.8GHz quad-core processor that delivers higher network speed, they are the ultimate routers for simultaneous HD and 4K streaming, VR, gaming, and cloud/remote storage. 4x4 MU-MIMO allows more users to perform even more data intensive tasks on more devices with less network congestion. With BSS Coloring and OFDMA, the routers deliver more efficient networking for extreme home networks, especially in device-dense environments. The routers can be set up and managed with the D-Link Wi-Fi app.

*The CES Innovation Awards are based upon descriptive materials submitted to the judges. CTA did not verify the accuracy of any submission or of any claims made and did not test the item to which the award was given.

About D-Link

D-Link is a global leader in connecting people, businesses and cities. We aim to connect more homes, small businesses, medium to large-sized enterprises, and service providers. D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP surveillance, and cloud-based network management. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link has grown from a group of seven friends since its founding in 1986 in Taiwan to more than 2,000 employees worldwide.

D-Link Corporation PR Contact:

Michelle Chiang

[email protected]

+886-2-6600-0123 #6653

D-Link and D-Link logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of D-Link Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other third party marks mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright  2016. D-Link. All Rights Reserved

SOURCE D-Link(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )

Browse 69 market data Tables and 38 Figures spread through 140 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Data Center Virtualization Market"

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The market is primarily driven due to reduced enterprise operational costs and enhanced business agility, demand for unified and centralized management of data centers, and increase in data center complexities.

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Based on type, the optimization services segment of the Data Center Virtualization Market is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period

Based on type, the optimization services segment is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. The optimization services segment includes services for virtualization health check, data center disaster recovery, performance management, and virtual data center optimization assessment. Optimization services assist data center administrators to easily manage and scale their data centers. Hence, the demand for optimization services by organizations is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period.

Based on organization size, the Small- & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) segment of the Data Center Virtualization Market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Based on organization size, the Small- & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) segment of the Data Center Virtualization market is estimated to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. SMEs are adopting off-premises/cloud-based data center virtualization on a large scale to minimize the costs of hardware and maintenance for on-premises data centers, which are more suited to their financial budgets. Therefore, the SMEs segment is expected to register a high growth rate in the Data Center Virtualization Market.

Based on vertical, the healthcare segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Based on vertical, the healthcare segment of the Data Center Virtualization Market is expected to witness the highest growth in the coming years. Healthcare organizations have moved to data centers and cloud services to manage and process the ever-growing amount of data, which provides huge growth opportunities for Data Center Virtualization vendors.

North America is expected to lead the Data Center Virtualization Market in 2017

North America is estimated to lead the Data Center Virtualization Market in 2017, as organizations in this region are early adopters of the Data Center Virtualization technology. Additionally, the presence of key market players in this region, such as VMware (US), Microsoft (US), Amazon Web Services (US), and Citrix Systems (US) is driving the adoption of data center virtualization. This region is also experiencing very high cloud adoption and to improve their infrastructure, cloud service providers are adopting virtualization services. Many other organizations are opting for Data Center Virtualization to increase agility, scalability, and flexibility of their private data centers, which, in turn, is expected to drive the growth of the Data Center Virtualization Market in this region.

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Some of the major Data Center Virtualization vendors include VMware (US), Microsoft (US), Citrix Systems (US), Adobe Systems (US), Amazon Web Services (AWS) (US), Cisco Systems (US), Fujitsu (Japan), Radiant Communications (Canada), HPE (US), AT&T (US), Huawei (China), HCL (India), and IBM (US).

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https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/software-defined-data-center-sddc-market-1025.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.

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Mr. Rohan

MarketsandMarkets INC.

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Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

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SOURCE MarketsandMarketsCHENNAI, January 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

DATRI, India's biggest Blood Stem Cell Donor Registry has facilitated 339 donations till date

It's a proud moment for DATRI, India's biggest adult unrelated Blood Stem Cell Donors registry as they enrolled their 300,000th volunteer donor from Vizag today. Since 2009, the NGO has been relentlessly working towards saving lives of patients suffering from Blood Cancer and Thalassemia.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160725/10151148-a )



The 300,000th donor, Mr. Sampath Pavankumar Moturu, a 22-year-old male who works in an MNC in Vizag, said, "When I got to know that saving a life is so simple and harmless, I wanted to immediately register as a blood stem cell donor. Being the 3,00,000th donor to enroll with DATRI makes me feel special. I am now waiting for the day I can donate my blood stem cells to save someone's life."

Speaking at the proud moment, Co-founder and CEO of DATRI, Raghu Rajagopal, said, "Having 300,000 volunteer donors registered with us is indeed a great achievement. We have come a long way from the time when it was a big challenge convincing our first donor with a one man army to being a team of dedicated professionals who work day and night to ensure every match found in our registry leads to a donation to save a life."

In the last eight years DATRI has worked towards spreading awareness on blood stem cell donation through numerous camps held across colleges, educational institutions, corporates and office complexes. As a result there has been a considerable raise in the awareness levels among youngsters and professionals who have been very cooperative and supportive donors.

Today, while DATRI alone has facilitated 339 donations across India as well as other countries, still there are over 1500 patients registered with them who are waiting for an unrelated matched donor. There is an immense need to raise awareness on the importance of Blood Stem Cell Donation across masses. The only possibility of giving a new lease of life to people suffering from fatal blood disorders such as Leukemia, Thalassemia, Lymphoma etc. is to increase the number of donors so their chances of survival could increase.

A patient has only a 25% chance of finding a matched donor from within the family. With a 1 in 10000 to 1 in over a million chance of finding an unrelated HLA genetically matched donor, we need more volunteer donors to sign up with the registry.

About DATRI

DATRI is a not-for-profit organization co-founded by Mr. Raghu Rajagopal, Dr. Nezih Cereb and Dr. Soo Young Yang in 2009. The vision of the organization is to find a willing matched donor for every patient suffering from fatal blood-related disorders and in need of a blood stem cell transplant.

DATRI is India's largest adult unrelated blood stem cell donors registry with 3,01,531 voluntary donors registered. DATRI has facilitated over 338 donations till today including 46 donations for international patients. DATRI has serviced patients from 59 hospitals across the world.

DATRI is an associate of Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide (BMWD) and a member of World Marrow Donors Association (WMDA).

To become a donor, login to http://datri.org/join.

Contact person:

Nancy Agnihotri

Public Relations

+91-9810768588

[email protected]

DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry



SOURCE DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors RegistryFrozen Assets Securing a $520 Million Award Against Republic of Kazakhstan

NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 5, 2018, Amsterdam District Court issued a judgment (the "Judgment") in which it upheld an earlier ex parte attachment granted by the same court on September 8, 2017 to Anatolie Stati, Gabriel Stati, Ascom Group S.A. and Terra Raf Trans Traiding Ltd (together, the "Stati Parties") with respect to the Republic of Kazakhstan's shareholding in the Dutch entity KMG Kashagan B.V. ("Kashagan") which shareholding is held via the Kazakh sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna ("Samruk"). Through its stake in Kashagan, which has a nominal value of approximately US$5.2 billion, the Kazakh State participates in the international consortium relating to the Kashagan oilfield, one of the largest offshore oilfields in the Caspian Sea. Other members of the consortium include Eni, Royal Dutch Shell, Total, ExxonMobil, China National Petroleum Corporation and Inpex.

In the Judgment, the Dutch court held that, despite Samruk being a separate legal entity from Kazakhstan, "the corporate objective of Samruk is  completely subordinated to Kazakhstan's national interest, as this is established at the political level, that Kazakhstan is and will remain the sole shareholder, and that Samruk's board is controlled by (those politically responsible in) Kazakhstan." The court then went on to conclude that "Samruk lacks de facto-economic independence in its relation to Kazakhstan, in the sense that Samruk cannot invoke its separate legal personality against Kazakhstan in order to pursue a policy of its own that deviates from the policy of (those politically responsible in) Kazakhstan it has to be assumed that Samruk has been established by Kazakhstan (at least partially) with a view to shield Kazakhstan's assets from Kazakhstan's creditors."

The said attachment was secured as part of the Stati Parties' long-lasting battle to enforce an arbitral award that was issued in December 2013 (the "Award") for violations of the investor protection provisions of the Energy Charter Treaty. A tribunal constituted under the auspices of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce found that Kazakhstan violated its international obligation to treat the Stati Parties' investments fairly and equitably and awarded the Stati Parties more than US$500 million by way of damages and legal costs. The Award has since been fully upheld by two tiers of the Swedish judiciary, including the Swedish Supreme Court. However the Government of Kazakhstan is refusing to honor its obligations under the Award, in manifest and continuing breach of its international treaty obligations and notwithstanding its efforts to portray itself as an investor friendly jurisdiction.

The judgment of Amsterdam District court was issued in the wake of a number of other court rulings in several jurisdictions where the Stati Parties are currently enforcing the Award. In particular, the Stati Parties have secured attachments from the Dutch and Belgian courts, as a result of which Bank of New York Mellon, acting as Kazakhstan's global custodian, has frozen assets worth approximately US$22.6 billion, including cash, government/corporate bonds and equity shareholdings comprising about 40% of National Fund of Kazakhstan managed by the National Bank of Kazakhstan. On December 21, 2017, the High Court of Justice in London dismissed Kazakhstan's urgent claims to compel Bank of New York Mellon to unblock the said National Fund assets and prevent their transfer to the Stati Parties.

In addition, the Stati Parties have secured attachments of Kazakhstan's property in Luxembourg and Sweden, including Kazakhstan's shareholding in the Luxembourg entity Eurasian Resources Group, certain trade receivables due to Kazakhstan from a number of Luxembourg companies, as well as shares in 33 Swedish public companies worth approximately US$100 million. As a result of the latter attachment, the Swedish state bailiff has already commenced a foreclosure process with respect to some of the attached shares by procuring transfer of their sale proceeds to its escrow account. The proceeds are expected to be transferred to the Stati Parties following the conclusion of all pending legal proceedings in Sweden.

The claims originally arose out of Kazakhstan's seizure of the Stati Parties' petroleum operations in 2010. The Stati Parties acquired two companies in 1999 that held idle licenses in the Borankol and Tolkyn fields in Kazakhstan. They invested in excess of a billion dollars over the ensuing decade to turn the companies into successful exploration and production businesses. In late 2008, after the businesses had become profitable, had yielded considerable revenues for the Kazakh state, and the Stati Parties expected to start receiving dividends, more than half a dozen government agencies carried out a number of burdensome inspections and audits of the companies' businesses that resulted in false accusations of illegal conduct directed at the Stati Parties and their Kazakh companies, including criminal prosecutions of their general managers on false pretenses. Kazakhstan's actions challenged the Stati Parties' title to their investments, subjected them to hundreds of millions of dollars in unwarranted tax assessments and criminal penalties and ultimately led to the seizure and nationalization of their investments by Kazakh authorities in 2010.

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SOURCE The Stati PartiesSUZHOU, China, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- GCL System Integration Technology Co., LTD. (SZ: 002506) ("GCL-SI", or the "Company"), a subsidiary of the world's leading clean energy conglomerate GCL, announces the appointment of Mr. Eric Luo as Chief Executive Officer,effective January 5, 2018.

Mr. Luo was nominated for Asian CEO of the Year in 2014 at Power and Electricity World Asia in recognition of his leadership in transforming Wuxi Suntech and Shunfeng International Clean Energy (SFCE) into leading clean energy solution providers. Mr. Luo was one of the keynote speakers at the 2016 Davos Annual Meeting for the Transformation of Energy session and received the Outstanding Leader award at the Global Energy Leaders Summit. Eric is currently serving as an industry advisor to the US-China Green Fund, a commercially-run private equity fund launched by business and government leaders from both the U.S. and China.

Before joining GCL, Mr. Luo was an Executive Director and CEO of Shunfeng International Clean Energy Limited. Previously, Mr. Luo served in a number of senior roles within the Shunfeng Group, including as CEO of Wuxi Suntech Power Co, Ltd. "We believe he will bring his diverse past electronics and industrial experiences to GCL as well," said Mr. Zhu Gongshan, Chairman of GCL Group.

"We are privileged to have Eric join our team, a strategic movement for the Company, as it accelerates GCL-SI's expansion and integration in global markets and furthers its development in the ex-China EPC and the energy storage businesses," said Mr. Shu Hua, Chairman of GCL-SI.

GCL-SI has achieved rapid development in providing photovoltaic modules and system integration services to position itself as a one-stop integrated clean energy service solution provider.

GCL-SI now has subsidiaries in Japan, India, North America, Australia, Singapore, and Germany with representative offices covering Thailand, South America, the Middle East, Southern Europe and Africa. The launch of the company's 600 MW production facility in Vietnam will further support its global outreach by increasing its market share in the European and North American markets. GCL will reach a total capacity of 8GW in 2018.

"2018 will be an exciting time for the Company to continue its solid growth track in the global market as we have been working on enhancing collaboration with both upstream and downstream companies in the industry value chain. The company has also made strategic investments by acquiring an approximately 10% equity share in GCL New Energy (0451.HK), which owns the largest solar operating assets in the world. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to be a member of a global platform for clean energy and I will work with every stakeholder to drive the Company to a new level while increasing shareholder returns," Mr. Luo commented.

About GCL-SI

GCL System Integration Technology Co., Ltd. (002506 Shenzhen Stock) (GCL-SI), is part of the GOLDEN CONCORD Group (GCL). GCL-SI delivers a one-stop, cutting-edge, integrated energy system and is committed to becoming the world's leading solar energy company.

SOURCE GCL SystemThe report " Instrument Transformers Market by Type (Current, Potential, and Combined Instrument Transformers), Enclosure Type (Indoor and Outdoor), Dielectric Medium (Solid, Liquid, and SF6 Gas), Voltage, Application, End-User, and Region - Global Forecast to 2022", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 7.32 Billion in 2017 to USD 9.06 Billion by 2022, registering a CAGR of 4.35% during the forecast period. This growth is primarily due to the increasing emphasis on alternative energy production, refurbishment of aging infrastructure, and huge investments in smart grids and energy systems across the world.

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Browse 99 market data Tables and 48 Figures spread through 171 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Instrument Transformers Market - Global Forecast to 2022"

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The power utilities segment is expected to hold the largest share of the Instrument Transformers Market, by end-user, during the forecast period

The power utilities segment led the Instrument Transformers Market in 2016, and is projected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The total investment in the transmission and distribution infrastructure over 2014 to 2035 is expected to be USD 6.8 trillion, according to the International Energy Agency. Approximately, 56% of the total energy investment accounts for transmission and distribution. Refurbishment and replacement of existing assets contribute 40% and the grid integration of renewables accounts for 4%. Instrument transformers are a major part of the transmission and distribution infrastructure, used for measurement as well as protection of the system. Approximately 10% of the total substation cost is dedicated to procurement and installation of instrument transformers. With the increasing investments in the power infrastructure, the market for instrument transformers tends to grow.

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Capacitive potential transformers to be the fastest growing segment in the Instrument Transformers Market

With regard to the type segment, capacitive potential transformers are expected to constitute the fastest growing market from 2017 to 2022. Capacitive potential transformers are used to measure voltages above 66 kV. In these types of transformers, capacitors are used as voltage dividers. These capacitors are connected in series where the voltage drop takes place. Unlike inductive voltage transformers, capacitive voltage transformers usually have a ferro resonance damping circuit built into the instrument transformers itself. Apart from voltage measurement, these capacitive voltage transformers are also used as high pass filters. These days transmission lines are used for communication purposes as well. The information at high frequencies (in MHz) are conveyed through transmission lines from one grid to another and is known as Power Line Carrier Communication (PLCC). Capacitive voltage transformers, when used as high pass filters, helps in PLCC.

Asia Pacific: The leading market for instrument transformers

In this report, the Instrument Transformers Market has been analyzed with respect to six regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to account for the largest market share of 36% in the global Instrument Transformers Market in 2017. Countries such as China, Japan, and India are investing in grid expansion projects to increase their distribution grid reliability. China accounted for the largest share of the Instrument Transformers Market in Asia Pacific in 2016. It has the highest installed power generation and distribution capacities, resulting in an increased demand for transformers. The country, which is an export-oriented economy, has witnessed an exponential growth in the demand for electricity in the past couple of decades, fueled by industrialization and infrastructural developments. Meanwhile, the next strongest economy, India, is also adding up its renewable energy capacity annually. For instance, the country is the third-largest electricity producer in the world and is likely to generate approximately 30 GW of power from renewable energy sources in 2017. This would require grid connected as well as local distribution networks. These factors are expected to drive the growth of the Instrument Transformers Market in Asia Pacific.

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To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes the profiles of some of the top players in the Instrument Transformers Market. These players include ABB (Switzerland), Siemens (Germany), Schneider Electric (France), and GE (US). The leading players are trying to make inroads in the markets in the developed economies and are adopting various strategies to increase their market shares.

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SOURCE MarketsandMarketsBANGALORE, January 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

JSS University, one of the premier medical sciences universities in India and iMedrix, a pioneer in mHealth, announced the formation of an Innovation Centre in Connected Cardiac Care at the University's main campus in Mysore.

Given the rate at which the epidemic of Cardio Vascular Diseases and life style diseases is spreading, this Centre will focus on an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to the early detection, prevention, acute care and follow-up of heart diseases and related co-morbidities such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and abnormal lipid profiles.

The Centre will pioneer mobile outreach for detection using iMedrix's revolutionary KardioScreen technology which allows hundreds of patients to be screened in a single day and identify abnormalities requiring further treatment. Patients no longer need to travel to a hospital for a check up -Connected Cardiac Care brings the advice of medical experts to their doorstep. Patients requiring follow-up will be given appointments to visit the facility and receive integrated multi-disciplinary treatment across Cardiology, Emergency, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Opthalmology and Podiatry plus nutrition and wellness guidance. Post-operative patients can also reduce or avoid follow-up visits using the connected care model.

"Acting early in Cardio Vascular disease development is essential to preventing an early death and extending life," said, Prof. (Dr.) Nagaraj Desai, renowned Cardiologist, who has mentored the formation of the Centre. "Connected Cardiac Care from this Centre will benefit 1000s of the patients and save many lives by timely intervention. Integrated care means that the patient gets comprehensive advice in a single visit."

"The advent of digital, connected technologies in medicine holds immense potential. JSS University is pleased to have formed a first of its kind Centre in India," Dr. B.N.Suresh, Vice Chancellor of JSS University, "We will pioneer new models of integrated and affordable, preventive and predictive cardiac care for the population of this region."

"iMedrix is pleased to be a part of this Centre and contribute our unique cloud enhanced mobile Cardiac care solution," said Srikanth Jadcherla, Chairman of iMedrix. "We are fortunate to drive the next wave of innovation in mHealth under the guidance of renowned medical experts at JSS, making health care mobile, accessible and affordable."

About JSS University

Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeswara University, also known by the abbreviation JSS University, is a deemed university located in the city of Mysore, in the Indian state of Karnataka. It was established in 2008 under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956 and is part of JSS Mahavidyapeetha, which runs a variety of educational institutions. JSS University is focussed on medical and health-related studies, and comprises JSS Medical College, JSS Dental College and JSS College of Pharmacy at the main campus in Mysore as well as a second pharmacy college in Ootacamund, in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.

About iMedrix

iMedrix is a Mobile Health startup out of Silicon Valley and Bangalore. iMedrix's initial product, KardioScreen, designed entirely in Bangalore, is a game changer in Internet of Things mobile health (mHealth). 1000s of patients have been screened for heart disease using KardioScreen, often detecting life threatening conditions early on.

Contact:

iMedrix Systems Pvt Ltd

Srikanth (Sree) Jadcherla, CEO, [email protected], +1-408-637-1881

SOURCE iMedrixBANGALORE, India, January 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

JSS University, one of the premier medical sciences universities in India and iMedrix, a pioneer in mHealth, announced the formation of an Innovation Centre in Connected Cardiac Care at the University's main campus in Mysore.

Given the rate at which the epidemic of Cardio Vascular Diseases and life style diseases is spreading, this Centre will focus on an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to the early detection, prevention, acute care and follow up of heart diseases and related co-morbidities such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and abnormal lipid profiles.

The Centre will pioneer advanced use models of iMedrix's revolutionary KardioScreen technology, through which asymptomatic, symptomatic and acute care patients will be evaluated to identify abnormalities requiring further treatment. This process will bring new protocols and provide more insights into the cardiac care for both individuals and for community. Patients no longer need to travel to a hospital for a check-up - Connected Cardiac Care brings the advice of medical experts to their doorstep. Patients requiring follow up will be given appointments to visit the facility and receive integrated multi-disciplinary treatment across Cardiology, Emergency, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Ophthalmology and Podiatry plus nutrition and wellness guidance. Post-operative patients can also reduce or avoid follow-up visits using the connected care model.

"Acting early in Cardio Vascular disease development is essential to preventing an early death and extending life," said Prof. (Dr.) Nagaraj Desai, renowned Cardiologist, who has mentored the formation of the Centre. "Connected Cardiac Care from this Centre will benefit 1000s of patients and save many lives by timely intervention. Integrated care means that the patient gets comprehensive advice in a single visit."

"The advent of digital, connected technologies in medicine holds immense potential. JSS University is pleased to have formed a first of its kind Centre in India," Dr. B.N.Suresh, Vice Chancellor of JSS University, "We will pioneer new models of integrated and affordable, preventive and predictive cardiac care for the population of this region."

"iMedrix is pleased to be a part of this Centre and contribute our unique cloud enhanced mobile Cardiac care solution," said Srikanth Jadcherla, Chairman of iMedrix, "We are fortunate to drive the next wave of innovation in mHealth under the guidance of renowned medical experts at JSS, making health care mobile, accessible and affordable."

About JSS University

Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeswara University, also known by the abbreviation JSS University, is a deemed university located in the city of Mysore, in the Indian state of Karnataka. It was established in 2008 under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956 and is part of JSS Mahavidyapeetha, which runs a variety of educational institutions. JSS University is focused on medical and health-related studies, and comprises JSS Medical College, JSS Dental College and JSS College of Pharmacy at the main campus in Mysore as well as a second pharmacy college in Ootacamund, in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.

About iMedrix

iMedrix is a Mobile Health startup out of Silicon Valley and Bangalore. iMedrix's initial product, KardioScreen, is a game changer in Internet of Things Mobile Health (mHealth). 1000s of patients have been screened for heart disease using KardioScreen, often detecting life threatening conditions early on.

Contact:

Nagesh Rangappan

CTO

[email protected]



Srikanth (Sree) Jadcherla

CEO

[email protected]

1525 McCarthy Blvd

Milpitas CA 95035 USA

+1-408-637-1881



SOURCE iMedrixAs a non-profit, federally-designated OPO, Gift of Life serves 11.2 million people across the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. Its annual donation rate continues to rank among the highest in the world, equating to 50 organ donors-per-million-population.

In 2017, Gift of Life also recovered tissue from 2,468 donors including 1,281 musculoskeletal donors and 2,112 cornea donors. These life-enhancing donations can benefit as many as 88,000 people, with bone donations to improve mobility, heart valve donations to repair life-threatening defects, skin donations for reconstructive surgery and to heal burn patients, and approximately 2,575 individual corneas to provide the gift of sight.

"Our growth is possible only because of the selflessness of the donors and donor families who consistently make this the most generous region in the country. This year, they saved and improved the lives of nearly 90,000 people," says Gift of Life President and CEO Howard M. Nathan. "We are so grateful to them for providing their precious gifts, often in the face of overwhelming loss." This profile tells one family's story of grief, life-saving generosity and ongoing advocacy.

Nathan continues, "This important work takes tremendous compassion and around-the-clock commitment by our staff, transplant centers and hospital partners. I am so proud of them. Together, they ensure that we provide desperately-needed organs and tissue to those who need it most." A young father talks about his gratitude and "second chance" in this blog post.

Gift of Life works closely with 130 acute care hospitals and 15 transplant centers across its region. Abington  Jefferson Health President Meg McGoldrick talks about the collaboration and compassion this life-saving work requires: "Gift of Life provides invaluable expertise and support as we help families considering organ donation through one of the most difficult experiences they will ever have to face."

OPO and hospital partnerships are addressing a critical  and escalating  public health issue. With ongoing advancements in transplantation, the need for organ donation grows. Approximately 20 people die each day in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant. There are more than 5,300 men, women and children waiting in Gift of Life's region and almost 116,000 nationally.

According to Donate Life America, 95 percent of people support donation, yet only 54.7 percent of adults  142 million people - are registered nationwide as organ donors either on their drivers' licenses or online. In Gift of Life's region, registration rates vary, ranging in Pennsylvania from a low of 31.4 percent in Philadelphia County to a high of 58 percent in Centre County, with an average of 47.8 percent across the state. The average registration rate is 40.2 percent in southern New Jersey and 51.6 percent in Delaware.*

Underscoring the need for more people to register, a 42-year-old woman talks in this video about her battle with Scleroderma and her wait for a double lung transplant at the Gift of Life Family House.

The Gift of Life Family House provides affordable lodging and supportive services to those who travel to Philadelphia for transplant-related care. In 2017, Gift of Life Family House staff and volunteers provided 9,439 lodging nights of care for 16,226 guests, 32,452 meals, and 1,554 rides to and from hospitals. Since its founding in July 2011, the Family House has provided more than 46,179 lodging nights for 87,042 guests and served more than 174,084 meals.

Gift of Life is recognized internationally for its leadership and scholarship in the field of organ and tissue donation. The Gift of Life Institute is the international leader in organ and tissue donation education, training close to 9,000 professionals from 37 countries since 2004. The Institute's Transplant Pregnancy Registry International (TPR) studies post-transplant parenthood and the effects of medications on fertility and pregnancy. Since 1991, TPR has tracked more than 4,000 post-transplant pregnancies, sharing information so that the legacy of donation can continue for generations.

This year, Gift of Life will send a contingent of transplant recipients and living donors to compete in the 2018 Transplant Games of America in Salt Lake City, Utah, August 2-7. They will be accompanied by donor families and supporters. "Team Philly" is always one of the largest teams at the Transplant Games of America, proudly representing the "most generous region in the country."

About Gift of Life Donor Program

Since 1974, Gift of Life has coordinated more than 46,000 organs for transplant and approximately one million tissue transplants that have resulted from Gift of Life donors. One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people, and a tissue donor can enhance the lives of up to 75 others. For more information or to register, visit donors1.org.

Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625152/Gift_of_Life_Region_Infographic.jpg

Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625153/Gift_of_Life_Logo.jpg

Related Links

http://www.donors1.org



SOURCE Gift of Life Donor ProgramNEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DoYourThing (DYT) is a smart, casual and fun app that allows users to organize and participate in activities in their neighborhood or when traveling. What would you like to do today? A movie, dinner with friends, a music concert? Find events of interest in DYT. Make new friends over dinner, go to music concerts with friends, take advantage of sale events, learn a new sport or organize a reunion party. The possibilities are endless.

Active events in the user's neighborhood are displayed in the order of location proximity or event time. DYT has three basic views: New, Me and Memories. "New" displays open events within the configured radius. "Me" displays events that have been organized or in which the user is participating. "Memories" contains completed events that a user has actively participated in. Each event in New, Me and Memories allows the user to share, like, review and post their thoughts about the event on other social media like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.

Users can organize, join and chat with other event participants. Prioritize or Filter events with the click of a smart tag to view events of matching interest. Customize events with pictures, description, event URL, location and date/time. An external web link can be added to the event by simply entering the URL in the event description field. Organizing events in DYT is free and easy. DYT allows users to create public or private events. Invite participants to the event via social media, email or Messaging. Private event invitations can be sent only by email or Messaging and are only visible to users who have been explicitly invited by the organizer. Event participants receive real-time notifications about their events.

DYT detects user's current geolocation and shows events of interest, within the configured radius. Displayed events are paginated so a user is not overwhelmed by too many events. Scrolling up from the bottom of any view will fetch more events. The App has a default radius of 100 km (~62 miles) and allows for a maximum radius of 250 km (~155 miles). "We want people to use the platform to participate and organize interesting events. It doesn't matter if it's a paid or free event, there is no charge for organizing events in DYT," says Cairo Gil, the company spokesperson.

DYT has event coverage in over 170 popular cities worldwide. "The App is sleek, modern and intuitive with the ability to host compelling content," says Gil. "We want people to have fun and active lives. We believe DYT facilitates this in an appealing and simple way."

Get started by watching a preview of DYT. DYT is available globally for download on Apple App and Google Play stores. The app requires Google or Facebook authentication.

DEVELOPER: Purplebat LLC

CONTACT: Cairo Gil

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia1SgvqZECE

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625380/DoYourThing___DYT_Logo.jpg

SOURCE DoYourThing (DYT)1,587 I-829 petition approvals in New York City Regional Center offerings have now enabled over 4,600 individuals to achieve permanent residency in the United States

NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York City Regional Center ("NYCRC") is pleased to announce that over 4,600 individuals (EB-5 investors and family members) participating in its offerings have now achieved permanent residency in the United States. A total of 1,587 I-829 petition approvals in NYCRC offerings to date have enabled 4,635 individuals to secure permanent green cards. I-829 petition approvals have now been issued in the NYCRC's first nine project offerings.

Permanent residency permits EB-5 investors to live and work anywhere in the United States and be protected by the laws of the United States. An EB-5 investor's spouse and children under age 21 are also authorized to live, work, and attend school anywhere in the United States.

"Achieving over 4,600 permanent green cards and close to 1,600 I-829 approvals is the result of years of hard work on behalf of our investor families," said Paul Levinsohn, Managing Principal of the NYCRC. "We know that EB-5 investors and their families put their trust in our ability to help them achieve permanent residency in the United States. We take this responsibility seriously and are proud to announce these new milestones."

Helping secure permanent residency in the United States for over 4,600 individuals represents the latest approval milestone for the NYCRC. Other examples include conditional residency in the U.S. for over 5,550 EB-5 investors and family members and I-526 petition approvals for over 2,460 EB-5 investors.

About New York City Regional Center

The NYCRC was approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2008 to secure foreign investment for real estate and infrastructure projects under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. The company was the first EB-5 regional center approved in New York City. To date, the NYCRC has secured approximately $1.5 billion of capital for 21 economic development projects in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. Examples of projects utilizing loans provided by NYCRC-managed funds include the following:

redevelopment of the George Washington Bridge Bus Station in Washington Heights ;

; construction of a wireless infrastructure network in New York City's subway stations;

subway stations; redevelopment of a new cargo facility at JFK International Airport;

redevelopment of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York City's largest industrial park;

largest industrial park; construction of Fresh Direct's new food processing and distribution facility in the South Bronx ;

; expansion of Steiner Studios, New York City's largest film and television studio;

largest film and television studio; construction of the City Point development in Downtown Brooklyn ;

; construction of a hotel and medical office complex in Washington Heights;

construction of key components of the Atlantic Yards redevelopment in Brooklyn ;

; expansion of the Hutchinson Metro Center in the Bronx ;

; construction of LinkNYC, the public-private initiative that is bringing the nation's largest and fastest public Wi-Fi infrastructure network to the streets of New York City.

In addition to fueling economic development, NYCRC offerings have enabled over 4,600 individuals to become permanent residents of the United States through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

For more information about the NYCRC, please visit www.nycrc.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/452136/New_York_City_Regional_Center_Logo.jpg

Related Links

http://www.nycrc.com



SOURCE NYCRCPLANO, Texas and SHELTON, Connecticut, Jan. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Research Now SSI continues to support its Davao employees in the aftermath of the December 23, 2017 fire at the NCCC Mall in which 37 of the facility's 500 call center employees perished.

Research Now SSI is continuing to pay the Davao employees despite the loss of the Davao facility and is exploring avenues to provide them with employment.

Efforts continue to reimburse employees for personal effects that were destroyed in the fire. Additionally, Research Now SSI continues to secure counseling for employees and victims' families.

These moves are in line with the company's top priority of ensuring the welfare of the families of the victims and the well-being of employees, while cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation of the fire.

In addition to initial financial assistance provided to the families of the employees who were lost, the follow up initiative to raise more funds has netted over US$115,000 to date. The company is now making preparations to release those funds to the families.

Gary S. Laben, CEO of Research Now SSI, says, "Our Davao employees have shown incredible resiliency and strength in the wake of the tragedy. We are committed to helping sustain them as members of our global company and as part of the Research Now SSI family."

The Davao call center operation was founded in July 2008 as part of the company's market research Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) services.

About Research Now SSI

Research Now SSI is the global leader in digital research data for better insights and business decisions. The company provides world-class research data solutions that enable better results for more than 3,500 market research, consulting, media, healthcare, and corporate clients. Research Now SSI operates globally with locations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, and is recognized as the quality, scale, and customer satisfaction leader in the market research industry. For more information, please go to www.researchnow.com and www.surveysampling.com.

Editors, for more information, contact:

Barbara Palmer

[email protected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/621661/RN_SSI_Dual_Logo.jpg

Related Links

http://www.researchnow.com



SOURCE Research Now Group, Inc.MUMBAI, January 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Millions of social media followers witnessed a highly innovative virtual launch event for The Festival of Bharat, a venture of Citti Media, a one-of-a-kind festival which will provide a one-stop experiential window into the best of India over a span of four days, by Neemrana's Fort-Palace Tijara, Rajasthan, from 1st-4th March, 2018.

India lovers, including prominent gurus, archaryas, indologists, scholars, politicians and civil servants, will be addressing the audience at the event, who have simultaneously turned to social media to collectively launch The Festival of Bharat and share their excitement and support for the event.

Their combined followers are estimated to be over 10 million between Twitter and Facebook, including the official profile of the Prime Minister of India. Popular Indophiles, scholars and public figures, including Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Dr. Subramanian Swamy, Rajiv Malhotra and Sanjeev Sanyal took part in the virtual launch for the 4-day festival, which features live music, book launches and celebrity talks, an organic Holi party, a yoga retreat led by The Art of Living, and an organic food festival.

Exclusive quotes of participants and well-wishers of The Festival of Bharat:

Sanjeev Sanyal , Principal Economic Advisor to the Government of India , former Deutsche Bank MD & Rhodes Scholar said, "I look forward to participating in a festival that highlights the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of our civilisation."

Shefali Vaidya , Writer, Satirist & Political Commentator said , "Happy and honoured to be a part of the Festival of Bharat, celebrating the land where life itself is a festival!"

, "Happy and honoured to be a part of the Festival of Bharat, celebrating the land where life itself is a festival!" Rajiv Malhotra , internationally acclaimed Indologist, writer, and social investor expressed, "The Festival of Bharat promises to be an important forum speaking to the 'middle' 50% of Indians, those who are not die-hard leftists or rightists. These are the open-minded ones for whom the festival will be very attractive."

"The Festival of Bharat promises to be an important forum speaking to the 'middle' 50% of Indians, those who are not die-hard leftists or rightists. These are the open-minded ones for whom the festival will be very attractive." Sinu Joseph , menstrual hygiene education pioneer said, "The deepest scientific knowledge of this land has been preserved and kept alive by rural women through the cultural practices around menstruation, unbeknownst even to herself. The Festival of Bharat will be an opportunity to throw open this knowledge to the world, and to acknowledge the silent keepers of Bharat's science and sense."

"The deepest scientific knowledge of this land has been preserved and kept alive by rural women through the cultural practices around menstruation, unbeknownst even to herself. The Festival of Bharat will be an opportunity to throw open this knowledge to the world, and to acknowledge the silent keepers of Bharat's science and sense." Karolina Goswami , Founder & Editor-in-Chief of ' India in Details' & social media star said, "Thank you for coming up with this platform, through which global citizens can be educated about the essence of Bharat."

"Thank you for coming up with this platform, through which global citizens can be educated about the essence of Bharat." On behalf of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Indian spiritual leader and the founder of Art of living foundation : "Gurudev sends his warmest wishes and blessings for the launch of The Festival of Bharat, which is a wonderful and very welcome endeavor."

: "Gurudev sends his warmest wishes and blessings for the launch of The Festival of Bharat, which is a wonderful and very welcome endeavor." Dr. Subramanian Swamy , Rajya Sabha MP, former Cabinet Minister & prominent political reformer: "Dr. Swamy conveys his blessings and support for the launch of The Festival of Bharat, a long-overdue event for a re-emerging India ."

Supported by The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, The Government of Rajasthan, The Indian Debating Union, and The Art of Living, The Festival of Bharat has been painstakingly curated as a 21st century tribute to the majesty and depth of India's unique history and culture. The festival allows visitors from India and abroad to experience the finest live Indian music, debate & celebrity talks, yoga & meditation, healthy, home-cooked food - as well as an organic Holi party, all rolled into one large event.

The Festival of Bharat is slated to attract thousands of upwardly mobile visitors during the event from 1st-4th March, 2018, and reach millions of content viewers after the event. It is seen as a must-attend event for India lovers.

About the Festival of Bharat:

Citti Medias brainchild  Festival of Bharat  a one-of-its-kind, is a four day festival from 1st-4th March, 2018 , that celebrates the essence of Bharat.

Backed by Ministry of Tourisms Incredible India campaign and supported by The Art of Living, Festival of Bharat expects more than 10,000 people, creating a giant human family  consisting of HNIs, global travellers, public figures, CXOs and academics .

The first edition of the four-day comprehensive getaway will take place by Fort-Palace Tijara, Rajasthan and will consist of Live music festival, Literary Fest-tye Talks & Debates, Yoga Retreat, Organic Holi Party and Organic Food Fest all rolled into one 4-day event.

Media Contact:

Brinda Iyer

[email protected]

+91-9820506845

Senior Consulting Associate

Genesis Burson- Marsteller



SOURCE Citti MediaControl Risks, the specialist global risk consultancy, warns that businesses in 2018 will face profound uncertainty because of the increasingly personalised and assertive style of national leaders whose decisions are hard to predict.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625131/Control_Risks_Logo.jpg )



(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/625132/Control_Risks_RiskMap_Infographic.jpg )



The Top 5 Risks for 2018 feature in Control Risks' annual RiskMap, the leading political and security risk forecast.

Richard Fenning, CEO of Control Risks, said: "Despite the most positive global economic outlook since the end of the financial crisis, we are entering a year of geo-political fragility that has the potential to trigger shockwaves to global stability and business confidence."

The Top 5 Risks for 2018

North Korea escalation - War on the Korean peninsula is unlikely, but while the paths of escalation are clear, de-escalation is harder to plot. The search is on for the least bad option. The risks of miscalculation and accidental escalation are the highest they've been since North Korean leader Kim Jong-un assumed power.

Large-scale cyber attacks against infrastructure - 2017 was the year of major but random disruptive attacks. 2018 could see the likes of WannaCry, NotPetya and BadRabbit recur, but in a more powerful, targeted and disruptive manner. National infrastructure systems are particularly at risk.

US gets protectionist - Low likelihood, high impact, but the threat is there: in a year of mid-term elections, NAFTA negotiations fail to make enough headway, Donald Trump pulls the US out of NAFTA and the WTO, and goes after China on trade, causing profound disruption to international commerce.

Regional rivalries in the Middle East - Ambitious Saudi Arabia and assertive Iran will not go to war, but across the region their rivalry will inform and inflame conflicts and enmities in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen and between Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Personalised leadership - Astride the business risk landscape is a collection of assertive world leaders who rely heavily on nationalism and, to varying degrees, populism. Prone to capricious decision-making, they find foreign companies convenient targets. More than ever, knowing the mind of the person at the top is essential.

Note to Editors:

Control Risks is a specialist global risk consultancy that helps organisations succeed in a volatile world. Through insight, intelligence and technology, we help clients seize opportunities while remaining secure, compliant and resilient. When crises and complex issues arise, we help them recover.http://www.controlrisks.com.

SOURCE Control RisksAccording to the new market research report " Thin Client Market by Form Factor (Standalone, With Monitor, and Mobile), Application (Enterprise, Government, Education, and Industrial), and Geography (Americas, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pac ific) - Global Forecast to 2023 " , published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to grow from USD 1.19 Billion in 2017 to USD 1.32 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 1.8% between 2017 and 2023. The factors driving the growth of this market are reduced cost and energy consumption, easy and centralized manageability, and increased infrastructure security.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )

Browse 32 market data Tables and 42 Figures spread through 147 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Thin Client Market - Global Forecast to 2023"



https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/thin-client-market-114032661.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report



"The thin client market for the with monitor form factor is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period"

With monitor form factor is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the thin client market between 2017 and 2023. The demand for the with monitor thin clients is growing mainly in the education and healthcare industries. The increasing demand is attributed to the need of replacing the old computers with a single system that reduces the space requirement at an affordable cost and also lowers the energy consumption in the long run.

"The thin client market for the education application is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period"

The thin client market for education is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2017 and 2023. The educational institutes, such as colleges, research institutions, and labs, are adopting thin clients to reduce energy consumption and control the monitors centrally, either at the systems of professors or IT control department. Also, the use of thin clients reduces the cost of the system upgrades for institutes and time spent by professors and students to set up the fat clients at every login.

Download PDF Brochure : https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=114032661

"Asia Pacific (APAC) expected to lead the thin client market between 2017 and 2023"

Asia Pacific (APAC) is expected to hold the largest share of the thin client market during the forecast period. The thin client markets in APAC, including the countries such as China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, and Singapore, are expected to grow at the highest CAGR due to large deployment of these devices in these countries. For instance, banks and financial institutions in China are largely deploying thin clients to improve the security, and manage and control the systems centrally.

Inquiry Before Buy @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=114032661

The major players operating in the thin client market include Dell (US), HP (US), NComputing (US), Centerm (China), Igel (Germany), 10Zig (US), Fujitsu (Japan), Samsung (South Korea), Lenovo (China), LG Electronics (South Korea), NEC (Japan), ASUS (Taiwan), Cisco (US), Advantech (Taiwan), and Siemens (Germany).

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https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/industrial-pc-market-169907425.html

Human Machine Interface Market (HMI) by Offering (Hardware (Basic HMI, Advanced PC-Based HMI, Advanced Panel-Based HMI) and Software (On-Premise HMI and Cloud-Based HMI)), Configuration Type (Stand-Alone HMI and Embedded HMI) - Global Forecast to 2022

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SOURCE MarketsandMarketsThe Fourth Industrial Revolution will depend on businesses from around the world to promote themselves in a manner that is only conducive to honest, transparent trade. No longer will the restraints of commerce be dependent on anything other than a blockchain enabled e-Commerce. Businesses that register on Export Portal.com are able to explore new markets without the fear of fraudulent companies or transactions.

Export Portal is also looking forward to further discussing our ambitious 2018 plan with the Taiwan Delegation that includes:

Establishing Country Brand Ambassadors in over 100 countries in 2018: (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1c41cc19fdde44fe9fc3771e4d68064d): Integrating country-specific Writers, Bloggers & Vloggers from around the world into our ecosystem: (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/fb0b3ef48cac4677b9079f3d0442a526) Establishing Export Portal offices in key countries around South East Asia to further expand international commerce through ExportPortal.com. Attending key trade-related events in different countries and meeting with business leaders, government representatives, and mSME groups to explore partnerships to further accelerate trade to over 120 different countries that are already represented in over 70 major industry categories on Export Portal's platform.

CEO of Export Portal, Ally Spinu is looking forward to an ambitious 2018 and Taiwan is a key ally in trade with the rest of the entire world. "Export Portal is able to take on companies of every size, but our key verification differentiator is meant to bring honest hard-working small and medium sized companies to a level playing field where buyers aren't at risk of buying from disreputable, unscrupulous and unidentifiable entities." Ms. Spinu continued, "The world is no longer willing to accept dishonest, unreliable trade. Every day, we hear about orders that are changed and companies that are not what they purport to be. The Fourth Industrial Revolution begins in 2018 with blockchain-enabled trade on Export Portal."

The world is getting smaller and now the mouse and the cat are on an even playing field. Shows like CES allow businesses to get to know people and kick the tires on new technology. Export Portal allows the reputation of a company thrive in an online environment with a company dataset that can be utilized by anyone on our platform. A proprietary blockchain enabled International Business Identification Number (IBIN) such as Export Portal's will erase both physical as well as online borders.

While at CES, International Business Development head, John Zahaitis will be meeting with the Taiwan delegation but can also be reached @ media@exportportal.com & +1 (818)965-9399.

Join us.

About Us:

Export Portal is a US-based technology company that is listening to sellers, buyers, and manufacturers the world over about #NoFakeTrade. Our proprietary verification process keeps fakes, frauds, IP bandits out and makes entering new international markets a less-stressful need to be done, easy/free to join, must-do for 2018.

To learn more, go to: https://www.exportportal.com/learn_more

Related Links

https://www.exportportal.com



SOURCE Export PortalLONDON, January 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Male Condoms, Female Condoms, Diaphragms, Sponges, Vaginal Rings, Subdermal/Contraceptive Implants, Intra-uterine Devices (IUDs), Copper IUD, Hormonal IUD

The global contraceptive devices market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% in the first half of the forecast period. In 2016, the market was estimated at $12.1bn and dominated by the condoms submarket followed by the IUD submarket.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523989/Visiongain_Logo.jpg )



How this report will benefit you

Read on to discover how you can exploit the future business opportunities emerging in this sector.

In this brand new 186-page report you will receive 67 tables and 84 figures- all unavailable elsewhere.

The 186-page report provides clear detailed insight into the global contraceptive devices market. Discover the key drivers and challenges affecting the market.

By ordering and reading our brand new report today you stay better informed and ready to act.

Report Scope

 Global Contraceptive Devices Market Forecast to 2027

 This report also breaks down the revenue forecast for the global contraceptive devices market by type:

- Condoms: Male and Female

- Diaphragms

- Sponges

- Vaginal Rigs

- Subdermal/Contraceptive Implants

- IUDs: Copper IUD and Hormonal IUD

 This report provides individual revenue forecasts to 2027 for these regional and national markets:

- North America: US & Canada

- Europe: the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Rest of Europe

- Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific

- Rest of the World (RoW): Latin America, Middle East & Africa

 This report discusses the SWOT Analysis and PEST Analysis of the global contraceptive devices market.

 Our study discusses the selected leading companies that are the major players in the global contraceptive devices market:

- Bayer AG

- Reckitt Benckiser Group plc

- Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

- Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.

- Allergan plc

- Ansell Limited (Now Humanwell)

- The Female Health Company (a division of VERU Inc.)

- Karex Industries

- Mayer Laboratories

- Kessel Medintim GmbH

- Okamato Industries, Inc.

- Agile Therapeutics, Inc.

- Eurogine S.L.

Visiongain's study is intended for anyone requiring commercial analyses for the global contraceptive devices market. You find data, trends and predictions.

Buy our report today Global Contraceptive Devices Market Forecast to 2027: Male Condoms, Female Condoms, Diaphragms, Sponges, Vaginal Rings, Subdermal/Contraceptive Implants, Intra-uterine Devices (IUDs), Copper IUD, Hormonal IUD.

To request a report overview of this report please contact Sara Peerun at sara.peerun@visiongain.com (+44-(0)-20-7336-6100) or refer to our website:

https://www.visiongain.com/Report/2094/Global-Contraceptive-Devices-Market-Forecast-to-2027

List of Companies Mentioned in the Report

7Med Industrie

Actavis PLC.

Agile Therapeutics

Almirall, S.A

Andromaco

Ansell Limited

Anterion Therapeutics

APCOR R&M, Belgium

Assembly Biosciences, Inc.

Bayer HealthCare

Beiersdorf AG

BioRings

CEMAG

Chongqing Medical Equipment Factory Co., Ltd.

Church & Dwight, Co. Inc.

CITIC Capital

CONRAD

ContraMed, LLC

Cupid Ltd.

Evestra, Inc.

FEI Technologies

Femsays Inc

Gedeon Richter Plc.

GeSea Biosciences

Grunenthal

HLL Lifecare Limited

HRA Pharma

Humanwell

Hydra Biosciences

Hypermarcs

Implementos Plasticos, Ltd., Mexico City

Innova Quality S.A.S

Karex Berhad

Karex Industries

Kessel Marketing & Vertriebs GmbH

Kessel Medintim Gmbh

Mayer Laboratories, Inc

Medicines360

Merck

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

Meril Life Science Private Ltd

Microchips Biotech, Inc.

Mimetogen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Mona Lisa N.V.

Naurex, Inc.

OCON Medical Ltd.

Okamato Industries

Origami Healthcare Products, Inc.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI)

OvaTech

PATH

Poly-Med Inc

Pregna International Limited

ProMed Pharma

Prosan International B.V.

QPharma

Raymond Limited

Reckitt Benckiser Group

ReProtect Inc.

Shanghai Dahua Medical Apparatus Co., Ltd;

Shenyang Liren Medical & Technological Co.

Shepherd Medical Company

SILCS, Inc.

Teva Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.

The Female Health Company

Theramex

Tianjin Condombao Medical Polyurethane Tech. Co. Ltd

Tianjin Medical Instrument Factory

Veru Inc.

Vitality Medical Products

Yantai Family Planning Medicine & Apparatus Co. Ltd., China

Reckitt Benckiser Group, PLC

To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongain.com

SOURCE VisiongainWASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion (CFI) and the Institute of International Finance (IIF), with the support of MetLife Foundation, today released a new report detailing the factors spurring inclusive insurance around the world. It reveals how both traditional and new insurers are breaking open new markets and reaching underserved customers through the use of innovative technologies, business models, product design, and partnerships, enabled by effective regulatory environments.

The report, "Inclusive Insurance: Closing the Protection Gap for Emerging Customers" is based on extensive interviews with commercial insurers and insurance experts who are making inclusive insurance work as a successful business model. With insights from players at the frontlines, the report identifies the main challenges of providing insurance to lower income populations, as well as the solutions companies are using to overcome them. For example, companies are:

Using new distribution channels and aggregators  from telcos to farmer cooperatives  to identify and connect with low-income customers

Implementing new business models and products to provide and administer the risk mitigation solutions that low-income customers need

Deploying "insurtech" innovations and digital channels to connect with, and service, low-income customers

The market for inclusive insurance is vast, largely untapped, and potentially profitable. The confluence of rising incomes in emerging markets, and new technologies that reduce risk assessment and distribution costs, offer an opportunity for more insurers to meet the needs of the estimated 3.8 billion people who remain underserved or unserved.

"Even among people with very little disposable income, insurance can be a vital tool to manage financial risks and mitigate the effects of shocks," said Elisabeth Rhyne, Managing Director of the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion. "Rising incomes around the world create new market opportunities, making long-term investment in inclusive insurance both profitable for insurers and meaningful in terms of social benefits."

The inclusive insurance strategies highlighted in the report include eliminating costly verification screenings to identify "exclusions," offering insurance policies without any fine print, triggering payouts based on verifiable events or data instead of claim submissions, and engineering more frequent payouts to consumers. The report also features examples of protective life and health insurance products designed to serve low-income customers, as well as newer products related to climate change, natural disasters, and food security.

"This report invites us to re-think the concept of insurance and its fundamental role in society. It is our hope that this report enables our diverse membershipparticularly those financial institutions not yet active in insuranceto leverage their expanding work with underserved customers to help close the insurance gap," said Conan French, Senior Advisor for Innovation and Fintech at the Institute of International Finance.

The new report is part of a two-year initiative from CFI and the IIF, with support from MetLife Foundation, to help advance the financial services industry's ability to reach unserved and underserved populations. The project, titled "Mainstreaming Financial Inclusion: Best Practices," facilitates learning and action on how financial institutions can respond to the specific challenges of reaching lower income market segments.

About the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion

The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion (CFI) is an action-oriented think tank that engages and challenges the industry to better serve, protect and empower clients. We develop insights, advocate on behalf of clients and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve a comprehensive vision for financial inclusion. We are dedicated to enabling 3 billion people who are left out of  or poorly served by  the financial sector to improve their lives.

www.centerforfinancialinclusion.org

www.cfi-blog.org

@CFI_Accion

About the Institute of International Finance

The Institute of International Finance is the global association of the financial industry, with close to 500 members from 70 countries. Its mission is to support the financial industry in the prudent management of risks; to develop sound industry practices; and to advocate for regulatory, financial and economic policies that are in the broad interests of its members and foster global financial stability and sustainable economic growth. IIF members include commercial and investment banks, asset managers, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, central banks and development banks. For more information visit www.iif.com.

Related Links

http://www.centerforfinancialinclusion.org



SOURCE Center for Financial Inclusion at AccionRIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wail Alkahtany, a corporate attorney who focuses his practice on capital markets, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and contractual disputes, has joined the Law Office of Looaye M. Al-Akkas, in association with Vinson & Elkins, as Counsel.

Alkahtany, who is based in Riyadh, joins the firm's Energy Transactions and Projects practice group.

"Wail is a leading Saudi attorney whose broad experience will greatly benefit the firm and its clients," said Al-Akkas. "We are pleased to have him as a colleague and are looking forward to his future contributions."

Prior to joining V&E, Wail served as a board member of the Saudi Arabian Capital Market Authority (CMA) from 2016 to 2017. His major responsibilities included setting internal rules and regulations, overseeing the development of regulations and market policies, leading the CMA's strategic planning, reviewing and deciding on violations of the Capital Market Law and regulations. He also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

From 2010 to 2016, Alkahtany served as General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Saudi Arabian Investment Company (Sanabil Investments), where he advised on various high-profile investment transactions as well as a variety of legal and contractual matters locally and internationally.

Alkahtany began his legal career as legal counsel at Saudi Aramco, advising on several high-profile projects including the establishment of joint venture petrochemical and refinery companies, gas exploration companies, as well as the establishment of a large national endowment investment program.

"As a world leading energy law firm, V&E is the ideal platform for me to launch the next phase of my career," said Alkahtany. "I am thrilled to be a part of the outstanding team in Riyadh."

Alkahtany earned his law degree from The Ohio State University in 2003.

CONTACT: Jeremy Heallen, jheallen@velaw.com, 713-758-2079

SOURCE Vinson & ElkinsThe tie-up is with RCC Pharma, a leading Swiss pharmaceutical company with expertise in early access programmess in rare and orphan diseases

Amryt acquired the exclusive marketing rights for Lojuxta in the EU, Switzerland, Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Israel in December 2016

Amyrt Pharmaceuticals PLC ( ) has inked an exclusive distributor agreement for Lojuxta in Switzerland.

The tie-up is with RCC Pharma, a leading Swiss pharmaceutical company with expertise in early access programmes in rare and orphan diseases.

Lojuxta treats a rare and life-threatening condition called Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia, which causes abnormally high levels of bad cholesterol.

Amryt estimates there are around 15 patients in Switzerland with HoFH.

The company has previously received requests from clinicians for access to Lojuxta from Swiss patients and the agreement means it will now be able to more effectively respond to such requests.

This latest distribution deal follows on from the agreement which covers Amryts products in Saudi Arabia, announced back in November.

Working on more partnerships

This new distribution agreement with RCC marks another key step as we expand our footprint for Lojuxta across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, said chief executive Joe Wiley.

RCC is a leading Swiss company with particular expertise in rare diseases, and this agreement will help us to bring Lojuxta to patients suffering from HoFH in Switzerland.

He added: We continue to work on further partnerships across our licensed territories for Lojuxta, and look forward to announcing further developments.Executive chairman David Ciclitira said the company had "a 100% strike rate" in its institutional funding round

( ), the Lego bricks events organiser, has entered into a six-year contract relating to BRICKLIVE events in Brazil.

The contract is with Universal Entretenimento e Producoes (UEP) and will see UEP organise, promote and stage each BRICKLIVE event, while Live Company subsidiary Bricklive International (BLI) will source and provide content for the events.

Licence fees

BLI will receive licence fees with the potential for further revenues through merchandising and additional content income.

Shares in Live Company shot up, despite the company revealing it had raised 1.6mln through a placing of shares at 35p a pop.

The funds raised will support BRICKLIVES increased network in South America and Asia.

"To start 2018 with such a significant increase in contracted events speaks volumes for the success of the BRICKLIVE brand. Having had such a successful start to the year, I look forward to continued growth in 2018, especially in our expanded emerging markets. We are delighted to welcome our new institutional and other investors to the register, including ," said David Ciclitira, the executive chairman of Live Company.

Speaking to Proactive Investors, Ciclitira said the company could theoretically have raised more money, such was the enthusiasm of the institutions, but we dont need the extra money at the moment.

Our broker, Shard Capital, thinks it might be because the business is a lot easier to understand than the usual stream of miners and biotechs that are looking for backing from fund managers, he quipped.

Ciclitira identified China as a key market for Live Company, but in all probability, there is hardly a region in the world where the idea of Lego shows is not going to be a goer.

Its a universal concept, the executive chairman said.

Questioned about the barriers to the entry, Ciclitira said running these sorts of shows might look easy, but it is essential to have the creativity, the relationship with Lego and the right team of people.

Its about having the partnerships, and having those partnerships at every level, he said.

For a relatively new company, the BRICKLIVE brand has already made an impact on the primary audience: the kids (although he also mentioned the existence of AFOLs  adult friends of Lego).

I had some feedback from kids in Switzerland, and the kids remembered the BRICKLIVE brand. Its incredible.

Shares in Live Company were up 17.4% to 49.9p towards the end of trading on Monday.

--- adds management comment and share price ---The rating moves to underweight, with a 75 per share price target

has described ( ) as a high quality company with strong technology and a robust balance sheet, nonetheless, the investment bank downgraded the bookmaker.

The rating moves to underweight, with a 75 per share price target which suggests some 14% downside to the current price of 87.10.

Analysts reckon the market is expecting a significant acceleration in the groups online revenue growth following the integration of the two formerly separate gambling businesses though, according to , the acceleration may not materialise.

We see few silver linings from regulatory changes in Australia (and the 15% EPS hit not fully in consensus), and the company needs to address some major strategic issues (which may also limit balance sheet redeployment).

These could all put pressure on the stock's premium valuation, and we see better returns elsewhere.

Ladbrokes Coral Plc (LON:LAD), which is also navigating a post-merger integration, is seemingly not deemed to be in favour with has also been downgraded.

Morgan Stanley moves its rating to equal weight from overweight, with the price target adjusted to 198p from 200p.Looking at our 12 to 18-month price target, we see up and downside better balanced and the stock currently close to fair-value

Holdings Plc ( ) has been somewhat reluctantly upgraded by Bernstein, with the bank moving its rating to market perform from underperform.

Analyst Daniel Roeska said in a note that the budget airline as being still doomed to grow, and said at the current share price, around 15, is at fair value.

Our central thesis was that Ryanair, Doomed to Grow, was overextending its business model which would dilute profit per passenger as it grew to 200m in FY2024, the analyst said in a note.

Notwithstanding its great success in European aviation, its stock price at the time was predicated on high growth and higher profits per passenger, something we were skeptical of.

Fuelled by its mismanagement of pilot staffing, and facing increasing labour pressures after the ECJ ruling in August, markets have become more skeptical of Ryanair's capability to continually grow earnings, too.

The analyst added that Ryanair is cornered. He said: if they stay on their current growth path the increasing complexity and maturity of the business model is likely to follow our original bear-case and decrease EBIT per passenger.

If they decide to keep the 'old' business model intact and reduce growth, profitability per passenger may be better than we forecast but earnings growth will still slow down.

Looking at our 12 to 18-month price target, we see up and downside better balanced and the stock currently close to fair-value.South Korea's Bitcoin regulatory clamp-down saw Bitcoin fall 11% in December.

Potential government interventions represent the principle threat to the widespread adoption of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, according to Coutts.

Bitcoin fever is being called both an epochal step change that will positively transform the world of finance for ever and a speculative bubble that will inevitably end in tears, said Lilian Chovin, investment strategist at Coutts.

The volatility in Bitcoins value is representative of the conflict between these points of view.

At the heart of the debate is the idea that the cryptocurrency derives its value from its use as a payment system  a new and improved or  and as a new form of fiat currency.

How well it provides advantages over these may well be the defining factor in whether Bitcoin is a good investment.

The high profile volatility in cryptocurrency trading has brought a great deal of scrutiny from regulators and watchdogs around the world and, according to Chovin, that could out rank all of the other economic factors driving the market.

Indeed, South Koreas recent efforts to impose a regulatory clamp down evidently saw some 11% come off the Bitcoin price (the Asian country is believed to contribute almost a fifth of all Bitcoin transactions).

Demand for a decentralised and ungoverned asset was always going to be attractive in a world where faith in institutions is at a record low, the strategist added.

But as cryptocurrencies are seen by many as a way to evade taxes and fund fraudulent or criminal activity, the principal threat that we see to their widespread adoption is government intervention.

Chovin highlighted that the South Korea move demonstrates the dangers of volatility for potential bitcoin investors.

There are also indications that some countries are thinking about issuing government-backed cryptocurrencies based on blockchain technology, the strategist said.

Countries like Israel, Russia or Sweden among others are thought to be examining the possibility of having a state sponsored cryptocurrency. If Bitcoins value was mainly derived from its use as a means of circumnavigating regulation, its value is unlikely to stay high for long.( ) Executive Chairman Neil Ritson describes himself himself as ' really happy' with forward progress for the groups 25% owned Ntorya gas project, onshore Tanzania.

Aminex, project operator and 75% owner of Ntorya, this morning told investors that it is actively engaged with the Tanzanian authorities and with third-party engineering firms, in the advanced stages of planning for the Ntorya-3 well. News here too on processing the legacy seismic on Helium One and at Horse Hill, where timing of long term tests are underway shortly.Results from Middaghsville region will assist in exploration strategy across three regions.

Berkut holds cobalt and nickel projects in Norway and Sweden

( ) has revealed the potential of its wholly-owned Skuterud Cobalt Project in Norway through the maiden diamond drill program.

The first drilling at Skuterud has confirmed that its surface cobalt mineralisation is present within a broad sulphide halo system that is up to 30 metres wide.

This identifies potential to host a system with scale.

Some wide copper haloes were confirmed as targeting vector for cobalt mineralisation and all of the holes sampled at Middagshville, part of the Skuterud Project, had a pattern emerging of broad copper/cobalt haloes.

Copper and cobalt mineralisation

Intercepts include: 2 metres at 0.12% cobalt and 0.11% copper from 75 metres; and 1.5 metres at 0.10% cobalt and 0.47% copper from 53 metres.

This is the first known drilling to test the highly prospective 6.3 kilometre strike trend north of the historic Skuterud Cobalt Mine.

Initial drilling has only scratched the surface as it covered less than 3% of the prospective strike trend.

Cobalt and copper mineralisation was observed in all holes

Cobalt and copper mineralisation was observed in all of the holes sampled at Middagshville.

The results from this program will feed into additional ground work on the three Skuterud project regions in 2018 with an aim to identifying high-grade mineralisation.

Only 22% of the 1325 metres of drilling was sampled in the November 2017 field season.Assay results from preliminary drilling are expected later this month.

The drilling program is the first of Fes exploration efforts at Kasombo

( ) is set to increase copper and cobalt news flow in the near term from its Kasombo project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The company has completed a preliminary drilling program and assay results are expected later this month.

Two prospect areas, Kasombo 5 and 7, have been drill tested with six reverse circulation holes completed.

Tony Sage, chairman, said: I am pleased that preliminary drilling has been completed, especially during the difficult wet season period of the Congo.

This drilling shows our commitment to unlock the potential of the Kasombo area.

Shares reach 12 month high in early 2018

Fes shares hit a 12 month high of $0.076 on 2 January 2018 and further news flow from the project is expected in 2018.

Kasombo is circa 25 kilometres from the countrys second largest city, Lubumbashi, in the Katanga Copper Belt.

The Democratic Republic of Congo holds close to half of the global cobalt reserve base, and is the worlds single largest supply source with more than 60%.

The project comprises three mineralised areas of approximately 600 hectares  Kasombo 5, 6 and 7  within two granted mining areas.

Two prospects tested

Two holes were completed for 149 metres at Kasombo 5, which is highly prospective for copper and lesser cobalt.

Four holes were completed for 190 metres at Kasombo 7, which is highly prospective for cobalt and lesser copper.

Mapping work identified the targets tested by the preliminary drilling.

Kasombo 5 is a prospect exposed by an open cut while Kasombo 7 was exposed by a small pit dug by artisanal miners.

Project acquired from Cape Lambert

In November 2017 Fe shareholders approved the acquisition of the Kasombo project from ( ).

Cape Lambert is a major Fe shareholder with 40.17% of the issued capital.

Fe recently attracted a new substantial shareholder with Melbourne-based fund manager SG Hiscock & Company Limited now holding 5.28%.

SG Hiscock became a substantial shareholder after acquiring more than 8.3 million shares for total cash consideration of $250,000.The halt will remain in place until Wednesday 10th January 2018.

The company's shares are in pre-open

Ltd ( ) has been granted a trading halt by the ASX this morning, pending details on the current entitlement offer and a business update.

AuMake shares last traded at $0.53, and the current capital raising program is fully-underwritten, but priced at $0.63.

The company is selling its products into China.

The halt will remain in place until the opening of trade on Wednesday 10th January 2018, or earlier if an announcement is made to the market.Existing resource of 107,600 tonnes copper, 2 million ounces silver and 82,900 ounces gold.

More funds are being allocated to expand the current drilling

s ( ) shares are trading circa 12% higher intra-day at $0.085 after identifying five significant electromagnetic (EM) conductors at its Cangai Copper Mine in New South Wales.

The preliminary geological interpretation suggests there is substantial incremental sulphide mineralisation at depth and outside the resource zone that exceeds the geology teams expectations.

Meanwhile, the drilling at Cangai will recommence immediately following the Christmas and New Year break, with the results expected in the coming weeks.

The results from the EM survey show conductors that are below or well outside the JORC modelled zone which generated an inferred resource of 107,600 tonnes copper, 2,080,100 ounces silver and 82,900 ounces gold.

Alan Armstrong, executive director, said: The board views this development as a pivotal point in Castillo Coppers evolution, as the EM survey has delivered an outcome that materially exceeds our expectations.

Indeed, this new discovery is timely as the current drilling campaign moves into full swing.

Resemblance to Sandfire Resources Degrussa project

This is a significant result since it is the first time a ground electromagnetic survey has been applied to the high-grade Cangai Copper Mine and surrounding areas.

Moreover, this result resembles Sandfire Resources ( ) Degrussa project in Western Australia, whereby high-grade supergene ore oxide material sits above larger volumes of mineralised sulphides.

Current drilling program expanded

Given the extraordinary discovery of five new large conductors, the board has approved to expand the current drilling program.

More funds are being allocated to expand the drilling and incremental surveys to help Castillo increase the existing resource at Cangai Copper Mine.

Having recently raised >$3 million from a placement, the company has adequate funds to progress an expanded exploration program at Cangai.

Castillo recently revealed more extensive cobalt mineralisation than originally envisaged at its 100% owned Broken Hill Project in New South Wales.

The company had sourced updated surface sampling and regional geophysical surveys as part of the current exploration program.

This incremental data highlights more extensive cobalt anomalism at surface across the tenure than previously reported.Multiple drilling campaigns are underway at the Wa Gold Project in Ghana.

The company is seeking to push reserves toward 1 million ounces

Azumah Resources ( ) has launched multiple drilling campaigns as it seeks to expand gold resources and reserves at the Wa Gold Project in Ghana.

The company has delineated a resource of 2.1 million ounces of gold grading 1.5 g/t, which includes 1.4 million ounces in the measured and indicated category grading 1.7 g/t.

Within this an ore reserve of 624,000 ounces has been defined.

Azumah aims to boost reserves towards 1 million ounces, which would more solidly underpin a development decision and improve funding capability.

New exploration campaign

The company has started the new year actively with an exploration campaign driving the project towards development.

A work plan is underway comprising circa 20,000 metres of reverse circulation and diamond drilling.

There will also be circa 7,000 metres of aircore drilling and circa 20,000 metres of auger drilling.

The program includes ground geophysical and geochemical surveys along with mine and processing optimisation studies.

Azumahs extensive campaign is fully funded by earn-in partner Ibaera Capital Fund LP.

On 1 September 2017 Azumah executed an earn-in and shareholders agreement with the Perth-based private equity group.

This entitles Ibaera to earn up to a 47.5% direct interest in the project for expenditure of circa $17 million in two stages over two years.

The agreement sets out the basis for the parties to deliver a study supporting a decision to proceed to production within two years.

Peter Hairsine, project manager and Ibaera executive, said: With Ibaera having commenced the sole funding of the Wa Gold Project for the next two years, Azumahs investors can look forward to a strong results driven news flow in 2018.

There is an enormous opportunity to add considerable value to what is already a very solidly positioned project.

Ibaeras team designs 2018 campaign

Ibaeras team of geologists and engineers have designed the 2018 exploration campaign with the aim of increasing Was existing resources and reserves base.

The first phase drilling program aims to increase resources in proximity to the Kunche, Bepkong and Julie deposits.

It also aims to provide sufficient definition to deliver a maiden resource for deposits occurring along the emerging Josephine-Manwe trend.

Additional reverse circulation drilling will follow-up high-grade intersections obtained at many other targets including Julie West, Julie East, Danyawu and Alpha-Bravo-Charlie.

Target generation work, including ground geophysics, soil geochemical surveys, auger and aircore drilling, will also be carried out.

It is expected that many of the earlier-stage targets will then be tested by reverse circulation drilling.

Project development work

Early project development work will focus on options analysis, open pit mine optimisation, processing optimisation and initial scoping level studies.

This work will examine the possibility of underground mining at Julie and Kunche deposits where there are zones of robust mineralisation underlying the proposed pit bottoms.

The Wa project is in Ghanas Upper West Region.

Main deposits have been discovered and extensively drilled at Kunche and Bepkong, adjacent to the Black Volta River and the border with Burkina Faso, and at Julie, circa 80km to the east.The volume on the ASX is increasing as traders return from the break.

The most active stocks on the ASX

( ) has traded over 85 million shares by noon, with the stock unchanged at $0.003.

The company has been quiet on news flow in recent weeks, but it did recently dial into the cobalt sector with the acquisition of some assets in Chile which have historic copper-cobalt workings.

( ) is once again very active, with 65 million shares having changed hands.

Late in 2017 the company signed an agreement with ( ) which will see Atlas become a lithium DSO supplier from the first half of 2018.Preliminary drilling works have been completed at two prospects within the project.

Cape Lambert Resources ( ) is awaiting results from s ( ) drill program at the Kasombo Copper-Cobalt Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Cape Lambert is a major shareholder of holding 40.17% of issued capital.

Tony Sage, chairman, said: I am pleased that preliminary drilling has been completed, especially during the difficult wet season period of the Congo.

This drilling shows our commitment to unlock the potential of the Kasombo area.

The Kasombo Project comprises 600 hectares and is situated circa 25 kilometres from the DRCs second largest city, Lubumbashi, in the Katanga Copper Belt (KCB).

Assays from drilling/sampling expected in late January

Preliminary drilling works have been completed at two prospects within the Kasombo Copper-Cobalt Project - Kasombo 5 and Kasombo 7.

Kasombo 5 is prospective for copper/cobalt and was drilled with two reverse circulation holes for a total depth of 149 metres.

Kasombo 7 is predominantly a cobalt target exposed by a small pit gouged by artisanal miners.

The prospect was drilled with four reverse circulation holes for a total depth of 190 metres.

Assays from the drilling and other sampling are expected in late January.Global X Management Company now holds a 12.03% interest.

Peninsula is producing uranium from the Lance project in the U.S.

's ( ) substantial shareholder, Global X Management Company, has increased its stake in the uranium miner to 12.03% from 11%.

The New York-based fund now holds almost 28 million shares through its entity.

It has been steadily increasing its holding in Peninsula through regular share purchases.

In late October the Global X stake had increased to 8.64% from 7.62%.

Producing from Lance project

Peninsula is producing uranium from the Lance ISR Project in the U.S. state of Wyoming.

The state is a premier uranium extraction jurisdiction, hosting multiple ISR operations.

The company is also purchasing uranium from other producers to meet sales commitments.

Production from Lance for the three months ending September was circa 34,500 pounds of uranium with around 42,500 pounds of uranium dried and drummed in the period.

Sales totalled 132,934 pounds, which consisted of 92,934 pounds from Lance and the remaining 40,000 pounds from market purchases.

The average sale price was US$50 per pound for cash receipts of US$6.6 million.

Peninsula was trading at $0.44 today.The device can now be sold to aid in heart treatment throughout the European Union

Heart monitoring group Ltd ( ) saw shares advance as its VMSplus device received a European CE mark less than a month after it made the application.

It means it can now be sold to aid in heart treatment throughout the European Union and the medtech group said it aims to meet with distributors with a focus on Germany, the UK and France.

According to the European Heart Network, cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes 3.9mln deaths in Europe annually and accounts for 45% of all deaths in Europe, so the opportunity is vast here.

The group has been enjoying a positive run of news on progress of late.

Desmond Hirson was promoted to president last month and it filed a patent to claim the invention of a small, low-cost device that attaches or is encased in any hand-held probe or ultrasound transducer, which it says will reduce the future cost of the VMS-Plus.

So what is the VMS Plus?

This is a technology, which will potentially revolutionize the way doctors treat heart patients as it can give accurate and rapid volumetric information about all four chambers of the heart.

It is the only technology in the world that can perform such an analysis of all four chambers using data from a conventional 2D (two dimensional) eco-cardiogram (in other words an ultrasound test).

The heart is a pump so when there is a problem it is not always easy to know where exactly the fault lies, so analysis of each chamber is essential.

Accuracy and precision..

"This is going to revolutionize the way people get treated because of its high accuracy and precision - equivalent to an MRI," has said previously.

So rather than the doctor trying to decipher the 2D ultrasound image, the VMS Plus gives hard data about the pump's function and deterioration rates, or improvements, which means the treatment can be much more accurate and appropriate.

Expansion plans in place..

In November, the group revealed it was putting expansion plans in the Middle East in place.

It struck a partnership with the SEED Group, which is a group of firms owned The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

"The SEED Group has already introduced us to leading cardiologists and hospitals in the region, who have expressed their interest in acquiring the VMS-PLUS and demonstrating its application within the healthcare environment," said Dr .

"We see Dubai as an excellent starting place for our expansion plans into the Middle East."

Last summer, the firm hired two experiences sales executives - Brian Leck was appointed vice-president of direct worldwide sales, while Mehran Mehrtash became vice-president, worldwide distributor sales.

In September, the firm said that interest in VentriPoint products is strong from Iran, Singapore, Thailand, UAE and Saudi Arabia, and that regional distributors were verifying the local pathway to regulatory approval.

The firm has also said that once it has the key CE mark for Europe in place, it will advance in those markets.

US markets to come..

A third phase will be US markets, it ha said.

"We are expecting marketing clearance for the 4-chamber VMS sometime in early 2018. At that time, we will implement our launch strategy regarding representatives, locations and defining regional initiatives."

Shares today gained nearly 11% in Toronto to stand at C$0.355 each.The firm said it had received a key CE mark for its .whole heart analysis system

The device will potentially revolutionise the way doctors treat heart patients

Toronto-listed medtech firm Ltd ( ) announced a major step forward for its breakthrough whole heart analysis system - a European CE mark.

It means the group's VMSplus device can now be sold to aid in heart treatment throughout the European Union.

Shares surged almost 22% in Toronto to C$0.39.

This is a technology, which will potentially revolutionize the way doctors treat heart patients, as it can give accurate and rapid volumetric information about all four chambers of the heart.

It uses data from a conventional 2D (two dimensional) eco-cardiogram (in other words an ultrasound test).

"This is great news as it allows the company to bring the capabilities of the VMSplus to cardiologists in Europe and improve cardiac care," said Dr George , Ventripoint's chief executive.

"The quick acceptance of the VMSplus application is a credit to our development and regulatory groups."

added that it means the firm can now go and meet with distributors in Europe with a focus on the larger markets of Germany, UK and France.

He noted that a recent report from the UK indicated there are 60,000 heart scans carried out each year, 12,000 of which are misdiagnosed, costing the NHS (National Health Service) a huge 600mln (US$1bn) in unnecessary operations.

Meanwhile, according to the European Heart Network, cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes 3.9mln deaths in Europe annually and accounts for 45% of all deaths in Europe.

also noted that with the recent change in the definition of high-blood pressure by the AHA (American heart Asssociation), there were now over 100mln people in the USA alone with hypertension.

Currently it is estimated 44% of people with hypertension are not properly diagnosed.

"Europe is on track to change the definition of hypertension this year to match the AHA definition and so an additional 50 million people in Europe will now be deemed to have high-blood pressure," said .

"We are working to educate physicians about the benefits of the VMS+ whole-heart analysis for acute and chronic heart conditions."

The CE mark is also recognized worldwide and will allow VentriPoint to register the VMSplus in many regions and countries, expanding the commercial opportunities.

The company filed for a CE mark for the new VMS+ system (both the device and the new 4-chamber software application) on December 20 last year (2017).If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found hereNew Delhi, Jan 4 : An incident of a Chinese road construction party entering Indian territory and Beijing's statement on not recognising Arunachal Pradesh was raised in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Revolutionary Socialist Party member N.K. Premchandran urged the government to make a statement on the incident.

"Chinese entered Indian territory, there were attempts to construct a road. Upto one kilometre they constructed. They were then stopped by people and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police force.

"They had come up till the Siang river basin, so my point is upper Siang basin is being aggressed upon," Premchandran said.

"Further the Chinese spokesperson openly stated that Beijing has never recognised the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a provoking statement on China's part," he added.

"I would like to know the response of government of India on the Chinese aggression," he said.

A road building party from China entered Indian territory in a remote part of Arunachal Pradesh in December-end and were sent back by the Indian troops.

Around December 26, they were found constructing a track around two kilometres away from the nearest Indo-Tibetan Border Police post.

A nearly 600 metre long and 12 feet wide track was constructed on Indian territory when the Chinese party was stopped.

The area where the Chinese workers entered is close to the place where Brahmaputra river enters India.

Indian troops pushed back the labourers and seized the equipment. While there was no confrontation between troops on both side, Indian troops have barricaded the area since and have been guarding it.

Asked about the incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said: "First of all, on border issues with India, China is clear and consistent.

"We never acknowledge the existence of so-called Arunachal Pradesh," Geng said.New Delhi, Jan 7 : The recent Chinese intrusion into Arunachal Pradesh was an "inadvertent border crosswalk" by some labourers and did not involve Chinese troops, according to a report by the National Security Council, an apex body that advises the Prime Minister on security-related issues.

According to highly placed sources, the report said the group was tasked with construction work and was unaware they were on Indian territory before they were confronted by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). It added the group had no involvement with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

The area where the intrusion occurred is in Bishing of Upper Siang district, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the two countries do not have a agreed border in this area. Given the mountain terrain and winding topography, the road construction group entered the Indian side where they built a track more than 600 meters long.

The report that analysed the incident that took place around December 26 said the intrusion was not planned. When the road building party was confronted by the ITBP, they left the equipment and ran away.

China has approached the Indian side and requested that the equipment be returned, which includes a JCB and a water tanker.

Sources said the Indian side was likely to return the equipment whenever the next meeting at the border was held.

India and China share a 4,000-km boundary and except for a small portion of boundary in the middle, the borders have not been settled.

In the east, China claims India's Arunachal Pradesh as its own while New Delhi lays claims to Aksai Chin in the west now with Beijing.

Both Defence and Home ministries have on several occasions called the lack of a fixed boundary the reason behind incidents of transgression by Chinese troops.

The incident had raised concerns similar to what happened along the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction in Doklam where China tried to build a road in territory claimed by Bhutan, and was stopped by India, resulting in a 73-day stand-off.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi admitted the stand-off put a "severe" strain on bilateral ties.

In December, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Communist Party of China leader Yang Jiechi held the 20th Meeting of Special Representatives of India and China on border issues.

The two sides called the talks "positive and focused" and agreed to seek "mutually acceptable resolutions of their differences.Srinagar, Jan 7 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday arrested two persons here and seized demonetised currency worth Rs 50 lakh from their possession.

The two, identified as Nazir Ahmad, resident of Baramulla district, and Akeel Ahmad, resident of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, were arrested during a routine check in Srinagar.

"Demonetised currency notes worth Rs 50 lakh were recovered from their possession. They have been booked under the relevant sections of law and would be presented in the court," a police statement said.Jerusalem, Jan 8 : Palestinian officials on Sunday said they had been making an effort to gain European Union's (EU) recognition of the state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, after the US recognised Jerusalem as Israeli capital.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet with EU's foreign ministers on January 22 in Brussels, during which he is expected to ask them to recognize the Palestinian state on the territories occupied by Israel in 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

It is believed that EU's recognition would revive the internationally-backed two-state solution and help the Palestinian bid to get a full UN membership, Xinhua reported.

A committee from the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) has been preparing documents for discussion during the meeting of the organization's Central Council next week, deciding the future Palestinian political steps.

"The moves to be discussed include defining the relations with Israel in addition to the political and legal steps the Palestinians may take," said Ahmed Majdalani, member of the PLO Executive Committee.

The Palestinian official stressed that next steps are based on the reality that the interim period with Israel had come to an end, and there must be a new political formula with multilateral sponsorship for the peace process.

"The general trend is to focus on how to deal with the emerging situation, considering Palestine as a state under occupation and requesting full UN membership for Palestine, which requires extensive international support," he said.

Joining the UN as a member state requires support by nine out of the 15 Security Council members, while the five permanent members have the veto power.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Revolutionary Council of Abbas' Fatah Party, Majid al-Fitiyani said that political and technical preparations are underway in full swing to make the Council's meetings successful.

"The Council has a number of major challenges facing the Palestinian cause and the political process following the US President Donald Trump's decision on Jerusalem," he said.

He pointed out that the Council will comprehensively review the entire political process, including the form and content of Palestinian relations with Israel and the development of a strategy for the future Palestinian action.

The Fatah official added that future Palestinian approach is based on the declaration of the State of Palestine under occupation, after discussing all aspects of legal and possible consequences.

Last December, Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and decided to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the disputed city.

The Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future independent state, while Israel wants an integral Jerusalem to be its eternal capital.

While Israel took over East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 war and declared the whole city as its eternal indivisible capital in 1980, it has not been recognized by the international community.

Under the previous Israeli-Palestinian peace accord, the status of Jerusalem should be determined through the final-status talk between Israel and the Palestinians. All countries have so far located their embassies in Tel Aviv, in order to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

The Palestinians have repeatedly warned that changing the legal and political status of Jerusalem would undermine the peace process.

On Sunday, a meeting of foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates and Morocco, in addition to Arab League Chief, supported the rights of the Palestinians in preserving their legal and historic rights in Jerusalem and in creating their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

They also stressed the necessity to confront Trump's decision.

Meanwhile, Palestinians are expecting the response of Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements to the invitation of the Palestinian Central Council to take part in its upcoming convention next week.

Hamas has announced that the movement's leaders are studying on their response to the invitation.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements are not represented in the PLO and had never participated in any of the meetings of its institutions.Washington, Jan 8 : US President Donald Trump and his advisers are continuing with their campaign against a new controversial book which expresses serious doubts about the president's ability to govern the nation.

Both Trump and his spokesperson spent all this past week harshly attacking Michael Wolf and his book "Fire and Fury" which reopened the nationwide debate about the president's mental health and stability, Efe reported.

"I've had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I!" Trump wrote on his Twitter on Sunday.

On Saturday, the president stirred things up on Twitter and in political circles by fully entering into the debate about his mental health and intelligence, touting himself as "a very stable genius" and "really smart".

One of Trump's closest advisers, Stephen Miller, was especially harsh on Sunday on former White House strategy chief Steve Bannon, with whom the president angrily broke relations this past week.

Wolff had quoted Bannon criticizing his son Donald Jr. for his June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians, ostensibly to receive political "dirt" on his father's Democratic rival in the presidential election, Hillary Clinton.

It is "tragic and unfortunate that Steve would make these grotesque comments so out of touch with reality and obviously so vindictive," Miller said.Washington, Jan 8 : US President Donald Trump spoke to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron over the phone and discussed the Korean Peninsula and Iran, according to the White House.

Trump updated Macron on the developments of the situation on the Peninsula, underscoring the "international resolve to achieve the complete denuclearisation" of the Peninsula, Xinhua news agency quoted the White House as saying.

The two leaders also talked about the demonstrations in Iran.

Iran had earlier blasted the US' stance on the demonstrations in the country, with its Ambassador to the UN Gholamali Khoshroo slamming the Trump administration's attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.

Trump on Saturday said that he was willing to talk with Kim Jong Un and that he supports the upcoming talks between the two Koreas slated to take place on Tuesday.Los Angeles, Jan 8 : Indian-American actor-comedian Aziz Ansari won the Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for "Master of None" at the 75th Golden Globe Awards, making history for an Asian, here.

According to etonline.com, Ansari's win marked the second time an actor of South Asian descent has won a Golden Globe in 35 years. Ben Kingsley, who is of Indian descent, won for Best Actor - Motion Picture, Drama in 1982.

"I genuinely didn't think I'd win because all the websites said I was going to lose. Also, I am glad we won this one because it would have really sucked to lose two of these in a row," Ansari said in his acceptance speech at the gala on Sunday night.

"The only reason my acting is good in that show is because everyone else holds me up," Ansari quipped before thanking the cast and crew of "Master Of None", his parents and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

On the Netflix original series, Ansari not only stars as Dev Shah, the pasta-loving, cupcake show host, but also serves as co-creator, writer, and director.

This is Ansari's second Golden Globe nomination and first win. He was previously nominated in 2016 also for "Master of None".

He beat Anthony Anderson ("Black-ish"), Kevin Bacon ("I Love Dick"), William H. Macy ("Shameless") and Eric McCormack ("Will & Grace").

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, to a Muslim family from Tamil Nadu, Ansari started his career as a stand-up comedian and acted on television in the comedy series "Parks and Recreation".

He then created the "Master of None", based on his personal experiences.

Indian-American actor Kal Penn congratulated Ansari on his win via Twitter.New Delhi : Title: The Misfit's Manifesto; Author: Lidia Yuknavitch; Publisher: TED Books/Simon and Schuster: Pages: 148; Price: Rs 350 In a materialistic world which emphasises more on conformity, convention and success, those who prefer not to abide by these rules of "normalcy" are rarely lauded. They can expected to be labelled mavericks, even weird, but usually "misfits". But what do they think of themselves, how did they get that way, and do they have any use?

But first we must know what the word "misfit" means exactly -- and what it does not -- says American author Lidia Yuknavitch, who holds her eventful life qualifies her to be called one, and is a badge she wears with pride.

There is a "lot packed into that little word", she holds in this book form of her acclaimed TED Talk "The Beauty of Being a Misfit", but clarifies that misfit doesn't mean anyone who occasionally feels weird, lonely a failure or left out. Nor does it mean feeling out of place, resenting social roles, or caught in a midlife crises "though these states of being are important".

While the Urban Dictionary definition, which, among others, says misfits are individuals "who do not fit into any one clique quite right", "tend to be outcast for no reason", have few good friends, usually intelligent and mature, and "sometimes sort of insane and depressed...", Yuknavitch says she uses the term for those who "never found a way to fit in at all, from the get-go, all through our evolving lives, including in the present tense".

And in this book, she chronicles cases of those who "experience that altered state of missing any kind of fitting in so profoundly that we nearly can't make it in life" and quite a few give up in desperation. But, as she stresses, her intention is not to draw pity but substantiate how and why the world needs misfits.

Drawing from her own case -- of an abusive parent, failed marriages, loss of a child, near-fatal accidents, addiction and rehabilitation, dismissal from jobs before success as a novelist -- Yuknavitch goes on to dwell on how realising and acknowledging her "misfittery" and "understanding it as a way of being and seeing in the world, saved my goddamn life".

And in telling her own story, and of many others she has come across with stories akin to hers with experiences of failing to enter the domains of cultural and social organisations (relationships, families, communities, et al), she says this would have something important that "might help the rest of us get by, if our stories could be amplified".

It is scarcely a comforting journey, with abusive parents, dysfunctional families, dashing expectations, other traumas, alienation, lack of success in most aspects of life relationships and work, addictions, kinks, confused sexual identities, feelings of inadequacy, the death of all hopes and more disheartening stuff.

At the same time, Ken Kesey, the author of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", which also became a cult movie, also makes an appearance, while there are a wealth of insights into the human condition.

One misfit recalls how his efforts to blend in with the others at school by acquiring knowledge about a common interest led them to think he was "so much weirder for my efforts", how one saw everything they did treated with derision, many show the observation that suffering makes you stronger is a myth -- and even more lethal.

And above all, the importance of humanity, given that the questions that misfits ask themselves cannot be answered by Google.

There are heartening stories of how misfits never lost their humanity or discovered how the dismal patterns of their lives could motivate themselves to seek refuge and release in creativity, artistic, literary or other. As Yuknavitch cites some key advice she got: "Don't listen to anyone who tells you to change your voice..." and "Sometimes telling the story IS saving your own life".

There is a also powerful strand of hope and redemption, as well as the salutary point that misfits give each other a second (and third or more) chance. Shouldn't those who fit look up from their satisfied lives, their money fixations or smartphones to do to the same?

(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)Bengaluru, Jan 8 : Five employees of a Bengaluru bar-cum-restaurant were charred to death while they were sleeping inside the premises on Monday, police said.

All five men died as the Kailash Bar and Restaurant in the city centre caught fire around 2.30 a.m., Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M.N. Anucheth told reporters here.

Two fire engines were rushed to the spot after an eyewitness alerted the Police Control Room.

Fire and smoke was seen emanating from the bar on the ground floor of the building in the crowded vegetable market area.

According to eye witnesses, many of the alcohol bottles and other inflammable items stored in the bar-cum-restaurant to serve customers had also fuelled the fire and gutted the premises to cinders.

The cause of the fire was unknown. It was being investigated. "Short circuit is suspected to have sparked it," said Anucheth.

"We have registered a case of criminal negligence amounting to culpable homicide against bar owner R.V. Dayashankar, who obtained the trade and liquor licences to run it," added Anucheth.

Fire brigade personnel retrieved the charred bodies of the victims after dousing the fire by 4 a.m.

The victims were identified as Swami, 23, Prasad, 20, Mahesh, 35, Manjunath, 45, and Keerthi, 20.

The bodies were shifted to the state-run Victoria hospital for autopsy.

The fire incident in the pub city and tech hub occurred about 10 days after a fire in a rooftop pub claimed 14 lives in Mumbai on December 29.

It has been almost a year since the Karnataka government allowed pubs, bars, restaurants and eateries in the cosmopolitan city to remain open till 1 a.m., ostensibly for catering to hundreds of tourists and thousands of techies from software firms and call or data centres, which operate on 24x7 basis through the year.

Bengaluru Mayor Sampath Raj, who inspected the burnt bar, told reporters that he had ordered an inquiry to find out why the victims were sleeping in the premises after downing the shutters post 1 a.m.London, Jan 8 : A BBC editor has resigned from her post, citing pay inequality with male colleagues, a media report said on Monday.

In an open letter, BBC China's editor Carrie Gracie, accused the corporation of a "secretive and illegal pay culture".

Gracie, who has been at the BBC for more than 30 years, said it was facing a "crisis of trust", after it was revealed that two-thirds of its stars earning more than 150,000 pounds a year were male.

She said she would return to her former post in the TV newsroom "where I expect to be paid equally".

In the letter, Gracie, a China specialist who is fluent in Mandarin, said "the BBC belongs to you, the licence fee payer.

"I believe you have a right to know that it is breaking equality law and resisting pressure for a fair and transparent pay structure."

Last July, the BBC was forced to reveal the salaries of all employees who earnied more than 150,000 pounds a year.

Gracie said she was dismayed to discover that the BBC's two male international editors earned "at least 50 per cent more" than its two female counterparts.

US editor Jon Sopel earned 200,000-249,999 pounds while Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen earned 150,000-199,999 pounds.

Gracie was not on the list.

"Despite the BBC's public insistence that my appointment demonstrated its commitment to gender equality, and despite my own insistence that equality was a condition of taking up the post, my managers had yet again judged that women's work was worth much less than men's," she added in the letter.

In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said "fairness in pay" at the corporation "is vital".

"A significant number of organisations have now published their gender pay figures showing that we are performing considerably better than many and are well below the national average.

"Alongside that, we have already conducted a independent judge led audit of pay for rank and file staff which showed 'no systemic discrimination against women'.

"A separate report for on air staff will be published in the not too distant future."Chennai, Jan 8 : The DMK and Congress on Monday boycotted Governor Banwarilal Purohits inaugural address to the Tamil Nadu Assembly and their MLAs trooped out of the House after accusing him of letting a "minority" AIADMK government remain in office.

The DMK, along with the Congress, demanded an immediate floor test in the legislature.

As soon as Purohit addressed the MLAs with a 'Vanakkam" in Tamil, the opposition legislators began raising slogans. In no time, the DMK MLAs walked out, led by their leader M.K. Stalin, followed by the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League.

Stalin told the media that the government did not enjoy majority support in the House as it had only 111 MLAs when it needed 117 in a house of 234.

Stalin said that despite repeated requests, the Governor was not taking a decision on the need for a floor test. "How can the Governor allow a minority government to run the state?"

Even among those with the ruling AIADMK, many MLAs were inclined to oppose the government in the wake of the feud within the ruling party, he said.

Stalin said he hoped that the Madras High Court would soon come out with a ruling regarding the case of 18 disqualified AIADMK MLAs opposed to the ruling faction.

Disregarding the opposition protest, the Governor continued his address, detailing the government's achievements and its efforts to promote welfare measures.

The government is set to build a grand memorial for late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and turn her house, Veda Nilayam, into a memorial, Purohit said.

He lauded the efforts of the state and central governments in resolving the Tamil fishermen issue.Kohima, Jan 8 : With the Assembly polls in Nagaland likely to be announced this week, pressure groups have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defer the elections due to the seven-decade-old Naga insurgency.

The term of the 60-member Nagaland assembly expires on March 13, 2019.

Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT), the powerful people's movement against corruption, urged Modi to impose President's Rule in order to facilitate a peaceful solution.

Apart from ACAUT, other groups including the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) and Gaon Burrah Federation of Nagaland (GBFN) also submitted separate memorandums on Sunday.

On August 3, 2015, the central government and the separatist group, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland Issac-Muivah (NSCN-IM) signed the Framework Agreement to end the insurgency.

Last year, the government had also signed an agreement with a Working Committee comprising six Naga National Political Groups.

Noting that a solution to the protracted political issue was of paramount importance, the NTC stated that it was deeply distressed at the prospect of Assembly elections, as it could be a distraction from the peace process.

In the memorandum, the NTC informed Modi that more than 40 NGOs had gathered on December 9, 2017, at Dimapur and unanimously resolved to prefer a solution to election.

"All these voices of the people were being raised for one single objective of eradicating chaos and confusion and having lasting peace and progress," the NTC stated.

Appreciating the Prime Minister's commitment to solve the Naga insurgency issue, the GBFN said, "Elections at this hour would most likely jeopardise the Prime Minister's desire for peace. A political solution to the seven-decade long Indo-Naga political issue must be given greater importance over the democratic electoral exercise."

The ACAUT said: "If elections are held in Nagaland for the sake of constitutional process before the completion of the negotiation process with the six Naga National Political Groups (or rebel groups) and the NSCN-IM, then solution to Naga problems will remain a mirage."

The Nagaland Assembly last year had adopted a resolution urging the central government to take emergent and extraordinary steps for an "honourable and acceptable solution" before the Assembly election.Islamabad, Jan 8 : The footprint of the militant Islamic State (IS) group is continuously on the rise in Pakistan as over the past year responsibility for as many as six deadliest attacks, in which 153 people were killed, was claimed by the outfit, according to a think-tank report.

The security report by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) on Sunday stated that the IS, especially active in northern Sindh and Balochistan, was also behind the abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals last year, Dawn online reported.

"The IS claimed responsibility for just six terrorist attacks in the country, but they were the most deadliest ones. There is a need to take the matter more seriously because there is a possibility that foreign fighters would come to Pakistan in near future as things are continuously changing in the Middle East," said PIPS offical Muhammad Ismail Khan.

"What has been quite alarming is the increasing footprint of IS, especially in Balochistan and northern Sindh where the group claimed responsibility for some of the deadliest attacks," Khan said.

According to the report, despite a 16 per cent decline in terrorist attacks last year, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its associated groups remained the most potent threats. They were followed by nationalist-insurgent groups, especially Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front.

It further said that concerted efforts and a revision of the National Action Plan was required to curb the terror group's activities. The report suggested a parliamentary oversight of Pakistan's counter-terror plan.

Militant, nationalist/insurgent and violent sectarian groups carried out 370 terrorist attacks in 64 districts of the country in 2017, the think-tank said.

These incidents, including 24 suicide and gun-and-suicide coordinated attacks, left 815 people dead. The report noted that as compared to 2016, the attacks in the country from across the Afghan, Indian and Iranian borders in 2017 witnessed a significant surge by 131 per cent.

Furthermore, security forces and law enforcement agencies killed a total of 524 militants in 2017, compared to 809 in 2016.

According to the report, it was quite likely that the National Internal Security Policy will take into consideration global and regional scenarios, including relations between Pakistan, China and the US.New Delhi, Jan 8 : The transgression incident in Arunachal Pradesh, where Chinese workers entered Indian territory constructing a track, has been resolved, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Monday.

He also said that there was a major reduction in the number of Chinese troops in the Doklam area.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event here, the Army Chief said the "Tuting incident has been resolved".

General Rawat said a Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) took place "two days back" on the issue.

Talking about the situation along the India-China border in Sikkim sector, where the two countries were involved in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam, he said there was a major reduction in the number of troops on the Chinese side.

A Chinese road construction party entered India on December 26, 2017, and were constructing a track, around two kilometres away from the nearest Indo-Tibetan Border Police post.

An almost 600-metre-long and 12-feet wide track was constructed on the Indian territory when the Chinese party was stopped.

The Chinese labourers had entered the area inadvertently, according to a government report on the incident. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops were not involved in the incident.

Indian troops pushed back the labourers and seized their equipment.

The incident came nearly four months after the end of the Dokalam standoff that went on from June 16 to August 28, 2017.

Earlier, speaking at the Army Technology Summit here, the Army Chief pitched for modernisation of the force and said India needed to be ready for "future wars".

"There is a huge requirement of modernisation of our armed forces, in every field," he said.

"Future wars will be fought in difficult terrains and circumstances and we have to be prepared for them.

"We would like to gradually move away from imports (in defence technology) because for a nation like ours, the time has come to ensure that we fight the next war with home-made solutions," he said.Washington, Jan 8 : Whistleblowing website WikiLeaks posted the full text of author Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House", an explosive tell-all about President Donald Trump and his administration, on Twitter in an apparent attack on the profitability and sales of the book.

"New Trump book 'Fire and Fury' by Michael Wolff. Full PDF," WikiLeaks posted on Twitter on Sunday, along with a link to a Google Drive containing the full text of the book.

The PDF showed hundreds of pages of what appeared to be Wolff's book without page numbers, although it was unclear whether it was the final version that went to publication.

It was later deleted and replaced with another tweet and link to the Google Drive that read: "Full text of the controversial book on Trump, 'Fire and Fury', by Michael Wolff, leaks onto the Internet."

The book has become an instant bestseller since it went on sale on Friday, with hard copies sold out in many stores within an hour.

Trump has begun legal action against the author, seeking to discredit the book's allegations against him as "fake" and disputing Wolff's claim that he personally interviewed the President before writing the book. The author had said that he conducted over 200 interviews with key White House staffers, the New York Daily News reported.

It is unclear whether WikiLeaks was seeking to undermine the book's sales or simply provide an alternative copy of the book, since it sold out.

The book quoted former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as saying that the 2016 Trump Tower meeting between the President's son Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer was "treasonous".

"They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV," Bannon was quoted as saying in the book, referring to the ongoing investigation into Russian interference and ties between Trump's campaign and Moscow. Bannon also reportedly called Trump's daughter Ivanka "dumb as a brick" in the book.

Trump slammed the book last week along with his former aide whom he called "Sloppy Steve" saying Bannon "lost his mind" after losing his job.

Bannon later attempted to make amends saying Trump Jr. was a "patriot" and a "good man".

"Fire and Fury" also raised serious concerns over Trump's mental stability and his ability to carry out his duties as President. Trump responded to those questions on Twitter saying he is a "very stable genius".

WikiLeaks head Julian Assange has not yet publicly commented on the website's tweet or Wolff's new book. However, former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti said WikiLeaks' post does violate copyright law.Shanghai, Jan 8 : Human Rights Watch on Monday called on French President Emmanuel Macron, currently on his first official visit to China, to urge Beijing to improve its human rights situation.

Macron was expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and sign various bilateral agreements, Efe new agency reported.

He is the first European leader to travel to China after Xi renewed his five-year mandate as head of the Communist Party in November 2017.

According to HRW France Director Benedicte Jeannerod, Macron must follow through on his commitment to demand greater respect for human rights as he himself said that "France's diplomatic and economic imperatives with China cannot justify cover-up of the question of human rights".

"If Macron is serious about promoting liberty and democracy worldwide, he should arrive with a long list for President Xi and other Chinese leaders," Jeannerod said in a statement.

HRW also urged the French President to publicly reiterate call for full freedom of movement for Liu Xia, widow of the late dissident and Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, who is still under house arrest.

Macron, as part of his state visit was also urged to discuss that how French companies can operate in China given rising Internet censorship and the restrictions on virtual private networks that allow users to circumvent the digital blockade.

HRW also said that Macron must further express concerns about China's anti-rights conduct against the UN and Interpol.

Official French sources told Efe that rebalancing trade relations with Beijing is a major priority of the visit as France has a deficit with China of around $36 billion, the largest of its foreign trade.Shimla, Jan 8 : Journalists here staged a demonstration on Monday to protest against the UIDAI's decision to register a case against The Tribune newspaper and one of its reporters for exposing illegal data leak of Aadhaar details.

The protest was organised on behalf of the Press Club of Shimla.

Later, its President Dhananjay Sharma called on Governor Acharya Devvrat and submitted a memorandum, which termed as unfair, unjustified and a direct attack on the freedom of the press, the registration of a case by Delhi Police against the reporter for publishing news regarding breach of secrecy of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) scheme.

It said the action of the UIDAI was uncalled for and the journalists would fight it out.

After a January 3 report by The Tribune over breach in Aadhaar data with a headline "Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details", the Unique Identification Authority of India (UID AI) registered an FIR against the newspaper and reporter Rachna Khaira.Seoul, Jan 8 : South Korea's top nuclear envoy will visit the US this week to discuss the Korean peninsula's nuclear issue, an official said on Monday.

Lee Do-hoon, special representative for the Korean peninsula peace and security affairs, will visit Washington from Wednesday to Friday, South Korea's Foreign Ministry was cited as saying by Xinhua news agency.

During the visit, Lee will meet his US counterpart Joseph Yun, a chief negotiator at the six-party talks for the denuclearised Korean peninsula.

Lee will also meet key figures of the US government in charge of North Korea affairs, the Foreign Ministry said.

The South Korean envoy will make an indepth discussion with the US officials on ways to peacefully resolve the peninsula's nuclear issue and improve inter-Korean relations.

Lee's visit to Washington would come a day after the high-level talks between South and North Korea on January 9 in the truce village of Panmunjom.Bengaluru, Jan 8 : The death of five employees in a bar-cum-restaurant blaze here on Monday stirred the civic body and police to crack down on all bars, pubs and eateries to ensure fire safety norms are followed, a top police official said.

"We have directed the BBMP and the police to inspect all bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels and eateries across the city to check for fire safety norms," Karnataka Director General for Fire and Emergency Services M.N. Reddi told reporters here.

Reddi, who inspected the Kailash Bar and Restaurant where the fire broke out killing the five men trapped inside its compound and the Victoria Hospital, said prima facie the bar in the congested city centre had no fire extinguisher and did not follow the safety norms.

"The premises where the fire accident took place had no exit door, ventilation, exhaust fans or any escape route from behind," said Reddi, an IPS rank officer.

Reddi, a former Bengaluru police chief, also said that preliminary inquiry revealed that the victims died due to asphyxia than severe burns as they suffocated to death due to lack of fresh air, ventilation and no exit point.

"The victims seem to have tried to escape from the dark premises but could not as they failed to break the iron grill windows. No fire precautionary measures were in place at the bar," said Reddi.

Bars, pubs, restaurants and eateries across the city are required to follow safety norms by providing clearly marked exit doors in case of a fire along with fire fighting equipment, said Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy.

"The premises where the fire accident took place didn't even have a fire extinguisher. The police will be inspecting all bars, restaurants and eateries," he told reporters.

The rules laid down by the civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) state that public buildings should be provided with exits to allow safe escape of occupants in case of fire along with installation of alarm devices to alert people and that the buildings must be equipped with fire extinguishers.

After the deadly fire at a rooftop bar in Mumbai on December 29 claimed 14 lives, the BBMP has raided several bars, pubs, restaurants and eateries here.

According to Excise Department data as of March 2017, Bengaluru has a registered total of 866 liquor shops, 1,375 bar-cum-restaurants, 74 pubs and 189 hotels and boarding houses selling liquor.

The city has 3,130 registered liquor-selling outlets, including all the liquor shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels as per the Excise Department.

Last week, as many as 57 rooftop pubs and restaurants were served closure notices by the civic body for operating without required licenses.

Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Department had also issued notices to nearly 70 bars, pubs and eateries in the city for flouting the fire safety rules. The establishments were given a 15-day notice to comply with the norms.Mumbai, Jan 8 : Actress Sonam Kapoor, who is gearing up for the release of her forthcoming film "Pad Man", says that she wants to do good work and be a part of good films.

Recipient of Special Mention Award at the 64th National Awards for her role in the 2016 film "Neerja", Sonam was asked if she thinks "Pad Man" would help her achieve another National Award and she said: "I don't do films for awards, I just want to do good work and be part of good films."

Sonam, along with Akshay Kumar, was present on the set of Grand Finale of Zee Marathi's Show "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" on Sunday to promote "Pad Man".

During the media interaction, Sonam also revealed that she will be shooting for Vidhu Vinod Chopra's film after which she will start her next film "Zoya factor".

"I am going to shoot in February, March and April for Vinod (Chopra) Uncle's production. Then I will start preparing for 'Zoya Factor'," she said.

"Also there are three releases this year, first 'Pad Man' this month, then 'Veere Di Wedding' in May and then Dutt biopic, so I will be busy with films. So, there is no time for other plans." said Sonam.

Talking about Marathi cinema, Sonam said she is glad that the industry is being recognised for its worth.

"Marathi films and songs have become very trendy right now. But people aren't aware of the years of hard work and quality work that happened earlier. But I am so glad that it has become so popular now that even we have to come and promote our films on the Marathi platform," she said.

Directed by R. Balki, "Pad Man" is scheduled to release worldwide on January 26.Barmer (Rajasthan), Jan 8 : Independent MLA Hanuman Beliwal has attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi while announcing that Rajasthan needed a new political party to provide an alternative to both the BJP and the Congress.

Beliwal made the announcement at a huge rally of farmers here on Sunday. He said the youths had seen through both the major political outfits and "their false promises" and were looking for a change.

Beniwal asked people to refrain from getting lured by promises he said Modi would make at Pachpadra while laying the foundation stone of the Barmer Refinery.

The farmers' rally discussed issues such as loan waiver, irrigation and employment for youths. It was announced that similar rallies will be organised in Bikaner, Sikar and Jaipur.

And in Jaipur, a third front would be announced to contest the next election.

The rally was also addressed by MLA Kirorilal Meena who said: "Hanumanji and I will work together to form a new government in the state.

"We will rule the state by following the 'JM' way where 'J' stands for Jat and 'M' stands for Meena, Mali, Meghwal and Muslims.

"JM also stands for Judicial Magistrate which means that we will work as judicial magistrates to arrest the BJP and Congress in the state," he added.

Meena said Modi had earlier promised to bring home the heads of 10 Pakistani soldiers for every single Indian soldier killed by Pakistanis.

"Now, so many soldiers are dying on the border. Why is Modi not keeping his promise?"Sanaa, Jan 8 : The party of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh has named a new leader after he was killed last month by Shia Houthi rebels, his one-time allies in the countrys civil war.

The General People's Congress party (GPC) elected 65-year-old Sadiq Abu Ras, a former Agriculture Minister, as the new chief of the party, Xinhua news reported on Monday.

The election took place in central Sanaa, the rebel-held capital, amid a tight security presence.

"The position of the party remains steadfast against the aggressors (Saudi-led military coalition) on the soil of the Yemeni people," the party said in a statement.

The statement did not mention Saleh's death, but demanded the release of his family members, party's leaders and journalists of Saleh-owned television channel Yemen al-Yawm from Houthi-run prisons.

However, senior leaders of the party rejected the party's statement and the election.

"Any statement that does not publicly break relations with Houthi murderers and declare war against them does not represent us and is not our party," the GPC Secretary-General Yasir al-Awadhi tweeted.

On December 4, Houthi fighters killed Saleh, many of his family members and party's leaders after a week of deadly clashes that erupted after the former President switched sides of allies and declared "opening new page with the Saudi-led coalition".

Saleh, who ruled the country for 33 years and stepped down following 2011 popular protests, had waged six wars against Houthi movement that ended in 2010.

However, Saleh allied with Houthis and supported them when they advanced from their far north stronghold of Saada province and stormed the capital Sanaa in September 2014, where they overthrew Saudi-backed government and forced President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile.

In March 2015, the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen to restore Hadi to power and roll back the Iranian-aligned Houthi-Saleh rebels.

Three years now into Yemen's civil war, over 10,000 Yemenis, mostly children, have been killed and three million others have been displaced, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crisis.New Delhi, Jan 8 : National passenger carrier Air India's new chief Pradeep Singh Kharola on Monday said his priority would be to improve the airline's efficiencies and to keep a tab on cost.

"My mandate is to manage the airline, provide good services, improve efficiencies and keep a tab on cost," Kharola said at the airline's New Delhi-based headquarter Airline House.

According to Kharola, the airline will forthwith focus on providing better services to the "Business Class" passengers, along with commencing some more direct connections to the US and Australia.London, Jan 8 : Thousands of commuters across the UK are set to endure up to three days of travel mayhem as staff at five train firms began a fresh wave of strikes in separate disputes over "rail safety".

Rail, Maritime and Transport union members at Northern, Merseyrail, South Western Railway (SWR) and Greater Anglia were striking on Monday, with further walkouts planned for Wednesday and Friday, the BBC reported.

RMT members at Southern Rail were also staging a 24-hour walkout. A Department for Transport spokesman said the five franchises would "keep passengers moving" during the strikes.

The 24-hour walkouts were called over separate disputes, all concerning rail safety, the RMT said. It said the disputes were over issues including the role of train guards and the extension of driver-only services.

SWR is expected to be the worst-hit railway throughout the three days of strikes.

"RMT members remain solid and united in each of the separate disputes across the country over rail safety this morning as we continue to fight to put public safety, security and access before the profits of the train operating companies," said Mick Cash, the union's General Secretary, in a statement.

All of the affected firms said they will be running services during the strikes.

Northern Rail services, which runs trains in northwest and northeast England, said it will run around 1,350 trains on strike days -- about 60 per cent of its normal service.

SWR, which operates out of stations including London Waterloo, Reading, Exeter and Southampton, planned to run about 70 per cent of its normal service.

Merseyrail said it will run a reduced service on its lines in and around Liverpool, with a break during the middle of the day. Southern said it planned to run a normal service on most of its routes across south England.

Greater Anglia planned to run a normal service with no alterations.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash wrote to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling calling for a summit with the Department for Transport and the train companies.

He said agreements had been reached in Scotland and Wales to keep guards on new modern trains.New Delhi, Jan 8 : The lone publisher who was supposed to represent Pakistan at the ongoing 26th annual New Delhi World Book Fair didnt turn up at the event.

Al Hasanat Books Private Ltd, a distributor of some of the publishers from Pakistan, is representing the country in the international pavilion.

"We are aware of the prevailing tension between the countries. It is difficult to acquire a visa. Also our publishers are busy attending book fairs in other countries," Faisal Faheem of Al Hasanat told IANS.

Last year also no publisher from Pakistan attended the event and the same distributor had represented the country at the World Book Fair.

However, a press conference last week, event co-organser National Book Trust (NBT) had specifically mentioned that a publisher from Pakistan will be attending this year.

"There might have been some issue regarding visa. World Book Fair is open for all. We don't choose any publisher. Anyone from any country is free to submit their nomination," an NBT official stated.

Unlike other countries, Pakistan's name was missing from its billboard at the stall and merely stated "Children's Books". The only mention of the country is on a board outside the international pavilion. Asked about this, an NBT official said this might have happened "by mistake" and "we will soon add the name".

Faheem said that the billboard was given by the organisers, adding this won't affect them much as it is the books on display that matters.

"Name of a country or publishing brand doesn't matter us much. If our books are good and worth reading, readers and book lovers will be anyway drawn towards our stall. We have books from different publishers from Pakistan, children's books, literature, shayari and religious. Hope visitors will like it," he pointed out.Mumbai, Jan 8 : Healthy buying from foreign funds, along with optimism over the upcoming quarterly earnings result season, on Monday catapulted the key equity indices -- NSE Nifty50 and S&P BSE Sensex -- to their record closing highs.

Index-wise, the buoyant global cues lifted the wider Nifty50 of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to close above the 10,600-points-level. It gained 64.75 points or 0.61 per cent to 10,623.60 points.

The Nifty50 touched a fresh intra-day high of 10,631.20 points.

The barometer 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE too closed at a fresh high of 34,352.79 points -- up 198.94 points or 0.58 per cent from its previous close -- after it scaled a new intra-day high of 34,385.67 points.

The BSE market breadth was bullish as 1,792 stocks advanced compared to 1,158 declines.

"Markets rallied higher on Monday to close with gains for the fourth consecutive day. The Nifty touched record highs in intra day trade," Deepak Jasani, Head, Retail Research, HDFC Securities, told IANS.

"The rally came on the back of positive global cues," added Jasani.

Apart from key indices, even the broader market indices closed at fresh highs.

The S&P BSE mid-cap index closed higher by 0.98 per cent at a new high of 18,247.55 points. The small-cap index edged up 0.97 per cent to close at a record high of 19,895.77 points.

On the NSE, the Nifty50 mid-cap index edged higher by 1.19 per cent to close at a record high of 5,702.70 points.

"Asian shares ex-Japan traded towards all-time peaks on Monday after Wall Street posted its best start to a year in over a decade," Dhruv Desai, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Tradebulls, told IANS.

On the currency front, the Indian rupee weakened by 14 paise to close at 63.51 against the US dollar from its previous close at 63.37.

Provisional data with the exchanges showed that foreign institutional investors purchased scrips worth Rs 692.83 crore, while the domestic institutional investors divested funds worth Rs 206.30 crore.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services, said: "Supportive global market and optimism ahead of earnings season took the market to a new high. A cut in FY18 GDP growth estimate by CSO did not impact the movement since it was overtly conservative."

"Revival in earnings, incremental Q-o-Q growth in GDP and budget expectations are sustaining the momentum," Nair added.

All the sub-indices of the BSE ended with substantial gains barring the telecom index which declined by 45.33 points.

Sectorwise, the S&P BSE capital goods index surged by 243.37 points, followed by healthcare index by 179.60 points and IT index by 157.03 points.

Major Sensex gainers on Monday were: Coal India, up 3.26 per cent at Rs 287.85; Infosys, up 2.33 per cent at Rs 1,035.65; Sun Pharma, up 2.28 per cent at Rs 591.95; Larsen and Toubro, up 1.80 per cent at Rs 1,338.10; and Hero MotoCorp, up 1.37 per cent at Rs 3,790.35.

Major Sensex losers were: Bharti Airtel, down 4.43 per cent at Rs 516.10; ONGC, down 0.28 per cent at Rs 197.15; State Bank of India, down 0.18 per cent at Rs 305.65; Tata Steel, down 0.18 per cent at Rs 768.95; and Adani Ports, down 0.07 per cent at Rs 424.15.Barcelona, Jan 8 : Barcelona's recently-signed midfielder, Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho, is suffering from a right thigh injury that will keep him on the sidelines for three weeks, the club said on Monday following medical examinations.

Coutinho recently made the move from Liverpool to Barcelona and was presented to fans at the Camp Nou on Monday, reports Efe.

"I am very happy. I have always said I am living a dream, we are very happy to be here," the Brazilian star said on his arrival in Barcelona.

The thigh injury had already prevented him from playing in his final few games at Liverpool.

Coutinho signed his contract Monday at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium, posing with his jersey alongside the club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, who recounted how Coutinho has been pursued by BarAa for months.

"We were trying it last summer. We had known for some time that it was necessary for him to come," Bartomeu said.

"Coutinho wanted to come here, it was one of his objectives. His desire, his effort and his patience have been decisive for him to be here today, because there were other clubs that had an interest in signing him," said the leader.

On Saturday, Barcelona announced it had reached an agreement with Liverpool FC for the transfer of the 25-year-old player, and would sign him for the rest of the 2017-2018 season and five more.

BarAa, which currently leads the La Liga standings and has qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League tournament, said Coutinho's contract would include a 400 million euro ($481 million) buyout clause.

Although the club did not reveal further details, British media reported that Barcelona had agreed to pay Liverpool a 120 million euro transfer fee, as well as up to 40 million euros in "variables," to acquire the Brazilian player.

This makes Coutinho the most expensive player in Barcelona's history.New Delhi, Jan 8 : The Supreme Court on Monday was told that there was no "substantive material" that can cast doubt on the probe into the assassination of father of nation Mahatma Gandhi, including its conspiracy angle, to warrant any re-investigation.

"No substantive material has come to light to throw any doubt on any of the above requiring either a re-investigation of the Mahatma Gandhi murder case or, to constitute a fresh fact finding commission with respect to the same," amicus curiae Amarendra Sharan told the top court in his report filed on Monday.

Not favouring any fresh investigation into Mahatma Gandhi's assassination by Nathuram Godse, the amicus curiae said: "The bullets which pierced Mahatma Gandhi's body, the pistol from which it was fired, the assailant who fired the said bullets, the conspiracy which led to the assassination and the ideology which led to the said assassination have all been duly identified."

Referring to evidence that was brought before the trial court, Sharan said that Mahatma Gandhi was hit by three bullets which were fired from the same revolver.

The report says that there is no evidence of any British influence including that of alleged British secret service 'Force 136' in the assassination.

"There is no documentary evidence in contemporary literature to prove that, there even existed such a secret service by the name of 'Force 136' and that, it was mandated to carry out the murder of Mahatma Gandhi. Thus, any reliance upon such theories would be unwarranted," says the report submitted by Sharan.

No evidentiary value can be given to the statement made to the then Ambassador to USSR Vijaya Laxmi Pandit by the ambassadors of the various other countries regarding the involvement of the British, it said.

Furthermore, the report says that it is difficult to give any evidentiary value to the submissions regarding apprehension of Nathuram Godse by CIA agent named Herbert Reiner at the place of assassination.

Rejecting the material being relied upon by the petitioner Pankaj Kumudchandra Phadnis for re-investigation into Gandhi murder, Sharan said: "Further, (all) these cannot derogate the solid evidence laid before the court in the Gandhi murder case comprising of oral and documentary evidence and material exhibits."

The report came in pursuance to the apex court's October 6, 2017 order appointing him amicus curiae to examine the material produced by the petitioner to ascertain whether there was need for further inquiry into the larger conspiracy behind the assassination.

The court had however on October 6 itself said that prima facie they don't find the material to be sufficient to order fresh inquiry.

Phadnis moved the top court challenging the Bombay High Court's June 6, 2016 order junking his plea for the fresh inquiry into larger conspiracy behind the assassination in the wake of fresh evidence that has surfaced now.

Pointing fingers at 'Force 136', the petitioner has said that the Indian Ambassador to USSR was informed in February 1948 that the British had organized the assassination.New Delhi, Jan 8 : National passenger carrier Air India's new chief Pradeep Singh Kharola on Monday said his priority would be to improve the airline's efficiencies and to keep a tab on cost.

"My mandate is to manage the airline, provide good services, improve efficiencies and keep a tab on cost," Kharola said at the airline's New Delhi-based headquarter Airline House.

According to Kharola, the airline will forthwith focus on providing better services to the "Business Class" passengers, along with commencing some more direct connections to the US and Australia.

The senior bureaucrat took charge as Air India CMD on December 11, 2017, before which he was the Managing Director of the Bengaluru Metro.

Kharola replaced Rajiv Bansal, Financial Advisor to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, and also holding additional charge of Air India CMD.

Kharola's mandate becomes difficult given that a ministerial group has been formed to look into the modalities of Air India's divestment process.

The Air India-specific Alternative Mechanism, headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, has been mandated to guide the strategic divestment process and to decide on key issues such as treatment of the airline's debt and hiving-off of its assets.

The demerger and strategic divestment of its three profit-making subsidiaries, the quantum of disinvestment and the universe of bidders is also on the group's agenda.

Recently, the government appointed consultancy firm EY as the transaction advisor for the strategic divestment.

Till now budget passenger carrier IndiGo has evinced interest in buying the airline's international operations and its subsidiary Air India Express.

In addition, aviation industry majors SATS, Bird Group and Celebi have shown interest in buying Air India's ground handling unit.

Currently, the airline is under massive debt burden of Rs 50,000 crore, had posted an operating profit of Rs 105 crore in 2015-16.

For the last fiscal (2016-17), the company was expected to report an improved operating profit margin.

The national flag carrier in April 12, 2012, got a new lease of life when the then UPA government had approved a Rs 30,000-crore turnaround and financial restructuring package spanning up to 2021.Thiruvananthapuram, January 08 : Central board of film certification (CBFC) regional officer A Prathiba has been removed from the post allegedly over the film certifying bodys refusal to grant a censor certificate to a Malayalam documentary on Emergency.

The documentary titled 21 months of hell reportedly lionises the struggles of the RSS swayamsevaks against the imposition of the Emergency and also dwells on the torture methods used by the police against them.

Ms. Prathiba was removed by the union ministry of information and broadcasting reportedly based on a complaint by BJP/RSS workers from Kerala.

Earlier, BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan had come out against the denial of certificate to the documentary, alleging that CBFC officials refused to certify the film only because it dealt with the struggles of RSS workers during the Emergency.

The censor board denied the certificate to the documentary reportedly on the ground that it contained fictional elements and hence cannot be classified as a documentary but only as docu-fiction.

A film certification panel headed by Ms. Prathiba which watched the documentary reportedly took the view that the violence depicted in the movie did not conform to known facts.

A report in The Hindu also quotes the director of the documentary Yadu Vijayakrishnan as saying that the CBFC took exception to certain scenes in the film which, according to them, showed disrespect towards Mahatma Gandhi and the national flag.

The irony of BJP/RSS workers raising a banner of revolt against the CBFC is not lost on anyone. They had steadfastly supported the film censor body on numerous occasions when it had kicked up controversies by denying certification to several films.

Most recently, Sanal Kumar Sasidharan-directed Sexy Durga was denied certification on the ground that the movies title hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.

BJP and RSS workers had come out strongly to defend the CBFC then against charges of denial of freedom of speech and expression, saying that the constitution permitted imposition of reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech.Jammu, Jan 8 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said that violence can never be a solution to any problem and all the issues should be resolved through dialogue.

He was speaking after receiving the first Mufti Muhammad Sayeed probity in politics and public life award at a function in Zorawar Singh Auditorium of Jammu University organized on the second death anniversary of late Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed.

Governor N.N. Vohra presented the award to Nitish Kumar in presence of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Nitish Kumar expressed gratitude to Mehbooba Mufti, daughter of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, for the award saying that the award was an honour for people of Bihar.

British politician and economist, Lord Meghnad Desai delivered the first Mufti Muhammad Sayeed memorial lecture, while Vohra spoke about Sayeed's contribution towards development of the state.Dhaka, Jan 8 : A Bangladeshi court on Monday turned down a petition to legalise marriage between its citizens and refugees from Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya minority.

Babul Hossain, a construction worker from the district of Manikganj, had filed the petition with the Bangladesh High Court in December, challenging a government ban on marrying Rohingyas for Bangladeshi citizens, which has been in effect since 2014, Efe news reported.

"The court dismissed the petition and fined the petitioner 100,000 taka ($1,200) for wasting its time," said deputy Attorney General Motahar Hossain.

Hossain's son got married to a Rohingya in September 2017 at the refugee camp in Kutupalong and since then the couple has been on the run, fearing that they may be arrested.

"The court said this man has committed a crime by bringing the girl outside the camp as she is not a Bangladeshi citizen. He also committed a crime by attempting to marry her since there is an administrative ban (against such marriages)," the Attorney added.

The defence lawyer, ABM Hamidul Mishbah, said that he would file an appeal to the Supreme Court against the order.

In October 2017, the country's Law and Justice Ministry ordered civil registries to thoroughly scrutinize the identity documents of couples before registering a marriage, after a significant increase in the number of mixed relationships.

According to the United Nations Inter Sector Coordination Group, some 655,000 Rohingya refugees have arrived in Bangladesh since August 2017.

The current exodus was triggered by the Myanmar security forces launching an operation in retaliation for an attack by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on several security posts in Rakhine State on August 25.

The governments of both the countries earlier reached an agreement on the process of repatriation for the Rohingya refugees present in Bangladesh. The process is expected to begin within two months.New Delhi, Jan 8 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday made its debut entry in the Rajya Sabha when its candidates Sanjay Singh, Sushil Gupta and N.D. Gupta were elected unopposed from Delhi.

Chartered accountant and AAP Accounts Manager N.D. Gupta's candidature was challenged by the Congress saying he held an office of profit but the complaint was quashed by Returning Officer Nidhi Srivastava.

On Monday evening, the AAP candidates got 'Certificate of Election' confirming their election to the Upper House.

The election to the three Rajya Sabha seats from Delhi was necessitated as the tenure of the Congress members now holding the membership is set to expire later this month.

The nomination of the AAP candidates was marred by controversy after party leader Kumar Vishwas publicly expressed disappointment that he was not picked for a Rajya Sabha seat and opposed the nomination of businessman Sushil Gupta.

There was universal acceptance of Sanjay Singh's nomination and there was no major objection to N.D. Gupta.

Informed sources told IANS that after N.D. Gupta's candidature was approved, the two covering candidates of the AAP withdrew their nomination, making the three the only ones in the race.

The opposition parties did not nominate any candidate for the seat as the AAP enjoys a brute majority in the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

On Saturday, the scrutiny of N.D. Gupta's nomination was put on hold till Monday by Srivastava after two complaints by Congress stating that he held an office of profit.

The Congress first stated that he was appointed a Trustee of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) Trust on March 30, 2015. Gupta told the panel that he resigned from the Trust on December 29, 2017.

In a second complaint, the Congress said Gupta had not resigned as Chairman of the Audit Committee of the NPS Trust.

But the Returning Officer said Gupta's Chairmanship of the Audit Committee was not a violation of the election code.

"It seems an internal arrangement that the Trust had made for its working and not an independent office of Chairman. In view of this the objection on this account was not found valid," Srivastava said in her order.

AAP veteran Sanjay Singh termed the Congress allegations a "cheap publicity stunt".

The AAP came to power in Delhi in February 2015 but has been caught up in a running feud with the city's centrally-nominated administrators, the Lt Governor. The AAP is also the main opposition party in both the Punjab Assembly and the municipal corporation in Delhi.

The party has four members in the Lok Sabha, all elected from Punjab, but only two are loyal to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.New Delhi, Jan 8 : Strongly opposing the proposed blanket Safeguard Duty on import of solar panels and cells, the All India Solar Industries Association (AISIA) has said the levy will badly impact solar manufacturers operating out of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) across the country.

The SEZ units are treated on par with foreign manufacturers and any Safeguard Duty will be detrimental to the Indian solar industry as a whole, said AISIA General Secretary Gyanesh Chaudhary.

AISIA also made a strong case for specific anti-dumping duty on imports from China which is flooding the Indian market with its cheap solar modules thus making domestic industry nonviable.

"If we take the case of solar modules and cells, India has 3.1 GW of installed capacity of solar cells out of which 2 GW, more than 60 per cent, is situated in SEZs. It should be noted that out of 8.3 GW of solar module manufacturing facilities, 3.8 GW are situated in SEZs. Hence, the indigenous manufactures situated in SEZ will come under the ambit of any blanket duty that will be imposed on solar cells and modules which will make them noncompetitive," Chaudhary said in a statement.

In 2016-17, the estimated demand of solar modules was around 6 GW while the demand is expected to go up to 10 GW in 2017-18.

Under the WTO framework, a member country can impose a Safeguard Duty if the increased quantity of imports may be either an absolute increase or an increase relative to domestic production which is causing serious injury or a threat of serious injury to the domestic industry. 'Serious injury' is defined as a significant overall impairment in the position of a domestic industry.

In determining whether serious injury is present, investigating authorities must evaluate all relevant factors having a bearing on the condition of the industry, include the absolute and relative rate and amount of increase in imports, the market share taken by the increased imports, as well as changes in level of sales, production, productivity, capacity, utilisation, profit and losses, and employment of the domestic industry, Chaudhary said.

India created Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in 2005 with single-window clearance and tax holidays to facilitate manufacturing in India. Under the custom laws, SEZ units are considered to be outside Indian customs territories. Thus, goods manufactured in SEZs, if sold in India, are treated deemed exports with no customs duty applicable.

Indigenous manufacturers located in SEZs will caught on the wrong foot in case a Safeguard Duty is imposed on all imported solar modules and cells.

The purpose of imposing Safeguard Duty should be to protect the domestic industry from goods which are being dumped at below-market prices, but in case of domestic manufacturers situated in SEZs, the levy yields counter-productive results. This could also lead to increase in cost that will discourage the domestic industry, Chaudhary observed.

The imposition of differential anti-dumping duty (ADD) -- higher on solar modules and lower on solar cells -- for imports from China, Taiwan and Malaysia will encourage growth of domestic manufacturing. This will help both solar cell and module manufacturers to compete in the local market and encourage the Make in India mission, he said.

Protective measures such as Safeguard Duties, ADD and Basic Customs Duty (BCD) are meant to help the domestic industry but they can cripple SEZ units and go against the theme and spirit of Make in India policy. At a time when GDP growth is declining in a constant manner, manufacturing industry has a huge role to play in India's growth story. We need to re-evaluate the duty structures to facilitate the survival and growth of domestic industry, Chaudhary added.Beijing, Jan 8 : India's envoy to China, Gautam Bambawale, on Monday met Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Rashid Alimov and discussed the agenda and preparation of the annual summit of the grouping in China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the summit, likely to be held in June.

Bambawale, who took over as India's envoy to China in November last year, presented his credentials to Alimov.

Both sides discussed issues of further development and strengthening of multifaceted interaction in the SCO framework in a constructive atmosphere.

There was a detailed exchange of views on the main agenda items of SCO and preparation for the upcoming events of SCO in 2018.

Bambawale assured Rashid of India's readiness to closely cooperate on all important areas of SCO activities.

India and Pakistan entered the Chinese-led grouping last year. With their admission, the number of member countries stands at eight.Jaipur, Jan 8 : Going by the popular mood in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia on Monday said Sanjay Leela Bhansali's movie 'Padmavati', now rechristened as 'Padmavat', will not be released in the cinema halls of the state.

"The sacrifice by Queen Padmini (also known as Padmavati) is a matter of honour and respect for all of us and hence we will not allow anyone to show disrespect to this honour," Scindia added further.

Queen Padmini, she said, "is not just a historical character for us, but a pride for all of us and we will not allow anyone to disrespect this pride in any away".

Scindia has also written to state Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria in this regard.

Bhansali's period saga Padmavati, which was mired in controversy, is finally going to see the light of day and it will now be released on January 25 as Padmavat across the country but not in Rajasthan.

Vasundhara Raje said the film would not be released in the state "respecting the sentiments of the people of Rajasthan".

"Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has already written to Smriti Irani (Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting) in this regard. As it touches the emotions of people of Rajasthan, we will not allow it to be released in Rajasthan," Home Minister Kataria told media persons.

Replying to a question as to why it was being released in India then, he said that the controversial part had been removed from the film.

"Although no one has seen it as of now, the CBFC (Central Board for Film Certification) and producer are claiming the same (removal of controversial part). Once it is released, the facts will come to the fore," he added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Ashok Parnami also said that the film Padmawat would not be released in Rajasthan.

"If there is tampering with the history in any film that affects the sentiments of people of Rajasthan, then it will not be released in the state," he added.

Later in the day, the Rajput Samaj also called a press conference to announce that the central as well as the state governments would lose a major share of their vote bank if they chose to allow the release of the controversial film.

Rajpur Sabha chief Giriraj Singh Lotwada said: "Queen Padmini is our honour and we will not allow our honour to be desecrated at any cost."

Shri Rajput Karni Sena, however, still remains firm on its stand, disallowing release of the movie. It is now demanding that the names of the characters in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie be changed.Udaipur, Jan 8 : Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anantha Kumar on Monday said the purpose of the Whips' conference is to deliberate on how to strengthen parliamentary democracy and its institutions.

The Minister's remarks came as he inaugurated a two-day 18th All India Whips Conference here.

In his inaugural address, Kumar said the duty of a Whip was not only to monitor the members of the party in legislatures but also to moderate and motivate them.

"Parliamentary democracy is the best form of democracy. The whole purpose of this conference is to strengthen the parliamentary democracy, its institutions and ultimately serve the people at large," Kumar said.

The conference is hosting around 90 delegates from 19 states and the Centre.

On this occasion, a coffee table book, "New India - We Resolve to Make", showcasing exhibitions held at 39 destinations on India's freedom movement from 1857 to 1947, depicting various activities initiated to attain freedom from the British, was released by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia, who also presided over the inaugural session.

On the final day, the delegates will deliberate on rolling out of e-Vidhan in state legislatures to digitize and make their functioning paperless.New Delhi, Jan 8 : A city-based NGO's study that 44 homeless have died due to cold in the past six days in the national capital led Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to blame Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal here on Monday for the deaths.

Kejriwal said the Lt. Governor did not consult the government before appointing the CEO of Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), which looks after night-shelters for the homeless in the city.

Kejriwal tweeted on Monday: "Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show-cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this?"

Meanwhile, DUSIB CEO Shurbir Singh rubbished the media reports on the deaths and said that "DUSIB has no reported case of death due to cold in the city".

Different from Kejriwal's statement, AAP leader Atishi Marlena said she was "surprised as the number of deaths is consistent across all months".

"Surprised at story being run by several channels on cold wave deaths. If the number of deaths of homeless/ unidentified persons is consistent across all 12 months, how can they be attributed to the cold wave?" the leader tweeted.

Sunil Kumar Aledia of the Centre for Holistic Development (CHD), which conducted the study, said that they arrived at the number by collecting data from Zonal Integrated Police Network, Ministry of Home Affairs.Rabat, Jan 8 : Egypt will be guest of honour at the 24th edition of Casablanca's international publishing and book fair to be held in February.

The book fair will take place from February 8-18, according to the Ministry of Culture and Communication.

The programme will focus on Moroccan-Egyptian relations, the issues of culture and philosophy as well as on the works of Egyptian writer Jamal El Ghitani.

The fair will be attended by eminent writers, novelists and researchers from both the countries.New Delhi, Jan 8 : The India is awaiting an appropriate proposal from US tech giant Apple to set up a manufacturing unit in the country, Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Monday.

Briefing reporters here after a meeting of the Council for Trade Development and Promotion, the Minister said India was looking to manufacture more of products it currently imported and was eager to partner with Apple in this regard.

"We are waiting for a good proposal from Apple... Please give us a concrete proposal. If the proposal comes, we will examine it. We are always open for that," Prabhu said.

"We are users, and we should be manufacturers... We should be partners of Apple," he added.

While the matter of the American iPhone maker setting up a unit in India had been discussed during Chief Executive Tim Cook's visit to India over a year ago, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Alphons Kannanthanam had, in October, also spoken favourably about the proposal.

In March last year, then Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had informed the Rajya Sabha that the government had not accepted most of the demands of the company for setting up a local unit.

Apple has sought concessions, including duty exemption on manufacturing and repair units, components, capital equipment and consumables for a period of 15 years. It also wants relaxation in the statutory 30 per cent local sourcing of components.Gandhinagar, Jan 8 : Trouble seemed to brew for the Congress in Gujarat with the state's Koli community, which is a strong support base of the party, demanding its leader Kunwarji Bavaliya head the party in the assembly instead of Amreli lawmaker Paresh Dhanani.

The Koli community, which comes under the Other Backward Classes (OBC), have planned a massive rally in support of Bawaliya in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

Dhanani has been Saturday named as the Congress Legislature Party leader, making him leader of opposition in the assembly, by Congress President Rahul Gandhi with the party saying there was consensus on his name from the elected legislators.

Bavaliya, Mohansinh Rathwa and others were also among the other contenders.

Bavaliya, who won the Jasdan constituency assembly seat after defeating his BJP rival Bharat Boghra by over 9,000 votes, however sought to distance himself from Wednesday's protest, saying that he was satisfied with the party high command's decision regarding Dhanani.

"I am satisified wih the high command's decision. The event on the 10th is entirely social and has no connection with any demand," he said.Bengaluru, Jan 8 : Five employees of a bar-and-restaurant here died early on Monday as a blaze swept the premises leaving them no way of escape, police said. Two persons, including the establishment's manager, have been arrested for alleged violation of safety norms.

"All the five men died when the Kailash Bar & Restaurant (in the city centre) caught fire around 2.30 a.m.," Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner of Police, West M.N. Anucheth told reporters here.

"We have registered a case of criminal negligence amounting to culpable homicide against bar owner R.V. Dayashankar, 58, who obtained the trade and liquor licences to run it," he added.

Even as the bar owner was not traceable, his elder brother V.R.Prakash, 60, and manager Somashekar, 59 were arrested after police filed a case of criminal negligence amounting to culpable homicide under section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), according to a police statement.

A case has also been registered against the building owner, the statement added.

"We have arrested Prakash, who has been running the bar along with his brother for the past two years, and Somashekar and are on the lookout to locate and arrest Dayashankar," Assistant Commissioner of Police (West) Niranjan Urs told IANS here.

Karnataka Director General of Fire and Emergency Services M.N. Reddi said the victims died due to asphyxia than burns, as they suffocated in the absence of fresh air, ventilation and no exit door to escape.

"Preliminary inquiry revealed that prima facie the bar had no fire extinguisher or other fire precautionary measures like an exit door, ventilation, exhaust fans or an escape way," Reddi told reporters after inspecting the spot.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and police have been directed to inspect all bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels and eateries across the city to check for safety norms, Reddi added.

The cause of the fire was, however, still unknown even 14 hours after it broke out. "Electrical short circuit is suspected to have sparked it," said Anucheth.

Fire brigade personnel had retrieved the charred bodies of the victims after dousing the fire by 4 a.m and had later shifted them to the state-run Victoria Hospital for autopsy.

The victims were identified as Swami, 23, Prasad, 20, Mahesh, 35, Manjunath, 45, and Keerthi, 20.

Swami, Prasad, Mahesh were from Tumakuru,while Manjunath is from Hassan and Keerthi from Mandya.

State Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George and senior police and civic body officials visited the bar and inspected its gutted premises.

"The state government has decided to give Rs 5 lakh compensation to each of the victims' bereaved families," said George.

Admitting that commercial establishments should have two doors so that customers could rush out in case of fire, the Home Minister said Kailash Bar had one shutter door.

The fire in the pub occurred about 10 days after a fire incident in a rooftop pub claimed 14 lives in Mumbai on December 29.

Bengaluru Mayor Sampath Raj, who inspected the burnt bar, told reporters that he had ordered an inquiry to find out why the victims were sleeping in the premises after downing the shutters post 1 a.m.

The BBMP has raided several bars, restaurants, pubs and eateries here after the Mumbai pub blaze.

"We have been conducting raids since January 2 to check if fire safety norms were in place. We have also shut down 10 bars and served notices to many others," said Raj.New Delhi, Jan 8 : The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to come up with an action plan to address the issue of sewage problem in the national capital, after it was informed that 45 per cent of the city is not connected to the sewage system.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar asked the DJB to inform it about the plan on availability of sewage facility in the whole of Delhi.

The plea, filed by advocate S.B. Tripathi, sought direction for the DJB to provide 100 per cent sewage facility in the entire city and the Central government to provide financial assistance to the DJB for the work.

The plea said that in 2016, the DJB had told the court that only 55 per cent of the Delhi population is covered with sewage facility and there is no sewage facility available to the remaining 45 per cent.

The DJB had also stated that sewage generated from the remaining 45 per cent areas is flowing into drains and ultimately into rivers, the lawyer added.

"Sewage of 45 per cent unsewered area is not only being wasted but also causing pollution in river Yamuna," said the plea.

The petition added: "Irrespective of the fact as to whether an area has sewage facility or not, sewage is generated from every area where people are living and only 55 per cent sewage is being recycled and the remaining 45 per cent sewage of unsewered areas is flowing into drains and ultimately into the river."

Tripathi contended that the DJB had said that there is a Sewage Treatment Plan-2031, implementation of which has also been started subject to availability of funds.

He suggested that since the Central government has been running different programmes such as Namami Gange Programme, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the DJB can seek funds from the government.

The court also sought response from Haryana and the DJB on plea seeking direction to supply 330 cusec per day water through Munak canal for Delhi.

Tripathi said as 330 cusec of water is supplied by Haryana through Delhi branch, which is "kaccha" canal, 50 per cent of water is being lost due to seepage and Delhi gets only about 170/180 cusec of water per day.

"If 330 cusec of water is supplied through Munak canal, Delhi will get about 313 cusec of water per day instead of 170/180 cusec per day, hence, Delhi will have additional 143 cusec water per day (which is about 93 MGD) at its disposal and probably 2-3 Water Treatment Plants can be made functional," said the plea.

The bench asked the Haryana government and the DJB to file an action plan on the issue and also directed the DJB to see if the "kaccha" canal be repaired without disturbing the supply of water.

The court sought records and status and condition of the "kaccha" canal and improvement which may be necessary, and posted the matter for 13.Panaji, Jan 8 : Two Oman-bound passengers, including a foreign national were arrested by customs officials at the Dabolim international airport on Monday morning, for possession of foreign currency to the tune of Rs. 43.70 lakh.

"The search of baggage carried by the passengers resulted in recovery of foreign currency equivalent to Rs. 43.70 lakh. The said passengers had been moving suspiciously in the departure hall before check-in formalities and could not give satisfactory answers when confronted by customs sleuths," a Customs spokesperson told IANS.

The cash was found in multiple foreign currencies, including US dollars.A

The identity of the persons arrested under the Foreign Exchange Management Act have not been declared by the enforcement agency yet.

The duo were booked on an Oman Air flight and were working in tandem, the official said.Vatican City, Jan 8 : Pope Francis on Monday appealed for international efforts towards dialogue on the Korean peninsula, Syria and other world flashpoints in a wide-ranging annual address to the ambassadors of some 185 nations.

"Peace is not built by vaunting the power of the victor over the vanquished," he said in the foreign policy speech that backed disarmament and multilateralism.

Any disputes between nations must be resolved by negotiation and agreement, not by war, the Pope said in the speech which prioritised human rights over power and profit.

"In this regard, it is of paramount importance to support every effort at dialogue on the Korean peninsula, to find new ways of overcoming the current disputes, increasing mutual trust and ensuring a peaceful future for the Korean people and the entire world," he said.

The speech also focused on conflict-wracked Syria, where a devastating civil war has raged for almost seven years.

"It is also important for the various peace initiatives aimed at helping Syria to continue, in a constructive climate of growing trust between the parties, so that the lengthy conflict that has caused such immense suffering can finally come to an end," Pope Francis said.

"Our shared hope is that, after so much destruction, the time for rebuilding has now come," he said, calling for the inclusion and protection of religious minorities including Christians "who for centuries have made an active contribution to Syria's history".

The pontiff urged a political solution to achieve "peaceful coexistence" between Israelis and Palestinians "despite the difficulties" and upheld respect for the "status quo" on the holy city of Jerusalem, calling for "every initiative be carefully weighed".

Among the lessons taught by the devastating conflict of World War I, which ended a century ago, is that war isn't deterred by the "law of fear," but rather by "calm" reason, he said.

"Future acts of aggression are not deterred by the law of fear, but rather by the power of calm reason," he said.Patna, Jan 8 : President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the 4th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference on "State and Social Order in Dharma-Dhamma Traditions" in Rajgir of Nalanda district in Bihar on January 11, officials said on Monday.

Nalanda University Vice Chancellor Sunaina Singh told the media here that the varsity, in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Religion and Society, India Foundation, Ministry of External Affairs and the Vietnam Buddhist University, is organising the conference from January 11 to 13 at Rajgir International Convention Centre, Rajgir -- about 100km from here.

The event is being organised as part of the commemorative events to celebrate the Silver Jubilee year of ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership, with active support of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Besides President Kovind, Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Assignments Tilak Marapana and Kingdom of Thailand's Minister for Culture Vira Rojpojchanarat, among others, will attend the conference.

The overall theme of the Conference -- State and Social Order in Dharma-Dhamma Tradition -- which aims to facilitate cross-pollination of ideas and foster harmony at the global level and also seeks to explore the shared values of the dharmic traditions that may provide the guiding light to the world and a vibrant sense of inter-connectedness.

As one of the defining principles of the human civilization, Dharma-Dhamma provided the structure upon which the broad array of human existence and cosmic life was built across the globe.

The notion of Dharma-Dhamma, in its manifold manifestations, including truth and non-violence, peace and harmony, humaneness and spiritual linkages and universal fraternity and peaceful co-existence, served as a moral compass that guided people in the Indian sub-continent through ages and continues to shape and sustain the Indian cultural ethos.New Delhi, Jan 8 : State electricity distribution companies (discoms) that have adopted the Centre's Uday debt restructuring scheme are on the way to recovery from accumulated losses and should be able to "break even" in around two years, a senior government official said on Monday.

Power Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla told BTVI in an interview here that the discoms had brought down their aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses since the Centre's Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (Uday) for debt restructuring had been in operation for a year and hoped to "break even" by the remaining two years of the scheme.

"The results of Uday during fiscal 2016-17 have definitely been promising, the discoms' AT&C losses have come down," he said.

"Besides, their energy build-up has gone up..it has grown by over 9 per cent. Once the billing losses are reduced and the cost of power purchase goes down, discoms' will certainly reduce their losses," he said.

"The Uday trajectory envisages a three-year time frame. The first year is over, the second is going one and by the end of the third the discoms hope to break even," he added.

Bhalla said that as part of their efforts to reduce losses, the discoms are regularly "filing petitions with the regulator for tariff revision".

"UP (Uttar Pradesh) has done so recently. So tariff increases and revisions are taking place regularly.

"We are also promoting metering..not only simple metering but also smart and prepaid," he added.

State-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has tendered for buying smart meters in bulk for use in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, the Secretary said.

"Presently, the various parameters on discom performance is showing improvement, but losses have not gone away. They will take another 2 years to do it," Bhalla added.Islamabad, Jan 8 : Afghanistan has pressed Pakistan to grant up to one year extension of the stay of over 1 million registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Afghan diplomats said on Monday.

The demand came days after Pakistani Cabinet decided to grant only one month extension to the stay of nearly 1.4 million registered refugees in Pakistan, Xinhua reported.

The Pakistani cabinet in its January 3 meeting granted the extension in the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards that allow registered refugees to stay legally in the country.

The PoR cards expired on December 31, 2017 and under the Cabinet's new decision, registered Afghan refugees can legally stay in Pakistan until January 31.

The Cabinet had also decided that the issue of early repatriation of Afghan refugees should be raised with the UN refugee agency and with the international community.

Afghanistan Deputy Ambassador to Pakistan Zardasht Shams said over a million refugees cannot be sent back home in one month time.

Shams told Xinhua late on Monday that the Afghan government is in contact with the Pakistani officials to extend the stay of the registered refugees by one year or at least six months.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has already suspended voluntary repatriation of the refugees from Pakistan for winter break until March, he said.

The Cabinet has taken the decision at a time when the documentation of the hundreds of thousands of unregistered refugees is underway in Pakistan.

The Afghan Deputy Ambassador said about 700,000 unregistered refugees had been documented until January 5. The documentation process, which is going on in 21 centres across Pakistan, is scheduled to conclude on January 31.Manama, Jan 9 : Highlighting how job creation in India is at an eight-year-low, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said the two threats facing India under the Narendra Modi government are inability to create jobs and the rise in the forces of hatred and division.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Bahrain here, he said: "Tragically the conversation in our country today is not about jobs, healthcare or education. The only thing India talks about is what you are allowed to eat, who is allowed to protest and what we can say or rather what we cannot say.

"India today is free, but once again it is under threat. There are two clear threats facing our country today. The first is our government's inability to provide jobs for our people. Our main competitor China produces 50,000 jobs every 24 hours. India currently produces 400 jobs in the same amount of time."

"It is an important figure. What China does in two days, it takes India one year to do. These are not my figures, these are figures of the government of India given in the Parliament. Job creation in India is at an eight-year-low," Gandhi said in his address at an event organised by Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin.

"New investments have been lowest in 13 years. Bank credit growth has sunk to a 63-year low. To make matters worse, many in the Indian diaspora have lost hard-earned money because of arbitrary decisions like demonetisation. It landed a crippling blow to India's overall economic growth. The fact is that India can simply not afford this," he added.

Underlining India was the second-most populous country with 30,000 new youngsters coming daily into India's job market, he said that not providing education and jobs to these youngsters was "a recipe for disaster".

"The government's failure to creating jobs is resulting in tremendous anger and unrest in India. The youth are asking a very simple question, what are we going to do in future. This anger is visible in the streets and is rising rapidly," he said, adding the "tragedy" is that instead of focusing on what is critical issues like poverty alleviation, job creation and building a world class education system, "we see instead rise in the forces of hatred and division".

Gandhi also said that activists and journalists are threatened in India. "They are shot dead for expressing their views. People are killed because of their religious beliefs, Dalits are beaten into submission, judges investigating sensitive cases die under mysterious circumstances. And through all this the government has nothing to say."

Claiming India has been taken off its path of progress, he said: "We need to bring our conversation back from violence and hatred to one of progress, jobs and love between our people. And we cannot do that at home without our largest skill base on the planet - all you people in this room.

"Together, we must steer India back to its original strengths, we need to make India the centrepiece of ahimsa, of non-violence, of compassion."

He also said that he was in Bahrain for a purpose and that is "to tell you what you mean to your country".

"That you are important. To tell you that there is a serious problem at home, to tell you that you are part of the solution and that I am here to build the bridge between your world and home," he added.Brussels, Jan 9 : European Union President Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday lauded the role played by Italy in the migration crisis and the bloc's stability pact, heaping praise on its Economy Minister Carlo Padoan.

"Italy has been extremely useful to the EU in respect of migration policy and the stability pact," Juncker told a Brussels conference on the EU's 2021-2027 budget, which Paduan also attended.

"I pay special tribute to Italy's economy minister Mr Padoan, who has been extremely cooperative," he added.

The EU made available 17 billion euros in 2016 and 2017 from its current budget to help member states like Italy - which have an external border - meet their migration policy obligations, said Juncker.Juba, Jan 9 : South Sudan's former army chief Paul Malong Awan has rebelled against the government, officials said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said the former Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) chief of staff ordered his followers to attack government positions in several parts of the country, Xinhua reported.

Ateny said between December 26 and 28 last year, the former military chief instructed his fighters to attack the towns of Aweil and Wau, adding that last week's clashes near the capital Juba were also ordered by Malong.

"We can confirm without reservations that the audio has born the true voice of General Paul Malong, the former chief of general staff of the SPLA," Ateny said.

The government bases its accusations on leaked audio tapes circulating on social media. The audio tapes recorded in the Dinka language could not be independently verified.

"I can verify the voices of the people he spoke to. I know him (Malong); I know those who were speaking to him... therefore, there is no reason why I should not belief that it was Malong," Ateny added.

Malong was widely regarded as a key ally of President Salva Kiir after he mobilized an ethnic militia to fight for the Kiir administration.

But in May 2016, Malong was sacked and put under house arrest before being allowed to leave the country in November to seek medical attention in Kenya.

Human rights groups have on several occasions accused Malong and his militia of committing atrocities on civilians across the war-torn country.

The former army chief is also among three South Sudanese officials sanctioned by the US and Canada last year for allegedly obstructing peace efforts and benefiting from the ongoing civil war.

South Sudan has been embroiled in four years of conflict that has created one of the fastest growing refugee crises in the world.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under United Nations pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016.

The UN estimates that about 4 million South Sudanese have been displaced internally and externally.DemandLab partners with Informatica to extend its data capabilites to enterprise business leaders Our world is increasingly driven by data and our partnership with Informatica emphasizes our commitment to unleashing datas true value."

DemandLab, a technology-focused marketing consultancy based in Philadelphia, has joined the Informatica Partner program as a Foundation Partner.

As a partner, DemandLab will leverage Informaticas deep expertise in data architecture, data integration, data quality, data governance, master data management (MDM), and reporting/analytics to enhance DemandLabs offerings for its customers and beyond. DemandLab will capitalize on Informatica's extensive product suite delivered through the Informatica Intelligent Data Platform, which combines metadata intelligence and artificial intelligence, fully integrated across all aspects of data management.

The partnership will extend DemandLabs data capabilities relating to big data, data governance, data architecture, and data science. As a result, DemandLab will provide in-depth expertise to enterprise business leaders, enabling organizations to use data to generate deeper business insights, accurately track and attribute revenue to marketing activities, and specifically enable marketers to construct and deliver more rewarding customer experiences using big data analysis and storage tools.

Our world is increasingly driven by data, said DemandLabs CEO Rhoan Morgan. "And our partnership with Informatica emphasizes our commitment to unleashing datas true value. It's a great fit, perfectly complementing the data services we already provide to our clients."

Morgan said that many companies fail to capitalize on the wealth of data that flows through their organization on a daily basis. She added that the data is only valuable if it is captured, stored, validated, integrated, analyzed and monetized. "We use a mix of technical acumen, hard science, and creative thinking to create data architectures, connect systems, develop standards and implement data governance policies that reveal the true value of data so that companies can realize its potential."

As marketing becomes an increasingly data-driven discipline, we recognize the need to partner with marketing experts like DemandLab to bring solutions like the intelligent marketing data lake into enterprise organizations, said Terry Moses, regional director, North America Channel Sales, Informatica. By combining Informaticas powerful technology with DemandLabs marketing expertise, organizations will gain in-depth insight into their customers that ultimately improves customers experiences, increases sales, and delivers a greater ROI.

This partnership is a key enabler in DemandLabs vision to deliver the 360 degree view of the customer as part of its overall Revenue Ecosystem framework. DemandLab will deliver exceptional value to organizations looking to better leverage data that powers digital transformation.

About DemandLab

DemandLab is a technology-focused marketing consultancy that accelerates revenue for its clients by aligning marketing, sales, and customer success functions through customized strategic solutions that leverage system architecture, data science and analytics, and end-to-end customer journeys. With solutions designed to scale, DemandLab helps clients advance their digital transformation strategy and create competitive differentiation that advances business goals and drives revenue. Learn more about this award-winning consultancy at http://www.demandlab.com.

Note: Informatica and Intelligent Data Platform are trademarks or registered trademarks of Informatica in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other company and product names may be trade names or trademarks of their respective owners."It is always wonderful news when an award-winning company such as Orases re-commits itself to our county through expansion, new investment and job creation, Helen Propheter, Director, Frederick County Office of Economic Development.

Orases, Marylands top award-winning custom software development company, announces plans today to move into a new office space in the burgeoning Industry Lane business district. Co-founders Nick Damoulakis and Amy Damoulakis signed an agreement for a nearly 10,000-square-foot office located at 5728 Industry Lane. The firm plans to renovate the original building plans with a custom design in time for an April 2018 occupancy.

Were experiencing tremendous growth as an organization and it was time to find a larger space to accommodate our team - a space we can call our own that better reflects the intensely creative and collaborative way we work, said Damoulakis, Orases President. This is a great opportunity for us to build our own unique presence in one of the most exciting cities in Maryland  a presence that represents the bold passion of Orases and our commitment to remaining in the Frederick County area.

It is always wonderful news when an award-winning company such as Orases re-commits itself to our county through expansion, new investment and job creation, said Helen Propheter, Director of Frederick County Office of Economic Development. As part of Frederick County's diverse corporate community, I congratulate them on their continued growth.

Orases has always called Frederick home. The firm inhabited its current office at 7101 Guilford Drive since 2008, when the agency moved from the SOMAR building in downtown Frederick which they had occupied from 2004 to 2008. Orases leadership team spent several months evaluating options for the firms office expansion, including remaining in its current location, before choosing the single standing building opportunity at 5728 Industry Lane, an off-market property presented by Tony "C" Checchia, President of Verita Real Estate. The firm has partnered with Archive Design Services and Summit Construction to design a space that conveys Orases vibrant energy and creative personality and that provides a customized, innovative work environment for its current 25 member team. The building will include space for future expansion, as the company expects double-digit growth by 2020 and beyond. It will be a total contrast from what Orases has occupied in the past  a distinct differentiator being a UI/UX Lab component and public Meet Up space for other tech companies to use will be announced in the near future. The firm plans to invest approximately $2 million in the project.

We have the best employeestheyre innovative, driven, and continuously push the limits of creativity and hard workwhich is why exceptional companies continue to seek out our firm, said Nick Damoulakis, Orases co-founder and President. Were staying ahead of workplace trends by creating an innovative environment that will compliment our people, our culture and our process, allowing us to continue to revolutionize our clients businesses on a national and global scale.KWizCom, Platinum Sponsor of SharePoint Fest DC

SharePoint Fest confirmed KWizCom as a Platinum Sponsor of the conference. KWizCom Corporation is a leading developer of SharePoint Forms, Workflows, Wiki, Mobile as well as numerous other turn-key SharePoint add-ons and apps for Office 365.

KWizCom invites the attendees of the conference to visit the companys booth where they will meet the team and be able to discuss their SharePoint requirements and find solutions for their SharePoint challenges. Additionally, the attendees visiting KWizCom booth will get the opportunity to play fun and simple Forms Superhero trivia games and win gift cards and other prizes, while familiarizing themselves with the groundbreaking add-ons and SharePoint apps KWizCom offers.

At SharePoint Fest DC, an exclusive SharePoint and Office 365 technology conference, attendees will learn from the brightest minds in the SharePoint universe! SharePoint Fest DC will begin with two days of pre-conference workshops on March 26 and March 27, followed by a three-day conference (including an expo hall) March 28 - 30.

About KWizCom

Since 2005, KWizCom has provided innovative solutions and services to make SharePoint even better for over 7,000 companies worldwide. KWizCom is a leading provider of SharePoint Forms, Mobile, Wiki solutions, and over 70 other add-ons for SharePoint on-premises and apps for Office 365. KWizCom is a Gold Certified Microsoft Partner is headquartered in Toronto, Canada to find out more about the company visit http://www.kwizcom.com.

About SharePoint Fest

The SharePoint Fest series will be entering their 8th year in 2018. SharePoint Fest DC offers a three-day conference (with two optional pre-conference workshop days) that brings together SharePoint enthusiasts and practitioners, with many of the leading SharePoint experts and solution providers in the country.

Attend SharePoint Fest DC where attendees will be able to attend workshops and seminars  taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers, Microsoft engineers, and Microsoft MCM's and MVPs  covering Enterprise Content Management, Implementation/Administration, Business Value, Search, Business Intelligence, Office 365 and SharePoint Development. Attendees will be able to choose one complete learning track or mix and match based on what content best meets their current needs.

At SharePoint Fest DC, there will be sessions created for SharePoint administrators, software developers, business analysts, information architects, and knowledge workers, which will ensure that attendees walk away with as much knowledge as they desire to truly leverage SharePoint in their current environment.

Web Site: http://www.sharepointfest.com/DCAward recognition can be the key to turning a page-turner fiction into a bestselling novel. Outskirts Press, the No. 1-rated self-publishing company according to Top Consumer Reviews, wants to help independent authors get the recognition they deserve with a win in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The deadline to register through Outskirts Press is Jan. 12, 2018.

Authors who published in 2016, 2017 or 2018 are eligible to compete against others in the prestigious annual book competition, which recognizes excellence in independently published books. When authors register by January 12, Outskirts Press will ensure they are entered on time according to competition rules, and in one or more of the 70 book categories that offer the best shot at winning. A Next Generation Indie Book Award win comes with the following prizes:



Up to $1,500 in cash prizes and a trophy

Recognition as an award-winning author

Listing in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Catalog distributed to thousands of readers and media

Invitation to Gala Awards Ceremony

New York literary agent review for top award winners

In addition to these incentives, Outskirts Press will give winning authors a free award-win seal for their book cover and publicity on the Outskirts Press Self-Publishing News blog and all social media channels. To submit a book for a Next Generation Indie Book Award, Outskirts Press authors should log into their Publishing Center to add the option to their shopping cart  Outskirts Press will handle the rest

For more information about this and other self-publishing and book marketing services from Outskirts Press, visit the company at http://www.OutskirtsPress.com.

About Outskirts Press Inc.: Outskirts Press helps authors develop and publish high-quality books by offering exceptional design, printing, publishing, distribution and book marketing services. Top Consumer Reviews ranks Outskirts Press No. 1 because they are passionate about delivering outstanding customer service, affordable pricing, industry-leading royalties, and a team of hands-on, U.S.-based publishing experts. At http://www.outskirtspress.com authors can publish their book, their way, today.

# # #

Outskirts Press Inc., 10940 S. Parker Road, #515, Parker, CO 80134

http://outskirtspress.com 1-888-OP-BOOKSMonarchFx & NFI Signing I am excited to announce our partnership with NFI and to announce our first location in Chino. This state-of-the-art fulfillment center will allow us to provide huge benefits to our clients and their customers.

MonarchFx, a Tompkins International company, partners with leading supply chain solutions provider, NFI, to select the first Rapid Deployment MonarchFx Center (RDMC), located in Chino, California. The RDMC is imbedded within the NFI distribution center campus, having the capacity to provide 19 million consumers with same day delivery, 22 million with one-day delivery, and 51 million with two-day delivery.

Executives from MonarchFx and NFI came together recently to sign the agreement to begin implementation of the RDMC. The Chino location is the first of five locations around the United States, slated to open within the next six months.

The Chino RDMC will include Tompkins Robotics, the SensorThink IoT platform, the Softeon technology platform, and the Tompkins Warehouse Execution System, all working together in a seamless manner. Along with the NFI team, this solution provides a powerful unichannel distributed logistics capability.

MonarchFx was created to give brands and retailers a highly credible fulfillment solution, superior to other alternatives. MonarchFx provides quality services at reasonable prices, requiring low capital investment.

I am excited to announce our partnership with NFI and to announce our first location in Chino. This state-of-the-art fulfillment center will allow us to provide huge benefits to our clients and their customers, stated Jim Tompkins, CEO, MonarchFx.

MonarchFxs decision to partner with NFI is a validation of the world-class supply chain solutions we provide, stated Ike Brown, Vice Chairman and President, NFI. Our combined expertise and vision will deliver new levels of innovation that will help our clients leverage their supply chains to enhance the customer experience.

About MonarchFx

MonarchFx is the coming together of world class supply chain and logistics companies with world class sellers of products to form a reinvented logistics ecosystem that is new, smart, and innovative. MonarchFx offers a local automated fulfillment network and local/regional final delivery services at a competitive price, providing great customer service. The vision of MonarchFx is to be the preferred direct-to-consumer logistics provider, operating with the lowest cost, while delivering the highest levels of customer service, and providing superior value for MonarchFx sellers. The mission of MonarchFx is to create, build, and manage a substantial logistics ecosystem that establishes MonarchFx partners to become the preferred unichannel logistics solution in the United States. For more information about MonarchFx, visit: http://www.monarchfxgo.com.

About NFI

NFI is a fully integrated North American supply chain solutions provider headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. Privately held by the Brown family since its inception in 1932, NFI generates nearly $2 billion in annual revenue and employs nearly 10,000 associates. NFI owns facilities globally and operates 41.5 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space. Its dedicated and drayage fleet consists of over 4,000 tractors and 8,300 trailers, operated by more than 2,600 company drivers and 1,600 owner operators. Its business lines include dedicated transportation, warehousing, intermodal, brokerage, transportation management, global logistics, drayage, and commercial real estate services. For more information about NFI, visit http://www.nfiindustries.com or call 1-877-NFI-3777.MediStreams fills the niche of remittance processing in the revenue cycle of healthcare providers.

Healthcare is likely the most difficult example of accounts receivable on the planet. In other industries, invoices go out, and either some or all the money for that invoice comes back and gets posted. Then you move on.

In healthcare, you almost never receive the amount invoiced. For example, you go to the doctor and he does something that is billed to an insurance company at $100. What comes back is a check for $27, along with two pages explaining why.

That explanation of benefits (EOB) is very difficult to parse to determine what was denied, what was reduced due to provider contracts, what part is the responsibility of the patient to pay and so on. It all must be reconciled back to the amount of the check before posting to the practice management system at the hospital.

Not only do payments have to match the claims, but also healthcare billers must reconcile the days deposits to the amount of cash that came into the bank. They cannot post electronic information that has not been funded.

MediStreams, a healthcare revenue cycle management (HRCM) solution fills the niche of remittance processing in the revenue cycle of healthcare providers. The companys HIPAA-compliant solutions dramatically lower the cost of processing payments in the billing office where often a $2 human driven process can be reduced by 75 percent or more for paper payments.

IBM Cloud for redundancy

Initially, MediStreams owned all its hardware and infrastructure and was more than proficient in managing it. So when the idea of cloud-based services and infrastructure came along, the company wasnt quick to go there.

MediStreams took a wait-and-see approach. As the technology matured, it became obvious that service providers such as IBM, who make their living by keeping hardware up and running, could offer us more reliability and scalability at less cost than we could continue doing for ourselves. Buying into the cloud is exactly the concept that MediStreams sells its own customers: Why process payments in house, when MediStreams can do it in our cloud more efficiently? We simply followed our own advice.

As MediStreams grows, it becomes increasingly important to have a multisite solution of dedicated servers for redundancy, disaster recovery and compliance. In the world where HIPAA strictly governs the protection of patient healthcare information, auditors frown on companies that co-mingle data on cloud-based services where multitenancy is used to offer cut rate pricing.

With IBM, we know we are the only company using the capacity and resources of the hardware on which we sit. Yet, the cost per virtual server remains market competitive as we deploy dozens of servers on each physical server.

The IBM Cloud supports the entire MediStreams architecture of networking and servers in a virtualized environment with subscription based pricing. Virtualization with VMware allows us to quickly deploy servers with the correct amount of CPU power and data storage needed.

Enjoying the benefits of IBM Cloud

The MediStreams migration to the IBM Cloud is going smoothly. We remain impressed at the level of assistance we receive from IBM. They come to the table with the human and technical resources to help us solve problems.

Our growth demands that we have a scalable infrastructure. MediStreams is confident that it can rely on the IBM team to deliver on-demand cloud infrastructure that keeps up with our rapidly expanding enterprise.

The services that MediStreams sells to our customers come with a promise of process improvement. To deliver on that promise, MediStreams must embrace that same goal of operational efficiency as we build our solutions. Moving from a traditional data center to the IBM Cloud has been pivotal in helping us go to market with a rock-solid solution that can grow rapidly, but keep incremental operating costs in sync with new revenues instead of incurring costly capital expenditures in advance of that growth.

Being able to buy infrastructure by the slice is one of the competitive advantages that allows us to win business from our competition.

As a bonus, we enjoy a compliance win by having IBM as a partner with their model of single tenant hardware. And MediStreams enjoys the reputation by association gained when the IBM name is a part of our story. This speaks volumes to our healthcare customers that MediStreams is a company that takes seriously the security and protection of their sensitive data.

About MediStreams

MediStreams, LLC, a cloud based solutions company specializing in Streamlining the Complex Remittance Process, offers a suite of products and services to automate the entire remittance payment process. For more information visit http://www.MediStreams.com or call 866-836-2835.

Written by: James Coyle, CEO, MediStreamsDebra Box, Executive Director Support KC "Through our partnership with Shipley Communications, we are excited to offer this opportunity for our clients to do a deeper dive into their fund development and communications practices and learn new techniques to support them in these efforts, says Debra Box, executive director at Support KC.

Shipley Communications, LLC has announced that it is collaborating with Support KC to organize workshops, called Mission Ready Monday, tailored to nonprofits business needs in Kansas City metro area. These workshops will be held on Mondays each month for one-hour from 4 to 5 p.m. The workshops will start on Jan.22, 2018 and will be conducted through December, 2018.

The first workshop in this series of Mission Ready Monday is on Jan. 22. The workshop will focus on how to schedule grants and effectively manage a grants pipeline.

Each workshop will be designed around nonprofits needs to find solutions for nonprofit business. Workshops are focused on grants, successful event planning; creating time for building strategy; how to build successful corporate relationships and successful branding. Each workshop is limited to five participants and cost $56.00. To apply, contact Ellen Bergstrom at Support KC.

The workshops are:

Jan. 22, 2018 - Building a Grants Management Calendar

Get ahead of your grants and get organized. This session will give you tips on how to schedule grants and effectively manage your grants pipeline. Create a Grant Workflow to visualize when (Letters of Intent) LOIs are due and to give your team a predictable schedule.

Feb. 12, 2018 - Fit or Fantasy: Reviewing Foundation Guidelines to Identify Good Prospects.

Sometimes you have to swipe right. Work to create a Grant matrix so you can make a quick, mission-based decision.

March 5, 2018 - Event Planning 101.

Tips for creating, managing and tailoring a successful (and profitable) event to your audience. Not everyone wants a gala  some people like goat yoga. Create events that your audience will love.

April 9, 2018 - Make some time - No really make some time.

Make some Time - No really make some time. How to set time aside for strategy, making connections and personally thanking donors.

May 7, 2018 - Grant Reporting Dos and Donts.

Grant Reporting should not be anxiety inducing especially if you are following your Grant Management Calendar. Create an easy to follow grant report that is clean, concise and foundation ready.

June 11, 2018 - Branding 101.

Let your end user be the guide. How branding can support mission success. We will review some nonprofit branding disasters.

July 23, 2018 - How to give feedback.

Learn how to give direct feedback for employee improvement and success. Learn how to help employees and your mission grow.

August 13, 2018 - Sponsors Needed.

A guide to building successful corporate relationships.

September 17, 2018 - Government Grants.

Ready for federal funding? How to get ready to apply for these grants.

October 22, 2018 - Once Upon a Time: Telling your story and making it stick.

Stories are great -- if we can get people to remember them. How to make a story stick.

November 19, 2018 - Maintaining Your Social Media

What channel, what message and how to stay focused.

December, 2018 - Program Evaluation (Date TBD)

Writing realistic outcomes that are meaningful for the client, foundation, board and donor.

Fund development and communications are critical to nonprofit success, says Debra Box, executive director at Support KC. Through our partnership with Shipley Communications, we are excited to offer this opportunity for our clients to do a deeper dive into their fund development and communications practices and learn new techniques to support them in these efforts, adds Box.

The workshops will help train the nonprofit personnel in day to day management of business tasks such as grant management, grant reporting, storytelling, program evaluation, social media and branding so they can become more efficient in such tasks and have time to focus on strategy and their missions.

Support KC

Support KC provides nonprofit organizations with business and development expertise, empowering them to focus on their missions. We help organizations with limited resources and staff in necessary tasks such as accounting, data management, fundraising and managing strategy. By helping manage these tasks, Support KC helps nonprofits do what they do best, change lives. And in the process of helping, we too change lives...behind the scenes. For more information visit http://www.supportkc.org.

Shipley Communications, LLC

Shipley Communications specializes in you. Your company, your brand and your market. We are your go-to experts for public relations, market strategy, speech writing, fundraising, public engagement, campaign planning and crisis communication. At Shipley Communications, we believe in communication that is simple, honest and has the power to change the world.For more information, please visit http://www.shipleycommunications.org.Dr. Amarik Singh Welcomes Patients with Bleeding Gums in Elmhurst, IL, for Peri-Implantitis Treatment Laser therapy can eliminate bacteria, and regenerate the gum and the bone that support the dental implant.

Respected periodontist, Dr. Amarik Singh, now accepts new patients with swollen or bleeding gums in Elmhurst, IL, with or without a referral to receive a peri-implantitis consultation at his state-of-the-art practice in Oak Brook. When infection attacks the area around a dental implant, the chance of the implant failing is increased as bone and gum tissue is destroyed. Dr. Singh offers the minimally invasive REPaiR Implant protocol, to treat infection around dental implants.

If bacteria infects the gum and the bone that supports a dental implant, a disease will form known as peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis, however, can be treated with laser therapy, said Dr. Singh. Today with advancements in dental technology and the use of minimally invasive laser techniques, we are able to vaporize the bacteria that affects the gum and the bone that holds the implant in the mouth. And as a result, eliminate the bacteria and more importantly, regenerate the gum and the bone that support the dental implant.

Symptoms of peri-implantitis are similar to that of periodontal (gum) disease, including gum recession, bad breath, or bleeding gums, around the site of a dental implant. The laser REPaiR treatment provides gentle and effective treatment for peri-implantitis. The laser light eliminates bacteria without harming healthy tissues. Another major benefit of REPaiR is that it assists in the regeneration of gum and bone tissue that surrounds the dental implant. Healthy attachment of gum and bone tissue, as well as proper at-home care, ensures dental implants last for many years.

Dr. Singh is a leading periodontist in the Chicago area. He remains on the cutting-edge for technologies to provide an improved patient experience and more effective treatment techniques. Due to his extensive experience in complex cases and technology, Dr. Singh is a trusted authority in periodontology in the Chicago area as well as across the country.

Those with symptoms of peri-implantitis, such as swollen and bleeding gums in Elmhurst, IL and surrounding areas, are encouraged to call Dr. Singh for a consultation to receive the REPaiR Implant protocol. His Oak Brook practice, Periodontal Implant Associates, can be reached at 630-424-9404 or by visiting http://www.pidentists.com.

About the Doctor

Periodontal Implant Associates is a periodontal practice offering personalized dental care for patients in Oak Brook, IL and the Chicago area. After graduating from Northwestern University Dental School, Dr. Amarik Singh went on to obtain his Specialty Certificate in Periodontics and earn his Masters from Northwestern University. Dr. Singh is deeply committed to continuing education and prides himself on remaining on the cutting-edge of the newest techniques and technology in dentistry. Dr. Singh has placed over 15,000 dental implants using minimally invasive techniques and is part of an elite group of dental professionals at the forefront of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST), a revolutionary new approach to repairing gum recession. To learn more about the periodontal services available at Periodontal Implant Associates, please visit http://www.pidentists.com or call 630-424-9404.Z-Medica, LLC, a leading developer and marketer of hemostatic devices, announces today that QuikClot Control+ is now commercially available. The announcement is being made in advance of the 2018 EAST Annual Scientific Assembly of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST), January 9-13 at the Disney Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, where Z-Medica will be exhibiting.

Cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June of 2017 under the de novo classification process, QuikClot Control+ is the first and only hemostatic dressing cleared for temporary control of internal organ space bleeding for patients displaying class III or class IV bleeding.

Full commercial availability of QuikClot Control+ adds an additional life-saving tool to the arsenal of Z-Medica products that surgeons can use to help save lives and fill the unmet need of hospitals across the country, says Z-Medica President and CEO Stephen J. Fanning. Uncontrolled bleeding continues to be a major cause of preventable deaths. Devices like QuikClot Control+ can improve hemorrhage control, potentially savings lives and reducing healthcare costs.

QuikClot Control+ is indicated for temporary control of internal organ space bleeding for patients displaying class III or class IV bleeding. It may also be used to control severely bleeding wounds such as surgical wounds and traumatic injuries.

What: Official launch of QuikClot Control+

When: January 9-13, 2018

Where: 2018 EAST Annual Scientific Assembly of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST), January 9-13 at the Disney Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.  Booth 101

About Z-Medica, LLC

Z-Medica, LLC is a privately-held medical device manufacturer based in Wallingford, CT that is focused on the development, sale, and marketing of innovative hemorrhage control products for healthcare providers, military personnel, the law enforcement community, first responders, and consumers around the globe. For over a decade, Z-Medica has helped save lives and improve medical outcomes with a growing portfolio of QuikClot hemostatic products that includes the recently FDA-cleared QuikClot Control+, 4x4 Hemostatic Dressing, Radial, Interventional, Combat Gauze, Belt Trauma Kit, and Bleeding Control Bag. QuikClot products are manufactured in the United States. For more information, visit QuikClot.com and Z-Medica.com. Follow us on Twitter @QuikClot and Facebook @QuikClotFans.

Company Contact:

David Schemelia, Senior Vice President

Tiberend Strategic Advisors

dschemelia(at)tiberend(dot)com

212-375-2686 office

609-468-9325 mobileWe look forward to the formal launch of Power 10 Parts at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week 2018 in Las Vegas.  Annik Smith, President of The Universal Group

A New Year, A New Brand from The Universal Group  Power 10 Parts.

The Universal Group, LLC announces today the launch of its new Power 10 Parts brand of products. Like all Universal Group products, Power 10 Parts are premium aftermarket parts designed and manufactured to meet and exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) requirements. The new Power 10 Parts brand will provide comprehensive coverage for the light, medium and heavy-duty truck and trailer parts markets.

Power 10 Parts will provide hundreds of products like torque rods, brake chambers, air springs, leaf springs and other chassis parts for the truck and trailer industries. Its mission  to create a trusted brand to serve a wide variety of suspension, steering, and brake needs for servicing all makes of vehicles.

Annik Smith, President of The Universal Group, said, The Universal Group has grown dramatically in the last three years and greatly expanded its product range, we wanted to introduce a new brand name that would create a stronger and clearer presence in both new and existing markets. We look forward to the formal launch of Power 10 Parts at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week 2018 in Las Vegas.

About The Universal Group, LLC

The Universal Group, LLC, was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Pennsauken, New Jersey. The Universal Group is a leading national distributor for the truck and trailer industry.Dr. Stanley and I are honored to have been chosen as the only two dentists on the NCADV Advisory Council. Being part of a team of experts committed to helping survivors of domestic abuse recover and move on is a real reward for us, says cosmetic dentist Matt Nejad of Helm Nejad Stanley Dentistry.

Dr. Matt Nejad and Dr. Kyle Stanley of Helm Nejad Stanley Dentistry have been appointed to the Cosmetic and Reconstructive Support Medical Advisory Council of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). This is a highly-esteemed honor that is reserved for the most qualified and respected doctors. The program works in collaboration with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and benefits domestic abuse survivors who would otherwise be unable to afford such crucial reconstructive care.

Dr. Stanley and I are honored to have been chosen as the only two dentists on the NCADV Advisory Council, stated leading cosmetic dentist Matt Nejad of Helm Nejad Stanley Dentistry. "Being part of a team of experts committed to helping survivors of domestic abuse recover and move on with their lives is a real reward for us. This is an excellent opportunity to give back and make dramatic improvements in the lives of people in real need. We are very excited to provide our expertise in dental rehabilitation, and in some cases, dental surgery and full-mouth reconstruction."

The NCADV is the voice of victims and survivors who have experienced domestic abuse. The coalition is a nationally recognized voice for "zero tolerance" for domestic violence. To drive this movement, the NCADV believes in taking steps to affect public policy, helping others understand the impact of domestic violence and providing programs and educational opportunities to promote awareness of domestic abuse.

As newly elected members of the council, Drs. Nejad and Stanley will help promote the Cosmetic & Reconstructive Support (CRS) Program of the NCADV, which offers survivors the needed cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgeries to repair head, mouth, neck and facial injuries caused by an abusive partner.

Domestic abuse and violence, including physical assault, battery and murder, continues to be a serious problem in the United States. According to NCADV statistics, one person every three seconds is physically abused by an intimate partner, which equates to more than 10 million Americans. Furthermore, it is estimated that fully one in four of women and one in eight men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner. The Cosmetic & Reconstructive Support (CRS) Program of NCADV works with facial plastic surgeons from across the country who volunteer their services to assist survivors in removing the physical scars of abuse.

About Drs. Nejad and Stanley

Dr. Matt Nejad is the leading partner at Helm Nejad Stanley dental practice in Beverly Hills. He is renowned for his advanced biomimetic and cosmetic dentistry expertise. Dr. Nejad grew up in Calabasas, California and graduated from the prestigious University of Southern California School of Dentistry  world renowned for its advanced cosmetic and restorative training. During his tenure, Dr. Nejad was selected to work with dental pioneer, Dr. Pascal Magne. He was the youngest dentist to become a member of the USC faculty.

Dr. Kyle Stanley, also a partner at Helm Nejad Stanley, focuses on restoring and reconstructing missing teeth and enhancing smiles through gum and implant surgery. Dr. Stanley is also a dedicated researcher who has published in top international dental journals, and a Key Opinion Leader for leading dental implant companies, helping to teach the latest and best techniques, and develop new and improved products. A professor at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Dr. Stanley lectures on digital implant treatment planning.

To learn more about The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence please visit ncadv.org or call 800- SAFE (7233).

To learn more about Helm Nejad Stanley Dentistry please visit HNSdentistry.com or call 310 278-0440."It was clear that they were extremely grateful for what was happening in their area and embraced the Water Mission team for what they were doing in their village.

Employees of DATAMARK, a global provider of Business Process Services (BPS) and Contact Center Services, recently teamed up with Water Mission, a Christian engineering nonprofit ministry that builds sustainable safe water solutions in developing countries and disaster areas, to build latrines for a community in Xanil, Chiapas Mexico. For this particular effort, Employees of multiple DATAMARK operational facilities competed to raise money to facilitate the construction of a water pump and pipeline to reach a supplementary water source to sustain year-round safe water for drinking and household use to about 2,200 inhabitants of this region.

In July, the fundraising efforts began and generated an overwhelming amount of funds, exceeding the target dollar amount for the event. The money collected was directly used to support the clean water system and community latrines for life. Additionally, four top-fundraising employees from DATAMARK received the opportunity to travel to Xanil to personally observe the latrine projects alongside a team from Water Mission that is currently stationed in Chiapas.

Last month, DATAMARKs winning team traveled from El Paso, Texas to Palenque, Mexico where they journeyed by bus for 1.5 hours into the indigenous village of Xanil. We took some time to understand how the members of the community worked to maintain the water filtration system and how they worked to develop a safe drinking water education and delivery system, said Executive Services Administrator, Michelle Hayes. The team saw the various phases of the latrines, as there were several in the neighborhood either already built or in the process of being built. They also took part in a community education event that involved instruction on sanitary practices, with respect to hand-washing and understanding the importance of safe drinking habits. They did this through a fun clown show for the children and played games that incorporated drinking water and hand washing techniques. Additionally, the event allowed the team to witness and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of the interesting revelations of this trip was the communities unease about accepting the safe drinking water; many families did not take to it immediately. Because the water goes through various processes of filtration to eliminate bacteria and other harmful elements, the taste was hard for them to accept. They preferred the river or rain water because it was what they have been accustomed to and it took Water Mission many months of reaching out and educating the community on the importance of drinking clean water. However, this educational component continues to be something the Water Mission team strives to work toward with the community and in spite of their initial hesitation, the people of Xanil are very welcoming and embrace the support of Water Mission and their efforts.

Personally, the opportunity to visit the community of Xanil was life changing, stated Michelle Hayes. The families were so warm and welcoming and despite not being able to speak the language of Tzeltal, it was clear that they were extremely grateful for what was happening in their area and embraced the Water Mission team for what they were doing in their village.

To learn more about the water crisis and Water Missions solutions and efforts, visit watermission.org.

About DATAMARK

DATAMARK, Inc. is a leading business process outsourcing company specializing in high-volume digital mailroom management, document processing/document management, contact center services, and process improvement consulting for Fortune 500 companies and other large enterprises.

Headquartered in El Paso, Texas, DATAMARK employs nearly 2,500 people in its U.S., Mexico, and India facilities. For more information, visit http://www.datamark.net or contact Marketing Manager Martin Rocha at info.datamark.net.We went through a rigorous search for the best solution and we felt that Xybions partnership and their industry leading Pristima software platform is the right fit for our organization.

Xybion Corporation, a US-based global technology solutions provider for companies operating in the highly regulated industries, announced today that Level Biotechnology Inc., a leading Taiwan-based biotechnology company, has signed a software subscription agreement for Pristima, Xybions flagship pre-clinical solution, and Savante, its popular module for production of FDA compliant SEND submissions.

This agreement follows an extensive analysis of all competitors in the preclinical space and allows Level Biotechnology Inc. to leverage Pristimas core components, such as Clinical Pathology, Animal Room, Necropsy Room, and Histopathology to support its pre-clinical laboratory services.

Xybion will be providing Pristima Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, utilizing hosted (private cloud) services from its Singapore data center. Importantly, Pristima will be interfaced to support real-time communications with clinical pathology instruments at Level Biotechnology. Level Biotechnology was looking for a comprehensive integrated SaaS solution, which would help us push compliance across our business functions and allow us to optimize our pre-clinical operations, stated Emerson Chiu, President of Level Biotechnology. We went through a rigorous search for the best solution and we felt that Xybions partnership and their industry leading Pristima software platform is the right fit for our organization.

Expressing confidence in this partnership, Carlos Frade, Vice President of Preclinical R&D Solutions at Xybion said, We are excited about being selected by Level Biotechnology for our pre-clinical suite. I am confident in Xybions decades of expertise in the pre-clinical market and certain that deployment of our Pristima and Savante solutions will immediately benefit Level Biotechnologys efficiency, productivity and reporting timelines.

Xybions Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Pradip Banerjee went on to say At Xybion, we strive to earn the trust and support of our clients and create a lasting position of valued partner. Dr. Banerjee continued, We see Xybions footprint and reputation expanding globally and seek to set an industry benchmark in the APAC market. We look forward to a long-term business relationship with Level Biotechnology.

About Xybion Corporation

Xybion is the leading provider of software, services and consulting for global corporations operating in highly regulated industries. Our unique solutions focus on regulatory compliance, GRC, quality management, GLP, integrated preclinical lab management, early-stage drug discovery, content migration and systems validation. Xybion specializes in helping companies improve their overall compliance processes and provides a complete view into organizational risk across global organizational models.

Xybion's combination of software, business process management, services, validation, and staffing enables us to cover a broad spectrum of critical business needs for companies and we deliver our solutions on a global scale. Since its founding in 1977, Xybion Corporation has supported, through software, services and consulting, 100% of the top 20 global life sciences companies. Our leadership in this dynamic and ever-changing industry has been a cornerstone of our high-value reputation.

About Level Biotechnology Inc.,

Founded in 1989, Level Biotechnology Inc. has been providing the best pre-clinical CRO services and end-to-end solution for biomedical research and drug development in Taiwan. Apparently, its CRO services support more than 9,900 square yards of laboratory space.RidgeCrest Herbals' 2018 Almanac The Almanac captures the company's character, personality, and culture delightfully. Customers have raved about the stylishly old-fashioned booklet that is a window into the culture of a DIY homesteading, outdoor-loving, family-friendly company in the shadows of the Wasatch Mountains."

RidgeCrest Herbals, the maker of the #1 selling natural herbal lung formula, ClearLungs, is happy to announce the release of the third annual RidgeCrest Herbals Almanac.

Nichole Carver, RidgeCrest Herbals' Chief Marketing Officer, says, "The Almanac has always been inspired by the people we love, the things we love, and, ultimately, our love of herbal traditions both new and old. Because it is our passion, we hope to inspire you to continually seek out knowledge and to learn and apply the tools so that this sacred information isn't ever forgotten. Also, it's fun and awesome at the same time. It's FAWESOME!"

In 2016, RidgeCrest Herbals printed its first Almanac with huge success. The reception of the Almanac exceeded all expectations, and the popularity led to a twelve-fold print increase for 2017. The 2018 Almanac marks continued growth with a 25,000 copy print. Will Christensen, RidgeCrest Herbals' President and the creative force behind the Almanac concept notes, "We believe in transparency in every aspect of what we do, and the Almanac acts as a way to share ourselves and our dedication with our customers. This increased print will help us do that. The first article in our Almanac, written by our Chief Botanical Officer Brittini Gehring, lays out our commitment to Quality, Testing, and Transparency. It acts as our first volley as we work towards 100% transparency with our customers. It is going to be a major endeavor and will take some time, but they can look forward to continued efforts throughout 2018 and beyond to increase the amount of information made public by RidgeCrest so our customers can know absolutely everything about the products they are using for their health."

The Almanac captures the company's character, personality, and culture delightfully. Customers have raved about the stylishly old-fashioned booklet with up-to-date content that acts as a window into the culture of a DIY homesteading, outdoor-loving, family-friendly company in the shadows of the Wasatch mountains. RidgeCrest Herbals' CEO, Matt Warnock, says, "We are a pretty close company, and we feel that moral and spiritual values are important. The Almanac hopefully acts as a reflection of our dedication." The Almanac provides customers with a planning calendar packed with helpful tips, articles, recipes, and beautiful photographs, compliments of RidgeCrest Herbals' team. It also has information on monthly sales, product ingredients, and more.

RidgeCrest Herbals has partnered with Whole Foods Magazine for their January 2018 edition, and a copy of the Almanac has been distributed to Whole Foods Magazine subscribers along with their regular January magazine. Heather Wainer, Whole Foods Magazine publisher, commented, "We are honored to once again be able to bring you the RidgeCrest Herbals' Almanac with the January issue of Whole Foods Magazine. We love working with all our friends at RidgeCrest and are glad that we can bring our readers such a useful, fun tool. It is obvious when you go through the pages how much work, love, and creativity went into the Almanac from every employee at RidgeCrest, in a way that reflects exactly how we feel about each issue of Whole Foods Magazine."

In addition, a copy of the Almanac is distributed to RidgeCrests' retailers throughout the country for the enjoyment of their employees and is available to the public online at RCHerbals.com. A hard copy can be mailed to individual customers by calling 800-242-4649 and are often available at RidgeCrests' booth at trade shows.We look forward to a long term partnership with the innovative team at WaterStation Technology.

ACT Capital Advisors (ACT) is pleased to announce that is has served as the financial advisor to WaterStation Technology (WST) in its debt refinancing by KeyBank N.A. Based in Everett, Washington, WST is a provider of eco-friendly, self-serve, water vending machines. The forward-thinking technologies used in these systems produce a premium water that is more affordable than most bottled water and much better for the environment.

Founded in 2012, WSTs technology creates virtual spring water through a natural mineralization process. The companys patent-pending WST-700 takes water through a six-step process that delivers highly purified, silky smooth drinking water in one, three and five-gallon increments. WST is growing rapidly as it succeeds on its mission to provide the highest quality water to communities throughout the U.S.

WST approached ACT to assist them in securing growth capital. The company was open to equity, private debt and bank debt, individually or in combination. ACT implemented its proven process for marketing the business to a wide range of lenders. During the process, ACT was able to narrow down the best products and lenders for WST. WSTs owners chose KeyBank N.A. The primary reasons for selecting KeyBank N.A. were their willingness to lend the right amount of capital, at a competitive rate, as well as being an overall good fit for the owners. By working with KeyBank N.A., WST was able to consolidate their balance sheet, lower their borrowing costs and access additional working capital all at the same time.

Bob Hild, ACTs Chairman said, We look forward to a long-term partnership with the innovative team at WST. We believe their business is well positioned for rapid growth. ACT is excited to help them execute on their ambitious plans and become the industry leader in this vital market.

Ryan Wear, WSTs founder said, The injection of additional working capital will enhance our cash flow and enable us to reinvest in the business. Specifically, well now be in a position to capitalize on opportunities and bring new technological innovations to the market. With the addition of this new capital, we can accelerate WSTs growth and execute on our expansion strategy.

Chandler Hueckel, Sr. Business Banking Relationship Manager of Business Banking led the refinancing for KeyBank N.A. from its Tacoma office.

Trevor Hill, ACT Associate, represented WST in the recapitalization.

About KeyBank  KeyCorp's roots trace back 190 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $136.7 billion at September 30, 2017. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, insurance, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of more than 1,200 branches and more than 1,500 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

About WaterStation  Based in Everett, WA, WaterStation Technology purifies water to the highest standard and then percolates it through a series of natural minerals. Healthy, clean water is then chilled to a perfect temperature and dispensed in to a consumer provided container. WaterStation is committed to providing eco-friendly and bottle-less products to its customers. For more information on WaterStation Technology, please visit their website at: https://www.refillandrefresh.com .

About ACT - ACT Capital Advisors, LLC is a leading Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Corporate Finance firm that represents lower middle-market companies ($5 million to $50 million in annual revenues) across a variety of sectors and industries, including industrial manufacturing, information technology, construction, healthcare, aerospace, consumer staple/discretionary, oil and energy, as well as outsourced services. The firm provides strategic financial advice to closely held, family-owned, as well as private equity sponsored organizations and corporate shareholders that wish to sell their company, raise growth capital, or secure commercial financing. Leveraging ACTs deep industry-wide knowledge and strategic auction process, clients appreciate ACTs approach, pairing the professional expertise of a national investment banking firm with the senior level attention and entrepreneurial creativity of a smaller enterprise.

For additional information, please contact:

Trevor Hill

ACT Capital Advisors

Mercer Island, WA

206.486.3408

thill@actcapitaladvisors.com

http://www.actcapitaladvisors.comAlight Analytics has earned a spot on Entrepreneur magazines latest Entrepreneur360 List, a premier study of the best entrepreneurial private companies in the United States.

Alight is a full-service provider of powerful, actionable marketing analytics to advertising agencies and brands around the world. The fast-growing company is now celebrating its 10th year in business.

When we launched Alight, we were determined to solve one of the biggest problems facing marketers  measuring and proving the value of their work, said Matt Hertig, Alights CEO and co-founder. We really value the agency and brand partners who have trusted us with their marketing data and who have helped fuel our growth over the past decade.

Alight Analytics is the creator of ChannelMix, the first data aggregation solution designed for marketers by marketers. And it provides a range of consulting and training services through the Insight Analytics Group, its professional services division.

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, explained Lisa Murray, chief insights officer of Entrepreneur Media Inc.

These businesses are real-world case studies for any entrepreneur who seeks to master the four pillars that can greatly impact the longevity and growth of their businesses. With the Entrepreneur 360, success is measured by achieving balance throughout the entire organization, predicated by revenue.

For additional details on the E360 List and the companies recognized, visit entrepreneur.com/360.

ABOUT ALIGHT ANALYTICS

Alight Analytics is a full-service provider of powerful, actionable marketing analytics to advertising agencies and brands around the world through its ChannelMix and Insight Analytics Group solutions.

ChannelMix, the worlds first marketing data management platform, eliminates cumbersome data gathering by combining online data, offline data, sales data and custom data sources together systematically for a single source of truth, reducing the hours marketers spend each day preparing data for reporting.

Insight Analytics Group offers expert professional services consulting and training in the field of marketing analytics. Insight Analytics Groups consultants help brands and agencies implement the same successful strategies that Alight has employed with its own clients.

Alight Analytics was named a 2017 and 2016 Inc. 5000 winner, 2017 Inc. Best Workplace, 2016 Best Place to Work by the Kansas City Business Journal, 2016 Company of the Year Stevie Award Winner and 2016 Awards For Excellence nominee by the Digital Analytics Association. Alights co-founders, Matt Hertig and Michelle Jacobs, were finalists for 2017 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year for the Central Midwest region.

Alight Analytics is a Google Analytics Certified Partner, a Google Analytics Authorized Premium Reseller, a Google Analytics Technology Partner, a Google AdWords Partner, a MarketLive Integrated Partner, an Amazon Web Services APN Consulting Partner, a Tableau Software Alliance Partner and part of the SAP HANA Startup Program.

For more information, visit http://www.alightanalytics.com.iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The Supreme Court sent the case of a black death row inmate who was convicted, in part, by a juror who used a racial slur to describe him, back to the lower courts Monday, after finding that prior decisions to not allow for an appeal based on the issue were in error.



Keith Tharpe was convicted of murder in 1991 and sentenced to the death penalty after allegedly raping his estranged wife and killing his sister-in-law the year prior. Attorneys for Tharpe argued that a member of the jury, Barney Gattie, was influenced by Tharpe's race and that he used the n-word in reference to Tharpe.



In the Supreme Court's per curiam decision Monday, the justices refer to "a sworn affidavit, signed by Gattie" that described his views.



"[T]here are two types of black people: 1. Black folks and 2. N------," reads the opinion, quoting the affidavit, which continued by noting that Gattie felt Tharpe "wasnt in the good black folks category" and "should get the electric chair for what he did."



"[A]fter studying the Bible, I have wondered if black people even have souls," said Gattie in the affidavit. The juror later denied he swore to the report claimed he was intoxicated when he signed it.



The justices described the affidavit Monday as "remarkable" and note it was never retracted. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals previously decided against Tharpe's motion for relief "on the ground that it was indisputable among reasonable jurists that Gattie's service on the jury did not prejudice Tharpe," which the Supreme Court disagreed with, based "on the unusual facts of this case," and sent the court back to lower courts.



While a per curiam decision from the court is unsigned, Justice Clarence Thomas issued a dissenting opinion, which was joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch.



Referring first to procedural limitations and the prior failure by Tharpe to definitively prove Gattie's bias, Thomas writes that the Supreme Court's majority misread the 11th Circuit's decision and that in additional affidavit, Gattie said that race was not the deciding factor in his imposition of the death sentence.



"Gatties testimony was consistent with the testimony of the other ten jurors deposed in front of the trial court, each of whom testified that they did not consider race and that race was not discussed during their deliberations," reads the dissenting opinion.



Thomas noted that "The Court must be disturbed by the racist rhetoric in that [first] affidavit, and must want to do something about it," characterizing the per curiam decision as "ceremonial handwringing" and referring to the delay of justice for the victim of the crime, who was murdered 27 years ago.



In additional news from the court Monday, the justices allowed a ruling by a federal appeals court on a Mississippi religious freedom law to remain in place, after the appeals court judged that those who brought suit did not prove they were harmed by the law.



Future challenges to the law, which would allow for marriage licenses to be denied by clerks who voice personal religious objections, are expected.



Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.



Dont get me wrong, its still no picnic for women starting a business, but nowadays there are a lot more institutions and consumers who finally realize that women-owned businesses are for real and make real money for the economy. Past News Releases RSS Keen Limousine Achieves 2 Million...

Keen Limousine Named No. 1 by Kane...

The year 2018 holds two major milestones for Mary Herrell-Paul: ten years in the Fox Valley as owner of Keen Limousine, one of the first women-owned transportation businesses in the area, and thirty years overall in the transportation industry. Just dont ask me my age, joked the ever youthful Herrell-Paul.

Herrell-Paul, a retired U.S. Army veteran, took time this month to reflect on the new challenges and opportunities for women-owned small businesses. It was a lot tougher thirty years ago, noted Herrell-Paul. Dont get me wrong, its still no picnic for women starting a business, but nowadays there are a lot more institutions and consumers who finally realize that women-owned businesses are for real and make real money for the economy.

Herrell-Pauls companies, Crown Cars and Limousines and Keen Limousine, which was recently voted Best Limo Service by Kane County Chronicle Readers Choice Awards for the ninth year, will be celebrating her milestones with a series of special promotions in 2018. I think its important to say thanks to my customers. I wouldnt be here without them. Theyve trusted me with their safety and the safety of their families for years now, concluded Herrell-Paul.

About Keen Limousine

Keen Limousine offers airport, corporate, convention, special event and group transportation. Its drivers are professional and impeccably dressed, its cars are immaculate and they are always on time. Keen Limousine is the only certified green limousine company in the State of Illinois. For more information, please call 800-960-7201 toll free, 847-803-0000 local, or visit https://www.ccllimo.com/keen-limousine/.

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.Thanx, the software-as-a-service company that helps brick-and-mortar businesses build deeper, data-driven relationships with their top customers, today announced new functionality built in partnership with leading credit card providers which provides enhanced aggregated data about customer frequency and spend at both the business and competitive businesses in the neighborhood.

With this data, Thanx presents its merchants with Comparative Insights, a dashboard that allows merchants to understand two powerful points of data that they have never been able to definitively know; how their loyalty members behavior compares to their average members behavior and how their business compares to their competitors. With these insights, merchants can take action to change customer behavior, using Thanxs automated, self-service campaign tools, which are proven to drive ROI.

Comparative Insights allows merchants to clearly understand the impact that VIPs and loyalty initiatives have on the bottom line, said Zach Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Thanx. Through our credit card partnerships, merchants will gain valuable competitive benchmarking on day one of service. This data has massive implications for the way they can use our targeted marketing tools to grow their business.

The Founder of San Francisco-based Proper Food, Howard Bloom, says, "Comparative Insights gives me data about my business that I have never had access to before. I can easily see my share of wallet and understand the shopping behavior of my most loyal customers. This is incredibly valuable data that allows me to make smarter business decisions."

Comparative Insights is available to all Thanx customers. For more information, please email info@thanx.com or visit http://info2.thanx.com/comparative-insights-thanx

About Thanx

Thanx helps merchants build deeper, data-driven relationships with their best customers that results in drastic increases in revenue and same-store sales growth. As competition for customers attention intensifies, it has never been more important for brick-and-mortar businesses to have a 360-degree view of their VIPs. Unfortunately, capturing customer spending data is hard and acting on it is even harder so most businesses are flying blind. Thanx solves this challenge by providing offline businesses with a single system of record for customer data and automated campaign tools to engage customers and drive measurable increases in sales. Founded in 2011, with offices in San Francisco and Denver, Thanx is financed by Sequoia Capital and other elite Silicon Valley investors.Branches staff tutors a South Miami student after school. We are honored to partner with the Coral Gables Community Foundation. They are a valued partner and are truly making an incredible impact in our Greater Miami community, said Brent McLaughlin, Executive Director of Branches.

The Coral Gables Community Foundation recently donated a total of $2,500 to Branches South Miamis Grow and Climb programs as part of its commitment to positively impact our community. The Coral Gables Community Foundation has been at the forefront of the evolving needs of Coral Gables while effectively bringing together beneficiaries and benefactors to fund programs with the greatest impact and benefit to The City Beautiful.

The Branches Grow Program serves elementary students preparing them for lifelong success through enrichment of their minds, bodies and hearts. Engagement with the students begins after school with tutoring and homework help but continues with enrichment including recreational activities, social skill development, mentoring, healthy meals and snacks as well as Summer Shade Camp. The Grow program lays the foundation to make a long-term impact in the lives of children from low-income families by retaining a high percentage of students over many years. Consequently, the learning and the growth that take place in the life of a Branches student in one year becomes the foundation for further personal development and growth the next year. After just a few consistent years of engagement at Branches, students are not only in the mindset of setting goals but they are achieving goals on a regular basis.

Branches is a local non-profit organization based in Miami. By providing life-changing opportunities, Branches helps working poor families and their children break the cycle of generational poverty. Its Grow Program serves elementary students, preparing them for lifelong success. The Climb Program serves middle and high school students, focusing on the development of their individual assets in order to maximize opportunities to become better students and better people. Branches Achieve Programs target the well-being of the entire community through services fostering financial stability and long term success. Services include the ASSETS small business solutions program, the Ways to Work car loan program for working families, free VITA tax preparation and hunger relief. Branches is also proud to house and operate the United Way Center for Financial Stability (UWCFS).

We are honored to partner with the Coral Gables Community Foundation. They are a valued partner and are truly making an incredible impact in our Greater Miami community, said Brent McLaughlin, Executive Director of Branches. We are excited to bring impactful programming and services to the children, youth and families in our communities and to help them succeed in the long-term.

About Branches

For over 40 years, Branches has made a positive impact in the community by delivering on its mission to serve, educate and inspire people through student, family and financial stability services. Branches provides long-term, holistic services for motivated individuals and families. We help people grow deeper and climb higher in life by building a foundation through education so they can achieve their goals and fulfill their potential. For additional information about Branches, please call 305.442.8306 or visit http://www.branchesfl.org

About The Coral Gables Community Foundation

Led by community leaders, the Coral Gables Community Foundation provides the philanthropic conduit to connect individuals and corporations looking to positively impact the success of the community. Now in its 26th year, the Foundation has been at the forefront of the evolving needs of Coral Gables while effectively bringing together beneficiaries and benefactors to fund programs with the greatest impact and benefit to The City Beautiful. To learn more, visit http://www.gablesfoundation.org

###OurHealth, Indianas leading provider of employer-sponsored primary care clinics, today announces a new partnership with the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA), which owns and operates Indianas largest airport system in the metropolitan area, including the award-winning Indianapolis International Airport.

The partnership grants IAA employees and their dependents convenient access to six primary care clinics in Indianapolis and a host of wellness programs free of charge. Clinic sites throughout the metro area include downtown Indianapolis, Greenwood, and Plainfield, as well as locations near 96th Street & Keystone Avenue, 86th Street & Zionsville Road, and Washington Square.

The addition of IAA further establishes OurHealths stronghold in the Indianapolis employer market. The nine-year-old healthcare player has traditionally focused on the professional services, municipal and education sectors and continues to bring on new employers every month.

This decision was all about our employees, said Mario Rodriguez, the IAAs Executive Director. The Indianapolis International Airport is consistently ranked as the best airport in North America, and thats due to the dedication and passion our employees have for serving our customers. Our employees and their families deserve the best, and OurHealth is the best clinic solution on the market.

The team at IAA has a high bar for excellence, and were grateful for their vote of confidence on the quality of our MyClinic solution, said Ben Evans, CEO and co-founder of OurHealth.

OurHealth is committed to working with its partners to enhance employee well-being and reduce long-term healthcare costs for employers. OurHealth customers see an average savings of 20 percent on healthcare costs, mostly in the form of reduced emergency room visits, savings on specialty referrals and reduced drug costs. Its growing roster of clients includes OneAmerica, Genesys (formerly Interactive Intelligence), Ice Miller LLP, the City of Indianapolis and the City of Charlotte.

OurHealth was founded in 2009 to solve three problems in the healthcare system: lack of access, poor outcomes and unaffordable cost escalation for employees and employers. In June 2017, the company announced a $37 million fundraising round lead by White Oak, which will be used to invest in marketing, sales and technology. Headquartered in Indianapolis, OurHealth recently expanded into North Carolina. Further market expansion is planned for 2018.

About Indianapolis Airport Authority

The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indianas largest airport system in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport-Gordon Graham Field, Indianapolis Regional Airport and Metropolitan Airport. IND serves more than 8.5 million business and leisure travelers each year, averaging 143 daily flights  seasonally and year-round  to 49 nonstop destinations. IND is consistently ranked, year after year, as the best airport in North America and the nation, based on ease of use, passenger amenities, customer service, local retail offerings and public art. The airport is home of the worlds second largest FedEx operation and the nations eighth-largest cargo facility. IND is committed to becoming the airport system of choice for both passenger and cargo service. For more information, visit http://www.IND.com.

About OurHealth

OurHealth is a provider of onsite and near-site primary care clinics and wellness programming focused on enhancing the patient experience and lowering healthcare costs for businesses of all sizes. Its MyClinic network, an industry first, significantly lowers the barrier to entry by allowing employers of all sizes to gain immediate access to a network of primary care clinics around the city. OurHealth offers a comprehensive healthcare approach to its clients and their employees, which includes primary care services, wellness services, onsite laboratory and medication dispensing services and referral guidance. OurHealth has clinics in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. To learn more about OurHealth, visit http://www.ourhealth.org.Our website is one of the best ways we connect with our customers and communicate our expertise as well as give a high level of service, said Brent Taylor, owner of O.C. Taylor.

O.C. Taylor, a company focused on smart exterior solutions, was recently awarded a Silver W3 Award for web design by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. The award honors outstanding Websites, Web Marketing, Web Video and social media marketing worldwide. The organization received over 5,000 entries in this annual global award program.

Our website is one of the best ways we connect with our customers and communicate our expertise as well as give a high level of service, said Brent Taylor, owner of O.C. Taylor. To be awarded for our website is a great honor.

The website, http://www.octaylor.com, developed by Able&Co., features a complete listing of all services, informative blog entries, and frequently asked questions as well as the companys brand vision of excellence in service. We worked to capture the blend of professionalism, service and good-natured humor that Brents clients have come to enjoy in the website, said Jenny Taylor, president of Able&Co. Its been a huge success for O.C. Taylor and were happy they won this accolade.

Raleigh-based O.C. Taylor offers exterior improvement solutions for homes in the Triangle region including new siding, roofs, doors, windows and more. Owner Brent Taylor is a North Carolina licensed general contractor and has a long track record with some of the areas top builder and remodeling firms. O.C. Taylor, founded in 2015 gives Taylor the opportunity to provide an additional level of service to his clients in Wake County and the surrounding areas.

About O.C. Taylor

O.C. Taylors foundations are rooted in a rich history of trusted family businesses in North Carolina dating back to owner, Brent Taylors great grandfathers hardware store over 100 years ago. Built on the same values, O.C. Taylor continues the strong family tradition of dependable service and competitive pricing.

Media Contact

Brent Taylor

O.C. Taylor

brent(at)octaylor.com

919-714-2200Fitscript is delighted to be able to share GlucoseZone as part of the Fitness and Health Partnership discussion at CES.

Fitscript, LLC. today announced that it will present GlucoseZone, the first ever digital exercise solution for people living with diabetes, at CES held January 9-12 in Las Vegas.

GlucoseZone is the first-ever digital exercise solution that offers exercise guidance based on users real-time glucose levels and other diabetes metrics (including data from wearable devices). The patented GlucoseZone program enables doctors to prescribe exercise to diabetics to improve A1C, achieve weight loss, and halt the progression of the disease.

Charles OConnell, Founder and CEO of Fitscript, LLC. will present at CES as part of the panel Wellness Partners: FitnessTech and Digital Health addressing the intersection between fitness and diabetes management in the changing healthcare landscape. The panel discussion will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Time: 4:50 p.m. (PST)

Location: Tech West, Venetian, Level 4, Lando 4304

Fitscript is delighted to be able to share GlucoseZone as part of the Fitness and Health Partnership discussion at CES, said Charles OConnell, founder and CEO of Fitscript, LLC. Were bringing a digital exercise solution to the global diabetes community, accessed by smartphone, that has helped thousands of people control the disease, lower the cost of treatment and change lives.

More than 100 million Americans are living with or at high risk for diabetes, and nearly every one of them is advised by their physician to begin an exercise program. However, for those living with diabetes, exercise is a fundamentally different process, beginning with the need to test blood sugar. Depending on the persons blood sugar it may or may not be safe to exercise, or to perform certain types of exercise. In addition, multiple factors further complicate the requirement of exercise and diabetes including glucose levels, food consumed, medication regimen, time of day, etc.

The patented GlucoseZone platform offers content to users based on their individual and real-time diabetes metrics, providing end users with instruction from fitness and diabetes professionals from around the world to best match their individual, real time needs.

GlucoseZone is a clinically validated program proven to help patients achieve lower A1c results and weight loss, halt the pharmaceutical therapeutic progression of diabetes management, and in many cases reduce medication usage and reliance for patients living with diabetes.

For more information, please visit http://www.GlucoseZone.com.

About Fitscript, LLC:

Created in 2012, Fitscript LLC was founded to help people living with diabetes meet the exercise requirement for safely and effectively reducing, reversing and controlling their diabetes. Fitscripts patented, proprietary GlucoseZone program, now with more than 900,000 users, is the first-ever digital exercise solution for diabetics that helps improve their A1c levels and achieve weight loss based on real-time glucose levels. The all-new GlucoseZone app contains live and on demand exercise solutions, interactive workouts, diabetes discussions and much more. The app is currently available on iOS and Android.Visit us at booth W1185!

Its tangible  a display of real products under one roof for hands-on consideration. Its personal  an opportunity to learn and discuss business practices one-on-one with key leaders in the kitchen and bath industry. Its inspirational  an introduction to new business ideas, products, and design trends. Its KBIS 2018.

MR Direct is proud to participate, once again, in this prestigious show. Numerous models from each of the MR Direct sink collections and faucet lines will be on display. Additionally, several new products will be debuted. This years show is being held in ever-friendly, Orlando, Florida; inside the beautiful and spacious Orange County Convention Center. It runs from January, 911, 2018.

Three ADA-approved, stainless steel sinks have been introduced this year by MR Direct. One is a spacious, single-bowl model in the 3/4 radius line; another is also a single-bowl design, but with traditional, wide corners; and the third is an equal, double-bowl with broad, sweeping corners. All have a depth of just over five inches, providing ease of use for those with disabilities or limited mobility.

A stunning new line of vessel sinks for the bath, known as the Artisan Ceramic collection, has recently been launched. Each design is a genuine work of art, created by hand on the potters wheel.

The ever-popular line of 3/4 radius sinks has grown in many ways. Not only have several new models been added, but almost all now come in a choice of three thickness. In addition to the standard 18 gauge, MR Direct is now offering them in 16 gauge. And, previously unheard of in the residential market, these styles are now available in 14 gauge as well.

All of the existing undermount TruGranite sinks now come in a topmount form. One new model features a low divide between its equally sized bowls. MR Direct has also developed custom-fitted cutting boards, grids, and matching strainers and flanges for each TruGranite model.

Several other new models will be on display and available soon. One such standout is a stunning, new, apron-style sink made from bamboo. Likewise, the MR Direct Home Reality AR and VR apps will be on hand to experience. Expect to be impressed. MR Direct will be exhibiting in the West Building at booth #1185. Representatives will be on site to address any concerns. A visit to the MR Direct website, http://www.MRDirectint.com, provides full details on all products offered.Ike's Birthday Party On no, isnt that something, for goodness sakes, isnt that nice.

A Lakeland man, Isaac Newcomer  Ike, celebrated his 107th birthday on January 2nd at Meridian Senior Livings community: Lake Morton Plaza, where he is currently living. He celebrated with dozens of Lake Morton Plaza residents and Lakeland Police Department officers.

Ike was presented with gifts such as a happy birthday letter from the mayor, police challenge coins, and a framed photo. He was also given a 30 ft. birthday card with more than 600 birthday greetings extracted from Facebook comments. When Ikes daughter explained that some of the comments were from all over the world, Ike could not believe it saying, On no, isnt that something, for goodness sakes, isnt that nice.

Ike was born on January 2, 1911 in Pennsylvania. Raised on a Hershey farm, Ike was one of four boys in his family and they worked very hard. For 14 years, Ike worked in a Hershey chocolate factory and then met his wife, Helen, on a carousel at Hershey Park. Subsequent careers include brakeman on the Reading Railroad, truck driver, and constructing homes.

Ike and Helen found joy in traveling across the U.S. in their Airstream trailer. They were members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club and attending rallies in St. Louis, Bozeman and Seattle. Their travels landed them in every state except Hawaii and also most of Canada. For the holidays, Ike and Helen visited their daughter in Lakeland, FL. And in 1982, they decided to reside there to be close to family. For the next 10 years, they continued to travel with Las Vegas being their favorite travel spot. Once Ike was in his 80s he decided that the travel was not as much fun, so they changed to cruises. For their 70th anniversary, the whole family joined them for a 5-day cruise in the Bahamas, which was a wonderful memory for Ike.

Ike has been a resident of Lake Morton Plaza since December 2008 and says it has been one of the best decisions he has made. He has found friendship and happiness and looks forward to his 108th birthday. Ike is in excellent health and the Lake Morton Plaza staff says he still does his own laundry.

Lake Morton Plaza is an independent and assisted living community located in Lakeland, FL, which is about an hour from Orlando. The community is convenient to local shopping and cultural activities in town and offers engaging programs for senior citizens.Global Traveler, the only monthly magazine for frequent business and leisure luxury travelers, announced American Airlines as the 2017 Airline of the Year and Lotte Hotels as the 2017 Hotel of the Year. Global Traveler has awarded Airline and Hotel of the Year nods for the past seven years.

Members of the Global Traveler Advisory Board, a hand-picked committee of well-traveled business advisors, selected the Airline and Hotel of the Year winners at an event Sept. 28, 2017, in Philadelphia. The winners were chosen from a list of nominees selected by GT staff. Pertinent information considered included financial data, occupancy rates, load factors, on-time figures, safety records and menus, as well as independent research and personal experience. Once an airline or hotel is selected, it is ineligible to participate for three years. The winners were honored at a gala reception in December.

Past Airline and Hotel of the Year winners include China Airlines and Melia Hotels International, 2016; Turkish Airlines and The Ritz-Carlton, 2015; United Airlines and Marriott Hotels, 2014; Etihad Airways and The Address Hotels + Resorts, 2013; South African Airways and Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, 2012; and Asiana Airlines and Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, 2011.

In 2018, Global Traveler will add a new award to its repertoire and will name the Cruise Line of the Year. Cruise lines are invited to apply for the honor. Please email kim.krol(at)globaltravelerusa(dot)com for a copy of the application. Cruise lines must provide the required information by Feb. 28, 2018, in order to be considered. Completed applications, as well as independent research and personal experience, will factor into the final decision. Members of the Global Traveler Advisory Board will select the winner, announced in May 2018 alongside the Leisure Lifestyle Awards.

For more information about Global Traveler, visit globaltravelerusa.com.

About Global Traveler

With nearly 300,000 readers, Global Traveler connects with U.S.-based frequent, affluent, international travelers. According to MediaMark Research (MRI), GT readers have an average net worth of $2 million and 50 percent are CEOs and owners of companies. Our readers average nine domestic flights per year and 93 percent travel internationally on a regular basis, mostly in first and business class. More than 55 percent stay in 4- and 5-star hotels, at an average 60 nights per year. Four special editions  Leisure Lifestyle Edition, Global City Guidebook, Class Act Guide and The Trazee Book  complement 12 monthly issues. Each year, Global Traveler awards the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, the Leisure Lifestyle Awards and the Wines on the Wing awards.

About FXExpress Publications, Inc.

FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa., is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, eFlyer USA, eFlyer Asia, Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily and several annuals; and also operating globaltravelerusa.com, globaltravelerusa.com/blog, trazeetravel.com and whereverfamily.com.Dr. Christopher Knott-Craigs daughter, Cate, was different. At six years old, she routinely walked on her toes, an ailment that affected her balance and caught the cruel attention of her classmates. While this caring father could not change Cates condition, he could change her attitude.

Dr. Knott-Craig instilled in his daughter that differences are meant to be celebrated and cherished. This is a message he now looks to share with other children in The Weird Animal Club: Its OK to be Different.

The Weird Animal Club encourages young readers to embrace diversity and their own differences. Dr. Knott-Craig weaves together a diverse group of animals, each baring a unique physical appearance, but all sharing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

As the animals meet, they begin to bond with one another and grow in confidence. Soon, they each realize being different is valuable. This entertaining and informative narrative teaches readers that differences arent important when trying to make friends.

The Weird Animal Club started out as short bed time stories I would tell Cate in order to help her accept and appreciate her unique qualities, Dr. Knott-Craig said. The stories did wonders for her self-esteem and she eventually encouraged me to share my tales with other kids. Both her and I want to make sure others can face differences with confidence and compassion.

For more information, please visit chrisknottcraig.com.

The Weird Animal Club: Its OK to be Different

By Dr. Christopher Knott-Craig

ISBN: 9781480852334 (hardcover) 9781480852327 (softcover) 9781480852341 (ebook)

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Archway Publishing

About the author

Christopher Knott-Craig, MD, is an internationally-recognized pediatric cardiac surgeon. He understands that many children carry physical and emotional scars throughout life that can result in feelings of not being good enough and that theyre different from their friends. These scars can be sources of great anxiety and isolation for both children and parents. In his interactions with these families, he shares with them that their scars are physical reminders that they are special.

Review Copies & Interview Requests:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Jacquelyn Brazzale

480 998 2600 x 569

jbrazzale@lavidge.com

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Satara Williams

480-998-2600 x 586

swilliams@lavidge.comChapel of the Flowers Announces College Scholarships for 2018 It is my hope that with this Chapel of the Flowers scholarship program, well help four deserving students offset the high cost of attending college, said Donne Kerestic, CEO of Chapel of the Flowers.

The new year is filled with hope and high expectations for the future for college students around the country. But with escalating fees for tuition, books, and housing, dreams of obtaining a degree can seem daunting at best. Todays average college graduate enters the workforce with approximately $37,000 in student debt, according to Forbes.com.

Chapel of the Flowers, famous for new beginnings as the top-rated wedding chapel in Las Vegas, today announced a scholarship program in 2018 that will help four deserving college students with their new educational beginnings and expenses. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded on February 14, 2018, with the additional two $1,000 scholarships to be awarded on August 15, 2018.

The application process is simple: students currently enrolled in college will need to write a 500-word personal essay about educational goals and plans following graduation, and submit the application via the Chapel of the Flowers College Scholarship web landing page, found at https://www.littlechapel.com/scholarship. To be eligible, student must be at least 18 years of age, and currently enrolled in an accredited college in the United States.

Deadlines for applications are January 31, 2018 for one of two scholarships to be awarded on February 14, 2018, and July 31, 2018 for one of two scholarships to be awarded on August 15, 2018. Scholarship recipients will be notified via email.

It is my hope that with this Chapel of the Flowers scholarship program, well help four deserving students offset the high cost of attending college, said Donne Kerestic, CEO of Chapel of the Flowers. Our scholarship program is unique in that applicants need not be working towards a major in the wedding industry, and they can be attending a community college or a four-year university. We are asking applicants currently enrolled in an accredited college to submit a 500-word essay, and tell us about their educational and career goals. Well be looking for essays that include the individuals passion, tenacity, and reason for choosing their major and career field. Our team is excited to award the scholarships and help four students with their college expenses.

About Chapel of the Flowers

Chapel of the Flowers, located at 1717 Las Vegas Boulevard South, has been celebrating love for nearly 60 years. The stunning indoor and outdoor chapels seat between 20 and 88 guests, and receive top ratings from couples around the world as well as from local residents of Las Vegas.

Founded in 1960, Chapel of the Flowers is Las Vegas' highest rated and largest full-service wedding venue, providing traditional, modern and elegant Las Vegas weddings on the world-famous Strip. An acre of cobblestone-accented grounds and vibrant backdrops are designed to capture every picture-perfect moment of a Las Vegas wedding. Professional wedding planners, part of a team of nearly 100 on-site staff members, ensure that every aspect of the wedding day is personal, easy and stress-free. Chapel of the Flowers' impeccable customer service assures the couple that all details of the wedding, including the ceremony, flowers, award-winning photography and reception venues will result in cherished memories for a lifetime. Chapel of the Flowers is honored to be one of the preferred venues in Las Vegas, the wedding capital of the world.

Media Contact

Nicole Robertson

Chapel of the Flowers - Director of Operations

Phone: 702-735- 4331, ext 806

Email: nicoler (at) littlechapel.com

Diane Ferraro

Chapel of the Flowers  Marketing and PR

Phone: 626-222-9388

Email: diane (at) thesoulfulexperience.comMonster Tree Service I wanted to make sure the opportunity was a good fit for the market, there was a clear history of smart, sustainable growth, and it was a business that truly wanted to invest in me as a franchise partner. Monster Tree Service and Josh Skolnick covered all of those bases for me. - Marcus Roach

Monster Tree Service, the nations first and fastest growing tree service franchise, is sinking its roots deeper into the Heart of Texas. Recently featured by SUCCESS Magazine, Thrive Global, and Franchise Times, the nations first and fastest growing tree service franchise continues to build on its rapid 3-year franchise system growth.

Austin, Texas businessman Marcus Roach, has purchased the rights to five Monster Tree Service territories in central Texas. Roach will be based in the capital city and will launch his first territory in early February, 2018. According to Roach, each of his five territories possess multi-million-dollar profit potential and will extend north to Jarrell, south to Buda, east to Manor, and west to Dripping Springs.

Roach has owned and operated successful local companies, and has proven experience building, or re-vitalizing, those businesses into multi-million-dollar entities. He is excited about bringing Monster Tree Service to Central Texas, as the first truly professional tree service in the area.

Ive found people here want to feel confident in whom theyre dealing with in service industries, said Roach. Monster Tree Service isnt just about tree or limb removal. We provide a full suite of services including tree and shrub maintenance, plant healthcare, and tree planting. Plus, we are licensed and bonded, and take great pride in our professional experience, appearance, and attention to detail. We will even make sure to leave the clients property in an even more pristine condition than we found it.

Josh Skolnick, CEO and Founder of Monster Tree Service, believes Roach is a great fit as the companys newest Texas-based franchise partner.

First, Marcus is well known in the Austin area, and brings a wealth of business experience to Monster Tree Service, said Skolnick. He has been successful in every business hes been involved in, and he relates very well to people. We are excited about what he will accomplish because hes the kind of businessman who thrives as a Monster Tree Service franchise partner. Central Texas is a key growth area for Monster Tree Service as more and more people move there and search for a truly professional tree service to take care of their needs on a year-round basis.

Monster Tree Service is the only franchise tree company capitalizing on the under-served $17 Billion tree service industry. Monster Tree Service has achieved consistent, year over year, 5% growth since 2009, resulting in an $10+ Million business. Because its a high-upside opportunity, and a recession proof business, Monster Tree Service expects to achieve $100 Million in sales in 2021.

I was looking for a couple of things in a franchise business when I started my search last year, said Roach. I wanted to make sure the opportunity was a good fit for the market, there was a clear history of smart, sustainable growth, and it was a business that truly wanted to invest in me as a franchise partner. Monster Tree Service and Josh Skolnick covered all of those bases for me.

For more information about Monster Tree Service, please visit http://www.whymonster.com/.

For more information about Monster Tree Service franchise opportunities, please visit http://www.monsterfranchising.com/.

About Monster Tree Service

Founded in 2008 in Fort Washington, PA by Founder and CEO Josh Skolnick, Monster Tree Service is the first and only national franchise brand serving the $17 billion tree care industry. Over the past decade, Skolnick has aggressively built Monster Tree Service into a thriving national franchise system working day and night to build the company into a $10+ million business with 29 franchised outlets in 10 states throughout the country. Each Monster Tree Service franchised outlet offers full-scale tree pruning and removal services, including: tree pruning and trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, shrub maintenance, emergency services, plant healthcare, and various secondary services.

In stark contrast to various mom and pop style tree service companies, all Monster Tree Service franchise owners are dedicated to Making the world a more beautiful place, one tree at a time by providing homeowners with unparalleled service completed by certified professionals. Monster Tree Service is committed to educating all customers on the natural conditions, diseases and infestations that impact the health of their plants/trees and treating all issues with an environmentally friendly, Do Not Harm approach. Its all part of the Monster Tree Service vision to partner with homeowners across the country to make their trees healthy, strong, and vital.

For more information about Monster Tree Service, please visit http://www.whymonster.com/.

For more information about Monster Tree Service franchise opportunities, please visit http://www.monsterfranchising.com/.Tim Tamura

Haute Residence is honored to announce its continued partnership with real estate broker Tim Tamura as it progresses into 2018. As a Haute Residence partner for three years, Tamura has exclusively represented the luxury real estate market in Corona del Mar, California.

In the mid-1990s, Tamura concluded a position with a Fortune 50 company to commence a career in real estate. After years of travel around the globe, he decided to settle in a place close to his heart  Corona del Mar.

Tamura founded VALIA Properties, whose Greek/Latin origin denotes there is value in truth, and, as a managing partner, works tirelessly to embody this culture and develop a long-term connection within the community.

He assembled a team of seasoned brokers, who elevate the experience of buying, selling, and investing in real estate. In addition to representing clients in the purchase and sale of residential properties, their close connection with the market has positioned VALIA as the authority for design and consulting with developers and owners alike.

Tamura and his teams professionalism has delivered record results and garnered client and peer accolades. Aggregate sales under his tenure have exceeded $2 billion, and VALIA Properties has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal in the top 100 of the Top 1000 Sales Teams in the United States for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.

About Haute Residence:

Designed as a partnership-driven luxury real estate portal, Haute Residence connects its affluent readers with top real estate professionals, while offering the latest in real estate news, showcasing the worlds most extraordinary residences on the market and sharing expert advice from its knowledgeable and experienced real estate partners.

The invitation-only luxury real estate network, which partners with just one agent in every market, unites a distinguished collective of leading real estate agents and brokers and highlights the most extravagant properties in leading markets around the globe for affluent buyers, sellers, and real estate enthusiasts.

HauteResidence.com has grown to be the number one news source for million-dollar listings, high-end residential developments, celebrity real estate, and more.

Access all of this information and more by visiting: http://www.hauteresidence.comMCI USA continues to enhance its comprehensive strategic events, meetings & incentives platform with the appointment of Jason Ware as Vice President, Housing Operations and Contracting. Ware will be responsible for overall housing account management and domestic hotel sourcing and contracting.

In addition to leading and mentoring an established team, Jason will also ensure MCI USA is well positioned in the US hotel industry, said Shawn Pierce, President, Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives, MCI USA. Jason brings his extensive industry relationships and experience to MCI USA as we advance the strategic and tactical solutions we provide our corporate and association clients.

With more than twenty years of experience in the meetings and events industry, Ware was previously Director of Meetings for the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) based in New York City. In this role he was responsible for strategizing and leading logistical operations of medical meetings and events, including CRFs annual citywide convention. Ware also previously served as Director of Meetings for the American Heart Association (AHA), where he oversaw the logistical planning for AHAs two largest events. Prior industry experience also includes the roles of Chapter Business Manager and Senior Manager, Membership Marketing, at Meeting Professionals International.

Its an incredible opportunity to join MCI USA at a time that it is achieving impressive growth in the meetings and incentives industry, said Ware. We have a talented team and the technological backbone to deliver on our promise to enhance the strategic and economic impact of our clients events.

Working globally while delivering locally, MCI USA partners with its clients to strategically engage and activate their target audiences, building community and boosting client performance through face-to-face, hybrid and digital experiences that support client business objectives. Find out more at http://www.MCIEvents.com.

------------------------

ABOUT MCI

MCI is the global leader in engaging and activating audiences. Our business is founded on a simple human insight: When people come together, magic happens. This magic is called community. Since 1987 we have been bringing people together through inspiring meetings, events, congresses and association management. MCI helps organizations harness the power of community by applying our strategic engagement and activation solutions to build unforgettable online and offline experiences that foster change, inspire, educate and enhance business performance. MCI is an independently owned company with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and a global presence. Our 2,000 professionals in 60+ cities and 31 countries work with clients across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, India, the Middle East and Africa. Find out more at http://www.mci-group.com.

ABOUT MCI USA

MCI USA helps companies and associations strategically engage and activate their target audiences, building community and boosting client performance through face-to-face, hybrid and digital experiences that support client business objectives. With US headquarters in the Washington, DC area and growing offices in New York, Miami, Baltimore, and now Dallas, MCI USA is rapidly expanding its platform to deliver a robust set of services in its Association and Corporate Solutions portfolios. Find out more at http://www.mci-group.com/usa.

ABOUT MCIS MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS & INCENTIVES

MCI has engaged and activated audiences through inspiring meetings and events for almost 30 years. Today, MCI is trusted by clients across the globe to create face-to-face, hybrid and digital experiences supporting key business objectives, from building brands to reaching new markets and rewarding top performers. From the healthcare and life sciences sector to the luxury, ICT, automotive and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors, MCIs industry experts create and deliver innovative, customized solutions. Coupled with MCIs insights into global mega trends and culturally relevant local learnings, our events engage, inspire and deliver return on investment (ROI). Find out more at http://www.MCIEvents.comWith some of the most experienced security experts in the nation, we enable organizations of all sizes to accurately visualize their networks with in-depth behavioral analytics to determine potential areas of network vulnerabilities that will interfere with business continuity

Cytellix (cytellix.com), the cybersecurity division of Information Management Resources, Inc. (IMRI), today announces that because of its cybersecurity expertise and proactive continuous monitoring, it can detect potential threats caused by Meltdown and Spectre, that affect most computing platforms using Intel, ARM, and AMD processors. The service can identify unusual behavior of any connected digital asset or service that may have been targeted for exfiltrating data, enabling companies to make corrections before data is extracted through the exploitation of a flaw. We provide a best of breed solution that would have seen the bad actor connections in real-time and would have alerted the abnormal activity on all devices and IPs connecting to these bad actors, said, Brian Berger, Cytellix executive vice president of commercial cybersecurity. With some of the most experienced security experts in the nation, we enable organizations of all sizes to accurately visualize their networks with in-depth behavioral analytics to determine potential areas of network vulnerabilities that will interfere with business continuity.

The Cytellix solution includes vulnerability identification and cyber real-time situational awareness monitoring of the network. The managed services includes a complete cyber assessment, network vulnerability scanning, gap analysis, system security plan, plan of action and milestones, situational awareness monitoring, remediation best practices, and security policy templates. All connected known and unknown IP addresses are identified, profiled and mapped. The system provides real-time awareness of IP behaviors, leak detection, netflow capabilities and real-time alerting of changes in behavior. Inventory and device metadata is also collected on all IPs on the network, which can identify the operating system, properties and connections to determine where an organization needs to update known vulnerabilities before a cyber event occurs.

Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and damaging, and these potentially crippling assaults are premeditated, deliberate, and coordinated. When a device manufacturer such as a network switch, firewall, or router is identified as end of life, then it either has a technological market disadvantage or a technical flaw that renders the device vulnerable in certain situations. Software patches are similar in respect, but are much more frequent and are typically called security updates or security bulletins. Many of the updates are categorized as critical, important, or moderate, and identify the issue as either part of the native vendor products or vulnerabilities in third party applications used by the native applications that can compromise the OEM publishers products. Once a flaw is known, the hacker communities also then know and start targeting their attacks to enter an organization through the identified vulnerabilities.

The issue of deployment of patches or updates by companies is the biggest concern given the public awareness of these broad based cyber/malware attacks. Recently, the attacks have been based upon the gaps in the patching of software. These organized communities develop their attacks to automatically detect and exploit unpatched software or systems that are not updated with the current software as the bases for the attack and entrance to a company.

Cytellix offers small and medium-sized businesses its best-in-class solutions and services, from comprehensive cyber gap analysis and vulnerability assessments to real-time network scanning technology that provides continuous monitoring, threat detection and remediation best practices as a turn-key subscription that is a huge value at an affordable cost.

Companies have a lot at stake and cyber attackers are looking for every opportunity to pounce. Only by being proactive with their security defenses can companies minimize their risk of being breached, added Berger.

For more information about Cytellix, visit cytellix.com or call 949.215.8889.

About Cytellix

Cytellix, the cybersecurity division of Information Management Resources, Inc. (IMRI), is a team of innovative and creative thinkers whose goal is to Help Businesses Stay in Business. The cyber leaders at Cytellix thrive on providing services to small and medium sized businesses, which are the largest targets for malicious cyber activity.

The Cytellix team of experts has created an affordable, low impact solution for defeating cyberattacks with a best-in-class, turnkey service designed to help companies take a proactive approach to securing its environment.

Cytellix works with companies in government, manufacturing, finance, banking, law, healthcare and higher education sectors, and its innovative managed service model includes assessment, gap analysis, continuous monitoring, practical plans of action, and customized best practices for remediation and implementation.

They Cytellix team is proud to have successfully secured the government network perimeters for the U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency, and municipal organizations such as the City of Irvine, and its cyber security solution has also been deployed at leading commercial corporations as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Kaiser Permanente, and The Walt Disney Company.

Cytellix and its highly-acclaimed team has been recognized with numerous honors such as the 2017 Washington Technology Innovative Company Award, the 2017 American Business Award, the 2016 Small Business Administration Person of the Year award, the 2015 Patriot Award, and the 2014 White House Champion of Change Honor; and the experts at Cytellix are frequently tapped for media interviews and keynote addresses by publications such as CNET and the Huffington Post. For more information, please visit cytellix.com.

# # #

The Cytellix logo is a registered trademark of Cytellix.

All other trademarks in this release are the property of their respective owners.Representatives with Actaeon Consulting, an Alpharetta, Georgia-based company announced today that it is now providing customized financial analysis to businesses.

Financial statements are useful for understanding your business at a high level, but financial analytics take your business operations to the next level, John Mosher, Managing Partner for Actaeon Consulting said. Actaeon gives you the tools to dive deeper into your business, so youll know where to invest, where to cut back, which functions of your business are most profitable, and more.

Customers, according to Mosher, will have access to solutions such as product profitability and return on investment analysis, forecasting, key performance indicators, and visual analytic dashboards where all your financial data is pulled into one intuitive visual presentation.

We empower customers with insights and tools to make the wisest financial decisions for their company, therefore optimizing their competitiveness, efficiency, and profitability, Mosher stressed, before adding, At Actaeon, we customize every business solution to each clients unique situation. Get the personalized financial analyses to grow your business and stay ahead of the competition.

As to why anyone should give the companys new cloud-based solutions a try, Mosher pointed to the fact that Actaeons founders have decades of accounting, finance and IT experience at companies ranging from mid-sized private equity backed firms to Fortune 500 companies.

Our technology partners have tools to streamline and automate key functions of your back office to optimize efficiency and productivity, Mosher stressed. We can reconcile your accounts monthly, weekly, or more frequently, if necessary.

For more information, please visit: https://actaeonconsulting.com/about-us/ and https://actaeonconsulting.com/financial-analysis/.

About Actaeon Consulting

Actaeon Consulting is headquartered in Alpharetta, GA and helps businesses in the greater Atlanta area, as well as helping clients nationwide and far abroad. Cloud-based applications allow Actaeon to support a businesss accounting, bookkeeping, and analytical needs regardless of where they are located. Actaeons team carries experience from multiple industries, and will customize the right solution that makes the most sense for your business.

Contact Details:

John Mosher

Managing Partner

Actaeon Consulting

190 Bluegrass Valley Pkwy

Alpharetta, GA 30005

(770) 751-8104

(800) 670-3416

Source: Actaeon Consulting

###Will Cummings and Tray Middlebrooks Being effective in the workers compensation system is largely dependent on having a superior understanding of each clients unique situation. Past News Releases RSS Attorney Will Cummings Earns...

Atlanta lawyers Will Cummings and Tray Middlebrooks were recently recognized as members of the states Legal Elite in business magazine, Georgia Trend. This is the 15th edition of the popular legal section, which recognizes lawyers for excellence in the practice of law. The Legal Elite honor is unique in that inclusion is based entirely on the voting of other attorneys in the state of Georgia, and the number of recipients is a very small percentage of the practicing Bar.

Cummings used announcement of the awards as an opportunity to reflect on what makes the law firm he co-founded with Middlebrooks special. In addition to a really strong commitment to personal service, our firm brings together a great mix of experience in and knowledge of the Georgia workers comp system, said Cummings. Thats a difficult combination to replicate, and it has a significant impact on our ability to achieve our clients goals.

Middlebrooks agreed with his partner and long-time friend, while adding his thoughts about how a smaller law firm can meet the needs of clients involved in the complex process. Being effective in the workers compensation system is largely dependent on having a superior understanding of each clients unique situation, including what led to their injury and their personal financial needs moving into the future, said Middlebrooks. Making a personal investment in our clients and their families is a true differentiator between our practice and the larger law firms that handle a massive number of cases.

About Cummings & Middlebrooks, LLP: The attorneys at Cummings & Middlebrooks, LLP bring over 35 years of combined experience to each clients case. Conveniently located in the heart of Atlantas Buckhead community, the firm represents clients across the state of Georgia in cases involving serious work-related injuries and wrongful death. The firm has earned Martindale-Hubbells prestigious AV Rating, and is a recognized leader in the area of injured workers rights.What: Auberles new Family Emergency Shelter is slated to open Monday, January 8, 2018 for men and women in need and their children. Hundreds of area families struggle with a lack of permanent, stable and safe housing. Recent extreme winter weather conditions have made the crisis of homelessness even more critical for parents and their children. The Mon Valley region, in particular, lacks resources for families struggling with homelessness.

The program will be housed in Duquesne at the former site of Auberles longstanding transitional living program, Movin On, which assisted young homeless men ages 16-24 for twelve years. The emergency shelter can accommodate up to 20 individuals at one time and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The goal of the program is to keep families safe, assist them with securing more permanent housing and link them to available resources.

Why: Auberle has been awarded a contract by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) to spearhead an initiative that helps address the significant and substantial need for a permanent Family Emergency Shelter. Data from DHS shows that 320 families with children were served in emergency shelters in Allegheny County in 2016 and 45% of families spend less that one month in them. Oftentimes, families will seek shelters after they have experienced a traumatic event. As a result of these statistics, Auberles Family Emergency Shelter will offer a formalized housing plan for each family.

Where: Auberles Main Campus, 1101 Hartman Street, McKeesport, PA 15132

Information: To schedule an interview to learn more about Auberles New Family Emergency Shelter, please contact Deb Hilton at 412-673-5856 ext. 1315 or e-mail debh(at)auberle.org

Auberle is also seeking donations of brand new items for the children and families of the Family Emergency Shelter including diapers, diaper wipes, towels, wash cloths, and more.

About Auberle:

Since 1952, Auberle has been dedicated to community, strong families and successful youth. Auberle serves over 3,800 at-risk children and families annually in eight counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. Today, we offer 16 programs including preventative and community-based services, with about 60% of our clients served in their home, school or in their community. Auberles services include the 412 Youth Zone drop in-center for youth aging out of the foster care system and experiencing homelessness, workforce development, foster care, education, drug and alcohol and mental health programs, placement and housing services, in-home intervention. Recently, Auberle was named by the Pittsburgh Business Times as one of the most Innovative organizations in the region. The agency is also a recipient of the Wishart Award for Excellence in Non-Profit Management and was named Agency of the Year in the United States by the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, the largest network of human services organizations in the United States. To learn more about Auberle, visit http://www.auberle.org or connect with them on social media.Russ Hickey The power of TruBlue is really that it frees up time so people can enjoy their house without it being a burden. - Russ Hickey

Russ and Alison Hickey understand the stresses of working, raising a family and caring for a house. Thats why they are excited to announce the launch of their new business, TruBlue Cincinnati East.

TruBlue offers handyman services, house cleaning services, emergency repairs, seasonal projects, yard/lawn care, a home watch program, a senior accessibility program and more. TruBlue is a great option for busy families and seniors who want the comforts of their own home without worrying about property maintenance.

My wife and I have both been business professionals for the last 20 years and we were looking for a new way to serve the community. When we learned about TruBlue and realized the positive impact the business could make on families like ours as well as seniors and others in our region, we knew this was what wed been looking for, Russ said. Im a cancer survivor and that experience put things into perspective for me. I can do a lot of home repairs on my own, but that doesnt mean I want to. We all only have so much time and I want to spend my free time with my family doing things I love  not working on the house. The power of TruBlue is really that it frees up time so people can enjoy their house without it being a burden.

TruBlue also works with homeowners, realtors and rental property owners who need to get homes move-in ready and keep them maintained and has a commercial services for business clients. TruBlue Cincinnati East serves the entire east side of Cincinnati, including Madiera, Montgomery, Loveland, Anderson, Oakley, Hyde Park and the surrounding areas.

Russ and Alison have three children and live in Anderson Township.

In addition the impact TruBlue can have on families and busy individuals, the services can also be powerful for seniors.

When people are trying to help their older parents stay in their homes, their first thought is often personal care.not the requirements of home maintenance  other than maybe cutting the grass  until something breaks or you find yourself spending every weekend on repairs. Home maintenance shouldnt be an additional stressor for families. TruBlue was created with seniors in mind - we can be a full-service property manager to make sure the home is safe, comfortable and well maintained. We are like a concierge service for home maintenance, Russ said.

As my own mom got older, it was distressing to hear about the challenges she had with contractors and companies shed hired for various house projects. I want people to have a trusted resource they feel comfortable calling for all their house projects. Thats part of what inspired me to open TruBlue, he added.

All TruBlue franchises are fully insured and bonded and all employees are background checked. To learn more about TruBlue Cincinnati East, call (513)818-3000, email RHickey(at)TruBlueHouseCare.com or visit http://www.TruBlueCincinnatiEast.com.

About TruBlue

TruBlue provides one convenient and affordable solution for all your house care needs  inside and out. TruBlues services include house cleaning, household repairs, yard work, emergency repairs and seasonal work, all handled by a personal House Care Manager. These affordable services are available year-round and customized to meet your needs and budget. TruBlue strives to provide affordable, worry-free living for seniors and hassle-free living for busy adults with the goal of eliminating the worries, hassles and headaches of home maintenance by providing full-service, trustworthy house care services to fit any budget.A top BBC journalist has quit her role as China editor and published an explosive letter, in which she challenged the broadcaster's "secretive and illegal pay culture."

Carrie Gracie addressed the letter (available in full below) to licence fee payers, the British public who fund the BBC, and published it on her website on Sunday evening.

It follows salary disclosures at the BBC in July last year, which revealed discrepancies between how much male and female presenters are paid.

In Gracie's case, she discovered that two of her male counterparts earned "at least 50%" more than her. US editor Jon Sopel earns between 200,000 ($270,000) and 249,999, while Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen takes home between 150,000 and 199,999.

Women have been fighting for equal pay ever since, but she said little progress has been made. The BBC has adopted a "bunker mentality" and is denial over the issue, according to the presenter. She said:

"Salary disclosures the BBC was forced to make six months ago revealed not only unacceptably high pay for top presenters and managers but also an indefensible pay gap between men and women doing equal work.

"These revelations damaged the trust of BBC staff. For the first time, women saw hard evidence of what theyd long suspected, that they are not being valued equally.

"Many have since sought pay equality through internal negotiation but managers still deny there is a problem. This bunker mentality is likely to end in a disastrous legal defeat for the BBC and an exodus of female talent at every level."

Gracie, who has worked at the BBC for 30 years, said it must accept there is a problem, "apologise and set in place an equal, fair, and transparent pay structure."

The corporation said on Monday that "fairness in pay" is vital and an independent salary audit, carried out last year, had shown there is no "systemic discrimination."

Gracie has left her role to return to the BBC's London newsroom, where she said she expects to be paid fairly. Her open letter coincided with her guest hosting Radio 4's "Today" programme on Monday, the biggest news show in the country.

Gracie was among the main headlines, but BBC impartiality rules prevented her from giving an interview on the matter because she was presenting the programme. She did, however, say the response to her letter had been "very moving" and that there was a "depth of hunger" for fair pay.

Many have praised Gracie's bravery and tweeted their support:

Must be extremely odd to be... @ Janine Gibson

This is a huge loss to the ... @ James Cook

Brilliant letter by @BBCCar... @ Cathy Newman

A BBC spokesman said: "Fairness in pay is vital. A significant number of organisations have now published their gender pay figures showing that we are performing considerably better than many and are well below the national average.

"Alongside that, we have already conducted an independent judge-led audit of pay for rank and file staff which showed 'no systemic discrimination against women.' A separate report for on-air staff will be published in the not too distant future."

Read Carrie Gracies letter in full:

Dear BBC Audience,

My name is Carrie Gracie and I have been a BBC journalist for three decades. With great regret, I have left my post as China Editor to speak out publicly on a crisis of trust at the BBC.

The BBC belongs to you, the licence fee payer. I believe you have a right to know that it is breaking equality law and resisting pressure for a fair and transparent pay structure.

In thirty years at the BBC, I have never sought to make myself the story and never publicly criticised the organisation I love. I am not asking for more money. I believe I am very well paid already  especially as someone working for a publicly funded organisation. I simply want the BBC to abide by the law and value men and women equally.

On pay, the BBC is not living up to its stated values of trust, honesty and accountability. Salary disclosures the BBC was forced to make six months ago revealed not only unacceptably high pay for top presenters and managers but also an indefensible pay gap between men and women doing equal work. These revelations damaged the trust of BBC staff. For the first time, women saw hard evidence of what theyd long suspected, that they are not being valued equally.

Many have since sought pay equality through internal negotiation but managers still deny there is a problem. This bunker mentality is likely to end in a disastrous legal defeat for the BBC and an exodus of female talent at every level.

Mine is just one story of inequality among many, but I hope it will help you understand why I feel obliged to speak out.

I am a China specialist, fluent in Mandarin and with nearly three decades of reporting the story. Four years ago, the BBC urged me to take the newly created post of China Editor.

I knew the job would demand sacrifices and resilience. I would have to work 5000 miles from my teenage children, and in a heavily censored one-party state I would face surveillance, police harassment and official intimidation.

I accepted the challenges while stressing to my bosses that I must be paid equally with my male peers. Like many other BBC women, I had long suspected that I was routinely paid less, and at this point in my career, I was determined not to let it happen again. Believing that I had secured pay parity with men in equivalent roles, I set off for Beijing.

In the past four years, the BBC has had four international editors - two men and two women. The Equality Act 2010 states that men and women doing equal work must receive equal pay. But last July I learned that in the previous financial year, the two men earned at least 50% more than the two women.

Despite the BBCs public insistence that my appointment demonstrated its commitment to gender equality, and despite my own insistence that equality was a condition of taking up the post, my managers had yet again judged that women's work was worth much less than men's.

My bewilderment turned to dismay when I heard the BBC complain of being forced to make these pay disclosures. Without them, I and many other BBC women would never have learned the truth.

I told my bosses the only acceptable resolution would be for all the international editors to be paid the same amount. The right amount would be for them to decide, and I made clear I wasn't seeking a pay rise, just equal pay. Instead the BBC offered me a big pay rise which remained far short of equality. It said there were differences between roles which justified the pay gap, but it has refused to explain these differences. Since turning down an unequal pay rise, I have been subjected to a dismayingly incompetent and undermining grievance process which still has no outcome.

Enough is enough. The rise of China is one of the biggest stories of our time and one of the hardest to tell. I cannot do it justice while battling my bosses and a byzantine complaints process. Last week I left my role as China Editor and will now return to my former post in the TV newsroom where I expect to be paid equally.

For BBC women this is not just a matter of one years salary or two. Taking into account disadvantageous contracts and pension entitlements, it is a gulf that will last a lifetime. Many of the women affected are not highly paid stars but hard-working producers on modest salaries. Often women from ethnic minorities suffer wider pay gaps than the rest.

This is not the gender pay gap that the BBC admits to. It is not men earning more because they do more of the jobs which pay better. It is men earning more in the same jobs or jobs of equal value. It is pay discrimination and it is illegal.

On learning the shocking scale of inequality last July, BBC women began to come together to tackle the culture of secrecy that helps perpetuate it. We shared our pay details and asked male colleagues to do the same.

Meanwhile the BBC conducted various reviews. The outgoing Director of News said last month, We did a full equal pay audit which showed there is equal pay across the BBC. But this was not a full audit. It excluded the women with the biggest pay gaps. The BBC has now begun a talent review but the women affected have no confidence in it. Up to two hundred BBC women have made pay complaints only to be told repeatedly there is no pay discrimination at the BBC. Can we all be wrong? I no longer trust our management to give an honest answer.

In fact, the only BBC women who can be sure they do not suffer pay discrimination are senior managers whose salaries are published. For example, we have a new, female, Director of News who did not have to fight to earn the same as her male predecessor because his 340 000 salary was published and so was hers. Elsewhere, pay secrecy makes BBC women as vulnerable as they are in many other workplaces.

How to put things right?

The BBC must admit the problem, apologise and set in place an equal, fair and transparent pay structure. To avoid wasting your licence fee on an unwinnable court fight against female staff, the BBC should immediately agree to independent arbitration to settle individual cases.

Patience and good will are running out. In the six months since Julys revelations, the BBC has attempted a botched solution based on divide and rule. It has offered some women pay revisions which do not guarantee equality, while locking down other women in a protracted complaints process.

We have felt trapped. Speaking out carries the risk of disciplinary measures or even dismissal; litigation can destroy careers and be financially ruinous. What's more the BBC often settles cases out of court and demands non-disclosure agreements, a habit unworthy of an organisation committed to truth, and one which does nothing to resolve the systemic problem.

None of this is an indictment of individual managers. I am grateful for their personal support and for their editorial integrity in the face of censorship pressure in China. But for far too long, a secretive and illegal BBC pay culture has inflicted dishonourable choices on those who enforce it. This must change.

Meanwhile we are by no means the only workplace with hidden pay discrimination and the pressure for transparency is only growing. I hope rival news organisations will not use this letter as a stick with which to beat the BBC, but instead reflect on their own equality issues.

It is painful to leave my China post abruptly and to say goodbye to the team in the BBCs Beijing bureau. But most of them are brilliant young women. I dont want their generation to have to fight this battle in the future because my generation failed to win it now.

To women of any age in any workplace who are confronting pay discrimination, I wish you the solidarity of a strong sisterhood and the support of male colleagues.A Texan woman has died after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria after eating raw oysters on a trip to the the Louisiana coast.

Jeanette LeBlanc died after a three-week battle with vibriosis, an illness typically caused by eating raw seafood, CBS reported.

After shucking and eating roughly two dozen raw oysters with her wife and a friend, LeBlanc began having respiratory distress and a rash, which she and her wife initially assumed were signs of an allergic reaction. But, when she went to the hospital, doctors said she had been infected by Vibrio bacteria.

"It's a flesh-eating bacteria," her wife, Vicki Bergquist, told local news station KLFY. "She had severe wounds on her legs from that bacteria."

The CDC estimates that vibriosis causes 80,000 illnesses each year in the US, most caused by consuming contaminated food. While most people recover from the infection, one variant  the Vibrio vulnificus infection  is often deadly. One in four infected people die, often within just a day or two of becoming ill.

Food-poisoning experts have advised exercising caution while consuming raw oysters for years.

"Oysters are filter feeders, so they pick up everything that's in the water," food-poisoning attorney Bill Marler told BottomLine. "If there's bacteria in the water it'll get into their system, and if you eat it you could have trouble."

Marler says that he has seen more foodborne illnesses linked to shellfish in the past five years than in the two previous decades.For many parents, judging a local public school comes down to average test scores and the amount of money going into that school.

A new Stanford University study of test scores from 45 million students, who populate the about 11,000 US public-school districts, upends that set of assumptions.

The study found no correlation between a given district's socioeconomic status and the average test scores of its students. According to Stanford sociologist Sean Reardon, the smartest way to measure a school's effectiveness was to instead look at the students' rate of improvement over time, as measured by their standardized tests.

Reardon first gathered data on third-grade test scores, reasoning that kids performed roughly according to their family's level of wealth. "Affluent families and districts are able to provide much greater opportunities than poor ones early in children's lives," he wrote in the report.

Then he crunched the numbers on approximately 45 million test scores, from third- through eighth-graders in nearly every US school district. Surprisingly, Reardon found no correlation between how wealthy a district was and whether its kids were making outsized leaps in achievement.

In many cases, students in poor communities started with low test scores, but their scores rose much faster over the years than kids in wealthier areas. In high-poverty Chicago schools, for instance, students completed six years of material on average in just five years' time.

The findings should help both parents and school districts, Reardon argued in his report.

Parents can use the information to better select schools for their kids. Instead of focusing on how high the test scores are or how big the school's budget is, they can focus on the test score improvement rate  the students' trajectory  to gauge whether a school is effective.

Districts can do their part by providing that information to parents, Reardon said. They can become better advocates for lower-income schools if those schools can boast high growth rates.

That argument in favor of public schools runs counter to much of what the Trump administration has sought to communicate over the past year  namely, that public schools are inefficient compared to a privatized model. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has compared school choice to picking between an Uber and a yellow cab.A freedom of information (FOI) request filed by Press Association and reported by The Guardian found that there were 24,473 attempts to access pornographic websites from computers and other devices in the Houses of Parliament between June and October last year. That works out at an average of about 160 attempts a day.

The internet network in the Houses of Parliament is used by MPs, peers, and staff. It automatically blocks access to pornographic sites but that didn't stop people trying.

A parliamentary spokesman reportedly told Press Association: "All pornographic websites are blocked by parliament's computer network. The vast majority of attempts to access them are not deliberate. The data shows requests to access websites, not visits to them.

"There are 8,500 computers on the parliamentary network, which are used by MPs, peers, their staff and staff of both Houses. This data also covers personal devices used when logged on to parliaments guest wifi."

September was the most popular month for pornographic website requests, with 9,467 requests from both the Houses of Lords and Commons that month.According to the Africanspotlight.com, the arrests were made in Tandahimba, northern Tanzania sanctioned by the local district commissioner.

The said girls and their parents were later released on bail and a search has been mounted for the men who impregnated them.

Earlier, some human rights activist had argued that the arrest of the girls and their parent leaving the men who impregnated them was unfair.

Tanzanian is a conservative country that frowns on immorality especially among youngsters, which president of the country, John Magufuli is bent on enforcing.A video released by authorities of the city showed Karina Leon move out of the shop with her customers after John Bell entered and demanded her to open the cash register, according to upi.com.

The robber was so trapped that not even shooting at the door could save him. It got to a point he had to kneel down and beg people outside to help him out, sensing the danger of being apprehended by the police.

Though the incident happened in April last year, police released the video just last week, following the conviction of Bell to five years in prison.

Karina Leon told KHOU-TV, "It was in broad daylight, I was cashing out a customer and she had a baby. I think I was handing her cash, then this guy walks in with a hoodie on."

Leo added that "As soon as he went into the office I just immediately got out and got the customer out."

READ ALSO: This heavily built man had sex with prostitute until she died

But how was Leo able to get the robber trapped? She explained, "I just locked him outside because whenever you lock the door outside, from the inside you can't open it so I knew he wasn't going to be able to open it."He reportedly died on Friday, January 5, 2018, during the operation Deep Punch offensive against Islamist sect, Boko Haram in Damoboa, Borno State.

The terror group has been put on the back foot following the renewed strength of the Nigerian army which seems to be on the ascendancy in the fight to counter the militants.

Hassan's death as well as the improved position of Nigeria's force was confirmed in a comment by a Twitter user, Ahmad Salkida.

"Captain Hassan was killed two days ago. His end is being mourned all over the theatre as he was always assigned difficult tasks to different areas to assist soldiers.

"Military sources confirm the insurgents are witnessing unprecedented pressure, with the operation Deep Punch.

"The ongoing 'Operation Deep Punch,' the NA lost some personnel amongst whom is Capt MM Hassan of the artillery corps based in Damboa.

"He was a brave, disciplined and a highly motivated Officer, that earned him the title - Sarkin Yakin Damboa by colleagues and the civil populatn.

"Nigerian Army Loses Another Outstanding Soldier in Damoboa. He is in the same league with Col. Abu Ali. Capt. MM Hassan is a soldier's soldier. His colleagues pay tribute and local residents described him as kind and humble."

The passing of the deceased war machine has become a trending subject on Twitter where sympathizers including the governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Hassan Ibrahim Dankwambo who expressed pain concerning the loss.

"Im deeply saddened over the loss of this gallant officer, Capt. MM Hassan and other patriotic officers who lost their lives while trying to keep us safe from these enemies of humanity. May God grant their families the fortitude to bear this loss," he tweeted.

Nigerian soldiers with great passion for their job

The battle to conquer the Boko Haram insurgents has seen a number of exceptional soldiers who have displayed a dedication to their jobs revealed.

Despite losing many of their colleagues to the war, some have still managed to put up a cheerful mood like an army officer who sent out a Christmas message in December 2017, in a video that went viral.

The military person began the clip with an opening chorus acknowledging support from God. He soon proceeded to stating that though he has found himself in the thick of a bush, the pride of being a Nigerian soldier stays firmly rooted in him.

"My people happy Xmas in advance," he started.

"Enjoy yourself eh. Just thank God that you guys are out there, you guys can even eat chicken. Anything you like you can just eat. But we, we are inside the bush. We feed on anything natural and we are happy. We are proud of it. That is why we are soldiers. Enjoy. (Laughing out loud)."

The rare show of commitment by a Nigerian soldier to his duty is an indication that not every security agent is corrupt and belligerent in nature.The tragedy which occurred on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at a location described as Rasak Okunola Avenue, Ijagemo, Ijegun, Lagos, led to the arrest of the suspect who was attached to the Kirikiri Police Division, Punch News reports.

It revealed that the deceased, 17, was buried by his father at the Apapa Cemetery after he was confirmed dead at a hospital.

Punch also reported that the deceased was expected to resume at the Olabisi Onabanjo University on Monday, January 8, 2018, having recently secured an admission.

Olusunde was arrested following a tip-off by a man living in the community where the deceased was battered by his father. The latter had reportedly tried to cover up the death.

The boy was the first of four children. His mother was not around when it happened. I think she travelled. The father said he was looking for N2,000 and said the boy took the money, which he denied.

That evening, when the man returned from work, he saw the boy outside and grabbed him by the hand. He took him inside the house and asked him to say where the money was. He started flogging the boy, who cried for help. The man flogged him until he went into a coma.

After he was confirmed dead, the policeman took the son away and buried him. He wanted people to keep quiet about it. A resident, however, called the police and he was arrested, the man told Punch in an interview.

The incident was confirmed by SP Chike Oti, a Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO).

The spokesperson who confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the matter mentioned that the deceased died after hitting his head on a septic tank.

On January 3, 2018, at about 4pm, information was received that a man killed his son and took away the corpse. We learnt that he returned to his house on Rasaq Okunola Street, Ijagemo, and locked himself inside. Detectives raced to the scene and arrested the suspect.

Upon interrogation, he said his son, Ibukun, stole his N2,000 and when he questioned him, he ran away. He said his son fell on a septic tank slab in the process and injured his head, but later died in a hospital while receiving treatment.

He said he took his corpse to the Apapa cemetery for burial. Investigation is ongoing into the case, the police rep disclosed.

Violence against children by their parents

Nigeria has seen various cases of violence against children by their parents or guardians.

In a bid to correct a bad behaviour, some adults have applied an extreme disciplinary tactic which has often led to the death of those being corrected.

A Facebook user, Alhaji Fari Muhd once took to the social media platform to describe what he considers an act of abuse against a young lady who was accused of being a witch and responsible for the deaths of family members.

The incident which occurred in Borno State, saw the victim stripped to her underpants, tied up and suspended in the air.There was a hue and cry when news broke that expats at the ceremony were asked to pay $100,000 to sit close to the president.

The Presidency subsequently cleared the Trade Ministry of any wrongdoing in the organisation of the awards after it invited the sector Minister Alan Kyerematen to provide details on the matter.

But the Minority Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak described as a complete cover-up, claims by the presidency that there was no wrongdoing.

The Minority in parliament called for a bipartisan committee to probe the development; a request the Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye granted.

But speaking on Accra based Citi FM Saturday, Mr. Cudjoe said that the conduct of the organisers was standard practice.

He, however, indicated that the Ministry could have been better with its handling of the whole process.

My personal opinion is that the Trade Ministry handled this thing quite poorly. Secondly, I have to also say that if you organize a formal programme with business people, there is actually nothing entirely wrong if they paid for tablesunless of course, those sums were indeed extorted. We have to differentiate the two, he said.The two men whose names are not known yet were relieved of their post immediately.

They failed to enforce a bye-law which demands that all vehicles must offload goods between 6 pm and 6 am.

READ ALSO: Eastern region records 105 maternal deaths in 2017

However, the 2 who have been fired were present after 6 am when a vehicle was offloading goods at the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra.

Mr Sowah was on a tour in the same area to see how a planned decongestion exercise was going.

He chanced on the infractions and told the two, for not enforcing the law, youre fired today.

The Mayor was not ready to listen even though the officials tried to give an explanation.

READ ALSO: FDA to ban songs that encourage alcohol consumption

The Mayor, however, explained that this is a new rule and it will continue, we have not said you should not offload your goods, we are saying you should do it between 6 pm and 6 am.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has started a major decongestion exercise to get hawkers and traders off the pavements and footbridges in the metropolis.

The AMA has earlier notified the hawkers of this exercise in the previous week.In a Facebook post on January 7, 2018, he asked that the government update Ghanaians on the stay of the Gitmo 2 since their stay in the country has elapsed.

Time to return the Gitmo 2. Their time is up. Please update us before we use the courts, the post read.

READ ALSO: AMA begins major decongestion exercise today

In August last year, parliament ratified an agreement to allow Mahmud Umar Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby, to stay in Ghana, following a Supreme Court order.

The Court had earlier ruled that their stay in Ghana was unconstitutional without parliamentary backing.

The then John Mahama-led government decided to welcome the two Yemeni ex-detainees from the US into the country for a period of two years.The late Managing Editor of the Al-Hajj newspaper passed on last Friday at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after reportedly battling with stroke.

The veteran journalist was subsequently laid to rest on Saturday, however, former president Mahama was not present at the burial service.

The former president was rather spotted at the NDCs Unity Walk held in Techiman in the Brong Ahafo region on that same day.

Mahamas absence led to speculations, with certain quarters reading all sorts of meanings to it.

However, in a press release the family of the late Alhaji Bature has warned against using the demise of their relative to score despicable political points.

They explained that the ex-president gave all the needed support before and after the death of the late Alhaji Bature, adding that Mahama was only absent as a result of circumstances beyond his control.

The family, therefore, expressed their gratitude towards John Mahama for coming to the rescue of our late brother at the time he needed them most.

Below is the full statement by the late Alhaji Batures family:

The Iddrisu family is extremely scandalized by the inexorable attempts by some political entrepreneurs to score despicable political points with the sudden death of Alhaji Bature Iddrisu by launching unwarranted scathing attacks on former President John Dramani Mahama.

While we acknowledge the inherent rights of any person or group of persons to criticize the former President, we strongly object to crafty attempts to use the death of our late brother as fertile political grounds to sow seeds of political profiteering.

The contributions of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama; his brother, Mr Ibrahim Mahama and the Mahama family in general, from the day the late Alhaji Bature Iddrisu was admitted at the hospital, to the time of his death and its aftermath, are too great a virtue for the Iddrisu family to gross over. We believe the Mahama family came to the rescue of our late brother at the time he needed them most and the best way to reciprocate is to appreciate their kind gesture.

We don't have the authority of the Mahama family to make public their contributions to Alhaji Bature prior to his death, but if there was any creature on earth who took a special interest in the upkeep of him while on admission at the hospital, it was the Mahama family.

For the records, the former President was in touch with us while in Techiman and indeed joined the Muslim community in Techiman Zongo to observe Jannaiza prayers prior to the burial of Alhaji Bature. A minute of silence was observed during the Unity Walk in Techiman in memory of the fallen Hero.

The former President sent entourage led by Alhaji Collins Dauda and other NDC stalwarts to represent him at the burial ceremony due to his absence as a result of circumstances beyond his control.

It is awfully shocking that persons who never checked up on Alhaji Bature while on his sick bed and never showed up for his burial rites or called to check up on arrangements are the ones demonizing those who singlehandedly stood by him in times of difficulty.

We are by this statement warning any person or group of persons who want to latch onto Alhaji Bature's death to settle political scores to desist from it immediately.

We have lost a national hero, and the best we can do to preserve his legacy and memory is to pray for his soul to rest in peace.

Amos Blessing AmorseArmed with pistols, a short gun, a hammer and machetes, the suspects also took away some mobile phones and even subjected harm to the occupants of the orphanage.

READ ALSO: Robbery gang terrorise residents of Koforidua

Their luck, however, run out when they attempted to decode some of the phones they had stolen.

Two suspects were initially arrested at Kwame Nkrumah Circle after an attempt to break into one of the iPhones which led to a number being sent to the owners gmail account.Their accomplices were subsequently grabbed.The 39-year-old was suspected to have raped his Ghanaian house help at his Airport Hills Residential home in Accra.

The court presided over by Justice Kofi Dorgu refused to hear the bail application by the accuseds lawyer, Ralph Opoku Adusei because the state prosecutor in charge was indisposed.

Lawyer for the accused pleaded with the court to consider the fact that the wife of Mr Haddad and two children have been thrown out of their house, but the Judge told the counsel to come back to the court on January 9, 2018.

The counsel for the accused prayed for bail, but the court refused on grounds that they did not have the jurisdiction to do so.

Background

The victim in this rape and assault case, who speaks only Ewe and French, said the suspect beat her after his apparent displeasure with the coffee she had prepared for him.

Four policemen from the East Legon District Police Command arrested Haddad Rabih, around 11:45 pm.

The suspect, according to reports forcibly had sex with the victim around 5 pm on Saturday in the absence of his wife and other occupants of his household after subjecting her to severe beatings for resisting his demands.

The incident happened at Airport Hills residential area.

The victim narrating her ordeal after seeking medical care, the victim (name withheld) said the suspect beat her up mercilessly after she refused to accede to his demands for the second time.

He slapped her twice on the face, finally overpowered her and dragged her to his bedroom to rape her.

According to the victim who could barely turn her neck, she had been in the employment of the suspect from the month of November but was persistently harassed by him for sex anytime his wife was not at home.

She said the event was the fourth time the suspect had raped her in a total of two separate encounters.

Narrating how it happened, she said the suspect directed her to have her bath after his wife, another house-help and his children had left home.

After her shower, the suspect allegedly directed her to his kitchen, which was close to the master bedroom to prepare him coffee.

She obliged after he refused to allow her to dress properly after bathing.

On reaching the kitchen, he locked the door but her attempt to escape was not successful.

The victim said Rabih threw her out of the room after raping her twice. She bled after the act.

Former AG steps in to serve as lawyer for the victim

Former Attorney General, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, has stepped in to serve as the lawyer of the victim.

Mrs. Appiah-Oppong said she was keenly following the case, and expressed some satisfaction with the course of the investigations so far, and said she will ensure justice is served.

"We are fortunate to have caught this one early so that the investigation can be done properly. Very often, by the time we become aware of a situation like this, time has elapsed, evidence is lost and it becomes very difficult to follow up on it. That is why we are very keen to follow up on this one to make sure that the proper investigation and proper prosecution is also done," Mrs. Appiah-Oppong said.According to him, the Nana Addo-led administration has gone quiet despite promising to investigate the matter when voted into power.

In his view, the NPP lied to Ghanaians concerning the DKM scandal in the lead up to the 2016 elections.

Earlier in 2017, many customers of DKM Microfinance Company were left frustrated after losing millions of cedis invested with the company.

This was after owners of the microfinance company invested in unapproved ventures and ended up losing their funds.

As a result, the Registrar Generals Department was appointed to liquidate the company in order to help refund monies to customers who lost their investments.

However, not all customers were lucky enough to receive their monies, with some getting part payment, whiles others received nothing at all.

The scandal rose to become a national issue, with the then opposition NPP accusing then president Mahama of being involved in DKMs dealings.

Now a former president, Mahama believes the ruling governments relaxed approach to dealing with the issue is enough evidence that he was innocent after all.

He, therefore, dared the Nana Addo administration to back their accusations by prosecuting him and his wife or be known as a party of lies.

When the DKM issue came up, the NPP accused my wife and I of owning that company. So they said when they come into power, they will retrieve the money from us and give it back to those it was taken from. ByGods gracetoday, theyare in now power," Mahama said during the NDCs Unity Walk held in Techiman on Saturday.

"I challenge them to investigate the ownership of DKM. If DKM is owned by my wife and me, arrest us but they are now very quiet."Observing from what is happening in the country today, with the new phrase yetuasheda emerging during the just ended festivities, there is a high possibility, that Ghanaians will change the government, come 2020, and replace it with a new government (NDC) that will instill hope and provide solutions to the welfare issues affecting the good people of Ghana, Professor Alabi said in his statement on the 25th anniversary of the Fourth Republic.

He believed that Ghanaians should be involved in governance and applaud where we get it right and offer constructive criticism where we get it wrong.

We should be strong to change where there is the need to change.

The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) further called on Ghanaians to renew their faith in the choice of democratic governance and put to use their God-given rights to change governments when things are not running smoothly.

He, however, stated that the kind of democracy to be embraced by all should look beyond ethnic and religious affiliations.

Let us all be active citizens by contributing towards our national development and by holding those in positions of responsibility accountable for both their actions and inactions.Speaking on Accra-based Asempa FM, he said explained that he will be flouting the 1992 Constitution if he is seen controlling the affairs of the state broadcaster.

The Minister was reacting to the public outcry against the introduction of the TV license fee.

READ ALSO: FDA to ban songs that encourage alcohol consumption

The government has been criticised for supporting a decision to reintroduce TV License fees with some threatening to vote against the governing party in the next election.

Many Ghanaians have decided not to pay even though they risk being prosecuted. They argue that the major beneficiary GBC does not create programmes that are attractive enough for their consumption.

Mustapha Hamid believes the Director-General of the GBC must be blamed for the public reaction following news that defaulters of TV license will be prosecuted.

He explained that Dr Kwame Akuffo Anoff-Ntow single-handedly took the decision to request the setting up of courts to prosecute persons who have not paid the annual tax.

READ ALSO: GBC considers deducting TV licence fee from public workers salaries

Hamid added that there is little government can do because GBC is semi-autonomous.

The only thing government does for the state broadcaster; he noted is to pay for the salaries of staff and not to tell the Director-General what to do.Israel has long viewed the UN agency, known as UNRWA, as biased against it, an allegation the agency strongly denies, saying it is only providing necessary services to Palestinians.

"UNRWA is an organisation that perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem," Netanyahu said while also lauding Trump at the beginning of his weekly cabinet meeting.

He said that while millions of other refugees around the world were cared for by the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Palestinians have their own body which also treats "great-grandchildren of refugees -- who aren't refugees".

"This absurd situation must be ended," Netanyahu said.

UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness said that its mandate came from the UN General Assembly "whose members give wide and strong support to the agency's humanitarian and human development mission".

"What perpetuates the refugee crisis is the failure of the parties to deal with the issue," he wrote in a statement.

"This needs to be resolved by the parties to the conflict in the context of peace talks, based on UN resolutions and international law."

In June, Netanyahu said he had raised the issue with Washington's UN envoy Nikki Haley.

On Wednesday, Trump threatened to cut aid worth more than $300 million annually to the Palestinians in a bid to force them to negotiate.

The United States has long provided the Palestinian Authority with much-needed budgetary support and security assistance, as well as an additional $304 million for UN programmes in the West Bank and Gaza.

A Friday report on Israeli Channel 10 television said the US had frozen a payment due to UNRWA, but a spokesman for the UN organisation said on Saturday that they "have not been informed directly of a formal decision either way by the US administration".

UNRWA runs hundreds of schools for Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

It also distributes aid and provides teacher training centres, health clinics and social services.

Many analysts, including Israelis, warn that closing the agency without having an effective replacement could lead to further poverty and perhaps violence.

"While UNRWA is far from perfect, the Israeli defence establishment, and the Israeli government as a whole, have over the years come to the understanding that all the alternatives are worse for Israel," Peter Lerner, a former spokesman for the Israeli military, wrote in an opinion piece in Haaretz newspaper last week.Although their nations are separated by a heavily militarised border, North and South Korean restaurants operate side by side in Xita, the Korean neighbourhood in the city of Shenyang.

Billboards and signs in Korean script hang across the area, which boasts South Korean beer and fried chicken joints, cosmetics counters and clothing stores.

But North Korean businesses now face a Tuesday deadline to clear out as China enforces United Nations sanctions banning their presence following Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests.

After months of tensions that raised fears of nuclear warfare, North and South Korean officials will hold their first dialogue for more than two years on Tuesday.

But in this corner of China, relations between Koreans are tense and show no signs of thawing.

"We're one ethnicity, a big family, but they have a different way of thinking than us," said a North Korean waitress who works at the Pyongyang Rungrado restaurant.

She has lived in Xita for three years but has never spoken to a South Korean. She declined to give her name.

Across the street, the owner of a South Korean restaurant called Number 8 Storeroom said she has never had any contact with the owners of the two North Korean eateries near her establishment.

"I don't want to talk to them," said Jin Meihua, 43, whose restaurant serves eel and steak barbecue to a mostly Chinese clientele.

Caught in the middle

Shenyang, a city of 8.3 million, is not far from China's border with the North and houses many of China's ethnic Koreans.

In recent years it became a destination for North Koreans privileged enough to travel overseas.

North Korean eateries and small hotels popped up to feed and lodge them. South Korean boutiques became popular for shopping.

But both sides of Shenyang's Korea town have become ensnared in international disputes.

South Korean businesses took a major financial hit after China imposed punitive economic measures on Seoul over its decision to host the THAAD US anti-missile defence system, which Beijing sees as a threat to its own security.

"The whole area is in a slump," said Lu Chao, director of the Border Studies Institute at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences in Shenyang.

"Last year there was the THAAD issue with South Korea. Then North Korea created problems with its nuclear testing. Chinese have lost interest in spending their money in Xita."

Many South Koreans packed up and went home as their businesses failed, locals say.

"Things haven't been good since then," said 27-year old Jin Zhenyou, an ethnic Korean waiter at a South Korean restaurant.

The North's own dining establishments are likely to be hard hit by dwindling visitors and a blanket order from China's commerce ministry to shut down North Korean businesses by Tuesday.

Some estimates put their number at around 100 across China.

In Xita, only one has apparently closed so far and waitresses at other establishments said they had no plans to close come Tuesday.

Socialists vs capitalists

China's ethnic Koreans could bridge the divide between the two sides, but even they say making friends with North Koreans can be difficult.

"They don't like South Koreans. They won't eat in our restaurants. There's no overlap at all," Jin said.

With the shifting geopolitical situation now hitting the North, South Koreans say they won't be sad to see them go.

South Koreans and North Koreans "don't share any special relationship", said a man surnamed Gong at the local Korea Society in Shenyang.

The citizens "don't hold any events for building friendly relations, they don't know each other and don't communicate with each other," Gong said.

In 2016 the South Korean embassy told citizens to avoid the North's restaurants for safety reasons, according to Chung Young-June, a scholar with the Institute for Sinology at Yonsei University.

The government warning filtered into North Korean eateries, further straining relations between the neighbouring restaurant owners.

"The South Korean government doesn't allow them to eat our food," said the North Korean restaurant waitress.

She had no interest in speaking with South Koreans.

"We are a socialist country, they are capitalist," she said.3. Dogecoin, the alternative cryptocurrency inspired by a popular meme, has surged over the weekend and now has a market capitalization over $2 billion. It soared above the $1 billion milestone for the first time on Christmas Day and climbed over $2 billion on Sunday. As for its price, the coin was trading at $0.018 at the time of writing. That's up 800% from $0.002 a coin at the beginning of December.

4. U.S. oilfield service companies are gearing up for initial public offerings, according to regulatory filings and analysts, after several shelved equity sales last year during a weak period for oil prices. Oil is trading near its highest level since early 2015, fueling demand for service firms to bring new shale wells to production.

5. Oil prices firmed on Monday on the back of a slight decline in the number of U.S. rigs drilling for new production, with crude holding just below near three-year highs reached last week.U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at

6. Asian shares neared all-time peaks on Monday after Wall Street boasted its best start to a year in over a decade, with brisk economic growth and benign inflation proving a potent cocktail for risk appetite. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan

9. 'Big Four' accountancy firm KPMG has quit its role as an advisor in the Grenfell Tower inquiry after criticisms over its appointment. Campaigners said KPMG had failed to disclose a conflict of interest and called for the firm's removal from the role. In a statement, KPMGLONDON  Deltic Group, which operates late night bars and clubs across the UK, had record sales of 2.4 million on New Year's Eve 2017, the company said on Monday.

Deltic, which operates venues such as Oceana in Southampton and Atik in Edinburgh, said sales jumped 8.2% in the four weeks to December 31 2017.

More than 76,000 people visited its 57 bars and clubs across the UK on New Year's Eve and Deltic said it sold 10,000 bottles of Champagne and prosecco across the period.

CEO Peter Marks said in a statement: "I believe that our recent performance reflects the Group's quality brands, well-invested estate, industry-leading central sales and social media campaigns and dedication to customer service, in tune with the appetite amongst consumers for great nights out, particularly on special occasions."LONDON  New satellite imagery of two of Saudi Arabia's largest oil refineries suggests the Kingdom may have under-reported its oil stores in the first half of 2017.

Satellite images gathered by tech start up Bird.i suggest the level of crude oil held in two major refineries in Saudi Arabia, Ras Tanura and Yanbu, increased between January and June 2017. This is despite the Kingdom's official figures that show supplies declined, and a commitment to reduce supply in the face of low prices.

Bird.i collects and analyses satellite, drone and airborne images from numerous sources, some of which are captured in monochrome and some in full colour. The technology allows the fullness of oil tanks to be estimated according to the shadows cast by tanks' floating roofs: more shadow suggests the roof and oil stores are low. Factors such as the time the photos were taken, the position of the sun and the satellite's position are also taken into consideration.

Images taken of the Ras Tanura refinery, Saudi Arabia's biggest refinery with a capacity of 550,000 barrels per day, suggest stocks were relatively low in January compared to in May, when the shadows cast were much shorter  indicating a higher supply.

Images of Yanbu terminal, a major refinery on the Red Sea with a capacity of 225,000 barrels per day, suggest stocks in November 2016 were relatively low compared to those in May 2017, when the tanks look to be "almost full," according to Corentin Guillo, founder and CEO of Bird.i.

However, a third  and the most recent  image of Yanbu, taken in December 2017, shows more shadow, suggesting oil supplies fell again in the second half of the year.

Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest oil producers and key member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In November 2016, OPEC members agreed to cut oil production in the face of an oil glut and falling prices, and in November 2017 both OPEC and non-OPEC producers agreed to extend oil output cuts until the end of 2018.

Saudi Arabia also reported falling stores throughout 2017. In official data submitted to the Joint Organisation Data Initiative (Jodi), the Kingdom reported oil stocks had declined by 5.4 million barrels between January and June 2017, and were on a downward trajectory between March and September.

"The direction of the oil price is particularly difficult to predict given the combination of global demand, technological change and politics which feed into its valuation," said Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

"It would be pretty destabilising for the oil price, and for OPEC, if Saudi Arabia was shown to be saying one thing and doing another," he said.

But Khalaf cautioned above ground storage tanks are not the full picture: satellite images are "far from conclusive evidence," he said, since reserves are also held overseas and in underground tanks.

Saudi Arabia's economy is heavily dependent on oil, a problem  in the face of a finite supply and low oil prices  the Kingdom is trying to solve. Its Vision 2030 project seeks to diversify the economy and boost the state's coffers.

As part of this project, the Kingdom plans to float state oil giant Saudi Aramco, which uses both Ras Tanura and Yanbu refineries.

"In order to comply with the normal listing rules, Saudi Aramco would have to reveal precise information about its current reserves and how they have been calculated," said Mihir Kapadia, CEO of Sun Global Investments.

"However, it is not yet clear whether the share sale would include ownership of the ground reserves, and therefore we may be uncertain about the level of transparency from the company," he said.

"The [official government] figure of 266 billion barrels [in reserves] matters because it estimates the proven value of the commodity, especially as it could appreciate after peak oil," said Kapadia.

"One of the key aspects for the [Aramco's] valuation would be the reserve total," he said.Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. We bring you daily editor picks from the best Business Insider news content so you can stay updated on the latest topics and conversations on the African market, leaders, careers and lifestyle. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!The $100,000-plus 2018 BMW M5 is an all-new version of one of the most impressive machines the Bavarians turn out. Now we're getting a sixth generation, and as we learned last year when the car landed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW has made some major changes.These days it's the world versus Tesla. Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, Aston Martin, and just about every other major luxury automaker with a heartbeat is working on a future rival for Tesla's Model S.

But that wasn't always the case. Back in 2012, the Tesla Model S burst onto the scene as a four-door electric sedan with the performance, range, and luxury to actually compete against conventional premium sedans. But it wasn't immediately crowned king of the hill because a rival was lurking in the wings. That rival, the stunningly beautiful Fisker Karma sedan, was the brainchild of the famed car designer Henrik Fisker. While Tesla CEO Elon Musk bet on an all-electric setup for the Model S, Fisker went with an in-car gasoline generator to relieve any potential range anxiety, or fear of running out of battery power.

The two cars vied for the hearts and wallets of the eco-friendly elite. And for a while, Fisker held its own. Leonardo DiCaprio had a Karma. In fact, the actor wasn't just the company's brand ambassador; he was an investor. "Fast and Furious" star Tyrese Gibson owned one as well. As did Justin Bieber, whose car was wrapped in chrome.

Yet a combination of Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, a parking lot with several hundred flooded-out Karmas, and a defunct battery supplier doomed the budding car company. By November 2013, Fisker Automotive was bankrupt, leaving the increasingly capable Model S as the victor.

Now the Karma is back. In 2014, Wanxiang America, the Illinois-based subsidiary of China's Wanxiang Group, purchased the intellectual property and assets of the defunct Fisker Automotive for $150 million. Soon afterward, Karma Automotive was created. In 2017, the company began customer deliveries of its first model: the resurrected sedan formerly known as the Fisker Karma.

Last summer, Business Insider spent a day with a 2018 Karma Revero test car clad in an eye-catching Corona Del Sol paint job. The 2018 Revero starts at $130,000 and tops out at about $140,000.

Here it is! The 2018 Karma Revero.

It's a mildly updated, rebranded edition of the Fisker Karma that went out of production in 2012.

Unlike the Fisker, which was made by Valmet in Finland, the Revero is assembled at Karma's factory in Moreno Valley, California.

The stylish Karma is the brainchild of the famed car designer Henrik Fisker, whose other works include ...

... the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and ...

... the BMW Z8.

For better or worse, one look at the Revero and you know immediately it was designed by a true artist. The sleek hood ...

... pronounced wheel arches, and low-slung silhouette make for a truly stunning automobile.

Up front, the original Karma's distinctive front end remains virtually unchanged.

While the rear end received a couple of tweaks.

Most noticeable are the missing "Fisker Karma EV" badges that once adorned the car.

They've been replaced by a single stylized Karma badge.

There's also some trunk space!

Step inside and you'll see the biggest difference between the Karma and the Model S.

While the Model S is a roomy family sedan with room for seven, the Revero is a four-door coupe.

There is room for four, but only if the passengers are not too tall.

Unfortunately, it's one of the sacrifices you have to make for the captivating looks.

However, Revero's cabin is beautifully styled and luxuriously appointed.

Lovely details abound.

Like this attractively rendered digital instrument cluster.

The triangular push-button shifter is unique. As is the exposed battery pack visible through a clear panel.

The integrated door switch is a cool touch.

The rear-seat center console is an interesting touch. It also makes the already tight rear cabin feel more claustrophobic.

One major improvement is the new infotainment system. Unlike the unit found on the Fisker, this one seems to actually work. In fact, it didn't fail once during our time with the car.

Karma built this system in-house using BlackBerry's QNX platform as a basis.

Overall, I found the system to be responsive, intuitively organized, and attractively rendered.

The navigation system is functional.

As part of the update, Karma modified the sedan's drivetrain and power-generation systems.

This includes a reworked 20.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with greater reliability.

In addition, the solar roof has doubled in capacity and will now be able to help charge the main battery pack.

Unlike the Tesla, the Karma isn't a pure electric vehicle. Rather, it's a range-extended plug-in series hybrid. I know that's a lot to unpack, but here's what it means.

In most instances, the Revero runs on electric power from the battery pack. On its own, the pack delivers 50 miles of electric range. Power can be replenished by plugging it into a charger or ...

... by firing up the 2.0-liter, 235-horsepower, turbocharged Ecotec inline-four-cylinder engine sourced from General Motors. The engine doesn't actually provide direct drive to the wheels. Instead, it's used purely as a power generator.

Together with a fully charged battery pack, the Karma can deliver up to 300 miles of range.

So what is powering the Revero? How about a pair of electric motors generating an impressive 403 horsepower and a mind-blowing 981 foot-pounds of torque to rear wheels!!

According to Karma, the 5,400-pound Revero can hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 125 mph. It can also do the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds at 93 mph.

Here are my impressions of the Karma Revero.

The Karma Revero today is what the Fisker Karma was five years ago. It's beautiful, rich with character, not very practical, and imperfect. Behind the wheel, the Revero feels every bit of its 5,400-pound curb weight. While its 403 horsepower and 981 foot-pounds of torque should deliver head-snapping acceleration, it doesn't. The drivetrain and traction-control systems dull the power delivery. It's certainly capable of going quick, but it doesn't seem to want to. Believe it or not, there's lag in an electric car, something that I've never encountered before.

Karma characterizes the Revero as a charmingly relaxed grand tourer and not as a speed demon to rival the comparably priced Model S P100D. But I've driven enough 400-horsepower GT cars to know that it should have more pep in its step. On a positive note, the Revero's hydraulic steering is communicative and well-weighted. In addition, with fuel-economy ratings of just 19 miles a gallon and 51 miles per gallon equivalent, it doesn't really deliver on its eco-friendly image either.

The interior of the Revero, while cramped, was full of personality. It felt cozy and well-designed. Unlike the Model S and its cool technocratic aesthetic, the Karma feels like a true luxury car. Its occupants are surrounded by rich leather, unpolished wood, carefully crafted switches, and charming design details. In fact, the wood accents in the cabin come from sustainable reclaimed logs. (Our test car had the carbon-fiber accents instead of wood.) It makes you feel special the way a car for this price point should.

In spite the charming interior, the Revero is a sedan that isn't very practical and an electric vehicle that's not all that efficient. But it's a vehicle that can't really be judged by traditional criteria. The Revero has to be taken into context. For Karma Automotive, the Revero is not meant to be a moneymaker. Nor is it meant to sell in large numbers. Rather, it's a starting point for a fledgling carmaker. It's a niche product designed to help build awareness for the brand and put it in a position to release more mainstream models.After the popular New York City home goods store Fishs Eddy began selling mugs featuring talk show host Oprah Winfrey's face and the phrase "Oprah 2020" on them this past summer, they sold well, but didn't make a splash.

But after last night's speech at the Golden Globe awards that led the famous host to begin "actively" considering a 2020 presidential run, the Oprah mugs at Fishs Eddy flew off the shelves, and the store sold out of them by Monday morning, less than a day after the Hollywood awards ceremony.

A few months ago the great ... @ Brian Stelter

People were buying it because they had the option of it, but after last night, people came and were like 'Oh there's the Oprah mug, I'm going to get it,'" the store manager of Fishs Eddy told Business Insider. "So last night's speech definitely helped sell it."

The mug is part of the store's women's empowerment collection, and was featured alongside similar mugs honoring Sen. Elizabeth Warren and other powerful women.

Winfrey's speech at the Golden Globes championed the cause of women who had spoken out through the "Me Too" campaign that highlighted sexual assault and harassment.

"I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon, and when that new day finally dawns it will be because of a lot of magnificent women  many of whom are right here in this room tonight  and some pretty phenomenal men fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time where nobody ever has to say 'me too' again," Winfrey said on Sunday.The Conservative Prime Minister has been shaking up her front bench, with Karen Bradley appointed Northern Ireland secretary after predecessor James Brokenshire resigned over health reasons, Matt Hancock made culture secretary, and David Gauke appointed justice secretary. But the heavy-hitters  including Boris Johnson, Philip Hammond, Amber Rudd, Sajid Javid, and Greg Clark  have remained in their existing roles.

Jeremy Hunt, now the longest-serving health secretary ever, has given an expanded brief that includes social care. According to one report, he had been due to be moved to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, but refused.

Speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn accused May of "dodging the real issues" with a "pointless" reshuffle, according to a copy of his remarks shared ahead of time.

Attacking the government over the ongoing winter NHS crisis that has seen tens of thousands of operations and appointments cancelled, he said: "Its simply not good enough. You cant make up for nearly eight years of failure by changing the name of a department.

"Back in the real world, outside Westminster, our health service is on its knees: with patients dying as they wait for ambulances to arrive, ambulances stacking up outside hospitals, and corridors full with trolleys and patients."Russian media reported on Wednesday that "radical Islamists" had destroyed six fighter aircraft and one transport plane with a mortar attack on December 31.

More than 10 Russian service members were wounded in the attack, said the report, which cited defense sources but not Russia's Ministry of Defense.

A day later, another Russian media outlet published a denial from the ministry, which said two service members had been killed but no planes destroyed.

Unverified images circulating on social media, however, seem to fit the bill of destroyed Russian aircraft at Syria's Hmeymim air base.

Joseph Dempsey, a research associate for defense analysis at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, posted the images and pointed out that the plane in them had been confirmed to be in Syria. He added that the rainy conditions captured in the photo matched the weather at the time the report said the attack happened.

@kommersant Unverified imag... @ Joseph Dempsey

Dempsey's pictures show the shredded rear horizontal stabilizer of a Su-24. But for a mortar to do such serious damage to the stabilizer, it would have to explode nearby, most likely peppering the entire plane and anything around it with bits of shrapnel.

If the images are genuine, it's safe to assume other nearby jets or assets suffered damage too.

In short, though the damage looks limited, the plane is probably wrecked. One picture shows a fuel leak and a bomb underneath the jet.

Taken together, the images depict a disaster or near-disaster where Russia bases most of its fleet in Syria.

This spells trouble for Russia

Whether the images are real or not  or whether seven or one or zero planes were destroyed  Russia has confirmed the attack and casualties.

Google Earth satellite imagery of the air base shows that the mortar attackers had ample space and cover to launch on Russia's sitting-duck Sukhoi jets.

It appears Russia most likely fell victim to a guerrilla attack or insurgency  the same kind that has for decades kept the US's superior military and air power from completing missions in the Middle East.

Charles Lister, the director of counterterrorism at the Middle East Institute, tweeted two theories about who could have attacked the base: a "localized, very small independent rebel unit active behind enemy lines," or "Ahrar al-Sham's 'special' unit operating covertly in Latakia (has a long track record)."LONDON  Theresa May has suffered a shock resignation of a leading government ally as she reshuffled her Cabinet  but by and large, the heavy-hitters in the Prime Minister's government have remained in place.

The Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire stood down due to ill health, as the prime minister prepared to reappoint her top team, a government spokesperson confirmed on Monday morning. He has been replaced by Karen Bradley, formerly the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. (Matt Hancock has been apponted to Bradley's old role.)

Justine Greening, formerly education secretary, has quit government after being offered the Department of Work and Pensions, according to multiple reports, replaced by Damien Hinds. Instead, Esther McVey becomes Work and Pensions Secretary.

Other senior figures moved in the reshuffle included Patrick McLouglin, who was replaced as party chairman by the former immigration minister Brandon Lewis.

David Lidington was also moved from Justice Secretary to become the new Minister of State for the Cabinet office  replaced by David Gauke, previously

Lidington repalces Damian Green as May's de facto deputy, and will stand in for her at Prime Minister's Questions but without taking the title of First Secretary. Green was sacked by the prime minister last year after making a misleading claiming about pornography found on his parliamentary computer in 2008.

In a letter to the prime minister, Brokenshire said he had a small lesion on the lung which required surgery. "Clearly my long-term health and my family are my priorities," he wrote.

James Brokenshire reveals h... @ Paul Waugh

May thanked him for his service and replied that it was "absolutely right that you should put your health first."

Breaking: the reshuffle's b... @ Tom Newton Dunn

Reshuffle chaos

There was much confusion after the Conservative party announced that the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling had been moved to party chairman, replacing Patrick McLoughlin.

Why have @Conservatives jus... @ Kate Proctor

Further announcements are expected throughout the day, with more junior appointments expected tomorrow.Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!LONDON  Theresa May is set to move or sack at least four senior figures in her Cabinet on Monday in the biggest reshuffle of her top ministerial team since calling the June snap general election.

The prime minister will confirm a number of changes to her Cabinet today and tomorrow, with the most high-profile changes set to be announced before lunchtime today.

The most prominent Conservative ministers reportedly under threat are Education Secretary Justine Greening, Party Chairman Patrick McLoughlin, Business Secretary Greg Clark and House of Commons leader Andrew Leadsom, who May went toe-to-toe with in the final round of the party's 2017 leadership contest.

Leadsom has today written an article for The Times outlining her plans for the year as House of Commons leader.

Though changes to the Cabinet will be wide-ranging, most of the government's big beasts are set to continue in their roles.

Boris Johnson will continue as foreign secretary despite a number of gaffes and his widely-criticised handling of the

The prime minister is likely to announce that a new ministerial position has been created to oversee preparations for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. Steve Baker, who is currently based in the Brexit department, is set to be confirmed as the Cabinet for minister for no deal, The Telegraph reports.

Possible promotions

A major vacancy to be filled is that of first secretary of state after Damian Green was effectively sacked last month for lying about pornography found on his parliamentary computer in 2008.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has been tipped as a possible replacement. However, a change in leadership within the Department for Health would be tricky with the NHS struggling with what has been dubbed a winter crisis.

Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, has also been floated as a potential successor to Green.

All eyes will be on movement at the top-end of Cabinet but Prime Minister May wants to use this latest reshuffle to promote new talent to the lower levels of government, according to numerous reports.

George Freeman, who up until recently was head of Theresa May's policy unit, has called for a "big shake-up" within the Conservative Party following the disappointment of the June election.

"Politics is changing. I think this election showed that our party structure is not fit for winning modern elections. We dont just need to repair it, I think we need to be really bold and set out what a 21st-century Conservative party looks like," he told the Today programme this morning.

Tory MPs elected in 2015 and 2017 including James Cleverly, Suella Fernandes and Bim Afolami have all been tipped for junior ministerial roles.

Brandon Lewis, the MP for Great Yarmouth and current immigration minister, is reportedly in the frame to replace McLoughlin as party chairman.According to multiple reports, it's likely that big names will keep their jobs.

Foreign secretary Boris Johnson is expected to keep his job, despite calls for his resignation over his blunders around Brexit secretary David Davis are also thought to be safe, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

The newspaper reported that education secretary Justine Greening is fighting for her job, partly because the Conservatives want to recast themselves as the party for education.ORLANDO  In 2016, SeaWorld announced it would end its killer-whale-breeding program after years of scrutiny about the theme-park company's treatment of animals. The decision was seen as a necessary refocusing away from SeaWorld's iconic live killer-whale show.

However, according to the CEO, the theme park has the whales necessary to continue a version of what was for decades its most famous attraction. While SeaWorld began phasing it out at some parks in 2016, its "signature killer-whale show" and animal viewings continue at others.

"We will still have the whales for 50 years," CEO Joel Manby said on Monday at the ICR Conference. "They live a long time. This is a decision that is for the immediate. But we get to keep the whales and have the experience yet have some relief from a legislative standpoint."

SeaWorld says the average life expectancy of killer whales, also called orcas, is 46 to 50 years for females and 30 to 38 years for males.

The whales' lifespan was a focus of the breeding-program backlash, which reached a fever pitch after the release of the 2013 documentary "Blackfish."

After activists petitioned for a ban on killer-whale breeding, arguing that orcas die younger in captivity, SeaWorld launched an ad campaign saying the whales live as long in its theme parks as they do in the wild. Experts told PolitiFact that SeaWorld's claim was backed by some research but that it ignored issues such as the animals' quality of life.

Manby said SeaWorld reallocated the $300 million it had before April 2016 planned to spend on expanding its pool of killer whales through breeding toward building more attractions.

The company's strategy more generally has shifted toward education and animal conservation and away from its live animal shows.

"When you thought of SeaWorld five years ago, you thought of it as Shamu the killer whale," Manby said. "When Shamu became a liability, it created somewhat of a confusion around the opportunity for us."

Manby clarified that SeaWorld was committed to its decision not to breed and that it would not restart its breeding program, at least in his "human lifetime."

The CEO says that he believes in SeaWorld's mission but that many people misunderstand the company. Backlash against SeaWorld has been driven by "lies" and people lacking in "critical thinking," he said.

"One hundred years from now, people are going to be begging for zoos and aquariums to take the animals from the wild because the extinction rate is so high," Manby said.

People are wrong to focus on SeaWorld while fishing kills numerous sharks, dolphins, and whales every year, Manby argued.1. Intel faces at least three class action law suits over the Meltdown and Spectre chip bugs discovered by researchers last week. The suits, filed in Oregon, Indiana, and California, cite a potential performance slowdown and also Intel's response to the bug.

2. The Consumer Electronics Show, the massive annual tech tradeshow, has said it will add more women to its speaker lineup after critics pointed out there were no female lead speakers, or a code of conduct. CES said in a December it had a "limited pool" of senior female speakers to choose from.

3. Two activist Apple shareholders want the firm to study the impact of smartphone addiction on children's mental health. Jana Partners LLC and the California State Teachers Retirement System control around $2 billion (1.47 billion) of shares.

4. There's going to be a big battle between Google and Amazon over their smart speakers, Home and Echo respectively, as each firm races to outdo the competition. It's likely both firms will announce new partnerships and hardware at CES.

5. The first smartglasses enabled with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant will appear at CES. The glasses are being made by Vuzix, according to Bloomberg, and follows lots of third-party hardware makers integrating Alexa into their products.

6. One of Uber's biggest shareholders, Benchmark Capital, is selling almost 15% of its stake in the company to new investor Softbank for $900 million (665 million). Benchmark had hoped to sell more like a quarter of its stake.

7. Snap is hiring someone to spearhead its advertising efforts in China. The company quietly posted a job listing seeking someone to meet "ambitious revenue targets."

8. Mobile quiz game HQ Trivia has exploded in popularity, hitting 1.2 million concurrent players for the first time on Sunday night. HQ Trivia lets players win cash prizes for participating in live quizzes.

9. Samsung won a patent for a phone with screens on two sides. The futuristic device features screens on the front and back of the phone.From the lure of tax credits to efforts to provide residences for employees, there are several reasons why Silicon Valley companies are looking to build housing and even entire cities.

Take a look at some examples below.

In 2017, the Mountain View City Council approved a Google-backed plan to construct nearly 10,000 homes.

Google recently won city approval to construct a giant campus  which will include housing, offices, shops, businesses, and a public park  in

In late 2017, a division of Google parent company Alphabet announced plans to develop a swath of Toronto's waterfront into a "smart city."

In the years following the 2008 recession, Google provided hundreds of millions of dollars in equity for several low-income housing projects in California and the Midwest.

In Menlo Park, California, Facebook plans to build a new campus with 1,500 residences.

In 2017, Facebook announced that it will construct a village that will include

In December, LinkedIn poured $10 million into a program that works toward building affordable housing in Silicon Valley.

LinkedIn recently announced that it has devoted $10 million to a project by Housing Trust Silicon Valley, a nonprofit that helps finance affordable housing projects in the Bay Area.

The project, called TECH Fund, gives affordable housing developers short-term loans that help them "compete more effectively with market-rate developers and purchase property faster," according to the Trust.

With LinkedIn's contribution, TECH Fund's investment totals $30 million.

Y Combinator has started research on a project to design futuristic cities.James Damore, the engineer that Google fired in August for writing a memo suggesting women are less interested in tech because of their biology, has filed a lawsuit against Google.

Damore's lawyer is alleging that conservatives are discriminated against at Google and that Damore's firing was retribution against him for his political views. The suit was filed in Santa Clara Superior Court in Northern California.

Political affiliation is a protected class in many states.

But the lawsuit is seeking class action status and wants to represent more than just this one class, Damore's lawyer, Harmeet Dhillon, a partner with the Dhillon Law Group in San Francisco, told Business Insider. It is seeking to represent everyone who feels Google discriminated against them for being white, or for being male, or for being conservative.

"Googles open hostility for conservative thought is paired with invidious discrimination on the basis of race and gender, barred by law. Googles management goes to extreme  and illegal  lengths to encourage hiring managers to take protected categories such as race and/or gender into consideration as determinative hiring factors, to the detriment of Caucasian and

Dhillon and her law team have been out canvassing for people to join as plaintiffs against the class-action suit. So far, another Google engineer named David Gudeman, who left in December, 2016, is also a plaintiff, reports TechCrunch.

To recap: Damore's memo caused a firestorm for implying that biology was one reason for the lack of women in tech. Damore also argued that it was a lack of tolerance of diverse political viewpoints that needed to change.

After he was fired, he became a cult hero of the political right. His lawyer, Dhillon, is the former chairwoman of the Republican Party in San Francisco.

He threatened to sue, filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment & Housing, and that agency investigated and issued him a "right to sue" letter. That doesn't mean he'll win the case. But it is the first step before litigation can proceed.

Google plans to fight back. A spokesperson tells us, "We look forward to defending against Mr. Damore's lawsuit in court."

Likewise, in 2015 Gudeman was reprimanded by Google HR after he posted comments to a document being shared internally at Google. The document was about "derailing," the lawsuit says. That involves how to deal with a conversation that goes off the rails.

Gudeman's comments expressed opinions that white men are the "victims of a racist and sexist political movement." He also compared the document to one slave owners would have written for their slaves to help them understand how to interact with their masters, the lawsuit says.They died, visited Satans kingdom, and came back to life to tell their incredible, unbelievable stories.

Meet three people who died but came back to life from Hell.

Linda Ngaujah

In 2013, this Sierra Leonean prophetess got everyone talking about her out of this world claims. Linda said she died, visited hell, where she saw celebrities, before coming back to life.

She came back with the knowledge of denominations that would be going to hell.

In her words, all Catholics and Muslims are going to hell, adding that these so-called Christian ministers are more into money that spreading the message of God.

Her story was criticised by many pastors including William Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.

Angelica Zambrano

This lady did not just visit hell, she also went to Heaven. She was in both places for a total of 23 hours, according to Top Tenz.

In Hell, she says she saw really famous people like Gaddafi, Whitney Houston, Pope John Paul II, and Michael Jackson.

In Heaven, she got to see Jesus Christ crying over the lost souls and His second coming of the Messiah.

Bill Wiese

This story is quite extraordinary. While others went to hell as their punishment, Bill claims God only took him so that he could testify that the place is very real.

Bill, who was a devoted Christian, went to Satans lair on November 23, 1998. He was plunged into hell by exactly 3 oclock in the morning and returned after 23 minutes at exactly 3:23 am.According to the Cool FM On-Air Personality, this prosperity doctrine is a fraudulent and Satanic doctrine from the pits of Hell.

He addressed this subject in three recent teachings on his Youtube channel. The first was titled: Replacing the Prosperity Doctrine with the Free Doctrine the true Christian doctrine.

The second  The Prosperity Doctrine Is A Fraudulent And Satanic Doctrine From The Pits of Hell. Lastly, the most recent video titled: The #FreeDoctrin Replaces The Prosperity Gospel From Hell.

As you can see, Daddy Freeze is condemning the popular prosperity doctrine, which is basically about pastors who preach solely about money.

In his words, it does not bring prosperity, it brings poverty.

This time, he takes it a step further by offering a replacement called The #FreeDoctrine or the love doctrine, which he calls the true Christian doctrine.

He then took to his Instagram page to shed some light on the issue by sharing this video of another person giving reasons why this prosperity doctrine is wrong.

The OAP also shared another post concerning the same issue.

In other Daddy Freeze news

Prior to his latest teaching, the seemly controversial OAP criticised Nigerian Pastors with churches outside the country.

He did this in an Instagram post captioned: We have NOTHING to offer the Muslims in Dubai or the Buddhists in China! All we want is their money! What blessings can a Nigerian Christian ever preach about to anyone? Where are the blessings? WHERE?

When we are done preaching to them we beg them for aid and loans, wheres the freaking correlation?

Joseph took Egypt out of poverty, let our pastors take us out of suffering and poverty first, before preaching to other nations that are far more blessed than we are, about the blessings of God! ~FRZ

#FreeTheSheeple

Genesis 41 [55] When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.

[56] When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt.

[57] And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe everywhere.According to the COOL FM OAP and Leader of the Free the Sheeple movement, this popular practice is sinful and foolish.

This has started an online debate with several persons of the opinion that Daddy Freeze is right while others disagree.

Nigerian pastor discusses controversial first fruit doctrine

To clarify things, Pulse Religion reached out to a Nigerian Pastor named Ferdy Adimefe of The Tribe, Lagos.

He says, First Fruit is really about old testament principles and I think in a sense tithing fits into that as well.

In Christ, we were made to feel that all of these laws have been done away with but the way that I understand the Bible, I think some of those principles are not necessarily dated."

It's not like first fruit is wrong or right. I think it should be something I as an individual working with God have a personal revelation or a leading to do and I do it.

It has to come down to the revelation that the individual has of that practice.

ALSO READ: Omotola tells Daddy Freeze she has never heard about the principle of First Fruits

Nigerian pastor discusses controversial tithing doctrine

He also shed some light on last years controversial issue, tithing.

In his words, Tithing predates the law, it was something that Abraham practiced out of a revelation, out of a sense of knowing.

Even when Christ fulfilled the law, he also freed us not to tithe from the place of the law. If we have to tithe, to tithe from a place of revelation, of an act of worship.

The principle of first fruits remains a very common practice in a lot of Nigerian Pentecostal churches.According to the MURIC director, Ishaq Akintola, the group is also calling on the government to acknowledge the Islamic New Year.

He made this known in a public statement, where the New Years Day was called a recognition of the false god of Rome.

It read: As usual and since colonial days into Nigerias post-independence period, the Federal Government declared, January 1, 2018, as a public holiday.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) observes that January 1, 2018, holidays fully consolidated the two-day Christmas holiday and enabled Nigerian Christians to kick off the 2018 Christo-Western Gregorian calendar.

However, conscious Nigerian Muslims, particular stakeholders in the welfare of Muslims as well as the growth and development of Islam in Nigeria, approached todays holiday with mixed feelings.

Our feeling of marginalization arises from the reality of the Nigerian situation which has conditioned Muslims in the country for religious segregation and subjected them to spiritual apartheid.

Here we are, enjoying January 1, 2018, holiday which was declared by the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria in recognition of the Christo-Western Gregorian calendar.

But the same FG which recognizes this Christian calendar is yet to declare a public holiday in recognition of the Islamic calendar despite several petitions and appeals to it dating back to the 60s. Surprisingly, some people still complain that Nigeria is Islamised!"

Why is FG granting holiday for a false god of Rome and denying same for Allah the Creator of all things (Quran 2:29), the Judge of all Judges (95:8), Master of all masters (51:58) and the King of Kings (3:26).

Research reveals that January 1, 2018, is in honor of Janus, the Roman god of gates whom the Romans believed protected them from invasions. This is an incontrovertible fact. Why should FG force us to idolize the false god of Rome?

MURIC charges FG to drop its colonial garb and to don a truly nationalistic identity. For Nigerian Muslims to feel a sense of belonging, FG must close the gap between Christians and Muslims.

ALSO READ: 6 important things MURIC wants for Nigerian Muslims

MURIC and FG

This is not the first time this particular demand has been made by Muslims.

In 2016, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS), Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA), National Council of Muslim Youths Organisations (NACOMYO), Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) made the same appeal.The students, Ekeh Isidore,Kizito Onyema, Aloysius Nwokedike and John Kenedy Kalu submitted the drone to the Electrical Electronics Engineering Department as their final year project.

When asked if the quadcopter was built from the scratch by them, one of the students, Kizito Onyema who uploaded the video of themselves testing the drone on the university campus replied that the drone was built from the scratch by four of them.

However, while speaking to Pulse about the reason behind the construction of a surveillance drone for their final year project, Kizito said the drone idea was informed due to incessant armed robbers attacks on their campus.

He said the surveillance drone idea was conceived to curb incidence of armed robbers coming into their hostels.

ALSO READ:EKSU VC asks cultists to quit institution before they are caught

''Right from our first year, we used to have armed robbers invading our school campus. The school campus is not fenced and it is very close to other communities, so usually, we are oppressed by armed robbers and there is no surveillance system within the school.

''So it is because of this we decided to do something exceptional for our final year project. We are not the first students to construct a drone in FUTO, but the difference with our drone is that it works, it was able to fly and take surveillance pictures but others didn't fly''.The second-semester examination is scheduled to start today, Monday, January 8, 2018. However, the VC in a statement said, the ex student union president who served from May 8 to 29, 2017 before he was suspended has concluded plans with National Associaton of Nigerian Students, NANS to disturb the exams.

In the statement titled ''Attempt by NANS to disrupt the forthcoming Semester examinations beginning Monday, 8 January 2018'', Olayinka said he was surprised that anyone will still parade himself as an official of the Students Union having in mind that the union has since been suspended on May 30th, 2017.

The VC, however, declared that the union suspension remains valid and that any student of the university parading himself as its official does so at its own risk.

In part, the statement reads, Further to the Special Meeting of Senate of the University of Ibadan held on Friday, 5 January 2018 and the unanimous decision to proceed with the Semester Examinations, which has since been published, the University Management has received reliable security reports which require urgent attention.

Ojo Aderemi, a 200 Level student of the Department of History, who served as President of the Students Union from 8 to 29 May 2017 and his sympathisers under the aegis of NANS are planning to disrupt the Examinations''.

ALSO READ: Meet the 1st first class graduate of History in UI since 1948

He, therefore, declared that Security Agents have been put on alert adding that the university would not allow anarchist to disturb the relative peace on the campus.

The Security Agents have been put on alert.

Nonetheless, the generality of Students who are law-abiding and are prepared and ready for their examinations should remain calm, conclude revision of their lecture notes and go in for their examinations.

We should not allow anarchists disrupt the relative peace we have on the Campus.

100 student allegedly caught with blood soaked charm

Meanwhile, a 100 level student of the university was recentlyaccused of using blood-soaked charm and stealing iPhone has reacted to the accusation.It is most times rare to find photos of these celebrities showing off their great bodies but when they do, it trends. We take a look at 5 hot bedroom photos from Nigerian female celebs.

1. Mercy Aigbe

Mercy Aigbe is one of the most beautiful and sexiest actresses in the Nollywood industry and there is no doubting that. From looking stunning on the red carpet to wearing amazing dresses, Mercy Aigbe has a body to die for. Mercy Aigbe's bedroom photo shows that she isn't ready to slow down rather she is getting sexier as she ages.

2. Toyin Aimakhu

Toyin Aimakhu is another beautiful celebrity who we can't stop admiring when she dresses up. Now imagine Toyin Aimakhu in a bedroom photo shoot, it is priceless and also drop dead sexy. Toyin's bedroom photoshoot definitely will get all the guys drooling and yearning for her. She doesn't do bedroom photoshoots every day but when you see Toyin in bedroom robe then be assured it's going to keep you fascinated.

ALSO READ:10 eligible beautiful celebrity bachelorettes in Nigeria

3. Chika Ike

Chika Ike is one of the hottest female celebrities in Nigeria and no one can argue about that. She has the looks and the body. If the bedroom photos of Chika Ike are used in Playboy magazines, she definitely would get a lot of people talking because she has the body to die for and reeks of sexiness.

4. Halima Abubakar

At the mention of Halima Abubakar, your guess is as good as mine, SEXINESS! Halima Abubakar is another Nollywood actor who over the years has not only excelled career wise but also is known as a very sexy lady. Halima's bedroom photos are priceless as she has the looks that can get any guy carried away.

5. Ruth KadiriRichard Mofe Damijo popularly known as RMD was born on the 6th of July, 1961 at Aladja community of Udu Kingdom, near Warri in Delta State.

He attended Midwest College, Warri and Anglican Grammar School and was a member of the Drama Club. He enrolled at the University of Benin to continue his education and studied Theatre Arts. In 1997 Mofe-Damijo returned to the university to study Law at the University of Lagos and graduated in 2004.

RMD took part in a television soap opera in the late 80's called Ripples. Before then, he had a stint with Concord Newspapers and Metro Magazine as a reporter. Out of Bounds was the first film for which he received a writer/producer credit. In 2005 at the maiden edition of the African Movie Academy Awards Mofe-Damijo won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

After years of acting, RMD ventured into politics as he was appointed Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta state.This is in support of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, which aim to fight sexual harassment, assault and inequality for women in all kinds of workplaces.

The likes of Dakota Johnson, Kerry Washington, Justin Timberlake, Maggot Robbie, Mariah Carey and Allison Williams already turned up for the 75th Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles in their dramatic black gowns.

The Times Up activist group was formed by some A-List actors such as Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Debra Messing, Shonda Rhimes, Emma Stone, Charlize Theron and Sarah Jessica Parker.

The Golden Globes blackout is not only a protest. It is also aimed at raising egal defense fund for victims of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Currently, the group has raised approximately $15 million, with a goal of at least $16 milion.

But Why Black?

"Today, we wear black. Why? Nearly 1/2 of men think women are well represented in leadership roles and 1/3 of women think women are well represented in leadership roles," actress Ashley Judd had posted on Instagram. "The *reality* is, only 1 in 10 senior leaders are women. #TimesUp #WhyWeWearBlack.

Judd was among the first group of women to speak publicly about the sexual abuse she experienced at the hands of former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, which kicked off the ongoing worldwide conversations about sexual harassment.

The ugly tales of Weinstein, who sexually harassed and assaulted numerous actresses, including Angelina Jolie, Cara Delevingne and Kate Beckinsale, were revealed in 2017. Harvey demanded sexual favours from these actors in exchange for a movie role.

General Acceptance of Golden Globes Blackout

Not everyone supports the blackout movemnet. Actress Rose McGowan had previously called out Meryl Streep for choosing to wear black after she happily worked for Weinsten.

Blanca Blanco also ignored the Golden Globes blackout by turning up to the event in a revealing red dress.

At the 2018 Golden Globes, stars, including Michelle Williams, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep and Emma Watson, will be accompanied by key activists from different fields, including the founder of the #MeToo movement.When Nigerian gangs are mentioned, the infamous campus cults first come to mind. Sadly, violent gangs have formed outside the university, in streets and close-knit communities.

Some of these groups have gone almost as swiftly as they came, while others have terrorised entire towns and cities and inspired the creation of vigilante groups to curb their excesses.

Here are 5 gangs and cults that have terrorised Nigerians

(1) Badoo:

The ritual group is perhaps the most infamous on this list. Over the last one year or so, the group has terrorised the residents of Ikorodu.

Their extremely fetish practices are most alarming. Its members break into homes or places of worship and savagely murder anyone in their sight by splitting their heads open with pestles.

According to members who have been caught, a small handkerchief is doused in the victims blood. On some occasions, body parts are severed. After a long spree of unchecked violence, security agencies have turned the heat up on the group.

ALSO READ: Herbalist who prepared juju for killer cult group captured by Police

Several members have been apprehended since the year began; a herbalist and a sponsor of the group are also in custody.

(2) Icelanders:

Nigerias south-south has an unsavoury reputation for deep-rooted cultism. The phenomenon has seeped from the universities into everyday life; campus cults in places like Benin and PortHarcourt have street cells and offshoots in residential communities where kids are recruited from a very young age.

In other circumstances, it is hardened criminals or older persons with the potential and desperation to lead a life of crime who are recruited.

The Icelanders were created in this mould. Since its inception, the Icelanders have terrorised residents of Port Harcourt and areas where oil wealth is vastly segregated.

The group engages in paid murder, kidnappings, oil bunkering and similar activities.

(3) Outlaws:

The Outlaws is another product of the South-South, and Rivers in particular. The group split from the Icelanders in the early 2000s after a power tussle between leaders in the group.

No sooner had they become a separate entity than they began to affirm their presence with waves of extreme violence. Like their parent group, the outlaws are heavily involved in kidnappings, oil bunkering, assassinations and political brigandage.

However, over a decade, the outlaws have built a reputation for clashing with the police, with heavy fatalities. Their most infamous attack happened in February 2007.

The group subdued a barrage of police officers while entering into cells and breaking out one of its leaders and over 124 suspects.

(4) One Million Boys:

One of the most saddening aspects of street violence in Nigeria is how young boys have become involved, forming armed groups.

One of such is One Million Boys, the code-name of a gang known for its notorious robbery activities around Lagos and surrounding towns.

The group was reportedly formed in Ajegunle by a group of about 20 boys who sought to represent their communities. At some point, the groups objectives moved to robbery activities, rape and maiming.

ALSO READ: 7 lies you probably believe thanks to Nollywood movies

At the groups height, it was so well-known and feared that many clamoured for them to be called to justice. A movie titled "1 Million Boyz" was released in 2014 based on their activities.

On October 9, 2012, about 130 suspected members of the group were arrested by the Lagos State Police Command during a raid around Apapa and Ajegunle. This raid signalled the beginning of the groups end.

(5) Philistines:

undefined. However, in 2015, they had to deal with a new threat.

A gang of young boys, with ages ranging from 14 to 19 years of age began to terrorise the communities. Residents believe the group formed in Angus Comprehensive High School and Somolu High School on the basis of street loyalty.

Where physical force failed them, the group moved found strength in numbers. The boys operated by parading the streets at night in groups of up to 50 at a time.

Unfortunate passers-by would be robbed, raped and waylay-ed, often with very severe injuries. After the group became a menace, the Police stepped in.The crime lord was allegedly responsible for the New Years Day massacre in Omoku, Rivers State on January 1, 2018.

23 persons died in the massacre, including women and children.

After a long, intense manhunt, Don Wani was killed at his hideout in Enugu, alongside two members of his squad, in a joint operation by operatives of the .

Before his demise, the lean-bodied figure had cut a hard reputation as a fierce leader in the Niger Delta militancy and then as a king of boys.

Don Wani was a product of his immediate environment. Nigerias South-South has become plagued by armed militancy and gang violence. Most of it is perpetrated by young adults with slightly older men as leaders.

The Niger-Delta is a pressure cooker

A fierce fighter with a menacing presence that even in photos, gives a sense of foreboding, Don Wani, or Igwedibia Johnson was a notorious fighter who rose through the ranks to become one of those leaders.

At the height of his power, he commanded a force that was hundreds strong, made up of youths loyal to his anarchist cause and the pursuit of their goals through brute force.

Most of these people were available for the lack of a better option. The story of the Niger Delta is one that is well known.

Since oil was first discovered in commercial quantity at Oloibiri in the 1950s, the area has been violated by oil companies and the Nigerian government.

Oil pollution is perhaps Niger-Deltas biggest plague. The waters and oil, once the main source of the peoples livelihood, have been rendered useless.

In places like Port Harcourt, crippling poverty watches on as oil money drives by in entourages of expensive cars.

It is this environment that produced Don Wani.

It has produced (and is still producing) generations of angry, young men with limited options and a culture of survival that encourages hyper-masculinity and devalues life in their eyes as they chase sustenance.

Don Wanis reach and power were so wide that at the height of his power, he was one of Nigerias most feared militant leader with his hands deep in kidnapping, political violence, assassinations and just about everything that could be done with a gang and a considerable cache of weapons.

ALSO READ: Here are 5 gangs that have terrorised Nigerians

When he eventually took advantage of the government's amnesty plan for militants in 2016, there was widespread celebration.

Someone always suffers for the corruption

How did the people celebrate?

On December 20, 2016, shortly after he accepted the amnesty, the ex-militant leader was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Oyirimba I of Ogbaland.

On that eventful day, the paramount ruler of Aligwu community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers state, King C. Nwokocha, in his palace, placed royal beads and a cap on a known murderer for the simple reason that he laid down his arms and ammunition and embraced the amnesty offer of Wikes government.

Foreign corporations may have exploited the Niger-Delta but it is its own people who have now created the perfect breeding ground for the militancy and violence that now plagues them.

The politics of power and wealth in Rivers, for instance, is well documented.

Whenever it is election season, the people brace up for waves of violence that begin with isolated assassinations and end with riots on election day.

There are claims that Don Wani worked for some of Rivers most prominent and powerful politicians during his reign.

It may be the reason why until he was declared a wanted man at the end of 2017, Don Wani enjoyed life more than most high-standing members of community.

When there are no options, people create theirs

In November 2017, members of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies raided his camp at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

Wani had left long before the first soldiers came knocking but at his home, they found a palatial residence. within his camp, there was a massive main mansion where he lived with his wife and young daughter, and several smaller outhouses, which on their own, were relatively large homes.

In this space, Wani housed his closest accomplices, his lieutenants, support staff and proteges.

It says much that with his ill-gotten wealth, the crime lord was able to sustain such a large force and live in splendour without attracting ire for that long.

Among other things, a number of personal shrines were also found in Wanis compound. When the soldiers went in, they found human skulls and decomposing bodies, some only weeks old.

You could call Wani a monster and you would be right, but the sad truth is that we live in a country that is producing people like this.

Life here is difficult, even for those with some form of sustenance. For those with very little, the survivalist mentality dominates their thinking such that all they can focus on is getting by for the next day, and then the day after that.

Nigeria teaches people that plans and hard work are worth very little if you are not desperate enough to dispose of others for your own good, or take advantage of the situation to your own advantage.

It is what we call our spirit of resilience, but is actually a toxic, manipulative culture of putting ourselves first.

It is a culture that has produced various forms of the same self-oriented Nigerian who will do whatever it is they need to survive, from the Yahoo boy to the oil bunker to the runs girl.Described, at a time, as "the most impressive monument in West Africa," the Ancient Kano City Walls were defensive walls built to protect the lives inhabiting the city of Kano.

Built in the year 1095 through 1134 and completed in the middle of the 14th century, the wall, during those days, did not only serve as a fortress of protection to the people of Kano, it was also a source of pride to them.

The construction of the Ancient Kano City Walls foundation was laid by Sarki Gijimasu, the third king in the chronicle of Kano, in 1095. But it will take another three hundred years to complete the wall, during the reign of Zamnagawa.

Be that as it may, the wall would be further expanded to their present position two hundred years after its initial completion.

Now known as a tourist attraction, the Ancient Kano City Wall which was built to provide security for the then growing population of Kano is a 14km radius earth structure with gates as old as the wall itself.

It was these gates that were used to control the movement of people in and out of the city.

Each of the gates used to have a gatekeeper known as (Sarkin Kofar) and houses were provided for them and their families inside or around the gate: It is said that in those days whenever the gatekeepers saw enemies advancing towards the city, they would rush to inform the king, and he would arrange his armies to meet them.

Eight hundred and eight years after the foundation of the wall was laid, the ancient city of Kano was captured by the then General-Governor of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, Lord Fredrick Lugard, alongside his British forces.

However, the Ancient Kano City Walls which used to guard the city is no longer outside Kano city as they were in those days.

They are now inside the city and this has made it possible for people to constantly tamper with the walls, in the course of developmental activities and congestion in the area.

Even ditches that were made close to the walls in other to make it difficult for invaders to get through before mounting the walls have been turned to ponds where the walls are sited inside Kano city.

Sadly, part of the walls can be said to be largely in ruins but this does not alter the fact that the Ancient Kano City Walls and other associated sites still retain their spiritual, historical and cultural significance.

There is no telling how long the walls have left to stand. What can be said is that it is advisable for every lover of art and culture to find time and go get a view of the Ancient Kano City Walls before that which is left of it is lost to the careless hands of Westernization.Successive governments have formulated and implemented policies to develop the

However, closing the gap in men and women contributions to economic growth has yet to be adequately exploited as a strategy to develop the economy and alleviate poverty.

According to the Global Gender Gap Report, 2017, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Nigeria is the 122 out of 144 countries in closing gender gap.

The report ranked gender-based disparities in different countries particularly in the areas of economic participation, education, health and survival, and political empowerment.

The rankings are designed to create global awareness to challenges posed by gender gap and to highlight opportunities in reducing the gap, according to WEF.

A former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, comments on Nigerias position.

 Nigeria is 122 out of 144 on Global Gender Gap Report, 2017. This is poor. We must do better from now.

Part of Rwandas sustained strong economic performance over last 15 years is traceable to the inspiring way it has bridged gender gap.

We have to prepare ourselves rapidly for post-oil Nigeria, and the best way is to empower all our girls and women and unleash their talents, she adds.

Ezekwesili explains that gender parity is about making the woman the best she can be.

Dr Adesina Fagbenro, a former Regional Coordinator of Department for International Development, South-West, cautions that no country can prosper economically if half of its citizens are left behind.

According to him, women participation is fundamental to inclusive governance without which good governance and economic development are not possible.

 If government is to meet the needs of both men and women, it must build on the experiences of both genders. Such equality can grow our economy and reduce poverty, he says.

Dr Omobola Johnson, a former Minister of Communications Technology and Chairperson, Alliance for Affordable Internet, calls for equal opportunities within the workforce to help women to reach the peak of their careers and contribute much to national development.

She wants corporate organisations and civil societies to support and empower women for nation-building.

Providing equal opportunities within the workforce will accelerate a womans career. Organisations should create a flexible environment for women to contribute effectively at work while having time for the family.

We need to ensure more female representation at the top in the private and public sectors by eliminating barriers against women working in certain sectors or occupations to increase output.

A real estate investor, Mrs Udo Okonjo, regrets that Nigeria loses much in gross domestic product due to lack of gender inclusiveness.

Okonjo is convinced that women are naturally endowed with strength for multi-tasks and entrepreneurship to bring about employment creation, economic development, domestic savings and social and political stability.

Greater management of household resources by women, either through their own earnings or cash transfers, shows that if given opportunities to occupy top positions, they can enhance growth by spending in ways that benefit the society, she argues.

In her views, Mrs Amina Oyagbola, Founder, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), says educating, mentoring and empowering women have proven to be a catalyst for rapid socio-economic growth across the world.

According to Oyagbola, societies where women are repressed are among the most backward.

Nigeria seems to be somewhere in-between.

She claims that women in Nigeria make up 49 per cent of the total population but lacked opportunities to realise their potential and contribute to economic growth.

According to her, this is a waste of human capital and a barrier to economic progress.

This is a dangerous state of affairs for any society.

Women are valuable role models, agents of positive cultural and policy changes. If we can harness these attributes effectively, Nigerias growth can be more inclusive and equitable. Education of women is therefore key.

This is why WISCAR, via its mentoring programme, is helping to equip several professional women with relevant skills and competencies to effectively manage their careers, assume leadership positions and contribute to nation-building. 

Mrs Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Wife of former Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, says that promotion of womens economic rights is critical to economic growth.

According to her, these rights entail sexual and reproductive rights and rights to education, mobility and ownership, as well as right to live free from violence.

She identifies early and forced marriage as factors limiting young womens engagement in educational and economic activities.

Threats to womens rights include those posed by culture, religion and tradition, as well as processes of globalisation and economic change.

Right gained is not right maintained, unless there is constant monitoring of rights, she argues.

Adeleye-Fayemi suggests strengthening of womens access to both formal and informal justice systems, adding that the systems should advance equal rights, opportunities and participation.

There is a need to create full and decent productive employment opportunities for women and access to finance, as well as provision of social protection. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr Jaiyeola Olaoye, also emphasizes that women contribution is important for the growth of any economy.

Investment in the health and education of women and girls are the way forward.

 The logic is that educated, healthy women are more able to engage in productive activities, find formal sector employment and earn higher incomes than uneducated women.

Educated women are more likely to invest in the education of their own children and are likely to have fewer children.

Thus, investment in human capital has positive short and long term outcomes; it is good for productivity gains.

Attention should be focused on equal access to education,  he advises.

Mrs Clare Omatseye, the Director of Society for Corporate Governance, suggests that gender equality and inclusiveness should be given a priority attention in the public and private sectors.

As Nigeria pursues various economic development plans including the Millennium Development Strategy Vision 2020, a core part of the national strategy must be to invest more in women empowerment.

 Nigeria and Africa as a whole must invest in women. The economic future depends on it.

Give women the opportunity to grow. Dont view them as threats but as partners in progress, she urges.

Analysts call on the three tiers of the Nigerian Government to adequately empower women and girls so they can be partners in the efforts for the countrys economic success.In the last couple of days, herdsmen have killed some 30 persons in Benue communities; razing homes and farmlands and sending thousands fleeing to nowhere.

Herdsmen have ended lives in Kaduna, Taraba, Nasarawa and elsewhere.

We have a pastoralist crisis on our hands and heres how we can begin to fix the mess:

1. Identifying and punishing killers

These herdsmen who slit throats and leave blood in their trail must have faces, names and acquaintances.

Its time to start arresting and dragging them before courtsfor judgment in accordance with the laws of the land. All of them.

These herdsmen mustnt be allowed to get away with murder, in order to serve as a deterrent.

And slaps on the wrist should no longer be the lots of herdsmen. The full force of the law is what's required.

2. Anti-open grazing laws

I grew up in a rural community in the Cross River plains and know what it means for cattle to trample on yam shoots, level cassava ridges, upturn rice nurseries and devour vegetable with reckless abandon.

It hurts the farmer like crazy.

Nigeria has to make laws that will make open grazing illegal.

Theres a point to be made here that the typical Fulani herdsman cherishes his nomadic, peripatetic lifestyle and wont trade that for any legislation.

But times they-are-a-changing.

The Fulani herdsman has to learn that restriction is part of the modern world and adjust accordingly.

There are no open borders anywhere. Ask Trump.

3. Invest in grazing ranches

Every State in Nigeria should dedicate parcels of land for green pasture for herdsmen and their cattle. It should be compulsory for every State to have these ranches which should be religiously maintained and tended.

Herdsmen would not need to traverse States and villages, destroying farmlands and provoking everyone in their wake.

In civilized societies, herdsmen dont trek from one end of the earth to the other. Besides, cattle restricted to ranches turn out healthier.

Its not even rocket science.

4. Educate herdsmen

Herdsmen could actually behave better if they had a little more education and sensitization to go with their trade.

What will it cost States to enrol herdsmen in informal learning centers and bring them up to speed with modern grazing and livestock techniques?

Not a lot, I tell you.

5. Disarm herdsmen

No herdsman should be carrying guns or pistols across Nigeria unless theyve been licensed to do so.

Why do we let civilians bear arms indiscriminately and helplessly watch them as they turn those arms on fellow civilians?

The internet is full of pastoralists bearing arms as they march round Nigeria.The Acting President of the association, Prof Simon Irtwange, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

He said that farmers had been mobilised to increase their production in order to make provision for the local consumption and export requirements.

Irtwange, who is also the Chairman of the Technical Committee on Nigeria Yam Export Programme, said that efforts were made to build the capacity of yam aggregators to buy exportable yams in large quantities from farmers after harvests.

He said that yam exporters, instead of going to markets to buy yams, could procure the yams from the aggregators who already knew the standards for exportable yams.

He said that the committee was partnering with the Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, for the production of seedlings of exportable yams so as to boost the production of the yams and encourage farmers.

I will not agree that export has anything to do with the local production because not every yam variety can be exported.

The ones that are exportable are the ones that meet export standards. The export requirements include 2kg. yams that are slender and smooth, while the non-export yams are purely for local consumption.

We have also encouraged yam production; this year, we would have more output than what we had in the previous year because farmers are now sensitised and they have gone into massive production. So, there will be enough yams for the local market and export.

We have already selected the yam varieties we want to promote for export but the seedlings for those varieties are the major challenge right now.

So we have gone into partnership with Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. They will produce the seedlings for us and IITA is also involved in the project.

After production, we have aggregators who will off-take the yams from the farmers and will aggregate for the exporters, he said.

Irtwange, who noted that over 20 per cent of exportable yams often rotted away because of poor preservation techniques, said that aggregators would have cooling systems for the produce.

Concerning the aggregators, what we require from them is that they will have warehouses, they will have cooling systems and they will store the yams under the correct temperature.

Through that way, we can also give assurance of the quality of what we are exporting.

The assurance is that we have done the trials, we have learnt from our mistakes and we have put in place measures to correct all the drawbacks.

The essence of the trials is to see where there are challenges, so that we can see how to solve the problems.

Now, we have known what the challenges are and we are going to face them squarely.In a report by TheCable, the suit filed by Malami in what was understood to be an attempt to stop the decision of the senate to conduct a forensic probe of the affair, was struck out by the judge on Monday, January 8, 2018.

Justice Nyako heard Malamis application in chambers and turned it down.

In furtherance, she ordered Malami to put the national assembly on notice as there was no urgency to grant an ex parte motion.

The motion on notice will now be heard on January 15, 2018.

ALSO READ: Malami blocks Senate investigation into Maina's reinstatement scandal

National Assembly Probe into Mainagate

On October 24, 2017, the senate mandated its committees on public service, internal affairs, anti-corruption, establishment and judiciary to probe the circumstances of Mainas return to the country and the public service.

In the same vein, the house of representatives is also probing Mainas recall.

Malami's Denial

When he appeared before the panel of the lower legislative chamber in November, the Attorney general of the Federation had denied hisinvolvement in Mainas recall.

However, Malami asked the court to determine if the national assembly has the right to probe issues relating to the employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant in a another suit.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was convened by the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, at the ministers conference room.

In attendance were the Governors of Adamawa, Jibrilla Bindow; Benue, Samuel Ortom; Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai; Nasarawa, Tanko Al-Makura, and Taraba, Darius Ishaku and Abubakar Bello of Niger.

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris; the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana, were also present.

In his opening remarks, Dambazau stated that the Federal Government would not tolerate any threat to peace and public safety in any form in the country.

He said that it was the responsibility of government at all levels to ensure the security of lives and property within their territorial boundaries.

It is against this background that the meeting is convened primarily to bring us together to share our experiences in on the security challenges.

The meeting will then agree on the necessary measures to be taken and apportion responsibilities.

We are all aware of the noble objectives, policy initiatives and huge investments of the states and federal government with regards to numerous development projects being embarked upon, notable among which is in the agricultural sector.

It is quite unfortunate that we find ourselves confronted by communal conflicts and criminal acts resulting in bloodshed and destruction of food crops, livestocks, agricultural investments, and exposing rural communities to untold hardship, the minister said.

He noted that the current situation was very dangerous in the northern parts of the country in particular and in the nation in general.

Dambazau listed the immediate repercussions of the menace to include hunger arising from acute shortage of food, diseases and deepening of animosity between ethnic and religious groups.

Bearing in mind that general elections are just approaching and considering the history of political and election violence in Nigeria, all necessary steps must be taken to ensure the recently witnessed violence is curtailed.

We must also not allow people, who are bent on sustaining instability for their political interests, to politicise matters of security, Dambazau added.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said that the country was currently passing through a period of anxiety with the high level of criminality going on across the country.

Nothing is more disheartening than this endless conflict between (farmers and herdsmen) and the criminality that has crept into this whole system of agricultural development.

We are very saddened by the tragedies that have taken place in these acts of violence, and it is becoming clear that there are criminals bent on causing mayhem, he said.

Ogbeh said that some of the criminals might not be herdsmen per se but people who had taken to violence as a way of life.

The minister said that while the security agencies were already dealing with the problem, the federal government was fashioning lasting solution to it.

Ogbeh said that contrary to insinuations in the public domain, the herdsmen/farmers clashes were neither ethnic nor religious in nature.

He said that the problem was as a result of years of neglect of livestock development in the country.For Don Wani was a cultist whose methods were as unconventional as they come. He was so revered, he had the prefix 'General' attached to his name.

Unable to rein him in, the Rivers State government even offered Don Wani and his band of cultists an amnesty deal on October 5, 2016. It was a deal that broke down before the finer details could even be conveyed to the press.

'Worse than Evans'

Born Johnson Igwedibia, Don Wani often operated with military or other law enforcement fatigues. He wore mean looks even when sipping on alcohol and puffing marijuana in nondescript areas of Port Harcourt.

He operated with impunity in the full glare of law enforcement, fuelling insinuation that he was above the law.

He was worse than Evans (another kidnapper who terrorized Lagos) in the sense that his methods were crude and he operated in the open. We often thought he was above the law, one resident of Rivers told

Omoku massacre

On January 1, 2018, as worshippers returned from New Years cross over service in Omoku, Rivers State, Don Wanis gang waylaid them and ended the lives of 22.

The incident would come to be known as the Omoku massacre.

It was a massacre that shook Rivers to its foundation.

State Governor Nyesom Wike and his predecessor Rotimi Amaechitraded bitter words over the killings.

Dakuku Peterside who lost the governorship contest to Wike, also weighed in, asking the Rivers Governor to tender his resignation in the face of the killings that have turned the State into a river of blood.

Amaechi would double down as he called on State lawmakers to impeach Wike: "It never happened when I was governor. We (the security chiefs and myself) ensured that we didn't sleep at night. We stayed awake for the citizens to sleep. I think the governor needs to do much more than that or quit the office.

"I was governor of Rivers State, I did not play PDP/APC politics. Life is life, it has no symbol. Nobody has APC life or PDP life.

"The first responsibility of a governor which is what the oath of office requires, is that you swear to protect lives and property.

"When you don't protect life and property, what do you do? It is impeachment. Unfortunately, there is no House of Assembly in Rivers State.

"There is too much noise coming from Rivers State. The governor just wakes up and starts shouting, abusing people. That is all he does. Mr. Project painting roads.

N200M reward for the Don

As the war of words from both political camps intensified, Wike placed a N200M bounty on Don Wanis head.

"We have placed a N200 million bounty for relevant information that will lead to the arrest of all those involved in this unfortunate act of violence, Wike declared.

"Anybody who is connected to this crime in any way, will have his/her houses forfeited to the government. This place has been peaceful before this unfortunate mayhem.

"You cannot shed innocent blood and go free. We are working with all the security agencies to do everything possible to arrest the perpetrators. They must pay for this.

"I am pained by this unfortunate mayhem. Enough is enough."

Synergy

Sources tell that security agencies deployed to Rivers agreed to work together to root out Don Wani. It was a synergy uncommon in these parts.

On the afternoon of Sunday, January 7, 2018, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu who is Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, told Pulse that Don Wani was no more. He would follow up with a press statement detailing how the kidnappers life was brought to an end.

The authorities of 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt wish to inform the peace loving people of Omoku in ONELGA in particular, Rivers State and indeed the entire good people of Niger Delta in general that the notorious cult leader, kidnap kingpin and mass murderer Don Waney is dead. Ilayusi said.

Recall that in the early hours of Monday 20th November 2017, troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army acting on credible information from some patriotic members of the public, raided the evil Don Waney enclave in Omoku, ONELGA Rivers State where shocking discoveries of assorted weapons, dynamites, bags of suspected cannabis, full military camouflage uniforms, military boots, military communication radios, 10 human skulls and human bones were discovered.

Additionally, in continuation of the operation on Tuesday 21st November 2017, the troops also exhumed decomposing bodies of some of his victims in his shrine in the glaring eyes of the media who were invited to witness first hand.

Last straw

Iliyasu said Don Wanis mastermind of the New Year day killings was the last straw for law enforcement.

Perhaps not satisfied with the numerous lives of innocent citizens he took, Don Waney masterminded the despicable New Year day mayhem in Omoku in which he led his notorious gang of criminals to murder 22 peace loving citizens of Omoku when they were returning from cross over service at about 1:30am on Monday 1st January 2018.

Intense surveillance activities on him and his gang by the Department of State Services (DSS) Rivers State Command revealed that after committing these atrocities he relocated to a neighbourhood within Enugu Town in Enugu State where he rented an apartment and started living among unsuspecting neighbours within the community.

From the relative safety of his newly-rented apartment, Don Waney was already perfecting plans to wrought another mayhem in Omoku in which he was to attack churches, schools, Army and Police locations and the residences of the generality of the already traumatized people of Omoku. However, following his successful geo-location to his new Enugu neighbourhood hideout by the DSS Rivers State Command, a combined team of troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu and personnel of DSS Rivers State Command raided the hideout to arrest him and his other accomplices.

Incidentally on sensing that the combine team were closing in on his residence, Don Waney, his Second- in- Command (Ikechukwu Adiele) and another gang member (Lucky Ode) attempted to escape through the back exit of the apartment and were shot down by the eagle eyed troops in the process. One of them died on the spot while the other two who sustained gunshot wounds eventually died while being evacuated for medical attention.

The remains of Don Waney and his cohorts were brought back to Port Harcourt, Rivers State by the combine team and handed over to the Rivers State Police Command for further action.

To this end, the authorities of 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt wishes to use this opportunity to extend their condolences to the families of all the victims of the evil Don Waney and his gang.

We also wish to solicit your further cooperation in volunteering useful information to track down and arrest the remaining gang members so as to bring them to justice for a peaceful, prosperous and secured Omoku community, ONELGA, Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta region.

Commendation

It was a relieved Gov Wike who commended security agencies and President Muhammadu Buhari for the operation that smoked out Don Wani and put him to the sword.

According to Wike; The success recorded in the operations that ended Don Waney and his men is a victory for the law abiding people in the state.

It underscores the desirability of honest partnership and synergy between the government and security agencies as well as the public in tackling security problems in the state.

This victory gladdens our heart and we remain more committed in the fight against crimes and will continue to support the police and all security agencies in the onerous task of securing our dear Rivers State and her people.

We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for not playing politics with the Omoku massacre but gave a marching order which galvanised the efforts of the 6 Div of Nigeria Army, the DSS, police and everybody or agency who played a role to avenge the death of the innocent people killed in Omoku on 1st January, 2018.The Public Relations Officer of the service, Alhaji Saidu Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Monday that the incident occurred while the woman was trying to use the rest room at her residence in Sharifawa in Gaya Local Government Area of the state.

He added that upon receiving the information, we quickly dispatched our rescue team and a vehicle to the scene at about 7 p.m.

He expressed joy that the woman was rescued without sustaining injuries.

He added that we rescued the woman and handed her over to the husband.Alhaji Ahmad El-Marzuq, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Daura, Katsina State.

He described as unfortunate and saddening the manner in which youths used social media platforms to insult elders without remorse.

According to him, social media platforms are meant to accelerate development, now that the world has been reduced to a global village.

Marzuq, who noted that such abuses and unguarded comments could bring about disunity and misunderstanding among people, said that all religions emphasised morality and abhorred indiscipline.

He explained that the Nigerian legal system had adequately taken care of any action relating to insult or abuse be it in the social or conventional media, hence the need for those in such habit to desist from it for their own good.

The commissioner, who described the judiciary in Katsina State as highly independent, attributed achievements in the administration of justice in the state to cordial working relationship between the three arms of government.

He said the Gov. Aminu Masari-led administration would continue to operate within the four cardinal principles of equity, fairness, accountability and objectivity.The NDLEA Commander in the state, Egwunwoke Silvia, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Monday.

She said the suspects were arrested in different parts of the state by officers and men of the command.

She said that 66 suspects were successfully convicted, while investigation was ongoing into the remaining cases.

The Commander said the agency had taken sensitive security measures to ensure the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the sale and consumption of the prohibited drugs in the state.

We have positioned our armed security personnel in and outside the metropolis to prevent circulation of prohibited drugs in our midst, she said.

She called for more support from traditional rulers in mobilising residents to expose all those involved in the sales and consumption of drugs in the state .The minister disclosed this while speaking to journalists at Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday, January 7, 2018.

He revealed that the committee has already commenced its deliberations on the issue and will deliver a solution that works for all relevant stakeholders.

He said, "We had our inaugural meeting on December 14 and we did a framework for our work. We will finish our job before the third quarter of this year, but we may finish earlier.

"Minimum wage is a national matter and only the Federal Government can legislate on it. Labour matters and the issue of national minimum wage are in the exclusive list.

"President Buhari is monitoring it strictly, and I am monitoring it too. I wear a double cap as minister of labour, who is the regulator and also as the deputy chairman of the committee.

"We have state governors; one from each geopolitical zone, five ministers and the Head of Service in the committee. States will key into the new minimum wage when we are done because they are part of it.

"We will fix a minimum wage, but states can pay more than that. I give you an example, today minimum wage is N18,500, but Adams Oshiomhole was paying N25,000 before he left office.

"Minimum wage is just to set the baseline, but states can pay more."

30-member committee

President Buhari inaugurated the 30-member tripartite committee responsible for the negotiation of a new national minimum wage on November 27, 2017.

The committee was inaugurated by the president in the presence of governors and senior government officials at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

While addressing the committee, the president advised them to come up with recommendations that'll be for the benefit of all.

The committee is made up of government officials and individuals from the private sector including the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).

The committee is chaired by former Head of Service and Minister of Housing, Ms Ama Pepple, with Ngige serving as deputy chairman, and the chairman of National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Richard Egbule, as the secretary.

Members of the committee include: current Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita; Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udo Udoma; and the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Roy Ugo.

Others are: president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, with his team: Peters Adeyemi, Kiri Mohammed, Amechi Asugwuni and Peter Ozo-Eson; president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Bobboi Kaigama, with his team: Sunday Salako and Alade Lawa; and the president of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Igwe Achese.

Also serving as members are Director General, Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA), Olusegun Oshinowo with Timothy Olawale and Chuma Nwankwo; chairman, Kaduna East Branch, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ahmed Gobir with Francis Oluwagbenro; the Director General, Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI), Olubunmi Adekoje; president, Kano Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Muheeba Dankaka; and president, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Degun Agboade.

The Director General of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), Asishana Okauru, will serve as an observer with select governors from the All Progressives' Congress (APC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) completing the members' list.

The governors who are members of the committee are: Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha; Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola; Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu; Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong; Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike; and Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.Wani, 34, and two of his lieutenants; Ikechukwu Adiele and Lucky Ode, were gunned down on Saturday, January 6, 2018, The Nation reports.

He was said to have masterminded the the New Year day killing of 17 worshippers after crossover service in Omoku, Rivers State.

The outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, on Sunday displayed the lifeless bodies of the alleged murderers.

The Rivers Director of DSS, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, and Rivers Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed were also present at the division when the bodies were displayed.

Three AK-47 rifles and eight magazines were reported to have been recovered from Johnson, Adiele and Ode.

Wani and other militants had in 2016 laid down their arms and accepted the amnesty offer by Governor Nyesom Wike.

On December 20, 2016, shortly he accepted the amnesty, the ex-militant leader was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Oyirimba I of Ogbaland by the paramount ruler of Aligwu community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers state, King C. Nwokocha, in his palace, for laying down his arms and ammunition, thereby embracing the amnesty offer of Wike's government.

Wani's camp, mansion and shrines in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA were raided in the early hours of November 20, 2017 by troops of 6 division, with the soldiers recovering ten human skulls and various human bones, among other items, while seven suspects, including two women, were also arrested.

Addressing journalists, the GOC said "In the early hours of January 1, 2018, there was a mayhem in which 22 citizens of Omoku, Rivers State were heartlessly murdered, while returning from the crossover service.

"After that, there was a presidential directive by Mr. President (Muhammadu Buhari) that the heartless killers/perpetrators of the mayhem must be hunted down and brought to book.

"The directive was conveyed in a mandate by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to 6 Division, to collaborate with the DSS, police and other security agencies in Rivers State to hunt down and bring to book the perpetrators of the mayhem. "We collaborated and tracked down Don Waney and some of his gang members to Enugu. They were initially hiding in Imo State. We traced them to Enugu, where they rented an apartment. They lived with other people in the neighborhood like normal people. From there, they were already planning another mayhem in Omoku.

"We moved from here (Port Harcourt) and we collaborated with the GOC, 82 Division in Enugu and we were able to raid his (Johnsons) hideout in Enugu. In the process, he was running away and our troops set at them. These are the criminals.

"Don Waney, the leader of the criminal murderous gang, was the masterminder of the January 1, 2018 massacre in Omoku, but the operation was physically led by Ikechukwu Adiele, who is among the three persons now killed. There is another person, whom I do not want to mention, that led the operation with him (Adiele). We will not rest, until we get all of them and bring them to book."

Also, in an online statement on Sunday morning, prior to the display of the bodies, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of 6 division, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, said besides the strange discoveries of November 20, 2017 in Johnson's camp and shrines, troops of 6 division, on November 21, 2017, also exhumed decomposing bodies of some of his victims in his shrine.

Iliyasu revealed that Johnson, from the relative safety of his newly-rented apartment in Enugu, was already perfecting plans to wrought another mayhem in Omoku, in which he was to attack churches, schools, army and police locations and the residences of the generality of the already-traumatised people of Omoku.

The army spokesman added, "Incidentally, on sensing that the combined team was closing in on his residence, Don Waney, his Second-in-Command (Ikechukwu Adiele) and another gang member (Lucky Ode) attempted to escape through the back exit of the apartment and were shot down by the eagle-eyed troops in the process. One of them died on the spot, while the other two, who sustained gunshot wounds, eventually died, while being evacuated for medical attention.

"The remains of Don Waney and his cohorts were brought back to Port Harcourt, Rivers State by the combined team and handed over to the Rivers State Police Command, for further action."In a statement signed by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, on Monday, January 8, 2018, the mourning period will run from Tuesday, January 9, to Thursday, January 11 with flags flying at half mast.

The statement read, "The mourning period will be from Tuesday to Thursday this week and end with a church service for the victims at the IBB square in Makurdi, followed by mass burial.

"Flags will fly at half mast within the mourning period while work will close at 1 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Thursday which is the day for the church service and burial of the victims will be work-free day in the state."

Benue attacks

In attacks allegedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area and Logo LGA of Benue between Sunday, December 31, 2017, and Tuesday, January 2, 2018, 50 people were reportedly killed.

11 other people were killed in a fresh attack on Tombu village of Logo LGA, again by suspected Fulani herdsmen, on Saturday, January 6, 2018.

Police charge 6 to court

The Benue State Police Command arraigned six Fulani herdsmen who are suspected to be connected to the massacre of over a dozen people in Guma LGA on January 2.

The suspects were allegedly involved in the killing of 19 people in Akor village and were arraigned at a Chief Magistrate Court in Makurdi before Chief Magistrate Isaac Ajim on Friday, January 5.

Alongside the six already charged to court, the state's police command also arrested two suspects in Logo LGA on Wednesday, January 3.

President Buhari blamed for attacks

Many residents of Benue took to the streets of Makurdi on Wednesday, January 3, to protest against the savage attacks and called on President Buhari to act on the terror of the herdsmen or resign from his position.

State governor, Samuel Ortom, was reportedly stoned while trying to calm protesters at Wurukum in Makurdi after the angry protesters vowed to remain on the streets until decisive action is taken against the attackers.

They had barricaded major roads leading in and out of Makurdi as soldiers drafted to quell the protest and prevent mayhem found it difficult to control the crowd.

Earlier on Tuesday, January 2, Governor Ortom, who is from Guma LGA, had blamed the Federal Government for the attacks.

Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, also criticised President Buhari's silence over the numerous attacks carried out by herdsmen in the country over the past few years.The soldiers had them bundled into a waiting van after handing them the beating of their lives, Oderinlo tells Pulse.

We were having a concert in Ibafo, opposite prayer city. We had fireworks and after the fireworks, I stepped out of the office with an elderly friend of the office who was coming out to pick someone. We got outside and we saw people running helter-skelter, Oderinlo begins.

We saw soldiers chasing a particular guy and they were kicking him all over the place. Because Im a staff of the company and the person being brutalised was my customer, I approached the scene and that particular soldier eventually released the guy to me.

Then one of my colleagues behind him, a female, started telling me that its not only that guy, that they had packed a lot of people who were ticketing concert goers, into the van.

Licensed fireworks

Oderinlo narrated that he was soon next in the van before he knew it.

One of the soldiers just jumped out of the van and said shey na because I nor arrest you?he was becoming increasingly aggressive and wanted to attack the girl. And I was like, Oga what is happening? Calm down ni.

The soldier just pounced on me. Two other guys joined him. They started kicking and beating me. They dragged me to the back of their van.

Oderinlo tells Pulse that the Bale of Ibafo was probably the one who alerted the soldiers to the area as fireworks from the concert blazed through the still Lagos night.

However, Oderinlo added that the soldiers should have been better informed because permission had been sought from the police for the fireworks illuminating the Ibafo skyline.

For the concert, we had a lot of security men. For the purpose of the fireworks, we registered everything. The fireworks had all the licensing and documentation that needed to be done. The bomb squad of the police from Lagos and Ogun were at the venue, we had over 60 bouncers, bodyguards, lots of mobile policemen, dog handlers. The whole place was totally secure.

ALSO READ: Making phone calls at filling stations can now land you in jail

So, I was not scared when I saw the soldiers. There was nothing illegal we had done. Soldiers werent supposed to be at the location. Thats why I approached them. Only to discover that they were unwanted guests. They were just there to scatter the whole place.

"The elderly man I came out with, started trying to calm them down. He would later talk to someone who I later found out was a lieutenant.. He was the one who led the team. There was a DSP of the mobile police unit on the scene as well. They were going to drive us away when the police fired warning shots and told the soldiers that they were on duty and that if anyone was going to arrest anyone, that person has to go through them.

The whole situation got messy. I sat down at the back of the van because I didnt want to get caught in a crossfire. Shots were being fired and stuff like that. So, I just sat down. At the end of the day, Lt Agboola came down from the van, followed the man inside the premises of the company.

Apology not accepted

The soldiers would later apologise for their actions but Oderinlo is yet to get over the beatings he received on the night.

He sustained injuries to his body and was immediately rushed to the staff clinic for first aid on the night.

Whether they came to apologise or not cannot reverse what was done before. Anything could have happened. People could have been killed. Imagine that the mobile police officers were not on ground to stop them from abducting us, anything else could have happened. They could have carried us away, shot us dead and paraded the corpses as those of terrorists or something.

It is something that I believe shouldnt be swept under the carpet. Normally, everyone keeps quiet and hands things like this over to God, but that isnt my style.

When Pulse rang a senior army officerin Lagos, he corroborated Oderinlos version of events, before adding; It was a misunderstanding, plain and simple. We did apologise and I think that should be the end of the story.Tarkighir represents Makurdi/Guma federal constituency of Benue state at the House of Representatives.

Speaking on ChannelsTV programme, Sunrise Daily on Monday, January 8, 2018, the lawmaker expressed displeasure over President Buharis failure to name and shame Fulani herdsmen despite the attacks on Nigerians in Benue state.

He said that until the herdsmen are tagged as terrorists, the activities of security agencies in the area may not yield the desired results.

Buhari reluctant to proscribe Fulani herdsmen

He noted that the Benue state indigenes are subsistent farmers whose needs remains the protection of their lives and properties, including lands and crops.

People vote in government based on their needs, Tarkighir began.Our needs in Benue state is that we want to be protected in our land. I do not think that is politics; it is a basic need for the survival of our people. We are subsistence farmers in Benue state and we need access to our lands to farm.

"There is no reason why you will see politics in this. Our people are being killed. The United States of America has classified Fulani herdsmen as the fourth most dangerous organization in the world.

"It is the responsibility of the leadership of this country to name and shame these pastoralists. That is the only way security agencies will have the power to arrest them.

"Till today, the President has shied away from calling these people by name.

The people of Benue state are calling on the President to rise up to his oath of office which he swore to protect every Nigerian when he was elected. We believed in the President but I do not know why he is very reluctant in doing this.

Herdsmen have continued to kill our people in Benue when this president was elected till today and there has been no concrete effort from security agents to secure our lives," he noted.

Another attack

He alleged that Fulani herdsmen were massing at a village in Taraba state to attack some Benue communities.

As I speak, herdsmen are massing in Loko to attack Agatu and Gwer West in Benue state and no security agency has been deployed to those areas.

They are massing on our border in Taraba state to attack us. They attacked Logo local government last night. Nothing has been done. All we can say is that there has been collusion between the federal government and the herdsmen to deny us of access to our lands, he said.

Food insecurity imminent

The lawmaker expressed fears that with the current attacks on Benue communities, the nation may not attain its goal of becoming food sufficiency.

The federal government has been advocating for food security but how do you have food security when every time we want to harvest our produce, the Fulanis attack us?

Hundreds of trailers of rice come from Guma alone. Farmers have not fully harvested all the rice produced in Benue state but herdsmen have taken over those rice farms and burnt them down.

How do you achieve food security with that kind of situation? How can the federal government achieve rice sufficiency for the targets that it has set for itself? Tarkighir asked.

Three days mourning in Benue state

Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom has declared a three-day mourning period in Benue state for victims of the Fulani herdsmen attacks.He said those engaged in such are compounding the issues at hand, describing it as 'pouring petrol into a burning fire.'

Osinbajo also urged those affected by the killings not to retaliate.

He stated this on Sunday, January 7, 2018, at the inter-denominational church service for the 2018 armed forces remembrance day celebration held at the National Christian Center, Abuja.

He said, "The first obligation is to religiously defend the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria by words and action.

"Rebuking firmly, and sometimes by recourse to law, those who by their word and action threaten to break the bond of nationhood paid for so dearly by the blood and sweat of our military.

"Second is to defend faithfully the freedoms and rights that form the fundament of our society in nationhood. We have seen in the past few years how these rights have been challenged by the mindless extremism of the Boko Haram in the north-east and how again our fallen military, the police and even the civilian populace have risen jointly to route these criminals combatants and restore peace in most communities in that zone.

"We have also seen even recently the killings that have resulted in attacks of herdsmen on farmers and communities and also where communities have attached herdsmen.

"The state of violence and loss of lives in Rivers State, the Badoo killings in Lagos and Ogun, the president has ordered the police and armed forces to deal decisively with these killings to ensure that the perpetrators are found and punished.

He has also through various strategic meetings task security agencies to work to find lasting solutions to these issues. But we recognised that as dangerous and deadly as heartless as these killings are, it is also the danger of allowing politics to play a part and to sometimes as they say pour petrol into an already burning fire.

"We must not permit the politicisation of this tragedy. One of the reasons why for years Boko Haram strife was because of the politicisation of the insurgency. They were those who were planning to benefit politically from the tragedy and the painted the opposition then as the perpetrator.

"Our obligation is to stop them from playing dangerous politics that could threaten our unity and stability, just as we continue to enforce the peace in the troubled area."

ALSO READ: 11 killed in fresh Fulani herdsmen raid in Benue

There have been outrage in the country over the violent killings that took place in some states in the wake of a new year.

Over 60 persons were reportedly killed by herdsmen in Benue State while 17 worshippers were also massacred at a church in Omoku, Rivers State, after a crossover service on New Year day.The popular televangelist had revealed to his congregation on January 1, that God wants him to run for president despite his plan to quit politics for good.

Despite his strong political association with President Buhari, Governor El-Rufai visited Bakare's auditorium in the Ogba area of Lagos and shared a public hug with the religious leader when he arrived.

The pastor told the Kaduna governor, "I have missed you. It is a good time to come."

Bakare's relationship with BuhariAmaechi made this known on Monday, January 8, 2018, while reacting to the killings in two separate attacks in Rivers State.

Amaechi had accused Wike of failing in his responsibility to protect the people while embarking on accusing political opponents and other parties for the attacks.

The governors repugnant attempt at finger pointing, blaming oil companies, opposition politicians and everyone else apart from himself, is a clear indication that he has abdicated his primary constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property, he said.

Continuing, Amaechi said: The madness in Rivers state since the advent of these new men of power is rooted firmly in the witchcraft politics of those who now preside over the affairs of the state.

They lack the political will and have devilishly refused to halt the violence and killings, and restore some level of sanity in the state because of their mischievous politics and voodoo electoral calculations.

I fought cultism, gangs during my reign - Amaechi

Comparing his administration to the present administration led by Governor Wike, Amaechi said he battled and tackled insecurity while serving as the state governor.

He said: I led the fight against the cultists, gangs, thugs and criminals masquerading as militants.

We cannot continue to live like this. The Omoku massacre is the breaking point where we must all collectively rise up and raise our voices to say weve had enough, he said.

Wike should resign from office if he fails to protect people of Rivers - Minister

Amaechi reiterated the need for Governor Wike to buckle up and battle insecurity in the state or resign from office.

He said: The governor and chief security officer of the state who swore an oath to protect us must now protect us or resign from office. We will no longer tolerate his inability and/or refusal to protect defenceless citizens. Enough is enough.

ALSO READ: At least 15 dead in New Year's Day attack in Rivers

My thoughts and prayers are with all who lost loved ones in the Omoku attack, as we continue to pray for the repose of the souls of those who were murdered. I assure you that the federal government will begin to protect you.

Omoku community attacked by gangs

On Monday, January 1, 2018, at least 15 people were reportedly killed by unknown gunmen in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State

According to reports, the gunmen attacked the community while residents were celebrating during the early hours of the new year.Macron will visit the northern city's famous terracotta warriors along with his wife Brigitte before delivering a keynote speech on the future of Franco-Chinese relations.

The 8,000-man clay army, crafted around 250 BC for the tomb of China's first emperor Qin Shihuang, is a symbol of ancient Chinese artistic and military sophistication in a country that proclaims itself a 5,000-year-old civilisation.

Macron is beginning the three-day visit in Xian as a gesture to Chinese President Xi Jinping's colossal New Silk Road project, an ambitious initiative to connect Asia and Europe by road, rail and sea.

The $1 trillion infrastructure programme is billed as a modern revival of the ancient Silk Road that once carried fabric, spices, and a wealth of other goods in both directions.

Known in China as "One Belt One Road", the plan is to see gleaming new road and rail networks built through Central Asia and beyond, and new maritime routes stretching through the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

The project has elicited both interest and anxiety and France has so far been cautious on it. Observers say China is waiting for Macron to outline his views on the scheme, in his emerging role as a European leadership voice.

Macron's first official visit to Asia marks a new stage for his diplomacy, which has so far been concentrated on Europe and Africa.

He plans to seek a "strategic partnership" with Beijing on issues including terrorism and climate change, and make Xi an ally in implementing the Paris accord to fight climate change after the US pulled out of the deal."Our destinies are linked," he said in a keynote speech on the future of Sino-French relations during a visit to the northern city of Xian, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

"The future needs France, Europe and China," Macron said, adding he would travel to China "at least once a year".

Macron began his three-day visit in Xian as a gesture to Chinese President Xi Jinping's huge New Silk Road project, an initiative to connect Asia and Europe by road, rail and sea.

The $1 trillion infrastructure programme is billed as a modern revival of the ancient Silk Road that once carried fabrics, spices and a wealth of other goods in both directions.

Known in China as "One Belt, One Road", the plan will see gleaming new road and rail networks built through Central Asia and beyond, and new maritime routes stretching through the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

The project has elicited both interest and anxiety, with some in Europe seeing it as Chinese expansionism.

While France had been cautious about the plan, Macron heartily endorsed the initiative.

"It represents a real opportunity to create bridges, through exchange, between countries and civilisations, just as the ancient silk routes once did," he said in an interview with the Chinese website China.org.cn.

"I think it's very important that Europe and China strengthen their collaboration on the initiative. France is ready to play a leading role in this."

But Macron warned that it should be carried out "within the framework of a balanced partnership" -- a reference to concerns about China's trade surpluses. France has a 30-billion-euro ($36 billion) trade deficit with China.

Climate battle

Macron's first official visit to Asia marks a new stage for his diplomacy, which has so far been concentrated on Europe and Africa.

He plans to seek a "strategic partnership" with Beijing on issues including terrorism.

In a French version of panda diplomacy, Macron will give Xi a horse as a gift: a retired Republican Guard horse that is currently in quarantine.

On climate change, Macron said he would talk to Xi about "relaunching the climate battle" by preparing an increase in their engagements to combat global warming at the COP 24 talks in Poland later this year.

He praised China, the world's top polluter, for committing to the Paris accord after US President Donald Trump notified that America would pull out of the pact.

"China kept its word," he said. "You demonstrate your immense sense of responsibility."

Cooperation will "show the world that the French and Chinese are capable of making our planet great and beautiful again", he said in Chinese.

After Xian, Macron will head to Beijing along with his delegation which includes some 60 business executives and representatives of institutions.

Macron and his wife Brigitte will meet Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on Monday night. On Tuesday he will visit the Forbidden City, meet top Chinese officials and oversee the signing of business deals.

Human Rights Watch has urged Macron to call publicly for human rights improvements in China during his meeting with Xi, but the French president's office said the matter would be addressed privately.

Along with Brigitte, Macron visited the famous terracotta warriors in Xian, as well as a centuries-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda -- a Buddhist site -- and the city's mosque.The huge fire still raged around the stricken ship, which had been carrying 136,000 tonnes of light crude oil, with thick black smoke billowing from the vessel and the surrounding sea.

Rescuers attempting to reach the crew of 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis were being beaten back by toxic clouds, China's transportation ministry said.

The Panamanian-flagged 274-metre (899-foot) tanker Sanchi is "in danger of exploding or sinking", the ministry said.

State broadcaster CCTV posted a video on Twitter showing the fire seemingly under control as a second vessel sprayed it with a water cannon.

Rescuers had recovered one unidentified body as of Monday afternoon, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said during a regular press briefing.

"Conditions... are not that favourable for search and rescue work," he said, adding that "we are also investigating how to prevent any secondary disaster."

The accident happened on Saturday evening 160 nautical miles east of Shanghai.

The tanker, operated by Iran's Glory Shipping, was heading to South Korea when it collided with a Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship, the CF Crystal, carrying 64,000 tonnes of grain.

Ten government vessels and "many fishing ships" were helping with the ongoing rescue and clean up effort, the transportation ministry said, adding that a South Korean coast guard ship was also on the scene.

A US Navy aircraft participated in the search on Sunday, scouring a large area before returning to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

Environmental implications

As Chinese authorities raced to contain the ship's leaking oil, experts expressed fear that the accident was poised to create a massive environmental disaster.

Greenpeace said in a statement it was "concerned about the potential environmental damage that could be caused by the 1 million barrels of crude oil on board."

If all of the Sanchi's cargo spills, it would be the biggest oil slick in decades.

By comparison, in the sixth-worst spill since the 1960s, the Odyssey dumped 132,000 tonnes some 700 nautical miles off Canada's Nova Scotia in 1988, according to figures from the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation website.

"It's very possible this will kill off marine life across a wide area," Wei Xianghua, an environmental expert at Beijing's Tsinghua University, told AFP

Even under a best case scenario, it would take a "long time" for the area to get back to normal, Wei added.

"At present, the only thing to be done is make the best effort to not allow the oil to spread to other places."

China had two vessels working to contain the spill early Monday morning, the transportation ministry said in its statement.

Iran's Petroleum Ministry said the tanker belongs to the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) and was delivering its cargo to South Korea's Hanwha Total. The ship and its cargo were insured, a statement said.

This is the second accident in less than two years involving a tanker owned by the NITC. In August 2016, an Iranian supertanker and a container ship collided in the Singapore Strait, causing damage to both vessels but no injuries or pollution.

Saturday's collision was the latest in a series of fatal maritime accidents to hit East Asia in recent years.

Last October, 13 crew on a Chinese fishing boat were killed after their vessel collided with a Hong Kong oil tanker off Japan's west coast."They have to stop testing. They have to be willing to talk about banning their nuclear weapons. Those things have to happen," she said Sunday, one day after President Donald Trump indicated he would be open to speaking directly with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

"This is going to be phases. This isn't going to happen overnight, as we've seen, but it's a dangerous situation," Haley said on ABC's "This Week."

Trump's latest remarks appeared to be a pivot away from his often-bellicose rhetoric on North Korea and Kim, but Haley said there was "no turnaround" in the US stance.

"What he has basically said is, yes, there could be a time where we talk to North Korea but a lot of things have to happen before that actually takes place," she said.

Trump has jumped between taking a provocative approach toward North Korea -- including trading personal insults with Kim and threatening to destroy his regime -- and calling for a peaceful resolution.

Haley said Trump's hot-and-cold approach was "very clear" in sending a message to Pyongyang that "we're not letting up on the pressure."

"I think that (Trump) always has to keep Kim on his toes. It's very important that we don't ever let him get so arrogant that he doesn't realize the reality of what would happen if he started a nuclear war."

In recent months, the North has held multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb -- in violation of UN resolutions banning such activity.

North and South Korea are set to hold their first official dialogue in more than two years this week, and are expected to discuss the North's participation in next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea.In a report by Fox News, Romney's aide disclosed that the former governor of Massachusetts was surgically treated by Dr. Thomas Ahlering at UC Irvine Hospital.

It was also gathered that the cancer treatment was successful and Romneys prognosis is good.

"Last year, Governor Mitt Romney was diagnosed with slow-growing prostate cancer," an aide said.

"The cancer was removed surgically and found not to have spread beyond the prostate."

The disclosure comes as Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, is believed to be preparing to launch a campaign for Senate in Utah.

Romney served as governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007.

He was nominated by the Republican Party for president in 2012, but lost to Barack Obama in the general election.

Trump had endorsed Romney during the 2012 race, but Romney became a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 election when he vied for the ticket of the Republican party."Together with the EU's foreign policy chief (Federica Mogherini), we agreed to invite the Iranian foreign minister, if possible next week," Gabriel told German public broadcaster ZDF, without giving further details.

21 people have died and hundreds arrested since December 28 as protests over economic woes turned against the Iranian regime as a whole, with attacks on government buildings and police stations.

"We very quickly affirmed that we support the freedom to demonstrate and that the state should support this," Gabriel said.

At the same time, Gabriel said Berlin will not follow the lead of US President Donald Trump, who pledged to help Iranians "take back" their government.

Trump also seized on the recent unrest to again slam a multiparty nuclear deal with Iran as deeply flawed.

Germany, as well as France, has "warned against attempts at instrumentalising the domestic conflicts in Iran," said Gabriel.Vietnam's communist government has embarked on a snowballing anti-corruption campaign, which observers say is politically driven and mirrors a graft crackdown in neighbouring China.

Scores of former officials, bankers and state executives have been arrested or jailed, including a senior banker who has been sentenced to death.

On Monday a court in Hanoi said it had started proceedings against Trinh Xuan Thanh, the former head of state-run PetroVietnam Construction, for alleged mismanagement and embezzlement.

Thanh appeared before the court together with ex-politburo member Dinh La Thang and 20 other senior officials.

They are accused of causing $5.2 million of losses for the state during an investment by PetroVietnam in the construction of a thermal power plant.

German authorities say Thanh was kidnapped from a Berlin park in July and have decried the brazen Cold War-style seizure as a "scandalous violation" of its sovereignty.

Vietnam denies the kidnap and insists the fugitive Thanh had returned home voluntarily to face the charges.

"This is a very serious case, drawing wide public attention," said an online announcement by Hanoi's People's Court, adding the accused all held key positions at major state-owned institutions.

After a two-week trial, Thang and Thanh could face 20 years in jail for mismanagement.

In addition Thanh faces an embezzlement charge, which can carry the death penalty.

The downfall of Thanh and the other men on trial has stunned a public unaccustomed to questioning the role of officialdom in an authoritarian country which routinely quashes dissent.

But the leadership is at pains to parade its anti-graft credentials, experts say, as well as remove political enemies.

In a linked case, last week Singapore deported fugitive Vietnamese intelligence officer Phan Van Anh Vu, who held a senior rank in the secret police.

Vu was trying to seek asylum in Germany, his lawyers said, arguing he may have information about Thanh's kidnapping on German soil.

In Ho Chi Minh City the trial of 46 people -- including former banking tycoons Pham Cong Danh and Tram Be -- also began on Monday.

They are accused of violating lending regulations that caused losses of around $270 million to the Vietnam Construction Bank."I believe it's possible to find a solution by the end of the first semester of 2018," Zaev told Greece's Alpha TV in an interview.

From the outset Greece denied its neighbour the right to use the name Macedonia, which is also the name of a northern Greek region.

Elected last year, Zaev has staked his political capital on solving the name issue with Greece as a means to gain his country's accession to the European Union and NATO.

"Our strategic orientation is conclusively (towards) the EU and NATO," Zaev said in the interview aired Sunday.

In a Saturday interview, Greek PM Alexis Tsipras also said the time had come "for decisions (in 2018) to justify Greece's role as a leading force in the Balkans".

Negotiators from both sides are to hold talks in New York later this month.

There is also anger in Athens at perceived Macedonia efforts to appropriate Alexander the Great, the ancient conqueror who is one of the country's greatest military heroes.

Greece and the EU recognise the small landlocked country by its provisional name, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), under which it was also admitted to the UN.

Skopje has long insisted that this designation was only provisional.

In Greece, there is already opposition in the north of the country to any solution including the name Macedonia, and the issue may split the Greek parliament, which will be called upon to ratify any deal.

Another possible hurdle is that Zaev has pledged to include the domestic opposition in the decision-making, and to put the issue to a referendum.

Contacts between the two neighbours have intensified in recent months.Dirty Allis Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, held a press conference on August 26, in front of the Big Allis fossil...

Hochul Sworn In At a procedural ceremony at midnight on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, Kathy Hochul was sworn in as the 57th Governor of the State of New...The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) received six pre-proposals from firms willing to build two transload facilities in Treasure Valley and in the mid-Willamette Valley.

The Treasure Valley area project received a single proposal while the mid-Willamette Valley area project received five proposals. ODOT says the transloading sites will improve shipping connections in critical parts of the state.

The pre-proposals will be reviewed by a group comprised of ODOT planners and staff from Business Oregon following an initial check for completeness. ODOT says the review will make sure the applicants have all the key elements in place to move forward.

Well look for things like, do they have an organizational structure thats viable? Do they have experience in delivering a complex, multimodal project? said Erik Havig, planning section manager at ODOT. Most importantly, do they have local support and the support of the partner railroad?

The two transload projects were included in the Oregon legislatures 2017 transportation funding package.

The pre-proposals budget estimates range between $15.5 million and $26 million and all included letter of support from potential rail partners who expressed a willingness to explore the projects.

A summary of the proposals, including rough cost estimates:

$26 million for the Treasure Valley Reload Center by Malheur County Development Corporation with letters of support by Union Pacific and Raritan Central Railway

$18.9 million for the Brooks Hopmere Intermodal Facility by Oregon Port of Willamette with letters of support by Portland & Western Railroad and Union Pacific

$18 million for the Greenhill Multimodal Facility by Greenhill Reload, LLC with a letter of support by Coos Bay Rail Link

$16.9 million for the Lebanon Intermodal Facility by LIFTS Oregon, LLC, with letters of support by Portland & Western Railroad and Albany and Eastern Railroad

$15.5 million to $18 million for the Mid-Willamette Valley Intermodal Facility by Northwest Container Services with a letter of support by Portland & Western Railroad $25 million for the Mid-Willamette Valley Intermodal Facility by Linn Economic Development Group with letters of support by Portland & Western Railroad and Union Pacific

The ODOT says reviews will be complete by mid-January and recommendations will be sent to ODOT Director Matt Garrett. Recommended applicants will then be invited to submit a project plan. Those project plans will provide more detail about future timelines.Port Clinton, Pa.-based Class II railroad Reading & Northern (R&N) set a business record in 2017, handling 31,175 carloadsa 15% increase over 2017, and a cumulative 50% increase over the past five years. Anthracite coal traffic played an important role.

This unprecedented growth came across all of the many commodity lanes handled by R&N, the railroad said. Our anthracite coal business was up more than 40%, so once again, R&N is The Road of Anthracite. This explosive growth was fueled by a late-year announcement of a major sale of Pennsylvania anthracite to the Ukraine, replacing Russian coal. Following a July announcement of the deal at the White House, R&N was told to prepare to move more than 300,000 tons of anthracite by year end. We stepped up and managed to provide all the cars needed for the business and served as many as eight different origins as the entire anthracite community pulled together to fill this huge order. We are hopeful that this business will continue in 2018.

Another significant development in the anthracite business was completion of seven years of work to connect Hazleton Hiller LLCs Hazleton Shaft and its new state-of-the art coal dryer to the R&N. That project was completed during the summer, and the process of shifting more than 100,000 tons of truck-delivered dried coal to rail began. By year end, R&N and Hazleton Hiller had shifted 40,000 tons of coal to rail for delivery to a Midwestern steel mill. To accomplish this, R&N purchased 121 hopper cars and a new conveyor to assist with the unloading at a transfer station in Indiana. We expect to convert more of this truck traffic to rail in 2018, R&N said.

There were other successes in 2017. Several ongoing industrial development projects reached fruition, adding hundreds of new cars of business. R&Ns transload facilities and warehouse attracted new customers and added more cars. The Forest Products group handled more than 10,000 carloads in 2017.

In order to handle this growth in business, R&N purchased additional freight cars and locomotives, added more employees, opened new facilities and invested in track and signal systems. At year end, we had more employees, track, locomotives, freight cars, facilities and customers than at any point in our history, said CEO/Owner Andy Muller, Jr. 2017 was the culmination of more than 25 years of investment and risk-taking. It is never my intention to rest on our success and to pocket our profits. My goal is to build the best railroad in the nation. And to do that we have to constantly invest in the railroad. Our investment decisions might not make sense to outsiders, but the proof of our strategy is apparent to anyone looking at our record of constant growth and success.

R&N has a two-pronged formula for ongoing success, said President Wayne Michel. We take care of our employees with great pay, excellent benefits and profit sharing. The result is a 98% retention rate. And R&N takes care of its customers. Our goal is to provide our customers with service superior to any railroad or trucker. We offer guaranteed on-time delivery and meet it 99% of the time. We provide special service to customers who are in need of an expedited delivery. We have one of the best customer service and marketing teams in the industry. And we keep our prices competitive.

The future looks bright for R&N as it has more than 20 active industrial development projects in various stages of development. Growth is built into the R&N DNA, said Muller. I expect our railroad to grow. Our superior service will help our customers grow and as they grow we will benefit. I expect our reputation to encourage more businesses to locate along our lines. We will always take care of our customers and our employees. That is the cornerstone of our success.

Reading & Northern, a two-time Railway Age Regional Railroad of the Year, is a privately held company serving more than 70 customers in nine eastern Pennsylvania counties (Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Wyoming). It has expanded its operations over the past 20-plus years and has grown into one of the premier railroads in Pennsylvania. R&N operates freight services and steam- and diesel-powered excursion passenger services through its Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, owns almost 1,200 freight cars, and employs more than 200.Finland's first open access operator Fenniarail quadrupled its contracted freight volumes with the start on January 4 of a contract to haul 30 000 wagonloads/year of imported birch from the Russian border at Vainikkala to UPM's mills at Kaukaa and Kymi. UPM is the first pulp and paper maker to ...HUNGARY: Work to modernise and upgrade the Budapest Rakos  Hatvan section of the Budapest  Miskolc main line is to get underway during February for completion by December 31 2020. The line forms part of Pan-European Corridor V, and also handles significant suburban traffic.Property details:

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Nearby Sun ValleyKEY Real Estate Holdings today announced a new equity partner in EMC Acquisitions, led by Chief Executive Officer Edgar Costa.

Mr. Costa, an entrepreneur and private equity investor, also holds the CEO position for ECOJETS, a leading provider of private aviation services in North America.

The company is pleased to welcome Mr. Edgar Costa as Vice President of KEY Real Estate Holdings, said Don Wellington, KEYs Chairman. We will benefit greatly from his broad business background. His experience makes him a great addition to our board.

The alliance brings a partnership on several New York based real estate developments, including The Time Nyack, a 133-room luxury boutique lifestyle hotel in the Hudson Valley, developed to offer travelers a carefully curated progressive and refined lodging experience. The Time Nyack offers an outdoor heated pool, over 4000 square feet of event space, and onsite dining in their signature restaurant BVs Grill. The Time Nyack is a "tech forward" hotel, engaging guests with Amazon Alexa and Echo Dot technology in every room, allowing communication with the front desk without ever picking up the phone. Catering to the modern technological culture, rooms will soon be available to book on Amazon.

KEY Real Estate Holdings and EMC Acquisitions have also partnered on the development of The Metropolitan Bronxville, a 35 unit luxury landmark property exclusively curated by famed architect David Easton, located in the heart of Westchester. The Metropolitan Bronxville reflects the highest echelon of real estate in Westchester, combining quality of construction with the passion for innovative, with units on target for completion in spring 2018.

There is tremendous opportunity in the current environment for development of properties that are unique in design and hold the highest quality in terms of construction, materials, and technology, noted Mr. Costa. There is a synergy between EMC Acquisitions and KEY Real Estate Holdings and I anticipate a strong partnership as we move forward with projects comprising these standards in excellence.

United by a common business culture, this new alliance between KEY Real Estate Holdings and EMC Acquisitions positions the company for expansion as a forerunner in the lower Westchester / Rockland County market. Key Real Estate Holdings and EMC Acquisitions are actively analyzing the acquisition of more projects in 2018.In IT, the two-way flow of investments and intellect has been central to the growing linkage, which provides a great opportunity for both nations to improve the quality of life of their citizens, says Raman Roy.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

US President Donald Trump has signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law, initiating the most sweeping overhaul of the US tax system in more than three decades.

While, as Indian IT, we appreciate the ethos behind buy American make American, we cant remain indifferent to the concerns around globalisation (globalism?) at times, seemingly threatened to be swept away in the rigmarole.

The Act in its present structure will set corporate taxes at 21 per cent (effective in 2018) instead of the current rate of 35 per cent.

Its being described as the single-biggest drop in the history of corporate tax in the US.

It is being touted to be an early Christmas present from Trump, which is expected to galvanise growth, notwithstanding the economists worry that this overhaul could trigger a fiscal deficit of anything between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion over the next decade - inasmuch as the individual tax rates have been cut (though not anywhere comparable to the proposed corporate tax cuts) and the tax provisions will expire by 2025.

Just to put things in perspective, remember that the Indian economy is around $2.3 trillion.

In a nutshell, the Bill cuts corporate tax rates permanently and for individuals temporarily.

The Act would also end the individual mandate, a provision of the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare in 2019.

While the mandate would technically remain in place, the penalty would fall to $0.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), repealing the measure would reduce the federal deficit by around $338 billion from 2018 to 2027, but lead to 13 million more people without insurance, which is likely to push up insurance premiums by 10 per cent. What all this means for the US economy is what Indian IT is concerned about.

Can the spurt in the fiscal deficit, accentuated by the reduction in corporate taxes, be offset by envisaged growth, including the governments reduced liability on health care, to create the right environment for international trade in the next decade?

Moreover, whether Trumps plan will trigger a global tax war is yet another justifiable concern.

Trump wants to bring back jobs to the US; he has been quite insistent in this messaging and as the immigration rules (especially the tightening the H1-B visa cap) would also indicate.

How can we turn this into an opportunity?

In recent times, a common enough adaptive response from most of our large companies has been about hiring locally, investing in skilling American workers, and opening up R&D centres, thus providing a fillip to overall growth, employment, and innovation.

Over the years, we have emphasised the shortage of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) skills in America and international hiring has been our foremost argument.

Perhaps we can look at it differently by suggesting that Indian IT can play an instrumental role by working with academic institutions to create many more STEM professionals through various academic interventions, including investments, across levels.

This will contribute to building a healthy pipeline and perhaps a generation of young Americans who might show a strong proclivity towards Indian IT brands in the US.

Lest it be misconstrued, I am not for once suggesting that we dilute our efforts in advocacy towards a favourable immigration policy.

But, can the two initiatives work alongside towards meeting the same goal? Its not even a radical idea.

Indian IT companies - including the small- and mid-sized - are working with universities there to impart future-ready skills to locals just as all of us are doing the same thing in India.

For the last decade, India-US bilateral relations have been strong and this is an opportunity to build on them.

In IT, the two-way flow of investments and intellect has been central to the growing linkage, which provides a great opportunity for both nations to improve the quality of life of their citizens.

In a complex environment, it is best if efforts are concerted, collaborative, and cohesive, and, most importantly, conducive to the prevailing political mood.

Raman Roy is chairman, Nasscom, and managing director, Quatrro'Bolstering India's conventional military capability against China is in America's strategic interest,' says military historian Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).



IMAGE: An anti-US protest in Peshawar, Pakistan, December 12, 2017. Photograph: Fayaz Aziz/Reuters

2018 began dramatically for the Indian subcontinent.

While some Indians were fighting over a 200-year-old battle, the American president decided to call the Pakistani bluff.

In his characteristic style Donald J Trump accused Pakistan of trading lies and being ungrateful for the $33 billion aid Washington had given Islamabad over ten years.

Trump accused Pakistan of helping the very insurgents, the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network, that the Americans are fighting in Afghanistan.

The next day, the US announced a freeze on $1 billion aid that it had promised Pakistan. The Americans made it clear that the suspension applied only to military aid; presumably economic aid will continue.

A freeze in American military aid is not a new phenomenon.

In 1965, after India complained that Pakistan had used American weapons against India in Kutch, the US announced the suspension of military aid to mollify India.

At the same time the US turned a blind eye to the transfer of weapons from Germany, Iran, Jordan and Saudi Arabia to Pakistan during the 22-day war that was fought in September 1965.

US aid to Pakistan was resumed in 1966 after the Tashkent agreement between India and Pakistan.

The second suspension of US military aid occurred in July 1977 after General Zia-ul Haq staged a military coup and overthrew Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's government. This freeze lasted till December 1979.

After the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in December 1979, the US not only resumed military aid, but made Pakistan a frontline State in its 'defence of democracy'.

Billions of dollars of military aid flowed into Pakistan during the 1980s, making its military one of the strongest in Asia.

In 1985 the United States Congress through the Pressler Amendment made aid contingent on Pakistan not pursuing its nuclear ambitions. But the US president and its executive branch issued false certificates that Pakistan did not possess a nuclear weapon.

This charade ended only after the Soviet Union left Afghanistan in 1988.

In May 1998, after India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, the US imposed economic and military sanctions on both countries. These were removed in 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks.

The US and Pakistan again joined the American military effort in Afghanistan against al-Qaeda. It is this latest military aid package that stands 'suspended' (not cancelled).

The reason to recall this history is to make the point that US-Pakistan relations have always had this yo-yo factor.

After Turkey, the Pakistan army forms the pillar of US domination in the Middle East. Even at this time while relations have soured, Pakistan's former army chief General Raheel Sharif heads the Saudi-led military coalition primarily aimed at Iran.

Iran continues to be the focus of American hostility, therefore Pakistan, which is allied with Saudi Arabia, is vital for American interests.

The limited aim of the current pressure on Pakistan is make it give up its policy -- nay addiction -- to 'strategic depth' in Afghanistan for which the Taliban and the Haqqani Network are instruments.

Pakistan has made brave noises of standing up to the US. But if America is to follow this up by cutting off World Bank and IMF assistance, Pakistan's economy can go into a tail spin. China can mitigate the effect only partially. With low oil prices, the Arabs are also not of much help.

Military aid is not the only pressure that the US can exert on Pakistan.

A curtailment of spares for existing military hardware can easily degrade Pakistan's conventional military capability.

The Pakistan air force's frontline fighters, the F-16, need about 16,000 spare parts a year to stay airborne. Any disruption can ground the PAF's F-16 fleet.

After the Shah was ousted in 1979, Iran faced such a situation, and suffered reverses in the decade-long war against Iraq.

Pakistan is ruled by its civil and military elite. These rulers have stashed their wealth in the Gulf and sent their sons and daughters to the US. Even the votary of 'Pakistan First', General Pervez Musharraf's son lives in the US.

If the Americans were to impose travel curbs on senior Pakistan military and civilian officials, it can quickly bring them to heel.

What will be the likely impact on India?

The Americans have been careful to mention only terrorists operating in Afghanistan. Only a fleeting mention has been made of groups targeting India.

But by degrading Pakistani military capability, the US is indirectly helping India.

All these years the Indian armed forces had arms and equipment that were archaic. In 1965 Pakistan already had 155 mm guns; these became available to India only in 1985.

Pakistani small arms, radar, helicopters, guns and anti-tank weapons were always a generation ahead of India's military, thanks to the Americans. Even Pakistan-supported Kashmiri terrorists had better weapons than Indian soldiers.

It is through sheer numbers, jugaad and better military leadership that India prevailed in all the wars with Pakistan.

This situation is set to change in our favour. This is indeed a big plus from the Indian point of view.

Even if Pakistan accedes to the American request and curbs the Haqqanis, the situation is not likely to return to the earlier status quo.

Pakistan is decisively in the Chinese camp and the US needs India to balance China in Asia. Bolstering India's conventional military capability against China is in America's strategic interest.

In a sense the situation has turned topsy-turvy from the days of the Cold War. The sole American interest in India then was that we should not travel further into the Communist camp. Pakistan was already a US ally against the Soviet Union.

The situation today is exactly the opposite. This year, with American backing, India has become a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime as well as the Wassenaar Arrangement that controls dual use technology.

With technology curbs no longer in operation, India can produce high tech weapons on its own. Even with Chinese help, Pakistan cannot match this. China is not a member of these regimes and is miles behind the US in military technology.

All in all, this is a win win for India.

It is no wonder that Pakistan's foreign minister ruefully remarked that the US is talking India's language!When Nirmala Sitharaman and Narendra Tomar arrived in Shimla, they could not have anticipated the scene that awaited them.

Aditi Phadnis reports.



IMAGE: Prem Kumar Dhumal, right, congratulates Jairam Thakur who was chosen over him as Himachal Pradesh chief minister. Photograph: PTI Photo

It was the Congress that used to face this dilemma.

In the 1970s and 1980s, an important reason for the rise of the N T Rama Rao-led Telugu Desam Party was that the Congress dispensation in New Delhi -- led at the time by Indira Gandhi -- shuffled and changed chief ministers at will with absolutely no regard for the legislators and the person they considered their leader.

NTR made this a cause celebre. Under the Congress between 1978 and 1983, Indira Gandhi appointed and sacked five individuals as chief minister -- J Vengala Rao, M Chenna Reddy, T Anjaiah, Bhavanam Venkatram Reddy and K Vijayabhaskara Reddy. It was an assault on Telugu pride.

A somewhat similar situation arose in the case of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the circumstances in which Jairam Thakur was appointed chief minister of Himachal Pradesh.

Consider the facts. Nine days before the poll, party chief Amit Shah announced that Prem Kumar Dhumal would be the chief minister of the state if (and not when) the party came to power.

From available accounts, Shah did not do this in good grace because Dhumal mounted a multi-pronged campaign that involved influential central ministers, his son and Member of Parliament from Hamirpur, Anurag Thakur, and others, virtually pressuring the party president to name him the party's CM candidate.

A contributory factor was that Dhumal has an excellent equation with Prime Minister Narendra D Modi -- the two go back to the days in 1997-1998 when Modi was the party in-charge of Himachal.

It was under Dhumal as CM and Atal Bihari Vajpayee as PM that Himachal added to its excellent roads infrastructure.

In his public meetings, Modi endorsed the choice and said that Dhumal, 73, would make a 'wonderful' CM though others in the party said he would be replaced midway because it was 2019 the party was looking at.

Then the unthinkable happened. Dhumal lost the election.

Actually, closer analysis shows that not only did Hamirpur show the lowest ever turnout (indicating low enthusiasm for the election), but also the Congress wrested several seats in the area earlier held by the BJP.

From the BJP's point of view, it was a bad show.

If Dhumal was out of the race, who was to become the CM? Was he out of the race?

Dhumal's supporters cited precedents: Hadn't Arun Jaitley become a minister though he had lost the Lok Sabha election from Punjab?

Two BJP leaders, Nirmala Sitharaman and Narendra Tomar, were dispatched as observers to sense the mind of the legislature party. They could not have anticipated the scene.

While Dhumal supporters shouted 'Himachal ka neta kaisa ho, Prem Kumar Dhumal jaisa ho' and 'Sara Himachal dol raha hai, Dhumal Dhumal bol raha hai', Thakur supporters countered with 'Hamara neta kaisa ho, Jai Ram Thakur jaisa ho, and 'Jairamji ko jai shri ram.'

The less original was: 'Narendra Modi zindabad, Jai Ram Thakur zindabad' bracketing Modi with Thakur.

The Sitharaman-Tomar duo went to the RSS office to consult with the senior leadership. Veterans say this has never been done before.

They held consultations with senior BJP leaders like Shanta Kumar.

They also talked to senior MLAs together and separately.

Finally, the party said the name would be announced in Delhi.

In the meantime, Shah reportedly telephoned Dhumal and asked him to issue a press release declaring he was not in the race.

What followed was a protracted negotiation over the council of ministers.

Rajeev Bindal, one of Dhumal's closest supporters, was named speaker, largely, to get him out of the way.

Then, a judicious analysis of the regions the BJP had won.

Mandi, for instance, used to go the Congress way. This time, the BJP had won Mandi.

Kangra accounts for the largest number of seats in the assembly.

The largest complement of ministers was from Kangra and Mandi.

For the first time, Hamirpur has no representation in the council of ministers.

The final list of names was finalised at 2 am.

Another minister Kishan Kapoor's name was added 15 minutes before the list went to Raj Bhavan.

Those who know Jairam Thakur say he is the perfect choice for the BJP, notwithstanding the bitterness that preceded his selection.

He is from the Sangh's student wing, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, has humble beginnings and has been MLA five times.

Thakur has many governance challenges before him. But one thing is clear. He will be the BJP's face in Himachal for the foreseeable future.An Italian appeals court on Monday acquitted Giuseppe Orsi, the former president of defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica, over charges of alleged bribes paid in exchange for a Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal to sell 12 AgustaWestland helicopters to the Indian government.

Milan's third court of appeal also acquitted Bruno Spagnolini, former chief executive officer of the company's helicopters subsidiary AgustaWestland, who had also been handed a four-year jail term on the same charges, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Orsi was arrested in 2014 and resigned as chief executive of Finmeccanica which was later renamed as Leonardo.

He was at the helm of AgustaWestland when the deal was struck and was suspected of involvement in the payment of bribes.

Orsi had been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail for false accounting and corruption.

The case against Orsi and Spagnolini resulted from an investigation launched in 2012 into the sale of 12 luxury helicopters to India.

The two were accused of international corruption and false invoicing in relation to bribes exchanged for the contract with India.

Both were cleared on charges of committing international corruption at the first-instance trial in 2014 but convicted of false invoicing and sentenced to two years in prison.

In Italy, criminal sentences are not usually considered definitive until the appeals process has been exhausted.

Both appealed against the conviction, while the prosecution appealed against the acquittal on the corruption charge.

In December 2016, the supreme court of cassation ordered a repeat of the appeals trial.

India had scrapped the contract with Finmeccanicas British subsidiary AgustaWestland in January, 2014 for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks paid by the firm for securing the deal.

India's defence ministry had ordered a CBI probe into allegations of kickbacks to the tune of Rs 362 crore after the arrest of Orsi and Spagnolini by Italian investigators in connection with the case.

In 2010, India had inked the deal to acquire 12 three-engine AW-101 helicopters from AgustaWestland for VVIP use.

In view of the corruption charges, India also barred Finmeccanica and its group companies from participating in any new programme of the defence ministry.

The CBI in September last year charge sheeted former Indian Air Force Chief S P Tyagi in a Delhi court along with nine others for bribery in the case.

They were charge sheeted for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code in the case relating to alleged bribery of Rs 450 crore.

The CBI alleged there was an estimated loss of Euros 398.21 million (approximately Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euros 556.262 million.

Acquittal will have no bearing on case: CBI

The acquittal of Orsiand Spagnolini will have no bearing on the CBI caseas it is based on an independent investigation with strongevidence, senior central agency officials said after the verdict.

The officials said the same set of evidence had resultedin their conviction earlier.

The sources said the case in Italian courts is based onthe evidence gathered by the Italian authorities whereas theCBI carried out a completely independent investigation in thematter.

They said there is an option of appeal with Italianauthorities even after the order of the Milan court ofappeals.

"We have had a completely different probe. We have verystrong case," CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said in New Delhi.

In Italy, criminal sentences are not usually considereddefinitive until the appeals process has been exhausted.Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who as a toddler survived the 2008 terror attack at a Jewish centre in Mumbai, is feeling "emotional and excited" as he prepares for his "homecoming" during the four day visit to India by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week.

Moshe, 11, was two when his parents were killed in the Mumbai attacks at Nariman House (also known as Chabad House) by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorists.

The attack on the Nariman House and other locations like the Taj Hotel left 166 people dead.

The boy, standing and crying between his dead parents' bodies, was saved in a daring move by his Indian nanny, Sandra Samuels, who was hiding in a room downstairs when the attack happened.

"Moshe is very excited and at the same time emotional as he gets ready to leave for Mumbai on January 15. He is returning to his birthplace and is waiting to see many things connected to his late parents that he has heard about from us and his nanny. There are lots of memories," an overwhelmed Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, Moshe's grandfather, told PTI.

In an emotional meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 5 in Jerusalem, the young boy had expressed his wish to visit Mumbai.

"I hope I will be able to visit Mumbai, and when I get older, live there. I will be the director of our Chabad House," Moshe had told the Indian prime minister.

Modi had responded by saying, "Come and stay in India and Mumbai. You are most welcome. You and your all family members will get long-term visas. So you can come anytime and go anywhere".

Netanyahu then promptly asked Moshe to join him when he travels to India, a promise he did not forget and has invited the family to join him in Mumbai during his forthcoming visit to India starting on January 14.

"Moshe says that he was touched by the warm embrace he received from Prime Minister Modi when he met him in Jeursalem during his July visit to Israel. He says that he felt like it was one of his own people giving him a warm hug," Rosenberg said adding, "he is hoping to meet the Indian prime minister again during his India trip".

"He is waiting to host Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara, and hopefully PM Modi 'at his home in Mumbai'," the grandfather said.

The young boy will be accompanied by his grandparents, Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg, nanny Sandra and a psychologist during his trip to Mumbai.

"During a meeting with the psychologist, who has been mentally preparing him for the visit, Moshe gave him an account of places in Mumbai he would like to visit. He has done his homework and knows about not only the site seeing places but also other places where his parents carried out works related to their assignment," Rosenberg noted.

Moshe's parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, who were serving as Directors at the Chabad House, were killed along with six others when the place also came under attack by Pakistani terrorists during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

"It is heart warming to see that the Indian leadership and the people of India haven't forgotten us and share our pain. It gives us strength and makes us feel one", Rosenberg said.

In a brief telephonic call, Sandra, who was in Afula in the north of Israel where Moshe and his family lives, said that the boy is excited and told her before leaving for school on Sunday that it is like "homecoming" for him.

The family also plans to celebrate Moshe's bar mitzvah in Mumbai. Bar mitzvah is a ceremony performed for Jewish boys at the age of 13 which some Israeli scholars compare with upnayana, or the thread ceremony.

India issued ten year multiple entry visas to Moshe and his grandparents to ease their travel to the country in August. Prime Minister Modi is said to have personally followed up on the matter as promised to Moshe during their meeting.

Sandra also now lives in Israel and has been felicitated with an honourary citizenship by the Israeli government.

Image: Moshe with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Israel in July 2017. Photograph: PIBRajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Monday announced that Sanjay Leela Bhansali's

controversial film Padmavat, earlier called Padmavati, will not release in the state on January 25.

'Honouring the sentiments of the people of the state, the film will not be released in Rajasthan,' she said in a statement in Jaipur.

Following the announcement, state Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria, the Rajasthan Bharatiya Janata Party chief and several Rajput organisations spoke out against the movie.

'The sacrifice of Rani Padmini is a matter of pride for the state and she is not just a chapter of history for us,' Raje said.

The film, mired in controversy over its plot line, has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification, which has asked its makers to change the title and suggested other modifications.

Though Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Bhansali have not released an official statement yet, sources in the production house said the film will release on January 25, a day before Republic Day.

The period romance that features Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in lead roles was earlier scheduled to be released on December 1.

'Rani Padmini is our self-respect and we will not let it hurt in any case. Directions in this regard have been given to Rajasthan Home minister,' she said.

The chief minister has already written to the Centre on the issues related to the film and it will not be released in Rajasthan, Kataria told reporters.

BJP state president Ashok Parnami said that if the film has some controversial scenes, then it will not be tolerated and protests will continue.

There will be agitations if the history of Rajasthan is distorted in the movie, he said.

Outfits representing the Rajput community held a combined press conference at the Rajput Sabha Bhawan in Jaipur.

President of the Shree Rajput Sabha, Giriraj Singh Lotwara, said that it was unfortunate that the censor board wanted to favour the producers instead of considering recommendations of the panel that reviewed the movie.

The CBFC had appointed a special panel to review the film as many Rajput organisations were up in arms against the portrayal of queen Padmini in the film even though historians are divide on whether she actually existed.

"We will give a reply to the BJP in the bypolls (in the Ajmer and Alwar Lok Sabha seats and the Mandalgarh assembly) scheduled in the state. It will be our target to have the BJP defeated," Lotwara said at the press conference.

The BJP-led state government was trying to crush Rajputs. Changing the name of the film cannot change the facts, president of Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi said.

"We will not let the film release in the country. We have been protesting peacefully for the last one year. If the film is released on January 25, then theatres will burn," he said.

Shree Rajput Karni Sena Mahipal chief Singh Makrana said that till now, protests have been organised keeping law and order in mind.

In November, Raje wrote to the Centre, saying that the film would not be released in Rajasthan, unless the suggestions given by her to the Union Information and Broadcasting minister were considered.

She said Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has also been directed in this regard.

Kataria also said the 'earlier orders' of Raje, prohibiting the release of the movie, will be followed.The dreaded Islamic State is alarmingly increasing its foothold in Pakistan, a leading think tank in Islamabad has warned, negating the government's stand that the terror outfit has no presence in the country.

The security report by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) on Sunday stated that the IS, especially active in northern Sindh and Balochistan, was also behind the abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals last year, Dawn News reported.

The PIPS shared the findings of its security analysis titled Special Report 2017, providing an insight into security challenges of Pakistan.

Pakistan has been denying that ISIS, or IS, had an organised presence in the country, however, even though the terrorist group has claimed responsibility for several attacks in the restive Balochistan province in recent years.

'Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jamaatul Ahrar and others with similar objectives perpetrated 58 per cent attacks, while 37 per cent and 5 per cent of the attacks were carried out by nationalist insurgents and violent sectarian groups respectively,' it said.

The report has also highlighted that Baloch nationalist-insurgent groups, especially Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front were only second to TTP as far as the their threat capability was concerned.

The report also noted the alarming increase in the footprint of ISIS, especially in Balochistan and northern Sindh as it carried out the deadliest attacks in those provinces.

It said that footprints of ISIS was increasing and it 'killed 153 in 6 deadliest attacks'.

It said 'down 16 per cent from the year before, 370 terrorist attacks took place in Pakistan (in 2017), killing 815 and injuring 1,736 people'.

It said that Balochistan and tribal region remained critical areas with 288 and 253 terrorism-related killings, respectively, in 2017.

It also reported that Pakistan's National Security Policy is set to be released in 2018 and it will take into account especially global and regional scenarios, including the evolving Pakistan-US relations.

The report also noted that compared to 2016, a significant surge of 131 per cent was witnessed during 2017 in cross-border attacks from Pakistan's borders with Afghanistan, India and Iran.

A total of 171 cross-border attacks claimed 188 lives and injured 348 others.

Security forces and law enforcement agencies also killed 524 terrorists in 2017 -- compared to 809 in 2016 -- in 75 military/security operations as well as 68 and encounters with terrorists reported from across four provinces and FATA.

Image only for representation.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.World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Dominican Republic : Dominico Haitians

Publisher Minority Rights Group International Publication Date May 2018 Cite as Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Dominican Republic : Dominico Haitians, May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a535c9eb.html [accessed 5 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.

Profile

Dominicans of Haitian descent constitute a significant minority in the Dominican Republic. This community is comprised of children, grand-children and great-grand-children born in the country to Haitian migrants who arrived in the Dominican Republic from the early 1900s onwards.

While members of this minority have historically faced profound exclusion and racism, both from state institutions and from other Dominicans, their situation became markedly worse in 2013 when Constitutional Court Judgement TC/0168/13 retroactively (from 1929) stripped thousands of people of their Dominican nationality. As a result, the 2013 ruling rendered this population stateless, as set out in Article 1(1) of the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, leaving them unable to access higher education, health care, formal employment or justice.

The judgment retroactively reviewed the nationality status of individuals born in the country to two migrant parents, disproportionately affecting Dominicans of Haitian descent. At the time it was estimated that as many as 210,000 people had been left stateless, though this figure was revised to some 133,770 Dominican-born individuals. However, this estimate only included first generation of Dominican-born individuals: that is, persons born in the country to two parents born abroad. It did not include subsequent generations of individuals of foreign descent, as there is no reliable population data available. As such it did not include all persons without nationality.

The Dominican government has made some steps to restore identity documentation to those affected with the introduction in May 2014 of Naturalisation Law No. 169-14, but the process has been slow and complicated. According to the Central Electoral Board and by the summer of 2017, only 13,495 individuals have been issued their civil documents as Dominicans, under Law No. 169-14.

History

Migration of Haitian citizens into the Dominican Republic and the nationality status of their descendants born in the country are two issues closely interlinked, though clearly distinguishable in the Dominican context. The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean between Cuba and Puerto Rico. It shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Migration on the island has been an on-going issue for centuries, as it was not only invaded by different countries (Spain and France) but also settled by various communities (Lebanese, Cocolos or Chinese, amongst others) on both sides of the island. The indigenous community of Taino-Arawak soon disappeared.

From the 1920s on, Haitian migrants moved to the Dominican Republic on a seasonal basis to work as sugarcane cutters for either state owned or private companies. Haitian migrants were mainly young or middle-aged men. Over time, they settled in slums next to sugar plantations called 'bateyes', bringing their Haitian families or marrying and having children in the country with Dominican women. They integrated into Dominican communities, becoming the most numerous minority group in the Dominican Republic.

The Haitian community in the Dominican Republic was an important source of cheap labour from the 1920s, but migration continued even after the Dominican sugar industry began to decline from the 1980s. Haitian migrants and their Dominican-born descendants continue to play a crucial role in Dominican economy in agriculture, tourism and construction.

In January 2010, the Haitian side of the island of Hispaniola suffered one of the worst earthquakes the world has seen. Dominican society and government showed their solidarity, opened the border to help affected people and started to invest in Haiti. However, despite many Dominicans, Dominicans of Haitian descent and Haitians coexisting peacefully for decades, old fears - including of a 'Haitian invasion' - have increased in the Dominican Republic. This has resulted in heightened discrimination against Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent. Discrimination occurs based on their skin colour, Haitian sounding names, or living conditions, barring them from access to higher levels of education, health care, much formal work, international travel and justice, as well as preventing them from getting married or registering their children.

However, this discrimination is not a new phenomenon and is rooted in a long history of human rights abuses against this community: in 1937 between 15,000 and 30,000 people were killed by the regime of dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in the so-called 'Parsley Massacre' by the Dajabon river. Regime officials asked migrants to pronounce the Spanish word for parsley (Perejil): those unable to pronounce the word in the same way as Spanish speakers due to their French accents were then killed.

A long-standing issue

Discrimination is a long-standing problem that Dominicans of Haitian descent have been facing for decades and over generations in the Dominican Republic. Most of the members of this community were born in Dominican territory at a time when the Dominican Constitution specifically stated that those born in its territory, unless in transit for a maximum of 10 days (Migration Law No. 95-39) or the children of diplomats, would acquire Dominican nationality.

For some years, Dominican authorities denied birth certificates to Dominican-born descendants of Haitian migrants. This led to some individuals having birth certificates while others were discriminated against and were unable to obtain such civil documentation. This problem became more visible in 2004, when the Dominican Parliament passed the new Migration Law No. 185-04. This legislation changed the concept of 'in transit' to an unlimited period and created the so-called 'Book of Foreigners'. This registry entered into force in 2007. Since then, it has segregated those born in Dominican territory of foreign parents, even though the Constitution still accepts nationality acquired by jus soli. Those registered in the 'Book of Foreigners' are not issued any identity documents and cannot enjoy their basic rights.

Restrictions to the acquisition of Dominican nationality were further imposed in 2010 when the Dominican Parliament passed a new Constitution. This text limited the jus soli acquisition of Dominican nationality. From 2010, those children born to individuals in an irregular migratory situation are no longer able to acquire the Dominican nationality through the principle of jus soli.

The de-nationalisation process of Dominicans of Haitian reached a peak with the judgment of the Dominican Constitutional Court in September 2013 (TC/0168/13). This judgment retroactively deprived hundreds of thousands of people born in the Dominican Republic between 1929 and 2010 of their nationality. This violates a fundamental right to which everyone is entitled: the right to nationality. This judgment is considered unconstitutional by local and international civil society organizations as it violates, amongst others, Article 110 on retroactive laws and Article 18.2 on nationality of the Dominican Constitution. It also run contrary to a judgement in 2005 by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on the issue of the nationality of Dominicans of Haitian descent. UNHCR, which has been given the mandate by the UN General Assembly to help states prevent and reduce statelessness, also expressed its deep concern at the adverse impact of the ruling on those affected.

Dominican authorities subsequently passed Naturalization Law No. 169-14 in order to address the situation created by the judgment. This Naturalization Law divided the community into two groups. However, both solutions are inadequate and fail to restore Dominican nationality to the affected population, as required by international human rights standards.

The first group, known as 'Group A', are those already registered in the Dominican Civil Registry. According to this law, their nationality documents had to be validated by the civil registry, after which they would be recognized as Dominican nationals. The Central Electoral Board has reviewed its registries and by October 2015 it had identified just over 61,000 people as part of this group. However, only 13,495 individuals had been issued nationality documents as Dominicans as of January 2017, with the large majority of those who lost their nationality in 2013 having not yet recovered it after more than four years. The transcription of registries, in itself a problem as it risks further segregating Dominicans of Haitian descent, can also lead to those registered twice having their status challenged in court. This predicament was highlighted by the case of Juliana Deguis Pierre, the subject of a high-profile court case after she challenged the refusal of authorities to issue her with identification documents because of her Haitian surname. Although the Central Electoral Board identified a large number of people, there are still many others missing from their list, with representatives from civil society organizations suggesting that a similar number may not currently be included in the list.

The second group, known as 'Group B' and created by Law No. 169-14, is made up of those born in Dominican territory but who were never registered under the Dominican Civil Registry. This group had to register as foreigners in a complex and bureaucratic procedure in order to be naturalized in two years' time after they were issued a residence permit. The criteria set for this form of registration were difficult to fulfil by those affected. Dominicans of Haitian descent had to submit numerous documents, which in some cases had to be notarized, and in other cases officials requested separate documents which were not detailed in the law as reported by local civil society organizations. This increased the costs of the whole process for a community that has little access to work and lives mainly in remote areas. Also, initially the law established a very short timeframe for registration - three months - which was then extended for another three-month period. This period proved insufficient, and the criteria too restrictive for all community members affected to be registered. This resulted in only 8,755 people being registered out of the more than 73,000 targeted according to estimations taken from the 2012 National Survey on Migrants. As a result, the overwhelming majority are still stateless and undocumented today, and in danger of expulsion from their own country.

It is important to differentiate between those people who moved to the Dominican Republic and those born in that country. Dominicans of Haitian descent continue to struggle to be recognized as Dominicans. These are children, women, men and old people who are at risk of being arbitrarily detained and even expelled from their own country, because they are stateless. This has been constantly reported by international organizations including MRG, UNHCR, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the European Network on Statelessness, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

The international community has also highlighted the problem of statelessness affecting Dominicans of Haitian descent. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has published two judgments on the right to nationality, finding against the Dominican government in, for example, the case of the Girls Yean and Bosico v. Dominican Republic in 2005 or, most recently, the case Expelled Dominicans and Haitians v. Dominican Republic in 2014 which stated that the solution given to Group B contravened the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission of Human Rights has also visited the country and has organized specific hearings on this topic.

At the UN level, the Independent Expert on minority issues and the Special Rapporteur on racism concluded in 2007, at the end of their joint visit to the Dominican Republic, that there was in the country a 'profound and entrenched problem of racism and discrimination' affecting the population of Haitian descent. Their plight was one of the issues most raised at the Universal Periodic Review of the Dominican Republic in February 2014. And the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, for the first time, mentioned the Dominican Republic in the opening statement at the 30th session of the Human Rights Council. The High Commissioner urged the Dominican authorities to 'ensure that those with a valid claim to remain are allowed to do so'.

Current issues

According to the latest available data from the Central Electoral Board, 13,495 people from Group A were able to re-access their Dominican identity documents. However, local civil society groups have been unable to verify this and claim that problems persist for many members of Group A. Also, as mentioned above, the Central Electoral Board is taking some cases of nullification to the courts where authorities argue that cases of double-registration between the original and transcribed registries has occurred. In any case, taking this figure and subtracting it from the total of Group A individuals leaves over 47,000 still in need of regaining their Dominican identity documents.

In the case of Group B, those who have managed to register have had to wait two years for the naturalization process to begin. Yet local civil society groups and international organizations still do not know what this process will entail. A key concern is that authorities may require passports and birth certificates from a country of origin, documents that stateless Dominicans of Haitian descent will be unable to provide, leaving them highly vulnerable.

Another concern is that the figure given by officials of 8,755 is not clear. Out of this total, some people were from Group A and had to be removed; some are incomplete; others were registered after the deadline; and some were registered under the Book of Foreigners instead of group B. By April 2017, according to various local sources, only 2,400 people had been able to secure documents. The Socio-Cultural Movement for Haitian Workers (MOSCTHA) has proved that this figure is not higher because in at least 40 per cent of their cases when people affected go to get their documents after seeing their names in the list of documents ready to be collected, they are being told these are not ready, although officials argue it is because people do not go to collect them. MOSCTHA, together with other local civil society groups, has requested the Ministry of Interior and Police to provide a list with the people who did not complete the process in order to help authorities in speeding up the process. What remains clear is that, until these individuals acquire the Dominican nationality, they are stateless.

The rest of those who were not able to register but were subject to this registry (approximately 64,000 individuals, according to official estimates) also remain stateless and they are unable to continue with their lives. They cannot continue with their studies, access healthcare, legally work or travel within the island.

Thus, based on official figures and estimates, there are still over 110,000 people who are stateless. However, civil society groups highlight that this figure could be higher as there are still people missing from Group A and descendants of those affected should also be included, and there is no information on people registered under the Book of Foreigners.

Ways forward

The full restoration of nationality and respect of the rights of Dominicans of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic remains a major area of concern. There have been a number of demonstrations and actions against Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent that have triggered a wave of racism and discrimination across the country.

The Dominican authorities have already taken some steps to resolve the problem, including the establishment of an inter-institutional board to review cases. To fully comply with national laws and follow international recommendations, the government should also take other steps, including take all necessary measures to fully restore nationality for those individuals who were arbitrarily deprived of it and rendered stateless by the 2013 ruling; fully implement the 2014 ruling of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on the issue of nationality; take all necessary action to eliminate any forms of discrimination in the civil registry; comply with international norms and standards, and fulfil all international judgements.

Updated May 2018

Copyright notice:  Minority Rights Group International. All rights reserved.World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Iraq : Black Iraqis

Publisher Minority Rights Group International Publication Date November 2017 Cite as Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Iraq : Black Iraqis, November 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a53600d7.html [accessed 5 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.

Profile

Black Iraqis are largely the descendants of East African migrants and slaves whose presence in Iraq dates back to the ninth century. Community leaders estimate their numbers today may be as high as 1.5 to 2 million. They are located mostly in southern Iraq, with the largest community residing in Basra. The majority of black Iraqis identify as Shi'a Muslims, although the community also maintains some African traditions and spiritual practices.

Historical Context

The African presence in Iraq dates back to the ninth century, when Baghdad was the capital of the prosperous Abbasid Caliphate. It was then that a robust slave trade developed between the East Coast of Africa and the port city of Basra, which would continue in one form or another for close to a millennium. Some African migrants also came to the region as sailors or laborers. Slaves worked in agriculture, as servants in the homes of aristocratic families, and occasionally as soldiers. Many were initially given the arduous task of converting salt marshes into agricultural land through manual labour. The strenuous nature of this work contributed to the outbreak of the Zanj rebellion in Basra in 869, which lasted nearly fifteen years. The rebellion reportedly involved half a million slaves and led to the creation of a self-ruling capital, before it was violently put down by Baghdad.

Slavery formally ended in the 19th century, although blacks apparently continued to be used as domestic servants in wealthy households. Moreover, the legacy of slavery contributed to long-term patterns of marginalization and discrimination against Iraqis of African descent. The community never developed an educated class nor did black Iraqis rise to positions of power in the country, although membership in the Ba'ath party reportedly provided some with access to government jobs during the Saddam Hussein era. Many earned a living as musicians, and were sought after to perform at weddings and other festivities in southern Iraq.

After the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, black Iraqis began to organize and develop a political consciousness for the first time. The Free Iraqi Movement, the first political association to defend the rights of black Iraqis, was founded in 2007. Spurred by the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States, many black Iraqis began to advocate for an end to discrimination and a greater role in Iraqi politics. Several members of the movement ran for the 2010 provincial elections in Basra, though none were elected. In 2013, in the aftermath of local council elections, the founder of the Free Iraqi Movement, Jalal Thiyab, was assassinated in central Basra. Reportedly, no official investigation was launched into the investigation and the killer was not brought to justice.

Current issues

The assassination of Jalal Thiyab was a major blow to black Iraqis' political activism, and the minority remains underrepresented in politics and other aspects of public life. Unlike other communities, black Iraqis do not have a parliamentary quota or any official recognition as a minority. There is little appetite in Baghdad to change this reality, since black Iraqis are Muslims and are not seen as being in need of positive measures.

Black Iraqis continue to face systematic discrimination and marginalization. They are continually referred to as 'abd' (slave) and their communities suffer from disproportionately high illiteracy and unemployment rates. The community has not developed a professional class and not a single black Iraqi holds a high level position in government. Many cannot find employment other than as labourers or domestic workers. Those who make a living through music and dance have had their livelihoods threatened by hardline Islamist groups who rose to prominence after 2003 and disapprove of such activities.

Neighbourhoods inhabited by black Iraqis, especially Basra's Al-Zubeir district, are characterized by extreme poverty and neglect. Many black Iraqis live in one-room mud brick houses that sometimes hold 15 residents or more. Many of their neighborhoods also lack a clean water supply and proper sewage facilities, and are prone to electricity shortages. Reportedly, some black Iraqis lack nationality documents for reasons connected to the history of slavery, and are therefore unable to access public services.

Updated November 2017

Copyright notice:  Minority Rights Group International. All rights reserved.World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Iraq : Kaka'i

Publisher Minority Rights Group International Publication Date November 2017 Cite as Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Iraq : Kaka'i, November 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a5360b47.html [accessed 5 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.

Updated November 2017

Profile

Kaka'i, also known as Ahl-e Haqq or Yarsan, are estimated by community members to number between 110,000 and 200,000 in Iraq, mainly living south-east of Kirkuk and in the Ninewa plains near Daquq and Hamdaniya, with others also based in Diyala, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. They are generally considered to be Kurdish in ethnicity, speaking a dialect known as Macho, although there are also some Arabic-speaking communities. They are followers of a syncretic religion, which dates to the fourteenth century in western Iran and contains elements of Zoroastrianism and Shi'a Islam. Nevertheless, their distinct practices and beliefs have resulted in some persecution. As a result, Kaka'i are secretive about their faith.

Historical Context

In the Ottoman era and continuing to the monarchial period, Kaka'i held influential positions in Iraq, and were wealthy landowners in Kirkuk province.

In the context of the Ba'ath regime's conflict with the Kurds, some Kaka'i supported the Kurdish cause while others stayed neutral or even supported the government. As a result of the regime's Arabization policies, many Kak'ais were forced off their lands and displaced to Sulaymaniyah, Erbil or southern Iraq. The government also destroyed Kaka'i villages along the Iranian border in order to create a security zone. Hundreds of Kaka'i living in Kirkuk were forcibly exiled to Iran, losing their nationality in the process.

Following the rise of ISIS in 2014, the Kaka'i' religious identity made them, like other minorities, a clear target for the militant group. When ISIS began its advance in northern Iraq, most Kaka'i living in villages east of Mosul fled to Erbil. ISIS reportedly released statements threatening Kaka'i with death if they did not convert to Islam. Several villages were taken over by ISIS, and the militant group also destroyed Kaka'i shrines in al-Hamdaniya district on the Ninewa plains. In response, the Kaka'i formed their own armed forces, and one 600-member contingent was incorporated into the Kurdish Peshmerga. In September 2016, ISIS targeted a Kaka'i village in Tuz Kharmatu district with a car bomb attack, killing at least six people.

Current issues

Divisions within the Kaka'i community over whether they are a sect of Islam, or an independent religious group, have prevented the group from cementing its role in political life. The 2005 Constitution does not mention the Kaka'i religion. Without official recognition, Kaka'i cannot register their religion on their identification cards and are recorded as Muslims. However, some Kaka'i prefer this option as it protects them from discrimination. Nevertheless, the community has made some gains in recent years. In 2015, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs recognized the Kaka'i religion for the first time, and the minority now has a reserved seat on the Halabja provincial council.

Kaka'i continue to face discrimination on the basis of their poorly understood religious identity, and have been the targets of threats, kidnappings, assassinations and boycotts of their businesses. Kaka'i men are easily distinguishable due to their characteristic prominent moustaches, thereby rendering them more exposed to harassment and discrimination.

Updated November 2017

Copyright notice:  Minority Rights Group International. All rights reserved.World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Kenya : Somali and other nomads

Publisher Minority Rights Group International Publication Date December 2017 Cite as Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Kenya : Somali and other nomads, December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a53624d7.html [accessed 5 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.

Updated December 2017

Profile

Although reliable pre-2009 data is not available, the size of the Somali population in Kenya appears to have steadily increased since independence to an estimated 2,385,572 according to the 2009 population census. This effectively places Somalis at 6.2 per cent of the national population, making them the sixth largest ethnic community in Kenya. These figures were controversial as previous estimates in the 1989 and 1999 census had put them at around 1 per cent of the population, leading authorities to question the 2009 census figure as inflated by recent immigration. However, other commentators have argued that previous surveys have repeatedly underestimated Kenya's Somali population due to their limited understanding of pastoralist social structures and restrictive definitions of who could be classified as 'Kenyan' that left many long-term residents of the country of Somali origin uncounted.

Kenyan Somalis have settled in most parts of the country, but they are known to predominantly occupy four counties of Mandera, Garissa, Wajir and Tana River, all of which border Somalia. There are significant numbers of Kenyan Somalis on the coast and in most urban areas of Kenya. The large majority of Kenya's Somalis are Muslim and are traditionally pastoralists who rear cattle, goats and camels. Camels are their primary asset and source of livelihood. Most Somalis living in urban areas are small-scale businessmen.

Whilst Kenya has made progress in dealing with statelessness affecting some minority communities, such as Nubians and Makonde, the situation of its Somali community -- the largest community affected by the risk of statelessness in the country -- remains very problematic. The Somali community in Kenya consists of both descendants of a cross border community originally living in the far north of Kenya and more recent migrants and refugees who have fled ongoing instability and violence in Somalia. The spread of violence from Somalia into Kenya, with numerous terrorist attacks claimed by the armed extremist group Al-Shabaab or demonstrated to involve Somalis, has led to increasingly indiscriminate targeting of the community in security crackdowns. Large refugee flows, regular violent attacks and the fact that almost all Somalis are Muslim, in contrast to Kenya's largely Christian population, have together contributed to both official and social discrimination against the Somali community. In this context, there have also been increasing efforts to limit the recognition of citizenship of those of Somali origin.

Historical Background

During the colonial period the area occupied by the Somalis was referred to as the Northern Frontier District, which served as a buffer between the British Kenyan colony and areas colonized by the Germans and Italians to the north. The Somali population of northern Kenya was well established and had been in existence for multiple generations by the time of Kenya's independence. There are thus two groups of Somalis in Kenya: those whose ancestors have lived there for many generations and others who are refugees who fled the civil war that plagued neighboring Somalia since the late 1980s.

When Somalia achieved independence in 1960, while Kenya was still under colonial rule, Somali politicians appealed to the British colonial authorities either to assign Kenya's northern area to Somalia before Kenyan independence or to allow a referendum to see if the population chose to secede from Kenya. An informal plebiscite at the time found that the overwhelming majority of the largely ethnic Somali population wished to secede. This resulted in a military push by the government of Kenya to secure the Republic of Kenya, including the previous Northern Frontier District, resulting in the period of civil strife commonly known as the shifta war. While this conflict formally ended in 1967, in practice sporadic secessionist violence and banditry persisted for several decades in the region. During this period the Somalis were heavily marginalized and victimized by the government. Evidence gathered by the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) suggests that hundreds of people were massacred during this period. The exclusion of Somalis was such that until 1983, not a single Somali ever sat in the cabinets of the Moi or Jomo Kenyatta governments.

In 1989, amidst the continued threat of secession, reprisal attacks and the displacement numerous Somalis fleeing the civil war in Somalia, the Kenyan government introduced a form of screening for Kenyan Somalis before issuing them with identity cards in accordance with section 8 of the Registration of Persons Act. It states that, '[T]he Principal Registrar requires all persons of the Somali ethnic community resident in Kenya who are eighteen (18) years and above to attend before the registration officers at the center specified in the second column of the schedule and furnish such documentary or other evidence of the truth of their registration between the 13th November, 1989 and 4th December, 1989.' Through Gazette Notice No. 5319, dated 7th November 1989, a task force referred to as the Yusuf Haji Taskforce received documentary evidence in accordance with Gazette Notice No. 5320 and issued special verification certificates to persons it considered genuine Kenyan Somalis. This was the foundation of profiling and vetting of Somalis for citizenship.

During this period there was a massive influx of Somali refugees into Kenya. Over time the refugee camps became better equipped, with basic services such as education and health care that many Kenyan Somalis in the marginalized northern areas of Kenya were unable to access. As a result, some Kenyan Somali parents enrolled their children as refugees to secure the social amenities provided to refugees. This created the complex and unusual situation of Kenyan citizens by birth being enrolled as refugees. In 1998 Kenya faced its first major terror attack, which was followed by several others in subsequent years. This acrimonious history set the backdrop for the persistent difficulties experienced by many Kenyan Somalis to have their citizenship recognized.

Current Situation

Kenyan Somalis currently hold key official positions in all branches of government. For instance, as of late 2017 there are three Somali cabinet secretaries, the leader of majority government in parliament is a Somali, and Somalis have 8 per cent representation in Parliament. One of the judges of the Supreme Court is a Somali who was the Acting Chief Justice during a period when the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice were retired.

However, the systematic discrimination against ethnic Somalis is far from over. In 2014, the Somali community was subjected to extensive profiling and victimization as the government attempted a crackdown on extremist militia groups. This was accompanied by anti-Somali statements by politicians and in the media, with the conflation of Somalis with terrorists and refugees being common. In this context of mistrust and suspicion, the process of acquiring national identity cards for Somalis has become very protracted.

Although the laws on citizenship in Kenya do not require group membership along ethnic or linguistic lines, in practice citizenship is typically awarded by descent and one's ethnicity may be a crucial factor in deciding whether a person is judged eligible for identity documents. This is critical as it determines whether someone is regarded as a citizen by birth (jus sanguinis), a citizen with lesser entitlements through registration or a alternatively a non-citizen who is therefore at a risk of being stateless if citizenship is denied altogether. While it is not uncommon for communities that straddle international borders to face challenges with nationality, the barriers experienced by Kenyan Somalis in securing their citizenship are particularly high, as highlighted repeatedly in research by human rights groups in Kenya. While other communities such as Nubians and border populations have been subjected to vetting, the specific and arbitrary targeting of Somalis as an ethnic group is at a different level.

In processing an application for citizenship, for example, Somalis are frequently asked to meet unreasonable requirements such as the provision of a land title deed in an area where no subdivision has taken place or the land is owned collectively by the community. They may also be asked for documentation such as the death certificates of their grandparents to establish their lineage, even though their parents may have died at a time when the issuance of death certificates in the northern region of Kenya was not routine. Whereas some of these hurdles have been removed, government officials still require Somalis to attend with both of their parents to apply for identity documents. The parents will usually have their biometrics taken to help in the verification process. In addition they have to face a vetting committee to establish that they are Kenyan Somalis by birth. This means that while other communities can apply and acquire identity documents in school, Kenyan Somalis do not have this privilege.

The vetting has been in place since 1989 in Kenya, but it existed without the force of law until 2015 when it was introduced in law by the Security Laws Amendment Act. Section 6 of the Registration of Persons Act reads:

(1) A registration officer may require any person who has given any information in pursuance of this Act or rules made thereunder to furnish such documentary or other evidence of the truth of that information as it is within the power of that person to furnish. (1A) The Director may establish identification committees or appoint persons as identification agents to assist in the authentication of information furnished by a parent or guardian.

These processes can delay the issuance of identity cards significantly, as vetting is often periodic and conducted in a central location that may not be readily accessible. Furthermore, as most Kenyan Somalis are pastoralist, the procedures may not align with their seasonal lifestyles. Consequently, whereas unpublished research by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) found that other Kenyans by birth ordinarily require between 8 and 28 days to acquire a national identity card, Somalis belonging to border communities -- while they ought to take at most 38 days -- typically have to wait between three and six months to get a national identity card. During any period of unrest or insecurity, or after government officials have been attacked by Al-Shabaab, the process of issuance of identity cards can be halted for a year or more. This results in late registration of persons who thereafter require another level of vetting. Even where Kenyan Somalis have acquired identity cards, they are now undergoing fresh vetting procedures when applying for Kenyan passports or replacement national identity cards. This has resulted in a very large number of ethnic Somalis resident in Kenya without valid identification documents.

Research has found that the counties inhabited by Somalis in northern Kenya face very high rates of corruption in accessing documentation. In 2016, members of parliament representing the Somali community negotiated a political settlement that allowed for the striking out of over 40,000 Kenyan Somalis who had been registered in the refugee database for economic reasons or to access opportunities, even though they were Kenyan residents.

Way Forward

There are a variety of factors, both external and internal, that continue to impede the status of the Somali community in Kenya. In particular, there needs to be a standardized system of vetting and registering nationality documents in place to ensure the process is verifiable and is not used to deny people documentation on the basis of their identity. This will also help reduce and combat corruption. Additionally, the Kenyan government needs to adopt proposed requirements that Kenyans are registered and their biometrics recorded between the ages of 12 and 17 to avoid late registration.

The Vetting Committee should also have representatives from the county governments where Kenyan Somalis reside to help devolve services and increase accountability for the provision of documentation.

Updated December 2017

Copyright notice:  Minority Rights Group International. All rights reserved.World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Uganda : Maragoli

Publisher Minority Rights Group International Publication Date July 2018 Cite as Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Uganda : Maragoli, July 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a5363f57.html [accessed 5 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.

Profile

The actual number of Maragoli in Uganda is not readily available since rather than being a named category they were considered under 'others' in the two most recent Ugandan censuses. Leaders from Kiryandongo District and the community estimate the Maragoli population to be between 25,000 and 30,000. Maragoli are found in Kiryandongo District, in Bunyoro sub-region, Midwestern Uganda. They basically occupy at least a parish comprised of two to three villages. Some are scattered within the Kigumba Town Council, the main town council for Kiryandongo District.

Maragoli have lived in Uganda for over a century and until recently had experienced few serious problems either with the communities where they had settled or with the government. Although they were absent from the national schedule in the 1995 Constitution and the amended schedule in the 2005 constitutional amendment that list the tribes of Uganda, they continued to enjoy the same rights as other Ugandan citizens. This, however, changed when the government introduced registration and issuance of identity cards as measures to identify citizens two years ago.

History

The origins of the Maragoli people in Uganda are not recorded in detail in historical sources. It is known that at some point Maragoli migrated from Ethiopia via Southern Sudan to the area through the South Sudan-Uganda border into the West Nile and Bunyoro sub-regions. There may be more Maragoli residing in Western Kenya, but others may always have been present in Bunyoro sub-region in Western Uganda, some distance from the Kenyan side. The areas they occupy are also home to other ethnic groups like Banyoro, who are the majority, as well as Acholi, Langi and Alur communities. One group is believed to have come to the place they now occupy more than a century ago (around 1901) during the construction of the Uganda Railway. Another group is known to have moved later in the 1950s.

Maragoli were resettled onto the land they now occupy by the Bunyoro Kingdom which controlled this part of Uganda. They have maintained various cultural practices such as their burial rites to date and still speak their own language, although they are also fluent in Runyoro, the language commonly used in the area where they reside.

Current Situation

The current difficulties of the Maragoli community began in 2015 when the government introduced a mass national registration of Ugandan citizens and issued each person a national identification card under a newly constituted National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). It is at this point that the Maragoli for the first time were put at risk of statelessness due to the withholding of their identity cards.

Most Maragoli during the registration exercise were advised to register as Banyoro, the dominant ethnic group in the area, to avoid any potential difficulties around the fact that their ethnic group was missing in the national schedule of the 1995 Constitution and the 2005 amendment that recognized 65 tribes in Uganda, all members of which are entitled to Ugandan nationality. Many did so but others refused, not wanting to be overshadowed by the Banyoro and seeking their own identity as an ethnic group with an established history in the area.

Those who registered for national identity cards as belonging to other groups like Banyoro and Alur, at the advice of the district authorities, expected to be issued with their cards like other Ugandan citizens. Their cards were, in fact, produced and were released to the District at the Office of the NITO (National Information and Technology Officer). All those who went to collect their identity cards were able to collect them - with the exception of those believed to belong to the Maragoli community despite registering as other groups, whose cards were instead withheld. Other Maragoli who registered also as Banyoro or other groups outside Kiryandongo district received their cards.

Maragoli leaders took a number of steps to try to solve the problem with the NIRA, but to date their difficulties remain ongoing and the majority of cards have not been issued. They have petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, the President, the Attorney General and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but all in vain. While these efforts did result in a letter from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in which the Minister instructed the NIRA to urgently issue identity cards to Maragoli, respecting advice from the Attorney General, pending a constitutional amendment for their inclusion in the national schedule as a recognized Ugandan community. However, this seems to have been ignored or disputed at the local level as the cards have yet to be issued. The President directed the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in Uganda to include the Maragoli in the constitutional amendment. Both directives were not adhered to and the Maragoli still have their identity documents withheld.

As a result of their lacking identity cards, Maragoli experience discrimination in many areas such as access to health services, especially when referred to hospitals, as proof of identity is routinely demanded before treatment. Indeed, almost every aspect of service provision for Ugandan citizens is dependent on the possession of valid identification: for example, employment at the district level, opening of bank accounts, loans, government income programmes such as Youth Livelihood Funds and women's funds. This was not the case before the rollout of national identity registration requirements and the resulting questions as to their status and nationality. This can leave individuals at risk of being denied a range of rights, regardless of their previous position. For instance, one Maragoli community member belonging to a school management committee was not allowed to be a signatory to the school bank account because he could not provide an identity card: he told MRG that he was thus denied a leadership position.

Recently, the country also embarked on the registration of under-16-year-olds through the NIRA, who will also be provided with children's identity cards. However, the children of Maragoli whose cards are withheld have also been discriminated against. One of the requirements to register children was to produce the identity cards of their parents for their own registration and since they could not, they too were not registered.

NIRA officials have advised Maragoli people to secure citizenship through naturalization. The community however has declined this option for several reasons: firstly, because it would represent an admission that they are foreigners, which they contest, having been born in Uganda with generations of ancestors predating the country's independence. Furthermore, naturalization does not offer the guarantee of permanent citizenship since it can be revoked by an act of parliament. They see the refusal to issue identity cards as part and parcel of a package of rising discrimination against them and consider that naturalization would further entrench their secondary status in the country.

Ways Forward

An important avenue for resolving the community's predicament is the tribunal case opened by Uganda's Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC). Maragoli must therefore be mobilized to support the case and give evidence to the EOC and other actors to ensure an effective and positive judgment. Currently, the EOC has taken it up as a case of discrimination which according to the Equal Opportunity Act 2007 they are mandated to investigate and hear. The case could result in a recommendation or an order if discrimination is found to have occurred.

A number of measures could be undertaken to support this:



Undertake a rapid assessment to establish the exact details about the Maragoli NIRA issues. This could also assist in establishing a clearer picture of why the NIRA withheld the identity cards and the reasons they continue to do so, despite letters from the various ministries and offices.

Mobilize the Maragoli community through their leaders. This should include educating them on their rights, registration processes and the potential strategies they could pursue to ensure their issues are resolved.

Organize strategic meetings between the Maragoli leadership with relevant government offices to promote dialogue. Meetings could be held seeking to clarify and progress the issue targeting points of influence: NIRA, Attorney General, Internal Affairs, Constitutional Ministry, Parliamentary Legal Committee and others. The Maragoli community, in partnership with Minority Rights Group, already has the support of the local council (LC 5) of the District which is keen to get this divisive issue for their community swiftly resolved.

Recently, with support from MRG, Maragoli lodged a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission Tribunal and the ruling, though recognizing their plight, directed the Maragoli community to naturalize while they wait to be included in the national schedule when the Constitution is amended. This position has been a concern for Maragoli who consider it to unfairly indicate that they are not Ugandans. They claim that naturalization does not grant them the same rights as citizens by birth.

Updated July 2018

Copyright notice:  Minority Rights Group International. All rights reserved.Title Communication From the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council: Commission contribution to the EU Leaders' thematic debate on a way forward on the external and the internal dimension of migration policy

Publication Date 7 December 2017

Citation / Document Symbol COM(2017) 820 final

Cite as European Union: European Commission, Communication From the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council: Commission contribution to the EU Leaders' thematic debate on a way forward on the external and the internal dimension of migration policy, 7 December 2017, COM(2017) 820 final, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a537ab44.html [accessed 5 September 2021]WINSTED  The Winchester Land Trust announced Monday that it has bought the 121-acre TorWin Farm property at 243 South Road on the town line and plans to preserve it as open space.

With the addition to its holdings, the land trust has now conserved 490 acres of land in town, President Jen Perga said in a release Monday.

The farm consists of beautiful grassland and forest straddling the Winchester/Torrington border. This property is a wilderness corridor between two parts of the Paugnut State Forest and makes connections to Burr Pond State Park, Highland Lake and Platt Hill State Park, Perga said in the release. Preserving this parcel protects valuable wildlife habitat and the Burr Pond watershed, while opening the property to the public.

The purchase was funded by a loan from The Conservation Fund that bridged pledged funds from the State of Connecticuts DEEP Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program and the Highlands Conservation Act Grant Program, as well as matching donations from the community, Perga said.

The property will be renamed the John and Virginia Houlihan Woods to honor the family of its previous owner, and an area on the Torrington side of the land will be established in tribute to Michael Giordano, the late husband of Lynn Giordano, Perga said.

It was sold for a bargain-sale price, Perga said  thanks to Cara and Ken Blazier, the previous owner, were included in the release.

We never could have completed this two-year project without the incredible support of our community, said board member Chuck Dmytriw as part of the release.

Perga said the property was previously used as a horse farm and airstrip by John and Virginia Houlihan  where supplies were brought in after the Flood of 1955, as well as a condensed milk farm by Gail Borden.

It is now the home to bobolinks, a species of blackbird, according to the release.

Its easy to see the incredible display of male bobolinks as they flutter their wings, hovering above the grasses in the spring and early summer  no binoculars or special equipment is needed, said board member, Louise VanAlstyne in the release.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, came to visit the TorWin farm property in October 2016, meeting with representatives of the land trust to discuss the Highlands Preservation Act, a federal program which provides matching funds for the preservation of land in a region stretching from Connecticut to Pennsylvania.

Here in Connecticut, we know its the holy grail, right? Protecting these parcels is not just the right environmental and ecological policy, its the right land use planning policy, its doubling-down on our strengths, our cultural strength, its who we are, said Murphy at the time. Its why people want to come live here  because they get to see beautiful things like this.

A portion of the purchase was funded through this program, Perga said.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection provided $307,500 in grant funding towards the purchase in November 2016.

Reach Ben Lambert at william.lambert@hearstmediact.com.Screen grab taken from Chinese state broadcaster CCTV on January 8, 2018 shows smoke and flames coming from a Iranian oil tanker ablaze at sea off the coast of eastern China.

An Iranian oil tanker that collided with a Chinese vessel in the East China Sea is still at risk of exploding, with one body found and 32 crew still missing.

The collision between a Panama-registered oil tanker and a Hong Kong-registered freighter, occurred at around 8 p.m. Saturday in waters about 160 nautical miles east of the Yangtze estuary, state news agency Xinhua reported. Missing crew included 30 Iranian nationals and two Bangladeshi nationals, it said.

"We have sent several rescue vessels to the scene," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular news briefing in Beijing, adding that rescuers had retrieved one body at 10.30 a.m. local time on Monday.

The Iranian vessel was still burning on Monday, and was at risk of exploding and sinking, sparking concerns over environmental devastation along Chinas eastern seaboard.

But state broadcaster CCTV said the search and cleanup operation is being hampered by fierce fires and poisonous gases covering the waters around the tanker.

The Iranian-operated, Panamanian-flagged oil tanker Sanchi collided with the Hong Kong-registered CF Crystal cargo vessel with oil products equivalent to nearly a million barrels aboard.

All 21 Chinese crew members were rescued from the damaged CF Crystal, which was carrying 64,000 tons of grain from the United States to southern China, the Shanghai Maritime Bureau said in a statement on its official social media account.

The U.S. Navy sent a P-8A aircraft from Okinawa on Monday to join ships and craft from China and South Korea in the search and rescue mission.

Wuxi-based environmental activist Wu Lihong said that the rescue of the missing crew remains the top priority.

But he said China could soon be dealing with huge quantities of crude oil if the Sanchi began to leak.

Wu implementation of the clean-up could be problematic, as the tanker is currently in international waters.

The main effort should be focused on rescuing the missing crew, but the clean-up of large amounts of crude oil from the sea is something that also needs consideration, Wu said.

The main problem is [environmental laws] are rarely properly implemented, because nobody will supervise the clean-up, he said.

For example, several rivers in the north of the eastern coastal province of Jiangsu are disgorging untreated waste water directly into the East China Sea.

The Huaihe estuary in northern Jiangsu, for example, is an important breeding ground for killer whales, but the pollution in that area has pretty much wiped them out there, he said.

Nobody talks about pollution in the East China Sea, Wu said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang said the cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Reported by Gao Shan for RFAs Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.Wu Gan, also known as 'The Butcher,' is seen behind bars at police station in Nanchang city, in eastern China's Jiangxi province, May 19, 2015.

Outspoken human rights activist Wu Gan appealed his eight-year jail term for subversion on Monday, arguing his writings and speeches on behalf of legal abuse victims fell within his civil rights.

Wu, 42, known by his online nickname "The Butcher," was detained during Chinas 2015 crackdown on lawyers and sentenced on Dec. 26 by the Tianjin No. 2 Intermediate People's Court after being found guilty of "incitement to subvert state power," the court said in a statement.

Wus defense lawyers Yan Xin and Ge Yongxi on Monday filed a written appeal Tianjin Higher Peoples Court calling on the court to withdraw the verdict, pronounce Wu not guilty and set him free.

The written appeal says that although Wu had admitted in court to having thoughts of subverting state power, thoughts alone do not constitute a crime, the lawyers said.

The appeal said that Wus speeches on social media, published articles, interviews with foreign media, taped lectures, his observation of twelve cases, and his use of performance art all were protected constitutional civil rights, they said.

His speech and actions do not undermine social security, but have raised civic awareness and the awareness of civil rights among the public. This is an effective way for the public to oversee judicial performance by local governments, resulting in the redress of wrongful convictions, said the appeal.

The written appeal also argues that state power does not equal the power of a political party; and Chinese people have the right to subvert political power, especially an authoritarian system, it said.

Patrick Poon from Amnesty International told RFA Wus case underscore why it is necessary to withdraw this type of criminal charges based on subverting state power.

The Wu Gan Case is a typical case used to clamp down on dissidents with this type of charge. If this crime is not abandoned, more people will be charged with the same crime in the future.

This is a good opportunity to get rid of this problematic crime, added Poon.

When he was sentenced on Dec. 26, the indictment against Wu said he engaged in a series of actions that incited the subversion of state power and the overthrow of the socialist system, seriously harming national security and social stability." according to.

"Wu Gan began to develop subversive thoughts after growing dissatisfied with the current political system in this country," the court said. "He then used online information platforms over a long period of time to send out large volumes of posts attacking the government and the constitutional state system, disseminating his subversive ideas."

Ge Yongxi said Wu had told the court that he was honored to receive the sentence and that he would "roll up my sleeves and redouble my efforts."

Ge rejected the verdict and said the harsh sentence was likely linked to the fact that Wu had refused to confess to the charges against him during interrogation and torture at the hands of police.

In a complaint filed to the Tianjin municipal state prosecutor's office, they wrote that Wu had been interrogated "more than 300 times" since his incarceration began. He had been repeatedly and illegally held in solitary confinement, tortured, and deprived of his right to complain and to access legal advice.

Wu was initially detained by police during a performance protest he titled "Selling my Body to Raise Funds" in Nanchang city in eastern Jiangxi province.

He was trying to help finance a legal defense for Huang Zhiqiang, Fang Chunping, Cheng Fagen, and Cheng Lihe, who were jailed in Jiangxi's Leping city for robbery, rape, and dismembering a corpse.

The four received suspended death sentences in 2000 that were later commuted to jail terms, but their lawyers and rights activists say their confessions were obtained through torture, and that the men are victims of a miscarriage of justice.

Reported by Ng Yik-tong and Wen Yuqing for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated by Karen Zhang. Written in English by Paul Eckert.Bangladesh says it is unlikely that the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar will start in two weeks as scheduled, because the logistics are not in place.

A bilateral repatriation agreement inked Nov. 23 had called for the process to begin in 60 days  around Jan. 22  but a joint working group tasked with working out the details has not held its first meeting.

Repatriation is a complicated and huge task. This is not possible to do everything within a stipulated timeframe. So, I think it is unlikely that we can start the repatriation by Jan. 22, Mohammad Abul Kalam, Bangladeshs commissioner for refugee relief and repatriation, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service, on Monday.

We need more time.

The delay was announced as Rohingya refugees continued to straggle across the border into Bangladesh and a Rohingya insurgent group said it had carried out an attack on Friday to retaliate for ongoing atrocities carried out by Myanmars military.

Several Rohingya refugees who spoke to BenarNews said they were unaware of the repatriation plans being hatched by governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh, and expressed reluctance to return to Myanmar where their safety was not guaranteed.

Jan. 15 meeting

The process of starting to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to Rakhine state, where ongoing violence has been reported in recent days, will also hinge on the first official meeting of a joint working group (JWG) to coordinate the repatriation, Bangladeshi officials said.

The 30-member JWG will meet for the first time next week, according to an official with Bangladeshs foreign ministry.

The joint working group will meet on Jan. 15 in Myanmar, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, a director general in-charge of the Southeast Asia desk at the ministry, told BenarNews, adding the meeting would be a step toward starting the repatriation process.

Since late August 2017, at least 650,000 Rohingya crossed into southeastern Bangladesh as they fled a brutal military crackdown in Rakhine that followed attacks against police and security posts carried out by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgents. In total, about 1 million Rohingya are sheltering in Bangladesh, including refugees who escaped from earlier cycles of violence in Rakhine.

Big task ahead

Myanmar officials said they have sent forms to Bangladesh that need to be completed in order for Myanmar to verify the residency in Rakhine of refugees who opt to return there.

The forms have been received in Bangladesh but not released to the press, and the procedure for completing them has not been announced.

We have yet to start collecting the data Myanmar that seeks in the repatriation form. Filling forms of 100,000 people is a big task ahead, said Kalam, the refugee commissioner, referring to the first batch of refugees that Bangladesh is targeting for repatration.

The commissioner said his department had formed a nine-member technical committee from different government departments to collect data about Rohingya refugees in the country.

But many of the offices have yet to send the names of their representatives for the technical committee. We hope that, soon, we will get the names of the representatives from all departments and we can start collecting data by this week, Kalam added.

In addition, he said, the immigration department has stored data of each refugee who had entered Bangladesh.

But the data must be organized by family. This is because the repatriation approach is family-wise. You cannot leave a family member here and repatriate others. So, we need time to rearrange the data family-wise, Kalam said.

Refugees unware of repatriation plan

Meanwhile, some Rohingya refugees appeared to be in the dark about the process that could soon begin to send members of their community back to Myanmar.

We have not heard anything about repatriation of the Rohingya. I do not think that the Moghs would allow us in, Abdu Jalil, 50, a refugee from Buthidaung township in Rakhine, told BenarNews on Monday, referring to members of Rakhines Buddhist majority.

They have been torturing us for decades to obliterate us from Arakan [Rakhine]. They would not let us live, if we return there, said Jalil, who now lives in the Nayapara refugee camp in Teknaf, a sub-district of Coxs Bazar district.

Lal Mia, an octogenarian who fled from his home village in Rakhines Maungdaw township, said he heard that Bangladesh and Myanmar had signed the repatriation deal.

But I will not go back. They will not let us live in Arakan. I will pass the rest of my life here, he told BenarNews.

Zahid Hossain Siddique, the administrative chief of Teknaf, said refugees continued to enter Bangladesh from Rakhine and some had reported that it was still unsafe there, saying violence was ongoing.

Meanwhile on Sunday, ARSA rebels claimed responsibility for a roadside ambush in Maungdaw that targeted a military vehicle and wounded seven people, including six soldiers, on Friday. The attack was the first since Sept. 10, 2017, when the rebels declared a one-month humanitarian ceasefire.

ARSA also accused the Myanmar military of not letting up in committing heinous crimes against Rohingya civilians, including raping and molesting women, burning down Rohingya villages and starving the Rohingya population to death.

At this juncture, ARSA has [been] left with no option but to combat Burmese state sponsored terrorism against the Rohingya population for the purpose of defending, salvaging and protecting the Rohingya community with its best capacities in line with the principles of self-defense under international law, ARSA said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.More than two months since the Communist Party Congress in Beijing, authorities in northwest Chinas Xinjiang region continue to place ethnic Uyghurs deemed extremists in political re-education camps, despite assurances the detentions would end after the sensitive annual meeting.



Since April 2017, Uyghurs accused of harboring extremist and politically incorrect views have been jailed or detained in re-education camps throughout Xinjiang, where members of the ethnic group have long complained of pervasive discrimination, religious repression, and cultural suppression under Chinese rule.



The detentions ramped up ahead of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, held Oct. 18-24 last year, with officials claiming that the campaign was part of safety measures to prevent violent incidents around the time of the event.



Some local officials in Xinjiang had told family members arrests would end and detainees be returned home when the Congress was concluded, but sources recently told RFAs Uyghur Service that authorities continue to round up residents more than two months later.



According to an official from Aqsaray townships No. 1 village, in Hotan (in Chinese, Hetian) prefectures Qaraqash (Moyu) county, who spoke to RFA on condition of anonymity, police arrested dozens of Uyghurs and placed them in a re-education camp as recently as last month.



There were 85 people sent to the re-education camps in our township [on Dec. 18], and more were taken there [on Dec. 28], he said, confirming that 33 additional residents had been arrested in the second roundupbringing to 118 the total detained within a 10-day period.



An official from neighboring Kashgar (Kashi) prefectures Poskam (Zepu) county, who also asked to remain unnamed, told RFA that authorities have been instructed to make sure that everything is safe while patrolling the streets of the county, and that they had been provided with notebooks including a list of the names and pictures of individuals on record to be detained.



One suspect on the list was identified as Abdusemet Metkerim, 23, from Talbagh village, in Poskams Seyli township.



He had illegal religious video materials in his possession, the official said of Metkerim, adding that authorities had issued a warrant in the young mans name in September.



Additional names on the list were not immediately available, he said, as it was locked up in a drawer at the time of the phone call.



Overcrowded camps



Prior reporting by RFA has found that as arrests in Xinjiang have increased in recent months, the regions re-education camps have been inundated by detainees, who are forced to endure cramped and squalid conditions in the facilities.



Sources say that authorities often convert government buildings and schools into makeshift re-education camps to deal with the overcrowding, and routinely shift detainees between locationsthat include prisonswithout informing their family members.



In Bayingholin Mongol (Bayinguoleng Menggu) Autonomous Prefectures Korla citywhere sources told RFA last week that as many as 1,000 people have been admitted to the citys detention facilities over the course of a few daysa local government employee named Erkin Bawdun recently said that area re-education camps are completely full.



One of my friends overheard the camp governor shouting at police over his walkie-talkie, saying Please stop bringing people, there is no more space here in the camp for anyone, said Bawdun, who helps to oversee Lengger village, in Korlas Awat township.



Authorities regularly detain residents for allegedly extremist incidents that took place years before Xinjiang party chief Chen Quanguo was appointed to his post in August 2016 and began implementing several harsh policies targeting religious freedom in the region.



According to Bawdun, Awat township maintains a department for cases of special concern that had recently detained a group of 13 women who gathered and listened to religious preaching some six years ago.



Bawduns manager confirmed that in 2012, they gathered at a house and conducted religious teachings.



Four of them were arrested in July, and the remaining nine were taken away [in late December], the manager said.



None of the women had received sentences, he said, and it was unclear where they had been taken.



They wont be taken to the re-education camps because they are treated as part of a special case and will be dealt with separately, he added.



China regularly conducts strike hard campaigns in Xinjiang, including police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people, including videos and other material.



While China blames some Uyghurs for "terrorist" attacks, experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from the Uyghurs and that repressive domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence there that has left hundreds dead since 2009.



Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by RFAs Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.Restrictions on religion and security controls have intensified in northwest Chinas Xinjiang region in recent months, a congressional commission said Monday, warning that Washingtons anti-terrorism cooperation with Beijing must not come at the cost of the rights of ethnic Uyghurs.



In a statement, the Congressional Executive Commission on China (CECC) said that the situation in Xinjiang had further deteriorated since the release of its 2017 annual report, which found that freedoms of speech and religion, the rule of law, and individual rights and freedoms had worsened under the ruling Chinese Communist Party.



Reports indicate XUAR Communist Party Secretary Chen Quanguo has implemented a hardline, all-encompassing security network throughout the region, by overseeing the hiring of tens of thousands of new security personnel, the convening of mass rallies, and the involuntary collection of residents DNA, fingerprints, eye scans, and blood types, said Senator Marco Rubio, CECC chairman.



Civilians are detained without cause, political education camps proliferate, and a vast surveillance apparatus invades every aspect of daily life. These rights violations are deeply troubling and risk serving as a catalyst for radicalization.



Representative Chris Smith, cochairman of the CECC, similarly expressed alarm over the state of human rights in Xinjiang.



The Chinese governments expansive surveillance and security network in Xinjiang is a gross violation of privacy and international human rights, including the right to religious freedom, as the government is turning mosques into political propaganda centers and labeling religious beliefs as extremist, he said.



These policies seem to be completely counterproductive and a recipe for instability and dissatisfaction rather than security.



Smith urged U.S. President Donald Trumps administration to avoid condoning restrictions on freedom in Xinjiang in the name of counterterrorism.



The U.S. should be calibrating our counterterrorism cooperation with China to ensure that we do not condone or advance a crackdown on peaceful domestic dissent or the freedom of religion, association, and expression, he said.



Rubio and Smith highlighted the detention and likely mistreatment of up to 30 family members of U.S.-based Uyghur activist Rebiya Kadeer, which the CECC said was yet another example of Chinas efforts to silence criticism of the Party or of government policies through intimidation, detention, and threats to the family members of activists living abroad.



Kadeers children, grandchildren, and other relatives are reportedly in detention, including her sons Ablikim and Alim Abdureyimboth of whom previously suffered torture and abuse during periods of detention and imprisonment.



Kadeer was a political prisoner for more than five years before being released on medical parole in 2005, and since her relocation to the U.S. that year, Chinese authorities have carried out a campaign of harassment against her family members who remained in Xinjiang.



The CECC also expressed concern over an expansion of detentions in Xinjiangs political re-education camps, where large numbers of Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and others have been held for months at a time for crimes such as praying, wearing Islamic clothing, or having foreign connections.



Additionally, the commission said, Chinese authorities have ordered Uyghurs studying abroad in countries including Egypt, Turkey, France, Australia, and the U.S. to return to Xinjiang, and have subsequently detained some of them in re-education camps, about which very little is known.



Officials have also been issued quotas for the number or percentage of the population in their jurisdictions that must be sent to undergo political education, the CECC said, citing overseas reports.



China regularly conducts strike hard campaigns in Xinjiang, including police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people, including videos and other material.



While China blames some Uyghurs for "terrorist" attacks, experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from the Uyghurs and that repressive domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence there that has left hundreds dead since 2009.Authorities in Vietnam on Monday put on trial 22 defendants on charges of corruption and economic mismanagement related to millions of dollars of losses to the countrys energy and banking sectors, with former top oil executives and a recently dismissed senior Communist Party official among the defendants.



Former Politburo member Dinh La Thang, 57, faces charges of economic mismanagement, causing losses of U.S. $35 million in oil company investments in Vietnams Ocean Bank, while former PetroVietnam Construction chairman Trinh Xuan Thanh, 51, is accused of embezzlement and faces a possible sentence of death if convicted.



In August, Germany accused Vietnam of kidnapping Thanh from a Berlin park and taking him home by force to face charges.



The incident led to strained diplomatic ties between the two countries, though Vietnam said that Thanh had returned home voluntarily.



Speaking to RFAs Vietnamese Service, Petra SchlagenhaufThanhs lawyer in Germany, where he had sought asylumsaid it was clear that Thanh had been forced back, adding that a televised statement Thanh made on his return saying he had come back on his own was likely coerced.

It was no voluntary return, Schlagenhauf said. I suppose he was obliged, I dont know by which measures, to say this on Vietnamese television.



I had spoken with him many times before, and I know that he would never have gone back to Vietnam voluntarily, because he knew that he would never get a trial [defined] by the criteria used by civilized states on these kinds of issues.



Diplomatic tensions



Schlagenhauf noted that Thanhs forced return to Vietnam has led to tensions in what she called Vietnams strategic partnership with Germany, an important trading partner, with new economic agreements between the two countries now in jeopardy.



And this case of kidnapping has also caused a lot of criticism in other European states, she said.



Thanhs kidnapping in Germany by Vietnamese agents has caused very serious damage to Vietnams international image and prestige, agreed regional expert Carlyle Thayer, a professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia.



This action was unprecedented and portrays Vietnam as a quasi-police state that does not respect the rule of law, Thayer said in a Jan. 5 briefing published by the Thayer Consultancy.



Noting that Thanh is the only one of the 22 defendants now on trial to face a possible death penalty, Thayer said that if Thanh is executed, this will have a chilling effect on high-level officials who are involved in massive fraud leading to major losses for the state.



[But] in Vietnams case, massive high-level corruption can only be curbed by having autonomous investigative and audit agencies as well as a freer media that are independent from political influence, Thayer said.



Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Emily Peyman. Written in English by Richard Finney.riends and family from the Amanda Butler stables got together on Saturday when they did a charity horse ride around Brinsworth to raise money for the High Hopes Riding for the Duisabled stables at Thorpe Hesley. 172185

FROZEN characters Elsa and Olaf were seen trotting through the streets with Santa and elves in tow.

The stunt was part of a charity fancy dress horse ride through Brinsworth which was the brainchild of young horse rider, Demi Wilson (9).

The Brinsworth Manor Junior School pupil got together with her horse-loving friends, who attend the same stables, to raise money for High Hopes Riding for the Disabled Group in Thorpe Hesley.

Proud mum Debbie Wilson (42) said: Demi was dressed as Elsa and her pony, Popcorn, was dressed as Olaf.

People in cars were putting money into the collection box as they drove past and we also had music playing.

The event last month helped to raise more than 500 for the charity.The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) will invest $2.5 million in design and construction of a rail spur and storage tracks for a tire manufacturer in Edgecombe County.

The investment is from the railroads economic development initiative NCRR Invests and the spur will serve Kingsboro CSX Select Site for Triangle Tyre Co Ltd., which will be locating to the site.

Companies like Triangle Tyre require significant infrastructure like rail to meet their needs and this is another example of North Carolinas competitiveness in attracting a large scale manufacturer, said Scott Saylor, NCRR president. The North Carolina Railroad is a champion of our states efforts to secure large projects and we are proud to be a part of this exciting announcement.

NCRR says the Kingsboro CSX Select Site is one of the states megasites. NCRR is committed to assisting all of the states industrial megasites with freight rail infrastructure needs should employers choose to locate in North Carolina.

As a member of the North Carolina Railroad Companys Board of Directors, we are pleased to welcome Triangle Tyre Company and the tremendous opportunities it brings to our region, said Bill Kincheloe, vice chairman of the North Carolina Railroad Company Board of Directors. Edgecombe County and the Carolinas Gateway Partnership have worked to ensure the Kingsboro site was ready to attract a significant employer, and this announcement with the North Carolina Railroad Company and other key partners, as well as the resulting construction, will have a very meaningful impact on the region.New Jersey Transit Executive Director Steve Santoro, who has spent 18 years with the agency, submitted his resignation to New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Rick Hammer on Jan. 5. He will be leaving in April and said he is "committed to ensuring a smooth transition for the new administration" of incoming Governor Phil Murphy.

Santoros resignation comes as no surprise, as it is customary in the State of New Jersey for a new governor to appoint his or her own NJT Executive Director, particularly if the governor is of a different political party than the one who is being replaced. Phil Murphy is a Democrat. Chris Christie is a Republican.

Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Santoro was in charge of NJTs capital programs, overseeing numerous expansion and new-build projects.

We have seen amazing projects through to completion during my career here at NJT, together working on the construction of the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, River LINE and Sandy Resiliency efforts, which will leave a lasting impression on NJT for generations to come, Santoro said in a memo to employees. Since having the honor and privilege of leading NJT as Executive Director, we have made improvements and customer enhancements across all of our business lines. We have improved rail safety with the installation of inward and outward facing cameras and begun the process of modernizing our rail fleet with additional multi-level cars and new locomotives. Weve expanded capacity by utilizing larger light rail vehicles on Newark Light Rail and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. We are advancing environmental review for expanding HBLR into Bergen County and a new Glassboro-Camden line. Our New Jersey Transit Police Department has opened a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center and continues to keep a vigilant watch against terrorism. Weve progressed major projects such as a new Portal Bridge and new Raritan River Bridge that will leave the transit system in better shape for our children.A. Schulman Inc. (SHLM) is due to release its Q1 results after the bell today, with analysts polled by Thomson Reuters estimating earnings of $0.44 per share and revenue of $639.1 million.

A. Schulman believes that Hurricane Harvey had minimal property damage to its three facilities in the Houston area. However, it temporarily impacted the company's raw material supply and product shipments, primarily in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The company said it has enhanced its sales resources and improved its pricing processes to drive improving operational and financial performance in fiscal 2018 and beyond.

Year-Ago Numbers:

* GAAP Net Income - $1.1 Mln

* GAAP EPS - $0.04

* Adj. Net Income - $14.4 Mln

* Adj. EPS - $0.49

* Net Sales - $600 Mln.

FY18 Outlook:

* Projects adj. EPS in the range of $2.00 - $2.20, mid-point of EPS range represents 20% increase; Consensus - $2.09/Shr.

**

Helen of Troy Ltd. (HELE) is slated to announce its Q3 financial results before the bell today. Analysts are looking for earnings of $2.12 per share on revenue of $455.15 million for the quarter.

Year-Ago Numbers:

* GAAP Net Income - $57.6 Mln

* GAAP EPS - $2.07

* Adj. Net Income - $66.0 Mln

* Adj. EPS - $2.37

* Net Sales - $444.4 Mln.

FY18 Guidance:

* Updates 2018 GAAP EPS Outlook to $4.01 - $4.34.

* Reiterates non-GAAP Adj. EPS Outlook of $6.50 - $6.90; Consensus - $6.72/Shr.

* Updates FY18 Net Sales Outlook to $1.560 bln - $1.585 bln, Growth of 1.5% - 3.1%; Consensus - $1.58 Bln.

Dec. 21, Helen of Troy said it sold Healthy Directions LLC and subsidiaries, which make up its Nutritional Supplements segment, to Direct Digital LLC. Proceeds from the sale encompassed $46 million in cash and a supplemental payment with a target value of $25 million, payable on or before August 1, 2019.

**

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business NewsMicro Focus International plc (MCRO.L, MFGP) reported that its profit before tax for the six months ended 31 October 2017 was $145.7 million compared to $113.2 million in the prior year.

Profit after tax increased by 17.7% to $106.6 million from $90.6 million in the previous year. EPS in the period decreased by 9.1% to 34.64 cents from 38.12 cents last year. Adjusted Diluted EPS in the period increased by 16.4% to 103.87 cents from 89.20 cents in the previous year.

Adjusted profit before tax was $451.8 million compared to $276.2 million prior year.

"The board is confident that medium-term low single digit revenue growth, industry leading margins and strong cash conversion will ensure that Micro Focus can deliver on its strategy. These returns can be further enhanced by appropriate deployment of capital in value enhancing acquisitions," the company said.

Reported revenues in the six months to 31 October 2017 were $1.23 billion, 80.3% higher than the prior period reported revenues, with HPE Software contributing $569.8 million and $664.7 million coming from existing Micro Focus and SUSE Product Portfolios, a decrease of 2.9%.

The directors declared an interim dividend of 34.60 cents per share (31 October 2016: interim dividend 29.73 cents per share), which represents a payout ratio of approximately 33.3% of the Adjusted Profit after tax for the six-month period of $451.8m and a 16.4% increase on the 31 October 2016 interim dividend. The board anticipates that the weighting of the next interim dividend and the final dividend will be in line with our usual phasing of approximately 1:2, based on the 12-month period ending 31 October 2018.

The dividend will be paid on 9 February 2018 to shareholders on the register at 19 January 2018.

Our focus continues to be delivering annual returns to investors in the range of 15% to 20% per annum. We believe we have a strong operational and financial model that can continue to scale and provide excellent returns to our shareholders.

The company anticipates revenues for the Group for the twelve months ending 31 October 2018 will decline by 2% to 4% when compared to the pro-forma revenues for the 12 months ended 31 October 2017 of $4.22 billion. As a result of the change in year-end it anticipates a shift in Licence revenue towards the new year-end of 31 October which will lead to second half revenues being higher than those in the six months to 30 April. It will seek to re-balance this revenue weighting in future years.

On 1 September 2017 the Company announced the completion of the merger of its wholly owned subsidiary with Seattle SpinCo, Inc., which holds the software segment of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company ("HPE"), in accordance with the terms of the previously announced Merger Agreement. Trading results of HPE Software from completion are included in the results for the six months ended 31 October 2017.

Micro Focus International plc said that Mike Phillips, currently CFO, will be moving to the new role of Director of M&A. Micro Focus also announces the appointments of Chris Kennedy as CFO and Ian Fraser as Chief Human Resources Officer. These appointments are with immediate effect.

Mike Phillips, Chris Kennedy and Ian Fraser will report to Chris Hsu, CEO. Mike Phillips will step down from the Board on 31st January 2018.

Chris Kennedy was Chief Financial Officer of ARM Holdings plc from September 2015 to April 2017. Prior to that, Chris was Group Finance Director of easyJet plc for five years. He currently serves as a non-executive director on the board of Whitbread plc and as a trustee of the EMI Group Archive Trust and the Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business NewsCroatia's foreign trade deficit declined in October from a month ago, preliminary figures from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics showed Monday.

The trade deficit fell to EUR 565.7 million in October from EUR 735.2 million in the previous month.

In the corresponding month last year, the shortfall was EUR 510.4 million.

Merchandise exports totaled EUR 1.29 billion in October, up from EUR 1.20 billion in the preceding month. At the same time, imports dropped to EUR 1.85 billion from EUR 1.94 billion.

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.Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. (MDRX), a provider of healthcare information solutions, said it has agreed to acquire privately-held Practice Fusion for $100 million in cash, subject to adjustment for working capital and net debt.

San Francisco-based Practice Fusion is a Silicon Valley pioneer in partnering with top-tier life sciences organizations to drive innovation.

This transaction is targeted to close in the first quarter of calendar 2018. Allscripts intends to fund the purchase price through its existing secured credit facilities and cash balances.

In combination with Allscripts existing payer and life sciences , the company expects to expand its big data insights and analytics, data sharing technologies, and clinical trial solutions to enable life sciences organizations to accelerate bringing life-changing therapies to market.

Allscripts noted that Practice Fusion offers an affordable certified cloud-based EHR for traditionally hard-to-reach small, independent physician practices. Practice Fusion, founded in 2005, supports 30,000 ambulatory practices and 5 million patient visits a month.

Allscripts expects the acquisition to further advance its strategy to offer the most comprehensive, high performing information technology and solutions. According to the company, Practice Fusion's EHR will complement and round out Allscripts' existing ambulatory clinical portfolio.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business NewsHenry Schein, Inc. (HSIC), a provider of care products and services, said it has acquired a 60 percent ownership investment in ABASE, a family-owned distributor of veterinary health care products with a strong presence in Brazil'sCampinas region in the state of Sao Paulo. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Jaguariuna, ABASE sells pharmaceuticals, pet food, diagnostic equipment, and consumables primarily to the companion animal, swine, poultry, and bovine segments. ABASE had 2017 revenues of about $27 million.

Henry Schein expects the transaction to be neutral to its 2018 earnings per share and to be accretive thereafter.

"This ownership investment strengthens our position in Brazil's animal health market, which we established earlier this year in the state of Rio de Janeiro with our investment in Tecnew. It also diversifies our relationship with global suppliers and approximately doubles our volume in Brazil," said Stanley Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein.

ABASE was founded in 1990 by Edison Baba, who will retain a minority ownership position and continue to lead the as a Managing Director. The company has approximately 90 employees, including a sales staff of more than 45 team members, and operates a centralized distribution center in Jaguariuna.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News(Agencia CMA Latam) - The Colombian government intends to extend the bilateral ceasefire with the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group, originally set to expire tomorrow, said the President Juan Manuel Santos.

"We are more than willing to extend the ceasefire with the ELN and to renegotiate the conditions of a new cessation," Santos wrote on Twitter.

The President attended over the weekend a working meeting in Cartagena involving both sides delegations. Santos also informed that on Monday, more representatives of the government would be sent to Quito to launch negotiations for a new ceasefire formally.

The ceasefire between the Colombian government and the ELN started on October 1 and is expected to end tomorrow. Both sides halted hostilities to enter peace talks.

by Agencia CMA Latam

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.Army strongly attacks military sites, gatherings of Saudi army, its mercenaries [08/January/2018]



SANAA, Jan 8 (Saba)  The army and popular forces waged strong offensives upon military sites and gatherings of Saudi army and its mercenaries over the last 24 hours, a military official told Saba on Sunday.

In border province of Asir, the artillery and missile units of the army and popular forces hit Saudi military sites and gatherings in al-Shabakah and al-Qaidah hilltop, killing and injured dozens.



In Najran province, the army and popular forces attacks Saudi military sites, killing 11 Saudi soldiers and wounding others.



Also in Najran, al-buqa camp off al-Khadra crossing point was targeted by an artillery and missile units of the army and popular forces.



In northern province of Saada, the air defenses of the army and popular forces shot down Saudi aggression warplane, Britain-made Tornado, over the province.



In the capital, Sanaa, the air defenses of the army and popular forces fired a ground-to-air missile at a Saudi enemy warplane,F-15,over the capital.



Meanwhile, the missile units of the army and popular forces fired a ballistic missile, Zilzal 2, and Katyusha rockets on gatherings of Saudi army and its mercenaries in Saudi military of al-Mazab camp, al-Mousam,al-Kirs and Mustahdath in border province of Jizan.



Separately, in Lahj province, the army in cooperation with popular forces retook control over strategic sites in al-Qabitah district.



Moreover, in the border desert of Medi, the rocket units of the army fired Katyusha missiles upon Saudi military gatherings and their mercenaries in the north of the desert.



In Taiz province, the army and popular forces carried out two military operations against sites of Saudi-paid mercenaries in Mouza district, killing, wounding dozens and destroying a military truck.



In Mokha district in Taiz province, the army and popular forces destroyed an Emirati armored vehicle in north of Yakhtel area in the district in Taiz province, killing all its crew.



Also, in Taiz city in same province, the army and popular forces hit groups of the mercenaries in al-Tashrifat, killing and injuring a number of them.



In northeast province of Marib, several mercenaries were killed and injured when the army and popular forces hit their groups in Serwah district.



Furthermore, a number of the mercenaries were killed and wounded when the army and popular forces hit their military vehicle in Nehm district of province of Marib.



In Bayda province, the army and popular forces killed three mercenaries and wounded five others in al-Quthanfa area.



As well, two mercenaries were killed in al-Baidha hilltop in al-Maslub district of Jawf province, the official said.

SabaPresident meets Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Yemen [08/January/2018] SANA'A, Jan. 8 (Saba) - President of the Supreme Political Council Saleh al-Sammad on Monday met with the Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Yemen Moin Shreim, and his accompanying delegation.



The meeting discussed the situation on the national scene in light of continuing aggression and blockade against Yemen, and the efforts of the United Nations in the humanitarian aspects so as to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people



The meeting also reviewed the detainees case in light of Sana'a recent events and the operation release for many of those who participated in these events.



The President considered the meeting with the UN official is a good sign in order to brief him what are happening in Yemen as being it is regarded the most suffering and humanitarian disaster happened in the history of mankind.



He pointed out that there is a great contradiction in the international attitudes towards Yemen that dropped many masks.



Al-Sammad stressed that the meeting was an opportunity to convey the voice of the Yemeni people through the UN official to the international community.



"The position that you had heard from us in Geneva is the position you had heard in Kuwait and Muscat, is the position you will hear today,'' al-Sammad said, adding after a thousand year you will heard the same position even If we were besieged by the enemies, and even if we do not have only one meter or a district in the Republic because we have one project and case. He further said it is the same position that you had heard from us in Aden and Hadramout provinces and all over the country.



Al-Sammad said that the Yemeni people are ready with the utmost understanding for peace and extend their hands for peace.



The president talked about the strange silence of the UN envoy Esmail Ould Cheikh in light of the escalation of the aggression that kills and injures many civilians across Yemen.



He stressed that the Yemeni people are losing confidence in the credibility of the United Nations and its role in addressing and resolving the Yemeni crisis.



The president pointed out that any partial plans related to Hodeidah are wasting time and solutions.



He confirmed that good signs should be proved by lifting the siege and opening Sana'a airport International and stopping air strikes against Yemen.



The president praised the humanitarian role of the United Nations in delivering assistance to Yemen.



HA



SabaIts that time of the year again. After the Festive Season, its time to prepare for back to school for many parents and families.

And to make the load lighter, Samoa Stationery and Books last week awarded twenty students with scholarships as part of their Back To School promotion.

Owner of S.S.A.B and Managing Director, Fiti Leung Wai, started the scholarship awards in 2015 when she was selected as the New Zealand Prime Ministers Fellow. It has been four years since and she is still giving away 20 scholarships annually.

Mrs. Leung Wai said her desire is to help people of Samoa fulfill their God-given potential in education.

Mrs. Leung Wai shared with the students her celebrity experience when she travelled to New Zealand to receive the N.Z. Prime Ministers Fellowship award.

Being the recipient of such a prestigious award enabled me to travel to New Zealand in early 2015 where I met Afioga Toosavili John Key and many other high profile people.

Everything was paid for by the NZ Government, my airfare, accommodation and transportation within N.Z.

A liaison officer was assigned to me and I was given my own personal chauffeur who drove me around in a very nice Government vehicle. I also stayed at the best hotels in N.Z. I also got to choose who I wanted to meet.

In fact, it was at one of my meetings that got me thinking about establishing Sei Oriana S.S.A.B. gift shop in Auckland. My Sei Oriana shop in N.Z. supports our Samoan people here because it sells handcrafts and other items that are made here in Samoa.

I must say that receiving the N.Z. Prime Minister Fellows award was a real blessing as it has inspired more to be a blessing to others, she said.

Upon her return from that trip of a lifetime, Mrs Leung Wai then established the said scholarship, in 2015, where two scholarships were given out.

The next year it increased from two to 20.

She congratulated all the students who were selected for this year as S.S.A.B. scholars.

The recipients, received $500 cash; $500 worth of School Stationery from S.S.A.B; full access to S.S.A.B. Staff childrens librarys on Saturday and for Senior Scholars, they are also entitled as members of S.S.A.B. apprenticeship programme.

Marketing Manager Anastasia Alosio Stanley and Sales Manager Dora Tuiletufuga-Malele also announced their Meka Scholarship Opportunities and their Meka Warwick discounts, such as spending $50 gains entrance into a draw that wins 15 Meka prizes.

There are also Meka Acco and Pelican discounts where if you spend $30 on these products you gain entrance to win one of the four Meka NextBooks. Here are some photos from the ceremony.An elderly father from the village of Nuu has a reminder for Members of Parliament.

Samuelu Tinoifili wants them to remember they were voted into power by the people so they can serve their needs, not to be selfish and greedy.

Mr. Tinoifili made the comments when his opinion was sought about the cost of living and the challenges of today.

The biggest issue he sees is the low incomes for many families.

Everything is all about money nowadays, we have our childrens education and then our family on the other hand, he said.

All of these require money, but what I can see is that our people cannot afford it because we dont have money to do all of these.

I truly believe if the government is raising the cost of living, then they should also give the people a rise on their salaries so that it will balance out.

They cannot expect the people to cope with this ridiculously expensive cost of living when the people get paid $150 fortnightly that is just ridiculous.

If they cannot survive with $150 fortnightly, then how the heck do they expect the people to stretch that amount for two weeks?

Its just impossible.

Mr. Tinoifili also slams the government for supporting foreign businesses when they should be supporting the locals.

I always hear them saying the reason they have to increase the cost of living is because of the cost of freights and all these products being imported is gone up.

But my question is who told to them to bring overseas products?

Nobody, its them so they should be the one forking out money to pay for this, but not to involve the people in their mess.

We never asked for any of these, we only asked for better lives, but what do we get, nothing.

As a matter of fact we are suffering because of their wrongdoings.

We have our own local people who can produce our own local products and that will help our local markets as well.

We can even export it overseas we can do it.

But what I notice is that the government supports the overseas markets rather than our own local markets.

Its like our people dont exist and this saddens me a lot.

Lastly Mr. Tinoifili urged the government to reconsider their developments for the sake of the people.

I urge you to please fix your environment before you look elsewhere, he said.

The people are what makes a country and we voted for you to be our leaders so at least prioritize our needs and fix our own environment before you can look elsewhere.Yesterdays front-page story titled Govt. considers law change to allow female as Head of State was certainly an interesting read.

For the uninitiated, the story quoted a Public Service Commission Newsletter which referred to Cabinet Directive (FK (17) 33 where the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (M.P.M.C.) had been tasked to lead the preparations for the review of the Head of State Act 1965.

This review was prompted by Cabinet to reflect changes made to the Constitution regarding the Head of State post, the original newsletter reads.

Some of these changes include but are not limited to the eligibility criteria, the number of years or the duration of service and the possibility of having a female Head of State in the future.

A female Head of State?

That certainly raised eyebrows. For good reason.

Firstly, it was only last year that Samoa had welcomed a new Head of State. He is still trying to find his feet and get comfortable on that chair and here we have the government of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi already making plans for the next, according to the newsletter.

But thats not all that was rather disturbing.

The impression that Samoas Constitution prohibited a woman from holding the position seemed so ancient. It would put to shame all the governments recent efforts - including amending the Constitution to allow more in Parliament.

The good news is that the Public Service Commission, which initiated all this confusion, has owned up and taken responsibility for the error.

On the front page of the newspaper you are reading, the P.S.C. has made the necessary change and apologised for the confusion.

Ive attached our revised December edition but have included the amended article re: Constitutional changes to the Head of State Act 1965 below for ease of reference. The revised version of the newsletter has been reloaded onto the P.S.C. website also, writes Osana Liki-Ward, of the P.S.C.

Weve removed the reference on the possibility of a female Head of State as this was incorrect information that we received last year. The Act, as it stands, does not prohibit the appointment of a female Head of State. Our apologies for this.

Apologies accepted Mrs. Liki-Ward. Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. Even we do and one of the best things in life is learning when to say sorry and move on.

Whats important here is that this little kerfuffle has allowed light to be shed on this issue. While weve never had a female as a Head of State, we know for a fact it might not always stay that way.

The good thing is that the law as it stands allows it. Which speaks of the vision, wisdom and foresight of our forebears who ensured this piece of vital information was included. Even before any of this gender equality and women empowerment came into the equation, our Constitution already ensured that our women would be given a fair go.

This is reaffirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo, on page 3 of the newspaper you are reading.

The newsletter issued makes it seem like women are not qualified, but that is not the case here, the Act is crystal clear, he said.

The Act does not say that only men are qualified. That is why this issue has never been brought up before Cabinet because there is no need.

The Act is clear and it does not pin point to only men allowed, it does not say that only men can become Head of State and that is why I was shocked to the reference used in the newsletter.

Again the proposal that came was for Parliament to review the said Act, but it does not say to include women to become Head of State.

No, I guess because only men were head of state, the late Malietoa Tanumafili II, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi II were all men, gave the idea that women cannot become Head of State.

Also keep in mind the decision is made solely by Parliament, which is now for two terms, upon the vote of Parliament, regardless whether its a man or a woman.

Well thats great to know, isnt it? And given the way things are working out at the moment, dont be surprised when a woman occupies the role. There is nothing there to stop that from happening.

So it is not a question of whether it will happen, the real question is how soon it will happen. What do you think?

Have a great Tuesday Samoa. God bless!Dear Editor,

Unasa Iuni Sapolu views expressed in your story where she calls for the legalization of marijuana are absurd.

I refer to the bit where she said:  Stop listening to white agendas, colonized minds, its just a plant, legalise it and reduce government indebtedness.

In my view, such an opinion is no different from those of a broken, backward, evil manipulator.

Indeed, while Unasa has the freedom to express her views publicly, I am wondering if she is high on marijuana. The fact is she is definitely contaminating my space of freedom with her obnoxious false statements.

What are white agendas?

There are racist overtones here. The fact we object to the use of marijuana in our Samoan society means we have a Samoan agenda to resist evil ways and wicked harm that this plant has done and will do to many Samoans.

Unasa Iuni Sapolus views are dangerous and these are against our beliefs.

What colonised minds are you talking about?

O amioga ma uiga le taupulea tuufau e fanau mai ile faaaogaina ole Marijuana e tagata Samoa ma iu ai i le oti, misa, fasi ole toalua, ma le faiga o uiga pei o uiga o manu vaefa ma mea ola feai.

We are colonised minds because we fight that kind of sick behaviour in our Samoan society? Come on woman, where did you get your law degree? This is delusional and a dangerous propaganda.

This is not a plant. Marijuana is a killer because of what human beings use this plant for in their daily living to get an edge over the other human being in cheating. Medicinal value? Bull***t.

Marijuana does not have the medical properties to cure any illness. It gives hallucination in the head of the druggies to think they are getting better before they are dead. The patient that craves for marijuana in their dying stages are cheats. They have been living this cheat for years and then they want the killer plant legalised so that they could continue with cheating to the grave.

Why not use Panadol?

The Pharmaceutical industry has drawbacks but its products have cured sick people. Some pharmaceutical products could be avoided but how could you replace antibiotics with marijuana?

The Samoan medicines like makalafi, lega, and hundreds other Samoan medicines could and have cured sick Samoan. Not Marijuana. This is a curse in our society firstly imported by foreigners decades ago. Remember your white agenda, Unasa?

Marijuana makes the strong sane Samoan an addict that is lazy, mad, delusional person who escapes the realities, and avoid his and her role and obligation in the village by getting high all the time.

Many of them actively undermine matai village authorities and live independent foreign lifestyles. Ask the Pulenuus? And the Faifeaus? They have the information. Where do you live Unasa? Are you a true blue Samoan?

Over 60 per cent of the Samoan population are in the young middle ages. The evil people who are planting and selling marijuana to these young people are the curse of our beloved country. These age group are susceptible to mind changing behaviour that go to the deep end winding up with organised crimes, gangs, even an open rebellion to the governments like they do in overseas countries.

Check out why the school children are having fights in public places. This kind of behaviour in the young in our country is a new development.

I have heard first hand reports of marijuana in these incidents. The government should set up a Drug Combat Squad and pass a law that model on Laws from other Democracies like the Philippines.

Finally as a matai, can I ask you Unasa if you had gone back to your village chiefs and put this to them to seek their opinion?

Im wondering if you are a matai or a an agent for legalising marijuana. I can tell you that your idea wont solve a country national debt. It multiplies a countrys national debt because of the rise in crimes, medical costs, Legal Aid, Police costs, social dislocation in villages and rebellion against Christianity in Samoa.

Pupula Malamalama

Ne Ne o SamoaDear Editor,

The beginning of publications for media sessions on social media for this New Year (2018) was kicked off with a political disaster. It was so disgraceful. It started off with an old disrespectful behavior of Prime Minister Tuilaepa towards members of the public like Unasa Iuni Sapolu and other members of the public that have been involved in the recent protest march for customary land.

That is the same disrespectful behavior he shows against Church Ministers in a media session last year when he was questioned by the media about his new tax law for taxing Church Ministers earnings. Unasas subject was about legalizing of marijuana but the Prime Minsters response for Unasas subject during the media session was about marijuana, protest march and customary land.

I can tell from Prime Minister Tuilaepas response, he is still not recovering from the affection of the truth that was delivered by the small protest march he was laughing at in the beginning before the protest march took place.

I believe he is not well because of his stress about the issue regarding customary land and the issue about Christian principles that involved the taxing of Church Ministers earnings.

So him being unwell is the sign of pressure about those issues especially the tax issue because it affects Gods commandments. He will never get any freedom and peace from that pressure.

Without a doubt, God is still pursuing him and God will always pursue him, his family and his generations during their life time on earth because he deceived God by repealing of the declaration about Christian principles from the Preamble of the Constitution of Samoa that the Independent State of Samoa was based upon in order to fit in his personal and political agenda; the taxing of Church Ministers earnings.

Apart from the Prime Minister, all members of Parliament including other government officials who accepted that treason to take control of the country will all face the consequences of their inappropriate actions sooner or later.

Let me expand that side a little further.

According to Prime Minister Tuilaepa when they introduced the bill in Parliament to amend the Constitution, he said, the Constitutions reference to Christianity in the Preamble was inadequate. So I thought at that time according to the word inadequate, the new amendment they have been working on for Christianity is going to be more powerful and adequate.

However, it didnt happen the way I thought according to the Prime Ministers word  inadequate because the Prime Minister was not forthcoming. He did not tell the truth regarding the inadequate of the Constitutions reference to Christianity in the Preamble.

The confirmation of the above situation is this. I found out later few months after the Parliament made some changes to the Constitution with the new Constitutional Amendment about Christianity, Prime Minister Tuilaepa and his team with in that small gap was ready with another new plan to impose tax on Church Ministers earnings.

If Prime Minister Tuilaepa was correct about inadequate then why did they repeal this important part from the Preamble of the Constitution? Whereas the Leaders of Western Samoa have declared that Western Samoa should be an Independent State based on Christian principles and Samoan customs and tradition

If the declaration as quoted above about Christianity and the foundation of Samoa was inadequate according to Prime Minister Tuilaepa, then why did they establish the new tax law to tax Church Ministers earnings but it is against Christian principles?

If it was inadequate then why repeal? If it was inadequate then why did they change the truth that was in the inadequate reference of Christian principles with un-Christian principles such as the new tax law for taxing Church Ministers earnings?

He is the first Christian leader of Samoa who serving as Prime Minister who has been able to do something impossible and wrong against God and against Christianity by misleading our country in our sacred Parliament the dignity of our government about Christianity and about the foundation of Samoa.

That is wrong and it has already been planted in the heart of our government, the sacred Parliament of Samoa. That is the basis of sources of finances for our country. Accordingly, Prime Minister Tuilaepa will never be a part of the solution because he and the H.R.P.P party are the problems.

His unprofessional response for Unasas issue confirms that he didnt want to make any good effort in order for him and the H.R.P.P party to become part of the solution for the problems that they created. So, Prime Minister Tuilaepa is still a part of the problem and not the solution.

Because of that reason, Prime Minister Tuilaepa and the H.R.P.P party will keep on working tirelessly for the defending of their reputation and their own satisfaction with their own points and arguments already provided publicly in order to prove to us and Samoa that they were innocent, honest and right.

My understanding about Unasas approach and points of view regarding legalizing of marijuana was professional. It was free from defamation and also, it has no connection at all with the recent protest march for customary land. The government indebtedness she mentioned is not an attack but it is a feeling of concern because government indebtedness is real.

She has the right and freedom of expression to express her opinions according to the Constitution. She also has the right and freedom to express her opinions on that situation because the government is owned by all the people of Samoa but not just the people who are working in the government.

Unasas approach and points of view regarding legalizing of marijuana was focus on the good sides such as medicines, economic opportunities and reduction of crimes that involved marijuana. Her focus on the good sides of legalizing of marijuana clearly identifies her position about the subject.

She is part of the solution for government indebtedness, for health care, for crime reduction, for reminding of the government about other laws of Samoa and for advising of the government about its colonized mind. She is absolutely correct about that situation because the only kinds of people who act as dictators and colonized their own people are people with colonized mind.

That is a fact and that is the reality of the government we have already seen these days. The example of those situations is the taxing of Church Ministers earnings and the legalizing of mortgages on customary land without the voice of Samoa.

That is the difference between the Prime Ministers position and Unasas. The Prime Minister should know better in terms of the position of Prime Minister that is owned by the country including private sectors.

So he should understand about the side where Unasas was coming from. Also, the Prime Minister should know better in terms of opinions and facts about the truth and the law.

So from the publics perspective, the Prime Minister has nothing to prove or defend but show his opinions with respect instead of using his opinions to attack the public.

Because the government belongs to the people of Samoa but not the Prime Minister, so it is okay for the public to be defensive in order to save their government from corruption and from dictatorship. In other words, it is not okay for the Prime Minister to be defensive in order to cover his behaviour.

Our fore-leaders during the eras of colonization and after colonization, they never acted as people with colonized minds and that is one of the reasons why they fought against colonization.

Unasa was well prepared for the subject she raised.

The most important part of her preparation is the part where she talks about the law that fits in well all her given points. She was very clear about Samoas Narcotic Act and the S.L.R.C (Samoa Law Reform Commission) to support her view. Therefore she was showing a valid point to the government that should be handling properly and professionally by the government especially the Prime Minister of Samoa.

Unfortunately, that was not the case with the Prime Minister of Samoa. Prime Minister Tuilaepa did not handle Unasas valid point in the right way. He was very rude, irresponsible and unprofessional. I thought that he is loyal to the law because he is the man of the law, who is now taking control of God and Gods law.

So it was a must for Prime Minister Tuilaepa to take on board other Acts of Samoa as suggested by Unasa even if he disagrees about Unasas subject for legalizing of marijuana. The same consideration moves he did to other Acts should also be applied to other Acts such as the ones that have been suggested by Unasa.

He is the Prime Minister and he must remember the importance of his role in creating of peace and solutions when exchange opinions publicly. So if he was sticking to the purpose of his role, it could make a difference or an improvement about public relation in order to create peace and solutions. Also, as a leader, he should understand that the right person should lead from the front as a good example of the Act of Criminal Libel law that he wanted to be reinstated is him.

Speaking of the Act of Criminal Libel law, this is a comment of Prime Minister Tuilaepa about the Act of Criminal Libel law according to a news article by Samoa Observer. Samoa observer 23/12/2017 (P.M. defends Criminal Libel law) Defamation is wrong, he said.

The law affords the opportunity to low income families who are defamed to get justice. As noticing from the news article above, Prime Minister Tuilaepa was saying very clearly in that comment that defamation is wrong. However, that was not the case with Prime Minister Tuilaepa when Prime Minister Tuilaepa responded publicly to Sapolus view about legalizing of marijuana during the media session.

This is what he said in that response. Samoa Observer 04/01/2018 (P.M. rejects call to legalise marijuana) 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 person who said that defamation is wrong at the reinstating of Criminal Libel law just few weeks ago, was the same person who did defamation and harm to Unasa and other people of the protest march.

That is another verification and revelation of Prime Minister Tuilaepas double-standard and hypocrisy. He told everyone that defamation is wrong and told everyone that that was the purpose of Criminal Libel law but he is not living his own life in that way according to the purpose and terms of his Criminal Libel law.

For him as the Prime Minister to say mean and offensive statements to others without any right reason to do it, it is inappropriate. That is defamation.

So what is the point of Prime Minister Tuilaepas Criminal Libel law?

Why did he want to reinstate Criminal Libel law when he is the right person who is not well? Why did he rush to reinstate Criminal Libel law when he is the root, the cause and the source of defamation and harm? The meaning of what the Prime Minister has done during the media session as explained above is defamation and insulting of Unasa and people who took part in the protest march.

He has no evidence and he has no good reason or right reason at all in order for him to say those mean and offensive statements to others. Also, he should never include other people that have been involved in the protest march in his irresponsible response for Unasa.

According to the news report by Samoa Observer, Unasa never said anything about the protest march and customary land in relation to her view about legalizing of marijuana. So why did Prime Minister Tuilaepa use the situation about the protest march and customary land to attack Unasa?

Also, why did he use that same situation he did to Unasa in order to attack other people of the protest march when those people do not have anything to do with the subject about legalizing of marijuana? What was the reason of the attack? So the real meaning of what Prime Minister Tuilaepa had done is violation of the Criminal Libel law.

He provided the media with mean and offensive information about Unasa and people of the protest march to be published with the intention of doing harm and defamation to those people. The mean and offensive information he gave to the media are not correct because Unasa never said anything regarding the protest march and customary land in the subject about legalizing of marijuana. Also, the people of the protest march; they dont have anything to do with Unasa and her subject about legalizing of marijuana.

The other serious mistake that was done by Prime Minister Tuilaepa is that he intentionally and publicly abused the legal right of people of the protest march that is protected under the Constitution of Samoa in order to ruin the legal right of those people about the protest and in order to attack the protest march and to harm the reputations of those people.

Furthermore, if the main reason for reinstating of the Criminal Libel law is because of Prime Minister Tuilaepas concern about the people of Samoa that have been affected by defamation then why didnt he show that same concern for other people of Samoa who are showing concerns about the customary land?

Why didnt he show that same concern for other people of Samoa (four Chiefs) who lodged a complaint about customary land? Why didnt he show that same concern for other people of Samoa (Church Ministers) that have been affected by the new tax law? Why didnt he show that same concern for other people of Samoa who took part in the protest march?

Why did he laugh at the plan of the protest march before the protest march takes place? Why did he attack those people again through Unasas subject about legalizing of marijuana? Only the family of Toaipuapuaga that have been affected by defamation but the number of Chiefs, Church Ministers, church members and the people of the protest march is more than thousand.

So what is the difference between the people of Samoa that have been affected by defamation and other people of Samoa such as the four Chiefs, Church Ministers, church members and people of the protest march that have been affected by lies and corruption of Prime Minister Tuilaepa and the H.R.P.P party?

If Prime Minister Tuilaepa was truly concerned about the people of Samoa then the right thing that he should have done first when they amend the Constitution of Samoa is ensuring first that the amendment they wanted to do to the Constitution of Samoa suits Samoas satisfaction according to Samoas true foundation (Christian principles) and according to Samoan customs and tradition.

The amendment must keep the truth and the context from the original. The amendment must be free from political influences.

Sadly, it appears that the current Constitution of Samoa does not keep the truth and the context that were in the original. The new amendments about the foundation of Samoa and Christianity was based on Prime Minister Tuilaepas and the H.R.P.P partys political satisfactions.

Therefore the original of the Constitution of Samoa was intentionally amended with new contents in order to cut out the power of Samoa and the voice of Samoa for its true foundation and for its possessions.

The original declaration that is already repealed shows that the voice of Samoa comes first through Christian principles and through Samoan customs and tradition. That is, the authority of the government including Parliament is under the control of Christian principles and Samoan customs and tradition.

The result from the new Constitutional Amendment about Christianity and the foundation of Samoa, is the rise of the sovereign power of the government over everything about Samoa. The first dictator of Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was born from that sovereign power of the government.

Those situations create the reason and purpose of the protest march. In other words, the recent protest march indicates true understandings about Prime Minister Tuilaepa and the H.R.P.P party regarding customary land and regarding the Constitutional Amendment about Christianity and the foundation of Samoa that was already done to the Constitution.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Saileles own words that have been recorded and reported as news on Savali and Samoa Observer are evidences of those untruths. More details about those situations will also be discussed later on in this discussion.

Accordingly, it is a must for the Attorney General and fifty top lawyers in the office of the Attorney General to make a move about the whole situation as explained above. They should be neutral and should never be politicized anymore by the Prime Minister and H.R.P.P. They have enough information as evidence in their hands in order to give a proper advice to the Prime Minister.

They must stand up for the truth and serve nothing but the truth. They should remember that they have already done two serious mistakes to Samoa because they have been heavily politicized by Prime Minister Tuilaepa and the H.R.P.P. party. The first mistake is the taxing of Church Ministers earnings.

I am certain according to some researches I did; Prime Minister Tuilaepas misleading interpretation of the Constitution of Samoa was the cause of that serious mistake. The second mistake is legalizing of mortgage on customary land without the voice of Samoa.

Lastly, it will be very interesting to see the Police Departments position about the alleged case of defamation that I have already identified from this discussion between the Prime Minister and others; Unasa and people of the protest march. Stay tuned.

Nanai Malonuu Lealaiauloto Nofoaiga.The Pacific Freedom Forum (P.F.F.) has come out strongly against the government for reviving the Criminal Libel law without consulting the key stakeholders.

In fact, the group of regional and international journalists believes the reintroduction of Criminal Libel is a step backwards for Samoa, especially for Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi as the Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum.

The group joins a growing chorus of media personalities  including the Acting President of the Journalists Association of Western Samoa (J.A.W.S.), Rudy Bartley - who have expressed concerns about the governments decision.

The Criminal Libel has been re-introduced as part of a government-led hunt for online bloggers using anonymous names  such as Ole Palemia  to attack senior government officials and members of the public.

In a statement, veteran Samoan Journalist and P.F.F. Chair, Monica Miller, says there was a lack of consultation prior to the bill being introduced in Parliament and passed as law.

Lack of consultation before the bill was pushed through Parliament is good reason to consult more widely now, Miller is quoted as saying in a statement issued by P.F.F.

According to her, consultations should include a wide range of representatives from across society.

Old and new media should be represented at consultations, including bloggers and other social media users such as on Facebook, as well as newspaper, radio, television audiences, and all voices supporting freedom of expression.

Government and all media users need to sit at the same table to work out how the new laws fit with existing institutions, including the courts and the Samoa Media Council, she said.

Concerns about anonymous bloggers should not override the right of citizens to speak freely, without fear of being jailed, says Miller.

Media are right to criticise the return to a colonial-era law, from half a century ago.

But she also says media need to engage with other institutions on agreed ways to avoid potential threats to media and other freedoms, such as with the Attorney Generals office and the Samoa Law Commission.

Speaking from Papua New Guinea, P.F.F. co-Chair Alexander Rheeney says Pacific people already have the right to seek civil court action on alleged libel.

Returning libel to criminal courts means Samoa is stepping back from its regional leadership role in good governance, says Rheeney.

We have already seen examples around the region of governments using millions in tax dollars to fund civil action against news media, he says.

Samoa media users, new and old, now risk jail time and criminal fines despite constitutional guarantees for freedom of speech.

Outside of the constitution, Samoa is also a member of the United Nations, where article 19 of the 1946 Universal Declaration of Human Rights also guarantees freedom of expression, and access to information.

Speaking from Palau, fellow P.F.F. co-Chair Bernadette Carreon says government would have been better off introducing freedom of information laws, not turning journalism into a crime again.

Were stuck with it now, so consultations need to set our clear policy for criminal libel action, especially from within government, she says.

P.F.F. is calling for complainants to be encouraged to explore existing procedures, such as writing an official complaint to media outlets, or to the Samoa Media Council, before seeking arrests under criminal media laws.

Last year, the Acting President of the Journalists Association of Western Samoa (J.A.W.S.), Rudy Bartley, called on the government to find a more realistic solution to track ghost writers who use fake social media pages to attack members of the public.

As President, I believe the re-introduction of the Criminal Libel law is a serious concern and it will have a negative impact on the work of the media in Samoa, said Mr. Bartley.

Freedom of the media (to do its work) is fundamental to any democracy and laws which hinder this is not acceptable.

Earlier, the government announced that the Attorney Generals Office had been tasked to look into reintroducing the Criminal Libel law, as part of efforts to address the growing number of ghost writers who use fake social media pages to attack members of the public. One such page is known as Ole Palemia.

According to Mr. Bartley, J.A.W.S. exists to help, develop and protect the work of the media and its practitioners in Samoa.

We are also concerned about the use of social media as a platform for slander and malicious attacks, Mr. Bartley pointed out.

I assume this is the reason why the government is reintroducing this law. Those behind these attacks have tarnished the work and integrity of the media as a source of knowledge and information for our people.

He also told the Samoa Observer the government should find a more realistic - practical solution other than reintroducing this law.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has repeatedly denied suggestions that his governments decision to revive the Criminal Libel law, which had been abolished in 2013, is part of a move to restrict freedom of speech.

There have been writings that accuse me of being a dictator (in relation to the Criminal Libel). But it is not my law. They (writers) are in favor of those doing the damage. What about those who are victims of defamation? he said.

This is a Christian move to protect the victims who are being defamed. This law is designed as a refuge to people whose names and reputations have been ruined.

Tuilaepa added that Commission has been set up to help reinstate the Criminal Libel law. Tuilaepa said this law was for people who had been defamed online by faceless bloggers and social media commentators.

This law will target only those who defame individuals and tarnish their good names. This is their safe haven.

Looking back, Tuilaepa said: In the small time the said law was abolished, defamation has increased significantly here in Samoa.

Tuilaepa said this law was put in place by previous Members of Parliament.

When it was my time; maybe I was a bit too kind, he said. With confidence that those who defamed others were no longer in existence, it is why I abolished that law.

But now I know, the previous Members of Parliament knew what they were doing.A family is a place where principles are encouraged and relationships nurtured and developed.

That was the main message behind the five day reunion for the family of the late Vaioleti Saena at Tuanai.

Ended last Sunday, Vaioleti was a mother of 15. Five generations of her family are alive today.

The youngest of the siblings, President Fafai, led the service in prayer on the first day of the reunion before heading to Brendas Beach Fales to continue on with activities organised by relatives based in Samoa.

The reunion was attended by members of the family from New Zealand, Australia and American Samoa.

There are 647 family members as of today.Celgene Corp. agreed to buy closely held San Diego-based Impact Biomedicines for $1.1 billion upfront to gain an experimental blood cancer treatment. The price could reach as much as $7 billion over time if the drug reaches certain milestones.

Under the agreement, Celgene will add as much as $1.25 billion to the upfront payment if Impacts drug fedratinib reaches approval milestones to treat myelofibrosis, a form of bone marrow cancer, and $150 million more for other indications. Additional payments could reach as much as $4.5 billion if global annual sales rise above $5 billion, according to a statement Sunday.

The total price would make Impact one of Celgenes biggest acquisitions ever. The drugmaker is under increasing pressure to replace revenue from its top-selling cancer treatment before copycat medicines eat into Revlimid sales. Its stock lost more than a quarter of its value during a five-day stretch in October, after a highly anticipated drug for Crohns disease failed a late-stage trial and the drugmaker cut its 2020 profit target.

The shares havent recovered all of the lost ground, and as of Friday traded 28 percent below their 2017 peak of early October, giving Celgene a market value of about $83 billion. After news of the deal broke, shares climbed as high as $106.88 in premarket trading on Monday, and were recently up less than 1 percent at $105.80.

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Jefferies analyst Michael Yee said in an email that the company wisely structured the deal to base much of its value on sales milestones, and isnt overpaying for a late-stage asset.

Fedratinib is a kinase inhibitor that has shown promise as a potential treatment for a type of blood cancer called myelofibrosis, according to a statement put out by both companies.

Myelofibrosis is a disease with high unmet medical need as the number of patients who are ineligible for or become resistant to existing therapy continues to increase, said Nadim Ahmed, Celgenes president of hematology and oncology.

(Fedratinib) provides strategic options for us to build leadership in this disease.

In October, Impact Biomedicines said it had raised funds to help get the drug to market. It treats the bone marrow cancers polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis.

Impact is readying manufacturing and logistics so the drug can be available immediately once it receives FDA approval. With strong evidence the drug works against the bone marrow cancers polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis, approval is likely, said John Hood, the companys CEO, at the time of the investment from Oberland Capital.

Fedratinib was first developed by San Diego-based TargeGen, which French drugmaker Sanofi purchased in 2010 for up to $635 million on the drugs promise.

But in 2013, just as clinical trials appeared to be successfully concluding, a few patients developed a neurological disorder. The FDA put a hold on development, and Sanofi immediately dropped the drug.

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Fedratinib produced durable remissions in some patients that no other drug could replicate. A number relapsed and died after the drug was no longer available, the company said.

Hood and Dr. Catriona Jamieson, a UC San Diego oncologist/researcher, have looked ever since for a way to bring back fedratinib, which led to the launch of Impact Biomedicines.

San Diegos biggest biotech deal was in 2013 when Life Technologies agreed to be purchased for $13.6 billion by scientific instrumentation company Thermo Fisher, bringing to an end the independent existence of San Diego Countys most highly valued biotech company.

Reuters, Bloomberg and U-T staff writer Bradley Fikes contributed to this report.

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BusinessCelgene Corp is expected to announce Monday that it is acquiring San Diego-based Impact Biomedicines for as much as $7 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.

Sources tell the publication that the potential deal could involve an upfront payment of $1 billion for the privately held company. Subsequent components of the deal would depend on approval from the Food and Drug Administration and successful acceptance in the market, according to the publication.

Celgene and Impact Biomedicines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Celgene is biotechnology company based in Summit, New Jersey, that specializes in treatments for multiple myeloma.

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Impact Biomedicines focuses on treatments for patients with related cancers that are classified as myeloproliferative neoplasms, according to the companys website.

In October Impact Biomedicines said it had raised funds to help get the drug to market. Called fedratinib, the drug treats the bone marrow cancers polycythemia vera and myleofibrosis.

Impact is readying manufacturing and logistics so the drug can be available immediately once it receives FDA approval. With strong evidence the drug works against the bone marrow cancers polycythemia vera and myleofibrosis, approval is likely, said John Hood, the companys CEO, at the time of the investment from Oberland Capital.

Fedratinib was first developed by San Diego-based TargeGen, which French drugmaker Sanofi purchased in 2010 for up to $635 million on the drugs promise.

But in 2013, just as clinical trials appeared to be successfully concluding, a few patients developed a neurological disorder. The FDA put a hold on development, and Sanofi immediately dropped the drug.

Fedratinib produced durable remissions in some patients that no other drug could replicate. A number relapsed and died after the drug was no longer available, the company said.

Hood and Dr. Catriona Jamieson, a UC San Diego oncologist/researcher, have looked ever since for a way to bring back fedratinib, launching Impact.

San Diegos biggest biotech deal was in 2013 when Life Technologies agreed to be purchased for $13.6 billion by scientific instrumentation company Thermo Fisher, bringing to an end the independent existence of San Diego Countys most highly valued biotech company.

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UT reporter Bradley Fikes contributed to this report.

AdvertisementIm baaack and it is 2018, and to quote Bette Davis from one of my favorite movies All About Eve, Fasten your seatbelts. Its going to be a very bumpy ride.

Entrepreneurship has as one of its components the need to re-invent yourself or your product, to pivot to new opportunities and finally to offer new features. New features that you dont really want, dont need, dont want to pay more for, but they come in the basic package with built-in pricing that you never see and after all, who doesnt want new features? I dont want to be left behind in the race to give the customer more of what they never asked for, so periodically, my column this year is going to share with you some thoughts that come under the heading of  You Cant Make This Stuff Up.

And so we start with how technology companies, in an ever competitive market, are trolling for new employees. What is required to provide for the shiny, bright, newly minted computer, data, artificial intelligence, robotic, networked scientist whom you are trying to lure into your hot, venture-backed start-up? The answer  a chair.

Yup, the thing you sit in. Bloomberg has a recent article that explains that Silicon Valleys newest it chair is what is being offered, and in fact being required, to get your next employee. Now, we all know that the chair that defined the last two decades was the Aeron. Released in 1994, it had a radical, high-tech exoskeleton, and it was fabulous. To put it in perspective, Nathan Myhrvold, then chief technologist at Microsoft, was quoted as saying that owning an Aeron chair wasnt so different from owning a private jet. If you had those in your office, it sent the message that you cared deeply about your employee. But that was then and this is now. Enter the Pacific.

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Swiss furniture giant, Vitra, will start delivering these chairs this winter, and not having one is the equivalent of walking around naked on Sand Hill Road. What is unique about the chair is that it is unique. You cant just buy one. You need to customize your chair, picking from three backrests, plastic or aluminum frame, four fabrics and two dozen hues, ranging from pale pink to sandy beige, as well smooth cowhide, with either a flat grain or fine top sheen, in an additional 22 colors. The chairs soft lines and proportions are based on a Samoan adz, a tool with a curved blade. Base price is $1,200, but fully equipped with heated seats, Wi-Fi, dual carburetors and four-wheel drive, the chair tops out at $3,500. For a chair!

I get lots of deals tossed my way. And on occasion I find one that qualifies for my new category. This start-up would like to grow some organic food indoors in shipping containers, using solar arrays for micro-grid hydroponic and aquaponic vertical farming. So far, so good. Not crushingly original, but if the execution is strong, they have a chance. But here is the kicker that gets my juices flowing. The solar arrays will also be used to power computers to mine bitcoins with a zero carbon footprint. So while I am growing my kale, I can offset the cost by mining some bitcoins. How can I possibly pass on this deal?

The whole ICO (initial coin offering) racket (not ready for Eliot Ness yet, but clearly in the sights of the SEC and others) seems to have grabbed the investment community by the throat. From a recent prospectus sent to me, I share with you this quote, investors are promised a return of 1,354% over 29 days on their investment. Now if those guys would partner with the bitcoin farmers and throw in a Brooklyn Bridge, I am all over that deal.

This is a perilous time for entrepreneurs and innovation. More people are doing it (skydiving) with less certainty as to outcomes (who packed the parachute), but FOMO (fear of missing out) tends to put blinders on rational men and women, and they are saying yes with their fingers crossed and one foot out the door. Not all in, not all out, just dancing in the dark. But when it becomes clear that it is time to leave  then it will be too late, because the doorway will be jammed with dead bodies and there will be no exit.

Neil Senturia, a serial entrepreneur who invests in early-stage technology companies, writes weekly about entrepreneurship in San Diego. Please email ideas to Neil at neil@blackbirdv.com.

Rule No. 542: I have a seatbelt; its the airbag Im worried about.

AdvertisementOn Thursday morning, a large painting was installed in the lobby of Vista City Hall. The luminous unframed canvas depicts a grieving New York City firefighter amid the rubble of the Twin Towers on 9/11.

While the painting may be new for City Hall visitors, the 3-by-4-foot canvas has taken a long road to get there. Painted by Carlsbad artist Kelly Lucas just days after the terrorist attacks in 2001, the melancholy artwork has been on a perpetual tour of North County fire stations and city buildings for the past 2  years.

Known as the Traveling 911 Memorial Painting, the painting was purchased in spring 2015 by Encinitas real estate agent Wendy Moldow. She said she realized immediately after bringing the canvas back into her art-filled home that it deserved a bigger audience.

I hung it up and said to myself, this doesnt belong here; this needs to be seen,  Moldow said. I started thinking about that book The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and thought, why dont I start the journey of the traveling painting? 

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Since Sept. 11, 2015, the painting has been displayed for one to three months at a time at fire stations and other public buildings in Encinitas, San Marcos, Rancho Santa Fe, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido, Solana Beach and, now, Vista.

Traveling 911 Memorial Painting owner Wendy Moldow, right, with city and fire officials during the paintings installation in San Marcos. (Wendy Moldow )

Its so dramatic, she said. You just look at it and it grabs you. It tugs at your heart.

Even before it came into Moldows possession, the painting had a well-traveled history, though not for the best reasons. Its original purchaser returned it to Lucas in 2002 because he found it too depressing. So for 13 years it was hidden in storage until Lucas brought it with her when she moved from Colorado to Carlsbad three years ago.

Lucas spent 10 years of her career as a professional painter in the San Francisco area and had recently moved back to her native Colorado when New York Citys landmark Twin Towers fell on Sept. 11, 2001.

One of her clients, an attorney who lost several friends in the tragedy, decided to organize a charity auction to benefit the families of fallen 9/11 firefighters. His goal was to produce the event in just a few weeks to get money to the families as quickly as possible.

One of his calls went to Lucas, whom he asked to come up with a painting for the events banner and postcard. Three days later, she had two finished canvases, including the painting of the firefighter in front of a tattered American flag and the iconic twisted steel wreckage of the towers. That morning, 343 New York City firefighters and staff died when the buildings collapsed.

You just dont see our men, our heroes, our rescuers break down like that, Lucas said. I wanted to show their strength, but also how much they gave. They gave more than most anybody.

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Close-up detail of a firefighter burying his face in his hands in artist Kelly Lucas Traveling 911 Memorial Painting. (Pam Kragen/San Diego U-T )

The painting was purchased at the Artists for Heroes auction for $26,000 by a Chicago restaurateur. But after he hung the canvas in his dining room he began getting complaints from staff and customers who found it too heartbreaking.

He put it in the lobby and it had a dramatic impact, Lucas said. It was too soon. People were crying, people were walking out. He didnt want his money back, but he gave it back to me and I didnt know what to do with it. I had it in my home for years.

Lucas left Colorado in 2015 because the high altitude aggravated her rare heart condition. She moved to Carlsbad to live at sea level near the surgeon who corrected her heart problem. Today she works for a company that sells cardiac screening devices to schools.

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Shortly after she arrived here, Lucas decided to clear out her inventory of paintings and found a charity, Next Step Service Dogs, to be the beneficiary. At the time, she was working with Moldow at Pacific Sothebys real estate office in Encinitas, and the agency offered to host the gala auction of 15 paintings. One of them was the 9/11 memorial painting, which she sold to Moldow for just $300, with the hope that it could have a future life on public display.

Moldow said everywhere the painting has gone, it has been well received by firefighters, city officials, senior groups and the public. At many of the unveiling ceremonies, she has brought along Dr. Noemi Balinth. The Cardiff resident was the president of the New York Psychological Association when 9/11 occurred. Balinth said she saw first-hand the emotional toll the tragedy took on first responders.

On Dec. 2, the painting began its last North County exhibition in Vista. For the first month, it was displayed in a training room at Fire Station No. 1. It is scheduled to be on display in the City Hall lobby through January.

Vista Fires Deputy Chief Ned Vander Pol said the painting has had a very positive reception with city firefighters and officials.

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Its striking and its a good-size painting, he said. It was very noticeable as the centerpiece of the training room, but the idea was to get it to City Hall, where more people could see it.

Moldows next goal is to find five or six fire stations in San Diego that would be interested in hosting the painting over the next year or two. Her ultimate goal is to have the canvas displayed in a firefighter museum. Fire stations that would like to host the painting can contact Moldow at (619) 339-3339 or by email at wendymoldow@me.com.

I dont care where they display the painting, whether its in the firefighters lunch room or out in public, she said. I just want them to know that people in the neighborhood know and appreciate who they are and what they do.

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pam.kragen@sduniontribune.comTheres good news and bad news about Europa Galantes visit to San Diego for their Sunday evening concert at St. James-by-the-Sea.

Good news: The 13 musicians of this acclaimed early music group from Italy arrived safely this weekend in San Diego, the first stop of their American tour.

The bad news: Their checked luggage did not come with them. That included a violone, a five-stringed fretted instrument the size of a double bass.

Thanks to their resourceful sponsors, the San Diego Early Music Society, the closest available violone was located  in Marina del Rey. A car trip up and back fetched it in time for their concert.

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As if the musicians nerves were not shaken enough, the ensembles concert attire was in their missing luggage, forcing them to perform in the clothes they wore on their long flight here.

However, pluck and talent ultimately prevailed as violinist Fabio Biondi led Europa Galante in a thoughtful program of Vivaldi concertos and music by his pre-Classical contemporaries.

We tend to think of the Baroque era as winding to a close, followed by younger composers stepping up to create a new style that eventually evolved into the Viennese Classical music of Mozart and Haydn. But Vivaldi, Handel and Bach all composed through the first half of the 18th century. Their pre-Classical contemporaries developed a new style while these Baroque masters saw their music fall out of favor.

Most of the pre-Classical composers are neglected today. When was the last time you heard a piece by Georg Reutter, Ignaz Holzbauer or Baldassare Galuppi?

Galuppi is the best remembered today, if only because Robert Browning immortalized him in a poem. His vigorous overture from his opera Adriano in siria exemplified the new style, preferring less elaborate melodies and uncomplicated harmonic patterns than his Venetian colleague Vivaldi, although the Fast-Slow-Fast three-movement form was clearly influenced by Vivaldis concertos.

The same form was used by Reutter in his brief but poignant Sinfonia in D minor, but his work ends with a minuet. Both compositions point towards the four-movement symphonic form that Haydn would refine.

Holzbauer composed for the orchestra in Mannheim, Germany, well known for its discipline  able to bounce back and forth between loud and soft dynamics in lightning-fast tempos. Holzbauers Flute concerto in D major utilized those skills, admirably executed by Europa Galante. Marcello Gatti was the flutist, playing on a wooden flute with only one metal key. It was a spirited performance, although occasional intonation issues demonstrated why later flute-makers added all those keys to the instrument.

Vivaldi wrote over 200 violin concertos, but the only ones you hear modern orchestras play are the Four Seasons. Any of the three concertos that Fabio Biondi played (D major, RV 222; C major, RV 189; B-flat major, RV 371) are appealing enough to merit more performances by other violinists, with a solo part designed to dazzle with dizzying virtuosity.

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Biondi was a wizard on his violin. On top of his astounding technique, he excited listeners by playing just a little bit ahead of the ensemble. He had hearty support from his musicians, all of whom sounded authoritative on their period instruments.

Lets hope that violone  still missing at press time  turns up unscathed for their upcoming Los Angeles concert.

Update: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 8: The violone and most of their baggage was recovered at noon today at the San Diego airport. Some bags remain missing. The violone is in good condition.

Hertzog is a freelance writer.

AdvertisementOprah Winfrey for president was something of a running theme throughout the Golden Globes on Sunday, beginning with Seth Meyers opening monologue. He jokingly forbade Winfrey from considering the presidency.

But the trend picked up steam as the night unfolded, particularly after Winfreys impassioned acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

GOLDEN GLOBES 2018: Full coverage | Winners | Red carpet photos

It didnt take long for social media, and celebs in particular, to rally Winfrey for the job, including inside the ceremony.

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Its up to the people, Winfreys longtime partner, Stedman Graham, told The Times. She would absolutely do it.

Trump spokesman on Oprah 2020 run: We welcome all comers 

Gayle King, Winfreys best buddy, echoed Grahams sentiments: I thought that speech was incredible. I got goosebumps, she also told The Times.

Eva Longoria and Keith Urban shared a table at the ceremony and gushed over Winfreys remarks.

That speech! Longoria said.

It was more of an exultation, Urban replied.

Alan F. Horn, chairman of the Walt Disney Studios, was equally impressed.

She knows how to deliver it too, Horn remarked. Shes really emotional.

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When Oprah is speaking at the Golden Globes and your goals shift to VP... pic.twitter.com/3ghEVMmCwF  Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) January 8, 2018

When a Times reporter showed Dwayne The Rock Johnson the tweet above, the Fast and the Furious star laughed and asked for a link.

As for his own potential presidential run, Johnson said, The consideration is always serious. Im just trying to learn as much as I can. But I dont know a lot about politics.

Asked what he was doing to get up to speed, Johnson offered only a mischievous grin.

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Of Winfrey, Johnson called her incredible and described himself as very moved by her words.

Oprah returned to her seat before the live show resumed, led by a bodyguard, but not before stopping to speak with a special guest.

Oprah Winfrey on considering a run for president: Okaay! 

#MeToo founder Tarana Burke, who accompanied actress Michelle Williams to the ceremony, was visibly moved after Winfreys speech.

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Burke told The Times afterward what transpired when Winfrey spoke to her.

She thanked me and gave me a hug and said something like, Were doing it together. It meant so much to me because when I was in the early days of doing workshops with women, it was Oprah and Gabrielle Union whose stories I used.

So to hear her say #MeToo up there was such a full-circle moment, Burke added. I dont even want her for the presidency. I just want to create something new for her.

Heres a sampling of who would likely vote for Winfrey in 2020:

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Switched back to the Golden Globes to watch Oprah get her award. Never let it be said that I dont respect the president of the United States.  Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) January 8, 2018

Oprah/Michelle 2020  Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) January 8, 2018

Oprah 2020!!!!! Best speech of the night!!  Bob Harper (@MyTrainerBob) January 8, 2018

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As I sit here in tears...I have never ever seen such a speech. @Oprah, my friend. Please run for President. This world needs more of THAT. WOW.  Billy Gilman (@BillyGilman) January 8, 2018

Shes running. A new day is on the way.  Leslie Odom, Jr. (@leslieodomjr) January 8, 2018

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Seth Meyers: "In 2011, I told some jokes about our current president at the WHCD... I just want to say: Oprah, you will never be president. You do not have what it takes. And Hanks. Where's Hanks? You will never be vice president." #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/vQzxrHZfrt  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) January 8, 2018

Shes running.  James Poniewozik (@poniewozik) January 8, 2018

Our president is giving her state of the union.  roxane gay (@rgay) January 8, 2018

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Ok. Oprah's running.  Anna Holmes (@AnnaHolmes) January 8, 2018

Oprah. 2020.  Shaun King (@shaunking) January 8, 2018

The only thing that would have made that better would have been "Yes, we can. And I am. 2020." #Oprah #etalkGlobes #GoldenGlobes  Elaine L. (@LaineyGossip) January 8, 2018

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Oprah shades her 2020 opponent: "It's the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to corruption and to injustice. To tyrants and victims, to secrets and lies." #GoldenGlobes  Matt Wilstein (@mattwilstein) January 8, 2018

Whether she runs or not, @oprah has already given the best campaign speech of the 2020 cycle. #GoldenGlobes  Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) January 8, 2018

Can I vote for Oprah in 2020 right now??  RosenbergTelevision (@Rosenbergradio) January 8, 2018

I, for one, am loving this first campaign speech for Oprah's 2020 run  Samhita Mukhopadhyay (@TheSamhita) January 8, 2018

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Oprah isn't running for U.S. president, guys. Why in the hell would she do that to herself?*



*She's running for galaxy president.  Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) January 8, 2018

So excited that Oprah is president now  Alison Segel (@OnlineAlison) January 8, 2018

When your PASTOR is also your PRESIDENT . @Oprah . Thank you .  #TIMESUP #goldenglobes  Janelle Monae, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) January 8, 2018

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2018 Golden Globes On Now Video: What can be done to help with inequality? 2:50 On Now Video: Oprah Winfrey, a look back at her career 1:14 On Now Video: Why did you wear black to the Golden Globes? 3:23 On Now Video: William H. Macy thinks the world would be a better place if women ran it 0:46 On Now Video: Lena Waithe is on a mission with 'Master of None' and 'The Chi' 0:26 On Now Video: Milo Ventimiglia says he doesn't see gay, black, white, woman, man: 'I see an artist' 1:26 On Now Video: Ann Dowd on the exposure of predators in Hollywood 0:49 On Now Video: 'The Square's' Ruben Ostlund and Terry Notary on sexual harassment in Hollywood 0:56 On Now Video: Raphael Saadiq on how to behave with women, with a little help from Dave Chappelle 1:49 On Now Video: Director Nora Twomey on wearing black at the Golden Globes 2:06

Los Angeles Times reporters Amy Kaufman and Jen Yamato contributed to this report.

libby.hill@latimes.com

@midwestspitfire

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ALSO

Glenn Whipps The Gold Standard: Led by Oprah Winfrey, women take center stage at the Golden Globes

Trump once liked the idea of Oprah as a running mate: I think wed win easily, actually

Jimmy Kimmel says hed get on the bus for #Oprah2020, but doesnt plan to talk healthcare at the Oscars

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Catch up on the Golden Globes 7 must-see moments

UPDATES:

9:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional tweets and comments from inside the ceremony.

This story was originally published at 7:50 p.m.As a small child, Anna Mae V. McCabe Hays bandaged legs of tables and chairs. Later, in seventh grade, she wrote that she was going to be the best nurse.

I was always talking about smiling a great deal, of being happy and doing the very best that I could, she said many years later.

Anna Mae Hays life in photos 

With that drive and sense of purpose, the Allentown High School graduate worked as an Army nurse overseas during World War II, led the Army Nurse Corps at the height of the Vietnam War and in 1970 became the first woman in the U.S. armed forces to wear the star of a general.

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If I had it to do over again, the retired brigadier general said of her three decades in the Army, I would do it longer.

Hays, who came to Allentown as a youngster with her Salvation Army parents and always identified with the city, died Sunday at Knollwood Nursing Home in Washington, D.C., according to her niece, Doris Kressly of Danielsville. Hays was 97.

Prior to moving to Knollwood, Hays had lived in Arlington, Va., for more than 50 years.

She was an amazing woman who accomplished some great things and lived life on her terms, Kressly said Sunday. In the sense of feeling a loss, I dont. She lived a magnificent life and Im glad she got to live it the way she did.

Because of her military rank and accolades, Hays could have been buried at Arlington National Cemetery, but Kressly said Hays chose instead to be buried with her father, Daniel Joseph McCabe, in Grandview Cemetery in South Whitehall Township. The funeral is scheduled for Friday, Kressly said.

Here is a woman who was gone for years. She left during World War II, yet when she was 90 years old she would still drive up to Allentown, said Joseph Garrera, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum and a friend of Hays.

She loved Allentown, and even though she was gone for many years and so famous, she always said Allentown was her home, he said.

Hays was very generous to the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, donating a uniform from when she was head of the United States Army Nurse Corps, as well as her boots from Vietnam, Korea and a pair of white nurse shoes, Garrera said.

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One thing I noticed about her was she never talked about herself. She would always ask, How are you? How is your family? How is everything up in Allentown? This was her hallmark, always asking about the other person and how they were doing, Garrera said.

Over the years, Hays received dozens of honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Pentagons highest noncombat award. Tributes came from the Lehigh Valley as well. In 2015, Lehigh and Northampton counties named the Coplay-Northampton Bridge after her. In 2012, she was in the first group named to Lehigh Countys Hall of Fame and came to Allentown for the ceremony marking the countys 200th anniversary.

She was most recently honored during a Veterans Day ceremony in November at Knollwood, Kressly said. During the ceremony, Hays was presented with a Flag of Valor quilt.

General William C. Westmoreland, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, and Lieutenant General Hal B. Jennings, Jr., Surgeon General, U.S. Army, pin generals stars on Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays, Chief, Army Nurse Corps. (LEHIGH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY/CONTRIBUTED PHOTO )

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When asked how she wanted to be remembered, Hays told The Morning Call in 2013: First of all, as the first woman general, but as a very honest person, as a kind individual who did her best  and succeeded.

Hays tended to the sick and wounded in the China-Burma-India Theater for more than two years during World War II and in a field hospital for seven months during the Korean War.

Her work brought her in contact with celebrities and top military and government leaders. She danced with comedian Jack Benny in Tokyo, counted Vietnam War commander William C. Westmoreland among her friends, and endeared herself to President Dwight D. Eisenhower while he was hospitalized for surgery.

If I had it to do over again, I would do it longer. Anna Mae Hays 1920-2018

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Born in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1920, Hays moved to Allentown with her family, the McCabes, in 1932 after nearly four years in Easton.

I had two goals in life: nursing and music. I played the piano and organ, and the French horn, she said. I wanted to go to Juilliard for music, but of course we couldnt afford it. Nursing won out.

She graduated from Allentown High School in 1937 and four years later received her cap, with honors, from Allentown General Hospitals School of Nursing. Then came the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Everybody wanted to serve their country at that time, she said, and I was a nurse.

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She walked from her home in the 600 block of Walnut Street to the police station, then at Church and Linden streets, to sign up for the Army. Riding to Philadelphia on the Liberty Bell trolley, she joined a reserve unit affiliated with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. From there she was off to Louisiana for training.

I was truly scared to death, she said.

Colonel Anna Mae Hays is sworn in as Chief, Army Nurse Corps, September 1967. (LEHIGH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY/CONTRIBUTED PHOTO )

In 1943 she shipped out to Asia on a troop transport with 7,000 men, facing the danger of attack from Japanese submarines and planes.

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It was a strange mix of fear and excitement, she said. For someone who had never really been away from home, it was like an adventure.

At the 20th Field Hospital, she tended to soldiers building the Ledo Road from India to China through Burma, and to those wounded in battle against the Japanese. She had to burn leeches off her skin and fend off large snakes  one wrapped itself around the mosquito netting in her hut, and a cobra once got under her bed. She endured bouts of severe illness.

We were living under quite primitive conditions, Hays said. Disease was rampant. ... Everybody was sick. I had dysentery.

Anna Mae Hays, left, and sister Catherine, age 9 and 7, Dunkirk, N.Y., 1929. (LEHIGH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY/CONTRIBUTED PHOTO )

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She met such luminaries as Gen. Joseph Stilwell, Chinas Gen. Chiang Kai-shek, and Britains Adm. Louis Mountbatten, the supreme Allied commander in Southeast Asia. Trudging down a rain-soaked road one day and occasionally falling, she and another nurse got a lift in a jeep from Gen. Frank Merrill, commander of Merrills Marauders. He laughed when he saw Hays backside caked in mud.

At wars end, Hays considered what to do with the rest of her life.

I thought for a bit about becoming an airline stewardess, but then decided to stay in the Army, she said.

She had stints at several Army hospitals in the States, including Valley Forge General Hospital, where the badly wounded underwent plastic surgery. She went to Korea after war broke out there in 1950, serving with the 4th Field Hospital, one of the first medical units to arrive at Inchon after the U.N. invasion of the Korean peninsulas west coast.

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I think of Korea as even worse than the jungle in World War II because of the lack of supplies, lack of warmth in the operating room, Hays told an interviewer at the Army Military History Institute in 1983. In particular, she remembered the intensely cold weather and the many, many patients who were severely wounded and those patients who were so acutely ill from hemorrhagic fever.

After working at hospitals in Tokyo and Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County, she took a 1-year nursing administration course at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. That was followed by assignment to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where one of her patients was Gen. George C. Marshall.

He kept a stack of books on his bedside table at least 2 feet in height, she told her Army interviewer.

When Eisenhower was admitted for intestinal surgery in 1956, Hays became one of his three personal nurses, staying at his bedside at night and holding his hand. She found him an ideal patient, never demanding.

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Vice President Richard Nixon came to visit, and Eisenhower asked Hays, Do you think I ought to see him? She said, No, and left the room, shook Nixons hand and said, Im sorry, but the president doesnt feel he is able to see you.

She and the Eisenhowers became lifelong friends, with the president never forgetting to send her a letter or flowers as she climbed the Armys hierarchy.

I was privileged to know him and Mrs. Eisenhower quite well, Hays said. They invited me to their Gettysburg farm several times.

In 2013, she donated four letters from the Eisenhowers to the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, with which she had a decadeslong association as a member of the Lehigh County Historical Society.

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While working at Walter Reed, she met William A. Hays, who directed the Sheltered Workshops in Washington, D.C., a nonprofit that provided jobs for the disabled. They were married in July 1956. He died six years later.

In the 1960s, Hays worked at building up the Army Nurse Corps to aid the military effort in Vietnam. She was named assistant chief of the corps in 1963, became chief four years later and went to Vietnam several times to inspect medical installations. After one trip, Lt. Col. Hays met with the Washington press corps at the Pentagon, an experience she called traumatic and excruciating.

One newsman kept asking me questions about venereal disease. I very politely kept reminding him that I didnt know very much about the rate of venereal disease in Vietnam, she told her Army interviewer. But he insisted that I should know.

On June 11, 1970, Hays was promoted to brigadier general after being nominated by President Nixon. Mamie Eisenhower, Dwights widow, was there to congratulate her as Westmoreland pinned the stars of a general on Hays uniform and kissed her. Later that day, Col. Elizabeth Hoisington, chief of the Womens Army Corps, received the same promotion.

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The next year, Hays retired from the Army and received the Distinguished Service Medal in a ceremony held in the office of the Army chief of staff, Westmoreland. In her speech that day, Aug. 31, 1971, she said in part:

In reflecting over my almost 30 years as an Army Nurse Corps officer, I am pleased that I did not wait until the evening of my career to see how pleasant the day had been. For I sensed from the moment I traveled a distance of some 60 miles by trolley car in 1942 from Allentown, Pa., to Philadelphia, Pa., at which time I joined the very best medical unit of World War II,  that there was something special about being an Army nurse.

David Venditta is a retired Morning Call editor who reported extensively on military issues.

Morning Call reporter Christina Tatu contributed to this story.The gowns were black, but the mood was buoyant.

As the first major awards show to hit the airwaves after Hollywoods Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal swept our entire nation, Sundays 75th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony was in a real tightrope situation. And so was Hollywood.

How do you acknowledge a raging, sea-changing controversy while still celebrating, well, yourself? How would the frothy Golden Globes take on the stuff lurking beneath the red carpet?

By taking the high road.

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As it turns out, despite the aggression and anger in the air, Hollywood did not get together in the gilded Beverly Hilton Hotel to vent about evil men and the system that allowed them to run amok.

The majority of the actresses and actors wore black to show support for the victims of sexual harassment and abuse, but the evening was not a dark downer. Instead, it was all about celebrating strong women, racial diversity and the freedom to be your own weird self.

The all-inclusive vibe was there in the awards, which honored everyone from big-dreaming Mexican boys (Coco) and fierce, fearsome women (Big Little Lies) to African-American fathers (actor Sterling K. Browns award for This Is Us) and free-thinking teens (Saoirse Ronans win for Lady Bird.)

Yes, many of the speeches were fueled by the #MeToo movement and the need to speak up for the powerless. But if you avoided watching the Golden Globes for fear of being pelted by polemics, it was your loss.

So what did you miss? You missed host Seth Meyers, doing his best to make up for being a man in a year when the Globes really needed a woman holding court.

His opening line? Good evening ladies. And remaining gentlemen.

Yes, he went there.

The crowd did not seem to appreciate his Kevin Spacey jokes. Which is unfortunate, because there were two of them. And the wisecrack about Weinstein returning in 20 years when he gets booed during the In Memoriam tribute was a little bit dead on arrival itself.

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Maybe its because hes a man. More likely, its because people didnt want to laugh about the serious stuff that is on everyones minds. They wanted to talk about it.

Who stepped up to the plate, speech-wise? How much time do you have?

The Best Out of the Gate Award went to Nicole Kidman, the first winner of the evening for her subtle, heart-wrenching portrayal of a battered wife in HBOs Big Little Lies.

Kidman and co-star Reese Witherspoon were co-executive producers of the series, so if you skipped the Globes, you also missed Kidmans shout-out to the powerful Big Little Lies sisterhood.

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Reese and and I did this because of our friendship and our creative union and support of each other. And I love you. This is ours to share. Wow. The power of women.

You missed Handmaids Tale acting winner Elisabeth Moss, dedicating her award to feminist and Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and to the women brave enough to speak out against intolerance and injustice.

I hope we can elicit change through the stories we tell and the way we tell them. Lets keep the conversation alive. Lets do it.

You missed Sterling K. Brown thanking This Is Us producer Dan Fogelman for creating a role that made people see him as an actor, and that made it harder for people to dismiss him and people who look like him.

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You missed presenter Natalie Portman introducing the best film director category with a pointed, And the all-male nominees are...

And you missed Cecil B. DeMille Award winner Oprah Winfrey  the right honoree at the perfect time  taking us to life school. And art church.

I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women  many of whom are right here in this room tonight  and some pretty phenomenal men are fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say, Me Too again.

And near the end of the evening, Witherspoon was back to accept the award for best television limited series and to issue a promise to women that sounded like a challenge to Hollywood.

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You are so brave, she said to the women who have spoken out. We see you. We hear you. And we will tell your story.

And when those stories get told, Hollywood is going to look a lot more like life, and the awards will belong to all of us.

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Twitter: @karla_peterson

karla.peterson@sduniontribune.comA bill intended to prevent temporary foreign workers from displacing Americans could reach the House floor for a vote in coming months.

The Protect and Grow American Jobs Act, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa, passed the Judiciary committee by unanimous voice vote in November, a difficult feat for legislation modifying immigration law. The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Scott Peters and Rep. Duncan Hunter, would tweak the H-1B visa program, which grants 3-year work visas to skilled workers.

Unfortunately, loopholes in the program have allowed a small handful of employers to game the system to displace American workers and crowd out others who legitimately need the limited slots available to recruit individuals with unique skill sets not available here at home, Issa said.

Demand for H-1B visas has outnumbered the 85,000 annual cap in recent years. Many of those visas go to employees from large consulting companies with headquarters in India.

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Such companies are considered H-1B dependent companies and have additional requirements when requesting new visas. Issas bill would heighten those requirements by increasing the minimum salary required for H-1B employees and requiring more extensive reporting about efforts to hire American workers.

The bill also alters the definition of an H-1B dependent company, increasing the percentage of H-1B workers for companies of 50 or more employees to 20 percent from 15 percent.

Highly skilled individuals that come to America through the H-1B visa program add tremendous value to the U.S. economy, Issa said. We have a responsibility to ensure this important program isnt being abused by employers to undercut American jobs.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, objected to a previous version of the bill in 2016 because she didnt think it went far enough to alter the program. Issa incorporated some of her suggestions to reach bipartisan agreement on the bill.

Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence

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kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate on TwitterThe Nevada rancher accused of leading an armed standoff that stopped federal agents from rounding up his cattle in 2014 walked out of a courthouse in Las Vegas a free and defiant man Monday, declaring that his fight against U.S. authority is not over.

Cliven Bundy emerged to supporters cheers, while environmental and conservation advocates worried that the dismissal of his charges would bolster violent and racist anti-government followers who aim to erode established parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands controlled by U.S. officials.

Were not done with this, the 71-year-old Bundy declared in his first minutes of freedom since his arrest in February 2016.

The family patriarch and states rights figure said he had been held as a political prisoner for 700 days and promised that if U.S. Bureau of Land Management agents come again to seize his cattle over unpaid grazing fees, they will encounter the very same thing as last time.

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The whole world is looking at us, he said. Why is America acting like this? Why are we allowing the federal government, these bureaucracies, to have armies? Thats a big question the whole world wants to know.

The stunning collapse of the federal criminal case against Cliven Bundy and his sons Ryan and Ammon marked a new low for government lawyers whose work is now under review by the Trump administration. Prosecutors have faced several losses in Oregon and Nevada arising from armed Bundy standoffs over federal control of vast stretches of land in the U.S. West.

From left; Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and his sons Ammon Bundy and Ryan Bundy and co-defendant Ryan Payne. (AP)

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions launched an investigation into the Nevada case last month after Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro declared a mistrial. On Monday, she dismissed outright all 15 counts against Bundy, his sons and Montana militia leader Ryan Payne.

The court finds that the universal sense of justice has been violated, Navarro said as audible gasps and sobs erupted in a court gallery crammed with Bundy supporters.

It comes after prosecutors failed to gain full convictions in two trials against six other defendants who acknowledged carrying assault-style weapons during the April 2014 confrontation outside Bunkerville, 80 miles (129 kilometers) northeast of Las Vegas.

Jurors in Portland, Oregon, also acquitted Ryan and Ammon Bundy more than a year ago of taking over a federal wildlife refuge in early 2016 and calling for the U.S. government to turn over public land to local control.

The judge ended the latest case by ripping government prosecutors, led by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Myhre, for intentional abdication of ... responsibility, 'flagrant misconduct and substantial prejudice.

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Navarro found deliberate attempts to mislead and distort the truth and blamed FBI agents for reckless disregard of requirements to turn over evidence relating to government snipers and cameras that monitored the Bundy homestead.

The defense also should have been given records of government threat assessments that concluded the Bundys would probably protest but not become violent if agents enforcing court orders began rounding up their cattle, the judge said.

Navarro set a Feb. 26 trial date for four defendants still awaiting trial, including two more Bundy sons, Mel and David.

Nevadas newly appointed acting U.S. attorney, Dayle Elieson, released a one-sentence statement saying she will make a determination about whether to challenge the ruling before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

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Ian Bartrum, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas, law professor who has written about the Bundy case and federal land policy, called the complete dismissal a pretty incredible result for the family and its followers.

In some ways, it vindicates what theyre claiming, Bartrum said of people who believe federal agents and prosecutors overreached to indict 19 people on charges that included conspiracy, assault and threats against federal agents.

Not only did they not go to prison, but they drew attention to their political cause  rethinking land management policy in the West, Bartrum said.

Kieran Suckling, an official with the Center for Biological Diversity, which fought for decades to protect endangered desert tortoises on rangeland where Bundy cows graze, called the prospect of a wider audience for the states rights figure cause for concern.

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Federal prosecutors clearly bungled this case and let the Bundys get away with breaking the law, Suckling said. The Bundys rallied a militia to mount an armed insurrection against the government. The failure of this case will only embolden this violent and racist anti-government movement that wants to take over our public lands.A broken gas line prompted a condominium complex in Chollas View to be evacuated Sunday night, a fire official said.

Someone reported smelling gas at the three-story building on Market Street near Euclid Avenue about 7:40 p.m., according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

San Diego Gas & Electric crews found a damaged gas meter in the complexs underground parking garage, and firefighters helped evacuate the building as a precaution.

The gas was shut off while crews made repairs. Its unclear how the meter was damaged.

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Residents were allowed to return to their homes about an hour after the leak was reported.

Twitter: @LAWinkley

(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.comSan Diego police and San Diego County Crime Stoppers are asking the public for help in finding out who fatally shot a 23-year-old man in Mountain View on New Years Eve.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

Diego Armando Villa of San Diego was found lying on a sidewalk on Teak Street near South 38th Street just before midnight on Dec. 31. He had been shot in his head and arm.

He died at a hospital the next day.

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Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the San Diego Police Departments Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2331 or (619) 531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @danalittlefieldFor Raul Prieto Ramirez, the beauty of 103-year Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park lies in its flexibility to bring many musical styles to life.

And Ramirez showed off the sonic dexterity of the 5,017-pipe instrument Sunday during his first concert as the San Diego Civic Organist and artistic director for the nonprofit Spreckels Organ Society.

He kicked off his hour-long inaugural performance by playing one of the most famous works in the organ repertoire  Bachs Toccata and Fugue in D-Minor BVW 565  which has anchored movie scores ranging from Phantom of the Opera to vintage horror films.

Two songs later, Ramirez dove into something more experimental  Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.

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The larger-than-usual crowd at the outdoor Spreckels Organ Pavilion loved it.

1 / 13 At the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, RRaul Prieto Ramirez walks onto the stage as the new organist. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 13 In between musical numbers at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, Raul Prieto Ramirez addressed the audience about his next musical number. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 13 The public enjoyed the free organ concert Sunday afternoon at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park with Raul Prieto Ramirez as the new Civic Organist. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 13 At the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, Raul Prieto Ramirez (San Diego Civic Organist) performs his first concert to a crowd of 1500. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 13 The public enjoyed the free organ concert Sunday afternoon at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park with Raul Prieto Ramirez as the new Civic Organist. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 13 Raul Prieto Ramirez the new Civic Organist rehearses before his first San Diego concert at Balboa Park. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 13 Raul Prieto Ramirez the new Civic Organist rehearses before his first San Diego concert at Balboa Park on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 13 At the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, Raul Prieto Ramirez (San Diego Civic Organist) performs his first concert to a crowd of 1500. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 13 The public enjoyed the free organ concert Sunday afternoon at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park with Raul Prieto Ramirez as the new Civic Organist. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 13 The public enjoyed the free organ concert Sunday afternoon at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park with Raul Prieto Ramirez as the new Civic Organist. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 13 Before taking stage for his first concert at Balboa Park, Raul Prieto Ramirez changes shoes to ones designed to help with the organs foot pedals. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 13 At the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, Raul Prieto Ramirez (San Diego Civic Organist) waits back stage for his introduction to his first park concert in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 13 Following his Sunday afternoon concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, Raul Prieto Ramirez (San Diego Civic Organist) took a bow to a crowd of about 1500. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune)

You can play pieces I used to do in my house for fun -- The Pink Panther and things like that  that I would never play in concert, said Ramirez. But here, it sounds wonderful. It is so flexible. It makes sense.

A native of Spain, Ramirez is taking over as San Diegos Civic Organist from Carol Williams, who held the post for 15 years before moving to Virginia in 2016. The Spreckels Organ Society hired Ramirez from a field of 20 candidates.

We wanted somebody who can play the heck out of the organ, and somebody with charisma and personality that will bring people in to hear this wonderful organ, said Jack Lasher, president of the Spreckels Organ Society.

Ramirez concentrates during Sundays performance in Balboa Park (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune )

Ramirez arrived from Spain late last week. He will play at least 44 free Sunday afternoon concerts per year at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. He also will oversee the parks 10-week Summer Organ Festival, which shows off the chops of the largest outdoor organ in the Western Hemisphere.

Internationally acclaimed for his performances and recordings, Ramirez is the founder and artistic director of the Barcelona-Mataro International Organ Festival. He performed an audition concert at Spreckels Pavilion last fall that featured eclectic adaptations of songs ranging from The Pink Panther to Danse Macabre.

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Ramirez brought back the Danse Macabre for Sundays performance because of the positive reception the piece received last fall.

It is a wonderful piece to showcase all the different colors and possibilities in the organ, he said in an interview. For the people who are coming for the first time, I want to show them what this can do.

Hal Schneider of Bankers Hill came to Sundays show after reading about the expected playlist in the newspaper.

We like Bach, he said. We came to hear Toccata and Fugue. And the other stuff sounds good, too.

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In 1915, Adolph and John Spreckels deeded the organ to the city of San Diego at the opening of the Panama-California Exposition, and it has been played regularly ever since. The massive instrument produces dramatic notes that bring to mind big weddings, old churches and Disneys Fantasia.

Ramirez said he intends to serve up a wide range of musical styles in his weekly concerts, including popular marches to honor San Diegos Navy and Marine heritage, show tunes, classical numbers and pop favorites.

I am exploring Queen, but I am also exploring other things that I also like very much like Pink Floyd, music from the 1500s or whatever, he said. So theres no limit.

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mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com;

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760-529-4973San Francisco billionaire and major Democratic donor Tom Steyer said Monday hes not going to run for Senate or the governors office in California this year, ending months of speculation about his future.

Im not going to run for office in 2018  thats not where I can make the biggest difference, Steyer said at a news conference he called in Washington. My fight is not just in California, my fight is in removing Donald Trump from office and from power.

The former hedge fund manager said he will instead pour $30 million into organizing young voters in 10 states, including California, to aid Democratic efforts to retake control of the House.

The most important task for me, the task which I feel called to do is organizing  and mobilizing Americas voters. They have got to be the most powerful force in our politics, Steyer said.

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Steyer, who has repeatedly flirted with running for office in California, was weighing a challenge against Sen. Dianne Feinstein as she seeks a fifth full term in the Senate. If he had run, he would have been her second major Democratic challenger  state Senate leader Kevin de Leon announced a run in October.

In a statement, Feinstein thanked Steyer for his activism and work on environmental issues.

I look forward to his continued activism in the months ahead as we campaign to take back both chambers of Congress to protect the nation from the dangerous Trump agenda, she said.

Steyers investment is an extension of the work his nonprofit, NextGen America, has done organizing on college campuses and online since 2014. NextGen will focus on the seven Republican-held districts in California where voters backed Hillary Clinton for president in 2016  Steyer specifically called out Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista)  as well as at least two dozen other House incumbents. Hell also pour money into holding vulnerable Democratic Senate seats, and electing Democratic governors.

In 10 months, God willing, the people of America are going to send a wave across the nation. This tide will wash away the stain of the Trump administration and it will not recede until America lives up to its founding creed, Steyer said.

Steyer has gained additional attention in recent months with a $20-million nationwide campaign urging Congress to impeach President Trump. He said Monday that he expects to spend at least another $20 million on the effort.

More than 4 million people have signed Steyers impeachment petition, which he called a digital army that will be mobilized to engage with members of Congress, including Democrats, who have not committed to impeaching Trump.

The ads have drawn Trumps ire, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) has called the effort a distraction, telling the Los Angeles Times in October that impeachment should only be about facts and the law, not policy disagreements.

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Tom Steyer can light as much of his money on fire as he wants, but doesnt change that Democrats like Nancy Pelosi view him as a distraction. If Democrats message for 2018 is a baseless impeachment threat that the majority of voters disagree with, theyre going to lose, Republican National Committee spokesman Michael Ahrens said.

Steyer brushed off that concern, but said impeachment will not be a litmus test for which candidates he and his groups will support in 2018. Steyer and his wife, Kat, donated at least $91 million to federal races in 2016, putting them among the top donors in the country.

We know this makes some of our friends and allies in this city uncomfortable, Steyer said. We know that the so-called pundits argue that we have to choose between talking about impeachment and talking about policy. But we believe this is a false choice; the fact is the two are fundamentally intertwined. This Republican Congress is willing to aid and abet a dangerous president because holding him accountable would put their agenda at risk.

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sarah.wire@latimes.com

Follow @sarahdwire on Twitter

Read more about the 55 members of Californias delegation at latimes.com/politics

ALSO:

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Tom Steyers campaign to impeach Trump hits nerves

California could flip the House, and these 13 races will make the difference

Updates on California politics

UPDATES:

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5:14 p.m.: This article was updated with a Republican response to Steyers impeachment effort.

This article was originally published at 11:05 a.m.Re 18 things to watch in San Diego in 2018 (Jan. 1): A top priority in San Diego should always include education. While San Diego education is generally very good, the entire system should be better.

Better means more children should have the basic skills (reading, writing, math and science) to navigate proficiently through life in an atmosphere that inspires students to contribute, achieve and strive for more.

Better means district financial commitments that create stability and efficiency yearly and a system of accountability where all parties are responsible for their performance.

Better means a curriculum that teachers fully support and students fully understand. Quite simply, better means a more effective learning proposition. Americas Finest City should include world-class education. Instead of just the continual teacher layoffs and monitoring test scores, could we create a new standard of learning that is the model for our country?

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Our education requires a new vision that includes administrators, teachers, parents and community. Outstanding should be the goal.

Bruce Reed

Scripps Ranch

Re New year, new state laws (Jan. 1): So in our elected officials collective wisdom, schools will now need to provide free lunches to every student. School buses will need new equipment probably costing thousands of dollars for each bus. Schools will have to pay for tampons for all students who need them.

So schools that are struggling financially will have to pay for all these things, and somehow we think this will make education better? Nice use of the word provide by the politicians. This way, people might think the schools will be given what is needed. In reality, schools will have to pay for all these things and thus take money out of the classrooms.

Scott Munson

Julian

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Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below.

Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook.Two major investors in Apple  one the California teachers pension plan  sent a letter over the weekend saying the tech giant needs to do more to protect the mental health of teens and children using their products.

The California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) and Jana Partners, which collectively own approximately $2 billion in Apple stock, joined together to send the letter saying the company should offer parents more choices and tools to help them ensure that young people are using Apple products in an optimal manner.

We believe that addressing this issue now will enhance long-term value for all shareholders, by creating more choices and options for your customers today and helping to protect the next generation of leaders, innovators and customers tomorrow, the letter says.

The investors say they partnered with a doctor from Boston Childrens Hospital, a professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and a psychologist at San Diego State University to review evidence that brought them to this conclusion. The letter cites research showing teachers say that as smartphones have become more prevalent, their students have become less focused on education and have more emotional and social challenges, and that teenagers that spend a lot of time on electronic devices and on social media are more likely to be depressed or suicidal than those who dont.

There is no good reason why you should not address this issue proactively, the investors letter reads.

The steps suggested for Apple include forming a committee of experts, funding research and educating parents.

Hows the letter going over in the tech world? Tony Fadell, who helped create the first iPhone, jumped on Twitter to say he agreed and even adding that research about adult addiction to devices is needed, too.

His 10-tweet response, which can be read here, started an interesting discussion online.

The San Diego State University professor and researcher mentioned by CalSTRS and Jana Partners wrote an essay for The Atlantic last year summing up the phenomenon concerning the investors pretty simply: Some mild boundary-setting could keep kids from falling into harmful habits.

Union-Tribune columnist Chris Reed explored this topic in a 2017 column asserting smart phones are changing our kids, for worse.

Its definitely a topic of conversation outside tech, medicine, psychology and academics, too. Plenty of people are already talking about this on, where else, social media.

We asked our own followers on social media what their concerns are, and they raised some interesting points.

Have you noticed positive or negative impacts on the children and teens in your life? Are you a parent with an opinion on this?

Let us know your thoughts with a tweet to @sdutideas, an email to letters@sduniontribune.com or to the address below and we may publish your opinion.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin

ALSO

First, smartphones changed our world. Now theyre changing our kids, for worse

Cell phone radiation may impact your health, California health officials saySales of Barbie helped Mattel Inc.'s revenue rise 8 percent during the first quarter. But higher costs for its lawsuit over the Bratz dolls and other expenses sent net income down 33 percent.

Still, results for the quarter, which is a small one for toy makers because it follows the crucial holiday quarter, were higher than analysts expected. Shares rose 5 percent to a 52-week high in morning trading.

The first quarter is a bit like spring training, and for a business like ours, what is key in the early part of the year is preparing the business for the year ahead, said CEO Bob Eckert.

Mattel, the largest U.S. toymaker, is gearing up for a heavy movie tie-in summer, with toy lines tied into Disney/Pixars Cars 2" due out June 24 and Green Lantern, Warner Brothers new superhero franchise out June 17.

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Expectations are particularly high for Cars 2" because the Cars line has been a strong seller for Mattel despite having no new movie since the original in 2006.

Cars 2" action figures and new track sets are expected to be on toy shelves in mid-May.

In the first quarter, net income fell to $16.6 million, or 5 cents per share, from $24.8 million, or 7 cents per share, last year. Analysts expected earnings of 4 cents per share, according to FactSet.

Revenue rose 8 percent to $951.9 million from $880.1 million. That beat analyst predictions of $905.1 million. Sales rose 7 percent in the U.S. and 10 percent internationally.

Barbie remained a bright spot for Mattel, with revenue up 14 percent during the quarter, the iconic dolls sixth consecutive quarter of sales growth.

Dolls in general did well, with Monster High, Disney Princesses and American Girl all gaining.

Hot Wheels rose 6 percent. Fisher-Price revenue fell 2 percent after Mattels license to make Sesame Street toys ended at the end of last year and competitor Hasbro picked it up.

Higher revenue was offset by higher expenses, however, including $18.2 million in costs related to the latest lawsuit in its six-year legal battle with Bratz maker MGA.

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A jury is currently deliberating on a federal copyright infringement and trade secrets lawsuit against MGA, related to rightful ownership of the pouty-lipped Bratz dolls. MGA has countersued.

Toy makers are facing higher costs for commodities such as resin and rising fuel prices. Mattel raised its prices on April 1 in the high single-digit percentage range to offset higher costs. Eckert said retailers have been reasonable about the increase.

Separately, the El Segundo, Calif.-based company issued a quarterly dividend of 23 cents, payable on June 17 to shareholders of record as of May 25.

On Thursday, Mattels chief rival Hasbro Inc. said its first-quarter net income fell 71 percent while revenue was nearly flat at $672 million.

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Shares rose $1.39, or 5.4 percent, to $27.13 in morning trading. The stock has traded between $20.14 and $26.70 during the past year.An Egyptian court sentenced a police officer to 15 years in prison on Tuesday for torturing an ultraconservative Muslim to death, a rare lengthy prison term for a policeman convicted of abuse.

The Criminal Court in Alexandria found Osama el-Kounayassi guilty of using torture to extract confessions from el-Sayed Belal, a member of the Salafi trend in the port city whom police accused of involvement in a suicide bombing at a Coptic Christian church over two years ago.

He is the second officer in the same case to receive a 15-year sentence. El-Kounayassi had previously been convicted in absentia, but then won a retrial.

Torture was a key grievance in the popular revolt that ousted Egypts longtime authoritarian President Hosni Mubarak. But even after the uprising, most torture cases end up with the police either being acquitted or receiving light sentences

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The case of Belal, a bearded young man, was one of two extreme cases of brutality that galvanized public anger shortly before the revolution.

The first one was the death of Khaled Said, also from Alexandria, who was beaten to death by two police officers in June 2010. His name became a rallying call for the uprising. We are all Khaled Said was the name of the Facebook group that helped organize the early protests.

The brutal death of Said, a 28-year-old middle class small businessman, particularly alarmed many Egyptians who viewed torture victims as political activists or people with a criminal background. The circumstances behind his killing are not fully clear.

But rights organizations say that the Islamist groups to which Belal belonged, as well as families whom the police considered habitual criminals, often bore the brunt of abuses during the Mubarak era by police who were under pressure to produce suspects for high-profile cases.

Belal was arrested along with other suspects in the aftermath of the bombing on Jan. 1, 2011, when at least 21 worshippers were killed while leaving a New Years Eve mass in Alexandria.

Ahmed el-Mashaly, a Salafi lawyer who says he was arrested and tortured alongside Belal, said that el-Kounayassi told the suspects, You will carry this case, either dead or alive.

The detainees were known to the notorious State Security investigations department - disbanded after the revolution- as they had been arrested several times during the last decade over their links to other Salafis who joined or tried to join the insurgency in Iraq.

We were the usual suspects. We were the easiest scapegoats and if any disaster happens, eyes immediately fall on us, he said over the phone from Alexandria.

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For 40 days, we were subjected to long sessions of torture. Several officers, not one, took turns in electrocuting, beating, hanging us like sheep as though we were being roasted, blindfolded and handcuffed all the time, el-Mashaly said.

One day, Belal was brought back to the cell after a full day of torture, el-Mashaly said. The moment he sat, he fell on the ground and I heard the rattle of death, he said.

El-Kounayassis lawyer, Anis al-Manawi, argued during the case that the witness accounts contradicted each other. He said his client was not guilty.

El-Mashaly said there is still a strong possibility that el-Kounayassi and his fellow officer could overturn their cases on appeal. He said accused polices colleagues and prosecutors often do a sloppy job investigating such cases, leaving many loopholes.

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Karim Ennarah, a researcher on police reform at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, agreed it was likely that the verdict would be overturned on appeal. But he said it still gave a strong message that police can be held accountable for their acts.

Whatever happens next, whether the verdict will be overturned or not... the verdict can remake the relationship between the judiciary and the police and (establish) that police officers can be imprisoned, he said.

Meanwhile, a Cairo court continued its inquiry into another case involving the security forces - the discovery of shredded documents in State Securitys headquarters when it was stormed by protesters during the 2011 uprising.

Egypts Defense Minister and army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi gave testimony in the case, according to a lawyer who provided details of the closed proceedings. El-Sissis statement did not shed light on the shredding of the documents but it was a rare case of a top army officer being summoned for an inquiry.

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The lawyer spoke anonymously as he was not authorized to discuss briefings.Weekly Newsletter The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! Join

The Calypso crew and I will be undertaking a series of voyages of exploration and discovery in all the seas of the world, began Jacques-Yves Cousteau, we have few rules and no uniforms, only the right cap. Cousteau was referring to the iconic red knit cap worn by himself and his crew members throughout the television series The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. The first episode aired 50 years ago today.

Throughout the 8-year-long ABC series, the Calypso crew explored marine life using techniques and inventions pioneered by Captain Cousteau. The premiere episode, directed by Cousteaus son Philippe, sees the crew studying sharks in various spots around the Indian Ocean. Like Cousteaus Palme dOr-winning 1956 feature film, The Silent World, his television series documented ocean life in color and brought the mysteries of the deep to viewers the world over.

The Posts 1973 profile of the Renaissance man, The Wet World of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, discusses the legacy of the poet, philosopher, painter, inventor, author, linguist, connoisseur of fine wines, and war hero. The author, James Stewart Gordon, visited Cousteau at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and noted, He talked about his adventures and his fear that present-day industrial wastes pouring into the oceans might destroy all future marine life.

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Amongst Jacques Cousteaus varied accolades and accomplishments was a nascent environmentalism before such a concern was common. In 1960, Cousteau led a resistance against the French governments plan to dispose of nuclear waste in the Mediterranean Sea. He worried that humankind had come to view the ocean as an infinitely vast resource instead of a delicate ecosystem that could be overwhelmed by pollution and overfishing. In 1971, Cousteau wrote an article in The New York Times called Our Oceans Are Dying, warning about the worlds diminishing coral reefs and claiming there is only one pollution because every chemical in the air or on land will end up in the ocean.

Today, Cousteaus sons, Jean-Michel Cousteau and Pierre-Yves Cousteau, are involved in marine conservation with the Ocean Futures Society and International Union for Conservation of Nature, respectively. They continue the exploratory, educational, and environmental work of their father in the oceans he called sometimes serene, sometimes savage, and always beautiful.An analysis of so-called pukao  colossal stone hats of monumental statues (moai) on Easter Island  provides evidence contrary to the widely held belief that the ancient civilization had a warrior culture.

Pukao are large, cylindrical stones made from a volcanic rock known as red scoria.

Weighing multiple tons, they were placed on the heads of the moai during prehistoric times, consistent with the Polynesian traditions of honoring their ancestors.

Professor Carl Lipo from the State University of New York, Binghamton, and his colleagues from Pennsylvania State University, California State University, and the University of Oregon produced the first study analyzing the pukao and their significance.

The researchers created 3D images of 50 pukao that once adorned moai and compared them to 13 additional stone hats located in Puna Pau, the islands red scoria pukao quarry.

They discovered that there are far more drawings carved into pukao than was previously thought.

With the building mitigating any sense of conflict, the moai construction and pukao placement were key parts to the success of the island, Professor Lipo said.

In our analysis of the archaeological records, we see evidence that demonstrates the prehistoric communities repeatedly worked together to build monuments.

The action of cooperation had a benefit to the community by enabling sharing of information and resources.

Every time we look at the archaeological record of the island, we are surprised by what we find, he added.

There is much more to be learned from this remarkable place  important answers that shed light on the abilities of our ancestors, as well as potential ideas for contemporary society about what it takes to survive on a tiny and remote island.

The teams results are published in the journal Advances in Archaeological Practice.

While Easter Island is famous, the archaeological record of the island is not well-documented, Professor Lipo said.

We believe that scientists can learn a great deal from the pukao by examining this new information.

_____

Sean W. Hixon et al. Using Structure from Motion Mapping to Record and Analyze Details of the Colossal Hats (Pukao) of Monumental Statues on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Advances in Archaeological Practice, published online October 5, 2017; doi: 10.1017/aap.2017.28The seven-night cruise operates round-trip Portland and calls at Rockland, Eastport and Bar Harbor in Maine, and Grand Manan Island, St. Andrews and St. John in New Brunswick.

Three departures are offered in 2018: May 12, Oct. 16 and Oct. 23.

Led by Pearl Seas expert guides, Pearl Mist passengers can stroll along the charming, turn-of-the-century streets of St. Andrews' National Historic District, and visit Grand Manan Island, renowned for whale-watching and birdwatching. Some 240 species of birds make the island their home.

The cruise also visits St. John on the Bay of Fundy, where the tides force the waters to reverse their flow, creating the famous Reversing Rapids at the mouth of the Saint John River.

Along the way Pearl Mist provides enrichment programs, regionally inspired dining, opportunities to view spectacular coastal scenery and chances to visit art galleries, historic sites, museums and markets.Fire continued to rage on the Iranian tanker that collided with the bulker CF Crystal on Saturday evening.

The body of crew member from the vessel has been found according to an Iranian official. Mohammad Rastad, head of Irans Ports and Maritime Organization, was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency that the body was sent to Shanghai for identification.

The other 31 seafarers from the tanker remain missing. The tanker had a crew of 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshi nationals.

Chinese authorities meanwhile said that the still blazing tanker was at risk of exploding. The tanker was carrying a cargo of 136,000 tonnes of oil condensate at the time of the collision.

IMO secretary-general Ki-Tack Lim offer his deepest sympathies to the families of the missing seafarers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the seafarers still missing from the oil tanker Sanchi, following a reported collision off the coast of China. I send my deepest sympathies to all their families and loved ones, Lim said.

This is an ongoing situation which we are monitoring. IMO stands ready to offer any technical assistance that may be needed. In the longer term, it is expected that there will be a full investigation into this incident and that the results and findings will be brought to IMO so that we can do whatever may be necessary to reduce the chances of such an incident happening again."

The cause of the collision is unknown.Since Cosco acquired a majority stake in Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) and assumed management in 2016 after winning an international tender, the image of the port has been changing rapidly, a fact Greek Shipping and Island Policy Minister Panayiotis Kouroublis stressed 4 January on the occasion of the launch of new projects to upgrade Greece's largest port.

Work is well advanced as the port readies to for the arrival from China of the new large floating dock Piraeus III, at the end of February. The new works include dredging the harbour to create up to 20 m of operating depth, providing new electricity and water supply networks, and installing four mooring buoys for anchoring ships.

The new floating repair dock  240 m long, 45 m wide, 22,000 tons lifting capacity and full crane equipment  will be able to service ships with a capacity of 80,000 tons.

Kouroublis is full of praise for the Sino-Greek cooperation at Piraeus port. Speaking to Xinhua, 4 January, He said: The projects that have started at Perama and will proceed with the lifting of two wrecks off Pier II by the Shipping ministry, so that the infrastructure for the installation of PPA's large floating dock can be created, show how smoothly the cooperation of the Greek government with the investors is progressing.

They also show the Shipping ministry's policy will continue to facilitate any development activity stemming from Cosco's contractual obligations regarding bureaucracy and other obstacles. At the same time, we support workers' rights by welcoming the latest agreement between employees and the PPA to sign a Collective Labor Agreement.

The once booming Greek shiprepair industry has largely become dormant in recent years but with the arrival of the new dock the government hopes ships will no longer need to carry out repair and maintenance operations in other Mediterranean shipyards, while this move is also expected to create new jobs in the Greek market.

George Koumpenas, vp operations at Greeces Celestyal Cruises, welcomed the works as a very positive development, in particular for companies managing passenger ships operating in the region as well as for the Greek shipbuilding industry.

In recent years, due to a lack of suitable dock sizes, companies have been obliged to dock their vessels in neighbouring countries such as Malta, Turkey and Croatia. This has resulted in the loss of significant revenues for the national economy, Koumpenas told Xinhua.

Installation and operation of a large floating dock will help maintain and develop the shipbuilding industry in the wider Piraeus and Perama areas, as an important criterion for the choice of the port for seafaring companies is the ability to make repairs, said Koumpenas.#football S. Korea captain Son Heung-min vows to be more assertive Selfishness can be a good thing in football, and Son Heung-min, captain of the South Korean men's national team, is determined to be just that in future matches. With Son deferr...Eleven small businesses in Pontiac are the recipients of Flagstar Banks first round of business investment grants and loans, totaling $125,000 in grants and a $35,000 loan.

The Pontiac Big Idea Grant Program is committed to investing $700,000 per year into Pontiac over five years. Of the total $3.5 million overall planned investment, approximately $500,000 will be allocated in the form of grants and $250,000 in the form of business loans, with an average grant size of $10,000 and an average loan size of $5,000 to $25,000. The disbursement is being leveraged through a partnership with CEED Lending, a Small Business Administration lender.

Were pleased to see our efforts to support small businesses in Pontiac turn into real dollars to help entrepreneurs in the community, says Alessandro DiNello, president, and CEO of Flagstar Bank. This is how the program is supposed to work. We look forward to similar success with future disbursements of our $10 million commitment to the city.

Grant applications are reviewed by a ten-person community-based Advisory Council.

We have committed that the people of Pontiac will own the grant/loan program, for Pontiac. Flagstar will not make decisions on the grant/loans, says Beverly Meek, vice-president and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) director at Flagstar Bank. Therefore we have developed an Advisory Council that is comprised of smart people who live or work in Pontiac and have demonstrated leadership and consistent commitment to the people of Pontiac.

Grant awards will be provided monthly following a review from the advisory council. The criteria to receive a grant is the business must be in Pontiac and be a for-profit business.

The grant application is intended to be easy therefore there are only five questions which ask what the money is to be used for, how it will help Pontiac, how it will help the applicant and whether the idea can create jobs in Pontiac, says Meek. We have also learned through hundreds of interviews that to be successful; we need to also invest in the business ecosystem in Pontiac to ensure business owners have the support they need to develop a strong business and keep those businesses growing.

Flagstar Banks investment will also include providing grants to the City of Pontiac to help their website become a one-stop destination for prospective entrepreneurs, and will support the Main Street Pontiac program to focus on improving the downtown area and unifying businesses together toward a common goal of creating business opportunity in the city.

Willetrea Washington is one of the grant recipients, she began her business, Washington Events, seven years ago with a focus on corporate and political event planning and womens empowerment. She bills herself the corporate savior. For Washington, Pontiac is home.

Willetrea WashingtonI am a resident, and now a business owner, in the city of Pontiac. I am a graduate of Pontiac Central. Go Chiefs! she laughs. Washington will be using the grant money to hire and secure an office location in Pontiac and be a part of the nascent revitalization. The one thing that we never lost was the fact that we're still a family in Pontiac. There is the spirit in Pontiac that's awesome.

Roni Leibovich, the founder of Numbers Brothers, works on helping businesses understand their data to support better decisions. He decided to locate in Pontiac primarily for the location and recently hired his first full-time employee. With the help of his $10,000 grant, he plans to hire and secure licensing and technology for 2018.

I love the centrality of Pontiac, says Leibovich. I love the proximity of Pontiac. I live in West Bloomfield, so it's a short commute. I have clientele from downtown Detroit all along Woodward to Bloomfield Hills, and being in Pontiac allows me to stay central to my clients. Roni Leibovich

Ben Carr of AdLocal, a digital marketing agency, is using his $10,000 award to upgrade technology. That's really what the money's going towards, making sure that we have the right equipment, a couple of new computers, he says. We did a really big upgrade.

Carr and Leibovitch are also using portions of their grants to rehab a space at 7 North Saginaw, Suite 300 into a coworking space called PontiacTribe, as well as to build their businesses. PontiacTribe charges $150 per month for drop-in and $350 for a dedicated workspace.



The place needed to be upgraded, it smelled really bad, it was a dirty space, says Carr. But you go in there now, and you would never imagine what it looks like compared to what it looked like before.

Ben CarrThe business grants are part of a larger $10 million commitment by Flagstar to invest in Pontiac. Including $5 million in home ownership mortgage products with an emphasis on veterans and addressing the appraisal gap in Pontiac. The investment also includes $1 million to fund financial capacity-building programs to assist low-income households and a $1.5 million investment in the renovation of the Flagstar Strand Theater.

We want to have an impact on economic development in Pontiac; we didn't want to be sporadic with investments that did not feed into an overall strategy to help the infrastructure and support economic development in the area, says Meek. So we decided to develop what we call a comprehensive community impact program, and that requires us to be here long-term. We want to have this program spur the creation of jobs and to attract small businesses and mid-size businesses to Pontiac, and we want to create an environment where all income levels can thrive.

I think young professionals need to see that there is a real working model and a real economy and a real area for opportunity in Pontiac, to want to stay here, says Carr. I think the ingredients are ripe for growth, especially with opportunities like Flagstar infusing capital back into the entrepreneur.



The first round of grants and loans include the following:

Bernita Bradley

Brushing teeth at Starfish Early Head Start

As they saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. So what does education look like when you listen to the village to learn what it needs?Earlier this month, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and The Kresge Foundation announced their newest initiative, Hope Starts Here . The 10-year comprehensive blueprint will address the dire need for quality early education in Detroit through an initial $50 million commitment from the foundations. Kellogg announced that half of its investment, over $12 million, would be spent in the next 12 months.The initiative launched its planning phase a year ago with an important first step: finding out what parents wanted. The team recruited and trained residents to host sessions to listen to parents in their community. In total, the initiative engaged with over 18,000 parents, caregivers, teachers, and community members to create a series of six imperatives and 15 interlocking strategies.Bernita Bradley, a recruiter for Hope Starts Here, became involved in education reform after experiencing the ongoing challenges navigating the Detroit school system as a parent. Now she is the Community Development Manager at Brilliant Detroit , an organization that helps create early child and family centers in neighborhoods."This is an unheard of brainstorm to see what kids need," Bradley says. "To parents it is monumental. They think, 'Wow someone is actually listening to me, they are not putting anything into action without me.'"Bradley, whose children attended 16 different schools across nine districts, is no stranger to the difficulties parents face in the Detroit school system. She experienced classes with too many kids and unstable teachers who didn't seem to be teaching.Bradley emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of parents. "It starts with the home," she says. "If the families don't have certain resources, they won't be prepared before they go to kindergarten."At the Hope Starts Here Unveiling at the Charles Wright Museum, Rip Rapson, President and CEO of The Kresge Foundation, outlined tangible projects including upgrading educational facilities, building a new early childhood learning center, increasing wages for educators, and improving professional development. In addition, the initiative will also provide scholarships to parents who need childcare.By 2027, Hope Starts Here wants to see Detroit putting children and families first. Mark Davidoff, Chair of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, believes that efforts to bring back the city must start with the children. "We always hear 'live, work, play, Detroit.' But unless we add 'raise our children,' we will not accomplish anything."Jonetta Banks, an eastside resident, has been involved in the initiative since December of 2016. As a mother of nine children and four grandchildren, Banks wants Hope Starts Here to improve child health care and pregnancy assistance. "I'm excited to see the progress," she says.The framework focuses on the first eight years of a child's life, which "provide a critical window of opportunity to change childrens livesand our communitiesfor the better." The initiative is a holistic approach to early childhood education, beginning with comprehensive health screenings.Kids who grow up in poverty face higher risks for health and academic problems. Detroit's children face extreme disparities, even before birth. The infant mortality rate in the city is more than twice the national average. More than 60 percent of children ages 0 to 5 live in poverty. More than 86 percent of Detroit's third graders are not reading at grade level.LaJune Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, stated the initiative will create opportunities for parents to become educators, recruit more men into early childhood education, and implement new neighborhood grants for early childhood education. As part of the initiative, Tabron also announced the launch of the Detroit Early Childhood Advocacy Network to inform the community with critical information.The Detroit Public School system will be involved as well, according to Superintendent Nikolai Vitti. "This will not reach its true potential if it's not integrated with the school district," he says. "Often initiatives create an initial wave, but then dissipate. As a district we are going to open our doors for collaboration."Rashad Buni, an organizer for affordable and accessible family care at Michigan United , says that in order to address the root of the issue, poverty, massive policy change is needed. "We can't just be advocates, we need to empower people in the community to take control as well."Buni was interested to see how the Hope Starts Here initiative intersects with others in the city. "We must include Detroit's children and the ones disproportionately caring for them: women of color."Of course, an integral part of the village are the children themselves. The initiative has uplifted their voices as well. In a brief video at the Hope Starts Here unveiling, small children spoke about their dreams and aspirations behind a pile of blocks. "I want to be a good cop," one said.Another said, "I got a lotta persons to be."Press Release

January 8, 2018 Transcript of Interview with Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon Drilon: Sa akin po, beyond the legislative agenda yung mga banat ni Kagalang-galang Speaker Alvarez sa senado ay unang-una, hindi po ginagawa iyan because of inter-chamber courtesies. Nasa 20 taon na ako dito sa senado, ngayon ko lang naririnig ang speaker na bumabanat sa senado. Pangalawa, sa aking tingin, beyond the criticisms - unfounded as it is - of the pace of the senate that would act on these measures, I think this is part of the effort para pababain ang tingin ng tao sa senado, para pagdating doon sa Charter change, kung ibig nilang burahin ang senado sa pamahalaan ay madali na. This attack on the senate is part of the deliberate attempt to weaken the senate as an institution of democracy. The senate is part of the check and balance system within the legislature; in the same manner that the senate may not agree with the house, the house may not agree with the senate. That is precisely part of the senate. Eh ngayon hindi naman lahat ng pwedeng ipasa eh papayag sila. That's precisely the reason why we have a check and balance in the same manner na hindi naman lahat ng ipinapasa namin sa senado ay payag sila. This is a democratic way of doing it. The attacks on the senate as an institution weaken our role as an institution which checks on the other house. For example, yung death penalty na binanggit ni Speaker Alvarez na hindi namin inaaktuhan, dahilan po sa ang karaniwang mga senador ay hindi pumapayag sa death penalty. Therefore ang position ng senado ay hindi dapat ibalik ang death penalty. Why should we be criticized for not passing that? That's part of our duty to make a judgment; that's what we are elected for - to make a judgment whether or not a particular law should be passed. The committees in the senate are controlled by the majority and therefore, the majority has not included it as part of the legislative agenda. You may be aware that we have these regular meetings with the house leadership where we agree on a legislative agenda. The death penalty is not there. The restoration of the death penalty is not part of our legislative agenda. Our records will show that 413 bills were referred to the Senate by the House in this present Congress. We have acted and approved 116 of them or about 28%, so it is not true that we are sitting on these bills. You know, this is not my role because I am the minority leader but I am citing this in fairness to the institution that is being attacked. Given all of these the more I am convinced that there is another agenda. Siguro mahina ang senado sa taumbayan at pagdating ng constitutional amendments, unicameral legislature na ang pag-uusapan at buburahin na ang senado, or kung hindi man we will be ineffective in our role to check on the bilsl passed by the house. Q: Ano ang dapat gawin ng senate ngayon? Drilon: That is not my role and I'm just pointing out what I feel about this. The leadership should respond to that question. Q: Ang sinasabi ni SP Pimentel ay sinasagot naman niya ang mga banat ni Speaker, do you think it's enough? Drilon: Sa akin po, kasi ang issue na ipinapalabas ay hindi inaaktuhan ang mga bills nila. But for me, two things. It is beyond the legsilative agenda kasi inaaktuhan naman. Nagmi-meeting kami ng regular. Bakit bumabanat ng ganyan? To me, the result is, whether intended or not, ang resulta po niyan ay sumasama ang tingin ng taumbayan sa senado. Our institution is affected. The perception of the people on the senate is affected by these attacks. Q: There should be more profound statements? Drilon: I have already made a statement and I called on the Senate President to defend the senate against these unwarranted attacks. Q: Sa death penalty lang, kahit ngayon hindi pa rin ito kasama sa priority ng senate? Drilon: I am not aware of any change in the priority list that we have agreed with the house. Q: The senate president said that it is already included in this year's legislative agenda. Drilon: The priority agenda of both houses did not include the restoration of the death penalty. Q: Ang sabi ni Senator Sotto na sa pag-uusap raw nila ni Speaker Alvarez, bicameral pa rin. Drilon: Yes, but the effect of these attacks - maybe that is not the intention and maybe unintended - but the result of such attacks on the senate as an institution affects the perception of the people on the senate. That might be the unintended consequence. Q: How can you fight back? Drilon: I'm not fighting back. I'm just defending the senate. Q: Ano po ang benefit ng unicameral? Drilon: Eh di siguro mas madaling i-railroad yung mga kailangan i-railroad? Remember that the senate is always proud of its tradition of independence. Hindi po nape-pressure ang senado ng pangulo at alam naman ng pangulo iyan that the senate is known for its independence. Q: Is there a need for the leadership to communicate it with Speaker Alvarez? Drilon: I'm just communicating an opinion; that it is the burden of the leadership to defend the institution. Q: Ano po sa tingin ninyo ang dapat na mode to amend the constitution? Drilon: Before I was deposed as chairman of the committee on constitutional amendment, precisely we had several hearings and we asked several resource persons including former CJ Hilario Davide. The records will bear me out that I invited ES Medialdea to secure the views of the OP on what mode is preferred and what are the amendments they should prefer. ES Medialdea said that on that day the President issued an executive order to create a commission to study the proposal. We were supposed to be a recipient of that study. Up to now, over a year has passed and we have not received anything. You must remember that theoretically, amendment to the constitution is the role and power of the legislature. In fact the proposed amendments to the constitution, which could be proposed by Congress as a constituent assembly, is not sent to the President for approval, not like an ordinary law. It is sent to the people in a plebiscite to approve or disapprove. Nevertheless the reality is, the congress would seek the view of the President but at the end of the day, it is congress that will decide as to what the amendments will be or what the mode of amendments will be. Q: Ano yung pros and cons of doing it via con-ass? Drilon: I don't want to preempt. The committee, now headed by Sen. Pangilinan, will have to conduct and continue the hearings where we left. Q: That is the supposed recommendation from the study group formed by the palace? Drilon: Well among those inputs will be, if any by the Palace, but it will be the committee which will submit a report to the senate in plenary. Q: Isa pa sa sinabi ni Speaker yung possibility ng no-el? Drilon: The election is provided under the constitution, so you have to amend the constitution before you say no-el and that is several steps away from where we are today. The constitutional amendments committee, which has jurisdiction over this, has first to decide if we have to amend the constitution dahil marami rin sa ating mga kababayan ang hindi payag na i-amend ang constitution. The first step is to determine whether or not we have to amend the constitution. If the senate says, yes we have to amend the constitution, the next step is how to amend it: is it through a constitutional assembly or con-con? Is it only after we have decided on which of the two modes can the proposals be submitted and debated upon and decided, including federalism. May proseso iyan at hindi po ganon na lang na bukas magsa-submit kami ng federalism proposal, hindi ganoon iyon. Q: Hindi po possible na May 2019? Drilon: I cannot say. I'm not in the leadership of the senate. Q: Given the processes? Drilon: That would have to be determined by congress kung ano dapat ang timetable. Q: Dapat walang no-el? Drilon: Sa amin, sa partido at sa minorya sa senado, hindi po kami papaya na may no-el. We are in the opposition and we do not have control over the leverages of the power. Q: Yung con-ass will really speed up things if ever? Drilon: That's one argument that the con-ass is more economical. Those in favor of the concon naman say we should not put a price tag on amending the constitution. Q: This early, some congressmen are saying that they are in favor of staying in their position in a hold-over capacity? Drilon: I'm not in favor of any holdover or no-el. The holdover is another version of no-el. Q: Mase-settle na ba yung if there is a voting process separately? Drilon: Hindi pa. Q: Do you support Makabayan's petition against the extension of martial law? Yes, we support the petition because that will allow the Supreme Court to once more pass upon the validity of the declaration of the extension. The constitution provides for that remedy and the court is obliged, under the constitution, to render a decision 30 days after it is submitted for decision. The SC has to act on it, on the merits, as distinguished from the old constitution where the SC then could consider it as political question and decline to decide. In this particular case, under our present system, the SC must decide on the validity of the extension. That is a welcome move that gives the SC an opportunity to pass upon the validity of the extension.Press Release

January 8, 2018 Legarda Urges Public to Patronize PHL Contemporary Art Senator Loren Legarda called on the public to support Philippine art and visit the newly-launched Philippine Contemporary Art Network (PCAN) at the Vargas Museum, University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. The PCAN, which was made possible by the guidance, vision, and support of Legarda, serves as a venue for research, exhibition, curatorial exchange, public engagement and publication. Based in the state university's Vargas Museum, it was launched last December 8, 2017 with its initial project, "Place of Region in the Contemporary," that will run until January 27, 2018. "It all started with a vision to have our own permanent institute for contemporary art that will fully develop the skills of the country's talented artists and curators. With the help of Dr. Patrick Flores, this vision has finally turned into reality," said Legarda, who has been actively advocating for the development of Philippine art and is the visionary behind the return of the Philippines to the Venice Biennale in 2015 after a 51-year hiatus. Dr. Flores, director of PCAN, explains that PCAN's inaugural project was built through three nodes in a network: Knowledge Production and Circulation; Exhibition and Curatorial Analysis; Public Engagement and Artistic Formation. "The project endeavors to activate a network to coordinate a range of interventions in contemporary art in the Philippines and to cast a sharper profile for it on an inter-local and trans-regional scale. It is keen to confront the requirements of research and discourse; curate art and subject the curatorial gesture to critique; and propose modes of catalyzing the public sphere of art and in the process harness the energies of its agents." The three nodes were coordinated by Roberto G. Paulino, Renan Laru-an, and Tessa Maria Guanzon, who was a participant of the Curatorial Intensive in Manila last November 2016, a project supported by Legarda with the New York-based Independent Curators International (ICI). Legarda said she hopes that through PCAN, we can create a vibrant forum for the discussion and development of contemporary art in the Philippines. "The country has a wealth of talented artists and curators and we are now seeing a renaissance in Philippine art. With sustained government support, as well as initiatives from the private sector, we can do more and we can show that to the world. This is just the beginning of a vision to put the Filipino talent in its rightful place in the world," Legarda concluded. The PCAN's Place of Region in the Contemporary is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9am-5pm, except declared holidays. For more information, please contact Vargas Museum at (+632) 981-8500 loc. 4024 (UP trunkline), (+632) 928-1925 (telefax) or vargasmuseum@gmail.com, or visit their website at http://vargasmuseum.upd.edu.ph.Oakland City Councilwoman Desley Brooks knockdown assault on former Black Panther leader Elaine Brown at a barbecue restaurant in Jack London Square could wind up costing the citys taxpayers a whopping $3 million  plus attorneys fees.

At issue is the citys portion of the $3.77 million verdict handed down by an Alameda County jury Dec. 21 against the East Oakland councilwoman for knocking Brown to the ground during a heated 2015 exchange. The fight was over city funding for a Brown-linked nonprofits housing and commercial development.

Brooks had pledged to kill the funding, reportedly telling Brown the project was of no benefit to black people.

The war of words ended when Brooks shoved the then-72-year-old Brown over a set of fixed chairs at Everett and Jones Barbeque, the jury found. Brown hit her head on a table and landed on the floor on her back.

She suffered bruises and a torn rotator cuff that required surgery. Brown filed a police report, but no criminal charges were brought against Brooks.

The jury in Browns civil case concluded that Brooks had been acting within her capacity as an Oakland official when she shoved the ex-Panther, and nailed the city for $2.4 million for Browns past pain and suffering and $1.375 million for future suffering.

Thats an armored carload more than the $25,000 that Browns attorney, Charles Bonner, says the city had put on the table in hopes of settling the case ahead of trial.

The judge could knock back the verdict as excessive, but Bonner doesnt expect it.

Their (the citys) own doctor told them all the injuries came from this assault, and (Brown) has permanent injuries, Bonner said. She will be in pain for the rest of her life.

He added, The award is not out of proportion with the damages. Elaines life has been totally altered.

Michael Short/Special To The Chronicle

If the judgment stands, Oakland will have to dig into its general fund to pay more than $3 million to Brown. Only $750,000 would be covered by its liability insurance.

And because the jury found that the assault was a case of elder abuse, the city may be on the hook for Browns attorneys fees as well. Bonner wouldnt say how much hell be seeking, but experts speculated that the figure could run north of $375,000.

For a city thats always scraping to pay its bills, its more than painful. The $3 million price tag, for example, is equal to all the extra funding Oakland plans to spend over the next two years to deal with its growing homeless camps.

Any verdict against a public servant is a tremendous waste of taxpayer money, said Justin Berton, spokesman for Mayor Libby Schaaf. Oaklanders would rather spend their money on affordable housing, libraries and paved roads than one individuals bad behavior.

For the city, at least, this is about as bad as this case will get. But its just starting for Brooks.

Jurors are scheduled to reconvene Monday to consider punitive damages against the 56-year-old councilwoman, who has represented East Oakland at City Hall since 2002. Those damages would come directly out of her pocket.

Alex Katz, chief of staff for City Attorney Barbara Parker, said his office would have no comment while the case is pending. But the city is likely to appeal.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

In a statement after the jury returned its verdict, Brooks said, While Im disappointed in the decision, I respect the jury and the process. I assume the city will appeal the decision and I will respect that process. Neither she nor her attorney responded to our request for comment.

The Brown judgment is the latest in a series of big civil payouts for Oakland in recent years. In 2014, Scott Olsen, an Iraq War veteran whose skull was fractured by a police beanbag during an Occupy Oakland protest, settled with the city for $4.5 million. But in that case, the city was required to shell out only $1.8 million, with insurance picking up the rest.

The same year, a cyclist who suffered severe injuries in a crash on pothole-laden Mountain Boulevard agreed to a $3.25 million settlement. As in the Brown case, the city was on the hook for $3 million.

Although shes not responding to our questions, Brooks did send an email greeting to East Oakland residents on New Years Day. She said she looked forward to working with her constituents to build a better Oakland and a better community in 2018.

San 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More than $187,000 has been pledged to an online fundraising campaign started by a Bay Area tech company executive to help a Roy Moore accuser whose Alabama home burned down in a case of suspected arson.

The GoFundMe campaign to help Tina Johnson, one of the women who accused the failed U.S. Senate candidate of sexual harassment, started Friday and exceeded its initial $100,000 fundraising goal in less than two days.

I dont know this woman, but I do know she has risked a lot and has lost a lot, said organizer Katie Jacobs Stanton, chief marketing officer for Color Genomics, a Burlingame genomic testing company. And its important for people to support their neighbors, whether they are in California or Alabama.

Johnson is one of several women who accused Moore of past incidents of sexual misconduct. The accusations helped scuttle the Republican candidates bid for a Senate seat last month. Moore, a former judge, has denied the accusations.

The home Johnson shared with her husband and grandson in Gadsden, northeast of Birmingham, was destroyed by fire Jan. 3. Investigators in Etowah County, Ala., are investigating the blaze as an arson, but said there was no indication the fire was linked to the accusations against Moore.

Stanton is a former Google executive and Twitter vice president who served as White House director of citizen participation in the first year of the Obama administration.

Stanton said shed never before met or talked to Johnson, but was heartbroken to hear news of the fire. She had never started a GoFundMe campaign, but felt inspired by her bravery to help even in just a small way to rebuild her home. A reporter in Alabama helped Stanton connect with Johnson by text and then by phone.

Shes just a very sweet, humble woman, Stanton said. She just wants to get back on her feet with her family.

The GoFundMe page went up Friday and had taken donations from nearly 6,000 people by Tuesday , with funds coming from people in all 50 states, Stanton said.

I dont know Tina Johnson. But I believe her, Stanton wrote on the page. The initial funding target was based on the value of Johnsons home as listed on the real estate site Zillow.com, but Stanton knew she would need more to rebuild.

Whatever is left over, she wants to offer to local nonprofits, and theres one she had in mind that does support for women in need, Stanton said.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

We are overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness, Stanton wrote in an update. Its a wonderful reminder that ordinary people can do extraordinary things and love trumps hate.

Johnson told the Alabama Media Group that she was grateful for the support.

I just thank everyone all across America from the bottom of my heart, Johnson told AL.com . I just cannot give them the proper words. God is good.

Benny Evangelista is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: bevangelista@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChronicleBennyEditor s note: Here are three Bay Area startups worth watching this week.

Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating app that promises to give women all the control.

Founded five years ago by three sisters, the San Francisco company has raised $11 million in funding and claims responsibility for thousands of relationships. Users can either subscribe or pay for more matches as they go.

How it works: Each day at noon, men receive a number of womens profiles  known as Bagels  that they can either like or pass on. Then, Coffee Meets Bagel selects the potential matches for women from the men who express interest.

Ladies then choose who they talk to based on the men who have indicated that they would like to chat.

CEO Arum Kang said the company could be trending on startup database Crunchbase because the holidays tend to be the apps busy season. The company also released a feature in November that allows users to record themselves answering questions like: What was your holiday meal? and What is your New Years resolution?

Online dating is heading in the direction where people want to feel like they can connect with someone on the service, Kang said. Things like video can really help people achieve that goal.

But, she said, theres one problem: Women have been slower to adopt the video feature than men. Kang said her team is trying to figure out how to make women feel more confident in front of the camera.

It continues to fascinate me how women and men behave so differently and interpret things differently, she said. Because of these discrepancies, she said, We continue to focus on our female experience.

Also trending:

DroneDeploy

What it does: A cloud-based drone mapping and analytics service that allows people to inspect large plots of land, such as construction sites and farms, from above. It generates a 3-D satellite map in real time.

What happened: This company could be trending this week because of a report by KBV Research that says the market for global drone services is expected to reach $14.1 billion by 2022.

Why it matters: 3-D maps have a variety of uses. Farmers could monitor their land and spot problems, like a rotting section of produce, before it spreads.

Headquarters: San Francisco.

Funding: $31 million, according to Crunchbase.

Employees: 51-100, according to Crunchbase.

Touch

of Modern

What it does: An e-commerce site and app that offers lifestyle products, clothing and accessories designed for men.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

What happened: The company was ranked fifth on the list of Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America by Entrepreneur magazine last week.

Why it matters: Like every online retailer, Touch of Modern faces stiff competition from Amazon. The company is attempting to set itself apart from the rest by focusing on male customers and offering carefully chosen products at a discount.

Headquarters: San Francisco.

Funding: $17 million.

Employees: 130.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani

How we pick

the companies

Every week, The Chronicle and Crunchbase, a San Francisco firm that tracks key businesses in technology, analyze private Bay Area companies based on their financial backing, employees and activity on Crunchbase. We feature three that are moving up in the ranks. For more information on the companies: www.crunchbase.comA prominent San Francisco donor to the Democratic Party says she is considering withdrawing support for senators who urged their colleague Al Franken to resign after he was accused of sexual misconduct.

Susie Tompkins Buell has been one of the Democratic Partys most generous supporters for decades. In particular, she has been a champion of female politicians, including Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Maria Cantwell of Washington.

Last month, those senators were among the dozens who called for Franken to resign from the Senate after at least six women accused him of sexual harassment or misconduct, such as forcible kissing and groping.

Franken announced his resignation Dec. 7 before the Senate Ethics Committee had completed a review of the accusations, which he disputed.

Buell said in a text message Saturday that withdrawing support from the senators who called for his resignation was an option she was considering.

In my gut they moved too fast, she wrote, adding that Franken was never given his chance to tell his side of the story.

For me this is dangerous and wrong, she added. I am a big believer in helping more women into the political system but this has given me an opportunity to rethink of how I can best help my party.

She is a friend of Hillary Clintons and has spoken in support of Gillibrand, who led the charge in the Senate to urge Franken to leave.

In her text, Buell said she did not know Franken personally but had met him a couple of times and was impressed by his work as a senator.

As for Gillibrand, unfortunately, I believe she miscalculated and has shot herself in the foot, she added. I have supported her for many years. Will I going forward? To be determined.

Buell was a founder of the clothing brand Esprit and has spent decades fundraising and donating millions of dollars for liberal causes and candidates. Her Susie Tompkins Buell Foundation has awarded grants to organizations supporting climate change education, a free press and womens rights.

Her comments about the senators who called for Frankens resignation were reported by BuzzFeed.

Jacey Fortin is a New York Times writer.Last years devastating floods and fires in California combined with hurricanes and other natural disasters to wreak unprecedented financial damage on the United States, the federal government reported Monday.

The nation endured 16 weather and climate events that inflicted $1 billion or more apiece in damage in 2017, tying 2011 for the most 10-digit calamities in a year and setting an annual total-cost record of $306 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The natural disasters resulted in 362 deaths.

As federal aid for disasters is stretched and places from Puerto Rico to the Wine Country struggle to rebuild, the new report raises questions about what can be done to minimize the growing impact of bad weather  some of which is being made worse by climate change.

If were just hoping for fewer disasters, we can forget about it. Theres going to be more disaster and its going to be worse, said Irwin Redlener, director of Columbia Universitys National Center for Disaster Preparedness, which helps communities evaluate and respond to climate change and other risks. I dont know where the money is going to come from, but were going to have to get it.

The cost of last years wildfires in the West, including Octobers blazes in the North Bay, hit $18 billion, three times the previous single-year record for fire damage, according to the NOAA report. Fifty-four people died in fires nationwide, 44 of them in Northern California.

California also reeled from big storms and flooding in February, contributing to the partial collapse of the spillway at Oroville Dam and a flood on San Joses Coyote Creek that forced the evacuations of 14,000 people. In addition, the San Diego area sustained heavy wind damage in January when a series of storms struck the southern tier of the United States. Each of the weather events caused slightly more than $1 billion in damage, federal officials said.

Among the 16 big-ticket disasters in 2017, hurricanes exacted the greatest toll, with $265 billion in damage, according to the report. The death count from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, which smacked the Southeast and U.S. territories in the Caribbean in August and September, was 251.

Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana was the worst of the three, going down as the second most destructive U.S. storm since reliable tracking of weather and climate damage began in 1980. At $125 billion, Harveys devastation trails only Hurricane Katrinas in 2005.

NOAAs annual climate update did not attempt to assign blame for last years high disaster toll. Federal scientists merely suggested possible factors, including global warming, a La Nina weather pattern and the increased vulnerability of communities to weather events.

The report, however, highlights the stark increase in temperatures that most scientists attribute to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and blame for the uptick in extreme weather.

Last year was the nations third-warmest since record keeping began in 1895, according to NOAA. Every state except Hawaii saw an above-average annual temperature for the third year in a row. Meanwhile, the number of billion-dollar disasters has risen since 1980, when there were three, the report shows.

Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor of earth system science at Stanford University, said theres no doubt that the warming climate is contributing to the damage totals.

We know that the fuel available for wildfires has been on the increase in the West, and global warming is responsible for that, he said. Likewise with tropical cyclones, we know that with sea level rise, due to climate change, there is greater surge flooding.

Diffenbaugh added, The more emissions of greenhouse gases that occur, the more extreme events will intensify.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Congress is deliberating one of its largest-ever disaster packages to speed recovery in areas hit hard last year. The $81 billion aid bill, which passed the House last month but stalled in the Senate, would provide infrastructure repairs, housing and other relief to communities in California, Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration, meanwhile, has deployed more workers than in any other year but 2005, when Katrina flooded New Orleans. More than 1,800 emergency personnel have helped with hurricanes while 180 have assisted with the California wildfires, the agency said.

In Sonoma and Napa counties, the disaster workers are removing debris from burned homes and businesses, helping rebuild roads, bridges and water systems, and providing temporary housing.

But even with that mobilization, said Columbias Redlener, the need for emergency services far surpasses supply.

The long-term goal, Redlener said, is for communities to become more resilient to extreme weather by building sturdier homes and infrastructure. The problem, he added, is a lack of money and commitment from the federal government.

Were really at a crossroads here, but the Trump administration doesnt seem to get what we need to do, Redlener said, noting the presidents denial of human-caused climate change and its effects. Im just very worried.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexanderRon Chapple/Getty Image

Six people died early Sunday in a crash caused by a wrong-way driver that resulted in both vehicles catching fire on a freeway near Woodland (Yolo County), authorities said.

Officers received calls about 12:30 a.m. of a Chevrolet traveling south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5, just north of County Road 17 in the unincorporated community of Yolo, according to the California Highway Patrol.WASHINGTON -

Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III has told President Trump's legal team that his office is likely to seek an interview with the president, triggering a discussion among his attorneys about how to avoid a sit-down encounter or set limits on such a session, according to two people familiar with the talks.

Mueller raised the issue of interviewing Trump during a late December meeting with the president's lawyers John Dowd and Jay Sekulow. Mueller deputy James Quarles, who oversees the White House portion of the special counsel investigation, also attended.

The special counsel's team could interview Trump soon on some limited portion of questions - possibly within the next several weeks, according to a person close to the president, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal conversations.

"This is moving faster than anyone really realizes," the person said. Trump is comfortable participating in an interview and believes it would put to rest questions about whether his campaign coordinated with Russia in the 2016 election, the person added.

However, the president's attorneys are reluctant to let him sit for open-ended, face-to-face questioning without clear parameters, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Since the December meeting, they have discussed whether the president could provide written answers to some of the questions from Mueller's investigators, as President Ronald Reagan did during the Iran-contra investigation. They have also discussed the obligation of Mueller's team to demonstrate that it could not obtain the information ite seeks without interviewing the president.

The legal team's internal discussions about how to respond to a request for an interview were first reported Monday morning by NBC News.

Dowd and Sekulow declined to comment.

In a statement, Ty Cobb, the White House lawyer overseeing the administration's response to the Mueller investigation, said that "the White House does not comment on communications with the OSC out of respect for the OSC and its process," referring to the special counsel's office.

"The White House is continuing its full cooperation with the OSC in order to facilitate the earliest possible resolution," Cobb added.

Cobb had repeatedly said all interviews of White House personnel by Mueller's office were on schedule to be completed by the end of December or early this year. On Monday, he said he remains confident that any portion of the investigation related to the president or the White House will wrap up shortly.

Mueller and Trump's legal team plan to meet again soon to discuss both the possible terms and substance of the interview, as well as Mueller's timeline for the investigation, according to one person familiar with the plan.

Trump's lawyers hope to obtain from the special counsel's team a clear idea of the categories of questions that would be posed to the president.

For months, Trump's legal team has been researching the conditions under which the president would be required to submit to an interview with the special counsel, who is investigating Russia's meddling in the 2016 election.

"No lawyer just volunteers their client without thinking this through," said one of the people familiar with the talks.

It has long been expected that Mueller would seek to interview Trump, in part because the special counsel is scrutinizing whether actions he took in office were attempts to blunt the Russia investigation, according to people familiar with questions posed to witnesses.

In May, Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey after Comey testified on Capitol Hill that he could not comment on whether there was evidence that Russia had colluded with the Trump campaign.

The president also dictated a misleading statement later released by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., about a meeting that Trump Jr. had with a Russian lawyer during the presidential campaign.

Veteran prosecutors said it is unlikely that Mueller would agree to have any witness, even the president, submit a declaration or provide written answers to questions to avoid a sit-down interview.

Some experts said a presidential interview could signal that Mueller's investigation into the Trump's actions is nearing its end, but they cautioned that the special counsel might have a different strategy.

"It would certainly seem they would be close to wrapping up as it relates to the core matter they are investigating," said Solomon Wisenberg, a deputy independent counsel who questioned President Bill Clinton in 1998. "You would want to know as much as possible before you go to the president. "

Asked on Saturday if he had agreed to be interviewed by Mueller, Trump said he had nothing to hide.

"Just so you understand, there's been no collusion, there's been no crime, and in theory everybody tells me I'm not under investigation. Maybe Hillary [Clinton] is, I don't know, but I'm not," Trump told reporters at Camp David. "But we have been very open. We could have done it two ways. We could have been very closed, and it would have taken years. But you know, sort of like when you've done nothing wrong, let's be open and get it over with."

"Because, honestly, it's very, very bad for our country," the president added. "It's making our country look foolish. And this is a country that I don't want looking foolish. And it's not going to look foolish as long as I'm here."

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

In June, after Comey told a congressional panel that Trump had privately asked for his loyalty, the president said he would be willing to testify under oath to dispute the fired FBI director's claims.

"One hundred percent," Trump said when asked if he would give a sworn statement to Mueller.

Sitting presidents have been interviewed by prosecutors in the past, though courts have urged government investigators to seek such interviews only when they cannot obtain relevant information another way.

Clinton's attorneys repeatedly fought independent counsel Kenneth W. Starr's attempts to interview their client until investigators obtained a subpoena to force his testimony. It was the first grand jury subpoena served on a sitting president. Clinton then negotiated to testify before a grand jury via video and audio link from the White House Map Room.

In the videotaped interview in August 1998, which lasted four hours and saw questions from three prosecutors, Clinton admitted to inappropriate sexual activity with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, but he claimed he had been legally correct in denying that he had had sexual relations with her. He also denied having committed perjury in a lawsuit brought by Paula Jones.

Not all presidential interviews with prosecutors have come at the end of an investigation.

In 2004, President George W. Bush sat for an in-person interview with special prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald, who was investigating whether senior White House aides leaked a CIA operative's identity and broke her cover as punishment for her husband's criticism of the Iraq War. Bush volunteered for the interview, which lasted 70 minutes and was conducted in the Oval Office. Bush was far from the last one interviewed in the probe; Fitzgerald later questioned several more central witnesses.

"The leaking of classified information is a very serious matter," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said at the time, adding that Bush was "pleased to do his part" to aid the investigation.

Reagan testified in the Iran-contra investigation while in office and twice more after he left office. He also answered in writing some written questions presented to him by the grand jury and the independent counsel in the probe.

In 1975, President Gerald R. Ford was interviewed as part of a grand jury investigation into an assassination attempt. In a taped session in the Old Executive Office Building, Ford shared his recollections of events when Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a Charles Manson follower, tried to shoot Ford at close range in Sacramento in September 1975. The tape was used at her trial that year.

---

The Washington Post's Rosalind S. Helderman contributed to this report.The census is one of the cornerstones of our democracy. This once-a-decade count of the U.S. population is best known for determining congressional and state representation, but it also determines representation of other kinds. Officials depend on an accurate census count for everything from federal spending to public health priorities.

So the cascade of news about all the ways in which the 2020 census effort is being undermined and outright attacked by the GOP-led Congress and the Trump administration is distressing.

Alarm bells started ringing last year.

Congressional lawmakers underfunded the Census Bureau. Then reports surfaced that President Trumps pick for deputy director of the bureau was Thomas Brunell, a political science professor with little managerial experience. Hes best known for his arguments on behalf of gerrymandering.

Now the Department of Justice has filed a request to ask people about their citizenship status.

The purpose of the census is not to count U.S. citizens; its to count everyone in the country. Asking about citizenship status has nothing to do with the accuracy of the census, but in this anti-immigration climate its a surefire way to drive down response rates.

Those who cant be counted wont be represented.

Experts have predicted that asking census respondents about their immigration status would affect both red and blue states  reliably Republican Texas has nearly 5 million eligible Hispanic voters, for example.

However, because Latinos and other people of color tend to vote for Democrats, the impact of an under-counted census would fall most heavily on Democratic-leaning states and districts.

Census counts already tend to under-count people of color. The last census failed to find 1.5 percent of the Hispanic population and 2.1 percent of the African American population, for example.

There isnt much time to make changes to the 2020 census efforts.

By adding hostile and irrelevant questions that are sure to drive down census participation by these segments of the U.S. population, the Trump administration is undermining the integrity of the census process and damaging the next 10 years of democracy.

Congress needs to step in and challenge the Justice Departments request.

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.A televised advertisement aimed at discouraging drivers from getting behind the wheel under the influence of marijuana was removed by California officials after critics said it promoted use of the drug.

The ad, part of the DUI Doesnt Just Mean Booze campaign by the California Office of Traffic Safety, starts with a montage of people listing reasons they use cannabis  before assuring that they never drive while intoxicated.

OK, I love it, one man says of marijuana, smiling and looking into the camera.

Rhonda Craft, director of the Office of Traffic Safety, said in a statement, We are cognizant and share the concerns expressed over certain elements of our most recent ads. As a result, we will continue to refine and improve messaging as we move forward.

The agency plans to continue using another ad that was produced for an earlier anti-DUI campaign. The points remain the same  drive high and you can get a DUI, Craft said.

The ad that was pulled began running late last year in preparation for the Jan. 1 launch of recreational cannabis sales under Proposition 64. The controversy over it underscores tension over legalization, with tax receipts from sales directed toward programs designed to combat problems associated with drug use.

The ad features several people describing the benefits of their marijuana use.

It helps my anxiety, a man says.

It helps my cramps, a woman says.

It allows me to slow my thought process, another man says.

Later, all of them say they wouldnt drive under the influence.

I never drive high, one man says.

Its still a DUI, adds a woman.

Rob Stutzman, a conservative political consultant and former spokesman for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, tweeted his disdain for the video, calling on Gov. Jerry Brown to remove it.

This CA taxpayer funded PSA spends most air time normalizing/promoting pot use before saying dont drive stoned. Imagine same extolling virtues of alcohol? This is is absurd, @JerryBrownGov should nix this, Stutzman wrote on Twitter.

Recreational marijuana sales kicked off Jan. 1 in a number of cities, including Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose and Sebastopol, and started over the weekend in San Francisco.

The state launched its campaign in 2016 to bring awareness to the danger of drivers using prescription drugs and marijuana, whether legally or not. Under California law, driving under the influence of cannabis is a crime.

Mohammed Abraar Ali, 22, of Hayward was charged with second-degree murder as well as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol in a Christmas Eve crash that killed a California Highway Patrol officer in Hayward.

Ali admitted to using marijuana before the crash and had the drug in his system, CHP officials said.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani

View the ad

The advertisement against driving under the influence of marijuana that was pulled by state officials can be seen at bit.ly/2En3rcR.A Bay Area actor who appeared in episodes of the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" was arrested on suspicion of stealing from and burglarizing elderly Bay Area residents, according to police.

Bryan Box, 23, of Vallejo was arrested and charged with nine felony counts of burglary, possession of stolen property and theft by a caretaker of an elder.

ALSO: Former HGTV star arrested in Los Gatos

Box was previously a caretaker at various residences in Marin County before he landed a bit part as student Jamie Garrison on the locally-filmed "13 Reasons Why." During the fall, police connected Box to a series of burglaries throughout Greenbrae, Tiburon, Novato and Mill Valley at residences where he formerly worked, police stated.

In some of the burglaries, Box allegedly stopped at the homes of these former clients, visiting with them and talking about his role on the Netflix show, the Marin Independent-Journal reported. Only later would those elderly residents realize items were missing.

Box was linked to six burglaries. Jewelry, medications, a laptop, Social Security card and checks were among the items taken from the residences. One of these burglaries added up to a total of $50,000 in items missing.

A search warrant served on Box's home in Vallejo turned up stolen property and police allegedly linked Box to a pawn shop in Oakland where other related stolen items were found. The manager of the pawn shop had apparently recalled speaking with Box and mentioned Box's "recent notoriety from the television show," according to a prosecution affidavit obtained by the Marin IJ.

Detectives with the Central Marin Police Authority, Tiburon Police Department and the Vallejo Police Department placed Box under arrest in Vallejo on Dec. 29. Bail was set at $250,000 and he was released on bail bond with an arraignment set for Jan. 16 at Marin Superior Court.I grew up traveling to Mexico. It was an easy trip into Baja from Ventura County, California, my home. We would camp on desert points and surf for days. I always found the dusty peninsula and the country as a whole surprising, welcoming and exciting. It was not until the series of trips I took there in 2017 with Josh Partlow, our Mexico bureau chief, that I truly felt afraid. Afraid for my safety. Afraid for what Mexico had become.

The assignment started with a text from my editor, Nick Kirkpatrick, asking if I wanted to travel to a "sketchy narco zone," in Guerrero, one of Mexico's most violent states. The stories I had read about Mexican journalists being assassinated throughout the country for covering the violence and cartels were numerous. The country is second only to Syria in the number of journalists being killed on the job. But this is Mexico, a country and people I admire and respect. I knew with proper planning this was a story I wanted to photograph.Daniel Smith-Rowsey, a film historian and adjunct professor at St. Mary's College in Moraga, was in the midst of a Skype interview with Al Jazeera English when the live broadcast took a sudden turn. His five-year-old son, Rainier, walked in. Adorableness, as one may expect, ensued in abundance.

Host Sohail Rahman was probing Smith-Rowsey, a resident of Berkeley, about Sunday evening's Golden Globe Awards and the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, when a tiny face suddenly appeared on screen.

"Uh," says Smith-Rowsey, visibly caught off-guard. "That's my child, excuse me."

Rahman took the interruption in-stride, inviting little Rainier to participate in the broadcast. The adults continue chatting as the five-year-old completely steals the show, boasting a giant smile and a gold toy car, which he drives up and down his father's formal black shirt throughout the discussion.

The heartwarming moment harkened back to a viral March interview with professor Robert Kelly on BBC, in which his two children bust into a live Skype discussion and are dragged away by Kelly's frustrated wife.

Smith-Rowsey had a more laid-back approach to his kindergartener's interruption. He remains onscreen until the last minute, waving farewell to the camera with his tiny hand.

"Bye!" he says off-screen as the interview ends.

Speaking to SFGATE on Monday, Smith-Rowsey admitted he was "mortified" when his five-year-old walked in.

"Our office door has a broken lock, and another family member had been assigned to keep an eye on my son," he said. "But these things happen."

Smith-Rowsey said he showed Rainier, known as "Razor" among friends and family, the interview after the fact, only for the bubbly youngster to completely talk over it, unimpressed.

As for his son's nonchalant reaction to stardom, Smith-Rowsey had a fittingly academic justification: "These kids grow up seeing themselves on (homemade) videos a lot more often than you and I did as children."Time's up, and the Golden Globes made sure everyone knows it.

The 75th annual awards show on Sunday, Jan. 7, honored the biggest names in movies and television.This February, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition with presenting sponsor BevMo! celebrates its 18-year anniversary as the largest competition of American wines in the world. At the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, wine enthusiasts will enjoy sampling award winning wines from all across the country at the competitions popular Public Tasting. The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Public Tasting will take place Saturday, February 17th from 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.

Year after year, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC) grows more competitive and more prestigious, drawing a huge number of entries from some of the finest wineries across the nation. SFCWC award-winners, especially the Sweepstakes and Best of Class winners, are widely regarded as among the best wines in America. Due to the SFCWCs size and the expertise of the judging panel, this competition is often considered the ultimate barometer for wine consumers to select and measure wine.

The public tasting event is always a highly anticipated event for wine lovers, many of whom come to the tasting with very educated palates. At the public tasting, guests come together to learn even more about wines, while gourmet food purveyors offer delectable food samples that pair perfectly with the award winning selections. The public tastingtraditionally a sellout eventalso features KGO Radio show hosts, writers from the San Francisco Chronicle and notable wine industry leaders.

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the definitive competition for American wines. To win a medal here  to stand out in a crowd of 7,000-plus submissions  is an enormous accomplishment for a winery, said Esther Mobley, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine, Beer and Spirits editor.

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition will kick off this year with the judging, which is set to take place from January 9-12 at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds. 67 elite wine judges from all areas of the wine industry, including media, trade, education, retail and restaurant/hospitality, will gather to participate in the blind judging. Wines are categorized by varietal and price range, evaluated, and then select winners will be invited to participate in the Public Tasting event.

Over the past decade, the number of wine entries submitted to the SFCWC has grown rapidly. In 2018, the competition had nearly 7,000 entries from 35 states, illustrating the steady demand for a variety of options among wine consumers and firmly establishing the event's prestige as an esteemed wine competition.

The SFCWC supports wine studies, enology, and viticulture programs for higher education institutions in California. Leftover wines from the competition are donated annually to Santa Rosa Junior College, Fresno State University, Sonoma State University and California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo.

Follow the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition on Twitter @Winejudging for info on the event and for special contests leading up to the public tasting.

WHAT: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Public Tasting

WHEN: Saturday, February 17, 2018

WHERE: Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

TIME: 1:30pm  5pm

COST: $55 Early bird discount (before January 1), $70 Advance Purchase, $95 at the door (the event has sold out for the past seven years; advance ticket purchase is recommended.)

INFO: For tickets and additional information, visit www.winejudging.com

PARKING: Limited parking is available at Fort Mason Center. In addition there is public transportation and parking nearby. There is a new metered parking system on the Fort Mason Parking Lot and parking on nearby Crissy Field Parking Lot. We recommend you take advantage of public transport.

MEDIA: Contact The Larose Group, 650-548-6700 or amadsen@prmagic.com

About the SFCWC: Founded in 1983 as the modestly sized Cloverdale Citrus Fair Wine Competition, the current competition has evolved immensely over the years, expanding its eligibility to wineries throughout the United States. In 2000, the event gained sponsorship from the San Francisco Chronicle and appropriately assumed the title the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The Cloverdale Citrus Fair, host of the SFCWC, supports wine and food education at educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. Leftover wines from the competition are often donated to wine programs at the Santa Rosa Junior College, Fresno State University, Sonoma State University, California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, and other non-profit organizations.VALE DE SALGUEIRO, Portugal  The Epiphany celebrations in the Portuguese village of Vale de Salgueiro feature a tradition that each year causes an outcry among outsiders: Parents encouraging their children, some as young as 5, to smoke cigarettes.

Locals say the practice has been passed down for centuries as part of a celebration of life tied to the Christian Epiphany and the winter solstice  but nobody is sure what it symbolizes or exactly why parents buy the packs of cigarettes for their children and encourage them to take part.A group of people, scantily clad from the waist down, took over public transit in San Francisco Sunday afternoon.

As part of the annual "No Pants BART Ride," about 45 pants-less people boarded a Daly City-bound train at the Civic Center/UN Plaza Station around 1:15 p.m. They chatted, joked, and posed for pictures as the train headed south.

"Alright, so what's the occasion?" asked one bemused passenger.

Participants were instructed to act normal and deflect questions about their unconventional outfits.

"I forgot to wear my pants," responded one man wearing only underwear from the waist down.

ALSO READ: Where to get naked in the Bay Area  and not feel weird about it

But another participant spilled the beans, explaining it was part of the annual ride, which stages similar events around the world.

Besides, if the tightly-clustered and unusually friendly bunch of pants-less people didn't make it obvious something out of the ordinary was going on, the constant clicking of news cameras certainly did.

"This is not an exhibitionist thing, to be very clear," co-organizer Jay Zalowitz told SFGATE last year. "This is a spontaneous delight and meant to bring enjoyment out of people's day. We ran into some soldiers on the way back from Oakland Airport and you should have seen the smile this brought to their faces  and that alone makes something like this worth it."

The group disembarked at Balboa Park Station and posed for a group picture before returning to Civic Center. From there, they headed off to an afterparty, which yes, is also pants-less.

MORE FROM LAST YEAR: Annual 'no pants' BART ride attracts participants despite huge storm

The event was started in 2001 by New York City-based prank collective Improv Everywhere and has since spread to other metropolitan areas, including New York, Boston, Prague and Berlin.

SFGATE's Dianne de Guzman contributed to this report.

Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com.A federal judge in Las Vegas on Monday dismissed charges against Cliven Bundy and his sons who had been accused of leading an armed standoff against federal land managers.

Judge Gloria Navarro of U.S. District Court said the governments missteps in withholding evidence against the three Bundy family members and a supporter, Ryan Payne, were so grave that the indictment against them would be dismissed.

Navarro declared a mistrial last month in the case, stemming from the standoff at the Bundy ranch in 2014 that had arisen over land-grazing fees. She said then that prosecutors had failed to turn over important evidence to the defense, including video taken surreptitiously within the ranch during the standoff, and evidence that FBI agents were involved in the incident.

Her decision to throw out the case shattered a long government effort to portray the Bundy family members as violent extremists. It also undermined in many ways a core argument by Cliven Bundy, 71, and his sons that the federal government had become an omnipotent force of police power and that opponents to federal land policies would be crushed.

The 2014 standoff began when the Bureau of Land Management seized cattle from Bundys ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., in an attempt to force him to pay decades of fees for grazing his cattle on federal land. Bundy insisted he did not have to pay the charges because, he said, he had inherited water rights on the land. At the height of the standoff, hundreds of antigovernment activists, many of them carrying guns, rallied to the Bundys cause, until the confrontation ended with the withdrawal of federal agents.

In the years since, the family became even more firmly entrenched in the deep and bitter debate over public land policy in the West  seen either as right-wing extremists or stalwarts in standing up against federal government overreach.

Ammon and Ryan Bundy and five of their followers were acquitted by a federal jury in October 2016 on all charges related to their takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon earlier that year. Last August, another federal jury, in Nevada, declined to convict four other men who were involved in the Bundy ranch standoff. And earlier this year a jury in Oregon split on charges against four men in the Malheur takeover  convicting two of conspiracy charges but acquitting two others.

After Navarros ruling in December that prosecutors had withheld evidence in the ranch standoff that might have helped the defendants, prosecutors said in their court filings that fears of violence against witnesses were part of their decision-making in what evidence to release.

Kirk Johnson is a New York Times writer.SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico  Federal officials said Monday that efforts to fully restore power to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria should get a boost with more work crews and supplies in upcoming weeks.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it is getting its own barge to ship items and that materials it requested several months ago have been manufactured and are finally on their way to the U.S. territory.

Were doing everything we can to increase the (power companys) ability to do this as fast as possible for the people of Puerto Rico, said Col. John Lloyd, who is helping oversee power restoration efforts for the Corps of Engineers.

Lloyd told the Associated Press that officials over the weekend also discovered some needed equipment in a previously overlooked warehouse owned by Puerto Ricos Electric Power Authority. The lack of some of those hard-to-find pieces had delayed energizing certain lines, according to the Corps of Engineers.

Puerto Ricos energy infrastructure is about 44 years old, compared with an average 18 years in the U.S. mainland, so a lot of parts damaged or destroyed by the hurricane are no longer available and have to be manufactured, Lloyd said.

More than 40 percent of Puerto Ricos power customers remain in the dark nearly four months after the Category 4 storm hit the island, causing an estimated $95 billion in damage and killing dozens of people.

Lloyd said crews are still assessing damage and that his agency is still waiting for the shipment of hundreds of thousands of poles, transformers, fuses, towers, insulators, bolts and other pieces.

Of the nearly 31,000 poles ordered, almost 12,000 have arrived. Meanwhile, of the more than 6,000 transformers ordered, only 412 have arrived, but more than 630 are expected this week.

Lloyd said most of the island should have power by end of February or early March, estimating it could be fully powered by May.

Danica Coto is an Associated Press writer.1 Deputy killed: Authorities in Washington state appealed to the public for help Monday in tracking down a man suspected in the fatal shooting of a sheriffs deputy overnight. Pierce County deputy Daniel McCartney, a 34-year-old Navy veteran and married father of three boys, was shot during a foot chase late Sunday as he responded to a home invasion near the community of Frederickson, 15 miles southeast of Tacoma, said sheriffs spokesman Ed Troyer. One suspect was found dead at the scene, but another got away, authorities said. Police closed off roads and conducted a manhunt in an area that includes industrial sites as well as wooded areas, asking local residents to stay indoors, but did not find the man.

2 Trump Tower fire: A fire in a heating and air conditioning system at President Trumps namesake skyscraper injured three people and caused smoke to billow from the roof, the Fire Department of New York said Monday. The fire started around 7 a.m. at the Manhattan building that contains Trumps home and business offices. Two civilians and a firefighter were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. It took about an hour to extinguish the fire. The president was at the White House when fire engines clogged the streets around his Fifth Avenue luxury building during the morning rush hour.WASHINGTON  With President Trump cheering from the sidelines, the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern, as fired former aide Steve Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in a new books explosive portrait of Trump.

The presidents critics, meanwhile, said Trumps stream of taunts and insults in response to the book  Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released last week  only emphasized the authors unsettling portrayal of Trumps presidency, depicting a leader whose own aides consider him childish, ignorant and dangerously erratic.

The most vehement defense of Trump came Sunday from senior adviser Stephen Miller, a former Bannon acolyte who distanced himself from his mentor. Miller, on CNNs State of the Union, called the book grotesque and writer Michael Wolff the garbage author of a garbage book.

Wolff quoted Bannon as using the label treasonous for a Trump Tower meeting last year with Kremlin-linked figures, in which Donald Trump Jr. took part.

On Sunday, however, Bannon  who has faced withering attacks from the president since the books contents were first aired  sought to mend fences, praising Trumps son as both a patriot and a good man.

He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around, Bannon said in a statement first reported by Axios, which marked a striking reversal of the stance he struck in Wolffs telling.

Also Sunday, CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Wolffs characterization of Trump as averse to digesting classified briefing material was ludicrous, and the ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said those around Trump love their country and respect their president.

Trump is known to closely monitor aides televised performances in putting forth his case, and he gleefully weighed in within moments of Millers televised clash with State of the Union host Jake Tapper. CNN has long been a particular target of Trumps.

Jake Tapper of Fake News just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller, the president tweeted. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!

Trumps reaction, however, seemed to bolster Tappers on-air depiction of Miller as using his appearance on the show to play to the president rather than addressing questions put to him. I get it  theres one viewer that you care about, Tapper said in exasperation after Miller turned the discussion repeatedly to negative news coverage of the president while deflecting specific queries.

Laura King is a Tribune Co. writer.An undocumented immigrant acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges in the 2015 death of Kate Steinle on San Franciscos Pier 14 appeared for the first time Monday in federal court to face gun charges related to the politically charged shooting that he said was an accident.

Jose Ines Garcia Zarate  who during the hearing at the U.S. District Court in San Francisco said he goes by another name, Jose Juan Dominguez de la Parra  was charged by federal prosecutors with being a felon in possession of a firearm and being an undocumented immigrant in possession of a firearm.

He is also the subject of a federal warrant out of Texas alleging a probation violation. Authorities said he failed to check in with probation officers while committing a crime and possessing a weapon in San Francisco.

The federal gun charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and Garcia Zarate faces up to an two years in prison in the Texas case.

Garcia Zarate appeared Monday before Magistrate Judge Maria-Elena James alongside his attorney, J. Tony Serra. Dressed in red clothing from the Alameda County Jail, where he was moved last week by the U.S. Marshals Service, Garcia Zarate said he understood the charges against him, but did not enter a plea. He is due back in court Feb. 13.

Serra said he plans to file two motions to have the case dismissed, arguing that the federal prosecution constitutes double jeopardy after last years trial in San Francisco Superior Court and that the charges are vindictive.

A city jury acquitted Garcia Zarate on Nov. 30 of murder and manslaughter in Steinles killing on July 1, 2015, but found him guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. To bring the double-jeopardy motion, Serra said he must prove federal authorities and San Francisco prosecutors colluded.

Did the feds aid and abet in the state prosecution? Were they in the background directing strategy and trial tactics? Thats what we hope for here, Serra said.

The San Francisco district attorneys office declined to comment on the federal case.

The federal charges, Serra said, are vindictive because they came as result of the not-guilty verdicts in Superior Court.

Last Friday, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Samuel Feng sentenced Garcia Zarate to the maximum three-year prison term for the state gun charge. Garcia Zarate had already served his time awaiting trial, and was turned over to federal authorities, who had indicted him Dec. 5.

The case intensified a debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary laws because Garcia Zarate was facing a sixth deportation to his home country of Mexico before Steinles death. The San Francisco Sheriffs Department, following city policy, released him instead of turning him over to immigration agents.

Steinle, 32, died after being shot in the heart as she walked along the pier with her father. San Francisco prosecutors said the shooting was purposeful, but Garcia Zarates attorneys argued he found a gun that had been stolen days earlier from a federal agents nearby car. The gun, wrapped in a cloth under a bench on the pier, went off as Garcia Zarate unwrapped it, his attorneys said.

Evidence presented during a six-week trial showed the bullet ricocheted off the pier before hitting Steinle.

Before the shooting, Garcia Zarate had been brought to San Francisco to face a decades-old marijuana charge after he was released from federal prison in the Texas case. The drug charges were dropped and Garcia Zarate was released.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffskyBy Deepak Chopra, MD and Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhD

When the average person goes to the doctor, shows up at the ER, or enters the hospital, the possibility of controlling what happens next is minimal. We put ourselves in the hands of the medical machine, which in reality rests upon individual peopledoctors, nurses, physicians assistants, and so on. Human behavior involves lapses and mistakes, and these get magnified in medical care, where misreading a patients chart or failing to notice a specific symptom can be a matter of life and death. The riskiness of high-tech medicine like gene therapy and toxic cancer treatments is dramatically increased because there is a wider range of mistakes the more complex any treatment is. To be fair, doctors do their utmost to save patients who would have been left to die a generation ago, but they are successful only a percentage of the time.

Risk and mistakes go together, but the general public has limited knowledge of the disturbing facts:

 Medical errors are estimated to cause up to 440,000 deaths per year in U.S. hospitals alone. It is widely believed that this figure could be grossly inaccurate, because countless mistakes go unreporteddeath reports offer only the immediate cause, and many doctors band together to protect the reputation of their profession.

 The total direct expense of adverse events, as medical mistakes are known, is estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually.

 Indirect expenses such as lost economic productivity from premature death and unnecessary illness exceeds $1 trillion per year.

Statistics barely touch upon the fear involved when any patient thinks about being at the wrong end of a medical mistake. What the patient is all too aware of is the doctor visit that goes by in the blink of an eye. A 2007 analysis of optimal primary-care visits found that they last 16 minutes on average. From 1 to 5 minutes is spent discussing each topic thats raised. This figure is at the high end of estimates, given that according to other studies, the actual face-to-face time spent with a doctor or other health-care provider comes down to 7 minutes on average. Doctors place the primary blame on increasing demands for them to fill out medical reports and detailed insurance claims. Patients tend to believe that doctors want to cram in as many paying customers as they can, or simply that the patient as a person doesnt matter very much.

As a result theres a new movement afoot to provide a personal advocate who stays in the doctors office with the patient. The advocate is basically someone who represents the patients best interests in any medical situation. The person might be a well-meaning relative who helps an older patient understand whats going on, or who steps in to do attendant tasks like picking up prescriptions and organizing medical bills. But more and more one sees the need for an advocate who is professionally trained to buffer the mounting risks in a health-care system in which less and less time is spent between doctor and patient.

It would be up to an advocate to find out, and needless to say, this has created hostility from some doctors. Used to ruling their domain with absolute authority, few doctors want an overseer in the room asking questions, inserting their own opinions, and potentially finding fault. At worst, the specter of a malpractice suit looms. The movement for professional advocates, which is quite young, insists that looking out for a patients best interests is benign. The medical profession has its doubts.

The upshot, for now at least, is that patients who want an advocate must play the role themselves. At the heart of the problem is passivity. When we surrender to medical care, whether at the doctors office, the ER, or the hospital, we shouldnt surrender everything. Poking and prodding is intrusive. Undergoing various tests can be stressful. The minute we walk in the door, we become largely anonymousa walking set of symptoms replaces the person. There are doctors and nurses who take these negative effects seriously and who go out of their way to offer a personal touch. They should be saluted for their humane compassion in a system that focuses more on impersonal efficiency.

You may like your doctor and feel that he cares, but this doesnt rule out being your own advocate. Quite the oppositethe inherent stress in medical treatment is what you want to counter. First comes the stress of worry and anticipation, what is commonly known as white-coat syndrome. We all remember how afraid we became as children thinking about getting a shot from the school nurse or how scary it was sitting in the dentists chair even before the drill was turned on. Studies have verified that anticipating a stressful situation can cause as great a stress response as actually undergoing the stress. In one study subjects were divided into two groups, one of which gave a public speech while the other was told that they were going to give a speech but actually didnt. Both groups became stressed out, but the researchers wanted to measure how well they recovered from the stress

Knowing that you are going to be in a stressful situation, there are a number of ways to feel more in control:



Be informed about your illness. Dont relinquish your opportunity to find out exactly what is wrong with you. This doesnt mean you should challenge your doctor. If you feel the need to inform your doctor about something you saw online, you arent being confrontational, and most doctors are now used to well-informed patients.

If the illness isnt temporary and minor, contact someone else who is going through the same diagnosis and treatment as you. This may involve a support group, of which many exist online, or simply talking to another patient in the waiting room or hospital.

If you are facing a protracted illness, become part of a support group, either locally or online.

Keep a journal of your health challenge and the progress you are making toward being healed.

Seek emotional support from a friend or confidant who is empathic and who wants to help (in other words, dont lean upon someone who is merely putting up with you).

Establish a personal bond with someone who is part of your carenurses and physicians assistants are typically more accessible and have more time than doctors. Ideally, this bond should be based on something the two of you sharefamily children, hobbies, outside interestsnot simply your illness.

Resist the temptation to suffer in silence and to go it alone. Isolation brings a false sense of control. What actually works is to maintain a normal life and social contacts as much as possible.

Following these steps will go a long way to achieving the goal of patient advocacy, which is to serve the patients best interests at all times. But there remains a difficult unknown, the possibility of a medical error.







Seeing the doctor involves personal interaction, and it's important to reduce any possible friction. Here are a few pointers:

Do

Be involved in your own care.

Inform the doctor and nurses that you like to be involved.

Ask for extra information when you need it.

Ask for a questionable event, like a pill you arent sure is the right one, to be checked with the doctor.

Tell somebody if you have gone out of your comfort zone.

Remain polite in all of the above.

Praise the doctor and nurses when its called for. A show of gratitude doesnt go amiss

Dont

Dont act hostile, suspicious, or demanding.

Dont challenge the competency of doctors and nurses.

Dont nag or whine, no matter how anxious you are. Reserve these feelings for someone in your family, a friend, or a member of a support group.

Dont pretend you know as much (or more) than the people who are treating you.

Dont, when hospitalized, repeatedly press the call button or run to the nurses station. Trust their routine. Realize that the main reason patients call a nurse is more out of anxiety than out of real need.

Dont play the part of a victim. Show your caregivers that you are maintaining a normal sense of security, control, and good cheer even under trying circumstances.

Probably the most important finding about medical mistakes is that they are frequently caused by lack of communication.



In our new book The Healing Self we delve into patient advocacy in more detail as well as covering the expanding role of self-healing, which is going to only become more important in the coming decades.

Deepak Chopra MD, FACP, founder of The Chopra Foundation and co-founder of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Chopra is the author of more than 80 books translated into over 43 languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. His latest books are Super Genes co-authored with Rudy Tanzi, Ph.D. and Quantum Healing (Revised and Updated): Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine. www.deepakchopra.com



Rudolph E. Tanzi, Ph.D. is the Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard University and Vice Chair of Neurology at Mass. General Hospital. Dr. Tanzi is the co-author with Deepak Chopra of the New York Times bestsellers, Super Brain, and Super Genes. He is also an internationally acclaimed expert on Alzheimers disease and brain health with over 500 research publications. He was included in TIME Magazine's "TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World."

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Measurement of patient safety: a systematic review of the reliability and validity of adverse event detection with record review. Mirelle Hanskamp-Sebregts, Marieke Zegers, Charles Vincent, Petra J van Gurp, Henrica C W de Vet, Hub WollersheimPublished 22 August, 2016 http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/8/e011078.full

Weismann JS, Schneider EC, Weingart SN, et al. Comparing patient-reported hospital adverse events with medical records reviews: Do patients know something that hospitals do not? Ann Intern Med. 2008; 149: 100108.

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Garrouste-Orgeas M, Timsit JF, Vesin A, Schwebel C, Arnodo P, Lefrant JY, Souweine B, Tabah A, Charpentier J, Gontier O, et al.: Selected medical errors in the intensive care unit: results of the IATROREF study: parts I and II on behalf of the Outcomerea study group. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010, 181: 134142. 10.1164/rccm.200812-1820OC

Garrouste-Orgeas M, Soufir L, Tabah A, Schwebel C, Vesin A, Adrie C, Thuong M, Timsit JF: A multifaceted program for improving quality of care in ICUs (IATROREF STUDY) on behalf of the Outcomerea study group. Critical Care Med, in press.

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Kennerly DA, Kudyakov R, da Graca B, et al. Characterization of adverse events detected in a large health care delivery system using an enhanced Global Trigger Tool over a five-year interval. Health Serv Res 2014;49:140725. doi:10.1111/1475-6773.12163 Google Scholar

Rutberg H, Borgstedt Risberg M, Sjodahl R, et al. Characterisations of adverse events detected in a university hospital: a 4-year study using the Global Trigger Tool method. BMJ Open 2014;4:e004879. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-004879

Christiaans-Dingelhoff I, Smits M, Zwaan L, et al. To what extent are adverse events found in patient records reported by patients and healthcare professionals via complaints, claims and incident reports? BMC Health Serv Res 2011;11:49. doi:10.1186/1472-6963-11-49 [CrossRef][Medline]Google Scholar

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The economics of health care quality and medical errors. Andel C1, Davidow SL, Hollander M, Moreno DA. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23155743Billionaire San Francisco activist Tom Steyer has been rumored to be running for either governor or Senate in California for years, but on Monday he announced hed do neither in 2018. Instead, hes going to spend $30 million on getting other Democrats elected and another $20 million to try to impeach President Trump.

I am not going to run for office in 2018, Steyer said Monday at a news conference in Washington, D.C. Thats not where I can make the biggest difference.

Steyer, 60, would not rule out running for president in 2020. Any organizing effort he undertakes this year  and the mailing list of 4.1 million people who have signed his online impeachment campaign against Trump  would give him a solid foundation to mount a presidential run.

We are all in through Nov. 6, 2018. This is a must-win situation, Steyer said. We are not focused on anything starting Nov. 7. We dont have the ability to know whats going to happen after that.

Sean Clegg, a political strategist who is advising gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and an independent expenditure campaign supporting the re-election of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said, It is welcome news that hes going to focus on electing Democrats rather than pursuing his own political career.

Steyer is a former hedge- fund manager who spent at least $91 million on left-leaning causes and candidates in the 2016 campaign cycle. Over the past several years in California, he has funded environmentalist ballot measures and organized against oil companies, tobacco firms and corporate tax loopholes. Through the NextGen America activist group he founded in 2013, Steyer is funding campaigns to register Millennials to vote.

On Monday, he said he would spend $30 million on registering 250,000 young voters in California, Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Iowa, New Hampshire and Arizona. The effort will be aimed at electing Democrats in eight U.S. Senate races and 30 House districts in hopes of wresting Congress from Republican control, as well as on Democrats in nine gubernatorial races.

Steyer said Monday that grassroots organizing is the task I feel called to do.

Lately, Steyer has been appearing on TV ads and in Facebook news feeds, asking for signatures on a petition seeking Trumps impeachment. Hes spent more than $20 million on the TV ads and millions more on digital buys to put the 60-second spots in places Trump would see them, such as Fox News.

In one spot, Steyer, wearing an open-neck denim shirt and labeled American Citizen, calls Trump a clear and present danger who is mentally unstable and armed with nuclear weapons.

On Monday, Steyer said he would be redoubling his impeachment efforts, calling it the most important issue before the country.

Despite Steyers regular involvement in national campaigns, many in the California political world have wondered whether he would run for governor or Senate. One reason Steyer may have decided not to run this year: His activism has done little to raise his personal profile with California voters.

A Berkeley IGS poll taken in December showed that 77 percent of respondents had no opinion of Steyer. Fourteen percent had a positive opinion of him, and 9 percent viewed him negatively.

What that says is that its very difficult to become well known to the voting public unless youre out front with a campaign, and hes not, Berkeley IGS Poll director Mark DiCamillo said Monday.

Plus, analysts say, Steyer has a bit of a charisma challenge if he wants to make the jump from behind-the-scenes donor to candidate.

Hes not a great retail politician. Hes not a politician who can light up a room or take over a room when he enters it, said David McCuan, a professor of political science at Sonoma State University.

Some have wondered whether Steyers true value to Democrats is behind the scenes. They point to NextGen Americas role in helping the partys candidates take several key races in Virginia in November.

NextGen spent $3.3 million on grassroots organizing in Virginia, none of it on TV ads starring Steyer. Instead, the organization devoted $2 million for 60 paid staffers and 1,000 volunteers to flood 26 colleges in the state in an effort to turn out young voters.

One result: Democratic gubernatorial winner Ralph Northam received twice as many votes in November among people under 30 as Hillary Clinton did in the 2016 presidential election, exit polls showed.

Thats the test for the Steyer dollars  getting low-propensity voters to stay engaged and outraged, McCuan said.

Even though House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, a fellow San Franciscan, has called Steyers impeachment drive a distraction, it is gaining some traction. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey in December found that 41 percent of respondents backed impeachment hearings.

Before Steyers impeachment campaign started, only two House Democrats supported a call by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, for impeachment. Fifty-eight now do.

But Clegg, also a top adviser to Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., said signing a digital petition to impeach Trump is not the same as supporting Steyer as a candidate.

If his impeachment email list is intended to be a 2020 email list, those two questions dont transfer, Clegg said. Folks are not signing that petition for Tom Steyer. Theyre signing because Tom Steyer is paying for the Facebook ads.

That bait and switch is not going to catch a lot of fish.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoliThe U.S. Supreme Court rejected a challenge Monday to Californias ban on suction-dredge mining for gold, a technique that extracts minerals from riverbeds while dumping residue that can include toxic mercury back into the environment.

The high-pressure underwater vacuums, used mostly in mountain and foothill waterways, have been prohibited by the state since 2009. Brandon Rinehart, who holds a federal mining claim in the Plumas National Forest, argued in a lawsuit that the state was effectively prohibiting gold mining in the area and that federal law forbids state interference with mining on federal lands.

A state appeals court ruled in Rineharts favor but the California Supreme Court overruled the decision in August 2016. In a unanimous decision, the court said federal law for at least 130 years has left environmental regulation of mining largely up to the states.

Although Congress allows mining on federal lands, states can place limits on effective but environmentally destructive methods, now-retired Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar said in the ruling.

Rinehart, backed by mining companies, appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court but ran into opposition from the Trump administration, which has rarely sided with environmental advocates.

In a Dec. 6 filing, Justice Department lawyers urged the court to let the California ruling stand. Federal law does not ... regulate the practice of mining or its impact on the environment, government lawyers said, so the state can regulate or prohibit harmful mining practices. The filing also noted that California was considering rules that might allow some types of suction-dredge mining.

The high court denied review Monday without comment.

Attorney Jonathan Wood of the Pacific Legal Foundation, which represented Rinehart, said he was disappointed by the decision. But he said the issue would be back before the justices soon in other cases pending in lower courts on state regulation of mining on federal lands.

In its ban on suction-dredge mining, Wood contended, California has tried to veto Congress decisions about how federal lands should be used.

Suction dredging vacuums earth and gravel from river bottoms, runs it through a sluice box that separates the heaviest substances, including gold, and discharges the rest back into the waterway. State regulators say the practice has contaminated fish with mercury and damaged the habitat of endangered coho salmon.

California started requiring permits for suction dredging in 1961, made some waterways off limits in 1975 and halted the permits in 2009 with a moratorium that later was extended indefinitely.

The case is Rinehart vs. California, 16-970.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter @egelkoA New York tourist who walked naked through a Thai airport, defecated and then threw his feces at airport staff and travelers is blaming his bizarre behavior on an overdose of Viagra, according to news reports.

Steve Cho was arrested Thursday after the turd-tossing scuffle in the departure area of Phuket International Airport, the New Zealand Herald reported. It took six security guards and other staffers to subdue the 27-year-old Cho.BEIRUT  Syrian government forces and allied militiamen are advancing on the largest remaining rebel-held territory in the countrys north, forcing thousands of civilians to flee toward the border with Turkey in freezing winter temperatures.

The offensive on Idlib  a large province in northwestern Syria packed with civilians and dominated by al Qaeda-linked militants  was expected after the defeat of the Islamic State group late last year. Last week, Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the main military operations against Islamic State in Syria have ended and signaled that the focus would shift to al Qaeda-linked militants.

The Idlib offensive carries significant risks. The province bordering Turkey is home to more than 2.6 million Syrians, according to the U.N., including more than 1.1 million who fled fighting elsewhere in the country. A full-blown government offensive could cause large-scale destruction and massive displacement.

Turkey, a supporter of the rebels, has deployed military observers in the province as part of a de-escalation deal with Iran and Russia, but that has not stopped the fighting on the ground or Russian air strikes against the insurgents.

It is not clear how far the current offensive aims to reach, and recapturing the entire province is expected to be a long and bloody process. Opposition activists say the main target for now appears to be the sprawling rebel-held air base of Abu Zuhour, on the southeastern edge of the province, and securing the Damascus-Aleppo road that cuts through Idlib.

On Sunday, government forces recaptured the town of Sinjar, removing a key obstacle to its march toward the air base, according to reports by the state-affiliated Al-Ikhbariya TV. The town of Sinjar is located about 12 miles south of Abu Zuhour.

And hours later, a car bombing in the city of Idlib, the provinces capital, killed 23 people and wounded dozens, according to activist groups. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Over the past two months, troops backed by Russian air strikes have captured more than 80 towns and villages in the northern parts of the nearby Hama province and breached Idlib itself for the first time since mid-2015.

The offensive gained more intensity on Christmas Day, when one of President Bashar Assads most trusted and experienced officers took command of the operation to extend the governments presence toward Idlib and boost security for the road that links the capital, Damascus, with Aleppo, Syrias largest city.

Brig. Gen. Suheil al-Hassan, also known among his troops as Tiger, has led elite forces to many victories against insurgents since the conflict began nearly seven years ago.

Bassem Mroue is an Associated Press writer.BERLIN  German Chancellor Angela Merkel embarked Sunday on talks with the center-left Social Democrats on forming a new government, with leaders stressing the need for speed as they attempt to break an impasse more than three months after the countrys election.

Leaders aim to decide by Friday whether theres enough common ground to move on to formal coalition negotiations. Whatever the result, it will be a while yet before a new administration is in place to end what is already post-World War II Germanys longest effort to put together a new government.

Germanys Sept. 24 election produced a parliamentary majority for only two plausible coalitions: the outgoing alliance of Merkels conservative Christian Democratic Union and its Bavaria-only sister, the Christian Social Union, with the Social Democrats; or an untried combination of the conservatives, the pro-business Free Democrats and the left-leaning Greens.

The Social Democrats vowed after slumping to their worst post-war election result to go into opposition, so Merkel opened talks on the alternative coalition  which collapsed in November. The Social Democrats then reluctantly reconsidered their refusal to mull extending the grand coalition of Germanys biggest parties. Shortly before Christmas, Germany beat its previous record of 86 days for the time from an election to the swearing-in of a new government.

If the parties decide this week that theyre prepared to open formal coalition negotiations, that will require approval Jan. 21 by a congress of the Social Democrats. Party leader Martin Schulz, Merkels defeated challenger in September, may face a tough job convincing members who so far are deeply skeptical of being junior partners in another grand coalition. Those negotiations would take weeks. Further, Social Democrat leaders have promised to hold a ballot of the full party membership on any coalition deal  taking several more weeks.

Possible stumbling blocks include migration: the conservatives want to maintain a block that bans migrants granted a status short of full asylum from bringing their closest relatives to Germany, while the Social Democrats want to end it. The two sides could also clash over the Social Democrats call to reform the health insurance system and their differing ambitions for the European Union. Schulz recently advocated aiming for a federal United States of Europe by 2025, which goes too far for conservatives.

If the parties dont form a coalition, the only remaining options would be for Merkels conservatives to lead an unprecedented minority government, or a new election.

Geir Moulson is an Associated Press writer.TEHRAN  President Hassan Rouhani lashed out at his hard-line opponents Monday, saying the protesters who have shaken Iran in recent weeks objected not just to the bad economy but also to widespread corruption and the clerical governments restrictive policies on personal conduct and freedoms.

One cannot force ones lifestyle on the future generations, Rouhani said, in remarks reported by the ISNA news agency. The problem is that we want two generations after us to live the way we like them to.

In his most extensive comments yet on the protests, Rouhani said the people who took to the streets across the country did so because they were seeking a better life.

Some imagine that the people only want money and a good economy, but will someone accept a considerable amount of money per month when for instance the cyber network would be completely blocked? he asked. Is freedom and the life of the people purchasable with money? Why do some give the wrong reasons? This is an insult to the people.

Rouhani, a moderate, has been seeking a relaxation in social controls, but he faces resistance from hard-liners in unelected power centers like the judiciary, vetting councils and the state news media. They want to keep in place the framework of Islamic laws that effectively dictate how people should live, despite enormous changes in Iranian society in the past decade alone.

Irans judiciary and the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, blame the countrys enemies for the protests in over 80 cities, which started Dec. 28. They said the actions were organized by the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia with the aim of bringing down the Islamic government.

They call the hundreds of protesters who have been arrested rioters and want all social media to be banned. In a move seemingly unrelated to the protests, but one that gives insight into hard-liners attitudes, all English classes in elementary schools were banned Sunday to combat the spread of Western influence.

Several political supporters of Rouhani say the first protest in the city of Mashhad was actually masterminded by the hard-liners, in an attempt to discredit the government.

The Iranian president has twice run for office promising to reinvigorate the economy, but has little to show for it. To make matters worse, his recent budget enraged many by calling for cuts in fuel subsidies and cash payments to the poor, alongside sharp increases in spending for many clerical institutions.

But the protesters also have spoken of a host of other problems, including endemic corruption and the governments expensive support for the Syrian government and Shiite groups throughout the Middle East, particularly Hezbollah, the Shiite movement in Lebanon.

Seeking to blunt criticism over the economy, Rouhani stressed the breadth of the protesters demands as well as their validity. We have no infallible officials and any authority can be criticized.

Thomas Erdbrink is a New York Times writer.TEHRAN  Irans Revolutionary Guard said Sunday that the nation and its security forces have ended the wave of unrest linked to anti-government demonstrations that erupted last month.

In a statement on its website, the force blamed the unrest on the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia, as well as exiled opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, and supporters of the monarchy that was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.1 Refugee crisis: As many as 64 migrants, including a mother whose 3-year-old child desperately clung to her, are feared dead after a traffickers overcrowded rubber dinghy from Libya started sinking in the Mediterranean Sea, officials said Monday. The Italian coast guard rescued 86 people from the boat hours after it started sinking Saturday due to a puncture. The dinghy had been spotted off the coast of Libya by an aircraft from a European naval mission combatting migrant trafficking. Hundreds of thousands of migrants have been rescued at sea and taken to southern Italian ports in the past few years. They include refugees fleeing wars or persecution as well as economic migrants.

2 China visit: French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday he hopes to forge a partnership with China on climate, security and other issues during a visit to expand European ties with Beijing. The trip comes as Britains impending departure from the EU and the more inward-looking policies of U.S. President Trump have raised the prospect of a possible realignment of global influence. China and France have promoted themselves as leaders on global warming after Trump pulled out of the Paris climate agreement. Xi welcomed Macron in unusually effusive language.BEIRUT  Syrian government forces captured 14 villages on Monday as they advanced on the largest rebel-held enclave in the countrys north amid a wave of air strikes.

Syrian government forces and their allies have been on the offensive since late October in Hama and Idlib provinces, capturing nearly 100 villages from insurgent groups, including the al Qaeda-linked Levant Liberation Committee. The offensive intensified on Christmas Day after reinforcements were brought in from other parts of Syria.

The main aim of the troops is to reach the rebel-held Abu Zuhour air base and secure the road linking the capital, Damascus, with the northern city of Aleppo, Syrias largest. Rebels captured Abu Zuhour in 2015 after a three-year siege.

The government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media said the newly captured villages, including Freija, Jahman, Dawoudiyeh and Jub al-Qasab, bring the troops closer to the air base. The SCMM and the oppositions Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that 14 villages have been captured.

Russias Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its air base and naval station in western Syria came under at least 13 attacks by drones since Saturday. The ministry said three of the armed drones landed outside the base and others detonated when they crashed, while seven drones were shot down. The ministry said there was no damage to the bases.

The Observatory said the attacks were carried out by an Islamist rebel faction that operates in rural Latakia province, southwest of Idlib.

The offensive in the southern parts of Idlib province comes amid intense air strikes and shelling that have killed 21 people since Sunday, according to the Observatory.

Clashes also erupted Monday near the Damascus suburb of Harasta, after government forces reached troops trapped for more than a week in a military base surrounded by insurgents. State media said the Syrian army broke through rebel lines Sunday to reach soldiers trapped at the Murakabat vehicle base near Harasta, in the eastern Ghouta suburbs.

Rebels surrounded the base late last month, trapping an unknown number of soldiers inside. The rebels say they have taken numerous soldiers hostage. The Observatory says 159 rebels and government soldiers have been killed in fighting over the base since Dec. 29.

In the northwestern city of Idlib, meanwhile, paramedics said the death toll from a massive car bombing Sunday night rose to at least 25. Nearly 100 people were wounded. The Syrian Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, said four children and 11 women were among those killed.Welcome to Shakesville, a progressive feminist blog about politics, culture, social justice, cute things, and all that is in between. Please note that the commenting policy and the Feminism 101 section, conveniently linked at the top of the page, are required reading before commenting.Multinational insurance claims manager Gallagher Bassett has bought local workplace health and safety services provider TriEx Health, Safety and Wellness for an undisclosed sum.

Gallagher Bassett, which last year bought Australian insurance claims management company Stream Group's New Zealand subsidiary Symetri for up to $25 million, will take on current directors Sarah OConnell and Rob Acutt through the acquisition. O'Connell will become general manager of TriEx.

"We see this as a great opportunity," said Gallagher Bassett's New Zealand managing director Craig Furness. "GBs expertise in claim management, rehabilitation and policy administration is well known in New Zealand. TriEx is a proven and trusted provider of occupational health, safety & wellness solutions for New Zealand workers, with a great reputation for excellence."

Gallagher Bassett says it is the largest multi-disciplinary third party claims administrator in New Zealand, and manages claims on behalf of insurers, brokers, government bodies and self-insured organisations. Globally, it says it is the largest property/casualty third party claims administrator and has operations in the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

In New Zealand, it runs an accredited employer programme which reduces employers' Accident Compensation Corp levies if they take on the responsibility of managing workplace health and safety, including claims management and rehabilitation of their own employees following a work injury.

(BusinessDesk)

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Latha also asked Superstar about his first love, Rajinikanth said: When I was studying in high school, had a crush but my first love wasnt a success. However, the Endhiran actor refused to reveal the name of the girl.

At the Natchathira Vizha 2018, Superstar Rajinikanth opened up on his first love. Veteran actress Latha presented him a set of historic books saying that she came to know that period fiction is his favorite genre through Rajinikanths wife.

Later, actor Vivek asked a lot of questions to Superstar Rajinikanth. On his evergreen style, the actor said When I used to work as a conductor in Karnataka, had the similar style and tried to woo women passengers. K Balachander sir noticed my mannerism and body language, he suggested me to not sacrifice it for anyone.

Rajinikanth said that his minimum expectation in life is to have a one bedroom apartment and a scooter while his maximum expectation is to do something for the betterment of Tamil people. When Vivek asked whether Rajini regretted missing out the political chance in 1996, Superstar said: I didnt even regret it for a second.

Superstar also opened up on his first Malaysia visit with Kamal Haasan for the shoot of Ninaithale Innikkum. During that time, Kamal was a big star but he embraced and showered me with a lot of love and affection. After the shoot, Kamal and I used to enjoy the nightlife until 3 AM in the morning. It was a wonderful experience, we can't forget those golden moments, said Rajinikanth.

When Vivek asked how Rajinikanth wants to be remembered in life, the actor said I dont want to be remembered just as an actor, who entertained people and hinted that something big is waiting for his fans and Tamil people.

Rajinikanth reiterated that fans should respect their parents. If you make your parents happy, God will take care of rest of the things in life, said Rajinikanth.Bhima Koregaon is a place where thousands of people gather every year to mark the anniversary of an 1818 war between the British and the Peshwa. This is significant for Dalit leaders as they believe the war was won by the British with the help of Dalit soldiers in the army.

Maharashtra has been tense over the past few days as violence erupted on January 1 in Bhima Koregaon which led to the death of 28-year-old Rahul Phatangale and left four others injured. Following that, Maharashtra police registered against two right wing Hindu leaders for instigating the violence; Milind Ekbote of Hindu Ekta Aghadi and Sambhaji Bhide of Shiv Pratisthan were booked under the Scheduled Castes And Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The following are a few stories that better help understand the region, the history and provide context for the current violence and agitation 

1. An Indian Express report provides context for why the battle was important for Dalits. The battle was mainly over territory between the British and the Maratha ruler, Peshwa Baji Rao II.

Every year on January 1, thousands of people belonging to the Mahar community in Maharashtra gather near the victory pillar in Koregaon .The Koregaon memorial is almost a pilgrimage site for the Mahars, a Dalit community, who take tremendous pride in the battle that the pillar celebrates.

The battle was fought between the British East India Company on one side and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha confederacy on the other. This held significance for Mahars, especially the Dalits because they considered it a victory over their Peshwa authority.

Their victory over a much stronger Peshwa contingent came to be commemorated over the years as an event of pride for the Mahars. They look back at it as an instance when they were successful in overcoming their untouchable status and defeating the Brahmin Peshwas.

2. M. Rajivlochan, a professor of History at Panjab University in a column for The Indian Express goes into detail of the battle; one where both sides thought they had lost 

All the troops, English and Peshwai that fought the Battle of Koregaon retreated from the field fully convinced that they had lost and would lose even more were they to stay put.

The native soldiers were commanded by Captain Staunton who was based in Shirur, which is situated outside Pune. He led a group of Mahars to a river bank to realize that there were many Peshwai troops on the other side. Attacking, capturing and beheading one of Stauntons commanders.

The next year, the English, as sovereigns of the land, set up a cantonment at Koregaon. Four years later, in 1822, they erected a pillar at the site where the Peshwa camped and inscribed it with words to the effect that this pillar was to remind of the unconquerable spirit of the British soldier.

Decades later, names of the soldiers who died were inscribed and a medal was issued with the word Mahar on it.

3. Anand Teltumbde, a senior professor at Goa Institute of Management in a column for The Wire writes on the fight against Hindutva forces in the context of Bhima Koregaon. The column states that though Dalits benefited from colonial rule, it was not a primary motive and was dictated by their colonial logic 

There is no dispute that the British colonial rule brought Dalits numerous benefitsit must simultaneously be understood that it was unintended and primarily dictated by their colonial logic. It is unfortunate that Dalits blind themselves to this reality with their identity blinkers



4. A report in The Hindu provides details on How a British war memorial became a symbol of Dalit pride and the reason why some right-wing groups were agitated -

The Koregaon Ranstambh (victory pillar) is an obelisk in Bhima-Koregaon village commemorating the British East India Company soldiers who fell in a battle on January 1, 1818. Babasaheb Ambedkars visit to the site on January 1, 1927, revitalised the memory of the battle for the Dalit community, making it a rallying point and an assertion of pride. The Bhima-Koregaon Ranstambh Seva Sangh (BKRSS) was formed in 2005 in order to keep alive the memory of the Dalit soldiers in this period of Indian history and pay homage to those who fought. Thousands visit the site especially from Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat.

According to Dalit scholars, a context to keep in mind is that history of Dalits is often recorded from a Brahminical perspective, as the report states; has resulted in Bhima-Koregaon and other battles in which Dalits fought, not getting their due. Some argue though that looking at the battle only through the prism of caste is a reductive one.

5. For the Roundtable India, Nitin Dhaktode a PhD student in Development Studies at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, in a column encapsulates the history of Bhima Koregaon, Mahar Legacy and its impact on contemporary politics.

The bravery of the Mahars in Maharashtra and India is well known and well recognised by the Ambedkarites. The polarization of Ambedkarites was begun by the BJP to take advantage of 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar.

Bhima Koregaon is a symbol of the confrontation against the hegemony that exploited the marginalized. In the present regime, the kinds of attacks on Dalits that happened made followers of Ambedkar come together to fight against this modern Peshwai.

The column makes the case for Bahujan politics with Ambedkarite ideology which should be led by well educated members of the marginalized caste and not by the dominant caste.

6. The Indian Express editorial provides context for the violence and the protests by putting it in terms of the current political situation in the state and nationally with respect to the BJP 

The Dalit mobilization in Maharashtra could unsettle the BJPs carefully calibrated outreach to the community while attempting to build a consolidated Hindu base. As the party expands its social base, contradictions between the interests of its core vote and the new sections it wants to woo and attract, are coming to the fore.

The BJPs core base of Hindu nationalism propagated by the RSS and fringe Sangh factions has been met with resistance from the Dalit thinking of pride. The BJP has painted the incidents in Maharashtra as a local issue between Marathas and Dalits; but it does speak to a larger context.

Koregaon-Bhima appears to have been a trigger for Dalit anger simmering over issues of self-respect and constitutional rights, jobs and livelihoods. It is separate from, but also connected to the student unrest in Hyderabad Central University, the Una flogging of Dalits by gau rakshaks and tensions in Saharanpur.

The BJP in elevating Ram Nath Kovind as President was an attempt to reach out to the Dalit community.

The BJPs overtures to such social groups get periodically ambushed by Sangh Parivar affiliates, who refuse to compromise with core ideological issues for electoral considerations.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD is requesting from Google the "entire digital history" of a Staten Island high school student, which according to the teen's attorney, represents an "unconstitutional violation of privacy."

The subpoena relies on the city Administrative Code, drafted by the New York City Council, rather than approval from a state or federal court, which according to the teen's attorney is both unlawful and unusual.

"Since when does NYPD have power to subpoena people?" said attorney Martin Soltar. "I've practiced as a criminal defense attorney for close to 50 years and I've never seen one of these (subpoenas) before," he said.

The NYPD contacted Google last month with the Dec. 14 subpoena for the 17-year-old's e-mails, contacts, search history and other digital information in regard to an ongoing investigation, according to the teen's Manhattan state Supreme Court filing, which seeks to block the subpoena.

Details about the investigation were redacted in a copy of the subpoena forwarded by Google to the teen, identified only as "K.Q." in the filing.

In reference to a New York Post report that suggests the NYPD requested the information as part of a child pornography probe that could be tied to an adult, Soltar said the nature of the investigation is "obvious" based on a reference he saw in court documents to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Regardless what the investigation is about, the fight in court is about tempering the power police have in obtaining a citizen's personal information, said Soltar.

"If you as a citizen tell officers, 'I decline for you to come in to my house,' and then they get a subpoena on their own...the FBI doesn't have the power to subpoena."

The NYPD requested that Google not inform anyone of the subpoena for 90 days, as not to disrupt the investigation, according to court documents.

The NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information's office referred questions to the city's Law Department, which declined to comment on the details of the investigation or teen's Supreme Court filing.

Soltar said the request is invalid because the city code it references was not meant to allow the NYPD to issue subpoenas in criminal investigations. He said it also violates the federal stored communication act, in that it isn't backed by a state or federal statute.

Once police contacted Google, the company relayed a redacted version of the subpoena to the teen, per company policy when someone signs up as a new user, the court filing says.

The company explained they would release the teen's information, unless the teen filed in court within seven days, which also is standard policy among most social media companies.

It's not the first time the NYPD has requested account data from a social media site prior to obtaining a court order.

In 2012, Twitter refused an NYPD request for account data tied to threats about a public event in the city, then, later complied under court order.

The New York Civil Liberties Union released the following statement in regard to the NYPD's request.

"We are concerned about the NYPD seeking large amounts of private information about New Yorkers without court orders," said Christopher Dunn, NYCLU assistant legal director. "When it comes to police requests for email and other internet activity, companies should not be honoring these administrative subpoenas and instead should insist on court orders."STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Brooklyn woman who used photos of a child cancer patient on Staten Island to scam donors has violated her probation and was sentenced this week to one year in jail.

A Nassau County judge on Monday revoked a probation deal for Brittney Schmidt, 31, who pleaded guilty in September to a felony charge of scheme to defraud, according to a Newsday report.

A five-year probation sentence and community service were on the condition Schmidt stay out of trouble, which she violated by allegedly skipping court and probation appointments, according to the report.

Authorities said Schmidt and co-defendant Vincent Fina, 30, solicited donations from police precincts, fire departments and businesses across the city using the story and photos of a then 5-year-old Staten Island boy who continues to undergo treatments for brain cancer.

Some of the donations were allegedly used for drugs, according to the report.

Fina, who previously took the same probation deal, has since been charged in a Dec. 12 robbery case, according to court records.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- He lost his fiancee and his unborn child two years ago due to a drug overdose.

And on Monday, Greenridge resident Frank DeGaetano, who, himself was revived in November after overdosing on heroin, lost his freedom, also because of narcotics.

DeGaetano, 29, was sentenced, under a plea agreement, to three years behind bars and two years' post-release supervision on drug-sale and drug-possession convictions.

The defendant, along with four others, was busted in January of last year in a probe dubbed "Operation Blue Angel." The investigation stemmed from the overdose death in March 2016 of DeGaetano's fiancee, Annadale resident Sharissa Turk, a.k.a. the "Blue Fairy," who was eight months pregnant.

"The court has struggled with this one for a long time," said Justice Charles Troia in imposing sentence. "Mr. DeGaetano, if anyone, should be able to see the evils of this addiction having lost your fiancee and your child. Yet, you did it again. I truly think incarceration is the only thing that might work or keep you alive for the next three years."

Moments earlier, the dark-haired defendant, garbed in a green jacket and tan pants, thanked Troia for giving him a "lenient sentence," in accordance with the plea deal.

Assistant District Attorney Travis Atkinson asked Troia to scrap the initially agreed-upon three-year sentence and hit DeGaetano with a six-year-prison term in view of his overdose while awaiting sentencing.

DeGaetano had pleaded guilty on Oct. 25 and remained free on $100,000 bond, pending sentencing, originally scheduled for Dec. 6 in state Supreme Court, St. George.

However, that proceeding was adjourned due to the defendant's overdose on Nov. 19. He was revived with two doses of Narcan after admitting he overdosed on two bags of heroin at his family home in Greenridge, a source with knowledge of the probe previously told the Advance.

Atkinson said the defendant had "failed several chances to show he deserves any leniency in this case."

He said prosecutors objected to any sentence below six years.

Defense lawyer Andrew Rendeiro told the court his client's overdose is "a symptom of the disease he has" and asked Troia to impose the promised sentence.

"It's a terrible situation," Rendeiro said outside court.

The investigation, which resulted in the arrests of DeGaetano and others, traced the supply of heroin on Staten Island to Edison Township, N.J.

Turk's death nearly two years ago had been investigated as a crime scene in an attempt to trace the drugs that killed her to the source, as part of the Overdose Response Initiative spearheaded by District Attorney Michael E. McMahon.

Turk, 25, known as the "Blue Fairy," was preparing to leave for an inpatient drug-treatment program on the day she fatally overdosed.

Turk had performed as the "Blue Fairy" in a music video about prescription drug abuse in 2013. The video went viral after Turk pleaded guilty to felony drug charges.

The probe led police, in part, to DeGaetano, who authorities named as a distributor in the takedown.

Police seized 400 glassine bags of heroin and $11,000 in cash in the bust.

Prosecutors said police documented the supply chain of heroin and fentanyl which ended in a number of neighborhoods including Rossville, Richmond, Tottenville, Great Kills and Rosebank.

A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than the heroin it is typically mixed with and is potentially lethal, said authorities.

Also on Monday, Jessica Chaikin, who authorities said, transported heroin and fentanyl from New Jersey to Staten Island, was sentenced to four years in prison in a separate proceeding.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If you haven't met Imam Dr. Tahir Kukiqi yet, it is a very easy thing to accomplish.

Just go to any event that is designed to bring together diverse people of all races and religions and you'll find him there.

But, he doesn't just sit on the sidelines. He actively tries, in numerous ways, to encourage people of different faiths to come together. He has helped to initiate this ever since he settled on Staten Island.

His strong dislike of "hate, lies, racism and injustice" has lead him to set his goal "to spread peace, brotherhood, justice and knowledge" in order to "improve the relationship between people wherever [he] lives and beyond."

His strong wish for peace between all neighbors, no matter how they look or pray, does not end on Staten Island, but extends deeply "beyond" -- all the way to the problems in the Middle East.

What does "imam" mean? Do you serve as a religious leader in any other venue?

Imam means "leader of community in religious affairs." It is very much like the responsibilities of a rabbi or pastor, taking care of the community in religious and social affairs. Along with that, I also do a lot of outreach to other religious communities. ... Only men can hold the title of imam. Sisters can be leaders for females in our community. I am also a member of the campus ministry at Wagner College.

Have you received any awards or recognitions?

Yes. I have been honored by the mayor's office and former Borough President Jim Molinaro, the NYPD, the Staten Island Immigrant Council, the Ilyrian Officers Society, Sen. Andrew Lanza and the NYPD Muslims, among others.

Who has been an inspiration to you?

My father, Mustafa Kukiqi, God bless his soul. My father was a very special human being. He was an example of sacrifice who did the impossible to give his 10 children all the education they needed, to the point that two of his kids are Ph.D. holders, one has a master's degree and the rest have degrees, as well. Imagine doing this in a communist regime that hates religion and the very same regime that killed our people, Albanians, for so many years.

What did he teach you that strongly influenced your life?

My father supported us and guided us in every way that we needed to succeed. He taught us to never give up when we face hardships and difficulties regardless of each condition we might be in. I learned that God is with us and will help us out and to never give up and [God] will never let us down. He taught me that hating is an illness and the cure for that is understanding and learning and to respect others, even as they are disagreeing with us.

Who else do you admire?

In the world we live in, we need more people of this category of human being who understand others, accept them, work with them and make a positive change in the community. Starting with that, the change can continue on to further distances.

You were invited as a representative of the Albanian community to a Holocaust commemoration, at the Jewish Center in Arden Heights. Tell us why the Albanians were selected for this honor?

After World War ll, there were more Jewish people in Albania than before the war. These were refugees from every country that was invaded by the Nazis. Though the Nazis put a price on the head of every Jewish person in Albania, the Muslim and Christian Albanians protected each and every one, despite the fact that they paid some consequences. One house was burnt down when it was learned that a Jew had been hidden there. Albania has a history of tolerance. Its population is steeped in beset. Would that beset spread all over the world.

Can you tell us about the 15 Years Project consisting of a yearly day of dialogue and dinner between Catholics and Muslims?

It is a full day of dialogue that has been very meaningful. It is for building bridges instead of building fences. It is very productive and has changed many lives and opinions. Instead of hate and animosity, there is respect and cooperation.

What is one thing that is necessary to bring together people with diverse beliefs?

To promote sectarian cohesion we must seek unity, not uniformity.

Get to know Dr. Tahir Kukiqi

Where he was born and were he has live: "I was born on March 5, 1955 in Kosova, formerly Yugoslavia. I came [to Staten Island from Cairo, Egypt] in 2002 to join the Miraj School and Albanian Islamic Cultural Center.

His definition of happiness: Happiness is seeing his children do well in school and when he sees that people of different faiths come together for good purposes.

Occupations he's held: "I was an announcer and editor of Radio Program at Egyptian radio and TV. Also, I was a translator for the Interior Ministry and Foreign Ministry in Egypt."

His current occupation: "I am iman/head of department of Islamic studies at Miraj Islamic School and vice president of the Albanian Islamic Culture Center."

The clubs and organizations he belongs to: "I'm a member of the steering committee for Community Day and Building Bridges, [the latter of which is] an interfaith organization where people of different religions work together, increasing the level of awareness and building bridges of collaboration between different ethnicities and religious groups, for improvement of our community."By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent.

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A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!If you've ever been worried about going to the movies by yourself, fear no more, why not take mans best friend?

Openair Cinemas will return to Canberra for its sixth year on Thursday and this year, organisers have made the event more dog friendly, allowing guests and anyone short of company to bring their fur-friends for a "doggy date" to any screening.

Kim and Torben Pedersen with their daughter Alexandra and dog Miles. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos

Event manager, Erin Algeo said the openair cinema was about spending as much time outdoors as possible with friends and family.

"The aim of the event is to make the most of these balmy summer nights, and what better way to do so than with food freshly cooked onsite and refreshing drinks before a movie under the stars," Ms Algeo said.On Sunday, Australia became the hottest place on earth, stretching the east coasts energy grid as it attempted to supply the increased demand.

However, Saturday was the first real test of the National Electricity Market's reliability in 2018 after its failures in the summer of 2016-17, and whether the Australian Energy Market Operators new summer power plans are strong enough to prevent massive blackouts as the grid comes under pressure during heatwaves.

AEMO plan to introduce an additional 2000 megawatts of energy is designed to overcome increased summer demand issues. Credit:MICK TSIKAS

Late last year, AEMO announced it was adding almost 2000 megawatts of additional power for the summer ahead, which it said would more than replace the 1600 megawatts taken offline after Victoria's Hazelwood brown coal-fired power station closed in March.

These additional megawatts were called upon over the weekend as all states in the NEM saw high temperatures, with South Australia reaching an average high of 46.7 degrees Celsius, Victoria seeing up to 45.2 degrees Celsius, and NSW and Queensland hitting 46.1 and 45.4 degrees respectively, while Tasmania saw an unusual high of 35.8 degrees, increasing energy demand across the entire grid.The day after marriage equality became law, I attended my best mate's wedding to his wife; the first in Australia where the celebrant said the words marriage is a "union of two people" excluding all others.

It was a proud moment for the groom but also for me as his groomsman, to finally hear those words. And there was applause from friends and family.

Ending social discrimination will a longer battle than eliminating legal barriers. Credit:AP

Today, January 9, is the first day that most same-sex couples can get married after declaring the requisite 30-day notice of intention to marry, following the change in our marriage law.

As we wake up, living in an Australia with marriage equality, we can expect changes. After all, the ACT voted overwhelmingly for marriage equality for a reason.When Google stopped operating its China-based search engine in 2010 in protest against censorship, scores of young people placed wreaths at the company headquarters in Beijing as a sign of mourning.

At the time, vibrant debate and commentary on Chinese social media platforms like Sina Weibo held out some promise for the emergence of an online civil society with the power to expose corruption and effect change.

Google has announced plans to set up an artificial intelligence research centre in Beijing. Credit:Jason Lee

The Chinese Communist Party was caught in a vice  seeing the internet as an avenue for pursuing economic growth, while at the same time fretting about the political disruption it augured.

But, seemingly against all odds, Beijing has managed to strike the balance between harnessing the internet for economic growth and guarding against its threats to security  something former president Bill Clinton once called the equivalent of "nailing Jell-O to a wall".Stephanie Edwards of Roseville thinks her "local brush turkey is on a health kick for new year  keeps chomping pieces out of my Tuscan Kale plant!"

A sharp-eyed David of Annandale has been prompted to write of some not so sharp-eyed TV police. "I've just seen a preview for the return season of Cops (US). A police officer succeeds in kicking open, at his second attempt, the front door of a house. The keys to the house are clearly in the outside of the door lock!" In a more sombre key, Ken Dundas of Banora Point asks "why do TV channels heavily promote funeral insurance during their evening bulletins? Do they think the news items are so bad that they are likely to cause premature death?"

A well and truly alive Nola Tucker of Kiama suggests a new fine for sudden impact. "If the government could fine anyone misusing or over using the dreadful word 'impact' in the media, the country would soon be out of debt."

Reading Timelines' revisiting of "1965 and the shameful era of banned books in Australia" prompted Garth Clarke of North Sydney to recall how Ulysses once reached these shores. "It was a time when many visitors to our more enlightened neighbour New Zealand returned with a banned book in their luggage. My copy of Ulysses travelled via this route."

A News Review piece on the word "thingummyjig" reminded Lorraine Nelson of Frenchs Forest of "growing up in Adelaide in the 1940s and '50s. We children would call out, 'Mum, where's the thingummybob?' She would always call back, 'Up in Annie's room behind the clock'. It goes without saying no Annie lived with us!"Donald Trump has, once again, shown he is the master of distraction.

His performance in the wake of the allegations contained in Michael Wolff's Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump Whitehouse has been little short of remarkable.

The raft of claims, including Mr Trump had never seriously considered he would win the 2016 US presidential election and was not prepared for his victory, combined with a brutal description of him as an obnoxious, wilfully ignorant and malevolent individual would have proved fatal for virtually any other president.

This is particularly so given the book was wholeheartedly endorsed, by former Trump insider and now bitter enemy, Steve Bannon.My first memory of Mum's volunteering was at primary school tuck shop - once a week, pies and sausage rolls instead of home-made sandwiches. Then school fundraising, along with other mothers who became known as "auntie", with children in our classes who became our "cousins". Some of these came to the funeral 50 years on.

Oh, no! A complete re-write required in a couple hours? Too late! I'll just have to proceed with the telling of her 80-plus years of community service and wrack my brains for the bits that did harm and skip over them.

I awoke on Friday morning rehearsing the eulogy for my mother's funeral later in the afternoon, mentally making a note  thank those contributing to the service. Then I choked on my toast as the headline leapt off the page, "Volunteering often does more harm than good" ( 5 Jan, 2018).

Joining Brownies at age 8, in 1932, Mum never ceased her involvement with the Guides until she was physically no longer able and had to go into aged care. Countless girls and women gained practical skills and self confidence through the organisation either directly or indirectly from her commitment and service to the Guiding movement over 85 years.

Through Rotary she became known as "mother" to some 20 international exchange students and these also became additional "cousins" to our family around the world.

My parents were at the forefront of local fundraising for the Rotary polio eradication program which was launched in 1985. At that time there were an estimated 400,000 cases of polio diagnosed every year. Last year there were fewer than 100. This program was taken up by the World Health Organisation in 1988 and substantial additional funds have been contributed by world governments over the past 30 years, and more recently by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. But these funds are still not enough without the hundreds of thousands of Rotary and other volunteers required to deliver to 2 million children a year, in India alone. A volunteer initiative that has changed the world. My mother raised funds by a sponsored bike ride.

An international project of my Rotary Club was to fund a mobile medical clinic vehicle in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where tribespeople had to walk for up to three days to get to a medical centre. The local government agreed to cover the operating costs for one year. After that trial they set up 70 more vehicles. An amazing leverage on an initiative from volunteers to demonstrate "value for money". The same can be done here. Leading by example can change government thinking and policy.

Recently I retired as a volunteer director of a community-run aged-care facility in South Melbourne. After merging two smaller organisations, a new 150-bed facility was completed in 2015. A combination of local government, community fundraising and bank loans funded the $27 million construction. Now that it's fully occupied and the debt paid off, I considered I had done myself out of a job.On Saturday, Age readers encountered several people from Melbourne's outer western suburbs. One was John Forrester, who has lived next to the Werribee River for almost 40 years and who acts as a "river keeper". Featured in the article ("Push for tougher laws to protect rivers of west"), Forrester believes the entire corridor for both the Werribee and Maribyrnong rivers should be declared a public park.

Though unnamed, another one of the characters to which Age readers have been exposed recently also hails from the western suburbs. Having been in the media for the past couple of weeks, he was probably already familiar to readers before the publication of the article "Bail revoked for teen 'who kicked cop' ". The 17-year-old is alleged to have been involved in "a wild party" at an Airbnb house in Werribee and, in a separate incident, was charged with injuring a police officer at Highpoint shopping centre in Maribyrnong.

Despite the differences in the stories of these men, both emerge from and inhabit a region of Melbourne that is increasingly pushing back against its long-term neglect by state and federal governments  the outer western suburbs.

Where one  namely Forrester  might be viewed by some as a champion because of his campaign to protect our western waterways, for developers and politicians seeking to allow hideous developments at the edge of the Maribyrnong and Werribee rivers, he is little more than a troublemaker. People in Melbourne's west are not meant to demand a better life for themselves, let alone their rivers.Journalists use all manner of psychological tricks to get their stories. Some cajole and threaten. Others flatter their sources and seek to convince them they are on their side.

Following Donald Trump's election victory, Michael Wolff took the latter approach to the extreme by publicly attacking what Trump calls the "fake news" media.

Rather than a threat to the nation, Wolff argued in a podcast interview that Trump was "no different from anyone else". The United States, he added, was "not in a crisis situation", simply "a new and different political moment".

He would later attack CNN host Brian Stelter for delivering a weekly "pious sermon about Trump's perfidiousness" and New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman for reporting on Trump as an "aberrant" President.Prominent Liberal ministers have launched a stinging attack on one of their own - the head of the NSW Young Liberals, Harry Stutchbury - over his stance on housing affordability.

In a provocative opinion piece for the Sydney Morning Herald, the 26-year-old Mr Stutchbury argued the Liberal Party should abolish the exemption that allows retirees to claim the pension despite owning multi-million dollar homes. The long-standing arrangement means a person's primary dwelling is not counted in the asset test for the aged pension, and presently enjoys bipartisan support in the political arena.

Mr Stutchbury said the Liberals were "terrified of taking serious steps to tackle housing affordability", having been burnt by its attempt to curb superannuation excesses before the last election.

In response, NSW Counter Terrorism Minister David Elliott blasted Mr Stutchbury on Facebook, suggesting Liberal voters in western Sydney would use the opinion piece to light their barbecues.About 10 years ago, we spent some time living in Moorooka while our old Queenslander was renovated. There were a lot of African families living out there too. I dont know what part of the continent they came from, but chances are a fair number had arrived as refugees from the civil war in Sudan.

They were good neighbours. Quiet people, even shy.

Peter Dutton is walking down a well-trodden path. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

There was a real problem with crime in the neighbourhood, but they werent the source. It was drunken bogans tearing around the streets at high speed, and junkies turning over houses for anything they could sell for a hit. The bogans and the junkies were white. Our dog chased a few of them off. I chased a couple more.

Peter Dutton had left the Queensland Police Force by then, so we didnt need his help securing the homestead, and maybe thats a pity. Maybe if that potato-headed munter had been forced to work that beat for a while hed know what a disgusting travesty the race-baiting of the last week has been.Princess Charlotte's first day at nursery school has been marked by the release of two pictures taken by her proud mother, the Duchess of Cambridge.

The two-year-old, who is fourth in line to the throne, was photographed at Kensington Palace before travelling to nearby Willcocks Nursery School.

Princess Charlotte is attending Willcocks Nursery School in London. Credit:The Duchess of Cambridge

Charlotte is pictured sitting down on some outside steps in the grounds of the famous palace and another standing as she holds onto a rail.

The young princess is wearing a scarf, coat and appears to have a rucksack on her back as she is photographed by her mother.My husband 63, is working full time and has a taxable income of about $48,000 a year. I, 46, am working casually as a tutor and earn about $20,000 a year. We have accumulated nearly $300,000 superannuation in my husband's account so far. I don't have super currently because I am self-employed. As my husband's retirement is approaching we are thinking about the next move of our lifestyle. We own a one-bedroom unit  no mortgage  in Randwick, market value of $650,000 plus. Neither of us are confident about how to prepare for our retirement. An option we are thinking about is renting the unit in two years' time and buying a house in the Blue Mountains area where we can commute to the city within a reasonable time. We hope to live in a quiet rural area but quite close to the city: a three-bedroom house where I can use one room as my tuition office. To buy a new property we need to withdraw all the super money and take out a small mortgage. We are not sure if this option is a good one to choose in the future. As far as we know my husband can work part time without affecting his pension and I can do casual work in Sydney as well as at home as it's only a two-hour commute. In addition, we can hopefully expect rental income to pay off strata and mortgage payments. Do you think we are on the right track to prepare for our old age? Do you think it's sensible to use up all the super in order to buy a second property or better to keep some of the super and have a higher mortgage? Do we have a better option to choose to be better off? My husband and I would appreciate any advice you can offer. E.L.

Your husband was presumably born in 1954 and is thus eligible to apply for an age pension at age 66, in three years' time. Even though you are ineligible, the means test would count both your assets and income to determine what a married pension might be and then pay your husband half of that. You, yourself, would be eligible for an age pension at age 67, although government policy is to raise this to 70. You are currently living on about $60,000 a year net of tax.

If move to the Blue Mountains and work in Sydney, you'll have to factor in the cost of commuting. Credit:Wolter Peeters

When you apply for an age pension, Centrelink applies both an assets and an income means test and whichever provides a lower result is the pension granted. Further, once your husband reaches age pension age, then his super benefits would be counted by the means tests.

Let's say you were to rent your Sydney apartment and move to the Blue Mountains. Then the value of the newly rented flat, $650,000, and the rent received, would be counted by Centrelink's means tests. The tests would ignore your new home, and also any home mortgage you would have raised to buy it. (I imagine you would need to borrow at least $250,000 to $350,000 extra to buy even a very small home in the mountains but, frankly, you would be lucky to get a mortgage if your husband is retired and you earn a low income.)It was the inspirational story that brought people to tears, but for David Lee, the chief executive of DWL Financial Services, it was much more than that.

After reading Daniel Hu's story, thanking his parents who worked as cleaners and lived below the poverty line to help him achieve an outstanding HSC result, Mr Lee felt compelled to reach out to Mr Hu.

Mr Hu's story resonated, as he experienced a similar struggle when he came to Australia from Malaysia as a young man many years ago.

"I grew up in a very poor Chinese Malaysian family in Malaysia and came to Australia when I was 27 speaking no English at all. I now own a successful financial planning company but, like Daniel's parents, I did anything I could to get by in the early days," Mr Lee said.The public service commission has refused to release records of its boss John Lloyd's contacts with right-wing think tank the Institute of Public Affairs, despite questions about his links to the group.

After Mr Lloyd agreed in an October Senate estimates hearing to take on notice requests for phone records of his contacts with the IPA, the Australian Public Service Commission said it wouldn't release them to senators because it would involve an "unreasonable diversion" of its resources.

Public service commissioner John Lloyd has faced questions about his links to the Institute of Public Affairs. Credit:Jay Cronan

"In addition, it would include the release of personal information that would breach the privacy of Mr Lloyd and the people he has phone contact with," the commission said.

However the commission confirmed in a response last month he met with an IPA representative in April 2015 after sending it an email saying Labor senator Penny Wong had "taken a swipe" at two of the think tank's former directors.The Coalition government has escaped paying nearly $350 million in wage rises to public servants at the largest agencies after they rejected workplace deal offers amid bitter rows over conditions, figures from the public service commission show.

Staff at the largest government employers went without the pay rises when they knocked back proposed deals that would have cut conditions as fraught negotiations escalated to strike action in some agencies.

The government didn't have to pay public servants at the largest agencies $350 million as they rejected pay deals. Credit:Louie Douvis

Under the government's workplace rules, public servants who agreed to new deals were denied back pay, despite waiting up to four years for wage rises amid the prolonged industrial battles that followed the Coalition's new workplace bargaining rules.

Estimates released by the Australian Public Service Commission show that $343.5 million in wage rises offered to public servants at the Tax Office, Human Services, Agriculture, Defence and the former Department of Immigration and Border Protection went unpaid during the turmoil.A pizza shop owner ran 20 metres to punch a man who later died in hospital after seeing one of his female employees "stiff-armed" outside a NSW coastal pub, a court has heard.

George Joseph Habkouk, 49, appeared in Wyong Local Court on Monday via video link from Cessnock maximum security prison accused of punching Haydn Butcher, 30, in the head outside the Lakes Hotel at The Entrance about 1am on New Year's Day.

Mr Butcher fell to the ground after being punched, hit his head on the concrete and lost consciousness.

He was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition but died from his injuries the following day.A woman stands accused of assaulting and kidnapping her mother in a "disturbing and somewhat bizarre" incident linked to the ongoing fallout of her relationship with a former high-flying stockbroker.

Royalene Pollock, 68, suffered a suspected broken rib and facial cuts after she was allegedly bashed and tied up by her daughter, Lauren Pollock, in the older woman's Cherrybrook home about 3am on Sunday.

Former BRW Rich Lister Phil Mathews. Credit:MATHEWS CAPITAL

Hornsby Local Court heard on Monday that Lauren Pollock, 37, and Afghanistan war veteran Daniel Mark Cupples, 39, are alleged to have kidnapped the elderly woman and taken her back to Pollock's home at Naremburn.

By 5am, the victim was taken to a home in Mosman where she raised the alarm to a resident, but only after allegedly being told by her daughter to go inside.A woman charged with causing a Kings Highway crash that left five people in hospital has admitted responsibility, and said it was "about time I address my drug issues".

Katrina West, 39, from Batemans Bay, is accused of being under the influence of ice when she fell asleep at the wheel near Braidwood, while returning home after facing an ACT court on an unrelated drug-driving charge.

The car driven by Katrina West at the time of the accident. Credit:NSW Police

She appeared in Queanbeyan Local Court via video link on Monday. She is facing three charges of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Ms West's defence lawyer, Rosemary Benet, indicated her client would plead guilty to the three charges. However, the police prosecutor told the court the investigation was ongoing and the nature of the charges could change.Police are concerned about the increasingly violent behaviour of a lone gunman who shot a 21-year-old Sydney pizza shop worker and is thought to be responsible for armed robberies at four other takeaway outlets.

Detectives investigating the five robberies in Sydney's west over a seven-week period say the method and CCTV footage has led them to conclude they're all linked.

In the first four robberies, the offender entered through a rear door, threatening employees with a gun and robbing them of cash, NSW Police say.

But in the early hours of Sunday morning, Domino's Pizza restaurant worker Anand Singh, 21, was shot twice - in the chest and hand - in Wentworthville by a man they believe to be the same offender.Two men were arrested and several women will be given infringement notices after police broke up a protest in the Hawkesbury region on Monday.

About 100 people including federal politicians gathered at Windsor Bridge from 6am, to call for work on the bridge replacement project to halt until a government inquiry into the project is complete.

The site has historical significance, with early road paving and other artefacts discovered nearby. A salvage operation has begun to recover any artefacts in the area before construction continues.

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon and member for Macquarie Susan Templeman were among those who linked arms at the site, where protestors held signs including "stop trashing our town" and "save our square".2018 will be the year malicious software becomes smarter and cyber criminals increasingly chase crypto-currencies like bitcoin, according to predictions from computer security companies.

It will also be the year ransomware  software designed by hackers that locks up computer systems until a fee is paid  will become more targeted and prevalent among big business, where ransom demands are often much higher in dollar value due to businesses having more money to divulge than consumers, according to computer security firm Fortinet.

Cyber attacks are set to get a lot smarter.

Derek Manky, global security strategist at Fortinet, says that although the threat magnitude of ransomware has grown by 35 times over 2017 with "ransomworms" and other types of attacks, there is more to come.

"The next big target for ransomware is likely to be cloud service providers and other commercial services with a goal of creating revenue streams," he says, pointing to one ransom that resulted in $US1 million being paid by a web hosting company in 2017.A man accused of raping women he met on dating app Tinder has been refused bail, after a court heard he yelled at one of his alleged victims in the street while out of custody.

Glenn Hartland, 43, is accused of raping three women he was in relationships with and sexually assaulting a fourth between 2014 and 2016, after meeting the women online.

Alleged Tinder rapist Glenn Hartland Credit:Current Affair

Mr Hartland faces multiple counts of rape, false imprisonment and assault. He has denied the allegations.

He spent most of last year out of custody until mid-December, when he yelled "there's no point hiding, you liar" at one of the women as he drove past her in Prahran, Melbourne Magistrates Court heard.Runaway Indian driver Puneet Puneet has reportedly begged the family of the Queensland student he killed to pardon him as he continues to fight extradition to Australia to face charges over the drunken crash.

Puneet was a 19-year-old learner driver when he ran into and killed Queensland student Dean Hofstee, 19, and seriously injured Clancy Coker, 20, in Southbank, on October 1, 2008. He was drunk at the time.

Puneet was on bail and awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to culpable driving when he fled Australia using a friend's passport in 2009.

He was arrested four years later in India, on his wedding day.Ron Tandberg, whose perfect little "pocket" cartoons have been among the most loved features of The Age for the past 45 years, has died after a short battle with cancer.

Tandberg, who turned 74 on New Year's Eve, died on Monday, surrounded by members of his family  his wife, Glen, at his side  at the St John of God Hospital in Geelong.

Tandberg joined The Age in 1972, and went on to win an extraordinary 11 Walkley Awards, including two Gold Walkleys.

He was a man who found wry humour in almost everything, including the illness he was diagnosed with on Friday the 13th of October last year.Lord Mayor Robert Doyle is facing a fresh allegation of sexual harassment by a second Melbourne City councillor, Cathy Oke, who has told an independent investigation that he tried to kiss her while they were in his office.

Cr Oke had also told an investigation into Cr Doyle's behaviour that he clutched her thigh under a table in a separate incident.

Melbourne City councillor Cathy Oke with Greens MP Adam Bandt (right) and former Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber. Credit:Arsineh Houspian

It comes as Cr Doyle  who has denied all allegations against him  launched a public campaign to restore his reputation, hiring a public relations firm to work for him. The firm on Monday released text messages between Cr Doyle and former councillor Tessa Sullivan.

Ms Sullivan was elected to Melbourne City Council in 2016 as part of Team Doyle.A former IT engineer from the United Kingdom, Brad Bradshaw is a long way from home as he watches over coffee beans roasting at his purpose-built shed in Western Australia's great southern region.

"Sorry, I'll just press that there," he says while fielding questions from reporters, as his roasting machine beeps, beckoning him to his computer.

Coffee beans roasting at Stash Coffee's Denmark roasting shed. Credit:Heather McNeill

Mr Bradshaw - who makes his batches with the help of tailored computer software - has taken his love for IT and engineering and transferred it into high end speciality coffee making in the seaside town of Denmark.

As he watches about 10 kilograms of coffee beans being tossed in the roasting machine on a Monday afternoon, one of his eyes is always on his nearby computer screen, which is closely monitoring the beans' reaction and temperature to help achieve that perfect batch.Angry discussions were sparked on a community Facebook group after a picture of clothes scattered on the floor in front of the Good Sammy Mandurah drop-off bins was posted by an outraged resident.

Karla Ann Armstrong had posted the pictures on Mandurah Q and A on Sunday morning with the caption, "I am absolutely disgusted !!!!!! How can people be this lazy."

Clothes covered the floor and the top of bins at the Mandurah Good Sammy's. Credit:Karla Ann Armstrong.

Good Samaritan WA retail operations manager Paige Lynam said there was a history of clothing theft from the Mandurah bins.

"They go through the bins over the weekend," Ms Lynam said.A Parkerville man has been fined $5000 for offences his company committed while contracting for and carrying out the fit-out of two commercial buildings in Belmont and Jandakot in 2013.

The Perth Magistrates Court found in relation to both sites the company had implied that it was a registered building contractor when it was not, and carried out a prescribed building service without the required registration.

The company was fined for carrying out unregistered work. Credit:Erin Jonasson

The court heard the company had used another builder's registration number to obtain building permits for the projects, which were valued at $133,702 and $120,402 respectively.

As the sole director of the company, which has since become insolvent, the man was taken to have committed the offences of the company.Phnom Penh: Australian nurse Tammy Davis-Charles, who is suffering eye cancer, has had her appeal against an 18-month jail sentence on surrogacy charges rejected by a Cambodian court.

Davis-Charles sobbed after a judge ruled on Monday that under Cambodian law the court could not take into consideration her cancer.

Australian nurse Tammy Davis-Charles arrives at court in Phnom Penh on January 8, 2018. Her appeal against an 18-month jail sentence for surrogacy offences was dismissed. Credit:NARA LON

The judge found that the sentence imposed on Davis-Charles, a mother of six from Melbourne, last October was lenient.

She has been serving the sentence in Prey Sar, a notoriously harsh jail on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, where medical treatment is limited.Washington: Preliminary discussions are under way for Special Counsel Robert Mueller to potentially interview US President Donald Trump as part of the probe of alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election, NBC News reported on Monday.

Citing three people familiar with the situation, NBC said lawyers for Trump had met with representatives of Mueller's office in late December to talk about the logistics of any such interview.

Robert Mueller, the Justice Department's special counsel, at the Capitol in Washington. Credit:New York Times

The discussions included the possible location and length of any interview as well as legal standards and options for its format, including written responses instead of a formal sit-down, according to the news network.

Mueller, under the Department of Justice, is investigating allegations of Russian meddling in the US presidential election and possible collusion by Trump's campaign.Radical transparency site WikiLeaks has gone after author Michael Wolff following the publication of a controversial book that puts the Trump White House in an unflattering light.

The Twitter account for the organisation published the link to the book by the New York-based media critic which has created a firestorm for US President Donald Trump over the past week.

"New Trump book 'Fire and Fury' by Michael Wolff. Full PDF:" were the only words in the tweet, followed by what appears to be a link to a Google Drive file.

The PDF file contains no page numbers, and it is not clear if it is the final version of the book.As time and age advance, and with it ones private and professional life progresses, one might come to the conclusion that most things we do in life, in business or even in politics are just a bunch of nonsense. What is worse that we keep doing it for no good reason at all, and are continuing to create more nonsense. Some will put the blame on the boss or the government, some on the weather, others on their childhood, their mother-in-law or a recession. Great arguments that underline some of the nonsense even more. Climate change and resilience are trendy right now. It is almost like wanting to blame Nature for what Nature is and how it functions.

Ive got some news for you. Extremely old news. It may take at least 10 digits to put a number on it. There is scientific evidence that forms of life on Earth appeared about 3.5 billion years ago. One year more or less doesnt make a difference. There are people who may believe that it is what it took to create true human perfection. Just imagine that it took an evolution that long to inspire some members of the human species to decide on putting together committees to figure climate resilience out. Thats a main topic in the headlines nowadays. Just as a side remark, did you know that French soft cheese takes about 4 weeks to ripen? Anyway, to describe the mission of such committees in some straightforward wording: find out what we recently messed up and how we can quickly fix it again.

The answer is so darn simple that it almost insane: any material or process that was not created or influenced by man, and still exists, has proven to be resilient, in some cases over millions of years. The next question may be, what would have survived or flourished if it wasnt affected by human action or influence? There you will find some valid answers of what to keep, copy and protect, and what to avoid.

Some prefer looking for an easier solution, like we need more insurance and more financial assistance, or handouts to survive when catastrophes happen. The correct answer is again so senseless simple. One is provided with two features for the use: brains and hands. As for the hands, we all know that some hands are bigger than others, and that some are used to do work, and some are used to be held up and receive. As for the brain sizes and functions, lets not even get started discussing it. The answers to problems are usually quite simple and straightforward. But in order for them to be recognized and accepted, human brains and behavior have an annoying delaying effect.

In 1997, I was asked by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO to promote 1998, The International Year of The Oceans of the UN. The mission was to create awareness for the worlds oceans. At that time, climate change was already discussed. Scientists had recognized all the indications. They had computer models of the effects of rising sea levels. Why wasnt something done about it already at that time?

For one, scientists typically have to prove things first and beyond any doubt; reasonable doubt is not even good enough. One cannot prove something when it didnt actually happen. That is like wisdom from the law and order professions. Politicians will not take action unless scientists can prove something. They fear for their credibility and to be fried to a crisp if they cannot justify their decision without proper evidence. Now, after those 20 years, one can at least say that tremendous progress is made, and climate change is about to be proven. The time has now come to think about action for becoming climate resilient. And of course, on a smaller scale, like here in the Caribbean, a committee may be assembled of persons who must start thinking first, about what they actually need to be thinking about. Keep your fingers crossed for #1 seeing a plan of action and #2 enjoy experiencing the implementation.

If I would ask Mother Nature for her opinion about all this, she might respond with: You people think you are Living the life of Riley and you believe you are Hot Stuff. In my eyes you are really only lallygagging and dilldallying along through your limited time of life. From my overall perspective, you are as unimportant as a miniature ship in a bottle. Mama Nature will adapt and survive. I always did. And you? So, listen to Mama Nature and learn from Mama Nature and dont try to have things your way. Ding-dong!

Mama Nature...., I would ask with a sigh, Why such harsh words? To which she may respond with the determination of a moving bulldozer: Well, that is what it often takes to make you people halt for a moment and to forget your private interests, your shortcuts and your personal convenience and comfort before you get going.

by Cdr. Bud SlabbaertPHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, January 6th, 2018, the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church celebrated The Epiphany Festival of with the children and youths. The activities started at 3.00 pm on the Captain Hodge Square and began with an openings prayer lead by Rev. Fr. Adam Oleszczuk SVD, Pastor of St. Martin of Tours Parish.

It was a fun and spirit filled day for the children and youths. They marched in procession to the church, led by the New Generation Drum band. In church, they viewed the story of the Three Wise Men, who brought gifts for the child Jesus. The children also brought gifts for less fortunate children and had their own Christmas gift blessed. The celebration then continued at the St. Martin of Tour Parish Hall where they had group activities, received drinks and cupcakes and were entertained by the Catholic Youth Group Dancers. The highlight of the afternoon was to find baby Jesus in a cupcake. The winner was 7 year old, Harris Zephir. He received a gift and he was crowned King for the day. The activities ended at 5.00 pm.

St. Martin of Tours Parish Press ReleaseTucson AZ (SPX) Jan 05, 2018





A pair of new-generation instruments to be mounted on the world's largest optical telescope, the Large Binocular Telescope, or LBT, located on top of Mount Graham in Arizona, will turn the telescope ... more

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Just like the Sun is moving in our galaxy, the Milky Way, all the stars in galaxies are moving, but with very different orbits: some of the stars have strong rotations, while others may be moving ra ... more

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It's been called the "most mysterious star in the universe," bigger than the sun and yet brightening and dimming in an odd way that suggested to some an alien megastructure might be circling it. ... more

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A team of more than 100 researchers, led by LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy Assistant Professor Tabetha Boyajian, is one step closer to solving the mystery behind the "most mysterious star i ... more

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Early Wednesday morning, Earth passed its closest point to the sun, a portion of its orbit known as perihelion. ... more

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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 s ... more

Moscow (Sputnik) Dec 29, 2017

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Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should?

Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools.Germany's Foreign Minister 'We Are Seeing What Happens When the U.S. Pulls Back'

In an interview, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel urges Germany to pay greater attention to the future of the EU. He warns that there are no vacuums in international politics and that when the U.S. withdraws, Russia or China step in.Shaheed El-Hafed, January 8, 2018 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, received on Saturday a reply from Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in which he indicated that Polisario Front had responded positively to his intention to send a technical mission to the region.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations highlighted that, for him, all avenues for progress had not yet been exhausted and that his efforts would continue to address the outstanding issues of the 1991 Ceasefire Agreement and Military Agreement No. 1.

He stressed the need to implement independent and credible procedures to ensure full respect for human rights, adding that the United Nations was following on the issue of the natural resources of Western Sahara on the basis of the Advisory Opinion of the Hague Tribunal in 1975 and the opinion of the United Nations Legal Counsel for 2002.

He also emphasized the follow-up on the issue of respect for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) on the criteria for the work of peacekeeping missions in the world and presenting it, if necessary, to the Security Council.

The President of the Republic had sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General in mid-December, in which he broached the status of the settlement process and the need to speed it up, the Moroccan violations in El Guerguerat region, the violations of human rights by Moroccan and the looting of natural resources Western Sahara, as well as disagreements with respect to MINURSO compliance with the standards of operation of the United Nations peacekeeping missions in the world. (SPS)

062/SPS/TRA



Seventeen heifers and one bull left from the Stabiliser Cattle Company's Givendale farm in East Yorkshire for the Grand Est region of France on 24th November 2017. Along with live exports, the initial agreement also includes extensive semen sales and embryo transfers, with a target of bringing 1,000 Stabiliser breeding females into France.

An increasing awareness by French beef producers that their native breeds are becoming too big for market while also failing to deliver to consumer demands for high quality marbled meat has led to the development of Bovinext to import UK Stabiliser genetics, says Laurent Rouyer, president of Bovinext. French beef farmers are also attracted to the Stabilisers high feed efficiency, something SCC has focused heavily on in 2017 with the launch of the Net Feed Efficiency (NFE) EBV.Connecticut residents may be in for an unexpected windfall from the new federal tax package  a reduction in their electricity, gas and water bills, as state regulators weigh whether to force utilities to pass on federal tax savings to their customers.

On its own initiative, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority launched a formal proceeding last week to examine how much utilities could save under the new federal tax law that brings the corporate tax rate of 21 percent, down from 35 percent.

PURA factors federal income taxes into determining the rates it approves. In all, 14 utilities statewide could see their rates adjusted, including Eversource Energy and subsidiary Aquarion Water; and Avangrid and its divisions Connecticut Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas. PURAs oversight does not extend to cable TV and broadband rates.

For the 2016 tax year, Eversource listed $526 million in federal taxes on $1.5 billion in corporate income at the statutory rate of 35 percent. Had the 21 percent federal rate been in effect in 2016, the company would have seen its federal tax bill decline by $210 million, excluding the impact of offsetting elements like tax credits and excluding taxable income from Bridgeport-based Aquarion, which Eversource acquired in November.

We believe our customers should receive the benefits of the new tax law, so were working with PURA and the Office of Consumer Counsel to pass those savings along, Eversource spokesman Mitch Gross told Hearst Connecticut Media. The amount and timing of the rate reduction to customers will be decided in the pending rate review.

A spokesman for Orange-based Avangrid said his own company will discuss in February any impact to its rates from the PURA inquiry, during a review of its 2017 financial results. Avangrid listed a total income tax expense of $379 million without breaking it out by federal versus state income taxes.

In advance of a rate hearing for Jan. 24, Eversource had indicated plans to seek a 6.8 percent increase in its electricity distribution rates over the coming three years, with a spokesman telling Hearst Connecticut Media Monday that the company is open to discussions with state regulators on the impact of federal taxes as part of that filing. Under the new tax law, the $337 million in revenue over three years from the Eversource proposal would generate federal income tax of $55 million, according to Rich Sobolewski, director of technical analysis for the office of Connecticut Consumer Counsel Elin Swanson.

Includes prior reporting by Luther Turmelle.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulmanA new year is upon us and, instead of sticking to such time-worn, oft-unattainable resolutions such as losing weight, the Connecticut Better Business Bureau suggests state residents resolve not to get swindled in 2018.

According to the bureau, victims often unknowingly provide personal and financial information to potential scam artists over the internet, in telephone calls and at their front door.

The keys to protecting ourselves from financial fraud and identity theft are knowing the red flags, and using a healthy dose of skepticism, said Connecticut BBB spokesman Howard Schwartz in a news release. Sidestepping scammers may appear to be a daunting task, however, it is easier than most people think. If we follow a simple few rules, we can protect ourselves from the vast majority of scams and make ourselves more educated consumers.

One of the most prominent red flags that someone is trying to bamboozle you involves any demand for payment through an untraceable method, such as a wire transfer, cashiers check or gift cards.

The BBB also said warned about impostor scams, in which swindlers pretend they are calling from your doctors office, a financial institution, government agency, the court system or police. They will typically threaten the victim with arrest unless they pay a fake fee or penalty.

Other scams involve a softer touch, in which an impostor pretends to represent a charity. Because caller ID can be spoofed, the potential victim can never be certain who is on the other end of the telephone line.

Email is another popular tool used by criminals to commit fraud. The email often has the look and feel of a legitimate institution, and encourages recipients to click on a link or open an attachment. Either of those actions can infect a computer with a virus. If you click on a link, it may redirect you to an authentic-looking web page that will ask for enough personal information to allow the scammers to commit identity theft.

Here are a few more tips from the BBB that can help make personal security a resolution we can all achieve:

Check all terms and conditions. These will help you understand any limits, exclusions or extra fees.

Avoid doing business at your front door. It is better to select a professional, business or charity yourself, rather than respond to a solicitation. In addition, if the individual claims to be with a utility company, phone company or any other type of business, they may carry false identification.

Keep an eye on your credit reports. These may give you an early indication that someone is using your personal information to open lines of credit and obtain loans. You may obtain your reports for free from the government-sanctioned website annualcreditreport.com. You will be asked to provide personal information for authentication purposes. This allows you to keep an eye on your credit reports all year long, by requesting a report from one of the three credit monitoring companies every four months.

Harden your computer security. Update and scan your computer regularly with anti-malware. Download operating system and software updates which are often designed to close security loopholes. Buy a backup drive to preserve your important files, photos and videos in case of a cyber hack or computer failure.

You dont get something for nothing. This includes cruises, fake inheritances and sweepstakes. There is always a catch.

Look for https and a padlock logo. You will find these in your browser address bar. This means the website is taking measures to protect your information.

Start with trust. Before signing a contract, putting down a deposit or donating to a charity, check them at bbb.org.It has been 11 years since TechShop, a membership-based, do-it-yourself workspace, first welcomed customers. During that time, for an annual $11,000 fee, TechShop members were able to use the companys sewing machines, welding gear or woodworking equipment. But, recently, the company closed its doors nationwide.

Related: 4 Rules to Provide Flexibility Without Losing Accountability

While at first glance, the yearly fee might seem steep, membership dues werent enough to cover the businesss operational costs. Each of TechShops locations officially closed in November due to the company's bankruptcy. TechShop certainly drew in customers, but its business model couldn't adapt as necessary for long-term success.

And that's a shame for both TechShop and the many companies like it that sink because they lack flexibility: Anyone at the helm of a startup, after all, knows how frustrating it can be to have to justify every decision to everyone, especially those with financial pull. But warning signs can't be ignored.

Sometimes changing course is the best way to save your sinking ship.

Building a solid ship

Even as startups reach that symbolically important fifth year, open-minded leadership is critical for weathering rough patches. And business models without the capacity to change remain at risk.

A lack of flexibility -- meaning sole reliance on a specific customer or set of rules -- makes it likely a business will capsize before its first wave of revenue. Without room to change a product or service, a business might fall too far behind the competition to recover in the next fiscal year.

Customers, after all, expect businesses to be prepared to change: According to Salesforce, 51 percent of consumers it surveyed assumed that by 2020, companies would be able to predict what they want and suggest options before they, the customers, even initiated contact.

Related: Why Flexibility Is Your Key to Personal Branding Success

Similarly, if a businesss prowess at innovation is limited to one specific product, chances are that the trend that initiated that product will fade -- along with sales. Entrepreneurs must be ready to take "next steps" with their products to keep up with the competition and consumers needs.

When I originally acquired Quote.com, I wanted to drive traffic to the site by offering consumers the ability to get quotes for everything from insurance to hotel stays.

I aimed high, but I quickly realized it made no sense to invest the time and equity necessary to sustain my initial plan. I had to be patient, start with one initiative, tackle it with the right level of resources, then scale to other services as we grew. I knew we couldn't afford to get stuck, so I altered our business plan and started moving forward in a whole new direction.

If you too want to keep your ship afloat, pay attention to these important moves.

Chart a course for success.

All this means is that companies need to set aside time for their employees to think creatively and come up with new offers and solutions to customer problems. Time is the one measurable resource that cannot be renewed. If business models dont prioritize planning time,the business wont have a future. How time is spent can be a vital predictor of future success.

Even if an entrepreneur didn't focus early on, on developing an adaptable business model, it's still possible to prep business to stay afloat even in the roughest waters:

1. Be all in.

I am never offline -- seriously. To keep track of whether your company is on course or veering into uncharted waters, you need to understand every aspect of the businesses and be able to spot mishap from a mile away. There is rarely a time Im not involved in a project 100 percent to help steer us away from potential disasters.

Grant Cardone, a multimillionaire and New York Times bestselling writer, told CNBC that he pulled himself out of debt and made his fortune with his constant focus. Most people work 9-to-5, he he said. I work 95 hours [per week].

And Cardone isn't the only one. Other millionaires, like Gary Vaynerchuk, follow this same advice, working more than 12 hours a day to stay on top of any issues that might crop up for their companies.

2. Recognize when a certain kind of customer is a bad fit.

Just because an industry is doing well doesnt mean every company in that industry will follow suit. There is a reason Target and Walmart both exist and thrive. Each superstore attracts a different type of consumer. Any entrepreneur needs to clearly identify his or her ideal consumer. This will simplify the products that will then get developed, the marketing campaigns that will get deployed and the sales goals that will get set.

When Gil Sadis founded Licensario, the goal was to perfect pricing plans, boost conversions and optimize revenue streams for software-as-a-service companies. But the startup failed because, as Sadis noted, Our messaging was too broad."

He said his team feared missing out on potential customers with messaging that wasn't broad enough to reach everyone. So, know which customers of yours are the right fit, and dont be afraid to turn away those who arent.

3. Know when less is more.

No matter how amazing their equipment is, how creative their staff and how fantastic their product, startups cant risk letting their innovation and product development teams fall behind. That might mean reevaluating whether 500 employees are really needed when 250 spend half their day checking social media.

Startup Beepi, for example, began with a great mission: to provide a marketplace for customers to buy and sell previously owned and reliably vetted cars. For a while, Beepi floated along on its great customer service, but the companys business model failed to pivot.

While it had started off at a $560 million valuation, with funds from 35 investors, the company ultimately folded in February 2017 after spending about $7 million each month on its 300 employees.

Similarly, TechShop might have started with a great idea that reeled in customers, but its business model ultimately failed to yield sustainable growth. Dont join these failed companies' ranks; stay the course in the face of obstacles.

Related: Flexibility Can Actually Hurt Your Productivity

A flexible business model will allow any startup -- including yours -- to stay afloat; just follow these three steps to achieve success.

Related:

3 Steps to Take, to Avoid Sinking Your Startup

Would a Remote Tech Team Work Out for Your Startup?

3 Reasons Automation Won't Replace the CFO



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com

Win McNamee | Getty Images

Hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes did a record amount of damage this past year, according to Munich Re, a German-based reinsurer.

According to Munich Res natural catastrophe review, the insurance industry was hit with a record-high $135 billion bill. Overall losses, including the uninsured, topped $330 billion. 2017 was the second most costliest year in history behind 2011, when the Tohoku earthquake in Japan caused $354 billion in todays dollars.Ogden's Own gets new leader; liquor-maker still focused on growth

OGDEN  A new leader is at the helm of Ogden's Own distillery as the local liquor manufacturer moves to grow and expand. Ogden's Own, most known, perhaps, for its Five Wives Vodka, moved into a new production facility in west Ogden last year and now Steven Conlin, co-founder of the firm, has stepped down as president. Mark Fine, a veteran of the wine and spirits industry, has taken over as company president. "We want to show what's happening here in beautiful Ogden at the base of the Wasatch mountains," Fine said. One of his missions, he said, is to showcase the company's many ...Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.Tatuajes Black line, sometimes referred to as Pete Johnsons personal blend, has come in many shapes and sizes since a 2007 debut limited release of Corona Gordas in ceramic jars. In 2010, a Petit Lancero (6 x 38) format was introduced as a store exclusive with a run of just 5,000 cigars (later it was added as a regular release). In 2016, the line was expanded and, at the same time, the Petit Lancero packaging was updated (with boxes of 20). The Nicaraguan puro is medium-bodied with oak, cream, leather, pepper, and cinnamon spice. The cigar is well-constructed, balanced, and enjoyable, though lately Ive been finding that this blend actually is best in some of the larger ring gauge formats.Govt. seeks investors for Colombo Hilton and Grand Hyatt View(s):

After a long wait, the Ministry of Public Enterprise on Friday invited proposals from potential investors for the Grand Hyatt Colombo, owned by Sri Lankas biggest insurance and pension funds, along with the partly refurbished Colombo Hilton.

These two entities are to be divested by their majority owner, the government and cabinet approval was received by the Ministry to put out Request For Proposals (RFPs) for the hotels. The call was published as an advertisement in national dailies. The Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, Litro Gas and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) have invested Rs. 19 billion in the yet-to-be-opened Hyatt. In 2011, the Government debt at Hilton was said to be over Rs. 11 billion but it was written off.

Hilton Colombos revenue for the year ended December 2016 was Rs. 2.5 billion, according to the last available accounts. F& B revenue was much higher at Rs.1.3 billion compared to Rs.1.1 billion in room revenue for the same period. Current liabilities were reported at Rs. 862,057 million compared to Rs. 678,582 million in the previous year.

The Ministry of Public Enterprise Development which is now in the process of restructuring key State owned Enterprises (SOE) was seeking Cabinet approval for some time to attract potential investors for the two state hotels, the officials said.

When the part refurbishment at Colombo Hilton was completed there were many interested parties for that property and also Hyatt. So now we thought of issuing RFPs for both Hilton and Hyatt, an official told the Business Times.T-Bond Probe findings welcome, action urged View(s):

Respondents of a Business Times (BT) opinion poll viewed positively and with optimism the long-awaited findings of the Treasury Bond Commission but were unsure as to whether the Government would actually penalise, as promised, the named offenders.

The Commission in its report, sections of which were revealed by President Maithripala Sirisena in a nationwide television broadcast on Wednesday evening, passed several strictures on former Central Bank (CB) Governor Arjuna Mahendran, his son-in-law Arjun Aloysius and Perpetual Treasuries Ltd (PTL) CEO Kasun Pallisena and recommended stringent action. Meanwhile Mr. Mahendran who is a Singapore national and has no dual citizenship is abroad.

While former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake was not directly implicated in the bond scam which the Commission said resulted in a loss running into millions of rupees to the State, the report recommended action under the Bribery Commission Act over Mr. Karunanayakes apartment lease that was paid by Mr. Aloysius, a suspect in the bond scam.

In a quick BT survey through email conducted soon after the President revealed the findings of the Commission on Wednesday night, 82 per cent of the respondents said Yes to the question: (1) The Bond Commissions findings is a fair and independent view of corrupt deals in the disputed bond trades.

However asked whether the Government will definitely take action against the accused persons, 53 per cent responded with Undecided, 26 per cent said No and 21 per cent said Yes. Some respondents who did their own polls on a twitter account found the same result; that people are not convinced that the government would take action.

A resounding 99 per cent said Yes when asked whether strong action should be taken against those named in the report as being involved in the corrupt deals, while 90 per cent agreed that the report should be speedily released to the public.

The survey, conducted over just 10 hours, attracted a wide response from a cross-section of people including company directors, public officials, social activists and students. It reflected the publics anxiety to ascertain the findings of the Commission whose widely-publicised proceedings itself attracted a lot of attention amongst scandalous profit-making by PTL.

However many respondents who made additional comments also noted that the Government, with the same haste, should probe bond issues during the former regime and similarly take action, a process that has disappointed many supporters of this government.

The politician mentioned (in the report) will be let off. So will the head of the bank. The rest of the guys named will be punished then bailed out, said another disappointed respondent adding a sad-face emoji to his comment.

Other comments were;

 Good findings but bond issues from 2008 to 2014 should also be probed

 The Commission seems to be too lenient in its statements on the PMs role.

 Definitely action needs to be taken against the bigger players rather than the lower level miscreants, and this should be within a definite timeframe, otherwise there will be public disappointment.

 There could be some legal hurdles. Can a court of law pass judgment on the basis of the findings of a Commission? Unlikely. So the AGs Department will have to prove fresh cases against each of the accused. The government may go through the motions for appearances sake, but the chances of all parties being adequately punished are slim.

 So far they (government) only talks with no action. Whether the same practice will happen here remains to be seen.

 Given the poor track record of this Government in its action against the so-called crooks of the last regime, taking action is a debatable point.

 The President has made definitive comments on taking action and has to maintain credibility.A shameful saga of monumental corruption View(s):

Auspicious times or not, Sri Lanka certainly rang in 2018 singularly inauspiciously as damning revelations of the monumental financial scam right in the bowels of the nations Central Bank were revealed to a badly shell-struck public even as the New Year had scarce been allowed to draw its breath.

Fairy tales on battling corruption

The contrast could not be more grotesque. On the one hand, grizzled farmers stood in the scorching sun, pitifully roaring that they were being reduced to beggars as they could not farm their paddy lands without fertilizer. On the other hand, Colombo became the epicenter of a perfect example of how millions can be plundered by slick crooks in immaculate suits and designer watches.

Even as the revelations unfolded, who could be blamed for being cynical regarding promises to recover the loot of the Rajapaksas stashed away in foreign banks? What credibility, the reform of the law couched in abstract if not esoteric terms when even existing laws on gross corruption are deliberately undermined in order to serve selfish political agendas? Who believes these fairy tales?

Those in power may bluster that they will continue to hold on to power till 2020. But they have frittered away an enormous amount of goodwill with which the Government was elected into power. As each crisis unfolds on top of another, the cumulative impact is disastrous.

Cover-up bad as the scam itself

President Maithripala Sirisenas summarizing of the final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the issue of Treasury Bonds of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) this week illustrates one stage of an utterly disgraceful saga of events. Let us not forget that the attempted cover up of the scam was as bad as the scam itself. For that, the Government must take full responsibility, include those talking heads of the United National Party who inserted footnotes in the earlier report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) headed by JVP parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti on the Treasury bond matter.

At that time, unconvincing protests by these talking heads on national television were that, at best, what had occurred between the father-in-law (former Governor of Central Bank, Arjuna Mahendran) and the son-in-law (head of Perpetual Treasuries Arjun Aloysius) was a petty conflict of interest. Outrage was expressed and scandalized eyebrows were raised at the very idea that financial skullduggery had been committed.

Well, now with the findings of the Commission out in the public domain, it is clear that these excuses were a weak cover-up for what had actually transpired. Let it be said that attempts to cover-up were equally as disgraceful as the behavior of those named by the Commission for being directly implicated in the scandal.

Enormity of the fraud

The enormity of the fraud that had been committed will no doubt, take time to sink into the nations consciousness. As the statement by the President reveals, the Commissions findings were deadly. Its mandate was to inquire into the issuance of treasury bonds during 1st February 2015 to 31st March 2016, to ascertain the facts regarding allegations of corruption and mismanagement and to recommend steps to be implemented in the future.

Former Governor of Central Bank, Arjuna Mahendran was castigated for interfering into Treasury bond auctions through a process of incorrect and unconventional methods. Affirming that he was responsible for providing internal information to outsiders, allowing his son-in-law of Perpetual Treasuries to obtain undue and illegal monetary gains of an extent that is monumental, CBSL officials and some external parties were also held to be implicated.

The Commission recommended criminal and civil court action by the Criminal Investigations Department and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against the implicated individuals including against former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. This barefaced robbery of public funds was assessed as having started even earlier, from the time of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2008. It was recommended that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka conduct a forensic audit with regard to alleged fraud and corrupt practices from 2008 onwards with legal action to be taken consequentially. It is stated that it was during this time that funds of the Employment Provident Fund (EPF) had been mostly lost.

No political directions required

Meanwhile the question as to what legal consequences should follow from the Commission findings led to much scratching of confused heads, some of it engineered but some undoubtedly genuine. Should the President direct the Attorney General to take action on the report? And what meanwhile of the Prime Minister whose response was that the report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) headed by JVP parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti on the Treasury bond matter had been referred to the Attorney General on October 31, 2016, (compromised footnotes and all, we would presume)?

The law itself is, of course, clear. The President or the Prime Minister is not required to direct anything in terms of the law. Neither is the media required to speculate on that basis. Section 23 of the Commissions of Inquiry Amendment Act, No 16 of 2008 categorically states that it shall be lawful for the Attorney-General to institute criminal proceedings in a court of law in respect of any offence.-based on material collected in the course of an investigation or inquiry or both an investigation and inquiry, as the case may be, by a Commission of Inquiry appointed under this Act. Importantly, this is affirmed as operating notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 197 9 or any other law.

It was precisely due to the impact of the Commission proceedings on an eventual criminal prosecution that the head of Perpetual Treasuries Arjun Aloysius was permitted by the Commission to plead the privilege against self-incrimination when an imaginative counsel advanced the same on his behalf before the Commission. Opinions may differ on whether Aloysius should have been allowed the benefit of that privilege or not as the case may be. But the fact that the law must now be activated is without a doubt.

Rascally politicians must not be allowed to escape

No doubt this is perhaps the very first Commission Report which took Sri Lanka metaphorically by its neck and forced it to see an ugly truth. But it must not end there. A hapless Attorney General must not be left to hold the blame with rascally politicians wriggling clear of the consequences.

The President cannot merely talk of corrupt politicians from both major parties and pledge that he would not hesitate to take steps to recover the loss caused to the government and take legal action against the offenders. The reservoir of good faith with which promises were believed in the past has now run dry. There is a serious crisis of public confidence in both the Presidency and the Government. That must be addressed forthwith.British envoys lesson about truth View(s):

In ancient Greece there was this fussy old philosopher who went around the market place in broad daylight with a lantern in hand looking for an honest man. Diogenes was either a cynic or just crazy. Who would ever go to the market place in search of an honest man! It is as loony as searching for a well dry-cleaned politician, clean of mind and body.

While many in Sri Lanka would now be engrossed in discussing the Bond Commission report  if they could get their hands on it  and politicians trying to splash each other with contaminated mud, we should be pardoned for leaving the report alone until the president and his officials decide to have their final say.

Had Diogenes gone in search of an honest, truthful and principled politician he would probably be still going round in circles. After all, as the British High Commissioner James Dauris preached the other day, many things get in the way of arriving at the truth, such as numbers.

If I return to the subject of the British High Commissioner and his advice to all to refrain from argument over numbers as it only gets in the way of truth-seeking, it is because he leaves one rather puzzled. Having said that a single death is a tragedy, a large number of deaths is a statistic, Mr. Dauris reportedly went on to tell a Sunday newspaper If people allow themselves to lose sight of the tragedy of what happened, reconciliation and the guarantee of future peace will become more elusive. I think we need to be careful not to allow ourselves to get distracted by arguments about numbers, because figures can too easily get in the way of the truth. So would attempts to hide the truth, but to that later.

Perhaps it is our poor comprehension of the English language that leaves one wondering what precisely Dauris is trying to say. Well he is not the only one who has created some confusion in my mind. The English language version of the presidential statement on the Bond Commission report has also created some doubts as to who has done what and who has emerged smelling like an attar of roses.

High Commissioner Dauris says a single death is a tragedy. Not so when large numbers die. That turns into a mere statistic. But not every single death is a tragedy. As a countryman of his called Willie Shakespeare once said When beggars die there are no comets seen.

 What is confusing is Dauriss use of the word tragedy. To him a single death is a tragedy. But then he says that people should not lose sight of the tragedy of what happened.

What precisely is that tragedy? Surely this could not be a reference to another single death could it? No, he seems to be referring to the near three-decade long conflict in which several thousands died. Mainly it is the huge human loss on all sides which makes it a tragedy.

On the one hand the many thousands killed, entire families killed or missing and a generation of youth lost to the country, is what makes the conflict a tragedy. On the other hand James Dauris seems to see the human loss as a mere statistic that should not be allowed to get in the way of finding the truth. Dauris argues that if the public loses sight of the tragedy, whatever that might be in his perception, reconciliation and the guarantee of future peace will become elusive.

While the public will thank the British representative for his seeming concern for peace in this country, one wonders whether this is the real reason for his concern and for the appeal not to engage in a controversy over numbers.

To recap briefly it will be recalled that this most recent questioning of the number of civilian casualties in the last few months of the war against the separatist LTTE erupted during a House of Lords debate initiated by Lord Naseby.

During the debate Naseby contended that the figure of 40,000 or more civilian deaths claimed by some, was highly inflated. His estimate of 7,000-8,000 deaths was based on several sources including despatches from the British Defence Attache in Colombo to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London and copied to the defence establishment to which Lt. Col Anton Gash belonged.

Lord Naseby said that for three years he tried to obtain the war time despatches sent by Lt. Col Gash under the Freedom of Information Act and what he got was heavily redacted reports that hid obviously vital information which if made available to Lord Naseby would have presented a widely different scenario than the one the UK and US in particular, some British media and international NGOs have presented to the world.

What made me return to Dauris was British media comments on the release of once classified files and documents which happens regularly at the end of the year or when requests are made under the FoI law. One of the curious things that Lord Naseby discovered was that Col Gashs despatches after late April 2009 were unavailable at the FCO. It would indeed be a poor reflection and possibly a reason for recall if Gash had not filed any reports on the last few days of the LTTE and the immediate aftermath of its military defeat.

Surely a competent and conscientious military officer would not have been remiss not to report on the dying moments of the war. To think that the British Foreign Office could not find the files on the Anton Gash despatches of a couple of years earlier is a serious condemnation of the manner in which the FCO functions.

But the truth surely lies elsewhere. The Col Gash reports would have undermined the very position taken by the UK and its transatlantic ally on Sri Lankas conduct of the war and deflated the civilian casualty numbers that had been blown up to try and convince the world of atrocities committed by the Sri Lankan security forces.

What Dauris is trying to do is stop British politicians and others from digging into the past which could expose British duplicity, doubtless helped along by the separatist lobby and sections of the Tamil diaspora. The Dauris logic is rather curious. He tells us how to arrive at the truth. But how can one find the truth if all the information and facts are not first disclosed. Mr. Dauris seems to want only the part of the truth. We want more than that.

It is to hide the truth that official files go missing as inquiries by the British newspaper Guardian discovered at years end when more files were released to the public. Here are excerpts from an article by Siobhan Fenton in the Guardian newspaper.

The National Archives are home to more than 11 million documents, many of them covering the most disturbing periods of Britains colonial past. The uncomfortable truths revealed in previously classified government files have proved invaluable to those seeking to understand this countrys history or to expose past injustices.

It is deeply concerning, therefore, to discover that about 1,000 files have gone missing after being removed by civil servants. Officially, the archives describe them as misplaced while on loan to a government department.

The files, each containing dozens of pages, cover subjects such as the troubles in Northern Ireland, the British colonial administration in Palestine, tests on polio vaccines and territorial disputes between the UK and Argentina. It is unclear whether duplicates exist.

The loss of so many documents of such significance has understandably caused concern among historians, politicians and human rights groups. Amnesty International has called on Theresa May to order an urgent government-wide search for the documents, while Labour MP Jon Trickett has warned that the loss will only fuel accusations of a cover-up.

Also in 2014, the government was accused of a cover-up after it said it could not release information about the CIAs extraordinary rendition programmebecause the files had suffered water damage.

In 2013, meanwhile, the Guardian revealed that more than 1 million documents that should have been declassified were instead being unlawfully kept at a high-security compound in Buckinghamshire. Their existence only came to light when a group of elderly Kenyans took the government to the high court, claiming they had been tortured during the 1950s Mau Mau rebellion. The Foreign Office was forced to admit it had withheld thousands of colonial-era papers.

Even if the files that have now been reported missing vanished as a result of sloppiness or incompetence rather than malice, that is in a way no less damning. Britain has long failed to acknowledge the horrors that its colonialism and imperialism have wrought on the world.

Ian Cobain writing to the Guardian said: Thousands of government papers detailing some of the most controversial episodes in 20th-century British history have vanished after civil servants removed them from the countrys National Archives and then reported them as lost.

Documents concerning the Falklands war, Northern Irelands troubles and the infamous letter  in which MI6 officers plotted to bring about the downfall of the first Labour government  are all said to have been misplaced.

Almost 1,000 files, each thought to contain dozens of papers, are affected. In most instances the entire file is said to have been mislaid after being removed from public view at the archives and taken back to Whitehall.

An entire file on the Zinoviev letter scandal is said to have been lost after Home Office civil servants took it away. The Home Office declined to say why it was taken or when or how it was lost. Nor would it say whether any copies had been made.

In other instances, papers from within files have been carefully selected and taken away.

Dauris might try to divert attention from British conduct as an argument about numbers. It is much more than fact. Such advice is an attempt to bury facts by disposing of files containing highly relevant information that exposes British conduct on many fronts.President did not show the report to the PM and did not meet him, but telephoned to brief him on theaddress to the nation

Paradoxically, the SLFP and the UNP agree not to criticise each other during the ongoing campaign for the February 10 local polls

Questions whether Sirisena disclosed the report to boost the SLFPs chances at elections; the UNP holds 70th convention today

President Maithripala Sirisena chose to reveal highlights of the story behind the Central Bank bond scam on Wednesday  part of the findings of the Commission of Inquiry.

That it came unusually in a pre-recorded 21-minute address to the nation gave it the status of a national issue. Yet, it was one that had drawn greater public attention countrywide. Even in villages where there was less literacy and the word bond was only associated with James Bond movies, there was sufficient awareness of the alleged plunder of public funds. They were only oblivious to the nitty-gritties of bond auctions but most long believed there was something rotten in the entire episode.

The address did considerably boost Sirisenas popularity. It had taken a strongly downward slide after his efforts to reunite the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) failed miserably. How much this will impact at the local polls remains to be seen. The SLFP is now having small pocket meetings in some areas. This is ahead of major rallies which Sirisena will address in every district. The main campaign is to be launched next week.

This is one of the rare occasions when a Government in power has appointed a Commission to probe its own activities. Most others have been directed at their predecessors. Sirisena is still livid that former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa had not kept to the assurances he held out about uniting the party. He was in fact in favour of the move but remarks by Prasanna Ranatunga (UPFA  Gampaha District) at a meeting that they (the Joint Opposition) had taken Sirisena for a ride had angered him more. Earlier, Sirisena did blame Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) principal strategist Basil Rajapaksa who stoutly opposed any reunification.

And now, what is equally shocking, if not more, is the fact that he has placed his Sri Lanka Freedom Partys (SLFP) relationship with its coalition partner, the United National Party (UNP), on a razors edge. The carefully crafted delivery, the contents of which were perhaps expertly done, seemingly had an eye on the local polls on February 10. It was pregnant with many serious political nuances. That helped him regain some prestige. It was only a week earlier that he pledged to wield the sword to deal with those whom he perceived as bribe takers or the corrupt and took a few swipes. Those who were scarred, those who are yet to be when the Commissions report becomes public and the related disclosures all point in the direction of the UNP, the main coalition partner.

Firstly, Sirisena has vented his anger on the UNP, using a credible account that emanated from two Supreme Court Judges and a retired Deputy Auditor General. This naturally places the UNP in an extremely unenviable position as a coalition partner. Secondly, the political missiles Sirisena fired are sure to hurt the UNPs local polls campaign with the exception of the partys strongholds. It will also affect the UNPs slow preparations, with the help of even foreign communication experts, for the next presidential and parliamentary elections. Why does this aspect become so significant?

The story begins with the Commission of Inquiry making a request for a meeting on Sunday (December 31, 2017) to present its report. That was the last date of its twice extended mandate. However, Sirisena was going to be away from Colombo and the members were offered a meeting at 12.30 p.m. on Saturday, the 30th. A source close to the Presidency said Sirisena who received the report had a conversation with the members for some 45 minutes. On learning that the report alone ran into 1257 pages, together with some annexures, he sought to know the significant highlights, the source added.

During last week, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was on a yearend working vacation at his official residence, the Prime Ministers Lodge in Nuwara Eliya. When contacted by Parliament officials to arrange for a meeting of the Constitutional Council, he had replied that he would return to Colombo only on January 2. The news about the report reached him breaking his holiday of relaxing listening to music and talking with friends and their families. He rushed back to Colombo however on New Years Day and sought a meeting with President Sirisena. A senior UNPer said it was partly to discuss the Commission report and obtain a copy. That was to ascertain the Commissions findings and the recommendations made by it.

That copy of the report has not reached him yet. Nor was he able to have a meeting. The Presidents office had informed the Premier that he would be in Polonnaruwa on New Years eve and then in Kandy and Kataragama on New Years Day. Thereafter, Wickremesinghe sat down for a session that New Years Day evening to discuss the UNP campaign for the local polls with party Chairman Malik Samarawickrema and General Secretary Kabir Hashim. However, just hours ahead of his address to the nation on Wednesday, Sirisena telephoned Wickremesinghe and briefed him on what he was going to say. That was his first intimation of what the report contained, but still, no copy of the report was sent.

Notwithstanding what the Commission reported to him during their discussion on December 30, and the disclosures he made to Sri Lankans, President Sirisena is on the horns of a serious dilemma over this situation. A UNP Cabinet minister who spoke on grounds of anonymity since he is governed by collective responsibility was livid. The assumption, quite correctly, is that there is only one Government in Sri Lanka formed together by the SLFP and the UNP. Here is a situation where there is a publicly demonstrated assumption that there are two different Governments, one by the SLFP and another by the UNP. This may be the first time a President has not taken into confidence his own Prime Minister in sharing a document that is going to be placed before the public, through Parliament on January 23. It will thereafter be printed as a Sessional Paper of Parliament. That raises the all-important question  whether President Sirisena has lost the trust and confidence of Premier Wickremesinghe? More so, when he chose not to share a copy of the Commission report with him and brief him only on the contents of his address just hours before he delivered it.

As the December 31 deadline for the Commission neared the final days, there was public anxiety over what its findings and recommendations would be. It was the talk of the town, so to say. Yet, when the Cabinet of Ministers met for the first time in the New Year last Tuesday, there was no reference to the Commission. The previous weeks meeting was cancelled and some ministers expected copies of the report to be given to them at this meeting.

The ruling SLFP is anxious that a session of Parliament be summoned ahead of January 23. They, together with the Joint Opposition and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) have sent in separate requests to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya. A decision whether to allow such an early session rests in the hands of Premier Wickremesinghe. Speaker Jayasuriya has summoned a meeting of party leaders for 2 p.m. on Tuesday (January 9) to discuss the matter. The UNP is one of the parties that called for the tabling of the report in Parliament and it is now unlikely it would raise objections. Yet, an early debate on the Commission report is unlikely since its contents are yet to be known. An early date, however, would facilitate the tabling of the report.

A UNP Working Committee member, who also wished to remain anonymous, alluded to a letter which Sirisena wrote to his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa ahead of the parliamentary elections in August 2015. The UNP member argued there were shades of that episode in Sirisenas conduct. On July 13 of that year, Sirisena told Rajapaksa in a three-page letter that in the event of (the SLFP) gaining the support of other parties to form a Government.it is not you who should become Prime Minister but another senior member of our party. He claimed this letter one of the reasons why the Rajapaksas lost the parliamentary elections.

Mahinda Amaraweera, General Secretary of the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA), however, countered the arguments. He told the Sunday Times, We thought it is more democratic for the President to act impartially and address the nation instead of discussing the statement with other parties. If it was discussed, it could have resulted in some alterations being made to it (the statement). Those remarks from a minister regarded as a confidant of President Sirisena make it abundantly clear that withholding the report, from the Prime Minister, was a conscious move. However, Amaraweeras reason for it  that there would possibly be pressure to make amendments  is arguable for many reasons. Earlier, the appeal by three UNP ministers  Malik Samarawickrema, Kabir Hashim and Mangala Samaraweera  to Sirisena not to have Wickremesinghe summoned before the Commission of Inquiry had failed. He declared he had no role in the Commissions proceedings. Similarly, Sirisena could well have refused to make any changes if indeed they were suggested.

President Sirisena also made a reference contained in the Commission report to Premier Wickremesinghe. He said, ..The Commission report said that the Honourable Prime Ministers responsibility in the appointment of Mr. Arjuna Mahendren as the Governor to the Central Bank was proper. The Commission is of the opinion that the Prime Minister made his statement in Parliament regarding the appointment of Mr Mahendran believing in the facts presented by Mr. Mahendran and Mr.Samarasiri, especially the promises made by Mr Mahendran. The Report also says that the Prime Minister should not have done that.

The Commission stated that moreover these facts were before the COPE committee and the Prime Minister had not stated that because of that he had not taken the proper action against Mr. Mahendern

On Monday, a senior official at the Prime Ministers office showed documents to the Sunday Times. One dated November 11, 2016 sent by the Prime Ministers Secretary Saman Ekanayake, refers to the following reports:

= The Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Parliament Series No. 109 tabled in Parliament on October 28, 2016.

= The Special Report on Bonds issued by the Central Bank between the period of February 2015 and May 2016 which was forwarded to the Committee on Public Enterprises.

Ekanayake said he had been advised by the Prime Minister, as Minister of National Policies, to seek the AGs opinion on the legality/validity of the bonds issued by the CBSL since 2008 and;

(a) If the procedure which had been followed is lacking in authority then the measures to be taken to rectify such defect, and

(b) Your views on the observations given in the Auditor Generals Report pertaining to Public Auction and Private Placements.

In a three-page letter, Deputy Solicitor General Milinda Gunatilleke (on behalf of the AG) in a reply on November 7, among other matters declared that in order to pursue recovery in terms of the Registered Stocks and Securities law, it would be necessary to provide a precise quantification of the loss suffered by the Government He has said it was prudent that the quantification should be carried out by the Auditor Generals Department with the assistance of an independent expert whose evidence can be relied upon in a court of law. The letter said this Department is considering whether an offence under this provision or any other law has been committed

The UNP also issued a statement on Thursday. Contrary to Minister Amaraweeras claims that discussions with other parties would have led to the Presidents message being amended, the UNP was conciliatory and supportive in its tone. Perhaps a detailed response was prevented by the non-availability of the report to the UNP. A few highlights of the UNP statement issued this week:

The President has now forwarded the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Bond Issue to the Attorney General (AG). We would like to thank the Bond Commission for its services rendered through its 10-month long inquiry.

The investigative report into the bond issue compiled by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) under the Chairmanship of Mr Sunil Handunnetti was forwarded to the AG on the instructions of the Prime Minister in December, 2016. In December, 2016, the PM requested the AG to forward recommendations on legal action that should be taken against officers responsible for the disputed bond issue, and on regulating the bond issuance process.

Accordingly, the responsibility of taking suitable legal action regarding the bond issue was conveyed to the AGs Department by the PM in December, 2016 and by the President in January, 2018.

These assertions no doubt place on the Attorney General the responsibility of explaining why no action has been forthcoming since the Premiers request. Of course one has to bear in mind that such cases take considerable time.

The Sunday Times has learnt that the Commission of Inquiry has also raised issue on the placement of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) under the Prime Minister on grounds of the legality of that exercise. The Commission is of the view that in terms of the law, the subject should have remained with the Ministry of Finance. There was a political rationale then for the move. Ravi Karunanayake, who was the Finance Minister, had faced court action over the remittance of funds from Raj Rajaratnam, a stockbroker of Sri Lankan origin in New York and now in jail in the US for insider trading. The investigations had been initiated by the Exchange Control Department that came under the CBSL. Hence, it had then been considered prudent to bring the CBSL under the Prime Minister.

Sirisena said in his address that The Commission report refers to the allegation against former Finance Minister Mr Ravi Karunanayake regarding the payment of rent for the penthouse apartment that belongs to the Aloysius Family and their Walt and Rowe Company and stated that Mr Karunanayake was responsible for that and recommended that the Government should take necessary action against Mr. Ravi Karunanayake under the section of bribery and corruption and further legal action under the penal codes for giving false evidence at the Commission.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption is set to probe the former Finance Minister and later Foreign Minister. Whilst this is being described as time consuming, action under the Penal Code is to come first, according to legal sources. Whilst those testifying before a Commission of Inquiry are entitled to immunity, those giving false evidence in a judicial proceeding face a sentence of up to seven years in jail and a fine under the Penal Code. The Attorney Generals Department has opined that since two Judges of the Supreme Court, who were members of the Commission, had held that Karunanayake had given false evidence, there was already a strong case. However, Karunanayake has remained defiant. He told the Daily Mirror that he had been 25 years in politics and this was the first time his integrity was being challenged.

Appearing in a box story on this page are edited excerpts of President Sirisenas address to the nation.

Since his Wednesday address to the nation, paradoxical enough, President Sirisena chaired a meeting of SLFP and UNP ministers. It was held to discuss ways and means of avoiding criticism being levelled against each other during the ongoing polls campaign. Among others taking part: SLFP  Nimal Siripala de Silva, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Duminda Dissanayake and Thilanga Sumathipala. UNP  Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, Malik Samarawickrema, Kabir Hashim and Mangala Samaraweera. Both sides refrained from making references to the report of the Commission of Inquiry. Worse enough, the UNP which has been at the receiving end of Sirisenas address did not even raise a mild protest that it would hit the partys campaign. Here is one area where the UNPs communication machinery has faltered and it has been unable to come up with periodic responses to developments linked to the bond scam.

Today, UNP leader Wickremesinghe is expected to publicly outline his partys response at the annual sessions of the party at Campbell Park in Borella. The UNP turns 70 this year. It is expected to be a reiteration of the position taken up in its statements. It is noteworthy that there is a distinct difference in the positions taken up by the SLFP and the UNP.

For the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the main constituent in the Joint Opposition, its first major session was held last Wednesday at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. It was addressed by party leaders including their leader Mahinda Rajapaksa. There was, however, no reference by them to the bond issue. However, the SLPPs main strategist Basil Rajapaksa told the Sunday Times, Our position is that the entire Government including the Prime Minister should resign. They just cannot blame it on their former Finance Minister and remain silent. The JO parties discussed having maroon  or kurakkan (the colour of Mahinda Rajapaksas and Basil Rajapaksas shawl or satakaya) as their colour.

The SLFPs focus, articulated by none other than President Sirisena, is on the allegations of corrupt practices and misdeeds during the period 2015 and 2016. He said that the Commission was mandated to inquire into the period from February 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 to find out the actual facts and to make recommendations with regard to the steps to be implemented in the future.

However, Sirisena noted that the Commission of Inquiry did not have the mandate to inquire into Treasury bond issues from 2008 to 2015. He said the Commission has recommended that there should be an investigation into that period too and added that Employees Provident Fund (EPF) money was lost mostly during that period. He pointed out that the EPF and other Government institutions had lost more than Rs 8.5 billion.

In contrast, Premier Wickremesinghe is focused on the bond issues from 2008 until 2016. The period from 2008 to 2015 was under the previous Mahinda Rajapaksa administration where similar abuses have allegedly occurred. In other words, it was to highlight that not only UNP members but also those in the SLFP who had resorted to abusing the bond auctions. The fact that Maithripala Sirisena was General Secretary of the SLFP during that period is no secret. Wickremesinghe met the Central Bank Monetary Board members on Friday to emphasise that they should probe the earlier period too. The same request was also made from the CBSL Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy.

If the Commission of Inquiry was given a mandate lasting three months and was renewed periodically till ten long months, to come up with its findings and recommendations, it would take more than that time to bring the culprits to book.

Yet, the issue is now before the court of public opinion. How they will give their verdict will be known within weeks or after February 10. Until then, the two major coalition partners, the SLFP and the UNP, are fighting it out over many omissions and commissions. This is notwithstanding pious pronouncements that one should not criticise the other. What follows in their on-off relationship will be the most critical question this year.

President vows to recover the plundered Rs. 11.5 billion and punish the offenders Here are highlights of the edited excerpts of President Maithripala Sirisenas address to the nation delivered on Wednesday on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry that probed the Central Bank bond scandal.The Commission was headed by Justice Kankanithanthri T. Chitrasiri, Supreme Court Judge, Justice Prasanna Sujeewa Jayawardena, Supreme Court Judge and Vellupillai Kandasamy, retired Deputy Auditor General. The Commission has submitted a full report covering the period 2015 and 2016, comprising 1257 pages and it is not an interim report. The Commission has taken 10 months for this task. I have already submitted this report to the Attorney General and the Commission recommends that the criminal and civil court action must be taken through the Criminal Investigations Department and the Bribery or Corruption Commission. The Commission has clearly stated the structure of the Central Bank, the Public Debt Department, direct issuance of bonds and the pros and cons of the system of bond issues and bond auctions. The report stated that the Perpetual Treasuries Limited has made profits through illegal means with the involvement of Mr Arjuna Mahendran, Bank officials and some outside individuals. In the auction held on 27th February 2015 alone the Perpetual Treasuries Limited has made a minimum benefit of over Rs 688 million. The Commission is of the opinion that further investigations could reveal that this amount could even be more than that. As revealed during the investigations, Perpetual Treasuries Limited has made an undue profit of Rs 11,145 million in the secondary market. In this Employees Provident Fund and other government institutions had lost more than Rs 8,524 million or Rs 8.5 billion. It is stated that senior officials of the Central Bank were inactive before the former Governor of Central Bank, Arjuna Mahendran. It is believed that because they had not questioned about these and had become inactive, such incorrect decisions were made. Mr Mahendran has made interference into bond auctions through a system of incorrect and unconventional methods and he was responsible for providing internal information to outsiders. One party has used such information to obtain undue monetary profits. The Commission report said that the honourable Prime Ministers responsibility in the appointment of Mr. Arjuna Mahendren as the governor to the Central Bank was proper. The Commission is of the opinion that the Prime Minister made his statement in Parliament regarding the appointment of Mr Mahendran believing in the facts presented by Mr. Mahendran and Mr.Samarasiri, especially the promises made by Mr Mahendran. The Report also says that the Prime Minister should not have done that. The Commission stated that moreover these facts were before the COPE committee and the Prime Minister had not stated that because of that he had not taken the proper action against Mr. Mahendern. The Commission report refers to the allegation against former Finance Minister Mr Ravi Karunanayake regarding the payment of rent for the penthouse apartment belonging to the Aloysius Family and their Walt and Rowe Company and stated that Mr Karunanayake was responsible for that and recommended that the government should to take necessary action against him. Further legal action under the Penal Code for giving false evidence at the Commission has also been recommended. The Commission referred to the misuse of funds of the Employees Provident Fund and stated that it should be investigated under a forensic audit examination to find out the losses. The report has recognized that, the dishonesty of a particular party had led to this kind of malpractice on EPF funds. The people responsible for these frauds have been identified and the Commission recommends legal action against them. The report recommends that legal action against relevant persons and officials who are responsible for the fraud including Perpetual Treasuries Limited, Arjun Aloysius (son-in-law of former CBSL Governor Mahendran) and Kasun Palihena should be taken. Accordingly, the government is in consultation with legal authorities. Recommendations

Members of the Monetary Board and the Central Bank Governor must be appointed by the Constitutional Council in concurrence with the members. The regulations must be amended accordingly. There should be the highest levels of supervision over the Public Debt Department. As auditing at the Central Bank has not been conducted in a proper manner, the Commission recommends that the Audit Department must be reorganised completely. A Legal Department must be established in the Central Bank and ensure that the Legal Department functions efficiently. The Commission recommends that the dealings with the Pan Asia Bank and the conduct of the Chairman must be investigated into. It also recommends that activities of the EPF must be looked into, and in order to bring the EPF into a proper order, steps must be taken to restructure the EPF. A code of conduct for the officials of the Central Bank must be introduced. The code of conduct for Primary Dealers must be revised and updated. I would like to specifically state here that I would not hesitate to take steps to recover the loss of Rs 11,145 million to the government and take legal action against the offenders and punish them. The sum of Rs 8529million of the total losses of Rs 11,145 million was the funds of the Employees Provident Fund, Mahapola Scholarship Fund, National Savings Bank and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation. The balance was from private institutions. Hence the loss to the public sector  EPF, Mahapola, NSB and SLIC was over Rs 8.5 billion. The Perpetual Treasuries Limited has made this profit of Rs 11,145 million within a short period of 5 months. Finally, especially I would like to mention that this final report must be presented to Parliament and through this initiative the report must be open to the public. In the future, necessary as well as legal steps in this regard will be taken expeditiously according to the advice from the Attorney General. I kindly request to consider the openness of the facts of this Commission Report and I assure that any hesitation would not occur in filing cases against the offenders.New Law and Order State Minister begins journey on wrong foot View(s):

Piyasena Gamage, the latest State Minister appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena, made news straightaway  only for the wrong reasons.

He got rebuffed by the Police when he asked for crack STF commandos for his son, and then went on to face allegations that he berated a policeman in a rural station for apprehending one of his supporters who broke the law. The State Minister was given, of all ministries that of Law and Order.

The newly appointed State Minister who was waiting in the wings since August 2015 until a court order removed the sitting MP and one-time actress Geetha Kumarasinghe, has probably still to realise he is part of a government whose motto is Yahapalanaya.

The drama was played out on New Years Day, barely days after Mr. Gamage was sworn in as the Minister of State for Law and Order and Southern Development on December 28.

Naturally, his supporters, who had remained politically dormant, became jubilant. They organised a reception for their hero at Nagoda in the Galle District. For a moment they forgot the law, perhaps in the knowledge it could now be broken and mended if the need arose, by their new boss. So all of them rode on motorcycles, escorting the State Minister without wearing protective helmets. According to traffic laws, it is a punishable offence.

An alert traffic policemen booked one of them and imposed a spot fine. He was asked to pay the amount at a post office before he returned to the Police station to collect his driving licence.

The next thing the Police officer saw was State Minister Gamage storming the station. An officer, who spoke on grounds of anonymity for fear of reprisals said, The State Minister used harsh and abusive language and demanded that the charge be withdrawn. We were shocked that he was not helping the Police to enforce law and order and encouraging his supporters to break the law. The Police stood their ground and insisted that the offender should pay the fine. With political power not producing results, he agreed to pay up to have his licence back.

Mr Gamage denied the accusation. He told the Sunday Times It is true I went to the Police station. The person involved (in committing the offence) was one of my escorts and was stopped for riding without a helmet. I asked the Police why they were acting in an inhuman way on a Poya Day (January 1). I did not use any abusive language or threaten anyone. I did make a request for the mans release.

In making those remarks, the State Minister for Law and Order confirms two important facts  that he went to the Police station and sought the release of one of his men. He also believes that laws are suspended on Poya Day.

That is not all. Just before this episode, days earlier, the newly appointed State Minister telephoned Senior DIG M.R. Latiff, Commandant of the Police Special Task Force (STF). He asked that an STF contingent provide personal security for his son, Randima Gamage, a member of the Southern Provincial Council. All this time, the son was quite safe and sound. Suddenly, he too needed protection from the police commandos.

A senior STF source said that the State Minister was politely advised by the Commandant to make his request through proper channels. That was to make a request to the Ministry of Defence after which a threat assessment could be made. If such an assessment confirmed the Provincial Councillor faced any threats, and a request was made by the Ministry to the STF, through the Law and Order Ministry, security could be provided, the source added.

One Party group enlarged to All Party group

It seems some things are foreign to some officials in the Foreign Ministry in Colombo.

This week, its website  the official portal of the Ministry  made Sri Lankans believe there was an All Party Group from Britain visiting the country. This is what it said:

A four member delegation of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Sri Lanka (APPG-SL) in the House of Commons of the UK Parliament, is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The visit commenced on 3rd January 2018 and will conclude on Monday 8th January.

The delegation is led by the Rt. Hon. Ranil Jayawardena, MP, Chairman of the APPG-SL and includes the Rt. Hon. Michelle Donelan, MP, the Rt. Hon. Chris Green, MP and the Rt. Hon. John Lamont, MP. The ministry release has made every British MP a Right Honourable (Rt.Hon.) It is not only that. This group of four MPs is being touted as representatives of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sri Lanka.

By Gad Sir, to use diplomatic parlance it is a terminological inexactitude or as Pukka Sahib might say, Its just balderdash, what. All four are members of the Conservative Party whereas the APPG on Sri Lanka has as Vice Chairs the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, Ulster Unionists and Democratic Unionist Party (of Northern Ireland)

So to describe this as a delegation of the APPG is surely to mislead.

SriLankan CEO plays Trump on alleged fake news

Like US President Donald Trump, SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Suren Ratwatte, has chosen to dub a number of articles in the mainstream print media as fake news. No wonder many see a similarity between the two. Accusing sections of the media of carrying inaccurate information about the airline, its performance and speculating on its future, he cites some relevant examples:

n The article in one of the daily newspapers that claimed the SLA Board and/or Management decided to close the runway at VCBI during daytime for resurfacing, when in fact we strenuously objected to a daytime closure.

n The headline in another popular English language daily, that a major international financial institution was extending a USD 200M loan to the Company. We have confirmation from the bank in question that no such credit facility has been requested or extended to the airline.

n The same daily last week stated that there is a USD 200M Bailout for the airline. Neither the management nor the Officials Committee has been informed of any such development.

The former Emirate Airlines pilots expert views on the media are contained in a message he sent to the Airline Pilots Guild of Sri Lanka (APGSL). Speaking on behalf of the management (where the resignation of five members of the Board of Directors has been accepted this week), Mr Ratwatte claims, The management is of the view that some of these articles are deliberate plants, with malicious intent to cause distress and alarm or conversely, false hope, among our staff.

An APGSL member, who did not wish to be identified, declared the whole country knows the deepening crisis faced by our national carrier. Hence, no amount of passing judgements on news reports that do not suit them would help. The ploy is too transparent.

The reason for sending out the message, the CEO points out, is to warn our team members about this worldwide trend of deliberately incorrect information (fake news) and the damage it can do. He goes on to say; Our company is about to embark on what is going to be a very challenging period of restructuring. An interim Board of Directors will be appointed soon, to drive the restructuring process expeditiously. This media feeding frenzy, which is the real fake news, has been going on for the past two and half years, he says.

Rs. 43 million for former presidents and their widows

Former Presidents and some of their spouses will have their cash allocations for 2018 renewed. About Rs 43 million has been allocated in this years budget for provision of various facilities. Those entitled are former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and the widows of former Presidents Ranasinghe Premadasa and D.B. Wijetunge.

Around Rs 25 million from the allocated funds will go towards retirement benefits and the provision of building and vehicle facilities.

About Rs 16 million has been allocated to former President Kumaratunga as retirement benefits whilst Mrs Hema Premadasa will receive Rs 1.5 million. The funds are being disbursed from the Office of the President.A New Year; more of the same politics View(s):

The year 2018 has begun with some fireworks alright. President Maithripala Sirisena all guns blazing, read out the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) that he had appointed to go into the Central Bank Bond scams of 2015 and 2016. It was a scam of monumental proportions which shook the political firmament and the national conscience of this country with the advent of the new Government in those years.

His address to the nation last Wednesday on the findings included a negative comment on the conduct of his own Prime Minister vis-a-vis his selection of the then Governor of the Central Bank. The recommendations went as far as calling for not only a forensic audit of what was a calculated exercise in amassing wealth by a family at the expense of state institutions, but it also called for the prosecution of a former Finance Minister of this Government.

It is a scandal unprecedented in the annals of contemporary Sri Lanka. It showed the unholy nexus between the Minister, the then Governor and their friend/son-in-law, for which the UNP is paying the price. But to the credit of the Government it is also a hitherto unprecedented fact that a public inquiry was launched into high-ranking sitting politicians and officials, and that they have been found guilty of corruption and the breach of public trust.

However, President Sirisenas motives in going public with the Commissions report unfortunately have come into debate. The timing  on the eve of crucial local elections  is purely accidental. And people have been yearning to know the details of what the COI has been deliberating on for the past 10 months, in public. It was also far superior to what transpired at the Parliamentary Select Committee COPE year before last  in camera.

The fact that the President made public the main points of the COI report without the courtesy of showing it to his Prime Minister begs the question whether he had a different game-plan in using the report as political leverage against his coalition partner in Government with the all-island local council polls next month. In his address he said that he had already sent a copy of the report to the Attorney General  why did he not give a copy to his own Prime Minister? Does he not trust him?

That he mentioned the PMs name in his public address without first telling him seems strange, if not politically incorrect, and especially so in a coalition partnership. Not that he should have omitted the reference. He shared the report given to him the previous Saturday with only his close confidants. Is his own PM now no longer one of them?

That signals the National Unity Government heading in an unhealthy direction. Only on the morning of this public address did the leaders of the two coalition partners, the UNP and the SLFP meet to discuss how not to go at each others throats in the upcoming local polls campaign. Despite the proviso from the Presidential address that this report together with the findings of the Presidential anti-corruption commission (PRECIFAC) is not aimed at witch-hunting UNPers or SLFPers, the Bond Commission report drives a dagger into the heart of the UNP  and the President knows it best.

He is also fighting an election. As Executive President he becomes a mere politician in the days ahead trying to propel his party, the SLFP, to win councils throughout the country. Split in two, the SLFP is not doing well as many with a feel for the pulse of the electorates believe. It is not just losing, but coming a poor third, even fourth, that could make him a lame duck President post February 10 for the rest of his term in office.

In his address, the President clearly portrayed himself as the only one left standing on the political battleground above the corruption and crooked ways of mere politicians  a statesman, with the countrys interests at heart, not swayed by the cacophony of parochial politics. It is, no doubt, difficult on the pedestal he sits, not to be touched himself by accusations of nepotism, political favouritism and the like. The whole country knows how he has recruited Ministers wanted on bribery and corruption charges and let investigations against them meander along  as long as they came across to his side from the rival faction baying for his blood.

That said, it is now the onerous responsibility of the Attorney General to study the voluminous COI report before him and see if further investigations are needed to file indictments. The Prime Minister is on record saying he sent the 2016 COPE report and either that report had nothing substantial to go on, or the AG is still pouring over that brief.

There is clearly a prima-facie case in the COI report and despite its heavy workload, priority has to be given by the AG to this case of daylight robbery of the Central Bank. Thanks to the Monetary Board about Rs. 10.5 billion of the offending companys money is frozen and can be used to reimburse the losses to the state institutions in this scam. There is much truth though in what the President said at the conclusion of his Wednesday address  that there is great public scepticism that Commissions of Inquiry are more to hide some wrongdoing and very little tangible comes out of them in the form of punishing culprits. The public feel, and quite rightly so, that this whole saga is still in its interim, and has miles to go to its final conclusion.

The UNP will have to face the brunt of the fallout from the findings of this COI report. The partys defence was worse than the offence. The leadership originally must have genuinely been misled to a false sense of standing-by its appointees  who in turn, had no loyalty to the party. Their loyalty was only to Mammon. The party cubs were made sacrificial goats and branded as the notorious footnote club for their gymnastics in COPE; one or two of them taking advantage of the situation for personal gain from the looks of it.

How much of it will hurt the UNP at the forthcoming elections is a matter of conjecture. Yet, UNP leaders dismiss the damage to the image of the party and believe the elections will be fought on different issues. The remaining question is how far the National Unity Government can go on like this. The undertones between the two coalition partners we witnessed in 2016 and 2017 have matured into overtones by 2018.

A vociferous and opportunistic section of President Sirisenas party is confident the party will reunite after the elections and form a formidable force with its own SLFP Government. Others feel, just the opposite will happen and defections to the rival faction of the SLFP (now known as the SLPP) under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be the order of the day.

If President Sirisena used the report with the idea of neutralising the UNP at the polls and with an eye on uniting the SLFP post-February 10, UNPers are going to react adversely to such a strategy. Given the increasing Chinese influence in the country, the Chinese New Year being the Year of the Dog hopefully would not witness dog eat dog in local politics in 2018.

One need not be an astrologer to predict 2018 being a year of politics; of manoeuvring and mutual mistrust at the highest levels. Whither Sri Lanka?Quest to preserve his heritage By Kaveesha Fernando A young medical student Tuan Careem hopes that his book Persaudaraan (brotherhood) will help rekindle an interest in Malay culture among the youth of his community View(s): View(s):

When he was young, he spent many days in bed recovering from bouts of asthma. While many would cite similar experiences as a reason why they did not succeed in later life, young Tuan Careem does just the opposite. I used to get sick a lot when I was small so I would have to spend a lot of time at home. My parents took me to the library and let me borrow books to keep me occupied, but unfortunately for them I read the books at an inconveniently fast rate, grins 24-year-old Tuan.

His voracious appetite for books and reading might perhaps be the reason why he is able to successfully study Medicine and also write a book. Persaudaraan (brotherhood), his 720-page book on Malay life in Sri Lanka was launched last year. The first edition came out in 2016, all of 456 pages. This second revised edition is 254 pages longer, with many additional details included.

The book traces the history of the Malays from the time they arrived in Sri Lanka to the present day, explaining the many aspects of Malay lifestyle and culture including fashion, music and drama.

Tuan started writing at age 16, first penning articles to newspapers about ethnic minorities, with a particular focus on the Malays of Sri Lanka. After writing numerous articles about the Malays, at the suggestion of others he was prompted to write a book on Malay history. In this he was guided by his mentor Deshamanya Tissa Devendra. After the first book was published, he continued writing articles on Malay history, which he then decided to publish with the help of Dr. Peter B. R. Carey (an Oxford University professor), who instructed him on the correct procedure to follow when writing an anthropological tome. Tuan explains that he visited the National Archives, contacted local universities and obtained the help of many people in writing this book.

His grandmother instilled in him the importance of preserving culture, heritage and other values of the Malay Community, he says. It is through her that he learned to speak Malay, and he regrets that this knowledge is not being instilled in Malays of the present generation. Malays today learn Sinhala or Tamil and English so that they can communicate and study in school but no one seems interested in learning Malay. Very few Malay youngsters today know how to speak more than a few words of Malay, he remarks sadly, adding that the culture of Malays in Sri Lanka is in danger of dying out completely in the future.

The history learnt in school does not focus enough on certain aspects of our past, comments Tuan. We have historical amnesia  we learn about the Kings of Sri Lanka but do not learn about minorities and so many other aspects, he comments, adding that it is unfortunate that the history syllabus does not include much information about the endangered minorities in the country. There is a race of Tamil Veddhas who have died out completely but no-one focuses on things like that. These are also important aspects of our history, he remarks. He hopes that his book will provide important insights into one aspect of Sri Lankan history  Malay history and the role of Malays in Sri Lankan society from past to present.

Above all, Tuans main hope is that his book helps spark an interest in Malay culture among the youth of his community. Ive added so many aspects so that Malay youth can choose to read about something. If the other aspects of my book are boring, why not read about the fashion or the music? Even if they dont read my book they can still find about these things, he says. The need to educate Malay youth on their heritage is one of the main reasons why he decided to take on the arduous task of publishing a book while engaging in the rigorous work required to study medicine.

Despite being a medical student, I spend time on the weekends to preserve my culture and save it from becoming extinct, he says.

Persaudaraan  Malay Life in Sri Lanka by Tuan M. Zameer Careem has been published by S. Godage and Brothers (Pvt) Ltd and is priced at Rs. 3750.60 years of Russia-SL diplomatic ties: SL to issue stamp 2 months after Russia View(s):

Sri Lanka is set to issue the first day cover commemorative stamp to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Russia, two months after Russia issued its stamp. The Foreign Ministry stated that the issuance of the commemorative stamp has been scheduled for next month, at the request of the Sri Lanka-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Association.

The Association, in October 2017, had informed the Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts of its intention to issue a stamp at a special event to be held in February 2018, the Ministry said. The stamp will feature a cave temple/monastery in the Russian Federation and in Sri Lanka, the statement explained Sri Lanka has already identified the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla as the image that will be featured on the stamp. The Russian Federation is expected to share the image of a heritage site in the Russian Federation that is to be depicted on the stamp, shortly, it added.

Russia Post issued two postage stamps dedicated to the anniversary in December. The first day cover had two stamps, one depicting the Dambulu Vhiaraya and the other the Orthodox Bakhchisaray Holy Assumption Monastery. Earlier the Posts Ministry said that the Foreign Ministry had instructed them to hold back the issue of the stamp, with no reasons given.

The stamp was issued in Russia during the controversy over Sri Lankas Tea exports to Russia being suspended after Sri Lanka was set to impose a ban on asbestos imported from Russia. Sri Lanka eventually deferred the date of the implementation of the proposal and Russia too lifted the suspension on Tea imports.Fertiliser crisis: Issue with Pakistan averted By Namini Wijedasa Mishandling of imports by Lankan Govt. and international traders caused shortage View(s): View(s):

Hot on the heels ofa spat over a tea ban by Russia, the fertiliser shortage which the Government blamed entirely on a Pakistani policy to ban exports nearly became a diplomatic issue between the two countries, with Sri Lankan diplomatic sources claiming that Pakistan wanted to clarify its position but decided against it due to political sensitivities, the Sunday Times learns.

The suspension of urea exports by Pakistan was by no means unexpected or sudden, trade sources from that country said. It is widely known that, during the final quarter of every year, there is a three-month export freeze to ensure that sufficient fertiliser is available domestically during the wheat cultivation period.

This is outlined in Pakistans national fertiliser policy and was known to the Sri Lankan industry, including Agriculture Ministry officials. The policy holds that all fertiliser exports must be completed before October 31 each year; Pakistani suppliers are not permitted to send any urea out after that date. But the freeze somehow affected several Sri Lankan private sector companies which had placed orders for 40,000 metric tonnes of urea through traders in Singapore. The orders were made at the end of August, for the supplies to arrive well before the October 31 deadlines. The sailing time from Pakistan to Sri Lanka is less than a week.

Ironically, 2017 is the first year in recent times that Sri Lanka has even ordered urea from Pakistan. Data obtained from the Department of Customs for the period from 2014 to 2017 show that imports from a host of countries including China (the largest quantities) and Australia, Hungary and the Philippines (the smallest quantities). However, the first imports from Pakistan 135,736MTarrived last year.

Industry sources said companies had turned to Pakistan because world market prices, particularly those of Chinese suppliers, had risen by US$125 a metric tonne. Pakistani suppliers were selling for US$ 100. Despite the orders being lodged in time, the shipments were affected by the freeze. One Sri Lankan company had sought 20,000MT but only 7,000MT were forthcoming. The industry is now trying to sue Singaporean traders for breach of contract. This had nothing to do with Pakistan but with the arrangement between the traders and companies.

As the crisis escalated in Sri Lanka, daily television footage of protesting farmers brought upon the Government much negative publicity. The Agriculture Ministry then tried procuring urea in the spot market, while blaming the shortage on the Pakistani ban on fertiliser exports.

The Sri Lankan Government used diplomatic avenues to request the Pakistani Government to let the urea through. It was learnt that a country-specific relaxation of the freeze was complex, though not altogether impossible if the matter was taken up at Heads of Government level.

This prompted President Maithripala Sirisena to telephone Pakistans Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The latter convened the Economic Coordination Committeea body representing the countrys four provinces at ministerial levelbecause it had the power to lift the restriction. On the basis of friendship, a consignment of 75,000MT of fertiliser was approved. A ship with 40,000MT of fertiliser was due to arrive on Thursday.

The local industry points out that the Governments mishandling of its own urea purchases compounded the situation. In October, the Agriculture Ministry submitted a Cabinet paper for the direct procurement of 100,000 MT of prilled urea for the Yala season. The attempted spot purchase (brought on by Pakistans urea freeze) was more than double the quantity of the previous purchases for Yala.

But the product was to be bought from a first-time supplier not registered with the Ministry on DA (documents against acceptance) terms, outside of the usual letters of credit (L/C) terms. This direct purchase was blocked through industry protestshighlighting the need for open tendersto President Sirisena.

A tender was then called in November for 72,000MT of prilled urea on DA terms. Of five bids, only one was on DA terms. Again, it was from a non-prequalified, unregistered, first-time supplier JAT Holdings and higher than all the others. This was accepted but subsequently cancelled because the company could not meet the required specifications. It caused a procurement delay that added on to the situation with Pakistani urea imports.

Meanwhile, private sector companies have also now placed orders with China for the more expensive urea. These will be issued in limited quantities as they cannot meet the price ceiling of Rs 2,500 for a 50kg bag.Navy raid uncovers Rs. 30 million worth narcotics on VVT beach View(s):

The Sri Lanka Navy yesterday recovered 90 kilograms of cannabis, four kilograms of opium and four kilograms of hashish during a raid on the Valvettithurai beach.Navy Spokesman Dinesh Bandara said the street value of the drugs seized was more than Rs. 30 million.

He said the raid was conducted by the Northern Naval Command, following a tip off. The drugs were found in packets hidden in a container.

Commander Bandara said no suspects had been arrested so far. The drug haul was handed over to the Special Task Force in Jaffna for investigations and further action.

Meanwhile, in a search operation conducted last evening, also in Valvettithurai, STF personnel recovered 17.76 kilos of Kerala Ganja hidden near the Thondamannar Bridge. Police said investigations were continuing to arrest the criminals who hid the drugs under the bridge.Prince Edward chief guest at 70th freedom festival By Chandani Kirinde View(s): View(s):

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is expected to be the chief guest at the 70th Independence Day celebrations on February 4, a senior Home Ministry official said.

The main parade on that day will be held at the Galle Face Green, the same venue that independent Lankas first Prime Minister, D.S. Senanayake, brought down the Union Jack, and hoisted the Lion flag to mark Sri Lankas freedom from 400 years of colonial rule, some 150 years under the British.The official said the invitation to a member of the British Royal family was sent through the Foreign Ministry, and had been accepted.

Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the Commonwealth, of which Sri Lanka has been a member since Independence in 1948.

The Sunday Times learns that the official announcement is due in the next two weeks. Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II represented the Queen at Sri Lankas 50th Independence Day celebrations in 1998.

Invitations also has been extended to members of the Royal families of Japan and Thailand. Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Ministry is making arrangements to celebrate Independence Day on a district basis on the theme One Nation.Thilan Wijesinghe tipped to chair SriLankan interim board CCEM proposes public-private partnership for airline's restructuring View(s): View(s):

With the Government accepting the resignations of the Board of Directors of the troubled SriLankan Airlines, a new interim team was preparing to take over amidst a shake-up in the airlines top management, informed sources said.

A new team will take over soon, a source close to the officials involved in the restructuring process said, adding that Thilan Wijesinghe, Chairman of the National Agency for Public Private Partnerships and convenor of the officials committee involved in a restructure of the airline, is tipped to chair the interim SriLankan Airlines board-level panel.

This process will happen probably within days after the current directors are formally sent letters accepting their resignations.

All the directors but one  Ajith N. Dias (Chairman), Rajan Brito, Chanaka de Silva, Mahinda Haradasa, Rakhita Jayawardena (Executive Director  Compliance and Communication) and Niranjan De Silva Deva Aditya  sent in their resignations a few weeks ago. The exception was Harendra K. Balapatabendi. While there is no immediate information about Mr. Balapatabendis status, it remains to be seen whether he would be included in the new interim panel or asked to step down with the other directors.

The airlines CEO Suren Ratwatte was expected to continue during this interim period, these sources said. The airline which has barely managed to stay afloat has been struggling with accumulated losses from management issues by the previous regime, coupled with a massive compensation payment owing to a decision to cancel new Airbus orders and management issues in recent years too.

The sources said that most of the problems at the airline over the past three years were as a result of repeated clashes and disagreements between two ministers  Ravi Karunanayake (when he handled finance) and Kabir Hashim (whose Public

Enterprises Ministry is responsible for the restructure of troubled state companies).

Also being questioned is the 100 million-rupee plus assignment in mid-2016 to National Savings Bank as the lead manager appointed by the Cabinet, in finding an international investment bank to handle the restructure exercise. Concerns were raised since NSB did not have expertise in this field, and close to two years later no proper management or equity partner has been found.

Concerns have also been raised at the extent to which board members and some senior management have availed themselves of complementary airline tickets and other benefits. Minister Kabir Hashim, who has repeatedly confessed that he is not kept informed of decisions by the airline board, on Friday confirmed in a media statement that the resignations of the board of directors had been accepted.

The interim team will include members of the officials committee involved in the restructuring process. The sources said some changes in the top management at the airline are expected. The interim team of officials will continue with its restructuring mandate and supervise the management in the hands of senior management once changes are made, the source said.

Other Government sources said the interim board-level management team would remain until the airline was restructured and the new owners or managers appointed their own board of directors. The Cabinet Committee looking at restructuring of the national carrier is chaired by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and includes ministers Kabir Hashim, Mangala Samaraweera, Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Malik Samarawickrama. The Officials Committee assisting the ministers comprises Finance Ministry Secretary H.S. Samaratunga (chairman), Public Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary Ravindra Hewawitharana, Thilan Wijesinghe (convenor), SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ajith Dias, Finance and Media Ministry Senior Advisor Mano Tittawella and Central Bank Director Dr. Roshan Perera.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Management (CCEM) has decided to complete the restructuring programme of SriLankan Airlines under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) within six months. The decision was taken this week at a CCEM meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Minister Hashim told the Sunday Times that a Committee comprising ministry scretaries had been appointed to workout the details of the PPP. Treasury Secretary R.H.S.Samaratunga will head the Committee which will be entrusted with the re-structuring programme and also the task of reducing the airlines losses.

The Sunday Times learns that the CCEM also decided to appoint another Committee under Dr Samaratunga to re-negotiate with the Airbus company regarding the proposed purchase of eight aircraft. The CCEM had decided to halt the purchase of four of the aircraft. With regard to the other four which are being built, the CCEM decided to find a suitable method to resell them to another company or airline or for Sri Lanka to lease them.

The decision to move for a PPP proposal came in the wake of abortive attempts to find a suitable company to take over the airline. Among the airlines Sri Lanka has negotiated with are Qatar Airways, Emirates, Japanese Airlines and AirAsia. National Agency for Public Private Partnerships Chairman Thilan Wijesinghe told the Sunday Times that SriLankan Airlines suffered an annual loss of Rs five billion.

He said the airline currently had a debt of US$ 750 million which was a burden and therefore was looking at a PPP to make it a profitable institutions. The restructuring of the airline will help to improve the value of the airline even if we have to consider the sale of the airline subsequently, he said.

Mr. Wijesinghe said the catering section and the ground handling section were profitable and the airline would be able to pay the loans from the profits gained from these sections.

He said the annual turnover of the airline was around US$ 1 billion and if they were able to improve the turnover to US$ 1.5 billion the airline could be made profitable. He said the lease agreement signed by the previous government to purchase eight aircraft had contributed to the heavy losses.Bye bye 2017, hello 2018 View(s):

2018 arrived with a bang as most city hotels and those in Negombo and Kandy hosted lavish New Years Eve parties to bid farewell to the old and usher in the new. Here our Sunday Times photographers Indika Handuwala, Amila Gamage, Priyantha Wickramaarachchi, M.D. Nissanka and Ushan Malshika capture the scenes as young lovers, families, friends and all those party people celebrated in style.

Grand Kandyan, Kandy

Cinnamon Grand

Amaya Hills Kandy

Galadari Hotel

Kingsbury Hotel

Hilton Hotel

Jetwing Blue Negombo

Jetwing Sea NegomboFlower power Supplying jasmine and lotus flowers is not merely a trade for those involved in it, discovers Randima Attygalle View(s): View(s):

Its roots lie in muddy waters, yet the lotus rises above the mud to bloom; untarnished by its mucky base. Lotus (nelum), with its myriad colours is religiously and culturally symbolic both in the Buddhist and the Hindu canon. Often associated with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, the lotus which is a motif of divine beauty, purity and fertility, is revered by Hindus and associated with the gods Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha and goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati.

For Chandana Pushpakumara from Thalawa and W.D. Wasantha from Kesbewa, the lotus is a means of living. Going into murky waters at the crack of dawn on a tyre tube, searching for these beauties is a balancing act of agility. The circumscribed space of the tube is shared by the plucker and the flower. Surprisingly 500 flowers can fit into this space, Wasantha claims. Unlike the small boats, the lightness of the tube enables one to reach out for the flowers, says Wasantha who has been in the trade for the past 15 years and his father too before him.

This business entails a sub-culture of its own. Very often the flowers are sourced from lakes which are leased out annually by farmer organisations. The highest bidder claims the lease of a lake and only the pluckers authorised by him are allowed access to the lake. The lease is renewed each year Chandana explains. The distribution channel of the enterprise, works on its own ropes. Once the flower buds (pohottu) are packed into gunny bags, they are transported to various destinations by the night train, so that they reach by morning and in full bloom, says Chandana who is a regular supplier to Aluthgama Kande Viharaya, Kalutara Viharaya and Bellanwila Temple for the past 20 years.

April is the most bountiful season for us, he says, explaining that Japan jabara or water hyacinth, an aquatic weed and heavy rains are the worst enemies of the lotus flower pluckers. Another common foe is the crocodile, says Chandana. Most of the lakes he wades through in Thalawa and Thambuthegama are also home to crocs.

K.D.D. Priyangika who has been in the flower business near Bellanvila temple, sources her supply of lotus and water lily (manel) from Thalawa, Kekirawa, Padaviya, Nagollagama and Medawachchiya. We sell about 1000 flowers a day but on poya days the demand is more, says Priyangika, adding that there is also a demand for weddings, other ceremonial functions and flower wreaths.

Watching his jasmine (pichcha) kiosk close to Wellawatta Kovil going in flames during the 1983 riots, made K. Manoharan (Mano) plant his own patch of jasmine bushes in Mawathagama, where his ancestral roots lie. His 20-perch jasmine plot of Mawathagama, off Kurunegala, envelops a visitor in a scent like none other. As Mano himself admits, the fragrance is intoxicating at times. Together with wife Nageshwari who is known more as Kumudu in a flowery spirit, Mano tends to his jasmine cultivation with reverence. Jasmine has several varieties and what we grow is pokuru pichcha often used for garlands, explains Mano who is a well- known name among flower sellers near the Kandy Dalada Maligawa and Wellawatta Kovil, as he supplies flowers to them.

A jasmine bush takes five to six months to reach maturity and a well-tended bush can have a long life span. Manos jasmine plot yields around four kilos of buds a day. Until they grow, they need to be looked after like babies, says Mano fondly, pointing at some older bushes with a chuckle: these are of course like me, gnarled now. For a bountiful crop, the bushes require basic fertilizer of nil keta every three to four months coupled with pruning. Similar to tea plucking, jasmine plucking is an art says Manos wife. The fingers have to be trained to pluck only the buds and one needs to bathe before plucking as the flowers are for holy and auspicious purposes.

Interestingly, jasmine plucking starts around 11 in the morning as sunlight enables the spotting of buds. Why we dont take the full flower is because it is frequented by butterflies that are enticed by the fragrance and when Sri Pada season approaches, they come in large numbers, says Mano. The full blooms are left for the villagers in the area for Bodhi poojas and other adornments and given free. No visitor to his plot is sent empty-handed without a jasmine plant. We live each day by the fragrance of these jasmines, Mano adds with a smile.

It takes only a few winks, for garland-makers of Wellawatte to complete several yards. Watching the nimble fingers of G.Kumara for whom 15 jasmine garlands within an hour is a cake walk, is indeed a treat. Kumara sources his jasmines largely from Badulla and Mawathagama. While the Badulla variety is thicker and can resist cold weather, what comes from Mawathagama is more delicate. At one time jasmines were imported from India, but not any more, says Kumara adding that they provide flowers in bulk for the pichcha mal pooja in Anuradhapura. Even for adornments around the stupa, many come in search of jasmine strings.

Watching Manoj Kumara deftly weave a jasmine garland makes anyone oblivious to bustling Wellawatte. Born to a Catholic family, Manoj is a third generation garland-maker with 45 years in this trade. One need not necessarily be a Hindu to offer these, reflects Manoj while lamenting that the next generation will not keep the family legacy alive.

From Thursday to Saturday, the business is thriving as these are the important days for poojas, says Manoj. Recollecting a by-gone era of his forefathers, he adds with a smile: today a parcel of jasmine will cost about 250-300 rupees while it was only five rupees those days. A yard of jasmine comes to about 30 rupees today and I still remember my father selling them for ten cents each. The kesel patta (strips from the bark of a banana tree) which held the jasmines in a garland are today replaced with artificial strings.

Generously offering us a few strings of jasmines as we take leave, Manoj says: jesu pihitai, gihin enna, (may Jesus bless you, come again) highlighting how the humble jasmines and lotuses transcend ethnic and religious boundaries.

Religious and cultural roles Flowers play a pivotal role in all aspects of our culture, be it religion, art or culture. In Buddhist canon, it is said that on Gautama Buddhas enlightenment, there were 32 auspicious episodes and a flower rain was one of them, says Senior Lecturer in Pali and Buddhist Studies, Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Colombo Dr. Wimal Hewamanage. The lotus, which symbolizes purity, occupies a significant place in Buddhist culture. Queen Mahamayas prophetic dream of a white elephant entering her womb carrying a white lotus is among the best known references. Moreover, the lotus, depicted in the moonstone is symbolic of nibbana, the final goal of Buddhists, asserts Dr. Hewamanage. He also cites Lord Buddhas comparison of a lotus to Buddhahood: as a lotus, fair and lovely, by the water is not soiled, by the world am I not soiled, therefore brahmin, am I Buddha. In Pushpa vagga of Dhammapada which alludes to flower similes, on one occasion, Lord Buddha preaches: As a bee without harming the flower, its colour or scent, flies away, collecting only the honey, even so should the sage wander in the village. While offering flowers is a kind of meditation for Buddhists, it is also a means of showing reverence to Buddha and his disciples. God Saman is also depicted holding a lotus and his vehicle, the white elephant also holds a flower with his trunk. Padmasana or the lotus position is also a very popular meditation posture in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions Shedding light upon the significance of flowers in the Hindu culture, Chancellor of Jaffna University and historian, Prof. S. Pathmanathan, says that among the earliest sources of literature which record especially jasmine or mallikai, are devotional hymns of 7th and 8th centuries, Pushpa viti, a Tamil manual dating back to the 16th century and an ancient Tamil text, Kurinchi-pattu. In Kurinchi-pattu, there is a description of garlands made out of 99 kinds of flowers, says Prof. Pathmanathan  flowers in the Hindu tradition are dedicated to deities, festivals, months and even days of the week. Flowers are considered the best of earthly products because they are symbols of serenity, purity and non-contamination, he says, citing the lotus as the symbol of the origin of the universe. Thats why there is inverted lotus as the pedestal of images including those of Lord Buddha and Hindu gods such as Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Lord Ganesha is seen holding a Lotus. White flowers according to the Hindu culture are considered supreme. The jasmine is a symbol of purity, fertility and also beauty as all features of a great flower including fragrance, texture and colour are embodied in it. It is also a flower which Hindus associate with from birth to death. Jasmine garlands are also adorned with a few orange flowers such as marigolds as orange is a symbol of wealth, Prof. Pathmanathan says.Sealing a marriage of importance in pen and ink 80 years ago By Kumudini Hettiarachchi As Sri Lankas Medico-Legal Society marks a milestone, Dr. M.S.L. Salgado, who along with retired Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) S.B.W. de Silva was honoured for his long-standing contribution, goes back in time View(s): View(s):

An earnest plea from a single powerful voice to a distinguished gathering from a different profession, most probably during a gala event with champagne flowing and a spread of delectable food!

Link up, was the plea from none other than the highest legal luminary in the land, then Chief Justice (CJ) Sir Sidney Abrahams, of the Bracegirdl trial fame, to the Ceylon Branch of the British Medical Association. The event was the 50th anniversary of the association a few years before 1937.

Fast forward to December 9, 1937 and the plea is fulfilled with the inaugural meeting for the formation of the Medico-Legal Society (MLS) of Ceylon being held at the Law Library at Hulftsdorp, the seat of justice..fast, fast forward to December 7, 2017 and the celebrations were the 80th anniversary of the MLS of Sri Lanka headed by its President, the current CJ Priyasath Dep, PC.

The notice inviting lawyers to attend the inaugural meeting of the MLS in 1937 was put up in the Law Library, says long-time member, Senior Consultant Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) Dr. M.S.L. Salgado, seated before tomes, at the dining table in his home down Melbourne Avenue in Bambalapitiya.

The 80th anniversary celebrations are over and Dr. Salgado along with retired Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) S.B.W. de Silva have been honoured with plaques for being members of the MLS for more than half a century as well as Presidents who have contributed much towards the advancement of the society.

It is a journey into the past as Dr. Salgado literally turns back the pages of time of the Minutes Books to give us a glimpse of the early days of the MLS from the huge books that he has tenderly preserved.

From the very first meeting at the Law Library meticulous are the records, handwritten in pen and ink, legible even to this day. All in all, 80 lawyers and doctors, men of eminence, had been present by invitation, with Lalitha Rajapakse, QC (he would be knighted later) acting as pro tem (temporary) Secretary and placing his signature to the minutes of the evenings proceedings. The books list all the members present, and as time passes by and the MLS grows, the minutes and participants are scrupulously typed on paper and pasted onto the books after each meeting.

There are two phases to the life of MLS, says Dr. Salgado with its history at his fingertips.

The first phase which ended in 1940, came into being on Thursday, December 9, 1937 with Sir Sidney, in his inaugural address, not only expressing personal gratification but also paying tribute to the intellectual and academic qualities of the two professions.

Set up in the wake of a similar society in England, formed 36 years before, the CJ had pointed out its value in discussions on medical jurisprudence and in the better training of the two professions in each others science.

It is eminently desirable that medical men should know how to give evidence and it is equally necessary that counsel should have to ask questions precisely and to the point, he had said, bringing to the fore questions of insanity, the position of wounds, handwriting and fingerprints.

He had also lamented that in a country as advanced as Ceylon, proper scientific apparatus was not available to the analyst to distinguish mammalian blood from human blood.

Urging the MLS to secure different homes for those ordinarily insane and the insane who were convicted of crimes, the CJ had concluded his speech to much applause.

The business of the day followed thereafter, with Attorney General J.W.R. Illangakoon, KC proposing the formation of the MLS, seconded by the Director of Medical and Sanitary Services Dr. S.T. Gunasekera. Then Advocate C.V. Ranawake had proposed and H.V. Perera, KC had seconded a motion that a sub-committee comprising Mr. Illangakoon, handwriting expert Lawrie Muthukrishna, Dr. J.R. Blaze, Dr. N. Sinnadurai and Sir Lalitha should be appointed to draft the Constitution and the Rules of the MLS. These minutes had subsequently been confirmed on February 24, 1938, when the first General Meeting was held once again at the Law Library, with Sir Sidney being elected the first President of the newly-formed MLS.

The very first Office Bearers were powerful figures in their fields with many letters behind their names: Vice Presidents  Attorney-General Illangakoon & Medical and Sanitary Services Director Dr. Gunasekera; Secretary  Dr. E.M. Wijerama; Treasurer  Prof. Milroy Paul; Editor of Transactions  Dr. J. R. Blaze; and Council Members  Dr. A.O. Gunawardena, Advocate Ranawake, Dr. W.S. Ratnavale, Dr. N. Attygalle, Barrister-at-law H. Sri Nissanka & Mr. Muthukrishna.

With the annual subscription being set at Rs. 10, most probably a princely sum then, the objects of the MLS were set down as  The recognition of medicine and other allied sciences in the administration of justice; the promotion and dissemination of medico-legal knowledge in all its aspects; the holding of meetings, seminars and symposia at which papers may be read and discussed for the furtherance of the aforesaid objects of the society; and the enrolment of qualified members of the legal and medical professions and such other persons who may be interested in medico-legal work.

The MLS, thereafter, got into full swing with the First Council Meeting being called at the Official Residence of the Chief Justice on June 10, 1938, with Sir Sydney in the Chair and eight members present. The decisions were that the MLS would meet every quarter or on the last Friday of February, May and November at 6.30 p.m., with the meetings alternating between the Law Library at Hulftsdorp and the Colonial Medical Library on Maradana Road, Borella.

The General Meetings followed without interruption as also the pre-decided interesting lectures entailing intense discussions on wide-ranging topics which included The Evolution of Medico-Legal Science by the JMO of Ceylon Dr. N. Sinnadurai; Some Mutual Problems by the District Judge of Colombo Dr. R.F. Dias; Medical Witness and Court of Law by Senior Surgeon Dr. S.C. Paul; Expert Witness by J. E. M. Obeysekera; Criminological Aspects of Alcoholism by the Superintendent of the Mental Hospital Dr. C.O. Perera; Workmans Compensation by S.J.C. Shockman; Some Problems on Handwriting Evidence by Lawrie Muthukrishna; and Sir Bernard Spilsbury in the Witness Box by R.R. Crossette-Thambiah.

Interesting details of those early days stare at us from the Minutes Books about a decision to invite journalists from the Ceylon Daily News, the Times and the Observer as guests of MLS, a letter by Mr. Sri Nissanka on The Strange Case of Apooruwa being read and the medico-legal bearings of the case discussed, the services of a typist being secured at Rs. 5 per meeting and elaborate plans for the first Annual Dinner at the Galle Face Hotel to which Governor Sir Andrew Caldecott, Lady Caldecott and their daughter were invited as chief guests.

However, an unseen factor came into play, putting into abeyance the activities of the MLS. World War II!

Dr. Salgado says that while at the AGM on February 26, 1940, then CJ J.C. Howard was elected President, the activities ground to a halt with the last meeting of the MLS being held on November 1, the same year.

The MLS which went into hibernation was revived only 29 years later on February 8, 1966 due to the unwavering efforts of Prof. Milroy Paul, its Founder Treasurer.

The second phase, according to Dr. Salgado, took off with CJ M.C. Sansoni being elected President and 99 people attending the meeting, only two of whom are active to this day. Those two stalwarts are Dr. Salgado and Mr. de Silva who were honoured for their long service.

The MLS has also undergone much metamorphosis, with the olden tradition of the CJ being the President being done away with when Prof. Milroy Paul was elected to take up the mantle. The eligibility criteria has changed as well with an amendment to the MLS Constitution in 1969 to enable gazetted officers of the Ceylon Police Force and Staff Officers of the Government Analysts Department to be taken in, while law and medical students could become members without voting rights.

It was in 1972 that the MLS was taken to different heights, with the return of Dr. Salgado from the United Kingdom after his post-graduate studies, to assume duties as a Joint Secretary of the society.

Some significant achievements of the early 1970s included nominating six members of the MLS to the Board of Studies in Forensic Medicine, recommending the repeal and replacement of Section 311 (dealing with grievous hurt) of the Penal Code, drawing up of a new Medico-Legal Examination Form to replace the General Hospital Ticket issued by the Police and recommending the Medico-Legal Report Form and Post Mortem Report Form which have been brought into use.

Around the same time, another amendment was brought in to elect as Honorary Life Members those who had rendered special service to the MLS or distinguished themselves in law, medicine or allied sciences, with this honour being bestowed on Prof. Milroy Paul and Dr. E.M. Wijerama. President J.R. Jayewardene, a Founder-Member of MLS would later join this elite category.

With MLS growing in leaps and bounds, the Dr. W.D.L. Fernando Memorial Oration was initiated in 1981, with Prof. Chandra Amarasekera speaking On the Life and Work of Dr. Fernando and the Medico-Legal Society Oration in 1992, with judge of international fame Prof. C.G. Weeramantry speaking on Medicine, Morality and Law.

By 1986, the MSL was declared an approved charity, while also gaining recognition internationally by hosting in Sri Lanka the Second Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine and Forensic Science and inaugurating the Indo-Pacific Association of Law, Medicine and Science (INPALMS).

With the backing of the MLS membership, Dr. Salgado helped draft the Constitution of INPALMS.

The congress was inaugurated by President Jayewardene at the BMICH on August 14 and attended by 122 foreign delegates from 37 countries, says Dr. Salgado who chaired it as MLS President, adding that it was a landmark event which put Sri Lanka on the world map.

The golden jubilee of the MLS in 1987, meanwhile, saw much activity including a Medico-Legal Exhibition organized under the stewardship of its President Daya Perera PC, with the chief guest at the gala dinner once again being President Jayewardene and the Dr. W.D.L. Fernando Memorial Oration on Circumstantial Evidence being delivered by Dr. Colvin R. de Silva.

The Scientific Sessions with Justice Minister Nissanka Wijeyaratne as chief guest witnessed a galaxy of powerful orators including National Security Minister Lalith Athulathmudali and Health Minister Dr. Ranjith Atapattu, taking to the podium.

Since its birth 80 long years ago, the MLS has moved from strength to strength adding more milestones to its colourful history including the holding of the INPALMS Triennial Congress  2007 once again in Colombo in July to much plaudits and also electing Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane as its first woman President to steer the MLS during its 75th anniversary.

As the MLS faces the future this year with CJ Priyasath Dep, PC, at its helm, exciting horizons open up for this octogenarian society in this digital age.Chinas soft and sharp power By Joseph S. Nye, Exclusive to the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka View(s): View(s):

CAMBRIDGE  China has invested billions of dollars to increase its soft power, but it has recently suffered a backlash in democratic countries. A new report by the National Endowment for Democracy argues that we need to re-think soft power, because the conceptual vocabulary that has been used since the Cold Wars end no longer seems adequate to the contemporary situation.

The report describes the new authoritarian influences being felt around the world as sharp power. A recent cover article in The Economist defines sharp power by its reliance on subversion, bullying and pressure, which combine to promote self-censorship. Whereas soft power harnesses the allure of culture and values to augment a countrys strength, sharp power helps authoritarian regimes compel behaviour at home and manipulate opinion abroad.

The term soft power  the ability to affect others by attraction and persuasion rather than the hard power of coercion and payment  is sometimes used to describe any exercise of power that does not involve the use of force. But that is a mistake. Power sometimes depends on whose army or economy wins, but it can also depend on whose story wins.

A strong narrative is a source of power. Chinas economic success has generated both hard and soft power, but within limits. A Chinese economic aid package under the Belt and Road Initiative may appear benign and attractive, but not if the terms turn sour, as was recently the case in a Sri Lankan port project.

Likewise, other exercises of economic hard power undercut the soft power of Chinas narrative. For example, China punished Norway for awarding a Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo. It also threatened to restrict access to the Chinese market for an Australian publisher of a book critical of China.

If we use the term sharp power as shorthand for information warfare, the contrast with soft power becomes plain. Sharp power is a type of hard power. It manipulates information, which is intangible, but intangibility is not the distinguishing characteristic of soft power. Verbal threats, for example, are both intangible and coercive.

When I introduced the concept of soft power in 1990, I wrote that it is characterised by voluntarism and indirection, while hard power rests on threats and inducements. If someone aims a gun at you, demands your money, and takes your wallet, what you think and want is irrelevant. That is hard power. If he persuades you to give him your money, he has changed what you think and want. That is soft power.

Truth and openness create a dividing line between soft and sharp power in public diplomacy. When Chinas official news agency, Xinhua, broadcasts openly in other countries, it is employing soft-power techniques, and we should accept that. When China Radio International covertly backs 33 radio stations in 14 countries, the boundary of sharp power has been crossed, and we should expose the breach of voluntarism.

Of course, advertising and persuasion always involve some degree of framing, which limits voluntarism, as do structural features of the social environment. But extreme deception in framing can be viewed as coercive; though not violent, it prevents meaningful choice.

Techniques of public diplomacy that are widely viewed as propaganda cannot produce soft power. In an age of information, the scarcest resources are attention and credibility. That is why exchange programs that develop two-way communication and personal relations among students and young leaders are often far more effective generators of soft power than, say, official broadcasting.

The United States has long had programs enabling visits by young foreign leaders, and now China is successfully following suit. That is a smart exercise of soft power. But when visas are manipulated or access is limited to restrain criticism and encourage self-censorship, even such exchange programs can shade into sharp power.

As democracies respond to Chinas sharp power and information warfare, they have to be careful not to overreact. Much of the soft power democracies wield comes from civil society, which means that openness is a crucial asset. China could generate more soft power if it would relax some of its tight party control over civil society. Similarly, manipulation of media and reliance on covert channels of communication often reduces soft power. Democracies should avoid the temptation to imitate these authoritarian sharp-power tools.

Moreover, shutting down legitimate Chinese soft-power tools can be counter-productive. Soft power is often used for competitive, zero-sum purposes; but it can also have positive sum aspects.

For example, if both China and the US wish to avoid conflict, exchange programs that increase American attraction to China, and vice versa, would benefit both countries. And on transnational issues such as climate change, where both countries can benefit from cooperation, soft power can help build the trust and create the networks that make such cooperation possible.

While it would be a mistake to prohibit Chinese soft-power efforts just because they sometimes shade into sharp power, it is also important to monitor the dividing line carefully. For example, the Hanban, the government agency that manages the 500 Confucius Institutes and 1,000 Confucius classrooms that China supports in universities and schools around the world to teach Chinese language and culture, must resist the temptation to set restrictions that limit academic freedom. Crossing that line has led to the disbanding of some Confucius Institutes.

As such cases show, the best defence against Chinas use of soft-power programs as sharp-power tools is open exposure of such efforts. And this is where democracies have an advantage.

(The writer is a professor at Harvard and author of The Future of Power. )

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2018. www.project-syndicate.orgCultural heritage, peace and reconciliation By Gamini Wijesuriya View(s): View(s):

Keynote speech delivered by Gamini Wijesuriya a renowned heritage expert from Asia at the Scientific Symposium, Heritage and Democracy of the International Council of Monuments and Sites from December 8-15 in Delhi

Like the trouble you have taken, we undertook to host the 10th General Assembly of International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in Sri Lanka during this time. It was held at a time when democracy was threatened in this part of the world by a chain of events of which heritage was also a victim. India lost her Prime Minister in 1991 and just four months before the General Assembly (in May 1993), Sri Lanka lost her President. Both were democratically elected leaders killed by terrorists. The incident in Sri Lanka severely affected the General Assembly and some of the members opted not to attend. While that is not my focus today there is a link, and it might help explain my apprehensions and huge sense of responsibility on being invited to talk about the concept of democracy as a conceptual framework with which to shape future heritage practices, a term and concept that has been used and abused since society began.

In 1998, the Temple of the Tooth Relic was burned by the same terrorist group the LTTE. Some of the ICOMOS senior members may remember they had the pleasure of visiting this temple, enjoying the annual procession which is Asias most stunning and spiritual cultural events. The temple is the most sacred Buddhist place in this country. Indeed this was perhaps the most, very first dramatic case of a World Heritage Site being targeted by terrorists.

Albeit the destruction was unprecedented in scale and significance for the Sri Lankan people, it also proved a benchmark for disaster for being a springboard for peace thanks to heritage being understood as a special place where peace and security can be pursued. Indeed the division and conflict between the community groups which the terrorists so desired never happened. Community engagement and the rebuilding of the temple became a defiant symbol that such targeted attacks would not achieve the objectives sought by terrorists. Moreover, it influenced heritage practice thereafter.

Since then however we have witnessed further attacks on heritage sites worldwide: Including the World Heritage List: damage to Preah Vihara in Cambodia, to the Mausoleums of Timbuktu in Mali and attacks at the Bodhgaya to name a few. Targeted and collateral damage to heritage in the Middle East continues. As much as we are concerned with these edifices being destroyed, the more vexing issues that should draw our attention is another. It is the impact on the social fabric and the community identity that we need to address.

According to the current UN Chief, We are a world in pieces. We need to be a world in peace.

It is therefore not only reasonable but imperative that the heritage sector embraces the Role of Cultural Heritage in Building Peace and Reconciliation as a theme meriting more research and capacity building to consolidate necessary knowledge areas and skills set under the wider leitmot of democracy and heritage. Needless to say this is a direction that is all the more strongly linked to politics in its more rudimentary form (who gets what, when and how) and both democracy and heritage are contested territories.

UNESCO  created at the end of the Second World War  stated in its constitution: Since war begins in the minds of men and women the edifice of peace must be constructed. Aimed at building a world at peace, UNESCO has developed many normative instruments and policies. In the recent past much emphasis has been placed on the role of heritage in building peace and reconciliation in the midst of recurring threats to heritage.

There is much progress ranging from general policy work such as the 2015 World Heritage and Sustainable Development Policy to milestone decisions such as that of the International Criminal Court regarding destruction of cultural property in Mali.

UNESCO 2015 World Heritage and Sustainable Development Policy contains a section on the use of heritage for promoting peace and reconciliation.

Other initiatives include the 2015 Strategy for reinforcement of UNESCOs action for the promotion of culture and the promotion of cultural pluralism in the event of armed conflict. This strategy covers all aspects of culture and includes in its objectives the mainstreaming of a concern for culture in humanitarian, security, peace keeping and peace building policies and operations.

The work done within the UNESCO has led to a new international awareness of the importance of culture as a humanitarian and security issue, which resulted in a series of landmark resolutions taken at the highest level, including by the UN Security Council.

The protection of cultural heritage is included within the mandate of the UN peace keeping Mission in Mali.

Some of the messages shape heritage management practice on the ground even more directly. The Post Disaster Needs Assessment methodology is a case in point. It considers not only the damage to physical assets, but also the implications in socio-economic terms and in general the larger human development impact of a disaster resulting from its effects on the cultural sector and on heritage in particular.

There are other initiatives, notably ICOMOS Norways work with the World Heritage Centre IOCOMOS, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Centre for the study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) known as our Common Dignity has helped to identify the diversity of rights issues experienced in the world heritage sites and the effort mobilised to start resolving them equitably. The report launched at this General Assembly points to issues involved and actions needed.

Furthermore, attempts are being made to use heritage destroyed in the past as symbols of peace and reconciliation and for healing processes, exemplified by cases such as Mostar, (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Hiroshima (Japan). Other examples include the reconstruction of the Mausoleums of Timbuktu. The Joint Technical Committee on cultural heritage established in Cyprus, a bilateral project for the rehabilitation of cultural heritage properties as a confidence building measure is another example.

Such an encouraging overview could bolster us into thinking that, collectively and institutionally, we are doing rather well on these themes. Is this true? Are such approaches sufficient? I argue that there is a major stumbling block ahead of us in the heritage sector since this new arena requires a mind-set which is alien for entire generations of heritage practitioners. Let me explain.

Peace and reconciliation are all about people but in the heritage sector we are shareholders of a discourse that has forgotten people. The idea of heritage as developed in the west in the 19th century looks at heritage from the point of view of the historian. ie. For its ability to carry information about the past and for its aesthetic qualities. I have elsewhere called this secularisation. When something is declared heritage in this approach ipso facto it is removed from ordinary life and placed on an intellectual meta-level. People themselves or their aspirations have not been seen as important. The heavy reliance on this discourse for me is the problem.

Let us take an example. Reconstruction is a very popular theme these days. After the Sector World War, people in Warsaw celebrated the towns reconstruction as expressed in this poem by Zofia Piotrowska of in 1962:

You rose from ruins and disease, Warsaw

You rose from ashes and mist

You rose through the labour of all the Nations

You rose through the will to exist

But two years after in 1964 the experts agreed on principles creating a widespread apprehension and at times hostility towards reconstruction. Yet reconstruction is part of a recovery process from shattered lives and livelihoods. It addresses the needs and aspirations of the communities affected by conflict and is the current global practice and any types of interventions are only academic.

This is just one of many cases. The key point is that disregard for traditional knowledge systems and maintenance practices embedded in community needs is another instance of distancing people from heritage and undervaluing continuity.

Overlooking the people factor has led to marginalisation, isolation and snubbing the views of the people. Ever- expanding definitions of heritage today, their power in making or breaking identities, concern for multiplicity of values, layers of history, layers of stakeholders, layers of communities have not have not been accounted for when constructing heritage narratives.

Blaming the western conservation discourse may seem all too easy. But it is not without good reason either. The words of the current president of ICOMOS, Gustavo Araoz, reminds us that this discourse was only challenged after one and a half years despite many criticisms. Referring to the impact of Nara document, Nara shattered once and for all long-held Eurocentric insistence that there were long held cultural principles for heritage identification and treatment. It took so long because, heritage practitioners assumed that they have a good understanding of heritage without rightful owners- people.

Despite, these difficulties there have been many moves to place people at the centre of heritage over the last decade and recognise that the heritage places we talk about are those created by the people, for the people and cared for by the people who are thus an integral part of heritage.

This shift, which must be called an alternative heritage discourse, promotes a different approach and does not lend its self to universal recognition since  by definition  each heritage place belongs to and is meaningful for those who created it and for those who continue to use with added values. This approach recognises the contested nature of heritage, whereby a different group within a community could have a completely different vision of what is important and why. It is this heritage debate which is important to recognise for the purpose of making peace and reconciliation.

However when placing people at the centre, we are confronted with a different set of issues to those that are familiar to heritage practitioners such as decay of materials, interventions and authenticity. The new issues are:

the political context of heritage;

the social role of heritage including livelihoods;

constructing inclusive and widely constructed heritage narratives;

rights and knowledge issues;

building community resilience through heritage;

recovery from conflict situations.

Above all, meaningful decision making at the heart of the communities is fundamental to address every one of the key issues. They all pose a set of challenges unfamiliar to heritage practitioners.

We cannot be naive and assume that people at all levels carry homogeneous views on any issues, let alone heritage. For this and many other reasons, when dealing with many issues one has to deal with conflicts. We have a huge responsibility as heritage practitioners.

It is here that the concept of democracy can be best embraced by our sector. Despite inherent deficiencies, it is widely believed that democracy can improve the quality of decision making. It is known for its ability to deal with conflicts and differences, and to promote equity and justice. Inclusiveness, rights to participate, considered judgements, informed decisions, transparency are some of the other democratic qualities.

Despite these we cannot be over optimistic. Let us take the example of Dresden Elbe Valley World Heritage site in Germany. This was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004 as a cultural property deemed to have Outstanding Universal Value. A controversy arose when the authorities decided to build a bridge across the river which forms part of the landscape of the World Heritage site. In a referendum, the residents voted for the construction of the bridge. As a result of this, it became the first cultural site to be deleted from the List in 2009. (http:// whc.unesco.org /en/list/1156). The reason given was that the bridge was negatively impacting the outstanding universal values of the site. It is possible that, with more information on the implications of the new bridge for the historic landscape, the people of Dresden might have a different choice. But it is also possible that they would have decided to have the bridge anyway. Was the real problem a poorly-designed bridge? This paradox shows that there is no perfect solution that democracy saves, nor does it resolve our ideas of where heritage values lie. (the OUV of a site as recognised by a Committee.)

At the time of the reactive monitoring mission to Kathmandu Valley, people linked to Bouddhanath temple had already discussed, reconstructed and started the lost part of the stupa regardless of the wishes of the old international community. Such democracy  will and I say should  remain.

There is also a potential danger of trying to generalise and apply democratic principles naively. In the name of some of the democratic principles such as equity, gender balance and internationalisation of heritage, there is a tendency, for heritage professionals to question cultural practices, such as access to women and those of another religion. Where should we draw the line?

To conclude, in my opinion we are looking at a paradigm shift where the focus moves from the wellbeing of both heritage and society. This promotes people-centred approaches as a way forward and as the means to adjusting and adapting our approaches to meet the real needs of society and its heritage. This is a shift through which we can, in turn, harness the full potential in cultural heritage in building peace and reconciliation. We have to recognise with a certain honesty the pressing need to promote this shift also within the heritage community, specially those who are defiant. We must be prepared to challenge the entire conceptual edifice of heritage conservation, starting, for example, with the so called experts if we are to be successful. Indeed expert is the first word we should perhaps sacrifice in the name of democracy, peace and reconciliation.

In embracing a new approach, we may have to let go or revisit many things that have current mythological status including the concept of heritage itself. We need to open our minds and also look beyond the heritage sector in order to embrace an alternative discourse effectively. A rich variety of presentations lined up under this theme will allow us to track efforts being made globally towards this goal. Hopefully these inputs will come together as a springboard for new forms of awakening but also reconciliation within the heritage sector itself. And maybe the use of the word democracy in our sector will take on clarity that makes me very comfortable with it!Kumar and Yehali launch a rich dessert like no other View(s):

To the sounds of Scottish bagpipes, a procession of chefs bore in their precious masterpiece in a palanquin to the front lawn of the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya on the morning of January 3 as a select crowd of invitees including Tourism Minister John Amaratunga looked on.

Marry Me, the US $ 25,000 dessert, crafted with dark chocolate from Madagascar, edible gold and silver and many other exotic ingredients was presented to celebrity couple Kumar and Yehali Sangakkara who fed each other spoonfuls of the exotic creation by Chef Viraj Jayaratne, who marks 25 years in the culinary industry.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Amaratunga spoke of the diversity Sri Lanka provides to visitors, and the value of the experience the destination offers.When you arrive in Sri Lanka you are part of the family, we will not only open our hearts to you, but will also open our homes to you, said Kumar Sangakkara. Marry Me can now be ordered at the Grand.The New Zealand Transport Agency has opened the Thames Coast Road between Tararu and Manaia to escorted convoys in both directions.

Travellers are advised to expect potentially long delays waiting at either end or at traffic management points in between.

Drivers are encouraged to take an alternate route if they can, as the road is very rough in places.

Those who do take the route should pay attention to instructions from traffic management personnel, and plan for a potentially long trip.

For official updates from NZTA go to their website www.nzta.govt.nz

Thames-Coromandel District Council has received many offers for help, money and goods to support those affected by the floods.

They say they are working on getting systems in place for money and goods, and will publicise how people can contribute as soon as those systems are in place.

For those offering physical help, the council says they really appreciate it, but recommend holding off until NZTA fully reopens the road and it is safe for everyone.

The council is currently running short of skip bins so are asking residents north of Te Puru (e.g. Waioumu, Tapu) to stack any flood damaged waste in front of their properties or in a central location, which will be collected as soon as possible.

People can dispose of ood damaged household items (e.g. carpet or furniture etc) at the Thames Refuse Station free of charge. Please supply your household address, name and vehicle registration to sta at the transfer station.

The council customer services line - 07 868 0200 - is has been fielding several calls, so residents are asked to be patient.

Those who cant get through are advised to stay on hold and use the callback service.With $10,000 in prizes up for grabs, including a trip to London, Paris, New York or Rome for the Supreme winner, organisers are expecting a last-minute rush of final entries in the Trustpower Photographic Exhibition this week.

Entries to the competition close at midnight this Friday January 12.

With many people now just coming back from holiday we want to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to enter, says project lead Sally Cooke.

Theres also the opportunity to be a part of the international exhibition of some of the winning entries in Japan, so its a fantastic opportunity for photographers both amateur and professional in our region to showcase their talents.

In additional to the $10,000 prize pool, this year copies of some of the winning photos will be sent to Hitachi, Japan to appear in a photographic display there to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship.

We have been able to arrange for this to happen in collaboration with Creative Bay of Plenty. Its a lovely add-on and means the winners will be in an international exhibition as well, so thats quite something.

This years exhibition features four categories for photographers from amateur to professional to enter before midnight Friday: Our People, Nature and Landscapes, Celebration and Digital Manipulation.

Once the judges have chosen the winners, the Trustpower Photographic Exhibition opens on The Strand, with the 20 winners on display from January 26 for an eight-week exhibition.

The exhibition is believed to be the largest outdoor exhibition of images of our region and is run as a partnership initiative with Trustpower, Downtown Tauranga, Media Works, UNO. Magazine and The Weekend Sun.

We encourage amateurs and professionals to get their best photos together and enter before this Friday. The supreme winner will once again win a trip to London, Paris, New York or Rome worth up to $3000 thanks to the generosity of House of Travel Tauranga and Downtown Tauranga, says Sally.

For more details and to enter go to www.downtowntauranga.co.nzCotton buds, tampons, condoms, bits of food, used oil, nappies... people throw a wide variety of things down the lavatory, but what is causing the biggest headaches for the people who look after our sewage pipes are wet wipes; originally designed to be used for babies in recent years they have commonly been used by the whole family.

There have been numerous campaigns to raise awareness of this problem, but they have had little result because many still use the lavatory as a rubbish bin without realising, or maybe not caring, that these products do not disappear by magic when the chain is pulled.

Quite the contrary, in fact: they accumulate into an enormous mass which obstructs the downpipes of blocks of apartments and, once in the outside pipes, the manholes, collectors and pumping and treatment systems as well. They cause the equipment to break down on a regular basis, and when that happens waste ends up flowing into rivers, streams or directly into the sea through the spillways. The problem is especially serious on rainy days because in most towns the rainwater and waste use the same pipes and these end up overflowing.

Laboratory tests show that the majority of wet wipes take two weeks to decompose

The problem of cotton buds and other personal hygiene products is nothing new. In fact, the sanitation companies have learned to live with them by introducing new equipment. However, what the system can't cope with, and what causes the most frequent problems, is the daily avalanche of wet wipes. It can't deal with them because they are made with textile fibres which form a skein, and this is impossible to undo; as well as blocking the pipes they also break the equipment. Wet wipes are now used in many homes, and

The damage caused by wet wipes, in figures 400tonnes of rubbish a month are removed from the pumping and treatment plants in the province, and more than 90 per cent are wet wipes. In addition to this figure, others have to be removed from apartment blocks by specialist companies, and some end up in the pipes and come out through the spillways when the pipes cannot cope with the increased flow resulting from rainfall or breakdowns. 10-18%is the extra cost of maintenance and repairs which are necessary due to the presence of wet wipes in the network, according to the Spanish Association of Water Supplies and Sanitation (AEAS). Nationally, the figure is around 200 million euros.

families are misled by manufacturers who claim they are biodegradable. Some even say on the label that they can be disposed of down the lavatory with no problem.

Slow decomposition

Technically, yes, they do decompose when they come into contact with the water but it takes about two weeks for them to do so, while ordinary toilet paper degrades in a matter of hours. This was demonstrated recently in a laboratory test carried out by the Emasa municipal water company in Malaga: it subjected wet wipes, moist toilet paper and conventional toilet paper to constant movement and compared how long it took them to decompose.

Bearing in mind that it takes up to 48 hours from the time the cistern is flushed to the arrival of the waste at the treatment plant, it is obvious that this is not long enough for the material to degrade. As a result, in the pumping and treatment stations in Malaga province an average of 400 tonnes of rubbish has to be removed every month; of this more than 90 per cent contains wet wipes.

In addition to this, some wet wipes disposed of down the toilet never reach the plant; they accumulate in the pipes and when it rains the waste becomes tangled up in the drains, collectors and spillways. Everyone knows what happens then: unpleasant smells and pools of sewage coming from the drains and flowing into the rivers, streams or directly into the sea, because the equipment just can't cope.

It doesn't matter how much we invest in technology to try to filter wet wipes, or how many awareness campaigns are carried out, while they continue to be sold as if they were biodegradable and people keep throwing them down the toilet there is nothing we can do about it, says Emasa's director of Maintenance and Treatment, Concepcion Fernandez Cotrina, resignedly.

She says wet wipes have become the most serious problem for the system, even the ones which are degradable, because when they decompose their particles are scattered about and they create microplastics which end up in the sea with no type of filter.

We're not trying to stop them being sold, we just want the people who use them to throw them into the rubbish bin, not down the lavatory, says Concepcion, as she shows us how in just 24 hours a container which can hold eight cubic metres has been filled with wet wipes removed from the Guadalhorce treatment plant.

This is a normal day. When it rains, it is much worse. One container after another, says an employee, briefly removing the mask he has to wear because of the stench from the mass of wipes mixed with waste water that have to be removed manually from the machinery.

This is a global problem, and companies from 25 countries have now set up the International Group of Water Service Operators to establish a set of conditions with which products must comply if they are to be labelled 'disposable down the lavatory'. However, the magnitude of the problem is multiplied in places like Malaga, where it rarely rains and, when it does, it is torrential, so that the wet wipes which for months have remained sedimented in the pipes are pushed to the pumping stations (which in turn push the waste water to the treatment plants), causing problems in pumps and filters.

When there is a blockage the machine stops operating, the water level rises and the drains overflow into the streets, streams or onto the beach, explains Jorge Gil, head of the collector drains department at the Acosol water company, which is part of the Mancomunidad de Municipios of the western Costa del Sol.

Apart from the environmental impact, he emphasises the appalling cost of preventive maintenance work, investment in new equipment and constant repairs, especially because on days when the flow increases no equipment could deal with it.

Extra cost

It is not easy to put a figure on this extra pressure on human and technical resources, not to mention the environmental damage caused, but the AEAS Spanish Water Supply and Sewage Association calculates that when people throw rubbish down the toilet it increases the treatment costs by between ten and 18 per cent, which is about 200 million euros a year. Although this cost is initially met by the companies, it is eventually paid for by consumers through their water bills.

Sources at Axaragua, the company which handles sewage treatment in the main coastal towns in the Axarquia region, estimate that cleaning the pumps and pipes, removing and treating the rubbish, maintaining and improving equipment and repairing breakdowns puts the cost of dealing with the wet wipes at more than 400,000 euros a year.

People don't realise the problems that are caused when they don't dispose of wet wipes properly, because when they put them down the lavatory it causes blockages in the whole network, starting with the domestic pipes and then continuing in the public ones, says Antolin de Benito, of Axaragua.

As Jorge Gil also stresses, the fact that when you throw a wet wipe down the lavatory it disappears, does not mean that the person who flushes bears no responsibility for the damage they have caused.

tonnes of rubbish a month are removed from the pumping and treatment plants in the province, and more than 90 per cent are wet wipes. In addition to this figure, others have to be removed from apartment blocks by specialist companies, and some end up in the pipes and come out through the spillways when the pipes cannot cope with the increased flow resulting from rainfall or breakdowns.

is the extra cost of maintenance and repairs which are necessary due to the presence of wet wipes in the network, according to the Spanish Association of Water Supplies and Sanitation (AEAS). Nationally, the figure is around 200 million euros.A three-year-old boy from Marbella died on Sunday after being run over, apparently accidentally, by a car in the Casa Rusia shopping centre car park in San Pedro. Four young British men aged between 20 and 24, on holiday in Marbella, were travelling in the car that ran over the boy as it reversed out of a parking space. The driver was breathalysed and no alcohol was detected.

The tourists had parked briefly in the car park in order to retrieve a hat that had blown into the street, and the young boy was going to the shopping centre with his grandmother, who had just parked. The boy, who is French, had just got out the car as the British driver began leaving the parking space.

The emergency services were called at 2.10pm and paramedics attended to the toddler in the car park. Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do to save his life and he was eventually proclaimed dead at the scene.

This accident has delivered a tough blow to the local Jewish community that the victim's family belongs to.

Given the apparent accidental nature of the incident and the results of the breathalyser test, no one has been arrested in connection with the death.The mountain areas of Malaga province were covered in white earlier this week as snow fell on high land. Meanwhile the Costa del Sol saw heavy rain and a hail storm briefly turned a Fuengirola beach white.

PHOTOS Snow in Malaga province on Monday 8 January

On Monday morning the Spanish meteorological agency Aemet raised the yellow warning to amber in the Ronda area with yellow alerts for snow in force in the Antequera area. The warnings had been lifted by 6pm although new yellow alerts for rain were put in place for Tuesday.

Access to Sierra de las Nieves and El Torcal was still closed to traffic on Tuesday. Officials stated the heavy build-up of snow and icy patches on local roads had made the roads unsafe for vehicle access. They added that those who wish to visit should wrap up warm, take suitable footwear and a raincoat, and a bag with water, food, and a charged mobile phone.

Meteorologists say that temperatures should begin to rise again by Wednesday, but the cold could return by the week's end.

The harshest weather of this winter so far has covered the highest areas of the province in a white blanket of snow. While these idyllic settings attracted many families over the weekend, the snow has also been accompanied by a dramatic fall in the temperature to as low as -1C in Ronda and Antequera.

At the weekend it snowed across the entire mountainous strip that borders the province from the Ronda mountain range and the Sierra de las Nieves to the peaks of Tejeda, Alhama, and Almijara.

On Monday morning, the province saw further snow and rain, when temperatures in Antequera, Ronda, and Axarquia ranged from below freezing up to about 5C. In the city of Malaga temperatures ranged from 7 to 11C, in Velez from 4 to 12 C, and in Marbella between 8 and 12 C.

The forecast for the rest of the week is marked by instability. Wednesday and Thursday will be a bit drier,but showers are due to return on Friday and at the weekend.FLEMING, N.Y. -- A duck hunter flipped his kayak and fell into Owasco Lake on Sunday, authorities said.

After he was rescued from the water, ambulances transported two people from the scene to area hospitals, Fleming Volunteer Fire Chief Scott Kehoe said.

AMR Ambulance took one man to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse; Fleming Ambulance took another person to Auburn Community Hospital, he said.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Police told the Auburn Citizen that the man's hunting partner rescued him from the water. A state DEC police spokesman said he did not have details of the rescue Sunday night, but he would release more information as it became available.

Cayuga County 911 dispatchers said they received a call at 4:17 p.m. from someone on a canoe who had seen the kayak overturn and a man fall into the lake. The man was alive when he was taken to the hospital, dispatchers said.

Owasco and Fleming volunteer fire departments, Cayuga County sheriff's deputies, AMR, Fleming ambulance and DEC police responded to the scene on West Lake Road in the town of Fleming, 911 dispatchers said.

Check back for updates.SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Ten days into 2017, two teenage brothers were shot to death in Syracuse.

Their deaths on a West Side street marked the city's first and second homicides of 2017.

Friends, teachers and family mourned for Ismael Diaz-Marrero and Daniel Diaz-Marrero -- brothers who had moved together from Cuba to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. Mothers Against Gun Violence gathered to pray for an end to youth violence in Syracuse.

Then, the deadly violence stopped.

The peaceful pause lasted for two months. It ended on April 3, when Naqual Bloodworth was fatally shot.

There were 21 homicides in Syracuse in 2017, the lowest number of violent deaths in the city in five years. Last year ended with 10 fewer homicides than in 2016 -- the deadliest year in the city's history.

"The numbers are down," said Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick. "We're solving more of them."

Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler declined an interview request.

In other Upstate New York cities, violent crime also declined last year.

There were 29 homicides in Rochester in 2017 -- the lowest number deaths since 2009, reported the Democrat & Chronicle. There were 42 homicides in Buffalo, down two deaths from the previous year, according to The Buffalo News.

Unlike last year, every person killed in Syracuse was a male. The youngest victim was 15 years old.

Most of the homicides shared a common factor, Fitzpatrick said: Illegal guns.

All but three of the homicide victims killed in Syracuse in 2017 were shot to death. Guns were used to commit 85 percent of the city's homicides, up from 2016, when guns were used in 61 percent of the violent deaths.

Prosecutors also believe 10 of 21 homicides -- including four unsolved deaths -- have an association with gangs.

Syracuse police hung yellow "do not cross" tape along Avery Avenue, from Morgan to Kincaid avenues in Syracuse, as they investigated a double homicide on Sept. 25, 2017.

Syracuse police have made arrests in 16 of the city's 21 homicides, clearing 76 percent of 2017's homicides. That's above the national solve rate of 61.5 percent, reported the FBI.

With the help of the community, investigators believe they could make arrests in more cases.

"It's your town," the district attorney said. "What kind of town do you want to live in?"

Fitzpatrick said there are many ways residents can safely share information with police about homicides -- and other crimes. Residents can use the TIP411 app or text TIP411 to anonymously contact any police agency in Onondaga County, he said.

Sharing a tip could help investigators bring a grieving family closure.

"I've spent 40 years of my life with people who've lost loved ones unexpectedly and tragically to homicides," Fitzpatrick said.

"When you get that phone call in the middle of the night that the little boy you raised and had so many dreams and aspirations for got shot because he was on the wrong side of town or somebody didn't like way he looked at them six months ago, there's nothing more heartbreaking."HOMER, N.Y. -- Two sons of the Allman Brothers Band founders will play in Central New York this spring.

Devon Allman returns to the Center for the Arts with his new six-piece band, The Devon Allman Project. The show features special guest Duane Betts (former member of Dawes and Great Southern, son of Dickey Betts).

The show will take place on Sunday, April 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, Jan. 12.

Allman (son of the late Gregg Allman) performed at the 2015 New York State Blues Fest. He also played at the Westcott Theater in June 2016 and at the Center for the Arts last August.

Carrying on his family's legacy in the Southern Rock pantheon, Allman carved out a name for his work in the blues-rock outfit Honeytribe and the Royal Southern Brotherhood.

In 2015, Allman told syracuse.com that "the primary Allman is always my father."

"Nothing changes my approach to the construct of my career and trying to put out a record every year," he said. "So I don't really put that card into my deck. I just worry about me. I naturally get fans from that world but they walk away saying, 'He's got his own thing going.'"

Allman has shared stages with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Les Paul, Keith Urban, Gov't Mule and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Katrina Tulloch writes music and culture stories for Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact her: Email | Twitter | FacebookSYRACUSE, N.Y. - One of the first things Edward Farbenblum did after buying the troubled James Square nursing home in Syracuse was hand out $1.5 million in pay raises to the facility's nurses and certified nurse aides.

The 440-bed nursing home at 918 James St. had the lowest wages of any nursing home in Onondaga County.

"You can't have a blighted reputation and be the lowest payer in the county and expect to attract staff," said Farbenblum, who owns 10 other nursing homes in the state and has a knack for turning around distressed facilities like James Square. Most of his nursing homes are rated above average or much above average by the federal government. James Square, by comparison, is rated much below average.

Farbenblum, 35, of Long Island, and his wife, Orly, bought James Square in December for $45 million from River Meadows LLC, an out-of-state partnership.

The nursing home is being investigated for patient care problems by the state Attorney General's Office, which raided the facility in June and seized records. It has a history of poor care and a shortage of nurses and certified nurse aides. At least five wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against the nursing home over the past five years.

Farbenblum's goal is to transform it into a facility providing cutting-edge care to people with acute illnesses being discharged by hospitals.

"We do the hard projects," he said. "Easy projects are for other people."

Farbenblum turned around the former Chautauqua County nursing home, now known as the Chautauqua Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, after buying it in 2015.

Margaret Mary Wagner, who worked for Farbenblum in Chautauqua, is James Square's new administrator. The former Franciscan nun is a long-term care industry veteran and former vice president of Kaleida Health in Buffalo.

After taking over Dec. 15, Farbenblum and Wagner moved quickly to change James Square's name to Bishop Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Staff voted to rename it after Dr. Jeanne Bishop, the facility's long-time medical director.

The name change is part of a rebranding effort to overhaul the nursing home's image.

"New owner, new leadership, new vision. That's my mantra," Wagner said. "But it's not a quick fix."

Farbenblum did not assume liability for pending lawsuits filed before he took over or any federal or government penalties that may be imposed against the nursing home for deficiencies cited under the previous owner. Those liabilities remain with the previous owner.

He's met with members of the Attorney General's office and has pledged to cooperate with their investigation. He believes investigators are looking at cases where residents did not get medications and treatments even though documents show they did.

Farbenblum bought the nursing home operation from River Meadows LLC, a partnership between a New Jersey nursing home operator and an Illinois lawyer. The property was separately owned by a friend of Farbenblum's from Brooklyn. Farbenblum said he began talking to his friend last summer about buying James Square and the discussion accelerated after the nursing home was raided.

State Health Department officials also encouraged Farbenblum to buy it, according to Wagner. "They said, 'This facility needs help. Will you step in?'" she said.

About 25 percent of the nursing home's beds are empty and the plan is to gradually fill them as the facility hires more staff. To boost recruiting, Bishop is offering signing bonuses of $1,500 to certified nurse aides and $3,000 to licensed practical nurses. The facility employs about 400 people.

Farbenblum has budgeted $4 million to renovate the lobby and make other improvements. The nursing home has to install a new water disinfection system to filter out Legionella, a type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires' Disease, a lung infection. He said the nursing home installed the wrong filtration system after Legionella was discovered in the facility's water system last summer.

Farbenblum was at the nursing home every day last week and plans to visit regularly. He met with residents and the facility's ombudsmen, trained volunteers who advocate for residents. Wagner said the ombudsmen told her they never met the previous owners.

"You can't be an absentee owner in health care today because there are too many moving parts," Wagner said.

Contact James T. Mulder anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-2245SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse lawmakers are backing an effort to raise awareness about treatment for and prevention of opioid addiction.

The Common Council today adopted a resolution urging community organizations, churches and schools to host a screening of the documentary "Chasing the Dragon." The Federal Bureau of Investigations produced the film.

Susan Boyle, 3rd district councilor, introduced the resolution and offered to be a point of contact for anyone interested in hosting a prevention event. She said it's up to elected leaders to use their platform to spread awareness of the issue and advocate for solutions.

"If one person gets help I think we've accomplished something," Boyle said.

"Chasing the Dragon" documents the myriad ways people fall into addiction, Boyle said.

Anyone interested in hosting a prevention or awareness event, along with a screening of the film, can contact Boyle at sboyle@syrgov.net. The film is also available in its entirety on YouTube.

Council President Helen Hudson said the treatment effort includes eliminating the stigma surrounding opioid addiction. There are many different kinds of people who struggle with addiction, she said.

Onondaga County has the highest rate of overdose deaths among Central New York counties. Since last June, 53 people have died in opioid-related incidents, according to Jon Crandall, family support navigator for the Prevention Network.

Locally, advocates want people to know there are resources for people who need help. Those include:

CNY Services Dual Recovery Programs

321 W. Onondaga St., Suite 201, Syracuse

(315) 478-0610

Syracuse Recovery Services

(315) 475-1771

Conifer Park

526 Old Liverpool Rd., Liverpool

(800) 989-6446

Facility accepts self referrals, referrals from others; Admissions are confidential

Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare

329 N. Salina St., Syracuse

(315) 471-0568 (referral line)

Crouse Hospital - Chemical Dependency Treatment Services

410 S. Crouse Ave., Syracuse

(315) 470-8304

Tully Hill

5821 Route 80, Tully

(315) 696-6114

Live chats are available online or by email at admissions@tullyhill.com

Syracuse VA Medical Center

(315) 425-4400An Upstate New York man is in police custody, accused of taking his girlfriend hostage, barricading himself inside a home and causing a fire in the building on Sunday morning.

WIVB-TV reported that Eddie Miles Jr. threatened to shoot first responders if they approached the burning building on Washington Ave. in Batavia. Homes and businesses in the area were given shelter in place instructions as the situation unfolded.

Eventually, Miles' girlfriend was able to make it to the roof of the home where she was rescued.

Miles also found his way to the roof, but continued to threaten police at the scene for about 10 minutes before surrendering.

Batavia Fire Lieutenant Greg Ireland told the station it was "frustrating to sit and watch, being trained, and wanting to do our job. For the safety of our firefighters, we had to wait until the subject was in custody."

Miles' girlfriend was taken to a hospital with injuries, but was expected to be okay. Miles was arrested, but charges against him had not been stated by police.

Watch the WIVB-TV video report below.Lasting legacy built by butter

As thousands of Iowans and visitors returned to the Iowa State Fair this year, so has the famous Butter Cow sculpture created by artist and ...Fallout 4 is a great game, but fans always have a special love for New Vegas, a new PC mod that aims to combine both.

The latter was developed by Obsidian, the same team that developed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, which continues to have a cult-following until now. Gaming experts are aware that a remake of the fourth installment is highly unlikely since the developer is currently engaged with a different project.

Fortunately, a group of modders has taken it upon themselves to fulfill every fan's wish. They recently shared a new video that showcases the progress and quality of their project.

Starting Off

A bit of nostalgia immediately sets in as players start off outside a small settlement. The users pull up the Pip-Boy, goes through a couple of menu items, and toggles something. Next, the character enters the area of Goodsprings. The scene shifts to an encounter with an unlucky settler, whom the player guns down using a combination of regular shots while aiming down sights and the familiar V.A.T.S. system.

Once the NPC was killed, a notification comes up that immediately confirms the return of the Karma system

Ultimate Goal

Sources confirm that this is not just a demo the modders used to show off their talents. The team likewise confirms that their plan is not just to integrate New Vegas elements such as the Karma system into the latest installment. It was first announced last year followed by a couple of screenshots that flaunted a dynamic weather system.

Fans will be glad to know that their goal is to port the entire game using the Fallout 4 creation tool. Obviously, this will be a massive task for the group, given the actual size and length of their source. Therefore, it is difficult for the group to come up with an estimated release date.

Waiting For Feedback

For now, it is unknown if there would be roadblocks along the way that could hinder or altogether stop the project. Bethesda, the developer and owner of the rights to Fallout, can take legal action anytime and terminate and work the modders have done.

So far, there has been no communication from the company that indicates a request for them to abandon their venture. It could be busy working on other projects such as Fallout 4 VR or something else.

On the other hand, Obsidian appears to be amused by the New Vegas mod for Fallout 4. In fact, the developer even posted a message with a gif on Twitter.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.The Federal Communications Commission has remained firm with its decision to end net neutrality despite the controversy surrounding the public comment system before its vote for the repeal of net neutrality last December.

On a statement released Thursday night, the FCC said they did not rely on thousands of the comments before making their decision to repeal net neutrality.

The vote went through and the rule was passed despite public comments that were found to be fake. Nevertheless, the FCC has ruled over the significance of the comments.

Public Comment Period

Before the FCC voted, it opened a public comment period to get the general public's reaction on getting rid of the rule through a comment system.

A report, however, has found out that millions of comments actually came from fake e-mail addresses that spammed the public comment system.

Most of these comments were in favor of repealing net neutrality.

More than 7.75 million comments submitted to the FCC used emails from domains related to FakeMailGenerator.com, featuring almost identical wording. The FCC said that almost 23 million comments on the proposal to end the rule were filed more than 90 times each under the same name.

After the vote struck the rule down, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said it was a way to "restore internet freedom."

Questionable Comments

With the host of irregularities in the comments entered into the system, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman opened a probe into the matter.

"I encourage the FCC to reconsider its refusal to assist in my office's law enforcement investigation to identify and hold accountable those who illegally misused so many New Yorkers' identities to corrupt the public comment process," said Schneiderman in an open letter to the FCC.

"In an era where foreign governments have indisputably tried to use the internet and social media to influence our elections, federal and state governments should be working together to ensure that malevolent actors cannot subvert our administrative agencies' decision-making processes."

The FCC responded to Scheniderman by calling his facts "completely inaccurate." FCC spokesman Brian Hart said in an email that there had been "concerning activity" on both sides of the issue.

The Pew Research Center had found that 94 percent of the comments were submitted multiple times. FCC said in late November that it would dismiss most of the 21.7 million comments submitted to the agency during the public comment period as there were too many duplicates.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.After the repeal of net neutrality, no one was really sure how state governments or private companies would react to the changes.

Internet providers welcomed the move as it gave them more flexibility when it comes to charging consumers and fewer government rules to deal with.

The big question now is, what would the major tech companies that depend on customers internet access do to combat the repeal?

The Internet Association To Sue FCC

The major trade group that represents tech giants such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, Netflix, and Uber announced on Jan. 5 that it will join the legal battle against the Federal Communications Commission for the repeal of net neutrality.

On Thursday night, the FCC released the agency's rewritten rules on what internet service providers are now allowed to do. These new rules allow ISPs to choose the speed of websites and can block them if they so choose.

"The final version of Chairman Pai's rule, as expected, dismantles popular net neutrality protections for consumers. This rule defies the will of a bipartisan majority of Americans and fails to preserve a free and open Internet," said the Internet Association in a statement. "IA intends to act as an intervenor in judicial action against this order and, along with our member companies, will continue our push to restore strong, enforceable net neutrality protections through a legislative solution."

Net Neutrality Repeal Still Not In Effect

The FCC may have already voted to get rid of net neutrality but the rule is still not in effect. To be put into effect, the rule must first be published in the Federal Register, which is still weeks away. To appeal for the rule, it needs to first be put into effect.

On Thursday, the rewritten rules outlined what the FCC hoped to accomplish by abolishing the net neutrality rules.

"We take several actions in this Order to restore Internet freedom," said the FCC in the introduction of the new rules governing the internet. "First, we end utility-style regulation of the Internet in favor of the market-based policies necessary to preserve the future of Internet freedom."

Those on the side of net neutrality argue that instead of restoring "internet freedom," these rules expose consumers. Without the protections provided by net neutrality, ISPs will be able to charge any prices and would be able to throttle service, favoring some websites over others.

On the other side, opponents of net neutrality say that the rules stifle the ISPs with overregulation, adding that the federal government is overreaching and it's not allowed to treat the companies as utilities.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.NASA shows signs that the hole in the Earth's ozone layer is shrinking, proving that humanity's plan to save the world is working.

NASA said in November last year that the ozone hole in Antarctica was at its smallest since 1988. It used satellite observations to provide the first direct proof of the ozone layer's recovery.

Ozone Layer Recovering Due To Chemicals Ban

Using measurements from NASA's Aura satellite, NASA discovered that the decline in chlorine has led to an around 20 percent decrease in ozone depletion over the Antarctic winter compared to 2005. It is the year that the satellite started measuring chlorine and ozone in every Antarctic winter.

These were also the first measurements on the ozone hole's chemical composition that showed decreased levels of ozone depletion. The study detailing the discovery was published in the Geophysical Research Letters journal on Jan. 4.

The chlorine decline was attributed to the international ban on chlorofluorocarbons, which are long-lived, man-made chemicals that greatly contribute to ozone depletion. CFCs rise to the Earth's stratosphere, where the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun breaks apart the chemical to release chlorine atoms that destroy the ozone molecules.

"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 Susan Strahan, an atmospheric scientist from the Goddard Space Flight Center of NASA and the lead author of the study on the ozone layer's recovery.

The Success Of The Montreal Protocol

The recovery of the ozone layer is crucial to the Earth's survival as ozone molecules at high altitudes absorb the Sun's harmful radiation to protect our skin and eyes.

In the early 1980s, scientists discovered that CFCs found in substances, such as refrigerants and hair sprays, were the main culprit in ozone depletion. The whole world banded together in 1987 and signed the Montreal Protocol, which banned the use of the ozone-killing chemicals.

Just over 30 years later, NASA has now provided direct proof that the Montreal Protocol is working. The ozone layer is not fully out of the woods though, as it will take decades before the hole is completely healed.

According to Strahan's colleague and a co-author of the study, Anne Douglass, the ozone hole might not be fully patched up until about 2060 to 2080. Nevertheless, the Montreal Protocol is now considered to be the most successful environmental agreement between nations in the history of mankind. Hopefully, others will follow and help make the Earth a better place for future generations.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Our gut feelings allow us to "know" things, even if we can't explain where this information or judgment comes from.

This intuition, however, gives a sense of certainty when we make quick and sometimes important decisions such as avoiding a particular person or situation.

Human Brains Are Interconnected

Now, a leading professor from the University of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, England has suggested of a phenomenon that can explain why people have gut feelings. Clinical Professor of Psychotherapy Digby Tantum claimed that the human brain is interconnected to others through a type of Wi-Fi that allows people to pick up information about other people.

Gut Feelings And The Interbrain

Tatum said that because of the direct connection between people's brains, people are capable of directly knowing other people's emotions and what they pay attention to. He called this phenomenon "the interbrain."

The interbrain may help explain people's gut feeling. Tatum believes that the brain subconsciously absorbs information about other people.

Why Commuters Can't Maintain Eye Contact

People can also pick up subliminal information and Tatum said that this is why commuters have a hard time maintaining eye contact on a busy train. The presence of a large number of people can overload the brain with too much subliminal information.

The interbrain may also be the reason why laughter is infectious.

Brain Communication, Language, And Smell

Tantum thinks that language plays only a part in the way humans communicate and the brain is, in fact, the one that works hard to collect small signals that communicate a person's thoughts.

The professor wrote about his idea in a new book The Interbrain published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. He thinks that brain communication may occur as an inadvertent leak that is linked to smell.

"The area of the brain that is closest to the nose is the orbitofrontal cortex. It might be there because so many of our most basic connections to other people are via smell," Tatum said.

Dangers Of Using Electronic Forms Of Communications

Amid the popularity of using the internet and electronic devices to communicate, Tatum warned that electronic forms of communication such as video calls can interrupt the interbrain process and cause harm. He explained that face-to-face visual input comes with a gesture, sound, smell of sweat, possibility of touch, and a connection. He said that internet communication could be another reason why some people have become more complicated and introvert.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Google is doing a great job in its mission of organizing the world's information, but the multibillion-dollar company is apparently having trouble with a local problem in its Mountain View headquarters.

Gbikes, the bicycles that Google offers to its employees so that they can get around the sprawling campus, are being stolen at an alarming rate by locals living around the area.

Hundreds Of Gbikes Stolen Per Week

A report by The Wall Street Journal reveals just how bad Google's problem is regarding its Gbikes, revealing that out of the about 1,100 multicolored bicycles, around 100 to 250 go missing each week.

The Gbikes were rolled out by Google for the benefit of its employees, an initiative that has inspired similar programs across Silicon Valley. However, residents of Mountain View apparently think that the bikes are free for them to use. This is why the bikes are being brought out of the Google headquarters and then found around the city.

"It's like a friendly gesture," 68-year-old Sharon Veach told The Wall Street Journal. "They don't really want us to use it, but it's OK if you do," she added. Even Ken Rosenberg, the mayor of Mountain View, admitted that he used a Gbike to go to a movie after visiting Google's headquarters.

How Google Plans To Solve The Problem

Google has not revealed how much it spends on the Gbikes. However, the estimated price of the bicycles is about $100 to $300, which adds up to as much as $30,000 for each 100 Gbikes lost per week. Google only recovered about 70 to 190 bikes a week from July to November 2017.

The company may have billions upon billions of dollars on hand, but it apparently has had enough with the missing Gbikes problem. In late 2017, Google started to install GPS trackers to the bicycles, which revealed that they were taken as far as Mexico and Alaska. Gbikes have previously been seen in New England and at the Burning Man festival in Nevada.

Google has also started testing versions that Google employees can unlock with their smartphones, so that only the company's workers will be able to use them.

Most recently, Google hired a team of 30 people in five vans, with the sole task of retrieving the Gbikes. The move was necessary because Mountain View Police claimed that it does not have the manpower to ask each person riding a Gbike if they are a Google employee.

It remains to be seen if these actions will solve Google's missing Gbikes problem.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Amid a global campaign to stop the tobacco epidemic and efforts to discourage kids from smoking, parents in a remote village in Portugal encourage their children to smoke at least once a year to observe a tradition.

The Portuguese village of Vale de Salgueiro features the tradition on its annual Epiphany celebrations.

Parents Give Cigarettes To Children As Young As 5 Years Old

The two-day celebration, which starts on Friday and ends Saturday with a mass, features people dancing around bonfires, a piper that plays music, and an elected "king" who distributes wines and snacks. Parents in the village also encourage their children as young as 5 years old to smoke cigarettes during the Christmas festival, a practice frowned upon by outsiders.

Locals claim that the practice has been handed down for many generations over centuries but no one is sure what this symbolizes. The legal age to buy tobacco in Portugal is 18, but there seems to be nothing that prevents the parents from giving cigarettes to their kids. Authorities neither intervene.

Those who take part cites custom as the reason why they give their children cigarettes. Thirty-five-year-old Guilhermina Mateus said that she does not see any harm in giving cigarette to her child during the Epiphany celebrations. She said that the children do not really smoke and only do this during the celebration. They also inhale and exhale immediately.

"It's only on these days, today and tomorrow," Mateus said. "They never ask for cigarettes again."

About 90 percent of adult smokers started smoking when they were kids. Interestingly, the village does not have higher incidence of adult smoking compared with other villages in Portugal, said Jose Ribeirinha, who wrote a book on the festivities.

Ribeirinha said that the geographical location of the village means it likely held on to old traditions adhering to practices that date back to pagan times. Ribeirinha said that the village is in an area known as the "forgotten one".

Tobacco Smoking

Figures from the World Health Organization show that tobacco is responsible for over 7 million deaths per year. Of these, more than 6 million are the result of direct tobacco use while the rest is linked to exposure to second-hand smoke. WHO tagged the tobacco epidemic as one of the world's biggest public health threats causing illness, impoverishment, and death.

Portugal has also taken steps to curb rates of smoking. Its efforts include partial ban on smoking indoors.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Health officials have warned that customers of a certain 7-Eleven branch in Utah may have been exposed to hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A filled up the headlines for the wrong reasons last year, and it seems that the virus is kicking off 2018 with a possible outbreak.

Salt Lake Officials Warn Of Possible Hepatitis A Exposure

In a press release, the Salt Lake County Health Department warned that customers who visited the 7-Eleven convenience store located at 2666 West 7800 South in the city of West Jordan may have been exposed to hepatitis A.

According to the department, up to 2,000 customers who visited the 7-Eleven branch from Dec. 26, 2017 to Jan. 3 may have been infected with the virus. Of particular risk are customers who used the store's restroom or consumed some of the items for sale, including the fountain drink or other self-service beverages, fresh fruit, and any item from the hot food case that includes hot dogs, pizza, taquitos, and chicken wings.

For people who visited the 7-Eleven branch during the time period and are at risk of hepatitis A infection following the above guidelines are recommended to contact the Salt Lake County Health Department to receive an injection against the virus. Staff will screen all callers for the possible exposure risk and provide the options for the hepatitis A vaccine.

The possible exposure only affects the specific 7-Eleven branch in West Jordan, as an employee worked at the store while infected with hepatitis A. Customers who purchased and consumed only packaged food and bottled items from the store are not at risk of exposure.

"This is an important reminder to food service establishments that they should consider vaccinating their food-handling employees against hepatitis A," said Salt Lake County Health Department executive director Gary Edwards in a statement.

Hepatitis A In 2017

The Salt Lake County Health Department believes that the incident is related to the hepatitis A outbreak that started in Salt Lake County in August 2017.

Salt Lake County is not the only area that had a hepatitis A problem last year. California faced the largest person-to-person hepatitis A outbreak since vaccines became available to the public in 1995, with San Diego being the hardest-hit county in the state.

In June, frozen tuna products were also found to be positive for hepatitis A, leading to a recall in California, Texas, and Oklahoma. In May, inmates at the Oakland County Jail were also exposed to hepatitis A after one of the inmates was confirmed to be infected with the virus.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Flu season is currently at its peak in California, causing medicine shortage, packed emergency rooms, and an alarming death toll nine times higher than the last seasonal epidemic.

This year, influenza activity started increasing throughout the state as early as October 2017 with 27 recorded deaths compared with three in October 2016. Activity climbed steadily through November and unexpectedly spiked in the last weeks of December.

Since then, the epidemic continues to spread at a rapid rate affecting all regions in California.

H3N2 Viruses Predominate In California And Other States

Influenza viruses constantly mutate, making it impossible to predict which strain will predominate in a season, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is also common for new types to spread each year.

A majority of patients are now infected with Influenza A or H3N2, a dangerous strain leading to hospitalizations and deaths because of its resistance to the flu vaccine. While a dose works only 32 percent effective against such type of virus, the CDC and health experts still recommend getting a flu shot.

"While strains can still mutate in individual cases and render the vaccine ineffective for some people, the flu vaccine can also help lessen the severity of illness in some of these cases," explains Dr. Robert Citronberg, infectious disease consultant at Advocate Health Care.

Quadrivalent recombinant and inactivated flu vaccines are now available for H3N2. Nasal sprays are discouraged by the CDC but only for this season.

Californians Face Shortage Of Emergency Services And Flu Medication

In two of California's most populous counties, Riverside and San Bernardino, hospitals are so packed with flu patients that ambulance vehicles are not able to immediately unload patients. This prevents them from responding to 911 calls, relates a spokesman for Riverside County's Department of Public Health in a report.

Moreover, flu medication is becoming a scarcity in local pharmacies. Commonly-prescribed drugs like oseltamivir, with the brand name Tamiflu, has become hard to find because of the insistent demand.

Los Angeles resident Caroline Bringenberg shares contracting the flu while in Denver to celebrate the holidays. She was prescribed to take Tamiflu, which, unfortunately, was unavailable in all CVS and independent pharmacies in her area.

"I've just sort of given up," Bringenberg says in the same report. "I think honestly it would make me feel worse to be in the car driving all over town, so I've just opted for ibuprofen and DayQuil."

CDC Gives Tips On Preventing The Spread Of Influenza

To stop the spread of flu viruses, the agency encourages people to wash their hands frequently, cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, and stay at home when feeling sick.

Individuals suspecting to be infected with flu should get a medical evaluation within 48 hours from the onset of symptoms as the treatment works most effectively during this period.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is at serious at risk of total damage if crown-of-thorns starfish will continue to eat through the coral.

Authorities have started culling procedures to prevent the spread of the coral-killing marine animals and save the reef. At least 37 sections of the Swaine Reef located at 100 kilometers to 250 kilometers, or about 328 to 820 feet off the coast between Gladstone and Rockhampton are affected by the outbreak of the coral-eating starfish.

Killer Outbreak Of Coral-Eating Marine Animals

The trigger of the recent outbreak is still unclear but authorities offer a few theories, including the presence of extra nutrients in the water.

"It may be caused by nutrient upwelling from deep ocean waters, but that's still yet to be proven," says Fred Nucifora of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority.

Starfish are known to contribute to the reef's diversity by eating faster-growing coral species, allowing slower-growing species to thrive. However, the crown-of-thorns starfish are eating way much faster than the corals can reproduce.

How Deadly Starfish Damages The Coral?

Each starfish damages the coral through spreading its stomach on the coral and releasing digestive enzymes that dissolve the coral tissues. The predator crown-of-thorns starfish eat corals about the same size of its body diameter each night. If there are thousands of starfish in the affected area, the effects are indeed damaging.

Since marine authorities started a control program to prevent the predator starfish in 2012, they have culled more than 600,000 starfish from the north and central reef areas.

This starfish outbreak has struck the Great Barrier Reef that is still reeling from two consecutive years of major coral bleaching. In 2016, the reef was damaged by the worst ever coral bleaching that killed two-thirds of a 700-kilometer stretch of reef.

When the water temperature is too warm, corals expel the algae living in their tissues causing them to become white. Corals do not die from a bleaching event but become more stressed due to rising ocean temperatures. Episodes of coral bleaching have become alarmingly frequent to a point that the reef does not have enough time to recover.

Last year, to restore the health of the coral reef, experts attempted to stimulate the growth of new corals using a technique known as "larval reseeding."

What's The Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef covering 348,000 kilometers is the world's largest coral reef comprising over 3,000 individual reef systems. It contains abundant marine life like sharks and rays, marine turtles, and marine mammals. It is considered as the most extensive coral reef ecosystem on the planet.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Which came first: Complex life or high atmospheric oxygen?







Berkeley CA (SPX) Jan 04, 2018





We and all other animals wouldn't be here today if our planet didn't have a lot of oxygen in its atmosphere and oceans. But how crucial were high oxygen levels to the transition from simple, single-celled life forms to the complexity we see today? A study by University of California, Berkeley geochemists presents new evidence that high levels of oxygen were not critical to the origin of animals. The researchers found that the transition to a world with an oxygenated deep ocean occurred betwe ... read moreThe Restore Louisiana program has set up meetings across south Louisiana this month to help people who could be eligible for funds to rebuild homes damaged by floods in 2016 or be reimbursed for money they've already spent.

Staff will be available to answer questions and help people work on applications for the program. The first step for residents seeking help through the program launched in April is to fill out a survey.

Approximately 45,000 people have completed that survey, said Pat Forbes, executive director of the state's Office of Community Development. Of those, more than 38,000 have been invited to apply.

Nick Speyrer, outreach manager for the Restore Louisiana program, said Friday that more than 6,000 homeowners have gotten all the way through the survey and application process.

Of those, 4,680 are eligible for the grants, which average close to $29,000 apiece, Speyrer said.

Homeowners who suffered flood damage in the March or August 2016 floods, in 51 parishes, are eligible to seek help, Forbes said.

The grants are "strictly for rehabbing a flooded home. If the work is complete, it goes as reimbursement," he said.

Residents can work with contractors associated with the program or choose their own contractors, Forbes said.

Forbes added that proposed legislation is pending before the U.S. Senate that would clear the way for residents who were awarded a Small Business Administration loan after the flood to also be eligible for grant money. Up to now, residents who received an SBA award largely have been deemed ineligible to get money, even if they didn't end up taking the loan or the full amount of the loan.

"If they get that fixed, we expect a great many more people to fill out surveys," Forbes said.

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He estimates that if an SBA was no longer an obstacle, an additional 18,000 people could explore the Restore Louisiana process.

Restore Louisiana program could need more money if fixes for SBA applicants are approved, state official says Louisiana could need as much as $400 million injected into its $1.3 billion post-flood homeowner recovery program if Congress eliminates a reg

While those needing to fill out a Restore Louisiana application can also visit one of four "housing assistance centers," the community events that begin this upcoming week might be more convenient for some, Forbes said.

The Restore Louisiana meetings will be held:

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 9 at Eden Park Branch Library, 5131 Greenwell Springs Road

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 10 at Watson Branch Library, 36581 Outback Road, Denham Springs

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 11 at South Branch Library, 23477 La. 444, Livingston

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch Library, 11300 Greenwell Springs Road

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 17 at Baker Branch Library, 3501 Groom Road, Baker

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 18 at Denham Springs-Walker Branch Library, 8101 U.S. 190, Denham Springs

3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at Ponchatoula High School, 19452 La. 22 East, Ponchatoula

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at Amite Branch Library, 204 NE Central Ave., Amite

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at Fellowship Church of Prairieville, 14363 La. 73, Prairieville

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at First Baptist Church Youngsville, 623 Lafayette St., Youngsville

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at Abbeville Branch Library, 405 E. St. Victor St., Abbeville

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 1 at Sterling Memorial Branch Library, 305 Keystone Road, Monroe

Construction technical advisers and damage assessment team members will be present to review homeowners program options, Louisiana Restore said.

A list of documentation that may be required to complete an application is available on the Restore Louisiana website at http://restore.la.gov.

The initial survey is still available to all flood-affected homeowners. Applicants can complete it online or by phone from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (866) 7352001.

The housing assistance centers in Lafayette, Hammond, Monroe and Baton Rouge are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at: Oak Tree Building, 10000 Celtic Drive, Baton Rouge; 151 Southpark Road, Suite 500, Lafayette; 130 Robin Hood Drive, Hammond; and Old State Farm Building, 24 Accent Drive, Suite 116, Monroe.

Program representatives are available at the centers to help homeowners complete surveys and applications, connect with a case manager and provide an overview of options for repairs, reconstruction or reimbursement, according to Restore Louisiana.Seven months after their push for a hike in the state gas tax died, road and bridge advocates are scrambling to see what, if any, other options are available for traffic relief.

"It is a quality-of-life issue in Louisiana, especially in the capital region," said House Transportation Committee Chairman Kenny Havard, R-St. Francisville.

"We don't have a choice," Havard said. "We have to fix it."

Motorist complaints are daily fare, especially in the Baton Rouge area, and report after report has criticized road and bridge conditions in Louisiana.

Transportation chief Shawn Wilson IDs main reason to expect slowdowns on Louisiana road projects The failure of efforts to boost state aid for roads and bridges means key projects statewide will be slowed, Louisiana's transportation chief 

The state is also near the bottom nationally in terms of how long it has been since its gas tax rose  nearly three decades.

But a bill to increase the gas tax by 17 cents per gallon, bringing in $510 million per year, died in the Legislature last year without a floor vote in either chamber.

Louisiana's high-profile gas tax died because of 'toxic,' leaderless House, veteran lobbyist says The push to raise the state gasoline tax died because the Louisiana House has turned into a "toxic mix" that features a "total lack of leaders

Critics said voters were simply unwilling to pay more regardless of traffic woes.

However, state Rep. Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge, the sponsor of that measure, said he is not giving up.

Carter's latest plan is a constitutional amendment that would allow local voters, such as those in parishes in the Baton Rouge area, to approve a gas tax hike of their own. "That is the one thing we are going to try," he said.

Without any action on that plan, he said, "we are probably three or four years down the road" before the Legislature debates the issue again.

Legislative rules prevent tax hike debates in 2018 and 2020, and 2019 is an election year, which means major tax hikes then are highly unlikely.

Shawn Wilson, secretary of the state Department of Transportation and Development, led the push last year for a gas tax increase. He said giving voters in a region the chance to approve a tax increase is not the answer.

"The reality is you cannot solve any of the Baton Rouge megaprojects with a local option," he said.

Motorists pay 38.4 cents extra per gallon at the gas pump, including 20 cents in state charges. Each penny raises about $30 million per year.

That means if voters in a five- or six-parish region approved an increase in the gasoline tax, it would raise only a fraction of $30 million annually.

"You get no money, so you get nothing done," Wilson said.

A new bridge across the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge would cost at least $1 billion.

Wilson and others also said any such effort could undermine chances for an already uphill battle to pass a statewide gasoline tax increase. Voters who already taxed themselves to improve roads and bridges in their area would have little interest in endorsing a statewide boost.

The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Carter's plan, like the failed hike in the statewide gas tax, faces huge hurdles in the Legislature.

As a constitutional amendment, it would require the support of two-thirds of the Louisiana House and Senate, and a majority of voters statewide, to take effect.

Liz Smith, senior vice president of economic competitiveness for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, said her group does not want 2018 to go to waste. "In the capital region, we cannot afford to wait," she said.

Traffic gridlock is causing twin problems, she said. One is luring firms to the area. The other is traffic obstacles to hauling goods.

However, Smith said BRAC officials, who backed last year's gas tax push, are not ready to support Carter's plan or others. "We are looking at what our options are," she said.

The dominant issue again for Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Legislature is how to fix Louisiana's looming, $1 billion-plus shortfall for state services starting July 1.

A special session on budget problems is possible in February. The regular session begins March 12.

"We recognize that the big budget crisis is going to take precedence over everything else," said Ken Perret, president of the Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association.

Perret said his group, which backed the 2017 push for a higher gas tax, plans to try to educate the public on state transportation needs  "try to get the public to demand some action from the Legislature," he said.

Since the gas tax push died in June, the usually optimistic Wilson has been blunt in describing the fallout.

DOTD chief says revenue problems spell motorist headaches Louisiana faces rising driver frustrations, more expensive projects and poorly-rated roads and bridges because of the death of a push to incre

In November, he told engineers that motorists face more frustrations, pricier projects because of delays getting work started and poorly rated roads and bridges.

"We have a wheelbarrow full of needs and a thimble full of money," Wilson told a legislative committee in October.

Story of Louisiana road, bridge problems: Millions in budget but billions in backlog While Louisiana road and bridge needs poured into a key legislative committee Wednesday, prospects for any sweeping changes are bleak.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Page Cortez, R-Lafayette, said public-private partnerships could offer short-term relief. "We are seeing that with Belle Chasse, and we may see it again with some other projects, possibly in the near future," he said.

Wilson's agency is trying to launch a $122 million plan to replace the Belle Chasse tunnel and nearby Perez Bridge with money from private investors and limited state dollars.

The arrangement would be the first of its kind in Louisiana.

Citing a common refrain from the 2017 debate, Havard said voter distrust in how the state uses road and bridge dollars is a huge stumbling block in winning support for higher gasoline taxes.

He noted that two of the 16 projects voters approved in 1989 along with a four-cent hike in the gas tax remain undone more than a quarter of a century later.

"I don't feel like we have done anything to address the transportation issue, just like we have done nothing to address the qualify-of-life issues in Louisiana. We are going backward," he said.Attorney General Jeff Landry, joined by elected officials, law enforement and fire department personnel, speaks during a press conference to announce a voucher program for distrubuting Nalaxone, a prescription drug that blocks the effects of opioids, to emergency personnel across the state Monday, May 15, 2017, at the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Public Safety Complex in Lafayette, La.On Jan. 7, 2018, we published an editorial urging Louisiana judges not to drag their feet in a court case involving the possible destruction oKeith Cangelosi was shocked when he read a magazine article about the only rifle still in existence that is known to have been used at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.

That's because someone had stolen the same rifle from the New Orleans museum Cangelosi leads, Confederate Memorial Hall, more than three decades ago.

The article, published in the National Rifle Association's magazine in 2013, said the gun belonged to a private collector who had acquired it from a well-known antiques store in New Orleans' French Quarter.

Cangelosi first thought about trying to get the rifle back by going to court. But then, a conversation with an FBI agent kicked off a federal investigation.

It turned out the collector had acquired the flintlock rifle without realizing it had been stolen. And on Monday, on the 203rd anniversary of Andrew Jackson's victory over the British near present-day Chalmette, the rifle finally came home to the museum on Camp Street.

The FBI reckons the museum could fetch as much as $650,000 for the rifle, but Cangelosi said he considers it priceless.

The rifle originally belonged to William Ross, a local militia member who carried it as one of Jackson's volunteers.

Scholars often cite the American long rifle carried by Ross and other Jackson-led troops  it was relatively accurate for the time  as a key factor in one of the most decisive victories in U.S. military history.

"Not even the Smithsonian has one of these," said Cangelosi, the president of Confederate Memorial Hall's board of directors. "We're glad to have it back."

Ross survived the fight and, after his death in 1835, left the rifle to his son James. James Ross apparently had the gun engraved with the words, "This rifle was used by my Father Wm. Ross a member of Cap. (Thomas Beale's) Company of New Orleans Riflemen in defense of N Orleans in 1814 & 1815."

William Ross' grandson, Elijah Ross, a Confederate soldier, later inherited the weapon and donated it to Confederate Memorial Hall three years after the museum opened in 1891.

For many years, the museum stored and displayed the .38-caliber rifle, which was built by renowned Virginia gunsmith John Jacob Sheetz.

Decades ago, however, someone made off with it, though no one can say exactly when.

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The museum had no idea it would get the weapon back until someone spotted the American Rifleman article, which chronicled how a couple named Robert and Linda Melancon had acquired the gun in 1982 from James H. Cohen and Sons Inc. on Royal Street.

Cangelosi said the museum was reviewing whether it could turn to the courts to get it back when an FBI agent named Randolph Deaton called.

Deaton, who specializes in crimes involving artwork and antiques, told Cangelosi that the bureau had recovered a number of items that had been stolen from museums across the country, possibly including Confederate Memorial Hall.

It turned out that none of those items actually came from New Orleans. But, while the museum had the FBI's attention, it did ask the bureau for help in regaining Ross' rifle.

The FBI agreed to intervene, receiving help from Louisiana State Police. In November, a team of investigators led by Deaton obtained a warrant to seize the rifle from what the FBI would describe only as a home in south Louisiana.

The FBI declined to identify the Melancons by name, though they were mentioned in the magazine article. But the bureau said the people who purchased the weapon were "extremely cooperative" with the investigation and appeared to "have had no knowledge of the rifle's theft."

The Melancons couldn't be reached Monday. The Cohen store didn't immediately respond to a message.

During a news conference at the museum Monday, Deaton said he doesn't believe anybody is facing arrest or prosecution in the case.

Meanwhile, the highest-ranking FBI agent in Louisiana, Eric Rommal, suggested the case's primary purpose was reuniting Confederate Memorial Hall with one of its most prized artifacts.

As officials at the museum removed a veil covering the rifle and its 42-inch barrel, Rommal said, "A significant part of New Orleans history has been recovered."The first crop of legal gay weddings will take place around the country on Tuesday, a month after Australia became the 26th country to allow same-sex marriage.

While a handful of special-case ceremonies have already taken place, most couples have had to see out the statutory one month waiting period until they can actually tie the knot. The law officially changed on December 9, making Tuesday, January 9 the first day for vows to be exchanged between husband and husband, wife and wife.

Preparations were underway for weddings in Sydney's Centennial Park, on the steps of the Western Australian Parliament and at an estate on the Tweed Coast, where Commonwealth Games athlete Craig Burns will wed his fiancee and fellow sprinter Luke Sullivan at the stroke of midnight.

"It'll be a special moment to know that we're a part of that and it's an awesome step forward for Australia," Mr Burns told the Mackay Daily Mercury. A few hours later at Perth's Court Hotel, a special public event will kick off as the clock strikes 12 with the wedding of a local teacher and nurse.Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria and Nicole Kidman just had a power pow-wow with Seacrest, talking about the powerful moment they're currently inhabiting. Witherspoon, who is one of the leading lights of the Times Up movement, told Seacrest this was about women from all industries coming together in solidarity. Longoria - who is currently pregnant - joked that she would be starring in the next Big Little Lies, such was their current level of intimacy. Kidman popped up at this point to segue into the hard work they put into the series. Is it just us, or is there some sort of healthy, feminist feelings of competition between Kidman and Witherspoon? The vibe we get is that Kidman is no longer the number one girl of Witherspoon. Has she been - gasp! - replaced by Longoria? And kidman is not about to take it lying down.

No, that can't be right. This is a moment of solidarity! Let us raise our glasses in triumph because Time's Up on the red carpet -it's time for the show!Tandberg won a 1979 Walkley Award for this piece. Credit:Ron Tandberg Mr Baillieu said among his most prized possessions are two cartoons Tandberg drew for him just after he retired from politics. "He was very generous to me, these two cartoons he did of his own volition," he said. This cartoon won Tandberg a Walkley in 1997. "They don't mean much to anyone else, but they mean a lot to me. I was only looking at those cartoons last week and thinking how fantastic they were."

Former Age employee and friend of more than 20 years, Nigel Henham, said Mr Tandberg was the "jewel of The Age's crown". "He's an Australian institution, a giant, who will be looked at as the greatest cartoonist ever in Australia and he was quintessentially a Melbourne icon," he said. "He was a kind, gentle and thoughtful person with encyclopedic knowledge. He was never malicious, he didn't have a malicious bone in his body, but he felt strongly about issues and he had this rare and brilliant knack for cutting through... not many people have that."



Mr Henham said Mr Tandberg loved horses, owning and racing thoroughbreds, but he cared more about the welfare of his animals than he ever did about winning a race. "That was just the kind of person Ron was," he said. "He will be remembered as one of the all time greats of Australian journalism. Sometimes you don't know what you've lost until it's gone, but we have all lost something really special today. There will never be another Ron." Child and adolescent psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg said Tandberg was "irreplaceable".

"So sad to hear of the great Ron Tandberg's death. He graciously illustrated 4 of my books with wit, irony and compassion." Former long-time Age cartoonist John Spooner said he had witnessed Tandberg fighting for his ideas against editors who disagreed with him. "He would get an idea for a cartoon in a matter of minutes. A lot of other cartoonists, all over the world, struggle for an idea. He was very, very quick, and he made people laugh. "People loved his succinctness. He was pithy, he was right to the point. It didn't matter what you'd think about his particular political stance on the subject, the fact was, no one ever misunderstood where Ron stood."

He said there was a "wonderful time" for more than 10 years from 1975, when Spooner, Tandberg, Peter Nicholson and Michael Leunig worked in one room, with other desks reserved for Arthur Horner and Bruce Petty when they came in. "I rang Ron two weeks ago, to say how sorry I was to hear [of his illness], and we both were reflecting on the fact that we had a wonderful time." Current Fairfax Media cartoonist Cathy Wilcox said she had followed Tandberg's work since the early 1970s when she was a child. "That simplicity of character, of face and line, and punchline, that was the thing that he could do like nobody else. "When I started to draw pocket cartoons for The Herald and The Age, his was so much of a genre, that what I would be asked to do by editors, would be to 'do a Tandberg'."

That meant "a small, pithy cartoon to go with a news article, that would encompass it". Artistic perfection was secondary to the need to get a smart idea across. "I've occasionally achieved the brevity of his, but he could always boil things down to its very essence, and remained really funny in his work until the very end." The open mouth: Jeff Kennett on the air with Neil Mitchell. Credit:Ron Tandberg Loading Sydney Morning Herald cartoonist Alan Moir tweeted: "I am shocked and saddened by the news of cartooning colleague Ron Tandberg's death. He cartooned for the Melbourne Age since 1972, and I never read a cartoon that wasn't witty or pithy. One of Australia's greatest ever, he won 11 Walkley Awards. Will be greatly missed."Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy says there is no use trying to ignore the problem of "ethnic gangs" despite African community leaders saying focusing on race is irresponsible.

"I know in the last week-and-a-half there's been a lot of commentary around ethnic gangs and there's no doubt about it, there have been problems', Mr Guy said at a press conference.

"There is no use trying to ignore that problem, it is real and it is happening."

Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy says ethnic gangs are a problem. Credit:AAP

Mr Guy said policies released by the Opposition last year, which included mandatory sentencing, strong bail and parole reform, would help deal with the problem.An angry Mandurah mother has lashed out at the state government after being told a specialised education program at Halls Head College has been axed.

Late last year, Wannanup resident Sally Finlay said she was told her autistic son who had attended the Halls Head College Targeted Learning program, would have to find alternative education because the program would not be offered in 2018.

Mandurah mum Sally Finlay is angry at the axing of a specialist program which helped her son Shaun, who is pictured along with older brother James

The program for year one to nine students offered support for autistic children that included smaller classes and customised learning plans.

Ms Finlay said her 13-year-old son Shaun was bullied when in mainstream education and the thought of him going back to it was "horrifying".A prison officer has been left hospitalised with facial injuries after being assaulted at the Hakea maximum security jail in Perth.

The Department of Justice confirmed the incident had occurred on Sunday afternoon.

Prisoners are sleeping on the floor because of chronic overcrowding at Hakea prison, according to the prison officers' union.

The prison officer was sent to hospital with facial injuries, primarily to the nose, and was discharged later the same day.

WA Police are investigating.Rome: For generations of Romans, Epiphany, not Christmas, was the holiday season's main day for receiving gifts. They are dispensed overnight, according to Italian folklore, by the Befana, a broom-riding old hag with a strict naughty-or-nice ethic.

To fall on her wrong side was to wake up to a stocking full of coal.

The Befana's traditional headquarters - a kiosk-filled market in the central Piazza Navona here where vendors hawk trinkets, toys and sticky sweets  was a beloved annual pilgrimage, a kid-magnet of excitement, fun and sugar highs.

This year, Roman families turned out as usual, many with strollers in tow, on a sunny and warm Saturday. But it was evident that times had changed, and a cloud hung over the market.

Concerns about terrorism had choked off the event, and as lines formed at the entrances to the elegant Baroque square, police and carabinieri officers stood at steel barriers. Agents wielding metal detectors scanned knapsacks under the startled gaze of wide-eyed children. Earlier in the week, the square had been placed under "special surveillance."As Estonia prepares for its 100th Anniversary celebrations, officially starting 24th February 2018, an exciting programme of art, music and history-themed events has been released

Whilst celebrations will take place throughout Estonia to mark all the most important milestones in the emergence of a unified country, a wide range of exclusive events, covering themes from history and heritage to design and music, will also take place in the UK.

This decision to expand the programme of events outside its borders is a testimony to Estonias commitment to raise the profile of the destination from a cultural perspective in a key market such as the UK.

Director of Visit Estonia, Tarmo Mutso commented: It is an incredibly exciting time for Estonia, with the independence celebrations officially starting in February, and we hope to attract even more visitors throughout the year as they join us to celebrate this momentous occasion. We wanted to launch a programme of events that champions Estonia and its cultural offering as whole, both here and in the UK, as we believe theres a growing appetite for unique experiences and the centenary celebrations are the perfect opportunity to showcase the best we have to offer.

Below is a list of the UK-based events taking place. For more information on all Estonia 100 events visit: www.visitestonia.com/events.

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir at Barbican, London  30 January 2018

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir is set to perform the music of Arvo Part, one of the most successful Estonian composers in music history, to mark 100 years since Estonias independence, as well as a selection of Estonian music. Under the supervision of music director Kaspars Putnins, The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir performers, world-renowned for their superb sense of balance and vocal cohesion, will offer a unique insight into the musical spirit of the country.

https://events.estonia.ee/the-estonian-philharmonic-chamber-choir/

Estonian contemporary art exhibitions and screenings, 1 March  31 October 2018

The Estonian Contemporary Art Development Centre (ECADC) is coordinating an exhibition and screening programme in London devoted to the centenary of Estonias independence. Democracy to come is an international exhibition speculating on future possibilities for democracy. Curated by London-based Emily Butler and Jonathan Lahey Dronsfield from The Wilkinson Gallery, it will feature a parallel film programme in the Whitechapel Gallery. The documentary @katjanovi, to be premiered at the historic Regent Street Cinema, narrates the story of one of the most promising Estonian young artists working today, Katja Novitskova.

https://events.estonia.ee/estonian-contemporary-art-exhibitions-and-screenings-2/Sometimes things really are to good to be true.



There's one thing we all want after going on holiday and that's another holiday right away. So ofcourse if you see 'Air New Zealand's Giving away free flights!' you're going to be clicking on that link faster than you opened your Christmas presents but Air New Zealand really don't want you doing that.

That's because, as much as we want it to be real, unfortunately it's a new scam doing the rounds on Facebook.

The message, which circulated online on Sunday, asks Facebook users to take part in a short survey in exchange for two free Air New Zealand tickets.

On Sunday night, the airline released a statement on Facebook saying it was aware of the scam.A Connecticut songwriter has won a Golden Globe Award for his tune featured in a film about Connecticut's greatest showman.

Westport's Justin Paul took the award Sunday for the song "This is Me," which he co-wrote with Benji Pasek for the film "The Greatest Showman." The musical, about the life of P.T. Barnum, stars Hugh Jackman as the iconic promoter and Connecticut native.

The song is the latest from Paul and Pasek to receive honors. The song-writing duo won the Tony Award for best original score written for the theatre for "Dear Evan Hansen" in June. At last year's Academy Awards, the pair took home an Oscar for "City of Stars" in "La La Land."

"This is Me" beat out songs created by stars such as Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey, who was onstage at the Globes moments before the best song award was announced.

Carey, who was nominated for her song "The Star," helped announce the winner of the best original score honor, which went to Alexandre Desplat for "The Shape of Water."NORWALK  The Norwalk Health Department is retooling its restaurant food-safety awards program to meet federal guidelines that go into full effect July 1.

Were going to adapt the Lighthouse ratings to the new FDA guidelines, said Thomas Closter, chief environmental officer in the citys health department. Were going to take the score out, but were certainly going to use how many risk factors were found at the time of the inspection, how many repeat risk repeaters, how many priority violations were found. Were going to move to that arena and foundation rather than looking at a score.

FDA code becomes Connecticuts

In June, the state Legislature approved aligning the Connecticut Department of Public Health food code with that of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The federal code revises risk classifications for food establishments and requires all to register with the state health department before a permit or license is issued by the local health department.

Closter described the FDA codes as science-based and not necessarily more stringent or lax than the state code. For example, deli meats and other cold foods must be refrigerated at 41 degrees or colder rather than 45 degrees or colder as previously required by the state to prevent food-borne illnesses such as Listeria. But hot foods may be kept at 135 degrees rather than 140 degrees previously allowed by the state.

The Lighthouse Certificate Award Program, established by the Norwalk Health Department in 2008, recognizes establishments that employ safe food-handling practices. Last year marked the final year the department used states restaurant inspection form, which was based on a 1-to-100 point scoring system.

The old form had 62 line items in areas ranging from food protection to equipment cleanliness, vermin control and whether a qualified food operator was present. The line items were assigned 1 to 4 points, depending upon their importance, with risk factors such as storage temperature requirements highlighted in red.

A draft of the new form, as part of compliance with the FDA code, has 56 lines items in areas ranging from good hygienic practices to food temperature control and proper use of utensils, but doesnt assign scoring points to each. At the bottom of the form, inspectors instead are asked to list the number of risk factors, repeat risk factors and good retail practice violations found at the particular restaurant.

Food establishments remain classified and inspected based upon their level of food handling. Under the old state code, Class I establishments were typically convenience stores, Class II establishments sold commercially pre-cooked foods, Class III establishments included delicatessens, and Class IV establishments were restaurants, hospitals and caterers that served food more than four hours after it was heated.

Under the new FDA code, Class IV establishment have been shifted to Class III and so forth. A new Class IV has been created for establishments serving susceptible populations such as hospitals and schools with daycare centers, Closter said.

More Lighthouse awards

When the Norwalk Health Department launched the Lighthouse program 10 years, awards went to 27 percent of the Class III and Class IV restaurants that were inspected. Awards went to 53 percent as part of the newly released 2017 awards.

Under the newly released 2017 Lighthouse awards, 222 of roughly 419 Class III and Class IV food establishments in Norwalk scored 90 points or higher under the old scoring system and had no critical violations. In addition, they had a qualified food operator on site at all times, and employed persons who exhibited safe food-handling practices.

Were pleased that the number has increased each year, Closter said. Were pleased that were gaining good compliance. People are aware of the inspection program. Theyre aware of the Lighthouse ratings. Theyre aware of food safety.

The Norwalk Health Department recognizes winners of the annual Lighthouse awards by showcasing a restaurant. The department planned to highlight Taste of Brasil on Friday afternoon but canceled the event because of the snowstorm the day before. Officials have tentatively rescheduled for Jan. 18, Closter said.

Pasquales Osteria, which was showcased by the health department in 2015, has retained the distinction and was among the 222 restaurants awarded based upon inspections done in 2017.

Every time they came out (for inspection), from the beginning, we always score a 99 to 100, said owner Pasquale Poccia. Anybody new  dishwasher or person in the kitchen  I always train them what I want: In this place you wash your hands.

Find the Norwalk Health Departments Lighthouse Restaurant Ratings at http://my.norwalkct.org/restaurantratings/.Shuchi Sharma remembers how she once overheard a male colleague question whether a new mother at their company should have returned to work so soon.

Related: 4 Mistakes We All Make to Perpetuate Gender Bias

Sharma, now based in Washington, D.C., as the global head of gender intelligence for the software corporation SAP, knew the comment was well-intentioned. But, to her, it still carried the taint of gender bias. That mom was the major breadwinner in the family, Sharma told me in an email. And, like that male colleague, she needed to make choices for herself without worrying about her professional reputation as a new mother.

The story she tells is a perfect example of how gender stereotypes influence even well-meaning men. Despite the rush companies are making to embrace gender-equality programs, issues remain. Enter a new term to think about: gender intelligence.

The gender intelligence problem really is the fact that we are focusing on sameness, Barbara Annis, CEO and founder of the New York City-based Gender Intelligence Group, said by email. We have this egalitarian point of view, where we think men and women are the same, when actually were not.

According to gender intelligence theory, this emphasis on always being "equal" is why most gender-equality programs fail. By assuming men and women operate the same, respond the same, think the same, both sides are blind to each others skills, perceptions and experiences.

Instead, leaders should be focusing on gender intelligence to better educate men about what women bring to the table. This move may well move us toward a more accepting and collaborative workplace, where everyone is equally valued for who he or she is.

Related: You're Right, the 'System' Is Rigged Against You. Here's How to Hack It.

Still, how? Here are four steps to help men become more gender intelligent:

Step 1: Dig into differences.

In most cases, men and women have distinct ways of processing and communicating information.

For example, Annis, at the Gender Intelligence Group, pointed out that when brainstorming, women tend to be apt to make suggestions. Men, on the other hand, are more direct. As a result, a woman "suggests" an idea, then a man paraphrases it and believes hes reached the conclusion on his own. This leads to his unconsciously taking full credit for the idea.

Theres nothing wrong with that process: Two employees have collaborated together and come up with an idea. The problem is the end point, where it appears that the woman has added nothing to the idea.

This is where gender-intelligence training comes in. By teaching men -- and women -- about their differences, both become aware of what the other gender brings to the table. Men learn that when women talk, they arent rambling but rather leading to an idea. This allows everyone to better collaborate and feel equally important.

Step 2: Throw men into the issues.

Its important for women to develop their own support networks in the workplace. But when they're always excluded, men get left outside those discussions of womens issues.

G2 Crowd, a Chicago-based business software and services review site, recently began to rethink its womens groups. As a result, the site is switching from a model that works only on womens issues and prioritizing ways to get men more involved in the dialogue, too.

The more we allow for others to participate in the issues and topics, the more we see gender intelligence become core to our culture, chief customer officer Adrienne Weissman, said via email.

One easy way to do this is to bring men in on "ladies' lunches." Traditionally, these have been meetings where women in business get together and hear a female expert speak. But theres no reason men shouldnt participate in these events, too. They need to hear stories about the difficulties female colleagues are facing.

This can help them better understand, and become interested in, womens issues.

Step 3: Walk a mile in each other's shoes

When Kim Scott, the author of Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss without Losing your Humanity, was in college, she took an internship at a bank. One of the executives was a family friend who she knew to be a good man. Yet, she was still shocked by his response when she told him where she was going to college.

When I told him, he exclaimed, I didn't know they let pretty girls into Princeton. Why, you're pretty enough to go to Ole Miss, and that is where you want to find a husband, now, isn't it?" Scott recalled in an email. He didn't realize how belittling what he was saying felt [to me].

She pointed out that for women, there's a particular issue when men lack gender intelligence: They dont know how to respond. Knowing that her boss was trying to pay her a compliment, would she have achieved anything by showing him the offense he caused?

But times have changed. Today, with more professional experience under her belt, Scott recommends improvisational training to teach people how to respond to such situations.

I recently spoke to a young woman who'd set up conversations in which men and women share scenarios of 'gender idiocy,' then brainstorm the best response, she said. This can help women know what to say when it happens next time. It can also help men know why some of the things they say are so harmful.

Step 4: Acknowledge missteps . . . even your own.

Often, awareness from male leaders can be the best way to increase gender intelligence. Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio, founder and president of leadership consultancy GreenGate Leadership in Boston, said he finds it helpful to admit when hes given in to gender bias.

On a couple of occasions, Ive had the presence of mind to back up and say something like, Im sorry, Peggy, for not paying enough attention to what you said a few minutes ago. Would you mind going back to the point you were making and telling us more?' he told me.

Related: 3 Reasons Why Gender Equality is an 'Everyone' Issue

By admitting to their mistakes, male leaders show that anyone can falter. And by making those admissions in public, they set a good example for their male employees. That kind of action points out that what a man said was wrong and teaches others a different way of behaving should a similar situation come up in the future.

Related:

Your Well-Intentioned Gender Equality Program is Missing 1 Crucial Piece

Getting to The Root of the Tech Industry's Gender Gap

#3 Ways Shepreneurs Can Inspire Entrepreneurs of the Future



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com

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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, January 8, 2018 07:47 1336 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c03a58c 4 Editorial #Editorial,oil-and-gas,oil-price,#oil,#energy,energy,economic-growth,#EconomicGrowth,Jokowi,Jokowi-administration,#Jokowi Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo was highly praised nationally and internationally when in November 2014, after only one month in office, he slashed fuel subsidies by 34 percent. And again in January 2015, he drastically reformed the energy pricing policy by virtually floating domestic fuel prices using market mechanisms, thereby saving more than US$15 billion a year for more productive investment.

By just one stroke, Jokowi reduced the high fiscal sensitivity to oil prices and the exchange rate, bolstered budget flexibility and increased the scope for investment in infrastructure, one of his top priority programs.

But such bold reform was simply a piece of cake at that time because, international oil prices had plunged to around US$55/barrel in the third quarter of 2014 from over $110 in January 2014, and falling further to as low as $40 in early 2015. The relatively stable oil price below $50 during the first three years of his rule has enabled the President to accelerate infrastructure development.

But his strong commitment in stopping the hugely wasteful spending on fuel subsidies will be tested as oil prices have been steadily increasing since last year. Oil prices rose to an average of $50 last year, higher than the $45 assumed for 2017 budget calculations, thereby increasing fuel and electricity subsidies to Rp 97.6 trillion ($7.2 billion) or 9.7 percent more than the budget appropriation.

Yet oil prices will likely continue to increase this year because of robust economic growth in developed and emerging economies. Last week, oil prices rose to $60, higher than the $48 assumed for the 2018 budget estimate.

Raising fuel prices this year and next year is politically sensitive ahead of the direct elections in 171 regions in June and preparations for the presidential and legislative elections in 2019. Short-term political objectives may tempt the President to simply allow fuel subsidies to balloon in the hope that oil prices would again fall, thereby avoiding political noise and massive street protests that usually mar fuel price rises.

But such a policy stance would damage the credibility of the governments reform policy and would plant a fiscal time bomb for the next president. And judging by all political forecasts at present, Jokowi is still the strongest candidate for the next president. Moreover, we dont think Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati would agree on such a disastrous fiscal measure and may resort to resigning from the Cabinet if Jokowi stubbornly allowed fuel subsidies to explode to unmanageable levels.

The best compromise, therefore, is to cap the fuel subsidy at a fiscally-sustainable level, even to the point of having to raise subsidized fuel prices by up to 10-20 percent. But this adjustment should be backed up by a better system of targeted cash transfers to those who need them most, as the government has often done.

Doing nothing to cope with the risk of a ballooning fuel subsidy would not only would risk the President losing his most capable and credible finance minister but would also be disastrous for Jokowis political future and the longterm good of the countrys economy.A lawyer for Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama confirmed on Monday that the former Jakarta governor, who is in jail for blasphemy, had taken legal steps to divorce his wife, Veronica Tan.

The confirmation comes following a photo circulated online that apparently showed a formal divorce petition from Ahok being submitted on Sunday to the North Jakarta District Court.

We can confirm that Pak Ahok has filed for divorce from Ibu Veronica, Ahoks lawyer Josefina Agatha Syukur was quoted as saying in a kompas.com report on Monday.

Ahok has also reportedly filed for custody of their children.

Josefina said Ahok submitted the divorce petition to the North Jakarta District Court through his legal team led by Fifi Lety Indra, who is also his sister.

She declined to comment on the reason behind the divorce petition, saying that the matter was a personal one between Ahok and Veronica, and added that the divorce trial would not be open to the public.

The move has come as a shock to many, since the couple continued to display what appeared to be a warm relationship even after Ahok was sentenced to two years for blasphemy on May 9, 2017. Veronica also made headlines later that month, when she burst into tears at a press conference while reading out Ahoks letter explaining his reasons for not appealing the verdict.

Most recently, a photo of a smiling Veronica wishing her husband a happy birthday was posted last month on Ahoks official Instagram account. (dmr)Those who dream of being awakened by true loves kiss from Prince Charming, just like in Disneys Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, might want to think twice.

According to foxnews.com, Prof. Kazue Muta of Osaka University said that princes from these fairy tales represented quasi-compulsive obscene sexual acts on an unconscious partner, or in layman's terms, had committed sexual assault on an unconscious person.

Back in early December 2017, Muta tweeted on the matter, garnering both positive and negative responses, and it was even picked up by Yahoo! JAPAN News. The gender studies and sociology professor then wrote an article for Womens Action Network to explain her stance to critics.

Read also: Thousands respond 'me too' to actress's Twitter prompt on sexual abuse

A post shared by  Pauli Pau  (@pauli._.pau) on Sep 10, 2016 at 8:39am PDT

One of the most common criticisms against Muta is that she had mixed up fiction and reality. The professor returned that fairy tales were a reflection of reality, explaining that literary criticism was often used to offer a different perspective through deep analysis of a fictional work.

The story of a princess who wakes up after being kissed by a prince, getting married to said prince and the couple living happily ever after could be viewed as a story of sexual assault if looked at from a different point of view.

Because the prince, however noble and handsome he was, kissed a stranger woman sleeping unconsciously in the forest without her consent, Muta said in the English translation of the article.

Apparently, she is not alone. According to independent.co.uk, last November a mother in Britain, Sarah Hall, urged that Sleeping Beauty be taken out from her sons elementary school curriculum, because it showed children that it was OK to kiss a sleeping woman. (wir/asw)Try to count them, I dare you, Tempo veteran journalist and author Leila S. Chudori responded in protest over an assertion that fictional stories on the 1965 coup and subsequent killings of members and sympathisers of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) were trending.

People said there were many such novels, but the truth is, out of 500 or 600 novels published in a year, only a small part focuses on the 1965 [tragedy], Leila said in Canberra recently.

Leila, who has just launched another book Laut Bercerita (The Sea Speaks His Name), recently visited Australia to discuss her latest work in sessions at the University of Melbournes Indonesia Forum and Australian National Universitys Indonesia Project. Previously, she published the award-winning novel Pulang (Homecoming), which focuses on the human impact of the 1965-1966 killings and their aftermath.

What makes them stand out is the fact that those books were well written and thus gained wide exposure, she added.

Leila gave credit to fellow authors like Laksmi Pamuntjak (Amba) and Eka Kurniawan (Beauty is a Wound) and to a more senior author, Ahmad Tohari (The Dancer), for publishing well-written books with the 1965 killings as the background. She further mentioned the influential works of filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer, The Act of Killing and The Look of Silence, and the digital community movement Ingat65 (Remember 65)  all of which have collectively broken the silence and ignorance on the issue in recent years.

They are all well-written and thought-provoking, she said.

But provoking discussion and shattering the status quo were not her main motive in choosing periods of political significance as the universe for her characters and stories. In Laut Bercerita, Leila follows the character of Biru Laut, a student activist who was kidnapped and eventually went missing in 1998, a few months prior to the downfall of Soeharto. The second half of the novel shifts the perspective to Asmara Jati, Lauts younger sister, who, along with other family members of kidnapped student activists, struggled to put the pieces of the puzzle together and find answers to their never-ending questions.

My forte has always been family stories. Politics, history, cuisine are all backdrops, she said, denying that she aimed to specialize on historical novels.

Despite their importance in the arts, popular works shedding light on sensitive issues like the 1965-1966 killings or forced disappearances in the late 1990s might not necessarily change things at the elite level.

Leila said some of the people, who had been involved in those tragedies, were in the government, adding that, unfortunately, the current politicians were cautious in handling the issues, although they were not connected to it in the past.

But most civilians have minimal knowledge of the issue. Furthermore, the perpetrators are still uber-sensitive [in speaking up about and acknowledging the past atrocities].

Laut Bercerita (The Sea Speaks His Name) by Leila S. Chudori (Penerbit KPG/File)

While doing research for her work, Leila encountered various kinds of characters and had to listen to their struggle in coping with the sorrow from pondering unanswered questions.

I interviewed so many people for Pulang and Laut Bercerita. The hardest thing for me was to listen to them sharing their grief: the torture they suffered, the longing of parents whose children had been kidnapped and so on. It was very difficult to listen to that, Leila recalled.

She finds the experience worthwhile.

Though fictional, Laut Bercerita was inspired by true stories of the victims, survivors and their families [...] As a journalist I can also write pieces on this issue, but still, our spaces are limited. [As an author] I want to create a totally different universe, which allows me and the readers to understand and interact with these characters, she said.

Danang Widoyoko, former student activist and former coordinator of Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), seconded the importance of fictional work inspired by historical political events in Indonesia.

A novel enlivens a story. The 1998 political event is widely understood as the year when Soeharto stepped down. But the novel tells the story of a character, of his father, his girlfriend, his life before activism and so on. It complements history textbooks.

Some social scientists argue that elite dispute was the driver of the regimes downfall, which is true, but it wouldnt have happened if it wasnt for student-led rallies. Without large-scale protests, Ginanjar wouldnt have resigned from his post, and Harmoko wouldnt have turned his back on Soeharto, Danang said, referring to former ministers Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Harmoko, who served in the last cabinet of the Soeharto regime.

He said the large rallies also didnt just happen like that  they were the culmination of small-scale rallies and prolonged student activism across the country.

In academia, elite dispute is the dependant variable. In the novel, the dependant variable is student activism, Danang added, highlighting the difference between scholarly and fictional work.

Following her latest book, Leila will push herself to the limit for her next projects.

My next work will focus on a culinary theme, she said with a chuckle. But dont think it will be a happy-go-lucky story. Its going to be a sad story, she added.

Leila also shared her excitement for her next big projects.

My long-term projects will include [writing] a prequel to Pulang and another historic novel that centers on a fictional kingdom during the Hindu period of Nusantara. I want to explore wayang and the society during that period  their lifestyle and so on, she said.Two big shareholders of Apple Inc. are concerned that the entrancing qualities of the iPhone have fostered a public health crisis that could hurt children -- and the company as well.

In a letter to the smartphone maker dated Jan. 6, activist investor Jana Partners LLCand the California State Teachers Retirement System urged Apple to create ways for parents to restrict childrens access to their mobile phones. They also want the company to study the effects of heavy usage on mental health.

There is a growing body of evidence that, for at least some of the most frequent young users, this may be having unintentional negative consequences, according to the letter from the investors, who combined own about $2 billion in Apple shares. The growing societal unease is at some point is likely to impact even Apple.

Addressing this issue now will enhance long-term value for all shareholders, the letter said.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the letter, which was reported earlier by the Wall Street Journal.

Read also: Should small children be banned from watching all screens?

Parental controls

Its a problem most companies would kill to have: Young people liking a product too much. But as smartphones become ubiquitous, government leaders and Silicon Valley alike have wrestled for ways to limit their inherent intrusiveness.

France, for instance, has moved to ban the use of smartphones in its primary and middle schools. Meanwhile, Android co-founder Andy Rubin is seeking to apply artificial intelligence to phones so that they perform relatively routine tasks without needing to be physically handled.

Apple already offers some parental controls, such as the Ask to Buy feature, which requires parental approval to buy goods and services. Restrictions can also be placed on access to some apps, content and data usage.

The activist pressure is the latest in a series of challenges for the tech giant. Last week, Cupertino, California-based Apple said that all of its Mac computers and iOS devices, which include both the iPhones and iPads, faced security vulnerabilities due to flawed chips made by Intel Corp. At the tail end of 2017, the company apologized to customers for software changes that resulted in older versions of its iPhones running slower than newly introduced editions.

 With assistance by Scott Deveau, and Alex WebbNo money to pay for a meal? No problem - just work for 50 minutes.

That is the recipe to combat hunger for Ms Sekai Kobayashi, 33, a former engineer who will not turn away penniless customers at her restaurant Mirai Shokudo (translated as Future Eatery) in Tokyo.

"Instead, we offer meals in return for 50 minutes of labour at the restaurant. I use this system because I want to connect with hungry people who otherwise couldn't eat at restaurants because they don't have money."

There is no staff other than her at the eatery, which seats 12 at a counter.

Customers have the option of paying for food or earning a free meal by serving dishes, clearing tables and performing other tasks.

So far, more than 500 people, including university students, have opted to work for their meals to save money, among other reasons.

Those who contribute their labour can either dine for free or receive a free-meal coupon that can be deposited at the restaurant's entrance for anyone to use.

Ms Kobayashi opened the restaurant two years ago in the city's Jinbocho district, aiming for "a place where everyone is welcome and everyone fits in".

Read also: English restaurant looking for professional pizza taster

"Through various methods, I've also kept the business profitable," she said of her business, where the daily lunch special is priced at 900 yen (US$8).

"I dabbled in shop management as a university student. Each year at the university's annual festival, I ran a dimly lit cafe stocked with books," said Ms Kobayashi of her initial foray into the food and beverage (F&B) trade.

"The cafe won first prize in the festival popularity contest in all four years when I was a student. I even opened cafes at other school festivals," she added.

After turning 20, she worked at a bar in Shinjuku's Golden Gai - a district in Tokyo known for its cosy bars and pubs - and other places.

After graduating from university, however, she found a non-F&B job because a bar master told her that "it's not so bad to experience the outside world".

She worked as an engineer at IBM Japan, then moved to Cookpad, which runs a cooking recipe site.

The company had an in-office kitchen where everyone could prepare and eat meals.

Read also: These are the worlds 50 best restaurants

"My colleagues really liked the lunches I made for them. This led me to strongly consider opening my own restaurant," she recalled.

She enrolled for vocational training at a leading restaurant chain and other places before opening Mirai Shokudo.

But her engineering roots have not gone to waste.

"To manage my restaurant, I adopted an open-source model - a system through which software design is made available for free to the public so that everyone can improve upon it.

"I posted the restaurant's business plan and finances on its website so I can collect input from the public on how to make improvements. This information is also available for those who want to open their own restaurants.

"Sharing something with others means supporting those with ambition. That underpins my approach to work," she said.

A 56-year-old former teacher has regularly helped at the restaurant since the end of July.

"It's an exciting job because I work with a new person every time. It's interesting to develop a good rapport and work with others," said the woman, who hopes to carve out a new career in the food industry.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, January 8, 2018 18:55 1335 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c053732 1 City motorcycle-ban,revocation,anies-baswedan Free

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has welcomed a Supreme Court ruling lifting a ban on motorcycles on the city's main roads.



He said he would proceed with a plan to amend a gubernatorial decree that prohibited bikers from entering Jl. MH Thamrin from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.



The decree, issued by former governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, aims to make the roads, which are home to embassies and government buildings, look tidier and safer, as well as reduce traffic jams in the area.



The court has yet to submit a copy of the ruling to the city administration.

It means that we are doing something based on the principles of justice," Anies said on Monday as quoted by kompas.com.

Anies had frequently voiced his objections to the restriction, saying that it disadvantaged small and medium businesses offering goods along the road.



"We have always said that we want equal opportunities. Jakarta doesn't belong to a certain group, but to all. Thus, the ruling strengthens our idea," Anies added.



The court issued the ruling on Dec. 20 after app-based ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers Yuliansah Hamid and Diki Iskandar, who are members of the Online Drivers Communication Forum (FKPO), filed an appeal in September 2017 to review a 2014 gubernatorial decree on motorcycle restrictions.



The court said the regulation contravened the 1999 Human Rights Law because roads should be accessible to all. (fac)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, January 8, 2018 15:48 1336 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c04cbd0 4 Business bali,hoax,competitions,Mount-Agung Free

The Bali provincial administration has accused countries that have destinations similar to Bali of spreading hoaxes about the impact of the volcanic activity at Mount Agung in trying benefit from recent disruption.

While volcanic activity at Mount Agung has been declining, they [other countries] spread [false] information, claiming that Bali is a dangerous place to visit, said the head of Bali Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) I Putu Astawa in Sanur, Bali, on Monday as reported by kompas.com.

The countries of our competitors spread [misleading information]. It has been building a bad image about Bali, said Putu.

Read also: Bali packed with tourists on Christmas day despite volcanic eruptions

Therefore, he called on the government to counter these hoaxes by spreading real information about Bali all over the globe.

He called on those involved in tourism to take part in spreading positive news about Bali.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) on Jan. 4 narrowed the danger area surrounding the volcano to six kilometers from Mount Agung's crater, from the previous 10 km. However, the agency still maintains the highest alert status (Level 4) for the volcano.

We have to jointly counter false information to explain the real conditions in Bali. In fact, volcanic activity is declining, he added.

Mount Agung erupted in late November, spreading volcanic ash to nearby areas and forcing I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and Lombok International Airports to close for several days.

BNPB said 70,610 people were being accommodated at 240 displaced person shelters, while many others have been allowed to return to their houses. (bbn)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, January 8, 2018 12:43 1336 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c043870 4 Business 200-kilometer-lrt-projct,jakarta,Budi-Karya-Sumadi,comments Free

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has expressed support for a proposal from PT Ratu Prabu Energi to develop a 200-kilometer light rapid transit (LRT) project with a US$200 billion investment value in Jakarta.

Actually, Ratu Prabu conveyed the plan to us a year ago. Basically, the government gives privates companies the opportunity to carry out investments, Budi said during his visit to Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta on Sunday as reported by kompas.com.

The government welcomed any investments in the infrastructure project because the state allocated a limited amount of funds for infrastructure, he added.

However, Budi said Ratu Prabu had to submit a concrete proposal to ensure the project would be in line with the government's transportation master plan for the city.

Read also: Jakarta considering US$25 billion LRT proposal: Sandiaga

Last week, Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno said the city administration was considering Ratu Prabu's proposal.

He said the project would be a business-to-business scheme entirely without government guarantees and that it would be implemented between 2020 and 2025.

Sandiaga said the city administration would carry out a comprehensive feasibility study on the project. (bbn)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, January 8, 2018 21:42 1335 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c056e40 1 City punk,apprehension Free

Dozens of teenagers, identified as itinerant street kids aged 13 to 16 from Surabaya in East Java and Ternate in North Maluku, were reportedly apprehended on Monday for antisocial behavior on Jl. Pramuka in East Jakarta.

East Jakarta Social Agency head Benny Martha said the 13 teenagers were apprehended following a report that the group had aggressively asked for donations from residents while busking.

The men, who could not show their ID cards, came to Jakarta to meet their friends, Benny said.

"They had been searching for their friends in Jakarta for two days. After they could not find them, they busked in several spots," Benny said on Monday in a written statement.

Benny said the teenagers were now being housed at Cipayung Social House in East Jakarta and would be sent back to their respective hometowns. (fac)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) New York, United States  Mon, January 8, 2018 20:18 1335 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c0556d6 2 World trump,fire,accident Free

The New York fire department has responded to a blaze at Trump Tower on Monday morning local time.

News footage showed a small fire broke out on the roof of Trump Tower and that firefighters could be seen on the roof of the skyscraper, at East 57th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The fire department was quoted by the New York Daily News as saying that the blaze broke out in the buildings heating and cooling system.

NYPD was alerted to a fire on the Trump Tower roof this morning (video via @constanandy) pic.twitter.com/vXn8Q59Sg6  UPROXX News (@UPROXXNews) January 8, 2018

It also reported that firefighters on the scene quickly knocked the fire back, but they are currently making sure it didnt spread.

The newspaper's website reported that no injuries were immediately reported, and that President Donald Trump was in Washington at the time of the fire.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, January 8, 2018 19:34 1335 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c0551a3 1 Politics police-generals,KPU,National-Police Free

Police generals seeking candidacy in the 2018 simultaneous regional elections have been told to resign from the force once the General Elections Commission (KPU) confirms their eligibility, a spokesman for the force has said.

They have yet to resign. They will after the election commission verifies their registration on Feb. 12, National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said on Monday as quoted by Antara news agency.

Setyo dismissed concerns that the generals would abuse their authority to win votes during the campaign period as the National Police had transferred them to nonstrategic posts. Our internal affairs division [Propam] will also look [into possible abuses of authority during the election.

Three police generals are set to run in this years regional election, namely former West Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Anton Charliyan, former National Police Mobile Brigade commander Insp. Gen. Murad Ismail and former East Kalimantan Police chief Insp. Gen. Safaruddin.

Anton is set to run as a deputy governor candidate in West Java alongside former House of Representatives lawmaker Tubagus Hasanuddin. The pair is backed by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).

Meanwhile, Murad and running mate Barnabas Orno are supported by the PDI-P and two other parties, the NasDem Party and National Awakening Party (PKB), in the Maluku gubernatorial election. Safaruddin is also backed by the PDI-P as an East Kalimantan gubernatorial candidate, although his running mate has yet to be announced. (dmr)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) London, United Kingdom  Mon, January 8, 2018 13:41 1336 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c047273 2 World Brexit,Theresa-May,Cabinet-reshuffle Free

British Prime Minister Theresa May will begin reshuffling her cabinet Monday in a bid to reassert authority after a torrid 2017 in which she lost her working majority and several ministers to scandals.

The long-awaited shake-up arrives ahead of another year of potentially bruising battles over Brexit, as talks with the European Union enter a key new phase amid continued divisions in the Conservative party.

It also comes as the prime minister tries to reset her leadership in the face of a resurgent opposition Labour party, which exceeded expectations in the snap election May called -- and nearly lost -- last summer.

Labour has started the new year attacking her government's handling of the crisis-hit health service and railways.

The reshuffle is not expected to result in any high-profile sackings, with foreign minister and Brexit proponent Boris Johnson, pro-EU finance minister Philip Hammond and Brexit Secretary David Davis all set to keep their jobs.

May has limited political capital for bold moves and cannot afford to upset the pro- and anti-EU balance of her cabinet following the loss of her parliamentary majority in the last election and persistent internal turmoil over Brexit and her leadership.

The reboot is nonetheless predicted to be the biggest overhaul of her team since she took power in July 2016, with reports of up to a quarter of cabinet roles impacted.

Several ministers may receive promotions, while a handful of MPs are anticipated to join the cabinet.

The Daily Telegraph reported that May will name a "cabinet minister for no deal" to be based alongside Davis in the department for exiting the EU.

The new minister will provide regular updates on preparation for leaving the bloc without a trade deal and have "a significant budget", the paper said.

The role was an attempt to show Brussels that London "was serious about leaving the EU without a deal if talks fail", it added.

The need for a reshuffle grew as deputy prime minister Damian Green stepped down last month over a pornography scandal, following the autumn departures of ministers Michael Fallon and Priti Patel, who became embroiled in separate controversies.

May confirmed on Sunday that she would be making ministerial changes, but refused to disclose details.

"Damian Green's departure before Christmas means that some changes do have to be made, and I will be making some changes," she told the BBC. "It will be soon."

Last year's flurry of high-profile resignations triggered repeated calls for a reshuffle, which until now went unheeded.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, January 8, 2018 18:22 1335 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c052147 1 City Ragunan-zoo,e-ticketing Free

Ragunan Zoo management in South Jakarta has complained about a plan to implement an e-ticketing system supported by the JakOne Card, an e-money mobile app from city-owned Bank DKI.

Ragunan head Dina Himawati has particularly objected to a point that requires the zoo to deposit Rp 20 billion (US$1.49 million) to Bank DKI for the implementation of the system.

"We have no idea how the plan works. The money is deposited to the bank, in our account. We feel like the Rp 20 billion is used for the operation of the card, including for top-up funds," Dina said at the City Council building in Central Jakarta as quoted by kompas.com.

Dina said the money was needed by the zoo, particularly in an emergency when the city administration suffered a deficit. She added that a change in regulation may be needed.



"Cooperation is meant to benefit both sides. There are many things to be evaluated," she said.



Two types of JakOne cards are offered to visitors. The first one displays Ragunan's animals and is priced at Rp 30,000, containing Rp 20,000 credit balance. The second one displays animation, and is priced at Rp 60,000 with Rp 50,000 credit balance.



The City Councils Commission C chairman, Santoso, said the agreement only benefited Bank DKI.

In October, businessman Hashim Djojohadikusumo, the younger brother of Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto, claimed that Governor Anies Baswedan, backed by the Gerindra in the gubernatorial election, had appointed him as the zoos supervisory boards head. (fac)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, January 8, 2018 15:34 1336 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c04b6a8 1 City Sandiaga-Uno,Rini-Soemarno,project Free

Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno discussed various infrastructure projects with State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno during a morning jog near the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Monday morning.

Our priority is to develop areas with a mixed-use concept to create affordable houses for low-income Jakartans, Rini told reporters after the jog.

Rini added that they also talked about the possibility of collaboration between city-owned companies (BUMD) and state-owned companies (BUMN).

They also discussed the development of transit-oriented development (TOD) apartments at Jakarta train stations.

The construction of TOD apartments began at Tanjung Barat Station in South Jakarta and Pondok Cina Station in Depok, West Java. A third construction project at Senen Station in Central Jakarta is being carried out by state-owned housing developer PT Perumnas. (dmr)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Glen Carey, Vivian Nereim and Zainab Fattah (Bloomberg) Riyadh  Mon, January 8, 2018 08:34 1336 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c03c7ee 2 Politics Saudi-Arabia,royal-crackdown,Prince Free

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans high-speed U-turn on state handouts suggests hes betting on the backing of ordinary citizens rather than traditional pillars of support as he consolidates power.

It took less than a week of Saudis grousing on social media and TV for authorities to announce theyd plow billions of riyals into peoples pockets to help offset government-initiated price increases. That sidestepped a mainstay of the princes plan to revamp the economy in part by weaning citizens off government largesse, indicating that consistency in fiscal policy isnt his top priority right now.

During his swift rise to power, the kingdoms 32-year-old de facto leader has swept aside rivals, arrested senior royals and billionaires -- including 11 princes detained on Thursday -- and defied the ultra-conservative religious establishment by letting women drive. Thats left him reliant on those Saudis eager for social change but struggling with austerity measures needed to achieve his vision of turning Saudi Arabia into a global investment hub no longer reliant on oil.

The crown prince cant afford to alienate his young constituency, said Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics. Its not just about economic reforms. Its also about the consolidation of the new leaderships social base and the opposition from very entrenched interests by some members of the royal family.

Grumbling

King Salman on Saturday ordered extra pay for Saudi government workers and soldiers this year after the Jan. 1 introduction of value-added taxation and a surge in fuel prices stirred grumbling among citizens. The cost to the state: more than 50 billion riyals ($13.3 billion), Saud Al-Qahtani, an adviser to the royal court, said on his Twitter account.

Saudis privately expressed mixed feelings about the about-face, with some overjoyed, and others finding it too stingy or worried about its limited duration. Some said the sudden swerve -- one of several since the prince announced his Vision 2030 blueprint for reordering the economy nearly two years ago -- made them question the governments strategy.

Patriotic hashtags including, We are all Salman, we are all Mohammed, began trending on Twitter after the orders, and local newspapers praised the kingdoms leadership.

The benchmark Tadawul All Share Index advanced 0.6 percent at the close in Riyadh, trailing markets in Kuwait and Qatar. The index was little changed in 2017, compared with a 34 percent gain for the MSCI Emerging Market Index.

Real Change

Paul Sullivan, a Middle East specialist at Georgetown University in Washington, saw a potential for unrest.

The princes base seems to be a younger generation who are hoping for better lives and real change, Sullivan said. Hope is a great thing to give to people, but dashing it or giving a sense it really will not happen is a well-proven source of instability and anger.

During times of past political uncertainty, Saudi Arabias autocratic leaders lavished handouts on their citizens. When the so-called Arab Spring uprisings were toppling long-entrenched leaders across the Middle East in 2011, then King Abdullah announced more than $100 billion for housing, soldiers and religious groups to prevent unrest from spreading into the Arab worlds largest economy.

What makes things different now is that Prince Mohammed has taken steps against other royals and their supporters in ways previous monarchs never did. In November, authorities swept up dozens of Saudi Arabias richest and most influential people, including princes and government ministers, accusing them of corruption. Critics accused him of trumping up allegations to sideline critics in a quest for one-man rule.

Eleven Princes

The anti-graft drive resonated with Saudis who are bearing the brunt of low oil prices and were complaining, privately and on social media, that the kingdoms elite are allowed to act with impunity. The countrys attorney general tapped into that resentment Saturday when he warned that no one was above the law, including 11 princes arrested for protesting the states decision to stop paying their utility bills.

Pointedly, the princes were sent to the maximum-security al-Haer prison pending their trial -- and not the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Hotel that had housed many rounded up in the anti-corruption sweep.

The weekend largesse is just the latest manifestation of Prince Mohammeds struggle to implement his proposed economic overhaul while avoiding popular discontent.

In 2016, the water minister was sacked following a public outcry over a surge in water prices, which came close on the heels of the governments first round of subsidy cuts. The following year, the king reversed cuts to public sector benefits and allowances after complaints over the measures provoked calls on social media for street protests in several cities.

First Step

Saudi economist Ihsan Bu-Hulaiga said he doesnt see the new handouts as a reversal of government policy, but more of a fine-tuning. Imagine yourself doing something for the first time, he said. Its tricky. This is the first step. Well see how the economy will unfold.

The government spent much of last year designing a program supposed to cushion the impact of fiscal reforms, a so-called Citizens Account. It gave low- and middle-income families monthly cash transfers to make up for the rise in prices. Saudis complained that they needed more.

Prince Mohammed is popular and has the support of the king, but his popularity is very fragile because its built on expectations which are both significant and havent been managed, said James Dorsey, a Middle East specialist at Singapores Nanyang Technological University.

Its unlikely that he will be able to fulfill those expectations within the timeline that people expects him to. Therefore he has to manage in order to maintain popularity, Dorsey said.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Shaffiq Idris Alkhatib (The Straits Times/ANN) Singapore  Mon, January 8, 2018 17:42 1335 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c050273 2 SE Asia Singapore,domestic-abuse,maid Free

A maid was subjected to a range of abuse by her employers, including physical assault and being forced to pour boiling water on her own shoulder, a Singaporean court heard on Monday.

It was alleged that one of the employers caused the maid to drink water mixed with floor cleaner and made the maid knock her own head on the floor.

Linda Seah Lei Sie, 38, is additionally accused of pulling the maid's hair and shaking her until "quite a lot" of hair fell out and hitting her with a mobile phone, causing bruising on her forehead, left eye and left hand.

Seah, who is the "boss" at her husband's Anew Me Beauty Aesthetic salon, is accused of physically abusing Myanmar national Phyu Phyu Mar multiple times.

She faces six charges in all, the court heard on Monday, the first day of the trial.

Seah's husband Lim Toon Leng, 43, faces one assault charge. He is accused of punching the maid's forehead twice.

The couple allegedly committed the offenses in their Punggol Walk flat between August and October 2016.

Former employee Lee Lee Yen told the court that she worked as a nutritionist at Anew Me between December 2015 and October 2016.

Lee, who is now an insurance agent, said Seah first brought Phyu Phyu Mar to their workplace in February 2016. The maid performed jobs like cleaning windows and dusting shelves.

"She was quite chatty. She had long hair and looked a bit chubby," Lee said.

She testified that the maid had slimmed down by September 2016 and that she complained of being hungry. Lee said she gave her some biscuits and drinks, which were consumed "at a very fast speed".

On Oct 14 , 2016, Lee noticed that the maid had a swollen left eye and a bruise around it. When asked about this, the maid showed her an injury on her left shoulder.

Lee told District Judge Olivia Low: "It was a hot-water scalding mark. It was red and the skin was starting to peel off... She told me Linda... made her pour hot water onto herself."

Lee alerted the police later that evening, the court heard.

Seah is represented by lawyer Kasturibai Manickam while Lim's lawyer is T. U. Naidu.

When cross-examined by Naidu, Lee said that Phyu Phyu Mar did not mention his client in her allegations.

The trial resumes on Monday afternoon.

Offenders convicted of maid abuse can be jailed for up to three years and fined up to $7,500.The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) will open in the second quarter this year (2018), people familiar with the matter told China Daily.

Although a precise date has not been fixed, the bridge will start services officially around May to June, according to the sources.

The final commissioning date will partially depend on the construction progress of port facilities in Zhuhai and Hong Kong, the sources said.

The Macau checkpoint is more likely to be completed earlier considering its rate of progress, according to the sources.

Meanwhile, policies for cross-border traffic have yet to be reached among the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Guangdong province and the Macau SAR.

This includes the details of the cross-administration management mechanism such as customs arrangements, emergency rescue plans and cross-border car insurance arrangements.

Read also: Dutch open 'world's first 3D-printed bridge'

The central government will confirm the date later, according to the sources.

Recently, chief engineer of the HZMB Authority Su Quanke said that all work on the principal section - a 29.6km bridge-island-tunnel complex-is expected to be completed in early February and the contractors will conduct an official handover ceremony.

Except for the principal section, the bridge also consists of ports and link roads in Zhuhai and the Macau and Hong Kong SARs. Those works are conducted by the respective governments.

The 55km bridge, 20 times the length of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, connects Hong Kong in the east of the Pearl River Estuary with Macau and Zhuhai in the west.

Construction of the bridge began in 2009. Once operational, it will shorten the four-hour drive from Hong Kong to Zhuhai to less than an hour and become the first completed infrastructure project built and managed jointly by the governments of Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macau.Posted Sunday, January 7, 2018 11:15 pm

The feet in the Heldebrandt family home in Nokomis got a little furrier this year with the addition of a new service dog named Jay.

"We're so excited to finally meet him," said Lacey Heldebrandt.

Just before Christmas in 2016, Dustin and Lacey Heldebrandt of Nokomis applied for a service dog through the Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers, for their seven-year-old son, Calan, who was diagnosed with severe autism when he was just two.

"He was always taking off somewhere in the neighborhood," said Lacey. "We are lucky to have some really great neighbors, but we knew we needed something else that would help."

She said she learned about the program through some of the autism pages she follows on Facebook. A mutual friend helped her find the Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers program.

"I just happened to see a YouTube video of a child, similiar to Calan, with a service dog, and thought we had to get something like that," Lacey said.

After the application was approved, the hard part came in trying to raise the $25,000 necessary to bring Jay home to the family.

"It takes some families years to raise that amount of money, but we have a really great community," Lacey said. "It took us about three and a half months."

From a spaghetti dinner at their church, to glo Bingo, paint parties, a T-shirt sale, cardboard boat regatta and an adult Easter egg hunt, the Heldebrandts are grateful to everyone who helped out with any of the fundraisers. They are currently enrolled in the Hope Chest program, with a goal to raise $3,000 a year, that way they will be ready to purchase another service dog for Calan when Jay is ready to retire in ten years. Lacey said they would probably plan a few small fundraisers each year to keep up with that.

But after a lot of hard work, Jay finally got to meet Calan at the Heldebrandt home on Wednesday, Jan. 3 with senior trainer Erin Gray of Virginia.

Gray said that Jay turned one on Dec. 28, and has been in training to be a service dog for the past year. She added they have volunteer families that raise the puppies from the time they are four to six months old. Families take the dogs out in public to work on basic obedience skills, and then do some training with SDWR as well.

Specific training for each individual family is done when the service dog meets his or her family. Gray spent three days with the Heldebrandts, Jan. 3-5, and will check in with them every four months over the next year to year and a half.

On their first day, they traveled to Rural King in Litchfield where Jay and Calan worked on a tethering system, so Calan couldn't take off running. They also learned to wait together at the check out.

"One of our biggest reasons for wanting a service dog is to keep Calan from running away," Lacey said. "We also hope he helps to calm Calan down. Sometimes he gets very anxious when we go out in public, so we don't go very often."

Lacey said she could already see changes in Calan, even that very first day. On the ride to Litchfield, Calan stayed calm and petted Jay while he slept in the car. They also went out to eat for lunch at a restaurant, which Lacey said they rarely get to do.

"Calan did awesome," she said with a big smile. "He didn't have any kind of a meltdown."

Gray reminds the community that Jay is a service dog, and while he is friendly to others, his main job is to work with Calan.

"The rule of thumb is no touch, no talk, no eye contact," Gray said. "And that's for Calan's safety. We want Jay to stay focused and pay attention to what Calan needs."

Eventually, Jay will even be able to go to school with Calan, where he is a second grader at the FACeS program in Stonington through the Taylorville School District.

"We're just so excited that Calan's going to be able to go out more places with us in public," Lacey said. "We've ever only tried a few times. But after just the first day, it's been amazing."

To find out more about Calan's story, visit his Facebook page at Calan's Autism Service Dog.Posted Sunday, January 7, 2018 11:15 pm

Greetings from the Ridge.

Four hundred dollars. My jaw dropped to the floor and bounced a couple of times as I read the amount again$400 for 20 seconds' work. Herb had been in the hospital for a little flare up of his electrical system and when we received the itemized bill we saw that among the thousands of dollars billed for a couple nights in a hospital bed, the invoice listed $400 for a single shot in his arm. And note, this did not cover the cost of the serum in the syringe, just the act of sticking Herbie in the arm. Yes, our insurance covered the charge, but somebody somewhere down the line was going to have to pay this bill in the form of increased premiums.

In response to the insane cost of health care I'd make a simple suggestion: return to Grandma's kitchen. If your grandmother was like mine she did more doctoring from her cupboard and refrigerator than her medicine cabinet, which is why I'd always fake insomnia when staying overnight with Grandma.

Grandma swore that a tablespoon of Peter Pan peanut butter would put you to sleep. Skippy peanut butter was not an option. It had to be Peter Pan and of the creamy, not nutty variety. All it would take would be an 11 p.m. cry of "Grandma, I can't sleep!" and she'd hoist herself out of bed, pad-pad-pad her house-slippered feet to the kitchen and before I'd know what was happening she'd be standing over my bed with her magical dollop of peanut butter. I liked peanut butter and I liked Grandma. Putting the two together became a lethal combination of bedtime love.

And our national healthcare system might take a tip from our grannies and invest heavily in Jell-O. No matter what your diseases, Jell-O would make you feel better if not actually cure it. After I began to overdose after a week at Grandma's house suffering from both the mumps and a flood of strawberry Jell-O, I asked Grandma why Jell-O could be such a help in getting over a sickness. She informed me that gelatin is made from the hooves of cows, and that you hardly ever see a sick cow. When you're five years old you'll accept anything coming from a gray head.

Honey was the preferred treatment for a bedtime cough and if you played your cards right you could scrounge up a cough along with a good case of insomnia and Grandma would fetch you a bedtime treat of honey and peanut butter. I won't say that I purposely played the system, but I certainly didn't hesitate to call for Doctor Grandma if I felt the slightest tingle.

I always tried to avoid ailments that Grandma would cure with foods I didn't like. For example, oatmeal was a day-starter at the very bottom of my taste list, but if I ever made the mistake of telling her that I itched somewhere on my body she'd mix a dab of oatmeal with warm milk and rub it over the itchy area. True, I didn't have to swallow the stuff, but I once had to suffer through a day of school when I'd told Grandma my feet itched and I spent the entire morning feeling the crunch of oatmeal between my toes.

And it didn't involve food, but holding a bag of ice under your armpit gives you a headache that makes you forget all about your original fever.

Sick to your stomach? The home cures were legion and you'd do anything to avoid the Pepto-Bismol or Milk of Magnesia. If your grandma had any concern for you at all she'd first try ginger shaved into a cup then covered with hot water and a little sugar. I'll admit that I preferred the latter method over the purchased cures, but if you're eating ginger in a Japanese restaurant then please don't exhale around me. It conjures up methods of sweaty blankets and a plastic bucket at my bedside.

If you'd spent too many hours playing on the roof of Grandpa's cow shed then chances were good you'd complain to Grandma that evening of sunburn. Again, her cure came from the kitchen and not the medicine chesta compress of cold milk and ice. You really have to experience cold milk and ice on your bare back to fully appreciate this.

And is there a soul among us who's not had to gargle Grandma's salt water when faced with a sore throat? In fact, Grandpa did this every morning to in his opinion prevent colds. Grandpa never smiled much. There may have been a reason.

So just a sliver of advicebefore spending $400 for a shot you might want to look in your cupboard.

You ever in Coonridge, stop by. We may not answer the door but you'll enjoy the trip.

In real life, Freida Marie Crump is Ken Bradbury, retired teacher, author, musician and playwright who hangs out in Arenzville.Over the weekend, State Assembly member Yuh-Line Niou joined NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer to speak out about heat outages at NYCHA complexes during last weeks cold snap. Stringer announced hes launching a new audit of the New York City Housing Authority over the issue.

In a press release on Saturday, Stringer called the situation a crisis. We cannot be a city, he said, in which those with luxury towers are living in comfort, while those across the street in NYCHA complexes are deprived of heat and hot water. Unfortunately, heating breakdowns happen year after year  and the bureaucracy continues to play whack-a-mole with short-term fixes instead of permanent solutions. We need to address this maintenance mess now, because our seniors, children, and families are struggling.

According to the comptrollers initial survey of Department of Buildings records, the rate of defective boilers in NYCHA complexes is five times the citywide average (39.5%). The new audit will be the comptrollers ninth of the hosuing authority.

Stringer said there have been complaints about a lack of heat and hot water in more than 30 complexes. Among those developments on the Lower East Side are: the Jacob Riis Houses, the La Guardia Houses and Lower East Side Rehab.

In a statement, Niou said, I have been receiving constituent reports about heat outages throughout NYCHA developments on the Lower East Side (for several weeks). There are 90-year-old seniors, new born children, and dozens of families in my district impacted by these outages, and its critical that NYCHA find long term solutions to these heating problems.

Channel 2 visited the La Guardia Houses to see how residents were coping:

With socks, robes and layers of clothing on, it was survival gear inside one tenants no-heat apartment Saturday Its cold, yeah, she said. Neighbor Yvonne DeLeon shared a photo of her 2-month-old grandson, Liam Gonzalez, and the electric space heater used to save him from injury, even death, from the cold inside the Lower East Side tower operated by NYCHA. Sometimes it just doesnt work, Linda Cherry said.

NYCHA spokesperson Jasmine Blake told Channel 4, Our staff is working 24/7 to combat this extraordinary cold spell that has battered the city. This weekend we are focused on ensuring heat is on in all NYCHA developments. NYCHA says about $2 billion is required to repair boilers in public housing complexes across the city.

Over the last few days across the five boroughs, weve seen reports from more than 30 NYCHA complexes that tenants are without heat or hot water. Its completely unacceptable. Our children, our seniors, our neighbors  they need permanent solutions, instead of band-aid fixes. pic.twitter.com/Br3eiNting  Scott M. Stringer (@NYCComptroller) January 6, 2018I met Lucy at a Cosmopolitan event last year where I recognised her as a familiar face. As it turned out, we had already connected on LinkedIn - contacts are important kids! The speakers, Editor-in-Chief Farrah Storr and Beauty Director Ingeborg van Lotringen, then relayed an amazing anecdote about Lucy in which they explained how Lucy would work weekdays at Cosmopolitan HQ as an intern, then travel home to work at McDonald's. I remember thinking to myself, 'Now this girl is exactly who our readers want to hear about! This girl is such a boss!'So, of course in true Joanna fashion and grabbed her during the talk to learn more about her journey into the world of magazine journalism.Oh god, so much. As far as skincare goes Id say Hyaluronic Acid, its super hydrating and is a must in my day and nighttime routines. Ive noticed such a difference in my skin since using it. I like NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex and Medik8 Hydr8 B5. Makeup-wise, Id say probably foundation: I know its not very exciting, but I do like putting new ones to the test and seeing how they wear. At the minute Im really liking Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable, its medium coverage and is so easy to apply and blend. Im also a fan of Huda Beauty #FauxFilter  I initially thought itd be too much for me, and although it is full coverage, it doesnt feel too heavy on my skin. Im a big fan!You know, beauty journalism was never my first choice. Until I did my first internship I didnt even realise it was an actual, legitimate career. At one point I wanted to be a lawyer, then I did law at A-Level and realised I probably wasnt clever enough. I did English Literature and Language too  Id always enjoyed reading, but when it came to choosing a degree I decided I didnt want to be told what books to read, I didnt want the fun to be sucked out of something I liked doing  probably because Im stubborn. So then somehow I settled on journalism  I figured it was like English but different. I looked at various degree courses up and down the country and ended up settling on single honours journalism at De Montfort University in Leicester. It was NCTJ accredited (not that I ever passed the exams I needed for that qualification ) and seemed like the best option. It was very newspaper focused though and I remember in my first lecture we were asked where we saw ourselves in five years. I said, Living in London and working at a glossy magazine, and I got laughed at. At that point, I didnt know what or who I wanted to work for or write about, I just knew I didnt want to work at a newspaper. Id always had an interest in beauty, Id spend all my money in beauty halls and on expensive makeup and then, during my third year, I saw a beauty internship at Psychologies magazine advertised. I went down to London for an interview and ended up being given this four-week placement on the beauty desk and I absolutely loved it. It was in those four weeks that I realised it was a career in beauty journalism I wanted to pursue.I think getting my job at Cosmopolitan is a pretty big achievement  it took a while but I got there in the end. I remember my dad saying to me after I graduated that I couldnt wait for the dream job at Cosmo to come along  that has to be the end goal, but I was dead set on working here, I wanted nothing more and I made it happen through hard work and determination. There was definitely an element of being in the right place at the right time, but it didnt get handed to me on a plate.Be patient, work hard, make yourself indispensable, and get as much experience under your belt as you can. I know its not ideal, but it doesnt matter how many degrees or qualifications you have, you still have to work your way up and know that everybody in this industry has done unpaid work at one point. Theres absolutely no way you can go into a mid-level position in journalism without being a junior first. Use your initiative, make contacts but dont pester people. If youre on work experience then be aware that there might not always be jobs for you to do. Read the situation around you: is everyone on the team on deadline? Offer to make them tea or coffee, but dont constantly ask for things to do. The sign of a good intern is having the ability to make themselves busy and being on hand and happy to help when there is something that comes up.I think its really sad! I really do think print and digital can co-exist, it just has to be done in the right way. This explosion of influencers and digital in general has happened so quickly that nobody really knows whats happening or whats right and whats wrong. Theres no denying that people are buying fewer magazines, but with so many streams of content coming at consumers from all angles, you have to make sure you stand out. Why should people pay for content when they can get it online for free? Thats really why I love writing for Cosmo, in 2015 the whole magazine had a redesign and changed its direction. Our editor, Farrah, brought back long-form journalism we started being able to write first-person features. I think thats what people want: people dont go to magazines for bitesize bits of content and makeup tips theyve read a million times before. They want fresh, inspirational, relatable and exciting features that are actually interesting to read, that tell them something new and that really make them think. And thats where a lot of print magazines are going wrong. Theyre shooting themselves in the foot by trying to replicate whats successful online, but, sadly, thats never really going to work.I honestly dont know. Id like to think Ill still be working in beauty, probably still in London, but I have no idea doing what or where at. Hopefully, Ill be happy though, it sounds cheesy but thats ultimately whats important.

Anything else you would like to add?

Shorthand isnt the be all and end all! Ill probably get frowned upon for saying this, but I was told for three years that Id never get a job without it. It literally caused me so many sleepless nights, I hated it, I never passed the exam (I think I failed it more than once actually) and look at me now! Ive interviewed countless celebrities and never once has my dictaphone let me down

Follow Lucy on Instagram here.from the link:



''UNRWA is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions from UN member states, and in 2016, the US funded almost 30 percent of UNRWAs budget, by providing over $368 million. The total amount it has received from the US since 1994 has run up to $5 billion.''





Easy solution - a one state solution. No more refugees, no more special allocations or refugee crises.



Many right wingers are obsessed with the idea of returning refugees to the Middle East. Strangely, they share no such objection to Palestinian refugees.The 2015 documentary is *finally* on Netflix. After the Taliban tries to kill her for speaking out on behalf of girls' education, Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai emerges as a leading advocate for children's rights and the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

Missed Steven Spielbergs take on the Roald Dahl classic in 2016? No worries, its headed to Netflix this January. 10-year-old Sophie makes pals with a giant, who happens to be  you guessed it!  big and friendly. Adventure inevitably ensues.

Thought Robert Pattinson peaked with Twilight? Well you were probably right, but this film is still decent. After a botched bank robbery lands his younger brother in prison, Constantine "Connie" Nikas (RPattz) embarks on a twisted odyssey through the city's underworld in an increasingly desperate - and dangerous - attempt to get brother Nick out of jail.

This 2014 film was a hit  and for a good reason. Realising that they share common foes in Margaret Thatcher, the police and the conservative press, London-based gays and lesbians lend their support to striking coal miners in 1984 Wales.

Its more of the same in the second film of the Hostel series. Beth, Lorna and Whitney decide to take a weekend excursion in Italy. Lured from their intended destination by a beautiful acquaintance, the women anticipate a stay at a luxurious spa. Instead, they become pawns in a grisly game designed to entertain wealthy deviants from around the world.If youre 20 years old you can grab a free YO! sushi dish today  and no, theres no catch.

The offer comes as Japanese 20 year olds celebrate their national Coming of Age Day  because yes, in Japan 20 is the new 21.

Coming of Age Day is an annual holiday where the countrys youth celebrate turning 20 and becoming official adults in the eyes of the Japanese community.

20-year-old girls enjoying their Coming of Age day in Japan. Floral outfits are not compulsory for your visit.

To commemorate this centuries-old ceremony YO! is bringing the party to the UK by offering 20 year olds a FREE dish on Monday 8th January at selected restaurants nationwide.

Just hop along to your local YO!, prove that youre 20, and claim a complimentary blue plate of your choice. Favourites include Chicken Katsu Curry, California Roll and Vegetable Yakisoba.

If youre not 20, dont fear - YO! has launched the MAKE IT at YO! resolution menu that features 47 dishes all priced at just 2.80 each at selected sites until 19th January.

Perfect for a light January lunch, in our opinion.

For terms and conditions visitA post shared by Visions Presents... (@visionspresents) on Nov 10, 2016 at 4:06am PST

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Rewind back to its origins and its birthplace: London. It started as the sound of the citys tower blocks and estates, of pirate radio, grainy videos and bedroom studios, of sweaty clashes and raves. Grime began as the sound of Londons underground. Today you wont be hard tasked to find a good grime night in London. Here are some of the top ones currently running in the city, the best venues to check out, and where to cop the latest records...588a Kingsland Rd, London, E8 4AHIf you want an idea of what to expect at a rave at Visions, check out Skeptas music video for his track Man. Joined by the likes of Lethal Bizzle, Chip, Shorty and Jammer, Skepta shot his video in this Dalston basement. Here you can catch major talent in an intimate setting. The clubs mad energy and 6am licence will have you raving until the early hours. Entry is guest list only, so make sure to send names over to their Facebook page before 8pm.91 Kingsland High St, Dalston, London E8 2PBAnother one in Dalston, this place has hosted some of the hottest (figuratively and also like literally, sweltering hot) grime nights. Look out for specialist nights, but their other events are worth checking out too. I hear they now have air con.100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQWhen you hear MCs like Skepta namecheck Ace Hotel on their tracks, its the basement bar underneath the hotel theyre talking about. From the outside youd never believe it, but this intimate club has hosted some of the sickest raves in recent times.36 Stoke Newington Rd, Dalston, London N16 7XJLocated in the vibrant district of Stoke Newington, this basement club has a reputation for putting on great nights. The place gets packed quickly but the sweaty crowds, dim lighting and smoke machines only add to the vibes. The club is great for checking out new talent and regularly hosts high-profile acts like Slimzee, Wookie and Youngsta.Not your typical grime night, Boxed shifts the attention away from MCs and instead focuses on producers as electronic artists in their own right. Through their events, radio take-overs and label, Boxed have played a major role in helping establish grime as a club genre. Synonymous with experimental grime, you can expect appearances from the genre's most promising upcoming talent and some of the biggest names in the scene.If Mike Skinners involved, you know its going to be good. Not strictly a grime night, Tonga is run by Skinner and Mancunian clubbing force, Murckage Dave. Tonga keeps the crowds small but the music loud with tickets usually selling out fast. Skinner says party bass is their music policy, playing a mix of grime, rap, trap and the darker realms of house. The likes of Kano, Big Narstie and Giggs have been known to make appearances. Expect banger after banger and good vibes.Created by Wiley back in the day, Eski Dance brings together grimes biggest names and freshest talent. The scenes first event of such size, the early raves are stuff of legend. Showcasing the best of the best, you never know exactly whos going to turn up but you can guarantee therell be mad energy.Head to Farringdon for FabricLive on the last Friday of the month. The renowned venue has hosted some legendary gigs with the best talent, packed pumping rooms and the sickest sound system. Check their website to see whos performing. Theyre all about that bass so expect the hottest names in grime as well as dubstep, DnB, bassline and garage.352 Lower Addiscombe Rd, Croydon CR0 7AFDnR Vinyl specialise in UK garage, grime and dubstep. The shop in Croydon is a goldmine for those looking for reasonably-priced, second-hand records. Here you can find the classics as well as some real rarities. The staff really, really know their stuff. Theyre friendly and helpful, happy to pick out some recommendations or track down records that are harder to find.52 Eden St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1EEYoull find a fair selection of new grime records and CDs at Banquet Records but make sure to look out for their in-store signings and performances. Theyve had grimes biggest names through those doors. Dizzee, Stormzy, Giggs, Skepta, Devlin, JME, Wretch 32 ... the list goes on and on. Well worth the trek down to Kingston.Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here

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Home PageLiberia faces a major political transition in 2018. The first since the end of the countrys civil war where a peaceful transfer of power from one democratically elected president, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, to another president to be determined at elections in October this year. This transfer of power will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Liberian Studies Association (LSA). These milestones present Liberia with new possibilities for development, and academics who are studying Liberia with new questions about the study and future of the country. The Liberian Studies Association (LSA), founded to promote and facilitate dialogue and exchange among scholars of Liberia has been an active part of the process of institutionalizing discussions about Liberia through various forms of academic research. Thus, this 50th anniversary offers a moment for critical reflections about the study and understanding of Liberia across the globe.

In celebration, the LSA invites proposals for papers, panels, and roundtables for its 2018 annual meeting that examine how the study and presentation of Liberia has been constructed over the last 50 years and how this study has shaped the development of the country both internally and externally of Liberia. Papers from various academic disciplines or thematic areas addressing the challenges of the current reconstruction, statebuilding and economic development, agriculture and food security, arts, and history efforts prior to, during and following the years of violence using a range of scholarly approaches including qualitative, quantitative and critical methods with datadriven conclusions are welcomed. The annual meeting will be held at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), in Rochester, NY on April 19 21, 2018. The LSA host is Dr. Danielle Taana Smith, RIT Professor of Sociology & Honors Program Director.

The proposal must include the name, title, and institutional or organizational affiliation of the presenter(s) as well as full contact details of the person or persons submitting the abstract. All proposals should not exceed 300 words, contain five key words, and sent to Dr. George Gonpu at ggonpu@gmail.com or Dr. Sam Wai Johnson at samwaijohnson@gmail.com The deadline for submission is February 1.

Conference Registration: $100 ($50 for students) by February 28. There will also be onsite registration. Presenters and other attendees are required to register. Please make checks payable to the Liberian Studies Association. For more information, contact Jackie Sayegh at jsb25@cornell.edu.

https://www.liberiastudies.com/

Venue: Rochester Institute of Technology April 19-21, 2017, Rochester, NY https://www.liberiastudies.com/

What is your take? Please post your comments below:

The All-Mighty President

Wonders shall never end!

On December 26, 2017, the change the Liberian people desired was given to them through the decisive victory of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), headed by Senator George Manneh Weah. Now, what is required is the smooth and peaceful transfer of power in ALL democracies, especially, the Liberian Democracy. Why should this one be any different? Why turn a simple peaceful transfer of power into something so complex which involves the outgoing president and the incoming president to form a committee in which two of them serve as co-chairs? When I last checked, this process, which requires an Executive Order 91 to transfer power is first of its kind in 70 years. Why should it be different? Peaceful transfer of power is the cornerstone of a democracy. President Sirleafs Executive Order 91, is total and absolute violation of the Constitution and Statutory laws of Liberia.

Once more, President Sirleaf and her corrupt elites have violated the Constitution with Executive Order 91. According to the Constitution, Monday, January 15, 2018 is Inauguration Day, and NOT Monday, January 22, 2018. All along, President Sirleaf advocated for the run-off election to be held within the time specified by the Constitution in order to turn over to my successor. The President and her supporters got what they wanted  to the point of scheduling the run-off election the day after Christmas. Why violate the Constitution by scheduled the Inauguration a week after the legal scheduled day of Monday, January 15, 2018?

Here is what Chapter 6: Article 50 of our Constitution states:

Chapter 6: Article 50

The Executive Power of the Republic shall be vested in the President who shall be Head of State, Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia. The president shall be elected by universal adult suffrage of registered voters in the Republic and shall hold office for a term of six years commencing at noon on the third working Monday in January of the year immediately following the elections. No person shall serve as President for more than two terms. To continue to unlawfully arrest and hold onto power, President Sirleaf (a lime duck President), without the slightest support of the Constitution of Liberia administratively proposed and singlehandedly passed into law, Executive Order 91, lending and assigning to herself the power to establish a transitional team whose term of reference runs contrary to Article Chapter 6, Article 50 of the Constitution.

There is precedent, whether under the Constitution or Statutory laws of Liberia that lends President Sirleaf the power to enact Executive Order 91 and continue to hold onto power and the presidency of Liberia beyond Monday, January 15, 2018. Any and all other acts or actions taken by President Sirleaf and her outgoing officials of government after Monday, January 15, 2018, are irregular and unlawful. The 3rd Monday immediately following the 26 December, 2017 Runoff Election, is and remains, Monday, January 15, 2018. The Constitution of Liberia gives no power to her and/or the CDC incoming government of Liberia, to transfer power and the presidency of Liberia or receive the presidency of Liberia, Monday, January 22, 2018. Monday, January 15, is legally the 3rd Monday referenced by the Constitution of Liberia. Everything else she and her outgoing Administration do and shall do beyond Monday, January 15, 2018, are and shall be repugnant and legally void.

It is the right of an individual to establish his/her own destiny. A persons destiny does not have to be planned by others! The same is true in a political transfer of power. All that is required is for the outgoing administration to assist with the smooth and peaceful transfer of power as allowed by the Constitution; nothing more, and nothing less. So, as of January 15, 2018, the CDC will and shall become the governing party, and it does not have to drag along activities of the past government. Since lime duck president - Sirleaf and her Government has already violated Article 50 of the Constitution of Liberia, the CDC-led government of Liberia, is under no legal obligation to give credence to anything or actions taken by her outgoing Administration after 15 January 2018 since by default and constitutionally, Senator has already assumed power in Liberia, Monday, January 15, 2018. Precisely Monday, January 15, 2018, Senator George Manneh Weah becomes the President of Liberia.

Preparation for Orderly Succession

Liberias presidential transition is the transfer of the executive branch power from the incumbent President of Liberia to the president-elect; during the period of time between Election Day of Tuesday, December 26, and inauguration day on January 15 all arrangements would have been concluded. Legally, this is the 3rd Monday immediately following the holding of the 26 December, 2017 Runoff Election. After Monday, January 15, 2018, President Sirleaf becomes former president. By law the inauguration of Liberia, must be held Monday, January 15, 2018. The Constitution of Liberia gives no special room for January 22, 2018. THE CONSTITUTION MUST BE FOLLOWED! We are not stupid!

Where the Liberian Constitution was not specific on the issue of transfer of power from the outgoing administration to the incoming administration, and where the Constitution is silence on such an issue, Custom or Tradition takes precedent; meaning how succeeding administrations have handled it.

Interpretation of Custom and Tradition

Liberias Constitution is a replica of the United States Constitution. For example, the US Congress may interpret a certain clause in the Constitution as giving it the right to pass a particular law. One such example is the minimum wage that workers must be paid. However, minimum wage is not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution. But the Constitution gives Congress the right to control trade among the states. The goods made by workers usually travel from one state to another. On the basis of the above, Congress interpreted the Constitution to mean it can pass laws affecting working conditions, which also includes wages. While on the other hand, the US Supreme Court has the power to decide if Congress has interpreted the Constitution correctly. The Courts ruling is final like in the recent Liberty Party case.

Equally, a number of changes or practices in the U.S. government have come about as the result of custom, tradition or precedence. For example, the US Constitution did not provide for regular meetings of the leaders in the Executive Branch of the government. However, President George Washington brought these leaders together regularly to serve as his advisors, which is known today as his Cabinet. Since that time, regular meetings between the President and his Cabinet have become an acceptable part of the tradition of the US government. Up to the present, there is no written law to that effect. There are other important traditions that have since developed. These traditions are followed regularly. Yet they have seldom been written down or made into laws. For this reason, they are sometimes called unwritten constitutional laws.

The Joint Transition Team is a Fiasco

Tradition dictates that it is illegal for a lame-duck government to renew or sign new contracts, which will obligate the incoming administration to inherit and enforce. Members of the Legislature and government officials who engage in such practice will be in violation of the rules that govern the transition of one administration to another; and those who do so will have to answer to the judicial system. Also, this applies to local and international businesses.

Moreover, the government cannot continue to handover the monopoly of our economy, and atrocious tax incentives and holidays to foreigners. It must stop! Liberians cannot develop their country with such an arrangement which favors foreigners.

For example, Part V Section 46 and Section 45.1 of the 1975 PPCC Law, from which the Liberianization Policy derived, should be enforced by the CDC government. It was seriously violated with impunity by the outgoing administration.

In these scheduled transitional Committee meetings, EJSs lame-duck sessions should be discussing how funds will be made available for the incoming administration to operate, to reduce the National debt and not to increase it.

Liberia cannot remain a sweet land of bribery, where others interests take precedent over the citizens. The irony is; Liberians have become foreigners in their own country - all due to EJSs creation. The questions are: How long will our people serve as second-class citizens in their own country? Now that EJS is on her way out for good, can we work together; reclaim the control over our resources and wealth in order to free ourselves from the economic bondage of the outgoing government? The answer is, yes, we can and we should!

Wonders shall never end! This was long in the making  from Simple Majority to the Referendum that led to the amendment to the Constitution that modified the 10 Years Residency requirement and the new interpretation of the Code of Conduct (CoC) for government officials.

What the outgoing Administration should be doing is to give the President-elect operational and logistical support in the month before Inauguration. They should have assisted in things such as office space, human resources and Communications; including IT support, concessional and other outreach work.

In most democratic societies, the office of the chosen leader is supposed to serve the interest of the people, and not only the president, his/her family members, relatives, friends, those within their inner circle, and more especially, their international connections at the expense of the people they are supposed to represent.

The late African patriot, Julius Nyerere reminds us that:



Poverty is an enemy of good governance, for persistent poverty is a destabiliser, especially if such poverty is shared in a grossly unequal manner, or is widely regarded as being unfairly distributed as the few who are relatively rich indulge in conspicuous consumption Known or suspected corruption among the political leaders often makes the problem worse  and corruption throughout the society more difficult to overcome. Good wages or salaries will not stop bad people from being corrupt but miserable wages and salaries are not conducive to rectitude. Political instability, real or imagined, can be a source and is often used as an excuse, for bad governance.

Nyereres statement describes what is taking place in Liberia. If we continue to ignore the facts, Liberia will become a country run by ruling elites and a network of associates that enrich themselves using state power recklessly. Their greatest defense is to counter truth with lies and to attack the massager bearing the truth,

In order for the CDC Government to make drinking water that is essential for life as a priority; road network and electricity that facilitate development and commerce; reduce government officials high salaries and wasteful spending, there has to be a complete point of departure from the policies of EJSs government. The money saved could be used to fund some of the projects mentioned.

Conclusion

Truth needs no law to substantiate it to be Truth. It is self-evident that Truth is Truth from the time of Creation. However, it is only those throughout history make laws to enforce their opposition to it. This proclamation is a good example! It has no place during a transitional period of a government. This period should be for the inauguration of the president-elect and nothing else.

The meeting of the presidential team for at least three times before the January 22, 2018 inauguration serves no other purpose than to reward Ellens faithful servants.What tasks these so-called subsidiary groups will be meeting to do during a transition period? It doesnt look right! The intent of such planning meetings is to render President-elect Weahs government a complete failure, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way.

According to reliable sources, the Presidential Proclamation which ordered the National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia for nine days working sessions is a fiasco. The real purpose is to reward EJSs faithful servants, many of whom are listed below with several lucrative deals:

Mr. Sylvester Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs

Madam Marjon Kamara, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Boima S. Kamara, Minister of Finance and Development Planning

Cllr. Frederick D. Cherue, Minister of Justice

Mr. Brownie J. Samukai, Minister of Defense

Mr. Eugene Nagbe, Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism

Mr. Milton A. Weeks, Governor, Central Bank of Liberia

Madam Mary T. Broh, Director General, GSA

Mr. Sam Gaye, Director, Executive Protection Service (EPS)

Mr. Dewitt von Ballmoos, Director General, NASSCORP

Dr. Abdoulaye W. Dukule, Office of the President

Mr. Varney A. Sirleaf, Acting Minister, Internal Affairs

Cllr. Yvette Chesson-Wureh, Angie Brooks International Center

Mr. Jordan Solunteh, Director-General of the Cabinet

I noticed Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai did not make the list. Did he not make the list because he is not one of the President Sirleafs Most Faithful and Reliable Servant? The conclusion most rational people reached is VP Boakai is not. Perhaps, this is the reason the she fought and opposed his candidacy for him to not succeed her. This is the conclusion most Liberians, including me, reached.

On behave of the Liberian people; we congratulate Vice President Boakai for the decency and patriotism he demonstrated throughout the entire camp God Almighty will richly bless him and his family. The Liberian people will forever remain grateful to you for the outstanding services you rendered our beloved country.

To the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Faithful Servant Award recipients, I say you are being closely watched. It is not going to be business as usual, and if you think you will continue this corrupt practice, you are juke this time around. It is illegal for the lame-duck administration to conduct business that will obligate the incoming administration to inherit is making FOOL of themselves; members of the Legislature, government officials, local and international businesses that engaged in such practice will be violating of the rules that govern the transition; and those who engage in such practice will have to answer to the law. Thats how serious and committed we are to put LIBERIA FIRST!

Our eyes are opened; the time of the people has come!

About The Author : Elder Siahyonkron Nyanseor is former Vice Chair & Chair of the ULAA Council of Eminent Persons (UCEP), Inc. Also, he is a founding member & the 11th President of the organization. He is a poet, Griot/Historian, journalist, a cultural and political activist. He is an ordained Minister of the Gospel; Chairman of the Liberian Democratic Future (LDF), publisher of theperspective.org online newsmagazine and Senior Advisor to the Voice of Liberia newsmagazine. In 2012, he Co-authored Djogbachiachuwa: The Liberian Literature Anthology; his book of poems: TIPOSAH: Message from the Palava Hut will soon be on the market. Nyanseor can be reached at: siah1947@gmail.com

Elder Nyanseor

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Dr. Murv L. Kandakai Gardiner

From his pen at the center of the Roman-African Church, St Augustine of Tunisia/Hippo, asked, When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms but a vast banditry? These words by an African Catholic Bishop even flowed through subsequent centuries to become the basic pillar in the thought of the Protestant Reformer, Jean Calvin. St Augustines concern during the formative stages of the Church has become the same concern that some well-meaning international agencies and some Liberians have. That concern points to the nihilistic threat with its accompanying decadence which is rapidly approaching due to the clamoring for power on both sides of the equation.



In this essay, as a psychologist, I invite the reader to join us in looking at some of the positive aspects as well as some of the deleterious effects of the 2017 Election challenge through the lenses of Augustines question. If governments (the people) encourage their citizens to become aberrational to the Rule of Law, what are kingdoms but a magna latrocinia? The needed change that the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), other political parties, and the rest of the citizenry are longing for is best attainable through a just process and the exercise of jurisprudence. In this light, let us applaud the Supreme Court of Liberia for its fortitude thus far in its adherence to the Liberian Constitution.



Citing Article 20 of the Liberian Constitution, the high court under Chief Justice Francis Korkpor ordered a Writ of Prohibition because the National Election Commission (NEC) had erred in announcing a date for the runoff election without probing the Liberty Partys claim of alleged frauds and irregularities. Thus, the NEC denied the complainant due process.



But the high court, also, subsequently on December 7, 2017 lifted the Prohibition and affirmed the Runoff Election because the Liberty Party failed to prove its case. And simultaneously, it ordered the NEC to employ corrective measures. Chief Justice Korkpor, in a sense, underscored the roots of democracy, which stemmed to Pericles in antiquity. With tour de force, he provided the best explication from the Constitution on the inherency of power in the people and by the peoples authority only, free governments are instituted for their benefit and when their safety and happiness so require, they have the right to alter and reform the same. (Article 1, 1986)



Qualitative social change is attainable in Liberia through a just process and the exercise of jurisprudence, which has some historical antecedents in the parent (USA) countrys legal system that in effect originated in Englands Glorious Revolution of 1688, which brought into focus a system of rule predicated on the Constitution. Through the ingenuity of the Liberian Supreme Court and President Johnson-Sirleafs beautiful, stylistic capacity for self-transcendence, which found resonance in me, justice was achieved. Hence, Chief Justice Francis Korkpor and his Associate Justices are comparable to Chief Justice John Marshall of the United States and his Associates in asserting the right of the Supreme Court to determine the meaning of the Constitution. Moreover, as it is common knowledge, Article 2 of Liberias 1986 Constitution is a replica of Hamiltons Federalist 78 appertaining to Judicial Review, which Justice John Marshall adhered to in 1803 regarding the Writ of Mandamus.



But the Korkpor Court of Liberia is dissimilar to the Rehnquist Court of America, in that the latter actively allowed the disenfranchisement of many Americans in Florida, especially some African Americans. Ironically, Justice Clarence Thomas, an African American, actively participated in the disenfranchisement of many poor and African Americans in the U.S. Presidential Election of 2000. Also, ironically, what we witnessed live on CNN and later via Michael Moores Fahrenheit 9/11, with the exception of Senator Schumer of New York, no non- African American member of the US legislature assisted the Congressional Black Caucus in their efforts to rescue Al Gore and the aforementioned Americans who were robbed of their Fifteenth Amendment rights.



In his work, The Nation, Kreitzner (2000) averred that in Bush vs. Gore, the Rehnquist Court with a 5-4 vote disingenuously invoked equal protection to abort the counting of unrecorded Gore votes. As Justice Stevens pointed out, the majority ordered the disenfranchisement of an unknown number of votes. This injustice occurred because the Republican Secretary of State in Florida deleted from the voting roll thousands of eligible voters that were illegally identified as felons. The injustice also occurred because the high court/Federal Supreme Court became antithetical to an essential tenet of the Constitution in abrogating State rights by superimposing its might and will on and over the Florida Supreme Court that had previously reordered the recounting of the votes.



Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Tennyson have all stated in variety of ways that nobody will ever be happy in the midst of war. For this reason, in his City of God (Augustine, 158) accentuated, If justice is taken away, what are kingdoms but a magna latrocinia? For Augustine, the governments/kingdoms of robberies are kept in place by enhanced impunity. ..The dark shadow of fear and the lust for blood has fallen over themIf it does not do justice, what is the government but a great criminal enterprise? (158)The change that ordinary Liberians and other social groups including some elites are longing for is rooted in the radicalism of the revolution of Liberias parent, America. As a socio-cultural and political metanoia, that change as consciousness is an ever-flowing stream (James).The U.S. Revolution brought to consciousness the plausibility of an egalitarian way of life. This radicalism gave impetus for Americans, however British they continued to be culturally and intellectually, to begin the break from absolute monarchy (divine right) to become citizens with the freedom (elutheria) to strive social-economically via hard work.



According to Gordon Wood, it was not inequality but pervasive equality that raised fear and the possibility of instabilityAnd equality did not mean that everyone was the same, but that ordinary people were closer in prosperity to those above them and felt free of aristocratic patronage and control (Wood,1986). Embedded in this radicalism, also, was Thomas Paines Common Sense  Liberty as the destiny of America, which was extrapolated from the Calvinistic tradition/longing to transform the world but not necessarily Jeffersonian/Lockean rights of man, which TJ restricted to only land-owning white males.

Still yet the major change/social justice that Liberians are longing for is rooted in the basic ideological origins of the American Revolution. Primordial to this longing is intellectual determinism. And the recent ruling of the Supreme Court of Liberia predicated on Articles 1 and 2 of the Constitution, which stand commensurately with Hamiltons Federalist no. 78, echoes this intellectual determinism. Hamiltons argument is that the legislature and judiciary are comparatively smaller to the power of the people. And a pivotal function of the judiciary is to ascertain that the legislature continues to function as a servant of the Constitution and the people who gave it its breath.



Nevertheless, however brilliant our justices were, they were also challenged politically in the face of the anxiety that our international partners were experiencing. Yet they did not falter in their faithfulness to the Constitution in its emphasis on the sovereignty of Liberia (Article 3) and the raison de^tre of the Republic in ascertaining the social, economic, and political well-being of Liberians (Article 6). As our high court has brilliantly and gallantly illustrated, the true revolutionary paradigm or map to true liberation is the Constitution. Nietzsche puts it this way:



He has heart who knows fear

But vanquishes it;

Who sees the abyss but with pride.

He who with eagles talons grasps the abyss,

He has courage.

(Thus Spake Zarathustra)



In 1768 as the British stationed their troops in Boston, this brought to surface a huge intellectual meaning. (Bailyn, 1967) Britain which set the stage for freedom and continuous enlightenment in the wake of its Glorious Revolution, was now, paradoxically, encroaching on the liberty of Americans in the thirteen colonies. Liberty was at the center of the American Revolution. James Otis, John Adams, and Abigail Adams focused on liberty as they made their points at Bostons Faneuil Hall. Indeed liberty was at the center of the American Revolution. But did this mean liberty for all? It was not until Reconstruction that liberty was actualized for all via the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, which abolished slavery, made Africans in America citizens, and gave them the right to vote respectively.



Only Hamilton and Paine were sincere about liberty. It would take several years later for John Quincy Adams to emerge as the true defender of liberty in mediating and advocating justice for some African slaves before the Federal Supreme Court. The African/Armistad slaves were taken to the Americas on the notorious Portuguese vessel the Tecora.



Hamilton, the greatest legal mind during the formation of the American Republic, facilitated plenary power for the Federal government and the creation of the First National Bank. He went on to underscore in his Federalist essay that:



The vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty; that, in the contemplation of a sound and well-informed judgment, their interest can never be separated; and that a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government.

(The Federalist Papers)



How true Hamiltons words are as they impel us all to become introspective as we take a retrospective glance at the inception of Liberias 1980 Revolution, which became a direct antithesis of Englands Glorious Revolution of 1688 as well as the antithesis of the very slogan of many Liberian revolutionaries at the time. Right after President Tolbert was slain, and thirteen men executed horrifically as other innocent Liberians were imprisoned, words were trumpeted, In the name of the people, the struggle continues. That struggle marked the beginning of an interregnum that plunged the country into tyranny that hurt everybody on all sides.

Critically observing the importance of the Constitution, Robert Middlekauff underscores the point in his work, The Glorious Cause that neither the battle at Yorktown nor the Peace Treaty at Paris brought the American Revolution to a decisive end. For him, it was the Constitutional Convention (1787), Constitutional Ratification (1788), and the Election and Inauguration of George Washington that made the difference (132).



Yes the military efforts of the thirteen colonies led by George Washington were historically significant. However, the American Revolution as an event of historically critical change was attainable primarily because the Constitution guided the colonists from regressing into the abyss of slavery through the Stamp Act, Tea Act, and other modes of oppression.



But I would go a step further than Middlekauff in asserting that it was the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, the first US Constitution, which was ratified in 1781that set the legal paradigm for liberty from Great Britain. But the first Constitution did not go far enough. Therefore, Hamilton, who understood what real liberty was all about, very skillfully, along with support from Madison and John Jay, framed the new Constitution, which diminished power from an alarmingly powerful legislature and allocated equal powers to the executive and judiciary.



Hence, John Hanson the first President of the United States (1781  1782) should be applauded. But Patrick Henry of Virginia (Give me liberty or give me death), Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison (Federalist Papers), and Thomas Jefferson were pivotal to the success of the American Revolution because freedom was enshrined and guaranteed best in the second US Constitution as it accorded every citizen what was envisaged and articulated by Jefferson and invariably Abigail Adams in The Declaration of Independence as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Article 11A of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia extrapolates from this document. It is worth noting here that in view of the above, and in light of historical irony, just as major Greek writers of antiquity like Euripides, Sophocles, Homer, and Aeschylus never celebrated life without affirming death, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, Americas second and third presidents died exactly on the same day during the 50th Anniversary /Jubilee Celebration of Americas Independence on July 4, 1826.



Was Aeschylus correct when he averred that we are called to tame the savageness of men and make tranquil the place of this world? It is our hope that our new president and vice president will continue to be loved and respected by all Liberians. They will need lots of support and understanding in the midst of mounting challenges. If Aeschylus is accurate, President Weah and Vice President Howard-Taylor will succeed in helping to tame the savageness of men in order to make peaceful the place of this world.



When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms but a vast banditry? We echo St. Augustines question in such a way as we bring finality to this essay because justice must be explicated and transmitted within the context of the Hebraic mishpah and tsadakah. In other words, socio-economically or assiduously, redistributive justice must flow/roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream. (Amos 5:24) No matter how much civility we are able to mediate from the bottom or top of the strata of society, we must never be satisfied with the world as it is.



Because of the intellectual fervor felt in some areas like Maryland, Grand Gedeh, Nimba, Bong, Cape Mount, Bomi, Montserrado, and other parts of the country, Liberia will transform from an intellectually insouciant community to an active, thirsty, and creative community in harnessing its medical, anthropological, social, agricultural, and technological skills for the true liberation of our native land and the preservation of all of our ecosphere.

References

Augustine, Bishop. 426 AD, Hippo, The City of God Book four vol 1, ed. Marcus Dods

Edinburgh: T & T Clark

Bailyn, Bernard. 1967. The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution Cambridge, MA:

Harvard University Press

Hamilton, Alexander. 1787. The Federalist Papers, New York & Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jay, John. 1787. Federalist 2 and 64 The Federalist Papers, New York and Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania

Kelly, Alfred H, Harbinson, Winifred. 1955. The American Constitution: Its Origin and

Development, Berkely, California: Norton Publisher

Kreitzner, Richard. 2000. The Supreme Court Gives the Presidential Election to George W.

Bush, The Nation, New York

Madison, James. 1787. Federalist 41, The Federalist Papers, Virginia and Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania

Moore, Michael. 2004. Fahrenheit 9/11 A Documentary on George W. Bush Agenda and

Election, US and Canada: Dog Eat Dog Films

Middlekauff, Robert. 1982. The Glorious Cause, Oxford, England: Oxford University Press

Sawyer, Amos. 1986. Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

Wood, Gordon S. 1996. Radicalism of the American Revolution, Baltimore, Maryland: Johns

Hopkins University Press

Dr. Murv L. Kandakai Gardiner is Professor of Psychology and

Chairman of the Department of Social Sciences at

William V.S. Tubman University, Harper, Maryland, Liberia

He can be reached for comments at murvgardiner@gmail.com and

mgardiner@tubmanu.edu.lr

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Liberia's post-conflict democratic governance period left the people of Liberia deprived, desperate and destitute. Liberians believe that the vast resources of the country were squandered, plundered, and pillaged. As a result, they rose-up during the election to hold Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Unity Party accountable, and overwhelmingly elected George Weah, president and Jewel Howard- Taylor, vice president. The Liberian people frantically wanted change at any cost due to their bitterness, anger and disappointment.

After 12 years of the country's best opportunity to fundamentally root transformative social change was squandered, Joseph Boakai became the fall guy for the country's collective hurt. During the presidency of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, poverty became overwhelmingly endemic, while corruption, nepotism, and patronage became the order of the day. Liberians simply could not stomach anything Ellen Johnson Sirleaf or Unity Party after 12 years of pure hell. The overwhelming majority of Liberians lost faith in the governing institutions of the country and in the elite that has hitherto controlled them; thereby, believing that the country has been on the wrong track for the past 12 years, so they rejected Joseph Boakai.

The results of the December 26 runoff election were a rebuke of kleptocracy in favor of inclusion and transformative social change. The majority of the Liberian people flatly disapproved of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf performance while in office, believing that they have nothing to lose after the country's most educated and celebrated leader failed them so miserably. The success of the CDC coalition is quite an achievement for a party that is comprised mostly of young people, many of whom were abandoned, neglected, excluded, and marginalized by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the past 12 years.

The 2017 elections shock the country to its core. George Weah and the CDC coalition must now seize this golden opportunity to impact the economy and the social order in a big way. The Weah victory should be nothing more than unsettling basic ideas and assumptions about development and transformative social change. Poverty needs to immediately be tackle in order to improve livelihoods, social conditions, awareness and outlook. The enormous expectations of the young people, many of whom are unskilled, unqualified and unemployed, must constructively be dealt with in a holistic manner because the vast majority of Liberians believe that their suffering will come to an end after George Weah takes office in January.

George Weah must remember that he won the presidency because his coalition was able to effectively mobilize the Liberian people to accept the hard truths that the country will be faced with over the next decade. The CDC coalition rode the wave of change generated by the miserable failure of the Unity Party lead by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Hence, they have been granted a huge opportunity by the Liberian people to make a significant difference in the lives of the youth and poverty-stricken masses. The time has now come to govern and lead the country to greatness. The Weah administration must initiate strategic policies of inclusion, and not fuel policies of marginalization and exclusion, which could have allowed the country to return to violence, bloodshed and destruction. George Weah must leverage the result of the elections to build an inclusive society where the livelihood of all Liberians can be improved.

Without delay, the state must emphatically declare as offensive and unacceptable, cronyism, corruption, nepotism, privilege, and the use of state resources for self-enrichment. As replacement, strategies must be developed to constructively engage the huge youth bulge in an inclusive manner so as to ignite transformative social change throughout the country. Reform measures must be put in place to make over the entire education, healthcare, and agricultural sectors to enhance a conducive and enabling social environment to improve life, wellbeing and progress. This is the legacy that Liberia deserve. The country and its political structures must never again be allowed to be manipulated and used for personal benefit. Incompetent, selfish and greedy people must be eliminated so as to fundamentally bring about transformative social change.

Those civil and public servants who go in to assist the CDC coalition should be prepared to not use their office as a magnet for kickbacks and enticements. Extreme poverty, hardship, unemployment, illiteracy, insecurity, and hopelessness are still the order of the day for millions of Liberians. Over 70% of our people lack education, skill-sets, opportunity and basic services to participate in and grow the economy; while, countless number of youth and women continue to experience extreme limitations in accessing opportunities and income to improve livelihood and entrepreneurial skills.



To begin this process, the George Weah administration must immediately commission a fiscal audit and comprehensive appraisal of all concession agreements of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration. The new government should also consider establishing mechanisms to provide robust opportunities to confiscate and repatriate stolen government funds hidden away in foreign banks. Our country's enormous natural resource endowment must translate into economic progress and better quality of life for all Liberians. It is disgusting and unacceptable to imagine the squandering of our national resource while children die throughout the country on a daily basis due to penury and curable diseases. After 12 years of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement, Liberia deserves a government of inclusion, access, participation, equity and development. Those social cancers that plague the Sirleaf administration, should never again be allowed to manifest themselves or permeate our governance structures by becoming impediments, which obstruct our country from realizing transformative social change. Our country should never again be allowed to become a destitute pariah state as it once was. The vast resources of our country should be used to provide the foundation for enviable development and economic growth, and definitely not a curse, while over 80% of Liberians live below the poverty line.

About the Author: Send comments, observations, questions and remarks to: Francis Nyepon at fnyepon@aol.com

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It took Great Plains Lutheran more than three years to notch a win, only two weeks for anotherDonald Fagen's new Steely Dan lineup will join the stage this year with the Doobie Brothers as part of a co-headlining tour called "The Summer of Living Dangerously."

The tour will be Steely Dan's most extensive one since the death of co-founder, Walter Becker in 2017.

The joint shows will begin May 10 in Charlotte and continue through to mid-July where they are booked for a final night in Bethel, New York.

The tour will travel throughout North America over this time. Check out the full list of announced shows on Steely Dan's official website.

Source: Ultimate Classic RockZoe Recruitment is an HRconsultancy company that exists to contribute to the transformation ofproductivity and work ethic, by linking talent to business/organizations, andplacing people right. At Zoe we believe this then forms the foundation forsustainable business and on a larger scale, economic growth. Zoe would like torecruit for a valuable client, an SME trading in ceramic tiles and householditems.Advance Uganda Micro FinanceLimited (AUMF) is a micro-finance institution established by the AdventistDevelopment and Relief Agency (ADRA) Uganda to render micro finance services tothe economically active communities in underserved areas. The founders of AUMFinclude ADRA Uganda, who founded it in collaboration with ADRA Sweden whofunded her establishment.This is a composite timelapse video (including some sweet stargazing footage) created by Fran Garcia during his tour of duty aboard the Suzemax oil tanker Teide Spirit. The trip spans from Algeciras, Spain, to Sidi Kerir, Egypt and back again from September to November 2017 (previously: a timelapse of a cargo ship's one-month voyage from Sri Lanka to Hong Kong). It's almost enough to make you want to quit your job and go sail the seven seas, isn't it? "That's actually an ancient misnomer, there are over a hundred seas." My God you would never make it as a pirate.

Keep going for the video.

Thanks Fran, and let me know if you ever need a first mate to keep the other pirates in check with a good lashing or plank walking.DATA PAYOUTS Peers are considering changes that could force companies to pay compensation to customers when their personal data is stolen by hackers. The amendment to the Data Protection Bill would allow people to sue firms who had been careless with data.

Amendments to the Data Protection Bill would allow people to sue firms who had been careless with data

PROPERTY PAYS Buy-to-let landlords will still receive about 16.7 billion in tax relief even after a government crackdown in 2020, according to estate agent Ludlow Thompson. Stephen Ludlow, the firms chairman, added: Buy-to-let tax breaks are still very valuable, highlighting that rental property remains a highly attractive investment vehicle.

THEATRE DRAMA British billionaire Sir Cameron Mackintosh received no payout from his theatre company last year after profits tumbled. The 71-year-olds business said profits slumped 16 per cent to 23.2 million in the year to March 2017. Sales fell 9.6 per cent to 132.6 million. It came after he was paid a 35 million dividend in 2016, accounts show.

BOOMING SALES Nightclub chain Deltic Group has cheered surging sales over the festive season. The firm saw like-for-like sales rise 8.2 per cent in the four weeks ending in December 2017, largely thanks to Christmas parties, along with total sales of 2.4 million on New Years Eve.

SHOW HOMES A documentary series that will give viewers a look inside extraordinary homes has been snapped up by Apple. The series will span ten episodes and comes hot on the heels of another show starring Reese Witherspoon which the tech giant also bought.

PLUG N PLAY Tesla boss Elon Musk has promised a drive-in, roller skates and rock restaurant at one of the companys new electric car charging points in Los Angeles. The billionaire inventor made the declaration on Twitter, where he has been known to respond directly to customer queries about his firms vehicles.Shares in Carillion surged more than 20 per cent today as investors were hopeful the group will manage to secure new funding to avoid collapse later this week when it meets with lenders.

The construction firm, a major government contractor which is involved in the building of the HS2 railway, will hold crunch-talks with lenders this week.

The company is reportedly set to meet with HSBC, Santander and Barclays in a bid to cut debts and clinch new funding.

Shares in the group rose 20 per cent higher to 22.7p in afternoon trading.

High hopes: Carillion is involved in the building of the HS2 railway

Bosses are considering a rescue plan that would see it hand back loss-making contracts, revise others and potentially take financial support from the Government.

A loan from the taxpayer could be on commercial terms, or achieved via a renegotiation of contracts.

Carillion has struggled since reporting half-year losses of 1.15billion. Its share price plummeted 90 per cent after announcing its first profit warning last July.

They also fell after the companys decision to breach debt covenants along with another profit warning in November, when it said annual profits would be lower than expected.

A Carillion spokesman said: Carillion is in constructive discussions with a broad range of stakeholders regarding its options to reduce net debt and recapitalise and/or restructure the groups balance sheet.

The group is currently finalising its business plan, which it intends to present to its financial creditors and certain other stakeholders on January 10.

By David Madden market analyst at CMC Markets UK said: 'The firm has lurched from profit warning to profit warning in recent months as high debt levels and a cash flow problems.

'Now the company is seeking assistance to help it bounce back, but the problem is that its bankers dont want to over expose themselves to the company.

'Carillion does have a healthy order book of work lined up, it just needs a short-term solution to ensure its survival.'Shares in tech company Micro Focus International plunged 15 per cent today after the company posted disappointing sales at its recently-acquired Hewlett Packard Enterprise business and trimmed down revenue forecasts.

In the first set of results since completing the 7billion acquisition, Micro Focus said revenues at HPE were at 'the bottom of the range' of its previous guidance.

The Berkshire-based firm, which helps companies with old systems update their information technology, added it now expected revenues to fall between 2 and 4 per cent in the year to the end of October 2018.

The company expects revenues to fall between 2 and 4 per cent in the year to the end of October 2018

Shares in the FTSE 100 listed firm fell 15 per cent, or 386p, to 2196p in morning trading.

That's despite reporting a 29 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to $145.7million in the first half compared to the previous year and an 80.3 per cent jump in revenue to $1.23billion. However, these numbers were a bit below some analysts' expectations.

But on a positive note, the company announced a 16 per cent increase in dividend to 34.60 cents and looked set to profit from Donald Trump's cuts to corporate tax as it now expects a rate of 25 per cent in the future, instead of over 30 per cent.

The group also announced some management's changes following its HPE acquisition.

Mike Phillips, its chief financial officer, will take on the newly created role of director of mergers and acquisitions, while Chris Kennedy, a former finance chief at ARM and easyJet, will be taking over as the new chief financial officer.

Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo Markets, said: 'Whilst H1 financials themselves failed to live up to City expectations - both MF and HPE growth undershot - there is good news in the form of a 16% dividend hike and looming US tax reform benefit.

'However, this does nothing to offset guidance being considered below par. Which is a worry when the CFO has moved to a more M&A focused role, suggesting more purchases, acquisition risk and integration of slower growth. Although at least his replacement has pedigree as ex-CFO of ARM Holdings, easyJet and EMI.'

Micro Focus and HP announced a deal last year whereby HPE would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Micro Focus in a 6.6billion 'reverse takeover', where the smaller company buys the larger.

But today's results add to previously voiced concerns that the acquisition was perhaps not a very good idea. There are fears over the health of the Hewlett Packard business, which also contains the remaining assets of another former FTSE 100 software firm - Autonomy.

Mike van Dulken added that the share plunge may have been a bit of an over-reaction to the results and said: 'Perhaps investors need more time to see that the latest monster acquisition is providing value before hearing more about incremental additions of the older product types the company likes to eke the most out.'MBABANE  Good news is in the air for SMEs following the approval of an over E300 million loan to Swaziland Development Finance Corporation (FINCORP).



FINCORP Managing Director (MD) Dumisani Msibi has confirmed that the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) gave the greenlight to a Line of Credit (LOC) valued at E355 million (US$26 million) to finance key projects in key priority sectors including manufacturing, transport and logistics, forestry, agri-business, building and construction.



Explained



Msibi explained that the facility would help and scale up support to critical sectors in Swaziland and support efforts to promote private sector development.



He said it would also enhance FINCORPs liquidity and ability to provide financing on appropriate terms to projects and enterprises in key sectors including lower levels of economic activity.



The LOC will have positive development impacts including availing scarce long-term liquidity injection and promotion of private sector participation in key sectors as well as contribute to gender and social development through support to projects in rural and underserved communities, Msibi explained.



Demand



The MD said the AfDB loan comes at a time when FINCORP was faced with a huge demand for business loans which far exceeded their capacity to supply.

Msibi clarified that part of the loan amounting to E235 million was, however, subject to a government guarantee and they had since submitted their request to the ministry of finance. We are hoping that the guarantee will be issued without any delays so that we can begin to draw down on the line of credit for the benefit of the Swazi SMEs.

The biggest advantage for this facility is its tenure of 10 years which will now enable us to offer extended duration to clients, said Msibi.



On top of the loan AfDB has also offered technical assistance to the institution by way of strengthening credit appraisal and risk management. He said they would also train their staff. AfDB will also work with FINCORP in tracking development outcomes. It was also added that the financed projects and enterprises were expected to contribute to Swazilands economic development, generate employment opportunities and reduced income inequalities.



Mentioned



It should be mentioned that FINCORP realised a profit drop of 34.92 per cent, which amounts to E8.8 million in monetary terms.

The company with two shareholders in the Swazi Government and Tibiyo TakaNgwane holding 80 per cent and 20 per cent respectively reported that the group profit after tax of E16.4 million.

This is a decline from the profits of E25.2 million made the previous year. This is largely because the parent company posted a loss of E8.6 million which is largely attributable to foreign exchange valuation losses of 14.8 million, reported Tibiyo TakaNgwane in the financial year ended April 30, 2016.



COLONIE  Local proponents of legislation that would allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults to speed up their deaths began rallying the troops Monday, urging them to think globally and act locally.

As bill sponsors and advocates plan a press conference at the Capitol Tuesday to kick off a campaign to increase legislative endorsements for medical aid in dying, Amanda Cavanaugh of Compassion & Choices urged supporters at the William K. Sanford Town Library to approach county legislators for their backing.

Its not just about the state legislation, Cavanaugh said. We need to have everybody in on this movement to make it a positive one.

Cavanaugh was the featured speaker at the monthly meeting of Death with Dignity-Albany, which backs medical aid in dying. Modeled after a 20-year-old Oregon law, the New York proposal would give patients with a terminal diagnosis and less than six months to live the option to take a lethal dose of medication.

The practice, legal in six states and the District of Columbia, is often referred to as physician-assisted suicide. But advocates shun that terminology, as suicide often occurs when a person is mentally depressed and physically well  the opposite of a person eligible for medical aid in dying, who must have a condition with no remedy.

People are choosing how they die, Cavanaugh said of medical aid in dying, but at the end of the day, theyre dying anyway. So its different.

Proponents of medical aid in dying characterize it as an option that allows people to avoid needless pain and suffering. Opponents include the Catholic Church and some disability rights groups, which have expressed concerns that terminally ill patients may feel coerced into ending their lives too early, or will base decisions on a depressed psychological state or bad medical information.

In other states where medical aid in dying has been enacted, the passage of local resolutions has helped gain traction for legislative efforts on the state level, Cavanagh said. Yet while Compassion & Choices has a toolkit for citizens to push for the passage of such resolutions, Cavanaugh asked interested people in attendance to contact her directly, as the population and demographics in New York vary widely.

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The tactic of garnering local support for the proposals will be replicated statewide, Cavanaugh said.

This is the third year that Compassion & Choices is introducing the legislation in New York. The proposal passed the Assembly Health Committee last year, but did not advance in the Senate. The advocacy group focused its efforts in 2017 on educating legislators about the bill in one-on-one sessions, Cavanaugh said, and this year will work hard to move it forward.New York

Firefighter Brian Marts was battling a raging blaze in an apartment building, but he was also fighting the bitter cold.

Spray from his hose in an elevated bucket encased his helmet, coat and gloves in layers of glassy ice that made it tough to move. Icicles hung from ladders and power lines. Slick fire escapes and the streets below made every step treacherous for both firefighters and those fleeing the flames. With temperatures in the teens, frostbite became another real threat.

"Everyone really shows true grit. You dig deep because that's what you do," Marts recalled of the Jan. 2 blaze in the Bronx that destroyed a four-story building and injured 23 people. "The cold doesn't last forever."

But the cold snap that has plunged much of the nation into a deep freeze for weeks has also created a potentially deadly combination for firefighters: More fires caused by space heaters or unattended flames, and treacherous conditions that can slow crews down when every second counts.

Fires last month in New York City alone killed 27 people, the city's deadliest December in a decade. That included 13 killed in a Dec. 29 blaze started by a toddler playing with stove burners. Another fire in Brooklyn that killed a mother and three of her children was started by candles from a Hanukkah menorah.

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Five buildings in Newark, New Jersey, were destroyed early Friday morning after firefighters battled freezing temperatures and high wind that carried the flames across the street. When firefighters were finished, the buildings were encased in ice.

Frozen hydrants, seized hoses, ice-stuck ladders and equipment failures are just some of the threats cold-weather departments prepare for months in advance, though officials acknowledge they can only do so much. Firefighters set up extra layers in their go-kits; some rub Vaseline on their faces to protect skin. Engineers who drive the trucks keep cans full of sand or salt to add traction to the slick ground. Teams rotate in and out faster to avoid hypothermia. Some departments keep steam trucks at the ready to free firefighters who get frozen to their hoses.Note: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik held three public, in-district events in 2017. A previous version of the story was incorrect.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS  Voters from the 21st Congressional District packed the Moreau Community Center on Sunday afternoon to listen to and get an early look at candidates hoping to unseat incumbent Elise Stefanik.

Hosted by Citizens Acting Together 21, the standing-room-only event was meant to introduce all 11 candidates, including Stefanik, to constituents.

All eight Democrats showed, and one Republican, Russell Finley, sent a statement to be read to the crowd. Republican Steven Schnibbe did not respond to the invitation. Neither did Stefanik. And that, constituents say, is one of the problems with her representation.

"I'm not particularly satisfied with Stefanik," said Bruce Caskey of Moreau who was in the audience. "I've tried to meet with her several times. She refused to show up here today. That says a lot."

Tim Schalachter of Wilton, also in the crowd, agreed. He called Stefanik  who in 2017 had three public events  unapproachable.

Stefanik's spokeman Tom Flanagin said that the forum was for Democrats and no Republicans attended. He also said that she has participated in more than 500 events since taking office.

"In 2018, Congresswoman Stefanik will continue her aggressive schedule of constituent outreach," Flanagin said.

At this point, it's too early to tell whom Stefanik will face. Bob Lippman, co-founder of CAT 21, said that this event, along with a similar event last September, was meant to give voters an idea who will be the strongest candidate heading into the November elections.

"Voters need to be able to distinguish the candidates," Lippman said. "How much did they raise, where did they raise it from, if they are intending to run as a third party. A lot of today's questions will be about process more than policy."

The eight participants  Tanya Boone of Granville, Don Boyajian of Cambridge, Tedra Cobb of Canton, Sara Idleman of Greenwich, Ronald Kim of Queensbury, Emily Martz of Saranac Lake, Patrick Nelson of Stillwater and Katie Wilson of Keene  began with opening statements describing their backgrounds, their careers and what their focus would be in Congress.

They also answered questions about fundraising. While not all candidates knew what was in their coffers, Cobb and Boyajian have raised the most so far  just above the $200,000 mark.

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Nelson asked candidates to pledge not to take money from corporate SuperPACs or registered lobbyists. Boyajian, Kim and Wilson agreed. Boone said she already received funding from a union, while Idleman said that she would accept money from a PAC if the PAC worked for causes she believed in.

Finley, in his statement, vowed to beat Stefanik in a primary and said he was looking forward to facing one of the Democrats in the fall.

Afterwards, Lippman opened the floor up to a town hall-style meeting. The Saratoga Springs attorney said he hoped the questions, some submitted via Facebook before the event, would help voters "drill down on each candidate."

"There are eight candidates and limited time," Lippman said. "It's not a lot of time to answer too many specific questions."

Enid Engler, who came to hear the candidates speak, is focused on removing Stefanik from office in November. To do that, said the Hague resident, the Democrats need a strong candidate.

"We have to narrow it down to one good candidate," she said. "This will help all of us decide."

Note: Stefanik held three events in 2017 that were open to the public. An earlier version of this story had an incorrect number.It sounds like an urban legend: A 60-year-old man bent to pick something up outside a subway station in Stockholm.

It exploded, blowing up his hand and killing him.

But Swedish police say that's exactly what happened Sunday morning outside the Varby Gard subway station in Huddinge, a suburb to the city's south.

Witnesses say the man leaned over to pick something up from the ground. When it exploded, he was rushed to the hospital, where he died.

A woman in her mid-40s was injured in the blast. Police say she suffered minor wounds to the face and legs.

Police can't say for sure what the device was or why it exploded. Rescue official Lars-Ake Stevelind told the Swedish broadcaster SVT that "someone has used some type of explosive material" for the object. The Aftonbladet and Expressen tabloids claimed that it was a hand grenade, but police spokesman Sven-Erik Olsson dismissed that as speculation, according to the Associated Press.

Police say that they don't believe terrorism is to blame or that the victims was targeted. For now, the station is cordoned off, as officials sweep the area for any other possible explosives. They are also carefully reviewing security camera footage.

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This is just the latest mysterious explosion in Sweden.

In October, bombs were detonated across the country. Explosions went off in at least two apartment buildings in Malmo. A hand grenade was tossed into a nightclub in Angelholm, which injured at least one person. A powerful blast ripped the entrance off a police station. The doorway was laced with dynamite so powerful that it blew a chunk of rubble more than 250 feet away, into the living room of someone's home. Police attributed the attack to "criminal circles."

Bomb scares and threats are becoming more common, too. In the United States, right-wing outlets such as Infowars and Breitbart have cited the explosions as evidence that President Donald Trump is right in concluding that more open immigration policies mean more crime. But local outlets say there's another explanation.

According to the Local, "Explosives are often used by organized crime rings in Sweden, especially in the south where settling of scores and intimidation are frequent among drug traffickers. Police and judges are also regularly targeted."A Nenagh driver was involved in two separate incidents of what appeared to be racing cars on the public road, Nenagh Court was told.

Luke Grey of 5 Stone Cottage, Five Alley, Nenagh, pleaded to a number of road traffic charges, including careless driving at Knockalton, Nenagh, on November 17, 2016, and again at Lisbunny, Nenagh, on December 28, 2016.

The court was told on November 17, the Gardai observed two cars in succession passing a car and turning on to a minor road at Casey's Cross.

Both cars appeared to be racing, the court heard.

The court was told the cars took the bend at an unsafe speed.

The Gardai identified one of the drivers as Luke Grey and the driver of the second car as Adam Maxwell of 12 Yewston Estate, Nenagh.

Mr Maxwell also pleaded to careless driving on the day in question as well as having no insurance and other motoring offences.

The Gardai switched on the patrol car's blue light and followed the cars to a house where Mr Maxwell took off running.

The Gardai questioned Mr Grey who failed to produce his licence and the car had no tax or NCT certs. The fixed penalty notice for these remained unpaid.

They later stopped a car in which Mr Maxwell was a pasenger and demanded his documents but he refused to show them on the basis that he was not driving.

The court heard that Mr Grey had 27 previous convictions while Mr Maxwell had 13.

Mr Maxwell's solicitor, Elizabeth McKeever, said her client had a bad history but his parents had separated whe he was a small child and he had ADHD. He also suffered from fibromyalgia.

Ms McKeever said Mr Maxwell had recently become a father and I have seen a change in his attitude since the baby was born.

She said Mr Maxwell hoped to go back to education and his financial circumstances were not good.

Judge Flann Brennan fined Mr Maxwell 100 and disqualified him from driving for four years for no insurance.

He fined the defendant 100 for careless driving and disqualified him for two years.

Mr Maxwell was fined 50 for no licence and 50 for failing to stop.

In a second case, the court was told that Mr Grey was observed by Gardai driving side by side with another vehicle at Lisbunny on December 28, 2016.

Both vehicles were travelling at speed and appeared to be racing.

The Gardai had to take evasive action and followed the cars to a garage on Dublin Road.

The drivers were identified as Mr Grey and Jason McInerney of Tullaheady, Nenagh.

Judge Brennan was told Mr Grey became so abusive the Gardai had to call for assistance.

The court heard that when the Gardai told Mr McInerney they were seizing his car, he told one Garda: I will kick the b******s out of you.

He continued to be abusive.

Both defendants pleaded to careless driving and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour on the date in question.

The court heard that Mr McInerney had nine previous convictions.

His barrister, Erin O'Hagan, said that Mr McInerney could offer no excuse for his behaviour.

She said he lived outside Nenagh and needed his car as his father had left the family home to live in the UK and his mother didn't drive.

Mr McInerney had a 14-year-old brother with ADHD and his family circumstances were a sad situation.

She said her client hoped to return to education and begin a trade.

Ms O'Hagan outlined that her client had a previous dangerous driving charge reduced to careless driving.

I've warned him he is in toruble but he is the author of his own misfortune, she said.

Judge Brennan fined Mr McInerney 100 for careless driving and disqualified him from driving for two years.

He fined him 50 for threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Recognizance in the event of an appeal were set in Mr Mcinerney's own bond of 100.

In relation to Mr Grey, his counsel, Mr Nicholas, BL, said his client was 29 years old and the father of six children, one of whom has health problems.

He said Mr Grey's wife had mental health issues and, appealing for no disqualification, Mr Nicholas said Mr Grey needed his car to take her to appointments.

Mr Grey told the court he accepted what he did was an act of stupidity.

Judge Brennan said: You have little respect for the rules of the road. My fear is you are going to kill someone.

However, he agreed to give Mr Grey a chance, warning him that he should drive at a reasonable speed and stop at junctions.

He fined Mr Grey 50 for careless driving at Knockalton in November 17, 2016 and 100 for the offence at Lisbunny on December 28, 2016.

He fined Mr Grey 25 for threatening, abusive and insulting bahaviour at Lisbunny on December 28.

Judge Brennan fined Mr Grey a further 125 in total for having no NCT, failing to comply with the directions of a Garda and failing to stop.

It's all about respect for road users and the Gardai, said the judge.

In a contested case, Mr Grey had a charge of careless driving dismissed after he told the court he had not received any notification of the fixed penalty notice.

The court had heard that Mr Grey took a sharp turn right at Banba Square in Nenagh on February 2, 2017, narrowly missing an oncoming vehicle.

The court was told the car was stopped and the driver gave his name as Luke Grey and a penalty notice was issued.

I never received paperwork, Mr Grey told the court in evidence.

Asked by Judge Brennan if anything else went missing in the post he replied: No.

Striking out the summons, Judge Brennan described the process of serving summonses by post instead of handing the defendant a ticket as nonsense and having to strike out cases where the defendant said under oath they did not receive a summons as stupid[January 08, 2018] California Ushers in Legal Cannabis with New Self-Service Automation

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Grasshopper Kiosks ( grasshopperkiosks.com), the developers of the nation's leading fully compliant self-service systems for the storage and dispensing of cannabis products, have installed a unit in Berkeley Patients Group (BPG), the nation's longest continuously operating marijuana dispensary. The Grasshopper automated self-service sales system streamlines transaction times, tracks inventory and payments, and collects real-time data about sales trends. Grasshopper Kiosks sell products from a secure, climate-controlled, automated storage and dispensing system. Grasshopper's systems are ADA compliant and were designed to work in accordance with the complex regulations that govern California's legal cannabis industry. The system in use at BPG sells a variety of products, including pre-rolled joints, vape cartridges and edibles. "The system has been purposefully designed for cannabis dispensaries, and can be utilized to accommodate and support a variety of business needs," said Ron Christensen, Vice President of Grasshopper Kiosks. "For instance, the system can be configured to handle only medical or only adult-use products, and will keep track of those transactions separately for regulatory and taxation purposes. In this manner the Grasshopper system not only streamlines transactions for customers, but also reduces paperwork and inventory challenges for employees."



Grasshopper Kiosks can also be stocked with a dispensary's most popular items, creating a "Fastlane Checkout" for customers on the go. "We recorded over 70 transactions on the system on its first day," said Sean Luse, COO at Berkeley Patients Group. "We appreciate having a tool that not only helps customers conduct transactions quickly and easily, but also provides us with excellent data and revenue reports."

Berkeley Patients Group was one of the few dispensaries in California that was licensed to sell adult-use cannabis beginning on January 1, 2018. The dispensary opened their doors to a waiting crowd, and Berkeley Mayor, Jesse Arreguin, performed a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Reporters and photographers from both national and Bay Area television stations, newspapers, and wire services covered the event. "We are excited to be changing the landscape of this new $7 billion legal industry with accomplished peers like the people at Berkeley Patients Group," said Martin Kaufman, CEO of Grasshopper Kiosks. "One of our top priorities is working with dispensaries to help them create a brand distinction in the market with a tool that enhances the customer experience and protects regulatory compliance." For more information on Grasshopper Kiosks, call: 877-828-3879, email: Sales@GrasshopperKiosks.com, or visit: www.grasshopperkiosks.com Connect with Grasshopper Kiosks on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-ushers-in-legal-cannabis-with-new-self-service-automation-300578658.html SOURCE Grasshopper Kiosks

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] Evotec and Apeiron Achieve First Milestone in Immuno-Oncology Alliance with Sanofi

Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, TecDAX, ISIN: DE0005664809) and APEIRON Biologics AG, a company focused on cancer immunotherapy, announced today that the companies received the first milestone payment from Sanofi under a 3-party alliance signed in August 2015. The milestone payment of EUR 3 m will be split equally between the two biotech companies. The success payment was triggered when the partners successfully advanced an undisclosed, novel immuno-oncology small molecule into late-stage pre-clinical development. Under the alliance, the three companies work together to identify small molecule leads and targets for next-generation therapies in immuno-oncology, which may complement the pre-clinical and clinical profiles of leading checkpoint inhibitors. Dr Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, commented: "The Evotec and APEIRON teams are proud to have achieved our first milestone with Sanofi to discover and develop novel immuno-oncology small molecules therapies. It is a first-in-class approach with tremendous potential in combination with marketed checkpoint inhibitors but also as standalone therapy. The field of immuno-oncology will continue to evolve and at Evotec we will continue to invest in this area." Dr Hans Loibner, Chief Executive Officer of APEIRON Biologics, said: "We are delighted by the progress made in our collaboration with Evotec and Sanofi. Based on our scientific findings and the mode of action, we jointly agreed to accelerate the research and pre-clinical development of this very promising molecule. The successful achievement of this milestone further demonstrates our abilities to drive innovation in the field of immuno-oncology." ABOUT THE EVOTEC-APEIRON-SANOFI-ALLIANCE The strategic collaboration was set up in 2015 to support the long-term pipeline building for Evotec, APEIRON Biologics and Sanofi and has a potential value of over EUR 200 m in milestone payments and significant royalties. The collaboration includes major research and development efforts to advance a first-in-class orally available small molecule approach based on a novel target to treat solid and hematopoietic cancers by enhancing the anti-tumor activity of human immune cells. All three companies are making significant contributions to this collaboration in terms of scientific expertise, technological platforms and resources. The collaboration will further enhance and complement Sanofi's extensive oncology portfolio and enables Evotec to address the drug discovery area of immuno-oncology. Furthermore, the agreement will substantially support APEIRON's strategy of focusing on novel and innovative checkpoint inhibiting approaches. ABOUT APEIRON BIOLOGICS AG APEIRON is a private biotech company based in Vienna, Austria, engaged in innovative projects in immuno-oncology. Recently, the most advanced program, an immunotherapy to treat neuroblastoma, was granted marketing approval in the EU. The company is developing additional immunotherapies based either on targeted, tumour-specific approaches or on the stimulation of the immune system via novel and proprietary modes of action (unique checkpoint blockade mechanisms) to fight cancer by engaging the human body's natural defense mechanisms. For additional information please go to www.apeiron-biologics.com and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @apeironbio ABOUT EVOTEC AG Evotec is a drug discovery alliance and development partnership company focused on rapidly progressing innovative product approaches with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academics, patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists. We operate worldwide providing the highest quality stand-alone and integrated drug discovery solutions, covering all activities from target-to-clinic to meet the industry's need for innovation and efficiency in drug discovery (EVT Execute). The Company has established a unique position by assembling top-class scientific experts and integrating state-of-the-art technologies as well as substantial experience and expertise in key therapeutic areas including neuroscience, diabetes and complications of diabetes, pain and inflammation, oncology and infectious diseases. On this basis, Evotec has built a broad and deep pipeline of more than 80 partnered product opportunities at clinical, pre-clinical and discovery stages (EVT Innovate). Evotec has established multiple long-term discovery alliances with partners including Bayer, CHDI, Sanofi or UCB and development partnerships with e.g. with Sanofi in the field of diabetes, with Pfizer in the field of tissue fibrosis and Celgene in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. For additional information please go to www.evotec.com and follow us on Twitter @EvotecAG. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgement of Evotec as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.







Language: English Company: Evotec AG Manfred Eigen Campus / Essener Bogen 7 22419 Hamburg Germany Phone (News - Alert) : +49 (0)40 560 81-0 Fax: +49 (0)40 560 81-222 E-mail: info@evotec.com Internet: www.evotec.com ISIN: DE0005664809 WKN: 566480 Indices: TecDAX Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180107005139/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] Air Liquide Electronics: A Record Year in Asia with New Major Contracts in 2017

PARIS, JAN. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2017 Air Liquide signed several new long-term contracts with major electronics manufacturers in China, as well as Japan and Singapore. Air Liquide will invest more than 150 million euros in the region to supply ultra-pure carrier gases to its customers' new fabs which manufacture integrated circuits, memory, imaging sensors and flat panel displays for consumer electronics and mobile devices. Carrier gases such as ultra-pure nitrogen are critical to the high tech semiconductor industry. These gases are used directly in the chip and display manufacturing processes as well as to maintain an ultra-clean atmosphere to protect manufacturing tools. Air Liquide will invest in new world class efficiency ultra-high purity onsite nitrogen generation systems representing a total production capacity of 170,000 Nm3/h. In addition, the demand for Air Liquide's Advanced Materials continued to grow in the Asia-Pacific region notably in China, South Korea and Japan. Advanced Materials are used in the first layers of the nano transistors at the heart of the processors and memories found in consumer eectronics and mobile devices.



Today's continuing evolution in technology from Artificial Intelligence, mobile and connected devices, Big Data, electric and autonomous vehicles are driving significant demand for semiconductor chips, sensors and high resolution displays. Air Liquide is supporting customers that manufacture cutting-edge memory devices for improved data access speeds and last generation smartphones. Michael J. Graff, Executive Vice President and member of the Air Liquide Group's Executive Committee supervising Electronics, said: "Air Liquide continues to demonstrate its leadership in Electronics in Asia. The new contracts illustrate Air Liquide's ability to supply electronics customers with products and services that meet the highest standards in the fast-growing semiconductor and flat panel industry."

Air Liquide's Electronics business Generating EUR1,618 million in revenue in 2016, the Electronics business line of Air Liquide is a world reference in molecule design, manufacturing and delivery for the electronics industry. The Electronics business line of Air Liquide is a long-term partner providing innovative solutions to the markets for semiconductors, photovoltaics and flat panel displays. 3,850 specialists worldwide are dedicated to providing the agility and reliability our customers need. www.electronics-airliquide.com

Air Liquide The world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 80 countries with approximately 65,000 employees and serves more than 3 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide's scientific territory and have been at the core of the company's activities since its creation in 1902.

Air Liquide's ambition is to lead its industry, deliver long term performance and contribute to sustainability. The company's customer-centric transformation strategy aims at profitable growth over the long term. It relies on operational excellence, selective investments, open innovation and a network organization implemented by the Group worldwide. Through the commitment and inventiveness of its people, Air Liquide leverages energy and environment transition, changes in healthcare and digitization, and delivers greater value to all its stakeholders.

Air Liquide's revenue amounted to EUR18.1 billion in 2016 and its solutions that protect life and the environment represented more than 40% of sales. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, EURO STOXX 50 and FTSE4Good indexes. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180108/2027089-1



SOURCE Air Liquide China

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] Continental's 3D Touch Surface Display Receives Highest Honor at CES 2018 Innovation Awards

DETROIT, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's first touchscreen, featuring a 3D surface, combines a unique visual appearance with a brand-new operating concept by Continental. The innovative 3D touch surface display can be operated instinctively, enhancing the user experience and increasing safety. The technology company was awarded the CES 2018 Best of Innovation Award in the "In-Vehicle Audio/Video" category, the highest awarded honor in its category, for its state of the art design and breakthrough technology. "Our latest display solution combines three elements: design, safety and user experience. The 3D surface not only allows for exciting design, but it also ensures that drivers can operate the various functions without having to take their eyes off the road," said Dr. Frank Rabe, head of the Instrumentation & Driver HMI business unit at Continental. "The CES Innovation Awards honor technologies for the very highest standards of design and engineering prowess, so we are absolutely delighted to have received this award." Technological creativity for innovative user concept The growing demand among users for new features and digital content means that in-vehicle touchscreens are getting bigger and bigger. While conventional screens are ideal for the flexible display of digital information, their shortcomings quickly become apparent when it comes to user-friendliness and design possibilities for vehicle manufacturers. To address this, Continental developed a 3D surface for its new touchscreen. The 3D elements allow brand-specific individualization of the high-quality plastic surface and, at the same time, finger guidance that users can actually feel. Continental's haptic technology also means that the display can provide haptic feedback when touched, allowing drivers to operate the display instinctively without having to take their eyes off the roa.



"As humanmachine interfaces become ever more complex, the combination of active, haptic feedback and passive feedback from the 3D surface ensures an outstanding user experience and significantly improves operational safety," explained Rabe. Haptic feedback and high contrast for reliable operation

Drivers can use the touch-sensitive 3D elements on the sides of the display like sliders to set frequently used functions such as volume or temperature settings without having to navigate away from the displayed menu. In the center of the display are specific, virtual buttons allowing blind operation of a range of applications, which change depending on the current menu. To prevent the driver from triggering any functions accidentally when interacting with the 3D elements, the touch force is measured (force sensing) before a command is executed. In addition, haptic feedback tells drivers when they have reached the edge of a screen element as they pass their finger over the screen, which allows them to distinguish between different virtual buttons without having to look at the screen. Haptic feedback is provided in the form of a short and highly precise mechanical pulse that is transferred to the display surface; any mechanized movement of the display is completely invisible to the naked eye. To optimize the contrast of the 3D Touch Surface Display, Continental has employed optically bonded, topographical elements that are up to ten millimeters high, homogeneously tinted and can be modified to fit any display size and shape. Continental will unveil the world's first 3D touchscreen for the first time at CES in Las Vegas. Additionally, Continental also received recognition for its CAirS and Ac2ated Sound technologies. Both were named as CES 2018 Innovation Award honorees and will also be on display. Visit Continental at CES, Tuesday, January 9 through Friday, January 12, at North Hall Booth #6106. The Continental press conference will be held at Mandalay Bay, Level 2, Ballroom A at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 8. Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transport. In 2016, Continental generated sales of 40.5 billion and currently employs more than 233,000 people in 56 countries. Links

For the latest Continental news and information, follow us on:

Facebook www.Facebook.com/ContiPress

Twitter www.Twitter.com/ContiPressNA Online press portal: http://www.continental-corporation.com/www/pressportal_com_en/

Online video portal: http://videoportal.continental-corporation.com/ Online media database: http://www.continental-mediacenter.com

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/continentals-3d-touch-surface-display-receives-highest-honor-at-ces-2018-innovation-awards-300578498.html SOURCE Continental

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] Eagle Harbor Solutions LLC awarded Contract to provide Network Analysis, Disaster Recovery and Cloud Migration Planning for the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians at the Department of Interior

CHANTILLY, Va., Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Eagle Harbor Solutions LLC (EHS), a subsidiary of Koniag Government Services, will support the Department of Interior Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. Under this new contract EHS will review current information technology assets, network architecture and systems to develop a blueprint for moving systems to the cloud thus enabling a more robust disaster recovery and continuity of operations plan. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of the Special Trustee (OST) for American Indians was created to improve the accountability and management of Indian funds held in trust by the Federal Government. As trustee, DOI has the primary fiduciary responsibility to manage both Tribal trust funds and Individual Indian Monies (IIM) accounts. "We are honored to be entrusted with the protection of the data housed in these systems to ensure OST fulfills the requirements of the American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act of 1994" said Koniag Government Services CEO Ed O'Hare. About Eagle Harbor Solutions LLC

Eagle Harbor Solutions, LLC is an Alaska Native-owned, small disadvantaged business that ispart of the Koniag Government Services sector. Eagle Harbor provides Information Technologies and Professional Services through a range of consulting, engineering, and programmatic support to the Federal Government to enable them to manage their business environments and improve efficiency in delivering key business capabilities to support senior leaders and the warfighter. For more information, please visit www.eagleharborsolutions.com.



About Koniag Government Services

Koniag Government Services provides oversight, management and shared services to the companies that comprise the Koniag Government Services sector, including Eagle Harbor Solutions. Koniag Government Services (KGS) companies have supported Federal, State and Local customers for more than 20 years. Professional services include Application Development, Telecommunications, Enterprise Infrastructure Support, Cyber Security, Physical Security, Facilities Management, Cultural and Environmental Resources Support and Management Consulting Support. KGS supports clients in more than a dozen locations across the United State as well as in more than 30 worldwide sites. We have built a reputation for consistent performance and forging long term partnerships with our clients. For more information, please visit www.koniaggss.com . Media Contact:

MaryAnn Hoadley

Koniag Government Services

703-488-9303

MHoadley@Koniag.com

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eagle-harbor-solutions-llc-awarded-contract-to-provide-network-analysis-disaster-recovery-and-cloud-migration-planning-for-the-office-of-the-special-trustee-for-american-indians-at-the-department-of-interior-300578610.html SOURCE Eagle Harbor Solutions LLC

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] Percona Announces General Availability of Percona Server for MySQL 5.7.2 with MyRocks

RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Percona, the company that delivers enterprise-class MySQL, MongoDB and other open source database solutions and services, today announced the general availability of Percona Server for MySQL 5.7.2, a new release that includes the MyRocks storage engine, as well as a new binary log encryption feature. The powerful combination of Percona Server for MySQL and MyRocks enables database administrators to achieve more throughput for high-volume, write intensive workloads. Optimized for modern hardware, the product requires less storage space and reduces maintenance costs, providing increased ROI for on-premises and cloud-based applications.

MyRocks is a MySQL storage engine that integrates with RocksDB, a Facebook open source project. It provides improved flash storage performance through efficiencies in reading, writing and storing data. Optimized for fast, low-latency storage, its ideal for todays high-volume, write-intensive applications such as data aggregation, IoT, transaction logging, system monitoring, payment processing and billing systems. MyRocks requires less SSD storage space, provides more storage endurance, and ensures better IO capacity. Percona Server for MySQL is a free, fully compatible, enhanced, open source drop-in replacement for MySQL that provides superior performance,scalability and instrumentation. The new encryption feature demonstrates Percona's commitment to continually enhance security and meet the needs of modern enterprises. With more than 4,000,000 downloads, Percona Server for MySQL offers self-tuning algorithms and support for extremely high-performance hardware, delivering excellent performance and reliability. Percona Server for MySQL is trusted by thousands of enterprises to provide better performance and concurrency than other MySQL servers. Percona Server for MySQL also provides greater scalability and availability, enhanced backups and increased visibility.



Quotes

Peter Zaitsev, Co-founder and CEO of Percona

The combined solution of Percona Server for MySQL and MyRocks provides what nearly every company needs today  the ability to process far more data at a significantly lower cost, leading to increased scalability, improved ROI and an enhanced end user experience. MyRocks is an excellent storage engine for high-volume, write-intensive applications, and organizations can now confidently take advantage of these capabilities in conjunction with the rock-solid performance, availability and visibility of Percona Server for MySQL. Mark Callaghan, MTS, Facebook

I am thrilled to see the GA release of Percona Server for MySQL with MyRocks. The work we did with Percona makes this accessible to more users and we look forward to seeing the community benefit from the performance efficiencies provided with this release.

Company Information

Press Contact

Brigit Valencia

For Percona

(360) 597-4516

bdbvalencia@gmail.com About Percona

With more than 3,000 customers worldwide, Percona is the only company that delivers enterprise-class solutions for both MySQL and MongoDB across traditional and cloud-based platforms. The company provides Software, Support, Consulting, and Managed Services to large, well-known global brands such as Cisco Systems, Time Warner Cable, Alcatel-Lucent, Rent the Runway and the BBC, as well as smaller enterprises looking to maximize application performance while streamlining database efficiencies. Well established as thought leaders, Percona experts author content for the Percona Database Performance Blog and the Percona Live Open Source Database Conferences draw attendees and expert technical speakers from around the world. For more information, visit www.percona.com. Percona is a registered trademark of Percona LLC. All other registered and unregistered trademarks in this document are the sole property of their respective owners.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] Gopher Protocol Year in Review -- Transition to Revenue Generating Company Equipped with $1M cash

Atlanta, GA, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) ("Gopher"), a development-stage company which specializes in the creation of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence enabled mobile technologies, releases a year in review for 2017. As Gopher looks ahead to new opportunities for 2018, management reflects on significant milestones in 2017 that transitioned Gopher to a revenue generating company focused on coupling its sales and marketing infrastructure with its diverse product pipeline. The review is located on the Company website: http://gopherprotocol.com/investors/

About Gopher Protocol Inc. Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) (Gopher and the "Company") (http://gopherprotocol.com/) is a development-stage company which considers itself Native IoT creator, developing Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence enabled mobile technology. The Company has a portfolio of Intellectual Property that when commercialized will include smart microchips, mobile application software and supporting cloud software. The system contemplates the creation of a global network. The core of the system will be its advanced microchip technology that can be installed in any mobile device worldwide. Gopher envisions this system as an internal, private netwok between all enabled mobile devices providing shared processing, advanced mobile database management/sharing and enhanced mobile features.



About Guardian Pet Tracker http://www.guardianpettracker.com/

Corporate Site: http://gopherprotocol.com



Press page/ press kit - http://gopherprotocol.com/?page_id=228

Consumer and product website for Guardian Patch: http://www.guardianpatch.com/. GOPH disclosure: More info: SEC link /technology abstract: Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. Contact: Greg Bauer CEO Gopher Protocol Inc. VM Only 888-685-7336 Media: press@gopherprotocol.com

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] 2018 Kiwa Bio-Tech CEO Letter to Shareholders

Ontario, CA, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dear Shareholders, 2017 was a historic and record setting year for Kiwa Bio-Tech. Over the past 12 months, Kiwa Bio-Tech has demonstrated that our market-responsive approach, commitment to research and development and focus on extending longer-term credit to our customers achieved a positive reputation in the agricultural industry. Amidst very promising agricultural market conditions worldwide and with recently implemented governmental policy supports in China, the Company believes 2018 sales and earnings will surpass our 2017 numbers. In addition to record sales and earnings in 2017, Kiwa Bio-Tech took many important steps to build up experimental and demonstration sites in China to promote our innovative fertilizer products. We remain committed to optimizing our product portfolio and will continue to upgrade our agricultural technology to meet market demand. OUR PERFORMANCE AND STRATEGY Playing a key role in developing eco-friendly agriculture and delivering long-term value for all of our stakeholders requires strong performance in several areas. First, I am proud to say that Kiwa Bio-Tech has sold and shipped approximately $19 million of fertilizer products in this year ended December 31, compared to approximately $9.6 million during the same period in 2016, which is an increase of approximately 98%. Achieving this significant growth was due in part to the Company expanding its sales teams and distribution channels in Northwest, Eastern, and Southern China. Based on the cooperation between Kiwa Bio-Tech and China Agricultural University, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and ETS Research Center of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kiwa was able to finish product segmentation and apply certain new products to the national soil restoration project. Kiwa Bio-Tech has also established strategic cooperative relationships with Northwest Agricultural University, Northwestern University, and Harbin Institute of Technology, which provide cutting-edge technology for Kiwa Bio-Tech. In July 2017, Kiwa Bio-Tech made a proposal to establish Chinas harmless agriculture standard based on the cooperation with the China Agricultural Products Processing Industry Development Association. The proposal enjoys a high degree of credibility in upgrading the standard system for the harmless agricultural industry and the agricultural products market in China, which we believe provides significant market opportunitiesfor Kiwa Bio-Tech over the next 3 to 5 year term and thereafter.



POSITIONED FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS 2017 was a year that propelled the company forward, positioned Kiwa Bio-Tech to be successful in very promising market conditions and enhanced our ability to thrive as demand increases for our innovative products. Throughout the year, the Company continued to focus on positioning our company for the future:

Enhanced Marketing Plan Kiwa Bio-Tech has established a three-part initiative with respect to planting harmless crops, selling green agricultural products and soil conservation consistent with the standards of the agricultural industry. In 2017, our marketing program was implemented in Shanxi Province, Shandong Province, Hainan Province, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Due to our proactive marketing campaign, Kiwa Bio-Techs products have been used on cash crops including, apples, grapes, kiwi fruit, cantaloupe and vegetables, in green houses in approximately 82,368 planted acres. Corporation Development and Expansion Our manufacturing base in Penglai, Shandong Province, will soon commence production after the installment of facilities in 2018. When fully operational, the factory will produce approximately 200,000 tons of Kiwa fertilizer products every year. We will establish a new subsidiary company in Yangling, Shaanxi. Yangling is the only Pilot Free Trade Zones with a special focus on agricultural development that epitomizes the development of modern agricultural industry chain. As the agricultural Silicon Valley of China, Yangling could attract government incentives, high-tech agricultural companies and logistics companies. Kiwa Bio-Techs first strain fermentation manufacturing base will be developed and built in the Pilot Free Trade Zone. Meanwhile, we will also gradually establish as many as 1800 experimental and demonstration stations across China to promote our products. Increased Financial Competence and Strategic Cooperation Kiwa Bio-Tech selected new auditors in the past year that further audited our previous financial reports. We have also hired additional financial consultants to improve Kiwa Bio-Techs ongoing financial competence. Of significant importance, Kiwa Bio-Tech has signed a strategic agreement with the Beijing Jingnong Public Welfare Foundation. A major highlight of the agreement is the selection of Kiwa Bio-Tech as the technical support company to address the issue of polluted soil in Mainland China. Growing Market Kiwa Bio-Tech also announced a cooperative venture with China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the association will apply our core technology and products to the development of the Safety Standards of Chinese Traditional Medicine Planting. In 2018, we expect the Company will significantly increase its share of the Chinese agricultural market. Kiwa Bio-Tech also looks to growth through entry into the soil restoration market. Kiwa Bio-Tech achieved tremendous success in 2017, and we believe that the Company is well positioned for 2018 and beyond. Our progress and financial success could not have happened without our employees. I offer my personal thanks for their valuable contributions to our company. As a leader in China for developing the environmentally friendly harmless agriculture industry, we believe that Kiwa Bio-Tech is uniquely positioned to build value for our shareholders and make an enduring contribution to a safer and healthier world. We plan to make 2018 a great year! Yvonne Wang Chief Executive Officer January 8, 2018 This letter contains information that constitutes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any such forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results described by the forward-looking statements. Risk factors that could contribute to such differences include those matters more fully disclosed in the Company's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking information provided herein represents the Company's estimates as of the date of this letter and subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's estimates to change. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking information in the future. Therefore, this forward-looking information should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates of its future financial performance as of any date subsequent to the date of this letter. CONTACT: Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group Corporation Molly Han molly@kiwabiotech.com

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] Drizly Recognizes Rising Adult Beverage Influencers With Inaugural Drizly Blogger Awards

BOSTON, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Drizly, the technology company behind the first and largest e-commerce alcohol app, announced the winners of its first-ever Drizly Blogger Awards. Drizly put out a call to booze-centric bloggers, from industry experts to imbibing enthusiasts, for nominations in 11 different categories to identify the blogs that consistently deliver the category's most creative, well-informed and entertaining content. The awards were judged by three bona fide experts: Jesse Brenneman, Co-Founder and Chief Alchemist of Deacon Giles Distillery, Todd Maul, Co-Founder of Cafe ArtScience, and the team at Drizly. Entries were robust and there were numerous standouts, but the cream, as in 11 winners, eventually rose to the top and are all noteworthy for making distinct contributions to furthering adult beverage enthusiasm and knowledge. 2017 Drizly Blogger Awards Winners: Best in Glass Winner: Natalie Migliarini from Beautiful Booze

Recognized as the top booze blogger in 2017  from cocktails to beer and everything in between. Booziest Brain Winner: Greg Mays from Simple Cocktails

Recognized as the go-to industry expert and all-around guru for tips on everything beer, wine and spirits. Best Drink Photography Winner: Aysegul D. Sanford from Foolproof Living

Photography can make or break the appeal of a cocktail, and these drinks are deliciously Instagram worthy. Best Cocktail Blog Winner: Natalie Jacob from Arsenic & Lace





Best Wine Blog Winner: Cindy Rynning from Grape Experiences

To honor a blog that breaks down vino for the most basic sampler to the most experienced connoisseur, and everyone in between.

Best Beer Blog Winner: Ryan Brawn from Hoppy Boston

A true lover of hops, this award honors the blogger who writes about everything from Porters to Sours and knows exactly what to crack open when. Bartender's Pick Winner: Tyler Zielinski from Bon Vivantito

Any Bartender would happily select Tyler's drink out of the crowd. Best Reinvention of a Classic Winner: Ivo Peshev and Mikey Gallop from Flair Project

Recognized for taking the initiative to make a classic drink, like a Gin & Tonic, their own. Best Use of Booze in Food Winner: Jackie Dodd from The Beeroness

For the multi-talented individual who combines booze with cooking to create tasty recipes. Craziest Concoction Winner: Leigh Ann Chatagnier from My Diary of Us

From sandwiches on top of a Bloody Mary to ice cream cone garnishes, Drizly recognizes the most creative cocktail recipes. Best Original Cocktail Winner: Kristy Gardner from She Eats

The weirder, the better. Drizly honors the most inventive and original drink yet. "Innovation is important in every industry, but at this moment in the alcohol space, it feels like innovation is booming," said Erin Schuster of Drizly. "We wanted to pay homage to the online enthusiasts with the inventiveness, know-how, curiosity and artistic talent to push adult beverage boundaries, who have worked so hard to earn their loyal, growing and fully-engaged followings." The call for the next round of submissions will be announced in November 2018. Follow Drizly on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or visit Drizly.com for additional information. About Drizly

Drizly is the world's largest alcohol marketplace and the best way to shop beer, wine, and spirits. With the speed and convenience of on-demand delivery, in-store pickup, or intrastate shipping, customers can easily browse and order their favorites from the Drizly website or mobile app. By partnering with the best retail stores in over 70 cities in North America, Drizly provides consumers a rich e-commerce experience that offers unrivaled selection, competitive pricing, and personalized content to users of legal drinking age. Drizly operates across the United States and Canada, from Austin to Boston, Calgary to Tampa, New York City to Denver (and beyond). Backed by world-class institutional investors, the company has raised $35 million to date. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drizly-recognizes-rising-adult-beverage-influencers-with-inaugural-drizly-blogger-awards-300578350.html SOURCE Drizly

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] CARDO and OKADA Partner to Bring New Line of Motorcycle Communicators to the Japanese Market

TOKYO and TEL AVIV, Israel, January 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CARDO SYSTEMS, Ltd., the global market leader in wireless communication systems for motorcycle riders, and OKADA CORPORATION, the leading Japanese distributor of motorcycle accessories in Japan, announced today a partnership to bring Cardo's latest generation of motorcycle communicators to Japanese riders - starting March 1st, 2018. The two companies have signed a mutually exclusive agreement under which Okada will distribute and market Cardo's products in Japan. Okada Corp., Japan's largest wholesale distributor of aftermarket parts and accessories for the motorcycle market, serves a network of thousands of retail dealers located throughout Japan. Okada will carry the entire range of Cardo's communicators and accessories and make them available to the Japanese motorcycle community, starting in March 2018. Okada will also offer Cardo's market-leading Dynamic Mesh (DMC) communicators that provide true and uninterrupted group-communication among up to 15 riders. Powered by Cardo's unique DMC technology, and operated by natural voice, Japanese riders will - for the first time - be able to operate state-of-the-art motorcycle communicators cmpletely hands-free, without touching a single button.



Executives of both companies characterized their new alliance as an important moment for the Japanese riding community. Ken Hongyo, CEO of Okada remarked: "Best-of-class reliability, innovation and safety are what our customers expect from our product offerings and these were the main criteria that led us to select Cardo as our exclusive supplier of motorcycle communication systems." Abraham Glezerman, CEO of Cardo added: "We are excited about this cooperation with Okada, Japan's most respected distributor in the motorcycle market. Japan is among the most important markets and I am confident that this strategic partnership will bring immense benefits for Japan's motorcycle community."

About OKADA OKADA, founded in 1950 and headquartered in Tokyo, is Japan's largest wholesale distributor of a rich portfolio of quality aftermarket parts and accessories for the motorcycle market. The company is the most dominant distributor in the country, serving several thousand retail dealers in all parts of Japan. About Cardo Cardo Systems, Ltd., headquartered in Israel, has pioneered the development and introduction of Bluetooth headsets for motorcycle riders since 2005 and has been reinventing the market ever since with the introduction of game-changing innovations such as long-range intercom in 2011, Mesh communications in 2015 and Natural Voice Operation in 2017 and many more . Cardo is the industry's market leader and sells its products to avid motorcyclists in over 85 countries. PRESS CONTACT:

Kaisuke Komukai, k.komukai@okada-corp.com

Liat Sadeh-Lavan, liats@cardosystems.com

SOURCE Cardo Systems

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] CES Best of Innovation Winner Intuition Robotics Launches Beta Program, as it Approaches the Commercial Launch of ElliQ, the Active Aging Companion

SAN FRANCISCO and RAMAT GAN, Israel, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Intuition Robotics, the creator of ElliQ, the Active Aging Companion, announced today the launch of its beta program, as the company approaches commercial launch in 2018. ElliQ is a proactive social robot designed to encourage an active and engaged lifestyle by helping to bridge the digital divide and keeping families closer together. In the beta program, ElliQ will be introduced into the homes of dozens of older adults in California and Florida for an in-depth multi-week user trial. Intuition Robotics has partnered with Village to Village Network, Comfort Keepers and individual families that joined the program through the company's website. In the beta, the company plans to test how ElliQ integrates into the day-to-day lives of the seniors and their families, and examine how it can improve ElliQ to fulfill the company's mission to empower older adults to keep sharp, active and engaged. ElliQ has been rigorously tested with older adults over the past year and the response has been uniformly enthusiastic. Now the company is ready for a prolonged beta to test the impact on daily life over time and ensure an exceptional user experience that will make the product successful. "Our mission with ElliQ is to harness the proactive power of cognitive computing to empower older adults to overcome the digital divide, and pursue an active lifestyle," says Dor Skuler, CEO and Founder of Intuition Robotics. "We are fortunate to have been working with many older adults to develop ElliQ's features and user experience, to meet their needs. Now, we are excited to begin the beta program as the next step on our way to a 2018 launch." Over the past year, Intuition Robotics has worke on turning its prototype, first unveiled 12 months ago, into a product. ElliQ is designed to be a proactive, emotive social robot, featuring an entirely new way to engage users with remarkable ease of use and elegant design. The beta program will use the first units coming off the company's new manufacturing line. The company is conducting the very first demonstrations of the beta version of ElliQ to a select audience at CES 2018, where it has been declared the winner of the CES Best of Innovation award in the Smart Home category.



The company is also announcing additional investment from Samsung NEXT, SPARX Group and Glory Ventures bringing its total investment to $22M. Prominent previous investors include Toyota AI Ventures, iRobot, Bloomberg Beta, and leading Israeli-based venture capital firms. Since emerging from stealth in January 2017, Intuition Robotics has garnered a stream of accolades and awards for ElliQ's innovative and thoughtful design and the robot's ability to address the specific needs of older adults, including:

- CES Best of Innovation Honoree - Smart Home category (Jan. 2018)

- Fast Company Innovation by Design Award Winner - UX category (Sept. 2017)

- AARP Innovation Champion Award - Social Well-Being category (June 2017) About Intuition Robotics

Intuition Robotics is the creator of ElliQ, the Active Aging Companion, which helps older adults stay active and engaged with a proactive social robot that overcomes the digital divide. The company's AI cognitive computing technology, award-winning design, and intuitive interaction models provide a natural way for older adults to reap the benefits of technology without the need to master the tools. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Israel with offices in California. Intuition Robotics has raised over $20M in funding and is supported by renowned industry experts. About ElliQ

ElliQ is an AI driven social robot for older adults aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness by encouraging an active and engaged lifestyle. ElliQ seamlessly connects older adults with family and friends by making interactions with technology simple and intuitive, removing the complexity and frustration. This social companion adapts to the personalities and interests of the senior, recommending content they may enjoy such as news, music, TED talks and cognitive games. Communicating through body language, speech, sounds, light and images, ElliQ also suggests activities in the physical outside world such as taking a walk, medicine reminders or just calling family members. Intuition Robotics' media kit can be found here. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ces-best-of-innovation-winner-intuition-robotics-launches-beta-program-as-it-approaches-the-commercial-launch-of-elliq-the-active-aging-companion-300577885.html SOURCE Intuition Robotics

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972.

Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, California, Connecticut and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities and shareholder lawsuits. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180108006595/en/INVESTOR ALERT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Reminds Investors of an Investigation Involving Possible Breaches of Delaware Law by the Board of Contango Oil & Gas Company

Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation of Contango Oil & Gas Company (NYSE American: MCF) concerning possible breaches of Delaware law by the board of directors of the company. To obtain additional information, go to:

http://zlkdocs.com/MCF-Info-Request-Form-5547







or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972.

Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, California, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise and experience representing investors in securities litigation involving financial fraud, and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180108006618/en/[January 08, 2018] Panasonic expands TV line up with World's first OLEDs to support HDR10+ dynamic metadata technology

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on the numerous accolades garnered by its 2017 OLED screens for their extremely accurate pictures, Panasonic is delighted to announce its 2018 line up of OLED televisions, comprising four new models across two ranges. The phenomenally successful 77-inch EZ1000 continues from 2017 and is joined in 2018 by the FZ950 and FZ800 ranges, both available in 65-inch and 55-inch screen sizes. Featuring new OLED panels, combined with the newest generation of Panasonic's Hollywood-tuned HCX video processor, the FZ950 and FZ800 provide significant under-the-hood advancements. The four new models will be the first OLED screens available in 2018 which support HDR10+ dynamic metadata technology and able to stream several hundred hours of Amazon Prime Video HDR10+ catalogue. To deliver the very best audio quality, the FZ950 range is complemented by the addition of a 'Tuned by Technics' Dynamic Blade Speaker  a deceptively thin audio system optimized by Panasonic's acclaimed hi-fi brand to deliver a refined and powerful field of sound. Harnessing Panasonic's Hollywood and pro AV connections

Panasonic's OLED success is the result of superior image processing techniques built up over decades of TV development. This includes the company's reference-level plasma screens, aided by access to experts in film and television production, plus Panasonic's own professional Audio-Visual division. To ensure that the technical accuracy of the screens matches the director's creative intent, Panasonic intends to continue working with Hollywood giant Deluxe and its leading post-production studios Company 3, EFILM and Encore. Deluxe is a global partner to content creators and distributers enabling creative visions to come to life. Furthermore, a growing number of Hollywood film industry's post-production studios, in addition to Deluxe's, choose to use Panasonic's OLED TV screens as large-format client reference monitors as part of their creative process. With those same screens also available to consumers, Panasonic's well-established mantra bringing 'Hollywood to your Home' has never rung more true. And before shipping, Panasonic will duly seek coveted Ultra HD Premium and THX certification for all its OLED screens. Major HCX chip improvements deliver the most accurate TV pictures ever

Boasting the latest, most powerful generation of its proprietary HCX 4K video processor and latest generation HDR OLED panels, Panasonic's new models deliver the most accurate and compelling high dynamic range (HDR) TV pictures ever. The new processor's exceptional levels of control combine with incredible black levels and a color gamut of one billion shades  a result of Panasonic's ability to show almost 100 per cent of the DCI color space. Color reproduction, especially in areas that are particularly difficult to reproduce, such as dark shadows and bright highlights, is exceptionally accurate. The biggest under-the-hood change to the HCX processor is the introduction of a completely new 'Dynamic LUT' system. LUT (Look Up Table) technology is used extensively in professional post-production and broadcast circles in Hollywood and beyond to ensure color accuracy. Until now, LUTs were fixed according to the color space used by the source; with this innovation, the HCX automatically monitors the average brightness level of a scene and uses picture analysis to dynamically load an LUT appropriate to that scene. This brings significant improvements to mid-brightness scenes, making them look much more natural. To improve color accuracy in shadows, Panasonic has included additional layers of LUT data at much darker levelsthan previously. This means that while improving the transition from pure black, the colors in the shadows are even more accurate.



Finally, in response to requests from Hollywood's professional users, Panasonic has extended the range and reduced the interval between calibration steps at the darkest end of the RGB and gamma scales. This can be adjusted by the user via Panasonic's Color Management System. The FZ950 and FZ800 support Imaging Science Foundation (isf) calibration settings and new calibration points at 5 per cent and  in an industry first  just 2.5 per cent luminance, providing the greatest control to users where it is most needed, just above complete blackness in low-lit scenes. These new industry-first calibration points will also be supported by Portrait Display's CalMAN software with AutoCal functionality. Panasonic FZ950 and FZ800 are now CalMAN Ready. Raising the benchmark for black levels

All of this year's new OLED screens boast an Absolute Black Filter, which helps ensure the purest, most accurate black levels by absorbing ambient light in order to eliminate reflections  especially beneficial in brightly lit rooms.

HDR story continues

These OLEDs will support HDR10+ dynamic metadata technology which will offer considerable benefits to viewers through optimizing the viewing experience on a scene-by-scene basis. Panasonic intends to broaden support of this technology to other products yet to be announced. HDR10+ is an open, royalty-free, dynamic metadata platform for High Dynamic Range (HDR), created by 20th Century Fox, Panasonic and Samsung. Once the HDR10+ license program is open, the three founding companies will incorporate HDR10+ technologies in all future Ultra HD movie releases, selected TVs and Ultra HD Blu-ray players, and other products. To learn more about the HDR10+ license program, please contact the HDR10+ license administration office at info@hdr10plus.org. Furthermore, Panasonic TVs which support HDR10+ dynamic metadata technology will be able to stream the entire Amazon Prime Video HDR library in HDR10+. The Prime Video HDR10+ catalogue includes hundreds of hours of content such as Prime Originals The Grand Tour, Golden Globe-nominated The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Jean-Claude Van Johnson, The Tick and The Man in the High Castle plus hundreds of licensed titles. In addition, Panasonic's OLED screens offer support for HDR10  the standard HDR format, which is featured on the UHD Blu-ray format and across 4K HDR content from streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon and YouTube. Also offered on all screens is HLG, the HDR format compatible with TV broadcasts, which are expected to expand in the near future. Panasonic has added a new Dynamic Scene Optimizer function, which uses picture analysis to mimic dynamic metadata when playing an HDR10 source on its new 4K TVs. Furthermore, a new Auto HDR Brightness Enhancer function allows viewers to experience the optimal viewing experience by adjusting manually or automatically how HDR content looks in a brighter room. Dynamic Blade Speaker  Tuned by Technics

To match the exceptional TV pictures of the FZ950, Panasonic has developed a beautifully elegant and sonically compelling sound system. Sporting a 'Tuned by Technics' logo, the Dynamic Blade Speaker uses audiophile grade Hi-Fi components and offers best-in-class sound for an integrated TV speaker. With no less than eight multiple speaker units (four larger woofers, four squawkers and two tweeters, plus a quad passive radiator to boost bass) and 40 per cent increased volume, the Dynamic Blade Speaker was developed in conjunction with engineers from Technics  Panasonic's acclaimed audio brand  who were involved at every stage of the process, from mechanical and electrical circuit design through to sound tuning. Meeting HDR expectations of gamers

Satisfying the demands of the most proficient of gaming enthusiasts, Panasonic's FZ950 and FZ800 screens have evolved to offer an enthralling 4K HDR gaming experience thanks to our quickest-ever response times. The screens' dedicated Game mode uses exceptionally fast image processing to deliver crisp, finely detailed images, even with fast-moving 4K and HDR games that require quick reaction times. Beautiful pictures deserve beautiful design

Elegant and with an air of refinement, Panasonic's OLED screens are designed to the highest standards using only premium materials. Designed within the umbrella of Panasonic's 'Art & Interior' ethos, the FZ950 and FZ800 have been fashioned with dark metallic finishes. Without any visible seams, they appear to float above their stands, which also elegantly hide their powerful sound systems. About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Newark, NJ, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. The company offers a wide range of consumer solutions in the U.S. including LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Blu-ray players, Home Audio, Technics, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Beauty, Grooming, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. Panasonic was featured in Fortune Magazine's 2016 ranking of 50 companies that are changing the world and doing well by doing good. Specifically cited were its smart and sustainable technologies, including its contributions to smart cities and the electric vehicle revolution. Follow Press Updates for Panasonic Consumer Products:

Internet - http://us.panasonic.com/news

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/panasonicusaconsumerpress

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/panasonicusa_consumer_press About Deluxe Deluxe is one of world's largest providers of digital services and technology solutions for content creation and delivery, and has been a trusted partner to Hollywood studios, independent filmmakers, TV networks and online content producers since 1915. Deluxe Creative companies house the world's top talent. Deluxe Delivery enables content creators and providers to get their content to the world  in any format. With headquarters in Los Angeles and New York, and operations in 25 key media markets worldwide, Deluxe relies on 8,000 of the industry's premier artists, experts, and innovators. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/panasonic-expands-tv-line-up-with-worlds-first-oleds-to-support-hdr10-dynamic-metadata-technology-300579206.html SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]Drew Angerer/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Former Massachusetts governor and 2012 GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney was treated for prostate cancer over the summer, an aide to Romney confirmed to ABC News.



Governor Romney was diagnosed with slow-growing prostate cancer. The cancer was removed surgically and found not to have spread beyond the prostate, the aide said.



Romney received treatment at UC Irvine Hospital in California by Dr. Thomas Ahlering, and his prognosis is described as good.



The news of Romney's diagnosis and treatment was first reported by CNN.



Speculation has continued to grow in recent months that Romney, who unsuccessfully ran for president against Barack Obama in 2012, will mount a bid for the U.S. Senate in Utah in 2018 following the announcement that longtime Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch is not seeking re-election.



Romney has not made an official decision on whether he will run for the U.S. Senate in 2018.



An ardent critic of then-candidate Donald Trump in 2016, Romney, who called Trump a phony and a fraud, was later considered for the role of secretary of state in the Trump administration.



Romney and President Trump spoke last week on the phone and discussed Hatchs retirement, and the president wished Romney luck in his future endeavors, a source familiar with the call confirmed to ABC News.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.CABORCA, Mexico, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mexus Gold US (OTCQB:MXSG)(Mexus or the Company) announced today that progress at the Santa Elena mine is moving steadily ahead. The mine staff is returning after the long Mexican holiday and is preparing for the companys first pour. The grades returning to the gold recovery pond continue to increase and, when proper returns are met, will lead to production. Mexus JV partner, MarMar Holdings, is in full control of operations. MarMar has brought in additional experts who are knowledgeable in all areas of recovery. The experts are working on the original Merrill Crowe gold recovery system which has included the addition of a clarifier and improved plumbing. This system will be the primary gold recovery system once the current plant is maximized. MarMar is doing a great job at the Santa Elena mine. In addition to what we have stated they also are looking at recovering the gold which was previously captured in activated carbon. added Mexus CEO Paul Thompson.



Mexus also announced that it is moving forward with its El Scorpio copper project. The El Scorpio concession is located 80Km from Hermosillo, Mexico. Management feels that rising copper demand and the resulting increase in copper prices make this the time to move forward on this project. Early assays on this property showed Au samples in excess of 1 g/t and Cu at 2%. The company believes that this property could host a copper porphyry system. The plan is to begin a drilling program which will be the basis for an expanded 43-101 report.

CEO Paul Thompson stated, I want our shareholders to understand that Mexus is moving forward with its plan become a major minor. The end game is to have multiple properties producing metals in the next few years. MarMar is well in control of the Santa Elena project which affords us the ability to move forward on our other projects. The coming months will be an exciting time for our shareholders as we announce new developments and plans on multiple properties.

About Mexus Gold US

Mexus Gold US is an American based mining company with holdings in Mexico. Mexus recently joint ventured its flagship property with MarMar holdings of Mexico. The fully owned Santa Elena mine is located 54km NW of Caborca, Mexico. The mine is producing gold. The company is also a partner with MarMar holdings at the San Felix mine in Northern Mexico. This 26,000 + acre property is ready for production which is planned for 2018. Mexus also owns rights to the Ures property located 80km N of Hermosillo, Mexico. This property contains 6900 acres and has both gold and copper on the property. Founded in 2009, Mexus Gold US is committed to protecting the environment, mine safety and employing members of the communities in which it operates.

For more information on Mexus Gold US, visit www.mexusgoldus.com.

Cautionary Statement

Forward looking Statement: Statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the failure to complete successfully the development of new or enhanced products, the Company's future capital needs, the lack of market demand for any new or enhanced products the Company may develop, any actions by the Company's partners that may be adverse to the Company, the success of competitive products, other economic factors affecting the Company and its markets, seasonal changes, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any statements in this press release.[January 08, 2018] Panasonic announces two new 4K camcorders and a Full-HD flagship camcorder to meet the needs of all levels of video enthusiast

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic is proud to introduce two 4K camcorders (HC-WXF1K / HC-VX1K) and a Full-HD camcorder (HC-V800K) which features a new sensor and new lens for significantly improved image quality. Each of the new camcorders offer exceptional optical performance such as a wide-angle 25mm* and 24x optical zoom lens, and achieve quick and accurate focusing for both 4K and Full-HD to enhance the AF function critical in video shooting. The new additions to Panasonic's extensive portfolio of high-quality camcorders continue to respond to the needs of all users ranging from video enthusiasts who pursue full-fledged 4K video quality to family users who want to record treasured moments in impressive images. Create brilliant videos even in dimly-lit places

The new large BSI MOS Sensor found in the 4K camcorders (HC-WXF1K / HC-VX1K) and the Full-HD camcorder (HC-V800), combined with the bright F1.8 lens, improves low-light shooting performance by approximately 70 per cent compared to previous 4K models. By suppressing noise when shooting in low light situations, such as indoor scenes and nightscapes, videographers are able to capture the perfect footage anytime, anywhere. Premium video with 4K quality

Record the best of your world with the brilliant high-definition 4K image quality available in Panasonic's new 4K camcorders (HC-WXF1K / HC-VX1K). The high-performance lens which has cleared Leica Camera AG's stringent standards for resolution and contrast, minimizes flare and ghost to maintain beautiful images at all times. When recorded in the 4K Photo Mode, timeless moments that cannot be captured even by the high-speed burst shooting of a single-lens reflex camera can be obtained as still images. Outstanding for shooting in proximity and taking close-ups

The newly developed Leica Dicomar lens (HC-WXF1K / HC-VX1K / HC-V800K) offers a remarkably powerful optical 24x zoom that ranges from a 25mm* wide angle to a 600mm telephoto zoom. The 4-Drive Lens System operates the four lens groups independently to achieve the optical 24x zoom and compact body size. The stunning wide-angle setting can fit a large group of people and background scenery into the frame, while being convenient for recording selfies with the rotatable LCD. Avoid handshake blur with the new HYBRID O.I.S.

The optical image stabilizer in the 4K camcorders (HC-WXF1K / HC-VX1K) and theFull-HD camcorder (HC-V800K) has evolved further from the previous 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S. + by incorporating the Ball O.I.S. System and Adaptive O.I.S.



The Ball O.I.S. System reduces wear on the drive section, and greatly improves correction performance for small-amplitude handshake. The Adaptive O.I.S. automatically optimizes the O.I.S. effectiveness by adjusting the O.I.S. mechanical control according to shooting positions, conditions and user characteristics. The new HYBRID O.I.S. further reduces blur caused by natural handshaking particularly during zoom, which enables you to recover clear images even in high-powered 24x optical zoom. The Level Shot function automatically detects and corrects the tilting of captured images. Professional results with the electronic viewfinder and manual ring

Panasonic's highest-end 4K camcorder model (HC-WXF1K) is packed with advanced functions and features to satisfy the needs of both professionals and ambitious amateur users. The Tiltable Viewfinder lets you capture the subject accurately under any condition. The Manual Ring allows professional-standard, fast ring operation for fine tuning focus, iris and zoom.

The two separate dedicated Manual/Auto and Focus/Iris/Zoom buttons enable quick switching. The HC-WXF1K is also equipped with functions and features that are highly acclaimed in professional products, such as the Variable White Balance with an adjustable range of 2,000K to 15,000K, Focus Expand/Peaking and User Button, to respond to a diversity of user needs. 4K Cropping to preserve once-in-a-lifetime scenes with no mistakes

4K Cropping, available in both the HC-WXF1K and HC-VX1K is an original Panasonic function that lets you shoot at wide-angle in 4K, and then easily edit the shot later and save it as a Full-HD image. This kind of post-editing is also possible for zoom shots and for changing the angle of view, to save scenes that might otherwise have errors. The 4K cropping functionality features new capabilities such as Post Auto Tracking (Auto Tracking Crop) which allows you to record a fast-moving child at a wide-angle in 4K automatically tracking their face, allowing extraction of the Full-HD movie with no framing-out and the further ability to add the image stabilizing effect at the same time. A new Post Manual Tracking feature (Manual Tracking Crop) enables you to simply touch subjects that move unexpectedly, and track them intuitively with your finger to shift the angle of view. Finally, the Post Close-up (Fixed Crop) function is perfect in situations where there is little movement and a part that you don't want is included; you can shoot at wide-angle in 4K and then easily crop the part you want later. Create cinema-style videos

The Cinema Like Effect, which is featured in all 4K models (HC-WXF1K / HC-VX1K / HC-V800K*), enables shooting techniques like those used in film production, such as Slow & Quick Video, Slow Zoom, Slow Motion Video, and Dolly Zoom. These compact 4K Camcorders provide a great deal of fun for creating cinema-style videos. * HC-V800K compatible with slow motion video only. About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Newark, NJ, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. The company offers a wide range of consumer solutions in the U.S. including LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Blu-ray players, Home Audio, Technics, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Beauty, Grooming, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. Panasonic was featured in Fortune Magazine's 2016 ranking of 50 companies that are changing the world and doing well by doing good. Specifically cited were its smart and sustainable technologies, including its contributions to smart cities and the electric vehicle revolution. Follow Press Updates for Panasonic Consumer Products:

Internet - http://us.panasonic.com/news

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/panasonicusaconsumerpress

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/panasonicusa_consumer_press View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/panasonic-announces-two-new-4k-camcorders-and-a-full-hd-flagship-camcorder-to-meet-the-needs-of-all-levels-of-video-enthusiast-300579151.html SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] 3PL Central Innovates the Third Party Logistics Industry With the Next Generation of 3PL Warehouse Manager

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 3PL Central, the leading software provider of the first cloud-based Warehouse Management System (WMS), announced today its release of SmartView. This release is the next generation of its Warehouse Management Platform, 3PL Warehouse Manager. Created to help 3PLs better meet the needs of their customers, the SmartView experience includes a modern user interface, intelligent workflow capabilities, and a host of new features and functionalities all deployed utilizing a new REST API. Offering core WMS features and functionality is key to the success of 3PLs who operate in increasingly complex and competitive environments. In alignment with their mission to empower clients with innovative technology solutions, 3PL Central has set a rapid pace of continued software advancements for 2018. The SmartView release is the first announcement, with additional feature releases scheduled throughout the new year. "The SmartView release will help our clients take their WMS game to a whole new level," said John Watkins, co-founder and CEO. "With its clean, modern look and intuitive new capabilities, the next generation of 3PL Warehouse Manager will streamline the entire user experience, allowing our clients to get far more done, far faster than ever before. Most important of all, it will enable them to satisfy their existing customers and impress potential prospects." These changes are designed to help 3PL Central's customers meet the growing demands of their clients by providing a WMS that is accessible, scalable, easy to integrate with other systems, and can effortlessly manage day-to-day tasks. "3PL Warehouse Manager with the SmartView experience is the latest embodiment of our relentless mission to help our clients exceed their customers' expectations," continued Chief Technology Officer, Sheridan Richey. "Deployed on a cutting-edge REST API, warehouses can connect to the platforms their customers need and truly be a command center for their supply chain ecosystem. The SmartView release provides enterprise-level inventory management, connectivity, flexibility, and compliance. The result is a powerful WMS that enables complete arehouse management from one centralized data source."



In addition to its new user interface, improved navigation, and scalability, the SmartView release introduces a number of significant feature improvements to 3PL Warehouse Manager, all of which are integrated within its cloud-based warehouse management platform. Some of these updates include: Enhanced navigation to maximize usable workspace

Sophisticated data filtering with quick views

Intelligent workflows and branding capabilities to tailor system by warehouse, location, item level, and customer

Inventory hold status, giving warehouses the ability to designate items as "on-hold" to prevent them from shipping "3PL Central's SmartView release dramatically improved our efficiency handling large complex orders and receivings. Our users love working with its modern, well-engineered graphical interface," said Pete Tromblee, CIO, The Northeast Group. "I value its comprehensive REST API's, which empower us to handle unique customer requirements in-house and keep our customers happy."

To learn more about 3PL Warehouse Manager SmartView, please visit this page or schedule a demo with one of our experts at 3PL Central. About 3PL Central: 3PL Central is the leader and most popular cloud-based WMS available in the Third-Party Logistics and Warehousing industry marketplace. The company's products seamlessly integrate with a large and growing number of eCommerce enablement technologies, EDI providers, ERP platforms, accounting packages, shipping partners, and other supply chain technologies to deliver a full warehouse management platform to its customers. Since 2006, 3PL Central's software solutions have grown exponentially, providing enterprise-class WMS functionality to a range of warehouse operations who need a nimble SaaS WMS while remaining easy-to-use, flexible, and scalable. Designed to meet the unique needs of today's high-tech warehousing operations, from traditional 3PLs to Fortune 500 Distribution Centers, the company's products help their customers increase sales, streamline operations, and improve customer satisfaction. All while expanding overall profitability. For additional information, please visit www.3plcentral.com. Media Contact:

Lisa Zwikl

Phone: 610.442.6028

Email: lzwikl@getsmartacre.com Related Images image1.png

The SmartView release for 3PL Warehouse Manager image2.png

3PL Warehouse Manager image3.png

3PL Central WMS Platform image4.png

The SmartView release for 3PL Warehouse Manager Related Links 3PL Central Website 3PL Central SmartView release View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3pl-central-innovates-the-third-party-logistics-industry-with-the-next-generation-of-3pl-warehouse-manager-300579216.html SOURCE 3PL Central

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] New SmartDriver Program for Commercial Trucking Saves Money and Reduces Carbon Emissions

OTTAWA, Jan. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Today's operating environment for the commercial transportation industry is marked by growing fuel costs and the need for increased environmental responsibility. By promoting initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the Government of Canada is helping industry contribute to Canada's climate commitments. Today, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, announced a redesigned online SmartDriver for Highway Trucking (SDHT) program to help the commercial trucking industry reduce operating costs while decreasing GHG emissions. Developed in consultation with industry, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)'s flagship training program for commercial truck drivers offers improved tools to prepare drivers for the demands of modern trucking. Flexible and convenient, the online, in-classroom and on-road training materials help drivers and instructors improve their driving efficiency. With heavy-duty vehicles accounting for 37 percent of GHG emissions from the transportation sector, fuel-efficient equipment and the driving practices featured in the SDHT program can help individual drivers reduce their fuel consumption by up to 35 percent. SDHT learning materials are available free of charge to drivers, fleets and training organizations. For more information, visit the FleetSmart website at www.FleetSmart.NRCan.gc.ca.



Quotes "This program will help meet the trucking industry's growing demand for safe, fuel-efficient drivers, while educating existing operators on improved driving techniques. The real savings come in the form of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, helping meet Canada's domestic and international climate goals."

Jim Carr

Canada's Minister of Natural Resources "Natural Resources Canada's SmartDriver for Highway Trucking program has been a key component of the Ontario Truck Training Academy (OTTA)'s entry-level commercial driver training program for over a decade. This modernized program will help OTTA continue to outline the benefits of fuel efficiency and educate drivers on the impacts of safe, energy-saving driving behaviours." Yvette Lagrois

President, Ontario Truck Training Academy Quick Facts SDHT Online makes extensive use of animation and on-location video to demonstrate techniques.

makes extensive use of animation and on-location video to demonstrate techniques. SDHT Classroom provides fleet and commercial driving schools with all the resources needed to deliver approximately three hours of high-impact training.

provides fleet and commercial driving schools with all the resources needed to deliver approximately three hours of high-impact training. The new SDHT On-Road Practicum pairs drivers and trainers for pre- and post-training drives in a cab or simulator to give drivers a chance to demonstrate and perfect the fuel-efficient driving techniques they have learned.

pairs drivers and trainers for pre- and post-training drives in a cab or simulator to give drivers a chance to demonstrate and perfect the fuel-efficient driving techniques they have learned. As a recognized leader in training for drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, NRCan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Brazil in May 2017 to share expertise and best practices with their national trucking association, which included NRCan's SDHT fuel efficiency curriculum.

in to share expertise and best practices with their national trucking association, which included NRCan's SDHT fuel efficiency curriculum. Last October, a Canadian delegation trained the first class of Brazilian instructors in the delivery of SDHT, helping fulfil Canada's G20 commitment to support international efforts to green the freight sector. This will now serve as a model for work with other jurisdictions. Related Links Natural Resources Canada - Transportation Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] Blockchain Enabled Trade Via ExportPortal.com Kicks Off CES With Delegation from Taiwan

GLENDALE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2018 /CNW/ -- Export Portal, a blockchain-enabled e-Commerce Business to Business Platform, will be meeting with the delegation from Taiwan at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Export Portal believes that no entity should be able to dictate what business should be able to succeed on the world stage. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will depend on businesses from around the world to promote themselves in a manner that is only conducive to honest, transparent trade. No longer will the restraints of commerce be dependent on anything other than a blockchain enabled e-Commerce. Businesses that register on Export Portal.com are able to explore new markets without the fear of fraudulent companies or transactions. Export Portal is also looking forward to further discussing our ambitious 2018 plan with the Taiwan Delegation that includes: Establishing Country Brand Ambassadors in over 100 countries in 2018: (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1c41cc19fdde44fe9fc3771e4d68064d): Integrating country-specific Writers, Bloggers & Vloggers from around the world into our ecosystem: (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/fb0b3ef48cac4677b9079f3d0442a526) Establishing Export Portal offices in key countries around South East Asia to futher expand international commerce through ExportPortal.com. Attending key trade-related events in different countries and meeting with business leaders, government representatives, and mSME groups to explore partnerships to further accelerate trade to over 120 different countries that are already represented in over 70 major industry categories on Export Portal's platform.



Ally Spinu is looking forward to an ambitious 2018 and Taiwan is a key ally in trade with the rest of the entire world. "Export Portal is able to take on companies of every size, but our key verification differentiator is meant to bring honest hard-working small and medium sized companies to a level playing field where buyers aren't at risk of buying from disreputable, unscrupulous and unidentifiable entities." Ms. Spinu continued, "The world is no longer willing to accept dishonest, unreliable trade. Every day, we hear about orders that are changed and companies that are not what they purport to be. The Fourth Industrial Revolution begins in 2018 with blockchain-enabled trade on Export Portal." The world is getting smaller and now the mouse and the cat are on an even playing field. Shows like CES allow businesses to get to know people and kick the tires on new technology. Export Portal allows the reputation of a company thrive in an online environment with a company dataset that can be utilized by anyone on our platform. A proprietary blockchain enabled International Business Identification Number (IBIN) such as Export Portal's will erase both physical as well as online borders.

While at CES, International Business Development head, John Zahaitis will be meeting with the Taiwan delegation but can also be reached @ media@exportportal.com & +1 (818)965-9399. Join us. About Us:

Export Portal is a US-based technology company that is listening to sellers, buyers, and manufacturers the world over about #NoFakeTrade. Our proprietary verification process keeps fakes, frauds, IP bandits out and makes entering new international markets a less-stressful need to be done, easy/free to join, must-do for 2018. To learn more, go to: https://www.exportportal.com/learn_more View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blockchain-enabled-trade-via-exportportalcom-kicks-off-ces-with-delegation-from-taiwan-300579344.html SOURCE Export Portal

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] Hagens Berman: California Walmart Shoppers Sue Over Shell Egg False Advertising, Seek Refund

Walmart and one of its California egg suppliers, Cal-Maine Foods, are facing a class-action lawsuit alleging the two parties lied to consumers about the treatment and condition of hens laying Walmart store-brand Organic Marketside eggs, according to Hagens Berman. Consumers paid high prices for what they were told were eggs laid by hens "free to roam, nest and perch in a protected barn with outdoor access." However, according to the lawsuit, Walmart and Cal-Maine knew the hens were in fact confined inside industrial barns with enclosed porches, never able to touch the soil or vegetation surrounding the barns. Cal-Maine is the largest producer of shell eggs in the U.S., and Walmart the largest retailer in the world. If you bought store-brand Organic Marketside eggs from Walmart, find out more about the class-action lawsuit here. Walmart's Marketside brand eggs sell for $2.98, whereas its Organic Marketside eggs laid by hens with "outdoor access" sell for $3.97 - a third more. The suit filed Jan. 8, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeks reimbursement for consumers who paid high prices for Walmart's Organic Marketside store-brand eggs, which were sold as being laid by hens withoutdoor access. The suit also seeks an injunction from the court to force Walmart and Cal-Maine to end their deceptive marketing of Organic Marketside eggs.



"Walmart is the largest and most profitable retailer in the world, and it chose to knowingly scam those trying to do good with their purchasing power," said Elaine Byszewski, a partner of Hagens Berman. "We believe Walmart and Cal-Maine knew that despite the promise of 'outdoor access' on the cartons of eggs they sold, the hens that laid their store-brand eggs were confined inside industrial barns." Attorneys' investigations of a Cal-Maine egg farm revealed that less than 1 percent of the flock located at the massive Chase, Kansas egg farm were able to even look outside. The location has the capacity to house 400,000 hens.

"Our investigators have seen these facilities first-hand," Byszewski said. "Had consumers known the truth about what 'outdoor access' meant - stuck inside with no access to nearby pasture - they either would not have purchased them or would have paid less." "Surely this isn't what consumers have in mind when they read 'farm fresh,' 'free to roam,' and 'outdoor access,'" she added. Rather, studies show that consumers believe "outdoor access" means a majority of animals at any given time have access to open pasture and vegetation throughout the day. The class action adds that the majority of consumers (77 percent) have stated they are concerned about the welfare of animals raised for food, including laying hens. In addition, "more than two-thirds (69 percent) of consumers pay some or a lot of attention to food labels regarding how the animal was raised." The suit says Walmart and Cal-Maine knew this, and exploited consumers' concerns. Find out more about the class-action lawsuit against Walmart. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP is a consumer-rights class-action law firm with 11 offices across the country. The firm has been named to the National Law Journal's Plaintiffs' Hot List eight times. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at https://www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180108006764/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][January 08, 2018] California American Water Launches Personalized Water Bill Videos

California American Water has launched a new initiative to help customers navigate and better understand the components of their water bills. Starting today, all residential customers on the Monterey Peninsula that have registered an email address with their water account will receive an email notification, including a personalized video of their monthly water bill, along with conservation information. The emails will run monthly through March, unless the customer chooses to unsubscribe from the messages. The animated video will walk customers through their total current charges and total amount due, and highlight water use for the current month compared to the previous month. The video also clarifies water service and usage charges, tiered rates, and surcharges. Finally, the video reminds customers that the Monterey Peninsula faces state-ordered restrictions on its water supply, and offers conservation tips to help achieve a low level of water consumption. "With tiered rates and a number of surcharges, water bils on the Monterey Peninsula can appear complicated. These videos are an effort to improve our communication about our water charges. We hope customers will use these videos to analyze their water use and better understand their bills," said External Affairs Manager Catherine Stedman.



The videos will be sent via email soon after electronic bills are available online and about 5 days before the customer's monthly bill arrives in the mail. Exceptions for customers receiving manual meter reads and those with billing disputes or arrangements will apply. The video also contains information about services available on California American Water's website, such as paperless billing registration, links to rebate applications and other available water conservation programs. California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 660,000 people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly-traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180108006886/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]VIENNA, Austria and HAMBURG, Germany, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- APEIRON Biologics AG, a company focused on cancer immunotherapy, and Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange:EVT) (TecDAX) (ISIN:DE0005664809) announced today that the companies received the first milestone payment from Sanofi under a 3-party alliance signed in August 2015. The milestone payment of  3 million will be split equally between the two biotech companies. The success payment was triggered when the partners successfully advanced an undisclosed, novel, immuno-oncology small molecule into late-stage pre-clinical development. Under the alliance, the three companies work together to identify small molecule leads and targets for next-generation therapies in immuno-oncology, which may complement the pre-clinical and clinical profiles of leading checkpoint inhibitors.



Dr Hans Loibner, Chief Executive Officer of APEIRON Biologics, said: We are delighted by the progress made in our collaboration with Evotec and Sanofi. Based on our scientific findings and the mode of action, we jointly agreed to accelerate the research and pre-clinical development of this very promising molecule. The successful achievement of this milestone further demonstrates our abilities to drive innovation in the field of immuno-oncology.

Dr Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, commented: The Evotec and APEIRON teams are proud to have achieved our first milestone with Sanofi to discover and develop novel immuno-oncology small molecules therapies. It is a first-in-class approach with tremendous potential in combination with marketed checkpoint inhibitors but also as standalone therapy. The field of immuno-oncology will continue to evolve and at Evotec we will continue to invest in this area.

About the APEIRON-Evotec-Sanofi-Alliance

The strategic collaboration was set up in 2015 to support the long-term pipeline building for APEIRON Biologics, Evotec, and Sanofi and has a potential value of over  200 million in milestone payments and significant royalties. The collaboration includes major research and development efforts to advance a first-in-class orally available small molecule approach based on a novel target to treat solid and hematopoietic cancers by enhancing the anti-tumor activity of human immune cells. All three companies are making significant contributions to this collaboration in terms of scientific expertise, technological platforms and resources. The collaboration will further enhance and complement Sanofi's extensive oncology portfolio and enables Evotec to address the drug discovery area of immuno-oncology. Furthermore, the agreement will substantially support APEIRONs strategy of focusing on novel and innovative checkpoint inhibiting approaches.

About APEIRON Biologics AG

Apeiron is a private biotech company based in Vienna, Austria, engaged in innovative projects in immuno-oncology. Recently, the most advanced programme, an antibody-based immunotherapy to treat neuroblastoma, was granted marketing approval in the EU. The company is developing additional immunotherapies, predominantly in clinical stage, based either on targeted, tumor-specific approaches or on the stimulation of the immune system via novel and proprietary modes of action (unique checkpoint blockade mechanisms) to fight cancer by engaging the human bodys natural defence mechanisms. For additional information please go to www.apeiron-biologics.com and follow us on Twitter @apeironbio.

About EVOTEC AG

Evotec is a drug discovery alliance and development partnership company focused on rapidly progressing innovative product approaches with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academics, patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists. We operate worldwide providing the highest quality stand-alone and integrated drug discovery solutions, covering all activities from target-to-clinic to meet the industrys need for innovation and efficiency in drug discovery (EVT Execute). The Company has established a unique position by assembling top-class scientific experts and integrating state-of-the-art technologies as well as substantial experience and expertise in key therapeutic areas including neuroscience, diabetes and complications of diabetes, pain and inflammation, oncology and infectious diseases. On this basis, Evotec has built a broad and deep pipeline of more than 80 partnered product opportunities at clinical, pre-clinical and discovery stages (EVT Innovate). Evotec has established multiple long-term discovery alliances with partners including Bayer, CHDI, Sanofi or UCB and development partnerships with e.g. with Sanofi in the field of diabetes, with Pfizer in the field of tissue fibrosis and Celgene in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. For additional information please go to www.evotec.com and follow us on Twitter @EvotecAG.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgement of Evotec as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

For further information please contact:

APEIRON Biologics AG Evotec AG Peter Llewellyn-Davies

CFO/CBO

Email: investors@apeiron-biologics.com

www.apeiron-biologics.com Gabriele Hansen, VP, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

Tel.: + 49(0)4056081-255

Email: gabriele.hansen@evotec.com

www.evotec.com Investor Relations

LifeSci Advisors, LLC

Chris Maggos

T +1 646 597 6989

Email: Chris@LifeSciAdvisors.com Media Relations international

MC Services AG

Dr. Claudia Gutjahr-Loser

T: +49 89 210 228 0

Email: apeiron@mc-services.eu Media Relations Austria

PR&D - Public Relations for Research & Education

T +43 1 505 70 44

Email: contact@prd.at



KELOWNA, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Golden Ridge Resources Ltd. (Golden Ridge or the Company) (TSXV:GLDN). Golden Ridge is pleased to report the third and final batch of assay results from its 2017 drill program at the Hank Property (Hank or the Property) in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. Highlights include hole HNK-17-009, which returned 7.04 g/t AuEq over 21.62 meters within a broader intercept of 3.15 g/t AuEq over 58.00 meters within the newly discovered Kaip Zone. The mineralization in HNK-17-009 is hosted within and surrounding the contact of a buried altered intrusion (Figure 2). The strongest mineralization appears to be situated within the upper parts of the intrusion and targeting the Kaip zone will be a priority for the upcoming 2018 drill program.

Table 1 - Hank 2017 LAZ Drill Holes HNK-17-009  HNK-17-014: Significant Intercepts Length

(m) Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Interval*

(m) AuEq**

(g/t) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) 291.39 HNK-17-009 15.64 72.00 56.36 0.25 0.16 1.3 0.04 0.08 AND 132.00 190.00 58.00 3.15 2.79 21.0 0.00 0.11 incl. 133.74 155.36 21.62 7.04 6.26 52.1 0.00 0.11 AND 218.60 233.48 14.88 0.27 0.19 0.8 0.00 0.09 233.78 HNK-17-010 4.77 116.00 111.23 0.52 0.34 1.8 0.03 0.20 322.17 HNK-17-011 6.95 108.00 101.05 0.32 0.20 1.0 0.02 0.13 AND 230.73 305.19 74.46 0.18 0.05 0.7 0.03 0.15 203.30 HNK-17-012 5.35 160.63 155.28 0.31 0.20 1.1 0.01 0.13 383.13 HNK-17-013 95.86 104.48 8.62 0.37 0.10 2.4 0.15 0.23 AND 188.06 209.40 21.34 0.18 0.07 0.3 0.00 0.15 AND 328.27 367.89 39.62 0.21 0.15 1.0 0.02 0.05 185.02 HNK-17-014 121.01 183.00 61.99 0.52 0.28 2.2 0.03 0.28

*The intervals reported in this table represent drill intercepts and insufficient data is available at this time to state the true thickness of the mineralized intervals and all gold values are uncut.

**Gold equivalent (AuEq) grades are calculated using 200 day moving average metal prices of: gold US$1268/oz., silver US$17.10/oz., lead US$1.04/lb and zinc US$1.28/lb. Gold equivalent grade is calculated as AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + Ag (g/t) * 0.013 + Pb (%) * 0.562 + Zn (%) * 0.692. The factors for silver (0.013), lead (0.562) and zinc (0.692) will change depending on the metal price. The metal price numbers listed above were used to determine the conversion factors presented herein. Metal recoveries have not been applied in the gold equivalent calculation.

Figure1: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b34b8075-5a09-4ec7-a7c1-a50989b852b8

Digitizing is currently underway on a large historic IP/resistivity survey which covers the entire property. Once complete, new inversions will be run on the resistivity data and used as an aid in further targeting the mineralized intrusion in the upcoming 2018 drill program.

Following the historic drilling on the Hank, a joint BCGS/MDRU research paper was completed which recognized that the Pb isotope signature of sulfides associated with gold mineralization matched that of the Bald Bluff porphyry, a large intrusive stock on the west end of the Property (Kaip, 1997). It is interpreted that the altered intrusive intersected in HNK-17-009 is related to the Bald Bluff Porphyry and likely represents one of several causative mineralizing intrusions on the Property. The 2018 drill program will further test that model with the aid of new geophysical resistivity data.

Michael Blady, CEO of Golden Ridge stated: We have been able to execute on the objectives of our 2017 program with great success which were to confirm mineralization from historic programs, test historic geologic models, test the undrilled areas of the LAZ, and to refine, update and modify our understanding of the controls on mineralization. We are well positioned for the 2018 season after closing a recent $1.5M financing and are excited to further drill the Kaip zone, utilizing the new resistivity data.

Details of the 2018 drill program are currently being revised and will be presented in an upcoming news release.

A drill plan view map, drill sections and select core photos are included in this news release and can be downloaded from Golden Ridge Resources Ltd. website at: www.goldenridgeresources.com

QA/QC Procedures:

All drill core was logged, photographed, cut and sampled by Golden Ridge personnel. Prior to shipment to ALS Globals sample preparation facility in Terrace, BC, certified reference material standards, blanks and field duplicates were inserted at a ratio of approximately 1 in every 20 drill core samples. Samples were prepared in Terrace by crushing the entire sample to 70% passing -2mm, riffle splitting off 1kilogram and pulverizing the split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. After preparation in Terrace, the prepared pulps were shipped to ALS Globals analytical laboratory in North Vancouver, BC. The gold assays are determined by Au-AA26 fire assay method which reports results in parts per million (ppm) (equivalent to grams per tonne (g/t)). Any samples with a fire assay that report gold concentrations equal to or higher than 1.0 g/t Au are analysed by screen metallic method (Au-SCR24).

Base metal assays are first determined using the ME-MS41 method, which reports results as parts per million (ppm). All analyses that reach the overlimits of ME-MS41 are reanalyzed with an Ore Grade method. The analytical results are verified with the application of industry standard Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA-QC) procedures.

Qualified Person:

C. Mark Rebagliati, P.Eng., a consultant to the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.

About Golden Ridge Resources:

Golden Ridge is a TSX-V listed exploration company engaged in acquiring and advancing mineral properties located in British Columbia. Golden Ridge currently has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the 1,700-hectare Hank gold-silver-lead-zinc property located in the Golden Triangle district, approximately 140 kilometres north of Stewart, British Columbia. Golden Ridge may earn the 100% interest by performing $1.7M of exploration work by the end of 2018.

For more information please contact:

Golden Ridge Resources Ltd.

Mike Blady

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (250) 768-1168

Website: www.goldenridgeresources.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at http://www.sedar.com/ for further information.

Figure 2: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/106e6448-c297-4e66-8847-690dbcaf7913



AS WE'RE HEARING OF DOZENS OF CRASHES THIS MORNING AND WONDER - WHEN DID KANSAS CITY FORGET HOW TO DRIVE IN THE WINTER???

Another messy morning in Kansas City is underway . . .This time around both suburbs and urban core confront dangerous conditionsBlame global climate change for the quickly shifting weather OR local governments for their inability to prepare . . . Either way, our TKC blog community advises drivers to take it slow and watch the road.Developing . . .GLADSTONE, Mo. -- A 35-year-old Kansas City man is charged in Clay County with first-degree murder related to the shooting death of another man late Friday night. Police responded to a home near N. Troost Avenue and 74th Street in the Northland at about 10:20 p.m., Friday.Soaring Popularity Of Grass-Fed Beef May Run Into Roadblock: Less Nutritious Grass A few years ago, Kansas City restaurateur Anton Kotar surveyed the local and national restaurant scenes and concluded his town's reputation as a steakhouse paradise had slipped. The problem, he says, is the way conventional beef is raised - bulked up with grain on feedlots, making it cheap and plentiful and changing what Americans expect to taste.

Farm to table reporting on this trend among 30k-MILLIONAIRES who ruin most decent restaurants and don't realize that waiters are insulting them when they recommend white zin - A subtle but still sweet local server snub. Checkit:KANSAS CITY INSIDERS DIRECT OUR ATTENTION TO A COALITION OF PROGRESSIVE URBAN PLANNERS ADVOCATING BENEFITS FOR MORE LOCAL LOW-INCOME HOUSING PROJECTS DESPITE NEIGHBORHOOD RESISTANCE!!!

- Yesterday, we noted an upcoming public Library KCMO housing debate on the topic of local housing just after it was posted thanks to so many hobo readers of TKC.





- Kansas City Public TV is gathering local opinion on the topic housing as they prep to make a progressive push for more taxpayer subsidy of local projects and other housing schemes for po'folk.





- Most important of all - City Hall champions the effort for more low-income housing projects as a distraction against the vast majority of their time and resources exerted toward securing the rights of luxury developers.

Check part of the 12th & Oak social engineering effort from an upcoming ordinance sponsored by Councilman Lucas promoting the utilization of a sales tax exemption on affordable housing projects...

"The City Council recognizes that a vibrant economy is dependent, in large part, on the ability of its workforce to secure safe housing, and do so at prices that are affordable so that they are not driven to leave the City, but are able to remain and continue to contribute to the Citys economic growth . . ."

"Bottom-line - KCMO wants to turn the Northland into a slum. We're already dealing with higher crime and a lack of resources but now City Hall wants to move their problems across the river and they're using terms like "fair housing" in order to do it. The damage will be massive and communities of elderly people and families just staring out will be destroyed in the name of "income equality" or whatever buzzwords these jerks are using. Any opposition is, inevitably, going to be called racism but there is a diverse group of people who won't want more housing projects in KC - In the Northland or anywhere else. I think they will be surprised when they see the information and testimony we present in order to oppose these irresponsible plans."

2018 starts with Kansas City class-warfare on the sordid subject of fair housing.To wit . . .Confirmation and trend-spotting by our TKC Blog Community . . .To wit . . .Money line . . .Remember, a petition targeting slumlord and "renter's rights" is already on the way to the ballot.Meanwhile, our blog community offers equal time to Kansas City residents who oppose this low-income housing coalition.For years,The latest, special thanks to local leaders who are mounting opposition to this KCMO fair housing push . . .You decide . . .Travel website Fodor's named Missouri one of the 10 places not to visit in 2018. The state, which is the only U.S. destination on the list, came in at No. 7 of 52 destinations worldwide. "The Show-Me State is full of wonders that belong on anyone's travel bucket list," the ranking said.Fake news has become something of a hot topic in recent months. So much so that Collins dictionary even announced fake news as their word of the year for 2017.

The Western democracies can at least boast a comparatively good record when it comes to freedom of the press. Journalists can expect to do their job without fear of imprisonment or execution. Thats by no means the case everywhere.

Reporters Without Borders ranks 180 countries based on their commitment to press freedom. This list will dive to the murky depths of those rankings, taking a closer look at those countries where the government exerts control over the media and attempts to crush any alternative point of view.

10. Equatorial Guinea

The African nation of Equatorial Guinea gained its independence from Spain in 1968. Unfortunately, this just meant swapping one dictator for another, and Francisco Macias Nguema proved to be a significant downgrade from Francisco Franco. Nguema claimed to be a sorcerer, amassed a huge collection of human skulls, and took great pleasure in torturing political opponents. Its even been suggested that he may have been a cannibal. Needless to say, Macias was not a supporter of a free press; to be a journalist was in and of itself a crime punishable by death.

With a third of the population having already fled the country, Nguema was overthrown and executed by his nephew, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in 1979. Equatorial Guineas soldiers were so afraid of Nguemas supposed magical powers that a firing squad had to be hired from Morocco.

The discovery of vast oil reserves in 1995 should have made the people of Equatorial Guinea very wealthy. While per capita income is now comparable to the likes of Great Britain and South Korea, the oil riches have not been shared out evenly. Some three-quarters of the population still live in grinding poverty.

The plight of the people of Equatorial Guinea is rarely reported on, not least because Mbasogos government routinely denies visas to foreign journalists. Those who are allowed to enter are closely monitored. Any misstep can be punished, and even taking photographs can result in imprisonment.

While the international community suspects Mbasogo of corruption on a massive scale, Equatorial Guineas compliant media paints a glowing picture of benevolent governance. This is not particularly surprising, since the countrys television and radio stations are run by either the state or trusted members of Mbasogos family.

9. Djibouti

The small African nation of Djibouti is quite possibly the least democratic democracy in the world. Its president, Ismail Omar Guellah, came to power in 1999. Since then he has won three elections, none of which could reasonably be described as a free and open contest.

In 2005 the opposition parties believed the process was so rigged against them that they boycotted the election altogether, leaving Guellah to romp home with 100% of the vote. Guellahs announcement that he would stand again in 2011 was met by a wave of popular protest. The police responded by arresting hundreds of protestors, including the leaders of the opposition parties. In 2016 a team of BBC journalists were kicked out of the country just days after their arrival. Guellah, to nobodys surprise, went on to win another landslide victory.

Guellahs party retains a tight grip on the media. Radio and television are owned by the state, and only 10% of the population have access to the internet. Strict libel and slander laws keep journalists in check, and few would ever dare to raise issues the government might deem controversial. More determined and vocal opponents of the government tend to find themselves treated to a lengthy stay in one of Djiboutis prison facilities.

Despite widespread evidence of Guellahs suppression of opposing political parties, he is regarded as a good friend of the West. Djiboutis relative stability, and its location at the gateway to the Suez Canal, lend it a certain strategic significance. The United States of America, France, Japan, Italy and Spain all have military bases in Djibouti, which might explain their reluctance to criticize Guellah and his apparent subversion of democracy.

8. Cuba

The particular strain of Communism pursued by Cuba is generally regarded as a softer, friendlier variety than that which infected the Soviet Union and North Korea. Fidel Castro, and to a lesser extent his brother and successor Raul Castro, are reviled in some quarters, but draw an equal amount of praise. Fidel was a dictator, but he is often remembered as a relatively benign one. Whether this is an accurate assessment is questionable at best.

Its certainly true that Cuba under the Castro brothers has achieved some quite remarkable feats. Despite US sanctions that have been in place since 1960, Cuba boasts one of the highest literacy rates in the world. The nations health service is internationally acclaimed, and has even been studied by experts from Western democracies such as Great Britain. Life expectancy is higher than in many far wealthier nations, including the United States of America.

Cuba has done these things well, but history has shown that Communist governments rarely embrace criticism, constructive or otherwise. Unfortunately, thats very much the case in Cuba too. Freedom of speech is protected under the Cuban constitution only if it conforms to the aims of a socialist society. Essentially, Cubans are free to say whatever they like, so long as the government likes what they say. Fidel Castro made considerable use of these sweeping powers. Over the course of his rule thousands of journalists and human rights activists were imprisoned, many of them without the luxury of a trial.

7. Sudan

Sudan is Africas third largest country, and one of its most troubled. Since 1989 it has been ruled over by President Omar al-Bashir, who swept into power in a bloodless military coup. Since then he has been accused of murder, rape, genocide, and war crimes against his own people. He even shares the distinction of being one of only two current heads of state to have had charges leveled against them by the International Criminal Court; the other being Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, although the charges against him have since been dropped.

So long as al-Bashir remains in power, there seems to be little chance of him being brought to trial. His travel options are nonetheless somewhat limited if he wants to be sure of avoiding arrest. In 2015 he was forced to make a hasty retreat from South Africa when the authorities there considered enforcing the ICCs arrest warrant.

Al-Bashir maintains that he is the victim of a Western smear campaign. He can at least take some comfort in a personal fortune of at least $1 billion, and perhaps a good deal more. The average Sudanese is far less fortunate. With an income of just $960 per-annum and a life expectancy of little more than 60 years they are amongst the poorest people in the world.

6. Vietnam

The US Government went to war in Vietnam out of a fear that Communism might take over the world. The domino theory held that when one nation became infected with Communism its neighbors would soon follow, falling like dominoes. It was instead Communist governments that proved unstable and prone to collapse. Vietnam is now one of only five Communist states left standing  Laos being the only one that doesnt appear on this list.

Traditional media such as radio, television, newspapers and magazines are firmly under government control. However, more than two-thirds of the population now have access to the internet, and the authorities are struggling to maintain their monopoly on information as Vietnam enters the digital age.

Bloggers who dare to criticize the government risk harassment, intimidation, physical violence, and arrest. To take just one example amongst many, in November 2017 a blogger was sentenced to seven years in prison. His crime was to report on a toxic spill at a steel mill, which dumped cyanide and carbolic into the sea and saw 70 tons of dead fish washed up on the shore.

The strong-arm tactics employed by Vietnams one-party dictatorship have nonetheless failed to prevent bloggers from criticizing the government. Nor has the government been successful in preventing an increasing number of people from bypassing traditional media and turning to the internet for news.

5. China

China has more people online than any other nation on Earth  some 751 million of them. But they also face some of the tightest restrictions on just what they can access. Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are all blocked by Chinas Great Firewall. Internet users are instead encouraged to sign up to government-run equivalents, where content is tightly controlled and monitored. More enterprising individuals have worked their way around the restrictions by signing up to Virtual Private Networks, but even these are now being targeted by the authorities. In December 2017 a Chinese businessman was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for running a VPN.

If this all sounds alarmingly Orwellian, then much worse is just around the corner. In 2020 the Chinese government plans to assign each citizen a social ranking determined by a complex computer algorithm. Each individuals score will be based on a multitude of factors such as the things they buy, whether they pay their bills on time, and their performance in their job. Almost every aspect of a persons life will impact their ranking, even their friends. People who associate with high-scoring, compliant citizens will have their own ranking pulled up, but the reverse will also apply.

With each individuals social ranking score made public, those at the lower end of the scale will be impacted in their ability to obtain loans, housing, work, and even foreign travel. Details of exactly how the algorithm will work have not been released, but it has been revealed that a persons behavior will be factored into their score. Compliance will be rewarded, and its more than likely that any criticism of the government will be punished.

4. Syria

President Bashar al-Assad came to power in Syria following the death of his ruthless father in June 2000. In those early days of his rule, hopes were high that the former eye doctor would emerge as a champion of freedom and democracy. Assad promised change and democracy, granting permission for Syrias first independent newspaper to begin publishing. He even released anti-government activists and closed Syrias notorious Mezzeh Prison, where political prisoners were reportedly beaten and tortured.

Within just a year everything changed. Released prisoners were rounded up and imprisoned again, promised reforms canceled, police and security officials retained the right to torture suspects and prisoners, and Syrias brief flirtation with an independent press ended. It may have been that Assad was forced to change track by elements within his own party. Another possibility is that the so-called Damascus spring was always conceived as a plan to lure political opponents into the open.

If Assad did take office with good intentions, then things have gone rapidly downhill from there. With Syria locked in a vicious and complex civil war since 2012, the Assad regime has been accused of the torture and murder of prisoners, besieging and starving rebel-held cities, and crimes against humanity. However, it does appear that Assads brutal methods have been successful in keeping him in power.

The World Bank estimates the cost of rebuilding Syria will be in excess of $200 billion. Given his record so far, it seems unlikely that Assad will want to build a new Syria based on openness and freedom.

3. Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Since then its gained a reputation for being one of the most authoritarian, and downright strange, countries in the world.

Saparmurat Niyavoz, Turkmenistans president until his death in December 2006, combined eccentricity with an iron fist. Ballet, opera, and circuses were all banned. As were beards, facial hair, and gold teeth, which Niyavoz condemned as being unhygienic. Enough paintings, pictures, and statues of Niyavoz were plastered around Turkmenistan as to outnumber the countrys five-million inhabitants. He named the month of January, several cities, and even a breed of horses after himself. His mother was not forgotten, and both the month of April and, bizarrely, bread were renamed in her honor.

Niyavozs successor, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, reined in some of the strangeness, but his authoritarian instincts seem to be as strong as his predecessors. With complete control of the media, Berdimuhamedow has fashioned himself as the protector of the people. A recent video featuring Berdimuhamedow dressed in army fatigues as he shows off his skills with an assault rifle has been widely mocked and parodied.

2. Eritrea

Sometimes referred to as Africas Hermit Kingdom, Eritrea gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1961. Since then Eritreans have had just one president, a grand total of zero elections, and years of wars and border disputes with their Ethiopian neighbor.

The Ministry of Information controls the entire media, which devotes much of its energy towards showering praise on President Isaias Afwerki. Eritreas impoverished people have the lowest proportion of internet connections in the world, and thus almost no opportunity to access alternative points of view.

While the government claims that Eritrea is an oasis of peace and tranquility, many of those who have fled the country claim they had been effectively enslaved by the state.

At the age of 18 every Eritrean becomes eligible for national service with the military. In theory this should last for 18 months, but in practice it can go on indefinitely. Until such time as they are released, conscripts have almost no control over their lives. They are not permitted to marry, could be stationed anywhere in the country, and are put to work on government infrastructure projects such as building roads. In return they receive a meager wage thats scarcely enough to fend off starvation.

Any hint of insubordination is dealt with ruthlessly. Asking for leave, complaining, and even praying can lead to arrest and detention. Thousands of Eritreans attempt to flee the country every year. The official penalty for desertion is five years imprisonment, but there are reports that a shoot to kill policy is in place.

1. North Korea

Its with good reason that North Korea is sometimes referred to as the Hermit Kingdom. Since its creation in 1948, one family has passed down power from father to son. Each member of the Kim dynasty has wielded that power in the manner of a despotic medieval monarch. There were some hopes that Kim Jong Un, who was educated in the West, might prove to be more open and conciliatory than his father and grandfather. He has instead continued in the family tradition of murdering rivals and loudly threatening South Korea and the United States of America with destruction.

North Korean media is devoted to portraying the Kim family as benevolent godlike geniuses. North Koreans are told they are the wealthiest and most fortunate people in the world. This was demonstrably false even in the late 1960s and early 1970s when the economy was outperforming that of their South Korean neighbor. Its an even harder sell now that South Korea has become one of the wealthiest nations in the world, while the North Korean economy collapsed to the point that as many as 3 million people may have died of starvation in the 1990s.

If the North Korean people ever realize the extent of the lie perpetrated on them, it might prove impossible for the government to retain its grip on power. The Kim familys solution has been to create a sealed society, with little information allowed in or out. Any North Korean found listening to a foreign radio station, watching a foreign movie, or in possession of a foreign book or newspaper risks arrest, torture, and deportation to one of North Koreas brutal prison camps.

The aggressive rhetoric and bizarre claims coming out of North Korea on a regular basis are such that a satirical Twitter account, purporting to be North Koreas official news service, has been mistaken for the real thing by several respectable media outlets.

Liked it? Take a second to support Toptenz.net on Patreon!

Other Articles you Might LikeQatars Public Works Authority Ashghal has completed the tunnelling works in the Western branch of the main trunk sewer of its Doha South Sewage infrastructure project.



The project site witnessed the breakthrough of the tunnel-boring machine into the wall of the tunnel shaft, in the presence of Abdulla Hamad Al Attiyah, Ashghal president assistant and Khalid Saif Al Khayareen, drainage networks projects department manager, along with a number of officials and engineers from the projects consulting and contracting companies.



This major milestone represents the completion of one of the three main branches forming the main trunk sewer of Doha South Sewage infrastructure project, which will convey the sewage flows through pumping stations to the existing Doha South Treatment Works.



Al Attiyah said that the tunnel extends five kilometres underground reaching several areas including Al Sadd, Al Maamoura, and Salwa Road, up to the Doha South Sewage Treatment Works.



He noted that the achievement shows that Ashghal is still making progress in all its roads, expressways, buildings projects as well as the infrastructure and drainage projects that are being carried out deep underground. He added that these achievements prove that the State of Qatar is able to move ahead and deliver projects with the required quality and as scheduled.



Al Khayareen said that the Western branch that was completed today is one of the three parts of the Main Trunk Sewer which will serve Al Sadd, Al Maamoura, Umm Ghuwailina, and Al Matar areas. He pointed out that the main tunnel will withdraw the drainage water in a smoother way via gravitational factors to get it to the treatment plants, which will contribute to eliminate around 20 old pumping stations.



The western branch of the main trunk sewer, which was completed on January 7, stretches from Al Thumama Area to Salwa Road through Abu Hamour Area, with a length of about 5 km, representing about 30 per cent of the total length of the main tunnel. The tunnelling works, which started in the beginning of January 2017, took a period of 12 months at an average rate of 13.7 m per day.  TradeArabia News ServiceBritish Airways' (BA) parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), has announced it will purchase the collapsed Austrian airline Niki for 20 million ($23.9 million) and provide additional liquidity to the company of up to 16.5 million ($19.7 million), said a report.



The sale to IAG, which was the last remaining bidder, is the final chapter in the demise of Air Berlin, the second-biggest German airline that previously owned Niki and filed for insolvency earlier this year, said a report in The National.



IAG said it will run the airline as a new subsidiary of its budget carrier Vueling, retaining about 740 former Niki staff. The assets include about 15 planes, as well as slots in airports such as Vienna, Munich and Palma.



Niki filed for insolvency earlier this month after Germany's Lufthansa backed out of a deal to buy its assets on competition concerns, grounding the fleet and stranding thousands of passengers, the report said.



The airline was founded by Niki Lauda, the Austrian ex-F1 racing champion, but was sold to Air Berlin in 2011.



Lauda made a bid to repurchase Niki, along with several others, but eventually lost out to IAG.



Air Berlin agreed to sell a large part of its airline assets to Lufthansa. It also clinched a deal with Britain's easyJet for some operations at Berlin Tegel, the report said.Almere, The Netherlands

January 8, 2018

ASMI Share Buyback Update January 1-5, 2018

ASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) reports the following transactions, conducted under ASMI's current share buyback program.

Date Repurchased shares Average price Repurchased value January 2, 2018 37,614  56.90  2,140,395 January 3, 2018 32,498  58.15  1,889,876 January 4, 2018 32,395  58.24  1,886,711 January 5, 2018 33,312  58.60  1,952,243 Total 135,819  57.94  7,869,225

These repurchases were made as part of the 250 million share buyback program announced on September 22, 2017. Of the total program, 63.1% has been repurchased. For further details including individual transaction information please visit:

www.asm.com/investors/share-information/share-buyback.

About ASM International

ASM International NV, headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, its subsidiaries and participations design and manufacture equipment and materials used to produce semiconductor devices. ASM International, its subsidiaries and participations provide production solutions for wafer processing (Front-end segment) as well as for assembly & packaging and surface mount technology (Back-end segment) through facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan and Asia. ASM International's common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol ASM). For more information, visit ASMI's website at www.asm.com .

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: All matters discussed in this press release, except for any historical data, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, economic conditions and trends in the semiconductor industry generally and the timing of the industry cycles specifically, currency fluctuations, corporate transactions, financing and liquidity matters, the success of restructurings, the timing of significant orders, market acceptance of new products, competitive factors, litigation involving intellectual property, shareholders or other issues, commercial and economic disruption due to natural disasters, terrorist activity, armed conflict or political instability, epidemics and other risks indicated in the Company's reports and financial statements. The Company assumes no obligation nor intends to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future developments or circumstances.

CONTACT

Investor contact:

Victor Bareno

T: +31 88 100 8500

E: victor.bareno@asm.com

Media contact:

Ian Bickerton

T: +31 625 018 512For immediate release



FLOW TRADERS RECEIVES LICENSE IN HONG KONG, OPENS NEW OFFICE



Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 08 January 2018 - The Hong Kong regulator (the Securities and Futures Commission) granted Flow Traders Hong Kong Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Flow Traders N.V. (Euronext: FLOW), the license required to become an Exchange Participant of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This enables Flow Traders Hong Kong to act as an official market maker in ETFs and futures.

Flow Traders will start providing liquidity in Hong Kong-listed ETFs and futures, as a regulated market maker. Flow Traders will furthermore engage in advisory panels of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to share its knowledge on trading and act as a partner in the further development of the market infrastructure in Hong Kong and the Asian ETF ecosystem.

"We are delighted to have received this license, which will enable us to provide liquidity as a regulated entity and direct exchange member in Hong Kong", commented Sjoerd Rietberg, co-CEO of Flow Traders, "We look forward to offering additional liquidity in the APAC ETF markets, both on-exchange and off-exchange to investors and other market participants."

Co-CEO Dennis Dijkstra added: "The trust expressed in Flow Traders by the Hong Kong regulator is an honor that confirms the consistent quality of our professional setup and controls and the important role electronic liquidity providers play today in the financial markets. We look forward to expand our relationship with the regulator and with Asian market participants."

Flow Traders will open its Hong Kong office without any further delay, headed by Roeland Pot and Steve Mark. The Hong Kong office will work in close cooperation with the Singapore office together representing the APAC region for Flow Traders.

ENDS

Contact

Flow Traders N.V.

Serge Enneman / Investor Relations Officer

Telephone : +31 20 7996799

Email: investor.relations@flowtraders.com

About Flow Traders

Flow Traders is a leading global technology-enabled liquidity provider specializing in exchange traded products (ETPs). We provide continuous liquidity in ETP markets, while seeking to stay market neutral at all times and without having directional opinions. Investors benefit from our activities due to increased liquidity, higher execution quality and lower overall trading costs. As such, we contribute to more efficient and transparent securities markets. We provide liquidity in over 5,500 ETP listings across the globe, tracking all underlying asset classes, including equities, fixed income, commodities and currencies with access to over 104 trading venues in 36 countries around the world. Flow Traders has been named Europe's number one ETF Market Maker at the Annual Global ETF Awards for the last ten consecutive years - 2007 until 2016, and Asia-Pacific's number one ETF Market Maker for five out of the last six years - 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016. Flow Traders is headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with trading offices in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York and Singapore, covering all time zones. Flow Traders' shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. For more information, please visit: www.flowtraders.com .



Important legal information

This press release is prepared by Flow Traders N.V. and is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and you must not rely on the content of this document when making any investment decisions. The information in this document does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice and is not to be regarded as investor marketing or marketing of any security or financial instrument, or as an offer to buy or sell, or as a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, securities or financial instruments.



The information and materials contained in this press release are provided 'as is' and Flow Traders N.V. or any of its affiliates ("Flow Traders") do not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and materials and expressly disclaim liability for any errors or omissions. This press release is not intended to be, and shall not constitute in any way a binding or legal agreement, or impose any legal obligation on Flow Traders. All intellectual property rights, including trademarks, are those of their respective owners. All rights reserved. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Flow Traders. No part of it may be redistributed or reproduced without the prior written permission of Flow Traders.



By accepting this document you agree to the terms set out above. If you do not agree with the terms set out above please notify legal.amsterdam@nl.flowtraders.com immediately and delete or destroy this document.

Market Abuse Regulation

This press release contains information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, January 8

The Maharashtra Government will showcase various infrastructure projects at the Magnetic Maharashtra Convergence  2018 investors summit to be held in Mumbai between February 18 and 20.

Among the mega projects that will be offered to investors will include the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Information Expressway, road and metro rail projects and water supply schemes across the state, according to state government sources here. The Maharashtra Government has invited CEOs of several big global corporations in addition to trade representatives of various countries, officials said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government could convert more than 50% of the MoUs signed at the Make in India  2016 into actual projects on the ground. We signed 2,984 MoUs of which 1,523 projects were actually converted. Investments to the tune of Rs 4.09 lakh crore of the Rs 8 lakh crore planned have actually come in, Fadnavis said.

However, say sources, marquee investors like Foxconn which was to put up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the state were yet to kick-start their projects. The state government is wooing Foxconn to set up its project at SEZ near the JNPT port.editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, January 7

The special investigation team (SIT) of the Haryana Police arrested Mahinder Insan, alias Dr MP Singh, from Sirsa in connection with the Panchkula violence. He will be produced in a Panchkula court tomorrow.

As per information, Mahinder Insan had accompanied Aditya Insan, who is still at large, while coming to Panchkula on August 25. Later, violence had erupted in which 36 persons were killed and over 200 got injured on the same day.Sushma Ramachandran

Sushma Ramachandran

THE Indian economy seems to be like the proverbial elephant being examined by several blind men. Each describes it from his own perspective. One person says it is growing very fast while the other says it is down in the dumps. The latest economic growth data released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) shows there has been a recovery in the second quarter of the current fiscal  2017-18. The overall growth for the first half of the year is pegged at 6 per cent now. This has prompted an expectation of 6.5 per cent growth for the entire year, based on the assumption that it will be higher in the last two quarters. It is the slowest pace in the last four years. Hence, down in the dumps. At the same time, it marks a recovery from the slump of 5.7 per cent in the first quarter. Hence, it is described as robust growth.

The reality is that the overall growth in the current fiscal, despite the recovery, will be at a disappointingly low level. It may have risen from the trough of the first quarter but remains far below the level needed to bring much of Indias population above the poverty line. The country needs consistently high economic growth for at least a decade. Only then, will it be possible to reduce the huge inequities in the development matrix. An 8-10 per cent growth rate is therefore imperative. It does not help for The Economist to describe India as the worlds fastest growing economy. This is a race that this country needs to win in its own self interest, not just as an academic exercise of comparative growth rates to pat itself on the back.

The reasons for the slowdown are clear. First, the disruptive effect of demonetisation which took place in November 2016 took more than a few months to subside completely. Second, the launch of the GST, with all its bureaucratic complexities and infirmities in July this year, had a massive impact on trade and industry. Even though there was a rollback of many onerous procedures, the GST remains a hurdle for small and medium enterprises. It is a reform that needs to be fixed operationally to become entirely successful.

The question is: what are the prospects for higher growth next year and what can the government do to improve the situation? As for the external outlook, it looks bleak on one major front, that is, oil prices. These are continuing their northward journey and have touched $67 per barrel. The hardening trend may not continue after the next two months when global winter demand eases. Plus much will depend on whether Russia continues to abide by the production quota agreement reached with the OPEC cartel. High global oil prices are a worrying factor since India imports over 80 per cent of its crude oil needs. The crash in world oil prices in 2014 had eased the scenario for Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, but this year, it will become burdensome and impact fiscal deficit calculations. Even officials expect there will be a slippage in the deficit targets for 2017-18. Given the impact of higher oil prices and the subsidy on key petroleum products, there is likely to be an even greater slippage from targets for next year as well.

On the other external issue of exports, growth will be constrained due to several factors. First, the rupee has been rapidly appreciating, thereby undermining efforts to become competitive in world markets. The stronger rupee will, on the other hand, help in containing the oil import bill. Secondly, exporters are still facing problems in getting refunds under the GST. Small units especially are not able to deal with the GST and its red tape. This is significant as many major export industries like gems and jewellery, handicrafts and garments are largely in the small-scale sector. So unless the GST is reformed quickly, it could affect export initiatives.

In other sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, the CSO expects there will be a slowdown compared to the previous year. Services are the only segment that appear to be growing robustly. It thus becomes incumbent on the government to take initiatives to ensure that the two key areas of agriculture and manufacturing are given an impetus.

The need to alleviate rural distress and farmers grievances needs to be high on the agenda of the government as it prepares to formulate the Budget. It has become not just an economic, but a political priority for the current administration as the Gujarat election has shown that rural areas have opted to vote for parties other than the BJP. Credit availability to the rural sector needs to be stepped up but this needs to be combined with greater flexibility in repayment norms, given the continuing incidence of farmers suicides.

Similarly, infrastructure investment needs to be stepped up in a big way. This can give a significant boost to the economy. Private investment has not picked up to the desired extent, indicating that the economic environment is not considered favourable at this time. Issues linked to ease of doing business must be improved significantly for both foreign and domestic investors if there is to be any step up in investment.

While taking measures to revive the economy, the government will have one eye on the upcoming elections in as many as eight states. But it needs to avoid short-term populism and go ahead with durable and viable long-term reforms. This is especially urgent in the farm sector. It needs to be made a key focus area. The rural economy has to be revitalised and given sufficient support. Unless employment avenues are created in rural areas, the existing mass migration to cities will become an endless flow creating chaos in urban centres. Industrial growth, especially in manufacturing, is equally critical in order to create more jobs. No doubt, it will be a tough task, but reviving economic growth right now needs to be accorded the highest priority. Otherwise it will not be possible to achieve the aim of eliminating poverty from this country as rapidly as possible.ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 7

With the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) receiving an Intelligence input regarding a possible aerial terror attack on and around the Republic Day, the Centre has alerted the security agencies of northern states and directed them to follow strict security drill.

Sources in the MHA said a letter has been sent to the Director of General Police (DGPs) and the Police Commissioners of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Asking them to keep a vigil on all airborne craft, a senior MHA official, in the letter, said the states had been asked to keep surveillance and positioning of special security guards at recognised field to check that no light/micro light aircraft, hand glider and helicopters is allowed to fly or even starts on and around the Republic Day.

Operations of light, micro-light aircraft, UAVs and similar long-range vehicles should be prohibited around 300 km from Delhi between 6 am and 9 pm on January 26, the letter stated. However, all state-owned aircraft, having prior security clearance, will be allowed to fly.

It has also been advised to prohibit airborne cameras and drones along sensitive locations such as Vijay Chowk, Rashtrapati Bhawan and Rajpath during the restriction period between January 26 and 29, sources said. The police have been asked to intensify highway patrolling as the aerial vehicles and light aircraft may not necessarily be operated from the airports, but from any other unprepared ground as well.

The state security agencies have also been instructed to keep a tight vigil on unused airstrips and open grounds which may allow operations of these aircraft.sanjiv@tribunemail.com

THE self-certified militarily muscular government in New Delhi cut a sorry figure before a parliamentary committee recently when it failed to spell out a cogent national security policy. Worse, the government also did not appear to have a strategy to deal with Pakistan except for haranguing it for incubating terrorists; it came up short when asked to specifically spell out the strategy to deal with Pakistan in political, economic, cultural and military dimensions. India and Pakistan ties need an environment free from terror, hostility and violence to foster but as the parliamentary panel pointed out, the policy is based on a single leg: asking Pakistan to honour its publicly stated commitment not to allow any territory under its control to be used against India in any manner and take effective and credible action to put an end to cross-border terrorism.

It is a telling commentary on the security overload in the governments thought process that a parliamentary panel packed with BJP members could not help avoid picking holes in the diplomatic strategy for dealing with Pakistan. It rightly pointed out that the relationship has been blighted by recurrent periods of tensions and strains and is historically complicated. But that shouldnt stop the government from trying to hold talks with Pakistan. After all, there were tangible benefits despite the cyclical process of dialogue-terrorist attack-dialogue during the Vajpayee-Manmohan Singh eras, such as ceasefire along the LoC, improved bilateral trade and more people-to-people contacts.

Taking heed from a bipartisan committee of politicians, New Delhi needs to create conditions conducive for mature negotiations that are not held hostage to the acts of terrorism. The secret meeting between the NSAs in Bangkok may have been one such step to keep the channels of communication open, even during crises. As the frenzied Indian reaction to Hafiz Saeed sharing a platform with the Palestine envoy or to the case of former Navy officer Jadhav showed, Indias foreign policy to Pakistan does get dictated or derailed by non-state actors. Insignificant imams must not be permitted to dictate Indias foreign policy responses in the neighbourhood.editorial@tribune.com

Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 8

Power tariff has gone up in municipal areas of Haryana. With the government issuing orders today on imposition of municipal tax, urban consumers will have to shell out 2 per cent more on power bills with effect from November 23 last.

Decks were cleared for imposition of municipal tax with the Assembly passing the Haryana Municipal (Second Amendment) Act during the recent Vidhan Sabha session. Following assent by the Governor, the government issued the order today for imposition of 2 per cent municipal tax.

Officials said the higher rate of municipal tax would get more revenue for municipalities, which had been grappling with resource crunch at a time when Manohar Lal Khattar government had initiated major development projects in major cities and towns.

The municipal tax component of power bills is channelised into development projects by the state government in areas falling within municipal limits of urban areas.

Since urbanisation is growing at a rapid pace, massive investment is needed in urban areas to provide basic amenities people and upgrade infrastructure in the state.

Since 2000, power utilities had been charging municipal tax at 5 paise per unit, officials said, adding that it had now been increased to 2 per cent of the total electricity bill.

However, the tax would not be leviable on consumption of electricity by the Government of India or where it was consumed in construction, maintenance or operation of any railway by the Central government.

On July 10 last, the BJP government issued a notification asking panchayats to levy panchayat tax in villages to mop up resources for rural development in the state.

The imposition of municipal tax and panchayat tax by the BJP government in urban and rural areas was being seen as an attempt to bring in uniformity in power tariff in rural and urban areas.editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 8

Condemning registration of an FIR by the Deputy Director of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) against Rachna Khaira, a reporter of The Tribune, in the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police for publishing news regarding the breach of secrecy of the UIDAI scheme, the Press Club, Shimla, today submitted a memorandum to Governor Acharya Devvrat.

A delegation led by Press Club president Dhananjay Sharma met the Governor at Raj Bhawan and apprised him about the incident in which the reporter had been booked under Sections 419 (punishment for cheating under impersonation), 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery), 471 (using a forged document) and also under sections of the IT Act and the Aadhaar as she exposed how for a small sum of money, an agent allegedly created a gateway to access the details contained in an individuals Aadhaar card.

Mediapersons said action of the UIDAI was uncalled for and a brazen attack on the freedom of press as The Tribune had only exposed how the UIDAI could lead to breach of security.

The memorandum further said the media was with The Tribune at this juncture as it was not only an attempt to bully a newspaper, but also beginning of a new trend which, if not stopped, could pose a threat to the freedom of press and democracy.

In a report published on January 3, the reporter, using a false identity, had posed as an interested party and claimed in her report that she had an easy access to details that individuals had listed in their Aadhaar cards.

Meanwhile, president, HP Congress Committee, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has condemned the move and said the UIDAIs action was meant to browbeat a journalist whose investigation on the matter was of great public interest.

He said it was unfair, unjustified and a direct attack on the freedom of press. Instead of penalising the reporter, the UIDAI should have ordered an internal investigation and made its findings public. The HPCC demanded an immediate intervention of the Union Government for withdrawing the cases against the reporter, he added.editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, January 8

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and his Cabinet colleagues arrived here today for the four-day Winter session starting tomorrow.

Ministers of the BJP government, including Kishan Kapoor, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Vipin Parmar, Minister for Health, Bikram Thakur, Minister for Industries, Sarveen Chaudhary, Minister for Town and Country Planning, former CM Shanta Kumar and hundreds of party workers waited for the new CM at the Gaggal airport for about four hours. The Chief Minister was scheduled to arrive here at 2 pm. However, his arrival was delayed by about two hours.

Many BJP leaders complained that their names were not on the list of leaders who were allowed inside the airport to welcome the CM.

Some of them argued their case with airport authority officials who had to leave their office to avoid the situation.

Talking to newsmen at the airport, the Chief Minister avoided almost all controversial queries.

When asked about the second capital status to Dharamsala that was accorded by the previous Congress government, Thakur said he could not say anything regarding it. For the time being, his objective would be run the session of smoothly.

Different delegations of employees, groups of party workers and officials of various departments stood along the road to welcome the CM. The Chief Minister, who seemed exhausted attending the welcomes for the past few days, acknowledged almost every delegation.

Near Circuit House, the CM, on his first arrival to the quasi winter capital of the state, got the taste of things to come. A delegation of government workers was awaiting for him with their charter of demands. The employees were demanding the implementation of the old pension scheme in place of contributory pension scheme.

Members of the Gaddi community welcomed him in their traditional dresses. Men and women members of the community performed their traditional dance.

The Chief Minister was made to get down from his official car and walk to the Circuit House where he was according guard of honour.

In Circuit House, Thakur performed dance with Gaddi dancers and obliged many who wanted a selfie with him.

Almost all Congress and BJP MLAs arrived at Dharamsala for the session and checked in hotels booked for them by the district administration. Leader of Congress Legislative Party Mukesh Agnihotri also arrived. Former CM Virbhadra Singh also arrived here and is staying Jia Rest House, the place where former CM Prem Kumar Dhumal used to stay as the Leader of the Opposition.

A selfie moment

Members of the Gaddi community welcomed Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in their traditional dresses. Men and women members of the community performed their traditional dance. The Chief Minister was made to get down from his official car and walk to the Circuit House, where he was according guard of honour. In Circuit House, the Chief Minister performed with Gaddi dancers and obliged many who wanted a selfie with him. The CM, who seemed exhausted attending the welcomes for the past few days, acknowledged almost every delegation.uttara@tribuneindia.com

Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, January 9

Police have found no terrorist link to a Kashmiri youth arrested while travelling without ticket in a train from New Delhi to Bhopal, a high-ranking police officer said on Monday.

The youngster, Bilal Ahmad Wani, was arrested by Government Railway Police from Palwal while travelling in the New Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express, and later handed over to the Anti Terrorist Squad.

Uttar Pradesh ATS Inspector General Asim Arun said that there was nothing irregular about his background.

Wani reportedly pretended to be deaf and mute when the railways Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) asked for his ticket, raising his suspicion. The TTE reported Wani to the police, who made him alight at Mathura at 8.30 am on Sunday.

Wani continued to pretend until Sunday noon, even speaking in signs, but finally gave his name and address when officers of the ATS and local intelligence persisted in questioning him.

He said he was from Anantnag, where his family owned a medical store.

The name and address shared by him were corroborated by the Kashmir police. Till now no terrorist link has been confirmed, Arun said.

The names and addresses of two more Kashmiri youth who had been staying with him at Delhi hotel in Delhi were found to be correct. The ATS is now looking for them to bring them in for questioning.rchopra@tribunemail.com

Jerusalem, January 8

Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who as a toddler survived the 2008 terror attack at a Jewish centre in Mumbai, is feeling emotional and excited as he prepares to visit his birthplace during the four-day visit to India by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this month.

Moshe, 11, was two-year-old when his parents were killed in the Mumbai attacks at Nariman House (also known as Chabad House) by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists.

The boy, standing and crying between his dead parents bodies, was saved in a daring move by his brave nanny, Sandra Samuels, who was hiding in a room downstairs when the attack happened.

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Moshe is very excited and at the same time emotional as he gets ready to leave for Mumbai on January 15. He is returning to his birthplace and is waiting to see many things connected to his late parents that he has heard about from us and his nanny. There are lots of memories, an overwhelmed Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, Moshes grandfather, told PTI.

In an emotional meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 5 in Jerusalem, the young boy had expressed his wish to visit Mumbai.

I hope I will be able to visit Mumbai, and when I get older, live there. I will be the director of our Chabad House, Moshe had told the Indian Prime Minister.

Modi had responded by saying, Come and stay in India and Mumbai. You are most welcome. You and your all family members will get long-term visas. So you can come anytime and go anywhere.

Netanyahu then promptly asked Moshe to join him when he travels to India, a promise he did not forget and has invited the family to join him in Mumbai during his forthcoming visit to India starting on January 14.

Moshe says that he was touched by the warm embrace he received from Prime Minister Modi when he met him in Jeursalem during his July visit to Israel. He says that he felt like it was one of his own people giving him a warm hug, Rosenberg said, adding, He is hoping to meet the Indian Prime Minister again during his India trip.

He is waiting to host Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara, and hopefully PM Modi at his home in Mumbai, the grandfather said.

The young boy will be accompanied by his grandparents, Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg, nanny Sandra and a psychologist during his trip to Mumbai.

During a meeting with the psychologist, who has been mentally preparing him for the visit, Moshe gave him an account of places in Mumbai he would like to visit. He has done his homework and knows about not only the sightseeing places but also other places where his parents carried out works related to their assignment, Rosenberg noted.

Moshes parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, who were serving as Directors at the Chabad House, were killed along with six others when the place also came under attack by Pakistani terrorists during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

It is heartwarming to see that the Indian leadership and the people of India havent forgotten us and share our pain. It gives us strength and makes us feel one, Rosenberg said.

In a brief telephonic call, Sandra, who was in Afula in the north of Israel where Moshe and his family lives, said the boy is excited and told her before leaving for school on Sunday that it is like homecoming for him.

The family also plans to celebrate Moshes bar mitzvah in Mumbai. Bar mitzvah is a ceremony performed for Jewish boys at the age of 13 which some Israeli scholars compare with upnayana, or the thread ceremony.

India issued 10-year multiple entry visas to Moshe and his grandparents to ease their travel to the country in August. Prime Minister Modi is said to have personally followed up on the matter as promised to Moshe during their meeting.

Sandra also now lives in Israel and has been felicitated with an honourary citizenship by the Israeli government. PTIrchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, January 8

Amid criticism of action by authorities over The Tribune report on Aadhaar data breach, Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday said the government is committed to the freedom of the press and the FIR had been filed against unknown entities.

Government is fully committed to freedom of Press as well as to maintaining security and sanctity of Aadhaar for Indias development. FIR is against unknown, Prasad said on Twitter.

Delhi Police have registered an FIR on a UIDAI officials complaint over The Tribune report on alleged data breach of Aadhaar details, naming the reporter behind the story, even as the daily said it would defend its freedom to undertake investigative journalism.

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Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Deputy Director BM Patnaik told the police that an input was received from The Tribune that it had purchased a service being offered by anonymous sellers over WhatsApp that provided unrestricted access to details of any of the Aadhaar numbers created in India, the police had said on Sunday.

On January 5, a complaint was received from Patnaik and the FIR was registered the same day, the police said.

The Editors Guild of India sought government intervention for the withdrawal of the case and called for an impartial investigation into the matter.

Criticising the lodging of the FIR, the guild said it was deeply concerned over reports that the UIDAI deputy director had registered a complaint in which the reporter of The Tribune, Rachna Khaira, had been named.

UIDAI is committed to the freedom of Press. We're going to write to @thetribunechd & @rachnakhaira to give all assistance to investigate to nab the real culprits. We also appreciate if Tribune & its journalist have any constructive suggestion to offer. https://t.co/H3OtQSiFeJ  Aadhaar (@UIDAI) January 8, 2018

Prasad said: Ive suggested UIDAI to request Tribune & its journalist to give all assistance to police in investigating real offenders. PTIuttara@tribuneindia.com

New Delhi, January 8



An Italian court has acquitted a former president of Italian defence and aerospace major Finmeccanica and a former chief executive officer of its subsidiary AgustaWestland of corruption charges involving a multi-crore deal of VVIP helicopters with India.

The Court of Appeal of Milan on Monday cleared former president of Finmeccanica, Giuseppe Orsi, and Bruno Spagnolin, a former CEO of its subsidiary AgustaWestland of corruption charges because of insufficient proof, according to an order read out in the court.

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Orsi was arrested in 2014 and resigned as chief executive of the aerospace group that was later renamed as Leonardo. He was at the helm of AugustaWestland when the deal was struck and he is suspected of involvement in the payment of bribes.

The development came more than a year after a court sentenced Orsi to 4.5 years and Spagnolini to 4 years in jail on corruption charges related to a Rs 3,600 crore contract to supply a dozen helicopters to New Delhi.

The case against Orsi and Spagnolini was a result of an investigation launched in 2012 into the sale of 12 luxury helicopters to India.

India had scrapped the contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AugustaWestland in January 2014 for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks paid by the firm for securing the deal.

India's defence ministry had ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe allegations of kickbacks to the tune of Rs 362 crore after Italian investigators arrested Orsi and Spagnolini in connection with the case.

In February 2010, India had inked a deal to acquire 12 three-engine AW-101 helicopters from AgustaWestland. PTI/Agenciesmonicakchauhan@gmail.com

Washington, January 8

A group of Americans of Indian, Afghan and Baloch descents has protested outside the Pakistani embassy here against the "inhumane" treatment of the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav during their recent visit to Islamabad.

Braving freezing cold, the protesters also brought along sandals to give them to the Pakistani embassy officials. The trial of Kulbhushan Jadhav violated all norms of international law as it was conducted by a military court, said Ahmar Mustikhan, founder of the American Friends of Baolchistan, which organised the unique event named as "Chappal-Chor Pakistan" (slipper-thief Pakistan).

Both Jadhavs wife and mother were asked to remove their sandals, mangalsutras and bindis before they were allowed to meet him, and the sandals were subsequently stolen, Mustikhan said.

The protesters said that Pakistan meted out "inhumane" treatment to Jadhav's wife and mother during their tightly- controlled interaction with the 47-year-old Indian national on December 25 in the Pakistan Foreign Office.

During the meeting, whose pictures were released by Pakistan, Jadhav was seen sitting behind a glass screen while his mother and wife sat on the other side. They spoke through intercom and the entire 40-minute proceedings appeared to have been recorded on video.

The recent episode of Pakistan makes a mockery of humanity. By not returning the slippers of Smt. Kulbhushan Yadav and asking them to remove even Bindi and Mangal Sutras and changing their dresses as well, it is just another sleazy activity Pakistan has done to a Bharata Soubhagya Nari (married Indian woman)," said Krishna Gudipati, local Hindu community leader in the US.

Carl Clemens, volunteer with several local community organisations alleged that the treatment given to the mother and wife by Pakistan foreign office typified the "petty vindictiveness and humiliation" that is the prevalent culture in Pakistan.

"They have humiliated the religious and faith symbols of Hindu womanhood. Because of this sort of behaviour Pakistan has found itself on a watch list. This behaviour will lead to Pakistan's own destruction," said the protester Dhananjay Shevilkar.

Pakistan on December 25 had issued a video of Jadhav in which he was purportedly seen thanking the Pakistan government for arranging a meeting with his wife and mother.

India has asserted that Jadhav appeared coerced and under considerable stress during the tightly-controlled interaction.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April, following which India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May.

Pakistan says he was a commander rank officer in the Indian Navy. But India says Jadhav was a former naval officer.

New Delhi also says Jadhav was kidnapped in Iran where he had legitimate business interests, and brought to Pakistan.

A 10-member Bench of the ICJ on May 18 restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.

It is expected to hold another hearing in March or April. PTIuttara@tribuneindia.com

New Delhi, January 8

Paving way for the Centre to make available a cheaper mode of transport for Haj pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has given its nod to India's plan to revive the option of ferrying devotees to Jeddah via sea route, 23 years after the practice was stopped.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi confirmed the development in a statement after he and Saudi Arabia's Haj and Umrah Minister Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten signed a bilateral annual agreement regarding the pilgrimage in Mecca on Monday.

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Terming his meeting with Benten "very fruitful", Naqvi said officials from both the countries would discuss the technicalities involved so that the pilgrimage via sea route can be commissioned in the coming years.

"Saudi Arabia has given its nod to revive the option of sending pilgrims by sea route... Officials from both the countries will discuss all the necessary formalities and technicalities so that Haj pilgrimage through sea route can be started in the coming years," the statement quoted Naqvi as saying.

However, it did not specify the year when the option for pilgrimage via sea route would be opened. As of now, devotees can travel to Saudi Arabia for performing Haj only by air.

The "revolutionary, pro-poor and pilgrim-friendly" decision of sending devotees through sea route will help cut down travel expenses "significantly", Naqvi said.

The government has been weighing the option of opening the sea route in the light of a 2012 Supreme Court order to abolish by 2022 the subsidy offered to Haj pilgrims who travel by air.

Ministry sources, however, said air services to Jeddah would continue to be available for those who can afford the journey. India has a Haj quota of 1.70 lakh.

It used to take nearly 12-15 days for pilgrims to reach Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from Yellow Gate in Mumbai's Mazgaon before the sea route was closed in 1995, sources said.

Naqvi said with the availability of modern and well- equipped shipswhich can ferry 4,000 to 5,000 persons at a timethe 2,300-odd nautical miles one-side distance between Mumbai and Jeddah can now be covered within just three to four days.

The minister said for the first time, Muslim women from India will go to Haj without 'Mehram' (male companion) and separate accommodation and transport have been arranged for them.

"Woman Haj assistants will be deployed for them," he said, adding more than 1,300 women have applied to go for Haj without 'Mehram' and of them will be exempted from lottery system and allowed to proceed for the pilgrimage.

According to the new Haj policy of India, women above 45 years of age, who wish to go for Haj but who don't have a male companion, are allowed to travel for Haj in groups of four or more.

The Haj Committee of India has received around 3,59,000 applications for Haj 2018. For the first time, we have given choice to Haj pilgrims to opt for another nearest embarkation point, Naqvi said.

This will ensure that there is no financial burden on Haj pilgrims even after removal of Haj subsidy. This decision has received overwhelming response, the statement said. PTIrchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, January 8

Saudi Arabia has given its nod to Indias plan to revive the option of ferrying Haj pilgrims via sea route to Jeddah, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in a statement on Monday.

Naqvi made the comment after the signing of the annual Haj agreement between India and Saudi Arabia in Mecca.

Saudi Arabia has given its nod to revive the option of sending pilgrims by sea route. Officials from both the countries will discuss all the necessary formalities and technicalities so that Haj pilgrimage through sea route can be started in the coming years, Naqvi said according to the statement.

Naqvi said that sending pilgrims through ships would help cut down travel expenses significantly and added that it would be a revolutionary, pro-poor, pilgrim-friendly decision.

The practice of ferrying Haj pilgrims between Mumbai and Jeddah by waterways existed earlier too, but was stopped from 1995.

Naqvi said that for the first time Muslim women from India would go to Haj without mehram (male companion).

Separate accommodation and transport have been arranged for these women Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and women Haj assistants will be deployed for their assistance, he added.

More than 1,300 women have applied to go for Haj without mehram. All these women will be exempted from lottery system and allowed to proceed to Haj, he added. Women above 45, who wish to go for Haj but who dont have a male companion, are allowed to travel for Haj in groups of four or more women according to the new Haj policy of India. PTIeditorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 8

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today said Indian and Chinese troops had resolved an issue over the recent attempt by Chinese teams to build a road on the Indian side of the border at Tuting in Arunachal Pradesh.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of a seminar on Army technology, General Rawat said the Indian troops had stopped attempts by Chinese engineering teams to build a road near Tuting and the 'incident' had been resolved.

General Rawat said a Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) between the two sides in Arunachal two days ago had resolved the issue. Chinese road building teams had entered about 1 km inside the Indian territory in Tuting, government sources said, adding that they had come for track alignment activities. The teams returned when confronted by Indian troops and left behind various road-building equipment, including excavators, they said.

According to the Army chief, there was a major reduction of Chinese troops in the Doklam area of Sikkim sector. In June, Indian soldiers crossed the Sikkim border to stop China from constructing a road in the Doklam plateau. Bhutan has no diplomatic relations with China and asked India to intervene. Delhi also stressed that it had forewarned China that the road would be seen as a serious security concern because of the access it opens up to the narrow sliver of land called the "Chicken's Neck" that links India to its north-eastern states.

Earlier, the Army Chief said: There is need for modernisation, as future wars will be fought in difficult terrain and circumstances and we have to be prepared for them.

He said he was confident of support from the industry we will walk the extra mile to ensure that we utilise the technology you give us, he promised industry leaders in New Delhi. He appreciated the progress made in the area of defence technology.

This is not the first time that the Army Chief has commented on the crucial need for equipping the armed forces with the latest that technology has to offer. In November, he had spoken about armoured vehicles in the future should have the ability to operate on both northern and western borders. "Whatever be the future armoured vehicle we are looking at, we must have the capability to operate on the western border and the northern border.

He said there was a need to reduce imports in defence technology and become self-reliant. We would like to gradually move away from imports (in defence technology)... to ensure that we fight the next war with home-made solutions," he said.

Future wars in difficult terrain

There is a need for modernisation, as future wars will be fought in difficult terrain and circumstances and we have to be prepared for them. General Bipin Rawat, Army Chiefuttara@tribuneindia.com

Bengaluru, January 8

A Twitter war between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Adityanath in which they mocked each other over issues development and governance has gone viral on the internet.

Adityanath took part in the 'Nava Karnataka Parivartan Yatre' rally organised by the BJP's Karnataka unit here on Sunday as part of the party's ongoing state-wide 75-day campaign to "expose misdeeds" of the Siddaramaiah government.

Welcoming the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Siddaramaiah tweeted that there was a lot Adityanath could learn from Karnataka to address the reported starvation deaths in his state.

"I welcome UP CM Shri @myogiadityanath to our state. There is a lot you can learn from us Sir. When you are here please visit an Indira Canteen & a ration shop. It will help you address the starvation deaths sometimes reported from your state. #YogiInBengaluru," Siddaramaiah tweeted.

Adityanath promptly responded.

Thanking Siddaramaiah for the welcome, he cited an increase in farmers' suicides and alleged ill treatment to honest government officials under the Congress dispensation.

He also pointed out that he was trying to "undo the misery" unleashed by Congress' allies in Uttar Pradesh.

"Thank you for the welcome @siddaramaiah ji. I heard number of farmers committing suicide in Karnataka was highest in your regime, not to mention the numerous deaths and transfer of honest officers."

"As UP CM I am working to undo the misery and lawlessness unleashed by your allies," Adityanath tweeted.

The "welcome" barb between both the chief ministers has gone viral, with supporters of political parties they represent taking sides and trolling each other with hashtags "#YogiInBengaluru" and "#HogappaYogi" (go Yogi).

Addressing the 'Nava Karnataka Parivartan Yatre' rally on Sunday, Adityanath alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka was pushing the state five years back "due to corruption, divisive politics and anti-development policies".

Accusing the Congress of trying to divide the society on caste lines, keeping assembly elections in mind, he said: "The party has become a burden...a problem for the nation". Assembly elections are due in Karnataka early this year.

This is the second visit of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister to the state in less than a month to campaign for his party.

His last visit was to Hubbali on December 21, 2017 to address a rally.

Adityanath has also attacked Siddaramaiah personally for endorsing eating beef. PTIeditorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 8

Union Minister for Surface Transport, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari today said his ministry would soon sort out pending clearances for the Char Dham all-weather road, which passes through the eco-sensitive zone.

The issue will be resolved at the earliest, said Gadkari while addressing mediapersons here today.

The minister also reviewed the Char Dham all-weather road and Namami Ganga projects and said these were on course. Work on the all-weather Char Dham road is likely to be completed by March 2019, he said.

The Union minister said, A stretch of 570 km will be constructed under the Bharat Mala project. Work will start within six months. Tenders for another 400-km stretch of the all-weather road will be awarded by March this year. Re-aligning of the roads is already underway.

The minister announced the construction of an express highway between New Delhi and Dehradun. We want to extend cooperation to Uttarakhand in improving its tourism infrastructure. At the same time, we want to ensure that national highways are free of encroachments,  he added.

The minister said the Central Government was committed to keeping the Ganga free of pollution. He said Auli in Chamoli would be developed as an international ski resort.

The Uttarakhand Government has also forwarded a proposal for starting a sea-plane service in the state.

Chief Minister TS Rawat was also present .editorial@tribune.com

Jotirmay Thapliyal

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 8

A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Central Institute of Temperature Horticulture under which Uttarakhand will be provided one lakh walnut tree saplings.

Walnut is in big demand and it is mainly the state of Jammu and Kashmir which caters to walnut fruit needs of the country. Uttarakhand has climatic conditions suitable for walnut production. The state has decided to promote it in a big way under Uttarakhand Forest Resource Management project.

An MoU has been signed between Uttarakhand Forest Resource Management Project and Srinagar Kashmir situated Central Institute of Temperature Horticulture, a Central department that comes under Indian Council of Agriculture Research.

Under the project, funded by Japanese International Cooperation Agency, the state will get over a lakh high quality walnut saplings over a period of six years. The saplings will be provided to self help groups for plantation purposes.

As per an estimate, the country has a demand of around 70 metric tonnes of walnut. However, walnut production in the country is only half of it and nearly 90 per cent of it comes from Jammu and Kashmir. Uttarakhand, at present, has minuscule walnut product which it needs to promote.

Uttarakhand Forest Resource Management Projects Chief Project Officer Anup Malik disclosed that the walnut tree saplings obtained through Central Institute of Temperature Horticulture will be distributed to farmers through Van Panchayats. As per the condition of MoU, high yielding variety that will bear fruit from the third year after being planted will be provided to the state. After six years, a full-fledged walnut tree will give a produce of 25 kg. The walnut can be source of increasing the earnings of the farmers in the hilly areas of the state.editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 8

Uttarakhand Department of Tourism will organise International Yoga Festival in March in Rishikesh, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said on Monday.

While addressing a press conference today, Maharaj said that the festival will bring together practitioners of yoga from all across the world. The annual yoga festival will be held from March 1 to March 7 that will attract national and international tourists. We will also commemorate the 50 the anniversary of Beatles arrival in Rishikesh during this period, he said. The minister said the other details regarding holding the yoga festival in Rishikesh are being worked out.pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Beirut, January 8

Air strikes by regime and Russian aircraft on rebel positions in the northwestern province of Idlib killed at least 21 civilians, including eight children, a monitor said on Monday.

The strikes carried out on Sunday were the latest against jihadists and rebels in a week-old regime offensive on Idlib, the last province in Syria to escape government control.

The raid left at least 21 dead, including eight children and 11 members of the same family west of the town of Sinjar in the southeast of the province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Regime and Russian strikes are continuing today on several parts of Idlib province, Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based monitoring organisation, said.  AFPmonicakchauhan@gmail.com

Beijing, January 8

Carrie Gracie, the China editor for Britain's public broadcaster the BBC, has resigned from her post in Beijing due to pay disparities with her male colleagues, according to an open letter she wrote.

The BBC has come under fire recently for paying male employees more and has pledged to close the gender gap by 2020.

In July, it revealed as part of a funding settlement with the government that it paid its then top male star five times more than its best-paid female presenter, and that two-thirds of on-air employees earning at least 150,000 pounds ($203,500) were men.

In a letter published on her personal blog on Sunday, Gracie said there was a "crisis of trust" at the broadcaster, where she has worked for 30 years, and that it was "breaking equality law and resisting pressure for a fair and transparent pay structure".

The BBC had four international editors, two men and two women, of which she was one, she said.

When the BBC revealed top salaries as part of last year's settlement, Gracie said she learned that the two men made at least 50 percent more money than the women in those roles.

She said she had since had been offered a pay increase that remained "far short of equality" and left her post in Beijing last week, returning to her former job in the BBC TV newsroom.

"The BBC must admit the problem, apologise and set in place an equal, fair and transparent pay structure," she said, calling for an independent arbitration to settle individual cases at the broadcaster.

The BBC cited a BBC spokeswoman as saying that "fairness in pay" at the corporation is "vital", and that an audit of pay for rank and file staff led by an independent judge found there was "no systemic discrimination against women".

Reutersrchopra@tribunemail.com

Washington, January 8

No one in the White House questions the mental stability of Donald Trump, US top envoy to the UN Nikki Haley has said in response to an allegation against the American President in a controversial book.

Indian-American Haley, the first-ever Cabinet-ranking official in any presidential administration, defended staffers in the Trump administration as loyal and respecting.

Haleys defence of Trump comes after the publication of the book titled Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by journalist Michael Wolff, in which he claims to have interviewed more than 200 people familiar with the purported chaos inside the Oval Office.

In the book, Wolff writes that people around Trump regularly question his intelligence and fitness for office.

I know those people in the White House. These people love their country and respect our president...No one questions the (mental) stability of the president, Haley said on Sunday.

I cant vouch for anything like that. I dont know if it was 200 interviews with Steve Bannon, or if it was 200 interviews with him, but I can tell you, I know these people. I work with these people, she said.

Trump, 71, has repeatedly slammed the book as fake, describing it as full of lies.

Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! Trump said in a tweet.

The Trump administration has been dealing with the fallout of the book since it hit the stores on Friday.

I work with the president and speak with him multiple times a week, this is a man, he didnt become the president by accident, Haley said.

We need to be realistic at the fact that every person, regardless of race, religion, or party, who loves the country, should support this president. Its that important, she said.

Haley said she was in constant communication not only with the president but also with people around him.

Im around them all the time. I see these people put everything they have got into their jobs and into respecting and trusting the president. If they didnt, they wouldnt be there, she said.

Throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart, Trump tweeted on Saturday.

Earlier, White House aide Stephen Miller described the book as a grotesque work of fiction. PTIrajivbhatia82@gmail.com

Manila, January 8

The Philippines vice president has joined a chorus of opposition to a possible cancellation of mid-term elections and extensions to terms in office, including that of the president, amid a renewed push for a shift to federalism.

President Rodrigo Duterte is keen to follow through on his election campaign promise to introduce federalism, saying it would be more equitable for Filipinos and would bring peace and development, especially in the countries restive south.

House Speaker and Duterte ally Pantaleon Alvarez has said it was possible May 2019 mid-term elections would be cancelled if proposed constitutional amendments, to introduce federalism, pass a plebiscite this year.

But the no-election scenario has not sat well among Dutertes critics, who also expressed concern that changing the constitution could see him prolong his stay in power beyond the end of his term in 2022. Philippine presidents are allowed to serve one term only, lasting six years.

Vice President Leni Robredo, who was not Dutertes running mate, comes from an opposition party and has clashed with him on numerous occasions, said it was self-serving if moves were made to extend terms of incumbent executives.

We are very much against this no-election proposal because holding elections sums up democracy, she said during her weekly radio programme on Sunday.

This is the only way for ordinary Filipinos to participate in the process of choosing who should lead them. Filipinos are due to elect 12 senators, about 300 congressmen and thousands of local government officials in next years elections.

Speaker Alvarez said the house planned to convene as a constituent assembly early this year to tackle constitutional amendments, including the shift to federalism.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte has no intention to prolong his stay in power and is even willing to cut short his term.

Hes willing to let go because hes not keen really on staying (longer) as president. Thats the truth, Roque told CNN Philippines on Monday.

But lawyer Christian Monsod, one of those who helped design the 1987 Constitution, questioned motives of the pro-Duterte camp in Congress.

Is it really necessary to change the constitution? he told news channel ANC.

My bet is it would be amended, revised to suit the interests of the clans and dynasties in Congress.  Reuters.rajivbhatia82@gmail.com

Nicosia, January 8

The ruling party of the prime minister of northern Cyprus, a statelet recognised only by Turkey, was leading parliamentary elections on Monday but will probably still need to form a coalition, partial results showed.

More than 190,500 people were registered to vote in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), established in the wake of Turkeys 1974 invasion of the island in response to an Athens-backed coup.

The vote comes ahead of presidential polls later this month in the internationally recognised Greek-majority Republic of Cyprus, with peace efforts on hold until both sets of elections are over.

The National Unity Party (UBP) of prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun led the polls with 36 percent of the vote, ahead of the socialist Republican Turkish Party (CTP) at 21 percent, Turkish Cypriot media reports said, based on a count of 58 percent of ballot boxes.

The vote of the Democrat Party (DP)  the outgoing junior partner in the ruling coalition  however collapsed to 7 percent. The Peoples Party (HP)  a new partypolled well on 17 percent.

If confirmed, the results would probably pave the way to a UBP-CTP coalition, which could be useful for president Mustafa Akinci, as the CTP broadly supports peace talks he has led.

But the HP  which may still play a role in the coalition  has expressed scepticism over negotiations to reunify the island.

Akinci will want broad backing at home as he seeks to push once more for a federal solution to the Cyprus problem and convince his Greek Cypriot counterparts he means business.

The election in the northern third of Cyprus comes six months after efforts to reunify the island collapsed at a United Nations-hosted peace summit in Switzerland over several sticking points including the withdrawal of Turkeys 45,000 troops.

The election, originally planned for July, was brought forward after tensions in the ruling coalition of the UBP and its junior partner DP, as the opposition pressed for snap polls.  AFP.pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Washington, January 8

The widespread protests in Iran was a sign of failure of the government, US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have agreed, the White House said on Monday.

The two leaders spoke over phone on Sunday during which they also discussed the developments in the Korean Peninsula.

North and South Korea are scheduled to hold talks tomorrow.

Trump spoke to Macron to provide an update on developments on the Korean Peninsula, and to underscore American, South Korean and international resolve to achieve the complete denuclearisation of North Korea, the White House said in a readout of the call.

The presidents also agreed that the widespread demonstrations in Iran were a sign of the Iranian regimes failure to serve its peoples needs by instead diverting the nations wealth to fund terrorism and militancy abroad, it said.

At least 21 people have been killed in Iran after anti-government began on December 28. PTIPhoto: Tom Berg

Environmental advocates, state attorneys general, and others are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to maintain the Obama administrations regulation restricting the use of glider kits under the Greenhouse Gas Phase 2 rules, calling the current efforts to reverse the rule at odds with the Clean Air Act.

Last November, EPA moved ahead with its promise to repeal the glider provision found in the 2016 GHG rules. EPAs proposed repeal contended that glider kits should not be included in GHG regulations because glider vehicles are not technically new motor vehicles and glider engines are not new motor vehicle engines," and thus are not subject to the EPAs authority on environmental regulations.

In a phone conference Monday, the Environmental Defense Fund challenged this reading as intentionally misrepresentative of the CAA, saying it went against the principles upon which the legislation was founded.

For EPA to propose an interpretation of the Clean Air Act that would exclude these extremely high-polluting trucks from emissions standards is not only an unreasonable reading of the plain text of the CAA, its also at odds with and severely undermines the core purpose of the Clean Air Act, said Alice Henderson, EDF attorney.

EDF representatives also pointed out that industry stakeholders didn't challenge the EPA's authority over glider kits at the time the Phase 2 standards were being written.

In fact, some of those stakeholders late last year signed a letter supporting the original mandate. The letter, signed by executives from Volvo Group North America, Cummins, and Navistar, stated that glider kits should not be used to bypass currently certified powertrains.

In addition, a coalition of 12 attorneys general from California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington filed a comment strongly opposing the glider rule repeal, saying that the group was prepared to take any action to protect the emissions regulation, including legal challenges.

Repealing the glider rule is bad for our environment, for the health of our families, and for truckers and shippers who play by the rules and operate trucks with cleaner fuel-burning engines, said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to set and enforce motor-vehicle emissions standards. If EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt decides to neglect this legal responsibility by doing away with the glider rule, we are prepared to take any and all action to protect the air our children breathe and the vitality and level playing field of the trucking industry, an important sector of our economy.

Fitzgerald Glider Kits Petition

In May 2017, Pruitt held a meeting with Fitzgerald Glider Kits, according to a report by The Washington Post, but the details of that meeting were not publicly discussed. Just two months later, Fitzgerald petitioned EPA for the repeal of the rule, citing EPAs lack of authority to do so as its first reason.

Fitzgerald also challenged the validity of EPAs assessment of the environmental impact that glider kits would have, saying that it was based on unsupported assumptions rather than data. This petition was directly cited in EPAs proposed repeal of the glider rule.

EDF criticized EPAs lack of transparency on the meeting with Fitzgerald Glider Kits, saying that the apparent impact of the meeting had "concerning implications" for the Pruitt-led EPA.

The advcocay group also called attention to a study conducted by Tennessee Technical University  underwritten by Fitzgerald  that appeared to show that glider kits would not have as significant an environmental impact as previously argued by the EPAs own study, as also reported by The Washington Post. The Tennessee Tech study was included in the EPAs repeal proposal instead of the agency's own report.

Theres a series of more than suspicious circumstances surrounding this particular action.  EDF's Jason Mathers

EPA itself put in the docket an extensive documentation of a test program that they had conducted at their own research facility and that was not even mentioned or cited in the proposal to roll back the provision, said Jason Mathers, EDF director for on-road vehicles. Theres a series of more than suspicious circumstances surrounding this particular action.

Public Comments

As part of the proposed repeal of the glider rule, the EPA held a public comment period for citizens and industry stakeholders to voice opinions on the rollback. More than 24,000 comments were received by EPA before the comment period closed on Jan. 5.

Daimler Trucks North America (which offers glider kits itself) and Detroit Diesel Corporation filed a comment in opposition to EPAs proposal, stating it supports the Phase 2 rules as written.

EPAs proposed revisions to the glider rules would undermine the investments that DTNA and Detroit Diesel Corporation  and all other U.S. manufacturers  made in advanced technologies and exhaust aftertreatment, while opening the vehicle and engine markets to manufacturers who find simple options to skirt EPA regulations altogether and market high-emitting engines or vehicles.

However, some small trucking businesses filed comments supporting easing the rules on gliders.

For instance, Micha Miller of MJ Miller Inc. cited its reliance on glider kits for profitable business. Being a small company, profit margins are slim. Glider kits give us the ability to do our own maintenance and repairs, which decreases our downtime. We have tried the later model trucks and the results of that ended in a fuel mileage that did not even compare to the glider kit's fuel mileage. We get an average of over a mile to the gallon better fuel mileage on the gliders. The glider kits also give us an advantage of availability of parts, due to our local part stores having the majority of older engine parts in stock. The loss of the glider kit truck would devastate our business and the way we operate.

All public comments on the rule are archived and searchable on Regulation.gov.Benjamin Heertje, Kris Pouw, Debra Barraud and Annegien Schilling in Berlin for The Dream Diaries project.  UNHCR/Kris Pouw

GENEVA  Four young online creators have travelled more than 7,000 kilometres across Europe to meet a dozen refugee and asylum-seeking children as part of a new project, in association with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, that lets the youngsters imaginations run free.

In the course of 16 days, Humans of Amsterdam photographer Debra Barraud and her colleague Benjamin Heertje, Dutch graphic designer Annegien Schilling and film-maker Kris Pouw journeyed through five European countries to capture the dreams of children who have fled war and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia and beyond. The stories make up the Dream Diaries.

Through engaging with the many children we met, they shared their dreams with us. Once we had gathered their stories and dreams, we created an image to symbolize their realization says Debra, whose Humans of Amsterdam photography project has over 400,000 Facebook followers. Through the project, we saw the strength of these children and how with the right support they can achieve anything.

I want to become a superhero so I dont have to be afraid any more."

The series, which launches over 10 days across Instagram, Facebook and the UNHCR website and social pages, visualizes the dreams of children such as Ayham, 8, who lives with his family in Vienna, Austria, after fleeing Syria in October 2015. A portrait captures him as a superhero, with lightning bolts pulsing from his fingers.

I want to become a superhero so I dont have to be afraid any more, Ayham told the Dream Diaries team. I would end the fighting in Syria and then I would go back and kiss everything, really everything, also the bananas and the watermelons.

The Dream Diaries on film (UNHCR / @krispouw / @humansofamsterdam / @fetching_tigerss)

In 2016, more than 50 per cent of refugees were children. Unaccompanied or separated children  mainly from Afghanistan and Syria  made some 75,000 asylum applications in 70 countries during that year. Approximately one-third of people seeking asylum in Germany in 2015 and 2016 were children and young people.

"At a time when we see some people and places closing their hearts and minds to refugees, its an inspiration to see four young people embark on this great journey to tell these stories of hope," says Veronique Robert, UNHCRs deputy regional representative for Western Europe. "The Dream Diaries truly exemplifies how refugees are people just like you and me, with hopes, dreams and desires. The only difference is that they have been forced to flee their homes, loved ones and leave everything behind."

"It was interesting that we created pictures that gave people hope."

The stories of the 12 children featured in UNHCRs Dream Diaries series are told from cities in Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, where they have found new homes and a chance to dream again.

The general tone of pictures of people who are refugees is very sad and hopeless and almost depressing. I thought it was interesting that we created pictures that gave people hope, says Annegien, who has nearly 1 million followers on her Fetching_Tigerss Instagram account.

Audiences are being encouraged to stand #WithRefugees by signing UNHCRs global petition, which asks decision makers to grant refugees safety, education and opportunities  turning their dreams into reality. You can follow The Dream Diaries series via Humans of Amsterdam, Fetching_Tigerss and UNHCR social pages.

See more stories from The Dream DiariesDecember 15 2017

Photography by Tom Manley

Ferguson Marine have filed a competing vision for Glasgow's Govan Graving Docks , championing re-use of the docks as a ship repair and maintenance facility as well as cultural attractions, leisure space and business accommodation.Landowner New City Vision who have already submitted their own rival application for planning in principle, currently under consideration, to build 700 flood proof homes on the site.In a media briefing note Glasgow City Council wrote: There are two development proposals now with Glasgow City Councils planners for the Graving Docks site  one from New City Vision and one from Ferguson Marine.New City Vision are the current owners of the site. They have owned the site for many years however this is the first application they have submitted for re-development proposals.The proposal of application notice begins a three-month countdown until Ferguson Marine can bring forward their own application for planning in principle.January 8 2018

Glasgows build to rent market has sprung into life with the submission of a 105m plan to build 433 homes on the site of the former Strathclyde Police headquarters by Moda  which is acting as both developer and landlord.Following hot on the heels of a rival 200m scheme to the east Holland Park will also incorporate 31,000sq/ft of outdoor amenity space with accommodation arranged over four blocks set around a landscaped courtyard which will be open to the public during the day.Murray Henderson, director at HAUS Collective, said: The Holland Park proposals comprise a collection of forms that respond to the strong urban grid-iron plan synonymous with Glasgow. The scale of the site and its influential location within the city present a unique opportunity to deliver a high quality residential and mixed-use development that can contribute meaningfully to the locale by enhancing the townscape and local environment."As Glaswegians, we recognise the importance of an increased resident population within an evolving city centre contributing to the wider city economy. Holland Park presents a distinctive, contemporary lifestyle choice through the innovative Build-to-Rent community being created.This Pitt Street 'neighbourhood is envisaged to include co-working spaces for business startups, cafes, bars and restaurants, roof terraces and residents lounge with Woolgar Hunter serving as engineers.UW in the News

State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent articles:

UW economist Rob Godby was interviewed by The Casper Star-Tribune (CS-T) about Wyomings long-term economic forecast.

Wyoming Public Media interviewed Godby about factors that have influenced Wyomings energy industries.

Wyoming Business Report profiled UW instructor Mike Borowczak and some students from Computer Science 2030. Borowczak, a UW computer science professor of practice and director of the Cybersecurity Education and Research (CEDAR) center, said he tries to create assignments that students might see in the workforce.

UW Professor Gregg Cawley, interviewed in an Associated Press article, said that the case against Cliven Bundy, the Nevada rancher accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authorities, could soon be tossed out, which would be seen by many as a victory for states rights. The New Haven Register and Oregons Bend Bulletin published the article.

High Country News also interviewed Cawley for an article about Karen Budd-Falen, a Wyoming attorney who is a candidate to lead the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

The Valley Daily Post, which bills itself as northern New Mexicos news hub, republished a story about a team of UW researchers that developed a wildfire behavior model that may help fire managers in near real time.

UW and Wyoming Department of Transportation personnel recently demonstrated new connected vehicle technology to show how vehicles and roadside units can communicate road information and alerts to travelers in near real time, reported Construction Equipment Guide.

UW students are working this semester on a project to ensure campus safety, according to The Laramie Boomerang.

Wyo4News published UWs release on the livestock judging teams eighth-place finish at the North American International Livestock Exposition. It was the teams best finish in at least 30 years.

Members of Wyoming Motorsports, a recognized student organization at UW, are building an electric formula race car to enter it in the Society of Automotive Engineers Formula Hybrid Competition later this spring in New Hampshire, K2 Radio reported.

Sheridan Media and Wyoming Business Report published UWs release on Dwight Lee Bates, a 1966 UW engineering graduate who was chosen as a Science Channel Science Superhero in December.

UW research that proves capsaicin can help curb weight gain was cited in an International Business Times article, titled Is hot sauce the answer to quick weight loss?

The Torrington Telegram published UWs release announcing that Goshen County 4-H educator Megan Brittingham recently received the Newer Employee Award from UW Extension.

Joel Dvorak, Wyoming Center for Educational Leadership director at UW, said the state high school dropout rate would be noticeably higher without alternative schools, according to The Sheridan Press.

Wyoming Public Media noted that UW researchers Michael Pierce and Hannah Jang-Condell received grants from Indiana University and NASA worth almost $1 million to study exoplanets.

UWs livestock judging team had its best season in more than 30 years last semester, according to The Fence Post, an agricultural-related publication.

The Fence Post also featured UW student Ty Shockley, of Wheatland. Shockley, who has a ranching background, served as an intern for Vice President Mike Pence last summer.

A program that helps veterans with tuition and fees would be reduced under a proposal that will be introduced in the coming legislative session. The reduction would affect veterans attending UW, according to The CS-T.During most of World War II, Denmark was first a protectorate, then an occupied territory under Germany. The decision to invade Denmark was taken in Berlin on 17 December 1939. On 9 April 1940, Germany invaded Denmark in Operation Weserubung and established a de facto protectorate over the country. On 29 August 1943 Germany placed Denmark under direct military occupation, which lasted until the Allied victory on 5 May 1945.Contrary to the situation in other countries under German occupation, most Danish institutions continued to function relatively normally until 1945. Both the Danish government and king remained in the country in an uneasy relationship between a democratic and a totalitarian system until the Danish government stepped down in a protest against the German demands to institute the death penalty for sabotage.Over 3,000 Danes died as a direct result of the occupation. An effective resistance movement developed by the end of the war, and most Danish Jews were rescued in 1943 when German authorities ordered their internment as part of the Holocaust.The occupation of Denmark ended on 5 May 1945.These rare color pictures from The National Museum that captured street scenes of Copenhagen from the days around the liberation.Screengrab of a UK parliamentary session.

A total of 24,473 attempts were made since last June's general election from devices connected to the parliamentary network, according to data obtained by a PA Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Prime Minister Theresa May is already reeling from a wave of sexual misconduct allegations in Westminster.

She was forced to dump minister and long-time friend Damian Green last month after he apparently misled police over claims pornography was found on computers in his Westminster office in 2008.

The parliamentary internet network is used by MPs, Lords in the upper house and their staff.

Authorities claim most attempts are not deliberate and point to a decrease in recent years.

Parliament blocked 113,208 attempts in 2016, down from 213,020 the previous year.

"All pornographic websites are blocked by parliament's computer network," a parliamentary spokesman told PA.

"The vast majority of 'attempts' to access them are not deliberate.

"This data also covers personal devices used when logged on to parliament's guest Wi-Fi."Big shot Hanoi buyers are looking to spread the wealth to the provinces

A range of real estate projects have been introduced to Hanois market from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Danang and Nha Trang. The projects include The Charm, Sunrise City, Ocean Villas, Hyatt Regency, Olalani, Fusion Alya, Azura and Blooming Park.

Talking with VIR at a recent road show to introduce Sunrise City, located in Ho Chi Minh, in Hanoi, Novaland Joint Stock Company marketing deputy director Huynh Du An said many units were sold to Hanoians and those from northern provinces.

Meanwhile, a range of other central and southern projects have been rushing into Hanoi. Setia Becamex launched Binh Duong provinces Ecolakes My Phuoc in the capital late last week, a week before TD Group introduced the Costa Nha Trang to Hanoians. This week Singapores Guoco Lands Canary, located at the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park in Binh Duong province, will be unveiled to northern customers.

Bringing Ecolakes My Phuoc to Hanois market is one of our key marketing strategies. Hanoians are paying more attention to higher standards of living and are interested in ecological housing, said Khoo Teck Chong, general director of Setia Becamex.

VIR was told that for many projects in the central and southern parts, roughly 70 per cent of customers were from Hanoi and other northern provinces.

Matthew Koziora, sales director of VinaCapital - developer of the Azura in Danang, said the first 60 units, out of 225, were launched in Hanoi recently.

Out of the 40 units sold, 90 per cent of the buyers had come from Hanoi.

Hanoi has, according to Koziora, proven itself to be a key market for most new projects in Vietnam, given the demographics of these immediate catchments.

While condominium offerings will always be available in Hanoi due to previous pent-up demands, we can see that not all projects will enjoy a healthy sell-through, as was seen 12 months ago.

We do see, however, given the price differentials between house and land packages in Hanoi versus Ho Chi Minh City, that this market will be better received in the current marketplace and over the next six months as opposed to condominium project offerings at this time, Koziora said

Ngo Huu Truong, managing director of a real estate agency in Ho Chi Minh City, said many customers from Hanoi and Haiphong had come to Ho Chi Minh City to find out information about new projects there.

Demand is real and many projects investors have realised this trend and they are coming to Hanoi to promote their projects, Truong said.

He also said the jury was still out on how effective the promotions were.

I think that these developers [who bring their projects to Hanoi] have at least seen their target to raise their image and brand names in northern customers, Truong said.GENCO 3's IPO will be held next month

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue signed Decision No.2100/QD-TTg on December 27, 2017 approving the equitisation plan of GENCO 3. The company will offer 2,080,900,000 shares based on its initial charter capital of VND20,809 billion ($915 million). The offer will include:

1,061,300 thousand shares (51 per cent of the charter capital) owned by EVN Corporation;

3,424,100 shares (0.1645 per cent) will be sold to employees;

267,051,900 shares (12.8355 per cent) will be auctioned publicly at the starting price of VND24,600 ($1.08);

749,124,000 shares (36 per cent) will be sold to strategic investors after the public auction.

The criteria for selecting a strategic investor focus on finding a partner capable of providing solutions to develop the company after equitisation by transferring technology, training human resources, improving financial competitiveness and corporate governance, as well as supplying materials.

The number of strategic partners is set at a maximum of three. They should commit to develop the business sector and brand name of the company for at least three years and to keep the shares for five years.

The share price for strategic investors is not lower than the average of the successful auctions on the day of the IPO, which will be held on February 9, 2018.

IPO of heavyweight power producers electrifies market Power Generation Corporation 3 (EVNGenco 3) of Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) will put VND6.6 trillion ($290.6 million) worth of shares on sale at its initial public offering (IPO) and offer stakes for strategic investors, providing another investment opportunity for investors in the electricity sector, along with PV Powers offers.More than 1,500 HIU graduates sang the national anthem at the assembly hall on Saturday

President of HIU, Assoc. Prof. Thai Ba Can and deput CEO of NHG Dr. Dinh Quang Nuong attended the ceremony.

I would like to thank our faculty and staff for their dedication to students up to date. Congratulations to all HIU graduates of a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and honorary students who received their awards today, Assoc. Prof. Can said to the valedictorians.

HIU, founded in 1997, is fast becoming a modern and dynamic university in Ho Chi Minh City.

HIU aims at providing international-standard education with student-centric educational practices, allowing 85 per cent of the graduating students to receive proper job offers from leading national companies, and 100 per cent of the students from the Computer Science and Graphics Design faculties to take on jobs from the third vyear. Some graduates plan to continue their studies at HIU.illustration photo

On the HCM Stock Exchange, the benchmark VN-Index saw the first adjustment session in the New Year on Friday but still posted a weekly gain of 2.9 per cent, ending 2018s first trading week at 1,012.65 points, the highest level since the end of November 2007.

Meanwhile, the decline on Friday also cut growth of the HNX-Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange to 1.8 per cent, closing the week at 118.92 points.

The excitement of the market after conquering the 1,000 points level has temporarily subsided. However, this was reasonable as the VN-Index has rallied for nine consecutive sessions, a weekend report by Viet Dragon Securities Co said.

The benchmark VN-Index increased 7.8 per cent in the past two weeks and climbed 48 per cent in 2017.

I dont think the VN-Index is adjusting down, said Hoang Thach Lan, head of the individual investor division at Viet Dragon Securities Co.

Lan said since December, the VN-Index has been driven up by large caps, especially the 20 companies with market values of over US$1 billion (accounting for over 75 per cent of HCM Stock Exchanges total market value).

Three-forths of these companies rallied in the past one month with an average of about 13 per cent, with some seeing gains of more than 20 per cent such as PV Gas (GAS), Petrolimex (PLX), Masan Group (MSN) and Hoa Phat Group (HPG).

Only a few shares lost including brewers Sabeco (SAB) and Habeco (BHN), Mobile World Investment Group (MWG) and FLC Faros Construction (ROS).

The alternative growth of these heavyweight stocks will likely fuel the market in the short term, Lan said.

Liquidity was positive last week with an average of 285.5 million shares worth a combined VND7.1 trillion ($311.4 million) being traded in the two markets per session.

Foreign traders were also active on HCM Citys exchange, responsible for a total net buy value of nearly VND1.2 trillion. However, they were net sellers in Ha Nois market for VND221.5 billion.

Real estate stocks

Bank stocks were sold heavily in the weekend session after a long rally and analysts have reckoned some investors are channeling money into realty shares in expectations of high earnings in the last quarter of 2017.

According to Nguyen The Minh, deputy director of Saigon Securities Incs Retail Research, real estate companies are used to reporting high profits in the last quarter of the year. Now it is the start of the earnings reporting season and investors pay high attention to the companies with positive earnings prospects.

I expect the real estate stocks will pick up in the first months of 2018, especially the companies with unanticipated profits recorded from transfer of projects, Minh was quoted as saying on the tinnhanhchungkhoan.vn.

In addition, the valuation of realty stocks are now lower than the general markets value, he said.

However, Nguyen Hong Khanh, head of analysis at Sacombank Securities Co, has warned investors of the right selection as there may be a number of companies reporting losses in the last quarter.

Seeking low-priced stocks is necessary but the most important thing is to choose the right growing stocks, Khanh said.German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left), leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), shakes hands with Martin Schulz, leader of Germany's social democratic SPD party, as they meet in Berlin. (Bernd von Jutrczenka/DPA/AFP)

The week of meetings between Merkel's conservative alliance and the Social Democrats (SPD) will examine whether the two sides have enough common ground to begin formal coalition negotiations towards a new government by March or April.

Merkel voiced optimism about going forward with the SPD as she went into the talks at the centre-left party's headquarters, saying "I think that it can be done".

"We will work very swiftly and very intensively," the veteran leader added.

Speaking on behalf of Merkel's CDU, her Bavarian allies CSU as well as the SPD after the first day of talks, the centre-left SPD's Lars Klingbeil said: "The three party leaders made it clear in their opening statements that given the election results, we can't just go on as before."

"The global political situation, the situation in Europe, the composition of the German Bundestag, all that show that we find ourselves in a new era. And this new era needs new politics," he said, adding that "a new political style" was also required.

September's watershed elections left Merkel without a majority, while her junior coalition partner, the SPD, suffered its worst post-war score.

Meanwhile the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) captured more than 90 parliamentary seats - the best showing for a far-right party since the end of World War II.

The AfD capitalised on growing misgivings over more than a million asylum seekers who have arrived in Germany since 2015.

Questions surrounding the new arrivals could yet prove to be sticking points as Merkel seeks a new deal with the SPD.

Anxious to stem the haemorrhage to the far right, the conservative wing of her party as well as her Bavarian CSU ally are championing a tougher stance on immigration - including demands that are unpalatable to the SPD.

With an eye on a regional election in Bavaria later this year, where current polls show that the CSU could lose its absolute majority, the party wants financial handouts to asylum seekers reduced.

Following several violent crimes involving refugees of uncertain age who claimed to be minors, the CSU party also wants medical tests to determine if adult migrants are posing as under-18s.

Nevertheless, CSU chief Horst Seehofer voiced his determination to find a deal with the Social Democrats.

"We must find an agreement," he said Sunday as he entered into the exploratory talks.

'NO RED LINES'

Schulz meanwhile signalled his party's determination to extract key concessions on social welfare reforms.

"We're not drawing any red lines, but we want as many red policies in Germany implemented as possible," he said, in a reference to the SPD party's colour.

The Social Democrats had initially vowed to go into opposition, but the collapse of coalition talks between Merkel's alliance and the smaller pro-business FDP and the left-leaning Greens parties pushed the SPD to reconsider.

Any deal would still have to be put to a vote of the SPD rank-and-file, and the leadership has been at pains to stress that talking with Merkel's conservatives did not automatically mean a new grand coalition.

The talks are "open-ended," said one of the SPD's negotiators Michael Groschek, reiterating the party's stance that the discussions could also lead to tolerating a Merkel-minority government.

As the two sides square off at the negotiating table, the parties have agreed to decline media interviews, with publicity limited to joint statements.

The decision is aimed at preventing a rerun of Merkel's previous failed attempt at forging a coalition late last year, when interviews given by negotiators soured the atmosphere.

Latest opinion polls suggest however that a potential new grand coalition enjoys little favour with Germans.

A survey published by Focus magazine found that 34 per cent of Germans would prefer fresh elections, while only 30 per cent favour a return of the conservative-SPD alliance.

Another poll published by public broadcaster ARD found that only 45 per cent of Germans view a new grand coalition positively, while 52 per cent consider it a bad option.Airplanes wait at the gates outside terminal five at John F. Kennedy International Airport in the Queens borough of New York City, as a winter storm dumps snow and creates blizzard-like conditions in many areas. (Rebecca Butala How/Getty Images/AFP)

Gushing water compounded meltdown at John F Kennedy International Airport, where furious passengers have camped out for days as a result of equipment damaged by the storm and a backlog of flights.

Water poured from the ceiling and the arrivals area was submerged by standing water, through which a few intrepid passengers picked their way gingerly, according to footage broadcast by CNN.

International flights into Terminal 4 were suspended and the water main break occurred just before 2.00pm (3.00am Singapore time Monday), said a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that runs the airport.

The west end of Terminal four lay under about eight centimetres of water, where maintenance crews were mopping up, with police and fire crews on site, the spokesman told AFP.

The cause of the break is being investigated, he added.

JFK confirmed the water main break at Terminal 4 and warned passengers via Twitter of flight delays, advising them to check with their airline before travelling to the airport.

Terminal 4 is used by more than 30 airlines, including Air India, China Airlines, Delta, Egyptair, El Al, Emirates, Etihad, KLM Royal Dutch, Singapore Airlines, Thomas Cook and Virgin Atlantic.

On Saturday the airport was forced to close Terminal 1, which serves the likes of Air France, Japan Airlines and Lufthansa, to international arrivals in an attempt to get on top of the backlog.

But tempers have flared among furious travellers, forced to sleep on the floor of terminals, with others stranded on planes for hours waiting to access a gate and massive delays in baggage claim.

"I am so angry, words cannot even express how I feel right now," one stranded female traveller told NBC television before the water leak.

"It's getting like a madhouse," traveller Steven Litvin told NBC, leaving with his wife eight hours after their plane landed - with only half their luggage.

NO SLEEP

"We're tired," he said. "We're frustrated. We didn't get any sleep and we still don't know where our bags are. Nobody knows anything."

Ninety-four flights were cancelled at JFK on Saturday and 17 diverted, as the extreme cold and storm recovery "created a cascading series of issues for the airlines and terminal operators," said the Port Authority.

"Frigid temperatures continue to cause equipment failures and slower than normal operations. Customers may experience residual delays, particularly for international flights," it said.

JFK was among parts of New York that saw record lows for Jan 7, including -15.5C.

The big freeze follows a storm on Thursday dubbed a "bomb cyclone," which has been blamed for at least 22 reported deaths in the United States.

Boston, which saw some of the heaviest snow from the storm, froze with a Sunday morning low of -19C - matching the previous Jan 7 record in 1896.

Massachusetts marked three record lows on Sunday, with Providence and Worcester frozen at minus two and minus seven respectively, breaking records last set in 1912 and 1942, the National Weather Service said.

The bitter cold is forecast to remain on the East Coast Sunday with highs below freezing as far south as parts of North Carolina.

Forecasters predicted ice accumulations from a band of freezing rain from Missouri through Ohio and Tennessee into the Mid-Atlantic, warning of hazardous road conditions before temperatures rise on Monday.

Extreme cold advisories were also lifted in parts of eastern Canada, albeit with midday temperatures still at minus four degrees in Quebec and heavy snowfall due in South Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador.Police officers cordon off and investigate an area outside Varby Gard metro station south of Stockholm where two people were injured in an explosion. (Henrik MONTGOMERY/TT News Agency/AFP)

STOCKHOLM: One person died and another was slightly hurt on Sunday (Jan 7) in a blast outside a metro station in a Stockholm suburb, which police said did not appear to be a terrorist attack.

A man in his 60s died in hospital after "he picked up an object off the ground which promptly exploded," police spokesman Sven-Erik Olsson told AFP.

A woman aged 45 was also hurt, suffering facial injuries, police said.

The blast occurred mid-morning at the Varby gard station in Huddinge, a southern suburb of the Swedish capital.

Police cordoned off the station and the square where the blast happened as the bomb squad moved in to investigate.

The Expressen and Aftonbladet newspapers said the device was a hand grenade.

"It is too early to say. Technicians are still working on it. Nothing indicates that the (injured) couple were targeted," said Olsson, adding there was nothing to suggest an act of terrorism.

Local resident Milorad Jencic told AFP he was shocked as witnesses and onlookers gathered around the police cordon.

"We had incidents in the 1990s and early 2000s. There were very violent gangs" at the time, he said, adding he was "surprised" by this blast because he thought those groups had since disappeared.

According to a Swedish police report published last year, Sweden is the European country where criminal gangs use the most grenades, often from stocks from the former Yugoslavia.

In August 2016, an eight-year-old boy was killed by a grenade thrown into a flat in a working-class area of Gothenburg.Vu Duc Thuan at the hearing (Source:Vnexpress)

This was the testimony of Vu Duc Thuan, former general director of PetroVietnam Construction Corporation (PVC), at the court hearing this afternoon.

Thuan is tried on charges of intentionally violating state regulations on selecting the contractor for the EPC contract for Thai Binh 2 thermal power plant, causing serious consequences.

According to the charges, in October 2007, the Ministry of Industry and Trade assigned PetroVietnam to develop Thai Binh 2 thermal power project, a task for which PetroVietnam assigned PV Power as the investor to develop the project.

In 2010, PetroVietnam decided to change the technology of the boilers of the plant. In February 2011, Vu Huy Quang, general director of PV Power, and Vu Duc Thuan, former general director of PVC, signed EPC contract No.33. The contract was not built according to the available forms.

On May 13, 2011, PetroVietnam, PV Power, and PVC signed another contract to transfer the role of investor from PV Power to PetroVietnam. Accordingly, on October 11, 2011, PetroVietnam officially signed the contract with PVC to become the contractor of Thai Binh 2 thermal power project.

Thuan also confessed that during the implementation of the project, PVC faced financial difficulties, thus, it needed money to pay bank debts and mobilise capital for other purposes. At the time, despite the fact that the signed EPC contract was not compliant with regulations, Dinh La Thang, in the role of chairman of PetroVietnams Board of Directors, asked PetroVietnam to pay PVC more than $6.6 million and VND1.3 trillion ($59 million) in advance to implement the contract.

Thuan said that almost all of this advance payment was used to pay bank interests or was invested into PVCs member companies and other projects.

This morning, the Hanoi Peoples Court opened the first instance hearing of Dinh La Thang, Trinh Xuan Thanh, and 20 other related defendants charged with intentionally violating state regulations on economic management and causing serious consequences and asset embezzlement.Vietnamese shares rose on Monday morning as banks and energy firms were boosted by expectations for good earnings reports.

The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange edged up 0.33 per cent to close at 1,016.04 points after having scored a total growth of 2.9 per cent last week.

The minor HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange gained 0.90 per cent to end at 119.98 points. It increased by 1.8 per cent last week.

More than 183.4 million shares were traded on the two local exchanges, worth VND4.23 trillion (US$188.3 million).

The market trading condition was quite balanced, with 205 advancing stocks against 197 decliners.

Bank and energy stocks continued to drive the market upwards on Monday morning, boosted by expectations for good 2017[AC1] earnings results.

The banking sector index rose 2 per cent, while that of the energy sector added 0.8 per cent, data on vietstock.vn shows.

Gainers among the 11 listed banks included Eximbank (EIB), Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BID), MBBank (MBB), Sacombank (STB) and Asia Commercial Bank (ACB).

Meanwhile, PetroVietnam Gas (GAS), PetroVietnam Technical Services (PVS) and PetroVietnam Coating (PVB) were the ones that pushed the energy industry up.

The afternoon trade session starts at 1pm.Barbara A. Higgins age 65 of Alexandria died on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Sanford Health in Fargo. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 PM on Friday, September 10, 2021, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Visitation will be held for one hour prior the service at the fuPhoto: Disney

Disneys live-action Aladdin (and hot Jafar) is still a ways off, but the drama is already starting to brew around the Guy Ritchie film. According to the Sunday Times, actors say Disney has been tanning white actors to play extras in Agrabah, the movies fictional Middle Eastern city. Actor Kaushal Odedra told the paper that he was on set working as stand-in for a lead actor during filming in September, and saw a line of 20 very fair-skinned actors waiting to be heavily tanned. When Odedra asked another man on set about the line of white actors, they both decided against complaining: I asked a Saudi cast member what he made of having these extras being tanned so heavily and he said its unfortunate, Odedra said, but this is how the industry works, and theres no point complaining about it since it isnt going to change.

Guy Ritchie declined to comment to the Times, and Disney praised the diversity on set. This is the most diverse cast ever assembled for a Disney live action production, the studio said. More than 400 of the 500 background performers were Indian, Middle Eastern, African, Mediterranean and Asian.Dean Unglert will compete in The Bachelor Winter Games this February. Photo: Josh Vertucci/ABC

In a strange bid for network synergy and a more wholesome extension of the Bachelor brand than the lurid and painfully tone-deaf Bachelor in Paradise, ABC has a new reality series this Olympics season: The Bachelor Winter Games, premiering February 13. It features former contestants from across the franchise, including familiar faces from the American seasons and a handful of contestants from the international franchises. In four episodes, they compete in winter-themed challenges, look for potential love, and create a global celebration of unity. Plus, its a chance for the franchise to include some new people and to inject some much-needed diversity into the notoriously homogenous American series. Cute!

So lets take a quick look at the contestants, who are split into men and women from the United States and from international seasons. The USA Men category features several men from Rachel Lindsays season, including Eric (great!), Josiah (well see?), and Dean (dear Bachelor: please stop trying to make Dean happen). The USA Women category is much slimmer, but does feature the seemingly inevitably resurgence of Ashley I. In the International Women division, there are representatives from New Zealand, Sweden, Finland, Japan, China, and the U.K. And then over in International Men, weve got Benoit and Kevin from Canada, Christian from Switzerland and Germany, Courtney from Australia, and Jordan from New Zealand.

Look, this is a four-episode spinoff meant to tie-in to TV Olympics hype and give Chris Harrison something to do, because if that man doesnt get to count a televised table of roses at least three times a month he starts heckling local florists. It is not going to change the world, and its total consequence even within the pool of reality television is going to be fairly minor.

But cmon, Bachelor Winter Games  youve got five international men, and theyre all white, and four of them are from English-speaking countries. Two of them are from Canada. (Okay, sure, according to his bio, Benoit from Montreal does have a sexy French accent.) There are women from Sweden and Finland and China and Japan, many of whom will surely be the subject of what the Bachelor Winter Games press release cheekily refers to as language barriers and cultural differences. Only three of the women are from the American seasons, and two of them (Clare and Ashley I.) have been frequently branded as crazy within their series. Most of the women, in other words, will likely be either desperate crazies trying to finally land a husband or exoticized beauties from far-off lands, and the mostly English-speaking men will enjoy the process of trying to, you know, talk to them.

Some of the imbalance in the contestant pool is an inevitable result of the available personalities from the international franchises  there have been far more non-American Bachelor seasons than Bachelorettes, and the most successful international Bachelorette franchise is Australian. Theres also the issue of watchability for an American audience  its hard to imagine The Bachelor franchise would be thrilled with subtitling entire episodes. But there have been Bachelorette seasons from India and Romania. Surely the category of international men couldve looked at least a little broader.

And there could be so many benefits from a more diverse contestant group! The lone international man from a non-English-speaking country, Christian, has a bio that begins, Ich bin nicht Mr Nice Guy! I want more of that.

Theres at least one other concerning phrase from the Bachelor Winter Games press announcement: In addition to the presence of Nancy Kerrigan, Trista Sutter, and what will surely be a brief, hand-waving appearance by current Bachelor Arie, the four episodes will feature some amusing issues with intimacy. Great! So fun to know that The Bachelor has decided to really lean into its happy history with amusing issues with intimacy.

My hope is that Bachelor Winter Games ends up being a mostly nothingburger of a four-episode time waster, something to let Chris Harrison try on some outerwear and spice up what could well be an otherwise pretty boring Bachelor winter. But its hard to trust the franchise with something as potentially sensitive as language barriers and cultural differences. Its frustrating that the cast looks so skewed toward English-speaking men. And its hard to imagine any version of amusing issues with intimacy thats not cringeworthy. Heres hoping well at least get some mildly funny shots of Chris Harrison being pummeled with snowballs, because I have a feeling thatll be the highlight.Debra Messing. Photo: Kevork Djansezian/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images via Getty Images

A few weeks ago, E! News correspondent, Catt Sadler, announced she was leaving the network after a decade of work, owing to a massive pay gap between herself and her male co-host Jason Kennedy. How can I operate with integrity and stay on at E if theyre not willing to pay me the same as him? she wrote in a statement at the time. Or at least come close? Well, Debra Messing is fully apprised of Sadlers situation, and went so far as to call out the networks treatment of Sadler while on the red carpet at this years Golden Globes ceremony  while speaking with Giuliana Rancic on E!s red carpet. I was so shocked to hear that E! doesnt believe in paying their female co-hosts the same as their male co-hosts. I miss Catt Sadler, and we stand with her, Messing said. And thats something that can change tomorrow. We want people to start having this conversation that women are just as valuable as men. Rancic didnt respond to the comments.

Later in the red-carpet coverage, Sarah Jessica Parker, Laura Dern, and Eva Longoria also made brief and heated comments while interviewed on E! about Catt Sadlers departure  some without mentioning her name directly. We need the powers that be and all the industries and networks and E! to help us with closing this pay gender gap, Dern told Ryan Seacrest alongside her date for the evening, activist Monica Ramirez. 50/50 by 2020. Parker, meanwhile, opined to Seacrest how she knows pay inequality has affected your network. She added: Parity, equality and safe work environments shouldnt be controversial. And its across all industries.

Longoria, appearing near the end of the networks coverage, was by far the most blunt with her opinions. We support gender equity and equal pay and we hope E! follows that lead with Catt as well. We stand with you Catt, she said, while Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman nodded approvingly.Back row: Activist Tarana Burke, Michelle Williams, America Ferrera, Jessica Chastain, Amy Poehler, Meryl Streep, and Kerry Washington; front row: Natalie Portman, activist Ai-jen Poo, and activist Saru Jayaraman. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Going into last nights Golden Globe Awards, there were two big stories: One was about fashion. In the wake of Hollywoods recently formed anti-harassment and abuse coalition Times Up, actresses attending the ceremony were asked to wear black as a statement, an initiative that drew no small amount of predictable and wrongheaded internet scorn. The dress code was mocked as shallow, appearance-obsessed hashtag activism, and also as weirdly misaimed: After three months of relentless and enraging headlines about men abusing women, Lets change what we wear sounded to some like victim-blaming, to others like performative emptiness.

The other story was about Donald Trump, specifically his absence. The print-ad slogan for the Globes was a photo of host Seth Meyers next to the slogan, Hollywood, we have a lot to talk about, and he didnt mean the president. In run-up interviews, Meyers made it clear that he had very little interest in revisiting the Trump commentary that pervaded last years show: If [Trump] tweets that hes disappointed we didnt bring him up, Id be thrilled, he told The Hollywood Reporter, and remarked to the New York Times that this year, it seems more fair to focus in. Especially because the industry that is celebrating itself has a lot to answer for. This seemed to set up the unsustainable idea that some kind of high wall exists between Trump and sexual-harassment scandals, that there is no intuitive connection between the women who were overridden when they said that Trump assaulted and degraded them and the Weinstein moment in Hollywood and all that has followed it. Harvey, after all, is the problem Hollywood can solve; Trump is the problem it cant. He was going to shape the collective mood inside the Beverly Hilton Hotel no matter what.

Thats a lot of political freight for an awards show that, even among awards shows, is known for being devoid of any significance whatsoever: Eighty foreign journalists handing out two dozen Ferrero Rocherlooking statuettes to every movie and TV star they can get to show up, which is, of course, all of them. In the context of the Academy Awards, in the context of honor and prestige, in the context of any possible definition of the word meaning, the Golden Globes is an empty vessel. Which, oddly, has made the show the perfect vehicle for Hollywood to let America know whats on its mind. That cant happen at the Oscars, because at the Oscars people want something. But at the Globes, people just want to say something.

For the last decade or so, the show sold itself as the party of the year  translation: The Oscars, but drunk. In the Trump era, the brand has shifted to The Oscars, but woke. Last years show, which aired two weeks before the inauguration (which was approximately 100 anxiety-years ago), was anchored by a lifetime-achievement-award acceptance speech by Meryl Streep, who excoriated Trump for casual cruelty and hostility to immigrants so effectively that the president-elect was bestirred to tweet that she was overrated. That show felt like it kicked off Hollywoods version of the Resistance  some of the actresses on the telecast would be seen at pro-immigrant rallies just a few weeks later  and last nights telecast felt like the second-season premiere.

The prelude was not promising. NBCs red-carpet show may have been the first ever in which the interviewers, all desperate not to say anything meme-able, looked more nervous than the stars. (Al Roker was smiling, but his eyes said, Please dont ask me about Matt Lauer.) Their eager chatter repeatedly gestured toward the idea of having a conversation while desperately trying to prevent one from happening. Positive. Important. Important. Positive. Diversity. Empowered. Power. Powerful. Platform. Change. Meaningful. Movement. I think its powerful that a lot of women feel empowered to speak, said Sam Rockwell. This is an important conversation to have! said Carson Daly. Girl power! added Natalie Morales, beaming out subsonic waves that said, GO TO COMMERCIAL NOW.

Preshows are always awful, and this was, too  except for one element: The actresses who were the whole point. The vast majority of them were ready with thoughtful, substantive, and intelligent remarks, which, with the skill of celebrities who have had to gently power past many an obtuse questioner to make their point, they managed to deliver.

And those black dresses? As a visual corollary to what was about to happen inside, they worked perfectly. They conveyed unity while allowing for personality. They said, were all different and we all have stories to tell, but were on the same page tonight. To create an activist gesture, especially in fashion, is always to invite contempt from people who imagine that you dont understand the gap between symbolism and action, but nobody who makes these efforts thinks theyre a substitute for actual change. Gestures are about visibility, profile-raising, and strength in numbers, and in that sense, the black-clad Globes belonged to the same tradition as pink pussy hats and red ribbons. Its a way to stand up and be counted  and if you doubt that the use of clothing has deep roots in social-progress movements, go check out the Whitney Museums current exhibition An Incomplete History of Protest and see what Edward Kienholz did with military uniforms and Senga Nengudi did with panty hose.

Once the show started, the women took over. As host, Meyers was unobtrusive, moving through the requisite thrusts at Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey and then getting out of the way. He was the right man for the job, given that this year no man was right for the job, and if he didnt own the evening, he deserves much credit for knowing that he wasnt supposed to. Meyers didnt seem to be around all that much after the first 15 minutes, and one reason may have been that he was confident enough to know that he didnt need to step in to give the show shape or a story line: Woman after woman, whether as presenter or winner, was doing that. Their speeches were like the black dresses: all individual, and all one. Each speaker seemed to add a panel to the quilt. Nicole Kidman (a winner for Big Little Lies) talked about her mother as an advocate for womens rights and heralded her creative partnership with Reese Witherspoon. Rachel Brosnahan (a winner for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) used her acceptance speech to push for the telling of womens stories. Elisabeth Moss (a winner for The Handmaids Tale) read a statement from Margaret Atwood. Laura Dern (another Big Little Lies winner) spoke about the culture of silence and the need for restorative justice, in an especially strong acceptance speech that was the closest thing to a Times Up mission statement made on the show. Jessica Chastain and Geena Davis both cited the salary gender gap, and a sardonic Natalie Portman and a flurried Barbra Streisand each noted the all-male lineup of directing nominees, which was especially conspicuous since non-nominee Greta Gerwigs Lady Bird walked off with Best Picture and Actress prizes. It wasnt the most suspenseful Globes, or the funniest, but  much rarer for an awards show  it felt cohesive, a glimpse not just at women, but at a community of women working in unison.

And then there was Oprah Winfrey, who got the Streep slot. As a general rule, if you make an eight-minute Golden Globes acceptance speech and the Twitter talk afterward is about whether you should run for president, you did well. Winfreys speech was steeped in her uncanny ability to assess any room and any moment. There are few American figures who can synthesize the autobiographic, the historical, the political, and the inspirational the way she can, and her stem-winder had much of the crowd up out of their chairs, first to cheer and then to keep listening, rapt as delegates on a convention floor. She began with herself, as a little girl, watching Sidney Poitier win Best Actor at the 1964 Academy Awards, a gently intersectional reminder to the audience that racial inequity must remain any part of a narrative about Hollywood, or American, abuse; then she moved into a nod to the importance of journalism (implicitly connecting her speech to Streeps last year and to The Post); then she transitioned gracefully into the responsibility of Hollywoods storytellers, and connected that responsibility to the plight of women whose stories have been too infrequently heard (in particular the late Recy Taylor) and finally to Me Too and the movement it has spawned. Their time is up! Their time is up! she incanted as the audience thundered approval. And suddenly, Donald Trump was back in the room, where Seth Meyers probably knew hed end up, despite his best efforts. Winfrey was the emotional climax of the midterm-year Globes, and given that awards shows are so often bathetic orgies of self-congratulation, its impressive that We did it, guys! never seeped into her tone. Follow-through is everything, but the crack of the starting pistol matters, and this year, the sound it made was something like: Weve had it. Were coming for you.Viola Davis on the Golden Globes red carpet. Photo: 2018 Trae Patton/NBC

The red-carpet Golden Globe shows were the television equivalent of a stylish friend who has suddenly developed a social conscience. The pre-game programming on both E! and NBC looked pretty much the same as it always does. Lots of famous people showed up in fancy gowns and allowed Ryan Seacrest, Giuliana Rancic, Natalie Morales, and Al Roker to shove microphones in their faces. But in keeping with the spirit of the Times Up movement, an effort spearheaded by Hollywood women seeking to address sexual assault and the need for gender parity in the industry and beyond, the words coming out of their mouths were more issue-driven.

Related Stories Natalie Portman on How the Times Up Initiative Will Work

Were not asking who are you wearing, Rancic explained at the beginning of E! Live From the Red Carpet, alluding to the fact that many of the actors and actresses were dressed in black to show Times Up solidarity. Were asking why are you wearing black?

Seconds later, Rancic asked that question to Debra Messing, who responded, in part: We want equal pay. I was so shocked to hear E! doesnt believe in paying their female hosts the same as their male co-hosts. I miss Catt Sadler, so we stand with her. That last comment was a reference to the E! News co-host who left the network because of a pay disparity with her male co-host, and also an opportunity to watch someone who is live on E! tacitly acknowledge that E! is often terrible. (Later in the E! broadcast, Sarah Jessica Parker also noted during an interview with Seacrest that these issues have affected your network, while Eva Longoria made a point of saying, We stand with you Catt. Unless I missed it  which is possible due to channel-flipping  no one who appeared on the NBC preshow took the opportunity to refer to that networks issues with Matt Lauer, or the fact that his Today show replacement, Hoda Kotb, is reportedly being paid far less than he was.)

This was the #MeToo Golden Globes red carpet, right down to the presence of Tarana Burke, the creator of the #MeToo movement and senior director of Girls for Gender Equity, who came as Michelle Williamss guest. Numerous actresses  including Williams, Meryl Streep, Laura Dern, and Emma Watson  brought female activists with them to walk the celeb gauntlet and use the live-TV platform to speak about their organizations and missions. This was selfless and noble, but also made for slightly awkward TV as folks like Seacrest tried to figure out how to juggle asking Dern about her role on Big Little Lies and giving space for Monica Ramirez, her guest, to speak about sexual violence against female farm workers. As Amanda Hess of the New York Times noted in a tweet, the whole situation was both a heartening signal about extending this movement beyond Hollywood and totally slick, weird human accessorizing.

As is usually the case, E! offered more polished red-carpet coverage than NBC, which, despite the fact that they host a Golden Globes red-carpet show every year, proceeded initially as if they just got that news ten minutes before they went live. But E! was, also as per usual, more flagrantly self-promotional, using the Times Up moment to promote their upcoming show about Rose McGowan, one of the many women who has spoken out about being raped and/or assaulted by disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein.

The correspondents on NBC and E!, to their credit, made an obvious effort to give women the opportunity to speak first, focusing in interviews with couples like Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake as much as or more on the woman. NBCs reporters also repeatedly stressed that the Times Up movement was adding a positive energy to the proceedings, as if they could sense that too much #resistance might prompt viewers to change the channel.

It seems like it has brought a different energy here tonight, a real positive energy, Roker said to Viola Davis on the red carpet.

Well, thats what purpose does, Davis responded in that voice of hers that suggests she knows all the secrets of the universe. Thats what significance does. Its like someone says: Theres no prerequisites to worthiness. Youre born being worthy. I think thats a message that a lot of women need to hear.

Suddenly, even if you were at home snarkily livetweeting all of this, you may have been inclined to sit up a little straighter. After all, Harvey Weinstein walked this same red carpet outside the Beverly Hilton only a year ago. Twelve months later, hes gone and all these energized women in black were getting to dictate the message and focus of the coverage. That fact may not have drastically changed the way this whole flashy, glam-cam, glad-handy red-carpet operation works. But it suggested that a tiny bit of progress may have been made, and also hinted at that other P-word Davis used: purpose.Seth Meyers. Photo: Handout/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

At Sunday nights Golden Globes, host Seth Meyers addressed the elephant in the room early on: Good evening ladies and remaining gentlemen. PostHarvey Weinstein, Hollywoods sexual-harassment-and-assault reckoning has inspired the long-overdue #MeToo and Times Up movements. Many of the nights presenters and winners didnt skip an opportunity to sharpen their tongues and add their two cents: On the red carpet, actresses blasted E! for paying Catt Sadler less than her male colleagues. Inside, Weinstein and Kevin Spacey were shaded specifically, and female winners addressed broader disparities in the industry. Oprah, of course, put it best: For too long women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men, but their time is up. Here are all the jokes about and mentions of sexual harassment during the ceremony.

In Seth Meyerss monologue

 Its 2018, marijuana is finally allowed and sexual harassment isnt.

 For the male nominees in the room tonight, this is the first time in three months it wont be terrifying to hear your name read out loud.

 Meyers jokes about how they tried to get a woman to host and be judged by a bunch of people, and once they said its a hotel, she said no.

 Harvey Weinstein isnt here tonight, because, well, Ive heard rumors hes crazy and difficult to work with. Hell be back in 20 years when hes the first person ever booed in the In Memoriam.

 Meyers mentions that Netflix is moving forward with a new season of House of Cards. Is Christopher Plummer available for that, too?

 When I first heard about a film where a naive young woman falls in love with a disgusting sea monster, I thought, Oh man, not another Woody Allen movie.

 Meyers enlisted Billy Eichner for a joke about Call Me by Your Name. Call Me by Your Name is a coming-of-age story  Meyers began. Eichner finished:  said Kevin Spacey, you lost me at of age.

In acceptance speeches

 As Nicole Kidman accepted her award for Big Little Lies, she noted that her character is at the center of the conversation we are having right now, and talked about her mother, who was an advocate in the womens movement.

 Elisabeth Moss dedicated her Golden Globe to Margaret Atwood: This is for you and all of the women who came before you and after you who were brave enough to speak out against intolerance and injustice and to fight for equality and freedom in this world. She also quoted The Handmaids Tales description of women as the people who were not in the papers and said that now, We no longer live in the blank white spaces at the edge of print. We no longer live in the gaps between the stories. We are the story in print and we are writing the story ourselves.

 In her acceptance speech, Laura Dern began, Many of us were told not to tattle, and encouraged society to support women who speak out and engage in restorative justice. May we also please protect and employ them, Dern said. May we tell our children that speaking out without fear of retribution is our cultures new North Star.

 Accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award, Oprah thanked the women who have bravely come forward across all industries to speak about sexual assault, reminding the audience of Recy Taylor and Rosa Parks, and asking men to listen to womens #MeToos. What I know for sure is speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. Im especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to share their personal stories, she said. For too long women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men, but their time is up.

 In her acceptance speech for Big Little Lies, Reese Witherspoon said she wants to thank everyone who broke their silence this year: We see you, we hear you, and we will tell your stories.

 Presenting Best Actress in a Comedy, Jessica Chastain and Chris Hemsworth joked that in response to everything going on in Hollywood, theyve decided to remove all the men from the category.

 Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon presented together and noted that Hollywood hasnt changed much at all since the release of Thelma and Louise.

 Barbra Streisand notes that she was the only woman to win a directing Golden Globe for Yentl, That was 1984! Times up, people!David Bowie. Photo: Phil Dent/Redferns

On what wouldve been his 71st birthday, David Bowie would probably have wanted everyone to keep dancing. So, in honor of the late star, Parlophone Records has put out an unreleased demo of his 1983 single Lets Dance. He recorded the demo in Switzerland with Nile Rodgers, who said in a statement, I woke up on my first morning in Montreux with David peering over me. He had an acoustic guitar in his hands and exclaimed, Nile, darling, I think this is a HIT! As in many things, Bowie was not wrong. You can listen to the demo below and compare it with the released version here.One of the most fervent voices to emerge from Hollywoods ongoing reckoning with sexual harassment and sexual assault, Rose McGowan is now the focus of Es upcoming five-part docuseries, Citizen Rose. Following the actresss recent activism, inspired in part by McGowans own alleged rape at the hands of disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein, the first trailer for the show depicts the exhausting, complicated, important pursuit of social justice. I knew others were out there, McGowan says in the clip. And I knew it was a lot of us. The limited series premieres on January 30.And now, they have less than two years to leave, find another legal way to stay or face deportation.

The Department of Homeland Security is ending "temporary protected status," or TPS, for Salvadorans, according to a source familiar with the decision.

Here's a look at some of the key events and issues at play:

It started with an earthquake.

The 7.7-magnitude quake that struck El Salvador in January 2001 was the worst to hit the country in a decade. Then, two powerful quakes shook the country the following month.

Neighborhoods were buried. Homes collapsed. More than 1,100 people were killed. Another 1.3 million were displaced.

The devastation spurred a decision that March by then-US Attorney General John Ashcroft: Immigrants from El Salvador who'd been in the United States since February 2001 could apply for temporary protected status, which would protect them from deportation and allow them to get work permits. It was an 18-month designation.

Now, it's been nearly 17 years. Time after time, officials from different administrations have determined conditions in El Salvador hadn't improved enough for migrants with TPS to return. On Monday, the Trump administration decided to end protections with an 18-month wind-down period, the source said.

Estimates differ for exactly how many immigrants the decision will affect. There were 263,282 Salvadoran TPS beneficiaries at the end of 2016, according to the latest statistics provided to CNN by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Activists and experts have put the number of Salvadorans who could lose protections closer to 200,000, noting that official statistics likely include people who are no longer in the program because their immigration status has changed or they have left the United States.

Immigrant rights advocates say it is unfair and cruel to end TPS for Salvadorans who've built lives, paid taxes, contributed to the economy and raised families for nearly two decades in the United States. They also argue that violence and widespread poverty make it unsafe for migrants to return to El Salvador.

Those who support ending TPS for Salvadorans and other immigrants, such as the Federation for American Immigration Reform, say there's a reason the designation was referred to as "temporary" and argue that conditions in El Salvador are good enough for migrants to return.

Salvadoran immigration to the US has a long history.

El Salvador is about the size of New Jersey. And it's nearly 2,000 miles from Washington.

But the small country of 6.2 million people has become a big deal in the US immigration debate.

Even before the earthquakes, Salvadoran immigrants had been streaming into the United States. A major driver: the country's civil war, which lasted from 1980 to 1992. Experts estimate the conflict sent more than 25% of El Salvador's residents fleeing for their lives. More than 330,000 Salvadorans came to the United States between 1985 and 1990, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

And in recent years, while immigration from Mexico has slowed, the rate of immigration from El Salvador and other Central American countries has been on the rise.

About 465,000 of the Salvadoran immigrants living in the United States are undocumented, according to an estimate from the Migration Policy Institute.

In the last five years, more than 58,000 unaccompanied minors from El Salvador were apprehended at the US-Mexico border, according to US Customs and Border Protection. And in the last fiscal year, which ended in September, more than 24,000 Salvadoran parents and children traveling together were apprehended at the border.

El Salvador's murder rate is one of the highest in the world, and experts have said poverty and violence were major factoring fueling the recent migration wave.

MS-13: A new Public Enemy No. 1

The Trump administration has repeatedly tied the youth apprehended at the border to the notorious Mara Salvatrucha gang, known as MS-13.

And Trump frequently invokes MS-13 as he vows to step up immigration enforcement.

MS-13 is strongest in Central America, especially El Salvador. But the gang actually began in Los Angeles in the 1980s, during another wave of Salvadoran migration. Analysts say its offshoots in Central America took hold when members were deported by the US.

Immigrant rights groups say it's misleading to use MS-13 as an excuse for any crackdown and note that many of the gang's victims are immigrants.

In a class action lawsuit filed last year, the ACLU accused the administration of using unsubstantiated claims of gang affiliation to detain and deport immigrant teens.

In 2017, more than 1,200 people with suspected gang ties were deported to El Salvador, according to migration officials there. That's more than double the number of suspected gang members deported to El Salvador in 2016.

While MS-13 and TPS are separate issues, some see the Trump administration's escalation in tough talk about the gang as a bellwether for officials' approach toward the region.

El Salvador relies on money from immigrants.

Ending TPS for Salvadorans could be a big blow to El Salvador's economy.

Remittances, the money immigrants send home, make up more than 17% of El Salvador's GDP.

Most of that money, experts say, comes from Salvadorans living in the United States.

And Salvadoran officials have taken note.

"Ending TPS will be catastrophic for El Salvador's economy," Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez wrote in a recent op-ed, "because it will add more deportees to the ranks of the unemployed and eliminate the remittances, which support many families in El Salvador."

This isn't the first -- or last -- time you'll hear about TPS.

Congress created TPS in 1990 as a form of humanitarian relief to help people who would face extreme hardship if forced to return to homelands devastated by armed conflict and natural disasters. Currently, about 437,000 people from 10 countries have TPS, according to the Congressional Research Service, but tens of thousands will lose that protection in the coming years.

Salvadorans are just the latest group whose TPS designation is on the chopping block.

Last month, the Trump administration announced that in July 2019, it would end TPS for more than 50,000 Haitians who sought refuge in the United States after a catastrophic earthquake hit that country in 2010.

Last year, officials also announced that TPS for Nicaraguan and Sudanese immigrants would end.

Honduran immigrants got a brief reprieve in November, when the Department of Homeland Security postponed its decision about how to handle the roughly 86,000 people with TPS from that Central American nation, triggering an automatic six-month extension. But later this year, that decision will once again be up for review.

This year officials will also have to decide whether to extend TPS for Nepal, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. The Trump administration extended TPS for South Sudan last year and will reconsider the issue again in 2019.

Some activists are also pushing for Congress to come up with a more permanent solution. A bill introduced last year would give people with TPS an opportunity to apply to become permanent US residents.

This story has been updated to reflect Monday's decision and add more detail about why some experts and activists say fewer Salvadorans would be affected.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.A woman in The Shoals is dead after a mobile home fire in Tuscumbia.

WAAY 31 learned 69-year-old Gilda Stone was inside her home when it caught on fire early Sunday morning. Firefighers said most likely a space heater running from an extension cord started the fire.

The fire started a little before 3 a.m. Sunday morning at Stone's home on 4th Avenue. Tuscumbia police say a juvenile was also in the home but able to escape.

"I run over here, trying to go in. The firefighters wouldn't let me in," said Erric Holland, who is the grandson of Gilda Stone.



Waking up from a bad dream is how Erric Holland describes the death of his grandmother, Gilda Stone.

"It's new to me. It's crazy. Like a nightmare," Holland said.

Holland and other family members told WAAY 31 Stone lived in her home a little over 30 years.

"I had a lot of childhood memories in here. Grew up on and off here. She's lived here my whole life. She always said she would die in this place," Holland said.

Paula Woodley used to be Stone's neighbor. They knew each other for 25 years. She said Stone loved her family and she was selfless.

"If she could do anything for you, she would do it. If she couldn't then she would find the way to help you," Paula Woodley said.

Woodley didn't think the next time she'd be in the neighborhood would be because of a deadly fire.

"I was planning on coming next week or this weekend to visit with her. I adored the lady. She was a sweet lady," Woodley said.

Officials said the fire does not look suspicious, so they decided not to do an autopsy on Stone's body. The Colbert County Coroner said Stone likely died of smoke inhilation.Artur Khachatryan, the governor of Armenias northern Shirak Province, believes that people need to modify their expectations from the government regarding state handouts and must take a more proactive approach to solving developmental issues.

Khachatryan, who was appointed governor in June of 2017, told Hetq that despite the high levels or poverty and unemployment, Shirak has experienced positive change and that the fruits of such change will surface this year.

The governor said that the 1988 Spitak earthquake not only took thousands of lives but changed the mentality of the population, transforming citizens into mere recipients of state assistance.

Khachatryan believes that progress in Spitak can only be realized if such Soviet mentality is changed.

Its difficult when people continue to live with such Soviet mentality. The earthquake destroyed lives and homes, and manufacturing, due to which Gyumri and the province had been developing. To now expect that all that can be restored, that the state can solve all our problems, while we sit and say give, give, is no longer functional, said Khachatryan.

The governor said it was up to business leaders and local government officials to draft investment projects that will drive the economy forward.

There was a meeting with business heads two years ago. They asked how they could assist Shirak. For years, Shirak was regarded as a damaged party that needed help. Sadly, the people of Shirak carried that label around with them. Now, business leaders ask what enterprises they can launch in the province, Khachatryan said.

The governor said that his administration is working to forge an equal partnership with private business based on mutual confidence.

In 2017, fifteen investment projects were proposed, and two received state financing. 16 of the 35projects proposed by rural communities were approved by the Territorial Development Fund.

Khachatryan pointed to the benefits resulting from the Kumayri Renaissance project, tasked with restoring the historical district of Gyumri, Armenias second largest city.

The governor said that an Armenian-Czech company plans to build a sewing factory in Gyumri.

During a recent trip to Shirak, EU Ambassador to Armenia Piotr Switalski, noted that that bulk of 176 million that the EU will allocate to Armenia for 2017-2020, will go to rural communities in Shirak and to Gyumri.

A 2018 EU grant of 1million will go to developing sheep breeding in the enlarged community of Amasia.MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will take center stage as she gives her first State of the State address since being catapulted to the governor's office nine months ago.

Ivey will give the traditional Tuesday night speech from the Alabama Capitol on the opening day of the 2018 legislative session.

Lawmakers return to Montgomery Tuesday to begin a session under the backdrop of an election year.

The governor will lay out her agenda with initiatives for education, rural infrastructure and prisons. One of the most pressing matters s before lawmakers is compliance with a court order to overhaul prison mental health care.

Political scientist Bill Stewart said the speech is an important moment in Ivey's new administration as she seeks a full term in 2018.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)The space exploration firm, which is headed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, initially scheduled the Zuma mission last November.

SpaceX gave a couple reasons for the schedule changes. At one point, SpaceX said it delayed the mission for "fairing testing." The fairing is the very top portion of the rocket that houses the payload. "Extreme weather" also slowed down the company's launch preparations.

Last week, SpaceX finally declared that both the rocket and the payload were "healthy" and ready for launch.

Related: Your guide to commercial space travel in 2018

On Sunday, Zuma was delivered to low-Earth orbit, which is typically defined as any orbital path less than about 1,200 miles above the Earth's surface, according to NASA. Zuma's precise destination was not disclosed.

That was not the only thing kept secret about Zuma.

The spacecraft was built for the U.S. government, and it's not unusual for the government to keep information about sensitive payloads under wraps. Typically these payloads involve a military concern, such as national security, defense or surveillance.

When asked about the project in November, Northrop Grumman -- the Virginia-based aerospace and defense company that built the Zuma spacecraft -- declined to give any details about the spacecraft or reveal which arm of the government funded it.

"The U.S. Government assigned Northrop Grumman the responsibility of acquiring launch services for this mission," the company said in a statement. "Northrop Grumman realizes this is a monumental responsibility and we have taken great care to ensure the most affordable and lowest risk scenario for Zuma."

The company declined further comment Sunday.

Because of Zuma's secrecy, SpaceX didn't live stream the entire mission. But there was still plenty for SpaceX to show off after launch.

Related: SpaceX launch leaves ghostly glowing trail in the sky

The company executed its signature move: guiding the first-stage rocket booster back to Earth for a safe landing.

Just over two minutes after liftoff Sunday, the first-stage booster separated from the second stage and fired up its engines. The blaze allowed the rocket to safely cut back through the Earth's atmosphere and land on a pad at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

SpaceX lands boosters so they can be reused in future missions. It's meant to help make spaceflight cheaper.

The Zuma launch kicked off what SpaceX hopes will be an exciting year.

The company completed a record-setting 18 launches last year, and SpaceX plans to do even more this year, according to spokesman James Gleeson.

Later this month, the company plans to debut its latest invention: the Falcon Heavy. The monstrous rocket will have three times the thrust of the Falcon 9.

An exact date for the inaugural launch has not been set, but Musk wrote on Instagram last week that SpaceX is looking to do it before the end of the month.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.The following was released by the Armenian Environmental Front (AEF). Hetq has not edited the text.

We became aware from an email sent to the media and larger public by Harout Bronozian, chemical and environmental engineer, that he and internationally acclaimed mining experts that have been making extensive critiques on the possible exploitation of Amulsar gold mine, have responded to the invitation of Armenias Nature Protection Minister Artsvik Minasyan dated November 15, 2017 to participate in a joint meeting together with Lydian LLC some time in January.

In their invitation letter Artsvik Minasyan mentioned that the aim of this meeting closed to media is to discuss the issue and management of acid drainage and its impact on underground waters and Vorotan-Arpa tunnel together with the specialists of Lydian.

What comes as a surprise is that before the above-mentioned invitation of the minister, media started circulating information about this meeting as if it was a jointly agreed fact already. Whereas on November 1st, 2017, Armenian Environmental Front inquired from the Ministry of Nature Protection clarification on the information disseminated by media, namely, who the participants of this meeting were and what kind of a legal authority this meeting would entail. From two inquiries back and forth, it became clear that the Ministry had leaked information as if the meeting involving international experts was finally confirmed, however the ministry was not able to give a list of participants, even the invitation sent to Harout Bronozian and international experts was issued at a later date. The responses also set out that the meeting was not going to be regulated by any legal norm, however with the agreement of the parties it would be held in a closed format (it is not clear which parties agreed on this if the ministry did not have a confirmed list of participants).

Moreover, even after our inquiries the Minister of Nature Protection and his advisor continued to mislead the media and the public presenting this meeting planned for January as a jointly confirmed event. Armenian Environmental Front evaluates this manner of work my the Ministry as media manipulation, since instead of the reality they only presented their or another partys wishes.

Nonetheless, on December 24th, 2017, Harout Bronozian, chemical and environmental engineer, Dr. Andrea Gerson and Dr. Roger Smart from Blue Minerals Consultancy, Dr. Ann Maest from Buka Environmental and Dr. Andre Sobolevsky from Clear Coast Consulting officially responded to the Ministers invitation, whereby they rejected the invitation justifying that they had up until that point not received credible answers from Lydian regarding the issues they had raised and that deep disagreements continued to persist, as well as some of the solutions to the significant environmental impact entailed political decisions and were of regulatory nature around which they were not in the position to negotiate.

The full text of the response of the international experts is presented below:

"December 24, 2017

For the attention of Mr. Artsvik Minasyan, Minister of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia.

Greetings,

We write this letter in response to an invitation by the Honorable Artsvik Minasyan, Minister of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia, to attend a meeting in Armenia regarding Lydians Amulsar Gold Project. Our group produced a series of critiques on the geochemical and water treatment aspects of this project. We subsequently received responses to our critiques from Lydian and their consultants and engaged in two rounds of arguments and counter- arguments. Despite these efforts, deep disagreements remain and our concerns that this project will have significant, long-term environmental impacts are undiminished.

Our initial review was thorough and reflected our expert evaluation of the project Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and associated documents. Subsequently, we responded to all objections from Lydian with demonstrable evidence, backed by citations from scientific publications and examples from existing mines. By contrast, we found many arguments rebutting our views to be opinions passed as facts. We heard of practices claimed by Lydian as Industry Standards that we, as authorities in the field, know not to be so. Despite these exchanges and lengthy responses, we find that Lydian has not accepted the case presented and has not offered credible responses to the issues raised. We are pessimistic about the prospects that they will ever do so.

We considered carefully the invitation by the Minister of Nature Protection to meet with ministry staff and Lydian representatives. We appreciated the benefits of explaining again the basis of our disagreement with their proposed ARD Management plan, including the scientific underpinnings of our understanding and concrete examples of existing practices that support our views. However, we are concerned that our attendance would be presented to the wider community as endorsement of the communique to be drafted at the end of the meeting, even if resolution was not achieved. Finally, we understand that some of the issues that require resolution are regulatory and political in nature, such as the development of permitted discharge limits or the requirement of reclamation bonds or other securities. As technical experts we are not the right people to negotiate these non-technical matters.

Taking these arguments into consideration, our consensus decision is to decline this invitation as we are not confident this meeting will result in improved ARD planning and management. Instead, we will provide you within a few days with documents that present our final evaluation of this project as clearly, soundly, and succinctly as possible. We hope that the Armenian government and Lydian will seriously consider our concerns and recommendations and make the needed changes before mining proceeds.

Sincerely yours,

Harry Bronozian, Chemical / Environmental Engineer

Andrea Gerson, PhD, Blue Minerals Consultancy

Ann Maest, PhD, Buka Environmental Boulder

Andre Sobolewski, PhD, Clear Coast Consulting, Inc.

Armenian Environmental Front (AEF) civil initiative



Steve Bannon went to war with Donald Trump. At least, he tried to. In recently published excerpts from Michael Wolff's new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, Bannon lashed out at the administration, taking special aim at the campaign's connections with Russian operatives, which he deemed "treasonous" and "unpatriotic". Trump slapped back in a written statement, saying Bannon "has lost his mind".

Since the release of the excerpts, Bannon has mounted a strategic retreat, calling his former boss "a great man". Coincidentally, Rebekah Mercer, the daughter of mega-funder Robert Mercer, and a minority shareholder in Brietbart News, distanced herself from Bannon's remarks, leading to speculation that his job at Breitbart was under threat.

While the feud was largely fuelled by Bannon's desire to stay relevant in the aftermath of his dismissal from the White House, it also came at a pivotal moment in the Trump presidency. Having styled himself an economic populist, Trump has just signed into law a tax bill that overwhelmingly benefits the wealthiest Americans. Nearly a year into his presidency, he has little to point to in terms of legislation that aids the working-class Americans he purports to represent.

For Bannon, it appeared the ideal moment to try to steal the populist crown from Trump.I wasn't always a high school teacher, I started my working life in the Australian Regular Army in the mid '90s and I did a stint as a police officer in far north Queensland. Before that, I went to school in the country, came from a dysfunctional family and played a lot of sport. I might be a small woman but I can pull out a big voice when I need one. I've jumped out of a plane, I can fire weapons fairly accurately, ride a motor bike and drive a truck. I am certainly no stranger to being the only girl in the room and, in my time, I've been verbally abused, called a variety of offensive names, physically hit and, once, I had my nose broken after I was head butted. But, I've got to admit, teaching high school in the suburbs of Sydney is a tough gig.

Recently, I did some casual teaching days at an inner-city high school. In my year 11 business studies class, there was a boy banging his head deliberately and rhythmically on a desk, two others aggressively play fighting, one snapped a pencil and then tore up the worksheet I handed out, throwing the pieces towards the ceiling. A huge boy shouted at me, wanting to assure me that this group (which included the head banger, the play fighters and the paper shredder), were "the best and the smartest in the class". There was a girl drawing traditional tattoo designs, another looked like she'd been crying, and one sat silently in the front row making her own notes and ignoring everyone else.

As I asked the class to listen up, a girl yelled, "I really like your outfit", I smiled and was about to politely say thank you when she continued with, "but it would look better on my floor" and the whole class erupted in laughter. Less than five minutes in and I reminded myself that this was a class of children, albeit big and loud, and no one in the room except me had a fully developed prefrontal cortex. Remembering that, and understanding why they behave like lunatics at times, is critical to teacher survival; there is always a reason behind the behaviour. Reprimanding a child without trying to address that cause would be like continually filling up a flat tyre with air, but never repairing the puncture. Pointless

In public schools all over the country, classrooms are filled with kids who are not engaging with the curriculum and not learning. They can't focus, they can't sit still, some lash out aggressively at students and teachers, some have given up. According to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, Australia's level of academic achievement has been progressively slipping with the highest correlation of poor results coming from students disadvantaged through disability, indigeneity, language and low socio-economic status.Dumped Turnbull government minster Darren Chester has denounced a lack of national leadership on curbing the road toll and regrets not being more "aggressive" on road safety during his time in the infrastructure and transport portfolio.

The Victorian Nationals MP also chastised state governments and federal bureaucrats for a "timid" approach to curbing the road carnage.

His comments follow a Fairfax Media report on Thursday in which government expert Dr John Crozier declared the national black spot program a "Band-aid" road safety solution that should be scrapped, and claimed inertia by successive federal governments was contributing to a rising number of road deaths.

Mr Chester lost the infrastructure and transport portfolio to Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce in a Turnbull government reshuffle last month, after 20 months in the job.Labor MP Michael Danby charged taxpayers $4574 for two newspaper advertisements attacking the ABC's coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

According to documents released to blogger William Summers under freedom of information law, the sum spent by Mr Danby as part of his parliamentary communications allowance comprised $1650 for each of the half-page ads in The Australian Jewish News as well as graphic design costing $1274.

The MP for Melbourne Ports, an electorate with a large Jewish population, has long been outspoken in his defence of Israel and previously defended the advertisements criticising ABC journalist Sophie McNeill, saying he had spent a "small amount".

In its advice to Mr Danby on the first request, the Department of Finance said it complied with the rules, which required the spending be on "parliamentary or electorate purposes", but warned he might "need to publicly justify and defend the item if required".A man has been arrested and charged after he allegedly stabbed a friend when they became lost on the way back from a crabbing trip in Perth's eastern suburbs.

WA Police say the men were driving on Brumby Avenue in Henley Brook at around 7pm when they became lost.

The men were inside a Mercedes when they began arguing. Credit:Hannah Barry

The pair argued, and the 41-year-old man is believed to have sustained serious laceration wounds during the fight.

While police were unable to confirm how he sustained the injuries, witnesses reportedly say the man stumbled from the car and yelled he had been stabbed.New Slow Down, Move Over (SLOMO) laws designed to protect roadside workers "miss the mark" in their current form and will be almost impossible to enforce, according to the WA Police Union.

The union has raised several concerns with the soon to be introduced laws, which will come into effect from March.

WA Police Union president George Tilbury. Credit:ABC News

The laws will require drivers to reduce their speed when approaching a stationary emergency or incident response vehicle and pass at a maximum speed of 40kmh.

Drivers who fail to adhere to the new rules will cop three demerit points and a $300 fine.Vale de Salgueiro: The Epiphany celebrations in the Portuguese village of Vale de Salgueiro feature a tradition that each year causes an outcry among outsiders: Parents encouraging their children, some as young as five, to smoke cigarettes.

Locals say the practice has been passed down for centuries as part of a celebration of life tied to the Christian Epiphany and the winter solstice - but nobody is sure what it symbolises or exactly why parents buy the packs of cigarettes for their children and encourage them to take part.

Fernando, 6-years-old, smokes a cigarette in the village of Vale de Salgueiro, northern Portugal, during the local celebration. Credit:AP

The two-day celebrations, which start Friday and end Saturday with a Mass, include dancing around bonfires, a piper playing music and an elected "king" who distributes plentiful wine and snacks.

The legal age to purchase tobacco in Portugal is 18, but nothing prohibits parents from giving kids cigarettes, and Portuguese authorities don't intervene to stop the practice.The president's relentlessly appalling xenophobia, Islamophobia and racism invites such comparisons to unsavory regimes. So does his proud assumption of the motto "America First," a slogan with anti-Semitic overtones and Nazi-sympathizing origins. His attacks on the media (even individual journalists) and interference with the FBI and the Justice Department demonstrate disdain not only for commonly accepted ideas of what behaviors are "presidential" but even elementary standards of democratic citizenship.

Others see a more sinister possibility: that he intends to seize on a "Reichstag fire" moment to consolidate his power in a manner reminiscent of authoritarian rulers. (Google Trends search results suggest that US interest in the term "Reichstag fire" peaked in the frenzied first few weeks of the Trump administration.)

The difficulty of finding a plausible rationale for Trump's behavior leads some to conclude that he is irrational - literally unable to control himself. A few observers have speculated that he might be mentally deficient in a clinical sense, suffering from dementia or even a variant of syphilis. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un evoked this position when he described the president as a "mentally deranged dotard." But such armchair diagnoses run far beyond the evidence - including the fact that the president does not suffer the level of impairment required to diagnose a mental disorder.

Yet other instances of the president's freewheeling style seem ill conceived. What master persuader would have recounted his election victory and bashed the media for the umpteenth time in front of a Boy Scout National Jamboree? What strategic calculus informed the president's endorsement of two losing candidates in Alabama's Senate special election? And why spread baseless conspiracy theories about charges such as massive vote fraud in the 2016 election - which he won? In fact, the biggest political "distraction" involving Trump may have been how his lightning-rod-like ability to attract scandals and alienate potential allies made it harder for congressional Republicans to enact their policy agenda.

Yet it seems unlikely that Trump intends to institute a dictatorship. One factor - far from the most important, but overlooked in many Twitter jeremiads - is that he simply seems to be too lazy to do so. Someone who can (as the New York Times reported) routinely spend four to eight hours a day marinating in cable TV news makes for an unlikely candidate to overturn a constitutional order.

Another is that he has little incentive to do so while he is secure in his position and his family is free to profit without fear of reprisal. Were either of those factors to change, the story might be different - and we would have to hope that the institutions that were weak enough to allow Trump to become president would be strong enough to thwart such ambitions.

Seeking hidden plots misses the point. There is no real distinction between the onstage and offstage Trump. He is not acting. The Donald Trump who publicly ranted during campaign rallies about Mexican immigrants and refugees is the same one who, as president, privately ranted on phone calls to the Mexican president and the Australian prime minister about those issues. Even when his staff briefly succeed in getting him to stay on message, he soon flaunts his independence by going "off-script" to reveal that his good behavior was a charade.

He has no ideology besides a half-glimpsed vision of national "greatness." He has no grand strategy, just a profound need to demonstrate that he is a winner, a dealmaker and an influence wielder. And having suffered few consequences of importance to him for his behavior so far in his short political career, he recognizes few limits to his whims. He will ignore his critics and follow the applause he receives for his reckless behavior as far as he can.

The search for meaning in Trumpism reflects the desire of both his supporters and opponents for Trump to be what he is not: profound, larger-than-life, grandiose. The self-evident pettiness of Donald J. Trump defies those aesthetic sensibilities. Recognizing that there is no greater meaning in the man himself may help us address his challenge. Reflecting on how such a small man ever came to occupy such an office may inspire us to prevent a repeat performance.'Christmas in the Park' Raises More than $42K

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH, KY - Paducah Power Systems Christmas in the Park event generated $42,214 and 67,895 pounds of food this year.Paducah Power Director of Community Relations and Marketing Andrea Underwood said the canned good totals were up a bit over last year, and the cash collected was the second highest in the history of the event.The food and cash donations were gathered at the lighting displays at Noble Park, Stuff-The-Truck at local hospitals, and the School Challenge, where schools competed to determine who could collect the most food.The School Challenge was wildly successful, the nightly traffic at the park was steady, and the visit by the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was a great way to kick off the season, Underwood said. We feel as if all of the elements of Christmas in the Park came together in a very successful way. Underwood added that local schools collected more than half of the food collected this year.Proceeds from Christmas in the Park will go to Paducah Cooperative Ministry, the Salvation Army, Family Service Society and St. Vincent DePaul Society.Delivery of the food is being handled by Wagner Moving and Storage, Supply Solutions and McKeel Equipment.Goddard Seeks 2nd District House Seat

By West Kentucky Star Staff

GRAVES COUNTY, KY - Charlotte Goddard has tossed her hat in the ring for the May 22 Democratic primary in the Second House District.

You can count on me to be a strong voice for working people, said Goddard, who lives near Pottsville in north Graves County and teaches at Caldwell County Elementary School in Princeton.

The Second District includes Graves County and a small slice of southern McCracken County.

Goddard mailed her candidate papers to the secretary of states office in Frankfort Saturday. Incumbent Richard Heath, a Republican, has yet to file.

A member of the Kentucky Education Association and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, she pledged to partner with state and local leaders of business, organized labor and government to try to bring more industrial jobs to the Second District.

Good paying union jobs built the middle class in the Second District and across the country, she said.

Goddard also promised to champion public schools. She opposes charter schools, which she says rob public schools of much needed funds.

She also is against Gov. Matt Bevins public employee pension bill, which would cut some benefits for current personnel and retirees and force most new hires into risky 401(a) plans. "The KEA is in the fight to save our pensions," Goddard said.

"A pension is a promise, Goddard said. Do you trust the governor and the Republicans in the legislature to keep that promise? I dont.

She and her husband, Billy, have two children, Emily and Nicholas. Emily is a senior at Graves County High School, and Nicholas is in the second grade at Lowes Elementary School.

Goddard is organizing her campaign. Anyone interested in volunteering or wanting more information about her may phone or text her at (270) 970-8953. Her email address isThreatening Post Not Meant For Local Schools

By West Kentucky Star Staff

WEST PADUCAH, KY - Authorities say a threatening post being distributed online was not intended for McCracken County High School or any other area school.According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, on Sunday night the department began fielding a large number of calls regarding a threatening post on social media featuring a picture of guns and warning "MHS" students not to come to school. The post was found to have originated on Snapchat, then copied and disseminated via other outlets such as Instagram and Facebook.An investigation into the post was launched, and notification to surrounding agencies and school officials was made. The origin of the post was found to be Monticello High School in Albemarle County Virgina. Law enforcement confirmed they have detained the person responsible for the post, and criminal charges are pending.Authorities say there is no threat to McCracken County High School, and the post was in no way related to any other local school.The McCracken County Sheriffs Department thanked the public for being vigilant and reporting the post.Law enforcement in Graves County and Calloway County also shared the information, since both Murray and Mayfield High Schools use the letters MHS.KY Highway Crews Monitoring Overnight Weather

By West Kentucky Star Staff

WESTERN KENTUCKY - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 Snow & Ice Team is continuing to monitor a band of freezing rain that is expected to move across Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Southern Indiana during the overnight hours.

Most of the frozen precipitation is expected to remain north of the Ohio River. However, as a precaution, District 1 Superintendents in the Ohio River Counties will be checking highway conditions during the overnight hours and are prepared to call in high way crews, if required.

Again, at this time the forecast indicates temperatures in most of the western Kentucky counties are expected to remain above freezing.

Motorists who plan to travel northward into Missouri, Illinois, or Indiana should closely monitor local weather conditions.Three Mayfield Residents Face Theft, Drug Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

GRAVES COUNTY, KY - Three Graves County residents were arrested over the weekend on drug and theft charges.

Graves County Sheriff Dewayne Redmon said deputies responded on Friday to a home in the 300 block of Old Dublin Road for two unwanted subjects. Upon further investigation, deputies received information that there were numerous items of stolen property inside the home.

Deputies were given consent to enter the home, where they found stolen items, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Deputies arrested 28-year-old Jackson Owens, of Mayfield, on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substance, receiving stolen property under $10,000 and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Twenty-seven-year-old Anita Martinez and Richard McGowan, both of Mayfield, were also arrested and charged with possession of meth, receiving stolen property under $10,000 and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All three were lodged in the Graves County Jail.Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, right, with her son Nathan Davis at her side makes a statement to the media at the front door of the Rowan County Judicial Center in Morehead, Ky., Monday, Sept. 14, 2015. Davis announced that her office will issue marriage licenses under order of a federal judge, but they will not have her name or office listed. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley) PHOTO:AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley

Kim Davis Files for Re-election

By The Associated Press

FRANKFORT, KY - A Kentucky clerk who spent five days in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples has filed for re-election.

Kim Davis filed for re-election last week, according to documents on the Secretary of State's website. She had announced in November she planned to seek a second term.

Davis caused an international uproar when she stopped issuing marriage licenses in 2015 after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down laws banning same-sex unions. Davis was jailed after she refused to obey a judge ordering her to issue the licenses. The state legislature later changed the law to remove clerks' names from the licenses.

Davis will run as a Republican. Four Democrats have filed for the seat. They include David Ermold, a gay man who was initially denied a marriage license in 2015.King, Michael

Mr. Michael Frederick King, 77, of Murray, KY passed away at home on Friday, January 5, 2018. He was baptized as a child in the Lutheran Church and was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Murray. Mike was born on December 11, 1940 in Commerce, TX and is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Newell and Doris King, and one brother, Phillip. On June 25, 1965, he married Nita Abernathy King in Commerce, TX. Mike attended East Texas State University where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and completed his BS in Biology and Chemistry at Austin College in Sherman, TX. In 1963, he and his father built Oaks Manor Nursing Home in Commerce before expanding to three additional locations throughout East Texas. He and several physicians also founded and built Commerce Medical and Surgical Center which is now part of the Presbyterian Hospital System. In 1980, Mike and Nita moved into retail with the purchase of The Collegiate Shoppe in Mt. Pleasant, TX. They also opened and operated a men's clothing store, The Canterbury Shoppe. Mike was active in his community, serving as President of the Downtown Merchants' Association and President of Band Boosters and Tiger Doll Supporters. Mike was known and loved as a good and gentle man. He had a special heart for animals, particularly those that were lost or abandoned. He and Nita always had at least one rescue dog as a pet. His care-givers often commented on his sweet smile, his humble disposition, and his kindness towards everyone he met. He was also a lover of Broadway Musicals, classical music, and an avid opera enthusiast. He fell in love with opera at 9 years old and, over the years, attended dozens of operas in Dallas and New York. He experienced the live performances of notables such as Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland, Leontyne Price, Marilyn Horne, Luciano Pavarotti and Beverly Sills. During their years in Murray, Mike and Nita would even travel to Paducah, KY to enjoy The Metropolitan Opera's "Live in HD" performances. One of Mike's fondest and most recent memories was a 2015 trip to the Met in New York City to see Puccini's Turandot. He was accompanied by his family, Nita, Chris, Catherine, Jenn and Patrick, and it was a highlight of his life. Above all, Mike adored his family and grandchildren, and always desired to be close to them. He and Nita relocated several times over the past 15 years, enjoying seasons in Baton Rouge, LA, Clarksville, TN and eventually, Murray, KY. He passed from this world to the next, peacefully, surrounded by his family. He will be deeply missed. Survivors in addition to his wife include a son, Dr. Christopher Michael King (Jenn King) of Ithaca, NY; a daughter, Catherine King Smith (The Rev. Patrick Smith) of Quincy, IL; four grandchildren, Jacob, Chloe, Adeline and Piper; a brother, Kenneth King (Betty) of Dallas, TX; a brother in law, Bill Abernathy (Mary) of Lewisville, TX; and four nieces and nephews. He was cremated, according to his wishes and a memorial ceremony will be held at a future date. His family wishes to thank all of his care-givers at Murray Calloway County Hospital, Hospice, the staff of Brookdale Senior Living, and Dr. Daniel Butler and his nurse, Kelly. Condolences may be sent to: 905 Glendale, Apt. 103, Murray, KY 42071 or at www.imesfh.com. Memorials may be sent to Murray Calloway County Animal Shelter, 81 Shelter Rd., Murray, KY 42071 or No Kill Hunt County Animal Shelter (NKHC), 1303 CR 4208, Campbell, TX 75422. Imes Funeral Home & Crematory, downtown Murray is in charge of arrangements.Close Get email notifications on Lisa Neff daily!

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Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Wits produces ready-for-work graduates

Wits graduates voted most employable in SA by directors and recruiters.

The Global Employability Survey and Ranking 2017, which measures the employability of graduates and employer satisfaction with graduates, has found that directors and talent management specialists are highly satisfied with Wits University graduates.

Polling the views of respondents from 22 countries, the survey focuses on the practical skills of ready-for-work graduates developed by universities. The respondents were asked which of their local universities produce the best graduates.

Ranked at 150, Wits is the only university in South Africa and in Africa to make it to the top 150, the cut-off line by the rankings.

The 7th annual ranking was published in the Times Higher Education, and commissioned by French HR consultancy, Emerging, with the assistance of Trendence.

Wits Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Professor Andrew Crouch welcomed the news: The employability of our graduates and their preparedness for the workplace are the true measure of the quality of our institution. As a University, we pride ourselves on equipping our students with a range of skills that make them valuable players in the workplace from day one.

We will continue to develop graduate-ness attributes in our students by providing them with the right balance between academics, co-curricula studies, and cutting-edge programmes that are in line with the demands of the changing world.

Research output at Wits has catapulted by over 45% in the last four years, with over 85% of Wits academics publishing in quality, international journals.

This is the very core of why universities matter  we create new knowledge and the high level skills required to address the challenges that societies face today, but also equip graduates with the skills to tackle problems that may arise in the future, concludes Crouch.

This ranking complements other major global rankings focusing on the research and stature of the University:

Centre for World University Rankings

Wits University is ranked #number1 on the continent and placed in the top 0.7 percent of leading universities in world. The CWUR measures the quality of education, alumni employment, quality of academics, publications, and the number of international patents, amongst other indicators.

Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai ranking)

Wits University retained top spot in Africa in the latest Shanghai ranking. The University had three subjects ranked in the TOP 100 subject list and nine others in the TOP 500 list.

Times Higher Education

This ranking evaluates universities across their core missions, including teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. Wits placed in the Top 300.

QS World University Rankings

These rankings compare and rank the worlds top 800 tertiary institutions. Wits is placed in the Top 400.

Highly Cited Researchers

Paleoanthropologist Professor Lee Berger and microbiologist Professor Lynn Morris were featured in the Highly Cited Researchers annual list compiled by Clarivate Analytics that recognises leading researchers in the sciences and social sciences globally.NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on a fire at Trump Tower in Manhattan (all times local):

12:05 p.m.

New York City fire officials say a fire in Trump Tower's heating and air conditioning system injured three people and caused smoke to billow from the roof.

The Fire Department of New York says the fire started around 7 a.m. Monday at the building that contains President Donald Trump's home and business offices. He wasn't there at the time.

Fire officials say two civilians and a firefighter were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. It took about an hour to put out the fire on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The president's son Eric tweeted his thanks to firefighters for doing "an incredible job."

___

9:15 a.m.

New York City fire officials say a fire in Trump Tower's heating and air conditioning system injured two people and caused smoke to billow from the roof.

The Fire Department of New York says the fire started around 7 a.m. Monday at the building that contains President Donald Trump's home and business offices.

Fire officials say a civilian was treated for serious injuries and a firefighter was treated for minor injuries. It took about an hour to put out the fire on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The president's son Eric tweeted his thanks to firefighters for doing "an incredible job."

___

9:10 a.m.

New York City fire officials say a fire in Trump Tower's heating and air conditioning system caused smoke to billow from the roof and injured two people.

The Fire Department of New York says the fire started around 7 a.m. Monday at the building that contains President Donald Trump's home and business offices.

Fire officials say a civilian was treated for serious injuries and firefighter was treated for minor injuries. It took about an hour to put out the fire on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The president's son Eric tweeted his thanks to firefighters for doing "an incredible job."

___

8:15 a.m.

Smoke has dwindled on the roof of Trump Tower in New York City.

The Fire Department of New York says it was called there around 7 a.m. Monday for a report of a fire on the top floor.

Smoke billowed from one corner of the high-rise for a while before most of it dissipated.

About 84 firefighters were at the scene initially. A few remained on the roof about an hour later.

There was no immediate report of injuries, or what caused the smoke-filled scene.

The building houses luxury apartments and businesses.

___

7:50 a.m.

The Fire Department of New York says it's at the scene of a fire at Trump Tower in Manhattan.

The department says it was called around 7 a.m. Monday for a report of a fire on the top floor.

Aerial views showed firefighters on the roof, with smoke billowing from one corner of the high-rise.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The building houses luxury apartments and businesses.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)What a difference a day makes! Most areas are waking up close to 40 degrees warmer this morning compared to 24 hours ago! Light snow continues to move into the region this morning, with pockets of moderate snow for the Mohawk Valley and points north. Snow becomes more widespread this afternoon as a trough moves through the region.



Heading into late this evening into tonight, lake effect snow develops over Northern Oneida County and Southern Lewis County. This band will drift south throughout the overnight before tapering off by Tuesday morning as high pressure builds in. Temperatures hold steady in the upper 20s to low 30s.

A lot of question marks as we head into the middle and end of the work week. Next round a precipitation arrives Wednesday evening as a warm front edges into the region. While temperatures aloft warm up quickly, at the surface, temperatures will be hovering the low 30s, especially in typical cold spots. That means that sleet and freezing rain is possible Wednesday evening before temperatures warm up by Wednesday night.

Speaking of warm, a blast of some very warm air moves in for Thursday and Friday with precipitation staying as all rain. A few areas of concern with the warm up and rain: streams and rivers could see ice jams with the warm up, with could cause flooding. Also, if the track of the storm shifts or speeds up on Friday with the GFS dragging in cold air fast, with a wintry mix to snow late Friday into Saturday. But it looks more likely that we will stay warm through Saturday morning with more rain. Stay tuned.INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  A Republican Indiana state senator wants the votes of dead people to count.

Columbus Sen. Greg Walker is sponsoring a bill that would require election officials to count absentee ballots "marked and forwarded" by a voter who subsequently dies before Election Day.

The bill was approved Monday by the Senate Elections Committee on a 9-0 vote. Walker chairs the committee.

Supporters say it is burdensome for county-level elections officials to track whether absentee voters have died. But questions have been raised over whether Walker's proposal is allowed under Indiana's constitution.

The issue has come up before. Former Indiana Rep. Frank McCloskey, a Democrat, had his absentee ballot thrown out in 2004 because he died before Election Day.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  The city of West Lafayette is getting closer to adding an indoor aquatics and recreational center.

The facility is now in the initial stages of planning.

The West Lafayette community is excited about the healthy trend that the city is promoting. Plans are to break ground on the new building at the corner of Kalberer and Salisbury in West Lafayette.

The city is looking for feedback on how to design the building from the public. Dennis said they are coming into this project with the community in mind.

"So it's a community-driven project," said Dennis. "So the more information we get the better empowered we're going to be to make a decision that's going to be acceptable to the most people."

Purdue student Alex Smith said this will be a great resource for folks who have run out of other options on campus.

"We'll like every Wednesday go and play wallyball, and it's no longer an option for people that have graduated," said Smith.

Dennis said he's leaving everything open for opinion on this project.

"What they would like the facility to look like, and maybe the size of the pool," said Dennis. "Maybe other amenities within the facility and move forward from there."

City officials hope to break ground on the rec center within the next year. They hope to be finished with the project by 2020.FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP)  A northeastern Indiana man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for not telling numerous sex partners that hes HIV-positive.

Temujin K. Lapsley was sentenced Friday in Allen County after pleading guilty in December to malicious mischief involving infected bodily fluids. He also pleaded guilty to dealing methamphetamine and cocaine possession.

Authorities were investigating Lapsley for drug activities when they learned hes HIV-positive and had signed a Duty to Warn form in California in December 2013 requiring him to inform sexual partners of his HIV status.

Court document say Lapsley told police he estimated he had sex with about 60 people, both men and women, since his HIV diagnosis.

Police say they have identified at least six victims who were in contact with Lapsley and unaware that hes HIV-positive.INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLFI)  The Villages of Indiana just received its largest single gift in its 40-year history. Thanks to Lilly Endowment Inc., the Indiana-based non-profit will be receiving a $10 million grant.

The Lilly Endowment grant is given yearly to agencies serving vulnerable children and to those serving people with disabilities. It is one of 10 such grants given this year equaling $80 million in total.

With more than twice as many children in Indianas child welfare system than just five years ago, both Lilly Endowment and The Villages Board of Directors and staff are committed to the longevity and staying power of The Villages, stated Sharon Pierce, president & CEO of The Villages. Thus this grant is specifically designated for the sustainability of The Villages, to ensure that the organization can continue to be a child welfare industry leader in our state and in our nation for many decades to come."

"The vast majority of this unprecedented three-year grant, $8 million, will establish a restricted endowment for The Villages, protecting the future and sustainability of The Villages tireless mission to Champion Families for Children, said Dan Phair, chair of The Villages board of directors. The remaining $2 million will be invested in the increasingly vital area of early childhood programs to assure that young children from compromised backgrounds can truly be prepared for academic success; will support the recruitment and capacity of quality foster families to be able to serve the very young infants and children needing a safe, loving foster home while their parents battle the disease of addiction; and will be invested in best practice and research-based staff development and training approaches, which will allow The Villages to best meet the complex needs of our communitys very fragile children and their families.

Other recipients this year include:

 Indianapolis-based Bosma Enterprises Inc. - $5 million

 Indianapolis-based Children's Bureau Inc. - $10 million

 Indianapolis-based Damar Services Inc. - $10 million

 Indianapolis-based Easterseals Crossroads - $10 million

 Indianapolis-based Hear Indiana - $2.5 million

 Indianapolis-based Lutheran Child and Family Services - $7.5 million

 Indianapolis-based Noble - $10 million

 Danville-based Sycamore Services Inc. - $7.5 million

 Indianapolis-based Tangram Inc. - $7.5 million

For more information regarding services provided by The Villages, click here or call 1-800-874-6880.



China News on Women





Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home pageSteam generators in place at Hualong One unit

08 January 2018

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The third and final steam generator has been installed at the demonstration Hualong One reactor being constructed as unit 5 of the Fuqing nuclear power plant in China's Fujian province. The reactor is expected to start up next year.

Installation of the third steam generator at Fuqing 5 (Image: CNNC)

The steam generator - weighing 365 tonnes and over 21 metres in length - was yesterday hoisted onto a horizontal gantry platform some 16.5 metres above the ground, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced. The component was subsequently moved into reactor's containment building through the main equipment transportation channel. Once there, it was lifted into the vertical position using a specially designed tool and put in place.

The first steam generator was installed at Fuqing 5 on 10 November. The second was put in place on 24 December, the same day that CNNC announced the welding of the main pipework of the unit had officially started.

Steam generators are used in pressurised water reactors (PWRs) to transfer heat from the reactor coolant into water in a secondary circuit, producing the steam used to power the electricity-generating turbines. Each steam generator contains thousands of kilometres of tubes through which hot water flows.

The ZH-65-type steam generators were independently designed by the China Nuclear Power Institute and manufactured by Dongfang Electric.

In November 2014, CNNC announced that the fifth and sixth units at Fuqing will use the domestically-developed Hualong One PWR design, marking its first deployment. The company had previously expected to use the ACP1000 design for those units, but plans were revised in line with a re-organisation of the Chinese nuclear industry. China's State Council gave final approval for construction of Fuqing units 5 and 6 in mid-April 2015.

The pouring of first concrete for Fuqing 5 began in May 2015, marking the official start of construction of the unit. Construction of unit 6 began in December 2015. The dome of unit 5 was installed on the containment building in May last year. Fuqing 5 and 6 are scheduled to be completed in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Construction of two Hualong One units is also under way at China General Nuclear's Fangchenggang plant in Guangxi province. Those units are also expected to start up in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topicsChinese plant produces AP1000 reload assemblies

08 January 2018

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China's first AP1000 fuel production line has now produced 64 sets of fuel assemblies ready for the first reloading of the Sanmen AP1000 units. Both Sanmen AP1000s are scheduled to begin operating later this year.

The Chinese-made AP1000 fuel assemblies (Image: CNNC)

"The specifications of the components met the technical requirements and provide guarantee for the subsequent safe and stable operation of the Sanmen nuclear power plant," China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) said today.

Westinghouse is providing the first cores and some re-loads for the four AP1000s under construction at Sanmen and Haiyang. However, China's goal of self-sufficiency in nuclear fuel supply means it wants to manufacture as much as possible in future.

In a $35 million deal announced in January 2011, Westinghouse agreed to "design, manufacture and install fuel fabrication equipment" for CNNC subsidiary China North Nuclear Fuel, with the aim of supplying subsequent fuel for the Sanmen and Haiyang units as well as the country's future fleet of AP1000s.

Construction of the AP1000 fuel line - which has the capacity to produce 400 tonnes per year - at the Baotou fuel fabrication facility in Inner Mongolia began in March 2012. Qualification of the production line was completed in October 2016. Ahead of full production, two sets of dummy fuel assemblies were made to verify the production process.

Westinghouse issued the production line with the qualification certificate on 19 January 2017 and the plant was formally put into production on 16 June. The first domestically fabricated AP1000 fuel assembly came off the production line on 14 July.

On 14 January 2017, China North Nuclear Fuel signed a refueling package procurement contract with the Sanmen plant. Under the contract, the production line will supply batches of fuel assemblies for the second, third and fourth fuel cycles of Sanmen units 1 and 2.

Sanmen 1 is expected to be the first Westinghouse AP1000 to begin operating later this year, with Sanmen 2 also set to start up in 2018.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topicsA Chinese school official who moved to the United States for retirement was shot dead by a teenager while he was taking out trash from his home, according to police in Tennessee.

74-year-old Ruxin Wang was shot dead while taking the garbage out of his house in Nashville.

His wife of 48 years was the one who discovered his body.

Witnesses reported seeing four teens wearing hoodies running from the scene.

So far, police in Tennessee have arrested two out of the four suspects who are accused of killing Wang.

The suspects in custody were identified as 16-year-old Myeisha Brown and a 14-year-old boy.

Brown has been charged with one count of criminal homicide.

Wang moved to the United States two months before being shot after retiring from work at the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Wang moved with his wife from China to Nashville in search of a better life and to be close to his son, Wang Yun, who moved to the United States in 2000.

Yun was a devoted son and he traveled with his parents around the world.

He is devastated by the loss of his father.

aYou look at the Las Vegas shooting and you look at the Orlando shooting, and you think it is so far away from you, but itas not,a Yun said. aI couldnat imagine it could happen to our family, but it did,a he added.

People in China expressed shock and are upset over the senseless death of the beloved man.

aWhat a tragedy, this man spent his whole life educating Chinese children and teaching them morality just to move to the U.S. and get shot by American children,a one person wrote on social media.A young man from the United States went crazy at an airport in Thailand after swallowing too many sex enhancement pills, according to police.

The Saku Police Station said that they have arrested 27-year-old Steve Cho of New York after being accused of stripping naked and throwing feces at airport staff and passengers.

Cho is facing charges of indecent exposure, criminal damage, and assault.

According to the police investigation, Cho came to Thailand for a vacation.

On Thursday, at around 11:00 p.m., Cho arrived at the Phuket International Airport in order to fly to Incheon, South Korea.

At the airport, Cho stripped naked and walked around in the terminal in front of staff and passengers.

He then defecated and threw the feces at the airport staff and passengers while screaming.

Cho was detained by six security guards.

He was taken to a lounge, where officials tried to calm him down.

When Cho continued to act out, police were called and he was arrested.

During questioning, Cho told police that he swallowed a large amount of Viagra pills and passed out.

Cho promised to pay for all the damage he caused at the airport.A woman from the United States who visited New Zealand to attend a festival was shocked when a man approached her from behind and grabbed her breasts.

20-year-old Madeline Anello-Kitzmiller attended the Rhythm & Vines festival, which is held annually in Gisborne.

Thousands of people flock to the festival to enjoy music and wine.

Anello-Kitzmiller, who is fighting for the right of women to walk topless just like men, attended the festival and walked around without a shirt or bra.

Some body paint and glitter covered her breasts.

Suddenly, a young man approached her from behind and grabbed her breasts.

Anello-Kitzmiller became extremely angry at the man for violating her body and attacked him.

A video that was uploaded to Facebook shows Anello-Kitzmiller slapping the man and beating him over the head.

Anello-Kitzmillers friend, Kiri-Ann Hatfield, poured a drink on the head of the man.

Anello-Kitzmiller later complained that as soon as she took her shirt and bra off, people were yelling at her.

She said that people called her disgusting, and some shouted at her to put on a shirt.

Anello-Kitzmiller was even more surprised that most of the people who became angry with her walking around topless were women.

Anello-Kitzmiller, who lives in Portland, said that she stayed topless overnight because she did not want to let those angry people win.

The video of the incident went viral on the Internet.On Friday, it emerged that the French Democratic Labor Federation (CFDT) union had approved a base contract for chemical industries letting employers pay workers less than the minimum wage. This is another application of the Socialist Party's (PS) labor law and the labor decrees of former Economy Minister and current French President Emmanuel Macron, backed by the European Union. It makes clear that their policy is to trample on basic social rights won by the working class over generations of struggle in the 20th century.

The Stalinist General Confederation of Labor (CGT), the French Managers Confederation (CFE) and Workers Force (FO) issued a statement Friday reporting that the CFDT had signed an industry-wide contract on December 21 for a 1.1 percent wage increase paid in two increments. It would set the lowest hourly salary at 9.82 on January 1 and then 9.86 on April 1. Both are less than the 2018 minimum wage (SMIC) of 9.88, set by a 1.24 percent increase approved on December 15, before the CFDT signed the chemical contract.

Using the PS labor law and the Macron decrees, the state, the oil bosses and the CFDT are concocting a pseudo-legal framework to ram through drastic cuts to workers' wages and conditions. Since 2009, the cumulative impact of EU wage and pension cuts in Greece has been to slash incomes by 40 percent. Now, similar attacks are being prepared against workers in Europe's largest economies.

According to the CGT-CFE-FO statement, the CFDT contract will integrate into the calculation of the minimum wage bonuses paid for seniority and working conditions (work at night, on Sundays and holidays, etc). Up to now, such bonuses, representing up to 35 percent of total pay, were paid on top of a base salary at least equal to the SMIC minimum wage. But with the new contract, bosses can count those bonuses as part of the sub-SMIC wage agreed to by the CFDT, paving the way for wage cuts of 35 percent or more.

This announcement came only days after reports that automaker PSA Peugeot-Citroen plans to use a provision of Macron's labor decrees to impose union-approved mass job cuts at its French plants, while it slashes thousands of jobs at its Opel-Vauxhall subsidiaries in Germany and Britain. The goal is to move PSA onto a largely temp workforce paid at the minimum wage or less.

These measures are a warning to the working class across Europe and internationally. The only way to defend wages and jobs is to reject the pseudo-legal framework erected by the EU and the ruling class, and various bought-and-paid-for union bureaucracies. As anger rises in France against the president of the rich, workers face the task of organizing independently of the trade unions for a political struggle against the illegitimate measures imposed by companies and national states.

The experience of the French labor law shows that such struggles will bring the working class into an irreconcilable conflict with the state, with revolutionary implications. The PS imposed the labor law in 2016, in the face of over 70 percent popular opposition, by using the state of emergency to mount vicious police repression of mass protests against the law. Backed by petty-bourgeois parties like the New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA) and Unsubmissive France (LFI), the CGT capitulated in the face of PS threats to ban its protests and called off further action against the law.

Then Macronelected by default in a run-off pitting him against neo-fascist candidate Marine Le Pen, and whose parliamentary majority emerged from elections in which less than half of French voters participatedimposed decrees preparing a historic assault on the working class. Now, having handed over trillions of euros to the banks and the financial aristocracy since the 2008 crash, French and European authorities aim to pauperize broad sections of the working class.

Such policies have not a shred of democratic legitimacy. Since the September German elections produced a hung parliament, European officials have been promising that a Paris-Berlin axis will oversee a new dawn for Europe. Martin Schulz, the defeated candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SPD)which worked with the PS, the Italian Democratic Party and others to formulate the French labor lawsaid last month that he was fighting for a European framework for a minimum wage.

In fact, the CFDT chemical industry contract shows how the PS and Macron, together with social democratic parties across Europe, conspired behind the backs of the people to eliminate the minimum wage with the stroke of a pen.

The French chemical contract uses two key provisions of the PS labor law and Macron decrees: first, industries and firms can obtain exceptions to the national Labor Code; second, employers can impose a contract if they can obtain the agreement of unions representing 30 percent of the workers. So, with just over 33 percent of the chemical industry workforce, the CFDT approved a contract granting an exception to Article 141 of the Labor Code. That is the article that mandates the SMIC minimum wage in France.

Similar end runs around minimum wage laws are doubtless being prepared by firms and industries across France and beyond.

Workers can place no confidence in the CGT, FO or other union bureaucracies critical of the CFDT contract to organize opposition to the chemical industry contract. The PS labor law and Macron decrees provide a juridical expression to their common evolution into organs of the state, financed by the employers, which have lost their working class base and instead serve to plan and provide pseudo-legal sanctions for attacks on their own members.

Their criticisms of the CFDT are factional maneuvers primarily designed to shield them from rising social anger in the working class, while they pursue a nationalist policy of trying to boost French competitiveness on the world market at workers' expense.

All of them are hostile to mobilizing the working class politically against the historically regressive policies of Macron and the EU. As it joins FO in criticizing the CFDT chemical contract, the CGT is provocatively denouncing a rail strike against job cuts called by FO in southern France as a populist gimmick that is counterproductive because it aims to foment hatred against the rail workers. As for FO, much of its leadership, including FO chief Jean-Claude Mailly, openly endorsed Macron's decrees last autumn.

The only way forward is the construction of independent workers' organizations and committees in workplaces and working class neighborhoods to discuss and mobilize opposition to the various attacks emerging from Macron's decrees and approved by the unions. A key element of their work would be to coordinate their struggles internationally with those of workers facing similar job and wage cuts across Europe.

This raises the the urgent necessity of building a new leadership in the working class: sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International in every country, fighting austerity and dictatorship. The ICFI will fight to promote the growth of independent workers' organizations and link them to an international socialist movement to take state power and replace the bankrupt EU with the United Socialist States of Europe.The recent severe cold spell in large parts of the US will be remembered most due to the frequent reports of homeless citizens freezing to death, because they could not find housing, or even emergency shelter. Half a million homeless are living on the streets of major US cities this winter, according to official counts.

Millions more face a precarious housing situation, threatened not only by a lost job or illness, events that often lead to a foreclosure or eviction, but a general decline in living standards related to widening income inequality in the US.

Precipitous increases in rent and stagnant and declining wages are creating an unsustainable squeeze on lower income households. The number of those who must spend the majority of their monthly income on rent is rising and along with that the portion of the monthly income they spend on rent is rising too.

A December report on the housing crisis that appeared in a publication of the Board of Governors of the US Federal Reserve, called FEDS Notes, reports on the distress for families in the lowest US income quintile brought on by a squeeze in monthly income from rising rents and stagnant or falling wages.

In general, these families earn under $25,000 annually. The lowest-paid fifth of US households includes workers making more than minimum wage. In Michigan a minimum wage job for a worker employed every week for the whole year yields about $18,000. Rent increases have rapidly and relentlessly outstripped stagnant or declining annual wages for workers at the lowest income levels.

Written by researchers from the US Federal Reserve and the Brookings Institution, the December report notes that the portion of monthly income that low-income households must spend on rent has been rising through the last several business cycles. Rent burdens have increased over the past 15 years, due to both increasing rents and decreasing incomes, they say.

The squeeze is relentless. Families at the bottom end of the pay scale have not been able to get out of the squeeze in the business recovery after a recession. They note: This increase in rent burdens over the past 15 years occurred through each business cycle period including both the period prior to the financial crisis (2000-2006), the economic downturn (2006-2009) and the subsequent recovery (2009-2015). Although rent-to income ratios are greatest among low-income households, the share of income spent on rent also rose among higher income renters.

They also explain the main economic sources of the plight of low-income renters: Of the overall decline in residual income since 2000, around two-thirds came from declines in income among renters and one third resulted from rising rents.

The FEDS Notes release in late December used statistics from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey. Their report provides a window into the desperate circumstances working class families, especially those at the low end of the income scale, now face when seeking housing.

They note the deterioration of renter families ability to cope with the ever-rising rents. The median renter in the lowest income quintile pays 56 percent of monthly income on rent, exceeding HUDs standard for rent burdened, paying more than 30 percent of income on rent and severe rent burdened, paying more than half of income for rent. Though the rent burden has increased at every income level, it is especially acute at the lower end of the US income scale, they say.

Such renters have little left for paying everything else, according to the report. In the lowest income quintile in the US a family has just $476 left after housing costs for all other basic needs, noting Census bureau estimates that a family needs nearly three times this$1,400for these basic needs.

Last fall Freddie Mac Multifamily presented detail that throws light on the trend of rising rents. Researchers there noted how rapidly rents in multi-family units they finance are going up. Increases on rents on existing properties in apartments were squeezing low-income renters, following a general trend in US rental housing reported elsewhere by housing advocacy groups.

The Federal Mortgage Home Loan Corporation (FMHLC) or Freddie Mac, is one of two major US housing finance entities, along with Fannie Mae.

Some sixty to eighty percent of affordable rental apartments in privately owned multi-family apartment buildings financed by mortgage lender Freddie Mac have been eliminated in the US since 2010.

Very low income households, used in the Freddie Mac report, are defined for various US government agencies as families making half or less than the median income in a particular geographical area. This is a step above HUDs Extremely Low Income designation, and falls in the same range as the lowest quintile households covered in the FEDS Notes report.

In the Detroit metropolitan area in 2016, very low income was about $24,000 for an individual renter. By comparison, extremely low income individuals have annual incomes of about $14,000.

Along with a dearth of building in the low-income rental marketmost new apartments are built and command rents only affordable to the much better offthe report notes that housing construction costs are also a factor and have been exacerbated by the hurricane destruction in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.

Freddie Mac researchers compiled figures back to 2010 on lending to multi-family projects, that is apartment buildings they financed twice during that period: [W]e analyzed the affordability of the exact same units at two different, but close, points in time.

Families denoted as VLI necessarily had not moved out as rents increased year by year. Instead the same population living in the buildings ended up paying what amount to unsustainable housing costs, paying rents exceeding the HUD affordability benchmark.

The Freddie Mac researchers used two sets of data to look into affordable housing for very low income renters. The first used internal numbers on a relatively small set of data to examine how it compared with overall trends in rental housing adversely impacting lowest income renters being reported elsewhere.

In the 97,000 rental units in multi-family buildings Freddie Mac financed in 2010 and then again in 2016, the percentage of units affordable for very low income households dropped by more than half, from 11.2 percent to 4.3 percent nationwide. These were refinances of the exact same units.

Some states were hit hard. For example, in Colorado in 2010 about a third32 percent of the 5,100 rental apartments financed with Freddie Mac loans were affordable for very low income households. By 2016 the same buildings were re-financed by the agency and only 7.5 percent of the very same apartments were VLI affordable.

An expanded part of their analysis looked at all multi-family housing projects they originated from 2010 to 2016 and found an even greater decline of 78 percent between 2010 and 2016 of apartments deemed affordable to very low-income renters when Freddie Mac lent to the owners. Rent increases had wiped out affordability at tens of thousands of units by 2016.

It is remarkable that warnings usually heard from housing agencies and advocacy groupsthat is groups dedicated to advocating for the vulnerableare the subject of earnest reports advanced by financial entities at the commanding heights of the US economy. The Federal Reserve is a key player in fueling the general investment frenzy leading to the stock market rise and contributing to driving up rents.

The few solutions being offered are less than inadequate. Freddie Mac indicates in its report that one approach to addressing the problem is to look to financing manufactured homesthat is, into one of the most dangerous housing options one can find! This parallels the sclerotic federal and state efforts, often advanced by sections of the Democratic Party, to provide funding for assistance. Even existing programs, woefully underfunded, face decimation under the Trump administration to pay for tax cuts to the wealthy.Last week Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed suit against the budget chain Motel 6 for the systematic and daily practice of employees handing over guests personal information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities.

Ferguson told reporters that there were widespread practices at multiple Motel 6 locations where employees handed over the names, birthdates, driver's license numbers, license-plate numbers and room numbers of at least 9,000 guests to immigration officials, without warrants. The lawsuit, which was filed in King County Superior Court, claims the hotel chain violated state and federal laws that protect consumers and those that guard against discrimination, as well as the state constitution.

The lawsuit follows an investigation which began last September when Antonia Farzan, a reporter for the Phoenix News Times, found a pattern of arrests of at least 20 people by ICE at Motel 6 locations in the Phoenix area, revealing that motel employees were passing along guests information following a nightly audit.

When the story broke in September, Raiza Rehkoff, a spokesperson from G6 Hospitality, the Texas-based parent company of Motel 6, announced that the practices was implemented at the local level without the knowledge of senior management... When we became aware of it  it was discontinued.

The company then issued a directive to each of their 1,400 locations nationwide, making it clear that they are prohibited from voluntarily providing daily guest lists to ICE.

Washington State contests this. Motel 6 implied this was a local problem...We have found that is not true, said Attorney General Ferguson. 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.

The lawsuit states that ICE agents would visit reception desks to obtain guest lists. The attendant would print out the list and pass it to the agent along with a law enforcement acknowledgment form for the agent to sign, confirming receipt of the information. This practice would sometimes occur daily. The suit notes that the south Everett location in Washington alone gave out the personal information 228 times in a 225-day period.

A front desk clerk told the New York Times, We send a report every morning to ICEall the names of everybody that comes in. Every morning at about 5 oclock, we do the audit and we push a button and it sends it to ICE. ICE officials then engage in whats referred to as a knock and talk, where agents knock on doors to speak to certain guests after theyve run background checks. All of this takes place without warrants.

Additionally, Ferguson stated that 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.

While details are still emerging of the degree to which the motel chain engaged in a systematic practice to support ICE agents, it is of note that G6 Hospitality is owned by The Blackstone Group L.P., one of the worlds largest private equity investment firms. Its founder, chairman, and CEO is Stephen Schwarzman, who chaired President Trumps short-lived Strategic and Policy Forum (February- August 2017), a business forum created to accelerate US economic growth and job creation in the United States, according to Trump. It cannot be ruled out that one of the initiatives of this group, in line with Trumps economic nationalism, was to assist authorities with deportations.

Seattle is among the so-called sanctuary cities that limit somewhat the degree to which local agencies comply with ICE agents. The designation of a sanctuary city is usually made by Democratic city officials who face a great amount of public pressure stemming from sizable immigrant populations to offer protections for the undocumented.

Last September, the Trump administration targeted sanctuary cities such as Seattle, New York, Denver, and Los Angeles and arrested nearly 500 undocumented immigrants over one weekend to send a message that there is no sanctuary for immigrants anywhere, referring to the raids as Operation Safe City.

In line with attempts to paint immigrants as criminals and to soften the public to violation of privacy, ICE spokeswoman Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe told the Wall Street Journal that the agency receives viable enforcement tips from a host of sources, while also mentioning that motels were frequently exploited by criminal organizations engaged in highly dangerous illegal enterprises, including human trafficking and human smuggling.

It is important to note that ICE is not a defendant in the Washington lawsuit and its actions with Motel 6 are proceeding undisputed. The gestapo-like agency acts with complete impunity. 2017 saw a brutal attack on immigrants with the rescinding of DACA, the issuance of a new Travel Ban, and the pardon of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. The Trump administration is seeking to cultivate authoritarian sentiments within the far-right base of his support, as well as to embolden the fascistic agents and operatives within ICE itself.

Further escalating the clampdown on immigration, legislation is expected early this year that will represent some of the most reactionary anti-immigrant measures since Japanese Internment during World War II.

Cloaked in the language of a DACA Deal, the legislation will be a wolf in sheeps clothing. While the specifics of the deal are still being discussed, Democrats will agree to measures which may include increased militarization at the border, caps on the numbers of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, as well as tightened limits for family members to petition their relatives for status in the US.

The clampdown on immigrants will not occur without significant backlash by the working class, students, and youth who overwhelmingly support immigrants. Indeed, this past week, UC Berkeley pre-law student Luis Mora was arrested by ICE officials in San Diego County. Within days, a page dedicated to raising funds for his release has been shared by 1,400 people and has raised thousands of dollars.

Public outrage over the disappearances of undocumented immigrants is a healthy sentiment, but it is not enough to protect the lives of millions of immigrants. The fight against deportations requires that this outrage be given political direction. It must be elevated to the fight to abolish the nation-state system and reorganize the world economy on a socialist basis, to meet human need and ensure the rights of all workers to move about the planet as they please.The closing months of 2017 and the beginning of this year saw a wave of redundancies in the UK, totalling in the thousands, as major corporations and banks announced job losses. The layoffs are part of long-term cost cutting to downsize workforces and close factories and high street branches of supermarket and other retail chains.

Mass redundancies have also resulted from companies being driven into bankruptcy or near administration, as larger corporations strengthen their monopoly position under conditions of declining investment and markets.

 General Electric will cut 1,100 jobs from its UK power division, which produces wind turbines for energy generation. This represents a six percent reduction of its national workforce of 18,000, with the majority of job losses in Rugby and Stafford. This is part of a global restructuring program by the US company to shed 12,000 jobs.

 Britvic, the UKs second largest manufacturer of soft drinks, has announced the closure of its Norwich factory with the loss of around 240 jobs by the end of 2019. The Carrow Row Works is co-owned with Unilever, which is conducting a review of all options, including closure of the site, which has produced the world-famous Colmans Mustard brand from 1860. This will put 113 jobs at risk.

The company aims to transfer production of its Robinsons and Fruit Shoot brands to other sites in the UK. Significant productivity and efficiency savings, executives said, would result from transferring production to its sites in Rugby, east London and Leeds.

 Sainsburys, the UKs second largest supermarket, is cutting 2,000 jobs, including 1,400 payroll and HR staff and 600 support staff. The company, which employs 119,000 full-time workers nationally, has a three-year plan to cut costs by 500 million by March 2018 and has employed McKinsey consultancy to manage head count reduction.

 Tesco, the largest UK supermarket had already announced 2,300 jobs cuts, which include one in four of its head office staff and 1,100 at its call centre in Cardiff, which is due for closure this year.

 Asda has plans to make 800 workers redundant or accept pay cuts. Already this year the supermarket chain, owned by the worlds largest retailer, Wal-Mart, has made hundreds of redundancies at 18 stores described as underperforming.

 Toys R Us UK is to close 26 of its stores, around a quarter of the total, starting in the Spring 2018, threatening at least 800 jobs. Its US parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year. The UK subsidiary faced administration in December until a last-minute deal involving a bailout of its pension scheme by the state-backed Pension Protection Fund. This enabled it to win support from its creditors for the restructuring program.

 Palmer & Harvey (P&H), the grocery wholesaler, went into administration in November resulting in 2,500 redundancies. Attempts by the administrators to hive off sections of the company failed, with a further 400 jobs lost just two weeks before Christmas.

 Babcock International Group at Rosyth dockyards in Fife, Scotland has announced around 250 jobs to go as the contract to complete two Royal Navy aircraft carriers nears completion.

 Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Lloyds, the UKs third and fourth largest banks, along with the countrys second largest building society Yorkshire Building Society, have announced another round of branch closures. RBS plans to close 1 in 4 of its branches, totalling 259 with 680 job losses. This is in addition to the 200 redundancies and 100 branches slated for closure earlier in the year. Lloyds Banking Group and the Yorkshire Building Society are to close 49 and 13 branches, with the loss of 99 and 250 jobs respectively.

 Around 230 jobs are scheduled to go by the summer at the Cleveland Potash mine in Boulby in northeast England. Cleveland Potash is owned by the multinational company, ICL, one of the worlds largest fertilizer companies. The job losses will go as the mine switches from mining dwindling supplies of Muriate of Potash to producing the polyhalite fertilizer, polysulphate. Currently there are around 700 jobs remaining at Boulby. 220 jobs were there lost in 2015 as potash production was cut back. The area already has high levels of unemployment. In 2015 steel production ended at nearby Redcar with the loss of over 2,000 jobs.

The official indifference to the livelihoods under threat was epitomised by Britvic. Local media sources reported that the company confirmed the closure of the factory with the workforce on the same day as the annual Christmas dinner. This followed a consultation process with the Unite and the GMB unions.

At no point have Unite, GMB, the retail workers union, USDAW, or any other, even mooted a fight in defence of a single job. At Britvic, Unite food and drink sector national officer Julia Long said, It is bad news for the wider Norfolk economy, especially as we face challenging economic times in 2018, adding only, Unite will work tirelessly with all key stakeholders to see what can be done, even at this eleventh hour.

At Babcock, Gary Cook, the Scotland chair of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions, which incorporates the GMB and Unite unions, centred his plea for the redundancies to be carried out on a voluntary and nationalist basis. First and foremost, achieving these redundancies on a voluntary basis is entirely within Babcocks gift and it is the least this employer can do to recognise the massive contribution of the workforce to the delivery of the aircraft carrier programme.

Unite national officer Rob MacGregor said regarding the job losses at Lloyds Banking Group, Having returned to profitability Lloyds needs to stop ignoring its corporate social responsibilities.

Such invocations of corporate social responsibility are aimed at disarming workers and providing justification for the continuing inaction of the unions. Lloyds was one of the recipients of the Labour governments 1 trillion bailout of the banking sector following the world financial collapse of 2008. It received over 20 billion of taxpayers money and was taken into 43 percent state ownership. Last year it was transferred back into private hands and soon after posted a doubling of its pre-tax profits for the third quarter of 2017.Just days after menacing North Korea with the huge US nuclear arsenal, US President Donald Trump suggested he would be willing to talk to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, under the right circumstances. The first official talks between the two Koreas in two years are due to take place tomorrow, after Kims offer to send a team to the Winter Olympics next month in South Korea.

Speaking to reporters at Camp David on Saturday, Trump backed tomorrows talks. I hope it works out, he said. I very much want to see it work out between the two countries. He declared that the meeting was a big start and again bragged that he was responsible for bringing it about. [If] I werent involved, they wouldnt be talking at all right now, Trump said.

Asked whether he would be prepared to talk to Kim, Trump replied: Sure, I always believe in talking... Absolutely I would do that. I dont have a problem with that at all. At the same time, he insisted his administration would maintain a very firm stance and he was not messing around. Not even a little bit.

Last week, however, Trump openly threatened North Korea with nuclear annihilation. After Kim, in his New Years speech, warned the US that he had a nuclear button on his desk, Trump tweeted that his own nuclear button was a much bigger & more powerful one, and my Button works! Trump has at his disposal thousands of nuclear warheads with sophisticated delivery systems that completely dwarf North Koreas limited nuclear arsenal.

Trumps reckless tweets only inflame what is already an extremely tense situation in which the US has repeatedly threatened North Korea with military attack if it fails to abandon its nuclear and missile programs. Moreover, rather than encouraging talks, the comments undermine the possibility of a peaceful end to the present confrontation.

Senior Trump officials yesterday defended the presidents erratic comments after criticism in the media and Congress fed into the political firestorm surrounding the White House over Trumps competence to hold the top job.

Speaking on the ABCs This Week program, US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, declared that Trumps incendiary nuclear button tweet would keep [North Korean leader] Kim on his toes and remind him that in the event of nuclear war its not us thats going to be destroyed, its you.

Asked if such remarks hurt US credibility with its allies in Asia, Haley said: I know its something that makes people nervous but if we didnt do it, we would be in a more dangerous [situation]. She dismissed criticism, including from congressional Republicans such as Cory Gardner and John Cornyn, that the tweet was reckless, saying everyone is going to have their opinion.

The US ambassador played down any suggestion of a significant breakthrough at tomorrows talks between the two Koreas, saying: I think theyre going to talk about the Olympics. Its not my understanding that theyre going to talk about anything further.

Haley emphasised that talks between Washington and Pyongyang would take place only if North Korea agreed in advance to US demands to denuclearise. What he [Trump] has basically said is yes, there could be a time where we talk to North Korea but a lot of things have to happen before that actually takes place. They have to stop testing. They have to be willing to talk about banning their nuclear weapons. Those things have to happen.

Speaking on CBSs Face the Nation, CIA Director Mike Pompeo indicated that time was running out rapidly for a peaceful end to the standoff with North Korea. He said Pyongyang was a few months away from crossing the threshold to putting a US city at risk of nuclear attack, but refused to be more specific.

Pompeo was sceptical that the talks between North and South Korea represented a positive step. I hope thats the case, he said. But past history would indicate that this is a feint, this is not likely to lead to any true change in his [Kims] strategic outlook. That is, he will continue to maintain his nuclear capability. And that the president has said is unacceptable.

Trump himself publicly rebuked US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in October, saying his diplomatic efforts to lay the basis for talks with North Korea were a waste of time. The presidents only concession has been to agree to delay major joint US-South Korean military exercises until after next months Winter Olympics.

The US military, however, has been honing its plans for war with North Korea over the past year and has conducted a succession of major military drills with South Korea to rehearse for such a conflict. Last month the Pentagon held a large-scale joint air exercise that included the latest US stealth fighters, as well as a special forces drill, to practise for a military intervention into North Korea.

These preparations are not just for conventional, but also for nuclear war. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a special briefing on January 16 to advise federal, state and local governments on the work to be done in the event of a nuclear attack on the US.

The notice stated: While a nuclear detonation is unlikely, it would have devastating results and there would be limited time to take critical protection steps. Despite the fear surrounding such an event, planning and preparation can lessen deaths and illness.

Over the past week, former US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Mike Mullen and ex-Vice President Joe Biden both declared they believe the world is closer to a nuclear war with North Korea than ever before.The publication of Michael Wolffs insider account of the early months of the Trump administration, Fire and Fury, has become the occasion for a media firestorm powered by allegations that Trump is mentally unfit to be president. Media pundits and Democratic politicians have cited the books portrayal of Trump to claim that the president should be declared incompetent. The result of such a maneuver, in the unlikely event it could be accomplished, would be a President Mike Pence.

In his usual fashion, Trump added fuel to the fire. First came his heavy-handed threats against the author and the publisher, seeking to suppress the book, and his imprecations against former campaign manager and White House counselor Stephen Bannon, now head of the fascistic Breitbart News, who served as the principal source for Wolff. This was followed by imbecilic tweets in which Trump celebrated his supposed intellect, describing himself a stable genius.

Wolffs Fire and Fury is typical of the gossipy fare produced by this longtime chronicler of the foibles (and fables) of the Manhattan upper class. Nothing in his account of the Trump White House comes as a shock. That the real estate con man and television reality show host is an egomaniacal blowhard with a short attention span and an aversion to reading is neither surprising nor remarkable. It does not distinguish Trump from thousands of other American CEOs.

The furor over the Wolff book is a continuation and extension of the efforts of the Democratic Party, backed by much of the media, to engineer Trumps removal through the methods of Washington intrigue and scandal-mongering. The charges of mental unfitness supplement the ongoing campaign around the investigation headed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 elections.

Given the political configuration in the House and Senate, Trumps Democratic opponents think it unlikely they can impeach him. They have increasingly focused on an alternate pathway, the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, which allows the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to remove a president deemed by them to be incapable of fulfilling his duties for reasons of health, including mental health.

In an appearance Sunday on the NBC News program Meet the Press, Wolff made clear the political purpose of his book, claiming that the 25th Amendment to the Constitution was the stuff of daily discussions within the Trump White House, with top aides commenting on whether a particular statement or action by the president would put them in 25th Amendment territory.

There is not the slightest progressive or democratic content to this campaign to remove Donald Trump from the presidency on the grounds of alleged mental incapacity. It is only the latest attempt by the ruling class opponents of Trump to hijack the growing popular opposition to the right-wing policies of his administration and divert it into safe channels.

The Democrats avoid raising issues that would have popular resonance and appeal in any way to the growth of opposition to war, domestic repression and social inequality. They would like to orchestrate Trumps removal by the methods of a palace coup, without the intervention of American working people.

There is a fundamental class difference between opposition to Trump among working people and the opposition to Trump of Democratic politicians, sections of the corporate-controlled media and elements within the military-intelligence apparatus.

The ruling class opposition to Trump centers on issues of foreign policy, in particular, objections to any lessening of the ferocious anti-Russian stance adopted under Clinton and Obama. This is joined with a deeper concern that the presidents erratic and provocative conduct is undermining the world position of US imperialism and making it more difficult for him to rally public support in the event of war or a major social crisis at home.

Hence the character of the criticisms directed at Trump by the Democrats, from the anti-Russia campaign, to the allegations of sexual harassment, to the current furor over Trumps alleged mental incapacity. All are aimed at undercutting Trumps support within the state, the political establishment and Wall Street. None are aimed at winning support from working people.

The Democrats have made preparations to call demonstrations across the country in the event Trump fires Russia investigator Mueller. They made no such calls to mobilize against the passage of Trumps massively unpopular tax bonanza for the corporations and the wealthy. Nor have they made any appeal to popular opposition to his travel ban against Muslims and refugees, his persecution of immigrants, his cozying up to the fascist alt-right or his threats of nuclear war in Korea.

While Trump is portrayed as an evil interloper, his policies of militarism, tax cuts for the wealthy and austerity for workers only continue and intensify the program of the American financial aristocracy, prosecuted by Democratic and Republican presidents over the past four decades.

The deepening political crisis in the United Stateswhich has reached a level of intensity that dwarfs Watergate, the Iran-Contra affair and the Clinton impeachmenthas an objective social character. It is the product not of Trumps incapacity or the embittered feelings of the Democrats he defeated in the presidential election, but of the social contradictions within American capitalism.

Economic inequality has reached the point where three US billionaires own more wealth than the poorest 60 percent of the American population. The living standards of the great majority of working people have stagnated or declined for more than 40 years. American youth have grown up under conditions of endless imperialist wars abroad and deteriorating social conditions at home. There is mass disaffection with both capitalist parties, neither of which offers the slightest prospect of progressive change.

The frenzied character of the conflict within the ruling elite is only one of many signs of an impending social and political explosion in the United States. But the removal of Trump through the methods of scandal-mongering and conspiracy would contribute nothing to the political education and mobilization of the working class. On the contrary, the efforts of the Democrats and their media supporters are aimed at blocking any independent movement from below that would threaten not only the Trump administration, but the corporate-controlled two-party structure and the capitalist system as a whole.The Socialist Equality Party and the World Socialist Web Site support conductors who are striking six private rail franchises this week in their ongoing opposition to the introduction of Driver Only Operated (DOO) train services and mass job losses.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union (RMT) at Southern, South Western Railways (SWR), Greater Anglia, Merseyrail, Northern Rail and at the Isle of Wight's Island Line will strike today, Wednesday and Friday causing major disruptions. Northern Rail alone is being forced to cancel nearly half of its scheduled services.

The rail companies are organising a well-rehearsed state-sponsored strike-breaking operation. According to evidence gathered by the RMT, this includes co-ordinated action between numerous private rail franchises to bus in managers and backroom staff with minimal training, so as to help run rail services during the stoppages.

The danger to public safety posed by DOO trains was underscored ahead of strikes last November, when a SWR passenger service train derailed in South London. This followed a derailment at Watford Junction by two London Midland trains, narrowly avoiding a head on collision. In these incidents, the collaboration of drivers and conductors was vital for passenger safety.

On December 7, a Merseyrail tunnel filled with smoke, with the RMT reporting, The guard evacuated passengers from a Northern Line service at Moorfields station after smoke began billowing into the front carriage as the train entered the single-bore tunnel after leaving Sandhills station.

As dangerous incidents begin to escalate, the rail companies and the Tory government refuse to retreat in their war against conductors jobs.

The opposition of rail workers, however, stands in sharp contrast to the RMT, which has repeatedly organised partial strikes and blocked workers demands for a national strike, while seeking to sow the illusion that the government can be persuaded to step in and oppose DOO. The RMT, the train drivers union ASLEF and other unions oppose a broader mobilisation of the working class against the Theresa May government and its programme of austerity, privatization, and other giveaways to the super-rich.

According to RMT officials it is only the dead hand of the government that is blocking it from reaching deals with the rail firms. This is despite the fact that every action by the Tory government and the Labour Party confirms that they are agents of the global transport monopolies who run the rail franchises.

The government is backing the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), made up of millionaire CEOs from all the private rail companies. It is tasked with imposing 20,000 job cuts based on recommendations in Lord McNultys 2011 reportknown as the Rail Value for Money Study. McNulty recommended DOO as the default method for train operations, with a total of 6,000 conductors jobs threatened nationally if DOO is imposed.

The RMTs opposition to mobilising the 83,000 rail workers in the union has given the government a free hand to implement its strike-breaking operation, organised from Transport Secretarys Chris Grayling office. The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) which claims to be independent but is directly accountable to governmenthas rubber-stamped the operation, just as they justified DOO expansion.

The ORRs support has been made necessary after the RMT reported a series of safety breaches during last Octobers strikes. The most serious occurred when a strike breaker opened the passenger doors on the wrong side at Ipswich station, with passengers having to climb down onto the tracks. The employers have refused RMT requests for figures on safety breaches on strike days.

The government and unions want industrial action off the agenda. While criticising the government, the RMT have jumped at every opportunity to hold talks with government officials behind the backs of rail workers. On December 12, Grayling sent an appeal to RMT General Secretary Mick Cash to end strikes on Northern, Southern, Greater Anglia, and South West Railway. He said, I am prepared to give guarantees of employment beyond the length of these franchises, if this will allow RMT to bring its disputes over DCO [Driver Control Operation] to an end. If the RMT can agree to the principle of DCO...

Significantly, Grayling did not mention Merseyrail. In a principled stand, drivers there have defied the leadership of the ASLEF rail driver union and continued to refuse to cross conductor pickets on strike days in defiance of anti-strike laws.

The talks failed as Cash knew he could not enforce such a deal, openly endorsing DOO, at this stage. This is not because the RMT is averse to agreeing such deals. Rather, it is proof that rail unions and the Tories had not counted on the determination of rail workers to resist these attacks and the scale of public support for the strikes.

In an attempt to break up the unified strikes, the RMT entered separate negotiations with SWR, which ultimately failed. In the face of reported safety breaches, strike breakers will operate 12-carriage trains on SWR during this weeks strikes, according to Londons Evening Standard.

The RMT long ago abandoned its campaign against McNultys recommendationsTory government policy since 2012after they were given a consultation role with the Rail Delivery Group. The unions justified being in talks with an organisation committed to slashing 20,000 jobs, saying it allowed them to combat attacks on terms and conditions when they are first aired.

This lie was proven at Southern, as ASLEF collaborated in imposing DOO against striking conductors and the RMT recommendationeven prior to thisthat conductors sign up to terminating the conductor grade and accept the On Board Supervisor role (a precursor to the elimination of the conductor role).

While demagogically attacking the RDG as a bosses club, the RMT is ensconced in secret negotiations with the management of its constituent parts. The RMT previously described ASLEFs support for DOO at Southern as a historical betrayal, but it is now working closely again with the train driver union to prevent more strikes breaking out of the control of the bureaucracy.

Liverpool Labour Party Mayor Joe Anderson denounced the November Merseyrail strikes, publicly supporting the removal of conductors. In response, the RMT redoubled their orientation to the Labour Partytrumpeting a statement issued by West Yorkshire Labour councils calling for the implementation of the ScotRail formulae on Northern Rail services. The RMT never opposed these councils for not blocking DOO proposals when the existing franchise was first agreed.

The ScotRail formulae, where the driver opens doors and the conductor closes them, is nothing more than a temporary staging post for the removal of conductors entirely. The RMT praised the role of the Scottish National Party government for supporting its ScotRail deal and demanded it be imposed across the UK. Only a year later, plans are underway for Glasgows underground network to be totally de-staffed after an investment of 288 million. Driverless trains will be trialled later this year on a stretch of track, with the plan to introduce them throughout the network by the end of 2020.

The Socialist Equality Party urges rail workers to form rank-and-file committees to break free from the grip of the trade union bureaucracy and mobilise the broadest support in the working class against these attacks. These committees should not only seek to unite rail workers throughout the UK, but reach out to their brothers and sisters facing similar attacks in Germany, France, Spain and across the European continent.Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism, Saatchi Gallery, London, November 16, 2017-January 7, 2018

Actionism appeared as a reaction to the mass depersonalisation and total commercialisation of art, as a reaction to the overload of objects manipulated by curators, gallerists, and collectorsand also the laws of the market. The artist protesting against this makes a striking statement, socially significant and visually spellbinding.

These strong words from Oleg Kulik, father of post-Soviet actionist art, are quoted in the catalogue for the recent Saatchi Gallery exhibition in London, Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism.

On display at the gallery is the protest art of Kulik and other performance artists, including Pussy Riot, Pyotr Pavlensky, Arsen Savadov, Damir Muratov and the Blue Noses Group. The exhibition gives an opportunity to examine how the art of Kulik and his colleagues lives up to his manifesto. How have things proceeded since Kulik first hit the headlines in the 1990s?

As Kulik says, following the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991, burning issues demanded striking, significant and spellbinding answers. There was a lot for avant-garde artists to work throughthe legacy of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution, its degeneration and the Stalinist counterrevolution, the catastrophic results of capitalist restoration.

But the debased social, political and intellectual climate following the liquidation of the Soviet Union conditioned their response, which varied from anarchistic individualism to pleas for a more humane capitalism and the embrace of right-wing anti-communism. The results have been generally atrocious.

Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism

The first gallery of the Art Riot exhibition exemplifies this disorientation, with its display of Kuliks artist-animal actions including images from his infamous 1994 Mad Dog performance in which he was led, naked and collared like a dog, through the streets of Moscow. Kulik engaged in more bestial acts as part of the Deep Into Russia series.

Speaking of his art in 2016, Kulik declared his contempt for any thoughtful progressive response to the Russian tragedy with the retort, All that is left is the body, which actually never belonged to you. And artists, the first actionists of the 1990s, offered the body, the naked body of a naked person, in the middle of the wild city. It is a powerful image: out of all those endless collectivist myths, endless crowds of the willing and unwilling, groups, bands, and parties a person is set apart, an individual with nothing and no one behind him. He is alone against all, but he is fighting. He simply says: I am! Here I am, I am art!

Kulik eventually stopped his performance art, fed up with (paid) requests for him to repeat the dog routine and complaining of sensationalist treatment (deliberately courted) in the press.

Gallery 2 of the Art Riot exhibition is given over to Pyotr Pavlensky who emerged into the public eye in 2012 when he sewed his mouth shut in protest against the imprisonment of members of the Pussy Riot punk band. Subsequent actions involved Pavlensky rolling naked in barbed wire and nailing his scrotum to the cobblestones in Red Square in protest at the apathy, political indifference and fatalism pervading Russia.

Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism

In 2015, Pavlensky set fire to the doors of the Lubyanka building, the HQ of the Russian Security Services (FSB), eliciting the rapturous praise of Western commentators. The UK Guardian art correspondent Jonathan Jones, whose anti-communism was evident in his attack on the Royal Academy Russian Revolution exhibition last year, waxed lyrical about the action as a superbly well-aimed piece of political art that was setting Russias evil history ablaze.

To my knowledge, Jones and the others have been silent after Pavlensky, who was granted political asylum in France last May, was carted off to prison in October accused of torching a bank in Pariss Place de la Bastille. The Bastille was destroyed by a people in revolution; the people destroyed its symbol of despotism and power  The Banque de France has taken the place of the Bastille, and bankers have taken the place of monarchs, Pavlensky declared.

After years of self-imposed pain, suffering and incarceration, Pavlensky seems to have learnt nothing. He declares, The possibility of liberation, the possibility of rebellion, of a peoples uprising, has been extinguished, of course.

Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism

In the next room, large photographs of Donbass miners by Ukrainian artist Arsen Savadov are on display. Savadov declares contemptuously, My characters are personalities with a vague understanding of reality.  I am one of those artists that treat the harsh conditions of the day as myth: I make my work out of the rubble of consciousness.

In the catalogue, curator Marcel Guelman revels in Savadovs relentlessly degrading portrayals mocking the poor and the powerless, declaring how he dresses miners, those manly workers black with sootthose symbols of proletarian revolutionin white ballet tutus or simply undresses them. Funny. Or he bribes Communists on their way to a rally and places them inside a gay parade . Real old men who cant turn down the money and who pose in humiliation, without looking at one another. Scary or funny? This is horrible stuff.

Guelman twists the knife deeper, gloating, What would people do without any means of support, lost in the new capitalist reality, do for money? Marx said that a capitalist would do anything at all for profit, but it turns out that impoverished people are ready to do even more.

Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism

The cul-de-sac into which Russian artists have been driven is shown by the evolution of Pussy Riot, images of whom dominate the exhibitions fourth gallery.

The band shot to international attention in 2012 when two of its members, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, were imprisoned on charges of hooliganism due to religious hatred. Their performance of a brief punk prayer criticizing Vladimir Putin in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow is exhibited in a gold shrine .

The World Socialist Web Site condemned the prosecution of Pussy Riot as an attack on basic democratic rights and a sign of the Putin regimes intensifying offensive against the countrys liberal opposition and moves towards an explicitly religious basis for its rule.

We also warned that support given to the group by leading Western imperialist politicians, including US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel was cynical to the coreby leaders quite prepared to ride roughshod over democratic principles when it served their reactionary policy objectives.

Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism

In the catalogue, Tolokonnikova confirms that Pussy Riot was really all about enlisting the support of such figures to put pressure on the Russian ruling elite to reform, insisting, Unlike the old Left, we cant just reject capitalism out of handwell get further by playing with it, teasing till its been perverted. Perverted, I mean, in the sense of being turned to face us, enlisted in our cause.

Tolokonnikova calls for a more enlightened Christianity, revealing her belief that former Marxist turned anticlerical Orthodox Christian-existentialist Nikolai Berdyaev is Russias greatest political philosopher.

In 1909, Lenin already had the measure of Berdyaev, writing how the set of essays including that by Berdyaev called Vekhi (Landmarks) expressed the unmistakable essence of the Constitutional Democrats (Kadets), the party of the counterrevolutionary bourgeoisie, which was pursuing a war on materialism and the materialist interpretation of positivism, restoration of mysticism and the mystical world outlook.

Berdyaev was one of around 160 intellectuals and their families exiled on philosophers ships by the new Bolshevik government in 1922, as a precaution against them acting as a rallying point for those seeking to restore autocracy or impose a fascist dictatorship. It was revealed in October that Tolokonnikovas Pussy Riot jailmate, Alyokhina, is in a relationship she deems complicated with the fascist activist Dmitry Enteo, founder of the Russian Orthodox movement Gods Will.

Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism

In the exhibitions last room, works by artists less well known in the West are displayed, including Damir Muratovs flags for a hypothetical separatist United States of Siberia. The flags have been adopted by a variety of reactionary movements calling for autonomy or secession of Siberia, backed by local business interests accusing Moscow of plundering the regions vast natural resources. Muratov has been subjected to surveillance and detention.

Also lining the last gallery walls are a series of cartoonish pictures of world leaders cavorting in their underwear, produced by the Blue Noses group (Alexander Shaburov and Viacheslav Mizin) who employ puerile humour in their hooligan improvisations to subvert hallowed traditions and famous icons. Elsewhere the duo use lightboxes to show Lenin turning in his grave at the thought of what has befallen his creation.

The catalogue ends with the paragraph there are no more art-activists and actionists working productively [in Russia], who could have a significant public resonance; some have gone silent, others have emigrated, replacing their intentions of overthrowing the regime with concerns on how to survive in foreign countries. Some continue trying, without any opportunity to discuss their work anywhere.

This observation reveals what has happened to Russian protest art, but not why. In the end it proved incapable of appealing to the masses as the Soviet Union collapsedindeed the working class was often written off as a philistine mob, which had accepted or even welcomed repression and dictatorship.

Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism

Without a perspective that could raise the political consciousness of broad layers of the population, many of the protest artists inevitably became co-opted by Russian oligarchs and Western politicians or actively participated in their campaigns against the Putin regime, as it sought to re-establish Russian bourgeois interests.

The tragedy that has befallen Russia cannot be resolved on a progressive basis except through the re-emergence of the working class, armed with a revolutionary socialist and internationalist programme, inspired by the political heritage of October 1917 and utterly hostile to both Stalinism and capitalism.

One could not think of a more ignominious outcome for the products of post-Soviet protest art than to end up in the opulent surroundings of the Saatchi gallery in Londons West End.

The Saatchi brothers remain best known for the advertising campaign that backed Margaret Thatcher in the Conservatives successful general election campaign in 1979, ushering in a neo-conservative programme of privatising the welfare state, union-busting and deregulation of the City of Londona model for what was to be imposed even more brutally in post-Soviet Russia.

Equally ignominious is for the exhibitions organisation to be in the hands of Russian emigre banker Igor Tsukanov, who attempts to equate the revolutionary Bolshevik period with Putins Russia, declaring, Many of the issues that artists face in post-communist Russia are comparable to those faced in 1917.

Seeing the exhibition as a springboard for further shows of the objectsmany of which are owned by his foundationthat will see a rise in their value, Tsukanov said, We have plans to bring the exhibition to other places and it should be easy because most of the art has been commissioned by me, so it will be kept in London in storage and can be shipped to wherever there is demand for it.

As for Guelman, the exhibition is in part a cover for his own rotten role in the disaster that has engulfed the Russian working class. He was a former Kremlin spin-doctor turned art dealer, who oversaw Boris Yeltsins re-election campaign in 1996 and helped Putin secure his first presidential term in 2000. Guelman became a member of Yeltsins bogus consultative Public Chamber and did not finally end collaboration with the regime until 2012, claiming Pussy Riot made him see the error of his ways!The South Australian state government of Labor Premier Jay Weatherill announced 750 public sector job cuts in a budget review late last month. This is part of a broader raft of austerity measures aimed at slashing government spending by $370 million over the next four years.

State Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said the cuts would include the axing of 263 public servants and staff reductions in the state-run SA Water and Urban Renewal Authority corporations.

Homestart, a state-run corporation that provides home loans, will be forced to deliver 100 percent of its profits to the government over the next two financial years, up from the current 60 percent, supposedly in lieu of retrenchments.

The measures underscore the extent to which state-run utilities have been corporatised by successive Labor and Liberal-National governments. Koutsantonis said departmental chief executives would have maximum flexibility to deliver these savings.

In other words, the job cuts have not been specifically earmarked, so all public servants will live in fear of being victimised and sacked.

The retrenchments are a direct response to a protracted campaign by the corporate and financial elite for cutbacks to the public service. Articles and editorials in the Murdoch press, including its national flagship, the Australian, have declared that the states public sector is bloated.

The announcement follows the Labor governments abandonment of proposals for a limited bank tax, which was slated to raise $370 million over the next four years. The limited tax, which would not have affected the banks bottom line, was vociferously denounced in the financial press, and blocked in the states parliament.

The latest cuts follow a spate of redundancies in the public sector. While official figures are scanty, the number of public sector positions destroyed since the 2008 financial crisis by the states Labor governments is estimated in the thousands.

In 2014 alone, Labor eliminated 885 positions. The following year, it introduced plans to reduce the number of public servants by 4,000 over four years, including through the contracting out of government services.

Over the past five years, some 600 teachers at TAFE vocational colleges have been made redundant, as the state government has sought to wind back publicly funded education, in line with the pro-business education agenda spearheaded by the former federal Labor governments of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.

The union that covers public sector workers, the Public Service Association (PSA), signalled its support for cost reductions, while fraudulently claiming to oppose the sackings. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation last month, PSA official Neville Kitchin endorsed calls for efficiency dividends that he said had been identified in recent reports.

The PSA, along with all of the major unions, backed the re-election of a state Labor government in 2014, after it had imposed major cuts, and has enforced each round of redundancies.

The South Australian cutbacks form part of a broader offensive against the jobs, conditions and wages of public sector workers, imposed by state and federal governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike, with the crucial assistance of the trade unions.

Last September, in its first budget, the Western Australian (WA) Labor Party government eliminated 3,000 public sector jobs. The retrenchments, part of a four-year $1.7 billion reduction in public sector spending, are set to be completed in the 201718 financial year. The job cuts followed the amalgamation and restructuring of public sector departments reducing the number from 41 to 25, and the introduction of an effective four-year wage-freeze in May, just two months after Labors election.

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), the national public sector federation, backed the pro-business measures, having campaigned for Labor in the 2017 WA state election on the bogus pretext that it would halt public sector cuts and privatisations. Backing the amalgamations, WA CPSU secretary Toni Wilkinson stated: Some of our members believe this is an opportunity to get things right in the delivery of government services.

At a national level, the CPSU has pushed through regressive enterprise agreements covering major public sector departments in the past 18 months. During a three-and-a-half year dispute, the federal Liberal-National Coalition government sought to impose a 2 percent annual pay rise cap and a raft of cuts to jobs and conditions.

Throughout the dispute, the CPSUs primary concern was that it could be side-lined by the government, depriving it of its position at the bargaining table, where it trades away the jobs, wages and conditions of the workers it falsely claims to represent.

Despite members resistance, the CPSU ultimately pushed through regressive deals at a host of federal workplaces, including the Australian Tax Office (ATO), that ratified the governments push for an effective wage freeze, and further cuts to jobs and conditions.

The perfidious role of the union continued their support for cuts to the public sector, which began in 1987 when Prime Minister Bob Hawkes Labor government introduced efficiency dividendscontinuous funding reductions.

From 2007 to 2013, the Labor governments of Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd eliminated up to 14,500 public sector jobs. In 2013, the Rudd government increased the efficiency dividend from 1.25 percent to 2.25 percent, paving the way for further cuts by Coalition governments.

The assault on public service employees is one front in a wider agenda, aimed at forcing the working class to pay for the deepening crisis of the profit system. In South Australia, the shutdown of car manufacturing and other industrial production has led to deepening social distress. Real unemployment in the state is estimated at over 10 percent, and more than 200,000 people live below the official poverty line. Indices of social distress and alienation such as drug addiction are growing.

In working-class suburbs such as Elizabeth, a former hub of car production in northwestern Adelaide, unemployment is as high 33 percent. Between 1981 and 2011, the number of manufacturing jobs in the state declined from 100,000 to an estimated 74,000. The closure of GM Holden last year is expected to result in 20,000 indirect job losses, on top of the 1,400 workers directly retrenched.

Under these conditions, Labors public sector cuts are another indication that the March 17 South Australian election will be dominated by pledges from the main parties to slash spending, further eroding the conditions of the working class.

Nick Xenophon, a right-wing populist ex-senator, whose newly-created SA Best party is polling level with the Liberal-Nationals and Labor in the lead-up to the elections, criticised the public sector sackings. His attitude to austerity, however, was underscored by reports that his federal party, the Nick Xenophon Team, reached an agreement with the Coalition government to slash welfare payments and entitlements for the most oppressed sections of the working class.White House senior adviser Stephen Miller was by turns combative and obsequious in an interview Sunday with CNN's Jake Tapper -- veering from savaging former ally Steve Bannon and author Michael Wolff to lauding President Donald Trump's intelligence and political savvy.

It was something to behold. Below are the most memorable Miller lines from an epic back-and-forth. (It's worth watching the whole thing!)

1. "Steve Bannon's eloquence in that description notwithstanding, it's tragic and unfortunate that Steve would make these grotesque comments."

OK, I get what Miller is going for in condemning Bannon's comments to Wolff. But, this is not a tragedy in any way, shape or form. Also, "grotesque"? Sort of an odd word choice.

2. "I also will say that the author is a garbage author of a garbage book."

Garbage author! Garbage book!

3. "And the tragic thing about this book ..."

Again, none of this is a tragedy. People dying in an earthquake or a fire or a terrorist attack is a tragedy. A book about the palace intrigue in the White House is not a tragedy.

4. "I saw a man who was a political genius, somebody who we would be going down, landing, in descent there would be a breaking news development. And in 20 minutes, he would dictate 10 paragraphs of new material to address that event ..."

This is interesting. Miller's idea of political genius is someone who is able to rapidly process breaking information and incorporate it into his basic appeal to voters. Which, I would agree with, is a kind of genius that most very, very successful politicians possess.

5. "I have no knowledge of anything to do with that meeting."

OK, so Miller was not at the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians. Doesn't know anything about it. Got it.

6. "But what I can tell you unequivocally is that the allegations and insinuations in this book, which are -- which are a pure work of fiction, are nothing but a pile of trash through and through."

So, wait. Miller just said he wasn't at the Trump Tower meeting. And that he doesn't know anything about it. How, then, can he insist that everything Wolff writes about that meeting -- and the book more generally -- is a "pure work of fiction"?

7. "Your network's been going 24/7 with all the salacious coverage. ... I know that it brings a lot of you guys a lot of joy to trying to stick the knife in."

Nope! CNN covered the book just like every other serious media organization: Detail the allegations made by Wolff, fact-check them and then analyze them. For all of Miller's misdirection -- "salacious" -- those are the facts.

8. "I see sections of the book where events I participated in are described, and I have firsthand knowledge that, as they're described, they're completely and totally fraudulent."

OK, now we are getting somewhere! Miller is absolutely within his rights to say, "I was at these events Wolff describes, and it didn't happen the way he said it did." But we need specifics! Details! What events are wrong -- and how are they wrong?

9. "One of the other tragedies of this grotesque work of fiction is its portrayal of the President."

Not. A. Tragedy.

10. "The reality is, is the President is a political genius who won against a field of 17 incredibly talented people."

Miller wants you to know that he thinks Trump is a political genius. But, really, he wants President Trump to know he thinks Trump is a political genius.

11. "The President's first speech that he gave, unfiltered, unscripted, that was Donald Trump."

So say we all.

12. "You know, Jake, you can be -- no, no, you can condescending."

Ruh roh. This is where the interview starts to go sideways on Miller.

13. "No, you can -- you can condescending."

I can condescending from time to time. Believe me.

14. "I will tell you why I'm attacking you."

You've got to appreciate the frankness of Miller here: I am going to tell you why I am about to punch you in the gut.

15. "Steve Bannon didn't push the travel ban."

Uh, what? You -- and Miller -- should read this.

16. "You get 24 hours of negative, anti-Trump, hysterical coverage on this network ..."

This is something the Trump inner circle never gets about the media. We aren't anti-anything. We are pro facts. So, if you are fast and loose with the facts, then it's going to look like the media is against you. But, really, we are against people who don't tell the truth.

17. "Why don't you just give me three minutes to tell you the truth of the Donald Trump."

I'll translate this for you: "Why don't you let me say whatever I want -- facts be damned -- without challenging me or correcting the record." And the reason is because that's not journalism. The end.

18. "I think that what the point is, is that his role has been greatly exaggerated, whereas the President hasn't gotten the due that he deserves for the movement that he put together to tap into the kinds of people whose life concerns don't get a lot of attention on CNN."

So, Bannon didn't have any influence. And everything Trump did that was good was because Trump is a very stable genius. And anything bad that happened to Trump was because the mainstream media is biased. Got it? Good!

19. "He would be able to come up with material in the blink of an eye."

If you missed this point: Miller thinks Trump is a super-genius. Like, Professor Charles Xavier smart.

20. "If you want to have an answer to your question, and not to get hysterical, then I will answer it."

I'm not being hysterical! You're being hysterical! I am TOTALLY CALM.

21. "The investigation is referenced in the beginning of the final letter that was released to point out about the fact that, notwithstanding having been informed that there is no investigation, that the -- that the move that is happening is completely unrelated to that."

Try to diagram this sentence. I dare you.

22. "The President's tweets absolutely reaffirm the plainspoken truth."

Very. Stable. Genius.

23. "Don't -- no, don't be condescending. Jake, Jake, Jake ..."

I can't put my finger on why, but this is my favorite Miller line in the interview. "Jake, Jake, Jake, Jake, Jake."

24. "No, no, because -- you're being -- no."

No, no, because, no. What an interview. What a day.The Trump administration on Tuesday rescinded a set of Obama-era policies that promoted using race to achieve diversity in schools, teeing up new battle lines over admissions standards.

While the decision does not change current US law on affirmative action, it provides a strong illustration of the administration's position on an issue that could take on renewed attention with the departure of Justice Anthony Kennedy from the Supreme Court.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the official announcement Tuesday afternoon.

"The American people deserve to have their voices heard and a government that is accountable to them. When issuing regulations, federal agencies must abide by constitutional principles and follow the rules set forth by Congress and the President," Sessions said. "In previous administrations, however, agencies often tried to impose new rules on the American people without any public notice or comment period, simply by sending a letter or posting a guidance document on a website. That's wrong, and it's not good government."

The Education Department did not immediately respond to a CNN request for comment.

The move, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes as the administration has thrown its weight behind a student group that accuses Harvard University of discriminating against Asian-Americans in its admissions process.

In a statement to CNN, Harvard spokeswoman Melodie Jackson said that it will "continue to vigorously defend its right, and that of all colleges and universities, to consider race as one factor among many in college admissions, which has been upheld by the Supreme Court for more than 40 years."

Last year, Sessions announced that he was ending the practice of the Justice Department issuing "guidance documents" that have the "effect of adopting new regulatory requirements or amending the law" but do not go through the formal rulemaking process. As a result, 25 documents were rescinded in December and 24 additional ones were rescinded Tuesday, including seven related to affirmative action.

The guidance reversed Tuesday provided examples of different educational contexts within which institutions could permissibly consider race and answered questions about how to interpret Supreme Court decisions.

Justice Department spokesman Devin O'Malley told CNN earlier Tuesday that the department "remains committed to enforcing the law and protecting all Americans from all forms of illegal race-based discrimination."

Tuesday's reversal does not affect what a school decides to do on its own within the confines of current Supreme Court precedent, but civil rights groups swiftly reacted with disappointment.

"We condemn the Department of Education's politically motivated attack on affirmative action and deliberate attempt to discourage colleges and universities from pursuing racial diversity at our nation's colleges and universities," said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. "The rescission of this guidance does not overrule forty years of precedent that affirms the constitutionality of a university's limited use of race in college admissions. This most recent decision by the Department of Education is wholly consistent with the administration's unwavering hostility towards diversity in our schools."

The National Education Association also reacted critically to the news.

"Affirmative action has proven to be one of the most effective ways to create diverse and inclusive classrooms. But by telling schools and universities that they should not use affirmative action to achieve inclusive classrooms, the Education Department has again failed our students," NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia said in a statement. "President Trump has indicated he intends to appoint a nominee to the Supreme Court who will declare that affirmative action is unconstitutional in our schools. The Education Department's action forecasts how much is at stake in the upcoming Supreme Court nomination process. Our nation must join together and fight to ensure all our students have what they need to succeed."Girls were able to participate as official members of the Boy Scouts on Saturday in Chelmsford for the first time ever in Massachusetts.

Cub Scouts Pack 45 welcomed five girls as members of their unit for the very first time.

"I think it's huge. I think it's a really important moment for Cub Scouts, for Boy Scouts," said Carrie Wetzel, committee chair for Cub Scouts Pack 45.

One kindergartener, one second grader, and three fourth graders built cars for the annual Pinewood Derby as they joined Pack 45.

Last fall, the Boy Scouts announced that girls would be allowed to join beginning in 2018.

Now instead of watching from the sideline, the girls get to compete with the boys.

Ten-year-old Hazel Leatherman is very excited.

"It means that I get to be part of a special pack and I get to make friends and have fun," she said Saturday.

Wetzel said girls have been coming to Cub Scout events for some time.

"They're sisters of our boys and they have been doing this and they haven't been getting recognized. And so we really like that the girls are now getting recognition for the same work that their brothers are doing," Wetzel said.

The boys and girls made their own racing cars out of wood to see who has the fastest.

A.J. Henderson, 8, is proud of his little sister who is now both a Girl Scout and Boy Scout.

"I'm fine that Charlie's in. I think it's a great way for girls and boys to share a hobby together, and siblings. Well, it's a good way to spend time with each other," Henderson said.

The decision to allow the girls in came with controversy.

"I think there could be complications along the way and I think that they're probably really doing a lot of hard work to try to figure out what the future holds," said mother Carrie Leatherman.

Hazel's dream is to become an Eagle Scout.

"And prove to the boys that girls can be just the same as them," she said.Federal regulators have rejected a controversial Trump administration proposal that would have propped up slumping coal companies.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission dismissed Energy Secretary Rick Perry's call to subsidize power plants like coal and nuclear that maintain a 90-day supply of fuel on site. Perry cited a need to improve the resilience of the nation's power grid, especially from severe weather.

The proposal, which was supported by coal mining companies like Murray Energy, was widely seen as an attempt to help the coal and nuclear industry. Coal, in particular, has been crushed in recent years by the rise of cleaner energy like natural gas and solar and by tougher environmental regulation.

In a blow to Trump's campaign promise to help coal country, FERC on Monday terminated a rulemaking process that Perry had launched.

The independent agency, which is run by bipartisan commissioners appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, faced a Wednesday deadline to rule on the matter.

FERC did decide to take steps to evaluate the resilience of the power system. It directed regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, which move electricity through the grid, to submit information. FERC said it expects to "promptly decide whether additional Commission action is warranted to address grid resilience."

"This is a good day for everyone who cares about good governance and healthy markets," said Justin Gundlach, a staff attorney at Columbia University's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law.

Gundlach slammed the Energy Department proposal as a "gambit that sought to funnel money to uneconomic coal-fired power plants in a way that would have ignored the law."

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a U.N. special envoy on climate change, called the FERC decision a win for "consumers, the free market and clean air." He said Perry's proposal was an attempt to "prop up the coal industry by forcing American consumers to pay more for energy."

Related: This small Kentucky town isn't waiting on Washington

Former FERC commissioners warned in a letter last year that the Energy Department proposal would raise costs for customers and "disrupt decades of substantial investment made in the modern electric power system."

The FERC decision is bad news for coal companies hurting from a wave of retirements of coal-fired power plants that have switched to cheaper fuels like natural gas. Between 2010 and 2015, coal plants accounted for more than 52% of retired power plant capacity, according to government statistics.

Murray Energy argued the new rule would ensure that coal plants would be there to supply electricity when it's most needed, especially during extreme weather like the recent cold weather in parts of the United States.

"If it were not for the electricity generated by our Nation's coal-fired power plants, and nuclear plants, we would be experiencing massive brownouts and blackouts in this Country," Murray wrote in a statement to CNNMoney. (Murray CEO Robert Murray filed a defamation lawsuit last year against John Oliver, HBO and CNN owner Time Warner, alleging "character assassination.")

The Energy Department said the rule was needed to "address the crisis at hand" regarding the resilience of the electric grid. The department cited the 2014 extreme cold snap known as the Polar Vortex as well as natural disasters such as Hurricanes Sandy, Harvey and Irma.

Related: GE has a fossil fuels problem

However, some analysts pointed out that power outages are usually caused by downed power lines, not a short supply of fuel. Less than 0.1% of all electricity disturbances over the last five years were caused by fuel supply emergencies, according to a report by the Rhodium Group, a research firm.

Apple wrote a letter to FERC on Monday urging the agency to reject the Energy Department proposal and stating that the "grid is not facing a crisis."

Apple warned the proposed rule would "inhibit, rather than promote, a well-designed and competitive electricity market that can drive down costs for consumers and unleash competition."

Climate activists cheered the FERC decision.

"FERC's announcement is a return to reality after months of billionaire coal and nuclear executives pressuring DOE and FERC to illegally setup bailouts for their uneconomic plants," Mary Anne Hitt, director of the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign, wrote in a statement.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A group of Indiana health and business organizations are pushing for a repeal of some legal protections given to smokers.

The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that the Alliance for a Healthier Indiana wants to get rid of state law that bans employers from screening job candidates for tobacco use.

The group supports a bill introduced by Republican Sen. Liz Brown of Fort Wayne to repeal the 1991 law. The measure would allow companies to require employees to stop using tobacco products, even when not on the clock.

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce says smoking is the only voluntary action that state law protects during the hiring process.

Indiana is among more than 20 states that have smoker-protection laws. Some Indiana employers complain that smokers raise their insurance costs.

Information from: Indianapolis Business Journal, http://www.ibj.com

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The roads are extremely cold with last week's subzero temperatures. That can be a problem when you add the rain into the mix.

This combination made the roads slick Monday morning.

The National Weather Service had an advisory until 11 a.m. for parts of the Wabash Valley.

News 10 checked in with Vigo County dispatch and Indiana State Police. They only reported a few slide-offs in the early morning hours.

News 10 also spoke to Indianas Department of Transportation. They say they had extra crews on the streets all weekend preparing for dangerous conditions between Sunday night and Monday morning.

Indiana drivers have a place to check road conditions and other trouble spots, called TrafficWise. It gives live road conditions in real time. Click here for TrafficWise.

Click here for Illinois resources.Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been named the prime ministerial candidate for the country's opposition in the next elections, completing a stunning return to politics at the age of 92.

The doctor, who served 22 years as the country's leader before retiring in 2003, is determined to topple the party he once led -- and in his quest to do so, has joined forces with his arch nemesis, former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, whom he once jailed for corruption and sodomy.

Mahathir had retired after 22 years as Malaysia's leader He's partnered with former nemesis Anwar Ibrahim to oust current PM Najib Razak

The former leader told CNN in an exclusive interview that his return to the political spotlight is down to his determination to oust the current prime minister, Najib Razak.

"I think it's a job I have to do. I cannot accept this country being destroyed by selfish people who only think about themselves... who steal money," Mahathir told CNN last week.

Malaysia's next elections will be held before August 2018, with many people widely expecting it to occur sometime in March.

"They [the political opposition parties] have not been able to get rural Malay votes," Mahathir said, explaining the rationale behind the opposition coalition's decision to nominate him as their candidate during their convention on Sunday.

"They had a majority of popular votes in 2013, but they were not able to get [the] constituencies with Malay voters. They think I can."

Mahathir has made a bad habit of sniping at those who stepped into his shoes as prime minister. Post-retirement, Mahathir criticized his anointed successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi incessantly from the sidelines. But that is nothing compared to the energy and viciousness with which he has torn into Najib.

Mahathir, who said he attacked his successors because 'they were doing wrong things,' told CNN he doesn't mind "being used by the opposition" to oust Najib, who for years has been embroiled in accusations that hundreds of millions of dollars were stolen from state investments.

The US Justice Department filed lawsuits in 2016, amended earlier this year, to recover more than $1.7 billion that prosecutors said were laundered through a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund headed by Najib.

Besides the United States, several other countries are investigating state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which Najib founded. US justice officials said that between 2009 and 2015, more than $3.5 billion from 1MDB was misappropriated by high-level officials of the board and associates.

Najib has been accused of siphoning money from the investment fund after $681 million was transferred into his accounts. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and said the money was donated by a member of the Saudi royal family.

The 1MDB scandal, rising costs of living and a growing rift among the country's multiracial, multi-religious populace have been often blamed on Najib's party, and the question now is, can Mahathir, the former leader, help the opposition boot the ruling government from power?

Mahathir and Anwar: From friends to foes and now, friends again

The opposition in Malaysia is weaker now compared with the last election in 2013, when the Barisan Nasional coalition led by Najib limped to the finish line, losing the popular vote and failing to snag a two-thirds majority in parliament.

Embroiled in internal squabbles and sullied by scandals of their own, the opposition for the longest time could not even agree on who would lead the country should they win the elections.

Cue the strange alliance between Mahathir and Anwar, who is back behind bars after being found guilty of sodomy a second time in 2015.

The opposition convention on Sunday declared that while Mahathir would be their candidate for prime minister at the next elections, Anwar would assume the position if they manage to upset Barisan Nasional at the polls and Anwar is able to obtain a royal pardon for his sodomy conviction, which disqualifies him from contesting the elections or holding office.

Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, is the candidate for the deputy prime minister role.

In his interview with CNN, Mahathir praised Anwar, a man he'd once mentored and then maligned, fired and incarcerated.

Mahathir said they are putting aside a bitter rivalry to focus on defeating Najib and United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the Najib-helmed party that forms the largest constituent in the Barisan Nasional coalition.

"It is to get rid of this government. He [Anwar] wants to get rid of Najib and I want to get rid of Najib," Mahathir told CNN. "If you want to get rid of Najib we have to work together. We have to forget the past."

"I am 92 going on 93," Mahathir pointed out. "I won't last long and I am prepared for that. But for as long as I can contribute, I will continue, and I will back Anwar if that is the wish of the party."

Can Mahathir bring in the votes?

Analysts are split over whether Mahathir has the x-factor needed to oust Barisan Nasional, which has ruled uninterrupted since the country's independence in 1957.

Wan Saiful Wan Jan, chief executive of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs in Kuala Lumpur, said Mahathir clearly has influence, judging by how quickly the opposition accepted him.

Mahathir "has the capabilities to bring in and influence people ... just like Anwar," Wan Saiful said. "He is very attractive among the rural voters who feel Pakatan Harapan (the opposition coalition) has not been defending the rights of the Malays," he said, referring to the country's majority race, which forms the bulk of the electorate.

Wan Saiful added that support for the opposition is growing, especially in states where Barisan Nasional rules.

"Regardless what you think of the opposition, people want democracy to flourish. There are those who may disagree with Mahathir returning to active politics, but for the sake of democracy they feel UMNO must lose," he says.

However, Jayum Jawan, a professor of government and politics from Universiti Putra Malaysia, feels differently and said Mahathir's shelf life as a politician has ended.

"He will have no impact on the election. The opposition has not been able to penetrate rural areas as the people there seem comfortable with what the government has done for them. Rural voters want stability," he says.

'He has done a lot of damage'

While opposition leaders have welcomed Mahathir, some rank and file politicians remain skeptical.

S. Manikumar, an opposition politician, said many party members are reluctant to back Mahathir openly because policies drafted during his reign favor the Malay majority at the expense of ethnic Chinese and Indian nationals.

"He has done a lot of damage in the past 30 years. He has no doubt developed the nation but many still view him as a racist," Manikumar said. "The Indians, for one, were marginalized during his tenure as policies were not in their favor. As far as the lower and middle-class Indians are concerned, their votes may sway to Najib."

Other opposition politicians, such as Othman Karim, said while those in the party may have their differences with Mahathir, "an enemy of an enemy is a friend."

Yet others believe that Mahathir's alliance with the opposition and his willingness to admit to past mistakes means he will atone for previous political blunders.

Charles Santiago, an opposition Member of Parliament, said the opposition needs a strong personality like Mahathir to lead its mission.

"Many say the country is headed in the wrong direction and we need someone strong from the Malay community to counter Najib," he said.

"Dr Mahathir is our top dog right now. Politics is a very strange thing. One minute you are enemies, the next minute you are friends."COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA)  Mississippi University for Women President Dr. Jim Borsig announced Monday he will leave the university in late June.

Borsig was appointed to lead the university on Nov. 30, 2011. He will step down on June 30, 2018.

Anticipating your questions, I want you to know that I am healthy, in good spirits, and looking forward to what comes next, he stated in a letter to the university.

He stated the university is in a good place and has a bright future.

Serving as president of The W is without question the highlight of my career, and I am grateful for every day I have worked with you to change the lives of our students.

He finished by stating he and his family will live in Maine.

I look forward to refocusing my life and career in new ways of service, he finished.DULLES, Va. (Press Release) Orbital ATK, a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, announced it has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Air Forces Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC). The CRADA provides the framework and plan for data exchanges needed to certify Orbital ATKs Next Generation Launch (NGL) system to carry National Security Space missions.

Under this CRADA, Orbital ATK is better able to support SMC in being the guardians of assured access to space, said Scott Lehr, President of Orbital ATKs Flight Systems Group. We look forward to certifying NGL to launch National Security Space Missions.

Orbital ATK is currently in early production of development hardware for NGL. To date, the company has jointly invested with the Air Force more than $200 million to develop the NGL rocket family.

In addition to launching the entire spectrum of national security payloads, the NGL family of vehicles will be capable of launching science and commercial satellites that are too large to be launched by Orbital ATKs current Pegasus, Minotaur and AntaresTM space launch vehicles. The NGL vehicles will share common propulsion, structures and avionics systems with other company programs, including smaller space launch vehicles as well as missile defense interceptors, target vehicles and strategic missile systems.

The next phase of the NGL program is expected to begin when the Air Force awards Launch Services Agreements in mid-2018, which would entail full vehicle and launch site development, with work taking place at company facilities in Promontory and Magna, Utah; Iuka, Mississippi; Chandler, Arizona; Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.AMORY, Miss. (WTVA)  Amory police arrested two men on drug-related charges in separate cases.

On January 4, Amory police responded to a disturbance call on Lynwood Drive. When officers arrived, they made contact with Stephen B. Greenhill, 25, of Saltillo.



Stephen B. Greenhill | Photo: Amory PD Stephen B. Greenhill | Photo: Amory PD

Charles T. Hadaway | Photo: Amory PD Charles T. Hadaway | Photo: Amory PD

He was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was charged with the possession of a controlled substance, as well as other misdemeanor charges.

His bond was set at $10,000.

On January 6, Amory police responded to a welfare call on 3rd Street South. When officers arrived, they made contact with Charles T. Hadaway, 33, of Amory.

Police say he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He is currently in the Amory jail.TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - The Florida Health Care Association on Monday discussed the nursing-home group's priorities for the 2018 legislative session, covering issues such as generator requirements and increased Medicaid funding.

Following Septembers Hurricane Irma, and several deaths at a Broward County nursing home, the long-term care facilities have come under scrutiny about how they handle emergency situations.

The state and industry groups have been going back and forth in court over proposed state rules that would require nursing homes and assisted-living facilities to have generators and fuel supplies to keep buildings cool during power outages.

Florida Health Care Association chief lobbyist Bob Asztalos (Uh- stall  iss) says the cost to retrofit all nursing homes will vary significantly from location to location, depending on the size and age of a building. He says some additional state funding will likely be needed to meet the generator requirement.

Our hope is that we can work, the governor and us together, and get to a place on the rule and resolve this through the rulemaking process," said Asztalos. "If not, we will work with Democrats, Republicans, the House and Senate to try to get legislation.

During the 2018 legislative session which begins Tuesday, the Florida Health Care Association will also be asking lawmakers for more money to care for Medicaid-funded residents and protection of the Certificate of Need process which limits the overall number of nursing homes in Florida.TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A former State of Florida legislative staffer will spend 10 years behind bars after being convicted for attempted enticement of a minor.

Michael Chmielewski, 38, of Tallahassee will spend 10 years in prison after being convicted in September 2017.

In February 2017, undercover investigators conducted Operation Cupids Arrow to identify people seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors.

They say Michael Chmielewski responded to a Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl named "Sara.

Over two days, he continued his conversation with Sara on messaging application Kik, discussed sexual activities with Sara, and traveled to meet Sara in person to have sex.

Chmielewski was arrested after arriving at a store to meet Sara.

Together with our law enforcement partners, my office will prosecute to the fullest extent any child predators who lurk in the shadows of the internet seeking to destroy the lives of innocent young children, said U.S. Attorney Christopher Canova.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A former State of Florida legislative staffer has been convicted of attempted enticement of a minor.

The verdict was handed down Friday afternoon.

In February 2017, undercover investigators conducted Operation Cupids Arrow to identify people seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors.

They say Michael Chmielewski responded to a Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl named "Sara.

Over two days, he continued his conversation with Sara on messaging application Kik, discussed sexual activity with Sara, and traveled to meet Sara in person to have sex.

Chmielewski was arrested after arriving at a store to meet Sara.

He faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 5, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.FRANKLIN COUNTY, FL (WTXL) -- In Franklin County, the Sheriff's office is kicking off an anti-drug campaign with a special focus on the younger generation.

Sheriff Smith says illegal drugs are a big problem in Franklin County. A program to raise community awareness has been discussed for months and the Sheriff's Department is looking forward to kicking it off this month.

Sheriff Smith says 90% of the people is his jail are there for drug-related crimes. He tells us the drug problem is multi generational and that's why his campaign focuses on educating children of all ages. The other area of focus is on rehabilitation for drug users, or incarceration if necessary.

Sheriff Smith says, if the community can solve the drug problem, that will help law enforcement solve other crimes in the county. He says, "I think success stories are really big because there's probably a lot of people who are involved in drugs that think there is no way out, but there is. There is help and there is hope." Sheriff Smith adds, meth and opioids are their biggest problem.

He and his deputies will visit schools across Franklin County to teach kids about the impacts drugs have on not just the user, but also their loved ones. The Fresh Start program is already mentoring inmates at Franklin County jail to help them become pro-active community members.(WTXL) - Students and teachers at two area school districts are hoping to have warm classrooms to go back to Monday after losing heat last week.

Gadsden County Schools Superintendent roger Milton says a boiler broke down at Havana Magnet School, causing about half the school to lose heat.

They've installed a new boiler and tested it over the weekend, and heat should be fully restored Monday.

Milton says about 600-students attend Havana Magnet.

There's a similar situation at Hamilton County Schools.

Superintendent Rex Mitchell says class was cancelled Friday when an equipment failure shut down the heating system at the high school.

He says staff still came in for work, and the system was back up and running by early afternoon.

School will resume for students Monday.

MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL First Alert Weather app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional local news and hourly updates.JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - An 8-year-old girl shot in a negligent discharge was in stable condition at a Pensacola hospital night.

The girl was shot Sunday night at a residence located off Highway 73 South near the Jackson and Calhoun County line, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

No arrests have been made in the case.

MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL First Alert Weather app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional local news and hourly updates.UPDATE:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A spokesperson from Florida A&M University says two students died in a car crash Friday.

Statement from FAMU:

"Florida A&M University (FAMU) is mourning the loss of two students, Aniya Brown, 20, of Bensenville, Illinois and 19-year-old Alfred Motlow III, of Memphis, Tennessee. The students were among three people, who were killed Friday night, during a car accident in Shelby County, Tennessee. Both students were sophomores majoring in engineering.



University officials would like to extend heartfelt condolences to their families and friends and offer support to relatives and the FAMU community through the FAMU Office of Counseling Services."

------------------------------------------------------

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A fraternity at Florida A&M University says one of their members died in a car crash Saturday morning.

A post on the Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Facebook page says: "The brothers of the Mighty Melodic Bloody Up Upsilon Psi Chapter would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our beloved chapter brother Alfred Lillard Motlow III. Brother Motlow III tragically passed away this morning in a fatal car accident. We ask that you keep his family and friends in your prayers."

We've reached out to FAMU for more information & are still waiting to hear back.

Social media posts from other FAMU students indicate that two students may have died in the crash. WTXL is working to confirm this.

Stick with WTXL as we work to find out more on this developing story.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 00:09:12|Editor: Chengcheng

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PARIS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron left Paris Sunday afternoon for his first state visit to China, according to the Elysee Palace.

This makes Macron the first European leader to visit China since last autumn's 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry told media on Friday that Macron's visit to China is of great significance to bilateral ties, and the French president is scheduled to meet with Chinese leaders and attend several events during his three-day visit.

The spokesman also revealed that the French president would visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, and Xi'an, the capital city of northwest China's Shaanxi province and home to the famous Terracotta Warriors.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 00:49:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Xinhua writer Tian Dongdong

BRUSSELS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Asked about the divide between left and right during the French presidential election last year, the then candidate Emmanuel Macron said: "It doesn't matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice" -- a famous maxim of late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

From his reply, one can gauge Macron's familiarity with Chinese philosophy as well as his deep-rooted pragmatism, which enabled him to answer the question in a manner bridging ideological and cultural differences.

With a similar pragmatism, Macron kicked off his first state visit to China on Sunday. Twenty days ahead of the 54th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and France, the trip is set to chart the future course of and generate new impetus for the development of bilateral relations.

Highly anticipated, the trip offers a golden opportunity for both sides to further coordinate their stances on major global issues. As the red carpet will roll out amid a 21-gun salute, with even the Forbidden City opening for Macron, the trip is expected to lift China-France relations and the French leader's personal friendship with Chinese leaders to new heights.

China-France ties are currently at their peak, with Paris being Beijing's fourth largest trading partner in the European Union (EU) and Beijing ranking the first among France's Asian trading partners.

On the global level, France and China find more and more common ground on major issues such as climate change, anti-terrorism and global governance reform.

The sound development of bilateral ties in the last 54 years has laid a solid foundation for Macron's visit. Bilateral relations will be further enhanced if he remains pragmatic, which is particularly helpful amid a smear campaign against China by some Western politicians and media recently.

For one thing, pragmatism helps Macron better understand the urgency and necessity of a closer France-China cooperation on a global level.

As two permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France play important roles in safeguarding world peace and stability. Being practical helps Macron realize the vacuum of leadership left by the "America First" policy and its resultant damage.

In addition, no country on the planet can face increasingly complicated and diversified challenges alone. The China-France relationship has become more and more strategic in the current situation. It is the two nations' shared historical responsibility to strengthen cooperation.

Furthermore, pragmatism will help Macron properly assess the full potential of France-China cooperation.

With China and France respectively being the world's second and fifth largest economies, the potential of bilateral cooperation is enormous. China's industrial production capacity and France's advanced technologies are a natural fit. If so, the pie of common interests will become even bigger. But that requires true statesmanship.

Last but not least, pragmatism could help Macron clearly see that China represents opportunity for, not a threat to France, and Europe at large.

Despite increasing mutual trust and demonstrable win-win results, certain extend of China-phobia can be felt in Brussels and other capital cities on the continent.

What is worse, some politicians exploit the fear and drum up votes by depicting China's investment as a scheme to steal EU's high technology and its Belt and Road Initiative as a conspiracy to undermine Europe's security.

In this context, it is necessary for French-Sino collaboration in building up mutual trust, respect and understanding between Europe and China. It is high time to discard bias against China.

To do that also requires practical thinking and long-term vision. The truth, in the case of the Belt and Road Initiative, is that European countries like Greece, Poland and Spain have greatly benefited from Chinese investment.

Fifty-four years ago, the French government led by Charles de Gaulle, the founding father of France's Fifth Republic, recognized the People's Republic of China. His statesmanship and pragmatism helped France win the respect and friendship of the Chinese people.

Fifty-four years later, his admirer, Macron, faces another chance to strengthen the weathered relationship. To accomplish this, he needs to practice his pragmatism, like his idol did over half a century ago.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 00:49:19|Editor: Chengcheng

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CAIRO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq announced on Sunday to drop his bid for presidency in the upcoming elections.

"I have realized that I would not be the ideal person to run the state affairs during the coming period. Therefore, I have decided not to run in the 2018 presidential elections," Shafiq said in a statement on his Twitter account.

Shafiq, who fled Egypt after narrowly losing to the ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in the 2012 elections, announced in the United Arab Emirates in November his intention to run for president.

However, he later returned to Egypt in early December, saying he would reconsider his decision.

"Perhaps my absence for over five years prevented me from accurate follow-up of the developments and accomplishments achieved in our nation despite the difficult conditions caused by violence and terrorism," Shafiq said in his statement.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has not yet formally announced his candidacy for the 2018 elections, but he is widely expected to do so and to earn a landslide victory due to the absence of competitive challengers.

Sisi took office in mid-2014, a year after he led the ouster of his predecessor Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against Morsi's one-year rule and his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Sisi said in November that the 2018 presidential elections will be held in March or April as scheduled, stressing that he will not seek to change the constitutional limit of two four-year presidential terms, thus ruling out a third presidential term for himself.

A pro-Sisi campaign said in late December that it collected over 12 million signatures of Egyptians, more than 11 percent of the population, supporting Sisi to run for a second presidential term.

Egyptian rights and opposition lawyer Khaled Ali announced in November his intention to join the 2018 presidential race.

However, Ali could be disqualified as he has received a suspended three-month jail term in September over an obscene hand gesture he reportedly made after winning a court order challenging the government.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 01:29:28|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BRUSSELS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Less than 20 percent of Belgians said they trust and believe in social media, a figure almost twice as less compared to five years ago, according to a recent opinion poll by Whyte in Belgium.

The survey also shows that Belgians maintain a high level of trust in traditional media: in particular, the radio (69.4 percent), newspapers (55 percent) and television (55.2 percent).

This suggests that, to a lesser or greater extent, the Belgian traditional media will continue to temporarily fend off the ever-expanding universe of digital media.

In the aftermath of the devastating March 2016 terror attacks in Brussels, which killed 32 people and wounded more than 300 others, incidents of violence sparked off on social networks is raising alarm bells about the city's internal security and the increasing reliance of social media as a platform to organize illegal activity.

Indeed, social networks have played an integral part in driving some of the recent incidents in Brussels. For example, on Jan. 5, a Belgian court accused offender Jelali D. de Benlabel for inciting people to riot online through Facebook.

There was another case on Nov. 14 last year, in which fans and police clashed violently on the streets of central Brussels after a French blogger urged his fans through social network to attend an illegal shooting of a video clip.

In addition, owing to the fact that social media lacks a proper system of surveillance, some social media platforms have become a vital channel for terrorist organizations to promote extremist ideas and recruit new members.

In December 2016, for example, the Belgian police initiated a major crackdown against an extremist branch of ISIS for attempting to recruit and motivate a dozen or so Belgian minors to carry out terrorist attacks around the city.

Although social media makes news and information readily accessible at the click of a mouse, it has become increasingly difficult to discern facts from fiction, leading to the proliferation of fake rumors and disinformation.

In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Mr. Goedseels, head of White Public Relations, painted a different picture as to why Belgians lack trust in social media: he believes Belgium has three official languages with serious north-south divisions, leading to a strong critical thinking among the public.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 01:44:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DUBAI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco on Sunday pledged to boost mutual cooperation and enhance the bilateral ties in various fields, the state news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, UAE's minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, held talks Sunday with visiting Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita over recent regional and international development, the report said.

The UAE diplomat underlined the strong UAE-Moroccan ties and the desire of the two countries' leaders to enhance them in "various domains."

For his part, Bourita hailed the UAE's pioneering role both regionally and internationally, while stressing his country's aspiration to continue to expand cooperation with the UAE in various fields.

The UAE and Morocco are both members of a Saudi-led pan-Arab coalition which has been fighting the Shiite Houthi fighters in Yemen since March 2015.

The coalition, which supports the internationally-recognized Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, accuses the Shiite-dominant Iran of supporting the Houthis.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 03:14:47|Editor: Mengjie

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A worker from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offers a blanket to an illegal immigrant at a naval base in Tripoli, Libya, on Jan. 7, 2018. Libyan naval rescued 297 illegal immigrants on Sunday and recovered two bodies off the coast of the western city of Garrabulli, some 60 km east of the capital Tripoli. (Xinhua/Hamza Turkia)

TRIPOLI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Libyan naval rescued 297 illegal immigrants on Sunday and recovered two bodies off the coast of the western city of Garrabulli, some 60 km east of the capital Tripoli.

"A navy patrol rescued 297 illegal immigrants off the coast of the city of Garrabulli. They were on two rubber boats tens of miles north of the city," Ayob Qassem, Libyan navy spokesman, told Xinhua.

"The two bodies are women, one of them was pregnant. They were found on one of the seized boats," Qassem said.

The spokesman added the two boats were overloaded with migrants, which led to the death of the two women.

Libya has become a preferred departure point for illegal immigrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean into Europe, because of insecurity and chaos in the North African country following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 03:24:49|Editor: Chengcheng

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The subway station where an explosion happened is cordoned off in southern Stockholm, Sweden, Jan. 7, 2018. A man was killed and a woman injured when an object exploded Sunday outside a subway station in southern Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, Swedish Television reported on Sunday. (Xinhua/Wei Xuechao)

STOCKHOLM, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- A man has died after picking up what police believe was a hand grenade outside a subway station in southern Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, Swedish Television reported on Sunday.



A woman was also injured in the blast, at the Varby Gard station in the municipality of Huddinge, which is about 11 kilometers south of Stockholm.

"These two people cycled past the object and stopped to see what was on the ground. The woman who was with the man was several meters behind him," police officer Lars Alvarsjo told Swedish Television. "I don't dare imagine what would have happened if one or several children had found the hand grenade. This is totally unacceptable," Alvarsjo said.

According to Alvarsjo, hand grenades are increasingly used by criminal networks in Sweden. "It is surprising they have not detonated earlier," Alvarsjo said.

Police told news agency TT that the killed man, who was in his 60s, and the injured woman, who is in her 40s, were a couple. The report quoted police sources as saying that there was no indication that the explosion was directed against any individuals or property. The man and the woman simply "were at the wrong place and at the wrong time".

Police also said the man died at the hospital and that the woman was also taken to the hospital and had wounds on her face and both legs.

On Sunday morning, police searched the area around the station, which was cordoned off as a bomb squad was called in to carry out an investigation.

Sven-Erik Olsson of the Stockholm police at first told reporters that he could not say what kind of explosive material was used or how powerful the explosion was, only that it was "powerful enough for the couple to be taken to hospital".

The Varby Gard station was cleared on Sunday and the Stockholm subway was partially shut, with replacement buses serving part of the route on the affected line.

Police patrols will remain in the area throughout Sunday night and Monday, with the municipality offering crisis counseling to local residents. Police also called for witnesses to step forward with any information.

So far, police did not say whether the explosion was a terror-related incident.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 03:29:50|Editor: Chengcheng

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GAZA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said Sunday that it would hold on its work under the mandate of the UN General Assembly, following Israel's call to gradually shut down the agency.

UNRWA's media advisor Adnan Abu Hasna told Xinhua that his agency was established upon a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, where the majority of members voted in favor of extending UNRWA's mandate.

"UNRWA exclusively takes its mandate from the UN General Assembly and will continue working under it until solving Palestinian refugees' issue through all parties in a just and lasting way," Abu Hasna added.

UNRWA's spokesperson Chris Gunness said that "UNRWA is mandated by the UN General Assembly, which gives it broad and strong support for its humanitarian mission."

Earlier, Netanyahu said in the weekly cabinet meeting that UNRWA agency should gradually shut down.

The Israeli prime minister said that practical steps must be taken to change the situation in which "UNRWA perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem instead of resolving it."

Israeli and international reports reported the United States' intention to freeze or delay its financial fund to UNRWA and stop aid to the Palestinians until they return to the negotiations table with Israel.

In this regard, Abu Hasna said that UNRWA was not informed of any official U.S. decision to halt financial aid.

He pointed out that UNRWA is already suffering from a 49 million dollars financial deficit and any fund suspension would have a negative impact on its work.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 05:50:13|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KHARTOUM Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- A student was killed and three others injured as they were participating in a demonstration in El Geneina, the capital city of Sudan's West Darfur State, in protest against increasing of bread prices, Sudan Tribune reported Sunday.

West Darfur State Governor Fadl Almula Alhaja has confirmed the killing of the student and the injury of the others, saying the protests were conducted by private schools students backed by trends he did not name, according to the report.

"Investigations will be made to know the details. The protests were conducted by private schools' students, the situations are now stable," the governor was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses in El Geneina said that hundreds of students demonstrated in El Geneina on Sunday in protests against the prices hike.

According to the eyewitnesses, the police forces confronted the students which resulted in injuries among the students.

Earlier on Sunday, State Minister at Sudan's Interior Ministry, Babikir Digna, said in a statement that "expression through peaceful means is allowed, but any sabotage during the protests is not allowed."

"Gatherings and public symposia require prior permission, and any sabotage during protests is not allowed," the minister added, warning that the police forces would suppress any illegal protest.

Meanwhile, Sudanese political forces and parties called on the Sudanese people to come out in peaceful protests against the recent economic decisions.

Last week, the Sudanese parliament approved the general budget for 2018, which included devaluating the Sudanese pound against the U.S. dollar, with one dollar exchanging 18 Sudanese pounds from 6.9 Sudanese pounds, besides raising the electricity tariff for the industry, agriculture and trade sectors and liberalizing the price of wheat.

Accordingly, flour manufacturers have raised the price of a 50-kilo sack of wheat flour from 167 to 450 Sudanese pounds, causing the owners of bakeries to raise the price of a piece of bread from 0.5 Sudanese pounds to 1 pound as of Friday, Jan. 5, 2018.

Sudan consumes about 2 million tons of wheat annually, while the country's production is only about 12 percent of the annual consumption.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 07:45:30|Editor: Chengcheng

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MEXICO CITY, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Mexican marines exchanged gunfire with a group of gunmen in the popular beach resort of Los Cabos, in North Mexico's Baja California Sur state, leaving seven dead, officials said on Sunday.

The state's Attorney General's Office (PGJE) said the clash took place late Saturday, as the marines headed to a neighborhood in San Jose del Cabo, one of two towns that comprise the resort, to investigate the sound of gunfire.

On the way, the marines detected armed men riding in two vehicles, both with U.S. license plates, in the road ahead of them and ordered them to stop, but they sped up in an attempt to flee while the occupants fired their guns.

As the chase continued, both vehicles eventually crashed into walls or barricades, though the four occupants of the second vehicle got out and continued to fire on the marines until they were killed.

Marines seized high-caliber weapons and vehicles in the operation.

The PGJE said it opened an investigation into the incident it said was "allegedly linked to criminal events that have taken place in the state."

In late December, authorities found bodies hanging from bridges near Los Cabos, in a sign that violent crime sparked by rival drug trafficking organizations is plaguing the state.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 07:50:32|Editor: Chengcheng

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OSLO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Trond Giske, a deputy leader of Norway's main opposition Labour Party, announced his resignation on Sunday following accusations that he had sexually harassed women.

Giske, 51, who had held several ministerial posts in Labour governments, has recently been accused with sexual harassment in several situations, although their details have not been made public.

"The main reason I'm doing this is that it's impossible for me and my family to continue to withstand the pressure we've been under in the last few weeks," Giske said on Facebook.

"The second reason is the consideration of the Labour Party and the important work we have ahead of us," he said.

Giske, one of two deputy leaders of the Labour Party, said he would also resign his post as the party's chief on finance policy if requested by the party.

He was expected to remain as a Member of Parliament for the 2017-2021 term.

Giske said he looked forward "to giving my version" of events tied to the sexual harassment accusations and "want to answer questions that are posed and address what I believe is incorrect."

"I apologize again for things I have done that have caused discomfort to others. I have not always been conscious enough of my own role in all situations, especially those informal or private. I'm sorry," he said.

Giske served as Minister of Education, Research and Church Affairs from 2000 to 2001, as Minister of Culture and Church Affairs from 2005 to 2009 and as Minister of Trade and Industry from 2009 to 2013.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 09:10:45|Editor: Chengcheng

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CANBERRA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has demanded the resignation of an opposition Member of Parliament (MP) over her alleged dual citizenship.

Defence Industry Minister and Leader of the House of Representatives Christopher Pyne on Monday demanded that Australian Labor Party (ALP) seek the resignation of Queensland MP Susan Lamb.

Pyne said that if Lamb's resignation was not secure, the government would use its slim majority to refer her to the High Court, where constitutional law experts believe she would be ruled as ineligible to serve in parliament.

Under Section 44 of the Australian Constitution, anyone who is a citizen of any country other than Australia is ineligible to run for parliament.

Lamb's father was born in Scotland, granting her a British citizenship from birth by descent.

"Our first preference is for Bill Shorten to do the right thing and refer his own MPs to the High Court, including Susan Lamb who is without a doubt still a citizen of the UK," Pyne said on Monday.

"In the absence of that, the government will refer any MP with a serious case to answer."

Lamb is the latest MP to be caught up in the eligibility crisis which swept through parliament late in 2017.

In October, the High Court found that five parliamentarians were dual citizens at the time of their election and disqualified from parliament.

The saga threatened the position of the government with a number of Liberal-National Coalition MPs either disqualified by the court.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 09:10:45|Editor: Chengcheng

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BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron will pay an official visit to China from Jan. 8 to Jan. 10 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

The following is a brief introduction to the French president.

Born in Amiens, northeast France in 1977, Macron graduated from Paris Nanterre University, Paris Institute of Political Studies and National School of Administration.

Macron was appointed deputy secretary general of the Elysee in 2012. He was appointed minister of economy, industry and digital affairs in 2014. He created his own political movement "En March!" (On the Move!) in 2016 and ran for president as an independent candidate.

He was elected the eighth president of the French Fifth Republic, 11th president in the history of France on May 7, 2017 and took office on May 14.

Macron is married to Brigitte Macron.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 09:30:52|Editor: Xiang Bo

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Brazil international striker Diego Souza has joined Sao Paulo from their Brazilian top-flight rivals Sport Recife, the six-time league champions said on Sunday.

The 32-year-old signed a two-year contract with an option of a third year after Sao Paulo agreed to a three million-euro (about 3.6 million U.S. dollars) transfer fee.

"He will arrive in Sao Paulo in the coming days to undergo a medical before being integrated into the squad," Sao Paulo said in a statement on their official website.

Souza scored 57 goals in 173 matches for Sport, whom he joined from Fluminense in 2016.

The former Benfica player has been capped seven times for Brazil's national team and holds the record for the fastest goal ever scored by a Brazilian player in an international match.

He achieved the feat against Australia last June, finding the net just 11 seconds after the opening whistle in Brazil's 4-0 victory in Melbourne.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 10:06:00|Editor: Chengcheng

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TRIPOLI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan government backed by the United Nations announced on Monday the end of the military action launched a few days ago in the western region against insecurity and smuggling.

"The Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord announces the end of all military operations in and around Abu-Kammash area. Orders have been issued for the competent authorities to take over the Tunisian border," said the government in a statement.

"The government confirms that necessary security arrangements have been taken to secure the entire area and to restore a normal life. The government also confirms that efforts are made, with all possible means, to pursue criminals and those who manipulate the livelihood of citizens," the statement added.

The Libyan government on Friday launched a military operation against insecurity and smuggling networks in western Libya, where armed groups smuggle fuel and illegal immigrants.

Government forces and the municipal council of the western Libyan city of Zuwara on Saturday reached an agreement to stop all military operations in the area.

On Sunday, Abdurrahman Swehli, head of the Libyan Higher Council of State, met with mayors of western cities and called on fighting parties to calm down and refrain from military actions in civilian areas.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 10:31:04|Editor: Yang Yi

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by Mao Pengfei, Nguon Sovan

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China is a major partner for Cambodia in the development of infrastructure, which is a key element to boost economic growth and to reduce poverty, Cambodian officials said.

Speaking to Xinhua ahead of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to the country, Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol said that infrastructure such as roads, bridges, railways, ports, airports is really necessary for Cambodia's socio-economic development and that China has played a leading role in supporting infrastructure development in the kingdom.

"Cooperation between Cambodia and China in infrastructure sector is excellent, as most of the national roads in Cambodia have been built under concessional loans and grant aid from China," he said.

"More than 2,000 km of roads, seven large bridges, and a new container terminal of the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port have been constructed under China's aid," Chanthol said, adding that the Southeast Asian country needs around 500 million U.S. dollars a year for transport infrastructure development.

According to the minister, besides granting financial assistance, China has also provided technical assistance and helped train Cambodian transport officials.

Meanwhile, Chanthol revealed that China would invest in a new international airport project and a 190-km long expressway project from Phnom Penh to the southwestern coastal province of Preah Sihanouk.

He said the BOT (build-operate-transfer) concessional agreements for the projects would be signed soon between the Cambodian government and Chinese companies.

"The new airport is very important to deal with the rising number of tourists to the Angkor world heritage site," he said.

"For the Phnom Penh-Preah Sihanouk expressway project, it will be a very important way for economic development because it connects Phnom Penh economic pole and Preah Sihanouk economic pole," Chanthol said. "The two big economic poles must link with each other by an expressway in order to further boost economic growth."

Hei Bavy, director-general of the state-owned Phnom Penh Autonomous Port (PPAP), said that China is the largest aid provider to Cambodia for infrastructure development and that the listed PPAP has greatly benefited from China's assistance.

He said the country's largest freshwater port had built a new container terminal under the concessional loan of 28.2 million U.S. dollars from the Chinese government and the terminal was inaugurated in January 2013.

"With the China-funded terminal, the port has tripled its container loading capacity to 150,000 twenty-foot-equivalent units, or TEUs (standard-sized containers), a year," he told Xinhua.

According to Bavy, the port had received up to 180,000 cargo containers in 2017, about 20 percent higher than the expectation.

"This clearly reflects that China's financial aid to the port is very important to handle the growing flow of goods," he said.

Since 2016, the PPAP has been expanding its container terminal in the second phase to double its capacity to 300,000 TEUs, he said, adding that the 20-million-U.S. dollar project will be completed in 2018.

He added that the second phase project is being built under the port's own capital and a portion of financial contribution from the Cambodian government.

Bavy said the port has planned to seek China's aid to expand the port's capacity from 300,000 TEUs to 500,000 TEUs in the third phase from 2020 to 2022.

Commenting on the Belt and Road Initiative, which was proposed by China in 2013, he said the initiative would greatly benefit all participating countries, especially in transport infrastructure development.

"Better transport infrastructure will reduce logistic cost, so when this initiative comes to fruition, people will have goods in a cheaper price," he said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 10:36:06|Editor: Chengcheng

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The White House said Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron over phone Saturday about the issues of the Korean Peninsula and Iran.

Trump updated Macron on the developments of the situation on the Peninsula, underscoring the "international resolve to achieve the complete denuclearization" of the Peninsula, according to the White House.

The two presidents also talked about the demonstrations in Iran.

Iran had earlier blasted back at the U.S. stance on the demonstrations inside Iran, with its ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo slamming the U.S. government's attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic, Tasnim news agency reported Thursday.

Trump said Saturday that he is willing to talk with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and that he supports the talks between the two Koreas next week.

The remarks have shelved his often-bellicose rhetoric on Kim. Since he took office last January, the Trump administration has resorted to hawkish and threatening rhetoric against the DPRK, and has sent warships and conducted joint military drills with South Korea.

Such moves, along with the DPRK's sixth nuclear test and several missile launches, have sent the situation on the peninsula to a simmering extent.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 10:41:07|Editor: Yang Yi

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A Yutong bus runs on a road in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Jan. 5, 2018. Well-equipped with high-tech and air-cons, Chinese Yutong's "smart" buses have brought a safe and comfortable riding choice to passengers in Phnom Penh. (Xinhua/Sovannara)

by Nguon Sovan, Mao Pengfei

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Well-equipped with high-tech and air-cons, Chinese Yutong's 'smart' buses have brought a safe and comfortable riding choice to passengers in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

Donated by the Chinese government in July 2017, 98 buses have been used to serve passengers on five out of the eight main lines in the city, and have attracted hundreds of thousands of passengers each month.

DESIGNED BASED ON LOCAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPPED WITH SMART CONTROL SYSTEM

Yutong's sales manager for Asia & Pacific Division Jiang Lin said the buses, designed based on the actual conditions of Phnom Penh, had been equipped with intelligent management system and air-cons, and they were capable of carrying 80 passengers each, including 35 seating and 45 standing.

"Phnom Penh experiences both wet and dry seasons with a hot climate, so the buses were manufactured according to these local conditions like wet and high temperature," he told Xinhua.

Jiang said the buses were helpful for Phnom Penh to build a complete public transport system, to alleviate traffic congestion and provide the public with comfortable riding experience.

"The buses have won the praise from the Phnom Penh government and the public because of high quality, comfort and excellent-after-sale service," he said.

Through Yutong intelligent city bus system, the Phnom Penh City Bus Authority (CBA) could monitor the real-time condition of the 98 buses via a computer or a smart phone, he said, adding that the intelligent system has more than 20 functions, such as analysis report on energy saving potential, oil monitoring, multi-dimension statistics of faults, supplement record statistics, monthly maintenance schedule of vehicles, and overview of energy consumption.

"This intelligent system will help Phnom Penh to build a modern city bus transport system," he said, adding that Yutong will provide more engineers and technical support to the CBA so that it can build the "smart" bus control center in 2018.

"Undoubtedly, the China-made buses will be more and more popular among Cambodian people and help Phnom Penh transport system develop rapidly," he said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 10:56:09|Editor: Yang Yi

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BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The second Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) forum leaders's meeting will kick off in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Wednesday, with the aim of building a community of shared future of peace and prosperity.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will attend the meeting under the theme "Our River of Peace of Sustainable Development." The river refers to the Lancang-Mekong River.

Originating from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in southwest China, the river is called the Lancang River in China and the Mekong River as it flows through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before emptying into the sea.

More than 326 million people live along the 4,880-km-long waterway, which flows through an area of more than 795,000 square km.

Like the Lancang-Mekong River, the common mission and ideals that bind the six countries together have forged a common destiny for them.

CONSENSUS TO BUILD A COMMUNITY OF SHARED FUTURE

"Sanya Declaration determined the goal of building a community of shared future of peace and prosperity, which was reaffirmed in the joint press communique of the third LMC foreign ministers' meeting in December," said Hu Zhengyue, vice president of China Public Diplomacy Association and former Chinese assistant minister of foreign affairs.

Sanya Declaration was issued after the first LMC leaders' meeting held in Sanya City in south China's Hainan Province in March 2016.

China has proposed building a community with a shared future for mankind and the LMC cooperation mechanism can be a "good starting point" and a "demostration area" to implement the concept, Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of China Institute of International Studies, told Xinhua.

The six countries - China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam -- are closely inter-connected because they are nourished by the same river, Ruan said, adding that they have very similar development concepts and a lot in common in inter-connectivity, water resources, agriculture and technology.

The six nations have very deep traditional friendship with innate advantages, solid basis, strong willingness and great potential for cooperation, and a have common goal to build a community of shared future of peace and prosperity, said Huang Xilian, deputy director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs under the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

"This is why from the very start the Lancang-Mekong cooperation mechanism has gained great importance attached by and extensive support from the governments and peoples of the six countries," Huang said.

LANCANG-MEKONG EFFICIENCY WITH BRIGHT PROSPECTS

The LMC has achieved fruitful results since its inception in 2016. It has demonstrated a Lancang-Mekong speed and efficiency.

On mechanism construction, the LMC has formed dialogue mechanisms at different levels. It so far has held one leaders' meeting, three foreign ministers' meetings and five senior officials' meetings, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou told a recent news briefing.

On regional cooperation projects, most of the 45 early harvest projects identified at the first LMC leaders' meeting and the 13 initiatives put forward by China at the second LMC foreign ministers' meeting have been completed or made substantive progress, reads the joint press communique of the third LMC foreign ministers' meeting held in Dali City of southwest China's Yunnan Province on Dec. 15.

"The reason why the Lancang-Mekong cooperation mechanism has enjoyed rapid development is that the mechanism accords with the six nations' common willingness to enhance all-win cooperation and the trend of regional economic integration," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, "It has showed strong vitality since it was born."

In the first 10 months of 2017, trade between China and the other five countries in the Lancang-Mekong area reached 17.76 billion U.S. dollars, up 15.6 percent from the same period of the previous year, and is expected to exceed 20 billion dollars in the whole of 2017, showed the latest Chinese official statistics.

From January to October 2017, China's investment in the five countries reached 2.68 billion dollars, up 22.3 percent from the previous year.

Guo Yanjun, director of the Institute of Asian Studies of China Foreign Affairs University, is optimistic about the LMC's prospects. "The cooperation initiatives and projects have truly reflected the demands of the six countries and they should further such pragmatic cooperation in the future," he told Xinhua.

However, Guo warned that the cooperation mechanism should not be advanced with a too fast speed as there is development disparity among the countries.

The leaders at the second LMC leaders' meeting are expected to adopt several documents on the future development of the sub-regional cooperation.

"We expect that the upcoming LMC leaders' meeting will achieve fruitful results, chart the course for future development of the mechanism and inject impetus, so as to benefit the peoples in the region," said Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo in a recent signed article.

CHINA-CAMBODIA TIES IMPORTANT FOR LMC

On Thursday, Premier Li will also pay a visit to Cambodia. It will be his first overseas visit in 2018.

"Premier Li's choice of Cambodia as the destination of his first overseas visit in 2018 shows that China attaches great importance to China-Cambodia relations," Hu Qianwen, former Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, told Xinhua.

During his stay in Cambodia, Li will meet with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, and hold talks with his counterpart, Hun Sen. The two sides will exchange views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern, so as to plan for future development of China-Cambodia relations.

The two sides are expected to reach consensus and sign cooperation documents on infrastructure, science, agriculture, tourism and other fields.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-Cambodia diplomatic relations. "China-Cambodia relationship has developed in a very steady and rapid way and is becoming better and better with very solid strategic mutual trust between the two countries," Ruan said.

"China-Cambodia cooperation is an example of international cooperation that features equality and mutual benefit between a major country and a relatively small country," he said.

Ruan said Cambodia is also very interested in the Belt and Road Initiative, which was proposed by China to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa based on ancient land and maritime trade routes.

"Cambodia has seen that cooperation with China is key to Cambodia's future development, which can help improve its economy and enhance its role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Indo-China Peninsula," he said, "China-Cambodia relationship is in essence a community of shared future."

The relationship between China and Cambodia has its particularity, as it is also that between China and an ASEAN member, Hu Zhengyao said, "The sound development of China-Cambodia relations is conducive to China-ASEAN cooperation and the LMC."

"With a very solid foundation for future development of bilateral ties, it is expected that China and Cambodia can strengthen coordination and cooperation within the framework of ASEAN," Guo said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 11:36:19|Editor: Yamei

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PARIS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- France and China can choose to enter a "long march" towards the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as both countries had in history "put themselves at the service of an ideal of universalism bigger than their immediate interests."

David Gosset, a senior expert on international relations and founder of the Europe-China Forum, made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua.

French President Emmanuel Macron left Paris Sunday afternoon for his first state visit to China, making him the first European leader to visit the country since last autumn's 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

Macron's visit will reveal not only his conception of France, of the European Union (EU) and of his partner on the other side of the Atlantic, but "his global approach to our time," said Gosset.

The energy and inspiration of 40-year-old Macron, who appears as a new force, will contribute to the dynamics of the bilateral relationship, the expert said.

The French president can be a "messenger" within the Western world of the idea that a rising China is an opportunity for Europe and a decisive factor in the equation for solving major global problems, he added.

On China-France cooperation at a global level, the expert highlighted the link between qualitative growth, the post-carbon economy, and the Belt and Road Initiative, adding that the link is one of the points where Paris and Beijing can demonstrate that an "ecological civilization" must be built for the planet.

"The two countries must co-invest substantially under the framework of the Belt and Road in cooperation projects on the African continent.Wherever possible, they must act for the realization of sustainable new Silk Roads," said Gosset.

The expert also said through the joint efforts of Paris and Beijing, a mechanism needs to be established to bring together the EU, the African Union and China, which could better coordinate actions related to the African continent.

Gosset said the current international situation calls on the two ancient nations to act in new directions and to think about "the principles for the architecture of the world to come," in addition to strengthening cooperation in traditional fields like trade, education, science and arts.

"When France and China reflect together upon a changing world and try to make sense of it, the Franco-Chinese relationship is no longer the sum of what ministers, diplomats or businessmen accomplish with varying degrees of success," he said. "It puts itself at the service of a cause that transcends it but also gives it its true value."

Leaders of the two countries, in spite of their differences in age and career path, converge on two essential points, according to Gosset.

"First, in their political philosophy, they create support within their country by their ability to reconcile what, on the surface, seems to be opposed," he said. "(Second) in international politics, they converge in the idea of defending multilateralism."

Macron's three-day visit to China officially kicks off on Monday, during which he is scheduled to meet with Chinese leaders and attend a series of events in Beijing and the northwestern city of Xi'an.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 11:51:20|Editor: Yamei

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. space firm SpaceX on Sunday launched a top secret payload into space for the U.S. government, known only by the codename Zuma.

The payload took off at 8 p.m. EST (0100 GMT) on a Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Northrop Grumman, an American aerospace and defense technology company, acknowledged that it arranged the launch on the U.S. government's behalf and said the payload will be launched into a low-Earth orbit.

However, very little is known about the nature of the Zuma mission, as no U.S. government agency has claimed responsibility for it so far.

SpaceX has already launched two classified payloads for the U.S. government during the past year.

Launched in May, the NROL-76 spy satellite was for the National Reconnaissance Office. The other was an uncrewed X-37B space plane for the U.S. Air Force, which lifted off in September.

As usual, SpaceX once again landed Falcon 9's first stage back to Earth during Sunday's mission.

The company's launch webcast showed the first stage touched down at Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral just eight minutes after liftoff.

Such landings are part of SpaceX's efforts to develop fully reusable rockets, which the company believes could bring down spaceflight costs.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 12:01:22|Editor: Yamei

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SYDNEY, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A remote island off the northern coast of Papua New Guinea is continuing to spew volcanic ash on Monday, causing several hundred residents to flee their homes.

Although exact details regarding the total number of local villagers that have been affected remains unclear, Samaritan Aviation, an American charity that has assisted in the evacuation, has said there are believed to be between 500 and 600 people living on Kadovar island.

Thought to be dormant, the 365-meter tall volcano began erupting on Friday and has not stopped since.

"There's been a good amount of ash emitting continuously in a plume that has traveled about 120 nautical miles so far," Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre forcaster Cheyne O'Brien told Xinhua.

"The plume of volcanic ash has reached over 2,000 meters high to the west-northwest and that's been constant with what we have observed during the last 48 hours."

At this point, there has not been any threat to aircraft in the vicinity, according to O'Brien.

"The ash at this level will not affect planes at cruising altitude and as far as we know there has been no disruption to flights," he said.

With no previous eruption ever recorded on the island, volcanologists are having a hard time predicting whether an explosive eruption, that could cause tsunamis and landslides, may follow.

Chris Firth from Macquarie University in Sydney told local media, "It's hard to predict what might happen, as there's nothing to compare it to."

The only mention of an explosive eruption in the area dates back to the 17th century, when records could be found about two "burning islands" in that area.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 12:56:33|Editor: Yamei

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HOUSTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old who opened fire during a struggle was fatally shot by authorities early Sunday in North Little Rock of Arkansas, a state in south central United States, local Police Department said in a news release.

It happened shortly after 1 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) after the police pulled over a vehicle, whose 17-year-old occupant was found carrying a gun during a pat-down search. A struggle then occurred. Two other people were also in the vehicle.

"During the struggle the suspect fired at least one shot at the officers which resulted in the officers firing shots at the suspect," the police wrote, noting the teen died at the scene, whose name was later identified as Charles Smith.

The release did not indicate whether any of the officers were hurt. They have been placed on an administrative leave pending an investigation into the shooting.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 13:26:40|Editor: Chengcheng

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SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will discuss issues of mutual concern during the upcoming high-level talks, Seoul's Unification Ministry said Monday.

Unification Ministry spokesman Baek Tae-hyun told a press briefing that the upcoming dialogue will first focus on the DPRK's participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Issues of mutual concern to improve inter-Korean relations would be on the dialogue agenda, such as urgent issues which South Korea proposed in July last year to talk about, the spokesman said.

The Moon Jae-in government of South Korea, which was inaugurated in May last year, offered to hold military talks with the DPRK to stop any hostile act near the military demarcation line (MDL) dividing the two Koreas and humanitarian talks for the reunion of separated families.

People from the two sides have been banned from visiting and contacting each other since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war.

South Korea and the DPRK exchanged the lists of its respective five-member delegation over the weekend for the upcoming senior-level, inter-governmental talks, the first inter-Korean dialogue in about two years.

The South Korean delegation will be led by Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon, while the DPRK side will be led by Ri Son-gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fartherland.

Baek said the plenary session would kick off at 10 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) Tuesday at Peace House in the South Korean side of the truce village of Panmunjom.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 13:26:42|Editor: Chengcheng

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KABUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned that the recent Kabul deadly suicide attack may amount to a war crime, the UN mission said on Monday.

The mission released its preliminary findings into the Jan. 4 suicide attack in Kabul, where the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility a body-borne improvised explosive device, that killed at least 13 people including Afghan security forces and injured 19 others, after the arrival of anti-riot police following hours' violent disturbance between security officials and shopkeepers.

"Twelve of the 13 slain were police officials, performing legitimate law enforcement functions of helping to restore order and safety for civilians during a violent incident," said the mission.

"UNAMA reminds all parties that Afghan National Police personnel are regarded as civilians unless they are directly participating in hostilities. The officers killed in the attack were not engaged in the armed conflict. Civilians may never be the object of an attack at any time or in any place," it said, warning the indiscriminate explosive devices, almost certainly to cause immense suffering to civilians, may amount to war crimes.

More than 2,640 civilians were killed and over 5,370 others injured in conflict-related incidents in first nine months of 2017, according to UNAMA's figures.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 13:56:46|Editor: Yang Yi

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HOHHOT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Manzhouli, a major land port of entry on China's border with Russia, imported over 1,700 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Russia in 2017, the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region said Monday.

Manzhouli officially began importing LPG from Russia in February of last year, and the annual imports of the gas reached 1,713 tonnes. The resource is mainly used as household fuel in the region.

Imports of LPG are expected to expand further in 2018 to meet the demand of inland users, local authorities said.

China has been adjusting its energy structure to reduce pollution in recent years. A major move has been to shift from coal to clean energy, leading to surging demand for clean fuel such as natural gas.

As a green energy, liquefied petroleum gas can make up for shortages in natural gas and is cost-effective and easy to transport. When used as an automobile fuel, it releases 90 percent less carbon monoxide and 70 percent less hydrocarbon compounds than traditional petroleum.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 14:36:55|Editor: Chengcheng

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SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Top nuclear envoys, who represent South Korea and Japan at the six-party talks for the denuclearized Korean Peninsula, met in Seoul Monday to discuss the peninsula's nuclear issue amid growing signs of a thaw in inter-Korean relations.

Lee Do-hoon, South Korea's special representative for the Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, met with his Japanese counterpart Kenji Kanasugi, according to Seoul's foreign ministry.

The two sides agreed to strengthen diplomatic efforts to turn a peace momentum, which was recently being created on the peninsula, into a peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue.

Lee and Kanasugi made an in-depth discussion on ways to encourage the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to come to the dialogue table while stably managing situations on the peninsula.

The meeting came ahead of the high-level talks between South Korea and the DPRK slated to be held Tuesday in the truce village of Panmunjom.

The inter-Korean talks would first focus on the DPRK's participation in the 2018 Winter Olympics, which South Korea will host in February in the country's eastern county of Pyeongchang.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 14:41:56|Editor: Chengcheng

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KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 militants have been killed as security forces attacked Taliban hideouts in Khan Abad district of the northern Kunduz province on Sunday night, an army spokesman, Ghulam Hazrat Karimi, said Monday.

The security forces, according to the official, have been combing up several villages in Khan Abad district to kill or capture the armed militants to ensure lasting peace in the restive district.

Without providing information on possible casualties of security personnel, the official said that the operations would last to ensure peace and stability there in Khan Abad.

Meanwhile, a villager on the condition of anonymity said that one soldier was killed and four others including two security personnel and two civilians sustained injuries.

Taliban militants haven't commented yet.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 14:51:48|Editor: Chengcheng

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People visit the Vintage Paper Fair at San Francisco County Fair Building in San Francisco, the United States, Jan. 7, 2018. For over 40 years, Vintage Paper Fair has been one of the San Francisco Bay Area's favorite antique shows. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 15:17:01|Editor: Lifang

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SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's top nuclear envoy will visit the United States this week to discuss the Korean Peninsula's nuclear issue, Seoul's foreign ministry said Monday.

Lee Do-hoon, special representative for the Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, will visit Washington from Wednesday to Friday.

During the visit, Lee will meet with his U.S. counterpart Joseph Yun, a chief negotiator at the six-party talks for the denuclearized Korean Peninsula.

Lee will also meet with key figures of the U.S. government in charge of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) affairs, according to the ministry.

The South Korean envoy will make an in-depth discussion with U.S. officials on ways to peacefully resolve the peninsula's nuclear issue and improve inter-Korean relations.

Lee's visit to Washington would come a day after the high-level talks between South Korea and the DPRK scheduled to be held Tuesday in the truce village of Panmunjom.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 15:27:03|Editor: Lifang

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KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia, the world's second largest palm oil producer after Indonesia, may see its palm oil exports increase after its government suspends export taxes on crude palm oil (CPO) from Monday.

Malaysian Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Mah Siew Keong announced recently the suspension of export taxes on CPO for three months from Jan 8 Monday to April 7, in a bid to boost palm oil prices and reduce high stockpiles.

The taxes removal, however, will end early if CPO stocks fall to 1.6 million tons.

According to Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysia's CPO export tax for January 2018 was 5.5 percent; Malaysia's stockpile in November 2017 stood at a two-year high of 2.56 million tons.

Analysts said the export taxes suspension is expected to improve Malaysia's CPO exports competitiveness and give a short-term boost to its exports to major importers such as China and India.

"This will help boost CPO exports from Malaysia as it will be more competitive against Indonesian CPO exports, which are subject to a CPO levy of 50 U.S. dollar per ton," said CIMB Research's analyst Ng Lee Fang.

She sees it as a positive move for Malaysian planters in the near term as based on the latest export taxes, it would allow CPO exporters in Malaysia to save 144 ringgit (36.1 U.S. dollar) per ton.

"We also believe that major consumers such as India and China will take this opportunity to buy more palm oil from Malaysia," said MIDF Research's analyst Alan Lim, adding that the demand from China is supported by pre-stocking activity ahead of the Chinese New Year in mid-February.

Concurred with Lim, Public Investment Bank Research's analyst Chong Hoe Leong believed the move will give a boost to Malaysia's palm oil exports amid the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration.

"Price sensitive importers like India will likely import more while China, the second largest palm oil importer, will also lock in more orders as demand picks up ahead of Chinese New Year in February," he added.

But he also pointed out the possibilities of similar measures by other countries.

"Indonesia, the world largest palm oil producer, might also roll out some incentives to undercut the CPO prices in order to push for their palm oil exports," he said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 15:42:05|Editor: Zhou Xin

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MANILA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte continues to enjoy high trust and approval ratings, according to an independent poll released on Monday.

A survey by Pulse Asia Inc., conducted in Dec. 2017, showed that 80 percent of the 1,200 people aged 18 and above surveyed nationwide approved of the way Duterte runs the country. It showed that 82 percent of those surveyed said they continue to trust the leader.

Across geographic areas and socio-economic classes, the poll said, "It is only Duterte who succeeds in scoring majority approval ratings and trust figures."

Aside from Duterte, the survey also showed that Philippine Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel "continue to enjoy majority approval and trust rating at the national level."

Robredo received 59 percent approval rating and 58 percent trust rating, while Pimentel, 57 percent performance rating and 53 percent trust rating, the poll showed.

Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque lauded the poll results, urging Filipinos to translate Duterte's ratings "into action by standing as one."

"This number shows that our people are aware and recognize the significant strides the president undertook in his one year and a half in office," Roque said.

"We thus call on everyone to put this appreciation into action by standing as one and helping the government as we continue to address the problem of poverty, illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption," Roque said.

Duterte, who assumed the presidency in June 2016, will end his single, six-year term in 2022.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 16:07:15|Editor: Lifang

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DUBAI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Emirates Airline, the international carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced on Monday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with rival airline Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi, for cooperation in aviation security.

The MoU was signed between Emirates' security division Emirates Group Security and Etihad Aviation Group by Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, and Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group.

Emirates said in its statement that "the historic agreement, the first between the UAE's two world-leading aviation groups, signals the importance of closer collaboration in aviation security to effectively exploit joint synergies to enhance efficiency and security for the benefit of both groups' customers."

One of the key areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU involves the sharing of information and intelligence between Emirates, which in November added the 100th Airbus A380 Superjumco to its fleet, and Etihad, whose name means unity in Arabic, on critical aspects of aviation security.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group said "security is one of the foremost priorities of the global aviation industry."

Through this agreement, Emirates Group Security will collaborate with Etihad Aviation Group to share know-how and extend aviation security services in order to better handle shared challenges, he added.

Vice Chairman of Etihad Aviation Group Hamad Abdulla Al-Shamsi said "by working closely together, and pooling our expertise and resources, Etihad Aviation Group and Emirates Group Security will build a stronger platform from which to share best practice and knowledge, allowing us to provide the safest travelling environment for our customers."

Earlier in October last year, Clark said the Dubai government-controlled airline was open to cooperate with local rival Etihad Airways, but stressed that a full merger between the two was "up to the owners," hence the ruling families of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Emirates recorded in the fiscal year 2016/2017, which ended on March 31, an 82-percent decline in its annual profit. Etihad lost in the full year 2016 1.87 billion dollars due to a stronger dollar.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 16:37:18|Editor: Lifang

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NEW DELHI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- India's Supreme Court Monday said that it would reconsider its 2013 order which criminalized gay sex in this country by upholding a colonial-era law.

A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, said the apex court's 2013 judgment upholding the validity of Section 377 of Indian Penal Code, which considers sex between consenting adults of same gender a crime, appeared to hurt individual sexual preferences.

"Choice can't be allowed to cross the boundaries of law but the confines of law can't trample or curtail the inherent right embedded in an individual under Article 21, the right to life and liberty," the court said.

"The 2013 judgment needs to be reconsidered," the court said in the wake of a petition filed by five members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community."

The court also referred the petition to a higher bench.

In December 2013, the top court set aside a Delhi High Court order in 2009 decriminalizing homosexuality. The Delhi high court had then overturned Section 377 of Indian Penal Code, the 148-year-old colonial law which described a same-sex relationship as an "unnatural offence".

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code defines homosexual acts as "carnal intercourse against the order of nature". Under the law, homosexual acts are punishable by a 10-year prison term.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 17:02:22|Editor: Lifang

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DAMASCUS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 civilians were killed Monday by airstrikes on the rebel-held province of Idlib in northwestern Syria, a monitor group reported.

Half of the killed in the airstrikes that targeted the countryside of Idlib were children and women, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, accusing Russian and Syrian warplanes of carrying out the airstrikes.

There were no official comments from the Syrian government.

The airstrikes came just hours after a deadly blast in Idlib killed 34 people, including 18 civilians, according to the Observatory.

The overnight blast targeted a position of the Agnad al-Caucaus rebel group, which is allied with the al-Qaida-linked Levant Liberation Committee (LLC).

No party claimed responsibility for the bombing, but it's apparently a rebel-on-rebel operation, especially now that the LLC is accusing the Agnad group of backing down on supporting the LLC in their battles in Idlib against the government forces and other rival groups.

The Syrian army has been on a wide-scale offensive in the southern countryside of Idlib, capturing tens of towns and villages over the past two months.

The recent military victory was achieved on Sunday when the Syrian army captured the strategic town of Sinjar, which enables the government forces to advance toward capturing the key air base of Abu al-Duhur.

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.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 17:22:27|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Liu Chuntao, Naim-Ul-Karim

DHAKA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Every day, hundreds of local and foreign tourists visit an archaeological site with unique architectural features which a joint team of archaeologists from Bangladesh and China have unearthed.

The site contains the remains of a Buddhist town and temple at Nateshwar, the present day location of which is in the Bikrampur area of Bangladesh's Munshiganj district, 30 km south of the capital city of Dhaka.

The archeological site is the remains of temple and city thought to be 1,000 years old.

The old ruins, still being excavated by the joint team of Bangladeshi and Chinese archaeologists, are one of the major recent archaeological discoveries in Bangladesh.

The Buddhist historical site featuring unique architectural elements has been discovered about seven meters beneath the ground. Atish Dipankar, known as a venerated Buddhist scholar and philosopher, is thought to have spent his early life here.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese embassy in Dhaka, Chen Wei, and Bangladeshi and Chinese archaeologists recently visited the excavation site.

The excavation has already unearthed several valuable artifacts from this renowned archaeological site, including a prayer hall, mortar floor, octagonal stupas, pot shreds, baked clay materials and burnt bricks.

Prof. Sufi Mostafizur Rahman, who is leading the excavation team comprised of researchers from Bangladesh and China, said carbon-14 tests on 26 unearthed relics at a Beta Laboratory in the United States had proved that the archaeological site was more than 1,100 years old.

He has sought further Chinese support to continue the excavation activities.

He expressed hope that the site, with proper conservation, will emerge as an attractive tourist site since Buddhist scholar Atisha Dipankar's ancestral house is located there.

Shahnaj Husne Jahan, a professor and director at the Center for Archaeological Studies at the leading private University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, described the site as a unique one and said it could be another world heritage site if it is conserved properly, although this may take time.

But inadequate funding and technology have hindered the excavation processes. "That's why we need more Chinese support," she said, adding that this is going to be the heart of Buddhist heritage tourism in this part of the world.

Archeological research at the site began in 2010 and a series of significant results have been achieved since then.

It is believed that this discovery will offer interesting glimpses into the early life of Atish Dipankar. During the 10th-11th Century, he was known in Bangladesh, India, China and other Asian countries as a saint-philosopher by virtue of his unique character, erudition, scholarly attributes, and spiritual eminence.

Because of his outstanding knowledge and wisdom, he was named Atish Dipankar Srigyan, which means "glorious wisdom source of light." He has been venerated for nearly 1,000 years as an outstanding personality.

He wrote more than 200 Buddhist books and was also known as a translator, popularized medical science and built reservoirs.

But the great philosopher was forgotten for centuries in a peculiar twist of history in the land of his birth, Bangladesh, as well as in the Indian sub-continent until the end of the 19th century.

After Atish Dipankar was "rediscovered" in his motherland nearly 1,000 years after he left Bangladesh for China's Tibet to introduce the Buddha's teachings and passed away there, China offered to return part of his ashes to Bangladesh.

Both Dhaka and Beijing said Atish is now a symbol of a stronger "China-Bangladesh relationship."

A mausoleum has already been built in the village of his birth with the support of China.

Chen Wei said this is the best final resting place for the venerable master.

"This is also proof that Bangladesh and China have shared very strong cultural links since long ago," Chen said.

He said that the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology of Hunan province is involved in the excavation and their personnel are doing a great job.

"I think it also promotes even more understanding between China and Bangladesh as well as the heart-to-heart and people-to-people contact between Chinese and Bangladeshi people."

The Chinese embassy will work together with the Bangladesh side to promote this site to become a common wealth of Bangladesh and China, he said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 17:37:30|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SANAA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The party of Yemeni slain former President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Sunday named a new leader to succeed Saleh who was killed last month by his onetime ally Shiite Houthi rebels, the party said in a statement.

The General People's Congress party (GPC) elected 65-year-old Sadiq Abu Ras as the new chief of the party.

The election took place at a first class hotel in downtown Sanaa, the rebel-held capital, where the GPC leadership met and named Abu Ras amid a tight security presence outside the hotel.

"The position of the party remains steadfast against the aggressors (Saudi-led military coalition) on the soil of the Yemeni people," read the party's statement.

The party welcomed any political settlement that preserves unity, security, stability and sovereignty of Yemen.

The statement did not mention Saleh's death, but demanded the release of Saleh's family members, party's leaders and journalists of Saleh-owned television channel Yemen al-Yawm from Houthi-run prisons.

The party praised the army and popular forces (Houthi fighters) in defending the country against the "aggressors."

However, senior leaders of the party rejected the party's statement and the election.

"Any party's statement that does not publicly break relations with Houthi murderers and declare war against them does not represent us and is not our party," the GPC Secretary-General Yasir al-Awadhi said in his Twitter page.

Al-Awadhi has successfully escaped from Sanaa, though Houthi media reported its fighters killed him along with Saleh during street clashes last month.

On Dec. 4, 2017, Houthi fighters killed Saleh, many of his family members and several of his party's leaders after a week of deadly clashes that erupted after Saleh switched sides of allies and declared "opening new page with the Saudi-led coalition."

Saleh, who ruled the country for 33 years and stepped down following 2011 popular protests, had waged six wars against Houthi movement that ended in 2010.

However, Saleh allied with Houthis and supported them when they advanced from their far north stronghold of Saada province and stormed the capital Sanaa in September 2014, where they overthrew Saudi-backed government and forced President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile.

In March 2015, the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen to restore Hadi to power and roll back the Iranian-aligned Houthi-Saleh rebels.

Three years now into Yemen's civil war, over 10,000 Yemenis, mostly children, were killed, and 3 million others were displaced, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 18:07:38|Editor: Zhou Xin

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KAMPALA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan government on Monday denied reaching a deal with Israel to host thousands of African asylum seekers told to leave the Middle East country in the next three months or face imprisonment, a senior official said here.

Uganda's state minister for international affairs, Henry Oryem Okello told Xinhua that there is no agreement between the East African country and Israel for it to host over 35,000 asylum seekers, mostly Eritreans and Sudanese.

"We don't know where the story is coming from. One thing I want to state categorically that the government of Uganda doesn't have any agreement whatsoever with Israeli government in order to repatriate the refugees to Uganda," said Okello.

"We have no agreements for those seeking asylum or harbor refugees who have been rejected by Israel to be brought to Uganda," he said.

The Israeli authorities last week gave the African asylum seekers who fled war and persecution a 90-day ultimatum to leave "to their country or to a third country," or face jail sentences, without stating the third countries.

Israel's Population and Immigration Authority said those who leave the country before April will receive 3,500 U.S. dollars, airfare and other incentives for relocation.

According to reports, African migrants are given the option of going to their respective home countries, deportation to Uganda or Rwanda.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 18:47:46|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TEHRAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A security conference on the west Asia region situation kicked off in Iran's capital Tehran on Monday.

The one-day event, held with the slogan of "Regional Security in West Asia; Emerging Challenges and Trends," is the second of its kind in less than one year organized by the Islamic republic.

More than 200 Iranian and international political figures and experts have attended the "Second Tehran Security Conference 2018."

In the opening remarks, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Israel are fanning the flames of regional crises through their interventionist policies, state TV reported.

Zarif also denounced what he called the U.S. "interventionist" strategies as one of the most substantive security challenges.

"The U.S. is still ignorant of objective facts across the region, and insists on pursuing its destructive and tension-creating policies through its illegitimate military presence on Syrian soil," he added.

Besides, he pointed out the continued occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel as the most critical issue facing the region.

"All issues are either directly or indirectly affected by this predicament and the oppression that has been forced upon the people of Palestine over the past 70 years," he said, dismissing Washington's recent move to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The move by the United States is an open declaration of hostility towards Muslims and an opportunity for the spread of extremism and terrorism in the region, Zarif stressed.

He warned against the destabilizing impact of arms race in the region, saying that compared to the rest of the world, Iran's neighbors in the Persian Gulf have the highest proportion of military budget to their gross domestic product.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 19:12:53|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Keren Setton

JERUSALEM, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The latest developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict show that the sides are further away from resolving their issues.

Although a full-blown conflict seems far, a continuous trickle of fire exchanges between Israel and Gaza coupled with constant chatter on the tricky matter of Jerusalem may create a problematic combination with unwanted results.

A month ago, when U.S. President Donald Trump made the controversial announcement that his country was recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, there was speculation that widespread violence would erupt.

This did not happen. Aside from demonstrations with a small number of casualties, the common reaction on the streets was indifference.

However, both the Palestinian and Israeli leaderships took it as a clear signal on how to act in the coming future.

As the Arab world condemned Trump's move, many Israelis welcomed it.

Trump made a departure from the international consensus that the fate of the disputed city would be determined through negotiations between the two sides.

Israel believes all of Jerusalem is its capital while Palestinians want the eastern side of the city as its future capital.

Over the weekend, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi announced the Arab league would push for international recognition of East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital, a counter measure to the Trump move.

Just last week, picking up on the momentum of American backing, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, approved the "Jerusalem Bill" which mandates that any changes to Jerusalem's status need a supermajority of 80 of the 120 Knesset members. This would make any concessions on the city in future negotiations difficult.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in a statement released after the passing of the bill that it was "tantamount to declaring war on the Palestinian people."

The law was another blow to the Palestinian cause.

Shuli Moalem-Refaeli, the member of parliament who initiated the bill, tweeted afterwards that it puts an end to the possibility of a "shady political settlement" with the Palestinians. It was a reflection of a growing sentiment amongst Israelis, but also Palestinians, that peace is unattainable.

Dr. Ofer Israeli, a geostrategist and an expert for international security and the Middle East from the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS) at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya, believes the current momentum on Jerusalem will eventually lead to a change in the international attitudes towards the city.

"We might see a change in the discourse on the issue of Jerusalem and this will eventually lead to a majority of countries supporting Jerusalem as Israel's capital," Dr. Israeli told Xinhua. "In this interim period, Israel can change reality and make it almost impossible to change things."

Dr. Amneh Badran, a political scientist from the Al Quds University in Jerusalem, believes the current state of affairs is "part of a systematic approach to cancel the so-called two state-solution."

"They want to start 'the deal' by taking Jerusalem out of the deal," Badran told Xinhua.

She is referring to Trump's campaign aspiration to strike "the ultimate deal" of peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Slow simmering in the background of controversy surrounding Jerusalem is the conflict between Israel and the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

In recent weeks, the two sides have been exchanging rounds of fire, and rockets and mortars have been fired into Israel with the Israeli military retaliating with airstrikes. In addition, last month, the Israeli army announced it had demolished a Hamas attack tunnel that it believed was to be used in order to carry out attacks against Israelis.

The tension on the southern border rose immediately after the Trump announcement and since then, several Palestinians have been killed and dozens injured in clashes with Israeli forces, both on the Gaza border and in the West Bank.

"If one of the missiles falls in a populated area, the Israeli government will not be able to ignore it and then we will see a replay of previous events, a military operation or maybe even a war," says Dr. Israeli.

So far, there have been no Israeli casualties in the attacks so public opinion is not yet pressuring a harsher response.

In recent days, Trump tweeted that his administration would stop sending aid to the Palestinians and hold funding from UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for the Palestinian refugees, in response to "Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace."

According to UNRWA data from 2017, almost 2 million Palestinians receive aid from the agency in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip alone. An additional 3 million refugees and their descendants spread out in the Middle East also rely on that aid.

Media reports in Israel said the government was in a bind over the U.S. intention. A leaked internal foreign ministry report said that Israel preferred a gradual approach rather than a cold-turkey stoppage of funds. A humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories will certainly have an effect on neighboring Israel.

"UNRWA needs to cease to exist, this is an Israeli and Palestinian interest. It perpetuates their situation," Dr. Israeli tells Xinhua. "Israel will have to deal with the implications for a period of time."

Israel has long claimed that Palestinian militant organizations, Hamas included, have exploited the UN umbrella for its own activities. UNRWA has acknowledged several times that Hamas has used its buildings for stockpiling missiles in Gaza. In the fall of last year, a tunnel was found under one of UNRWA's schools in the isolated territory.

"The Palestinian leadership will not beg for American money," said Dr. Badran. "UNRWA is providing the minimum for Palestinian refugees ... there will be other sources to support UNRWA, the Americans will not stop others ... they are not interested in making the refugee issue rise to the surface."

Prospects for future negotiations are dim. The Palestinian leadership has said repeatedly that they do not believe the Americans can serve as an honest broker.

"It is not easy to re-build ... the peace process again. We are going back to the same limbo, nothing new," said Dr. Badran.

Trump's tweet that "we have taken Jerusalem ... off the table," was satisfactory for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but a severe blow to the Palestinians. Indeed, it appears American recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital will be a turning point in the conflict.

"The Palestinian might choose to take a tough stance and not return to the negotiating table. They might try to enlist others, mainly the European Union, to counteract the Americans," said Dr. Israeli.

With the Israelis and the Palestinians each entrenched in polar positions, dialogue between the two rivals will probably not be the chosen method of interaction at the moment.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 19:22:56|Editor: Lifang

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RAMALLAH/NABLUS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces shut down Monday access to two West Bank villages, near Nablus city, by placing earth mounds, according to Palestinian sources.

Ghassan Daghlas, who is in charge of the documentation of the settlements activity in the north of the West Bank told Xinhua that the two villages are Osarin village, of nearly 3,500 residents and Awarta village, where nearly 7,000 Palestinians live.

The entrance of Awarta village was shut down by closing a gate located near Huwara, where Israeli soldiers are stationed in a military checkpoint disconnecting the north of the West Bank from its center.

Governor of Nablus Akram Rajoub condemned the Israeli measures. He told Xinhua that this represents "collective punishment" against Palestinians.

He added "this is unjustified and comes as part of the Israeli army's policy in backing settlers while imposing restrictions on Palestinian citizens."

Palestinian sources said that the Israeli army arrested at least 17 Palestinians in scattered pre-dawn raids into West Bank areas, including storming some houses.

Israeli army spokesperson said that those arrested were "wanted" to Israel.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 19:27:57|Editor: Lu Hui

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang addresses the National Science and Technology Award Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday said that major science and technology infrastructure, data and instruments should be more accessible for the public.

Li made the remarks at the annual ceremony held in Beijing to honor distinguished scientists and research achievements.

The premier said more should be done to encourage innovative spirit and protect intellectual property rights.

He said China will pursue international cooperation in science and technology, take a more active role in the global innovation network.

Monday's ceremony honored 271 projects and nine scientists with national prizes.

Two Chinese scientists, explosives expert Wang Zeshan and virologist Hou Yunde, won China's top science awards.Photo taken on May 8, 2015 shows Somali refugees at the Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya. Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeastern Kenya. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

KAMPALA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan government on Monday denied reaching a deal with Israel to host thousands of African asylum seekers told to leave the Middle East country in the next three months or face imprisonment, a senior official said here.

Uganda's state minister for international affairs, Henry Oryem Okello told Xinhua that there is no agreement between the East African country and Israel for it to host over 35,000 asylum seekers, mostly Eritreans and Sudanese.

"We don't know where the story is coming from. One thing I want to state categorically that the government of Uganda doesn't have any agreement whatsoever with Israeli government in order to repatriate the refugees to Uganda," said Okello.

"We have no agreements for those seeking asylum or harbor refugees who have been rejected by Israel to be brought to Uganda," he said.

The Israeli authorities last week gave the African asylum seekers who fled war and persecution a 90-day ultimatum to leave "to their country or to a third country," or face jail sentences, without stating the third countries.

Israel's Population and Immigration Authority said those who leave the country before April will receive 3,500 U.S. dollars, airfare and other incentives for relocation.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 19:32:59|Editor: Lifang

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COLOMBO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will implement UNESCO recommendations to preserve the status of world heritage accorded to the colonial fort in the city called Galle in southern Sri Lanka, a minister said here on Monday.

Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake told reporters after an observation tour of the area.

The Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese first in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch later, risked the loss of its status as a world heritage site earlier due to the delay in implementing some UNESCO recommendations.

The minister said the UNESCO had recognized this as a world heritage site due to its ancient architectural and monumental value, and the government now had decided to implement these recommendations in an accelerated manner.

"We want to protect Galle Fort as our heritage. Unless we take steps right now, the site will deteriorate," he said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 19:48:03|Editor: Lifang

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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of seasonal influenza cases in Pakistan's eastern city of Multan has risen to 17 on Monday, with the death of another female patient who tested positive of influenza virus, an official said.

Doctor Atta-ur-Rehman, the spokesperson of the Punjab Health Department in Multan, told Xinhua that the outbreak of seasonal influenza has claimed 17 lives so far over the last 23 days in the city.

Up till now, 104 suspected patients have been tested for influenza, said the spokesperson, adding that at least 47 cases have been confirmed for the disease.

According to local reports, at least four doctors were among the increasing number of the cases, creating fear among the administration of hospitals as the disease is rapidly spreading across the metropolis.

Medical practitioners have advised the residents to take precautionary measures and also urged them to ensure their proper checkup for timely identification of the disease.

Earlier last week, a four-member team from the World Health Organisation and National Institute of Health arrived in Multan to monitor seasonal influenza cases at the city's Nishtar Hospital, a government health facility.

Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the spread of influenza and issued directives that all possible measures for the prevention of influenza should be taken. He also advised the relevant authorities to organize awareness campaign regarding the illness.

Seasonal influenza, commonly known as flu, usually spreads through contact with the bacteria discharged by an infected person's coughing and sneezing. According to health experts, children, elders and pregnant women are at higher risk of contracting the disease.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 19:53:05|Editor: Lifang

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TOKYO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. military attack helicopter made an emergency landing in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture on Monday, local media reported, with the incident coming on the heels of an almost identical mishap just two days earlier.

The AH-1 attack helicopter belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma made the emergency landing at a waste disposal site in the village of Yomitan in Japan's southernmost prefecture.

According to local police and the U.S. military, none of the four crew members aboard were injured in the emergency landing, which was in the vicinity of a large resort hotel, and there have been no reports of injury to persons or damage to property as a result of the latest U.S. military helicopter mishap.

The latest incident involving a U.S. military chopper follows a UH-1 heavy-lift transport helicopter on Saturday making an emergency landing on a sandy beach on Ikei Island, also in Okinawa.

The U.S. Marine Corps said the emergency landing on the small islet was due to "indications of the main rotor moving at too high a speed."

The UH-1 transport helicopter touched down just 100 meters away from a residential house, renewing concerns and anger among locals in Okinawa about the safety of U.S. military hardware owing to the increasing frequency of potentially fatal mishaps and accidents recently.

Both helicopters are based at the controversial U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which is central to a protracted row between the local and central governments about its relocation from the densely populated Ginowan district, to the coastal Henoko region also on the island.

Japan's public broadcaster NHK said that according to defense ministry officials, the U.S. side explained to local police investigating the accident Monday that the emergency landing was a result of an instrument in the cockpit indicating a fault with the aircraft.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 19:58:07|Editor: Lifang

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XIAMEN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The tourism industry continued to boom in China in 2017, generating revenue of 5.4 trillion yuan (about 832 billion U.S. dollars), according to Li Jinzao, head of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) at a tourism conference in Xiamen in east China's Fujian Province Monday.

On average, every Chinese person made 3.7 trips last year, Li said.

Over 5 billion trips were made across China last year, generating a total estimated revenue of 4.57 trillion yuan in 2017 -- a 69-percent jump from 2012 and average annual growth of 15.8 percent over the past five years. Meanwhile, 129 million overseas trips were made last year.

Tourism has created more than 80 million jobs and became an important industry to help the economy and reduce poverty, Li said.

To better regulate the domestic tourism market, CNTA downgraded three 5A tourist destinations and warned or criticized more than 400 scenic areas for poor service and substandard hygiene over the past three years, Li said.

He also introduced a three-step goal for China's tourism industry to lead China to become a strong tourism country by 2040.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 20:23:18|Editor: Lifang

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COLOMBO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday opened the sluice gates of the island's largest water reservoir, designed and constructed by PowerChina, in Moragahakanda, in the island's Central Province.

The president and prime minister were accompanied by Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, Sri Lankan government ministers, officials from the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and foreign dignitaries.

Sirisena praised the hard work undertaken by PowerChina, a leader in China's hydropower industry, throughout the construction process.

PowerChina's Euro-Asia Vice General- Manager Pan Dengyu told Xinhua that the Moragahakanda Project started construction in July 2012, and it will be used mainly for irrigation, water supply and electricity generation.

"The project will not only boost the agricultural production in central and northern Sri Lanka, but it will also guarantee domestic water and industrial water, as well as improving the electricity conditions for local residents," Pan said.

The water holding capacity for the Moragahakanda water reservoir is 570 million cubic meters and the reservoir will also create a favorable environment for tourism and will promote inland fishing.

The water from this reservoir will irrigate dry land in faraway Vanni in the Northern Province and Rajarata, Wayamba, Central and Eastern Provinces.

The project will also generate 25 MW in hydropower to the national grid.

Kumara Perera, 45, a local farmer from Polonnaruwa who attended the opening ceremony, said he was awaiting the opening of the Moragahakanda Project as it would ensure a continuous water supply into his village.

He said his village had been facing a drought for several months and as a result, crops had dried up.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 20:33:20|Editor: Zhou Xin

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AMMAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China will launch a cultural centre to promote Chinese culture in Jordan and to enhance ties between the two countries, Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Pan Weifang said Monday.

The ambassador made the remarks at a press conference with Jordanian Culture Minister Nabih Shuqum, where the two sides signed a deal for the launch of the center in the Jordanian capital of Amman.

The center, which serves to promote the Chinese cultural and boost cultural exchange between the two sides, will provide training opportunities on Chinese calligraphy, handicrafts, art, language, literature, books and movies, among other activities, the Chinese ambassador said.

"A wide array of performances, exhibitions and cultural activities will be held by the center to familiarise Jordanians with the Chinese culture and boost ties in this regard," said the ambassador, adding that the center would function as a cultural bridge between the two nations.

The Jordanian minister voiced appreciation to China for its support to Jordan, adding that the kingdom was determined on boosting cultural exchange with China.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 20:43:28|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Visiting French President Emmanuel Macron will present his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping with a horse as a national gift, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Monday.

"We express our thanks and appreciation for this friendly move," Lu told a regular news briefing, adding that Macron's visit was of "great significance."

Both sides attach great importance to this visit and pledge to further develop bilateral ties, Lu said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 20:58:34|Editor: Zhou Xin

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GUANGZHOU, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Ninety-four "zombie companies" in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, were declared bankrupt, the city's Intermediate People's Court said Monday.

Most of them, including 74 state-owned enterprises, were established in the 1980s and 1990s.

These enterprises, making great losses for years, have ceased or suspended production, and survived on government subsidies and bank loans.

Guangzhou Intermediate People's Court set up a tribunal last year to deal with "zombie" cases.

A total of 363 applications for bankrupt and compulsory liquidation have been received, and 189 cases were accepted by the court in 2017, said Wu Xiaoping, vice president of the court.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 20:58:35|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced Monday a new policy to ensure zero growth of steel capacity in 2018.

The new policy forbids plants from increasing capacity.

In environmentally sensitive areas of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, steel plants should remove at least 1.25 tonnes of outdated capacity for every 1 tonne of new capacity.

Steel profits improved amid capacity cuts in 2017.

"In the January-November period last year, combined net profits in the ferrous metal smelting and rolling sector rose 180 percent year on year to about 314 billion yuan (about 48 billion U.S. dollars)," said a MIIT statement.

The steel sector must focus on quality and profits while cutting overcapacity, it said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 21:03:39|Editor: Lifang

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BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people were wounded Monday when mortar rounds hits an ethnically mixed city in Iraq's central province of Salahudin, a security and a lawmaker said.

During the day, several mortar rounds landed on the city of Tuz-Khurmato, some 90 km east of Salahudin's provincial capital Tikrit, leaving 12 people wounded, including three women and two children, along with damaging several houses in the city, a provincial security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The mortar attack forced the city's authorities to close the doors of the schools for the day to avoid casualties among the students, the source said.

The ethnically-mixed city of Tuz-Khurmato is mostly made up of Turkoman Shiite as well as sizable Kurdish and Sunni Arab population.

Previously, the city witnessed repeated clashes between the Kurds and Shiite militias, as the city and surrounding areas are part of the disputed areas outside the Kurdistan region.

Meanwhile, the Turkoman Member of Parliament Jasim Mohammed Jaafar from the leading Shiite parliamentary bloc of National Alliance, confirmed the mortar attack on Tuz-Khurmato and accused Kurdish militants of carrying out series of mortar attacks on the city after the Iraqi federal security forces retook control of the city from the Kurdish Peshmerga.

"These mortar rounds were launched by Kurdish gangs," Jaafar said, demanding reinforcement of federal troops to be dispatched immediately to stop such attacks on civilians.

Tuz-Khurmato is part of disputed areas claimed by the Kurds and both Arabs and Turkomans. The Kurds want to incorporate the areas on the edge of their Kurdistan region, but their move is fiercely opposed by Baghdad government and non-Kurdish residents.

On Oct. 16, the Iraqi security forces fully redeployed in Tuz-Khurmato after the withdrawal of Kurdish Peshmerga forces, at the same day when the Iraqi forces redeployed on the nearby oil-rich province of Kirkuk.

The mortar barrage on the city came as tensions are running high between Baghdad government and the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan after the Kurdish region held a controversial referendum on independence of Kurdistan and disputed areas.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 21:08:42|Editor: Lu Hui

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Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang (Photo: www.fmprc.gov.cn)

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China said Monday that it expected that Japan could meet it "half-way" to improve bilateral ties this year.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily press briefing, when commenting on reports that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently said that he wanted 2018 to be the year which people in Japan and China saw a "great improvement" in bilateral relations.

Lu said that China has noted the positive remarks and hoped Japan would act upon the four political documents and four-point principled consensus between China and Japan, and seize the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, to create favorable conditions for bilateral exhange and cooperation.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 21:13:44|Editor: Lifang

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NANJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A consumer right group has brought Chinese tech firm Baidu to court accusing its two apps "snooping on consumers' personal information," according to the court source.

The Nanjing Intermediate People's Court in east China's Jiangsu Province confirmed on Monday that it has accepted a lawsuit filed by the Jiangsu provincial consumer rights protection committee.

The committee accused the Beijing Baidu Netcom Science and Technology Co. Ltd. of ignoring an instruction to remove some functionality from Baidu Mobile and Baidu Browser apps which monitor users' contacts and activity.

The committee began an investigation in July last year into "snooping" by 27 app developers. The other 26 firms all took measures to remove or optimize functions to adhere to the committee's instructions.

Such application violates consumers' rights by leaking their personal information, often directly resulting in telemarketing calls and telecom fraud, the committee said.

The committee's suit states that collection and use of consumers information must comply with laws on consumer protection and Internet security.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 21:28:51|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China has made the utmost efforts in the search and rescue operations after two vessels collided off China's east coast,a foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday in Beijing.

Rescuers found one body this morning at around 10: 30 am, spokesperson Lu Kang said at a daily press briefing.

The collision, between a Panama-registered oil tanker and a Hong Kong-registered freighter, occurred at around 8 p.m. Saturday in waters about 160 sea miles east of the Yangtze estuary.

Thirty-two crew members, including 30 Iranian nationals and two Bangladeshi nationals, are missing.

"We have sent several rescue vessels to the scene," Lu said, while expressing gratitude for other countries' assistance in the rescue mission.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 21:28:52|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SHIJIAZHUANG, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Hejian, a city in northern China famed for its donkey burgers, has vowed to punish fake meat producers following media reports.

Chinese media reported that some butchers in Hejian, in northern China's Hebei province, used mule, horse and pig meat and sold them as donkey meat, mostly to restaurants in Beijing, reports said.

Hejian government called an emergency meeting on Monday and began an investigation.

Donkey burger is a famous delicacy in northern China, dating back several hundred years.An Israeli soldier fires tear gas near one of the entrances to Israel's Offer prison in the West Bank village of Betunia as Palestinian protesters call for the release of prominent Palestinian campaigners on December 28, 2017. (AFP Photo)

JERUSALEM, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A total of 35 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip at Israel in 2017, compared with 15 in 2016 and 21 in 2015, according to the statistics from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the number of "terror" attacks either in the West Bank or by "terrorists" who came from the West Bank totaled 99 in 2017, a substantial drop from 269 in 2016 and 226 in 2015, the IDF statistics reported.

The IDF said that 20 people were killed and 169 wounded in "terror" attacks in 2017, while 17 killed and 263 wounded in 2016. In 2015, in total, 28 people were killed and 360 wounded.

A total of 42 weapon workshops which were believed to have been used to manufacture firearms were uncovered or sealed, while 455 guns that were illegally owned by Palestinians were confiscated by the Israeli army, according to the IDF figures.

In retaliation to the rocket attacks, the IDF struck 59 targets in the Gaza Strip in 2017, including rocket launches and training camps, weapons production sites, observation posts and more, according to the IDF's figures.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 21:38:55|Editor: Zhou Xin

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Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang (C) meets with a U.S. Chamber of Commerce delegation in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2018. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang Monday expressed hope that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce would continue to play a positive role in strengthening bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with a U.S. Chamber of Commerce delegation in Beijing.

"As the two largest economies in the world, China and the United States share broad common interests," Wang said, noting that cooperation was the only correct choice for both sides.

"The successful exchange of visits between the heads of state of the two countries last year has promoted the sound development of Sino-U.S. relations," Wang said.

He said he hoped that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce would continue to make new contributions to the long-term stability and development of China-U.S. economic cooperation.Iran holds Saudi, Israel and U.S. responsible for fanning flames of Mideast unrest. (AFP Photo)

TEHRAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A security conference on the west Asia region situation kicked off in Iran's capital Tehran on Monday.

The one-day event, held with the slogan of "Regional Security in West Asia; Emerging Challenges and Trends," is the second of its kind in less than one year organized by the Islamic republic.

More than 200 Iranian and international political figures and experts have attended the "Second Tehran Security Conference 2018."

In the opening remarks, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Israel are fanning the flames of regional crises through their interventionist policies, state TV reported.

Zarif also denounced what he called the U.S. "interventionist" strategies as one of the most substantive security challenges.

"The U.S. is still ignorant of objective facts across the region, and insists on pursuing its destructive and tension-creating policies through its illegitimate military presence on Syrian soil," he added.

Besides, he pointed out the continued occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel as the most critical issue facing the region.

"All issues are either directly or indirectly affected by this predicament and the oppression that has been forced upon the people of Palestine over the past 70 years," he said, dismissing Washington's recent move to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The move by the United States is an open declaration of hostility towards Muslims and an opportunity for the spread of extremism and terrorism in the region, Zarif stressed.What would happen if Democrats were told that the Republican Tax Bill they hate was actually from Bernie Sanders? Would they support it then? Documentary filmmaker Ami Horowitz took to the streets of New York's East Village to find out.21 civilians were killed on Monday by airstrikes on the rebel-held province of Idlib in northwestern Syria. (AFP Photo)

DAMASCUS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 civilians were killed Monday by airstrikes on the rebel-held province of Idlib in northwestern Syria, a monitor group reported.

Half of the killed in the airstrikes that targeted the countryside of Idlib were children and women, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, accusing Russian and Syrian warplanes of carrying out the airstrikes.

There were no official comments from the Syrian government.

The airstrikes came just hours after a deadly blast in Idlib killed 34 people, including 18 civilians, according to the Observatory.

The overnight blast targeted a position of the Agnad al-Caucaus rebel group, which is allied with the al-Qaida-linked Levant Liberation Committee (LLC).

No party claimed responsibility for the bombing, but it's apparently a rebel-on-rebel operation, especially now that the LLC is accusing the Agnad group of backing down on supporting the LLC in their battles in Idlib against the government forces and other rival groups.

The Syrian army has been on a wide-scale offensive in the southern countryside of Idlib, capturing tens of towns and villages over the past two months.

The recent military victory was achieved on Sunday when the Syrian army captured the strategic town of Sinjar, which enables the government forces to advance toward capturing the key air base of Abu al-Duhur.

Idlib has emerged as the main destination of the rebel groups, which have evacuated several positions across Syria after surrendering to the Syrian army.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 22:09:03|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TAIPEI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's exports in 2017 totaled 317.39 billion U.S. dollars, up 13.2 percent from a year earlier, and imports rose 12.6 percent year on year, both registering the highest growth rate in seven years.

Taiwan's trade surplus reached 57.88 billion dollars in 2017, up 8.13 billion dollars from 2016, the island's finance authority said Monday.

Exports in sectors such as electronic components, basic metals, machinery, communication and audio-visual devices, plastic and rubber products recorded strong growth in 2017.

The island's exports of electronic components set a record high of 107.2 billion dollars in 2017, up 15.5 percent from 2016.

Taiwan's exports in December 2017 rose 29.51 billion dollars, up 14.8 percent from a year earlier, the 15th consecutive monthly increase on the back of a strong economic recovery worldwide.

The Chinese mainland and Hong Kong remain Taiwan's largest trade partners, together importing 130.28 billion dollars from Taiwan, up 16 percent from 2016.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 22:29:06|Editor: Lifang

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SOFIA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sofia Commodity Exchange (SCE), the largest fast liquidity exchange market in Bulgaria, here on Monday reported a fourfold increase in its turnover last year.

In 2017, the annual turnover of the SCE amounted to 266.03 million Bulgarian lev (some 162.8 million U.S. dollars) and the number of deals reached 704, Vasil Simov, its Chief Executive Director told a press conference.

In 2016, the figures stood at 66.49 million lev and 494 deals respectively, Simov said.

Simov attributed the fourfold turnover jump to the increased activity of the participants of the commodity exchange.

To a great extent, the growth was also stimulated by the revival of some industries in Bulgaria, Simov added.

According to the SCE's annual review for 2017, which was presented during the press conference, deals with fuels and oil products were worth 248.79 million lev, while the grain trade and trade in chemical products amounted to 3.54 million lev and 3.34 million lev respectively. (1 U.S. dollar=1.63 Bulgarian lev)Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 22:34:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TIRANA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Albania has sent a second patrol vessel of its naval fleet to support the NATO-led operations the Aegean Sea, sources from defense ministry confirmed to Xinhua on Monday.

The ship ALS Butrinti departed Saturday from Pashaliman Base in southern Albania to head to the Aegean Sea and join Alliance forces.

Such operation comes in the framework of Albania's commitment to extend its first-ever maritime mission with NATO as part of the international efforts to stop illegal trafficking and migration in the Aegean Sea, sources said.

The ministry also said in a Monday press release that the mission's extension was decided following the very positive results and performance of the crew of Albanian Oriku patrol boat over the past year.

Oriku patrol boat helped in saving hundreds of people in Aegean last year, namely immigrants from Syria or other conflict zones who tried to reach Europe.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 22:49:11|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told a cabinet meeting in Athens on Monday that there was a window of opportunity for the solution in 2018 to the decades-old name dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over the Balkan state's name.

"We have a window for solution as long as the shift made by our neighbors proves to be sincere. If achieved this solution will be for the benefit of peace and cooperation in the Balkans," the Greek premier said according to an emailed press release.

Athens is going into the negotiations with FYROM on the name issue with the same position presented in 2007-2008, which calls for a compound name with a geographical qualifier for use in relations to everyone, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said during the cabinet meeting, according to Greek national news agency AMNA citing sources.

Kotzias will receive FYROM's Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bujar Osmani on Tuesday in Athens ahead of a new round of talks between diplomats of both sides in New York next week with UN special mediator Matthew Nimetz.

The intensified contacts between the two countries in recent months and the statements made by officials in Athens, Skopje and Nimetz have fuelled hope that the UN-mediated dialogue this time may end successful.

FYROM Prime Minister Zoran Zaev expressed optimism that a solution can be found by the end of the first semester of 2018, speaking during an interview aired on Greek Alpha television on late Sunday.

Zaev spent the New Year holidays in the northern Greece city port of Thessaloniki invited by the local Mayor.

The longstanding dispute between the two neighbors started when FYROM declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and chose the name Macedonia which is also the name of a northern Greek province.

Following last year's elections at FYROM Zaev has said that his government intends to solve the name dispute in order to open the way for the country's accession to NATO and the European Union.File Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump (L) talks with French President Emmanuel Macron (R) during the annual Bastille Day military parade on the Concorde Square in Paris, France on July 14, 2017. (Xinhua/Jack Chan)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The White House said Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron over phone Saturday about the issues of the Korean Peninsula and Iran.

Trump updated Macron on the developments of the situation on the Peninsula, underscoring the "international resolve to achieve the complete denuclearization" of the Peninsula, according to the White House.

The two presidents also talked about the demonstrations in Iran.

Iran had earlier blasted back at the U.S. stance on the demonstrations inside Iran, with its ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo slamming the U.S. government's attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic, Tasnim news agency reported Thursday.

Trump said Saturday that he is willing to talk with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and that he supports the talks between the two Koreas next week.

The remarks have shelved his often-bellicose rhetoric on Kim. Since he took office last January, the Trump administration has resorted to hawkish and threatening rhetoric against the DPRK, and has sent warships and conducted joint military drills with South Korea.

Such moves, along with the DPRK's sixth nuclear test and several missile launches, have sent the situation on the peninsula to a simmering extent.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 22:59:13|Editor: Liangyu

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st R) pose for a group photo with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd L) and his wife Brigitte Macron at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2018. Xi met with Macron in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing Monday evening.

Xi said Macron's visit to China, as his first visit to Asia at the start of year, showed that he was "paying high attention to the China-France relationship."

France was the first Western power to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

"Chairman Mao Zedong and General Charles de Gaulle made a historic decision with remarkable political foresight to forge diplomatic ties in 1964," Xi said. "The decision not only changed the world pattern at that time, but also has effects on the world development nowadays."

"In the new era, we should follow the spirit of being responsible for history, stick to the right path so as to move toward a bright future of China-French ties," Xi said.

Stressing that there are many uncertainties in today's world, Xi said China advocated the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, while France had similar views.

"The two countries can enhance political mutual trust and fully tap the potential of cooperation transcending differences on the social system, development stage and culture," he said.

China stands ready to work closely with France to enhance cooperation including that under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi said.

He said that China attached importance to coordination with France on major international issues in the hope of promoting world stability and prosperity.

Macron said he was willing to exchange views with Xi on France-China relations and major international issues, during his first state visit to China.

He said he hoped to increase mutual trust and advance France-China relations and EU-China relations via the visit.

"France would like to take an active part in the Belt and Road Initiative," said Macron, adding that France would work with China to address common challenges of the international community such as climate change.

He said he believed that his visit to China would be a new milestone in the history of France-China relations.

Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Macron's wife Brigitte Macron also attended the meeting.

The French president is paying a state visit to China from Monday to Wednesday. He arrived in Beijing Monday afternoon after a half-day visit to China's northwestern city Xi'an.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 23:04:15|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ATHENS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- An Athens court on Monday temporarily suspended the asylum status granted to one of the eight Turkish military officers seeking refuse in Greece.

"We are not afraid of the independent Greek justice. All we are asking for is our lives not to become part of a political game," the Turkish officers told Greek newspaper Vima (Tribune) through lawyers.

The Athens Administrative Court of Appeals accepted the Greek state's request to temporarily suspend the decision taken by an administrative asylum committee in late December to grant asylum to one of the eight servicemen who fled to Greece on the night of the failed coup attempt in Turkey.

The government's request was accepted on Monday for "reasons of public interest, but also in the interests of the Turkish serviceman," the court said.

The officer will remain in custody with the other seven until final verdicts on their asylum applications are issued.

In January 2017, Greece's Supreme Court ruled against the extradition of the eight men to Ankara where they are branded as traitors.

Since July 2016, the eight officers denied any involvement in the failed coup plot and expressed fear for their safety should they return to Turkey.

Their lawyers said the men intend to bring their case to the Council of State, Greece's top administrative court, if their asylum bids are rejected by appeals courts.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 23:39:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LUSAKA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Zambian ministers on Monday pledged allegiance to President Edgar Lungu that they will stand with him.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Kampamba Mulenga said contrary to social media reports that the cabinet was crumbling, the ministers have resolved to remain loyal to the Zambian leader.

Last week, Harry Kalaba resigned as foreign affairs minister citing failure to fight corruption, fueling speculation that more ministers were expected to follow suit.

Mulenga, also chief government spokesperson, told reporters after a cabinet meeting that the ministers reassured Lungu of their loyalty and faith in his administration.

"Unlike speculations on social media that cabinet is crumbling and more ministers are to resign, cabinet is not crumbling, it is not true as we are standing by his excellence," she said.

Lungu on Monday appointed Joe Malanji, a Member of Parliament for the governing party Patriotic Front (PF) and a business executive, as the new foreign minister.

He also appointed Alexander Chiteme, another ruling party lawmaker as new national development planning minister, replacing Lucky Mulusa who was fired.

The president has also challenged members of the PF who were not ready to serve under him to leave the party.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 23:44:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, speaks at the closing of a workshop at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2018. The workshop, which focused on "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" and the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress, was attended by newly-elected members and alternate members of the CPC Central Committee, as well as provincial and ministerial-level officials. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials of the Communist Party of China (CPC) attending a workshop at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee have been urged to "resolutely defend General Secretary Xi Jinping's core status in the CPC Central Committee and the whole Party."

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks Monday at the closing of the workshop attended by newly-elected members and alternate members of the CPC Central Committee, as well as provincial and ministerial-level officials.

"Senior officials must uphold the authority of the Central Committee and its centralized and unified leadership, and align themselves with the Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core in terms of political stance, direction, principle and path," Wang said.

The four-day workshop focused on "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" and the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress.

Wang stressed the importance of in-depth understanding of "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" with a historical perspective.

"We should take consideration of the historic achievements and profound changes the Party and the country have witnessed, the striving history of the CPC and the history of the Chinese nation, as well as the evolution of socialism worldwide and the development of human society," he said.

The officials were also told to strengthen their consciousness of the need to think in big-picture terms and implement the goals set at the 19th CPC National Congress.

Wang asked them to fully grasp the new requirements and to use what they learned at the workshop to continue to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.More than 70 pro-life groups participated calling it Peace in the Womb. The idea is simple. They desire to bring the hope and joy of Christmas to one of the worlds darkest places, the abortion clinic, in the hope that familiar sounds of Christmas carols might save a life.

Does singing Christmas carols outside of abortion clinics seem like an unusual new tradition throughout the country? White it might appear so to some, during the month of December groups sang Christmas carols at abortion clinics where unborn babies had their lives terminated.

While supporters of life sang Christmas carols like Silent Night and Away in the Manager, escorts (some paid employees of the abortion clinics) stood guard outside the abortion clinics. There seem to be no other medical facilities where staff assists patients entering in case they have second thoughts.



The snuffing out of an innocent life through abortion should be of great concern to all who value life whether born or unborn. One of the most important campaign promises made by President Donald Trump was the protection of unborn life.

H.B. 490 (Heartbeat Bill) has 170 co-sponsors in U.S. House

An important pro-life bill has gained attention in the U.S. House. Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund, founded in 1981 by Phyllis Schlafly, has been one of the leaders at the forefront of supporting the federal Heartbeat Bill (H.B. 490), sponsored by Rep. Steve King. The organization, headed by president Ed Martin, worked alongside Janet Porter's Faith2Action and the Children First Foundation in gaining Congressional support for the Heartbeat Bill.

As of 11-01-2017, H.B. 490 had 170 co-sponsors. H.B. 490 also has more public support than any other pro-life bill. Pro-life leaders in Congress understand the importance of this bill. Simply put, the Heartbeat Bill ensures that "if a heartbeat is detected, the baby is protected." For to deny the child's beating heart is to deny science. To ignore it is heartless.

Another pro-life bill under consideration that likewise protects pre-born children, the Pain Capable Bill (HR 36), would only protect babies after five months, which amounts to only 1.3% of the babies facing abortion, according to CDC statistics.

According to the father of the pro-life movement, the late Dr. John Willke, the Heartbeat Bill will protect 95% of the babies who would otherwise be aborted. Simply recognizing this universal indicator of life-a heartbeat-is the most effective way to "Make America Safe Again."

As Dr. Willke stated, "When I founded the pro-life movement, it wasn't to regulate how abortions would be done, it was to bring the abortion killing to an END. We have waited too long and that wait has cost too much."

The Eighth Circuit of Appeals has declared that the heartbeat is more "consistent and certain "indicator of life than "viability," the arbitrary standard the U.S. Supreme Court currently uses to allow legal protection of children in the womb.

Join the March for Life Chicago 2018

Plan to do your part in rallying with thousands of like-minded patriots who support the life of the unborn on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at the Chicago March for Life from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL Participants will come together from across Chicago and the Midwest to defend, protect and celebrate LIFE. You will march in peace through the streets of Chicago with people from diverse ethnic, social and religious backgrounds, but all dedicated to defending and protecting all human life. For as Dr. Mildred Jefferson, Pro-Life Activist and Heroine said:

The fight for the right to life is not the cause of a special few, but the cause of every man, woman and child who cares not only about his or her own family, but the whole family of man."

Keynote speaker will be Ramona Trevino, former Planned Parenthood Director, author of Redeemed by Grace. Sheila Liaugminus, host of Relevant Radio talk show, "A Closer Look" will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Among the speakers will be His Eminence Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago.







Rauner's Taxpayer Abortions the Last Straw

Foremost on the minds of those who will gather in Chicago on Sunday, January 14, 2018 is a bill known as H.B. 40 that Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law on Thursday, September 28, 2017, to expand taxpayer-subsidized abortions, angering many Republicans (especially conservatives) who accused Rauner of breaking his promise to veto the bill. Conservative Republicans immediately called Rauner an incompetent, failed governor destined to serve only one term.

H.B. 40 expands taxpayer-subsidized abortions for women covered by Medicaid and state employee insurance. The state already covers abortions in cases of rape, incest and when there is a threat to the health and life of the mother. The law expands the Medicaid coverage beyond those limited cases. Illinois Right to Life, which opposed the bill, projected that the measure could mean 12,000 additional abortions per year. Another group, however, put the figure at 3,800 a year.

The expansion of public funding for abortions is opposed by those who say it violates a longstanding principle that taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for a procedure that they might oppose on moral or religious grounds. But supporters of the legislation say the limits on abortions for women who are covered by Medicaid or state employee insurance create unfair burdens and hurdles.

While Rauner could have expected criticism on the abortion issue, conservative Republicans went beyond simply accusing him of breaking his veto pledge. Conservatives groups and individuals throughout the state Illinois wasted no time in pledging that they could not support Governor Rauner's re-election, whereupon the recruitment of Jeanne Ives followed.

Pro-life Jeanne Ives challenges pro-abortion Governor Bruce Rauner

For those who are not familiar with Jeanne Ives, the following article appearing in Illinois Review on Wednesday, December 27th is worth your time to read, Rauner challenger says she's not heartless, she's got a heart for state's taxpayers. In the article Ives said her main priority as a candidate is to let voters from one end of Illinois to the other know that how public policy affects their bank accounts matters.

As a West Point graduate of the Class of 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, Jeanne Ives went on to serve in the U.S. Army. Her assignments included platoon leader and headquarters detachment commander for transportation units in Germany and ROTC instructor at Wheaton College. Ives resigned from the Army in 1993 to raise her children, while working as a tax advisor and bookkeeper for small businesses and individuals.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 23:59:28|Editor: Liangyu

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) poses for a photo with explosives expert Wang Zeshan (R) and virologist Hou Yunde, winners of China's top science award, at the National Science and Technology Award Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2018. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Two Chinese scientists, explosives expert Wang Zeshan and virologist Hou Yunde, won China's top science award Monday for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation.

President Xi Jinping presented award certificates to them at an annual ceremony held in Beijing to honor distinguished scientists and research achievements.

He shook hands with them and offered congratulations.

Other leaders, including Li Keqiang, Zhang Gaoli and Wang Huning, were also present.

Monday's ceremony honored 271 projects and nine scientists with national prizes.

Seven foreign scientists won the International Science and Technology Cooperation Awards.

On behalf of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, Premier Li Keqiang extended congratulations to the prize winners and thanked foreign experts for their support to China's science and technology development.

While addressing the ceremony, Li called for more scientific and technological research in major disease prevention and control to improve people's well-being.

He said that more efforts should be made in food safety and pollution control to enable people to live a better life.

Li called for building China's strength in science and technology and urged increasing basic scientific research, diversifying investment in research and development, boosting integration of basic and applied sciences and enhancing innovative ability.

The Premier said China would pursue international cooperation in science and technology and take a more active role in the global innovation network.

"We welcome all kinds of talented people to join China's innovation and entrepreneurship campaign and share the development opportunities and achievements of innovation," he said.

Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli presided over the ceremony, which was attended by about 3,300 people.

Before the ceremony, Xi and other leaders met with representatives of the winners.

Also on Monday, Vice Premier Liu Yandong met with the seven scientists from the United States, Britain, Uzbekistan and Sweden who have won the International Science and Technology Cooperation Awards, and presented the medals to them.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-08 23:59:28|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's nuclear chief said Monday that Iran might reconsider its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) if the United States fails to respect its commitments under 2015 nuclear deal, Iran Daily reported.

"If the United States does not meet its commitment in the JCPOA, nuclear deal, the Islamic Republic of Iran would take decisions that might affect its current cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency," Ali Akbar Salehi told IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano in a telephone conversation.

Besides, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Monday that Washington tried to destroy the nuclear deal last year and may destroy it in the coming days.

"It has been more than a year since the U.S. president sought to destroy the JCPOA with all his efforts," said Araqchi, adding that "In Iran, we are prepared for any scenario."

If the U.S. administration decides to breach the nuclear deal, "the international community and our region will be the biggest loser, since a successful experience in the international arena will be lost," he said.

"Our region will not become a safer region without the JCPOA," he stressed.

On Oct. 13, Trump announced that he had decided to decertify Iran's compliance with the Iran nuclear deal reached in 2015, a move that did not pull the United States out of the deal but triggered a 60-day window for Congress to decide whether to reimpose nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, even it means violating the deal on the U.S. side.

In the past two months, the U.S. Congress did not come up with any resolution to reimpose sanctions.

With no action from Congress, the ball was passed back to Trump, who should decide in mid-January if he would like to waive energy sanctions on Iran.

The nuclear deal was reached between Iran and the six world powers of Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany in July 2015.

So far, the deal has helped defuse the Iran nuclear crisis and bolstered the international non-proliferation regime.

The IAEA, tasked to monitor Iran's nuclear activities, has certified eight times Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 00:04:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers Monday found a body in waters near a collision between two vessels off China's east coast Saturday evening, according to the Ministry of Transport.

The body is believed to be one of the 32 crew members from oil tanker SANCHI, which belongs to an Iranian shipping company and was carrying 136,000 tonnes of condensate oil at the time of the collision, according to the ministry.

"Later, identity check and body transfer will be carried out according to procedures," the ministry said.

The ministry has made all-out efforts to search for the missing and expanded the circle of the search, it said.

As of Monday afternoon, 13 rescue vessels were searching an area of 900 square nautical miles, amid rain and strong wind.

SANCHI caught fire in the collision and was still burning Monday afternoon, the ministry said.

The collision between the Panama-registered oil tanker and a Hong Kong-registered bulk freighter occurred around 8 p.m. Saturday in waters about 160 nautical miles east of the Yangtze River estuary.

The 32 SANCHI missing crew members comprise 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis.

All 21 crew members on the bulk freighter -- all Chinese nationals -- were rescued, according to the ministry.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 00:09:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LUANDA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Angolan president Joao Lourenco on Monday described international terrorism as a main threat, while prescribing austerity as a cure to the struggling economy.

The president, who was speaking during an interview by journalists in state palace, said Angola is working to prevent the country from being affected by international terrorism.

Lourenco's interview has mainly focused on his 100 days of governance marked by economic reforms and the dismissal of Isabel dos Santos, daughter of the former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos, as head of the state-run oil company.

Lourenco considered austerity as a way to reverse the country's current economic and financial crisis and to boost diversification of the national economy.

Lourenco also underlined that the country intends to privatize all the non-lucrative public enterprises.

Lourenco is the third president of Angola since independence in 1975. He was elected in the general elections of August 23, 2017.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 00:14:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ROME, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Center-right parties in Italy agreed to forge a coalition ahead of general elections scheduled on March 4, according to political sources and media on Monday.

The electoral bloc would comprise Forza Italia (FI) party of former premier and media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi, anti-immigration Northern League, and minor right-wing Fratelli d'Italia (FdI) party, Ansa news agency reported.

The deal was announced by FI in a statement late on Sunday, after the leaders of the forces involved held talks at Berlusconi's residence in Arcore near Milan.

The center-right coalition is currently leading in opinion polls, and would be worth about 35 percent of the vote.

Under a new electoral law approved last year -- favoring coalitions instead of single parties -- about 40 percent of votes would be necessary to govern, although no majority premium was due to be allocated to the winning side.

Berlusconi, 81, is barred from public office after a definite conviction for tax fraud in 2013. Yet, he would nonetheless play a crucial role for center-right forces in the campaign, and, within the alliance, his FI party was expected to gain the largest share of seats in parliament.

None of the biggest parties are seen as strong enough to govern alone in Italy. Opinion polls led by SWG Institute and Index Research in mid-December showed anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) was the most popular single party with about 26 percent.

Center-left Democratic Party (PD) -- which ruled the cabinets in the latest legislature -- followed with about 25 percent of the votes, while Forza Italia (FI) gathered about 15 percent.CAPE TOWN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Monday celebrated 20 years of diplomatic relations with China, pledging to explore more opportunities for win-win cooperation.

President Jacob Zuma took the opportunity to express his hope to further reinforce the well-established relations.

More opportunities remain to be tapped to create win-win cooperation for both countries, the president said.

"The government and the people of the Republic of South Africa join me in conveying to the government and people of the People's Republic of China our warmest greetings," Zuma said.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) also issued a statement to mark the occasion.

"Over the past 20 years, the two countries achieved a significant number of bilateral cooperation agreements in areas including trade, investment, economic and people-to-people relations," DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela said in the statement.

South Africa and China established diplomatic ties on January 1, 1998.

In the previous two decades, the two countries have assumed increased strategic significance, starting with a Partnership in 2000, to a Strategic Partnership in 2004 and ultimately to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2010 when the two sides signed the Beijing Declaration, Monyela said.

He said the year of 2017 saw South Africa and China strengthening friendship through the inaugural of South Africa-China High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism which took place in Pretoria, South Africa in April.

Also last year, South Africa advanced the China-Africa partnership by continuing to co-chair the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and working towards the implementation of the outcomes of the 2015 FOCAC Johannesburg Summit, while China successfully hosted the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, said Monyela.

South Africa is scheduled to host the 10th BRICS Summit in 2018.

With bilateral trade continuing to grow, China has been South Africa's biggest trade partner for eight years running.

According to the latest official figures provided by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, bilateral trade volume stood at 35.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, with China exporting goods worth 12.8 billion dollars, and importing goods worth 22.5 billion dollars.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 00:19:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TAIPEI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A rail service in Taipei was suspended Monday evening as protesters against an amendment to the labor rule laid on the tracks, with more than 10,000 travelers affected.

Braving rain and low temperature, hundreds of people led by the "May 1 Action Coalition" -- an alliance of trade unions and labor-rights advocacy groups -- gathered outside the legislative body building in Taipei Monday to protest against the amendment.

The Democratic Progressive Party administration's amendment to the labor rule has triggered huge controversy in Taiwan. The protesters said the amendment would leave workers more vulnerable to overtime abuse, and none of the proposed revisions would benefit workers.

The amendment will allow employers to force their employees to work longer, and reduce the rest time between shifts from 11 hours to eight, the protesters said.

Sporadic clashes broke out between protesters and the police.

A total of 19 trains were affected in the evening, as more than 10 protesters laid on the tracks in Taipei Main Station at around 6:30 p.m. The protesters were carried away by police at 8 p.m.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 00:19:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GAZA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The armed wing of Hamas movement, known as al-Qassam Brigades, on Monday sent a letter in Hebrew via Twitter to the mother of an Israeli soldier, who has been missing in Gaza since 2014.

The group said in a letter written in Hebrew on its Twitter account "The residents of Gaza, mothers, fathers and children don't accept abducting bodies because it's inhuman."

Every mother wants to visit her son's grave, said the letter, which addressed the mother of the missing Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin.

"Leah Goldin, if you want to see your son go to your government because it hides the fact," it said.

Golden was apparently killed during a large-scale Israeli air and ground military offensive waged on the Gaza Strip during the summer of 2014, which left more than 2,000 Palestinians and more than 70 Israelis killed, and thousands injured.

During the war, Hamas armed wing announced that it holds two Israeli soldiers, without saying if they are dead or alive. Hamas said it only can give information on the Israeli soldiers through a prisoners' swap deal between the two sides.

Hamas wants to exchange the two Israeli soldiers and another two Israeli civilians are captive in its grip for Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails.

In October 2011, Egypt brokered a prisoners' swap deal between Hamas and Israel, where more than 1,000 Palestinians, imprisoned in Israel were freed for the release of an Israeli soldier was abducted in Gaza in 2006.

Hamas leaders in Gaza had repeatedly announced that until now nothing is new in relation to reaching another prisoners' swap deal with Israel to release the four Israelis for the release of Palestinian prisoners.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem on January 7, 2018. (AFP Photo)

GAZA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The armed wing of Hamas movement, known as al-Qassam Brigades, on Monday sent a letter in Hebrew via Twitter to the mother of an Israeli soldier, who has been missing in Gaza since 2014.

The group said in a letter written in Hebrew on its Twitter account "The residents of Gaza, mothers, fathers and children don't accept abducting bodies because it's inhuman."

Every mother wants to visit her son's grave, said the letter, which addressed the mother of the missing Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin.

"Leah Goldin, if you want to see your son go to your government because it hides the fact," it said.

Golden was apparently killed during a large-scale Israeli air and ground military offensive waged on the Gaza Strip during the summer of 2014, which left more than 2,000 Palestinians and more than 70 Israelis killed, and thousands injured.

During the war, Hamas armed wing announced that it holds two Israeli soldiers, without saying if they are dead or alive. Hamas said it only can give information on the Israeli soldiers through a prisoners' swap deal between the two sides.

Hamas wants to exchange the two Israeli soldiers and another two Israeli civilians are captive in its grip for Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails.

In October 2011, Egypt brokered a prisoners' swap deal between Hamas and Israel, where more than 1,000 Palestinians, imprisoned in Israel were freed for the release of an Israeli soldier was abducted in Gaza in 2006.

Hamas leaders in Gaza had repeatedly announced that until now nothing is new in relation to reaching another prisoners' swap deal with Israel to release the four Israelis for the release of Palestinian prisoners.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 00:29:41|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has pressed Pakistan to grant up to one-year extension of the stay of over 1 million registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Afghan diplomats said Monday.

The demand came days after Pakistani cabinet decided to grant only one month extension to the stay of nearly 1.4 million registered refugees in Pakistan.

The Pakistani cabinet in its Jan. 3 meeting granted the extension in the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards that allow registered refugees to stay legally in Pakistan.

The PoR cards expired on Dec. 31, 2017 and under the cabinet's new decision registered Afghan refugees can legally stay in Pakistan until Jan. 31.

The cabinet had also decided that the issue of early repatriation of Afghan refugees should be raised with the UN refugee agency and with the international community.

Afghanistan deputy ambassador to Pakistan Zardasht Shams said over 1 million refugees cannot be sent back home in one month time.

Shams told Xinhua late Monday that the Afghan government is in contact with the Pakistani officials to extend the stay of the registered refugees by one year or at least six months.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has already suspended voluntary repatriation of the refugees from Pakistan for winter break until March, he said.

The cabinet has taken the decision at a time when the documentation of the hundreds of thousands of un-registered refugees is underway in Pakistan.

The Afghan deputy ambassador said about 700,000 unregistered refugees had been documented until Jan. 5. The documentation process, which is going on in 21 centers across Pakistan, is scheduled to conclude on Jan. 31.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 00:49:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ROME, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Italian museums registered a high number of visitors in the first Sunday of 2018, confirming a record upward trend in 2017, Italy's Culture Ministry announced on Monday.

Over 123,000 people visited museums, archaeological and historical sites across the country on Jan. 7, which was the first free-entry Sunday of the new year, official data showed.

Since July 2014, Italy's state-owned museums and heritage places offer free admission to all visitors every first Sunday of each month.

Visitors exceeded the record number of 50 million visitors in all of 2017, bringing some 193.6 million euros (231.8 million U.S. dollars) to state coffers, Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism Dario Franceschini said.

The number of foreign tourists visiting Italian museums also increased by 7.8 percent in number, and 7 percent in terms of spending last year.

"The 2017 will be recalled as a record year for one of our economy's most crucial sectors, which is our duty to support in its growth," Franceschini said.

The minister also stressed the "key role" played by Italy's southern regions within such national trend in 2017. "The Campania region (surrounding Naples) is firmly in the second place in the national ranking, for example," Franceschini said.

"One driving factor has been the regeneration of Pompeii, but a positive performance also marked the management of the Royal Palace of Caserta, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, and (museums of) Capodimonte and Paestum," he added.

Overall, Italian museums and heritage sites have witnessed an upward trend in latest years, from 38.42 million visitors in 2013 to 43.28 million in 2015 and 45.38 million in 2016, according to official statistics.

The most visited places in 2017 were Rome's Colosseum with over 7 million visitors (10 percent annual increase), Pompeii's Archaeological Park with 3.38 million visitors (7.6 percent increase) and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence with 2.2 millions (10.4 percent).Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 01:04:49|Editor: Xiang Bo

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Egyptian National Election Authority (NEA) Chief Lashin Ibrahim (C) speaks during a press conference in Cairo, Egypt, on Jan. 8, 2018. Egypt will hold its 2018 presidential elections from March 26-28, National Election Authority announced on Monday. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Egypt will hold its 2018 presidential elections from March 26-28, National Election Authority (NEA) announced on Monday.

"Elections of Egyptian expatriates will be held on March 16-18," NEA Chief Lashin Ibrahim said in a press conference.

Ibrahim said that candidate registration will start on Jan. 20 and close on Jan. 29, noting that electoral campaigns will kick off on Feb. 22.

Results of the first round will be announced on April 2, Ibrahim said.

In case of runoff, he added, polls will be held from April 19-21 for expatriates and on April 24-26 in Egypt.

"Final results will be announced on May 1," he said.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi took office in mid-2014, a year after he led the ouster of his Islamist predecessor Mohammed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against Morsi's one-year rule and his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Sisi said in November that the 2018 presidential elections would be held in March or April as scheduled, stressing that he will not seek to change the constitutional limit of two four-year presidential terms, thus ruling out a third presidential term for himself.

Although he has yet to formally announce his candidacy for the 2018 election, Sisi is widely expected to do so and to earn a landslide victory due to the absence of competitive challengers in the presidential bid.

A pro-Sisi campaign said in late December that it collected over 12 million signatures of Egyptians, more than 11 percent of the population, supporting Sisi to run for a second presidential term.

Egyptian rights and opposition lawyer Khaled Ali announced in November his intention to join the 2018 presidential race.

However, there is a possibility for Ali's disqualification as he had received a suspended three-month jail term in September over an obscene hand gesture he reportedly made after winning a court order challenging the government.

Former Air Force Commander and ex-Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq, who fled Egypt after narrowly losing to Morsi in the 2012 elections, announced from the United Arab Emirates his intention to run for president.

However, he announced on Sunday his final decision not to run for the presidential elections.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 01:19:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Federation ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zaspekin said Monday that his government has donated 500,000 U.S. dollars to help Lebanese and Syrian children through the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

According to a statement by Prime Minister Saad Hariri's media office, Zaspekin met with Hariri in the Serail with Hariri's adviser in Russian affairs George Chaaban to discuss the latest developments and the ways to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries in 2018.

"We touched on the joint state committee for economic and cultural cooperation conference to be held in Beirut in spring, as well as more cooperation in the military-technical field," Zaspekin said after the meeting.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 01:30:01|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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TRIPOLI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj stressed Monday his support for the action plan proposed by the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, Ghassan Salame.

Serraj made his remarks during a meeting with Salame in the capital Tripoli, where the two officials discussed the latest political developments in the country.

"The prime minister reiterated his support for the mission of the UN envoy and the steps taken to complete the current transitional phase, leading up to the elections and beginning of building a stable Libya," the prime minister's media office said in a statement.

Salame proposed an action plan last September to end the political crisis in Libya. The plan includes amendment of the current UN-sponsored political agreement and holding presidential and parliamentary elections before the end of 2018.

The meeting also discussed the return of internally displaced people of Tawergha city, where Serraj revealed that a mechanism had been developed for their return in February.

"The prime minister said that there is a mechanism to implement the reconciliation agreement between Misurata and Tawergha cities, and that the return of the people of Tawergha will start on Feb. 1. He expressed hope that the event will be the beginning of a new phase of civil peace," the statement added.

During the 2011 uprising, some residents of Tawergha allied with the forces of the former regime of Gaddafi to fight the rebels of the nearby city of Misurata.

After Gaddafi's regime was toppled, those residents, accused by Misurata of actively participating in the fighting against them, fled their homes to others cities in Libya. Since then, they have been internally displaced.

In August 2016, representatives of Tawergha and Misurata cities signed a UN-sponsored draft reconciliation agreement to allow Tawerghan refugees to return home.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 01:35:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TIRANA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Albanian government on Monday announced its decision to dismiss the general director of state police Haki Cako, who held the post for three years.

Announcing the news, Albanian Minister of Interior Fatmir Xhafaj said vice director of state police Rebani Jaupi would replace Cako until a new director was appointed.

Xhafaj said another leading figure with fresh energy was needed for the upcoming challenges ahead.

"Although many targets and objectives have been delivered in the domain of public order, the challenges awaiting State Police require a faster dynamic. For this reason, there's a need for a new leadership with fresh energies to motivate and push the work of the State Police forward," the minister said.

According to local media, Cako was a close aide of former minister of interior Sajmir Tahiri, who is now under investigation over allegations connecting him with criminal gangs and drug trafficking.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 01:35:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RABAT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Morocco has remained Spain's main supplier of fruits and vegetables in 2017, Morocco's official MAP news agency said on Monday.

Morocco's exports amounted to 553.66 million U.S. dollars during the first 10 months of 2017, an increase of 36 percent year-on-year, said the report citing the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and Live Plants (FEPEX).

In terms of volume, Morocco's exports totaled 314,112 tonnes in 2017 compared with 246,349 tonnes in 2016, the same source said.

The North African country was followed by France, Portugal, the Netherlands and Belgium in the report.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 01:35:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CAIRO, Jan 8 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said Monday that he would not allow the state to be hit by a water shortage crisis, official Ahram Online reported.

Sisi made the comments as he announced the construction of Egypt's biggest water treatment and desalination project, at a cost of almost 70 billion pounds (3.96 billion U.S. dollars).

"We won't allow a water-shortage crisis to occur in Egypt. We have not only to keep our share of the Nile, but also to use our share to the maximum," he said.

Egypt is currently carrying out the biggest water treatment and desalination project, just in case of any circumstances concerning the sharing of water, Sisi added.

"This is not for luxury but to resolve a possible situation," he said, adding that he did not want to elaborate more.

Egypt has expressed concerns over Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project, saying it will affect Egypt's share of Nile River water, a claim rejected by Ethiopia.

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have been involved in talks for the past three years concerning the dam and its effect on the downstream countries.

The Nile River is the main source of fresh water in Egypt.

Sisi said that the government started implementing the water treatment and desalination project three months ago.

"This is our country, and water for agriculture and drinking must be secured for citizens from Aswan to Alexandria, so that no problem will occur later and we say that we are not ready for it," he added.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 01:35:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BAQUBA, Iraq, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Monday launched an operation to hunt down remnants of Islamic State (IS) militants at a rural area in Iraq eastern province of Diyala, killing at least four IS militants, an army commander said.

A joint force from the Iraqi army and police carried out an operation in Maytah area, some 120 km northeast of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, leaving four IS militants killed and destroying eight IS hideouts, Lt. Gen. Mezhir al-Azzawi, commander of the security forces responsible for military operations in Diyala province, told Xinhua.

The troops also discovered two caches of ammunition and explosives, along with carrying out under control detonation to eight roadside bombs and a booby-trapped car, Azzawi said.

Maytah is part of the volatile al-Udhaim area in the northwestern part of Diyala province that extends to the rugged areas in the neighboring province of Salahudin.

Despite repeated military operations in the provinces of Diyala and Salahudin, remnants of IS militants are still hiding in rugged areas near the border with Iran in eastern Diyala province, as well as the sprawling areas between Diyala and Salahudin.

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| 2018-01-09 01:40:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Lebanon Christophe Martin said Monday that the majority of Syrian refugees in Lebanon want to return home.

According to a statement by the presidential media office, Martin made the remarks during his meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun over the standards of ICRC to ensure the refugees' safe and dignified return.

Martin pointed that the ICRC's vision for how it would support refugees in their eventual return to Syria would be discussed with senior Lebanese officials as well as relevant international bodies and nations.

He told the president that 80 percent of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon want to go back to Syria once the security situation there improves.

The return of Syrian refugees would also benefit the Syrian people and would prove the importance of reaching a peaceful solution for the Syrian crisis, said Aoun.

"Lebanon is not responsible for the Syrian war, but suffers its consequences. The responsibility of the war falls on the countries that caused, facilitated or participated in it without anyone being held accountable for what they've done," added the president.

The United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) announced last month that the number of registered Syrian refugees in Lebanon had dropped to below 1 million for the first time since 2014.

The UN agency said that the number of Syrian refugees registered in Lebanon as of the end of last November was 997,905.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 01:55:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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OSLO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Norway exported 2.6 million tonnes of seafood worth 94.5 billion Norwegian kroner (11.7 billion U.S. dollars) in 2017, a record high both in value and volume, the Norwegian Seafood Council said on Monday.

This is an increase in value of 3 percent, or 3 billion kroner, and an increase in volume of 7 percent from the record year of 2016, the council said in a statement.

"2017 was yet another fantastic year for Norwegian seafood exports," Renate Larsen, managing director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, was quoted as saying.

"We see a growth in value and volume for overseas markets in Asia and the United States. Simultaneously, exports to the European Union (EU) were unchanged from 2016," she said.

Of the total value of Norway's seafood exports in 2017, 72 percent came from aquaculture and 28 percent from fishing. Measured in volume, the distribution was 40 percent from aquaculture and 60 percent from fishing.

Salmon is the most important species for Norwegian seafood exports, with over 68 percent of the total export value and 38 percent of the volume, according to the council.

Norway exported 1.6 million tonnes of seafood to the EU worth 61 billion kroner in 2017. This is an increase in volume of 2 percent, while the value is at the same level as 2016.

Norway exported 539,000 tonnes of seafood worth 18.7 billion kroner to Asia in 2017. This is an increase in value of 1.3 billion kroner, or 8 percent, and an increase in volume of 12 percent, or 59,000 tonnes, from 2016.

The largest growth market in 2017 was the United States, with a full 1 billion kroner in growth or 23 percent, for a total export value of 5.7 billion kroner. This makes the United States the fourth largest market in 2017, following Poland, Denmark and France. (1 U.S. dollar = 8.0834 Norwegian kroner)Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 02:10:11|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KUWAIT CITY, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait unswervingly supports Iraqi reconstruction to ensure security in the region, said Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah on Monday.

He made the remarks at a press conference held on Monday to promulgate the details of the "Kuwait International Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq."

The senior diplomat said that Kuwait's unwavering support for Iraq stems from the fact that stability in its Gulf neighbor is key to ensure security in the region.

He congratulated the Iraqi military on its decisive victory over the Islamic State (IS), saying that it was both a humanitarian and a moral obligation to stand by the Iraqi people.

Pointing out that the conference will come under close scrutiny by the international community, he said that the private sector would join efforts to rebuild the nation battered by war.

The Chief of Staff in the Iraqi Prime Minister's office Mahdi Alalak at the press conference said that the forthcoming conference will provide lucrative investment opportunities, which will be announced in due course.

Alalak added that his war-torn country is in need of no less than 100 billion U.S. dollars to revive the its residential sector, which bore the brunt of the war.

The "Kuwait International Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq" will be held on Feb. 12-14 in Kuwait.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 02:35:16|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NICOSIA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Nationalist and center-right parties bagged most of the votes and seats in Sunday's vote of the Turkish Cypriot community, causing consternation among Greek Cypriot politicians over the prospects of ending the over 40 years of partition of Cyprus.

Final results published on Monday showed that the nationalist and center-right parties won 35 seats in the 50-member strong legislative chamber of the breakaway entity in the northern part of Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey.

Despite their sweeping victory, an administration by center-right parties will have a feeble majority, after Gudret Ozersay, a former negotiator on behalf of Turkish Cypriots and now the leader of the new People's Party, with 9 seats, said he will not take part in any coalition administration.

This will leave a coalition by the National Unity, Democratic and Rebirth parties with 26 votes, barely a reliable majority to stay in power for a long time.

The vote result was seen by Greek Cypriot politicians, who currently engaged in an electoral campaign for a presidential vote on Jan. 28, as a distancing of Turkish Cypriots from negotiations to end the partition of Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot live in seclusion for over 40 years, after Turkish troops occupied the northern part of Cyprus in 1974, reacting to a coup organized by the rulers of Greece at the time.

Analysts said the turn of voters towards parties following a nationalist policy was caused by disappointment after the failure of the latest round of reunification negotiations in July.

"It was a possibility to be expected that the disillusionment over the failure of the negotiations would push the majority of Turkish Cypriot voters towards parties favoring a closer association with Turkey or even a separate state," Nicos Moudouros, an expert on Turkish and Turkish Cypriot affairs told state radio.

He explained that this happened in past elections when Turkish Cypriot voters saw their expectations for an end to the partition to come to nothing.

Yet, despite the gloomy atmosphere, a psychology professor at the University of Cyprus told state radio that a large majority of Turkish Cypriots support a federal solution.

Haris Psaltis told state radio that according to data of a survey currently being evaluated, about 75 percent of Turkish Cypriots either support or consider a federal state as the most acceptable arrangement.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 02:35:17|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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HAVANA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chile's President Michelle Bachelet on Monday vowed to strengthen economic and commercial ties with Cuba and urged her nation's businessmen to participate in the island's reform process as Havana has set favorable conditions for foreign investment.

Bachelet inaugurated a bilateral business forum as part of her official visit to the Caribbean nation, calling on both public and private companies to increase bilateral commercial links which reached 52 million U.S. dollars last year.

The South American president highlighted several joint projects in the health sector as well as the first iron exploration in Cuba's history between the island's Commercial Caribbean Nickel S.A. and Chile's RM Asesorias.

She also said several bilateral agreements have been signed in the past three years to deepen trade with favorable tax conditions and aiming at benefiting small- and medium- Chilean companies.

"These agreements as well as a new Cuban law which favors foreign investment generates favorable conditions to bolster economic relations. We foresee new opportunities to continue developing our links that benefit both sides," she said.

The Chilean leader said Cuba's flagship project to attract foreign investment at the Mariel Special Economic Zone is a unique opportunity for her nation's businesses to invest in the island and the rest of the Caribbean.

"Bilateral trade continues to be deficient taking into consideration our friendship and social cooperation. We must work to increase Cuba's exports to Chile as well as our country's presence in this nation's economic development," she added.

She highlighted the increase in Chilean tourists to Cuba which rose from 17,000 in 2010 to more than 49,000 in 2015, the last year this number was registered by Santiago's authorities.

Cuba's Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca, who also participated in the forum's opening, said there are currently various Chilean investment projects under negotiation which could be finalized this year in areas like tourism, agriculture and professional services.

"Our average bilateral trade in the last few years has been around 50 million U.S. dollars. Although it has had a favorable evolution we're not satisfied with these numbers and we consider there are possibilities to expand trade in both directions and improve Cuba's exports to Chile," he said.

Bachelet is on an official two-day visit to Havana which she started on Sunday by meeting with local artists and intellectuals and witnessing the signing of a cultural cooperation agreement between both countries.

Later Monday, she will meet with President Raul Castro and also lay a flower wreath to Cuba's national hero Jose Marti at the capital's Revolution Square.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 02:50:19|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least ten Houthi rebels were killed when artillery shelling targeted their locations near the government-controlled province of Lahj on Monday, a military official told Xinhua.

The pro-government army units supported by the Saudi-led coalition carried out a heavy artillery shelling on Houthi-held locations near the mountains of Kahboob in southern Lahj province, the military official said on condition of anonymity.

He said that the artillery shelling precisely destroyed the hideouts of Houthis and killed at least ten rebels and injured several others at the scene.

Two Houthi vehicles which arrived later in the area and tried to rescue the injured rebels were also targeted during the artillery shelling, the source added.

The Saudi-backed Yemeni army aborted several attempts by Houthi rebels who repeatedly attempt to make overnight infiltration into the government-controlled provinces in the country's southern part.

Despite the continuing aerial bombardment by the Saudi-led warplanes, Houthis are still positioned in mountainous areas close to Lahj province, where a key air base of the coalition is located.

The Sudanese troops and other forces of the Saudi-led coalition are using military bases in Lahj for training hundreds of newly-recruited Yemeni soldiers to fight Houthis and confront terrorist groups.

Yemen's internationally-backed government, allied with the Saudi-led Arab military coalition, has for about three years been battling Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels over control of the country.

The coalition began a military air campaign in March 2015 to roll back Houthi gains and reinstate exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and his government to the power.

The coalition also imposed air and sea blockade to prevent weapons from reaching Houthis, who had invaded the capital Sanaa militarily and seized most of the northern Yemeni provinces.

UN statistics show more than 10,000 people, most of them civilians, have been killed since the coalition intervened in the Yemeni civil war that also displaced around three million.

The impoverished Arab country is also suffering the world's largest cholera epidemic since April, with about 5,000 cases reported every day.Photo shows the historic torching of ivory and rhino horns at Nairobi National Park in Nairobi, Kenya, April 30, 2016. (Xinhua/Allan Mutiso)

NAIROBI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Monday welcomed the plan by the British government to shut ivory markets, saying the move will help end illegal trade of ivory.

KWS said in a statement that the existence of legal ivory markets and exports within Britain and Europe provide opportunities for laundering illegal ivory.

"KWS and Kenya welcome the plan by UK to close its ivory markets as this will obliterate any chances for opportunists, who may have in the past used the existing market in antique ivory as a cover for trade in illegal ivory," KWS said.

The statement comes after Michael Gove, Britain's Environment Secretary, announced that London will impose a ban on ivory sales to help end the poaching of elephants.

"The decline in the elephant population fuelled by poaching for ivory shames our generation. The need for radical and robust action to protect one of the world's most iconic and treasured species is beyond dispute," Gove said last week.

The move came after China honored its commitment to ending commercial processing and sales of ivory by the end of 2017.

The closure of ivory market in China is expected to drastically reduce slaughter of African elephants whose population declined by about 110,000 over the past decade based on statistics from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

It is understood that the legal trade of ivory, raw or worked, in Britain and other European countries' auction houses and shops have fueled demand for ivory and contribute to poaching.

KWS said the plan to ban ivory sales in Britain and towards implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) recommendation to close domestic ivory markets is a welcome shot in the arm for Kenya and other elephant range states' conservation efforts, as the demand for ivory is bound to plummet.

Over the last two decades, poaching and illegal wildlife trade in and around protected areas in Africa have been on the rise.

According to conservationists, as profits rise, illegal wildlife trade has become a transnational organized enterprise, estimated by the CITES to be worth up to 20 billion U.S. dollars a year, making it the fourth biggest illicit activity after trade in guns and drugs, and human trafficking.Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses servicemen as he visits the Hmeymim air base in Latakia Province, Syria December 11, 2017. (Sputnik Photo)

MOSCOW, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Terrorists attempted last week to attack Russia's Hmeymim and Tartus military bases in Syria with drones, which were captured or destroyed by Russian servicemen, local media reported Monday, citing a defense ministry statement.

Seven combat drones were destroyed by surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artilleries, while another six were brought to ground by radio-electronic warfare equipment with three of them exploding after hitting the ground, the statement said.

The Hmeymim airbase and Tartus naval base are operating normally after the drone attacks, it said.

Moscow began military operations against terrorist groups in Syria at the request of Damascus since September 2015.

With the support of the Russian bombing, 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.

Russia said it will keep the Hmeymim and Tartus bases in case of the reemergence of terrorists.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 03:55:31|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nation's humanitarian affairs chief, Undersecretary-General Mark Lowcock, is about to make his first visit to Syria where he is expected to meet with government representatives and "see for himself the impact of Syria's conflict," a UN official said on Monday.

Lowcock, also the world organization's emergency relief coordinator, leaves Tuesday to assess the civil war's impact on civilians, the humanitarian response and discuss how to improve access and delivery with key stakeholders, said Stephane Dujarric, chief UN spokesman.

"With the seventh winter of the conflict under way, more than 13 million people need basic aid and protection," he said. "They face daily deprivation and brutality. Some 69 percent of the population is estimated to be living in extreme poverty and millions are in need of protection in addition to food, clean water, shelter and other emergency aid."

"While some parts of Syria are witnessing a welcome reprieve from hostilities, many others face intensified military operations and conflict," the spokesman said.

During his visit to the capital of Damascus, Lowcock is expected to meet government officials, representatives of humanitarian agencies and partners and other key stakeholders, Dujarric said.

While Lowcock is expected to spend most of his time in Damascus during his four-day visit, he is expected to visit Homs to meet with people who have suffered first-hand from the effects of the crisis, and who need life-saving assistance, the spokesman said.

Homs is Syria's third-largest city and was a rebel bastion before government forces recaptured the city.

The former undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Stephen O'Brien last visited Syria in December 2015.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 04:40:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RABAT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Egypt will be the guest of honor of the upcoming Casablanca International Book Fair, the Moroccan Ministry of Culture and Communication announced Monday.

The Morocco's flagship book fair, which will be held on Feb. 8-18, will shed light on the Moroccan-Egyptian cultural relations, the ministry said in a statement.

It will also show the literature legacy of the Egyptian writer, Jamal El Ghitani, it said.

El Ghitani, who died at the age of 70 in 2015, is considered one of Egypt's most acclaimed novelists.

Several Egyptian writers, novelists and researchers are expected to take part in this fair.

The annual Casablanca International Book Fair brings together hundreds of publishers from all over the world and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 04:40:44|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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KHARTOUM, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Monday renewed a complaint to the United Nations Security Council demanding Egypt hand over control of the border region of Halayeb.

"Sudan has renewed its complaint regarding Halayeb Triangle," Sudan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Cairo and Khartoum has a long-standing territorial dispute over Halayeb, which is currently under Egyptian control.

Since 1958, Sudan has been annually renewing complaints at the United Nations Security Council over Halayeb, which it wants to settle through either dialogue with Egypt or international arbitration.

In 2016, Egypt rejected a request from Khartoum to enter negotiations or to seek international arbitration.

Last Thursday, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Egypt to Khartoum for consultations.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 04:50:46|Editor: Xiang Bo

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Vehicles of Fire Department of New York (FDNY) gather at the site where a fire broke out in Manhattan, New York, the United States, on Jan. 8, 2018. Fourteen people were injured in a fire at an apartment building in Manhattan in New York City on Monday afternoon, according to the New York Fire Department. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

NEW YORK, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Fourteen people were injured in a fire at an apartment building in Manhattan in New York City on Monday afternoon, according to the New York Fire Department.

Fire officials said on Twitter that none of those injuries were life-threatening in the blaze on the second floor of the apartment building in upper Manhattan.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 05:25:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Monday hailed the peaceful conduct of the Dec. 26 presidential runoff election in Liberia.

"The members of the Security Council congratulated the Liberian people and government, as well as political leaders, civil society organizations, and the media for the peaceful conduct of the Dec. 26 presidential runoff election. They congratulated the two candidates for the responsible conduct of their campaigns," said the Security Council in a press statement.

They council members noted the significance of the first peaceful transfer of power between democratically elected leaders in Liberia in over 70 years. They further noted the importance of the upcoming political transition and commended active engagement between the outgoing and incoming administrations leading up to the inauguration of President-elect George Weah, it said.

They commended Liberia's National Elections Commission, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the government of Liberia for their preparation and execution of the presidential runoff and for their efforts to address the issues from the Oct. 10 legislative and presidential election, said the statement.

They further expressed appreciation to the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, and all international, regional, and domestic election observation missions for their contributions to the transparency of the electoral process and timely assessments.

The members of the Security Council encouraged the continued engagement of the international community and donors to assist Liberia's continued efforts to achieve sustainable peace.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 05:30:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TRIPOLI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Libyan Navy on Monday announced that 135 illegal immigrants were rescued off the coast of the western city of Garrabulli.

The immigrants, including 54 women and three children, were found on a rubber boat off Garrabulli coast, some 60 km east of the capital Tripoli, Libyan Navy said in a statement.

The immigrants, who are of African and Asian nationalities, were taken to Tripoli naval base to be transferred to a reception center, it said.

Earlier on Sunday, Navy spokesman Ayob Qassem told Xinhua that 297 illegal immigrants on two rubber boats were rescued and two bodies were recovered off Garrabulli coast.

Meanwhile, Libya's Anti-illegal Immigration Department said Monday that 252 immigrants from Nigeria were repatriated voluntarily to their home country, with the assistance of the International Organization for Migration.

The voluntary repatriation program is organized by the organization for stranded immigrants in Libya.

The organization recently announced that 19,000 immigrants were repatriated voluntarily from Libya to their countries of origins in 2017.

Due to insecurity and chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime, Libya has become a preferred point of departure for the immigrants, mostly Africans, who hope to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 05:40:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RABAT, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and Malawi agreed on Monday to strengthen cooperation in the field of agriculture.

The two countries have finalized two deals on enhancing agricultural cooperation, Hamou Ouhelli, Morocco's secretary of state for rural development, water and forests, told reporters after meeting with Malawian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Emmanuel Fabiano.

The first deal relates to the means to be taken to aid Malawi's farmers, particularly through the installation of drip irrigation systems on agricultural lands in Malawi, Ouhelli said.

The second deal offers training for Malawi's farmers in order to strengthen the organizational capacity of professionals in cooperatives and associations, Ouhelli said.

He hailed the talks as an opportunity for the two countries to examine ways to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture.

For his part, Fabiano said that Malawi aims to boost agricultural cooperation with Morocco, which has made achievements in this area, especially in irrigation.

He noted that Malawi is seeking to develop its irrigation systems, particularly the drip irrigation technology.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 06:01:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- An array of rebel groups unleashed an offensive Monday to reimpose a siege on a key military base in the eastern countryside of the capital Damascus, a monitor group reported.

The Levant Liberation Committee (LLC), previously known as the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, and allied militant groups waged intense battles to close the breach made by the Syrian army in the siege imposed on the Vehicle Management base in Harasta city in the Eastern Ghouta countryside of Damascus, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The monitor group said if the rebels' offensive continued in the same momentum, the siege could be restored on that key base in Harasta.

The UK-based watchdog group said the battles in Harasta are coupled with intense airstrikes on areas in Eastern Ghouta, killing at 23 civilians and wounding tens of others on Monday.

Meanwhile, pro-government Sham FM radio cited military sources as saying that the army foiled the attack on the base on Monday.

It added that around 20 wounded soldiers were evacuated from the base to a military hospital in Damascus after the army broke the siege on Sunday night.

The ultra-radical rebels unleashed their offensive on the base late last month, succeeding to lay a siege on that big facility. The attack triggered a counter-offensive by the Syrian army, which was capped by breaking the siege.

The base is the largest military facility in the Eastern Ghouta region, stretching from Harasta to Arbeen area.

It hosts a large number 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 for the Syrian forces inside the Eastern Ghouta region, which has many towns and neighborhoods.Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-09 06:01:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GENEVA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The trial of 13 financiers accused of funneling more than 15 million Swiss francs (15.3 million U.S. dollars) to the Sri Lankan rebel group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) started at the Swiss Federal Criminal Court on Monday.

The accused are from Switzerland, Germany and Sri Lanka, the Swiss news agency SDA reported, and they were caught in a sting operation in 2011.

Between 1999 and 2009, they allegedly created a complex fundraising structure which involved coaxing members of the Tamil diaspora to obtain loans from banks.

The 13 people on trial face charges of fraud, false documentation, money laundering and extortion.

The LTTE has never been declared a terror organization in Switzerland, so they will not face charges of funding a terror group.

"The Attorney General strongly suspects the LTTE fraction under investigation of having collected the money in question by means of threats and by creating a regime of fear to induce them to make the payments," a court document says.

The Swiss funds were transported in cash by couriers to Singapore and Dubai, eventually reaching the LTTE in Sri Lanka who allegedly used the money to purchase arms. This funding system collapsed in 2009.MERCER, Wis.  An Iowa man was killed in a snowmobile accident in the town of Mercer Friday.

The Iron County Sheriffs Department received a report of a snowmobile accident on Trail 9 in Mercer at 1:55 p.m., according to a department news release.

The 56-year-old snowmobiler was unresponsive when first responders arrived on the scene, Sheriff Tony Furyk said in the release, and was later pronounced dead.

A preliminary investigation showed the mans snowmobile left the trail and hit a tree, according to the release.

While Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to investigate the crash, speed is believed to be a factor.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending the notification of his family.

Personnel from the Mercer Ambulance, Mercer Fire Department, Wisconsin DNR and Iron County Coroners Office all responded to the scene, along with the Iron County Sheriffs Department.

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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...VILLANOVA, Pa.Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput announced the recipients of the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, the Benemerenti Medal, and the Order of St. Gregory the Greatamong the highest honors the Holy Father can confer on laypeople, deacons and religious. Villanova University professors Thomas W. Smith, PhD, and Kevin L. Hughes, PhD, were among those recognized by Pope Francis to receive the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, lauded for their sustained and exceptional service to the Church and Catholic higher education.

Pontifical honors will be awarded at a special Vespers service at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on Sunday, January 21 at 4 p.m.

The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is bestowed for distinguished service to the Church by lay people and clergy. It is the highest honor that can be awarded to laity by the Pope. The Diocesan Bishop petitions the Holy See with the names and biographical information of those whom he wishes to receive the award.

I am extremely proud to have not one, but two, Villanova faculty members recognized by His Holiness for their contributions to Catholic higher education, said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, Villanova University President. Dr. Smith and Dr. Hughes are deserving of this special honor, as they were instrumental in the development of Villanovas Humanities program. This program has enriched the intellectual life of our entire community and has helped us to more fully live out our Augustinian and Catholic mission.

Drs. Smith and Hughes were integral in establishing and expanding the Department of Humanities at Villanova. Dr. Smith was the founding chair of the Department of Humanities at Villanova. In that role, he oversaw the creation of a distinctive new curriculum that serves as a model for Catholic intellectual life, as well as the establishment of a new major.

Humanities was created in 2004 and is one of the ways Villanova has advanced Augustinian and Catholic intellectual life across disciplines over the last two decades, said Dr. Smith. I am honored and humbled by this award. Villanova has provided me with some unique opportunities to serve our community and the award is a testament to the encouragement and help Ive received. Im grateful to Villanova and especially the Augustinian community here, who have been such a great support and source of growth over my 25 years at the University.

Dr. Hughes served as Chair of Humanities from 2008-2016, during which time he continued to grow and expand the Departments offerings and influence on the Villanova academic experience. Under his leadership, the Humanities Department expanded its presence in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and developed an international reputation with Catholic institutions around the world, including the establishment of the Catherine Barr Windels Scholarship for study at Blackfriars Hall at the University of Oxford.

The Humanities department was founded on the powerful idea that a deep and focused understanding of the human person, of God, of the world, and of society, informed by and rooted in Catholic theology and philosophy, can open a new horizon to interdisciplinary study and a true liberal education, noted Dr. Hughes. It is this education that sets us free to serve God and our neighbor in whatever vocation we discern. I am deeply humbled to receive this honor from Pope Francis and I gratefully accept it on behalf of the community of scholars and students that I have had the opportunity to serve.

Dr. Thomas W. Smith is currently the Anne Quinn Welsh Endowed Chair and Director of the Honors Program at Villanova University. He previously served as Founding Chair of the Humanities Department and Associate Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dr. Smiths teaching and scholarship focuses on the history of political thought, higher education, and the intersection of faith and public life. His scholarly work has appeared in such journals as The American Political Science Review, The Review of Politics, Communio, Logos, Religion and Literature, The Journal of Politics, and Polity. He is currently working on a book about Catholic higher education.

Dr. Kevin Hughes is an associate professor of Theology and Religious Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Villanova University. He served as Chair of the Humanities Department from 2008-2016. His specialties include Medieval and Early Modern Theology and Culture and Historical Theology. Dr. Hughes is the author of Constructing Antichrist: Paul, Biblical Commentary, and the Development of Doctrine in the Early Middle Ages and Church History: Faith Handed On, along with articles appearing in journals such as Modern Theology, Theological Studies, Franciscan Studies, and the Heythrop Journal. He is currently working on a book on Saint Bonaventures Collationes in Hexaemeron.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova Universitys Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six collegesthe College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nations top universities, Villanova supports its students intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.NEW DELHI: As the Supreme Court decides to reconsider the Constitutional validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which criminalises homosexuality, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy has a few words for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community.

As long as they don't celebrate it, don't flaunt it, don't create gay bars to select partners it's not a problem, said Swamy.

But he has a problem with gay people flaunting their love.

In their privacy what they do, nobody can invade. But if you flaunt it, it has to be punished and therefore there has to be Section 377 of the IPC, added Swamy.

Swamy has been vocal about his views on homosexuality.

In 2015, the BJP leader took to Twitter, expressing his stand on the subject:

Legitimizing homosexuality leads to commercial profit since Gay Bars will be opened in all cities on FDI. It is a genetic flaw celebrated  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) November 29, 2015

The statement had generated quite a furor back then.

On Monday, a top court bench  Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices AM Khanwilkar, and DY Chandrachud  claimed that the issue arising out of Section 377 needs to be debated upon by a larger bench.

The court has also issued a notice to the Central government seeking its response on a writ petition filed by five members of the LGBT community, who stated that they live in fear of police because of their natural sexual preferences.NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Monday questioned the state government over the delay in the initiation of the admission process of the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) at nursery level.

The court further pointed out that the admission process of the general category in nearly 1,700 private schools has begun on December 27.

The last date of submission of the application forms is January 17 while the process will end on March 31, 2018.

The admission process will be conducted to fill 75 percent of the total seats available in the city, the remaining 25 per cent will be reserved for those belonging to the economically weaker section/disadvantaged (EWS/DG) category. Admission to these seats will be conducted by the Delhi government centrally.

The application forms had been made available on the websites of these schools from December 27. The first list will be released on February 1.

Every year, nearly four times of children apply than the available number of seats which are around 1.25 lakh across the city. The admission is conducted through a point system for which schools set their criteria. After a screening process, the schools issues lists of selected candidates.

The schedule and rules apply to all private schools in the city, including the 298 schools built on government land. Last year, the government had issued separate criteria for them making neighbourhood the sole criteria for admission. The schools moved court against the move, and the matter is currently sub judice.NEW DELHI: When Max hospital Shalimar Bagh gave back the bodies of the twins to the parents, they did not even record the time of death of the infants in its register, police found while probing a case of medical negligence against the hospital. Max hospital declared a stillborn child dead and handed over the twins to the parents in plastic bags.



The records of the hospital show that the only the time of birth of the twin babies was mentioned and not their time of death despite the babies having being handed over in two separate packages.

The final report in connection with the cause of death will be submitted after getting the final opinion from the histopathology department of Safadarjung Hospital.

The Delhi Medical Council had earlier issued notices to nine doctors and two nurses of the hospital in connection with the medical negligence case.

The license of the 250-bedded hospital had also been cancelled by the Delhi government citing negligence on the part of the doctors.

On November 30, a newborn premature baby was declared as dead even though he was alive. When the baby was being taken for burial, he showed physical movements. He was then admitted to north Delhi's Agarwal Nursing Home but died on December 6.New Delhi: Eager to win over middle class, finance minister Arun Jaitley on 1 February is expected to present a common man friendly budget by either raising tax slabs or hiking investment limit in savings instruments, as per a news paper report.

As per a report in the Times of India, a section in the government wants to ensure the vocal segment is rewarded although the fiscal costs will be weighed.

Besides giving sops to the individual tax payers, Jaitley is also expected to unveil initiatives to give additional benefits for health insurance.

The FM may also look to raise interest in bank fixed deposits that have become less attractive following the recent rally in stock markets.

Another option before the finance minister may also be to offer sops for investment in mutual funds, the report said.

Quoting sources, the newspaper further said that a section within the government is backing the re-introduction of long term capital gains tax on stock market transactions. However it will apply to new transactions above a certain value, say Rs 5 lakh.

Technically this would be Arun Jaitleys last full-fledged budget as the next one will be a vote-on-account (where Parliament approves routine expenditure such that the government continues to run till a new regime is in place).

The next budget would come just months before the scheduled date of the 17th general election.

The Budget session of Parliament will commence from January 29 and the Union Budget will be presented on 1 February one.

President Ramnath Kovind will address the joint sitting of the two Houses on January 29 and the Economic Survey for 2017-18 will be tabled on the same day.Stephen William Hawking, a legend in the field of Science was born on January 8, 1942. We all know of his contributions to physics and cosmos. Although nothing can credit his extraordinary contributions to the world of science, he has been honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the US.

13 breakthrough facts about the life of the prodigal scientist:

1. In school, Hawking was famous for his reputation for brashness. He was nicknamed 'Einstein' even though his grades were classified among the worst in his class.

2. From an early age he was interested in how things worked. He has admitted that he used to disassemble clocks and radios but never knew how to put them back together.

3. He was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease when he was 21, in 1963. At that time, doctors gave him a life expectancy of only 2 years.

4. He gradually lost his ability to write, but the pillar of strength that he is, he developed visual methods which included seeing equations in terms of geometry.

5. In the year 1966, he submitted a thesis called Properties of Expanding Universes: the 134-page thesis exploring the origins of the universe was made available online leading to the crash of university's website.

6. About his thesis becoming the most-requested one, Hawking was quoted as saying, "It's wonderful to hear how many people have already shown an interest in downloading my thesis -- hopefully, they won't be disappointed now as they finally have access to it!"

7. In 1970, he discovered that black holes emit radiation.

8. In 2014, a gut-wrenching movie about the inspirational life of Stephen and Jane (his first wife) Hawking's story called The Theory of Everything was made, which was a huge success: it was nominated for 5 Oscar, 4 Golden Globe, and 10 British Academy Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards.

9. In 2015, Stephen Hawking helped launch Breakthrough Initiatives which was an effort to search for extra-terrestrial life and attempt to answer the question ''Are we alone?''

10. Hawking's book A Brief History of Time appeared on the British Sunday Times best-seller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks.

11. Hawking has often expressed concerns that life on Earth is at risk from "a sudden nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus or other dangers we have not yet thought of."

12. Hawking has also argued that computer viruses should be considered a new form of life.

13. Stephen Hawking has warned that increasing population and their soaring energy consumption will be the end of human beings, as it will turn Earth into a fireball by 2600.

Hawking's plan to star trek

Professor Hawking said that that humans must "boldly go where no one has gone before", and find another habitable planet if we wish to continue our species for another million years.The 76-year-old further appealed to investors to back his plans to travel to the closest star outside the solar system -- Alpha Centauri -- with the hope that a livable planet might be orbiting it.

Alpha Centauri

At 4 light-years away, Alpha Centauri is one of the closest star systems. Scientists believe it may have exo-planets that could foster life, just like Earth.

Breakthrough Starshot

Breakthrough Starshot is a venture to reach the Alpha Centauri system within 2 decades using a tiny aircraft that could travel at the speed of light. Hawking is backing it, and Yuri Milner is sponsoring it.

Hawking said: "The idea behind this innovation is to have the nanocraft on the light beam. Such a system could reach Mars in less than an hour, or reach Pluto in days, pass Voyager in under a week and reach Alpha Centauri in just over 20 years."

Interested in General Knowledge and Current Affairs? Click here to stay informed and know what is happening around the world with our G.K. and Current Affairs section.

To get more updates on Current Affairs, send in your query by mail toNew Delhi: In its next meeting, GST Councilthe apex decision making body of the new indirect tax systemmay relax tax slabs on digital camera, irrigation equipments and bio-diesel vehicles, Zee Media sources have said.

Currently digital camera and bio-diesel vehicles attract 28 percent GST rates while irrigation equipments come at 18 percent GST.

Sources have further said that the finance minstry has identified 6 irrigation equipments including pump set and pump pipes.

The GST Council will meet on January 18 in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi who heads the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Network, has asked the finance ministry to roll out glitch-free e-way bill mechanism.

The all-powerful GST Council had on December 16 decided to implement the e-way bill mechanism throughout the country

The e-way bill for inter-state movements will be implemented from February 1 and for intra-state movement from June 1. The official said states have been given the option of choosing when they want to implement the intra-state e-way bill between February 1 and June 1.

Government data has revealed that the revenue collected under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in October was Rs 95,131 crore and average revenue shortfall of states has come down to 17.6 percent

The government had collected Rs 93,141 crore revenue under the GST in September.

The average revenue shortfall of all states for August was 28.4 percent and it has come down to 17.6 percent in October.BENGALURU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore today announced the launch of Women Start-up Programme (WSP)  India's first customised online and classroom initiative for aspiring female entrepreneurs.

The programme launched by the institute's NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL) is being jointly funded by finance company Goldman Sachs and Centre's Department of Science & Technology (DST).

Meant for women entrepreneurs-in-the-making across the country, the programme will offer in-depth training to foster managerial and entrepreneurial skills through mentoring, incubation, and financial support.

Here's how the programme will work:

1. In the first stage, the WSP is expected to provide training to nearly 12,000 aspiring women entrepreneurs through its five-week Do Your Venture Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).

2. Thereafter, 300 women entrepreneurs-to-be shortlisted for a boot camp to be held at partner campuses in the towns nearest to them, where they will receive classroom instructions on communications and customer interaction.

3. From the 300 ventures, a select 100 women entrepreneurs will then travel to IIM Bangalore campus for a second boot camp, where they will receive classroom instructions on developing a business plan, understanding costing and pricing, sales and marketing, and negotiation skills. At this stage, the candidates will also receive networking opportunities with successful women entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, institute students, and Goldman Sachs professionals.

4. After the completion of the boot camp, the women entrepreneurs will have their business ideas incubated for a year at a partner institution of their choice where each women will also receive INR 30,000 per month for financial support and funding from a small prototype fund to run their ventures.

The partner institutions for WSP includes CIIEs Innocity, Ahmedabad, IIM Indore, IIM Nagpur, IIM Udaipur, IIM Visakhapatnam, and Presidency University, Kolkata.



The WSP builds off from a successful pilot programme launched in November 2016 by the NSRCEL which drew more than 1,700 aspiring female entrepreneurs from across the country. The pilot programme selected 50 women entrepreneurs to attend a three-week boot camp at IIMB which enabled participants to develop customized methodology to test and comprehend the success and sustainability of their ventures. From there 15 of the top ideas were selected to be incubated. Ventures included matching volunteers to social causes, specialized healthcare systems, and customized social networks, said IIM Bangalore in a release.NEW DELHI: Changing its stance of playing the National Anthem before the start of a movie, the Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that it may not be necessary to play National Anthem in cinema halls anymore.

Requesting the Supreme Court to modify its order that makes National Anthem mandatory in cinema halls across the country, the government asked SC to restore status quo ante.

The government further told the court that an Inter-Ministerial Committee has been set-up to frame new guidelines on the issue.

In an affidavit, the Centre told the top court that the final action will be based on the committee's recommendations. It also said that the entire exercise will need six months, said reports.

The court will hear the matter again on Tuesday.

On October 23, 2017, the SC asked earlier asked if should be compulsory for the national anthem to be played in theatres, asking the government to come up with a response by January 2018.

The top court had further said that standing for National Anthem in movie theatre not a measure of patriotism.

The Supreme Court on November 30, 2016, had made it mandatory for movie halls to play the National Anthem before the screening of movies. It had later clarified that movie watchers would not be obliged to stand for the anthem if it is part of the film that is being screened.NEW DELHI: After Mumbai, the Delhi Police on Monday denied permission to a public meeting that was scheduled to be addressed by newly-elected Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani on Tuesday.

The police denied the permission to the meet under Section 144 and claimed that the decision was taken to maintain law and order in the national capital ahead of the Republic Day.

Jignesh was likely to raise issues like land, dignity and education in his public meet today.

One day to #YuvaRally Hear youth leaders Jignesh Mevani from Gujarat, Akhil Gogoi from Assam, Manoj Manzil from Bihar, Pooja Shukla from Lucknow - all incarcerated for raising issues of land, dignity, education - tomorrow at Parliament street 12 noon onwards#FreeChandrashekhar pic.twitter.com/xMycJjxYTs  Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) January 8, 2018

Earlier on January 4, the Mumbai Police had denied permission to a summit that was to be addressed by Mevani and JNU student Umar Khalid. Several students were detained who had gathered outside a hall for the event and protested against the police for not giving permission for the programme.

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 also detained the organisers of the event - Sachin Bansode, president of Chhatra Bharati, his deputy Sagar Bhalerao and an MLC Kapil.

The Pune Police had earlier said that they had received a complaint against Mevani and 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 Peshwas Army.

Several towns and cities in Maharashtra were on edge on Tuesday as Dalit protests against Monday's deadly violence in Pune spilled over to capital Mumbai, with agitators damaging scores of buses, and disrupting road and rail traffic.

Over 160 buses were damaged in Mumbai by rampaging protesters, of which 100 were detained.Milan: An Italian court today acquitted Giuseppe Orsi, the former president of defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica, of charges related to alleged bribes paid in exchange for a Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal to sell 12 AugustaWestland helicopters to India.

Orsi was arrested in 2014 and resigned as chief executive of the aerospace group which was later renamed as Leonardo.

Orsi was at the helm of AugustaWestland when the deal was struck and he is suspected of involvement in the payment of bribes.

He had been sentenced to four-a-half-years years in jail for false accounting and corruption.

Bruno Spagnolini, former CEO of the company's helicopters subsidiary AgustaWestland, who had also been handed a four-year jail term on the same charges, was also cleared, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

The case against Orsi and Spagnolini resulted from an investigation launched in 2012 into the sale of 12 luxury helicopters to India.

India had scrapped the contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AugustaWestland in January 2014 for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force over an alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks paid by the firm for securing the deal.

India's defence ministry had ordered a CBI probe into the allegations of kickbacks to the tune of Rs 362 crore after the arrest of Orsi and Spagnolini by Italian investigators in connection with the case.

In February 2010, India had inked the deal to acquire 12 three-engine AW-101 helicopters from AgustaWestland for VVIP use.New Delhi: Army chief General Bipin Rawat has underlined the need for modernization of armed forces in view of changing and challenging dynamics of military operations. He also said dependence on imported military equipment should be minimised.

Speaking at an Army Technology Seminar on Monday, General Rawat said that armed forces which are technologically advanced would play a key role in operations in the times to come. "There is a huge requirement of modernization of our armed forces, in every field," he said. "Future wars will be fought in difficult terrains and circumstances & we have to be prepared for them. "We would like to gradually move away from imports (in defense technology) because for a nation like ours, the time has come to ensure that we fight the next war with home-made solution."

General Rawat also added that the Indian Army is on the right track towards using technology and that support from relevant industries would be crucial. "A good headway has been made in lightweight bullet-proof material and fuel cell technology. The journey has begun and this must continue," he said. "We are confident that if we get support from industry, we will walk the extra mile to ensure that we utilize the technology you give us."

This is not the first time that the Army Chief has commented on equipping armed forces with the latest that technology has to offer. In November, he had spoken about armoured vehicles in the future should have the ability to operate on both northern and western borders. "Whatever be the future armoured vehicle we are looking at, we must have the capability to operate on the western border and the northern border. Whatever equipment we are going to introduce must be capable of inter-operability on both fronts," he had previously said.

The Indian Army last year also finalised plans to replace ageing weapons and has plans of acquiring 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 light machine guns (LMGs) and nearly 44,600 carbines.NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, two-day sea sortie, on Monday visited Goa to oversee various naval operations. These operations included Practice Missile Firings, warships submarine and aircraft interaction exercises, flying operations from aircraft carrier and fly-past.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited #Goa Naval Area. She will oversee various naval operations including Practice Missile Firings, warships submarine and aircraft interaction exercises, flying operations from aircraft carrier and fly-past during the two day sea sortie. pic.twitter.com/EiNz61mLX9  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

Sitharaman went to overview Indian Navy's showcase of operational might and maritime prowess at sea.

In the event, held along the western coast of the country, the Navy showcased more than ten ships, including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, a submarine and various Naval aircrafts.

The event that started today exhibited Navy's combat capabilities and battle readiness along the Western coast of India.Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bahrain on Monday where he will address the Non-Resident Indian community. He was received by members of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at the airport.

Looking to woo the NRI community across the world soon after taking on the reigns of India's oldest political party, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter a day earlier to hail their contribution.

"NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe," he had tweeted. "Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow."

This is his first visit abroad as the party president and comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the region.

He is expected to meet Bahrain Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and other local leaders. He will also meet members of the local business community.NEW DELHI: Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a visit to Bahrain to address the Indian diaspora, will begin his address at 8:30 pm. NRIs from 65 countries are expected to attend the meeting.

The Congress President, earlier in the day, had arrived in the Gulf country and was received by members of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at the airport.

Praising the Indian diaspora across the world, he had on Sunday called the NRIs the true representatives of the country's soft power and the brand ambassadors of the nation across the globe.

"NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe. Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow, tweets Congress President Rahul Gandhi," he had tweeted.

This is his first visit abroad as the party president and comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the region.

He is expected to meet Bahrain Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and other local leaders. He will also meet members of the local business community.Bahrain: Taking a veiled dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that India doesn't need silence.

People are killed in India because of religious issues, judges die mysteriously, journalists are killed, and the PM has nothing to say," said Gandhi while addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain on Monday.

We will defeat them (BJP) in 2019, said the Gandhi scion while responding to questions.

Watch: When Rahul Gandhi got a rousing welcome in Bahrain

He further claimed that job creation is at an 8-year low in India and that instead of accepting that we are lacking in job creation, the government is not doing anything.

What China does in two days, India takes one year to do the same, he added.

Rahul Gandhi, who landed in Bahrain earlier today, was speaking at the convention of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin. This is his first visit abroad as the party president.

The visit comes days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled tour in the region.

Non-Resident Indians from more than 65 countries attended the meet.

Calling Indian politics a strange experience, the Congress President said, I am here to tell you that there is a serious problem back home, and to tell you that you can do a lot about it.

Praising the Indian diaspora, Gandhi said, You send almost 3.5% of India's GDP, you are responsible for adding to the wealth of the world.

Your patriotism is what India needs today... India can bridge any gap put before it.

Had a good meeting with Crown Prince of Bahrain, H.R.H. Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. We discussed a variety of issues of interest to India and Bahrain. @BahrainCPnews pic.twitter.com/BxHm9AttmG  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 8, 2018

The Congress President earlier met with Crown Prince of Bahrain H.R.H. Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and his delegation. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also accompanied the Congress chief.An alarm has been raised after railway police arrested a Jammu & Kashmir resident from the Nizamuddin-Bhopal Shatabdi Express for a possible terror attack at Akshardham Temple in Delhi. The man was handed over to the UP ATS. Two of the suspect's aides were spotted at Jama Masjid but managed to flee.

Also on First Up, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will hoist the tricolor on Republic Day in Kerala. He will be attending a three day camp of the RSS starting January 26 to be held in a school in Palakkad. Kerala has witnessed a spate of killings of both BJP and RSS workers in recent time.

In another story, the UIDAI has filed an FIR against a Tribune journalist for revealing loopholes in the Aadhar system. The journalist fraternity has come out in support of the reporter.

Watch this and more on First Up.NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday said that it will reconsider and examine the Constitutional validity of section 377 which criminalises homosexuality. The apex court has referred the plea seeking decriminalisation of sex between two consenting adults to a larger bench.

Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices AM Khanwilkar, and DY Chandrachud stated that the issue arising out of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) needs to be debated upon by a larger bench.

The court has also issued a notice to the Central government seeking its response on a writ petition filed by five members of the LGBT community, who stated that they live in fear of police because of their natural sexual preferences.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by Navtej Singh Johar seeking to declare Section 377 as unconstitutional. Referring to a recent nine-judge bench judgement in the privacy matter to highlight that right to choose a sexual partner is a fundamental right, Johar's counsel emphasised that "you can't put in jail two adults who are involved in consenting unnatural sex."

In 2013, a two-judge bench of the SC had ruled that under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, homosexuality will continue to be treated as an offence irrespective of their age and consent. The court had then out the ball in parliament's court, stating that the government was free to annul the law through a legislation.

Defending its order, the court had then said that "a miniscule fraction of the countrys population constitute lesbians, gays, bisexuals or transgenders and in last more than 150 years, less than 200 persons have been prosecuted for committing offence under Section 377."

Section 377 of the IPC refers to 'unnatural offences' and says that "whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine."In his first visit to a foreign country after becoming Congress president, Rahul Gandhi is in Bahrain. The Gandhi scion received a positive reception, which the Congress termed as euphoric.

The Congress tweeted a video of Rahul Gandhis arrival in the Kingdom of Bahrain, wherein large number of people thronged him to click his photographs. Posters welcoming him were also seen at the airport.

Euphoric reception for Congress President Rahul Gandhi on his arrival at Kingdom of Bahrain. This is CPs first foreign visit after his takeover. pic.twitter.com/zsGOaXnwCv  Congress (@INCIndia) January 7, 2018

A day after his arrival in the kingdom, the Congress president on Monday met Crown Prince of Bahrain, HRH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Gandhi scion tweeted that the crown prince and he discussed a variety of issues of interest to India and Bahrain.

Had a good meeting with Crown Prince of Bahrain, H.R.H. Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. We discussed a variety of issues of interest to India and Bahrain. @BahrainCPnews pic.twitter.com/BxHm9AttmG  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 8, 2018

Rahul Gandhi was also slated to address the Indian diaspora on Monday and the event was expected to be attended by NRIs from 65 countries.

The Congress president was received by members of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at the airport.

Praising the Indian diaspora across the world, he had on Sunday called the NRIs the true representatives of the country's soft power and the brand ambassadors of the nation across the globe.

"NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe. Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow, tweets Congress President Rahul Gandhi," he had tweeted.New Delhi: A white blanket of snow has thrown life out of gear in Jammu and Kashmir. Locals as well as tourists have been braving sub-zero temperatures with several road accidents being reported almost daily from different parts of ther city. In all of this, the Indian Army continues to brave elements to come to the rescue when needed.

A valiant example of this was when a private vehicle carrying tourists slipped off the road while making its way from Tangmarg in Baramullah district on Monday morning. The Indian Army's Quick Reaction Teams were pressed into action and all the tourists were safely brought out of the vehicle. The car itself too was pulled back onto the main road thereafter using ropes and special equipment.

The Indian Army has come to the rescue of civilians regularly and across the country - even at times of extreme weather conditions. In Jammu and Kashmir in particular, the armed forces have showed exemplary courage during the tragic floods in 2014.

The state is currently experiencing cold wave conditions with heavy snowfall in many parts. While temperatures have plummeted to below freezing in Srinagar, Leh recorded a minimum of minus 15 recently.New Delhi: Philip Morris International (PMI), the makers of Marlboro cigarettes, has announced that it will stop manufacturing cigarettes and replace them with alternatives such as e-cigarettes.

Weve built the worlds most successful cigarette company, with the worlds most popular and iconic brands, Philip Morris website said.

We will be far more than a leading cigarette company. Were building PMIs future on smoke-free products that are a much better choice than cigarette smoking. Indeed, our vision  for all of us at PMI  is that these products will one day replace cigarettes, it wrote.

The company had placed advertisements in major newspapers in UK last week with a New Years resolution: Were trying to give up cigarettes.

The newspaper advertisement also said,"No cigarette company has done anything like this before. You might wonder if we really mean it."

PMI has also launched a new website, smokefreefuture.co.uk encouraging its UK customers to quit smoking.

The global tobacco major in October had said it will fund proposals under its $100 million global initiative to support third-party projects dedicated to the fight against illegal trade.

The company established its PMI Impact initiative to support projects dedicated to fighting illegal trade and related crimes, such as corruption, organised crime and money laundering.

Private, public or non-governmental organisations have been invited to submit applications to avail funding under the second round of PMI Impact, the company said in a statement.

PMI has pledged $100 million across three funding rounds of PMI Impact.

In the first funding round of the initiative, 32 projects were selected from 200 proposals.Chattarpur: A 12-year-old girl from Madhya Pradesh was allegedly raped by her own father for more than five years. What's even more shocking is that the minor's mother, who was aware of the entire case, aided the father with the crime.

The victim and her family live on Orchha Road in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur city.

The man has been raping his minor daughter for at least five years. The mother did nothing to put a stop to the sexual assault. The victim's brother, who came to know about the assault last year, raised his voice but was threatened by the father and forced to stay quiet.

The incident came to light when the girl managed to escape home and landed at her uncle's place, where she narrated her ordeal.

The relative immediately took the girl to the police and reported the matter.

Both the father and mother have now been arrested by police. An investigation is underway

Speaking to Zee News, the victim said the both her father and mother should be sentenced to death for such a heinous crime.MUMBAI: Unidentified assailants stabbed Shiv Sena leader Ashok Sawant to death outside his residence in Kandivli in Mumbai on late Sunday.

Sawant, who was also an ex-corporator in Mumbai, was attacked at around 10:45pm while he was returning home after meeting a friend. He was barely 200 metres away from his residence when he was stabbed by the attackers.

As per reports, two men, who had been waiting in a vehicle outside his house in Sur building in Samta Nagar, approached him aggressively and attacked him with choppers before fleeing from the scene.

A police team rushed the 62-year-old Shiv Sena leader to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead by the doctors.

His body has been sent for a post-mortem at city's Shatabdi hospital.

As per police, Sawant suffered at least 17 wounds and reportedly succumbed outside his residence in Samata Nagar.

The police have filed a case under IPC section 302 and an investigation is underway. The police examined footage from CCTV cameras installed in the locality has reportedly identified one of the accused.

The preliminary motive behind the crime appeared to be extortion.

As per another report, the deceased had entered a cable business and had been receiving extortion calls for the last few days.

They also said that he had brought the matter to their notice. Media reports said the murder was probably connected to these extortion threats.

Sawant is survived by his wife, son and two daughters.

Parts of Kandivali east observed a spontaneous shutdown in memory of the slain two-time municipal corporator, who was currently a deputy Vibhag Pramukh.

His funeral has been slated later on Monday evening following the autopsy.New Delhi: The benchmark BSE Sensex rallied 178 points or or 0.52 percent, to trade at an all-time high of 34,331.85 and the NSE Nifty breached the 10,600 for the first time in opening trade on Monday.

Last week, Benchmarks rallied to record highs to end the first week of 2018 with gains as investors cranked up fresh purchases in tandem with bullish global cues.

The BSE Sensex surged over 184 points to close at its lifetime high of 34,153.85, while the broader NSE Nifty ended at record 10,558.85. Sentiment got a leg-up after the Lok Sabha yesterday gave its approval for Rs 80,000 crore recapitalisation bonds for strengthening public sector banks (PSBs).

Meanwhile, the rupee strengthened by 11 paise to trade at 63.26 against the US dollar in opening session today on selling of the greenback by exporters and banks amid gains in stocks which scaled record levels.

Currency dealers said continued foreign fund inflows and weakness in the greenback against other currencies overseas supported the rupee.

Most Asian markets rose today following yet more records on Wall Street but Hong Kong turned lower after nine days of gains.

Traders in New York pushed all three main indexes ever higher on Friday, unperturbed by a well-below-forecast jobs reading with analysts saying the results indicated the employment market was tightening.MUMBAI: A fire broke out on the third floor of the Mumbai Session Court building in Karamveer Bhaurao Marg on Monday morning, reported news agency ANI.

At least five fire engines were rushed to the spot and the flame was brought under the control. No casualties have been reported.

#Visuals from Mumbai: Fire doused at Mumbai Sessions Court premises located at Karamveer Bhaurao Marg, no casualties reported pic.twitter.com/CpqAurOohI  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

The fire brigade got a call at 7.14 am about the blaze in the court building, located near the campus of the Mumbai University in South Mumbai, the official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's disaster management unit said.

The cause of fire was not yet known, he said, adding that an investigation will be carried out into the incident.

This is the fifth major fire incident in the city over the past two weeks.

The incident comes days after a fire broke out on the first floor of Shiv Shakti building at Lower Parel on Sunday. However, no injuries were reported here and the flame was brought under the control in a short time.

On January 6, a technician was killed in the massive fire that broke out at Cinevista studio in east central Mumbai. The audio assistant's charred body was found with 100 percent burn injuries during a search the next morning.

In another fire incident, at least four of a family were charred to death while nine were left with burn injuries in at the Maimoon Manzil building on late January 3.

On December 28, another major fire at Kamala Mills compound in Lower Parel left 14 persons dead, most of them in their 20s and early 30s. Several others were also injured in the huge fire that started from a restaurant and spread rapidly to nearby restaurants and offices as well.

On December 18, 12 people were killed when a massive fire broke out at a snack shop in Saki Naka-Kurla area here.Mumbai: He is born to veteran screenwriter Salim Khan and has superstar Salman Khan as his big brother, but Arbaaz says the stardom of his kin has not overshadowed his career.

The 50-year-old actor-director said getting recognised as Salman's brother does not bother him and it only acts as an advantage.

"I don't think (it has bothered me) ever. There are only advantages of being Salim Khan's son, Salman Khan's brother and coming from a known family," Arbaaz told PTI.

The actor said the fact that "I could never make it to the level that I should have was because I was under pressure or under the shadow of my father or brother. I think those are just excuses."

Arbaaz said he is aware that there is a certain baggage of expectations when a person comes a famous family but he has taken it in his stride.

"There is a pressure. People look at you differently. But you've got to move on. I look at all that has happened to me because of my family as an advantage rather than disadvantage. It has more pros than cons."

After an acting career of more than a decade, Arbaaz ventured into film production between 2009 and 2014. He took a sabbatical from acting as he produced films like Dabangg, Dabangg 2 - which he also directed - and Dolly Ki Doli.

He, however, said acting is something he enjoys the most.

"For me, acting is something I am passionate about. I am someone who wants to be known for who I am. If I wanted to just make money, I would've chosen some other profession.

"I know there are insecurities in being an actor. There are certain compromises you need to make, but they are all worth it. The perks of being recognised are something else," he said.

Arbaaz is currently awaiting the release of his next Nirdosh, in which he plays a cop investigating a murder.

The thriller, directed by Pradeep Rangwani and Subroto Paul, also features Manjari Fadnis, Ashmit Patel, Maheck Chahal and Mukul Dev.

Nirdosh is scheduled to be released on January 19.Mumbai: Actor Shrivallabh Vyas, who had played the role of Ishwar kaka in Aamir Khan starrer Lagaan, breathed his last Sunday morning after prolonged illness on January 7. He was 60.

His last rites took place in Jaipur last evening. According to a report in hindustantimes.com, Vyas suffered a brain stroke while shooting for a film in Gujarat in 2008. He reportedly fell in the toilet and was found lying in a pool of blood next morning. He underwent a surgery but since then he was paralysed.

The actors wife  Shobha had reportedly approached the Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) for financial assistance but was disappointed with the amount that was offered to her. Vyass co-actors Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee and Aamir Khan came forward to help his family, the report added.

Vyas had played character roles in a number of films and the list includes  Sarfarosh, Shool, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero, Abhay etc.Mumbai: Speculations were rife that Ranveer Singh would get engaged to Deepika Padukone on her birthday (January 5) in Sri Lanka. But it seems the couple will take some more time to make it official. Nonetheless, the two, who have been together for over 4 years now, keep giving us relationship goals.

Ranveer and Deepika were seen at the citys International airport. The two walked out of the airport after spending some quality time in Maldives, reports suggest.

A fan club of the power couple took to Twitter to share images of the two superstars as they stepped out of the airport recently.

Ranveer and Deepika at Mumbai airport 7 #deepveer (tfs @RanveeriansFC) pic.twitter.com/jLEgdsctL0  Ranveer Deepika FC (@DeepVeer_FC) 7 January 2018

Last week, a strong buzz suggested that the couple was in Sri Lanka for New Year celebrations. Ranveers presence at an airport in Sri Lanka had almost confirmed the news. But the couple apparently ringed in the new year at a private repost in Maldives.

Deepika, who turned 32 on January 5, has been dating Ranveer since Goliyon Ki Raasleela  Ram Leela days. The two had set the silverscreen ablaze with their sizzling hot chemistry in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial. They spun the same magic as Bajirao Mastani in SLBs next! They even played man and wife in Homi Adajanias Finding Fanny (read: Ranveer made a cameo appearance which lasted just for a few seconds).

And now the rumoured couple is awaiting the release of their upcoming film  Padmavat  another Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial which has been in the eye of storm since the inception.

Interestingly, Ranveer and Deepika dont share screen space in the film. The dimpled beauty, who plays Rani Padmavati has been paired opposite Shahid Kapoor who essays Maharawal Ratan Singh while Ranveer portrays the character of Alauddin Khilji.JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Monday said that Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Padmavat will not be allowed to release in the state.

"Padmavat will not be released in the state, keeping in view the sentiments of the people. Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has been instructed for the same," she said.

Her statement comes even after the CBFC has given a go-ahead to the magnum opus Padmavati-turned-Padmavat.

The politics over the release of the Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh starrer seems to fail to die down.

Speaking to mediapersons, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria, earlier in the day, had said, "Following the earlier orders of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, movie Padmavat will not be released in the state.

This came just hours after reports said that the release date of the film was finalised for January 25. The movie was initially slated for release on December 1, 2017.

Before the censor board gave a go-ahead to Padmavat, which was earlier named Padmavati, several states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra had declared that they would not allow the release of the film alleging distortion of historical facts.

The censor board had to constitute a special panel for the purpose of certifying the film. The panel comprised historians as well as members of royal families from Rajasthan. The board suggested no cuts but only five modifications for the release.

Among the modifications, the body has suggested "to change the disclaimer clearly to one that does not claim historical accuracy" and to further add a point that the film in no manner subscribes to the practice of Sati or seeks to glorify it.

Secondly, the title of the movie was asked to be changed from Padmavati to Padmavat, given the filmmakers have attributed their material/creative source to the fictional poem Padmavat and not history.

The song `Ghoomar` was also asked to be modified so as to make the depiction befitting the character being portrayed. The film was given UA certificate.

However, the move failed to end the protest over the movie with the Rajput Karni Sena threatening to vandalise all cinema halls that would show the movie.

The magnum opus stars Deepika Padukone (as Rani Padmavati), Shahid Kapoor (as Maharawal Ratan Singh) and Ranveer Singh (as Alauddin Khilji).New Delhi: When the Chinese space agency launched its space lab Tiangong-1 in 2011, little did they expect it to come 'crashing' back to Earth six years later.

The Asian country's first space station that was hailed as a potent political symbol of Chinas growing power, is expected to crash land sometime this year.

In September 2016, scientists at China's CNSA space agency admitted to having lost control of the lab, saying that it would be crash-landing on Earth. That put an end to months of speculation, as experts watching the path of the station suggested that it had been behaving strangely.

The news also raised immediate concerns of how the falling space debris will put the people on Earth at risk.

The Chinese space station is accelerating its fall towards us and will reach the ground in the coming months, Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell had told the Guardian in October 2017. It is decaying quickly and he expects "expect it will come down a few months from now  late 2017 or early 2018", he had said.

However, a top Chinese spaceflight engineer has now refuted the reports saying that the space lab is not out of control and does not pose a safety threat.

The Tiangong-1, or Heavenly Palace 1, Chinas first space lab, was launched into orbit in 2011 to carry out docking and orbit experiments as part of Chinas ambitious space program, which aims to place a permanent station in orbit by 2023.

Tiangong-1 was originally planned to be decommissioned in 2013 but China has repeatedly extended the length of its mission. The delay of re-entry into the earths atmosphere, which China said would happen in late 2017, had led some experts to suggest the space laboratory may be out of control.

Zhu Congpeng, a top engineer at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, told the state-backed Science and Technology Daily newspaper that the space station was not crashing and did not pose a safety or environmental threat.

We have been continuously monitoring Tiangong-1 and expect to allow it to fall within the first half of this year, Zhu told the newspaper.

It will burn up on entering the atmosphere and the remaining wreckage will fall into a designated area of the sea, without endangering the surface, he said.

Re-entry was delayed in September 2017 in order to ensure that the wreckage would fall into an area of the South Pacific ocean where debris from Russian and U.S. space stations had previously landed, the paper said.

The California-based Aerospace Corporation, a non-profit group that works for the US government, said the Tiangong-1s re-entry was unlikely to be controlled but was highly unlikely to hit people or damage property, according to a post on its website last updated on Jan 3.

Although not declared officially, it is suspected that control of Tiangong-1 was lost and will not be regained before re-entry, it said. There may be hazardous material on board that could survive re-entry, it said.

Advancing Chinas space program is a priority for President Xi Jinping, who has called for China to become a global space power with both advanced civilian space flight and capabilities that strengthen national security.

Beijing insists that its space program is for peaceful purposes, but the U.S. Defense Department has said Chinas program could be aimed at blocking adversaries from using space-based assets during a crisis.

(With inputs from Reuters)Kolkata: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is planning to promote spiritual tourism at the Sagar Islands in West Bengal and would take up several projects in the area for which West Bengal has promised help.

As part of the ISKCON plan a Vedic Centre for Culture and Education, a world-class park, community hall, light and sound exhibition to attract the visitors to Sagar Islands, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims during holy 'Makarsankranti' on January 14-15 every year, an ISKCON statement said.

The West Bengal government has promised all help to the project, it said.

An NRI has also expressed the wish to contribute to the projects at Gangasagar, it added.

ISKCON has set up a large camp at the Ganga Sagar fair ground which will be operational from January 11 to 16 to house pilgrims from the country and abroad.

During the Mela ISKCON's Sewa camp aims to distribute one lakh plates of 'prasadam' to the pilgrims, Sundar Govind Das, the in charge of Food for Life programme run by ISKCON, Mayapur, said.

It will also provide free medical aid by doctors of a private super-speciality hospital and distribute blankets among the pilgrims, he added.ALIGARH: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Monday expelled a student following reports of his alleged involvement in "highly objectionable activities, which can hamper the peaceful academic atmosphere and create disharmony".

Mannan Bashir Wani is a PhD student from the Department of Geology. The university authority has also sealed his room, said the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of AMU.

Earlier in the day, the Uttar Pradesh Police had conducted raids at the university in search of Wani, who went missing a few days back.

Wani, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, had recently appeared in a photograph posted on social media holding an AK-47 rifle, with a message claiming that he has joined militancy.

"Mannan Wani, son of Bashir Ahmad Wani, joined Hizbul Mujahideen on January 5," read the message that appeared on WhatsApp and Facebook along with his photograph.

However, the Kupwara police had expressed caution to the viral photo and had said there is no confirmation yet on whether Mannan has joined militancy or not. IG of Kashmir had suspected that Mannan's photograph may have been photoshopped by some miscreants and that they are trying to locate him. He was last seen in Delhi.

Aligarh SSP Rajesh Pandey too asserted that while there are reports of Mannan joining Hizbul Mujahideen, there has been no confirmation on the same.

Soon after the photograph went viral on the social media, the AMU administration had suspended the PhD scholar from the college.

Wani's brother, Mubashir Ahmad, reportedly said that he and his family have no idea whether he has joined militancy or not. As per Mubashir, they lost contact with Wani on January 4 after his phone appeared to be switched off.

Ater failing to contact Munnan, his family registered a missing report with police on Saturday.

As per another report, Mannan had left AMU a few days ago and was supposed to reach his home in Kupwara on January 3.

Wani had enrolled in AMU after successfully completing Bachelors in Geology and Earth Sciences from the University of Kashmir. He had also completed his Master's and MPhil in Geology from AMU.

The official website of the university says that the 26-year-old Wani was pursuing a PhD on 'Structural and Geo-Morphological Study of Lolab Valley, Kashmir'. He had also won an award for the best paper presentation at an International Conference in 2016.

Wani's father is a lecturer while his brother Mubashir is an engineer.ALIGARH: The Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday conducted raids at the Aligarh Muslim University here in search of PhD student Mannan Wani, who went missing a few days back.

Mannan, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, recently appeared in a photograph posted on social media holding an AK-47 rifle, with a message claiming that he has joined militancy.

"Mannan Wani, son of Bashir Ahmad Wani, joined Hizbul Mujahideen on January 5," read the message that appeared on WhatsApp and Facebook along with his photograph.

However, the Kupwara police expressed caution to the viral photo and said there is no confirmation yet on whether Mannan has joined militancy or not. IG of Kashmir suspected that Mannan's photograph may have been photoshopped by some miscreants and that they are trying to locate him. He was last seen in Delhi.

Aligarh SSP Rajesh Pandey too asserted that while there are reports of Mannan joining Hizbul Mujahideen, there has been no confirmation on the same.

Soon after the photograph went viral on the social media, the AMU administration suspended the PhD scholar from the college, said a news agency ANI report.

Mannan Wani, a research scholar at AMU, suspended from college after a video of him with weapon went viral on social media, #Aligarh SSP Rajesh Pandey says 'there are reports of him joining Hizbul Mujahideen, can't reveal anything before verification' pic.twitter.com/LjEK636DBz  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 8, 2018

Mannan's brother, Mubashir Ahmad, reportedly said that he and his family have no idea whether he has joined militancy or not. As per Mubashir, they lost contact with Munnan on January 4 after his phone appeared to be switched off.

Ater failing to contact Munnan, his family registered a missing report with police on Saturday.

As per another report, Mannan had left AMU a few days ago and was supposed to reach his home in Kupwara on January 3.

Mannan had enrolled in AMU after successfully completing Bachelors in Geology and Earth Sciences from the University of Kashmir. He had also completed his Master's and MPhil in Geology from AMU.

The official website of the university says that the 26-year-old Mannan was pursuing a PhD on 'Structural and Geo-Morphological Study of Lolab Valley, Kashmir'. He had also won an award for the best paper presentation at an International Conference in 2016.

Wani's father is a lecturer while his brother Mubashir is an engineer.DAMASCUS: At least 18 people were killed on Sunday by a blast that targeted a rebels` position in Idlib, Syria, a monitor group said.

Civilians were among those killed and wounded by the car bomb that targeted a position of Agnad al-Caucaus rebel group, Xinhua reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the blast was heavy, stopping short of giving details on the number of civilians among the killed militants.

The Syrian army has been on a wide-scale offensive in the southern countryside of Idlib, capturing tens of towns and villages over the past two months.

The recent military victory was achieved on Sunday when the Syrian army captured the strategic town of Sinjar, which enables the government forces to advance toward capturing the key airbase of Abu al-Duhur.

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.Acapulco: Violent clashes involving gunmen, a community police force and state police killed 11 people in the troubled southern state of Guerrero, while a separate series of shootouts the previous night left seven dead in the northern Mexico beach resort of San Jose del Cabo.

Guerrero state security spokesman Roberto Alvarez said eight people were initially killed when gunmen ambushed community police before dawn in the town of La Concepcion, near the resort city of Acapulco. Two of the dead were from the community force.

Later in the morning, state police arrived to disarm the local agents, and another shootout erupted in which three people were killed. Alvarez said he did not know how they died, but local media said they were community police.

State Attorney General Xavier Olea Pelaez said 30 members of the community police were detained on suspicion of crimes including homicide and illegal weapons and drug possession.

Among those arrested was Marco Antonio Suastegui, the founder of the community force and the leader of a social movement that for over a decade has fought against a hydroelectric project in the region.

Photojournalist Bernandino Hernandez said that while covering the violence he was beaten, kicked and dragged by state police and forcibly relieved of his camera's memory cards. He also witnessed several other journalists being treated roughly.

Hernandez said he had photographed police using force against locals who tried to prevent the arrest of the community agents: "Some people were dragged by the hair to take them away."

Hernandez is a regular contributor of photographs to The Associated Press but was not on assignment for AP at the time.

Guerrero has been one of Mexico's most violent states in recent years, home to marijuana and opium poppy fields as well as warring organized crime gangs.

It's also where 43 teachers college students disappeared in 2014 after being taken by police from the city of Iguala who allegedly handed them over to a drug cartel. They remain missing.

In the northern state of Baja California Sur, prosecutors said in a statement that marines responding Saturday night to reports of gunfire in San Jose del Cabo came upon heavily armed men wearing tactical vests and riding in two vehicles with license plates from the U.S. State of California.KANO: At least a dozen people were killed over the weekend in apparent tit-for-tat clashes between farmers and cattle herders in central Nigeria, police and community sources said on Monday.

The violence between Christian Bachama farmers and Muslim Fulani herders happened in the Lau district of Taraba state on Friday and Saturday.

Police spokesman David Misal said 12 people were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked Fulani settlements on Friday. A reprisal attack followed on Saturday, he added.

"We recorded four deaths in the Fulani settlements and eight in the Bachama village," he told AFP.

Residents of the affected villages put the death toll at 40. It was not possible to verify either figure independently.

The attacks are the latest in a bloody, long-running dispute over land, exacerbated by religious and ethnic tensions that have killed thousands in recent decades.

The International Crisis Group warned last September the conflict was becoming "as potentially dangerous as the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast".

Herdsman Abdullahi Hamma said suspected Bachama tribesmen launched a dawn attack on his village of Donadda and two others, Babagasa and Katibu.

"We buried 15 bodies of people killed in the attacks on our communities," he added.

On Saturday, Fulani herders stormed Bachama-populated Robi village on motorcycles and opened fire on residents.

"We lost 25 people to an unprovoked attack by Fulani gunmen on our village," said Robi youth leader Felix Uban-Doma.

"Several people were injured."Police spokesman Misal said the killings were a "spill over" of similar violence last month in neighbouring Adamawa state. Lau district lies near the state border.

Then, at least 30 Fulani herders were killed by Bachama militia in an attack on four Fulani villages in the Numan district of the state.

The killings led to reprisal attacks by Fulani herders on nearby Bachama villages where several people were killed, leading to an exodus of residents from the area.

"It was those aggrieved by the attack on their kinsmen in Numan that attacked the Fulani communities in Lau, which shares border with Adamawa, and led to the reprisals," Misal said.

Police were deployed in the affected area to contain the violence, said Misal, adding the police arrested three suspects in connection with the violence.

Dozens more people are believed to have been killed in a week of violence between Fulani herders and ethnic Tiv farmers in the Guma and Logo areas of central Benue state.

Benue police spokesman Moses Joel Yamu said it was not yet established how many had died.

"Our primary responsibility is to ensure that lives are protected," he told AFP, adding that reinforcements had been sent to the affected areas.

Last Wednesday, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the Benue state capital, Makurdi, over attacks on farming communities.

The mainly Muslim nomadic cattle rearers have been clashing with largely Christian farmers over grazing rights in Nigeria for decades.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari -- a Hausa-speaking Fulani from northern Nigeria -- has condemned the deadly clashes as "wicked and callous".

But he has been criticised for not doing more to prevent the attacks.Beijing: China on Monday said it is opposed to the US "finger pointing" at Pakistan and linking it with terrorism, insisting that the responsibility of cracking down on terror outfits cannot be placed on a particular country.

China's support for its all-weather ally came as the US stepped up its efforts to pressure Pakistan to eliminate terror safe havens on its soil.

The US last week suspended approximately USD 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan for its failure to take decisive action against terror groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

"China always opposed linking terrorism with any certain country and we don't agree to place the responsibility of anti terrorism on a certain country," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing.

He was responding to a question on a White House official's remarks that China could play helpful role in convincing Pakistan that it was in its national interest to crackdown on terror safe havens.

"We have stressed many times that Pakistan has made important sacrifices and contributions to the global anti terrorism cause," Lu said.

"Countries should strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation on the basis of mutual respect instead of finger pointing at each other. This is not conducive to the global terrorism efforts," he said.

China has been vocal in extending support to Pakistan since US President Donald Trump increased rhetoric against Islamabad providing safe havens for terrorists.

Trump in a New Year's Day tweet accused the country 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.

Chinese media has been speculating that Trump's efforts to step up pressure on Pakistan may move it closer to Islamabad as Beijing is involved in a number of projects in the country under the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Chinese official media is highlighting reports that Pakistan may allow China to build a military base at Jiwani located close to Iran's Chabahar port, which is being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan. Jiwani is also close to the strategic Gwadar port in Balochistan which is being developed by China.

While defending Pakistan, Lu said China at the same time backed international counter terrorism efforts.

"First and foremost, I would like to say that terrorism is the common enemy of the international community. Cracking down of terrorism calls for the joint efforts from the international community," he said.

"Actually, China is defending countries that have been making anti-terrorism efforts in a just and fair way. China also welcomes all the global joint efforts in terms of counter terrorism on the basis of mutual trust and mutual respect," he said.Mumbai, Jan 8 (PTI) Around 1,300 women from India will go on Haj without a "Mehram" and will be exempted from the lottery system this year for the annual pilgrimage, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi reiterated today.

Till now, women Haj pilgrims were required to be accompanied by their husbands or a "Mehram" during the annual pilgrimage.

"Saudi Arabia has relaxed the norms and allowed a group of at least four women to go on Haj without a male companion," Naqvi said during an interaction with PTI journalists here.

The term "Mehram" refers to a male, whom a woman cannot marry (i.e. father, brother, son etc.).

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat radio programme, had said that the women who have applied to go on Haj without a Mehram would be exempted from the lottery system and allowed to go on the annual pilgrimage," the minority affairs minister said.

The Centre had decided to allow the women pilgrims over the age of 45 years to undertake the pilgrimage in groups of at least four, sans a "Mehram", he added.

Meanwhile, referring to the impasse in the Rajya Sabha between the ruling party and Opposition, due to which the "triple talaq" bill could not be passed during the just- concluded Winter session of Parliament, Naqvi said it was not a setback for the government.

"We have made the practice of triple talaq illegal and unconstitutional. Hence, there is a provision of imprisonment (for the offenders)," the minister said.

Pointing to the response of the Muslim community to the triple talaq decision, Naqvi said there was "not a single protest", unlike the protests on the Shah Bano issue during late Rajiv Gandhis tenure as prime minister.

"The Congress missed an opportunity to make a statement about our bill in the Lok Sabha. It did not even suggest an amendment. Now, it is stalling the bill in the Rajya Sabha," he added.

Asked if the Muslims were going away from the BJP, Naqvi said, "For the first time, the BJP got around 17 per cent votes from the Muslim community in Gujarat. We realised this when we analysed the results booth-wise."

This is the first time the saffron party had received so many votes from the Muslim community, the minister said, adding, "The figure used to be around 8-9 per cent."

In last months Gujarat polls, with 99 MLAs, the BJP secured a simple majority in the 182-member Assembly, 16 less than its 2012 tally of 115.

The opposition Congress, which had won 61 seats in 2012, managed to increase its tally to 77. PTI ND NRB VT RCDubai: An Indian man in the UAE has hit a jackpot by winning a whopping dirham 12 million (USD 3.2 million) in the biggest-ever raffle prize money in Abu Dhabi.

Harikrishnan V Nair, 42, who works as a business development manager for a firm in Dubai and has been living in the UAE with his family since 2002, won the huge amount yesterday in 'Big Ticket' raffle draw.

"I still cannot believe it. Is it me? Is it really me?" an excited Nair, who is from Kerala, told Khaleej Times.

He said he had bought the tickets twice before, but had never won.

Nair said he had always wanted to travel the world with his family and the time for it has come.

"I think 2018 is the year for that. I will plan a world tour soon," said Nair, father of a seven-year old son.

"I would like to plan for my son's education and buy another house in India. I want to take good care of my mother and my wife's mother too, who are in India," he said.

Charity is also on top of Nair's agenda.

"I have always wanted to help people in need, and by God's grace I can do it now. That is something I will really do," he said.

His wife, a logistics support staff, said she could not believe the news.

"I was dump-founded when I got the call from my husband. First I thought he was playing the same prank I had planned on him," she said.

"Now that he has won the jackpot, I will let him figure out what he wants to do with it. He is after all a business development manager and would know better how to manage his funds," she said.

Eight Indians were among 10 people who had won dhirham 1 million (USD 2.7 lakh) each in a mega raffle draw in Abu Dhabi in October last year.

In August, an Indian man had won dhirham 5 million (USD 1.3 million) in the draw in the UAE.

Infuriated by the manner in which Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and wife were treated when they met him in Islamabad last month, a group of NRIs and Baloch activists staged a protest outside Pakistani embassy in Washington on Sunday.

Carrying placards which read '#ChappalchorPakistan' and displaying footwear in protest against Jadhav's wife being made to remove her footwear before she met him, the protestors questioned Pakistan for violating basic norms of humanity. "Pakistan's narrow-mindedness was exposed with how they treated Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and wife, what policymakers and people here need to understand is that Pak as a whole is also being run with the same narrow-minded mentality," said one of the protestors.

When they stole the chappal of a woman (#KulbhushanJadhav's wife) who was in distress, I hope they use these also. I want to say one thing- Pakistan ka matlab kya? Amreeka (America) se dollar la, Hindustan ke joote kha!: Protester at #ChappalChorPakistan protest in Washington DC pic.twitter.com/nky7TrsRoD  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

War or words ensued between India and Pakistan on the conditions under which Jadhav - a former Indian Naval officer unlawfully arrested by Pakistan on charges of spying - met his mother and wife. The women were made to take off their sindoor, mangalsutra, bangles while Pakistan even said a recording device was found in the footwear of one of the women. India has not just strongly refuted the charges but also slammed Pakistan for violating mutually-agreed conditions under which the women would meet Jadhav.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in a speech in Parliament, termed Pakistan's conduct as 'absurdity beyond measure.'

"A mother met her son, wife met her husband after 22 months but it was used as a propaganda weapon by Pakistan," she said. "We had asked that Pakistani media not be allowed near the family but they were permitted to come in close proximity from where they humiliated them, accused them."

"Jadhav's wife was forced to take off her shoes, they said it had a camera. Then they said it had a recorder. What I want to know is that she took two flights - one Air India and then Emirates - and even if we assume that Air India allowed her safe passage, was recorder, chip not noticed during checking at Dubai Airport?" she asked.

While Swaraj's verbal attack sought to blunt Pakistan's charges, there have been numerous protests elsewhere in India and even abroad. Many have expressed their dismay at the treatment meted out to Jadhav's family even as Pakistan continues to refuse India's repeated requests of consular access.A Pakistani Urdu newspaper Khabrain has sparked a row with its new year calendar. The calendar has become a talking point as it carries a photograph of Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief and 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

A photograph of the calendar featuring Saeed was shared by Pakistan-based journalist Omar R Quraishi on Twitter.

Pakistani Urdu newspaper 'Khabrain' issues its annual 2018 calendar with JUD chief Hafiz Saeed on it pic.twitter.com/6LiyHnOxA8  omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) January 8, 2018

This came even as Pakistan blacklisted Saeeds JuD after US blocked $255 million military aid to the country.

However, Hafiz Saeed has already opened the first political office of Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore, snubbing warnings from the Pakistan government. The MML is a party formed by Saeed to contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan.

Last week, Pakistans financial regulatory body  Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan  banned Saeeds group from collecting any donation.

In January 2017, the Pakistan government had launched a crackdown against JuD, placing Saeed under house arrest.

However, Saeed was released in November after the Lahore High Court refused to extend the period of his confinement.Pakistan has reportedly warned the United States against mounting a strong offensive against Taliban in Afghanistan, stating that anything that less than complete success would lead to the terrorist outfit making strongholds in the mountainous regions along the border with Pakistan.

Quoting diplomatic sources in the country, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported that the Islamabad fears failure to strike a deadly blow to Taliban would lead to a complete crumbling of any chances of talks. Urging that the first line of action should be talks rather than attack, authorities here have learned to have told their counterparts in Washington to strongly re-think a proposed plan of two-pronged military offensive.

The US in recent months has accused Pakistan of not acting against home-grown terror outfits. The two countries previously have been allies in the war on terror in the region but the Donald Trump administration has charged Pakistan for its 'lies and deceit.'

Relations between the two nations have soured with the Americans warning that if Pakistan does not act, the US will do so unilaterally - prompting Pakistani officials to issue terse statements.

Pakistan is also jittery about the US asking India to play a more active role in Afghanistan although New Delhi has made it clear its work here would not involve its armed forces. Nonetheless, Pakistan sees no merit in any Indian role in Afghanistan at all. "We don't foresee any political or military role for India in Afghanistan," Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had said recently. "I think it will just complicate the situation and it will not resolve anything. So if they want to do economic assistance, that's their prerogative, but we don't accept or see any role politically or militarily for India in Afghanistan."

Meanwhile, it is Pakistan that continues to play the victim card and has repeatedly said the fight against terrorism has taken a toll on its people and forces.112 Agency

The poverty level in Ukraine in 2017, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, fell to 12%. This was reported by the Deputy Executive Director of KIIS Victoria Zahozha, informs DT.UA.



According to her, from 1994 to 2017 the poverty level in Ukraine changed. The worst situation was in the late 1990s. In 1998, 52% of respondents believed that they were almost starving. Then the situation improved, and for 10 years - until 2008 - the poverty level dropped to 11%.



"And this is one of the few, but important achievements of Ukraine over the years," the sociologist said. "In 2008, after the outbreak of the global crisis, the level of poverty increased to 21%, but then the situation began to improve. Before the outbreak of the military conflict, in 2013 the poverty rate was 9%, increasing almost twofold to 17% from 2014 to 2016. But over the past year the situation has improved and the poverty level has fallen to 12%."



Let's note, on December 4, President Petro Poroshenko spoke in favor of raising the minimum wage in 2018 in Ukraine.

Related: Daughter of murdered Nozdrovska thinks the case must be controlled by peopleRichard Pugh discusses changes in the court system and the use of bail under the recently passed state constitutional amendment.

Public Defenders have the very difficult job of representing people accused of crimes who cannot afford independent counsel. On Monday, January 8, Richard Pugh the District Defender for the Second Judicial District in Bernalillo County will speak to Albuquerque Press Women and Friends at 11:30 a.m. at the Golden Corral (5207 San Mateo NE).

For the last four years Pugh has been the District Defender in Bernalillo County. He will discuss current changes in the court system and the use of bail under the recently passed state constitutional amendment.

Previously Pugh worked in the Roswell office, Albuquerque felony division, and as a public defender contractor. Pugh has tried more than 60 felony cases throughout several judicial districts and is on the Board of the New Mexico Criminal Defense Attorneys and the National Association of Public Defenders Workload Committee.

Everyone is welcome and individuals are responsible for their own meals. No reservations are needed. Non-members will be charged an additional $5.SkyBridge Arizona, which will be the nations first international air cargo hub to house both Mexican and United States customs, will operate out of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.



Arizona is becoming home of the nations first international air cargo hub to house both U.S. and Mexico customs, according to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey.

Dubbed SkyBridge Arizona, the hub will operate out of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and will enable trade in Mexico and throughout Latin America more efficiently without having to go through the international customs center in Mexico City, the governor said.

The customs portion of the project  Unified Cargo Processing (UCP) Program  will be jointly operated by both U.S. and Mexico customs officers. The UCP program began as a pilot program last year in Nogales, Ariz. and has been approved for airfreight to SkyBridge Arizona.

A similar program in partnership with Mexicos Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (SAT) began conducting joint cargo inspections at Customs Otay Mesa Cargo Facility in October.

Under the UCP pilot program, Customs and SAT will eliminate separate inspections at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility, located south of San Diego on the U.S.-Mexico border, thereby reducing wait times, the governor said.

All required documents, inspections, tracking and other services will occur on-site at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The Customs Processing status will follow cargo electronically to its final destination to any city in Mexico, and eventually further into Central and South America. Furthermore, the UCP Program will be operational at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in the coming months.

The SkyBridge Arizona project is expected to create 17,000 direct and indirect jobs and increase cargo flights out of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport by 2,000 a year, eventually reaching 10,000 by 2036. The project involves $230 million in investments for 360 acres of commercial development, 2 million square feet of warehouse space, 900,000 square feet of light industrial and flex space, 800,000 square feet of air cargo operations, and a 15-year build out plan for infrastructure improvements around the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, including water, sewer and power expansions as well as water retention basins.

The arrival of SkyBridge Arizona once again proves that our state is a national leader in advancing innovative new ideas, Governor Ducey said. Arizona has forged an incredible relationship with our friends and neighbors in Mexico, and were very proud of this latest collaboration to enhance international trade and create more jobs for Arizonans.

SkyBridge Arizona was initiated due to the airfreight growth rate of 30 percent per year in Arizona, or 180 percent from 2011 to 2015. Airfreight trade between Arizona and Mexico currently totals $390 million per year and is expected to surge to $650 million by 2025.

The state also outpaces all of its Southwest neighbors of California, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas, whose air freight traffic grew by just 10 percent during the same period, the governor said.

SkyBridge will truly change the way we conduct cross-border business, slashing delivery times for companies and ensuring safe transit, SkyBridge CEO Ariel Picker said. This is true international cooperation and something we can all be proud of.YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Simple yet sophisticated, affordable fast food and a gourmet special at the same time, local favorite and international trademark  there are many ways to describe the famous beef noodles of Lanzhou, but as they say: Better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times. Well in this case it should be to taste instead of to see.

This city, home to roughly 3,5 million people, is located in the very center of mainland China, and has historically served as a major link on the Silk Road. The city is located on the banks of the Yellow River  the third longest river in Asia, the basin of which was the birthplace of the ancient Chinese civilization.

And presently, as Chinas President Xi Jinping signaled the One Belt One Road initiative, Lanzhou  being a key transportation hub, enhances and develops infrastructure to boost international cargo shipments via its modern railway systems. The Dongchuan Logistics Center, located in the International Land Port of the city, serves as a major international trade distribution center, and according to estimates the annual handling capacity of the railway will reach 30 million tons as the system is being rapidly enhanced.

Lanzhou, the capital and largest city of Chinas Gansu province, takes pride in what its best known for  the Beef Noodles.

Lanzhou Beef Noodles were first introduced in the end of the Qing Dynasty, and ever since have become the most popular dish. This dish, which is the trademark of Lanzhou, requires culinary craftsmanship at its best, as all types of the noodles , be it thick or needle thin, are hand-pulled.

This dish is one of the top consumed foods in the city, and locals enjoy a bowl of beef noodles both as a breakfast and lunch. Over the years it has grown into a unique cultural significance, and the name of the city is instantly associated with the beef noodle soup. This popularity has quickly taken hold of not only throughout China, but also all over the world, with the beef noodle industry playing a major role for the citys tourism.

With over 1200 Beef Noodle restaurants, the business generates 9% of the citys industrial output and has a significant role for the local economy, according to Zhang Haiming - head of the Business Service Department of Lanzhou Commerce Bureau. Investors can easily find projects, the local government is supporting the industry.

One can easily notice the high demand this sphere has, as the city runs its very own specialized training facility for future chefs  the Gansu Xinglong Beef Noodle Vocational Training School. Executives of the facility say people willing to learn this craftsmanship are required to complete a three-year course in order to become certified beef noodle chefs. There are even people who come from abroad to study in this esteemed center.

The city also has its very own Lanzhou Beef Noodle Industry Association, with Zhao Xiaolong serving as Secretary General. The Association regulates and organizes this business.

Lanzhou restaurateurs are very eager to enhance and expand their operations globally, with many Beef Noodle restaurant franchises presently open in more than 40 countries. According to restaurant executives from the MaZi Lu Beef Noodle, these restaurants operating in foreign countries use beef, vegetables and noodles from Lanzhou to keep everything authentic.

Stepan Kocharian

Administration of Oriental Palace Beef Noodle restaurant show off the craftsmanship of their chefs with a handmade noodle thin enough to go through a needle hole

Evening in downtown Lanzhou

Future chefs at the specialized beef noodle training center

Lanzhou skyline and the famous Zhongshan Bridge

Local beef noodle restaurants are always stacked

Mother of the Yellow River Statue

Senior master chef Ma Wenbin, one of the most famous beef noodle chefs of China, displays the preparation process

The Oriental Palace Beef Noodle restaurant boasts the biggest table in town

The Yellow River as seen from Lanzhou Old TownSTEPANAKERT, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. On January 7, at 13:20, Defense Army soldier Vache N. Chilingaryan, born in 1998, was fatally wounded by the Azerbaijani shooting in one of the military units located in the north-eastern direction of the Artsakh Defense Army, the Artsakh defense ministry told Armenpress.

Investigation has been launched to clarify the details of the incident.

Artsakhs defense ministry shares the grief of the loss and extends condolences to the family, relatives and co-servicemen of the killed soldier.YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Official Stepanakert is labeling the Azerbaijani actions to be terrorist.

Artsakh Presidential spokesman Davit Babayan commented on the recent death of a soldier caused by Azerbaijani gunfire in an interview with ARMENPRESS.

We are dealing with a terrorist state in the person of Azerbaijan. We are dealing with a low adversary. The violation of ceasefire during New Year days, which doesnt whatsoever impact the military political balance, doesnt change the situation in Azerbaijans favor. This is simply low, terrorism, inhumane conduct. This is the abnormal adversary we are dealing with, he said.

Davit Babayan reminded that the official Stepanakert, had proposed 10 years ago to refrain from ceasefire violations especially during international, national, religious holidays as means of stability and peace.

Taking such a step during holidays is a low [thing to do], it doesnt fit into any reasoning. This is an irreversible loss for us, the memory of the fallen soldier will always stay bright in the hearts of all, Babayan said.

On January 7, an Artsakhi soldier was shot dead by Azerbaijan.Case has been registered against journalist for exposing vulnerability of Aadhaar data security: Picture for representation. (Photo: PTI)

Acting on a complaint by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the Delhi police have filed a case against journalist Rachna Khaira for purchasing Aadhaar data. But, this is not the first time that the UIDAI has tried to shoot the messenger.

The UIDAI had filed another case against a journalist in March last year on the charges of attempting to access Aadhaar data without having been authorised. The journalist had got two Aadhaar IDs on same biometric information: one original and another fake.

It was done to expose how some people were taking advantage of the loopholes in the system. The UIDAI responded by getting an FIR registered against the journalist instead of fixing the flaw.

The FIR still stands and the journalist continues to be questioned by the crime branch. Meanwhile, the UIDAI blocked his original Aadhaar card.

In the present case, the journalist tried to expose the loopholes and show that security breach in Aadhaar biometric system was possible. The UIDAI has treated this as an act of cheating, forgery, use of fraudulent means and an offence under the IT Act.

The complaint said that the journalist used a false identity to procure Aadhaar data and made payment through an online app. It further stated that the journalist and other accused are in possession of large data and thus case needed to be registered.

FIR lodged in Aadhaar leak story. FIR lodged in Aadhaar leak story.

The police today said that the FIR was lodged against unknown suspects and not against the journalist. Police also said that the FIR is "open ended".

Meanwhile, the Confederation of Newspaper and News Agency Employees' Organisations today demanded that the FIR should be withdrawn.

But, sources in Delhi police said that it would not be easy to cancel or quash the FIR. Delhi police can now cancel the FIR only after securing permission from the Delhi High Court, the source said.

ALSO WATCH | UIDAI condemned by Editors Guild for booking journalist over data breach storyYEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran and three members of the European Union plan to hold a consultative meeting over the Iranian nuclear agreement, IRNA reports.

Minister Zarif said the meeting will focus on the US destructive policy regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The meeting place and date are not released.YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. The government of Tajikistan has tasked relevant ministries and agencies to take measures to establish direct air communication with Armenia, news.tj reports.

The governments of Armenia and Tajikistan signed an agreement on air communication on June 14, 2017.

By governments decree the Ministry of Transport together with other relevant ministries and agencies is ordered to take necessary measures to ensure the implementation of a government-to-government agreement between Tajikistan and Armenia on launching direct air communication.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan has been tasked to inform the Armenian side that Tajikistans respective internal procedures necessary for the agreements entry into force have been completed.

During the official visit of the President of Tajikistan to Armenia, the two Presidents agreed to consider the opportunity to launch direct flights.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said they are ready to provide privileges to Tajik partners within the frames of the open sky policy run by Armenia in the aviation field.YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Movses Hakobyan presented details of the Azerbaijani shooting of a soldier in Artsakh.

During a press conference, Hakobyan said the soldier was shot dead by a sniper, and stressed that the soldier did not do any violations.

It is definitely a fact that the serviceman was shot by a sniper. The commander, who rushed to assist the serviceman, was also wounded. The vehicle of the tactical group which was dispatched to the scene also came under fire. One of the soldiers in the vehicle was also wounded, Hakobyan said.

Movses Hakobyan also said the two servicemen were slightly wounded. I would like to specially emphasize the heroism of the officer who didnt hesitate and went to save the life of his soldier, but was wounded. While our soldier didnt do any kind of violation, the adversary is simply looking for means to shoot our servicemen, he said.YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. The situation in Iran in general is calm at the moment, ethnic Armenian lawmaker of the Iranian Parliament Karen Khanlarian told ARMENPRESS.

The activeness of protests has calmed down, there are almost no rallies, protests, the situation is calm and under control. You know that these issues emerged in connection with the socio-economic problems. And this was also supplemented by the political vector which is a result of influence of foreign powers, he said.

According to the lawmaker, the complaint among the people has its reason, the country really faces a socio-economic problem. This also emerged by applying economic sanctions against Iran.

In the recent years there have always been protests in Iran. I have witnessed different groups in streets, squares near the parliament voicing their complaints over economic, social issues. This time the protests were supplemented by a little political character which was exclusive. Now everyone is concerned, tries to find solutions to the existing issues in order to prevent such incidents, Karen Khanlarian said.

As for the Armenian community, the lawmaker said everyone freely expresses his/her opinion. The economic issues concern all citizens of Iran, including Armenians. He added that as a result of the economic sanctions imposed on Iran the small and medium businesses of many Iranian citizens, including Armenians were greatly affected.

The talks on nuclear deal inspired hope that the sanctions will be lifted, the economic situation will improve, but we see that the US not only doesnt want to eliminate the sanctions, but tries to increase them, the lawmaker added.

Anti-governmental protests launched in Iran on December 28. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested.YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. 65% of the Armenian Army is comprised of contractual servicemen, and only 35% are conscripted soldiers, Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Movses Hakobyan told a press conference.

He reassured that the manning level in the army is on the highest level, both in on-duty units and reserve bases, which are called permanent readiness bases.

We have a decrease of conscription for 12 years consecutively. This is the last year that we have a decrease. And during these years we knew that this will happen, and thats why we simultaneously manned the army with contractual servicemen. This hasnt impacted the combat readiness of the army. We carry out the planning in a way that the decrease of conscription doesnt impact the readiness, he said.LOS ANGELESProducers in the burgeoning virtual reality (VR) segment of the porn industry create more than half of all VR content in the current market, and VR porn is projected the become a billion-dollar business within the next decade, according to a report in The Los Angeles Times last week. But VR porn creators say they are running into a major obstacle: the giant corporations that manufacture the headsets required to watch VR video, the Times reported.

Makers of VR viewing devices include some of the worlds largest technology companies, such as Apple, Samsung, Sony, HTC and Facebook through its Oculus VR division. But the big tech firms have blocked access to apps created by VR porn companiesapps that make downloading and viewing adult content in virtual reality easy and convenient.

Fans can still watch VR porn on the headsets, but that often requires awkward and complicated workarounds. Even so, according to experts cited by the Times, VR porn has already become a major driver of VR hardware purchases, despite the official resistance from the big tech firms.

The official line is that they dont talk about it, VRPorn.com boss Daniel Peterson told the paper. But everyone knows its a major factor driving VR.

It's this very strange situation where if you talk privately to people who work at major VR companies and you say, Hey, what do you think about VR porn? And they say, Oh, I love VR porn! said Oculus VR co-founder Palmer Luckey who, according the Times, no longer works for the company. But then they go to a public panel at a game development conference, and they'll get asked, What do you think about VR porn? They say, What is VR porn? I don't know anything about that.

Porn creators have long been early adopters of new technology, as they seek new methods to deliver adult content to an audience constantly in search of new experiences. The first known erotic film, the 1896 French short Le Coucher de la Mariee (aka Bedtime for the Bride), appeared about a year after the invention of the motion picture.

About six decades later, the still-underground porn film business helped drive the explosion in Super-8 film and cameras which, in the era before home video, first made movies relatively cheap and simple for anyone to create and view. Fast-forward to the late 1970s and early 1980s, and porn creators then adopted the VHS videotape format as the most cost-effective and convenient medium to put adult video content into the hands of eager consumers.

Around the same time, erotic programming led to a sharp rise in cable TV subscriptions. And of course, porn has pushed the progress of internet technology, starting in the early 1990s when Penthouse gave readers what were then lightning-fast 2400-baud modems for free, to let fans view the online Penthouse content without prohibitively long download speeds.

Porn has also driven innovation in video streaming, online payment systems and other groundbreaking internet technologies.

With porn now on the cutting edge of VR tech, VR porn producers, whose industry took in $93 million last year and could top $1 billion by 2025, according to The Times, say they want to help hardware makers innovate their technology as well.

For example, Naughty America exec Ian Paul says that his company has offered to invest in age verification technology that would allow big tech firms to grant access to VR porn apps while shielding the adult content from minors.

I don't want to paint the picture that it's us versus the manufacturers, because it's not, Paul said.

Naughty America is one of the few adult companies exhibiting at the Consumer Electronics Show, currently taking place in Las Vegas.Leading figures from businesses including Greggs, SSP, Caffe Nero and Itsu will be speaking at the 2018 MCA Food-to-go Conference.

This years event, taking place at the Ham Yard Hotel, London, on 7 February, will analyse changing consumer behaviour and its implications for industry stakeholders.

Operators will talk about their growth plans, as well as the operational, marketing and supply challenges and opportunities set to define the future of the sector.

The conference is described by organiser MCA  which is owned by British Baker publisher William Reed Business Media  as an unmissable event for fast-food outlets, cafes, supermarkets, convenience stores and their suppliers.

This years speakers include:

Julian Metcalfe, founder of Itsu, on why 2018 will be a big year for his Asian-inspired concept, including how it has become a 100m-turnover business and its plans for further growth and its launch in the US.

Gerry Ford, founder and group chief executive of Caffe Nero, on the continuing international growth of this business across eight countries.

Hannah Squirrell, customer director at Greggs, will take a look behind the success of Greggs Rewards loyalty app, and how it contributes to the company placing the customer at the heart of its business.

Simon Burdess, the first director of foodservice at Waitrose, on how the retailer is evolving its food and beverage offer and increasing its in-store foodservice options to meet consumer needs.

Jonathan Robinson, business development director at SSP, will discuss how the company selects its food and beverage partners, and the challenges and opportunities it faces working in high footfall locations.

For further information visit www.foodtogoconference.co.uk

For delegate enquiries or event sponsorship opportunities contact michael.blakesley@mca-insight.com, or phone 01293 610334.Ingredients supplier Macphie has named Mark Duncan, currently head of operations at the companys Glenbervie site, as its new technical director.

Duncan joined the business in 1995 as Glenbervie quality assurance manager. He moved on to be head of quality and regulatory affairs at the Glenbervie and Tannochside sites, before becoming operations head at Glenbervie.

In his new role as technical director, he will take the lead on research & development, quality and safety, health and environmental matters.

A graduate of Nottingham Trent University, Duncan worked for Daylay Foods, Kellogg Company in Australia and Scotch Premier Meats before joining the ingredients supplier.

Macphie managing director Andy Underwood said the company had been reviewing the opportunities and challenges the business has faced recently and would face in the future as it looked to continue its growth.

As a result of this review, we have decided to strengthen the board with the appointment of a technical director. Mark has a wealth of technical and operational knowledge across the business, as well as a broader appreciation of our entire supply chain, which will be invaluable as we move forward.

Macphie  which was named Bakery Manufacturer of the Year at the 2017 Baking Industry Awards in September  recently announced a 13.2% increase in turnover to 53.9m. Sales increased across most UK channels, with out-of-home the key growth area, the company stated, adding that the Middle East offered further growth opportunities.Now that it is fully apparent, to all who have the ability to pay some modicum of attention, that Imposter President Biden has extreme cognitive issues, in addition to being an inveterate liar: Can OUR Republic continue with this Executive Office that has completely failed, so many times, on far too many issues here at this early date in this abysmal presidency?

No, Joseph R. Biden is completely unqualified, morally and cognitively, to represent real Americans, and lead this Republic of disparate peoples.

Yes, Joseph R. Biden has started whispering again, even softer now than before; so, I know he still cares, plus, OUR media will soon stop reporting on Afghanistan in favor of OUR Socialist issues.Todays announcement notes that all of Smithfields company-owned farms now house pregnant sows in groups, rather than letting them linger for essentially their entire lives in gestation crates. Photo by iStockphoto

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Today, the worlds largest pig producer, Smithfield Foods, announced more progress in its movement away from confining mother pigs in tiny gestation crates, further acknowledging that animals built to move ought to be allowed to move.

As a matter of historical import, our quest to rid the industry of these inhumane contraptions got an enormous lift in 2007 when Smithfield Foods originally made its anti-gestation-crate pledge. The crates or cages are barely larger than the sows bodies and prevent them even from turning around. With the company having invested significant capital in these confinement systems, it would be no small feat to fulfill the promise. Since the 1960s, all the other big producers in the pork industry have relied on the same production techniques, and Smithfield was the first big player to make a commitment to stop the use of these crates.

The commitment came just months after The HSUS prevailed in a hotly contested ballot measure in Arizona to ban gestation crates and helped set the stage for legislative and corporate policy advances in subsequent years. Five years after the Smithfield commitment, we worked with many of the biggest names in American food retail to pledge to eliminate their procurement of pork from factory farms that use gestation crates in their supply chain. McDonalds, Burger King, Wendys, Safeway, and Krogerall companies that pay real heed to price points  made those commitments. Dozens of other companies followed in their wake, with many of them committing to the 100 percent gestation-crate-free mark by 2022.

Smithfields competitors in the production sphere  including two of the biggest names, Tyson Foods and Seaboard  have not announced any concrete plans to even reduce their use of gestation crates, whereas Smithfields substantial reduction is measurable.

Todays announcement notes that all of Smithfields company-owned farms now house pregnant sows in groups, rather than letting them linger for essentially their entire lives in gestation crates. There is still a long way to go for its contractors, but theres been some movement there, too.

While we laud the companys progress, we also dont want to overstate it. As an image pulled from a December 2016 Smithfield Foods corporate presentation illustrates, the company still uses gestation crates at its facilities. Heres how it works: Smithfield inseminates each breeding pig and confines her in a gestation crate for the first five to six weeks of her gestation period. During that time, shes unable to turn around or engage in other important behaviors. Then, shes moved into a more open group housing system, where she lives for about 10 weeks. After another month in a different crate (called a farrowing crate), shes re-impregnated and the process starts again for her. So if a breeding pig goes through seven of these cycles of gestation, birth, and farrowing over the course of her lifetime, it would mean that all told, even under Smithfields new system, each sow will experience a total of 42 weeks confined in gestation crates (meaning that she would be out of the crates for roughly 70 weeks).

This is far from perfect, but it represents a dramatic reduction in Smithfields use of gestation crates. Again, its progress we applaud. Its our intention to hold its officials to the original company pledge. Thats especially important considering that major companies like McDonalds have made it clear their own commitments are to end or eliminate gestation crates (not reduce their usage) from their supply chains.

Its time for Smithfields competitors to stop lagging, too, especially as so many major customers in food retail have pledged no-gestation-crate policies. Whats more, California voters are considering an HSUS-backed ballot measure this year to ban the sale of pork in all of California if it comes from factory farms using gestation crates  locking off a market of 38 million consumers to companies that keep relying on crates.

We look forward to working with Smithfield in the months and years to come as it goes down a path the company rightfully calls continuous improvement. Smithfield has made major strides strides that weve publicly supported all along its journey. As we enter a new year, Im pleased to report this progress, and look forward to more. Its time now for the entire nation  all producers, all food retailers, and all consumers  to get fully on board too.Good news everyone: Scott DesJarlais, a strident anti-choice congressman and beloved Tea Party hero from Tennessee, says God has forgiven for having sex with his patients when he was a doctor and then pressuring them to get abortions.

From The Daily Mail:

A Republican congressman slept with patients when he was a doctor, had sex with his subordinates and despite a pro-life voting record, pressured women in his life to have abortions.

Scott DesJarlais, who represents Tennessee's 4th district, has so far largely escaped mounting scrutiny of legislators' conduct that has forced four to quit and two more to say they will not seek re-election.

But public records show that he had a lengthy record of dubious behavior before being elected as part of the Tea Party wave to represent the largely rural south-east Tennessee district, which stretches from just outside Chattanooga to close to the suburbs of Nashville.

DesJarlais, 53, doesn't dispute the facts. He even paid a fine levied by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners in 2013 for having sex with his patients.Missouri, an overwhelmingly poor, GOP-dominated state, where a new "right-to-work" bill will face a referendum on the 2018 ballot, is at the heart of the battle over the nation's surging trade union movement.



Despite the stacked deck against unions in Missouri, the employees of a Auxvasse, Missouri Dollar General store were able to unionize, defeating the company's written commitment to being "union-free."





Dollar General is one of many businesses that "promotes" workers to manager in order to force them to work unpaid overtime. Margeorie Nation was one such manager, of a Dollar General in Glasgow, MO, and she asked other store managers what they knew about the unionization drive in Auxvasse. Shortly thereafter, she was fired, despite never having been reprimanded and having led her store to win an award from Dollar General head office for sales and customer satisfaction.





Dollar General advised its investors that the company's fortunes were looking good thanks to rising inequality in the US and the expansion of a poor underclass who can't afford regular retailers. Nation has retained counsel to sue the company for wrongful dismissal. But of course, if she'd been unionized, they'd have protected her  a fact that can't have escaped the notice of her erstwhile work colleagues.

Dollar General stands to benefit from rising inequality in America, as CEO Todd Vasos noted at a Goldman Sachs retailing conference in September. "As middle class continues to go away, unfortunately, to the lower end of the economic scale versus the higher end," he said, the economy will create more of the chain's "core customer." "I think there's going to be more and more opportunities for us to get in and build more stores," Vasos added.



In an early December earnings call, Vasos was asked about how the company's core customer would be impacted by minimum wage increases in some states. "We feel good about where the consumer is right now," he said. "But as I always say, we work under the premise that she is always tight because her expenses continue to rise on the other side of expense  excuse me, of her income rising."

A Missouri Dollar General Voted to Unionize  Then a Manager at Another Store Asked About It and Was Fired [Zaid Jilani/The Intercept]

(Image: Artaxerxes, CC-BY-SA)It's a shame Logan Paul wasn't jailed for the many stupid petty crimes he committed while he was in Japan. He makes millions of dollars a year behaving this way in videos for 9-year-olds to watch. I feel sorry for him  you can sense his desperation as he joylessly performs these unpleasant stunts on unappreciative victims.

Here's a video of people in Japan who think Logan Paul is icky:

See also: Youtuber Logan Paul is really sorry for showing body in Japan's "suicide forest"

When a German neo-Nazi politician tweeted that German police were trying to "to appease the barbaric, Muslim, rapist hordes of men," her account was briefly suspended  but when the satirical magazine Titanic put up its own tweet mocking the Nazi, their account was suspended, too.



Now, both the Nazi and the people who were making fun of her have to prove that they weren't engaged in hate-speech.





Germany's hate-speech law was only three days old when Titanic lost its account. The law provides for up to 50m in fines for businesses that don't expeditiously remove hate speech, and 5m in personal fines directed at individual employees who fail to remove hate speech within 24 hours.

These fines are as high as they are on the theory that it has to cost a company less to comply with the law than to ignore it. 50m buys a lot of human staff to monitor your service, or a lot of programmers to write hate-speech detection bots. But with the stakes this high, it's a given that businesses will develop hair-triggers and kill anything that might bring them under enforcement action, guaranteeing that the Nazi tuna-net is going to catch a hell of a lot of antifa dolphins.





Prior to the law's passage, free speech advocates warned that this would happen, and Angela Merkel personally promised it wouldn't. It only took three days for the first case to come to light.

The magazine's writers are shocked at this turn of events. They likely didn't expect an American social media company to be making judgment calls on speech ahead of German censors. Prosecutors are "examining" the politician's comments for possible illegality, but no one seems too eager to explain why Twitter nuked a satirical account as well. The Titanic's publishers say Chancellor Merkel herself promised writers the law wouldn't have this effect. But here we are, observing this exact effect in motion  one completely expected by everyone asking their representatives for a better, more narrowly-crafted law.

It Took Only Three Days For Germany's New Hate Speech Law To Cause Collateral Damage [Tim Cushing/Techdirt]News / National

by Stephen Jakes

A media scholar and political analyst Pedzisai Ruhanya has warned the first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa that her love of the media will end up in monumental scandals and tears.The warning come in the work of the ZBC news crew always trailing her around as she tours the nation visiting orphanages and hospitals."What is this about these First Ladies of Zimbabwe? Every day, hour and on main ZBC-TV news she is doing something with the public broadcaster in hot pursuit, including filming her buying tomatoes by the road side as news," Ruhanya said."Actually she appears on news more than the hub President. Sally Mugabe remains class among this disgraced lot. At this speed of light, she will be Prof Auxillia shortly!"News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Unconfirmed report say Zanu PF firebrand Magura Charumbira who led the group that booed Grace Mugabe during the ninth interface rally in Bulawayo on November 4 has died in a car accident this morning.Charumbira was also known for causing commotion at the Bulawayo Zanu PF offices during the squabbles between the Lacoste and G40 factions last year. He is also alleged to have also gone around the city forcing vendors to attend a party meeting at the offices and allegedly collecting money from them as a protection fee from the council security."The Zanu Pf family has been plunged into mourning following the death this morning in a road traffic accident of firebrand Youth member Cde Magura Charumbira," reads a post on social media."Cde Charumbira was a controversial character who clashed with the law and party rules on many a times. He is mostly remembered for booing the former First Lady Grace Ntombizodwa Mugabe during the 9th Presidential Youth Interface held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo."It is alleged that the crash occurred when he tried to overtake another vehicle some where in Norton outside Harare.More follows....News / Press Release

by Morgan Tsvangirai

Monday, 08 January 2018

Fellow Zimbabweans, our schools are opening tomorrow and our industry or what is left of it is due to open starting end of this week. We begin this watershed year amid a lot of promise and mammoth national expectations for bright and positive prospects for this great country that we all love.Last November we all united, for a patriotic cause, to orchestrate a huge fall of an intractable political edifice that had for decades stood between the people and their collective hope.We all saw and reveled at the fall of a strong man who had ruled this country with an iron fist and bludgeoned the people for selfish political ends.In came a new administration on the back of a military-backed effort that still raises very valid and genuine questions about the constitutionality of allowing soldiers to dabble in civilian political affairs.However, despite the palpable and justifiable national relief at the fall of Mugabe, huge challenges remain for the new administration.Firstly, the new administration has to articulate a clear and comprehensive roadmap to legitimacy that includes implementation of the much-needed reforms to ensure free, fair and credible elections in a few months time. It is disheartening to note that we are already behind schedule and last week, I raised these concerns to President Mnangagwa when he made an impromptu but welcome gesture to check on me following my public disclosure that I had been diagnosed with cancer of the colon.This new administration has to earn its legitimacy through a proper election. It must seek the people's mandate. The new government has to break away from the past and genuinely chart a new trajectory to a dispensation of clean politics that truly puts the country and its people first. It has to respect diversity and to appreciate that despite our different political formations, we are all patriotic Zimbabweans who yearn for the best for our country.For me, that visit to my residence by the new President was significant not only in terms of the content of what we discussed but in the import of its overall relevance.The visit signaled what must be the bane of the new politics of our time that an opposition party, especially one represented in our national Parliament, does not in any way constitute an enemy of the State. The opposition is just as patriotic and aspires and wishes for the best for our people.Indeed, my engagement with President Mnangagwa must herald a new page in our politics----a page in which the opposition is considered a partner and not an enemy of the State. The visit can be built upon by truly well-meaning Zimbabweans to herald a new politics of engagement in our country.Political difference must be celebrated and the people must be allowed to express themselves. That is why I was shocked by the new regime's iron-fist response two weeks ago to Zimbabweans in Bulawayo who sought to alert the government of the deep-seated wounds that are still festering since the Gukurahundi atrocities of the 1980s.That response was wanton, unjustified and shows that the Mnangagwa administration still has a lot of work to do to earn our faith and trust.Fellow Zimbabweans, we begin the New Year mired in deep economic problems from which we need urgent extrication. The cash crisis, price increases, the liquidity crunch, the huge budget deficit and the lack of faith and trust in the sincerity of government and all its institutions remain a somewhat permanent cancer in our body politic.The onus is on the new administration to inspire hope and confidence in the nation.True, there appears to have been some effort in tackling corruption but one hopes that the fight against graft and avarice truly becomes wholesome and ceases to be part of a retributive agenda against the ousted faction in Zanu PF. One hopes that the crusade against sleaze and corruption becomes a genuine crusade being fought in the national interest and not to punish a few selected individuals.Fellow Zimbabweans, we are on the verge of what could be an exciting year especially as we reflect on the great potential we have as a country and as a people.At a personal level, I feel an air of satisfaction as I reflect on the great journey we have travelled together even as I seriously ponder about the future.You, the people have travelled with me a journey that had its own tribulations. Yet it was also a journey in which we worked hard and achieved so much together. I am in the process of writing a book that is set to be a collective national treasure on the great things we have achieved together over the years in our journey of service and sacrifice.It was a journey that began at the ZCTU Congress in Gweru in 1988 when, with a few hours before the elective congress; a delegation knocked on my hotel room in the middle of the night and persuaded me to run for the post of secretary-general of the country's national labour federation.I was to win that election and the first task that we achieved together was to extricate the ZCTU from the clutches of government by making it a genuinely autonomous labour body that represented the interests of the country's workers.We fought that battle together and achieved that true independence and autonomy of the ZCTU.When the government introduced a toxic IMF-foisted economic structural adjustment programme that was not in the interest of the workers, we fought together and the government began to take the voice of the workers seriously.In 1998, together, we turned the workers' voice into a sonorous national chorus that could shout for a national shut down to articulate the genuine concerns of the country's workers. Together, we galvanized the workers into a formidable force that could blow out the smoke from our productive industries to clamour for national attention.The government began to take us seriously.We achieved that together.In 1999, through the national working people's convention, together with the workers of this country, you clamoured for a workers-driven political party.The country could never be the same again.That working people's convention gave birth to the Movement for Democratic Change in 1999. Since then, the party has become a perennial people's voice in Parliament. It became a formidable political force that administered the country's major cities and towns and Zanu PF---- to this day----remain visitors and strangers in the country's cities, towns and other rural enclaves where the gospel of change has made a huge imprint.We have achieved that together.In 2008, we defeated Robert Mugabe and we showed--through an inclusive government---that it is possible for government to be an arena that can bring positive and palpable change in the lives of the people.We achieved that together.In that government we turned around the economy, stabilized prices and gave a battered nation the reason to hope again.We achieved that together.Above all else, we wrote and affirmed in a referendum a new Constitution for the country; a Constitution that determined the way we want our affairs managed and our country governed. At the heart of this supreme law is a comprehensive Bill of rights almost second to none in Southern Africa and beyond.The challenge for the new administration is to give life to that governance charter that we made ourselves.That new Constitution was no mean task and we achieved it together.Beyond what we have achieved together, we ought to leave a lasting legacy where the baton can be changed peacefully, in a tranquil and cordial atmosphere of unity and togetherness.At a personal level, I am using this New Year not only to reflect on the onerous journey that we have travelled together but also to peer with renewed hope into a bright future.I am looking at the imminent prospects of us as the older generation leaving the levers of leadership to allow the younger generation to take forward this huge task that we started together so many years ago with our full blessing and support.It was therefore not by accident but by design that when I disclosed to you my health status, I also took a bold step to appoint an additional two Vice Presidents to assist me. As I have said before, while politicians only think about the next election, true statesmen think about the next generation, for current leaders are only but caretakers for future generations. We do not have any entitlement to lead but we have a duty to serve.We must recognize the imperative that new hands, with the full blessing of the people, must take this struggle and this country forward with the destination remaining the same - a society that prides itself for not leaving anyone behind in their pursuit of freedom, prosperity and happiness. That is the only lasting legacy and precedence that we must leave to future generations.As we move towards the upcoming elections, we must not lose sight and misinterpret what happened in November 2017. The departure of Mugabe resulted in a change of guard at the helm of our state but #ChangeIsNotEnough . This country requires transformation of both our governance culture and the way we do business.Our war war cry therefore for the upcoming elections is simple "Munhu Wese Kubasa"  "Umuntu wonke emsebenzini" - "Everyone to Work". Whether you are an investor, a commercial farmer, an industrialist, a teacher, a banker a worker or a peasant farmer, lets all go back to work in order to prosper. We need to produce in order to grow our economy and create new jobs.For that to happen, we need both domestic and international investment capital which must be guaranteed a safe, predictable, secure and corruption free environment underpinned by the rule of law, constitutionalism, respect for property and human rights and freedoms. The starting point for this envisaged take off for our great nation is a return to legitimacy through a free, fair, credible internationally supervised and monitored election whose outcome is not contested.Anything short of this will spell doom for our great nation. I therefore call upon the interim leaders of our country not to miss this opportunity by dipping their heads in the sand and wish away our crisis by not implementing the necessary reforms required before elections------for history will judge you harshly.Lastly, I would like to urge those who have not registered to vote to take advantage of the extended registration exercise to register so that you can participate in shaping your new destiny.God bless Zimbabwe.Morgan TsvangiraiPresident MDC-T/MDC AllianceIT Trends

3 Starters for Digital Leadership in Higher Ed

A higher education technology leader offers his take on three transformative themes that will dominate in colleges and universities for 2018.

United States higher education is struggling to move into the 21st century digital era, according to Dr. Samuel Conn, president and chief executive officer for nonprofit technology consortium NJEdge. Holding back the segment, he said, are legacy processes and "last-century" thinking, which can no longer meet the demands of students who are more digitally savvy than their instructors  not to mention the growing competition coming from global institutions that are attracting those same students.

What institutional leaders need, Conn noted, is "re-energizing." Only then will they have the spark and inspiration needed to undertake the change they wish to see in their organizations. Enterprise transformation is the major theme of this year's NJEdge Annual Conference, taking place Jan. 11-12 in Whippany, NJ. Although the organization and its event are situated in New Jersey, its products and services have stretched far beyond state borders, and even outside of higher ed.

NJEdge was founded in 2000 to deliver access through EdgeNet, a high-performance optical fiber network spanning the state's colleges and universities. Since then, the organization has added additional solutions: EdgeCloud (for co-location and platform-as-a-service), EdgeMarket (for consortium buying), EdgeSecure (for security coverage), EdgePro (for professional services), EdgeMedia (for digital asset management and cloud-based videoconferencing) and EdgeEvents (for professional development activities).

Along the way, new kinds of members have joined, including K-12 districts, local government agencies and healthcare providers. And that EdgeMedia media management system, Illumira, which Conn calls "a YouTube on steroids," has been adopted by schools outside of the state, including higher ed customers in Michigan, Maryland, New York, Virginia and Connecticut.

NJEdgeCon 2018 takes place Jan. 11-12. Learn more on the NJEdge website.

The annual conference reflects that diversity. Although there's a heavy emphasis on the subjects higher ed will care about, since that's the major type of member NJEdge has, the two-day event will also offer coverage of topics of interest for leaders seeking to remake their organizations to reflect current trends in digitalization.

In a recent interview, Conn offered his take on three themes colleges and universities can expect to pay more attention to in the coming year as starters for kicking their transformation efforts into high gear.

1) Big Data and Analytics

Predictive modeling using business intelligence applications should be a big deal to schools, said Conn. Forget about the buildings, faculty and other aspects that campuses have "historically prided themselves on," he asserted. "Institutions are really starting to understand that data is one of their primary assets, that the data is what's telling the story."

Conn

NJEdge isn't new to the data realm. The company is part of New Jersey's Big Data Alliance, an initiative formed by legislative action and run from Rutgers University, with a membership that includes academia, industry, nonprofits and government. NJEdge provides the transport mechanism for big data initiatives and, in particular, for research. "The composition of research environments is all about three things," Conn said: "Networks that can transport data at very high speeds, storage and high-performance computing." Those same components are being picked up to power other kinds of data analysis as well.The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) revealed that terrorists were planning an attack on Delhi's iconic Akshardham temple this Republic Day.

A suspected militant, on Monday, revealed that they were planning to attack the Akshardham temple in Delhi and disrupt the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2018.

Bilal Ahmad Wani, the main suspect, was taken into custody by Uttar Pradesh ATS and was interrogated for hours. Wani admitted the terror-attack plan. ATS said, "Wani disclosed that he, along with two of his companions, were planning to attack the Akshardham temple and disrupt the January 26 parade."

They moved to Al Rashid guest house, located near Jama Masjid in old Delhi, on January 2, 2018. Uttar Pradesh ATS and Delhi Police tried to nab Mudsir Ahmed Wah and Mohammed Ashraf, Bilal Ahmad Wani's friends but they vacated the guest house on January 6, 2018.

A high alert has been sent in search of the alleged absconding terrorists. Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, security has also been beefed up in Delhi-NCR.

Bilal Ahmad Wani, 32, is a resident of Dialgam, Anantnag, South Kashmir. Wani was detained by Government Railway Police (GRP) for traveling without a ticket in Shatabdi Express and was handed over to ATS yesterday. A few Aadhaar cards and documents have been recovered from Wani's possession as well.

With inputs from ANIWhen it comes to Connecticut Shade cigars, many companies will try to make their blend stand out by saying this is a different type of Connecticut Shadethe Aerial Robusto not only fits the bill, it also delivers an excellent all-around smoking experience.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade

Binder: United States

Filler: Nicaraguan

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (La Zona)

Robusto: 5 x 50

Price: $9.25

Review: Cornelius & Anthony Aerial Robusto (10/10/17)

Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Brand): 1 (2017)

Coming in at #12 is the Cornelius & Anthony Aerial Robusto. The Aerial is a cigar that was officially launched at the 2017 IPCPR Trade Show and added the first Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade release into the Cornelius & Anthony portfolio.

Cornelius & Anthony is the premium cigar division of Virginia-based tobacco company, S & M Brands. S & M Brands is owned by Steven Bailey. The Bailey family has been growing tobacco for over 150 years. The Cornelius & Anthony name is derived from Cornelius Bailey, Steven Baileys great-great-grandfather and the first member of the Bailey family to farm tobacco. It is also derived from Steven Baileys middle name which is Anthony.

In addition to the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, the Aerial features a binder from the United States and an all-Nicaraguan filler. Details of the U.S. binder have not been disclosed. The Aerial is one of five of the companys lines that is currently produced out of the La Zona factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Robusto size that lands on this years Countdown measures 5 x 52.

Aerial gives Cornelius & Anthony its first-ever spot on a Cigar Coop Countdown  becoming the sixth company to have a first-time appearance on the Countdown. Aerial is the second cigar from La Zona to make the Countown. It is also the second Connecticut Shade cigar to make the list with both of those cigars coming out of La Zona.

The Cornelius & Anthony Aerial Robusto delivered notes of natural tobacco, citrus, earth, cedar, cream, and a touch of black pepper. Over the past few years, there has been a trend of making robustos bolder and pushing the envelope to medium or higher in terms of strength and body. The Aerial Robusto does this. This is a cigar that started out medium-bodied and progressed to medium to full by the last third. Simultaneously, this cigar delivered medium strength.

Overall, I found the Aerial to be a complex and unique cigar  both key qualities for landing on a Cigar Coop Countdown.





For details of the 2017 Cigar of the Year Countdown, see our 2017 criteria.

Photo Credit: Cigar Coop, except where notedMONDAY, Jan. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Women who pull the night shift regularly might be at greater risk for a number of cancers, new research suggests.

"Our study indicates that night-shift work serves as a risk factor for common cancers in women," said study author Xuelei Ma. He is an oncologist in the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center at West China Medical Center of Sichuan University, China.

"These results might help establish and implement effective measures to protect female night-shifters. Long-term night-shift workers should have regular physical examinations and cancer screenings," Ma said in a news release from the American Association for Cancer Research.

For the new study, the researchers conducted a review of 61 studies involving almost 4 million people from North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, to look for an association between long-term night-shift work and the risk of 11 types of cancer.

The investigators found that working during the wee hours over the long term was associated with a 19 percent greater risk of cancer among women.

Looking at specific types of cancer, Ma and colleagues found the risk of skin cancer jumped 41 percent, the risk of breast cancer increased 32 percent and the odds of developing gastrointestinal cancer was 18 percent higher among women who were long-term night-shift workers. But the study did not prove that night-shift work caused the risk of these cancers to rise.

When the researchers took into account for location, they found that only the night-shift workers from North America and Europe had a greater risk for breast cancer.

"We were surprised to see the association between night-shift work and breast cancer risk only among women in North America and Europe," Ma said. "It is possible that women in these locations have higher sex hormone levels, which have been positively associated with hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer."

The researchers then focused on female nurses who work night shifts and the risk for six different forms of cancer. The findings showed these nurses had a 58 percent higher risk of breast cancer -- a greater increase than any other job included in the study.

In addition, the night-shift nurses had a 35 percent greater risk of gastrointestinal cancer and a 28 percent higher risk of lung cancer than the people who didn't work nights.

"Nurses that worked the night shift were of a medical background and may have been more likely to undergo screening examinations," Ma said. "Another possible explanation for the increased cancer risk in this population may relate to the job requirements of night-shift nursing, such as more intensive shifts."

The researchers also noted that the longer women worked night shifts, the greater their risk of breast cancer. The risk for the disease increased 3.3 percent for every five years of this type of work.

"By systematically integrating a multitude of previous data, we found that night-shift work was positively associated with several common cancers in women," Ma said. "The results of this research suggest the need for health protection programs for long-term female night-shift workers."

The study was published Jan. 8 in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about shift-work health risks.MONDAY, Jan. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- The United States has had the smallest decline in child death rates among wealthy nations over the past 50 years, despite spending more on health care per child than the other countries, a new study finds.

Researchers analyzed child death rates from 1961 to 2010 in the United States and 19 other economically similar countries, including Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

All of the countries registered a reduction in the death rate among children. But the rate in the United States has been slowest to decline and has been higher than in the other 19 countries since the 1980s, the findings showed.

Over the 50-year study period, the slower reduction in the U.S. child death rate has resulted in more than 600,000 excess deaths, according to the study.

In all of the countries, about 90 percent of child deaths occurred among infants and older teens (aged 15 to 19). In the most recent decade studied (2001-2010), U.S. infants were 76 percent more likely to die and children aged 1 to 19 were 57 percent more likely to die than their counterparts in other wealthy nations.

Leading causes of infant death during the most recent decade were premature births and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Compared with babies in other countries in the study, U.S. children were three times more likely to die because of premature birth and more than twice as likely to die from SIDS, the study found.

In the United States, the two leading causes of death for teens aged 15 to 19 were motor vehicle crashes and gun violence. Compared with teens in the other wealthy nations, American teens were twice as likely to die from motor vehicle crashes and 82 times more likely to die from gun violence.

"Overall child mortality in wealthy countries, including the U.S., is improving, but the progress our country has made is considerably slower than progress elsewhere," said the study's lead author, Dr. Ashish Thakrar. He is an internal medicine resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

"Now is not the time to defund the programs that support our children's health," Thakrar added in a news release from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

While the United States spends more per child on health care than other wealthy nations, it has poorer outcomes than many, Thakrar noted. It ranked 25th among 29 developed countries for overall child health and safety on a list put out by the United Nations Children's Fund.

Dr. Christopher Forrest, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the study's senior author, said, "The findings [of the new study] show that, in terms of protecting child health, we're very far behind where we could be."

Forrest added, "We hope that policymakers can use these findings to make strategic public health decisions for all U.S. children to ensure that we don't fall further behind peer nations."

The researchers concluded that U.S. politicians need to fully fund the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides health insurance to millions of disadvantaged children, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food stamps.

In addition, public health research and programs can help reduce the death toll from gun violence and car crashes among U.S. children, the study authors said.

The report was published in the Jan. 8 issue of Health Affairs.

More information

The American Academy of Pediatrics has more on child health and safety.MONDAY, Jan. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Severely obese teens who undergo bariatric surgery to lose weight end up lowering their heart disease risk down the road, new research indicates.

For the study, researchers tracked 242 adolescents for three years after they had weight-loss surgery.

"This is the first large-scale analysis of predictors of change in cardiovascular disease risk factors among adolescents following bariatric surgery," said the study's lead author, Dr. Marc Michalsky. He is surgical director of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

"The study demonstrated early improvement and reduction of cardio-metabolic risk factors, offering compelling support for bariatric surgery in adolescents," he explained in a news release from the hospital.

Before surgery, 33 percent of the teens had three or more factors that boost the risk for heart disease. Risk factors included high blood pressure, high blood-fat levels, problematic blood sugar levels and systemic inflammation.

However, three years after the surgery, that number had dropped to just 5 percent, the findings showed.

People who were younger at the time of their surgery tended to do better in terms of eliminating heart disease risk factors, "suggesting there may be advantages to undergoing bariatric surgery earlier, even among adolescents," Michalsky said.

Patients who had a lower body mass index (a measurement based on height and weight) before surgery also did better on reducing heart disease risk. And, girls did better than boys, the investigators found.

The study was published online Jan. 8 in Pediatrics. The research was funded by the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and was conducted at five clinical centers across the United States.

More information

The American Heart Association has more on obesity and heart disease risk.New Delhi

The Centre is considering a number of proposals including one to re-introduce long term capital gains tax on stock market transactions in this year's budget. "It will impact 5,000 investors but will benefit 5 crore families," said a source, who did not wish to be identified.

In November, during a meeting with the finance ministry brass, Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) had suggested the introduction of long term capital gains tax, arguing it will end friction in the market and also tackle the problem of manipulation in penny stocks.

Sources, however, said that BSE had made this suggestion in the past too. Some market players believe that Securities Transaction Tax (STT) has also lost its utility and long-term capital gains tax makes sense now. "The debate on whether the capital gains exemption on listed shares should be removed comes up before every budget as it's one of the options available with the government to mobilise revenues. To some extent, with the amendments to the tax treaties (such as Mauritius and Singapore) in 2017, it is now only the long term capital gains that are exempt and more so with the changes and limitations introduced in the Budget 2017, much of the misuse of this exemption has been plugged. Looked at from a perspective of incentivising investment and creation of capital, both private and listed shares should be treated alike. There is a large amount of domestic savings as well as private and international capital going into the creation of capital through private companies and it will augur well if a calibrated approach of providing some relief to such shares is also considered," said Abhishek Goenka, Direct Tax Partner at consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Sources said that the "tax package" will be a political call that will be taken by PM Modi after detailed deliberations with Jaitley. If the government finally moves ahead, an increase in the exemption limit will be calibrated in a way that it does not leave the government short of resources for flagship programmes or to bolster public investment. Currently, there is no tax up to 2.5 lakh with investments of up to 1.5 lakh in public provident funds or bank deposits of five years or more enjoying benefits under section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

While health insurance premium is outside the ambit, a 25,000 benefit is seen to be too low given the surge in costs over the last two-three years.

Sidhartha K, The Times of India, Delhi/NCRShare this: Twitter

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Lome, January 8, 2018Nigerian authorities should immediately release Timothy Elombah, editor of the news website Elombah, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Security forces arrested the journalist at his home in Nnewi, a city in Anambra state, on January 1, 2018, according to his lawyer, Obunike Ohaegbu, and media reports.

Timothy Elombahs brother, Daniel, and Ohaegbu told CPJ that police raided the family home in the early hours, and arrested the journalist, Daniel, and four other men. Police questioned the group separately for several hours and then released everyone except for Timothy Elombah, according to his brother. Daniel Elombah added that police told them the inspector general ordered their arrest because of what he called a defamatory article published on a news website called Opinion Nigeria. The December 22 article was critical of Nigerias Inspector-General of Police, according to the Premium Times.

Elombah covers Boko Haram and has reported critically on President Buharis son. Daniel Elombah, who is the websites chief executive, denied that Elombah had anything to do with the article that police said was the basis for their arrest. He added that police have charged him and Timothy Elombah with cybercrime.

Daniel Elombah, who is based in London, said that police have banned him from travel, which means that he and his family cannot return to their home in the U.K.

Jeff Okoroafor, the founder and publisher of Opinion Nigeria told CPJ that police requested the article be removed, but that he refused. He said no further action was taken. Ebiowei Dickson, who wrote the article, did not immediately respond to CPJs email.

Nigerian authorities should immediately release Timothy Elombah, drop legal proceedings, and allow his brother Daniel to return home, said CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney, in New York. Police have no business raiding a journalists home and locking him up just because an officer does not like something written in the press. Its not even clear that the man they have detained had anything to do with the article they deem defamatory.

When CPJ called the Nnewi police station, the person who answered the phone said that they were not permitted to comment on the case and hung up. CPJ contacted the Nigeria police Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit for comment but was directed to call the Abuja police. CPJs repeated calls to the police headquarters in Abuja went unanswered.Share this: Twitter

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New York, January 8, 2017Sudanese authorities should stop seizing critical newspapers and allow journalists to report freely on matters of public interest without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Agents from Sudans National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) yesterday confiscated all copies of six newspapers: the privately owned Al-Tayar, Al-Moustagilla, al-Qarar, Al-Saiha; the socialist partys paper al-Midan; and the leftist opposition National Congress Partys Akhbar al-Watan, according to news reports.

Akhbar al-Watans editor, Hanady al-Siddiq, told journalists in a written statement that the confiscations are likely related to the newspapers coverage of rising food prices in the country.

Sudanese authorities should halt their desperate attempts to silence critical coverage of widely reported events, CPJs Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour said from Washington D.C. We call on authorities to allow the media to do its job informing the public without any fear of reprisal.

NISS did not issue a statement explaining the confiscations and did not respond to CPJs emailed request for comment.

The Sudanese governments decision to devaluate the local currency and rising bread prices sparked protests across the country yesterday, which resulted in police killing at least one protester and arresting another, according to news reports.

In mid-November, the Sudanese cabinet approved a draft of an amended version of the Press and Publications Law that, if approved by the parliament, would extend the states powers to censor journalists and publications, according to media reports. The new law would allow the states National Press Council to order the confiscation of critical newspapers for up to 15 days instead of three days under the current law, according to news reports. CPJ has documented how the security service, in recent years, has confiscated entire print runs when a paper publishes content of which it disapproves, as a way to censor the news and force publications to incur significant financial losses.Tamil Nadu: Fishermen chased away, fishing nets snapped by Lankan navy

January 08,2018 | Source: Hindustan Times

Over 4,000 Tamil Nadu fishermen were chased away by the Sri Lankan Navy which also snapped the fishing nets of 100 boats for allegedly fishing in their territorial waters off Katchatheevu islet.



Fishermen from Rameswaram and Mandapam had ventured into sea on Saturday on 800 boats and were fishing near Katchatheevu islet when the Lankan Navy arrived and told them to leave, Rameswaram fishermen association president P Sesuraja said. They also snapped fishing nets of 100 boats before chasing them away, he alleged and sought the Centres intervention in resolving the contentious fishermen issue.



All the fishermen returned to the shore Sunday morning. The mid-sea incident comes after a spate of detentions of the fishermen this month on charges of fishing in their territorial waters. On January 4, as many as 13 fishermen from Thangachimadam near Rameswaram were arrested by the island nation authorities for allegedly fishing in their waters off Katchatheevu islet. Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam met a team of fishermen in Rameswaram on Saturday and assured them that the state government would take up with the Centre their grievances, including arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.Texas-based chef Chris Trapani, a transgender, will take on a five-city tour in India, starting with New Delhi on Wednesday.

The globally celebrated authority in Tex-Mex food will also travel to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chandigarh.

For his visit here, Trapani along with The Lalit Food Truck Company chefs will conduct a skill development workshop for the members of the transgender community.

Also Read: Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson is in Mumbai, and she's eating every delicacy the city has to offer

The aim of this workshop is to share anecdotes on how to set up and run a successful food truck and catering business and follow the passion for food. The workshop will conclude with a live cook off session by the participants.

"My move to Texas changed my life over a decade ago. Today, I am hoping to touch and inspire some lives in India. I have heard a lot about the country and can't wait for the journey to begin," Trapani said in a statement.

Also Read: Sanjeev Kapoor, the only chef in Forbes 100, ranks higher than ever before

Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, expressed his enthusiasm on the prospect of introducing India to Trapani's talent. "I am immensely pleased with Chef Chris' visit and joining us in this initiative to continuously support the marginalised communities."The U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, has sanctioned two individuals in response to North Koreas ongoing development of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, in continued violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

The sanctions, announced on December 26th, target key leaders of North Koreas unlawful weapons programs as highlighted in the recently adopted UN Security Resolution 2397. As a result of these actions, any property or interests in property of those designated by OFAC within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and transactions by U.S. persons involving the designated persons are generally prohibited.

OFAC sanctioned two individuals pursuant to Executive Order 13687, which targets, among others, officials of the Government of North Korea and the Workers Party of Korea, known as the WPK.

OFAC sanctioned two senior officials of the UN- and U.S.-designated WPK Munitions Industry Department, Kim Jong Sik and Ri Pyong Chol, who were listed in UNSCR 2397.

The Munitions Industry Department is responsible for overseeing North Koreas ballistic missile programs and was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of State in 2010 pursuant to Executive Order 13382. Kim Jong Sik reportedly is a key figure in North Koreas ballistic missile development, in particular efforts to switch from liquid to solid fueled systems, and Ri Pyong Chol is reported to be a key official involved in North Koreas intercontinental ballistic missile development.

Treasury is targeting leaders of North Koreas ballistic missile programs, as part of our maximum pressure campaign to isolate the DPRK and achieve a fully denuclearized Korean Peninsula, said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. These actions follow United Nations Security Council Resolution [2397], which imposed strong new sanctions on North Korea, further shutting down its ability to raise illicit funds.President Hassan Rouhani has rejected a report by the Islamic Republics Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) concerning the details of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjanis death, his youngest son, Yasser Hashemi Rafsanjani has disclosed.

In an interview with a local news agency, Pana, Monday, January 8, Rafsanjanis son has revealed that SNSC consequently sent a letter to President Rouhani demanding to shelve the case concerning his father's death.

President Rouhani has rejected the demand, ordering SNSC to re-investigate the whole case and as a result it should be reviewed from scratch, according to Rafsanjani Jr.

The real cause of Rafsanjanis death, which occurred a year ago, has been the subject of intense controversies. Many, including some members of his family hint at foul play.

Meanwhile, the youngest son of the late influential ayatollah has admitted that the family has not yet seen SSCIs report, although his other brother, Mohsen was supposed to have the permission to study the report compiled on his fathers death.

Earlier on Saturday, December 16, 2017, the outspoken younger daughter of the deceased ex-president and former Tehran MP, Faezeh Hashemi had said that the body of her father had contained radioactive elements 10 times more than the allowed level.

In her interview with Etemed News Website, Faezeh Hashemi also added that her family had been informed about the issue of radioactivity during a meeting with several members of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic. She did not mention when the meeting was held and who were the officials who attended it.

Hashemi's daughter also disclosed in her interview that her sister, Fatemeh and her mother were tested for radiation. Her mother had three times the normal level and her sister had twice. She did not say when the tests took place, but most probably, it was after they learned about high levels of radiation in her father's body.

The members of national security council told the family that they did not know about the source of the radiation, however they had concluded that it was not the reason for the death of Ex-President Rafsanjani and therefore, the case had been closed, Faezeh Hashemi told Etemad.

More than a month later, the SNSCs authorities have yet to react to Ms. Hashemi Rafsanjanis remarks.

There have been many contradictory reports concerning the mysterious death of the ex-president believed to be the second strongest man in post Islamic Revolution in Iran, after ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini the founder of the Islamic Republic.

An outspoken dissident and son of an influential ayatollah, Mehdi Khazali, claimed at the time that Hashemi Rafsanjani had been killed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). An accusation that IRGC has so far kept mum about it.

The body of the 82-year old ayatollah was found on Sunday, January 8, 2017, in a pool in his house that he frequently used. The cause of the death was officially declared as heart failure, a term used in Iran to describe a death caused by unknown factors.

Rafsanjanis children said that at the time their father was very healthy and did not have any history of heart problems.

Immediately after the death of the former president, Irans minister of health criticized the medical team for shortcomings in addressing the heart attack, and rumors circulated that Rafsanjani was in fact drowned in a pool. He died while taking his routine swimming exercise.

Ayatollah Hashemi who was widely believed to be the mastermind behind ayatollah Ali Khameneis rise to power as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, separated his way from the leaders over controversial reelection of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

Though, Khamenei never openly attacked his old friend but implicitly criticized him on many occasions.

Rafsanjani's relations with Khamenei gradually worsened and his son, Mehdi and daughter Faezeh Hashemi were both arrested on various charges and placed behind bars.

Currently, Mehdi is serving his term, while Faezeh is facing new charges.

After separating ways with his friend of more than half a century, ayatollah Khamenei has tacitly accused him and his proteges, the current president, Hassan Rouhani and the so-called reformist former president Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005) of attempting to reach a rapprochement with the U.S.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

Trend:

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is set to hold talks with top Russian military commanders later this month, the first such high-level meeting in years, BuzzFeed News reported on Sunday.

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti will meet with the chief of general staff for Russia's Armed Forces Gen. Valery Gerasimov in Baku, Azerbaijan later in January, according to the news outlet.Mannan Wani, the AMU scholar believed to have joined the Hizbul Mujahideen

Aligarh Muslim University has expelled Mannan Bashir Wani, a research scholar who had earlier been suspended following reports that he may have taken up arms and joined the Hizbul Mujahideen.

The university's Public Relations Officer (PRO) made the announcement, ANI reported. The PRO was quoted as saying Wani's room had been sealed following reports of his alleged involvement in "highly objectionable activities, which can hamper the peaceful academic atmosphere and create disharmony."

The university's move to suspend Wani came hours after reports emerged of the possibility of the 25-year-old PhD student having joined the terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

Since Mannan Bashir Wani has breached the i??AMU Studentsi?? Conduct and Discipline Rules, 1985i??, the matter was placed before the AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor: Professor M Mohsin Khan, Proctor, AMU - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 8, 2018

Photos showing Wani holding a gun appeared on social media soon after his family in Kashmir lodged a missing persons complaint with the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Wani was to return home last week, but wasn't heard from since January 3. His last known location was New Delhi.

Photos on social media showed Mannan Wani holding an AK-47 assault rifle Photos on social media showed Mannan Wani holding an AK-47 assault rifle

Earlier, the Inspector General of Jammu and Kashmir Police had said the force could not confirm whether Wani had indeed joined the Hizbul Mujahideen and had expressed caution, saying the photos in question could be photoshopped.

Mannan is a resident of the Takipora village in Kashmir's Kupwara and was pursuing a PhD in geology from AMU.

WATCH | AMU PhD scholar from J-K's Kupwara joins Hizbul MujahideenDetails added (first version posted on 14:37)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

Trend:

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has received credentials of incoming ambassadors of a number of countries.

President Aliyev has received credentials of newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia Bold Ravda.

Ambassador Bold Ravda reviewed a guard of honor.

Bold Ravda presented his credentials to President Aliyev.

President Aliyev then spoke with the ambassador.

The president expressed his hope that the friendly Azerbaijan-Mongolia relations will continue successfully developing. He underlined Azerbaijan's keenness to cooperate with Mongolia in the areas of mutual interest, including in political, economic and cultural ones in the years ahead.

President Aliyev recalled his recent phone conversation with the Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga. The president noted that during the conversation they discussed the issues of mutual interest and expressed their regret over the absence of active contacts between the two countries at the level of heads of state and government so far.

President Aliyev noted the importance of establishing bilateral relations between different authorities of the two countries, including the parliaments, ministries, business groups, as well as in the political area, and hailed the good opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation.

The ambassador thanked President Aliyev for the warm words, and extended Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga's greetings to President Aliyev. He noted that the Mongolian president also recalls his phone conversation with the Azerbaijani president.

Pointing at the unsatisfactory level of bilateral relations, the Mongolian ambassador said that he will spare no efforts to contribute to expanding the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

They also discussed the issues of cooperation in a number of fields, including in import and export, defense industry, investment, education, and agriculture.

President Aliyev thanked for President Battulga's greetings and asked the ambassador to extend his greetings to the Mongolian president.

President Aliyev has also accepted credentials of newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nigeria Hamzat Ibrahim.

Ambassador Hamzat Ibrahim reviewed a guard of honor.

Hamzat Ibrahim presented his credentials to President Aliyev.

President Aliyev then spoke with the ambassador.

Noting that Nigeria is a brotherly country for Azerbaijan, the president stressed the importance of the two countries' mutual support on the international level and within the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Emphasizing the contribution of Azerbaijan to the cause of Islamic solidarity, President Aliyev said that a number of important events were held in the country in this regard.

The Azerbaijani president noted the significance of declaring 2017 as a Year of Islamic Solidarity in Azerbaijan and holding the Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku.

Hailing the political ties between the two countries, the head of state also stressed the importance of increasing mutual trade, investment making, defining cooperation opportunities in business sphere, and underlined the necessity of reciprocal visits of the two countries' delegations at different levels.

Ambassador Hamzat Ibrahim extended greetings of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to President Aliyev. Saying that the two countries enjoy strong political relations, Hamzat Ibrahim noted that the economic cooperation does not conform to this level.

He said that during his meetings with Azerbaijani officials in Baku the ways of developing economic ties will be determined. Stressing that measures are being implemented to develop the non-oil sector in the two countries, the ambassador added that there are good opportunities for cooperation in tourism, education, trade and other fields.

They noted the significance of developing the bilateral cooperation in economic, investment making, trade, defense industry and other spheres, and stressed the appropriateness of establishing a joint intergovernmental commission for expanding the bilateral ties on this front.

President Aliyev thanked for the greetings of President Muhammadu Buhari and asked Hamzat Ibrahim to extend his greetings to the president of Nigeria.

President Aliyev has also accepted credentials of newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Equatorial Guinea Jose Esono Micha Akeng.

Ambassador Jose Esono Micha Akeng reviewed a guard of honor.

Jose Esono Micha Akeng presented his credentials to President Aliyev.

President Aliyev then spoke with the ambassador.

Emphasizing the importance of Jose Esono Micha Akengs visit in terms of strengthening bilateral relations between Equatorial Guinea and Azerbaijan, the head of state said he hoped the ambassadors meetings with heads of relevant authorities in Baku will help define areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Pointing to the fact that both Equatorial Guinea and Azerbaijan are oil producing countries, the newly appointed ambassador underlined that he will spare no efforts to develop the bilateral cooperation.

They underlined the importance of restoring relations, which had previously existed between the two countries, and stressed the significance of developing cooperation in various fields, particularly in energy, education, investment, import and export, and others.

President Aliyev has also received credentials of newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bakir Sadovic.

Ambassador Bakir Sadovic reviewed a guard of honor.

Bakir Sadovic presented his credentials to President Aliyev.

President Aliyev then spoke with the ambassador.

They noted the importance of high-level meetings between the two countries, hailed a very good level of bilateral relations, and stressed the importance of strengthening the friendly ties even further.

The ambassador said Bosnia and Herzegovina highly appreciates Azerbaijans investments in its agrarian industry and supporting social and humanitarian projects.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Nigar Guliyeva - Trend:

Kazakhstan has introduced a ban on the export of unprocessed cattle hide from the country for a period of six months.

The corresponding order was signed by Minister for Investments and Development of Kazakhstan Zhenis Kasymbek.

In Kazakhstan, most of the unprocessed hides are exported abroad, while domestic plants and factories fail to operate in full capacity due to a lack of material.

Entrepreneurs repeatedly appealed to the government to resolve the current situation.

To prevent the shortage of cattle hide in the domestic market, by the order of the Minister for Investments and Development of Kazakhstan, a temporary ban was introduced on Aug. 15, 2016 for a period from Nov. 1, 2016 to May 1, 2017.

But, following expiration of the ban, the market again faced a deficit.

To date, the tannery industry in Kazakhstan is represented by three large and 10 small enterprises whose production capacity allows processing about 2.4 million hides of cattle a year, which is almost the entire amount of tanning raw material obtained from slaughtered cattle. In fact, tanneries in Kazakhstan process about 400,000 cattle hides a year or 17 percent of their total volume. The cattle hides are exported to China, Kazakh MPs noted earlier in an address to Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev.

The budget receives about 22.5 million euros from the export of unprocessed hides a year, and 150 million euros from the sale of finished leather. If the skin processed in the country is used for sewing shoes, haberdashery and other products, the amount may rise to 1.875 billion euros, or by 83 times.Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Jan. 8

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested 256 million euros in the economy of Turkmenistan, paying special attention to supporting private entrepreneurship in the country, the EBRD said in a message Jan. 8.

In November last year, the EBRD forecast the Turkmen economy to grow 5.7 percent in 2017 and 5.1 percent in 2018.

Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of the volume of natural gas and has opportunities to export it to China and Iran.

Ashgabat chose a course to diversify the local economy. The textile industry, as well as the area of petroleum products, advanced. The oil, gas and chemical industry and the production of building materials are being actively developed.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Nigar Guliyeva -Trend:

A production of lanolin - a greasy, yellow substance that is extracted from wool and then purified to be used as a base for creams, lotions and ointments- will be launched at the Uzbek free economic zone "Boysun-Pharm".

This substance is produced in a few countries of the world. The Baysun district has enough raw material for the production of high-quality, cheap lanolin substance, Uzbek media reported citing the FEZ leadership.

The hypodermic glands of sheep release not only fats, but also lanolin substance. With the help of a special technology, lanolin is separated from washed wool and re-processed for removing odor.

Uzbek businessmen, who studied this process abroad, expressed their desire for using modern technology in the Baysun district. Since the first days of the new year, implementation of the corresponding business project has begun. This will be a non-waste technology, the FEZ leadership said.

Lanolin, which rapidly absorbs into the human skin, is considered an important raw material for pharmaceutical and perfume industry. It is widely used in pharmaceutics as a binder in manufacturing medicinal candles and ointments.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has urged the citizens who keep money abroad to transfer their funds to Uzbekistan.

He was speaking at an extraordinary session of the Council of MPs of the Tashkent region.

Bank accounts of those who keep money in banks of Uzbekistan will not be checked, he added.

"I will not allow checking the accounts of people who keep their money in Uzbekistan. Bring your money, build factories, create clusters, earn as much as you want, "Mirziyoyev said.

Currently, there are 28 commercial banks in Uzbekistan, including three non-governmental, 12 joint stock commercial banks, eight private banks and five banks with participation of foreign capital.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkey will purchase meat from French producers in 2018 in accordance with the agreements reached during the visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to France, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock of Turkey told Trend Jan. 8.

It is expected to import 5,700 tons of meat from France in 2018, according to the ministry.

In 2017, Turkey imported 3,000 tons of meat from France.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

Trend:

CEOs of compulsorily liquidated or bankrupt companies will not be able to head credit bureaus in Azerbaijan, according to the Procedure for Regulation and Supervision of Activity of Credit Bureaus approved by the Financial Market Supervisory Authority of Azerbaijan.

The ban is valid for two years after the compulsory liquidation or bankruptcy of a legal entity, according to the document.

The Supervisory Authority assesses activity of the credit bureau, effectiveness of its work, oversees the exchange of information in the bureau and ensuring the inviolability of personal data.

The credit bureau should submit reports to the Supervisory Authority, which, in turn, monitors the bureaus activity. Comprehensive inspections should be conducted at least once every three years.

Thematic inspections take place in case of frequent personnel reshuffles in the management of the credit bureau, a large number of complaints from consumers of services and in other cases.

The authorized capital of credit bureaus should not be less than 2 million manats.

In December last year, Azerbaijans banking market participants decided to create Azerbaijan Credit Bureau LLC. Chairman of the Board of the International Bank of Azerbaijan Khalid Ahadov was elected Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Azerbaijan Credit Bureau.

The International Bank of Azerbaijan, Bank Respublika, Xalq Bank, Kapital Bank, PASHA Bank, Rabitabank, Unibank and Ziraat Bank Azerbaijan became the founders of the Azerbaijan Credit Bureau LLC.

The private credit bureau will contain more information than the Centralized Credit Registry and cover a bigger number of borrowers. The bureau will receive information not only from banks, but also from insurance and leasing companies, mobile communication operators, etc.

(1.7001 manats = 1 USD on Jan. 8)Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Iran exported 1891 passenger cars during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (started March 20, 2017), according to the date released by Iran's Customs administration.

Iraq, Lebanon and Armenia were among the main destinations of Irans car exports. Tehran also exported cars to Italy, Germany, China, France, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Tunis, Czech Republic, the UAE, Guinea and Azerbaijan were other car importers from Iran.

Meanwhile the Islamic Republics car imports in the 9-month period reached 57,000 units, according to the report.

Iranian automakers exported 10,000 cars (worth over $10 million) the last fiscal year (ended March 20, 2017), which was 59 percent less compared to the 24,500 cars in the preceding year.

The huge fall in Irans car exports occurs despite the fact that the countrys car industry has experienced output increase in recent months, following lifting of international sanctions.

According to the latest report of the countrys Industry, Mine and Trade Ministry, Irans passenger car (including sedans and SUVs) output registered a rise by 17 percent during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (March 20-Dec. 22) to stand at 1.034 million units.

Irans car export registered a record high in fiscal year to March 2011 and stood at 81,596, however the figure sharply fell in next year (fiscal year to March 2012) and accounted to 38,258 due to intensified international sanctions which targeted the countrys auto manufacturing industry.

The export even decreased to 10,000 in the fiscal year to March 2014, but revived again following the removal of the international sanctions against Irans car industry.

Iranian automakers exported 27,000 cars in the fiscal year to March 2015, but they failed to revive the exports to the pre-sanction period.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

Uzbek banks have increased the limit on withdrawing cash through ATMs installed in public places, podrobno.uz reported.

The limit has been increased from 100,000 to 200,000 soums. Those wishing to receive a bigger amount can apply to the cashier's offices of the bank that issued the card.

Reportedly, for the operation to cash out money one will have to pay a commission of 1 percent. cashing operations are not made through cash desks, but only through ATMs.

However, call center at "Ipoteka-bank" noted that the limit in ATMs of this bank has not changed and remained within 100,000 soums. The terms have not changed either - the commission is not charged.

Representative of "Uzpromstroybank" reported on the increase of the limit for ATMs to 200,000 soums, and its complete absence in the banks' offices. Cardholders of this bank do not need to pay commission for the operation, and cardholders from other banks will have to pay it.

Representative of the Central Bank noted that commercial banks have the right to independently determine limits, both for ATMs, and the size of the commission for the operation.

National Bank, People's Bank, Uzpromstroybank, Qishloq Qurilish Bank, Ipoteka Bank and Microcreditbank are among those which installed ATMs in bazaars and large shopping centers.

Earlier, the first deputy chairman of the Central Bank Timur Ishmetov informed about the plans of commercial banks to increase the number of ATMs to 200 units by early 2018.

Currently, there are 28 commercial banks in Uzbekistan, including three non-governmental, 12 joint stock commercial banks, eight private banks and five banks with participation of foreign capital.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Azerbaijan intends to supply hazelnuts to the markets of Africa and Arab countries in 2018, Ismayil Orujov, chairman of Azerbaijans Association of Hazelnut Producers and Exporters, told Trend.

In total, Azerbaijan intends to export hazelnuts to 30 countries in 2018, which is much more than the figures in the previous years.

Hazelnuts were supplied from Azerbaijan to 25 countries in 2016 and to 27 countries in 2017.

"We exported over 8,000 tons of hazelnut in January-November 2017," Orujov said. Most of Azerbaijans hazelnuts are exported to Italy, Russia and Germany."

He added that several hazelnut producing and processing enterprises are being built in the countrys Khachmaz and Zagatala districts to expand the export of hazelnuts. The enterprises must be constructed by the end of 2018.

To date, the biggest hazelnut producer in the world is Turkey with a 75 percent share in the global market. Azerbaijan's share in the global hazelnut market is 4 percent. However, according to the foreign media, the country has a great potential for further growth in this field.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.8

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Europe wants to have diversification of gas supply, new sources and new routes, said European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic.

What we have highlighted from the beginning is, that from an energy security perspective we want to have diversification of supply, we want to have new sources, new routes and new suppliers, Sefcovic told the Energy Post.

Talking about the Russian-initiated Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the EU commissioner noted that this project raised political issues  including energy security, respect for EU law and for Europes energy strategies  to the highest level.

We have such a lot of political concerns on this project, I believe that the best way to try and resolve it is through negotiation, he added.

This is while Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. Southern Gas Corridor projects were again included in the third list of the Projects of Common Interest (PCI), released by the European Commission in November 2017.

The South Caucasus Pipeline Future Expansion (SCPFX), Trans Anatolia Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which constitute the Southern Gas Corridor, are in the third list of PCIs.

Southern Gas Corridor envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.



At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.



As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_ZeynBaku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Nigar Guliyeva - Trend:

Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov will pay a working visit to Dushanbe city on Jan. 10-11, Tajik media reported quoting a source in the country's government.

During the visit,Aripov will hold meetings with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda.

During the meetings in Dushanbe, the issues of preparation for the official visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Dushanbe, which is expected in early spring, will be discussed.

In addition, issues of building up trade and economic cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as accelerating demarcation and delimitation of disputed sections of the state border of the two countries will be discussed.

The trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan increased significantly in the past two years. In 2016, the trade turnover between the two countries hit $70 million, which is almost 6 times more than in 2015. Out of the total volume about $ 36 million is accounted for the export of Tajik goods to Uzbekistan and almost $ 34 million for Tajikistan's import of Uzbek products.

In January-December 2017, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan jumped up by 85 percent, exceeding $110 million.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 6

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Iran, which holds the largest conventional gas reserves in the world, sees Georgia as a potential market for its gas exports.

While the country has increased its gas output significantly and targets an output of 1 bcm/d by the end of the current fiscal year (March 20, 2018), Turkey and Iraq remain the only destinations for the countrys gas export.

Tehran exports 30 million cubic meters of gas to Turkey and 14 million cubic meters to Iraq per day at the moment.

Irans deputy oil minister, Hamid Reza Araqi, told the ministrys official news agency on Jan. 6 that Tehran has the capacity to export gas to various countries, including Georgia, thanks to its geographical position.

Araqi, who heads the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC), said that gas export to Georgia is still on the agenda and the private sector would take part in the issue once agreements are finalized.

Iran needs to obtain Armenias agreement as well, because the gas will pass through that countrys territory, he said.

Araqi added that the private sector will buy gas from Iran and will transfer it to Georgia after paying swap costs.

The official further said that previously a private company took part in the issue, but no gas was exported.

Earlier in April 2017, Georgias Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Mariam Valishvili told Trend that delivery of gas from Iran to Georgia is theoretically possible, and there is necessary infrastructure for this, but such contracts were not concluded between state companies.

She also noted that Georgia prefers Azerbaijani gas, since it is the most optimal supplier of gas to Georgian market.

Azerbaijan has been the main exporter of gas to Georgia for many years. Moreover, in previous years, Georgia received from Russia 10 percent of Russian gas supply to Armenia as a payment for its transit. In April 2017, Georgia decided to abandon Russian gas and fully switch to purchasing Azerbaijani gas.

Valishvili said that it is theoretically possible to supply Iranian gas to Georgia through Azerbaijan  there are pipelines from Iran to Azerbaijan and from Azerbaijan to Georgia.

In July 2016, Managing Director of National Iranian Gas Export Company (NIGEC) Alireza Kameli said that Iran signed an agreement with the Georgian private company, Georgian International Energy Corporation, to pump 40 million cubic meters of gas to Georgia.

Meanwhile, Valishvili noted that Georgias pipeline system is in possession of the state, and private companies must present such contracts to the government in order to obtain services for transportation of purchased gas through the country.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 6

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Iran imported 2.023 billion cigarettes during the first nine months of current fiscal year (March 20-Dec. 22, 2017), Ali Asghar Ramzi, head of Irans Center for Tobacco Planning and Supervision, said.

The figure indicates a fall by 39 percent year on year, Ramzi said, the official website of Irans industry ministry reported.

Irans 12 cigarette producing plants produced 35.02 billion cigarettes in the 9-month period, 10 percent more compared to the same months of the preceding year, the official added.

He further said that over 3.1 billion cigarettes were smuggled into Iran during the same time span based on estimates, adding that the illegal cigarette import has witnessed a 39-percent fall year-on-year.

About 55 billion cigarettes is smoked in the country annually.

Ramzi noted that over 90 percent of the cigarette smoked in the country will be supplied by domestic producers during the current fiscal year (to be ended March 2018).

The Iranian administration seriously follows a plan to domestically produce foreign cigarette brands, in order to cut down the imports.

In recent months, Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the administration increased domestic output of cigarettes, decreasing the dependency on imports. Meanwhile over 80 percent of the tobacco, used in Irans cigarette factories is supplied through imports.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

The upcoming talks expected to be held between Iran and the EU this week will only focus on nuclear issue, Bahram Qassemi, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, said.

Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is invited by EU's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini to hold talks on implementation of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action),  Qassemi said at a press conference in Tehran Jan. 8, Iranian media outlets reported.

Besides Zarif and Mogherini three European foreign ministers will take part in the meeting, the spokesman added.

Earlier Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that the European Union will invite Iran's foreign minister for talks about the recent anti-government protests that have hit the country.

"Together with the EU's foreign policy chief (Federica Mogherini), we agreed to invite the Iranian foreign minister, if possible next week," Gabriel told German public broadcaster ZDF on Jan. 7.

"We very quickly affirmed that we support the freedom to demonstrate and that the state should support this," Gabriel added.

At the same time, Gabriel said Berlin will not follow the lead of US President Donald Trump, who pledged to help Iranians "take back" their government.

At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested during the protests in Iran, which began December 28 as protests against economic hardship and corruption grew into political rallies.

Qassemi further touched upon the Friday meeting of UN Security Council on Iran protests, saying the session was another failure for US president Donald Trump.

The US on Friday took the Iran protests to the UN Security Council, where deep divisions emerged over the issue, with Russia arguing the demonstrations posed no threat to international peace and security.

Qassemi also commented on the upcoming Iran sanctions waiver and Trump's report to the Congress on the JCPOA, saying that possible withdrawal of the US from the nuclear deal or any unreasonable decision by Washington will be resulted with Irans proportional and heavy reaction.

He added that any grave mistake by the US will lead to Washington's regret.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Irans deputy foreign minister Abbas Araqchi has said that the global community must prepare itself for possible withdrawal of the US from nuclear deal reached between Tehran and the six world powers in 2015.

It is not clear what will the US President Donald Trump's decision be January 12, when he must decide again whether to certify the Islamic Republic's compliance with the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, aka nuclear deal), as he is required to do every three months.

Araqchi said at the 2nd Tehran Security Conference, which kicked off on Jan. 8, that Trump spares no effort for more than one year to destroy the JCPOA, Irans ISNA news agency reported.

There are some speculations that the US president will refuse to suspend sanctions against Tehran in coming days, which is required under the JCPOA, Araqchi said, adding that the global community must be prepared to that possibility.

In October 2017, Trump declined to certify Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal, saying sanctions relief was disproportionate to Iran's concessions, adding the agreement goes against US interests.

However, he waived the sanctions for another three months and left the decision on staying in or quitting the deal for later, while urging Congress to change the US law concerning the certification.

Araqchi said the Islamic Republic is prepared for any scenario.

The cancellation of the nuclear deal, which is a sample of successful international agreement, will inflict greater damages to the global community and the Middle East region, the top Iranian diplomat said.

Our region will not become safer in lack of the JCPOA, he added.

Earlier today, Bahram Qassemi, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, said that possible withdrawal of the US from the nuclear deal or any unreasonable decision by Washington will result in Irans proportional and heavy reaction.

He added that any grave mistake by the US will lead to Washington's regret.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.8

Trend:

The Military Committee, NATOs highest Military Authority, will meet in Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) Session on Jan. 16-17, at the NATO Headquarters, Brussels.

The session will consider a number of issues, while meetings with partners from Georgia will focus defence reform progress and the way ahead, the NATO press service reported.

"The session with Georgia will focus on continued defence reform progress and the way ahead for the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package," the report reads.

The Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) is a set of initiatives endorsed at the September 2014 Wales Summit, aimed at strengthening Georgias defence capabilities and developing closer security cooperation and interoperability with NATO Members.

As of February 2016, some 20 NATO Allies and partner states have provided support to the implementation of the package in the form of expertise and resources.

The SNGP comprises support at the strategic, tactical and operational levels across 13 areas: Acquisition; Strategic Operational Planning; Special Operations Forces; Military Police; Cyber Defence; Maritime Security; Strategic Communications; a Joint Training and Evaluation Centre; Logistic Capability; Intelligence and Communications; a Defence Institution Building School; Aviation and Air Defence and NATO-Georgia Exercises in Georgia open to partners.The Emergency Management Service of Georgia has announced a series of systemic reforms, Agenda reports.

Head of the agency Giorgi Mgebrishvili held the first working meeting with officials of the service and discussed details of the reforms today.

He said that following the planned changes and "significantly increased funding, Georgian fire-fighters will get their social packages and technical equipment improved this year.

"The Government of Georgia pays special attention to emergency management and mobilises as many resources as possible to solve problems in this field. We have the ambition to create a service of Western standards that each and every citizen of Georgia and the countrys guests will count on, Mgebrishvili said.

He said that changes will take place in the staff of the service as well. He presented Aleksandre Khvadagiani as new head of the Emergency Management Agency.

Under the recent legislative changes that came into force on January 1, the Emergency Management Agency of the Interior Ministry and the State Security and Crisis Management Council were merged to become a new Emergency Management Service. Head of this newly established agency became Giorgi Mgebrishvili, who previously was the minister of internal affairs.U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Saturday, the White House said on Sunday, and Trump provided Macron with an update on developments on the Korean Peninsula and the two discussed demonstrations in Iran, Reuters reported.

The White House said the conversation was intended to underscore U.S., South Korean and international resolve to achieve the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

The Presidents also agreed that the widespread demonstrations in Iran were a sign of the Iranian regimes failure to serve its peoples needs by instead diverting the nations wealth to fund terrorism and militancy abroad, the White House said in a statement.The Syrian government forces have unblocked an armored vehicles military base in the Syrian city of Harasta, that was surrounded by militants, a source told Sputnik on Monday.

"The Syrian army has unblocked the transport department in Damascus' suburbs. Having broken through the encirclement, the infantry and tanks have entered the department's territory," the source said.

According to the source, the government forces have also managed to regain control of flour mills, situated close to the military base.

Earlier, the Syrian government forces have ceased their offensive operation southwest of Damascus after al-Nusra Front terrorists asked to start negotiations on their unhindered exit from the territory after the Syrian army and the militias surrounded their stronghold.Assam police has arrested an IAS officer Kumud Kalita in connection with Rs 2250 crore scam in Social Welfare department of the state.

Earlier, Assam police announced a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh to anyone who can provide information leading to missing IAS officer Kumud Kalita. Kumud Kalita had served as the director of the department.

The IAS officer was suspended on charges of corruption.

Following the directive of Assam CM, the Vigilance and Anti Corruption had registered a case in connection with the multi-crore rupees scam.

On July 28 last, the investigation agency had arrested another IAS officer Dilip Borthakur (former Director of Social Welfare department) in connection with the scam.

The vigilance and anti corruption had already accused 11 persons in the case.

During the investigation it was revealed that an amount of Rs 150 crore was siphoned off every year from the social welfare department of the state for the past 15 years during previous Congress regime.

The investigation also detected nine lakh fake entries of ghost children in the ICDS list.

The IAS officer was chargesheeted in the largescale corruption case, was absconding since February 2017.

This is being seen as a big success by the state police and a feather in the cap of BJP government in a bid to fight against corruption.

ALSO WATCH | Lucknow: Senior IAS officer found dead near HazratganjIsraels central bank said on Monday it would not recognise virtual currencies such as bitcoin as actual currency and that it was difficult to devise regulations to monitor the risks of such activity to the countrys banks and their clients, Reuters reports.

Deputy Governor Nadine Baudot-Trajtenberg said there had been public complaints Israeli banks were making it difficult for some customers to transfer money from their accounts to buy bitcoin. But this was something the central bank would not be able to address. Other central banks faced the same problem.

The Bank of Israels position is that they should be viewed as a financial asset, Baudot-Trajtenberg told a meeting of Israels parliamentary finance committee, noting that there was no government responsibility for investors in bitcoin.

The central bank, Baudot-Trajtenberg said, was studying the issue of virtual currency but not much could be learned from what exists globally since no regulator anywhere in the world had issued guidelines to the banking system on how to act in relation to customers activity in virtual currencies.

There is a real difficulty in issuing sweeping guidelines to the system regarding the proper way to estimate, manage, and monitor the risks inherent in such activity, she said. Beyond the risks to the customer there are also compliance risks to the bank.

The value of a bitcoin, the biggest and best-known cryptocurrency, surged in mid-December to nearly $20,000, then dropped to less than $12,000 at the end of the month. It was trading on Monday around $15,370.

Bitcoin is a publicly available ledger of a finite number of digital coins, which backers say can be used as a currency without the support of any countrys central bank. It is mined by computers, which are awarded new coins for working out complex mathematical formulas.

Several other cryptocurrencies have been launched that work on similar principles.

Committee members during the meeting on bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies urged Israels regulators to quickly come up with regulations.

There seems to be a greater possibility that they will become central to our financial lives, said Moshe Gafni, the chairman of the panel.

He called on regulators to submit to the committee within a month how they tend to deal with bitcoin and the like.

Still, Israels regulators are generally opposed to giving credence to virtual currencies since they are based on private initiatives and they do not have the same level of investor confidence as regular currencies.

The anonymous nature of virtual currencies leads to the possibility that they may be used to launder money, finance crime, and so forth, Baudot-Trajenberg said.

Shlomit Wagman, head of Israels anti-money-laundering authority said a thorough investigation was needed since terrorist organisations use virtual currency platforms.

Last week, Israels markets regulator proposed regulations that would ban from trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange companies whose main business revolves around bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.More than 300 people stormed the heavily fortified border between Morocco and the Spanish enclave Melilla in what authorities on Sunday called a mass violent crossing.

Some 209 migrants succeeded in reaching Spain in Saturdays incident.

Spains two North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, are a common target for entry into the European Union by migrants who try to climb the border fences or enter the territories by sea.

One Civil Guard police officer was injured in an attack by a migrant, the Spanish government said.

Four of the migrants who reached Spain received treatment for injuries sustained during the crossing.At least 56 people went missing after a shipwreck near the Italian island of Sicily, the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF, also known as Doctors Without Borders) non-governmental organization said on Monday, according to Sputnik.

"According to our medical teams in the port of #Catania #Sicily, at least 56 #people are missing after the first terrible shipwreck of 2018. Among them there were many children who are believed to have drowned at sea," the MSF said on its Twitter page.

The organization added that its psychologists had talked to 14 people, who survived the shipwreck.

"Our psychologists in #Sicily have talked with 14 people who have lost at least 1 family member or a friend to the sea. Among the survivors, was a 3 year old child who has lost her mother and arrived alone and a family of 11 now a family of 3," the MSF added.

The Mediterranean Sea remains a key transition route for migrants and refugees fleeing war and poverty in North African and Middle East countries. In 2017, about 120,000 people arrived in Italy through the Mediterranean route while 2,832 migrants died during the journey, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) figures.Airbus is set to boost production of narrowbody jets in China as it nears a new multi-billion-dollar deal to supply the worlds fastest-growing aviation market during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, industry sources said, Reuters reported.

The deal is expected to be unveiled together with a package of agreements coinciding with the French leaders visit, and could include orders for around 100 jetliners, they added.

The final number of jets to be sold has not been determined. China is also said to be shopping for larger jets like the A330.

Airbus declined comment on Monday.

Airbus and its US rival Boeing (BA.N) compete for large-scale orders in China and such package deals are typically rolled out during major diplomatic events, but not without last-minute negotiations on the quantity and price of jets.

Boeing announced a deal for 300 aircraft during a visit to China by President Donald Trump in November.

About one in every four planes that Airbus produces is delivered to China, but fewer than 8 percent are assembled at its Tianjin facility outside Beijing - one of four A320 assembly plants including two in Europe and one in the United States.

Airbus is likely as part of any new airplane order to agree to lift the number of aircraft assembled in Tianjin from the current level of around 50 a year, the sources said.Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The Istanbul police confiscated 500 kilograms of drugs, the police said in a message Jan. 8.

Heroin accounted for 150 kilograms of the total confiscated drugs, according to the message.

Three drug traffickers were also detained in a special operation.

The minimum age of Turkish citizens who start using drugs is 13, the average age is 36, and the highest age is 65. Thus, 2.9 percent of the country's population account for drug addicts aged 15-24, 2.8 percent - drug addicts aged 25-44, 2.3 percent - drug addicts aged 45-64.

Some 18 percent of the people arrested in the country in 2016 were for drug dealers.

More than 300,000 people have been detained in Istanbul for using and selling drugs over the past four years.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizogluBaku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 8

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

State of emergency will be extended for three more months in Turkey, the Turkish media quoted Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag as saying Jan. 8.

Bozdag added that the decision, made by the Turkish government, will come into force soon.

On July 15, 2016, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.

The death toll as a result of the coup attempt stood at 250 people, and more than 2,000 people were wounded.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizogluPolice have rounded up at least seven people in anti-narcotics raids across Turkey, officials said Monday, Anadolu reported.

A total of 49 kilograms of heroin was seized in eastern Hakkari province during arrests held across the province between Jan. 1-8, the provinces governorship said in a statement on Monday.

One suspect was remanded in custody, the statement added.

In northwestern Sakarya province, anti-narcotics teams seized 13 kilograms of heroin and around seven grams of marijuana in a car, police sources said.

In another bust in southern Mersin province police held two suspects, Mersin Gendarme command said.

The arrest came after security teams raided a house in Mersin's Erdemli district after a tip-off.

One kilogram of powdered marijuana was seized in the raid and the suspects were remanded in custody, the statement added.

In western Afyonkarahisar province, gendarme forces seized nearly 300 pills in a vehicle arresting two suspects.Defense

OCIO gets a seat at the table on DOD's cloud team

The Defense Department has revamped the group overseeing its massive cloud initiative known as the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, or JEDI.

Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan issued a memo Jan. 4 that revealed Pentagon acquisition chief Ellen Lord had been replaced as chair of the Cloud Executive Steering Group by Jay Gibson, deputy chief management officer. Gibson was not part of the group originally.

Lord is the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. Her office will continue to support the cloud effort, according to Shanahans memo.

JEDI is DOD's initiative to accelerate the movement to the cloud by fielding a commercial cloud solution that can host unclassified, secret and top secret information. DOD wants to take advantage of emerging technologies such as machine learning, big data analytics and artificial intelligence to deliver more capabilities to warfighters.

Lord's comments on the project the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, Calif. in early Dec. 2017 sparked concern in industry that DOD was rushing into a single-source option for cloud. Since then, DOD officials have said the final strategy had not yet been determined.

Shanahan says in his Jan. 4 memo that Defense Digital Service Director Chris Lynch will manage the JEDI competition, but does not specify whether it will result in a single- or multiple-award contract.

In addition to Gibson, Shanahan also added new members to the Cloud Executive Steering Group in Essye Miller, acting DOD CIO and Bob Daigle, director of DODs office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation.

The addition of Miller is noteworthy because initially the CIO role in the group was advisory and non-voting. That advisory role, formerly held by John Bergin, business technology officer in the DOD CIO's office, has been eliminated.

The new members join Lynch; Will Roper, director of DODs Strategic Capabilities Office and the nominee to lead acquisition at the U.S. Air Force; Raj Shah, managing partner of the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental; and Joshua Marcuse of DOD staff.

Given the scope of DOD wants, many are estimating that the contract would be worth billions.

The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment on why Lord and Bergin were no longer part of the Cloud Executive Steering Group.

Still absent from the group are direct representatives from the mission owners who will be using the cloud infrastructure to host their applications.

David McAllister of the Strategic Capabilities Office would lead the effort to "transition select DOD components or agency systems to the acquired commercial cloud solution."

The expectation is that DOD will hold an industry day and release a draft request for proposals during the first quarter of 2018.

A version of this article originally appeared in FCW's sibling publication Washington Technology.Telecom

States can keep options open on FirstNet

Just because states have opted into AT&T and FirstNet's plans for a nationwide wireless public safety network, governments still have the option to use another network for their communications needs, according to a major provider of public safety communications.

"No one is obligated to move to AT&T," said Michael Maiorana, senior vice president for public sector at Verizon Enterprise Solutions in an interview with FCW.

FirstNet and AT&T recently announced that all 50 states, two territories and the District of Columbia had officially opted in their plans for a national wireless network for emergency responders, with taxpayers putting in $6.5 billion and AT&T pledging $43 billion in investments.

But Maiorana said Verizon remains the largest provider of public safety communications in the country. "We have two-thirds of the public safety market," he said.

California and Massachusetts, he said, have indicated they're considering other options even though they both opted into FirstNet at the Dec. 28 deadline.

Maiorana said Verizon is working on an interconnection agreement with FirstNet and AT&T that would bring interoperability between the networks. The agreement, he said, would open up both networks' ecosystems to other users and foster more interoperability.

"Public safety users don't need to migrate to AT&T. They should use providers that best serve their market," he said.

Verizon had opted not to bid on the FirstNet contract because it didn't need the spectrum that came with the deal offered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and FirstNet. The government contract awarded to AT&T included 20MHz of band 14 government-owned spectrum. AT&T will spend billions over the next 25 years building out the spectrum for shared use between its commercial side and public safety.

Verizon said in August it is building a core network out of its 4G LTE network for dedicated service to first responders. Maiorana said work on the network continues. It will bring a number of capabilities beyond what the company already provides to first responders through its public sector network, including priority pre-emption capabilities that would give emergency responder traffic a faster ride on its network.

He declined to provide a specific completion date for the work, but said the company would be "rolling it out this year."With more than 300,000 users in China , start-up Niu says it is the country's largest smart electric scooter brand. "[We're] driving consumers from low-quality poor scooters to high-quality, lithium battery scooters," Niu CEO Yan Li told CNBC on Monday. Beijing wants at least 50 percent of all new car sales to be electric by 2020  a target that bodes well for the firm. Speaking on the sidelines of the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, Li explained how his company utilizes the Internet of Things, warning that it's still too early for driverless electric scooters. Check out the video above for highlights from the discussion.



More From CNBC

As we stepped into 2018, all our attention shifted to what are likely to be hot investments this year. Investors must be searching for best picks in every asset class. This is especially true given that 2017 has been piping hot for stocks thanks to Trump trade and a pickup in the economy. So, a fear for overvaluation is understandable.

Against this backdrop, we evaluate the pros and cons and highlight what could be the best sector ETFs for this year (read: 8 ETF Predictions for 2018).

Biotech

An analyst, examining bull markets over the past 50 years, concluded that technology outperforms in the late stages of a bull market. However, with the technology sector riding high in the last one year (up 33.8% in the last one year), the sector boasts overvaluation (read: Value Biotech ETFs to Buy Now).

As a result, investors can take a look at biotech stocks and ETFs for 2018. Ebbing tensions over the price gouging issue, hopes of easing regulation, positive clinical trials, FDA approvals of drugs and success in the immune-oncology field should spur a rally.

Investors can take a look at SPDR S&P Biotech ETF XBI which has a Zacks ETF Rank #2 (Buy) with a High-risk outlook and a P/E of 17.76x. The P/E of XBI is lower than the P/E (19.92x) of SPDR S&P 500 ETF SPY.

Energy

According to the analyst referred to above, the Energy sector also outperforms in the late stages of a bull market. Now, oil prices have made a sharp comeback to close out the year 2017, though the whole year was not so smooth. West Texas Intermediate futures jumped over $60 a barrel in late December for the first time since 2015. United States Oil USO and United States Brent Oil Fund BNO gained about 8.8% and 21.6% in the last one year (as of Jan 5, 2018).

The constant oil price volatility hurt energy ETFs like VanEck Vectors Oil Services ETF OIH in the last one year. However, the funds can gain strength ahead. As per Goldman Sachs analyst, thanks to the shale oil revolution, producers outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries can easily ramp up production when prices are $60 to $65.

Story continues

Added to this, the Interior Department announced last week that it wants to permit drilling in about all U.S. waters, the single largest expansion of offshore oil and gas leasing ever planned by the federal government. All these moves and possibilities better position funds like OIH in 2018. The fund gained about 7% in the last five days (as of Jan 5, 2018) while it lost about 19.4% in the last one year (read: 3 ETF Losers of 2017 That Can Rebound in Q1).

Materials

U.S. tax cuts, upbeat global growth and the resultant strong international demand plus the likely beefing-up of infrastructure spending by the government should lead to higher demand related to industrial production, which in turn feeds into seasonal strength in the material sector. Higher activity is in the offing the United States this year as the economy took momentum. This makes Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF XLB our pick for 2018 (read: ETFs to Buy as U.S. Manufacturing Hits 13-Year High).

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Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report* Australia gov't sees iron ore price drop

* Cites shrinking China stee sector

* LNG exports on the rise (Adds iron ore price milestone, UBS, Citi forecasts)

By James Regan

SYDNEY, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Australia on Monday said it expects iron ore prices to average $51.50 a tonne this year, down 20 percent from 2017, because of rising global supply and moderating demand from top importer China as its steel sector shrinks.

The government projection is out of step with some private forecasts, with UBS and Citi calling for iron ore prices to average around $64 a tonne in 2018 - flat on 2017's $64.30 - with the market proving suprisingly resilient.

Spot iron ore, currently around $75 a tonne , last traded below $52 in June 2017, but Department of Industry, Innovation and Science resource and energy analyst David Thurtell pointed to an expected contraction in China's steel industry.

"We're still comfortable with where our forecast sits," he said.

The world's top three mining companies, BHP and Vale rely heavily on iron ore sales for the bulk of their revenue despite efforts to diversify more into other industrial raw materials, such as copper, aluminium and coal.

Brazil-based Vale is planning to lift iron ore exports 7 percent in 2018 to 390 million tonnes. In Australia, Rio Tinto and BHP, along with Fortescue Metals Group aim to add about 170 million tonnes of new capacity over the next several years.

The forecast price decline will continue into 2019, when the steelmaking raw material will average only $49 a tonne, the department said in its latest commodities outlook paper.

"The iron ore price is expected to experience some ongoing volatility in early 2018, as the market responds to uncertainty regarding the impact of winter production restrictions on iron ore demand," it warned.

The lower prices will reflect growing supply from low-cost producers and moderating demand from China, it said.

China is in the process of closing ageing, high-polluting steel mills and induction furnaces to curb overcapacity in the sector.

Story continues

China's President Xi Jinping said in October that fighting pollution was one of the country's key tasks through 2020.

Australia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are forecast to climb to 76.5 million tonnes in the year to end-June 2019, from 63 million tonnes forecast for the 2017/18 fiscal year and 52 million tonnes last year.

Between 2016/17 and 2018/19, LNG should add A$14 billion ($11 billion) to Australia's export earnings, while iron ore is forecast to subtract A$10 billion, according to the department.

The shift follows the construction of $180 billion of new gas projects. The rise in LNG earnings will be underpinned as three remaining projects under construction hit their stride, it said. These are Chevron Corp's Wheatstone project, Inpex Corp's Ichthys and Royal Dutch Shell's Prelude.

Prices for coking coal, another key steel-making ingredient, are forecast by the department to drift lower over the next eighteen months from last quarter's benchmark price of $192 a tonne as rising supply more than offsets demand.

It also expects thermal coal prices to ease through 2018 and early 2019, with the Newcastle spot price forecast to drop 12 percent to an average $77 a tonne in 2018, and by a further 6 percent to $70 in 2019. ($1 = 1.2719 Australian dollars) (Reporting by James Regan; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Richard Pullin)From Tyler Durden: In retrospect, the launch of bitcoin futures one month ago has proven to be a modestly disappointing event.

While it helped send the price of bitcoin soaring as traders braced for the institutionalization of bitcoin, the worlds most popular cryptocurrency has stagnated since the beginning of December when first the Cboe then CME started trading bitcoin futures, trading in a range between $12,000 and $17,000.

And while bitcoin futures markets volumes have been lower than most had expected, the past 4 weeks have provided enough data to observe how volumes and open interest have evolved.

We discussed previously that Bitcoin futures were off to a slow start in the first week of trading, with volumes of CBOE Bitcoin futures averaging just around $40MM per day, despite intense media hype helping fuel heavy trading when both contracts launched, at least in the first hours of trading.

Since then, volumes spike briefly in the following week coinciding with the launch of the CME futures, with volumes of on both exchanges at relatively similar levels.

Then, as JPMs Nikolaos Panagirtzoglou shows, after a spike in volumes to around $200mn on 22 December, which saw sharp swings in underlying Bitcoin prices, volumes have averaged around $50mn and $60mn per day on the CBOE and CME futures, respectively.

sdf

One month after their launch, futures trading volumes remain very modest compared to average Bitcoin trading volumes of around $15bn per day since futures contracts were launched according to coinmarketcap.com data. While open interest in both the CBOE and CME contracts has risen steadily, it too remains rather modest at around $60mn and $70mn, respectively.

Putting futures volumes in context, on Friday, the combined size of the bitcoin-futures markets at the two exchanges was roughly $150 million, measured in terms of the value of outstanding contracts, while the total value of all bitcoins in existence was around $290 billion.

Story continues

asd

Another factor behind the slow volume growth may be the reluctance of many Wall Street banks to touch bitcoin futures. Firms such as JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America Merrill Lynch havent offered their clients access to bitcoin futures.

Another notable observation: with both volumes and open interest between the two sets of futures contracts converging, it suggests that a large degree of arbitraging of price differentials has taken place between the contracts which initially showed significant divergence. As JPM further notes, when trading in the CBOE futures initially started, a striking feature was the wide basis between the futures contract and the underlying bitcoin prices, which intraday exceeded $2000 or more than 12% of the underlying price at the time. While traders provided numerous explanation for the spread, since then the difference between futures prices on both the CBOE and CME contracts and underlying bitcoin prices has narrowed significantly (chart below), and even turned negative briefly last week.

asd

That covers bitcoin futures volumes, but what about positioning? Well, as many traders expected, it appears that institutions are using the futures product to slowly but surely build a short position in bitcoin. According to the CFTC Commitment of Traders report (available CBOE futures), non-commercial traders held a net short position of around $30mn as of Tuesday Dec 26, or around half of the total open interest.

Separately, the Traders in Financial Futures breakdown provided by the CFTC show that the leveraged funds category that consists largely of hedge funds and various money managers had a short of around $14mn, or around a quarter of the total open interest.

In other words, spec investors have used the futures contracts to establish Bitcoin shorts.

How does this compare with other asset classes typically used as a store of wealth such as gold and silver? As JPMorgan explains, for gold futures, non-commercial investors held as of Dec 26 a net long position of around 30% of open interest, of which the managed money category held around 80%, while in silver futures both the non-commercial and managed money categories were close to zero.

asd

* * *

An analysis by the Wall Street Journal confirms that while hedge funds and other large traders are betting that bitcoin will fall, small investors remain convinced that bitcoin prices will keep on rising.

As the WSJ reports, for traders who hold fewer than 25 of Cboes bitcoin futures contractsa category that likely encompasses many retail investorsbullish bets are 3.6 times more common than bearish ones, according to the latest Commodity Futures Trading Commission data that cover trading through Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the big CBOE players in bitcoin futures tend to be short. For instance, among other reportableslarge trading firms that dont necessarily manage money for outside investorsshort bets outweighed bullish long bets by a factor of 2.6 last week.

asd

The historical data will probably not come as a big surprise: many skeptics on Wall Street have called bitcoin a bubble and would be more apt to bet on its decline. In a sign of how more conservative firms are keeping their distance, the CFTC data show near-zero trading in Cboes bitcoin futures by banks and asset managers.

There is probably more optimism in the retail segment than there is in the institutional segment, said Steven Sanders, an executive vice president at Interactive Brokers Group Inc., an electronic brokerage firm that offers its customers access to bitcoin futures.

And sure enough, presenting JPMs data in a slightly different context, COT data shows that hedge funds and other money managers had placed almost 40% more short bets than long bets last week.

Curiously, it is worth noting that that represented a less bearish outlook than they had in late December, when such funds had more than four times as many short bets as long bets.

To be sure, shorting bitcoin futures doesnt necessarily mean a trader expects bitcoin to crash. In a natural hedge, a cryptocurrency trading firm with significant holdings of bitcoin might go short to hedge those inventories against a price fall. That would make the firm indifferent as to whether bitcoin goes up or down.

As the WSJ further notes, shorting futs could also be part of certain sophisticated trading strategies, such as betting that rival cryptocurrencies will outperform bitcoin. One such rival, Ethereum, rose above $1,000 for the first time last week, more than double its value from the beginning of December.

With the CFTC data, youre not seeing the full picture, said James Koutoulas, chief executive of hedge-fund firm Typhon Capital Management, which trades futures in bitcoin as well as commodities. Typhon has swung back and forth, being long and short bitcoin futures at various times, Mr. Koutoulas said.

Of course, its not just bitcoin.

As JPM writes, any given cryptocurrency faces competition from other cryptocurrencies, posing risks to their individual valuations. Indeed, the market capitalisation of Bitcoin has risen by around $100bn to around $270bn since late November, while other cryptocurrencies have seen a significant increase in market cap from around $130bn to nearly $500bn currently.

sdf

Other cryptocurrencies  mostly ethereum and ripple  have benefited from the increased interest in Bitcoin amid the listing of exchange traded futures, as well as the sharp rise in Bitcoin average transaction costs from around $6 per transaction in early December to nearly $60 per transaction on Dec 22, before settling in a $25-$30 range in recent days.

sdf

By contrast, average transaction fees in Ethereum reached a high of $1.50 in early December and were around $1 on Jan 4, while average transaction fees in Ripple measure a few cents according to bitinfocharts.com. The one-third share of Bitcoin of the total cryptocurrency market cap of around $770bn represents a new low. In contrast, the market of $770bn for the total cryptocurrency market represents a new high.

* * *

And while we await futures contracts to be announced on other cryptos, most likely ethereum and ripple next, events which we believe will be catalysts for substantial price upside in both cryptocurrencies, the question for bitcoin is who will be right: institutions, who are short, or retail investors (especially those in Japan and South Korea) who remain fervently long. If the past 7 years  in which retail has consistently trounced smart money returns are any indication, bitcoin is about to soar as yet another major short squeeze develops in the coming weeks and months.

This article is brought to you courtesy of ZeroHedge.

You are viewing an abbreviated republication of ETF Daily News content. You can find full ETF Daily News articles on (www.etfdailynews.com)FRANKFURT, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Cerberus Chief Executive Stephen Feinberg has told the German government that he is not interested in a merger of Deutsche Bank and smaller rival Commerzbank, German newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Monday, citing several people familiar with the matter.

Cerberus holds 3 percent of shares in Deutsche Bank and 5 percent in Commerzbank, which has fuelled speculation that the U.S. buyout fund could push for a merger of the two banks.

But according to Handelsblatt, Feinberg said in meetings in mid-December with senior representatives at Germany's chancellery, the Finance Ministry and regulators that Germany's economy had room for two big private banks.

He also said that he saw much potential for Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank to improve their efficiency and productivity and reduce complexities, according to the newspaper.

Cerberus was not immediately available to comment.

Deutsche Bank on Friday said it would report its third consecutive annual loss for 2017, defying its chief executive's expectations of a swing to profit and highlighting the difficulty of overhauling Germany's largest lender.

Shares in Deutsche Bank were down 1.2 percent at 15.30 euros by 0823 GMT, while Commerzbank was 0.7 percent lower at 12.57 euros, putting the two banks among the biggest decliners in Germany's blue-chip DAX index in early trade. (Reporting by Maria Sheahan; Additional reporting by Arno Schuetze. Editing by Jane Merriman)Shares of several trendy cryptocurrency proxy stocks--including Riot Blockchain (RIOT), LongFin (LFIN), and the Bitcoin Investment Trust (GBTC)--dropped sharply on Monday morning, despite gains throughout the broader technology market.

Shares of several trendy cryptocurrency proxy stocksincluding Riot Blockchain RIOT, LongFin, and the Bitcoin Investment Trust GBTCdropped sharply on Monday morning, despite gains throughout the broader technology market.

Todays slump in crypto stocks comes alongside noteworthy declines in several on the worlds most popular cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin has dropped more than 12% over the last 24 hours, while Litecoin has tumbled more than 13% and Dash has plummeted nearly 17%.

Ripple, a rapidly growing crypto that is controlled by a San Francisco-based startup, has lost more than 15% of its value within the past day (also read: What Investors Need to Know About Ripple, Bitcoin's Cryptocurrency Rival).

Mondays volatility is nothing new for these booming cryptocurrencies, which frequently witness sudden gains and drops. Not all of these moves can be traced back to specific news, but recent concerns about regulation and demand in Asia do seem to be dragging cryptos down today.

According to several reports, China is planning to limit power use by some bitcoin miners, and South Korean is gearing up to regulate cryptocurrency exchanges and possibly institute a capital gains tax on crypto trading.

The fuss about regulators tightening screws in South Korea is pushing the price of bitcoin, Naeem Aslam, chief market analyst at TF Global Markets in London, told Bloomberg. This and the Chinese news is going to bring a blip in the price.

For trendy stocks like Riot, Longfin, and GBTC, volatility in the crypto market causes volatility in their own valuations. Shares of Riot were down more than 5% on Monday morning, Longfin dropped more than 7%, and GBTC fell about 8%.

These stocks are still up significantly over the past three months, but their unprecedented runs have now been replaced by massive day-to-day price swings. GBTC, which operates as a bitcoin holding fund and once regularly traded at a 100% premium to its bitcoin-per-share value, has now dropped nearly 40% from the highs it reached in mid-December.

Story continues

Elsewhere, both Riot and Longfin are prime example of small-cap companies that have benefitted from adding blockchain technology to their business models. Just a few months ago, Riot was a dying biotech diagnostics equipment firm, while Longfin exploded after acquiring Ziddu.com, a blockchain research company working on decentralized solutions for lending and financing.

This trend has left many investors scratching their heads, but for those focused on the short-term trading of cryptocurrencies and related stocks, Mondays movement is all in a days work.

Want more stock market analysis from this author? Make sure to follow @Ryan_McQueeney on Twitter!

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Zacks Investment Research[caption id="attachment_16311" align="aligncenter" width="621"]

Andrew Cuomo

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo gives his 2018 State of the State address. Photo Credit: The Associate Press/Hans Pennink[/caption] Gov. Andrew Cuomos plan to sue the federal government over the recently enacted tax bill on grounds that it violates constitutional principles would face significant challenges, legal experts say. Last week, Cuomo, a Democrat, laid out a litigious agenda for the year arguing that the federal government was punishing blue states, such as New York, with its recently passed tax overhaul legislation. During his annual address to the state Legislature, Cuomo said his administration believed that the GOP tax plan signed by President Donald Trump in December was illegal and that the state would challenge it in court as unconstitutional. Law experts queried by the New York Law Journal doubted the likelihood of success of such a legal challenge, but on Monday the Cuomo administration's top counsel said the governor's office is considering "a variety of legal claims" against the federal government in connection with the tax bill. Darien Shanske, a University of California, Davis tax law professor, said Cuomos plan to sue the federal government over the tax overhaul is not particularly likely to succeed in court, especially since the 16th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1913, allows Congress to collect taxes on incomes. For the federalism claim, because the definition of income is broad and its up to Congress to define it ... Congress can make rational distinctions if it wants to, Shanske said. The tax plan Trump signed in December caps a deduction for state and local taxes at $10,000the deduction was previously unlimitedwhich will increase the federal tax liability for many homeowners in high-tax states such as New York and New Jersey. The tax plan is violative of states rights and the principle of equal protection, the Democratic governor alleged last week. But if Congress wants to take away the deductibility of state and local taxes, its entitled to, because the arguments for doing so certainly survive the rational basis review, Shanske said in an interview. Thomas Brennan, a tax professor at Harvard Law School, said Cuomos plan to sue the federal government over the tax plan would be difficult. My own thought is it would be a challenging thing to challenge this law on constitutionality, at least the SALT (state and local taxes) restriction, Brennan said of the proposed Cuomo administration lawsuit. I imagine the strategy would be to argue about an infringement on states' rights of some sort. Similar to Shanskes argument, Brennan also noted that deductions are considered to be a matter of legislative grace by Congress, and Congress is entitled to collect taxes on income under the 16th Amendment. But on Monday, the Governors top counsel, Alphonso David, said in a statement to the New York Law Journal that the administration is exploring several avenues to pursue a lawsuit . New York is exploring a variety of legal claims in response to the divisive federal SALT law. The elimination of the state and local tax deduction targets certain states and impinges on the ability of those states to provide the government chosen by their own citizens. The practical and intended impact of this law is to impose a disadvantage on blue states, which are governed by Democratic governors, notwithstanding any purported legitimate justification. Courts have historically conducted a searching and careful inquiry and rejected government action in the past that inappropriately targets a class of people and this should be no different, David said. The office of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said it is working with the Cuomo administration on a legal response. In response to the federal tax bill, Cuomo signed an executive order late last month allowing New Yorkers to prepay their property taxes before Jan. 1, 2018. But the federal IRS issued an advisory on Dec. 28 that a "prepayment of anticipated real property taxes that have not been assessed prior to 2018 are not deductible in 2017, " and that "state or local law determines whether and when a property tax is assessed, which is generally when the taxpayer becomes liable for the property tax imposed." The IRS ruling limits the number of taxpayers who could take advantage of prepaying 2018 taxes, a one-off fix in any case. The Democratic governor also said last week that he would soon announce a major shift in the state tax code that could restructure the current income and payroll tax system." Details on his tax plan are slated to be released later this month. A proposed plan to impose a payroll tax on employers, which is still legally deductible on federal taxes, appears to have the approval of members of his own party. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who leads the Democratic-dominated Assembly, said last week that converting the states income tax into a payroll tax makes a lot of sense. Were very encouraged by the payroll tax idea because then that would restore what Washington has taken from us, said Heastie, D-Bronx. But talking to reporters Monday, Heastie tempered his remarks saying hes in favor of investigating the payroll tax. I know its going to have challenges, the Bronx Democrat said. Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, a Republican from Long Island, said he didnt know the details of Cuomos plan. My initial reaction is, we dont want to talk about anything that relates to raising taxes, Flanagan said last week. While suing the federal government over the tax bill seems feasible, Cuomos plan to change the tax structure is much more promising, Shanske said. The state of New York is entitled to raise revenue, within constitutional bounds, the way it wants to, as long as it does not violate the federal Constitution, Shanske said. This story has been updated with comment from Gov. Cuomo's office and Assembly Speaker Heastie received Monday afternoon.Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has given a new currency to superstition attached with Noida.

Commenting on recent Noida visit by UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Akhilesh Yadav said, "We are to witness the outcome of visiting Noida. And, this time that both of them have been to Noida. We will see the outcome."

The jinx developed roots after Vir Bahadur Singh and ND Tiwari lost their chief ministership within months of visiting Noida in the late 1980s. Rajnath Singh, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav never visited Noida as UP chief minister. Mayawati tried to break the jinx but lost the 2012 Assembly election.

As UP CM, Akhilesh Yadav never acknowledged that he believed in the Noida jinx but yesterday the same superstitious belief rekindled his hope of political revival in Uttar Pradesh. Such superstitions are not only attached with Noida rather there are many places where powerful politicians don't even dare to go.

ASHOKNAGAR IN MADHYA PRADESH

On December 25 when Yogi and Modi visited Noida for the inauguration of the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that he would soon visit Ashoknagar district headquarters.

Ashoknagar district headquarters carries the same jinx as Noida. Myth has it that if a Madhya Pradesh chief minister visits this ancient town - that draws its name from Maurya emperor Ashoka - under Guna Lok Sabha constituency, then he loses the chair.

The myth took ground in the 1970s after Prakash Chand Sethi was removed as chief minister in 1975 and Shyama Charan Shukla in 1977 soon after visiting Ashoknagar district headquarters. The pattern followed thereafter when Arjun Singh lost his chair in 1984, Sundarlal Patwa in 1993 and Digvijaya Singh in 2003.

ICHHAWAR IN MP

Ichhawar is another place in Madhya Pradesh,which Chief Minister Chouhan has not visited during his 12-year tenure. Interestingly, Ichhawar is located in his home district Sehore.

Recently Congress MLA Shailendra Patel raised this issue in MP Assembly saying that CM Chouhan did not visit Ichhawar due to his superstitious belief of losing power.

But there is a history. Kailash Nath Katju lost his CM chair in 1962 after visiting Ichhawar followed by Dwarka Prasad Mishra in 1967, Kailash Joshi in 1977, Virendra Kumar Saklecha in 1979 and Digvijaya Singh in 2003.

Irony is that Digvijaya Singh toured Ichhawar in November 2003 and said that he visited the place in order to break the myth. But, he soon lost power and the jinx continued.

UJJAIN HAS ITS OWN

Temple town Ujjain is famous for its Mahakaleshwar temple but it is equally feared by the chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh and members of erstwhile princely family of Scindia.

Madhya Pradesh chief ministers and the royal family members don't spend the night in Ujjain. Even Shivraj Singh Chouhan has maintained the practice. He has visited the temple town and offered prayers but returned to Bhopal before night falls.

The belief is that Mahakal or Lord Shiva is the king of Ujjain and another ruler (CM or members of royal family) can't stay during the night in the city. If they do so, something bad will happen to them, goes the myth.

Similar myth prevails in the Kadamgiri Hill in Madhya Pradesh. Politicians avoid flying over the Kadamgiri Hill fearing divine wrath. It is believed that during his exile, Lord Rama stayed here for some time and if someone flies over it in a helicopter, it will meet an unfortunate fate.

BRIHADESHWAR TEMPLE OF TAMIL NADU

Brihadeshwar temple of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu is also not a favourite with politicians. It is believed that if a VIP enters the temple through the main entrance, called Keralanthan Gate, he would lose power, fall ill or even meet a fatal accident.

The superstition gained currency in 1984 when the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated and the then Tamil Nadu CM MG Ramachandran suffered a major stroke. Both had recently entered the temple through main gate.

No VIP politician has entered the temple from the main gate since then. Even self-proclaimed rationalist M Karunanidhi entered the temple through side entrance as Tamil Nadu chief minister in 1997, when 45 people were killed in a fire in the temple premises.

ALSO WATCH | Modi with Adityanath in Noida for Delhi Metro's Magenta line's inaugurationThe Trump administration faces a deadline Monday to decide whether to renew a program granting temporary immigration status to over 200,000 immigrants from El Salvador.

The Department of Homeland Security is expected to end the relief program, which granted temporary immigration status to people who came to the United States after earthquakes devastated El Salvador in 2001. The administration already ended similar relief programs for immigrants from Haiti and Nicaragua.

Vicki Rosenthal and others protest in front of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Broward county to urge the Department of Homeland Security to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants on May 21, 2017 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

We have thousands of residents from El Salvador who have lived here legally for years  residents who contribute to our economy, attend our schools and universities, and help us build safer, stronger neighborhoods, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote in a letter to Trump advocating for the renewal of the program, which affects 30,000 immigrants in D.C. Ending TPS for El Salvador will have devastating impacts by tearing families apart.

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Meanwhile, Rep. Jimmy Panetta of D.C. took to Twitter to talk about a press conference he held on Friday to urge Trump to #SaveTPS, saying without the 200,000 refugees to whom it grants legal status, the U.S. would lose billions from its GDP.

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Many of the Salvadorans affected by the decision have been in the United States since 2001 or earlier. The 2001 earthquakes killed more than 1,000 people, and El Salvador continues to struggle with lingering effects.

The Obama administration renewed Salvadorans protected status in September 2016, but the program can only be renewed in 18-month increments.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has said she objects to short-term extensions.

Getting them to a permanent solution is a much better plan than having them live six months, to 12 months to 18 months, she told the Associated Press.

The Trump administration in 2017 ended the protected status for 60,000 Haitian immigrants who came to the United States after Haitis 2010 earthquake and 2,500 Nicaraguan immigrants given protection after a 1998 hurricane. The decision on Salvadorans status affects the largest group of TPS-holders so far.

Story continues

The deadline arrives while the White House is negotiating with Congress over Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

This is my family. they are part of the 200,000+ Salvadorans who will be affected by the decision to end TPS, if its executed, one Twitter user said. Without my family, I dont know how me and my siblings and cousins would survive.(Adds quote, details, background)

AMSTERDAM, Jan 8 (Reuters) - The Dutch minister for the economy said on Monday that output at the large Groningen gas field should be reduced "by as much as possible" during the current government term through 2021.

Eric Wiebes made the comment following a magnitude 3.4 tremor earlier on Monday that was the largest in recent years.

Dozens of earthquakes every year, resulting from decades of gas extraction, have caused damage to thousands of buildings and homes and prompted a dramatic shift in government policy now aimed at capping output.

The new coalition government under Prime Minister Mark Rutte has already agreed to reduce output to around 20 billion cubic metres (bcm) from a current 21.6 bcm, Wiebes was quoted by the ANP news agency as saying in a reaction to Monday's quake.

"I will try to reduce by as much as possible," he said. "Whatever it takes, we have to bring down gas production. The Netherlands has to stop using natural gas."

Amid an ongoing legal battle, the government had proposed last year capping production at the Groningen gas field at 21.6 bcm per year for five years, after a 2015 report found production was risking lives.

That reduction, the justification for which is currently under a legal review, would be down from 24 bcm in the production year just ended and 39.4 bcm in 2015-16.

The NAM joint venture between Royal Dutch Shell and ExxonMobil operates the Groningen field. (Reporting by Anthony Deutsch, editing by David Evans)James Damore

YouTube/Joe Rogan Experience

The Google engineer who was fired last summer for posting a manifesto about women being less interested in tech because of biology is suing Google.

The engineer alleges that he was the subject of discrimination for his political viewpoints as well as his race and gender.

His lawyer is seeking class-action status and wants to represent anyone who believes Google discriminated against them for being white or male or conservative.

Another white, male engineer is also part of the lawsuit. He was fired for making public comments that resulted in his coworkers reporting him to HR.



James Damore, the engineer that Google fired in August for writing a memo suggesting women are less interested in tech because of their biology, has filed a lawsuit against Google.

Damore's lawyer is alleging that conservatives are discriminated against at Google and that Damore's firing was retribution against him for his political views. The suit was filed in Santa Clara Superior Court in Northern California.

Political affiliation is a protected class in many states.

But the lawsuit is seeking class action status and wants to represent more than just this one class, Damore's lawyer, Harmeet Dhillon, a partner with the Dhillon Law Group in San Francisco, told Business Insider. It is seeking to represent everyone who feels Google discriminated against them for being white, or for being male, or for being conservative.

"Googles open hostility for conservative thought is paired with invidious discrimination on the basis of race and gender, barred by law. Googles management goes to extreme  and illegal  lengths to encourage hiring managers to take protected categories such as race and/or gender into consideration as determinative hiring factors, to the detriment of Caucasian and male employees and potential employees at Google," the lawsuit alleges.

Story continues

Dhillon and her law team have been out canvassing for people to join as plaintiffs against the class-action suit. So far, another Google engineer named David Gudeman, who left in December, 2016, is also a plaintiff, reports TechCrunch.

To recap: Damore's memo caused a firestorm for implying that biology was one reason for the lack of women in tech. Damore also argued that it was a lack of tolerance of diverse political viewpoints that needed to change.

After he was fired, he became a cult hero of the political right. His lawyer, Dhillon, is the former chairwoman of the Republican Party in San Francisco.

He threatened to sue, filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment & Housing, and that agency investigated and issued him a "right to sue" letter. That doesn't mean he'll win the case. But it is the first step before litigation can proceed.

Google plans to fight back. A spokesperson tells us, "We look forward to defending against Mr. Damore's lawsuit in court."

Likewise, in 2015 Gudeman was reprimanded by Google HR after he posted comments to a document being shared internally at Google. The document was about "derailing," the lawsuit says. That involves how to deal with a conversation that goes off the rails.

Gudeman's comments expressed opinions that white men are the "victims of a racist and sexist political movement." He also compared the document to one slave owners would have written for their slaves to help them understand how to interact with their masters, the lawsuit says.

He was fired in 2016 after he posted comments questioning a Muslim co-worker's recent travel and another employee reported him to HR alleging he was creating "conspiracy theories" about the coworker.

NOW WATCH: The best phones of 2017 that you can buy right now

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SEE ALSO:European markets closed higher on Monday afternoon, following a firm lead by U.S. stocks in the previous session and as Germany looks closer to forming a new government. The pan-European Stoxx 600 (STOXX:.STOXX) closed 0.27 percent higher after hitting its highest level since August 2015 in the morning. But of the major European bourses, the U.K. FTSE ended the day in the red, down 0.36 percent as U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May reshuffled her cabinet. Basic resources stocks led the gains, rallying over 1.5 percent by the end of Monday's trade. This follows news of trade deals between France and China. Airbus is trying to reach new deals with Beijing on the A380 as it works to get new customers. Efforts are part of a trade mission by President Emmanuel Macron during his first state visit to the Middle Kingdom. Meanwhile, autos closed 0.89 percent higher having hovered around the 1 percent figure throughout the day as investors grew confident on the prospects of the sector in 2018. Technology was the poorest performing sector, ending Monday's trade down 0.23 percent. Looking at individual stocks, Galapagos (Euronext Amsterdam: GLPG-NL) rose to near the top of European benchmark, up by about 4.5 percent after news of positive preliminary tests in an osteoarthritis study. Dialog Semiconductor (XETRA:DLG-DE) shares swung to the downside in afternoon trade, closing 0.8 percent lower despite having recovered some losses. In fact, the chipmaker had begun the day in positive territory after preliminary fourth-quarter sales numbers came in above expectations. Dialog's fortunes are dependent on the custom of technology giant Apple (AAPL), its largest client, who may be developing its own chips. On the other hand, Micro Focus (London Stock Exchange: MCRO-GB) was the worst performing stock on the index, trading nearly 17 percent lower after saying its pretax profit for the first half of its fiscal year was boosted by the acquisition of Hewlett Packard Enterprises. Meanwhile, shares of Mothercare (London Stock Exchange: MTC-GB) fell over 27 percent after the retailer issued a profit warning. More broadly, positive global sentiment continues to drive European stocks. On Friday, the Dow set a new record for the best start to a year since 2006. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany sounded optimistic about reaching a deal with the Social Democrats and thus avoiding fresh elections. In the corporate world, Hershey (HRCR) and Ferrero are racing to buy Nestle (Swiss Exchange: NESN-CH)'s U.S. candy business. Across the pond, U.S. stocks fell as investors took a breather from the rally that kicked off in 2018. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped by 38 points, while the S&P 500 withdrew by 0.1 percent.



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The Google app logo is seen on a smartphone in this picture illustration taken September 15, 2017. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

By David Ingram

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A former Google engineer fired after he asserted in a memo that biological causes were behind tech industry gender inequality sued his former employer on Monday, saying he was discriminated against as a white man with conservative political views.

James Damore last year caused an uproar in Silicon Valley and beyond when he wrote the internal memo, which later became public. Google said he had perpetuated gender stereotypes and fired him in August.

In the months since, his firing has become a popular cause among right-leaning U.S. bloggers, and Damore hired a Republican Party official as his attorney.

Damore and another white male former Google engineer, David Gudeman, filed the lawsuit as a proposed class action in Santa Clara County Superior Court in California. The lawsuit alleges workplace discrimination and retaliation.

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) based in Mountain View, California, said in a statement: "We look forward to defending against Mr. Damore's lawsuit in court."

According to the lawsuit, the company has failed to protect employees, especially white men, from workplace harassment related to their support of U.S. President Donald Trump or conservative political views.

"Damore, Gudeman, and other class members were ostracized, belittled, and punished for their heterodox political views, and for the added sin of their birth circumstances of being Caucasians and/or males," the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit also accused Google of maintaining a secret blacklist of conservative media personalities who are not allowed inside the company's offices.

The lawsuit requested an injunction barring Google from discriminating against individuals with conservative political views, as well as for unspecified compensation.

Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said when Damore was fired that portions of his memo "violate our Code of Conduct and cross the line by advancing harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace."

Story continues

Gudeman was fired in December 2016 after a confrontation with a Muslim coworker on an internal Google forum, according to the lawsuit.

The coworker said on the forum that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had targeted him for being a Muslim, and he expressed worry about his personal safety, the lawsuit said. Gudeman responded with skepticism, saying the coworker had provided "zero evidence" for the claim and suggesting the FBI may have had justification.

A human resources employee later told Gudeman he had accused his coworker of terrorism based on religion, and that he was being fired as a result, the lawsuit said.

(Reporting by David Ingram; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Tom Brown)You can absolutely expect a slew of new TVs at CES 2018.

More than 170,000 people are headed to Las Vegas, woefully unable to deal with the traffic theyll inflict, where theyll spend most of a week in a gadget-addled, marketing-soaked haze. Why? CES.

The convention formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show (anybody calling it the CES show is welcome to leave this article) functions as the gadget universes annual meeting. Exhibitors both brag about what theyve done over the past year and show off their hardware, apps and services that they plan to bring to market over the next year.

Heres what this years show is likely to bring.

TVs again  of course

The television business has spent the past several years trying to fix the problem it created by popularizing HDTV after its CES 1998 debut: How do you sell a new TV to somebody when high-def looks pretty great already?

3-D TV was not the answer, but UHD (Ultra High Definition, also called 4K for its nearly 4,000 pixels of horizontal resolution) has become HDs successor despite a continued relative lack of content. The past two years have seen UHD make a better case for itself by adding HDR, short for high dynamic range color and brightness.

So now what? Expect more boasting over whose HDR-enhanced colors are brighter, a continued battle for screen supremacy between LED-backlit LCDs and ultra-thin but expensive OLED sets, more integration of streaming-media services, and maybe hardware integrating over-the-air ATSC 3.0 tuners that can receive UHD broadcasts (and more-reliable HD broadcasts) over that just-finalized standard.

Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri walk into a bar

The big surprise of last years CES was how successful Amazon (AMZN) has been in getting random smart-home gadgets to operate with its Alexa personal-assistant app. Alexa and the lineup of Echo smart speakers that host her/it have become the default interface to the (sorry, buzzword) Internet of Things.

Google (GOOG, GOOGL) has since done sufficiently well with its Google Home smart speakers  it announced Friday that its sold more than one of these devices each second since October  so we should see many bilingual IoT gadgets that can be controlled through either personal assistant.

Story continues

An LG robot at CES 2017. Well likely see more AI-powered devices form the likes of Google and Amazon at this years big show.

That leaves Apple (AAPL) somewhat behind, with its own HomePod Siri smart speaker delayed past the holidays. How threatened does Apple feel? Friday afternoon, a company rep sent an unsolicited pitch to check out the HomeKit-compatible gear on display at CES, something that Apple PR almost never does.

You wont, however, see Apple itself on the show floor. The company makes a point of not exhibiting at events it doesnt run.

Smarter, greener transportation

CES might not seem like the ideal place to hide an auto show, considering that the North American International Auto Show happens in Detroit the week after. But over the past decade, an increasing number of carmakers have set up shop in Las Vegas to tout their more tech-intensive vehicles. Think connected cars, self-driving cars, electric cars, or combinations of the above.

For example, Lyft will be offering rides in autonomous vehicles during the show. Spoiler alert: Between the line to get a seat in one of these vehicles and the usually-horrible CES traffic, it will probably be faster to walk or bike  especially if you can use one of the increasing variety of electrically-assisted e-bikes set to debut at the show.

A stage for tech policy

Because this show is put on by a trade group across the Potomac River from Washington, the Consumer Technology Association, CES always brings a large contingent of politicians who sometimes make news. Three years ago, at the show, then Federal Communications Commission Tom Wheeler announced in an onstage interview that he would support strong net-neutrality rules.

Im not sure what this is, but chances are there will be more at CES 2018.

Wheelers successor Ajit Pai was supposed to make his own appearance at CES 2018 but backed out last minute. Recodes Tony Romm reported that the FCC chairman had received enough death threats to be persuaded to cancel; an FCC spokesman declined to comment on security issues.

CES 2018 will still, however, feature plenty of policy banter on such issues as the rules of the road for self-driving cars, protecting privacy and smart cities.

People still buy computers

The last several years of CES have featured an increasing amount of exhibit space devoted to wearable gadgets of one sort or another  from activity-tracking smartwatches to the face-borne computers that are virtual-reality headsets  but the show remains the one big get-together for the non-Apple computer industry in the U.S.

Between Microsoft (MSFT) Windows 10 and Googles Chrome OS, manufacturers now have two good, touch-capable operating systems to craft machines around. The resulting crop of touchscreen, two-in-one devices that function as standard laptops or fold up for use as a tablet has no parallel in the Mac universe.

A CES constant: #fail

Because so much of the stuff on display at CES has yet to survive customer interactions, there are very good odds that a lot of it wont work. Some will fail during flashy/tacky onstage demos, others will never make it to market, and still more will hit stores and fail to find any buyers.

This show is supposed to send the message that tech companies know the products of the future and will soon have them on sale, but flops offer a more useful reminder: Sometimes, theyre just as confused as we are.

More from Rob:

Email Rob at rob@robpegoraro.com; follow him on Twitter at @robpegoraro.Bandgi Kalra is a household name today, thanks to her stint in the popular reality show, Bigg Boss 11. And it looks like Bollywood is ready to cash in on her newfound popularity. After taking the small screen by storm, Bandgi will soon make her big screen debut, if a report in Pinkvilla is to be believed.

Apparently, she has been approached to play a pivotal role in a big film. "She will be playing a part in a film starring an A-lister. She plays a critical character in the movie," a source told the publication.

Rumour has it that Bandgi will play a radio jockey in the film, which is still in the pre-production stage. The film is expected to go on floors soon.

Bandgi was evicted from Bigg Boss 11 last month. During her stay, she made headlines for her closeness with fellow contestant Puneesh Sharma. In fact, their growing proximity drove a wedge between her and her boyfriend, Dennis Nagpal, who announced their break-up on Instagram. However, Bandgi maintained that her relationship with Dennis had ended before she entered the Bigg Boss house and called him a publicity seeker.

Talking about her life after Bigg Boss, Bandgi exclusively told IndiaToday.in that "every bit of it has changed, for better". She revealed that she gets mobbed but added, "You cannot say no to them, because they have supported you. But I like it."Pfizer announced it would no longer fund research into Alzheimer's and was closing labs in Andover and Cambridge - REUTERS

The search for a cure for Alzheimers disease suffered a heavy blow after Pfizer, the worlds largest drugs company, announced it was halting research efforts into finding new treatments.

The US based company is expected to cut 300 jobs globally.

It follows years of failed drugs trials for Alzheimers treatments which have cost the company dearly.

Dr James Pickett, Head of Research at the Alzheimers Society, said: Its disappointing to hear that Pfizer, one of the worlds leading pharmaceutical companies, will be terminating their research efforts in neuroscience, including Alzheimers disease drug discovery.

This will come as a heavy blow to the estimated 46.8 million people currently living with the condition across the globe.

However charities said there were still reasons to be hopeful that new treatments will found.

David Cameron committed Britain to finding a disease modifying treatment by 2025.

Pfizer will also stop looking for new treatments for Parkinsons disease however the company said the restructuring would not affect research into drugs for rare neurological diseases.

This was an exercise to reallocate spending across our portfolio, to focus on those areas where our pipeline, and our scientific expertise, is strongest, said a spokesman for the company.

Other big drugmakers, including AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly are still pushing ahead with Alzheimers treatments, although have also suffered expensive setbacks in recent years.

Charities have called on other drugs companies to continue funding research Credit: Pete Byrne PA

Dr Matthew Norton, Director of Policy at Alzheimers Research UK, said it was crucial for companies to continue to invest in new treatments.

We must continue to encourage companies to invest in research in dementia and neuroscience.

The UK is now a world leader in dementia research, and we hope that pharmaceutical companies will look at the long-term potential when deciding whether to participate in this effort.

It is vital that all of us  charities, government and industry alike  make long-term commitments to dementia research if we are to bring an end to the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.Jan 8 (Reuters) - Magellan Midstream Partners LP said on Monday an estimated 300 barrels of gasoline leaked from its pipeline system that hauls fuel from Rosemount, Minnesota to Minneapolis

* The leak occurred in Eagan, Minnesota and was caused by third-party excavation equipment, the company said.

* Magellan said emergency responders are on site and a few business operations in the immediate area have been evacuated.

* Several roads have been temporarily closed. (Reporting by Devika Krishna Kumar in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)etihad plane

Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Flight EY474 from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta diverted for a medical emergency.

Cleaners later found a dead newborn hidden in a drawer.

A 37-year-old woman, who was returning home after four years of domestic work in Abu Dhabi, was arrested upon returning to Indonesia.



A newborn child was found dead on an airplane over the weekend, wrapped in a plastic bag.

Cleaners made the gruesome discovery in a drawer inside a bathroom of an Etihad plane on Saturday night after it landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, Agence France-Presse reported.

The police have arrested a 37-year-old Indonesian woman, identified only as Hani, who they think secretly gave birth on the flight, EY474.

Hani had worked as a domestic helper in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for the past four years and has a husband and children in Cianjur, Indonesia.

According to Indonesian newspaper The Jakarta Post, Hani said the child was a result of a relationship with her employer in Abu Dhabi.

The woman began bleeding halfway through the flight, according to AFP, and the Airbus A330 she was traveling on had to divert at Bangkok so a medical team could evacuate her.

etihad abu dhabi jakarta diversion

Google Maps/Business Insider

A passenger, Francesco Calore, told AFP: "The woman was in economy class but then [the airline] laid on a business-class seat with an oxygen mask. The captain then announced we should divert to Bangkok."

It wasn't clear whether anybody on board the plane thought Hani was pregnant or had given birth.

Etihad's guidelines say expectant mothers need a medical certificate to fly in the last 10 weeks of their pregnancy and should not fly at all in the final four.

Hani returned to Indonesia early Sunday morning, the day after her original flight had arrived. She was arrested at Jakarta Airport.

Ahmad Yusef, Jakarta's police chief, told AFP the migrant worker "didn't look healthy."

The cause of the infant's death remains unknown.

Story continues

NOW WATCH: The 5 issues to consider before trading bitcoin futures

See Also:The pharma and biotech industry will send billions of dollars back to the United States as a result of President Donald Trumps tax overhaul, Alexandria Real Estate (NYSE:ARE) Chairman Joel Marcus said on Monday.

In our particular niche, since we are in a very unique niche which has a high barrier to entries in these irreplaceable markets  The pharma and biotech industry will repatriate, thanks to the congressional approval, the presidents tax bill, over $150 billion of cash, Marcus told Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria.

Congress passed the tax bill in December, creating the a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. tax systemthe largest in three decades. The legislation aims to create a more attractive environment for business by shifting to a territorial system and reducing the federal tax rate from 35% to 21%.

Marcus expects the cash surplus will go toward creating more jobs, commercial real estate expansion and continued mergers and acquisition (M&A) growth in the sector.

Youll see more M&A and a real continued growth, he said, while pointing out that only 5% of the 10,000 known diseases have been medically addressed. So thats why we were comfortable in giving the street a five-year outlook on our performance.

With a market cap of $16.1 billion and an asset base in North America of 28.6 million square feet, Marcus said the company expects to double its revenues between 2018 and 2022.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. is an urban office REIT focused on collaborative life sciences and technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations.

Related ArticlesCommoner Luv Tyagi has been finally eliminated from the show after surviving for 14 weeks in the house. Luv was nominated along with three celebrity contestants--Shilpa Shinde, Hina Khan and Vikas Gupta. For the first time in the history of Bigg Boss, the eviction took place through LIVE voting in a Mumbai mall, and that might have proved to be detrimental for Luv who's not from the city.

Host Salman Khan announced the eviction in the Weekend Ka Vaar episode tonight. Luv got 393 votes which was less than Vikas, Hina and Shilpa. Shilpa got the maximum votes in the mall task.

Luv's journey in the house has been full of ups and downs. The commoner who started out in the padosi house took some time before finding a ground in the main house, but the wait was worth it. For the contestants who were more popular than Luv in the beginning couldn't match up to his ever-swelling fan base--be it Hiten Tejwani, Priyank Sharma or Arshi Khan .

There were a lot of people who were seeing him as a finalist, yet things changed courtesy the unique elimination process that happened in a Mumbai mall in front of the LIVE audiences.

With Luv's elimination, the show has got its top 5 contestants--Shilpa Shinde, Hina Khan, Vikas Gupta, Puneesh Sharma and Akash Dadlani.Jan 8 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- Intel Corp and its chief executive, Brian Krzanich, are in the hot seat over Meltdown and Spectre, two chip security issues that were disclosed last week. The company said it has quietly marshaled a coalition of software, hardware and cloud services to develop and deploy programming tweaks that are designed to close most of the security gaps. http://nyti.ms/2AFwohG

- Jared Kushner's family real estate company received a roughly $30 million investment from Menora Mivtachim, an insurer that is one of Israel's largest financial institutions, according to a Menora executive. The deal, which was not made public, took place shortly before Jared Kushner accompanied U.S. President Trump, on the pair's first diplomatic trip to Israel. http://nyti.ms/2ADGP5u

- Carrie Gracie, a senior editor for BBC News accused the network in an open letter on Sunday of operating a "secretive and illegal" salary system that pays men more than women in similar positions. http://nyti.ms/2CT6gGk (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)Steve Bannon said Sunday he "regrets" his comments made to author Michael Wolff in his explosive book "Fire and Fury" that has shaken the Trump White House. "My support is also unwavering for the president and his agenda," Bannon said in a statement, first reported by Axios , the political news website. NBC News later confirmed the statement. Axios tweet 1 Bannon said he also regrets not speaking out sooner about "inaccurate reporting" about President Donald Trump's son Donald Jr.Axios tweet 2 In Wolff's book, which went on sale Friday, Bannon said the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between the president's eldest son and a Russian lawyer was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."Wolff also quoted Bannon as saying: "They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.'"In his statement, Bannon said: "Donald Trump, Jr. is both a patriot and a good man. He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around."He said his comments were not aimed at Trump Jr. "My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort , a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate," Bannon said. "He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends." Manafort, Trump's campaign manager from June to August 2016, was indicted in October in special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation of Russian collusion with the president's campaign in the 2016 presidential election. Bannon's comments to Wolff, which were first reported Wednesday by The Guardian, provoked Trump to say that Bannon had "lost his mind." Bannon, who headed the Trump presidential campaign, left his job as White House political advisor in August by mutual consent with the administration. "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, " Trump said Wednesday in a statement. The Guardian obtained a copy of the book nearly a week before it had been scheduled to go on sale. The publisher, Henry Holt & Co., moved up the sale date to Friday after attorneys for Trump threatened to seek a cease and desist order to stop the sales . Wolff's book describes Trump's behavior as childlike, and it questions his mental fitness. That apparently prompted an extraordinary statement on Saturday by Trump defending his own mental health."Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart," Trump tweeted."I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star ... to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!"Trump tweet In lambasting the book a day earlier, Trump derided Bannon as "Sloppy Steve.""Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book," Trump said. "He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad!"Trump tweet Sloppy SteveRead Axios' full story here. Steve Bannon said Sunday he "regrets" his comments made to author Michael Wolff in his explosive book "Fire and Fury" that has shaken the Trump White House. "My support is also unwavering for the president and his agenda," Bannon said in a statement, first reported by Axios , the political news website. NBC News later confirmed the statement. Axios tweet 1 Bannon said he also regrets not speaking out sooner about "inaccurate reporting" about President Donald Trump's son Donald Jr. Axios tweet 2 In Wolff's book, which went on sale Friday, Bannon said the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between the president's eldest son and a Russian lawyer was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." Wolff also quoted Bannon as saying: "They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.'" In his statement, Bannon said: "Donald Trump, Jr. is both a patriot and a good man. He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around." He said his comments were not aimed at Trump Jr. "My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort , a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate," Bannon said. "He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends." Manafort, Trump's campaign manager from June to August 2016, was indicted in October in special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation of Russian collusion with the president's campaign in the 2016 presidential election. Bannon's comments to Wolff, which were first reported Wednesday by The Guardian, provoked Trump to say that Bannon had "lost his mind." Bannon, who headed the Trump presidential campaign, left his job as White House political advisor in August by mutual consent with the administration. "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, " Trump said Wednesday in a statement. The Guardian obtained a copy of the book nearly a week before it had been scheduled to go on sale. The publisher, Henry Holt & Co., moved up the sale date to Friday after attorneys for Trump threatened to seek a cease and desist order to stop the sales . Wolff's book describes Trump's behavior as childlike, and it questions his mental fitness. That apparently prompted an extraordinary statement on Saturday by Trump defending his own mental health. "Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart," Trump tweeted. "I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star ... to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!" Trump tweet In lambasting the book a day earlier, Trump derided Bannon as "Sloppy Steve." "Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book," Trump said. "He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad!" Trump tweet Sloppy Steve Read Axios' full story here.



More From CNBC

The AT&T logo is pictured during the Forbes Forum 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico, September 18, 2017. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido

(Reuters) - AT&T Inc (T.N), the No. 2 U.S. wireless carrier, has backed off from a deal to sell smartphones made by Chinese Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL], the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Neither company has ever confirmed that they were in talks. But the Journal reported that Huawei, the world's No. 3 smartphone maker by shipments last year, was expected to announce that it had struck an agreement with AT&T at a Las Vegas trade show on Tuesday.(http://on.wsj.com/2CSgV32)

AT&T declined to comment. In a statement, Huawei spokesman Charles Zinkowski said the company would announce new products for the U.S. market on Tuesday "including availability" but did not give further details. Huawei phones are available for purchase in the United States but have never been distributed by a major carrier.

Over the past five years Huawei has proven itself by delivering premium devices with integrity globally and in the U.S. market," Zinkowski said in a statement.

(Reporting by Sonam Rai in Bengaluru; Stephen Nellis in San Francisco and Anjali Athavaley in New York; Editing by Maju Samuel and Lisa Shumaker)A Bitcoin logo is seen on a cryptocurrency ATM in Santa Monica, California, U.S., January 4, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

By Trevor Hunnicutt

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. fund managers are ramping up efforts to tap into the fever surrounding digital assets, and the latest planned bitcoin products could deliver some head-turning and stomach-churning price movements if they come to market.

The new idea is to build "leveraged" and "inverse" funds that would rise - or fall - twice as fast as the price of bitcoin on a given day.

Direxion Asset Management LLC plans to list such products on Intercontinental Exchange Inc's NYSE Arca exchange if U.S. securities regulators give the nod, according to a filing by the exchange this week.

In the filing, the exchange said the listing "will enhance competition among market participants, to the benefit of investors and the marketplace."

Bitcoin is a virtual asset that can be used to move money around the world quickly and with relative anonymity, without the need for a central authority, such as a bank or government.

Bitcoin is one of the wildest trades in the market today, delivering sharp gains and losses that defy explanation. Trading has been expensive and difficult, with brokerages offering limited access and specialist websites like Coinbase reporting regular outages. Top voices on markets from economist Robert Shiller to JPMorgan Chase & Co CEO Jamie Dimon have warned people off buying bitcoin.

Yet asset managers have been racing to design more than 10 proposals for bitcoin funds that are currently before U.S. regulators.

New ETFs could make access to bitcoin easier and, in the case of the Direxion product, mean bigger stakes for investors, with a 25 percent gain or loss on one day doubled to 50 percent.

So far the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has declined or put on hold all the proposals.

A spokesman representing Direxion declined to comment on the latest filing as did a representative from NYSE.

Bitcoin gained nearly 12 percent on Friday to $16,928 on the Bitstamp exchange.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by John McCrank; Editing by Leslie Adler)Boko Haram is a Jihadist militant organisation based in northeastern Nigeria, northern Cameroon, Chad and Niger. It is responsible for various terror attacks in Nigeria and has displaced over 2 million people since the insurgency began in 2009.

Boko Haram was ranked as one of the most deadly terror groups by GTI (Group Terrorism Index) in 2015. The United Nations even called the insurgency the 'worst humanitarian crisis'.

This extremist group has been responsible for attacks in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria and has been 'using' children as 'bombs'. Boko Haram has been appointing young girls for carrying out the attacks.

According to the Human rights watch, the group is said to have appointed thousands of children for their attacks. It was found in 2002 but, it took over as a deadly group (led by Abubakar Shekau) in 2009 after a sudden mass radicalisation.

The locals are struggling to survive in the refugee camps located in Nigeria. They don't have funds to buy products and as a result, they have been resorting to barter system.

Below, you can see how 21,000 people living in Bakasi camp are struggling to survive for things that many of us don't even have to think about.

From selling firewood to eggs, these people are selling whatever they can to survive. Cash isn't allowed and available to members of the Bakasi camp but they can surely exchange goods.

Bakasi camp is located on the outskirts of the city of Maiduguri in Borno and is also known as the spiritual home of the Islamist Boko Haram movement.

Here's what happens inside the camp:

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Aisha Umaru (L) holds a basin of milk as Umaru Usman Kaski holds up firewood at the Bakasi IDP camp, Maiduguri, Nigeria. "We don't get money, that's why we do this," said Umaru Usman Kaski, hoping to trade a small bundle of firewood worth about 50 naira ($0.16) to support his family of eight.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Abachi Mohammed holds six packets of chicken instant noodles.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Insua Damladi holds up a sachet of salt.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Nasiru Buba (R) was trading packets of laundry detergent for a tray of groundnuts. He had bought the detergent after working as a porter in the city, pushing a cart loaded with people's belongings, and wanted to trade them for groundnuts.

"My wife has just delivered a baby and the breast is not coming out with milk," Buba told Reuters. "I needed to get groundnuts for her to eat so she will produce sufficient breast milk, and I don't have any money. When I got the detergent I was not in need of anything, but that changed."

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Aisha Alhajji Audu holds four small red onions in her hand.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Falmata Ahmadu, swaps her bowl of maize for Musa Ali Wala's Amaranth vegetables. In Bakasi, the displaced frequently swap the little they have for their preferred goods, whether it's herbs and spices to make soup, groundnut to help a breastfeeding mother produce milk or laundry detergent for a family's clothes.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Aisha Umaru Gaye holds up a pumpkin. Cash cannot be king for the people of Bakasi camp. Instead, a small bundle of firewood can be traded for some milk. An unwanted bowl of baby fish is good in exchange for cooking oil. Peanuts are always in high demand.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Mohammed Ali holds up two tomatoes and some dried vegetable leaves.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Famta Musa Tamaha holds a crate of eggs.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Zainab Umar gives parboiled soya bean paste to Aisha Jaule in exchange for spaghetti.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Jibril Adamu holds okra seeds and sugared groundnuts, ready for exchange.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Abdulwahal Abdulla, a 50-year-old living in Bakasi for three years, hoped to trade this bowl of dried young tilapia fish worth roughly 150 naira for cooking oil. Abdulla, no fan of the fish, had bought them because products were scarce and it was the only thing he could buy at the time, he said.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Falmata Madu exchanges her plate of uncooked rice for Hadisa Adamu's ground maize.

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Isa Zakariya Audu (L) holds pieces of firewood while Kakaye Ahmadu Maikifi holds up a plate of okra.In this article, Im going to take a look at Vimal Oil & Foods Limiteds (NSEI:VIMALOIL) latest ownership structure, a non-fundamental factor which is important, but remains a less discussed subject among investors. Ownership structure has been found to have an impact on shareholder returns in both short- and long-term. Since the effect of an active institutional investor with a similar ownership as a passive pension-fund can be vastly different on a companys corporate governance and accountability of shareholders, investors should take a closer look at VIMALOILs shareholder registry. All data provided is as of the most recent financial year end.

Check out our latest analysis for Vimal Oil & Foods

NSEI:VIMALOIL Ownership_summary Jan 8th 18

Insider Ownership

I find insiders are another important group of stakeholders, who are directly involved in making key decisions related to the use of capital. In essence, insider ownership is more about the alignment of shareholders interests with the management. 74.78% ownership of VIMALOIL insiders is large enough to make an impact on shareholder returns. In general, this level of insider ownership has negatively affected underperforming (consistently low PE ratio) companies and positively affected the companies that outperform (consistently high PE ratio). It may be interesting to take a look at what company insiders have been doing with their holdings lately. Insiders buying company shares can be a positive indicator of future performance, but a selling decision can simply be driven by personal financial needs.

General Public Ownership

The general public holds a substantial 22.21% stake in VIMALOIL, making it a highly popular stock among retail investors. With this size of ownership, retail investors can collectively play a role in major company policies that affect shareholders returns, including executive remuneration and the appointment of directors. They can also exercise the power to decline an acquisition or merger that may not improve profitability.

Story continues

Private Company Ownership

Another group of owners that a potential investor in VIMALOIL should consider are private companies, with a stake of 3.01%. While they invest more often due to strategic interests, an investment can also be driven by capital gains through share price appreciation. However, an ownership of this size may be relatively insignificant, meaning that these shareholders may not have the potential to influence VIMALOILs business strategy. Thus, investors not need worry too much about the consequences of these holdings.

What this means for you:

A relatively significant holding of company insiders could mean high alignment with shareholders. But at the same time, investors should be aware of the level of influence executives could have on governance decisions. However, ownership structure should not be the only focus of your research when constructing an investment thesis around VIMALOIL. Rather, you should be examining fundamental factors such as Vimal Oil & Foodss past track record and financial health. I urge you to complete your research by taking a look at the following:

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

To help readers see pass the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned.Asbury Automotive (ABG) shares have started gaining and might continue moving higher in the near term, as indicated by solid earnings estimate revisions.

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  January 08, 2018  Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Verizon Communications Inc. VZ, AT&T Inc. T, T-Mobile US Inc. TMUS, Sprint Corp. S and United States Cellular Corp. USM.

Here are highlights from Fridays Analyst Blog:

5G Wireless Network Race Set to Begin This Year

Forget 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution); the stage is set for 5G wireless race in the U.S. telecom space. With the U.S. telecom industry continuously evolving, companies in the league are fighting it out to stay abreast of competition. Among them, two behemoths, Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. are leading the race.

Verizon, which was the first to deploy 4G LTE network nationwide six years ago, plans to launch next-generation 5G wireless residential broadband services in three to five U.S. markets in 2018. The company announced a contract with Samsung to start commercial 5G fixed-wireless services. Samsung will provide Verizon with commercial 5G home routers, 5G radio access units comprising a compact radio base station and virtualized RAN elements, as well as 5G radio frequency planning services.

Also, AT&T is planning to offer standard-based mobile 5G services to consumers in various U.S. markets by late 2018. AT&Ts standard will be based on implementable 5G New radio (NR) specification of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). This basically supports a non-standalone 5G standard that uses LTE to control 5G data connections. Since AT&T supports non-standalone and standalone options for the 5G standard, the new timeline will accelerate availability of hardware.

However, a full phased 5G wireless network will be offered only in 2020. By that time, other national telecom operators, such as T-Mobile US Inc. and Sprint Corp. may join the 5G race. Additionally, United States Cellular Corp. is also preparing to deploy 5G wireless network.

Story continues

AT&T carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). However, Verizon, T-Mobile US, Sprint and United States Cellular carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Large carriers are focusing on building a fiber and wireless infrastructure in a bid to deliver mobile video efficiently. Accumulation of dark fiber will bolster their cell network density consequently giving a boost to its mobile backhaul network. The densification of cell network will help the company install and build its upcoming 5G network.

Advantage of 5G

Latency period of 5G data delivery will be in single milliseconds. Further, 5G technology is designed to be more power efficient than any other standard wireless network available these days. Therefore, 5G-enabled mobile devices are likely to last a lot longer than their 3G or 4G counterparts.

According to a study commissioned by Qualcomm, 5G wireless technology could result in real global economic growth by $3 trillion cumulatively between 2020 and 2035. Per a report by Strategy Analytics, global 5G smartphone shipments are set to rise from 2 million units in 2019 to 1.5 billion in 2025, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 250%.The 5G category will be the fastest-growing sector of the global smartphone industry for the next decade, said the report.

Additionally, superfast 5G mobile networks will be of utmost necessity in managing the exponential growth of internet-connected devices, popularly known as Internet of Things (IoT). The U.S. telecom industry has lately emerged as an intensely contested space where success thrives largely on technical superiority, quality of services and scalability. Thus, in order to stay ahead of competitors, existing players need to be constantly on their toes to introduce innovative products.

According to a recent report by research firm International Data Corp. (IDC), worldwide spending on IoT is slated to grow 14.6% year over year to $772.5 billion in 2018. Moreover, the IoT space will witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% to reach nearly $1.1 trillion in 2021.

Bottom Line

In 2018, we expect 5G wireless network to be a game changer in the telecom space with a full-fledged deployment in 2020.

Zacks Editor-in-Chief Goes "All In" on This Stock

Full disclosure, Kevin Matras now has more of his own money in one particular stock than in any other. He believes in its short-term profit potential and also in its prospects to more than double by 2019. Today he reveals and explains his surprising move in a new Special Report.

Download it free >>

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report



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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.Pakistans beleaguered southwestern province of Balochistan is in the midst of a political crisis as its provincial government faces ouster through a no-confidence vote.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) is trying hard to rescue its coalition provincial administration in Balochistan, where many of the partys parliamentary deputies have revolted against their leader, Nawab Sanaullah Zehri.

As the chief minister or most senior elected official in the province, Zehri is facing the most difficult challenge after being sworn into office in December 2015. His election was part of a power-sharing agreement between the PML-N and two smaller Pashtun and Baluch ethno-nationalist political parties in a region reeling from decades of separatist violence, government crackdowns, and sectarian and terrorist attacks.

In what appears to be a desperate final attempt to salvage Zehris administration, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi visited the provincial capital, Quetta, late on January 8.

His mission, however, seemed in jeopardy as dissident members of the ruling coalition refused to meet with him ahead of the January 9 vote on the no-confidence motion.

Maulana Abdul Wasey, the opposition leader in Balochistans provincial legislature, says he is optimistic that their no-confidence vote will secure a majority in the 65-member provincial assembly.

We opposed this government from day one and always pointed out its weaknesses, he told journalists on January 8. These so-called nationalists in the provincial government always claimed to get the rights and due share of Balochistan, but they have achieved nothing since assuming office more than four years ago [in 2013].

Ironically, Waseys Jamiat Ulema-e Islam Fazal (JUI-F) group is a close ally of the PML-N in Pakistans federal government. His statement indicates that efforts by PML-N central leadership to save Zehris administration are increasingly proving difficult.

Shahzada Zulfiqar, a journalist in Quetta, says Zehris administration appears to be in danger after the defection of three key loyalists. On January 7, lawmakers Mir Asim Kurd Gello, Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, and Tahir Mehmood declared their intention to back the no-confidence motion.

Things are now becoming clearer. The opposition to Zehri now appears to have the requisite 33 members to bring him down, Zulfiqar told Pakistans Bol Television, adding that Zehri apparently now has the backing of 30 members.

As the largest parliamentary party in Balochistan, the PML-N has 21 lawmakers, at least half of whom have now appeared to rebel. They are followed by the Pashtun nationalist Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Partys 14 members. National Party, a Baluch nationalist faction, has 11 members. With eight lawmakers Waseys JUI-F joined other smaller parliamentary parties to form the opposition in Balochistan.

Politics in Balochistan, Pakistans largest but least populated province, have been dominated by hereditary tribal chiefs and clerics whose loyalties are mostly fluid as they frequently join and abandon political parties and coalitions. The province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea, where the port of Gwadar is turning into a key hub of Chinese efforts to project influence and develop a trade corridor through Pakistan.

Lawmaker Abdul Quddus Bizenjo is confident they now have the majority backing in the provincial assembly.

I believe we are going to win because only 14 members had initially signed the no-confidence move [on January 2], he said. Since then, lawmakers have joined our cause in droves, with many even resigning from their posts. There is no going back; we have burned our boats.

Observers and PML-N leaders are convinced the political turmoil in Balochistan is part of a larger struggle between their leader and ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the countrys powerful military establishment. Sharif has repeatedly criticized the military since Pakistans Supreme Court removed him from office in July for undeclared assets.

Last week, Sharif publicly called on the military establishment -- Pakistani euphemism for top army generals -- to abandon self-deception.

I have repeatedly urged putting our house in order and have urged to reflect on why the world holds negative opinions about us, he said in reaction to U.S. President Donald Trumps accusation that Pakistan provides safe haven to terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan.

Anwar Sajdi, a senior journalist in Balochistan, says the machinations in Balochistan are basically aimed at depriving the PML-N from becoming the majority party in the Senate or upper house of the Pakistani Parliament.

In March, the provincial assemblies are slotted to elect [nearly half or 52] members of the Senate, which prompts many people here to speculate that the current [political] turmoil in Balochistan is aimed at preventing the PML-N from tightening its hold over the central government, he told the BBCs Urdu service. You must also know that Balochistan is a remote-controlled province. It is always controlled by the powers controlling the central government.

Sardar Yaqoob Nasar, a senior PML-N leader from Balochistan, points at the timing of the no-confidence vote to reinforce the claim that its goal is to deprive his party of power. He questioned what prompted the turncoats in his party after they had been part of the provincial coalition government for more than four years.

The move is aimed to influence the results of the Senate elections, he noted. If they had any complaints, they should have taken it to the electorate in the general election [scheduled for later this year].

If the PML-N loses the January 9 no-confidence vote in Balochistan, its struggling administration will likely face more pressure in Islamabad and its key power base in the countrys most populated and prosperous eastern province of Punjab.

Political turmoil in Balochistan will add to its instability. For nearly 15 years, the region has reeled from a Baluch separatist insurgency and Islamabads efforts to suppress it through coercion. Hard-line sectarian and terrorist groups frequently attack members of religious minorities and minority Muslim sects, officials, and politicians. Criminality has mushroomed amid the chaos in Balochistan.

Radio Mashaal correspondent Ayub Tareen contributed reporting from Quetta, Balochistan.Fresh Kakula resource estimate being prepared based on drilling completed to the end of December 2017

KOLWEZI, Democratic Republic of Congo, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN) (OTCQX:IVPAF) Executive Chairman Robert Friedland and Chief Executive Officer Lars-Eric Johansson announced today that ongoing upgrading work at the Mwadingusha hydropower plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has almost tripled the plants interim power output from 11 to 32 megawatts (MW).

This represents 45% of the plants designed capacity. Three of Mwadingushas six generators now have been modernized; the remaining three generators are due to be upgraded and fully operational by the end of 2019  restoring the plant to its installed output capacity of approximately 71 MW of power.

The work at Mwadingusha, part of a program to eventually overhaul and boost output from three hydropower plants, is being conducted by engineering firm Stucky, of Lausanne, Switzerland, under the direction of Ivanhoe Mines and its joint-venture partner, Zijin Mining Group, in conjunction with the DRCs state-owned power company, La Societe Nationale dElectricite (SNEL). Once fully reconditioned, the three plants will have installed capacity of approximately 200 MW of electricity for the national grid, which is expected to be more than sufficient for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project.

Mr. Friedland said a long-term, sustainable supply of electricity is essential to Ivanhoes vision to develop Kamoa-Kakula in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

The upgrading program underway at Mwadingusha is a significant private-public partnership venture between SNEL, Ivanhoe and Zijin, which is vital to secure sustainable, clean electricity for the Congolese people and for the development of a Tier One copper mine at Kamoa-Kakula, Mr. Friedland added.

Hydropower, with its virtues of being clean and renewable, is the best energy solution to support our development priorities as we continue to look for ways to reduce our impact on the environment and produce the copper the world requires.

Mwadingusha hydroelectric power plant and distribution substation.

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b5ac2fc-786d-42ec-9772-b453000f47d1

Mwadingusha is the first of three hydropower plants that Ivanhoe and Zijin plan to upgrade.

Upgrading of the other two existing hydroelectric power plants  Koni and Nzilo 1  is expected to begin once Mwadingushas upgrading is completed.

The Mwadingusha and Koni plants are in cascade, with Koni directly downstream from Mwadingusha on the Lufira River at the mouth of Lake Tshangalele, north of Likasi and approximately 250 kilometres northeast of the Kamoa Mine development site.

The Nzilo 1 plant is on the Lualaba River, downstream of Nzilo Lake and north of the city of Kolwezi, approximately 40 kilometres from Kamoa.

Interior of the Mwadingusha power plant, with one of the upgraded alternators.

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f61b5e91-4842-4897-a944-87cb4c711f77

Mwadingusha dam, upstream from power plant.

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/df2f78e9-8d41-412a-8317-3c8514e41318

Kakula Mine development site now connected to national grid power

Mr. Johansson said that the Kakula Mine development site, approximately 10 kilometres south of Kamoas initial Kansoko Mine site, began receiving power from the national grid last month.

Kakulas development is being fast-tracked, with a pre-feasibility study in progress. The Kakula box cut was successfully completed in October 2017 and the first blast for the twin declines at Kakula took place in November 2017.

The Kakula Copper Deposit is a gently-dipping blanket of thick, chalcocite-rich copper mineralization. Initial mine development is planned to begin in the flat, near-surface zone, which at a 3% cut-off is between 7.1 metres and 11.7 metres thick, with copper grades of between 8.24% and 10.35% along the deposits axis.

Based on the results from an independent National Instrument 43-101 preliminary economic assessment (PEA) released in November 2017, Kakulas ultra-high copper grade is expected to average 6.4% over the first 10 years of production.

Portals to declines being built to access the Kakula Deposit, showing ventilation installed in the services decline.

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0fbe411-3d38-4a16-9c1a-9915704e41a2

Jumbo drill operating in the Kakula services decline.

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3eabde67-ba5e-46f4-8a28-2ecc000976af

New Kakula Mineral Resource estimate underway

An updated Mineral Resource estimate for Kakula, being prepared based on drilling completed to the end of December 2017, is expected to result in a significant upgrade and expansion of the Kakula Mineral Resources.

Results from drill holes completed to the end of December 2017 will form the basis of the new estimate that will encompass the entire strike length of the Kakula Discovery, which now extends beyond 12 kilometres. This represents an increase of approximately 60% in the strike length that will be used to calculate the new resource estimate, compared to the 7.7-kilometre strike length covered by Kakulas current resource estimate.

The new resource estimate will enable Ivanhoe and Zijin to assess early and expanded production scenarios by incorporating resources from Kakula West and Kansoko to support the main Kakula development plan that was detailed in the November 2017 Kakula preliminary economic assessment.

About the Kamoa-Kakula Project

The Kamoa-Kakula Project is a very large, stratiform copper deposit with adjacent prospective exploration areas within the Central African Copperbelt, located approximately 25 kilometres west of the town of Kolwezi and about 270 kilometres west of Lubumbashi. The Kamoa Copper Deposit was discovered by Ivanhoe Mines (then named Ivanhoe Nickel & Platinum) in 2008, followed by the discovery of the Kakula Deposit in early 2016.

In August 2012, the DRC government granted mining licences to Ivanhoe Mines for the Kamoa-Kakula Project that cover a total of 397 square kilometres. The licences are valid for 30 years and can be renewed at 15-year intervals.

The current Mineral Resource estimate for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Deposit has an effective date of November 27, 2017, and was prepared by George Gilchrist, Ivanhoe Mines Mineral Resources Manager, under the direction of Dr. Harry Parker and Gordon Seibel, of Amec Foster Wheeler. The combined Kamoa-Kakula Indicated Resources total approximately 1.1 billion tonnes grading 2.78% copper, containing 67.9 billion pounds of copper, plus another 261 million tonnes of Inferred Resources at 1.94% copper, containing 11.2 billion pounds of copper, at a 1.0% copper cut-off grade. Details of the current Mineral Resource estimate are contained in Ivanhoe Mines November 28, 2017, news release.

Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining each hold an indirect 39.6% interest in the Kamoa-Kakula Project, Crystal River Global Limited holds an indirect 0.8% interest and the DRC government holds a direct 20% interest.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, P.Geo., Ivanhoe Mines Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation, and a Qualified Person under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Torr, who is not independent of Ivanhoe Mines, has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.

For detailed information about assay methods and data verification measures used to support the scientific and technical information, please refer to the Kakula 2017 Resource Update, June 2017 technical report available on the SEDAR profile of Ivanhoe Mines at www.sedar.com or under technical reports on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com. A new technical report is being prepared and will be filed within 45 days of the November 28, 2017 news release that announced the results of an expanded, independent PEA for the development of the Kakula Discovery at the Kamoa- Kakula Project.

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines is advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa: 1) Mine development at the Platreef platinum-palladium-gold-nickel-copper discovery on the Northern Limb of South Africas Bushveld Complex; 2) mine development and exploration at the Tier One Kamoa-Kakula copper discovery on the Central African Copperbelt in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and 3) upgrading at the historic, high- grade Kipushi zinc-copper-silver-germanium mine, also on the DRCs Copperbelt. For details, visit www.ivanhoemines.com.

Cautionary statement on forward-looking information

Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including without limitation: (1) statements regarding the remaining three generators at the Mwadingusha hydropower plant are scheduled to be fully upgraded and operational by the end of 2019; (2) statements regarding the upgrading program is expected to restore Mwadingusha to its installed output capacity of approximately 71 MW of power; (3) statements regarding the upgrading of the other two existing hydroelectric power plants  Koni and Nzilo 1  is expected to begin once upgrading work at Mwadingusha is completed; (4) statements regarding the three plants, once fully reconditioned, will have installed capacity of approximately 200 MW of long-term, electricity for the grid, which is expected to be more than sufficient for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project; (5) statements regarding Kakulas ultra-high copper grade is expected to average 6.4% over the first 10 years of production; (6) statements regarding a new Mineral Resource estimate is expected to result in a significant upgrade and expansion of the Kakula Mineral Resources; and (7) statements regarding the new resource estimate will allow Ivanhoe and Zijin to assess early and expanded production scenarios by incorporating resources from Kakula West and Kansoko to support the main Kakula development plan that was laid out in the November 2017 Kakula PEA.

All such forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Ivanhoe Mines management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information or statements including, but not limited to, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, or delays in the development of infrastructure, and the failure of exploration programs or other studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued studies, development or operations. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements also include those described under the heading Risk Factors in the companys most recently filed MD&A as well as in the most recent Annual Information Form filed by Ivanhoe Mines. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward- looking information or statements. The factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information and statements, and the risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially are set forth in the Risk Factors section and elsewhere in the companys most recent Managements Discussion and Analysis report and Annual Information Form, available at www.sedar.com.

This news release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (1) fluctuations in copper or other mineral prices; (2) results of drilling; (3) results of metallurgical testing and other studies; (4) changes to proposed mining operations, including dilution; (5) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (6) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licences.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.Guilford, CT, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GUILFORD, CT  January 8, 2018  Pearl Seas Cruises is pleased to announce a brand new cruise itinerary that sails up the Maine coast to the Bay of Fundy, one of the 7 natural wonders of North America, located in the Canadian Maritimes. Round-trip from Portland, Maine, the 7-night, 8-day Maine & Bay of Fundy cruise visits Rockland, ME; Eastport, ME; St. Andrews, NB; St. John, NB; Grand Manan Island; and Bar Harbor, ME. Currently there are three 2018 dates for this spectacular new cruise, May 12th, October 16th, and October 23rd.

Led by Pearl Seas expert guides, guests will stroll along the charming turn-of-the-century streets of St. Andrews, recognized as a National Historic District, and visit Grand Manan Island renowned for best whale-watching in the Canadian Maritimes as well as great birdwatching (240 species of birds make the island their home). This majestic cruise visits St. John the oldest incorporated city in Canada and the only city on the Bay of Fundy, where the tides force the waters to reverse their flow creating the famous Reversing Rapids at the mouth of the St. Johns River.

All along the way, Pearl Seas offers award-winning enrichment programs, guided shore excursions and delectable, regionally inspired cuisine. View the most stunning coastal scenery in North America, visit art galleries, historic sites, museums, and markets all while relaxing aboard the small and beautiful ship, Pearl Mist.

https://www.pearlseascruises.com/cruises/canada/maine-and-bay-of-fundy

About Pearl Seas Cruises:

Pearl Seas Cruises operates all over North America aboard the new 210-passenger Pearl Mist. The line focuses on providing an intimate experience and personalized service in the most unique places. Popular itineraries include the Canadian Maritimes, St. Lawrence Seaway, Great Lakes, New England, and Cuba cruises. To learn more about Pearl Seas, please visit www.pearlseascruises.com or call 800-983-7462.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4be6082f-3e20-4efe-8901-0b82dc6c3390

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76463624-529e-4e69-bb69-674446968079

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3ec1662-9095-4b91-a3b6-06534cf5c930FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. has joined forces with Food Lion to support North Carolina military members and their loved ones. The global food company donated 1,000 ham coupons to soldiers and families at Fort Bragg, a military installation of the United States Army. Food Lion also donated 1,000 coupons for families to use towards purchases at their local store.



"At Food Lion, we are committed to serving our communities," said Kris Thornton, Food Lion Director of Operations over the Fayetteville area. We're so grateful for the sacrifices our service members and their families make every day. By partnering with Smithfield, we hope to provide a little joy for so many of our military families.

Smithfields contribution aligns with its charitable giving and philanthropic efforts, which includes supporting those who have served in our nations military, education and hunger relief efforts. This donation also supports Food Lions commitment to nourish local communities through associate volunteerism, food donations, and in-store promotions.

"At Smithfield, we are honored to thank our nations military for their service, said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. Through this donation, and with support from Food Lion, we are proud to bring military families together to enjoy a wholesome meal.

Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fort Bragg is the largest military installation in the world. The donation from Smithfield and Food Lion, valued at $25,000, will honor and give back to the men, women and families stationed at Fort Bragg.

Smithfield has a long history of supporting military causes through volunteerism, food and charitable donations and partnerships. In the past five years, Smithfield has donated more than $3 million to Operation Homefront through its Eckrich brand. Last year, Smithfield introduced two new veterans initiatives  Smithfield Salutes and Operation 4000!. Smithfield Salutes is a Veterans Employee Resource Group that aims to make the transition from military to civilian life a seamless one. Through Operation 4000!, Smithfield is working to employ 4,000 veterans10 percent of its U.S. workforceby 2020.

To learn more about Smithfields support of veterans, visit smithfieldfoods.com/veterans.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, Farmland, Armour, Farmer John, Kretschmar, John Morrell, Cook's, Gwaltney, Carando, Margherita, Curly's, Healthy Ones, Morliny, Krakus and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.



About Food Lion

Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, has more than 1,100 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs more than 65,000 associates. By leveraging its longstanding heritage of low prices and convenient locations, Food Lion is working to own the easiest full shop grocery experience in the Southeast, anchored by a strong commitment to affordability, freshness and the communities it serves. Through Food Lion Feeds, the company has committed to provide 500 million meals to individuals and families in need by the end of 2020. Food Lion is a company of Delhaize America, a U.S. division of Amsterdam-based Royal Ahold Delhaize Group (OTC:ADRNY). For more information, visit www.foodlion.com.

Contact:

Diana Souder

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

(757) 357-1675

dsouder@smithfield.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/173a24c3-2bcc-4a82-96a7-d7a0260a43a6Re: Although the Broadway musical known as "Hair" contained nudity, strong [ #permalink

9 Kudos 4 BookmarksWed, 09/01 (11am ET): How I went from 650 to 780 on the GMAT in 2 months FOR FREEAs of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQNew Delhi, Jan 8 (IBNS): The long standoff between India and China reached a peaceful solution on Monday as the latter agreed to stop road-construction activity across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tuting area of Arunachal Pradesh.



The Indian side has also offered an olive branch by returning the two earth excavators and other equipment seized from Chinese workers in the region last month, media reports said.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Monday told media that: "The Tuting incident has been resolved. A border personnel meeting (BPM) was held two days ago."

The past few months witnessed military standoff at the Bhutan-India-China tri-junction in Doklam, a disputed territory claimed by both Bhutan and China, where the Indian Army personnel had earlier reached to stop China from building a road.

China had accused India of trespassing into its territory and demanded withdrawal of troops leading to a prolonged standoff.

While India and Bhutan had claimed that the land belongs to the tiny Himalayan kingdom and that the Indian troops are there at the request of Bhutan, China earlier warned that it will not accept any dialogue till Indian soldiers pull out from Doklam.Toronto, Jan 8 (IBNS): Environment Canada has issued a statement for Greater Toronto Areas that it will remain under snow on Monday, media reports said.

Though the snow cover will be less in Toronto but the daily commuters in the city will be affected.

Commuters have been warned of slippery roads.

The weather service said the total snow cover will be 10 centimetres.

Snowfalls will be maximum in the north east of the Great Lakes, report said.

Snowfalls warnings have been issued in east and north east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay where snowfall is expected to occur around 15 centimeters.



(Reporting by Suman Das)Two more militants have been killed in an encounter at Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday, taking the death toll of militants to three.

A senior police officer told India Today that the operation has been concluded with the killing of two more militants.

"Among the slain militants, two are said to be foreigners (Pakistanis). One among them is a local from neighbouring Pulwama district namely Firdous Ahmad Mir," the officer said.

The officer added that the identity of the remaining two are being ascertained.

Earlier, a joint team of army, SOG and CRPF following a specific information had launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area.

As the joint team of forces intensified the searches, the hiding militants opened fire triggering off an encounter.

Soon after the news about the encounter spread, the people, mostly the youth, took to streets at Chadoora and its adjoining areas and started pelting stones on security forces.

The forces resorted to teargas shelling and used some aerial shots to disperse the protesting people.

In the meantime, the busy market at Chadoora shut down spontaneously.

Meanwhile, in wake of the encounter, the authorities have blocked internet services in Budgam and Pulwama districts to maintain law and order.

ALSO WATCH | Chidambaram calls Kashmir issue a long-pending dispute concerning accessionBangkok, Thailand, is known for having some of the best street food in the world. Now, one street seller is being officially recognized for her tasty creations.

The roadside restaurant Jay Fai in Bangkok was recently awarded a star in the highly respected Michelin Guide to restaurants around the world. Officials from the guide visit restaurants and then give them a rating of 1 to 3 stars, based on overall quality.

Jay Fai is like many other street eateries across Bangkok. It serves a variety of Thai dishes in simple surroundings.

The owner and main cook is 72-year-old Fai Junsuta. She prepares the food in an open-air kitchen. She does all of the cooking in a couple of large pans called woks, and wears special glasses to protect her eyes from an endless stream of smoke.

The Michelin Guide describes her restaurant as a place that both taxi drivers and foodies wax lyrical about. It says that some of the restaurants most popular food items are crab omelets, crab curries and dried congee.

Many restaurants wait years to receive Michelin stars. But Fai Junsuta says was not aware of the honor before being chosen.

"Before, I knew the Michelin name but I did not know it had to do with cooking," she told Agence France-Presse. "I am very proud."

But she added that she would quickly be returning to the kitchen after attending an awards ceremony. "We do not have a lot of staff because I'm a bit difficult and crazy," she said.

Jay Fai was one of 17 restaurants chosen for the first-ever Michelin Guide for Bangkok.

Three of the citys restaurants  serving Indian, French and European food - received two stars. The others  seven of which are Thai restaurants - received one star. Many other eateries, including 28 street food places, are also included in the guide, but they did not receive any stars.

In announcing the selections, Michelin said Bangkok has learned how to successfully offer many kinds of international cooking styles without giving up its own food heritage.

Thailands Tourism Authority signed a partnership with Michelin to create the Bangkok guide.

The partnership followed an announcement last year that Thai officials planned to ban street food sellers in Bangkok in an effort to clean up the city.

The government later backed away from its plans to completely remove all street food vendors. But officials did tighten some rules to prevent sellers from blocking traffic and people.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from Reuters, Agence France-Presse and other sources. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

Where have you eaten the best street food? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

wok  n. large, bowl-shaped pan used for cooking

wax lyrical  phrase. talk about something in a very enthusiastic way

staff  n. people who work at an organization

heritage  n. the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation

vendor  n. person who sells something outside

The president of Iran says recent anti-government protests were not only about the economy but also the countrys political leadership and issues of individual freedoms.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that he thought the Iranian people had economic, political and social demands.

Rouhani suggested that protestors disapproved of Iranian officials who opposed greater individual freedoms at home and closer ties with the West.

The president said people should be permitted to criticize all officials without exception.

No one is innocent, and people are allowed to criticize everyone, he said.

Protest issues expanded from economics to politics

Rouhani, a clergyman, defeated anti-Western candidates to win a second term as president last year.

On Monday, he called for lifting restrictions on social media. Critics of Irans government used social media during the recent protests. They were the largest demonstrations in Iran since 2009.

Rouhani also dismissed calls by some clergymen to permanently block social media and messaging apps.

As the protests have weakened, the government has lifted restrictions on the social media app Instagram. But a more widely used messaging app, Telegram, was still blocked. The government said the restrictions would be temporary.

Peoples access to social media should not permanently be restricted, Rouhani said. He added, We cannot be indifferent to peoples life and business.

Irans Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday that security forces had put an end to the week of demonstrations. The group blamed foreign enemies for the unrest.

The protests began with young people and working-class Iranians angry over a lack of jobs and poor economic conditions. The protests spread to more than 80 cities and towns. Iranian officials say the unrest resulted in 22 deaths. More than 1,000 people were reported arrested.

Irans deputy head of the judiciary Hamid Shahriari said all of the leaders of the protests had been identified and arrested. He said they would be firmly punished, with some possibly facing death sentences.

An Iranian lawmaker reportedly said on Monday that one of those detained had died. Iranian media reported that a 22-year-old young man had hanged himself in jail.

Irans foreign policy also a source of anger

Many protestors expressed anger over Irans foreign policy. Iran has been involved in conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. It competes with Saudi Arabia for influence in the Middle East.

Iranians are also displeased with the countrys financial support for Palestinians and the Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

They demand that the government deal with problems facing Iranians at home instead.

Last year, Rouhani won re-election by promising more jobs for Irans young people through foreign investment. He promised increased individual freedoms, political tolerance, and social justice.

Im Mario Ritter.

Mario Ritter adapted a report from the Reuters news agency for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

social media n. forms of electronic communication through the internet

apps n. (applications) a computer program designed to do a specific job or group of jobs

tolerance n. the willingness to accept the activities or beliefs of others that are different from your own

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.A new book tries to show what life in Africa is really like after one removes misinformation and some stereotypes found in western media.

The book, called Everyday Africa, presents the major and minor events in life through the images of 30 photographers. It is now available in bookstores across Europe and the United States.

The book started as a feed on the social media photo-sharing app Instagram. It was a project of two Americans, Peter DiCampo and Austin Merrill. Now it belongs to a community of Africans across the continent.

Showing an Africa most do not see

DiCampo says the project dates back to 2012, when he and Merrill traveled to Ivory Coast to report on the end of its civil war. While speaking with refugees and soldiers about how the country was recovering, the Americans found that daily life was fairly normal for most people. However, they felt this information was not coming through in the story they were preparing.

"We were seeing all these other moments that were much sort of truer to our daily life experience in that part of the world.

To capture those events, Merrill said they started using cellphones to take pictures of what they saw around them.

You know, pictures of people going to work, or eating breakfast, or hanging out with their friends; things that were just more normal everyday scenes and we felt like there was really something to that, and that might be the most important thing we had to tell about that place, at that moment, instead of the crisis story."

DiCampo said he feels it is difficult to have an understanding of the world when all you see are extreme stories. The Everyday Africa Instagram feed was a way of seeing what daily life looks like in Africa from many different perspectives.

The project is popular, and still growing. The Instagram account has over 360-thousand followers and an active community of photographers sharing pictures of the continent.

We've had lots of African photographers join, non-African photographers join, but we've also got some skilled amateurs. In Cape Town Barry Christianson is a computer programmer. Mahmoud Katub in Caro just finished medical school. I think that there's something about that mix of people that strengthens the community and that makes the work better.

Training students for better media understanding

With the support of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, DiCampo and Merrill are using the Everyday Africa name to help educate students. They visit middle school classrooms in the United States to train students on how to document their lives and recognize stereotypes.

In their visits with students, DiCampo says, they use the story of Everyday Africas creation to discuss how media representation affects them and their communities. They also show the students how to improve their own photography, with the goal of helping them create their own school or community everyday project.

DiCampo and Merrill say their dream is for Instagram communities to be formed all over the world, documenting their everyday life. They hope that the book will give them the chance to reach more people and to show an underrepresented side of African life to the world.

Im Phil Dierking.

Zoe Leoudaki wrote this story for the VOANews.com. Phil Dierking adapted her story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

Do you think your country is misrepresented in the news? In what way? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

__________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

amateur - n. a person who does something (such as a sport or hobby) for pleasure and not as a job

app - n. a computer program that performs a special function

perspective - n. a way of thinking about and understanding something

moment - n. a precise point in time

stereotype - n. an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristicFishermen on the northeastern coast of the United States are voicing concerns about the development of offshore wind power.

Some of the fishermen are based in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

The town was once a major center for whale-hunting ships. The city was made famous in Herman Melvilles book about whaling, Moby Dick. New Bedford also has been one of the nations most profitable fishing ports for 17 years.

But fishermen there now fear the possibility of having to pilot their boats through many wind turbines to reach their fishing grounds.

The state of Massachusetts wants to build hundreds of the large wind turbines off the coast near New Bedford. The electricity produced would be enough to power more than 1 million homes.

Eric Hansen harvests scallops from his boat in New Bedford. His family has been in this business for generations. The 56-year old spoke to the Associated Press about his concerns. You ever see a radar picture of a wind farm? he asked. Hansen added, Transit through it will be next to impossible, especially in heavy wind and fog.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is the government agency responsible for dealing with energy issues in federally-owned waters. An organization representing East Coast scallop fishermen has taken legal action against the agency. They are trying to stop a proposal for a wind farm of nearly 200 wind turbines off the coast of New Yorks Long Island.

Commercial fishermen in Marylands Ocean City and North Carolinas Outer Banks have also raised concerns about being unable to reach fishing grounds.

But supporters of the offshore wind power industry say they have learned from Europes experience with the technology. They also point to the opening of Americas only offshore wind farm near Rhode Island. They say it provides evidence that wind farms will not hurt U.S. fishermen.

Deepwater Wind is a company based in Rhode Island that opened the five-turbine wind farm near the states Block Island.

The company is proposing larger wind farms in other places along the East Coast.

Matthew Morrissey is a vice president of Deepwater. He told the Associated Press, We want to do this the right way, and I believe we have a path to do that.

However, fishermen are concerned that offshore wind farms will only lead to more restrictions.

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management representative Stephen Boutwell said the agency has taken steps to deal with the concerns of the fishermen. These include banning wind farm development in some areas off Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York that are valuable to the fishing industry.

The agency also has carried out studies on issues fishermen have raised. This includes questions about the effects of wind farm construction and electromagnetic fields on fish behavior.

Deepwater Wind said early findings from studies of its Block Island wind farm show little harm to the environment. The company suggests that fish and lobster populations are just as strong as they were before the wind farm.

The company says it has paid several fishermen who were temporarily unable to reach their fishing grounds during construction.

There have not been reports of fishing boats striking the turbines. But several boats have reported their fishing equipment getting damaged by undersea structures connected to the turbines.

Richard Fuka is the president of the Rhode Island Fishermens Alliance. He said problems with wind turbines have cost fishermen tens of thousands of dollars in equipment and lost fishing time.

Also, U.S. fishermen are not pleased with the comparison to European fishermen. In Europe, 10 different countries have placed restrictions on fishing around the more than 3,500 turbines off their shores.

U.S. officials and developers however say similar bans are not being considered, except during construction.

Studies have been done on the North Sea of Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. They suggest the turbines actually support the growth of sea life.

Yet, Merlin Jackson of the Thanet Fishermens Association said in Britain transit through wind farms remains difficult in bad weather.

He said there have been at least two cases of fishing boats hitting turbines. Fishermen largely depend on the lights on turbines as guides, but they are not always taken care of well.

Jackson added that Americas slower, more complex approval process for turbine construction has forced more questions to be asked.

East Coast fishermen seem more united than those in Europe when wind farms are being developed.

If fishermen can be organized and be allowed to have input into the earliest parts of the planning process, then there should be a way forward, Jackson said.

Im Pete Musto. And Im Lucija Milonig.

Philip Marcelo reported this for the Associated Pres. Pete Musto adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

How can the fishing and wind power industries work together? What will the future be like for both? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Quiz

Now, test your understanding by taking this short quiz.

Quiz - US Fishermen Fear the Growth of Wind Power Industry Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz



_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

whale  n. an often very large animal that lives in the ocean and that is a mammal rather than a fish

turbine(s)  n. a tall structure that has large blades attached to an engine and that is used to produce electricity

scallop(s)  n. a type of shellfish that has a flat, round shell with two parts and that is often eaten as food

transit  n. the act of moving people or things from one place to another

commercial  adj. related to or used in the buying and selling of goods and services

electromagnetic  adj. describing a magnetic field that is produced by a current of electricity

lobster  n. an ocean animal that has a long body, a hard shell, and a pair of large claws and that is caught for food

allow(ed)  v. to permit someone to have or do something

input  n. advice or opinions that help someone make a decision

Vietnam is trying 22 business leaders on corruption charges, including a former top Communist Party official.

The trial is part of the campaign against corruption by Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Most of the business leaders on trial are current or former officials of the state-owned PetroVietnam oil company.

Dinh La Thang was a former chairman of PetroVietnam and a former member of Vietnams powerful Politburo.

The Politburo is the top political committee in a communist form of government.

Thang is accused of wrongdoing for his part in providing a contract to another company without a required bidding process. He also is accused of involvement in a deal that resulted in a $5.5 million loss to the state.

Thang is the first former Politburo member to face charges in many years. He could receive up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

Trinh Xuan Thanh is another former chairman of PetroVietnam. He is accused of several charges including taking $186,000 for himself. The crime of embezzlement can be punished with a death sentence in Vietnam.

Last August, Germany said the Vietnamese intelligence service kidnapped Thanh from a park in Berlin. Vietnam denied the accusation. Officials said Thanh turned himself in voluntarily. However, the incident caused Germany to expel two Vietnamese diplomats.

Le Hong Hiep is an expert at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. He said, the trial sends out a stern warning that there will be no no-go zones in this campaign, and corrupt officials, no matter who they are and what position they hold, will be brought to justice.

Hiep added that, in the past, political power was divided in Vietnam. The division weakened the countrys efforts against corruption. Now the general party secretary has increased powers.

Ngo Quang Hung is a retiree who was among the crowd gathered outside the courthouse. He said, Im happy that the government is getting tough on corruption.

Foreign media, however, are not permitted to attend the trial, which is expected to last two weeks.

Speaking in Berlin, German Foreign Ministry spokesman Rainer Breul said embassy representatives were inside the courtroom.

We will observe it very closely and then evaluate what this means for our policy, Breul said.

Germany is Europes largest economy.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on AP news reports. Mario Ritter was the editor.

Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

contract n. an official business agreement to provide goods or services

bidding n. a process in which different companies or individuals compete by offering a lower price for a good or service

embezzlement n. to steal money you have been trusted with

stern adj. very serious

zones n. areas or places that are different than others for some reason

evaluate v. to judge something giving it careful thoughtChina on Friday tightened limits on critically important energy supplies to North Korea and stepped up other trade restrictions under intensified U.N. nuclear sanctions.

Beijing said it will limit exports of crude oil and refined petroleum to the North. Previous curbs didnt apply to crude oil, which makes up the bulk of Chinas energy exports to the North.

China accounts for nearly all of Pyongyangs energy supplies and trade, making its enforcement key to sanctions aimed at discouraging leader Kim Jong Un from pursuing nuclear and missile technology.

The Security Council tightened sanctions on the North following its ballistic missile test on Nov. 29.

Beijing was long Pyongyangs diplomatic protector but has supported the U.N. sanctions out of frustration with what Chinese leaders see as their neighbors increasingly reckless behavior.

Despite the loss of almost all trade, the impoverished North has pressed ahead with weapons development that Kims regime sees as necessary for its survival in the face of U.S. pressure.

China has steadily increased economic pressure on Pyongyang while calling for dialogue to defuse the increasingly acrimonious dispute with U.S. President Donald Trumps government.

On Friday, a foreign ministry spokesman applauded news of possible talks between the North and South Koreas government.

We welcome the recent positive turn of events in the peninsular situation, said spokesman Geng Shuang at a regular briefing held before the latest trade curbs were announced.

Geng expressed hope all relevant parties would take advantage of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, to bring the issue back to the correct track of peaceful settlement through dialogue and consultation.

In the same briefing, Geng said Chinas government would deal seriously with violators of U.N. sanctions on North Korea after a South Korean newspaper said Chinese-owned ships registered abroad regularly traded oil to the North.

Analysts see North Koreas need for Chinese oil as the most powerful economic leverage against Pyongyang. But Chinese leaders have warned against taking drastic measures that might destabilize Kims government or send a wave of refugees fleeing into China.

Chinese leaders have resisted previous U.S. demands for an outright oil embargo but went along with the latest limits.

Under the new restrictions, Chinese companies will be allowed to export no more than 4 million barrels of oil and 500,000 barrels of refined petroleum products per year. They are barred from supplying the Norths military or weapons programs.

The new measures also ban sales of steel, industrial machinery and vehicles. The Commerce Ministry said imports of North Korean food, machinery and some other goods will be banned.

In September, North Korean businesses in China were ordered to close by this month, cutting off an important supply of foreign currency. Most North Koreans who work in factories and other Chinese businesses have been sent home.

Chinese officials complain their country bears the cost of enforcement, which they say has hurt businesses in its northeast.

Previous sanctions banned sales of natural gas to North Korea and purchases of the Norths textile exports, another key revenue source. China also has banned imports of North Korean coal, iron and lead ore and seafood since early September. Joe McDonald, AP

Koreas will meet for talks this week



The rival Koreas will sit down for their first formal talks in more than two years this week to find ways to cooperate on the Winter Olympics in the South [see more on page 19] and to improve their abysmal ties, Seoul officials said Friday. While a positive sign after last years threats of nuclear war, the Koreas have a long history of failing to move past their deep animosity. The announcement came hours after the United States said it will delay annual military exercises with South Korea until after the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, next month.Two residents were rushed to hospital after a New Era bus and a private vehicle collided on Saturday at 1:32 p.m. Police authorities said the car driver lost control of his vehicle on a flyover next to Lisboa and subsequently crashed into New Eras 28BX route in the opposite lane. Another accident occurred next to the reservoir when a truck crashed into road railings. According to reports, one passenger managed to leave the vehicle on his own, while the driver and another passenger were trapped inside the truck and were rescued later on. The drivers involved in both incidents passed breathalyzer tests.

Suspect of attempted rape in preventive custody

An individual suspected of attempting to rape an underage student has been presented to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP), where a judge decided on preventive custody after the first judicial hearing. Considering the serious matter of the case, the Investigation Judge of the Criminal Court [has] accepted the suggestion of the Prosecutor in charge of the Investigation [and] decided for the application of the mentioned coercive measure, a statement from the MP says. The statement added that the case will return to the Public Prosecutor to continue the investigation procedures.The government has claimed that it is gaining support for its proposal for real names to be used when registering for prepaid SIM cards.

The Office of the Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak said in a statement that the proposal  included in a bill that aims to establish a Cybersecurity Law in Macau  was well received at the first public consultation.

The consultation is a means for the government to hear the views of the general public, as well as the companies and entities directly involved with the related procedures and services.

During Friday evenings session at the Judiciary Police (PJ) headquarters, some of the 19 people that expressed their views on the document said they supported the government on the measure, noting that the measure can help police in the investigation and fight against cybercrime, according to the statement.

A total of 90 citizens attended the session, where the governments representatives presented the proposal on the Cybersecurity Law in detail and exchanged ideas with participants.

The majority of the stakeholders agree with the need to establish this Law, the statement concluded.

The management of public services and entities cybersecurity was also discussed. It was eventually decided that internal guidelines should be given to all public services, and that the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau would be in charge of creating a data center to provide technical support to the public services.

Participants expressed the opinion that the authorities should establish standardized cybersecurity criteria. They also shared their views on the protection of personal data, the effectiveness of the law, the enforcement and scope of penalties, awareness-raising campaigns, regional cooperation, and the professionalism of the future permanent committee.Hong Kongs justice chief is leaving his job earlier than expected amid rising turmoil over the semiautonomous Chinese citys judiciary.

The government said Friday that Rimsky Yuen is stepping down as the citys top law enforcement officer.

Yuen, who was reappointed for a second five-year term in July, will be replaced by Teresa Cheng, a lawyer and arbitration expert, after her nomination was approved by Beijing.

Yuens tenure was marked by a number of controversies over rule of law.

Activists criticized Yuen, 53, for using the law to clamp down on growing dissent through heavy-handed prosecutions of pro-democracy leaders involved in 2014s massive Umbrella Movement and other protests, many of whom were sent to prison.

He led government efforts to disqualify a group of newly elected opposition lawmakers from office over irregularities in their oaths of office.

Yuen also played a key role in pushing through plans for a cross-border express rail terminal in a downtown district that involves stationing mainland Chinese immigration agents in the city. The plans raised concerns about mainland authorities enforcing the law on Hong Kong soil, which pro-democracy lawmakers and activists say is a breach of Beijings agreement to let the city keep wide autonomy and a separate legal system following its 1997 handover from Britain.

Yuen said at a news conference that at different stages of life, one should do different things, without elaborating.

Cheng, 59, said that her prime mission would be to uphold the rule of law. APThe Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) expects construction of the gastronomy center at its Taipa campus to be completed within four to five years.

The school intends to launch its first masters degree program in the next two years, with a strong focus on hotel management, IFT president Fanny Vong told the press on the sidelines of the institutes Open Day yesterday.

The Open Day featured a series of activities, each led by different departments, to address visiting students enquiries.

IFT also plans to introduce a new culinary management course, in response to increased demand.

The school already offers several popular culinary-related courses, of which there were more than 170 in 2016/2017.

Vong said that once the school has enough resources, it will expand the scope of its courses to focus more on research and training in various areas of local gastronomy.

Antonio Chu, head of the Technical and Academic Support Division, told the Times that it aims to recruit some 420 new students for the 2018/2019 intake.

The maximum quota is 457 students. Eighty percent of this will be our target to local students. Of course, this includes students in both daytime programs and evening programs, Chu explained.

The division head also added that IFT aims to admit 90 students from the mainland and accept more students from Hong Kong and Asian countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia, noting that the institute has been conducting promotional activities across the region.

Returning to the topic of IFTs culinary degree  which will cater to around 20 students per class due to limited equipment  Chu continued, This [was] a competitive program last year and now the application period has started we [have] noticed that this program remains attractive to local students.

Although Chu recognized a slight decrease in the number of graduating high school students, he expressed hopes that IFT could reach its admission targets for the upcoming intake.New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) Postponing disinvestment of Air India by five years will further erode its value, says aviation think tank CAPA in response to a draft report by a Parliamentary panel recommending the government review its decision on the airlines stake sale.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture in its draft report has said the government should look at alternative to disinvestment as it would not be appropriate to disinvest in the airline at a time when it has shown operational profits.

The draft report suggested the government should revisit its decision to privatise the national carrier at the end of the 10-year turnaround plan in 2022.

"Parliamentary panel recommending divestment of Air India be postponed by 5 years will further erode its value. CAPA estimates that the government would need to inject additional USD 2.5-3bn funding, and these may be conservative estimates," said Kapil Kaul, Chief Executive, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA).

Privatisation of the Air India should in fact be "fast- tracked" to maximise investor interest and value for the government, CAPA added.

The Union Cabinet last year gave its in-principle approval for the disinvestment of Air India and formed an inter-ministerial group to work on the strategy for the airlines stake sale.

The Air India has a debt of Rs 51,890 crore.

As part of a turnaround plan approved by the previous UPA dispensation, the airline was to receive a bailout package of up to Rs 30,231 crore for a period of 10 years, starting in 2012.

In 2016-17, the airline had a net loss of Rs 3,643 crore, while the operating profit rose to Rs 215 crore, as per the provisional figures.

The thinktank has also made suggestions for the Air Indias disinvestment process and said the government must sell airline operations alone as part of the core disinvestment along with aircraft-related debt and reasonable working capital loans.

Air Indias subsidiaries, CAPA says, should be sold off separately to raise capital that can be used to retire debt and that real estate and non-core assets should be placed in a separate Special Purpose Vehicle.

It also proposes that the government should exit from Air India completely and that foreign airlines should be allowed to participate in the bidding process by investing upto 49 per cent as per the FDI norms for the sector.

"No major Indian corporation from outside of aviation will invest in such a complex project without an experienced strategic partner. Allowing foreign airlines to participate will increase the number of interested bidders and the valuation," the CAPA said in a press statement.

It also suggested that the Air Indias domestic and international operations should be offered together. PTI JC TIRPolice said four officers were killed Saturday when rebels fighting against Indian rule in disputed Kashmir detonated a bomb on a street the officers were patrolling.

Streets were deserted and shops and businesses closed for a strike when the massive blast struck the northwestern town of Sopore, hitting the police patrol. The town, famous for apple orchards, is observing a shutdown on the 25th anniversary of a massacre in which government forces killed at least 47 people after a paramilitary soldier died in a rebel attack.

The strike was called by separatist leaders who challenge Indias sovereignty over Kashmir. The town was already on high alert with hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers patrolling the area in anticipation of anti-India protests and clashes.

Police said at least half a dozen shuttered shops suffered extensive damage in the blast, which was remotely detonated.

The Jash-e-Mohammed militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the English-language Greater Kashmir newspaper.

Reinforcements of police and paramilitary soldiers rushed to seal off the area.

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety. Rebel groups demand that Kashmir be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, which Pakistan denies.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the region, and most people support the rebels cause against Indian rule while also participating in civilian street protests against Indian control.

Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown since 1989. APThe attorneys for a former Hong Kong government official charged in the United States with using bribes to secure business deals asked a judge on Friday to release their client on bail.

The lawyers representing Dr. Chi Ping Patrick Ho said in a letter to Judge Katherine Forrest that Ho is neither a danger to the community nor a flight risk.

Ho has been jailed since November, when he was charged with paying bribes on behalf of a Chinese energy conglomerate to the president of Chad and the Ugandan foreign minister.

Ho, 68, of Hong Kong, and Cheikh Gadio, 61, of Senegal, were charged in Manhattan federal court with violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, international money laundering and conspiracy.

Prosecutors allege that Ho hatched the scheme at the United Nations when the Ugandan foreign minister was president of the U.N. General Assembly. Beginning in October 2014, the pair arranged bribes to secure business advantages for a Shanghai-headquartered multibillion-dollar conglomerate that operates internationally in the energy and financial sectors, court papers say.

Ho was denied bail on Dec. 1 when U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman said she agreed with prosecutors argument that he was a flight risk

The lawyers said they are now asking that Ho be released on USD10 million bond secured by $2 million in cash. They are proposing home detention in Manhattan with electronic monitoring.

Lawyers Edward Y. Kim, Paul M. Krieger and Jonathan F. Bolz told Forrest, who will preside at Hos arraignment today, that Ho has every incentive to defend this case and clear his name. APToys and other gifts from parents and aid workers brightened the Epiphany holiday Saturday for children living in dozens of makeshift tent camps more than three months after a deadly earthquake.

The Jan. 6 holiday is commonly known as Day of the Magi in Latin America, and its when children in Mexico traditionally receive gifts rather than on Christmas Day.

Uriel Martinez, an 8-year-old whose family lost their home in the Sept. 19 quake, woke up early Saturday to find a toy gun had been left for him overnight. That made him happy because he wants to be a soldier when he grows up.

I heard the kings come, but then I went back to sleep, Martinez said.

The camp where the family is sleeping in a southern neighborhood of Mexico City is a motley assortment of tents pitched on boards with tarps strung overhead to keep out the overnight chill.

Nearby is the quake-damaged building at 18 Independencia Street where they used to live, and which they now enter only to use the bathroom for fear it could collapse. Authorities plan to demolish it.

But this weekend there was plenty of holiday cheer.

Kids devoured a rosca de reyes, the kings cake associated with the day. A girl walked hand-in-hand with a doll around a Christmas tree strung with streamers and ornaments, and a young boy pedaled a tricycle underneath laundry airing on a clothesline. One toy car was so big it barely fit through the door of a tent.

Luz Maria Alvarez, who is also living in the camp with her husband, children and grandchildren, said the adults and teens are stressed because they still dont know what will happen.

But for the younger kids, living like this is still a kind of adventure and even more so on a day like today when we are all together, Alvarez said.

The nonprofit Ayudame hoy, Spanish for help me today, said it distributed some 3,000 gifts in quake camps in Mexico City and elsewhere. Some people are also still homeless in the south of Mexico after another powerful quake hit there earlier in September. APSix Myanmar soldiers were wounded in an insurgent attack in northern Rakhine state, where government troops have been accused of ethnic cleansing that forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to flee into Bangladesh, officials said.

The military said in a statement on the commander in chiefs Facebook page that the attackers were from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, the militant group blamed for attacks on police posts in August that prompted the crackdown that left thousands of Rohingya dead and more than 650,000 displaced.

On Friday, more than 20 insurgents used homemade bombs to attack a truck transporting troops from Taungpyo township in northern Rakhine, the government said in a separate statement on its Facebook page.

Six soldiers were taken to a military hospital, border guard police official Sann Oo said by phone Saturday.

In the past, the military has retaliated against Rohingya villages following such attacks.

The United Nations top human rights official in September described the Myanmar armys crackdown against the Rohingya Muslim minority as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

The United States also declared the violence against Rohingya Muslims to be ethnic cleansing and President Donald Trumps administration announced on Dec. 21 that it sanctioned the countrys Maj. Gen. Maung Maung Soe, who until recently was in charge of security operations in Rakhine.

Myanmars military released a report in November saying an internal investigation had absolved its forces of wrongdoing including allegations of rape and killings. APLawmaker Sulu Sou and political activist Scott Chiang announced yesterday that Portuguese lawyer Jorge Menezes has agreed to act as their lawyer, but that he is requesting the Court of First Instance wpostpone tomorrows scheduled start date to allow for the necessary translation of court documents.

In order to have the necessary time to acquaint himself with the court file, obtain translation of the relevant documents and prepare the defense, our lawyer [Menezes] has filed an urgent request [] to postpone the trial date, which is pending approval, said a statement jointly signed by Sou and Chiang.

The two former leaders of democrat group New Macau Association, face charges of aggravated disobedience from a 2016 demonstration against the Macao Foundations RMB100 million donation to the mainlands Jinan University.

Last month, lawmakers in the Legislative Assembly voted 28-4 in favor of suspending Sou, thereby lifting his prosecutorial immunity and allowing for him to be tried in a court of law.

The unprecedented vote carries ramifications for future cases against Macau lawmakers, especially given the minor nature of the alleged crime.

According to the judicial procedure, we believe the judicial system is able to make a fair judgment for this case, Sou told the Times late last week when asked about the upcoming case.

We appreciate the public interest attached to this court action and the relevance that many understand it may have for Macaus political and legal systems, yesterdays statement added.

However, it has been our firm intention to respect the independence of the courts, which is a fundamental tenet of the rule of law. Facing the current, critical judicial procedure [] we do not intend to make [any] further comments.

The Times contacted Menezes for a statement, but the lawyer would not comment on the case at this time.

In the joint statement, Sou and Chiang also expressed gratitude to two court-

appointed attorneys, Che Hoi Tong and Kuan Weng I, for their continuous support.

The trial was initially scheduled to begin on November 28, but was postponed while lawmakers deliberated over whether to suspend the young democrats mandate.

The trial will begin tomorrow if the request for postponement is denied. DBTaiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen warned for the second time in a week that Chinas escalating efforts to assert its authority over the island risked destabilizing the broader region.

In a tweet Friday, Tsai cited Beijings approval of commercial flights near the rivals de facto border over the Taiwan Strait and increased military patrols around the island. Cross-strait stability is impt to regional stability, she said. Recent unilateral actions by #China  including M503 flight route & increased military exercises  are destabilizing & should be avoided.

Tsai leveled similar criticism at a year-end news conference, in which she pledged to increase defense spending amid Chinas growing military activity. While the democratically run Taiwan has been ruled separately since the end of the Chinese Civil War almost seven decades ago, Beijing continues to consider the island a province to be reunited with the mainland.

Tensions have been building since Tsai  whos Democratic Progressive Party supports independence  ousted a more China-friendly government in the islands elections two years ago. On Thursday, Taiwan protested Chinas reckless decision to approve four new flight routes over the strait, which it sees as the latest in a series of Chinese moves to undermine its sovereignty.

Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesman for the Beijing-

based Taiwan Affairs Office, said Thursday that the routes were intended to relieve air congestion and urged Tsais government to take a correct attitude, not make a fuss or hurt cross-strait ties, according to the China Times.

Taiwan has also complained about increased Chinese military activities, including encirclement patrols around the island. The PLA released a video on Dec. 18 showing Chinese fighter jets, bombers and surveillance aircraft conducting routine patrols near the island. Such flights are the new normal, PLA Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke said last month.

The U.S. provides military support to the island under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, and Congress in September authorized naval visits with Taiwan as part of a defense spending measure. Last month, a senior Chinese diplomat in Washington said that China would unify Taiwan with military force if a U.S. warship visited.

Meanwhile, the Taipei-

based Mainland Affairs Council on Thursday blocked Chinas state-owned China Central Television from playing a propaganda ad on large television screens in Ximending, one of Taipeis busiest commercial districts, on ground that it violated regulations. The clip ends with Believe in China in 2018. Ting Shi, Bloomberg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: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers

In response to the increasing informal sharing of human milk, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) has published guidelines to minimize the risk of this practice while enhancing the health benefits. The position statement is published in Breastfeeding Medicine, the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.

"Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's 2017 Position Statement on Informal Breast Milk Sharing for the Term Healthy Infant" discusses strategies to maximize the safety of community-based breast milk sharing, including 1) medical screening of the donor and 2) safe milk handling practices. Donors should have no medical illness where breastfeeding is contraindicated nor on any medication that is incompatible with breastfeeding. Mothers can further reduce the risk of infections by performing home pasteurization of donated milk prior to giving it to her infant; however, pasteurization can decrease some of the beneficial components of human milk. ABM also emphasizes that while informal milk sharing has potential health benefit, "internet-based milk sharing is not recommended under any circumstances."

"Informal breast milk sharing is becoming increasingly common for healthy term infants as 21st century families desire to feed their infants human milk," says Dr. Timothy Tobolic, president of ABM. "Physicians and other health care providers can help mothers and families evaluate the risks and benefits of informal milk sharing."

More information: Natasha K. Sriraman et al, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's 2017 Position Statement on Informal Breast Milk Sharing for the Term Healthy Infant, Breastfeeding Medicine (2018). Natasha K. Sriraman et al, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's 2017 Position Statement on Informal Breast Milk Sharing for the Term Healthy Infant,(2018). DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2017.29064.nks(HealthDay)Obesity rates among poor kids may be declining, U.S. health officials report.

The number of severely obese 2- to 4-year-olds enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) increased to slightly more than 2 percent of all kids from 2000 to 2004, but it then decreased over the next decade to slightly less than 2 percent.

Though a small drop, the trend was seen among all ethnic and racial groups living throughout the nation, the researchers noted.

"Our findings indicate recent progress in reducing the prevalence of severe obesity among young U.S. children enrolled in WIC," said lead researcher Dr. Liping Pan, an epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"However, severe obesity in early childhood remains a serious public health concern," Pan added.

Obesity rates in children remain high, and those with obesity and severe obesity face significant health and social challenges, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, she said.

"These lifelong health risks associated with severe obesity during early childhood indicate the importance of preventing and identifying severe obesity as early as possible," Pan said.

Differences in genetic, behavioral and environmental factors across years may have contributed to the increases and decreases in the prevalence of severe obesity, Pan said.

In addition, changes in WIC benefits might also have influenced the recent declines in obesity and severe obesity.

"The WIC food packages were revised in 2009 to promote fruits, vegetables and whole-wheat products, include more variety of healthy food options, support breast-feeding and provide state agencies with greater flexibility in prescribing foods to accommodate cultural food preferences," she said.

Recommendations and activities from the CDC and strategies from the U.S. Institute of Medicine to prevent and manage childhood obesity also may have contributed to the modest declines in severe obesity, Pan said.

The report was published online Jan. 8 in JAMA Pediatrics.

"The last time we got news about severe obesity among young children in the U.S., that news was all bad," said Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center and president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. "But no one should mistake this reassuring update for good news."

Except for the rare endocrine or genetic conditions, childhood obesity is entirely preventable. "That nearly two out of every 100 children in WIC are subject to the adversities of severe obesity is a national disgrace," Katz said.

For instance, he said that Americans are too willing to overlook the perils of a food supply that he described as willfully engineered to be addictive. They're also willing to recognize junk food as a food group and to mortgage the future health of children for the sake of corporate profits, he said.

"We may be thankful for a slight improvement in these trends," Katz said. "But that there are trends in severe childhood obesity worth tracking in the first place is testimony to a societal failure for which we should all hold ourselves accountable."

For the study, the researchersfrom the CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Servicecollected data on nearly 23 million 2- to 4-year-olds from all the states who were enrolled in WIC from 2000 to 2014. Specifically, the researchers looked for the prevalence of severe obesity among these children.

They found that the prevalence of severe obesity decreased from 2.12 percent to 1.96 percent from 2000 to 2014.

The findings refer only to children in the WIC program and may not be representative of all low-income children because only about half of young children eligible for WIC are enrolled in the program, Pan said.

Nutritionist Samantha Heller said that "the nutrition education, improved access to fruits and vegetables and support provided by programs like WIC go a long way in helping families make healthier choices."

That's especially true, she said, "in a world where we are bombarded with highly effective marketing campaigns targeting kids for fast and junk foods, sweets and other unhealthy foods." Heller is a senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Medical Center in New York City.

Parents need to take charge of their kitchens and not be swayed by the popularity of highly processed foods, she said.

They can save time and money and create healthier meals by planning ahead, cooking more at home, shunning fast and junk foods, ditching sugar-sweetened beverages and getting themselves and their children to be physically active, Heller said.

Explore further More than half of US children will have obesity as adults if current trends continue

More information: Liping Pan, M.D., M.P.H., epidemiologist, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; David Katz, M.D., M.P.H., director, Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, Derby, Conn., and president, American College of Lifestyle Medicine; Samantha Heller, M.S., R.D., senior clinical nutritionist, New York University Medical Center, New York City; Jan. 8, 2018, JAMA Pediatrics, online. Liping Pan, M.D., M.P.H., epidemiologist, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; David Katz, M.D., M.P.H., director, Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, Derby, Conn., and president, American College of Lifestyle Medicine; Samantha Heller, M.S., R.D., senior clinical nutritionist, New York University Medical Center, New York City; Jan. 8, 2018,, online. The Obesity Society has more on childhood obesity. Journal information: JAMA Pediatrics

Copyright  2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.An Italian court may have acquitted the former chiefs of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland in a bribery case, but the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) remains confident that its case, which it investigated independently, is strong.

"Both Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini have been concocted by the lower court and the Italian authorities can appeal against the decision of acquittal before the Supreme Court of Italy. We have investigated our case independently and our case against both the accused is strong," said a CBI spokesperson.

In a major development, an Italian appeals court on Monday acquitted Orsi and Spagnolini in a bribery case related to a helicopter contract with the Indian government. Both men were cleared of corruption charges due to insufficient evidence.

Earlier, Italy's Supreme Court had ordered the their retrial. They had been convicted in 2016 by a lower court, for paying bribes worth Rs 423 crore to Indian government officials to bag the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal in 2010.

In 2016, the court had sentenced Orsi to 4.5 years in jail for false accounting and corruption in the deal for 12 VVIP choppers, while Spagnolini was handed a four-year sentence. The CBI filed a chargesheet against Spagnolini and Orsi in September last year in the AgustaWestland chopper scam.

Along with Orsi and Spagnolini, retired Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi, former Air Marshal JS Gujral, Tyagi's cousin Sanjeev Tyagi, lawyer Gautam Khaitan, Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke, and alleged middleman Christian Michel have been named as accused by the CBI.

WATCH | Full interview of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel with India Today(HealthDay)Parents aren't the only ones worried about their kids' smartphone habits. Some big Apple investors want the iPhone developer to make it easier for Mom and Dad to manage their children's phone time.

Apple also needs to explore potential mental health effects of smartphone overuse, says a letter sent to the technology giant this weekend by Jana Partners LLC and the California State Teachers' Retirement System (Calstrs).

Jana, a leading activist investor, and the pension fund control about $2 billion of Apple shares, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The letter states that "Apple can play a defining role in signaling to the industry that paying special attention to the health and development of the next generation is both good business and the right thing to do," the Journal reported.

In the letter, the investors cite a "growing body of evidence" of "unintentional negative side effects" from excessive smartphone use by the so-called "iGen."

Some worry that as screen time replaces face-to-face socializing, rates of depression and suicide are rising as well. The authors cited worrisome research by Jean Twenge of San Diego State University and others, plus observations from teachers, according to the news report.

The investors want Apple out front in attempting to learn what is optimal usage and in simplifying parental controls. The company shouldn't wait for consumers or regulators to demand action, the investors contend.

"There is a developing consensus around the world including Silicon Valley that the potential long-term consequences of new technologies need to be factored in at the outset, and no company can outsource that responsibility," the shareholders wrote.

They have drawn big names to an advisory board, including rock musician Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, and Sister Patricia Dalythe nun who took on Exxon Mobil Corp. over environmental concerns, the news report noted.

Media expert Michael Rich, an associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, likened the movement to other public-health science campaigns.

"How can we apply the same kind of public-health science to this that we do to, say, nutrition?" Rich told the Journal. "We aren't going to tell you never go to Mickey D's, but we are going to tell you what a Big Mac will do and what broccoli will do."

Explore further Apple investors urge action to curb child gadget addiction

More information: Common Sense Media has tips for parents for Common Sense Media has tips for parents for managing kids' cellphone use

Copyright  2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.Learning how to manage anxiety takes time and practice, so its not helpful to wait until stress levels are at a peak before seeking help. Credit: shutterstock

Roughly one in five students drop out of university in Australia in their first year. Students with prior emotional difficulties, who are doing their degrees part-time, mature age at entry, or from a lower socioeconomic status background are most likely to be in this category.

Not all of these factors can be changed. But there are ways parents and students can prepare for the transition to university.

Students who have previously struggled with emotional difficulties or mental health problems are particularly at risk. But the earlier the strategies to support these students are put in place, the more likely they are to succeed.

How much stress or anxiety is normal?

Starting university is a common cause of heightened stress. There are many new challenges to overcome, such as adjusting to a new learning environment that has less personalised assistance and greater emphasis on independent learning. It's also challenging to be in a course with hundreds of other students you don't know.

Most students adjust to these challenges, and the stress they experience should be temporary. But those who find change difficult, who worry excessively about their performance, are overly perfectionistic, or are fearful of public speaking or exams are likely to find transitioning to university particularly challenging.

Students who find these things difficult on an ongoing basis are likely suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, and often start early in life. They have very negative impacts on someone's functioning and well-being.

If your child is skipping lectures or tutorials, avoiding class presentations or exams, failing regularly, not handing in assignments, losing sleep, constantly worrying about their performance or thinking they're not good enough, it's time to intervene.

What can parents do to help?

Fortunately, anxiety can be treated. Cognitive behavioural therapy is the treatment of choice for anxiety-related problems.

Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches people to change unhelpful thinking, and to face fears over eight to 12 weeks.

Learning how to manage anxiety takes time and practice, so it's not helpful to wait until stress levels are at a peak before seeking help. If a student has anxiety related to these circumstances, it's advisable to get assistance before they start university, or as soon as the problems arise.

Those students who find exams particularly stressful are likely to find the transition to university difficult. Credit: shutterstock

Parents can assist students to make appointments and possibly assist with gap payments for professional services such as for a private clinical psychologist or specialist anxiety clinics with expertise in cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders. Assistance can also be sought from local headspace services for free.

Self-help resources that teach cognitive behavioural therapy skills are available online, including internet-based therapy programs.

Most universities also offer student support services. These services can get very busy around exam time. So, it's best to tackle issues as soon as they arise  preferably before a student heads to university.

Here are some tips on how to deal with Exam Anxiety using CBT techniques.

Managing expectations

In addition to playing a role in facilitating early intervention, parents can also assist students by setting realistic expectations. These would be related to performance at university, and the time taken to learn new and often complex skills and theories.

Parents can also encourage students not to avoid classes or assessments they find difficult, but to enrol in support courses or workshops to enhance learning in particular tasks they're struggling with, such as an essay writing course.

But while parents are an important support network for university students, as young adults, parents have to balance support with encouraging independence.

Important support for students will come from other students in the same course. They will be able to provide information on how to approach an assignment or to discuss what a particular theoretical concept means.

When most students begin university they often don't know anyone else in the same course, or at least not in their tutorial group. Parents can play an important role in encouraging students to start up conversations with others in their course, encouraging them to get involved in university social clubs and mentoring programs.

Parental pressure plays an important role in academic stress in high school students. And although it has not been specifically examined in university settings, it's likely to be a source of stress.

Parents need to prepare for the transition to university by managing their own expectations about what marks the student should be getting or what courses they should be studying. They should step back and encourage and facilitate their child to make their own decisions and to get external assistance if needed.

Transitions to university are difficult for most, but stress should be temporary. If your child has anxiety or had difficulties coping with year 12, it's important to seek help to prepare them for the challenges of university before they begin.

Explore further Study finds a little anxiety may help with academic success

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.So many people have fallen sick with influenza in California that pharmacies have run out of flu medicines, emergency rooms are packed and the death toll is rising higher than in previous years.

Health officials said Friday that 27 people younger than 65 have died of the flu in California since October, compared with three at the same time last year. Nationwide and in California, flu activity spiked sharply in late December and continues to grow.

The emergency room at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica typically treats about 140 patients a day, but at least one day this week had more than 200 patientsmostly because of the flu, said the ER's medical director, Dr. Wally Ghurabi.

"The Northridge earthquake was the last time we saw over 200 patients," Ghurabi said.

Experts say it's possible that this year's flu season is outpacing the last simply because it's peaking earlier.

The flu season is typically worst around February, but can reach its height anytime from October to April. Though influenza had only killed three Californians at this time last year, it had taken 68 lives by the end of February, according to state data.

Many California doctors, however, contend that the recent surge has been unusually severe.

"Rates of influenza are even exceeding last year, and last year was one of the worst flu seasons in the last decade," said Dr. Randy Bergen, clinical lead of the flu vaccine program for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California.

State health officials said Friday that there was no region of the state where people were being spared from the flu.

In Riverside and San Bernardino counties, ambulance services have been severely strained because of the number of flu calls coming in, local health officials said.

Plus, emergency rooms are so crowded that ambulances arriving at hospitals can't immediately unload their patients, so they're unable to leave for incoming 911 calls, said Jose Arballo Jr., spokesman for the Riverside County Department of Public Health.

"The ambulances have to wait ... and if they're waiting there, they can't be out on calls," Arballo said.

Most people in California and nationwide are catching a strain of influenza known as H3N2, which the flu vaccine typically doesn't work as well against. National health officials predict the vaccine might only be about 32 percent effective this year, which could be contributing to the high number of people falling ill.

H3N2 is also a particularly dangerous strain of the flu, experts say.

"It tends to cause more deaths and more hospitalizations than the other strains," said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, L.A. County's interim health officer.

Of extra concern this year are large numbers of older patients who are showing up at hospitals with the flu and pneumonia, a potentially fatal combination.

"You have no choice but to admit them and hydrate them on IV antibiotics to preventGod forbida bad outcome," Ghurabi said.

Each year, the number of flu deaths reported by the state includes only people younger than 65 and therefore underestimates the real toll of the flu, since elderly people are most likely to succumb to the illness, experts say. In Los Angeles County, 33 people have died of the flu this season and only a handful were under 65, Gunzenhauser said.

Dr. Matthew Mullarky, an emergency physician at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, said that half of the patients he saw on a recent ER shift were so sick that he had to keep them in the hospital. Most of them were older than 85, with the flu and pneumonia.

"It's incredibly scary," he said.

Doctors often prescribe the flu medication oseltamivir, known by the brand name Tamiflu, to patients with the flu. But doctors and patients said this week that the drug was hard to find.

Caroline Bringenberg, who lives in Silver Lake, fell ill when she was visiting her family in Denver for the holidays. She had headache, fever and weakness.

"I don't remember the last time I was this sick," said Bringenberg, 25.

When her doctor prescribed her Tamiflu on Wednesday, Bringenberg learned that a CVS pharmacy in Glassell Park was out of the medicine. All the CVS pharmacies in the area had run out, the pharmacists there told her.

Bringenberg then called a nearby independent pharmacy, but it also had exhausted its supply.

"I've just sort of given up," Bringenberg said. "I think honestly it would make me feel worse to be in the car driving all over town, so I've just opted for ibuprofen and DayQuil."

CVS spokeswoman Amy Lanctot said increased demand for Tamiflu in California may have led to some stores being temporarily out of stock. Other pharmacies reported that they were running low on the medicine or were out completely.

"They're all on back order right now," said Talia Dimaio, a pharmacy clerk at Rancho Park Compounding Pharmacy in West L.A. "We can't get it."

Bob Purcell, spokesman for the San Francisco-based pharmaceutical company Genentech, which makes Tamiflu, said there isn't a national shortage of the medicine, suggesting that pharmacists' shelves were emptied this week by a sudden surge in demand.

Doctors say Tamiflu doesn't eliminate the flu but lessens the severity of symptoms and how long they last. It works best if taken within 48 hours of when patients start to feel sick.

Nihar Mandavia, a pharmacist who owns the Druggist Pharmacy in Laguna Niguel, said he's been ordering as much Tamiflu as possible from wholesalers and filling 25 prescriptions a day, compared with a typical one a day. He said out-of-stock pharmacies are referring patients to him.

"It's been crazy," he said. "And there's still morewe're getting calls right now."

On Friday morning, Mandavia had enough left for only four more patients, he said. And some of his wholesalers had run out too.

Though flu season is underway, health officials say it's not too late to get the flu shot. The vaccine is recommended for everyone older than 6 months.

"Even if you're healthy, the downside of getting the flu vaccine is so lowit's relatively inexpensive. At the worst you'll have a sore arm," Gunzenhauser said.

The vaccine can also mean not getting sick and then infecting someone who might not recover so easily. Nationwide, 13 children have died of influenza this flu season.

Dr. Greg Hendey, UCLA's chair of emergency medicine, said people usually develop flu symptoms two to three days after they're exposed to the virus, but are most contagious the day before symptoms develop. "So before you even know you're sick you're already spreading the virus," he said.

He recommended that people wash their hands often and avoid close contact with anyone coughing or sneezing.

Hendey said they've been trying to adjust staffing levels at the ER to keep up with the crowds, but there's been an added challenge lately. "Sometimes we don't have our full complement of nurses because, they're people too, they get sick."

2018 Los Angeles Times

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Scientists are looking to see if they could add positive thoughts to bad memories. Credit: CC0

Reducing the trauma associated with bad memories while someone is asleep sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but it could become a reality in 10 years thanks to a greater understanding of how the brain encodes memories during sleep.

A good snooze is known to be important for forming memories but it is only recently that scientists are starting to understand the details, and the work could lead to better treatments for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or age-related forgetfulness.

In 2015, Dr. Karim Benchenane from the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Paris, France, and his colleagues demonstrated for the first time that false memories could be created in mice while they were sleeping. The team targeted nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain that fire when the animal is, or thinks of being, in a specific locationthe so-called 'place cells' that provide both rodents and people with an internal map.

'When mice sleep after exploring an environment, you see that the same neurons are reactivated in the same order,' said Dr. Benchenane. 'Replaying that information in the brain while sleeping is just like repetition in learning. This repetition improves memory consolidation.'

Using electrodes, the team recorded the activity of place cells when mice explored their environment and later when they slept. They then stimulated the brain areas associated with reward when particular place cells fired  each of which is associated with a specific location. When they awoke, the mice had a new memory and headed straight to that reward-associated location.

'When you stimulate parts of the brain associated with reward during sleep, it's just like the animal gets a huge reward in the physical world. We can make the animal believe that it gets a reward in a particular location in the environment,' explained Dr. Benchenane. 'This means when place cells fire in sleep, they still convey spatial information.'

Traumatic

Now Dr. Benchenane hopes to build on this work by using a similar technique to alter negative memories associated with traumatic events in mice, as part of a project called MNEMOSYNE, funded by the EU's European Research Council (ERC).

'We want to use reactivation during sleep to treat pathologies associated with fear or anxiety, such as post-traumatic stress disorder,' said Dr. Benchenane.

The idea is to add positive thoughts to bad memories. 'We have managed to modify the emotional imbalance of a memory during sleep by stimulating the reward areas in the brain, meaning we can take a memory that is neutrala location in the physical world for instanceand make it positive. Now we have to understand how positive and negative memories compete in the brain, and see if a positive memory can suppress a negative one, or even make it neutral,' he said.

Dr. Benchenane and his colleagues plan to give an electrical shock to mice when they are in a specific location, to associate this location with a bad memory. Then, while the mice are asleep, they will stimulate the reward areas in the brain when the place cells fire in this specific location, to change the negative memory into a positive one.

'During wakefulness, the rodent will learn to avoid this location because it's frightening,' he explained. 'But after waking up, we'll see if the reward we gave during sleep will be able to suppress the aversion memory we gave during wakefulness.'

If their results in rodents are promising, the technique could be developed for people.

'The application in humans might not be that far awaywe're talking about 10 years which is quite soon when we're talking about science,' said Dr. Benchenane. 'But first we need to understand how positive and negative valence (whether someone feels good or bad about something) compete in the brain. We don't want to make people like what they are scared of.'

While some people might benefit from having memories reduced, others would like to see them strengthened  a key function of a normal night's sleep.

As we doze, our brains replay our day. Like this, some memories are consolidated or strengthened whereas unimportant memories are selected and forgotten.

'The brain has time to work on strengthening and selecting memories with less disturbance during sleep,' said Professor Anders Martin Fjell from the University of Oslo in Norway. 'Selective forgetting is as important as memory per se, since we do not have the capacity to remember all that we experience, and sleep seems to help us with this too.'

Older

But as we grow older, our ability to form new memories for specific events in our lives worsens. It not only takes longer to learn new information, but it is also harder to recall that information.

Prof. Fjell is looking at how age affects the way memories are unconsciously strengthened in the brain during sleep and its impact on memory loss in the elderly, as part of the ERC-funded project AgeConsolidate.

'Since a large proportion of cognitively healthy older adults report to be worried about their own memory function, finding the causes of reduced memory in ageing is important,' said Prof. Fjell. 'This will also allow us to develop strategies for reducing memory problems in ageing.'

Although we know age affects our ability to encode (or learn) and retrieve information, studies on how memories are strengthened  or consolidated  in the ageing brain have largely been ignored until now, says Prof. Fjell.

He hopes to strengthen selected memories without the participants consciously retrieving or activating themas these will otherwise be encoded a second time.

To do this, Prof. Fjell and his team will use a technique called targeted memory reactivation (TMR) by using sound to stimulate people's brains while they sleep in a scanner. The idea is to boost the memory-strengthening processes that happen during deep sleep in order to get a better understanding of the neural mechanisms responsible for increasing memory consolidation.

The scans will be carried out across participants with above- and below-average memory function at two-year intervals to look at changes in their brains and specific memories over time.

'As many people experience changes in sleeping patternsand sometimes qualitywith age, it is important to know whether sleep contributes to the reduced memory in ageing,' said Prof. Fjell.

Explore further Researchers reveal new insights into why sleep is good for our memoryData from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System shows a 129 percent increase in the number of children removed from their homes due to parental neglect, tied to illicit opioid abuse. Credit: Troy Quast, PhD, University of South Florida College of Public Health

The opioid epidemic has become so severe it's considered a national public health emergency. Addiction to prescription painkillers, such as oxycodone and morphine, has contributed to a dramatic rise in overdose deaths and health care costs. What many don't realize, it's also associated with an alarming number of children placed into foster care.

In a study published in this month's issue of Health Affairs, researchers analyzed the association between the rate of opioid prescriptions in Florida and the number of children removed from their homes due to parental neglect.

"Through my experience as a foster parent, I've seen first-hand how the foster system has been overwhelmed by children removed from homes where the parents are opioid-dependent," said lead author Troy Quast, PhD, of the University of South Florida College of Public Health. "My goal in this study was to gain insight into the factors behind this surge."

Quast and his colleagues reviewed 2012-2015 data on Florida's 67 counties submitted to the federal government's Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System. They found that in 2015, roughly two out of every 1000 kids and teens were removed from their homes due to parental neglect, reflecting a staggering 129 percent increase since 2012.

According to the Florida Drug-Related Outcomes Surveillance and Tracking System, the number of opioids prescribed during this same time period rose 9 percent. In 2012, doctors prescribed 72.33 prescriptions for every 100 residents. The rate grew to 81.34 by 2015, averaging 74.1 prescriptions during the 2012-2015 time frame. It's important to note the rate dropped 2.5 percent in 2013, following the implementation of several new state policies regarding pain clinics and a prescription drug monitoring program.

The range of Florida's opioid prescription rate was dramatic. Some counties averaged about one prescription a year for every three people, while other counties had as many as 1  opioid prescriptions per person each year. The highest rates were found in predominantly white counties.

The analysis by Dr. Quast and his colleagues showed that on average, for every additional 6.7 opioid prescriptions per 100 people, the removal rate for parental neglect increased by 32 percent. This estimated increase corresponds to roughly 2000 additional children removed, resulting in an annual state fiscal cost of $40 million. Previous studies have shown children removed from their homes due to parental neglect have a greater likelihood of juvenile delinquency, teen motherhood, mental and physical health problems and adult criminality.

"While the reported drop in opioid prescription rates over the last two years is encouraging, unfortunately it appears illicit opioid use has more than offset the decrease," said Dr. Quast. "We need to keep affected children in the forefront of our minds when tackling this crisis."

Explore further More US kids in foster care; parental drug abuse a factorCredit: University of South Australia

An Australian review of palliative care services has revealed the impact of opioid medication errors on patients in the final weeks of their lives.

In a paper published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care today (Monday 8 January), researchers from NSW and the University of South Australia reveal that errors involving opioids are almost three times higher than previously reported in other healthcare settings.

Researchers looked at opioid errors in three inpatient palliative care services in metropolitan NSW over a two-year period, from 2013-2015. More than half of the errors (57 per cent) involved patients receiving a lower dose of pain relief than ordered, requiring clinical intervention in a third of cases. The majority of patients had cancer and were aged in their 70s.

Professor Debra Rowett, from UniSA's School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, says the study highlights the importance of understanding why opioid errors occurparticularly lower dosingwhich may contribute to patients' pain.

"Palliative care clinicians have identified that safe use of opioids is a patient safety priority and this study is an important first step in quantifying and identifying opioid errors," Professor Rowett says.

"The high rate of errors in palliative care environments compared to other healthcare services most likely reflects the higher volume of opioids such as morphine being used for patients to manage their pain in the last stages of their lives."

Of 55 opioid errors identified, most involved morphine dosages (35 per cent) and two thirds related to administration errors. Researchers say better understanding the factors that contribute to or mitigate opioid errors is a priority in this clinical setting.

Medication errors pose one of the greatest risk to patient safety, researchers say, particularly those involving opioids, which are high-risk medicines. The risk is amplified in patients who are older, have multiple health issues and are taking numerous medications.

Explore further Safer opioid drugs could treat pain and save lives(HealthDay)A common respiratory virus that circulates in winter can pose a serious threat to children, an expert warns.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) "is the most important respiratory virus of infants and young children," said Dr. Pedro Piedra, a professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology at the Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston.

RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants younger than 1 and each year is linked to 60,000 to 200,000 deaths worldwide of children younger than 5.

"Nearly all infants and young children will have been infected at least once by the time they reach 2 years of age, and individuals will be reinfected throughout life," Piedra said in a Baylor news release.

The virus also affects older adults and causes nearly as many deaths in that age group as the flu, he said.

"RSV during the wintertime is all around us and is rampant right now," Piedra said. "A lot of times, people confuse RSV and the flu. There are several respiratory viruses that are co-circulating right now, and many of these viruses mimic each other."

"Don't assume that it's a breakthrough infection of the flu if you have been vaccinated," he warned.

In young children, RSV can cause symptoms of respiratory distress such as rapid breathing, coughing, not eating well and throwing up when coughing, especially when trying to eat.

In adults, RSV is hard to distinguish from the flu.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV, but doctors can treat symptoms in children and adults, Piedra said.

Explore further 'Tis the season for respiratory virus

More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on RSV

Copyright  2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.Similar in size to an A4 page, the cold plasma dressing is intended to accelerate healing and kill bacteria in wounds. Credit: COLDPLASMATECH

A relatively inexpensive egg-based formula and a Star Trek-like plasma patch can accelerate healing of serious and chronic wounds, which affect millions of Europeans every year.

According to trade association MedTech Europe, around 4 million people in the EU develop non-healing wounds each year. These are most commonly bedsores or diabetic ulcers, and the problem is likely to become worse as lower birth rates and higher life expectancy means the European population is getting older.

Dr. Carsten Mahrenholz from German company COLDPLASMATECH says that physicians tend to just re-dress chronic wounds as they are very hard to heal. But he warns that the current issues we are experiencing with multidrug-resistant bacteria means that we are on the brink of a return to the Middle Ages in terms of our susceptibility to infection.

Inspired in part by Star Trek, his favourite show, Dr. Mahrenholz is bringing the sci-fi use of plasma closer to reality by developing an active plasma dressing for treating chronic wounds.

Plasma is known as the fourth state of matter, after solids, liquids and gases. It is similar to a gas but carries a charge (it's ionised) which gives it unique properties  such as the ability to carry electrical currents and generate magnetic fields.

To date, clinical applications of plasma technology show potential for use as a disinfectant to sterilise medical equipment in the age of virulent hospital-borne infections such as MRSA, but the power of plasma is now also being explored in direct biomedical applications.

"It's called cold plasma, which is the same plasma you have on the sun's surface or in lightning," said Dr. Mahrenholz. "However, it's tissue tolerable, so it's cold and we can use its bioactivity."

He has developed a patch that uses the properties of plasma to help kill drug-resistant bacteria and trigger healing in persistent wounds, in order to save time, money and effort for those who experience them.

"This bioactive gas (in plasma) influences two areas," he said, "One is bacteria and the other is cells. During the process, bacteria cells, including multidrug-resistant bacteria, are killed within seconds of being exposed to the cold plasma."

Cells then start basic recovery, cell migration and other biological processes. "Wound-healing is triggered," said Dr. Mahrenholz. "And this is very important for chronic wounds that don't heal themselves."

Burns

One of COLDPLASMATECH's early successes occurred when a young woman was brought into hospital with severe burns. Although the prototype patch was not yet up and running, the team worked overnight to prepare a special plasma treatment which quickly killed the bacteria in the wounds and ultimately saved her life.

The company has been supported by EIT Health, part of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), which supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. The technology has now progressed to the point where it is readily available and automated.

"We have a wound dressing which is put on the wound and then there's a button pressed and that's it. In two minutes (it's done)," said Dr. Mahrenholz. "When you take it off you have the full killing of all bacteria or fungi that are in the wound. And after a couple of repeated treatments you will start wound healing."

Yet, what if there was an even simpler way to treat wounds? Inspired by ancient healing techniques, the common chicken egg could provide another solution.

Eggs are consumed in massive amounts across Europe every day and European hens lay more than 7 million tonnes of eggs a year, but a lot of shells are going to waste. One company is using this eggshell waste and transforming it into a novel wound-healing technology.

Biovotec is collecting and processing the membranes from discarded eggshells, which have similar healing properties to a human placenta, to manufacture a material to use as a wound dressing. The advantage is that the volume of egg membranes available means that dressings can be produced at scale.

Egg membranes have been used for healing throughout history, including in traditional Chinese medicine. The membrane was applied directly as a dressing for wounds such as burns because its properties can help accelerate the healing process.

Describing the effects of the membrane, Dr. Henri-Pierre Suso, co-founder of Norway-based Biovotec said: "It reduces inflammation and induces cell migration to reconstruct new tissues."

Magnet

As part of the EU-funded BIOCURE project, they have developed a dissolvable film which attracts healthy cells like a magnet. Once applied it turns into a gel and enters the wound, enabling the injury to heal.

The project has recently completed successful safety tests in animals and intends to begin human trials this summer, Dr. Suso hopes that their product can shorten the treatment time for full wound closure significantly, as well as providing hospitals and at-home nurses with treatments that are more affordable than today's options.

The aim is that it will be suitable for a variety of wounds, including bed or pressure sores, and diabetes-related wounds like foot ulcers, which are estimated to affect 25 % of people with diabetes. But currently their focus is the chronic open sore of venous leg ulcers.

"We have had very positive results which have driven our motivation so far," said Dr. Suso. "It seems to be an exceptional cost-effective product for chronic wounds."

Explore further Researchers find factor that delays wound healingCancer patients treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs are less likely to receive excessive end-of-life interventions than those treated through Medicare, according to a study led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System.

The study will be published online Jan. 8 in Health Affairs.

"The findings are not just important for veterans and VA policy, but for anybody who needs medical care at the end of life, which is a majority of us," said Risha Gidwani-Marszowski, DrPH, a consulting assistant professor of medicine at Stanford. "We as a society need to ensure we are setting up the organization of health care and its financial incentives to ensure that the services patients receive are the ones that are in their best interests at the end of life."

Gidwani-Marszowski, the lead author, is also a health economist at the VA Health Economics Resource Center. The senior author is Steven Asch, MD, professor of medicine at Stanford.

Many Americans say they would prefer to die at home and forgo intensive medical care at the end of their lives. Yet in the last month of life, many studies have shown that the use and cost of health care accelerates. Approximately 4 percent of the entire federal budget is spent on care for Medicare patients in their last year of life, according to some estimates.

In addition, changes are afoot at the VA. Several efforts, including the proposed Veterans Empowerment Act, would change the VA so that it mostly funds medical services, along the lines of Medicare, rather than providing all the care itself.

Those changes could expose veterans to any effects a Medicare-like funding approach has on end-of-life care, Gidwani-Marszowski said.

Testing a funding model

The researchers tested whether the way that care is organized affects the provision of end-of-life services for veterans dying of cancer. The study looked at 87,251 veterans older than 66 who had solid tumors and died between October 2009 and September 2014.

The researchers based the analysis of care quality on guidelines developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Quality Forum, as well as on research that has shown patients consider some services undesirable or burdensome at the end of life. Specific criteria included whether patients received chemotherapy; whether they had two or more emergency department visits; whether they were admitted to the hospital and, if so, how many days they spent there; whether they died in the hospital; and whether they were admitted to intensive care. In the study, higher numbers of veterans receiving these services indicates lower quality of care.

The researchers then compared the use of these services by veterans with cancer who used VA health care with veterans with cancer who received their care through Medicare. More than 90 percent of older veterans are enrolled in Medicare as well as the VA, so the population that is eligible for both programs is ideal for evaluating differences in care due to health care system factors, Gidwani-Marszowski said. Researchers accounted for several characteristics that could affect which system veterans choose for care, including the distance they live from medical facilities, Gidwani-Marszowski said.

The study showed that Medicare patients were more likely to receive unduly intensive care at the end of life including chemotherapy, hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit, longer stays in the hospital and death in the hospital than those who received care through the VA.

Gidwani-Marszowski said the study's findings that Medicare patients receive lower-quality, higher-intensity end-of-life care make sense given the different financial incentives of the two systems. VA physicians are salaried, while Medicare-funded physicians bill according to the services provided, which is known as fee for service. Therefore, additional services provided through Medicare generate funds for physicians and health care organizations.

Emergency department use differs

The researchers also found that the VA patients were more likely than the Medicare patients to have two or more emergency department visits. One possible explanation, Gidwani-Marszowski said, is that extended hours or access to appointments are not available at all VA facilities and that veterans may instead need to go to the emergency department for their care. Another is that Medicare patients may be hospitalized for care that VA patients get in the emergency department.

"The VA has long been a leader in providing patient-centered care at the end of life," Asch said. "Our study showed that veterans can expect appropriately lower-intensity care as they face late-stage cancer at VA facilities. If they choose instead to use their Medicare benefits outside the VA, they are at greater risk of getting chemotherapy, hospitalization and other services that will likely not help them in their last days."

The work is an example of Stanford Medicine's focus on precision health, the goal of which is to anticipate and prevent disease in the healthy and precisely diagnose and treat disease in the ill.Credit: University of Leeds

Fewer women who suffer a heart attack each year in the UK would die if they were simply given the same treatments as men, according to new research.

Scientists at the University of Leeds and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden used data from Sweden's extensive online cardiac registry, SWEDEHEART, to analyse the outcomes of 180,368 patients who suffered a heart attack over a 10 year period to December 2013.

After accounting for the expected number of deaths seen in the average population, the researchers found that women had an excess mortality up to three times higher than men's in the year after having a heart attack

While the analysis uses Swedish data, the researchers believe that the situation for women in the UK is likely to be worse than in Sweden, which has one of the lowest mortality rates from heart attacks anywhere in the world.

The study, published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, was co-funded by the British Heart Foundation.

Professor Chris Gale, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Leeds, who co-authored the study, said: "We need to work harder to shift the perception that heart attacks only affect a certain type of person.

"Typically, when we think of a heart attack patient, we see a middle-aged man who is overweight, has diabetes and smokes. This is not always the case: heart attacks affect the wider spectrum of the population, including women.

"Sweden is a leader in healthcare, with one of the lowest mortality rates from heart attacks, yet we still see this disparity in treatment and outcomes between men and women.

"In all likelihood, the situation for women in the UK may be worse."

Analysis of the Swedish data found that women who had a heart attack resulting from a blockage in the coronary artery were 34 per cent less likely than men to receive procedures which clear blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the heart, including bypass surgery and stents.

The paper reported that women were also 24 per cent less likely to be prescribed statins, which help to prevent a second heart attack, and 16 per cent less likely to be given aspirin, which helps to prevent blood clots.

Critically, when women received all of the treatments recommended for patients who have suffered a heart attack, the gap in excess mortality between the sexes decreased dramatically.

Professor Gale, from the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, added: "The findings from this study suggest that there are clear and simple ways to improve the outcomes for women who have a heart attack  we must ensure equal provision of evidence-based treatments for women."

Previous British Heart Foundation research has shown that women are 50 per cent more likely than men to receive the wrong initial diagnosis and are less likely to get a pre-hospital Electrocardiogram (ECG) which is essential for swift diagnosis and treatment.

Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Heart attacks are often seen as a male health issue, but more women die from coronary heart disease than breast cancer in the UK. The findings from this research are concerning  women are dying because they are not receiving proven treatments to save lives after a heart attack."

Explore further Doctors much more likely to miss heart attacks in women

More information: Oras A Alabas et al. Sex Differences in Treatments, Relative Survival, and Excess Mortality Following Acute Myocardial Infarction: National Cohort Study Using the SWEDEHEART Registry, Journal of the American Heart Association (2017). Journal information: Journal of the American Heart Association Oras A Alabas et al. Sex Differences in Treatments, Relative Survival, and Excess Mortality Following Acute Myocardial Infarction: National Cohort Study Using the SWEDEHEART Registry,(2017). DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.117.007123Centre has made a provision of Rs 750 crores to make all Legislative assemblies and legislative councils digital and paperless.

This was disclosed by Anant Kumar, union minister for Parliamentary Affairs while addressing 18 the All India Whips Conference at Udaipur on Monday.

He said this was a five-year project named E-Vidhan and centre will bear the cost.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in her address talked about the importance of health debate and ensuring that bills that were meant for public interest were not held up due to the ruckus.

She remembered Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Meenu Masani for setting best examples in parliamentary debates.

"We can learn a lot from the parliamentary values that they had set," she said.

Raje remembered Shekhawat for encouraging young members of the house to participate in debates.

Anant Kumar lauded Raje for her efforts that have resulted in an increase in average working hours of the house.

Vijay Goyal, union minister of state for Parliamentary Affairs called upon the simplification of rules of the procedure and changes.

Dignitaries also released a coffee table book "New India-We Resolve to Make" on the occasion.Zika virus particles (red) shown in African green monkey kidney cells. Credit: NIAID

Two years ago, the world was gripped in Zika panic as the mosquito-borne virus infected millions and spread across 80 countries. Officials declared a global health emergency and tourists canceled their tropical vacations. Thousands of babies were born with devastating birth defects after their mothers were infected in pregnancy.

Today, public health priorities have shifted as the virus fades. In hard-hit Brazil, where some athletes skipped the 2016 Summer Olympics out of Zika fears, confirmed cases dropped from 206,000 that year to fewer than 14,000 in 2017, all before April.

Cases of the virus in the U.S. dropped from 5,102 in 2016 to 385 last yearall but three acquired while traveling to tropical areas.

Last month, the Missouri health department said it will stop testing most pregnant women who have traveled to Zika-affected areas. Clinical trials of a Zika vaccine at St. Louis University will not move into a second phase of testing after a drugmaker pulled funding.

Intensive mosquito control probably had an effect on Zika's presence. Travel warnings and personal precautions such as bug spray also helped. Most likely, a high enough percentage of people were infected across central and South America that a "herd immunity" developed, making it hard for the virus to continue its spread.

Still, "we are not finished with Zika," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

"Even though when you look at the number of infections, it's dramatically down, it doesn't mean they're going to stay down," Fauci said. "You've got to be careful when dealing with vector-borne diseases. They have a tendency to cycle in and out. It very well could come back."

Fauci said the federal government remains committed to getting its Zika vaccine to market, with testing in Puerto Rico and South America. He pointed to the record four months it took between sequencing the virus's DNA to testing vaccines as proof of the urgency.

At St. Louis University, 90 people entered a trial for another Zika vaccine. Early results released last month showed the vaccine had no significant safety concerns, and produced a favorable immune response in nearly all the volunteers.

But that trial has stalled, with no plans for a second phase of testing in Zika-affected areas after drugmaker Sanofi pulled funding, citing a combination of reduced virus activity and government budget cuts.

Dr. Sarah George, associate professor of infectious diseases, allergy, and immunology at St. Louis University, said the initial research will be useful because a vaccine can be ready for further testing if an outbreak occurs.

"That will happen. We just don't know when or where," she said.

It happened in summer 2016 in Miami, where federal health officials issued their first-ever medical travel warning in the U.S. The Zika outbreak in Florida infected nearly 300 people in 2016. Just two people were infected in Florida in 2017. Last week, state health officials closed their Zika information hotline.

The World Health Organization counted 12 outbreaks worldwide in 2015, 22 in 2016 and just one in early 2017three cases in India. The health agency hasn't issued a Zika situation report since March 2017.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently deactivated its emergency response system for Zika that was launched in January 2016.

Mosquito-borne viruses are notoriously tricky to predict, and experts say it's premature to dismiss the threat entirely. There is still much to be learned about Zika, which seems to be the only virus of its type to cross the placental barrier and stunt the brain development of the fetus. It is also unusual because it can be spread through sexual contact.

Even if Zika never returns at the same levels, thousands of children face lifelong disabilities. A study of Brazilian babies diagnosed with Zika at birth in 2015 and 2016 shows that most experience seizures, can't sit up or walk and have hearing and vision problems.

The future of Zika could look like the pattern of mosquito-borne West Nile virus, which hit highs 9,862 cases in the U.S. in 2003 and hasn't reached those numbers since. Or it could be more like dengue virus, with four subtypes that reliably infect more than 1 million people each year in the Southern Hemisphere.

There are some other clues about Zika's path based on its emergence in the South Pacific. About 75 to 80 percent of people were estimated to have been infected in 2013 and 2014 on some islands in French Polynesia, where the virus has since been virtually eradicated. Once people are infected, they are thought to be immune for life. If a large enough percentage of the population has immunity, the virus can't take hold.

"After a wave of infection comes through, there are very few susceptible people left to infect in subsequent years," said Dr. Steven Lawrence, infectious disease specialist at Washington University. "It may be once you weather the initial storm of the first year or two, then it becomes a less prominent problem in future years."

Although mosquito-borne viruses are not known to mutate readily, much about Zika remains a mystery. It could make the leap from tropical mosquito species to others that are more common in the U.S., Lawrence said.

The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory still recommends and provides Zika testing for anyone who may have been exposed to the virus and went on to develop symptoms, which include fever, rash and joint pain. Pregnant women are still advised to avoid travel to tropical areas.

"We can't totally write it off yet," Lawrence said. "It's still a potential problem for people traveling. There is always the potential for changes in the virus. I don't think the story is over."

Explore further CDC shutters command center for Zika monitoring

2018 St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The Trump administration imposed sanctions Friday on four Venezuelan officials, accusing them of engaging in political repression and public corruption as part of President Nicolas Maduros government.

One official, a sitting governor, had served as head of the food ministry, which has been blamed for mismanaging a program critical in a nation where children have died of hunger. Another, a former governor, was said to have empowered armed gangs in Bolivar State.

President Maduro and his inner circle continue to put their own interests above those of the Venezuelan people, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. This action underscores the United States resolve to hold Maduro and others engaged in corruption in Venezuela accountable.

In announcing the sanctions, the Treasury Department criticized Venezuelas all-powerful National Constituent Assembly  which the United States considers illegitimate  for effectively stripping the three biggest opposition parties of their ability to participate in the next presidential election, which is supposed to take place this year. The assembly has decreed that only parties that took part in the previous election will be eligible.In reality, Asians are rarely considered white, and the model-minority myth obscures the vast differences among Asian-Americans. Whats more, the myth helped to strengthen Americas white liberal order, which claims to uphold diversity while also being anti-black. It legitimizes white Americas power to determine who is good and to offer basic dignity and equal rights.

The model-minority myth exists alongside another dangerous and limiting idea  one that is consistent with the alt-rights misogyny and core anti-feminist values. The main problem with white women, as many alt-right Asian fetishists have noted, is theyve become too feminist. By contrast, Asian women are seen as naturally inclined to serve men sexually and are also thought of as slim, light-skinned and small, in adherence to Western norms of femininity.

These stereotypes have roots in Americas postwar military incursions into Asia. In Japan, a network of brothels permitted by American officials opened as United States troops began arriving in August 1945. The brothels employed tens of thousands of women until Gen. Douglas MacArthur declared them off limits in 1946.

In South Korea, an estimated 300,000 women were working in the sex trade by 1958 (after the end of the Korean War), with more than half employed in the camptowns around the American bases. Vietnams sex industry, centered largely on American bars, thrived during the Vietnam War. And the stereotype of docile Asian women persists. Nowhere is this more explicit than in sex ads and online pornography.

Tila Tequila  Playboy model, reality show star, aspiring rapper and one of a handful of female Asian-American celebrities  is often seen through this trope. Does she resent being typecast as the hot, horny Asian as much as I resented being seen as a model minority?

Yet after I was called white at age 14, it felt, paradoxically, like a compliment to be nicknamed Geisha Girl by another friend, a well-meaning gay white boy. This was not because I was delicate. But the nickname became our inside joke, and it symbolized the kind of femininity that attracted the boys I liked, but that I have never really possessed. Being in on the joke meant I was accepted. Since then, I have acted out in all manner of ways to dispel the model minority image. Still, I have never fully extinguished the belief that racking up an impressive lineup of achievements is the only way to gain respect.

The stereotypes that feed the Asian-woman fetish are not exclusive to the far right. They exist across the political spectrum and infect every aspect of life  not just the bedroom  and manifest themselves in figures as distant from America as the blond-haired, blue-eyed heroes and hypersexualized heroines of Japanese anime.Ombudsman: Azerbaijanis burned section of road from Norabak village to Azat

Armenia confirms 423 COVID-19 new cases in a day

Saudi air defense forces destroy three mined Houthi drones

3 people killed in Washington shooting

Political analyst: It is decided in Moscow who will or will not visit Artsakh

Another fallen Armenian soldiers remains found during Artsakh search operations

President confers Hero of Artsakh title

Le Drian: France will continue assisting Armenia in overcoming consequences of Karabakh conflict

More than 5,000 people evacuated in China after damage to dam

Over 70 people killed or wounded in Afghanistan aerial gunshots

Deputy chief of North Macedonia mission to OSCE detained at Armenia's request

Taliban say they have taken control of 4 districts in Afghanistans Panjshir province

EU assists Armenia enterprises engaged in dried-fruit production, export (PHOTOS)

Grape growers reopen road in Armenias Ararat

17 people killed after indiscriminate shots fired in Kabul

4 new cases of coronavirus reported in Karabakh

Blinken to Mirzoyan: US Embassy in Yerevan ready to assist you, your government

7 injured in New Zealand supermarket knife attack

Artsakh presidential adviser dismissed

Grape growers block road in Armenias Ararat Province

Female passenger dies on the spot after car hits horse in Armenias Syunik Province

621 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

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The dead body of a newborn was found on board a plane that landed at the international airport of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia.

Police have detained the 37-year-old mother of this baby, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency.

According to police, the woman was taken to hospital.

She had given birth on board an Abu Dhabi-Jakarta flight.

Around four hours after takeoff she began bleeding, and therefore the plane made an emergency landing at an airport in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, where she was provided with medical assistance.

But when the plane arrived in Jakarta without this woman, the newborns dead body was found in the toilet of this aircraft.

The cause of the childs death has not been determined yet.

The said woman arrived in Jakarta on board the next flight.

Even though she was detained, she has not been questioned yet because she is unable to testify.The Chandigarh Press Club members on Monday organised a protest march against the UIDAI authorities for registering an FIR against English daily The Tribune and its reporter Rachna Khera.

The media persons also criticised the UIDAI authorities for targeting the newspaper and its reporter.

The Tribune news editor Nanki Hans told India Today that the UIDAI instead of investigating the case and taking action against the accused selling Aadhaar data for a few hundred rupees targeted the English daily and Khera.

The move by UIDAI authorities comes off like shooting the messenger, Hans added.

Earlier, while addressing the media persons, the president of Chandigarh Press Club Jaswant Rana slammed the UIDAI authorities for making the journalists a soft target.

He said that this was an attack on the freedom of press which shall not be tolerated.

Dr. Joginder Singh, senior news editor of Dainik Tribune, told India Today that The Tribune group is consulting the Legal Eagles to fight the case.

"The group stands by its story and believes in investigative journalism," Dr. Joginder Singh said.

Chandigarh Press Club members also formed a human chain during the protest march and shouted slogans against UIADI authorities.

They also demanded the withdrawal of the FIR registered in New Delhi against the English daily and its reporter.

ALSO WATCH | Aadhaar card helps deaf and mute woman reunite with familyRepresentatives of Iran and the three EU countries intend to hold a consultative meeting on the agreement on the Iranian nuclear program. This was stated by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, IRNA news agency reports.

According to Zarif, the meeting will be devoted to the destructive U.S. policy towards the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The possible date and venue of the meeting are not specified.

On July 14, 2015, Iran and the six international mediators (Russia, the United States, Great Britain, China, France and Germany) reached a historic agreement on the settlement of the long-standing problem of Iran's atom: the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, implementation of which frees Iran from previous economic and financial sanctions from the UN Security Council, the United States and the European Union.

The current U.S. administration severely criticizes the agreement and threatens to withdraw from it, calling the document the worst deal for the United States.China today made it clear that it is opposed to the US "finger pointing" at Pakistan and linking its all-weather ally with terrorism, insisting that the responsibility of combating terror outfits cannot be placed on a particular country.

China's backing for Pakistan came as the US stepped up pressure on Islamabad to eliminate terror safe havens on its soil.

The Trump administration last week suspended nearly USD 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan for its failure to take decisive action against terror groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

"China always opposed linking terrorism with any certain country and we don't agree to place the responsibility of anti terrorism on a certain country," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing.

He was responding to a question on a White House officials remarks that China could play helpful role in convincing Pakistan that it was in its national interest to crackdown on terror safe havens.

"We have stressed many times that Pakistan has made important sacrifices and contributions to the global anti terrorism cause," Lu said.

"Countries should strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation on the basis of mutual respect instead of finger pointing at each other. This is not conducive to the global terrorism efforts," he said.

China has been vocal in extending support to Pakistan since US President Donald Trump stepped up criticism against Islamabad for providing safe havens for terrorists.

Trump in a New Years Day tweet 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.

Chinese media has been speculating that Trumps efforts to step up pressure on Pakistan may move it closer to Islamabad as Beijing is involved in a number of projects in the country under the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Chinese official media is highlighting reports that Pakistan may allow China to build a a military base at Jiwani located close to Iran's Chabahar port, which is being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

Jiwani is also close to the strategic Gwadar port in Balochistan which is being developed by China. While defending Pakistan, Lu said China at the same time backed international counter terrorism efforts.

"First and foremost, I would like to say that terrorism is the common enemy of the international community. Cracking down of terrorism calls for the joint efforts from the international community," he said.

"Actually, China is defending countries that have been making anti-terrorism efforts in a just and fair way. China also welcomes all the global joint efforts in terms of counter terrorism on the basis of mutual trust and mutual respect," he said.

ALSO WATCH | China's U-turn after BRICS summit: Beijing defends Pakistan on terrorSuleyman Soylu, the Minister of the Interior of Turkey, has stated that no wall will be built along the countrys borders with Armenia and Georgia.

The minister stressed that instead of building a wall, electronic equipment for border security control will be installed along the borders with Armenia and Georgia, according to Hurriyet (Liberty) newspaper of Turkey.

Soylu noted, however, that 50 percent of the wall being built along Turkeys border with Iran is ready. He added that Iran has shown a constructive stance regarding the construction of this wall, and it helped Turkey on this matter.

Earlier, Turkish press had reported that Turkey plans to build a wall also along its borders with Armenia and Georgia.China has agreed to stop road construction activity at Bhising area in upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, while speaking to media persons in New Delhi today confirmed the same. "The Tutting incident has been resolved after a border personal meeting," Rawat said.

It has been sorted out & we have had our Border Personnel Meeting after that: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on face-off with China in Arunchal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/KCGRfQ4Kfn &; ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

It was on December 26, 2017 India discovered that China was trying to construct an operational track - an unpaved road for movement of men and material - along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Chinese labour retracted after Indian troops objected to the road building, while leaving behind earth excavators and water bowsers.

The Indian and Chinese troops had a meeting on January 6 over the issue.

"The Chinese reacted very maturely. They accepted that differing perception of the border led to crossing the Line of Actual Control," a senior officer aware of the developments told India Today.

"China has assured us that it won't be using the road now," he added.

Following the Border Personnel Meeting, India returned the excavators and water bowsers to China.

Chinese efforts to construct a road in upper Siang had sparked considerable concern in New Delhi. The fresh road building activity began a few months after the 73-day stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops at the Doklam plateau in Bhutan.

The stand-off between both the troops near the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction started on June 16, when a People's Liberation Army (PLA) construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road on land that is claimed by Bhutan.

The face-off ended on August 28.

ALSO WATCH | Chinese building equipment found in Arunachal Pradesh villageThe notorious kidnapper, Mr. Don Wani, who masterminded the killing of 23 persons in Omoku in Rivers state, has been killed.

Wani, a suspected militant leader, was confirmed killed in a combined operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Army at a border town between Rivers and Imo.

A source said the incident happened at about 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The Rivers Director of DSS, Mr Tosin Ajayi, said: No comment for now, when he was contacted to comment on the incident.

Meanwhile, the kidnappers of Mrs Tina Inegbagha, Wife of the Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa have demanded N5 million ransom to release her.

Mrs Inegbagha, who spent the Christmas and New Year at the kidnappers den, was abducted at the palace of her husband on Dec. 16, 2017.

Mr Majesty Inegbagha, a member of the Monarchs family, who confirmed the development in Yenagoa, said the kidnappers had earlier contacted the family demanding for N100 million.

The kidnappers are now demanding N5 million, yes, they contacted us earlier demanding for N100 million but later reduced the ransom to N30 million and now N5 million.

We have been able to establish contact with the kidnappers of her majesty and we have also spoken with her on phone, he said.

Inegbagha lamented the inability of the family to raise the money and pleaded with the kidnappers to release the monarchs wife unconditionally.

Where can we get that money? We have been appealing to them to help us and release her to us, he pleaded.

Mrs Inegbagha was kidnapped alongside the Principal of the Government Craft Development Centre in the Community.

Also relatives of the abducted Chief of Agom Akulu in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr Yohana Sidi Kukah, said they were yet to receive a phone call from the alleged kidnappers.

A Community Leader in Ikulu, Dr Yusuf Tanko, said that no one within the family of the traditional ruler or anyone in the community had been contacted by the kidnappers 24 hours after his abduction.#

Usually, kidnappers would contact a family member but we are yet to receive any, he said.

Tanko claimed that no fewer than 13 kidnappers came on footpath and arms.

Another resident, Mr Micha Dauda, said the suspected kidnappers walked on footpath after carrying out their act from Ikulu through to Crossing village.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Mukhtar Aliyu, said the command was told about the incident at 8.45 a.m and effort had been put in place to unravel the abductors.Philippe Coutinho has been presented as a Barcelona player for the first time.

The Catalan giants are reported to have agreed a deal worth up to 142million with Liverpool to bring the Brazilian playmaker to Camp Nou, after a series of bids failed in August.

Coutinho will be formally unveiled on Monday, with a photo shoot on the Camp Nou pitch to be followed by a press conference.

But Barca offered a glimpse of Coutinho in Barcelona colours in a video posted to the clubs official Twitter account after Sundays home win against Levante.

Coutinho is shown walking out on stage and posing for the cameras, waving to the photographers and offering a double thumbs-up for the flashbulbs.

The 25-year-old then sent a message to his new clubs fans ahead of Mondays formalities.

Hi Barcelona fans, Im already here, Coutinho said. Its a dream come true and I hope to see you tomorrow.

Without Coutinho, Barca beat Levante 3-0 to stretch their cushion at the top of the LaLiga table to nine points, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Paulinho on the scoresheet.

Picture Credits: ReutersBenue State Government has concluded arrangement to give mass burial to the victims of the New Year attack next Thursday.



Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Terver Akase, disclosed this on Sunday through telephone conversation.

He explained that there would be a memorial service for them by 10am at the IBB Square, Makurdi.

Akase said the 10 persons killed on Saturday would be buried along with the 49 deposited at various mortuaries in the state.

He added that the dead would be buried in their localities after the memorial service, meaning that 39 bodies will be buried at Guma and 20 others would be interred in Logo, all in Benue state.

He added that the state government considered the deceased as heroes of the state who died for the safety of Benue.

Governor Ortom had declared at the stakeholders meeting held on Friday that three days mourning period would be declared in preparatory for the mass burial.

According to him, state government will make coffins for the 49 bodies  39 from Guma and 10 from Logo local government areas deposited at various mortuaries.

He added that he had given orders that those bodies that were currently found and already decomposed be buried immediately.

Meanwhile, the state command spokesman, ASP, Moses Yamu said that more policemen have been deployed to the troubled areas, particularly, Logo, where more attack was recorded on Saturday.The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has said President Muhammadu is desirous to give Nigerian workers an enhanced pay package this year.

He said the thinking of the Federal Government was to approve a minimum wage that would be acceptable to all stakeholders.

Ngige stated this in a chat with journalists at Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He said a National Tripartite Committee set up by President Buhari on minimum wage had commenced work and would likely conclude arrangements on the exercise in the third quarter of this year.

He said, We had our inaugural meeting on 14th December and we did a framework for our work.

We will finish our job before the third quarter of this year, but we may finish earlier.

Minimum wage is a national matter and only the federal government can legislate on it. Labour matter and the issue of national minimum wage is in the Exclusive List.

President Buhari is monitoring it strictly, and I am monitoring it too.

I wear a double cap as minister of labour, who is the regulator and also as the deputy chairman of the committee.

Ngige said the committee would work to come out with an acceptable minimum wage, saying that the Nigerian Governors Forum, representatives of the Nigerian workers, and the Nigerian Employers Consultative Assembly make up the committee.US President Donald Trump said Saturday, January 6, he is willing to speak directly with Kim Jong-Un, voicing hope that rare talks between North and South Korea could help deescalate the crisis over Pyongyangs nuclear drive.

Trumps remarks were a further pivot from his often-bellicose rhetoric on North Korea and Kim, with whom he has engaged in a war of words that raised fears of nuclear war as Pyongyang carried out missile and nuclear tests.

I always believe in talking, Trump said at the Camp David presidential retreat when asked if he would speak to Kim by phone.

Absolutely I would do that, no problem with that at all, Trump said, while making clear this did not mean he would do so without preconditions.

North and South Korea have agreed to hold their first official talks in more than two years. Trump expressed hopes that they would go beyond discussions of Pyongyangs participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics in the South, which a North Korean Olympic official said Saturday was likely.

I would love to see them take it beyond the Olympics, Trump said. And at the appropriate time, well get involved.

He added that if something could come out of the talks, that would be a great thing for all of humanity.

Kim said in a New Year speech that his country wished success for the Olympics, to be held from February 9-25, and would consider sending a delegation  remarks that set off a tentative rapprochement after weeks of high tensions.

The North and South agreed to the talks on Friday, and Seoul has proposed sending a five-member delegation led by a government minister to the talks in the truce village of Panmunjom on Tuesday, according to the Unification Ministry in Seoul. (AFP)The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that failure of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Ministry of Petroleum Resources to find solution to the biting fuel crisis in the country has wrecked the nations economy.



This is just as the party slammed the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu over what it described as his proposals to trade away the nations resources to other interests under sneaky subsidy deals.

In a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party also expressed sadness that President Buhari had refused to heed wise counsel from Nigerians to quit as Minister of Petroleum and allow competent hands to effectively manage the sector.

It added that the Presidents rebuff has left the nation with no hope of any solution to the current fuel crisis and its attendant hardship on Nigerians.

The statement said, It is now clear to all that President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Government is bent at wrecking the nation. Instead of abating, the situation is getting worse under the APC administration, which on December 6, 2017 promised to end the fuel crisis within one week.

What is more frightening is the atrocious proposals by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, which amounts to trading away the nations resources to the mercy and vagaries of international interests through questionable subsidy plans that are completely against national interest.

This same Minister who denied that there are plans to increase the price of fuel, is also plotting an indirect hike through a wicked price modulation plan where the NNPC will be allowed to continue to sell at N145 per liter in its few mega stations across the country while the independent marketers would be allowed to sell at whatever price that is profitable to them in all their outlets.

The opposition party said its now clear to all that the APC government is only being perfidious with the oil sector, particularly in its promise not to increase fuel prices.

The PDP noted that there are very few NNPC stations and that most of such stations will not even have the products to sell to members of the public.

What this means is that after ruining the system, the APC administration is now contemplating handing Nigerians over to unspeakable whims of independent marketers, while attempting to cover shady subsidy regime through which billions of naira could be frittered away daily under their watch.

This proposal will leave our economy, which is already weakened by the incompetent and corrupt APC government, in complete comatose and result in more hardship on the already impoverished Nigerians.

With the poor purchasing power of the Naira, also due to bad polices of the APC government, any additional anti-people policy will ultimately spell doom for our dear nation.

Nigerians are now aware that the same government that boasts of zero tolerance for corruption has been engaged in unspeakable graft, including unabated siphoning of our national resources through underhand subsidy deals, direct diversion of public funds in various sectors and depletion of our foreign financial instruments, and this must stop.Those who are displaced as a result of New year attacked and killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Logo Local government area said they are drying of hunger .

Inhabitants of Azege, Tse  Zungwe, Anyibe ,Gbeleve and mbakighir villages displaced in the attacked are now taking shelter in Ayilamo, headquarters of Tombo ward ,in Logo local government area of Benue state .

When newsmen visited the LGEA primary school camp Ayilamo ,most of the displaced among them, nursing mothers ,children and old men were seen squating on bare floor in classrooms.

To worsen matters ,the classooms had no windows and there is serious harmattan now in the area .

A 40 year old man Unange ugo revealed that he escaped from his home with nothing on him ,except the cloths on his body .

 We saw the Fulani herdmens shooting people and burning houses in the next village so I hurriedly took my family and we ran to safety  ugo.

 Since we arrived here in this temporary camp me and my wife have not seen any food ,we only drank garri and sleep .he said .

Another victim , a pregnant woman Mrs .Mary Gbanger , said she escaped ahead of her husband with two children ,but later heard from other family members that husband was shot and killed by herdsmen .

 My husband was shot and killed but I escaped with two children ,since we came to Ayilalamo town ,there is no food I only survived on the good will of the people in Ayilamo town who cook and gave us said Mrs.Gbanger .

She appealed to the state and federal government to help them with relief materials like food ,sleeping mats.

Investigations revealed that there is no water in the camp as most of the displaced are even afraid to trek long distance in search of water for fear of unknown .

There is possibility of outbreak of disease if the displaced continued to leave in the temporary camp with out basic amenities.

Even though Governor Samuel Ortom has directed the State Emergency Management Agency ( SEMA) to set up designated camps for the victims ,officials of the agency are yet to arrived the camp in Ayilamo.

Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom said those who were killed in the attacked will be giving a state burial on Thursday.

Governor Ortom described those killed as hero of anti -open grazing prohibition Law.

He said no going back on the law as that is the only way to solved herders  farmers clashes.

He said there is population explosion and the land is no longer there like in the fifties .Home | News | General | Nigerian workers will start smiling soon over minimum wage - Ngige

- Nigerias minister of labour and employment Chris Ngige said Nigerian workers would start smiling very soon over the minimum wage

- Ngige said President Buhari is desirous to give the workers an enhanced pay package in the year 2018

- He maintained that the minimum wage is a national matter and only the federal government can legislate on it

The minister of labour and employment Chris Ngige said President Muhammadu Buhari is interested in the well fair of Nigerian workers and that will enhance their salary in the year 2018.

Ngige who made this known in a chat with journalists at Ifitedunu, Dunukofia local government area of Anambra state, said a national tripartite committee set up by President Buhari on minimum wage had commenced work.

According to him, We had our inaugural meeting on 14th December and we did a framework for our work. We will finish our job before the third quarter of this year, but we may finish earlier.

READ ALSO: Nigerian army loses another outstanding soldier in Damboa

Minimum wage is a national matter and only the federal government can legislate on it. Labour matter and the issue of national minimum wage is in the Exclusive List.

President Buhari is monitoring it strictly, and I am monitoring it too. I wear a double cap as minister of labour, who is the regulator and also as the deputy chairman of the committee.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app

He also said the committee would work to come out with an acceptable minimum wage, saying that the Nigerian Governors Forum, representatives of the Nigerian workers, and the Nigerian Employers Consultative Assembly make up the committee.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that there was some good news for government workers in Nigeria as the government finally put plans in motion to set up a tripartite committee to deliberate on a new minimum wage for workers in the country.

Peter Ozo-Eson, the general secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress said the FG had written them to forward a list of its representatives to the committee on minimum wage.

Who should get higher salary - doctors or teachers? - on NAIJ.com TV:

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Source: Naija.ng

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Loading...Home | News | General | Iran bans English language from being taught in primary schools

- Irans head of High Education Council said teaching of English at the primary school level is now against the law

- Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said teaching of English language will expose the children to Western cultures

- Ali Khamenei, however, said Iran is not opposed to learning of foreign language

Mehdi Navid-Adham, head Iran's High Education Council, said on state television late on Saturday, January 6, that teaching English language at the primary school level is now unlawful.

He said: "Teaching English in government and non-government primary schools in the official curriculum is against laws and regulations."

"This is because the assumption is that, in primary education, the groundwork for the Iranian culture of the students is laid, he added.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Army, DSS kill notorious kidnapper, Don Wani in Rivers

The Independent reports that Navid-Adham said non-curriculum English classes may also be blocked under the new rules.

Note that Persian is the official national language of Iran.

Primary education in the country starts at the age of six and lasts for six years.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com gathered that a senior education official announced that the language had been banned because the Iranian culture of students is established during primary level education.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app

It was reported that Iran's Islamic leaders have often issued pleas about the risks posed by a "cultural invasion" as a result of the teaching of English language at the primary school level.

In 2016 Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei allegedly said teaching English language at the primary school level may cause invasion of Western culture among the children in the country.

He, however, explained that banning English does not mean Iran is opposed to learning of foreign language.

He said: "That does not mean opposition to learning a foreign language, but (this is the) promotion of a foreign culture in the country and among children, young adults and youths."

NAIJ.com previously reported that the Kaduna state Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) directed its member to commence indefinite strike on Monday, Jan. 8, over the sack of 21,780 public primary school teachers in the state.

This is contained in a notice of strike dated January 4, 2018, signed by the unions Assistant Secretary General, Adamu Anglo, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The teachers were sacked for allegedly failing to score 75 per cent pass mark of the competency test organised by the state government in June 2017.

Who should be held responsible for exam malpractice? Student, teacher or parents? on NAIJ.com TV.

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Source: Naija.ng

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Loading...Home | News | General | Breaking: Benue government plans mass burial for 59 victims of herdsmen attack

- Benue state government announces three days mourning period for victims of herdsmen attack in the state

- The state government also plans mass burial for the victims

- Governor Ortom said the deceased are heroes who died for the safety of Benue

Benue state government has concluded arrangement to give mass burial to the victims of the New Year attack by herdsmen, next Thursday, January 11.

Chief press secretary to the governor, Terver Akase, disclosed this on Sunday, January 7, Punch reports.

NAIJ.com gathered that Akase explained there would be a memorial service for them by 10am at the IBB Square, Makurdi.

He further said the 10 persons killed on Saturday, January 6, would be buried along with the 49 deposited at various mortuaries in the state.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Army, DSS kill notorious kidnapper, Don Wani in Rivers

He explained that 39 bodies will be buried at Guma and 20 others would be interred in Logo, all in Benue state.

Akase noted that the state government considered the deceased as heroes of the state who died for the safety of Benue.

In preparation for the mass burial, Governor Samuel Ortom had declared on Friday, January 5, at the stakeholders meeting that three days mourning period would be observed to honour the dead.

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He said that the state government will make coffins for the 49 bodies , that is, 39 from Guma and 10 from Logo local government areas deposited at various mortuaries.

NAIJ.com earlier reported that Governor Ortom stated on Saturday, January 6, that he had decided to settle political scores with his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam, as he continues to seek solution to the attacks and killings of his people by herdsmen.

He said he also contacted former Senate president, David Mark, over the security issue.

The governor further said he had withdrawn from all political activities until the incessant killings in the state as a result of attacks by Fulani herdsmen are over.

Southern Kaduna killings: part 1 - on NAIJ.com TV

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Source: Naija.ng

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Loading...Kathmandu, Jan 8 (PTI) Intense cold weather in Nepal has claimed seven more lives, taking to 24 the death toll due to severe winter conditions over the past week in southern part of the country, according to a media report.

More than half of the them, 14, were reported from Saptari district while five each in Rautahat and Siraha districts in the Tarai region, it said.

Seven people, including a 7-month-old child, lost their lives due to excessive cold in various municipalities of Saptari district last night, the Himalayan Times quoted senior police officials as saying.

The locals of Saptari have sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, demanding relief materials for those vulnerable to cold.

In Rautahat, two people died due to freezing cold last night, Superintendent of Police Yagya Binod Pokhrel said.

Rautahat District Administration Office said warm clothes and blankets were being distributed to the poor and in Dalit settlements of the district.

In Siraha, a five-year-old child died due to excessive cold, taking the number of deaths due to cold wave in the district to five, according to the report. PTI KIS AKJ KISHome | News | General | Fund transfer: Between NIP and NEFT

By Elizabeth Adegbesan

THERE are different types of funds transfer services and it is important for bank customers to understand the differences and implications.

Fund transfer is when you send money to person or persons from your bank account using a transfer channel. You can transfer funds to people living within and outside the country using various transfer channels.

Types of Fund Transfer

Manual funds transfer: This is performed in the banking hall. The sender visit the bank of the receiver, fill out a fund transfer form which specifies the account number of the receiver and the amount to be transferred.

Banking hall

Electronic funds transfer: Electronic funds transfer is the transfer of money from your bank account to another bank account through computer-based systems. Such transfer can take place within your bank or across multiple banks. These include Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP), Point of Sale terminals (PoS), Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).

Online/Internet funds transfer: This is when send money from your account to another bank account through the internet. You will need an internet enabled computer or phone to transfer such fund. Examples of Internet fund transfer channels are: Central Bank of Nigerias Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS), Western Union Money Transfer, Stanbic IBTC Bluepay, GTpay, Mastercard Internet Gateway Service (MIGs), Zenith GLOBAL PAY and so on.

NEFT and NIP

The Nigeria Interbank Settlement System Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) and Nigeria Interbank Settlement System Instant Payment (NIP) are examples of electronic funds transfer. They are irrevocable funds transfer instruction. You must have a bank account to be able to use NEFT or NIP to transfer funds.

How does it work?

You can transfer funds through NEFT by first logging into your banks internet banking platform using your ID and password. Then you go to fund transfer tab and select add beneficiary (receivers bank). Select beneficiary type for example transfer to other bank then enter the account number of the beneficiary.

Click on send. The bank will first debit your account to ensure that the funds are set aside. Then your instruction (along with other customers instructions) are sent to NIBSS by your bank as an electronic file for onward processing.

For NIP, if you are using your personal computer log into your banks internet banking platform. Click account transfer tab to expand it. Click on transfer to other bank (instant). If you are using mobile money android application, select NIP. If you are using it for the first time activate it with your token. Then click new request. Select add new beneficiary to add the receivers bank account details. Fill all required details and enter the code from your token device.

Then send. Transfer to other banks will incur charges.The options of NEFT and NIP are also provided in the funds transfer forms in the banks. Hence you can perform any of the two by visiting your bank and complete the funds transfer, indicating NEFT or NIP as your preferred transfer type.

The differences between NEFT and NIP

Despite the similarity of both products, they differ in terms of processing timeline and limits of transfer.

For NIP the recipient get the value within 10 minutes after the sender has made the transaction (baring network failure). For NEFT the receiver gets value the next day (sometimes up to 24 hours) after the sender has executed the transfer.

You can use NEFT for bulk transfer, which is funds transfer to many recipients at the same time. However, NIP can be used only to transfer money to one or two people at the same time.

Also, NIP has a maximum limit of N5 million for transfer to individual and N10 million for transfer to corporate body. For NEFT, you can transfer as high as N100 million.

Risk of fund transfer

The risk electronic fraud is very high with funds transfer. However, there are specific tactics that can protect you from falling victim of fraud. First, dont be careless with details of your ATM card, and dont respond to any email or text message asking you to provide such details. Most importantly, you should have the telephone details of your banks contact canter, and promptly inform them about any suspicious transaction on your account.

You should also be attentive to the security of your network. Update your anti/virus and anti-spam programs to prevent attacks from emails with infected attachments. Set your browser appropriately to prevent accidental or unwanted downloads.

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Loading...Home | News | General | FirstBank unveils N15bn facility, educational solutions for schools

FIRSTBank of Nigeria Limited has unveiled an array of products and solutions including a N15 billion loan facility for schools to enhance preparation for the commencement of another school term this week.

Disclosing this in a statement, the bank said: First Bank of Nigeria Limited is in its usual style supporting schools with their educational requirements to enhance preparations for the school year. FirstBank developed an array of products and solutions targeted at enabling schools to acquire attractive educational facilities to support their business whilst empowering parents and guardians to seamlessly send their wards back to school. The Bank has set aside N15 billion loan budget for schools in Nigeria.

Firstbank

The banks educational products and solutions include the FirstEdu Loan, Operational Vehicle Loan, Term Loans for constructing new sites and renovation of existing sites, Personal Loan against Salary (PLAS) and Salary Overdraft (SODA) which enhances Parents/Guardians capacity to pay their wards school fees.

The FirstEdu loan is targeted at private Nursery, Secondary and A-Levels schools. The product offers opportunity for private schools to access flexible funding to meet urgent cash flow needs, replace old furniture and equipment, as well as refurbish dilapidated buildings and classroom blocks.

With this product, school owners/proprietors can stay ahead of competition in providing educational services and support to the target population by maintaining acceptable standard infrastructure at all times.

This product allows the customer access up to N10 million with no tangible collateral required apart from the domiciliation of school account with the Bank. This reduces the cost of borrowing to the customer and eliminates the challenges posed by the provision of additional demanding collaterals.

The Operational Vehicle Loan is targeted at registered businesses. It allows the entrepreneur to acquire brand new vehicles for the day to day operation of the business. Institutions can take advantage of this facility to purchase school buses in the case of school proprietors and even upscale their staff welfare schemes through provision of staff buses. The product terms and conditions are competitive.

Personal Loan against Salary (PLAS) offers customers in paid employment access to cash to meet immediate financial needs such as payment of school fees, medical treatment, holiday expenses, etc. PLAS has a flexible repayment plan spread up to 48 months for our customers convenience. There is no equity contribution or collateral requirement.

The Salary Overdraft Account (SODA) is also available to customers who want short tenured overdraft to meet immediate financial needs. SODA can be dispensed as a one-off overdraft for 30 days or a revolving overdraft for 180 days with up to 50 percent of net monthly salary. Only a salary account qualifies you to access PLAS and SODA if you work with any of FirstBanks approved list of employers.

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Loading...Home | News | General | NIRSAL deploys field support for CBNs Anchor Borrowers Programme

By Destiny Eseaga

AS part of its focus on taking business-driven agriculture to the grassroots, the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture (NIRSAL) is deploying an innovative nation-wide field structure to support 225,000 farmers under the CBN Anchor Borrowers Scheme.

The structure, known as the Project Monitoring Reporting and Remediation Office (PMRO), has units located in each state and the Federal Capital.

The Central Bank of Nigeria head office in Abuja.

The PMROs are designed to support NIRSALs core mandate of making agriculture more attractive for private sector investment by de-risking the agricultural value chain. Among other functions, they will provide rigorous monitoring and supervision of NIRSAL facilitated agriculture projects to improve successful outcomes.

NIRSAL which the CBN appointed an implementation partner in the Anchor Borrowers Programme, is deploying the PMROs to support an initial number of about 225,000 farmers throughout the country under the programme. The 225,000 farmers being supported include a minimum of 5,000 farmers in 37 locations  36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking on the development, Managing Director/Chief Executive of NIRSAL, Mr. Aliyu Abbati Abdulhameed explained that the PMROs will play an important supportive role because NIRSAL runs a lean operation at its corporate headquarter.

In his words: The PMRO structure is very critical to our operations. Agriculture is a field business. They would act as our eyes to ensure that agricultural projects that we facilitate finance for are executed in line with agreed terms and also serve to extend the reach of our interventions.

He added that the PMROs will also have the responsibility of capturing the impact of NIRSALs interventions on communities, individual farmers and other players along the agricultural value chain.

The positive impact made is the justification for our existence so its critical to constantly measure and review the impact of our interventions.

The function of the PMRO office in each state is to generate new projects where necessary, supervise existing ones and mobilize the community to support and own as well as enjoy the positive impact of NIRSAL projects. In line with NIRSALs focus on business-driven agriculture, the PMROs are led by highly experienced private sector professionals and will deploy private-sector orientation and strategies to drive the projects along agribusiness lines.

They will also assist the banks to properly package those projects so that they become bankable.

As a Business Development unit, the PMROs will also work to make sure that there are sufficient projects in each state to be funded by NIRSAL. This will be achieved by developing the capacity of those projects in line with the targets of the project, best practice and the specifications of the banks.

Dr. Steven Ogidan, the National Coordinating Consultant overseeing the PMRO structure assert that, the closeness of the PMROs to project sites and the embedding of project monitoring services within the project sites of any project that is more than 500M ensures effective monitoring and reduces the risk of loan diversion

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Loading...Home | News | General | Technology has helped in checking unauthorised sale of shares  Fakrogha, Foresight Securities

Since the capital market meltdown of 2008, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, has come up with various initiatives in terms of technological development to advance the market in keeping with international best standard. In this interview, Mr. Charles Fakrogha, Stockbroker/Chief Relationship Officer with Foresight Securities & Investment Limited, highlighted some of such initiatives and how they have helped in advancing the market.

Excerpts:

By Nkiruka Nnorom

WHAT role has technology played since the last stock market meltdown in 2008 in terms of enhancing transaction and promoting transparency in the market?

In my own view, I think technology has done a lot in terms of market development from our last experience.

Technology has done quite a lot in terms of transparency speaking from an operators perspective. All the stockbroking firms have enhanced their Information Technology, IT capability; most firms now trade remote.

Charles Fakrogha, Chief Relation Officer, Foresight Securities

Most firms now have what is called Order Management System, OMS, where clients can put in their orders from any part of the world and those orders will get to the trading engine of the stock exchange, of course, validated by the trader before they get to the trading engine.

Enhancing the market

Technology has also assisted the stockbrokers to get to their clients in terms of smart trading, where a broker can give a code to the customers and they use their smart phone to trade.

When we say trade, it means they can put in their order, but before those trading orders will get to the trading engine, the stockbroker who gave the client the access must have validated the order.

So, it is also making business easy for the capital market. Operators can now reach as many of their clients as possible unlike before when they have to manually put in the order. So, technology has done a lot in terms of enhancing the market. At the same time, it also has a flip side. Technology has also posed problem in terms of hacking, in terms of cyber-crime, but the measures put in place by the information technology department of the stock exchange and constant training and re-training of operators, to ensure that their system is fire proof, has helped in plugging the leakages.

You have painted quite a good picture of what technology has helped the market to achieve, but you find out that infractions among stockbrokers still go on despite all these. Is it that technology deployed by the exchange to check infractions is not effective?

Infraction has nothing to do with technology; it is integrity. However, technology has a role to play. There is a system at the Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, initiated by the stock exchange. If I buy or sell for a client, the client gets automatic alert. That is what is called Trade Alert. If I as a stockbroker, I buy or sell for a client, he/she receives trade alert on his/her phone.

So, if the client sees a trade on his portfolio that a broker has sold and did not give the mandate. Of course, it is obviously, an unauthorized sale. It is left for the client to report the transaction to the appropriate authorities. If the client did not do anything, of course, the stock exchange will not know. So, when a client is opening their trading account, they must insist that they will like to have a trade alert. The trade alert is now made compulsory. As soon as a client fills the form and you send it to the CSCS, automatically, the investor will be on trade alert. It is a very good innovation and it has been on for a long time. So, when the unauthorized sale takes place, the investors can make a report and where the broker cannot give reasonable explanation, the investor can take it up at the level of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the problem will be resolved. As for me, I think technology has played a major role in terms of checking unauthorized sale, unlike in the past when a broker will sell and the client will not get any notice until one or two years after.

How has technology benefited your firm as brokerage house and what measures have you put in place to keep up with the current trend?

I must give credit to the management of Foresight Securities and Investment Limited. They have shown leadership in terms of the technology they have deployed in our operation. At the same time, as a responsible dealing member firm, we have met the stock exchanges Minimum Operating Standard in terms of the technology because the stock exchange gave us minimum standard that all stockbroking firms must meet to remain in the market. You must have your Order Management System, all your operations must be on cloud. We also have what is called business continuity programme such that if there is problem in our office, our server is hosted outside the office, so we can move in with our laptop and operate from there. So, it will not take so much time for us to come back to operation if there is major crisis like fire disaster, flooding or terrorist attack. All these are minimum technology that any dealing member firm in the market is expected to meet, which Foresight has met and we have seen the benefits. In terms of reaching our clients, there are some clients today that we dont need to see physically. They send their mandate from anywhere in the world and we execute for them.

Recently, the CSCS and the stock exchange came up with direct cash settlement. With direct cash settlement, if I sell shares for a client, all the proceeds will not come to my account. It is only my commission that comes to me while the proceed goes to the client. For us, that is a major breakthrough in terms of technology. This has come to also eliminate market infraction and this is major breakthrough on how technology has assisted to bring sanity in the capital market.

It will interest you to know that Foresight is one of the stockbroking firms at the forefront of implementing the stock exchanges direct cash settlement initiative.

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Loading...Home | News | General | The politics of fuel price increase

By Owei Lakemfa

The price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, or fuel is ever on the increase in our oil-soaked country. But it has its own logic which is usually wrapped in layers of deceit. It has become an endless political game. General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida who ruled for eight years, has been the most gifted of the players while Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan who has had the shortest reign (82 days) has been the most inept.

By the time Babangida seized power in 1985, the issue of the International Monetary Fund, IMF and its conditionalities of enslavement had become a contentious issue. He solved this by putting it to democratic debate which acknowledged that Nigerians in their overwhelming majority rejected the IMF, but went on to implement what the people had rejected!

Long Queque at NNPC Fuel Station at Eleme along Aba Road in Port Harcourt weekend. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke

He increased the price of fuel a number of times but always sought to disguise his actions. For instance, when he increased the price in 1986 by 97.5 percent, he claimed it was to free funds for rural development. He gave the impression that those who lived in the urban areas are elites and that it was time to give back to the rural areas. He went so far as to issue a decree establishing a Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructures for the mobilisation of rural communities and the development of the rural areas in Nigeria.

When he wanted to increase prices in January 1989, he accused private car owners of milking the economy by owning many cars and buying fuel at cheap rates. He said private car owners will pay for their profligacy by buying fuel at a new price of 60 Kobo while commercial vehicles will buy at the prevailing price of 42 kobo. Eleven months later, he imposed a flat uniform rate of 60 Kobo for both private and commercial vehicles. When in 1991, he increased the price to 70 Kobo, he introduced a cushioning effect for the masses by decreeing an Urban Mass Transit Agency.

When free and fair presidential election was conducted on June 12, 1993, Babangida who never wanted to leave power, annulled it. When he was forced out on August 26, 1993, rather than hand over power to Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the winner of that election, he set up a contraption called an Interim National Government, ING, to run the country. The ING was headed by one of his cronies, Chief Shonekan who had been the figurehead Chairman of his imaginary Transition Council.

Shonekan was seen as a wise choice that could neutralise the agitation to de-annul the June 12 election; he was Egba and Yoruba like Abiola and was not a soldier, but a bloody civilian like the rest of us. However, Shonekan was a drab politician who did not seem to have a flair for leadership, was not charismatic or bright looking, was not pronounced as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and was generally regarded as a lame-duck. Besides, serious challenges to the ING had been mounted not only in the streets, but also in court. There was also an open talk of another military coup.

It was in the midst of these that Shonekan made one of the most inexplicable moves in the countrys history: he increased the cost of fuel from 70 Kobo to N5, a 614 percent increase; it was like a man people want to set alight, pouring petrol on himself. The masses were livid, and even the few who seemed indifferent or showed some support for the ING were up in arms.

For us in the Pro-Democracy Movement, the price increase was God-sent. We mobilised to the court to hear her Lordship, Justice Dolapo Akinsanya declare the ING illegal. I counted over two dozen buses and mini-buses filled with protesters as they left the High Court speeding towards Abiolas residence in Ikeja. As one of the organisers, I had stayed back to ensure almost all the protesters left; we even had hopes that with the rising of the masses, Abiola would be sworn in to fill the vacuum and give hope to the masses as he had promised. We had also mobilised people to move to his house.

As I approached Abiolas house with other Pro-Democracy leaders like Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, rather than the sea of heads we expected to see, there were lots of people leaving. We stopped one of our organisers to enquire and he told us a sad story. When the crowds got to Abiolas house, they were told their hero was absent. When they threatened to bring down the gate, the late democracy icon, Mrs. Kudirat Abiola had appeared to assuage them. She was not allowed to speak, rather, the crowds gave her five minutes to produce her husband or they would burn down his house. Chief Abiola appeared and assured the crowds he would be their president. They asked him to make pronouncements on certain matters like the fuel price hike. This was the dampener: he told them that as an accountant, he thought the price of fuel was ridiculously low and that if he were the President, he would have increased the price. There was an uproar, and some of the activists took him on. The crowd was shocked, disappointed and dejected; they poured out their minds and started leaving. The story was unbelievable. Some of us, including Beko and Femi Falana, went in to meet Abiola. He confirmed what we had been told. He saw nothing wrong with his position. In minutes, he had demobilised the crowd. On the lacuna created by the court judgement, he joked that he was too young to commit suicide. He said Shonekan was holding a sword, and that it was better to persuade him to hand it over rather than try to snatch it as it could be dangerous. Beko grinned and asked Abiola whether he was sure that Shonekans sword had a blade. Abiola roared with laughter.

On November 17, 1993, General Sani Abacha with his colleagues gave the ING a slight push, and the contraption crumbled like a pack of cards. In order to hoodwink the populace and garner support, five days after the coup, the new regime reduced fuel price from Shonekans N5 to N3.25. After buying legitimacy and consolidating power, Abacha one year later increased the price to N15, a 361.54 percentage increase. But when the masses cried out, the dictator, reduced the new price to N11.

Again, the people were taken for a ride; while some saw the regime as having a listening ear, the reality was that it had effectively increased fuel price from N3.25 to N11 per litre. The people had once more, been taken for a ride.

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Loading...Home | News | General | A hollow presidential broadcast

By Sunny Awhefeada

When the felicitous presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, gave hint of a New Year presidential broadcast billed for Monday 1 January, majority of Nigerians hissed and heaved in utter despondency. Even the robustly complacent claque in the nations corridors of power must have yawned and looked at one another in pampered aloofness knowing that the presidential broadcast would cut no ice. A few days earlier, presidential sidekicks had aired an absurd documentary unimaginatively woven around what they called the human side of President Muhammadu Buhari. The video ran on major television channels to the indignation of Nigerians. The promoters of the documentary must have set out to pull a public relations stunt for a regime whose popularity has plummeted.

Femi Adesina

Rather than impress Nigerians, the documentary became the butt of satire in the media. The hoi polloi are hungry and mired in poverty, yet their President could only offer his now familiar indignant cold stare which has never solved any of the nations problems. The presidential honkers who produced the documentary are not unaware of the disenchantment bestriding the nation. They are not unaware of the perception of the regime by majority of Nigerians as being responsible for their socio-economic woes. Deeply etched in the consciousness of Nigerians is the question of the humaneness of the man they elected as their President. This perception and the desire to correct it was what elicited the ill-fated documentary.

The New Year presidential broadcast did not fit the bill. The humdrum of a broadcast was probably not meant for Nigeria and Nigerians transiting from a tortuous 2017 to an uncertain 2018 as it neither reflected the depth of disillusionment in the land nor envisioned reprieve and hope in the New Year. Tormented as the nation and the people have been since 2016, a nationwide broadcast of this nature ought to be inspiring. It should have been the elixir for a new consciousness, a harbinger of hope and the antidote to the widespread disillusionment. But the speech was none of these. It inspired nobody and it did not soothe the nations frazzled psyche. Rather, it read in part as an addendum to the 2018 budget and a supercilious contention against Nigerians.

The speech privileged and emphasized the word change and it seems we will never get beyond the mere change rhetoric with this regime. The more the President and his handlers talk about change the more things remain unchanged. His opening lamentation regarding the fuel palaver is a case in point. The President is the Minister of Petroleum. There is a Minister of State for Petroleum and then the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR. Yet the President turned around in his speech to blame saboteurs created by the perpetual indiscipline and abhorrence of due process for which the nations ruling elite, to which the President belongs, is famous.

He threatened sanctions against the saboteurs, assuring that such would not be allowed to happen again. But there was in circulation a newspaper cutting of 1977 depicting the same fuel crisis when Buhari was Petroleum Minister 40 years ago! So it is a recurring decimal that hunts the nation as a result of the failure of government to redress the problem. The President bemoaned the hardship induced by the fuel crisis during the yuletide. He conveniently forgot that the hardship afflicting the nation has been implacable since 2016 under his stare! It didnt start in December 2017. When the present regime could not stem the recession, the Nigerian people were plunged into their worst economic hardship ever. Government has gone to town with the song that the nation was out of recession, but this is not true.

The reality for the common man is that economic hardship is still biting hard. The misery index is still disturbingly high and there seems to be no reprieve. Many of the issues mentioned in the speech are the same jejune items Buhari has been telling Nigerians for years now. Infrastructure: roads, rail and power. Nigeria has become a nation without roads. The rails, as few are as they are, experience hiccups by the second, while the power sector has consistently sold Nigerians darkness. The agriculture sector Buhari tried to crow about is in shambles as the nation still import tones and tones of food. Insecurity remains a dreaded menace. From Boko Haram insurgents to kidnappers, armed robbers, arsonists and brigands, insecurity roams the nation.

Restructuring also popped up in the speech. The President upbraided Nigerians for being very impatient and dismissed the call for restructuring. He insisted that process and not structure was the problem. That was vintage Buhari, the unchanging change President who would not for once consider another opinion. Nigerians should brace up, work harder in 2018 and seek ways of improving their lives beyond governments hollow broadcasts. The present tuke tuke economic arrangement cannot take Nigerians anywhere. As I write I am depending on power from a generator running on fuel I bought at N250 per litre! What a New Year! Welcome to 2018!

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Loading...Home | News | General | Ogun Police kill robber in Sagamu-Ore Road gun battle

By Daud Olatunji

ABEOKUTAMen of Ogun State Police Command have shot dead one of the suspected robbers that blocked Sagamu-Ore Expressway yesterday Morning at Ososa Junction in Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who disclosed this in a statement, said operatives of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS, received a distress call that robbers blocked the expressroad at about 2:30a.m. and were dispossessing people of their properties.

Police

According to Oyeyemi, on getting the distress call, the officer in charge of FSARS, DSP Uba Adam, led his men to the scene where the robbers engaged them in gun battle, which lasted for about 45 minutes.

At the end of the encounter, one of the robbers was shot dead, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.

Two locally-made single-barrelled guns and 78 live cartridges were recovered from them.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Iliyasu, who commended his men for the prompt response to the distress call, appealed to members of the public, especially hospitals, to quickly inform the Police if they see anybody with gunshot injuries in their area.

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Loading...Home | News | General | Kidnapped Edo Rev Sisters, 3 other Catholics regain freedom

.as abductors release Cross River medical doctor

By Simon Ebegbulem & Ike Uchechukwu

BENINTHE six females, including three reverend sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Convent, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Edo State in November 2017, has regained their freedom.

One of the victims, Veronica Ajayi, was said to have been released at about 6p.m. on Saturday, while the other five were released before 12a.m. yesterday.

Superior-General of the Catholic Convent, Sister Agatha Osarekhoe, who confirmed the development yesterday, said the sisters returned unhurt.

According to him, we are happy; to God be the glory! One (Ajayi) was released yesterday (Saturday) and the others were also released. They are fine. They are receiving some medical check-up in a hospital.

Meanwhile, Dr. Usang Ekanem, a medical doctor with the Cross River College of Education Medical Centre in Akamkpa Local Government Area, who was kidnapped on December 26 by gunmen, has also been released.

Recall that the armed men had, on November 13, 2017, invaded the residence of the sisters in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state and went away with six of them in a speed boat.

The kidnappers were said to have later demanded a ransom of N20 million.

However, the Superior-General disclosed that no ransom was paid, even as she said that the Police did their best to ensure that the sisters regained their freedom.

Her words: No ransom was paid. Well, we know that they (Police) did their best because they are aware. They had to do their work. The most important thing is that our sisters are out.

She further said that the three females would be reunited with their families later, adding certainly, they are supposed to be reunited with their families after some time.

But with this experience, we will just get them settled down and then know what to do. Their families have been anxious. So, we will get the sisters to speak with them (families).

Contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, disclosed that the sisters were rescued during an operation by policemen from the command.

According to him, while the abductors fled on sighting security operatives, the victims were taken to a secure health facility for medical attention.

He added: Police operatives closed in on the daredevil kidnappers and they had no other option than to release the reverend sisters.

 C-River medical doctor

On Dr. Ekanems release, Dr. Effiong Mkpanam, the state Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, who disclosed it in an interview with Vanguard in Calabar, the state capital, said Usang was released in the early hours of yesterday in Akamkpa.

Mkpanam, who expressed joy over the release of Dr. Ekanem, said he was released safely to his family.

His words: As we speak right now, our colleague has been released. I have seen him and the wife and we bless God that he has re-united with his family. At the moment, he is highly traumatised. But we are grateful to God for his safe release.

The association had, at a briefing on Friday in Calabar, threatened an indefinite withdrawal of medical services from public, private, mission and institutional hospitals in the state from today.

The NMA Chairman, who expressed dissatisfaction with the rate of doctors kidnapped in the state, explained that five doctors and three of their family members were kidnapped in 2017 by gunmen.

He further said any time a medical doctor is kidnapped in the state, NMA would embark on an indefinite withdrawal of medical services without notice.

He told Vanguard that the association will meet today to dialogue and suspend the planned action.

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Loading...Home | News | General | The House of God is not a social gathering for revealing outfits, body, Priest warns

Mararaba (Nasarawa)  Rev. Fr. Stanley Aroh, Parish Priest, St. Rita Catholic Church, Mararaba, has cautioned parishioners against wearing of indecent clothes to the church.

Members of St Kizitos Catholic Church celebrate 2017 Good Friday at Iju Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Iju ishaga Lagos state.PHOTO:AKEEM SALAU

Aroh gave the warning in a sermon to present the parishs New Year resolutions on Sunday in Mararaba, Nasarawa state.

According to him, the House of God is not a social gathering for revealing outfits and body, rather a place to reverence the Almighty with humility and decorum.

He said that indecent dressing to the Church would no longer be tolerated in his parish in 2018.

The priest said that the parishs authority had instructed its personnel at the gate on what to do in cases where parishioners dress indecently to Church programmes.

In 2018, indecent dressing to the Church will not be tolerated. Be it male or female you should dress well to the church.

There should be no sagging of trouser, wearing of leggings, spaghetti, mini skirts and any other kind of exposing clothes to the church.

If you are found wanting, the security at the gate will attend to you; either give you a wrapper to tie or ask you to dress properly. So lets avoid embarrassment, please.

The Priest also called for unity among parishioners to enhance spiritual and physical growth of the parish.

Mrs Jane Okoye, one of the parishioners, who commended the priest for taking such decision, stated that indecent dressing to Church programmes show disregard for God.

According to Okoye, a Christian, who knows that he or she is coming to the Church, should not wear skimpy clothes because the Church is a place of worship, not a night club.

She noted that, she cannot fathom why people with right state of mind should dress indecently to Church because it is uncalled for.

She also urged worshipers to imbibe the culture of dressing decently not just to the Church but other social gatherings because you are addressed as you are dressed.

Our body is the temple of God as it is written in the Bible, therefore, we should honour it, by covering up well, Okoye said. (NAN)

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Loading...Home | News | General | We will protect the poor, helpless who suffer from crisis  Osinbajo

*Says FG will enforce the peace, & adds that tragedies ought not be politicized

PREPARED REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH SERVICE FOR THIS YEARS ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY HELD AT THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN CENTRE, ABUJA TODAY JANUARY 7, 2018

I am especially honoured to be here to join family and friends of our departed heroes to mark this day when we remember the incredible sacrifices they made on the field of battle.

Every one of the men and women of our armed forces killed in battle took a decision that they were prepared to lay down their lives for flag and country. Those promises were tested and found to have been faithfully made. Many died in circumstances so terrifying and horrifying.

But the greatest loss is of the families they left behind, wives, husbands, children, siblings and sometimes parents. So death is a test not for the dead but for the living. It is the living that must bear the pain of shattered hopes. The many children who will miss the special moments in their lives, one parent would not witness their days of joy and celebrations, graduations, marriages, naming ceremonies because their fathers chose to defend our nation and its commitments to other nations. It is to those brave and courageous fallen heroes that this day is dedicated and we honour their memories. But it is their families to whom we owe a debt that cannot be redeemed. No matter how hard we try or how eloquently we describe the services of the departed we cannot bring them back.

But our debt, our continuing obligation places a burden upon us as governments and people of Nigeria.

The first is to rigorously defend the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria by words and action. Rebuking firmly and even by recourse to law, those who by their words and action threaten to break the bonds of nationhood paid for by the blood and sweat of our Military.

Second is to defend faithfully the freedoms and rights that form the fundament of our society and nationhood. These include, the right to life, which involves the duty of the State to provide adequate security for lives and livelihoods of the citizens, the right to liberty, freedom of worship amongst others. Yes, we have seen in the past few years how these rights have been challenged by the mindless extremism of the Boko Haram in the North-East, and how again our gallant military, police and civilian populations have risen jointly & gallantly to rout these criminal combatants and restore peace to most communities in that zone. We have also seen even recently the killings that have resulted from attacks of herdsmen on farmers and communities and also where farmers and communities have attacked herdsmen, the spate of violence and loss of lives in Rivers State, & the Badoo killings in Lagos and Ogun States.

The President has ordered the police and the armed forces to deal decisively with these killings and to ensure that the perpetrators are found and punished. The President has also in almost daily meetings, and strategy sessions with relevant security and law enforcement agencies worked to find lasting solutions.

But we must also not permit the politicization of these tragedies. One of the reasons why for years Boko Haram thrived was because of the politicization of the insurgency. There were those who planning to benefit politically from the tragedies painted opposition as the perpetrators. Again we see some today who want to benefit politically from the killing of women and children in Benue and Adamawa, and asuch stoking the embers of ethnicity and religion. By their hate speeches they want to fix the criminal acts of a few individuals on whole ethnic groups, they want to create a religious crises if they are allowed.

Our obligation is to stop them from playing dangerous politics that could threaten our unity and stability, just as we continue to enforce the peace in troubled areas. As Bishop Benjamin Kwashi said it is the poor and helpless who suffer the most from crisis, and it is they that we have sworn to protect.

Senate Presidents representative, Service Chiefs, distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen: the Armed forces remain the bastion and exemplar of National Unity: Nigerian men and women of every tribe and religion, standing side by side in the gravest danger, being harmed and dying side by side under one flag and in defense of one nation. No attainment is worthwhile unless some are prepared to sacrifice for it nay the ultimate sacrifice.

Our Nation today stands as one to honor those who paid and continue to pay the price night and day for our safety and the safety of our land. We pledge that the labors of these heroes past shall not be in vain.

But we who gather here today are Christians, many born again. We are the light of our Nation and the Salt of this land. It is to us that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been given, the gospel which preaches contrary to our flesh, that we must love our persecutors and pray even for those who despises us. The gospel is a gospel based on the sacrifice of God of his only begotten son . Our country today needs the gospel that says that we must overcome evil with good. A gospel that conquers by weakness and meekness because the battle is not ours it is the Lords.

God Bless the Armed forces of Nigeria

God bless the 36 States of Nigeria and the FCT

God bless Nigeria.

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Loading...In a shocking case of corporal punishment, two minor students of a government run hostel were brutally thrashed by a warden in Sangareddy district of Telangana.

The incident came to light when a video showing the brutality went viral. Following the popularity of the video, several child right activists demanded strict action against the accused warden.

According to the report, Yadaiah, the warden of SC hostel Zaheerabad beat up two minor tribal students after they were found fighting over a petty issue.

The furious warden took them out into the campus and asked them to go upside down near a wall and thrashed them with a plastic pipe.

While the accused warden was hitting the students, few others captured the incident in their mobile phones and circulated it on WhatsApp.

A probe has been ordered in the alleged incident of corporal punishment. Bala Hakkula Sangam, a child rights organisation has also approached the state human rights commission demanding strict action.

Moreover, several parents and guardians have demanded action against the warden for venting out harsh punishment to students.

The government has clearly ordered that no student must be punished physically at any circumstance. Despite that, several such cases have emerged in the recent past, where students faced brutal behaviour of teachers or other staff at school and colleges in Telangana.Home | News | General | Dramatic scene as man collapses yards from William and Kate as they walk back from church service

Dramatic scenes unfolded at Sandringham this morning as a spectator collapsed yards from Prince Phillip and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they walked back from church.

Police officers who heard the commotion in the crowd gathered around the royals rushed over to help the man who was stood outside St Mary Magdalene Church.

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The Duke of Edinburgh, retired air ambulance pilot William, Kate and sister Pippa were all walking back to Sandringham House, but appeared not to notice as the scene unfolded behind them.

The man, thought to be in his fifties, was given first aid by officers and was fully conscious as a thermal blanket was placed over him to keep him warm.

He did not appear to be in a serious condition and was later treated by a paramedic.

Pregnant Kate was wrapped up warm in a huge furry hair and thick coat for the walk to service on the royals Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Philip all looked to being high spirits as they strode towards the service at St Mary Magdalene Church.

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Loading...Home | News | General | We prefer humans to die than out cows-fulani herdsmen



The Assistant Secretary of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter, Galma,in an interview spoke on ways the clashes between herdsmen and their host communities could be brought to an end.

Many Nigerians have been killed in Benue State recently following ongoing clashes between Fulani herdsmen and members of communities in the state.

Galma said they carry sharp cutlasses and knives around for the sole purpose of defending their cows from dangers.

Speaking with Vanguard, Galma, a graduate of animal science, said, I defend my herds with my very sharp knife, cutlasses and sticks and you know that the cattle also defends herself when attacked sometimes.

That is obviously not true. How can the life of a cow be more important than the live of a human being or a child. It is not true at all.

Though we love our cow and we would not want anything to hurt them but the life of a human being or our children cannot be compared to the life of an animal. So those saying that are not aware of what they are saying.

Asked how clashes between herdsmen and farmers could be solved, he added, We must continue to sensitise the herder, you know that our level of education is another challenge but there is always a solution to every problem.

Government has to invest in advocacy and sensitization to prepare the herdsmen.

Like I said earlier, we could start with semi ranching system backed with intensive sensitization of the herdsmen, gradually we will get to full ranching which I also believe is a good model for breeding cows but we could take it one step after another until it is fully achieved.

I have nothing against ranching as a person because it is the best way to go but lets not do it overnight. It could be introduced gradually with aggressive campaign and sensitization.

Ranching is the best way to go but we need the enabling environment for it to be a reality.

The Federal government has to step in for it to work. I believe that at the end of the day the issue would be permanently addressed.

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Loading...After a holistic examination of the power sector problems, the Federal Government is taking gradual but aggressive measures in short and long-terms.

The incremental power policy initiated by the Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Fashola is the short-term solution. The mega projects, such as the Mambilla project expected to generate over 3000 megawatts (mw) is the long-term solution.

To Fashola, it makes no economic sense to concentrate on building new power projects and abandon the idle completed but faulty power plants as well as those on the verge of completion but abandoned for one reason or the other. He said the country has over 12,000mw idle capacity.

Fashola said: Lets get these idle megawatts on stream by making rehabilitation of the power a priority. Lets make use of what we have first before looking for new ones, he said. It is this conviction that led to embarking on the incremental power policy.

We cannot have 12,000Mw installed and be concentrating on new ones without optimizing the existing ones  Egbema and Gbarain power plants are not finished, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, and Geregu are not optimised because there is not enough gas.

In some places there are transmission problem. This is what the ministry is now tackling. The Federal Governments focus now is on what will help on immediate contribution to increased power, whether it is on generation, transmission or distribution segment of the value chain. It is this priority that will determine the project government will award the contract.

If it is transmission project, we will award the contract. It is the one that goes to a power plant that is ready to deliver power? Some have gas and the power is there, but they cannot evacuate. So, lets build the transmission line. Some have the transmission facility but dont have gas. So, lets build the gas pipeline.

That is what is happening in places like Omoku plant in Rivers State. We will complete Omoku by March this year and it will give us about 270mw. We will finish Gbarain any time from now and it will give us over 115mw, Alaoji by June this year.

The minister went further: We will get more power from Kaduna, 215mw. We will get 10mw from wind plant in Katsina State this year. Zungeru project would have given us 700mw but was locked up in court for three years before we came on board. We have got the parties out of court but have lost three years. It will deliver by early next year another 700mw. Azura in Edo State, they refused to sign the partial risk guarantee but the Buhari administration has signed it.

Azura project is on track and will be finished in June this year and will give us 450mw. So, we have to prepare to evacuate Azura and I have submitted the memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to approve the funding. We have to quickly build a 14-km 330kv line so we can evacuate power produced there to the grid.

We are also trying to complete some rural electrification projects using Rural Electrification Agency (REA). There are many rural electrification projects from 1999 including various constituency projects. All of that will translate to more power.

At the last all-stakeholders monthly meeting in Kogi State last month, it was reported at the meeting that Geregu Power Plant owners whose majority shareholder is Forte Oil Plc, invested $94 million and raised the generation capacity from 414mw to 434mw.

Stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged significant improvement on generation capability from what it was in January/March 2017, when it was constrained by gas and debts to GenCos and Gas Suppliers.

They acknowledged that the N701 billion guarantee programme has helped in securing the production side of the value chain by enabling the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc to pay generating companies and gas suppliers.

The running of the three turbines in Gergu I is part of the successes recorded by the intervention on generation. Only one out of turbines in Geregu I and II were running when the minister visited in 2016. The new challenge is that the turbine output is curtailed due to insufficient distribution infrastructure to take the power from the power plants.

They said: Available nationwide generation capacity has reached over 7000mw, which cannot be evacuated due to the Transmission Company of Nigerias (TCNs) efforts to improve and complete transmission facilities with the support of state governments such as Kogi State. Distribution Companies have pledged to match the transmission capacity in order to deliver the additional 2000mw to consumers.

On Friday December 8, 2017, a peak generation of 5155mw to the grid was reached, surpassing the previous peak of 5074mw in February 2016, which was the product of team work from the Presidency, TCN, and all government agencies, as well as private generation and distribution companies and the support of the various communities, such as Ajaokuta, which plays host to our vital power infrastructure.

Fashola also held discussions with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and various chambers of commerce and industries in the states on how to deliver the unutilised 2000mw generated power.

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is also providing assistance to improving generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. For instance, its intervention has brought tremendous improvement in power supply in Okene, Idah, Confluence Beach, Ankpa, Felele, Ohunene, and Ayingba areas of the state, among others.

NDPHC noted that construction on Okija and Omotosho community connection project is complete and was planned for energization by December 31, 2017

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company noted that all 36 communities in Ondo North are now connected after signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the DisCo, and that connection in Ode-Aiye in Benin DisCo in Ondo South will be completed early this year.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company also confirmed that the 60MVA substation at Aba has been restored while TCN noted progress of projects in Obajana, Egbe, Kabba and Okene to improve supply in Kogi State. TCN is also proposing a 330kV line from Makurdi to Ayingba to ensure Kogi State benefits from the upcoming Mambilla Hydro project

The GenCos, DisCos and TCN restated committed to improving customer service in the power sector by informing customers at least seven days in advance of any planned repair or maintenance outage of infrastructure to the affected communities.

According to Fashola, the DisCos are behind other segments of the value chain  generation and transmission, even as he noted the governments effort at boosting DisCos capacity.

Fashola said: The problem is that DisCos dont have capacity to expand the way it is expected. We have talked about their challenges  exchange rate, liquidity and population growth, among others. The meter roll out that was expected has not happened in the way we expected it. Some have happened. The second problem is that most of the equipment they bought were old enough, nobody can dispute that. So, they must expand, that is the problem. But we will be able to know what each DisCo needs and what it costs. When get FECs approval, they (DisCos) will inject the idle 2000mw into the grid.

The World Bank Group also acknowledged the efforts and improvements in the power sector. The World Bank Group and the Federal Government after a two-day high-level consultation on the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP), reached some agreements. The PSRP is a comprehensive programme of policy, legal, regulatory, operational and financial interventions that will restore service efficiency and long-term power sector viability.

The measures that will be implemented through 2021, are aimed at improving transparency, service delivery and re-establishing investor confidence, and hence, investment in the sector. Accelerating electricity access including through off-grid public private partnerships is an important component of the PSRP.

They assessed progress in implementing the programme and followed on similar high-level talks that took place in Abuja in December 2016 and in Washington during the World Bank/ IMF Spring meetings.

The Federal Government has prepared a financing plan to ensure financial sustainability of the power sector and included it in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper submitted to the National Assembly in October last year. The plan will be monitored regularly and incorporate contingencies should the sector shortfall deviate from the base case assumptions until retail tariffs are adjusted in line with improved service delivery to attain cost recovery by 2021.

The PSRP envisages measures to contain costs and carefully manage contingent liabilities to ensure cost-reflective and affordable tariffs. In this context, it was agreed that existing generation infrastructure assets will need to be optimised before the sector assumes new financial obligations that could not be supported.

The World Bank is committed to assisting the Federal Government with programme implementation, working closely with the PSRP Implementation Monitoring Team, which reports directly to the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

The World Bank will continue the preparation of the proposed $1 billion Performance Based Loan (PBL) to support the programme. The Federal Government and the World Bank Group agreed on the necessary steps to present the PBL to the World Banks Board of Executive Directors for consideration.Home | News | General | Alleged herdsmen killings: Political interpretation could ignite unprecedented crises - Osibanjo warns

- Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reacted to the latest killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country

- The vice president cautioned that the alleged killings should not be politicised

- He said a political interpretation could ignite unprecedented crises

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has cautioned that the recent alleged killings by Fulani herdsmen should not be politicised.

According to him, a political interpretation of the situation could ignite unprecedented crises.

He warned that under no condition should Nigerians allow anyone to create a religious crisis.

The vice president made the statement at the inter-denominational church service to mark the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Sunday, January 7.

Vice President Osibanjo exchanging pleasantries with senior military officers at the event. Photo credit: Novo Isioro

READ ALSO: Benue victims of gunmen attack recounts horror story

He recalled that it was the politicisation of Boko Haram at the early stage of the group that gave rise to its heinous activities, and enjoined Nigerians not to fall into another trap regarding the problems associated with herdsmen.

His words: We must recognise that as dangerous and as deadly and heartless as these killings are, there is also the danger of our allowing politics to play a part as this could lead to what we sometimes say pour petrol into an already burning fire.

We must not permit the politicisation of this tragedy. One of the reasons why for years Boko Haram thrived, was because of the politicisation of the insurgency.

There were those who are planning to benefit politically from the tragedy and they painted the opposition then as the perpetrator.

He continued: Again, we see some today who want to benefit politically from the killing of women and children in Adamawa, Benue, Jos and several other places stoking the embers of ethnicity and religion.

By their hate speeches, they want to fix the criminal acts of the few individuals on who thrives and hold people and they would want to create a religious crisis if they are allowed.

Our obligation is to stop them from playing dangerous politics that could threaten our unity and stability just as we continue to enforce the peace in the troubled areas.

Meanwhile, the Benue state government has concluded arrangements to give mass burial to the victims of the New Year attack by herdsmen, next Thursday, January 11.

Chief press secretary to the governor, Terver Akase, disclosed this on Sunday, January 7, explaining that there would be a memorial service for them by 10am at the IBB Square, Makurdi.

He further said the 10 persons killed on Saturday, January 6, would be buried along with the 49 deposited at various mortuaries in the state.

He explained that 39 bodies will be buried at Guma and 20 others would be interred in Logo, all in Benue state.

READ ALSO: I do not finance Fulani cattle breeders - Atiku Abubakar

Southern Kaduna killings: part 1 - on NAIJ.com TV

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Loading...Home | News | General | Two feared dead, several injured as police, Shiites clash in Kaduna

- Two people have been killed during a clash between Shi'ites and Police in Kaduna

- Several others were injured during the clash

- The police claimed several other people have been arrested and would soon be charged to court

Two members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria popularly known as Shiites were reportedly killed and several others injured during a clash with the officers of the Nigerian police in Kaduna state on Sunday, January 8.

Violence erupted when the police tried to disperse members of the Shi'ite protesting the continuous detention of the leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

The Punch reports that the three persons were wounded and have been taken to a hospital for treatment.

However, the police claimed that only two civilians were injured and nobody was killed during the clash.

READ ALSO: Buhari willing to pay enhanced minimum wage this year - Ngige

Shiites spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, while speaking to the press said the protest was necessary as El-Zakzaky's attention continue to deteriorate.

Musa said: It has been confirmed that one person was killed and several others were injured by the police."

He added that: Free Zakzaky processions were carried out in major towns of northern Nigeria to press for the freedom of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky because of the news of his deteriorating state of health."

"Protests had taken place in Kaduna, Kano and Bauchi among several other places yesterday (on Saturday) night.

The spokesman for the police in the state, ASP Mukhtar Aliyu said the police dispersed the protesters because of government ban on such protest in the state.

Aliyu said there was an altercation between the protesters and the police and two civilians and one policeman were injured as a result of the disagreement.

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He added that some people were arrested and would soon be charged to court.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com earlier reported that some members of the Shiites sect, who were arraigned for protesting in Kaduna against the attack on them by the military in 2015 have been freed.

They were discharged and acquitted by the Kaduna state high court presided over by Justice Esther Lolo on Thursday, November 9, 2017 after their arraignment for protesting the brutal Zaria massacre of December 2015.

Are Nigerian Policemen the worst in the world? - on NAIJ.com TV

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Loading...Home | News | General | He is daydreaming! PDP dismisses Governor Bello's promise of Kogi state voting Buhari in 2019

- The talks around the 2019 general elections are gaining momentum by the day

- Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state recently promised to deliver the state to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019

- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state however faulted the claims by the governor

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has faulted Governor Yahaya Bello's claim that he would deliver the state to President Muhammadu Buhari come 2019.

Governor Bello had told State House correspondents on Friday, January 5, that President Buhari will get more support and votes from Kogi state in 2019 as the state has already endorsed the president for as second term in office.

The governor added that the president will get more votes in Kogi state than in his home state of Katsina.

Governor Bello recently promise to deliver Kogi to Buhari in the 2019 presidential election. Photo credit: Bayo Omoboriowo

READ ALSO: Faleke accuses Kogi governor of being insensitive to welfare and needs of Kogi people

Reacting to the governors statement, the PDP in Kogi state said the governor was only daydreaming, adding that he had no political ground and followership that could deliver the state to President Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as he claimed.

The party's publicity secretary in the state, Bode Ogunmola, said this at a press conference on Sunday, January 7.

His words: How can Governor Bello convince Kogites to vote for Buhari in 2019 when there is hardship everywhere? He should stop deceiving the president just because he is looking for cheap political favour.

Bello knows himself that in his country home, which is the central part of the state, he cant deliver for Buhari. Workers are dying due to lack of payment of salary.

As it is today, pensioners are crying because of lack of payment of entitlements; and the governor will go to Abuja and begin to tell the world who will vote more for the president. As far as we are concerned, during election time, we will know who is on ground.

He said it was diversionary for the governor to be talking about Buharis 2019 presidential ambition at a point when there were problems of fuel supply, high level insecurity and killings in Benue, Rivers, Kaduna and some north eastern states.

Ogunmola, who faulted the governors claim that he borrowed N10 billion to pay workers salaries, reminded him that he would be made to account for all such monies after his term in office.

Meanwhile, Yau Umar Gojo-Gojo, a former speaker of the Katsina state House of Assembly and the Katsina North senatorial district candidate of the PDP in the 2015 general election, has declared that the opposition party cannot defeat President Buhari in 2019.

Gojo-Gojo, who has now defected to the APC, says the quest by the PDP to reclaim the presidential and Katsina states governorship seats are misplaced hope.

READ ALSO: Your sacrifices will pay off in 2018 - Governor Bello assures Kogi civil servants

Primate Ayodele releases 2018 prophecies, lists Nigeria's future presidents - on NAIJ.com TV

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Loading...Home | News | General | Don Waney, New Year day massacre mastermind, killed by combined security operatives

Not just about my wifes blood; Omoku needs peace, says husband of victim

Last time we celebrated his death, he resurfaced Resident

By Egufe Yafugborhi & Davies Iheamnachor

PORT HARCOURTWILD jubilation erupted in Rivers State, yesterday, following military confirmation that notorious kidnapper, cultist and killer, Johnson Igwedibia, aka Don Waney, has been killed by security operatives.

Johnson Igwedibia, aka Don Waney

The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, disclosed that a combined team of military, Department of State Services, DSS, and the Police killed Don Waney in a rented apartment, in an undisclosed community in Enugu State, alongside his second-in-command, one Ikechukwu, and one of his commanders.

The joint security force had launched a manhunt for the killer and his gang after they killed over 21 persons returning from Church services on New Year day in Omoku, Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.

How we killed him

At the 6 Army Division, where the military displayed and handed the three bodies to the Police, outgoing General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Eni-Obong Udoh, noted that Don Waney was killed in a joint operation involving the Army, Police and DSS.

Udoh said: You can recall that in the early hours of January 1, 22 innocent people of Omoku were heartlessly murdered while returning from New Year Eve service.

There was a presidential directive that the perpetrators of that act must be brought down. We were given a mandate to collaborate with other security agencies in the state to hunt the gang down.

We trailed them to Enugu, where they were living in a rented apartment. They were living in Imo State before then. We collaborated with the GOC, in charge of 82 Division and raided their home.

Don Waney was mastermind of the January 1 incident, but the attack was physically led by Ikechukwu, his Second-in-Command and there is another accomplice we will not mention now, but we will get him.

We will not rest until we get all of them.

Earlier raids, discoveries

Earlier, in a statement by Colonel Aminu Ilyasu, Deputy Director Army Public Relations, the military recalled that in the early hours of Monday, November 20, 2017, troops of 6 Division, acting on credible information from some patriotic members of the public, raided Don Waneys enclave in Omoku, ONELGA, Rivers State, where shocking discoveries of assorted weapons, dynamites, bags of suspected cannabis, full military camouflage uniforms, military boots, military communication radios, 10 human skulls and human bones were discovered.

Additionally, in continuation of the operation, on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, the troops also exhumed decomposing bodies of some of his victims in his shrine, with the media present.

Perhaps not satisfied with the numerous lives of innocent citizens he took, Don Waney masterminded the despicable New Year day mayhem in Omoku, in which he led his notorious gang of criminals to murder 23 peace-loving citizens of Omoku, who were returning from service at about 1:30a.m., on Monday January 1.

Intense surveillance activities on him and his gang by the Department of State Services, DSS, Rivers State Command, revealed that after committing these atrocities he relocated to a neighbourhood within Enugu town in Enugu State, where he rented an apartment and started living among unsuspecting neighbours within the community.

Killed

Colonel Ilyasu continued: From the relative safety of his hideout, Don Waney was already perfecting plans to wreak mayhem in Omoku in which he was to attack churches, schools, Army and Police locations and residences of already traumatised Omoku populace.

Following his successful geo-location of his new Enugu hideout by the DSS, a combined team of troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, and personnel of DSS Rivers State Command raided the hideout to arrest him and his other accomplices.

Incidentally on sensing that the combined team were closing in on him, Don Waney, his Second-in-Command (Ikechukwu Adiele) and another gang member (Lucky Ode) attempted to escape through a back exit.

But they were shot down by eagle-eyed troops. One of them died on the spot. Two others, who sustained gunshot injuries, eventually died while being evacuated for medical attention.

The remains of Don Waney and his cohorts were brought back to Port Harcourt Rivers State by the combined team and handed over to the Rivers State Police Command for further action.

The Army condoled with families of victims killed in the January 1 attack, soliciting further cooperation in volunteering useful information to track down and arrest the remaining gang members to return peace to the area.

Rivers govt identify body

Special Adviser to Governor Nyesom Wike on Amnesty, Sir Ken Chinda, who visited to see the remains of the criminals his team had offered amnesty on October 5, 2016, confirmed that one of the corpse, indeed, was that of Don Waney.

Chinda said: When we had the interface, we told them that the amnesty is not a cover, that if they go against the terms of the amnesty they will face the law.

We are happy and commend the gallantry of the Army and other sister agencies. Nobody, who has accepted amnesty, should go back to crime. We will continue to have zero tolerance for criminality and cultism. With the development there will be total peace in ONELGA.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Ahmed Zaki, remarked: The security agencies are working hand-in-hand and you can see the result of that synergy. We will not rest until we get all of them.

Crime does not pay. The hand of the law must catch up with you. The people should give us useful information that is all we need. We will take the battle to communities of the state and we must return peace.

Suppressed jubilation in ONELGA

A paramount ruler in ONELGA, who spoke in palpable fear, said: It is no longer news that the kingpin and two of his men have been gunned down. It is a minus to his gang.

Some are still expressing doubt about it because we heard that it was the jubilation people had, when news came in November last year that he has been killed, was why he picked offence and came for the mayhem of January 1.

People in Omoku are reluctant to celebrate because of fear. Based on the confirmation I think his killing will usher in peace in ONELGA.

Those people who depend on him will be weakened by the development and ONELGA, as a land flowing with milk and honey, will regain its glory again. We commend the security agencies for their effort.

Drama, suspense in Omoku

Meanwhile at Omoku, unconfirmed reports say local vigilante group, ONELGA Security, Peace and Advisory Committee, OSPAC, was set to parade and execute three other apprehended Don Waney disciples.

Vanguards tour guide on an earlier visit to Omoku said: We hear that by today, OSPAC was bringing three of Don Waneys men to Omoku.

From what we are hearing, they will bring them to OSPAC headquarters in ONELGA secretariat and kill them.

There is relief here, but people cannot do it loudly in the open because of past experiences. When they first said he was killed, people rejoiced only for him to resurface and kill more people.

No peace for the wickedBereaved husband

Meanwhile, Bright Nwokocha, who lost his wife, Joy, in the New Year morning massacre, said: I said it; there is no peace for the wicked.

They killed my wife, shot my daughter and felt it will be well with them? Their punishment has just started. But it is not just about the blood of my innocent wife. Omoku needs peace.

We all need peace and God will ensure that the blood of my wife and those of all other innocent persons murdered would speak and bring peace to ONELGA.

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Loading...Home | News | General | We demand justice for our killed members - Miyetti Allah calls for crucial meeting with Fulani groups

- Miyetti Allah condemned killing of Fulani people in Taraba

- It claimed 24 people were killed by other ethnic groups in Taraba

- The group called on the government to bring the perpetrators to book

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) has called for a crucial meeting with other Fulani groups over the alleged killing of Fulani people in Taraba state.

Premium Times reports that the group claimed 24 of its members were killed by other ethnic groups on Saturday, January 6.

READ ALSO: Army reveals Boko Harams new technique to evade air strikes

Mafindi Danburam who is the north-east zonal chairman of MACBAN said: Miyetti Allah and other Fulani groups are convening a stakeholders meeting to take a definite stand on this act of wickedness against our members.

We also unequivocally demand justice for our killed members, as justice remains the only way to peace. The entire Fulani herdsmen of this country are today paying the prize of coordinated campaign that had deliberately profiled them as perpetrators while they are the major victims.

Danburam spoke after the burial of the victims saying women and children were also killed although the police put the number of those killed at four.

It was suspected that the militia, who were said to have come from Adamawa, attacked Fulani communities of Babagasa, Donadda and Katibu in Lau local government area.

He called on the government to arrest the culprits.

Unfortunately, neither the state nor federal government utter a word over this heinous attack.

The ethnic armed militia came to the villages brandishing guns and said their cows were stolen and started shooting and setting houses ablaze.

Sahabi Tukur who is the state chairman of the group claimed it was a systematic attack on Fulani people.

He said: As I am talking to you now, over 25 people were killed mostly the aged, women and children including a one year old boy who was stabbed with arrow.

This latest attack was a co-ordinated agenda to systematically wipe out the Fulani through ethnic cleansing.

For Gods sake what justification do they have by attacking innocent people in Taraba? They had their crisis in Adamawa but they crossed over here and they were assisted by Yandangs?

Not only that, 24 hours after the attacks, the state government still kept mute.

Idris Jalo who is the Taraba State chairman of the committee on human rights abuses of the Nigerian Bar Association called on the government to be proactive to prevent such killings.

He said: It is with a heavy heart that we totally condemn the killings of over 25 people including women and children in Katibu and other villages in Lau Local Government Area.

We therefore condemn in totality this barbaric act of cruelty against humanity and demand a clear action by the state and federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to protect lives.

Meanwhile, Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, says he is ready to sacrifice his political ambition to defend his people following the New Year day attack on the state's communities by Fulani herdsmen.

The governor made the comment during an emergency stakeholders meeting at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi recently.

Governor Ortom stated that that even if it means to sacrifice 2019 elections for his people to be safe, he is ready to let go.

Southern Kaduna killings: part 1 - on NAIJ.com TV

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Loading...Home | News | General | Kaduna state governor surprises Tunde Bakare, visits clergyman in church

- The governor of Kaduna state, Nasir el-Rufai, paid a courtesy visit to the serving overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, at the church auditorium in Lagos on Sunday, January 7

- The governor made the courtesy visit while the Sunday service was ongoing

- Pastor Bakare expressed his delight to receive El-Rufai, saying he had missed him and his coming was at the right time

A week after declaring that God told him not to kill his political ambition, the serving overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, received the governor of Kaduna state, Nasir el-Rufai, at the church auditorium on Sunday, January 7.

READ ALSO: Nigerian army loses another outstanding soldier in Damoboa

NAIJ.com gathered that El-Rufai came into the church auditorium on Sunday afternoon while the pastor was still preaching.

Bakare welcomed him with a hug, saying: "I have missed you... It is a good time to come."

The pastor had earlier in the service, lamented the killings in Benue and other parts of the country, saying that all those putting up deliberate sinful silence (DSS) about the killings in Benue would pay for it, Punch reports.

He said: We cannot keep quiet while hardened murderers and criminals fill our land with the crimes of blood. That would be DSS, deliberate sinful silence, and I think secret service is guilty of that."

The brutal murder going on in Benue state and other parts of Nigeria is very atrocious and wicked. There will be consequences of this dastard murder. Every one involved in one way or the other, either overtly or covertly, shall pay for it

However, the reason for the governor's visit was not disclosed.

Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly hugs Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state as the former pays him a courtesy visit at the church auditorium. ({Photo credit: The Cable)

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that a Lagos-based cleric, Pastor Tunde Bakare, said that God had told him to contest for the presidency.

Bakare said God also revealed to him that most of the political juggernauts in the country would fall at the feet of women in 2018.

The serving overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly explained that God did not tell him when the appointed time to run for the presidency would be, but that he was given a divine admonition not to end his political career as he had earlier contemplated.

Primate Ayodele releases 2018 prophecies, lists Nigeria's future presidents - on NAIJ.com TV

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Loading...Pastor Tunde Bakare, General Overseer of Latter Rain Assembly, has berated the Department of State Services, DSS, over its alleged silence on the killings perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State.

Bakare said the secret police would pay for its deliberate sinful silence in Benue.

Addressing his members at the church auditorium in Sunday, the clergyman maintained that the secret police was guilty.

Bakare said, We cannot keep quiet while hardened murderers and criminals fill our land with the crimes of blood. That would be DSS, deliberate sinful silence, and I think secret service is guilty of that.

The brutal murder going on in Benue state and other parts of Nigeria is very attrocious and wicked. There will be consequences of this dastard murder. Every one involved in one way or the other, either overtly or covertly, shall pay for it.

Recall that Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom had confirmed that at least 20 people were killed after suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked communities in Guma and Logo local government areas of the state few weeks ago.

Ortom disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Tuesday last week in Makurdi after the State security meeting.

On Wednesday last week, aggrieved youths in their hundreds embarked on a peaceful protest calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to act now or resign.(Eds: With fresh details)

Gurgaon, Jan 8 (PTI) A sessions court today rejected the bail plea of a 16-year-old student, accused of killing 7-year- old Pradhuman Thakur at the Ryan International School here.

Additional Sessions Judge Jasbir Singh Kundu declined relief to the accused and imposed a cost of Rs 21,000 for "wasting courts time" in baseless litigation and directed the father of the accused to deposit the amount.

"The conduct of the appellant (accused) indicates that he is taking court proceedings for a joy ride. He has indulged in wasting precious court time in baseless litigation on account of which seven court hearings have gone down the drain.

"This court finds no irregularities, illegalities or impropriety in the impunged order dated December 15, 2017 passed by JJB, dismissing default bail application," the court said.

The court said the accuseds ulterior motive in filing the present application was aimed to divert the track of the ongoing investigation or delay the probe and then "grab" the default bail.

It also directed in-chamber proceeding in the matter and ordered the media not to use the juveniles name in any of the reports.

Talking to PTI, Barun Thakur, father of the seven-year old-boy Pradhuman Thakur who was found killed, welcomed the order and said he was satisfied with the verdict and the progress of the investigation so far.

The court had earlier reserved the order after hearing arguments of the counsel for the accused, the CBI and the complainant.

The defence counsel had claimed that the charge sheet in the matter was not filed within one month, as prescribed in the Juvenile Justice Act, and he was not given the required documents.

Opposing the contention, the CBI had said the mandatory period for filing a charge sheet was 90 days under CrPC provisions as the accused had been declared an adult by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB).

Pradhuman was found with his throat slit in the schools washroom on September 8 last year.

The Gurgaon Police had claimed the crime was committed by a school bus conductor, which was later refuted by the CBI.

The probe agency had claimed the teenager had killed Pradhuman in a bid to get the school closed so that a parent- teacher meeting and an examination could be deferred.

The court was hearing an appeal filed by the accused against an order of the JJB denying him bail.

The JJB had on December 20 held that the teenager would be tried as an adult and directed that he be produced before the Gurgaon sessions court.

The JJB had noted that the accused was mature enough to recognise the consequences of his actions.

If convicted, the accused will stay in a correctional home till he is 21 years old after which the court can shift him to a jail or grant him bail, it had said.

The board had earlier rejected the bail plea of the Class 11 Ryan International School student.

It had set up a committee which included a psychologist from the PGI, Rohtak, for an expert opinion on the accused who was taken into custody by the CBI in November 2017.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 lowers the age of juveniles from 18 years to 16 years for heinous crimes such as rape, murder and dacoity-cum- murder, which warrant at least seven years of imprisonment.

However, the JJB first decides whether the crime was "child-like" or was it committed in an "adult frame of mind", following which it orders the accused to be tried as a juvenile or an adult. PTI UK PKS RRT ARCHome | News | General | Shakeup as army appoints Brigadier General John Agim as new spokesperson

- The Nigerian military has appointed Major General John Agim as new Defence spokesman

- Agim replaced Major General John Enenche

- Agim was formally commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations

The Nigerian military has appointed a new director of defence information in the person of Brigadier General John Agim.

READ ALSO: UK publication uncovers how Ashimolowo, Omokudu allegedly maintain lavish lifestyles with members monies

NAIJ.com gathered that the new director of defence information, Agim, replaced Major General John Enenche who is now a commandant, Army War College, Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Governor El-Rufai surprises Tunde Bakare, visits clergyman in church

Until his appointment as the new Defence spokesman, Brigadier General Agim was commandant Nigerian Army School of Public Relations. He has taken over with effect from 8 January 2018.

The Nigerian military appoints Brigadier General John Agim as new Defence spokesman

Nigerian military appoints new spokesman in the person of Brigadier John Agim

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that in a new shake-up, the Nigerian army appointed Major-General M. Mohammed as the new General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian army, Kaduna state.

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Mohammed took over from Major-General A. Oyebade, who was appointed as commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

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Loading...Home | News | General | Don't molest our citizens - Nigeria warns Libya

- The federal government has told the Libyan government that it desires to see all Nigerians stranded in the country

- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama explained that 'the Libyan government got the message that as far as they are Nigerians', we have zero tolerance for molestation'

- The FG made this known in Port Harcourt when the minister of Foreign Affairs received 491 Nigerian returnees from Libya

The minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, has reassured federal governments commitment to return all stranded Nigerians from Libya.

Onyeama gave the assurance when he received 491 Nigerian returnees from Libya at Port Harcourt International Airport, alongside Rivers government officials.

The minister said there were stories of exploitation and suffering by stranded Nigerians in Libya, which compelled federal government to act decisively.

READ ALSO: Army reveals Boko Harams new technique to evade air strikes

He added that: We made it clear to the Libyan government that we want to see all Nigerians there. We insisted that we should see all of them, instead of hearing from them.

We made it clear that they (Libyans) are signatories to international conventions and we expected them to have control of those who guard our children.

They cooperated with us because of respect for Mr President, there were people who were making money from these children and did not want them to return home.

We carried out rigorous outreach to ensure that we have everybody back.

The minister noted that the programme was a continuous process that would return all stranded Nigerians from Libya.

The minister explained that the Libyan Government got the message that as far as they are Nigerians, we have zero tolerance for molestation.

The Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Sir Kenneth Kobani, who led the state delegation, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for making efforts in returning the stranded Nigerians.

He said: As a state government, we had no choice really, let me say that the Rivers State Governor made it clear to me that we should do everything possible to make sure that this exercise was handled smoothly.

The Rivers state government would do everything in its power to assist federal agencies handling this programme, because above everything else, we are all Nigerians and this programme is a clear indication that when we work together, we can achieve anything.

What you are seeing here today clearly shows that our governor and indeed the President feel same about this issue.

On behalf of the Rivers state governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, I will like to thank President Muhammadu Buhari, the minister of Foreign Affairs and his team who worked tirelessly to make the return of our brothers and sisters successful.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all the returnees were profiled at designated booths at the airport.

NAN reports that the minister was accompanied by officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service, NEMA NAPTIP and military personnel.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had earlier reported that the first batch of 540 stranded Nigerians returned to the country after screening and confirmation of their nationality in Libya.

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NAIJ.com gathered from a Nigerian Facebook user, Sumner Shagari Sambo, that a total number of 5,037 returnees from Libya are to be evacuated back to Nigeria in a process coordinated by a federal government delegation led by the ministry of foreign affairs, NEMA, NAPTIP and other agencies.

Mass deportation: Tales of woes from Libya on NAIJ.com TV:

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Loading...Home | News | General | 2019 general elections: PDP is the only party that can transform Nigeria - Atiku

- Former vice president Atiku Abubakar said the PDP will not disappoint Nigerians

- Atiku said the PDP still remains the only national party in the country

- He declared that the party can take the country economy back to prosperity

Former vice president Atiku Abubakar on Sunday, January 7, assured Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not fail them.

According to a statement signed by Jacob Onjewu, spokesperson of the Atiku Care Foundation, the PDP is the only party that can transform Nigeria and take its economy back to prosperity.

Premium Times reports that Atiku made this known through the chairman of the foundation Aliyu Ibn Abbas in Kaduna state.

READ ALSO: Army reveals Boko Harams new technique to evade air strikes

He said the PDP is the only party that can transform Nigeria and take its economy back to prosperity.

The former vice president further called on his supporters to spread the message of partys good plans to the people at the grassroots.

Accoring to him, ''PDP still remains the only national party in Nigeria. It is the hope of the common man to be free from the fraud called the APC.''

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He praised Miss Pindar for committing her resources to funding the reception, adding that Nigeria needs such patriotic youth in good positions to contribute meaningful ideas that would move the country forward.

The programme attracted dignitaries which include Ibrahim Wusono who is the PDP secretary in Kaduna state, A.A Yaron Kirki, who represented former governor of Kaduna state, Mukhtar Yero; Yusuf Dan Bala and the PDP chairman for Igabi local government Area of the state.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that Atiku debunked an allegation that he was the chief financier of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.

In a statement on Friday, January 5, by Paul Ibe, the media adviser to the former vice president in Abuja, he described the allegation against Abubakar, who holds Tiv traditional title of Zege Mule U Tiv, as sad and false.

Atiku versus Buhari: Who will win? - on NAIJ.com TV:

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Loading...Home | News | General | FG accused of frustrating secessionist plans in Southern Cameroon

- The federal government has been accused of disobeying the order of a Federal High Court in Abuja

- The allegation was made by an unnamed leader of the Ambazonia Separatist Movement

- The government is yet to respond to the allegation

A report by Sahara Reporters indicates that an unnamed leader of the Ambazonia Separatist has accused the federal government of disobeying the order of the Federal High Court in Abuja, directing it to institute a case for the Southern Cameroon, before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

According to the report, the terms of the agreement entered by the federal government and some citizens of Southern Cameroon on behalf of the region, Nigerias government agreed to table before ICJ the issue of self-determination of the Anglophone region.

NAIJ.com gathered that the agreement was signed on March 5, 2002.

Paul Biya has maintained strong ties with the Muhammadu Buhari-led government. Photo credit: Aso Rock

READ ALSO: 39 strange men arrested by police in Taraba

The Separatist leader, reacting to the recent arrest of some Ambazonia leaders in Abuja also accused Nigerias government of being in complicity with Paul Biya, the president of Cameroon.

The Department of State Security (DSS) arrested ten separatist leaders from Southern Cameroon, on Friday, January 5.

The detained persons are executives of the interim government of Ambazonia - the name of a sovereign Southern Cameroon.

They were reportedly arrested at about 7:30 pm, from Nera Hotels, (Ekwueme Road), in Abuja Nigeria.

The separatist officials were meeting to galvanize support for Southern Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria but shortly after the meeting had started, officials of DSS barged into the hotel and whisked them away.

Wilfred Tassang, one of the men arrested by DSS operatives, was at the vanguard of early negotiations between the Southern Cameroon and the French government.

John Mbah Akuroh, an exiled journalist and trade union leader, said internal sources within the Nigeria military rank say the leaders were picked up for carrying expired papers and not for political reasons.

He said: The DSS was trying to find out if there is a link between the boys who were training and the interim government.

However, the exiled journalist revealed that he was shocked by the claim of expired papers.

There are three refugees among them that I know are registered and have Identity cards as refugees: Mr. Tassang Wilfred, Eyambe Elias and Dr. Nfor Ngala Nfor. The others are permanent Nigerian residents working in some universities: ABU Zaria, AUN Yola and a university in Canaan land. So, I am surprised to hear of expired papers," he said.

The other five detained Southern Cameroon leaders are; Dr. Fidelis Nde Che, Dr. Henry Kimeng, Professor Awasum, Dr. Cornelius Kwanga and the separatist governments president - Sisiku Ayuk Tabe.

Since nationalist leaders and the interim government called for Southern Cameroon to pour out into the streets in a declaration of the independence of Ambazonia from French Cameroon on the first of October 2017, over 20,000 people have fled into Nigeria to escape an unrelenting brutal crackdown on protesters and sympathizers.

Most of the fleeing families have crossed the border into Cross River state. Pockets of refugees have also fled into Akwa Ibom, Benue and Taraba states.

In December 2017, Nigerias vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, received envoys from the Cameroonian government led by the countrys minister for territorial administration and decentralization, Mr. Rene Sadithe.

The Nigerian government at the time said the objective of the meeting was to boost diplomatic ties between the two nations.

However, reports have it that the meeting had a second agenda. The Biya regime needed Nigerias security forces to arrest 15 wanted trade union leaders. The French dominated government also sought to get Nigerias partnership in curtailing the activities of exiled Southern Cameroonian activists.

On the 2nd of the same month, Akuroh obtained intelligence from the Cameroonian government, alleging that the Nigerian government had given Biyas forces the pass to chase refugees right into Nigeria.

The exact details of that permit occurred three days later. On December 5, 2017, a combined force of gendarmes and soldiers chased fleeing Anglophone Cameroonians across the Ekang border in Akampa local government area of Cross River state.

The violence in Cameroon began in December of 2016, when the Cameroonian government responded to protests against the imposition of French in schools and courts, with detentions, beatings and killings.

Trade union leaders in the English speaking regions of Southern Cameroon had halted the Northwest and Southwest regions of the country with sit-at-home strikes to press home their demands.

The Biya regime proscribed the consortium and declared all its leaders wanted. Several were arrested and many were forced into exile.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's renowned human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, has condemned the continued detention of the activists.

Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, warned that the continued detention of the activist could compound the security challenges faced by Nigeria, adding that the detainees were entitled to some fundamental rights which rendered their arrests baseless in law.

READ ALSO: 16 hostages released by the Cameroonian army (photos)

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Loading...The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress APC has described the reappointment of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the Director General, Presidential Campaign Council of President Muhammadu Buhari as not only a good omen, affirmation of the greatness of Amaechi in terms of his ability in human organisation but also acceptance of the fact that Amaechi has all it takes to once again lead the party to victory.

We are totally convinced that Amaechi will succeed in this onerous task not minding the arduous nature of this present task in view of how far PDP have gone in poisoning the minds of some Nigerians against the present administration on her efforts to ratify the wrongs of the party during her 16 years misfortune leadership of Nigeria.

The party described the request by the PDP leadership that Amaechi should resign his Transportation Ministry portfolio not minding the revolution he is igniting in the sector as ranting of a frightened and defeated foe who are cowed by the person and the capability of Amaechi to once again see to the woeful defeat of PDP come 2019.

We sympathise with PDP as it will take them to do more than they are currently doing to wrestle power from APC. Besides, Amaechi need not to resign his office as there is no constitutional backing to effect that only that PDP and his cohorts are totally afraid of the visionary and revolutionary trends of Amaechi

The party in a press statement circulated on Monday by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze the SSA Media and Public Affairs Consultant to the APC Rivers State Chairman, Dr Ibiamu Davies Ikanya further reiterated that if Amaechi could led APC to victory in 2015 when PDP was in power, defeating the party now that the party is in disarray and in the hands of those that impoverished our people through looting our common patrimony with impunity the task before Amaechi and his Team becomes easier to achieve.

The APC reiterated that the task of ensuring PDP and her co-looters are kept at bay from the centre of power should not be left in the hands of Amaechi and his team but every patriotic Nigerian must assist and cooperate to ensure the success of this venture so that President Buhari will continue in his mission of rebuilding Nigeria to a better country as envisioned by the founding fathers of our nation.

The statement congratulated Amaechi and urged him not to be deterred by the PDP propagandists and un-progressive forces positioned to frustrate the efforts of this administration.

The party pleaded with the APC chieftains to close ranks and ensure the victory of the party come 2019 knowing that PDP has only one single agenda of returning to power in order to safeguard their looted funds and continue to plunder our common patrimony with impunity and in this regard, it will be suicidal to allow such a group that put us in our present sorroy state to stage a come-back to power. The fact remains that no sane Nigerian will sit and allow such a group to come to power once again in our life time.

The APC reiterated that President Buhari, the APC leadership and the entire Nigerians can count on the support of all the good people of Niger Delta region as the region have fared better under this administration than what the region got from the 16 years misfortune of PDP leadership.

The party enumerated the following as some of the gains that the Niger Delta region has benefitted from this administration:

1.

The allocation of over one Hundred and twenty five billion Naira (N125b) out of the N8.612 trillion appropriation bill presented by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 to the National Assembly to fund capital projects in 2018 in the Niger Delta region. This to us is unprecedented and a total demonstration of the unalloyed desire of President Muhammadu Buhari to right the wrongs the region suffered in the hands of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) particularly during the villainous regime of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan whose regime was a misfortune for the region as he ensured that no project was situated in the region throughout his infamous six years of lootocracy

2.

Earmarking of N53.89 billion for Niger Delta Ministry and N71.2 billion for Niger Delta Development Commission for capital projects in the 2018 budget. The region is also to benefit from the budgetary allocation for the Niger Delta amnesty programme retained at N65 billion

3.

The East-West Road abandoned by the Jonathan Administration will be completed hopefully by this year with the budgetary allocation of N17.32 billion

4.

The inclusion of N5bn in the 2018 budget for the formal take off of the Maritime University located at Okerenkoko in Delta State once again affirms the unflinching commitment of the APC led Federal Government under the leadership of President Buhari to develop the Niger Delta region. The party commends the President for his directive for the immediate release of N1b to the university to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment separate from the N5B take off grant.With commencement of full academic activities of this university that will go a long way to assist in the development and emancipation of our region.

5.

The APC explained that the region will also benefit from the huge allocations of N555.88 billion, for the ministry of power, works and housing and that of the ministry of Transportation with N263.1 billion plus other ministries as the 2018 budget estimates also contains the extension of Rail line to Warri in Delta State and the completion of the Uyo-Calabar Express Road.

6.

The inclusion and full implementation the Ogoni clean-up exercise and the execution of the Multi-Billion Naira Bomu-Bonny road project which when completed would open up the economic potentials of the Niger Delta Region beyond the shores of Nigeria. These projects will surely open not only the Niger Delta region but attract the elusive investments to the region. Based on this revolutionary trend by President Buhari who has proved that he is a true son of the region; the party after due thought and deliberation on the 2018 budget estimates rechristened the budget the budget of hope, peace, emancipation and unity of Niger Delta region.

7.

The formal flag-off of the construction of the Bonny/Bomu Road/Bridges in Rivers State on 12th October, 2017 by the APC led Federal Government which is monumental, historical and unprecedented. By this event, he has demonstrated that he is not like Dr Goodluck Jonathan and Gov. Nyesom Wike who claim to be sons of the region but did/doing everything humanly possible to frustrate the development of the region.

8.

President Muhammadu Buhari Administration recently release a whopping sum of N900 billion owed the Niger Delta Development Corporation (NDDC) by previous federal administrations including the administration of Dr. Jonathan.

9.

The successful kick-off of the Ogoni Clean-up exercise, the Calabar  Lagos Rail Line that cuts across the region, the renovation/reconstruction of both Enugu  Port Harcourt, Uyo  Calabar Highways and the West-East Road, the renovation of the Afam Power plant in Rivers State, resumption of work on the Port Harcourt International Airport, renovation and reconstruction of the Enugu  Port Harcourt Rail Line, among other projects.

10.

Inaugurated a world-class fertilizer plant built by Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, in Port Harcourt which has capacity for 1.5 million Metric Tons of Urea fertilizer, this worlds largest single-train Urea plant and one of the ambitious green field projects of Indorama in Nigeria and has a production capacity of 4000 metric tons (MT) of nitrogenous fertilizers per day or 1.5 MT per annum demonstrates the desire of this administration to rebuild the Niger Delta region and once again demonstrates the concern of the APC led Federal Government towards the emancipation and rapid development of the State and region contrary to the erroneous insinuation that APC is not doing much to improve the State.

11.

The 40-kilometre road from Bodo to Bonny Island. In between it are three bridges  a 1000 metre bridge across the Opobo creek, a 640 metre bridge against the Nanabie Creek and a 550 metre bridge against the Afa Creek. This will ultimately connect all of the communities and hopefully in a time not too far away, we can drive to Bonny Island from Bodo Through this project Industries have also gotten a gateway and coupled with the uninterrupted power supply enjoyed by residents and indigenes of the community, the improvement in the economy of Rivers State will know no bounds.

Indeed President Buhari have shown true leadership cum statesmanship, not just expressed, but conspicuously put into action and giving the people firsthand experience of what democracy is and should be. A rare gem and a true leader whose love for the region is infectious and we wish to urge him not to trouble himself about campaigning in the region as his works and feats in the region have finished his campaign for him the APC further averred.

With this development, we rejoice with Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation, for his patriotism and national outlook and for proving that we are a trusted breed that will take Nigeria to the desired promise land the statement concluded.

ENDS

Long Live APC!

Long Live Rivers State!!

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long Live President Muhammadu Buhari

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

SSA Media and Public Affairs Consultant to the State Chairman, APC Rivers State.Home | News | General | Ex-Jonathan adviser reveals why he is set to dump PDP for APC

- A former political adviser to former president Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak has made his political ambition known

- Gulak who is a member of the PDP of the Adamawa state chapter has decided to dump the party for the APC

- He said some other members of the PDP have also decided to quit the party in the state

A former political adviser to former president Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak has announced his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of the Adamawa state chapter.

Gulak said there were thousands members of the party voting for cross carpeting to the All Progressives Congress in the recent PDP stakeholders meeting in Yola.

According to a report, he explained that they decided to decamp because of the controversial dissolution of the state Working Committee (SWC) of the party by Makarfi caretaker executives.

READ ALSO: Army reveals Boko Harams new technique to evade air strikes

Reacting to Gulaks claim, the state chairman of the party, Barrister Tahir Shehu said Gulaks defection would be a big relief to the PDP.

He linked the failure of PDP to win the state in the last election to Gulaks imposition of Nuhu Ribadu on the party.

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He further spoke on the recent defection of the partys deputy governorship candidate in 2015.

According to him, he was lured by Governor Jibrilla Bindow whom he alleged promised him APC deputy governorship slot.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that senior officials of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Anambra state said Senator Stella Oduah was set to dump the PDP for the party.

A highly placed official of APGA in the state said all was set for the former minister of aviation to join the ruling party in the state.

Atiku versus Buhari: Who will win? - on NAIJ.com TV:

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Loading...Home | News | General | Six months after, Goodluck Jonathan reportedly ignores Reps invitation over Malabu scam

- Razak Atunwa, chairman of the committee investigating the Malabu deal says former president, Goodluck Jonathan, is yet to communicate with the panel

- AGF asks court to stop Senate from probing Maina's recall

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, is yet to honour the invitation by the House of Representatives over the controversial sale of Oil Prospecting Licence 245, otherwise known as $1.1bn Malabu Oil deal.

READ ALSO: Buhari willing to pay enhanced minimum wage this year - Ngige

An ad hoc committee of the House investigating the alleged diversion of the money, which was the federal governments share of the deal had on July 5, 2017, invited Jonathan to clarify his role in the deal.

But the former president is yet to respond to the inquiries by the panel, chaired by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kwara state, Razak Atunwa, the Punch reports.

Atunwa told the newspaper that Jonathan had yet to communicate with the committee.

We are still on it (investigation and Jonathans response). We have not received any communication from him.

But we are writing our report, which will soon be ready for the whole House to consider, said the former Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker," he said.

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Atunwa said when the House reconvenes on January 16 after the Christmas and New Year break, the committee will make the necessary comments on their findings.

He said: leadership of the House and all members of the committee will look at the issues. There are processes which the committee has already followed.

We will go ahead and lay our report, no doubt.

Meanwhile, Abubakar Malami who is the attorney-general of the federation has filed a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the Senate from probing the recall of Abdulrasheed Maina into the civil service.

The Cable reports that the suit has been assigned to Justice Binta Nyako.

There was controversy when Maina who is the former chairman of the presidential task force on pension reforms was recalled and deployed to the Ministry of Interior.

The Senate on October 24, 2017 asked its committee on public service, internal affairs, anti-corruption, establishment and judiciary to probe Mainas recall.

The attorney-general asked the court to determine if the National Assembly has the right to investigate issues related to the employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant."

He asked the court to declare that: the employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant are matters outside the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)."

What is working well and what needs improvement in Nigeria? on NAIJ.com TV

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Loading...Home | News | General | APC Senator blasts FG, reveals how herdsmen attacks can be stopped

- A Senator has condemned federal government's inability to end herdsmen attack across Nigeria

- The Senator said the federal government has failed in its responsibility to the citizen and the people of Benue state

- The Senator also called for the introduction of state policing to curb the mayhem caused by the herdsmen

A Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has condemned the failure of the Nigerian government to end the killing perpetrated by some herdsmen in various state across the country.

The Senate chief whip and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Olusola Adeyeye, has expressed his displeasure in FG's inability to put an end to the attacks.

Speaking on Sunday politics, a Channels Television programme, the chief whip said it is a shame the federal government has failed in its responsibility to the citizen and the people of Benue state.

Adeyeye said Because of what you have just said that some of these people are known - I cannot verify that but if that is true, then shame on the Federal Government of Nigeria for not doing whatever it will take to have arrested this tragedy by now.

READ ALSO: Army reveals Boko Harams new technique to evade air strikes, Shekaus current health status

I say this knowing fully well that I am also part of that government because my Party is in power, because I am the Chief Whip of the Senate of Nigeria and Im praying that in the next few days, whatever it will take that this republic will summon the courage and the wisdom to put a decisive end to this nonsense," Adeyeye said.

He added that the recent attack brings to mind the fact that there will never be security again in Nigeria until we have the courage to say there must be state police force.

He said the reason for such lawlessness and rise in crime, came be attributed to the fact that states do not have an independent police.

The lawmaker said for security to be maintained in any state, the local police system must be enforced.

Any state that does not want a state police is free not to want but any governor who is the chief security officer of his state must have the wherewithal to enforce security in his state.

READ ALSO: Popular Nigerian pastors embarrassed as UK publication uncovers how they allegedly maintain extremely lavish lifestyles with church money

If Nigerian Federalism must work, every unit of that federalism must have the means by which they can maintain security - the Nigerian Military, the Nigerian Police, they have probably done their best, but they have failed woefully.

We must go back to what we had at independence, any region that did not want local police may not have it but any region that wanted it could have it. We must go back to that again, Adeyeye said.

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NAIJ.com earlier reported that the Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom had declared a three days mourning for the victims of herdsmen attack in the state.

The governor through his chief press secretary, Terver Akase, said the three days would enable families of those who have lost their loved ones during any of the attacks by herdsmen in the state to mourn them.

He also said they would be a mass funeral for the victims of the attack in the state.

Southern Kaduna killings: part 1 - on NAIJ.com TV

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Loading...Home | News | General | Pandemonium as Police fire tear-gas to disperse Shiite protesters in Abuja

There was pandemonium in Abuja as Police, again clashed with over a hundred members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as the Shia group, during the groups protest on Monday.

The group which marched to the National Assemblys main gate on Monday and attempted to forcefully enter the compound, were however dispersed by the police who fired teargas at them.

Police fire tear-gas to disperse Shiite protesters in Abuja

Members of the group, however, ran to neighboring federal secretariat as they gasped for air.

However, there was pandemonium at the national mosque, Abuja when some of the members ran towards it, seriously being chased by a combined team of the Civil Defence, and the police.

Police fire tear-gas to disperse Shiite protesters in Abuja

Upon seeing the chase, those around the mosque equally took to their heels, creating a panic situation.

The Shiites have been protesting for the release of their leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since 2015.

However, in a statement signed by one of the protesting groups leaders, S.I Ahmad, the group said they are protesting for the release of their leader to enable him seek medical attention.

They said they had information that their leaders health is in bad condition.

Police fire tear-gas to disperse Shiite protesters in Abuja

According to the statement, It has been confirmed that the health of the leader of the Islamic movement in Nigeria, Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky is seriously deteriorating.

We can recall that the humble Shaikh was attacked by the Nigerian Army on the 12th of December , 2015 in which over one thousand people were massacred including three of his sons.

Since then , Shaikh Zakzaky was kept under illegal and unconstitutional detention by the Nigerian government despite the ruling of the Federal High Court that he should be freed and compensated.

What is obvious is that his health condition in general and his sight in particular, are rapidly deteriorating and it has become increasingly clear that the Nigerian authorities are not bothered about the survival or health of Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.

The group also said that Based on that , Muslims and other concerned Nigerians came out to protest in many towns and cities across the northern states of Nigeria.

We are deeply concerned about the health of our incarcerated leader and we believe that it is necessary on the Nigerian State and those holding him to release him unconditionally to enable him attend to his heath properly.

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Loading...Home | News | General | Senator Stella Oduah reacts to defection rumour, insists she remains in the PDP

- Senator Stella Oduah says reports on her defection are mere speculations

- She states that she has no plans to dump the PDP stressing that the report was false

- Oduah urges politicians to refrain from attempting to score cheap points by giving false information about other political actors

Senator Stella Oduah has described as untrue, recent reports that she plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

READ ALSO: Buhari willing to pay enhanced minimum wage this year - Ngige

Oduah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, January 8, that recent reports on her defection were mere speculations.

She said that she had no such plans to dump the PDP stressing that the report was false.

She said that speculators were probably just taking advantage of her previous grievance with the party during the build-up to the 2017 Anambra governorship election which she pulled out of over alleged irregularities in the PDP primaries.

It is untrue, there is nothing like that; I am still a full member of the PDP.

This is mere speculation, probably because of my anger during the 2017 governorship election primaries of the PDP.

I am still a full member of our great party the PDP, if I want to leave a party I will make it public myself, she said.

The senator urged politicians to refrain from attempting to score cheap points by giving false information about other political actors.

Prior the the governorship primaries of the PDP in Anambra, Oduah had passed a vote of confidence on the PDP saying that the party was a dynamic one that meets the yearnings and aspirations of members.

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Oduah who then spoke in an interview with newsmen said:

PDP is a party that is fully republican; it is a party where aspirations and inspirations could be accomplished.

That is why people gravitate towards PDP.

Anambra people are hardworking people, they are truly republican and that is why Anambra as a state is a PDP state.

If you have an election today tomorrow or even in two weeks time, PDP will win, she said.

Speaking on why she remained in the PDP during the crisis and mass defections, Oduah said that PDP remained the best party and no party compared to it.

She said that she believed in the cardinals of the PDP where everybody had equal opportunity to aspire to be anyone.

Senator Oduah said that she believed in the cardinals of the PDP where people do not require godfathers to win elective positions.

She added that it was only a party like the PDP that could have gone through the challenges it went through and still survive.

NAIJ.com had earlier reported that Senior officials of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra state have confided in NAIJ.com that Senator Stella Oduah is set to dump the Peoples Democratic Party for the party.

A highly placed official of APGA in Anambra state told NAIJ.com that all is set for the former minister of aviation to join the ruling party in the state.

According to the official, the defection of Oduah to APGA is already a done deal.

Nigerians want PDP back in 2019 - Goodluck Jonathan declares at PDP Caucus Meeting on NAIJ.com TV

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Loading...The arrested drug peddlers with the vehicle and marijuana seized from their possession.

Delhi Police's special staff team today busted an inter-state narcotics supply racket and arrested four of its key members. The team recovered over 123 kg of ganja worth Rs 50 lakh from their possession.

The gang was involved in transporting marijuana from remote parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh border to Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR). They have been using private vehicles to transport ganja from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

In the past few weeks, the Delhi Police received tip-off about notorious drug peddlers supplying huge quantity of marijuana from West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to Delhi-NCR. The information was developed by the special staff team of south-east district after which they sprung into action.

The rear seat of the car was especially designed and a chamber was built under it. The rear seat of the car was especially designed and a chamber was built under it.

The team acted based on specific inputs about two marijuana suppliers Jagbandhu and Rajgir arriving in Faridabad to deliver a consignment on January 4.According to the information the team received, the suppliers were supposed to reach Madanpur Khadar in a private vehicle- Tata Indigo Manza around 9 am on January 4.

The team laid a trap near the Sarita Vihar metro station and a special vehicle checking picket was set up. True to the inputs received, a Tata Indigo Manza car (BR-1BB-0360) arrived from Badarpur at the said time.

On conducting a search of the car, 88 kg ganja was recovered. The arrested have been identified as Jagbandhu Patra, resident of Odisha, and Rajgir Kumar, who hails from Bihar. The vehicle was found to have been modified for the purpose of smuggling narcotics. The rear seat of the car was especially designed and a chamber was built under it.

Arrested drug peddlers Arrested drug peddlers

Similarly, the car's boot space had a secret deep space. Both these modifications were done to safely transport consignments from Odisha to Delhi by evading detection.During the interrogation, the two accused disclosed that they came in contact of a peddler from Bihar - Halender. The peddler, who was residing as tenant in Odisha's Balasore, allured them to join the illegal business of supplying ganja.

Halender, kingpin of the narcotics supply chain, had lured unemployed youth to join his gang in lieu of handsome money. Based on the revelations made by the arrested accused, two local drug peddlers have been arrested.Home | News | General | APC lauds Buhari for reappointing Amaechi as his Presidential Campaign Council DG

The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress APC has described the reappointment of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the Director General, Presidential Campaign Council of President Muhammadu Buhari as not only a good omen, affirmation of the greatness of Amaechi in terms of his ability in human organisation but also acceptance of the fact that Amaechi has all it takes to once again lead the party to victory.

President Buhari and Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi during the commissioning of the $1.457 b Abuja-Kaduna rail

The party described the request by the PDP leadership that Amaechi should resign his Transportation Ministry portfolio not minding the revolution he is igniting in the sector as ranting of a frightened and defeated foe who are cowed by the person and the capability of Amaechi to once again see to the woeful defeat of PDP come 2019. We sympathise with PDP as it will take them to do more than they are currently doing to wrestle power from APC. Besides, Amaechi need not to resign his office as there is no constitutional backing to effect that only that PDP and his cohorts are totally afraid of the visionary and revolutionary trends of Amaechi

The party in a press statement circulated on Monday by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze the SSA Media and Public Affairs Consultant to the APC Rivers State Chairman, Dr Ibiamu Davies Ikanya further reiterated that if Amaechi could led APC to victory in 2015 when PDP was in power, defeating the party now that the party is in disarray and in the hands of those that impoverished our people through looting our common patrimony with impunity the task before Amaechi and his Team becomes easier to achieve.

The APC reiterated that the task of ensuring PDP and her co-looters are kept at bay from the centre of power should not be left in the hands of Amaechi and his team but every patriotic Nigerian must assist and cooperate to ensure the success of this venture so that President Buhari will continue in his mission of rebuilding Nigeria to a better country as envisioned by the founding fathers of our nation.

The statement congratulated Amaechi and urged him not to be deterred by the PDP propagandists and un-progressive forces positioned to frustrate the efforts of this administration.

The party pleaded with the APC chieftains to close ranks and ensure the victory of the party come 2019 knowing that PDP has only one single agenda of returning to power in order to safeguard their looted funds and continue to plunder our common patrimony with impunity and in this regard, it will be suicidal to allow such a group that put us in our present sorroy state to stage a come-back to power. The fact remains that no sane Nigerian will sit and allow such a group to come to power once again in our life time.

The APC reiterated that President Buhari, the APC leadership and the entire Nigerians can count on the support of all the good people of Niger Delta region as the region have fared better under this administration than what the region got from the 16 years misfortune of PDP leadership.

The party enumerated the following as some of the gains that the Niger Delta region has benefitted from this administration:

1.

The allocation of over one Hundred and twenty five billion Naira (N125b) out of the N8.612 trillion appropriation bill presented by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 to the National Assembly to fund capital projects in 2018 in the Niger Delta region. This to us is unprecedented and a total demonstration of the unalloyed desire of President Muhammadu Buhari to right the wrongs the region suffered in the hands of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) particularly during the villainous regime of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan whose regime was a misfortune for the region as he ensured that no project was situated in the region throughout his infamous six years of lootocracy

2.

Earmarking of N53.89 billion for Niger Delta Ministry and N71.2 billion for Niger Delta Development Commission for capital projects in the 2018 budget. The region is also to benefit from the budgetary allocation for the Niger Delta amnesty programme retained at N65 billion

3.

The East-West Road abandoned by the Jonathan Administration will be completed hopefully by this year with the budgetary allocation of N17.32 billion

4.

The inclusion of N5bn in the 2018 budget for the formal take off of the Maritime University located at Okerenkoko in Delta State once again affirms the unflinching commitment of the APC led Federal Government under the leadership of President Buhari to develop the Niger Delta region. The party commends the President for his directive for the immediate release of N1b to the university to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment separate from the N5B take off grant.With commencement of full academic activities of this university that will go a long way to assist in the development and emancipation of our region.

5.

The APC explained that the region will also benefit from the huge allocations of N555.88 billion, for the ministry of power, works and housing and that of the ministry of Transportation with N263.1 billion plus other ministries as the 2018 budget estimates also contains the extension of Rail line to Warri in Delta State and the completion of the Uyo-Calabar Express Road.

6.

The inclusion and full implementation the Ogoni clean-up exercise and the execution of the Multi-Billion Naira Bomu-Bonny road project which when completed would open up the economic potentials of the Niger Delta Region beyond the shores of Nigeria. These projects will surely open not only the Niger Delta region but attract the elusive investments to the region. Based on this revolutionary trend by President Buhari who has proved that he is a true son of the region; the party after due thought and deliberation on the 2018 budget estimates rechristened the budget the budget of hope, peace, emancipation and unity of Niger Delta region.

7.

The formal flag-off of the construction of the Bonny/Bomu Road/Bridges in Rivers State on 12th October, 2017 by the APC led Federal Government which is monumental, historical and unprecedented. By this event, he has demonstrated that he is not like Dr Goodluck Jonathan and Gov. Nyesom Wike who claim to be sons of the region but did/doing everything humanly possible to frustrate the development of the region.

8.

President Muhammadu Buhari Administration recently release a whopping sum of N900 billion owed the Niger Delta Development Corporation (NDDC) by previous federal administrations including the administration of Dr. Jonathan.

9.

The successful kick-off of the Ogoni Clean-up exercise, the Calabar  Lagos Rail Line that cuts across the region, the renovation/reconstruction of both Enugu  Port Harcourt, Uyo  Calabar Highways and the West-East Road, the renovation of the Afam Power plant in Rivers State, resumption of work on the Port Harcourt International Airport, renovation and reconstruction of the Enugu  Port Harcourt Rail Line, among other projects.

10.

Inaugurated a world-class fertilizer plant built by Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, in Port Harcourt which has capacity for 1.5 million Metric Tons of Urea fertilizer, this worlds largest single-train Urea plant and one of the ambitious green field projects of Indorama in Nigeria and has a production capacity of 4000 metric tons (MT) of nitrogenous fertilizers per day or 1.5 MT per annum demonstrates the desire of this administration to rebuild the Niger Delta region and once again demonstrates the concern of the APC led Federal Government towards the emancipation and rapid development of the State and region contrary to the erroneous insinuation that APC is not doing much to improve the State.

11.

The 40-kilometre road from Bodo to Bonny Island. In between it are three bridges  a 1000 metre bridge across the Opobo creek, a 640 metre bridge against the Nanabie Creek and a 550 metre bridge against the Afa Creek. This will ultimately connect all of the communities and hopefully in a time not too far away, we can drive to Bonny Island from Bodo Through this project Industries have also gotten a gateway and coupled with the uninterrupted power supply enjoyed by residents and indigenes of the community, the improvement in the economy of Rivers State will know no bounds.

Indeed President Buhari have shown true leadership cum statesmanship, not just expressed, but conspicuously put into action and giving the people firsthand experience of what democracy is and should be. A rare gem and a true leader whose love for the region is infectious and we wish to urge him not to trouble himself about campaigning in the region as his works and feats in the region have finished his campaign for him the APC further averred.

With this development, we rejoice with Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation, for his patriotism and national outlook and for proving that we are a trusted breed that will take Nigeria to the desired promise land the statement concluded.

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Loading...Home | News | General | Lagos allays fear of stakeholders over Pen cinema flyover compensation

Says Prompt Submission Of Documents ll Enhance Payment Process

The Lagos State Government on Monday allayed the fears of property owners affected by removal of structures for the construction of the Pen Cinema Flyover, assuring that all would be compensated in due course.

From left: Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Commissioner for Water Front and Infrastructure, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state during the Inspection tour to kick works started on Flyover Bridge Agege, Lagos, Tuesday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Abiola Anifowoshe, the government specifically debunked media reports suggesting that it was unnecessarily delaying compensation, saying those whose structures were demolished would be paid.

Anifowoshe said the State Government had already held a stakeholders meeting with the affected property owners during which the details of the flyover project were presented to the stakeholders.

According to Anifowoshe, It was instructive that the stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the development and the Lagos State Government secured their buy-in.

The government representatives at the meeting also urged the people to submit all relevant documents showing proof of ownership. Our officials served all the statutory notices and even gave more than enough time for the affected property owners to be aware of the removal.

Also, there were newspaper publications to that effect stating government intention and expectations from the people. As a matter of fact, many of such have been submitted to my office and the compensation process has commenced fully, the Commissioner said.

Alluding to the fact that the construction of the flyover was in a bid to bring about development and end the perennial traffic situation in Agege axis, Anifowoshe said the State Government had to remove its own staff buildings belonging to the Lagos State Development Property Corporation (LSDPC) to give way for the project.

I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all residents of LSDPC in Agege that the Lagos State Government will compensate everyone involved and also to all other privately-owned property owners that the government understands their plight and is working tirelessly to ensure that those affected are compensated, he said.

While emphasizing that prompt submission of relevant documents would facilitate the process of payment, the Commissioner urged all affected property owners who are yet to produce their planning documents such as Certified Registered Title Document of Properties within the said Right of Way, Approved Building Plan Permit for the affected structures and any other relevant documents as proof of ownership, to do so without delay.

We like to urge them to submit their documents to the Office of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Block 15, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja to ensure that all affected owners are compensated appropriately.

In conclusion, the Lagos State Government hereby reiterates its commitment towards ensuring that there is even development across the State. By the time the Pen Cinema Flyover construction is completed, there will be traffic decongestion in the axis and this will enhance the socio-economic development of Agege and environs, Anifowoshe said.

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Loading...Home | News | General | Police Command in Enugu State to retrain personnel on courtesy, public relations

The Police Command in Enugu State has concluded arrangements to retrain all its personnel on courtesy and good relations with the public to improve service delivery.

The commands Spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this to Newsmen in Enugu on Monday.

Police

Amaraizu said that the aim of the programme was to equip police officers and men with basic public relations tools which would serve the interest of the Police as an organisation.

He said this would also enhance Police-Public-Partnership (PPP).

He said that the initiative would ensure effective crime prevention and control through closer partnership with the residents of the state.

The police spokesman said the theme of the retraining workshop would be: First Impression Matters, and it would involve all formations, divisions, units and special task-force of the command.

According to him, the command will be organising the retraining workshop in collaboration with Nigeria Institute of Public Relations ,Enugu State chapter.

The programme will have officers and men drawn from Special Anti-Robbery Squad Enugu, patrol and guard officers, stop-and-search personnel, investigators, traffic personnel and desk officers, otherwise known as counter duty personnel etc.

It will be declared opened by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Danmallam.

He said the workshop would start on Jan. 25 at the Conference Hall of the Hotel Pegassus at Ebeano Housing Estate off Bisalla Road Enugu, he said.

The command had held a similar workshop in 2016 through which negative tendencies that tended to militate against the smooth relationship and effective collaboration between the police and the public were x-rayed and the way out fashioned.

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Loading...Some teachers in Kaduna state refused to return to work on Monday in compliance with the directive of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).

The union had asked its members to stay away from work in protest of the decision of the state government to sack over 21,000 teachers who failed a competency test last year.

But Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, warned teachers to ignore the directive or comply with it at the risk of losing their jobs.

TheCable observed that while some schools were open after the Christmas and New Year break, others were under lock and key.

Schools like Aliyu Makanma Model Primary School, Barnawa, LEA Primary School, New Millennium City and LEA Primary school, Narayi, among others were deserted when this newspaper visited on Monday.

An official of the NUT, who did not want to be mentioned, said a task force constituted by the union was set up to ensure total compliance.

But at LEA primary school in Sabon Tasha, GRA, teachers were seen discussing in groups while pupils played inside the school compound, around 8:3oam.

We are aware of the strike, but we have not received any letter. We are waiting for an official letter from our union, as soon as we received it, we will leave one of the teachers said.

Also at the Government Secondary School, Kakuri near St. Gerald Catholic hospital, teachers reported to work.

We came to school because today is resumption date. We heard about the strike, but we have not received any circular regarding the strike. As soon as we receive the circular, we will comply a teacher, who refused to be named, said.

The NUT official said it was possible that some of the teachers who reported to work did not receive the circular.

But our task force is going round to distribute the circular and to tell our members to go home until they hear from our leadership, he said.The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, on Monday, failed to persuade the Federal High Court in Abuja to grant an interim injunction stopping the Senate from probing the controversial reinstatement of former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, into the Civil Service.

The AGF had gone before the court to challenge the powers of the National Assembly to investigate circumstances that led to Mainas recall, four years after he was dismissed by the Federal Civil Service Commission for absconding from duty.

Maina who was dismissed from service in 2013 following a recommendation by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, was recalled last year and deployed to the Ministry of Interior under controversial circumstances.

His reinstatement was purportedly based on a memo from the office of the AGF.

Malami had in a letter with Ref. No. HAGF/FCSC/2017/Vol. 1/3, directed the FCSC to give consequential effect to a judgment he said voided the process that led to Mainas dismissal from service.

On the strenght of the letter, the FCSC, at the end of a meeting it held on June 14, 2017, requested the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, vide a letter marked FC.4029/82/Vol. III/160, and dated June 21, 2017, to advise the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to consider the AGFs letter and make appropriate recommendations regarding Mainas case.

In line with the directive, the Ministry of Interior, at its Senior Staff Committee meeting held on June 22, 2017, placed reliance on the AGFs letter and recommended that Maina be reinstated into the Service as Deputy Director on Salary Grade Level 16.

Consequently, the FCSC, on August 16, 2017, approved the reinstatement of Maina with effect from February 21, 2013 (being the date he was earlier dismissed from Service

The FCSC further okayed Maina to sit for the next promotion examination to the post of Director (Administration) with Salary Grade Level 17.

However, recall of the former pension boss into the civil service sparked-off a public protest that forced President Muhammadu Buhari to order his immediate sack, with the Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita queried.

Meanwhile, in the heat of the situation and leakage of several memos that traced Mainas recall to the office of the AGF, Malami, insisted that he acted in the national interest.

Determined to get to the root of the saga however, both the Senate and the House of Representatives constituted different panels to investigate the matter.

Following AGFs claim that the letters could not have legally emanated from him, the Senate, which had already commenced its own probe, decided to carry out forensic examination of all the correspondences that led to Mainas reinstatement.

In a bid to stop the process, the AGF, filed the ex-parte motion that was declined by the court on Monday.

Specifically, the AGF prayed the court to among other things, determine whether the National Assembly has the right to probe issues relating to the employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant.

He wants the court to declare that: The employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant are matters outside the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

That the National Assembly cannot legitimately regulate the employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant, which are matters exclusively within the purview of the Federal Civil Service Commission under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria1999 (as amended).

As well as to declare That the National Assembly lacks the legislative competence to investigate the employment, attendance at work, disengagement, reinstatement and or promotion of a civil servant which are matters exclusively within the purview of the Federal Civil Service Commission under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria1999 (as amended).

The AGF contended that the power of investigation vested on the National Assembly by section 88 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is limited and such that can only be exercised within the confines of Section 88 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

He argued that being the chief law officer and Minister of Justice of the federation, that he was bound to ensure compliance by the Federal Government of Nigeria and or any of its cognate organs/agencies with the express or implied contents of extant Judgements and Orders of competent courts in Nigeria.

According to the AGF, The defendant cannot constitute itself into a quasi-appellate court, tribunal or panel with a view to reviewing any executive action taken in compliance with the adverse judgment in the said Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/65/2013.

Meantime, instead of granting the ex-parte order to halt further investigation into the matter, Justice Binta Nyako who heard the application in chambers on Monday, ordered the AGF to go and put the National Assembly on notice.

Justice Nyako further directed that all the court processes should be served on the National Assembly to enable it to appear before the court to show cause why the orders sought by the AGF should not be granted.

The suit was adjourned till January 15 for the National Assembly to show cause why the ongoing probe should not be stopped.

It will be recalled that Maina who is currently in hiding, was accused of complicity in pension fraud running into over N100 billion.

The Senate had at the end of an earlier investigation by its joint committee on public service and establishment and state and local government administration, issued a warrant of arrest for Mainas arrest.

The former pension boss was subsequently declared wanted by the Police, following which he reportedly fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a development that led to his dismissal from service in 2013.Benue born Nollywood actress, Meg Otanwa has reacted to the killings in her home state.

Meg, who is from the Idoma tribe, spoke on the bloodletting in an open letter she penned on Monday.

The star thespian of Emem Isongs Ill take my chances lamented that attack on her kinsmen by Fulani herdsmen has been going on for years.

She also recalled her personal encounter during an attack on a community.

Meg, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, appealed to President Buhari to be on the right side of history by choosing to defend and protect the innocent and defenseless citizens.

Full text of her letter below

Dear President Muhammadu Buhari, One fateful day I received numerous calls from home: A u Fulani! A u fulani!! E ku pewa eh, meaning, The Fulanis! The Fulanis! Theyve come again! It was Jan 17th last year, the herdsmen had attacked a neighbouring village and the villagers had run into our village for safety.

The marauders took lives and left a trail of destruction behind them. These attacks have been going on as far back as I can remember. I remember my grandmother hiding some of my siblings and I under the bed because a u fulani were coming. That was well over 20 years ago.

We had travelled home for Christmas and on this fateful day, villagers ran back from their farms covered in blood and tears from herdsmen attacks. That was my first memory and encounter with the name Fulani. In June of 2017, I lost my cousin, Sunday Fabian Otanwa, in the hands of these same herdsmen in Makurdi.

Sunday was in the police force, he was deployed to a village to protect the people. He and his colleagues became a target for the herdsmen, they launched another attack just to kill the security personnel in the villages. Sunday was killed. Please tell me Mr President, are we second class Nigerians? Why must we continue to suffer in the hands of these faceless barbaric criminals?

They come to kill and claim our ancestral land. The people of Benue State are predominantly farmers. That is what they know. Benue State did not become the Food Basket of the nation for nothing. Farming is the means of livelihood for most people in Benue State. So when they attack our crops, they attack our very existence. The Open Grazing Prohibition and Establishment of Ranches law has been signed since May 2017.

So why are we still left to fight these criminals off our lands? These attacks and killings have persisted and worsened over the years in places as disparate as Plateau, Kaduna, Enugu among other parts of the country. Mr President Sir, with all due respect, we do not need your condolences anymore. Weve received enough of that for over 20 plus years.

Open grazing is now against the law. The governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has cried out to the federal government for help. He is not the Commander In Chief; you are, sir. So please deploy the army to protect and secure Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, Enugu and every other part of Nigeria that has experienced these vicious attacks and yet still remains under threat.

Why send the army to stop protesters? They are only speaking out in a bid to protect their lands and livelihood. If you are indeed for all Nigerians, please do what is required of a leader: let the affected communities see and feel that the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cares about them, not only through words, but also through action. The activities of these mysterious Fulani herdsmen continue to oppress my people and my home, Benue.

I also believe that it is necessary to point out at the same time that this isnt a fight between Fulani people and other ethnicities of this great country, because not all Fulanis perpetrate such wicked acts, in the same way that not all Nigerians are out to cheat or scam people; this is a war between good and evil, between light and darkness, between men bent on destroying lives and properties and those who wish to live in peace and a shared prosperity.

I urge you, sir, to be on the right side of history by choosing to defend and protect all that is good and just; I pray you will find the moral strength and conviction to fight on the side of justice, for it is only under the banner of justice that peace can truly thrive. My name is Meg Otanwa and I call on you as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect your people whether they be Fulani, Idoma, Tiv, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba. Thank you.Day One of the Tamil Nadu Assembly session began on a stormy note, with Opposition leader MK Stalin's DMK staging a walkout.

As Governor Banwarilal Purohit began his address, Stalin waved his hand in protest and walked. "The governor has ignore(d) the Opposition('s) request for a floor test. Also, this governor has been conducting review meetings of state officials. This is against democracy," he told reporters.

But what gave the Edappadi Palaniswami government even more jitters was the entry of TTV Dhinakaran, the new MLA from Chennai's RK Nagar - J Jayalalithaa's former constituency. He entered Fort St George - the administrative centre of the Tamil Nadu capital - accompanied by the 18 MLAs recently disqualified by the Speaker.

Thangatamizhselvan, a member of the TTV Dhinakaran camp, said all those lawmakers would soon re-enter the assembly.

Both the DMK and TTV Dhinakaran have been demanding a floor test ever since the disqualified MLAs met the then Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao in September last year, and told him that they had lost confidence in Chief Minister Palaniswami.

Today, MK Stalin and Dhinakaran, an independent MLA, reiterated their claim that Palaniswami lacked the numbers to head the government, apparently referring to the revolt of the 18 MLAs.

Stalin claimed it was "clear" that the government had the support of only 111 MLAs in a 235-strong House.

A confident Dhinakaran said there were still many "sleeper cells" in the Assembly. "Many AIADMK MLAs inside the assembly wanted to wish me but obviously they were scared. This government will fall soon," he said.

(Inputs from PTI)

ALSO WATCH | Here is Rajinikanth announcing his political debuthere for all of op's posts on these trash men

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mte

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yep

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Lol yep!

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so much yes!

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doing the good work

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The OP and milfordacademy are the heroes 2018 deserves and needs, and joint GREATEST ONTDer of the year by a long country mile already and it's only 8th January.

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This dude has some fucking nerve.

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So did everyone just forget the interview where he defended Mel Gibson and dropped the n word like it was nothing?



Because that also happened.



Anyway, go suck a railroad spike, Gary.

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"Replaced?" As if they don't have a new host basically every year?

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I remember that. it was sickening.

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ot but icon love

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also insisted that there's no one on earth who hasn't said the n word or "fucking jew". as someone who has never said either of those things out loud, in my entire life, it's VERY TELLING that this man has said them not only once, but many times.

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"It illustrates that words and actions can change the world and boy oh boy does it need some changing."



He said this in his speech and lmfao yeah, it does need changing so pieces of shit like you don't get nominated at all.

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He has some nerve.

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Oldman's longtime manager, Douglas Urbanski, defended Oldman in a statement to CNN.

"I have looked at the Playboy interview a few times now -- in fact I was in the room during the entire 8 or 9 hours. I am unaware -- as I have seen reported -- of Gary Oldman defending any anti-Semitic remarks in the interview, or, for that matter, anyplace!" said Urbanski.

"He would not do so, and in fact he finds any kind of bigotry, homophobia, anti-Semitism, racism or sexism unacceptable and disgraceful. Period. If you read the Playboy piece correctly and entirely, and in context, it is the hypocrisy of political correctness that Gary is addressing, nothing else."



This is from after he made the anti-semetic remarks

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OMG seriously.



Also for people who don't remember here are some quotes:



"He got drunk and said a few things, but weve all said those things. Were all f-----g hypocrites. Thats what I think about it. The policeman who arrested him has never used the word n----- or that f-----g Jew? Im being brutally honest here. Its the hypocrisy of it that drives me crazy.



"Mel Gibson is in a town thats run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because hes actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him. But some Jewish guy in his office somewhere hasnt turned and said, 'That f-----g kraut' or 'F--- those Germans,' whatever it is?"







He's a fucking anti-semitic, woman-beating piece of shit. But congrats on giving him a Golden Globe HFPA. Good job hiring hime Joe Wright and Focus Features!

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I am glad HBC murdered him in Order of the Phoenix

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holy shit, i didn't realize the quotes were that anti-semitic. he can fucking choke.

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WTF?!! My only point of reference for him is the HP films.

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wooooowwww at his equating "fucking kraut" with anti-Semitic hate speech. Woooooow

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Holy shit I need to vomit.



Also, this is the 2nd time Ive heard about interviews lasting 7-8 hours. Sounds physically painful to talk to a stranger for that long.

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Who is Sasha Stone?

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a misogynist film critic.

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Omfg are you serious?

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She wouldn't care anyway, she just keeps going on about how people don't want Gary to win because he's a terrible person, even though he "deserves it."

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That is absolutely sickening and I wish I hadnt read it

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i can't believe we are just going to repeat last year w/ casey affleck again this year with gary oldman rme

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Also so no one forgets, best of his infamous playboy interview:



"He got drunk and said a few things, but weve all said those things. Were all f-----g hypocrites. Thats what I think about it. The policeman who arrested him has never used the word n----- or that f-----g Jew? Im being brutally honest here. Its the hypocrisy of it that drives me crazy.



"Mel Gibson is in a town thats run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because hes actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him. But some Jewish guy in his office somewhere hasnt turned and said, 'That f-----g kraut' or 'F--- those Germans,' whatever it is?"



"Alec calling someone an F-A-G in the street while hes pissed off coming out of his building because they wont leave him alone? I dont blame him."



"If I called Nancy Pelosi a c---  and Ill go one better, a fucking useless c---  I cant really say that. But Bill Maher and Jon Stewart can, and nobodys going to stop them from working because of it."







He also name dropped the Golden Globes in his speech:







"Its a meaningless event. Theres nothing going on at all. Its 90 nobodies having a w--k."



"It certainly doesnt mean anything to win a Golden Globe."





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"Its a meaningless event. Theres nothing going on at all. Its 90 nobodies having a w--k."

"It certainly doesnt mean anything to win a Golden Globe.

SO GIVE IT BACK

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I can't with him casually saying that we're all hypocrites like he's self aware and above criticism, STFU

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omg ew i hate that excuse from people for everything from being innocuously lazy to a straight up racist. like. just. no.

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Hollywood should have never forgiven him for this. Wish his career died there and then but thats what happens when youre privileged.

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he's such a disappointment >:(

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We need to start putting "abusive" /"pedophile" /"assaulter" /"racist" in front of all these actors names every time we refer to them tbh. It needs to be common knowledge so their fans can't shy away from the truth

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i like this idea. i'm sick of deliberate vagueness & misleading bullshit like "officer-involved shooting"

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I don't need to "shy away from the truth". I know he's not a great person. Doesn't take away from his acting ability.

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Hit dogs will holler 

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Cool. Good thing my comment wasnt directed at you

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Abusers love to keep the focus on someone else.

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that description is rlly sad and horrible.

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he's going to win, I'm resigned to that. To Hollywood he's a good actor whose long been ignored in recognition. And yeah, he is a good actor. Most of the time. But he's also a terrible fucking person, and I'm tired of terrible fucking men being rewarded for being terrible fucking men who happen to be talented.

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LinkBio-indican can be used as an effective, reductant-free cotton textile dye. (a) Top row, Pure indican with no -glucosidase (BGL); pure indican with -glucosidase; bio-indican with -glucosidase. Bottom row, Indigo, nonreduced; indigo, reduced with sodium dithionite. All swatches are dyed on white cotton denim. Scale bar, 1 cm. (b) Scarf (100% white cotton gauze fabric) dyed with indican. All samples were photographed after numerous, vigorous water washes. Scale bar, 5 cm. Credit: Nature Chemical Biology, doi:10.1038/nchembio.2552

They can be tight, flared, ripped at the knee. Jeans come in all styles and colours these days, but one hue will always be synonymous with the world's favourite garment: indigo blue.

To satisfy the world's seemingly insatiable demand for blue denim, more than 45,000 tonnes of indigo dye are produced every year, with much of the waste making its way into rivers and streams, conservationists say.

On Monday, scientists announced they had developed a greener method to produce the coveted tintusing lab-grown bacteria.

While not yet commercially viable, the technique holds promise for a "much-needed update to the historic, but unsustainable, indigo dyeing process," researchers wrote in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.

"Demand for the dye is higher than ever before, making its ecological consequences unsustainable," they warned.

Originally extracted from plants, indigo is one of the oldest dyes, with evidence of its use in textile colouring going back some 6,000 years.

It is prized for being vibrant and long-lasting, and was an important cash crop until humans started making synthetic indigo in the early 1900s.

Indigo crystals cling easily to the cotton fibres used in jeans and are resistant to laundry detergents, yet flake off slightly with wear-and-tear to yield the sought-after worn-in look.

Some four billion denim garments are produced every year, the vast majority indigo-tinted, said the study authors, and warned of "a serious sustainability problem".

The first danger: producing indigo dye requires the use of toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.

Furthermore, synthesised indigo is insoluble in water, meaning chemicals are needed to make it suitable for dyeing.

'Not currently feasible'

One such chemical is sodium dithionite, which decomposes into sulfate and sulfite which can corrode equipment and pipes in dye mills and wastewater treatment plants.

"Many dye mills avoid the additional cost of wastewater treatment by dumping the spent dye materials into rivers, where they have negative ecological impacts," said the research team.

The new method mimics the workings of the Japanese plant Persicaria tinctoria.

Instead of a plant, "we engineered a common lab strain of Escherichia coli, a bacteria found in our gut, to be a chemical factory for the production of indigo dye," study co-author John Dueber of the University of California's bioengineering department told AFP.

Like the plant, the bacteria produces a compound called indoxyl, which is insoluble and cannot be used as a dye. By adding a sugar molecule, the indoxyl is turned into indicana precursor of indigo.

Indican can be stored and transformed into indigo direcly on the cloth when dyeing, by adding an enzyme to the mix.

The lab is working to make the process commercially feasible, Dueber said.

For now, producing five grammes of indigo to colour one pair of jeans would require "several litres of bacteria," he said, and would be more expensive.

Explore further Research could make blue jeans green

More information: Employing a biochemical protecting group for a sustainable indigo dyeing strategy, Nature Chemical Biology, DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2552 Journal information: Nature Chemical Biology Employing a biochemical protecting group for a sustainable indigo dyeing strategy,

 2018 AFPThere are two things working against the Trump administration's proposal to open up California coastal waters to new oil and gas drilling: state regulators and simple economics.

California has powerful legal tools to head off new offshore development, and the price of oil offers little incentive to the energy industry to pursue expensive drilling projects next to a hostile state.

"I don't think there's any reasonable chance that there will be any leasing or drilling along the coast," said Ralph Faust, former general counsel for the California Coastal Commission. "This just seems like grandstanding" by the Trump administration.

The Interior Department on Thursday released plans to open vast areas off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to new oil and gas exploration and drilling through a five-year leasing program that would begin in 2019.

But there are myriad obstacles opponents can throw in front of the proposal, not to mention questions about whether the oil industry has much of an interest in California's offshore reserves at a time when domestic oil production is at its highest level in decades.

Under the plan, the federal government would offer 47 leases in U.S. waters on the outer continental shelf, including two each off the Northern, Central and Southern California coasts and one off Washington and Oregon.

The governors of all three states issued a joint statement Thursday saying they would do whatever it takes to block new leasing off their shores, which include some of the nation's most pristine coastlines.

The first hurdle for the Trump plan is a period of public comment and an extensive environmental review under federal law, which opponents can use to challenge the proposal as ecologically harmful.

In California, the state coastal commission also has the authority to review activities in federal waters to ensure they are consistent with the state's coastal management plans.

"The commission has extremely broad and very powerful authority to say 'no' to federal actions that would harm the coast of California and harm coastal waters," said Steve Mashuda, an attorney at Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law organization.

The commission is ready to use it.

"Nothing galvanizes bipartisan resistance in California like the threat of more offshore oil drilling," coastal commission Chairwoman Dayna Bochco said in a statement. "We've fought similar efforts before, and we will fight them again."

While the U.S. secretary of commerce could override a commission finding that new oil drilling violated the state's management plan, federal courts have tended to side with states in such contests.

And California has another weapon: State Lands Commission jurisdiction over tidelands and waters that extend roughly three miles offshore.

That gives the commission the ability to stop the construction of pipelines that are the most economical way of transporting oil and gas from offshore rigs to land.

"In some ways that is an even more formidable tool that the state of California and like-minded local governments can utilize to deny approval of things like oil terminals and pipelines crossing state sovereign tidelands," said Richard Frank, director of the California Environmental Law & Policy Center at the University of California, Davis.

There are 23 oil platforms in federal waters off California and four in state watersnear 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.

But images of oil-drenched seabirds and fouled beaches during the massive 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill soured the state on offshore oil development. There have been no new federal leases off California since 1984.

Moreover, uncertainty over prices makes costly new drilling projects in California's deep offshore waters difficult to justify financially compared with cheaper hydraulic fracturing operations on land.

Oil is trading at about $60 a barrelroughly the price that would make an offshore project profitable, said Peter Maniloff, an economist at Colorado School of Mines who studies the oil and gas industry.

But "you want to be confident that prices will remain that high before undertaking a very large investment to drill an offshore well," Maniloff said. "And it's hard to be confident of that because fracking has driven prices down.

"This announcement is not a game-changer for the oil industry or for California," he added. "I would not expect substantial drilling or production off California."

Michael Livermore, an environmental law professor at the University of Virginia, said that "based entirely on the Department of Interior's own analysis, drilling off the coast of California is a terrible idea."

He cited a section of the leasing proposal that found waters off Central California did not meet the government threshold for benefits exceeding the costs of oil drilling. "Waiting in the region could provide greater value to society than leasing in the 2019-2024 Program," according to the report.

Livermore also questioned whether any company would be willing to risk the public backlash were there to be a spill in such closely watched waters.

David Hackett, an oil industry expert and president of Stillwater Associates, an Irvine-based transportation energy consulting firm, supports more oil development off the California's coast.

But given fierce state and local opposition, he doubts new oil rigs will start popping up in the Pacific.

"Even if California was supportive, it would take a decade for production to begin," he said.

Explore further Calif. finds more instances of offshore fracking

2018 Los Angeles Times

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Rhinoceros. Credit: Cindy Harper, D.V.M.Veterinary Genetics LaboratoryUniversity of Pretoria

In murder investigations, DNA evidence often helps to link a perpetrator to a crime scene and put him or her behind bars. Now, researchers reporting in Current Biology on January 8 show that DNA evidence is also successfully being used to link rhinoceros horns seized from poachers and traffickers in various countries directly to the specific crime scenes where rhinoceros carcasses were left behind.

Their Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS) includes a chain-of-custody-compliant biosampling kit and sampling methodology. It has already been used in more than 5,800 forensic cases with links made between recovered horns, blood-stained evidence items, and specific rhinoceros carcasses in more than120 cases.

"Unlike similar work in which genetic databases provide an indication of geographic provenance, RhODIS provides individual matches that, similar to human DNA profiling, is used as direct evidence in criminal court cases," says Cindy Harper of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

Black and white rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis and Ceratotherium simum) are listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered and near threatened, respectively. The new report comes at a time when poaching incidents have seen an uptick after decades of progress. In South Africa, rhinoceros poaching incidents increased from 13 in 2007 to 1,215 in 2014. Rhinos are killed for their horns, which are sought after for medicinal purposes and, increasingly, as cultural status symbols. In the last 10 years, more than 7,000 African rhinoceros have been hunted and killed illegally.

To calculate the probability of a match between confiscated DNA evidence and a crime scene, the researchers relied on allele frequencies calculated from a collection of 3,085 white rhinoceros and 883 black rhinoceros. Their analyses show that it's possible to reliably match the unique DNA profile of an individual animal obtained from any tissue, including horns or curios and powders made from the horns, with a panel including 23 short tandem repeat (STR) loci.

The report highlights nine cases in which DNA matches were made and that evidence was used for the prosecution, conviction, and sentencing of perpetrators of rhinoceros crimes. One case involving three horns and tissues from two carcasses led to a sentence of 29 years.

The RhODIS dataset also offers insight into rhino populations. For instance, the data support the species classification of white and black rhinoceros and three subspecies of black rhinoceros. As a result, Harper says the genetic panels include loci that can also be used to identify horns as originating from white or black rhinoceros. Information on the population structure can also help investigators narrow their search for specific carcasses linked to seized horns.

Because rhinoceros horns often move extremely rapidly from the crime scenes to the consumer countries, the researchers note that the investigation, sampling, and analysis of forensic evidence must be expedited and internationally coordinated. Fortunately, Harper says they've found extensive support for the program from within South Africa, from provincial wildlife and enforcement authorities, the national government, police services, national parks, and the majority of states where rhinoceros live.

"Thanks to this support, we've seen rapid growth of the database into a representative source of rhinoceros genetic data for both forensic and management applications from its inception," Harper says. "The unprecedented cooperation and support for the program from these authorities has been surprising and encouraging."

These cases now show that forensic data resources for wildlife species that are under severe threat from illegal hunting and trafficking can be applied successfully across borders to assist in the investigation and ultimate conviction of wildlife criminals. The hope is that the increasing risk of conviction and stiff sentencing will play an important role in decreasing incentives to deal in illegal wildlife products.

The researchers say the RhODIS database continues to grow as new samples are added. With funding support and the use of genetic data to better manage remaining rhinoceros populations, "this effort will further ensure that the survivors remain healthy while efforts to curb wildlife trafficking and educate consumers continue," Harper says.

Explore further Rhino horn smuggling ring members charged in US

More information: Current Biology, Harper et al.: "Robust forensic matching of confiscated horns to individual poached African rhinoceros" DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.11.005 Journal information: Current Biology , Harper et al.: "Robust forensic matching of confiscated horns to individual poached African rhinoceros" www.cell.com/current-biology/f  0960-9822(17)31450-1A blue crab in a tank in a research lab at Georgia Tech. In the tank behind it, small mud crabs are hiding in plastic tubes. Credit: Georgia Tech / Alex Draper

Psssst, mud crabs, time to hide because blue crabs are coming to eat you! That's the warning the prey get from the predators' urine when it spikes with high concentrations of two chemicals, which researchers have identified in a new study.

Beyond decoding crab-eat-crab alarm triggers, pinpointing these compounds for the first time opens new doors to understanding how chemicals invisibly regulate marine wildlife. Insights from the study by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology could someday contribute to better management of crab and oyster fisheries, and help specify which pollutants upset them.

In coastal marshes, these urinary alarm chemicals, trigonelline and homarine, help to regulate the ecological balance of who eats how many of whomand not just crabs.

Blue crabs, which are about hand-sized and are tough and strong, eat the mud crabs, which are about the size of a silver dollar, and thin-shelled. Blue crabs also eat a few oysters, but mud crabs eat a lot more oysters than they do. When blue crabs are going after mud crabs, the mud crabs hide and stay still, so far fewer oysters get eaten than usual.

Humans are part of the food chain, too, eating oysters as well as blue crabs that boil up a bright orange. The blue refers to the color of markings on their appendages before they're cooked. Thus, the blue crab urinary chemicals influence seafood availability for people, as well.

Predator pee-pee secrets

The fact that blue crab urine scares mud crabs was already known. Mud crabs duck and cover when exposed to samples taken in the field and in the lab, even if the mud crabs can't see the blue crabs yet. Digestive products, or metabolites, in blue crab urine trigger the mud crabs' reaction, which also makes them stop foraging for food themselves.

"Mud crabs react most strongly when blue crabs have already eaten other mud crabs," said Julia Kubanek, who co-led the study with fellow Georgia Tech professor Marc Weissburg. "A change in the chemical balance in blue crab urine tells mud crabs that blue crabs just ate their cousins," Kubanek said.

Figuring out the two specific chemicals, trigonelline and homarine, that set off the alarm system, out of myriad candidate molecules, is new and has been a challenging research achievement.

Principal investigator Julia Kubanek loads a sample into a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy device. Credit: Georgia Tech / Christopher Moore

"My guess is that there are many hundreds of chemicals in the animal's urine," said Kubanek, who is a professor in Georgia Tech's School of Biological Sciences, in its School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and who is also Associate Dean for Research in Georgia Tech's College of Sciences.

The researchers applied technology and methodology from metabolomics, a relatively new field used principally in medical research to identify small biomolecules produced in metabolism that might serve as early warning signs of disease. Kubanek, Weissburg, and first author Remington Poulin published their results the week of January 8, 2017, in the journal Proceedings of the National Academies of Science.

The research was funded by the National Science Foundation.

Peedle in a haystack

Trigonelline has been studied, albeit loosely, in some diseases, and is known as one of the ingredients in coffee beans that, upon roasting, breaks down into other compounds that give coffee its aroma. Homarine is very similar to trigonelline, and, though apparently less studied, it's also common.

"These chemicals are found in many places," Kubanek said. But picking them out of all those chemicals in blue crab urine for the first time was like finding two needles in a haystack.

Often, in the past, researchers trying to narrow down such chemicals have started out by separating them out in arduous laboratory procedures then testing them one at a time to see if any of them worked. There was a good chance of turning up nothing.

The Georgia Tech researchers went after all the chemicals at one time, the whole haystack, using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

"We screened the entire chemical composition of each sample at once," Kubanek said. "We analyzed lots and lots of samples to fish out chemical candidates."

Mud crabs hiding in reaction to chemicals taken from blue crab urine and introduced into their tanks in a lab at Georgia Tech. Credit: Georgia Tech / Alex Draper

Crabs are 'walking noses'

The researchers discovered spikes in about a dozen metabolites after blue crabs ate mud crabs. They tested out those pee chemicals that spiked on the mud crabs, and trigonelline and homarine distinctly made them crouch.

"Trigonelline scares the mud crabs a little bit more," Kubanek said.

More specifically, high concentrations of either of the two did the trick. "It's clear that there was a dose-dependent response," said Weissburg, who is a professor in Georgia Tech's School of Biological Sciences. "Mud crabs have evolved to hone in on that elevated dose."

"Most crustaceans are walking noses," Weissburg said. "They detect chemicals with sensors on their claws, antennae and even the walking legs. The compounds we isolated are pretty simple, which suggests they might be easily detectable in a variety of places on a crab. This redundancy is good because it increases the likelihood that the mud crabs get the message and not get eaten."

Ecological and fishery effects

Evolution preserved the mud crabs with the duck-and-cover reaction to the two chemicals, which also influenced the ecological balance, in part by pushing blue crabs to look for more of their food elsewhere. But it influenced other animal populations as well.

"These chemicals are staggeringly important," Weissburg said. "The scent from a blue crab potentially affects a large number of mud crabs, all of which stop eating oysters, and that helps preserve the oyster populations."

All of that also impacts food sources for marine birds and mammals: Just by the effects of two chemicals, and there are so many more chemical signals around. "It's hard for us to appreciate the richness of this chemical landscape," Weissburg said.

Marc Weissburg talking about marine chemicals and population regulation. Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology

As scientists learn more, influencing these systems could become useful to ecologists and the fishing industry.

"We might even be able to use these chemicals to control oyster consumption by predators to help preserve these habitats, which are critical, or to help oyster farmers. That's becoming important in Georgia fisheries," Weissburg said.

Pollutants in pesticides and herbicides are known to interfere with estuaries' ecologies. "It will be a lot easier to test how strong this is by knowing specific ecological chemicals," Weissburg said.

Fear-o-mone small molecules

By the way, trigonelline and homarine are not pheromones.

"Pheromones are signaling molecules that have a function within the same species, like to attract mates," Kubanek said. "And blue crabs and mud crabs are not the same species."

"In this case, the mud crabs have evolved to chemically eavesdrop on the blue crabs' pee. You might call trigonelline and homarine fear-inducing cues."

Identifying such metabolites, also called small molecules, and their effects is the latest chapter in constructing the catalog of life molecules. "Everyone knows about the human genome project, identifying genomes; then came transcriptomes (molecules that transcribe genes)," Kubanek said. "Now we're pretty far along with proteomics (identifying proteins), but we're just now figuring out metabolomes."

Explore further Scientists reveal game of thrones in crab world

More information: Remington X. Poulin el al., "Chemical encoding of risk perception and predator detection among estuarine invertebrates," PNAS (2017). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Remington X. Poulin el al., "Chemical encoding of risk perception and predator detection among estuarine invertebrates,"(2017). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1713901115Dickinsonia costata, one of the most common species of the Ediacaran period, moved and fed on seafloor microbe mats. This specimen and its silly putty cast are about 6 centimeters across and from the Nilpena Station of South Australia. Credit: Mary Droser

Microbial mats that existed on sea floors prior to the Cambrian explosion provided the foundation for early animal life to arise, new research looking at trace fossils of that early life has found.

When Charles Darwin wrote On the Origin of Species and for decades thereafter, scientists ascribed the beginning of animal life to the Cambrian, eventually pinned to about 540 million years ago when trilobites and other multicellular organisms emerged in a relatively short timeframe.

In recent years, however, astonishing complexity has been discovered in the period right before the advent of the Cambrian explosion, revising the scientific view of the origins of the most complex, multicellular life on Earth.

"By the time we get to the Cambrian  which has much more familiar organisms  a lot of the evolution had already happened on Earth," says paleobiologist Mary Droser at the NASA Astrobiology Institute at the University of California, Riverside.

Droser is the lead author of a recently published paper in the Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences describing the conditions that led to the rise of the earliest animals in the late Ediacaran period (an era that lasted from 635 to 540 million years ago) of the Precambrian, and the stages of evolution that led to their domination. Classification has proven difficult for soft-bodied Ediacara biota, as their remains are encased in some of the oldest rocks on the planet. However, uniting attributes like multicellularity, bilateral body shapes and movement to find food have surfaced in recent years. Droser said it was time to compile and synthesize the published research on the topic.

Although scientists have widely credited the Ediacaran for harboring early animal life, researchers mainly focused on fossil impressions of individual specimens. Droser and her colleagues, James Gehling and Lidya Tarhan, took a different approach by examining microbial textures, evidence of mobility and species associations among fossil beds to gather clues about their ecology and evolution.

By studying how and why early animals settled or moved, scientists can get a glimpse into the lives of these long-gone animals and the adaptions they used to survive, including what kinds of surfaces they colonized and how they traveled and ate.

An artist interpretation of an excavated Ediacaran fossil bed measuring 50 centimeters by 100 centimeters depicts the once-common Dickinsonia and sea frond-like organisms. Credit: Michelle Kroll

"One of the things that we look at is evidence of mobility, as opposed to the organism itself," Droser said.

A trove of mobile information can be found about the Ediacaran in trace fossils, in the form of "footprints" left behind by the animals when they moved and interacted with the surrounding environment rather than their actual body parts.

"We're not just looking at the beautiful fossils but everything that's there," Droser says. "It's looking at the weird and unusual things that actually provide a lot of the insight."

Root-like anchors that attached sea fan-like organisms to the substrate, scraping marks left by mollusk-like algae eaters, and mining burrows left by worm-like animals are all examples of the traces these extinct creatures left behind.

Before the ubiquity of predators, sediment mixers and decomposers, what accumulated on the seafloor was not only organic material that fell to the seafloor but also mucus-like layers of microbes coating the sandy bottom called microbial mats. "Think pond scum," says Droser.

The range and diversity of microbial mats that served as the foothold for Ediacara biota would prove even more pivotal to the ecology of these ancient habitats. The mats offered an alternative path from the free-floating lifestyle of microscopic algae and bacteria as something for the new and enterprising species to attach to or feed from on a shifting seafloor. The stability and environmental complexity provided by the sticky mats made the extensive seafloor habitable.

The appearance, diversification, and evolution of Ediacara biota are inextricably linked to these mats. Researchers have found that with the rise of complex animals comes advancements in the microbial mats themselves, revealing the ecological interplay between the species, Droser says.

Sprigginia fossils are some of the most complex fossils found in the Ediacaran period. Vaguely resembling soft-bodied trilobites, Sprigginia has a head-like region and repeat-ing segments running the length of its body. Credit: Mary Droser

The advent of mobile taxa played the critical role of colonizing other mats after big disturbances, such as large storms, thereby preventing total community wipe outs. Mobile and immobile animals exploited the textural qualities of the mats representing different microbe brews, from microbial bunching of sediment to bumpy structures that resemble "elephant skin" or "bubble trains".

Microbial textures are a proxy to understanding how sediment, microorganisms and macroorganisms interacted to produce consorts of animals, or assemblages, found in regular association across fossil beds. The Ediacaran stratigraphic record shows three distinct groups of animals that emerged successively  the Avalon, White Sea and Nama assemblages  each with their own strategies to exploit their changing environment, spreading and then waning before many met evolutionary dead ends.

The Ediacaran, replete with explosive diversity, saw the first emergence of successful bilaterial animals that would later give rise to Earth's first vertebrates, mobility, early mollusks, skeletons, plant-like reproduction and population struggles such as competition over resources and space, which are all vital components of modern animal ecosystems today.

"We would argue that the beginning of animal life as we know it begins in the Precambrian," says Droser. "By the time that you get to the Cambrian, all of the major groups are established."

Droser said studying the ecology and evolution before the Cambrian explosion offers key insights into how the early stages of the evolution of complex life may play out on other planets.

"It's much cheaper and easier to go back in time on our own planet and ask," Droser says, "'How did the atmosphere and ocean chemistry interact with the nature of prokaryote, eukaryote and multicellular evolution to produce a planet with this complex green scum around it?"

Explore further Paleontologists discover new fossil organism

More information: Mary L. Droser et al. The Rise of Animals in a Changing Environment: Global Ecological Innovation in the Late Ediacaran, Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences (2017). Mary L. Droser et al. The Rise of Animals in a Changing Environment: Global Ecological Innovation in the Late Ediacaran,(2017). DOI: 10.1146/annurev-earth-063016-015645

This story is republished courtesy of NASA's Astrobiology Magazine. Explore the Earth and beyond at www.astrobio.net .New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) Concerned about the deterioratingi call drop situation, the Department of Telecom (DoT) will meet service providers on January 10 to discuss the burning issue as also the new service quality norms that have been implemented in the sector.

"We want to convey to the operators, the governments concerns on state of call drops. Service providers have to get their act together,"iTelecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters here today.

She was speaking on the sidelines of a conference to mark the completion of the first phaseiof Bharat Net project.

The meeting with telecom industry CEOs will be chaired by the DoT Secretary.

The meeting is also slated to discuss the new stringent call drop norms that were enforced by telecom regulator TRAI in October last year.

On the same day, DoT will also hold aiseparate meeting with the telecom regulator on the call drop issue.

The Telecom Commission, meanwhile, will meet tomorrow to discuss multiple issues including some recommendations by Interministerial Group (IMG) on relief measures for the stressed industry, importantly, the raising of spectrum caps. PTI MBI ANUNeutrons produced when a spin-aligned (polarized) proton collides with another proton come out with a slight rightward-skew preference. But when the polarized proton collides with a much larger gold nucleus, the neutrons' directional preference becomes larger and switches to the left. These surprising results imply that the mechanisms producing particles along the beam direction may be very different in these two types of collisions. Credit: Brookhaven National Laboratory

Imagine playing a game of billiards, putting a bit of counter-clockwise spin on the cue ball and watching it deflect to the right as it strikes its target ball. With luck, or skill, the target ball sinks into the corner pocket while the rightward-deflected cue ball narrowly misses a side-pocket scratch. Now imagine your counter-clockwise spinning cue ball striking a bowling ball instead, and deflecting even more stronglybut to the leftwhen it strikes the larger mass.

That's similar to the shocking situation scientists found themselves in when analyzing results of spinning protons striking different sized atomic nuclei at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC)a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility for nuclear physics research at DOE's Brookhaven National Laboratory. Neutrons produced when a spinning proton collides with another proton come out with a slight rightward-skew preference. But when the spinning proton collides with a much larger gold nucleus, the neutrons' directional preference becomes larger and switches to the left.

"What we observed was totally amazing," said Brookhaven physicist Alexander Bazilevsky, a deputy spokesperson for the PHENIX collaboration at RHIC, which is reporting these results in a new paper just published in Physical Review Letters. "Our findings may mean that the mechanisms producing particles along the direction in which the spinning proton is traveling may be very different in proton-proton collisions compared with proton-nucleus collisions."

Understanding different particle production mechanisms could have big implications for interpreting other high-energy particle collisions, including the interactions of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays with particles in the Earth's atmosphere, Bazilevsky said.

Detecting particles' directional preferences

Spin physicists first observed the tendency of more neutrons to emerge slightly to the right in proton-proton interactions in 2001-2002, during RHIC's first polarized proton experiments. RHIC, which has been operating since 2000, is the only collider in the world with the ability to precisely control the polarization, or spin direction, of colliding protons, so this was new territory at the time. It took some time for theoretical physicists to explain the result. But the theory they developed, published in 2011, gave scientists no reason to expect such a strong directional preference when protons were colliding with larger nuclei, let alone a complete flip in the direction of that preference.

"We anticipated something similar to the proton-proton effect, because we couldn't think of any reasons why the asymmetry could be different," said Itaru Nakagawa, a physicist from Japan's RIKEN laboratory, who served as PHENIX's deputy run coordinator for spin measurements in 2015. "Can you imagine why a bowling ball would scatter a cue ball in the opposite direction compared with a target billiard ball?"

Brookhaven Lab physicist Alexander Bazilevsky and RIKEN physicist Itaru Nakagawa use billiards and a bowling ball to demonstrate surprising results observed at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider's PHENIX detector when small particles collided with larger ones. Credit: Brookhaven National Laboratory

2015 was the year RHIC first collided polarized protons with gold nuclei at high energy, the first such collisions anywhere in the world. Minjung Kima graduate student at Seoul National University and the RIKEN-BNL Research Center at Brookhaven Labfirst noticed the surprisingly dramatic skew of the neutronsand the fact that the directional preference was opposite to that seen in proton-proton collisions. Bazilevsky worked with her on data analysis and detector simulations to confirm the effect and make sure it was not an artifact from the detector or something to do with the adjustment of the beams. Then, Nakagawa worked closely with the accelerator physicists on a series of experiments to repeat the measurements under even more precisely controlled conditions.

"This was truly a collaborative effort between experimentalists and accelerator physicists who could tune such a huge and complicated accelerator facility on the fly to meet our experimental needs," Bazilevsky said, expressing gratitude for those efforts and admiration for the versatility and flexibility of RHIC.

The new measurements, which also included results from collisions of protons with intermediate-sized aluminum ions, showed the effect was real and that it changed with the size of the nucleus.

"So we have three sets of datacolliding polarized protons with protons, aluminum, and gold," Bazilevsky said. "The asymmetry gradually increases from negative in proton-protonwith more neutrons scattering to the rightto nearly zero asymmetry in proton-aluminum, to a large positive asymmetry in proton-gold collisionswith many more scatterings to the left."

Particle production mechanisms

To understand the findings, the scientists had to look more closely at the processes and forces affecting the scattering particles.

"In the particle world, things are much more complicated than the simple case of (spinning) billiard balls colliding," Bazilevsky said. "There are a number of different processes involved in particle scattering, and these processes themselves can interact or interfere with one another."

Alexander Bazilevsky discusses surprising particle spin results from the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

"The measured asymmetry is the sum of these interactions or interferences of different processes," said Kim.

Nakagawa, who led the theoretical interpretation of the experimental data, elaborated on the different mechanisms.

The basic idea is that, in the case of large nuclei such as gold, which have a very large positive electric charge, electromagnetic interactions play a much more important role in particle production than they do in the case when two small, equally charged protons collide.

"In the collisions of protons with protons, the effect of electric charge is negligibly small," Nakagawa said. In that case, the asymmetry is driven by interactions governed by the strong nuclear forceas the theory developed back in 2011 correctly described. But as the size, and therefore charge, of the nucleus increases, the electromagnetic force takes on a larger role and, at a certain point, flips the directional preference for neutron production.

The scientists will continue to analyze the 2015 data in different ways to see how the effect depends on other variables, such as the momentum of the particles in various directions. They'll also look at how preferences of particles other than neutrons are affected, and work with theorists to better understand their results.

Another idea would be to execute a new series of experiments colliding polarized protons with other kinds of nuclei not yet measured.

"If we observe exactly the asymmetry we predict based on the electromagnetic interaction, then this becomes very strong evidence to support our hypothesis," Nakagawa said.

In addition to providing a unique way to understand different particle production mechanisms, this new result adds to the puzzling story of what causes the transverse spin asymmetry in the first placean open question for physicists since the 1970s. These and other results from RHIC's polarized proton collisions will eventually contribute to solving this question.

Explore further A very special run for the LHCb experimentAuthor Tom Iliffe leads scientists on a cave dive. Credit: Jill Heinerth , CC BY-ND

Maybe when you picture a university professor doing research it involves test tubes and beakers, or perhaps poring over musty manuscripts in a dimly lit library, or maybe going out into the field to examine new crop-growing techniques or animal-breeding methods. All of it's good, solid research and I commend them all.

Then there is what I do  cave diving. To study the biology and ecology of coastal, saltwater caves and the marine fauna that inhabit them, my cave diving partners and I head underground and underwater to explore these unique and challenging ecosystems. Often we go to places no other human has been. While the peaks of the tallest mountains can be viewed from an airplane or the depths of the sea mapped with sonar, caves can only be explored firsthand.

Around the globe, from Australia to the Mediterranean, from Hawaii to the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean, I have explored more than 1,500 such underwater caves over the last 40 years. The experience can be breathtaking. When you are down 60 to 100 feet in a cave that has zero light and is 20 miles long, you never know what you are about to see as you turn the next corner.

My primary focus is searching for new forms of life  mostly white, eyeless crustaceans  that are specifically adapted to this totally dark, food-poor environment. Cave diving is an essential tool in our investigations since the caves I'm interested are filled with water: typically a layer of fresh or brackish water on the surface and then saltwater at depths of 10 to 20 meters or more.

There's no other way to access these unexplored areas than to strap on your scuba tanks and jump in.

The remipede Cryptocorynetes elmorei from Eleuthera, Bahamas. Remipedes are only found in deeper saltwater layers from caves on opposite sides of the Atlantic and from the Indian Ocean coast of Western Australia. Credit: Tom Iliffe, CC BY-ND

Scientific research as extreme sport

The list of what can go wrong in a cave dive could fill your event planner.

Equipment or light failure, leaking scuba tanks, broken guide lines, getting lost, cave collapse, stirred up silt resulting in zero visibility, poisonous gas mixtures  you get the idea.

It's fieldwork that can be a matter of life or death. I have had some close calls over the years, and sadly, have lost several good friends and researchers in cave accidents.

To put it mildly, underwater caves can be very hostile and unforgiving. One such cave  the Devil's system in north-central Florida  has claimed at least 14 lives in the last 30 years, and there are other examples elsewhere in Florida and in Mexico.

Tom Iliffe preparing for a side mount dive at Cliff Pool, Bermuda. Rather than carrying tanks on his back as in conventional scuba, a tank is clipped off under each arm, allowing him to pass through low sections in a cave where it would otherwise be impossible to go. Credit: Gil Nolan, CC BY-ND

Most of the time, human error is to blame, when divers don't follow the rules they should or lack essential training and experience in cave diving.

My family has gotten used to the idea that what I do is not always a walk in the park. They know that since I'm 69, I stress safety, being physically and mentally prepared, and that I religiously abide by the cardinal rule of cave diving  that you never ever dive alone. My colleagues and I usually go into a cave with teams of two to three divers and constantly look after each other to see if there is anything going wrong during our dives, which usually last about 90 minutes, but can be as long as three hours or more.

Death-defying dives pay off in discoveries

It's not just new species we are discovering, but also higher groups of animals including a new class, orders, families and genera, previously unknown from any other habitat on the planet. Some of our newfound animals have close relatives living in similar caves on opposite margins of the Atlantic Ocean or even the far side of the Earth (such as the Bahamas versus Western Australia).

While most of these caves are formed in limestone, they can also include seawater-flooded lava tubes created by volcanic eruptions. Amazingly, similar types of animals inhabit both.

Tom Iliffe diving with his Megalodon closed-circuit rebreather in a lava tube cave in the Canary Islands. Credit: Jill Heinerth, CC BY-ND

In the deserts of West Texas, our team discovered and explored the deepest underwater cave in the U.S., reaching a depth of 462 feet.

The graduate students in my lab work on a diverse group of questions. They're uncovering the nature of chemosynthetic processes in caves  how microorganisms use energy from chemical bonds, rather than light energy as in photosynthesis, to produce organic matter  and their significance to the cave food web.

Other students are examining records of Ice Age sea level history held in cave sediments, as well as the presence of tree roots penetrating into underwater caves and their importance to the overlying tropical forest. We're finding evidence that sister species of cave animals on opposite shores of the Atlantic separated from one another about 110 million years ago as tectonic plate movements initiated the opening of the Atlantic, as well as determining how environmental and ecological factors affect the abundance and diversity of animals in saltwater caves.

Our research has significant implications, especially concerning endangered species and environmental protection. Since many cave animals occur only in a single cave and nowhere else on Earth, pollution or destruction of caves can result in species extinctions. Unfortunately, the creation of many protected areas and nature reserves failed to take cave species into account.

Some discoveries can be completely unanticipated. For example, when we sequenced DNA from a variety of arthropods, including crustaceans and insects, the data strongly support a sister group relationship between hexapods (the insects) and remipedes, a small and enigmatic group of marine crustaceans exclusively found in underwater caves. This places the remipedes in a pivotal position to understanding the evolution of crustaceans and insects.

The remipede Godzillius robustus from Abaco, Bahamas. Note the darker shaded venom-injecting fangs on the first pair of appendages. Credit: Tom Iliffe, CC BY-ND

Even at this stage of my life, to me the risks attendant to my cave diving research are worth it. It's like the Star Trek mantra come true  to boldly go where no man has gone before. The chance to discover new forms of marine life, to view never-before-seen underwater formations, vast chambers, endless tunnels and deep chasms, to swim in some of the bluest and purest water on Earth  I will take that sort of research and its challenges any day.

Yes, it can give new meaning to the old line about "publish or perish" in academia. But I love it, and I will tell you with all honesty, I can't wait until my next trip.

Explore further Cave mazes

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.A digital elevation model of Gale Crater shows the pattern of mid-latitude Martian craters with interior sedimentary mounds. Credit: University of Texas at Dallas

By seeing which way the wind blows, a University of Texas at Dallas fluid dynamics expert has helped propose a solution to a Martian mountain mystery.

Dr. William Anderson, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, co-authored a paper published in the journal Physical Review E that explains the common Martian phenomenon of a mountain positioned downwind from the center of an ancient meteorite impact zone.

Anderson's co-author, Dr. Mackenzie Day, worked on the project as part of her doctoral research at The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Ph.D. in geology in May 2017. Day is a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Gale Crater was formed by meteorite impact early in the history of Mars, and it was subsequently filled with sediments transported by flowing water. This filling preceded massive climate change on the planet, which introduced the arid, dusty conditions that have been prevalent for the past 3.5 billion years. This chronology indicates wind must have played a role in sculpting the mountain.

"On Mars, wind has been the only driver of landscape change for over 3 billion years," Anderson said. "This makes Mars an ideal planetary laboratory for aeolian morphodynamicswind-driven movement of sediment and dust. We're studying how Mars' swirling atmosphere sculpted its surface."

Wind vortices blowing across the crater slowly formed a radial moat in the sediment, eventually leaving only the off-center Mount Sharp, a 3-mile-high peak similar in height to the rim of the crater. The mountain was skewed to one side of the crater because the wind excavated one side faster than the other, the research suggests.

Day and Anderson first advanced the concept in an initial publication on the topic in Geophysical Research Letters. Now, they have shown via computer simulation that, given more than a billion years, Martian winds were capable of digging up tens of thousands of cubic kilometers of sediment from the craterlargely thanks to turbulence, the swirling motion within the wind stream.

"The role of turbulence cannot be overstated," Anderson said. "Since sediment movement increases non-linearly with drag imposed by the aloft winds, turbulent gusts literally amplify sediment erosion and transport."

The locationand mid-latitude Martian craters in generalbecame of interest as NASA's Curiosity rover landed in Gale Crater in 2012, where it has gathered data since then.

"The rover is digging and cataloging data housed within Mount Sharp," Anderson said. "The basic science question of what causes these mounds has long existed, and the mechanism we simulated has been hypothesized. It was through high-fidelity simulations and careful assessment of the swirling eddies that we could demonstrate efficacy of this model."

The theory Anderson and Day tested via computer simulations involves counter-rotating vorticespicture in your mind horizontal dust devilsspiraling around the crater to dig up sediment that had filled the crater in a warmer era, when water flowed on Mars.

"These helical spirals are driven by winds in the crater, and, we think, were foremost in churning away at the dry Martian landscape and gradually scooping sediment from within the craters, leaving behind these off-center mounds," Anderson said.

That simulations have demonstrated that wind erosion could explain these geographical features offers insight into Mars' distant past, as well as context for the samples collected by Curiosity.

"It's further indication that turbulent winds in the atmosphere could have excavated sediment from the craters," Anderson said. "The results also provide guidance on how long different surface samples have been exposed to Mars' thin, dry atmosphere."

This understanding of the long-term power of wind can be applied to Earth as well, although there are more variables on our home planet than Mars, Anderson said.

"Swirling, gusty winds in Earth's atmosphere affect problems at the nexus of landscape degradation, food security and epidemiological factors affecting human health," Anderson said. "On Earth, however, landscape changes are also driven by water and plate tectonics, which are now absent on Mars. These drivers of landscape change generally dwarf the influence of air on Earth."

Explore further Mile-high Mars mounds built by wind and climate change

More information: William Anderson et al. Turbulent flow over craters on Mars: Vorticity dynamics reveal aeolian excavation mechanism, Physical Review E (2017). Journal information: Physical Review E , Geophysical Research Letters William Anderson et al. Turbulent flow over craters on Mars: Vorticity dynamics reveal aeolian excavation mechanism,(2017). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.96.043110In this 1992 photo from the Galileo spacecraft, the surface of the moon is marked with craters from impacts, but isnt weathered. Many particles on the moons surface can last billions of years undisturbed. Credit: NASA/JPL/USGS

Hidden in the particles of moon dirt brought back by astronauts more than fifty years ago, secrets of ancient Earth lie in wait.

A team of scientists are examining crushed rocks brought back from the moon by Apollo astronauts for evidence of minerals that might have been formed in the presence of water to better understand the early formation of Earth. They presented the preliminary results of their work last month at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in New Orleans.

Planetary scientist Sarah Crites and instrumentationalist Casey Honniball are part of a team of researchers from the Hawaii Institute for Geophysics and Planetology and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency who are exploring lunar regolith. Lunar regolith is the layer of dust, dirt, and broken rock scattered across the surface of the moon; the researchers are examining millions of individual particles of material, searching for fragments that might have long ago been blasted off Earth's surface and preserved in the pristinely still environment of the moon.

"It's a record of Earth's surface geology that could go back billions of years," said Marc Fries, a Raman spectroscopist who now works as Astromaterials curator at NASA's Johnson Space Center who was not involved with the research.

Scientists know little about the surface of Earth billions of years ago. Crites, Honniball, and the team are relying on ancient collisionsasteroids and other space debris plummeting to the planet's surface and blasting rock all the way to the moonto provide raw material like clay from Earth's surface among the more common basalt and olivine formed on the moon itself. They also rely on the moon's surface, which experiences very little weathering, volcanic activity, and movement.

"If you drop a rock on the moon, it's just going to stay there for the most part," Crites said. "We still have rocks on the lunar surface from when the moon was formed."

By the end of the Apollo missions, astronauts had brought a total of 842 pounds of lunar rock, core samples, pebbles, sand and dust from the moon's surface to Earth. The researchers are using the material to try to detect particles of ancient Earth, asteroids, and anything else that might have landed on the moon over the last several billion years.

Carefully tapping sieved lunar samples into a thin layer, the researchers have been scanning the particles beneath three different hyperspectral imagers. These devices reflect wavelengths of light off of each captured pixel of the scanned material, giving the researchers a precise chart of wavelengths of light reflected or absorbed by minerals and other particles, Honniball said. While the receptors in human eyes can only see three colors, the hyperspectral equipment samples hundreds of different wavelengths.

The plots of reflection and absorption for each pixel of their images reveal something about the chemical makeup of lunar dirt. Crites is specifically looking for water, or the evidence of its presence when the particles were formed, making those particles "hydrated minerals."

Basalt, pyroxene and olivine are all igneous rocks and were probably formed on the moon itself, but clay and mica, among others, can only form near water. The researchers' procedure for sorting the moon rocks should pinpoint hydrated minerals that couldn't have developed on the dry surface of the moon, Honniball said.

So far, four particles have stood out as likely candidates. On their next scan, the team plans to remove those pieces of material and analyze them further, looking for chemical composition and structure that might confirm their origin and even their age.

Explore further Image: The moon in 1992

This story is republished courtesy of AGU Blogs (http://blogs.agu.org), a community of Earth and space science blogs, hosted by the American Geophysical Union. Read the original story here.The plankton nets were dragged slowly just below the sea surface to capture floating plastics. Credit: 2017 Cecilia Martin

The Red Sea has relatively low amounts of floating plastic debris in its surface waters due to fewer sources or faster removal.

Researchers are mapping global patterns of marine plastic pollution as alarm grows over floating rubbish. A team led by marine scientist Carlos Duarte from KAUST shows that the level of plastic debris in the Red Sea is relatively low.

Samples of floating plastic rubbish were collected by the team from 120 sites along 1500km of shoreline on the eastern margin of the Red Sea during voyages in 2016-2017. The debris was captured in plankton nets dragged slowly just below the sea surface and the fragments were then painstakingly sorted into material type and size.

Three-quarters of the collected rubbish was rigid fragments of broken objects. Plastic film, such as bags or wrapping, made up 17% percent, but there were only small amounts of fishing lines or nets (6%) and foam (4%).

The relatively low levels of floating plastic in the Red Sea may either be due to there being fewer sources of rubbish or its faster removal, explains doctoral student, Cecilia Martin. Not much plastic comes from the land because this coastline has few of the usual polluting contributors.

A raw sample before sorting, showing one piece of blue plastic. Credit: 2017 Cecilia Martin

"Usually the main source of plastic in the sea tends to be litter and mismanaged waste," says Martin. "But on this coastline, the only large human settlement is Jeddah, with a population of 2.8 million people, and little tourism, so there are few people with the opportunity to litter." Similarly, rivers globally provide 10-50% of discarded oceanic plastic, but because the Red Sea catchment has no permanent rivers, their contribution is negligible..

"Instead, the winds and a few storms are most probably the main sources of plastic," says Martin. "This is reflected in our findings of proportionally higher amounts of plastic films compared to global trends."

There is a concern, however, says Martin, about the "missing" plastic. The low levels of debris can be partially attributed to its "'removal" by the extensive mangrove and coral reef systems of the area. Capture of plastics is problematic for these ecosystems.

"Mangroves are perfect traps for macrolitter," says Martin. "At high tide, floating items reach the forest and then, as the tide drops, get stuck in seedlings and mangrove aerial roots (pneumatophores) which act as a mesh to trap them."

Samples were carefully sorted into size and type of plastics. Credit: Cecilia Martin

Coral ecosystems can also consume plastic. "The small size of microplastic items makes it available to a wide range of organisms and many marine groups, such as corals, mollusks, crabs and plankton are found to ingest plastic.."

Duarte says the problem of plastic pollution in the ocean reflects our consumer habits and the solution is to reduce plastic use in our daily lives.

Explore further Better managing plastic waste in a handful of rivers could stem plastics in the ocean

More information: Elisa Marti et al. Low Abundance of Plastic Fragments in the Surface Waters of the Red Sea, Frontiers in Marine Science (2017). Elisa Marti et al. Low Abundance of Plastic Fragments in the Surface Waters of the Red Sea,(2017). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2017.00333Social media is serving as a powerful tool in which users are urging men to condemn violence against women, a new Michigan State University study finds. Credit: Unsplash.com

The social media backlash against sexual assault not only gives victims a collective outlet for disclosure, but also serves as a powerful tool to urge boys and men to condemn violence against women, finds a first-of-its-kind study by Michigan State University scholars.

#NotOkay, a Twitter campaign against Donald Trump's statements about grabbing women's genitals, included a surprisingly large number of tweets by both women and men calling on men to shut down "locker room talk" that is degrading to women.

"Boys being boys?" said one Twitter user. "Don't insult me. I've been a boy all my life and I've never did or said things like that before."

#NotOkay was followed by the influential #MeToo campaign, which Oprah Winfrey referenced in a powerful Golden Globes speech on Jan. 7, specifically noting the role of men. "I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon!" Winfrey said. "And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women ... and some pretty phenomenal men fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say 'Me Too' again."

MSU's Megan Maas, who led the study examining thousands of #NotOkay tweets, said people in the social media campaign were identifying on Twitter as a way to make the issue more visible, but were also asking for change in specific ways such as engaging boys and men.

"I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people calling boys and men into action," said Maas, assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. "This is where our field is at. For the last 20 years it's been about how not to get raped - how to avoid being sexually harassed - but now we're moving toward bystander intervention. Its about getting boys and men to step in when it looks like their friend is about to say something derogatory or potentially do something predatory toward women."

Author Kelly Oxford started the #NotOkay campaign in October 2016 after the public release of then-presidential candidate Trump's vulgar comments about women to Access Hollywood host Billy Bush. "Grab them by the p***y. You can do anything," said Trump, who later defended his comments as "locker room banter."

More recently, the #MeToo Twitter campaign rose to prominence following high-profile sexual assault accusations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Time Magazine called the people behind that movement "The Silence Breakers" and named them Time's Person of the Year for 2017.

Maas and colleagues were the first researchers to capture and analyze tweets related to sexual behavior. Aside from the harrowing disclosures of sexual violence, there were myriad tweets that commented more generally on Trump and sexual assault. Overall, three themes emerged:

An acknowledgement and condemnation of "rape culture."

That Trump is a salient symbol of the national state of sexual assault.

That engaging boys and men is an important step for ending violence against women.

"We urge everyone, but particularly men and boys, who are in a position like Billy Bush to resist engaging in or to actively shut down conversations that are degrading to women," Maas said. "Research shows that doing so makes an impact on changing social norms that are permissive of violence against women. In turn, sexual assault and harassment is prevented."

Explore further The importance of therapy after sexual assaultA fast-moving winter storm hit the eastern United States during the first week of 2018. Heres the view from a NASA Earth observing satellite. Credit: NASA

The "eye in the sky" has become a major part of research for segments of the scientific community. But how should it be trained?

Over the past two years, University of Virginia environmental scientist Scott Doney served on a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine panel that on Friday released a report making recommendations for what satellite Earth observations should be made during the next decade by NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Geological Survey.

Doney, a chaired professor, came to UVA last fall from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. His research spans oceanography, climate and biogeochemistry, with an emphasis on computer models, remote sensing and data analysis. He is interested in how the global carbon cycle and ocean ecology respond to natural and human-driven climate change signals, such as ocean warming, sea-ice loss and acidification of the ocean that results from the burning of fossil fuels.

He answers here a few questions about the National Academy report for UVA Today.

Q. What are some of the things we've learned about the Earth and atmosphere by observations from space?

A. Over the past several decades, satellite observations have opened up a whole new window on our changing planet. In part, this is because satellites provide an invaluable global perspective.

I'm an oceanographer, and we are often limited because research ships only move at about the speed of a bicycle. Satellite data, in contrast, allows us to map planet-wide patterns in storms, ocean currents, sea-ice and plankton. Space-based observations also have been used to quantify and understand the causes for the changing global water cycle: rising sea-levels, shifting droughts and floods, depleting groundwater and melting glaciers and ice sheets.

Similar advances have occurred across Earth science, from improving weather forecasting to tracking evolving ecosystems, air quality and natural hazards.

Q. What is the gist of the panel's report?

A. Our task as a panel was to help NASA, NOAA and USGS shape science priorities and guide agency investments in satellite Earth observations into the next decade.

Working from input from the scientific community, public and expert panels, we came up with a set of about a dozen priorities for new observations that complement existing and planned satellite missions. The observations were chosen to address both pressing science questions, such as climate change, and the growing utility of satellite data in our daily lives. Key recommendations include new observations on clouds and precipitation; atmospheric aerosols or small particles that influence air quality and climate; planet-scale reorganizations of water between the ocean, snow and land-ice and groundwater; vegetation and algal biomass that fuel ecosystems; and deformations of the Earth surface associated with natural hazards like earthquakes and landslides.

Q. If implemented, in what ways would Earth observations be altered over the next decade from current methods?

A. In the past, scientists were often forced, by necessity, to concentrate on somewhat narrow aspects of the planet because of limited data. New satellite observations and modeling tools now allow us to take a more comprehensive perspective  for example, linking together measurements of rainfall and soil moisture to water supply, crop harvests and forest health. Studying the Earth as a dynamic system of intertwined parts is essential for answering the most challenging scientific questions.

Q. What more do you think we will learn in the coming decade?

A. Satellite data has become ubiquitous in the functioning of modern society, so commonplace that we don't often appreciate how Earth observations contribute to our economy, national security, public safety and quality of life. An important task moving forward is to speed and ease the translation of satellite observations into new applications that support humanity's ability to thrive.

Q. How did you get selected to serve on this panel?

A. The panel members were chosen by the national academies from nominations from the scientific community. The panel contained scientists and engineers with expertise spanning the Earth sciences and satellite technologies.

Explore further NASA launches next-generation weather satellite(Eds: Adding more info and management quotes)

Mumbai, Jan 8 (PTI) Ports arm of the embattled Essar Group today said it will invest USD 500 million over the next 30 months to expand capacities at its two existing domestic projects and also build a new coal terminal in Mozambique.

"Well be investing USD 500 million to increase our capacity at Hazira and Salaya, and also build a new coal handling terminal in Mozambique," Essar Ports chief executive and managing director Rajiv Agarwal told reporters here.

He said the investment will be completed over the next two-and-a-half years and will take its cargo capacity to around 150 million tonne per annum (mtpa) 110 mtpa that it will be ending FY18 with.

For coal exports, Mozambique has built a rail network of 550 km till an existing port, where Essar Ports will be building the new terminal, he said, adding this will be its only facility outside the country.

The port currently operates four assets-at Hazira and Salaya on the West Coast, and Vishakhapatnam and Paradip on the East Coast.

The company is aiming to close FY18 with a net profit Rs 320 crore on an income of Rs 1,350 crore, he said.

Agarwal said the balance sheet of the company will he healthy with a net debt of Rs 2,600 crore by the year to March, but will increase to Rs 4,000 crore by FY19, which will be 2.5 times the targeted pretax profit of Rs 1,300 crore.

It is also negotiating with the Gujarat Maritime Board for adding a large capacity addition at the Salaya Port, which may entail investments of over Rs 10,000 crore to raise the dry bulk potential and a few berths for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid cargo handling, he said.

Agarwal reiterated that the company is looking at a multi-location LNG handling capacity and named Hazira as one of the other locations where it can have it.

The company will close FY18 with a cargo handling of 42 mtpa and aims to increase to 60 mtpa in FY19.

At present, 22 per cent of revenue come from third- parties, which will go up to 40 per cent by GY19, he said.

It can be noted that the diversified Essar Group had sold its cash-cow oil assets in a USD 13 billion to the Russian government-controlled energy giant Rosneft last November primarily to pay off lenders and had since then retired over Rs 75,000 crore of debt.

The groups steel business, which as over Rs 44,000 crore debt, is also facing the spectre of a change in ownership as banks have initiated insolvency proceedings against it.

Essar Ports said it will be completing a six-year-old capex programme of investing Rs 2,800 crore in its Salaya and Vizag facilities soon. PTI AA BEN BEN" " People gather around the Robert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, on June 4, 2020, amid continued protests over the death of George Floyd in police custody. RYAN M. KELLY/AFP via Getty Images

In Richmond, Virginia, in June 2020, during protests against police brutality and racism, demonstrators spray-painted the base of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee with epithets and slogans like "Black Lives Matter", "Blood On Your Hands" and "Stop White Supremacy." These were sparked by the May 2020, death of George Floyd while in police custody. The city's mayor agreed to take down this and other Confederate monuments by July 1, 2020, saying "Richmond is no longer the capital of the Confederacy. It is filled with diversity and love for all, and we need to demonstrate that," according to The Guardian.

The movement to pull down public Confederate monuments, which began in 2017, has been picking up steam. In the spring and summer of 2017, construction crews hired by the cities of Baltimore, Maryland and New Orleans wrapped heavy straps around the bronze chests of towering sculptures of confederate icons Lee, Confederate States President Jefferson Davis, Lt. Gen. Stonewall Jackson and Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard.

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Working under the cover of darkness to avoid crowds of protesters (there were death threats), the crews used cranes to lift the monuments from their pedestals and load them onto flatbed trucks. The statues were shipped off to warehouses, where they would remain out of sight until the cities could find appropriate places  if any  to resettle them.

Taking down public monuments like these is no small decision. In these cases, the removal of the Confederate monuments was sparked by the June 2015 murder of nine black parishioners at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, by an avowed white supremacist claiming allegiance to the Confederate battle flag.

Immediately following the Charleston attack, former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu called for the city council to convene a task force on the removal of the city's Confederate monuments [source: Wendland]. The same thing happened in Baltimore, where former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake assembled a panel of historians and activists to decide the fate of its monuments [source: Campbell].

In both cases, the city councils voted to remove the Confederate statues, ruling that they were offensive to the two cities' majority African-American residents and flashpoints for violence.

But many monuments to the Confederacy still stand in American cities. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there are more than 1,700 statues, flags, plaques, city and county names, street names, holidays and even military bases named for Confederate generals, or otherwise dedicated to honoring and celebrating the Confederate cause. Some 780 of these are monuments. Only 114 Confederate symbols have been removed since the Charleston attack.

Supporters of these Confederate monuments argue that removing them is akin to erasing or rewriting history, and wonder which other historical figures will fall victim to modern readings of morality. Founding Father and third POTUS Thomas Jefferson kept slaves at Monticello. Christopher Columbus' "discovery" of the Americas led to savage oppression of the New World's native inhabitants.

The decision of whether or not to remove a public monument is really a question of what public monuments represent. Are they bygone products of a distant time and place, or timeless reminders of our core values and beliefs? When our values change, should our public monuments change with them? Are monuments an important way of chronicling a nation's history, both the good and the regrettable? Or do they chiefly serve to chronicle only the history that a small group of people  typically the wealthy and powerful  want to preserve?

Before we dive into the history and controversies surrounding the removal of public monuments, let's take a swing at that first question  what do public monuments really represent?Florida Schools Receive Threatening Extortion Email

Last Tuesday, college and university presidents across Florida received a 1,250-word extortion email threatening violence.

Last Tuesday, college and university presidents across Florida received a 1,250-word extortion email threatening violence. The email promised a deluge of false bombing and mass shooting threats unless the sender received a payment of 1.2 Bitcoin  about $18,000 at the current rate  by noon Wednesday.

The sender wrote that the repeated false threats of violence would disrupt campuses, and they would follow through with one of them at random.

"One of these threats will be legitimate. Which one will be a surprise," the email read. "You will be forced to evacuate the campus."

The email is written without referencing a specific campus. Its not clear how many campuses received it, but it was sent to a wide variety, including Hillsborough Community College, the University of Florida and University of West Florida.

UF and other recipients alerted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

"After they conferred, they basically determined that this is a scam," UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said. "It does allow us to use it as a reminder that if people see something, they should say something."

Betsy Bowers, interim vice president of UWF's finance and administration department said student safety is her campuss top priority.

"We have protocols in place that our faculty and staff are trained to do, Bowers said. Sheltering in place to make sure nobody is going across campus or giving access to people that could be of suspicion that would threaten or harm anyone on our campus space."

The FBI and other authorities continue to investigate the incident.Evaluating biases in Sea Surface Temperature records using coastal weather stations Posted on 8 January 2018 by Kevin C Science is hard. Some easy problems you can solve by hard work, if you are in the right place at the right time and have the right skills. Hard problems take the combined effort of multiple groups looking at the problem, publishing results and finding fault with eachother's work, until hopefully no-one can find any more problems. When problems are hard, you may have to publish something that even you don't think is right, but that might advance the discussion. The calculation of an unbiased sea surface temperature record is a hard problem. Historical sea surface temperature observations come from a variety of sources, with early records being measured using wooden, canvas or rubber buckets (figure 1), later readings being taken from engine room intakes or hull sensors, and the most recent data coming from drifting buoys and from satellites.

Figure 1: Three types of buckets used in early sea surface temperature observations. From Folland (1995). Figure 1: Three types of buckets used in early sea surface temperature observations. From Folland (1995). These different measurement methods give slightly different readings, with the transition from bucket to engine room observations during the second world war being particularly large: this represents the single largest correction to the historical temperature record, and reduces the estimated warming since the mid 19th century by 0.2-0.3 C compared to the uncorrected data (figure 2).

Figure 2: Difference between the historical temperature record using only raw observations, and using observations corrected for the effects of different measurement methods. The corrected data show less warming on a centenial timescale. From Zeke Hausfather. Figure 2: Difference between the historical temperature record using only raw observations, and using observations corrected for the effects of different measurement methods. The corrected data show less warming on a centenial timescale. From Zeke Hausfather. Different approaches have been used to address the problem of combining different kinds of sea surface temperature observations. Records from the UK Met Office and from Japan use information about how the temperature was measured to correct for the type of instrument. The record from the US agency NOAA takes a different approach, using air temperature observations from ships to correct the water temperature readings. If both methods gave the same result, this would increase our confidence in the resulting record. But unfortunately the two approaches give rather different answers (figure 3).

Figure 3: Existing sea surface temperature records from the UK Met Office (HadSST3), from the US agency NOAA (ERSST), and from Japan (COBE-SST2). The lower panel shows the difference between the other records and the UK record. Figure 3: Existing sea surface temperature records from the UK Met Office (HadSST3), from the US agency NOAA (ERSST), and from Japan (COBE-SST2). The lower panel shows the difference between the other records and the UK record. We wanted to determine which approach was right, so we looked for another source of data which could be used to work out how to combine different types of sea surface temperature observations. Coastal weather stations provide air temperature observations covering the whole of the sea surface temperature record, and can be compared against sea surface temperature observations from ships passing close to the coast (Jones 1991). We assembled a dataset of about 2000 coastal weather stations, of which about 400 were located on small islands or peninsulas (figure 4).

Figure 4: Coastal weather stations used to detect the effect of different observation types in the sea surface temperature data. Figure 4: Coastal weather stations used to detect the effect of different observation types in the sea surface temperature data. Coastal air temperatures warm faster than sea surface temperatures, so first we had to scale the weather stations to preserve the sea surface temperature trend for recent decades. Then we used the coastal weather stations to determine the correction required to combine the sea surface temperature observations for each month in the record. This allowed us to create a new sea surface temperature record (figure 5).

Figure 5: Our new sea surface temperature record (the Hybrid SST) is compared to existing records from the UK Met Office (HadSST3), and the US agency NOAA (ERSST). For a comparison of the bucket correction to Jones (1991) see Figure 5: Our new sea surface temperature record (the Hybrid SST) is compared to existing records from the UK Met Office (HadSST3), and the US agency NOAA (ERSST). For a comparison of the bucket correction to Jones (1991) see this figure Unfortunately the resulting record does not agree with either the UK or US sea surface temperature records. It does rule out an unexplained and contentious warm spike in the US record during World War 2. It also tends to reject an unexplained cool feature around 1910 which is present in all existing records. When our new record is compared with the average of many climate model simulations, the differences between the models and the observations are rather different than for existing records, and tend to be slightly reduced (figure 6).

Figure 6: Comparison of global temperature records based on either the UK Met Office sea surface temperature record (HadSST3), or our coastal hybrid record. The smoothed records are compared to the average of climate model simulations from the CMIP5 project. The lower panel shows the differences between each set of observations and the models Figure 6: Comparison of global temperature records based on either the UK Met Office sea surface temperature record (HadSST3), or our coastal hybrid record. The smoothed records are compared to the average of climate model simulations from the CMIP5 project. The lower panel shows the differences between each set of observations and the models If the new record were correct, then it would suggest that climate models have been doing a better job than we thought, and there is little evidence of any difference between the models and observations in the total amount of warming. However we do not necessarily trust our new record, because of the assumptions we had to make in constructing it. The most important result of our work may therefore be to identify places where extra attention should be given to addressing problems in the existing sea surface temperature records. A secondary result is that caution is required when trying to draw conclusions about any differences between the models and the observations, whether it be to identify internal cycles of the climate system or problems in the models, because the differences that we do see are mostly within the range of uncertainty of the observations. Some other relevant papers on this issue include: Estimating sea surface temperature measurement methods using characteristic differences in the diurnal cycle.

Indian Ocean corals reveal crucial role of World War II bias for twentieth century warming estimates 0 0 Printable Version | Link to this pageSome prisons in New Jersey have, as official policy, banned the book The New Jim Crow, which deals with the systemic discrimination leading to mass incarceration of black men, according to records obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union.

In a letter sent Monday to the New Jersey Department of Corrections calling on the ban to be lifted, New Jersey ACLU attorney Tess Borden wrote that the it could not be justified as a practical matter of prison safety and that it violated the prisoners First Amendment rights.

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New Jersey has had the worst racial disparity in prisons of any state in recent years, although that disparity is expected to shrink as it leads the country in reducing prison population overall. For the state burdened with this systemic injustice to prohibit prisoners from reading a book about race and mass incarceration is ironic, misguided, and harmful, Borden said in a statement on the ACLU website.

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In The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, legal scholar Michelle Alexander argues that a discriminatory criminal justice system traps millions of black men in a cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement by imprisoning them for minor crimes and later denying them rights and opportunities. This system of mass incarceration, she argues, legitimizes discrimination as the new form of Jim Crow laws. The book became a best-seller after its publication in 2010 and won several awards, including ones given by the NAACP and the Independent Publisher Book Awards.

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According to the Guardian, The New Jim Crow was one of several banned books, including the autobiography of the rapper Prodigy, a book about the hunt for the drug lord El Chapo, and several true crime books. The Guardian also reported that New Jersey prisons blocked magazines related to hip-hop.

Prisons in the state are allowed to ban books that could be dangerous in the hands of inmates. These could include those covering topics such as lock-picking and bomb-making, for example.

The ACLU letter pointed out that the ban on The New Jim Crow stood out as a particularly egregious choice considering it is actually promoted as prison reading material in Texas, a state with 10,000 banned books. (The ACLU did point out this list was also problematic. According to the New York Times, Texas banned Memoirs of a Geisha, The Color Purple, and a MapQuest Road Atlas, but not Mein Kampf or books by the white nationalist David Duke. The Guardian also reported that several books grappling with forms of racism were also banned for racial content.)

The letter ended by calling for a response from the Department of Corrections: In its worst light, it looks like an attempt to keep impacted people uninformed about the history of the very injustice that defines their daily lives.I loved Oprahs Golden Globes speech on Sunday. It was mesmerizing, pitch perfect, and gave voice to many lifetimes of frustration and vindication with eloquence and a full authority she has earned. But I found the strange Facebook response of Oprah 2020 weirdly discordant and disorienting. Oprahs speechin my hearingwasnt about why she needs to run for office. It was about why the rest of us need to do so, immediately.

The dominant theme I heard was about giving voice to invisible people. It was the arc of the entire speech. Its also what the very best journalism is about, and its worth remembering thats how Oprah began her career. The speech began with her goosebump-y tale of first seeing Sidney Poitier win an Academy Award in 1964 and how much of a revelation it was at the time to see a black man celebrated in America. Then it ran through to her chilling invocation of Recy Taylor, a young black woman who was raped in Alabama in 1944 by six white men who were never brought to justice. She deftly linked Taylor to Rosa Parks, who investigated the rape for the NAACP and then 11 years later refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery with Taylor somewhere in her heart. This was a speech about how seeing someone else model the fight against racism, sexism, and injustice activates us to fight alongside.

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It was a testament to the greatest gifts she has as a journalist, actor, and media personality: the ability to shed light on the faceless and speak of justice and morality in ways that are urgent and original. Thats why the speech honored not just the women in sleek black dresses who were on their feet cheering her. The true message was about someone else:

Women whose names well never know. They are domestic workers and farmworkers. They are working in factories and they work in restaurants and theyre in academia, engineering, medicine, and science. Theyre part of the world of tech and politics and business. Theyre our athletes in the Olympics and theyre our soldiers in the military.

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What I heard in her speech wasnt a bid to save us all, but rather a powerful charge to the young girls watching at home to tell their own stories, to fight for their own values, and to battle injustices with the certainty that they will be seen and heard.

In a sense, this speech sounded in the key of Obamas famously elusive spur toas Gandhi urgedbe the change you want to see in the world.

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In so many ways, this was a maddening proposition when it was being pushed by a moderate Democrat such as Obama. And it was more maddening still when the president told leaders on the left that he needed them to pressure him further into their corner; that he couldnt make that move on his own. This language of citizen empowerment and responsibility is also so painfully foreign at the moment with a sitting president for whom the greatest obligation of the citizenry is to adore and thank him (and spend money on his brand). We are being trained to believe that President Trump alone creates safer skies and restores coal-mining jobs; that passively accepting his leadership is the holy grail of change.

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But what Winfrey and Obama talk about is the limits of top-down power. It is one of the great sins of this celebrity age that we continue to misread this message as a call to turn anyone who tries to deliver it into our savior. When someone tells you I alone can fix it, you should run screaming for the emergency exits. When someone tells you to get off your ass and fix it yourself, you should think first about running for office yourself.

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Since the 2016 election, the cry one hears constantly from the left is who will lead us? But Democrats should have learned more than they have from Novembers stunning electoral successes in Virginia. The lesson should have been that extraordinary and unknown candidates, including inspired and inspiring first-timers, could win elections without fame or fanfare.

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When someone tells you I alone can fix it, you should run screaming for the emergency exits.

I have no idea whether Winfrey plans to run for the Oval Office in 2020. According to reports, she is actively considering it. But I heard the force and dignity of her speech as a mirror held up to the country about our own responsibilities, accompanied by a very prominent shoutout to journalists for helping to tell those stories. This was a tribute to nameless women who have faced their own #MeToo moments without receiving attention or justice, and for todays young black girls on linoleum floors who couldnt previously imagine themselves winning a lifetime achievement award and woke up Monday thinking they just might.

Its easy to devalue those words as cheese-puff throwaway lines. But for women who went to law school because they saw Sandra Day OConnor on the high court (I was one) or Anita Hill before the Senate Judiciary Committee, this moment isnt made of cheese. I will never in my life forget the lines of teenage Latina women snaked around the Senate to watch Sonia Sotomayors confirmation hearings. That was about more than just young people looking for a savior. We become what we see modeled and that is where #MeToo will intersect with 2018. On Sunday night, I heard Winfrey urging invisible people to speak up, become engaged, transform policy, and find their own power. It was a speech about moving from passivity and acceptance to furious, mobilized participation and a call for allies in that fight.

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There is an interesting side debate about whether Winfrey should run for office raging on social media. But that should be ancillary to what she actually told us to do. It took a stable media genius to attempt to peel off the narcissism and solipsism of the celebrity culture in which we all seem to be permanently lodged. Maybe its destined that nobody will ever again be elected president who doesnt have a billion-dollar media brand behind them. But the speech I heard last night was about using a billion-dollar media brand to remind young women of color that they, too, have the power to save us all.(Eds: Adding more info and management quotes)

Mumbai, Jan 8 (PTI) Ports arm of the embattled Essar Group today said it will invest USD 500 million over the next 30 months to expand capacities at its two existing domestic projects and also build a new coal terminal in Mozambique.

"Well be investing USD 500 million to increase our capacity at Hazira and Salaya, and also build a new coal handling terminal in Mozambique," Essar Ports chief executive and managing director Rajiv Agarwal told reporters here.

He said the investment will be completed over the next two-and-a-half years and will take its cargo capacity to around 150 million tonne per annum (mtpa) 110 mtpa that it will be ending FY18 with.

For coal exports, Mozambique has built a rail network of 550 km till an existing port, where Essar Ports will be building the new terminal, he said, adding this will be its only facility outside the country.

The port currently operates four assets-at Hazira and Salaya on the West Coast, and Vishakhapatnam and Paradip on the East Coast.

The company is aiming to close FY18 with a net profit Rs 320 crore on an income of Rs 1,350 crore, he said.

Agarwal said the balance sheet of the company will he healthy with a net debt of Rs 2,600 crore by the year to March, but will increase to Rs 4,000 crore by FY19, which will be 2.5 times the targeted pretax profit of Rs 1,300 crore.

It is also negotiating with the Gujarat Maritime Board for adding a large capacity addition at the Salaya Port, which may entail investments of over Rs 10,000 crore to raise the dry bulk potential and a few berths for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid cargo handling, he said.

Agarwal reiterated that the company is looking at a multi-location LNG handling capacity and named Hazira as one of the other locations where it can have it.

The company will close FY18 with a cargo handling of 42 mtpa and aims to increase to 60 mtpa in FY19.

At present, 22 per cent of revenue come from third- parties, which will go up to 40 per cent by GY19, he said.

It can be noted that the diversified Essar Group had sold its cash-cow oil assets in a USD 13 billion to the Russian government-controlled energy giant Rosneft last November primarily to pay off lenders and had since then retired over Rs 75,000 crore of debt.

The groups steel business, which as over Rs 44,000 crore debt, is also facing the spectre of a change in ownership as banks have initiated insolvency proceedings against it.

Essar Ports said it will be completing a six-year-old capex programme of investing Rs 2,800 crore in its Salaya and Vizag facilities soon. PTI AA BEN BEN BASBarney Gattie served on the jury in Georgia that sentenced Keith Tharpe to death for the murder of Jaquelin Freeman. Gattie is white; Tharpe is black, and so was Freeman. Seven years after the trial, Gattie stated in a sworn affidavit that he believed there are two types of black peopleblack folks and niggers. He declared that Tharpe was a nigger while the Freemans were nice black folks. Gattie added that after studying the Bible, I have wondered if black people even have souls. In light of this affidavit, Tharpe argued that his constitutional right to an impartial jury had been violated. A state court disagreed, as did a federal district court. In September, a federal appeals court also ruled against Tharpe, clearing the way for his executionwhich the Supreme Court blocked in September, over the dissents of Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch.

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On Monday morning, the Supreme Court gave Tharpe a second chance, vacating the appeals courts decision that Gatties racism did not affect the jurys sentence and sending the case back down for further consideration. Once again, Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissented. This time, the trio explained their objections in an inflammatory dissent by Thomas that accused the majority of attempting to prove its concern for racial justice. The dissenters excoriated their colleagues for allegedly twisting the law in Tharpes favor to meet an ideological end. But their underlying argument isnt just that the majority distorts the law. Its that the law shouldnt protect people like Tharpe.

Tharpe was sentenced to death in 1991. His attorneys, Diana Holt and Laura-Hill Patton, did not uncover Gatties flagrant racism until they interviewed him at his house in 1998. That year, Patton testified that Gattie told them:

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If the victim in Mr. Tharpes case had just been one of the niggers, he would not have cared about her death. But as it was, the victim was a woman from what Mr. Gattie considered to be one of the good black families in [the community].  Mr. Gattie stated that that sort of thing really made a difference to him when he was deciding whether to vote for a death sentence.

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Holt confirmed this account in an affidavit and added:

Mr. Gattie said that he was congratulated for a good job as a juror on this case by some folks in the community. He said that one of the victims family members had even told him, Thanks for sending that nigger to the chair.

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Shortly after this conversation, Patton and Holt returned with a draft affidavit for Gattie to sign. This draft included Gatties discussion of niggers, skepticism that black people have souls, and opposition to interracial marriage. (For example, look at O.J. Simpson. That white woman wouldnt have been killed if she hadnt have married that black man.) And it stated that some of the other jurors wanted blacks to know they werent going to get away with killing each other. As Holt explained:

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I read the statement from beginning to end to him, including the preface declaring that Mr. Gattie was swearing to the following information. After each point, I looked at him and asked him if the statement was right. He nodded or said, yes after each point, except for one point [conflating interracial marriage with integration]. I corrected the statement on that point to reflect Mr. Gatties actual words. He confirmed the accuracy of every word of the rest of the statement.

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This affidavit did not persuade a state court that Gatties vote to impose the death penalty rested on Tharpes race. Tharpe took his fight to the federal judiciary, but a district court ruled that no clear and convincing evidence contradicted the state courts decision. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit affirmed that ruling. It asserted that jurists of reason could not dispute the district courts decision, because Tharpe failed to demonstrate that Gatties racism had substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jurys verdict.

The Supreme Court held otherwise. Gatties remarkable affidavit, the court explained on Monday, presents a strong factual basis for the argument that Tharpes race affected Gatties vote for a death verdict. On the unusual facts of this case, the majority wrote, the 11th Circuit should not have found that it was indisputable among reasonable jurists that Gatties service on the jury did not prejudice Tharpe.

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Is Thomas really so gullible that he believes this prosecutorial damage control?

This decision will not necessarily spare Tharpe from execution. Its a procedural ruling that will merely give Tharpe another chance to make a substantial showing that he was denied a constitutional right. But the narrow nature of Mondays decision is part of what so angered Thomas. Because the ruling will not guarantee Tharpe a victory in the 11th Circuit, Thomas dismissed it as ceremonial handwringing that will lead to a useless do-over. He also criticized the majority for insufficiently deferring to the lower courts conclusions.

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Thomas primary objection, howeverone apparently shared by Alito and Gorsuchis more fundamental. The justice derided his colleagues palpable horror at Gatties racist comments, as well as their respect for Tharpes rights under the law in light of the murder he commited. Thomas downplayed Gatties racism. He pointed out that, by Gatties own admission, he had consumed [m]aybe a 12 pack, [and] a few drinks of whiskey when he signed his affidavitas if intoxication excuses racial animus. Moreover, Thomas wrote that prosecutors later obtained a second affidavit from Gattie; in this statement, Gattie said he definitely wasnt racist but was drunk when he signed the first affidavit. The justice failed to mention that Gattie never actually retracted his initial affidavit.

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Is Thomas really so gullible that he believes this prosecutorial damage control? Of course not. Theres something else going on here: Thomas wants to shame his colleagues for what he views as their naive and facile political correctness. To that end, Thomas described Tharpes crime in gratuitously graphic detail, accusing the majority of callously delay[ing] justice for Freeman. He then charged his colleagues with bending the rules for a black capital inmate to show a contrived concern for racial justice. Finally, he noted that Freeman was also black, but was ignored by the majority, which only wished to disclaim the racist rhetoric in that affidavit. The courts decision, Thomas scoffed, is no profile in moral courage.

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There are three disturbing aspects of Thomas dissent. The first is the fact that Gorsuch joined it in full, providing further evidence of his shallow commitment to racial equality. The second is that Thomas felt compelled to level a searingly personal attack at his colleagues over a fairly minor legal dispute. As he has in the past, the justice appeared more focused on swift punishment than dispassionate application of the law, eagerly anticipating Tharpes inevitable execution.

Third, and most importantly, Thomas dissent confirms that he simply does not care when racism infects the criminal justice system. In the past few years, the Supreme Court has granted relief to a black man whose prosecutors dismissed all potential black jurors; a black man whose expert witness said black people were unusually dangerous; and a Mexican man whose jury was tainted by anti-Latino animus. Only Thomas dissented from all three decisions. The justice has given up on equal rights under the law. At this point, he just wants retribution.President Donald Trumps work days are starting a lot later these days than they did when he first moved in to the White House, according to Axios Jonathan Swan. The president is demanding more Executive Time on his schedule, which almost always means TV and Twitter time alone in the residence.

The White House is apparently doctoring the presidents official schedules and Swan got a look at documents that are different than the sanitized ones released to the media and public.Although the schedule technically says Trumps Executive Time is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Oval Office, the truth is he is usually at the residence talking on the phone, tweeting, and watching television. Trump then arrives at the Oval Office for his first meeting at 11 a.m., which is usually an intelligence briefing. Then hes back at the residence at 6 p.m.

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That schedule is quite different from his predecessors. George W. Bush was a notoriously early riser and got to the Oval Office at 6:45 a.m. while Barack Obama liked to work out before starting his day and usually got to the Oval Office between 9 and 10 a.m.

The White House responded to the Axios report by saying Trump is a really hard worker. The time in the morning is a mix of residence time and Oval Office time but he always has calls with staff, Hill members, cabinet members and foreign leaders during this time, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. The president is one of the hardest workers Ive ever seen and puts in long hours and long days nearly every day of the week all year long.Robert Gilpin, R.I.P. - The Washington Post : His greatest book was written in 1981, but the main theory in it is perhaps more trenchant now...Investment in real estate is on the rise

While Slovakia is witnessing a rise in liquidity and transparency, it is still lagging behind its CEE neighbours concerning total commercial investment volume.

In 2017, the commercial real estate market in Central and Eastern Europe has achieved some of its best results in the post-crisis period. The first half of the year fell just short of the highest first half-year regional investment volume achieved in 2007.

This positive development is pushing the region into a situation of lacking attractive opportunities, with higher rates and lower yields. Nevertheless, the Slovak market remains attractive for both local and institutional investors, according to real estate consultants.

The only current drawback is the smaller size of the market, says Rudolf Nemec, senior investment analyst in JLL Slovakia consulting company.

Investors therefore automatically assume only few investment opportunities and little market liquidity, Nemec told The Slovak Spectator. The greatest potential is still in the industrial property sector, mainly in the less concentrated localities of central and eastern Slovakia, said Lubor Prochazka, director of commerce at CBRE Slovensko.

Read also:

Read also: FAQ: Buying and selling a property in Slovakia Read more

The Slovak commercial real estate market consists of office, retail, industrial, logistic and hotel buildings. Other types of investment property, such as hospitals, infrastructure and residential dwellings are not among buildings sold for profit in Slovakia.

While the country is witnessing a rise in liquidity and transparency, it is still lagging behind its CEE neighbours concerning total commercial investment volume. The whole CEE market recorded a total of 5.6 billion in investments flowing into the CEE in the first half of 2017, but only 154 million, or 3 percent of CEE, came to Slovakia, the JLLs CEE Investment Market Pulse report stated.

(Source: Colliers International)

Logistics is preferred

For now, the industrial and logistics market remains favourable for developers, according to analysts at Colliers International. The high degree of competition is pushing rents down despite the low rate fluctuating around 2.2 percent; the lowest in the last nine years.

While western Slovakia remains home to most of the industrial premises mainly thanks to its good highway connections, speculative projects are popping up in the regions of Senec, Nove Mesto nad Vahom and Zilina. The biggest industrial investors in Slovakia are Prologis, P3 Logistic Parks, CTP, Goodman, VGP, Immorent and Karimpol.

8. Jan 2018 at 14:20 | Peter AdamovskySefcovic: I have not considered running for president yet

Vice-president of the European Commission discusses presidential run, Brexit, and the new gas pipeline Nord Stream 2.

In the interview, vice-president of the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic, reveals whether he will run for Slovak president in 2019,

- how he feels about Slovakia's failed bid for the European Medicines Agency (EMA),

- and whether he will stop the project of new gas pipeline Nord Stream 2.

Sme: Prime Minister Robert Fico can imagine you as a candidate for president. Can you imagine this?

Maros Sefcovic (MS): If your name, or the name of any other person gets into such a debate, you have to appreciate it. But for me, it was a huge surprise -a completely new idea, as I have not talked about it with anybody.

Instead, I envisioned increasing the turnout for the European parliamentary elections as my role. You know, if the turnout was similar or lower than in the past election, either extremist, strongly anti-EU, or anti-establishment parties could make it to the political foreground.

8. Jan 2018 at 9:28 | By Marek PorackyFinance minister plans to start taxing bitcoin

Providers of services via digital platforms are now obliged to pay taxes in Slovakia and Finance Minister Peter Kazimir also wants to tax cryptocurrencies.

Companies like Uber, Airbnb and Booking.com are required to pay taxes in Slovakia on their income arising from services on the countrys territory, the Finance Ministry ensured through an amendment to the Income Tax Act.

These companies will now have to register as a permanent operation in Slovakia if they provide their services repeatedly in the form of mediation of transport and accommodation, said Finance Minister Peter Kazimir, as quoted by the Dennik N daily.

If the provider of such services does not register its permanent operation, withholding tax will be applied. From the fee that a businessman pays to a foreign company for the use of its platform, a 19-percent to 35-percent withholding tax will be imposed depending on the seat of the actual beneficiary. The obligation to pay this tax will belong to a particular driver in the case of transport services and in the case of accommodation services, to a specific accommodation facility using the services of unregistered foreign portals, the TASR newswire wrote.

All these measures have been taken to prevent the outflow of profits outside Slovakia, and it should be said that Slovakia is one of the first countries that has decided to deal with the taxation of this modern business form, Kazimir said, as quoted by TASR.

According to the ministry, these measures are also designed to ensure a fair business environment so that digital platforms which are properly registered and pay taxes in Slovakia are not at a disadvantage compared to those that move their profits into tax havens.

Taxation of cryptocurrencies planned, faces obstacles

The revenues stemming from cryptocurrenices, including the best-known bitcoin, should be taxed, too, according to Kazimir, who wants to prepare a draft proposal this year and believes that this measure could be effective as of next year.

We perceive virtual currencies as having two roles now: one as a means of exchange and the other, as an investment asset, Kazimir said, as cited by Dennik N. We are really interested in solving the issues related to taxation of the income stemming from its exchange for goods, as well as of the income stemming from trading such a cryptocurrency.

The ministry has the intention to tax the revenues from cryptocurrencies in the moment they are made, be it exchange, or sale, he added. The Finance Ministry will analyse possibilities on how to implement this.

Kazimir added that he is not a big fan of this phenomenon and perceives cryptocurrencies as something not widely known and, thus, quite dangerous.

Unregulated and anonymous, the trade with cryptocurrencies involves risk of terrorism and organised crime, the minister opined, while also saying that this sphere has to be regulated globally, although he does not plan to regulate it in Slovakia for now.

Experts see difficulties

On the other hand, experts say that it would be difficult to supervise such an activity.

The most important issue that will influence the development of virtual currencies this year will be their regulation, with regard to the huge success of and great deal of attention paid to these currencies, Across Private Investments analyst Jakub Rosa said, as quoted by TASR. We hear more and more about this from governments and central banks.

The taxation of virtual currencies would require the introduction of special rules for both entrepreneurs and private individuals, according to the Slovak Chamber of Tax Advisors (SKDP). It is also important to define cryptocurrencies, i.e. whether these are currencies, financial assets (investments) or goods, which will, in turn, determine their taxation. SKDP said that in line with a ruling of the European Court of Justice, trading with cryptocurrencies should be considered a financial transaction that is exempt from VAT.

One of the main problems regarding the taxation of private individuals transactions in cryptocurrencies lies in distinguishing whether an isolated transaction or repeated trading is in the frame, when a taxable income arises, and of what amount, stated Martin Tuzinsky of SKDP, as quoted by TASR.

In addition, the obligations imposed by legislation on mediators, banks or brokers who accept cryptocurrency can not be enacted outside of Slovakia, said Tuzinsky.

In my opinion, supervision over whether the rules regarding the taxation of transactions in cryptocurrencies are being observed would be complicated and practically impossible to regulate beyond the borders of individual countries, he said.

Despite the ongoing discussion concerning taxation of this type of currency, an obligation to tax these yields already exists

There is an obligation to tax yields from cryptocurrencies even today, Tuzinsky stressed. Taxpayers are obliged to pay tax.

8. Jan 2018 at 13:19 | Compiled by Spectator staffBabis visits Slovakia, meets Fico

New Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis visited Bratislava and was welcomed home by his Slovak counterpart.

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Welcome home, if I can say so, said Prime Minister Robert Fico as he welcomed his Czech counterpart (of Slovak origin) Andrej Babis, who visited Bratislava on his first foreign visit after he came into office. The Czech PM came to Slovakia on January 5, the SITA newswire wrote.

The prime ministers discussed not only the anniversaries linked with the year 2018, such as the 25th anniversary of independence of both countries or the 100th anniversary of the first Czechoslovak state, but also focused on European issues, the Visegrad Group and the euro area. Both prime ministers appreciated the quality of mutual Czech-Slovak relations, which they both see as above-standard.

I like to use the term mutual trust loans, Fico said, as quoted by SITA. We are trusted partners who will never lie to each other and always support each other.

They also both believe that in 2018, they will further boost their relations and remind not only Czechs and Slovaks, but also the entire European Union of the success story of both countries.

Cooperation in international groupings

The Visegrad Group (V4  Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland) was on the agenda.

We spoke a lot about our neighbours and I want to emphasise on behalf of the Slovak government that I care very much about V4 continuing to operate in the EU as a credible, reliable, and constructive partner who actively contributes to finding compromises, Fico said, as quoted by SITA.

Both PMs declared interest to coordinate their steps within the European Union. Fico stressed the potential to find a joint stance also in the topics such as migration and the reform of the asylum system. Babis added, as quoted by the Pravda daily on January 8, that migrant redistribution quotas do not work.

When asked about the Czech Republics ambitions to join the eurozone, Babis said that he sees more negatives than positives for the country in this regard.

We are happy with the Czech crown, Babis stated, as quoted by Pravda.

Slovak Defence Minister Peter Gajdos and his Czech counterpart Karla Slechtova met as part of the official visit, too.

8. Jan 2018 at 14:05 | Compiled by Spectator staffA two-month-old baby died of meningococcus infection

A five-year-old child from Upper Hron (Horehronie) recovered from meningococcus while a small baby from the very south of central Slovakia died.

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The Regional Public Health Office in Velky Krtis announced at the beginning of January the death of a baby with meningitis, aged two months, who lived with parents in the Czech Republic but arrived to Slovakia with her family for Christmas holidays.

The baby was crying with a temperature of almost 39 degrees Celsius, the office spokesperson, Maria Tolnayova, informed the My Banska Bystrica regional newspaper. The mother gave her medicine and in the morning she ate milk but during the day, she lost her appetite. The mother tried to reduce the fever but in the afternoon, she noticed a red spot on the baby's forehead and side.

The baby was brought to the emergency room but showed no signs of life. Unfortunately, resuscitation failed.

The autopsy confirmed Neiseria meningitis of the C type, Tolnayova told the newspaper.

The second case involves a suspected  not yet confirmed  invasive meningococcus infection in a child from the Horehronie (Upper Hron) region of central Slovakia, aged five, who suddenly got sick on January 4. The child is stabilised, while the laboratory has not sent final results yet.

8. Jan 2018 at 14:00 | Compiled by Spectator staffNativity scene made of snow lured hundreds of people to Tatras

Manager Peter Petras Sr. attracts hundreds of visitors to Rainer chalet with his snowy replica of Bethlehem.

More information about travelling in Slovakia

Please see our Please see our Spectacular Slovakia travel guide

The sunny weather on January 6, the state holiday of Epiphany, attracted around 500 people to Rainer chalet in the High Tatras where the Epiphany Noon took place for the 19th time. Visitors came to see the huge replica of Bethlehem made of snow by manager of the mountain chalet, mountain bearer and teacher, Peter Petras Senior.

The whole Polana was full as we had exceptionally nice weather, Petras said for the SITA newswire. This is a big difference from last year when there was a freezing temperature of -25 Celsius, and now, it is +10C.

This was not so good for building Bethlehem (i.e. nativity scene) but they did their best to repair it, he added.

Part of the Epiphany Noon is celebrated with a cultural programme that includes traditional goral (mountain folks) music. People also tend to pray near the nativity scene on Epiphany but no official masses are held.

This time round, the Bethlehem replica is four metres tall and 4.5 metres wide, while Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus and St Joseph are carved into the centre.

I have been building the body of the sculpting group with my son and his friend for four weeks, Petras Sr described for SITA. Gathering the snow and forming the skeleton was very hard work as the basic height was 2.5 metres. Later, the roof was made. The carving itself took three days and was a creative work.

When they began the project, it helped that there was enough snow close to the Rainer chalet so they did not have to bring it from as far as Poland. Later, however, thawing began and it was more difficult to carve the figures for the scene.

The temperatures are still quite high, and so visitors who would like to see the nativity scene at the Starolesnianska Polana as a whole, before it starts melting in the unusually warm weather, should hurry.

We have to warn tourists and hikers about slippery paths, however, Petras noted, as quoted by SITA. If someone decides to come here, they should have at least ski poles, or pointed, anti-skid shoe covers.

Petras will begin working on a snow sculpture of the mountain bearer on January 8 as the snow is soft and malleable. Later, the skeleton of the Easter egg will be made.

The oldest chalet in the High Tatras was built in 1863 by Jan Juraj Rainer. After the Kamzik (Chamois) chalet was established in 1884, it ceased to exist and was only renewed in 1998. Currently, Peter Petras Jr. is its manager. This year, they commemorate the 20th anniversary of its re-opening with official celebrations taking place in mid-August.

video //www.youtube.com/embed/sRmQLJAwOYA

8. Jan 2018 at 13:52 | Compiled by Spectator staffChina agrees to stop construction in Arunachal Pradesh

It was on December 26, 2017 India discovered that China was trying to build an operational track along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in upper Siang district.

ISIS increasing presence in Pakistan, warns leading think-tank

Though Pakistan government has denied the presence of the Islamic State (IS) on its soil, a leading think-tank here has warned that the dreaded terror outfit is alarmingly increasing its presence, posing a major threat to the country.

Padmavat: Won't tolerate objectionable content, says BJP; Raje-sthan ban stay

While Padmavati is officially releasing on January 25 this year, renamed as Padmavat, the Rajasthan government has said that the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film will not release in the state.

India in South Africa: I don't play for personal glory, says Hardik Pandya

South Africa vs India, Cape Town Test: Hardik Pandya has enjoyed a sensational Test match so far, scoring 93 and picking wickets in both innings. Can he do more to win India the New Year Test?Ram-raid in Bratislava

Thief takes luxurious watches worth 0.5 million from jeweller's shop.

An unidentified perpetrator rammed the entrance door of a jewellers shop in downtown Bratislava on Monday morning.

Read also:

Read also: Police hunt for Bratislava ram-raiders (video included) Read more

Based on our information so-far, an unknown culprit crashed a motor vehicle into a jewellers shop at Panska Street in Bratislava shortly after 5:00, the police informed on their Facebook site. Afterwards he stole several cases with watches worth more than 500,000 and fled.

Law enforcement authorities cannot provide further information at this time, the police announced. They are requesting that potential witnesses call 158.

8. Jan 2018 at 22:49 | Compiled by Spectator staffWarm weather wakes up spring flowers on sunny slopes of Devinska Kobyla hill

Apart from snowdrops and pansies, pheasants eye is also beginning to blossom.

Warm weather is waking up nature in Slovakia. On the sunny western slopes of the Devinska Kobyla hill above Bratislava, pheasants eyes have started to blossom. This protected yellow flower is a typical spring species.

The occurrence of these flowers is unusual under ordinary winter conditions, but with the current warm temperatures it is possible, said botanist Darina Valkova from the administration of the Small Carpatian protected area to which the Devinska Kobyla hill belongs.

The pheasants eye, adonis vernalis in Latin, usually begins to blossom in March. The sunny slopes of Devinska Kobyla are an excellent place for this endangered species as they provide a dry environment with plenty of sunshine which is preferred by this species.

Pheasants eye is not the only spring flower species that has started to blossom. Snowdrops and pansies are begining to flower too.

Whole-day temperatures above zero should remain in southern Slovakia to the end of this week. Then the weather should become a bit colder, based on the weather forecast by the Slovak Hydro-Meteorological Office (SHMU).

8. Jan 2018 at 22:29 | Compiled by Spectator staffUS President Wilsons 14 Points an important milestone in Slovak-US relations

Slovakia and the United States share several anniversaries in 2018.

January 8th is a special day in the history of US-Slovak relations. On this very day in 1918, US President Woodrow Wilson first announced his 14 Points, a statement for peace, in a speech to the US Congress.

In that speech, he called for, among other things, freedom and self-determination for the various nations living within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, US Ambassador to Slovakia, Adam Sterling, told the press.

On the occasion of the anniversary, the US Embassy unveiled a banner situated on its building on Hviezdoslavovo Namestie, beginning the celebrations of 100 years of US-Slovak relations.

Its main motto is: The United States and Slovakia: The Courage to Be Free.

Events to remember

Slovakia remembers two important anniversaries this year: 100 years since the first Czechoslovak Republic was established and 25 years since becoming an independent state.

The history of the mutual relationship between the United States and Slovakia started much earlier than 1918, though. It goes back to the 19th century when the migration of hundreds of thousands of Slovaks to America started.

Besides President Wilson's 14 Points, other important milestones include the 1918 Pittsburgh Agreement, as well as US aid to help Slovakia build its civil society and democratic institutions throughout the 1990s and early 2000s including support for its entry into NATO in 2004.

America has assisted Slovakia on its path to stability, security, and prosperity, the US ambassador said.

Road show and bicycle tour

The embassy will trace the history of this mutual relationship with various events.

During the year, well tell the stories of Slovaks and Americans who have done extraordinary things for our countries, Sterling added, referring to people like Milan Rastislav Stefanik, Woodrow Wilson, Edward Baranski and Michal Strank (Slovak-Americans who fought to liberate Europe and the Pacific from the Axis powers during World War II).

The embassy will also feature contemporary Slovaks and Americans who continue to shape the ties between our countries today, Sterling said.

Other activities include a road show to 32 cities, towns and villages across Slovakia, a Woodrow Wilson Award ceremony recognising people for their significant contributions to US-Slovak relations, a bicycle tour, performances by the U.S. Air Force in European musical groups around Slovakia, a video competition as well as films screenings and a book launch.

A part of the activities will also be branding.

When we were working to develop this branding, we focused on the qualities that unite our people  a love of freedom and a shared history of struggle for self-determination and sovereignty, Sterling said. Our branding reflects these qualities and neatly sums up the values that our countries share.

8. Jan 2018 at 22:19 | Compiled by Spectator staffNew head of EC Representation to Slovakia takes up his post

Ladislav Miko is replacing Dusan Chrenek.

Ladislav Miko officially began his tenure as the head of the European Commissions Representation to Slovakia on Monday, January 8th. He has replaced Dusan Chrenek.

Im glad that after 25 years as the Europan Commissions representative, Im able to return to my home country, said Miko, as cited by the TASR newswire. During my tenure, Id like in particular to focus on communicating the benefits that the European Union has been bringing to the everyday lives of common people for decades.

Born in Kosice, Czech citizen Ladislav Miko has spent more than 10 years in senior European Commission posts and almost 20 years in the Czech and Slovak public administrations.

Im glad that Im taking up the office in a year of significant anniversaries, said Miko. One I hold especially dear to my heart: we are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Czechoslovak Republic this year. Personally, I call both countries home. Even though Im a citizen of the Czech Republic, I was born in Slovakia. Now I represent the EU, which again merged both of my homes into a single entity 14 years ago.

8. Jan 2018 at 21:44 | Compiled by Spectator staffOnline Schools

New Mexico Won't Renew Largest Virtual School Charter

According to reporting by the Associated Press, New Mexico won't be renewing the charter for its largest online charter school due to "lagging academic performance," which could lead to its shuttering. State education representatives have voted down the renewal of the charter for New Mexico Connections Academy, which reported delivering online lessons to 1,538 students during the 2016-2017 school year from across the state and in grades 4-12.

The decision was made based on the school's performance report card, which reported high failure rates for student achievement in all grades for two years running. For example, in grade 4 the latest "not proficient" rate in reading was 88 percent; for math it was 90 percent. Every grade saw "not proficient" scores between 82 and 94 percent for math. In reading, the only grade that did better than that was grade 11, which had a "not proficient" score of 72 percent.

The graduation rate across the state of New Mexico was 71 percent for 2016; the graduation rate for that same period at the academy was 48 percent.

Education Commissioner Tim Crone told AP that "particular attention" was given to the school's inability to raise performance among students "who struggle the most academically." "We pay special attention to the lowest quartile," he said, "and Connections was not doing very well in that area." As one example, among English language learners, the state's "not proficient" rate overall was 80 percent; at the academy, it was greater than 95 percent.

The school's website refers to it as a "tight-knit school community, offering all the online services and resources needed to create a well-rounded student experience." It claimed "dozens" of clubs and activities, "dedicated and highly qualified teachers" and a STEM academy for delivering advanced coursework.

A survey conducted last January found agreement among parents regarding the "high quality" of the curriculum (96 percent agreed), teacher helpfulness (96 percent), and the ability of the school's technology tools to improve their child's learning experience (94 percent).

However, the website reported no information regarding academic outcomes for its students.

According to the AP reporting, the school has the right to appeal the Public Education Commission's decision. It could also reorganize under the oversight of a local school district. Otherwise, the virtual charter will 'be forced to close."The fire broke out at around 2:30 am, killing five employees who were sleeping inside Kailash Bar and Restaurant

At least five people died after a fire accident in Bengaluru today. The fire broke out in Bengaluru's Kalasipalyam area early morning and was brought under control by the time dawn broke.

All the five people killed in the fire were employees of Kailash Bar and Restaurant, a restro-bar in the Kumbaara Sangha building.

The fire broke out at the restaurant at around 2.30 am when all the five employees who died in the blaze were sleeping inside the premises.

Locals of the area first noticed smoke and fire emanating from the bar's premises following which two fire tenders and one other rescue vehicle were pressed into service.

The fire was brought under control around dawn and the initial cause of the blaze is believed to be a short-circuit.

The five killed in today's fire in Benglauru were identified as 23-year-old Swami, 20-year-old Prasad, 45-year-old Manjunath, 24-year-old Keerthi , and 35-year-old Mahesh.

A compensation of Rs 5 lakh each was announced for the families of those killed in the fire at the bar, which was licensed in the name of one RV Dayashankar.

Confirming the deaths, Bengaluru's Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M.N. Anucheth told news agency IANS that a short circuit may have caused the blaze. "Though the cause of the fire is unknown and is being investigated, a short circuit appears to have set the blaze."

#SpotVisuals from Bengaluru: 5 employees, who were sleeping inside, charred to death after fire broke out at a restro-bar in Kumbaara Sangha building at 2.30 am, last night, pic.twitter.com/LsvvZauc0F - ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

"The victims were charred to death in the fire at Kailash Bar & Restaurant in the K.R. Market area between 2.30-3 a.m., while they were asleep on the ground floor of the building," Anucheth said, adding, "We have registered a negligent case against bar owner (RV Dayashankar)."

The fire comes days after fire and emergency services in Bengaluru launched a safety audit of restaurant, bars and pubs. The fire-safety audit was launched in the wake of the deadly restaurant fire at Mumbai's Kamala Mills.

Kailash Bar and Restaurant, where the fire broke out, is licensed in the name of one RV Dayashankar (Photo: Twitter/Nagarjun Dwarakanath) Kailash Bar and Restaurant, where the fire broke out, is licensed in the name of one RV Dayashankar (Photo: Twitter/Nagarjun Dwarakanath)

That fire killed 14 people and the high number of causalities were believed to have been a result of fire-safety violations at the restaurant where the blaze broke out.

(With inputs from IANS)

WATCH VIDEOAn ex-chairman of a Vietnamese joint stock commercial bank and a former executive of local lender Sacombank, along with 44 other defendants, appeared in court on Monday for their roles in causing losses of more than US$264 million for the commerical bank.

The trial in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to last for a month, with more than 70 lawyers representing 46 defendants, and over 200 individuals summoned to court.

The hearing is the second phase of a high-profile court case centered around Pham Cong Danh, the former chairman of the erstwhile Vietnam Construction Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VNCB), who is now standing his second trial after being convicted last year.

In September 2016, Danh was sentenced to 30 years behind bars on charges of violating the lending regulations of credit institutions and acting deliberately against state regulations on economic management, with serious consequences, for his role in a separate loss of more than VND9 trillion ($401.79 million) at VNCB.

During the trial just beginning in Ho Chi Minh City, the 53-year-old ex-chairman is being tried on charges of deliberately acting against state regulations on economic management, with serious consequences for causing a further VND6 trillion (US$264.32 million) loss for VNCB.

Pham Cong Danh, former chairman of the erstwhile Vietnam Construction Joint Stock Commercial Bank, is seen at a court in Ho Chi Minh City on January 8, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre

VNCB was founded following the acquisition of the loss-making TrustBank in May 2013.

According to court documents, as chairman of the board of directors of VNCB, Pham Cong Danh made no move to revive the institution, but instead focused on finding ways to take money from the bank for his personal gain.

Following the Pham Cong Danh scandal, VNCB was acquired by the State Bank of Vietnam for a symbolic zero dong price tag. The state bank later tasked top lender Vietcombank with helping to manage VNCB.

The VNCB is now known as the Construction Bank (CB), which is guided by the State Bank of Vietnam and managed and operated by Vietcombank, according to its website.

Multiple tycoons involved

Among the 200 people summoned to court are heavyweights of the banking and business sectors including Tram Be, a former deputy chairman of Sacombank, and Tran Bac Ha, an ex-banker at local lender BIDV.

Tram Be was arrested in August 2017 on criminal charges for his role in the VND6 trillion loss scandal at VNCB.

Be is believed to have been an active accomplice for Danh in the loss of VND1.8 trillion ($79.3 million) to VNCB.

Tram Be, a former deputy chairman of Sacombank, is seen at a court in Ho Chi Minh City on January 8, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Ha is accused of signing the 12 documents approving a total of VND4.7 trillion ($207.05 million) in loans from BIDV to 12 bogus companies owned by Danh.

Following the disbursement of those loans, Danh withdrew all the money for his personal use. VNCB eventually suffered losses of VND2.5 trillion ($110.13 million) after Danh defaulted on the debts, borrowed using deposits at BIDV as collateral.

Employing the same trick, Danh managed to borrow more than VND1.6 trillion ($70.48 million) from TPBank through 11 of his companies, which eventually created losses of VND1.7 trillion ($74.89 million).You need a plan for Vietnams extended holiday season! If you dont well, look forward to boredom, frustration, delays and other debacles.

Long term expats and savvy locals know exactly what Im talking about. The next eight to twelve weeks has unexpected twists and obstacles that we often forget from last year  or simply are not aware of. So in the Christmas spirit of giving something good to everyone, here are a few tips. The list is neither exhaustive nor comprehensive  Ill bet someone in the pub will say, AhStivi forgot to mention about Probably, but then again Im more accurate than Donald Trumps tweets.

There are lots of tell-tale signs that the holidays will affect you. It starts off innocently enough when your English students or company staff begrudgingly admit that they didnt do the homework or turn up for work on time because of a __________ (name of holiday) party, accompanied by some very insincere groveling and unconvincing apologies. Saying sorry while youre grinning from ear to ear doesnt cut it with the teacher or boss, kids.

Other signs including your housekeeper, best friend or partner disappearing at all times of the day, usually to help out the family raise money for Tet (Vietnams Lunar New Year holiday  the 16th to the 20th of February, 2018) or cover another family members job while they do the holiday shopping. This slowly translates into an economic slow-down that starts cutting into your life  and your sanity  as no one really warns you in advance; a Western idea that has no meaning here.

So its up to you to think ahead. Make a plan, get it done early and youll be able to weather the chaos like a seasoned pro, like me. Im the Stephen Hawking of this kind of stuff.

Travel: Book early! Even with the period between Christmas and New Year  flights can be difficult to get for the right day and time youre after. This is doubly true for Tet (see dates above) when millions will be returning to their hometowns to celebrate with family and friends.

Avoid the budget carriers as they are often overbooked and offer more travel times than actually occur. If you have the money, avoid the buses  accidents are frequent over the holiday periods (check your travel insurance!)  and fly. If you have to go by bus  book through an agency as the main bus terminals dont do announcements in English. The trains are ok, if youre willing to bunk together with strange Vietnamese who have no idea of social politeness.

Bus stations will be much more crowded than this ahead of Tet. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Banks: Open over the Chrissy period. Most banks will have their opening times listed on the front doors. The big problem will be Tet when the ATMs are less frequently topped with cash and its quite common for many to be empty within the first days of Tet. Overseas transfers into Vietnamese accounts can take a few days so top up the account well before the 15th.

Home safety: Foreigners are often targets during the holidays and thieves will roam around noting locations. Organize someone to check the house, put on the lights at night, or better yet, someone to house-sit for a while. Dogs should stay with people you trust, along with any tech gear you value and a backed-up hard drive. If your landlord is reliable, let them know early your travel plans and contact them during your time away to remind them.

Stocking up: The local shops are open throughout most of the holidays, however you might find many of your favorite bars or cafes shut or on limited trading hours. Bakeries particularly can be a pain. Medicine can be tricky to get too, depending on your location. Power cuts still occur too, so extra candles, cooking gas and backing up your work should also be considered.

Getting a job: Plenty of part-time teaching work around to cover for teachers taking their holidays however you will find a lot of schools (academies and learning centers are private -- schools are official and by law must also offer the Vietnamese curriculum) advertising jobs but in reality they are collecting resumes (CVs). By February, government offices will start to slow down before Tet so doing paperwork for working visas and permits becomes a small nightmare. If you are offered full-time work check that you are working over the school summer holidays; June, July and August.

Underestimating chaos: Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and Tet are traffic chaos in the big cities so you have been warned! Airports are madhouses so add an extra hour to get through security and ticket lines. Buying presents for Vietnamese friends should be done early as the best gift baskets are snapped up fast! Be careful with cash, phones and cameras in large crowds. If you have local travel insurance, check which hospitals accept your insurance card and obviously, give out emergency numbers.

Nowyoure not dumband yes, you do this but a checklist of sorts is good to be thinking about early. Checking with your social networks for things you havent thought about yet is handy too.

And remember, The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry does apply, so be adaptable, dont get angry and deal with problems quickly instead of wasting time.

My plan? Im staying home!One Ho Chi Minh City resident has spent the last decade making a name for his Vietnam-made ceramic products in a domestic market dominated by Japan and China.

Hoang Viet Hai, 30, has spent ten years turning his company, Yen Lam, into a household name in Ho Chi Minh City.

Over 100 restaurants, many of which are famous in the southern city, and a number of local residents use Yen Lam products.

The companys path to success was not an easy one, however.

Cups and a teapot produced by Yen Lam, Hai's brand name. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Periods of intense competition often forced Hai to draw on his creative prowess to keep the business alive.

Hais first failure occurred after he opened a shop specializing in traditional Vietnamese ceramics on a street in District 5, an area where Chinese ceramics have already replaced Vietnamese pottery.

The entrepreneur was undeterred by competition and created a line of aroma lamps, then unavailable in the local market, which garnered numerous orders from essential oil producers and put his company on the map.

However the appearance of Chinese-made lamps that sold at half the price sent his business in a downward spiral.

Hai's pottery. Photo: Tuoi Tre

About five years ago, his business suffered another blow when Japanese pottery became a hot item in Vietnam.

Resignedly facing the reality, Hai became more inventive in his approach to the pottery business, introducing novel designs for a variety of ceramic products, each with its own distinctive signature beauty.

Now, with a catalogue of bowls, jars, plates, flower vases, tea pots, decorative items, and telephone rests, Yen Lams reputation is at an all-time high.

But success, in his view, is ultimately not for the sake of wealth. Self-enrichment was never the intent of Hais pottery aspirations.

The only reason I set up the business is for the Vietnamese and for Vietnamese-made pottery, Hai said.

A large Yen Lam enamel vase with a lotus pattern. Photo: Tuoi Tre

He defines rich as relating, first and foremost, to his role in preserving the beauty of Vietnamese pottery, followed by the ability to do what one likes and help their employees.

Traditional ceramics and their philosophy have always fascinated him, with the former appealing to him from an early age.

Recognizing the esthetic advantage of Vietnams unique style of ceramics, he notes that it is characterized by natural but not very bright colors that help convey the fashioner's care and ingenuity, while Chinese counterparts tend to present elaborate patterns and colors and Japanese pottery shows drawings not quite familiar to the Vietnamese.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!About a hundred elementary and middle school students of Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces gathered the General Sciences Library in District 1 for an art competition celebrating the friendship between Vietnam and Singapore on Sunday morning.

The contest was held by the Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations and the General Sciences Library to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the countries diplomatic ties.

Among the items chosen by the students for their paintings were Singapores iconic Merlion, Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City and national flags of the two nations.

Two first prizes, four second prizes and six third prizes were handed out to the children who were excited to see their works being displayed onstage.

We want to involve the students of Vietnam because I think children represent the future generation, they symbolize the future that we have," Consul General Leow Siu Lin told Tuoi Tre News at the event.

They can bring the bilateral relationship to a higher level.

We also felt that an art competition would be very good since it allows them to express how they feel about Singapore as well as how they feel about Vietnam.

Consul General Leow also explained that there were many ways to maintain the diplomatic friendship.

By promoting cultural exchange through the painting competition, the organizers hoped to create more memories to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, she added.

The diplomat said that there have been plans for a food festival showcasing Vietnamese and Singaporean foods, also in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Singapore.

Vietnam and Singapore established diplomatic relations in 1973 and have tightened cooperation as they became strategic partners in 2013.

Children participate in the art competition to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City on January 8, 2018. Photo: Tran Phuong/Tuoi Tre News

Children participate in the art competition to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City on January 8, 2018. Photo: Tran Phuong/Tuoi Tre News

Children participate in the art competition to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City on January 8, 2018. Photo: Tran Phuong/Tuoi Tre News

Organizers award gifts and certificates to winners at the art competition to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City on January 8, 2018. Photo: Dong Nguyen/Tuoi Tre News

The painting by Tran Huynh Que Minh won the first prize at the art competition to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City on January 8, 2018. Photo: Dong Nguyen/Tuoi Tre NewsDoan Ngoc Hai, deputy chairman of Ho Chi Minh Citys District 1, has handed in his letter of resignation from all positions, keeping his promise that he would resign if he could not bring order to the districts sidewalks and saying officials backed the intest groups benefiting from footpath occupation.

An official from the Peoples Committee of District 1 has confirmed Hais resignation on Monday.

In his letter which he submitted before a meeting among District 1 leaders, Hai said the reason for his resignation was because he had failed to deliver on his promises to the people," seeing the sidewalks of downtown Ho Chi Minh City once again being occupied and encroached by parked vehicles and street vendors.

Between January and October 2017, my efforts to restore order to the streets of District 1 had generated a positive impact on a national scale, being held in high regard by the prime minister, Hai wrote in the letter.

However, my actions had interfered with the interests of the many parking lots, hotels, restaurants, and households that reaped huge profits  of thousands of billions of Vietnamese dong [multimillion dollars]  from the districts sidewalks, as well as those of a significant number of officials who have a symbiotic relationship with those violators, Hai continued.

Hai wrote that he felt he had not fulfilled his promise or lived up to the expectations of retired officials who supported his 'sidewalk-clearing' campaign.

Therefore, resignation is an adequate option, he wrote.

Doan Ngoc Hai gestures during a sidewalk crackdown in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The campaign

The sidewalk reclamation efforts began on January 16, 2017, when Hai led a team of district officials and police officers to fine those who occupied the sidewalks on multiple streets in the downtown area.

The fight against sidewalk encroachment was stiffened in February when Hai set out to demolish even parts of state-owned buildings and to tow away cars that were parked on the footpaths.

District 1 will carry out this campaign thoroughly, and violations by public agencies will be the first to be penalized to set an example for the people to follow, Hai stressed.

I will resign if I fail to deliver on my promises. These are not empty words, he said the famous words.

The deputy chairman, who by then had been dubbed by local media the man with the sword of power to restore order on the citys sidewalks, even had concrete steps and ornamental tree boxes of five-star New World Saigon Hotel and a next door Starbucks outlet in District 1 destroyed for blocking the sidewalk.

Even the Ho Chi Minh City branch of the State Bank of Vietnam was not spared from Hais justice as he ordered the removal of a chain barrier and several police-approved security booths that occupied the sidewalk outside the building.

Doan Ngoc Hai during a sidewalk crackdown in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Hai even booked vehicles bearing diplomatic number plates when he found them to be illegally parked on the sidewalk. Many then said he broke diplomatic rules, but Hai insisted that he did not, as he only fined drivers of vehicles that did not qualify for diplomatic immunity.

His campaign inspired other districts in Ho Chi Minh City to take up similar measures and gave rise to a nationwide movement to reclaim sidewalks for pedestrians.

The campaign was not without its ups and downs, as a brief spell of inaction from Hai between late March and August last year turned out to be due to two directives from District 1s Party Committee and administration requesting that he stop leading the initiative.

Hai made a surprise comeback on August 7, 2017, instructing police officers to slap fines on multiple vehicles illegally parked on sidewalks and having properties of violators confiscated.

But the renewed hope was short-lived as only two months later, in October, an administrative decision signed into effect by District 1 chairman Tran The Thuan forced Hai to seek permission from the chairman before leading any future campaign, effectively reining back Hais sidewalk crackdown.

Since then, disorder has returned to haunt the citys sidewalks, with street vendors once again running their businesses in broad daylight and drivers using the footpaths as their parking space without fearing that they might run into their worst nightmare  Doan Ngoc Hai.

Doan Ngoc Hai has resigned from the following offices and positions: deputy chairman of District 1, member of the Standing Committee of District 1s Party Committee, member of the executive board of District 1s Party organization, and member of District 1s decision-making Peoples Council. Hai wrote at the end of his resignation letter that he looked to, as a regular citizen, spend his free time contemplating on more "comprehensive solutions" to the problem of sidewalk encroachment.

Doan Ngoc Hai makes a phone call during a sidewalk crackdown in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!An unmanned handicraft stand has appeared in the hall of the University of Economics and Finance, Ho Chi Minh City, as part the students' effort to raise funds for disadvantaged children this month.

The stand starts off another phase of the public-spirited Art for Kid 3 project, launched by the students at the end of last year.

Diverse colorful handmade items are on sale, displayed with prices in front of them and a project introduction board hung above.

Visitors can freely select a product and leave their cash in the collection box nearby.

A number of teachers, students and international volunteers to the project visited the handicraft stand to make a purchase as a way to support the cause.

The sale proceeds are expected to support the construction of a playground out of eco-friendly, recycled materials for an illiteracy-eliminating class of primary school-age children in a suburban district of Ho Chi Minh City.

International participants join Art for Kid 3, adding luster to it. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The children, whose parents are immigrants to the city, grow with a difficult family background that proves detrimental to their opportunity to enjoy a happy childhood.

The help extended to the poor children on this occasion is antedated by two other charity activities by Art for Kid 3 in Tay Ninh and Binh Duong  Ho Chi Minh Citys neighbors.

The project is designed to provide the participants with valuable lessons in working in teams, gaining sponsorship, building up funds and organizing events, according to Vu Xuan Thanh, deputy director of the university's student affairs office.

During the course of carrying out the program, each student will be mature in their thinking and behavior, he said.

It is deemed a commonplace that Vietnamese university and college students organize themselves variously to create financial support for part of the community, but setting an unattended stand modeled upon a Japanese sale practice for that purpose seems to be unheard of.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!A traffic police officer in Vietnam has been held in custody for allegedly shooting a man dead in a tenanted house on the weekend.

The Department of Police in Dong Nai Province has apprehended Lieutenant Nguyen Tan Phuoc, 40, who works for the provinces traffic police division, for the alleged murder of Bui Viet Hai, a source close to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper confirmed on Sunday.

According to police records, Hai, 30, from the northern city of Hai Phong, was in his tenanted house on Tran Cong An Street in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province on Saturday evening when he was approached by a strange man.

The man asked if the victim was Hai, before shooting him in the head after he said yes.

The shooter then drove away on his motorcycle.

Hai was admitted to the hospital for emergency treatment but succumbed to his head wound.

Doctors said that the patient had taken a bullet to his left temple.

Following an investigation, authorities identified Lt. Phuoc as their prime suspect.

The traffic officer previously worked as a driver for a former leader of the Dong Nai police department.

He assumed his current position after the official resigned.

Initial information revealed that Hai had been in a romantic relationship with a local girl named Nhu, which was disapproved of by Nhus mother.

The mother relayed the situation to Lt. Phuoc, who acted as her friend, before the police officer came to Hais place to confront him.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!The trial of Dinh La Thang, former Politburo member and ex-chairman of state-run oil and gas group PetroVietnam (PVN), began in Hanoi on Monday and is scheduled to conclude this month.

The municipal Peoples Court has opened the trial of Thang, along with Trinh Xuan Thanh, the former chairman of PetroVietnam Construction Corporation (PVC), a subsidiary of PVN, and that of 20 other defendants.

The suspects are alleged to have been involved in financial misconduct that led to losses of VND119 billion ($5.24 million).

As the former chairman of PVNs management board, Thang is charged with deliberately violating state regulations on economic management, with serious consequences.

Thang, 57, was a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam from January 27, 2016 to May 7, 2017, and secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee from February 5, 2016 to May 10, 2017.

Three attorneys will defend him during the trial.

Eleven other suspects have been charged with similar offenses, while eight defendants will be prosecuted for embezzlement of property.

Thanh and Vu Duc Thuan, the ex-general director of PVC, are charged with both.

Dinh La Thang speaks before the court in Hanoi on January 8, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre

According to court documents, PVN opened the Thai Binh 2 thermal power project, located in the namesake province, in 2010.

Under Thangs directions, PVC was chosen in June 2010 as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor for the project.

PVN then made an advance transfer of $6.6 million and over VND1.3 trillion ($57.2 million) to PVC to aid its construction.

However, Thanh, and other suspects at PVC, are alleged to have spent the money fraudulently, resulting in losses of VND119 billion for PVN.

The defendants are also alleged to have used the advance payment to legalize several documents relating to the building of several facilities in order to withdraw VND13 billion ($572,584), which was divided between the individuals.

Among them, Thanh pocketed VND4 billion ($176,220), while Thuan took VND800 million ($35,244).

Their trial will close on January 21.

Trinh Xuan Thanh is escorted to the court in Hanoi on January 8, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Upcoming trials

Thang is facing a separate trial in the near future regarding his role in losses of approximately VND800 billion ($35.2 million) worth of PVNs investment in OceanBank.

Thang and six other accomplices are accused of deliberately violating state regulations on economic management, with serious consequences.

OceanBank was a private lender acquired for zero dong by the State Bank of Vietnam, the countrys central bank, in 2015 because of its poor financial results.

Additionally, Thanh is expected to stand trial for his involvement in the embezzlement of VND14 billion ($616,770) from the PetroVietnam Power Land Joint-Stock Company (PVP Land).

Seven of his accessories, including Dinh Manh Thang, Dinh La Thangs younger brother, will also be present at the trial.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!(EDs: Updating with fresh inputs, background) Gorakhpur (UP), Jan 8 (PTI) A major fire today gutted the principals office and an adjacent record room of the state-run BRD Hospital here, the fire department said.

No loss of life has been reported in the blaze in the hospital, which was in the news last year after scores of infants died at the facility.

"Prima facie, it seems that the fire was caused by a short circuit," SP (North) Ganesh Saha said.

A committee has been constituted to probe the reasons behind the fire, Chief Fire Service Officer T K Singh said.

Six fire tenders took nearly an hour to control the flames which destroyed important documents in the record room.

The Baba Raghav Das Medical College had hit the headlines in August last year when 63 children, including infants, died within a span of four days when the supply of oxygen was allegedly disrupted due to non-payment of dues to the vendor.

The state government has, however, vehemently denied that shortage of oxygen led to the deaths.

An FIR against nine accused, including ex-principal Dr Rajiv Misra, his wife Dr Purnima Shukla and nodal officer Dr Kafeel Khan, was filed by director general medical education (DGME), K K Gupta in Hazratganj police station in Lucknow and police have filed a charge sheet against them. All the nine accused have been arrested. PTI COR SMI DV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."Volkswagen and Uber will introduce NVIDIA tech in their vehicles to create artificially intelligent self-driving cars and trucks.

Volkswagen plan to introduce NVIDIA DRIVE IX platform in their vehicles to achieve an intelligent car with new cockpit experiences and an improvement in safety.

The technology would allow facial recognition to automatically unlock the vehicle, surround perception to warn the driver of potential dangers, gesture recognition for user controls, language understanding for a flawless voice control and gaze tracking to avoid driver distractions.

At the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess and NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang discussed those innovations on stage.

They revealed their plans to bring back the iconic VW MicroBus run with electricity and infused with artificial intelligence technology for the cockpit and self-driving.

Diess said: "Autonomous driving, zero-emission mobility and digital networking are virtually impossible without advances in AI and deep learning. Combining the imagination of Volkswagen with NVIDIA, the leader in AI technology, enables us to take a big step into the future."

For his part, Huang chipped in saying: "In just a few years, every new vehicle will be expected to have AI assistants for voice, gesture and facial recognition as well as augmented reality, Volkswagens work with NVIDIA DRIVE IX technology will make that a reality.

"Together, we are building a new generation of cars that are safer, more enjoyable to ride in than anything that has come before, and accessible to everyone."

Rival Uber had also selected NVIDIAs technology for its fleet of self-driving vehicles. At the same edition of the CES, Huang said that Uber Advanced Technologies Groups fleets of self-driving cars and trucks running with artificial intelligence count used NVIDIA tech.

"The future of transportation will be transformed by mobility services. Convenient, affordable mobility-as-a-service will reshape cities and society, and help support the billion-person increase in the worlds population over the next decade," Huang said.

"Autonomous vehicles are the critical technology to making mobility services pervasive. Were thrilled to be working with Uber to realize this vision," he added.

Uber had been working on driver-less technologies for years, launching its first city trials in 2015, in Pittsburgh. The self-driving Ubers have already completed more than 50,000 passenger trials, racking up more than 2m autonomous miles in the process.

Eric Meyhofer, the head of Uber Advanced Technologies Group said: "Developing safe, reliable autonomous vehicles requires sophisticated AI software and a high-performance GPU computing engine in the vehicle. NVIDIA is a key technology provider to Uber as we bring scalable self-driving cars and trucks to market."President Donald Trump has hit back at people questioning his mental health by boasting about his intelligence on Twitter.

After the release of Michael Wolffs book Fire and Fury on Friday, in which he painted a picture of a chaotic administration with a childlike man at the helm, Trumps mental stability is being questioned by some.

In response, the US President has taken to Twitter to defend himself against those attacks and to call Michael Wolff a fraud.

"Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames.

"I went from VERY successful businessman, to top TV Star to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius [...] and a very stable genius at that!"

In a press conference at Camp David he also said: "I went to the best colleges or college. I went to  I had a situation where I was a very excellent student, came out and made billions and billions of dollars, became one of the top business people."

During the same conference, he denied knowing Wolff and claimed that he was never interviewed by him, going on to label him a fraud and his book as a "work of fiction".

He also called for stricter anti-libel laws in the US in retaliation.

Triggering Trump's tweets, Wolff had told the BBC: "I think one of the interesting effects of the book so far is a very clear 'emperor has no clothes' effect.

"Suddenly everywhere people are going: 'Oh my God, it's true, he has no clothes.' Thats the background to the perception and the understanding that will finally end [] this presidency."

Indeed, in a highly unusual development, fifty-seven House Democrats had sponsored a bill questioning whether the president is mentally and physically fit to be in office.

Under the 25th amendment, which was implemented at the height of the Cold War, legislators could formally question the Commander-in-Chief's aptitude to be charged, among other things, with the keys to the new and vast destructive power that only nuclear weapons could unleash.

Trump recently tweeted a taunting message to Kim Jong Un in North Korea saying he had a "bigger (nuclear) button" that was more powerful and "actually worked".

The increasingly public debate came as the President was to undergo his annual medical exam, the results of which would be released into the public domain.Stocks are holding on to their early advance, following bumper gains during the prior week and amid an ongoing debate among analysts regarding the outlook for shares in 2018.

As of 1202 GMT, the benchmark Stoxx 600 was edging higher by 0.26% or 1.03 points to 398.37, alongside gains of 0.32% to 13,362.26 on the German Dax and a rise of 0.32% to 5,488.33 for the Cac-40.

Over in FX markets, euro/dollar was down by 0.35% to 1.1986.

On the more cautious side of the spectrum of analysts' opinions, Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, pointed out to clients how the German Dax was still shy of the record highs posted several months ago, despite which it notched up gains of 3.5% over the previous week.

Hewson added: "Having got off to such a positive start in 2018 and with economic data continuing to look reasonably resilient despite a fairly average US jobs report, investors continue to appear to be happy to push this bull market even higher, despite some misgivings that, particularly in the case of US markets valuations remain stretched."

Weighing in with a more constructive view, Mike van Dulken at Accendo Markets said: "Equities are off their best levels but maintain a northerly bearing, buoyed by German coalition talks and fresh highs on Wall St, despite mixed Eurozone macro data and commodities off their best levels.

"A stronger USD helps, pushing GBP and EUR lower, especially the latter to ensure the German DAX outperforms the UK FTSE. US futures point to another positive opening this afternoon."

Acting as a backdrop, over the weekend Germany's CDU/CSU and the SPD began 'exploratory' talks, with an expected end date of 11 January, on the possibility of forming a coalition, with the SPD set to vote at a special party conference on 21 January on whether to enter formal negotiations with that same aim.

On the economic front, Germany's Ministry of Finance said factory orders declined by 0.4% on the month in November (consensus: 0.0%).

That 'miss', according to Tomasz Wieladek at Barclays Research, was the first sign of an economic impact from Germany's uncertain political landscape.

Nevertheless, Wieladek believed the SPD might agree to a coalition treaty by mid-February, with political uncertainty possibly being resolved shortly after then.

To take note of as well, Romania's central bank surprised most analysts on Monday, with rate-setters in Bucharest opting to hike their main policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.0%.

In parallel, the European Commission reported that its consumer confidence index for the single currency bloc in December printed at 0.5, unchanged from a preliminary estimate.

Meanwhile, earlier during the session Sentix's barometre of Eurozone investor sentiment advanced from a reading of 31.1 for December to 32.9 in January (consensus: 31.3).

German sportswear-maker Adidas was on track to quadruple its digital sales by 2020 to 4.0bn, the company's chief Kasper Rosted told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Telekom shares were making headway despite a report in Wirtschaftswoche, citing consultants at FAS AG, according to whom the introduction of IFRS 16 accounting rules might force the operator to add at least 14.4bn of leasing liabilities to its estimated debt pile.

Elsewhere, Airbus chief Tom Enders inked a non-binding agreement with Turkish Airlines for the potential shipment of 25 A350-900 jets.

At the weekend, various reports surfaced in Italian media dismissing rumours of possible M&A involving Fiat Chrysler.

Other reports in that same country indicated Telecom Italia may be planning to cut as many as 10,000 positions over the next three years.London stocks nudged lower in early trade on Monday as a profit warning from Mothercare kept investors on edge ahead of a big week for retailers.

At 0830 GMT, the FTSE 100 was down 0.1% to 7,713.86, while the pound was flat against the euro at 1.1282 and 0.2% weaker versus the greenback at 1.3538.

Lee Wild, head of equity strategy at Interactive Investor, said: A rush of corporate updates will keep traders glued to their screens this week. Modest valuations and market-leading dividend yields have already attracted buyers to the housebuilding sector, but latest numbers will need to soothe concerns about falling house prices in London and a slowdown elsewhere.

The jury is still out on the high street retailers after last weeks mixed bag from Next and Debenhams. After so many failures, M&S is under pressure to provide evidence that a five-year turnaround plan is working. Sales growth is key here and, if the current high-profile executive team cant achieve success, there seems little hope. At least the share price is currently underpinned by a generous dividend.

Overnight Visa/IHS data shows a significant slowdown in spending in December which meant 2017 saw a fall in spending for the first time in five years. On an annualised basis, retail sales in the key trading month in the UK were said to be down by 1%.

In corporate news, software group Micro Focus tumbled as its first-half results failed to impress.

Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell said: Micro Focus actually posted some attention-grabbing numbers, namely a 28.7% surge in revenue to $145.7m and an 80.3% jump in revenue to $1.23bn. Yet the fact that revenue dropped 2.9% year-on-year to $664.7m when the effects of its HPE Software merger were stripped out, alongside its group results coming in at the bottom end of expectations, soured investors on the tech firm, who sent the stock to a four-month low.

TP Icap edged down as it acquired US-based energy and commodities broker SCS Commodities based for an undisclosed cash sum and further performance-related amounts over five years.

Babcock gained after saying it will lead a bespoke team of industry partners in a bid for the UK Ministry of Defence's new 1.25bn Type 31e general purpose light frigate programme.

Standard Life got a leg up from an upgrade to buy from Jefferies, while Thomas Cook was boosted by an upgrade to overweight by Morgan Stanley, and BBA Aviation was up after an upgrade to buy at Citi.

Ladbrokes Coral and Paddy Power were hit by downgrades from Morgan Stanley.

Outside of the FTSE 350, in a week that will see updates from the likes of Morrisons, Sainsburys, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, and Boohoo, retailer Mothercare tumbled after it warned over profits and said sales fell over the Christmas period.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 7,713.86 -0.13%

FTSE 250 (MCX) 20,952.95 0.10%

techMARK (TASX) 3,569.86 -0.31%

FTSE 100 - Risers

Standard Life Aberdeen (SLA) 432.10p 1.03%

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 1,375.00p 1.03%

G4S (GFS) 277.70p 0.91%

Experian (EXPN) 1,662.50p 0.82%

BHP Billiton (BLT) 1,573.60p 0.77%

Worldpay Group (WPG) 438.10p 0.71%

Scottish Mortgage Inv Trust (SMT) 464.87p 0.62%

Glencore (GLEN) 391.00p 0.62%

Rio Tinto (RIO) 3,982.50p 0.58%

Centrica (CNA) 146.85p 0.48%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Micro Focus International (MCRO) 2,344.00p -9.22%

Paddy Power Betfair (PPB) 8,730.00p -1.58%

Hargreaves Lansdown (HL.) 1,805.00p -1.04%

ITV (ITV) 169.53p -0.80%

Randgold Resources Ltd. (RRS) 7,212.00p -0.77%

Just Eat (JE.) 804.80p -0.76%

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 659.40p -0.69%

Reckitt Benckiser Group (RB.) 6,800.50p -0.59%

Persimmon (PSN) 2,762.00p -0.58%

Whitbread (WTB) 3,971.00p -0.58%

FTSE 250 - Risers

Thomas Cook Group (TCG) 130.80p 4.64%

Euromoney Institutional Investor (ERM) 1,290.00p 2.38%

Ascential (ASCL) 400.20p 2.35%

Victrex plc (VCT) 2,736.00p 2.01%

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT) 1,432.00p 1.99%

BBA Aviation (BBA) 350.20p 1.74%

Syncona Limited NPV (SYNC) 214.00p 1.66%

Diploma (DPLM) 1,259.00p 1.61%

Sophos Group (SOPH) 623.49p 1.55%

Kaz Minerals (KAZ) 898.20p 1.26%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

TI Fluid Systems (TIFS) 243.60p -4.84%

GCP Infrastructure Investments Ltd (GCP) 124.52p -1.95%

Coats Group (COA) 88.79p -1.35%

Ladbrokes Coral Group (LCL) 185.50p -1.33%

Softcat (SCT) 528.96p -1.31%

Ultra Electronics Holdings (ULE) 1,280.00p -1.08%

Barr (A.G.) (BAG) 663.25p -1.01%

RDI Reit (RDI) 37.10p -0.93%

Jupiter Fund Management (JUP) 625.80p -0.89%

LondonMetric Property (LMP) 186.50p -0.80%First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has made clear that a Brexit without a deal is unthinkable and has said that Theresa should stop appeasing hard-line Brexiteers and think about what is best for the country.

Sturgeon said that a second referendum could become "irresistible", especially in the case of a no-deal scenario.

She told BBC Radio Scotland: ""It seems to give the impression that the UK Government think this is some kind of game, that Theresa May is more concerned with appeasing the hardline Tory Brexiteers than she is about acting in the best interests of the country.

"No deal is unthinkable, let me be absolutely clear, no Brexit is preferable to no deal."

She also added that it seemed that the UK Government at times was trying to pursue the hardest Brexit possible: "My focus, has to be to make sure that we do everything possible to protect Scotlands best interests.

"If Brexit is going to happen then in my view the priority is that we remain within the European single market and customs union because that is the least damaging outcome in terms of jobs and the economy," she added.

She also said that Scotland would publish a series of reports analysing every possible outcome of Brexit and its impact on the economy.

Sturgeon explained that in 2016 nobody knew the relationship that the UK and Europe would have once Brexit occurs, but that a year and a half later the people are still in the dark. She said that no deal would be harmful for the economy and society and that no Brexit would be preferable.

"So if we did get into a position for example where there was no deal then Im very clear and I think a lot of people, certainly in Scotland but I suspect across the UK as a whole, would think that in those circumstances no Brexit was absolutely preferable to a no deal situation."

She also spoke about a potential Scottish independence referendum, adding that she would wait until the current stage of negotiations with Brussels is over to make a proper assessment and judgement.Reorganisation turns chaotic as Hammond, Davis, Johnson stay put

Greening quits Education after refusing Work & Pensions job

Prime Minister Theresa May's attempt on Monday to "refresh" her ministerial team ended smelling like a pub before the smoking ban took force, as several refused to go and one resigned rather than move.

In a chaotic reshuffle that had clearly not gone according to plan, Education Secretary Justine Greening quit rather than be moved to Work and Pensions, while Business Secretary Greg Clark refused to make way for the seemingly unsackable Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

The well-regarded Greening was replaced by Damian Hinds, while former television presenter Esther McVey was named Work and Pensions Secretary, taking over from David Gauke who moved to the Justice Ministry - becoming the sixth person to do the job in less than eight years.

Chancellor Philip Hammond, a staunch pro-European, remained in post, despite calls from hard-right Brexiteers for him to be fired over his insistence on a so-called "soft" Brexit.

The need to maintain a balance between 'leavers' and 'remainers' in her Cabinet effectively hobbled May from making any major changes. With her parliamentary majority effectively shot, she could not afford to risk backbench rebellions as crucial Brexit legislation passes through parliament.

The confusion that has characterised May's tenure after the Conservatives disastrous showing at the last General Election was highlighted after a statement on social media welcomed the hard-right Brexiteer Chris Grayling as party chairman was issued then deleted.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd stayed in post, while Brexit Secretary David Davis keept his job, despite coming within a whisker of being held in contempt of parliament over claims his department had completed studies on the impact of Brexit on various sections of the economy, then telling a select committee none actually existed.

Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary and man who desperately wants May's job, became a remainer of a different sort. Seemingly coated in teflon, he once again survived a series of high profile gaffes, including one which actually extended the detention of a British national in an Iranian jail, which would have sunk anyone else.

His Brexit partner-in-crime, Michael Gove, was retained at the Department for the Environment as was Liam Fox at International Trade.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire resigned unexpectedly after revealing he needed lung surgery. He was replaced by Karen Bradley, who left Culture, Media & Sport. Matt Hancock stepped into Bradley's role.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, another senior cabinet member thought to be at risk given the current winter crisis in hospitals and criticisms of underfunding of the National Health Service, was another refusnik, not only clinging on to his job, but given responsibility for social care.

Transport Secretary and hard Brexit cheerleader Chris Grayling, whom many tipped to get the sack over his failure to settle crippling rail strikes across the country and disappearing on a trip to Qatar on the day train fare rises of 3.6% came into force, escaped the chop.

Sajid Javid, the Communities Secretary, had housing added to his portfolio, while Gavin Williamson, recently promoted to Defence Secretary, stays in post.

Brandon Lewis was appointed Conservative party chairman, and a minister without portfolio. Previously he was immigration minister. He replaced Sir Patrick McLoughlin, who resigned.

David Lidington was appointed Cabinet Office minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, replacing Damian Green, who was forced to resign after making "inaccurate and misleading" statements over what he knew about claims pornography was found on his office computer in 2008.

There were also raft of junior ministerial departures to the hinterland positions of Conservative vice-chairman. It was unclear whether they were sacked or jumped.Magnolia Petroleum , the AIM-quoted US focused oil and gas exploration and production company, said three extra increased density oil wells would be drilled near the Gilchrist well in Oklahoma.

The company said project operator SandRidge Energy would conduct the drilling after excellent initial production rates... significantly exceeded projections.

Together with Western Energy Development, Magnolia has a combined working interest of 1.57% in the spacing unit on which Gilchrist is located and where the additional increased density wells are to be drilled.

Magnolia chief executive Rita Whittington said: Thanks to Gilchrists better than expected IP rates, these three new wells have been materially de-risked, specifically in terms of geological risk.

They therefore have the potential to significantly add to the $0.2m of value generated for Magnolia by the successful $0.5m pilot programme with WED. We are focused on replicating this success many times over and with this in mind, we are currently investing the first $0.5m tranche of capital received under the $18.5m WED agreement.While the spring semester didn't officially start until Jan. 8 at the University of North Georgia (UNG), nearly 300 cadet leaders, incoming freshmen recruits and new cadet officers returned to UNGs Dahlonega Campus a week early for training.

Before the beginning of fall and spring semesters, UNG's Corps of Cadets holds a Non-commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) for sophomore cadets entering leadership positions within the corps and Freshman Recruit Orientation Group (FROG) training for incoming students. Due to the compressed schedule for the spring semester, FROG Week and NCOA were held simultaneously.

For the recruits, the week of training traditionally called FROG Week stresses the importance that UNG's Corps of Cadets places on leadership development. The purpose of FROG Week is to teach Corps rules and standards, and university customs and traditions. As with orientation events held for all students, recruits learn about academics, class locations and student resources.

Among the 69 recruits this semester is Hannah Yancey, a freshman from Loganville, Georgia, who entered UNG in fall 2017. Yancey said after seeing members of the Corps of Cadets on campus and learning more about the program, she was interested in joining.

"I thought about it a lot, and I felt like if I didn't do it, it would bug me. So I did it, and here I am. It's intense, and I'm just trying to learn everything," Yancey said. "I want to be a physical therapist in the Army, and I think the Corps of Cadets would give me an advantage."

The severe cold the first week of January  with overnight temperatures in the teens  caused some changes to the training schedule, including the cancellation of rappelling at the Army Ranger training facility at nearby Camp Frank D. Merrill. That activity was moved on campus, said retired Maj. Richard Neikirk, the assistant commandant of cadets at UNG. Also, the Crown Mountain run traditionally held the morning of FROG graduation will be held at a later date.

"For safety factors, we did not want our freshmen to rappel off of a frozen, iced cliff," Neikirk said. "During the cold weather and always, safety is No. 1 whenever our cadets are training. The recruits conducted physical training indoors in the mornings, and we waited until later in the day when the weather warmed up to do other outdoor training. And no one goes outside without cold weather gear to include hats and gloves.

It's not just the weather that makes FROG Week in spring semester different from fall. In recent years the training week was added before spring semester as the number of cadets enrolling in spring has steadily grown each year. Many freshman cadets at UNG choose to start their college career in spring after attending Basic Training or Advanced Individual Training as members of the U.S. Army Reserve or Georgia National Guard. This year, 42 incoming freshmen are members of the Georgia National Guard, and 24 of those are attending on the UNG Military Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship worth $70,000 over four years.

This semester's NCOA of 89 cadets featured a first  two cadets from the General Tadeusz Kosciuszko Military Academy of Land Forces (MALF) in Poland. It's the first visit to the U.S. for the two cadet sergeants, who are in their junior year.

After a lengthy trip, during which they only slept a couple of hours in two days, Tomas Trzak and Mateusz (Matthew) Wolski hope to gain insight on leadership from their semester at UNG.

"The most important thing for me is to get experience in leadership here," said Trzak, who will go into the Polish army armored vehicle division upon graduation. "Everything about the military that is important for me I will have in my academy, but your academy is very proud of having expertise in leadership and the skills connected with commanding, so I think spending time here will give me the ability to increase those skills."

Wolski, who will go into air defense when he completes his studies, concurred.

"For me, it is also very significant to understand your management and your leadership because I want to be a leader in the future, so it's very important to me to learn another style with my friends from the United States," Wolski said.(Eds: Updating with SP district chief seeks probe)

Gorakhpur (UP), Jan 8 (PTI) A major fire today gutted the principals office and an adjacent record room of the state- run BRD Hospital here, the fire department said.

No loss of life has been reported, but the fire destroyed important documents in the record room of Baba Raghav Das Medical College, which was in the news last year after scores of infants died at the facility.

While the police said it seems that short circuit may be the cause of the fire, a local Samajwadi Party leader described the blaze as mysterious and sought a probe into why "only vital files were destroyed".

"Prima facie, it seems that the fire was caused by a short circuit," SP (North) Ganesh Saha said.

Chief Fire Service Officer T K Singh said a committee has been constituted to probe the reasons behind the fire. Six fire tenders took nearly an hour to bring the blaze under control.

Describing the fire as mysterious, SP district chief Prahlad Yadav suspected that it was an act of sabotage to destroy vital documents related to provision of oxygen to the hospital and files pertaining to its shortage in supply that led to deaths of so many children last year.

He alleged that officials reached the spot late though their attention was drawn to the blaze as soon as flames were noticed by the people there.

"It should be probed as to how and why only important files were reduced to ashes," Yadav said.

The BRD Medical College had hit the headlines in August last year when 63 children, including infants, died within a span of four days when the supply of oxygen was allegedly disrupted due to non-payment of dues to the vendor.

The state government had, however, vehemently denied that shortage of oxygen led to the deaths.

An FIR against nine accused, including ex-principal Dr Rajiv Misra, his wife Dr Purnima Shukla and nodal officer Dr Kafeel Khan, was filed by director general medical education (DGME), K K Gupta in Hazratganj police station in Lucknow and police have filed a charge sheet against them. All the nine accused were arrested. PTI COOR SMI NSDTop high school performers for Week Four of fall sports

Already a big week for fall athletes as they start to hit their stride during the high school sports season.Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has written a stinging letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him not to 're-lay' the foundation stone of Barmer refinery.

PM Modi is scheduled to visit Rajasthan's Barmer district on January 16 to inaugurate the project.

In his letter, Gehlot also stated that the foundation stone of the refinery was laid by former Congress President Sonia Gandhi in September 2013.

Here's a verbatim of the letter:

"This is to remind you about my earlier letter No. PS/Ex-CM/2017 dated 12 August 2017 (copy enclosed), in which I had brought to your notice the facts about the 9 MMT capacity refinery with Petrochemical complex at Pachpadra in the Barmer district of Rajasthan.

It was launched by the UPA government in the Centre and the Congress government in Rajasthan in the year 2013. It has been reported in the newspapers that you are going to re-lay the foundation stone of on 16 January 2018, whereas it had already been laid by the former UPA chairperson Smt Gandhi on 22 September 2013."

Gehlot, in his letter, has claimed that due to obstacles created by the current Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje, the project has not made any progress.

"One could appreciate inviting you on completion of the project. But unfortunately due to obstacles created by the present Chief Minister the project did not move an inch," the letter states.

Gehlot also claimed that it seems the Rajasthan government did not apprise him deliberately of the facts to land him in an embarrassing situation.

"You are aware that holy mantras are chanted and pooja is performed at the time of foundation stone laying ceremony and inauguration. To chant the same mantras and perform the same pooja all over again for the very same project is against the religious sanctity. Moreover, the public does not view it in a positive manner. Re-laying of foundation stone is, indeed, not a healthy tradition in a democratic setup where governments keep changing."

"It seems to me that the state government has deliberately not apprised you to these facts to create an embarrassing situation for the PM. Hope you will re-think about your decision to re-lay the foundation," the letter concludes.Former Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colon jumped into the race for state auditor on Sunday, challenging state Rep. Bill McCamley for the Democratic nomination.

Colon, an Albuquerque lawyer who has run previously for lieutenant governor and mayor, said his background in finance and law would be an asset in the state office that examines whether government agencies are complying with legal and financial requirements.

Im passionate about holding the powerful in New Mexico accountable for the tax dollars they get the privilege of using, Colon said in an interview.

He joins three-term state Rep. McCamley of Las Cruces in the auditors race. The primary election is June 5.

Democrats have traditionally dominated the office, but its now held by Republican Wayne Johnson, who was appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez to take over in December. He succeeded Democrat Tim Keller, who stepped down as auditor after winning the race for Albuquerque mayor.

Johnson became the first Republican to hold the office since 1970. Colon and Johnson each ran for mayor last year, too, but neither made it into the November runoff election with the top two candidates.

Colon finished third in the initial round of voting, with 16 percent in an eight-person race, while Johnson finished fourth with about 10 percent.

He was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2010, when the Republican ticket, headed by Martinez, won the governors office.

Colon, whos 47, served as chairman of the state Democratic Party from 2007-09.

He has proven to be a successful fundraiser, not only in his political races but also for nonprofit groups. He grew up in Valencia County, later moved to Las Cruces and now lives in Albuquerque.

Johnson, the incumbent auditor, has said he is strongly considering a run to keep the office, though he hasnt made an announcement yet. He is a Bernalillo County commissioner and owns a media production company.Wilson & Co., an Albuquerque-based engineering and architectural firm known for taking on big infrastructure jobs across the West, celebrated a big milestone of its own recently: moving to new corporate headquarters in Journal Center II.

According to Dan Aguirre, a senior vice president for the company, Wilson relocated 150 of its Albuquerque workforce to the Thompson Reuters Building at 4401 Masthead NE. Move-in day followed an intense three months of tenant improvements to the 30,000 square feet of space the firm now occupies on two floors. Aguirre said Wilson hired Tanglewood Construction for the $1.2 million project.

Its a nice fresh start to the new year for our staff, said Aguirre, referring to the engineers, architects, planners, surveyors, mappers, right-of-way agents and construction managers working at the corporate HQ.

Things are looking brighter in the new digs. Theres much more natural light, said Aguirre.

Aguirre is expecting a busy year for the company, which has 450 professionals working from offices in nine western states. Wilson provides services to a diverse client base including federal and municipal governments, public transportation agencies, railroad companies, secondary education and health care clients.

Ex-Rosemont exec joins CBRE

Jason Lott has been hired as CBRE Albuquerques new vice president with the advisory and transaction services group, where he will specialize in office properties.

In his new role, Lott, formerly with Gemini Rosemont, will focus on office leasing and landlord representation. Jasons extensive office leasing and development experience will enhance our office property team, and we are happy and excited to welcome him, said Jim Chynoweth, managing director for CBRE Albuquerque.

Over his 20-year career, Lott has worked in multiple markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C., before settling with his family in New Mexico in 2006.

In his most recent position, he was responsible for new leasing and renewals for all of the office and multi-use assets for New Mexicos largest owner of commercial buildings. In New Mexico alone, Lott has been involved with over 3 million square feet of office space being leased and developed, including transactions ranging from 47 square feet (a small server room) to 216,000 square feet.

Apartments purchased

Austin, Texas-based CHF Investment Partners has purchased Diamond Mesa apartments, a 456-unit multifamily community at 2300 Diamond Mesa Trail SW in Albuquerque. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Built in 2015 and located near Downtown and Interstate 40, the property is close to several large, emerging employers, including one of six Facebook data centers currently under construction south of Albuquerque near Los Lunas.

We are excited to add another high-quality property to the portfolio, said Benoit Rochard, vice president at CFH Investment Partners. Diamond Mesa presented the opportunity to acquire an attractively located long-term holding near major employment drivers. Our extensive operational experience will allow us to efficiently operate this property while improving the resident experience, he said.

David Eagle, senior vice president of CBRE, represented the unnamed seller in the off-market transaction. Tony Stein, vice president of CBRE, was the mortgage broker for the deal.

Steve Sinovic is the Journals real estate reporter. He can be reached at ssinovic@abqjournal.com or by calling 505-823-3919.Virgin Galactics passenger rocket ship is gearing up for powered flights that could eventually carry paying tourists into space from southern New Mexico.

Its the next critical step for SpaceShipTwo, which is moving from a series of glider flights that started in December 2016 to rocket-powered ones this year at the Mojave Air and Space Port in Southern California, said Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides.

Were about done with the glide-flight phase, Whitesides told the Journal last week. The next step is powered flights through an incremental process to test performance. Powered flight will push the vehicle into supersonic flight, and eventually to multiple times the speed of sound.

That puts the company nearly back to where it was in October 2014, when its first SpaceShipTwo broke apart in a powered flight over the Mojave Desert. That accident set back the launch of commercial flights from New Mexicos Spaceport America by years. Human error caused that incident after the copilot prematurely engaged the rockets braking system, tearing the vehicle apart in midair in an accident that killed the copilot and injured the pilot.

The new SpaceShipTwo is equipped with an automated lock mechanism to prevent such things in the future. And since 2016, it has flown nearly a dozen times, about half of them captive carry flights where the vehicle remains attached to the mother ship, WhiteNightTwo. The other half were glider flights, where the rocket detaches from WhiteNightTwo while in the air to descend on its own to the ground.

The glider flights have allowed Virgin Galactic to fully assess vehicle performance as it returns to earth. That includes testing the rockets feathered braking system, through which the ships wing booms are turned into position for re-entry from suborbit to permit the vehicle to gently glide down to earth.

Virgin Galactic teams have also tested vehicle handling at slow speeds with more weight on board, including shifts in the ships center of gravity for landing.

At least one more glide flight is planned for the coming weeks before moving onto powered ones. Once that happens, it thrusts SpaceShipTwo into a final-frontier phase where the rocket will shoot incrementally higher in successive tests until eventually entering space.

Under Virgin Galactics system, the rocket is carried on the underbelly of WhiteNightTwo to 50,000 feet. It then detaches, and pilots ignite the rocket propulsion to push the ship into suborbit at 327,000 feet, or 62 miles up, which is considered the edge of space.

Well test all parameters of the vehicle in powered flights, Whitesides said. Well compare all metrics and performance with our analytical models to make sure that what we see in the real test-flight data is what we predicted in our forecasts.

Its not clear how long powered-flight testing will take, much less how soon the company could actually move to commercial operations at Spaceport America. But Virgin Galactic is now actively preparing for operational activity. It will move many of its Mojave-based employees and their families to New Mexico in the next few months, growing its local workforce from about 30 now to more than 100 this year.

We will start to post positions and work with contracted suppliers for jobs that support commercial operations such as hospitality, facilities management, and operations, said Virgin Galactic spokeswoman Christine Choi in an email to the Journal.

Virgin Galactic is also building more models of SpaceShipTwo, with two more rockets now under construction. The company envisions a fleet of five rockets and two mother ships, although that depends on flight demand from paying passengers.

Were hard at work on the next two space ships, Whitesides said. Theres still a lot more work to do, but those vehicles are coming together, foreshadowing our vision of having a fleet of ships.

All the progress is generating excitement among Spaceport America enthusiasts.

A lots going on, Richard Holcomb, spaceport ambassador, told the Albuquerque Economic Forum in December. Its coming, its very imminent, and its going to happen.

Holcomb, along with Dale Dekker of the architecture firm Dekker/Perich Sabatini and other supporters, created the nonprofit Ambassadors for Spaceport America to promote New Mexicos commercial space industry.

Its a booster club to step up and help make this happen, Dekker told the Economic Forum. We believe New Mexico will become a global center for space commercialization and innovation.

Spaceport America is actively recruiting more companies. Apart from Virgin Galactic, its signed up four more permanent tenants, including SpaceX, UP Aerospace, Exos Aerospace, and Energetic Pipeline2Space.

Some are getting ready to move dirt and build hangers, said Spaceport America CEO Dan Hicks.

Others, such as The Boeing Co., are testing new technologies at the spaceport, and more suborbital providers are also considering operations there, Hicks said.Everyone: Time is running short.

I know, the year just started. But you probably already have big plans for your organization in 2018, and if you want to hit those lofty goals, youll need a healthy workforce.

Heres how youll know whether youre in good shape: New Mexicos Top Workplaces.

The Albuquerque Journals Business Outlook is once again sponsoring the survey in partnership with Energage (previously known as WorkplaceDynamics). Taking part gives you a chance to find out what youre doing right when it comes to motivating your employees and where you need to improve. If youre really good, youll earn some bragging rights, too.

The Top Workplaces team already is reaching out to companies and organizations around New Mexico to compile a comprehensive list of New Mexicos Top Workplaces for 2018. The results will be published in the Journal this spring, and an analysis of the results will be provided to the employers who take part.

To join the survey, an employee, employer or customer needs to nominate the company by Jan. 19 at ABQJournal.com/nominate or by calling 505-288-3443.

The organization will receive a call from Energage a few weeks later to explain the survey process.

Employees will be surveyed about the companys direction, execution and engagement of employees. Energage determines who makes the list based on those surveys.

The survey has strict protocols. There is no internet voting, no click as many times as you can, and participating companies must grant individual access to either all employees or a vast majority for larger businesses.

Among the benefits of making the Top Workplaces list are improving employee morale and collecting important employee feedback.

What you need to know about Top Workplaces

 Any organization with 35 or more employees in New Mexico is eligible to participate (can be public, private, nonprofit, government).

 Workplaces are evaluated by their employees using a 24-question survey. Companies will be surveyed through February. Deadline to apply: Jan. 19Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

Albuquerque city councilors this past November approved an ordinance that severely restricts panhandling, but you wouldnt know the law has been in effect for a month given the number of people still asking for a handout at intersections throughout the city.

The ordinance prohibits panhandlers  and anyone else  from soliciting motorists or occupants of a vehicle at busy medians and even on sidewalks. It also makes it illegal for drivers and passengers to physically interact with them.

A spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department said earlier this week that APD is concerned about the cost of budget constraints in enforcing the new measure, though he added that the bigger issue is making sure that everyone is educated about the new law.

This was an ordinance adopted by City Council and passed by the previous administration, Gilbert Gallegos, APDs director of communications and community outreach, told the Journal in an emailed statement.

APD is currently working to educate officers, as well as the public, about the new ordinance. This includes access to shelters, health care and housing solutions.

APD is facing a manpower shortage, with about 135 fewer officers than are authorized and roughly 335 fewer officers than Mayor Tim Keller and others have said are needed. Albuquerque is also in the midst of a crime wave with a record number of murders last year and a spike in property crime.

Neither APD nor Kellers administration would discuss whether the manpower shortage is impacting the police departments ability to enforce the ordinance, nor would either say whether enforcing the ordinance is a priority for the Keller administration.

But Councilor Trudy Jones, the sponsor of the measure, said she has been assured by Keller that the ordinance will be enforced. She said the city is in a ramp-up period on enforcement, adding that she expects APD will begin enforcement in about two weeks.

It will be enforced, Jones said. The administration has agreed to enforce it, but there are a couple of steps that need to be taken.

Violating the ordinance is a petty misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500, or not more than 90 days in jail, or both.

Jones said APD is working on standard operating procedures, and the city has put together a flier to hand to pedestrians and drivers violating the ordinance.

The flier, Jones said, outlines the new ordinance, explains the public safety reasons behind the ordinance, and has information about social service agencies that help people down on their luck.

Thats what its about. Its not to punish people, she said, referring to the new city law.

Jones said the flier needs to be reviewed by the citys legal department.

She acknowledged that enforcement of the ordinance will not be APDs top priority, but she said the mayor told me, Yes, we will stand behind this. We will enforce this. 

Councilors voted 8-0 to adopt the ordinance Nov. 6. Councilor Klarissa Pena was absent and did not vote on the measure.

Former Mayor Richard Berry neither signed nor vetoed the ordinance within 10 days, which, under the City Charter, means that the ordinance became city law at that point.

Acting City Clerk Trina Gurule told the Journal that the ordinance was published Dec. 1 and became effective Dec. 6.

The pedestrian safety ordinance doesnt apply just to panhandlers. It also prohibits such things as boot brigades that firefighters sometimes engage in to raise money from motorists, an individual handing out fliers to motorists or any other activity when drivers  or occupants of their vehicles  are being asked to physically interact with a pedestrian.

The ban doesnt apply in instances in which a motorist can safely pull over into street-side parking.

Under the new ordinance, a driver and vehicle occupants can be cited for physically engaging with panhandlers or others while in a travel lane.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico has raised concerns about the constitutionality of the measure, arguing that people have a right to stand in public spaces like sidewalks and street corners to solicit.WASHINGTON  President Donald Trumps U.N. ambassador said Sunday the administration isnt changing its conditions regarding talks with North Korea amid growing tensions over the Norths nuclear and missile programs.

Nikki Haley made clear that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would first need to stop weapons testing for a significant amount of time.

Trump had said on Saturday that he was open to talking to Kim. It appeared to be a softening of rhetoric, given that Trump lectured Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last year that it would be a waste of time trying to negotiate with Little Rocket Man, Trumps nickname for Kim.

But Haley insisted that Trump was reiterating his past position in his comments from Camp David over the weekend.

There is no turnaround, she said. What he has basically said is yes, there could be a time where we talk to North Korea, but a lot of things have to happen before that actually takes place. They have to stop testing. They have to be willing to talk about banning their nuclear weapons.

Its a dangerous situation, Haley added.

Trumps comments came as the first formal talks between North and South in more than two years are set to take place in a border town Tuesday; the rivals are trying to find ways to cooperate on the Winter Olympics that begin next month in the South. Tensions are high because of the Norths nuclear and missile programs.

Haley said it was her understanding that the two sides were limiting their talks to the Olympics, but you know, those two countries have to get along.

Thats good for the United States that they can at least start getting back into talks, she said.

The Trump administration has agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Olympics. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis insisted the move was a practical necessity to accommodate the Olympics and was not a political gesture.

In recent weeks, Trump and Kim have traded barbs about their arsenals and the nuclear button on their desks, raising fears the two countries could be drawing closer to war.

On Sunday, CIA Director Mike Pompeo stressed his view that an attack from North Korea was not imminent, though the North appeared to be a few months away from reaching the capability of putting a U.S. city at risk of a nuclear attack. Pompeo defended Trumps tweets as appropriate and consistent with U.S. goals of denuclearizing the Korean peninsula.

The president has made very clear that were going to do everything we can to do that in a way that doesnt involve military action, Pompeo said, but has equally made clear that were not going to stand for allowing Kim Jong Un to hold Los Angeles, or Denver, or New York at risk.

Expressing skepticism that North Korea was sincere in trying to improve relations, Pompeo added: Well just have to wait and see how the conversations go Tuesday.

Haley spoke on ABCs This Week and Pompeo was on Fox News Sunday and CBS Face the Nation.State police have identified a 40-year-old from Los Lunas as the man fatally shot by Valencia County deputies on Saturday.

New Mexico State Police Lt. Elizabeth Armijo said in a news release Sunday night that at least one deputy opened fire after an altercation broke out during an investigating into a stolen vehicle on San Rafael Drive in Los Lunas around 10 a.m. Saturday.

At some point, shots were fired by at least one deputy, killing 40-year-old John Bailon.

Bailon died at the scene, though deputies attempted life-saving measures, Armijo said.

The shooting remains under investigation. The names of deputies involved will be released after interviews are conducted, Armijo said.Our families depend on clean water, air and soil to live well and raise healthy children. Businesses need a safe environment to build customers and create jobs, and even New Mexicos tourism industry depends on clean air and water.

But in the next couple of weeks, decisions will be made in Washington, D.C., that could move New Mexicos environment, public health and fragile economy backward for years to come. The Trump administration and many members of Congress are working to weaken the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and cut its budget to its lowest level since the 1970s.

Hollowing out the EPA would be a disaster for New Mexicos health and economy. We face increased risk of exposure to dangerous pollution in the air we breathe and the water we drink. In 2015 Albuquerque had 113 days of elevated smog pollution and Farmington and Las Cruces had more than 100. Most American cities have only one such day each year. Between 2012-2016 New Mexico received more than $12 million from the EPA to help monitor air quality. The result of these cuts could be more Code Red unsafe air days where children are kept indoors, more asthma attacks and more worker sick days.

The Trump administration would also like to eliminate EPA grants that help control pollutants carried by rainfall runoff into our drinking water and rivers like the Rio Grande. And it would eliminate millions of dollars to support efforts to deal with the backlog of more than 830 leaking underground storage tanks in New Mexico that leak harmful chemicals like oil, gas, benzene and toluene into our drinking water and soil.

Remarkably, the administration and its allies are also seeking deep cuts in money to clean up hazardous Superfund sites, including a deep cut to emergency response funds that help clean up the most urgent threats. New Mexico has 20 hazardous waste sites on the EPAs Superfund Priorities List and received nearly $11 million from 2012-2016 for cleanup of these sites. With the proposed cuts, these hazardous waste cleanup costs could be shifted from polluters to taxpayers by creating a 37 percent cut in enforcement funds.

Also cut deeply would be Brownfields grants that help counties and communities clean up polluted properties, thereby boosting economic development and real estate values. For example, in the 1980s the Santa Fe Railyard was blighted with lead, other metals and petroleum. EPA Brownfields support for cleanup leveraged more than $125 million from public and private sources to create todays vibrant gathering space of museums, farmers market, movie theater, public events and a hub for the Rail Runner commuter train.

The stakes could not be higher for New Mexico or the nation: for millions of us who depend on a safe and healthy environment to live a safe and healthy life and support good jobs, undermining EPAs work would move us backward to a dirtier and more dangerous era. We cant let the EPAs budget be bargained away in back room. Our childrens health and the health of our beautiful New Mexico landscape depend on it.WASHINGTON  The White House is being used to stage some kind of dark, dystopian comedy in which all the humor is of the gallows variety. Somebody tell me how we survive another three years of this oppressive, exhausting show.

The revelations about the Trump administration from journalist Michael Wolff are, if true, stunning, jaw-dropping, gob-smacking  but also pretty much what many in Washington expected. The craziness and dysfunction were obvious from the beginning. Wolff simply documents what others say privately about an administration that is dangerously erratic and incompetent.

The central problem, according to Wolffs forthcoming book Fire and Fury, is President Trump himself. Voters elected to the nations highest office a man who is unfit to do the job, who has proved unworthy of the public trust and who seems, to be blunt, increasingly unbalanced.

It is of some comfort, I suppose, that there are people around Trump who are aware of his flaws. We have to hope that family members, staff members, political allies and longtime friends can serve as guardrails to keep Trump from driving us all off some cliff.

Weve made it safely through a year, but at some point our luck is going to run out.

As Wolff tells the story, after the election he proposed to Trump that he be allowed to write a fly-on-the-wall account of the administrations early days. Trump seemed to say that would be OK, so Wolff began a routine of coming to the White House, installing himself on one of the couches in the West Wing lobby and latching on to senior staff members as they walked by.

No competent White House communications shop would have given such access to any journalist, let alone one known in New York media circles as a shark among sharks. Day after day, Wolff feasted.

Clearly Wolffs principal source was Stephen K. Bannon, Trumps political guru who served as a high-ranking White House adviser before being ousted in a palace coup. Bannon is quoted as describing the meeting Donald Trump Jr. convened with a Kremlin-tied Russian lawyer as treasonous and painting extremely unflattering portraits of Trumps daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Perhaps it was this material about Trumps family that sent the president into such a rage Wednesday, issuing a series of statements blasting Bannon  one said that when Bannon was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. The White House has loudly disputed the books veracity and, on Thursday, a Trump attorney sent a cease-and-desist notice to Wolff and his publisher seeking to stop the books publication on Friday and threatening possible charges, including libel.

When the president calms down, someone should point out to him that the legal threat unwittingly gives credence to Bannons version of events.

An excerpt of Wolffs book published by New York magazine opens on the day of the election, with senior officials of the Trump campaign  including campaign manager Kellyanne Conway  preparing for what looked like certain defeat. Around 8 p.m. Eastern, however, it became clear that Trump might actually win. Wolff writes that Donald Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost.

About the president, Wolff writes: There was, in the space of little more than an hour, in Steve Bannons 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.

But he is not capable. This whole administration is based on a desperate delusion.

On Tuesday, the president of the United States taunted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has a nuclear arsenal: 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!

You can decide whether to laugh or cry. Or perhaps scream.Mumbai, Jan 8 (PTI) A former Shiv Sena corporator was killed by unidentified assailants here last night, a police official said today.

Ashok Sawant, 62, a two-term corporator from Samata Nagar in suburban Kandivli, was attacked with choppers while he was returning home after meeting a friend around 11 pm, he said.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital in Kandivli but was declared dead on arrival, the official said.

Sawant had entered the cable television business a few years ago, he said. PTI VT GKDonald Trump is given to lurid rhetoric and, in the MS-13 gang, he has finally met a subject beyond his ability to exaggerate.

He calls members of the largely Salvadoran gang animals. He charges them with spreading gruesome bloodshed. He says they kidnap, they extort, they rape and they rob, they prey on children. And, finally, he insists that they shouldnt be here.

Hes right on every count. If there is any aspect of the Trump immigration agenda that should command universal support, it is his crackdown on an immigrant gang whose motto is murder, rape and control, and whose signature weapon is the machete.

Yet the Trump administrations focus on MS-13 has occasioned criticism from the usual quarters, for the usual reasons.

A piece in The Boston Globe objected to the administration blaming crime on highly organized gangs of immigrants.

Well, what if a highly organized gang of immigrants is indeed responsible for its own crime wave?

Philip Bump of The Washington Post objected to Trump at an Ohio rally speaking of the brutal stabbing death of a teenage girl at the hands of MS-13. It was a graphic depiction of Hispanic immigrants in the United States, Bump wrote, as violent, bloodthirsty animals.

As it happens, MS-13 are, indeed, bloodthirsty, and they are Hispanic immigrants.

Jamelle Bouie of Slate accused the president of undertaking a political plan to demagogue Hispanic immigrants as imminent threats to white Americans, and white women in particular.

This has it backward. The chances of a white person getting extorted, assaulted or killed by MS-13 is vanishingly small compared with the poor Hispanic immigrants who live and work in the communities blighted by the gang.

As Jessica Vaughan and Jon Feere noted in a report for the restrictionist Center for Immigration Studies, a surge of more than 2 million immigrants came to the United States from Central America during the 1980s and 1990s, most settling in Los Angeles, most illegal immigrants. Nurtured on violence in the guerrilla wars of Central America, members of the incipient MS-13 were well-prepared to fight it out in the worst gang-ridden neighborhoods in the city.

Law enforcement substantially disrupted the gang in the United States during the 2000s, but it has made a comeback. The gangs leaders in El Salvador professionalized its U.S. operations. And the flow of so-called unaccompanied children from Central America across the southern border has replenished the gangs ranks; MS-13 members have been among the migrants, and the influx of non-English-speaking young males with no connections to the U.S. provides a ready base of recruitment.

This has led to horrifying headlines in places across the U.S. with large Central American populations, from Long Island to Houston to the Washington, D.C., area.

In a lengthy report on Langley Park, Md., The Washington Post detailed the depredations of MS-13 seven miles from the White House. According to the Post, It took Abigail Bautista less than a month of living in Langley Park to learn that her new neighborhood in Maryland had its own set of laws, written not in statutes but in gang graffiti and blood.

Needless to say, Bautista is not a white woman. Shes an illegal immigrant and mother of five, whose street-vending business made her a prime target for extortion by the gang. The tragedy of immigrants in places like Langley Park is that they encounter in the U.S. exactly the breakdown in civil society and lack of rule of law that they thought they were escaping in Central America.

It will stop only if we continue the newly invigorated campaign against MS-13 members and get a better handle on migrants coming here from Central America. The commentators tsk-tsking Trumps focus on MS-13 surely dont, by and large, live in neighborhoods dominated by savage gangs. Why should anyone else?

Rich Lowry can be reached via email: comments.lowry @national-review.com.  2017 by King Features Syndicate.WASHINGTON  The Trump administrations decision to end special protections for about 200,0000 Salvadoran immigrants filled many Salvadoran families with dread Monday, raising the possibility that they will be forced to abandon their roots in the U.S. and return to a violent homeland they have not known for years, even decades.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen gave Salvadorans with temporary protected status until Sept. 9, 2019, to leave the United States or face deportation. El Salvador becomes the fourth country since President Donald Trump took office to lose protection under the program, which provides humanitarian relief for people whose countries are hit with natural disasters or other strife.

The decision, while not surprising, was a severe blow to Salvadorans in New York, Houston, San Francisco and other major cities that have welcomed them since at least the 1980s.

Guillermo Mendoza, who came to the United States in 2000 when he was 19 years old, was anguished about what to do with his wife and two children who are U.S. citizens.

What do I do? Do I leave the country and leave them here? That is a tough decision, said Mendoza, a safety manager at Shapiro & Duncan, a mechanical contractor company in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington.

Orlando Zepeda, who came to the U.S. in 1984 fleeing civil war in El Salvador, said the lack of surprise does not ease the sting for the 51-year-old Los Angeles-area man who works in building maintenance and has two American-born children.

Its sad, because its the same story of family separation from that time, and now history repeats itself with my children, Zepeda said in Spanish.

Many immigrants hope Congress can deliver a long-term reprieve by September 2019. If that fails, they face a grim choice: return to El Salvador voluntarily or live in the U.S. illegally under an administration that has dramatically increased deportation arrests.

Cristian Chavez Guevara, a 37-year-old Salvadoran immigrant in Houston who is raising two American stepchildren and a young cousin, said the decision would tear apart his family. He was unsure what to do.

I have been building dreams for the future and raising hope for a better future not just for me but for my family, he said. All of that came to a halt.

The action presents a serious challenge for El Salvador, a country of 6.2 million people whose economy counts on money sent by wage earners in the U.S. Over the past decade, growing numbers of Salvadorans  many coming as families or unaccompanied children  have entered the United States illegally through Mexico, fleeing violence and poverty.

In September 2016, the Obama administration extended protections for 18 months, saying El Salvador was still suffering the lingering effects of earthquakes in 2001 that killed more than 1,000 people. The administration said the country was temporarily unable to absorb such a large number of returning people.

Nielsen, who faced a Monday deadline on another extension, concluded that El Salvador has received significant international aid to recover from the earthquake, and homes, schools and hospitals there have been rebuilt.

The substantial disruption of living conditions caused by the earthquake no longer exists, the department said in a statement.

El Salvador President Salvador Sanchez Ceren spoke by phone Friday with Nielsen to renew his plea to extend status for 190,000 Salvadorans and allow more time for Congress to deliver a long-term fix for them to stay in the U.S. The countrys top diplomat, Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez, said Mondays decision underscored a need for Congress to act.

The 18-month delay was small comfort for Teresa Salmeron, a Salvadoran woman who has relatives working in the United States.

What are they going to do here? There is no work here, she said. I live on the money they send home.

Democratic leaders and immigrant advocacy groups criticized the move. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi called it a heartbreaking blow to nearly a quarter of a million hard-working Salvadorans who are American in every way. Rep. Bennie Thompson, ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said it was just the latest in a string of heartless, xenophobic actions from the Trump administration.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called it heartbreaking and said many families will be devastated.

However, groups advocating immigration restrictions called it an important step for the humanitarian programs credibility.

The past practice of allowing foreign nationals to remain in the United States long after an initial emergency in their home countries has ended has undermined the integrity of the program and essentially made the temporary protected status a front operation for backdoor permanent immigration, said Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA.

The decision comes amid intensifying talks between the White House and Congress on an immigration package that may include protections for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who came to the country as children and were temporarily shielded from deportation under an Obama-era program. Trump said in September that he was ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, but gave Congress until March to act.

The U.S. created temporary protected status in 1990 to provide safe havens for people from countries affected by earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, war and other disasters. It currently shields people from 10 countries, more than half from El Salvador.

The benefit, which includes work authorization, can be renewed up to 18 months at a time by the Homeland Security secretary.

In November, Nielsens predecessor, acting Secretary Elaine Duke, ended the protection for Haitians, requiring them to leave or adjust their legal status by July 22, 2019, and for Nicaraguans, giving them until Jan. 5, 2019. She delayed a decision affecting Hondurans, leaving that decision to Nielsen.

Last year, the Trump administration extended status for South Sudan and ended it for Sudan. Other countries covered are Nepal, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.

___

Associated Press writers Amy Taxin in Los Angeles and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report. Spagat reported from San Diego.GALVESTON, Texas  A mother, father and their two young sons were shot to death early Monday at a Southeast Texas beachfront hotel in what police are investigating as a possible triple killing followed by a suicide in which the woman was the shooter.

Galveston police Capt. Josh Schirard said the four victims were a 37-year-old woman, a 39-year-old man and two boys ages 10 and 5. He said the family from Baytown about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Galveston checked in Sunday evening at the San Luis Resort.

Police were summoned to the upscale 250-room hotel on the Gulf of Mexico after a guest in a nearby room on the eighth floor called police about 4:30 a.m. and reported popping sounds. Officers entered the locked room and found the man and two boys in bed with apparent gunshot wounds and the woman on the floor, also with a gunshot wound.

The woman and one of the children were unresponsive but still appeared to be alive and were taken to a hospital where they both died, Schirard said, adding that neither was ever able to speak.

A motive is unknown at this time, but forensic data collected at the scene indicated the female is believed to be the shooter at this time before apparently taking her own life with a 9 mm handgun found adjacent to her body, Schirard said. Theres no indication or evidence that there are any other persons involved or that there are any other suspects still at large.

Authorities said no issues were apparent before the family checked in, and nothing about the condition of the room indicated there was a struggle.

My heart goes out to the rest of their family, their extended family, their community and our community, the ones that dont have the training to deal with this and have to be exposed to an event like this, Schirard said.

Psychologists and others who have studied cases of mothers accused of killing their children have said its not as uncommon as people might believe. But media coverage often focuses on dramatic cases, such as Andrea Yates who was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2001 drowning deaths of her five children in Houston.DENVER  Colorado regulators are considering proposed new rules for thousands of oil and gas pipelines after a fatal explosion last year blamed on leaking gas.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission opened two days of hearings Monday on regulations for installing, testing and shutting down flow lines, which carry oil and gas from wells to nearby equipment.

The rules for thousands of oil and gas pipelines are in response to an April 17 explosion in the town of Firestone that killed two people, injured a third and destroyed a house. Investigators said the explosion was caused by odorless, unrefined natural gas leaking from a severed flow line.

Investigators said the line was believed to be abandoned but was still connected to an operating well with the valve turned to the open position.

The flow line was severed about 10 feet (3 meters) from the house, and gas seeped into the homes basement, investigators said. The well and pipeline were in place several years before the house was built.

The proposed rules are a significant expansion of existing ones. A final version will be drawn up after this weeks hearings. No date has been set for the commissions seven voting members to approve or disapprove of the rules.

Colorado has nearly 129,000 flow lines within about 1,000 feet (300 meters) of occupied buildings, according to energy company reports submitted to the state last year.

The presence of homes and schools near oil and gas operations is a contentious issue in Colorado, especially in the booming Front Range urban corridor  including Firestone  which overlaps with an oil and gas field.

A 22-page draft of the new regulations says flow lines that are permanently taken out of service must be disconnected, drained and sealed at both ends and any above-ground portion must be removed. The rules also allow energy companies to simply remove the lines.

The proposal also would require energy companies to provide information on the location of flow lines to the Call 811 program, which marks the site of underground utilities at a property owners request. Thats meant to help homeowners and construction companies avoid inadvertently severing a line.

The proposed rules revise or add requirements for designing, installing, testing and documenting flow lines.

Shortly after the explosion, some state officials argued that Colorado should compile a map of all flow lines in the state and make it available online. But Gov. John Hickenlooper decided against that in August, citing concerns about security and theft.

Instead, he said the state would require energy companies to participate in the Call 811 program, saying that would make location information available to anyone who needs it.

The new rules also are intended to close some gaps in pipeline regulation.

Commission staffers noted last week that one federal agency, three state agencies and some local governments have at least some say in pipelines, but a few types of pipelines and activities dont fall within any agencys jurisdiction.

___

Follow Dan Elliott at http://twitter.com/DanElliottAP . His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/dan%20elliott .The man arrested after an hours-long SWAT standoff at his southwest Albuquerque home Saturday had been armed with an airsoft rifle made to look like an assault rifle, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

Around 1 p.m. Saturday police were called to the 900 block of Pacific SW, south of the Albuquerque BioPark, after neighbors reported a man was intoxicated and waving what looked like an AK47 style weapon around.

When officers arrived they found the man, later identified as Benjamin Cano, 31, walking back and forth between his own home on Pacific and his neighbors home on 9th street SW, according to the complaint.

The two residences have connecting yards that have access through a gate, a detective wrote in the complaint. Officers were unable to position themselves to stop the subject.

The Albuquerque Police Department SWAT team was called to arrest Cano, and the New Mexico State Police and Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office also responded to the scene to assist.

Around 10 p.m. SWAT officers took Cano into custody. When they executed the search warrant on the house they found an airsoft rifle with the orange tip on the barrel painted black so it would resemble a real assault rifle, according to the complaint.

Cano is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center. He was still in custody Monday.FORT COLLINS, Colo.  Authorities say a man who pleaded guilty to a hate crime for vandalizing a Colorado mosque has killed himself.

The Coloradoan reported Monday that 36-year-old Joseph Giaquinto took his own life Saturday. His death came two days after he was sentenced to three years in wellness court and six months of work release for throwing rocks and a Bible through the windows of the Islamic Center of Fort Collins.

Prosecutors said the former Army medics actions escalated to a hate crime because they were deliberate.

The defense argued he was suffering from post-traumatic stress and alcohol abuse disorders.

His lawyer Heather Siegel said the act was a crime of location since he lived near the mosque. She said he was drunk and was later horrified to learn what he had done.

___

Information from: Fort Collins Coloradoan, http://www.coloradoan.comSANTA FE  Santa Fe Brewing Co. is seeking city approval to open a taproom downtown, its first within the boundaries of its namesake city, with hopes to open by February.

The taproom in an old, brick house at 510 Galisteo St., former home of the Santa Fe Cigar Co. a block west of the state Capitol, would be Santa Fe Brewings fourth serving location, adding to the brewerys home site south of town on N.M. 14, an El Dorado taproom east of Santa Fe on Caliente Road and a taproom in Albuquerque.

Our brand is very well established, and weve gotten a lot of requests from the locals to have something downtown, somewhere close where they can try some of our beers, said owner and President Brian Lock. He said the new location would give Santa Feans and tourists staying downtown a chance to try Santa Fe Brewings specialty taproom beers  varieties that arent mass distributed  without going to the brewery itself. The specialty brews include seasonal offerings like the 12 Beers of Christmas, rotating IPAs or small batches that the company is testing for customer feedback.

The Galisteo Street building, about with about 1,600 square feet of space, would have a central bar as well as other seating locations, including a shaded outdoor patio.

It almost reminds me of a speakeasy kind of place; very small, very quaint, very cozy, said Lock. Santa Fe Brewing plans to lease the building from Carlos Muller. Muller recently bought the space and offered it to Lock for a taproom.

The site also has the bonus of being across the street from the Roundhouse parking garage, which offers free public parking, Lock noted.

In addition to a small brewer license, Santa Fe Brewing needs a special waiver from City Council to sell alcohol within 300 feet of the Santa Fe Jewish Center Chabad on Manhattan Avenue. The companys application includes a letter of support from center Rabbi Berel Levertov. The taproom proposal goes before the City Council Wednesday.The Albuquerque area is about to have one less Bed Bath & Beyond with the closing of the chains Paseo del Norte location.

The New Jersey-based retailer, which sells everything from kitchen gadgets to shower curtains, will shutter the Northeast Heights location in late February, said a store manager, who referred all other questions related to the closure to the companys media relations department, which did not return calls for comment.

A sign at the 8850 Holly Avenue NE location this week says a storewide clearance event is underway and suggested that customers visit the San Mateo, Cottonwood Commons and Rio Rancho stores, which still are in business.

Last summer, Bed Bath & Beyonds CEO told analysts that as leases come up, the company would renegotiate terms with landlords but that it contemplated closures of some 80 to 100 stores in the next few years, according to a transcript from Seeking Alpha, a content service for financial markets.

U.S. retailing, an industry that employs one in 10 American workers, is experiencing a profound disruption, thanks to combination of technological change, massive overbuilding and a seismic shift in how consumers shop. In 2017 alone, 2,800 stores went under, taking 55,000 jobs with them, and retail bankruptcies are up 31 percent. Big names like Sears, J.C. Penney and Macys are struggling.

The 28,000-square-foot Bed Bath & Beyond store going out of business is located in the Ventura Place shopping center, which includes Trader Joes, Jinja, Ulta Beauty, Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union and Pharmaca.

No word yet on what might replace Bed Bath & Beyond. Representatives from Base 5 Retail, a commercial real estate firm that is seeking to lease the space, could not be reached for comment.STROUDSBURG, Pa.  Four New York City men were given jail sentences Monday in the death of a 19-year-old fraternity pledge during a 2013 hazing ritual in Pennsylvania, with a judge saying she believes they succumbed to brainwashing and indoctrination that is rampant at fraternities around the nation.

Baruch College freshman Chun Michael Deng was blindfolded, forced to wear a heavy backpack and then repeatedly tackled as part of the fraternitys Crossing Over initiation ceremony. He was knocked unconscious and later died at a hospital.

Police charged 37 people with crimes ranging from aggravated assault to hazing to third-degree murder.

Not one person out of 37 picked up a telephone and called an ambulance. I cannot wrap my head around it, Monroe County President Judge Margherita Patti-Worthington said. So theres something greater going on here, and I think its probably really prevalent. We see across the country these issues in fraternities.

The four defendants sentenced Monday, Kenny Kwan, Charles Lai, Raymond Lam and Sheldon Wong, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, hindering apprehension and other charges.

Kwan got 12 to 24 months in county jail. Lam and Wong were sentenced to 10 to 24 months each. Lai, who spent 342 days in jail after he was unable to make bail, was sentenced to time served.

All four defendants apologized, a few of them tearfully.

Lam was the most emotional, saying he has been consumed by guilt. He said he has attempted to kill himself.

The guilt will never go away, and I think about Mr. Deng every day, he said.

In a statement to the court, Dengs mother wrote about the anguish of losing her only son and demanded a sentence that would send a message about hazing.

This punishment should forever remind them of the pain and grief we will carry for the rest of our lives as the result of their misconduct, Deng wrote. It is also our hope that the punishment may also save lives by sending a clear message to other fraternities and their members that the outrageous tradition of hazing will no longer be tolerated and must be ended once and for all.

Earlier Monday, the Pi Delta Psi fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and was ordered to pay a fine of more than $110,000 for its role in Dengs death.

The judge and a prosecutor slammed Pi Delta Psi for calling itself a victim of rogue fraternity members, saying the fraternity tolerated and even encouraged hazing for years.

Its the epitome of a lack of acceptance of responsibility. Its their rituals and functions that led us here today, Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Kim Metzger said in court.

Pi Delta Psi has 25 chapters in 11 states, including one at Penn State University that will now have to be disbanded.

In a written statement, Pi Delta Psi, an Asian-American cultural fraternity founded in 1994, said its now-disbanded Baruch College chapter brought shame and dishonor to the national fraternity.

Pi Delta Psis attorney, Wes Niemoczynski, argued that Pi Delta Psi had developed a no excuses hazing policy before Dengs death but said the policy worked on the honor system and proved to be inadequate.

The fraternitys initiation rituals involved some physicality, but they certainly did not involve the level of physicality, the level of inhumanity and the depravity of the individuals who are also coming before the court, he said.

The defendants sentenced Monday faced the most serious charges. Dozens of other defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to probation.Comedian Seth Meyers opened his stint as host of the 75th Golden Globe Awards with a political undertone and jokes around US President Donald Trump and sexual harassment scandals in Hollywood.

He opened his monologue saying, "Good evening ladies and remaining gentlemen," adding that it would be the first time in months that men won't be terrified to hear their names read out loud.

The host, dressed in black, took a dig at Hollywood names Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein, who have been alleged for using their position to sexually harass people. The award show was held in Los Angeles on January 7 (January 8 IST).

"A lot of people thought it would be more appropriate for a woman to host tonight's show, and they might be right, but if it makes you feel any better, I have absolutely no power in Hollywood," Meyers said, as the camera panned to actor Seth Rogen in the audience.

"Remember when he was the one causing trouble with North Korea?" Meyers questioned, referring to Trump's tweets calling out on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

There was mention of Harvey Weinstein in his monologue.

"Don't worry, he'll be back in 20 years when he becomes the first person to be booed at the annual In Memoriam," said Meyers, which was followed by groans from the audience.

"It will sound like that," he added.

Meyers, who was hosting the Golden Globe Awards for the first time, took a jibe at disgraced actor Kevin Spacey too.

He said, "Despite everything that happened this year, the show goes on. For example, I was happy to hear they were going to do another season of House of Cards. Is Christopher Plummer available for that too? I hope he can do a Southern accent because Kevin Spacey sure couldn't."

The joke was in reference to Plummer replacing Spacey in the film All The Money In The World.

Sexual misconduct and gender equality were the highlights of the monologue, but there were undertones of politics too.

"We're all here at the courtesy of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. A string of three words that could not have been better designed to infuriate our president. The only name that would make him angrier would be the 'Hillary Mexico Salad Associated'."

The comedian wrapped up his monologue on a serious note, saying, "People in this room worked really hard to get here, but it's clearer now than ever before, the women had to work harder. So thank you for all that you do. I look forward to seeing you lead us into whatever some next."

The Golden Globe Awards 2018 honoured the best in Film and Television this year. The night saw Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, picking up four Golden Globes, including that for the Best Picture - Drama. Gary Oldman was adjudged the Best Actor - Drama and Frances McDormand the Best Actress - Drama.

James Franco and Saoirse Ronan took home the trophies for Best Actor and Actress - Musical or Comedy respectively. Lady Bird was named the Best Picture - Musical or Comedy at the 75th Golden Globe Awards.

(With inputs from IANS)

ALSO SEE: 75th Golden Globe Awards Full Winners ListMcCann Worldgroup India put up yet another strong show at the Effie Awards 2018. Not only did the agency take home 5 Gold, 16 Silvers and12 Bronze awards, McCann also walked away with the Effie India Agency of the Year award.

Leading the team at the awards show was Prasoon Joshi, CEO and CCO, McCann Worldgroup India and Chairman McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific. Adgully caught up with Joshi at the awards evening on January 5, 2018, where he spoke about McCanns good show at every awards platform, befriending technology and bracing for change, among others. Excerpts:

On winning awards, ideas and having a great team...

We won every possible international creative award in 2017. We won everywhere. After that if the year comes a complete circle, this shows the effectiveness of our work. What more can you want for your agency? What makes me happy is that the work we did also impacted our clients business hugely and contributed to building brands.

You can have huge mottos, credos, etc., but the core motive is that if you are not benefitting your clients and their brands, then these awards sound hollow and empty. In my opinion, McCann has been consistently doing that. Whether it was a few years back when we were here for relaunching Maggi, Coca-Cola, and our work for Nestle. Today I can proudly say that all the work has come from across categories and geographic locations for us. We also have a great global team  CEO Harris Diamond, Creative Head Rob Reilly and Strategy Head, Suzzane Powers, who has built the culture of great strategic thinking at the agency.

McCann India has truly reflected with what McCann Global is trying to do. That syncing and alignment with the global management is benefiting. Also, we are hugely rooted and we know how to ply to our local market because all our people are handpicked. Our India Strategy Head, Jitendra Dabas, is hugely responsible for what we saw at the awards. What he has been successfully able to do is break the silos between creative and strategic planning; he has been able to get them to work together. NCD Prateek Bhardwaj and Creative Director Kapil Batra, who is responsible for the work done for Paytm. All these people have been able to work together without a planning team. Partha Sinha has been a great help, too. He is one of the finest strategic minds in the advertising industry. We have great business minds like Alok Lal, who heads our North Operations, and Suraja Kishor, GM of our Mumbai operations.

If you have a keen eye for business, you can contribute to the business. I was a creative guy and was made CEO of the business. Harshit Jain, Head of Healthcare comes up with great business ideas, too. Ideas can come from anywhere. McCann today understands that the solution is not to work in silos, but work together. Thinking can come from anywhere as long as you are aligned in thought. Last but not the least, we take huge pride in our relationship with our clients. We are together in this journey. It is not like we get a one-page brief one day and we start to think on it. We think for the brand together and this is manifested in the results. A lot of the ideas do not come with the briefs, but with our relationship with the brands.

On technology, creativity and Paytm campaign...

The work on Paytm reflects how technology affects the creative aspect of ad making  you either get overwhelmed by it or you accept it and become a part of it. Paytm karo! is a reflection of the fact that we did not get overwhelmed by the technology. We wanted to understand it and this is manifested in the campaign where we have showed how people will understand the technology and how it will impact their lives. So, a simple thing like a bua (aunt) giving shagun (gift) to her bhateeja (nephew) is a glimpse of the fact we are not overwhelmed by the technology, but have understood it well. McCann has always been quick in understanding data and we have always used that for our clients benefit. So, technology is not something we are intimidated by, we befriend technology.

On ad content and rewarding viewers...

Content has changed hugely over the years. But when has it not? Ive never seen ads as ads, but as short stories. I only think of it as something that reaches out to people and has something to say, doesnt matter if it is for a brand or for a short story. As long as you understand that you have to reward the viewer for what he/she watches, you will never mistake an ad for an ad and if you do, you will only get caught in the formulas. So, be rewarding for the audience. This has always worked for McCann. This year, I would say that there are more people who have manifested that, more brands who have understood that. We have always been performing well at the awards, be it Cannes or Effies and other accolades for the country.

On befriending change in 2018...

Two kinds of brands will be seen  the ones that will befriend change and contribute positively towards it, and the ones that will get intimidated by change. The former will be the brands that will do well as we are in times of change and empowerment. The change is reaching deeper into our society, where the purchasing power is getting deeper, be it through Aadhaar or Jan DhanYojna. The point is that common man is getting more money and so, more people are empowered to spend more.

During such times, will you be a brand that looks confused or a brand that consumers look at and say I can rely on this brand? The companies that are unsettled by the change are not going to do well, while the ones that have the clarity and are confident with the change will be the ones that consumers will rely on.

Read More:

https://www.adgully.com/mccann-worldgroup-india-and-o-m-win-big-at-the-effie-awards-india-2018-75686.html

https://www.adgully.com/effie-awards-2018-announces-shortlisted-case-studies-75641.htmlUpGrad, founded by Ronnie Screwvala, Mayank Kumar, Ravi Chug and Prabhav Phalgun, has acknowledged interest from investors groups to raise $40 Million for a 10 per cent stake. The funds would be allocated across building a global tech platform, investment in courses, content facilities and studios, marketing  both offline and online, international expansion and the creation of 50 offline UpGrad Xchange Centres for engagement and networking. This announcement comes close to the heels of Screwvalas plans to expand UpGrad into the UAE and SE Asian markets.

The company had ventured into the EdTech category in 2016 with an aim to disrupt the sector and provide working professionals who are in constant need to upgrade and upskill an opportunity to access quality online education. Today, UpGrad has become the largest player in the category, targeting a revenue rate of Rs 20 crore a month in March 2018, leading to an annual run rate of Rs 250 crore and run rate of students of over 8,000 by March 2018.

Ronnie Screwvala commented, Both Mayank and I are of the strong belief that opportunity with EdTech is unbounded. With the speed at which our working professionals in India need the Upgrading and Upskilling, there is no choice but to look at things exponentially. Keeping this in mind, we have decided to open the company to a 10 per cent dilution and capital raise for us to take all our initiatives. Personally, I do believe that equity is the most valuable asset at this juncture of UpGrad and hence, we are taking a cautious step towards this dilution.

The online education platform claims to have a 95 per cent completion rate and till now has reached over a quarter of a million young professionals through courses in Data Science, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence, Software Development, Digital Marketing & Communications, Big Data Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Product Management.

In a short span of 2 years since its launch, the online education major has also formed alliances with reputed institutes like IIIT Bangalore, BITS Pilani, IMT Ghaziabad, SPJIMR, MICA Ahmedabad, and Cambridge UK, among many others. UpGrad is also the official education partner for Government of Indias Start Up India learning programme for which the EdTech company has built the largest enrolment program online program in the country.

Commenting on the size and potential of the EdTech market, Screwvala said, The Higher Ed Universe is a massive 150 million students and the core of approx 60 million, who are working professionals presently, will look to UpGrade in the very near future. As 10 per cent of them look to online learning, this will create a $6 billion revenue opportunity in the next 5 years and the lead player and early mover, which UpGrad plans to be, could have a one-third share, leading to a potential of $2 billion revenue. In the very immediate future, there is a job creation and specific opportunity for at least 1 million jobs each across Data, Management and Software Development and Coding. Thats 3 million jobs! With an average cost of Rs 2 lakh for online courses, the opportunity is a whopping 75,000 crore and we firmly believe that this is just the start and the category remains massively underserved.Aiken City Council has a busy Monday night ahead of itself.

City Council meets Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. for a regularly scheduled meeting. An executive session  regarding the Aiken Mall, according to City documents  will be held prior, starting at 5 p.m.

City Council meets at the Municipal Building, 214 Park Ave. S.W.

Hitchcock Woods stormwater

The first major topic on Council's plate Jan. 8 is a decision whether or not to fund the Hitchcock Woods stormwater project.

Ongoing stormwater and erosion issues have plagued the iconic woods for decades, leaving portions of the reserve disfigured and under future threat.

Jan. 8 Agenda The Aiken City Council agenda, including all supporting documents.

In July 2016, Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon assembled the Hitchcock Woods Stormwater Task Force, comprising then-Council members Steve Homoki and Reggie Ebner; a handful of citizens; and members of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation.

In December 2016, the City contracted McCormick Taylor to create and implement damage mitigation plans in and around the Sand River Basin.

In October 2017, McCormick Taylor issued their study and myriad solutions. Answers  or at least mitigators  include dry detention ponds and underground detention areas in at least 20 locations. A letter from the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, dated Nov. 8, 2017, confirms the group is on board with the study.

The City currently has $5.2 million to spend on the first phase of mitigation, according to City Council documents. Project funds come from the capital sales tax.

City employee pension plans

City Council has, for several months now, discussed amending the City's pension plan. A defined contribution plan  a plan very similar to a 401(k)  was introduced to Council and then workshopped during two public sessions.

Included in those sessions were City pension attorney Warner Anthony and actuary Ben Upchurch.

The City currently offers a defined benefits plan, something City Manager John Klimm has described as exceedingly rare in the public sector. The new policy would only affect new hires after July 1, 2018 if passed.

Aiken City Council debates possible pension changes The Council discussed possible ages of eligibility, contribution rates, vesting thresholds and whether or not part-time employees would qualify.

Klimm has also said the potential change is not coming because of financial stress  just the opposite.

"We're doing this because we're supportive of proper financial planning," Klimm said in November, adding that the current plan is "extraordinarily generous."

Based on discussion during the most recent pension workshop, the defined contribution plan would be made available to full-time employees after one year of work. It would require employees to contribute 6 percent of their pre-tax salary. The City would match. Eligible employees would begin contributing to their plan in 2019.

Warner, in November, said 12 percent is the magic savings number. Upchurch said the 50-50 split is "very much" a widely accepted best practice.

Land for sale along Wire Road

Before the new year, City Council discussed purchasing 2.23 acres of land south of Rudy Mason Parkway and north of Wire Road. The land is adjacent to the future Aiken Department of Public Safety headquarters.

Aiken City Council to discuss potential lawsuit, purchasing of land at next meeting According to the agenda, City Council will discuss the potential purchase of 2.23 aces adjacent to the new Aiken Department of Public Safety b

At the Council's final meeting of 2017, the purchase decision was tabled. Osbon, in a follow-up interview, said the Council simply needed more time. Since then, the agenda item has been revived and will be discussed Monday night, according to Council documents.

Klimm and Aiken Public Safety Chief Charles Barranco have both said the land  which would be purchased for $5,900, a price that required negotiating, as the landowner's first proposal was $17,000  could be useful to the public safety department.

Examples of future use include running or training trails and space for communications equipment, according to both Osbon and Barranco.

Aiken Mall redevelopment

On Monday night, City Council will debate, and possibly decide on, spending $1 million on property at the Aiken Mall. The property will be used for a park, according to City and Aiken County documents.

The money would be reimbursed, according to Council documents. Money for the purchase comes from economic reinvestment funds, $200,000; transportation and public safety funds, $400,000; and hospitality tax funds, $400,000, according to Council documents.

To spend the money, City Council will have to enter a memorandum of understanding with the county and SE Aiken LLC, a Southeastern Development affiliated group.

Northside Park annexations

According to Council documents, Osbon has asked City Council to "consider annexation" of an area near Crosland Park and Duke Drive. Also up for annexation Monday night is the 103 acres known as Northside Park, a project still in progress.

Osbon has also requested the area be zoned as residential.

The annexation would open the area to public safety service and accident response. The Planning Commission must review the decision before it becomes final.James Franco was yet another actor who went home with an award. The 39-year-old won award for best actor in a musical or comedy at Golden Globes 2018 for The Disaster Artist.

Franco had promised to bring Tommy Wiseau to the Golden Globes after being nominated for The Disaster Artist, and that's what he did at the awards night. In fact, he went a step ahead and got Wiseau on the stage during his acceptance speech.

This is James first win at the Golden Globes.

On the other hand, Saoirse Ronan, has won the best actress in a musical or comedy award for Lady Bird.

Ronan has another reason to rejoice as her film Lady Bird has won the Best Film in a Musical or Comedy.News of Dominion Energy's planned purchase of SCANA Corp. has grabbed the attention of many environmental and energy advocacy groups.

Friends of the Earth, a 49-year-old network of environmental advocacy and activist groups, issued a statement Jan. 3 with a lengthy headline that included the phrase "A Bad Deal for Clean Energy in South Carolina and for SCE&G Ratepayers."

The Friends of the Earth  a group, alongside the Sierra Club, that formally filed a V.C. Summer complaint with the Public Service Commission  statement describes Dominion Energy's $14.6 billion takeover as a "take-it-or-leave-it deal" that poaches a vulnerable company.

Dominion Energy to purchase SCANA; Aiken legislators have mixed reactions The deal, announced Wednesday, includes a total $1.3 billion refund to SCE&G customers affected by the V.C. Summer-related surcharge.

Friends of the Earth also predicts Dominion Energy, a Richmond, Virginia-based utilities giant that operates gas pipelines in South Carolina and Georgia, will replace an "unneeded nuclear plant"  referencing the V.C. Summer site  with "unnecessary natural gas capacity."

"Friends of the Earth and Sierra Club will respond aggressively to any proposal which fails to protect ratepayers and assure a clean energy future for South Carolina," the statement reads.

Friends of the Earth would prefer Dominion Energy to work on "cheaper and cleaner energy alternatives," according to their statement.

Dominion Energy is currently invested in solar energy across nine states. In South Carolina, the company has two solar farms, both of which began service in 2017.

Coastal Conservation League Energy and Climate Director Eddy Moore was also skeptical of the merger.

In a prepared statement on Jan. 3, Moore said the SCANA purchase  which is, at it's core, a $7.9 billion stock-for-stock swap  is flexible and deserves more state input.

Moore said both he and the nonprofit look forward to "working with (Dominion) to ensure that big, risky fossil fuel projects don't derail a low-cost renewable energy future."

Moore said the promised $1,000 cash refunds, though, aren't enough. He described them as "one-off checks."

Dominion Energy, in it's Jan. 3 takeover announcement, promised the average South Carolina Electric & Gas customer an immediate $1,000 reimbursement to account for years of 18 percent surcharges that funded the V.C. Summer nuclear project. The company also promised to roll back that rate by 5 percent: If the deal goes through, the average SCE&G customer would face a 13 percent V.C. Summer surcharge, which would gradually decrease over the course of a 20-year recoup, according to Dominion Energy information.

SCANA, Dominion Energy stocks fluctuate following announced merger Dominion Energy's looming purchase of SCANA Corp. had immediate financial impacts Wednesday and Thursday.

Palmetto Energy Coalition Chairman Gresham Barrett, a former congressman, said the merger presents "some steps in the right direction," but "leaves much to be desired for thousands of South Carolina families struggling to pay rates for electricity they didn't and won't receive."

On July 31, 2017, SCANA  the parent company of SCE&G  announced it was abandoning its $9 billion, decade-long rollercoaster of a nuclear project in Fairfield County. The two reactors were never finished.

The Palmetto Energy Coalition was formed in November 2017 and fights for V.C. Summer ratepayer refunds and relief, according to the group's website.

Barrett said the proposed refund and rate reduction "pales in comparison" to what SCE&G customers have already chipped in.

Gudrun Thompson, a senior attorney and leader of the Southern Environmental Law Center's energy program, also took issue with the, what she called, pithy repayments.

"This is a for-profit company thinking it can throw a little cash at South Carolina customers now, hoping they won't notice they're signing on for decades of payouts for a power plant that won't power a single lightbulb," Thompson said in a Jan. 3 statement.

She also said the takeover is old news: "This is a case of meet your new boss, same as the old boss."Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier?

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Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page.The last day of 2017 turned out to be one of the gloomiest for the Russian military in Syria. First, one of its helicopters crashed north of Hama due to a technical failure, killing two servicemen. Then, rumors spread that on Dec. 31 militants had shelled the Russian Khmeimim air base, which President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had visited about three weeks beforehand.

News of the attack wasn't reported until Jan. 3, when the authoritative Kommersant newspaper published a story saying two political diplomatic sources confirmed the air base had suffered one of its worst attacks during Russia's entire military campaign in Syria. According to the report, Islamist militants shelled the air base, allegedly destroying at least four Su-24 attack aircraft, two Su-35S multirole fighter aircraft and one An-72 transport aircraft, as well as an ammunition depot that detonated after it was hit by a missile. The report said that more than 10 servicemen were injured.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Jan. 4 denied that seven planes were destroyed, calling that part of the report fake, but acknowledged that two military personnel were killed in the attack.

During the four days it took Moscow to comment on the incident, numerous journalists found sources with differing stories, multiplying the number of theories about what happened at the key Russian military facility and sowing doubt about the accuracy of the official narrative. Moreover, subsequent days saw more reports of attacks or attempted attacks on Khmeimim air base: On Jan. 4, Russian anti-air defense systems downed two handmade drones over Latakia. That same day, an Il-76 heavy transport plane flying from Russia to Syria couldnt land at the air base for undisclosed reasons and had to go back. On Jan. 6, the Russian air base reportedly was attacked yet again by small armed drones.

The official version from the Russian Defense Ministry reads, On December 31, at nightfall, the [Khmeimim] airfield came under a sudden mortar fire from a mobile militant subversive group. Two military servicemen were killed in the shelling." However, the ministry added, "Russias air group in Syria is combat ready and continues to accomplish all its missions in full."

Franz Klintsevich, the deputy head of the Defense and Security Committee of the Russian Senate, argued that foreign intelligence was behind the Khmeimim attacks.

Some Russian military experts suggested the mobile militant subversive group mentioned by the Defense Ministry approached the base by car, coming as close as 2 miles carrying mobile 82 mm mortars. If that were the case, the attack should have lasted no more than a few minutes and the air defense systems wouldnt have detected the mortar rockets due to their size (3.2 inches), which is smaller than that of unguided rockets. Others argued the attackers used 2B9 Vasilek (Cornflower)  an automatic 82 mm gun mortar. This type of weapon is easy to move as it fits into a van, can be loaded with cassettes for four shots each and used on repeat fire.

The Syrian army and different loyal militias provide security to the base. However, the base is difficult to secure because of the absence of a clear-cut front line, difficult terrain features, alleged corruption and the relative weakness of Syrian intelligence services. Besides, the attacks might not have been carried out by jihadis. As Syrian government forces, with the support of the Russian air power, continue their offensive against the opposition in de-escalation zones, it is possible that any rebel faction could be behind the incidents.

In most cases, journalists theories do not actually contradict the official narrative but rather complement it or interpret it differently.

According to Russian business news outlet RBC, militants shelled the base using mortars and multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS). RBC cites its own source in the Defense Ministry as saying, "Defense of the base was duly organized: Rockets were downed by respective air defense systems, yet mortars are almost impossible to tackle. The source mentioned the fire came from the zone under control of the Syrians and said one helicopter and a Su-24 aircraft were damaged.

You arent always ready when they shoot you in the back, he added.

Hypothetically, the extended coverage range of the BM-21 Grad MLRS is able to reach Khmeimim from such settlements as Nahr al-Bared (about 22 miles away) and Qalaat al-Madiq (25 miles away) in Hama province.

Roman Saponkov, a Russian military correspondent, posted images allegedly showing the damage at Khmeimim, suggesting six Su-24 aircraft were hit as well as one Su-35S, one An-72, one An-30 spy plane and one Mi-8 helicopter. According to him, the Russian military didnt know the militants had achieved a new technological level and could reach the base, thus insinuating the attackers had foreign backup."

Alternative theories propelled by liberal media insinuate the base was not attacked Dec. 31 and that the ammunition depot might have been accidentally detonated by New Year's celebrations in Latakia. This could in part explain why no group has yet claimed responsibility for the Khmeimim attacks. Opposition media outlets report the Latakia province saw some shooting on that night resulting in a number of civilian injuries and one death, yet local residents did not confirm any serious blasts.

On specialized online forums, some commenters  allegedly retired Russian military personnel  speculate that only two aircraft were damaged as a result of the night attack by mortar fire and homemade drones. The tail unit of one jet, according to them, was damaged not by a mortar, but by a crash with a car that happened during the confusion of the shelling.

Proponents of all theories seem to share a view that the government might have leaked some initial details of the story as Moscow wanted it presented, and chose Kommersant specifically because the paper is known for its quality and reliability, so the account would not be questioned. But once Kommersant fleshed out more details, and so many contradictions surfaced, the Defense Ministry might have turned to Sputnik to say some of the Kommersant story was fake. The ministry's "alternative facts," however, didn't strike many as being terribly credible.

It's also possible the government simply doesn't know what happened, so multiple sources shared various theories.

Some pro-government Russian experts insist that no opposition group claimed responsibility for the attack because they fear the Russian military will take revenge. Yet previously, the opposition hasn't been afraid to "sign" the missiles they launched toward Syrian government forces in Latakia, saying in reference to peace talks in Russia and Kazakhstan, Neither Astana nor Sochi, we are for Hama," and "Sochi is yours, Hama is ours."

The experts also deny the attacks might have been a provocation by pro-Assad forces, though the Syrian opposition suggests that might have been the case. Ayman al-Asami, a member of the delegation of the Syrian Revolutionary Forces to the Astana peace talks, said the Khmeimim base was shelled from the Bustan al-Basha settlement in Latakia by the pro-Iranian group Imam al-Murtada to block Moscow-led initiatives on the political settlement of the Syrian conflict. Another opposition media outlet shared a document  allegedly issued by Syrian intelligence  that orders an investigation of the attacks delivered from Bustan al-Basha, which is under the control of the pro-government militia the National Defense Forces.

Moscow declared that from now on the base will be better guarded. But the Russian military long ago should have taken measures such as spreading its aircraft across the base and mounting reinforced-concrete shelters that could protect the aircraft, ammunition and fuel from mortar shelling and missile and bombing raids. Most importantly, however, instead of just increasing the fighting in de-escalation zones, Russia should take the appropriate political steps to support the cease-fire and increase pressure on its allies in Damascus and Tehran.So far, 2018 has been a negative year for Egyptian-Sudanese relations. On Jan. 4, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Egypt. Without providing further details, Sudans Foreign Ministry stated that Ambassador Kamal al-Din Hassan Ali was recalled for consultations. Egypts Foreign Ministry is weighing how to take appropriate action. This diplomatic spat has unfolded in a complicated context in which numerous issues have fueled tensions in bilateral relations for years.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project has contributed to friction in Cairo-Khartoum relations. Egypt sees the project as a major threat to its water interests, while Sudan views it as a valuable opportunity. In November 2017, Cairo officially declared that technical negotiations with Sudan and Ethiopia had failed. Then, at the beginning of January, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reportedly sent Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn a proposal to continue talks between Cairo and Addis Ababa over the megaproject, excluding Khartoum. Egypt denies that Sisi sent this proposal to Ethiopias leadership. Nonetheless, the Nile's water supply remains a source of much disagreement between Cairo and Khartoum.

According to Sudanese state-owned media, the Egyptian military has since deployed its forces to waters off the coast of the disputed Halayeb triangle border area, where Cairo has also sent warplanes. Although not a new conflict, Egypt and Sudans territorial dispute at the border area has recently escalated.

In April 2017, Khartoum saw itself in a stronger position due to more support from Arab Gulf monarchies and a new administration in Washington that may have appeared far more open to a Sudan-US rapprochement than any of US President Donald Trumps three predecessors. This prompted Sudanese officials to ask Egypt to relinquish control of the area; Cairos refusal led to harsh words in the Egyptian and Sudanese media. Then friction intensified once Khartoum re-established a requirement that Egyptians must possess a visa to enter Sudan. The following month, Sudan banned the importation of Egypt-sourced agricultural products, and President Omar al-Bashir accused Cairo of arming rebels in Darfur, which Egypt denied. Egypt fired back, pointing to the residence of several Muslim Brotherhood members in Sudan.

In the grander regional picture, Egypt and Sudan find themselves on opposite sides of an increasingly polarized Sunni Arab world, underscored by the Qatar crisis. Egypt  along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates  has sought to convince African states to back the Saudi/UAE-led bloc against Doha based on the narrative that Qatar is a rogue actor and a sponsor of terrorism. Yet Sudan has refused to join this anti-Qatar campaign. Khartoums neutral response to the Gulf dispute has been an outcome of Sudan  in complete contrast to Egypt  not viewing Doha as a menace and Sudans understanding that close ties with all six Gulf Cooperation Council states, including Qatar, best serves Khartoums interests. Illustrative of Egypts inability to bring Sudan behind the campaign against Doha was Qatari Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Ghanim Bin Shaheen al-Ghanims visit to Khartoum at the end of last month, when he held discussions with his Sudanese and Russian counterparts about Red Sea security issues.

Since the eruption of Libyas civil war in mid-2014, Egypt and Sudan have been opposing stakeholders in that conflict, with Khartoum aligning with Ankara and Doha instead of with Egypt and the UAE. Also, by November 2017, Egypt began inserting itself as an influential diplomatic actor in South Sudans internal environment for numerous reasons, namely to secure greater leverage over Sudan. Recent reports claim that Egyptian, Emirati and Eritrean military and political officials are coordinating, from Eritrea, with elements of Sudans opposition.

Egypt and Sudan have had an overall negative relationship since the aftermath of Hosni Mubaraks visit to Addis Ababa in 1995, when gunmen tried and failed to assassinate him. Egyptian officials accused their Sudanese counterparts of plotting the assassination attempt. By October 2016, there was renewed optimism regarding a rapprochement after Bashir accepted Sisis invitation to Cairo, where he received Egypts highest military medal as a gesture from the Egyptian leadership. The two countries further signed a strategic partnership agreement and 15 memorandums of understanding.

Such hope was short-lived, as the various issues that heightened friction in Egypt-Sudan relations throughout 2017 prevented Bashirs 2016 trip to Cairo from establishing more of a solid foundation for better relations. Ultimately, the emergence (or re-emergence) of new and old sources of contention between Egypt and Sudan has left the two countries with conflicting interests and clashing agendas in Africa and the Middle East.

Yet what recently brought the tension in Cairo-Khartoum relations to an entirely new level was Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans visit to Sudan last month. Erdogans trip resulted in Sudan agreeing to temporarily give Turkey control of Suakin Island. This news alarmed many in Cairo and other Arab capitals who interpreted Bashirs decision as essentially giving Turkey license to establish its second military base on the African continent. This also raised questions about Qatar or Iran being able to access a Turkish military installation within close proximity to Saudi Arabia and Yemens Red Sea coasts.

The Egyptian media lashed out at Sudan for embracing Erdogan and looking to Turkey for deeper military and economic ties. Cairos concern is that Sudan will use greater military might and diplomatic leverage from Ankara to step up pressure on Sisi with respect to both the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project and the Halayeb triangle border area. Beyond such strategic factors, which leave Egypt concerned about Turkeys new foothold in the Red Sea, officials in Cairo see Sudan as facilitating Erdogans "neo-Ottoman" and pro-Muslim Brotherhood foreign policy ambitions, which do not sit well with Egypt and other Arab states.

Among the numerous lingering tensions between Cairo and Khartoum, the future of the relationship between these two Nile countries  once close allies  will largely depend on water issues. Failure to mend fences will ultimately make it increasingly difficult for the two to address major regional challenges facing both of them, such as extremism, fast population growth, climate change and transformation of industries. Yet if Cairo and Khartoum can pursue a diplomatic course of action, such cooperation could exemplify the ability of governments worldwide to overcome political tensions in pursuit of peace and good neighborly ties. The gloomy alternative is a future in which fast-paced demographic and environmental changes exacerbate food security and other vital interests of nation-states, leading to more "water wars."On Jan. 2, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman met with new Zionist Camp leader Avi Gabbay. It was a friendly meeting to give the two men a chance to get to know each other. There were no major revelations and just a single comic pause, when Gabbay asked about the fate of the American peace plan. The ambassador's response was unequivocal: The United States has not abandoned the idea of reaching an arrangement. One might wonder when the Americans would realize that the peace plan idea has abandoned them.

Meanwhile, there isnt a single member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet who has any expectations about US President Donald Trump's peace initiative. Instead, they share a rare consensus: It's all about nothing, and it will never amount to anything. The same sentiment prevails in Ramallah: Trumps "ultimate deal" is dead and buried. Please avoid any condolence calls.

In Ramallah, a 10-minute drive from Jerusalem, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is all holed up on top of a tall tree. People close to him say that he's done with the United States. Matters have reached a point that his office has issued unambiguous instructions to Palestinians in any official capacity whatsoever to cut off all ties with the US Consulate in East Jerusalem. Abbas doesn't want to hear from Trump. He has finally been convinced that the president is little more than a Zionist agent who is working with Netanyahu to decimate the Palestinian people and incite the entire Middle East against them. The much-discussed book "Fire and Fury" only infuriated the Palestinians even more: "We read in it that Trump sent [White House senior adviser Jared] Kushner to consult with [Jewish-American billionaire] Sheldon Adelson before putting together his peace plan," one senior Palestinian official said disparagingly on condition of anonymity. "And then he pretends to be an honest broker.

The sense of euphoria among the Israeli right has reached record highs over the past few weeks. A tidal wave of new initiatives and legislation intended to bury the two-state solution is flooding the Knesset. There is the United Jerusalem law, which would require a special majority of 80 Knesset members to enact any changes to Jerusalem's municipal boundaries (in case of a diplomatic agreement), the decision by the Likud party's Central Committee to support the immediate annexation of the settlements in the West Bank, and a whole slew of similar initiatives and ideas. The purpose behind these initiatives and legislation is to establish facts on the ground by taking advantage of the Trump momentum. The prime minister is not blocking these initiatives as he did in the past. On the contrary, he is promoting them in what can only be called a free-for-all.

Meanwhile, some of the ideas that the American team looked into are starting to leak out, explaining why Abbas beat such a hasty exit from the scene. Although they have no formal confirmation, reports about them have started to appear on Al Jazeera's English-language website and various other places. These reports refer mainly to an old plan, already raised a decade ago. Now it seems as if most of the main players in the region, including the US team, are giving this plan another look. This would involve an exchange of territories by three or more parties (perhaps even four or five). What makes it different from prior efforts is that this time, the Egyptians and Saudis are in on it.

At the core of the idea is the creation of a major Sunni-Israel alliance, which would serve as a counterbalance to the victorious Shiite axis, which poses a threat in the north. The basic idea includes an extensive territorial exchange, in which Egypt would cede a piece of the Sinai Peninsula to the Gaza Strip. With this, Gaza's territory would extend southward along the seashore, making it three or four times larger than it currently is. This would make it possible to relieve some of the pressure in Gaza, but it would also shift the balance of power between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

According to this plan, the center of power in the future Palestinian state would be in Gaza, expanded toward the north of Sinai, rather than the West Bank. In exchange for the expanded territories that they would receive in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinians would give up territories in the West Bank, allowing Israel to annex the settlement blocs along with a generous amount of land around them, thereby maintaining some degree of territorial integrity between the various blocs. At the same time, Israel would give Egypt a narrow strip of territory along the lengthy southern border between the two countries. There is also the possibility that Saudi Arabia and Jordan would also participate in these territorial exchanges, with various ideas proposed.

As noted, a similar plan was already proposed in Israel in the first decade of the 21st century. It was developed by Israeli geography professor Yehoshua Ben Aryeh and adopted by head of the Israeli National Security Council Maj. Gen. Giora Eiland. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sent a representative to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to see if the plan was even feasible. The Egyptians responded by tossing it into the dustbin of history. They refused to give up a single grain of sand from their territory in Sinai. The situation today is entirely different. Sinai constitutes a serious economic and security drain on Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's regime. He'd be happy to have someone relieve him of this problem, for the right price, of course. Sisi has already transferred two Egyptian islands to Saudi Arabia and survived.

Hints that this major plan is being formulated together with the Egyptians and Saudis could be discerned in a series of leaks over the past few weeks concerning both those countries' real position concerning Trump's Dec. 6 Jerusalem declaration. Despite all the official denials, Ramallah is convinced that Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have betrayed them by giving a discreet nod to the Trump declaration.

In one of his tweets, Trump hinted that Israel would also be expected to pay a "political price" for his declaration (tweeting that We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more.) Still, nothing came of it once the Palestinians blew up the talks. Diplomatic sources believe that Israel's anticipated concession revolved around a plan proposed by Likud Knesset member Anat Berko under which certain Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem would be transferred to the Palestinian Authority. That plan, which was described by Al-Monitor in an earlier article, is constantly being discussed and refined in secret discussions, with Netanyahu fully aware of it.

As of now, the whole idea has been put on ice, and not because of the cold wave hitting North America either. Abbas immediately recognized the risk and took advantage of the Trump declaration to escape as fast as he could. "That's what happens when people make plans that have no basis in reality," one senior Palestinian official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. "Abbas would rather die with nothing than live with such a plan."Wind turbines are an efficient, nonpolluting energy solution, but even they have ecological disadvantages. In November 2017, the Regional Committee for Planning and Construction in northern Israel rejected a program for establishing a wind turbine farm in Ramot Menashe. The program was rejected due to anticipated damage to the nesting region of red falcons. This region is also where falcons born in captivity are released to nature. Red falcons are in danger of extinction around the world.

The Red Book of Birds in Israel, a report by the Society for the Protection of Nature (SPN), was recently updated for the first time in 15 years and submitted to the committee. The report paints an especially worrisome picture of the condition of wild birds in Israel. The report stated that 65 species of birds are in extreme danger of extinction. This is in contrast to only 38 species that received this designation in 2002  an increase of 71%. The following are some of the species in extreme danger of extinction: the Griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, golden eagle, Bonelli's eagle, Lanner falcon, short-eared owl, yellow wagtail, Lichtenstein's sandgrouse and Nubian nightjar.

Dan Alon, the director of the Israel Ornithological Center of the SPN in Israel, told Al-Monitor that the main reason for the worsening of the situation is the fact that living and nesting territories for birds in Israel have shrunken considerably. This is because Israel has developed the areas surrounding cities. Another severe problem is the contamination of water and food sources. Sometimes farmers use poison against wolves, and this severely harms birds of prey and carcass-eating animals. This year, only 30 eagles were counted in the Golan Heights, in contrast to 180 eagles 10 years ago.

Another danger that threatens eagles is when they cross the Israel-Syria border. A minority of them are hunted down, and others are purposely caught by the Syrians, who fear that the GPS devices attached to these birds are really military espionage devices. An eagle like this was caught in Syria this past September by a rebel force against Bashar al-Assads regime. It was returned to Israel after secret negotiations. Some say the rebels returned the eagle to show their appreciation to Israel for the medical treatment given to wounded Syrians in Israeli hospitals.

Bird protectors are now focusing on averting the establishment of a turbine farm in the Tel Fares area in the Golan Heights. According to the Israel Ornithological Center, these turbines will likely wipe out the entire eagle population. Alon said that only a public struggle can prevent the erection of the turbines and that hundreds of Israelis have already sent letters in which they expressed their reservations and outright opposition to the turbines. The letters were sent to the Regional Committee for Planning and Construction, which is supposed to discuss the plan.

Noam Lider, the director of SPNs Ecology Center, told Al-Monitor that the update of the Red Book was just the first stage in the strategic plan needed to preserve Israels rich biological diversity. Lider said, The Red Book is an instrument that deliberately focuses on nature-preserving activities needed to prevent the extinction of the species in the book. The condition of some of the bird species has worsened significantly in comparison to the past. Therefore, renewed, system-wide deep thinking is needed as well as the development of new conservation tools.

Alon added that the report is a cautionary cry to decision-makers, who they hope will adopt actions that will decrease environmental damage.

The SPN also works with various parties to minimize damage from construction and development. For example, there was a joint project in 2008 with the Israel Electric Corporation to prevent the electrocution of birds of prey sitting on electrical pillars and cables by protecting exposed electric pillars. Yet the SPN is also fighting with the Electric Corporation to forgo ultra-high-power lines, which endanger the birds. In fact, this struggle led to the cancellation of the 2016 plan to string high-voltage electrical lines in the Jezreel Valley. During the migration season, this area is in the path of the flight of millions of birds from Europe to Africa. The Jezreel Valley is also home to many Israeli wild birds.

According to the updated Red Book, the condition of 15 species has improved and their extinction danger has decreased. Four species have returned to nest in Israel after they had become extinct in Israel in the past. This is by virtue of assorted nature conservation activities, such as enforcing the prohibition against duck hunting in reservoirs. Alon also said that the court forced the SPN to retract the permits it had given in the past to hunt quails. This is another bird that has deteriorated greatly in recent years.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) work closely with the SPN. For example, the IDFs training programs in the Mount Hermon area were recently adapted to the nesting seasons of the wild birds in the area and in the training areas. Similar activity is now being carried out in training areas of the Negev to prevent harm from coming to birds in danger, including the houbara bustard.

Of course, the birds do not understand diplomatic borders or political disputes. Thus, to safeguard them, Israel must cooperate with neighboring countries and mainly with the Palestinian Authority (PA). This cooperation is not simple and encounters many obstacles. However, sometimes it does succeed, such as in the case of the red falcon. The red falcon was under a severe threat of extinction at the beginning of the millennium. Yet after hard work with activists from the Palestine Wildlife Society, the condition of the red falcons has improved.

According to Alon, cooperative work with the Palestinians in the recent year involved a project of renovating bird habitats in the Modiin region, on the Green Line. Next year, nature-preservation bodies from Israel, Jordan and the PA will conduct a joint survey of bird species on the border.

In spite of all the projects and cooperative work, the bottom line is pessimistic: The condition of wild birds in Israel, and in the entire region, is worsening over the years.Manama (Bahrain), Jan 8 (PTI) In his first address to NRIs outside India after taking over as Congress president, Rahul Gandhi today accused the government of dividing people on the basis of caste and religion, alleging it was converting the anger of jobless youth into hatred among communities.

Gandhi also assured the NRI community here that he would give a "new shining Congress party" in the next six months, hinting that there will be dramatic changes in the organisation, in which the people will believe in and trust.

Noting that there was a "serious problem" in the country, he urged NRIs help solve the problem and be a part of this restructuring.

He also exuded confidence that the Congress will defeat the BJP in 2019 as it had the strength and capability to do so, while noting that the saffron party merely scraped through in recent elections in Gujarat, which is their fortress.

Addressing NRIs at the meeting of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) here tonight, the Congress president gave his vision for the country saying his top three priorities would be to create jobs, good health infrastructure and an education system.

"India today is free, but once again it is under threat. There are two clear threats that face our country today. Our government has failed to create jobs for the people.

"Instead of uniting people of all religions together, the government is busy creating the anger due to lack of jobs into hatred between communities," he said.

"There is a serious problem in the country and you can solve this problem. I have come here to build that bridge," he told the gathering, while seeking their support in helping change India.

Gandhi claimed that the governments failure to create jobs is resulting in "tremendous unrest" in India and this anger is visible in the streets and is rising with each passing day.

"Instead of removing poverty and creating jobs, what we see instead is a rise in the forces of hate and division", he said.

The Congress chief, who received applause from NRIs who had come from various parts of the Middle East as well as other countries, said he has not come to tell them anything but, "Ive come here to ask for your help. We need you to fight these forces of anger and hatred."

Noting that Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and B R Ambedkar were also NRIs, he said "Our ancestors needed you in 1947 to protect the idea of India and I have come to seek your help to transform India now."

Gandhi is here as a state guest of Bahrain.

He said that Indian politics is "quite a strange experience" and noted that signalling by politicians in the country is "wrong" that leads to incidents of hate and violence against people.

He said when such hate incidents take place, the government is silent on them and that should not happen.

"Today the problem is that the signalling is wrong. There is violence against somebody, there is silence. There should not be silence. The government of India should make its position clear. We cannot imagine an India that does not belong to all of us," he said. PTI SKC NAB KUNKIRKUK, Iraq  In a Jan. 4 meeting with a delegation representing Kurdistans opposition parties, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said that an agreement has been reached to calm the situation in Kirkuk province and in the district of Tuz Khormato.

The retaking of Kirkuk by the Iraqi army in October has changed the balance of power in the oil-rich town that had been under full control of the Kurds since 2014. The operation was part of Baghdads retaliatory measures after the Kurds held an independence referendum that has since been declared illegal.

In Kirkuk, some signs of the three years of Kurdish control have already been erased. Some pictures of Kurds who fell in the battle against the Islamic State (IS) have been replaced by images of other Iraqis who were killed, and the 20-meter-tall (65-foot) statue of a Kurdish peshmerga fighter on the motorway into the city now has an Iraqi flag.

In his office in the Kirkuk provincial councils compound in downtown Kirkuk, with the bodyguards of Turkmen and Arab colleagues hanging around in the corridor, independent Kurdish council member Awad Amin said, All the balances have changed. Some feel that now is the time to readjust all the wrong decisions made by the Kurds.

Kirkuk is a mixed city shared by Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens and Christians. Politically, the Kurds were a majority and held the governors post, but the deadlock over new elections, power sharing and the status of the disputed city has remained impossible to break. Since the Iraqi takeover, the departures of the governor and a number of Kurdish politicians have changed the political balance of power.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein confiscated hundreds of acres of agricultural land from the Kurds and gave the land to Arabs in order to Arabize the area. Some of the Arabs were expelled from the city while the Kurds controlled it.

The new Iraqi Constitution introduced after Saddams removal in 2003 includes clauses related to settling the fate of the city and its residents. But the process has been difficult and slow.

Only a few of the 6,000 cases have ever been resolved, Amin said. Now we see Arabs coming back. The Kurds feel hopeless.

Most recently, the Iraqi police were involved in threatening Kurds in the village of Palkana in Kirkuk province. They reportedly ordered them to leave their homes within 72 hours, as members of an Arab tribe were waiting to take them over. After urgent complaints, the authorities in Baghdad prevented this from happening.

The Kurds lost their own security forces when the Iraqi army took over Oct. 16.

According to Rawla Hamid al-Obeidi, a member of the Arab Committee on the provincial council, the Kurdish forces cannot return. They caused many problems here. They were tied to the Kurdish parties and working to further their interests. We are against those kinds of forces.

Obeidi said that since the situation is now stable and safe, all Kurds are welcome to return. It is just a rumor that those who voted in favor of Kurdish independence are not welcome, she said. Still, the fact that the Kurds imposed both their referendum and the Kurdish flag on the people of Kirkuk is a big problem for us. The Kurdish flag should only fly in those places where the Kurds rule.

The Kurds saw the flying of their flag to be within their rights, as they had taken control of the city after chasing IS away. But Obeidi brands it as imposing their vision on the city. They used their domination to push things through, which is bullying. We are supposed to pass laws by agreement.

While the Kurds complain about Arabization, the Arabs accuse the Kurds of Kurdification. Now that Kurdish rule has ended, Obeidi is working on taking the peshmerga to court over the destruction of Arab villages in the battle against IS. Human rights organizations have confirmed that dozens of villages in Kirkuk province were razed and flattened and its inhabitants expelled. While the peshmerga branded them IS villages, the operation was seen as a move by the Kurds to take over disputed areas.

Some 82 villages were destroyed, said Obeidi, and over 22,000 people were displaced and made homeless. The peshmerga trespassed on the rights of the Arab people living there, she added. Obeidi wants to bring the matter to the international courts so those responsible will be punished, and she mounted a campaign to help the villagers go back home.

Both Arab and Turkmen members of the provincial council say the situation is better than before, but that opinion is not shared outside the council compound. You do not know whom to trust, said freelance Turkmen journalist Omar Hilali. Before, people feared the Kurds. Now anyone can pick you up.

Hilali was himself picked up and forced by Iraqi security forces to sign a document stating that he had no links to the Kurdish media. But many of my friends are Kurdish journalists. Now I dare not even pick up the phone when they call me. The same thing has happened to nongovernmental organization workers, he said.

The first weeks after the takeover saw many revenge attacks. Following the looting and destruction of thousands of Kurdish homes after their owners fled the nearby Turkmen-Kurdish town of Tuz Khormato, a Kurdish resistance group was formed to fight the Shiite militias controlling the area.

Hilali fears for the fragile relations between the different groups in Kirkuk. Before, we thought the ties between the different components were strong. Now we know they could break under the slightest pressure.

Amin agrees that the problems between the groups have been aggravated. The different groups are moving further and further apart.

Normalization can only happen after Erbil and Baghdad have entered into direct negotiations. Our problems can only be solved at the highest level, Amin said.Some 150,000 Palestinians living in Jerusalem neighborhoods on the eastern side of the Israeli-built wall snaking in and out of Jerusalem and the West Bank continue to live in a legal and administrative limbo. The political orphans of East Jerusalem are not allowed to be connected to their Palestinian leadership but are also not part of the Israeli political system even though the latter decides, unilaterally, what happens to them. This was recently reiterated by the Israeli Knesset.

While much of the attention was given to a law passed Jan. 2 requiring 80 out 120 Knesset members to agree to any changes to the boundaries of Jerusalem, another part of the original bill was of much more direct interest to the Palestinians of East Jerusalem. The New York Times reported Jan. 2 that right-wing Knesset member Naftali Bennett, leader of HaBayit HaYehudi, had unexpectedly decided at the last moment to remove a clause that would have made it easier to redraw the map of East Jerusalem.

The Times reported, The surprise move came around 3 a.m., when members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus governing coalition stripped from a bill they were about to enact language that would have made it easier to exclude Palestinians from the map of Jerusalem. The move left the status of Kufr Aqab, Shuafat and other Palestinian neighborhoods in the city unchanged.

The decision appears to have been made for tactical reasons. According to the Times, right-wing Israeli officials, fearing that a left-wing government might one day take power, did not want to make it easier for such a government to create a separate Palestinian municipality to be called al-Quds by using administrative powers rather than the Knesset's legislative process.

Whether changes in the status of Palestinian communities beyond the wall will be made easier or harder has not much affected the outlook of Palestinians contacted by Al-Monitor.

Khader Dibs, a Jerusalem activist, told Al-Monitor, We are working hard to defend our national rights in Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Palestine, and to work against their efforts to impose apartheid rule on our communities, he said.

Dibs called the decision by the Knesset the latest proof that the Israelis negotiate among themselves about the future of Palestinians, but not with the Palestinians themselves. He stated, They act unilaterally as if the Knesset is the only party that is involved in this conflict. They refuse to negotiate with us or with the Quartet or any other reliable mediator. They simply negotiate among themselves about our future.

In terms of events on the ground, Dibs said that the Knesset decision not to impose changes on the status of Palestinian communities will hopefully allow for some slight improvements to the deteriorating situation.

In recent times, they had withdrawn the services of the Jerusalem municipality, but now they have decided to keep us within the municipality, he said. And there are talks now that they will be establishing a post office and offices of the Interior Ministry at the Shuafat checkpoint to provide services, while at the same time preventing, as much as possible, Palestinians from entering Jerusalem.

While Jerusalem's municipal boundary zigzags between the homes of the Shuafat refugee camp (part of the West Bank) and the neighborhood of Shuafat (part of Israel), and between areas under Israeli control and areas that are under the Palestinian government, the situation in Kufr Aqab to the north is an even bigger humanitarian issue. Munir Saghair, head of the Kufr Aqab local council in areas under Palestinian administrative control, told the Israeli daily Haaretz in October that some 64,000 Palestinians live in crowded and unregulated areas.

According to Saghair, since 2001, the Israeli municipality has refused to issue a single housing permit, leaving some 25,000 Palestinians living in unlicensed homes. Israel issued orders in October to demolish five high-rise buildings housing 138 families in Kufr Aqab. The unlicensed, rented buildings also include offices belonging to various Israeli health and social services offices in these supposed illegal structures, Saghair told Haaretz when the demolition orders were issued and then approved by Israeli courts.

In its weekly meeting, the Palestinian government blamed the deteriorating situation on one factor in particular. The decision by US President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has whetted the appetite of Israeli extremists to demolish the peace process, it said in a statement after meeting Jan. 3.

Meanwhile, the status of some 150,000 Palestinian Jerusalemites continues to be in flux. The time has come, however, to pay closer attention to the political and humanitarian rights of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, in the Old City and outside its walls and on both sides of the Israeli-imposed security wall.The Arabi21 news website revealed Dec. 20 that Iraqi President Fuad Masum had approved Law No. 76 of 2017, which stripped Palestinian refugees living in Iraq of their rights and classified them as foreigners. The law came into effect after being published in the Iraqi Gazette.

The new law replaced Law No. 202 of 2001, issued by former President Saddam Hussein, forcing the Iraqi state to treat Palestinians as equals to Iraqis, with all privileges and citizenship rights, such as tax exemption, opportunities to work in government departments, and access to education and health care services.

Mohammed Mshenesh, a Palestinian researcher on refugee affairs, told Al-Monitor, The most important issue with the new law is that it replaces the previous one that stipulated treating Palestinians as Iraqis. This is why Palestinians are worried about the future of those in Iraq who were already marginalized regardless of the law protecting them, which has now been quashed.

Mshenesh added, The new law will deprive Palestinian engineers, doctors and teachers the ability to become members of Iraqi trade unions," thus preventing them from practicing these professions, "and whoever wants to start a commercial project will have to comply with the foreigners law, which requires the presence of an Iraqi sponsor and the approval of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Interior. This will increase the Palestinians suffering and push the few left to leave Iraq.

Until the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, roughly 43,000 Palestinians resided in Iraq since they arrived as refugees in 1948; their numbers decreased as they were targeted, killed and hundreds were arrested by US forces. Thousands suffered from organized killings, expulsion and displacement at the hands of armed Shiite militias. There are no precise figures on the number of Palestinians residing in Iraq today, yet some estimate less than 4,000 remain, some of whom live among Iraqis while others reside in refugee camps.

The legal status of Palestinian refugees in Iraq is not clear. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior does not adopt specific instructions in this regard; it sometimes gives Palestinians a one-month residency, at other times a permit for two or three months.

Ihsan Adel, a legal adviser to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, told Al-Monitor, This new Iraqi law has a political background and it should have been the subject of discussion between the concerned authorities such as the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations. Palestinians have been in Iraq for decades, and their legal situation has been altered in virtue of policies adopted by successive governments.

Adel noted, However, they have suffered a setback since the ousting of Saddam in 2003. Iraqi governments have treated them as undesirable guests, claiming that Palestinians supported Saddam. The new law will have a harsh impact on them. They do not have Iraqi passports, but rather refugee travel documents that does not make it easy for them to travel.

On Dec. 21, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed quoted a senior source in the Iraqi presidency's office on condition of anonymity as saying that the new law is inhumane to the Palestinians.

Palestinian Ambassador to Iraq Ahmad Akel told Al-Monitor, We are confident that the Iraqi government will not change the situation of the Palestinian refugees, but we fear that the ministries will start treating them differently. On Jan. 2, I met with Iraqi parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri to clarify the situation.

According to Akel, Jabouri had promised him to reach a legal arrangement so Palestinian refugees and Iraqis can be treated as equals in terms of rights and duties.

The Palestinian factions denounced the Iraqi law. On Dec. 27, Mousa Abu Marzouk, a member of Hamas political bureau, denounced the new Iraqi law, as it deprives the Palestinians of their acquired rights, contradicts the characteristics of the Iraqi people as well as coincides with Israeli attempts to wipe out the refugee issue, all the while the Palestinians continue to be targeted until this day.

On Dec. 25, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine expressed its deepest regret that the law would deprive the Palestinians in Iraq of their human rights, especially of permanent residency, and wished Iraq would reconsider its repeal of Law No. 202 in order to spare Palestinians further harm.

Taysir Khaled, a member of the PLO Executive Committee, called Dec. 23 on the Iraqi parliament and government to withdraw their approval of the law because it represents a serious violation of the rights granted by the Iraqi government to Palestinians in Iraq 70 years ago. He also found it baffling for such a law to be issued in parallel with US and Israeli pressure to dissolve the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and to settle the refugee issue once and for all.

The legal status of Palestinian refugees in Iraq progressed between 1961 and 2001, when dozens of resolutions and laws dealing with their affairs were issued.

Issam Adwan, the head of Hamas Division of Refugee Affairs, told Al-Monitor, The new law falls in line with the repressive circumstances suffered by the Palestinians in Iraq, because some Iraqi government parties have always accused them of supporting Saddam. In addition, they are marginalized because of their sect; those parties are against Sunni Muslims, especially since Iraq is known for its Shiite majority.

Adwan added, This law would have never seen the light if the PLO showed a strict stance in defense of the Palestinians rights. However, the PLO is not paying much attention to them, which could prompt us to resort to Iran since it has great influence in Iraq and could put an end to the new law.

If the law were to be applied in early 2018, the number of Palestinians in Iraq would decrease even more; they would leave in search of safety, especially since they would be prevented from investing and deprived of employment in the private sector. The law would also prevent them from owning property or joining trade unions, and it would force them to pay full college tuition.

Thamer Mashineesh, the president of the Iraqi Palestinians Association, told Al-Monitor, The Iraqi law ends the permanent residency of Palestinians in Iraq, so they are now required to renew their residency through consulting the official agencies. They could risk being expelled from Iraq if they were to commit any violation. This could threaten their rights to compulsory and university education, which evidently affects their education and gradually turns them into an ignorant community. In addition, all health care services would decline and they would be unable to pay for expensive surgeries, increasing their daily suffering.

Majed al-Zeer, the head of the Palestinian Return Center in London, told Al-Monitor, The new Iraqi law is a step backward in how Palestinians in Iraq are treated. He said that he wants to meet with Iraqi Ambassador to the United Kingdom Salih Husain Ali to discuss the law, its effects and its impact on the situation of Palestinians in Iraq.Saudi Arabia is following the unrest in Iran with intense interest, hoping it will force its regional rival to turn inward. The Saudis have little capacity to influence Iranian domestic developments, however, and share many of the same problems as Tehran. The Iranian question is unlikely to help resolve Riyadhs biggest foreign policy challenge: the expensive quagmire in Yemen that is only getting worse.

Since the start of the protests Dec. 28 in Mashhad, Iran's second-largest and holies city, the state-controlled media in Saudi Arabia has followed the protests closely. The protesters' call for Iran to spend more money at home and less on foreign adventures in Syria, the Gaza Strip, Iraq and Yemen especially has gotten much attention in Saudi media outlets. The Saudis have been fighting to combat Iranian advances in all these states for years with little success, so they hope that domestic unrest will constrain Iran, especially the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Saudi media has expressed concern about the sustainability of the unrest. Media articles in the country featured CIA Director Mike Pompeos public estimate that the unrest is likely to continue because of the weakness of the Iranian economy. At least one Saudi commentator has expressed concern that the unrest not produce another failed state in the region, which would create too much turmoil. Better to have enough disruption to keep the Iranians focused internally.

The Saudi government has been more quiet when it comes to on-the-record statements. It can scarcely endorse the protests' calls for democracy and freedom of expression and protest. The kingdom is an absolute monarchy married to a theocracy. Opposition to the royal family, even within the family itself, is ruthlessly repressed; 11 princes were arrested on Jan. 4 for protests at the royal palace in Riyadh. The government said they were protesting utility bills but Saudi dissident sites reported the princes were protesting the demotion and house arrest of former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef.

The kingdom also shares with Iran the same fundamental economic problem: low oil prices have flatlined growth. King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud announced new measures to cushion the impact of ricing prices recently as the government strives to both implement Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to reduce dependence on oil, and avoid austerity measures that would spark domestic unrest in the kingdom. Its a daunting challenge.

Saudi Arabia has been reaching out to Iranian opposition groups in the last year, including Mujahedeen-e-Khalq. Arab and Baluchi dissidents have also been approached but there are few details about the contacts; these are fringe elements in Iran, not threats to regime survival.

Most Iranians despise the Saudis. Thats why the Tehran authorities are eager to blame the Saudi government for allegedly paying for the protests. The most effective way to discredit the protesters is to paint them as puppets of the Wahhabi and Saudi system. The king's intensely sectarian policies at home and abroad have only reinforced Shiite Persian distaste for Saudi Arabia. His son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is portrayed in the Iranian media as an upstart who has huge ambitions.

The kingdoms biggest national security challenge is the war in Yemen that started almost three years ago. The Saudi government blames Iran for the war, but Riyadh spends far more than Iran does as each backs their allies in the civil war. Indeed, Irans expenses in backing the Houthis are a pittance of the wars cost to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudis also get almost all of the international blame for the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen because of its blockade. Mark Lowcock, the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, last week said Yemen is approaching the apocalypse due to famine and disease caused by the blockade. He warned Yemen soon will be the worlds worst humanitarian crisis in 50 years if the war continues.A Turkish military convoy came under fire in Idlib today as Russian-backed regime forces pressed on with their offensive to rout al-Qaeda-linked rebel groups from the eastern half of the northwestern Syrian province. Idlib is one of the few areas to remain under Sunni opposition control since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011.

According to Turkeys state-run Anadolu news agency, a rocket landed just 20-30 meters (66-98 feet) from the convoy in the Darat Izza district and no injuries have been reported. Anadolu did not name the attackers and there have been no claims of responsibility so far.

In separate news, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), which monitors the conflict, reported that the death toll from Sundays car bomb attack on the Idlib headquarters of a Chechen jihadi group had risen to 34, of which 18 were civilians.

Turkish troops moved into Idlib in October, ostensibly to establish observation points to monitor a cease-fire between the regime and the opposition and to ease the flow of humanitarian supplies, among other things, for millions of internally displaced Syrian sheltering in the province.

Through its military presence, Turkey was also expected to pressure the al-Qaeda-linked militia known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to disarm and disband, or at the very least move to the western part of Idlib under the informal terms of the Astana talks Turkey co-sponsors with Russia and Iran.

Turkey has instead eased into a modus vivendi with HTS, and raised many eyebrows when its troops were escorted by the jihadis as they first moved in. Turkey has used its presence mainly to hem in Afrin, the Syrian Kurdish-controlled enclave Ankara has repeatedly threatened to invade.

The looming question is whether Russia will lean on Turkey for having failed to keep its side of the deal to move its troops out of the approximately 2,000 square kilometers (1,200 miles) of territory it controls in the so-called Euphrates Shield zone covering Jarablus, al-Bab, Dabiq and Azaz.

A commander with the Syrian Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which are partnering with the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS), said in a telephone interview with Al-Monitor, After Idlib, Jarablus and Azaz will be next. He insisted, Turkey and the [opposition] Free Syrian Army gangs have no place in Syrias future. And now that Iran is facing internal strife at home its power to influence events in Syria has receded, the commander said. Therefore the notion that Turkey serves Russia as a counterbalance to Iran in Syria no longer holds.

Gonul Tol is the executive director of the Turkey program at the Middle East Institute. She concurred in an interview with Al-Monitor that Turkey can only stay in Syria for as long as the Russians agree. And having failed to do anything to counter HTS, Turkey has outlived its use. Moreover, its activities in Idlib are opaque to say the least. Tol noted that if Russia is calling for the United States to withdraw its forces from Syria it will need to demand the same of Turkey, if only for the sake of consistency. Unlike Russia, which is in Syria at the invitation of the Syrian government, Turkish and US forces are not.

Either way, the status quo is now being upended as Syrian government forces and allied militias are advancing on eastern Idlib, forcing thousands of civilians to flee toward Turkey. With 3 million Syrian refugees already, Turkey is keen to avoid a further influx and is setting up field hospitals and erecting tents along its border to keep them on the opposite side.

The main target of the current offensive appears to be the rebel-held air base of Abu al-Duhour on the southeastern edge of Idlib and securing the road linking Damascus to Aleppo.

Regime forces have reportedly captured nearly 100 villages from the insurgents in Hama and Idlib since late October. SOHR confirmed that 14 villages were wrested from them today alone and regime forces were now some 11 kilometers (7 miles) away from the rebel-held air base. Turkish authorities have blocked access to the website, ostensibly because of its reporting on Turkey, including a recent report that several senior leaders of IS had managed to find sanctuary there.CH Powell Company, a logistics provider headquartered in Massachusetts, has acquired The Irwin Brown Company, a New Orleans-based licensed customs brokerage and international freight forwarding firm.



Massachusetts-based logistics provider CH Powell Company has acquired The Irwin Brown Company, a licensed customs brokerage and international freight forwarding firm headquartered in New Orleans, with offices along the Gulf Coast, CH Powell confirmed Friday.

This acquisition allows CH Powell Company to expand its import brokerage services in this important region, the firm explained in a prepared statement. With growing trade in Central and South America and the continual growth of imports from Asia to the Gulf, CH Powell and the Irwin Brown team are well positioned to expand its national and international footprint.

CH Powell, which has declined to reveal the purchase price and terms of the acquisition, was founded in 1919 and has 18 offices throughout the U.S., plus subsidiaries throughout Asia and the Netherlands known as Tandem Global Logistics.

Irwin Brown, which was founded in New Orleans in 1968, has offices in Louisiana and Mississippi, offering end-to-end logistics. The firm works with clients throughout the U.S., coordinating their custom clearance, export forwarding and transportation needs.

Irwin Brown has been an industry leader in customs clearance in New Orleans and the Gulf for 50 years. Their reputation and knowledge in this industry are stellar, CH Powell Vice President Robert Powell said. We are excited that the IBC team is joining our company and look for our mutual synergies to grow our business.French startup 3dRudder is getting ready to show off a brand new update to its foot-maneuvered VR controller lineup at CES 2018 in Las Vegas. For those who may not already be aware, the companys previous controller  the 3dRudder Wireless  actually launched at last years CES. The foot controllers were designed as a way to enable a more realistic VR experience for players who dont necessarily have enough space to set up a full room-scale VR system. While that controller made plenty of headway in that regard, the company is now back with an even better version, which it has dubbed the 3dRudder Blackhawk.

The company started improvements by adding foot straps to Blackhawks disc-shaped platform, ensuring that players feet dont accidentally slip off and ruin whatever VR experience they are interacting with. The company as also added what it calls an Active Dead Zone. As the name of the new feature implies, it effectively provides players with a means to prevent awkward or erratic movements, while remaining responsive to the snappier movements often required by more intense VR titles. Beyond that, the new controller features a new, more refined aesthetic, with blue accents around the edges and LED lighting at the center. Since players will be wearing a headset while playing, its hard to say what purpose those lights will serve, if any. But theyll certainly look nice and the lights may even be enough to save some owners from tripping over the controller in a dark or dimly lit room. For those who happen to own one of the companys previous Wireless controllers, 3dRudder has gone a step further and announced a new update kit which will include foot straps and more.

Meanwhile, 3dRudder will be reportedly be accepting yet another of the upcoming events coveted CES 2018 Innovation Awards. That will actually represent the companys third such award in as many years and is presumably, at least partially, a result of its newly announced Blackhawk controller. So it certainly makes a lot of sense that theyd want to show off their latest innovation at the tech gathering. Unfortunately, as of this writing, no pricing or availability information has been provided for the new controller but that should be available sooner rather than later, with CES 2018 set to start on January 9.Ahead of the start of CES 2018 a new blog post has gone live on behalf of Google detailing some of the Android TV developments being discussed at this years event. While on the face of it there are no major Android TV announcements coming through from Google during CES, the posting notes how Android TV is taking center stage and largely thanks to a number of new third-party devices being announced that are powered by the platform.

The Medium post is penned by Rachel Berk, a business development manager for Google Play, and generally speaking is more aimed towards developers as it focuses on the benefits of developers opting to bring their offerings to the Android TV platform. In particular, the article looks to detail the latest benefits on offer with Android TVs upgrade to Android 8.0 (Oreo)  an upgrade that is slowly in the process of rolling out to devices. The posting specifically explains how the changes on offer with Oreo will look to improve retention, engagement and re-engagement on Android TV. Like for example, the new channel-layout which is designed with a content-first approach in mind. Providing users an easier and quicker way to see a wide variety of content they may be interested in, from the specific channels (apps) they are most interested in. While this in itself is likely to increase engagement the post further elaborates on how this is also as beneficial to developers who now have the ability to target people with the content you know theyll want to binge. Other aspects that are picked up on as ways to further increase levels of engagement include the use of Video Previews (clips that automatically play when hovered over), and an improved setup procedure  allowing users to download their favorite apps more quickly and easily.

What may be of interest to existing Android TV users is the blog posting provides some insight into Android TV in general as well as its consumption by users  data that is not often provided. For example, the post notes how 87-percent of Android TV users are active every day and on average there are 15 apps installed on an Android TV device. According to the posting, TV apps are seeing (on average) 1.8 to 3 times the amount of minutes watched each month compared to the level of consumption through the same apps on mobile. Highlighting that the TV form factor is helping to further drive TV-related app engagement. At the device level, the posting explains that at present twenty operators in fourteen different countries offer Android TV while 8 out of the top 10 set top box OEMs build for Android TV. Below are images representing some of the changes coming with Oreo and further highlighting the key benefit to developer points.Moens presence at the Consumer Electronics Show has been relatively strong for several years now, and the latest iteration of the Las Vegas, Nevada-based fair is no exception, with the company using it as an opportunity to unveil the latest addition to its 2017 smart shower lineup  support for Amazons artificial intelligence assistant Alexa. The cutting-edge shower still features a digital control panel that acts as a valve and allows you to control its output volume, water temperature, spray patterns, and a number of other performance aspects. With the arrival of support for Amazons digital companion, users will also be able to simply tell Alexa to turn the shower on or off and recite more specific instructions to the device. In practice, interacting with the Alexa-enabled U lineup is as simple as telling your assistant youre about to take a shower at a defined temperature and not worrying about anything else, which is as futuristic of a feeling as you can currently get in a bathroom.

The shower is relatively quick to reach your desired temperature and maintain it while also not being wasteful; while your initial request for a shower at a specific temperature will result in a burst of water, the shower will stop gushing it out as soon as it reaches its target and will just maintain it while idling, making fiddling with valves while looking for the perfect temperature a thing of the past. Consumers who like the idea of a connected home but would prefer not speaking to AI assistants will still being able to control Moens smart shower via the Alexa mobile app that can be downloaded to Android devices from the Google Play Store and Amazon App Store, though doing so largely defeats the purpose of owning a smart shower.

Besides reciting complex configurations every time you want to take a shower, youll also be able to save presets for Moen, which adds yet another level of convenience to the affair. The implementation showcased in Las Vegas relies on a third-party Alexa skill developed by Moen but a more deeply integrated solution is understood to be coming soon and should additionally facilitate the process of controlling your shower by speaking to the AI assistant. The setup developed by the Ohio-based company allows for four showers to be connected to Alexa simultaneously, whereas manually taking over the digital valve doesnt require any extra steps. The two biggest limitations of the current solution are the fact that some commands can still be rather lengthy due to the nature of Alexa skills and that you wont be able to ask for particularly cold or hot showers due to safety reasons, though youd still be able to manually turn the heat up or down. The demo unit brought to CES was limited to a range between 60 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 48 degrees Celsius) but the finalized version of the service may introduce a slightly different array of supported temperatures.

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Besides Alexa, Moen said the U Smart Shower lineup will also receive support for Apples Siri, though that particular functionality is set to be introduced later this year. While Siri is arguably the least capable mainstream AI assistant, it should work with Moens offering just as well as Alexa seeing how the devices integration with digital helpers is said to be identical across all services. Given the companys recent product practices, it wouldnt be surprising if Moens U series also receives support for the Google Assistant in early 2019.Insteon, a company which releases IoT devices, has announced that its gadgets are compatible with Google Assistant. This announcement occurred at this years Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and this will let you control Insteons lighting system devices, including wall switches, outlets, plugs, and so on, using your voice, as is the case with every other IoT device that is compatible with Google Assistant.

Now, if youd like to get started, youll need to link your account from within the Google Home application or the Google Assistant on your phone to the Insteon Hub. Once the pairing is complete, you can start using your voice to control Insteons products which are connected to the companys Hub, its that simple. If you need some examples as in how this all works, all you have to do is say OK Google or Hey Google, and once the Google Assistant-enabled device starts listening, you can simply say turn on the outside lights or turn off the downstairs lights in order to make the magic happen, presuming everything is set up correctly in order for Google Assistant to differentiate your lighting setup, of course. It seems like all of the companys products can now be controlled using the Google Assistant, as everything runs through the Insteon Hub, which got support for Google Assistant, so no worries there.

Insteon is a company which focuses on lighting IoT products, and products which are in line with that, electrical control gadgets. The company is using its patented dual-mesh network in order to make its devices work properly, this technology lets Insteons devices communicate simultaneously via wireless radio waves and the homes existing wiring. The company also mentioned that its products integrate with hundreds of products and systems out there, including HVAC units, timers, lighting, locks, cameras, music, humidity, garage doors, and so on. That is more or less, it, the company did not announce any new gadgets at this years Consumer Electronics Show (CES), at least not yet, but who knows, maybe they will at a later date, theres still plenty of time for them to do so.The Haryana government's spending during the International Gita Festival held last year raised many a eyebrows. In the latest development, information obtained through Right to Information into the spending during the event, held between November 25 and December 5, has revealed shocking details of how public money was spent.

Opposition party Indian National Lok Dal questioned the purchase of 10 copies of the holy book for a whopping Rs 3.8 lakh. As per the RTI, each copy came at a price of Rs 38,000. These were gifted to VVIPs during the event.

Dushyant Chautala, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader and Lok Sabha MP from Hisar, told India Today, "Bhagwad Gita is available at a much lower price both online and at the Gita press. The Manohar Khattar government should explain the purchase of 10 copies of the book at such an exorbitant price."

RTI details reveal that two BJP MPs were also paid to perform during the event- while Hema Malini was paid Rs 20 lakh, Manoj Tiwari was paid Rs 10 lakh.

"PM Modi says his government has zero tolerance towards corruption, but his MPs are being paid handsome money, that too for religious functions," alleged Chautala.

He said that the cost of the annual event has shot up to several crores, which during the Chautala and Hooda government was few lakhs only.

"If the Haryana government doesn't conduct inquiry then I will write to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to investigate misappropriation of public money," the Indian National Lok Dal leader said.

As the RTI details, Rs 1 crore was spent on repair of Brahm Sarovar, but in 2016 Rs 38 lakh was spent for the same purpose.

INLD also alleged that certain contracts were awarded to near and dear ones of several BJP leaders.

Meanwhile, the Haryana government denied these allegations. Senior minister Anil Vij told media persons that the Gita Mahotsav was an international event of great repute.

"We will order a probe and if any official is found guilty, strict action will be taken against them," Anil Vij said.LG Electronics on Monday detailed its 2018 lineup of futuristic smart television sets that are planned to be released in the United States over the course of this year, having also confirmed that the models will be showcased from tomorrow until Friday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new TVs have several major selling points, with one of them being the  (Alpha) lineup of custom chips specifically designed for heavy workloads and artificial intelligence applications. The core experience of the LG ThinQ ecosystem that spans all kinds of devices will also be ennobled by the addition of support for the Google Assistant to select webOS-powered TV models from the South Korean company, marking the first occasion on which the AI service has been integrated into a television platform that isnt Android TV.

LG is quick to boast about its Full-Array Local Dimming (FALD) backlighting solution that it claims will bring ones home cinema experience to the next level in an energy-efficient manner. In total, the Seoul-based firm introduced nine 4K OLED models and seven 4K SUPED UHD ones, with both categories being classified as smart. The OLED lineup includes devices with screens spanning from 55 to 77 inches, whereas the SUPER UHD series encompasses equally compact models but stops at 75-inch display panels. The ThinQ AI platform behind the new offerings comes with support for hundreds of voice commands, all of which are issued via the Magic Remote which also serves as a relay for conveying queries and orders to the Google Assistant. In essence, compatible TVs will now be able to double as Internet of Things hubs akin to Googles Home series, with the solution itself being capable of differentiating between commands meant for the TV and the AI service itself. In other words, telling Google to pause a movie will never result in a mistaken Internet search and if you ask for a takeout from Dominos, the assistant wont attempt to interact with the TV.

In terms of audiovisual quality, combined support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision should have you covered on all fronts, with LGs offerings being capable of displaying arguably the best HDR standard currently available on a consumer level. Handling HDR10 and HLG content is also an option, as is taking advantage of a wide variety of third-party apps developed for webOS. No pricing and availability details have yet been provided by LG, though first products from the companys portfolio should start hitting the market in the coming months.NVIDIA has confirmed that Uber has selected the company to power its self-driving vehicle fleet. NVIDIA has been pushing into new fields as of lately, with the company most recently looking toward the growing self-driving vehicle market as its next big investment. This push has attracted a number of customers, with the companys CEO Jensen Huang confirming a new set of partnerships at CES 2018, including that with Uber.

The ride-hailing company has made no secret of its plans to introduce its own fleet of self-driving vehicles in the future. In fact, Uber initially started work on its self-driving technology back in 2015. Since then, the development has been relatively successful, with tests taking place in both Pittsburgh and Phoenix and logging over two million miles between them over the course of 50,000 trips as of last month. As part of the companys partnership with NVIDIA, Uber will take advantage of the firms powerful chips in order to run AI algorithms and have the computing power needed to ensure a high level of passenger safety. After all, the vehicles need to be capable of perceiving the world and calculating distances with high accuracy, while also detecting people and other vehicles, and working out the best possible route to the final destination. Ubers original self-driving fleet used NVIDIA GPUs but has recently introduced NVIDIA-mad processors alongside them, a change that has rapidly accelerated development, with Ubers vehicles driving one million miles in just 100 days. Uber isnt the only customer that NVIDIA has added to its list at CES, with Volkswagen also signing a new agreement with the company and Baidu following suit.

In the case of Volkswagen, the German company will utilize the Drive IX platform in a number of upcoming vehicles in order to introduce features such as facial recognition, gesture control, and many others. In terms of Baidu, the Chinese tech giant is working with NVIDIA in order to develop an autonomous vehicle platform designed specifically for China. Lastly, Aurora Innovation has confirmed that it will make use of the new Xavier SoC from NVIDIA. Xavier is a chip that puts a large focus on artificial intelligence and has been designed specifically with autonomous vehicles in mind, being set to power Auroras future solutions.It seems like Pisen is planning to announce a new series of mobile phone charging products at this years Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, along with some other products that well talk about later on. We have seen plenty of announcements at CES already, even though the show officially starts on January 9. In any case, Pisen has been in the mobile accessories game for quite some time now, it has released its first power bank 13 years ago, and these new, upcoming chargers will offer Quick Charging 3.0 technology, at least some of them, read on.

Pisen also said that its upcoming chargers will be compatible with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD). In addition to all that, the companys CEO, Mr. Zhao, said that 99 percent of all power banks are made in China, and that the company is looking to innovate every step of the way. Now, in addition to portable chargers, the company will also announce a wireless charging pad, which will offer fast charging with 5V/1.5A input and 5V/1A output. This charger will weigh only 72.5 grams, says the company, as it will be around 7mm thin. The companys wireless charger will also sport LED indicator lights, which will indicate charging status, as expected. New Pisen-branded power strips are also coming, along with 10,000mAh power banks and cables. On top of all that, the company is planning to announce both wireless and wired headsets at this years CES, so theres plenty to look forward to it seems.

Now, it seems like Pisen has some serious plans regarding global expansion, as the company is planning to bring its products to all mainstream e-commerce platforms in 2018. The company is already selling its products on Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and Wish, that all started last year, and further expansion plans seem to be in place. That is more or less all the info that the company shared thus far, along with the featured image that is included above this article, which presumably shows off the companys both existing and upcoming devices. More details regarding Pisens upcoming products will follow in the coming days, so stay tuned for that.Samsung is expected to have a big presence at this weeks CES 2018 but has reportedly decided to kick things off early, taking the wraps off a brand new 2018 edition of its Family Hub smart refrigerator. Although previous iterations of the Family Hub undoubtedly pushed the humble fridge into the modern era, Samsung has made some substantial changes for the new year. Family Hub (2018) will, of course, hold onto key features introduced in earlier smart refrigerators. For example, the internal cameras and screen which allow a homeowner to check whats in the fridge without opening it or via a mobile device from the grocery store are still present. Bixby makes a return, as well, but with several improvements.

However, Samsung obviously wanted to drag its smart refrigerator much further into the IoT and smart home categories. For starters, the newly included Bixby features nearly the full range of Bixby interactions and can even individually recognize household members to personalize responses. Meanwhile, the new Family Hub ships with SmartThings integration so it can connect and interact with compatible smart home accessories and products such as speakers, lights, thermostats, and cameras. Samsung has also included a range of new applications which can be accessed via the screen  including an intelligent Meal Planner that factors food preferences or restrictions into the recipes it provides and a location-based deal finder application called Deals. Taking things yet another step forward, the new Samsung Family Hub also incorporates AKG-branded speakers just below the screen, so users can play media through built-in apps or stream it from their connected devices. Presumably, that means that video content can be streamed, in addition to sound, either at launch or through a future update. The speakers themselves are described as being capable of putting out both deep bass and rich mid-range audio.

As to when the newest member of Samsungs Family Hub series of refrigerators will be available to purchase, the company has only provided a spring timeline. In the meantime, no price point has been revealed yet, either. However, with consideration for the number of features to be included, it probably isnt unreasonable to assume that the 2018 edition of Family Hub will sell near or just beyond the upper reaches of the refrigerator spectrum.Sony has today announced updates to its Xperia XA line ahead of the start of CES 2018. The Xperia XA range of smartphones was first announced in March of 2017 (during MWC) with the launch of the Xperia XA1 and the XA1 Ultra. Following which, both of these models are now receiving an upgrade and arriving as the Xperia XA2 and XA2 Ultra. With these being Sony smartphones, both the XA2 and XA2 Ultra place some of their emphasis on their camera capabilities. With Sony confirming both models will employ a 23-megapixel rear camera, along with an 8-megapixel front-facing option  equipped with a 120-degree super-wide-angle lens. Both new phones also come powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 SoC, feature a microSD card slot for expanding the storage (up to 256GB), a USB Type-C port, and come running on Android 8.0 (Oreo) at launch.

Although the two phones do share a number of common specs and features, they also do differ quite significantly as well, with the most obvious difference being the size. As while the standard Xperia XA2 features a 5.2-inch display, the XA2 Ultra features a larger 6-inch display. On both smartphones, however, these are considered to be borderless displays due to the screen extending as much as possible to the left and right sides. Both displays also support a 1920 x 1080 resolution.

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Another clear differential is to do with the front-facing camera. While both XA2 models come with the all-new 8-megapixel front-facing camera, the Xperia XA2 Ultra (shown above) is actually a dual front camera setup-boasting smartphone, as it also comes loaded with an additional 16-megapixel camera along with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). A third major difference between the two is in the battery department with the XA2 sporting a 3,300 mAh battery, and the Xperia XA2 Ultra a 3,580 mAh battery. Although both phones do support Qnovo Adaptive Charging, as well as a number of other software tweaks designed to improve battery life in general. There is also a slight difference in the primary specs of the two phones with the Xperia XA2 packing 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, compared to the Xperia XA2 Ultra which features an upgrade in RAM to 4GB, as well as the choice of either 32 or 64GB storage.

As is typically the case with Sony smartphones, both of the new Xperia XA2 models will be available in a variety of colors, although the color selection for each phone will differ in one respect. While both the XA2 and XA2 Plus will be available with the choice of either a Black, Blue, or Silver color, the Xperia XA2 will also be available in a fourth color, Pink, while the XA2 Ultras fourth color option will be Gold. Though, there is no guarantee all color options will be available in all regions where they are released. Speaking of their release, Sony has opted to forgo confirming pricing information and firm details on availability today. Instead, explaining these details will be made known on a regional basis and closer to when the two devices become available  which at present is set to begin in early February.

Sony Xperia XA2

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Sony Xperia XA2 UltraUnsolicited surveys from Google are now reportedly showing up for users in Android Messages, in addition to the surveys that began showing up for some Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners just last week. While those prior questionnaires were only reported to be affecting Pixel users, the new survey is being reported across a broader range of devices. Like those prior inquiries from the company, the new survey appears first as a banner-style message along the bottom of a users screen within the app, which asks the user to Help improve Android Messages. Users can, of course, choose not to participate by selecting the appropriate option or can tap the other option to see the questions.

Googles efforts here appear to be genuinely in the interest of making the companys applications better via relatively random responses from users, though the method by which they are obtaining feedback will almost certainly bother at least a few users. For starters, there are a number of arguably better ways the company could be garnering customer responses. Not least of all, the questions could be asked through the search giants very own Google Rewards application  which is optionally downloadable and survey-specific. However, conducting a questionnaire by other methods wouldnt necessarily give a clear oversight for how an application is performing on a specific handset and it may just be that Google is looking for answers as they relate to specific manufacturers or models.

Having said that, its at least as likely to be the case that Google is conducting its survey by this particular method in order to get its information from as random a sample of devices and users as possible or that they have some other reason for choosing to use in-app messages to get responses. Without some sort of official information from the company, it would be nearly impossible to tell for sure. Whatever the case turns out to be, it also isnt immediately clear which handsets can expect to see a survey or even which Google applications one might appear in. The company may end up continuing throughout its entire suite of software or it could be looking for information about a select few apps.Harvard University / World Bank / TCI NetworkOnly a few months ago, the Government of Catalonia paid homage to Antoni Subira when it celebrated the 25th anniversary of the cluster policies he pioneered. Now he has sadly passed away and it is time to reflect on the importance of his leadership and the impact it has had in Catalonia and beyond. Minister Subira was one of the pioneers in applying cluster-based economic development policies, a new approach pioneered in Professor Michael Porters book The Competitive Advantage of Nations in 1990. When Subira was appointed minister of Industry, he received a manuscript of the book from IESE Business School colleague Professor Eduard Ballarin, Subira became immediately interested; and began deploying the ideas even as the book was being published. Catalonias work in clusters was soon highlighted as an example in the book On Competition (1998), and case studies on Catalonia were taught at Harvard Business School. Twenty years later Catalonias policies had been recognized worldwide, and Catalonia became a center of global cluster institutions, like the TCI Network and the European Foundation for Cluster Excellence, both chaired and nurtured by Subira.

A cluster policy that worked

Most importantly, the model worked. When the French government launched its cluster policy, Subiras approach was credited as having doubled the Catalan GDP per capita in 10 years. Subira never talked too much about clusters during his tenure, concerned that if he drew attention to the cluster initiatives in process, they would become an object of political desire and calls for subsidy by other companies. Instead, Subira talked about larger goals like the internationalization of the Catalan firms or raising quality levels to participate in global value chains. He implemented cluster policy in his usual down-to-earth fashion, working closely with the regions entrepreneurs, micro-cluster by micro-cluster, until covering all of Catalonias economy.

Minister Subiras origins in the textile industry in Mataro gave him a deep understanding of the reality of local companies and what was needed to move them to the next level. He was never attracted to the industrial policy fad of picking winning sectors. Instead he supported all the sectors present in Catalonia. When few saw a future for the textile or jewelry industry in its traditional form, he helped stimulate innovations that led to some of Catalonias most important companies like Mango, Desigual and Tous. In the leather tanning cluster in Igualada, which in a Harvard case study of 1995 was called the ugly duckling of industries due to its environmental impact, Subira helped transform the sector, in two decades, to an environmental leader which supplies the most sophisticated luxury brands.

Antoni Subira didnt have EU subsidies or tax incentives to offer, but helped build anchor assets in the region such as: technology centers, testing facilities and shared services. Building the quality of the cluster environment and not giving subsidies or a tax breaks. These assets have created lower costs and great resilience to crises versus competition from other regions.

Sharing his experience

Antoni Subiras contribution did not stop when he stepped down as Minister in 2003. He returned to his professorship at IESE Business School, and became an international thought leader. His open character and genuine interest in every entrepreneur and region he encountered, ranged from working with Finlands former Prime Minister, Esko Aho, on European cluster policies, to assisting the local authorities in Cauca (Colombia) on how to develop local artisanal industries in displaced indigenous communities. Whether it was the CEO of a large German car manufacturer or a small leather tanner, Subira had a gift in establishing dialog with entrepreneurs on opportunities, not only on problems, and distancing economic development from politics. His legacy will live on the impact he has had on his native Catalonia, the ideas he has institutionalized and in the many people that he has inspired.Randy Porter Plays Cole Porter, special guest Nancy King (Heavywood)

If Randy Porter played more widely outside the US Pacific Northwest, he would likely be lauded as one of the leading contemporary jazz pianists. This new album of songs composed by his namesake Cole Porter could go a long way toward bringing about wide recognition of an artist with a record of achievement going back more than three decades. Porter has toured extensively in Europe and Asia, traveling with saxophonist Charles McPherson and bassist David Friesen, among others. He is known on the west coast well beyond his home base in the Portland, Oregon, area.

Six of the nine tracks find Nancy King, at 77, as musicianly as everindividualistic and expressive, one of the few vocalists capable of improvising with harmonic wisdom equal to that of experienced instrumentalists. Her coordination with Porter, bassist John Wiitala and drummer Todd Strait is evident in this Cole Porter classic captured on video at the recording session.

Spurred by its 2018 Grammy nomination, the Porter-Porter album seems bound to further spread Randy Porters growing reputation,.What Are Blue Balls & How to Get Rid of Them

The Best Ways to Beat Blue Balls

You might not know what "blue balls" are (they don't usually cover them in health class!), but chances are you've experienced them. They're that unfamiliar pain you get in your testicles when you're extremely aroused for a prolonged period of time, but unable to achieve the relief of orgasm.

RELATED: Keeping Your Balls Dry

Of course, we all know what the obvious cure is here. But if masturbation isn't in your immediate future, is there anything else you can do in order to achieve some relief? Also, what's actually going on down there when blue balls occur? Do they ever really turn blue? Do women ever experience the equivalent?

To answer all of these questions and more, we spoke with Eric M. Garrison, clinical sexologist, best-selling author and professor of masculinity studies at William & Mary. Read on for what he had to say about everything you need to know about blue balls, including answers to frequently asked questions.

1. What Is Blue Balls?

When men are sexually aroused, their organs start to swell with blood necessary for penile erection. That blood is not released until either after a short period of time, or very close to orgasm. When you become aroused sans release, you're stuck with too much blood in your male member  that's where the 'blue' part of this situation comes into play.

"If there's too much oxygenated blood in the penis, this will make the testicles look blue," Garrison says. "Which is how the phenomenon gets its name."

2. What Causes Blue Balls?

You probably know the simple answer: You got all hot and bothered but stopped short for whatever reason, and never actually finished the job. As Garrison explains, the occurrence of blue balls is all a matter of blood flow.

"Blue balls, or 'involuntary testicular vasocongestion,' happens when the male sex organs aren't able to release the blood that swells during the arousal process," he explains.

RELATED: The Actual Science Behind Your Erection, Explained

3. Blue Ball Symptoms

The more easily you're aroused, the more likely you'll suffer the wrath of blue balls. This is especially true for anyone young enough (or vigorous enough) to receive frequent, random erections.

"Young teenage men might have it worse," says Garrison, "because young men are more easily stimulated. For a teenager experiencing those constant erections, plus probably a lot of outercourse and heavy petting, there may not be that release. Plus, they may not be familiar with the process, or know that masturbation can get rid of it."

4. Can Girls Get Blue Balls?

The short answer? They sure can. When women become aroused, blood rushes to the clitoris in the same way it does for men when they get an erection. "Women get erections," explains Garrison, "but we only see a small portion, since the clitoral legs go back and down into the female anatomy."

"Blue lips" mimics the same feeling men get when things get stopped short, and though it's common, it's less recognized.

"I've never heard a single person describe it as blue lips, but it can be described as that," says Garrison. "I hear more cases of that vasocongestion in the labia than I do the scrotum."

5. How to Get Rid of Blue Balls

Of course, the obvious, quickest fix is to rub one out  or become unaroused.

"If a person is experiencing that vasocongestion, the only thing that will alleviate it is if they walk away from feeling aroused," says Garrison. "Eventually everything goes back to normal. Or if if that's not the case, they can have an orgasm, which will allow everything to pack up and go home." But if getting yourself off isn't in the cards, and you're impatient about this whole "waiting to become unaroused" thing, there's something that may bring you relief faster.

According to Garrison, anything that'll immediately take you out of the fantasy or situation that's turning you on will help get rid of blue balls faster. "If you were right in the middle of sex and you heard someone behind you start a chainsaw, or if lightning struck, any of those things would cause an immediate drop in sex drive," says Garrison. "Any immediate response like that will cause vasocongestion to go away faster."

6. How to Talk to Your Partner About Blue Balls

If the person you're with is constantly giving you blue balls, you should probably talk to them about it. It can be an awkward conversation, but it's a worthwhile one to have for sure. However, you don't want to bring it up in a way that makes it seem like you're pressuring them to do something that they're not comfortable with yet. How can you approach the subject, you ask?

According to dating and relationship expert James Anderson, the way you frame it is important. "When you are talking to a woman about blue balls, you have to realize that many of them will not understand what it is, what causes it or what it feels like," he says. "Broach the subject by saying that you know that both of you want your sex life to be as amazing as possible and that honest communication is critical for that. Just as you would want her to talk to you about anything causing discomfort in your sex life you want her to be aware of what blue balls is so you can prevent it together. You are not accusing her of anything here."

Also, make sure you're not coming off as a complainer. "A confident guy doesn't need to whine or complain when it comes to blue balls," adds Anderson. "Your best bet is to lay out the facts and approach it as an opportunity for the two of your to prevent this from happening in the future together. If you whine or complain at this point she is much more likely to think you are just using this as an excuse for more sex."

Truth be told, blue balls has a stigma that comes with it that you're going to be up against if brought up. To combat this, certified counselor and relationship expert David Bennett suggests taking your partner what it feels like for you.

"Many women simply don't understand that blue balls is an issue that many men experience when they are highly aroused, which causes intense testicular pain and pressure," he says. "It's not simply a way of saying a man is sexually frustrated or desires sex, nor is it some sort of thing guys make up just to get sex. A guy should explain the pain that he feels at the moment and how it's treated via sexual release/ejaculation. However, he needs to explain it in a way that doesn't imply a woman should feel pressured into having sex with him simply because he has blue balls. A woman shouldn't feel pressured into doing something against her values over this."

And if the two of you aren't there yet in terms of going all the way, sex expert Louisa Knight suggests exploring other ways of getting off together that you're more comfortable with in order to prevent blue balls. "Reframe your understanding of sex to include a variety of sexual activities, including mutual masturbation," she says. "This generally means that masturbation can be both a solitary and partnered activity, and a good way to connect sexually without full sex."

RELATED: Here's What You Need To Know About The Clitoris

If you're not on the same page sexually, Knight suggests addressing that as well in order to avoid blue balls. "Talk to your partner about why your sex drives are currently out of line, and be sensitive to that," she says. "Consider the times of day when you and partner typically have sex  are you defaulting to sex just before bed when you're both tired? Trying to find alternative times to have sex might more mutually rewarding and help you both feel more satisfied. Don't pressure a partner for sex even when you're horny  as nothing kills ardor faster than a sense of pressure and expectation."

In other words, sometimes you may need to take matters into your own hands, and simply masturbate instead.

You Might Also Dig:Junaid was killed by his sword while dancing.

A marriage function ended in a tragedy after a youth dancing in the baraat to celebrate the wedding was stabbed fatally by a sword on Friday.

The youth, identified as Hameed, died in the hospital in Hyderabad where he was admitted after the injury.

Hameed, a student of 9th standard, was performing a sword and dagger dance when he managed to stab himself with his own sharp-edged weapon.

However, no one amongst his friends or family informed the police about the incident and shifted him to a local hospital for treatment where he succumbed to injuries on Saturday.

Later, the police filed a case and arrested a person, Junaid, who is also a relative of the deceased.

The incident has shocked the city of Hyderabad where the Arabic-style marriage performance with sword dance is a socially and culturally accepted ritual.

ALSO WATCH | Daylight robbery caught on cam, men with knives snatch bikeUnfazed by fierce criticism and fears over his "mental" health, US President Donald Trump described himself as being a "genius".

"Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence," Trump tweeted.

Identifying "mental stability" and being "really smart" as his two greatest assets, Trump in a series of tweets said that winning the presidential election on his first attempt qualifies him as a "genius".

"Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames," he said.

"I went from VERY successful businessman, to top TV Star to President of the United States (on my first try)," he said.

"I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius and a very stable genius at that!" he tweeted.

Trump's tweets came in the wake of a new book titled Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, and his "nuclear button" comment on North Korea this week, following which political opponents raised questions over his mental stability and fitness.

"Ive never questioned his mental fitness. I have no reason to question his mental fitness," Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said yesterday when asked about Trump's mental fitness.

According to multiple media reports, about a dozen lawmakers from the House and Senate received a briefing from Yale psychiatrist Bandy X Lee on Capitol Hill about Trump's fitness to be President.

Twitter had a field day reacting to Trump's tweets. Here are some of the funniest reactions received on Twitter:

....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star..... - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018

I'm starting to think you have a crush on Hillary. - Sam Zimmerman is yer favrit (@Reverend_Freako) January 6, 2018

You is smart, you is special, you is important. pic.twitter.com/1LCjMENKpX - Ricardo del Villar (@radelvillar) January 6, 2018

You truly are, like, really delusion. - Gene Dalbec (@SkarlokApophas) January 6, 2018Free newsletter

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Please enter your email address below and click on Sign Up for daily newsletters from Australasian Lawyer.An American intellectual property-specialist firm has become the first foreign law firm to open its doors in Chinas Silicon Valley.Brinks Gilson & Lione an office in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province in China last month after getting approval from the government in August. The office is also the Chicago, Illinois-headquartered firms first office outside of the US.We very much look forward to offering advice and guidance to Chinese-domiciled entities on the intellectual property laws of the US, and to helping them protect their IP, said Gustavo Siller, Brinks president. We know we will serve a key role protecting the innovations of Chinese companies and defending them against assertions of infringement in the United States.Xilin Jiang, who heads Shenzhens Bureau of Justice, attended the opening ceremony. Brinks attorney, their colleagues, clients, and members of the Shenzhen technology community also attended.Guangdong Province offers remarkable opportunities, and we are very pleased to be the pioneering US law firm in this truly impressive city," said Brinks shareholder Harold Johnson. This is a great day for our firm, not only formally opening our first office outside the US, but being the very first US law firm to open an office in Shenzhen. Brinks advises Chinese clients that export to the US about US intellectual property laws, helping them protect their innovations and defending against allegations of infringement.Johnson lives in the city and is the offices managing shareholder. The office will also be staffed by Fei Hu, a Chinese native who studied in the US and was most recently senior legal counsel to chip giant ARM. He was also a lawyer for Huawei and Tencent.Brinks attorneys Siller, Yuezong Feng, and Lyle Vander Schaaf, who all represent Chinese clients, will join the office on a rotating Basis. The firm is also on the lookout for local Chinese technical and administrative talent.Founded in 1917, Brinks has more than 130 intellectual property lawyer working out of seven offices across the US.SUV

EV

However, before diving deeper into this high-riding matter, allow us to remind you that the rumor mill talks about thereceiving a new name en route to the showroom.The Goodwood-based automaker introduced this nameplate, which comes from the South African-discovered diamond on the Queen's scepter, back in 2015, but it seems we're looking at an internal name rather than a commercial one.Underneath the imposing styling cues of the SUV, we'll find a modified version of the all-aluminum platform that made its debut on the new Phantom The mix between the now-proven architecture and the body shape of the upcoming model means that occupants will get to enjoy amazing cabin room.Oh, and you shouldn't take the ample body roll showcased in the Nurburgring testing video at the bottom of the page all the seriously. Rolls-Royce machines are famous for matching supreme ride comfort with respectable handling assets, so we're expecting the production model to be more prepared for winding roads.The luxury sedan will also borrow its heart to the crossover. As such, the newcomer will be animated by a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, which will deliver the low-end torque traditionally associated with the British marque. And while RR customers have determined the company to put anyprojects on hold, the V12 we're talking about can be nearly as silent as an electric motor.We expect to see the Rolls-Royce SUV bowing in the second half of the current year, which means we have plenty of time to get our hands on fresh details.For one thing, we're not sure whether the go-fast machine will be offered under the Toyota banner, as the thing could come as a Gazoo vehicle (we're talking about the automotive producer's Gazoo Racing division). Heck, not even the Supra nameplate is certain - as we found out last year, Toyota is also considering other names.Nevertheless, we know that the Japanese newcomer shares its tech side with the 2019 BMW Z4 - while the Toyota model will come in coupe form, the Bimmer will cater to the needs of those who seek roadster driving pleasures. Both sportscars will be brought to life by the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria.The engine lineup for the Mk V Supra will be comprised of turbocharged 2.0-liter (four-cylinder) and 3.0-liter (six-pot) turbocharged engines. As for the gearbox, it's unclear whether the newcomer will be offered in both manual and automatic trim.Forum chat also mentions a hybrid range-topper and with both BMW and Toyota model ranges featuring plenty of gas-electric machines, these rumors appear to make sense. However, if this version turns out to be true, you can expect the hybrid model to debut later on in the vehicle's lifecycle.Following the introduction of the FT-1 concepts, the teasers and tons of spy material, the fifth-generation Supra is scheduled to land this year and this is enough of a reason to keep us awake at night. Meanwhile, the piece of spy footage below shows the 2019 Toyota Supra doing its thing on the Nurburgring.You see, the Ukrainian-born 24-year-old decided to replace gasoline with... bleach. In the process, he tormented the V6 hear of an Infiniti and you can now check out the result.Fortunately, the vlogger did add some motor oil before driving the car in b-mode - without this, the expected lubrication issues would've probably caused the powerplant to stall rather quickly.Of this shenanigan seems familiar, it's probably because the said vlogger isn't at his first attempt of putting the wrong liquid into the gas tank.It all started when he emptied a two-liter Coca-Cola bottle into the tank of an E46-generation BMW 3 Series Touring (think: wagon). Despite the tank being around 40 percent full, the engine quickly stalled, with the car requiring expensive repairs in order to be brought back to life.With the resulting video proving popular, the young man went on to try and destroy another Bimmer. To be more precise, he put liquid nitrogen into the tank of a Z3. However, with the said tank being at least half full, the car passed the test without showing too many signs of stress.Well, as it turns out, the YT guy paid attention to the tons of comments urging him to leave Bavarian machines alone. And while we're not expecting him to give up these stunts altogether (there are so many liquids that await), we can only wonder what brand he'll aim for next. Until we get our answer, you can check out the Chlorox ordeal of the said Infiniti in the piece of footage below.P.S.: Yes, we too can almost smell the bleach after checking out this clip.It's official: Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) has released the prices for their 2018 model year lineup. This comes after the declaration of the the new excise tax under the Republic Act 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN).

Based on the chart, a majority of Toyota's volume sellers will see a slight increase in their prices. Starting with the Vios, popular variants such as the 1.3 E A/T and 1.5 G M/T see an increase of Php 25,000 and Php 28,000 respectively. The newly-refreshed Yaris, on the other hand, also saw a dramatic price hike as the top-of-the-line 1.5 S is now retailing for Php 1,040,000 (+Php 34,000). Meanwhile, the entry-level 1.3 E M/T and CVT variants now have a sticker price of Php 927,000 and Php 857,000 (+Php 50,000).

Next comes the Fortuner with prices now starting at Php 1,592,000. Most of the 4x2 G models see a price hike of Php 127,000 while 4x2 V variants are now up by Php 73,000. As for the range-topping 4x4 V, it only gets a slight Php 17,000 price hike.

The Innova also bears significant price increases for 2018, particularly the mid-range and top-of-the-line models. Compare to 2017, the 2.8 V A/T and 2.8 G A/T now retail for Php 1,624,000 and Php 1,471,000 accordingly. The more affordable models, on the other hand, saw an increase ranging between Php 40,000 to Php 64,000 depending on the variant.

As expected, the Hilux is now more affordable as all pickups (both single and double cab body styles) are exempted from the excise tax. Both the automatic and manual versions of the 2.8 G 4x4 Hilux get a price reduction of Php 145,000. On the other hand, the 2.4 G 4x2 automatic and manual get a Php 70,000 and Php 55,000 decrease in price, respectively.

Hybrids also benefit from the new excise tax law since they only receive half of the taxes levied. The standard Prius 1.8 now has a sticker price of Php 2,205,000 (- Php 217,000) while the smaller Prius C now sells for Php 1,831,000 (Php -119,000).

SUVs such as the Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 200 also saw a siginificant price decrease for 2018. With the TRAIN law in effect, the diesel-powered 3.0-liter Prado in manual and automatic trim are now cheaper by Php 202,000. Interestingly, the gasoline-powered 4.0-liter V6 model keeps its price from 2017.

With regards to the Land Cruiser 200, a model that saw a bit of a buyer's spree in 2017, the entry-level model now retails for Php 4,284,000 which makes it Php 273,000 cheaper than before. Finally, the Premium version now sells for Php 4,650,000, making it Php 350,000 more affordable than the 2017 price.

These prices can be seen at the official website of Toyota Motors Philippines.We flew a group of customers from North Carolina to Canada for a factory visit. This was a part 91 corporate trip, in a King Air 200.When we returned several days later, our Canadian airport had turned into the ice planet of Hoth: not just snow but ice everywhere. We got clearance to taxi from ground and I was barely moving trying to steer with just differential thrust. An airport vehicle called for clearance to move and he was told to hold for the King Air taxing out. The following exchange took place.

Airport vehicle: What King Air?

Tower: I dont see him. Oh wait, there he is. He is BARELY moving

Me, in my obviously Southern drawl: Hey, we are doing the best we can!

Tower: Dont you have spikes on your tires?

Me, in an even deeper Southern drawl: Well we bought some chains, but nobody onboard knows how to put them on!

Tower: Sounds of multiple people laughing.Three arrested members of an armed opposition group that seized a police station in Yerevan in 2016 are continuing a hunger strike which they began last month in protest against their prison conditions.

One of them, Armen Bilian, was the first to start refusing food at Yerevans Nubarashen prison in mid-December. He was joined by another gunman kept there, Smbat Barseghian, shortly afterwards. Both men are demanding their transfer to another, more modern and less crowded prison located near Armavir, a town 40 kilometers west of the Armenian capital.

Bilian and Barseghian stand accused of murdering three police officers during the armed groups July 2016 standoff with Armenian security forces. The gunmen demanded that President Serzh Sarkisian free the jailed leader of their Founding Parliament movement, Zhirayr Sefilian, and step down. They laid down their weapons two weeks after storming a police compound in the citys Erebuni district.

The third prisoner, Arayik Khandoyan, went on hunger strike on December 29 in what he called a show of solidarity with his two comrades. Khandoyan began the protest after being taken to a penalty isolation ward at Nubarashen. The prison administration claimed to have found two mobile phones and bootleg alcohol in his regular cell.

Khandoyans lawyer, Ara Gharagyozian, on Monday dismissed the alcohol claim as absurd. But he admitted that his client kept the phones in breach of Armenian prison rules.

There are cellphones in all prison cells, Gharagyozian told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). Theyve just confiscated a cellphone from another client of mine and but have not transferred him to an isolation ward.

Gharagyozian insisted that Khandoyan, who remained in solitary confinement as of Monday afternoon, was punished for his defiant behavior at one of the three ongoing trials stemming from the Erebuni standoff. He accused the prison administration of keeping Khandoyan in inhuman conditions.

The isolation ward is freezing, the lawyer claimed, adding that his client complained of health problems when he visited the latter earlier in the day.

Representatives of Armenias human rights ombudsman, Arman Tatoyan, also visited and spoke to Khandoyan on Monday.By Rashid Shirinov

The deplorable state of the Armenian economy has many reasons, and the terrible corruption is one of the root causes for that. The countrys government pretends to fight against corruption, but the situation is not changing in a positive direction.

The Armenian president must leave the state power, and then necessary conditions may appear for Armenia to solve a problem of corruption, Manvel Sargsyan, director of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies, said in his recent interview with Tert.am.

The expert noted that the U.S. and Europe are tired of reiterating that corruption must be combated in Armenia, because, basically, corruption harms the state. He said that a number of high-ranking EU officials were calling for an expanded and serious fight against corruption in Armenia.

We saw the RPAs [the ruling Republican Party of Armenia] violent reaction to all this, because at first they said that such statements are aimed at interference in Armenias internal affairs, but anyway everyone realized that corruption is the main problem in the country, Manvel Sargsyan said.

Corruption was called as the key problem of the Armenia-EU agreement, as it stands at the heart of the framework agreement between Armenia and the European Union and other agreements, demanding from Armenia to fight corruption and build a judicial system.

Armenia signed the agreement, but the question is what will happen in the future, the expert said.

Commenting on the fact that Armenia will be accountable for fulfilling its obligations given considerable amounts allocated to that end, Manvel Sargsyan noted that the ruling authorities will only pretend to fight against corruption.

What will the RPA representatives be busy with? These people will try once again to derail the process. How can a person fight himself or with his essence? he exclaimed.

Today, many in Armenia are aware that the actions of the Armenian government against corruption are fake  the authorities have to imitate efforts in this direction due to their obligations before international organizations and partner countries. However, the allocated amounts themselves get stolen because the government is itself mired in corruption.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 125 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on January 8.

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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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBalrampur (UP), Jan 8 (PTI) India and Nepal have reached an agreement to resolve differences on reconstructing damaged pillars along the mutual border and clearing the encroachment on the "No Mans Land", an Indian official said here today.

The agreement was reached during a meeting of Indian and Nepalese officials at the SSB Group centre here, Balrampur District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar Misra said.

Six Nepalese officials and officials from five districts of Uttar Pradesh took part in the meeting, he said.

India and Nepal will soon start reconstructing the damaged pillars and clear the "No Mans Land" of encroachers, said Misra, the nodal officer for the Indian side.

A team to survey the border areas for the purpose has arrived in Balrampur, Misra said, adding that the work to be carried out on the border has been divided into three parts.

They include identifying the damaged pillars, reconstructing them and clearing the No Mans Land.

Misra said the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the Public Works Department, Revenue Department, and the Nepali Police will contribute to the process.

He hoped the resolution of differences will help in strengthening ties between the people of the two countries.

Hariprasad Mailani, the nodal officer of the Nepalese side, said no one will be allowed to misbehave with the Indian people and jawans in Nepal.

The SSB, which works under the the Union Home Ministry, is tasked with guarding the 1,751-km India-Nepal border.

Uttar Pradesh shares a 599.3-km open border with Nepal touching seven districts - Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Sravasti, Balrampur, Sidhharthnagar and Maharajganj. PTI COR SAB ABHBy Sara Israfilbayova

Increase in customs duties on car imports since the beginning of this year will affect current prices in the car market.

Director of the Expert Property Center Ramil Osmanli told local media that new rules will lead to a rise in car prices by 20 percent, adding that increase in customs duties will reduce imports.

This is a factor that directly leads to a narrowing of the offer and a rise in prices, while at the same time the duty will be calculated at 1.5 manats ($0.88) for each cubic centimeter of the engine, which is quite a high figure leading to an increase in prices for cars by at least 15-20 percent, the expert stated.

Marketing manager of Sirena Motors (official representative of Chinese automobile brands) Eyyub Aliyev said that increase in customs duties will affect only cars that will be imported since February.

Negotiations with the plants are currently underway. We are trying to get discounts on cars in order to avoid high premiums in addition to new duties. If earlier we bought a car for 18,000 manats ($10,500) and sold for 21,000 manats ($12,300), now we are trying to buy for 17,000 manats ($9,900) to sell at least for 21,500 manats ($12,600), Aliyev noted.

In accordance with the Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activity of Azerbaijan, Import Rates of Customs Duties and Export Customs Duties approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan on November 17, 2017, since January 1, the customs duty for imported cars has increased by 70 percent on average.

Azerbaijan, currently working to develop its car manufacturing industry and encouraging interior purchases within the country, now is operating with different courtiers to develop its own automobile manufacturing market.

Currently, the country plans to produce cars jointly with Iran and will soon launch manufacture of cars in the Neftchala Industrial District. The plant will operate on the basis of joint project of AzEuroCar LLC and Irans largest car manufacturer Iran Khodro. The plant was due to open in June, but because of the cold winter there were delays in the plant's construction. The opening is rescheduled for August.

The plant with a capacity of about 10,000 cars per year initially will produce four Iranian car brands  Dena, Runna, Soren and Samand.

Production of some spare parts is planned in local factories. For this, proposals will be made to the plants and if the plants receive positive feedback from the Iranian company, then the production of spare parts will launch.

The plant intends to cooperate with the Sumgayit Industrial Park and SOCARs new plant. Some 20 percent of the vehicles will be exported to CIS and Central Asian countries.

Speaking about how the plant will get a share in the local market, Azeurocars representative said the plant will produce the cheapest cars.

The price of new cars will be 10,000-12,000 manats ($5,800-7,000). The cars produced at the plant will meet Euro 5 standard.

First cars of Azerbaijan-Iran joint car plant are planned to be manufactured beginning from 2018.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Estonia can join to the international transport route North-South, Estonia's charge d'affaires ad interim in Azerbaijan Indrek Kiverik said, Estonian media reported.

For Azerbaijan, Estonia is a jump ramp into the Scandinavian market. On the other hand, Azerbaijan is a possible ramp for our businessmen towards the market of Iran, Near East and India. We are pleased with the fact that Azerbaijan is building both a political and a railway contact with Iran. If this route works, for our investors and entrepreneurs will be very easy to reach the mentioned markets right through Azerbaijan, he said.

Kiverik noted that the volume of Azerbaijani export to Estonia is increasing and economic cooperation is progressing well.

The turnover is small, even slight I would say. As far as Azerbaijans investments into Estonia are concerned, they are growing. It happens because the number of Azerbaijani entrepreneurs opening offices in Estonia is getting higher. They are engaged in logistics, consulting services, IT, wholesale distribution and restaurant business, Kiverik said.

The International North-South Transport Corridor is meant to connect Northern Europe with Southeast Asia. It will serve as a link connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. At the initial stage, it is planned to transport 5 million tons of cargo per year through the corridor and more than 10 million tons of cargo in the future.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Rashid Shirinov

The cooperation between the High-Tech Park of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and the China-Russia Innovation Tech Park, which was established last year, is going to reach a new level. Azerbaijans High-Tech Park will create a portal that will become a platform for establishing business relations between Chinese and Azerbaijani entrepreneurs.

Employees of Azerbaijans High-Tech Park will visit the China-Russia Innovation Tech Park located in Yantai, China in January 2018 to thoroughly study the format of cooperation, the High-Tech Park told Trend on December 28.

Earlier, the management of the China-Russia Innovation Tech Park visited Azerbaijans High Tech Park, where the sides discussed prospects of cooperation between the two high-tech parks and signed a memorandum of cooperation.

According to the memorandum, the sides jointly implement scientific and technical programs and innovative projects. Moreover, joint laboratories, scientific, technical and innovation centers are planned to be established, as well as mutual visits are expected to be organized.

The China-Russia Innovation Tech Park has rich experience of cooperation with post-Soviet countries and offers residents joint innovation development in China. It has 350 residents, which work on the creation of new materials, biopharmaceuticals, integration of electronic and mechanical systems as well as highly efficient agriculture.

Cooperation between Azerbaijani and Chinese entrepreneurs was also discussed during the opening of a technology transfer center at the High-Tech Park in November. The sides discussed the deployment of LED lamp and lithium-ion battery production in Azerbaijan. National entrepreneurs were invited to China to review the production capacities.

The High-Tech Park of the ANAS was established in 2016. The Park provides the necessary infrastructure and material and technical basis for carrying out scientific researches and experimental design works and their application in industrial, service and other spheres.

In general, Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries implementing high technology in the region. Investment in the development of the ICT sector in Azerbaijan is expected to rise to $4 billion by 2020. Today, the country constructs high tech parks in the capital and in regions.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Sara Israfilbayova

A meeting with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Tajikistan to Azerbaijan Rustam Soli was held at the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC on January 8.

The company reported that chairman of the organization Rauf Valiyev informed the guest about the work carried out in the field of sea transport in Azerbaijan, achievements in the modernization of the fleet, contribution to the development of transport corridors of the republic.

Soli closely acquainted with the transit capabilities of the Shipping Company. He noted that Tajikistan is interested in transporting goods to international markets through the Caspian Sea.

The sides exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral cooperation.

Diplomatic relations between the countries were established on 21 October, 1992.

The Azerbaijani Embassy in Dushanbe was opened on September 22, 2007. The Embassy of Tajikistan in Baku has been functioning since March 23, 2008.

The main areas of economic cooperation are the agro-industrial complex, non-ferrous metallurgy, light industry, transport, etc. A significant part of the volume of goods turnover is produced by the Tajik Aluminium Company (TALCO).

In the framework of the agreement between the Defense Ministries of the two countries, students from Tajikistan annually study in higher educational institutions of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. Currently, more than 20 Tajik students receive education in the leading universities of Azerbaijan.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Aygul Salmanova

The number of patients suffering from the advanced stage of tuberculosis and its widespread form has decreased twice since 2010, from 7.6 percent to 3.4 percent in Azerbaijan.

Tuberculosis, second only to HIV/AIDS as the greatest killer worldwide from a single infectious agent, is one of the most common infectious diseases, causing significant damage to the economy due to high levels of temporary and permanent patient disability, and mortality.

In recent years, there have been positive changes in the dynamics of the disease of tuberculosis, the press service of the Azerbaijan Health Ministry told Trend.

If in 2010 there were 53 cases registered for every 100,000 of the population, this figure has now dropped to 39. The number of primary cases of tuberculosis detected in Azerbaijan decreased by 21 percent.

As a result of intensive treatment and provision of patients with drugs, the number of deaths from this disease is decreasing. In 2010, the death rate per 100,000 population was 7.9, whereas in 2016 this figure had decreased to 4.6.

It was possible to achieve positive results in the fight against tuberculosis, resistant to drugs. If in 2007 the rate of primary patients in Azerbaijan, suffering from this form of the disease, was the highest among European countries, now this figure has almost halved among primary and re-converted patients.

The Azerbaijani government provides special attention to people who are suffering from tuberculosis and makes every effort to treat them.

The country started to combat tuberculosis in 1995, while implementing a strategy in the countrys prisons, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The law On Combating Tuberculosis was adopted in Azerbaijan in 2000.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has also approved a plan of action on anti-tuberculosis measures for 2016-2020. The program aims to prevent the spread of the disease and to reduce the number of tuberculosis-related deaths, as well as to strengthen logistics of tuberculosis treatment centers, to improve the supply of patients with medications, and to raise public awareness of the disease.

The treatment of tuberculosis patients is being carried out at the states expense, regardless of the stage of the disease.

Azerbaijans Scientific Research Institute of Lung Diseases fulfills all the requirements and recommendations of the WHO.

--

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

The first protest meeting in 2018 in Bishkek was the protest of employees of the Center for Family Medicine No. 1 in Bishkek in front of the building of the Ministry of Health. The protesters demand to dismiss their director from office, Kabar reports.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Health, some 15 people gathered to express their protest. The leadership of the Ministry of Health is ready to hold a dialogue and take measures to resolve this situation as soon as possible, the report said.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari-Dowlatabadi has said that 70 suspect rioters have been released on bail after interrogation over the past 48 hours, Mizan news agency reported.

Media reports suggest that security officials have detained at least 1000 rioters during the last weeks unrests in Iran.

Iran saw turmoil and political unrests in several cities across the country which eventually took the lives of at least 21, including the law enforcement forces.

The unrests began after some groups joined demonstrations to protest against high prices but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.

Jafari-Dowlatabadi further blamed the US for plotting the riots which were planned to overthrow the countrys political establishment within 40 days.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Iran has banned the teaching of English in primary schools, a senior education official said, after the countrys Supreme Leader said early learning of the language opened the way to a Western cultural invasion, Reuters reported.

Teaching English in government and non-government primary schools in the official curriculum is against laws and regulations, Mehdi Navid-Adham, head of the state-run High Education Council, told state television late on Saturday.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Kamila Aliyeva

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) plans to open its office in Tashkent, the organizations regional director on the CIS countries Manish Mohan said, Jahon news reported.

The fact that the Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed to declare 2018 as the Year of Support of Active Business, Innovative Ideas and Technologies in Uzbekistan was of particular interest, according to the director.

We are ready to actively cooperate with Uzbek partners in this direction. In order to deepen cooperation with the country, the CII intends to open its office in Tashkent, he said.

CII, being India's leading economic organization, brings together over 8,000 members from the private and public sectors, including small and medium-sized businesses, as well as transnational corporations.

The priority tasks set by the Uzbek leader in the economic sphere, in particular, the creation of an effective system for attracting foreign investments and credits, the introduction of an innovative development program, and the stimulation of entrepreneurial activity reflect the firm focus of President Mirziyoyev on achieving real and sustainable results, the representative of one of the largest business associations in India noted.

Today Uzbekistan is rapidly changing, especially in the economic sphere as the country is entering a new reality, according to Birendra Madhukar, Secretary General of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce.

The issue of creating the most favorable conditions for entrepreneurial and investment activity acquires a high priority. At the same time, the country's economic system is becoming more transparent, which plays an important role in attracting investment and ensuring fair competition for economic development, he said.

In 2016 the trade turnover increased by 15 percent and reached $366 million. However, this indicator is far below the potential of the two countries, as Uzbekistan and India are able to increase the volumes and diversify the structure of the mutual trade.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Kamila Aliyeva

Housing prices in Kazakhstan have not changed much during the two last months of 2017 although the increase in prices is obvious when compared to 2016.

The average cost of 1 square meter of new housing in Kazakhstan amounted to 253,242 tenge in December and has not changed compared to the previous month, according to the Committee on Statistics under the Kazakh National Economy Ministry.

The price has risen by 1.3 percent compared to December 2016.

The average resale price of 1 square meter of well-maintained housing in December stood at the level of 185,666 tenge, thus remaining unchanged from the previous month and 1.6 percent less than in December last year.

The resale price of 1 square meter of ill-equipped housing averaged to 114,496 tenge that is 0.8 percent lower than in December 2016.

The average rental price of 1 square meter of well-maintained housing in Kazakhstan last month amounted to 1,329 tenge that is 1.1 percent higher than in the previous month and 3.8 percent higher than in late 2016.

Previously, Kazakhstan has experienced a sharp decline of the real estate market due to adverse external conditions. Devaluation of the national currency, along with a decrease in real wages and purchasing power affected the demand side, while slight overinvestment and high exposure to currency risks shocked the supply.

In January-May 2017, the cost of new housing as compared to the same period of 2016 has decreased by 3.2 percent. Over the year the resale prices have fallen by 3.1 percent for well-maintained housing. However, the resale cost of ill-equipped housing has not changed much. In this regard, the number of deals for apartment purchase and sale in Kazakhstan has grown by 30 percent this year.

In the same period, about 63,000 deals for purchase of apartments have been made in Kazakhstan (14,400 more than a year before).

The Kazakh government is committed to resolving current issues on the real estate market with massive programs, which aim to provide affordable housing, including rental, refinancing foreign currency mortgages and stimulating construction of infrastructure for individual housing construction.

Cost of living in Kazakhstan is 4.24 percent higher than in Azerbaijan while rent is 2.43 percent higher than in Azerbaijan.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Jan 8 (PTI) The Islamic State (IS) militant group poses a major threat to Pakistan and is alarmingly increasing its presence in the country, according to a think- tank report.

Pakistan has been denying that ISIS had an organised presence in the country, however, even though the terrorist group has claimed responsibility for several other attacks in Baluchistan in recent years.

The security report by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) yesterday stated that the IS, especially active in northern Sindh and Balochistan, was also behind the abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals last year, Dawn News reported.

The PIPS shared the findings of its security analysis titled Special Report 2017, providing an insight into security challenges of Pakistan.

"Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jamaatul Ahrar and others with similar objectives perpetrated 58 per cent attacks, while 37 per cent and 5 per cent of the attacks were carried out by nationalist insurgents and violent sectarian groups respectively," it said.

The report has also highlighted that Baloch nationalist- insurgent groups, especially Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front were only second to TTP as far as the their threat capability was concerned.

The report also noted the alarming increase in the footprint of ISIS, especially in Balochistan and northern Sindh as it carried out the deadliest attacks in those provinces. It said that footprints of ISIS was increasing and it "killed 153 in 6 deadliest attacks".

It said "down 16 per cent from the year before, 370 terrorist attacks took place in Pakistan (in 2017), killing 815 and injuring 1,736 people."

It said that Balochistan and tribal region remained critical areas with 288 and 253 terrorism-related killings, respectively, in 2017.

The report said that security forces and law enforcement agencies killed 524 militants in military/security operations as well as armed clashes and encounters.

It also reported that Pakistans National Security Policy is set to be released in 2018 and it will take into account especially global and regional scenarios, including the evolving Pakistan-US relations. PTI SH AMSBy Aygul Salmanova

How is the beauty of a city defined? Probably by its nature, art, architecture, people, etc. Some cities are famous for their remarkable architecture, some for picturesque nature, others for their admirable art samples. Whatever form of beauty speaks to you, there is no doubt that you will enjoy your time in Sheki.

Nasib Imamaliyev, head of the Sheki Tourism Information Center, said that factors attracting foreign tourists in Sheki included the majority of historical monuments, the citys ancient history, ancient art samples, urban flora and fauna, geographical location, cuisine (mainly sweets), hospitality, cheerfulness and sense of humor of Sheki people.

Imamaliyev noted that in recent years there has been an increase in the number of tourists coming to the city. Until the end of the Soviet era, the number of tourists had been increasing dramatically. Over the next 8-10 years it rose much more frequently and had still been growing, he said.

The number of tourists visiting Sheki in 2017 was much higher compared with previous years, he mentioned: This number is expected to increase in the coming years.

Imamaliyev noted that Sheki had been a transit zone from the Georgian border to Baku throughout the long history. He said that Sheki was a region, which tourists used as a place to stay for a couple of days and then continue their trip to or from Georgia, Baku and other regions.

The main reason for the development of the tourism sector and the increase of the number of tourists visiting Sheki is the fact that the region is stable. Tourists do not travel to places where there is no stability. In addition, the development and rising interest of foreigners in Azerbaijan, advertisements, increasing popularity of Azerbaijan in the world also contribute to this trend, he noted.

The inclusion of the city to UNESCO Creative Cities Network will lead to its further recognition and popularity around the world, Imamaliyev added.

Earlier in November 2017 Sheki became a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, an association supporting the formation of a network with the aim of promoting international cooperation between cities.

He noted that tourists from all over the world - Europe, Asia, and America - visit Sheki. Recently, however, there is an increase in the number of Arab tourists. In general, tourists from 40 to 50 countries visit Sheki every year.

The most visited places in Sheki are Sheki Khan's Palace (Yuxari Bash Reserve), museums, Alban Temple in the village Kish, Shakikhanovs House Museum, and Bazar, he said.

Touching upon the interesting places to visit in Sheki, Imamaliyev said that there was a Labyrinth or the so-called Eternal Silence World (bdi Sukut Dunyas), a very ancient underground museum, which attracted the attention of foreign tourists. Those who like horses can visit the center of horseback riding in Sheki, he added.

The head of the center noted that the most elite dish in Sheki is Piti. It is almost a brand. I remember a time when I met a German tourist in the airport in Baku. He told me that he wanted to eat Piti in Sheki, he said.

Imamaliyev said that the city was also famous for its sweets. We always serve our tourists tea and Sheki halvasi or with rose water after the lunch or dinner, he noted.

He also said that there were still many unexplored places in the city: There are many historical monuments in Sheki. For instance, there are ancient Albanian temples in the villages. There are many breathtaking and interesting places to go in the mountains. Great Albanian temples exist in the villages Orta Zayzid and Dashbulaq.

Imamaliyev also touched upon the ancient history of Sheki.

It is believed that Sheki has a 3,000 years history. However, the city traces its origins back to more ancient times. Researches carried out also show that the city has a very old history. It had its own state, and coins. About 3,700 years old samovar (heated metal container traditionally used to heat and boil water), a jug-like vessel with a funnel in the middle, was found in Sheki, which shows that the city is older than assumed.

Sheki, located on the picturesque hillsides of the Caucasus Mountains, in the background of snowy peaks is one of the country's main tourist destinations, hosting more than 100,000 tourists every year.

The city is a real natural wonder with its beautiful landscapes, mineral water springs, forests and rivers.

Beautiful Sheki can also be called the architectural reserve of the country, since the city has 84 historical and cultural monuments. Archaeological findings suggest that the city might be one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus.

Modern Sheki was actually rebuilt in 1772 after the city was destroyed by mud streams - River Kish. Annually, Sheki becomes a place for international and local festivals which attract many people.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Aygul Salmanova

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africas first and largest low-cost carrier, will launch a new route to Azerbaijan, flying to the popular touristic city of Gabala from June 27, the Arab media reported on January 8.

The flights will be operated three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing Sharjah International Airport at 13:00 (GMT +4) and arriving at Gabala International Airport at 16:10 (GMT +4). The return flight will depart Gabala at 17:15 landing in Sharjah at 19:50.

Adel Al Ali, group chief executive officer of Air Arabia, said that Gabala is a sought-after destination and is highly appealing to people in the Gulf region.

Our flights to Gabala increase the offering of affordable travel to passengers in the Gulf and Azerbaijan, and boost our network in the Caucasus region, he said.

Air Arabia currently operates flights on 133 routes across the globe from five hubs located in the Middle East and North Africa. The airway currently serves Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, with daily flights.

Speaking of tourists visiting Azerbaijan, it is impossible to avoid the growing number of tourists coming from Muslim countries. And due to the influx of Muslim guests, the country now is considering to develop halal tourism, a sub-category of tourism that is aligned with the laws and traditions of Islam.

The Culture and Tourism Ministry previously reported that the number of visitors to Azerbaijan amounted to about 2.5 million people during 11 months of 2017. Of these, 87,215 were citizens of the United Arab Emirates.

It should be particularly mentioned that Azerbaijan has lately became the most favorite place for travel of many Arab tourists. The majority of them are from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Iraq.

Short distance between Azerbaijan and their countries is one of the reasons of such a great tourist growth. In the 2016 survey of GMTI covering 130 tourist destinations, Azerbaijan, has ranked 20th among the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Additionally, there is a visa-free regime for persons with diplomatic and service passports, and since 2015, the UAE citizens has been visiting Azerbaijan on the basis of a simplified visa system. They can obtain an entry visa, valid for 30 days stay, at any international airport in Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, the cause of massive growth of Arab tourists is due to the country's security and safety, as well as in multicultural values.

Another reason for the launch of this new route connecting Gabala with the Gulf region is the fact that the city is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Azerbaijan. Gabala, with its beautiful waterfalls, streams and emerald green forests, has turned into one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the region. The abundance of attractions, natural paradise and well developed infrastructure attract thousands of tourists.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzThe American Association of Nurse Anesthetists awarded the late Arthur Zwerling, DNP, DAAPM, MSN, MS, CRNA, its highest honor, The Agatha Hodgins Award for Outstanding Accomplishment.

Here's what you should know:

1. The family of Mr. Zwerling will accept the award at the AANA Nurse Anesthesia Annual Congress in Seattle, Sept. 8 to Sept. 12.

2. Former AANA President Terry Wicks, CRNA, said in a release, "Though Arts sphere of influence extended to nearly every corner of the nurse anesthesia community, he will most vividly be remembered for his work in the recovering community, and for promoting wellness in the nurse anesthesia profession."

3. Mr. Zwerling served for 16 years on AANA's peer assistance advisory committee. He was the committee's chair for four years.

4. He volunteered more than 1,400 hours to save people suffering from substance abuse disorders.

5. Mr. Zwerling established and moderated an online forum dedicated to anesthetists in recovery and he developed a group for the partners of the addicts.

6. He ran a successful campaign to have curriculum modules on wellness added to AANA's online learning system.Tampa, Fla.-based Physician Partners of America will open its eleventh pain clinic in Wellington, Fla., Jan. 15.

Here's what you should know:

1. Physician Partners specializes in using alternatives to narcotic pain relievers through the use of interventional pain management.

2. Alejandro Tapia, MD, will supervise the new clinic, while continuing to see patients at PPOA's Boynton Beach, Fla.-based location.

3. Company President and COO Tracie Lawson said, "Interventional pain management is the least talked-about option for pain relief, but one of the most effective. It can prevent addiction to narcotic pain medication in the first place."

4. In addition to the group's Florida locations, PPOA provides pain services at several Texas-based clinics.



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USPI, Hospital for Special Surgery partner to open Florida ASC: 5 things to know

Inland Real Estate purchases 2nd MOB with ASC this week

Radiology Partners eyes California market entry through partnership  5 insights



A recent rise in "alternative work arrangements"  such as independent contractors, on-call workers and temps  is poised to fundamentally change the American employment landscape, according to a recent Politico analysis by assistant editor Danny Vinik.

In the decade between 2005 and 2015, the number of people employed in alternative work arrangements increased by 9 million, accounting for 16 percent of all U.S. workers. Alternative work arrangements, also referred to as the "contingent workforce" by many economists, contrast traditional full-time employment, which declined by 400,000 workers during the same period.

As an example of the changing employment landscape, Mr. Vinik investigated a 2013 decision by Pittsburgh-based UPMC to outsource its medical transcription workforce to Nuance Communications, a Burlington, Mass.-based voice and language solutions provider.

Here are six takeaways from the Politico analysis.

1. In 2013, a UPMC representative told roughly 130 medical transcriptionists  whose jobs comprised transcribing audio recordings from physicians into written reports  their positions would be outsourced to a third-party contractor.

2. The unidentified UPMC representative reportedly told the employees the contractor, Nuance, would rehire them for the same positions and pay. However, the employees later learned the companies' agreement to pay employees the same hourly rate only applied during their first three months at Nuance. If the employees declined the offer to work for Nuance, they would not be eligible for unemployment insurance.

3. One former UPMC medical transcriptionist, Diana Borland, told Politico after her first three months at Nuance, employees were paid six cents for each line transcribed. Ms. Borland, who had 13 years of medical transcription experience, said she had earned $19 per hour at UPMC. Her first paycheck with the per-line rate at Nuance was under $6.36 per hour.

4. UPMC told Politico the decision to outsource medical transcription served as a way to save these employees' positions given that the health system's demand for transcriptionists declined after implementing new voice-recognition technology.

"Traditional transcription volume at UPMC declined steadily while transcriptionist productivity increased, allowing UPMC in 2013 to reduce transcriptionist staff through normal attrition," a UPMC spokesperson told Becker's Hospital Review in an emailed statement Jan. 8. "While the implementation would have eventually led to significant reductions in transcriptionists, in an effort to provide longer term employment opportunities for these staff, UPMC elected to outsource the transcription function to Nuance and arranged for Nuance to offer employment to the UPMC transcriptionists."

5. Eric Tinch, vice president of global operations for Nuance Healthcare Solutions, told Politico in a statement the company offers "a highly competitive benefit package to full-time and progressive part-time employees who work more than 32 hours per week." The UPMC spokesperson also told Becker's Hospital Review Nuance "further agreed to recognize employees' years of service with UPMC in relation to pension vesting and vacation allotments."

6. Across the U.S., contingent workers in the healthcare support sector  which includes positions like medical transcriptionists  rose from 9.5 percent in 2005 to 17.9 percent in 2015. Politico noted an employee's shift from full-time employment to contract work not only tends to carry lower wages, but often forgoes workplace protections like minimum wage, health insurance and pensions.

To access the Politico analysis, click here.The University of New Mexico and its medical school recently settled a lawsuit filed in 2011 over the university's alleged mishandling of a reported rape. The anesthesiology department's chair said the settlement caused department faculty to forgo their year-end bonuses, according to NM Political Report.

The plaintiff, a former UNM anesthesiology resident, sued the medical school in 2011 for violating the New Mexico Human Rights Act and the New Mexico Whistleblower Protection Act when the university dismissed her from its anesthesiology residency program.

The plaintiff said the university fired her after she reported a fellow resident raped her. UNM claimed they fired the plaintiff for a prescription drug problem and poor work performance, not for reporting a rape.

Here are five things to know about the settlement and its resulting repercussions on faculty compensation.

1. UNM settled the lawsuit in November for an undisclosed amount. Shortly after, Hugh Martin, MD, anesthesiology chair at the UNM Health Sciences Center, informed department faculty that the cost of the settlement effectively negated their bonuses. "I regret to inform the faculty that due to the recent legal settlement with the former dismissed problem resident, [the plaintiff], the Department had to reallocate the monies I had planned to use for a retention bonus to pay the settlement legal costs to" the plaintiff and her attorney, Dr. Martin wrote in an email to the department. He referred to the plaintiff by name.

2. The retention bonuses Dr. Martin referred to in the email are part of the medical school's incentive pay program, where faculty receive bonuses based on performance, UNM Health Sciences Center spokeswoman Alex Sanchez told NM Political Report. A portion of a faculty member's pay is held at risk and only given if they meet specific performance-based metrics, which include research, clinical and instructional activities. Each department manages its incentive compensation program differently, according to a statement. The UNM Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine lists 46 faculty members, but it is not clear how many faculty members have lost their bonuses.

3. The settlement used funds from the anesthesiology department rather than impacting a risk fund or insurance policy, according to Ms. Sanchez. The university did not release specific dollar amounts or details due to the confidentiality of the settlement, according to a statement.

4. UNM's policy on paying for legal settlements does not indicate where the money comes from. However, it is not unheard of for an individual department to cover the costs of settlements, Ms. Sanchez said.

5. Although the anesthesiology department was responsible for paying a portion of the settlement, the department does not appear to be responsible for the university's legal fees in litigating the case.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 4:16 p.m. CST Jan. 8.Illinois' Cook County laid off more than 300 employees Friday, including five drug and alcohol counselors at Chicago-based John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, according to ABC 7.

The five counselor layoffs come amid the county's plans to cut 34 workers at Cook County Health and Hospitals System, of which Stroger Hospital is a part.

County officials revealed the layoff plans in November following budget cuts.

"When the Board unanimously approved the 2018 budget, it required more than $200 million in spending cuts to make up for repealed revenue [from the sweetened beverage tax] and to meet the county's obligation of balancing its budget annually," Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement Friday, according to ABC 7. "Because approximately 80 percent of the county's spending is related to personnel costs, losing revenue and balancing the budget unfortunately meant that some County employees would be subject to layoffs this fiscal year."

The 34 total health system layoffs primarily affect licensed practical nurses.

A hospital spokesperson said individuals affected by the layoffs have had the opportunity to fill an open position they qualify for. Additionally, "the responsibilities of the roles eliminated will be absorbed elsewhere in the health system to ensure continuity in delivery of care," the spokesperson told Becker's via email.

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Federation of American Hospitals taps CHS CEO to serve as board chair: 3 pointsAs you get ready for a busy week, here are five articles you must read to catch up on all the latest healthcare news.

1. 10 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements

From a North Carolina hospital's former finance director allegedly stealing more than $3 million to pharmacies accused of failing to report accurate drug prices to government payers, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.

2. Public perception of the opioid crisis: 6 key findings from 7 national polls



To assess the public's perception of the nation's ongoing opioid overdose and addiction crisis, two public health researchers with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston analyzed findings from seven national polls conducted in 2013, 2016 and 2017.

3. 6 things to know about potential Medicaid work requirement rules

Rules for Medicaid work requirements are forthcoming, according to The Hill.

4. Digital health startups raised $11.5B in 2017, a new record high: 6 things to know

With midterm elections on the horizon and healthcare politics in the headlines, physicians should consider their role in discussing politics with patients.

5. CVS Health, Aetna in discussions with other potential partners during merger talks: 4 takeaways

CVS Health and Aetna were talking with other potential parties amid early discussions of their $69 billion deal, inked Dec. 3, Bloomberg reports.Mitchell H. Katz, MD, president and CEO of New York City-based NYC Health + Hospitals, said the public healthcare network must focus on improving its primary care initiatives to combat shrinking federal and state funds and declining patient populations, among other challenges.

Dr. Katz, who began his dual appointment as president and CEO Monday, spoke to The New York Times about his goals for the system and how his past experience at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services will inform his decision making at NYC Health + Hospitals.

Here are four takeaways from The New York Times report.

1. Dr. Katz highlighted the importance of maintaining public institutions such as NYC Health + Hospitals, a system comprising 11 hospitals, five nursing facilities, 70-plus community-based healthcare centers and clinics and approximately 40,000 employees.

"I'm all about trying to strengthen public hospitals," Dr. Katz told The New York Times. "Public hospitals are incredibly precious. If you don't look out for them, they'll disappear."

2. Dr. Katz said NYC Health + Hospitals faces a number of similar challenges he encountered while serving as director of the LACDHS, such as declining reimbursements and patient populations. NYC Health + Hospitals is one of the state's largest providers of healthcare to uninsured patients. Thirty-seven percent of the estimated 1.1 million patients who visited the system during the 2017 fiscal year were uninsured, according to a management report released by the New York City mayor's office and cited by The New York Times.

3. Dr. Katz said he inherited a $250 million budget when he started as head of the LACDHS in 2011, but left the agency with a $560 million surplus. The key to his success, he claims, was shifting the agency's focus toward outpatient services.

"It's all about providing primary care," he said. "When you take care of people over time your own involvement with them is healing, and you don't have to do as many tests to get to the answer because you know the person."

4. Dr. Katz said he also plans to expand the system's use of eConsult, an electronic health management system, to streamline care and reduce wait times for specialty appointments. He said he will also evaluate staff allocation and may consider decreasing administrative services to increase savings and revenue, the report states.

To access the full New York Times report, click here.Though Pakistan government has denied the presence of the Islamic State (IS) on its soil, a leading think-tank here has warned that the dreaded terror outfit is alarmingly increasing its presence, posing a major threat to the country.

The security report by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) yesterday stated that the IS, especially active in northern Sindh and Balochistan, was also behind the abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals last year, Dawn News reported.

The PIPS shared the findings of its security analysis titled Special Report 2017, providing an insight into security challenges of Pakistan.

Pakistan has been denying that ISIS had an organised presence in the country, however, even though the terrorist group has claimed responsibility for several other attacks in Balochistan in recent years.

"Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jamaatul Ahrar and others with similar objectives perpetrated 58 per cent attacks, while 37 per cent and 5 per cent of the attacks were carried out by nationalist insurgents and violent sectarian groups respectively," it said.

The report has also highlighted that Baloch nationalist- insurgent groups, especially Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front were only second to TTP as far as the their threat capability was concerned.

The report also noted the alarming increase in the footprint of ISIS, especially in Balochistan and northern Sindh as it carried out the deadliest attacks in those provinces. It said that footprints of ISIS was increasing and it "killed 153 in 6 deadliest attacks".

It said "down 16 per cent from the year before, 370 terrorist attacks took place in Pakistan (in 2017), killing 815 and injuring 1,736 people."

It said that Balochistan and tribal region remained critical areas with 288 and 253 terrorism-related killings, respectively, in 2017.

It also reported that Pakistan's National Security Policy is set to be released in 2018 and it will take into account especially global and regional scenarios, including the evolving Pakistan-US relations.

The report also noted that compared to 2016, a significant surge of 131 per cent was witnessed during 2017 in cross-border attacks from Pakistan's borders with Afghanistan, India and Iran.

A total of 171 cross-border attacks claimed 188 lives and injured 348 others.

Furthermore, security forces and law enforcement agencies killed a total of 524 militants in 2017, compared to 809 in 2016, in 75 military/security operations as well as 68 armed clashes and encounters with militants reported from across four provinces and FATA.

ALSO WATCH | India Today goes inside ISIS recruitment roomSunshine Bodey claims her son was denied a life-saving heart transplant at their local Oregon hospital because of his autism, and he would have died if she and her family had not been able to find a hospital in California willing to operate on him, according to an op-ed in The Oregonian.

Ms. Bodey writes the hospital told her no facility would ever agree to operate on her son, who is unable to communicate verbally and has sensory and motor difficulties. However, Palo Alto, Calif.-based Lucile Packard Children's Hospital said they would accept him as a patient though it was unclear if he would be able to survive the flight from Oregon to California. After multiple open heart surgeries, he eventually underwent a heart transplant and recovered successfully.

Ms. Bodey argues that although her son's case had a happy ending, it is indicative of problems that many autistic and other developmentally disabled patients face when they are in need of organ transplants.

"Transplant programs are given wide latitude in deciding whether to take a patient's disability into account. A 2008 study by the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics found that 43 percent of the 50 pediatric heart, liver and kidney transplant programs surveyed always or usually considered neurodevelopmental delays, while 39 percent rarely or never did," Ms. Bodey wrote in The Oregonian.

While the American with Disabilities Act created rules outlawing discrimination, Ms. Bodey said states must focus more on enforcing these rules.The following healthcare mergers, acquisitions, partnerships and general transactions took place or were announced during the past week.

1. Tenet to divest Missouri hospital

Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare entered into a definitive agreement Jan. 5 to sell St. Louis-based Des Peres Hospital and other Tenet-owned physician practices and hospital-affiliated operations in the area to St. Luke's Hospital, a 493-bed facility in Chesterfield, Mo.

2. UnityPoint Health-Des Moines affiliates with Grinnell Regional: 3 things to know

UnityPoint Health-Des Moines (Iowa) and Grinnell (Iowa) Regional Medical Center, in partnership with the Iowa City-based University of Iowa Health Care, announced their finalized affiliation Jan. 3.

3. Tenet, Baylor Scott & White restructure joint venture: 4 things to know

Tenet Healthcare and Baylor Scott & White Health have signed a definitive agreement to dissolve a joint venture the two Dallas-based health systems finalized two years ago.

4. Illinois OKs BJC HealthCare's 2-hospital takeover plan

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare's petition to gain control of two Illinois hospitals Dec. 29.

5. SSM Health completes sponsorship transfer of 2 Wisconsin health facilities

St. Louis-based SSM Health and the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes completed the sponsorship transfer of two Wisconsin-based health organizations Jan. 4.

6. UNC Health Care finalizes purchase, rebrands bankrupt North Carolina hospital

Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health Care completed its purchase of bankrupt Eden, N.C.-based Morehead Memorial Hospital Jan. 1.

7. Bozeman Health buys private practice at Big Sky Resort

Bozeman (Mont.) Health finalized its acquisition of The Medical Clinics of Big Sky (Mont.) Jan. 1.

8. Real estate investment trust sells 20 Genesis facilities for $103M

Sabra Health Care REIT on Dec. 22 completed the sale of 20 skilled nursing facilities leased to Kennett Square, Pa.-based Genesis HealthCare.

9. CoxHealth completes acquisition of 6th hospital

Springfield, Mo.-based CoxHealth finalized the acquisition of its sixth hospital  Lamar, Mo.-based Barton County Memorial Hospital  Jan. 1.

10. MetroHealth seeks strategic partnership after 'extraordinary year'

Cleveland-based MetroHealth will seek out a third-party adviser to assist in the search for a strategic partner during the course of the next year.

11. St. Luke's University Health Network, Blue Mountain Health finalize merger

Blue Mountain Health System, a two-hospital system in Lehighton, Pa., finalized its merger with St. Luke's University Health Network, a seven-hospital system in Bethlehem, Pa., Dec. 31.

12. Hackensack Meridian Health to combine with JFK Health, become largest health system in NJ

Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health revealed plans to combine operations with Edison-based JFK Health Jan. 3. The merger will make Hackensack Meridian the largest health system in New Jersey.

13. ProMedica finalizes acquisition of Michigan hospital

Toledo, Ohio-based ProMedica completed its acquisition of Coldwater, Mich.-based Community Health Center of Branch County Jan. 1.Methodist Dallas Medical Center is diverting nonemergency patients to other local hospitals due to an influx of flu cases, according to NBC DFW.

The hospital diverted nonemergency patients to prioritize care for patients experiencing trauma, stroke and other emergencies.Hospital officials are urging patients with flu-like symptoms to visit urgent care locations or their primary care physician.

"Consistent with federal and state laws, Methodist Dallas Medical Center is currently re-routing nonemergency patients due to high volumes of patients with flu-like symptoms," the hospital said in a statement, according to NBC DFW. "This measure is so we can still take care of emergency patients such as trauma, stroke, and those transferred by ambulance. We take this very seriously because we want to be able to treat anyone in need anytime."

On Jan 10, Methodist sent an updated statement to Becker's Hospital Review emphasizing patients were not turned away from the hospital.

"Methodist Dallas Medical Center [is] no longer at critical capacity and resumed receiving all patients coming in by ambulance in need of medical treatment ... At no point did Methodist Dallas turn away patients."

Editor's Note: This article was updated at 3:47 p.m. January 10, 2018 to include an updated statement from Methodist Dallas Medical Center and to emphasize no patients were turned away.Minneapolis-based Hennepin County Medical Center  a Level I Trauma Center across the street from the U.S. Bank Stadium, where Super Bowl LII will be held Feb. 4  is developing an emergency plan to ensure access to the hospital as roads close and people rush into the city for game day, reports CBS Minnesota.

In the days leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, the hospital will increase staff levels in preparation for an uptick in patients. In addition, the hospital's plan asks for on-call staff to be housed at the hospital.

Normally, ambulances start at HCMC and are dispatched to emergency situations accordingly. However, ambulances will be located at different locations throughout the city on Super Bowl Sunday. Helicopters will still be able to land and take off from the medical center.

"There's been a tremendous amount of time and hours and commitment to that planning," Mark Lappe, Emergency Manager at HCMC, told CBS Minnesota. "Being ready means that we have the resources and the personnel and supplies to be able to surge up in case we have a large number of patients that are suddenly showing up at our door whether it's a mass-casualty incident of some sort  or a shooting."American children in more than 3,000 neighborhoods nationwide have experienced lead poisoning at rates double those recorded during the peak of Flint, Michigan's water contamination crisis, according to Reuters.

Here are five things to know.

1. To assess the burden of lead poisoning among U.S. children, Reuters investigators examined previously undisclosed neighborhood-level blood testing results compiled by the CDC and state health departments. Most of the data span a five- to 10-year period through 2015.

2. In 2014, the city of Flint changed its water source to the Flint River without taking proper precautions to protect against the corrosion of the city's aging lead pipe systems. The switch resulted in elevated levels of lead in the city's water supply. In 2015, 5 percent of children screened in Flint displayed high blood lead levels. The Reuters analysis identified 1,100 communities across the U.S. where children displayed high levels of lead in their blood at four times the rate of Flint children in 2015.

3. The investigation also revealed county maps previously created by states to assess the burden of lead poisoning among children were misleading.

"We found that those countywide maps not only didn't really show the problem areas, but they actually could provide a false sense of security," Michael Pell, a member of the Reuters investigative team, told Public Radio International. "[I]f you look at the entire county, [you might see] a small percentage of kids with high lead levels, but if you break that down by neighborhood level, what you could see is that there are some neighborhoods where a lot of kids are still testing very high for lead."

4. Like Flint, many communities identified in the analysis had an aging water infrastructure, in addition to crumbling lead paint in homes and residual industrial waste. In portions of Baltimore, Cleveland and Philadelphia, lead poisoning has been an issue for generations. In the last decade, 40 to 50 percent of children in these communities have experienced lead poisoning.

5. Any child displaying elevated levels of lead merits a public health response, as even a minor elevation can cause developmental issues, according to the CDC. Lead poisoning can result in damage to the brain and nervous, behavioral issues, problems with speech and hearing issues.

To read the full Reuters report, click here.

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10 best, worst cities for an active lifestyle 2018Smoking can increase the risk of lower back pain that requires spinal surgery, according to a study published in The Spine Journal.

Researchers looked at cases of lumbar spinal stenosis  a common cause of lower back pain that develops when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Although the condition can develop as people age, nicotine can contribute to the process by constricting blood flow and increasing inflammation.

The study team gathered data on 331,941 construction workers who were on a nationwide occupational health registry in Sweden. The study followed workers for more than three decades on average, beginning when workers were usually in their 30s. In the study, 1,623 participants eventually had surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Here are five findings from the study.

1. In all, 44 percent of participants were non-smokers. Another 16 percent were former smokers, while 26 percent were moderate smokers and 14 percent were heavy smokers.

2. Heavy smokers who smoked at least 15 cigarettes a day were 46 percent more likely to have surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis when compared to participants who never smoked. The connection between smoking and spinal surgery persisted after researchers accounted for aging and obesity.

3. The increased risk for lumbar spinal stenosis surgery was 31 percent for moderate smokers who had up to 14 cigarettes a day. Ex-smokers saw a 13 percent increased chance for surgery.

4. Although previous research has linked smoking to worse outcomes from spinal surgery, this study offers additional evidence that smoking can also increase the chances that back pain will require surgery, said Arkan Sayed-Noor, MD, PhD, senior study author.

5. The authors noted the study was limited by a lack of data on exercise habits and that most of the construction workers in the study were men. The results may have differed for women.The California Department of Public Health on Dec. 28 collectively issued $549,555 in fines to nine hospitals for licensing compliance issues that either caused or were likely to cause serious harm or death to patients.

The penalized incidents occurred between 2014 and 2017. Here is a breakdown of the penalties.

1. The health department issued California Pacific Medical Center  Davies Campus Hospital in San Francisco two fines for incidents that occurred in 2015 and 2016. The 2015 incident yielded a fine of $47,452.50 and was related to a medication error. The hospital received a $66,000 fine for failing to take appropriate actions to prevent a patient fall in 2016. The health department associated the fall with the patient's subsequent death.

2. Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs incurred an $82,500 fine for issues related to a 2014 patient blood transfusion that resulted in a prolonged hospitalization.

3. Doctors Medical Center in Modesto incurred a $47,250 fine for circumstances related to an interpatient sexual assault in 2016.

4. The health department fined Methodist Hospital of Sacramento $47,452 for a medication error that occurred in 2015.

5. Palmdale Regional Medical Center incurred a $49,500 fine after an emergency department patient stabbed himself in 2016.

6. Health officials fined Regional Medical Center of San Jose $33,300 for a 2017 event involving a medication error.

7. Riverside Community Hospital incurred a $31,500 fine for a 2014 event involving a medication error.

8. The health department fined Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital $100,000 for circumstances surrounding a 2015 patient suicide.

9. UC San Diego Health-Hillcrest incurred a $44,000 fine for issues related to the death of a cardiac patient who was not connected to the telemetry monitor.

To learn more about the fines, click here.

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Woman sues California hospital, claims physicians left 8-inch forceps inside her after surgeryPhysicians are a significant economic driver for their communities, according to a new report released Monday by the American Medical Association.

The report, titled "The National Economic Impact of Physicians," examines the economic contributions of 736,873 patient care physicians nationwide. All physicians were practicing as of December 2015.

Here are five findings at the national level.

1. Physicians generated $2.3 trillion in economic output (i.e., sales revenues) in 2015, with each physician, on average, generating $3.2 million in output, according to the report.

2. Physicians supported 12.6 million jobs in 2015, with each physician, on average, supporting 17.1 jobs.

3. Physicians contributed $1 trillion in total wages and benefits paid to workers in 2015, with each physician, on average, supporting $1.4 million in workers' wages and benefits, the AMA said.

4. Physicians supported $92.9 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2015, with each physician, on average, supporting $126,129 in these revenues.

5. Overall, the study found physicians' national-level economic output, supported jobs and contributed wages and benefits exceed that of professionals in higher education, nursing/community care facilities, legal services and home health.

Read the full report, including a state-by-state breakdown of physicians' economic effects, here.

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12% of healthcare practices lack a sexual harassment policyBelfast shipyard Harland & Wolff is teaming up with a number of other firms to bid for the lucrative construction of the UK government's 1.25bn plan to build five new frigates.

The Government wants to build five new ships, each worth 250m.

In September, the Belfast Telegraph reported that Titanic-builder Harland & Wolff, which once employed 35,000 workers at its peak back in the 1920s, but now is down to a workforce of 115, said it hoped to be in the running for work on the ships.

Now, according to the Financial Times, it is teaming up with companies, including weapons firm Thales  which employs more than 500 people in Belfast  to bid for constructon of the ships.

Last year, David McVeigh, head of sales and marketing at Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries, said:

"H&W have supported the development of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and look forward to engaging further with the Ministry of Defence and industry partners in an effort to secure work on the T31e programme and create shipbuilding jobs."

Harland & Wolff's Jonathan Guest said at the time that "we'd very much like to hope that Harland and Wolff would be one of those" selected for work on the ships.

The frigates are due to be in service by 2023 and shipyards would be encouraged to ensure the vessel was competitive on the global market by working with "global partners".

Harland & Wolff hasn't produced a ship in around 14 years. The last to leave Queen's Island was the 40m Anvil Point at the start of 2003.

The 22,000-tonne ferry was the second of two vessels built for the Ministry of Defence.Newry firm MJM Group has landed a major new deal which will see it refit a major cruise vessel at Harland & Wolff in Belfast.

The move is part of a recent multi-million pound contract between cruise liners Royal Caribbean and Azamara Club and the specialist high-end fitout company, MJM Group. It also marks the first time a cruise ship firm has awarded complete project management responsibility to an individual organisation.

MJM Group will project manage the docking, berthing and refit of the Azamara Pursuit in Belfast this April and the ship will make its maiden voyage in August.

Gary Annett, chief executive of MJM Group, said the deal is a milestone opportunity for the company.

"The success of this project has the potential to be a game-changer for the UK maritime industry. By securing this multi-million pound contract we are putting Northern Ireland, and the UKs marine industry in a strong position to compete for future drydock and refit works," he said.

There are currently 335 ocean going ships which dry-dock on average every two and a half years for refit work that represents a spend of $3bn. These projects usually take place at shipyards in the Caribbean, Europe, USA, Canada and Asia.

MJM Group, which was set up in 1983 by Brian McConville, can list all of the worlds top cruise liners as clients, including Star Cruises, with which it signed a seven-figure contract last year for work in China.

But Mr Annett said the Royal Caribbean and Azamara Club deal allowed it realise a goal to bring a major refit to a UK port.

... we have always had the ambition to revive the rich shipbuilding industry history right here in Northern Ireland. We looked at many other facilities globally but we worked hard to put together a case for Northern Ireland.

"To secure the Azamara project we had to demonstrate that we had the ability to provide complete project management, outfitting, berthing and ship yard services. With Harland & Wolff on our doorstep and our experience in the industry we were able to do this. This truly is a historic day for this industry in Northern Ireland, for MJM Group and indeed our customers, he said.

Jonathan Guest, director of business development and improvement at Harland & Wolff said the deal has the potential to revive this industry in Northern Ireland.The photo that went viral on social media. | Photo credit: Ashraf Wani

News about AMU scholar Mannan Wani joining Hizbul Mujahideen is circulating after a photo of him holding an AK-47 rifle was posted on social media.

Mannan is a resident of Takipora village in Lolab, Kupwara and was pursuing a PhD in geology from AMU.

According to sources, Mannan Wani's photo went viral on social media showing him holding an AK-47 a day after he was reported missing.

The 25-year-old geology scholar was supposed to return home around January 3 but failed to turn up. After Mannan did not reach home and the photo started circulating his family contacted the police and filed a missing complaint.

Jammu and Kashmir police say that there is no confirmation that Wani has joined the militant forces. IG Kashmir said that the there's a possibility that the images could have been photoshopped.

The police said that they are trying to locate Mannan and his last known location was Delhi.

WATCH VIDEOJessica Chastain and Chris Hemsworth speak onstage during the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Irish actress Saoirse Ronan looks set to once again bring fear to the stars of Hollywood this awards season, as they continue to struggle with the pronunciation of her name.

The Co Carlow star is currently gaining huge acclaim for her role in the Oscar tipped Lady Bird, which saw her win the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical on Sunday.

Great news for Saoirse, not so much for Jessica Chastain who was charged with announcing her as the winner alongside actor Chris Hemsworth.

In fairness to Jessica, she did look to Chris for help only to be met with a look that said: "There's no way I'm attempting that", resulting in her announcing that 'Sher-sa' had won the award.

This is all despite actor Ryan Gosling famously clarifying the pronunciation back in 2016 as "Ser-sha, like inertia".

Saoirse also addressed the issue herself last month while making her Saturday Night Live hosting debut. She provided a public service announcement on how to pronounce her name.

She joked: 'I am very Irish, and I have an extremely Irish name. Some would say too Irish. Its Saoirse. It means freedom. But Ive got a little problem; it's spelled wrong. Its a full typo.'

As expected, Twitter found Jessica's pronunciation of Saoirse hilarious.

"We are all the panic on Jessica Chastains face when she saw she had to pronounce Saoirse Ronan #goldenglobes," one user wrote.

Another added: "Omg Im dead at Chris Hemsworth not wanting to pronounce Saoirse Ronans name when Jessica Chastain held out the envelope to read together."

"Jessica Chastain clearly didn't see Saoirse Ronan's SNL appearance, or Ryan Gosling's explanation, for pointers on her name..." said one user.

Hollywood has a long history of mispronouncing Saoirse's name, with Dennis Quaid famously announcing "Sheesa" Ronan was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2016.

Expand Close Saoirse Ronan accepts the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) NBCUniversal via Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Saoirse Ronan accepts the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

JESSICA CHASTAIN HAS MET SAOIRSE RONAN AND STILL GOT HER NAME WRONG.  Kristen Titus Zitania (@titusofgaul) January 8, 2018

Dear Saoirse Ronan, Iam sorry Jessica Chastain just mispronounced your name when giving you your award but I love you!!!  Bean (@bbbbbbbbbene) January 8, 2018

Itas not hard to pronounce Saoirse Ronanas name, Jessica Chastain. Ugh! #goldenglobes2018  Itas Me, Lisa D! (@lisadevlin39) January 8, 2018The DNA of people from Northern Ireland will be revealed during a conference next month.

Genetic Genealogy Ireland, which is part of the Back To Our Past event, takes place in the Titanic Centre in Belfast on February 16 and 17.

It brings together academics and hobbyists to demonstrate how DNA testing has revolutionised family history research.

One of the highlights will be Donna Rutherford's talk as she takes the audience on a genetic journey into the world of Game of Thrones, revealing the surprises that DNA testing of the various characters would expose.

DNA testing as a genealogical tool has become increasingly popular in recent years and thousands of people across Northern Ireland have already tested, helped by the efforts of the North of Ireland Family History Society (NIFHS).

The NIFHS holds regular classes on DNA testing.

The free lectures run from 10.30am to 4.30pm each day and include 'how to' talks for those new to DNA testing, as well as talks of general interest and specialist topics.

Professor Jim Mallory from Queen's University, Belfast, will summarise the archaeological, linguistic and genetic evidence that describes the origins of the people of Ireland and the UK.

The Irish DNA Atlas project recently published the findings of their six years of research and Ed Gilbert - the lead author - will discuss the results.

Several case studies will be presented illustrating how Y-DNA in particular lends itself to the study of surnames.

Each day will end with an Ask the Experts session where the audience can ask any question they like to a panel.

The Belfast Telegraph has teamed up with the organisers as media partner for the event and will shortly be offering readers ticket concessions for the event.

 Genetic Genealogy Ireland (GGI) runs as part of Back to Our Past (BTOP) at the Titanic Centre, on February 16 and 17. The lectures are free and anyone can attend. Admission to BTOP is 10 per day. If you are interested in visiting or exhibiting, further information on Back To Our Past is available from the organisers at tel: 00353 14969028, email info@slp.ie or visit www.backtourpast.ie

GGI is sponsored by FamilyTreeDNA and organised jointly by members of ISOGG (International Society of Genetic Genealogy) and NIFHS.The 35-year-old faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing cocaine.

A woman allegedly stabbed her boyfriend three times at a weekend party in east Belfast, a court has heard.

Police said the man was rushed to hospital for treatment to shoulder wounds inflicted at a flat in the Newtownards Road area early on Sunday morning.

Sonya Johnston, 35, faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing cocaine.

Johnston, with an address at University Street in the city, was granted bail but banned from contacting the alleged victim.

Appearing before Belfast Magistrates' Court, she spoke only to confirm that she understood the charges.

Police opposed her application to be released from custody, claiming there were risks of further offences and interference with witnesses.

Outling details of the alleged attack, a PSNI constable said: "The injured party called police at approximate 1.50am on January 7 to report his girlfriend, the defendant, had stabbed him in the shoulder. It was at a party."

A doctor who treated the man identified three stab wounds, the court heard.

Johnston's lawyer revealed that the couple are no longer together.

"The relationship has come to an end," he said.

Despite police objections, District Judge Fiona Bagnall ruled that Johnston could be released on bail.

"This seems to be a specific alleged offence, a row with her partner," she pointed out.

Mrs Bagnall also excluded the accused from parts of the city and imposed an alcohol prohibition.

Johnston is due back in court in six weeks time.A legal bid to sue Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions for failing to bring charges against suspects in a double loyalist murder 26 years ago is unsustainable, the High Court has ruled.

A judge held that the potentially landmark claim brought over the killings of Kevin and Jack McKearney at their Co Tyrone butchers shop was both defective and frivolous.

Lawyers representing Kevin McKearney's widow, Bernadette, are now set to appeal the decision to strike out a writ against the prosecuting authority.

An Ulster Volunteer Force gunman shot the two men at the family shop in Moy in January 1992.

Kevin McKearney, 32, was killed instantly, while his uncle Jack, 70, died later in hospital.

The murders were investigated by the police's Historical Enquiries Team amid relatives' claims that a death threat received by the family days before the shooting was not properly investigated by the RUC.

In 2012 the HET concluded that police had not done enough to prevent the killings, but found no evidence of collusion with the terrorists.

Mrs McKearney is already suing the Chief Constable and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), alleging negligence, misfeasance in public office and a human rights breach over events surrounding the shooting.

Her legal team wanted to join the Director of Public Prosecutions to the lawsuit, claiming staff within the department had failed to pursue all possible leads to establish circumstances and wrongdoing.

Criticism centred on the non-prosecution of three people, including UVF man Laurence George Maguire.

In 1994 Maguire reportedly received five life sentences, together with a total of 480 years in jail, when he admitted 41 terror-related offences including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and blackmail.

He was the first person to be charged with directing terrorism.

The court heard he was also considered for the offences of murdering Kevin and Jack McKearney, but it was ultimately decided there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

Counsel for Mrs McKearney argued that he should have faced a criminal charge in relation to their deaths, based on a pattern of him buying cars subsequently used in killings.

But a barrister representing the Director sought to have the case against him struck out.

He argued that it was not legally possible to make the prosecution decision Mrs McKearney wanted.

The Director has neither an investigatory role nor any responsibility for pursuing all possible leads, the court heard.

Setting out reasons today for agreeing to strike out the action against the prosecuting authority, Master Bell held it had no function to pursue all possible leads in the murder.

"I conclude for the reasons set out above that the statement of claim in this case is defective," he said.

"Even if I had not reached this conclusion... I would have struck out the litigation against the Director on the basis that it was frivolous or vexatious, that is to say obviously unsustainable.

"I consider that, on the basis of the evidence submitted to the Director, in respect of Mr McKearney's murder, the Director's decisions were entirely appropriate."

Master Bell added: "Nothing of course in this decision affects the plaintiff's litigation against the Chief Constable, the Ministry of Defence and the Secretary of State for Defence which now continues."The inside of the church before it was destroyed

The work being carried out on Straid Congregational Church

A Co Antrim community is in turmoil after a church congregation began tearing the pews out of their landmark 200-year-old church late on Friday night.

While members of Straid Congregational Church are keen to build a new place of worship "fit for the 21st century", others in the village are horrified that the building will be razed.

Officials from the Historic Environment Division (HED), which has been considering the building for listed status, visited the site last week and were in the process of completing their records when the attempted demolition took place.

Tom Gilbert (64), who has lived near the church for almost three decades, was asleep in bed when he was alerted to the fact that church members were ripping the building apart from the inside.

"I was horrified," he said last night.

"Then I found out they were preparing to tear the building down the next day."

Mr Gilbert was one of dozens of protesters who managed to save the historic structure from being completely demolished on Saturday when they obstructed a bulldozer in a desperate bid to buy time until an emergency preservation order was issued by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Protesters were successful in peacefully delaying the demolition until a council employee arrived with a stop notice.

The preservation notice means the church will effectively be given temporary listed status for six months.

However, campaigners are hoping it could be permanently listed within weeks.

The Belfast Telegraph understands that the local authority has issued a letter to councillors advising that they are in receipt of a letter from HED which will be discussed with the planning committee in "due course". Plans to knock down and rebuild the church have caused a deep rift in the congregation, with the pastor Paul Bradley supporting demolition.

He was present during the protest along with a small number of his supporters.

UUP MLA Steve Aiken, former Alliance Party leader David Ford and DUP MP Paul Girvan all attended the protest.

Mr Gilbert, who is not himself a church member, claims many of the congregation have been left upset by the row.

"Some of them were crying and begging for the demolition to stop," he said.

Just over a year ago, in a video celebration of the church's 200th anniversary, Pastor Bradley described the "beautiful building" as having a lot of "history and sentimental value".

"You would be surprised and delighted to see the original internal structure," he said.

But on Friday night that historic interior was reduced to matchwood.

Ballyclare Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Bingham, who also took part in the protest, said many residents had been left furious after the inside of the church was wrecked.

"No one would object to a new church, but this building has been part of this community for centuries and they didn't consult with anyone," he said.

"They thought they could do what they wanted, but it didn't work out that way and if they continue they will be in breach of the law.

"I know people who have left the church over the head of it and they say they won't be stepping foot inside it again."

Chair of the Green Party of Mid, East and South Antrim, Dawn Patterson, branded the church's "destructive step" as disappointing.

"Our churches across Northern Ireland are a key part of our architectural treasure trove and once gone, they are gone forever," she warned.

Last night the old church was in darkness as the congregation gathered for a Sunday evening service in the neighbouring church hall.

Pastor Bradley declined to be interviewed about the redevelopment.

Worshippers arriving for the service all supported the pastor's plans for the church but none would give their names.

"The plans are brilliant. We're all for it," one female worshipper said.

Another member of Straid Congregational Church said she had seen a presentation about the development on Friday, and thought it was the right thing to do.

In the church car park, a worshipper in his 30s said: "The vast majority of the congregation are in support of the redevelopment.

"It's not just a one-man band, as has been reported."An MP regarded as the most prolific Commons contributor has described himself as a "workaholic" who wants to support his colleagues.

Jim Shannon, who is well known among Westminster watchers for his frequent interventions, contributed to 213 debates and question sessions in the House of Commons and Westminster Hall between the start of the current Parliament in June and Christmas, official figures show.

In the last six months, the Democratic Unionist MP has spoken at all hours in the parliamentary day in debates ranging from school funding in North Northumberland and Cornwall's dark sky status, to job losses in Cardiff.

Mr Shannon said his interest in such diverse, regional matters stems from issues raised by his Northern Irish constituents, and he wanted to support his colleagues when they bring up similar matters.

The MP for Strangford told the Press Association: "You build up relationships with MPs.

"I try to be friendly with everyone - it's just my nature to be like that - so if I have an MP who I would be supportive of, and some of the things that they're bringing forward, I will go and support them."

Mr Shannon is widely regarded as the MP who contributes the most in Parliament, making around double the number of interventions compared with other talkative politicians.

Analysis of Hansard records by the Press Association detailing the number of spoken contributions by MPs since June 13 - when the House returned after the election - until it rose for Christmas, showed Tory Kevin Foster (Torbay) was recorded as having spoken or seeking to speak in 92 sessions in the two chambers.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Theresa May has spoken in 26 sessions since she was re-elected - with Prime Minister's Questions plus lengthy Brexit statements among the main reasons for her appearances.

"I've a busy nature and probably, in all honesty - and it's not meant as a boast - a workaholic," Mr Shannon explained.

Asked about MPs who do not contribute regularly in Parliament - notably his party's rivals Sinn Fein who do not take their seats in Westminster, he said: "That's really not for me to say - people do things differently. I'm a workaholic, not everybody is.

"I want to represent the people vocally and verbally where the occasion gives me the opportunity. Other people do it a different way and that's entirely up to them.

"Every MP here is inherently a good person who wants to do his best for his constituents, and because we're all different characters and different personalities we'll all do it in different ways."

A backbench colleague from the SNP described Mr Shannon as "well respected" and acknowledged his "hard work", adding: " It wouldn't be possible for everyone to do what he does but everyone knows to expect an intervention from Jim Shannon when they've got an adjournment debate.

"He's a personable guy and he gets on with a lot of folk on a cross-party basis, and he's very supportive of a lot of the all-party groups and so on."The cottage near Glenties where Denis Donaldson was shot dead

A republican councillor in Londonderry has been arrested in Donegal in connection with the shooting dead of Denis Donaldson, the senior MI5 spy who operated at the heart of the IRA and Sinn Fein.

Gary Donnelly, an independent councillor on Derry City and Strabane District Council, was yesterday arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm at the home of Mr Donaldson on the day of his murder.

Mr Donaldson (56) - who had been a close associate of Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams - was gunned down as he answered the door of his remote rural cottage at Doochary, near Glenties, on April 4, 2006, after it emerged he was a British agent.

The Real IRA claimed responsibility for his murder.

Mr Donnelly was arrested by Garda shortly after 2pm yesterday afternoon as he returned from a republican commemoration in Dungloe.

The 46-year-old was one of the main speakers at the 100th anniversary of the Min Beannaid train ambush, commemorating the first action in the Irish War of Independence.

The vehicle Mr Donnelly was returning home to Derry in was stopped by officers at Crolly, Co Donegal.

He was arrested and taken to Letterkenny Garda station for questioning.

Mr Donnelly is being detained under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act and can be detained for up to 72 hours.

Mr Donaldson was a prominent member of Sinn Fein before being expelled from the party after admitting being a British spy for 20 years.

During his time as an informer he was head of the party's administrative team at Stormont and was at one stage also in charge of international relations, spending time in the Middle East improving the party's presence there.

The inquest into the Belfast man's murder has been delayed 20 times.

It is believed that the delays are partly connected to sensitive material in the Garda's possession, namely a journal.

It is understood that the diary contains information about Donaldson's British handlers and political figures in Northern Ireland.

The Donaldson family have taken a legal challenge against the authorities over the delays.

The family, who claim that members of the PSNI played a role in exposing him, have also asked Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire to help them recover his journal from the Republic.

An Garda Siochana was contacted for comment on the matter but had not responded to this newspaper's request at time of going to print.The crowd assembled at the service of remembrance for the victims held at the Town Hall in Bessbrook yesterday to mark the 40th anniversary of the atrocity

Sisters Cathy Michale, Colleen McKenna and Eileen Reavey unveil the monument to commemorate their brothers in Whitecross, Armagh

Karen Armstrong holds a photograph of her brother John McConville, who was killed in the Kingsmill attack

Alan Black:Survivor of the Kingsmill, Armagh, Massacre/Shooting, when he was shot with his 10 workmates in an ambushon their way home from work by gunmen. Pictured at the Kingsmill Memorial monument. 4/1/1981

Alan Black in hospital after the IRA shot him and killed 10 of his colleagues at Kingsmills

The funeral service for five victims of the Kingsmills massacre at the Presbyterian church grounds in Bessbrook

The victims of the Kingsmill massacre (clockwise from top left): Robert Chambers; John Bryans; Joseph Lemmon; James McWhirter; Robert Freeburn; Robert Walker; Reginald Chapman; Kenneth Worton; John McConville and Walter Chapman

Families of murdered workmen attend an evening service in 1976 as six coffins of IRA victims are brought to church in Bessbrook the night before the funerals of those killed in the Provisional IRA's infamous sectarian Whitecross (Kingsmill) Massacre. The IRA lined up the occupants of a workers minibus carrying 11 protestants and one catholic, before releasing the catholic man and mowing down the 10 protestant workmen, leaving the critically injured Mr Alan Black for dead. Alan Lewis Photopress

The sole survivor of the Kingsmill massacre has said if Barry McElduff was a man of principle he would quit his public role.

Alan Black was speaking after the West Tyrone MP was handed a three-month suspension from Sinn Fein for a video in which he put a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head, posting it on the anniversary of the 1976 atrocity.

Republican paramilitary gunmen stopped a van carrying textile workers in the south Armagh village of Kingsmill on their way home, identified the Protestant occupants, lined them up at the side of the road and shot them. They allowed one man, Richard Hughes, a Catholic, to walk free.

Alan Black survived the attack despite being shot 18 times. He said the three-month suspension was not sufficient.

"I watched all my friends being murdered, my 19-year-old apprentice crying for his mother, and then to watch on Friday a man standing and mocking their deaths, if he was a man of principle he would walk," he said.

Read More

After 35 hours Barry McElduff removed the offending post from social media and apologised saying it was never his intention to hurt the families and he did not realise the link to the anniversary of the sectarian killings.

After meeting with Sinn Fein senior membership on Monday he was suspended with full pay.

Mr Black accused Sinn Fein of "circling the wagons" around Mr McElduff.

"If he didn't know the fifth of January was the Kingsmill massacre, it's beyond me," he told UTV.

Read More

Bea Worton, whose son Kenneth was murdered, told the broadcaster Mr McElduff should have been "put out" of Sinn Fein.

"Mrs O'Neill wants equality, and that's the equality we get?," she said.

"We get no equality."

Son Colin said he had been initially heartened to hear Declan Kearney's strong condemnation on Monday morning saying the video was "indefensible".

"And then they came out and gave Barry McElduff three months suspended sentence," he told the BBC.

"They have saw a fire and instead of putting it out they have poured petrol over it and made it worse."

Read More

His sister Raquel Brush said she was disgusted and seething over the discipline handed out by the republican party in response: "Words can't describe it - it's laughable.

"You would give a child more for less."

Sinn Fein MLA Mairtin O Muilleoir retweeted the video. He later apologised but has so far escaped sanction from his party.

Former UUP MLA Danny Kennedy who has campaigned with the families for justice, said the anniversary of the sectarian killings was marred by the actions of Sinn Fein and others over past days.

He said the stress and distress caused by the video had been compounded by the "laughable sanction" handed down by Sinn Fein "and only to Mr McElduff" suggesting action should also be taken against the South Belfast MLA.

"He got a tame yellow card, when he deserved a straight red," he said in a statement.

"Sinn Fein still stand exposed for their treatment of innocent victims. Their calls for respect and equality ring hollow. I will continue to stand with the sole survivor and the families of Kingsmills in their dignified campaign.

"If you are not standing with the Kingsmills families, then you are not standing in the right place."Belfast Crown Court heard that during the burglary, Michael Leo McMillan "stopped to engage" in inhaling aerosol from an air freshener.

A 24-year old man caught by police burgling a flat in north Belfast whilst wearing socks on his hands was sentenced on Monday for the break-in.

Belfast Crown Court heard that during the burglary, Michael Leo McMillan "stopped to engage" in inhaling aerosol from an air freshener.

McMillan - who appeared in court with 70 previous convictions and whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry - was handed a sentence of two years and five months for burgling and ransacking an apartment in the Duncairn area of the city last May.

Saying McMillan's addiction to drink and drugs was the "root cause" of his offending, Judge Patricia Smyth told him he will serve half the sentence in prison, with the remainder on supervised licence.

The court heard McMillan was so noisy during the break-in that he alerted the occupant of the flat below, who contacted police just before midnight on May 22, 2017.

When police arrived at the scene, they caught McMillan in the property and wearing socks on his hands. He was searched and had several items belonging to the householder, which were later returned.

Prosecuting barrister Simon Jenkins revealed McMillan used a fire extinguisher to smash the front door of the flat. Once inside, he caused further damage, and also left his iPhone in a bedroom.

When arrested, McMillan confirmed the phone was his, but refused to answer any further questions. He later admitted a charge of burglary.

Defence barrister Martin Morgan said McMillan had experienced trauma in his childhood - including witnessing the death of his brother - which in turn led to drug and alcohol misuse.

Telling the court it was Probation's view that McMillan had "unresolved grief issues", Mr Morgan said: "The nemesis in his background is the addiction issue."

Regarding the offence, Mr Morgan spoke of a complete lack of sophistication, and also revealed McMillan knew no-one was in at the time, meaning there was no confrontation with the occupant.

Sending McMillan to prison, he was told by Judge Smyth that he had paid no respect to the occupant whose home he damaged, or their privacy. The Judge said she also accepted the break-in was "unsophisticated and "didn't have the normal trappings of a professional burglary."Owen Smith says more needs to be done by Theresa May to end logjam

This year is the 20th anniversary of one of the most important political achievements in modern British and Irish history.

The Belfast Agreement, signed on Good Friday in 1998, marked the end of the so-called Troubles, that sweet euphemism for a bloody civil war which killed 3,500 and injured 50,000 more.

For younger generations it may seem extraordinary, unimaginable even, that a 30-year conflict was so recently fought on these islands.

Or that the Good Friday Agreement, when it came, brought an end not just to that chapter of bloodshed, but a hope that political compromise might staunch, forever, the centuries of blood that had flowed in Ireland's name.

But in this anniversary year we have to remind ourselves, all of us who are citizens of Britain or Ireland, or both, that the Troubles were very real and that the progress - political, economic and social, which came with their ending - is real too.

What is far less certain today is that such progress can be maintained, or that violence cannot restate its claim on the lives of current generations.

Because next week marks another, less auspicious anniversary: the first since the collapse of the latest Northern Ireland Executive born out of the 1998 settlement.

And though 12 months may seem short in the long context of Irish politics - short even when compared to similar breakdowns over the last two decades - there are growing reasons to fear that this current erosion of trust between parties may be undermining the very foundations of the Good Friday Agreement.

Of course, Sinn Fein and the DUP, the largest nationalist and unionist blocs, claim they are each ready to re-engage.

The DUP immediately, it says, Sinn Fein after "past agreements" on various issues, the treatment of the Irish language in particular, are resolved.

Many experienced observers of Northern Ireland politics, however, see strong strategic reasons why neither side will be quick to compromise and collaborate once more.

For the DUP, the pain of being out of office in Stormont is salved by the power it now exercises at Westminster.

It can argue that it has served Northern Ireland well, with 1.5bn extracted for its constituencies, albeit at the expense of the rest of the Union it supports.

And it can bend the Government to its hard-nosed will on Brexit, albeit at the expense of the Remain-voting province it represents.

While for Sinn Fein, the current impasse provides shelter from the austerity decisions it rejects for Northern Ireland and allows space to fight the forthcoming election in the Republic.

And Brexit, of course, has a silver lining for the party, though it would never admit as much.

Taking Northern Ireland out of the EU along with the rest of the UK, irrespective of the nature of the border, will be seized upon as sufficient reason to call a poll on the issue that remains its raison d'etre, the unity of Ireland.

Now, perhaps such cynicism is unwarranted and a deal can quickly be reached when another round of talks begins, as it surely will, in the coming weeks.

But if there is any truth in the idea that the political parties each see more risk than benefit in re-entering power-sharing, then the Governments of the UK and Ireland, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, have to do more than they have to date to keep its dream alive.

They have to do more to put pressure on the parties to show their commitment to the Agreement. Because both the DUP, which though it was never party to its inception, carries great responsibility

For it, as unionism's principal representatives, nor Sinn Fein, are honouring the terms of the Agreement in their refusal to share power. And if either party is now prepared to, in effect, breach the terms of their contract under the Agreement, then the feasibility of the Good Friday Agreement may be at risk.

That is not an outcome that we in the Labour Party, so proud about the role we played in helping forge the Agreement, are prepared to countenance.

And it is why we are calling on the current guardians of the Agreement in London and Dublin to do much more to safeguard its future.

They could begin, in London, by engaging the Prime Minister.

Mrs May currently shares with her predecessor the dubious honour of being the British Prime Minster least involved in the affairs of Northern Ireland in living memory.

Our Prime Minister has barely set foot in Ireland and has made no significant intervention or personal investment in the current process. That has to change.

The Prime Minster should use her first days back in Parliament to announce a substantive relaunch of the political talks, beginning with a summit of all of the political parties, chaired by herself and representative of the Irish Government.

Secondly, an independent chair, respected by all sides, must be appointed to take the subsequent talks forward to fruition.

And, third, a road-map and clear timeline, of a few short months, should be agreed and spelled out by the two Governments, including how and when direct rule will be implemented and political accountability reinstated.

The current Secretary of State has set and seen broken innumerable deadlines since the collapse a year ago.

That cycle of failure has to change.

And the consequences of a further, final failure must be made clear.

Returning to direct rule from Westminster will be a hugely retrograde step for Northern Ireland.

And in Labour we know, from bitter experience, that it is far easier to implement direct rule than to restore devolution thereafter.

But its threat may be necessary to focus minds, and its consequence may be to bring forward important economic and social reforms, such as modernising local taxation or introducing equal marriage legislation.

Though such an active period of direct rule would be controversial and contested, social reforms would be welcomed by many in Northern Ireland, and economic modernisation would significantly increase pressure on the political parties to retake their places at Stormont.

In any event, there is a final lesson that the peace process we oversaw in Labour, and the subsequent stasis we've seen under the Tories, should teach us: in Northern Ireland, as with the proverbial bicycle, you have to keep moving forward or fall over.

Now is the moment for Theresa May and her ministers to show that they can get things back on track and moving forward, or concede another reason why it's time for them to move aside.New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) has decided to go ahead with its plan to not mark their attendance as the administration insisted on introducing a mandatory attendance rule.

During a meeting with the JNU vice chancellor this morning, JNUSU president Geeta Kumari said, "we explained to the administration how such a surveillance is going to curtail academic freedom and destroy JNU culture".

"We explained how students of the campus attend lectures not just at classrooms, but also at dhabas and hostel mess. Learning is a 24X7 process for us. The VC, however, insisted on the adoption of compulsory attendance model of IITs," Kumari said, after submitting a memorandum with around 2,500 signatures.

JNUSU joint secretary Shubhanshu Singh said that they have started campaign on the move in some classes.

"Some professors are also taking part in the campaign," Singh said.

However, JNU Teachers Association president Ayesha Kidwai said that the teachers body would decide its course of action at its General Body Meeting which is scheduled for January 10.

The JNUSU had yesterday announced for boycott of attendance. PTI CPB SMNThis is not the first time Sinn Fein's Barry McElduff has been caught up in controversy linked to the Kingsmill massacre.

In February 2015 the then Assembly Member sparked unionist fury when he suggested that hunger striker Raymond McCreesh deserved international recognition more than some Irish Nobel prize winners.

McCreesh, who was convicted of IRA membership and attempted murder, had been arrested carrying a weapon used in the slaughter of the 10 Protestant workmen in 1976.

McElduff (51) - known for his comedic character - wrote on his blog that for many people McCreesh was "a hero and a martyr".

McCreesh has become a hate figure for unionism again in recent years after Newry and Mourne District Council named a children's playground after him.

Mr McElduff had, until now, been regarded as a canny user of social media, using a blog, Twitter and Facebook to maintain a high profile. He has almost 16,000 followers on Twitter and has tweeted almost 12,000 times.

Last April he posted a video of himself on Stormont's third floor on a mission through "no man's land" into "DUP territory" to get to the vending machine for a Snickers bar. It was viewed many tens of thousands of times.

In December 2015 Mr McElduff agreed to pay back nearly 900 to the Assembly. He was found to have broken rules by using Stormont allowances to send out hundreds of letters to constituents urging them to "stand united together against Tory cuts".

Mr McElduff was the MLA for West Tyrone from the first Assembly election in 1998 until 2017. Last year the fluent Irish speaker replaced veteran republican Pat Doherty as the MP for the constituency.Karen Phillips said she was horrified at the scenes of chaos she saw at the hospital

A pensioner spent five days in a crowded A&E unit waiting for a hospital bed after having a heart attack.

The 70-year-old man from Newtownabbey was rushed by ambulance to Antrim Area Hospital on New Year's Day.

He spent three days on a trolley in the unit before he was moved to a bed in an observation ward in the emergency department on Wednesday, and was finally transferred to the cardiac ward on Friday night.

His ordeal, which included an almost hour-long wait for a doctor when he experienced further chest pains, reveals the very human suffering behind Northern Ireland's crisis-hit NHS.

His daughter-in-law Karen Phillips (50) explained: "When we got there all the chairs in the waiting area were full and there were about 30 or 40 people standing around.

"My father-in-law had been taken through the clinical area, he was on a trolley until Wednesday and it was horrific.

"There were trolleys everywhere, they were double parked, there was no dignity for any of the patients.

"Nurses were taking blood from patients lying on trolleys in corridors, they were feeding patients in the corridors and people were walking past bumping into them.

"One of the nurses was running around looking for a thermometer to be able to take people's temperature.

"We were told he needed a bed but there wasn't one available in Northern Ireland so he would have to wait on a trolley."

Mrs Phillips said it was clear the staff were working in "horrendous" conditions.

She added: "You could see the panic in their faces - it was just sheer panic.

"My father-in-law needed to be isolated and was eventually moved to a side room in the A&E on his own on Wednesday and had started to pick up, but then on Wednesday night he started having chest pains.

"He pressed the call bell but it was 20 minutes before anyone came because they were so busy and then no one could find a doctor because the only one on duty was in the main hospital.

"It took half-an-hour for the doctor to get there.

"The staff are amazing, I'm not criticising them because they are working in the most horrendous conditions and doing everything they can to help the patients.

"My father-in-law knew how busy they were and when he needed to go to the toilet he was unhooking himself from all the machines, including the heart monitor, and going by himself, as he didn't want to bother the nurses.

"Then he was attaching himself back up to the monitors himself.

"No one in there was getting the care they deserved.

"They told my father-in-law he had been given a bed in a side room but if anyone else came in and needed it more, he would have to go back on a trolley, and that could happen at any time.

"However, he was finally admitted to the cardiac ward on Friday night."

Mrs Phillips, who is also from Newtownabbey, said she and her family had been horrified by the scenes of chaos that they witnessed in Antrim's emergency department.

A&Es across Northern Ireland have struggled to cope with the number of patients turning up at their doors over the Christmas period.

A shortage of staff and beds in hospitals has meant patients face lengthy waits before they can finally be admitted to wards.

Mrs Phillips hit out at the political parties for the difficulties being experienced by staff and patients.

"I blame Stormont," she continued.

"I have worked in community care my entire working life and I know a girl who has set up a company that provides domiciliary care, but she can't get a contract because there is no money because Stormont isn't sitting.

"It's mad that she is there, able to help relieve some of the pressure, but because our politicians can't get on, there is no budget to help get patients out of hospital and free up beds.

"I dread to think what would have happened if there had been a major incident in Antrim the other night, there's no way they would have coped.

"The staff are amazing, you couldn't pay them enough for the work they are doing.

"It's time for Stormont to get back and get this mess sorted."

A spokesman from the Northern Trust apologised to patients and families who have been affected by delays.

"In common with emergency departments throughout Northern Ireland, over the Christmas and New Year period, we have seen an increased demand on top of an already very busy system," he said.

"In addition, the level of complex and serious conditions, particularly amongst the growing frail and elderly population and the prevalence of flu and other respiratory conditions at this time of year has meant that some patients have had to wait to be admitted to wards.

"Although that is never a satisfactory position, those patients who are delayed in the emergency department will always have a medical care plan in place.

"We fully understand the upset and inconvenience that the wait for a bed on a ward can cause to patients and their families and we sincerely apologise to them for that."David Lidington is the new Minister for the Cabinet Office

Former education secretary Justine Greening's dramatic departure from Government has stood out in an otherwise highly cautious Cabinet reshuffle.

Ms Greening quit following a refusal to be switched to the Department for Work and Pensions after fighting her corner in Downing Street for two hours.

In what had been billed as a chance to reset and refresh the Government, Prime Minister Theresa May left all senior Cabinet ministers in place and failed to move a swathe of middle-ranking members who had been widely reported to be facing the axe.

Ms Greening, who could now become a backbench thorn in the Prime Minister's side on Brexit, was succeeded as Education Secretary by Damian Hinds.

The job Ms Greening turned down, Work and Pensions Secretary, was given instead to Esther McVey, who triggered controversy when she was a junior minister in the department under David Cameron.

The Cabinet "big four" of Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Brexit Secretary David Davis all stayed in place.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, Business Secretary Greg Clark and Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom also kept their jobs, despite widespread speculation that Mrs May would demote them.

Former justice secretary David Lidington was appointed minister for the Cabinet Office, but was not awarded the title of First Secretary of State enjoyed by his predecessor Damian Green.

It was Mr Green's resignation after he admitted lying over pornography on his office computer that prompted the reshuffle.

Mr Lidington will fill in for Mrs May at Prime Minister's Questions and take on some of the responsibilities for chairing influential Cabinet committees, including some relating to Brexit.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire resigned from the Cabinet on grounds of ill health, weeks before major surgery for a lesion on his right lung.

Mr Lidington was also named Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, replacing Sir Patrick McLoughlin, who was sacked as Conservative chairman following criticism of his role in the party's poor performance in last year's snap election.

Brandon Lewis has been named the new party chairman, amid farcical scenes which saw the Tories' official Twitter account incorrectly announce that the job had gone to Mr Grayling.

And in an embarrassing twist to a reshuffle beset with social media mistakes, Jeremy Hunt, who was kept on as Health Secretary with an extended social care role - amid reports he turned down the post of Business Secretary - was forced to explain why he had "liked" a tweet stating Ms Greening had left the Government.

Mr Hunt tweeted: "Like button pressed by accident. Justine was an excellent minister and will be a great loss to govt."

After quitting the Government, Ms Greening tweeted: " Social mobility matters to me & our country more than my ministerial career. I'll continue to do everything I can to create a country that has equality of opportunity for young people & I'll keep working hard as MP for Putney."

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson tweeted: "Sorry to see @JustineGreening leave government - she brought her non-nonsense, northern accountant's eye to every brief and is a real role model for LGBT+ Conservatives."

Former chancellor George Osborne praised Ms Greening's abilities as he branded the reshuffle "unusual".

Sajid Javid had his responsibility for housing added to his Cabinet title in a sign of the issue's increasing political importance.

Gavin Williamson retained his role as Defence Secretary, which he has held for just over two months.

Former work and pensions secretary David Gauke took over the roles of Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary vacated by Mr Lidington.

Ex-culture secretary Karen Bradley was moved to the politically sensitive Northern Ireland role vacated by Mr Brokenshire.

Digital minister Matt Hancock took over from his old boss as Culture Secretary.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove, International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox all remain in the same jobs.

Jeremy Corbyn told a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party that the reshuffle was a "pointless and lacklustre" PR stunt.

He said: "In 2018, the impact of Tory austerity is hitting home with the public, most tragically with the most serious NHS winter crisis yet.

"And yet the Government's big plan for the new year is to dodge the real issues and reshuffle the pack in a pointless and lacklustre PR exercise.

"It's simply not good enough. You can't make up for nearly eight years of failure by changing the name of a department."Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has resigned and will be leaving the government due to ill health.

The Northern Ireland Office confirmed on Monday he had left office.

It comes as Prime Minister Theresa May is to give her Government a New Year revamp in the most extensive reshuffle of her top team since she appointed her first Cabinet on entering Downing Street in 2016.

Mr Brokenshire has resigned from the Cabinet as the 50-year-old outgoing Northern Ireland Secretary requires surgery for a lung condition.

The Old Bexley and Sidcup MP is a close ally of Mrs May, having served under her for five years at the Home Office, and he was not among ministers who were predicted to go in the Prime Minister's first major reshuffle since she took office.

Mr Brokenshire took the role in 2016 replacing Theresa Villiers.

In his resignation letter to the Prime Minister Mr Brokenshire addressed his health and said he has a "small lesion in my right lung which needs to be removed".

Really appreciate all of the kind messages. Standing down will allow me to focus completely on my family, my health and recovering from surgery speedily so that I can get back to frontline politics as early as I can. Not quite how I thought Id mark my 50th birthday! pic.twitter.com/EDMGBR56y6  James Brokenshire (@JBrokenshire) January 8, 2018

He said it had been a "huge privilege" to serve in Mrs May's government and "to serve the people of Northern Ireland as Secretary of State".

He said: "I have very much enjoyed the role and been moved by the spirit, determination and kindness of so many people.

"Despite the challenges and the huge frustrations felt as a result of the lack of devolved government Northern Ireland has so much potential and we can be positive as to what can be achieved in the years ahead.

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close James Brokenshire's letter to Theresa May James Brokenshire's letter to Theresa May Theresa May's letter to James Brokenshire / Facebook

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"The parties in Northern Ireland should grab hold of this and get on with delivering this shared future benefiting the whole community.

"Rather than looking for reasons not to restore the Executive the parties should focus on why this matter now more than ever".

"My earnest wish is that we see devolved government restored as quickly as possible.

"The parties have got over much bigger issues in the past and at this important time they have a duty to do so now."

Mrs May said Mr Brokenshire had demonstrated that the role in the Northern Ireland Office was vital work which will demand long hours, hard effort and complete focus and it was absolutely right that you should put your health first.

She told him he had performed with great diligence, determination and good humour in his government roles and I know that you will approach your forthcoming operation in the same way.

She added: I very much look forward to working alongside you again when you are back to full health.

Mrs May sent her best wishes to Mr Brokenshire, his wife Cathy and their three children.

While it is typical of you that your first thought was not for yourself, but for your duties as a Cabinet Minister and public servant, it is absolutely right that you should put your health first, for your sake and that of your family, she said.

Northern Ireland's political parties have been reacting to the news.

DUP Leader Arlene Foster MLA said: This is clearly a difficult time for not only James but for Cathy, his wife and his children. I send my best wishes to him and the entire Brokenshire family. I trust James will have the surgery he needs and will make a full recovery.

"Since becoming Secretary of State in 2016, Mr Brokenshire had immersed himself fully in the role by dedicating long hours to trying to make progress.

"James leaves the role with a very intimate knowledge of Northern Ireland and I look forward to working with him again in the future.

DUP deputy Leader Nigel Dodds said: "Sorry to hear Secretary of State is standing down. Best wishes to James and his family for the time ahead."

UUP Leader Robin Swann said: "It is with sincere regret that I have learned of James Brokenshires resignation. I respected his honesty and how be played with a straight bat. I wish him well for the future both with his health and in his political career

"I hope that we will see a new SoS appointed soon. Given the state of politics in Northern Ireland it is important that the future Minister is able to hit the ground running and I hope that the incoming SoS will reconvene talks as a matter of urgency."

Shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland Owen Smith said: "Very sorry to hear that @JBrokenshire is unwell and has left the Cabinet. I, and Im sure all in Northern Ireland, thank James for his diligent service and wish him a speedy recovery."

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood wishes Mr Brokenshire well and said he always had a "good working relationship with him".

He said: "In the course of negotiations, the SDLP has often disagreed with the position of his government but I have always found Mr Brokenshire to be personable, reasonable and, so far as possible, helpful.

Our thoughts are with him and his family as he takes time to concentrate on his health.

Its clear now that any new talks process aimed at restoring power sharing must be chaired by an independent arbiter. We cannot undergo the same discussions with a new Secretary of State only to arrive at the same barriers.

The new office holder should move quickly to appoint an independent chairperson and bring the parties together to resolve the challenges that remain. Our hospitals, schools and other public services are on the brink. It is critical that we get to work to seek a resolution now.

Green Party Leader Steven Agnew said he wishes Mr Brokenshire all the best in his recovery.

The North Down MLA said: Mr Brokenshire took on the mantle of Secretary of State during a particularly difficult time in Northern Ireland politics and faced an uphill task in trying to forge a consensus between negotiating parties that seemed unable to move any closer to an agreement.

Our thoughts are with him in his illness and we wish him all the best in his recovery.

Alliance leader Naomi Long said: We often disagreed, sometimes robustly, but the role of Secretary of State is mostly a thankless task and I appreciate, particularly in the current political circumstances, it is not an easy role to fulfil. On behalf of my colleagues and I, I wish James well for the future and I hope and trust he will soon return to full health.

Obviously, this resignation, coming at a time when parties expected to be moving into a more intensive phase of negotiations about restoration, creates a break in continuity in the Northern Ireland Office.

However, whilst any new Secretary of State will need some time to develop relationships and an understanding of the current state of play, it is important planned talks proceed as quickly as possible.

We have been without government for too long already and must ensure this impasse is speedily resolved. Alliance stands ready to work with whomever is appointed as his successor to ensure fresh momentum and direction is injected into the search for an accommodation.

More to followThe PSNI have been called on to investigate damning claims by a former IRA member about his role in an attack on RUC officers.

Michael Ryan, who took part in the IRA's border campaign between 1956 and 1962, makes shocking revelations in a book set to be published this week.

The 81-year-old reveals his central role in detonating a landmine which seriously injured two RUC officers in a vehicle.

The Sunday Business Post reported that Ryan's memoir details his time in the IRA and the ill-fated border campaign.

"The jeep was hit all right, because I could see some parts of it fly into the air and land a few yards away," Ryan wrote.

"We were showered with clay and debris. The three of us immediately opened fire on the jeep."

Ryan, who lives in Dundalk, could face legal action over the claims in his book 'My Life in the IRA' about the 1959 attack in Ballsmill, outside Newry.

Two RUC officers - Constable William Johnston (28) and Special Constable Trevor Boyle (21), who was in the reserve police force known as the 'B' Specials - suffered serious injuries.

Ryan also wrote that after escaping across the border, he was disappointed that the operation had not been as successful as he had hoped.

The book's revelations have prompted calls for a police investigation. DUP MLA William Irwin said Ryan should be brought before the courts.

The Newry MLA said: "This was clearly attempted murder and anyone responsible for that needs to be brought before the courts.

"I think it's important that those responsible for acts are held accountable.

"He seems to suggest that he's sorry someone wasn't killed. I think it's an indictment of this man and I believe he needs to be arrested and questioned about these offences.

"He's admitting to crimes that are very serious and admitting to the fact that he's sorry it didn't have a different outcome and he wasn't successful with his murder bid.

"Those officers suffered serious injuries which they had to live with for the rest of their lives.

"If this particular man can boast about this in a book, then it's vital he's questioned and I would call on the PSNI to investigate these remarks."

The book is the first account by an IRA member who was active during the border campaign.

Ryan was interned for a year in the Curragh camp in Kildare in 1958 and was also jailed for three months in 1961.

He further claimed that he was told a consignment of bazookas and rockets were being sent by Irish supporters in the USA. But when they arrived, they were duds.

"Of the many low points in the campaign thus far, this was the lowest," he said.

Ryan later worked as an insurance salesman with New Ireland Assurance and sided with the Official IRA when it spilt with the Provisional wing in 1969.

The book, edited by former Irish Times journalist Padraig Yeates, will be launched by Mercier Press in Dublin on Thursday.

In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray said: "As the book is yet to be published, it is not possible for us to make a comment at this time.

"However, the PSNI will consider a response once we have had the opportunity to consider the book's contents."The Azamara Pursuit will be berthed at Harland and Wolff from April (MJM Group/PA)

A major new cruise ship is being fitted out in Belfast this spring.

The Azamara Pursuit will be berthed at Harland and Wolff from April.

Larry Pimentel, president and chief executive of Azamara Club Cruises, said it will be the first time any company within Royal Caribbean Cruises has used a UK shipyard for works of this scale.

"We are delighted to come to Northern Ireland with Azamara Pursuit.

"It will be a truly magnificent sight to see our ship beneath the historic Harland and Wolff cranes which are so synonymous with Belfast's proud maritime history, and we thank MJM Group for helping us make this happen.

"Additionally, Azamara Pursuit will make her maiden voyage from Southampton which will be another momentous occasion for us.

"With the refit in Belfast and her maiden voyage from Southampton, we are showing our commitment to the UK marketplace."

Azamara Pursuit will make her maiden voyage from Southampton in August.

Gary Annett, chief executive of MJM Group which is carrying out the work, said: "MJM Group is delighted to have been awarded the refit contract for Azamara Pursuit in what is a milestone opportunity for our business, and indeed for the marine industry in the UK.

"The success of this project has the potential to be a game-changer for the UK maritime industry.

"By securing this multimillion-pound contract we are putting Northern Ireland, and the UK's marine industry, in a strong position to compete for future drydock and refit works."Head Records in Castlecourt has ceased trading as the shutters have come down

Staff who lost their jobs at a popular music store in Belfast have expressed their shock after arriving at work only to be told the firm had gone into liquidation despite a "successful" Christmas.

The devastating news came as a bombshell to Head Records' employees who had opened up as normal on Thursday morning.

Shortly afterwards, they received a phone call instructing them to pull the shutter down for the final time.

In a statement posted on the Head Belfast Facebook page, staff described a "chaotic" few days following the shock closure and said an emotional goodbye to loyal customers.

"I can assure you that the staff including the management had no warning and didn't foresee this following a successful Christmas," they wrote.

"In truth, the biggest sore point for the team, beside each of us losing our jobs, is that we were unable to say goodbye to our valued customers and friends."

The post, issued by 10 members of staff, described the "joy" their customers brought into the store, which has been based in Castlecourt since late 2010.

The statement said: "We had a huge base of regulars and felt blessed to be included in their routine. Too many to name!

"Huge thank you to you all for being a part of our little store; it made work not feel like work at all."

Customers who visited the independent music and film retailer were horrified to be greeted with an empty shop.

"More than just a record store to many of us," one social media user wrote.

"It was always a great place to shop, a great way to spend many an afternoon.

"The guys in-store were like good friends. Nothing was ever too much and great supporters of the local music scene. Devastating for the staff."

The chain's other branches, including its outlet store at Liffey Valley in Dublin, are also closing.

Although the company has not commented directly, staff of the Liffey Valley store also expressed profound sadness on Facebook.

"We are gutted that this has happened and is totally out of our control," they wrote.

"Our passion is music and I hope you continue to support independent record stores so this does not happen to other staff out there."

Head Records, which operated under the slogan 'We're independent and proud', boasted about being the largest stockist of vinyl records in Ireland.

The company dealt with a huge range of suppliers in order to meet growing customer demand.

It is understood that vouchers bought for people as Christmas presents will no longer be honoured.Karen Bradley arrives at 10 Downing Street as Prime Minister Theresa May reshuffles her cabinet on January 8, 2018 in London, England. The former Culture Secretary was named Northern Ireland Secretary.

Karen Bradley said being named new Northern Ireland Secretary of State was a "great honour" and her top priority was the restoration of government at Stormont.

Mrs Bradley, MP for Staffordshire Moorlands, was formerly in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and is considered a close ally of Prime Minister Theresa May.

She was appointed to the position after James Brokenshire stood down for health reasons during Monday's Cabinet reshuffle and said he top priority was to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

Read More

"I believe a devolved government in Belfast is best placed to address these issues and take the key decisions which affect peoples day to day lives - whether these relate to the economy, public services or issues of policing and justice," she said noting a year had past since the Executive last met.

Congratulations to Karen Bradley as new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. She is taking up office with lots waiting on her in-tray. Look forward to an early meeting. It will be busy but Karen now gets to come to the friendliest part of the UK.   Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) January 8, 2018

"It is a great honour to be asked to serve as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, particularly at such a decisive moment for Northern Ireland and the whole United Kingdom," she added.

"I would like to pay the warmest tribute to my predecessor and friend, James Brokenshire, who did such an outstanding job. I wish him all the very best for his medical treatment and for a speedy recovery."

Read More

Mrs Bradly grew up in Buxton with her parents who ran a hotel and pub, the Queen's Head Hotel. She attended Buxton Girls' School before gaining a BSc in Maths from Imperial College London.

She worked with the Conservatives from 2005 in the party's policy unit specialising in tax matters before contesting unsuccessful for election in 2005. A former Home Office minister she was first elected to parliament in 2010. Mrs Bradley lives in Leek with her husband and two children.

"Northern Ireland is a very special part of our United Kingdom and has huge potential," continued Mrs Bradley.

"A key part of my role will be to help build a Northern Ireland that is fit for the future and works for everyone. In seeking to achieve that I want to work closely with all parties, the Irish government as appropriate, and with all sections of the community. Be assured the UK Government remains fully committed to the Belfast Agreement, its principles and institutions."

She continued: "We must also continue the work to deliver a Brexit that recognises Northern Irelands unique circumstances and avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland while maintaining the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.

The UK Government remains fully committed to the Belfast Agreement, its principles and institutions.

"Alongside these issues, I am conscious of the need to establish a stronger economy and a shared society, to address the legacy of the past and to keep people safe and secure.

"In the coming days, I look forward to meeting many different people, parties and other groups as I take on this hugely important and exciting role in the Prime Minister's Government."

Business representatives welcomed her appointment saying her priority should be the restoration of Stormont's devolved institutions.

An immediate priority will of course be the re-establishment of an inclusive devolved government for this region," Angela McGowan director of the CBI in Northern Ireland said.

"In addition, Minister Bradley will have to grapple with the swift development of a new Northern Ireland budget which will restore NIs public finances to a more sustainable footing.

The new Secretary of State must also be a strong advocate for the regions economic interests  ensuring Northern Irelands unique vulnerability to a no deal Brexit is fully understood across the corridors of Whitehall. Local firms are adamant that any proposed EU/UK deal must guarantee seamless, frictionless trade both east/west and north/south to both uphold the principles of the Good Friday Agreement and safeguard peace and prosperity.

Glyn Roberts, chief Executive of Retail NI which represents small and independent business, added: "Karen Bradley must hit the ground running in an renewed effort to restore devolution and avoid direct rule. Her appointment will hopefully give new momentum to an intensive talks process which leads to the Executive being re-established.

Our members are beyond frustration at the continuing political deadlock and lack of a Government. We will never be able to fully move our economy forward while we have this level of political instability.

Karen Bradley has a incredibly tough role over the next few months and wish her well in her efforts. We look forward to working her."Politicians who stand in the way of zero tolerance to drink-driving are endangering lives, the mother of a road crash victim has claimed.

Gillian Treacy, who has been appointed to the board of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), warned that dangerous drivers and those who drive under the influence of alcohol need to be put off the roads.

Ms Treacy, whose four-year-old son Ciaran was killed by a drunk driver in Co Laois in 2014, was given the role by Transport Minister Shane Ross, along with another prominent campaigner Donna Price.

Ms Price's 18-year-old son Darren was killed in a car crash in March 2006. She founded the Irish Victims' Association six years later.

The new RSA members vowed to bring a human perspective to their job, including the minister's attempts to legislate for automatic three-month bans for driving under the influence.

Ms Treacy said: "Any TD that's holding us back, as Minister Ross said, is putting other people's lives at danger.

"We need to eradicate these drunk drivers, dangerous drivers off the roads.

"Anyone who goes against this bill is an insult to my little son Ciaran and any other family that has lost a loved one through actions of a drink-driver or a dangerous driver."

Ms Price said she simply cannot understand people not backing a zero tolerance to drink-driving.

"To lose a child to an incurable disease is one thing but to lose a child to something preventable is soul-destroying. We're now compelled (to do something)," she said.

A review of the Government's Road Traffic Strategy 2013-2020 was published alongside the announcement of the new RSA board members.

It warned that road deaths would increase without enforcement of what it described as the main killer behaviours of speeding, drink-driving and non-seat belt wearing.

The review called for disqualified drivers to be named and shamed and funding to be secured to improve dangerous roads.

Mr Ross praised the campaigners appointed to the RSA.

"Their bravery in the face of personal tragedy has already inspired others and made many aware of the significant dangers on our roads.

"Their passion and their personal experience will drive the board to take further measures in pursuit of saving lives," he said.

"Whilst we had a reduction in road deaths last year, 158 is 158 too many".

RSA chairman Liz O'Donnell called for more gardai in road traffic enforcement.

"Road fatalities are down for 2017 and that has to be welcomed but we've a long way to go to get to our target," she said.

"The gardai are our key collaborators in reducing fatalities on our roads and we have been very concerned that the numbers of the Garda Siochana have been diminished."

"Before the recession we had roads policing, exclusively, we had 1,200, we now have 681.

"We need more gardai, we need high-profile gardai, to make people change their behaviour through fear of being prosecuted and being caught."Two men have been arrested over the murder of IRA informer Denis Donaldson

An independent councillor arrested as part of investigations into the murder of MI5 agent Denis Donaldson has been released without charge.

Donaldson, a 55-year-old senior Sinn Fein official and close colleague of Gerry Adams, was shot dead at a remote cottage near Glenties, Co Donegal, in 2006 after being exposed as a British spy.

Gary Donnelly, a hardline republican and independent councillor in Derry and Strabane, was detained on Sunday.

A Garda spokesman said a second man , in his 30s and also arrested on Sunday, remained in custody under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.

"The investigation is ongoing," the Garda press office said.

"Gardai are continuing to appeal to anyone with information in relation to this murder to contact them."

It is the second time Mr Donnelly has been arrested and released without charge during investigations into Mr Donaldson's murder.

Dissident republican group the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the killing in 2009.

Ciaran Shiels, solicitor for the Donaldson family, from law firm Madden and Finucane, said: "The family have no comment in relation to either arrest at this stage.

"However, we don't believe either individual to be 'Lenny', Denis Donaldson's PSNI and RUC handler.

"The family believe he is the person with the most serious questions to answer in this matter and we would urge, yet again, that the authorities speak to him under caution and as a suspect in this case."

Mr Donnelly was arrested after speaking at a centenary commemoration of the Meenbanad ambush in Co Donegal, where two republicans were freed from a British Army escort in what is considered one of the first acts in Ireland's War of Independence.

Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easpaig, an independent councillor in Donegal who organised the event, said: "We believe Gary Donnelly's arrest to be politically motivated.

"It was a staged arrest, politically motivated and it was to undermine the work of independent councillors like ourselves."

Mr Mac Giolla Easpaig said the arrest warrant was issued on November 22 and Mr Donnelly was a frequent visitor to Donegal and could have been arrested on a number of occasions in the last two months.A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay high court seeking constitution of a commission of inquiry headed by retired Supreme Court judge to investigate the events and circumstances surrounding the death of late Judge BH Loya.

The petition has been filed by Bombay Lawyers' Association, which is a body of advocates registered under the provisions of the Society Registration Act, 1860.

Justice Loya was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter killing case in 2005, at the time of his death.

A magazine had in November raised questions about Judge Loya's death after speaking to his family members in Maharashtra.

The petition reads: News had "sent shock waves in the entire country, particularly, in the legal fraternity including advocates and judges as well. In spite of that therein is pernicious silence from all authorities on this issue which has created serious doubt in the mind of the public at large about safety and security of judges ensuring independence of judiciary."

According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation, in 2005 Sohrabuddin was allegedly killed in a fake encounter by Rajasthan and Gujarat police. The gangster's wife Kausar Bi was also allegedly killed in the encounter.

A year later, Sohrabuddin's associate and a witness Tulsiram Prajapati was also allegedly killed. When the chargesheet was filed by the CBI in 2010, it was against the then Home Minister of Gujarat and present BJP president Amit shah, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria and others.

The trial in the case had not yet started till 2014 and the then judge JT Utpat was transferred. Utpat was replaced by Judge BL Loya and within months of taking over, he was found dead.

Family members of Judge Loya had claimed of mysterious circumstances under which his body was handed over to them for the last rites. While postmortem reports claimed that Judge Loya died of heart attack, the family found blood stains on his clothes raising their suspicion.

The magazine had also claimed Judge Loya's family members had told them that he had been under tremendous pressure to discharge Amit Shah from the case. In fact, Loya was even offered money for the same.

Months after Judge Loya's death, Amit Shah, Kataria and many others were discharged from the case due to lack of evidence.

The petition points out that not just the magazine but other media also reported about how the family lives in fear and that many popular faces including a former judge of the Bombay high court wrote seeking a proper probe in the case.

The lawyers' asssociation petition states, "if independence and integrity of the judiciary is to be preserved, then the death of Judge Loya and the circumstances surrounding the same should be thoroughly investigated by a Commission of Inquiry."Saoirse Ronan was nominated for an Oscar when she was just 13

She is Ireland's woman of the moment - even being hailed the country's very own Meryl Streep.

Saoirse Ronan's Golden Globes success has catapulted her among Hollywood royalty.

Irish stand-up comedian and actress Deirdre O'Kane was one of the first to congratulate her fellow countrywoman on her gong.

"Over the moon about Saoirse Ronan's golden globe... she is our Meryl Streep, a HUGE talent and a beautiful human being, that's all.." she Tweeted.

Ireland's Culture Minister Josepha Madigan said she was delighted for the 23-year-old Carlow woman.

The Fine Gael TD also praised Irish writer-director Martin McDonagh on his Golden Globe win.

"Saoirse Ronan and Martin McDonagh are both wonderfully charismatic people and their success in winning Golden Globes, which are such significant international awards, are indicative of their immense talent and versatility as artists.

"I would like to send my best wishes to both on their success and I am sure their personal achievements last night will be welcomed by all in the Irish film industry," the minister said.

The small national school in the village of Ardattin in Co Carlow, where Saoirse studied as a young girl, suddenly became the focus of the media on Monday.

Principal Laura Vance was inundated with calls about the school's most famous ex-pupil.

It was here at the rural school that a young Saoirse juggled her studies with her television and film work.

Her mother and father Monica and Paul Ronan, both from Dublin, had returned to live in the area when Saoirse was three, after 11 years living in New York.

Her first acting job was on RTE's The Clinic, which also starred her father, when she was just nine years old.

A part in the TV series Proof followed, before she was cast in the Michelle Pfeiffer movie I Could Never Be Your Woman.

By the age of 13 she was nominated for an Oscar in the best supporting actress category for her role in the film Atonement.

She then played a child assassin in Hanna and a pastry chef who helps break a man out of prison in The Grand Budapest Hotel.

She earned her second Oscar nomination for her role as an Irish immigrant who makes her way to 1950s New York in Brooklyn.

The 23-year-old finally won her gong on Sunday night for her role in the coming-of-age comedy-drama Lady Bird, leading to floods of tributes to "Ireland's leading lady".

Tourism Ireland Tweeted: "Congrats to Ireland's leading lady, Saoirse Ronan, on her #GoldenGlobe win for her role in the movie Lady Bird! Martin McDonagh's film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, won a whopping four awards, including Best Motion Picture - Drama!"

The Irish Embassy in the US also Tweeted: "Many congrats to Saoirse Ronan for #GoldenGlobes award for best actress for #LadyBird!"Positive momentum in the Irish economy is set to outweigh any negative impacts of the looming Brexit through 2018, a leading business body has predicted.

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, said the country's economy had moved on from its post-financial crash "recovery phase" and was now on a path of "strong and sustainable" growth.

Ibec's quarterly economic outlook has forecast 4.2% economic growth in 2018, having estimated the growth rate in 2017 at 6%.

It said the expansion was being underpinned by business investment and strong consumer spending.

The group said the likely impact of Brexit impact on growth this year would be "outweighed by positive domestic and global momentum".

Gerard Brady, Ibec's head of tax and fiscal policy, said the economy could look forward with confidence despite external threats.

"Since the crisis we have seen a recovery in the Irish economy which has been exceptional," he said.

"This was driven by the strength of the Irish business model with record FDI (foreign direct investment) and an increasingly global footprint from our indigenous industries.

"Because of this growth in our business substance, the economic recovery phase is now over, with 2017 seeing Ireland surpass many of the most important pre-crisis milestones.

"As we enter 2018 the State's accounts are effectively balanced, employment has returned to 2006 levels, and we are seeing the quickest real wage growth in Europe at 1.8%.

"Irish households are clearly benefiting with real disposable incomes growing at over four times the eurozone average and per-capita income in working households now likely to have passed out its pre-crisis peak.

"This phase is now more sustainable than the 'boom' period."

Mr Brady said a "major question" facing the economy in the future would be the ability of the economy to meet the needs of a growing population.

"Major challenges are already clear in the housing sector," he said.

Mr Brady added: "Delivering on the promise of growth with stretched capacity and a tight labour market, whilst also maintaining competitiveness, will be a key challenge ahead for both business and the Government."Justine Greening has quit the Government after refusing to take the work and pensions post after being moved from the education portfolio, Downing Street sources said.

The move is the biggest upset of a reshuffle which saw Prime Minister Theresa May keep all the political big beasts in her Cabinet in place.

No 10 sources said Mrs May is disappointed but respects Ms Greenings decision to leave the Government.

Honour & privilege to serve in Govt since 2010. Social mobility matters to me & our country more than my ministerial career. I'll continue to do everything I can to create a country that has equality of opportunity for young people & Iall keep working hard as MP for Putney.  Justine Greening (@JustineGreening) January 8, 2018

Ms Greening was succeeded as Education Secretary by Damian Hinds, who was promoted from being a junior work and pensions minister.

The way Ms Greening left the Government could cause a headache for the PM when the Putney MP, who backed Remain in the referendum campaign, returns to the back benches.

Ms Greening had made it clear she wanted to stay in the education post in the run-up to the reshuffle amid a raft of reports that the PM was determined to move her.

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In an embarrassing twist to a reshuffle beset with social media mistakes, Jeremy Hunt, who was kept on as Health Secretary with an extended social care role in the shake-up, was forced to explain why he had liked a tweet stating that Ms Greening had left the Government.

Mr Hunt tweeted: Like button pressed by accident. Justine was an excellent minister and will be a great loss to govt.

Like button pressed by accident. Justine was an excellent minister and will be a great loss to govt. https://t.co/OOjZHYlPmp  Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) January 8, 2018

The post of Work and Pensions Secretary which Ms Greening turned down was given to former minister Esther McVey.

Former justice secretary David Lidington was appointed Minister for the Cabinet Office, but was not awarded the title of First Secretary of State enjoyed by his predecessor Damian Green.

It was Mr Greens resignation after he admitted lying over pornography on his office computer that prompted the reshuffle.

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But Mr Lidington will fill in for Mrs May at Prime Ministers Questions and take on some of the responsibilities for chairing influential Cabinet committees, including some relating to Brexit.

Downing Street confirmed Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Brexit Secretary David Davis are all keeping their current jobs.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire resigned from the Cabinet on grounds of ill health, weeks before major surgery for a lesion on his right lung.

Really appreciate all of the kind messages. Standing down will allow me to focus completely on my family, my health and recovering from surgery speedily so that I can get back to frontline politics as early as I can. Not quite how I thought Iad mark my 50th birthday! pic.twitter.com/EDMGBR56y6  James Brokenshire (@JBrokenshire) January 8, 2018

Mr Lidington was also named Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, replacing Sir Patrick McLoughlin, who was sacked as Conservative chairman following criticism of his role in the partys poor performance in last years snap election.

Brandon Lewis has been named the new party chairman, amid farcical scenes which saw the Tories official Twitter account incorrectly announce that the job had gone to Chris Grayling.

Transport Secretary Mr Grayling was kept on at his department despite widespread reports that he faced the axe.

Greg Clark also retained his position as Business Secretary amid speculation he could be sacked, and Downing Street announced Claire Perry would also attend Cabinet as minister of state at the business department.

Sajid Javid has had his responsibility for housing added to his existing Cabinet title in a sign of the issues increasing political importance. He is now Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Housing Secretary @sajidjavid on our new name and his focus on housing following the #CabinetReshuffle https://t.co/CA90qIsSLx pic.twitter.com/8CnJCtBVZv  Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Govt (@mhclg) January 8, 2018

Gavin Williamson retains his role as Defence Secretary, which he has held for just over two months.

Former work and pensions secretary David Gauke has taken over the roles of Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary vacated by Mr Lidington.

Ex-culture secretary Karen Bradley has been moved to the politically sensitive Northern Ireland role vacated by Mr Brokenshire.

Digital minister Matt Hancock takes over from his old boss as Culture Secretary.

Thrilled to become DCMS Secretary. Such an exciting agenda, so much to do, and great people. Canat wait to get stuck in #DigitalCultureMediaSport https://t.co/HlspHnJjHG  Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) January 8, 2018

Environment Secretary Michael Gove, International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox all remain in the same jobs.

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park stays on as Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords.

David Mundell remains Secretary of State for Scotland, and Alun Cairns stays on as Secretary of State for Wales.

Jeremy Corbyn told a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party that the reshuffle was a pointless and lacklustre PR stunt.

He said: In 2018, the impact of Tory austerity is hitting home with the public, most tragically with the most serious NHS winter crisis yet.

And yet the Governments big plan for the new year is to dodge the real issues and reshuffle the pack in a pointless and lacklustre PR exercise.

Its simply not good enough. You cant make up for nearly eight years of failure by changing the name of a department.

Sorry to see @JustineGreening leave government - she brought her non-nonsense, northern accountant's eye to every brief and is a real role model for LGBT+ Conservatives.  Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonPC) January 8, 2018

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson tweeted: Sorry to see @JustineGreening leave government  she brought her non-nonsense, northern accountants eye to every brief and is a real role model for LGBT+ Conservatives.

Former chancellor George Osborne tweeted: Glad to see many of the old Treasury team thriving (and surviving) in this unusual reshuffle  well done @DavidGauke @DamianHinds @sajidjavid @GregClarkMP and my former chief of staff @MattHancock. All competent, creative, hardworking and good to work with.

Andrea Leadsom remains Leader of the House of Commons, despite widespread speculation that Mrs May could demote her.

And Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss also stays in post.Munir Mohammed on a trip to his local Asda where he bought the wrong type of nail varnish remover to make explosives (Counter Terrorism Policing North/PA)

A couple who met on a lonely hearts website have been found guilty of plotting devastating carnage over Christmas with an Islamic State-inspired bomb or ricin attack.

Sudanese asylum seeker Munir Mohammed volunteered for a lone wolf UK mission as he chatted on Facebook with a man he believed was an IS commander.

He enlisted the help of pharmacist Rowaida El-Hassan, drawing on her knowledge of chemicals needed to make a bomb after seeking her out on SingleMuslim.com.

At the time of his arrest in December 2016, Mohammed had two of the three components for TATP explosives as well as manuals on how to make explosives, mobile phone detonators, and deadly ricin poison.

Expand Close Would-be bomber Munir Mohammed on a trip to his local Asda where he bought the wrong type of nail varnish remover to make explosives (Counter Terrorism Policing North/PA) PA / Facebook

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Mohammed, 36, of Leopold Street, Derby, and El-Hassan, 33, of Willesden Lane, north-west London, denied preparing terrorist acts between November 2015 and December 2016.

But following an Old Bailey trial, a jury found the pair guilty of the plot.

Judge Michael Topolski QC remanded the pair in custody and warned them they faced jail when they are sentenced on February 22.

Following the verdicts, he said: Munir Mohammed, you have been convicted of planning a potentially devastating terrorist attack by creating an explosive device and deploying it somewhere in the UK targeting those you regarded as enemies of the Islamic State.

Rowaida El-Hassan, you share the extremist mindset with Munir Mohammed and you were ideologically motivated to provide him with support, motivation and assistance.

You knew he was engaging and planning an attack. You knew he was planning an explosion to kill and maim innocent people in the cause of Islamic State.

Mohammed was unanimously convicted and his co-accused by a majority of 10 to one jurors.

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Mohammed arrived in Britain in the back of a lorry and claimed asylum in February 2014, the court heard.

After being left hanging for more than two years, he appealed to Derby MP Margaret Beckett for help with his immigration problems.

The long-serving Labour MP was informed by authorities that his case was not straightforward and had been referred to a specialist unit for consideration.

Meanwhile, Mohammed was working at a Kerry Foods in Derby making sauces for supermarket ready meals and wooing a potential British bride he met online.

The prosecution claimed he was drawn to University College London graduate El-Hassan because she referred to having a Masters degree in pharmacy in her dating profile.

She wrote that she was looking for a simple, very simple, honest and straightforward man who fears Allah who she could vibe with on a spiritual and intellectual level.

Jurors were told the pair had a rapidly formed emotional attachment and a shared ideology and by the spring of 2016 were in regular contact on WhatsApp and had met more than once in a London park near El-Hassans home.

As well as arguments, jokes and everyday concerns, they also shared extremist views and videos.

Prosecutor Anne Whyte QC said Mohammed resolved upon a lone wolf attack and El-Hassan was well aware of his plan.

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In August 2016, Mohammed was put in touch via Facebook with a man he believed was an IS commander, known as Abubakr Kurdi.

He pledged allegiance to Kurdi and offered to participate in a new job in the UK, said to mean an act of terrorism, jurors heard.

In September 2016, Mohammed complained he had not received his instructions, saying in coded language: If possible send how we make dough (explosives) for Syrian bread (a bomb) and other types of food.

Mother-of-two El-Hassan advised fellow divorcee Mohammed on what chemicals to buy for a bomb, jurors were told.

In November 2016, Mohammed got hold of a video containing information on how to manufacture ricin, the court heard.

In the days before his arrest, Mohammed was captured on in-store CCTV buying acetone free nail polish from Asda, in the mistaken belief it was a chemical component of TATP.

He also looked at pressure cookers at Ace Discounts, which the prosecution said could be used to contain the explosives.

Expand Close Would-be bomber Munir Mohammed visiting Ace Discounts in Derby where he looked a pressure cookers, which can be used to contain explosives (Counter Terrorism Policing North/PA) PA / Facebook

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When police raided his home on December 12 2016, they found hydrogen peroxide in a wardrobe and hydrochloric acid in the freezer.

Mohammed denied the chemicals were for a bomb, claiming the hydrochloric acid was to clean the alloys on his car and the peroxide was to treat a burn.

He told jurors he sent El-Hassan extremist videos mainly for the news and claimed his intention was to marry her.

However, the court also heard he had an arranged marriage in Sudan with a woman he had never met called Fatima who he was hoping to bring to England on a student visa.

El-Hassan, who came to Britain from Sudan at the age of three, told jurors she had sulphuric acid for her drains and got face masks to wear as she dealt with a damp problem in her flat.

Asked if she had feelings for Mohammed, she said: It was mixed feelings at the time. Yes, there was emotional attachment.

There were feelings developing and we were getting to know each other. I was grateful for things he helped me with. And he was grateful for things I helped him with. I liked the attention he was giving me.

Sue Hemming, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: Munir Mohammed and Rowaida El-Hassan were clearly attracted to each other through their support for Daeshs violent ideology and its intolerance of those who do not subscribe to its views.

They planned to kill and injure innocent people in the UK and had the mindset, the methodology and almost all the material needed for Mohammed to carry out an attack.

Both will be in prison, where they cannot plot together and will no longer be a danger to the public.Barry McElduff once said there should be no hierarchy of victims of the Northern Ireland conflict.

As a schoolboy he took days off to attend the 1981 funerals of IRA hunger strikers.

Sinn Feins West Tyrone MP has defended the right of republicans to remember their own victims of violence or patriot dead, including two IRA men killed by their own bomb in his native Co Tyrone.

He added: We all should have the opportunity to remember our dead.

The married father-of-three, 51, fell foul of what his own party said was inexcusable behaviour after tweeting a video posing with a Kingsmill loaf on the 42nd anniversary of the massacre of the same name.

Ten innocent Protestant workmen were killed in the sectarian shooting by republicans on a rural road in South Armagh.

Mr McElduff apologised and said he did not realise there could be a possible link between the bread brand and the anniversary.

Sinn Fein president @GerryAdamsSF has just left party offices in west Belfast where @BarryMcElduff is currently inside discussing the fallout from his controversial Kingsmill loaf video. @PA pic.twitter.com/maK5QF8uuZ  David Young (@DavidYoungPA) January 8, 2018

He lives in the village of Carrickmore and represents an area including the market town of Omagh.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Families of murdered workmen attend an evening service in 1976 as six coffins of IRA victims are brought to church in Bessbrook the night before the funerals of those killed in the Provisional IRA's infamous sectarian Whitecross (Kingsmill) Massacre. The IRA lined up the occupants of a workers minibus carrying 11 protestants and one catholic, before releasing the catholic man and mowing down the 10 protestant workmen, leaving the critically injured Mr Alan Black for dead. Alan Lewis Photopress The victims of the Kingsmill massacre (clockwise from top left): Robert Chambers; John Bryans; Joseph Lemmon; James McWhirter; Robert Freeburn; Robert Walker; Reginald Chapman; Kenneth Worton; John McConville and Walter Chapman Kimgsmill massacre aftermath Walter Chapman John McConville Kenneth Worton Reginald Chapman Robert Walker Robert Freeburn James McWhirter Joseph Lemmon John Bryans Robert Chambers The funeral service for five victims of the Kingsmills massacre at the Presbyterian church grounds in Bessbrook Alan Black was shot 18 times but survived the Kingsmills massacre Alan Black in hospital after the IRA shot him and killed 10 of his colleagues at Kingsmills Photopress Belfast Alan Black:Survivor of the Kingsmill, Armagh, Massacre/Shooting, when he was shot with his 10 workmates in an ambushon their way home from work by gunmen. Pictured at the Kingsmill Memorial monument. 4/1/1981 A man lays a wreath at the Kingsmill memorial in South Armagh (PA) PA Wire/PA Images People attend a roadside service marking the 42nd anniversary of the Kingsmill massacre (Brian Lawless/PA) Karen Armstrong holds a photograph of her brother John McConville, who was killed in the Kingsmill attack Sisters Cathy Michale, Colleen McKenna and Eileen Reavey unveil the monument to commemorate their brothers in Whitecross, Armagh Newraypics.com The crowd assembled at the service of remembrance for the victims held at the Town Hall in Bessbrook yesterday to mark the 40th anniversary of the atrocity Kevin Scott / Presseye / Facebook

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Whatsapp Families of murdered workmen attend an evening service in 1976 as six coffins of IRA victims are brought to church in Bessbrook the night before the funerals of those killed in the Provisional IRA's infamous sectarian Whitecross (Kingsmill) Massacre. The IRA lined up the occupants of a workers minibus carrying 11 protestants and one catholic, before releasing the catholic man and mowing down the 10 protestant workmen, leaving the critically injured Mr Alan Black for dead. Alan Lewis Photopress

In 1998 29 people died in a dissident republican car bomb in the town, including Michael Gallaghers son Aiden.

Mr Gallagher said: It was just incalculable that a person of that intelligence and standing in the community would engage in such irrational behaviour, it is just difficult to understand.

He added: These things should never be brought down to party politics, it is a question of getting answers for the people who have suffered.

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Mr McElduff was steeped in republicanism from a young age, speaking of his pride after taking the day off school to attend the funeral of IRA hunger striker Raymond McCreesh.

He said: The level of his commitment and sacrifice is difficult to comprehend.

After a local council controversially named a play park after McCreesh, Mr McElduff said he was a hero.

He said: There are Irish people in possession of Nobel Prizes for their various contributions.

As far as I am concerned, Raymond McCreesh would be more deserving of international recognition than many of the past recipients.HMS Westminster, a Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate, was scrambled to intercept two Russian warships (Ministry of Defence)

A Royal Navy warship has been tasked with escorting four Russian vessels through the English Channel, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.

HMS Westminster, a Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate, was scrambled to intercept two of Vladimir Putins warships and two supporting vessels as they passed close to UK waters.

The latest incident comes amid what the MoD called an upsurge in Russian units transiting UK waters during the festive season.

HMS St Albans spent Christmas Day escorting another Russian warship, the Admiral Gorshkov, through the North Sea.

Expand Close Royal Navy frigate HMS St Albans escorted another Russian warship through the North Sea on Christmas Day (Ministry of Defence/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook

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Commanding officer of HMS Westminster, Commander Simon Kelly, said the ships role as the Royal Navys Fleet Ready Escort is to be at very high readiness to respond to anything.

While today most people are returning to work for the first time in the new year, HMS Westminsters ships company has been at sea and at readiness as part of the Royal Navys commitment to keep Britain safe at all times, he said.

The English Channel is an absolute lifeline for the UK, and it is very important HMS Westminster and the Royal Navy maintains a watchful eye on this key strategic link.

After being dispatched on Friday, HMS Westminster remained at sea before meeting up with the Russian ships.

The MoD said the ship had been keeping track of their activities in areas of Britains national interest, before escorting them through the English Channel on Monday.

It is believed the four Russian ships are returning to the Baltic after operations in the Middle East.

The UK warship will remain with the two Steregushchiy-class frigates Soobrazitelny and Boiky and support vessels Paradoks and Kola as they head north.

On Christmas Eve, HMS Tyne was called to escort a Russian intelligence-gathering ship through the North Sea and the English Channel.

A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, based at RNAS Yeovilton, was then dispatched to monitor two further Russian vessels.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said in response to the Christmas scrambling of HMS St Albans that he would not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression.Motorists and businesses are set to make major savings as the Government reduces the charges to cross the Severn bridges.

From Monday all vehicles will be exempt from VAT, meaning car drivers will pocket an extra 1.10 as the charge for individual crossings reduces from 6.70 to 5.60.

This change will also lift an administrative burden for business users, who will no longer need to claim back VAT.

NEWS: One year countdown begins to Severn tollsa abolition - .@AlunCairns delivers on UK Government commitment set to boost the Welsh economy by over A100m a year https://t.co/dVM41AuFnu #SevernTolls pic.twitter.com/eKbBxjly66  UK Government in Wales (@UKGovWales) December 31, 2017

The move is expected to save regular motorists around 1,400 per year, making it far cheaper to travel to Cardiff, Newport or Bristol.

Businesses across the area will also benefit by not paying over 16 for lorries to cross the Severn.

A Welsh Government study previously estimated that the abolition of VAT on toll charges would boost the Welsh economy by over 100 million a year.

The reduction comes as the crossings return to public ownership, with Highways England, a UK-Government owned body, taking over responsibility for the bridges operation and management from Severn River Crossing PLC.

Drivers are set to benefit further when the UK Government abolishes the charges completely by the end of 2018.

With the abolition of the Severn Bridge tolls approaching, @UKGovWales is hosting a Severn Growth Summit on the opportunities this will bring for business in Wales. Sign up here: https://t.co/kY9x6Huv3q  CBI Wales (@CBICymru) January 2, 2018

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: In less than a year we will see the biggest economic stimulus for south Wales and the valleys.

This important move taken by the Prime Minister and the UK Government in regard to the Severn Crossings represents a clear symbol of breaking down the economic and historic barriers which have hindered Wales prosperity, whilst supporting the union of the United Kingdom.

My number one priority as Secretary of State was to remove the tolls, which will not only make journeys cheaper for commuters and tourists, but will also create exciting opportunities for businesses and investors looking to make their mark in Wales.

This will boost Welsh employment and establish lasting relationships between the economies and communities of South Wales and South West England, creating the most natural growth corridor spanning from Cardiff through Newport to Bristol.

It is time to make politics fit business, not business fit politics in Wales.

The first Severn Bridge was opened in September 1966, providing a direct link from the M4 motorway into Wales, with a toll in place for use of the bridge to pay for the cost of construction. In 1996 the second crossing opened to the public.Ashok Sawant was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of Shiv Sena leader Ashok Sawant in Kandivali, a suburb of Mumbai.

A zonal District Commissioner Police announced the arrests, ANI reported. A vehicle that was used in the crime was seized, he said.

A two-time corporator from Samta Nagar, Ashok Sawant was attacked about 200 metres from his residence on Sunday as he was returning after meeting a friend.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Media reports said Sawant had entered a cable business, and had been receiving extortion calls for the last few days, and that the Kandivali murder was probably connected to these threats.CCTV cameras on the side of a building in central London (Clive Gee/PA)

Britains growing CCTV network could be a target for hacking attacks, a watchdog has warned.

Surveillance camera commissioner Tony Porter flagged up the possible risk of intrusion on the public by individual and state actors.

He pointed to a major cyber incident in Washington DC in January last year where more than 100 cameras were infected with ransomware.

Mr Porter said: The risk potential for intrusion on citizens has significantly increased both by lawful operators of surveillance camera systems and those individual or state actors who seek to hack into systems.

Cyber security has moved to the top of the security agenda.

Publishing his annual report for 2016/17, Mr Porter said surveillance cameras are not always recognised as potential hacking targets.

He told the Press Association: As we move from analogue to digital surveillance, most cameras are plugged into corporate IT networks.

If your camera is not suitably protected you are potentially opening up a back door for organisations that choose to hack.

What we are saying is that cameras are potentially your vulnerable point. You must ensure that you apply the same level of IT security to your cameras as you do to your mainframe.

There is a whole host of areas where data could be accessed through insecure surveillance networks.

Britain is seen as having one of the most extensive CCTV networks in the world, and the commissioners report indicates that it continues to grow.

Research in 2013 estimated the number of cameras in the UK at up to six million.

Mr Porter said: I believe the figure may now be much higher than this estimate, given the proliferation of cameras being adopted by such a wide range of organisations and the increasingly intrusive nature of new and emerging technologies.

I am concerned at the incrementally intrusive development of surveillance cameras in the everyday lives of citizens.

The assessment also called for the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system to be placed on a statutory footing.

ANPR is one of the largest non-military databases in the UK, with around 9,000 cameras nationally that capture between 25 million and 40 million pieces of data per day, while up to 20 billion read records are held.

Mr Porter described this activity as formidable, saying: The nature of its capabilities to intrude on privacy by building patterns of travel and the provision of imagery should not be underestimated.

I firmly believe that this system needs legislative oversight and that the Government should place this system on a statutory footing.

The watchdog noted that arguments have been advanced that the number of manufacturers of number plates should be limited.

But he suggested a system of stricter controls may be needed, similar to the production of driving licences and passports.

Mr Porter also said he understood there are issues with inaccurate location of ANPR cameras or cameras failing to report their correct location, adding: I think this might have a negative impact on future prosecutions.

A Home Office spokesman said: Automatic number plate recognition gives police vital evidence to protect the public.

There are strict rules in place for how the ANPR database can be used and who can access it.

The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice sets out clear rules to be followed to guard against unauthorised access and use of surveillance cameras.

Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, said: The UK is already the most surveilled country of any Western democracy  and the surveillance state appears to be dangerously expanding.

This growing, intrusive tracking of the UKs population is unacceptable.Donald Trump's former chief strategist has reaffirmed his support for the commander in chief and praised Mr Trump's eldest son as "both a patriot and a good man", as he faced a growing backlash.

Steve Bannon infuriated the US president with comments to author Michael Wolff describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York between Donald Trump Jr, Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic".

But Mr Bannon said Sunday his description was aimed at former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who also attended the meeting, and not Mr Trump's son.

"I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency," Mr Bannon said in the statement, first obtained by the news site Axios.

He said his support for Mr Trump and his agenda was "unwavering".

Hours before the statement came out, administration officials used appearances on the Sunday news shows to rally behind Mr Trump and try to undermine Wolff's Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, which portrays the 45th president as a leader who does not understand the weight of his office and whose competence is questioned by aides.

Chief policy adviser Stephen Miller, in a combative appearance on CNN, described the book as "nothing but a pile of trash through and through".

He also criticised Mr Bannon, who is quoted at length by Wolff, saying it was "tragic and unfortunate" that Mr Bannon "would make these grotesque comments so out of touch with reality and obviously so vindictive".

CIA director Mike Pompeo said Mr Trump was "completely fit" to lead the country, pausing before answering because, he said on Fox News Sunday, it was such "a ludicrous question".

"These are from people who just have not accepted the fact that President Trump is the United States' president and I'm sorry for them in that," said Mr Pompeo, who gives Mr Trump his regular intelligence briefings.

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said that she was at the White House once a week, and "no one questions the stability of the president".

"I'm always amazed at the lengths people will go to, to lie for money and for power. This is like taking it to a whole new low," she told ABC's This Week.

Stephen Miller said "the portrayal of the president in the book is so contrary to reality, to the experience of those who work with him".

Mr Miller's interview on CNN's State of the Union quickly grew heated, with Mr Miller criticising CNN's coverage and moderator Jake Tapper pressing him to answer his questions and accusing him of speaking to only one viewer: Mr Trump.

Mr Tapper abruptly ended the interview, saying: "I think I've wasted enough of my viewers' time."

Soon after, Mr Trump tweeted: "Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!"

Mr Trump used Twitter on Saturday to defend his fitness for office, insisting he was "like, really smart" and, indeed, a "very stable genius".

He pressed the case again on Sunday as he prepared to depart Camp David for the White House.

"I've had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author," he tweeted.

Mr Wolff's book draws a derogatory portrait of Mr Trump as an undisciplined man-child who did not actually want to win the White House and who spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the telephone to old friends.

The book also quotes Mr Bannon and other prominent advisers as questioning the president's competence.

Mr Trump and some aides have attacked Mr Wolff's credibility, pointing to the fact that the book includes a number of factual errors and denying that the author had as much access as he claimed.

APPhoto taken with permission from the twitter feed of @SusanSball4 of smoke coming from Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, USA. Susan D. Ball/PA Wire

Three people were injured after a fire broke out in Trump Tower's heating and air conditioning system, New York City fire chiefs have said.

The blaze started at around 7am (noon GMT), causing smoke to billow from the roof at the Manhattan building which contains President Donald Trump's home and business offices.

Two civilians and a firefighter were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, the New York fire department said.

It took about an hour to put out the fire.

The president was at the White House when fire engines clogged the streets around his Fifth Avenue building during the morning rush hour.

Mr Trump's son Eric later wrote on Twitter: "There was a small electrical fire in a cooling tower on the roof of Trump Tower.

"The New York Fire Department was here within minutes and did an incredible job. The men and women of the #FDNY are true heroes and deserve our most sincere thanks and praise!"

The Republican president announced his candidacy in 2015 at Trump Tower, his home for more than 30 years.Iran's foreign minister has warned neighbouring countries against fomenting unrest after anti-government protests rocked the country over the past two weeks.

The remarks by Mohammad Javad Zarif at a security conference in Tehran echoed previous allegations by Iranian officials, who have blamed the violence that accompanied some of the protests on the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

"Some countries tried to misuse the recent incidents," Mr Zarif said, without naming them.

"No country can create a secure environment for itself at the expense of creating insecurity among its neighbours."

"Such efforts" will only backfire, the official Irna news agency quoted Mr Zarif as saying.

The anti-government demonstrations first broke out in Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, on December 28 and later spread to several other cities and towns.

The protests were the largest seen in Iran since the disputed 2009 presidential election.

They were sparked by a hike in food prices amid soaring unemployment but some demonstrators later called for the government's overthrow and chanted against the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

At least 21 people were killed and hundreds arrested.

Large pro-government rallies were held in response.

In the past few days, Iranian authorities have said the protests are waning, and on Sunday, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed the nation and its security forces had ended the unrest.

The Guard blamed the unrest on the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia, as well as an exiled opposition group known as the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, and supporters of the monarchy that was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Mr Zarif also mentioned an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Friday.

The United States had called the meeting, portraying Iranian protests as a human rights issue that could spill over into an international problem.

US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said the session had put Iran on notice that "the world will be watching" its actions, but envoys from several other countries expressed reservations about whether the council was the right forum for the issue.

Mr Zarif depicted the session as a fiasco, saying the Trump administration is "isolated at the international level".

The world "witnessed that (all other) members of the UN security council spoke about preventing the meddling in Iran's internal affairs," he said.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani meanwhile said that despite the exploitation of the protests by outsiders, authorities should listen to the demonstrators' economic grievances.

"People rightfully say: 'See us, listen to our words'," Mr Rouhani said.

Mr Rouhani, a relative moderate, also argued against the permanent suspension of social media applications that authorities had taken offline at the height of the protests, including the popular messaging app Telegram, which is used by an estimated 40 million Iranians, half the population.

"You had a good sleep while 40 million people were in trouble," Mr Rouhani said.

"Some 100,000 people have lost their jobs over this past week" because of the suspension of the apps, he said, referring to their widespread use in online commerce.

APFollowing the cruel and cowardly attempt on the life of a social worker in Portlaoise, I and the members of the Northern Ireland Association of Social Workers (NIASW) stand in solidarity with our colleagues in the Republic of Ireland.

Social workers across the island of Ireland are working day in, day out to support, safeguard and empower some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

It is a job our members love, because they see the positive change they make in the lives of others.

The hateful act carried out against our colleague could not stand in starker contrast to the constructive work she was undertaking.

NIASW condemns the perpetrators in the strongest terms.

Throughout the Troubles many social workers across the north worked in an environment rife with intimidation.

Only recently our colleagues in the Probation Board for Northern Ireland received threats from dissident republicans. NIASW is currently working in partnership with academics at Queen's University Belfast to document the experiences of social workers during the Troubles.

It is of the greatest importance that the tragic violence of this period is not repeated anywhere, in any form.

COLIN REID

Northern Ireland Association of Social WorkersMartin McGuinness could be funny but he wasn't a clown. It's hard to imagine him prancing in front of a camera with a loaf on his head. That more sober approach would have spared him the disgrace that Barry McElduff's antics have landed him in.

And McGuinness managed a relationship with unionists for a time, even though they well knew that he stood by the IRA and its works. Before the first running of d'Hondt to select an executive in December 1999, an Ulster Unionist MLA briefed me that the party had been assured that Sinn Fein would not embarrass them by nominating to a ministerial position someone with a known IRA past.

This was when the SDLP was the majority party within nationalism and the deputy First Minister was going to be Seamus Mallon. Only two seats of the 10 would go to Sinn Fein anyway.

So there were genuine gasps of surprise when Gerry Adams stood up and nominated Martin McGuinness as Minister of Education.

The next day there were protest walkouts by pupils in some protestant schools.

McGuinness had been a hate figure for unionists for many years.

He was known to have been an IRA leader. Police officers who had stopped his car in Derry talked of his steely gaze. Once when the RUC had been delivering a road safety presentation in his child's school, McGuinness walked into the room and withdrew his child.

The police nickname for him was Art Garfunkel, countering his fearsome manner with mockery of his hair.

Martin McGuinness had been thought of in the IRA as a hardliner, one of those who swore after the calamitous 1975 ceasefire that there would be no future ceasefires without clear assurances in advance.

Through the early stages of the peace process there was media speculation that Adams would have problems getting McGuinness on side.

Much of this was based on a simple misreading. McGuinness proved to be a pushover. He loved the peace process. He frankly compared Adams to Mandela.

This has appalled some old diehards so much that they reason that he must have been working for the British all along.

When McGuinness took his seat at his office desk for his new job as Education Minister he smiled like a child opening his Christmas presents.

And that showed us that there was a soft side to this man, a very soft and sentimental side.

A year or so later, I was talking to some unionists about the latest crisis in devolution and it was clear that they did have a hate figure but it wasn't McGuinness; it was Bairbre de Brun. She as Health Minister annoyed them with her insistence on saying everything twice, first in Irish then in English, effectively halving the time they could question her on anything.

McGuinness was now 'Martin'. They weren't going to hug him or be matey with him in front of a camera but they didn't hate him any more. They did hate Gerry Adams and, as I suggested in my recent book about Adams, one of his contributions to the party might have been to act as a lightning rod for unionist contempt.

Every time Adams said he had never been in the IRA the rage flowed towards him, bypassing Martin McGuinness, Jennifer McCann, Caral ni Chuilin, Conor Murphy, Gerry Kelly and a host of other MLAs who were in no position to make such a denial.

But the eager, childlike peacemaker blossomed as never before when the system harnessed him to Rev Ian Paisley, in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister.First Minister Paisley could jokingly refer to his sidekick as 'deputy', emphasising his junior status, and McGuinness plainly enjoyed that.

As Education Minister he had bequeathed a massive problem to the schools system, abolishing academic selection without devising an alternative, leaving the schools to effectively privatise selection and damning children to going through two systems instead of one.

Jennifer McCann was pulled back into place by the party when she said that McGuinness should have, in effect, found the solution before creating the problem.

Journalists who covered the McGuinness/Paisley years say that McGuinness was often protective of Paisley, that he would actually intercept tricky questions thrown at the DUP leader.

And later we learned that they prayed together and that the Paisley family cherished the friendship between the two men, trusting that they were bound together by faith in God.

The years as deputy to Peter Robinson were not as amicable but they weren't as difficult as either man might have made them. They didn't joke much together in public.

But McGuinness showed a willingness to respect symbols and occasions of importance to unionists, and even shook hands with the Queen.

These were times when the DUP also felt that it could gain credit through conciliatory gestures.

But this was the period in which the flags protest arose, loyalism took to the streets and the DUP felt compelled to assuage the rage.

And when Arlene Foster took over as First Minister she was more distant from him, carrying the hurt from her father having been shot, herself having been on a school bus that the IRA bombed.

McGuinness, among other republicans, was clear that he was not apologising for the IRA campaign. His wanted to be accepted as a soldier who had put down his gun, but he was never going to concede that he had had no right to take it up in the first place.

Yet, after the 2016 election to the Assembly, with the smaller parties going into opposition, the DUP and Sinn Fein were seen as having almost merged. The leadership was jokingly called Marlene.

This was on the very eve of that relationship falling apart.

McGuinness had thought he could address Arlene Foster like a wise old uncle, urging her to stand aside for a short time to allow for an investigation into the renewable heating scheme that overran its costs, the 'cash for ash' scheme.

And Arlene wasn't going to be patronised, even for her own good, by a man who honoured those who had shot her father and bombed her.

At the same time, republicans muttered that McGuinness had got little in return for his efforts; he was debasing core principles by honouring the Queen.

So the tension just increased.

And we may speculate on whether it might have worked out differently if McGuinness had not then been weakened by illness, and been just weeks away from death.

We wouldn't be where we are if Arlene Foster had trusted his advice to step aside for a while.

Now, almost every major speech by Adams and other republicans, expressing determination to hold fast to current demands, starts by referring to Martin McGuinness's words when he brought down the executive, saying that there would be no return to the status quo.

They say they honour Martin's memory by holding out for equality. And the man who wanted to be a reconciler is now a standard for obstruction.

But his project included assuaging unionist anxiety about the IRA. We can't know how he would have dealt with Barry McElduff. I suspect he would have kicked him out of the party.In an incident that has been reported from Mysuru, two mentally disabled patients have been locked away in the store room of a hospital.

Sources said nurses or doctors were not attending to the patients.

The two patients were admitted to the hospital three years ago. The hospital received complaints about the patients from staff and fellow patients and decided to lock them up in a store room.

No food was provided to these patients.

This inhumane treatment has brought the prestigious hospital under scanner. The staff is accused of ill-treating mentally disabled patients.

The hospital though has denied any ill-treatment. The Superintendent of KR Hospital told Bangalore Mirror that the patients were not kept in a store room.

"The patients were not kept in the store room. Actually, ward cleaning was going on and we made these patients sit outside the ward. Some miscreants in the hospital took a video and some photographs of these patients, and circulated them on WhatsApp," the superintendent told Bangalore Mirror.

He reassured that the patients were not treated badly and said that a special ward will be provided for them.ACCESSIBILITY

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To individuals with disabilities, please indicate if you need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495. Please notify us prior to the event.We live in a time when there is great fascination about life after death. Why this fascination with the world beyond the grave? Is it not because death is so final? Whatever one thinks about the reports of near-death visions, death when it finally comes is irreversible. When you finally cross the line, there is no coming back from the other side. Death wins the battle every time. After the doctors have tried the latest wonder drug, after the best minds have pooled their wisdom, after the philosophers have done their best to explain that death is only a natural part of life, we come face to face with the ugly reality that someday we will all die. And that deathwhether planned or accidental, whether comfortable or painfulwill be the end of life as we have known it.

Questions about Life after Death

In answering questions about life after death, we are left with only two sources to consult. Either we turn to human experience or we turn to the Word of God. If we turn to human experience, we find many guesses, many ideas, many theoriesbut no sure answers. Thats because, in the nature of the case, no human has a sure answer. The only people who have the answer are dead! That leaves us with the Word of God. In Gods Word we find ample, abundant answers. God who knows the future knows what happens when we die, and he hasnt left us to wonder about it. The Bible is filled with information on this subject, so much in fact that we can offer only a brief survey in this chapter.

If you want the answer in one sentence here it is: What happens after you die depends on what happens before you die. Consider what the Bible says in Hebrews 9:27, It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (NKJV). This is an appointment no one will miss. As someone has noted, the statistics on death are appalling. One hundred out of one hundred people will eventually die. We are all terminally ill with a disease called death; we just dont know when the end will come.

Before we go further, lets stop and think about some important questions that people often ask about death and dying.

Is There a Second Chance after Death?

This is the popular view of many people who hope that those who did not accept Christ in this life will somehow have a second chance after deatheither in the afterlife or perhaps through reincarnation. The answer is quite simple: There is no biblical support whatsoever for the notion of a second chance. Hebrews 9:27 declares that we die once and after that comes the judgment of God. Let no one be mistaken on this point. The only opportunity you will ever have to get right with God is the opportunity God affords you right now. If you dream of coming to God after you die, you are nursing a vain hope.

What about Near-Death Experiences?

Such experiences are very popular today. Ive already mentioned the pioneering work of Raymond Moody. Other books in recent years have purported to tell of people who died, went to heaven, and then were given a second chance to return to the earth. Some of those books have been extremely popular, and a few have been embraced by Christians. However, a close inspection shows that most of those books embrace unbiblical heresy, either the notion that we are saved by doing good works or the idea that everyone is going to heaven in the end.

In thinking about this question, we need biblical balance. On one hand its undeniably true that some Bible characters did see the Lord before they died. Stephen saw Jesus just before he died in Acts 7. Paul was evidently given a vision of heavenperhaps during his stoning at Lystra in Acts 14. He alludes to the event in 2 Corinthians 12. However, its important to say that such revelations did not happen often even in Bible times. Not every believer had or will have a revelation of heaven. Could such a thing happen today? Yes, but we shouldnt expect it or base our hope of heaven upon a last-second experience.

Lets also remember that Satan is the great deceiver. He can create scenes that seem to be scenes of heaven but are actually creations born in hell. Some near-death experiences are demonic in nature. You should never base your hope of heavenor the hope of seeing a loved one in heavenon a supposed vision or revelation. The only reliable ground given to us is the eternal, unchanging Word of God.

What Happens to Children Who Die?

This is obviously a very tender subject to many people. Parents want to know: Will I see my child again? The place to begin in answering this question is with the observation that the Bible doesnt specifically address this question. However, we do know two things are true. First, children are not born innocent, but sinful. If children who die do go to heavenand I believe they doit is not because they are morally innocent in the sight of God. All of us are born with an inclination to sin that leads us away from God. Ephesians 2:1 says that we are spiritually dead by nature. That applies as much to young children as it does to adults. Second, we know that Gods grace is always greater than human sin. Romans 5:20 reminds us that where sin abounded, grace superabounded. Gods grace always goes far beyond sins disgrace.

I believe that Gods grace credits children with the merits of Jesus blood and righteousness so that children who die before they are old enough to believe are covered by His blood, and their entrance into heaven is made sure and certain. Thus they are saved by grace exactly as we are.

Can We Contact the Dead after They Are Gone?

The answer is no. Any attempt to dabble in spirit contact is strictly forbidden in the Bible. It is sometimes called necromancy or sorcery or dealing with familiar spirits. Remember, demons can masquerade as the dead. They can even mimic the voices of our loved ones and give information that only the dead person would have known (for more on this subject, see Leviticus 19:26-28, Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Galatians 5:20). In case this isnt clear, let me make it plain. Do not attempt to contact the dead through any means at allseances, parlor games, crystal balls, psychic readers, channelers, or mediums. You are involving yourself in that which God forbids. Leave the dead alone.

What Do You Say to Someone Who Has Lost a Loved One?

Over the years I have discovered that it really doesnt matter what you say in terms of the precise words. Those who are grieving will not remember the words you say, but they will never forget that you cared enough to be there when they needed you. If you go with Gods love in your heart, he will give you any words you need to say. That means we dont need to answer questions only God can answer. If we dont know the spiritual state of the deceased, we shouldnt speculate, either to offer false hope or lay a heavier burden on those who are left behind. God is both just and merciful, and in every case He will do what is right.

What Happens at the Moment of Death

Now we come to the central question: What happens at the very moment of death? I have already given the general answer: What happens when you die depends on what happens before you die. The Bible classifies the whole human race into two broad categoriesthe saved and the lost. The saved are those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The lost are those who havent. What happens to the saved is radically different from what happens to the lost.

. . . For the Saved

The Bible is abundantly clear on this point. When the saved die, they go directly into the presence of the Lord. At this point we remember the words of Jesus to the thief on the cross, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43, emphasis added). This appears to be a straightforward promise that at the moment of death the repentant thief would pass from his life of crime and his agonizing death into the realm called paradise. This would seem to contradict the teaching called soul-sleep, which implies that at death a believer sleeps in a kind of suspended animation until the day of the resurrection. How could the thief be that very day in paradise if his soul went to sleep when he died? At the moment of death the believer passes immediately into the personal presence of Jesus Christ. This is our hope and comfort as we stand at the graveside of a loved one.

Paul said he had a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far (Philippians 1:23, emphasis added). He also said, We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body (that is, separated from the body by death) and at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8, emphasis added). These are the words of a man who believed that heaven would begin at the moment of his death. Was Paul looking forward to an unconscious slumber after his death? No! He was looking forward to the personal presence of Jesus Christ.

But thats not the whole story. The soul goes to be with the Lord in heaven, and the body is buried until the day of resurrection when Jesus returns to the earth. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 says, We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. Here you have both sides of the truth. Christians who die are said to be with Jesus (thats the soul in the conscious presence of the Lord) and have fallen asleep in him (thats the body which sleeps in the grave). Listen to Pauls description of that great reunion of body and soul: For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16, emphasis added). Here is a clear promise of future bodily resurrection for the believer.

1 Corinthians 15:51-55 adds the crucial fact that our bodies will be raised imperishable"that is, with a body that is perfect in every way, free from the vestiges of death and decay In this life our bodies wear out, like a clock continually running down, but when we are raised, it will be with bodies that can never decay, never wear out, never suffer injury, never grow old, never get sick, and thank God, never die.

Many Christians have a wrong view of death. We think were going from the land of living to the land of dying. But the opposite is true. If you know Jesus, you are going from the land of dying to the land of the living. Here are some of the images the Bible uses for the death of a Christian: going to sleep and waking up in heaven . . . moving from a tent to a mansion . . . walking from the darkness into a well-lit room . . . coming home to see your family and friends . . . being set free from prison . . . taking a long journey to a new land . . . riding a chariot to the New Jerusalem . . . moving into a brand-new home . . . opening a gate to a brand-new world.

Christians have always faced death with confidence. The very word cemetery comes from a Greek word meaning sleeping-place, which refers to their confidence in the promise of the resurrection. Many pagans cremated their dead because they saw no further use for the human body. But Christians buried their dead as a statement of faith in the coming resurrection of the body. I have been asked more than once how God can raise the dead if the body has been burned or lost or vaporized in some terrible explosion. I dont think thats a difficult question at all. If you can raise the dead, you can raise the dead. Resurrection is Gods problem, not ours. We dont need to know the how of the resurrection as long as we know the who.

As he lay dying, D. L. Moody proclaimed, Earth recedes, heaven opens before me. Catherine Booth, wife of the founder of the Salvation Army, cried out, The waters are rising, but I am not sinking. And George MacDonald, the English novelist, said, I came from God, and Im going back to God, and I wont have any gaps of death in the middle of my life. John Wesley summed up the faith of the early Methodists with four simple words: Our people die well.

When Benjamin Franklin was twenty-three years old, he wrote the following epitaph. His words catch the essence of the Christian doctrine of bodily resurrection:

The body of Benjamin Franklin

Printer;

Like the cover of an old book,

Its contents torn out,

And stripped of its lettering and gilding,

Lies here, food for worms.

But the work shall not be wholly lost:

For it will, as he believed, appear once more,

In a new and more elegant edition,

Revised and corrected

By the Author.

Once our bodies are raised, we will be with the Lord forever. Wherever he is, there we will be, rejoicing, praising, singing, and celebrating throughout the ages of eternity. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 says, We will be with the Lord forever. Speaking of his own return, Jesus said, In my Fathers house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:2-3, emphasis added).

What is ahead for us when we die?

Our soul goes into the conscious presence of the Lord.

Our body is buried until the day of resurrection.

When Christ returns, we will be raised bodily from the grave.

Body and soul reunited, we will be with the Lord forever.

As Tony Evans says, Have a good time at my funeral, because Im not going to be there.

... For the Lost

Now we turn to briefly consider the fate of those who die without Jesus Christ. The lost fear death and with good reason. Job 18:14 calls death the king of terrors. Hebrews 2:14 reminds us that the devil holds people in bondage through the fear of death. And 1 Corinthians 15:26 calls death the last enemy.

Before saying any more, we should note one similarity between the fate of the saved and the lost. At the moment of death, the body is buried in the grave while the soul enters a new realm. For the believer, the moment of death brings him into the personal presence of Christ. For the unbeliever, death begins an experience of unending conscious punishment.

We can summarize the fate of the lost in four short statements:

1. At the moment of death the soul of the lost is sent to hell where it is in conscious torment. In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus told of a rich man who upon his death went to hell and suffered in the flames of torment. It does not matter whether you think this passage is literal or figurative. If you say it is literal, then it must be a terrible punishment. If it is figurative, the figure itself is so awful to consider that the reality must be much worse.

2. That punishment is eternal. Though this is debated in some circles today, Christians have united across the centuries in their belief that the Bible teaches an eternal punishment for those who do not know our Lord. Mark 9:43-48 speaks of the fire that is not quenched and the worm that does not diea reference to the continuing existence of human personality in hell.

3. The body is raised at the Great White Throne judgment. Revelation 20:11-15 describes the awesome scene as the unsaved dead are raised to stand before God and receive their final sentence of doom.

4. The unsaved are then cast into the lake of fire where they will reside forever, eternally separated from the presence of Almighty God. If this is unbearable to think about, if we shrink from such a thought, then let us by all means do whatever is necessary to make sure that such a fate does not befall us or the ones we love the most.

This is the final destiny of those who do not know Jesus Christ. To make it more personal, it is the final destiny of your friends and neighbors, your loved ones, your parents, your brothers, your sisters, your children, if they die without Jesus Christ. And it is your destiny if you die without Jesus Christ. Let that thought linger in your mind. The reality of hell is more than just a theoretical doctrine. There is a place reserved for you in the lake of fire unless you by a conscious choice put your complete trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Dr. Barnhouse and the Shadow of Death

Only one question remains. How can you personally face your own death with confidence? Dr. Donald Grey Barnhousebeloved Bible teacher of another generationtold the following story. While he was still a young man in the ministry, his first wife died. As he was returning from the funeral with his heartbroken children, their car came to a stoplight just as a massive truck pulled up next to them, blocking the light of the sun. Seeing the immense shadow that had overtaken them, Dr. Barnhouse asked his children if they would rather be run over by the truck or by the shadow of the truck. By the shadow, the children instantly replied, knowing that a shadow could not hurt them. Thats what has happened to your mother, he told them. Death cannot hurt her because the Lord Jesus Christ took her to heaven. It is only the shadow of death that took her from us.

If you know Jesus, you have nothing to fear when death knocks at your door. Death comes to all of usit will come for you one of these days. Do you know Jesus? If so, then you need not live in fear. Death may be quick or slow, painful or painless, but when the moment comes, you will find yourself ushered into heaven where you will see Jesus face to face.

Some people wonder if they will have enough faith when they die. They worry about losing their faith and wonder if that will cause God to turn them away. When she was a young child in Holland Corrie ten Boom worried about her own death and whether or not she would have enough courage when the moment finally came. Her fatherPapa ten Boomknew of her fears and calmed her heart with these words: Corrie, when I am going to take you on the train, when do I give you the ticket? Just before we get on board. Thats right. Dying is like taking a trip to see the Lord Jesus. He will give you whatever you need just when you need it. If you dont have the courage now, its because you dont need it now. When you need it, the Lord will give it to you, and you wont be afraid.

In another generation, believers talked about dying grace. They meant the special enablement God gives to his children as death draws near. Countless Christians who worried about their last moments on earth have exited this life full of faith because the Lord gave them grace just when they needed it most.

Jesus Has the Keys

Here are the words of Jesus in Revelation 1:18: I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Keys are a sign of authority. If you have the keys to my house, you can open it and go in anytime you want. It is often said that the devil owns the gates of hellthat is, he has the power of death. But thats okay. The devil has the gates, but Jesus has the keys. We have nothing to fear in the moment of death for when the time comes, Jesus will personally unlock the gate and usher us into his presence.

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25). If you believe in Jesus, you will never die. What an amazing promise. But believers die every day. Yes, but for the believer, death is merely the passing from this life with all its sorrows into life eternal in the presence of our Lord. The question is not: What happens when we die? But rather: What will happen when you die?

Death is not the end of the road, it is only a bend in the road. For the believer, death is the doorway to heaven. For the unbeliever, it is a passageway into unimaginable suffering. These things are true even if we do not fully understand them. They are true even if we dont believe them.

What happens when you die depends on what happens before you die. Here is my final word to you: Make sure youre ready to die so that when the time comes, you wont be surprised by what happens next.

A Truth to Remember:

What happens when you die depends on what happens before you die.

Take a moment to calculate the number of days you have lived so far. Now take a guess as to how many more days you expect to live. What is the most eternally profitable way you can spend your remaining days?

Have you ever had a near-death experience, or do you know anyone who has? Why is it crucial that such experiences always be evaluated by the standard of Gods Word? Why does the Bible contain such strong warnings against trying to contact the spirits of the dead? What happens when those warnings are ignored? Picture the moment of your own death. How do you expect it will happen? Do you fear that moment? Describe what will happen to you the first five minutes after your death. Do you believe in the resurrection of the dead? Why is this doctrine essential to the Christian faith? Name at least five Christians now dead who will be raised when Christ returns. Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 and Revelation 20:11-15. What does the first passage teach about the resurrection of the saved? What does the second passage teach about the resurrection of the lost? Do you believe in a place called hell where unbelievers are punished for eternity? Why or why not? Why is this doctrine sometimes denied today?

[Taken from FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About The Christian Life by Keep Believing Ministries. Used by permission.]

Image courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: September 11, 2015, Updated: November 2, 2017Merck Foundation has expanded their Cancer access program and 'Merck more than a Mother' campaign to many Asian countries.

Merck Foundation has partnered with India to provide training for future African oncologists and fertility specialists to improve access to quality and equitable cancer and fertility care in Africa.

In partnership with Asian Academia and Maharashtra University, Merck Foundation conducted their advisory board to define the strategy to scale up the Merck Foundation programs across Asia, through providing training and fellowship programs in India and Europe.

In 2017, through their Merck cancer access program, Merck Foundation partnered with Tata Memorial center and Maharashtra University to provide one and two years oncology fellowship program for more than 30 Doctors from African countries.

Merck Foundation has also partnered with IIRRS (International Institute for Training and Research in Reproductive Health), to provide three months clinical and practical training for future African fertility and embryologists, as many African countries do not have fertility specialists or Embryologists.

Merck Foundation has expanded their Cancer access program and 'Merck more than a Mother' campaign to more Asian countries such as; Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sire Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia in addition to India.

Merck KGaA Germany launched their Merck Foundation, a non-profit company established in June 2017 at the Fourth edition of their annual "Merck Africa Asia Luminary" held in Cairo, Egypt.Aries: The full Moon in the beginning of the month will be very auspicious for you at the professional front. Increase in respect is seen along with increase in power and responsibilities. Make sure to keep your family and close friends closer to you, as it is also a good time for positive changes to occur in your domestic field. On January 11th, Mercury will enter Capricorn, which will let you put your entire focus on your career.



There will be a planetary alignment happening on January 15th - Jupiter in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn - that will create a bond, which will let you reach great heights in your career. Venus will move into Aquarius on January 17th, and you will tend to do a lot of things on the social front. On January 31th, the total lunar eclipse will tend to increase your creativity at work. This eclipse will also affect your love life, as you will meet someone new and interesting.

Taurus: This month will be very interesting for you, as the full moon at the start of the month will compel you to travel abroad. All your plans will finally see the light of the day when Mercury moves into Capricorn on January 11th. During the great planetary alignment on January 15th, with Jupiter moving into Scorpio and Pluto moving into Capricorn, you may enter into business partnerships. You are also predicted to pursue a new romantic relation during your travel to abroad. For people already in a relationship, this planetary alignment will just make your bond stronger. You are advised to plan an outing with your partner too. Planet Venus will shift in to Aquarius on January 17th. This is a great time for you on the professional front, as you may receive a promotion. Unemployed people too will receive employment. 2018: 3 Zodiac Signs That Will Undergo A Major Change

Gemini: For Gemini, the full moon at the start of the month signifies growth in terms of wealth. You are advised to take a hard look at your finances and try to pay off any impending debts. Movement of Mercury into Capricorn on January 11th, will help you settle your finances and plan for the future. The planetary positions on January 15th is good for you to make some changes in your daily routine. Signing up for a new class or simply getting involved in religious activities will help. During the second half of January, out-of-country travel is foreseen.

The total lunar eclipse on January 31th will activate your communication area, where it will be easier for you to keep your point across.



You are advised to pay a close attention to the body language of people, as it may provide you with information that may not be vocally revealed by the speaker.

Cancer: This is a very good year for Cancerians, as the month has started with a full moon. This will help you reveal the secrets your friends or a close partner is holding. This full moon will also help you let out negative energy and reach your full potential. The planetary alignments on January 15th predict a long-term partnership. This phase is very good for your love life, as you are about to meet someone new.



Venus will move into Aquarius, which will drive your emotions high. The lunar eclipse at the month end is a good time to retrospect your activities and deeds.

Leo: The full moon at the start of the year will help you tune up your instincts. You will be guided by your sixth sense at this time. You will also be on an emotional over-ride. The planetary positions of January 15th will let you concentrate on your domestic issues. You are required to give importance to your domestic life and also create a perfect work-home balance. You are also predicted to succeed in your artistic endeavours. Venus will move in to Aquarius on January 17th, which will let all singles find themselves romantically involved with someone. People already in a relationship may get serious with their partners. The total lunar eclipse at the end of the month will make you retrospect your life and learn from your past mistakes. It is also a good time to release the negative energy in you and unleash the fiery Leo that you are.

Virgo: The month started off with a full moon in Cancer. This planetary alignment means that you will find yourself in many new friendships and partnerships. You are also predicted to innovate in the field of technology due to the planetary alignment of January 11th. On January 15th though, people in the artistic or writer's field, who were suffering from a road block, will shine. You may also receive recognition for your artistic work. The dates of January 17th and 18th will be very good for you health wise. You will be at the pink of health. It is also an excellent time for new romances. The total lunar eclipse on January 31th will improve your sixth sense and intuition. What Are Your Intimacy Issues According To Your Zodiac Sign?

Libra: The new moon in the start of the year will bring in good news for you at the professional front. You are required to chart out your professional goals carefully and plan accordingly. The mid-month will let you see a growth in your monetary and domestic issues. You are advised to make investments on January 15th, as that time is very auspicious and you will gain immense benefits. Also, buying and selling property is foreseen. On January 17th, individuals of this sign will embroil themselves in a new relationship. The total lunar eclipse at the end of the month will make you socially active. You may also be on the lookout for a new friends' circle. Business partnerships are also foreseen around this time.

Scorpio: This month will be full of travel and adventure for fellow Scorpions. A long journey is predicted for you this month, which will be full of adventure. The mid-month planetary alignments will activate your communication area, where you will express yourself freely. You are advised not to mince words and be direct in your approach. This will help you fulfil your wishes. On January 17th, the focus will shift on to your domestic life. You are predicted to make a few changes in your domestic space too. The lunar eclipse on January 31st will see you getting into newer roles and responsibilities at the career front.

Sagittarius: The new moon will be very different to Sagittarians, as your sign will be illuminated by the moon and you will see things more clearly now. You will also uncover some hidden secrets. On January 15th, the focus will be move on your wealth. You are advised to pursue any religious work too around this time, which will benefit you immensely.



Your communication skills will improve, mostly by January 17th or 18th. It is a great time to get together with friends and take part in fun activities.



At the end of the month, doing something new will interest you, at both personal and professional fronts. You will enter into a new venture or take up a hobby, which will excite you.

Capricorn: The full moon of the New Year will unveil some facts about your relationship, which you were completely unaware of. You are advised not to take hasty decisions, as there may be more to the story. The mid-month is a good time for you to start a new business venture or a project. You are also predicted to go on a journey with friends. Your personal finances will get a bit better after January 17th. Keeping a close eye on your income and expenditure will ensure a smooth year ahead, financially. It will also be better to keep your finances as separate from your spouse as possible. Discover What Your Birth Month Reveals About Your Personality Traits

Aquarius: The full moon will see you breaking your normal routine at the start of the year and engage yourself in a new activity. The mid-month is a very good time professionally, as you plan to start a new business in the area of your interest. Let your gut feeling tell you what is right or wrong, as it will never let you go ashtray. You will suddenly find yourself to be the centre of attention after the mid month. Your words will be taken seriously and your ideas will highly be appreciated. The lunar eclipse at the end of the month will bring in some important changes in your life. This is also the time you will reach your highest potential. You are advised not to enter into partnerships though.Vasco, Jan 8 (PTI) Ivory Coast striker Mechac Koffi saved Churchill Brothers from defeat as they came from behind to hold East Bengal to a 1-1 draw in the Hero I-League here today.

The match was hotly contested with East Bengal taking the lead in the 26th minute through Jobby Justin. But Churchill Brothers rode on Koffis brilliance to restore parity in the 75th minute.

After todays draw, East Bengal remained at the top with 18 points from nine matches.

Jovel Martins and Wayne Vaz, who have been loaned from FC Pune City, made therir debut along with Ivory Coast striker Koffi as Churchill brothers tried to change their fortunes in the new year after five losses last year.

They showed lot of promise probing into the rival goal often and had scoring chances in early part of the match but Uttam Rai, Peter Omodmamuke along with Nicholas Fernandes failed to score.

With Churchill Brothers doing most of the attacking it was East Bengal who took the lead in the 26th minute.

Yusa Katsumi from the middle initiated the move and relayed the ball to Laldanmawia Ralte who from the right who send a low cross into the box for Justin who found the net with a diving header.

The goal saw East Bengal step up the ante as they grew in more confident and Al Amna could have double the lead two minutes later when he made his way inside the box between two rival defenders but shot out from close.

Churchill lacked motivation in the second half which they displayed in the early part of the first half.

Both the teams fielded fresh pair of legs in search of the winner but could not find it. PTI MCS BS BSIn renewed protests over Pakistan authorities misbehaving with captyred Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav 's mother and wife, a group of Indian-Americans rallied against chappal chor (shoe thief) Pakistan outside its embassy in Washington, DC.

Holding placards with news cutouts of how Jadhav's family was humiliated to the extent of taking away his wife Chetankul's shoes - suspecting a foreign object hidden to spy- the protestors also offered their shoes.

"When they stole the chappal [shoe] of a woman [Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife] who was in distress, I hope they use these also," said a protestor showing the pile of shoes they were donating to the Pakistan officials.

Shoes kept outside Pakistan embassy in Washington DC. Shoes kept outside Pakistan embassy in Washington DC.

He further added, "What does Pakistan do? Take dollars from America and shoes from India."

Among the demonstrators, were also few supporters of Baloch freedom, who highlighted the similar kind of "vindictiveness" that ordinary residents of Balochistan experience on a daily basis.

Ahmar Mustikhan, a senior Balochistan journalist and founder of American Friends of Balochistan in Washington, DC, said, "The trial of Kulbushan Jadhav violated all norms of international law as it was conducted by a military court."

Krishna Guidipati, a local Hindu community leader in the US and Director of Organisational Affairs, American Friends of Balochistan, said, "The recent episode makes a mockery of humanity. By not returning the slippers of Chetankul Jadhav and asking them to remove even bindi and mangalsutras, it is just another sleazy activity Pakistan has done..."

When they stole the chappal of a woman (#KulbhushanJadhav's wife) who was in distress, I hope they use these also. I want to say one thing- Pakistan ka matlab kya? Amreeka (America) se dollar la, Hindustan ke joote kha!: Protester at #ChappalChorPakistan protest in Washington DC pic.twitter.com/nky7TrsRoD - ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

This comes two weeks after Jadhav's family was flown to Islamabad to meet him for over 20 minutes. The meeting soon caused a furore over the mistreatment meted out to Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and wife by both the media and officials .

(Note: The demonstrators are using the hashtag ChappalChorPakistan in the protest. )

Watch: Jadhav family made to change clothes, remove mangalsutra, bangles, bindi before meetingDomino's Pizza workers appear set to be paid default award rates, at least temporarily, after the workplace tribunal delayed their vote on a new pay offer.

Domino's employees were due to start voting on the new enterprise agreement negotiated with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) from Tuesday.

The vote has been delayed for one week.

But on Monday the Fair Work Commission ordered that the ballot be delayed by at least one week because the company it had failed to negotiate in good faith with the rival Retail and Fast Food Workers Union.

Domino's will have to meet with the RAFFWU this week to discuss the union's outstanding concerns about the wage deal.The consumer watchdog has reported a surge in the number of Australians complaining about being fobbed off by businesses that sold them faulty products.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says 29,000 people contacted it in 2017 to complain about issues with consumer guarantees - a 39 per cent jump from 2016.

There was a surge in complaints about car dealerships. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

Acting ACCC chairman Michael Schaper said he was concerned by the dramatic rise in complaints, which had been driven by a spike in complaints about automotive dealers.

Automotive dealers were the biggest single focus of complaints, responsible for a quarter of all issues lodged with the ACCC, followed by electronics and whitegoods, which were responsible for another quarter.The government has forecast the end of the mining boom, with 2018 marking the tipping point for when producers will see export earnings heading south.

In fiscal 2017, the resources and energy sector is tipped to see record high exports earnings. But this is expected to be short-lived.

Data from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science released on Monday suggests a bleaker outlook for 2018 with billions less in earnings.Our politicians are still in holiday mode, apart from the occasional Turnbullian thought-bubble about another postal survey, this time on the republic. At this rate, the greatest achievement of his prime ministership will be saving Australia Post.

But our American cousins are back into the fray for 2018, courtesy of the juicy excerpts from Michael Wolff's new book, Fire and Fury  a title that could equally describe the response so far to Wolff's revelations from deep inside a White House apparently riven by infighting and dysfunction.

Illustration: Reg Lynch

He claims that Trump wanted to lose, and Melania cried when he won, while Ivanka's dead keen to be president. We also learned why POTUS is so fond of Big Macs  he thinks that constantly eating Macca's protects him from being poisoned, except via the slow, inexorable march of heart disease.

The Twitter insult comic-in-chief, whose skin is as thin as it is tangerine, has been apoplectic. He's tried to sue both the publishers and former chief strategist Steve Bannon, who's suing right back  I've ordered the book on my Kindle so I can read it before the lawyers get to it.The fire was brought under control by 8:30 am (Photo: Twitter/ANI)

A level-2 fire broke out at the Mumbai Sessions Court complex early morning in what was the five recent instance of a blaze in the Maximum City.

Eight tenders of the Mumbai Fire Brigade were rushed to the court complex in south Mumbai's fort area. The fire was successfully brought under control by 8.30 am and no causalities were reported.

According to the BMC Disaster Control, the fire was noticed on the third floor around 7 am, and eight fire-tenders have rushed to the spot to douse the blase.

The sessions court fire came a day after a blaze at the Cinevista Studio in the city's Kanjurmarg. The level-3 fire, which began on the sets of the TV serial Bepanah, was brought under control only after two hours.

The Cinevista fire followed a January 4 blaze that killed four people, including two children, after an upper floor of a residential building in suburban Marol caught fire.

Both these fires came a week after a major tragedy at Mumbai's Kamala Mills, where 14 people were killed after in a midnight blaze at a popular pub. That fire had raised serious questions over the fire-safety norms followed by buildings in Mumbai.

A week before before the Kamala Mills blaze, twelve people were killed when a massive fire broke out at a snack shop in Saki Naka-Kurla area on December 18.

(With inputs from IANS)Efforts to squeeze more out of Sydney's rail fleet as a part of an overhaul of timetables has resulted in "smaller windows" of time available to maintain trains and tracks, putting more pressure on staff to carry out night-time work.

While extra weekly services will help the network cope with surging demand, a Sydney Trains document obtained by the Herald lists, among the challenges for carrying out train repairs, "reduced fleet maintenance windows" and an "increased demand on maintenance as [a result of the] fleet doing more kilometres".

Decades-old S-set trains are also being pressed into service more often in order for Sydney Trains to put on the 1500 extra weekly services rolled out as part of the timetable changes. It leaves passengers to face uncomfortable rides this summer because the S-sets are not airconditioned.

The leaked document, written before the timetable overhaul on November 26, also warned of "shorter maintenance windows" for the repair of rail tracks. Trains are running more regularly during off-peak periods of the day, and later at night, thereby reducing the "midnight to dawn windows" when work can be carried out.A man has handed himself in and been charged after allegedly attacking two families on the Gold Coast in separate incidents during a three-week period.

Police will allege he assaulted a female driver, who was travelling with children in her car, last week, after also abusing a family at a boat ramp in December.

It will be alleged the man tried to grab the arm of a female driver during an incident at Robina last Wednesday.

It will further be alleged the man broke the woman's car keys off in the ignition, before throwing them into the bush about 1.25pm on Scottsdale Drive.

Police will also allege the man verbally abused another family at Currumbin Creek boat ramp on December 14.A man remains in a serious condition in hospital on Monday night after he was shot at a Gold Coast residence.

Emergency services were called to Plateau Crescent in Carrara just after 4pm following reports of a shooting.

Emergency services quickly cordoned off the area as detectives examined the crime scene. Credit:Nine News Queensland - Twitter

Police said the man was confronted by three men and a woman, one of the men was armed with a gun and the woman with a metal pole.

The 44-year-old man was then shot and suffered injuries to his left arm and chest, while his attackers fled the scene in a car.Malcolm Turnbull knew or ought to have known that the claims he made about Labor's housing policy during the election were likely to be wrong.

The Treasury pointed it out in the lead-up to the campaign.

Ramping up his rhetoric in order to win the election, Turnbull said Labor's plan would "devalue every home, every property, in Australia".

It would "smash up home values", "pull the rug out from under the property sector".Bangkok: Malaysia's 92-year-old former prime minster Mahathir Mohamad will lead an opposition coalition into one of his country's most bitterly fought elections since independence, challenging the ruling party he led for 22 years.

In a stunning turnaround, Mahathir has agreed to seek a royal pardon for jailed former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and to allow him to replace him as prime minister if he topples the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) which has formed every government since 1957.

Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks in 2016 when issuing a declaration signed by 58 public figures urging Prime Minister Najib Razak to resign over corruption allegations. Credit:AP

A feud between Mahathir and Anwar shaped Malaysia's political landscape for almost two decades.

But the pair are now seen as the biggest threat for Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is engulfed in a multibillion-dollar corruption scandal.I spent months crying over the US election results. Yes, I'm sure you have a million reasons in your evidence to show me that Donald Trump is great for America. You may even have been in that group of drunken 20-year-old white boys at a Group of Eight university, in the bar cheering and shouting "lock her up" at the result because you're not yet far enough along in your education to understand that politics is about more than slogans.

And maybe you'd like to drone on for months about why Hillary Clinton is a bad person and why she would have been the death of America. Anyhow, she lost and I'm nearly used to the idea, although occasionally I feel terrible pangs.

But, intermittently, those bleak feelings of loss, despair and fear bubble up.

It may be the terrible provocation of North Korea, or Trump's unilateral decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. It may be hearing from those women; the women, in his own parlance, whose pussies he grabbed, whom he harassed long before #MeToo. Perhaps it was his rousing support for Doug Moore, himself accused of shocking sex offences.US President Donald Trump Sunday night misquoted in a tweet a flattering column in the New York Post as lauding his "enormously consensual presidency". He then corrected it to reflect the real word: "consequential".

In the New York Post column, Michael Goodwin spoke highly of Trump's year in office, writing that it "is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency". He also wrote that "despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president."

US President Donald Trump misquoted in a tweet a flattering column, lauding his "enormously consensual presidency". Credit:CHRIS KLEPONIS

In a late-night string of tweets, Trump directed his millions of followers to the column but misquoted it, replacing the word "consequential" with "consensual". He also left out the author's references to the President's "missteps". Instead of linking to the article, Trump tweeted out an email address for Goodwin.

Trump or someone acting on his behalf deleted the tweet shortly after posting it, replacing it with a new tweet correctly quoting the article and linking to it.Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

Its a nativity obscene.

A Williamsburg man skewered our polarizing Commander in Chief and his controversial policies in a self-made nativity scene that swaps the traditional manger and holy-family likenesses for an apocalyptic display centered around President Trump. Author and professor Joseph Sciorra said this past year was so awful, it inspired him to create his creche  or presepio in Italian  to showcase the administrations drastic effects on the American people.

Its been a disastrous year. Trumps racist, sexist, and xenophobic policies have driven me, as theyve driven others, crazy, said Sciorra, who works at Queens College and said he was raised Catholic but is now atheist. The presepio was a creative way to kind of work through some of the angst and the tension that this  I can barely bring myself to say  president brought to bear on us all.

Sciorra, who said hes put his own spin on the biblical story of birth of Christ for the last 18 years, designed Trumps AmeriKKKa, which sits on a kitchen table in his Devoe Street apartment, in three parts.

President Trump  a zombie figurine topped with the Donalds infamous blonde combover  stands front and center in the forsaken landscape, with a devil floating above him and a skeleton stationed behind him. Further back, armed soldiers guard male newborns slain during the Massacre of the Innocents  a mass infanticide ordered by a Roman king, according to the bible.

The presidents proposed wall dividing the AmericanMexican border stands on the left side of the display, blocking St. Joseph and the three Magi, who were deported, from entering the portion occupied by the Trump figurine.

And on the right side of the creche, barbed wire traps the Virgin Mary and her child in an internment camp that is also filled with people from marginalized communities the Commander in Chief is persecuting, Sciorra said.

There are various figures: Muslim, Arab, Latino, and two figurines from gay wedding cakes  two men and two women  just to talk about the ways in which the Trump Administration is increasing this police state where people are rounded up in, he said.

The nativity scenes background is a collage comprised of newspaper clippings about Trump, Black Lives Matter posters, and images of an atomic bomb exploding, Ku Klux Klan members and white nationalists from last years Charlottesville rallies, and protestors at the 2017 Womens March.

Sciorra  who studied creches across the city for 35 years before writing about them in his book Built with Faith: Italian American Imagination and Catholic Material Culture in New York City  said he started creating the display just after Thanksgiving.

And not all of the scholars presepio are political, but he said it was hard to avoid taking on the current administration with this years knowing that one of the bibles most beloved stories may never have happened if it were set today.

The beauty of the presepio is trying to recreate this biblical narrative in a more contemporary scene, said Sciorra. The idea that this deity is here to bring peace on earth and all of that is being destroyed by this administration in ways that we have yet to understand, that are constantly unfolding.Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

Police arrested an off-duty fellow officer on Jan. 2 on charges of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, tampering with physical evidence, menacing, reckless driving, improper use of a siren, and leaving the scene of an accident, police said.

Officers arrested the 24-year-old officer at 8 pm after he allegedly struck a victim in the face with a firearm on Avenue N and Bedford Avenue, according to police.

Police did not respond to repeated inquiries about which precinct the officer was assigned to. However, the incident occurred in Midwood, within the confines of the 70th Precinct, which is also where the officer lives, but police said he was arrested in the 68th Precinct, which covers Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights.

The off-duty officer reportedly rear-ended another vehicle in his personal car and in an ensuing altercation shouted Dont you know who I am? Im NYPD! before hitting the victim in the face with a pair of handcuffs and driving off, according to the New York Post.

He has been suspended without pay, police confirmed.Gas cylinders were distributed and houses built for the surrendered Maoists using government funds.

"We realised that the life we were leading wasn't resulting in any change and through our relatives we decided to surrender." - Ramji Munshi Mattami, 32.

"There was no development of tribals. Nothing helping the cause we were fighting for and eventually in 2008 I decided to surrender." - Dalsay Chamru Korcha, 35.

Mattami and Korcha are just two of the hundreds of Maoists for whom the Red dream had faded. The call for revolution, heard way back in the 1960s and echoing across large swathes of India ever since, is fast losing its allure.

A large part of the kudos to bring the boys back home lies with the government - Central and various state ones. There was also a paradigm shift in the government's Maoist strategy.

CHANGING THE STRATEGY

Maharashtra took a leaf out of the rebel's handbook: go on a propaganda blitzkrieg instead of just engaging in combat. Maoist guerrillas are famous for using various types of propaganda to recruit fresh blood in their ranks.

Senior Maoists cadres were lured with the help of their relatives; the promise of all previous cases being buried and the carrot of economic help to start afresh were big draws for Maoists who wanted to surrender.

Government posters, messages and announcements were peppered across Maoist-dominant tribal areas.

"Our job was to conduct propaganda for the Maoists. We would approach various villages and carry out their message amongst people against the government. Now I have got a plot from the government and am working in the Gadchiroli district. Life is much better now and I am leading a normal life," says Ramji Munshi Mattami.

Mattami, resident of Javeli Khurd village in Etapalli taluka of Gadchiroli, joined the Maoists in 2002 and surrendered in 2016. Working under a pseudonym Sunil, Mattami was a divisional committee leader of Kasansur area.

The government's policy on bringing back the Maoists into mainstream was enhanced by the strategy of area domination. This resulted in a major success as the presence of C 60 anti-Maoist commandoes and district police increased. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was also a participant in the exercise.

Confidence-building exercises brought the forces and the villagers together. From building small bridges over nullahs and rivulets to arranging bazaars for the tribal population helped.

Medical camps were organised and those suffering from serious illnesses were taken to cities.

Medical camps were organised and those suffering from serious illnesses were taken to cities. Medical camps were organised and those suffering from serious illnesses were taken to cities.

DANGLING THE CARROT

For the surrendered Maoists, police arranged for their weddings, gas cylinders were distributed and houses built for them using government funds in the affected areas of the district.

Then there are other things that the police do to stop surrendered Maoists from going back into the jungles: cash assistance, housing assistance along with plots and construction aid, jobs in local civic body or in the government; recruitment as special police officers.

Dalsay Chamru Korcha, alias Raju, works with the solid waste management department of Gadchiroli municipal council. He stays with his wife in a house allotted by the council while his children study in Chhattisgarh with his elder brother's family.

Police arranged for weddings for the surrendered Maoists. Police arranged for weddings for the surrendered Maoists.

Korcha was dalam deputy commander for the Khobramenda dalam. Khobramenda dalam was one the most dreaded and one of the most powerful dalams operating in Gadchiroli district."I had joined Maoists in early 2002 and since then worked against the government. I then took my wife also along with me. After some time I realised that the life we were leading was not good and we kept running through the jungles all the time," Korcha told India Today.

Now thanks to his decision to surrender, he says he's happy and hopes that his children will get government jobs.

Even high-ranking Maoists cadres, who've worked with the central committee members, have also decided to handover their guns to the government.

Houses were built for the surrendered Maoists using government funds. Houses were built for the surrendered Maoists using government funds.

Raoji Maniram Naitam, 21, alias Vicky, was a bodyguard of Venugopal Rao alias Bhupathi. Brother of top Maoist leader Kishenji, Bhupathi was a top commander of the outfit.Vicky, who joined in 2007, worked as his bodyguard and surrendered in 2016. He now works as a home guard and lives in Gadchiroli.

THE MOVES ARE PAYING OFF

"Besides other assistance we also provide surrendered Maoists with security for the first few weeks," said Kishor Kumar Khade, sub-inspector, surrender cell of Gadchiroli police.

The Maharashtra government recently launched a Gharkul residence scheme for surrendered Maoists in the district headquarters of Gadchiroli. Every surrendered Maoist has been allotted a 1,500-square-foot plot where they can construct their homes for which economical assistance would also be provided. According to the police the government's initiatives have delivered with the number of Maoists surrendering going up over the years.

A total number of 583 Maoist cadres have surrendered in Gadchiroli till date. In December itself five senior dalam members have surrendered taking the total number to 21 in 2017.

The government policy of giving them a clean slate and economical assistance seems to be working well in this part of the red corridor. The surrendered Maoists are leading a good life and have gelled well with the mainstream.

-With inputs from Vyankatesh Dudhamwar

ALSO WATCH | Court gives life sentence to Delhi University Professor GN Saibaba for Maoist linksSign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

His dog days are over!

A paralyzed pooch rescuers found left for dead in a garbage bag inside a Cypress Hills park is back on his paws thanks to the efforts of some Marine Park and Park Slope vets, who released the mutt on the mend into the care of his new foster dad on Friday, according to one of his saviors.

Were just happy that he is going to be shown the love he deserves, said Carla Mohan, who works with rescue service New York Bully Crew, which came to the pups aid after he was discovered abandoned.

Passersby called 911 after spotting a garbage bag moving and moaning inside Highland Park near the Jackie Robinson Parkway last month, and cops found the 1012-year-old German shepherd mix inside it with his mouth duct-taped shut.

Officers handed the dying dog off to Bully Crews rescuers, who rushed him into emergency care at Marine Parks Verg South, where vets stabilized the mutt and dubbed him Saint Vincent.

But Vinnys ordeal wasnt over. Doctors soon discovered the aging pup couldnt move his back legs, prompting them to send him to Verg North in Park Slope, where specialists administered an MRI to test for spinal injuries.

The procedure showed that the four-legged saint wasnt suffering from any one condition, but a panoply of illnesses common in older dogs that years of abuse made worse, according to one of his physicians.

He had these chronic problems common in older dogs, compounded by the neglect and abuse of a person, Dr. Brett Levitzke said.

But vets could treat the poochs many ailments without any surgeries, Levitzke said, and soon he was up and walking, at which point doctors handed Vinny over to Bully Crews founder, Craig Fields, who will shelter him at his Long Island house until the furball can find a forever home.

Our job now is to ensure a continuous safe environment for Saint Vincent to flourish, and to find the perfect home for him to finally settle into and receive unconditional love and nurturing, the foster dad said.

Vinny is an older guy, and though the worst of his medical conditions are behind him, anyone looking to adopt the mutt should anticipate his favorite hobby  relaxing.

He just wants to hang out, watch a good movie, and relax, said Mahon.

Police are still looking for the fiend who abandoned the pooch, according to authorities, who said no arrests have been made.

Anyone with a forever home for Saint Vincent should visit New York Bully Crews website at www.nybullycrew.org.

Reach reporter Colin Mixson at cmixs on@cn gloca l.com or by calling (718) 260-4505.Distributed-power projects are expected to be immediately successful in areas like Beijing and Zhejiang province, where electricity prices are higher than the national average. Photo: Visual China

Chinas central government has pushed back the deadline for regional governments to submit their respective plans for Beijings pilot distributed-power trading program after months of slow progress.

The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration issued a joint statement last week that called on provincial-level areas to submit their plans for the pilot program, which is aimed at increasing the use of solar and wind power, by March 31  three months later than the previous submission deadline.

The two central government agencies had announced in October a pilot program in which companies would generate electricity for their own use through small-scale generators and then sell the excess to the grid or to nearby users. The pilots original planned start date was Feb. 1, but that has been extended to July 1, according to last weeks statement.

Last weeks document was a response to the slow pace at which the governments have started work on the project, Tsinghua University photovoltaic industry researcher He Jijiang told Caixin. Many provincial-level areas had no idea how to concretely implement the plan and faced many uncertainties, including which areas within their respective regions should be included in the pilot project, and whether the power generated by participating companies would be compatible with the grid, He said.

The most recent central government statement on the pilot program also recommended that provincial-level governments choose power generators directly selling excess electricity to users as the main model for their distributed generation projects. The other alternatives are electricity grid companies selling on behalf of generators, and the grid companies directly purchasing electricity.

Additionally, the document said that participating wind and solar power generators would not be limited by industrywide capacity quotas if they were to voluntarily give up the subsidies China provides to renewable energy companies. The country has been trying over the past year to wean renewable energy firms off subsidies.

Distributed-power projects are expected to be immediately successful in areas like Beijing and East Chinas Zhejiang province, where electricity prices are higher than the national average. Surplus power from smaller energy generators would cost less than the current commercial price to produce and connect to the grid, He told Caixin.

If this kind of trading model can be smoothly implemented, businesses will no longer be dependent on government subsidies to develop, and the governments role will simply be to maintain order on the market. For the solar power industry, this would be an ideal state of development, He said.

Contact reporter Teng Jing Xuan (jingxuanteng@caixin.com)KBP BioSciences Co. Ltd. has chosen the Philadelphia area as the site of its new headquarters, according to a company statement. Photo: Visual China

A Chinese biopharma developer has decided to move its global headquarters to the U.S. in a bid to take advantage of the countrys extensive talent pool and enormous pharmaceutical market.

KBP BioSciences Co. Ltd. has chosen the Philadelphia area as the site of its new headquarters, according to a company statement.

The clinical-stage biotechnology company has attracted some big names in its latest $76 million fundraising round, including the venture capital firm under the government-backed State Development & Investment Corp. and a venture fund under Ping An Insurance.

The move to the eastern U.S. gives KBP BioSciences access to the exceptional talent base in the region which uniquely includes scientific and business graduates from top universities, experienced biotech entrepreneurs and leading experts, it said.

Among the talent that the company secured is its new CEO, Brian McVeigh, a 25-year veteran of GlaxoSmithKline PLC who managed the U.K. pharmaceutical giants worldwide business development.

McVeigh said that the new funding will allow the company to grow from its roots as a China-based preclinical development organization into a truly global enterprise.

KBP BioSciences has several promising drugs in its pipeline. Its best prospect is a drug for cardiovascular disease that has entered the second phase of clinical trials in the U.S.

As the worlds largest market for biopharmaceuticals, the U.S. offers drugmakers huge academic and commercial potential. U.S. firms conduct over half the worlds research and development (R&D) in pharmaceuticals. The biopharmaceutical industry accounts for 17% of all domestic R&D funded by U.S. businesses, according to SelectUSA, a U.S. government program that seeks to attract investment to the country.

Although it is a relatively small player in the biopharmaceutical industry, China is aiming to catch up with the U.S. In a 2017 plan, the National Development and Reform Commission vowed to send some competitive companies abroad through mergers and acquisitions, setting up R&D centers and establishing sales networks.

Contact reporter Coco Feng (renkefeng@caixin.com)This year, China's banking regulator will continue its campaign of targeting misconduct to try to wring out risks in the system, sources told Caixin. Photo: Visual China

Chinas top banking regulator launched a torrent of investigations and regulations in 2017 to try to tame the worlds biggest banking system  and the storm appears far from over.

Under its new chairman, the China Banking Regulatory Commission targeted excessive leverage, off-balance sheet banking activities, and market wrongdoing. The CBRC acted as concerns mounted over financial risks building up in the system.

Since March, the regulator has uncovered 59,700 instances of wrongdoing involving 17.7 trillion yuan ($2.72 trillion), it announced Monday.

Fines totaling 2.9 billion yuan were imposed last year on 1,877 banking institutions, according to figures released by the CBRC on Sunday. The biggest penalty  722 million yuan (more than $100 million)  was slapped on China Guangfa Bank for fabricating guarantee documents.

It also punished 1,547 industry employees  including banning 270 from the industry for years or up to a lifetime  and issued a flurry of regulations to try to wring out risks.

The CBRC is determined to make "those who try to take advantage from regulatory loopholes unable to profit from such practices and strictly punish those who violate the rules," said one person close to the commission.

The commission will extend the regulatory campaign this year, targeting misconduct in interbank transactions, mostly bills and short-term loans;

wealth-management products, which are the major funding source for the shadow banking system by raising money from retail investors; and bankers acceptances, a short-term debt instrument issued by the company, sources close to the CBRC told Caixin.

Last year, the main violations involved institutions trying to skirt capital adequacy and credit rules, and providing excessive loans in the property sector, as well as local governments and wobbly industrial sectors, a CBRC official said.

Some banks have seen risks from a serious mismatch of assets and liability as they invested funds raised from short-term wealth management products to long-term projects or risky borrowers.

Of the near-60,000 cases of wrongdoing that the regulator says it found, 11,534 centered on industry rules and law, 4,060 on arbitrage that capitalized on uncoordinated regulations, 12,800 on improper business innovation and practices, and 31,300 on flaws in corporate governance, such as violations in ownership structure and investment activities, according to the CBRC.

In October, CBRC Chairman Guo Shuqing sent a warning to expect the crackdown to continue. The trend of financial supervision is increasingly strict oversight and stringent enforcement of the law and regulations, he said.

Cleaning up disorder

Guo took the helm in February of last year, pledging to tackle the various phenomena of disorder in the banking sector.

The effort got underway by late March and has focused on interbank and wealth management businesses that have thrived over recent years with little regulatory oversight. The regulator is concerned these businesses have steered capital away from the real economy  the part concerned with actual production of goods and services instead of investment in the financial markets  to risky and highly leveraged investments, posing risks to the system.

The CBRC has issued a slew of regulations to rein in risks from the loosely regulated shadow lending, wealth management products and interbank-market businesses, while stepping up inspections of suspected market wrongdoing.

On Jan. 5, the CBRC announced a set of new rules on off-balance sheet entrusted loans, in which a bank acts as an agent to facilitate a loan between two businesses, stepping up scrutiny of one of the main segments of the countrys shadow-banking industry.

In November, the CBRC along with the central bank and other regulatory bodies released proposals to calm countrys $15 trillion asset management industry and untangle the complex web of investments that exist outside the formal banking system.

Amid stricter oversight, commercial banks interbank assets and liabilities were reduced by 2.8 trillion yuan and 830 billion yuan, respectively, by the end of November from the beginning of the year, indicating shrinking off-balance sheet business, said a CBRC official.

Wealth-management products sold on the interbank market dropped by 3 trillion yuan between the end of 2016 and the end of November. The proportion of entrusted loans, which are blamed for helping banks skirt lending rules, in the countrys broadest measure of credit had dropped to 8% by the end of November from 8.5% at the end of 2016.

Over the past year, the CBRC has removed some hidden risks in the banking sector while encouraging banks to offer greater support to the real economy, the CBRC official said.

From January through November, new loans issued by Chinese banks totaled 13.3 trillion yuan. Growth of lending to manufacturing sector rose 1.7 percentage points from the same period last year.

Chinas banking sector has seen its total assets reach 240 trillion yuan, growing 80% from 2012. Assets of major state-owned banks totaled 86.5 trillion yuan by the end of November, up 7% from the previous year. State banks liability totaled 79.4 trillion yuan by the end of November, according to CBRC.

Total assets of joint-stock commercial banks and smaller city commercial banks stood at 44 trillion yuan and 31.4 trillion yuan by the end of November, respectively. The CBRC said interbank and wealth management businesses are the major sources of risks for joint-stock banks, while city commercial banks are seeing more violations in ownership structure and internal governance.

Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com)Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing.

You are our people. You Care. We Care2.Spending a few days with your prospective in-laws can be as daunting as meeting them for the first time is. And that's probably how Meghan Markle felt before spending her first Christmas with her fiance, Prince Harry's family at Sandringham. After all, her in-laws include Queen Elizabeth II herself!

A key part of Christmas celebrations is the exchange of gifts that people across the world indulge in. The British Royal Family also follows this tradition, but because of their German heritage, they exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.

Also Read: The Queen has officially let Meghan Markle into the family, with her Christmas speech

Meghan, as a part of the celebrations this year, also got gifts for her new family. But was her present for the Queen a hit or a miss?

Kate Middleton, Prince William, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry, seen at the Sandringham Estate. Photo: Reuters Kate Middleton, Prince William, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry, seen at the Sandringham Estate. Photo: Reuters

Meghan got a singing toy hamster for the Queen, and it turned out to be a big hit. What's more, the Queen laughed quite a lot when her pet corgis tried to snatch it away from her, the Daily Star reports. She was quite amused, and even said that the toy "could keep my dogs company"!

The same report also described that since the British Royals are quite wealthy, and have everything that they could ever need, they usually go for funny gifts on Christmas. This was probably why Meghan's gift, which is cheaply available at toy stores, was just a hit with the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II, giving her Christmas speech. Photo: Reuters Queen Elizabeth II, giving her Christmas speech. Photo: Reuters

Also Read: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry just flew in Economy to France, and we are impressed

But that's not all the fun that Meghan poked with her Christmas gifts. She gave Prince William a Tom O Shanter hat, which comes with an attached wig, to joke about his thinning hairline.

Her sense of humour is precisely what helped Meghan fit in with her future in-laws so well.The timetable for Class 10 & Class 12 has been released by Jharkhand Academic Council,(JAC) Ranchi. Candidates can view the timetable from the official website. The exams will be conducted from March 8, 2018, to March 27, 2018.

Students can visit the official website of JAC to download the JAC Class 10 & Class 12 TimeTable 2018.

JAC SSC (Class 10) timetable:

Exam Dates Music March 08, 2018 Hindi (Course A & Course B) March 09, 2018 Commerce / Home Science March 10, 2018 IIT/ITS/HEL/MAE/SEC/RET/BAW/TAT March 10, 2018 Mathematics March 12, 2018 Urdu / Bengali / Oriya March 13, 2018 Science March 14, 2018 Arabic / Persian / Ho / Mundari / Santhali / Oraon March 15, 2018 English March 16, 2018 Kharia / Khortha / Kurmali / Nagpuri / Panch Pargania March 17, 2018 Social Science March 19, 2018 Sanskrit March 21, 2018

Jharkhand HSSC (Class 12) timetable:

Exam Dates Geology - I.Sc. March 08, 2018 Music - I.A. March 08, 2018 Vocational - I.A., I.Sc. & I.Com. March 09, 2018 Hindi A, Hindi B + Matribhasha & English A (Compulsory Core Language) - I.A. March 10, 2018 Hindi A, Hindi B + Matribhasha & English A (Compulsory Core Language) - I.Sc. & I.Com. March 12, 2018 History - I.A. March 13, 2018 Economics - I.Sc. & I.Com. March 14, 2018 Philosohy - I.A. March 14, 2018 Biology (Botany+Zoology) - I.Sc. March 15, 2018 Geography - I.A. March 15, 2018 Business Mathematics - I.Com. March 15, 2018 Economics - I.A. March 16, 2018 Physics - I.Sc. March 17, 2018 Accountancy - I.Com. March 17, 2018 Business Studies - I.Com. March 19, 2018 Sociology - I.A. March 19, 2018

Chemistry - I.Sc. March 21, 2018 Home Science - I.A. March 21, 2018

Psychology - I.A. March 22, 2018 Entrepreneurship - I.Com. March 22, 2018 Political Science - I.A. March 23, 2018 Elective Language (Compulsory) - I.A. March 24, 2018 Additional Language - I.Sc. & I.Com. March 24, 2018 Mathematics / Statistics - I.A., I.Sc. & I.Com. March 26, 2018 Computer Science - I.Sc. & I.Com. March 27, 2018 Anthropology - I.A. March 27, 2018

Click here, for more information about Class 10 & Class 12 timetable.

About Jharkhand Board:

The state of Jharkhand came into existence on the 15th of November, 2000. An Act to establish the Jharkhand Academic Council was enacted by the Jharkhand State Legislature and assented to by the Governor, which was known as Jharkhand Academic Council Act. As per the official website, the Jharkhand Academic Council was established for holding and conducting examinations at the end of Intermediate, Education, Secondary Education, Sanskrit Education and Madrasa Education and for prescribing courses of studies for such examinations and for recommending for recognition of Intermediate Educational Institutions, High Schools, Sanskrit Schools and Madrasas to the State Government and for carrying out such other or duties assigned to the council by the state government from time to time. With the establishment of the Jharkhand Academic Council, the Bihar Intermediate Education Council Act, 1992, the Bihar School Examination Board Act, 1952 (adapted as Jharkhand Secondary Examination Board Act, 2000) Bihar Sanskrit Education Board Act, 1981 And Bihar Board of Madrasa Education Board Acts, 1981 were repealed.

Jharkhand Postal Circle GDS Result 2017 Released: Check Now!Riyad Capital: Outlook for Saudi Arabia in 2018

Published 08 January 2018

Riyad Capital will present its outlook for the Saudi Arabian cement industry in 2018 at Cemtech Middle East & Africa held between 17-20 February 2018 at the JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai, UAE. Santhosh Balakrishnan, assistant vice president of research, explains to ICR what to expect in the year ahead.



ICR: What impact will the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative have on the cement industry? Will we see the effects of this plan by 2018, or will it come to fruition later?



Santhosh Balakrishnan (SB): In our view, the impact will be positive, but its difficult to quantify at this point for a period that is 12 years from now. The government is adopting plans to be less dependent on oil, which suggests that domestic spending could elevate and raise cement demand.



ICR: Some clinker lines have stopped in Saudi Arabia recently due to high inventory and lower demand. Are you expecting to see further temporary stoppages of clinker lines throughout 2018 and what financial impact could this have?



SB: Most of the producers which have taken the brunt of low demand have already resorted to stopping clinker production lines. We expect another 5-10 per cent cut in clinker production, which is the base case in our view. However, companies cannot go beyond the threshold level, at which point cheap fuel access would not be recompensated by Aramco.



The 2016-17 numbers suggest that a 10 per cent cut in production resulted in a 200-300bps drop in operating margins.



ICR: Arabian Cement Co (3.8Mta) and Al Safwa (2.2Mta) were discussing a potential merger and have signed an exclusivity deal. Will this deal happen, and are there sufficient incentives in Saudi Arabia to encourage future mergers?



SB: A consolidation move is welcome at this point in time, but both Arabian Cement and Al Safwa have called off the deal. We expect this to re-emerge as valuations for smaller players have hit bottom and are below greenfield project valuations, meaning it has become very attractive.



Unless the companies in the same market consolidate, we do not expect big synergies. While promoter shareholders are common in a few companies, a strategy to consolidate helps for accounting synergies and not operational synergies.



ICR: Could the surplus cement be exported to resolve the demand and supply mismatch that is highlighted in Riyad Capitals recent report? How much of an issue is the high export tax?



SB: The government recently reduced the export fee by 50 per cent from SAR85-133/t (USS21-35/t), which is a welcome move. However, the target export markets do not support the prevailing export price level, after adding taxes and transportation costs, which is in the range of SAR320-340/t (USS85-91/t) in neighbouring countries. Additionally, the pace of reconstruction could be delayed in areas where the geopolitical risk is high, which may undermine any growth in export demand.



ICR: Saudi Arabia is looking to shift its focus away from the oil industry. How will this affect the cement industry in 2018?



SB: The economy is now focussed on diversification. The 2018 budget has put an emphasis on capex spending in infrastructure. This is a relief which should reach the cement sector in the coming months.



There are several other reasons for the positive outlook for the industry in 2018, such as the announcement of Neom, a new planned city, which will border the Red Sea coastline, and signs of easing tension in neighbouring markets.

In summary, the end of curtailed spending seen between 2014-17 has had investor sentiments high since the third quarter, but the timing and execution of spending is awaited.

All these factors are positive signals for the upcoming year, not ignoring the impact of VAT, utility hikes, transportation costs and a higher expat levy. There is no immediate demand push expected, but consumption could stabilise at 46-47Mt in 2018.



ICR: How does your outlook for 2018 differ from the outlook of previous years?



SB: Since 2014, when the oil bear market started, cement demand has been rapidly decreasing and the industry suffered from opacity in government spending. As we discussed at Cemtech MEA 2017, there were no green shoots to be seen, which therefore resulted in our neutral outlook for the period. However, our outlook for the year ahead is more upbeat, moving from neutral to positive.

Financially speaking, the overall sector saw a 26 per cent fall in 2017 in market capitalisation, taking 2014-17 returns to -52 per cent. While the fundamental signs for a further rally are not seen at present, the worst of the downturn is ending in our view.

Santhosh Balakrishnan, Riyad Capital (Saudi Arabia) is a speaker at Cemtech MEA 2018, which takes place in Dubai on 17-20 February, 2018. For more information click hereCemex Colombia to pay SIC fine, object via litigation

ICR Newsroom By 08 January 2018

Cemex Colombia announced that it proceeds to pay the value of the fine imposed by the country's Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC) in September 2013, amounting to the sum of US$25.3m.



The investigation is in line with Resolution 81391 of 11 December 2017 which saw the SIC fine Cemex Colombia, along with Cementos Argos and Holcim Colombia) and to six individuals for price fixing of grey cement in the national market.



The company decided not to file an appeal for reversal against the SIC decision and said the payment is made in the appropriate time and manner.



The reason for this decision is that, throughout the investigation, as well as in the observations on the Motivated Report, the company presented a solid legal and economic argument that distorts the charges made by the SIC, according to a report in El Economista. However, to date these have not been taken into account by the entity, which is why it will go directly to the contentious administrative jurisdiction to file an action for nullity and reinstatement of the right against the decision, explains the entity in its report. In addition, the company added that it has the legal and economic arguments that demonstrate its correct action in the Colombian market, which is why the producer expects the Contentious Administrative Tribunal to evaluate and accept them, proceed to annul the charges formulated by the SIC and order the restitution of the sanction paid today with the adjustments provided by the Law.

Published underNew projects to take total Ugandan output to 6.8Mta

ICR Newsroom By 08 January 2018

A number of projects in Uganda are expected to commence operation this year, taking total cement production to 6.8Mta from 3.6Mta, reports Ugandan newspaper The Independent. Hima Cements new 1Mta facility in Tororo is expected to open in 1Q18 and will take the companys overall capacity to 1.8Mta.



Meanwhile, Tororo Cement is awaiting a capacity increase to 3Mta from 1.9Mta through a plant expansion. National Cement is also investing US$185m on a 1Mta plant in the same region, which is expected to begin operations later this year.



Despite a significantly-increased capacity, Ugandas demand remains at 2.4Mta. However, growth in the construction industry is expected as the government confirms a number of new infrastructure projects.



Looking at the projection, we are going to have a construction boom once investments in the oil industry start and the subsequent oil flows. Towns are going to sprout up and more structures will be constructed, said, Allan Ssemakula, the chief commercial director at Hima Cement.



The increase in capacity has led to competition in the market with cement prices falling to a current price of UGX28,000 (US$7.65) per 50kg bag, down from UGX33,000 recorded in 2016.



Elsewhere, cheap imports from producers in Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia threaten to further weaken the market in Uganda.

Published underThough it appears North Korea is moving closer toward peace than war, it wasnt long ago that Kim Jong Un recently in his annual New Years Day address that the entire area of the U.S. mainland is within our nuclear strike range, and that a nuclear button is always on my desk. Kim meant this idle threat as an effort to deter the U.S. from ever attacking North Korea.

However, that made us wonder what would actually happen if the U.S. and North Korea went to nuclear war with one another. What would the aftermath be like? How long would it take to have those places go back to normal? As it turns out, a few researchers actually modeled the effects of what 100 Hiroshima-sized nuclear bombs would have on the planet. Those answers will terrify you.

Week 1: 100 nuclear warheads are detonated

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There would be 5 megatons of black carbon launched into the air in the immediate fallout of a nuclear war with the detonation of 100 nuclear bombs. That black carbon is from everything burning in the combined blast areas. The upper atmosphere of the entire planet will be filled with black carbon by the end of the first week.

Next: The effects are almost immediately felt across the globe.

Week 2: Blackout

By week two, there is so much carbon in the atmosphere that sunlight can no longer reach the Earth. The Earth begins a rapid spiral of cooling that wont stop for months. This also starts a chemical reaction inside the Earths ozone layer that will effectively eat the ozone layer away.

Next: Enter the deep freeze.

2 months: Nuclear winter

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After a two month spiral of cooling, the average temperature of the Earth has fallen well below freezing. The amount of rainfall the planet receives also plummets because of the falling temperatures.

With so much radiation from the initial blasts, plants were adversely affected. By two months plants stop growing and their DNA begins to stabilize. Without crops producing any new food supplies, starvation soon sets in planet-wide.

Next: It will be some time before we see any significant changes from the abyss were in.

2 years: A huge portion of the population may be dead or dying

Roughly 2 billion people may have died at this point from starvation alone. With barely any crops being able to produce enough food, stability in any region is tedious at best. On top of that, most areas in the world are frozen wastelands and some are completely unlivable.

Next: The latent effects of nuclear war on humans.

5 years: Latent cancer pandemic

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By year five, the ozone has been depleted by about 20-25% since the bombs first dropped. This is when UV light is at its peak intensity. Couple that with significant levels of radiation and you have a wave of latent cancer deaths killing off about 16-18% of the population that survived the blasts. This will trigger the second major die off after the 2 billion that previously died of starvation.

Next: At this point, we will start to see our first signs of improvement.

10 years: The first signs of hope

Ten years after the blasts, the ozone layer will be the first to see significant improvement. The ozone will still be damaged by the black carbon in the atmosphere, but will only be about 8% thinner than it was before the bombs dropped.

Next: Another milestone is reached in our atmosphere

20 years: Gaining warmth, but there is still a long way to go

Embed from Getty Images

At this point, the Earths temperature is beginning to stabilize. Although, the average temperature of the Earth is still well below modern day. This still affects crops and their growing seasons and they have not returned to levels before the blast.

Next: It will take a lot longer to get relatively comfortable again.

30-50 years: A relatively stabilized planet

Plant growth begins to stabilize but is still pretty slow. Plants also eventually start taking over unpopulated areas, much like Pripyat next to Chernobyl.

Radiation levels are still pretty significant in some areas which make them unlivable and will remain that way for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

This entire model is based on the assumption that 100 nuclear weapons were detonated at the same time. The current stockpile of nuclear weapons is estimated around 15,000 warheads. If the tipping point comes for the U.S. and North Korea, we could see something similar or far worse than this model suggests.

Follow The Cheat Sheet on Facebook!2017 ended up being a bumpy ride for health care policy in America. Though outright Obamacare repeal never happened, the GOP tax law did kill the ACA individual mandate. This change to federal law will have an impact on millions of Americans in the coming years, especially those 50 to 64. Beginning in 2019, anyone in that group will see an average jump of $1,500 in health insurance premiums, an AARP study found.

Meanwhile, changes to state Medicaid policies continued in 2017. With the approval of several waivers by the Trump administration, state governors and legislatures may now change the way many Americans access health care programs. Looking ahead to 2018, Medicaid recipients across the country could find new income requirements and even drug screening on the table.

Since Medicaid covers disabled Americans and seniors in addition to the poor, the impact would be felt throughout America. Yet Medicaid is not the only federal program facing changes in the coming year. New tax policy will also have an impact on Medicare. Heres how the changes to both Medicaid and Medicare could affect you in 2018.

1. Some Medicaid coverage eliminated in Iowa

The end of retroactive coverage leaves Iowans on the hook for emergencies.

Theres a feature in Medicaid that saves people from massive debts to health care providers: retroactive coverage. The way it works is simple. Once someone signs up for Medicaid, they receive three months of retroactive coverage. This safeguard allows the poorest Americans coverage for past hospital visits and treatment that would qualify for Medicaid.

Unfortunately for new Medicaid recipients in Iowa, the Trump administration approved the states request to end retroactive coverage. According to Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the waiver will affect low-income parents, children over 1, ACA expansion adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. In 2018, if a stroke or other emergency forced someone onto Medicaid, they would not be covered beyond the first of that calendar month.

2. Caps on physical therapy covered by Medicare

As of January 1 2018, Medicare Part B patients face therapy caps while they recover.

Congress occupied itself with tax reform in December, so the GOP-controlled body had no time to see to Medicare safeguards. Specifically, caps for Medicare Part B patients undergoing physical therapy did not get extended into 2018. That means seniors who suffered a stroke and need crucial therapy have limits on how much rehab they can receive.

Senior and health care advocates petitioned Congress to extend the cap exceptions into the new year, to no avail. According to McKnights, it is unlikely a cap extension could pass until February at the earliest. If Medicare Part B patients hit their threshold of therapy in the meantime, there will be huge problems.

3. Indiana rolling back retroactive Medicaid

New Medicaid enrollees wont see retroactive benefits in Indiana.

While Iowas Medicaid changes affect more people, Indiana will begin some rollbacks of its own in 2018. After the Trump administrations approval of a state waiver request, many new Medicaid enrollees will not get retroactive benefits. The list includes low-income parents, people moving off welfare, and 19- and 20-year-olds new to the program, Kaiser Family Foundation reported. If you believe you may qualify for Medicaid, dont hesitate to apply.

4. Medicaid work requirements

Seven states made requests to add work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries.

In addition to ending retroactive coverage, many states hope to begin work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries. At the end of 2017, seven states had requests for some type of work requirement pending with the Trump administration. Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, and New Hampshire will tie it to the ACA Medicaid expansion. Maine, Utah, and Wisconsin seek work requirements for most adults applying for benefits.

5. Penalties for negligent nursing homes get lighter

The Trump administration will reduce penalties for homes abusing Medicare patients.

President Trump promised to cut regulation, and his administration applied that concept to nursing home care. In a January 2018 announcement, the Trump administration said it would scale back penalties for homes that abused or neglected Medicare patients. According to CNN, 40% of the 6,500 nursing homes received fines for a serious violation since 2013.

In 2018 and beyond, these guidelines could discourage regulators from fining nursing homes even when a patient dies. For families with relatives in a home, this change could spell bad news. An example CNN cited involved a nursing home being fined $282,000 following neglect that led to the death of a patient. (A judge called the penalty modest.) Under the new guidelines, the home would pay about $21,000 in fines following a death.

6. Medicaid drug screening in Wisconsin

Governor Scott Walker said he expected Trump to approve the request for drug screening.

In June 2017, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker requested approval to require drug testing for Medicaid applicants. Childless adults would face the tests if the Trump administration approves. Though these ideas increase bureaucracy and cost the state big in administrative fees, Walker hopes Wisconsin becomes the first state in the nation to start drug testing for Medicaid.

7. Automatic Medicare cuts

Since the tax cuts increase the deficit, automatic Medicare cuts would follow.

Anyone concerned about the national deficit should be concerned about GOP tax reform tacking on $1.4 trillion. Future generations will have to reckon with burden, but immediate cuts also come with the new law. For example, an automatic $25 billion cut to Medicare triggers in 2018 unless Congress does something about it. After therapy caps and CHIP both expired in 2017, we dont feel confident Congress will find that solution in time.

8. Asset and property tests in Maine

While Maine voters approved Medicaid expansion, the state hopes to limit enrollees.

According to Governing, a trade publication for public officials, Maine requested the most far-reaching Medicaid requirements. Governor Paul LePage hopes to impose asset tests on Medicaid applicants. In addition to other terms, LePages request would ask for savings account information and property values. These waiver requests came from a state where voters approved a referendum on Medicaid expansion in 2017.

9. Medical expense deductions

In 2018, anyone with high medical expenses can deduct amounts over 7.5% of income.

Many people feared the GOP tax plan would eliminate medical expense deductions. (In 2017, taxpayers could deduct amounts exceeding 10% of their income.) For the coming tax year, the threshold lowers to 7.5% of income. So this point went from a scary proposition to a relief for anyone with high medical bills. The amount will remain 7.5% until 2020, when it should go back to 10%.

10. Voter referendums on Medicaid

At least three states look headed for a Medicaid referendum in 2018.

Following the win for Medicaid expansion in Maine, several other states could vote on similar referendums in 2018. These programs would bridge the gap between those who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford ACA plans. Organizers in Idaho, Utah, and Nebraska launched efforts with this goal in mind, Forbes reported. As in Maine, these efforts are being made in spite of the party in control of the state governments.

Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook!New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) The Delhi Police today said that Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevanis request for holding a rally here tomorrow on Parliament Street has not been granted yet.

The police had earlier said that Mevanis request was "under consideration".

"No permission granted so far by Delhi Police to hold proposed protest at Parliament Street in view of NGT orders. Organisers have been constantly advised to go to alternate site, which they are reluctant to accept," the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, tweeted tonight.

However, the organisers have confirmed to PTI that they would be going ahead with their plan.

The Social Justice rally or Yuva Hunkaar Rally is planned to be addressed by Mevani along with Assam peasant leader Akhil Gogoi.

The NGT on October 5 last year had ordered officials to "immediately stop all activities of dharna, protest, agitations, assembling of people, public speeches and using of loud speakers among others at the Jantar Mantar Road."

One of the organisers and former JNU Students Union president Mohit Kumar Pandey said, "There has been a lot of attempts to stop this event and even some media houses are spreading wrong information that the permission for the rally has been denied."

Ever since the rally was announced on January 2, "a lot of money has been spent on posters calling Mevani a deshdrohi (traitor) and urban naxal," Pandey told PTI, adding the event will be held as per schedule.

Mevani could not be reached for his comments.

In a statement, the organisers have urged the prospective participants to "assemble on the Parliament Street at 12 pm on tomorrow".

The rally seeks to raise the demand for the release of Dalit outfit Bhim Armys founder Chandrashekhar Azad and emphasise on issues like educational rights, employment, livelihood and gender justice.

A large section of students from universities and colleges in Delhi, womens groups, teachers associations and activists associated with Mevani from across the country are expected to attend the rally.

Azad, 30, was arrested in June last year from Himachal Pradesh as he was the main accused in the Thakur-Dalit clash in Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur district. PTI CPB/SLB ANBAfter exposing Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' connection with Vidarbha Infotech, and how the company received towing contract in Mumbai by flouting rules, Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam today exposed another Nagpur connection.

This time it's with Mojo's Bistro restuarant.

Nirupam alleged, "Mojo's Bistro which signed the contract in 2016 to run the restaurant in Kamala Mills, has owners which has Nagpur connection. And, one BJP MLA from Nagpur setup the meeting of owners with CM Fadnavis."

Nirupam pointed out, "After the tragic incident at Kamla Mills, BMC started demolishing the illegal portions of all the restaurants in city. However, it stopped all of a sudden. So far, only one person has been arrested and other owners of Mojo's Bistro are roaming scot free. This will not happened unless there is some Nagpur connection to it."

In a press conference Nirupam produced documents and alleged that 'Smassh', a recreational center in Kamala Mills has got a 'Go-carting' track which is illegally constructed under DCR (Development Control Rule).

According to the document obtained by Nirupam, shows that BMC officials twisted rules and gave permission to go-karting track.

Recently, while speaking to media, Nirupam asked Ajoy Mehta to reveal the name of a politician who is pressuring him in the investigation. He also questioned his decision of suspending the 5 officials.

"Documents clearly shows the nexus between BMC babus and hotel owners. As babus twisted rules for them. And BMC chief Mehta signed on the illegal proposals. Mehta should resign taking moral responsibility of this and if he doesn't, then the CM should suspend him or else we will hit the road." concluded Nirupam.'Crown' seasons 3 & 4 cast news: Helena Bonham Carter in talks to join seasons 3 & 4

Reports say Helena Bonham Carter is joining the upcoming seasons of Netflix series "The Crown."

The world-famous Bellatrix Lestrange from the "Harry Potter" franchise is said to be all but confirmed to play the older version of the Queen's sister Margaret in the most expensive series ever made.

Season 2 of "The Crown" premiered on Netflix last Dec. 8 to a huge success, just like its sequel did before it. The second installment explored the years 1956 to 1964, with a focus on Queen Elizabeth's (Claire Foy) struggles as a new head monarch.

It was a tough time, which came at the same period the British public was questioning the need for a monarch. Add to that the infamous love life of her husband Prince Philip (Matt Smith), who was reportedly hooking up with various women in his commonwealth tour.

For Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby), it was the start of the "great party," after she was forced to break off her wedding with divorcee Peter Townsend (Ben Miles). Instead, she weds photographer Tony Armstrong-Jones.

In season 3, reports say there will be a huge jump in the timeline, which means there would be a need to change the major casts.

It was earlier reported that for seasons 3 and 4, Olivia Colman is taking the crown from Foy, who has won a Golden Globe award and a Screen Actors Guild award for her work in the series. She has also been nominated as best actress in the Emmy.

Series creator Peter Morgan has always been honest about his intent to change the casts to better portray the characters as they age. No news yet on who will replace Smith as Prince Philip.

Reports say production for "The Crown" seasons 3 and 4 is already well under way, despite the lack of go signal from Netflix. "The Crown" season 3 is slated to premiere in 2019.

Meantime, Bonham Carter is starring as one of the thieves in the upcoming "Ocean's 8," which premieres on June 22.John Worboys and God: How the Church works in Britain's prisons

'God has forgiven me!', the serial rapist John Worboys claims. That is according to the Star on Sunday's front page which, it has to be said, is not generally known for religious affairs exclusives.

But, as was pointed out on Sunday, this is not as unlikely a story as it might seem.

Through an interwoven network of chaplains, inter-faith groups, prayer initiatives and evangelistic efforts, churches have boasted a steady drip feed of stories claiming that hardened inmates are experiencing radical conversions.

Shane Taylor, once considered one of the most dangerous prisoners in Britain, is one of hundreds to have dramatically converted while in prison. He described praying while at the maximum security HMP Long Lartin, Worcestershire: 'Suddenly a bubbly energy seemed to start within me. It rose up from deep within my belly, moved up my body and through my chest. My emotions opened up and I found myself crying,' he said.

'As I cried I felt as though tons of invisible bricks were falling away from me and I was shedding the weight of them, leaving me feeling lighter and more able to see things clearly. At that moment I knew God had touched me, he'd heard my prayers and with sure certainty he was real.

'All the hate, anger and resentment seeped away as I cried, leaving me feeling lifted.'

While stories like Taylor's are rare, religion's presence in UK prisons is not new. In fact each prison is required by law to have a chaplain and prison chaplains are the only clergy to have statutory duties they must carry out. Under the 1952 Prisons Act prison chaplains must visit new prisoners within 24 hours of their arrival, they must visit all prisoners under segregation or in the prison hospital and they must take religious services.

Their role is pastoral, not proselytising. 'The chaplains of today are not here to judge or convert anyone, or anything like that, they are just here to talk to and give prisoners support,' one prison governor told a study on prison chaplaincy by Cardiff University.

However the makeup of prison chaplains has changed drastically in more than six decades since the legislation was passed. Whereas the Act assumes chaplains are male, Christian and more specifically Anglican, now both male and female chaplains cover a whole range of faiths with 15 per cent of the prison population now Muslim, two per cent Buddhist and one per cent Sikh.

But despite the changes in wider society and the decline in organised religion from 1952, the Church of England retains its established presence in prisons: the 'chief chaplain' to the prison service, the Chaplain-General, is still traditionally an Anglican; one of the 26 bishops who sit in the House of Lords is given the title of Bishop for Prisons; and the majority of chaplains employed by the government are still Anglicans.

Aside than the formal, statutory, links between the Church and Her Majesty's Prisons, there is a more informal network of religious charities who work in prisons.

Unlike prison chaplains, these are not merely pastoral and have freedom to run evangelistic courses.

One such group is the Prison Fellowship, an initiative founded in the US and now running in the UK, which writes letters to prisoners, buys presents for inmates to give to their children at Christmas and works with victims of crimes to help their perpetrates see the impact on people's lives.

But perhaps the most prominent is Alpha; an eight-week evangelistic course to emerge from the charismatic Anglican church in Kensington, Holy Trinity Brompton. Boasting alumni including Bear Grylls, Geri Halliwell and the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Alpha is based on a series of short talks followed by a discussion group. It is designed to give a whistle-stop tour through the Christian faith and more than 24 million people in over 100 countries across 112 languages have taken the course.

Alpha was registered in 64 prisons in the UK at the end of 2016 and runs in more than 800 prisons, in 55 countries, around the world. In the UK 2,560 people, including volunteers, are estimated to have taken part in Alpha in prisons in 2016 and 67 per cent said they 'experienced personal transformation'.

Steve Page, development manager for Alpha UK in prisons, told Christian Today Alpha offers a place to discuss.

'It is voluntary. They can disagree. They can ask questions. If they think Jesus is an alien from another time and space they can think that. We are not there to correct their theology.'

Evangelistic courses for offenders such as Worboys may jar as either preying on the vulnerable or offering the depraved an excuse to pretend they have changed.

But Page said it was neither. 'They don't have to go. It is optional and quite often it's run at the same time when they can have their one shower a week and many of these guys chose to go to Alpha,' he told Christian Today.

'We find Alpha in whatever context is held when people have questions about life. These people have got a lot of time to be thinking about these questions.

'It is there to be the place where they can ask those questions and we are there to wade through them with them.'

Shane Taylor's dramatic conversion followed an Alpha course. He was released a year later, six-and-a-half years through his eight year, nine month sentence and is now a regular ambassador for the course. Page said the main reason Alpha is allowed is because it reduces re-offending.

'We're hoping they don't come back,' he said. 'We hope that there is spiritual awakening so they don't re-offend.'

There's no suggestion Worboys took part in an Alpha course. But there are plenty of other opportunities for a prisoner to find faith if they are seeking it. Whether his alleged conversion is genuine is another question  and whether his conversion should have any influence on whether he's released is another question still. Christianity should not act as a get-out-of-jail-free card and the law must still take its course.Megachurch rallies around pastor after he admits sexually assaulting 17-year-old girl 20 years ago

The leadership of a megachurch in Memphis, Tennessee has rallied around its pastor Andy Savage after he publicly admitted to sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl while serving as a youth minister at a previous church in Texas 20 years ago.

Savage received a standing ovation at church yesterday after making the admission and appealing for forgiveness.

Chris Conlee, the lead pastor of Highpoint Church, said in a statement after Savage admitted the incident which was outlined in a detailed blog post from the victim: 'This information is not new to me or to our leadership...On behalf of the elders, pastors, staff, and Trustees of Highpoint, I want to affirm that we are 100 per cent committed to Andy...and his continued ministry at Highpoint Church.'

The statement came after The Wartburg Watch on Friday published the account of a woman, named as Jules Woodson, who had accused Savage of abusing her in the late 1990s.

She recalls an evening in Spring 1998 when Savage offered her a lift home after a meeting at the Woodlands Parkway Baptist Church. According to the account, he drove past the turn-off for her house and instead carried on down a dirt road with a promise of a 'surprise'.

After arriving in a deserted area of woodland, she writes that he asked her to engage in sexual activity with him, which she reluctantly did. Then, after around five minutes, she said Savage suddenly jumped out of the vehicle and ran over to her, falling to his knees with his hands on his head and begging her not to tell anyone what had happened. 'You can't tell anyone Jules, please. You have to take this to the grave with you,' she quotes him as saying.

The victim then states that she approached the church's associate pastor to inform him of the incident and that the first thing the man said in response was: 'So you're telling me you participated?'

She writes: 'Not only did I suddenly feel this immense guilt for doing what Andy had asked me to do but I also started to feel that this was my fault somehow because I didn't stop him.'

She writes that the church sought to cover up the incident until she gained the courage to tell more people about it, and Savage subsequently left the church due to a 'poor decision' he had made, with no details being provided to the church's congregation.

'No one could imagine Andy doing anything bad or immoral, much less illegal, and so, it somehow became my fault that Andy was leaving,' the victim writes.

In his statement admitting to the incident, which he read out in church on Sunday, Savage said: 'As a college student on staff at a church in Texas more than 20 years ago, I regretfully had a sexual incident with a female high school senior in the church. I apologized and sought forgiveness from her, her parents, her discipleship group, the church staff, and the church leadership, who informed the congregation. In agreement with wise counsel, I took every step to respond in a biblical way.

'I resigned from ministry and moved back home to Memphis. I accepted full responsibility for my actions. I was and remain very remorseful for the incident and deeply regret the pain I caused her and her family, as well as the pain I caused the church and God's Kingdom.

'There has never been another situation remotely similar in my life before or after that occurrence. The incident happened before Amanda and I were engaged and I shared every aspect of this situation with her before I asked her to marry me. I further disclosed this incident to Chris Conlee before coming on staff at Highpoint and have shared with key leaders throughout my tenure.

'This incident was dealt with in Texas 20 years ago, but in the last few days has been presented to a wider audience. I was wrong and I accepted responsibility for my actions. I was sorry then and remain so today. Again, I sincerely ask for forgiveness from her and pray for God's continued healing for everyone involved.'

In his statement, Conlee said: 'This information is not new to me or to our leadership. As one of my closest friends and partners in ministry, I can assure you that I have total confidence in the redemptive process Andy went through under his leadership in Texas. In addition, for more than 16 years, I have watched Andy strive to live a godly life and proactively share what he has learned to help others.

'On behalf of the elders, pastors, staff, and Trustees of Highpoint, I want to affirm that we are 100 per cent committed to Andy, Amanda, and their family and his continued ministry at Highpoint Church. We ask for your prayers and support for all involved.'

Yesterday, in extraordinary scenes at Highpoint recorded by the website Makechurchsafe.com, Savage received a standing ovation after reading out his statement alongside Conlee, adding: 'Since then I have tried to live my life in keeping with that original act of repentance. For any painful memories or fresh memories this has created for anyone, I am sorry, and I humbly ask for your forgiveness. I love you all very much.'

Conlee, with his arm around Savage, said to the congregation: 'We are so grateful for your support. I know when you support Andy in that way, you are also supporting Ms Woodson. You are supporting her healing. You are supporting, and you are praying for her, and we are willing as individuals and as a church to do whatever we can within the scope of what it means to offer spiritual healing, to do that for Ms Woodson.'

Woodson said she had decided to send an email to Savage on December 1 with the subject line 'Do you remember?' after being inspired to act by victims of abuse coming forward in Hollywood and elsewhere.

In the email which she says went unanswered, Woodson wrote to Savage:

'Do you remember that night that you were supposed to drive me home from church and instead drove me to a deserted back road and sexually assaulted me?

'Do you remember how you acted like you loved me and cared about me in order for me to cooperate in such acts, only to run out of the vehicle later and fall to your knees begging for forgiveness and for me not to tell anyone what had just happened?

'Well, I REMEMBER.

'#me-too.'

In her blog, she adds: 'To anyone who has suffered from sexual abuse in the church and the subsequent cover up and pressure to remain silent, I want you to know that it is not your fault. Most importantly, I want you to know that you are not alone.'

On Saturday, Woodson told WMC News that Savage's apology was insufficient.

'His apology isn't enough because number one, he's lying about how he handled it. He never came to me, the church told him he couldn't talk to me and they told me I couldn't talk to him,' she said.

Woodson said that it had taken her two decades to come forward because she'd felt 'pressured by the church to be silent'. She added: 'It's very hard to tell your story. It's very hard to speak up.'Pope Francis locks horns with Trump over Korea, nuclear weapons and Jerusalem in speech to diplomats

Pope Francis today called for dialogue over Korea, a legally binding ban on nuclear weapons and the retention of the 'status quo' in Jerusalem in his annual speech to diplomats known as his 'state of the world' address.

The Pope also addressed climate change, calling for countries to remain committed to the 2015 Paris accord on reducing carbon emissions. Donald Trump has announced that the United States will withdraw from the agreement.

'It is of paramount importance to support every effort at dialogue on the Korean peninsula, in order to find new ways of overcoming the current disputes, increasing mutual trust and ensuring a peaceful future for the Korean people and the entire world,' Francis said.

Francis addressed diplomats a day before North Korea and South Korea are due to hold talks expected to address North Korea's participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

Earlier this month, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un asserted that he had a nuclear button at the ready, Trump tweeted that the US button at his disposal was bigger and more powerful.

'Nuclear weapons must be banned,' Francis said, quoting a document issued by Pope John XXIII at the height of the Cold War and adding that there is 'no denying that the conflagration could be started by some chance and unforeseen circumstance'.

The Pope noted that the Holy See was among 122 states that last year agreed to a United Nations treaty to ban nuclear weapons. The US, Britain, France and others boycotted the talks that led to the treaty, instead pledging commitment to a decades-old Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The Pope's comments on Jerusalem came after Trump unilaterally announced in December that the US was controversially recognising the city as the capital of Israel. At the time, Pope Francis said 'I cannot keep silent my deep concern' over the issue.

Additional reporting by Reuters.Royal wedding news 2018: Meghan Markle's half brother blames engagement for New Year brawl

Meghan Markle's half brother, Thomas Markle, Jr., is blaming the royal engagement for a drunken fight that ensued with his fiance on New Year.

The Daily Mail earlier reported that Tom's fiance, Darlene Blount, was sent to jail after the couple had an intense fight at their Oregon home. According to his earlier statement to the media outlet, Blount started "pummelling me in the face with her fists." But he later changed his tune, saying his injuries were self-inflicted.

Tom blames the altercation to all the media attention they have been receiving since Meghan's engagement.

"It hasn't been easy. Meghan's relationship with Prince Harry has shone a spotlight on our family," Tom told the Daily Mail. "It doesn't help when you have issues and your sister is engaged to Royalty. It adds a whole new level of scrutiny."

He added that they have been under a lot of stress because of all the attention. "At some point you find yourself drinking too much to escape the pressure."

Meghan and Prince Harry reportedly welcomed the New Year "partying like tycoons" in Monaco with the independent city-state's Prince Albert and his wife, Princess Charlene.

While that was happening, Meghan's 51-year-old half-brother was having a huge row at a bar with his fiance. Blount reportedly left the bar in rage. Tom then also went back to their bungalow, where he continued his drinking.

Later, when Blount arrived home as well, Tom said she immediately downed a bottle of bourbon. An argument then ensued.

It was Blount who called the police, but she ended up being arrested instead. "I might have said Darlene beat me up," Tom explained. "It was a big confusion."

Later, it was also Tom who bailed Blount out by paying $1,000. He has since vowed to "seek help" following the altercation.

This was not the first time the couple was engaged in a huge fight. In January 2017, Tom was also arrested for reportedly pointing a gun at Blount's head, also during a drunken row.'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' news: Joe and Teresa's restaurant closes down; upcoming RHONJ episode a roller-coaster ride

The year 2018 is not off to a good start for "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" stars Joe Gorga and Teresa Giudice. Siblings Gorga and Giudice decided to close down their pizza joint in New Jersey.

Gorga and Giudice opened the restaurant in May 2017, and the grand opening was featured in the Bravo reality television show. According to a US Weekly source, Giudice had a falling-out with his brother. The issue between the two then triggered to Gorga's exit. The source said, "Joe is done with Gorga's Homemade Pasta & Pizza. The actual owner of the restaurant and Joe worked out this deal where Joe would get money... if he lent his name and image to the restaurant. But the owner never made good on his end of the deal so Joe is done with the restaurant."

Gorga also had a slight disagreement with his own wife Melissa. In the first episode of RHONJ for 2018, Joe was not happy with Melissa's decision to go to Milan to acquire a unique product. The handbag she secured in Milan finally arrived at her home in New Jersey. There are still no words from the show's producer if Joe and Melissa will work things out in the upcoming episodes.

Elsewhere, fans of the show are looking forward to the next episode with Teresa set to visit her husband Joe Guidice in prison. According to the episode's summary description, Danielle Staub's boyfriend Marty Caffrey will take their relationship to a new level. Dolores Catania will also receive relationship advices from her ex-husband Frank Catania. Also, Margaret Josephs will be having a blast with her birthday on the next episode. Siggy Flicker, on the other hand, will do something that somehow diminishes her honesty among the group.

"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" episode 13 of season 8, titled "Prisons, Proposals, and Parties," will air on Jan. 10 at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo.Thousands of people are converting to Jediisim, politician worried about 'spiritual void'

"Star Wars" is a work of fiction, and Jedis do not really exist in real life. But a lot of people really admire their philosophy and way of living, so much so that they started a religion called "Jediism."

This has gotten Michael Snyder, a Republican candidate for Congress in Idaho's First Congressional District, really worried. After seeing a documentary called "American Jedi," Snyder researched more about the phenomenon and discovered a website for "the Temple of the Jedi Order."

Even though their faith is based on make-believe characters, Snyder was surprised to find out that the IRS granted them tax-exempt status in 2015.

"I was seven years old when 'Star Wars' first came out, and it definitely had a major impact on me," he wrote for Charisma News. "But even as a child, I understood that it was just a movie. Unfortunately, there are some people out there that are so drawn to 'the Jedi Order' that they actually want to make it a religious faith."

One such person is Opie Macleod. While he was practicing within the Jedi community, he discovered that his wife was having an affair with his friend, Miles Robinson, who is a practicing Sith. "My student, who I had said was a Jedi Knight, not only tossed the Jedi path away, to follow and explore the Sith path," Macleod told the Huffington Post, "but also slept with a Sith."

Because of the betrayal, Macleod veered away from the Jedi community. But after a few years, he came back and even took on another student - former marine Perris Cartwright who claims to have suffered from multiple rapes while in the marine corps before finding peace in Jediism, the more she got over past wounds.

Filmmaker Laurent Malaquais, who created the documentary, said she even learned something from Opie.

"Opie Macleod taught me a valuable lesson. Whenever you are confronted with a difficult situation in life, the very first thing you must do is fully accept it," he said. "I do believe Jediism is very much a religion. Simply because it's inspired by ancient religious practices and it definitely takes the place of religion in the lives of Jedi."

Malaquais might have been impressed by Jediism, but Snyder definitely isn't. He said that countless Americans are "groping for answers to the most fundamental questions in life," which have left them feeling disillusioned. Because of this "spiritual void," Snyder stressed that the need for new spiritual awakening has never been greater.

"It is one thing to dress up like Luke Skywalker and wave a fake lightsaber around, but it is another thing entirely to make 'Jediism' your religion. I guess it just shows how spiritually empty a lot of people are feeling these days," he said.Treasure-seekers target French church linked to conspiracy theories in Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code'

An ancient French church, whose former priest's name was used for a character by the bestselling author Dan Brown in The Da Vinci Code, has been targeted by seekers of a mythical treasure trove mentioned in several other books.

Not for the first time, a hole has appeared by the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in Rennes-le-Chateau, a village with a population of only 70. This is because a story that a priest buried a trove of gold coins and gems there at the end of the 19th century has spread across France.

The Telegraph reported that the village, near Carcassonne, 55 miles southeast of the southern city of Toulouse, became a magnet for treasure-hunters after books recounted various versions of the myth.

The mayor there was forced to ban unauthorised digging as far back as 1960 after complaints that Rennes-le-Chateau was beginning to look 'like a Swiss cheese'.

The priest, Francois-Berenger Sauniere, is credited with a role in the conspiracy theories behind The Da Vinci Code, a novel based on the fictional idea that Jesus had children and a relationship with Mary Magdalene. One of the novel's main characters, Jacques Sauniere, is named after the priest.

The Telegraph reported that fewer treasure-hunters have been sighted in the village in recent years, but the new hole has raised fears that it is being targeted again.

A local deputy mayor, Marcel Captier, said: 'We don't want to find ourselves with swarms of treasure-hunters again.'

But Helene Calmedero, who runs the local bookshop, 'Au Rendez-Vous des Chercheurs' (The Seekers' Rendez-Vous), said she would welcome the treasure-seekers back.

'I miss those days. The treasure-hunters were all like big children, excited about their searches. They carried on day and night, following up the vaguest hunch with metal detectors,' she said.

According to one version of the myth, Sauniere discovered treasure buried by the Bishop of Alet as he fled to Spain during the French Revolution.

Sauniere renovated the church, which dates from the 10th or 11th century, with some believing that the priest himself buried what was left in the church grounds or graveyard.

But most historians have concluded that the treasure never existed and the priest raised money by stealing donations and charging for church services.

According to the Telegraph, he is also said to have had an affair with his housekeeper, with villagers recounting a story circulated after his death in 1917 that he was punished by being transformed into the stone figure of a horned devil supporting a basin in the church.

Last year, a young woman wearing a Venetian mask damaged the sculpture by attacking it with an axe. She was given a suspended prison sentence for vandalism.

'That awakened bad memories,' Captier said. 'It's all very traumatic.'In yet another fire incident in Mumbai, three people have been badly injured while three others have sustained minor injuries while repair for a gas leak.

The explosion occurred when the gas company employees were attending a gas leak complaint.

The incident took place in Oshiwara area of Andheri West.

A family's house had the gas leakage problem. They called the gas company mechanic for repair. Two mechanics from the gas company came to the house to repair. At that time only housewife was present.

As the mechanics were repairing the gas leakage, blast happened. The two mechanics and housewife got badly injured in the incident.

The blast radius was minimal and was spread to 2 other houses in the densely populated area.

Local resident Aslam Sheikh said, "At 11am the incident took place. There was problem in the gas cylinder as there was leakage. Two mechanics came to repair when the blast happened. Over six people got injured in the incident. This is third such incident in our area. The gas company should check the cylinders before sending it to public use."

Another neighbour Noorjahan Khatoon Siddique said, "My child was playing outside their house when the incident took place. My son has received burn injuries. A neighbour woman too has received injuries."

A police official said that there is mistake from the gas company and mechanics that came for repair. After our investigations we will take proper actions. Currently, the mechanics are badly injured in the incident.

ALSO WATCH | Major fire guts iconic RK Studio in MumbaiVicar found guilty of spiritually abusing teenage boy

A vicar in Oxfordshire has been convicted by the Church of England of spiritually abusing a teenage boy, in what is thought to be the first judgment of its kind, the Church Times reported.

The victim was put under 'unacceptable pressure' during one-to-one Bible study sessions in his bedroom over an 18- month period, according to the judgment which was published online by the Church.

The priest, Timothy Davis, of Christ Church, Abingdon, was found guilty under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) 2003 of 'conduct unbecoming or inappropriate to the office and work of a clerk in holy orders through the abuse of spiritual power and authority' by a five-strong Bishop's Disciplinary Tribunal for the Oxford diocese, chaired by the Revd Mark Bishop. A penalty has yet to be set.

The CDM tribunal is reportedly the first of its kind that has found a case to answer over allegations of the abuse of spiritual power and authority.

The complaint was brought by the Archdeacon of Dorchester, Judy French, in 2013, and referred to a period of 18 months from January 2012, during which Davis held private mentoring sessions with a 16-year-old schoolboy, whose family were part of his congregation, as part of a youth scheme set up by the youth pastor of Christ Church, Matt Luscombe.

The case was heard in November last year by a panel which was chaired by Judge Bishop and included the Rev Edward Bowes-Smith, Canon Ann Philp, Prebendary Sue Lloyd, and Dr Stephen Longden.

Those who gave evidence to the panel included the Bishop of Dorchester, Colin Fletcher, the victim (who cannot be named for legal reasons) and victim's mother, and the former assistant curate at Christ Church, Jitesh Patel.

The 20-page judgment found that Davis had engaged in 'mentoring so intense' that the victim had been 'deprived of his freedom of choice as to whether to continue' with it.

At one point. Davis moved in with the family, who reportedly wanted to help him during a period of loneliness and illness. He later holidayed with them in Crete, which led to concerns from the congregation as to the 'intensity of the contact' between mentor and mentee, and the involvement of the Bishop of Reading, Andrew Proud.

In January 2015 Davis took a sabbatical, after which the Bishop was alerted by the curate, Patel, who had been told by Davis of the nightly, hour-long, private meetings he had conducted with the victim. Patel gave evidence of Davis's 'anger and the fear that his curate felt as a result'.

Davis was later asked to move out of the family home by Bishop Fletcher, who conducted a meeting with Davis about safeguarding concerns, before asking Archdeacon French to investigate and decide whether a formal complaint should be pursued.

Judge Bishop determined that Davis was 'in breach of the safeguarding requirements' by being alone with the boy in his house, in the vicarage, or other places, 'and on occasions deliberately touching him albeit not in a sexual manner'.

Davis was also judged to have, 'under the guise of his authority, sought to control by the use of admonition, scripture, prayer and revealed prophecy, the life' of the victim and his relationship with his girlfriend, and 'throughout the said period failed to have any regard to the propriety of the said conduct' and its effect on others, in particular the victim.

The victim was reported to have found these meetings 'too intense', but 'found it impossible' to tell Davis that he wanted to reduce their contact. He also gave evidence saying that Davis 'became angry' if he did not ring him or respond to his texts, and 'he would say that this is not what friends did'.

The victim's mother also reported that Davis became angry regarding contact with her son on numerous occasions. 'He would be angry if [her son] did not come to an evening service because of being with his girlfriend,' the judgment reads. 'She told us that [Davis] would say that he was God's anointed, and a person had died because he did not do something that [Davis] wanted.'

She further gave evidence of how Davis had 'invested the will of God in the relationship he had with the family in broad terms, and her fear of what would happen if she crossed [him] and thereby, in her understanding at the time, crossed the will of God'.

The parish-mentoring-scheme documents included stipulations that the mentors abide by church safeguarding policy; that 'an adult should not be left alone with a child/young person where there is little or no opportunity of the activity being observed by others'; and that counselling via text, email, instant messaging, or phone should be avoided.

Davis was formally suspended by the diocese of Oxford on 25 July 2016, a spokesperson confirmed.

Davis had been diagnosed with PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] in September 2016, according to a psychiatrist who is quoted in the report.

The panel considered Davis's mental health in mitigation, but concluded: 'Rather than getting diagnosed and treated he proceeded with this risky mentoring programme where we believe he was placing his own emotional needs first.'

Davis disputed many elements in the account given by the boy and his mother in his statement to the tribunal. But the panel found the boy and his mother 'credible and reliable witnesses', and was satisfied with their account.

A spokesperson for the diocese of Oxford said in a statement: 'Abuse of spiritual authority and power falls far short of the obligations and duties of those in holy orders. Clergy are in a privileged position of trust in their congregations and communities. The professional guidelines to which they are bound make clear that this is a trust that they must not abuse.

'The findings of the tribunal show that, sadly, Tim Davis betrayed the trust of everyone involved in a youth-mentoring programme at Christ Church, Abingdon  none more so than the young man and his family, who offered their home and hospitality to him.

'The behaviour and actions of Tim Davis during this period are in no way reflective of acceptable church practice. We fully support the findings of the tribunal and now await their decision as to the penalty to be imposed.'

A date for a hearing at which a penalty will be issued has yet to be set.A former youth minister at a church in The Woodlands has admitted to a 'sexual incident' with a teen in his youth group in 1998.

Andy Savage, currently a teaching pastor at Highpoint Church in Memphis, was responding to blog post. In it, Jules Woodson described an incident that took place when she was a 17-year-old youth member at Savage's former employer, The Woodlands Parkway Baptist Church, now known as Stonebridge Church.

HIGHEST RATE: Texas universities with the most sexual assaults in 2017

In an open letter published on the blog Watch Keep, Woodson shared her story. The post quickly went viral and reached authorities in Montgomery County.

On Wednesday, the Montgomery County Pct. 3 Constable's Office announced that because the 1998 statute of limitations has passed and no charges were filed, they will not be investigating the incident, despite a case being opened and a complaint filed.

"Using the current statute we would have some possible options, but we are limited to the law as it was at the time of the offense in 1998. As a result, we are unable to investigate and seek justice to the full extent of what would we normally would in such a case," Capt. Dan Zientek wrote in the press release on Wednesday.

According to Woodman's open letter, the incident occurred while Savage was giving her a ride back to her mom's house following a meeting at the church.

"As he was driving me towards my home, he passed the turn he should have made to go to my house. I asked him where he was going. I don't remember his exact response, but it was something along the lines of 'you'll see' or 'it's a surprise,'" Woodson writes in her letter. She admits she thought the surprise was going to be going to get ice cream.

They turned down a dark, dirt road where Savage allegedly parked the truck and turned off the vehicle's headlights.

"Suddenly, Andy unzipped his jeans and pulled out his penis," Woodson writes. "He asked me to suck it. I was scared and embarrassed, but I did it. I remember feeling that this must mean that Andy loved me. He then asked me to unbutton my shirt. I did. He started touching me over my bra and then lifted my bra up and began touching my breasts."

CONFIRMED: Texas constable sergeant under investigation for sexual assault

Woodson writes that the incident lasted all of about five minutes before Savage allegedly got out of the truck to run over to the passenger side to plead for Woodson's forgiveness.

"Now I was terrified and ashamed," Woodson writes. "I remember him pleading, while he was on his knees with his hands up on his head, 'Oh my god, oh my god. What have I done? Oh my god, I'm so sorry. You can't tell anyone, Jules, please. You have to take this to the grave with you.'"

Woodson writes that she didn't stay silent and tried to report the incident to the lead pastors of the church, Larry Cotton and Steve Bradley, but was not aware of any immediate discipline, according to Woodson. So she turned to her all-female discipleship group and told them about the incident.

"Rumors were starting to spread that something had happened between myself and Andy," Woodson writes. "People thought/assumed that we had exchanged an 'innocent' kiss. The church, however, never came out with an official statement addressing what had happened and/or what was being done about it. Instead, they held a going away reception for Andy at the church in which he was allowed to simply say that he had made a poor decision and that it was time for him to move on from our church."

VIDEO: Celebrities react to sexual assault allegations flooding Hollywood today

Read Woodson's entire letter here.

Following the release of Woodson's story, Savage released a statement on Highpoint Church's website saying:

As a college student on staff at a church in Texas more than 20 years ago, I regretfully had a sexual incident with a female high school senior in the church. I apologized and sought forgiveness from her, her parents, her discipleship group, the church staff, and the church leadership, who informed the congregation. In agreement with wise counsel, I took every step to respond in a biblical way.

I resigned from ministry and moved back home to Memphis. I accepted full responsibility for my actions. I was and remain very remorseful for the incident and deeply regret the pain I caused her and her family, as well as the pain I caused the church and God's Kingdom.

There has never been another situation remotely similar in my life before or after that occurrence. The incident happened before Amanda and I were engaged and I shared every aspect of this situation with her before I asked her to marry me. I further disclosed this incident to Chris Conlee before coming on staff at Highpoint and have shared with key leaders throughout my tenure.

This incident was dealt with in Texas 20 years ago, but in the last few days has been presented to a wider audience. I was wrong and I accepted responsibility for my actions. I was sorry then and remain so today. Again, I sincerely ask for forgiveness from her and pray for God's continued healing for everyone involved.

Following Savage's statement, the lead pastor of the megachurch, Chris Conlee, also wrote a brief statement.

"This information is not new to me or to our leadership," lead pastor Chris Conlee wrote in an online statement. "On behalf of the elders, pastors, staff, and Trustees of Highpoint, I want to affirm that we are 100% committed to Andy, Amanda, and their family and his continued ministry at Highpoint Church. We ask for your prayers and support for all involved."

The senior pastor of Stonebridge Church, Steve Bradley, mentioned in Woodson's story above, is still the senior pastor at Stonebridge and released this statement, according to KPRC: "This happened twenty years ago and to suggest that I or anyone else on the staff at Stonebridge Church participated in a conspiracy to cover-up this sexual misconduct is simply not accurate."

This incident is among the dozens of other reports of sexual assault that have been released as a part of the #MeToo movement that raises awareness of sexual assault incidents in the workplace and in society today. To see the other high-profile cases of the movement, go through the photos in the gallery above.

Heather Leighton is a digital reporter at Chron.com. She considers herself as a Jack(ie) of all trades and covers various topics from entertainment to politics. You can read more of her stories here and follow her on Twitter at @loveheathernoel.DALLAS  Facing a crowded Democratic primary election in just over eight weeks, former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez on Sunday kicked off her long-shot campaign to unseat Republican incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott.

And she quickly acknowledged she will have to work to win.

"A lot of people don't recognize me when I'm out of uniform," she told a crowd of around 100 cheering supporters, wearing a black suit with white blouse instead of her familiar blue outfit.

Indeed, in her first bid for statewide office, the 70-year-old daughter of migrant farm workers  born in San Antonio as the youngest of eight children  has challenges ahead. After announcing her candidacy a month ago, she is still building her campaign team and is operating the race out of her home.

Fundraising is just beginning. Her kickoff rally on Sunday at a converted wax paper factory, announced on Facebook days ago, was devoid of big-name Democrats who usually attend events for a candidate widely viewed as the party's likely standard-bearer should she win the primary.

She will have to convince Democrats, especially the Hispanic population, to turn out and vote in large numbers for the first time in a state where Republicans have won every statewide elective office for two decades.

If she can win the primary  over a field of candidates that seems destined to split enough votes to force a costly runoff  she will have to best a better-financed Republican incumbent whose campaign war chest holds a reported $50 million.

Valdez made it clear she thinks her message of inclusiveness in Texas, not the divisiveness she insists Abbott and other Republican leaders have sowed, will make her the first Latina to occupy the Governor's Mansion in Austin.

"Enough with the hate and vitriol," she said, citing the GOP-passed ban on sanctuary cities, the bathroom bill and a local law that allows local police to demand immigration papers, all championed by Abbott.

"We should be lending a hand up, not tearing them down. We must be the type of state that helps people get a fair shot."

Opportunity in the Lone Star State "should be as big as a Texas sky," she said in a speech that toggled between English and Spanish and was repeatedly interrupted in cheering and applause.

"I want to be the change-maker," she told the crowd. "I want to be the people's candidate and bring common sense to government."

Campaign manager Keifer Odell said Valdez's grassroots campaign will start with a candidate forum in San Angelo on Monday and stops next week in San Antonio and South Texas. Before the primary, she plans to visit dozens of Texas cities and towns.

"We're going to be reaching out to voters," he said.

The primary elections are March 6.

While political scientists say Democrats' chances of defeating Abbott are slim, the primary will be a first test in a race where most candidates have little name ID outside of their hometowns. Four years ago, state Sen. Wendy Davis  who was much better funded than Valdez is now  lost to Abbott by 20 percentage points.

So far, only Houston entrepreneur Andrew White, son of the late Gov. Mark White, appears to have the resources and organization to compete on a statewide basis  though his credentials as a conservative Democrat already have not pleased progressive and liberal party members, they said.

Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned "The Future is Latina" at Sunday's rally, Dallas political activist Soraya Colli, 44, said she supports Valdez because she thinks it is time to stop the Hispanic-targeting policies of Republicans in Austin and Washington. After the "show me your papers" bill was enacted in Austin last spring, Colli said she started carrying her passport with her at all times "to prove I'm a citizen if I get stopped."

"I was born in Texas and never had to think about the fact I was Mexican until then," said Colli, a daughter of immigrants. "Most people come to this country, there's no idea of rocking the boat.You work. You raise your family. You live your life. But with everything that is happening, this is the time when our voice must be heard."

Simone Contreras, 47, a Dallas businesswoman, shared that view.

Valdez "represents hope  hope that the politics of oppression will end, that progressive politics can return Texas to the days of Ann Richards," she said, noting that her parents entered the country illegally. "I hope this is where the blue wave starts. That's why I came out."

Richards, elected in 1990, was Texas' last Democratic governor.

Many of the supporters who came out Sunday said they accept that Texas is mostly Republican.

But they said they hope to make 2018 the year when Democrats turn the tide to make the state leaders more representative of Texas' growing diversity.

They said Valdez's resume highlights that diversity: A U.S. Army veteran, she has worked in law enforcement for 40 years, from a jailer to a prison guard to federal agent to sheriff, since 2005.

"Lupe Valdez is that: She's a Latina, comes from 40 years in law enforcement, not politics, and is an openly gay woman," said Mark Dinnell, 28, who said he attended even though he supports rival Democratic candidate Jeffrey Payne, a gay Dallas businessman.

"The fact that Texas has two gay candidates for governor, a record number of LGBT candidates for all offices and with a record number of women and Latinas says volumes about where this state is and who we to represent us," he said. "This is the year to change the course of our future."Each year we talk with tech leaders about the biggest problems theyll face in the near future, and were starting to see some subtle and not-so-subtle shifts from the worries of 2018.

Data overload, a major concern 12 months ago, has evolved as new data-hungry tools and AI help make sense of data and drive business decisions. This year CIOs say theyre more concerned with how to protect that data, as organizations grapple with new privacy regulations.

As the economy continues to improve, CIOs are less hampered in 2019 by tightening budgets. And worries about moving to the cloud are less of an issue, since many companies have already made the jump. Executives put more emphasis now on securing their cloud-based assets across multiple cloud environments.

Read on to see what experts from the C-suite, recruiters, and those in the trenches say are todays top-of-mind concerns  and how to deal with them.

1. New security threats

Headline-grabbing recent events may spark surprising new security threats, says Rick Grinnell, founder and managing partner of Glasswing Ventures.

The government shutdown helped contribute to a great cyber threat to the U.S. government, critical infrastructure and other public and private organizations, Grinnell says. With the shutdown, many of the security professionals watching for threats at a national level were not on duty, creating a bigger hole for attackers. Time will tell if a month of lowered defenses will have deeper repercussions in 2019 and beyond.

Tech leaders are also gearing-up for next-generation, AI-driven cyber attacks.

Security professionals must be extra vigilant with detection and training against these threats, says John Samuel, CIO at CGS. This year, companies will need to introduce AI-based protection systems to be able to contain any such attacks introduced by this next-gen tech.

Grinnell says AI wasnt a factor in the most notable attacks of the last year, but he expects that to change.

I believe 2019 will bring the first of many AI-driven attacks on U.S. companies, critical infrastructure and government agencies, he says. Lets hope Im wrong.

2. Data protection

Forward-thinking organizations are now implementing privacy by design in their products, but making sure those efforts meet GDPR standards is an ongoing concern. Google, for example, just saw a record fine by French regulators over how the company collects data.

U.S. businesses will need to consider a GDPR-type policy to protect citizens even before any regulations are enacted, Samuel says. Ultimately, there must be international guidelines to ensure customer privacy and protection on a global scale to allow for easier compliance.

Jacob Ansari, senior manager of Schellman and Co., says IoT security got a lot of attention last year, but it led to little practical change in the industry.

The makers of IoT devices still use vulnerable software components, poor network and communication security, and are unable to supply software updates in the field, says Ansari. Theyre still making essentially all of the mistakes everyone else made in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Oh, and your voice-activated home device is spying on you and the company that makes it will give your data to the wrong person by accident with little oversight or accountability. This also suggests that better data privacy legislation  at least in the U.S.  is a potentially hot topic for 2019, particularly in light of the events of recent elections. Nobody loved implementing GDPR in Europe, but its protections for ordinary people are decent."

3. Skills gap

More than one of our sources mentioned the much-discussed skills gap in IT, but with a twist  some tech leaders now see the problem more self-inflicted than intractable.

If you're only looking at college graduates with computer science or electrical engineering degrees from the top ten universities in the U.S. then yes, there are hardly any candidates, and most of them are going off to the five largest employers, says Tod Beardsley, director of research at Rapid7. But the potential talent pool is so, so much larger than this, and companies would do well to explore this space a little more liberally.

Sandra Toms, vice president and curator of the RSA Conference, says IT departments would help themselves by plugging their skills gap with more diverse employees, and not just in terms of race and gender. Most IT hiring groups fail to look at diversity in life experiences, religion, backgrounds, sexual orientation, and education. Viewing diversity in a more holistic manner should open up a broader field of candidates and lead to higher levels of productivity."

For a more in-depth look at the hiring market, see "IT skills gap: Facts vs. fictions."

4. Multi-cloud security

When exploring new cloud-based services, CIOs now need to ask about security across multiple platforms, says Laurent Gil, security product strategy architect at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.

Traditionally, multi-cloud leads the enterprise to manage many different, often incompatible and inconsistent security systems, Gil says. We think that selecting cross-cloud, cloud-agnostic security platforms is now fundamental in ensuring consistency, and most importantly completeness of securing enterprise-wide assets regardless of where these assets are living.

Find out the "7 secrets to a successful multi-cloud strategy."

5. Innovation and digital transformation

According to Gartner data, about two-thirds of business leaders think their companies need to speed up their digital transformation or face losing ground to competitors.

Most companies will continue on the same path until theyre forced to do otherwise, says Merrick Olives, managing partner at cloud consulting firm Candid Partners.

Tying IT spend to strategic business capabilities and answering the question How will this make us more competitive? is essential, Olives says. Value stream-based funding models as opposed to project-based funding are becoming more and more effective at tying board-level objectives to budgetary influences. The cost structures and process efficiencies of legacy vs. a nimble digital capability are much different  nimble is less expensive and much more efficient.

See also "6 secrets of highly innovative CIOs" and "Insider tips on how to get digital transformation right."

6. Finding new revenue streams

Ian Murray, vice president of telecom expense management software firm Tangoe, says that while the business landscape is ever evolving, the basic premise of making a profit is the same.

The process to finding and exploiting revenue opportunities hasnt fundamentally changed  find a problem that we can solve that is common, prevalent and that people will pay to solve, Murray says.

What has changed is the emphasis on direct revenue generation landing in the CIOs lap, says Mike Fuhrman, chief product officer of hybrid IT infrastructure provider Peak 10 + ViaWest.

Maybe Im old school, but I dont think the CIO should be worried about directly generating revenue, Fuhrman says. Im starting to see this pop up more and more among my peers. To stay relevant as a CIO, many are working to try and productize themselves. While there are benefits to thinking that way, I think it can also be a recipe for defocusing the team and the boardroom. When it comes to revenue-generating opportunities, the place the CIO belongs is focusing on those projects and digitizing the business into an automated platform at scale. We need to stay focused on driving costs out of the business and scaling from a go-to-market perspective. Thats how a CIO should focus on revenue.

For more insights, see "6 secrets of revenue-generating CIOs."

7. Lack of agility

Organizations that aim to incorporate agile methods sometimes end up limping along in a sort of hybrid model that incorporates agile practices but also more linear waterfall methods. In short, the worst of both worlds.

Tangoes Murray lays it out: Developers are coding to specific spec sheets with little conceptual understanding of how this button or feature fits within the overall user experience. A disciplined approach is needed to pull this off, where the solution to specific problems are addressed within a certain release. Each release is then coordinated for a set of sprints so that a comprehensive solution that adds to the UX is achieved with every release and not just a collection of requested features that may or may not support one another.

See also: "5 misconceptions CIOs still have about agile."

8. Outsourcing risks

The skills gap will lead many organizations to seek outside help. But these sometimes-necessary solutions can lead to concerns with reliability and security.

Our main focus is to deliver on the promises we make to each customer, says Sanchez. You build your reputation and business on this one critical thing. In outsourcing your work, the quality of the deliverable is sometimes at the mercy of the firm you outsourced to. Given the sensitive nature of the projects we manage, we utilize strict third-party vendor assessments to evaluate partners in the event a project requires us to consider outsourcing some or all of the required tasks.

In addition to quality concerns, outsourcing opens up security threats that are well known. The specific threats for CIOs that should be top of mind are the insider and the contractor, says French Caldwell, chief evangelist with MetricStream and a former White House cybersecurity advisor. Until we move away from passwords for credentials, humans will continue to be the biggest threat.

For more, see "11 keys to a successful outsourcing relationship."

9. Business results

Matt Wilson, chief information security advisor at BTB Security, says theres a disconnect between whats set aside for the IT budget and measurable results for the business.

Most organizations haven't taken a hard, brutally honest, look at their current spend, Wilson says. There's often too much momentum behind the way things are currently done, the solutions already acquired, and the processes built over a decade to allow for any meaningful change. Instead, organizations may cobble together partial solutions that can't ever fully address the root of the IT challenge  for example, Equifax not patching a known vulnerability. We live with IT pain. We waste dollars. We frustrate our talented resources with solvable problems that are rendered completely impossible in our companies by momentum. For 2019, we should refuse to be captive to history.

See also: "The new rules of IT-business alignment in the digital era."

10. Tools for a digital native workforce

Christian Teismann, SVP of global enterprise business at Lenovo, argues that a new workforce of employees who grew up with digital technology demands new ways of working that will boost the bottom line.

Gen Z, for instance, expects control over the types of technology available to them, Teismann says. They favor the technology they grew up with and use in other spheres of their lives in the workplace  as well as a recognition of personal and cultural elements. Tech-enriched, assistive spaces that are configurable and flexible will continue to trend.

11. Rebuilding trust

Isaac Wong, software engineering manager at Retriever Communications, calls 2018 a bad year for IT publicity, based on a number of well publicized hacks of large companies and questionable sharing of customers online habits.

Issues such as privacy, security and device addiction must be addressed immediately by big and small players in the industry, Wong says. As a sector we have to be responsible corporate citizens. We need to show that we care about the people we claim to be serving and act in their best interest. People trusted us and we should be very respectful in honoring that.Mergers feel like a taboo subject inside many charity boards. As one trustee said recently, Well, it would be like turkeys voting for Christmas. Too often mergers are only considered as a last resort when the charity is in such financial straits that it is at risk of closing. It may be bad luck, a changing funding environment, or poor forward planning. Or because the board has confused protecting the charitys mission with preserving the organisation.

Mergers should be a strategic question. The most frustrating question I hear regularly is: Arent there too many charities?Very few charity mergers take place because staff and trustees in danger of losing their positions choose to block them, senior individuals in the sector have told Governance & Leadership magazine.

This months G&L carries a series of articles about charity mergers, which include several charity leaders saying that beneficiary needs are being overridden by the self-interest of staff and trustees who fear a merger could jeopardise their positions.

It is usual, when two charities of equal size merge, that one chief executive and half the trustees lose their positions. For this reason, G&L found, most charity mergers take place when one chief executive is ready for a new job, or for retirement, or by the financial distress of one or more parties.

Several of those interviewed said that for boards and senior directors to back a merger would be like turkeys voting for Christmas.

As a result only 70 mergers involving 142 charities took place in the year to March 2017, out of 167,000 registered charities, according to Eastside Primetimers, a consultancy specialising in mergers.

Two mergers which never happened

David Fielding, managing partner of recruitment firm Attenti, told G&L he had been involved in two potential mergers which had not gone ahead because of the individual personal desires of those involved.

Its absolutely depressing, he said.

In one case, he said, he was hired to look at the skills of two chief executives involved in a potential merger. But when one began to fear he was not the preferred candidate, he began to smear his counterpart and persuaded his board to abandon the merger.

The redundancy terms were not very good and he was not convinced that he would easily land another job, Fielding said.

In another case, a group of paid trustees lobbied heavily against a merger because they feared to lose their incomes.

Confidential dating service needed

Julian Stanley, chief executive of the Education Support Partnership, also says many mergers are also blocked by self-interest, self-preservation and sometimes over-identification with the original founding cause.

But he also said that another major barrier was the lack of any mechanism for charities to discuss the idea in confidence. He said a confidential dating service for charities is needed to allow charities to express an interest without weakening their own position.

To read more about the subject of merger, read Governance & Leadership magazine, the only title specifically catering for charity trustees. For more information, or to subscribe, click hereChristian international development charity Tearfund has recorded its highest-ever income of 72.8m, according to recently filed documents.

Tearfunds accounts, which run to 31 March 2017, show the charitys income rose slightly from the previous years record level of 72.2m.

The charitys income from donations increased by 1.6m, which it said was due to a particular large increase in legacies left to Tearfund during the year.

Its income from voluntary donations meanwhile dropped slightly from 7.4m to 7.3m.

Tearfunds income from contractual services, however, fell by a half year-on-year from 3.8m to 1.9m.

Its accounts say this is due to Tearfunds contract in the Democratic Republic of Congo to deliver water, health and sanitation improvements being completed in 2015/16 with only monitoring of outcomes continuing into 2016/17.

Tearfunds expenditure rose from 68.0m to 70.9m, including a more than 1m increase in cost of generating income and an almost 1m rise in spend on charitable activities.

The charitys number of full-time equivalent staff dropped from 1,228 to 996, despite the UK-based number increasing slightly.

Tearfunds number of full-time equivalent staff based overseas on local contracts dropped significantly from 757 to 497.

The charitys chief executive received 90,000 in 2016/17. The senior executives of the organisation earned a combined 519,000, up from 494,000 the previous year.

Tearfund Canada

World Relief Canada has announced that it is joining Tearfunds global family and will rebrand as Tearfund Canada.

The two previously separate organisations had partnered on numerous projects for many years.

Wayne Johnson, president of what is now Tearfund Canada, said: For over 30 years, we have partnered with Tearfund on many projects around the world, often with the same local partners.

This is a natural and fitting progression to that relationship and for our relationship with the individuals and communities we serve around the world.

Nigel Harris, chief executive at Tearfund, said: We are thrilled to welcome Tearfund Canada into the worldwide Tearfund family.

We look forward to working closely together as we continue to go where the need is greatest and help communities around the world escape the very worst effects of poverty and disaster.Our weekly summary of the latest movers in the charity sector.

Chief executive

Age UK has appointed Steph Harland as its chief executive has been acting chief executive at Age UK since September, and before that was deputy chief executive. Her appointment follows a competitive process at the end of last year. Full story here.

Christian Aid has announced that Amanda Khozi Mukwashi will be its next chief executive. She will join the charity in mid April. She takes over from Loretta Minghella who joined the Church Commissioners in November 2017. Full story here.

International charity, Unicef has appointed Henrietta H. Fore as its seventh executive director, taking over from Anthony Lake. She started the role on 1 January and is based in Unicefs head office in the United States. Full story here.

Hilary McGrady will become the next director general at the National Trust in March when Dame Helen Ghosh departs. Full story here.

Action on Hearing Loss Cymru has appointed Rebecca Woolley as new director. She had a brief period as interim director and joined Action on Hearing Loss as head of external engagement in 2011 following previous service management roles in the NHS, and then became head of services in 2013.

Kate Collins has been made interim chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust as Siobhan Dunn steps down from the role. Collins had been acting chief executive since October, when prior to that she was director of fundraising and marketing at the charity.

Fundraising

Epilepsy Society has appointed a new director of fundraising and marketing, Claire Glazebrook. She joins the charity from Bletchley Park Trust where she has been director of development for more than five years.

Policy

Claire Ainsley has been appointed executive director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation with immediate effect. The newly-created role means she will be responsible leading the policy, research, analysis, communications and external affairs functions within JRF.

As part of a restructure the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) has promoted Keiran Goddard to director of external affairs, leading the policy, communications and influencing function of the organisation. In addition, Emma Hutchins will take on the role of senior policy and communications officer. It also seeking to appoint a new head of policy and a policy and communications intern.

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity has appointed Kiki Syrad as director of grants and impact. She was previously head of research, strategy and funding at Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Non-executives

Sir Brian Pomeroy will become chair of Age UK in February when its current chair Dianne Jeffrey, completes here term after ten years in the role.

Eye research charity, Fight for Sight, the UKs leading eye research charity, has welcomed two new trustees. Alina Kessel is a global executive at WPP, the world leader in marketing communications. She has over 25 years of experience building brands, growing client businesses and running advertising agencies. Steve Blackman is the Commercial Director of digital agency group Draw, and brings 25 years of experience of leading commercial and communications activities.

Morag MacDonald, Gerard O Sullivan, Janet Swadling, and Helen Wollaston have been appointed as new non-executive directors at Zero Waste Scotland. MacDonald is a creative, successful business leader and chartered accountant. O Sullivan most recently worked as director of corporate operations with Stirling Council. Swadling was, until very recently, the deputy principal and chief executive of Scotland's Rural College (SRUC). Wollaston is chief executive of WISE, a campaign for gender balance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.



Toward the end of a long workday, one last email dropped into Jawar Mohammeds inbox. It looked like a news tip, forwarded from an Ethiopian radio station. Mohammed, head of an independent broadcaster based in Minnesota and a leading figure in the Ethiopian opposition movement, wasnt fooled. He didnt click the link.

Instead, Mohammed forwarded the message to researchers at the Citizen Lab, a research group at the University of Toronto, who confirmed his suspicions. Clicking the link would have turned his phone or computer into the ultimate spying tool: recording sound, video, calls, texts, and passwordspossibly putting Mohammeds contacts in serious danger. Luckily, Mohammed didnt need an army of paid hackers to defend against this threat. His own sense for digital security was enough.

ICYMI: Merriam-Webster reveals its word of the year

Others have not been so fortunate. The New York Times said that operators based in China probably used the same type of email deception to break into their systems in 2012. In Mexico, journalists have been systematically targeted with sophisticated commercial spyware purchased by the Mexican government in an ongoing spying scandal. And these instances of probable state-sponsored spying represent only one type of digital threat against journalists today.

Once considered the exclusive concern of national security reporters, basic digital security competence is now essential for all journalists. Online mobs try to silence writersespecially women and people of colorby finding and leaking their personal information online; criminals lock down publishers systems and try to extort ransoms; metadata can leave breadcrumbs back to vulnerable sources; and one misguided click or weak password could let intruders into a whole news organizations system. These days, bad security habits could betray your sources, or the sources of the reporter sitting next to you.

The majority of journalism schools surveyed devote less than two hours to digital security training.

Yet, new data collected by the Citizen Lab suggests that most journalism schools do not do enough to prepare the next generation of reporters to protect themselves, their sources, and their colleagues online. (You can read the full survey methodology at the bottom of the page.) Only half of the 32 schools across the US and Canada that responded to the survey offer digital security training, and less than a quarter make that training mandatory. Among programs that have training, the majority devote less than two hours to the subject; previous research has found that even after six, three-hour workshops only half the participants passed a test about the material they covered.

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The good news is that, among schools that said they offer training, most are moving in the right direction by integrating digital security into their courses, rather than offering standalone sessions. Unfortunately, almost all of these schools still devote less than two hours to the subject, which we know is not enough. And another large fraction of schools arent offering any training at all.

Of course, its not easy for journalism schools to turn on a dime in response to changing trends, but digital threats to journalists are getting worse. And experienced educators say that giving students the basic knowledge they need to work safely in the digital world might be easier than schools assume.

A short one-off session has been the go-to approach to digital security training for many institutions, from government to the private sector. About a third of the schools that responded to the Citizen Labs survey cover digital security in a short session. Most often this was a 12 hour lecture or 35 hour workshopsome were mandatory, others optional. This approach can easily go wrong.

RELATED: Why DDoS attacks matter for journalists

In her eight years of experience leading security trainings for a range of organizations, Carol Waters often confronts absurd requests from clients who want her to jam too much material into a quick session. Waters understands that time constraints and the difficulty of finding instructors can make these one-off sessions the easiest option for institutions that want to do something about digital security. But shes adamantly against trying to cover too much material in too little time. Its magical thinking, she says. It doesnt work.

Waters has also seen how well-intentioned but misguided training can even be counterproductive. In 2014, as a fellow at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia Journalism School, Waters and fellow trainer Chris Walker piloted an in-depth course in digital security spanning a whole semester. In the process, they found that students whod previously been through one-off trainings usually retained almost no knowledge, and sometimes developed defeatist attitude about their ability to learn good security habits. Short trainings also left some students with half-installed tools on their devices, which often malfunction. Waters and Walker concluded that these two-hour trainees often end up more frustrated and no better informed.

ICYMI: A bombshell scoop that started with an 11-word, late-night text

Fortunately, our results show that the majority of the eighteen schools that said they offer training are taking a more constructive approach by integrating digital security into their existing courses. Susan McGregor, a professor at Columbia and expert on digital security issues affecting journalist, says that this is the ideal way to teach the topic. For example: a basic reporting class might touch on the need to store notes and contacts securely in case your devices are searched; a photojournalism class would mention that metadata in photo files can reveal the location where they were taken; a social media class would teach students how to lock down their accounts and cope with online threats; and an investigative techniques class would highlight the hidden ways in which documents can be traced. Our survey doesnt show what material is currently being covered, but we do know that many schools are taking the right teaching approach.

The advantage, according to McGregor, is that security is integrated into journalistic practice. That way, security becomes a habitlike checking the spelling of names before publication or organizing photos at the end of the each shootrather than a cumbersome add-on. Its also easier for schools to tweak current syllabi than to add new classes in tightly scheduled programs. This integrated approach does, however, require faculty to teach what is, for many, an unfamiliar subject.

If security is integrated into journalistic practice, it becomes a habit.

Whereas in other safety and security scenarios we have a lifetime of lived experience, said McGregor, the digital equivalent of checking both ways before you cross the street is not nearly so intuitive. Still, McGregor is guardedly optimistic. Journalists are smart, she says. They learn new stuff all the time. If you can use a CMS, youre going to be fine.

And journalism instructors dont necessarily need to grapple with PGP encryption or learn the ins-and-outs of every new security app. Experienced educators say that teaching these tools is secondary to helping student think through questions like: What information do I need to protect? Who might be trying to attack me? When am I at greater risk? And how can I protect myself?

Steve Doig, a Pulitzer Prizewinning reporter and professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, said his digital security class isnt a how to session. He just wants his students to be able to assess risks. Hes also conscious that security tools change so quickly that practical training swiftly goes out of date.

Doigs approach mirrors the way journalism schools often teach students about the law, which is required under US accreditation standards. Journalists dont need to be legal experts, but they are taught to follow simple best practices (like preserving your notes) because you never know when a reporter or source may stumble into legal jeopardy. Similarly, Doig wouldnt want one of his students to end up in a situation where they should be using specialized digital tools but arent even aware of the risks.

Someday they may find themselves in a situation where, to get the story, they need to promise confidentiality, says Doig, They need to keep that promise. Its in those situations that Doig hopes students will remember his class, and seek out the technical knowledge and expert support they need to protect their professional practicemuch like a journalist might call in a lawyer when legal issues arise.

Doig is self-taught in digital security, and has now trained countless students, which goes to show: educating educators has exponential benefits. Kenneth Werbin, a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, said that completing our survey made him reconsider his own programs digital security offerings. After researching the topic and taking a training course with a press freedom group, hes planning to spend more time in his next class talking about the digital security risks his students may face in their careers and what they can do about them.

ICYMI: Civil says the future of media is blockchains and cryptocurrencies

This article is a collaboration between CJR and the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto. The Citizen Labs study was financially supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation (Ronald J. Deibert, Principal Investigator). Thanks to all the survey participants and to the research team, especially Masashi Crete-Nishihata, Christopher Parsons, Lokman Tsui, Dawn Walker, and Ronald J. Deibert.

Survey methods: These findings are based on a survey sent to 124 university degree programs in journalism in the US and Canada by the Citizen Lab. For American schools, our research team began with the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) list of accredited programs. We manually excluded programs that were exclusively focused on communications, public relations, and other non-journalism fields. For Canadian schools, we began with the Universities Canadas list of member institutions and conducted manual searches to determine if each institution had a journalism program.

The survey was distributed by email to the official who appeared (from the schools website) to be responsible for academic programs, or to the head of the program/school. The initial request was followed by two reminders and a last call. Responses were collected through Google Forms. The survey questions are available here.

In total, 32 institutions responded. Although we asked respondents to complete one survey for each program at their institution only two followed this instruction. We have therefore reported the results by institution. The response rate was 26% (32 out of 124). Twenty-one respondents were from American institutions. Thirteen were Canadian. Given that there are many more American schools, the response rate was considerably higher for Canadians than for Americans. Twenty-four responses were for Bachelors degrees. Seven were for Masters degrees. One response was recorded for a PhD program.

Since this was a surveynot a pollthe results are not necessarily representative. They do, however, offer a unique insight into how journalism schools are teaching digital security.

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Joshua Oliver is a research assistant at the Citizen Lab, and a freelance journalist. He can be reached at [email protected]On December 28, a fire tore through '1 Above', a rooftop bar in the redeveloped Kamala Mills compound in Lower Parel, south-central Mumbai, killing 14 people, 11 of them women. One of the women was celebrating her 29th birthday with friends. Police found no fire extinguishers; many of the bodies were found piled up near a restroom, caught in the panicked rush to escape a burning bar with few obvious exits.

Police said many of the bars and restaurants in the complex flouted safety rules, begging the question why so little has been done to enforce these rules.

Two managers on duty at '1 Above' on the night were arrested, but the owners are absconding. The bar's management addressed a self-serving letter to various authorities, including the president and the prime minister, claiming that a bistro next door was to blame. Will our lax authorities now take it upon themselves to force restaurants and bars in cities across the country to wake up to their responsibility to keep customers safe?Words of the year pronouncements seem to gain traction every year, even as the number of contests themselves seem to be increasing. Like the Time magazine person of the year, they are more exercises in highlighting current societal trends than they are momentous awards.

Some words of the year are determined by popularity, meaning they spiked in online lookups. By definition, then, they are related to happenings in the world.

ICYMI: Notable changes in AP style

Thats the case with Merriam-Websters word of the year, feminism. As explained on the Words at Play blog, lookups of feminism spiked several times in 2017after the womens marches in January; with the arrival of movies featuring strong female characters, like Wonder Woman and The Handmaids Tale; and with the tsunami of sexual harassment accusations against powerful men.

Like many of the organizations offering words of the year, M-W lists more than one. Following close on the heels of feminism were complicit, recuse, empathy, dotard, syzygy, gyro (thank you, Jimmy Fallon), federalism, hurricane, and gaffe. If you need to know what these words mean, please look them up. Especially syzygy, one of our favorites. Better still, listen to M-Ws editor at large, Peter Sokolowski, explain how they decide.

Dictionary.com also shows how popular culture is tied in. Lookups for its word of the year, complicit, spiked when Saturday Night Live ran a parody advertising a new Ivanka Trump perfume called Complicit in March. Complicit lookups spiked again almost a month later, when, in a television interview, Ivanka Trump said, If being complicit is wanting to be a force for good and to make a positive impact, then Im complicit. As dictionary.com said, being complicit is decidedly negative, as it means that a person is involved with someone or something thats wrong. Whatever your politics, this meaning is not up for debate. (What is up for debate is dictionary.coms claim that When the meaning of words is called into question, people turn to Dictionary.com as a source of truth. As weve noted, when people need definitions, they turn to dictionaries, regardless of their URLs.)

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Both of those word of the year decisions are based on visits to individual websites. For a broader view, a corpus, a massive database of how words are used in context, can be analyzed. There are many kinds of corpora, and Brigham Young University offers access to many of them. One, called News on the Web, or NOW, is used to determine its word of the year. For 2017, it was fake news. (Yes, thats two words, but the database includes multiword expressions.) As its site explains, we looked at the actual frequency of words in 2017 and we compared this to the frequency in 2016. The NOW corpus contains nearly 1.7 billion words in 3.5 million articles in newspapers and magazines from 2017 (as well as 3.8 billion words for previous years).

ICYMI: A bombshell scoop that started with an 11-word, late-night text

The American Dialect Society is far less scientific, having its members nominate and vote for the word of the year. Nonetheless, it came up with the same word of the year, fake news. It was a contender last year, it says, but at the time its meaning was restricted to fictional or embellished stories presented as authentic news, disseminated for financial gain or for propagandistic purposes. This year, it said, President Trump often used it as a rhetorical bludgeon to disparage any news report that he happened to disagree with, giving fake news not just new meaning but much broader exposure. (ADS has different categories of words of the year, including digital WOTY, slang WOTY, emoji of the year) Collins Dictionary also chose fake news.

Now, to a couple of outliers. Oxford Dictionaries named as its word of the year youthquake. Its not surprising if you havent heard of it, since Oxford is a British institution, and admits that it has yet to land firmly on American soil. Its defined as a significant cultural, political, or social change arising from the actions or influence of young people. Its usage, Oxford says, has traveled throughout the Empire, to New Zealand and Australia, but its origin is actually American, coined by the Vogue editor Diana Vreeland in the 1960s, when youth around the world were rebelling and gaining their political balances.

And the Oxford University Press named as its childrens word of the year trump. Note the lowercase. It was picked because of its significant increase in use (a total rise of 839 per cent on 2016) by entrants writing in this years competition and the sophisticated way in which children used it to convey humour and satire, and evoke powerful descriptive imagery.

Out of the mouths of babes

ICYMI: What we learned from CNNs bizarre interview

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Merrill Perlman managed copy desks across the newsroom at the New York Times, where she worked for twenty-five years. Follow her on Twitter at @meperl.An Indiana board has approved proposals from two local governments to require carbon monoxide detectors in residential properties after blocking those efforts over the past few months.

The state Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission voted Wednesday to let the ordinances from Chesterton and Porter County in northwestern Indiana take effect. The board dominated by construction industry representatives turned down the Chesterton ordinance in October and has postponed action on others, The (Northwest Indiana) Times reported .

State law requires cities and counties trying to pass ordinances that differ from state building code and fire safety laws to seek permission from the 11-member commission, which is appointed by the governor.

Chesterton Fire Chief John Jarka said he was grateful to finally get approval for the citys ordinance on detectors for the odorless, poisonous gas produced by malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances. Indiana is among a dozen states without such a requirement.

I would just hope that the state would adopt it in the code, Jarka said.

The Indiana Apartment Association, which represents apartment building owners, has opposed the local ordinances, arguing that it is best to have statewide safety codes.

Jonathan Whitham, general counsel for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, said the agency will encourage local officials to submit proposed ordinances for review that they dont conflict with state building regulations.

We dont want them wasting their time, we dont want their local councils or commissions wasting their time, adopting an ordinance that has defects that we could identify ahead of time, Whitham said.

Thats not quite the template ordinance that Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb told The Times last month that he wanted the commission to prepare  especially for communities interested in adopting carbon monoxide detector ordinances.

Whitham said local ordinances that have won commission approval will be posted online, alongside the commissions review and approval guidelines, for local officials to use.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.An Iowa farmer-turned-reality television star is fighting to avoid prison after driving his pickup into the back of a tractor and killing a neighbor.

Chris Soules, who became known as Prince Farming during his 2015 appearance on The Bachelor and also appeared on The Bachelorette and Dancing With The Stars, lost a legal battle Friday in the felony case against him.

A judge dismissed his constitutional challenge to an Iowa law requiring the surviving driver in a fatal accident to remain at the scene until police arrive.

Soules rear-ended a farm tractor driven by Kenneth Mosher on a rural northern Iowa road just after sunset on April 24. Mosher died soon after at a hospital.

The accident sent the tractor Mosher was driving and Soules pickup into ditches on opposite sides of the road. Soules called 911 and identified himself, administered CPR to Mosher and remained at the scene until emergency personnel arrived. But before law enforcement could arrive, Soules was driven home.

One of Soules attorneys, Brandon Brown, said in a statement Soules did everything he could to assist Mosher. Brown said the Iowa Supreme Court has never considered whether the actions he took could rightfully be punished as a hit and run.

Mr. Soules and his attorneys vigorously disagree with the judges ruling and plan to appeal to give the Iowa Supreme Court the opportunity to review this important issue, Brown said.

Soules was arrested at 1:16 the next morning at his home near Arlington, 12 miles northeast of the accident scene. Sheriffs reports indicate he declined to let officers into his house until after they obtained a search warrant.

He was charged with failure to remain at the scene of a fatal accident, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. He faces trial on Jan. 18.

His attorneys claim Iowas law violates the constitutional rights of citizens to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures and to avoid self-incrimination.

The law in question says, in part, a surviving driver shall promptly report the accident to law enforcement authorities, and shall immediately return to the scene of the accident or inform the law enforcement authorities where the surviving driver can be located.

Most states consider it a felony to leave the scene of an accident in which someone is injured or dies, but Iowas law differs in that it has been interpreted to require the surviving driver to be present when law officers arrive.

No other state has a comparable requirement, Soules attorneys said in court documents.

A driver forced to meet face-to-face with police is exposed to interrogation and observation by officers and risk self-incrimination, his attorneys argued.

State prosecutors contend the purpose of the law is to prevent drivers from evading liability for driving recklessly, driving while drunk or driving with a suspended or revoked license.

The state submits the legislature foresaw that drunk drivers could flee the scene of a fatal crash precisely because they wanted to escape and sober up before confronting law enforcement officers who may detect telltale signs of intoxication, prosecutors said in court documents.

Initial court documents Buchanan County Attorney Shawn Harden filed in May said Soules was seen purchasing alcohol at a convenience store shortly before the accident. They allege he attempted to obfuscate the immediate facts and circumstances surrounding the accident, including a determination of his level of intoxication and an explanation of the empty and partially consumed open alcoholic beverages located in and around his vehicle 

Had Soules been tested at the scene or soon after and found to have been legally drunk, a much more serious charge such as vehicular homicide could have been brought. It carries a prison sentence of as much as 25 years.

Soules, 36, pleaded guilty to drunken driving in 2005 and was sentenced to one year of probation and a 60-day suspended jail sentence. In 2001, when he was 19, he twice pleaded guilty to underage possession of alcohol and also was fined for having an open container in a car.

The ruling Friday by Judge Andrea Dryer says Iowas requirement to remain at the scene is not a seizure under the state or federal constitutions and it does not require the driver to divulge anything to police that would violate rights against self-incrimination.

Soules became a television reality show celebrity after appearing on the ABC networks The Bachelorette in 2014 and played the starring role in the networks The Bachelor in 2015. He also was chosen to be one of 12 celebrity competitors on Dancing With The Stars in that year but was eliminated during week eight of the competition, finishing fifth.

Brown said in court documents that Soules may claim as a possible defense diminished capacity based upon his then-existing medical condition due to injuries sustained.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Recent headlines have been teeming with money laundering stories, as journalists and hackers reveal ever more sophisticated money laundering schemes, and law enforcement officials issue high-profile arrest warrants and criminal indictments. Meanwhile, over the past half century, the definition of a financial institution subject to money laundering regulations has expanded to include not just banks, but also a wide variety of companies, including insurance companies, casinos, broker/dealers and diamond merchants. And woe be unto those financial institutions that fall short in performing their anti-money laundering duties. Regulators have not been bashful about extracting eye-watering penalties from financial institutions that fail to maintain adequate anti-money laundering (AML) programs, or worse, those that actually facilitate criminal activity.

But fundamentally, what is money laundering  and what is not? How did money laundering enforcement regulations evolve, and why were certain sectors, including the insurance sector, brought under enforcement requirements? In many ways, the history of money laundering laws is a fascinating reflection of governments efforts to respond to our collective fears, from crimes associated with organized crime and drug trafficking, to terrorism and massive financial fraud.

Definition of Money Laundering

According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN:

Money laundering is the process of making illegally-gained proceeds (i.e. dirty money) appear legal (i.e. clean). Typically, it involves three steps: placement, layering and integration. First, the illegitimate funds are furtively introduced into the legitimate financial system. Then, the money is moved around to create confusion, sometimes by wiring or transferring through numerous accounts. Finally, it is integrated into the financial system through additional transactions until the dirty money appears clean. Money laundering can facilitate crimes such as drug trafficking and terrorism, and can adversely impact the global economy.

Note the importance of the origins of the money. If a customer arrives at a bank with a pillowcase containing dozens of bundled $100 bills, the bank would be required to submit a record documenting the transaction, but the customer has not committed a crime if the cash was obtained legally. The Banks money laundering reporting requirements are in place to help law enforcement develop cases against criminals, not to prevent law-abiding citizens from using legitimate cash. In other words, money laundering is a crime that must be linked to another crime, such as trafficking in illegal substances, corruption, embezzlement, or tax evasion. It is not a crime to move legally obtained money through shell companies located in tropical paradises, or to wire money to sketchy jurisdictions, as long as the money involved is not connected to any criminal activity.

A Brief History of Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Enforcement

The first law that can be described as anti-money laundering, was the Bank Secrecy Act, commonly known as the BSA. Passed in 1970 in response to the fact that criminals frequently deposited large volumes of currency into their bank accounts, the BSA essentially deputized banks, requiring them to record and report the movement of currency and other monetary instruments. Its purpose was to help law enforcement officials build criminal cases by requiring the reporting of cash transactions exceeding $10,000, either when deposited or transported across international borders.

The target of the BSA were banks, not the criminals. The focus of the law was to create a system of recordkeeping and reporting requirements. But several years after President Reagan declared a war on drugs, law enforcement sought additional tools to combat drug trafficking, and Congress passed the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986. This was the law that established money laundering itself as a federal crime and began requiring financial institutions to develop procedures to monitor for compliance with the BSAs requirements.

Through the end of the Twentieth Century, Congress and FinCEN passed a flurry of AML laws and regulations, and the international community began working together to combat cross-border money laundering through the Financial Action Task Force, or FATF. While many of the laws and regulations implemented during this period were designed to reduce paperwork and streamline reporting requirements, others expanded the definition of financial institutions subject to cash reporting requirements to include non-bank entities that deal in cash and luxury goods, such as casinos and car dealerships.

Following the September 11 terror attacks, Congress passed the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, better known as the USA PATRIOT Act. The PATRIOT Act dramatically expanded FinCENs reach, requiring more kinds of companies to monitor for, and report, suspicious activity. Soon check cashers and currency exchanges, along with registered broker/dealers and traders of precious metals, stones, and jewels were required to comply with FinCENs reporting requirements.

When FATF released its study of Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing Typologies in June of 2005, the report included a lengthy study of the vulnerability of the insurance sector to money laundering. The study, which included ten case examples, noted that the range of predicate crimes underlying the cases was relatively narrow, as most were related to drug trafficking and financial frauds such as tax fraud and embezzlement. The report concluded that while the insurance sector was rapidly expanding and developing more sophisticated products, the primary risk for money laundering came with the life insurance portion of the industry, which provides the flexibility and substantial rates of return sought by money launderers.

Shortly after FATF released its report, FinCEN began to require insurance companies to develop AML compliance programs, though limiting them to insurance products that present a high degree of risk for money laundering or the financing of terrorism or other illicit activity, including products with cash value or investment features. Still, insurance companies do not account for a significant portion of the suspicious activity reported to FinCEN. Of the nearly 17 million SARs filed between 2014 and 2016, less than 17,000 of them, or about 0.1 percent of the total, were filed by insurance companies.

The post-9/11 world accompanied a revolution in data storage and analytic capacity, which augmented the ability to identify suspicious activity using sophisticated algorithms. Regulators increased their expectations that financial institutions would know their customers sufficiently well to be able to flag virtually any type of abnormal activity. They also began raising the stakes for financial institutions that failed to comply with their responsibilities under the governments AML guidelines, punishing financial institutions with record fines for lapses in their AML controls.

In the past two years, following press reports that high-priced real estate was being used to launder criminal cash, FinCEN began requiring title insurance companies to file reports identifying the natural persons behind companies used in large all cash (that is, non-bank financed) real estate purchases. The test program required reporting of transactions exceeding certain threshold amounts in Manhattan and Miami-Dade County ($3 million and $1 million, respectively). So successful was the program at identifying illicit activity that FinCEN expanded the geographic reach to include luxury purchases in all the New York boroughs, Broward and Palm Beach Counties in Florida, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, the three counties that form the greater San Francisco Bay Area, and Bexar County, which contains the city of San Antonio, Texas.

Whats Next?

It is, of course, impossible to predict with any degree of certainty where regulators will focus their attention next, or what threat will emerge that may demand a new set of priorities. Yet three recent cases provide a glimpse into the future: the $8.9 billion penalty assessed against BNP Paribas, the $1.7 billion civil forfeiture actions involved in the 1MDB scandal, and the arrest of Alexander Vinnik for crimes related to his digital currency exchange, BTC-e.

BNP Paribas

In 2014, BNP Paribas was assessed an $8.9 billion penalty after admitting that it willfully and knowingly structured, conducted, and concealed U.S. dollar transactions using the U.S. financial system on behalf of banks and other entities located in or controlled by Sudan, Iran, and Cuba. Part of the reason for the severity of the punishment was the fact that, to mask the identities of sanctioned individuals and entities, the Bank deliberately falsified transaction data by stripping information from wire transfers so they would pass through the U.S. financial system undetected. The Bank was sentenced to a five-year term of probation, suspended from its U.S. dollar clearing operations for one year, and required to terminate the employment of thirteen individuals, including several senior executives. It was the first time a financial institution and been convicted and sentenced for violations of U.S. economic sanctions, and the penalty was the largest ever imposed in a criminal case.

1MDB

1 Malaysia Development Berhad, or 1MDB, was a fund created to promote economic development in Malaysia. Between June 2016 and July 2017, the U.S. Justice Department filed three civil forfeiture actions against entities associated with 1MDB, alleging that more than $4.5 billion was stolen from the fund by high level officials of 1MDB and their associates, at least some of whom had close ties to the Malaysian Prime Minister. Proceeds from 1MDB were used to purchase artwork, expensive jewelry, a luxury yacht, real estate properties in the U.S. and overseas, as well as to fund the production of major Hollywood films, including Daddys Home, Dumb and Dumber To, and The Wolf of Wall Street. The forfeiture actions seek to recover more than $1.7 billion of these assets and to return them to the people of Malaysia.

Alexander Vinnik and BTC-e

While vacationing in Greece last summer, Alexander Vinnik was arrested at the request of the U.S. Justice Department. He stands accused of money laundering and operating an unlicensed money services business known as BTC-e, a digital currency exchange. The indictment alleges Mr. Vinnik worked on behalf of cybercriminals, laundering the proceeds of their crimes, including computer hacking and ransomware, fraud, identity theft, tax refund fraud schemes, public corruption, and drug trafficking. He is also accused of stealing tens of millions of dollars from the hack of Mt. Gox, another digital currency exchange, and of laundering the proceeds through yet another digital currency. Mr. Vinnik is currently in Greece, fighting his extradition to the U.S., where he faces decades of prison.

The story of money laundering enforcement follows the governments response to our collective fears of the past fifty years: of crime and drug wars, of terrorism and fears of financial instability, of borderless cybercrime and perhaps even of democracy plagued by endemic corruption. Meanwhile, in their public statements, law enforcement officials continue to send a simple message: they will not allow the U.S. financial system to be used to pursue illegal activity and will aggressive punish financial institutions caught facilitating illegal activity.Louisiana has paid at least $1.3 million to settle more than two dozen sexual harassment claims since mid-2009, including allegations made against college professors, judges, health care workers and one former state lawmaker, according to records released Friday.

The money was paid through Louisianas self-insurance program, the Office of Risk Management, and covers claims made across all three branches of state government. Data involving the 27 payments was provided to The Associated Press and other news outlets in response to public records requests.

Payments range from $5,500 for a sexual harassment claim involving a professor at Grambling State University to $205,000 for two claims against a New Orleans civil court judge. A former commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control was the subject of two payments totaling $150,000.

Dollars were paid involving claims against a custodian supervisor at a state-owned safety-net hospital, the director of a state juvenile prison facility, a probation and parole supervisor, and a state park manager.

A $50,000 payment was made in 2012 to settle a claim against then-state Rep. Clif Richardson, a Republican lawmaker from the Baton Rouge area who resigned in 2013 citing health problems related to a cancer diagnosis. Richardson did not respond to a telephone message left by the AP on Friday. But the ex-legislator told The Advocate that he had repeated a joke of a sexual nature to an aide who took offense and he didnt feel up to fighting the allegations because of cancer treatment.

The list of payments provided by the Office of Risk Management doesnt include details of the conduct alleged, the person making the allegations, or what if anything was proved. It wasnt immediately clear if any of those accused of sexual harassment still worked in the positions or elsewhere in government.

In the past few months, sexual misconduct accusations have unseated people in positions of power in Hollywood, the media and government. In Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards deputy chief of staff, Johnny Anderson, stepped down in November after sexual misconduct claims were made against him. The governors office hasnt said what the allegations were and has hired an attorney, in case the woman who accused Anderson of harassment files a lawsuit.

Anderson had previously been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women in 2006 when he worked for then-Gov. Kathleen Blanco and was chairman of the Southern University System Board of Supervisors.

Anderson has denied wrongdoing.

Andersons resignation  and the broader national conversation about sexual misconduct  spurred multiple reviews of Louisianas policies for handling claims. Edwards has created a seven-member study group to make recommendations by March 1. Louisianas legislative auditor is conducting his own review.

Release of the data came the same day the Southern University System announced it has put one of its administrators on leave because of sexual misconduct allegations.

The higher education system said associate vice president for human resources Lester Pourciau was placed on administrative leave Thursday. Southern said it received a complaint filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from a former employee with accusations that were sexual in nature. An investigation is ongoing. Pourciau did not respond immediately to a telephone message seeking comment.

Every employee and student has the right to a safe, positive working and learning environment, Southern System President Ray Belton said in a statement. We will do everything in our power to ensure such.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Long-term and systemic failures by California dam managers and regulators to recognize inherent construction and design flaws at the tallest U.S. dam caused last years near-disaster there, an independent panel of dam safety experts said Friday, calling it a wake-up call for dam operators around the country.

Members of the Association of State Dam Safety Officials and the U.S. Society on Dams carried out an independent investigation into the human and technical problems that caused the crisis at Californias Oroville Dam. The experts issued their report Friday.

Both spillways at the half-century-old Oroville Dam gave way in February 2017, forcing 200,000 people downstream to be evacuated. The feared uncontrolled release of massive amounts of water over the top did not happen, and residents were allowed to return home days later.

The independent panel of safety experts said the dam was badly built from the start in the 1960s. The principal designer of the spillway told the dam-safety team that he had just completed post-graduate work at the time he worked on the Oroville project decades ago, had had no previous engineering employment beyond two summer stints, and had never designed a spillway before.

The crisis started when massive chunks of the dams main concrete spillway suddenly began washing away.

The report faulted Californias Department of Water Resources, which owns and operates the dam, an anchor of Californias water system, and dam regulators for allegedly failing to recognize and address problems in the 770-foot (230 meter) structure over decades of inspections and reviews.

There were many opportunities to intervene and prevent the incident, the experts concluded.

The state has said repairs to the structure will cost more than $500 million. Residents and businesses downstream, including in the 19,000-resident town of Oroville at the foot of the dam, have filed more than $1 billion in damage claims.

Repairing a dam is great  but whats happened to the view of Oroville as a safe place to live? asked David Steindorf of American Whitewater, one of the environmental groups that had long complained that the state ignored concerns about the dams construction flaws. Theres a lot of long-term impacts that need to be addressed.

The experts said the Oroville crisis made clear that it was essential for dam managers and inspectors to review original dam construction in light of modern engineering practices.

Like many other large dam owners, DWR has been somewhat overconfident and complacent regarding the integrity of its civil infrastructure, the experts said.

In a statement, Joel Ledesma, a deputy director at the water agency, said state officials had supported the independent review so we can learn from the past and continue to improve now and into the future.

We will carefully assess this report, share it with the entire dam-safety community and incorporate the lessons learned going forward, Grant Davis, the agencys director, said in the statement.

The water agency said it would assess its organizational structure as a result of Fridays findings and already was assessing its dam-safety program.

Dam experts said the Oroville crisis is a warning for operators around the world.

The fact that this incident happened to the owner of the tallest dam in the United States, under regulation of a federal agency, with repeated evaluation by reputable outside consultants, in a state with a leading dam safety regulatory program, is a wake-up call for everyone involved in dam safety, the experts report said.

The average age of the more than 90,000 dams in the U.S. is 56 years, making thorough inspections and maintenance increasingly important for the safety of people downstream, dam experts said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Gaya (Bihar), Jan 7 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today called on Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at Bodh Gaya near here and also released a book with him.

The Dalai Lama, who has been at Bodh Gaya since January 2, received the Chief Minister at the Kalachakra Maidan and presented him with a picture of the Buddha and an "Angavastram" (traditional mens attire) as tokens of blessing.

Later, they jointly released "Science and Philosophy in the Indian Buddhist Classics" - the first part of a multi-volume edition which explores scientific observations about the material world and the mind found in classical Buddhist treatise.

Speaking on the occasion, Nitish lauded the spiritual leader for "introducing Indian youth to the Buddhas scientific thoughts" and said it is a matter of pride for every resident of Bihar that they belong to the land where the Buddha, whose thought has inspired people across the world, had attained enlightenment.

Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya more than 2,000 years ago.

"I feel delighted whenever the Dalai Lama visits Bodh Gaya. His discourses have inspired and transformed countless number of people. I am hopeful that this new book, which has been compiled under his supervision, will serve as an inspiration for promoting peace in the world," Nitish said.

The Bihar chief minister also said his governments motto of "nyay ke saath vikas" (progress with justice) was a development model in which equal attention was paid to the needs of humans as well as the ecosystem.

Later, Kumar visited the Maha Bodhi temple, built at the very spot where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, and inaugurated a newly-constructed boundary wall of the complex.

Nitish also prayed at the temple and the Bodhi tree, where Buddha is said to have meditated.

He also asked the district administration and the Maha Bodhi Temple Management Committee to take steps for beautification of the surrounding area. PTI NAC JMOne of the benefits of China shifting its economy away from traditional manufacturing is that the country's economic growth will be less reliant on borrowing, an economist said on Monday.

"[China is] trying to boost growth of the new economy, as the new economy is less credit intensive. That's also helping deleveraging efforts in China," said Robin Xing, Morgan Stanley's chief China economist.

Speaking to CNBC on the sidelines of the Morgan Stanley China Technology, Media and Telecoms Conference in Beijing, Xing spoke against the backdrop of longstanding concerns about the sustainability of three decades of breakneck debt-fueled growth in the world's second-largest economy.

Morgan Stanley's GDP forecast for China is 6.5 percent this year. China's official 2017 growth target had been around 6.5 percent, and that's likely to remain unchanged this year, Reuters reported last Thursday, citing unnamed sources.

In 2016, China's growth was 6.7 percent, which was the slowest in almost three decades.Beijing's push to transition its economy has led to the country moving on from simply being known as the world's factory, according to a top executive at Swiss bank UBS.

"A lot of things are being created now in China, rather than [it just] being a manufacturing hub," Kathryn Shih, president of UBS Asia Pacific, told CNBC on the sidelines of the UBS Greater China Conference in Shanghai.

"China is at the forefront of a lot of changes in financial technology. So we see a lot of financial firms using China technology now, whether it's local firms or even international firms," she said.

Changes have also come to the manufacturing front as China moves into more high-tech sectors, with Shih pointing to developments in the Chinese electric car industry.

"We see the advent of ... electric cars here and I think that's going to be great in creating Chinese brands in the future," Shih said. She added that many UBS investors were looking to invest in up-and-coming names in the space  in which China is currently angling to become a leading player.

The broader shift comes as China continues with its years-long plan to transition from a factory-led model of growth to one driven by services and innovation.

And while the country has drawn criticism over the business environment for foreign firms  the EU Chamber of Commerce in China last year called the country's "Made in China 2025" manufacturing strategy an import-substitution plan  Shih had a sanguine take on UBS' prospects when compared to domestic asset managers.

"I think the main advantage of being local here is distribution channels and that happens everywhere. But China has actually been creating a more and more open field," she said, highlighting Beijing's announcement last year to lift the foreign equity ownership limit in certain financial sector joint ventures.

"There's been a lot of opening up in recent few months that is great for foreign firms like us," Shih added.There is no evidence to suggest that Mahatma Gandhi was killed by anybody other than Nathuram Godse, senior advocate Amrendra Sharan told the Supreme Court today.

Sharan was appointed by the apex court to assist it in ruling on a Public Interest Litigation that sought a re-investigation into Gandhi's death.

The petition, filed by a Mumbai-based researcher and trustee of Abhinav Bharat, Dr Pankaj Phadnis, had called the probe into Gandhi's assassination one of the biggest cover-ups in history.

Phadnis, in his PIL claimed that more than two people were involved in the assassination of the Mahatma. In response, the Supreme Court appointed Sharan as an amicus curiae and asked him to assist in the matter.

Now, Sharan has told the apex court that there is no evidence to prove that a 'mysterious' second person was also involved in the successful bid to assassinate Mahatma.

Sharan also told the Supreme Court there is no evidence to prove the four-bullet theory advanced by Padnis' PIL. According to the theory, Mahatma Gandhi was hit by four bullets on the fateful day of January 30, 1948.

It was the fourth bullet, fired by a 'mysterious' second person, that claimed the Mahatma's life, Phadnis' PIL had claimed.

During a hearing on the PIL last year, the Supreme Court posed a few searching questions with the two-judge bench of Justices SA Bobde and L Nageswara Rao wondering if new evidence in Mahatma Gandhi's assassination had surfaced.

The court had also initially expressed skepticism over whether the investigation in the Mahatma's murder could be reopened, with the judges observing during an October 6 hearing that "nothing can be done in law" in a case that was decided years ago.

However, after appointing Sharan as an amicus curiae, the court told him its initial observations on the PIL were not binding on him and asked him to independently asses the matter.

Gandhi was shot dead at point blank range in New Delhi on January 30, 1948 by Nathuram Vinayak Godse, a right-wing advocate of Hindu nationalism.

(With inputs from Anusha Soni in New Delhi)

WATCH | Mahatma Gandhi's assassination: Was there more than one assassin?Whirlpool has said Apple Watch wearers will soon be able to remotely control their home appliances.

It would mean smart watch owners could change temperature settings on ovens, delay cycles on washers or check how long is left to run on a dryer.

The manufacturer announced the development at the CES tech show in Las Vegas Monday and said it's the first time that an appliance maker has connected its products with the Apple Watch.

Compatibility with Apple Watch will begin with a roll out to more than 20 of Whirlpool's connected appliances this year.

The new technology heralds another stage in the rapid development of connected white-ware. Last week Amazon announced that you would soon be able to control your microwave oven from its smart assistant, Alexa.

Whirlpool said Monday that will be a reality this year, stating that families will be able to control its 2018 range of appliances with voice commands to both Amazon's Alexa and Google's home assistant.AT&T won't sell smartphones from Huawei, sources told the Wall Street Journal.

Huawei was rumored to be in talks to sell its Mate 10 smartphone through AT&T by February. It would have been the first time the Chinese company, which is currently the world's third largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer, partnered with a major U.S. carrier. The deal was expected to be announced at CES in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

However, the breakdown in the deal means Huawei's foray in the American market will be delayed.

AT&T and Huawei did not immediately respond to CNBC requests for comment.

- Additional reporting by Todd Haselton.Big banks might not be jumping on the bitcoin bandwagon just yet, but other institutional investors are likely to warm up to cryptocurrencies this year.

"I think there is caution, but it depends on which sort of institutions you're talking about," Michael Casey, senior advisor at the Digital Currency Initiative at MIT Media Lab, told CNBC.

More aggressive institutional investors, such as hedge funds, are likely to find the the volatility associated with cryptocurrencies "inherently attractive," Casey said on the sidelines of the UBS Greater China Conference in Shanghai.

"That's a different story than saying you're going to get invested in a technology and everything else underlying it. There's a play that people have on the volatility," he added.

Big banks, however, are likely to approach the space more cautiously, Casey indicated.

Once a niche asset associated with the dark web, cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin have become increasingly regarded as a mainstream play on the back of growing investor interest.

Last year saw the launch of bitcoin futures by the CME and Cboe, some of the world's most prominent exchanges, which lent greater legitimacy to the cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin rose more than 1,200 percent in 2017.

That increase has led to a corresponding uptick in regulatory concern globally as governments attempt to keep up.

"There's a necessary caution that regulators are taking on: Not wanting to kill the technology, but on the other hand, trying to protect the financial system, protect people from this," Casey said.

"What I worry about is that things get too out of hand, we come through a collapse and people sort of ignore the fact that something very real underneath this is being built," he added, comparing the crypto craze with the dotcom bubble, which Casey said ultimately "fed and built the infrastructure for the big next wave of the internet."Philanthropist Tom Steyer stands in front of one of the billboards he has funded in Times Square calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump on November 20, 2017 in New York City.

Billionaire activist Tom Steyer will push $30 million into an effort to boost millennial voter turnout in this year's midterm elections to help Democrats take over the House.

The former hedge fund manager, who made the announcement Monday, will not run for office in California this year. Rumors had swirled around whether he would challenge Sen. Dianne Feinstein for her seat later this year.

"I'm not going to run for office in 2018. That's not where I can make the biggest difference," Steyer said at a news conference in Washington.

Steyer raised his profile by launching national advertising campaigns in October calling for President Donald Trump's impeachment. He reportedly spent about $20 million on his Need to Impeach campaign and pressured Democrats to remove Trump from office if they win the House majority in the 2018 elections.

His voter turnout campaign, called NextGen Rising, said it will target more than 30 seats. It said it aims to "register more than 250,000 young voters."

"I'm putting $30 million behind NextGen America's youth organizing program to unleash the full political power of young voters ... They are horrified by what's happening in Washington D.C.," Steyer said on Monday.

The campaign will be active in 10 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin, Steyer said.

His campaign will go after notable Republicans such as House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., in the Nov. 6 midterms.

The Washington Post first reported on Steyer's plans.

In a statement, Republican National Committee spokesman Michael Ahrens said "Tom Steyer can light as much of his money on fire as he wants," but it "doesn't change that Democrats like Nancy Pelosi view him as a distraction."

"If Democrats' message for 2018 is a baseless impeachment threat that the majority of voters disagree with, they're going to lose," he said.

Steyer, who retired from his hedge fund Farallon Capital in 2012, has pushed millions of dollars to Democratic candidates and causes in recent years. He started NextGen America, a political organization that supports liberal positions on climate change, immigration and health care, among other issues.The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to around 2.48 percent at 2:57 p.m. ET, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was down at 2.812 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices.

U.S. government debt yields ticked upward Monday, as investors turned their attention to the U.S. central bank space, where three officials are set to speak.

The state of the U.S. economy will be front and center Monday as leading members of the Federal Reserve speak at separate events.

In Georgia, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said that the central bank may only need to raise rates twice in 2018 without significant pressure on prices.

Both San Francisco Fed President John Williams and Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren will be delivering separate remarks at Brookings Institution in Washington.

Bostic and Williams are both 2018 voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee, whereas Rosengren is not.

As markets kick off the second trading week of 2018, investors will likely be mulling over the latest figures from the Labor Department. On Friday, markets rose sharply despite nonfarm payroll data coming in below market expectations.

In December, the U.S. economy added 148,000 jobs, compared to market estimates of 190,000, according to a Reuters poll.To be aggressively optimistic on this stock market now is to bet that it can challenge the greatest bull market of all-time  the 13-year run that ended in early 2000 .

In terms of its cumulative gains, persistence, valuation and the public's exposure to stocks, only the final years of the 1990s advance sit at higher elevations.

This might sound scary, given how singular that bubbly period now seems  and given the brutal wealth destruction that followed. And it should be sobering, in terms of what it means for longer-term expected equity returns.

But here's the good news, for now. First, this market is hinting that it's accelerating in that direction. There's also a good deal of room overhead in terms of price gains between where we are and the late-'90s extremes. And, finally, in the areas where today's backdrop differs from the 1987-2000 version, the current one looks better in terms of corporate fundamentals and capital-markets behavior.

In two months, the climb from the depths of the financial crisis market low is set to reach nine years. The overall gain is now 306 percent, not including dividends. That's better than any other except the 1987-2000 glory run  which was a stunning 582 percent.

The annualized gain since March 2009 is nearly 16 percent. That's well above the long-term average, but then again, when major bull markets have ended, the trailing 10-year annualized gain has often topped 20 percent.

(There is no absolute definition of bull markets. Some quibble that the recovery from the 2009 low didn't turn into a wholly new bull market until it hit a fresh record high in early 2013. Others say the 1990 setback or the tumble in late-2015 into early 2016 was effectively a mini-bear market that reset the clock. Fair enough  that's what makes market debates.)

Valuation  whether based on the past year's reported earnings, forecast earnings for the coming year or the fun-spoiling Shiller-CAPE measure using 10 years of average profits  all show U.S. stocks more richly valued than any period except the late-'90s.

The trailing 12-month price/earnings multiple for the S&P 500 is now approaching 23. Once again, the tech bubble was so extreme that there remains plenty of room between here and that peak.

As Bespoke Investment Group says, the P/E "didn't once get above this level during the 2002-2007 bull market, but it was consistently above 23 during the final three years of the bull market that ended in early 2000. From 1998 to 2000, the S&P's P/E expanded from 23 up to 30+."

Source: Bespoke Investment Group

Leuthold Group notes that last week's strong start to the year took the S&P's price-to-sales ratio above where it was at the year-2000 market peak. This speaks to today's high profit margins  boosted in part by madly profitable winner-take-most tech giants.

High hopes are also implicit in investors' elevated equity holdings. There remains a stubborn narrative that the little guy has boycotted this bull market, but it likely relies too much on traditional mutual-fund flow stats and doesn't recognize that individuals have let stock allocations stretch higher with share prices.

The monthly asset-allocation survey of American Association of Individual Investors shows stocks at 72 percent of member portfolios, highest since 2000, when they peaked at 77 percent. The Fed's measure of household equity holdings shows a similar trend. And cash reserves in Charles Schwab client accounts recently hit an all-time low.

Source: J. Lyons Funds Management

Michael Hartnett, strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, has been calling for a crescendo of investor confidence for some time and believes this "Icarus trade" is still rising but isn't yet high enough to melt the market's wings. He's waiting for stock holdings of BAML retail clients to exceed 63 percent (now 60.8) and institutional-client cash levels to drop below 4 percent (now 4.7).

This has become a popular stance: Conceding the market is expensive and the mood is getting giddy but expecting an even more intense public-participation phase to carry equities higher before there's any reckoning. Value investor Jeremy Grantham of GMO last week effectively called for a manic "bubble phase" soon for stocks.

It's all pretty neat and tidy, with the added virtue of being plausible  and supported by the market's behavior itself. Market breadth is healthy. Only three of Citigroup's 18 indicators of a coming bear market are flashing red. Last week's 2.6-percent S&P 500 gain in four days would have made it the best week of 2017, a sign of expanding risk-taking appetites and more eagerness among buyers.

For sure, in the very short term, tactical sentiment signals are flashing a yellow light. The Daily Sentiment Index of professional traders for stocks hit 95 percent bulls late last week. Citi's Panic-Euphoria Index edged into "euphoria" in recent days for only the second time during this bull market.

And we're pushing 400-straight trading days without even a 5 percent market dip, rivaling the longest ever streak. The way the three prior ones eventually ended? With a decline of "more than 7 percent over 30-40 days," says Jason Goepfert of SentimenTrader.com  but none marked the end of a bull market.

If this market run is ultimately to end in overconfidence and silly economic distortions, we're not there yet. Stock-sector weightings remain right in line with their earnings contribution, unlike in 2000. There's no rush of wild initial public offerings  or even many at all, which keeps alive the idea of lots of cash chasing scarce assets.

We've scaled the wall of worry, and everyone likes the view. Tech giants coining money in a deflationary innovation boom are thriving alongside cyclical "reflation" sectors feeding a global production surge.

Gobs of "house money" winnings have accrued in investment accounts, boosting risk appetites and likely buffering the downside on the first gut check. The corporate tax cut has arrived just in time to furnish a new bullish story line and provide an alibi for stretched valuations.

So what could possibly go wrong?China's online education industry has flourished following the government's relaxation of the One-child policy, with English language providers enjoying robust demand.

One of the companies benefiting from that boom is Alo7, a Shanghai-based platform that offers its proprietary curriculum to language institutes across China.

"We're a business-to-business player," Executive Vice President Andrew Shewbart told CNBC on the sidelines of the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in Beijing.

There are 50,000 English training institutes in China, the majority of which are regional players and Alo7 customers, he explained. "I offer online classes to my regional customers in order for them to compete with business-to-consumer offerings."

And while those regional players are good at teaching, they often lack a large tech department, he noted: "That's what we do ... we leverage AI for computerized adaptive assessment testing."

It generally takes four to five years to learn English based on Alo7's program depending on the desired level of confidence, Shewbart said. Beyond that program, the company is looking at developing Mandarin content for Chinese students both in the country and overseas, he added.President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping leave after an opera performance at the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, November 8, 2017.

President Donald Trump will unveil plans for an aggressive trade crackdown over the coming weeks, according to a report by Politico.

The White House is likely to introduce new tariffs designed to combat China's alleged unfair trade practices, the report said, citing administration sources that could not be verified by CNBC. Trump's administration could reportedly begin finalizing decisions on trade fights ranging from steel imports to policies regarding intellectual property as soon as this week.

Senior officials have marked Trump's State of the Union address at the end of January as a provisional deadline to announce America's trade measures, the report said.

Speaking in Beijing in November, Trump said the current relationship between the world's leading economies had been a "very one-sided and unfair one," before adding "it is just not sustainable." The U.S. leader has frequently identified apparent trade imbalances as a problem he wants to resolve.

By turning to trade policy, Trump is set to refocus on one of a handful of major policy areas on which the president can act without having to rely on Congress. A spokesperson for the White House was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC.

Read the full Politico report here.Major technology trends will have knock-on benefits in the Chinese economy, a hedge fund executive predicted on Monday.

Cloud computing and artificial intelligence, for instance, "are tremendous trends in which we expect technology breakthroughs to happen. And that will benefit the entire supply chain all the way down to semiconductors, to NAND memory [flash memory] producers," said Brandon Lin, SPQ Asia Capital's president and chief investment officer.

The Hong Kong-based hedge fund oversees $7 billion assets under management.

Speaking to CNBC on the sidelines of the Morgan Stanley China Technology, Media and Telecoms Conference in Beijing, Lin named Chinese e-commerce solutions provider Baozun and data center services provider 21Vianet as a few of his picks.

SPQ Asia Capital also invests in Chinese real estate and is still optimistic about the sector despite talk of a property tax as its expected implementation in 2020 is still "a bit far off," Lin said, adding that the sector is still "trading at very attractive levels" with price-to-equity ratio at 7 to 9 percent.

"China's fiscal system is very unique. It's hard to see how property tax is going to fill the entire gap of the the local government finances. I think land sales will continue to be a large, if not the major portion of the finances," he said.An employee works on an Airbus A380 plane inside the Air France KLM maintenance hangar at the Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Roissy, near Paris, France, May 31, 2016.

Hugely popular with passengers but less so with airlines, after just 10 years in the sky, the A380 superjumbo is struggling to find buyers.

The France-based manufacturer is reportedly offering China an industrial partnership with the company if Beijing places orders for its largest passenger jet. Airbus Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Bregier is in China to hold talks after traveling to the country as part of French President Emmanuel Macron's trade mission.

Rami Myerson, an analyst at Investec, said Monday that there had been speculation for some time that Beijing will invest in the struggling superjumbo.

"There is a view that aircraft and airspace are becoming more and more congested and given the strong growth in China that could be an attractive plane for the country," he said.

Airbus currently has fewer than 100 Airbus A380s on its production line and it is expected that some of these orders will be canceled.

It had hoped to announce a fresh deal for at least 30 more A380s with top customer Emirates at the Dubai Airshow in November, but that never happened and negotiations appear to have stalled.

Emirates has expressed concern that, with few other customers, Airbus may not be able to fulfill its delivery promise.Hindu right wing activist Milind Ekbote of Samast Hindu Aghadi, who is in the spotlight for allegedly "orchestrating" the violence at the anniversary celebrations of the battle fought 200 years ago in Bhima-Koregaon spoke exclusively to India Today.

An FIR has been registered by the Pimpri police against the 61-year-old Ekbote and others for allegedly inciting the Bhima-Koregaon violence.

"I am not running away. I was at my home in Pune until January 2. I started receiving threatening calls soon after. I informed the police and decided to stay away," Ekbote said

India Today had been tracking the Hindu rights activist since the riots happened. "I'm not afraid of anyone. I'm a fearless person since I know I'm innocent," he said.

India Today asked about Ekbote's hate speeches striking a chord among the Vadhu youths who took out morcha on January 1, leading to the violent clashes.

He refuted the charges and said, "Since the last 25 years I have been visiting Vadhu to worship at Chhatrapati's samadhi and also for the upkeep of the place which was in very bad state as mentioned by Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his visit to Pune in 1987."

"I would say that I have no connection with that post, the language of that post itself reflects that the person who has posted this post is trying to misguide everyone against him," Ekbote said on a hate filled social media post.

Milind Ekbote said he had opposed Yelgar Parishad in front of Shaniwar Wada."I did oppose it because Shaniwar Wada is meant for only cultural programs and this was political program. Also, I opposed Yelgar Parishad in front of Shaniwar Wada because MLA Jignesh Mewani and Umar Khalid are known to give hate speeches."

His organisation is said to have opposed the celebration of "British victory" in the battle of Bhima- Koregaon. Regarding this allegation Ekbote said, "British policy was to divide and rule. The same thing is happening in the current times. People are indulging in this, by dividing the society all for the Dalit and Maratha vote bank."

Ekbote also mentioned that he has records that Dr BR Ambedakar after visiting the Bhima-Koregaon Victory Memorial had said that Indian fighting against Indians in this battle is not something to feel proud of. He also said that why did such condition occur that Mahar had to fight against their own people. It should be introspected.

"I'm being targeted but the real target is Hindutva and to malign PM Modi and CM Fadnavis's image. All of the allegations of riots are baseless, false and truth will prevail. It will come out clean," he concluded.

ALSO WATCH | Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani questions Prime Minister Modi's silence on Bhima Koregaon violenceA cryptocurrency backed by oil would be a big first. A cryptocurrency backed by a sovereign government would be even bigger.

But while Venezuela claims it is going to do both very soon with the petro, experts are doubtful the country has the capabilities or the characteristics to achieve its goal.

The petro will be dogged by a major question, "Is it redeemable, in other words, can you take physical delivery?" notes finance professor Stephen McKeon of the University of Oregon.

The strength of any currency backed by a commodity, regardless of whether it is physical or digital, is that holders must believe they can exchange it for the actual commodity. When the U.S. was on the gold standard, individuals could bring their dollars to a bank and exchange them for physical gold.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says each petro will be worth the equivalent of one barrel of oil, and he has specifically designated the oil from field one of the Ayacucho block in the Orinoco region of Venezuela, which contains more than 5 billion barrels.

But McKeon says Venezuela carries a lot of "counterparty risk" because it has little rule of law and falling oil production. If Venezuela fails to deliver the oil, he asks, what is the legal recourse for holders?

Joshua Satten, blockchain partner at Wipro, also questions whether Venezuela is a "sound enough government" to instill confidence in would-be miners and holders of the petro.President Donald Trump will undergo a formal health check on Friday as he attempts to dispel any doubts about his fitness for office, according to The Telegraph.

Trump will be examined by the same doctor as predecessor Barack Obama, the report said, and a summary of the results is expected to be made public. The routine physical was first announced by the White House late last year.

The customary examination will reportedly last around two hours and is set to include blood and urine tests, heart checks and questions about Trump's sleeping habits and sex life. Nonetheless, Trump has the power to hold back any details he wishes.

The formal medical check will be Trump's first since entering the White House and comes at a time of intense speculation about his mental and physical suitability for the presidency. Last week, an explosive book by journalist Michael Wolff alleged Trump would frequently fail to recognize old friends and often repeated stories "word for word." The president described the book as "fiction" and claimed he was a "very stable genius."

Read The Telegraph's full article here.European markets closed higher on Monday afternoon, following a firm lead by U.S. stocks in the previous session and as Germany looks closer to forming a new government.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed 0.27 percent higher after hitting its highest level since August 2015 in the morning.

But of the major European bourses, the U.K. FTSE ended the day in the red, down 0.36 percent as U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May reshuffled her cabinet.

Basic resources stocks led the gains, rallying over 1.5 percent by the end of Monday's trade. This follows news of trade deals between France and China. Airbus is trying to reach new deals with Beijing on the A380 as it works to get new customers. Efforts are part of a trade mission by President Emmanuel Macron during his first state visit to the Middle Kingdom.

Meanwhile, autos closed 0.89 percent higher having hovered around the 1 percent figure throughout the day as investors grew confident on the prospects of the sector in 2018.

Technology was the poorest performing sector, ending Monday's trade down 0.23 percent.

Looking at individual stocks, Galapagos rose to near the top of European benchmark, up by about 4.5 percent after news of positive preliminary tests in an osteoarthritis study.

Dialog Semiconductor shares swung to the downside in afternoon trade, closing 0.8 percent lower despite having recovered some losses. In fact, the chipmaker had begun the day in positive territory after preliminary fourth-quarter sales numbers came in above expectations. Dialog's fortunes are dependent on the custom of technology giant Apple, its largest client, who may be developing its own chips.

On the other hand, Micro Focus was the worst performing stock on the index, trading nearly 17 percent lower after saying its pretax profit for the first half of its fiscal year was boosted by the acquisition of Hewlett Packard Enterprises.

Meanwhile, shares of Mothercare fell over 27 percent after the retailer issued a profit warning.Australia on Monday said it expects iron ore prices to average $51.50 a tonne this year, down 20 percent from 2017, because of rising global supply and moderating demand from top importer China as its steel sector shrinks.

The world's top three mining companies, BHP and Vale rely heavily on iron ore sales for the bulk of their revenue despite efforts to diversify more into other industrial raw materials, such as copper, aluminium and coal.

Brazil-based Vale is planning to lift iron ore exports 7 percent in 2018 to 390 million tonnes. In Australia, Rio Tinto and BHP, along with

Fortescue Metals Group aim to add about 170 million tonnes of new capacity over the next several years.

The forecast price decline  from an average of $64.30 a tonne in 2017  continues into 2019, when the steelmaking raw material will average only $49 a tonne, according to the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.

"The iron ore price is expected to experience some ongoing volatility in early 2018, as the market responds to uncertainty regarding the impact of winter production restrictions on iron ore demand," the department warned in its latest commodities outlook paper.

Iron ore currently sells for about $75 a tonne.

The lower prices will reflect growing supply from low-cost producers and moderating demand from China as the steel industry there contracts, the department said.

China is in the process of closing ageing, high-polluting steel mills and induction furnaces to curb overcapacity in the sector.

China's President Xi Jinping said in October that fighting pollution was one of the country's key tasks through 2020.

Australia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are forecast to climb to 76.5 million tonnes in the year to end-June 2019, from 63 million tonnes forecast for the 2017/18 fiscal year and 52 million tonnes last year.

Between 2016/17 and 2018/19, LNG should add A$14 billion ($11 billion) to Australia's export earnings, while iron ore is forecast to subtract A$10 billion, according to the department.

The shift follows the construction of $180 billion of new gas projects. The rise in LNG earnings will be underpinned as three remaining projects under construction hit their stride, it said. These are Chevron's Wheatstone project, Inpex's Ichthys and Royal Dutch Shell's Prelude.

Prices for coking coal, another key steel-making ingredient, are forecast by the department to drift lower over the next eighteen months from last quarter's benchmark price of $192 a tonne as rising supply more than offsets demand.

It also expects thermal coal prices to ease through 2018 and early 2019, with the Newcastle spot price forecast to drop 12 percent to an average $77 a tonne in 2018, and by a further 6 percent to $70 in 2019.Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has taken a positive view of U.S President Donald Trump's tweets on North Korea.

Speaking to CNBC on Monday on the sidelines of the UBS China Conference in Shanghai, Ban downplayed concerns about what many have called Trump's reckless rhetoric in response to President Kim Jong Un's ballistic missile tests.

Trump's tweets, in which he mocked the North Korean leader and called him "rocket man," among other things, have caused significant controversy and sparked fears of escalation.

"There is a tendency to see President Trump's remarks as very provocative rhetoric. But I would like to interpret that in another way  these are strong words and (a) message of (the) international community given to North Korea," Ban said.

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Ban's comments came ahead of what is set to be a momentous meeting between North and South Korean leaders in the border town of Panmunjom on Tuesday  more than two years since the last government-level talks were held. The proposal for talks originally came from South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who took office in May 2017 on the promise of opening dialogue with the North.

The upcoming talks represent an important effort to quell hostile activities near the countries' shared border; they take on a sense of urgency following the unprecedented pace of North Korean missile development in recent months. Ban, who is South Korean, described the current climate on the peninsula as possibly at its most tense since the end of the Korean War in 1953.French President Emmanuel Macron (centre L) and his wife Brigitte Macron (centre R-red coat) are given a tour during a visit to the Great Mosque of Xian in the northern Chinese city of Xian on January 8, 2018. Macron on January 8 launched a state visit to China in Xian -- the starting point of the ancient Silk Road -- in a nod to his counterpart's scheme to revive the famous trading route. LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP/Getty Images

French President Emmanuel Macron was in China on Monday for a three-day state visit designed to bolster economic and political ties between Beijing and the euro zone's second-largest economy. Improving trade and business relations is top of the agenda, with Macron leading a delegation of around 50 top business representatives to China. Like other nations making overtures to Beijing, such as the U.S. and U.K., France is keen to increase its access to China's lucrative markets and consumers. Toulouse-based Airbus is reportedly offering China an industrial partnership if it places orders for the aircraft manufacturer's largest passenger jet, the A380. Airbus Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Bregier, who is part of Macron's trade mission, is due to hold talks in China on Monday. Recent reports have suggested that Airbus was ready to phase out production of the A380 due to slow sales, so a deal could be crucial for the company. The visit comes hot on the heels of trade agreements signed between China and France in December that pledged "reciprocal" treatment in terms of commercial relations. China has long been accused of a protectionist approach to its economy, but has said [when?] it will open more markets to foreign investment. Speaking in the city of Xi'an on Monday, Macron endorsed China's Belt and Road initiative, saying China and Europe should collaborate so that a new Silk Road isn't a one-way street. He also referenced concerns about China's trade surpluses. The French president is due to meet his counterpart, President Xi Jinping, later Monday.

Gift horse

Like other global leaders visiting China and hoping to woo the country's leadership, France has been keen to make a good impression with Macron reportedly presenting President Xi Jinping the unusual gift of a horse ahead of his state visit. The horse is an eight-year old gelding called Vesuvius, according to Reuters, and belonged to France's elite Republican Guard. The gift was reportedly made after Xi expressed an interest in the presidential cavalry corps during a visit to Paris in 2014. France's horses are not the only thing to have caught China's attention, with the country's cheeses, wines and meats gaining favor in the country's increasing consumer market. There were concerns in the cheese-producing nation last year when China put a block on soft cheese imports over fears of the bacteria used in their production. French cheese-makers breathed a sigh of relief when China lifted the restrictions in October, allowing Brie, Camembert and Roquefort to enter the country again.

Building trust

David Baverez, private investor and author of "Beijing Express  How to Understand New China," told CNBC on Monday that Macron should push to cement France's  and Europe's  relationship with China, as U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump looks precarious. "Really, President Macron should be speaking not as the president of France, but he should be speaking as someone who wants to rebuild Europe. And you cannot rebuild Europe without redefining what should be the relationship with the second largest economic power which, at some part of the 21st century, will be the first (economic power in the world). That's really the challenge for Macron," he said.Merkel sounded optimistic ahead of the talks, commenting on Sunday that she believed an agreement "can be done," but the SPD's Schulz has vowed to extract concessions from the CDU/CSU on many of its key policies.

The SPD had previously refused to enter into another coalition government given that its voters punished it in the last election for its previous alliance. But after coalition talks between Merkel and two other parties failed to find an agreement , the SPD has changed its stance.

Merkel, the head of a conservative alliance made up of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister-party the Christian Social Union (CSU), will meet with Martin Schulz, the head of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), for preliminary talks this week. They are set to discuss whether they can renew a governing coalition that has been in operation in recent years.

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has entered talks with a rival party in a last-ditch effort to form a coalition government after months of political uncertainty and deadlock in the euro zone's largest economy.

The talks run until Thursday and are expected to encounter some stumbling blocks, particularly with Merkel's conservative union at odds with the center-left SPD over a number of issues, including social welfare reforms and the asylum status of refugees, many of whom entered Germany in 2015 at the height of Europe's migration crisis.

If the parties find enough common ground this week to proceed, the SPD must then get backing for the deal from its members at the party's congress later in January. If that succeeds, then the parties will proceed to full-blown coalition talks.

At best, a government could be sworn in late March or early April, according to Oxford Economics.

"The government formation in Germany is unlikely to be completed before the end of the first quarter even in an optimistic scenario," Oliver Rakau, chief German economist at Oxford Economics, said in a note last week.

"The main stumbling blocks are the final vote of the SPD party congress. The latter is extremely skeptical of a new cooperation with the CDU," he added.

If the talks fail to produce a deal, another election is likely. This would be a blow for Germany but more so for the wider euro zone that looks to its largest economy for political and economic stability. Germany accounts for 28 percent of the euro zone's gross domestic product (GDP), according to the International Monetary Fund.

Germany's economy is expected to have achieved 2.6 percent GDP growth in 2017, the country's Bundesbank said in December, and similar momentum is expected in 2018. But political uncertainty would be a distraction for business and worrying for voters.

Pepijn Bergsen, an analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, told CNBC Monday that the talks would not have much impact on the German economy in the short term, however.

"For the German economy I don't think it'll make much difference (if talks fail), the economy is running very well  2.5 percent last year and probably above 2 percent this year so there's no need in the short term to reform in Germany. Over the medium to long term Germany still definitely needs to do quite a lot and for that, you'd want a stable government over the coming years.

"The real risk is more within Europe, there's an ambitious reform agenda for the next half a year and for that you need a German government in place," he said.Since taking office, the Trump Administration has taken deliberate actions to systematically sabotage and dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA) piece by piece, while the Republicans in Congress, with Trump cheer leading all the way, have worked hard to repeal the law. This has thrown American families and health care markets into a frenzywho would be covered? What would it cost? What's the future of America's health care?

These are some of the many questions for Alex Azar to answer as the person who hopes to succeed Tom Price as the leader of the Health and Human Services agency (HHS) when he appears before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.

While Price distinguished himself as a zealous opponent of the ACA, Azar has the opportunity to enact a proactive agenda to improve America's health care. But first he has to decide whether he's going to be an agent for the future or a captive of his past as an executive for a top U.S. drug company.

Azar can revive HHS's mission to "enhance the health and well-being of Americans," or follow the profit-driven path he plowed at Eli Lilly which jacked up the price of insulin by 225 percent since 2011. Given how much we still don't know about Azar even after his first confirmation hearing, we have some questions we hope he finally will answer during the remainder of the Senate confirmation process.

What will you do to strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and expand access to affordable, quality care?



Instead of working to expand enrollment in the marketplaces and working to stabilize insurance markets to ensure consumers have a wide choice of insurers, Republicans in Congress and the administration has taken several steps in the opposite direction.



From the repeal of the individual responsibility provision of the law to the administration's proposed rule allowing insurers to offer bare-bones insurance without consumer protections, these moves only serve to increase costs and weaken Americans' health care.



Instead of taking every step possible to undermine the law, we need an HHS secretary who will work to create more stable markets, strengthen the law, and expand access to affordable care. Will you work with the ACA instead of against it, Mr. Azar? The health care of millions depends on your answer.

Will you commit to protect and invest in Medicaid and Medicare, so no one will lose coverage?



Both programs provide care for working families, children, seniors and people with disabilities and have come under threat since Trump took office. Each health care repeal bill would have made dramatic cuts to these programs and end Medicaid as we know it, as would the GOP's tax and budget plans.



Azar is on the record favoring what Republicans often refer to as "state flexibility" on Medicaid and block grants, but those are just cuts in disguise. We cannot afford a leader of HHS who favors cuts to Medicaid and Medicare and supports efforts to undermine these programs. Which side will you be on, Mr. Azar?

How do you plan to lower drug prices?



When President Trump announced the nomination, he said Azar would lower drug prices. But he's nominated a drug profiteer to the post. Azar was most recently president of U.S. operations for Eli Lilly & Co., a company now under investigation for possible price fixing under his leadership and that paid the lowest U.S. tax rate among other leading American pharmaceutical companies.



Drug companies cannot be allowed to exploit the need for life-saving prescription medicine. Even though Azar does not seem open to checks on the cost of drugs, we hope he will use his experience to help stop drug company price-gouging. What will you do, Mr. Azar  work for the people or the drug companies?

Since taking office, President Trump has made it clear that Americans' health care will never be safe in his hands. The last thing we need at HHS is a leader who is hostage to both his boss and his drug industry past.

Americans are tired of waking up every day and wondering if their health care will be taken away or become too expensive. Every attempt by the House and Senate to repeal the ACA has been met with resounding opposition from the public.

For Azar, the central question is whether he will work for pharmaceutical corporations and Republican campaign contributors or the American people. Where do you stand, Mr. Azar? Who will you represent? Americans deserve to know.

Commentary by Margarida Jorge and Ethan Rome, co-directors of Health Care for America Now, a national grassroots coalition that led the effort to pass, protect and promote the Affordable Care Act. It has come back together to fight against efforts to repeal and undermine the law.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter."Judging by the intense scrutiny that comes for a candidate and his or her entire family would any fully sane person ever run for President of the United States?"

Indeed, President Trump's public behavior is totally out of sync with what we've seen from every president before him. He's frequently tweeted angrily against members of his own cabinet and Republican Party. Even in live speeches, he's slung around racial slurs, like calling Senator Elizabeth Warren "Pocahantas."

And there was his disastrous comment that there were some "fine people" marching among white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia. Beyond his unusual comments and tweets, we also have the massive turnover inside his administration with a record number of positions shuffled through for a first year.

But let's take a reality check for a moment. Only a professional psychiatrist who has actually examined a patient can medically deem whether he or she is mentally fit for any job or office.

Yes, the 25th Amendment to the Constitution allows for the vice president and the cabinet to jointly transfer the powers of the presidency to the vice president, (if the president objects, such a move would also require a two-thirds vote by Congress). But there seems to be no chance of that happening any time soon.

No matter how many "Fire and Fury" copies are sold and how many news media panels filled with amateur mental health pundits focus on the book's accusations, this is simply another futile path for those obsessed with not accepting the 2016 election results.

But as long as the issue of presidential sanity is front-and-center right now, it's not a bad idea to look at what really should serve as the criteria for judging the chief executive's fitness for office. That is, presidential policies.

If we look at some of what our past presidents have actually done, the question of presidential sanity should come up often. For example:

Was it sane for President Obama to release tens of billions of dollars of Iranian money frozen by sanctions back to Iran in return for a promise to not develop nuclear weapons for a decade?

Was it sane for President George W. Bush to pursue and execute a long war with Iraq instead of conducting a more focused and effective war on radical Islamic terror?

Was it sane for President George H.W. Bush to support the Kurds in the first Iraq war and then abandon them?

Was it sane for President Clinton to have a sexual affair with a 22-year old intern right in the White House?

Was it sane for President Kennedy to support a ragtag bunch of revolutionaries to invade Cuba and then abandon them?

Was it sane for Presidents Johnson and Nixon to prolong what they knew was an unwinnable war in Vietnam with massive bombing campaigns against North Vietnam and Cambodia?

Finally, judging by the intense scrutiny that comes for a candidate and his or her entire family would any fully sane person ever run for President of the United States?

We can't expect to come to any national agreement on most of the above examples. But at least they would be more productive than debating or pontificating on disputed quotes, leaks, and innuendo about any president's personal behavior.

It's bad enough that the coverage of every presidential campaign has become dominated by a focus on personality, poll numbers, and all things non-policy related. That's been a major complaint about the presidential election process ever since television played such a big role in John F. Kennedy's 1960 election victory.

But now we're seeing coverage of an actual presidency that's focusing mainly on the president's personality. That's dangerous.

This is true for both sides of the partisan aisle. For example, the GOP tax bill and its de facto repeal of Obamacare just passed and became law thanks greatly to the Democrats being distracted with non-policy matters like the Russia probe.

Meanwhile, Republicans who support President Trump's policies are constantly forced to answer questions and criticisms based on his personal behavior. But all this amounts to is an enormous head fake.

That's because the hard fact is that President Trump's policies, executive orders, and the bills he's supported are no less sane than any of his predecessors' actual body of work. No matter how unprecedented and salacious the quotes in "Fire and Fury" are, they don't count as presidential policy. Presidential policy is not only objectively verifiable; it's the only presidential report card that matters.

Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.James Damore, the engineer after his internal memo criticizing the company's diversity efforts went viral, has filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against the company.



Damore's original memo, which , criticized Google's culture as "left leaning" and argued that women in engineering were paid less than men because of their biological differences, not because of hiring practices, among other topics. It sparked a discussion about rampant sexism in Silicon Valley, and Google said that portions of the memo were contrary to the company's "basic values" and Code of Conduct.

The lawsuit, which was filed in the Santa Clara Superior Court on Monday, alleges that Google "discriminated against employees for their perceived conservative political views," as well as due to their "male gender" and "Caucasian race" and then "systematically punished" them.

David Gudeman  another former Google employee, who was fired in December 2016  is also listed as a plaintiff. The suit alleges that he was fired for his comments on a coworker's thread about being targeted by the FBI for his religion.

The lawsuit seeks to represent all Google employees who have been discriminated against for being male, Caucasian or conservative and seeks monetary, non-monetary and punitive damages.

"Google employees who expressed views deviating from the majority view at Google on political subjects raised in the workplace and relevant to Google's employment policies and its business, such as 'diversity' hiring policies, 'bias sensitivity,' or 'social justice' were/are singled out, mistreated, and systematically punished and terminated from Google, in violation of their legal rights," the lawsuit states.

The suit also alleges that Google has "open hostility for conservative thought," that Damore and others were "ostracized, belittled and punished" for their views, that the company is an "ideological echo chamber" that uses "illegal hiring quotas" at the expense of white males.

The lawsuit comes after Damore has spent the several months since his firing talking to press about discrimination and how Google "betrayed" him, including one conversation where he compared being a conservative at Google to "being gay in the 1950s."

During a press conference, Harmeet K. Dhillon, the lawyer representing the case, said Google isn't the only company guilty of this kind of prejudice and that she hopes the lawsuit will act as a wake-up call for Silicon Valley, where the "only acceptable form of discrimination" is against "conservatives and white men."

A Google spokesperson said the company "looks forward to defending against Mr. Damore's lawsuit in court."

Meanwhile, Google is also facing a class-action lawsuit for gender pay discrimination.

Read the full document, on Scribd, here.Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has said Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavat' won't be released in her state.

In a media release, Raje said Rani Padmini's martyrdom and sacrifice were an honour for everyone.

She said Padmini was more than just history, and that she'd asked her Home Minister, Gulab Chand Kataria, to take steps to prevent the release of Padmavat in Rajasthan.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-awaited movie is all set to open in theatres across India on January 25, after the filmmakers agreed to amendments suggested by the Censor Board.

The Censor Board may have cleared Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film with a few changes, but the storm surrounding it refuses to die down.

Padmavat - earlier "Padmavati" - had been slated for a December 1 release, but got stuck after the Karni Sena claimed it distorted historical facts related to the Rajput community.

The new release date coincides with that of R Balki's Padman, starring Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte. A big box-office clash is inevitable, as the makers of Padman have maintained that they won't shift the release of their film, come what may."The federal government should not be interfering when states' economic growth comes from a substance that is only legal for adults, and poses very little danger to one's health compared to other legal substances like alcohol."

That's why, for constitutional conservatives who believe in limited government, Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recent move to override the states and reassert the federal government's prohibition on cannabis is a dangerous step backward, putting more unconstitutional power in the hands of the federal government.

States across the country have legalized cannabis, both for medicinal and adult use purposes. Within these states, different laws and regulations are put into place to fit with the state's needs.

In Maine, where we legalized medical cannabis in 1999 and adult use cannabis in 2016, individual municipalities are given the opportunity to put moratoriums on cannabis businesses into place if they wish. We are still working on fine-tuning the laws governing adult use cannabis, and the Health and Human Services committee still regularly works on policy proposals to make changes to the medical cannabis law.

That is the way it should be. When individual states - and municipalities - are given the opportunity to shape laws, they can better meet the needs of the people affected by the law.

States that have fully implemented legalization have experienced economic benefits. Colorado has seen $600 million in tax revenue in the years since its adult use cannabis law has gone into effect. They have used the money to fund rural school improvement and addiction treatment programs for the truly dangerous drugs. In just one month, Nevada saw nearly $4 million in tax revenue from cannabis sales. Revenue in Nevada is put toward education and the state's rainy day fund.

The federal government should not be interfering when states' economic growth comes from a substance that is only legal for adults, and poses very little danger to one's health compared to other legal substances like alcohol.

Selling cannabis legally and legitimately is benefitting the people of Colorado and Nevada - and the cartels and drug dealers who sold it on the black market are losing out.

Should Colorado, Nevada or any other state start to see negative effects from a marijuana law and have broad support for a repeal of legalization, they can undertake that effort through the democratic process. It should not be in the hands of the federal government to strike down a successful legalization effort that has broad support in a state.

According to a 2017 Gallup poll, 64 percent of Americans support legalizing cannabis for adult use, including a majority of Republicans. And a poll conducted by Marist indicates that 83 percent of Americans support legalizing cannabis for medical purposes.

When Mr. Sessions announced his decision to rescind the non-interference policy on cannabis, Republicans and Democrats alike expressed their disappointment. Not because all of them are staunch supporters of cannabis use, but because this decision is a clear unconstitutional overreach by the federal government.

Our founders would reject in the boldest terms Mr. Sessions' unconstitutional agenda. We the people should as well.

We should be giving decision-making power back to the states and back to the people. The United States was not created to give power to a bloated, bureaucratic federal government that has supreme power over states and individuals. America deserves better.

Commentary by Eric Brakey, a candidate for U.S. Senate in the State of Maine. He currently represents Maine's 20th Senate District in Maine State Senate, where he serves as the Senate Chairman for the Committee on Health and Human Services. When Eric Brakey was first elected to the Maine Senate in 2014 at the age of 26, he was the youngest State Senator in the nation. Folllow him on Twitter @SenatorBrakey.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.Mitt Romney, who is reportedly leaning toward a run for Senate later this year, was treated for prostate cancer over the summer, NBC News and CNN reported, citing sources.

"Last year, Governor Mitt Romney was diagnosed with slow-growing prostate cancer. The cancer was removed surgically and found not to have spread beyond the prostate," a Romney aide told NBC.

The former Massachusetts governor and GOP presidential nominee's prognosis is "good," CNN reported. He was "successfully treated," the news network said.

Tapper tweet

Last week, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said he would not seek re-election in November. Romney is likely to run for that seat, CNBC and other outlets reported.

President Donald Trump spoke to Romney, who is at times a fierce critic of the president, on Thursday night. He wished Romney luck in his future endeavors, according to Politico.

Trump had urged Hatch, 83, to stay in the Senate.Ahead of the talks, CNBC takes a look at some of the most memorable quotes from Kim Jong Un over the past 12 months

While Kim Jong Un has ignored recent peace overtures with Seoul, officials from both countries are expected to initiate a formal dialogue on Tuesday

North Korea's leader is thought to have turned 35, although the state does not publicly recognize his birthday and there is no mention of the date on the regime calendar

This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 12, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with teachers who volunteered to work at branch schools on islands and schools in forefront line and mountainous areas, in Pyongyang. STR | AFP | Getty Images

North Korea's Kim Jong Un was widely believed to be celebrating his birthday on Monday, a day before Pyongyang is set to hold talks with its southern neighbor for the first time in more than two years. The leader is thought to have turned 35, although the North Korean state does not publicly recognize his birthday and there is no mention of the date on the regime calendar. While Kim Jong Un has ignored recent peace overtures with Seoul, officials from both countries are expected to initiate a formal dialogue on Tuesday. Ahead of the talks, CNBC takes a look at some of the most memorable quotes from Kim Jong Un over the past 12 months.

North Korea has 'achieved' nuclear status

In his 2017 New Year's address, North Korea's leader claimed the country had "achieved the status" of a nuclear power, before adding economic rivals would no longer dare to provoke a "military giant in the East." In response to Kim Jong Un's claim his country had the capacity to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach the U.S., President Donald Trump tweeted: "It won't happen."

'Up to you whether the US exists on this planet'

In a state-produced video released last March, images showed a computer-animated nuclear attack on Washington. Subtitles to the video warned that the U.S. would be punished if it continued to provoke Pyongyang, before adding: "The United States must choose! It's up to you whether the nation called the United States exists on this planet or not."

North Korean soldiers attend a mass rally to celebrate the North's declaration on November 29 it had achieved full nuclear statehood, on Kim Il-Sung Square in Pyongyang on December 1, 2017. KIM WON-JIN | AFP | Getty Images

The United Nations (UN) had imposed sanctions on North Korea earlier that month, after the country tested a nuclear device and a long-range rocket.

'Bereft of reason'

In August, amid escalating tensions between North Korea and the U.S. regarding Pyongyang's nuclear missile tests, North Korea's military warned "only absolute force can work" when communicating with the U.S. leader. "Sound dialogue is not possible with such a guy bereft of reason," Kim Jong Un said in a statement published on Korea's state run news agency.

'Mentally deranged US dotard'

Trump issued a harsh warning at the UN General Assembly to nuclear-armed North Korea in September. In his first address, Trump threated to "totally destroy" Pyongyang if the U.S. was prompted to defend itself or its allies.

President Donald Trump. Kena Betancur | AFP | Getty Images

"Whatever Trump might have expected, he will face results beyond his expectation. I will surely and definitely tame the mentally deranged U.S. dotard with fire," Kim Jong Un said in a statement circulated on state news agency KCNA. Translated from Korean to English, the word "dotard" generally means an imbecile.

'Nuclear button on my desk'After her stirring speech at the Golden Globes award ceremony Sunday night, the idea of Oprah Winfrey running for president in 2020 is once again gaining steam.

There are now even reports that she is seriously considering the idea.

The outpouring of support for Oprah in the hours since her speech is a testament to just how popular and powerful she is as a celebrity and a spokesperson for any given cause.

Now, the hashtag #Oprah2020 is out there, pushing her to take on President Donald Trump in the next election.

Could she win?

There is no denying Oprah could be a formidable opponent. She scores the highest possible marks for name recognition, financial backing (from her own large fortune), and she has a dedicated base of support. People have been speculating about the possibility of her running since last year.

But we still have no examples of Oprah speaking for herself as a candidate or attacking a political opponent, which flex different muscles than pushing causes, businesses or movies. It's a key difference between her and President Donald Trump, who had spent years promoting himself and launching attacks on his political opponents long before he became an official candidate.

That's the key difference that Winfrey and the Democrats should focus on if they want to take full advantage of her powerful and proven assets. The better key to victory for the Democratic Party in 2020 isn't in Oprah the candidate, but Oprah the promoter.

Oprah can make a book a best-seller in an instant. She can make a reviled celebrity likable with just one special interview. Most importantly, she can help a relative newcomer to national politics overtake a prohibitive favorite to win a presidential nomination.

We know that last part because that's what Oprah did for then-Sen. Barack Obama in the years between his big 2004 Democratic National Convention speech and his eventually successful 2008 primary run against Hillary Clinton. In September 2006, Oprah went public with her support for Obama for president for the first time. A month later, she featured him and his book "The Audacity of Hope" on her show. For the record, this was all five months before he officially announced his candidacy.

A detailed study of Oprah's involvement in Obama's campaign concluded that her support was worth 1 million primary votes and made the difference in his winning the nomination in 2008.

In short, what we really know about Oprah Winfrey and politics is that she is a powerful kingmaker. Or, to use a term than may be more accurate for 2020, she's a very likely "queenmaker." In that capacity, Oprah can be a real savior for a Democratic Party that still lacks a list of any serious contenders for president in 2020.

Does anyone seriously doubt that Oprah could make people like Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Kamala Harris household names in an instant? Does anyone doubt that she could make someone like Sen. Elizabeth Warren seem more likable and human? Does anyone doubt that she could still boost a male candidate like Sen. Cory Booker's chances? If anyone does doubt it, they really shouldn't.

With that in mind, if you're looking to identify the most ambitious and smart Democrats in America today, look for the ones who make a point of meeting with Oprah and publicly asking for her support. Whomever the Democrats choose to run in 2020 will still have to be more persuasive than Trump to win. But getting Oprah's support as early as possible is a great way to prove anyone's persuasive chops.

The alternative is that Oprah and the Democrats go out on much thinner ice and bet on her directly. That's a bet that threatens her brand and also would basically confirm that the Democratic Party is basically irrelevant. After all, if a party demands no actual political experience or dues-paying to gain its highest level of support, what's the point of a political party in the first place?

The good news for the Democrats is that the longer Oprah's name gets bandied around as a possible presidential candidate, the more valuable her endorsement will be in a year or so when the serious running begins.

Oprah the candidate is iffy both for her personally and the Democrats as a party. But Oprah the powerful and influential party placeholder is almost a sure winner for both.

Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.A doctor uses a laptop computer to enter information about her patient in Miami Beach, Florida.

Practice Fusion, a start-up in the crowded electronic medical records market, was acquired on Monday for $100 million, two years after bankers were expecting to take the company public at a $1.5 billion valuation.

Allscripts announced the cash deal in a press release and said the price is "subject to adjustment for working capital and net debt."

Fueled by funding from powerful venture capital firms like Peter Thiel's Founders Fund and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Practice Fusion raised more than $157 million on the promise of developing medical records software that smaller practices could use for free. But the market has continued to consolidate in the hands of giant vendors like Epic Systems and Cerner, leaving little business for start-ups.

"Oh my goodness, how disappointing," said Bob Kocher, a health and technology investor at Venture firm Venrock, which did not invest in Practice Fusion. "A company with so much promise has fallen so far."

Practice Fusion last raised a big venture round in 2013 at a $700 million valuation. In January 2016, The New York Times reported that the company had hired JPMorgan to explore an IPO that could value Practice Fusion at $1.5 billion, on the basis that it could reach $181 million in revenue by 2018.President Donald Trump's legal team is in negotiations with the FBI on how to handle a possible interview between the president and special counsel Robert Mueller, NBC News reported Monday.

Trump's lawyers have been involved in ongoing discussions with FBI investigators as part of the agency's probe into whether there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 presidential election, according to NBC.

Citing "a source close to the president," the Washington Post later reported that the special counsel's office could interview the president "possibly within the next several weeks."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The president's team is deliberating ways to avoid a sit-down interview between Trump and Mueller's team, sources familiar with the matter told NBC.

Some of the options being considered include submitting written responses to questions instead of a sit-down interview or filing an affidavit signed by the president asserting his innocence, according to the report.

Discussions about the alternatives began shortly after former campaign manager Paul Manafort was indicted by the FBI in late October for charges that include money laundering.

Trump's legal team met with investigators in mid-December, the first correspondence between the two sides since the special counsel completed interviews with White House staff, CNN reported at the time.

Trump has consistently called the investigation a politically motivated "hoax" and has been reluctant to acknowledge multiple U.S. intelligence agencies' conclusions that Russia sought to influence the 2016 election in Trump's favor.

Read the full report on NBC News.He added, "$200 billion from the federal government, when combined with other capital from states, local governments, private sector, could create $1 trillion of infrastructure funding, create 10 million jobs, rebuild our country."

"To really do infrastructure the right way we need an investment from the federal government," he said in an interview Monday with CNBC's " Power Lunch ."

That would provide a $200 billion investment, which is needed to create a "transformative infrastructure plan," said Rep. John Delaney, D-Md.

As President Donald Trump turns his attention to an infrastructure plan, one Democratic congressman has a suggestion on how to partially fund it: raise the corporate tax rate from the just lowered 21 percent to 23 percent.

Sergio Hernandez works on the median just east of the new I-25 interchange in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Now that the Republican tax package has been signed into law, Trump is planning to move forward with a massive infrastructure program. The details could be released before the president's State of the Union address, White House officials said last month.

Delaney insists his proposal is an honest attempt at a bipartisan compromise, even though Republicans just passed a 21 percent corporate tax rate as a part of their tax reform package.

"I think every Democrat would support it and I think a lot of Republicans would support it," he said.

His reasoning focuses on the fact that business groups have lobbied for years to lower the corporate rate to 25 percent from 35 percent.

"If you brought it to 23 percent you would still be way ahead of where the business community wanted it," Delaney contended.

However, he's open to other ways of coming up with the $200 billion in funding. Another possibility is ending the so-called carried interest loophole that benefits managers of hedge funds and private equity funds, which is kept in the GOP law, he said.

Delaney has been pushing an infrastructure plan in Congress, first introducing a bill in 2013. He reintroduced the Partnership to Build America Act in the last two congresses, most recently in March 2017.The company said it will increase its 401(k) contribution to 10 percent of base salary. In other words, an employee who earns $100,000 a year can set aside $5,000 and the company will contribute $10,000. Visa's longstanding policy has been to contribute $2 for every $1 an employee contributes. Employees can now contribute up to 5 percent of base pay, up from 3 percent.

"Tax reform in the United States will strengthen Visa's competitive position globally and create new opportunities for Visa to invest in our business," the company said in a statement. "With the additional 401(k) match, Visa's U.S. employees will enjoy a sustained benefit, consistent with the role they will play in building our business."

Global payment network company Visa said Monday it will strengthen contributions to employees' 401(k) savings plans, as a result of the recently passed Republican tax law.

Visa is just the latest in a host of companies, including Boeing, AT&T, Fifth Third Bancorp and Wells Fargo, to share proceeds from the GOP corporate tax cut with employees.

In all, there was $5.3 trillion in 401(k) plans as of Sept. 30, 2017, according to the Investment Company Institute. The median balance in a 401(k) account was $24,713, according to Vanguard.

Unlike bonuses, which employees could either save up or blow on shopping, an increase to a retirement plan match is useful for workers' long-term financial planning, said Gregg Levinson, senior retirement consultant at Willis Towers Watson.

Whether more employers will boost their 401(k) match in response to the tax law remains to be seen.

"The downside is that if the economy or the tax rules change, they've made a promise to employees that is going to be hard to scale back," said Levinson.

Smaller firms, which have fewer resources, may raise wages or give a one-time bonus, as opposed to raising their 401(k) plan matches.

"It's a one-time benefit," Levinson said. "You get the good will, but you're not on the hook."

 CNBC's Darla Mercado contributed to this report.

(Correction. An earlier version had an incorrect amount for the company contribution.)

WATCH: Big money lines up to sell GOP tax planThe wait is finally over. After several delays and uncertainties, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavat (formerly Padmavati) will finally release on January 25. The period drama will now be named after Malik Muhammad Jayasi's 16th Century epic poem of the same name on which it is purportedly based.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to Twitter to announce the film's new release date.

Incidentally, this is the same date on which R Balki's Padman, starring Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte, is set to hit the screens. A big box-office clash is inevitable, as the makers of Padman have maintained that they will not shift the release of their film, come what may.

On ticket-booking websites, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film says release on January 25, 2018, and that it is now named Padmavat.

Padmavat, which stars Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmini, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji, was recently given a green signal by the Central Board of Film Certification, subject to five modifications including a change in the title from Padmavati to Padmavat.

However, the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, which spearheaded the agitation against Padmavat, is not pacified and is demanding a total ban on the film.

ALSO SEE: Makers of Akshay's Padman unfazed about clash with Padmavati

ALSO SEE | Absurdity of epic proportions: Are people aware of the content in Jayasi's Padmavat?Self-made billionaire Oprah Winfrey has sparked speculation she could consider a presidential run in 2020 following her widely shared Golden Globes speech on Sunday evening.

The 63-year-old media mogul became the first black woman to win the Golden Globes' Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement. In her acceptance speech, Winfrey reflected on her own life and career and addressed changes she says need to be made in the media industry.

"What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And I'm especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories," Winfrey said, referring to Hollywood's ongoing conversation against sexual harassment.

The inspirational speech led many to believe Winfrey could run for president: Golden Globes host Seth Meyers joked about the possibility while Meryl Streep and civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. chimed in with their own endorsements.Although Winfrey has denied any plans for a presidential bid, Bloomberg reports , Graham told the Los Angeles Times that it's truly the public's decision.

Further speculation over Winfrey's potential presidential bid spread immediately after her acceptance speech for the 2018 Golden Globes' Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement.

"In 2011, I told some jokes about our current president at the White House correspondents' dinner, jokes about how he was unqualified to be president," the NBC late-night host said. "And some have said that night convinced him to run. And if that's true, I would just like to say Oprah you will never be president."

Award show host Seth Meyers first planted the seed for speculation during his opening monologue when he teased how reverse psychology could get Winfrey to run for president.

After Oprah Winfrey 's powerful acceptance speech at the Golden Globes on Sunday, celebrities are calling for the self-made billionaire to run for U.S. president in 2020. Those supporters include civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr ., Seth Meyers, Sarah Silverman and Winfrey's longtime partner Stedman Graham.

"It's up to the people," he told the newspaper on Sunday when asked about a presidential run. "She would absolutely do it."

Meryl Streep, the acclaimed actress and last year's winner of the Globes' award told the Washington Post that Winfrey "launched a rocket" Sunday evening.

"I want her to run for president," Streep said. "I don't think she had any intention [of declaring]. But now she doesn't have a choice."

Streep went on to call Winfrey's speech "a barnburner."

"She runs a major company. She could lead the country. Instead of leading the country down," Streep added.

Winfrey began the speech by reflecting on her own life and career, discussed the importance of being the first black woman to win the prestigious award and closed it by addressing the progress the media industry still needs to make.

"I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon," Winfrey said, referring to Hollywood's ongoing conversation against sexual harassment. "And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say, 'Me too' again."

Here are some of the celebrities calling for Winfrey to run for U.S. president in 2020:

Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.:

Rev Jesse Jackson tweet

Television host Joy-Ann Reid:

Joy Reid tweet

Country singer Billy Gilman:

Billy Gilman tweet

Singer, actress and model Janelle Monae:

Janelle Monae

Bestselling author Roxane Gay:

Roxane Gay tweet

Comedian and night-show host Larry Wilmore:

Larry Wilmore tweet

Actress and comedian Sarah Silverman:

Sarah Silverman tweet

Actor and producer John Stamos:

John Stamos tweet

Actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr.:

Leslie Odom jr tweet

Film exec Franklin Leonard:

Franklin Leonard tweet

In October last year, Winfrey said she had never considered the possibility of running for president. On "CBS This Morning," she shut down her longtime friend Gayle King's question about a potential vice president shortlist.

Tweet

"There will be no running for office of any kind for me," Winfrey told King. Still, CNN reported on Monday that Winfrey is "actively thinking" about running for president, according to two close friends of hers.



Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook.

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President Donald Trump will likely get a polite reception from farmers and agribusiness leaders when he addresses the American Farm Bureau Federation's convention Monday in Nashville, but there's still challenges and uncertainties facing the industry whether on trade, labor or the farm bill.

Farmers want assurances that trade disputes such as NAFTA won't close markets that are a major source of revenue. They also want to be heard in the immigration debate since agriculture is struggling with a farm labor problem and relies on seasonal, foreign workers.

At the same time, farm incomes have come under pressure due to low prices for crops such as corn. And some fear federal budget cuts may impact the farm bill.

Debate over the next farm bill is heating up and comes after Congress has held numerous hearings on the issue. Critics want to see cuts in subsidies and changes to crop insurance programs, and dairy and cotton farmers could see some of the biggest changes. The current farm bill is set to expire in September 2018.

Trump is the first sitting president to address the U.S. farm group in 26 years, and he is scheduled to speak at 4 p.m. ET. The AFBF is the nation's largest agricultural group with around 1.5 million member families.

Meantime, the sixth round of negotiations involving the North American Free Trade Agreement is set to begin Jan. 23 in Montreal. The U.S. has clashed with Canada on access to dairy and Mexico has been accused of abuses, such as "dumping" of certain specialty crops such as tomatoes.

Trump has previously threatened to withdraw the United States from the 24-year-old trade pact with Canada and Mexico. But scrapping NAFTA without a replacement could be devastating to U.S. agriculture and end up costing American consumers more for their food, including Mexican-grown avocados used to make guacamole.

"The food chains of the three countries are very integrated, so without NAFTA it would have a massive displacement," said John Beghin, a professor of agricultural economics at North Carolina State University. "Walmart or the other big retailers or food processors have spent time integrating across borders, so any change in trade policy will create headaches."

Overall, Mexico and Canada represent nearly one-third of total U.S. agricultural exports. Corn, soybeans, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as livestock and dairy are major U.S. exports to those countries.

U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal 2017 totaled $140.5 billion, up nearly $11 billion from the prior year. Canada was the second-largest ag export customer last year after China, with Mexico in third place, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For the Trump administration, though, concerns about NAFTA go well beyond agriculture to other industries such as auto manufacturing.

Another hot-button issue that may come up is immigration.

The ag industry claims they can't find enough American workers willing to harvest crops in fields and perform other farm work. Some farmers also say the immigration crackdown by the administration hasn't helped the situation and they worry that cutting off foreign-born workers will only worsen the farm labor shortage.

"Part of it is there is plenty of work, even for people in this country, but it's really difficult for citizens to see themselves working in a field," said Jim Durst, an organic farmer who grows squash, melons and other specialty crops in Yolo County in Northern California.

Durst added that the continued pressure by the Trump administration on immigrants coming into the United States "has exacerbated the problem by creating an atmosphere of fear." He also faults Congress for its failure to help on the issue.

Growers from California and other parts of the country have relied on a so-called H-2A visa program that allows agricultural guest workers to perform seasonal work. But agricultural employers say it's essentially created a "mini-bureaucracy" and added other burdens rather than eased the farm labor shortage.

Still, one of the themes the president is likely to tout is progress his administration has made on the regulatory front to help ranchers and farmers.

For one, the Trump administration rolled back the so-called Waters of the United States rule, which was drafted during the Obama administration and broadened the definition of such things as "tributary" and also toughened controls over "adjacent waters."

Ag groups claimed the new rules forced ranchers and feedlot operators to get permits or risk excessive penalties despite being miles away from any navigable water. Also, some ranchers said it restricted their ability to erect important structures including fences to keep in livestock.

Trump also is likely to tout the new tax bill as it could lower rates for family farms structured as small businesses. Also, there are provisions that help farmers with expenses.

Finally, the president may discuss how rural America is facing challenges with the opioid epidemic but how his administration declared it a "health emergency" and is tackling the issue.Among the industries affected by this deregulation are agricultural biotech and forestry, Trump will say.

Trump will go on to say he is "proud to report that within our first 11 months, my administration has canceled or delayed over 1,500 planned regulatory actions  more than any president in history." The president will tout a figure of 22 regulations cut "for every one new regulation."

"For years, many of you have endured burdensome fines, inspections, paperwork and relentless intrusion from an army of regulators at the EPA, the FDA and countless other federal agencies," Trump will tell the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau in Nashville Tennessee, according to excerpts released Monday by the White House.

President Donald Trump will tell farmers on Monday his administration has cut their taxes and slashed regulations on agriculture and food processing that amounted to a "regulatory assault on your way of life."

"We are streamlining regulations that have blocked cutting edge biotechnology setting free our farmers to innovate, thrive and grow. We are removing harmful restrictions on forestry so you can log more timber, plant more trees and export more renewable resources to other countries," the president will say to the convention attendees.

Trump also plans to take a victory lap following the passage late last year of massive Republican tax cuts for businesses, and more modest tax cuts for individuals.

The president will highlight recent announcements by a number of corporations that they plan to give out $1,000 bonuses to certain workers. Trump will claim that "more than 1 million workers have already received a tax cut bonus," a figure that is impossible to verify.

The conservative group Americans for Tax Reform recently published a list of companies that have announced plans to give out such bonuses to some of their workers. The total number of employees that ATR predicted will get bonuses was 1,003,547.

The speech is the president's first major road trip address of 2018, and it is part of a broader effort to shore up voters and demographic groups that will be critical for Republicans to win over if they intend to keep their majorities in the House and Senate in the November midterm elections.

In 2016, Trump won rural voters by a nearly 2-to-1 margin over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Sixty-two percent of rural voters cast their ballots for Trump, while only 34 percent pulled the lever for Clinton.

Rural voters in such traditionally Democratic "blue wall" states as Michigan and Wisconsin were especially instrumental in helping Trump win the election.Celgene's acquisition of Impact Biomedicines could be just the start of a flurry of deals in the pharmaceuticals world. Activity was down in the biopharma sector last year, with only 34 transactions totaling $38 billion, according to JMP Securities, compared with 60 deals worth $133 billion in 2016, and 74 deals worth $174 billion in 2015. Improving clinical success rates and advancements in science among small and midsize companies will likely attract large companies looking to bolster their innovation pipelines, JMP Securities wrote in a December research note. Plus, many big companies will have more money to spend. Pharmaceutical companies have some of the largest stockpiles of overseas cash. The tax law President Donald Trump signed last month makes it cheaper for multinational companies to repatriate foreign cash, and they could use that money to fund transactions. The windfall may not cause companies to completely reverse their corporate strategies, but it could nonetheless make it easier to justify pursuing any mergers or acquisitions. Of course, no one completely knows exactly who will pursue what until it's announced. The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, which starts Monday, is a hotbed for deals. Here are some companies to keep an eye on.

Johnson & Johnson

The sprawling health-care company dropped $30 billion on its acquisition of Swiss company Actelion last year, so a major deal may not be on the horizon just yet. Still, J&J could use some of the tax law windfall to bulk up its portfolio. In the third quarter of 2017, Johnson & Johnson held $14 billion overseas, an estimated 90 percent of its total cash, according to Credit Suisse. The company hasn't shared its plan for the money yet, though it expects to do so before it announces earnings on Jan. 23, a company spokesman told CNBC. J&J has pointed to acquisitions as an important part of its growth strategy. "I think the most important thing is all of the actions we've taken to invest in the platforms that we believe have significant growth, and we've been doing this both in terms of acquisitions, strategic partnerships and investing in R&D," the company's group worldwide chair, Sandra Peterson, said on an earnings call with analysts in October. J&J's focus areas for acquisitions are immunology, oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic, infectious diseases and vaccines, and neuroscience, Credit Suisse analyst Vamil Divan wrote in a note published last month. Investing in single assets at earlier stages of development have been the most value creative moves recently, he added. So J&J may not be hunting for a blockbuster this year, but it could continue scooping up smaller ones.

Pfizer

The drugmaker has said the tax law won't change its approach to capital allocation, which prioritizes dividends, buybacks, investing in the business and M&A. Just before the tax law passed, Pfizer said it would spend $10 billion on share buybacks and raise its dividend. That leaves deals as a possibility this year. "Our priorities for capital allocation don't change," Chief Financial Officer Frank D'Amelio said on an earnings call with analysts in October. "They are dividends, share buybacks, investing in the business and M&A. Those will continue to be our capital allocation priorities going forward. Pfizer has tried and failed to make two $100 billion-plus inversion attempts in the past few years. The deals with AstraZeneca in 2014 and Allergan in 2016 both unraveled, but they show Pfizer's willing to try and execute large transactions. Pfizer held $13 billion overseas in the third quarter of 2017, representing 90 percent of its total cash, Credit Suisse estimates. The drugmaker would likely focus on inflammation and immunology, cardiovascular and metabolic, oncology, vaccines, neuroscience and pain, and rare diseases, Credit Suisse said. Investors have focused on Pfizer doing a larger deal, analyst Divan wrote, but the company would rather see midsized deals to bring multiple growth drivers into the innovative business. Pfizer declined to comment.

Eli Lilly

The Indianapolis-based company has typically favored small deals, but that could change this year under new management. Eli Lilly's largest acquisition was its $6.5 billion purchase of ImClone in 2008. Multiple new members are joining the executive team this year, and Credit Suisse said it's possible Lilly may look to do something bigger. Lilly held $11 billion overseas in the third quarter of 2017, or 85 percent of its total cash, Credit Suisse estimates. Lilly's target areas for acquisitions include diabetes, immunology, oncology, neuroscience and pain, Credit Suisse's Divan wrote. Lilly has not provided specific plans for the repatriated cash, a spokesman said in an email. "The majority of the repatriated cash will be used to fund our existing capital allocation priorities, including current products and pipeline opportunities, investing in business development, and returning cash to shareholders via the dividend and share buybacks," he said. "A smaller portion of repatriated cash will be used to reduce our debt."

Merck

Merck has said it views deals as ways to boost its pipeline. The tax law could help it pay for a spending spree. In the third quarter of 2017, $20 billion, or 85 percent, of Merck's cash was overseas, according to Credit Suisse. Divan strongly favors Merck using that money to boost its mid-late stage pipeline and add more growth drivers to the company's story. Merck CEO Ken Frazier has said the company's looking for transactions that enhance its ability to innovate. "We're not looking at things purely for synergies or consolidation purposes," Frazier said on an earnings call with analysts in October. "And so I would think that our view continues to be that we're going to look for those things, particularly bolt-ons, that will help us as we go further with our innovation strategy." When searching for candidates, Merck will likely focus on oncology, vaccines, anti-infectives and acute care, Credit Suisse said. In a statement to CNBC, Merck praised the tax law. "This is critical given our innovation model relies on long-term, sustained investment in R&D to discover vaccines and medicines for unmet medical needs," a spokesperson said.

Potential targetsThe U.K. now looks to be seriously contemplating the idea that it could leave the EU without a fully-formed trade agreement with the rest of the bloc.

Reports early Monday from The Telegraph newspaper said that U.K. leader Theresa May will appoint a "cabinet minister for no deal Brexit" this week. This is seen an attempt by the prime minister to demonstrate to the EU that the country is serious about leaving even if it fails to reach a trade deal. Such a minister would work alongside Brexit Secretary David Davis and deliver constant updates on preparations for the eventuality of a no trade deal scenario.

Joan Hoey, regional director of Europe at the Economist Intelligence Unit, told CNBC via email there is "some logic" to such appointment. "No deal is not the government's objective, but it is the fall-back position in the event of an unsatisfactory deal. If the government is serious about walking away if the EU fails to offer an acceptable deal, it needs to prepare seriously for such an eventuality, and that requires a senior minister within the department for exiting the EU," she said.

The U.K.'s Department for Exit of the European Union did not confirm the specific appointment of a minister for a no deal scenario when contacted by CNBC. A spokesperson said that the new appointments will be handled by the prime minister "in the usual way."

This comes as May is set to give a broader reshuffle of her cabinet this week. So far on Monday, Brandon Lewis has replaced Patrick McLoughlin as Conservative Party chairman. Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has resigned for health reasons. More announcements are due to follow Monday.To perfect your interviewing skills, you're going to have to do your homework. Brandon Santulli took this to heart, and it helped him ace an interview with the CEO of his dream company, in an industry where he had no experience. In 2015, Santulli graduated with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics but he quickly realized he wanted an entirely different career. "A couple years after graduating, I knew I wanted to enter the world of tech  despite my non-tech major," he says. "Once I found out I landed an Executive Assistant interview with WayUp's CEO, I knew I'd have to get creative in order to get my foot in the door."

Brandon Santulli Courtesy of WayUp

Santulli was determined to make a great impression on Liz Wessel, the CEO of job search platform WayUp. "I wasn't about to take 30 minutes with Liz for granted, so to stand out and prove I was serious about this opportunity, I decided to learn as much as possible about her," he says. Indeed, Santulli scoured the internet and read every interview Wessel had ever conducted. "During my daily runs the week before the interview, I listened to every podcast Liz was featured on, taking mental notes of peculiar facts," he says. After reading dozens of articles and nine separate podcasts, he walked away with two seemingly innocuous facts that would turn out to be his secret weapons for landing the job: her socks never match, and she studied Japanese.

On the day of the interview, Santulli was prepared for anything. After answering the typical interview questions he asked Wessel, "I was just wondering, do you still wear mismatched socks every day?" Wessel was taken aback and said, "I do. Great research." "Well, after hearing you talk about it on a podcast, I thought I'd give it a try today," said Santulli before showing off his own mismatched pair of socks. After the interview, Santulli sent a follow-up email and signed off with "Arigatou Gozaimasu," which means "thank you" in Japanese.For international travelers, the chaos at JFK was intense: Long-haul flights arrived in the airport only to sit on taxiways for hours due to a lack of available gates. Ground equipment malfunctioned in the bone-chilling cold, while high winds and ice on the ground after the storm hampered cleanup efforts.

More than 7,000 flights were canceled because of the storm, a costly headache for airlines that were dealt a string of hurricanes in 2017 as well as for passengers who were stranded abroad after their flights to the U.S. were canceled. The storm struck when many travelers were making their way home from end-of-year holidays and 2018 business travel was getting going.

The airport receives more international passenger traffic  more than 31 million people in 2016  than any other U.S. airport. The air travel disruptions in the wake of a powerful winter storm that struck the East Coast last week only snowballed thanks to a blast of cold temperatures and confusion on whether the airport was up and running.

When New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport goes down, the implications are felt around the world.

A passenger and his luggage are seen during the weather-related cancellation at the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, United States on January 08, 2017.

But passengers and airlines alike were confused by whether the airport and the carriers who operate there could even cater to them, which led to more chaos. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees the airport, decided to close JFK during the storm on Thursday, forcing JFK-bound flights to divert to other airports.

Even after the airport reopened, diversions continued, because there weren't enough gates to handle the previous days' delayed flights plus new arriving flights.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Saturday suspended arrivals of some flights. That day an Aeroflot plane from Moscow turned back halfway through the trip to JFK. Dozens of other JFK-bound flights landed at other airports in the region and elsewhere, such as Detroit. More than 230 flights have been diverted since Thursday because of the storm, 124 of them international flights to JFK, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware.

Passengers at JFK complained on social media that they were not able to retrieve their luggage as bags piled up at claims areas.

The airport appeared to be slowly getting back to normal on Monday, but more than 100 flights were canceled in or out of JFK. Snow and sleet were in the forecast for the New York area during the rush-hour period, which could throw things even more off track.

So what complicated the cleanup from a one-day storm? For one, while the Port Authority oversees operations at the airport and makes the call on whether to close the airport, separate terminals are leased by different parties: airlines and other consortiums.

For airlines, the advantage of this arrangement is they have dedicated gates and facilities for their operations. JetBlue, for example, operates Terminal 5. American Airlines has Terminal 8.

It is difficult for a plane to get a gate at a terminal where they don't normally fly into. For one, gates are often allotted to scheduled flights. Some planes are so big, such as the Airbus A380, that a terminal may lack gates or jetways tall enough to accommodate the aircraft.

Further complicating the recovery, on Sunday, a pipe burst in Terminal 4, the main international terminal, home to airlines including El Al, China Southern, Air India, Copa and Swiss Air, just to name a few. Passengers were evacuated from the terminal after a portion of it flooded, and although it reopened later that day, operations were snarled again. The Port Authority said it would investigate the incident and other relationships within the airport.

"The Port Authority intends to aggressively review with its partners, the terminal operators and airlines, the process to assure that planes and passengers get to their gates during the surge of rescheduled flights that follow a severe weather event," it said.

While wintry weather was expected and airlines and airport officials knew about the problem days in advance, it was no consolation to passengers who waited for hours, and even days, to board flights. Many complained about a lack of communication from airlines about whether flights would take off. The storm left some flights without crews, which have strict limits on their working hours to ensure adequate rest.

"This past weekend's events at New York's John F. Kennedy airport demonstrated in stunning detail the consequences of inadequate contingency planning and passenger communication at major international airports," said Greeley Koch, executive director of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives.

Koch called out another infrastructure problem that recently snarled air travel: the nearly half-day power outage last month at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world and the home of Delta Air Lines.

"The airlines don't help themselves when they are not providing accurate information and customers are spending a lot of their own money [to get to the airport]," said Henry Harteveldt, a travel consultant and founder of Atmosphere Research Group.

How airlines "recover will determine whether passengers book with them again," he said. "It's not about how you operate when it's sunny and 72 [degrees]."The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, the biggest week of the year for investors in the biotechnology sector, hadn't even officially started when word of a multibillion-dollar acquisition broke: Celgene is spending at least $1.1 billion, and potentially almost $6 billion more, to buy Impact Biomedicines.

That's business as usual for the summit, which draws thousands of investors, executives and analysts to San Francisco each January. More than 450 companies are scheduled to present at the conference, setting the stage for the year ahead.

On everyone's minds this week: Will the U.S. tax overhaul spur acquisitions? And will the president once again attack the industry for its pricing practices?

Sunday afternoon came news of the former: Celgene's acquisition of Impact Biomedicines, a private biotechnology company with an experimental medicine for the bone marrow disorder myelofibrosis. Celgene is paying $1.1 billion in cash, with almost $6 billion more if Impact meets certain regulatory and sales goals.

A deal to kick off the conference follows suit with previous years: in 2015, the weekend before the conference brought news of Shire's $5.2 billion acquisition of NPS Pharma; in 2016, Shire's $32 billion acquisition of Baxalta. And last year, the news held at least until the official start to the conference Monday morning: Takeda's $5.2 billion purchase of Ariad.

M&A isn't the only topic of discussion this week. The summit is also a key time for companies to report results and provide forecasts for the year ahead; already the weekend brought news from Exact Sciences, Alnylam and Sanofi. Analysts are also expecting updates early in the week from Regeneron, Vertex and Acorda, just a few among the onslaught that begins Monday morning.

Finally, investors are hoping the week remains quieter on at least one front: that of President Donald Trump. It was on the third day of the J.P. Morgan conference last year that Trump said in a speech that the pharmaceutical industry is "getting away with murder" when it comes to the prices of medicines, driving the IBB biotech ETF down almost 3 percent.

Despite Trump's rhetoric, and investor fears, 2017 brought little in the way of government action on drug prices, and biotech stocks, despite a rocky second half, ended the year up about 20 percent.As a part of its 'Go Green initiative', the government is proposing a shift of the hallowed portals to a paperless and digitised version, in the Parliament and State Assemblies.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar is expected to put the 'paper free' plan forward at All India Chief Whips Conference in Udaipur.

The two day conference will witness a meeting of the Whips of Parliament and Legislature and the Ministers of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) of various states.

The MoPA aims for a digitised Parliament and state legislatures. The step is being seen as transparent, responsive, and accountable to people. Moreover, it will be in line with the Digital India plans of the government.

Over the past few years, the Union government has worked to cut down on its paper consumption. It has reduced printing of hard copies of documents and reports, to a great extent.

In 2016, the government almost halved the number of printed Budget copies from its previous year figure of 5100, said a report in The Hindu.

In 2017, only Members of Parliament got hard copies of the Budget while the Finance Ministry uploaded the Budget speech and proposals on its website.

Lawmakers on the other hand, believe that even though the idea is theoretically good, it is tough to implement. "It sounds very nice when we say paperless, but it's like saying cashless after demonetisation. By the next decade, if we get halfway there, we could consider ourselves lucky," said Derek O'Brien, Leader of the Trinamool Congress in the Rajya Sabha.

The 18th Whips conference in Udaipur will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia will be the chief guest of the inaugural session.

According to a report of DNA, the conference will take place from today and will see the rollout of e-Sansad and e-Vidhan.New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Getty Images

Bypass the SALT

Two switcheroos

Two main strategies to bypass this constraint are taking shape. First, New York is considering a proposal to shift some of its revenue-raising from personal income taxes to payroll taxes. The reason it would want to do that is because payroll taxes charged to employers  unlike personal income taxes  remain fully deductible under the new federal tax law. Second, California and New Jersey, as well as New York, are considering plans to grant tax credits to taxpayers who donate to state-affiliated institutions, such as public schools, hospitals and parks. These donations would be voluntary, and the resulting credits could be used to offset state and local income and property tax liabilities. This is feasible because the tax overhaul left the charitable contribution deduction intact and the IRS has already indicated that donations to state charitable credit programs should be treated for federal tax purposes as charitable contributions rather than state and local tax payments. Anyone who hits the $10,000 SALT cap could benefit from programs of this sort. Those taxpayers could replace some or all of their nondeductible state tax payments with deductible charitable contributions. Not only would these initiatives alleviate the added federal burden for some taxpayers, they could make it easier for state and local governments to raise revenue in the future because residents could pay for public schools and other services with tax-deductible dollars. Herb Jackson tweet

Payroll please

Here's how the payroll tax change, which New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo mentioned his State of the State speech, would work. Let's say your employer pays you $100,000 a year and you pay $5,000 in state personal income taxes, leaving $95,000 before federal taxes and other charges. What if instead your employer paid you $95,000 in wages and also paid a $5,000 payroll tax to the state? Your employer would be no worse off, with its out-of-pocket cost still totaling $100,000, and the new tax law preserves an employer's ability to deduct payroll taxes from their own tax bills. And you generally would be no worse off either, as you would still have $95,000 before dealing with your federal tax bill. Indeed, you would most likely fare better financially once federal taxes are factored in. The federal government would tax you on $95,000, whereas you would be taxed on the full $100,000 if the state did not adopt the payroll tax workaround and if you could not claim a SALT deduction. That would be the case if you claim the standard deduction  as at least nine-tenths of taxpayers will  or if you hit the $10,000 SALT cap based on property taxes alone. Depending on your federal tax bracket, the savings could increase your after-tax income by anywhere from 0.6 percent to 3.1 percent. States adopting this approach do not need to repeal their personal income taxes entirely. Their income taxes still would apply to earnings from sources other than wages, such as investment or self-employment income. But they would not tax workers on wages that already have been subject to an employer-side payroll tax. Implementing this change would be relatively straightforward in states like Illinois, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, which have flat personal income tax rates. It would be somewhat more complicated to pull this off in states such as New York and California, which have highly progressive rate structures. But this can almost certainly be done through a system of refundable credits, and the potential savings for state residents would be dramatic. In New York, for example, an average household might save around $1,200 per year on its federal taxes.

Charity begins at home

And here's how the charitable credit idea would work: Say your state offers you a 90-cent credit against state taxes for every dollar you give to an in-state university or local community college. The IRS determined in a memo in 2011 addressing a similar program in Missouri that the full $1 donation would be a deductible charitable contribution, notwithstanding the state tax credit you get in return. For someone in the 37 percent federal income tax bracket, this means their $1 donation would generate 90 cents in state tax benefits and 37 cents in federal tax benefits. That's a $1.27 after-tax return on a $1 investment. More than a dozen states already have implemented tax credit programs like this to finance private school vouchers. Nothing would stop them from extending these programs to finance state universities, community colleges, K-12 public schools, hospitals, parks and more. Indeed, California Senate President Kevin de Leon already has introduced a bill along these lines. New York's Gov. Cuomo has expressed interest in the idea too, as has New Jersey Gov.-elect Phil Murphy.

Lingering questions

The payroll tax idea would work best for the majority of workers who earn wage income and who will claim the standard deduction under the new federal tax law. The charitable contribution credit, in contrast, would be more likely to benefit higher-income households who continue to itemize deductions for federal purposes. States can adopt both because the two approaches are not mutually exclusive. Theoretically, the IRS could challenge either approach. But a well-designed state plan should hold up in court. With respect to the payroll tax workaround, Congress has explicitly said that taxes paid by employers should remain deductible, and nothing requires states to tax the wage income of their residents. Seven states already have no state income tax, and two more have income taxes that exclude wages. There is no legal obstacle preventing additional states from reducing their reliance on income tax revenue and shifting toward employer-side payroll taxes. The IRS of course could revoke its 2011 memo that blessed the charitable arrangements already out there. But decades of judicial precedent, which the agency on its own can't undo, supported that memo. Moreover, with similar tax credit programs that finance private school vouchers popular among the Republican Party's base, GOP lawmakers may resist moves to end such credit arrangements. How many states will ultimately adopt proposals along these lines? It's too soon to say, but for now, it looks like states that choose to fight back against the SALT rollback will have the upper hand.Shaken up by the advent of digital tech, education is changing. There's no getting away from it: learning no longer takes place solely within four walls, for a designated period of time. Against this backdrop, Total is working with students and faculty from universities the world over to find solutions to future energy challenges, with them and for them. Inspiring and listening are two key virtues for doing so.

In 2012, David Puttnam, Ireland's then Digital Champion, wrote in Views of the Future, Dangers and Opportunities that: "Learning is no longer something that needs to happen within particular hours, in a particular place, or even with a particular group of people."

He was definitely onto something. For although from the outside looking in, all of the world's universities seem safely ensconced on their campuses, a revolution is happening outside the classroom. As you've no doubt guessed, it's a digital revolution that calls into question the very principles of education, prompting Peter J. Wells, chief of higher education at UNESCO, to remark that: "Industry employers contend that half of what students learn in the first two years of a four-year technology degree will be out of date by the time they graduate."

Classroom work now shares the stage with MOOCs (massive open online course), virtual courses, recorded university lectures on YouTube and real-time university discussion groups on Facebook. Courses are getting increasingly collaborative and ever more open to the wider world, in real time.

As a result, most of today's sought-after professions didn't exist just a decade ago! Director of ethical hacking, team building genius, data visualization expert, cognitive computing architect, organizational catalyst, digital prophet, chief happiness manager: who would even have been able to come up with such job titles in the early 2000s?

Surfing the digital-tech wave, education is evolving. It's more open and more plugged into the way the world is changing. It's also more innovative and more uncertain. Should students keep acquiring hard skills or give priority to soft skills such as dealing with uncertainty, performing under pressure, critical thinking, communicating and getting along with others, to name a few? Those are the new skills and talents the business world is looking for, putting an end to job descriptions as we've known them for decades.

For that matter, what is learning? UNESCO's Incheon Declaration in 2015 makes a down payment on the answer by articulating an aspiration: "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and  lifelong learning opportunities for all" by 2030.The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission formWord has always been the workhorse app of the Microsoft Office suite. Nearly everyone who uses Office ends up using Word at some point, whether it be for writing memos, typing up agendas, creating reports, crafting business correspondence or any of a thousand other uses.

Microsoft sells Office under two models: Individuals and businesses can pay for the software license up front and own it forever (what the company calls the perpetual version of the suite), or they can purchase an Office 365 subscription, which means they have access to the software for only as long as they keep paying the subscription fee.

When you purchase a perpetual version of the suite  say, Office 2016 or Office 2019  its applications will never get new features, whereas Office 365 apps are continually updated with new features. (For more details, see What are the differences between Microsoft Office 2019 and Office 365?)

This cheat sheet gets you up to speed on the features that were introduced in Word 2016 and Word 2019, the perpetual-license versions of Word included with Office 2016 and Office 2019, respectively. In Office 365, Word has all those features, plus several more. If you or your organization has an Office 365 subscription, see our separate Word for Office 365 cheat sheet for coverage of all the latest features.

Most of the tips in this article apply to both Word 2016 and Word 2019 for Windows. Near the end is a section for Word 2019 only.

Share this story: IT pros, we hope youll pass this guide on to your users to help them learn to get the most from Word 2016 and 2019.

Use the Ribbon

The Ribbon interface in Word 2016 and 2019 hasnt changed much compared to earlier versions. The Ribbon has been included in Office suite applications since Office 2007, so youre probably familiar with how it works. But if you need a refresher, see our Word 2010 cheat sheet.

Just as in Word 2013, the Ribbon in Word 2016 and 2019 is flatter-looking, cleaner and less cluttered than the one in Word 2010 and 2007. The 2016 and 2019 Ribbon is smaller than in Word 2013, the title bar is now solid blue rather than the previous white, and the menu text (File, Home, Insert and so on) is now a mix of upper- and lowercase rather than all caps. There are other minor changes as well  for instance, the old Page Layout tab is now called just Layout  but the Ribbon still works in the same way and you'll find most of the commands in the same locations as in Word 2013.

IDG The Ribbon in Word 2016 hasnt changed much from Word 2013. (Click image to enlarge it.)

To find out which commands live on which tabs on the Ribbon, download our Word 2016 and 2019 Ribbon quick reference. Also see the nifty new Tell Me feature described below.

Just as in earlier versions of Word, to make the commands underneath the tabs on the Ribbon go away, press Ctrl-F1. To make the commands appear again, press Ctrl-F1. (Note that the Ribbon tabs  File, Home, Insert and so on  stay visible.)

IDG Here are the Ribbon display options.

Youve got other options for displaying the Ribbon as well. To get to them, click the Ribbon display options icon at the top right of the screen, just to the left of the icons for minimizing and maximizing Word. A drop-down menu appears with these three options:

Auto-hide Ribbon: This hides the entire Ribbon, both the tabs and commands underneath them. To show the Ribbon again, click at the top of Word.

This hides the entire Ribbon, both the tabs and commands underneath them. To show the Ribbon again, click at the top of Word. Show Tabs: This shows the tabs but hides the commands underneath them. Its the same as pressing Ctrl-F1. To display the commands underneath the tabs when theyre hidden, press Ctrl-F1, click a tab, or click the Ribbon display icon and select Show Tabs and Commands.

This shows the tabs but hides the commands underneath them. Its the same as pressing Ctrl-F1. To display the commands underneath the tabs when theyre hidden, press Ctrl-F1, click a tab, or click the Ribbon display icon and select Show Tabs and Commands. Show Tabs and Commands: Selecting this shows both the tabs and commands.

And if for some reason that blue on the title bar is too much color for you, you can turn it white or gray. (In Word 2019, theres also a black option.) To do it, select File > Options > General. In the "Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office" section, click the down arrow next to Office Theme and select Dark Gray or White (or Black) from the drop-down menu. To make the title bar blue again, choose the Colorful option from the drop-down list. Just above the Office Theme menu is an Office Background drop-down menu  here you can choose to display a pattern such as a circuit board or circles and stripes in the title bar.

Theres a useful change in what Microsoft calls the backstage area that appears when you click File on the Ribbon: If you click Open or Save As from the menu on the left, you can see the cloud-based services you've connected to your Office account, such as SharePoint and OneDrive. Each location now displays its associated email address underneath it. This is quite helpful if you use a cloud service with more than one account, such as if you have one OneDrive account for personal use and another one for business. You'll be able to see at a glance which is which.

IDG Select Add a Place to add a new cloud storage service for Word.

Collaborate live

The biggest feature launched with Word 2016 is live collaboration that lets people work on documents together from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, a feature that Google Docs has long had. There are only two requirements for collaboration in Word 2016: You must be logged into your Microsoft or Office 365 account, and the document must be stored in OneDrive, OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online.

However, while Office 365 subscribers or anyone using Word 2019 or Word Online can see the changes that other users of those versions make to a shared document in real time as they happen, Word 2016 users have to save their documents periodically to see and share changes. So while it is live collaboration, its not real-time visibility into that collaboration. Still, it does allow you to work with others on the same document at the same time.

To collaborate on a document, first open it, then click the Share icon in the upper-right part of the screen. If you havent yet saved your file in OneDrive, OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online, youll be prompted to do so.

Clicking the Share button opens the Share pane on the right-hand side of the screen  this is command central for collaboration. At the top of the pane, type in the email addresses of the people with whom you want to collaborate on the document, separated by commas. As you type, Word looks through your address book and displays the matches it finds; click the person you want to invite. If youre on a corporate network, you can click the address book on the right to search through your corporate email address book. If a person isnt in your address book  just type in their complete email address.

IDG Selecting people with whom to collaborate via the Share pane. (Click image to enlarge it.)

After you enter the addresses, select either "Can edit" or "Can view" in the drop-down to allow collaborators full editing or read-only privileges. (If you want to assign different rights to different users, you can send two separate emails, or you can change any collaborators permissions later by right-clicking their name in the Share pane.) Type a message in the text box if you want. When youre done, click Share. An email gets sent out to everyone with whom youve shared the file, showing a View in OneDrive button that they can click to open the document.

IDG Your collaborators get an email message like this when you share a document. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Theres another way to share a file stored in a personal OneDrive for collaboration: At the bottom of the Share pane, click Get a sharing link, and from the screen that appears, choose Create an edit link if you want to create a link to the file that will allow people to edit the file, or Create a view-only link if you want to create a link that will allow them to view the file only. Then copy the link, paste it into an email using any email program, and send it.

When your recipients receive the email from you, they click a button or link to open the document, which opens in Word Online in a web browser rather than in the Word desktop client. At this point, they can view the document but not edit it. Users who arent signed into a Microsoft account will see an Edit in Browser button; once they click that, they can start editing in their browser window. Logged in users will see an Edit Document menu, from which they can choose Edit in Word to open the file in the client version of Word, or Edit in Browser to work in the free web version.

The web version isnt as fully featured as the client version  for instance, there arent as many formatting options and you cant insert shapes, take screenshots, use mail merge, or use several other features. But for basic editing, it works fine.

When a collaborator starts working in a shared document, youll get a notification that someone else is editing the document. What you see next depends on whether youre working in Word 2016 or 2019.

If youre using Word 2016, whenever a collaborator makes a change, a small Updates Available icon appears along the bottom of your Word window. As mentioned above, though, youll have to save your document (or click the Updates Available icon) to see their changes or have them see yours. After you save or click Updates Available, your collaborators additions appear in your document with a pale green overlay.

IDG When collaborating in Word 2016, you must save the document to see changes made by others (highlighted in green) and to share your changes with them. (Click image to enlarge it.)

When you're working on a document in Word 2019 with other people in real time, each person gets a cursor with their own unique color. You can see what they do as they do it, including deleting, editing and adding text. They see what you do as well.

IDG In Word 2019 you can see other collaborators edits in real time, with a different colored cursor for each collaborator. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Be aware that how well real-time collaboration works depends on the strength of your internet connection. On slow or flaky connections, you wont immediately see edits that other people make and they wont see yours immediately  there will be a lag. So its always best, when possible, to have the strongest connection possible when collaborating.

In addition to seeing each others changes to the document, you can communicate with your collaborators in other ways. The Share pane shows a list of people who have access to the document, with a note underneath their name indicating if they are currently editing the document, and if not, whether they have editing or viewing access.

Right-click the icon of anyone currently working on the document and click Open Contact Card; a screen pops out with the various ways you can contact them, including chat, phone and video via Skype (if they have Skype) and email. That lets you talk or text with them while you're working on the document together, making collaboration that much more effective.

IDG Click the icon of someone working with you on a document to see other ways you can contact them. (Click image to enlarge it.)

Tackle tasks with Tell Me

Although live collaboration is the biggest addition to Word 2016, there are several other new features as well. A very useful one is Tell Me, which is extremely helpful when you want to do a task that you havent done before or have forgotten how to do.

Its a text box just to the right of the Ribbon tab labels at the top of the screen with the words Tell me what you want to do in it. Type in a task, and youll get a list of possible matches. Click the task you want to get instructions on how to do it.

For example, I typed address an envelope and chose the Envelope result, and the screen you use for addressing envelopes appeared. When I typed in the more general query write an essay, it popped up a link to Words Researcher feature that lets you do research from right within Word, add sources from the research you find, and then cite the sources in the document properly. If you type in a query and hover your mouse over a result instead of clicking it, youll see a screen describing what you can do if you click the results.

IDG Tell Me gives advice on addressing an envelope (or any other task). (Click image to enlarge it.)

Its a big time-saver, because you dont have to hunt through the Ribbon to find the command you want. And it remembers the features you've previously selected in the box, so when you click in it, you first see a list of previous tasks you've searched for. That way, tasks that you frequently perform are always within easy reach.New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) South American country Peru generated its highest export sales to India during January- October 2017 with shipments totalling USD 1.57 billion, as compared to other Asian economies like China, South Korea, Japan and the UAE.

According to the countrys Exports and Tourism Promotion Board, Peruvian sales to Asian markets went from USD 10.53 billion (January-October 2016) to USD 15.59 billion in the same period last year.

The target markets included China, South Korea, India, Japan, the UAE, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.

"In particular, Perus sales to India registered the highest growth rate by totalling USD 1.57 billion between January-October 2017, a 126.78 per cent increase over the same term in 2016 (USD 694.16 million)," a statement said.

Also, Indian importers have shown a growing interest in Peruvian avocados, leading to a steady increase in its consumption since 2016, it said.

In 2015, Peru became the second largest exporter of table grapes- Red Globe variety- to India, a position it holds even today. These grapes are typically available in Indian supermarkets between December and April every year.

Perus exports to India also include gold, silver, copper, Sacha Inchi, Quinoa, Camu Camu, among others.

"With the India-Peru trade agreement discussions, India will be able to move ahead of the stereotype of seeing Latin America through the Brazilian lens.

Open trade barriers between the two countries provide Peru with a new and significant trade partner, because of which the economy is enjoying a surge," said the statement issued by the Commercial Office of the Embassy of Peru. PTI RSN ANUMicrosofts hasty Meltdown/Spectre patches, released late on Jan. 4, have started baring their fangs. Complaints about Win10 Fall Creators Update cumulative update KB 4056892 and Win7 Monthly Rollup KB 4056894 resulting in blue screens  particularly on AMD Athlon, Sempron, Opteron and Turion processors  started appearing shortly after the patches were released.

With no notice or warning, Microsoft moved the Win7 patch, KB 4056894, from version 1 to version 2 on Jan. 5. As of early Monday morning, Jan. 8, version 2 is the only version available on the Microsoft Update Catalog. The Win10 1709 patch, KB 4056892, is still at version 1.

According to @abbodi86 on AskWoody, the jump from version 1 to version 2 was a metadata change  generally, a change in the way the patch is installed. The KB 4056894 patch itself didn't change. Microsoft hasnt said anything.

I now see blue screen complaints on the AskWoody Lounge, the Microsoft Answers forum, Microsofts TechNet forum, on Reddit, on MyDigitalLife, on OverclockersUK, and in many non-English forums.

Many of the reports dont include details about the processor type or Windows version, but its clear that AMD processors  which arent even affected by the Meltdown vulnerability  are getting hurt the worst. That said, there are sporadic reports of other kinds of processors taking it in the shorts.

[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]

Oddly, all of the Win7 blue screen reports I've seen are associated with the 2018-01 Monthly Rollup. The manual-download Security Only update hasn't had as many problems. Or, at least, as many reported problems.

How to fix the blue screen problem

Proposed fixes run a dime a dozen, but the most reliable seem to be these:

For Win7, boot to a recovery CD (if you have one) and roll back to the last Restore Point (if you have one).

Failing that, on Win7, try the dism approach posted by zip369 on Reddit.

For Win10, reset your PC and save personal data.

That said, theres at least one frustrated admin on Reddit whos tried everything and cant seem to get any of the suggestions to work.

If you get your machine back and working, make sure you follow the general steps for blocking updates until Microsoft cleans up its mess. (Win10 Pro 1703 or 1709 customers have an easier job.) In Win7 or 8.1, simply turn off Automatic Update.

What I find most distressing: All of this angst is for nothing. Yes, you need to install the Meltdown/Spectre fixes at some point, but as of this moment there are no known exploits in the wild. None.

No matter what the gurus on TV or in the mainstream media say, theres no reason to get these patches installed before Microsoft works out the bugs. None.

Chalk this up as yet another example of why you need to wait a while after Windows patches get pushed out the automatic update chute. In spite of the scare tactics.

Well keep you up to date on the latest repair techniques on the AskWoody Lounge.Reshuffle 1) May expected to announce new Secretaries of State and more today

New secretaries of state in education and business are expected to be announced today as Theresa May freshens her cabinet in an attempt to convince voters that the Conservatives have the energy, ideas and talent for government. Sir Patrick McLoughlin will be dismissed as Tory party chairman and his replacement ordered to oversee an overhaul of party operations after last years election failure. With raising schools standards expected to be a dominant theme of the Conservatives new year relaunch, well-placed insiders said that Mrs May intended to replace Justine Greening as education secretary. Greg Clark, the business secretary, is also expected to be offered an alternative cabinet post to give impetus to Brexit preparations.  The Times

Editorials:

May should use the reshuffle for the good of Brexit  Daily Telegraph

Purpose is key here  The Times

Comment:

Im not surprised that Cameron avoided reshuffles  Gabby Bertin, The Times

>Today: ToryDiary: Reshuffle Day. And Raab, Stewart, Rees-Mogg and Cleverly are our panels top choices for Cabinet promotion

>Yesterday: ToryDiary: The shuffle. Mays women gap

Reshuffle 2) No deal minister position to be announced

Cabinet minister for no deal is to be appointed by Theresa May as part of the reshuffle of her top team which begins on Monday, the Telegraph can reveal. The new minister is likely to be based in the Department for Exiting the European Union alongside David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, to provide regular updates on preparations for leaving the EU without a trade deal. They would attend Cabinet and control a significant budget, but would not be a Secretary of State. The appointment will be seen as an attempt by the Prime Minister to demonstrate to her EU counterparts and to Brexiteers that Britain is serious about leaving the EU without a deal if talks fail.  Daily Telegraph

Post expected to go to Baker  Daily Telegraph

The person appointed would be based in the Brexit department  Daily Express

They would prepare for possibility of unsuccessful negotiations  Daily Mail

Meanwhile, Sturgeon accused of return to independence plans  Daily Telegraph

UK hoping to retain regulation by European Medicines Agency  FT

And Farage will meet Barnier today  Daily Express

>Today: Charlie Elphicke in Comment: Keeping order at the border  to prepare for a smooth Brexit

Prime Minister starts the year with traditional Sunday interview

She says shes not a quitter  Independent

In recent years it has become traditional for the prime minister to start the year with an interview on a Sunday politics programme. The BBCs Andrew Marr got Theresa May this year, and the pair covered a wide range of topics in the exchange, which was pre-recorded in Mays Maidenhead constituency before being broadcast on Sunday morning. Marr asked about the forthcoming reshuffle and May arrived with prepared announcements about a review of what the Parole Board can reveal about how it takes decisions and about the creation of a new forest in the north.  Guardian

Comment:

It wasnt very exciting  Quentin Letts, Daily Mail

Its astonishing how she keeps keeping on  Zoe Williams, Guardian

She calls for a focus on how the NHS operates

 Mrs May insisted: Actually, the NHS is delivering for more people, it is treating more people and more people are being seen within the four hours [target] every day than has been a few years ago. But of course nothings perfect and there is more for us to do. Last winter Mrs May was rebuked by Simon Stevens, the head of NHS England, over claims that she had given the NHS more money than it requested. Before the budget in November Mr Stevens requested 4 billion to prevent waiting times worsening but was given less than half what he wanted. Mrs May said: What you also need to look at is how the NHS works, how it operates. That is about the hospital and GPs working together to ensure that they are helping to keep elderly people out of hospital.  The Times

She says postponed operations were part of the plan  Independent

Wollaston has said Royal Commission would take too long  Independent

Editorials:

This is a crisis for all seasons  The Times

Its becoming clear that we need a NHS Royal Commission  Daily Telegraph

Comment:

I agree  Robert Colvile, The Times

As a junior doctor, I know that what we need is a proper plan  Hannah Barham-Brown, The Times

More May

Prime Minister defends rail fare rises  Guardian

She pledges parole system secrecy review  The Times

She puts Young on notice  The Sun

She abandons fox hunt vote after receiving clear message on the doorstep  Independent

And will make key environment speech this week  The Times

>Yesterday:

Moore: May is making foxhunting into a scapehound

Ministers to try to reach deal with Lords today to head off a vote on a second Leveson

In one sense, Theresa May merely stated the obvious yesterday when she told Andrew Marr that there would be no government time for a Bill to repeal the foxhunting ban this Parliament. The Tories have no majority: repeal would not have happened. But there is something false behind all this. Mrs May said that during the last years campaign there was a clear message against repeal from public opinion, and that was why she wasnt, despite her earlier promise, going to make time for a Bill. This is not the case. There was no new clear message from the public. Opinion polls have been anti-hunting all my life (though that figure comes down a lot when presented, as it should be, as a freedom issue).  Daily Telegraph

Ministers will hold crunch talks with peers today in a bid to head off a vote on a second Leveson inquiry as Government sources say there are no plans to hold a further investigation into press standards. Ahead of the return of the data protection bill later this week, ministers hope they can reach a deal with Lords on the Labour and Liberal Democrat benches who are pushing for changes to data protection rules and another inquiry into press ethics. The Conservative manifesto ruled out a second Leveson inquiry last year, despite calls from campaigners to look again at how the press works with public bodies like the police and how data is obtained and held.  Daily Telegraph

A last-ditch summit will be held  The Sun

Leadsom: Parliament returns to an ambitious programme

Today parliament returns for its first sitting day of 2018. MPs and peers are returning from the Christmas break with new energy and a determination to help our country succeed. The New Year offers us all a chance to look ahead to the governments hugely ambitious legislative programme. In 2018, success is in our hands if we work together. And we will take steps to build a stronger economy, helping improve living standards while funding the public services on which we all depend. The governments legislative programme is hugely ambitious, placing fairness and opportunity at the heart of everything we do.  The Times

More parliament

Morgan writing to HMRC for clarification on VAT after Brexit  The Times

MPs including Lammy and Cable sign letter calling for reversal of KPMG involvement in Grenfell investigation  The Times

The auditors contract is cancelled  Guardian

The firm stood down  FT

Consumer minister announces crack down on laser pens  Daily Express

DUP MP considered most prolific Commons contributor  Belfast News Letter

New data released about parliamentary computers accessing of porn websites  Guardian

Thornberry speaks out on Iran after criticism from Tugendhat

Emily Thornberry has responded to criticism over her ambivalent approach to the Iranian protesters by saying Iran had seen clear spontaneous public outpourings that we can all understand and support. The shadow foreign secretary also denounced the Iranian judicial system as capable of draconian and arbitrary punishments, especially against minorities and women. She also accused Iran of escalating its proxy wars with Saudi Arabia. Thornberry had been criticised by the Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the foreign affairs select committee, after she told the BBC it was hard to tell who was wearing the white hats in Iran, remarks that led some to claim she saw a moral equivalence between the protesters and the Iranian government.  Guardian

>Today: Nadhim Zahawis column: How a leading Labour feminist  the Partys Shadow Foreign Secretary, no less  gives succour to the Ayatollahs

Bannon apologises to Trump following Wolff revelations

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon apologized to President Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr, on Sunday, feeding quotes to the website Axios. I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr has diverted attention from the presidents historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency, the Breitbart head said. He also explained that when he labeled Donald Trump Jrs Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer as treasonous, he meant for that description to be attached to Paul Manafort, who he said would know better.  Daily Mail

More Trump

May confirms he will be visiting the UK  Guardian

Hes set to have first formal health check since entering White House  Daily Telegraph

Comment:

Those who normalise the Trump presidency seem diminished  Richard Godwin, Independent

Is Ivanka really in charge?  Arwa Mahdawi, Guardian

News in BriefNick de Bois is the former MP for Enfield North and an Advisory Board Member for the youth charity Kids Count.

In a thoughtful piece for the Evening Standard recently, Kit Malthouse, the former London Deputy Mayor for Policing and now MP for North West Hampshire, set out the impact that political leadership can make on the shocking number of incidents of knife crime and knife crime fatalities. He rightly contrasted this with the woeful lack of leadership from the current Mayor, Sadiq Khan, under whom we have seen a return to peak level of fatalities in the capital  not seen since 2008.

Then, the number of teenagers killed reached a staggering 29. In one month six people were stabbed to death  in one week. When Malthouse left office in 2012 the total had fallen to eight, and as he rightly concedes that was eight too many, but based on the 2008 trend it could have been 50.

It is nevertheless plainly wrong to blame any Mayor for the actions of murderers, but when Kit Malthouse and Boris Johnson assumed personal responsibility for tackling this appalling state of affairs, they demonstrated that politicians can change things for the better, and in this case, save lives.

Now, five years later, the number is back up to 26. The four killings on New Years Eve have once again put unease and some fear back into communities, and with it has come a justifiable sense of outrage from the media to which the current political response is utterly inadequate  and in the case of the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, both complacent and to me, shameful.

So far from Mayor Khan we have seen excuses. He blames cuts to police, he blames closure of youth centres, continuing a theme he has maintained since being elected in 2016 namely, its not me guv, its the governments fault. This is lazy at best and downright deceitful at worse. More so because we are dealing with the loss of lives, young lives in particular.

Only last week on LBC when interviewed by James OBrien he took the government to task for cuts to funding that meant some youth centres had closed  resulting in the rise of knife crime. He regularly blames the government for cuts to police funding as another reason for the rise. In both cases he overlooks facts in an attempt to pass blame rather than recognise the complexity of the causes of knife crime and offer tangible solutions. He cannot explain for example why in 2008 when knife crime last peaked at 29 deaths in London, there were no cuts to funding and the closed youth centres he now points to as a reason for the rise in knife crime were then presumably open.

He points to cuts to policing funding in 2017 as another cause for the rise in knife crime but fails to point out that in the Metropolitan Police force in 2008 there were 31,460 full time equivalents police officers and in 2017 there were 31,517.

There was in fact fewer police officers in some of the intervening years when we were facing far fewer deaths from knife crime (with the exception of the Olympic year when police numbers reached over 32,000). Hardly seismic evidence that the cuts are a major factor in the spiralling deaths. Whats more, it is worth noting that the Met Police have the highest ratio of police officers per 100,000 head of population in the country at 382. The real difference between now and 2008 is the political leadership of Boris Johnson and Sadiq Khan.

Khans obsession with offering flawed excuses leaves a huge political vacuum in leadership to help bring the rise in knife crime under control and reduce both attacks and deaths. This is a vacuum that needs to be filled by national government. The solutions are complex and should be centred around early intervention programmes, family intervention, such as we have seen successfully in Strathclyde where gangs have been broken up  and of course a review of stop and search policies with the input from BAME community leaders. Likewise, the criminal justice system still fails some victims, victims families, and those offenders who can be rehabilitated. Much more can be done.

With a national leadership program showing the political will to tackle this problem we can bring together the best practice that is sporadically seen across the UK, and champion the solutions that are evidenced-based and work. We should not be afraid of new thinking, embracing former offenders and gang members who can reach vulnerable youngsters enticed into gangs and knife culture. Too often I hear from third sector organisations how bureaucracy stops offenders working with young people. And finally, money.

For every pound invested in early intervention programmes the payback to community, economy, savings from the justice system and the personal impact of changing lives is a powerful argument for more investment. Presently such funding is at the mercy of local priorities. And as we have seen, mayors that lack the political leadership and will to take on these problems are unlikely to invest what is needed.

A national programme can drive the priorities as well as ensuring the right organisations get the right support. That is not by any means always the case now as overly bureaucratic procurement programs of local government shut out many smaller, but credible and effective third sector organisations who are trying to stop this horrible cycle of gangs, knife crime and wasted lives.

Knife crime is not just a police problem, or simply a schools problem, a sentencing problem, a family problem or a gang problem. It is all of these and more. A government chief tasked with leading the fight-back against the rising culture of knife crime could bring the resources and the advocacy to change things for the better.Five years ago, the TaxPayers Alliance reported that in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories.

Since then, the figures have varied, and some Conservative members or supporters have been selected to fill important posts.

Nonetheless, it remains the case that, since it took office in 2010, our Party has punched beneath its weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply dont apply in the same number as Labour supporters.

To help remedy this, every fortnight we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented.

         

Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services  Inspector of Fire and Rescue Authorities in England

Inspect a number of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, and a number of 45 fire & rescue authorities in England, as determined by the Chief Inspector. This will include: monitoring inspected organisations performance; forming a professional assessment of inspected organisations performance; identifying problems and challenging inspected organisations and their governing bodies so that the public are not exposed to avoidable risk or harm and can be assured that policing and fire and rescue services are effective and efficient; preparing inspection reports to high corporate standards and presenting findings to the public; and promoting good practice.

Time: Full-time, fixed-term for five years.

Remuneration: 133,983 minimum.

Closes: 14 January

         

Social Work England  Chief Executive Officer

High quality social work can transform lives. Social workers play an absolutely critical role in society, delivering a range of vital services to vulnerable children, families and adults. Social Work England will be a new specialist regulator for social workers that has an absolute focus on protecting the health and wellbeing of those individuals who need social work support. The credibility of the regulator will depend on its ability to deliver its core regulatory functions effectively and efficiently, supporting and protecting the public from the outset.

Time: Full-time.

Remuneration: A highly attractive total reward package, including pension and a basic salary of up to 142,500 per annum.

Closes: 18 January

         

Construction Industry Training Board  Chair

The Chair and the Board will hold the Executive Team to account for the delivery of the organisations offer to the construction industry, provide inclusive and dynamic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the organisation. The Chair will also support and, where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the organisation to achieve agreed objectives.

Time: Avg. one day per week.

Remuneration: 22,500 per annum plus expenses.

Closes: 19 January

         

Committee on Radioactive Waste Management  Chair

The Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) provides independent scrutiny and advice to UK Government and Devolved Administration Ministers on the long-term management of radioactive waste, including storage and disposal. The Committees primary task is to provide independent scrutiny on the UK Governments and Radioactive Waste Management Ltds (RWMs) high profile programme to deliver geological disposal, together with interim storage, for higher activity wastes The role of the CoRWM Chair is high profile and the Chair may be required to appear before Parliamentary Select Committees. The Chair is also the Committees main point of contact with stakeholders and will represent the Committees views to both broadcasting and written media (where required).

Time: Up to 78 days per year.

Remuneration: 450 per diem plus travel and subsistence.

Closes: 19 January

         

Intellectual Property Office  Non-Executive Director

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is an international organisation which is responsible for setting the agenda and contributing to the wider economy with intellectual property rights including patents, designs, trademarks and copyright. It has a clear delivery function to operate and maintain a clear intellectual property system in the UK, encouraging innovation and helping the economy and society to benefit from knowledge and ideas. The organisation also helps people get the right type of protection for their creation or invention.

Time: Around 18 days per annum.

Remuneration: 6000 per annum plus expenses.

Closes: 31 January

         

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council  Executive Chair

We are seeking an inspirational individual with international standing and a proven track record to lead the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as its Executive Chair, once it becomes one of the nine Councils of UK Research and Innovation in April 2018. As part of UK Research and Innovations Executive Committee, the Executive Chair will have a critical role within UK Research and Innovation and in championing and increasing the impact of engineering and physical sciences. This includes chemistry, engineering, information and communication technologies, advanced materials, mathematical sciences and physics.

Time: See listing.

Remuneration: To be discussed with individual candidates.

Closes: 02 FebruaryNadhim Zahawi is a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and is the MP for Stratford On Avon.

On December 28th, protests apparently initially about the cost of living in Iran started in the city of Mashhad, and quickly spread around the country. This began days of protests on an ever-widening set of issues which united the various groups in Iran who have been let down by their Government. The protests have ranged in size, location and aim, but in total they have been the greatest threat to the Iranian regime since the 2009 election.

Typically, the Labour Party have equivocated on the subject. Jeremy Corbyn has been silent while he reportedly takes a long holiday in Mexico. In the meantime, his shadow Foreign Secretary, Emily Thornberry said that the party didnt want to leap to judgement. The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee on which I sit, Tom Tugendhat, has rightly led a wave of criticism and pointed out how extraordinary it is for Labour to refuse to say the regime should change in response to the legitimate concerns of its people.

Perhaps the Shadow Foreign Secretary is just toeing the line of her leader, who has taken 20,000 from a TV channel that is the mouthpiece of the Iranian government, but it should not be hard to reach a firm and reasonable judgement on these protests. It would be wrong for any western government or political party to urge on a violent and destabilising revolution, especially if you are unwilling to help militarily. Its perfectly fine to urge a peaceful solution. However, Labours line does not reflect what is actually occurring on the ground. Indeed, for Labour and their supporters to equivocate in this way only adds fuel to the regimes accusations that these ordinary protestors are American puppets seeking a bloody overthrow of the regime, rather than people with dreams of a better future for their children. There is absolutely no evidence that this is some kind of evil US operation; this exists only in the brains of anti-Western fantasists. Many of whom now find themselves in positions of power in the Labour Party.

We should remind ourselves of what the Iranian regime is, and think about exactly who Labour are refusing to condemn. Iran pays lip service to democracy, but this is only a facade in practice, with the whole system run according to what the Ayatollahs are willing to allow. Religious police roam the streets, and fine or imprison women who are not covering their hair. Millions are spent by the Iranian Government, not on supporting its own people but on funding terrorist groups across the Middle East. And protestors are killed when asking for their Government to change. In the face of all this, it is truly shameful for Labour to have remained silent for so long, and even worse for them to muddy the waters when they do find something to say.

Iran is a theocracy that spends vast amounts of its wealth on a battle for regional control rather than for the benefit of its own people. That is why demonstrators are asking for reform, and that is why we should openly support those goals. This is not about destroying the Iranian state, but about encouraging change and creating the environment for this to happen.

Moving from autocracy or theocracy to democracy is not simple. Britain took 713 years to get from Magna Carta in 1215 to the achievement of full voting rights to women in 1928. Democratic institutions are one thing, but complicated networks of civil society institutions are even harder to nurture, and cannot be transplanted from one country to another. However, there are lessons, assistance and advice that can be passed on that would make Irans change faster than our own.

There are two competing visions for government in the Middle East. The first is one of reform, and separating mosque and state, which is being attempted by the UAE and Egypt. The other is the way of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Ayatollahs theocracy. The second is not conducive to good governance, but still holds a great sway in the region. We should do what we can encourage reform. Dictators hollow out opposition, political thought and the infrastructure of civil society. When one is removed, it creates a vacuum that is often filled by military or religious extremists. It is in our interests to encourage reforms that enhance stability and increase the chances of steady transition to resilient democracy. Because no people will accept autocracy for ever.

The inevitability of the worldwide march towards democracy has been dented and doubted in recent years. But we mustnt give up on the democratic ambitions of the people of the Middle East. The region is full of ordinary people who have no less desire for stability, security and prosperity for their families than you or me. They have no less tolerance for corruption and iniquity than the peoples of democratic nations. They want the same things that we want, and they will eventually achieve these ambitions. We must never stop advocating their right to achieve these goals through a peaceful process and reasonable reforms, and we must not be shy about doing so. We must also make clear why change is in the benefit of the regime as well. The alternatives, whether the status quo, or a populace reaching breaking point, are unacceptable.The government may have shot the messenger where the Aadhaar data breach is concerned, but there is enough dirt that the UIDAI has tried to brush under the carpet, as per a PIL in the Supreme Court.

Petitioner Kalyani Sen Menon's affidavit - filed on Friday - lists a series of violations by the Aadhaar authority. Her plea is likely to come up for hearing on January 17.

For instance, I-T minister Ravi Shankar Prasad admitted in Parliament in April last year that 34,000 Aadhaar operators had been blacklisted or cancelled since the inception of the Aadhaar project.

One such operator is accused of selling secure Aadhaar data to a Tribune news paper journalist.

Since April 2017, the number of such rogue operators, enlisted with capturing the biometrics of 1.3 billion Indians, has shot up to 49,000 as per latest reports, the petitioner states.

There have been other breaches of data privacy, the government has admitted in Parliament. The IT ministry, in response to a Parliament question provided a list of 210 government websites that have displayed data, including a list of beneficiaries and their personal details.

And how serious is the government about the security infrastructure of the scheme has also come in for serious question. The Rajat Moona Committee set up for this actually gave a report in exactly 17 days.

WHAT THE PETITION SAYS

The petition points out that, "The committee was formed on 21.08.2017, the first meeting took place on 28.08.2017 and then a final meeting took place on September 14, 2017, culminating in a report that recorded the claims made by the UIDAI through its officials."

"Further, the report discloses no details of any attempted or actual breaches and the exact standards of security that have been implemented at various stages of the scheme. It is manifestly clear that the same has not been prepared with due application of mind."

The government has been insisting that no data has been breached as the bio-metrics are safe. But the truth is that the government can actually reveal this data, including biometrics. All that it requires is either a court order or a "national security" issue.

The affidavit points out that "the provision fails to lay down any meaningful safeguards for the exercise of this power and the phrase 'national security' has been left undefined. It also does not provide the affected individual with a right to notice or an opportunity of being heard before this information is shared."

Whether there has been a data breach in the past is also not known, because Aadhaar data was collected without legislative backing, without the Aadhaar Act coming into force.

"The Counter Affidavit filed by the Respondents is silent on the bio-metric information already compromised and retained by a host of several public and private entities alike", the affidavit points out.

The affidavit also debunks several claims made by the UIDAI. For instance, it helps reduce corruption.

Citing the case of Orissa, the affidavit says, "It was found that Aadhaar itself is responsible for deleting only 27,000 out of 6.6 lakh ineligible ration cards. The total number of PDS cards in Orissa in 2014 was 85.39 lakh."

"Therefore, Aadhaar's fraud detection rate was only about 0.32 per cent. It may help weed out duplicate PAN cards. The total number of duplicate PAN cards in the country is not more than 0.4 per cent," the affidavit points out.

ALSO WATCH | Operation Aadhaar leaks: How safe is your Aadhaar card?CORNWALL, Ontario  The first weekend in January brought some of the coldest days that Cornwall and the Counties have seen in a long time.

Saturday saw a high temperature in the minus 20s, but it felt more like -30 with the wind chill. At some points the outside temperature felt as cold as nearly -40. Environment Canada warned the public that being outside for any extended period of time could result in frostbite.

One good Samaritan decided to do what she could to help keep members of the community out of the cold.

Tammy Marion decided to use part of her weekend to give people rides so they could get around without getting frozen.

I couldnt imagine my family or friends having to walk in this weather, she said in an interview with Seaway News. So I posted on Facebook if anyone needed a ride to call me. My cousin Joel sent me a message and asked for a ride to the gym. Once I dropped him off I decided to drive around and look for people.

Marion stopped and spoke with six people and wound up giving a ride to three people in total and she shared her journey on social media with selfies with her riders. She said that the strangers were surprised, but were appreciative.

Marion said that she was happy to offer help to those who needed it and would absolutely do it again.CORNWALL, Ontario  At 106, Stella Deneault is still as sharp as they come.

I feel pretty good, said Denault from her room at Woodland Villa in Long Sault. The only thing is my eyes and my ears.

Denault is hard of hearing and blind, but her memory does not fail her and neither does her spirit.

The secret is that you dont know so I always took it one day at a time, she said. When you live, you dont know what will happen tomorrow.

Deneault has lived in the Cornwall area since she was 10-years-old when she moved into the city with her mother from Coteau Station.

She has seen a lot of changes in the region since then. She has seen business come and go and has seen social norms change. Deneault remembers a time when married women were not allowed to work.

At the age of 21, Stella Deneault was working at the Courtaulds textile factory in the reel room. She was also planning to get married, which she did at St. Columbans Church in Cornwall on the night of Dec. 26, 1932.

Deneault said that she chose to get married during the Christmas break because she would not have to take time off work. Denault did not want her employer to know she was married because she did not want to lose her job. A fellow employee however let it slip to her supervisor that she had married over the holidays and she was let go.

I liked it because I was making $12 a week, she said. Its not like today where you make that in an hour, that was a lot of money back then.

Deneault has done some traveling in her time to Paris, France and Las Vegas, which she says she had been to quite a bit.

Stella Deneault has 12 children, 38 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren, 39 great great grandchildren, 12 great great great grandchildren and 2 great great great great grandchildren.

Deneault will be celebrating her 106 birthday with some members of her large family, as well as some of her friends at Woodland Villa in Long Sault on Sunday, Jan. 21 from 1 p.m. If you are stopping by to visit Stella and to wish her a happy birthday, please just bring your best wishes and a smile.CORNWALL, Ontario  Alain Boudrias, 41, and Chantal Leger, 39, both of Cornwall were arrested on Jan. 7, 2018 and charged with theft under $5, 000.

Boudrias was also charged with breach of recognizance for being outside his residence while Leger was charged with breach of undertaking for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on Jan. 7, 2018 the two removed property from a Cumberland St. residence without permission and police were contacted to investigate. Both were taken into custody during the investigation, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

BREACH, POSSESSION

CORNWALL, Ontario  A 25-year-old Cornwall woman and a 29-year-old South Dundas man were arrested on Jan. 5, 2018. The woman was charged with breach of undertaking for communicating with her ex-boyfriend, being within 100 meters of him and for failing to keep the peace. She was also charged with possession of marijuana. The man was charged with breach of recognizance for failing to reside at a specific address, failing to notify a change of address and communicating with his ex-girlfriend. It is alleged during a traffic stop on Jan. 5, 2018 they were found to be in breach of their conditions and taken into custody. The woman was also found to be possession of a quantity of marijuana. Both were charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. Their names were not released as the conditions stem from domestic incidents and would identify the victims in the matter.

WARRANT

CORNWALL, Ontario  Calsy Bigtree-Thompson, 26, of Hogansburg was arrested on Jan. 6, 2018 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged the woman breached her probation order and a warrant was issued for her arrest. On Jan. 6, 2018 the woman was stopped at the Port of Entry and police were contacted. She was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and released to appear in court on Feb. 13, 2018.

There were 113 calls for service in the City of Cornwall in over the weekend (8am Friday to 8am Monday morning). To see whats happening in your neighbourhood visit our Crime Plot Map @ http://www.cornwallpolice.ca/ . CCPS reserves the right to not post all calls for service in order to protect the identity of the victims.MORRISBURG, Ontario  Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi condemned the shooting of an Iranian national at the OPP office in Morrisburg.

Babak Saidi was shot and killed by a Morrisburg OPP officer on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. Saidi had schizophrenia and was required to check-in at the detachment once a week after a 2014 conviction for assault and battery.

Saidi was 43 and had been living in Iroquois with family members.

A member from the Morrisburg Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was involved in an altercation with an adult male outside of the Morrisburg OPP Detachment, read the OPPs statement on the incident. During the altercation the adult male sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer is being treated for undetermined injuries.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry released a statement on the shooting on Dec. 27.

Unfortunately, weve learned that an Iranian citizen named Babak Saeedi (sic), who lived in Canada and who was ill, was gunned down by the [Canadian] police, said spokesman Bahram Qassemi in a statement. We are reviewing the details of the issue and will call on official and relevant bodies to look into the issue to shed light on its dimensions and will demand an explanation from the Canadian government, he said.

Qassemi said that Iranians in Canada often have issues reaching consular services.

Over the past two years, extensive efforts have been made to create more favourable conditions to offer consular services to Iranian expats living in Canada, but the desirable result has not been achieved yet, he said.

In 2012, the Canadian government under then Prime Minister Stephen Harper severed diplomatic relations with Iran. Current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that he is considering re-opening diplomatic ties.STORY LINK GBP to AUD Exchange Rate Climbs on Analyst Forecasts for Iron Ore and ?Aussie?

GBP Advances Despite Domestic Political Uncertainties

Sterling has been dominated by Brexit-related headlines and the fact there is a bit of a constructive tone from both parties in recent weeks has removed some of the volatility premium from Sterling,

AUD Sold on Expectations for Iron Ore Price Fall and Flat Aussie in 2018

GBP/AUD Forecast: Could Pound Continue to Advance?

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Despite UK political uncertainty and a lack of strong UK ecostats in recent sessions, the British Pound to Australian Dollar exchange rate advanced on Monday, regaining most of last weeks losses due to market concerns that the Australian Dollar may be in for a relatively flat 2018.After opening last week at the level of 1.7280, GBP/AUD fluctuated and then closed the week at around 1.7234. On Monday afternoon however, the pair trended in the region of 1.7300, quickly rising above last weeks opening levels.Despite some speculation that the UK government could be getting a minister for a no deal Brexit, the Pound clawed back some gains against a weaker Australian Dollar on Monday.As UK Parliament reconvened following the winter recess, UK Prime Minister Theresa May took the New Year as an opportunity to reshuffle her government cabinet in an effort to reassert authority following a messy 2017 for the Conservative Party.The Pound saw fluctuations earlier in the day but generally had little trouble advancing against the Aussie as investors became more comfortable that the reshuffle hadnt considerably changed anything that would affect the current Brexit outlook.On top of this, Sterling became more appealing due to news that the Pound volatility index had fallen to its lowest levels in over three years.The market gauge which measures Sterling volatility against the US Dollar (USD) was trading around 6.6%, its lowest levels since November 2014, due to market expectations that the Pound would not see as many big shifts in the coming months.According to Alessio de Longis, portfolio manager from Oppenheimer Funds;Mondays UK data, Halifaxs December house price report, was disappointing and fell short of expectations. Overall though the data had little notable impact on Pound trade.The Australian Dollar tumbled against most major rivals like the Pound and the US Dollar (USD) during Monday trade, as investors digested some dovish forecasts that could affect Aussie trade throughout 2018.Monday saw Australias government forecast that prices of iron ore, Australias most lucrative commodity, would fall around 20% this year overall as demand from China eases.As China is Australias biggest trade partner and one of the largest consumers of Australian iron ore, expectations for Chinas steel sector to shrink as the nations growth slows and it fights pollution issues could lead to weaker demand for the commodity overall in the future.On top of this, the Australian Dollar was pressured by a Reuters poll suggesting that analysts predicted the AUD/USD exchange rate would be close to where it currently is at the end of 2018.Predictions that the Aussie could see relatively flat trade throughout 2018 weighed on the currencys appeal on Monday and made it easier for GBP/AUD to advance.Despite a lack of notable UK ecostats due for publication until Wednesday, the Pound could hold its Monday gains against the Australian Dollar unless Brexit concerns worsen again.If UK Prime Minister Theresa Mays cabinet reshuffle ends up being poorly received or cause concerns about the Brexit process, this could cause some bearish Pound reaction throughout the week.Pound investors will of course remain on the lookout for any news about the potential tone that the second phase of Brexit negotiations will take when they begin in March.The Australian Dollar is unlikely to quickly recover its Monday losses, due to a lack of highly notable Australian ecostats due on Tuesday. Australian building permits data could influence the Aussie slightly however.The GBP/AUD exchange rate is more likely to be influenced by political news and risk-sentiment until Wednesday, when Australias NAB business confidence data will come in as well as Britains trade and production reports from November.Australian retail data is due on Thursday. If this weeks Australian data all impresses investors it could bolster hopes of a more hawkish Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) which could make the Aussie more appealing again.

International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements.

TAGS: Pound Australian Dollar ForecastsRussia's Experimental Hybrid War With Ukraine

Since 2014 Russia has used Ukraine as a testing ground for its hybrid warfare doctrine, underscoring what some security experts say is a case study for the new kinds of security threats the US and its Western allies can anticipate from Moscow.

The threats Ukraine faces are harbingers of things to come for the US and its other allies, said Junaid Islam, chief technology officer and president of Vidder , a California-based cybersecurity firm that does work in Ukraine. It is in the national strategic interests of both the United States and Ukraine to cooperate deeply in cybersecurity because Ukraine is a canary in the cyberspace coal mine, Islam said

A top Ukrainian security official recently disclosed a cyber warfare tactic honed by Russia in Ukraine, which could be a bellwether for Russias next act of political warfare against the US.

The Ukrainian government recently has been attacked by undetectable computer viruses that target particular individuals, in particular departments, and theyre constructed based on the social understanding of social media by particular people, Dmytro Shymkiv , deputy head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine on Administrative, Social and Economic Reform, explained recently at the 2017 Future in Review conference. Russia recruits psychiatrists, scientists, and neurologists, who construct these things to target particular individuals, Shymkiv said.

According to Ukrainian security officials, Russian agents build a psychological profile of their mark through his or her social media footprint. Then, using that information, the Russians can make personalised computer viruses, or run a social media influence operation specifically crafted with that one particular person in mind. People say, Well, thats a science fiction. Its not, Shymkiv said. When the annexation of Crimea took place, [Russia] shut down the internet to Ukraine, and they used social media to influence peoples behavior. And you can influence peoples behavior. You do it in a nice way, posting things to their friends, et cetera. Theres a whole factory in Russia doing this.

This is known in the cybersecurity world as social engineering, a form of cyberattack in which people are psychologically manipulated into performing actions or divulging confidential information. According to some security experts, the best defense against this kind of threat is education. Man is the weakest link in the chain of information technology, said Mykhailo Vasyanovich, head of the Public Council for the Ministry of Information Policy of Ukraine. With such cyberattacks, which are now taking place in Ukraine, it is necessary to raise the level of information technology literacy of users by conducting educational work on cybersecurity among employees of private and state enterprises, Vasyanovich said.

Some experts worry this reliance on the security savvy of Internet users to fend off Russian cyberattacks might be a vulnerability for the US. What may especially worry the US is that Russia targets influential individuals, such as journalists or political analysts, especially those of rather skeptical approach toward Moscow, Daniel Szeligowski, senior research fellow on Ukraine for the Polish Institute of International Affairs, told The Daily Signal. Unlike institutions or infrastructure, they dont have state protection and are thus vulnerable to intimidation and blackmailing, Szeligowski added. And given the rising popularity of social media, such a threat is even more widespread.

Hybrid War

Russias hybrid attacks against Ukraine have included, but are not limited to:

 Using social media to shape public opinion among an adversarys population.

 Turning commercially available computer software into a tool for espionage and cyberwarfare.

 Exploiting smartphones to spy on and wage psychological warfare against an adversarys military forces.

 Using cyberattacks to undermine an adversarys electoral process.

 Using pseudo-news reports to push a propaganda line that sows division within an adversarys national culture.

All of these tactics have also been used by Russia against the U.S. since Russo-American relations took a nosedive in the fallout over Russias military aggression against Ukraine in early 2014. Ukraine is a perfect testing ground for hybrid warfare, Szeligowski said. Thus, it is no wonder that Russia has already seized the opportunity, and in Ukraine it has made a dry run of all sorts of its offensive techniques.

Russian hybrid warfare is not covert warfare. Rather, its the combined use of conventional military force with other means such as cyberattacks and propaganda to sow chaos and confusion, both on the battlefield and deep behind the front lines.

Hybrid warfare is an evolving threat spanning every combat domain. Particularly, hybrid warfare weaponises many pieces of everyday life, including smartphones, social media networks, commercially available computer software, and journalism.

Russia is testing in Ukraine both procedures and concepts, which later on are being applied in the West, such as during the US and French elections, a Polish security spoke incognito, asking not to be named due to professional restrictions on speaking to the media.

In short, Ukraine remains for Russia a crucial hybrid warfare battleground and testbed, the security official said. The Russian hybrid warfare model is being further developed, perfected, and tested as we speak. Russias ability to escalate rapidly across the whole spectrum of conflict makes the West prone to the surprise effect.

Russias use of social media and cyberattacks as weapons of war might be innovative, but, at its core, its a modern revamp of a Cold War-era idea. Hybrid warfare is the Kremlins contemporary take on a Soviet military doctrine called deep battle, in which front-line combat operations are supported with operations to spread chaos and confusion deep within the enemys country. Hybrid warfare also draws on the Soviet Unions well-documented history of influence operations against the US and other Western allies.

In effect, Russias overall strategy to undermine the West hasnt changed all that much from the Soviet Unions playbook. But the world in which those Soviet theories are now put into practice is a radically different one than during the Cold War.

The advent of the internet, and social media in particular, has given the Kremlin direct access to the populations of its adversaries, bypassing the gatekeeper role Americas media institutions used to play. Everything today is digitised, including phone and mail services, and everything runs on the same network, Kenneth Geers, ambassador of NATOs cybersecurity center and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told The Daily Signal. There is only one Internet, and one cyberspace, inhabited by all of the worlds citizens, soldiers, spies, and statesmen.

Meanwhile, Americans distrust in their media institutions has reached historic levels. Russia has stealthily taken advantage of Americans crisis of confidence in the media to permeate the US news cycle with misinformation spread by propaganda mouthpieces cloaked as alternative news sources, such as RT and Sputnik.

Lessons Learned

Some commercial cybersecurity firms have stepped in both to harden Ukraines cyber-defenses and use lessons learned from Ukraine to craft better defenses for the US to counter Russia. With the world increasingly digital and connected, Ukraine is of strategic, vital interest to the West, said Greg Ness, a cybersecurity specialist and vice president of marketing at Vidder . What happens in Ukraine doesnt stay in Ukraine. California-based Vidder has put together a team of cybersecurity experts to comprise the core of a proposed US-Ukraine cybersecurity center with offices in Kyiv, Washington, and Silicon Valley.

By ensuring that Ukraine adopts leading cybersecurity solutions and best practices, we will not only provide Ukraine with the best protection from cyberattacks, but it also helps US experts develop new and more effective technologies and strategies in the future, Islam, Vidders president, said. It will also help establish Ukraine as a secure, stable, prosperous, and reliable ally in Eastern Europe.

The war in Ukraine has shaped how NATO forces are training for the next military conflict. NATO and Ukraine already cooperate in a joint center to counter hybrid warfare. The center is part of the Comprehensive Assistance Package that NATO pledged to Ukraine during the alliances summit in Warsaw last year.

According to NATO, the joint center will be a platform for identifying lessons learned from hybrid war in Ukraine.

For its part, the US military has reportedly been studying the war in Ukraine to shape its own military doctrine. Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the Trump administrations national security adviser, recently directed a study to analyse Russias hybrid warfare tactics in Ukraine in order to craft recommendations for the US Army.

Not all of Russias hybrid warfare tactics in Ukraine would be effective against the US. There is a yawning gap between Ukrainian and American cyber capabilities, not to mention cultural and linguistic differences between Russians and Americans, Szeligowski said. But it goes beyond any doubt that, at least at some point, Russia already used hybrid warfare instruments against the US, and did it effectively.

Hybrid Way of Life

The effects of Russias proxy war against Ukraine are limited to a 250-mile-long static front line in southeastern Ukraines Donbas region. The war is moderated in intensity and is geographically frozen according to the rules of the February 2015 cease-fire deal, known as Minsk II. More than 10,100 Ukrainians have died so far in the war. The conflict has displaced about 1.7 million people. Yet, the physical consequences of the war are quarantined from most of the country. Outside the range of the artillery, mortars, rockets, and tank shots, youd hardly know there was war going on.

On a physical battlefield, a war extends as far as the range of the weapons used. In hybrid warfare, however, the battlefield knows no limit.

Consequently, theres hardly any part of Ukrainian life that hasnt been affected by Russias ongoing hybrid war.

Russian cyberattacks have hit Ukraines power grid, water supply systems, the countrys banking system (shutting down ATMs), its largest international airport, and the electoral process.

In December 2016, a cyberattack, which Ukrainian officials attributed to Russia, took down one-fifth of Kyivs electrical grid . Since 2014, Ukrainian security services have thwarted numerous cyberattacks in which malware from abroad was used in attempts to steal classified information from Ukrainian government networks. In the eyes of Ukrainian security officials, the internet has become as much of a battlefield as the trenches in the Donbas region. The main goal of Russias information warfare, according to Ukrainian security officials, is to incite civil unrest throughout all of Ukraine and to undermine the governments credibility.

Since 2014, Ukraine has established a Situation Center for Cybersecurity , and Ukrainian officials have fostered closer ties to Western intelligence agencies to bolster their cyber-defenses.

Security State

Russias purchase of $100,000 worth of Facebook advertisements in the run-up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election sparked a media frenzy in America and an outcry from lawmakers for social media sites to provide better transparency about the identity of those who purchase advertisements on their sites.

In Ukraine, Russia has been exploiting social media as a weapon of war for years.

In a sweeping ban announced in May, Ukrainian officials banned Russian internet search engines, including Yandex, as well as popular Russian social media sites such as VKontakte, which millions of Ukrainians used. The ban prompted some pushback from Ukrainians, who used these sites for many daily tasks and for social reasons. But Ukrainian officials insisted the sites posed a national security threat, which warranted the free speech trade-off.

Also in May, Ukraine banned commercially available Russian software, including anti-virus software from Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab, the same company US officials now say was used as a Trojan horse for Russian intelligence agencies to steal classified information from the US government. The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalise on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates US national security, the Department of Homeland Security said in a Sept. 13 statement posted to its website.

US intelligence officials said Russian intelligence services had modified anti-virus software from Kaspersky Lab to clandestinely search computers around the world for classified US government documents and top-secret information.

Possessing a worldwide deployment of sensors may be too great a temptation for any countrys intelligence service to ignore, and Kaspersky may have been forced into a quiet business partnership with the Russian government, Geers, the NATO cybersecurity specialist, said.

Similarly, news reports recently detailed how Russian military forces have been targeting the smartphones of NATO troops to gather intelligence. Ukrainian soldiers in the eastern war zone have long been advised by their leaders not to turn on their smartphones while in the war zone. Russian forces reportedly have used the cell signals emitting from Ukrainian soldiers phones to target its artillery. For years, Ukrainian soldiers have reported receiving death threats and demands for their surrender from their enemies over cellphone text messages.

New Weapons

Journalism has been one of Russias most lethal weapons against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have banned a slew of Russian TV stations from broadcasting in Ukraine, and foreign journalists accused of spreading Russian propaganda have been booted out of the country. Anti-propaganda outlets in Ukraine such as StopFake.org also monitor media reports for Russian disinformation and are dedicated to setting the record straight.

To counter Russian propaganda in the war zone, Ukraines government has rebuilt its TV and radio broadcast network in the east, which Russia and its separatist proxies destroyed in the opening days of the war.

For years, Ukrainian citizens in eastern Ukraine could access only Russian TV channels for their news. Now, Ukraine has taken back control of the airwaves. While not as evident or as spectacular as the artillery bombardments and the tank battles, the battle for broadcast dominance in eastern Ukraine is a key piece of the overall war effort for Kyiv. After all, many Ukrainian citizens in eastern Ukraine cant tell whether the artillery they are living under is fired from Ukrainian or Russian forces. And so long as they had access only to Russian television networks, which exclusively painted Ukrainian forces as the aggressor and, consequently, responsible for all civilian casualties, public opinion toward Ukraines central government was under an endless stress test as the war dragged on.

Now, with Ukraine able to defend itself on the airwaves, Russia has lost a potent weapon to turn the citizens of eastern Ukraine against their own government. Similarly, US lawmakers have debated how to defend the US population against Kremlin-backed news outlets, including RT (formerly Russia Today) and Sputnik, which US officials have called out as Russian propaganda mouthpieces.

The FBI reportedly has turned to a US law intended to prevent the spread of Nazi propaganda to determine whether the two Russian media outlets should register as foreign agents.

In America, as has been the case in Ukraine, manipulation of the media by a foreign power increasingly is regarded as a hostile act warranting retaliation. America has experienced a sustained attempt by a hostile power to feed and exploit our countrys division, former President George W. Bush said in alast year. Russia has made a project of turning Americans against each other, Bush said, adding, Foreign aggressions, including cyberattacks, disinformation, and financial influence, should never be downplayed or tolerated.

You Might Also Read:As Labor Day nears, industry leaders bemoan ongoing worker shortage

Local labor industry leaders say there has been a worker shortage in Somerset County for years. The pandemic didn't help.I went on a tour of North Korea in July 1989, when I was in Kerala. We couldnt travel directly to its capital Pyongyang. We got off at Beijing in China, took help from our embassy, and boarded a train to Pyongyang.

I was already sick of the huge advertisements appearing in The Hindu, praising Kim as a great leader. I was hosted at a five-star hotel. It was five-star only in name; the food and amenities were ordinary. Like in the Moscow of Stalins time, huge palaces loomed everywhere. You bought daily use products at these palaces. At one such palace, beneath a glittering chandelier, I saw people queueing up for bread. Like all countries in Europe, Russia dreamed of building an empire like Rome, and was not able to build a socialist society finding comfort and happiness in its everyday ordinariness. It was evident in Pyongyang that a similar ambition  to become a great nation  had turned North Korea into a disturbed nation. Anxious that the world was not recognising it, the country was advertising aggressively.

The paradox is that North Korea does not need all this anymore. After it made it known to the world that it could produce a nuclear bomb, it is featured regularly on CNN and BBC. The country has achieved its objective; it has found an identity. All nations that depend on nuclear power to establish their greatness keep their citizens hungry and impoverished. Even Stalin, who embalmed and preserved Lenins body, destroyed Lenins ideals, and did something similar. The Soviet Union collapsed under its own weight: it had grown into a dinosaur nation.

India has now caught the attention of the world with its nuclear capability. It is dreaming of joining the great nations of the world. As it dreams, farmers unable to deal with their debt are committing suicide. Capitalism and communism, both developed by the West, are ultimately anti-people. In their technological naivete, they are anti-life.

Suragi, by UR Ananthamurthy; Translated from Kannada by SR Ramakrishna; Oxford University Press

I ate bland, tasteless Korean food at the hotel, and saw everything I was expected to see to understand the might of Korea. I travelled with two interpreters. Kim Sangs face was everywhere, at every elevation. His new name Kim means the sun. We saw his village and his humble home. After the Second World War, when America and the Soviet Union were trying to polarise the nations of the world, Kim was on the Soviet side. This hero had fought against Japan in the Red Army and became a leader in North Korea. He was thirty-three in 1945. The consensus seemed to be that he was a true peoples leader. He had taken part in a guerrilla war against the Japanese who had occupied Korea. There was no comparable leader in South Korea. I didnt see a single person in North Korea who wasnt wearing a badge with his picture. They say a ruler must be loved and feared by his people. Even if he is not loved, he must be feared.

People forced to live in fear may deceive themselves into believing they love what they fear. All evil people who want to build nations know this. Ashoka was perhaps the only exception.

My interpreter friends said Kim was a greater thinker than Lenin, Marx, and Mao. Going against the belief that Mao had added a new dimension to communism, they believed Kim had taken a bigger stride. Not only had he added a new dimension but he had also fathered a son who could continue his work. Kim, in power now, used to be called the Dear Leader. He is still called that.

Another unforgettable memory is from my trip to a peak in North Korea. It goes by the name of Summit Myohyangsan, meaning "mysterious fragrant mountain". Photo: Juche Travels

Initially, in terms of its economy, North Korea was ahead of South Korea. Although North Korea had taken help from the Soviet Union and China, Kims followers went about saying he was no flunkey. They used a word to describe this: juche. It means self-reliance. In this idea of self-reliance, the Soviet Union and China had played a significant role. When those two countries were in conflict, Kim was inclined in favour of China, and that had affected the North Korean economy. I saw many impressive schools, factories, and military units. No truth can be gleaned from such a tour. These are meant to impress visitors. I will not write about them but will record two unusual experiences.

A girl from South Korea, called Rim, had come to North Korea to take part in a tournament. She had defied her government and arrived in North Korea without her countrys permission. The day after I landed there, she had turned into a hero in North Korea. With her as the focus a movement began to unify the two Koreas. Several Palestinians, besides a Gandhian from America, took part in this movement. I was one of those who believed the two countries should come together, and joined the demonstration. Being a foreigner supporting the cause, I made news. I marched in the procession, and made a speech. My interpreters were delighted. I used to ask every day, "Take me to a restaurant where common Koreans eat."

They finally gathered the courage to heed my request. When they tried to usher me in as a VIP, I objected. I stood in a queue, waited like the others, and ate authentic Korean fare. Each of those I saw there wore a Kim badge. Many people identified me as a participant in the movement, and shook hands.

As I write, I recall something from the past. When the two Koreas were at war  that is, when America and the Soviet Union were at war  Aurobindo, one of the great seers of our country, took a stand. He broke his silence and said we should side with the Americans in this war. I regard him highly for his scholarship, and I am still perplexed by his position. Why just Aurobindo, even Karanth, Adiga, and Shah, the editor of Quest magazine, were in favour of America. Their rivals, such as Bhisham Sahni, had seen the cruelty of the Soviet Union, but closed their eyes to it. The great nations conspired to stop these two nations from uniting, a desire in the hearts of all Koreans. The origins of all problems in todays world can be traced to the sins of these two nations.

Does Korea love its culture? Is it searching for an identity? A South Korean writer told me, "Few read what we write in Korean. All American books, even the awful ones, get translated instantly into Korean, writer Saul Bellow included. Translation is a curse." In Washington, once, I met an adventurous businessman from Udupi. He knew Shivarama Karanth, and had a rich inner life. He used to frequent South Korea for business. He once wished to see historical places there. His friends and fellow businessmen there told him, "We dont want our past. We are trying to erase it completely, and become new. We have never been to these historical places." North Koreans, who have gained independence from their Japanese colonisers, think of themselves as the true Koreans. I asked my companions, "Is there an ancient Buddhist temple I can see?" They said they had banned all faiths but those who wished to retain their shrines had been allowed to do so. They took me to a Buddhist temple that had survived this way.

They say a ruler must be loved and feared by his people. Even if he is not loved, he must be feared. Photo: Reuters

I saw an emaciated monk. His upper garment didnt have a badge of Kim, the countrys supreme leader. Perhaps we could say he was free to that extent. He showed me the old books in the shrine. He got little by way of honorarium from the villages around, as he might have in an earlier age. A couple of elderly people were walking in and out for their prayers. He answered my questions in a manner that would please my companions. I asked them, "Isnt Buddhism important to you?" What they said in reply was not too different from what the South Koreans had told me. "We live in a new age. Our great leader Kim is creating his age. He has gone beyond Buddha, Marx, and Lenin, and presented his ideas." I didnt let them go at that. "Isnt Buddha important in your cultural history for any reason?" One of my companions pondered. He stopped me, and gave me an astonishing answer. "Buddha is important from the perspective of printing technology. His disciples were the first to print books." I was stupefied by his reply.

I must add another observation here. I started thinking about the life of the emaciated, pathetic monk and his ancestors. People in the villages were probably sharecroppers. These monks must have had the power to punish those who didnt hand them their shares. As one who had come from a religious order, I knew how, as part of the daily ritual of worship, property was routinely confiscated. Yet I need all of them  Buddha, Christ, Mohammed, Shankara, Madhwa, Ramanuja, Ramana, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. I need them without their materialist critics, and without their fake acolytes. I need them as themselves. I need them as people of their time, and also as people relevant to our times.

Another unforgettable memory is from my trip to a peak in North Korea. It goes by the name of Summit Myohyangsan, meaning "mysterious fragrant mountain". At 57, forgetting my diabetic problems, I climbed it with my companions. Hundreds of others were also climbing it. They were strong. Some were Korean soldiers. We stopped when we felt tired. I climbed on in anticipation of reaching the summit. Suddenly my blood sugar plummeted, and I started shivering. I felt giddy, and blacked out for a moment. I slumped to the ground. I didnt have any candy in my pocket. My companions, who loved American chocolate, didnt have any sweet on them either. I saw soldiers marching on, carrying food on their shoulders. I pointed at the packets. A soldier came to me and opened his packet. It had some stale rice, cooked long ago. He lovingly gave me what he would have eaten for lunch. He told me, in humility and in a language I couldnt follow, to eat it. I devoured it as if at a feast, and recovered. I felt the energy slowly returning to my body, and enjoyed the experience.

A woman was taking a child to the peak. I had been in the news in Korea, and she identified me. She carried some toffee for her child. She offered me some. Disgusted with Kim and his intoxicated self-praise, I was suddenly struck by the goodness of the people and forgot all my political thoughts. I felt better, and climbed all the way to the summit. A palace stands there. It is grand beyond description. It is meant to proclaim the splendour of their supreme leader Kim. It is filled with aircraft and cars  gifted to him by Stalin and the Chinese premier  and stunning statuettes and plaques made of gold and silver, gifted by other countries. They ushered me in to look at the books. It had books on Kim, written by writers from across the world. Surprisingly, I found hundreds of books written by Indians. I could not recognise even one of those authors. They were slim books but produced lavishly and bound in leather.

We came down the mountain and reached a pond. I was so exhausted I flopped down on a bench. My two companions took off their suits. They stripped me down to my underwear and began to massage my body. Their fingers had a miraculous power. They had a mischievous twinkle in their eyes that helped me overcome my inhibitions. My body was gradually rejuvenated. They fetched tea from somewhere, made me sip it, and escorted me to the car.

My companions, who had been so loving, began to trouble me from the next day. "Our great leader Kim is getting old. You must write a book on him," one of them said. They wanted me, as vice-chancellor of a university, to get him a DLitt. "Please, please..." I assumed they were trying to get promotions, and said regretfully, "I have no authority to grant a DLitt to a political leader. But a book?" "I dont write such books," I said. They offered to fund the writing. I declined. My companions thought I was just being modest, and continued to take good care of me for the rest of my stay in their capital.

After I reached Kerala they got people to call me from the Korean embassy, and continued to pressure me. All that is past now. North Korea has armed itself with nuclear weapons, and is on the path of self-destruction, like many other countries.

They no longer need writers like me. While talking to an official about Korean agriculture, I had told him about ragi, the millet we grow with little rainfall. He asked me to send him some seeds. I didnt write a book or give Kim a doctorate. But I did send the official some ragi.

(Excerpted with permission from Oxford University Press.)

Also read: How Gandhi's Hind Swaraj played a role in making Modi's IndiaThe Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Global Wealth Management segments. The company offers financial advice and solutions, and day-to-day banking products, including debit and credit cards, chequing and saving accounts, investments, mortgages, loans, and insurance to individuals; and business banking solutions comprising lending, deposit, cash management, and trade finance solutions to small businesses and commercial customers, including automotive financing solutions to dealers and their customers. It also provides wealth management advice and solutions, including online brokerage, mobile investment, full-service brokerage, trust, private banking, and private investment counsel services; and retail mutual funds, exchange traded funds, liquid alternative funds, and institutional funds. In addition, the company offers international banking services for retail, corporate, and commercial customers; and lending and transaction, investment banking advisory, and capital markets access services to corporate customers. Further, it provides Internet, mobile, and telephone banking services. The company operates a network of 952 branches and approximately 3,540 automated banking machines in Canada; and approximately 1,400 branches, 5,200 ATMs, and 22 contact centers internationally. The Bank of Nova Scotia was founded in 1832 and is headquartered in Halifax, Canada.

Read MoreWho would not want to catch a glimpse of where and how the President of India lives?

The larger-than-life grandeur of the presidential house would undoubtedly attract one and all and that is what makes the Rastrapati Bhavan a major tourist attraction, apart from being the official seat of the President.

Even President Ram Nath Kovind has now invited all Indians to visit the presidential house or what he has called the ''embodiment of the Indian Republic.''

The official social-media page of the President of India recently shared a video that takes you on a virtual tour of the 340-room presidential mansion.

''I welcome you to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, the embodiment of the Indian Republic. It belongs to all Indians. Do come and see it,'' the post was captioned.

I welcome you to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, the embodiment of the Indian Republic. It belongs to all Indians. Do come and see it #PresidentKovind pic.twitter.com/xH6SXFZNLX - President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 7, 2018

The 43-second video gives you a sneak-peek into various corners of the mansion, including Durbar Hall (where India's first independent government was sworn in), a wonderfully decorated Ashoka Hall (where introductions for visiting foreign delegations by the Heads of Missions of foreign countries are held), the library, the state dining room, the south drawing room, thus leaving you awestruck with its sheer magnificence.

Photo: Twitter/IncredibleBhumi Photo: Twitter/IncredibleBhumi

Also Read:Rashtrapati Bhavan to open up areas never seen before by tourists

President Kovind had earlier extended a similar invitation to people, two months ago.

This isn't the first time that the Rashtrapati Bhavan has been opened to tourists. What made the difference this time was President Kovind's personal touch to the invitation.

Besides, the website, where people have to fix an appointment before visiting, has also been refurbished. A nominal registration charge of Rs 50 will have to be paid by visitors above the age of eight. Now, one can also purchase souvenirs from the government's online store, reported NDTV.

Rashtrapati Bhavan is open to visitors four days in a week, which are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as mentioned in the video.Derwent London plc owns 83 buildings in a commercial real estate portfolio predominantly in central London valued at A5.4 billion (including joint ventures) as at 30 June 2020, making it the largest London-focused real estate investment trust (REIT). Our experienced team has a long track record of creating value throughout the property cycle by regenerating our buildings via development or refurbishment, effective asset management and capital recycling. We typically acquire central London properties off-market with low capital values and modest rents in improving locations, most of which are either in the West End or the Tech Belt. We capitalise on the unique qualities of each of our properties - taking a fresh approach to the regeneration of every building with a focus on anticipating tenant requirements and an emphasis on design. Reflecting and supporting our long-term success, the business has a strong balance sheet with modest leverage, a robust income stream and flexible financing. As part of our commitment to lead the industry in mitigating climate change, in October 2019, Derwent London became the first UK REIT to sign a Green Revolving Credit Facility. At the same time, we also launched our Green Finance Framework and signed the Better Buildings Partnership's climate change commitment. The Group is a member of the 'RE100' which recognises Derwent London as an influential company, committed to 100% renewable power by purchasing renewable energy, a key step in becoming a net zero carbon business. Derwent London is one of only a few property companies worldwide to have science-based carbon targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Landmark schemes in our 5.6 million sq ft portfolio include 80 Charlotte Street W1, Brunel Building W2, White Collar Factory EC1, Angel Building EC1, 1-2 Stephen Street W1, Horseferry House SW1 and Tea Building E1. In 2019, the Group won several awards including EG Offices Company of the Year, the CoStar West End Deal of the Year for Brunel Building, Westminster Business Council's Best Achievement in Sustainability award and topped the real estate sector and was placed ninth overall in the Management Today 2019 awards for 'Britain's Most Admired Companies'. In 2013 the Company launched a voluntary Community Fund and has to date supported over 100 community projects in the West End and the Tech Belt. The Company is a public limited company, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is 25 Savile Row, London,

Read MoreExelis Inc. (Exelis) is a diversified aerospace, defense, information and services company. The Company delivers mission-critical solutions to military, government and commercial customers in the United States and globally. It operates in two segments: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Electronics and Systems, and Information and Technical Services. Its C4ISR Electronics and Systems segment provides engineered systems and solutions, including: ISR systems; integrated electronic warfare systems; radar and sonar systems; electronic attack and release systems; communications solutions; space systems, and composite aerostructures. The Companys Information and Technical Services segment provides a range of service solutions: systems integration; network design and development; air traffic management; cyber; intelligence; advanced engineering, and space launch and range-support.

Read MoreGlaxoSmithKline Plc is a healthcare company, which engages in the research, development, and manufacture of pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. It operates through the following segments: Pharmaceuticals; Pharmaceuticals R&D; Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare. The Pharmaceuticals segment focuses on developing medicines in respiratory and infectious diseases, oncology, and immuno-inflammation. The Pharmaceuticals R&D segment focuses on science related to the immune system, the use of human genetics and advanced technologies, and is driven by the multiplier effect of Science x Technology x Culture. The Vaccines segment produces pediatric and adult vaccines to prevent a range of infectious diseases including, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, typhoid, influenza, and bacterial meningitis. The Consumer Healthcare segment develops and markets brands in the oral health, pain relief, respiratory, nutrition and gastro intestinal, and skin health categories. The company was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Middlesex, the United Kingdom.

Read More2 hours ago

| September 5th | 2021 3:01 AM

Do we need humans for that job? Automation booms after COVID

Ask for a roast beef sandwich at an Arbys drive-thru east of Los Angeles and you may be talking to Tori  an artificially intelligent voice assistant that will take your order and send it to the line cooks. It doesnt call sick, says Amir Siddiqi, whose family installed the AI voice at its Arbys franchise this year in Ontario, California.A 12-hour strike called by Jharkhand Disom Party protesting against the Religious Freedom Act and the Land Tenancy Act passed by the Supreme court has massively affected daily life in West Bengal.

The protestors in order to demonstrate their anger and disapproval against the Act, blocked many railway lines and disrupted the daily schedule of the passengers.

A passenger travelling via Rajdhani said, "The problem should be solved as we are suffering for no reason here. We have been standing here for over 4 hours and no one is paying any heed. The locals and the station master said that the train won't move until Mamata Banerjee comes here."

Few of the important trains that are stuck due to the strike are Rajdhani 12423, Sariagat Express 12346, Shatabdi Express, and Darjeeling Mail.

Also, 4 DMU trains have returned and many passenger trains have been cancelled.

Upon asking for the reason Durga Hembrom, the General Secretary of Uttar Dinajpur Jharkhand Disham Party said, "We called for 12 hours of Bharat Bandh with the claim of abolishing Jharkhand Land Tenancy Bill and Jharkhand Religious Freedom Bill which were passed in 2017. Earlier, the tribal lands were not sold to other tribes, but with the passage of this Bill, it allows the selling and the registry of land to other tribes. These bill are making lives of the tribal people miserable. Therefore, we want immediate abolition of these bills."

Tribals have gathered in front of the railway lines with almost 500 to 600 supporters along with their traditional weapons.

On account of the strike, Bramhaputra Mail, Tevaga Express, Padatik Express, several goods train and a huge number of vehicles got stuck. Places which are affected because of this strike are Cooch Behar, Bardhaman, Bakura and Malda.

Trains in the entire north Bengal en route Assam are now delayed by more than 12 hours and many are yet to reach their destination.

(With inputs from Bhabananda Singha, Anil Giri and Kayes Ansari)

WATCH | India Today Conclave East 2017: Mamata Banerjee lashes out at PM Modi, calls him TughlaqConocoPhillips engages in the exploration, production, transportation and marketing of crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and liquefied natural gas on a worldwide basis. It operates through the following geographical segments: Alaska; Lower 48; Canada; Europe, Middle East and North Africa; Asia Pacific; and Other International. The Alaska segment primarily explores for produces, transports and markets crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. The Lower 48 segment consists of operations in the U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico. The Canada segment is comprised of oil sands development in the Athabasca Region of northeastern Alberta and a liquids-rich unconventional play in western Canada. The Europe, Middle East and North Africa segment consists of operations and exploration activities in Norway, the United Kingdom and Libya. The Asia Pacific segment has explorations and product operations in China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia. The Other International segment handles exploration activities in Columbia and Argentina. The company was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Houston, TX.

Read More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. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc.,      ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics.The following companies are subsidiares of BorgWarner: B80 Italia S.r.l., BERU AG, BW El Salto S.A. De C.V., BWA Receivables Corporation, BWA Turbo Systems Holding LLC, Borg Warner Europe Holdings (PDS) B. V., BorgWarner (China) Investment Co. Ltd., BorgWarner (Reman) Holdings L.L.C., BorgWarner (Thailand) Limited, BorgWarner Aftermarket Europe GmbH, BorgWarner Alternators Inc., BorgWarner Arden LLC, BorgWarner Arnstadt RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Asia Inc., BorgWarner Automotive Asia Limited, BorgWarner Automotive Components (Beijing) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Brasil Ltda., BorgWarner Chungju Co. LLC, BorgWarner Comercial e Distribuidora de Pecas para Veiculos Automotores Ltda., BorgWarner Comercializadora PDS S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner Componentes PDS S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner Cooling Systems (India) Private Limited, BorgWarner Cooling Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Diversified Transmission Products Services Inc., BorgWarner Drivetrain Engineering GmbH, BorgWarner Drivetrain Management Services de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Drivetrain de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Electric Motors L.L.C., BorgWarner Emissions Systems (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Emissions Systems (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Emissions Systems Holding LLC, BorgWarner Emissions Systems India Private Limited, BorgWarner Emissions Systems LLC, BorgWarner Emissions Systems Portugal Unipessoal LDA, BorgWarner Emissions Systems Spain S.L.U., BorgWarner Emissions Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner Emissions Talegaon Private Limited, BorgWarner Engineering Ketsch RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Engineering Kibo RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Esslingen GmbH, BorgWarner Europe GmbH, BorgWarner Europe Holding S.a. r. l., BorgWarner Gateshead Limited, BorgWarner Germany Holding GmbH, BorgWarner Germany Holding Services GmbH, BorgWarner Germany REH GmbH, BorgWarner Germany REM GmbH, BorgWarner Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, BorgWarner Global Holding S.a. r. l., BorgWarner Heidelberg I RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Heidelberg II RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Heidelberg REH GmbH, BorgWarner Heidelberg REM GmbH, BorgWarner Holding Inc., BorgWarner Holdings Limited, BorgWarner Hungary Kft., BorgWarner IT Services Europe GmbH, BorgWarner India Holdings Inc., BorgWarner Investment Holding Inc., BorgWarner Ithaca LLC, BorgWarner Ketsch Plant RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Ketsch REH GmbH, BorgWarner Ketsch REM GmbH, BorgWarner Kft., BorgWarner Kibo RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Korea Holdings (PDS) B.V., BorgWarner Korea Holdings LLC, BorgWarner Korea LLC, BorgWarner Limited, BorgWarner Ludwigsburg GmbH, BorgWarner Ludwigsburg RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Markdorf Plant RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Markdorf REH GmbH, BorgWarner Markdorf REM GmbH, BorgWarner Massachusetts Inc., BorgWarner Mauritius Holdings Ltd., BorgWarner Mexico Holding BV, BorgWarner Mexico Holdings II LLC, BorgWarner Mexico Holdings LLC, BorgWarner Morse Systems India Private Limited, BorgWarner Morse Systems Italy S.r.l., BorgWarner Morse Systems Japan K.K., BorgWarner Morse Systems Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Muggendorf RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner NW Inc., BorgWarner Netherlands Holdings (PDS) B.V., BorgWarner Oroszlany Kft., BorgWarner PDS (Anderson) L.L.C., BorgWarner PDS (Changnyeong) LLC, BorgWarner PDS (Indiana) Inc., BorgWarner PDS (Livonia) Inc., BorgWarner PDS (Ochang) LLC, BorgWarner PDS (Thailand) Limited, BorgWarner PDS (USA) Inc., BorgWarner PDS Brasil Produtos Automotivos Ltda., BorgWarner PDS Irapuato S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner PDS Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner PDS Technologies L.L.C., BorgWarner Poland Sp. z o.o., BorgWarner Pyongtaek LLC, BorgWarner Romeo Power LLC, BorgWarner Rzeszow Sp. z o.o., BorgWarner Shenglong (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner South Asia LLC, BorgWarner Southborough Inc., BorgWarner Spain Holding S.L.U, BorgWarner Sweden AB, BorgWarner Systems Lugo S.r.l., BorgWarner Thermal Systems Inc., BorgWarner Thermal Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems Beijing Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Tralee Ltd., BorgWarner Transmission Products LLC, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Arnstadt GmbH, BorgWarner Transmission Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Korea LLC, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Tulle S.A.S., BorgWarner Trustees Limited, BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems France S.A.S., BorgWarner Turbo Systems Engineering GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems LLC, BorgWarner Turbo Systems Worldwide Headquarters GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner Turbo and Emissions Systems de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner UK Financing Ltd., BorgWarner UK Holding and Services Ltd., BorgWarner US Holding LLC, BorgWarner USA Industries L.L.C., BorgWarner United Transmission Systems Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Waterloo Inc., BorgWarner Wrexham Limited, Cascadia Motion LLC, Creon Insurance Agency Limited, Delphi Technologies, Dytech ENSA, Gustav Wahler GmbH u. Co. KG, Haldex, Kuhlman LLC, Kysor Europe Limited, M. & M. Knopf Auto Parts L.L.C., NSK-Warner (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., NSK-Warner K.K., NSK-Warner Mexico S.A. de C.V, NSK-Warner U.S.A. Inc., New PDS Corp., Old Remco Holdings L.L.C., Old Remco International Holdings L.L.C., Remy International, SeohanWarner Turbo Systems LLC, Sevcon, Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited, and Transmission Systems AutoForm LLC.The following companies are subsidiares of Bristol-Myers Squibb: 1096271 B.C. ULC, 345 Park LLC, A.G. Medical Services P.A., AHI Investment LLC, AbVitro LLC, Abraxis BioScience Australia Pty Ltd., Abraxis BioScience Inc., Abraxis BioScience International Holding Company Inc., Abraxis BioScience LLC, Abraxis BioScience Puerto Rico LLC, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Adnexus, Adnexus a Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Company, Allard Labs Acquisition G.P., Amira Pharmaceuticals, Amira Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Apothecon LLC, B-MS Generx Unlimited Company, BMS Benelux Holdings B.V., BMS Bermuda Nominees L.L.C., BMS Data Acquisition Company LLC, BMS Forex Company, BMS Holdings Sarl, BMS Holdings Spain S.L., BMS International Insurance Designated Activity Company, BMS Investco SAS, BMS Korea Holdings L.L.C., BMS Latin American Nominees L.L.C., BMS Luxembourg Partners L.L.C., BMS Omega Bermuda Holdings Finance Ltd., BMS Pharmaceutical Korea Limited, BMS Pharmaceuticals Germany Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals International Holdings Netherlands B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Korea Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Mexico Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Netherlands Holdings B.V., BMS Real Estate LLC, BMS Spain Investments LLC, BMS Strategic Portfolio Investments Holdings Inc., Blisa Acquisition G.P., Bristol (Iran) S.A., Bristol Iran Private Company Limited, Bristol Laboratories Inc., Bristol Laboratories International S.A., Bristol Laboratories Medical Information Systems Inc., Bristol-Myers (Andes) L.L.C., Bristol-Myers (Private) Limited, Bristol-Myers Middle East S.A.L., Bristol-Myers Overseas Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Israel) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (NZ) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Proprietary) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Taiwan) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (West Indies) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb A.E., Bristol-Myers Squibb Aktiebolag, Bristol-Myers Squibb Argentina S. R. L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Axia Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb B.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Belgium S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Business Services Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada International Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Delta Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Denmark Filial of Bristol-Myers Squibb AB, Bristol-Myers Squibb EMEA Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Egypt LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Epsilon Holdings Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Ltda., Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Portuguesa S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holding Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings 2002 Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Ireland Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Pharma Ltd. Liability Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Ilaclari Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb India Pvt. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Company Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Investco L.L.C., Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Bristol-Myers Squibb Kft., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg International S.C.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb MEA GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Manufacturing Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Marketing Services S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Norway Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Nutricionales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Peru S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (HK) Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (Thailand) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Holding Company LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Ventures Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Polska Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Products SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico/Sanofi Pharmaceutical Partnership Puerto Rico, Bristol-Myers Squibb Romania S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.A.U., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Service Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Services Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Spol. s r.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Theta Finance Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Trustees Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Colombia S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Costa Rica Sociedad Anonima, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Guatemala S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb/Astrazeneca EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership, Bristol-Myers de Venezuela S.C.A., CHT I LLC, CHT II LLC, CHT III LLC, CHT IV LLC, CR Finance Company LLC, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celem LLC, Celem Ltd., Celgene, Celgene A.B., Celgene AS, Celgene Ab (Finland), Celgene Alpine Investment Co. II LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. III LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. LLC, Celgene ApS, Celgene B.V., Celgene BVBA, Celgene Brasil Produtos Farmaceuticos Ltda., Celgene CAR LLC, Celgene CAR Ltd., Celgene Chemicals Sarl, Celgene China Holdings LLC, Celgene Co., Celgene Corporation, Celgene Distribution B.V., Celgene EngMab GmbH, Celgene Europe B.V., Celgene Europe Limited, Celgene European Investment Company LLC, Celgene Financing Company LLC, Celgene Global Holdings Sarl, Celgene GmbH [Austria], Celgene GmbH [Germany], Celgene GmbH [Switzerland], Celgene Holdings East Corporation, Celgene Holdings II Sarl, Celgene Holdings III Sarl, Celgene Ilac Pazarlama ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Celgene Inc., Celgene International Holdings Corporation, Celgene International II Sarl, Celgene International III Sarl, Celgene International Inc., Celgene International Sarl, Celgene K.K., Celgene Kft., Celgene Limited [Hong Kong], Celgene Limited [Ireland], Celgene Limited [New Zealand], Celgene Limited [Taiwan], Celgene Limited [UK], Celgene Logistics Sarl, Celgene Ltd, Celgene Luxembourg Sarl, Celgene Management Sarl, Celgene NJ Investment Co, Celgene Netherlands B.V., Celgene Netherlands Investment B.V., Celgene Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Celgene Pte. Ltd., Celgene Pty Ltd, Celgene Puerto Rico Distribution LLC, Celgene Quanticel Research Inc, Celgene R&D Sarl, Celgene RIVOT LLC, Celgene RIVOT Ltd., Celgene RIVOT SRL, Celgene Receptos Limited, Celgene Receptos Sarl, Celgene Research Incubator At Summit West LLC, Celgene Research S.L.U., Celgene Research and Development Company LLC, Celgene Research and Development I ULC, Celgene Research and Development II LLC, Celgene Research and Investment Company II LLC, Celgene S. de R.L. de C.V., Celgene S.L.U., Celgene S.R.L., Celgene SAS, Celgene Sarl AU, Celgene Sdn Bhd, Celgene Services Sarl, Celgene Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Celgene Sp. Z.o.o., Celgene Sro [Czech Republic], Celgene Summit Investment Co, Celgene Switzerland Holding Sarl, Celgene Switzerland II LLC, Celgene Switzerland Investment Sarl, Celgene Switzerland LLC, Celgene Switzerland Sarl, Celgene Tri A Holdings Ltd., Celgene Tri Sarl, Celgene UK Distribution Limited, Celgene UK Holdings Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing II Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing III Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing Limited, Celgene d.o.o., Celgene sro [Slovakia], Celmed LLC, Celmed Ltd., ConvaTec Divestiture, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals AB, Crosp Ltd., Delinia Inc., Deuteria Pharmaceuticals Inc., DuPont Pharmaceuticals, E. R. Squibb & Sons Inter-American Corporation, E. R. Squibb & Sons L.L.C., E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, EWI Corporation, EngMab Sarl, F-star Alpha, FermaVir Pharmaceuticals L.L.C., FermaVir Research L.L.C., Flexus Biosciences, Flexus Biosciences Inc., Forbius, Galecto Biotech, GenPharm International L.L.C., Gloucester Pharmaceuticals LLC, Grove Insurance Company Ltd., Heyden Farmaceutica Portuguesa Limitada, IFM Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines Inc., Inhibitex, Inhibitex L.L.C., Innate Tumor Immunity Inc., JuMP Holdings LLC, Juno Therapeutics GmbH, Juno Therapeutics Inc., Kosan Biosciences, Kosan Biosciences Incorporated, Linson Investments Limited, Mead Johnson (Manufacturing) Jamaica Limited, Mead Johnson Jamaica Ltd., Medarex, Morris Avenue Investment II LLC, Morris Avenue Investment LLC, MyoKardia, O.o.o. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Oy Bristol-Myers Squibb (Finland) AB, Padlock Therapeutics, Padlock Therapeutics Inc., Pharmion LLC, Princeton Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Receptos LLC, Receptos Services LLC, RedoxTherapies Inc., Route 22 Real Estate Holding Corporation, SPV A Holdings ULC, Seamair Insurance DAC, Signal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sino-American Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Societe Francaise de Complements Alimentaires(S.O.F.C.A.), Squibb Middle East S.A., Summit West Celgene LLC, Swords Laboratories, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Westwood-Intrafin SA, Westwood-Squibb Pharmaceuticals Inc., X-Body Inc., ZymoGenetics, ZymoGenetics Inc., ZymoGenetics LLC, ZymoGenetics Paymaster LLC, iPierian, and iPierian Inc..Green Dot Corp. operates as a financial technology leader and bank holding company, which engages in the provision of modern banking and money movement accessible for all. It operates through the following segments: Account Services; Processing and Settlement Services; and Corporate and Other. The Account Services segment consists of revenues and expenses derived from deposit account programs, such as prepaid cards, debit cards, consumer and small business checking accounts, secured credit cards, payroll debit cards, and gift cards. The Processing and Settlement Services segment comprises of products and services that specialize in facilitating the movement of funds on behalf of consumers and businesses. The Corporate and Other segment represents eliminations of intersegment revenues and expenses, unallocated corporate expenses, depreciation and amortization, and other costs that are not considered when management evaluates segment performance. The company was founded by Steven W. Streit in October 1, 1999 and is headquartered in Pasadena, CA.

Read MoreCongress President Rahul Gandhi is in Bahrain on a one-day trip. This will be Rahul Gandhi's first international trip as Congress President.

Rahul received a warm welcome in Bahrain. The Congress' twitter handle tweeted a video showing the grand reception Rahul Gandhi received in Bahrain.

Euphoric reception for Congress President Rahul Gandhi on his arrival at Kingdom of Bahrain. This is CP's first foreign visit after his takeover. pic.twitter.com/zsGOaXnwCv - Congress (@INCIndia) January 7, 2018

The newly elected Congress President will be addressing the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin. Before leaving for the gulf country, Rahul Gandhi had called out to the NRIs in a tweet reiterating that NRIs are the brand ambassadors of a nation.

NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe. Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow. - Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 7, 2018

Rahul Gandhi will address political heads and the business community of Indian origin in Bahrain and discuss the state of Indian economy. According to former Congress MP Madhu Goud Yashki, who is travelling with Rahul Gandhi, the NRIs are worried about the "slowdown in the Indian economy".

Rahul will also meet Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

Here are some photos of Rahul Gandhi's arrival in Bahrain:

Image credit: Twitter/@INCIndia Image credit: Twitter/@INCIndia

Image credit: Twitter/@INCIndia Image credit: Twitter/@INCIndia

Image credit: Twitter/@INCIndia Image credit: Twitter/@INCIndiaHornbeck Offshore Services, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides marine transportation, subsea installation, and accommodation support services to exploration and production, oilfield service, offshore construction, and the United States military customers. It operates offshore supply vessels (OSVs), multi-purpose support vessels (MPSVs), and a shore-based facility to provide logistics support and specialty services to the offshore oil and gas exploration and production industry, primarily Gulf of Mexico in the U.S., Latin America, and internationally. Its fleet of U.S.-flagged OSVs and MPSVs support deep-well, deepwater, and ultra-deepwater activities of the offshore oil and gas industry, such as oil and gas exploration, field development, production, construction, installation, well-stimulation, and other enhanced oil recovery, as well as inspection, repair, and maintenance services. The company also provides vessel management services, including crewing, daily operational management, and maintenance activities for other vessels owners. As of December 31, 2018, it owned and operated 66 OSVs and 8 MPSVs. Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Pfizer: AH Robins LLC, AHP Holdings B.V., AHP Manufacturing B.V., Agouron Pharmaceuticals LLC, Alacer, Alpharma Holdings LLC, Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC, Alpharma Specialty Pharma LLC, Alpharma USHP LLC, American Food Industries LLC, Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Angiosyn, Array BioPharma, Ayerst-Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, BIND Therapeutics Inc., BINESA 2002 S.L., Bamboo Therapeutics, Bamboo Therapeutics Inc., Baxter International - Marketed Vaccines, BioRexis, Bioren, Bioren LLC, Blue Whale Re Ltd., C.E. Commercial Holdings C.V., C.E. Commercial Investments C.V., C.P. Pharmaceuticals International C.V., CICL Corporation, COC I Corporation, Catapult Genetics, Coley Pharmaceutical GmbH, Coley Pharmaceutical Group, Coley Pharmaceutical Group Inc., Continental Pharma Inc., Covx, Covx Technologies Ireland Limited, Cyanamid Inter-American Corporation, Cyanamid de Argentina S.A., Cyanamid de Colombia S.A., Distribuidora Mercantil Centro Americana S.A., Encysive Pharmaceuticals, Encysive Pharmaceuticals Inc., Esperion LUV Development Inc., Esperion Therapeutics, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals Inc., Farminova Produtos Farmaceuticos de Inovacao Lda., Farmogene Productos Farmaceuticos Lda, Ferrosan A/S, Ferrosan International A/S, Ferrosan S.R.L., FoldRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Foldrx Pharmaceuticals, Fort Dodge Manufatura Ltda., G. D. Searle & Co. Limited, G. D. Searle International Capital LLC, G. D. Searle LLC, GI Europe Inc., GI Japan Inc., GenTrac Inc., Genetics Institute LLC, Greenstone LLC, Haptogen Limited, Hospira, Hospira (China) Enterprise Management Co. Ltd., Hospira Adelaide Pty Ltd, Hospira Aseptic Services Limited, Hospira Australia Pty Ltd, Hospira Benelux BVBA, Hospira Chile Limitada, Hospira Deutschland GmbH, Hospira Enterprises B.V., Hospira France SAS, Hospira Healthcare B.V., Hospira Healthcare Corporation, Hospira Healthcare India Private Limited, Hospira Holdings (S.A.) Pty Ltd, Hospira Inc., Hospira Invicta S.A., Hospira Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, Hospira Ireland Sales Limited, Hospira Japan G.K., Hospira Limited, Hospira Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Hospira NZ Limited, Hospira Nordic AB, Hospira Philippines Inc., Hospira Portugal LDA, Hospira Produtos Hospitalares Ltda., Hospira Pte. Ltd., Hospira Pty Limited, Hospira Puerto Rico LLC, Hospira Singapore Pte Ltd, Hospira UK Limited, Hospira Worldwide LLC, Hospira Zagreb d.o.o., ICAgen, Idun Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Santa Agape S.A., InnoPharma, InnoPharma Inc., International Affiliated Corporation LLC, JMI-Daniels Pharmaceuticals Inc., John Wyeth & Brother Limited, Kiinteisto oy Espoon Pellavaniementie 14, King Pharmaceuticals Holdings LLC, King Pharmaceuticals LLC, King Pharmaceuticals Research and Development LLC, Korea Pharma Holding Company Limited, Laboratoires Pfizer S.A., Laboratorios Parke Davis S.L., Laboratorios Pfizer Ltda., Laboratorios Wyeth LLC, Laboratorios Wyeth S.A., Laboratorios Pfizer Lda., MTG Divestitures LLC, Mayne Pharma IP Holdings (Euro) Pty Ltd, Medivation, Medivation Field Solutions LLC, Medivation LLC, Medivation Neurology LLC, Medivation Prostate Therapeutics LLC, Medivation Services LLC, Medivation Technologies LLC, Meridian Medical Technologies Inc., Meridian Medical Technologies Limited, Monarch Pharmaceuticals LLC, Neusentis Limited, NextWave Pharmaceuticals, NextWave Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, P-D Co. LLC, PAH USA IN8 LLC, PF Americas Holding C.V., PF Asia Manufacturing B.V., PF PR Holdings C.V., PF PRISM C.V., PF PRISM Holdings S.a.r.l., PF Prism S.a.r.l., PFE Holdings G.K., PFE PHAC Holdings 1 LLC, PFE Pfizer Holdings 1 LLC, PFE Wyeth Holdings LLC, PFE Wyeth-Ayerst (Asia) LLC, PHILCO Holdings S.a r.l., PHIVCO Corp., PHIVCO Holdco S.a r.l., PHIVCO Luxembourg S.a r.l., PN Mexico LLC, PT. Pfizer Parke Davis, Parke Davis & Company LLC, Parke Davis Limited, Parke Davis Productos Farmaceuticos Lda, Parke-Davis Manufacturing Corp., Parkedale Pharmaceuticals Inc., Peak Enterprises LLC, Pfizer, Pfizer (China) Research and Development Co. Ltd., Pfizer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Pfizer (Perth) Pty Limited, Pfizer (Thailand) Limited, Pfizer (Wuhan) Research and Development Co. Ltd., Pfizer AB, Pfizer AG, Pfizer AS, Pfizer Africa & Middle East for Pharmaceuticals Veterinarian Products & Chemicals S.A.E., Pfizer Anti-Infectives AB, Pfizer ApS, Pfizer Asia Manufacturing Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Asia Pacific Pte Ltd., Pfizer Atlantic Holdings S.a.r.l., Pfizer Australia Holdings B.V., Pfizer Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Pfizer Australia Investments Pty. Ltd., Pfizer Australia Pty Limited, Pfizer B.V., Pfizer BH D.o.o., Pfizer Baltic Holdings B.V., Pfizer Biofarmaceutica Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Pfizer Biologics (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd, Pfizer Biologics Ireland Holdings Limited, Pfizer Biotech Corporation, Pfizer Bolivia S.A., Pfizer Canada Inc., Pfizer CentreSource Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Chile S.A., Pfizer Cia. Ltda., Pfizer Colombia Spinco I LLC, Pfizer Commercial Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Commercial Holdings TRAE Kft., Pfizer Commercial TRAE Trading Kft., Pfizer Consumer Healthcare AB, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare GmbH, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Ltd., Pfizer Consumer Manufacturing Italy S.r.l., Pfizer Corporation, Pfizer Corporation Austria Gesellschaft m.b.H., Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Pfizer Croatia d.o.o., Pfizer Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Development LP, Pfizer Development Services (UK) Limited, Pfizer Domestic Ventures Limited, Pfizer Dominicana S.R.L, Pfizer ESP Pty Ltd, Pfizer East India B.V., Pfizer Eastern Investments B.V., Pfizer Egypt S.A.E., Pfizer Enterprise Holdings B.V., Pfizer Enterprises LLC, Pfizer Enterprises SARL, Pfizer Europe Finance B.V., Pfizer Export B.V., Pfizer Export Company, Pfizer Export Holding Company B.V, Pfizer Finance Share Service (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Pfizer Financial Services N.V./S.A., Pfizer France International Investments, Pfizer Free Zone Panama S. de R.L., Pfizer GEP S.L., Pfizer Global Holdings B.V., Pfizer Global Supply Japan Inc., Pfizer Global Trading, Pfizer Group Luxembourg Sarl, Pfizer Gulf FZ-LLC, Pfizer H.C.P. Corporation, Pfizer HK Service Company Limited, Pfizer Health AB, Pfizer Health Solutions Inc., Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, Pfizer Hellas A.E., Pfizer Himalaya Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Holding France, Pfizer Holding Ventures, Pfizer Holdings Corporation, Pfizer Holdings Europe Unlimited Company, Pfizer Holdings G.K., Pfizer Holdings International Corporation, Pfizer Holdings International Luxembourg (PHIL) Sarl, Pfizer Holdings North America SARL, Pfizer Hungary Holdings TRAE Kft., Pfizer Inc., Pfizer Innovations AB, Pfizer Innovations LLC, Pfizer Innovative Supply Point International BVBA, Pfizer International LLC, Pfizer International Markets Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer International Operations, Pfizer International S. de R.L., Pfizer International Trading (Shanghai) Limited, Pfizer Investment Capital Unlimited Company, Pfizer Investment Co. Ltd., Pfizer Investment Holdings S.a.r.l., Pfizer Ireland Investments Limited, Pfizer Ireland PFE Holding 1 LLC, Pfizer Ireland PFE Holding 2 LLC, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Ireland Ventures Unlimited Company, Pfizer Italia S.r.l., Pfizer Italy Group Holding S.r.l., Pfizer Japan Inc., Pfizer LLC, Pfizer Laboratories (Pty) Limited, Pfizer Laboratories Limited, Pfizer Laboratories PFE (Pty) Ltd, Pfizer Leasing Ireland Limited, Pfizer Leasing UK Limited, Pfizer Limitada, Pfizer Limited, Pfizer Luxco Holdings SARL, Pfizer Luxembourg Global Holdings S.a r.l., Pfizer Luxembourg SARL, Pfizer MAP Holding Inc., Pfizer Manufacturing Austria G.m.b.H., Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland Grundbesitz GmbH & Co. KG, Pfizer Manufacturing Holdings LLC, Pfizer Manufacturing Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Manufacturing LLC, Pfizer Manufacturing Services, Pfizer Medical Technology Group (Belgium) N.V., Pfizer Medicamentos Genericos e Participacoes Ltda., Pfizer Mexico Luxco SARL, Pfizer Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pfizer Middle East for Pharmaceuticals Animal Health and Chemicals S.A.E., Pfizer New Zealand Limited, Pfizer Norge AS, Pfizer North American Holdings Inc., Pfizer OTC B.V., Pfizer Overseas LLC, Pfizer Oy, Pfizer PFE ApS, Pfizer PFE AsiaPac Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Australia Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Australia Pty Ltd, Pfizer PFE B.V., Pfizer PFE Baltic Holdings B.V., Pfizer PFE Belgium SPRL, Pfizer PFE Brazil Holding S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE CIA. Ltda., Pfizer PFE Chile Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Colombia Holding Corp., Pfizer PFE Colombia S.A.S, Pfizer PFE Commercial Holdings LLC, Pfizer PFE Croatia Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Eastern Investments B.V., Pfizer PFE Finland Oy, Pfizer PFE France, Pfizer PFE Global Holdings B.V., Pfizer PFE Ireland Pharmaceuticals Holding 1 B.V., Pfizer PFE Italy Holdco 2 S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Italy Holdco S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Pfizer PFE Limited, Pfizer PFE Luxembourg S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Mexico Holding 3 LLC, Pfizer PFE Netherlands Holding 1 C.V., Pfizer PFE New Zealand, Pfizer PFE New Zealand Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Norway Holding S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE PILSA Holdco S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Peru Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Peru S.R.L., Pfizer PFE Pharmaceuticals Israel Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd., Pfizer PFE Private Limited, Pfizer PFE S.R.L, Pfizer PFE Service Company Holding Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer PFE Singapore Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Singapore Pte. Ltd., Pfizer PFE Spain B.V., Pfizer PFE Spain Holding S.L., Pfizer PFE Sweden Holding 2 S.a.r.l., Pfizer PFE Sweden Holding S.a.r.l., Pfizer PFE Switzerland GmbH, Pfizer PFE Turkey Holding 1 B.V., Pfizer PFE Turkey Holding 2 B.V., Pfizer PFE UK Holding 4 LP, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 1 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 2 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 3 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 4 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 5 LLC, Pfizer PFE spol. s r.o., Pfizer PFE Ilaclar Anonim Sirketi, Pfizer Pakistan Limited, Pfizer Parke Davis (Thailand) Ltd., Pfizer Parke Davis Inc., Pfizer Parke Davis Sdn. Bhd., Pfizer Pharm Algerie, Pfizer Pharma GmbH, Pfizer Pharma PFE GmbH, Pfizer Pharmaceutical (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceutical Trading Limited Liability Company (a/k/a Pfizer Kft. or Pfizer LLC), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals B.V., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Global B.V., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Korea Limited, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Pfizer Pigments Inc., Pfizer Polska Sp. z.o.o., Pfizer Private Limited, Pfizer Production LLC, Pfizer Products Inc., Pfizer Products India Private Limited, Pfizer Research (NC) Inc., Pfizer Romania SRL, Pfizer S.A., Pfizer S.A., Pfizer S.A. (Belgium), Pfizer S.A. de C.V., Pfizer S.A.S., Pfizer S.G.P.S. Lda., Pfizer S.L., Pfizer S.R.L., Pfizer SRB d.o.o., Pfizer Saidal Manufacturing, Pfizer Sante Familiale, Pfizer Saudi Limited, Pfizer Seiyaku K.K., Pfizer Service Company BVBA, Pfizer Service Company Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Services 1, Pfizer Services LLC, Pfizer Shared Services Unlimited Company, Pfizer Shareholdings Intermediate SARL, Pfizer Singapore Holding Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Singapore Trading Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Spain Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Specialties Limited, Pfizer Strategic Investment Holdings LLC, Pfizer Sweden Partnership KB, Pfizer TRAE Holdings Kft., Pfizer Trading Polska sp.z.o.o., Pfizer Transactions Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Transactions LLC, Pfizer Transactions Luxembourg SARL, Pfizer Transport LLC, Pfizer Ukraine LLC, Pfizer Vaccines LLC, Pfizer Venezuela S.A., Pfizer Venture Investments LLC, Pfizer Ventures LLC, Pfizer Worldwide Services Unlimited Company, Pfizer Zona Franca S.A., Pfizer spol. s r.o., Pharmacia, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Inc., Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn S.A. de C.V., Pharmacia Brasil Ltda., Pharmacia Hepar LLC, Pharmacia Holding AB, Pharmacia Inter-American LLC, Pharmacia International B.V., Pharmacia LLC, Pharmacia Limited, Pharmacia Nostrum S.A., Pharmacia South Africa (Pty) Ltd, PowderJect Research Limited, PowderMed, Purepac Pharmaceutical Holdings LLC, Redvax, Renrall LLC, Rinat Neuroscience, Rinat Neuroscience Corp., Roerig Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Roerig S.A., Sao Cristovao Participacoes Ltda., Searle Laboratorios Lda., Serenex, Servicios P&U S. de R.L. de C.V., Shiley LLC, Sinergis Farma-Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Site Realty Inc., Solinor LLC, Sugen LLC, Tabor LLC, The Pfizer Incubator LLC, Therachon, Thiakis Limited, Treerly Health Co. Ltd, US Oral Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, Upjohn Laboratorios Lda., Vesteralens Naturprodukter A/S, Vesteralens Naturprodukter AB, Vesteralens Naturprodukter AS, Vesteralens Naturprodukter OY, Vicuron Holdings LLC, Vinci Farma S.A., W-L LLC, Warner Lambert, Warner Lambert Ilac Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Warner Lambert del Uruguay S.A., Warner-Lambert (Thailand) Limited, Warner-Lambert Company AG, Warner-Lambert Company LLC, Warner-Lambert Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Warner-Lambert S.A., Whitehall International Inc., Whitehall Laboratories Inc., Wyeth (Thailand) Ltd., Wyeth AB, Wyeth Australia Pty. Limited, Wyeth Ayerst Inc., Wyeth Ayerst S.a r.l., Wyeth Biopharma, Wyeth Canada ULC, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare LLC, Wyeth Europa Limited, Wyeth Farma S.A., Wyeth Holdings LLC, Wyeth Industria Farmaceutica Ltda., Wyeth KFT., Wyeth LLC, Wyeth Lederle S.r.l., Wyeth Lederle Vaccines S.A., Wyeth Pakistan Limited, Wyeth Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Company, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals FZ-LLC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Limited, Wyeth Puerto Rico Inc., Wyeth S.A.S, Wyeth Subsidiary Illinois Corporation, Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH, Wyeth Whitehall SARL, Wyeth-Ayerst (Asia) Limited, Wyeth-Ayerst International LLC, and Wyeth-Ayerst Promotions Limited.John Wood Group PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides consulting, project management, and engineering solutions to energy and built environment worldwide. It operates through four segments: Asset Solutions Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia; Assets Solutions Americas; Technical Consulting Solutions; and Investment Services. The company offers operations solutions, including maintenance, modifications, commissioning and decommissioning, and aftermarket services, as well as industrial services, such as painting, insulation, scaffolding, rope access, E&I, asbestos removal, and civil and earthworks services; engineering, procurement, and construction management; plant operations and life extension; technology solutions; supervision and management services; fabrication and inspection services; and construction and field services. It also provides environment and infrastructure solutions comprising environmental studies and compliance, environmental remediation, public infrastructure, and geotechnical and materials services; clean energy solutions; mine planning and design, mineral processing and metallurgy, mineral resources and project assessment services; and automation and control solutions, such as asset protection and facility and process automation solutions, as well as simulation, learning, and virtual systems. In addition, the company offers subsea and export systems, including subsea, umbilical, riser, and flowline design, as well as planning, design, and development of marine terminals and pipelines; and hull and marine services. It serves oil and gas, infrastructure, industrial and manufacturing, mining, power, and government sectors. John Wood Group PLC was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Aberdeen, the United Kingdom.

Read MoreRolls-Royce Holdings plc operates as an industrial technology company in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Civil Aerospace, Power Systems, Defence, and ITP Aero. The Civil Aerospace segment develops, manufactures, and sells aero engines for large commercial aircraft, regional jet, and business aviation markets, as well as provides aftermarket services. The Power Systems segment provides high-speed and medium-speed reciprocating engines, and propulsion and power generation systems for the marine, defense, power generation, and industrial markets. The Defence segment offers aero engines for military transport and patrol aircraft applications; and naval engines and submarine nuclear power plants, as well as aftermarket services. The ITP Aero segment engages in the design, research and development, manufacture and casting, assembly, and testing of aeronautical engines and gas turbines. It also provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for regional airlines, as well as business aviation, industrial, and defense applications. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Read MoreLincoln National Corp. is a holding company, which operates multiple insurance and retirement businesses through its subsidiary companies. It provides advice and solutions that help empower people to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. The company operates through the following segments: Annuities, Retirement Plan Services, Life Insurance, Group Protection, and Other Operations. The Annuities segment provides tax-deferred investment growth and lifetime income opportunities for its clients by offering fixed and variable annuities. The Retirement Plan Services segment includes employers with retirement plan products and services, primarily in the defined contribution retirement plan marketplaces. The Life Insurance segment focuses on the creation and protection of wealth for its clients by providing life insurance products, including term insurance, both single and survivorship versions of universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, and indexed universal life insurance products. The Group Protection segment offers group non-medical insurance products, which includes term life, disability, dental, vision and accident and critical illness

Read MoreWall Street analysts have given Ophir Energy 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 Ophir Energy wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.Congress President Rahul Gandhi told an gathering of Indians from 50 countries that they were part of a solution to India's "serious" problem, and assured them they were indispensable to a global vision for the country.

Recently appointed the leader of India's oldest party, Rahul was speaking at the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin in Manama. He told his audience he was there to "build a bridge" between wherever they were, and "home."

Rahul tore into the Modi administration in his speech, saying job creation and bank credit growth were the lowest they had been in several years (in the second case, decades).

I am here to tell you what you mean to our country, that youi??re important, to tell you there is a serious problem at home, to tell you that youi??re part of the solution and that I am here to build a bridge between wherever you are in the world and home. pic.twitter.com/Ki2cQsRSZs - Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 8, 2018

He lamented the "rise in forces of hate and division." Instead of accepting that India is struggling to create jobs, and uniting people of all religions and communities to face that challenge, the Modi government is busy converting the fear felt by jobless youth into hatred between communities, Rahul said.

The Congress chief recalled the BJP's narrow win the Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state. "Gujarat is (the) BJP's bastion and it has just narrowly escaped," he said.

He appealed for the NRIs' help to protect the basic principles of non-violence and brotherhood, saying their "talent, skills, tolerance, patriotism" were what India needed.

"All of you in this room are proof that India can bridge any gap that is put before it. No global vision for India can be built without you," he explained.

WATCH | People of Gujarat reject Modi's hollow development model, Rahul speaks after defeatRandgold Resources Limited is engaged in gold mining, exploration and related activities. The Company's activities are focused on West and Central Africa. The Company operates through the gold mining segment. The Company operates various mines, such as Morila, Loulo, Gounkoto, Tongon and Kibali. The Company is exploring in African countries, such as Mali, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Company also holds an interest in the Massawa project. The Company holds Morila Limited, which holds interests in the Morila mine in Mali. As of December 31, 2016, Morila mine has produced 122,370 ounces (oz) of gold. The Company holds a controlling interest in the Loulo mine, located in Mali, through Societe des Mines de Loulo SA (Loulo). The Loulo mine is mining from over two underground mines. As of December 31, 2016, Loulo mine has produced 350,604 oz of gold. It has a controlling interest in the Gounkoto mine through Societe des Mines de Gounkoto SA.

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View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.Manama, Jan 8 (PTI) Rahul Gandhi today met with Crown Prince of Bahrain Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa here and discussed a variety of bilateral issues of interest during his first foreign trip after becoming the Congress chief.

Gandhi, who is here as a state guest of Bahrain, is also expected to meet King Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa.

He will address a convention of NRIs and meet the Gulf countrys Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamas Al-Khalifa.

"Had a good meeting with Crown Prince of Bahrain, HRH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. We discussed a variety of issues of interest to India and Bahrain," Gandhi said in a tweet.

The Congress president also met with foreign minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Gulf Daily News reported.

According to a statement issued by the Congress yesterday, Gandhi will be the chief guest at valedictory session of a function organised by Global Organisation of People of India Origin (GOPIO) today.

Delegates of 50 countries are participating in the function, the statement said.

He will also have an interactive session with business leaders of the Indian-origin tomorrow.

"NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe. Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow," Gandhi tweeted ahead of his trip yesterday.

Gandhi is expected to return to India on January 9. PTI CPS AKJ CPSCongress president Rahul Gandhi's visit to Bahrain is seen by many as an effort to reach out to the large Indian population in the Gulf. Photo: Twitter/@INCIndia

Congress president Rahul Gandhi along with the who's who of the Karnataka Congress will meet on January 13 in Delhi to chart out the strategy for the poll-bound state.

According to sources, proposals related to outreach programmes that can be rolled out in Karnataka will be discussed at length. Rahul Gandhi along with other senior party leaders will also review the ground situation at this crucial meeting.

"PCC [Pradesh Congress Committee] has been asked to give a detailed 360-degree plan. Besides reviewing ground situation, outreach proposals will be discussed at length," said a senior Karnataka leader.

The Congress' Karnataka unit has already requested the party's newly elected chief, Rahul Gandhi, to start campaigning in the southern state.

Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal said, "We have already put in a request to Rahul ji to start campaigning in Karnataka. He has also agreed [to it]. Most likely, he will hit the campaign trail after January 20."

As part of the election strategy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has visited 120 constituencies while other top Congress leaders are touring the remaining constituencies. A total of 224 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka will go to polls this year.

AICC secretary in-charge of Karnataka Madhu Goud Yaskhi said, "To build up the party's momentum in Karnataka, we want our party president Rahul Gandhi to lead from the front during the election campaign. Other senior Congress leaders from the national level will also join the campaign after January 20."

Yaskhi, a former MP, is also coordinating party chief Rahul Gandhi's Bahrain tour. The Gulf has a sizeable population from the southern Indian states and 47-year-old Rahul Gandhi's visit is being seen as an effort to reach out to NRIs from Karnataka.

Euphoric reception for Congress President Rahul Gandhi on his arrival at Kingdom of Bahrain. This is CPi??s first foreign visit after his takeover. pic.twitter.com/zsGOaXnwCv - Congress (@INCIndia) January 7, 2018

WATCH: Sholay in Congress: Gabbar Sonia grills 4 aadmi - Rahul, Hardik, Alpesh, JigneshNew Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) Drones will now monitor railway projects, aid in crowd management and oversee maintenance work across its zones, railway officials said today.

Cameras (UAV/NETRA) will be used for various railway activities especially project monitoring and maintenance of tracks and other railway infrastructure, the national transporter said in a statement.

"Directions have been given to Zonal Railways to procure such cameras. This is in-line with Railways? desire to use technology to enhance safety and efficiency in train operations", it said.

Unmanned aerial vehicles or drones shall be deployed to undertake monitoring activities of relief and rescue operation, project monitoring, progress of important works, conditions of track and inspection related activities, the statement said.

It shall also be used to assess preparedness of non- interlocking (NI) works, crowd management during fairs, to identify scrap and also for aerial survey of station yards. It is going to be instrumental in providing real time inputs related to safety and maintenance of tracks and other railway infrastructure.

A drone is essentially a flying robot which can be remotely handled through software-controlled flight plans embedded in its systems working in conjunction with GPS. PTI ASG DVroute: Naqvi

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New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) Paving way for the Centre to make available a cheaper mode of transport for Haj pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has given its nod to Indias plan to revive the option of ferrying devotees to Jeddah via sea route, 23 years after the practice was stopped.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi confirmed the development in a statement after he and Saudi Arabias Haj and Umrah Minister Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten signed a bilateral annual agreement regarding the pilgrimage in Mecca yesterday.

Terming his meeting with Benten "very fruitful", Naqvi said officials from both the countries will discuss the technicalities involved so that the pilgrimage via sea route can be commissioned in the coming years.

"Saudi Arabia has given its nod to revive the option of sending pilgrims by sea route... Officials from both the countries will discuss all the necessary formalities and technicalities so that Haj pilgrimage through sea route can be started in the coming years," the statement quoted Naqvi as saying.

However, it did not specify the year when the option for pilgrimage via sea route would be opened. As of now, devotees can travel to Saudi Arabia for performing Haj only by air.

The "revolutionary, pro-poor and pilgrim-friendly" decision of sending devotees through sea route will help cut down travel expenses "significantly", Naqvi said.

The government has been weighing the option of opening the sea route in the light of a 2012 Supreme Court order to abolish by 2022 the subsidy offered to Haj pilgrims who travel by air.

Ministry sources, however, said air services to Jeddah would continue to be available for those who can afford the journey. India has a Haj quota of 1.70 lakh.

It used to take nearly 12-15 days for pilgrims to reach Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from Yellow Gate in Mumbais Mazgaon before the sea route was closed in 1995, sources said.

Naqvi said with the availability of modern and well- equipped ships -- which can ferry 4,000 to 5,000 persons at a time -- the 2,300-odd nautical miles one-side distance between Mumbai and Jeddah can now be covered within just three to four days.

The minister said for the first time, Muslim women from India will go to Haj without Mehram (male companion) and separate accommodation and transport have been arranged for them.

"Woman Haj assistants will be deployed for them," he said, adding more than 1,300 women have applied to go for Haj without Mehram and of them will be exempted from lottery system and allowed to proceed for the pilgrimage.

According to the new Haj policy of India, women above 45 years of age, who wish to go for Haj but who dont have a male companion, are allowed to travel for Haj in groups of four or more.

The Haj Committee of India has received around 3,59,000 applications for Haj 2018. For the first time, we have given choice to Haj pilgrims to opt for another nearest embarkation point, Naqvi said.

This will ensure that there is no financial burden on Haj pilgrims even after removal of Haj subsidy. This decision has received overwhelming response, the statement said. PTI ENM NSD(Eds: Updating with reax, more quotes)

New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) The Supreme Court today agreed to reconsider its 2013 verdict criminalising gay sex and referred to a larger bench the plea challenging the penal provision, observing the societal morality "changes from age to age."

Giving a ray of hope to the gay, lesbian and transgendered communities which are pushing for scrapping Section 377 of the IPC that criminalises homosexuality, the court decision moved a step towards a final judicial call on the controversial provision that has been described as "archaic."

Noting that the curative petition against its 2013 judgement is pending before a five-judge Constitution bench, the apex court said the present petition will also be heard by the same larger bench and that a finality could be attained whether gay sex between two consenting adults can be decriminalised.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud gave the order, observing that the judgement, upholding the constitutional validity of Section 377 of the IPC needed to be debated upon.

As many as 26 nations -- Australia, Malta, Germany, Finland, Colombia, Ireland, United States, Greenland, Scotland, Luxembourg, England and Wales, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Uruguay, Denmark, Argentina, Portugal, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands -- have decriminalised gay sex.

The apex court, in its 2013 judgement, had said "minuscule fraction of the countrys population constitutes LGBT is not a sustainable basis to deny the right to privacy. The purpose of elevating certain rights to the stature of guaranteed fundamental rights is to insulate their exercise from the disdain of majorities, whether legislative or popular...". It had overturned the Delhi High Court verdict decriminalising gay sex among consenting adults.

Legal experts like Rajiv Dhawan, Colin Gonsalves, Anand Grover, Dushyant Dave and Kamini Jaiswal welcomed the order.

They said the matter is of utmost social and legal significance and a positive move has been initiated by the apex court for a re-look into the earlier judgement which, according to them, required reconsideration.

"Its quite refreshing to see a positive stand in the matter. The judgement of the apex court declaring 377 to be intra vires really requires a serious reconsideration. This provision itself on the face of it is archaic and it is wholly unconstitutional. Nobody can support it under any circumstances," Dave said.

Section 377 of the IPC refers to unnatural offences and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intericourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

"Section 377 uses phraseology carnal intercourse against the order of the nature. The determination of order of the nature is not a Constitutional phenomenon and societal morality also changes from age to age," the bench said while referring the petition filed by celebrities including chef Ritu Dalmia, hotelier Aman Nath and dancer N S Johar to a larger bench.

It, however, made a distinction that the penal provision, which also deals with such carnal sex involving animals and children will not be dealt by the larger bench.

"The consent of two adults has to be the primary consideration and otherwise children will become the prey. The protection of children in all sphere has to be guarded," the bench said, adding that the CJI, in his administrative side, will decide on setting up of the larger bench.

The bench also directed that the copy of the petition filed by members of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, be served on the Union Ministry of Law and Justice to ensure proper representation.

During the hearing, the court considered the submission os senior advocates Arvind Datar and Kapil Sibal and said that it appeared that the penal provision hurt sexual preferences of individuals.

Datar said that the provision is unconstitutional as it provided prosecution and sentencing of consenting adults who are indulging in such sex.

"You cant put in jail two adults who are involved in consenting unnatural sex," he said while referring to a recent nine-judge bench judgement in the privacy matter to highlight the point that the right to choose a sexual partner was part of fundamental right.

The bench, in its order, also referred to the privacy judgement and terms like social and constitutional morality, individual choices of sexual preferences and said that the law must have the sanction of the Constitution.

Datar submitted that though curative petitions against the 2013 Suresh Kumar Koushal verdict are pending before the Supreme Court, the challenge in those will be possible only on two narrow grounds.

"Civilisation has moved on. As far as the Delhi High Court judgement is concerned, it has held that there is no question of carnal intercourse being against the order of nature. the Supreme Court overturned this on the ground that only a minuscule population is affected. The apex court has to decide whether the Right to choose a partner is limited to partner of the opposite sex," Datar said.

The bench said that the challenge was only to the extent of penalising consenting sex between adults and not with respect to sex with animals or minors.

Datar also referred to the 2009 Delhi High Court judgement delivered on a plea of NGO Naz Foundation in which the provision was held unconstitutional.

Naz Foundation had filed a petition in December 2001 in the High Court, which had on July 2, 2009, decriminalised Section 377.

After refusing twice to entertain the pleas against Section 377, the SC on February 2, 2016 referred the issue to a five-judge bench.

The apex court had earlier dismissed a batch of review petitions filed by the Centre and gay rights activists against its December 2013 verdict declaring gay sex an offence punishable up to life imprisonment.

It had revived the penal provision making gay sex an offence punishable with life term.

While setting aside the July 2, 2009 verdict of Delhi High Court, the apex court had held that Section 377 of IPC does not suffer from the vice of unconstitutionality and that the declaration made by high court was legally unsustainable. PTI SJK ABA MNL RKS GSNThe Central government has issued showcause notices to eight Chinese pharmaceutical firms for supplying poor quality raw material to Indian drug makers.

Hyderabad: The Central government has issued showcause notices to eight Chinese pharmaceutical firms for supplying poor quality raw material to Indian drug makers, said a news agency, adding that these companies may be blacklisted.

The allegations against the companies are of providing poor quality products and the action against them will soon be decided by the government. This will be harsh as we dont want the quality of drugs in India compromised, said IANS quoting a senior DCGI officer. The notices were issued after a special inspection team of the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) inspected the eight companies in China, it said.

Most Indian pharma firms are of late depending on active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) or raw material for medicine from Chinese companies, raising concern in the Indian government.

According to a pharma industry body, Indian pharma companies secure 70-75 percent of APIs from China. India typically imported around `12,000 crore worth APIs every year from China. However, this figure had risen to `18,372.54 crore in FY17.

The Indian drug makers have shifted to Chinese APIs as they were about four times cheaper than those produced in India. The Chinese companies manufacture in large scale and have cheaper power, helping them to cut down on the cost.

Calling it a bold decision by the government, Dr Appaji, former director-general of Pharmexil, said, Though it sends a signal to importers that we are vigilant about the quality of drugs, the government should be extremely careful and cautious to ensure that it does not lead to supply disruption.

He said the Centre should also take care of the Indian pharma industrys needs by promoting domestic APIs, which are cost-effective. Last year, the government had proposed to give preference to formulations produced from indigenous API and its intermediates in government procurements.Crop sector inclusive of foodgrains, oilseeds, commercial crops and horticulture account for more than 60 per cent in the weight of the economic activity.

New Delhi: Following the release of the advance estimate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Value Added (GVA) for the country's economy in 2017-18, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare (MoAFW) on Sunday said that the agriculture sector is expected to register a much higher GVA for the aforementioned time period, which will be reflected in the final estimate figures.

As per data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) earlier in the week, the GVA of 'Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing' index for the year 2017-18 was estimated at 2.1 per cent, compared to 4.9 per cent in the preceding year.

To this, the ministry, who had a quick deliberation on the growth rate for this sector, said the lower coverage of the area by August 2017 on account of the delayed onset of monsoons caused a poor reflection compared to the actual positive field situation by December. The estimate also indicated that despite a lower share of crop sector in the GVA computation of agriculture, based on August 2017 status the growth rate still worked out to 2.1 per cent.

"This is a manifestation of higher growth rates in livestock and fishery sectors, the other two components. As seen thus, even by August 2017 the estimated production of livestock and fishery was very positive and by December, crop the dominant sector has bounced back. If this amended and actual field situation is taken into account in the computation of the GVA for Agriculture sector as a whole, its growth rate can be estimated to be much higher than the Advance Estimate of 2.1 per cent", the ministry noted.

With regards to Kharif crops, the ministry noted that the area coverage under different crops in Kharif as of August, 2017 was below that of the previous year on account of delay in onset of monsoons in some parts of the country. However, good rainfall thereafter helped the Ministry in increasing the area coverage in accordance with Kharif targets.

"Despite the delay in onset of monsoons and relatively poorer rainfall compared to the previous year, the area coverage under Kharif finally rose to 106.55 million against the five-year average of 105.86 million", the ministry noted.

In case of horticulture, which also forms a part of the crop sector, a similar positive trend was seen in respect of both area coverage and production as of December 2017. The area coverage as per first advance estimate under fruits and vegetables stood at 24.92 million, as against the previous year final of 24.85 million. Concomitantly, the horticulture output as per first advance estimate was 305.4 million tonnes compared to 300.6 million tonnes in the previous year (2016-17).

Since crop sector inclusive of foodgrains, oilseeds, commercial crops and horticulture account for more than 60 per cent in the weight of the economic activity, namely, 'Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing', the value in respect of crops is bound to influence overall GVA estimate for the sector, either positively or negatively. It is, hence logical, that the computation based on area coverage under crops as in August 2017 had a negative impact on the advance estimate for the overall agriculture sector, the ministry noted.

"The GVA estimate is bound to get corrected upwards, if increased area coverage by December 2017 and concomitant production estimate in case of foodgrains, oilseeds and commercial crops, in particular, are taken into account. These three accounts for the higher percentage of the share than horticulture in the GVA computation. And horticulture is showing a higher productivity estimate", it said.

In terms of Rabi, the ministry said it was optimistic about achieving a high growth rate due to improvement in the performance of Rabi sector, in addition to good Kharif.

"As on January 5, 2018, the area coverage under Rabi is 58.6 million, which is a very good progress. Considering that the Rabi sowing continues up to the first week of February, the total area under crops and resultant production will be very good", the ministry claimed.

Further, the ministry expects to consolidate the record production achieved during the year 2016-17, by focusing on realising higher productivity. The credit made available for the year 2017-18 is as high as Rs 10 lakh crore, compared to Rs 9 lakh crore in the year 2016-17. Also, state governments have been pursued to enhance the availability of credit to the farmers, which is a critical input for achieving higher productivity.

"Considering that crop segment constitutes a dominant component of the GVA computation, its performance is very critical. However, with inelasticity of land where there exists little scope for increase in the average coverage, productivity enhancement assumes importance. Crops in particular and agriculture, in general, are highly dependent on monsoons and the overall status of weather. Even small variations in weather tend to influence agriculture adversely, as seen for example, in the area coverage by August 2017. The ministry has, therefore, been focusing on achieving higher productivity in all the segments including crops".Mumbai: Shrivallabh Vyas, an alumini of National School Drama and Television and Bollywood actor, died at the age of 60 in Jaipur on January 7, 2018. He breathed his last at 9.30 am and the last rites took place in the evening, claim sources to Hindustan Times.

Vyas was a part of 60 films and a number of television shows, but his most noted works include the role of Ishwar in Ashutosh Gowarikers Lagaan (2001) and Jinaah in Sardar (1993), apart from Sarfarosh (1999), Shool (1999) and Dil Bole Hadippa (2009) and other movies.

In 2008, the actor reportedly suffered a brain stroke followed by a paralytic attack while shooting for a film in Gujarat. He fell in the middle of the night, only to be found profusely bleeding the next morning. The actor was later operated on and he had become bed-ridden. His family, his only wife, couldnt afford his treatment, which is why they relocated from Mumbai to Jaisalmer and later Jaipur for the treatment.

But this did not happen without any difficulties coming their way. Already facing financial crunches, the actors wife Shobha approached the Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) for financial help, as the association has a trust for the actors, but she was up for disappointment. The only support the family had was in Vyass co-actors Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee and Aamir Khan.

Aamir not only helped the family financially, but also made it a point to visit the family in February while shooting in Jaipur for PK. Shobha once said, Its because of him we can afford a three BHK flat, medical expenses, fees for my daughters and other expenses.

Shrivallabh Vyas is survived by his wife Shobha Vyas and two daughters.Bengaluru: In a tragic incident, five workers died after a fire broke out at a bar and restaurant at Kalasipalya Market in the early hours of Monday.

The deceased have been identified as Rangaswamy, 22, Jai Prasad, 20, and Mahesh, 35, all from Tumakuru, and Manjunath, 45, from Hassan, and Keerthi, 19, from Mandya. They were working as waiters and cleaners at Kailash Bar and Restaurant, situated on the ground floor of Kumbara Sangha building.

The fire broke out around 2.30 am when all the five were sleeping inside. Passersby noticed the fire and informed the Fire and Emergency Service personnel and Kalasipalya police, who rushed to the spot and doused the fire by 3.30 am. When they broke open the shutter and went inside looking for survivors, they found the five dead.

A senior police officer investigating the case said, Inside the gutted bar, we found one person dead near the toilet and the others inside the toilet. We assume that they had run into the toilet to escape the fire. All the liquor bottles, cookery items, cash box and showcases have been destroyed in the fire.

He said, Preliminary investigations indicated that cause of the fire could be a short-circuit. But nothing can be ascertained till the reports arrive. There was a gas cylinder inside which was intact, but the inverter power supply unit was completely burnt. The bar was closed around 1.30 am and the workers had locked themselves inside the bar and gone to sleep when the fire broke out.

Two of the deceased have sustained burns, while others do not have any injuries, indicating that they might have died due to asphyxiation. But nothing can be confirmed till the postmortem reports arrive, the police officer said.

City Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar, who visited the spot, said, A detailed inquiry has been ordered and we cannot say anything about the cause of the fire till we get the reports. It is a small place with a single entry and exit point. No fire safety equipment were found inside the bar. Strict action will be taken against the owner for negligence. A team of five members has been formed to trace the accused, who are absconding.

DCP (West) Anucheth told Deccan Chronicle, A case under Section 304 IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) has been registered against V.R. Dayashankar, licence holder, his brother V.R. Prakash, who ran the bar, Somashekar, manager of the bar, and the management of Kumbara Sanga. We have already arrested Prakash, Somashekar and the others will be caught soon.

Single entry, exit for bar

Bengaluru: Kailash Bar and Restaurant, where five employees died after a major fire early on Monday morning, is situated on the ground floor of Kumbara Sangha building, which is a 50-year-old structure.



Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George on Monday said that the building did not have emergency exit and entry points. The bar just had a single entry and exit. If there was another exit, some of them could have survived, he said.

A top police officer said that the ground floor has been given out on rent to several shops, while the other floors have rooms to accommodate people coming to Kumbara Sangha from other parts of the state. The building also houses a small hostel for college-going students. Fortunately, the fire stopped at the bar. If it had spread to the other floors, the causalities would have been much higher, a police officer said.

Small hole in the shutter: When Deccan Chronicle spoke to a few local residents, they pointed to a rectangular hole in the shutter which was used to supply liquor after the stipulated time.

They closed the bar at 1 am, but continued to sell liquor through that hole. The workers had been given a room on one of the floors, but they slept at the bar because the room was infested with bedbugs and mosquitoes. They used to sleep inside the bar as it helped them to get up early in the morning as the bar opened at 6 am, the police officer said.

Labour law violation: Mayor Sampath Raj blamed the bar owner for the death of his employee. He said it is a violation of labour law as no one is allowed to sleep inside their workplace.



The owner should have made necessary arrangements for the workers to stay and this also amounts to worker exploitation. The labour department should check across the city for such violations and we are sure that there will be plenty of them, he said.Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to seek the support of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in getting the triple talaq Bill passed in Parliament in its present form.

Naidu has said he is okay with the triple talaq Bill but is opposed to criminalising the action. Sources in the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) said that Naidu has asked for an appointment with the PM on January 12 or 17 to discuss several issues. CMO sources said January 12 is the most likely date for the meeting.

Since the Centre wants the triple talaq Bill to be passed without the changes demanded by Opposition parties, Mr Modi may seek the support of his Telugu Desam ally in the Rajya Sabha in getting the Bill passed in its present form.

After the Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, Naidu had said that the TD would support the Bill but there should be no criminal action over and above the regular court administered process of divorce.

Mr Naidu had pointed out that if triple talaq becomes invalid, the normal process of divorce has to be followed and no criminal charges should be framed against the man as it will aggravate the problem.

He also said that according to the feedback he had received, 68 per cent of Muslims and 82 per cent of Hindus agreed that the Bill was essential to prevent exploitation of Muslim women.

If the Centre agrees to send the triple talaq Bill to a select committee as demanded by members of the Rajya Sabha, a TD member will be appointed on the committee according to TD sources, and the Prime Minister may ask Mr Naidu to ensure that the TD member and the party supports the BJP stand.SPO Mukesh Kumar was hit and run over by an SUV.

A Gurugram Police officer was allegedly killed by an SUV in Palam Vihar after the officer tried to stop the vehicle during a nakabandi on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.

Police said the Mahindra Xylo has been identified with number plate PB11 U1312 and efforts are on to trace the driver and arrest him.

According to police, the senior police officer Mukesh Kumar attached to Palam Vihar Police Station had set up a nakabandi after an input was received about dreaded criminals in a Punjab number plate SUV.

"As SPO Mukesh Kumar tried to stop the suspected SUV, the driver intentionally turned his vehicle towards him and ran the SUV over Kumar," said Ravindra Kumar, Spokesperson of Gurugram Police.

Assuming that the driver would slow down, Mukesh signalled the SUV to stop before the nakabandi.

However, the SUV driver picked up speed, hit him and drove away.

Mukesh Kumar was taken to a local hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Kumar hails from village Sirsa Khera. Born in 1982, Kumar started his career with Haryana State Industrial Security Force (HSISF) in 2004.

In August 2017, Kumar joined the Gurugram Police force as a Senior Police Officer.

The police has booked the SUV driver under section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of Indian Penal Code.Bengaluru: Three men, who were hired by the residents of a posh apartment at Bandepalya in HSR Layout to manually clean the clogged Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) tank, suffocated to death in the 12 ft deep tank on Sunday.

The deceased have been identified as Narayanaswamy (35), in charge of the STP at ND Sepal Apartment in Somasundarapalya, Srinivas (56), a painter, and Madegowda, (42), an electrician at a garments factory. Apartment residents had contracted Narayanaswamy to look after STP tank and other civic works of the apartment. He called up Srinivas and Madegowda to clean the STP tank, promising them a good pay. The two had earlier too worked at the apartment as Narayanaswamy regularly gave them work on Sundays, the police said.

While Narayanaswamy and Srinivas died in the STP tank, Madegowda succumbed while being shifted to Columbia Asia Hospital.

The incident occurred around 11 am, when all the three set out to clean the STP tank at the basement of the apartment. One of them, it is not clear who, entered the STP tank, but he suffocated to death because of toxic gases inside. When he failed to respond, the other worker went in, he collapsed as there was no oxygen inside the tank. An alarmed Madegowda entered last, but he too collapsed. The apartment security guard, who was worried about the long absence of the three workers, went to check near the STP tank and did not get any response when he called out for them.

He immediately alerted the apartment association members, who called up the fire and emergency department, the police said.

Fire brigade personnel along with the Bandepalya police rushed to the spot, pulled the three out of the STP tank and administered CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). The three were rushed to St. John's Hospital, where they were declared brought dead.

A senior fire and emergency official said that the workers had no safety equipment before entering the STP. Additional Commissioner of Police (East) Seemanth Kumar Singh told Deccan Chronicle that a case of death due to negligence has been taken up at the jurisdictional Bandepalya police station.

"According to the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, manual scavenging is prohibited and employing people for manual scavenging is a punishable offence. The police are finding out those responsible for employing the workers and action will be taken against them. The apartment dwellers claim that Narayanaswamy was in-charge of the STP tank and he had hired the two others for manual scavenging. But there was no written agreement between the apartment dwellers and Narayanaswamy," Mr Singh said.

As the news spread, relative and family members of the deceased gathered at the spot and protested against the apartment residents association. Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George and Mayor R. Sampath Raj visited the spot.Thiruvananthapuram: RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat will again hoist the Tricolour at a school near Palakkad in connection with a camp that begins there on Republic Day. But this time it is a school run by Bharatheeya Vidya Niketan  Vyasa Vidya Peetom  administered by RSS fellow travellers at Kallekkadu on the outskirts of Palakkad town. A three-day camp of mandal-level Sangh functionaries will be held there.

It may be recalled that Mr Bhagwat had created a controversy by hoisting the flag at the government-aided Kanakiamman Higher Secondary School, Palakkad, on Independence Day last year.

The Kerala Education Rules do not apply to the CBSE school and hence the state government cannot intervene in the function. RSS state secretary and Prantha Karyavahak P. Gopalankutty Master told this newspaper that the camp would be attended by over 7,000 mandal-level functionaries.

The programme was decided over one year ago. Celebrating the national days is part of the RSS culture, he said.

The event was shifted to Palakkad from the earlier scheduled venue of Angamaly as the auditorium there had sought a huge rent of Rs 3 crore.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had asked the general education department to take action against the school where Mr Bhagwat hoisted the flag on Independence Day. Vande Mataram was sung at the function instead of the National Anthem violating the code.

The DPI office had issued a notice to the headmaster and manager seeking an explanation on the issue. Action will be taken based on the report from the deputy director of education, said sources.Kochi: The land deal row in the Syro-Malabar Church has entered a new phase with the probe report of the Catholic Congress finding only technical lapses in the deal which resulted in financial losses. According to the report, the Church leadership had no vested interests or financial motives in the land transaction. A three-member internal probe team of the Catholic Congress prepared the report which will be submitted to the national working committee.

Archdiocese vicar-general Sebastian Vadakku-mpadath had entrusted Mr Saju Varghese, a real estate broker, to sell more than three acres of land at a rate of Rs 9.05 lakh per cent to clear the liabilities of the Church. He prepared the title deed and got it signed by Cardinal Mar George Alencherry promising that he would be able to pay the amount only after six months citing currency ban and financial crisis.

Instead of giving the balance amount of Rs 18 crore, he bought 25 acres of land at Kottappady near Kothamangalam and 17 acres at Devikulam for the archdiocese. The vicar-general and procurator visited these sites and realised that the properties are worth Rs 18 crore.

The cardinal agreed to purchase the land after he was convinced of the land value. Hence, it is certain that the financial loss was caused not because of any deliberate attempts by the Church leadership, the report said.

The Catholic Congress feels that an attempt is being made to indict Cardinal Alencherry and demanded strict action against the real estate dealer who misguided and cheated the Church. The report also doubted a conspiracy by a section of clergymen in dragging the deal in the public domain.

Meanwhile, the first half-yearly session of the 26th synod of Syro-Malabar Church that began on Monday in Kochi has reportedly favoured the Cardinal.A small bulldozer clears a road at the entrance of Villacastin, Segovia province, after the winters first heavy snowfall

Madrid: Spain deployed 250 soldiers on Sunday to help rescue hundreds of drivers who were trapped overnight in vehicles as heavy snowfall cut off several roads.

The armys emergency unit UME said it had sent two companies of specialist soldiers and 95 vehicles to free hundreds of cars stranded on the AP6 highway linking Madrid and the northwestern Segovia.

Soldiers and firefighters used snowplows to try to clear the snow, and distributed blankets and hot drinks to motorists. The rough weather comes as many Spaniards are travelling home after the Christmas holidays.Moshe, 11, was two when his parents were killed in the Mumbai attacks at Nariman House by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. (Photo: File | PTI)

Jerusalem: Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who as a toddler survived the 2008 terror attack at a Jewish centre in Mumbai, is feeling "emotional and excited" as he prepares for his "homecoming" during the four day visit to India by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week.

Moshe, 11, was two when his parents were killed in the Mumbai attacks at Nariman House (also known as Chabad House) by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists.

The attack on the Nariman House and other locations like the Taj Hotel left 166 people dead.

The boy, standing and crying between his dead parents' bodies, was saved in a daring move by his Indian nanny, Sandra Samuels, who was hiding in a room downstairs when the attack happened.

"Moshe is very excited and at the same time emotional as he gets ready to leave for Mumbai on January 15. He is returning to his birthplace and is waiting to see many things connected to his late parents that he has heard about from us and his nanny. There are lots of memories," an overwhelmed Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, Moshe's grandfather, told PTI.

In an emotional meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 5 in Jerusalem, the young boy had expressed his wish to visit Mumbai.

"I hope I will be able to visit Mumbai, and when I get older, live there. I will be the director of our Chabad House," Moshe had told the Indian Prime Minister.

Modi had responded by saying, "Come and stay in India and Mumbai. You are most welcome. You and your all family members will get long-term visas. So you can come anytime and go anywhere".

Netanyahu then promptly asked Moshe to join him when he travels to India, a promise he did not forget and has invited the family to join him in Mumbai during his forthcoming visit to India starting on January 14.

"Moshe says that he was touched by the warm embrace he received from Prime Minister Modi when he met him in Jeursalem during his July visit to Israel. He says that he felt like it was one of his own people giving him a warm hug," Rosenberg said adding, "he is hoping to meet the Indian Prime Minister again during his India trip".

"He is waiting to host Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara, and hopefully PM Modi 'at his home in Mumbai'," the grandfather said.

The young boy will be accompanied by his grandparents, Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg, nanny Sandra and a psychologist during his trip to Mumbai.

"During a meeting with the psychologist, who has been mentally preparing him for the visit, Moshe gave him an account of places in Mumbai he would like to visit. He has done his homework and knows about not only the site seeing places but also other places where his parents carried out works related to their assignment," Rosenberg noted.

Moshe's parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, who were serving as Directors at the Chabad House, were killed along with six others when the place also came under attack by Pakistani terrorists during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

"It is heart warming to see that the Indian leadership and the people of India haven't forgotten us and share our pain. It gives us strength and makes us feel one," Rosenberg said.

In a brief telephonic call, Sandra, who was in Afula in the north of Israel where Moshe and his family lives, said that the boy is excited and told her before leaving for school on Sunday that it is like "homecoming" for him.

The family also plans to celebrate Moshe's bar mitzvah in Mumbai. Bar mitzvah is a ceremony performed for Jewish boys at the age of 13 which some Israeli scholars compare with upnayana, or the thread ceremony.

India issued ten year multiple entry visas to Moshe and his grandparents to ease their travel to the country in August. Prime Minister Modi is said to have personally followed up on the matter as promised to Moshe during their meeting.

Sandra also now lives in Israel and has been felicitated with an honourary citizenship by the Israeli government.PROMONTORY, Box Elder County  Search and rescue crews have identified an object found in the Great Salt Lake as an airplane that matches the size and description of a plane that went missing last month.

While heavy fog hampered crews' efforts to navigate to the object's location, along with equipment issues that caused delays, a dive to further investigate the plane scheduled for Sunday morning was postponed. But there was an "upside" to Sunday's efforts, said Dale Ward, Box Elder County sheriff's chief deputy.

The object was "unequivocally identified as an airplane of the general size and description of our Cessna 172," Ward said in a news release Sunday.

The Cessna was carrying pilot Denny Mansell and passenger Peter Ellis, both in their 70s, when it went missing Dec. 29.

The men had planned to fly near the Promontory Point area and get a bird's-eye view of the winter steam engine festival at the Golden Spike National Historic Site.

The Weber County Sheriff's Office, Utah Department of Public Safety and Civil Air Patrol have all assisted in the search for the plane, as well as the 100 members of the Hill Flying Club, of which both Mansell and Ellis are members.

The Weber County Sheriff's Office had been helping Box Elder in the search by scanning the Great Salt Lake with sonar. On Saturday, officials found a "target" to investigate further, the agency posted on Facebook.

"(We) hope we are successful and can bring closure to the family," the post stated.

Images obtained from sonar "convinced us that the object was absolutely an airplane and was consistent with the size of a Cessna 172," Ward said.

The aircraft is resting on the bottom of the Great Salt Lake in about 14 feet of water on private property near Promontory, he said.

There is also a "sizable debris field" surrounding the aircraft, but none of those objects have been identified yet, Ward said.

The deputy said the "only way" to positively confirm the aircraft as the missing Cessna 172 is to have divers investigate it.

Due to weather and other logistical issues, the dive Sunday was postponed. It had not been rescheduled as of Sunday afternoon, Ward said.Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox spoke to Vox in an exclusive interview about the state of politics in Utah, as well as the potential of seeing Mitt Romney bid for the open Senate seat now that Orrin Hatch has decided to retire at the end of the year.

Cox said Utahns dont buy into the Trump vs. Romney rivalry.

People are trying to posit Mitt Romney running for Hatchs seat as Romney versus Trump, and I dont think most Utahns will see it that way. Mitt Romney is royalty here in the state of Utah. And I can tell you the polling numbers weve seen over the past two years, hes still the most popular politician in the state of Utah. If you look at the mean score for Mitt Romney, he has the best mean score for anyone in the state. Its just pretty much an inevitability.

Cox also said Utahns will want to see a respectful version of Romney in Washington, not one who battles Trump on every issue.

They love who he is as a person, they love who he is as a family man. They love his track record, from the Olympics to being a successful governor. Someone who has really carried the banner  even though he didnt live in Utah  for Utah Mormons, someone they can look to who respects people.

Cox also said Steve Bannons assault on the Washington establishment would have no place in Utah.

I can tell you very clearly that Bannon would get his head handed to him if he came to the state of Utah.

Read the entire interview at Vox.Sankalp Malaysia to act as a gateway for business expansion in Southeast Asia

Sunnyvale, California Jan 8th, 2018 - Sankalp Semiconductor, a design service company offering comprehensive digital & mixed signal SoC services and solutions, today announced establishing a fully owned subsidiary in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. The company has a strong presence in India, USA and Europe markets. The Malaysia office will enable the company address the growing need of semiconductor design services from large semiconductor and system design companies. The growth of the Hi-Tech Southeast Asia market is attributed to the rapid expansion and robust growth in mobile, automotive, medical and IoT sectors.

Malaysia is a strategic location to multiple of our customers. Our office in Malaysia will allow us to maintain close proximity with our existing local customers and offer ease of operation for the new customers in the hi-tech semiconductor digital and analog semiconductor space. said Uday Ramachandran Vice President - Business Development (India & APAC), Sankalp Semiconductor.

Sankalp Semiconductor was founded in 2005 with a focus to serve the semiconductor companies primarily offering analog & mixed signal design services. Today, Sankalp with a team of 700+ engineering professionals has design centers in Hubli, Bengaluru, Kolkata in India and Ottawa, Canada. The company provides unique advantage to its semiconductor customers by enabling them at any point of semiconductor services life cycle with the ability to provide end-to-end solutions.

About Sankalp Semiconductor

Sankalp Semiconductor offers an integrated portfolio of services and solutions to its customers in key semiconductor domains including analog, digital, high-speed physical interface IP, Embedded Memory Compiler and EDA modelling. Sankalp Semiconductor is a preferred semiconductor design service partners to multiple Fortune 500 companies in the Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Industrial IoT and Medical electronics space. The company enables its customers to achieve their time-to-market window by delivering first pass silicon designs and engage with product engineering teams across the globe to design System-on-Chip. Sankalp Semiconductor is based in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in USA, India, Canada and Germany. www.sankalpsemi.com





Moortecs expansion continues to gain pace with the opening of a brand new European Design Centre in Gdansk, Poland.

Plymouth, UK -- January 8, 2018 -- The brand new facility will be headed up by Moortec Design Centre Manager, Szymon Gerka, with support from Moortec CTO, Oliver King.

Moortec provides compelling embedded IP subsystem solutions for Process, Voltage & Temperature (PVT) monitoring, targeting advanced node CMOS technologies from 40nm down to 7nm.

The exciting new Design Centre in Gdansk will allow Moortec to accelerate its engineering efforts in terms of its advanced node roadmap and help cement its position both in Europe and Globally as the number one provider of embedded PVT sensing technology. - Oliver King, CTO Moortec Semiconductor. We also recognise the valuable, highly professional and talented engineering resource that Poland has to offer.

The recent rapid growth of Moortec means the company is seeking talented engineering staff to grow its team in Poland. Moortec wishes to recruit designers to help ensure the company continues to provide cutting edge embedded monitoring IP for the advanced node semiconductor industry.

We are looking forward to growing the team and continuing to provide highly accurate, highly featured monitoring IP to optimise the performance and reliability of todays modern SoCs whether that be for consumer, telecommunications, datacentre and enterprise applications or for emerging markets such as automotive, IoT and AI. - Ramsay Allen, VP of Marketing Moortec Semiconductor.

Moortecs PVT monitoring subsystem IP is designed to optimise performance in todays cutting-edge technologies, solving the problems that come about through scaling of devices. The new design centre will strengthen Moortecs engineering team and allow the company to add even more new silicon-proven designs to their already impressive IP portfolio.

About Moortec Semiconductor

Established in 2005 Moortec provides compelling embedded sub-system IP solutions for Process, Voltage & Temperature (PVT) monitoring, targeting advanced node CMOS technologies from 40nm down to 7nm. Moortecs in-chip sensing solutions support the semiconductor design communitys demands for increased device reliability and enhanced performance optimization, enabling schemes such as DVFS, AVS and power management control systems. Moortec also provides excellent support for IP application, integration and device test during production.

For more information please contact Ramsay Allen ramsay.allen@moortec.com, +44 1752 875133, visit www.moortec.com





7 Reasons Why Pyaar Impossible Deserves Its Place In The List Of 'So Bad That Its Good' Classics

In the crowd of Gunda and Jaani Dushman-s of the world, Pyaar Impossible has its own place in the so-bad-that-it-is-good classics. The movie directed by Jugal Hansraj was a project that probably required the actors to come to set and make a complete fool of themselves. To be honest, the only redeeming quality of the film was its hummable music composed by Salim Suleiman, the rest was a nightmare for YashRaj Films and Priyanka Chopra who would like to forget it for ever. As far as Uday Chopra is concerned, the movie was a true reflection of his fate in Bollywood. It was impossible. On the 8th anniversary of the masterpiece we recall why the movie deserves a solid presence in Bollywoods Hall Of Fame of the Worst Movies Ever Made.

Jugal Hansraj on the Directors Chair

After a respect worthy attempt in Roadside Romeo that won a National Award and managed to get screened in the Cairo Film Festival, Jugal Hansraj thought it would be a good idea to continue his mohabbatein with Uday Chopra and YashRaj banner. Though the script did not leave much in his hands, but the masoom director did absolutely nothing to salvage the disaster. In fact the film looks like that the only brief from the director was to look annoying and stupid in every frame.

Stereotypes Galore

Pretty popular girl, nerdy besotted guy, rescuing from river, unruly child of divorce, unscrupulous businessmen, this movie gets full point for not discriminating against any stereotypes. It packs all of them in abundance. The script, if it can be called so, had as much meat as a stale veggie burger. It also deserves a special mention for re-instating the fact that unattractive people are nerdy losers and pretty people are shallow and scheming. Keeping the legacy intact, it also mistakes serious criminal stalking for romantic determination. Slow Claps.

Uday Chopra Was A Lead

Source: yash raj films Source: yash raj films

Yup, the movie is that old. When Bollywood (read his home production), was still harbouring the dream of Uday Chopra having a career in Bollywood. The whole movie is a futile exercise to figure out if he is more annoying or clueless as an actor. In absolute absence of a script, it looks like a contest to see how bad his acting can get, and this is perhaps the only aspect in which Uday Chopra emerges as an undisputed winner.

Dino Morea Was There In It

Again, this is a reminder of how old we have become. This was still an era where Dino Morea had a job, that too in a mainstream movie. It would be unfair to analyse his acting performance in a movie where everyone competed with each other in a bid to see who can look more stupid. However, even then, our Dino boy did not disappoint. He manages to deliver a performance that is completely sync with the clueless spirit of the movie. Not that we ever expected anything else from him.

Priyanka Chopras Amazing Decision Making

The moment you see the first 10 minutes of the film, you are sure that Priyanka Chopra is not in the movie because she believed in the script. It would probably forever be a mystery as to why our dearest Pee Cee decided to board this ship that had shipwreck written all over it. But then she also thought Whats Your Rashee, Love Story 2050 and Drona were good ideas. It is probably safe to assume that along with many other things, her selection process of choosing scripts have developed over the years. We forgive you Pee Cee.

The Child Artist

Tanya, played by an adorable Advika Yadav is one of the most annoying child characters ever. Dont get us wrong, there is nothing wrong with the kid itself, but the character she was given was a complete pain in the you-know-where. She was rude and unruly and not in a good way. Even if we overlook that, there is no way a kid of that age understands complexities of adult relationship. And if she does then it is not really palatable.

Tech Savvy

Source: yash raj films Source: yash raj films

What is with Bollywood and technology? In a country where every second person is a software engineer or a tech nerd, how difficult is it to write accurately about technology. In the film Uday Chopra, a tech nerd, develops a software that integrates all operating systems. Even if we let that pass as a leap of creativity, the question why the whole thing looks like a futuristic rocket launching mechanism is beyond us to figure out.Ashok Sawant was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Ashok Sawant, a Shiv Sena leader and ex-corporator in Mumbai was stabbed to death on Sunday at around 10:45 pm near his house by two unknown assailants.

A two-time corporator from Samta Nagar, Sawant was attacked about 200 metres from his residence as he was returning after meeting a friend.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival. As soon as they were informed, police arrived at the scene of the crime and samples were collected for forensic examination.

Samta Nagar Police were also trying to determine if there was a CCTV near the scene of the crime. A case under IPC section 302 was filed and the matter was being investigated.

Vinay Rathod, DSP, Zone 12, said that a case of murder has been registered against unknown persons. The body has been sent to Shatabdi Hospital for postmortem.

Media reports said that the deceased had entered a cable business and had been receiving extortion calls for the last few days. A hunt has been launched to nab the perpetrators of the crime.

Media reports also said that the murder was probably connected to these extortion threats.

Sawant is survived by his wife, son and two daughters.

(With inputs from ANI)Mahesh Babu's Next Is A Political Thriller Starring Kiara Advani

Actor Mahesh Babu is all set to return from his vacation on January 13 and resume his work. The actor will be seen playing the lead character in the upcoming film Bharat Ane Nenu, will start shooting for the film from January 15. The film is being directed by Koratala Siva and has Kiara Advani as the female protagonist.





The major part of the shooting of the political thriller has been completed and the team is going to shoot the rest of the scenes and a few songs. According to a source from the unit, Its not an entirely political film; there is also romance between the chief minister played by Mahesh and his love interest, Kiara Advani.





The source further added, There are a couple of satirical scenes which have come out very well and are going to be hilarious. Moreover, the film features Prakash Raj, Rao Ramesh, Sarath Kumar, Posani Krishna Murali and Devraj in crucial roles. The film is slated to release in April.





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Source: s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.comArgentinean regulator Enacom has given the green light to proposals allowing firms to deliver multi-play services including mobile, fixed, internet and pay-TV.

The regulators decision had been widely anticipated for the start of 2018 following its January 2017 publications of guidelines that would allow operators to expand their offerings. The move is aimed at bringing about greater competition in the market.

Following the announcement, Enacom has issued mobile provider Claro and Telefonica with licences enabling them to provide radio and pay-TV services in certain cities. The regulator has also provided cable TV provider Supercanal Sociedad Anonima with an MVNO licence, allowing it to offer mobile services.

Enacom president Miguel De Godoy claimed that multi-play services would enable more offers for users and better quality communication. In 2016, the government of Argentina confirmed its expectation its reform proposals would bring in $20 billion in investment within four years.

In July 2017, Telecom Argentina merged with cable TV firm Cablevision in a bid to compete more effectively against America Movils dominant Claro unit. The regulator approved the merger in December that year with the condition that the combined entity gave up some of its spectrum to remain below the government cap.HTC has started teasing a new version of its Vive VR headset. The company posted a teaser for the headset on social media with the tagline, New Years Resolution, suggesting that the new headset will offer an improved resolution. The teaser also suggests that we might see HTC unveil the new headset on January 8, which is a day ahead of CES 2018. While details about the headset are not yet known, it is possible that we may get to see a Vive headset that offers 4K resolution.

The current HTC Vive offers two AMOLED displays that are 3.6-inches in size. Both offer a resolution of 1080 x 1200 pixels each, for a total resolution of 2160 x 1200 pixels. It has a refresh rate of 90Hz and a field of view of 110 degrees. The system also offers room scaling, that lets you walk around in a set area. The Vive was launched in India back in April last year at Rs 92,990. However, since then, the system has gotten a price cut and is currently available for Rs 76,990.

It should be noted that to run the system, users need to have an adequately equipped PC. Those interested need to have at least an Intel Core i5-4590 or an AMD FX 8350 processor with 4GB RAM or more. On the graphics front, they need a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or an AMD Radeon RX 480 at the least. As far as games go, users can play Fallout 4 VR, Doom VFR, LA Noire: The VR Case Files and more.

You can check out our first impressions of thye HTC Vive here.

Catch The Latest From CES 2018 HereBabcock on Monday said it would lead a bespoke team of industry partners in a bid for the UK Ministry of Defence's new 1.25bn Type 31e general purpose light frigate programme.

Babcock had teamed up with fellow defence contractor Thales, along with BMT, Harland & Wolff and Ferguson Marine to form 'Team 31'.

It said the consortium would pitch to the UK's Ministry of Defence that it could deliver "world-class ships that will drive economic benefits throughout the UK".

Babcock said it would act as the overall programme lead, whilst Thales will have overall responsibility for the development of the mission system solution.At least 20 retailers will reveal how they performed over the festive period this week, with Tesco expected to be one of the Christmas winners but Marks & Spencer continuing to struggle. Others due to update investors include Sainsburys, Morrisons, John Lewis, House of Fraser and fast-growing discounter B&M. With little sales growth to be found, it is not expected to be a vintage year for any company as consumer confidence and spending power remains weak.  Guardian

Commuters are facing a week of disruption as workers in five rail companies prepare for strike action over the role of train guards. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will walk out on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the first full week back at work following the festive break after last-ditch talks collapsed.  Guardian

Confidence among Britains businesses appears brittle as fears about trade and economic growth have escalated in a trio of surveys. Brexit has been identified as the biggest concern among those in control of company finances and is likely to lead to more subdued spending by businesses, according to a Deloitte survey.  Telegraph

Public houses look to have cashed in on the nations Christmas spirit thanks to insatiable demand for premium drinks and longer opening hours to help elongate the festivities. Privately owned pub groups have reported buoyant Christmas trading and analysts are expecting upbeat data from some of their larger publicly traded rivals, particularly those with a skew towards drink sales.  Telegraph

Ministers have been asked to come up with plans to secure the future of the Vauxhall car plant at Ellesmere Port and to promote it as a factory in the vanguard of the electric vehicle revolution. The future of the Cheshire factory, home of the Vauxhall Astra, has been in doubt since it, along with the rest of the Opel Vauxhall assets in Europe owned by General Motors, was sold to Groupe PSA, the Peugeot and Citroen carmaker. Ellesmere Ports prospects worsened in the autumn when PSA cut a shift and laid off 400 workers, about a quarter of the labour force.  The Times

The 49 billion BT pension scheme is set to pull its administration back in-house after terminating a contract with Accenture three years into an eight-year deal. The pension scheme, which has 300,000 members, is one of the largest in the private sector. The decision comes amid intense discussions over the future of the scheme, which has a 13.9 billion deficit.  The Times

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A long-simmering dispute between Google and Amazon this week escalated into a front-burner feud, following Google's decision to block its YouTube video service from Amazon's Echo Show, effective immediately, and from its Fire TV, effective Jan. 1.

Google apparently decided to cut off YouTube as retaliation for Amazon's refusal to carry its products, including Chromecast and Google Home, on its website. Further, Amazon has not made its Prime Video service available to Google Cast users. Amazon also recently stopped selling some smart home products from Nest, another subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet.

Echo Wars

The tiff marks the latest in an evolving series of disputes related to ecosystem building. Companies with their own hardware and content ecosystems constantly must choose between interoperability and competition, suggested Tim Mulligan, senior analyst at Midia Research.

"Hardware/ecosystem proxy wars are an inevitable consequence of an integrated tech and media company looking to replicate Apple's success with building a closed ecosystem around their devices," he told TechNewsWorld.

Amazon and Google have competing video ecosystems and voice-activated devices, so each must take steps to protect its respective business interests.

Google may wind up being the party that takes the biggest hit, as keeping YouTube off the Amazon Echo Show could hit it directly in the wallet.

"This is one of those instances where Google's young executive staff showcases as a serious problem," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

"What they are doing is stupid," he told TechNewsWorld.

YouTube depends on advertising revenue to make a profit, Enderle pointed out, and cutting off access is going to hurt Google more than Amazon.

More Than It Can Chew?

On the other hand, it could be Amazon's ambitions that have kept it from reaching a deal with Google, observed Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

"The problem apparently began with a disagreement over Amazon's implementation of YouTube on its Echo Show devices but has escalated from there, with Google restricting access to its content and Amazon pulling Google products from its site," he told TechNewsWorld.

"You could call it a commonplace pissing match between online behemoths, but if so, it's one where the company's' customers are the ones who are most likely to get splashed, King quipped.

The conflict could escalate further if Net neutrality is voted out at the next meeting of the FCC, Tirias Research Principal Analyst Paul Teich told TechNewsWorld. "That might be a way for the competitors to charge customers obscene amounts of money to have the convenience of cross-platform access."

David Jones is a freelance writer based in Essex County, New Jersey. He has written for Reuters, Bloomberg, Crain's New York Business and The New York Times.

The Interior Department has reached a deal with a remote Alaskan village to construct a controversial road through a national wildlife refuge.

Local officials from King Cove in the Aleutian Islands said last week that the Interior Department has approved a land swap that would allow the village to build a 12-mile gravel road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge that will connect the village to the nearby town of Cold Bay.

The proposed road, which would cut through key habitat for grizzly bear, caribou and other species, has been a political flash point for decades. Interior Sec. Ryan Zinke's move to allow the road will overturn a 2013 decision by then-Interior Sec. Sally Jewell to block the road's construction.

As reported by the Washington Post:

"Randi Spivak, who directs the public lands program for the Center for Biological Diversity, said in an email that the advocacy group was prepared to challenge the agreement in federal court if it is finalized. The proposed project, she argued, would probably run afoul of the Wilderness Act, the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

'Bulldozing a road through the heart of the refuge violates federal laws designed to protect Alaska's pristine wild places,' Spivak said. 'Zinke's backroom deal is an end run around Congress and will destroy world-class wetlands critical to millions of migrating birds, bears and other wildlife. Once it's destroyed, we'll never get it back.'"

In a press release, Defenders of Wildlife President Jamie Rappaport Clark said, "We will not stand by while some of the world's most vital wildlife habitat is ripped from public ownership to satisfy commercial interests. We will challenge this illegal scam in federal court."

For a deeper dive:

Washington Post, New York Times, KTOO, KUCB, KTUU

For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.Extreme weather is blasting opposite ends of the globe.

As the northeastern U.S. faces freezing winds and record snowfall, a catastrophic" heat wave in Australia has prompted warnings of dangerous bushfire and has literally melted part of a busy highway.

According to the New York Times, triple-digit temperatures reached life-threatening levels" over the weekend in many parts of the continent:

"Penrith, a suburb of Sydney, reached 47.3 degrees Celsius on Sunday, or just over 117 degrees Fahrenheit. It was the hottest day on record in Penrith, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales, and the hottest anywhere in the Sydney area since 1939, when a temperature of 47.8 degrees118 degrees Fahrenheitset a record that still stands.

At 40.1 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit, Melbourne, 550 miles southwest, was comfortable only by comparison."

On Friday in the Australian state of Victoria, with temperatures hitting 104 degrees Fahrenheit, traffic slowed to a crawl due to melting tar on a six-mile stretch of the Hume Highway in Broadford.

The heat caused the asphalt to become "soft and sticky" and the road's surface to bleed, a spokeswoman for VicRoads, which manages the state's road systems, explained to Australian Broadcasting Corp.

"This heat is a killer," Victoria ambulance commander Paul Holman warned, adding that the heat was like a blast furnace" and residents should stay indoors.

Similarly, last year, a devastating heat wave in New Delhi also melted roads after temperatures neared 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

The heat in Australiaas well as the bomb cyclone" in the U.S.comes as 2017 earned the dubious distinction of Earth's second-hottest year on record. Signs of climate change include devastating wildfires to diminishing Arctic ice, the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a European Union monitoring center, noted. This follows 2016, when Earth's surface temperatures were officially the hottest since record-keeping began in 1880.

"It's striking that 16 of the 17 warmest years have all been this century," Jean-Noel Thepaut, head of Copernicus, told Reuters, noting the scientific consensus that man-made emissions has exacerbated climate change.

Experts say that unusually cold weather does not disprove global warming. Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe pointed out that the record snowfall in the lakefront city of Erie, Pa. late last month could be explained by warmer temperatures increasing the risk of lake-effect snow.

But President Donald Trump, who famously asserted that climate change was "created" by the Chinese to hurt U.S manufacturing, tweeted recently that the bitter cold East Coast "could use a little bit of that good old Global Warming."

"In the East, it could be the COLDEST New Year's Eve on record. Perhaps we could use a little bit of that good old Global Warming that our Country, but not other countries, was going to pay TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS to protect against," Trump tweeted while vacationing in Palm Beach, Florida. "Bundle up!"The Netherlands, aka Windmill Country, is now operating 100 percent of its electric trains with wind energy.

As of Jan. 1, 600,000 daily train passengers have been traveling completely carbon neutral, according to an announcement from the Netherlands' principal passenger railway operator, NS.

Dutch electric trains are running on 1.2 billion kilowatt-hours of wind energy supplied by sustainable energy supplier, Eneco. As Brightvibes noted, a "decreasing and relatively small number" of Dutch trains are still running on diesel.

NS and Eneco first announced their plan of a wind-powered railway in 2015 in order to drastically slash train ride emissions. Their original goal was to transition the trains to 100 percent renewable energy by 2018, but that target was moved up after reaching 75 percent in 2016. Impressively, this means their initial goal was met one whole year ahead of schedule.



According to Eneco, the power used by the carriers comes from newly built wind farms in the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Belgium. By tapping into both domestic and foreign sources of wind power, it "[ensures] that there is always sufficient green power available on the grid for rail companies, even if the wind is not blowing," the company explained.

As Eneco's account manager Michel Kerkhof pointed out, the "key objective is to avoid procuring energy from the limited existing number of sustainable energy projects in the Netherlands, thus promoting renewable growth both domestically and Europe-wide."

"This partnership ensures that new investments can be made in even newer wind farms, which will increase the share of renewable energy," Kerkhof continued. "In this way, the Dutch railways aim to reduce the greatest negative environmental impact caused by CO2 in such a way that its demand actually contributes to the sustainable power generation in the Netherlands and Europe."

Railway Gazette reports that NS records about 1.2 million passenger-journeys per day, with an annual energy requirement for 1.2 billion kWh. The company aims to further reduce consumption by 2 percent a year with an energy efficiency program, with total consumption already reduced by 30 percent since 2005. The company is also looking for a "dramatic" reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

In this video, NS CEO Roger van Boxtel is humorously strapped to a windmill blade as he touts his company's latest renewable energy achievement. The clip is in Dutch so set the captions to "translate" if you do not speak the language.



Wind farmsboth onshore and offshoreare regarded as a key component in renewable energy policy and an important tool in mitigating the risks of climate change.

The Netherlands currently has a total of 2,200 wind turbines across the country, according to DutchNews.nl. The turbines supply enough energy to power 2.4 million households.



The Dutch government is looking to ramp up the nation's share of renewable energy from 4 percent in 2014 to 16 percent in 2023. This year the country is due to start operating a 600-megawatt offshore wind farm, called Gemini.Mumbai, Jan 8 (PTI) Strongly opposing the proposed blanket safeguard duty on imported solar panels and cells, the All-India Solar Industries Association today said this levy will badly impact manufacturers operating from the special economic zones.

"SEZ units are treated on par with foreign manufacturers and hence any safeguard duty will be detrimental to the domestic solar industry as a whole," associations general secretary Gyanesh Chaudhary said in a statement.

On December 26, government ordered a safeguard duty probe on surging solar cell imports with a view to protect domestic manufacturers after the domestic industry approached the Directorate General of Safeguards.

Solar cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, are imported primarily from China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.

The country is targeting 100-gw (gigawatt) solar capacity by 2022 against the current installed capacity of 15 gw and has planned to auction 20 gw capacities by March, and 30 gw each in next two fiscals.

The association further said the specific anti-dumping duty on imports from China, which is flooding the domestic market with its cheap solar modules, is making domestic industry unviable.

According to him, currently the country has 3,100 mw of installed solar capacity of which 2,000 mw, which is more than 60 per cent, are in SEZs. Further, of the 8,300-mw of solar module manufacturing facilities, 3,800-mw are in SEZs.

"Hence, the indigenous manufactures situated in SEZ will come under the ambit of any blanket duty that will be imposed on solar cells and modules which will make them uncompetitive," he said.

In FY17, estimated demand of solar modules was around 6000 mw, which is expected to go up to 10,000 mw this fiscal.

"The purpose of duty should be to protect the domestic industry from dumping. Levying duty on domestic manufacturers can also lead to an increase in the cost of power that will discourage the domestic industry," he added.

He further said there is a need to revaluate the duty structures to ensure survival and growth of domestic industry.

Interestingly the call for import duty has comes from by the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association on behalf of five domestic producers-- Mundra Solar PV, Indosolar, Jupiter Solar Power, Websol Energy Systems and Helios Photo Voltaic.

These companies want safeguard duty on solar cells whether or not assembled in modules or panels immediately for four years.

Imports of solar cell increased from 1,275 mw in FY15 to 9,331 mw by FY17 while the domestic production was 246 mw in FY15 and is likely to increase to 1,164 mw in FY18.

Domestic players had a market share of 13 per cent in FY15, which is estimated to decline to 7 per cent in FY18.

The domestic industry also asked DGS for a provisional safeguard duty in view of the steep deterioration in the performance of the local players as a result of increased imports of the solar cells.

Safeguard duty is a WTO-compatible temporary measure that is brought in for a certain time-frame to avert any damage to a domestic industry from cheap imports. PTI PSK BEN BENThe oil tanker that set fire after colliding with a freight ship off the east coast of China may explode and sink, possibly putting the environment and human health at risk, experts warned.

The Iranian tanker was carrying 150,000 tons, or nearly 1 million barrels, of condensate crude oil when it collided with the CF Crystal on Saturday. Condensate is an ultra-light hydrocarbon that is highly toxic and much more explosive than regular crude oil.

The size of the oil spill from the ship and the extent of the environmental harm are currently unknown but the disaster has the potential to be the worst since the ABT Summer spill off the Angolan coast in 1991, Reuters noted.

Chinese authorities have since dispatched three cleaning boats to the site. Search and rescue are also underway for the 32 crew members that have gone missing after the collision in the mouth of the Yangtze River Delta.

"First and foremost, Greenpeace hopes that the search and rescue operations of the Chinese coast guard go smoothly and the 32 missing crew will be found," said Greenpeace East Asia campaigner Rashid Kang.

But the environmental organization is also concerned about the potential environmental damage that could be caused by the release of the oil on board.

"We are worried about the potential environmental impact that could be caused by leakage from the vessel that was holding almost 42 million gallons of crude oil. A clean up procedure is already underway and we will be monitoring its progress," Kang said.

As the BBC reported, condensate is both color- and odor-less, making it hard to detect, contain and clean up compared to heavy crudes.

Additionally, condensate is "not like crude, which does break down under natural microbial action; this stuff actually kills the microbes that break the oil down," Simon Boxall, of the National Oceanography Centre at the University of Southampton, explained to the news service.

Boxall said the best hope was to put out the fire and stop the ship from sinking.

"If she sinks with a lot of cargo intact, then you have a time bomb on the sea bed which will slowly release the condensate," he said.

"There could be a long-term exclusion of fishing for many hundreds of kilometers in this area," Boxall added.

Babatunde Anifowose, a senior lecturer in petroleum and environmental technology at the University of Coventry told CNN that if the tanker explodes and sinks, cleanup will be made much more difficult due to the oil seeping beneath the surface of the water.

Anifowose also noted that the toxic fumes released by condensate could could be picked up by winds and carried onto nearby onshore populations.

The fumes "could aggravate existing health conditions or lead to coughing or asthma," Anifowose said.

But Mu Jianxin, a senior engineer at the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, told the Global Times that the oil is soluble in water, making it easier to handle.

Pollution caused by the leak is certain, but compared to the wide watershed of the Yangtze River estuary, the 136,000 tons of oil should not cause too serious a problem," Mu said.

Some physical methods can be used to dissolve or neutralize the oily pollutant."By Erika Spanger-Siegfried

On Thursday in Massachusetts we were asking ourselves questions that have rarely, if ever, needed asking.

What happens when half-frozen seawater suddenly floods onto roadways? Can something the consistency of a milkshake and 3 feet deep be plowed? There's a large dumpster floating down the street  What depth of water is sufficient to do that? What happens if some of this water freezes in place before it retreats (as I write this, the temps have plummeted to 12 degrees F and dropping)? Will those cars now filled with seawater in the snow-emergency parking lot run again? What if the water freezes inside them over the weekendcan that punch out doors?

The stories are countless. In Salem, MA, my mother watched out her window as fire and rescue workers hauled someone to safety on a raft through at times waist-deep water.

My colleagues and I think about coastal flooding a lot, but the footage from Thursday had our brains buzzing with new unknowns and threats never considered.

I've been keeping an eye on social media, the news, and hearing from friends and family, and these three questions emerged for me as needing to be asked and answered.

1. Why was this flooding so much worse than forecast?

In the lead up to Thursday's storm, dubbed "Grayson" by the Weather Channel, the coastal flooding forecasts shifted from minor to moderate, from moderate to major. Coastal residents monitoring this would have been concerned but not nearly enough. Even as the storm was getting underway, the flooding forecasts greatly understated what actually played out on the ground.

In the end, severe flooding struck multiple areas of the coast of Massachusetts from the North Shore to the Cape, with chest-high water in some locations, emergency boat rescues, and damage that we're just beginning to take stock of. People were caught off guard, greatly increasing the risk to public safety and the damage to property. For example, below is a shot of the Gloucester High School parking lot where residents are instructed to park their cars in a snow emergency. Ouch.

2. Why didn't we see this coming?



The reasons given by local meteorologists for the surprising severity are the astronomical high tide (Monday was a full moon) that coincided with the storm's path, and strong onshore winds creating significant storm surge and damaging waves. The tide itself is no mystery and our ability to forecast storm surge is pretty good. The wind speeds and snowfall totals were mostly as forecast. So where was the gap between our forecasting methods and tools and this storm's true coastal flood potential? And how do we close it?

3. Was this flooding made worse by climate change?

Boston's Mayor Marty Walsh declared "If anyone wants to question global warming, just see where the flood zones are. Some of those zones did not flood 30 years ago." And he did so while the storm was still lashing the city. The days of tiptoeing around this question are clearly over.

So, what can and can't be said here on sound scientific footing? Like any storm, there were a lot of factors responsible for Thursday's: wind speed and direction, and the resulting storm surge and wave height. And there are two ways that climate change plays a role in the impact of storms like this.

On the one hand, it can influence a storm itselfcausing it to form faster, become stronger, etc., so that when it strikes, it has greater potential for doing damage. Tracing this to climate change is harder to do, but the science is catching up. As climate scientist and colleague Rachel Licker pointed out this week. "According to the American Meteorological Society's new report, science is now not only able to detect a climate change signal in individual extreme events, science is now able to determine whether climate change caused by humans was essential in the development of an extreme event. In other words, science is now at the point where it is able to tell us whether certain extreme events would or would not have happened without climate change."

We don't know the day after, however. Such research takes time. But I expect we'll hear more about the detection of climate change fingerprints on this storm in the months to come. See my colleague Brenda Ekwurzel's blog for more on this specific topic.

The other way climate change plays a role in the impact of storms is clear and can be discussed more definitively today: today's storms have higher water levels to "work with" due to sea level rise. In Boston, water levels have risen ~5 inches just since the blizzard of '78. (This upward trend is also responsible for the increased tidal flooding along Boston's waterfront.) So ANY storm that hits our coasts today is working with water that is higher and closer to our cities, buildings, homes and infrastructure, than when we first put them there.

It was interesting to note that the tide height associated with this storm topped the Blizzard of '78 by hundredths of an inch. In its defense, the Blizzard of 78 was working with an ocean that was 5 inches "shorter." If that exact storm happened today, the flooding would be worse than it was in 1978 given this additional water. And importantly, the damages would likely be worse as well, given the additional people, property and stuff we've put along our coasts since that time.

But speaking of comparisons. We released an analysis in 2017 that identified areas along the entire U.S. coast that would flood on a chronic basis, just with normal tidal fluctuations. By 2060, the general area of Boston that flooded Thursday would flood at least 26 times per year, irrespective of storms or rainfall, with a high rate of sea level rise. (Add storms and rainfall and the frequency rises.) That's about 45 years from now, well within the lifetime of the buildings and infrastructure we've built and continue to build in these areas. With a more moderate rate of sea level increase, it would flood chronically a couple of decades later.

Boston's storm-flooded area becomes it's tidally-flooded area later this century.

This sunny-day floodingthe kind seen today at places like Long Wharf during extreme high tideswouldn't have the destructive waves of Thursday's storm. It would, however, put large areas under inches and potentially feet of sea water, it would be unaffected by the construction of major harbor storm barrier, and it would preclude business-as-usual along some of the busiest and highest-value parts of Boston's waterfront. Go to this link to view your own coastal community.

Importantly, our analysis also shows that a lower rate of sea level rise, associated with adherence to the Paris agreement, could greatly reduce this flooding.

4. What are some responsible takeaways?

We'll be taking stock of this storm for some time to come.

Boston, a city with a strong and growing commitment to coastal climate preparedness and resilience, an unsurpassed local expert community, and uniquely engaged business and philanthropic sectors, can emerge as an even stronger national leader in the wake of this storm.

Massachusetts, with its growing if patchy commitment to the same, can recognize its mounting exposure to coastal flooding and get much more serious on this front. Republican Governor Charlie Baker's executive order on state government adaptation efforts shows that sensible, bipartisan action is possible. Passage of the bill to establish a comprehensive adaptation management action plan (CAMP) would codify this order and represent a serious commitment toward tackling our climate risks.

The important takeaway for Boston, Gloucester, Scituate, Barnstable, Salem and on down the lineas well as for places in other states that dodged this bullet, this timeis not simply how do we prepare for storms like this. It's how do we prepare for a futureand to a certain extent, a presentwhere storms have the potential to be more destructive, and where no storm is needed for transformative flooding to occur. In Massachusetts, we can do that, and the sooner we start, the less costly and disruptive it will be.

Erika Spanger-Siegfried is a senior analyst in the climate and energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

By Steve Horn

The conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) has sued Wisconsin State Superintendent Tony Evers for what it alleges was a state education agency's violation of an anti-regulatory lawlong pushed by the petrochemical billionaire Koch brothersknown as the REINS Act.

Wisconsin's version of REINS, or Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny, is a piece of legislation heavily lobbied and advocated in favor of for over half a decade by Americans for Prosperity, a policy and electioneering advocacy front group founded and funded by the Koch Family Foundations and Koch Industries.

The bill, which has a federal equivalent in Congress, has long been seen as the crown jewel of the Koch network. It essentially gives legislative bodies full veto power over regulations, including proposed environmental safeguards, which have been proposed by executive agencieseven when those regulations are mandated by laws legislatures have passed.

WILL's November 20 lawsuit, if successful, would be the first time the REINS Act is used to halt a proposed regulation. WILL is funded almost entirely by the conservative Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Bradley Foundation, which has offices located next door. Wisconsin's Republican Governor Scott Walker, who is up for re-election in 2018, became the first state chief executive to sign the state equivalent of REINS into law.

Walker has long maintained close ties with the Koch network and has received millions of dollars in campaign contributions from the juggernaut.

The federal version of the REINS Act, first introduced early in Barack Obama's presidency, was again proposed during the 2017 congressional session. The bill passed early in the year in the House, but not in the Senate, where it currently has 38 co-sponsors.

Rep. Steve Haugaard, a Republican in the South Dakota legislature, recently told the Heartland Institute that he too is in the process of bringing a version of the REINS Act to his state. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a corporate-funded group which brings lobbyists and generally Republican Party state legislators together to vote on model bills at its annual meetings, has a resolution in support of the REINS Act as one of its pieces of model legislation.

Wisconsin Supreme Court, WILL Tie

WILL has brought the lawsuit directly to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. It argues that Evers, a Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate, has promulgated proposed regulations without sending a detailed "scoping statement" to the state's Department of Administration. That office functions, in essence, as an extension of the governor's office.

Such a statement would have laid out the costs for stakeholders to comply with the proposed rules. The lack of this statement was discovered via an open records request filed by WILL, according to the complaint and exhibits from the case. The Wisconsin version of REINS requires that this type of scoping document be published, mandating that if the costs of regulatory compliance rise above $10 million, the bill or regulation either be rewritten or discarded.

"State Superintendent Evers is blatantly violating newly enacted state law," Rick Esenberg, WILL president and general counsel, said in a press release. "The legislature passed the REINS Act to make all agencies, including the Department of Public Instruction, more accountable to the elected-state legislature and open to the people of Wisconsin. No one, including Superintendent Evers, is above the rule of law in Wisconsin."

As the Associated Press noted, Gov. Walker recently appointed Dan Kelly, who formerly sat on WILL's litigation advisory board, to the Supreme Court in July 2016. Upon the appointment, WILL issued a statement in support of Kelly.

"I've known Dan a long time and enjoyed our personal and professional relationship. He is a very bright, capable attorney who believes in a judiciary that interprets the law objectively, fairly, and follows where the law might lead," WILL's Esenberg said in a press release. "His experience unquestioningly qualifies him for the Supreme Court where reason and sophisticated legal analysis guides public policy affecting nearly six million Wisconsinites."

The Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commercethe Wisconsin state-level equivalent of the U.S. Chamber of Commercehas inserted itself into the case by filing an amicus, or friend of the court, brief in support of WILL's lawsuit.

Legal Representation Issues

Beyond the lawsuit itself, Evers is actually having problems related to legal representation for the nascent case because he does not want to be represented by counsel from the office of Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel. Schimel has come out in agreement with REINS and its implementation.

Pointing to this set of circumstances, Evers wrote a letter on Nov. 28 and then held a subsequent press conference on Nov. 29 laying out why he would like to use his own team of lawyers, including Department of Public Instruction in-house counsel, for the case.

"I believe that your office is neither willing nor ethically able to provide representation in this matter," wrote Evers. "[Wisconsin Supreme Court's Rules of Professional Conduct] require all attorneys, including those at the Department of Justice, to advocate for their clients, abide by a client's decisions concerning the objectives of representation, and avoid conflicts of interest."

Evers and the rest of the Walker-run bureaucracy are at odds to begin with because, in Wisconsin, the state superintendent of public instruction, an office Evers also holds, is an elected post. Further complicating things: Evers, if he wins the Democratic Party gubernatorial primary in August, would be Walker's opponent in the general election.

"In perhaps the most outrageous Republican attempt to consolidate all political power in the hands of Gov. Scott Walker, Attorney General Brad Schimel, echoing French king Louis XIV, has effectively declared that he is the state (l'etat, c'est moi)," wrote Wisconsin attorney Lester Pines of the development. "Schimel's expression of absolute authority arose in the latest effort by Walker to gain control of the only other executive officer created by the Wisconsin Constitution who has vested executive power, the superintendent of public instruction."

Dairy State Crucible

As previously reported by DeSmog, Schimel was also a co-plaintiff for the lawsuits spearheaded by then-Oklahoma Attorney General and current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt against the Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan would have regulated carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Pruitta climate change denier, as is President Donald Trumphas repealed the Clean Power Plan and now mulls its required replacement.

A spokesperson for Schimel's office, Johnny Koremenos, told WisPolitics.com that the Office of the Attorney General is his legal counsel whether "Evers likes it or not."

"Whether Superintendent Evers likes it or not, the State of Wisconsin is the actual defendant in this lawsuit, and his personal opinions as to what the law is or should be will have no bearing on the attorney general's power or ethical duty to represent the state," said Koremenos.

Beyond the legal representation quagmire, Evers' Department of Public Instruction has also called for the lawsuit to be dismissed on its face. Agency spokesperson Tom McCarthy told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "The case has no merit, period. The only people that don't understand this is WILL."

What happens in the days and months ahead with the WILL lawsuit, though, will likely have big implications for environmental regulations not only in Wisconsin but likely far beyond, with the Dairy State once again serving as a test case and battleground for the implementation of the Koch agenda.

Reposted with permission from our media associate DeSmogBlog.Public education in America needs reformand badly. There is an abundance of data showing the underperformance of our nations public schools. For example, the results of a major cross-national test, the 2015 Program for International Student Assessment, placed American students 30th in math and 19th in science out of all 35 members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, an organization of the largest advanced economies. And the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress administered by the U.S. Department of Education found that a mere 40 percent of 4th graders, 33 percent of 8th graders, and 25 percent of 12th graders were proficient or advanced in math.

Thats not to say that all public schools are badquite the contrary. However, ineffective education tends to center in large, urban areas. When was the last time you heard someone say they wished they could move to Detroit to send their kids to that citys public schools? Its a pointed questionbut the answer would be just the same if you said Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, or Philadelphia. This is not a single state or a single schools problemit is a systematic problem for the entire country.

Consider this sad reality: Our nation produces technology so advanced that I could use the phone in my pocketwhich is already three generations oldto take a video of you and email it to someone in London, but at the same time we cant seem to teach a 4th grader to read in Detroit. Does this make sense? Why have we allowed this state of affairs to arise?

Ultimately, the reason for this huge disparity is not that we dont spend enough money on our urban schools: The Detroit public school district, for example, spends roughly $15,000 per pupil per year. It is that we produce cellphones through the market process, and we produce public education through a system that is basically one of central planning. The government tells you what school you can attend, who is to be hired in the schools, and what is to be taught in the school.

We must make the transition from central planning to a market economy for the sake of our children."

Nobel laureate Milton Friedman once compared our nations education system to an island of socialism in a free-market sea. Similarly, nearly 30 years ago, the then-president of the American Federation for Teachers Albert Shanker wrote, Its time to admit that public education operates like a planned economy, a bureaucratic system in which everybodys role is spelled out in advance, and there are few incentives for innovation and productivity. Its no surprise that our school system doesnt improve: It more resembles the communist economy than our own market economy.

We must make the transition from central planning to a market economy for the sake of our children, and especially for the children of low-income families. The current system does not incentivize teachers and administrators to teach children to read or do math, but rather to lobby for more state and federal revenue. This is not to say that we do not have wonderful public school teachers and administrators. But as Adam Smith once wrote, It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. He never said you wouldnt find a benevolent baker, but systematic improvement will require using market incentives rather than relying on that uncertain benevolence.

How we make the transition is open to debate, but to me, it seems as though the best, most efficient path to success is through charter schools. I was on the board of education in Michigan and supported the development of charter schools in the state. I worked with the current U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, and her husband Dick in attempting to expand school choice both while I was on the state board of education and afterwards. Charter schools introduce market forces so that the revenue follows the child, and students can attend the school of their choice no matter where they live. This way, if schools fail to provide what students need and parents want, the school loses students and revenue. And gradually, as parents increasingly choose charter schools, the idea of competition in the production of education will gain a foothold in the public square and allow the political transition to purely private schools.

Whats more, introducing charter schools will allow us to reclaim the true purpose of education in a democratic society. Private schooling is consistent with a belief that government should provide education. It is the government production of education that is not only inefficient, but a threat to true democracy. As Friedrich A. Hayek, another Nobel laureate, pointed out, democracy only makes sense if you can form an opinion independent of your government. Government education for all certainly hampers a citizens ability to think originally and freely.

In light of all this, we should wish Betsy DeVos the best in her efforts to improve the education of the poorest among us by expanding the ability of parents to trust their own judgment and choose the schools that serves their child best.Man fined 4500 for animal offences



Two dogs were found stained with urine and underweight at a Douglas property in 2016

The Isle of Man Constabulary says it takes animal cruelty and neglect very seriously after a man was fined 4500 for cruelty to dogs and illegally possessing two birds of prey.

The Douglas man was also banned from keeping any animal for 10 years after being found guilty at trial at Douglas courthouse.

The police and the MSPCA recovered the animals from an address in Douglas in August 2016.

Officers were looking for the birds following reports they were being kept in poor conditions without a licence, but also found dogs being kept in appalling conditions.

Both dogs were underweight with prominent back bones and being kept in a single downstairs toilet on a urine-soaked piece of foam with no food or water available.

Two hawks have been rehomed to a sanctuary in the UK while the dogs remain at the MSPCA with a view to being rehomed in the near future.

It's hoped the fine will send out a clear message that crimes against animals are taken seriously by Manx police.

Officers intend to continue to work with the MSPCA to ensure offenders like this are brought before the courts.

PhotosBEER-SHEVA, Israel...January 8, 2018 - Women who conceive while using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) have a greater risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight babies, bacterial infections, or losing a fetus, according to researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and the Soroka University Medical Center. The research will be presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's 38th Annual Pregnancy Meeting in Dallas, Texas on January 29 to February 3..

"We believe this is the first report tracking children born to mothers using an IUD over a long timeframe," says Dr. Gali Pariente, a faculty member of the BGU Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BGU Faculty of Health Sciences and a clinical instructor at Soroka. "Working with a large sample over 23 years allowed us to investigate obstetric parameters that hadn't been examined previously in large groups."

IUDs are the most popular form of reversible contraception worldwide. Nearly as effective as sterilization, yet not as permanent, they are the preferred birth control method for 23 percent of female contraceptive users, according to a 2015 United Nations report on world contraceptive use.

An IUD is recognized as a foreign body by the uterus, which produces an inflammatory reaction that impairs sperm implantation. Adding copper or progesterone enhances this response and stimulates further barriers that inhibit sperm from binding with an egg. The risk of IUD failure is highest within the first year of insertion.

In this new study, researchers compared the outcomes of 221,800 deliveries from 1991 to 2014.

During that time, nearly one percent (203) of the women who delivered babies had an IUD which was removed early in the pregnancy, and six percent (149) retained their IUD throughout gestation.

Women who conceived with an IUD were more likely to have one or more adverse outcomes including:

Preterm delivery - 14.3 percent who removed their IUD and 14.1 percent who retained their IUD had preterm deliveries vs. 6.8 percent without an IUD

Bacterial infection (chorioamnionitis) - Nearly five percent who removed their IUD and 2.7 percent who retained their IUD developed a bacterial infection vs. 0.6 percent without an IUD

Low birth weight - 11.3 percent who removed their IUD and 12.1 percent who retained their IUD delivered babies under five pounds vs. 6.6 percent without an IUD

Perinatal mortality - Two percent who removed their IUD and 1.3 percent who retained their IUD lost the fetus vs. 0.5 percent without an IUD

The study, Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnancies in Women Who Conceived While Using an IUD, will be presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual conference in Dallas, Texas, January 29 to February 3 by Dr. Gali Pariente, Dr. Tamar Wainstock of BGU's School of Public Health, and Prof. Eyal Sheiner, M.D., Ph.D., vice dean for student affairs of the BGU Faculty of Health Sciences, member of the Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and head of the obstetrics unit at Soroka.

"Because of the elevated risks of severe, adverse short-term perinatal complications, we recommend careful monitoring of any women who conceive while using an IUD," says Dr. Pariente.

###

About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more.

AABGU, which is headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.aabgu.orgIn a big relief to the LGBT community, a three-judge bench of Supreme Court today said it would revisit Section 377- that criminalises gay sex between consenting adults.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said the issue arising out of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) required to be debated upon by a larger bench.

The Supreme Court bench also observed that the earlier judgement on Section 377 has hurt sentiments of various people.

The bench further said, "Societal morality changes with time, law walks with life. A section of people can't live in fear of their individual choice."

The apex court has also issued notice to the Centre seeking response on a writ petition filed by five members of the LGBT community, who say they live in fear of police because of their natural sexual preferences.

WHAT IS SECTION 377?

Section 377 of the IPC refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

'CAN'T PUT CONSENTING ADULTS IN JAIL'

The bench was hearing a fresh plea filed by one Navtej Singh Johar seeking to declare Section 377 as unconstitutional to the extent that it provides prosecution of adults for indulging in consensual gay sex .

Senior advocate Arvind Datar, appearing for Johar, said the penal provision was unconstitutional as it also provided prosecution and sentencing of consenting adults who are indulging in such sex.

"You can't put in jail two adults who are involved in consenting unnatural sex," Datar said and referred to a recent nine-judge bench judgement in the privacy matter to highlight the point that the right to choose a sexual partner was part of fundamental right .

RAVI SHANKAR SAYS NEED CONSENSUS

This comes close to Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's call for a "consensus" required to take any decision regarding Section 377 , while replying to a debate on two Bills passed by the Lok Sabha on December 19.

The debate was to repeal obsolete laws and a demand by BJD MP Pinaki Misra to strike down Section 377.

"The 2012 judgement, by which the Delhi High Court in a very bold move struck down [IPC section] 377, was set aside by the Supreme Court in the 2013 judgement on the grounds that it is the job of the legislature to do away with it, and it is not the job of the court to legislate," Misra added.

Last year, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor brought the Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Bill seeking changes in Section 377 of IPC (unnatural offence) but it was defeated in the Lok Sabha.

With inputs from Anusha Soni, Sanjay Sharma and PTI

Watch: Fresh plea on gay rights: Will Sec 377 be scrapped?In murder investigations, DNA evidence often helps to link a perpetrator to a crime scene and put him or her behind bars. Now, researchers reporting in Current Biology on January 8 show that DNA evidence is also successfully being used to link rhinoceros horns seized from poachers and traffickers in various countries directly to the specific crime scenes where rhinoceros carcasses were left behind.

Their Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS) includes a chain-of-custody-compliant biosampling kit and sampling methodology. It has already been used in more than 5,800 forensic cases with links made between recovered horns, blood-stained evidence items, and specific rhinoceros carcasses in more than120 cases.

"Unlike similar work in which genetic databases provide an indication of geographic provenance, RhODIS provides individual matches that, similar to human DNA profiling, is used as direct evidence in criminal court cases," says Cindy Harper of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

Black and white rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis and Ceratotherium simum) are listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered and near threatened, respectively. The new report comes at a time when poaching incidents have seen an uptick after decades of progress. In South Africa, rhinoceros poaching incidents increased from 13 in 2007 to 1,215 in 2014. Rhinos are killed for their horns, which are sought after for medicinal purposes and, increasingly, as cultural status symbols. In the last 10 years, more than 7,000 African rhinoceros have been hunted and killed illegally.

To calculate the probability of a match between confiscated DNA evidence and a crime scene, the researchers relied on allele frequencies calculated from a collection of 3,085 white rhinoceros and 883 black rhinoceros. Their analyses show that it's possible to reliably match the unique DNA profile of an individual animal obtained from any tissue, including horns or curios and powders made from the horns, with a panel including 23 short tandem repeat (STR) loci.

The report highlights nine cases in which DNA matches were made and that evidence was used for the prosecution, conviction, and sentencing of perpetrators of rhinoceros crimes. One case involving three horns and tissues from two carcasses led to a sentence of 29 years.

The RhODIS dataset also offers insight into rhino populations. For instance, the data support the species classification of white and black rhinoceros and three subspecies of black rhinoceros. As a result, Harper says the genetic panels include loci that can also be used to identify horns as originating from white or black rhinoceros. Information on the population structure can also help investigators narrow their search for specific carcasses linked to seized horns.

Because rhinoceros horns often move extremely rapidly from the crime scenes to the consumer countries, the researchers note that the investigation, sampling, and analysis of forensic evidence must be expedited and internationally coordinated. Fortunately, Harper says they've found extensive support for the program from within South Africa, from provincial wildlife and enforcement authorities, the national government, police services, national parks, and the majority of states where rhinoceros live.

"Thanks to this support, we've seen rapid growth of the database into a representative source of rhinoceros genetic data for both forensic and management applications from its inception," Harper says. "The unprecedented cooperation and support for the program from these authorities has been surprising and encouraging."

These cases now show that forensic data resources for wildlife species that are under severe threat from illegal hunting and trafficking can be applied successfully across borders to assist in the investigation and ultimate conviction of wildlife criminals. The hope is that the increasing risk of conviction and stiff sentencing will play an important role in decreasing incentives to deal in illegal wildlife products.

The researchers say the RhODIS database continues to grow as new samples are added. With funding support and the use of genetic data to better manage remaining rhinoceros populations, "this effort will further ensure that the survivors remain healthy while efforts to curb wildlife trafficking and educate consumers continue," Harper says.

###

This research was supported, in part, by the Russian Science Foundation and by St. Petersburg State University.

Current Biology, Harper et al.: "Robust forensic matching of confiscated horns to individual poached African rhinoceros" http://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(17)31450-1

Current Biology (@CurrentBiology), published by Cell Press, is a bimonthly journal that features papers across all areas of biology. Current Biology strives to foster communication across fields of biology, both by publishing important findings of general interest and through highly accessible front matter for non-specialists. Visit: http://www.cell.com/current-biology. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com.A cellular traffic jam appears to affect neurons in most forms of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), researchers at Emory University School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville have shown.

The results are scheduled for publication in Nature Neuroscience.

ALS research had already identified nuclear transport problems in the most common inherited form of the neurodegenerative disease, caused by mutations in the gene C9orf72. Just a minority of ALS cases can be blamed on inherited mutations; most are sporadic, thought to come from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The findings suggest that a drug strategy aimed at easing the traffic jam may be generalizable to sporadic and at least some familial types of ALS.

The project began with an investigation of a protein called TDP-43, a "bad actor" in both ALS and FTD (frontotemporal dementia), says senior author Wilfried Rossoll, PhD, previously at Emory and now assistant professor of neuroscience at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.

TDP-43 was considered a "victim" of transport defects in the C9orf72 form of ALS, Rossoll says. TDP-43 is normally found in the nucleus. In ALS-affected neurons, truncated forms of TDP-43 aggregate into clumps that are found in the cytoplasm.

"We show that TDP-43 is also a 'perpetrator', in that it can cause transport defects on its own in most ALS cases, and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases with TDP-43 pathology, such as frontotemporal dementia," he says.

Rossoll and his team wanted to figure out how TDP-43 aggregates inflict damage upon neurons. However, these aggregates are difficult to analyze since they are insoluble. The scientists used a technique akin to the way banks attempt to foil robbers by loading dye packs, ready to burst, into stacks of cash.

Yi Zhang, an exchange student at Emory from China, grafted an enzyme onto TDP-43 that slaps a tag onto everything nearby in live cells. Working with Nick Seyfried, PhD, assistant professor of biochemistry and neurology and director of the Emory Integrated Proteomics Core, Zhang was able to isolate and identify the tagged proteins.

In neurons in which the TDP-43 fragment was aggregating and making them sick, the enzyme tagged several gatekeeper proteins, components of the nuclear pore, which are critical for moving traffic in and out of the nucleus. When TDP-43 clumps together, so do the nuclear pore proteins.

Ching-Chieh (Ian) Chou, PhD, a former Emory graduate student and now a postdoc at Stanford, is the lead author on this study. He found that the clumping alters the shape of the nuclear membrane and the nuclear pores, and thus disrupts the import of proteins into the nucleus and export of RNA out of it. The Emory/Mayo team found alterations in nuclear structure in skin cells obtained from ALS patients by Chad Hales, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology - both C9orf72 forms and others. They saw similar problems in neurons generated from patients' induced stem cells..

In post-mortem brain tissue from ALS patients, the researchers could also see clumps of nuclear pore proteins. Significantly, these were visible in sporadic ALS cases as well as those driven by mutations in C9orf72 or TDP-43. This research was conducted with Jonathan Glass, MD, professor of neurology and director of Emory ALS Center.

"TDP43 pathology is seen in about 98 percent of ALS cases and about 50 percent of FTD cases, and our work supports the now accepted conclusion that nucleopore abnormalities are not restricted to C9orf72 expansion mutations," Glass says. "Confirming the in vitro data in human brain tissue was very important, making the findings that much more relevant."

He adds that there is still a chicken-or-egg question surrounding TDP-43 aggregation and the nuclear pore abnormalities.

Forcing cultured neurons to produce aggregation-prone TDP-43 fragments is toxic. But the Emory/Mayo team showed that a drug that clamps down on some nuclear transport routes can blunt the toxic effects in culture. The drug, called KPT-335 or verdinexor and made by Karyopharm Therapeutics, inhibits nuclear export. KPT-335 may compensate for disrupted protein import, and also may prevent too much TDP-43 from accumulating outside the nucleus, Rossoll says. Drugs similar to KPT-335 have shown beneficial effects in animal models of the C9orf72 form of ALS, and this class of drugs is headed for clinical studies.

###

This work was supported by grants from Emory's Catalyst Funding Program, the ALS Association (17-IIP-353), and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (R01NS091749).The January issue of Health Affairs includes a study by Ashish Thakrar of the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System and coauthors. The United States has poorer child health outcomes than other industrialized nations despite greater per capita spending. The authors compare child mortality rates in the US and the nineteen other countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) during 1961-2010, looking at data for children up to the age of 19. They found that over the fifty-year period, childhood mortality progressively declined in all the OECD countries. However, by the first decade of the 21st century, US infants had a 76 percent increased risk of death, and children ages 1-19 were 57 percent more likely to die before adulthood (see exhibit below). According to the authors, perinatal conditions and injuries account for much of the elevated death rates in the US--conditions that they note can best be addressed through multi-sector approaches that reach beyond a country's health care system.

###

Health Affairs is the leading peer-reviewed journal at the intersection of health, health care, and policy. Published monthly by Project HOPE, the journal is available in print, online, and on mobile phones. Additional and late-breaking content is found at http://www.healthaffairs.org. To update your subscription preferences, please visit the Alerts page on our website.Researchers have discovered mutations in a gene related to obesity, offering new treatment possibilities in the fight against the global epidemic.

Research into the genetic causes of obesity, and related conditions, could be incredibly valuable in finding ways to treat them. Currently, there are some drugs available or being tested, but knowing what specific mutations cause obesity allows scientists to create drugs that target them specifically.

The new study, led by Imperial College London and published today in Nature Genetics, focussed on children suffering from obesity in Pakistan, where genetic links to obesity had been previously identified by the team in about 30% of cases.

This link of genes to obesity is due to recessive mutations that are more likely to be inherited and passed on to children in a region like Pakistan because of the high level of consanguinity (inter-family relationships) in its population. This is because parents who are closely related are more likely to be carrying the same mutation, so a child may inherit from both sides, causing the mutation to take effect.

This new study used genome sequencing and found mutations in one specific gene related to obesity: adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3). When mutations occur in ADCY3, the protein it codes for forms abnormally and doesn't function properly. This leads to abnormalities relating to appetite control, diabetes, and even sense of smell.

Professor Philippe Froguel, chair of Genomic Medicine at Imperial, said: "Early studies into ADCY3 tested mice that were bred to lack that gene, found that these animals were obese and also lacked the ability to smell, known as anosmia. When we tested our patients, we found that they also had anosmia, again showing a link to mutations in ADCY3."

ADCY3 is thought to impact a system that links the hypothalamus (part of the brain) to the production of hormones that regulate a wide variety of biological functions, including appetite.

After identifying the mutations in the Pakistani patients, the researchers entered their results into GeneMatcher, described by Professor Froguel as a "dating agency for genetics". This led to another group of scientists in the Netherlands contacting the team with their own ADCY3 findings in one of their patients with obesity.

This new European patient inherited different mutations on the same ADCY3 gene from both parents (as they were not closely related, as in Pakistan) so the ADCY3 gene of the offspring was not functioning properly, leading to obesity.

Further connections were made with a group of Danish scientists, studying the Inuit population of Greenland. Whilst not traditionally consanguineous (as in close family marriages), this population is small, so inbreeding is likely to have occurred.

This research also found a link between ADCY3 mutations and obesity, and is published alongside the Imperial research in Nature Genetics. Professor Froguel noted how positive this kind of collaboration is, particularly in terms of showing that the research and findings are reproducible.

Professor Froguel added: "Obesity is not always gluttony, as is often suggested, and I think we should have a positive outlook considering the new treatments that are becoming possible. Such attempts to understand obesity and look for a cure are a real strength of the Imperial Faculty and Department of Medicine."

###When we think of bacteria, images of nasty infections like pneumonia, meningitis or food poisoning come to mind, but bacteria can themselves be infected - by viruses, also called bacteriophages. Interestingly, just like not all bacteria are harmful to humans, not all viruses are harmful to bacteria and some can even benefit them. Can bacteria tell good and bad viruses apart? An interdisciplinary team of scientists at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) studied how infections with potentially beneficial viruses play out in bacteria that carry a certain type of anti-viral immune mechanism called restriction-modification (RM). They show that population-level interactions between viruses and bacteria make the infection proceed in a way that compensates for the inherent disadvantage of individual cells and allows immune bacteria to acquire many more beneficial viruses in the long-term. This is the finding of a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The study was carried out by Maros Pleska, a PhD student and Moritz Lang a postdoc in the group of C?lin Guet at IST Austria, as well as collaborators Dominik Refardt at Zurich University of Applied Sciences and Bruce Levin at Emory University.

Some infections can bring new genes to bacteria

Many viruses simply replicate inside bacteria and such infections, which usually result in the death of the infected bacterium, are called lytic. However, some viruses, called temperate viruses, can take a gentler approach: During lysogenic infections, the genetic information of a temperate virus integrates into the genetic information of the infected bacterium and thus enhances the bacterial gene repertoire. Examples of genes, which are spread among bacteria by temperate viruses, include dangerous toxins, such as shiga toxin, cholera toxin, or botulinum toxin. However, there is a catch for the bacteria as temperate viruses can both kill or integrate into their hosts, and the decision on which way the infection will proceed is made in a seemingly random manner.

It is well known that many bacteria protect themselves from lethal lytic infections by carrying mechanisms of immunity, such as Restriction-Modification (RM) systems that cut viral DNA. What is not known is how these primitive immune systems affect the ability of bacteria to acquire potentially beneficial viruses in the process of lysogeny. Can RM systems distinguish between lytic and lysogenic infections, or do they act more generally and, in protecting bacteria from death, also prevent them from acquisition of beneficial viruses? Pleska, Lang and their colleagues combined experiments and theory to investigate this question.

Individual vs population - a counterintuitive finding

As a first step, the researchers looked at what happens to individual bacteria carrying RM systems when infected with temperate viruses. They found that the RM system always sought to prevent infection, regardless of whether the infection was heading towards lysis or lysogeny. From this, the conclusion would be that, as an inadvertent cost of preventing bacteria from lysis, RM system are also a barrier to acquisition of viral genes.

However, a very different result emerged when the researchers investigated what happens at the level of the bacterial population. Simply speaking, they mixed a large number of bacteria with a large number of bacteriophages, and looked at how many bacteria acquired viral genes in the long-term. Based on the previous result, the scientists expected that viruses will integrate much less often in bacteria with RM systems, as compared to bacteria without this mechanism of immunity. However, the opposite happened: more viruses had integrated into bacteria that were expected to be immune.

Restriction-modification systems offer temporary respite

What is the explanation of this counterintuitive result? The researchers found that instead of preventing infections completely, RM systems merely postpone the infection, giving the bacterial population time to grow until viruses break through the barrier and infection fully hits. While lysis is more frequent in small bacterial populations and many bacteria get killed if the population is infected early on, lysogeny becomes more prevalent in large bacterial populations, making bacteria that get infected later more likely to acquire the virus instead of getting killed by it. RM systems therefore offer a temporary respite, protecting bacterial populations only from the most dangerous phase of infection, without limiting the potential benefits.

The importance of population-level interactions

Is a new unknown molecular mechanism responsible for this switch in behaviour? No, says first author Maros Pleska: "The most intriguing finding is that we actually did not have to find any new mechanism at all. What we observe is all a simple consequence of the population dynamics of interactions between bacteria and viruses." This result is a rebuff to those seeking to predict the longer-term behaviour of populations from the biology of individual molecular components, explains Pleska: "The basic biology of all the elements in our system was known as the RM systems and viruses we looked at are some of the best understood molecular systems we know. Nevertheless, this study illustrates how hopeless we are when it comes to using this molecular-level knowledge to predict the dynamics that occur after we put individual pieces together. In fact, our observations ran completely opposite to what anyone would expect. Thus, ecological and evolutionary interactions between even the simplest biological elements can be very complex and we need new ways of looking at them, if we ever want to understand their role in nature."

###

Researcher biographies

Maros Pleska joined the lab of Calin Guet as a PhD student in 2012. He successfully defended his PhD thesis in December 2017 and will move to Rockefeller University, New York, for his postdoctoral research on microbial ecology, starting in January 2018. Moritz Lang joined IST Austria as an IST Fellow in 2015. The work was funded by an HFSP Young Investigators' grant awarded to Guet. Pleska is a recipient of a DOC fellowship of the Austrian Academy of Science at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria.

IST Austria

The Institute of Science and Technology (IST Austria) is a PhD granting research institution located in Klosterneuburg, 18 km from the center of Vienna, Austria. Inaugurated in 2009, the Institute is dedicated to basic research in the natural and mathematical sciences. IST Austria employs professors on a tenure-track system, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral students. While dedicated to the principle of curiosity-driven research, the Institute owns the rights to all scientific discoveries and is committed to promote their use. The first president of IST Austria is Thomas A. Henzinger, a leading computer scientist and former professor at the University of California in Berkeley, USA, and the EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland. The graduate school of IST Austria offers fully-funded PhD positions to highly qualified candidates with a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, physics, and related areas. See http://www.ist.ac.atUntil now it had been assumed that, once a flow of a fluid has become turbulent, turbulence would persist. Researchers at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) including Professor Bjorn Hof and co-first authors Jakob Kuhnen and Baofang Song have now shown that this is not the case. In their experiments, which they published in Nature Physics, they managed to destabilize turbulence in a pipe so that the flow turned to a laminar (non-turbulent) state, and they observed that the flow remained laminar thereafter. Eliminating turbulence can save as much as 95% of the energy required to pump a fluid through a pipe.

From water to oil and to natural gas an enormous amount of fluids is transported across the globe through pipes. The amount of energy used to pump these fluids is considerable and corresponds to approximately 10% of the global electricity consumption. It therefore does not come as a surprise that researchers worldwide are working intensely on finding ways to reduce these costs. The major part of these energy losses is caused by turbulence, a phenomenon that leads to a drastic increase of frictional drag and hence much more energy is required to pump the fluid. Previous approaches have aimed to locally reduce turbulence levels. Now the research group of Bjorn Hof at IST Austria has taken an entirely new approach, tackling the problem from a different side: rather than temporarily weakening turbulence, they managed to destabilize existing turbulence so that the flow automatically becomes laminar.

In a so-called laminar flow, a fluid flows in parallel layers which do not mix. The opposite of this is a turbulent flow which is characterized by vortices and chaotic changes in pressure and velocity within the fluid. Most flows that we can observe in nature and in engineering are turbulent, from the smoke of an extinguished candle to the flow of blood in the left ventricle of our heart. In pipes, both laminar and turbulent flows can in principle exist and be stable, but already a small disturbance can make a laminar flow turbulent. Turbulence in pipes was until now assumed to be stable, and efforts to save energy costs therefore only focused on reducing its magnitude but not to completely extinguish it. In their proof of principle, Bjorn Hof and his group have now shown that this assumption was wrong, and that a turbulent flow can indeed be transformed to a laminar one. The flow thereafter remains laminar unless it is disturbed again.

"Nobody knew that it was possible to get rid of turbulence in practice. We have now proven that it can be done. This opens up new possibilities to develop applications for pipelines," explains Jakob Kuhnen.

The secret lies in the velocity profile, i.e., in the variation of the flow velocity when looking at different positions in the pipe's cross section. The flow is fastest in the middle of the pipe while it is much slower near the walls. By placing rotors in the flow that reduced the difference between the fluid in the center and that close to the wall, the researchers managed to obtain a "flatter" profile. For such flow profiles the processes that sustain and create turbulent eddies fail and the fluid gradually returns to smooth laminar motion and it remained laminar until it reached the end of the pipe. Another way to obtain the flat velocity profile was to inject liquid from the wall. Yet another implementation of the idea of a flat velocity profile was a moving part of the pipe: by moving the walls quickly over a stretch of the pipe, they also obtained the same flat profile that restored the laminar flow.

The group has already registered two patents for their discovery. However, turning this proof of concept experiment into a system that can be used in actual oil or water pipelines all over the world will require some more efforts in development. So far, the concept was proven for relatively small velocities, but for use in pipelines, an application working at larger velocity will be necessary. In computer simulations, however, the flat velocity profile always led to a successful elimination of turbulence, which is very promising for future developments.

"In computer simulations, we have tested the impact of the flat velocity profile for Reynolds numbers up to 100.000, and it has worked absolutely everywhere. The next step is now to make it work also for high speeds in the experiments," says Bjorn Hof.

###

IST Austria

The Institute of Science and Technology (IST Austria) is a PhD granting research institution located in Klosterneuburg, 18 km from the center of Vienna, Austria. Inaugurated in 2009, the Institute is dedicated to basic research in the natural and mathematical sciences. IST Austria employs professors on a tenure-track system, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral students. While dedicated to the principle of curiosity-driven research, the Institute owns the rights to all scientific discoveries and is committed to promote their use. The first president of IST Austria is Thomas A. Henzinger, a leading computer scientist and former professor at the University of California in Berkeley, USA, and the EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland. The graduate school of IST Austria offers fully-funded PhD positions to highly qualified candidates with a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, physics, and related areas. See http://www.ist.ac.atJohns Hopkins scientists have used a form of artificial intelligence to create a map that compares types of cellular receptors, the chemical "antennas" on the surface of immune system T-cells. Their experiments with lab-grown mouse and human T-cells suggest that people with cancer who have a greater variety of such receptors may respond better to immunotherapy drugs and vaccines.

A report on how the scientists created and tested what they call "ImmunoMap" appeared Dec. 20 in Cancer Immunology Research.

"ImmunoMap gives scientists a picture of the wide diversity of the immune system's responses to cellular antigens," says Jonathan Schneck, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pathology, medicine and oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and a member of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.

Receptors on T-cells recognize antigens, or pieces of other cells that trigger an immune response, particularly antibodies. If the antigens are foreign, T-cells raise the alarm within the immune system, which can distribute an "all-points bulletin" to be on the lookout for the unfamiliar antigens.

Because diseases such as cancer tend to evade detection by T-cells' receptors, allowing a tumor to grow unchecked, scientists have long sought "intel" on this process as a means of developing therapies that target malignant cells, but leave healthy cells alone.

"Much of immunotherapy today is built on the premise that we know these antigens," says Johns Hopkins biomedical engineering M.D./Ph.D. student John-William Sidhom. "But we actually don't know as much as we need to about them and the T-cells that recognize them."

To address that need, Sidhom used high-powered computing to create a mathematical model--essentially a digital map--of genomic sequence data of receptors from human T-cells that were exposed to a virus in the laboratory. "Our goal was to cluster T-cell receptors that are similar and may target the same antigen," says Sidhom.

Using an unsupervised learning algorithm, the team was able to convert the T-cell receptor sequencing data into numeric distances based on similarities in the receptor sequences and cluster them by functional specificity. For example, if two receptor sequences were similar, the computer assigned a short distance rank between the two sequences. If the sequences were different, they received a longer distance rank.

Once the thousands of sequences were converted into these "distance" metrics, the computer system's artificial intelligence algorithms looked for patterns among the receptors.

"That's how we got ImmunoMap, by characterizing receptor sequences as they relate to each other," says Schneck. "T-cell receptors that are very similar, with slight differences in their sequences, may be recognizing the same antigen."

The Johns Hopkins team tested ImmunoMap's ability to correlate immune responses on receptor sequencing data from T-cells in the tumors of 34 patients with cancer enrolled in a nationwide clinical trial of the immunotherapy drug nivolumab.

Of the 34, three patients with melanoma responded to nivolumab, and the rest did not respond. In the responders, the scientists found more--an average of 15--different T-cell receptor clusters compared with eight to nine in the non-responders.

The scientists also found that the diversity of T-cell receptors decreased among the responders by 10-15 percent four weeks after nivolumab treatment.

"Those patients had a broad array of receptor weaponry before their treatment, which may have allowed the right receptor to kill their cancer cells," says Schneck. "Once their immune system found the correct receptor, T-cells expressing those receptors multiplied, leading to an overall reduction in the structural diversity of their T-cell receptors."

Schneck says some scientists have emphasized that response to immunotherapy is largely dependent on whether T-cells are infiltrating the tumor site, but his research suggests that while, "infiltration is important, it's not enough to explain patients' variable responses to immunotherapy drugs."

The team also created an ImmunoMap of the diversity of T-cell receptors specific for tumor antigens in mice with and without tumors. Their analysis showed that the diversity of T-cell receptors decreased among samples of T-cells taken closer to the tumor, compared with farther away. The data may help scientists determine how tumors evade detection by the immune system.

Schneck says the research group also needs to amass more ImmunoMap data to reliably predict which patients may or may not respond to immunotherapy. "At this point, ImmunoMap can't match T-cell receptors to specific antigens, or determine whether those antigens are important for immunotherapy response in any individual patient," he notes.

But the hope, he says, is that ImmunoMap may one day be helpful in designing vaccines and engineered T-cells for cancer treatment.

###

Other scientists who contributed to this research include Catherine A. Bessell and Alyssa Kosmides of Johns Hopkins and Jonathan J. Havel and Timothy A. Chan of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Funding for the research was provided by the Johns Hopkins University-Coulter Translational Partnership, the TEDCO Maryland Innovation Initiative, the Troper Wojcicki Foundation, the National Institutes of Health (R01- AI44129, CA108835 and U01 - AI113315), Bristol Myers-Squibb, the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance, the PaineWebber Chair, Stand Up 2 Cancer and the Starr Cancer Consortium.

COI: Under a licensing agreement between NexImmune and The Johns Hopkins University, Jonathan Schneck is entitled to a share of royalties received by the university on sales of products described in this article. He was a founder of NexImmune and currently serves as a member of NexImmune's scientific advisory board and has equity in NexImmune. This arrangement has been reviewed and approved by The Johns Hopkins University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies. Timothy A. Chan is the cofounder of Gritstone Oncology. Jonathan Havel's wife is a full-time employee of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.Adolescents with severe obesity who had bariatric surgery showed significant improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors, according to the most recent "Teen Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery" (Teen-LABS) study, published online today by Pediatrics. Prior to bariatric surgery, 33 percent of the study participants had three or more defined cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, three years post-surgery only 5 percent of study participants had three or more risk factors; representing significant reduction in the overall likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.

Teen-LABS is a multi-center clinical study funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that is examining the safety and health effects of surgical weight loss procedures in the adolescent population. This on-going study is being conducted at five clinical centers in the U.S., including Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The study's Chair, Thomas H. Inge, MD, PhD, is located at Children's Hospital Colorado, Denver, CO.

Marc P. Michalsky, MD, surgical director of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children's, is the lead author of the latest Teen-LABS publication. The study demonstrated bariatric surgery performed during adolescence may provide unique benefits later in life by altering the probability of the future development of adverse cardiovascular events, including the development and progression of impaired glucose metabolism, atherosclerosis, heart failure and stroke.

"This is the first large-scale analysis of predictors of change in cardiovascular disease risk factors among adolescents following bariatric surgery," said Dr. Michalsky, also a professor of Clinical Surgery and Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine." The study demonstrated early improvement and reduction of cardio-metabolic risk factors, offering compelling support for bariatric surgery in adolescents."

This most recent publication from the Teen-LABS research study extends previous findings describing the baseline prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors within the cohort of 242 adolescents. Predictors of change in prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors measured included blood pressure, lipids, glucose homeostasis and inflammation.

Three years post-surgery, the study showed a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors is associated not only with weight loss, but also with age at the time of surgery, pre-operative body mass index (BMI), sex and race. Specifically, increased weight loss, female sex and younger age at time of surgery serve to predict a higher probability of risk factor resolution. Younger participants were more likely to resolve dyslipidemia compared to older patients, while females were more likely than males to demonstrate improvements in elevated blood pressure.

"Although relationships between change in cardiovascular disease risk factors and postoperative weight reduction were not unexpected, we learned younger patients at time of surgery were more likely to experience dyslipidemia remission and normalization of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation), suggesting there may be advantages to undergoing bariatric surgery earlier, even among adolescents," said Dr. Michalsky. Furthermore, Dr. Michalsky noted that "the results of the current study from Teen-LABS gain further significance when considering newly published data by investigators at Yale University which highlights the long-term impact of significantly elevated cardiovascular disease risk factors observed among a large sample of severely obese youth (Class III and Class IV Obesity) compared to less obese study participants.

###FORT LAUDERDALE/DAVIE, Fla. - Call it CSI meets conservation.

Stephen O'Brien, Ph.D., a research scientist at Nova Southeastern University's (NSU) Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, has worked with colleagues across the globe to create a DNA database of rhinoceros that will be used to help with the criminal prosecution of poachers.

"What we've done is create a powerful tool - a genetic database - that enforcement officials can use when they are building cases against those accused of poaching," Dr. O'Brien said. "These magnificent animals are facing increased dangers, so we need to bring every resource we can to the efforts to save them for generations to come."

The research team included experts from the University of Pretoria's Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, the Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University and African wildlife enforcement units.

A new report addresses the illegal taking of African rhinoceros - an important conservation icon - by organized crime syndicates trafficking rhino horns to southeast Asia markets. Rhino poaching is uncontrolled and increasing, from a few incidents a decade ago to more than 1,000 per year today. The profits are enormous, and so far the risks rather modest.

This study changes that.

The study, published today in Current Biology titled "Robust forensic matching of confiscated horns to individual poached African rhinoceros", describes a comprehensive effort to create a large database of individual rhinos' composite short-term repeat-STR (also called microsatellite) genotypes so they could match confiscated tissue-DNA to real time crime scenes for prosecution.

The team developed an extensive database of rhinoceros DNA profiles and demographic information named RhODIS (Rhino DNA Index System), modeled after CODIS, which is the U.S. FBI's criminal DNA database. The RhODIS forensic system involved African wildlife ranger training and certification, a chain of custody compliant sampling methodology used for live and dead rhinoceros and rhinoceros horns, an eRhODIS field data collection "app" and state-of-the-art DNA genetic individualization. To date, more than 20,000 individual rhinoceros specimens and genotypes have been added to the RhODIS database.

These data include more than 5,800 forensic case samples where links were made between recovered horns, blood stained evidence items and specific rhinoceros carcasses. In the most recent cases listed in the report, this forensic genetic individualization allowed heavy punishments upon conviction, establishing international legal precedents for prosecuting and convicting smugglers of rhino horns suitable for other endangered species traffic. The applications highlight the legal precedent of utilizing the RhODIS system for rhinoceros crimes and provide a benchmark for implementation of similar systems for global wildlife trafficking investigations of other species.

African black and white rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis and Ceratotherium simum) are classified on as critically endangered and near threatened, respectively. Their continued survival is jeopardized by habitat loss and a surge in illegal hunting for their horns that are considered of both medicinal value and as a cultural status symbol in Asian countries, mainly Vietnam and China. More than 7,000 rhinoceros have been killed through poaching in the past decade across Africa with South Africa suffering the highest losses.

"We've seen a huge surge in the number of rhinos poached over the past couple of years simply because the financial reward far outweighed the risk," Dr. O'Brien said. "Now that we can genetically tie someone to a specific cases of poaching, the chances of successful prosecution will go up - hopefully the risk will now not be worth it."

The RhODIS system also provides a comprehensive genetic resource that can be utilized to assist in the management of rhinoceros populations under increasing pressure due to the escalating and non-selective poaching across the African continent. As numbers decline and genetic variability is reduced in the remaining animals, the RhODIS data is providing a tool to inform genetic management of selected populations to avoid inbreeding while maintaining reproductive potential of the survivors.

###

About Nova Southeastern University (NSU): Located in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida, NSU is ranked among US News & World Report's Top 200 National Research Universities and is a dynamic, private research university providing high-quality educational and research programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and first-professional degree levels. Established in 1964, NSU now includes 16 colleges, the 215,000-square-foot Center for Collaborative Research, a private JK-12 grade school, the Mailman Segal Center for Human Development with specialists in Autism, the world-class NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, and the Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center, which is Florida's largest public library. NSU has campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Miramar, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Tampa, Florida, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico, while maintaining a presence online globally. Classified as a research university with "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, NSU is one of only 50 universities nationwide to also be awarded Carnegie's Community Engagement Classification, and is also the largest private institution in the United States that meets the U.S. Department of Education's criteria as a Hispanic-serving Institution. Please visit http://www.nova.edu for more information about NSU and realizingpotential.nova.edu for more information on the largest fundraising campaign in NSU history.By chipping away at a viral protein, Rice University scientists have discovered a path toward virus-like, nanoscale devices that may be able to deliver drugs to cells.

The protein is one of three that make up the protective shell, called the capsid, of natural adeno-associated viruses (AAV). By making progressively smaller versions of the protein, the researchers made capsids with unique abilities and learned a great deal about AAV's mechanisms.

The research appears in the American Chemical Society journal ACS Nano.

Rice bioengineer Junghae Suh studies the manipulation of nondisease-causing AAVs to deliver helpful cargoes like chemotherapy drugs. Her research has led to the development of viruses that can be triggered by light or by extracellular proteases associated with certain diseases.

AAVs are small -- about 25 nanometers -- and contain a single strand of DNA inside tough capsids that consist of a mosaic of proteins known as VP1, VP2 and VP3. AAVs have been used to deliver gene-therapy payloads, but nobody has figured out how AAV capsids physically reconfigure themselves when triggered by external stimuli, Suh said. That was the starting point for her lab.

"This virus has intrinsic peptide (small protein) domains hidden inside the capsid," she said. "When the virus infects a cell, it senses the low pH and other endosomal factors, and these peptide domains pop out onto the surface of the virus capsid.

"This conformational change, which we termed an 'activatable peptide display,' is important for the virus because the externalized domains break down the endosomal membrane and allow the virus to escape into the cytoplasm," Suh said. "In addition, nuclear localization sequences in those domains allow the virus to transit into the nucleus. We believed we could replace that functionality with something else."

Suh and lead author and Rice graduate student Nicole Thadani think their mutant AAVs can become "biocomputing nanoparticles" that detect and process environmental inputs and produce controllable outputs. Modifying the capsid is the first step.

Of the three natural capsid proteins, only VP1 and VP2 can be triggered to expose their functional peptides, but neither can make a capsid on its own. Shorter VP3s can form capsids by themselves, but do not display peptides. In natural AAVs, VP3 proteins outnumber each of their compadres 10-to-1.

That limits the number of peptides that can be exposed, so Suh, Thadani and their co-authors set out to change the ratio. That led them to truncate VP2 and synthesize mosaic capsids with VP3, resulting in successful alteration of the number of exposed peptides. Based on previous research, they inserted a common hexahistidine tag that made it easy to monitor the surface display of the peptide region.

"We wanted to boost the protein's activable property beyond what occurs in the native virus capsid," Thadani said. "Rather than displaying just five copies of the peptide per capsid, now we may be able to display 20 or 30 and get more of the bioactivity that we want."

They then made a truncated VP2 able to form a capsid on its own. "The results were quite surprising, and not obvious to us," Suh said. "We chopped down that VP2 component enough to form what we call a homomeric capsid, where the entire capsid is made up of just that mutant subunit. That gave us viruses that appear to have peptide 'brushes' that are always on the surface.

"A viral structure like that has never been seen in nature," she said. "We got a particle with this peptide brush, with loose ends everywhere. Now we want to know if we can use these loose ends to attach other things or carry out other functions."

Homomeric AAVs display as many as 60 peptides, while mosaic AAVs could be programmed to respond to stimuli specific to particular cells or tissues and display a smaller desired number of peptides, the researchers said.

"Viruses have evolved to invade cells very effectively," Suh said. "We want to use our virus as a nanoparticle platform to deliver protein- or peptide-based therapeutics more efficiently into cells. We want to harness what nature has already created, tweak it a little bit and use it for our purposes."

###

Co-authors are Rice Ph.D. graduate Christopher Dempsey and alumna Julia Zhao and former lab manager Sonya Vasquez. Suh is an associate professor of bioengineering.

The research was supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to Thadani and a National Institutes of Health Nanobiology Interdisciplinary Graduate Training Program grant to Dempsey.

Read the abstract at http://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.7b07804

This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/2018/01/08/kindest-cut-makes-virus-programmable/

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews

Related materials:

Reprogramming virus nanoparticles to bind metal ions upon activation with heat: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bm200225x

Synthetic Virology Lab (Suh Lab): https://sites.google.com/site/suhsynvirol/

Department of Bioengineering: http://bioe.rice.edu

George R. Brown School of Engineering: https://engineering.rice.edu

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,879 undergraduates and 2,861 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for quality of life and for lots of race/class interaction and No. 2 for happiest students by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.Hyderabad, Jan 8 (PTI) Telangana IT and Industries minister K T Rama Rao today laid the foundation stone for construction of an IT tower at Karimnagar.

According to an official release, the construction will be completed within one year and provide plug and play facilities for IT companies.

The state government signed MoUs with six IT firms which showed interest for setting up their shops in IT towers.

"In the first phase, 1,000 direct employment opportunities will be created for the youngsters. To ensure youngsters from the state get employed, the government is attracting investments into IT and several allied sectors," it said.

KTR said the government will also set up the regional center of TASK ((Telangana Academy of Skill and Knowledge) for job seekers and T-Hub for job startups in Karimnagar.

Focusing on tier 2 cities, the state government is aggressively promoting Warangal, Khammam, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, and Nizamabad as IT hubs, the release said. PTI GDK NRBThere are more than 8 million species of living things on Earth, but none of them -- from 100-foot blue whales to microscopic bacteria -- has an advantage over the others in the universal struggle for existence.

In a paper published Jan. 8 in the prestigious journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, a trio of scientists from universities in the United States and the United Kingdom describe the dynamic that began with the origin of life on Earth 4 billion years ago. They report that regardless of vastly different body size, location and life history, most plant, animal and microbial species are equally "fit" in the struggle for existence. This is because each transmits approximately the same amount of energy over its lifetime to produce the next generation of its species.

"This means that each elephant or blue whale contributes no more energy per gram of parent to the next generation than a trout or even a bacterium," said co-author Charles A.S. Hall, a systems ecologist with the College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) in Syracuse, New York. "We found, rather astonishingly, by examining the production rate and the generation time of thousands of plants, animals and microbes that each would pass on, on average, the same amount of energy to the next generation per gram of parent, regardless of size. A single-celled aquatic alga recreates its own body mass in one day, but lives for only a day. A large female elephant takes years to produce her first baby, and lives much longer than the alga. For all plants and animals of all sizes these two factors - rate of biomass production and generation time - exactly balance each other, so each contributes the same energy per gram of parent to the next generation in their lifetime."

The bottom line, Hall said, is that all organisms are, on average, equally fit for survival.

Hall's co-author, James H. Brown, a physiological ecologist at the University of New Mexico, said, "The fact that all organisms are nearly equally fit has profound implications for the evolution and persistence of life on Earth."

The third author on the paper, which was published online, is mathematical biologist Richard M. Sibly of the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.

The scientists tackled an intriguing question about life on the planet, beginning with some common knowledge. On one hand, they noted, microscopic, unicellular bacteria, algae and protists that weigh only a few micrograms live fast, generate much new biomass per day or even per minute, and die young, often within hours. On the other hand, mammals such as a 100-foot blue whale can live up to 100 years but generate new biomass, including babies, much more slowly.

The authors ask a sweeping question: How can such enormous variation in reproduction and survival allow persistence and coexistence of so many species? Their answer: Because there is a universal tradeoff in how organisms acquire, transform and expend energy for survival and production within constraints imposed by physics and biology.

In their research, the authors built a model of energy allocation, based on data involving rates of energy investment in growth and reproduction, generation times (commonly considered 22 to 32 years for humans) and body sizes of hundreds of species ranging from microbes to mammals and trees. They found an exactly equal but opposite relationship between growth rate and generation time among all these organisms.

The net result is what the authors call the "equal fitness paradigm." Species are nearly equally fit for survival because they all devote the same quantity of energy per unit of body weight to produce offspring in the next generation; the higher activity and shorter life of small organisms is exactly compensated for by the slower activity and greater longevity of large organisms.

Hall said the tradeoff between rate of living and generation time is one reason for the great diversity of life on Earth: No one size or life form has a built-in advantage over another. The apparent benefits of being larger (for example, bigger males are more likely to win in competition for mates) are compensated for by the fact that larger animals are typically less productive over time.

"There is no single way of living and using energy that is best," Hall and Brown said. "Given the array of environmental conditions on the planet, one kind of organism might gain a temporary advantage, but such gains will soon be countered by other, competing organisms. The result is what evolutionary biologist Leigh Van Valen called the 'Red Queen phenomenon,' based on Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass: All species must keep running to keep up with others and stay in the evolutionary race."

###Cancer patients treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs are less likely to receive excessive end-of-life interventions than those treated through Medicare, according to a study led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System.

The study will be published online Jan. 8 in Health Affairs.

"The findings are not just important for veterans and VA policy, but for anybody who needs medical care at the end of life, which is a majority of us," said Risha Gidwani-Marszowski, DrPH, a consulting assistant professor of medicine at Stanford. "We as a society need to ensure we are setting up the organization of health care and its financial incentives to ensure that the services patients receive are the ones that are in their best interests at the end of life."

Gidwani-Marszowski, the lead author, is also a health economist at the VA Health Economics Resource Center. The senior author is Steven Asch, MD, professor of medicine at Stanford.

Many Americans say they would prefer to die at home and forgo intensive medical care at the end of their lives. Yet in the last month of life, many studies have shown that the use and cost of health care accelerates. Approximately 4 percent of the entire federal budget is spent on care for Medicare patients in their last year of life, according to some estimates.

In addition, changes are afoot at the VA. Several efforts, including the proposed Veterans Empowerment Act, would change the VA so that it mostly funds medical services, along the lines of Medicare, rather than providing all the care itself.

Those changes could expose veterans to any effects a Medicare-like funding approach has on end-of-life care, Gidwani-Marszowski said.

Testing a funding model

The researchers tested whether the way that care is organized affects the provision of end-of-life services for veterans dying of cancer. The study looked at 87,251 veterans older than 66 who had solid tumors and died between October 2009 and September 2014.

The researchers based the analysis of care quality on guidelines developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Quality Forum, as well as on research that has shown patients consider some services undesirable or burdensome at the end of life. Specific criteria included whether patients received chemotherapy; whether they had two or more emergency department visits; whether they were admitted to the hospital and, if so, how many days they spent there; whether they died in the hospital; and whether they were admitted to intensive care. In the study, higher numbers of veterans receiving these services indicates lower quality of care.

The researchers then compared the use of these services by veterans with cancer who used VA health care with veterans with cancer who received their care through Medicare. More than 90 percent of older veterans are enrolled in Medicare as well as the VA, so the population that is eligible for both programs is ideal for evaluating differences in care due to health care system factors, Gidwani-Marszowski said. Researchers accounted for several characteristics that could affect which system veterans choose for care, including the distance they live from medical facilities, Gidwani-Marszowski said.

The study showed that Medicare patients were more likely to receive unduly intensive care at the end of life including chemotherapy, hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit, longer stays in the hospital and death in the hospital than those who received care through the VA.

Gidwani-Marszowski said the study's findings that Medicare patients receive lower-quality, higher-intensity end-of-life care make sense given the different financial incentives of the two systems. VA physicians are salaried, while Medicare-funded physicians bill according to the services provided, which is known as fee for service. Therefore, additional services provided through Medicare generate funds for physicians and health care organizations.

Emergency department use differs

The researchers also found that the VA patients were more likely than the Medicare patients to have two or more emergency department visits. One possible explanation, Gidwani-Marszowski said, is that extended hours or access to appointments are not available at all VA facilities and that veterans may instead need to go to the emergency department for their care. Another is that Medicare patients may be hospitalized for care that VA patients get in the emergency department.

"The VA has long been a leader in providing patient-centered care at the end of life," Asch said. "Our study showed that veterans can expect appropriately lower-intensity care as they face late-stage cancer at VA facilities. If they choose instead to use their Medicare benefits outside the VA, they are at greater risk of getting chemotherapy, hospitalization and other services that will likely not help them in their last days."

The work is an example of Stanford Medicine's focus on precision health, the goal of which is to anticipate and prevent disease in the healthy and precisely diagnose and treat disease in the ill.

###

The study's other Stanford authors are Todd Wagner, PhD, associate professor of surgery and director of the Health Economics Research Center at the VA Palo Alto; Karl Lorenz, MD, professor of medicine and section chief of the VA Palo Alto-Stanford Palliative Care Program; Manali Patel, MD, assistant professor of medicine; Kavitha Ramchandran, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine; Derek Boothroyd, PhD, senior biostatistician; Gary Hsin, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine and director of the Hospice and Palliative Care Center at the VA Palo Alto; Samantha Murrell, research associate at the VA Palo Alto and Stanford surgical affiliate; and Vilija Joyce, research associate at VA Palo Alto.

Researchers at the University of California-Los Angeles and Brown University also contributed to the study.

The research was funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Program; and the VA Health Services Research and Development Service, VA Information Resource Center.

Stanford Health Policy and Stanford's Department of Medicine also supported the work.

The Stanford University School of Medicine consistently ranks among the nation's top medical schools, integrating research, medical education, patient care and community service. For more news about the school, please visit http://med.stanford.edu/school.html. The medical school is part of Stanford Medicine, which includes Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children's Health. For information about all three, please visit http://med.stanford.edu.BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Replacing the popular contraceptive shot known as DMPA with alternative methods of contraception could help protect women in sub-Saharan Africa and other high-risk regions from becoming infected with HIV, according to a comprehensive review of available evidence published in the journal Endocrine Reviews.

"Human studies suggest DMPA use may raise the risk of HIV infection in exposed women by about 40 percent," said Zdenek Hel, Ph.D., professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pathology, UAB School of Medicine, and a co-author of the study. "Importantly, we know that some other forms of contraceptive methods do not show the same deleterious effect on the immune function in cell culture, small animals or human studies

As of 2016, 36.7 million people worldwide were living with HIV, according to UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS. More than half of those people live in eastern or southern Africa. AIDS is the most advanced stage of the HIV viral infection.

DMPA -- or depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate -- is the predominant contraceptive in sub-Saharan Africa, administered as a birth control shot every three months. It is estimated to be used by more than 50 million women worldwide. "It is also used at a relatively high frequency in Alabama and other Southern states in the United States," Hel said.

In the research review, first author Janet P. Hapgood, Ph.D., University of Cape Town, South Africa; Hel; and Charu Kaushic, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, examined the underlying biological mechanisms that could contribute to increased risk of HIV infection for certain hormonal contraceptives but not others.

"To protect individual and public health, it is important to ensure women in areas with high rates of HIV infection have access to affordable contraceptive options," Hapgood said. "Increasing availability of contraceptives that use a form of the female hormone progestin different from the one found in DMPA could help reduce the risk of HIV transmission."

In addition to these clinical studies, the authors examined animal, cell and biochemical research on the form of progestin used in DMPA -- medroxyprogesterone acetate, or MPA. The analysis revealed MPA acts differently from other forms of progestin used in contraceptives. In the cells of the genital tract that can come in contact with HIV, MPA behaves like the stress hormone cortisol.

"The increased rate of HIV infection among women using DMPA contraceptive shots is likely due to multiple reasons, including decreases in immune function and the protective barrier function of the female genital tract," Hapgood said. "Studying the biology of MPA helps us understand what may be driving the increased rate of HIV infection seen in human research. These findings suggest other forms of birth control should rapidly replace DMPA shots."

"Access to safe, effective and affordable contraception is critical for women's health worldwide," Hel said. "Up to 50 percent of unintended pregnancies in Africa end in abortion, often performed in an unsafe manner. We have to do everything in our power to rapidly replace DMPA with a safer alternative. The word 'replace' is critical; DMPA cannot just be taken off the shelves as many women would be left with no available option. Ideally, women should have access to a full range of contraceptive choices and should be informed regarding the benefits and potential dangers associated with each option."

The study, "Hormonal Contraception and HIV-1 Acquisition: Biological Mechanism," was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Endocrine Reviews is a publication of the Endocrine Society, the world's oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.

To offset the immunosuppressive effect of DMPA, a new formulation called Sayana Press has recently been developed that administers 31 percent less hormone via a subcutaneous administration. In a manuscript released this week, Chelsea Polis, Ph.D., Guttmacher Institute, and Sharon Achilles, M.D., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, together with Hapgood and Hel, address the potential effect of reducing the dose of DMPA. The authors conclude that, while the lower dose is likely to result in a partial reduction of the systemic concentration of the hormone shortly after delivery, it is not likely to ameliorate the overall negative impact of MPA on biological responses.

"Unfortunately, simply reducing the dose of DMPA is not a solution," Hel said. "We need a qualitatively new approach. However, I am an optimist. I believe a solution is already in our hands. The real effort now lies in the implementation of the knowledge accumulated over the last six years into clinical practice and public health policy."

###

The study, titled "Is a lower-dose, subcutaneous contraceptive injectable containing depot medroxyprogesterone acetate likely to impact women's risk of HIV?" was published by the journal Contraception and was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Guttmacher Institute.Jan. 8, 2018 - Birds exposed to constant noise from oil and gas operations show physiological signs of chronic stress and--in some cases--have chicks whose growth is stunted, according to new University of Colorado Boulder research.

The study, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), also found that western bluebirds - which tend to gravitate toward noisy environments - lay fewer eggs that hatch when they nest there.

"In what we consider to be the most integrated study of the effects of noise pollution on birds to date, we found that it can significantly impact both their stress hormones and their fitness," said lead author Nathan Kleist, who conducted the research while at CU Boulder and graduated with a PhD in evolutionary biology in May. "Surprisingly, we also found that the species we assumed to be most tolerant to noise had the most negative effects."

The authors, which include researchers from California Polytechnic State University and the Florida Museum of Natural History, say the findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting noise pollution from human activity is harmful to wildlife.

They also shed light on how stress from chronic noise exposure may impact humans.

For the study, the researchers followed three species of cavity nesting birds, including western and mountain bluebirds and ash-throated flycatchers, which breed near oil and gas operations on Bureau of Land Management property in New Mexico. Kleist and his team erected 240 nest boxes on 12 pairs of sites. For three breeding seasons, the team took blood samples from adult females and their offspring and assessed hatching success, nestling body size and feather length. Across all species and life stages, the birds nesting in areas with more noise had lower baseline levels of a key stress hormone called corticosterone.

"You might assume this means they are not stressed. But what we are learning from both human and rodent research is that with inescapable stressors, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in humans, stress hormones are often chronically low," said co-author Christopher Lowry, a stress physiologist in the department of integrative physiology at CU Boulder.

He notes that when the fight-or-flight response is constantly revved, the body sometimes adapts to save energy and can become sensitized. Such "hypocorticism," has been linked to inflammation and reduced weight gain in rodents.

In the current study, Kleist also found that nestlings in noisy areas had a hair-trigger response to the acute stress of being held for 10 minutes, producing more stress hormones than those bred in quiet nests.

"Whether stress hormone levels are high or low, any kind of dysregulation can be bad for a species," said senior author Clinton Francis, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Cal Poly. "In this study, we were able to demonstrate that dysregulation due to noise has reproductive consequences."

Chicks in both the quietest and loudest areas had reduced feather growth and body size. The researchers hypothesize that adults in the quietest areas are exposed to more predators, so have less time to forage for young.

Meanwhile, in the loudest areas, the machinery noise masks calls from other birds - a signal of whether predators are present - stressing moms and nestlings.

"If you were trying to talk to your friends and your children and you were always at a loud party you would get worn out," said Kleist, who likens the sound of an oil and gas compressor to the drone of a highway.

Previous research has shown that some bird species opt to leave noisy areas. But the new study shows what happens to those which remain.

For the western bluebird, previously suspected to be resilient to noise, the reduced hatching rates are concerning, said Francis.

"This is an example of an 'ecological trap': when an organism develops a preference for something that is actually bad for them."

None of the species studied are endangered. But the researchers suspect that if other species experience similar effects in noisy areas, avian populations could decline as human-caused noise increases.

One recent study found that anthropogenic noise already doubled background sound levels in 63 percent of protected areas tested.

"There is starting to be more evidence that noise pollution should be included, in addition to all the other drivers of habitat degradation, when crafting plans to protect areas for wildlife," said Kleist, now a visiting professor at State University of New York.

"Our study adds weight to that argument."

###

Alexander Cruz, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at CU Boulder, and Robert Guralnick, associate curator of biodiversity informatics at the Florida Museum of Natural History also contribute to the study.

The study was funded by National Geographic, the National Science Foundation, and the North American Bluebird Society.Denmark's Novo Nordisk, the world's leading insulin manufacturer, announced Monday an offer to buy the Belgian biotech firm Ablynx for 2.6 billion euros ($3.1 billion).

Novo Nordisk said it made an initial offer in December and then raised it, but that it had been rejected by Ablynxs managment.

Novo Nordisk encourages Ablynxs Board of Directors to engage in a negotiated transaction for the benefit of all stakeholders, the Danish firm said in a statement.

The initial offer of 26.75 euros in cash was raised to 28 euros per share in cash plus up to another 2.50 euros per share depending on performance.

Ablynx said in a statement that its board concluded that the proposal fundamentally undervalues Ablynx and its strong prospects for continued growth

Ablynx specialises in the development of nanobodies: small fragments of antibodies that like larger antibodies can bind onto the antigens that cause an immune system response.

Novo Nordisk said its strong global haematology franchise would make it able to better develop one of those nanobodies, caplacizumab, which aims to treat a certain type of blood clots.

It called its buyout offer a compelling opportunity and provides the clearest path to realizing full potential of Ablynxs portfolio in the best interests of all stakeholders, including patients and physicians.

The offer is the largest ever by Novo Nordisk for another pharmaceutical firm, according to Bloomberg News. The firm accounts for nearly half of the global market for insulin, but is also present in other sectors such as horomone treatments and drugs to control haemophilia.

Its shares were down a quarter of a percent in trading on the Copenhagen stock exchange at 339.10 kronor.

Shares in Ablynx were suspended on Monday morning in Brussels at the request of the market regulator.

hdy/rl/jhEd McMullan, a supporter and former political strategist of Donald Trump took up his position in the Swiss capital Bern on December 15. McMullan takes over from Suzi LeVine who served as the ambassador during the Obama administration.

The ambassadors wife arrived shortly after he joined and their children came for the holidays, but as they are young adults, they will not live in Bern.

Whilst the timeline for ambassadorial appointments may vary widely, president Trumps appointments of foreign ambassadors took longer than usual  on average 85 days compared to 32 and 11 days for former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, respectively.

+ Learn more about Ed McMullan

The spokesperson for the US embassy cites the timing of McMullans appointment as the reason for the delay.

The delay between Ambassador McMullen presenting his credentials and coming permanently to Bern is not typical. Because of the timing of his confirmation in the United States, he had to rush to Switzerland to present his credentials in November or wait until the next opportunity in January. The Department of States bureaucracy does not work quickly, so he had to return to the United States to wrap up his affairs and pack his household, she told swissinfo.ch on Monday.













swissinfo.ch





The Swiss are the champions of Europe when it comes to inflating their salary when applying for a new job  or at least they are caught more often than people in other countries.

Two-thirds of Swiss employers say they have shown applicants the door after discovering false or exaggerated information on their CVs, according to a global survey by recruiter Robert Half, which questioned 200 managers in Switzerland.

Of these managers, 22% said the dodgy details were connected to salary  with applicants naming a higher figure in the hope of earning more if offered the job. This is more than in any other country in the survey. In Germany the figure was 19%, in France 14%, in Britain 13% and in Belgium 7%.

+ Jobapplications

Only jobseekers in Singapore were more brazen than in Switzerland: 28% of employers said they had rejected applicants for this reason.

The survey found that the Swiss also have a tendency to misrepresent their skills, job experience, education, foreign language ability and previous areas of responsibility.













swissinfo.ch and agencies/ts





A nationwide ban on face-coverings  a de facto burka ban  would currently get the thumbs-up from 76% of Swiss voters, according to a poll in the SonntagsZeitung and Le Matin Dimanche. Around half also support the idea of Islam becoming an official Swiss religion.

Six out of ten respondents said they would definitely back the ban on face-coverings, put forward by the rightwing Swiss Peoples Party. Some 16.5% said they were leaning towards a ban, 7% were leaning against it, 13% were definitely against it and 3% said they had yet to decide.

+ Government rejects Swiss burka ban initiative

Almost 70% of respondents also wanted to see headscarves banned from schools.

But while the Swiss appear to be against burkas and niqabs, that is not the case for Islam as a religion: 48% backed official recognition of Islam as a state religion, like Christianity. This idea has been proposed by the leftwing Social Democratic Party, on condition that the Islamic communities adhere to a moderate form of Islam and organise themselves transparently.

The online survey by market researchers Marketagent asked 1,264 Swiss aged 18-75 in German- and French-speaking Switzerland between December 7-18.

Ticino is the only canton so far to introduce a total face-covering ban in public places. St Gallen has a less restrictive form of ban, but voters have rejected the idea in Zurich, Solothurn, Schwyz, Basel City and Glarus. Valais lawmakers recently outlawed a cantonal voteon the wearing of headgear on the grounds that it would violate the constitution.German energy giant EON on Monday said it had accepted an offer to sell its remaining stake in fossil fuels spinoff Uniper to Finland's Fortum.

The voluntary takeover will see EON sell its 46.65-percent stake in Uniper to Fortum for 22 euros ($26) per share, netting the German utility some 3.76 billion euros.

The deal was widely expected after the two groups announced in September they were close to an agreement, but is likely to come in for criticism as Uniper shares are currently trading at around 26 euros.

This transaction enables us to sell our entire Uniper stake at an attractive price for EON, the German groups chief executive Johannes Teyssen said in a statement.

EON will now focus fully on its customers and core businesses in the new energy world.

But given Unipers rising stock, the Handelsblatt financial daily said Teyssen could expect some critical questions about the deal.

Unipers management and supervisory board members had earlier urged shareholders to reject the offer, saying it did not reflect the companys true value and offered few strategic benefits.

Uniper CEO Klaus Schaefer also told German media last month that Fortum had not been clear about its intentions for the company and its roughly 13,000 employees.

Fortum for its part has said it would focus on being an active, supportive and reliable shareholder and partner to Uniper.

Fortums takeover offer formally expires on January 16.

EON said management board members who hold Uniper stock privately would also be tendering their shares to Fortum.

The Finnish firm, whose key markets are in Nordic and Baltic countries as well as Russia, Poland and India, expects to secure regulatory approval for the Uniper deal by mid-2018.

EON, one of Germanys four largest energy companies, spun off its coal- and gas-fired power plants into Uniper in 2016 before floating it on the Frankfurt stock market.

The parent company meanwhile retained control of its gas and electricity grid businesses, renewable plants and customer service.

The move came as German energy utilities face tough choices during the government-spurred energy transition from fossil and nuclear generation to renewables.

EON last year booked a record loss of more than eight billion euros as it accounted for depreciations in the value of assets linked to the Uniper spin-off.

mfp/fz/jhAam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates Sanjay Singh, Sushil Gupta and ND Gupta, whose names were decided to be sent to the Rajya Sabha on January 3, have been elected unopposed to the Upper House from Delhi.

The three got 'Certificate of Election' confirming their election to the Rajya Sabha by Returning Officer Nidhi Srivastava.

AAP's decision to send senior party leader Sanjay Singh, businessman Sushil Gupta and chartered accountant ND Gupta to the Rajya Sabha was announced following the party's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting on January 3. The meeting, which was held at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence, was attended by 56 party MLAs.

"Sushil Gupta has made big contributions in the education and health sectors in Delhi and Haryana. He provides free education to 15,000 children. Narayan Das Gupta is the former president of the ICAI(Institute of Chartered Accountant of India)," AAP leader Manish Sisodia said soon after the announcement.

Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken had on Saturday sought rejection of the nomination of ND Gupta for allegedly holding an office of profit, even as the latter rejected the charges.

In his objection filed with the returning officer, Maken claimed that Gupta is "currently holding the office of a trustee of the National Pension System Trust. He was appointed on March 30".

In his response to the returning officer's notice on Maken's objections, Gupta said he was appointed as a trustee of the NPS on March 30 last year but he resigned from the trust on December 29, way before the filing of his nomination.

-With IANS inputsThe explosive Spanish magazine Interviu, launched after the fall of dictator Francisco Franco, will close after suffering "dramatic" financial losses, its publisher announced Monday.

Communications group Zeta, which had a turnover of 178 million euros in 2016, said it would also cease publishing political magazine Tiempo.

Both titles made significant losses in recent years due to a dramatic decline in circulation and advertising revenue, according to a statement.

The group said it would concentrate on the digital transition of the titles.

Interviu, known for its nude photos of women and shock reports, was launched in the spring of 1976, six months after Francos death when the country was in turmoil after 36 years of dictatorship.

Shameless and transgressive, subscribed to scandal, the magazine had been a nuisance to those in power, which had earned it some trouble with the law, the Catalan newspaper El Periodico, also owned by Zeta, said last year.

During the Christmas of 1976, a tribunal banned its distribution over a report about the accounts of the Franco family.

Interviu regularly splashed pictures of half-naked women on its cover  including the wealthy Duchess of Alba  as well as exclusives on significant stories such as the stolen babies scandal that shook Spain when it eventually came to light in 2010.

In 1981 investigative journalist Xavier Vinader was imprisoned after publishing reports on the fight launched by extreme rightwing groups against independence of the Basque country.

His articles were followed by the assassination of two people quoted in the article, leading to Vinaders conviction for recklessness, however he was later pardoned.

Interviu had an average circulation of 33,494 copies in 2016, while some of its most popular editions reached one million copies.

But the losses of both magazines in recent years had risen to seven million euros, according to Zetas statement.

The closures will lead to the dismissal of 24 employees and numerous collaborators, according to the Madrid Press Association.Privacy Settings

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NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using.Around 160 requests a day were made in late 2017 to access pornography websites from computers within the Houses of Parliament, Britain's Press Association (PA) reported Monday.

A total of 24,473 attempts were made since last Junes general election from devices connected to the parliamentary network, according to data obtained by a PA Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Prime Minister Theresa May is already reeling from a wave of sexual misconduct allegations in Westminster.

She was forced to dump minister and long-time friend Damian Green last month after he apparently misled police over claims pornography was found on computers in his Westminster office in 2008.

The parliamentary internet network is used by MPs, Lords in the upper house and their staff.

Authorities claim most attempts are not deliberate and point to a decrease in recent years.

Parliament blocked 113,208 attempts in 2016, down from 213,020 the previous year.

All pornographic websites are blocked by parliaments computer network, a parliamentary spokesman told PA.

The vast majority of attempts to access them are not deliberate.

This data also covers personal devices used when logged on to parliaments guest Wi-Fi.Britain's education minister, Justine Greening, resigned from the government on Monday after refusing another Cabinet position in a reshuffle by Prime Minister Theresa May, a Downing Street source said.

Greening was offered the welfare and pensions brief but declined to take it, the source added.

The prime minister is disappointed but respects her decision to leave the government.

Shortly after confirming Greenings departure, Downing Street officially announced she would be replaced by Damian Hinds, who had been serving as employment minister.

Greening, who represents a London constituency and backed Britain remaining in the EU during the Brexit referendum campaign, will return to the House of Commons backbenches.

Some Conservative colleagues immediately voiced their support for her.

Fellow member of parliament Heidi Allen wrote on Twitter she was bitterly disappointed at Greenings departure, saying: A dreadful shame we have lost such a progressive, listening, compassionate woman from government.

May launched a long-awaited reshuffle of her Cabinet on Monday, which nevertheless left most of her senior ministers in position.

Greening becomes the fourth minister since November to leave the government, after deputy prime minister Damian Green, defence secretary Michael Fallon and aid minister Priti Patel were forced out in unrelated scandals.Police officers shot and killed nearly 1,000 people in the United States in 2017, slightly more than the previous year, according to a tally published on Monday by The Washington Post.

A total of 987 people were fatally shot by US police last year, up from 963 in 2016 and down from 995 in 2015, the Post said.

The newspaper has been logging details of shootings by police in the United States since 2015, tracking local news reports, public records and social media.

The use of deadly force by US police has attracted increased attention in recent years, highlighted by the high-profile slayings of a number of unarmed black men.

Nineteen unarmed African-American men were killed by US police in 2017, up from 17 in 2016 but down from 36 in 2015, according to the Post.

Black males nevertheless continue to be shot at disproportionately high rates, the newspaper said.

Black men, both armed and unarmed, accounted for 22 percent of all people shot and killed by US police last year but make up just six percent of the total US population.

Overall, police shot and killed 68 unarmed people in 2017, up from 51 in 2016 but down from 94 in 2015.

The national spotlight on this issue has made officers more cautious in unarmed situations, Chuck Wexler, the executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, told the newspaper.

According to the Post database, 735 of the people shot and killed by police last year were armed with knives or guns, up from 693 in 2016.

Forty-six police officers were killed in the line of duty in the United States in 2017, down from 66 the previous year, according to FBI figures.

Deadly shootings by police in the United States are far more prevalent than in other developed countries.

According to the British group Inquest, police fatally shot four people in the United Kingdom in 2016.

Thirteen people were killed by police bullets in Germany in 2016, according to a study by Berlins Tageszeitung newspaper.Monday, January 8, 2018

Holographic messages from loved ones who have died are no longer the what if stuff of Star Wars. Artistry In Motion Holographics (AIM) recently introduced a new service to the funeral industry: life-sized 3D moving images of pre-recorded messages from the yet-to-be deceased.

In this video below, AIM CEO Carl Minado looks like Col. Sanders, but it was October 31 at the 2017 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) convention, so he dressed to play the part. He jokingly referred to himself as a 3D version of the original. But he was serious about the potential impact their technology could make in funeral service.

Someone could plan ahead while theyre in their 60s or 70s, and create a beautiful lasting legacy of themselves that would be shown at their celebration when they have passed, Minardo explained. It would enable you to do your legacy your way, and not burden family members or a clergy person who doesnt know you.

AIM Holographics employs a patented system of visual creation that results in a life-sized full color 3D moving image or animation. Theyve used the technology in varied sectors such as business, medical, and not-for-profit. This was their first introduction to the funeral industry.

The AIM technology allows parents or grandparents to record messages that live on and provide timeless inspiration to the generations to come.

Mindardo said, You wouldnt want it to be, If you see me now, Im dead, but more like, Hi, Im so glad youre all here. I want to talk to you about what really made me happy in my life, and how important all of you were being a part of that. Its up-lifting. You can leave everybody with a sense of, Wow, wasnt that great? I know Id want to do that.

How about you? Learn more at their website, www.AIMHolographics.com.

[embedded content]

Share this:NEW CASTLE, Pa.  The Lawrence County Conservation District hosted its annual awards luncheon Jan. 4 at the First United Methodist Church in New Castle.

Cliff Wallace, the chairman of the board, recognized volunteers and landowners who have done exceptional work conserving the land of Lawrence County.

Wallace, joined the board of directors to finish the term of Robert Jackson, who passed away this year. He is a former agriculture instructor at Mohawk High School.

In addition to Wallace, the board added two new associate directors, Blaine Sturgeon of Perry Township and Layne Kind of Plain Grove Township.

Award winners

Four farms were honored for their conservation efforts.

Dennis and Betsy Musser, and Cassie and Nate Rassau of Den-Be Farms worked with the district to install a six-month liquid manure storage facility.

The storage will help the farm manage manure and reduce the potential for agricultural source pollution to reach waterways. The total cost of the project was $215,579. The Mussers did some of the work themselves and used a private engineer.

The district also recognized Bob Trotter of Trotacre Farms, who worked with the district on four projects this year. He put in an end wall for a bunk silo, built a heavy use area protection, installed an animal walkway and completed a stormwater management plan.

He plans to finish the project in the spring by installing rain gutters. The total cost of the projects was $96,375.

Charlotte Chapman of Burdock Hill Farms has been working on two projects with the district, the installation of an access road to a cement animal concentration area and a rain gutter system for all the outbuildings. The gutter system then pipes the water underground, discharging it away from the buildings.

Lastly, Doug and Karen Beatty, Beatty Dairy, were recognized for their work on installing storm water diversion and a new animal walkway, heavy use area protection and a milk house waste transfer system.

Volunteer Tim Sturgeon was also honored for his of service to the district, and Hickory Township was recognized for its work in installing a water mattress to eliminate flooding on a country road.

FFA demonstrations. In preparation for competing at Pennsylvania Farm Show, three FFA chapters practiced their demonstrations after the luncheon.

Laurel FFA demonstrated how to wire a light bulb to a switch; Mohawk FFA demonstrated how to make a tile table; and Wilmington FFA demonstrated how to make a deer feeder.

All three chapters will compete at the Pennsylvania Farm Show this week.

Lawrence County Conservation District Karen Beatty and Lindsey Henry accepted the conservation award for Beatty Dairy. They were recognized for their work on installing storm water diversion and a new animal walkway, heavy use area protection and a milk house waste transfer system. (Katy Mumaw photo) < > < > 1 View Lawrence County Conservation District Karen Beatty and Lindsey Henry accepted the conservation award for Beatty Dairy. They were recognized for their work on installing storm water diversion and a new animal walkway, heavy use area protection and a milk house waste transfer system. (Katy Mumaw photo) 2 View Lawrence County Conservation District Charlotte Chapman of Burdock Hill Farms was honored for her work on two projects with the district, the installation of an access road to a cement animal concentration area and a rain gutter system for all the outbuildings. (Katy Mumaw photo) 3 View Lawrence County Conservation District Hickory Township was recognized for its work in installing a water mattress to eliminate flooding on a country road. Pictured are Kathy Abranovich and Bill Dean accepting the award given by Cliff Wallace. (Katy Mumaw photo) 4 View Lawrence County Conservation District Lawrence County Conservation District honored Dennis and Betsy Musser, and Cassie and Nate Rassau of Den-Be Farms who worked with the district to install a six-month liquid manure storage facility. (Katy Mumaw photo) 5 View Lawrence County Conservation District Volunteer Tim Sturgeon was also honored by Cliff Wallace, the district's chairman, for his many years of service. (Katy Mumaw photo) 6 View Lawrence County Conservation District Bob Trotter of Trotacre Farms, was honored for his conservation work. He put in an end wall for a bunk silo, built a heavy use area protection, installed an animal walkway and completed a stormwater management plan. Also pictured is Cliff Wallace, chairman of the conservation board. (Katy Mumaw photo) 7 View FFA Demo Laurel FFA demonstrated how to wire a light bulb to a switch. 8 View FFA Demo Mohawk FFA demonstrated how to make a tile table. 9 View FFA Demo Wilmington FFA demonstrated how to make a deer feeder.NASHVILLE, Tenn.  President Donald Trump became the first president in a quarter century to address the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Trump spoke to nearly 7,400 members and guests at the AFBF convention late Monday afternoon, Jan. 8, focusing on economic development in rural communities.

The president hailed the recent tax overhaul efforts, saying tax cuts and the doubling of the threshold for the estate tax will help farmers.

Trump said most family farms will be spared now from the deeply unfair estate tax, adding that the GOP law will help farmers keep your farms in the family.

But the president largely skirted the two areas where his administration and the Farm Bureau differ  trade and immigration.

He briefly mentioned the North American Free Trade Agreement, saying its under negotiation as we speak, but added we want to make it fair for you people again.

We are reviewing all of our trade agreements to make sure they are fair and reciprocal.

Trade matters

The farm group is hoping the president will change his mind on free trade agreements, and not throw out trade agreements altogether.

We sell about half of what we produce to foreign markets around the world, said AFBF President Zippy Duvall during his convention address the day before President Trump spoke. If we lose those markets, where is that agricultural production going to go?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. agricultural exports totaled $140.5 billion in fiscal year 2017, climbing nearly $10.9 billion from the previous year to the third-highest level on record.

As it has done for over 50 years, the U.S. agricultural sector again posted an annual trade surplus, which reached $21.3 billion, up almost 30 percent from last years $16.6 billion.

Immigration

Duvall added that immigration is a key issue for farmers, one that has been overtaken by politics.

Everywhere I go, no matter which region or state, farmers tell me this is the number one problem they face  not enough ag workers to get their crops out of the field, the farm organization leader said.

Rural prosperity

President Trump also highlighted the Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Task Force report, released Monday, promising better broadband internet coverage (according to the Federal Communications Commission, 39 percent of rural Americans  23 million people  lack sufficient broadband access), and rural infrastructure improvements.

Trump also emphasized the importance of addressing the opioid crisis, which has disproportionately impacted rural communities.

While just under half of rural Americans say they have been directly impacted by opioid abuse, 74 percent of farmers and farm workers say they have, according to a poll conducted in a joint effort by the AFBF and the National Farmers Union.

Earlier in January, the groups launched a new website, FarmTownStrong.org, to provide opioid abuse information and resources that can help struggling farm families and rural communities.

Trump tipped his hat to the 4-H and FFA youth development programs, saying its the future of our country. Their devotion to our nation inspires us all.

The president also played homage to the ag community in general: We know that our farmers are our future.

Farm approval

Other than the rhetoric of dismantling free trade agreements, the American Farm Bureau has been pleased with the Trump administration so far, according to AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

We have had a seat at the table with the Trump administration, Duvall said during his convention speech. Folks, I can tell you that it has been a breath of fresh air to be able to advocate for getting things done, instead of having to constantly defend agriculture against a steady stream of challenges from our own government.

He lauded the administrations decision to reconsider the controversial interpretation Waters of the United States rule within the Clean Water Act, which greatly expanded the list of bodies of water subject to federal regulation.

We are urging the agency to propose a new rule, one that draws clear lines that protect waters without regulating farm fields.

In a speech to the AFBF crowd Jan. 8, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said USDA has been rolling back excessive regulations following a directive from President Trump.

Perdue said USDA has targeted 27 final rules for elimination that will save $56.15 million annually, and asked farmers to bring any onerous regulations to USDAs attention by visiting the agencys website.The rural economy is set to receive a huge boost as plans have been announced to create a new Northern Forest that will comprise over 50 million trees.

The Woodland Trust and the Community Forest Trust will plant 50 million trees over 25 years.

The forest will stretch from Liverpool across to Hull with the M62 as its spine, and the plan has now received Government backing.

The project will embrace the cities of Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Chester and Hull as well as major towns across the north.

The rural economy is also set to receive a huge boost, thanks to sustainable timber production and rural tourism.

It is hoped the plan will help deliver environmental, social and economic benefits through the creation of new woodland and sustainable management of existing woods.

The plans will help improve air quality, mitigate flood risk in key catchments and connect people with nature.

With a population in excess of 13m that is expected to rise by 9% over the next 20 years and with woodland cover at just 7.6%, below the UK average of 13%, and far below the EU average of 44%.

'A haven'

Farmers and landowners could also be incentivised through grants to help plant new woodland.

Environment Minister Therese Coffey said planting trees is one of the best ways farmers and landowners can invest in the British environment for future generations.

"They provide a haven for wildlife, reduce flood risk and improve water quality  making them some of our most cherished assets," Ms Coffey said.

However, tree planting rates are dramatically low, with planting in 2016 being only 700 hectares against the governments target of 5000 hectares a year.

Austin Brady, director of conservation, Woodland Trust said: England is losing tree cover. We need to make sure we are protecting our most important habitats such as ancient woodland as well as investing in new major woodland creation schemes.

Existing approaches to increasing woodland cover are stalling and existing delivery mechanisms, such as Community Forests are under threat.

The new forest will help the government deliver its planned 'green Brexit', which includes replacing the EU's CAP with a series of support payments that further enhance "public goods."A fourth generation farmer has retold his farm fire experience as new figures show 4.6m worth of farm fire insurance claims were made in 2016 in the south west alone.

One April evening last year, East Devon dairy farmer Henry Gent went to bed as normal, only to be woken by one of his farm hands at 5am informing him that his dairy parlour was on fire.

An electrical fault had caused the blaze which destroyed the electrics leading into the milking parlour at Mosshayne Farm, West Clyst, near Exeter, meaning Henry was faced with 300 cows which needed milking, with no means of milking them.

Three fire engines and six fire fighters attended the farm to deal with the fires aftermath.

The ensuing hours were crucial to what was transpired to be a relatively smooth recovery: ruling out the possibility of being able to track down an alternative available parlour and locate some 15 lorries to transport the cows there, locally based electricians acted fast, sourcing a generator so that five hours later, milking could get underway, potentially saving the lives of the cows, who were thankfully out in the fields at the time.

Henry, whose great grandparents first ran the farm, subsequently made a successful 38,000 claim from NFU Mutual.

'Greatest hazard'

The 59-year-olds claim contributed to the total 4.6m worth of farm fire insurance claims made in the south west in 2016; the fourth highest amount in the UK.

According to NFU Mutual, this figure is down 14 per cent from 5.4m in 2015, but despite the decline, the farm insurance specialists are keen to warn farmers that fire remains one of the greatest hazards to their livelihoods.

In 2016, the most common cause of farm fires was electrical faults, which were responsible for almost half of fire claims.

Arson was the next most common cause. In 2014 the company set up the Farm Safety Foundation to support farmers to work safely and continues to raise awareness about keeping farm fire safe.

'Terrified'

Henry said: It was a shock but it could have been far worse. I remember feeling terrified when an electrician said that we would not be able to milk at the farm that day and probably not for week, because the mains electric supply would not be restored quickly, and all cables leading to the motors were destroyed.

It would have been a disaster to leave the cows unmilked because the freshly calved cows would have been in pain and leaking milk, leading to the risk of infection from open teat ducts.

Infection would lead to mastitis and the risk of permanent damage to the udders, illness, loss of yield, treatment costs, even mortality.

So, it was crucial to get them milked, and we had to act fast to get electricians working on supplying the machines from an emergency generator.

Regular checks

Henry said his electrics were around 20 years old, and is therefore encouraging other farmers to get their electrics checked out more regularly.

In addition to the electrics being ruined, the parlour was partially destroyed and consequential loss included 7,000 litres of milk going to waste during the wait for electricity to the refrigerators to be reinstalled.

It took around four months for farm operations to return to normal.

Ten years prior, on November 5, Henrys farm suffered another fire; a fire which started amid straw in his Dutch barn spread to the silage clamp it was housing, and the tyres laid on top caught on fire. Around 15,000 damage was caused.

Unfortunately, Henry had opted not to insure the silage clamp due to its perceived low risk, so bore the brunt of the costs himself.Kolkata, Jan 8 (PTI) West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress today advised BJP leader Mukul Roy to focus on party organisation rather than resorting to gimmicks after former TMC MLA Manju Basu turned down the saffron partys offer to contest the upcoming Noapara assembly bypoll.

The TMC also refuted allegations by BJP that Basu was intimidated and forced to change her stance and express her loyalty towards TMC.

"You cannot ask someone to express her loyalty towards Mamata Banerjee by threatening her. Rather than resorting to such gimmicks, the man from Kanchrapara (Mukul Roy) should focus on building organisation of his party," TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee.

Another senior TMC leader Jyotipriyo Mullick, said, Roy was trying to misled the BJP as Basu has never willing to join BJP.

The BJP central leadership had announced Basus name as the partys candidate for the byelection yesterday evening. Hours later, Basu told reporters that she is still with the TMC.

The two-time TMC MLA from Noapara assembly seat, however, chose to speak little on the matter and said it was her personal decision to decline the BJPs offer.

"You can have offers from various political parties. But whether you will accept it or not is a personal decision."

Basu, known to be a close associate of Mukul Roy during his stint with the TMC, was seen holding regular talks with the BJP in the past few days after being denied a ticket from the seat by the Mamata Banerjee-led party.

A senior BJP leader claimed that Roy, who had joined the saffron party in November last year, had pitched for Basu even as a section of state BJP leadership was not very keen on giving her the ticket.

"She was willing to contest on BJP ticket. But TMC threatened her to change her stance. This instance proves that there is place for democracy in Bengal," said Roy.

The TMC has announced the name of Sunil Singh as its candidate from Noapara.

The Noapara assembly seat fell vacant following the death of Congress MLA Madhusudan Ghose a few months ago.

The bypoll has been scheduled for January 29 and counting of votes will take place on February 1. PTI PNT RGA gang which raided farms across the south west has been ordered to pay back almost 120,000 or face longer prison sentences.

61-year-old Daniel Small and his two sons targeted isolated farms around South and West Devon, and sometimes Cornwall.

They often stole farm machinery and cars. According to The Kingsbridge & Salcombe Gazette, they carried out 31 raids and stole 281,470 worth of machinery, tools and vehicles.

Mr Small was jailed for four years at a trial at Exeter Crown Court in March 2017.

The trial heard how the thefts, which were normally conducted overnight, targeted farmers and a rural economy in which many businesses are struggling to survive.

It was only until a tracking device on a stolen quad bike led police to a yard ran by the gang in January 2016.

'Soft target'

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has previously warned that farmers should not be seen as a 'soft target' for criminals.

A survey by NFU Mutual showed 56% of respondents have been a victim of rural crime in the past 12 months.

And in December, farmers were encouraged to take part in the governments Commercial Victimisation Survey and record the nature, extent and costs of any crime.

Agriculture has been reintroduced as part of the survey, after successful efforts from the National Farmers' Union.

It is seen as opportunity to make the government and the Home Office aware of the extent rural crime affects farm businesses.

The results are used to monitor crime trends, identify what actions need to be taken to reduce crime and find out what support would be most helpful to farm businesses.

'Increasing fear'

NFU land management adviser Rupert Weaver said the survey is a "perfect opportunity" for farmers to make Government aware of the serious impacts rural crime poses to farm businesses.

As the NFU has already highlighted in its Rural Crime Report, rural crime affects a huge number of farmers, affecting their business and family life, Mr Weaver said.

There is increasing fear in rural areas due to increasing crime, resulting in significantly lower than average satisfaction levels with the police.

There is a lack of official statistics relating to rural crime, partly due to underreporting, and a significant response from the farming community could provide the relevant authorities with the data they need to act on this problem. The NFU would encourage all farmers who receive the survey to participate.Laser beam technology is being trialled in Scotland as a method to deter sea eagles from kidnapping lambs.

The lasers will be shone onto hillsides in Argyll to scare the white-tailed sea eagles, which have caused misery for local farmers.

Conservation agency Scottish Natural Heritage said the trials would be "carefully monitored.

Photographs of a sea eagle carrying a new born lamb taken in 2017 reignited the bitter feud between farmers and conservationists over the reintroduction of Britains biggest bird of prey.

The white-tailed sea eagle went extinct in the UK during the early 20th century, due to illegal killing, and the present population has been reintroduced.

But crofters and farmers in the Highlands and Islands have frequently complained that the large birds of prey pose a risk to young livestock.

Hill lambs are an easy target for the bird, and there have been reports of adult sheep and ewe hoggs being attacked.

If the laser trial is successful, it could be rolled out under licence to other areas where the birds are causing issues for farmers.

Other techniques which could be implemented include audio bird scaring device and cutting down trees to stop the birds nesting in them.A man has appeared in court charged with selling mislabelled meat which falsely advertised the produce as British.

Simon Drust, a butcher and owner of The Meat Shack in Studley, Warwickshire, placed adverts in the Redditch Standard and on Facebook.

It said: "Buy British-All Beef pork, Lamb and Chicken." However, the newspaper reported that the meat was not actually British.

Mr Drust appeared in Warwick Magistrates Court on December 19. He faces a number of charges relating to fraud and misleading customers.

The charges included the sale of non-British meat under banners stating "Best British Beef, Best British Pork, Best British Chicken and Poultry and Best British Lamb".

Other charges include misleading customers about the country of origin of meat sold in the shop, the breed from which beef was derived, whether pork was free range, and whether meats and poultry were fresh or had been frozen.

Mr Drust is now set to appear at Warwick Crown Court on January 22.

It follows news of the UK preparing to develop its own 'gold-standard metric' for British food and farming quality.

The food labelling system, announced by Defra Secretary Michael Gove, will showcase Britain's animal welfare standards coupled with a detailed country of origin label, and could be rolled out across supermarkets after Brexit.

He explained future profits in food production lie in "distinctive quality produce".The UK should follow the Netherlands as an example of increasing public access to the countryside, according to a new report.

Encouraging the public to access the countryside was one of Michael Goves commitments in his New Year keynote speech.

He stated that support payments should move away from encouraging "production inefficiencies" and instead public money should be redirected for public good.

According to the report, the UK should follow the Netherlands as an example, who use voluntary agreements to provide flexible access.

This is according to Andrew Gillett, legal adviser for rural organisation the CLA. He recommends a new approach to public access to the countryside, but warns that changes should be voluntary and done in collaboration with farmers.

Change of attitude

As far as access is concerned throughout England and Wales we first need to change our attitude, inflexibility and legislative framework to public rights of way in order to create a workable system, Mr Gillett states.

Having recently completed a Nuffield Farming Scholarship, his report titled A comparison of public access provisions and methods of mitigating impacts of public access on agriculture details the need for collaboration from Government, user groups and landowners.

During my Nuffield Farming Scholarship, I travelled to Scotland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and the USA to look at their approaches to public access.

Following my visits, it struck me that our inflexible and expensive approach to public access is stifling our ability to offer permissive rights of way, which could enhance both landowners, and the general publics, experience of the countryside.

Collaborative approach

Using the Netherlands as a case study, Mr Gillett details how their voluntary agreements to provide flexible access resulted in a successful collaborative approach.

The Netherlands have a payment mechanism in place for providing public goods in the form of permissive rights of way, he explains.

Under voluntary agreements landowners receive a payment per meter of access and local Government grants them an indemnity against any potential claims.

He adds that these routes could be adapted with ease to suit the farms cropping or livestock commitments, a process that is nearly impossible under current English and Welsh laws.

The process I witnessed in the Netherlands was inexpensive and amicable and if we could emulate the system in England and Wales including payments and an indemnity I strongly believe there is a case for innovation.

Mr Gillett says he acknowledges that the current public access system is unnecessarily complex and calls on the Government to look at other countries that have solved the problems presented by the current laws and liability challenges.Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif starrer Zero is undoubtedly one of the most awaited films of this year. The film that is being directed by filmmaker Aanand L Rai will have Shah Rukh Khan playing the role of a dwarf for the first time in his career span of 25 years. All this while, Anushka was busy with her prior commitments and her wedding celebrations. After cheering for Virat in South Africa, the actress is back in Mumbai and on the sets of Zero.Anushka took to her Instagram handle today to share a picture of her from the sets of the film. Sitting in her gorgeous floral van, Anushka mentioned how happy she is to be back at work. She captioned the picture saying, They say - Back to one! In this case Ill say - Back to Zero!! Happy to be back on the film and back to work with my lovely co actors and crew!! Thank you for the beautifully decorated floral van Commenting on why the film is titled Zero, Aanand L Rai earlier told a leading daily, Like the way we say that perfect is boring, imperfection is much interesting Our film is also celebrating the same. The story of the film is celebrating a perfect love story of two imperfect people. Though the protagonist of the film is a dwarf but more than the physical disability of an individual, the story talks about the space of emotional incompleteness of our life.Radhika Drops A Bomb

When Neha asked Radhika who she thought was the most overrated in Bollywood, the latter hesitated for a moment and then shot back, "Sushant Singh Rajput!"

Sushant Singh Rajput Won't Be Pleased!

We wonder if Radhika's answer will go down well with the 'Drive' actor! Will he ignore the comment or give it back to her?

She Didn't Spare Sooraj Pancholi Either

When quizzed about one actor who needs acting classes rather than gym sessions, Radhika took Sooraj Pancholi's name.

On The Other Hand,

Rajkummar Rao, her co-star on the show chose the diplomatic route and refused to invite the controversy.

He Chose To Stay Mum

Rather than upsetting the film fraternity, Rajkummar chose to down shots of chilli as punishment'. The actor is reportedly sensitive to spicy food and the chillies were killing him. But he refused to make any controversial statements.

In Other News,

Radhika recently revealed in an interview with Mumbai Mirror that she has signed a film opposite 'Slumdog Millionaire' fame actor Dev Patel. She was quoted as saying, "Yes, I'm doing a film with Dev which I will announce soon."Manoj Bajpayee

The super talented man has time and again treated the audience with his acting prowess and his amazing body of work. Manoj has earlier played a role of army man and is now all set to essay it yet again in Neeraj Pandey's Aiyaary. We just can't wait, folks!

Sidharth Malhotra

The 'Student Of The Year' has finally graduated to play an army officer for the very first time in Aiyaary. It would be quite interesting to watch Sid in this new space. Going by the promos of the film, the grey shades to his character makes things more intriguing.

Akshay Kumar

He played a street-smart army guy in A.R Murugadoss' Holiday and watching him take down the bad guys was a pure treat! Not to forget, the high octane action sequences!

Shahrukh Khan

It won't be wrong to see that he was born Fauji. Shahrukh Khan's uniforms are always a cut above whether it was the Air Force pilot blues in Veer Zaara or the uber-cool army guy in Yash Chopra's final directorial 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'.

John Abraham

The handsome hunk inarguably delivered the best performance of his career in Shoojit Sircar's 'Madras Cafe' as an army man. Gear up to watch him back in action in Parmanu!

Ajay Devgn And Saif Ali Khan

In the sea of military fatigues in LOC Kargil, these two men stood out. Ajay Devgn as Major Manoj Pandey and Saif Ali Khan as Captain Anuj Nayar.

Sunny Deol

If there is one Bollywood actor who will be eternally synonymous with the Indian army, then it has to be Sunny paaji! He is still reminisced fondly for his knockout act in J.P. Dutta's cult film, 'Border'.

Hrithik Roshan

While most of us couldn't stop drooling over Hrithik Roshan's got-no-bones dance in 'Main Aisa Kyun Main', it was Hrithik's coming-of-age act in Farhan Akhtar's Lakshya.Lagaan actor Shrivallabh Vyas passed away on Sunday (7th Dec) morning in Jaipur. He breathed his last at 9.30 am.

Shrivallabh Vyas had appeared in over 60 Hindi films. His noted films includes Lagaan, Sarfarosh, Shool and Dil Bole Hadippa among others.



As per Indian Express, He had to take a break from acting in 2008 after he collapsed in his hotel room in Gujarat. The actor had suffered a brain stroke followed by a paralytic attack.

Film and television actor Daya Shankar Pandey, who is a close family friend of Shrivallabh Vyas, confirmed the news and told the daily, "Vyas was a great actor and we will miss him immensely. He died on Sunday morning around 9.30 am and his last rites will take place in the evening today. He has two daughters and his wife struggled a lot while taking care of Vyas."

"He was a very well-read man and an immensely talented actor, but he didn't get his dues. But his work has always spoken for him. He was also into singing and had started writing too, but life was cruel to him," added Daya Shankar.

Shrivallabh Vyas is survived by his wife Shobha Vyas and two daughters.

May his soul rest in peace.Aww, That's So Sweet!

That's Anushka Sharma's Instagram story as she starts shooting for Zero. The actress thanked Shahrukh Khan & the Zero team for the floral welcome.

P.S. We're totally loving the photos of Virat & Anushka behind the bouquets.

Meanwhile, Aanand L Rai Can't Stop Gushing About SRK's Guts To Do Zero

The duo have collaborated for the first time on the upcoming film, Zero and the director said Shahrukh still has a lot to offer as an actor.

"I think he is a very gutsy actor from day one, he has always taken up challenges. And that is the reason I am with him."

We Do Agree With Mr Rai

He further added, "As a director, you should be prepared to take him on a journey and explore such a superstar. He says yes to subjects that are extraordinary and puts himself in a space that is new, yet different."

When Rai Made SRK Romance Despite Taking Away His Two Feet

Rai says, "This is a blessing that I got to work on a film like this with him. I am happy. He is an intelligent person to play this role."

"Who else can do this and get into the skin of a character like this? It is tough to take away those two feet, flamboyance, grace and still say 'let's romance'.

Does JHMS's Failure Make Rai Worried About Zero?

Speaking about the same, Rai said, "In a decade's time, he will do so much as an actor but as a visionary he will take the Indian cinema ahead. He doesn't think like just as an actor. Do expect a lot of newer things as an actor. He has got great plans."

Zero Is India Biggest VFX Film

"And with this man, if I feel stressed, (it is) not done. There is nervousness and I enjoy that. This is India's biggest VFX film but you will hardly feel that. It will look like any other normal film and yet new, so that is what the VFX is all about."

Zero Will Have The Cameos Of Many Superstars

Bollywood's big names such as Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Juhi Chawla, Sridevi, Rani Mukerji, Kajol, Karisma Kapoor, among others have cameo appearances in the film. But according to Rai, the actors are not placed in the movie deliberately.Shanthi Krishna

Yesteryear actress Shanthi Krishna, made a memorable return to Malayalam films with Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela. She fetched a lot of praises for her powerful performance in this super hit movie. It was after a break of 19 years that the much loved actress of Mollywood marked a comeback to Mollywood.

Amala Akkineni

Amala Akkineni did appear in two Malayalam films of the 90s and she made a lasting impact in the minds of the Malayalam film audiences with those movies. In 2017, she returned to Mollywood with the C/O Saira Banu, which featured Manju Warrier in the lead role.

Raadhika Sarathkumar

Through the Dileep starrer Ramaleela, which was one of the biggest blockbusters of the year 2017, popular South Indian actress Raadhika Sarathkumar marked her return to Mollywood after 24 years. She portrayed the role of Saghavu Ragini, the mother of Ramanunni, the character played by Dileep in the movie.

Gautami

Popular South Indian actress Gautami, who has acted in a good number of Malayalam movies of the 90s, did make a comeback to Malayalam cinema in the year 2017. She played one of the lead roles in the horror movie E, directed by Kukku Surendran. She made a comeback to Mollywood after a gap of 14 years.

Jomol

Jomol did carve a place for her own in the Malayalam film industry with movies like Ennu Swantham Janakikutty, Niram and many others. The popular actress of Mollywood, who quit films after marriage, made a comeback with this year's release Careful.(Eds: Adds more details)

Suri (WB), Jan 8 (PTI) A senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader organised a "Brahmin convention" in Bolpur town of Birbhum district today, a move described by the BJP as the Mamata Banerjee-led partys tactical shift towards "soft Hindutva".

The day-long "Brahmin and Purohit Sammelan" was held by the TMCs Birbhum district president, Anubrata Mondal, who is a strong critic of the BJP and its policies.

Mondal said the convention was organised to highlight the "misinterpretations" of Hinduism by the BJP and discuss what the Hindu religion stood for.

"Hinduism is being misinterpreted by the BJP. We will discuss the real meaning of Hinduism," he told reporters.

A source in the ruling party in the state said thousands of Hindu priests attended the meet, adding that each one of them was felicitated with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, a shawl and pictures of Sarada Maa and Ramakrishna.

The saffron party has accused the TMC leadership of practising "soft Hindutva" in a bid to stop the Hindu voters of the state from tilting towards the BJP.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees recent visit to the Sagar island to take stock of the arrangements for the January 14 Makar Sankranti festival also came under attack from the saffron party.

"The so-called secular leaders are practising Hindutva, because they are well aware that the Hindus are uniting under the BJP. They have realised that they will no longer be able to win elections by appeasing Muslims," state BJP president Dilip Ghosh said.

Mondal refuted the "soft Hindutva" allegation and said the TMC would also organise a conference of Muslim clerics this month.

Addressing the meet, he stressed the need to make a new generation of Hindu priests as a "society cannot exist without Hindu priests".

He also described the priests as the "teachers of the society".

The conference began with the chanting of vedic mantras.

The conference was organised months ahead of the crucial panchayat polls in the state. The BJP has been making steady inroads in Birbhum district, considered to be a TMC stronghold. PTI CORR PNT SNS RCSara Underwood

Sara Underwood is a model and actress hailing from the United States of America.

Too Hot

Her pictures are smouldering hot and she can set the temperature soaring at any given point.

Underboob

She is capable of breaking anyone in cold sweat. Also, her underboob picture is so cool, right?

Scarf Into A Top

She turned a scarf into a top! Well, kudos to her talent, folks!

Black Bra

Doesn't she look so hot in her uber cool black bra?

Christmas Gift

Sara Underwood would make the perfect Christmas present! Won't she?

But First, Selfie!

No matter where you go, it's always important to take a selfie!

Horsing Around

Sara Underwood is seen horsing around and doing the 'Hand Bra' pose!

Oh Damn!

Sara gets the feel of the ocean on top of a cliff while doing the hand bra pose.

Hot Woman

She is indeed one superhot woman, isn't she?

Sunny Sara

The sun, sky and Sara makes this image picture perfect!

Back In The Day

Even back in the day, she was as hot as she is now!

Twitter Followers

Sara Underwood has a huge following on Twitter which is more than half a Million.

Instagram Queen

She has the highest followers on Instagram which is 8.7 Million! That's huge, right?

Facebook Likes

One Facebook, Sara Underwood is inching closer to 5 Million followers.

They Go Crazy

Her followers go crazy whenever she posts a picture on her social media handle.

Follow Her Now

You're really missing out on a lot of you're not following Sara on all the social media platforms.

Hand Bra

Sara Underwood started the 'Hand Bra' trend way back in the early 2000's as well.

Blood, Sweat & Tears

She has worked really hard at the gym to attain this body that she's enjoying now.

India Visit?

We hope Sara Underwood will visit India sooner or later!

In Love

We're sure she'll end up falling in love with India if at al lshe comes here!

2018 Calendar

Sara Underwood has released her hot 2018 calendar as well and is available for $30 along with her autograph on it.

Showering Sara

Sara Underwood taking a shower is what we'll leave you with, folks!

Follow Her On Instagram

Do follow Sara Underwood on Instagram below!Did Siddharth Get Paid Fans To The Mall?

A tweet from @RochelleFanClub alleged Siddharth offered money to 25-25 students to cheer for Vikas at the mall, and requested Colors and Bigg Boss team to take action.

@RochelleFanClub Tweets

With a note, @RochelleFanClub tweeted, "I request @ColorsTV @BiggBoss team to look into this matter n take necessary action.Kindly contact me I have all the proofs against the "paid fans"of @lostboy54 This is shameful.Such influential n rich people can buy "paid fans" and votes anytime. @rajcheerfull @EndemolShineIND."

Fans Have Cooked Up A Story!

But, Siddharth denied the claim. He was quoted by News18 as saying, "There are some fans who cooked up this story. The funny thing is that they are saying that I went with two AC buses and gave 5K per head to students and it's really funny because I'm in Dubai."

Siddharth Says

"And the way they have portrayed the story that strict action should be taken against us, it sounds so genuine. That's why I reacted to it as I felt it was a little way too much."

Siddharth Has Not Paid Money To Any PR

"I have not paid a single penny to any PR. There's no online PR for Vikas. People have approached me but I didn't see the point because first of all he was not getting nominated only."

After Shilpa & Hinas Fans, Vikas Fans Trend On Twitter

We had also reported about Shilpa and Hina's trends on social media. Shilpa's fans had created a record with 1 Million tweets. This was followed by Hina and yesterday, Vikas fans also started trending.

#VikasDeservesTheWin Trends On Twitter

Many celebrities too supported the trend. Very soon, the tweets (#VikasDeservesTheWin) crossed 1M. It was said that the tweets were so fast and it could only be because of paid PR tends.

@iBeingJaySingh Tweets

But one of the fans (@iBeingJaySingh) clarified by tweeting "Some are saying Paid trends, Paid PR trends can't be trend in multiple countries. Dear haters,VIKAS DESERVES THE WIN is trending in multiple countries i.e. Rome, Pakistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus and many more. Jali hai...Aur Jalegi..."

Vikas Brother Clarifies

Vikas' brother, Siddharth retweeted the fans' tweet and wrote, "Exactly use your brains people! It's genuine love of the people! VIKAS DESERVES THE WIN."It wasn't that long ago that an investment in oil and gas felt like throwing cash into a burning pit. Lower oil prices wiped out hundreds of billions of dollars in market value in a matter of 18 months. Several one-trick ponies in the industry, among them offshore rig owners and independent oil and gas producers, collapsed under the weight of their debt loads. Even the titans of the industry -- the integrated majors -- got walloped.

Today, the industry is looking to be in much better shape. Companies have found ways to cut costs and turn a profit with oil prices at much lower levels than they were three to four years ago. It also helps that oil prices are still creeping upward.

For investors looking for an opportunity in this still beaten-up sector, Big Oil is an excellent place to turn. These giants not only withstood the blow of low prices but also reoriented their businesses to be much more profitable entities. Despite what some might think, not all Big Oil companies are created equal. So let's dive into this sector to see which of these companies is the best stock to buy in 2018.

Whom are we talking about, anyway?

Most of the integrated oil and gas companies are incredibly recognizable brands in the U.S. -- ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), Chevron (NYSE:CVX), Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS.A) (NYSE:RDS.B), BP (NYSE:BP). Others, including Total (NYSE:TTE) and Statoil (NYSE:EQNR), are much more recognizable in Europe.

To look at these companies holistically, you need to look at the typical metrics -- margin, cash flow, returns, valuation, and so on -- but also their investment plans, because the energy landscape is changing under our feet. So here's a look at all of these things and how the stocks compare with each other as a potential investment.

What's eating margin and returns?

Company Gross Margin (Current) Gross Margin (10-Year Avg.) EBITDA Margin (Current) EBITDA Margin (10-Year Avg.) Net Income Margin (Current) Net Income Margin (10-Year Avg.) BP 15.2% 15.9% 10.5% 9.5% 0.26% 2.6% Chevron 33.3% 32.1% 19.1% 20.7% 4.2% 7.3% ExxonMobil 28.9% 31.5% 14.8% 17.4% 5.3% 7.3% Royal Dutch Shell 17.2% 17.8% 14.8% 13.5% 2.1% 4.2% Statoil 40.3% 45.7% 31.1% 35.6% 9.5% 4.1% Total 32.1% 34.7% 18.7% 22.2% 5.9% 5.6%

Two things pop out when looking at these results. On one hand, gross margin for each company is in line with 10-year historical averages despite lower prices lately. This development is due to two significant changes in how these companies operate:

The price at which they can produce oil and gas has come down significantly during this weak commodity price environment.

Downstream operations such as refining and chemical manufacturing, which have historically been treated like the middle child of the business, have been optimized.

On the other hand, those margins start to deteriorate the further we go down the income statement. During the downturn, these companies either did some restructuring or took some writedowns to adjust their businesses and used debt to bridge the funding gap between operating cash flow and spending. Those charges and higher interest payments have taken a toll. BP was hit particularly hard because it ponied up a lot of cash for the Deepwater Horizon spill. Management did note that these costs will be much lower in the coming years.

The two companies that have bucked this trend are Statoil and Total. Statoil has been able to do so thanks to exceptional results in Norway, and Total has benefited immensely from a downstream revitalization plan and a cost-cutting program.

Company Return on Equity (Current) Return on Equity (10-Year Avg.) Return on Invested Capital (Current) Return on Invested Capital (10-Year Avg.) BP 3.9% 9.1% 2.3% 6.7% Chevron 4% 15.6% 3% 14.1% ExxonMobil 6.7% 21.6% 5.2% 19.1% Royal Dutch Shell 4.2% 12.4% 2.8% 10.1% Statoil (1.9%) 14.7% (1%) 9.8% Total 7.3% 15.9% 4.6% 9.8%

Looking at rates of return, all of these results appear similar to what the net income margin results showed us. The one exception here is Statoil, because it took some big writedowns in prior quarters that are adversely affecting results for the year.

Here's how the companies rank in this category:

1. Total

2. ExxonMobil

3. Statoil

4. Royal Dutch Shell

5. Chevron

6. BP

The return of cash flow

As nice as earnings look on paper, they can occasionally mask some problems in an industry that's so capital intensive. Cash flow is arguably more important than earnings in this business. The ability to generate enough cash to cover massive spending budgets, pay generous dividends, and fund other opportunities such as acquisitions or share repurchases is an incredibly important metric for the health of this business.

As the price of oil started to dip, so did cash from operations. However, we're starting to see cash flow results trend upward again as oil and gas prices rise slightly and each company lowers its breakeven price.

At the same time, capital spending budgets have declined from the delay of some projects and from wringing out additional costs. That has helped to boost the most important number for these companies: free cash flow.

Looking at these charts, it would appear that ExxonMobil and Shell are head and shoulders above the rest. That isn't necessarily the case, though, because Exxon and Shell are much larger companies. A better way to look at these companies' cash-generating ability is to measure free cash flow to assets, which accounts for the size of the company.

Company Free Cash Flow to Assets (Current) Free Cash Flow to Assets (10-Year Avg.) BP (1.56%) 1.09% Chevron 1.34% 2.18% ExxonMobil 4.29% 6.66% Royal Dutch Shell 4.23% 1.62% Statoil 4.03% 1.45% Total 2.27% 1.42%

Also, here's a look at the companies' operational cash flow as a percentage of capital spending. This metric is a helpful gauge of the changes in incoming cash and spending habits in recent years.

Company Last 12 Months FY 2016 FY 2015 FY 2014 BP 74% 64% 103% 145% Chevron 124% 71% 66% 89% ExxonMobil 209% 137% 114% 137% Royal Dutch Shell 183% 93% 114% 142% Statoil 139% 74% 88% 104% Total 133% 91% 79% 97%

These results yield a different conclusion than the charts. In this case, Shell, Statoil, and Total are all outperforming their historical averages, which is an incredible feat when you consider where are oil prices are.

Stepping back, these results make some sense. Ten years ago, we were at the height of "peak oil" fears, and some oil executives were saying we could expect oil above $250 a barrel. As a result, these companies took on some costly development projects. So capital budgets from 2010 to 2014 were abnormally high. Now that companies are learning to get a lot more out of their development portfolio with less capital, cash flow to assets is on the upswing.

The company that has taken this change to heart is Shell. Historically, Shell was known as the "engineers' oil company" that would take on challenging projects. As oil prices started to crash, though, CEO Ben Van Beurden made the company focus more on the value of its products rather than the volume it produced. As a result, the company has made drastic improvements to its free cash flow.

Here's how the companies rank in this category:

1. Royal Dutch Shell

2. ExxonMobil

3. Statoil

4. Total

5. Chevron

6. BP

An eye on outlook

Now that we have a handle on what each company can do with oil prices where they are today, let's start looking at where each company goes from here. Here's a rundown of what the management teams have said during their investor and analyst day meetings.

1. BP

Perhaps one of the reasons BP's cash flow metrics are so lousy is that the company is in the midst of an ambitious growth phase. In 2017 alone, the company expects to bring seven major capital projects online, and year-over-year production is up 9.5%.

It appears that, based on the company's most recent strategic outlook presentation, this is the beginning of something big. Between now and 2021, BP plans to add 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day to its current production. That production increase -- plus its equity stake in Russian oil company Rosneft -- could make BP the largest producer in 2021.

One thing that we learned, though, is that growing production for growth's sake is a recipe for disaster. BP learned this the hard way during the Deepwater Horizon spill. According to the company's projections, it expects upstream free cash flow to grow to $13 billion to $14 billion based on an average price of Brent crude (the international benchmark) of $55 per barrel. That oil price is a touch higher than today, but it's a reasonable assumption and represents a significant increase in cash flow, so we can assume its cash breakeven is significantly lower.

On top of its upstream plans, the company intends to boost its downstream results significantly. That plan stands on three core pillars: improved refining performance, better sales of lubricants, and a more significant retail presence.

The refining and lubricant business is probably its most uncertain bet. BP doesn't have plans to build new refineries. Instead, it wants to upgrade its existing facilities to produce higher-margin products and lower costs. It has done a commendable job of improving its refinery operations recently, but there's one thing that makes this strategy look a little fishy. BP's refining assets in the U.S. have been designed to process lots of heavy Canadian crude, and the company's projections assume that Western Canadian Select (the Canadian benchmark oil) will sell at a $15-per-barrel discount to West Texas Intermediate (the U.S. benchmark price).

The price difference between these two crudes has been converging for the past five years. Shale oil has become much less expensive to produce, and the price differential between these two crudes has not been $15 or more for some time. It doesn't look as if this trend is going to reverse anytime soon, either. U.S. shale production continues to rise, and there seems to be a consensus that nobody will be investing in a new oil sands facility for a long, long time.

If this is indeed the case, there's a good chance that BP's downstream business might not live up to management expectations. Based on its upstream production plans, though, it may not matter that much.

2. Chevron

Integrated oil companies have all followed a similar blueprint to improve their financial performance:

Cut capital spending and operating expenses.

Sell assets to "right-size" the business.

Take on debt to bridge funding gaps in the interim.

Spend on on new, lower-cost projects.

The difference for each company has been the pace at which they can execute this plan plans.

Chevron has been one of the slowest companies to enact these changes, and its Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG projects are to blame. These two projects have taken years and billions to develop. Since capital was already committed to these two LNG export facilities, the company couldn't simply stop construction. As a result, it was harder for the company to lower overall spending rates and react to the changing dynamics of the market. Now that Gorgon is complete and Wheatstone almost finished, the company is at the "right size" phase.

Chevron is much more focused on upstream production than its peers are. What's interesting about Chevron is that it seems to be doubling down on this position by divesting several billion in downstream assets, including its refineries in Hawaii, British Columbia, and South Africa.

One would assume that it would then plow that money into growing profitable production, but the company's growth plans look rather modest. Between now and 2020, management doesn't expect production to exceed 3 million barrels per day after adjusting for asset sales. With production at 2.72 million barrels per day, that isn't a whole lot of growth. The most prominent contributor to the company's earnings growth will be continued reductions in cost to boost upstream margin.

Chevron is more or less holding serve over the next few years as it looks to lower its breakeven production costs and generate more cash per barrel produced. The one fear here is that the company is being left behind.

3. ExxonMobil

There was a time when "integrated" meant a company would carry the same molecule of oil or gas from the well all the way to the end market. As these corporations diversified globally and picked the highest-return projects, those value chains became less and less "integrated" and eventually became a collection of assets along the value chain. Exxon was a shining example, as its sources of production didn't necessarily connect with its refining and petrochemical manufacturing hubs.

Looking at Exxon's spending plans over the next few years, though, that is going to change. Much of ExxonMobil's capital spending is going into two key assets: Its shale assets in North America and its refining, chemical manufacturing, and export capacity near the Gulf Coast. The theory is to leverage its production to supply its massive refining and petrochemical production facilities with cheap domestic feedstocks, and to generate better returns from each molecule.

The upstream component is centered on Exxon's massive Permian Basin holdings. Exxon believes there are about 60 billion barrels of oil in place in its holdings there. Based on the expected returns at current oil prices, management intends to grow its Permian and Bakken shale production by 20% annually between now and 2025 to around 800,000 barrels per day. Even more striking is that management expects more than half of its upstream capital spending will go to short cycle production like the Permian and Bakken.

There is, of course, a trade-off for these investments: a slower development pace for its international operations. Except for its offshore project in Guyana, the company's spending on major capital projects look much more timid than what we've seen in the past. That's why investors should only expect production growth of 200,000 to 600,000 barrels per day between now and 2020.

A benefit of ExxonMobil's approach is that it doesn't have to do much "right-sizing" of the business in the interim. Unlike most of its peers, management doesn't have plans for significant asset sales, and it doesn't have to do as much to get its balance sheet back into fighting shape. The thing that will determine the success of this strategy is how soon it can get back to buying back stock as it has in the past.

Overall, this is par for the course for ExxonMobil. It didn't overreact when the crash hit, and it isn't overreacting as oil prices recover. This formula is the one the company has used for decades. It's hard to imagine it will change course anytime soon.

4. Royal Dutch Shell

Shell's decision to buy BG Group for $70 billion in 2015 was like going all-in before seeing all the cards in a game of poker. It was an audacious bet when no one had any idea how long and how severe the downturn would become. It looks as if that bet is going to pay out.

Perhaps the most important part of Shell's transformation wasn't the purchase of BG, but what management decided to do with all of those assets afterward. Shell took BG's assets, looked at the new combined entity, and ditched several assets that didn't have much overlap or cost synergies. So far, the company has unloaded more than $20 billion in assets, with plans to shed another $10 billion.

What's left is a company that has a concentration in two segments: LNG and offshore drilling. Shell is already the biggest LNG player, with more than 45 million tons per year of liquefaction capacity. The company also has another nine liquefaction terminals under consideration.

On the deepwater side of things, the company has an immense concentration in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and the pre-salt formation off the coast of Brazil. The company has a stake in 14 different production platforms there that should produce 1.7 million barrels per day in the next few years -- Shell has to share that production with its equity partners, though.

Overall, the company expects production to grow 800,000 barrels per day between now and 2020. Almost all of that will come from its LNG and offshore investments. What's more important is that the company expects to generate $10 billion annually from just its upstream segment in 2018. That estimate is based on having the price of Brent oil hover around $60 a barrel.

Shell has some investments in shale, but they are still very much in the early stages. Management doesn't anticipate that it will be able to monetize its shale acreage until 2020, when it has adequate infrastructure in place.

On the downstream side of the business, Shell is investing heavily in chemicals and lubricants. The company expects to spend about $3 billion to $4 billion annually on projects including a 1.6 million-ton-per-year polyethylene facility in Pennsylvania, a 1.2 million-ton-per-year ethylene facility in China, and an additional 425,000 tons of olefins production at its Geismar facility in the U.S. Gulf Coast. High-margin chemical products like these have transformed Shell's chemical segment, which today has average returns on capital employed in excess of 20%.

Shell's BG acquisition may have looked like a high-risk bet, but it has paid off well. Now, the company has a much better business upon which it can build.

5. Statoil

Statoil is the outlier of this group. Its investments are heavily weighted toward its home country. Norway is the largest producer of oil and gas in Europe and is one of the only non-Russian suppliers of natural gas that can be shipped by pipeline. Statoil has an immense geographic advantage and a captive customer base in mainland Europe. Europe has to import much of its natural gas, and much of that is LNG. Therefore, the price for gas is much higher than in other parts of the world. Fortunately for Statoil, its Norwegian gas doesn't have to go through the expensive process of liquefaction, ship transport, and regasification, resulting in much higher realized prices and margins.

It appears that, based on the company's plans, it intends to leverage these advantages and focus on value creation more than anything else.

One of the most telling things in Statoil's investor presentations is the company's focus on its breakeven costs. Almost all of Norway's oil and gas deposits are offshore and in harsh environments such as the North Sea and the Arctic, which are typically higher-cost sources. While it has the benefit of higher gas prices and lower transportation costs, Statoil's expenses have historically been higher than those of its peers.

Recently, the company has ruthlessly cut costs for its Norway production. It has gone from a breakeven cost of $90 a barrel of oil equivalent back in 2013 to $27 per barrel of oil equivalent today. At that low of a price, the company can reasonably assume that it will generate a decent per-barrel profit margin no matter what happens with the price of oil or gas over the next several years.

Statoil also has some equity investments outside Norway, the largest of which are in the U.S. -- both offshore and shale -- and Brazil. Overall, though, these are non-operator stakes that will rely more on the efficiency of its partners than on its operations. There is indeed some room for upside, but it's relatively minor.

In exchange for incredibly low breakeven costs, Statoil has a much more modest growth plan. Between now and 2020, the company only expects to grow organic production by 3% annually. Also, Statoil doesn't have significant capital plans for downstream assets.

6. Total

Total's high rates of return over the past few years were a result of serendipity. Right as oil prices started to crater in 2014 and 2015, the company was completing several of its major capital projects. In 2015 alone, the company increased production by 9%, which is incredible. The additional benefit of bringing all these new assets online is that it reduced capital spending obligations.

One thing you can give management credit for is using this serendipitous time to cut costs and maintain a low breakeven price. All of management's investment decisions and projections for free cash flow are based on having a barrel of oil stay at $50 to 2020. With international crude prices in the $60-$65 range already, this looks like a conservative estimate that could produce better-than-expected returns.

Total's growth is pinned on three core ideas:

Add oil production if it has a low breakeven price.

Expand presence in LNG.

Grow chemical production and marketing segments.

This strategy explains several moves, such as taking on contracts to operate oil and gas fields for Middle Eastern countries and buying Maersk's oil and gas assets. These assets are more mature fields with a lot of oil left in them and low breakeven prices. They may not provide the massive potential of a new reservoir, but they ensure a reliable rate of return for years.

Total estimates its production will grow 5% annually until 202, most of which will come from LNG. It has LNG export facilities under construction in Russia and Australia and an equity stake in a prospective terminal in the U.S., and it's also mulling plans for a terminal in Papua New Guinea. By 2022, total wants to double its LNG trading portfolio and own 5% of the global LNG trade.

To generate better returns from chemical manufacturing and retail business, Total is investing heavily in the U.S. Gulf Coast, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, where it either has access to cheap feedstocks or a captive market. On the retail side, Total is investing heavily in Africa, where its goal is to own 20% of the retail market. By 2020, it expects its free cash flow contribution from downstream to increase 37% to $5.5 billion.

An assessment

For a group of companies that are typically bundled together as the same thing, these are diverse investment plans. Chevron and Statoil look as if they want to stay in a holding pattern, in terms of production, to capture better margin. That's not a terrible plan, but investors can get higher margin from every company mentioned. BP's plans are ambitious and could potentially have the most upside of the bunch, but if its assumptions for its downstream strategy don't pan out, it could be a detriment.

ExxonMobil's plans are safe. The company has opportunity for upside with its Permian and Guyana assets without committing too much capital. Also, its investments in downstream could be incredibly lucrative. The one knock is the modest production increases, but that could change.

Total and Shell look like the complete package: production growth with reasonable breakeven prices and a focus on lucrative markets such as LNG and petrochemicals. Total might look like the better bet with that $50-per-barrel price assumption, but Shell is already generating gobs of free cash flow. We can probably expect that to continue even if prices remain where they are today.

Here's how the companies rank in this category:

1. Royal Dutch Shell

2. Total

3. ExxonMobil

4. BP

5. Statoil

6. Chevron

Beyond oil and gas investments

Let's address the 900-pound gorilla in the room for oil and gas investments: climate change and the rise of renewables. For years, oil and gas companies have dismissed climate change as a risk to their business. Some of these companies previously flirted with investments in renewable energy; most abandoned them after the Great Recession because of poor rates of return and the need to raise cash.

The tide is starting to change, though. Every year, solar energy and wind energy have become less expensive, and they're now the lowest-cost sources of electricity. Furthermore, battery technology is also advancing by leaps and bounds. While batteries and electric vehicles may not be wholly cost-competitive with internal combustion engines now, they're catching up fast.

If you look at the investment plans for these oil companies, you can see that renewables are influencing their decisions. They will probably chalk up low production growth numbers to improving balance sheets, but there seems to be a tacit acknowledgment that oil demand growth is waning. Moving to natural gas and petrochemicals is the move a company would make to adjust to a world where oil is used less for fuel.

For investors looking to buy these stocks for the long haul, it's time to consider each company's plan to handle these changes. Here's a look at each.

1. BP

Big Oil companies' investment strategies for alternative energy seems to fall into three categories: Deep research with small annual capital commitments, sizable capital commitments without expectation for returns, or capital commitments with expectations for returns. BP lands in the middle of this cycle. The company is committing $200 million to its non-fossil-fuel portfolio, which has 1.4 gigawatts of wind-power generation, 10 million tons per year of biofuel production, and several other longer-shot investments in new research.

According to management, these businesses generate positive operating cash flow, but there is no mention of an expected rate of return. Perhaps in the near future, we will start to see plans that add expectations to that spending.

2. Chevron

In all of Chevron's investor presentations over the past year, there has been no mention of any alternative investments or future commitments to anything other than fossil fuels. Perhaps this is a product of still "right-sizing" the business. However, it would be encouraging if the company could come up with a plan sooner rather than later.

3. ExxonMobil

Exxon's approach has a "have your cake and eat it, too" feel about it. The company says it has invested $7 billion to reduce the carbon emissions of its current operations and that it spends $1 billion a year on research and development into several low- or no-carbon technologies. If you look at some of the options it's proposing, though, it doesn't change the dynamic of the company that much.

The two big ideas Exxon is working on are carbon sequestration and second-generation biofuels. Admittedly, these ideas are somewhat novel and could be exciting options if they can become commercially viable. On the carbon sequestration front, the company is working with FuelCell Energy to develop a fuel cell that can turn CO2 emissions into additional power and condensed CO2 gas that is then injected into underground storage. It would enable power generation from fossil fuels, notably natural gas, to be emissions-free.

The other idea is a new method for manufacturing biofuels. Current biofuels such as ethanol compete with food crops for valuable items like arable land, water, and fertilizer. Also, current biofuels aren't chemically identical to petroleum products and can cause engine trouble. ExxonMobil and its partner Synthetic Genomics are is looking to develop a biofuel from algae that would not only be chemically identical to gasoline but would also not require the same valuable inputs.

4. Shell

Shell is somewhere between spending a lot of money without expectations and spending money with return expectations. At its most recent management day presentation, the company announced it would spend $1 billion to $2 billion on what it calls its new energies segment. This business segment is doing work on a plethora of projects from biofuels, hydrogen as a fuel, and power generation. While the company doesn't have any expectations as of yet for its existing investments, it does specify that any investment in power generation would have to have a rate of return in the 8%-12% range.

Shell has been proposing hydrogen as a potential alternative fuel for a long time, mostly because it plays well into its existing business structure. Hydrogen fuel cells themselves don't produce any carbon emissions, but the only economical way to produce hydrogen gas in commercial quantities is a process known as gas reformation, which requires natural gas. So it's in the company's interest to make hydrogen a viable option.

5. Statoil

Statoil seems to have found a great way to merge its current competencies and the alternative energy world with offshore wind. If there's one thing that oil and gas companies have learned to do over the years, it's how to build multibillion-dollar facilities in the open ocean that can handle harsh conditions. Statoil has 5.8 gigawatts of offshore wind facilities either in operation or under construction, with more likely to be on the way, as it has been able to reduce installation costs by as much as 40% over the past five years.

Statoil appears to be all-in and expects a rate of return on these investments. Today, the company expects a 9%-11% return on its wind investments and plans to spend between $500 million and $750 million on non-fossil fuels from 2017 to 2020. Management estimates that by 2030, 15%-20% of annual capital spending will go toward non-fossil-fuel energy.

6. Total

While perhaps not quite as ambitious as Statoil's plans, Total is further down the investment path with renewable energy than most of its peers are. This past year, management announced that it will spend $500 million annually on renewable energy.

The company already has a majority stake in U.S. solar-power company SunPower, which makes it a major player in the U.S. market. It also spent $1.1 billion last year to buy specialty-battery company Saft, which it believes will help put itself on the map for energy storage combined with power-generating assets.

The company's expectations for returns today aren't great, but down the road, it expects a lot from these alternative-energy investments. By 2022, Total wants to own more than 5 gigawatts of power-generating capacity and generate $500 million in free cash flow annually from its gas, renewables, and power segment -- which doesn't include natural gas production, just gas trading.

An assessment

Statoil is the furthest along with its non-fossil-fuel developments. It has found a niche in which it has a competitive advantage, it is dedicating large sums of money today, and it has expectations for decent rates of return. If it does get to an investment level of 15%-20% of total capital spending, then we're talking about a lot of money for offshore wind.

Total is solidly in second place. Its investments in solar are much further along than those of its competitors are, and it seems to have a pretty clear strategy of how it wants to tackle renewable power. Shell is spending a lot of money, but it's more like throwing out a bunch of different ideas and seeing what sticks at this point. BP and ExxonMobil are next, because they don't seem to have a coherent strategy yet. Some of the ideas are intriguing, but neither has a true path to profitability.

Then there's Chevron, which for now is punting on the whole renewable-energy idea.

Here's how the companies rank in this category:

1. Statoil

2. Total

3. Royal Dutch Shell

4. BP/ExxonMobil (tie)

6. Chevron

Valuation

Now that we have an idea of what we're investing in, it's time to see what kind of value we're getting if we buy shares. Since this is a cyclical industry, valuation matters, so keep in mind that the valuation and where we are in the cycle are both critical.

I think it's reasonable to say the industry is on the upswing. That suggests we should expect higher-than-average valuations. Here's how they all stack up.

Company Total Enterprise Value/Sales Total Enterprise Value/EBITDA Price to Earnings Price to Book Value BP 0.8 7.5 36.2 1.43 Chevron 2.0 10.2 37.5 1.66 ExxonMobil 1.6 10.3 28.2 2.01 Royal Dutch Shell 1.2 8.0 26.9 1.48 Statoil 1.5 4.6 -- 1.93 Total 1.1 5.9 17.8 1.29

One single valuation multiple by itself can be rather misleading. If we look at price to earnings alone, all of these stocks look rather expensive. Keep in mind, though, that all of these companies have had asset writedowns or impairments recently that have negatively skewed earnings. By comparison, these stocks look rather cheap on the basis of both total enterprise value (EV, or market cap plus debt) to sales and enterprise value to EBITDA. For comparison's sake, let's look at the 10-year historical averages.

Company Total Enterprise Value/Sales Total Enterprise Value/EBITDA Price to Earnings Price to Book Value BP 0.60 8.2 16.6 1.41 Chevron 1.16 6.1 27.6 1.64 ExxonMobil 1.2 7.1 17.1 2.63 Royal Dutch Shell 0.69 5.2 22.6 1.32 Statoil 0.98 2.9 12.4 1.73 Total 0.79 4.3 15.0 1.56

Comparatively, these stocks aren't as much of a deal as they initially appear. All of them trade at a premium on at least one metric. Keep in mind, though, that if we are indeed in a market upswing, we should expect valuations to be slightly higher.

An assessment

I'm fond of price to book value because it gives a valuation of the underlying business that generates earnings rater than the earnings themselves. That can help to smooth out some of the cyclical nature of the business.

The ones that stand out are Total and ExxonMobil. Both are trading at decent discounts compared to their historical book values. I'm giving Total a slight advantage here because its price-to-earnings ratio today is much more in line with the 10-year average than Exxon's. BP is next because it's more or less in line with its historical book value and trades at a discount on an EV/EBITDA basis. After the writedowns and payments for the Deepwater Horizon spill start to come off the books, perhaps that price-to-earnings valuation will fall back in line.

Here's how the companies rank in this category:

1. Total

2. ExxonMobil

3. BP

4. Royal Dutch Shell

5. Chevron

6. Statoil

Putting it all together, here are the rankings we get.

Company Margin and Returns Cash Flow Outlook and Plans Beyond Oil and Gas Valuation BP 6 6 4 4 3 Chevron 5 5 6 6 5 ExxonMobil 2 2 3 4 2 Royal Dutch Shell 4 1 1 3 4 Statoil 3 3 5 1 6 Total 1 4 2 2 1

What a Fool believes

Following Big Oil stocks over the past few years has been fascinating. When oil prices crashed from 2014 to 2016, the market rightfully gave management teams a spanking for pursuing too many projects at once and being a little too cavalier with their spending. Surprisingly, almost all of them were able to cut costs and capital spending significantly without cutting production or sacrificing too much short- to medium-term growth.

While no one can say with any certainty that we're in a new normal for oil prices, it's getting harder and harder to envision a scenario where oil prices collapse much below $50 a barrel. According to Chevron, the next 13 million barrels per day slated to come online between now and 2025 -- these are the barrels that will replace existing production and meet demand growth -- have an average breakeven price of $50 a barrel. Now that companies realize what kind of damage a couple of years of undisciplined capital spending can bring, they're much less likely to pursue aggressive production growth.

As it stands today, the price of Brent crude is in the $65-per-barrel range. That's well above the breakeven prices each company has used as its price projection. If this price holds, then we could see some significant share-price gains in 2018.

Looking at these numbers, we see an extremely tight race among Total, ExxonMobil, and Royal Dutch Shell for the top spot. It all depends on how much you value plans for when fossil fuels are less dominant and current valuation metrics. Even though Shell isn't quite up to snuff on the margin and returns and is slightly more expensive than the others, I think that's going to change in 2018. The company took a lot of non-cash charges that affected earnings last year and will roll off the books. As this happens, its returns should be more in line with its incredible cash-generating abilities. This is an astonishing turnaround for the company, considering it was an also-ran for the past few years.

Exxon may be slightly less expensive, but its long-term plans don't look quite as ambitious as Shell's on paper. Shell also gets the nod over Total because Total's free cash flow-generating abilities are still less certain. As Shell has shown, though, these situations can change quickly.What happened

Shares of mining darling Northern Dynasty Minerals (NYSEMKT:NAK) lost a little over 10% in December to end what had begun as a wild year with a thud. The single event that caused the monthly slide was actually one that investors had been awaiting the entire year: repartnering the Pebble Project. The term refers to finding a deep-pocketed partner to help develop the company's prized asset in Alaska after previous partners bailed years ago in the face of regulatory uncertainty.

Management delivered by announcing a framework agreement had been reached with the $12 billion copper-mining titan First Quantum Minerals. That's good news, considering Pebble's most profitable resource could very well be its copper deposits. But Wall Street was left unsatisfied after reading the remaining details of the outlined agreement.

The stock finished its 2017 campaign down 14.5%.

So what

On the surface, Northern Dynasty Minerals appeared to have crossed the all-important "repartner Pebble Project" task from its to-do list. Dig a little deeper, though, and there are multiple details that may create more questions than answers.

First and foremost, a partnership with First Quantum Minerals hasn't been finalized. The keyword is "framework" agreement. While the copper mining leader provided Northern Dynasty Minerals with $37.5 million upfront, the deep-pocketed partner is still conducting due diligence on its potential role in Pebble. That means the deal could fall through or have the initially outlined terms amended to de-risk the potential partner's stake.

Second, the initially outlined terms don't appear to be to Wall Street's liking. The framework agreement calls for Northern Dynasty Minerals to give up 50% of the Pebble Project for only $1.5 billion, which likely isn't enough to develop half of the project. That total includes the $37.5 million upfront payment, which itself is part of $150 million in early funding that could be provided in the early stages to kick-start permitting activities.

Now what

Northern Dynasty Minerals may have missed its self-imposed deadline of announcing progress on the repartnering process by the end of the third quarter of 2017, but you have to admit that First Quantum Minerals is an ideal candidate to develop the copper-loaded Pebble Project. And hey, a couple of months late is close enough in the grand scheme of things, especially when the asset isn't expected to be in production until 2024.

But the delay and the terms outlined in the framework agreement serve as a reminder that there's a significant amount of room for error between now and production. Little delays could add up. Northern Dynasty Minerals may have to give up more -- and end up funding more of development -- than it wants in order to meet its deadlines. Investors will need to be on the lookout for further clarification on repartnering and progress on the permitting process in 2018.(Eds: Adding fresh inputs)

Chennai, Jan 8 (PTI) Amid a boycott by opposition parties led by the DMK, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today made his maiden address to the state assembly, urging the Centre to sanction Rs 4,854 crore towards Cyclone Ochki rehabilitation work.

Soon after he arrived in the House, Purohit greeted all members with a Vanakkam and began his address. Even as he began his speech, Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin was on his feet trying to raise some issues. The governor paused for a moment and told Stalin please utkkarunga (please take your seat) in Tamil but to no avail. Stalin was supported by his party MLAs, who raised slogans demanding that their leader be allowed to speak. A little later, the DMK Working President led his party members and staged a walkout.

Congress members and the lone IUML legislator also followed suit. Amid noisy scenes, sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, who made his debut in the assembly after having won the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll by a thumping margin of 40,000 votes against E Madhusudhanan of AIADMK, was seated calmly.

Later, Purohit resumed his address which was peppered with praise to late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaas vision and expression of thanks to the Centre for fund-releases towards instances including an "on-account" release of Rs 133 crore for cyclone Ockhi rehabilitation work.

"I urge the Central government to...sanction the due release of Rs 401 crore for temporary restoration and Rs 4,854 crore for permanent restoration towards damages caused by Cyclone Ockhi." Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting cyclone-hit Kanyakumari, he said the Centre should ask its team which visited Tamil Nadu to assess storm damages to expeditiously submit its report.

Recalling the financial assistance provided by the State government to the bereaved families vis-a-vis the storm, he said Tamil Nadu was committed to continuing rescue efforts till the last fisherman was rescued.

Lauding the State for achieving a smooth transition to the GST regime, he said Tamil Nadus fiscal position has been "resilient" and continues to be so despite unexpected setbacks in revenues. "Though there is a concern about increasing revenue deficit due to slow growth in revenue receipts, the State is firmly on the path of containing the fiscal deficit and Debt to GSDP ratio within the norms." Referring to his State-wide tours, Purohit complimented Tamil Nadu for "active participation," in "Swachh Bharat Mission," which was being pursued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a "missionary zeal."

"During my tours, I witnessed commendable work by the State in implementing this mission..16 districts have achieved Open Defecation Free status under the mission." It may be recalled that Purohit toured a number of districts in which he undertook cleanliness drives and held meetings with officials. It evoked strong protest from Opposition parties primarily the DMK which alleged that it amounted to interference in the rights of the state. Outlining the policies and programmes of the AIADMK regime, he reiterated the government position that Katchatheevu islet should be retrieved from Sri Lanka which will restore the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen. "Efforts taken by the central government has substantially reduced the incidents of unprovoked attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy on our fishermen." Seeking release of Tamil Nadu fishermen from Sri Lanka, he thanked the Union government for supporting Tamil Nadu in its efforts to promote deep sea fishing by sanctioning Rs 200 crore for replacing existing fishing vessels with tuna longliners. On the contentious Cauvery issue, the Governor said, "The Government continues to urge the Centre to expedite the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee to fulfil the long-standing legitimate demand of the State." He said Jayalalithaa enabled the State to become "power surplus," and Tamil Nadu will pursue its goal of adding 13,000 MW thermal power to its generating capacity. Despite its "immense fiscal stress," the government has already implemented pay revision on the basis of the recommendations of the pay panel 2017 at an additional cost of Rs 14,719 crore per annum, he said. "Many representations are being received from various quarters about the pay revision.. This government will constitute a committee to examine these." The governor also urged the Centre to accord early approval for Phase-II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project. Hailing Tamil Nadus Universal Public Distribution System which has ensured a "functional food safety net," Purohit said all rice card holders were being provided with Pongal gift hampers consisting of one kilogram each of raw rice, sugar besides other items this year as well. PTI VGN SA ROH DVThe UKs largest independently owned dairy group, Meadow Foods, has dropped its standard milk price by 0.75p/litre.

The cut means Meadows 650 producers will receive 29p/litre for milk with a constituent content of 4% butterfat and 3.3% protein from the start of February.

The processor sighted the recent downturn in the milk market and increased national production volumes as the driving force behind the price drop.

See also: Muller commits to 29p/litre until March

Other February milk price changes (4% butterfat, 3.3% protein) Yew Tree reduces price by 1p/litre to 30p/litre

South Caenarfon Creameries reduces price by 1.2p/litre to 28.81p/litre

Belton Farm reduces price by 1p/litre to 29p/litre

Provisional AHDB Dairy milk production statistics for November 2017 show volumes 8% ahead of where they were a year ago at 1,164m litres, but in line with the same month in 2015 and the three-year average.

We regret that we have reduced our price to reflect the volatile market conditions, said Mark Chantler, Meadow Foods chief executive.

We are working hard to reduce some of the effects of market volatility by further developing our sales through an extended product range and reach as well as working with our producers to help mitigate the impact.

He added: We hope the market stabilises in the near term, but will continue to monitor the situation very closely.

The UK levy board anticipated continued pressure on milk prices through the spring as production hits its peak and fat markets roll back from their meteoric highs in the middle of last year.A man has appeared in court charged with manslaughter over the death of 20-year-old Lauren Scott.

Neil Carpenter, 44, of Firbank Road, Dawlish, Devon, did not enter a plea during the hearing at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 3 January. He spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

Lauren Scott, from Kenton, near Exeter, died in an incident involving a milling machine while working at Springfield Farm near Dawlish on 4 March 2017. Miss Scott was taken by ambulance to hospital, but she could not be saved.

See also: Tougher penalties for farm health and safety breaches

Mr Carpenter was also charged with failing to comply with health and safety regulations.

The case was sent to Exeter Crown Court to be heard on 2 February. Mr Carpenter was remanded on unconditional bail.

Miss Scott was a former student at Bicton College and she previously attended Coombeshead Academy in Newton Abbot. She also had a passion for horses and she worked at Newton Abbot Racecourse, where she was very popular.

Lauren Scotts family paid tribute to their beloved sister and daughter and called her death a catastrophic loss. They added: Lauren  the sun may set upon your time with us, but your memory will live on.In a recent Q&A session, Ubisoft mentioned that with the high demand from the player community, they are considering to release a New Game Plus mode for Assassins Creed Origins.

They said: We know that a large number of community members have requested a New Game+ feature. We are currently investigating the possibility of implementing this option in a future title update,

The New Game Plus mode will if released will enable the players to Playthrough the storyline again with some constraints and limitations, after they complete the story for the first time. The players will be able to pass on the character progress from the first playthrough along with the weapons, making the Plus mode a little bit less challenging.

New Game + Mode has become a new norm and I think all action-adventure open world game must have it. What is your opinion? Share it with us in the comment section below.Do More with Google Chrome; 10-Hour Battery Life and Strong, Quiet Performance

The Acer Chromebook 11 provides easy access to the Google ecosystem including Google Drive, Gmail, and a variety of useful Chrome apps and extensions. Also, the Acer Chromebook 11 will fully support Google Play at launch, so customers will have access to millions of Android apps on Google Play to let them have more fun, be entertained, stay connected and remain productive. Plus, customers won't have to take their power adapter on the go, as the new Acer Chromebook 11 provides up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Customers can also enjoy multiple apps and tabs at the same time on the Acer Chromebook 11 since it delivers strong performance with the latest Intel Celeron processors. The Acer Chromebook 11 comes with 4GB of memory and 16GB or 32GB of eMMC storage. The device's fanless design allows it to run quietly, making it great for shared spaces such as in a family room, library or coffee shop.

Stay Connected to Peripherals, Wirelessly

The new Acer Chromebook 11 device includes two USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 ports, which can be used to charge the device as well as other products, transfer data quickly and connect to an HD display. Plus, customers can use the MicroSD card reader to access and transfer content. The Acer Chromebook 11 also includes two USB 3.0 ports and Bluetooth 4.2. Customers can stay connected to their network with fast and reliable 2x2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless connectivity.

Display Options in a Portable Design

The Acer Chromebook 11 has an 11.6-inch IPS display available in either touch (CB311-8HT) or non-touch (CB311-8H) models with a 1366x768 resolution to provide sharp and legible text as well as vivid, clear videos and photos. The high-dynamic range (HDR) camera produces clear and brighter photos as well as a video for Google Hangouts and webchats. The dual stereo speakers and integrated microphone enhance the webcam experience with high-quality audio.

The slim and portable form factor makes the Acer Chromebook 11 ideal for use anywhere; it measures only 0.71 inches (18.15mm) thin and weighs only 2.43 pounds (1.1kg).

Acer Chromebook 11 Simplifies Security and Collaboration

Chromebooks are easy to use and ideal for sharing by multiple users. Customers simply log into their own Google account to access their Gmail, Google Docs, apps, extensions, bookmarks, and other information. Chrome OS provides additional security since it's automatically updated to guard against ever-changing online threats. Many Chromebook customers store their files on Google Drive which protects files, documents, and photos safely in the cloud, and ensures that the most current version of the file or document is always available and safe, even if the Chromebook is lost or stolen.

Pricing and Availability

Several models in the Acer Chromebook 11 line (CB311-8HT/ CB311-8H) will be available in North America in April with prices starting at $249, and in EMEA in March with prices starting at 249. Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, consumers can contact their nearest Acer office or retailer or visit the Acer website.Nokia 6 (2018) receives Android Oreo update and Google Play support News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu

Nokia 6 (2018) was unveiled a couple of days back and is all set to go on sale in China soon. While it comes with notable improvements in comparison to its predecessor, the one disappointing aspect of this device is that it runs Android Nougat instead of Android Oreo.

According to a recent NokiaPowerUser report, Nokia 6 (2018) receives an update the first time it is booted and the update rolls out Android Oreo to the smartphone. Wondering why the Nokia 6 (2018) did not ship with the latest iteration of Android out of the box? There is no possible explanation from HMD Global regarding this but it could be because the Oreo build was not ready before the smartphone was shipped to the distributors and resellers in China.

Well, that's not all! The report also claims that the variant of the Nokia 6 (2018) that is official now will not arrive with Google services pre-installed as it is the Chinese variant. However, it has the optional support that lets users install Google Play Store APK file on the device. Having said that, users can be free from the stress of unlocking the bootloader to install Google services.

Notably, the first generation Nokia 6 that was launched early in 2017 did not arrive with the above feature but received the ability as a part of the July security patch. However, this advantage is for those who are living outside of China who use the international variant of the Nokia 6.

The Nokia 6 (2018) brings a slew of new features and improvements in comparison to its predecessor. The device boasts of a 5.5-inch FHD 1080p display and a completely revamped design language. But the device does not feature the full-screen design with 18:9 aspect ratio screen as seen in the recent launches.

Nokia Phones Symbian to Android - GIZBOT

While the 16MP main camera, the 8MP selfie camera and the 3000mAh battery remain the same, the latest launch from HMD Global features a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 SoC. Also, the smartphone comes with many new features such as Nokia OZO Audio and the Bothie feature those were launched with the Nokia 8 flagship smartphone.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow NotificationsSold more than one Google Home device every second : Google News oi-Priyanka With Google Home Mini and Google Home Max in addition to original Google Home, we brought you even more ways to use the Assistant in your home.

Search giant Google recently said that it sold more than one Google Home device every second since Google Home Mini started shipping in October.

With Google Home Mini and Google Home Max in addition to original Google Home, we brought you even more ways to use the Assistant in your home. So it's no wonder we've sold tens of millions of all our Google devices for the home over this last year, Google stated this news in a blog post.

The Google further said, the Assistant is now available on more than 400 million devices, including speakers like Google Home, Android phones, and tablets, iPhones, headphones, TVs, watches and more.

"We brought the Google Assistant to a dozen countries, from France to Japan, offering help in 8 languages around the globe," Google said.

"As we've added more features-like Voice Match, Broadcast and Hands-Free Calling-the Google Assistant have become even more helpful. Your Assistant now gives you the power to voice control more than 1,500 compatible smart home devices from over 225 brands," the search engine added.

With all these choices, you've connected millions of new smart home devices to Google Home every month. All told, Google Home usage increased 9X this holiday season over last year's, as you controlled more smart devices, asked more questions, listened to more music, and tried out all the new things you can do with your Assistant on Google Home.

The Assistant is now available on more than 400 million devices, including speakers like Google Home, Android phones and tablets, iPhones, headphones, TVs, watches and more.

"We brought the Google Assistant to a dozen countries, from France to Japan, offering help in 8 languages around the globe," Google said.

Furthermore Google pointed out that they would be revealing more features and future of Google Assistant in 2018 at the CES 2018. We're expecting the company to introduce more features for the US market. In India though, we get limited features, and it's also disappointing that the company is yet to announce a Google Home product in the Indian market.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow NotificationsCan we get an Amen for the Animals?By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jan 8 (PTI) US President Donald Trump today postponed his much-talked about Fake News Awards to the mainstream media for "dishonesty and bad reporting" to January 17.

The awards ceremony was supposed to be held today.

Trump upon his return from the presidential retreat of Camp David yesterday tweeted about the new date of the "one- of-its-kind" awards to various media houses.

"The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday," he tweeted.

"The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!" he said.

Trump had, on January 2, announced that he would give away awards to media houses for "dishonesty and bad reporting".

"I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. This would be one of its kind media award by the US president. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned!" he had tweeted.

Trump had coined the term Fake News during his presidential campaign, targeting media houses for "biased" news.

He very often identifies CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post as "fake media".

In November, he tweeted about a competition among news networks for the Fake News Trophy, excluding the Fox News.

"We should have a contest as to which of the Networks, plus CNN and not including Fox, is the most dishonest, corrupt and/or distorted in its political coverage of your favorite President (me). They are all bad. Winner to receive the FAKE NEWS TROPHY!," he wrote on the micro-blogging site on November 27.

In an email to supporters of the president on December 28, the Trump campaign had sought nomination for the King of Fake News trophy.

"At President Trumps request, we are holding a contest to name the 2017 KING of Fake News. And we want to hear from you," it said.

"The FAKE NEWS has utterly abandoned their duty to fairly report the news to the American people. Some journalists and liberal pundits think that Americans are too stupid to see through their amateur efforts to manipulate public opinion, but THEYRE WRONG," it wrote the supporters.

Noting that Americans were "sick and tired of being lied to, insulted, and treated with outright condescension", the Trump Campaign said, "Thats why President Trump is crowning the 2017 KING OF FAKE NEWS before the end of the year. Theres no point in pretending that some journalists are anything more than peddlers of falsehoods and liberal propaganda".

As per the Trump Campaign list, the competition for King of Fame news is between three news organisations.

"ABC News "MISTAKENLY" reported that candidate Trump directed Michael Flynn to make contact with Russian officials before the election," it said.

"CNN "MISTAKENLY" reported that candidate Donald Trump and his son Donald J. Trump, Jr. had access to hacked documents from WikiLeaks,? it wrote.

"TIME "MISTAKENLY" reported that President Trump removed a bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. from the Oval Office," the Trump Campaign said, asking the participants to "let the President know if there is another story you think should be crowned as the 2017 KING of Fake News". PTI LKJ AQS AQSCIA Director Believes DPRK Could Threaten US Cities in a Few Months

Sputnik News

21:42 07.01.2018(updated 23:16 07.01.2018)

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo speaking at the Face the Nation show on the CBS television network on Sunday expressed his views on perils originating from Pyongyang, Russia's alleged attempts to meddle in 2018 US elections and protests in Iran.

On North Korea

Pompeo confirmed he still believed that Pyongyang was just a few months away from crossing the threshold to putting a US city at risk of nuclear attack.

When asked, was that a three- or four-month period, Pompeo said he was unable to give "that kind of certainty."

However, he refuted the allegations that underestimation of Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities was a failure of US intelligence.

"Look, I've been one who's been candid where the intelligence community has made mistakes, where we have missed things. This is not that," Pompeo stressed.

On the contrary, he added, in recent months, US intelligence has managed to better understand what North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his inner circle were doing.

"We have what we think is a very good assessment of their military capability. That is, how ready those enormous forces are," Pompeo said, recalling that in addition to nuclear weapons, North Korea has enormous conventional capacity.

Tensions between Pyongyang and Washington have escalated in the wake of repeated ballistic missile launches and a nuclear test by Pyongyang followed by the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council on North Korea. Most notably, in August, North Korea said it was considering a strategy to strike the US pacific territory of Guam. US President Donald Trump said, in turn, that the United States would respond to North Korea's threats with "fire and fury."

On Russian Meddling

Pompeo responded affirmatively when asked whether Moscow was trying to undermine the 2018 elections.

"Yes, sir. Have been for decades. So, yes, I  I continue- continue to be concerned not only about the Russians but about others' efforts as well. We have many foes who want to undermine Western democracy. So there's this  this Washington-based focus on Russian interference. I want to make sure we broaden the conversation," Pompeo told the broadcaster.

In November 2018, the United States will hold midterm elections with voters choosing one third of the US Senate, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and governors of 36 states and three territories.

The US Congress is currently investigating Russia's alleged meddling in 2016 US presidential election. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been carrying out a similar investigation. A number of hearings regarding the issue have been held in the Congress, but intelligence service officials have yet to provide any evidence, as they claim the information is confidential.

Russia has repeatedly refuted allegations that it meddled in the US election, calling the accusations "absolutely groundless" and noting that Moscow never had contacts with the campaign team of now US President Donald Trump.

On Iran

Mike Pompeo said that the recent wave of protests in Iran was determined by the government's failure to fulfill its promises regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and internal economic and social issues.

"They're [Iranians] protesting because they've seen the failed promises of President [Hassan] Rouhani and [Iranian Foreign Minister Javad] Zarif, that they haven't been able to deliver the economic outcomes that they said. They said they'd get the JCPOA and food would be plentiful, that commerce would reign, and that jobs would arise. And that simply hasn't happened," Pompeo told the CBS broadcaster.

Several major cities in Iran, including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan and Rasht, have been engulfed in anti-government protests since December 28, 2017. The people have taken to the streets to protest against unemployment, poverty, and the rising cost of living, as well as policies of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. At least 20 people have reportedly been killed in the unrest.

In July 2015, the European Union, Iran and the P5+1 group of nations comprising the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom plus Germany signed the nuclear deal that stipulated a gradual lifting of sanctions imposed on Tehran in exchange for guarantees of peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to halt the Iran nuclear deal, while the US lawmakers were working on amendments to the accord.

 Sputnik

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Yemen's GPC names new head to replace slain Saleh

Iran Press TV

Sun Jan 7, 2018 06:25PM

Yemen's General People's Congress (GPC) has picked a new leader to replace long-time chief Ali Abdullah Saleh who was killed last month.

In an announcement on Sunday, the GPC named Sadeq Amin Abou Rass as Saleh's replacement.

The former agriculture minister is now expected to lead a fragile partnership between tribes who have been traditionally loyal to Saleh but are now split on how to deal with the ruling Houthi Ansarullah movement, a group that has led a two-year resistance campaign against a brutal war by Yemen's northern neighbor, Saudi Arabia.

The GPC announcement said the party would keep resisting the Saudi "aggression", but it did not mention the Ansarullah. Also missing from the statement was the name of Ahmed Ali Saleh, the exiled son of the former president who had vowed to lead a campaign against the Houthis after his father was killed in a roadside attack by fighters loyal to the Ansarullah.

"What happened (Saleh's killing) will not prompt us to make peace with the aggressors against the sovereignty, the dignity and the freedom of our great Yemeni people," said the statement, adding that the GPC remained open to national reconciliation and talks with all Yemeni factions.

The party also called for the release of its prisoners, including Saleh's family members and staffers of the pro-Saleh TV channel Yemen al-Yawm.

Saudi Arabia launched its devastating campaign against the impoverished Yemen in March 2015 in an alleged bill to restore power to a resigned president. Saleh initially took sides with the Ansarullah and opposed the Saudi air campaign which has since killed more than 13,600 people. However, he switched sides apparently under pressure from Riyadh in what the Ansarullah's described as a clear form of treason.



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Yemeni forces target Saudi-led Tornado fighter jet over Sa'ada: Report

Iran Press TV

Sun Jan 7, 2018 03:47PM

Yemeni air defense forces have reportedly intercepted and shot down a twin-engine and multirole Panavia Tornado combat aircraft belonging to the Saudi-led military alliance involved in the aerial bombardment campaign against Yemen.

A Yemeni military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the fighter jet was targeted on Sunday evening as it was flying in the skies over Kitaf wa al-Boqe'e district in the country's northwestern mountainous province of Sa'ada, Yemen's Arabic-language al-Masirah television network reported.

The source added that the aircraft was struck with a surface-to-air missile fired by Yemeni forces.

The jet had purportedly taken part in airstrikes against residential neighborhoods in Yemen. The development was also reflected on the official Twitter page of al-Masirah.

Earlier in the day, Yemeni army soldiers and allied fighters from Popular Committees had destroyed an Emirati armored vehicle north of Yakhtul coastal fishing village in Yemen's southwestern province of Ta'izz.

On December 30, 2017, Yemeni army forces and their allies managed to shoot down a Saudi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as it was on a reconnaissance mission in Yemen's northwestern province of Hajjah.

In late October, Yemeni air defense forces and Popular Committees' fighters targeted a Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet belonging to the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Yemen's air defense unit told the country's Arabic-language al-Masirah television network that the aircraft had been targeted with a surface-to-air missile as it was flying in the skies over Nihm district east of the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a.

In June, Yemeni air defense forces also intercepted and shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet in the skies over Sana'a.

According to Yemeni military officials, the invading aircraft had taken part in deadly airstrikes against residential neighborhoods in the Arab country.

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 deadly epidemics of infectious diseases, especially diphtheria and cholera, 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.

WHO has also warned that at least 471 people in Yemen have contracted diphtheria, a bacterial disease that has been killing one in 10 Yemenis since the outbreak started in the war-torn country in mid-August last year.

The UN agency's spokesman, Tarik Jasarevic, made the disturbing announcement last Thursday, adding that the west-central province of Ibb and the western province of Hudaydah were the hardest hit by diphtheria, which is easily spread between people through direct physical contact or the air.

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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Yemenis firing own missiles at Saudi Arabia: Iran's IRGC

Iran Press TV

Sun Jan 7, 2018 01:52PM

The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has dismissed the allegations leveled by the US and its allies about the Islamic Republic's provision of missiles to Yemeni forces.

"Missiles fired at Saudi Arabia belong to Yemen which have been overhauled and their range have been increased," Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said on Sunday.

He added that there is no possibility at all that the Islamic Republic could transfer missiles to Yemen.

He said the US and its puppets have so far spread many lies and leveled many allegations against Iran.

"How is it possible to send weapons, specially missiles, to a country which is fully under siege and there is even no possibility to send medical aid and foodstuff?" the IRGC commander asked.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on December 14 appeared in a staged show in front of a large and charred tube that she claimed was "concrete evidence" that Iran was providing missiles to Yemeni forces fighting against Saudi Arabia's war of aggression on their country.

Responding to Haley's allegation, Iran's UN mission categorically dismissed as "unfounded" her claim that a missile fired at Saudi Arabia from Yemen was supplied by the Islamic Republic.

In a statement released following Haley's allegations, the mission said, "These accusations seek also to cover up for the Saudi war crimes in Yemen, with the US complicity, and divert international and regional attention from the stalemate war of aggression against the Yemenis that has so far killed more than 10,000 civilians, displaced three million, crippled Yemen's infrastructure and health system and pushed the country to the brink of the largest famine the world has seen for decades, as the UN has warned."

Iran's defense minister also announced that the Islamic Republic would file a complaint with the United Nations over Haley's claim that missile debris allegedly retrieved in Saudi Arabia was of Iranian origin.

Brigadier General Amir Hatami added that Iranian military technicians were investigating the US administration's allegations and were preparing a complaint to be filed with the UN.

"The enemies of the Islamic Republic can make whatever claim, but once the [Iranian] complaint is filed, a part of the missiles [presented] will have to be handed over to Iran so we can present a final conclusion after inspections," Hatami noted.

On December 16, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dismissed as "baseless" the US allegation that Tehran supplies missiles to Yemen, saying it was an attempt by Washington to whitewash its war crimes in the Middle East.

Zarif said such claims aimed to deflect attention from US complicity in the crimes committed in the Middle East, particularly in Yemen, and from US President Donald Trump's "very dangerous move" to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's "capital."

On December 14, Abdel-Malek al-Ejri, a senior official of Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement, said that Yemen had been firing missiles at Saudi Arabia during the course of the kingdom's military aggression against Yemen since it began in 2015.

"After three years of war, America suddenly finds evidence that Iran supports the Houthis," he wrote in a message on his Twitter account.

"America did not find any evidence in all the missiles fired from Yemen until now. The story is clear. They want to give Arabs a story to divert their attention from Jerusalem al-Quds. Instead of being angry at Israel, they wave the Iranian bogey," the official added, referring to Washington's push to move its diplomatic mission in Israel from Tel Aviv to the occupied city of Jerusalem al-Quds.

Even the United Nations refuted US missile claims against Iran with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying in a confidential report obtained by AFP that the world body's team, which visited Riyadh to scrutinize the alleged evidence, had not yet established a link between them and the Islamic Republic.

A Saudi Arabian-led coalition launched a war against Yemen in 2015 and has ever since been indiscriminately hitting targets in the country. Yemeni Houthi fighters have been firing missiles in retaliatory attacks against Saudi targets every now and then.

On November 4, a missile fired from Yemen targeted King Khalid International Airport near Riyadh, reaching the Saudi capital for the first time.

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Israel PM wants UNRWA closed amid US aid cut threat

Iran Press TV

Sun Jan 7, 2018 02:50PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the closure of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees after US President Donald Trump cut the funding for the organization.

Netanyahu said at the beginning of his weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem al-Quds on Sunday that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) needed to pass away from the world.

"I completely agree with President Trump's sharp criticism of UNRWA. UNRWA is an organization that perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem, and perpetuates also the narrative of the so-called right of return, whose goal is the elimination of Israel. For these reasons, UNRWA should be shut down," the Israeli prime minister said.

"This is a body established separately 70 years ago, just for Palestinian refugees, while the UNHCR exists for all other refugees in the world," Netanyahu said, referring to the UN refugee agency that is also known as the UNHCR. "This has led to the situation where the great-grandchildren of refugees, who are not themselves refugees, are cared for by UNRWA, and in 70 more years there will be great-grandchildren of those great-grandchildren, and so this absurdity has to end."

UNRWA runs hundreds of schools for Palestinian refugees in the besieged Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

It also distributes aid and provides teacher training centers, health clinics and social services.

Washington has cut off $125 million in funding for UNRWA.

On January 2, Trump, in a number of messages posted on Twitter, threatened to cut Washington's aid to Palestinians, currently worth more than $300 million a year, alleging that the Palestinian Authority was no longer willing to engage in the so-called peace talks with Israel.

Tensions between the United States 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 from Tel Aviv to the occupied city.

On December 21, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution that calls on the United States to withdraw its controversial decision regarding 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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Gunmen kill 13 in Senegal's south

Iran Press TV

Sun Jan 7, 2018 09:39AM

Gunmen have killed at least 13 people in an attack in Senegal's volatile south, military sources say.

Security officials in the West African country said the massacre took place outside the town of Ziguinchor in the Casamance region late Saturday.

The victims were reportedly collecting firewood in the region "when they were attacked by an armed band of 15 people," with hospital sources saying that some of the victims had been shot and others decapitated.

Army spokesman Colonel Abdoul Ndiaye confirmed the number of fatalities and said seven others had been wounded in the deadly attack, adding that the military had stepped up its presence in the area.

The Casamance region in southern Senegal has been ravaged by a long-running armed conflict between government forces and separatist groups.

While there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the killings, suspicion has fell on members of a separatist group known as the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC), which has been seeking independence in Senegal's south for more than three decades.

The deadly assault came hours after the release of two prisoners belonging to the rebel outfit. It sparked fears of renewed unrest in the area as Casamance had been relatively calm since 2012 despite the presence of separatists.

The armed wing of the MFDC group agreed to a ceasefire in 2014, and the last major attack blamed on the group was in 2013, when rebels took hostage a dozen employees of a South African bomb disposal firm. The victims, all Senegalese citizens, were eventually released.

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Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander Reveals Real Source of Yemeni Missiles

Sputnik News

22:09 07.01.2018(updated 22:25 07.01.2018)

Responding to claims that Yemeni militia missile attacks against the Saudi coalition "prove" that Iran has been supplying the Houthis with advanced weaponry, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, slammed the allegations, and explained why it was impossible for Iran to send weapons to the country.

Earlier this week, Saudi media alleged that the latest Houthi missile attack into southern Saudi Arabia proved that "the Iranian regime remains implicated in supporting the armed Houthis." The allegations follow on similar claims by US UN Ambassador Nikki Haley last month, who presented what she said was "undeniable" proof of Iran's involvement in the conflict in Yemen while standing in front of the remnants of what she said was an Iranian ballistic missile in a hanger outside Washington.

Responding to the collection of claims on Sunday, IRGC commander Mohammad Ali Jafari said that it was ridiculous to suggest that Iran could send any weapons, and particularly advanced ones such as missiles, to a country that's been subjected to a Saudi coalition blockade for nearly three years.

"How is it possible to send weapons, especially missiles, to a country which is fully under siege and there is even no possibility to send medical aid and foodstuff?" Jafari asked.

As for the real source of the weapons, the senior officer said that Yemen has a sufficient stockpile of its own missiles, which the Houthi rebels have successfully "overhauled."

"Missiles fired at Saudi Arabia belong to Yemen which have been overhauled and their range has been increased," Jafari said.

The IRGC chief's remarks expanded Iranian officials' earlier response to the allegations made by Nikki Haley in December. At that time, Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami said

that "such unreasonable claims" made by the US envoy "prove the collapse of US policy in the region and the world" and were "a ridiculous and unworthy performance." Iran's own UN mission issued a statement saying that US claims against Tehran were an attempt to cover up the Saudi-led coalition's crimes in Yemen, to which Washington was complicit.

The Houthi militia has reportedly had a number of startling successes against Saudi coalition forces in the last week. On Sunday, the Houthis claimed that their air defenses shot down a coalition warplane. Saudi media blamed the crash on a technical malfunction, and said that the plane's pilots were safely evacuated. Earlier this week, the militia released a video showing Houthi navy divers seizing a US Navy underwater drone somewhere off Yemen's coast. On December 30, the Houthis reported downing a Saudi surveillance drone.

Yemen has been engulfed in a brutal civil and foreign-backed conflict since early 2015, when Houthi rebels ousted President Mansur Hadi's government from the country's capital. Since March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition has been conducting a military campaign in an effort to restore the Hadi government.

 Sputnik

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A minor fire broke out at Trump Tower in New York (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

A minor fire broke out on the roof of Trump Tower, the New York headquarters of US President Donald Trump's business empire, the news agency ANI reported citing US media.

New York's fire department said the fire broke out before 7 am (local time) and that it had been brought under control within around an hour., the US news channel CBS reported.

CBS' report also said a firefighter and an engineer had been injured.

A small fire broke out on the roof of Trump Tower in New York City. No injuries reported. President Trump keeps a residence at Trump Tower. The president is currently in Washington, D.C. : US media pic.twitter.com/Sb5omAtiFh - ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

Trump was in Washington, where he has lived since he was elected president.

Social media users tweeted clips and photographs of the fire.

Trump Tower is on fire pic.twitter.com/qwUTAuBsEW - NYCBMD (@NycBmd) January 8, 2018Yemeni General People's Congress Picks New Party Leader After Saleh's Death

Sputnik News

18:34 07.01.2018(updated 18:35 07.01.2018)

SANAA (Sputnik) - The General People's Congress, the political party of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was killed in December 2017, chose his ally and party's deputy head Sadiq Amin Abu Ras as its new leader, a Sputnik correspondent reported Sunday.

The party's General Council elected Abu Ras head of the party unanimously. Voting on the party's secretary general will take place later, for the time being, several party leaders jointly have taken up this post.

Abu Ras held various positions in the government of Yemen during the reign of Saleh. In 2011, he was injured during the missile attack on the presidential residence in Sanaa during the so-called Arab Spring protests. The unrest eventually led to the resignation of Saleh and then-Vice President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi in 2012.

Since 2015, Yemen has been torn by a conflict between the government, headed by Hadi and the Houthi movement backed by army units loyal to former President Saleh. The Saudi-led coalition of mostly Persian Gulf countries has been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis at Hadi's request.

The civil conflict in Yemen between the Houthis and the authorities, led by President Abd Rabb Mansour Hadi, continues from 2014 onwards.

 Sputnik

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Taliban Looking for New Means to Support Insurgency in Southern Afghanistan

By Khalil Noorzai, Habibzada Mohammad January 07, 2018

Airstrikes on narcotics processing labs may be forcing the Taliban to seek new ways to finance their insurgency in southern Afghanistan.

Taliban officials say they have established a new customs house in the Delaram district of southern Nimruz province in the southwestern part of Afghanistan. The new effort to collect revenue follows joint Afghan-Coalition airstrikes on Taliban narcotics processing labs in the Helmand province last November. U.S-led coalition says such attacks will continue.

A Taliban statement says it will begin collecting a transit tax in the southern Nimruz and southwestern Farah provinces on Jan. 13.

Desperate to finance their insurgency, the Taliban has been using many illegal ways of making money, including kidnapping and extortion, and smuggling drugs, minerals and precious stones, according to Afghan officials.

Local security officials tell Voice of America that the militant group is using the money to purchase weapons and strengthen itself against Afghan security forces.

"They tax the transiting commercial vehicles and finance their insurgency in the southern Helmand and Farah provinces through this money," said Gul Bahar Mujahid, police chief of Farah province.

Officials in neighboring Nimruz province also confirmed to VOA that the Taliban is collecting money from transiting commercial vehicles.

"[The Taliban] has repeatedly engaged in extortion and looting in the route of the Delaram and Khashrwod districts, and we are using military force to prevent their vicious actions," said Khwaja Jelani Abu Bakr, police chief of Nimruz.

However, local travelers told VOA that the Taliban has established their own checkposts on the main highways connecting Farah and Nimruz to other neighboring provinces.

"There is a Taliban checkpost after every Afghan security checkpost, you can see their white-color flag raised over the checkposts. ... They tax commercial cars and trucks according to the sizes of the vehicle," said a local traveler identified only as "Ahmad."

A customs tariff by so-called Afghanistan Islamic Emirates shared on social mediashows a charge of 50,000 Afghanis ($717) to an oil tanker.The Taliban has also provided a local phone number the drivers can call in case of an emergency.

Local residents fear if the government fails to cut the Taliban's financial sources, the militants will expand their insurgency to relatively calmer provinces.

The Taliban in the Nimruz and Farah provinces has threatened to close the transit routes in those provinces if the customs revenue is denied.

Targeting Taliban's revenue streams

Afghan and U.S officials believe that close to 60 percent of the Taliban's financial revenue comes from narcotics smuggling.

Resolute Support Mission Commander Gen. John Nicholson said last November that a new massive campaign by joint Afghan-U.S forces will continuously target the Taliban's financial streams.

"We're hitting the Taliban where it hurts, which is their finances," said Nicholson.

The RSMC commander added that the Taliban has between 400 to 500 drug processing labs in Afghanistan, which he promised to hit.

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Trump Says No to Immigration Protection Bill Unless it Includes Border Wall Funds

By VOA News January 07, 2018

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated Saturday that he would not support legislation to protect hundreds of thousands of immigrants from deportation unless it included funding for a border wall and eliminates the visa lottery program and extended-family-based immigration.

"We all want DACA to happen, but we also want great security for our country," Trump said of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which expires in March.

The administration has a 10-year, $18 billion plan to build a wall, something deeply unpopular with Democrats, especially when tied to DACA.

"We hope that we're going to be able to work out an arrangement with the Democrats," he said said Saturday. "It's something, certainly, that I'd like to see happen."

Trump spoke as he met with Republican lawmakers and members of his Cabinet to establish the administration's 2018 legislative priorities and to devise a strategy for midterm elections in November. They were gathered at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland.

"We went into DACA and how we're going to do it, and we hope that we're going be able to work out an arrangement with the Democrats. I think it's something that they'd like to see happen," Trump told reporters.

In September, Trump rescinded DACA, which was instituted by former President Barack Obama. It protected nearly 800,000 immigrants from deportation, allowing them to legally live and work in the United States.

Trump gave Congress until March 5 to agree on legislation that would allow equivalent protections to those offered under DACA, provided the measure included funding for a wall along the border with Mexico, ended the visa lottery program, and ended extended-family-based immigration, in which immigrants from a particular area follow others from that area to specific U.S. cities or neighborhoods.

Trump also said the drug crisis in America had reached unprecedented levels and vowed his administration would make a "big dent" in resolving the problem this year.

"One of the things we are discussing very powerfully is drugs pouring into this country and how to stop it, because it's at a point over the last number of years ... it's never been like this," he said.

Trump said the drug problem is less difficult to deal with in countries that "take it very seriously, and they're very harsh"  an apparent signal the U.S. is preparing to take a much tougher approach.

"We are going to be working on that very, very hard this year, and I think we're going make a big dent into the drug problem," he said.

Trump said the Republican leaders also discussed the nation's infrastructure needs and a variety of military issues.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who was among those in attendance, did not elaborate on priorities for the the new year. But he told reporters 2017 would be "a tough year to top" and added, "If you are like those of us here at the podium, you'd like to see America be a right-of-center country."

House Speaker Paul Ryan said rebuilding the nation's infrastructure and bolstering the military would be priorities this year, as well as ensuring "that everyone enjoys the economic growth that's to come."

Republican legislative priorities also will include the budget, welfare reform and the midterm elections.

Trump appeared Saturday to back away from efforts to overhaul the welfare system. McConnell had argued that welfare reform was a no-go given Democratic opposition. And Trump appeared to have come around.

Additionally, Republicans have been eager to cut benefit programs like welfare and food stamps.

Congress must work quickly, however, to approve a funding plan by January 19 to avoid a government shutdown.

Republican priorities could be stopped in their tracks if the Democrats are successful during the midterm elections.

Trump has been facing increasing criticism about his presidential style. He begins the new year with the release of a bombshell book, Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff, that describes the president as being like a child and in need of psychiatric help.

It remains to be seen how the book and other accounts of Trump's mental status will affect the upcoming elections.

All 435 members of the House and one-third of the 100 members of the Senate will be up for re-election in 2018.

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China set to build navy base near Pakistan's Gwadar Port

Iran Press TV

Sun Jan 7, 2018 12:09AM

China is set to build a naval base in Pakistan as tensions are rising between Islamabad and Washington over the US cutting aid funds.

According to the South China Morning Post on Saturday, the naval base will be built in Gwadar Port, in the Pakistani province of Balochistan, as military vessels require "specific services" which cannot be provided by the present commercial facility.

"Gwadar port can't provide specific services for warships Public order there is in a mess. It is not a good place to carry out military logistical support," said one of the sources.

A China-based military analyst, Zhou Chenming, told the newspaper that China needs to build a base in Gwadar for its warships as the port has turned into a civilian facility.

On Friday, Pakistan denounced as "counterproductive" Washington's decision to suspend millions of dollars in security aid to Islamabad.

The statement came a day after US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said at least $900 million in security assistance to Pakistan would be suspended until the government in Islamabad addressed the issue of the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network militant groups. She declined to put a figure on exactly how much aid would be suspended.

Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off foreign aid to Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of harboring violent extremists.

The United States has long accused Islamabad of allowing the Haqqani network, which is an affiliate of the Taliban militant group, to operate relatively freely in Pakistan's porous border regions to carry out operations in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies the accusation, saying Washington is overlooking Pakistan's sacrifices in its fight against terrorism.

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Trump Says Willing To Talk To North Korean Leader, With Conditions

January 07, 2018

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would be willing to speak by phone with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a step back from his often-bellicose comments about communist state

"I always believe in talking," Trump told reporters at January 6 at the Camp David presidential retreat when asked if he would be willing to speak to the man he has described as "Little Rocket Man."

"Absolutely I would do that -- I wouldn't have a problem with that at all," he said, adding that there would be some unspecified conditions before any talks could take place.

The comments come after North and South Korea have agreed to hold their first official talks in more than two years, mainly to discuss Pyongyang's possible participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics in South Korea on February 9-25.

A North Korean Olympic official on January 6 said his country's participation was "likely."

Trump said: "I would love to see them take it beyond the Olympics. And at the appropriate time, we'll get involved."

The United States and North Korea have been in a war of words that has intensified each time Pyongyang has tested its ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons in violation of United Nations resolutions.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/north-korea- trump-willing-talk-jong-un/28961324.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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'No Problem With That': Trump Ready for Talks With DPRK - Reports

Sputnik News

03:36 07.01.2018(updated 03:48 07.01.2018)

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - On Saturday, US President Donald Trump Trump was asked during a press conference if he was willing to engage in a telephone conversation with the North Korean leader. Trump has said that he was ready for negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, adding that, nevertheless, certain preconditions for such talks exist.

"I always believe in talking. Our stance, you know what it is. We're very firm But I would be  absolutely, I would do that. No problem with that, at all," Trump told reporters as quoted by the CBS News.

At the same time, Trump noted that the United States was not ready to engage in talks without any prerequisites.

In December, US State Secretary Rex Tillerson stated that Washington was willing to engage in negotiations with North Korea, provided Pyongyang halted its nuclear and missile tests.

The tensions on the Korean peninsula have been high recently due to the repeated nuclear and weapons tests carried out by Pyongyang in violation of the UN Security Council resolutions. The dialogue between South Korea and the North has resumed this week on the issue of the North Korean athletes' participation in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in South Korea.

 Sputnik

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US Ambassador Haley: N. Korea's Nuclear Threat Remains 'Very Dangerous'

By Ken Bredemeier January 07, 2018

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, says it is "good for the United States" that North and South Korea are set to engage in high-level talks, but warned Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions still pose a serious threat to the world.

"This is a very dangerous situation," Haley told ABC News on Sunday.

She said the United States is "not letting up on the pressure" to end North Korea's nuclear weapons development and warned, "We can destroy them, too." She said that if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States, "It is not going to be us [The United States] that is destroyed."

She defended U.S. President Donald Trump's response to Kim after the North Korean leader said in a New Year's address that he had a "nuclear button" on his desk and that "the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike.''

Trump, in a Twitter comment, retorted, "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!''

Numerous U.S. political figures say Trump's response unnecessarily inflamed tensions with North Korea, but Haley said, "You always have to keep Kim on his toes."

She said before the United States would engage in serious talks with North Korea, Pyongyang would have to end its missile tests "for a significant amount of time" and be willing to discuss ending its use of nuclear weapons.

High-level officials from the two Koreas are slated to talk Tuesday about North Korea's possible participation in the Winter Olympics next month in South Korea, but it's uncertain whether longer-term relations between the two countries will be discussed.

Trump said Saturday he hopes the newly arranged discussions between North and South Korea will go "beyond the Olympics" and promised the United States will take part "at the appropriate time."

Trump gave an unusual news conference from the Camp David presidential retreat, where he met with Republican lawmakers. Of the upcoming talks between Seoul and Pyongyang, Trump said, "I hope it works out."

"I would love to see them take it beyond the Olympics," he said.

Trump said "if something can happen and something can come out of those talks that would be a great thing for all of humanity. That would be a great thing for the world.''

The president also said he had spoken with South Korean leader Moon Jae-in, who "thanks me very much for my tough stance.''

"You have to have a certain attitude and you have to be prepared to do certain things and I'm totally prepared to do that,'' Trump said, suggesting that his tough language has helped persuade the North to sit down with the South.

Tuesday's talks are scheduled to take place at the truce village of Panmunjom in the heavily fortified demilitarized zone dividing the two Koreas.

On Sunday, North Korea announced a list of five officials who will represent Pyongyang, a day after South Korea confirmed its representatives.

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Trump on Korea Talks: "If Something can Come out" of Those "That Would be a Great Thing for all of Humanity"

By VOA News January 07, 2018

U.S. President Donald Trump says he hopes the newly arranged talks between North and South Korea will go "beyond the Olympics" and promised the United States will take part "at the appropriate time."

Trump gave an unusual news conference Saturday from the Camp David presidential retreat, where he met with Republican lawmakers. Of the upcoming talks between Seoul and Pyongyang, Trump said "I hope it works out."

"I would love to see them take it beyond the Olympics," he said. "And at the appropriate time," he added, "we'll get involved."

On Sunday, the White House released a statement saying the president spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday and discussed the latest "developments on the Korean Peninsula, and to underscore American, South Korean, and international resolve to achieve the complete denuclearization of North Korea."

Assessing the upcoming discussions between the two Koreas on January 9, Trump said "if something can happen and something can come out of those talks that would be a great thing for all of humanity. That would be a great thing for the world.''

The president also said that he had spoken with South Korean leader Moon Jae-in, who "thanks me very much for my tough stance.''

"You have to have a certain attitude and you have to be prepared to do certain things and I'm totally prepared to do that,'' Trump said, suggesting that his tough language has helped persuade the North to sit down with the South.

Recently, Trump and Kim have traded barbs about their nuclear arsenals.

In a New Year's address, Kim said he had a "nuclear button'' on his office desk and threatened that "the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike.''

Soon after, 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!''

North Korea on Friday accepted South Korea's offer of high-level talks on the upcoming Olympic Games to take place Tuesday (January 9) at the truce village of Panmunjom in the heavily fortified demilitarized zone dividing the two Koreas.

On Sunday, North Korea announced a list of five officials who will represent Pyongyang, a day after South Korea confirmed its representatives.

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IRGC hails foiling enemy plots in Iran unrests

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Jan 7, IRNA -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in a statement on Sunday praised the 'epic made by the Iranian people' to foil the new plot by the country's enemies during the recent unrests.

The national epic made by the Iranian people just uncovered the new plot developed by the United States, Britain, the Zionist regime, Saudi rulers, Mojahedin-e Khalq terrorist organization and monarchists,' the IRGC statement said.

'The big epic once again revealed eternal grandeur of the Iranian people and pointed to the high aspiration of a nation overpowering its enemies and preventing them from achieving their satanic ends,' it said.

Tehran and some Iranian major cities in recent days witnessed people taken to streets to protest bad economic conditions.

The demonstrations, originally staged for economic reasons, soon turned violent with innocent people even killed in some cities during the riots.

2044**2050

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Foreign hands obvious in recent Iran unrests: Majlis briefing

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Jan 7, IRNA -- Foreign elements have played a role in fanning the fire of recent riots in Iran, it was revealed in a briefing session in Iran's Majlis (parliament) on Sunday.

'Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli briefed the lawmakers on the recent unrests in the country while Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi gave reports on the roots and causes behind them,' Jalal Mirzaei, a member of Iranian parliament told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

'It was emphasized that foreign elements and in particular the United States played a basic role in forming and manipulating the recent unrests,' Mirzaei said.

Another participant in today's briefing session was Iran Police Chief Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari who also briefed the lawmakers on the conditions of those detained during the unrests, as well as their ages, and education.

2044**1771

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Mumbai, Jan 8 (PTI) Two persons were today arrested in connection with the murder of former Shiv Sena corporator Ashok Sawant in suburban Kandivali.

Sawant was stabbed to death yesterday night near his residence in Thakur Complex while he was returning home with a friend.

Narrating the sequence of events, police said that Sawant was riding home with a friend, Vinod Sonwane, when an autorickshaw came along and one of its occupants kicked the motorcycle they were on.

Both Sawant and Sonwane fell and while the latter ran after the person who kicked their two-wheeler, a man got out of the autorickshaw and stabbed Sawant several times, police said.

Police added that by the time Sonwane returned, Sawant had been stabbed over 20 times and he succumbed to his injuries in a local hospital around midnight.

Police, on scouring the CCTV footage of the area, managed to zero in on the autorickshaws driver, Ganesh Jogdand, who then was arrested from Dahisar.

Police said Jogdands interrogation led them to his accomplice Sohail Dodhia who police said was not at the scene of crime but had given the contract of killing Sawant to Jogdand on behest of the main accused.

A case had been registered against the two arrested persons and a hunt was on for the main accused, an official said.

The motive for the crime was being investigated with police adding that Sawant had received a threat call from the main accused some time ago.

Sawant, a two time corporator from Kandivali, had entered the cable television business a couple of years ago, police added.

His son Abhijit said his family did not know about any business dispute involving Sawant adding that they found out today that Sawant had filed a police complaint a year ago about a threat call he had received. PTI AVI BNMIran Navy's 49th strike group berths in Bandar Abbas

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 7 January 2018 / 16:50

Tehran (ISNA)  The 49th strike group of Iranian Navy has returned to Iran on Sunday after 67 days of sailing in international waters.

The 49th strike group of Iranian Navy has returned home after travelling 7820 nautical miles and berthed on Sunday in one of the Iranian Navy's regions in the port city of Bandar Abbas on the Persian Gulf.

The commander of the 49th strike group of Iranian Navy, Rear Admiral Reza Qorbani said, "This fleet consists of the Sabalan destroyer and military supporting ship Bandar Abbas with 284 crew. During the period, this fleet sailed in the North of Indian Ocean and Bay of Bangal".

"During the period, the fleet participated in a maritime rescue drill in Bangladesh for three days," he added.

The 49th strike group also escorted 41 Iranian ships during its mission in international waters.

End Item

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IRGC Says Iran's Antigovernment Protests 'Defeated'

RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 07, 2018

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) says antigovernment protests that it blames on foreign instigators have been "defeated."

In a January 7 statement, the IRGC said "Iran's revolutionary people along with tens of thousands of Basij forces, police and the Intelligence Ministry have broken down the chain [of unrest] created...by the United States, Britain," Israel, Saudi Arabia, militants, and monarchists.

The IRGC statement was issued after Iran's parliament held a closed-door session on January 7 to discuss the antigovernment protests that have rocked the country for more than a week.

The parliamentary session was called by a reformist faction of lawmakers who questioned security and intelligence officials about the causes of the unrest -- which Iran's government has also blamed on foreigners.

Internet Controls

The parliament's ICANA website reported that lawmakers questioned Interior Minister Abdolrahmani Rahmani Fazli, Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi, and the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani.

It said some lawmakers voiced concerns about Internet controls put in place in the midst of the unrest, including a ban on Iran's most popular messaging app, Telegram, which officials said had been used to incite violence.

The government has reportedly lifted restrictions that it imposed on the Instagram social media tool.

But access to Telegram remained blocked on January 7, despite claims from Iran's FARS news agency that the restrictions on Telegram had been "fully lifted."

"The parliament is not in favour of keeping Telegram filtering in place, but it must pledge that it will not be used as a tool by the enemies of the Iranian people," Behrouz Nemati, spokesman for the parliament's presiding board, said.

Almost a third of Iran's 80 million people use the Telegram app as their main source of news and a way of bypassing the highly restrictive state media.

The United States and Israel have expressed support for the protesters, but deny allegations of fomenting them.

Meanwhile, state media on January 7 broadcast live footage of a fifth day of pro-government rallies organized by authorities.

State media has stopped reporting on antigovernment protests.

Credible Reports Of Further Protests

But RFE/RL has received credible reports that protests continued in at least nine cities across Iran on January 6, including Tehran, where social media footage showed gatherings despite a large police presence.

RFE/RL's Radio Farda also obtained credible reports on January 6 from sources in Iran about overnight demonstrations against Iran's clerical rulers in Takestan, Arak, Masjed Soleiman, Mashhad, Qazvin, Rasht, Lahijan, and Khomein, the birthplace of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic.

More than a week of unrest has seen 22 people die and more than 1,700 arrested.

Various Iranian officials said on January 6 that hundreds of detainees had been released, some after agreeing to sign a pledge not to "re-offend," the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported.

They include around 90 university students, lawmaker Mahmud Sadeghi was quoted as saying by ISNA.

Later on January 7, Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, said that 70 of the detained protesters had been released on bail during the previous 48 hours.

Dolatabadi also said that there would be more releases from detention, except for the main instigators of the riots.

In a rebuke to Iranian government claims that the widespread demonstrations had been organized and/or instigated by foreigners, a group of 16 prominent reformist figures living in Iran issued a statement rejecting that claim.

In the January 6 statement, the signatories said, "Despite the fact the enemies of the country always try to take advantage of such events, we should know that any kind of foreign interference would not be possible without the existence of internal conditions."

They added that in addition to the government claim of foreign involvement being "an insult" to Iranians, it leads to "negligence toward the real causes of the protests."

The reformist letter also went on to condemn "American interference," especially of President Donald Trump, in the "internal affairs of Iran."

Most of the signatories to the statement are former officials or parliamentarians from the time of President Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005).

Iranian emigres also staged numerous antigovernment demonstrations in front of Iranian embassies around the world during the weekend -- including The Hague, Berlin and Hamburg, Stockholm, London, and Paris.

With reporting by RFE/RL correspondent Golnaz Esfandiari, Reuters, AFP, AP, dpa, and Press TV

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-antigovernment- protests-defeated-irgc/28961235.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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We Broke Down Unrest 'Created by US, UK, Israel' - Iran's Revolutionary Guard

Sputnik News

11:33 07.01.2018(updated 15:01 07.01.2018)

Iran's authorities announced that the foreign-fueled unrest in the country has been thwarted, adding that the alleged orchestrators of the protests were detained.

The Iranian authorities have detained the leading protest organizers, who are being held in different cities throughout the country. Authorities first started detaining protesters in late December, and most of the participants have already been released, Press TV reported, citing a police spokesman.

"The people and protesters who had rightful demands were separated in the minimum time possible from the organizers and those directing [the riots] and the violators were identified and arrested," said police spokesman Said Montazer-al-Mahdi. According to him, the judicial authorities released most of the ordinary participants, leaving only "the main culprits" and "saboteurs" in custody.

IRGC said in a statement on the Guard's Sepahnews website "revolutionary people along with tens of thousands of Basij forces, police and the Intelligence Ministry have broken down the chain [of unrest] created by the United States, Britain, the Zionist regime [Israel], Saudi Arabia, the hypocrites and monarchists."

On December 28, anti-government protests against rising food prices began in Iran. During the protests, more than 45 people were killed.

According to the newspaper Al-Akhbar, Iran's Attorney General Mohammad Jaafar Montazery, speaking in Kum, has accused the US of setting up two centers for the promotion of rioting in Iran  in Erbil, Iraq and in Herat, Afghanistan.

Iranian authorities claim that more than 450 people have been arrested for participating in the riots, and that all of them will be brought to justice in the near future.

Protests erupted in more than 80 cities and rural towns.

Speaking at a rally in Tehran, Akhmed Khatami, a member of the government's Council of Experts, said that "the Iranian people will muffle the voices of foreign agents speaking on behalf of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."

The European authorities expressed their concern over the demonstrations, called for the civil rights of the protesters to be observed and for demonstrators and police alike to refrain from violence. The US called the riots in Iran a popular uprising and promised to support the participants in the mass demonstrations.

Pro-Government Rallies

Thousands of government supporters staged demonstrations for a fifth day in a backlash against anti-government protests. According to state television, hundreds of demonstrators gathered despite heavy snowfall.

"Death to America! Death to Israel! Death to Britain! Death to seditionists!" the demonstrators chanted.

 Sputnik

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Iran's Revolutionary Guard: People, Security Forces 'Have Broken the Chain' of Unrest

By VOA News January 07, 2018

Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) said in a statement Sunday that the Iranian people and the country's security forces played a role in ending the recent wave of unrest that the IRGC says was fomented by foreign enemies.

The group said in a statement, "The new epic of the proud, conscious, pious, and revolutionary Iranian people, along with the distinguished presence of tens of thousands of loyal Basij volunteer forces in calming the riots and the sincere endeavors of the brethren of the Law Enforcement Force and the Intelligence Ministry have broken the chain woven by America, Britain, the Zionist regime [Israel], the Saudi royal family, the Hypocrites [the banned Mojahedin-e-Karl Organization] and monarchists and eliminated the witchery of a new sedition."

Iran's parliament holds a special session Sunday to discuss the anti-government protests that began December 28 and continued into the following week.

Iran's ISNA news agency reported that Iran's interior minister, head of intelligence and security council chief are all expected to attend. On the agenda are discussions of the root cause of the protests, as well as legal help for protesters jailed during the demonstrations.

The session was called by a group of reformist lawmakers, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. In a letter, those lawmakers called for legal assistance for the detained and condemned any outside "interference" in the protests, calling out the United States in particular.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to soon decide whether to continue waiving sanctions on Iran that were suspended under the 2015 international deal on Iran's nuclear program. The waiver must be renewed every 120 days, according to U.S. law. Trump could decide not to renew, putting U.S. trade sanctions back into effect.

In Europe, supporters of the anti-government protesters in Iran have been gathering to show their support in The Hague, Berlin, Hamburg, Stockholm, London and Paris.

At least 22 people have died in the protests and more than 1,000 have been arrested. Hard-line cleric Ahmad Khatami told worshipers in a sermon Friday that those arrested should be treated as enemies of Islam, particularly those who have burned the flag. "There should be no mercy for them," he said.

Government official Mansour Gholami has told reporters that about a quarter of those arrested have been released, but he did not provide exact numbers.

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting Friday at the urging of the United States.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley called the protests "a powerful exhibition of brave people who have become so fed up with their oppressive government that they are willing to risk their lives in protests." She also addressed the Iranian government, saying, "the U.S. is watching what you do."

In response, the Iranian ambassador, Gholamali Khoshroo, said it is a "discredit" to the Security Council to hold such a meeting on Iran in the face of the conflicts taking place in Yemen and elsewhere in the Middle East. He, along with a number of Security Council members, said the United States is meddling in Iran's domestic affairs.

After the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted, "The UNSC rebuffed the U.S.'snaked attempt to hijack its mandate ... Another FP [foreign policy] blunder for the Trump administration."

Still, U.S. intelligence officials warn Tehran is at a crossroads, noting the protests are the biggest outpouring of public discontent since Iranians took to the streets in 2009 following a disputed presidential election.

"The protests are symptomatic of long-standing grievances that have been left to fester," an intelligence official told VOA on condition of anonymity. "Will it address the legitimate concerns of its people or suppress the voices of its own populace?"

"What is clear is that these concerns are not going away," the official said.

Critics of Iranian President Nassan Rouhani say he has abandoned the poor, pointing to rising prices for key commodities like fuel, bread and eggs.

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Six PKK militants killed as Turkish jets pound northern Iraq

Iran Press TV

Sun Jan 7, 2018 02:48PM

Six members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been killed when Turkish military aircraft carried out a string of aerial attacks against the militants' positions in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

The Turkish General Staff announced in a statement on Sunday that the terrorists were killed when Turkish fighter jets struck their positions in Kani Rash town of the region.

The slain terrorists were reportedly planning an attack on Turkish military posts and bases.

The Turkish jets safely returned to their bases following the operations, the military statement added.

The Turkish military stated on December 27, 2017 that nine PKK terrorists were killed when Turkish warplanes bombarded their hideouts in the Hakurk, Zap, Avasin Basyan, and Metina districts in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

The militants were purportedly planning attacks on Turkish military bases along the border.

The statement further noted that considerable amounts of munitions belonging to PKK terrorists were destroyed in the aerial attacks.

Ankara has been engaged in a large-scale campaign against the PKK in its southern border region. The Turkish military has also been conducting offensives against the positions of the group in northern Iraq.

The operations began in the wake of a deadly bombing in the southern Turkish town of Suruc in July 2015. More than 30 people died in the attack, which the Turkish government blamed on the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group.

After the bombing, the PKK militants, who accused the government in Ankara of supporting Daesh, engaged in a series of attacks against Turkish police and security forces, prompting the Turkish military operations.

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Car bombing leaves over 20 people dead in Syria's Idlib

Iran Press TV

Sun Jan 7, 2018 06:52PM

Nearly two dozen people have been killed and scores of others injured when a powerful explosion ripped through a residential area in Syria's northwestern city of Idlib, where Syrian army forces, supported by allied fighters from popular defense groups, continue to gain ground against foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists.

Lebanon-based Arabic-language al-Mayadeen news network, citing local source, reported that an explosive-laden car went off in front of al-Miri supermarket in the 30th Street of the city, located roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of the capital, Damascus, on Sunday evening, leaving more than 20 people dead and many others injured.

The sources added that the explosion targeted a building housing militants from the Caucasian Front, blaming members of the Takfiri Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorist alliance for the act of terror.

The Caucasian Front militants are heavily present in Idlib. Most of them live with their facilities in buildings on the 30th Street.

The development came on the same day that Syrian government troops and their allies could liberate the town of Sinjar in the Maarrat al-Nu'man district of Idlib province after HTS terrorists were defeated.

The source added that Syrian army soldiers and their allies could also retake the towns of Mutawasita, Khiara, and Kafrya al-Ma'ara.

Sinjar would serve as a key launching pad for further military operations in Idlib province.

The town is only 14 kilometers from the key Abu al-Duhur Air Base, whose recapture would enable the Syrian army to regain the upper hand in carrying out airstrikes against militant positions in Idlib.

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Jordan agrees to aid drop for stranded Syrians

Iran Press TV

Sun Jan 7, 2018 06:10PM

Jordan has agreed to a request by the United Nations to deliver humanitarian aid to thousands of displaced Syrians stranded in harsh conditions near a border crossing between Jordan and Syria.

Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammed al-Kayed said in the capital Amman on Sunday that the aid would be lifted across the border using special equipment.

It will be a "one-off" operation to send "humanitarian aid across the Rukban border crossing" toward a desert area where the Syrians are stuck, Kayed said.

The spokesman did not elaborate on the kind of humanitarian aid that would be sent to the Syrians nor did he say how many Syrians were stranded in the desert.

In October last year, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi insisted that aid to those stranded near Rukban should come from Syria itself.

Jordan alleges that Rukban border camp has been infiltrated by the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group and that cross-border traffic endangers the kingdom.

Daesh killed seven Jordanian troops in a bombing near Rukban in 2016, forcing the closure of the common border and triggering the Jordanian army to declare the country's desert areas, which border Syria and Iraq, "closed military zones."

The closure ended the UN's regular aid shipments from Jordan to displaced Syrians struggling for survival in a remote stretch of the desert. Conditions are worsening for them as winter grips the region.

According to the UN's estimates, between 45,000 and 50,000 Syrians have been stuck for months on the Syrian side of the frontier near Rukban.

Aid agencies have been struggling to reach those in need in the area since the onset of the emergency situation along the border.

The Syrian army has managed to advance to the border with Jordan and liberate a 30-kilometer-long stretch of land along the frontier. The liberation has blocked the loopholes across the border, which would previously allow arms transfers from Jordan to militants based in Syria.

The UN refugee agency says it has registered more than 650,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan since March 2011, when crisis erupted in Syria.

Jordan shares a desert border of more than 370 kilometers with Syria and says it is hosting 1.3 million Syrian refugees.

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Syrian army, allies recapture key militant stronghold in Idlib

Iran Press TV

Sun Jan 7, 2018 01:05PM

Syrian army forces, supported by allied fighters from popular defense groups, have managed to regain control over a key stronghold of foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists in the country's northwestern province of Idlib as they are engaged in a major military offensive to break the siege on a strategic air base in the province.

A military source, requesting anonymity, said government troops and their allies could liberate the town of Sinjar in the Maarrat al-Nu'man district of the province, located roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of the capital, Damascus, on Sunday after members of the Takfiri Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorist alliance were defeated.

The source added that Syrian army soldiers and their allies could also retake the towns of Mutawasita, Khiara, and Kafrya al-Ma'ara.

Sinjar would serve as a key launching pad for further military operations in Idlib province.

The town is only 14 kilometers from the key Abu al-Duhur Air Base, whose recapture would enable the Syrian army to regain the upper hand in carrying out airstrikes against militant positions in Idlib.

The developments came only a day after the media bureau of Syria's Operations Command announced in a statement that government forces and their allies had managed to establish complete control over the villages of Khwein al-Kabir, Rasm Sham al-Hawa, Niha and Qaliat al-Tawibiyah in addition to Zarzur town following fierce clashes with terrorists from the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham Takfiri group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, in the southern part of Idlib province.

Meanwhile, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Sunday the army had taken more than 95 villages in Idlib and Hama provinces since October 22.

"Battles have shifted now to the northwest of Sinjar after the Syrian army and its allies controlled the town," the Britain-based monitor said.

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Car Bombs Rip Through Syria's Idlib, Killing Dozens

Sputnik News

22:38 07.01.2018(updated 23:32 07.01.2018)

Dozens of people were killed and injured after terrorists had set off two car bombs in the Syrian province.

Two car bomb explosions have taken lives of dozens in Syrian Idlib province, local media reported. First car bomb, fitted with several tonnes of explosives, exploded near a supermarket in the city of Idlib and killed and injured more than 30 people, according to Al Mayadeen TV channel.

Another bomb has been set off by the terrorists near the headquarters of one of the local fringe groups, killing at least 20 people.

Syrian Idlib province, which is bordering Turkey, is part of the de-escalation agreements brokered by Moscow, Ankara and Tehran. Earlier, according to the deal covering the Idlib province, Turkey deployed observation points in the area.

The province is mainly controlled by the Free Syrian Army, other opposition forces and terrorist groups, such as Jabhat Fatah al Sham terrorist group (formerly known as Nusra Front) which are fighting against government troops. Clashes between the militants' amid successful offensives of the Syrian army sometimes result in civilians casualties. The province is covered by one of the four de-escalation zones, established during the September round of Astana talks.

 Sputnik

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Syrian Army Liberates Strategic Settlement of Sinjar in Idlib Province - Source

Sputnik News

15:37 07.01.2018(updated 15:40 07.01.2018)

BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Syrian troops supported by allied forces liberated the settlement of Sinjar southeast of the Idlib province from the militants of the Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly known as Nusra Front) terrorist group, outlawed in Russia, a well-informed source told Sputnik on Sunday.

"The Syrian army has taken control of the strategically important settlement of Sinjar," the source said.

According to the source, in addition to Sinjar, terrorists were knocked out of four villages located nearby.

The settlement of Sinjar is considered strategically important since there was one of the important strongholds of the Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and it is located only 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase.

The Syrian civil war has been since 2011, with government forces fighting against both Syrian opposition groups, who strive to overthrow President Bashar Assad, and numerous extremist and terrorist groups such as Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham.

 Sputnik

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New Delhi, Jan 7 (PTI) Cab-hailing major Uber is re- launching its AUTO service in India, almost two years after shutting down the offering in March 2016, starting with Bengaluru and Pune.

The US-based company, which is locked in an intense battle with homegrown player Ola, will allow customers to book autorickshaw rides through AUTO option on its platform later this month in these two cities.

Ola, which also allows booking autorickshaw rides under Auto service, had launched the offering in Bengaluru and Chennai in 2014. Ola Auto is currently operational across 73 cities with over 1.2 lakh autos associated with the company.

An Uber spokesperson said the company had "paused" the service "to see how that side of Indias transport ecosystem evolves".

"Auto rickshaws are ubiquitous to mobility options in many Indian cities. To expand transportation choices for our riders, we are excited to launch AUTO in Bengaluru and Pune," the spokesperson told PTI.

In its previous attempt, Ubers AUTO offering was available in New Delhi, Coimbatore, Indore and Bhubaneshwar.

"We are re-launching AUTO starting with two cities. Gradual geographical expansion like this is common to how we operate in cities around the world and it is something that we are looking at very closely," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that AUTO will include all safety features available for Uber cab rides and riders will be able to pay via cash, Paytm and debit/credit cards.

Uber will only on-board licensed, existing auto-drivers who have been screened and accredited by the authorities and every driver partner on AUTO will be required to submit valid government documents before they are given access to the Uber app, the spokesperson said.

For Uber, India is one of its largest markets where it has seen strong growth.

Japanese conglomerate SoftBank, which is also an investor in Ola, has recently committed investing over USD 1 billion in the US-based ride-sharing platform. PTI SR SBTTaiwan calls for talks with China on aviation issues

ROC Central News Agency

2018/01/07 18:43:02

Taipei, Jan. 7 (CNA) Taiwan is calling for discussions with China on issues related to aviation management in the Taiwan Strait, in the wake of China's recent unilateral activation of four aviation routes close to the median line of the strait.

Last week, China reneged on a 2015 cross-strait agreement with Taiwan and unilaterally activated four new aviation routes in the Taiwan Strait -- a northbound path on the M503 route and three east-west extension routes called W121, W122 and W123.

The M503 at its nearest point is only 7.8 km from the centerline of the strait and close to the Taipei Flight Information Region, while the W122 and W123 are close to Taiwan's offshore islands of Matsu and Kinmen, respectively.

China's move to open the four flight routes without prior negotiation with Taiwan has sparked concerns in Taipei about potential intrusions into domestic flight routes to and from Matsu and Kinmen.

Detailing such concerns, Lin Kuo-shian (), director-general of Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), said Xiang'an International Airport, under construction on China's southeast coast, is just 10 kilometers from Kinmen.

The Xiang'an airport in Xiamen, which is being built to ease congestion at Gaoqi International Airport in the same city in Fujian Province, is scheduled to be completed in 2020, he noted.

If the new airport begins operations without prior cross-strait negotiations, it will have a huge impact of air traffic in and out of Shang Yi Airport in Kinmen, as it is even closer than the Gaoqi airport, Lin said.

Expressing similar views, another CAA official Shiue Shao-yi () said it is essential for civil aviation authorities in China and Taiwan hold discussions on flight route controls and other relevant issues before the Xiang'an airport opens.

He declined, however, to comment on aviation experts'speculations that when the new airport opens, a new flight route will be launched from Xiang'an to link with Taiwan's domestic routes to and from Kinmen.

It is not yet clear what routes Xiang'an airport will use, Shiue said.

(By Wang Shu-fen and Evelyn Kao)

Enditem/pc

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President Donald Trump's former strategist Steve Bannon on Sunday backed away from derogatory comments ascribed to him about Trump's son in a new book that sparked White House outrage and could threaten Bannon's influence as a would-be conservative power broker.

Bannon, ousted from the White House in August, was quoted in "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," by journalist Michael Wolff, as saying a June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians attended by Donald Trump Jr. and his father's top campaign officials was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

The president responded by saying Bannon had lost his mind, and the White House suggested the hard-right news site Breitbart News part ways with Bannon as its executive chairman.

Bannon said in a statement released on Sunday that his comments were directed at Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign manager, and not aimed at the president's son.

"Donald Trump, Jr. is both a patriot and a good man. He has been relentless in his advocacy for his father and the agenda that has helped turn our country around," the statement said.

"I regret that my delay in responding to the inaccurate reporting regarding Don Jr. has diverted attention from the president's historical accomplishments in the first year of his presidency," Bannon said.

Uproar over the book has dominated news coverage for days, putting the White House on the defensive just as Trump and his advisers sought to plan and bring attention to their policy goals for 2018 ahead of a November congressional election.

The former strategist's statement could be aimed at trying to secure his job at Breitbart, a platform he has used while backing anti-establishment candidates for election to Congress.

The book portrays Trump, a former reality TV star who took office nearly a year ago, as mentally unstable and unfit for the demands of his job.

'SLOPPY STEVE'

Trump said last week that Bannon had nothing to do with him or his presidency. That scathing response left Bannon alienated among the more conservative factions of Trump's Republican Party.

Bannon said he still supported Trump, whose public break with his one-time strategist and use of a derisive nickname for him, "Sloppy Steve," reflected the depth of the president's anger.

"My support is also unwavering for the president and his agenda," Bannon said in Sunday's statement. "I am the only person to date to conduct a global effort to preach the message of Trump and Trumpism, and I remain ready to stand in the breech for this president's efforts to make America great again."

In the book, Bannon voiced astonishment over the meeting that Trump Jr., the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Manafort attended at Trump Tower in New York with a Russian lawyer, who was said to be offering damaging information about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate.

Bannon was quoted as saying he was certain Trump Jr. would have taken the Russians who took part in the meeting to meet his father.

Bannon did not specifically dispute the quotes, but said his criticism was meant for Manafort, who is being prosecuted by Special Counsel Robert Mueller as part of a probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

"My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort, a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate. He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends," Bannon said.

On CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday a senior aide to Trump, Stephen Miller, assailed the book, released on Friday, and launched an attack on news coverage before his TV host, Jake Tapper, urged him to calm down and cut off their interview.

Miller, a senior policy adviser, said the book was a "grotesque work of fiction" and said it was "tragic and unfortunate" that Bannon made the comments in the book that he did.

ALSO WATCH | Steve Bannon, chief White House strategist, removed from roleOops! There was a problem! Sorry, but we can't find what you were looking for right now. The content may have been removed, or is temporarily unavailable.

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Late last week, a leaked stable Oreo ROM for Samsung Galaxy S8 revealed Dolby Atmos support. However, the South Korean company clarified that there are no plans to add such a feature. The comment was made by a member of Samsung's UK Beta Team.

Last week's leak even included a screenshots of the feature, so Samsung denial comes as a bit of surprise. It's possible the feature will eventually arrive, just that the first stable Oreo build won't have it.

Thanks for the tip, Pranjal!!!The Trump administration believes that it is time to try something new other than maintaining strategic patience and offering inducements to Pakistan, PTI reported.

A senior Trump official who spoke to a group of reporters on condition of anonymity said that the policies, such as the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill which gave billions of dollars to Pakistan, followed by the successive US administrations vis-a-vis Pakistan post 9/11 have not worked.

"These sanctuaries really threaten stability in the region and they continue to fuel the overall terrorism problem that we are facing," he said.

The US is committed to not allowing either Pakistan or Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists from where they can attack the US and its allies, the official added.

Terrorists continue to operate freely inside Pakistan and there is a relationship between terrorist organisations and the establishment, he said.

The official added that the president has been clear about his commitment to stabilising Afghanistan.

Last week, the Trump administration suspended approximately $2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan, resulting in an outrage from Islamabad.

The Pakistan Foreign Minister, in an interview to The Wall Street Journal, had said that America was no longer an ally of Pakistan.

About President Donald Trump's comprehensive South Asia strategy for regional diplomacy announced in August last year, the official said, "It looked at India-Pakistan relations, encouraging better ties between the two countries and reducing tensions between them".

The policy is not about looking at Pakistan through the lens of Afghanistan, but it is about looking at the region and the future of the US, he said.

"We have invested a lot of blood and treasure in Afghanistan. We are committed to not allowing the Taliban to dominate Afghanistan," the official said.

Former Speaker of the US House of Representative, Newt Gingrich, in an interview to AM970 in New York said that Trump has "shocked the elites" by freezing US aid to Pakistan.

"It has so thoroughly shocked the elites that we actually are going to protect America, and defend America, and that were actually going to render judgement," he said.

"If you kick us in the shin, were not going to pay you," Gingrich said.

(With inputs from PTI)

ALSO WATCH | Donald Trump hails US Senator's bill to stop aid to PakistanPublished on 2018/01/07

Get the best K-beauty advice from some of the country's top YouTubers, browse the most popular stories of last year from the hard-hitting Korea Expose, Quartz looks at the power political memes in Korea, and avoid committing these cultural faux pas.

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"What are Some Cultural Faux Pas in South Korea?"

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...READ ON KOREA EXPOSEThe Rev. John Bruington, former pastor of First Presbyterian Church, reflects on his 10 years spent serving the church. His last sermon was in December. He has stayed around to help with the transition, though when everything is done, he said, he will attend a different church in the area to allow the incoming pastor a chance to make a name for themself.

After 10 years as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Havre and a lifetime of pastoring throughout the country before that, the Rev. John Bruington has hung up his cassock at the church.

His last day was Dec. 31, and Sunday was the first time since he started that someone else - Sherry Edwards from Chinook - preached at First Presbyterian in Havre.

Naturally, he said, he will miss the people most, the same ones who threw him a big party Dec. 17 in the dining hall of the church. An incredible meal was cooked and he received a signed goodbye card inscribed with "Saying goodbye to our cowboy," Bruington said

Bruington, 70, said he plans, for now, to enjoy his retirement in Havre. Yes, he added, he'll probably attend a local church. He didn't want to divulge which one or ones he was considering. The important thing, he said, is he wants to be somewhere he is needed.

When it comes to the state of the national church, from his perspective, it is diminishing, Bruington said. A reason for that, he said, is the church has gotten too bureaucratic. There are other reasons, too, he said. However, in the case of his former congregation, he continued, age was a factor. During his tenure, he said his church had gone from 65 to 50 congregants, a reduction he attributed to age and flight.

"Most people have moved or they've died," Bruington said.

Bruington, who writes the weekly column "Out Our Way" for Havre Daily, said the column will continue, with hopes of expansion to other publications. He said he will see how that goes.

The former pastor's clerical journey began about 40 years ago, he said, at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey. As a man from "all over" - his father's salesman occupation spurred the cowboy preacher to set up camp in many places - Bruington said he turned down clergy posts in New York and Maryland before taking an associate pastor position in Great Falls.

"I came out and said 'Whoe.' ... It was incredible," he said.

The stint in Great Falls lasted two years. Bruington said the next two decades were spent bouncing to pastorships in Wyoming, Indiana, South Dakota and Colorado. Some of his posts were in small towns like Lingle, Wyoming, others in much-crowded metropolises like Indianapolis. He has stories to tell about people in all the churches he lead during those times. He has stories to tell about the landscape, as well.

Bruington eventually got back to Montana, where his post-seminary clergy stint began in 1977, only this time 115 miles north, in Havre.

Over the past 10 years, he said, life has ebbed and flowed. There have been valleys and summits. People have come and gone, there's been adventure, and there's been heartbreak in sickness.

Now, Bruington said, "anxious" perfectly describes the advent of a new phase of life.

"I'm about to shift gears," he said.Havre Police Department

Officers arrested Lara Shante Lawrence of Harlem, 20, on a Justice or City court warrant Friday at 7:50 a.m. at the Havre Police Department.



Officers arrested two people during a motor vehicle stop Friday at 8:27 a.m. on Washington Avenue. No further information was provided.



Officers investigated after someone from the Havre Child Protective Services office requested Friday at 11:20 a.m. to speak to an officer about a child abuse case.



Officers investigated a motor vehicle crash near Washington Avenue and 11th Street West after being notified Friday at 12:12 p.m.



Officers issued a summons to Melinda Rose Cochran of Havre, 36, on a charge of criminal contempt Friday at 1:17 p.m. at the police department.



Officers investigated a reported noninjury motor vehicle crash near Second Street and 10th Avenue after being notified of it Friday at 4:20 p.m.



Officers arrested Tanner Joseph Walker of Havre, 35, on a violation of conditions release charge during a motor vehicle stop on First Street Saturday at 12:40 a.m.



Officers arrested Kiana Lee Roastingstick of Havre, 18, on two Justice or City court warrants Saturday at 1:25 a.m. near a First Street business.



Officers issued tickets to seven people after receiving two calls early Saturday morning with an 11th Street caller reporting at 3:13 a.m. an assault and a Second Street caller reporting at 4:01 a.m. that multiple people were attacking her vehicle.



Officers arrested Chelsea Larae Lohman of Havre, 25, on a Justice or City court warrant after a Second Street caller reported Saturday at 2:49 p.m. that he smelled marijuana.



Officers investigated a reported noninjury motor vehicle crash after a Fifth Avenue business caller notified police Saturday at 2:58 p.m. that a vehicle ran into a drive-through speaker.



Officers arrested Jonahs James Demontiney of Box Elder, 22, on a Justice or City court warrant, charges of driving with a suspended drivers license and on a pick up and hold order Saturday at 4:17 p.m. at Northern Montana Hospital.



Officers investigated after a Grant Avenue caller reported Saturday at 7:04 p.m. that packages had been stolen off her front porch.



Officers arrested Jonathan Seaton of Havre, 25, on a charge of driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license during a motor vehicle stop Saturday at 7:11 p.m.



Officers issued a summons to a 15-year-old on a minor in possession charge after a Jefferson Avenue caller reported Sunday at 4:03 a.m. a loud disturbance.



Officers arrested two people Sunday at 8:52 a.m. on First Street. No further information was provided.

Hill County Sheriffs Office

Animal Control officers investigated after a caller reported Friday at 1:20 p.m. that there are horses not being taken care of.



Deputies served a warrant and arrested someone Friday at 4:18 p.m. at the Hill County Detention Center. No further information was made available.



Deputies arrested Autumn Elizabeth Harvey of Havre, 19, on a criminal trespass to property charge after a U.S. Highway 2 West business caller reported Saturday at 7:55 a.m. that there was a female trespasser on the premises.



Deputies investigated after a U.S. Highway 2 West caller reported Sunday at 5:19 p.m. that someone broke into her vehicle and stole her purse.



Deputies transported two people who had been arrested on Justice or City court warrants from the Hill County Detention Center to Rocky Boy Police Department, Lisa Ann Stump, 47, and Danielle Jo Sangrey, 24, both of Box Elder.

Havre Fire Department

Medical crews responded to two calls Friday, three Saturday and four calls Sunday.



Fire crews responded Friday at 11:49 a.m. to the 200 Block of Main Street where someone reported a natural gas odor. The smell turned out to be a sewer smell.



Fire crews responded Friday at 1:06 p.m. to the 1400 Block of U.S. Highway 2 Northwest where a sprinkler pipe broke. The alarm was shut off and repairs were made.

Havre Animal Shelter

The animal shelter held this morning one medium-haired, three short-haired and one long-haired cat.



The animal shelter held this morning a female pit bull terrier, a female Labrador retriever, a female akbash-Australian shepherd-mix and a male pit bull-Labrador retriever cross.Rocky Boy woman pleads guilty in tribal corruption case

GREAT FALLS (AP)  A Rocky Boy woman has pleaded guilty to defrauding the Chippewa Cree Tribes construction company.

Georgie Elaine Russell, 37, pleaded guilty Thursday to theft from an Indian tribal government receiving federal grants and making false statements about federal funding. The plea agreement calls for her to pay over $61,000 in restitution.

Prosecutors alleged Russell embezzled from the Chippewa Cree Construction, where she worked, and from another company. She also overstated the construction corporations cash-on-hand by more than $1 million in 2012 and 2013.

Tribal leaders and others are serving federal prison sentences for awarding or receiving high cost construction contracts using federal funding in exchange for kickbacks.

Prosecutors recommend that any sentence Russell receives for embezzlement in April should run concurrent to a 5-year sentence she received in a Washington state meth case.Ask Matt ... why Walmart has so many buggies?

Walmart leads retailers in shopping carts. [MATT MATTESON/Hendersonville Lightning]

Q. Why are there so many shopping carts at Walmart? Target and Sams Club only have a fraction of those.

I caught up with a shopping cart jockey at the Walmart in the Highlands Square Shopping Center. He said they have 1,800 carts and he would know more than anyone. Some carts are stored outdoors or inside the covered area of the store, some are in use, and the rest are in the parking lot stalls or otherwise left unattended. My guy also said that on Black Friday just before Christmas, they used all the carts that were serviceable. That may be hard to believe, but it should answer your question about why so many. Now for those who like a visual comparison, if you lined up all of Walmarts buggies end to end, they would stretch from the Historic Courthouse on Main Street all the way to Hendersonville High School.

Q. On a recent visit to the Outer Banks I noticed that many license plates on the islands had an OBX prefix. Why so many and can we get one for HVL out here?

I was able to solve this puzzling question with the help of Marsha Harris of the state DMVs Special License Plate Unit. North Carolina law sets the cost, appearance and distribution of all license plates issued within the state  except the Outer Banks plates. The exception was made in 1999 at the request of the Dare County Board of Directors. The OBX license plate is not considered a specialty plate by DMV and may only be issued by the Manteo License Plate Agency in Dare County. Each plate begins with OBX followed by sequential numbers.

A specialty plate carries a logo of ones favorite group such as Duke, NASCAR, Ducks Unlimited or Retired Army. There are about 200 such choices. Specialty plates initially cost $30, half of which is returned to the organization featured on the plate. One form of specialty plate is the personalized plate also known as a vanity plate which typically displays the owners name or initials or some cryptic reference to the owners lifestyle.

It does not surprise me that the OBX exception was made during Sen. Marc Basnights tenure in the state legislature. Basnight, from Manteo, was president pro tempore of the state senate and held sway in the statehouse for many years. It is unlikely that a license plate exception could be made for Hendersonville or even Western North Carolina for that matter. One thing about having OBX on your license plate is that with so many seasonal visitors, it helps identify the locals. Whether thats good or bad is another question.

* * * * *



Send questions to askmattm@gmail.com.Gardai at the door of the flat in Little OCurry Street

Gardai are treating the death of a 45-year-old man in Limerick as suspicious after he was discovered with a number of injuries.

The man was found inside a flat on Little O'Curry Street in Limerick city centre at around 6pm yesterday.

Last night a garda forensic team were called to the scene.

The flat was sealed off by investigators last night, along with a section of the street where it is located.

Pathologist

"Gardai in Henry Street are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body of a male in his 40s at a flat on Little O'Curry Street shortly before 6pm this evening," a spokesman said.

"The scene has been preserved and the offices of the State Pathologist have been notified. The services of the Garda Technical Bureau have also been requested."

Local representative Elenora Hogan said her thoughts were with the family of the man, though she said she was not yet aware of his identity.

"It's very tragic, whoever the unfortunate man is," Ms Hogan said. "Anything like this is very sad, particularly at this time of year when we're all just getting over the buzz of Christmas and New Year's."

It is believed that State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy will perform a post-mortem examination today at University Hospital Limerick.

They are appealing for witnesses or to anyone who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious in or around Little O'Curry Street to contact Henry Street garda station, the garda confidential telephone line or any garda station.

Gardai are awaiting the report by the State Pathologist to determine the course of their investigation.

In a separate incident, a Kildare father-of-two died in a crash after his car hit a wall in the early hours of yesterday.

Children

The man, in his late 40s, was fatally injured when the car he was driving left the road and struck a wall at around 2.15am on the N4 inbound at Lucan in west Dublin.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to Blanchardtown Hospital.

The man, who was named locally as Darren Hedley, was the sole occupant of the car.

Mr Hedley is understood to have had two children, a boy and a girl.Gardai have still not been contacted by St Patrick's Mental Health Services over alleged inappropriate behaviour by comedian Al Porter.

The former Blind Date host is alleged to have sexually assaulted a young patient when he visited the South Dublin psychiatric hospital in 2015.

On November 20, the hospital received a complaint from the patient - a student in his 20s - about the alleged incident.

However, more than three months on, gardai have still not been contacted by the James Street hospital.

"Neither Kilmainham Garda Station, which covers James Street, nor the district HQ, have been contacted by the hospital about this matter," said a senior gardai source.

Complete

"If it had been reported to gardai elsewhere, officers in Kilmainham would be aware of it."

A spokesperson for St Patrick's Mental Health Services did not respond yesterday when the Herald asked why the alleged incident had not been reported to gardai.

In a statement in November, the hospital said it was investigating the allegation.

It said it would not be commenting further until the investigation was complete.

HSE guidelines state that, where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a criminal act has been committed, the matter must be reported to gardai.

Health care agencies are also obliged to carry out their own investigations into such allegations.

In a separate case, Pearse Street Garda Station is investigating an allegation that a man had been groped by Mr Porter.

The man made the allegation in November and a full investigation has been launched into all aspects of the case.

Al Porter has not yet been interviewed by gardai and no arrests have been made.

Mr Porter was forced to resign from a number of jobs after he was hit with a wave of allegations of inappropriate behaviour in November.

The comedian responded by saying that at no time did he intend his "flamboyant and outrageous public persona" to upset anyone.

A bishop has subsequently appealed for people to be more understanding towards the comedian following his fall from grace.

Dublin's auxiliary bishop, Eamonn Walsh, said in his annual Christmas homily that he would like to see less judgment of the former Today FM and TV3 presenter.

Expanding on what he said in Mass, he told the Herald how there was always two sides to every story.

"Let's not jump to judgment without the facts," he said.

"Furthermore, we have to be aware that there may be judicial proceedings down the line, so I wouldn't want to say anything that would interfere with that."

Cheery

The comedian went out partying on New Year's Eve in a bid to end his "annus horribilis" on a high and begin 2018 on a cheery note.

The Tallaght man rang in the New Year in the trendy Pygmalion bar on South William Street in Dublin's city centre.

"He was with a group of friends and looked like he was enjoying himself," said an insider.

"He went upstairs after a while and a couple of people went over to him and wished him well."

This was the first public appearance by the popular Irish comedian since last year's allegations.Businesswoman and Dancing With The Stars contestant Norah Casey has said she shifted a stone of weight in the run-up to the RTE show.

Dancing With The Stars aired last night on RTE, and following her intense training period with dance partner Curtis Pritchard, Norah said that she has already noticed a change in her body shape.

"I'm already a stone lighter and my posture is totally different - I'm almost an inch taller," she said. "I was living a sedentary lifestyle and spending my days hunched over a desk. Now I'm discovering all these muscles that I've never used before. We spend an hour each day just stretching."

Mortified

The former Dragon's Den judge said that she was mortified to try on the show's costumes at first.

"I thought taking part was terrifying and then I met the costume department." she said.

"Open my wardrobe and it's all navy, blue and black. Now I'm in bright pink dresses with sparkles that are quite tight.

"I was mortified when I first tried one of them on. I wouldn't wear it in front of my mother, never mind wear it in front of the whole country."

Norah said that she is enjoying the prospect of strutting her stuff in the dancing show challenge, since she recently sold the majority of her Irish magazine titles to a American investor - and was left thinking of her late husband, Richard, who died in 2011.

"When I sold the business I didn't go out to celebrate," she said. "I just sat in the hall and I looked at the picture of Richard and thought 'I should have done this sooner'."

"I think it was a time in my life where I could have been maudlin or I could take this amazing opportunity that landed in my lap."An Italian court acquitted former AgustaWestland head Bruno Spagnolini and former Finmeccanica (now Leornado) chief executive Giuseppe Orsi, of charges related to alleged bribes paid in exchange for a multi-million-euro contract to sell 12 helicopters to the Indian government.

The operative part of the Milan Court of Appeal's judgement reads: "There isn't sufficient proof."

In December 2016, the Italian Supreme Court had ordered a re-trial of this case, after these two former executives were found guilty on corruption charges related to the contract. Both the accused had moved the Milan Court of Appeal.

The Indian government had also moved the Italian court as a civil party, claiming damages due to alleged corruption by top executives of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland. According to Italian prosecutors, kickbacks were given by the then -management of the Italian defence firm through three middlemen : Guido Ralph Haschke, Christian James Michel and Carlo Valentine Gerosa.

The case came to light following the arrest of a former Finmeccanica executive back in 2012. This executive informed Italian police that kickbacks had been given to India in order to secure the VVIP Chopper deal.

This information lead to extensive surveillance of Finmeccanica's top management and Italian middlemen Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke.

UPROAR

In early 2013, Guido Haschke was arrested in Switzerland, and later turned into a witness.

A massive uproar broke out back in India, once the news of corruption spread. Indian agencies swung into action.

Central Bureau of Investigation has already filed a separate chargesheet in a Delhi court, where former Air Chief SP Tyagi is among others facing corruption charges.

'NO EFFECT ON TRIAL IN INDIA'

After today's verdict, CBI sources told India Today, "In Milan, India was only a civil party and not the prosecutor...this verdict of Milan Court will not have any effect on the trial back in India because CBI has enough evidence."

Speaking to India Today on the phone from Abu Dhabi, Christian Michel, one of the middlemen in this case, said "I have been saying this from beginning that no political corruption took place as it was being alleged and reported. Now that (the) Milan court has vindicated, it's time for Indian government to clear this huge mess".

After today's verdict, all three middlemen - including Michel and Haschke - are free from any charges in Italy. However, both of them remain wanted for prosecution back in India.

Last year, Haschke used his Italian case status to get rid of an Interpol Red Corner Notice against him. It's also expected that the other accused, including former Air Chief SP Tyagi, can use this verdict in their defense back in India.

What's more, the Congress will have another reason to be aggressive against the ruling BJP, as this is the second instance after the 2G verdict in which a UPA-era scam has been nullified by a court.

Italian prosecutors have the right to appeal against the Milan court's order, but there is no official word from their side yet.

WATCH | Full interview of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel with India TodayBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anisur Rahman, who was arrested on allegations of rape, conspiracy and eve teasing, has been sent to three-day police custody.

According to police, the victim was mentally harassed by Rahman for a long time.

She even tried to commit suicide while undergoing treatment at a private nursing home in Midnapur town. Rahman had reportedly visited the nursing home on Sunday evening.

He was taken for interrogation by the West Bengal police from the nursing home after which he was arrested.

"We have learnt about it, but it is a big conspiracy against Anisur Rahman. Police is taking necessary steps. Anisur recently joined our party. We don't know much about the incident yet," Sammit Das, BJP district president, said.

Anisur had recently joined BJP after quitting Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Sammit Das said that the TMC men had physically harrassed Anisur in front of the police even though he hasn't been proved guilty.

Both the victim and the accused were produced in Midnapur court today.

-With inputs from Sheikh Shah Jahan AliWater bodies in several parts across West Bengal have frozen with the state witnesses sub-zero temperatures in a number of districts.

Sandhakpur area in Darjeeling district of West Bengal saw icicles on the trees and grass covered with snow as the entire water in the area froze on Monday.

The entire Rimbik and Dhotara area of the district is also experiencing the chill with temperature around minus 2 degree Celsius.

The vegetation on the entire stretch in those regions is covered with snow.

In the capital city of Kolkata, mercury has dipped to as low as 8 degree Celsius with an expectation of more drop in the coming days.

In the neighbouring Sikkim, parts like Lachung, Yumthang are also experiencing snow fall.

Parts of Odisha too have registered a fall in the temperatures and have gone below 3 degree Celsius in some parts of the state.

According to weather experts, temperature will dip further in the next 48 hours in the North-Eastern states of India.

Trains are running late by several hours across the region.Appointment

8 January 2018

Norberg assumed her position with Loews Hotels & Co after serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of RLH Corporation, where she was responsible the strategy and execution, to ensure achievement of the companys growth strategy and transformative human capital initiatives. Prior to this, Norberg worked with Northwell Health, the largest private employer in the state of New York, joining as Vice President, Human Resources of Long Island Jewish Medical Center and departing as Chief of Human Resources Operations for Northwell Health. Norbergs other positions were also in the hotel industry where she served as Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources with Dolce Hotels & Resorts, and at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. where she held leadership roles at the local, regional and corporate levels in Human Resources and Leaning & Development, departing as Vice President of Learning & Development for North America. She became interested in the hospitality field after her start at Hall & Evans, LLC, a law firm in Denver. Born and raised in Colorado, Norberg earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Colorado State University, Global Campus. Based at the Loews Hotels corporate office in New York City, she resides in Newtown, Connecticut with her husband and two sons.Supplier News

5 January 2018



Boca Raton, Florida  January 3, 2018  Cendyn, the leading provider of hotel CRM and hotel sales platforms in the hospitality industry, announced today that Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Tim Sullivan has been honored with the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds accolade by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International.

The HSMAI Top 25 Minds award recognizes leaders in sales, marketing and revenue optimization within the travel and hospitality industry who stand out through their creativity and innovation, cutting-edge campaigns, triumphs in challenging situations and efforts that resulted in dramatic gains.

"Tim has been instrumental to our success at Cendyn," said Charles Deyo, President and CEO at Cendyn. "Cendyn has grown revenue by over 30 percent in the last 24 months, shepherding in a fresh and exciting era of acceleration. We are grateful for his accomplishments and proud to see him recognized with this prestigious award."

As the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Cendyn, Tim Sullivan oversees global sales, business development, marketing, and client success. Previously President of Cendyn/ONE, where he brought an integrated hotel CRM and digital marketing platform to market, he is now responsible for Cendyn's global expansion and strategy for the Cendyn Hospitality Cloud.

During his eight years with the company, Tim played a key role in helping transform Cendyn into a cloud-based software and services company that is revolutionizing the hospitality industry. Throughout 2017, Tim helped bring in a vast number of integrations and partners, establishing the Cendyn Hospitality Cloud as the most integrated and connected in the industry.

He is an HSMAI member, former HSMAI digital advisory council member and Cendyn board member.

Tim will be honored with the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds award at a reception and gala during the HSMAI Adrian Awards in February 2018 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Michael Bennett

SVP, Global Marketing

[email protected]

561-419-2286St. Regis Hotels & Resorts today announced a collaboration with China Resources Property which is slated to bring the St. Regis brand to Hong Kong by early 2019. Marriott International has nine properties in Hong Kong, but this will be the first property for the St. Regis brand in the city.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts today announced a collaboration with China Resources Property which is slated to bring the St. Regis brand to Hong Kong by early 2019. Marriott International has nine properties in Hong Kong, but this will be the first property for the St. Regis brand in the city.

"Hong Kong is a bustling center of commerce with an incredible mix of glamour, culture, history and tradition. This vibrancy makes it an ideal destination for St. Regis," said Lisa Holladay, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. "With its excellent location, impeccable service, and refined elegance, we look forward to offering guests an exquisite experience in one of the world's most exciting cities."

Located in the heart of historic Wan Chai, with its skyscrapers, high-end shopping and commercial buildings, the new St. Regis Hong Kong will be within walking distance to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, as well as and Victoria Harbor.

With interiors created by acclaimed Hong Kong-based designer, Andre Fu, the 25-story St. Regis Hong Kong will offer 129 guest suites, many of which will feature stunning views across Victoria Harbor and Kowloon Bay. Guests will enjoy the brand's legendary St. Regis Butler Service, signature Chinese and French restaurants, a 320-seat banquet hall and a heated swimming pool, among other luxurious amenities. An open-air terrace next to a grand Lobby Lounge will provide the ideal venue for al fresco gatherings, and a St. Regis Bar will serve up the hotel's rendition of the brand's signature cocktail, the Bloody Mary.

The glamorous, fast-paced city of Hong Kong has long been considered a place where 'East Meets West', due to the fusion of its deep Chinese roots and its recent history as a British colony. Beneath its ultramodern, 21st-century facade of glittering skyscrapers and world-class infrastructure, old traditions remain and ancient concepts such as feng shui are still deeply respected throughout the city. Truly a cosmopolitan city and a hub for international finance and trade, Hong Kong still boasts age-old Cantonese cuisine found in small noodle shops next to chic designer boutiques.

"St. Regis constantly seeks to reinterpret and reimagine time-honored traditions, bringing exciting new options and modern conveniences to luxury travelers," said Paul Foskey, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. "We are glad to be working with China Resources Property, a subsidiary of China Resources Holding, to bring the legendary St. Regis name to Hong Kong."

"We are proud to be bringing this iconic brand to Hong Kong," said Frankie Y.F. Bao, Managing Director, China Resources Property. "All St. Regis Hotels & Resorts represent the ultimate in timeless, tasteful luxury, which the discerning and sophisticated traveler appreciates. We are also happy to note that the presence of the outstanding new St Regis in Wan Chai district will add a new level of prestige and appeal to this vibrant quarter of our city."

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is one of the world's fastest growing luxury brands, more than doubling its footprint in recent years. There are currently more than 40 St. Regis branded hotels open worldwide, with nine properties in the Greater China region.

Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe

 2021 Hotel News ResourceCarlson Rezidor Hotel Group today announces the signing of a management agreement for Radisson Zhengzhou with Henan Longzhu Hotel Management Co., Ltd. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2022, the 210-key property is located at Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou city in China.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group today announces the signing of a management agreement for Radisson Zhengzhou with Henan Longzhu Hotel Management Co., Ltd. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2022, the 210-key property is located at Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou city in China.

A capital city of Henan province, Zhengzhou is an emerging tier-one city that serves as a hub for the nation's railroad, aviation, highway, electric power, post and telecommunications. "Zhengzhou is an important economic epicenter in central China. Zhengdong New District has transformed itself into a thriving global metropolitan, an upcoming financial and business hub demonstrating its dynamic drive and vitality in the region," said Katerina Giannouka, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "Carlson Rezidor is confident in the future growth of Zhengzhou and we are honored to partner Henan Longzhu Hotel Management Co., Ltd. in the development of the city."

Radisson Zhengzhou is strategically located between two core areas, Dragon Lake Financial Center and Ruyi Lake Central Business District (CBD). The hotel is a mere 5 kilometers' drive away from the city center and Zhengzhou High Speed Railway Station, and 32 kilometers to Zhengzhou International Airport. Its accessible location also connects the hotel to the Henan provincial government's various offices, Zhengzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, as well as the Zhengzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Radisson Zhengzhou features an all-day dining restaurant that serves international delights, a Chinese restaurant and a lounge bar. The hotel also offers a business center, ballroom and meeting room.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Carlson Rezidor to offer Zhengdong New District the service of Radisson as an international hotel brand," said Mr. Li Guoxuan, chairman and general manager, Henan Longzhu Hotel Management Co., Ltd. "As the new Central Business District of Zhengzhou, the capacity of Zhengdong New District is an urban frontier that is fast accelerating with the diversified development of cultures and businesses in the region. We believe business travelers will benefit from the delightful guest experience provided by Radisson Zhengzhou."

Radisson has become one of the best-recognized hotel brands, offering an upscale hotel experience for business and leisure guests. The World of Radisson features solutions that are empathetic to the challenges of modern travel, including the 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee. Radisson has more than 160 hotels located in major urban and suburban settings, leisure destinations, airports, and business districts throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Caribbean. Every staff member has a passion for Yes I Can!SM hospitality, the signature service philosophy of Radisson, which ensures the total wellbeing and satisfaction of each guest.

Carlson Rezidor's Asia Pacific portfolio has 118 hotels in operation across the region, including 22 Radisson hotels.

Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe

 2021 Hotel News ResourceMumbai, Jan 9 (PTI) Relatives of a 56-year-old woman who died after surgery at a city hospital have approached the Maharashtra Medical Council, claiming she died due to "gross negligence" of the hospital.

They said the hospital convinced them that the patient needed to undergo a new and expensive heart valve procedure, claiming it was "200 per cent safe".

"My mother-in-law Manju Bafna died a fortnight ago after being discharged from the hospital while still in coma," said Sanjay Bharkatia.

The family then lodged a complaint with the Council as the "unprofessional attitude and gross medical negligence" on part of hospital cost her life, he said.

Doctors at the hospital had assured the family members that it would be "200 per cent safe" for the patient to undergo the newly-introduced the Transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure, he said.

"They told me that my mother-in-law would be able to go home within five-six days after the surgery which was performed on October 25. She was forced to leave on December 19 while still in a comatose condition," he said.

She died on December 19 immediately after she was discharged from the hospital, he said.

Bafna, whose heart valve had been replaced earlier, was hospitalised after she developed breathlessness, he said.

The hospital asked the family to pay the bill of Rs 44 lakh, he said, adding the hospital returned Rs 11 lakh after the family pointed "lapses" in her treatment.

Action should be taken against the hospital doctors and staff for ethical and professional misconduct, he said.

The hospital hasnt come out with a statement yet. PTI APM NSK VT VTKevin Gates will soon be out of prison and, by the looks of things, he's focused on more than just reloading his music career.

According to TMZ, the talented rapper is set to become a free man this week and his plans to improve the lives of those around him go far beyond just taking care of his friends and family: he wants the youth of today to learn from his mistakes so they can become more well-rounded adults in the future.

Gates' lawyer told the gossip outlet that the rapper plans on pursuing this community-minded venture soon after he's released from the Illinois penitentiary he's currently occupying on Wednesday. He'll supposedly donate considerable time and resources "talking to troubled teens and sharing anecdotes from his own life in hopes they'll avoid the same pitfalls."

Apparently, Gates also plans on getting involved with various organizations, among them the Boys & Girls Club, to share stories about his "regrettable decisions" and how they can be avoided. To be sure, his wife and kids are still his first priority, with his music coming a close second, but setting kids straight in his own way isn't far behind either of those.

Gates was originally jailed for physically assaulting a woman. He was about to taste freedom back in March of last year, but an outstanding weapons charge kept him behind bars for a while longer. He has served 9 months out of a 30-month sentence and will be released on parole. No doubt it will be a positive day not only for Gates and his loved ones, but also those in the rap community who respect the rapper's artistry and lyrical prowess.Grime icon Skepta and Tennessee's Xavier Wulf have a history of mutual appreciation, and now, they've officially joined forces on wax. In 2015, Skepta tweeted out "Xavier Wulf in the stereo on the motorway. Very empowering," a big co-sign from one of the U.K.'s biggest hip-hop acts. Later, Wulf ended up actually meeting Skepta, and today they've come through with a brief but nevertheless dope remix of Wulf's "Check It Out." It picks up where the original left off, employing the same instrumental from Squat Beats and Go Grizzley, only this time, Skepta brings a dose of his overseas swagger.

"Told my girl drive the car, yeah I'm pussy whipped," raps Skepta, "the world is mine, time is money I'm forever rich / I found my wave, I was surfin' I remember it, Xa told me keep your eyes on the jellyfish." Check out the remix now (complete with a Sleem Luciii directed video) and sound off below.

Quotable Lyrics

Told my girl drive the car, yeah I'm pussy whipped

The world is mine, time is money I'm forever rich

I found my wave, I was surfin' I remember it

Xa told me keep your eyes on the jellyfishNearly a quarter, or 24%, of workers in the region are stressed or emotional because of work. Most stressed are those in the telecom sector (44), while least stressed are those in manufacturing (19%).

Forty-five percent of Asia-Pacific workers look forward to going to work, with New Zealand workers the most driven (54%) while those from Hong Kong the least (34%). Those in utilities (56%) look forward to going to work the most while those in the public sector and in retail (both 28%) the least.

Again, work-life balance is a factor in looking forward to going to work, followed by a manager that helps with tasks, the ability to try out new things on the job, and having a manager who helps resolve work-related issues.

king for a company that supports work-life balance, having managers who acknowledge good work and getting the right training to work effectively are the three top reasons for employee engagement, the Qualtrics Employee Pulse Study found.Fifty-three percent of workers in Asia-Pacific are engaged, broken down into 57% for New Zealand, 56% for Australia, 51% for Malaysia, 45% for Singapore and 40% for Hong Kong.Employees in both healthcare and travel & leisure are 60% engaged. Least engaged are those in media & advertising and in public relations, where just 40% of workers are engaged.Given these, some 15% of workers in the Asia-Pacific are looking to leave their current jobs in the next two years. The number is highest in Hong Kong, with 21% looking to leave. Per industry, retail workers are also most likely to look for a new job (21%) followed by media & advertising (20%) and finance (18%).On the other hand, 70% of healthcare workers are likely to stay on.Those intending to stay cite their employers support for work-life balance, the right level of training, and the trust they have for their colleagues.Work-life balance is not a 50-50 split, said Steve Bennetts of Qualtrics Employee Experience. Its about understanding all these experiences where the workplace and personal life intersect with each other.Other findings:Information from 4,505 workers in various industries around the world was used for the Qualtrics Employee Pulse Survey.ustry, government and education sector should accelerate action to address the growing shortage in digital skills driven by the speed and scale in demand, according to New Zealand Digital Skills forum chair Victoria MacLennan.The growing skills shortage in New Zealand's IT industry and broader economy is very real," she said, as reported by the New Zealand Herald.The report commissioned by the forum found an 11% annual increase in demand for software programmer jobs.In 2016, more than 120,000 people were employed in the tech sector and about 14,000 new jobs were created. But only 5,090 tech students graduated the previous year and 5,500 tech visas were granted.The numbers clearly show a shortfall, and that the supply of people with advanced digital skills did not meet demand and the gap was growing.Aside from the deficit, there were also There was also a diversity challenge. In 2016, 36% of tech students were female and only 8% were Maori.MacLennan added that if industry, government and education fail to act, the future prosperity of New Zealand will suffer greatly."We need to nurture and develop local talent, and at the same time make sure that we fill any gaps from the best talent we can find worldwide. If we do this, well then we have the opportunity to make New Zealand a technology powerhouse on the world stage.The Digital Skills Forum already brings together leading teach industry and government agencies to address the shortage.But more must be done. The report, she said, presents a great opportunity as technology is an important part of day-to-day life of New Zealanders.Just about everyone has a stake in our success, she added.This year the school education sector had been reformed to include digital education. The median salary for technology roles was $82,000 - nearly twice the average median salary, MacLennan said."Together, we need to remove barriers for our graduates finding their first job, make it easier for those seeking a career change, and improve the gender and cultural diversity in digital roles. None of us can do this on our own."The New Zealand Digital Skills Forum includes NZRise, NZTech,and IT Professionals NZ from the tech sector, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Internal Affairs and the Tertiary Education Commission from government.Vietnam makes bigger seafood export earnings in 2017

January 02,2018 | Source: Xinhua

Vietnam gained seafood export turnovers of nearly 8.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, up 18.5 percent against 2016, the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said on Tuesday.



Regarding three key seafood items, prawns and shrimps, and tuna, prawn and shrimp exports surged 20 percent to over 3.8 billion U.S. dollars, with exports to major markets, excluding the United States, growing considerably.



Vietnamese prawn and shrimp exports to China, Europe and South Korea grew 60 percent, 42 percent, and 33 percent respectively, the ministry said, adding that Vietnam exported bigger amounts of processed seafood last year.



The bigger proportion of processed seafood plus potential removal of a yellow card on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing issued in 2017 by the European Commission will be an important base for Vietnam to make seafood export turnovers of 9 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.



Vietnam hopes that the European Commission will remove the yellow card, and give it a green card on IUU fishing in April 2018.



Vietnam will put the fight against IUU fishing into its revised Fisheries Law and build a national action plan to prevent, minimize and eliminate IUU fishing by 2025, said the ministry.



According to the association, 62 firms in Vietnam have committed to purchasing and importing seafood from legal fishing vessels with clear origin.



The country gained a total seafood output of more than 7.2 million tons in 2017, up 5.2 percent against 2016, the ministry said, noting that roughly 3.4 million tons came from catching, up 5.3 percent, and over 3.8 million tons came from aquaculture, up 5.2 percent.

 2000-2018 XINHUANET.com

Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade.Trumps offshore drilling plans rattle coastal communities across Alaska

by Rachel Waldholz

January 07,2018 | Source: Alaska Public Media

For years, the debate over offshore drilling in Alaska has focused on the Arctic. But this week, the Trump administration proposed opening almost all Alaska waters to oil and gas leasing, from Southeast to the Bering Strait to the Canadian border.



That includes areas that have never seen drilling, and its raising concerns in Alaskas coastal communities.



Linda Behnken heads up the Alaska Longline Fishermens Association in Sitka. Asked for her reaction when she first heard the Trump administrations proposal, Behnken took a deep breath.



I probably better not say that on tape, she said.



And that pretty much sums up the response in many of Alaskas coastal communities, where residents worry that oil and gas development could threaten commercial fisheries and subsistence resources.



Behnken said shes concerned that an oil spill anywhere in the Gulf of Alaska or Bering Sea could affect fish stocks all over the state.



Its really deeply disturbing to see a willingness to place at riskthe renewable resources that are the cornerstone of the economy and peoples way of life, she said.



Thats a feeling echoed by Mark Vinsel, who runs the United Fishermen of Alaska, representing the states commercial fisheries. Vinsel said hes glad the Trump administration excluded the North Aleutian Basin planning area, which borders Bristol Bay.



But, he said, fishermen havent forgotten the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. He said one major lesson from the spill was the need for robust community oversight, and if more waters are opened up to oil and gas development, UFA would want local input modeled after the citizens advisory councils in Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet.



Ultimately, Vinsel said, the message is pretty simple: You need to be careful up here, whatever youre doing.



This is really, really dangerous waters, he said. Fishermen know that.



In Unalaska, Mayor Frank Kelty was taken by surprise when he heard the Trump administration wants to open waters surrounding the Aleutians and Pribilofs to oil exploration.



Kelty said hes not opposed to oil and gas development, but any oil and gas drilling would have to be done right  and it shouldnt risk Unalaskas main commodity: fish.



Were a community of 5,000 people that are all totally dependent on the seafood industry, Kelty said. I think theres going to be a lot of push-back, from not just the enviro community but from coastal communities such as mine and other fishery-dependent communities across the country.



Kelty noted that the Trump administration is also proposing to open waters up and down the East and West Coasts, from Maine to Florida and Washington to California.



The proposal also came as a surprise in Nome. Austin Ahmasuk is a marine advocate with Kawerak, which represents tribes across the Bering Strait region.



He said local communities have made it very clear where they stand: theyve opposed oil and gas development in their waters for decades.



Theyre areas where our people have hunted and commercially fished for quite a long time, Ahmasuk said. Its where we make our living. So were quite concerned about the aggressive nature of this draft proposed program.



The Trump administration has stressed that this proposal is just a draft. The Interior Department can remove areas from the final plan, depending on feedback from communities.



The proposal will be open for public comment starting Monday, Jan. 8. The comment period will last for the next two months.

 Alaska Public Media 2016. All rights reserved.

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.Chinese-flagged fishing vessel arrested by Liberian Coast Guard could lead to $1 mn fine

January 07,2018 | Source: MarEx

On January 2, the Chinese-flagged fishing vessel Guo Ji 809 was arrested by the Liberian Coast Guard with the assistance of the marine conservation organization Sea Shepherd for illegal fishing in the nation's waters. Fishing without a Liberian fishing license is the most serious offense under Liberian Fisheries Regulations and carries a fine of up to $1,000,000.



Sea Shepherds vessel M/Y Sam Simon detected the fishing vessel by radar as it navigated Liberian waters at a speed indicating trawling activity. A Liberian Coast Guard Boarding Team mobilized and found the vessel had just retrieved a trawl net. The vessel had been issued a Liberian fishing license, but the license had expired on December 31, 2017. The Guo Ji 809 had continued to fish into the new year, both on January 1 and 2, allegedly against the advice of the Liberian Fisheries Observer on board, who admitted that the vessel was actively engaged in fishing.



The Guo Ji 809 was placed under arrest and is now detained in the port of Monrovia awaiting prosecution.



Since February 2017, under the name Operation Sola Stella, Sea Shepherd been assisting the government of Liberia to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by providing the use of a civilian offshore patrol vessel operating in Liberian waters, under the direction of the Liberian Ministry of National Defense. Since Operation Sola Stella commenced almost one year ago, Sea Shepherd has assisted the Liberian Coast Guard to arrest eight fishing vessels involved in illegal fishing.



The arrest of the Guo Ji 809 highlights the need for constant vigilance at sea, said Brownie Samukai, Minister of National Defense for Liberia. Although Operation Sola Stella has brought an end to incursions of unlicensed foreign industrial fishing vessels, we must be equally invested in controlling vessels that are, or have been, licensed to fish in Liberia.



Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to IUU fishing, which accounts for up to 40 percent of the fish caught in West African waters.

 2018 The Maritime Executive, LLC. All rights reserved.

Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods.The war of words between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath refuses to end.

The Karnataka Chief Minister today sharpened his attack on Yogi Adityanath and called him a "supporter of Nathuram Godse".

Slamming the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said, "I don't need to learn Hindutva from Yogi". "Yogi has jungle raj in Uttar Pradesh," he added.

A twitter war broke out between the two chief ministers yesterday (Sunday). Siddaramaiah took a swipe at Yogi's visit to poll-bound Karnataka and said "there is a lot you can learn from us, Sir".

"When you are here please visit an Indira canteen and a ration shop. It will help you address the starvation deaths sometimes reported from your state," the Karnataka Chief Minister tweeted.

I welcome UP CM Shri @myogiadityanath to our state. There is a lot you can learn from us Sir. When you are here please visit a Indira Canteen & a ration shop. It will help you address the starvation deaths sometimes reported from your state. #YogiInBengaluru https://t.co/lj0m4fMphC - Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 7, 2018

Hitting back at Siddaramaiah, Yogi Adityanath said, "I heard number of farmers committing suicide in Karnataka was highest in your regime, not to mention the numerous deaths and transfer of honest officers".

Yogi said that "as UP CM, I am working to undo the misery and lawlessness unleashed by your allies" before thanking his counterpart in Karnataka for the "welcome".

Thank you for the welcome @siddaramaiah ji. I heard number of farmers committing suicide in Karnataka was highest in your regime, not to mention the numerous deaths and transfer of honest officers. As UP CM I am working to undo the misery and lawlessness unleashed by your allies. - Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 7, 2018

A total of 224 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, currently ruled by the Congress government, will go to polls this year.

(Inputs from Nolan Pinto in Bengaluru)

Yogi Adityanath a Nathuram Godse supporter, don't need his Hindutva lessons: Karnataka CM SiddaramaiahAmazon's Alexa is set to make its debut on Windows 10 PCs this year. Although we do not have any hardware to vouch for yet, we -- at least -- have some information about OEMs who're planning to integrate Alexa into a range of Windows 10 laptops and desktops, slated for release this year. Acer is one as the Taiwanese company just announced - ahead of CES 2018 -- that Amazon's Alexa will be coming to select Aspire, Spin, Switch and Swift notebooks, as well as Aspire all-in-one PCs starting from Q1 2018. HP, Lenovo and Asus are other hardware partners on-board to get Alexa up and running on their devices in the days to come.

"Acer is excited to be among the first brands to bring Alexa to PCs," Jerry Kao, president of IT Products Business of Acer Inc said while making the announcement. "With industry-leading audio technology across our portfolio, we're providing consumers the possibility to interact with multiple voice services on their notebook or desktop. Alexa lets users do thousands of things and we're now bringing those capabilities natively to PCs."

Amazon Alexa will initially be available in the US, according to Acer, via an update rolled out through its Acer Care Center, while "wider support is expected to be rolled out mid-2018." It is this app that will also listen for the Alexa wake word, but, users will probably be able to interact with the assistant using a keyboard. New and upcoming devices feasible for Alexa integration must - as prerequisite - support far-field voice recognition to ensure a seamless experience.

Also Read: Amazon Echo Plus review: Alexa will hear you now

"We're delighted that Acer will bring Alexa to PC customers," Steve Rabuchin, vice president, Amazon Alexa said. "Hands-free access to Alexa on PCs can be helpful to customers in many ways, like making it simple to interact with your smart home, get news or weather, set timers, and more. This is a big step toward making Alexa available wherever customers might need her."

When up and running, you simply have to say, "Alexa (or your chosen wake word), followed by a command, and Amazon's virtual assistant will make it happen provided it's within its range of capabilities. The list of Alexa commands is expansive and grows with every new service or device it supports. You can ask Alexa to play music. You can set an alarm. You can set timers, create to-do lists, check for weather, traffic and news. So on and so forth.

For those looking for an alternate opinion, there's always Cortana but it must be understood that this integration is different from the partnership that Microsoft and Amazon announced last year - to integrate Alexa and Cortana together by the end of 2017. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be even as Amazon is now taken a different route to ensure Alexa can chart uncharted territories. There are also smart AR glasses on the horizon now, by the way.It's that time of year again. Last year we made 7 predictions for 2017. By our count we went 7 for 7. So with 2018 primed to be a big year for platforms, here are our 8 predictions for platform businesses in 2018.

1. No mainstream blockchain breakthrough, but several more cryptocurrencies explode in value

The Bitcoin and blockchain hype train rolls on. Much like AR and VR a year ago, Bitcoin is getting its moment in the media spotlight This year Bitcoin peaked just shy of $20,000 before cratering back to earth. But it still ended the year up 16x over its value on January 1, 2017, when it just topped $1,000. We aren't predicting where it will end up this time next year - truthfully, nobody knows.

So far, most of Bitcoin's, and the blockchain's value is speculative. Despite a massive influx of investment and speculative cash this year, they still have no proven mainstream applications. Expect that to continue for 2018. While blockchain technology remains promising, there are still a host of challenges left to solve before it's ready for prime time. It's still at least a couple years away.

2. Major tech unicorns start to go public

Last year produced a solid pipeline of tech IPOs, but 2018 should be even bigger. This year should see the first wave of the mega-unicorn platform startups going public.

While Uber is likely still more than a year away - not withstanding its cultural and legal problems, the company still has to figure out a path to profitability - Airbnb and Lyft look like contenders to go public. Other outside contenders include Slack and Pinterest. Airbnb, reportedly already profitable, is our pick for this year, but expect at least two major platform startups to hit public markets in the next twelve months.

3. IoT gains traction with machine manufacturers

The Internet of Things hype cycle has come and gone over the last few years with little to show for it in terms of mainstream success. Yet in the background, investment and enthusiasm has been building for IoT in the industrial sector. Though GE has struggled and failed to achieve its goal of becoming a modern monopoly around the Internet of Things, many other companies have been experimenting successfully.

We expect 2018 to be the year where many of these smaller investments start to pay off. Early platform players will emerge this year in this area.

While it may take a few years for the winners to emerge, the Industrial Internet of Things will start to take practical shape in 2018.

4. Large US platform companies take cues from China and start experimenting with more financial services

In China, Alibaba's spinoff company, Ant Financial, has sparked a revolution in financial services. In a country that has lacked for consumer investment options, Ant and Alibaba rival Tencent have built large financial services platforms on top of their payment platforms.

Platforms in the U.S., both blessed with and challenged a much more robust financial services sector, have looked at their Chinese counterparts with envy. But slowly, this gap has started to narrow. Amazon, for example, has successfully been lending to merchants on its marketplace.

Over the next year, expect to see more of the major platforms experiment with offering financial products. The potential here is massive, and many banks aren't exactly popular with consumers. While progress will be much slower than it was in China, for the major U.S. platforms it's too big to ignore.

5. Walmart continues its success due to Jet.com and its renewed platform approach

One of the biggest platform stories of the last year was Walmart's newfound success. After years of failing in its efforts to combat Amazon, Walmart gained ground. Its acquisition of Jet.com has paid off handsomely as Walmart has begun to win back digital customers and merchants to its marketplace as well as to Jet's.

This stark reversal will continue in 2018, as Walmart truly emerges as the second dominant player behind Amazon for ecommerce marketplaces. As we wrote at the time, Walmart's acquisition of Jet was an expensive price to pay for second place, but it's a move that will prove well worth the investment.

6. Alexa continues to explode, but competition increases

This is the first of our predictions that continue from last year. After multiple failed attempts at building development platforms, we predicted that Alexa would be a big success. And in 2017, it was. Over the last year, Alexa has gone from a voice service on a handful of niche devices to a platform present on a growing number of hardware devices - many of them not made by Amazon - and supported by a large developer ecosystem.

Alexa's success will continue in 2018, as it has become a centerpiece of Amazon's future growth. However, given the promise of voice as a new interface, all the major platforms will continue to pour investment into their own voice development platforms. So far Google is the largest competitor, but expect to see more in 2018 from Facebook, Microsoft and others, such as Baidu in China. For now, Alexa remains the dominant number one in voice, but by the end of the year we expect a clear challenger to emerge.

7. Modern monopolies face more political scrutiny

This was another of our predictions from last year - that platforms would become hot-button political topics. And boy did they ever. From fake news to Uber's legal troubles, Google's antitrust case in the EU, and the occasional presidential rant about Amazon, platforms were never far from the media and political spotlight.

And this issue isn't going anywhere soon. Given platforms growing economic dominance, the unresolved challenge of how they should be handled politically will gather more attention this year. So far, these discussions have resulted in a lot of opinion pieces but little actual legislation. In 2018, that will likely start to change, as governments grapple with the economic and political implications of the growth of modern monopolies.

8. More linear players engage in platform innovation by either building or buying

Last year we predicted that more linear enterprises would look at platform startups as big acquisition targets. And 2017 saw a host of major platform acquisitions, including IKEA buying Taskrabbit, Caterpillar acquiring Yard Club and Wyndham Hotels buying Love Home Swap. Verizon also finally bought Yahoo, which includes platforms like Tumblr. Other enterprises have taken a build approach, such as Klockner, a German metals company that announced at its recent Capital Markets Day its plans to launch a marketplace in 2018.

In 2018, we will see this trend continue in a big way, as more large enterprises come under pressure from platform businesses. Those who don't launch platforms, like Grainger in 2017, will continue to struggle. While those that embrace platform innovation like Walmart will see much greater success.Oprah Winfrey didn't just win the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes on Sunday night. She stole the entire show.

The media mogul became the first African American woman to win the award, and she used her acceptance speech to raise awareness of sexual harassment and assault. While that was the theme of the evening, with most celebrities wearing black in solidarity with the Time's Up movement and speaking about the issues, Winfrey's rousing message celebrated the people who've fought for women and marked the beginning of a new era.

Winfrey, who has long been a champion of women and is no stranger to public speaking, used her platform expertly. Here's why she nailed every lesson you ever needed to know about public speaking.

1. She took note of the audience.

Winfrey was careful to take note of everyone listening--not just the celebrities in the room, but also the people watching at home.

"So I want tonight to express gratitude to all the women who have endured years of abuse and assault because they, like my mother, had children to feed and bills to pay and dreams to pursue. They're the women whose names we'll never know."

2. She shared a personal story to emphasize her message.

Winfrey described watching the Oscars in 1964 as Sidney Poitier (who also won the Cecil B. DeMille Award, in 1982) became the first African American to win an Academy Award and how that changed history.

She noted that a new generation of young women may experience the same feeling watching her:

"It is not lost on me that at this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this same award. It is an honor and it is a privilege to share the evening with all of them and also with the incredible men and women who have inspired me, who challenged me, who sustained me, and made my journey to this stage possible."

3. Her words sparked emotions that were compelling.

In her speech, Winfrey also highlighted the life of Recy Taylor, an African American woman who was abducted and raped by six white men in 1944. Taylor didn't get the justice she deserved and died less than two weeks ago.

"She lived, as we all have lived, too many years in a culture broken by brutally powerful men," she said, and her words sparked emotions of anger and, at the same time, the motivation to fight for change. Winfrey vowed to keep telling the stories of women and men, and specifically the courage they've embodied during life's most trying times.

4. She ended on a positive note that united the crowd.

"So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon," Winfrey said as she closed her speech. And, while she touted the bravery of many women, she made sure not to exclude the men in the room:Reid Hoffman, co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn, speaks onstage at <em>The New York Times'</em> New Work Summit on March 1, 2016, in Half Moon Bay, California. Getty Images

I've been following Wharton's top-rated professor Adam Grant as well as Dan Pink, one of the 10 most-influential management thinkers in the world, for years now. Whenever they have some new scientific insight to impart about things related to productivity or positive psychology, I tune in.

For this piece, Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn co-founder and partner at the venture capital firm Greylock Partners, also caught my attention for his interesting take on networking.

Without further ado, here are three useful success strategies that I hope will not only brighten your day but also illuminate your business or work in 2018.

1. Develop your "network intelligence."

In his 2014 book, The Alliance: Managing Talent in the Networked Age, Hoffman, one of the most well-connected people in tech, emphasizes why networking is critical for success. No, we're not talking about referral networks at your local chamber meetings. For starters, he says that managers should create a culture in which employees -- whatever function, team, or business unit -- connect with one another as well as with external contacts. Hoffman expands further:

Here's what most people do when problem solving. They schedule a meeting with all the smart people at their company who might have ideas. That's a good first step -- talk to people. [But] the most valuable professional information is often in other people's heads. Great information and insight from the people you know can be a significant competitive advantage. We call it ... network intelligence. When it comes to knowledge in a highly networked era, who you know is often more valuable than what you've read.

And when faced with a truly difficult problem, Hoffman advises that you extend your network outwardly. He says:

There are more smart people in the world who do not work at your company than the total number of smart people who work at your company. So look beyond your office. If you do, your team becomes a whole lot bigger.

2. Stop the fake schmoozing and create something of value to capture attention.

We've all heard that it's "who you know" that will open up doors and take you far. Well, to a certain point. Adam Grant, author of the mega-bestseller Give and Take, wrote in The New York Times that something of greater value will yield greater returns and enlarge your network: accomplishing great things that capture people's attention. Here's Grant for a case in point:

Spanx took off when Oprah Winfrey chose it as one of her favorite things of the year -- but not because she was stalked by the company's founder, Sara Blakely. For two and a half years, Ms. Blakely sold fax machines by day so that she could build her prototype of footless pantyhose by night. She sent one from the first batch to Ms. Winfrey.

And the rest is history. In 2012, Blakely was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. As of 2014, she is listed as the 93rd most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.

3. To be happier and more productive, take more breaks.

In Dan Pink's forthcoming book, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing," to be released tomorrow, he casts a light on the benefits of the ever-increasing workplace habit of taking short, frequent breaks. Pink states in The Wall Street Journal:

A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity showed that hourly five-minute walking breaks boosted energy levels, sharpened focus, and "improved mood throughout the day and reduced feelings of fatigue in the late afternoon." These "microbursts of activity," as the researchers called them, were also more valuable than a single 30-minute walking break. And regular short walking breaks increase motivation and concentration and enhance creativity, according to researchers at Stanford University.

Pink says that for maximum effect, research advises spending break time with others, because "social breaks" have been found to "minimize physical strain, cut down on medical errors, and even reduce staff turnover."

For the most replenishing effects, take a colleague with you on a nature break. Here's Pink on the science:

A 2011 study found that people who took a short walk outdoors returned feeling happier and more rested than people who walked indoors. What's more, while people predicted they'd be happier being outside, they underestimated how much happier.Why is meditation essential to brainstorming innovative ideas? originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.

Answer by Samantha Radocchia, Co-Founder at Chronicled, on Quora:

When a child does something wrong, most parents ground them or put them in time-out.

When I was a kid, my parents made me write essays about what I did wrong. It forced me to contemplate what I'd done, the rules I'd broken, and how I could avoid getting in trouble again.

It was a different approach--one that was influenced by my dad's Buddhism and his beliefs about meditation. He spent time traveling in Nepal, and when he came back, he applied what he had learned to his business and life.

As a kid, I thought it was fun to meditate in the spare bedroom he had converted to a meditation room. It was full of prayer rugs and crystals, and it always smelled like incense.

But as I got older and began to develop my own sense of self and independence, I began to really understand the benefits of meditation. I faced quite a few challenges running my first company. I knew that meditation was something I could rely on. Not just in my personal life, but also in the business world.

Whether professional or personal, here's how meditation makes for better brainstorming:

1. Takes Your Ego Out Of The Equation.

I don't mean "ego" in the way that we often use it--a way to describe someone's level of pride or arrogance. I mean it in a more natural way, as in the construction of your identity that influences how you interact with people.

When you meditate, it helps you understand "ego death." This is basically the ability to put your ego aside in order to better focus on the people around you. You'd be surprised at how much this can improve your interactions and thought processes in the business world.

Take sales, for instance. To be a good salesperson, you have to put your motivations aside. You can't think about what your goals are, but instead must think about what the customer's motivations and goals are. Those motivations are what you're trying to sell to, right?

It's the same when you meet an investor and want them to fund your business. You need to understand their motivations if you plan to convince them to give you money.

2. Teaches Active Listening

Have you ever been in a conversation and felt like the other person wasn't really listening to you? Probably so. It felt like they were talking at you, not absorbing and using what you were saying to them.

Without active listening, the conversation doesn't flow. It doesn't follow a pattern. Nothing is really being accomplished and no new ideas are discovered. That's what happens when one or more people in a conversation are not practicing active listening.

Active listening is crucial to having meaningful conversations and building strong relationships. It makes you focus on what the other person is saying, shut down the running commentary in your mind, and actually contemplate what they're telling you.

And mediation is a great way to exercise that muscle in your mind. It helps you set yourself aside and quiet the inner voice while having a conversation.

I've been in office meetings where, before we'd get into any meaningful discussion, everyone meditated for five to ten minutes. After, we'd engage from that point. This keeps your mind from wandering and primes you to focus on what other people are saying. It's a really useful activity when you need to brainstorm and investigate a particular topic.

3. Increases Your Receptivity To New Ideas

Brainstorming is all about looking for new ideas, examining old ideas in new ways, and diving deep into the layers of a given subject. Meditation helps put you into a receiving state, a state where you're open to new thoughts and perspectives.

In the business world, unfortunately, things are very focused around "doing." We have to do this or that. We have to get something done right away. But mediation allows you to turn that on its head. You do something by not doing anything. I'll give you an example.

I like to sit and meditate, but I also like to get outside and walk. I'll pace around the block just to get myself in motion, because that's when I'm the most meditative and alive. Things just start coming together. And that's because I'm quieting some of the chatter in my mind.

I'm not focused on doing anything; I'm just walking. That opens up space in my mind for the reception of new ideas. I'm able to quiet my mind, make connections, perceive things that aren't as obvious.

I believe it's a mistake for anyone to dismiss meditation as "not for me." You don't have to be particularly spiritual to experience the benefits of quieting your mind and focusing on new ideas. Give it a try and see if you notice a difference in the quality of ideas you generate.A man was charged in connection with the death

The family of a Japanese man killed as he walked to work in an apparently random attack last week have said they hope his death will not create a bad impression of Ireland.

Yosuke Sasaki, 24, originally from Ebina, west of Tokyo, had been living in the country for a year after coming to study English and deciding to stay.

He worked in the National Pen call centre in Dundalk, Co Louth.

While hundreds of people attended a candlelit vigil in the town centre on Monday night to remember Mr Sasaki, his family issued a statement through the Japanese embassy in Dublin.

"We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the kindness the people of Ireland have shown," the Sasaki family said.

"When he was alive, our son spoke about the warmth of the people of this town and his love of Dundalk.

"He came to Ireland initially as a language student and only intended a short stay.

"However, he was touched by the kindness of the Irish people and he decided to work here.

"As a family, we are truly saddened by what has happened, but we hope that this incident will not give Japanese people a bad impression of Ireland."

The Sasaki family paid tribute to ambulance crews, gardai, the National Pen Limited where their son worked, Oliver Morgan who set up the GoFundMe page to help with repatriation costs, embassy staff and Louth County Council who organised the candlelight vigil.

"Finally, we hope that a tragic event like this one will never happen in this country again," they said.

Mr Sasaki died after being targeted in what is believed to have been a random attack on Avenue Road in Dundalk shortly before 9am last Wednesday as he made his way to the office.

An Egyptian man, aged 18, has been charged with murder.

Two other men attacked in separate incidents following the killing are recovering from their injuries.

The Japanese embassy said it wished to extend sincere gratitude to members of the Irish public who have sent messages expressing their condolences.She is Ireland's woman of the moment - even being hailed the country's very own Meryl Streep.

Saoirse Ronan's Golden Globes success has catapulted her among Hollywood royalty.

Irish stand-up comedian and actress Deirdre O'Kane was one of the first to congratulate her fellow countrywoman on her gong.

"Over the moon about Saoirse Ronan's golden globe... she is our Meryl Streep, a HUGE talent and a beautiful human being, that's all.." she Tweeted.

Ireland's Culture Minister Josepha Madigan said she was delighted for the 23-year-old Carlow woman.

The Fine Gael TD also praised Irish writer-director Martin McDonagh on his Golden Globe win.

"Saoirse Ronan and Martin McDonagh are both wonderfully charismatic people and their success in winning Golden Globes, which are such significant international awards, are indicative of their immense talent and versatility as artists.

"I would like to send my best wishes to both on their success and I am sure their personal achievements last night will be welcomed by all in the Irish film industry," the minister said.

The small national school in the village of Ardattin in Co Carlow, where Saoirse studied as a young girl, suddenly became the focus of the media on Monday.

Principal Laura Vance was inundated with calls about the school's most famous ex-pupil.

It was here at the rural school that a young Saoirse juggled her studies with her television and film work.

Her mother and father Monica and Paul Ronan, both from Dublin, had returned to live in the area when Saoirse was three, after 11 years living in New York.

Her first acting job was on RTE's The Clinic, which also starred her father, when she was just nine years old.

A part in the TV series Proof followed, before she was cast in the Michelle Pfeiffer movie I Could Never Be Your Woman.

By the age of 13 she was nominated for an Oscar in the best supporting actress category for her role in the film Atonement.

She then played a child assassin in Hanna and a pastry chef who helps break a man out of prison in The Grand Budapest Hotel.

She earned her second Oscar nomination for her role as an Irish immigrant who makes her way to 1950s New York in Brooklyn.

The 23-year-old finally won her gong on Sunday night for her role in the coming-of-age comedy-drama Lady Bird, leading to floods of tributes to "Ireland's leading lady".

Tourism Ireland Tweeted: "Congrats to Ireland's leading lady, Saoirse Ronan, on her #GoldenGlobe win for her role in the movie Lady Bird! Martin McDonagh's film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, won a whopping four awards, including Best Motion Picture - Drama!"

The Irish Embassy in the US also Tweeted: "Many congrats to Saoirse Ronan for #GoldenGlobes award for best actress for #LadyBird!"Laser beams could be shone on to Highland hillsides in a bid to protect flocks of sheep from Britains biggest bird of prey.

The technology is to be trialled in Argyll in an area where crofters and farmers have repeatedly complained that Scotlands white-tailed sea eagles are taking their livestock.

The unusual move will be tried along with other measures, including cutting down trees close to one lambing area in a bid to stop the huge raptors nesting in them and preying on lambs.

The conservation agency Scottish Natural Heritage said the trials would be "carefully monitored, with lasers being shone on to the hills and not directly at birds.

David Colthart, a farmer and member of the Argyll and Lochaber Sea Eagle Stakeholder Group, said not all sea eagles were a problem but some did prey on lambs.

He added that if the laser trial was successful it could be rolled out under licence to other areas where the birds were causing problems.

Farmers and crofters in areas including the Isle of Skye and the Gairloch peninsula have complained of the birds killing lambs and larger ewe hoggs (sheep up to 18 months old).

Last May, a photograph emerged of a sea eagle carrying a new born lamb in its talons as it flew over the village of North Connel in Argyll.

The rare raptors are have been the subject since 1975 of a successful, but controversial, reintroduction programme in different parts of Scotland, most recently on the east coast.

Ross Lilley, SNH's sea eagle project manager, said the "serious concerns" of some farmers and crofters about the impact of sea eagles on livestock had been acknowledged.

He added: "At this point, no trials on laser-scaring deterrents for sea eagles have been undertaken.

"They are under consideration along with other options. A carefully monitored trial will be critical to make sure lasers are a safe and effective method before we proceed any further."

A report in 2016 predicted the number of sea eagles was likely to reach around 220 pairs by 2025, with potential for a much larger population by 2040. Sea eagles became extinct in the UK in 1916, largely due to persecution.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]Existing government policy, related to forestry, will decimate the social fabric of Co. Leitrim, according to Independent MEP Marian Harkin.

Harkin said local groups are determined to challenge a policy which, they contend, encourages pension funds, corporations and large farmers from outside of Co. Leitrim to purchase land for afforestation.

In 2016, there was a 150pc surge in the levels of forestry planted by non-farmers, according to Department of Agriculture figures. Counties with the highest proportion of non-farming investors - more than 40pc - include: Leitrim, Longford, Clare and Cavan.

Harkin says such investment was designed to provide either carbon credits, to offset future charges that could arise from intensive farming or to avail of substantial grant aid and tax free returns on investment in forestry.

An immediate and effective response was required from those who believe that trees should not replace population in the coming decade, she said.

Official statistics indicated that Leitrim had the second highest acreage of forestry at 16.7pc, just behind Wicklow at 17.7pc, she said.

These figures are out of date and evidence on the ground from speaking to people in Leitrim strongly suggest that this figure of 16.7pc has significantly increased.

This is a serious issue currently for farmers in Co. Leitrim, and their communities who, under present government policies, cannot compete for the land needed to ensure their future viability in farming and vital to the retention, and necessary increase, of population to ensure local community viability, she said.

Harkin said when land was planted under current regulations, it really meant that it can never again be brought back to support food production and it also meant cutting off and displacing families and communities, she said.

It is very clear from planning policy on afforestation that it was much easier to plant trees than build a home.

Co. Leitrim had, over the decades, being faced with a consistent attempt to replace farming with tree production and to do so without concern for the communities affected, she said.

The prospect that Ireland faces substantial EU fines for failure to meet emissions targets has further encouraged policies which incentivise blanket forestry with little diversity of species,

Grants and tax breaks effectively meant that farmers wishing to achieve future viability could not compete for land in the areas concerned, she maintained.

She urged all concerned with the issue of excessive afforestation in Co. Leitrim to come together to see what structure could be established to assist farmers to acquire land offered for sale, especially land adjoining theirs which would help to make a holding capable of sustaining a family farm into the future.Google today celebrates the 110th birth anniversary of Mary Ann Evans, Bollywood's original stunt woman, popularly known by her stage name as Fearless Nadia.

Born on this day, in 1908 in Perth, Australia, Blue-eyed Nadia was one of the first women in Bollywood to challenge the stereotyped image of actresses in Bollywood. She chose to swing from chandeliers, jump off from speeding trains, and tame lions instead of portraying herself as some damsel in distress.

Nadia came to Bombay with her father when she was 5 years old. Her family had to move to Peshawar after her father's was killed by Germans during World War I. There she learned ropes of outdoor living like horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and shooting. She returned to India in 1928 with her mother and her son. She changed her name to Nadia after an American fortune teller suggested her to do so for her successful career. Nadia first joined a touring dance troupe in Bombay, then the Zarco Circus. She was cast in cameos before striking upon the winning film formula: Fearless Nadia, action heroine.

In her first lead role, JBH Wadia's 1935 film Hunterwali (The Lady of the Whip), Fearless Nadia was seen on the screen in leather shorts, a mask, and cape, performing all of her own stunts. She later went on to do number of movies doing all her stunts by herself. It was one of the first female-led Indian films.

After leaving the cameras behind in the early 60's, Riyad Wadia, her great grand nephew, in 1993 made a documentary on her titled as Fearless: The Hunterwali Story . In recent times, Kangana Ranaut's role in Vishal Bharadwaj's movie Rangoon is inspired by Nadia. Nadia passed away on 9 January 1996 when she was 88 year old. She took her last breath in Mumbai.Irish oil and gas exploration company Aminex has announced that discussions with the Tanzanian authorities and engineering firms with respect to the management and drilling of the Ntorya-3 well are on-going.

A tender process is in progress for a rig to drill Ntorya-3, as well as for other exploration and development drilling in the Ntorya gas field, and potentially other assets which the company operates in Tanzania, Aminex said in a statement today.

The company also advised that total gross production from the Kiliwani North-1 well in 2017 was approximately 3.6 billion cubic feet.

The well produced 95 million cubic feet of gas during the month of December without intervention and due to natural pressure recharge.

In order to maximise recovery from Kiliwani North-1, Aminex and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation are working together on the installation of compression facilities, the company said in a statement to the Stock Exchange.

The company said that it is currently reprocessing existing seismic data over the Kiliwani North block and the adjoining Nyuni Area acreage close to the Songo Songo Island gas processing plant, with the aim of identifying potential new drilling targets that could be brought on stream relatively quickly to supplement gas production from the existing Kiliwani North-1 well.

Aminex also confirmed that an independent report was currently being prepared, which will provide an update on all of its Tanzanian permits. The report is expected to be completed early this year.

"Positive discussions are ongoing with the Tanzanian authorities to progress the outstanding Ntorya Development Licence application and shareholders will be updated as significant milestones are achieved," Aminex said.

Providence Resources

Meanwhile Irish oil and gas exploration company Providence Resources has announced the appointment of Mirabaud Securities as joint broker to the company.

Mirabaud will take up the broker role with immediate effect and will work alongside the company's existing Corporate Brokers, Cenkos Securitiesc and J&E Davy.Amryt Pharma, which is focused on finding treatments for rare and orphan diseases. (Stock image)

Irish-listed Amryt Pharma, which is focused on finding treatments for rare and orphan diseases, has signed a distribution agreement for the companys Lojuxta (lomitapide) product in Switzerland.

The agreement is with RCC Pharma, a Swiss pharmaceutical company with expertise in early access programs in rare and orphan diseases.

Lojuxta is a treatment for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia ("HoFH"), a rare, life-limiting disease, which impairs the body's ability to remove bad cholesterol from the blood.

The disease process starts before birth and progresses rapidly and typically results in extremely high bad cholesterol levels in blood, leading to aggressive and premature narrowing and blocking of blood vessels.

Left untreated, heart attack or sudden death may occur in childhood or early adulthood.

Amryt estimates that there are currently approximately 15 patients with HoFH in Switzerland.

"This new distribution agreement with RCC marks another key step as we expand our footprint for Lojuxta across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa," Dr. Joe Wiley, CEO of Amryt, said.

"We continue to work on further partnerships across our licensed territories for Lojuxta, and look forward to announcing further developments."

The new agreement follows a distribution agreement, announced in November, which covers Amryt's products for Saudi Arabia.

Amryt acquired exclusive marketing rights for Lojuxta in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Israel in December 2016.Heather Humphreys has said she won't rush into a decision to relax the work-permits regime to let in low-skilled workers from outside Europe.

The Business, Enterprise and Innovation Minister said that while her department is carrying out a review of the employment permits system as the economy booms and unemployment falls, she does not want to "displace Irish workers".

Her department claims to be coming under pressure to open up the permits system to allow "lower-skilled workers" in certain sectors.

"We're carrying out a review of the employment permits system. We've got to be cognisant of the fact that there's 6pc unemployment in the country still, so there are 244,000 people unemployed in this country and 18.5 million unemployed right across Europe," Ms Humphreys told the Irish Independent.

"But having said that, I recognise that if there are skill shortages, we do need to look at that and that will form part of the review."

Asked if she was minded to loosen the rules, the minister added: "I do need to carry out the review first and I want to look at it carefully."

"I don't want to rush into making decisions because the one thing that I don't want to do is displace Irish workers and we do want to press down the unemployment figures."Conde Nast has named Irish woman Samantha Barry as the new editor-in-chief of Glamour.

One of the biggest fashion and beauty media brands in the world, Glamour attracts more than 15 million consumers across social, 10 million in print, and 7 million digital each month.

Barry, from Cork, is the eight editor to assume the role which will see her oversee all content development, production and consumer experiences for Glamour's digital, social, video and print platforms.

She previously served as executive producer for social and emerging media at CNN Worldwide, where she led the social teams across all CNN bureaus and developed strategy for editorial teams working across publishing, news-gathering, digital and TV.

Sam is Glamours first digital-native editor which is to say she arrives from the future rather than the past, said Anna Wintour, artistic director of Conde Nast.

As an editor she has led all manner of news coverage from the 2016 Presidential election and the horrific Las Vegas mass shooting to the love story voicemails and the 2018 New Years Eve festivities. Sam understands social media as a tool for storytelling and reporting; a way to support social conversation and the ever changing contours of whats cool.

"Sam is fearless like so many leaders of the moment and has both a reverence for Glamours history and a crystal clear view of its future in the digital environment.

Read More

Speaking about her new role, Barry added, I am as humbled by Glamours past as I am excited about Glamours future.

I could not be more proud to take the reigns of an iconic womens brand at this pivotal moment for all womens voices. For me, Glamour is the home of strong storytellers, insightful journalism, beauty and fashion. I look forward to building on the brands success, and sharing Glamour with audiences everywhere.

While at CNN, Barry spearheaded CNN's 2016 Election coverage across social platforms, which received the first ever Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in social media and a Webby Award recognizing the same 2016 campaign work.

Barry kick started her career, after a degree in English and a Masters in Journalism from DCU, as a reporter with a late-night internship at 2Fm followed by roles as a reporter and producer on RTE Radio 1's Morning Ireland.

She also reported on breaking news with Newstalk before spending 18 months in Papau New Guinea with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

After joining BBC World News, Barry then travelled and worked in many different countries as a social media producer and a journalist  using platforms as a tool for news gathering and audience building.

She has also worked as a social media and technology trainer for the U.S. State Department, the United States Institute of Peace and Internews and she is a 2016 fellow of Columbia University School's prestigious Sulzberger executive program and is a guest lecturer at Yale.

Her new role begins on January 15.A trend where families declare themselves as homeless post-Christmas is set to bring a spike in the number of people seeking accommodation and support this month.

Charities and organisations working in the homeless sector predict a sharp rise in the number of new families declaring as homeless in the coming days and weeks, putting a strain on resources and increasing demand for temporary and permanent accommodation. They say the trend has been prevalent since the housing crisis began.

It comes as figures compiled by Fianna Fail show the Government has repeatedly missed targets to address the housing crisis.

The figures show the Government has failed to deliver on targets to complete rapidbuild schemes, add social housing units to the national stock and missed goals to acquire, repair and lease properties to relieve the housing crisis.

Under the Rebuilding Ireland initiative, the Government aims to provide 50,000 social housing direct-build units by 2021. This target included completing 3,200 units in 2017, but fewer than a quarter of these (773) were finished before Christmas.

A repair and lease initiative rolled out by Tanaiste Simon Coveney last February aimed to deliver up to 800 units in 2017 but failed to provide any new homes. A separate rapid-build programme was to provide 800 new units but only 76 were completed.

Added to this are the 4,200 properties identified by Nama as potentially available for social housing that were rejected by local authorities or sold to other buyers.

These missed targets will put further pressure on the housing market as charities and local authorities prepare for a January spike in the number of families becoming homeless.

Many families wait until after the Christmas holidays to seek support so their children can get through the festive period as comfortably as possible. Many stay with friends or family during December under the condition they seek support early in the new year.

Landlords are also reluctant to evict tenants in the run-up to Christmas and are more likely to issue a notice to quit in January.

Focus Ireland director of advocacy Mike Allen said January was a challenging time for homeless charities to respond to the demand for their services.

"With families presenting as homeless there is a very distinct pattern," he said. "Usually there is a fall-off in newly presenting families in December and then a spike in January. That has been the pattern since this crisis started. The highest January spike was in 2016 when 125 presented themselves as homeless. The month before, only 41 families had presented as homeless. There is absolutely no reason to believe that [trend] will be any different this time around.

"It puts extra difficulty in finding emergency accommodation for those families."

Dublin Region Homeless Executive reports show a further 87 families declared themselves homeless last January, and charities expect another spike this month. In its two most recent reports on the reasons for family homelessness, the executive has cited a growing trend of families deferring the decision to access homeless supports until after the festive period.

Peter McVerry Trust CEO Pat Doyle said families were doing this to protect younger members of their families. He also hit out at Housing Agency chairman Conor Skehan, who last week claimed families were "gaming the system" by declaring themselves homeless to move up the housing waiting list.

"You often hear about a rise in January or a spike in July," said Mr Doyle.

"That is not a sudden spike. That is families planning it, telling relatives they can stay until the holidays, or until the kids finish their exams.

"That is not gaming the system. It is people putting off what is a very difficult decision.

"It would be far more productive if he [Mr Skehan] was to put down his five strategies for solving the housing crisis instead of making claims that are not backed up with hard evidence."

In the year to last July, 850 new families moved to emergency accommodation in Dublin. Of these, 380 (44.7pc) said they became homeless because they were unable to secure private rental accommodation and 341 were served with a notice to quit by their landlord.

Relationships breaking down contributed to 44.6pc of cases of family homelessness during this period. This includes 112 cases where families became homeless after the breakdown of a relationship with a parent, almost double the number who were homeless after leaving their partner (57).

Mr Doyle said these figures show the causes of homelessness are complicated.

"We have a dysfunctional private rental market. You have professionals who are living in that sector now because they can't get mortgages with the Central Bank's lending rules. They are paying exorbitant rents that a single parent could never afford, so there is nothing for him or her to fall back on."

He added that a surge in homelessness in the coming months would be very difficult for government and agencies to address.

"What worries me even more [than a January increase] is February and March," he said. "If we see a number in January and that is repeated in February and March, then that means something has gone amiss and it is getting worse."A complete overhaul of property tax has moved significantly closer after a dramatic intervention by the Minister for Housing, who says bills should no longer be solely based on the value of homes and the annual charge needs reform.

Minister Eoghan Murphy said the current property tax system is unfair on homeowners and needs to be significantly changed in the coming months.

"I would like to see a more fundamental change to how the local property tax is calculated, to one that isn't linked exclusively to the perceived market value of a home," he told the Sunday Independent.

At the same time, Minister for Transport Shane Ross also weighed into the debate by calling for waivers to be introduced for older people who live in expensive homes but could have a fixed source of income and may be "pension poor".

Property tax will move centre stage this week, when Mr Murphy holds his first meeting with Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe to review the controversial charge, which is seen as deeply unfair on Dublin homeowners.

Property tax bills are four times higher in parts of Dublin than in more rural parts of the country.

One in every three euro in property tax raised last year was paid to the four Dublin local authorities.

It is understood one of the new models being actively considered is the introduction of a nationwide property tax "banding" system, whereby factors such as location and local authority services would be taken into account when calculating how much homeowners should pay, rather than just the market price of property in the area.

Read More

Mr Murphy said he "would not make any assumptions" about property tax and insisted a number of proposals will be considered before a final decision is reached.

"I think solely having a tax that is linked to a perceived market value of a home isn't going to be fair on the homeowner in terms of their ability to pay, but neither will it necessarily meet the needs of the local authority in terms of its funding.

"So we are looking at new ways of potentially funding the local authorities using the property tax," the minister said.

Mr Ross is understood to have sought property tax waivers for pensioners in last year's budget negotiations but his proposal was shot down by Minister Donohoe.

However, waivers are expected to be considered as part of the forthcoming review.

The Minister for Transport told the Sunday Independent he considered the property tax a form of "double taxation" as in most cases homeowners had already paid stamp duty on their property.

"I think it is a tax which is very unfair in its implementation and very unfair to people living in Dublin," Minister Ross told the Sunday Independent.

This coming Wednesday is the deadline for homeowners to notify the Revenue Commissioner of their intention to pay the charge by credit card, debit card or cheque.

This is the last year of property tax payments before the freeze on rates expires in 2019.

Mr Murphy and Mr Donohoe's meeting this week will focus on establishing a cross-departmental review group, whose task will be reform of the property tax system.

TDs and senators, along with interest groups, will be invited to make submissions ahead of the final report.

A senior Fianna Fail source said the party would use its influence to prevent "massive increases" in property tax bills and seek to ensure charges are "as near as possible" to the current rates.

The source said property tax will be a "big issue" for the local elections in 2019, once the freeze on charges has expired.

"The main principle of property taxes - to allow for reinvestment into local services - is our policy, so once the tax is not exorbitant there will be room to manoeuvre," the source added.

Read More

There is great concern among homeowners whose properties have rocketed in value since the crash, who will face massive property tax bills once the freeze ends in 2019.

The Government is also anxious to break the link between property tax and house prices - not least because of concerns that if the property market crashed again, the revenue raised by the tax would plummet.

The property tax review is also set to spark another rural-vs-urban debate, as the vast majority of the 477m raised by the charge is received from Dublin householders.

Revenue Commission figures released last week show a third of the entire property tax raised last year was paid to the four Dublin local authorities. Homeowners in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown pay an average of 524, while the average in Donegal was 160 and in Leitrim only 130.

Government sources said the current system is unfair because it means the owner of a small apartment in Dublin will pay significantly more property tax than the owner of a large house in rural Ireland.

The current property tax system also sees revenue raised by Dublin local authorities redistributed to rural councils in which less money is raised.The technology industry's premier annual gathering kicks off this week with no women leading the keynote sessions and no code of conduct that might prevent incidents of sexual harassment, despite efforts by organizers to cast the show as a more inclusive event.

CES, the showcase for the latest consumer electronics from televisions to self-driving cars, is known for mostly male attendees and female models known as 'booth babes' showing off the new technology.

It has attracted criticism for not making itself more welcoming for women or toning down its sexualized atmosphere even as the issue of harassment and assault has grabbed headlines in the last six months and propelled the #MeToo movement into life.

"The fact that this large global gathering of tech leaders is totally ignoring this issue makes them completely tone deaf and irresponsible," said Liliana Aide Monge, chief executive of California coding school Sabio, who is skipping CES for the second year in a row because of the lack of women and minority speakers.

The organizers of CES, which opens its doors to nearly 200,000 attendees in Las Vegas on Tuesday, drew criticism last month from executives at Twitter and other tech companies for a keynote list dominated by white men.

CES made a concerted push to diversify its entire speaker lineup, but ultimately failed to find a high-ranking female executive for an individual keynote address.

"To keynote at CES, the speaker must head (president/CEO level) a large entity who has name recognition in the industry," said Karen Chupka, who oversees the event as senior vice president at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), in a blog post a month ago.

"As upsetting as it is, there is a limited pool when it comes to women in these positions. We feel your pain. It bothers us, too. The tech industry and every industry must do better."

On top of that, CES also will go forward without creating a code of conduct, a mechanism several conferences in technology and other industries have adopted in recent years to set rules for behavior for attendees, from guidelines on using inclusive language in presentations to requirements that attendees wear name tags at all events, even after hours, to deter misconduct.

"Its sad that CES doesnt have a code of conduct," said Y-Vonne Hutchinson, founder of ReadySet, a diversity-focused consulting firm. "They have a lot of influence. If theyre choosing not to leverage that to promote diversity and inclusion at large, that communicates to the rest of the industry that maybe it isnt as necessary as we keep saying that it is."

High Stakes

Evidence of the effect on shows safety and tone is mostly anecdotal, but several conferences with these codes, including hacker convention DEF CON, CoreOS Fest and Cloud Foundry Summit, say they have removed attendees after reports of harassment.

The stakes are high for the technology industry, rocked in the past year by a sexual harassment scandal at Uber and misconduct by some prominent Silicon Valley investors.

The organizers of CES say they expect attendees to heed their own companies standards of business conduct and will kick out anyone who behaves poorly, but will not introduce a set of guidelines.

"We dont necessarily have specific rules because we assume everyone will be held accountable to the standards of being in an office, said Chupka.

"Unacceptable" behavior would be addressed by the executive team and legal counsel as necessary, the CTA said. "We have the right at any time to revoke a show badge and/or trespass an individual." CES notes that it has received no reports of sexual harassment at the event in recent years.

Women subjected to uncomfortable situations at or near past CES gatherings told Reuters that they did not report incidents because they were too used to it or did not recognize there was a way to do so.

To change that thinking, the show is debuting a security app that lets attendees report issues from crimes to broken elevators. While there will be no effort to promote the app specifically as a way to report sexual harassment, attendees may do so, and CES said its lawyers will be ready to act.

Slush Code

The need for a code of conduct became apparent at Finland's Slush tech startup event in 2016 when multiple women spoke up about being inappropriately touched and receiving unwanted propositions for sex by male attendees as well as being ignored by investors who were only interested in working with male entrepreneurs.

The following year, it doubled security, trained staff on how to handle reports of harassment and instituted a code of conduct, including a requirement to wear name badges at all times as a way to make it easier for attendees to identify a harasser.

A similar approach has been adopted by some in the US tech industry. Salesforce.com's Dreamforce event, second only to CES in attendee numbers, added a code of conduct in 2014, while film, tech and music conference South by Southwest added one in 2016. Meanwhile, large conferences run by Oracle and RSA Security have not adopted such a code.

It remains to be seen if CES's lack of a code of conduct will prove costly.

Las Vegas' reputation for excess is part of the problem, said Liz Lopez, a tech marketing professional who has attended several industry conferences in the city.Samantha Barrys obsession with news  and the way that information was translated to the masses  was evident at an early age as she listened to RTE radio from her home in Ballincollig, Co Cork.

After a degree in English and a Masters in Journalism, Barry joined that team of reporters with a late-night internship at 2FM followed by roles as a reporter and a producer on Morning Ireland.

I was always fascinated by radio. When I became a lunchtime reporter with Newstalk, I got to report on breaking news so I needed to learn how to turn news around really fast, she told independent.ie.

Even at that stage, we were getting text messages from listeners wanting to offer information or respond.

But it was only while working abroad, particularly in her 18 months spent in Papua New Guinea with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), that Barry began to make the shift towards the technology and social media scene.

As technology has developed, in line with different platforms, we now have real-time interaction with stories. Social networks like Facebook have become not just about whats happening in the lives of our friends and colleagues  but its about whats happening in the world, a hyper global setting at the forefront.

After joining BBC World News, Barry then travelled and worked in many different countries as a social media producer and a journalist  using platforms as a tool for news gathering and audience building.

Hitting all social platforms 24/7

When Barry moved to CNN in September 2014, the timing was particularly exciting as the US election frenzy was really beginning to ramp up. And that had a positive impact for the growth of the social media scene.

I have been very lucky with great timing so, from the outset, I have had amazing buy in from the very top. They realised that social was something that we needed to really focus on.

Experimentation and collaboration was an opportunity that went hand in hand with the elections run-up for the CNN bosses. The group partnered with Facebook for one of the political debates, they were the first organisation to go Live on Facebook and, after launching on Snapchat  one of three messaging apps they launched on in the last year - CNN held interviews on the channel. This move helped reach an even younger but nonetheless eager audience.

Ive always been passionate about people; how they were consuming news on social media and the way that we reached out to each other, she said.

But its essential that we take each of the different social platforms and we look at them separately. The story is the same but how we news gather or deliver from these platforms will be targeted as they all have different demographics and they ingest and react to the news in different ways.

From influencers on Twitter to the visually focussed Instagram followers to the slightly older but strong audience on Facebook to getting news bites on Snapchat  Barry believes they all have an interest and all have a voice.

We know our audience across some platforms is younger but they have an appetite for news that is sometime overlooked. You adapt and tailor your storytelling to meet their needs. Not one size fits all.

Like most media agencies globally that use digital as an output method, the recognition of mobile as a key driver and being able to reach people anywhere at any time has become essential in a competitive market.

CNN was always about innovation: 24 hours a day on TV, on apps and on mobile web  I just wanted to make sure that this was sustained on social. Now we have 24/7 global publishing around the clock, manning and news gathering from social.

How CNN social team tackle a big news story

A perfect example of how the CNN social media team react to a global event is when Donald Trumps immigration ban became the leading news piece across every continent.

When the travel ban came into effect, as is the case with a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, the key people get aligned from the get go. From the news gathering team to the editor in chief...asking what are the stories we have, what do we need to get out and push in. We work closely with the bureaus about getting the stories out.

CNN set up a voicemail project so that those affected by the travel ban could leave a message that could then be reviewed and made available for listeners to tap in to. Feeds coming in via Facebook Live were monitored and desked as good place for viewers to watch unnarrated streams of live feeds.

We were in constant contact with our international colleagues to discuss how were dividing the different stories  and how we could output the one story across all of the different platforms, she said.

In the last two and a half years at CNN, Barry has shown her ambition to bringing her team to the forefront globally  and realises that its not something she can become complacent about.

I wanted us to be number 1 on the platform that we played on. Were competing for time and attention whether its watching a satirical show on Netflix or reading a newspaper column. The competitors of the past are not the same on social. We are always watching what other people/news agencies are doing.HMD Global has started rolling out Android 8.0 Oreo beta update for Nokia 6 -- 2017 -- in India, confirms Juho Sarvikas Chief Product Officer of HMD Global. The new Oreo update -- as mentioned above -- is a part of the Beta Labs program, hence not all Nokia 6 users may get the software update for the time being. However, if you are a Nokia 6 user and wish to experience the beta version of Oreo -- you can register to Beta Labs, but note, this is not the final version and may have issues and bugs in it.

Juho Sarvikas Chief Product Officer of HMD Global took to twitter to announce the roll out Android 8.0 Oreo beta update for Nokia 6 Indian users. He confirms that, the commercial release of the Android Oreo update for the Nokia 6 is "Well on track" -- this means, if you are a Nokia 6 user you may get the Oreo update in the next couple of days to come.

"We are starting today Oreo Beta Labs roll out for #Nokia6 in India. I understand that some of you may have been waiting for this. Remember that Beta Labs is a test platform and commercial release is well on track. Please jump in and give us your feedback," notes Sarvikas in his Tweet.

Also Read: Nokia 6 to get Android 8.0 Oreo soon, beta now available

As of now, not every Nokia 6 user in India will be getting the update. It is only the users who had registered with Oreo Beta Labs are getting it. Note: because the update is in beta -- there may be some issues or bugs which HMD Global will fix in the final version -- whenever they roll out.

Nokia started the registration for Oreo Beta Labs update about a month ago, back in December 2017. Users who are interested in getting Android 8.0 Oreo beta can sign up to Nokia mobile beta labs by heading to the beta labs website, signing up with their Google account and entering their IMEI number. After doing so, users will receive the beta build as an OTA update after 12 hours. Nokia 6 users should proceed with caution before installing the beta as it might have bugs and issues -- obviously because this isn't the final version of the Oreo update.

It is still unknown on when will HMD Global release the final version of Android Oreo for the Nokia 6 users in India. However, it seems the company, right now, is collecting feedback from the beta testers, and may roll out the final update in the next few days.She is Irelands woman of the moment  even being hailed the countrys very own Meryl Streep.

Saoirse Ronans Golden Globes success has catapulted her among Hollywood royalty.

Irish stand-up comedian and actress Deirdre OKane was one of the first to congratulate her fellow countrywoman on her gong.

@LadyBirdMovie Over the moon about Saoirse Ronanas golden globe... she is our Meryl Streep, a HUGE talent and a beautiful human being, thatas all... ai  Deirdre O'Kane (@DeirdreOKane1) January 8, 2018

Over the moon about Saoirse Ronans golden globe she is our Meryl Streep, a HUGE talent and a beautiful human being, thats all.. she tweeted.

Irelands Culture Minister Josepha Madigan said she was delighted for the 23-year-old Carlow woman.

The Fine Gael TD also praised Irish writer-director Martin McDonagh on his Golden Globe win.

Saoirse Ronan and Martin McDonagh are both wonderfully charismatic people and their success in winning Golden Globes, which are such significant international awards, are indicative of their immense talent and versatility as artists.

I would like to send my best wishes to both on their success and I am sure their personal achievements last night will be welcomed by all in the Irish film industry, the minister said.

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The small national school in the village of Ardattin in Co Carlow, where Ronan studied as a young girl, suddenly became the focus of the media on Monday.

Principal Laura Vance was inundated with calls about the schools most famous ex-pupil.

It was here at the rural school that a young Ronan juggled her studies with her television and film work.

Her mother and father, Monica and Paul Ronan, both from Dublin, had returned to live in the area when Ronan was three, after 11 years living in New York.

Congrats to Irelandas leading lady, Saoirse Ronan, on her #GoldenGlobe win for her role in the movie Lady Bird! Martin McDonaghas film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, won a whopping four awards, including Best Motion Picture a Drama! pic.twitter.com/zh8OcSGwOe  Tourism Ireland (@TourismIreland) January 8, 2018

Her first acting job was on RTEs The Clinic, which also starred her father, when she was just nine.

A part in the TV series Proof followed, before she was cast in the Michelle Pfeiffer movie I Could Never Be Your Woman.

By the age of 13 she was nominated for an Oscar in the best supporting actress category for her role in the film Atonement.

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She then played a child assassin in Hanna and a pastry chef who helps break a man out of prison in The Grand Budapest Hotel.

She earned her second Oscar nomination for her role as an Irish immigrant who makes her way to 1950s New York in Brooklyn.

The 23-year-old finally won her gong on Sunday night for her role in the coming-of-age comedy-drama Lady Bird, leading to floods of tributes to Irelands leading lady.

Tourism Ireland Tweeted: Congrats to Irelands leading lady, Saoirse Ronan, on her #GoldenGlobe win for her role in the movie Lady Bird! Martin McDonaghs film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, won a whopping four awards, including Best Motion Picture  Drama!

The Irish Embassy in the US also Tweeted: Many congrats to Saoirse Ronan for #GoldenGlobes award for best actress for #LadyBird!RTEs Marty Morrissey and Ksenia Zsikhotska during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix

We've survived the first episode and for the next 11 weeks RTEs shiny floor juggernaut show Dancing with The Stars will be completely unavoidable.

Youll try to ignore it, but eventually the DWTS team will wear you down  with their spangled costumes and iron-fist PR push.

And before you know it youre waiting with baited breath for Marty Morrissey to do the Salsa to Despacio.

RTE has promised that this year will be bigger, better and glitzier than ever.

But here are some things we can be certain will happen.

l Marty Morrissey will win. There is no way he will not win. Even if Fred Astaire rose from the dead and participated on the show, Marty would win.

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l For the next 12 weeks, The Late Late Show/ Ray DArcy Show guest list will rotate between the contestants of DWTS, the cast of Striking Out, the judges of DWTS, the cast of Striking Out, the dancers on DWTS, and John Creedon. On Saturday night we already had judges Loraine Barry and Brian Redmond 'sharing their thoughts with Ray about the show this season'.

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l Amanda and Nicky will have more terrible, terrible scripted banter. Theyre no Tess and Claudia, thats for sure.

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l Norah Casey will dance to the theme tune of 1973 Bruce Lee film Enter the Dragon, or Sisqos Unleash the Dragon.

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l Thalia Heffernan and Ryan McShane will remind us once again that they are DWTS true loves dream.

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l All of the contestants will complain about how time consuming the show is.

l All of them will lose weight.

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l Jake Carter will wear inappropriately tight trousers.

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l His brother Nathan will perform.

l RTE will realise the benefits of asking the siblings of famous people to be on reality shows.

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l Louis Walsh will continue to point out the lack of celebrities in the line up. They are not even celebrities in their own homes, he said last year. Louis opinions are unbiased and definitely have nothing to do with the fact that he has a rival show Irelands Got Talent airing on TV3.

l There will be a movie-themed night and Marty Morrissey will go as a Porg from Star Wars.

l Erin McGregors time on the show will be short but eventful. She will leave early because she is from Dublin and Dubliners dont vote.

l Before she leaves Conor McGregor and his baby CJ will arrive at Ardmore flanked by security and wearing matching shiny Spanish trousers.

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l Dancing Dessie will return for one night only.

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l Anna Geary will work a camogie into a dance routine. In much the same way that Teresa Mannion was swanning about with an umbrella.

l All of the contestants will talk far too earnestly about the journey they have all been part of. And how much they love their fellow contestants.

l The following Irish celebrities will casually mention to the press that they would be more than willing to take part in the 2019 show; Rory Cowan, Lorraine Keane, and any Irish influencer you can think of.

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l There will be a sequin-related injury. A Roundel will end up in someones eye, mark my words.

l Nicky will be asked once again if a Westlife reunion is on the cards.

l RTE and Shinawil will act like they themselves devised the format, instead of nicking it off the Beeb.Keelin Shanley and Caitriona Perry settle into their new roles as RTEs Six One co-anchors

Clearly the rest of the world doesnt share my admiration for English comic Harry Enfield, but I must admit to being disappointed that more journalists and sub-editors didnt pay homage to his iconic characters  petulant adolescent Kevin and slightly-less-petulant adolescent Perry  when Keelin Shanley and Caitriona Perry were appointed as co-anchors on RTEs flagship Six One news show.

Keelin and Perry Go Large? Lads, it writes itself.

Tonight was their first outing, after the departure of long-term predecessors Sharon Ni Bheolain and Brian Dobson. Personally, I dont know if Ill ever get used to a 6pm bulletin without Sharon and Dobbo: they were iconic, the classic line-up.

Its like when Steven Adler and Izzy left Guns n Roses, and they brought in Gilbey Clark and Matt Storum, and Axl hoped we wouldnt notice. Hey, Axl, we noticed!

Anyway: thats how it is. Keelin and Perry  sorry  made their bow tonight in a slightly reformatted Six-One. We kicked off with Caitriona standing, to introduce an undercover report by Fergal Bowers on hospital overcrowding. Next it was a double dose of Tommy Gorman from Keelin, talking about James Brokenshires health-related retirement and Sinn Feins bread-wearing space-cadet Barry McElduff.

Finally, then, both were sitting, for a series of stories: the Denis Donaldson killing, the death of Martin Clancy in Limerick, Garda whistleblowers, the Golden Globes  nice to see Saoirse Ronan win, not so nice to sit through all that nauseating grandstanding from these narcissistic, dim-witted Hollywood peacocks  more hospital beds stuff, an oil tanker disaster in the South China Sea, road safety, hospital patients in the South-East, Dublin bikes and something to do with smartphones, and of course the sports news.

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So how did the new anchors do? They were pretty good, yeah.

Shanley looked to the manor born, really, from the start. Perry seemed a bit uptight, but thats to be expected  first-night nerves and all. And Shanley would have much more experience of this sort of telly, whereas her co-presenter has been reporting in the US until now.

Perry was a success as Washington correspondent and has a good handle on news; shell be fine. (Besides, anyone who can survive having Donald Trump grinning across the room at you like an unhinged shark can certainly handle presenting the news at teatime.)

Not everyone on social media was a fan. @kevindublin lamented the old pair of anchors: You'd miss Bryan and Sharon all the same. @ainefg concurred: Eh, wheres Sharon Ni Bheolain gone?

@Pixie_ declared, Omg I miss Dobbo and Sharon on @rtenews. Can Ms Perry show some personality. @Rte you need to up your game. And @LiamMcNamara9 wrote, Lighten up a bit Caitriona, doesn't all have to be so serious.

But there was some love for the twosome also. @cathyemurray1 wrote, new year, new look #sixone. Enjoying the new dynamic ladies . @gra5105 said, Good for ye both @CaitrionaPerry & @KeelinShanley good to see you both on @rtenews.

And @alisonoconn tweeted, Watching the #SixOne News with my 10yo and its just fantastic to see 2 female anchors on screen & to explain to her they are 2 super journalists who more than deserve this big gig.

Meanwhile, one @FredSharkey reckoned, Its like musical chairs with this pair on the #SixOne news  which were not quite sure is a good or bad thing Its a good thing, right?Broadcaster and Comedian Bernard OShea and Valeria Milova during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix

Dancing with the Stars Ireland returned for its second season tonight, bringing with it all the glamour, glitz and glorious Marty-isms wed expected. Things got noisy. Things got fabulous. Things got sort of surreal, if were honest. Heres what we learned from all those dancin famous folks

Bernard OSheas legs and brain have fallen out

We didnt say it: he did. Bernard OShea  radio man, comedian, sitcom star  has an irrational fear of dancing. Hes terrified of dancing. Hes never particularly enjoyed dancing. And, yet, here he is, taking part in a show where people are expected to, um, dance for our pleasure. And, his brain has fallen out with his legs (again, his words, not ours).

We admire OSheas confidence. We know hes put the work in. But lets be honest, there wasnt much actual dancing going on in OShea and dance partner Valerias debut outing (a bizarre tango, soundtracked by The Buggles Video Killed the Radio Star). Valeria, you won it last year, OShea told his partner. Yeah, you wont win it this year. At least hes honest. The judges scored ten. Ouch.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Broadcaster and Comedian Bernard OShea and Valeria Milova during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix RTEs Marty Morrissey and Ksenia Zsikhotska during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix RTEs Marty Morrissey and Ksenia Zsikhotska during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Olympic Athlete Robert Heffernan and Emily Barker during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Former Rugby Player Tomas OLeary and Giulia Dotta during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Singer and Brother of Nathan Jake Carter and Karen Byrne during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Singer and Brother of Nathan Jake Carter and Karen Byrne during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Former Rugby Player Tomas OLeary and Giulia Dotta during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Broadcaster and Comedian Bernard OShea and Valeria Milova during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Aidan OMahony and Valeria Milova during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Maia Dunphy and Erin Mc Gregor during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Deirdre OKane and Alannah Beirne during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Norah Casey and Anna Geary during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix The opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Judges Brian Redmond ,Lorraine Barry and Darren Bennett during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Anna Geary, Norah Casey,Alannah Beirne,Erin Mc Gregor,Maia Dunphy and Deirdre OKane during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Amanda Byram and Nicky Byrne during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix Broadcaster and Comedian Bernard OShea and Valeria Milova during the opening show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. kobpix / Facebook

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Nicky Byrne is a comedy genius

Its going to be a long run! said co-host Nicky Byrne, addressing Irish race walker and Olympic champ, Rob Heffernan (you can see what he did there). That is the highest score of the series! said Byrne to Heffernan (the first contestant on the show). Im here all week! said Byrne. Actually, three months. And he just kept on going. Its going to be a long run, indeed (and were loving it, Nicky boy).

The lads went mad with the fake tan again

Nicky Byrne held up a bronze medal (Heffernans own) next to Rob Heffernans face. Because, you know, Rob Heffernan has gone bananas with the fake tan. Not Hughie Maughan bad, but theres still time

Nathan Carter has a famous brother (and hes not bad)

His name is Jake. Hes 19. He sings. He stars in pantos. He has fabulous hair. Sorry, folks, but these are the things we learned from Dancing with the Stars, and your trusted correspondent did not know there was another famous Carter. And, well, hes not a bad auld mover. The judges called him Jake The Snake Hips Carter. They also referred to him as a Ferrari (whatever the heck that means). I didnt drop her, said Carter after his successful salsa debut with Karen Byrne. Always a bonus, Jakey. Always a bonus, indeed.

Two hours of dancing on the telly is too long

There is no need for Dancing with the Stars to be two hours long each week. By the time Dancing with the Stars reaches its conclusion (in 12 weeks, remember), well have spent more than a day of our lives watching Dancing with the Stars. That is terrifying. Yes, we know. Its the format. Its how this Strictly business works. But still. Tighten things up next year, folks. Please.

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No party is ever complete without a Marty

Wed like to thank co-host Amanda Byram for our new favourite motto. She is, of course, referring to Marty Morrissey. Repeat after us: No party is ever complete without a Marty. No party is ever complete without a Marty. No party

Its all about Marty

Him again. Mark our words: Marty Morrissey will win Dancing with the Stars. The entire episode was built around Martys debut dance do. The hosts made jokes. The other contestants teased his arrival. When he finally surfaced, the Marty Mottos just kept on coming. Im Marty, and I like to party. Why am I doing this? I should be on holidays. You couldnt make this up.

Marty Morrisseys legs have fallen out with his brain

We dont want to be mean. We realise the amount of work that goes into this. We know poor Marty should be on his holidays. But did you see Martys Joe Dolan-themed quick-step routine? Jaypers tonight. It was, um, ah, erit was something else. A bit stiff. A bit odd. A bit surreal. Hes trying - hes really, really trying. And, despite his best efforts, he didnt fall over.

He also came out with 12 points. And everybody loved him. I think you just got this marty started! said Amanda. The crowd yelled for more. They chanted his name. He took the judges criticism on the chin. What a man. Its Marty Morrisseys world, lads. The rest of us are just living in it.

Dancing dads have a new champion

Another Nicky Byrne gem there. Its Bernard OShea, by the way  the new dancing dad champion of the world. Of course he is. He also scored the uh, lowest, erm, score in Dancing with the Stars history (a ten, remember). Poor Bernard. Someone make him a dancing dad trophy. Pronto.

Aidan OMahony is the real deal

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Last years winner returned to show everyone how its done. That bloke can dance. A Marty and Aidan duet needs to happen.Three boys aged 14 and 15 have been charged over a series thefts around the country.

They appeared before Judge Gerry Jones at Dublin Childrens Court on multiple charges for thefts in Laois, Galway, Dublin, Kildare, Westmeath and Offaly. They were ordered to appear again later this month.

Court Garda Fionnuala Monaghan told the judge the charges related to incidents around the country. It was a very complex file and anticipated that it would take some time for it to be prepared, she said. She was addressing the court on behalf of the numerous investigating gardai.

Gda Monaghan applied for an adjournment to allow those officers to be in a position to explain themselves to the court.

Barrister Damian McKeone acting for the trio asked the court to note one of them was aged only 14 and he asked that there would be a certain amount of expediting in getting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Judge Jones said the charges related to offences around the country and it was not a straightforward case.

The teens, who were accompanied to court by family members, were remanded on continuing bail to appear again in three weeks. They did not address the court and have not yet indicated how they will plead.

Two of 15-year-old boys are charged with: stealing a charity box containing approximately 60 from a garage shop in Portarlington, Co. Laois on November 16 last; stealing a 700 phone from an Eir shop on Dublins Henry Street between June 1 and June 14 last year; theft of another 700 phone from an Eir shop in Blanchardstown and stealing a phone worth 900 at Liffey Valley shopping centre in Dublin between November 1 and November 14 last; theft of another phone worth 880 from a Three shop on Pearse St, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on October 28 last; theft of a phone valued at 699 at DID in the Tullamore retail park and another phone worth 479 from Expert electrical Cloncollig industrial estate in the same Co. Offaly town on November 11 last.

One of the 15-year-old boys also has an additional charge for stealing a 699 phone from Currys at Headford Road, Galway on April 12 last year.

The 14-year-old co-defendant is accused of theft of 51 of petrol at a service station in Leixlip, Co. Kildare on December 1 last; 52 worth of petrol from a garage in Kilcock, Co. Kildare on November 30 last and 40 worth of petrol three days earlier at a service station in Clonsilla, Co. Dublin.

Two reside in Co. Dublin while one lives in Co. Kildare.

The three teens and their families are originally from eastern Europe and Judge Jones agreed to order that interpreters would be present to translate at the next hearing.An investigation is underway after a bus driver was arrested for testing positive for alcohol at a garda checkpoint.

Gardai carried out a Mandatory Intoxicant Checkpoint on the M1 motorway between Swords and Balbriggan on Saturday morning.

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The driver of a bus was arrested after he failed the roadside test.

It's believed that up to 17 passengers were on the bus at the time and were left stranded for up to two hours until a replacement bus arrived.

During the checkpoint, 246 motorists were randomly tested for Alcohol and 4 for Drugs.

Speaking at the conclusion of the checkpoint Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid said:

"I would like to thank everyone traveling on the route during this mornings MIT checkpoint for their co-operation and commend the very high compliance rates among motorists."

Chief Reid went on to thank Transport Infrastructure Ireland for their assistance and the team of over 40 gardai from across the Dublin Region involved in the operation.A Dublin pharmaceutical firm is facing prosecution for breaking medicinal regulations over the sale of cancer treatment drugs.

The case against Taj Accura Pharmaceutical Ltd had its first listing at Dublin District Court on Monday. The firm and three named directors are being prosecuted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), the agency which regulates medicines in Ireland.

The firm with an address at Trinity Street, Dublin 2, faces charges relating to the sale of suspected falsified products and breaching medicinal product regulations.

It is alleged that from November 16 until December 22, 2015 they sold by wholesale a medicinal product name Fluourouracil 50 injections containing the prescription only substance Fluourouracil in circumstances where there was sufficient grounds to suspect it was a falsified medicinal product.

The prosecuting agency also allege that on March 5, 2016, the defendants imported into the State a product named Afhlan (Melphalan injections USP 50mg) knowing it to be a falsified product. It is also alleged they exported it, sold it by wholesale and placed the product, which contained a prescription only substance, in circulation.

The HPRA allege that between August 11, 2015 and Jan. 29, 2016 they brokered and sold by wholesale the product BICNU containing the prescription only substance Carmustine and sold the product.

It is also alleged they sold by wholesale Melphalan injections which contained a prescription only product between March 23, 2016 and April 5, 2016.

Directors James Madden, of Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2, Emma Madden of the Waterfront, Hanover Quay, Dublin 2 and Orna Madden of Hanover Dock, Hanover Quay, Dublin 2 were co-defendants with the company.

Solicitor Ronan ONeill, for the HPRA, asked Judge John Brennan to adjourn the case for six weeks to allow time for disclosure of evidence to the defence. Judge Brennan agreed and adjourned the case until Feb. 19 next when the case will be listed for mention.

Their solicitor said it was a technical matter and the judge agreed to excuse the defendants, who have not yet indicated how they will plead, from having to attend the next hearing.A 20-year-old Kildare man before the courts on multiple drugs offences has the lungs of an 80-year-old man and was warned by doctors he might not see 21 because of a chronic cannabis habit.

Kye Lumbard (20), from Hawkfield, Newbridge, appeared in Naas District Courtin December in relation to a number of drugs related charges, including possession of cannabis herb, cannabis resin and cocaine at his home in January 2016.

His mother Michelle told the court how Kyes cannabis habit is so bad that surgeons had to remove part of his lung.

They also told him he had lungs like an 80-year old and faced the possibility of being dead by 21 if he did not stop.

Kye underwent the operation on his lungs in December 2016 but continued to smoke cannabis for a number of months last year, before being arrested again, this time in possession of cannabis valued at over 1,300.

He told the Sunday World his mothers comments in court about his lungs were not exaggerated.

Thats what the surgeon said to me after I had the operation, Kye said.

Asked if the surgeons comments worried him, he replied: It did, but I couldnt help myself, my addiction was that strong.

Michelle said that Kyes addiction caused major trauma to both him and his family. She said his mental health had been affected and his younger sister, who adores him, has been very upset over it. Michelle told a previous court hearing how she found it very difficult to get help for her son despite her best efforts and she asked the judge to help her.

Kye told the court he came to realise the devastation his drug taking caused his family and that he had stopped smoking cannabis and secured a place on a drug treatment course in Coolmine.

He appeared in court last month in relation to possession of cannabis herb, cannabis resin and cocaine at his home in January 2016.

He is also due to appear in court on separate charges relating to the seizure of more than 1,300 worth of cannabis at Boherhole in Clane on May 7 last year.

That case has been adjourned until March 28. He also has court appearances in February and April in relation to possession charges.

Last year a teen in the U.S. was refused a life-saving lung transplant after he tested positive for marijuana. He was refused a transplant in Utah due to drug use.

He later received the transplant in Philadelphia, but died as a result of complications last April.Hundreds of people are waiting for a bed in Irish hospitals today according to two key sets of data.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives (INMO) daily trolley watch figures - which include people waiting on trolleys on wards - shows that 555 people are waiting on a bed in hospitals around the country.

Cork University Hospital is the worst affected hospital in the country according to both sources - with the INMO reporting 45 people waiting on a bed.

This is despite the hospital taking a range of measures to tackle overcrowding including moving people to other hospitals in the city, including to a private hospital.

The Medical Clinical Director of CUH Mike O'Connor told RTE's Morning Ireland 11 patients were transferred to the Mater Private.

Additional staff and resources were also brought on stream over the weekend.

This was the second year in a row that CUH was forced to send patients to the Mater Private he said.

A number of other patients were transferred to other public hospitals in the area.

Meanwhile, the TrolleyGar figures, which looks at patients on a bed at 8am, show that there are 10pc more people waiting on trolleys compared to this day last year, with 427 waiting. This figure includes eight children.

This morning in Temple Street Children's Hospital there are five children on trolleys, while in Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin there are three children without a bed. Four of those have spent more than nine hours on the trolley.

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Of those adults waiting 230 have endured a wait of more than nine hours according to the HSE.

Letterkenny General Hospital has 40 people on trolleys, while in the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar there are 32 patients waiting on trolley crisis.

The latest figures comes amid fears the end of the school holidays could lead to a surge in flu cases.

The reopening of schools today after the holidays is expected to cause a big increase in flu cases in the coming days and weeks.

Health Minister Simon Harris previously urged parents to keep their children home from school if they showed signs of being unwell.Amazon India is hosting a five-day long sale called the "Nokia Mobile Week". The sale kick-started on January 8 midnight and will continue until January 12 midnight, i.e Friday. During the Nokia Mobile Week, as the name suggests, Amazon is offering discounts on Nokia 6 and Nokia 8 launched last year.

Nokia 6, launched earlier last year is originally available at a price tag of Rs 14,999, on the other hand, Nokia 8 -- which is a premium phone is priced at Rs 36,999. But, during the sale, Amazon is offering up to Rs 1,500 discount in the form of instant flat discount on both the phones -- after which you can get Nokia 6 at Rs 13,499 and Nokia 8 at Rs 35,499.

On purchase of Nokia 6 and Nokia 8 from Amazon within the 5 days of the sale, customers with ICICI credit card are eligible to get a flat discount of Rs 1,500. But, there's a catch. The offer will be valid as long as Rs 10,000 is spent on the card for the purchase.

It is noteworthy that this is a flat discount offer and is available for customers using their ICICI Bank Credit Card across both Amazon site as well as the app. However, the offer is valid only once per card.

Also Read: Nokia 6 India users receiving Oreo beta update, final release well on track: HMD Global

Furthermore, on buying the Nokia 8 using Amazon Pay customers can get Rs 2000 cashback. The Rs 2000 cashback is available only on purchases made through Amazing Mobiles or GreenMobiles. Note that the offer is applicable to prepaid payment only. Given that, customers should note that they can (obviously) use either the Rs 1500 ICICI flat discount offer or Rs 2000 Amazon Pay.

Meanwhile, Amazon is also offering Rs 1000 discount as a part of exchange offer on buying Nokia 6 during the Nokia Mobile Week sale.

All the four colour options -- silver, tempered blue, copper and matte black are available in the Nokia Mobile Week. On the other hand, all three colour variants -- steel, polished blue and tempered blue of Nokia 8 with 64GB of internal storage are also up on sale and available under the discount offer.

Meanwhile, Nokia 6 users in India have started getting Android 8.0 Oreo beta update, however, HMD Global has confirmed that the commercial roll out of the software update is "well on track". Currently, Nokia 6 users who had registered with Oreo Beta Labs that HMD Global started a month ago, back in December 2017 are receiving the update. However, users should be noted that this is not the stable version of Oreo and you may experience some issues and bugs -- however-which HMD Global may fix it in the final version.Another hectic week looms for health services and emergency department patients caught in the overcrowding crisis, amid fears the end of the school holidays could lead to a surge in flu cases.

A jump in patient numbers, worsened by rapidly rising numbers of people hit by influenza, continued unabated over the weekend with very high numbers of patients on trolleys desperately waiting for beds to become available.

The reopening of schools today after the holidays is expected to cause a big increase in flu cases in the coming days and weeks.

The HSE reported 330 patients were on trolleys in emergency departments yesterday morning, including four children who were waiting more than nine hours for a bed.

But the overall number of patients on trolleys was significantly higher because those on trolleys in wards were not counted, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

A top emergency medicine consultant also warned that the Irish hospital system was not able to cope with big surges in patient numbers.

Dr Emily O'Conor, president of the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine, said: "What we don't have in the Irish health care system is any surge capacity.

"I was criticised by some of my colleagues for saying that emergency departments are working at 100pc capacity because we are actually working at 200pc and 300pc capacity all year round.

"But when any surge occurs, be it influenza, there is no ability for the system to open up extra capacity.

"We can't cope with any surge in the system. A surge is happening at the moment with flu," said Dr O'Conor, an emergency medicine consultant at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin.

Speaking about a further increase in people getting the flu with the reopening of schools today, she said: "The concerns of my paediatric emergency medicine colleagues would be that influenza doesn't really hit our paediatric population until the schools go back.

"It's been a very challenging week. And this coming week there are always going to be peaks in attendances on Mondays and Tuesdays.

"Even though most scheduled activity has been cancelled, and that's not good for patient care, we recognise it's very frustrating for patients on waiting lists, but we are facing into another challenging week now."

She welcomed Health Minister Simon Harris's comments on providing more beds.

"In the short term, we need acute beds brought into the system in the next year. In the longer term, we as a country are going to have to invest in large numbers of acute beds," she said.

On the shortage of life-support and critical care beds, she said: "As the winter goes on and respiratory distress affects more and more people, difficult decisions have to be made in emergency departments all around the country about who is prioritised for those beds."

INMO president Phil Ni Sheaghdha warned that if children have flu and they go to school, they pass it on.

"When those children go home, adults are likely to get it as well," she said.

"It's good advice that, if there are symptoms, don't send your children to school."

Ms Sheaghdha said that nurses were crying with stress in emergency wards and that there were still 3,000 fewer nurses in the system compared to a decade ago.

Fianna Fail education spokesman Thomas Byrne called for the flu vaccine to be provided free of charge to teachers and school staff.Gardai have still not been contacted by St Patricks Mental Health Services over alleged inappropriate behaviour by comedian Al Porter.

The former Blind Date host is alleged to have sexually assaulted a young patient when he visited the South Dublin psychiatric hospital in 2015.

On November 20, the hospital received a complaint from the patient  a student in his 20s  about the alleged incident.

However, more than three months on, gardai have still not been contacted by the James Street hospital.

Neither Kilmainham Garda Station, which covers James Street, nor the district HQ, have been contacted by the hospital about this matter, said a senior gardai source.

If it had been reported to gardai elsewhere, officers in Kilmainham would be aware of it.

A spokesperson for St Patricks Mental Health Services did not respond yesterday when the Herald asked why the alleged incident had not been reported to gardai.

In a statement in November, the hospital said it was investigating the allegation.

It said it would not be commenting further until the investigation was complete.

HSE guidelines state that, where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a criminal act has been committed, the matter must be reported to gardai.

Health care agencies are also obliged to carry out their own investigations into such allegations.

In a separate case, Pearse Street Garda Station is investigating an allegation that a man had been groped by Mr Porter.

The man made the allegation in November and a full investigation has been launched into all aspects of the case.

Al Porter has not yet been interviewed by gardai and no arrests have been made.

Mr Porter was forced to resign from a number of jobs after he was hit with a wave of allegations of inappropriate behaviour in November.

The comedian responded by saying that at no time did he intend his flamboyant and outrageous public persona to upset anyone.

A bishop has subsequently appealed for people to be more understanding towards the comedian following his fall from grace.

Dublins auxiliary bishop, Eamonn Walsh, said in his annual Christmas homily that he would like to see less judgment of the former Today FM and TV3 presenter.

Expanding on what he said in Mass, he told the Herald how there was always two sides to every story.

Lets not jump to judgment without the facts, he said.

Furthermore, we have to be aware that there may be judicial proceedings down the line, so I wouldnt want to say anything that would interfere with that.

The comedian went out partying on New Years Eve in a bid to end his annus horribilis on a high and begin 2018 on a cheery note.

The Tallaght man rang in the New Year in the trendy Pygmalion bar on South William Street in Dublins city centre.

He was with a group of friends and looked like he was enjoying himself, said an insider.

He went upstairs after a while and a couple of people went over to him and wished him well.

This was the first public appearance by the popular Irish comedian since last years allegations.Mary Kelly, chair of An Bord Pleanala, at its offices in Dublin. Photo: Frank McGrath

National guidelines are needed to help planners decide if large-scale solar farms are acceptable.

The chair of An Bord Pleanala, Dr Mary Kelly, also said it would be a "good thing" if data centres were allowed to utilise fast-track planning as is already enjoyed by major projects, such as large wind farms and electricity projects.

This, she said, would allow schemes to be dealt with in a "holistic" way.

Dr Kelly said the board did not have any policy-making role, but did advise the Department of Housing of issues in relation to legislation.

It had told the Government that data centres should be designated as strategic infrastructure and that solar projects should be subject to guidelines similar to those in place for wind farms.

"We would often say parts of the legislation aren't working, that things are cumbersome. We did suggest that the data centres would be strategic infrastructure," Dr Kelly said.

She said the board was dealing with some 40 solar farm applications and that it would be "preferable" if guidelines were in place.

Around seven applications for wind farms were also being processed, along with "six or seven" data centres.

Among the issues in relation to data centres were not just the physical infrastructure, but the electricity needed to power them.

Dr Kelly said: "They use a lot of energy and they need to be situated near power. Sub-stations can be part of the transmission system, so they are strategic infrastructure, but the warehouse is not.

"With Apple (data centre in Athenry, Co Galway), we had the data warehouse, which went to the planning authority, and we got the appeal.

"The sub-station had to come into us separately.

"A strategic infrastructure designation would be a good thing."09/01/18 pictured tonight outside Dundalk Courthouse where a candlelit vigil was held for murder victim Yosuke Sasaki (24) who died in a knife attack on Avenue Road, Dundalk last week. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

A candlelit vigil has been held in honour of Yosuke Sasaki. Pic: Ciara Wilkinson

Yosuke Sasaki a 24-year-old Japanese man was stabbed to death, and two other men wounded, during a mercifully brief spree of violence

Over 1,000 people took part in a candlelight vigil in Dundalk tonight for Yosuke Sasaki (24) who was killed last week as he walked home from work.

Among those in attendance was Her Excellency Mrs Mari Miyoshi, the Japanese Ambassador to Ireland.

In a statement the Sasaki family said we are truly saddened by what has happened, but we hope that this incident will not give Japanese people a bad impression of Ireland.

They said their son came to Ireland initially as a language student and only intended a short stay. However, he was touched by the kindness of the Irish people and he decided to work here.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the kindness the people of Ireland have shown.

The statement was read by Cllr John McGahon, chair of the Dundalk Municipal District which supported and organised the vigil on a cross party basis.

The family said that, When he was alive our son spoke about the warmth of the people of this town and his love of Dundalk.

The family, who are in contact with a garda liason officer, said we hope that a tragic event like this one will never happen in this country again.

Expand Close A candlelit vigil has been held in honour of Yosuke Sasaki. Pic: Ciara Wilkinson / Facebook

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Cllr McGahon said the vigil is to show our unity with Yosuke, his family, his friend and the people of Japan. Dundalk has a vibrant and thriving multicultural community that we are proud of.

Expand Close 09/01/18 pictured tonight outside Dundalk Courthouse where a candlelit vigil was held for murder victim Yosuke Sasaki (24) who died in a knife attack on Avenue Road, Dundalk last week. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. / Facebook

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Whatsapp 09/01/18 pictured tonight outside Dundalk Courthouse where a candlelit vigil was held for murder victim Yosuke Sasaki (24) who died in a knife attack on Avenue Road, Dundalk last week. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

Words were said by Fr Mark OHagan the administrator of St Patricks Parish, by Iman Nooh, Dundalk Islamic Community and by Rev Captain Geoffrey Walmsley, Church of Ireland.

Fr OHagan said, as we stand here this evening shoulder to shoulder, of many faiths and no faith, we gather as a community, as a family devastated, shocked at the terrible incident that happened here in our town last week.

Iman Nooh said, On behalf of Dundalk Muslim Community I am here sending our condolences to the people of Japan and most especially the family of Yosuke, his workmates.

Rev Walmsley said people gathered were of all different classes, colours, creeds of people in human commonality together, we gather as a community sharing in our shock, our hurt and our grief in Yosukes passing.

Many of his work colleagues from National Pen were at the vigil.

One man said, it is important that the people of Dundalk show their solidarity. It is one in a trillion what happened, a guy came over to work with us, his colleagues still work with us and it is nice we can show our respects.

A fund toward the repatriation costs of Mr Sasaki was due to close at midnight last night but will instead remain open until this (Tuesday) afternoon according to Mr Oliver Morgan.

He set up the GoFundMe page last week and by the time the vigil began, it had raised nearly 18,000 excluding a 5,000 donation from a local company.The Press Ombudsman has rejected a complaint made by Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams against the Irish Independent.

The complaint was in relation to a front page story published on September 1 last which was headlined Dont jail IRA murderers of innocent farmer - Adams.

The story carried extracts of an interview Mr Adams had given to local radio station LMFM after gardai discovered a number of new lines of inquiry in relation to the murder of Co Louth farmer Tom Oliver by the IRA in 1991.

The report stated that Mr Adams had said he did not think that jailing Mr Olivers killers would assist the wider process. He was also reported as saying that jailing the killers would be totally and absolutely counterproductive.

The front page story ended with information that the full story was available inside the paper on page six.

Solicitors for Mr Adams wrote to the Editor of the Irish Independent, Fionnan Sheahan, stating that their client denies your grossly inaccurate assertion that he had said Mr Olivers killers should not be jailed.

Legal representatives for the Irish Independent responded by saying the article was fair and accurate and by no means false and misleading and included transcripts of the LMFM interview to support the headline.

Mr Adams then made a complaint to the Office of the Press Ombudsman.

In his submission to the Ombudsman, Mr Sheahan said that what the paper had reported was a truthful and accurate representation of the interview and that a quote referred to by Mr Adams was incomplete.

Solicitors for Mr Adams responded by saying that the headline and whole tenet of the article was inaccurate as Mr Adams had stated in the interview that Thomas Olivers family deserved the truth and also that Sinn Fein continued to facilitate attempts to put in place an independent international body to obtain information for Thomas Olivers family and other families.

In his determination, Ombudsman Peter Feeney said that while the front page story did not mention that Mr Adams had said he supported the rights of families of people killed by the IRA to see investigations and prosecutions, this information was carried in the fuller story on page six.

He pointed out that the fuller story also included Mr Adams qualification that there were two conflicting imperatives - the rights of the family of Mr Oliver to see his murderers prosecuted and the wider process that we are all engaged in.

Mr Feeney said he did not believe the failure of the front page article to refer to this rendered it untruthful or inaccurate. This information was carried in the inside report.

Newspapers are entitled to concentrate on particular parts of interviews which they regard as newsworthy.

The view that Deputy Adams regarded the sending to jail, if convicted, the murderers of Mr Oliver as counterproductive was newsworthy.

The reference to the counterproductive outcome of jailing Mr Olivers murderers was a specific statement, the right of families to the truth was something that had been stated before by Sinn Fein representatives and was, therefore, less newsworthy.

The complaint is not upheld.A member of the small family syndicate from Dublin that won a 38.9m EuroMillions jackpot has described how the group have been 'laughing and crying' since they found out about their windfall.

The group, who have chosen to remain anonymous, collected their cheque at National Lottery HQ today for the massive prize which they won on the final EuroMillions draw of 2017, on December 29.

The ticket was sold in The Village Shop in Malahide on the day of the draw.

A spokesperson for the group, described as a small family syndicate, said that when he checked the ticket and found out they had won the jackpot he felt 'dizzy'.

I play EuroMillions regularly and I checked my ticket as normal in a shop the morning after the draw," he said. "A message came up to contact the National Lottery. I knew then we had won. I was dizzy.

The man then went home to tell his family the news.

We stayed in all day," he revealed. "There were lots of emotions. We kept looking at each other laughing and crying. You always hope that someday you would win a jackpot, but never really believe it will happen. For us our dreams have come true. We had a friend staying and we broke the news to him on Sunday. He said he could not believe he was sleeping under the same roof as people who had won almost 39 million!

We watched the TV coverage from the winning shop in Malahide on Thursday and some of the media videos taken in the shop. And we kept saying: This is us!

The group say that they hope to continue living life as normally as possible.

"We havent had much sleep in the last week," he said. "We will take our time before we make any big changes. We would like to start our own business and maybe look at buying a new house later this year. We will take a sun holiday in May or June, possibly the Bahamas or the Maldives we will see! What is great is that we can look after family and help make their lives easier also. That will give us great pleasure.Mohamed Morei (18) outside Dundalk District Court yesterday evening where he was charged with the murder of a Yosuke Sasaki. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Yosuke Sasaki a 24-year-old Japanese man was stabbed to death, and two other men wounded, during a mercifully brief spree of violence

A friend of the Japanese man stabbed to death in an attack in Dundalk has said he was a calm and gentle man who really liked living in Ireland.

Yosuke Sasaki (24), died after being stabbed in the back as he made his way home from work on Avenue Road at around 9am on Wednesday. Two other men were attacked in the town shortly after Yosuke was stabbed.

Mohammed Morei (18), has been charged with Yosukes murder.

Family and friends of Yosuke are struggling to come to terms with his death.

His pal Ken Sasaki, who is from Japan but became friends with Yosuke while they were both living in Ireland, said he is shocked and devastated.

He was so friendly and talkative. He was a very kind person. He was always calm and gentle to every single person hed meet. If I was to describe him in one word it would be great, Ken said.

He explained how Yosuke ended up in Ireland.

He wanted to improve his English. Thats why he came to Ireland.

Yosuke was making his way home from his work in the National Pen company in Dundalk when he was stabbed.

He was wearing headphones and was attacked from behind, so is unlikely to have seen his attacker coming.

He worked in telesales, dealing with Japanese speaking customers. According to friends, he was going to go the post office after his shift before heading home so was walking a different route to the one he would normally take.

He was originally from Ebina City in Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan, but had been living in Ireland for more than a year.

He had been there around one-and-a-half years, said Ken. He really liked the atmosphere and the Irish.

He added that Yosuke had no plans to leave Ireland any time soon.

He wanted to stay longer.

He said that friends of Yosuke cant understand why he would have been targeted.

They cant understand why a Japanese person was targeted in Dundalk. They cannot believe something like this has happened in Ireland. We believed Ireland is such a peaceful country.

Friends of Yosuke cant understand why he was chosen and why he was killed. Why did this have to happen to my friend?

A candlelight vigil is to be held in memory of Mr Sasaki at the Maid of Eireann statue outside Dundalk courthouse this evening between 7pm and 8pm.

Councillor John McGahon, chairman of Dundalk Municipal District, confirmed that a representative from the Japanese Embassy will be in attendance and will speak.

"This is a joint event that has been organised by all members of the district to show our unity with Yosuke and his family," he said.

Books of condolence will also be open at the offices of the council in Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee this morning.

Morei appeared in court charged with the murder of Mr Sasaki at a special sitting of Dundalk District Court on Thursday evening.

Defence solicitor Barry Callan asked that his client receive "appropriate medical treatment while in custody".

The judge directed that all appropriate psychological and medical treatment be provided to Mr Morei.

The judge remanded Mr Morei in custody until next Thursday at 10am at Cloverhill District Court.

There was no application for bail.Fine Gael has amassed a 1m election "war chest" and is well advanced in candidate selection and other preparations, party chairman Martin Heydon has warned.

Mr Heydon stressed that the party wants to "continue providing good government" and does not want an election in the coming 12 months.

But he says the brinkmanship of late November, which forced the resignation of tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald, gave everybody a reminder that the Fine Gael-led Coalition could collapse at any time.

"We definitely do not want an election in 2018. But should it happen we will be ready. In mid-December we had our super draw, our largest fundraiser of the year, and it raised 960,000 - that is money which can be spent on an election," the Kildare South TD said.

The Fine Gael chairman said candidates have been chosen in half the country's constituencies, and the party is on target to achieve the mandatory ratio of 30pc women candidates. Special attention has been paid to Tipperary and Longford, constituencies without a Fine Gael TD, and other areas where the party had problems in the February 2016 general election.

In Tipperary, now a unitary five-seater, a total of five hustings have been held with prominent potential candidates arguing their case to packed houses. The selection process is likely to be dealt with in late February or early March.

In Longford, part of four-seat Longford- Westmeath, the party has identified a potential candidate in Cllr Micheal Carrigy, of Ballinalee. Party sources say it is likely that Athlone-based senator Gabrielle McFadden, and sitting TD Peter Burke, of Mullingar, will also contest here.

Mr Heydon, first elected to the Dail in 2011 and a poll-topper last time out, said he believes that, on balance, the current Government is set to continue in office through 2018 and deliver its third scheduled budget next October. "When it was first put together few people believed it could last. But we're now working very well with our colleagues in the Independent Alliance and with the other Independents," he said.

"That was why we got such a surprise in November. It reminded us that the destiny of this Government is not entirely in our hands."

The Kildare South TD said that Brexit is the key economic issue for Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the Government, and all the parties in 2018. He argued that Fine Gael is still ideally placed to lead on this issue as it has important links through its membership of the EPP Christian Democrat party.

"It is the EU's biggest grouping, with nine of the 27 prime ministers, and all the key Brexit people in Brussels are linked to the EPP," he said in reference to chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and the presidents of the European Council, European Commission and European Parliament.

"The economic importance of Brexit is appreciated by every single voter across the country and I find a very keen interest in the issue in Kildare South."Minister of State for Flood Relief Kevin Moran has called for a full Cabinet position to be created to focus on flood defences.

Mr Moran insisted the next government should have a senior minister for flooding who would be specifically asked to address the challenges posed by adverse weather.

He also said the Government needs to allocate more than 1bn to aid businesses and homes affected by flooding.

"I think the message is getting through finally, that public policy must shift towards a greater investment in flood defences over the next decade," Mr Moran told the Sunday Independent.

"The next Government must recognise this by appointing a senior minister in this area.

"A place at Cabinet is essential so the funding is maintained as a priority for flood relief measures," he added.

Mr Moran campaigned on flooding before being elected to the Dail and has made it the main focus of his time in office.

He insisted he is not seeking a full cabinet position to address flooding "out of self interest".

"My only interest is to see that the suffering experienced by people in floods is ended as quickly as possible," he said.

"That can only be done through greater investment in flood defence measures, through funding and other resources such as engineering staff, together with a general raising of public awareness in this whole area. A voice at Cabinet would be essential in this regard."

The minister said previous governments gave full ministries to areas of policy that required specific attention, such as the fisheries and forestry, gaeltacht, labour, and economic planning and development.

"The present Government has laid particular stress on children and youth affairs, and rural and community development, where policy objectives reflect the seriousness with which deficits have to be addressed for the betterment of the general public," he said

The minister's demand come after Storm Eleanor wreaked havoc across the country.

At the peak of the storm more than 130,000 homes, most in the west of Ireland, were left without electricity.

Business owners are also facing substantial bills to repair damage caused to their properties and goods by the floods.

The adverse weather followed Hurricane Ophelia in October, which itself is expected to result in more than 110m in insurance claims.

The Government announced last week that it has given 7m to local authorities for flood repairs. Since last June there has been major flooding damage to homes and businesses in Donegal, Portlaoise and Galway. Business owners and families have struggled to get insurance policies to protect their properties in these communities and other areas of the country.

Mr Moran said the Government's commitment to spend 430m on flood defences by 2021 is not enough - and the figure should be increased to 1bn.

"The Office of Public Works (OPW) knows what flood defence will cost the country over the next decade - somewhere in the region of 1bn.

"We must ensure that this funding is there, so that we can build on the 40 major flood relief schemes already in place across the country that are protecting 8,500 properties.

"We have just completed flood-risk mapping for the entire country, with which we are now aiming to protect a further 11,500 properties," he said.

A risk assessment report by the OPW also confirmed the Government would need to spend 1bn to address the problems caused by flooding.

The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study also cleared the way for a 260m flood protection scheme that will benefit around 8,000 properties across the country.Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy is looking at the tax Picture by Fergal Phillips

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has signalled he is ready to change the way property taxes are calculated.

Mr Murphy, who will meet Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe later this week to discuss the future of the controversial charge, has said he wants to see less emphasis on the value of the property.

That could be good news for Dublin homeowners who face higher charges than people in comparable houses outside big urban centres.

Mr Murphy told the 'Sunday Independent' that he would be "making no assumptions" on the matter before a Government review. But one in every three euro raised by the tax last year came from the four Dublin council areas.

With property taxes in Dublin up to four times higher than many rural areas, all TDs are very conscious of the political sensitivities around the capital. Most elections are won or lost for bigger parties in and around Dublin, which has over 40 TDs out of the current 158 total.

At the same time, Transport Minister Shane Ross, who like Mr Murphy represents a constituency in Dublin South, has said he would like to see more waivers for people on low incomes.

Mr Ross has said that some people with high-value homes are getting by on low pensions.

It is understood that one of the options under consideration is "a rated banding system".

This would take into account a range of factors such as location and local authority service levels, and not just depend on a property valuation.

The Government is preparing a major review of the controversial tax. Politicians and various interest groups and individuals will be invited to make submissions.

It is understood that Fianna Fail will approach the issue by trying to keep property tax rates as low as possible and especially avoid sharp rises.The Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are coming soon. In fact, on-lookers may be able to get a glimpse of Samsung's next-generation flagship phones as early as the upcoming CES 2018 show in Las Vegas. If not, the MWC 2018 in February will most probably see Samsung taking the wraps off them. Ahead of their unveiling, fresh reports - coming from China - suggest Samsung may have something new to offer with the Galaxy S9+ this year. While core hardware specs will obviously see an overhaul, it's being said that the Galaxy S9+ may have a whopping 512GB storage variant for select markets. The same isn't true about the standard Galaxy S9 though.

As per reports, Samsung will launch the Galaxy S9 in two variants: one with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, and another with 4G B RAM and 128GB storage. The Galaxy S9+, on the other hand, will reportedly be offered in as many as three storage variants: 64GB, 128GB and 256GB. The Galaxy S9+, in addition, will reportedly also have a fourth storage option, that is, 512GB for select markets. All the Galaxy S9+ variants will reportedly come with 6GB of RAM on the inside.

Also Read: Nokia 9, OnePlus 6, Samsung Galaxy S9 & more: Smartphones to look forward to in 2018

The Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+ will likely be incremental upgrades to the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ at least as far as design is concerned. Which means, ideally both of them should come with Samsung's hallmark bezel-less Infinity display and an unusual aspect ratio of 18:9. One change that's likely to make the cut in the new Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ is a repositioned fingerprint scanner. While in the case of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, the fingerprint scanner rests in an awkward position next to the camera module, in the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ it will reportedly be placed below it so that reaching out to it won't be as frustrating.

The upcoming Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will most likely retain a micro-USB slot for storage expansion and IP68 certification for dust and water resistance.Former Fine Gael TD Paddy Harte has been remembered for the "incredible work" he did to build bridges during the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Mr Harte, who served as a TD in Donegal North East for 36 years, has passed away today aged 86.

Government chief whip Joe McHugh has expressed his sympathy to Mr Harte's family and paid tribute to his late party colleague.

Mr McHugh said Mr Harte had left a lasting peace process legacy through his cross-community and cross-border work.

"I went into politics after Paddy but was acutely aware when I entered Dail Eireann of his work before me for the people of County Donegal," said Mr McHugh.

"He also did incredible work to build bridges on this island during many dark days for our people.

His lasting legacy will be the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Flanders, Belgium, which was officially opened by President McAleese in 1998.

Mr Harte co-founded the park along with Glen Barr, a former loyalist paramilitary commander who passed away last year.

Mr Harte was a TD between 1961 and 1997 and served as junior minister for Posts and Telegraths in the 1980s.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said At very difficult and divisive times during the Troubles, Paddy was a steadfast opponent of violence and he consistently sought to reconcile the communities from both traditions on this island.

Mr Varadkar said Mr Hartes work developing the Peace Park helped to lay the foundation stones of tolerance and respect which are the hallmark of the States approach to the Decade of Centenaries. He expressed his condolences to Mr Hartes family.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin also offered his sympathies to Mr Harte's family.

Paddy Harte has left a lasting mark on Irish politics, not only through his work as a TD representing the people of Donegal North East, but also as a builder of bridges," Mr Martin said.

Mr Martin said the late TD engaged meaningfully with all sides involved in the conflict and also paid tribute to him for dedicating much of his life to public service pointing to his almost four decades in the Dail.

The Fianna Fail leader noted Mr Harte's work to acknowledge the sacrifice Irish soliders made in World War 1.

This work saw him awarded numerous accolades including an Honorary OBE and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the National University of Ireland, as well as being named European of the Year in 1998," Mr Martin said.

I want to extend my condolences to Paddys wife Rosaleen and his nine children," he added.Kelly (left) wears a yellow ochre herringbone tweed coat and textured scarf by Avoca; Thalia (centre) wears a multicoloured mosaic knit sweater by Mary Callan; Eve wears a lime tailored wool coat over tweed trouser suit, by Celtic Tweeds Photos: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Showcase - Ireland's International Creative Expo - will be held at the RDS in Dublin from January 21 to 24.

The annual trade fair enables 450 of Ireland's top designers and manufacturers to present their latest work to more than 5,000 retail buyers from 21 countries.

Last year's show generated sales of more than 21m.

Showcase is a launch pad for Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople who unveil their new season collections across fashion, jewellery, home and giftware.

Expand Close Thalia wears a rust sweater with khaki and rust knit pencil skirt by Ros Duke for a preview of some of the Irish fashion and textile designs at Showcase 2018, at the RDS. Photos: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland / Facebook

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Whatsapp Thalia wears a rust sweater with khaki and rust knit pencil skirt by Ros Duke for a preview of some of the Irish fashion and textile designs at Showcase 2018, at the RDS. Photos: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

For 2018, Showcase introduces MADE/Slow, a presentation of quality products designed and made in Ireland, providing sustainable rural employment through the combination of technology and traditional production methods.

Design Ireland will feature 80 leading contemporary Irish brands chosen by an independent jury for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship.

Karen Hennessy, chief executive of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, said: "Inspiring and supporting client companies to scale and successfully compete both at home and abroad is central to our strategy in growing the international reputation and commercial potential of Irish design and craft."Cyclists make their way through the frosty Sally Gap, Co Wicklow Picture Frank Mc Grath

Plummeting temperatures of as low as -7C will lead to a blanket of frost on roads and paths across the country today - and the cold snap is set to carry on for the rest of the week.

Road users, cyclists and pedestrians have all been warned by forecasters to take their time on their travels today and wrap up well.

A Status Orange low-temperature warning was in place nationwide until 10am. However, the frosty conditions are not anticipated to lift until the early afternoon.

Met Eireann said the temperatures are the worst of the winter season so far and are not set to improve until Thursday.

Meteorologist Siobhan Ryan said the ground frost would have begun to hit most of the country as soon as it got dark last night.

"Road users, cyclists and people on foot should take extra care today - wrap up warm," Ms Ryan said.

"There will be no upward trend with regards to temperatures. "Temperatures might only get up to -2C in parts of the country (during today)."

The forecaster said the Midlands, west and most of Leinster would be the worst affected areas by the frosty conditions.

Current temps (AC at 6:30am)

Mt Dillon (Rosc) -6.5

Gurteen (Tipp) -6.0

Athenry (Gal) -5.9

Claremorris (Mayo) -5.1

Ballyhaise (Cav) -4.8

Moore Park (Cork) -4.4

Shannon Airport -4.1

Knock Airport -2.9

Mullingar (Wes) -2.4

Dublin Airport -1.7

Cork Airport 0.8

Valentia (Kerry) 4.0  Met Aireann (@MetEireann) January 8, 2018

It's expected that Wednesday night will also see bitterly cold conditions sweep the country.

AA Roadwatch has urged drivers to take care and to allow more time to reach your destination.

In Cork, the AA reports, black ice has been reported on the Midelton/Dungourney Road (R627) at Ballinacole Cross. There are very icy conditions between the Michael Collins monument in Beal na Blath and Beal na Blath village, with Gardai advising extreme care.

Also in Cork route 248 has been cancelled due to ice on roads.

Route 248 Cork to Glenville can't operate due to ice on roads.

All other services are operating as normal @CorksRedFM @Corks96FM  Bus Aireann (@Buseireann) January 8, 2018

There are reports of icy conditions on the Toonsbridge/Ballylickey Road (R584) between Ballingeary and Gougane Barra.

In Limerick secondary routes in the Askeaton and Adare areas are particularly icy.

Carrick-on-Shannon and Roscommon town and it's surrounds are the worst affected raods in Connacht.

While in Ulster secondary routes in the Cavan town area are particularly icy.

Gardai have reported icy conditions on roads around Kildare Town, especially in the Kildangan area in Co Kildare.

Gardai have also noted icy conditions on secondary and local routes around Portlaoise.

Icy conditions are also set to hit commuters in the Mullingar area, with the Lynn Rd (R400) being particularly bad.

Meanwhile, Dublin Fore Brigade has warned commuters of horses on the loose on the Rathoath Road in Finglas.

The Red Line Luas is running 13 minutes behind at points on the line.

Yesterday, the freezing conditions caused havoc - early- season GAA tournaments with matches in Mayo and Monaghan were among those cancelled at the last minute.

It is understood that many of the fans for Mayo's clash with Donegal were in the Castlebar stadium when the decision was made to postpone the match following a pitch inspection.

Meanwhile, with the cold snap due to last until Thursday, Age Action Ireland has raised concerns for elderly people, who can fare poorly when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Justin Moran, of the advocacy group, urged communities to play their part to ensure that their older neighbours remain safe and well in their homes during the cold snap.

"Cold weather can kill and does kill in Ireland, making the winter a particularly challenging period for older people," he said.

"If there is an older person living in your neighbourhood we would encourage you to visit or phone them to check if they need supplies and that they are OK - don't depend on others to do it."A restaurant in Dublins Temple Bar has called one of its dissatisfied customers the rudest person ever in a public post on TripAdvisor.

Klaw The Seafood Cafe on Fownes Street in Dublin 2 made the comments when responding to a womans review three weeks ago.

The anonymous diner gave Niall Sabongis seafood restaurant a one-star review in terms of value, service and food on TripAdvisor.

She claimed that the lobster she ordered made for just three bites of meat.

But Niall Sabongi decided to respond to the diner's complaint, saying that she was "disgracefully rude to the staff".

You were the rudest person any of the team have ever encountered! the restaurant responded on TripAdvisor.

Even the lady with you had to apologise for you being so disgracefully rude to the staff and for no reason!

In her review, the customer said while the quality of the lobster was excellent in terms of flavour and taste, she was dissatisfied.

After several questions regarding the size and price of the portion of lobster served, specifically would the portion be enough to 'feed' us for dinner. We were assured it would and was more than ample.

Unfortunately, this did not turn out to be the case. We received our lobsters which turned out to contain literally three bites of meat. The price was 18 euro. This was accompanied by a small bowl of chips - 4 euro.

While both were excellent in taste and flavour, neither represented value for money. So we complained. To be frank, we were brushed off, being told that it was explained that this was the price per portion.

We were not satisfied with this response as we have specifically enquired if the portion was enough to feed us for dinner. It was not and we felt mislead. We complained again. This time the person dealing with the complaint became argumentative.

The restaurant hit back, by outlining its side of the story.

Youre giving out because of the price of Lobster in December, so lets break it down: Local live Irish Lobster caught off the Dublin Coast  1. The lobster is clearly marked on the Menu @10 per 100g; 2. You were shown the lobster; 3. You were given the weight; 4. You were given the price.

You proceeded to order it but being clearly out of your budget you decided to share a lobster and have 1/2 each.

You then go on to complain that it's not enough to fill you! Youre a grown woman, If you don't know how much you need to eat to fill yourself how in gods name do you expect us to know what it takes to 'FILL' you.

The post continued: In this industry, you hear the legend of the nastiest person of the year and I'm delighted to let you know that for 2017 you're the winner. Award by us and vouched for by your own company on the night!

Nobody has the right to be rude and nasty but karma will play its roll in all this.

Speaking to Independent.ie, owner Niall said that while people are perfectly entitled to review restaurants on TripAdvisor, they should be mindful that a restaurant is a livelihood for the owners and staff.

[The response I made] is not something that Id normally do. But I did it more so for the sake of the staff... to show solidarity with them.RTE's documentary on consultant work practices should be a catalyst for a new system, says Maurice Gueret, who also whips out a spicy bag for inspection

Work Shy

Happy New Year, readers. The dust may have settled by now in consultant car parks after the intrepid RTE Investigates documentary on the working hours of some specialists. Debate will continue about whether cases of work-shirk uncovered in the public service are mere outliers, or represent the tip of a more serious iceberg.

What interested me were the specialties involved - bones, eyes and ear, nose and throat. I think it's fair to say that private practice in these operative specialties is particularly lucrative. And it's fair to say that public waiting lists in these specialties are particularly long. Dealing with the issues raised is probably beyond the HSE and beyond most of our politicians. Let 2018 be the year when we say enough is enough for a twin-track hospital service. We are a tiny country. We have only about 45 public hospitals, and 15 private ones.

They should all be working flat-out in the same service. We should divest ourselves of the old left-right ideological baggage about who runs the service. Competent management, preferably not for much or any profit, would suit me fine. We need to admit that if we want a fair and functioning health service, we wouldn't start from where we are. No health minister barely out of shorts is going to sort out our mess. Almost every other civilised country in Europe has introduced universal health care in some form or other. Let's prove what good Europeans we are and invite some big boys and girls from the continent over to do the very same for us.

Dutch Courage

When James Reilly was health minister, there was much talk of following the Dutch example. But somewhere along the line, and never quite properly explained, a lethal dose of euthanasia was administered to the idea. Healthcare in the Netherlands is back in the news in recent months.

They made euthanasia services by doctors legal 16 years ago, and demand is growing. In 2017 alone, there were about 7,000 deaths, with the figure climbing now by about 750 each year. The service is provided by voluntary request. Twin requirements are proof of unbearable suffering and no prospect of improvement. In the early days, almost all the requests were from patients who only had days to live. Now this applies to only about 7 in every 10 requests. We may choose in Ireland to close our eyes to the concept of organising our own deaths.

Hitherto, in this country, it has only been the preserve of doctors who have the means to self-administer an early exit. For years, rumours circulated in medical circles about individual doctors who may or may not have made that choice. Our cousins across the sea have led the way. Do we have the courage to join the Dutch in this ultimate expression of personal dominion? I doubt it. But a shot of euthanasia for our less-than-universal healthcare service is long overdue.

Spice Bag

Three Italian chip shops within a mile of my house have closed in recent years. Their loss helped to solve the family conundrum as to whether battered fresh cod smothered in spuds should be a weekly or monthly treat. Coinciding with the closure of Dublin's chippers is the rise of the so-called spice bag. This Chinese-takeaway delicacy, a native offering of south Dublin, consists of chunky chips, battered chicken or fish, all shaken together with oodles of chilli, oily peppers, MSG, onions, unspecified spices and curry powder. The healthiness or otherwise of the spice bag, and its calorie count, have yet to be determined. With food-safety folk falling over each other in modern Ireland, I think they're missing a trick by not bringing spice bags to their laboratories. If they contact me, I can provide a comprehensive map of where to get them and an up-to-date price list. Tasting is an optional extra.

Social Doctors

I'm not overly enamoured with social media. When your own family tires of having to listen to your every-day opinions, it's safe to assume that the rest of the world may not feel differently in any radical way. But I do like to check my Twitter handle - it's @drmauricegueret - a couple of times a day to see what other medics are up to in their more exciting lives. One doctor I like to follow recently got his plumber's bill reduced from 90 to 50; the plumber reduced his bill following a chat about his bowel issues. Which means the plumber valued the doctor's time at 40, and his own at 50. Just about right.I am standing on the rooftop of a shop. It's not just any old rooftop, though - it's one that's been transformed into a buzzing restaurant called Rooftop Restaurant.

It's a Thursday and the place is packed to capacity. My companions and I sip delicious cocktails, or apero as they are known locally, and gaze out over the skyline, basking in the evening sunshine and waving at strangers on the street below. It's like something out of a Disney film, such is the mood of utter contentment.

Where is this excellent location? Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich.

I was surprised to discover that Zurich is a meagre two-hour flight from Dublin. As we boarded our flight with Swiss, I couldn't envision what was in store from a city that has been more traditionally known as a financial and industrial centre rather than what it has become in recent times, a city-break hotspot. Chuffed by the fact that the airline handed out their own brand of Swiss chocolate, I had a pretty good feeling about what might be in store.

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After a pleasant flight, I pick up my ZurichCard - a must if staying in the city. The ZurichCard allows unlimited travel by tram, bus and train for 24-72 hours. It also entitles you to other perks, such as free admission to most Zurich's museums, some boat trips and discounts on a variety of cultural and leisure activities. In a city that can be pricey, this is money well spent.

Our lodgings, Marktgasse Hotel, is a newly-refurbished boutique hotel. Formerly an inn that dates back to 1426, it is nestled in the heart of the Old Town surrounded by quaint cobbled streets. Staying here means you're within walking distance of all key attractions with excellent restaurants and shops at every turn. Not to mention the fact the hotel's mattresses are from the same manufacturer that supplies Buckingham Palace. Trust me, you will sleep like a log. I couldn't resist the cloud-like appeal of the bed so had a quick, delicious snooze before setting out to explore the city.

Once an industrial hub renowned for its shipping enterprises; Zurich has reinvented itself. It remains the financial capital of Switzerland, but has emerged as a hugely vibrant and exciting metropolis. With more than 50 museums and over 100 galleries, you will not have an idle moment.

My interest in Zurich was heightened by the connection to one of our own literary geniuses. Zurich was a favourite with James Joyce, who honeymooned here, and found great inspiration for his writing - he wrote parts of his masterpiece Ulysses in this Swiss city. Members of the public can visit the cemetery where Joyce is laid to rest alongside his wife Nora and son Giorgio. Or while away an afternoon, by appointment, in the James Joyce Foundation library at Augustinerstrasse, tucked away in the Old Town.

It is, possibly, a lesser known fact that Zurich is a city of food, and this is what I'm here to experience. Dinner is at the Food Zurich opening party in Jelmoli, a large shopping centre in Bahnhofstrasse, a short walk from the delightful aforementioned rooftop. In typical Swiss fashion, the location of this festival is quirky. My dinner companions and I wind our way past designer handbags and perfumes, wondering where on earth this food festival could be. We descend into the basement and the foodcourt to be met by blaring music and crowds milling about. Chefs are cooking their produce, dishing it up at lightning speed. Wines are flowing, there is every type of cheese you can think of; local produce; fresh baked bread. The place is brimming with tasty bites to eat. The atmosphere is contagious. We divide and conquer in an attempt to sample all of the delicious offerings. Food artisans abound, beckoning pools of enthusiastic eaters waiting their turn, and soon our appetites are sated.

We wind our way home, negotiating the foolproof tram network with the ease of locals.

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Next day, enjoying the vibe that comes as a result of excellent coffee and a sumptuous bowl of porridge, we set off to our next destination: an artisan sausage factory. Owned by Mika Lanz - a filmmaker, turned food scientist, turned butcher, with an immaculate dress sense - it epitomises the farm-to-fork mentality that is evident throughout food producers in Zurich.

Mika likes to blast hip hop as he works in his sausage factory, which is located in the basement of a church that is still in use. I am again struck by how nothing the Swiss do is predictable. His in-demand fare is stocked in many of the local restaurants, so inquire if his produce - the label is Mikas - is on the menu if you visit. All the produce is simply delicious.

Our next stop is restaurant Markthalle in Limmastrasse. Built into a viaduct, a thriving food market is not what you expect to find as trains trundle overhead. We gobble our tasty lunch before exploring all the stalls. One bakery in particular catches my eye - St Jakob Beck bakery and ice cream parlour in Viaduktstrasse. It churns out freshly baked goods every day and purposefully employs only those with disabilities. It is a unique concept and sums up the feel of this city in an instant. A city of gamechangers, movers and shakers.

Our weekend passes in a happy food-induced haze. On the Zurich food tour, which is held once a day every Friday, we discover the culinary secrets of Zurich West. This comprises a walking tour of the restaurants in the area that are particularly popular with locals.

Again there are surprises at every turn, as we learn about brewing in one location and chow down on freshly made hummus in the next, all washed down by some beautiful Swiss wine. A highlight for me, and a must-visit, is La Salle - a restaurant built into a former shipping yard with extraordinary architecture to feed the soul as you feast within a ginormous glass cube. You have to see it to believe it.

Whether it's a fine-dining experience at one of Zurich's premier hotels, such as the Dolder Grand with it's panoramic views; wandering the weekly vegetable and flower markets at Gemusebrueke; nipping up Zurich's local mountain, Uetliberg, to work your holiday indulgence off; or luxuriating in Thermal Bad spa's incredible rooftop pool - no matter what you're seeking for your holiday, you'll find your place in this city at the heart of Europe.

It's just spilling over with culture and things to do and see - and of course, most importantly, to eat.

Getting there

Places to stay: Marktgasse Hotel, marktgassehotel.ch Dolder Grand, doldergrandhotel.com/en

Spa: Thermalbad & Spa, thermalbad-zuerich.ch/

Foodie hotspots: Sausage factory, mikas.ch; bakery, johnbaker.ch; vegetarian restaurant, hiltl.ch; chocolatier, laederach.com/en

For Zurich Food Tour / Street Food Festival/ Zurich Tourism

MySwitzerland.com or email info.uk@myswitzerland.com; for packages, trains and air tickets, email sales@stc.co.uk

Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss offers up to 119 weekly flights from Dublin to Zurich.

All-inclusive fares, from 75 one-way, including all airport taxes, one piece hold luggage and hand luggage, plus meal and drink.

Swiss is happy to transport your first set of ski or snowboard equipment and boots free of charge, in addition to your standard free baggage allowance. swiss.comMary Kelly, chair of An Bord Pleanala, at its offices in Dublin. Photo: Frank McGrath

Families are being forced into "terrible commutes" because we insist on extending our cities, the country's most senior planner has warned.

Chair of An Bord Pleanala Dr Mary Kelly said people were being denied the opportunity to have a "regular life" due to an unwillingness at local authority level to tackle the problem of urban sprawl.

Developers were seeking and being granted permission for traditional low-rise homes in our major urban areas, even in areas with few public services, she said.

She warned that homes were needed where expensive infrastructure, including well-serviced public transport corridors and water, were already in place, and that high density did not mean poor quality or high rise.

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Planners and city and county councillors had to agree that consolidating towns and cities was the best way to develop urban areas, Dr Kelly said.

"We should consolidate within cities and towns. We would much prefer to see development within serviced areas.

"Within Dublin, you can see low-density schemes coming in (to the board on appeal), and we have refused schemes.

"All you're doing is pushing people further out and forcing them into terrible commuting patterns which we saw before in the Celtic Tiger.

"Unless we provide places for people to live, close to where they work, and unless they can have a regular life, it's going to be difficult for them."

Her comments come as Census 2016 data shows that average commuting times have increased over the past five years, while three in every 10 of the population spend part of their day in Dublin.

Some 200,000 spend more than a hour commuting to work, up almost 50,000 in the past five years.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has introduced new guidelines designed to encourage developers to build apartments, including removing height restrictions, the requirement for dual aspect homes and car parking in urban areas.

Later this year, owners of commercial properties will also be able to convert unused space for residential use without securing planning permission, which could provide up to 4,000 homes in Dublin city alone.

Available data from the Central Statistics Office on average family sizes, coupled with advice from the Housing Agency, suggested that smaller one and two-bedroom homes were needed, she said.

However, developers were of the view that three-bed semi-detached homes were preferable.

"I think we have to come to a point where the democratically elected people who are producing the plan, with officials, have to agree we need that consolidation," she added.Premium

Eoghan Harris Opinion Misery media fails to give due credit to the Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheal Martin must drive his advisers mad. Unlike Leo Varadkar or Donald Trump, he never bigs up success stories such as the effect of Level 3 Plus on Covid or his visionary Shared Island project. Last Friday, Tony Holohan and RTE cheerleaders seemed to imply Level 5 was responsible for the improved Covid situation. Not so.Not for nothing was Barbara Bush known as 'The Enforcer'

Barbara Bush, tougher than her husband and known to her family as 'The Enforcer', is probably the most popular of all ex-US first ladies of recent times. Jackie Kennedy is remembered across the globe for elegance and tragedy, but she was not loved. Rosalynn Carter worked hard and was a noted campaigner on issues of mental health, but she has suffered in retrospect because of her bitterness at his defeat by Ronald Reagan, who is widely perceived to have been as great a success as Carter was a failure. The brittle Nancy Reagan was an essential support to her husband, but was thought to care little for anyone else. Hillary Clinton was loathed by those who thought her a careerist. The likeable Laura Bush did a lot of useful work but lacked her mother-in-law's commanding personality. And although Michelle Obama had rock-star status, that has diminished as she and her husband embrace luxury and celebrity. Betty Ford is probably the closest rival, having been far more effective and formidable than her husband Gerald, the 38th president, and still having a posthumous reputation for her prowess as a campaigner on addiction, not least because so many of the famous troop to the Betty Ford Clinic.'There was one particularly traumatic incident, when a person was out on a boat. They had an accident with a propeller and their limbs were severed."

Phil Ni Sheaghdha, the newly-appointed head of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), is recalling one of the many harrowing incidents she tended to while working as a nurse in intensive care.

Her words jar with the warm glow of the fairy lights, still twinkling around her, as she settles into a chair in the canteen and her first week in her new role.

"You focus immediately on stabilising the patient, giving them the care required, making sure the bleeding stops and fluids are replaced - working as a team," she says.

And when do your own emotions kick in? "When you finish your shift and you are driving home and you are wondering 'God, did we do everything we could?'"

Originally from the small rural village of Ventry, near Dingle, Ms Ni Sheaghdha developed a love for nursing while still a leaving cert student, working at a local care centre for the elderly. There she would play cards with patients and found joy in the simple moments of their interactions. A daughter of emigrant parents, it was these skills of building a nurse-patient rapport that stood her in good stead while working with end-of-life care patients at a cancer centre in New York, often tending to terminally ill children.

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There, she says, "emotions were on a different scale". When the patients' families would say to her in an nonchalant tone: "Oh, you are on night duty tonight. That's great!" it made it worth the while. "It meant that trust was there. They knew they could relax a bit and go off and have a few hours sleep and you would call if needed."

In the midst of trolley figures and headlines about the health crisis, it is easy to forget the real stories behind the nurses who are now seeking better pay.

The INMO recently made a submission to the Public Sector Pay Commission citing that - in comparison to nurses in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand - Irish nurses must have the same entry requirements but are paid 12-17pc less.

Ms Ni Sheaghdha says public policy in this country "absolutely encourages nurses to emigrate", with 70pc citing 'resignation' as their reason for leaving.

She cites how the UK treats our newly-trained nurses in comparison to bosses in Ireland. When Irish nurses qualify they are asked two simple questions: "What date can you notify us that you have passed your exams?' and "When you are coming and what do you specialise in?" In comparison, Irish healthcare bosses call nurses in for a rigorous full-scale interview, then wait six to eight weeks to inform them whether or not they have been accepted. Even then, they won't be informed which hospital they will be placed at.

All of this, and Ms Ni Sheaghdha says Irish nurses must then go on to endure "the lowest pay and the longest hours, while working under very difficult conditions in overcrowded hospitals".

The trade union boss says the Irish government needs to wake up and make Ireland an employer of choice that gives nurses an incentive to stay rather than hoping they'll have a gra for home. "We can't just rely on this idea that 'ah sure they'll be home for Christmas and Mammy might ask them to stay'."

She cites Brexit as a future factor that is going to have a detrimental effect on Irish hospitals if something isn't done to stop the drain of nurses. "The competition we have from the UK will get intensive. It will mean the nurses who are training here will be given very attractive packages to go to the UK."

Controversial choices and hard bargaining down the line for the INMO

Another issue coming down the tracks is the possibility that abortion on demand will be introduced in 2018.

Ms Ni Sheaghdha says the INMO doesn't take political positions, but she says: "I presume it will be debated at our conference in May."

Asked if nurses should be allowed to opt out of a termination procedure if it is against their personal beliefs, she said: "I think that is a matter that will be debated and determined."

It is possible, she says, that if the legislation is passed, nurses could ask the INMO for a 'conscientious objection clause' to be negotiated into their contract.

"They haven't said that yet because it isn't a feature, but if it were the case and if that was the mandate they gave us, that is what we would have to seek."

On her own opinion on abortion she says: "I don't have an opinion one way or another. I think that if women in Ireland require care - regardless of what it is, and if the law [is laid down] and the citizens vote to have the procedure here or not - then the care of the person is what we would be most concerned with. I don't have a position one way or another. My job has been the care of the patient."

In the meantime, Irish nurses have much more pressing demands to deal with, she says. If the INMO follows procedure and makes demands for better pay to the public service pay commission, and the commission finds in its favour but the Department of Finance still doesn't meet those demands then, she says: "You are going to have a big problem."Handout photo released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge of Princess Charlotte taken by her mother at Kensington Palace this morning shortly before the princess left for her first day of nursery at the Willcocks Nursery School. Photo: Kate Middleton / Kensington Palace

Handout photo released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge of Princess Charlotte taken by her mother at Kensington Palace this morning shortly before the princess left for her first day of nursery at the Willcocks Nursery School. Photo: Kate Middleton / Kensington Palace

Princess Charlotte's first day at nursery school has been marked by the release of two pictures taken by her proud mother.

The two-year-old, who is fourth in line to the throne, was photographed at Kensington Palace before travelling to nearby Willcocks Nursery School.

Expand Close Handout photo released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge of Princess Charlotte taken by her mother at Kensington Palace this morning shortly before the princess left for her first day of nursery at the Willcocks Nursery School. Photo: Kate Middleton / Kensington Palace / Facebook

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Whatsapp Handout photo released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge of Princess Charlotte taken by her mother at Kensington Palace this morning shortly before the princess left for her first day of nursery at the Willcocks Nursery School. Photo: Kate Middleton / Kensington Palace

Charlotte is pictured sitting down on some outside steps in the grounds of the famous palace and another standing as she holds onto a rail.

The young princess is wearing a scarf, coat and appears to have a rucksack on her back as she is photographed by her mother, Kate Middleton.

The princess will be a full-time pupil at the nursery, which charges fees of just over 3,000 (3,400) a term for pupils attending its Monday to Friday morning school, and employs lots of play as children learn.Daliso Chaponda says his new show, 'What The African Said' , will be 'informative but funny'

Jokes about famine and slavery are not the standard fodder of a comedy routine, but Daliso Chaponda revels in crossing the line.

The 38-year-old Malawian was a surprise star of Britain's Got Talent last year, winning over millions with his cheeky but close-to-the-knuckle gags about life as an African in Europe.

"When I moved here I heard a lot of people talking about the financial crisis," he bellowed in the auditions phase of the talent show. "I'm from Africa, what are you maniacs talking about? If this is a crisis, where's Unicef, where's Bono?

"You can tell me it's a crisis when they're flying planes over Birmingham tossing fish and chips out the window! It will be a crisis when there are ads on TV saying: 'This chav has to walk five miles a day to get a bottle of WKD Blue!'"

Chaponda didn't win the competition but came third. But so quick has been his rise that 20 extra dates have been added to his debut stand-up tour, What The African Said, which kicks off in the new year, and a comedy series from him has been commissioned by BBC Radio 4.

"It's surreal," says Chaponda, who this time last year was playing local clubs and struggling to make ends meet.

"I guess people like the fact that I talk about some pretty crazy subjects like slavery and colonialism in a way that isn't guilt-tripping," he says. "The way I see it, if you can make horrible things funny, you take the teeth out of their demons."

He has plenty of experience to draw upon. Chaponda was born in Zambia after his parents fled Malawi under the repressive regime of then-president, Hastings Banda. His father ended up working for the United Nations - which meant Chaponda and his five siblings moved every couple of years, living in places including Zambia, Kenya and Somalia.

"It was a mad, colourful time - which is why it often comes up in my jokes," he says.

But Chaponda has always considered Malawi his homeland, even after causing controversy there for his supposed "whitey views", notably on gay rights. He was even threatened with imprisonment in 2012 when he lampooned the president of the time, Bingu Mutharika, for blaming all Malawi's problems on Satan.

"He was probably being metaphorical but it was funnier for me to take him literally," says Chaponda. "So I went on a whole rant about how we need to call in exorcists."

Nationally, the gag became a much bigger deal because Chaponda's father had returned to Malawi and become the minister for education. Newspaper headlines the next day were all about how the "minister's son tries to bring down the government".

"You'd think that my dad being in government would give me some kind of immunity - but actually it was the reason I got into trouble. Everything I said was under more scrutiny," he says.

His father almost lost his job, but Chaponda looks back on it as a crucial moment that opened his eyes to the power of comedy to make people sit up and take notice.

His family - while remaining supportive, he says - never really understood why he wanted to be a comedian.

Partly this may be because stand-up is a very western art form - one that he himself wasn't fully aware of until he went to university in Montreal to study computer programming.

"I was like, wow, people can just stand up on stage and talk about their life? That was really the awakening moment for me. I had to try it."

He signed himself up for an open event the following week and has chiselled away at stand-up ever since, moving from Canada to South Africa and then to join his brother in Manchester around a decade ago, largely self-financing his own gigs on the pubs and university circuit.

"My family used to joke that I was studying creative poverty," he says.

Chaponda says he expected very little when he turned up for the auditions of Britain's Got Talent. At best he saw it as an opportunity to get a decent video clip he could use to generate more work.

But he touched a nerve. The video of his opening act picked up 9m views on YouTube and another 8m on Facebook. The audience gave him a standing ovation and Amanda Holden, one of the judges, hit the so-called golden buzzer, sending him straight through to the live semi-finals, which he won.

Overnight, a stand-up star was born.

"I didn't really believe what was going on," Chaponda says.

Not all the attention he has received since has been welcome, though.

"People come over and want selfies. But some people take issue with my jokes. Like, 'you black people are always banging on about slavery' kind of things. I get that a lot," he says.

"I aim to be politically correct in what I say, I'm not gratuitous or mean, but I do talk about subjects people shy away from."

In his forthcoming BBC Radio 4 series, which has the working title Daliso Chaponda: Citizen of Nowhere, he plays a sort of relationship counsellor, helping people to navigate Africa's historically choppy relationship with Britain - colonial overlord of much of the continent. The idea, he says, is that it will be "informative but funny".

"It'll look at the whole history, not in an accusing way, but in the sense that we need to remember these things," he says. "Hopefully, laughter makes it easier than somebody just lecturing."

Daliso Chaponda's show, 'What The African Said', will play at Belfast Waterfront on Saturday, April 7My girlfriend's husband died very tragically four years ago. One year later in her mid-20s, she had a liaison with her then boss, resulting in her becoming pregnant. She terminated the pregnancy after 15 weeks because of religious and cultural differences. She said it was the correct decision and has absolutely no regrets.

She moved from a rural location to Dublin for personal security reasons and also because of complex problems regarding her late husband's estate and trouble with her parish because of the termination.

We met as we were working in the same company and over time, we became very friendly. We officially became boyfriend/girlfriend about 15 months ago and we care about each other deeply.

I brought her home to meet my mother and siblings. My mother is a devout Catholic and would disown me if she knew my girlfriend had had a termination.

Our work situations have now changed - nothing to do with our relationship - and we realise that we will not be able to meet as regularly as we do now. My girlfriend feels insecure and lacking in confidence. She has suggested that we live together from next February. She also said she would like to start a family and have children over the next 10 years and then we will get married.

This came as a bit of a shock to me, but I understand where she is coming from because of the traumatic experiences she has had over the last four years. However, I cannot leave my apartment as I share it with other mature students who, like me, are working full-time by day. We have an environment of study in the apartment and I have a few years before my studies are completed so 2020 is the earliest that I can seriously contemplate cohabiting with her.

I will do anything I can to help her. But I am concerned about our future relationship.

Mary replies: I have shortened your very detailed letter considerably for reasons of anonymity. It seems to me that you are battling with two problems. Firstly, what to do if your mother ever found out that your girlfriend had a termination, and secondly, you don't want to move in with your girlfriend for another two years.

Parents pass on to their children their moral and religious beliefs and hope that they will be guided by them. It would be very wrong of any mother to expect a future daughter-in-law to share her beliefs and it would also be wrong of her to judge her if she did not do so.

It should be of no concern to your mother what your girlfriend did before meeting you. Instead, she should be hoping your girlfriend will make you happy in the future. So if it doesn't bother you that she terminated a pregnancy, then stop thinking about it and get on with enjoying each other's company.

Which brings me to your second problem. I don't get any sense of lightness or fun in the relationship from your email other than your assurance that you care deeply for each other.

If you can't live together until 2020, so be it, but there is nothing to stop you enjoying each other's company on an ongoing basis until that time.

There will still be plenty of time for your girlfriend to have babies and who knows, she may have lost some of her aversion to being married by that time.

Tell her your plan for study and work advancement and explain how you see her place in all of this. Because of her insecurities, be sure to tell her how much you care.

Nobody should be pressured into moving in together before they feel that the time is right. You will find that compromise plays a big part in any couple's story.

But you can't be studying all the time, particularly at weekends, and so it should be possible for both of you to enjoy time together as well.

You can contact Mary OConor anonymously by visiting www.dearmary.ie or email her at dearmary@independent.ie or write c/o 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1. All correspondence will be treated in confidence. Mary OConor regrets that she is unable to answer any questions privately.German Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted she was optimistic her conservatives and the Social Democrats (SPD) could cut a deal as they began five days of make-or-break talks about reviving the 'grand coalition' that has governed Germany since 2013.

Persuading the centre-left SPD to team up with her is Ms Merkel's best bet for forming a stable government and extending her 12 years in office, after she failed in November to form an alliance with two smaller parties.

Arriving at SPD headquarters for talks more than three months after a national election, Ms Merkel (inset) said the parties had much work to get through but intended to tackle it quickly, adding: "I think it can succeed."

The SPD, which had said it would go into opposition after its worst election showing since 1933, reconsidered when Germany's president intervened.

But the party, among whose membership opposition to a grand coalition re-run remains strong, has been playing hard-to-get.

A group called "NoGroKo", meaning "no grand coalition", has formed within its ranks to campaign against working with Ms Merkel again, saying that would cost the SPD votes and make the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) the leading opposition party.

SPD leader Martin Schulz said that, while the outcome of the talks was unclear, his party would enter them constructively.

"We won't draw any red lines - rather we want to push through as much red politics as possible," Mr Schulz said, referring to the party's colour.

He said five days should suffice to find out whether the parties had enough common ground to launch full-blown coalition talks. The SPD leadership is due to recommend on Friday whether or not to start those talks, and it will then be up to an SPD party congress on January 21 to make a decision.

A coalition between Ms Merkel's CDU/CSU alliance - which lost ground to the AfD in September's ballot - and the SPD has run Europe's largest economy for eight of the last 12 years.

But it has tended to be viewed as a last resort by both politicians and voters as it leaves the opposition weak.

A poll for broadcaster ARD showed more than half of the electorate - 52pc - are sceptical about reviving it, while 45pc are in favour.

Not natural allies, the two camps are likely to clash on immigration, tax, healthcare and Europe - and expectations among other top figures in the parties were mixed as the preliminary talks got under way.

Norbert Roemer, SPD head in the regional assembly of North Rhine-Westphalia, said none of his colleagues favoured a grand coalition because they no longer trusted Ms Merkel. The SPD in the eastern state of Thuringia is also sceptical about such a tie-up.The Epiphany celebrations in the Portuguese village of Vale de Salgueiro feature a tradition that each year causes an outcry among outsiders: parents encourage children as young as five to smoke cigarettes.

Locals say the practice has been passed down for centuries as part of a celebration of life tied to the Christian Epiphany and the winter solstice - but nobody is sure what it symbolises, or exactly why parents buy the packets of cigarettes for their children and encourage them to take part.

The two-day celebrations include dancing around bonfires, a piper playing music and an elected "king" who distributes plentiful wine and snacks.

The legal age to buy tobacco in Portugal is 18, but nothing prohibits parents from giving children cigarettes, and Portuguese authorities don't intervene to stop the practice.

Guilhermina Mateus, a 35-year-old coffee shop owner, cites custom as the reason why she gives her daughter cigarettes.

"I can't explain why. I don't see any harm in that because they don't really smoke, they inhale and immediately exhale, of course," she said.Photo taken with permission from the twitter feed of @SusanSball4 of smoke coming from Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, USA

Three people were injured after a fire broke out in Trump Tower's heating and air conditioning system, New York City fire chiefs have said.

The blaze started at around 7am (noon GMT), causing smoke to billow from the roof at the Manhattan building which contains President Donald Trump's home and business offices.

Two civilians and a firefighter were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, the New York fire department said.

It took about an hour to put out the fire.

The president was at the White House when fire engines clogged the streets around his Fifth Avenue building during the morning rush hour.

Mr Trump's son Eric later wrote on Twitter: "There was a small electrical fire in a cooling tower on the roof of Trump Tower.

"The New York Fire Department was here within minutes and did an incredible job. The men and women of the #FDNY are true heroes and deserve our most sincere thanks and praise!"

The Republican president announced his candidacy in 2015 at Trump Tower, his home for more than 30 years.The Trump administration has ended special protections for Salvadoran immigrants.

The decision could force nearly 200,000 to leave the US by September 2019 or face deportation.

El Salvador is the fourth country whose citizens have lost temporary protected status under President Donald Trump.

Salvadorans have been, by far, the largest beneficiaries of the programme, which provides humanitarian relief for foreigners whose countries are hit with natural disasters or other strife.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen's decision, while not surprising, will send shivers through parts of Washington, Los Angeles, New York, Houston and other metropolitan areas that are home to large numbers of Salvadorans.

They have enjoyed special protection since earthquakes struck the Central American country in 2001, and many have established deep roots in the US, starting families and businesses.

The action also produces a serious challenge for El Salvador, a country of 6.2 million people whose economy counts on money sent by wage earners in the US.

Over the past decade, growing numbers of Salvadorans, many coming as families or unaccompanied children, have entered the United States illegally through Mexico, fleeing violence and poverty.

In September 2016, the Obama administration extended protections for 18 months, saying El Salvador suffered lingering harm from the 2001 earthquakes that killed more than 1,000 people and was temporarily unable to absorb such a large number of returning people.

Ms Nielsen, who faced a Monday deadline on another extension, determined El Salvador has received significant international aid to recover from the earthquake and that homes, schools and hospitals there have been rebuilt.

Salvadorans will have until September 9 2019, to leave the country or adjust their legal status.

"The substantial disruption of living conditions caused by the earthquake" no longer exists, the department said in a statement.

Homeland Security also said more than 39,000 Salvadorans have returned home from the US in two years, demonstrating El Salvador's capacity to absorb people.

It said the 18-month delay would give Congress time to develop a legislative change if it chooses, while also giving Salvadorans and their government time to prepare.

Democratic leaders and immigrant advocacy groups greeted the decision with resounding dismay, saying well-established families, many with US-born children, will be separated and people will be forced to return to heavy violence in El Salvador.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi called it "a heartbreaking blow to nearly a quarter of a million hard-working Salvadorans who are American in every way".

Representative Bennie Thompson, ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said it was "just the latest in a string of heartless, xenophobic actions from the Trump administration".

However, NumbersUSA, a group advocating immigration restrictions, called it an important step for the humanitarian program's credibility.

"The past practice of allowing foreign nationals to remain in the United States long after an initial emergency in their home countries has ended has undermined the integrity of the program and essentially made the 'temporary' protected status a front operation for backdoor permanent immigration," said Roy Beck, the group's president.

El Salvador president Salvador Sanchez Ceren spoke by phone on Friday with Ms Nielsen to renew his plea to extend status for 190,000 Salvadorans and allow more time for Congress to deliver a long-term fix for them to stay in the US.

The country's top diplomat, foreign minister Hugo Martinez, said Monday's decision underscored a need for Congress to act before September 2019.

"We are convinced we can get legislation in the US Congress before that date," he said.

The decision comes amid intensifying talks between the White House and Congress on an immigration package that may include protections for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who came to the country as children and were temporarily shielded from deportation under an Obama-era programme.

"Mr Trump said in September that he was ending deferred action for childhood arrivals, or Daca, but gave Congress until March to act.

The US created temporary protected status in 1990 to provide safe havens for people from countries affected by earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, war and other disasters, and it currently shields nearly 320,000 people from 10 countries.

The benefit, which includes work authorisation, can be renewed up to 18 months at a time by the Homeland Security secretary.

Critics say it has proved anything but temporary, with many beneficiaries staying years after the initial justification.

Ms Nielsen said last week that short-term extensions are not the answer.

"Getting them to a permanent solution is a much better plan than having them live six months to 12 months to 18 months," she said.

In November, Ms Nielsen's predecessor, acting Secretary Elaine Duke, ended the protection for Haitians, requiring about 50,000 to leave or adjust their legal status by July 22 2019, and for Nicaraguans, giving about 2,500 until January 5 2019.

She delayed a decision affecting more than 50,000 Hondurans, leaving that decision to Ms Nielsen.

Last year, the Trump administration extended status for South Sudan and ended it for Sudan.

Other countries covered are Nepal, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.

Salvadoran immigrant Orlando Zepeda, who came to the US in 1984 to flee civil war, said he was not surprised by Monday's decision given the administration's position on other countries.

Still, that does not make it any easier for the 51-year-old Los Angeles-area man who works in building maintenance and has two American-born children.

"It's sad, because it's the same story of family separation from that time, and now history repeats itself with my children," Mr Zepeda said in Spanish.

APA US judge has dismissed criminal charges against a Nevada rancher and his sons accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authorities in 2014.

Chief US District Judge Gloria Navarro signalled when she declared a mistrial last month that she might dismiss the case outright against 71-year-old Cliven Bundy, sons Ryan and Ammon Bundy, and Montana militia leader Ryan Payne.

The judge, sitting in Las Vegas, severely criticised prosecutors for wilfully violating the due process rights of the defendants, including failing to properly turn over evidence to their lawyer.

But she gave the government a chance to submit written documents opposing dismissal of all charges.

The decision will reverberate among rights advocates in western states, where the federal government controls vast areas of land that some people want to protect and others want to use for grazing, mining and oil and gas drilling.

A tense armed stand-off outside Bunkerville, about 80 miles north east of Las Vegas, stopped a federal Bureau of Land Management round-up of Bundy cattle from public land including what is now Gold Butte National Monument.

About three dozen heavily armed federal agents guarding corrals in a dry riverbed faced hundreds of flag-waving men, women and children calling for the release of 400 cows.

The cattle had been rounded up under court orders issued over Mr Bundy letting his herd graze for 20 years without paying government fees.

No shots were fired before the outnumbered and outgunned federal agents withdrew.

Several gunmen among the protesters who had assault-style rifles were acquitted of criminal charges in two trials last year.

Ryan and Ammon Bundy were acquitted of federal criminal charges in Oregon after leading an armed occupation of a national wildlife refuge in early 2016 to demand the government turn over public land to local control.

Payne awaits sentencing in that case but is trying to withdraw his guilty plea to a felony conspiracy charge, which is expected to bring a sentence of more than three years in prison.

In Las Vegas, the judge declared a mistrial on December 20, leaving Cliven Bundy as the only defendant still jailed after refusing an offer to be released under house arrest.

APLidl is set to open five new stores in the Greater London area (Rui Vieira/PA)

Lidl is set to open five new London stores and and build its largest UK warehouse to date in a move that the supermarket says underlines the scale of its expansion plans in Britains capital.

The German-owned grocery chain said the new sites  located in Shepherds Bush, Walthamstow Central, South Ruislip, Hornchurch and Rosehill  will open within the next two months, though the launch date for its new warehouse has yet to be set.

The company has exchanged contracts for the 58-acre Luton site with consortium Houghton Regis Management, and is now planning for a one million square foot warehouse that will be Lidls largest in the UK and double the size of any of its distribution centres in Britain.

Once completed, the warehouse will be the supermarkets fourth for Greater London and create up to 1,000 new jobs.

Lidl UK said the plans highlighted the scale of the supermarkets ambitious expansion plans in London.

David Skinner, managing director of UK real estate at Aviva Investors  which forms part of the Houghton Regis consortium  said: We are delighted to have secured Lidl as an owner occupier on this important strategic land site.

The wider consented scheme has consent for over 5,000 homes and, following the recent opening of the new M1 motorway junction, we intend to commence development in early 2019.

Plans for the new warehouse form part of Lidl UKs 1.45 billion investment, which has been earmarked for expansion plans in Great Britain between 2017 and 2018.

The retailers board director for expansion and development Ingo Fischer said: As more London households choose to shop at Lidl we are committed to the continued investment in our operations and infrastructure to support our growth.

With five new stores opening in the next two months alone, and further store expansion and development plans in place for the Greater London area across the new financial year and beyond, this new warehouse is vital in supporting our ambitious expansion plans in and around the M25.

Two new regional warehouses were opened in Exeter and Wednesbury last year, while plans are in the works for further distribution centres in Doncaster, Bolton and Peterborough.

Construction has already started on sites in Avonmouth and Eurocentral, Scotland which are each set replace existing warehouses in Weston-Super-Mare and Livingston.

The German discounters expansion is expected to solidify its standing as the UKs fastest-growing supermarket, increasing the pressure on Britains Big Four  Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons.

In early autumn, Kantar Worldpanel figures showed that Lidl UKs sales rose 19.2% year on year, reaching a market share of 5.3%, while two-thirds of shoppers visited a Lidl or its rival, Aldi, in the preceding three months.

The two retailers now account for almost 1 in every 8 spent in Britains supermarkets, up from 1 in 25 a decade ago.The group's half-year revenues slipped 2.9% to $664.7 million (491.3 million) once its tie-up with Hewlett Packard Enterprise Software was set aside (Brian Lawless/PA)

Shares in Micro Focus International have plunged after the software groups half-year results missed expectations and it forecast future revenues to fall.

The group was down more than 13% in morning trading on the London Stock Exchange, with half-year revenues slipping 2.9% to $664.7 million (491.3 million) once its tie-up with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Software was set aside.

Taking into account the $8.8 billion (6.5 billion) reverse takeover of HPE Software, revenues surged 80% to $1.2 billion (886.9 million) over the six-month period to the end of October.

Pre-tax profits also soared following the deal, climbing 29% to $145.7 million (107.7 million) over the period.

However, it said group revenues would fall between 2% to 4% for the year to October 2018.

The half-year update came as the FTSE 100 firm announced a boardroom shake-up, with ex ARM Holdings and easyJet executive Chris Kennedy joining as chief financial officer.

Expand Close Chris Kennedy, of Micro Focus (easyJet) / Facebook

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Mike Phillips, the companys current CFO, has been shifted to director of mergers and acquisitions, while Ian Fraser has been recruited as chief human resources officer.

In his first set of results since being appointed in September, chief executive Chris Hsu said: The period from announcement to completion of the HPE Software transaction is the longest of any of the Micro Focus mergers and acquisitions.

This was a period of uncertainty for customers, partners, investors and employees which came to an end as we brought the two companies together at the beginning of November.

We have achieved a great deal over the last 12 months and enter the new financial year with stronger foundations than a year ago.

Adjusted earnings, the firms preferred measure of performance, rose 66% to $530.1 million (391.8 million) for the half year.

Dividend per share also lifted 16% to 34.6 cents over the period.

Focusing on the shake-up, executive chairman Kevin Loosemore said the new position for Mr Phillips came in response to conversations with shareholders about how it can scale its approach to M&A.

He added: Both Chris and Ian bring recent relevant experience in functional terms and also in dealing with listed businesses of scale in the UK and the US, and we welcome them to the team.

On the share price fall, Graham Spooner, investment research analyst at The Share Centre, said: Its likely that investors are also reacting negatively to the group now forecasting a decline in revenue of 2% to 4% for the year at its core business as a result of the declines in the existing Micro Focus Product Portfolio.

This has been a recent concern for the market as it focused on the longer-term growth picture, which in turn has seen a bumpier ride for investors and the share price over the last year.No details are set for any potential interview with Donald Trump

No details are set for any potential interview with Donald Trump (AP)

Special counsel Robert Mueller's team of investigators has expressed interest in speaking with Donald Trump as part of a probe into possible co-ordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, a source has said.

The issue of an interview with the president has come up in recent discussions between Mr Mueller's team and Trump lawyers, but no details have been worked out, including the scope of questions the president would agree to answer if a meeting were to take place, according to the source.

Mr Mueller has for months led a team of prosecutors and agents investigating whether Russia and Mr Trump's Republican campaign co-ordinated to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election, and whether he worked to obstruct an FBI investigation into his aides.

Mr Mueller's team recently concluded a series of interviews with many current and former White House aides, including former chief of staff Reince Priebus.

A spokesman for Mr Mueller declined to comment, as did Trump lawyers John Dowd and Jay Sekulow.

A White House spokesman pointed to a statement from White House lawyer Ty Cobb saying the White House does not publicly discuss its conversations with Mr Mueller.

APFire crews are seen at base of Trump Tower, in New York, U.S., January 8, 2018 in this picture obtained from social media. Twitter/@oinonio/via REUTERS

A smoke coming out of Trump Tower as seen from building next to it, in New York City, U.S., January 8, 2018 in this still image obtained from social media video. INSTAGRAM/@SLIMADOS/via REUTERS

A smoke is seen rising from the roof of Trump Tower, in New York, U.S., January 8, 2018 in this still image obtained from social media video. TWITTER/@NYCBMD/via REUTERS

Three people were injured after a fire broke out in Trump Tower's heating and air conditioning system, New York City fire chiefs have said.

The blaze started at around 7am (noon GMT), causing smoke to billow from the roof at the Manhattan building which contains President Donald Trump's home and business offices.

Two civilians and a firefighter were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, the New York fire department said.

It took about an hour to put out the fire.

Expand Close A smoke coming out of Trump Tower as seen from building next to it, in New York City, U.S., January 8, 2018 in this still image obtained from social media video. INSTAGRAM/@SLIMADOS/via REUTERS / Facebook

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Whatsapp A smoke coming out of Trump Tower as seen from building next to it, in New York City, U.S., January 8, 2018 in this still image obtained from social media video. INSTAGRAM/@SLIMADOS/via REUTERS

The president was at the White House when fire engines clogged the streets around his Fifth Avenue building during the morning rush hour.

Mr Trump's son Eric later wrote on Twitter: "There was a small electrical fire in a cooling tower on the roof of Trump Tower.

"The New York Fire Department was here within minutes and did an incredible job. The men and women of the #FDNY are true heroes and deserve our most sincere thanks and praise!"

The Republican president announced his candidacy in 2015 at Trump Tower, his home for more than 30 years.The Panama-registered tanker "Sanchi" is seen ablaze after a collision with a Hong Kong-registered freighter off China's eastern coast (Korea Coast Guard via AP)

An Iranian oil tanker that caught fire after colliding with a freighter off China's east coast is at risk of exploding and sinking, Chinese state media have said.

The news came as three countries struggled to find its 32 missing crew members and contain oil spewing from the blazing wreck.

State broadcaster China Central Television, citing Chinese officials, said none of the 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis who have been missing since the collision late on Saturday have been found as of 8am on Monday.

Meanwhile, search and cleanup efforts have been hampered by fierce fires and poisonous gases that have completely consumed the tanker and surrounding waters, CCTV reported.

The Panama-registered tanker Sanchi was sailing from Iran to South Korea when it collided late on Saturday with the Hong Kong-registered freighter CF Crystal in the East China Sea, 160 miles off the coast of Shanghai, China's Ministry of Transport said.

China, South Korea and the US have sent ships and planes to search for Sanchi's crew, all of whom remain missing. The US Navy, which sent a P-8A aircraft from Okinawa, Japan, to aid the search, said late on Sunday that none of the missing crew had been found.

All 21 crew members of the Crystal, which was carrying grain from the United States to China, were rescued, the Chinese ministry said. The Crystal's crew members were all Chinese nationals.

It was not immediately clear what caused the collision.

State-run China Central Television reported the tanker was still floating and burning, and that oil was visible in the water. Photos distributed by the South Korean government showed the tanker on fire and shrouded in thick black smoke.

Chinese authorities dispatched three ships to clean the oil spill. It was not clear, however, whether the tanker was still spilling oil as of Monday and the size of the oil slick caused by the accident also was not known.

The Sanchi was carrying 136,000 metric tons of condensate, a type of ultra-light oil, according to Chinese authorities.

By comparison, the Exxon Valdez was carrying 1.26 million barrels of crude oil when it spilled 260,000 barrels into Prince William Sound off Alaska in 1989.

The Sanchi has operated under five different names since it was built in 2008, according the UN-run International Maritime Organisation.

The IMO listed its registered owner as Hong Kong-based Bright Shipping Ltd., on behalf of the National Iranian Tanker Co., a publicly traded company based in Tehran.

The National Iranian Tanker Co. describes itself as operating the largest tanker fleet in the Middle East.

An official in Iran's Oil Ministry said 30 of the tanker's 32 crew members were Iranians.

"We have no information on their fate," he said on Sunday. "We cannot say all of them have died, because rescue teams are there and providing services."

The official said the tanker was owned by the National Iranian Tanker Co. and had been rented by a South Korean company, Hanwha Total Co. He said the tanker was on its way to South Korea.

Hanwa Total is a 50-50 partnership between the Seoul-based Hanwha Group and the French oil giant Total. Total did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It is the second collision for a ship from the National Iranian Tanker Co. in less than a year and a half. In August 2016, one of its tankers collided with a Swiss container ship in the Singapore Strait, damaging both ships but causing no injuries or oil spill.

APSenior South Korean officials are heading to the Demilitarised Zone for rare talks with their North Korean counterparts.

The officials departed Seoul early on Tuesday for the border.

The agenda includes co-operation at next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea and improving long-strained ties.

The rivals' first formal meeting in about two years comes after months of tension over North Korea's expanding nuclear and missile programmes.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in his New Year's Day address that he was willing to send a delegation to the Olympics.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in welcomed Mr Kim's overture and proposed talks.

Critics say Mr Kim may be trying to divide Seoul and Washington in a bid to weaken international pressure and sanctions over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests.The Syrian Civil Defence White Helmets tackle a fire following a bombing that targeted the office of the militant group Ajnad al-Koukaz (AP)

Syrian government forces have captured 14 villages as they advanced on the largest rebel-held enclave in the country's north following a wave of air strikes.

The Syrian troops and their allies have been on the offensive since late October in Hama and Idlib provinces, capturing nearly 100 villages from insurgent groups, including the al-Qaida-linked Levant Liberation Committee.

The offensive intensified on Christmas Day after reinforcements were brought in from other parts of Syria.

The main aim of the troops is to reach the rebel-held Abu Zuhour air base and secure the road linking the capital, Damascus, with the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest.

Rebels captured Abu Zuhour in 2015 after a three-year siege.

The government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media (SCMM) said the newly captured villages, include Freija, Jahman, Dawoudiyeh and Jub al-Qasab, bring the troops closer to the air base.

The SCMM and the opposition's UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that 14 villages have been captured over the past hours.

Russia's defence m inistry said its air base and naval station in western Syria came under at least 13 attempted attacks by drones since Saturday.

The ministry said three of the armed drones landed outside the base and others detonated when they crashed, while seven drones were shot down. The ministry said there was no damage to the bases.

The Observatory said the attacks were carried out by an Islamist rebel faction that operates in rural Latakia province, southwest of Idlib, and which had targeted the air base a number of times since December 31.

The offensive in the southern parts of Idlib province comes amid intense air strikes and shelling that have killed 21 people since Sunday, according to the Observatory.

Clashes also erupted on Monday near the Damascus suburb of Harasta, after government forces reached troops trapped for more than a week in a military base surrounded by insurgents.

State media said the Syrian army broke through rebel lines on Sunday to reach soldiers trapped at the Murakabat vehicle base near Harasta, in the eastern Ghouta suburbs.

Rebels surrounded the base late last month, trapping an unknown number of soldiers inside.

The rebels said they have taken numerous soldiers hostage.

The Observatory says 159 rebels and government soldiers have been killed in fighting over the base since December 29.

In the north-western city of Idlib, meanwhile, paramedics said the death toll from a massive car bombing the previous evening has risen to at least 25.

Nearly 100 people were wounded. The Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, said four children and 11 women were among those killed.

The Observatory said 27 civilians were killed in the attack, including 14 children, adding that the attack also killed at least 15 insurgents.

The Sunday night bombing targeted the office of Ajnad al-Koukaz, a militant group consisting of foreign fighters mostly from the Caucuses and Russia, activists said.

Idlib is the capital of a province by the same name that is controlled by insurgent factions, including an al-Qaida-linked group.

APWashington, Jan 8 (IBNS): 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 NASAs 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 NASAs 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 Suns 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 holes 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 Hemispheres winter as the returning suns 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 were not yet seeing a clear decrease in the size of the ozone hole because thats 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 studys co-author. As far as the ozone hole being gone, were looking at 2060 or 2080. And even then there might still be a small hole.

Image Credits: NASAIn keeping with the Government's policy to release more security forces-held lands to the civilians, the Sri Lanka Army released another 133.34 acres on December 28, 2017, in the Keppapilavu area of Mullaitivu District to the civilian Tamil owners. As of December 1, 2017, the Army had released a total of 55,510.58 acres of land in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts in the Northern Province, in addition to the 133.34 acres released on December 28 in Keppapilavu. As on March 1, 2016, the Army was occupying 67,427 acres of land belonging to Tamil civilians in the Northern Province. The Army commenced the gradual release of private property used by the armed forces after the conclusion of the Eelam War on May 17, 2009.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had transformed the Menik Farm Displacement Camp in Mullaitivu District into Menik Farm village, an apparel village with garment factories, as part of a new US$ 1.8 million national apparel initiative at village levels. The Displacement Camp was at one time considered the world's largest refugee camp, sheltering close to 300,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). It was closed at the end of 2012, as all IDPs had been resettled. The national apparel village project aims at setting up 150 Mini Apparel Factories across the country. 73 of the 150 factories are dedicated to conflict affected areas, including 38 in the Northern Province and 35 in the Eastern Province. On November 14, 2017, Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen addressing the opening ceremony of the first factory in the Menik Farm village, declaring, "We want these 150 factories to form their own apparel companies or cooperatives one day and share their profits among them. Reconciliation would be a distant dream without provision of livelihood to war affected families."

Meanwhile, furthering the constitution-making process, the Constitutional Assembly (CA), which was formed on March 9, 2016, to draft a new Constitution for the island nation, replacing the current Constitution adopted in 1978, had 10 meetings, so far. At the 6th to 10th meetings of the CA held on October 30, October 31, November 1, November 2 and November 8, 2017, an Interim Report of the Steering Committee set up under the CA was debated. The Interim Report was submitted to the CA by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as Chairman of the Steering Committee on September 21, 2017, and stressed that Sri Lanka should remain one undivided and indivisible country, where maximum devolution should be granted. It argued explicitly for the inclusion of specific provisions in the Constitution to prevent secession (division of the country). The report proposed that provincial councils would be the primary unit of devolution, while local bodies had been named as the implementing agency of both the central Government and the provincial councils.

Issuing a statement following the submission of the Interim Report, R. Sampanthan, Leader of the Opposition and of the main Tamil party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), stated, on September 21, 2017, "The successful conclusion of this Constitution-making process on the basis of an acceptable, reasonable and substantial national consensus would bring about a firm finality to this issue. Sri Lanka would perpetually be a united undivided and indivisible country in keeping with the basic and Supreme Law of the country, and on the basis of the free will and consent of its entire people." Further, on January 3, 2018, Sampanthan added, "I have not the slightest doubt that we made the correct decision in backing Mr. Sirisena. We were sick of the Rajapaksa government which had been particularly unjust and unfair to the Tamil civilians. I have no regrets about the decision we made, though the Tamil people, and consequently those of us who represent them, expected greater performance from the government." In the keenly contested Presidential Election held on January 8, 2015, TNA supported common opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena, leader of the New Democratic Front (NDF), which emerged victorious, securing 6,217,162 votes (51.28 per cent) against 5,768,090 votes (47.58 per cent) polled by Mahinda Rajapaksa, the incumbent President and candidate of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA).

Significantly, in another step forward in Sri Lanka's path to sustained peace, and paving the way to set up the Office for Missing Persons (OMP) to trace around 20,000 people still missing eight years after the end of the nearly three-decade-long civil war, the Constitutional Council (CC) submitted the names of seven nominees for the OMP to President Maithripala Sirisena, on December 8, 2017. There were more than 100 applicants seeking to be members of the OMP, among whom the seven were selected, and their names had been sent to the President for approval. The Bill to establish the OMP was introduced on May 22, 2016, and on June 21, 2017, was passed unanimously in Parliament. On July 20, 2017, President Sirisena signed the OMP Act.

Notably, to launch a television channel to promote reconciliation, on December 20, 2017, the Cabinet approved the establishing of a "Channel of Reconciliation", a television studio complex in the Northern Province. It was decided to obtain a land plot of 100 perches (3,025 square yards) for this purpose from the Meesalei Weerasingham Central College premises in Jaffna. Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation has been entrusted with this project according to a Cabinet paper submitted by Finance and Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera. Further, underlining the Government's commitment to resolve the ethnic issue, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, while addressing a ceremony to distribute title deeds under the theme 'Our house in our land,' at Hatton Dunbar Grounds in Nuwara Eliya District noted, "The war is over, and the people elected Maithripala Sirisena as the President in January 2015 with a mandate to rebuild the country. But there is no development without peace. We as Sri Lankans have to unite as one. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has come forward for peace building for the first time. They wanted a political solution for their demands."

Similarly, President Sirisena, addressing the Religious Coexistence Convention held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo on December 12, 2017, observed, "Today, we are gathered here because deep down we know that we have a problem in this country. The ethnic and religious conflicts in this country resulted in a 30-year war. The war was ended through a military solution. Our Forces were able to defeat a separatist terrorist organization but we have not managed to defeat the beliefs that led to it. We all know that ideas and beliefs cannot be defeated with arms. It can only be replaced with a better, more positive belief. I strongly believe that our local temples and religious institutions do not preach conflict. The religious leaders always try to direct the people in the right direction. All philosophies, be it Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity, strive try to correct society."

Nevertheless, the assault of international organizations against the Sri Lanka Government continues. Human Rights Watch (HRW) Geneva Director John Fisher on November 15, 2017, urged the United Nations (UN) members to insist that Sri Lanka adopt an action plan and timeline to implement Geneva proposals as promised to theUnited Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Resolution adopted in October 2015, and argued, "The Sirisena government made key pledges at the United Nations Human Rights Council in October 2015 to ensure justice, accountability, and security sector reform. The failure of the government to fulfill most of these promises has brought its commitment to reform into question and dashed hopes of victims and affected communities. Sri Lanka is in danger of not just standing still on rights, but backtracking on essential reforms. UN members need to look beyond the increasingly hollow promises of reform, and insist that the government present an action plan and timeline for honoring its commitments." Similarly, the three-member United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention comprising Jose Antonio Guevara Bermudez, Leigh Toomey and Elina Steinerte who visited Sri Lanka from December 4-15, 2017, to assess the country' situation regarding the deprivation of liberty, on December 15, 2017, urged the Government to introduce urgent reforms to the 'outdated' legal framework to end arbitrary detention in the country. The delegation identified significant challenges to the enjoyment of the right to personal liberty in Sri Lanka, resulting in arbitrary detention across the country.

Meanwhile, on June 20, 2017, the Cabinet of Ministers approved Prime Minister Wickremesinghe's proposal to appoint a Committee of Ministers chaired by him and a Committee of Officials to assist and to coordinate the UNHRC recommendations made in the consensus resolution adopted in October 2015. Further, on November 1, 2017, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe launched the five-year National Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights at a ceremony held at the Parliament Complex. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister declared the time had come to reaffirm human rights in the country. The National Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights 2017-2021 documents goal-oriented activities in the Human Rights arena, aimed to strengthen national processes and mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights through substantial constitutional, legislative, policy and administrative frameworks.

Through 2017, the National Unity Government (NUG) has made remarkable efforts to press forward the reconciliation process by reaching out to the Tamils and initiating constitutional and legal reforms. It has furthered the much-awaited Constitution-making process by debating the Interim Report of the CA Steering Committee in Parliament. It has also passed enabling legislation to establish the OMP to help find the missing persons of the war era. Colombo's record on these parameters compares favorably with almost any other post-conflict society in the world, and certainly improves on the conduct of Western expeditionary forces in various theatres of strife across the world. But unrealistic expectations and criteria that are not applied to a multiplicity of conflicts - both current and past - are being imposed on Sri Lanka by elements within the international community. These are contaminating the discourse within the country, deepening polarization between the communities, and obstructing the process of reconciliation, rather than contributing in any constructive measure to a peaceful resolution.Chennai, Jan 8 (IBNS): Sidelined AIADMK leader and newly elected RK Nagar MLA, TTV Dinakaran, made his debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly as its session began on Monday, media reports said.

Dinakaran, who fought as an independent from RK Nagar constituency, defeated his own party AIADMK's and opposition DMK's candidates.

RK Nagar constituency had fallen vacant after the demise of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

The first day of the Assembly witnessed an uproar as DMK leader M K Stalin protested against former Governor C Vidyasagar Rao's role in forming of the government by the AIADMK despite losing supports of 18 MLAs.

Though Chief Minister E Palaniswamy formed the government, 18 AIADMK MLAs had supported the Sasikala camp, the former interim AIADMK General Secretary, who is now serving a jail term in a disproportionate assets case.

Sasikala, before being convicted, had expressed her ambition to become the CM of the state. She was the confidante of Jayalalithaa.

The DMK along with Congress even walked out of the Assembly protesting against the former Tamil Nadu Governor, NDTV reported.Gurugram, Jan 8 (IBNS): Gurugram High Court has denied bail to the 16-year old accused in connection with the murder of class 2 student of Ryan International School, Pradyuman Thakur, media reports said.

The accused is also a student of Ryan International. Being a juvenile, his name has not been disclosed.

Pradyuman was found in a pool of blood inside the washroom of the school with his throat slit open in early September.

The teenager allegedly wanted to impede the approaching exams and parent teacher meeting and hence killed the boy.

A civic court also granted bail to bus conductor Ashoke, who was arrested earlier for allegedly murdering the class 2 student, on Nov. 21.

Though Ashoke had earlier confessed that he was the one who killed Pradyuman, a CBI probe found that he did not commit the crime.

The CBI has revealed that Gurgaon police had planted the murder weapon, a knife, that was used to kill seven-year old Pradyuman Thakur in Ryan International School, on bus conductor Ashok Kumar.Mumbai, Jan 8 (IBNS) : Shiv Sena leader Ashok Sawant was stabbed to death on Sunday night near his residence in Mumbai's Kandivali east by two unknown assailants, media reports said.

A former corporator of Mumbai, Sawant was attacked when he was returning home in Samta nagar after meeting a friend.

Reports said he was declared dead after being taken to a hospital.

Poice rushed to the spot of the incident and started an investigation.

Police were also trying to determine if there was a CCTV near the scene of the crime. postmortem.

Media reports said that Sawant had been in a cable business. .

Sawant is survived by his wife, son and two daughters.

Image: youtubeNew Delhi, Jan 8 (IBNS): There is no evidence that Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by an unknown person and not Nathuram Godse, submitted senior advocate Amrendra Sharan to the Supreme Court on Monday, according to media reports.

Sharan was instructed by the apex court to go through all documents pertaining to the assassination to check if the alleged claim of an unknown person firing the fourth bullet that killed Gandhi had any basis.

The SC order was based on a plea by a 'self-confessed' Veer Savarkar devotee and founder of 'Abhinav Bharat' Pankaj Phadnis, who insisted that four shots were fired at Mahatma Gandhi and it was the fourth bullet fired by a mysterious person that took his life.

Times of India quoted Sharan as saying, "The bullets which pierced Mahatma Gandhi's body, the pistol from which it was fired, the assailant who fired the said bullets, the conspiracy which led to the assassination and the ideology which led to the said assassination have all been duly identified. No substantive material has come to light to throw any doubt on any of the above requiring either a re-investigation of the Mahatma Gandhi murder case or, to constitute a fresh fact finding commission with respect to the same."

Sharan and his assitants, advocates Sanchit Guru and Samarth Khanna, examined nearly 4,000 pages of trial court records and the Jeevan Lal Kapur Inquiry Commission report, to arrive at their conclusion.

The Father of the Nation was assassinated on January 30, 1948, in the compound of Birla House, a large mansion in central New Delhi.New Delhi, Jan 8 (IBNS) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday attacked Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal over recent deaths due to cold in the nation capital.

Kejriwal said the Lieutenant Governor did not consult the government before CEO of Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) was appointed.

The DUSIB looks after the issue of night-shelters for the homeless in New Delhi.

"Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this?," Kejriwal tweeted.New Delhi, Jan 8 (IBNS): Amid an outrage over complaint against a journalist regarding Aadhaar leakage, the Supreme Court on Monday told politicians to allow the freedom of press, media reports said.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) had filed an FIR against a journalist who exposed a racket that gave people an unauthorised access to Aadhaar card in return of money.

The Tribune had reported that it had received an offer to access an Aadhaar card for Rs. 500.

The Delhi police on Sunday said they will try to track down who sold the password, NDTV reported.

Indian newspaper The Tribune has said it is ready to explore all legal options open to 'defend' freedom to undertake serious investigative journalism after the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has filed a case against it and journalist Rachna Khaira over a news report that revealed how people could illegally access demographic data of individuals from UIDAI.

In its statement, the newspaper said: "My colleagues and I are grateful for expressions of support and solidarity from media organisations and journalists."

"We at The Tribune believe that our stories were in the nature of a legitimate journalistic exercise," it said.

The Tribune said its performs its reporting by following 'traditions of responsible journalism'.

"Our story was in response to a very genuine concern among the citizens on a matter of great public interest," the news paper said in the statement.

"We regret very much that the authorities have misconceived an honest journalistic enterprise and have proceeded to institute criminal proceedings against the whistleblower. We shall explore all legal options open to us to defend our freedom to undertake serious investigative journalism," it said.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has filed a case against newspaper The Tribune and journalist Rachna Khaira over a news report that revealed how people could illegally access demographic data of individuals from UIDAI, media reports said.

The Tribune confirmed on Sunday that the case was filed by a Deputy Director of the UIDAI on Saturday.

Joint Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar (Crime Branch), while confirming the development to The Tribune on Sunday, said it was against the paper and the reporter.

The FIR has been registered by the UIDAI. Soon an investigation will be initiated," he told the newspaper.

According to the newspaper report, the FIR has been filed against The Tribune newspaper, reporter Rachna Khaira, and three names.

"The sections under which the UIDAI complaint has been registered are 419, 420, and 468 of the IPC, and Section 66 of the IT Act, 2000. Besides, Sections 36 and 37 of the Aadhaar Act have also been invoked," The Tribune reported.Guwahati, Jan 8 (IBNS): The sleuths of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption of Assam Police on Monday arrested another IAS officer in connection with the Rs 2250 crore scam of Social Welfare department.

The arrested IAS officer, who served as the director of the Assam government department, was absconding since February 2017 last.

According to the reports, following a tip-off, the sleuths of V&AC arrested IAS officer Kumud Kalita from Guwahati.

The Assam government suspended the IAS officer after revealing his involvement in the multi-crore rupees scam.

Earlier, the Assam police announced a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh to anyone who can provide information leading to absconding IAS officer Kumud Kalita.

V&AC had registered a case into the multi-crore rupees scam following directive by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

On July 28 last, the investigating agency had arrested another IAS officer Dilip Borthakur (former director of the Social Welfare department) in connection with the scam.

A top official of V&AC said that, the investigating agency had already submitted a charge sheet of the scam before the court.

11 persons including both the arrested IAS officers' names were included as accused in the charge sheet, the top official said.

Earlier, the V&AC had arrested six officials of social welfare department on February 27 last year in connection with the scam.

The arrested officials are District officer of Goalpara Hemi Borah, District officer of Kamrup Kishori Dutta, Accounts officer RS Bhattacharya, UD assistant Debasish Dey, LD assistant Sajid Hussain and Programme officer Kulen Saikia.

In connection with the multi-crore rupees scam, the V&AC team had also grilled three former Congress ministers including Akon Bora, Gautam Roy and Ajanta Neog.

The vigilance team had grilled at least 32 officials including three IAS officials into the scam.

In 2016, Assam CM had directed to probe the multi crore scam during the previous Congress regime.

During the investigation it was revealed that an amount of Rs 150 crore was siphoned off every year from the social welfare department of the state for the past 15 years.

The investigation also detected nine lakh fake entries of ghost children in the ICDS list.

The top official of V&AC said that 390 fake Anganwadi centres have been identified, which were fraudulently entered for siphoning off the money.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)INC India Twitter Handle

Manama, Jan 8 (IBNS): Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday addressed a gathering of PIOs in Bahrain where he slammed India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government for creating hatred and division among people.

Addressing the gathering, Rahul said: "The tragedy is that instead of focusing the attention of our people on what is critical - the removal of poverty, job creation and the building of a world-class education system - we see instead a rise in the forces of hatred and division."

He said, "Together, we must steer India back to its original strengths, we need to make India the centrepiece of ahimsa, of non-violence, of compassion."

Rahul alleged that job creation in India today is at an 8 year low.

"New investments are the lowest they have been in 13 years, bank credit growth has sunk to a 63 year low," said he.

"We need to bring our conversation back from violence and hatred to one of progress, jobs and love between our people. And we cannot do that at home without our largest skill base on the planet  all you people in this room," said the Congress President.

Promising to rebuild the party, Rahul said the Congress's vision is one that builds bridges and is compassionate - it is a tried and tested vision that has fought for India in its toughest moments.

"Ours, more than any other vision, because of the struggle and because of our victory in India's liberation, is a vision that has strong roots in the NRI community," said he.A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper, Ashish Patra (29), was killed during an exchange of fire between Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres and Security Force (SF) personnel in the Chakarbandha Hills near Balthar village under Barachatti Tehsil (revenue unit) in Gaya District on January 2, 2018. According to sources, on January 1, after receiving specific intelligence regarding Maoists' movement in the area, a search operation was launched by the SFs. On the next day (January 2), at around 3.30pm, an exchange of fire took place between the two sides in which the CRPF trooper sustained injuries and died later.

It was the first fatality recorded in this category (SFs) in the State, after a gap of almost one year and three months. The last SF fatality was registered on October 3, 2016, when three motorcycle-borne suspected CPI-Maoist cadres shot dead Quuam Ansari, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Kotchi Police Station, in Gaya District. The OIC was on a morning walk when the assailants attacked, killing him on the spot.

Remarkably, in 2017, SFs had achieved their best ever kill ratio against the Maoists, on year on year basis, since the formation of CPI-Maoist in 2004. They had killed nine Maoists without suffering a single loss in 2017. By contrast, in 2016, they had lost 15 of their own personnel, killing just nine Maoists.

Further, SFs arrested 98 Left Wing Extremists (LWEs) through 2017. The arrested cadres included three 'area commanders', one 'zonal commander', and one 'secretary' of the North Bihar Zonal Committee (NBZC) of the CPI-Maoist. Most recently, on December 14, 2017, Police arrested Manoj Sada, a CPI-Maoist 'area commander', active in Farakiya diara (riverine area) under Morkahi Police Station area in Khagaria District, was arrested from his hideout at Jhamakia Musahari by the Police. A pistol and some live cartridges were recovered from his possession. SFs arrested 104 Maoists in 2016.

Mounting SF pressure also led to the surrender of 17 LWEs in 2017, in addition to 24 surrenders in 2016. The cadres who surrendered in 2017 included Maheshi Yadav, a Maoist 'zonal commander' of the Morhar Nilanjan sub-zone. Yadav carried a reward of INR 50,000 on his head.

At least 25 incidents of recovery of arms and ammunition by SF personnel were reported in 2017. In a recent incident of recovery, on December 26, 2017, the Police seized an AK-47 rifle, a semi-automatic rifle, five country-made pistols, four revolvers and over 700 live cartridges during a raid at Tikarampur under the Mufassil Police Station in Monghyr District. There were 32 such instances of recovery in 2016.

Not surprisingly, the trend of declining fatalities in LWE)-linked violence established since 2011, with two exceptions in 2012 and 2016, was re-established in 2017. According to partial data collated by the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), at least 24 persons, including 15 civilians and nine Maoists, were killed in the State in 2017, as against 32 persons, including eight civilians, 15 SF personnel and nine Maoists, killed in 2016. Significantly, 2015 had witnessed the lowest number of such fatalities, nine (four civilians, three SF personnel and two Maoists) recorded in the State since the formation of CPI-Maoist in September 2004. A lone fatality (SF, January 2) has been reported in the current year so far (data till January 7, 2018).

Unsurprisingly, on July 26, 2017, Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar, the Director General (DG) of the CRPF, claimed that the area controlled by CPI-Maoist had "shrunk in three States in the last two and a half years. There is substantial decline in areas controlled by Naxals[Left Wing Extremists (LWEs)] in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Disturbances in these areas are very less."

However, other parameters of violence suggest that the Maoists still retain a significant presence and operational capabilities. Fatalities among civilians are witnessing an increase in recent years. After, touching an all time low of four fatalities in this category in 2015, the lowest recorded in the State since the formation of CPI-Maoist in September 2004, it doubled to eight in 2016, and almost doubled further in 2017, reaching 15. Most recently, on December 18, 2017, CPI-Maoist cadres abducted and hacked to death two security guards of a private Construction Company in Jamui District.

In addition, the Maoists carried out three blasts in 2017, in addition to four in 2016. They attacked railway properties on at least three occasions each, in both these years. Also, they were found involved in 11 incidents of arson in 2017, and 10 in 2016. At least eight incidents of abduction (in which 18 persons were abducted) by Maoists were reported in 2017 as against just two incidents (in which six persons were abducted) in 2016.

The Maoists also issued six bandh (shut down strike) calls on different issues in 2017, in comparison to four such calls in 2016. The December 18-20, 2017, bandh witnessed the most violence, when an armed squad of about 15 CPI-Maoist cadres, including some women, carried out an attack at the Masudan Railway Station in the Jamalpur area of Monghyr District in the night of December 19, 2017, at around 11 pm. The Maoists set ablaze station property, including the signaling panel, hampering rail services, and abducted two railway employees present at the station - Assistant Station Master [ASM] Mukesh Paswan and porter Narendra Mandal. After the State Police and CRPF launched a joint search operation, the Maoists released the two men in a hilly area at Jamalpur. According to the SATP database, Bihar has accounted for at least 62 Maoist-linked attacks on the Railways since September 21, 2004 (data till January 7, 2018). These attacks have resulted in 25 deaths (nine civilians and 16 SF personnel) and 32 persons injured.

Meanwhile, according to CRPF sources, three pockets - the Jamui/Nawada/Giridih triangular section, the Gaya Aurangabad section, and the Lakhisarai/ Monghyr/ Banka/ Jamui section - still record significant CPI-Maoist influence. For instance, a report dated December 25, 2017, noted that three groups, each comprising of 20-25 CPI-Maoist cadres, were seen in the border areas of Banka District.

Disturbingly, splinter groups of the CPI-Maoist, such as the People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) and the Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), mainly based in Jharkhand, also continues to made their presence felt in Bihar as well. On October 16, 2017, PLFI cadres shot dead a contractor after he refused to comply with extortion demands at Diha village under the Guraru Police Station area in Gaya District. Police said contractor Ramadhar Singh was allegedly shot dead by armed squad of the PLFI, after he refused to pay the "levy" demanded by them. On April 9, 2017, suspected cadres of the TPC, raided the construction site of Gas India Limited (GAIL), the agency engaged in laying gas pipeline passing through Gurua Police Station area of Gaya District of Bihar, and 'ordered' stoppage of work for the company's failure to pay the 'levy' demanded by the outfit. On March 1, 2017, the TPC 'zonal commander' Anil Kushwahaaka Rakesh Mishra and 10 cadres killed one Jitendra Kharwar (18) over delay in serving them food in Rohtas District.

Meanwhile, according to a December 13, 2017, report, the Centre and the State Government have devised a strategy to combat the Maoist menace in Bihar. Under the new strategy, named 'Mission 100', hundred people will be identified and brought to book for their involvement in organised crime and Maoist activities. Under the 'mission', the central agencies would strike at the source of income (read extortion) of the Maoists and also confiscate the ill-gotten property of their strategists. The report stated further that in November 2017, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated the process of attaching the property of two senior Maoists - Pradyuman Sharma aka Kundan, head of the Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee (BJSAC)'s Magadh zone, and Sandeep Yadav aka Badka Bhaiya, in charge of the BJSAC's Madhya zone. Yadav carries an INR 500,000 reward on his head in Bihar and INR 2.5 million in Jharkhand. Similarly, the Bihar Government has announced INR 50,000 on Sharma while he carries a reward of INR 500,000 in Jharkhand. Bihar's Special Task Force (STF) disclosed that Sandeep and his family have accumulated assets worth INR 15.2 million, and Pradyuman and his family members have property worth more than INR 12.8 million. Inspector General of Police (Operations) Kundan Krishnan disclosed, "Sandeep's wife Rajwanti Devi, who is enrolled as a contract teacher at a Banke Bazar (Gaya) primary school, has withdrawn salary of Rs 675,424 over the years but she does not go to the school. Such is Sandeep's terror that no one has lodged a complaint on it so far. Rajwanti's bank balance is Rs 749,546, which is disproportionate to her known sources of income." The report also says Rajwanti owns a .66 acres plot in Gaya, valued at approximately INR 5 million, and a flat in Ranchi worth INR 3 million. Sandeep's brother Dhan is also a Maoist. Meanwhile, Pradyuman and wife Shanti Devi have millions deposited in his bank, while their children study in expensive private institutions. His brother Pramod, resident of Hulasganj in Jehanabad District, reportedly owns 38 small- and medium-sized plots, mostly of agricultural land, said to be worth INR 5 million in all.

Further, the State has deployed 10 battalions of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to fight LWEs. These include seven battalions of CRPF (five regular and two Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, CoBRA, battalions) and three battalions of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Further, four helicopters have been stationed in the Ranchi District of neighboring Jharkhand for anti-Maoist operations in Bihar.

The fight still lacks critical muscle, as the Bihar Police continues to lag in terms of capacities to deal with the challenge. According to the latest Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) data, as on January 1, 2017, Bihar has 74.76 Police personnel per 100,000 population, the lowest in the country and far below the national average of 150.75. Bihar, however, fares better than the national average on Police/Area Ratio (number of policemen per 100 square kilometers) at 83.05, as against the national average of 60.83. In both these categories, the sanctioned strength for Bihar is much higher, at 107.73 and 119.67 respectively. Moreover, there are 42 vacancies of IPS officers in the State against the sanctioned strength of 231. An unnamed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the State disclosed on December 30, 2017, that among the 189 serving IPS officers in the Bihar cadre, 36 were on central deputation.

The Maoist rebels are persistent in their efforts to restore their sway in the State. The Administration, consequently needs to gear up and strengthen its responses - particularly in terms of State Police capacities - to neutralize the enduring Maoist challenge.Karachi, Jan 8 (IBNS): Two robbers, who were caught during an armed robbery attempt in Pakistan's Karachi city, have died, media reports said.

Citizens beat one of the robbers after he was caught and he later passed away in a hospital.

The other robber died in a shoot-out, media reports said.

He died during exchange of fire with security personnel.

"The robbers had killed a shopkeeper earlier over resistance during the robbery. The two were running away after stealing from one of the shops in the mobile market," Geo News reported.

Kabul, Jan 8 (IBNS): At least 15 ISIS militants have been killed in Afghanistan's Kunar province on Sunday, local Tolo News reported.

In addition, 20 militants were injured.

The incident took place in the evening after the militants attacked a police check post in Chawki district of the province.

At least three policemen were killed and 13 others were injured during the clash, officials confirmed.Dhaka, Jan 8 (IBNS): With severe cold wave gripping several parts of Bangladesh, the country recorded its lowest ever temperature in history at 2.6 degrees in Tetulia, Panchagarh .

Bangladesh Meteorological Departments Tetulia branch Assistant Met Officer Md Raidul Islam told The Daily Star the lowest ever temperature was recorded at 8:38am this morning.



As per met office, Rajshahi, Pabna, Dinajpur and Kushtia regions are experiencing cold wave situation.

As per met department website, minimum temperature in Dhaka on Monday was 9.5 degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature recorded was 18 degrees Celsius.Washington, Jan 8 (IBNS): US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has reacted to Donald Trump's "nuclear button" tweet and said the US President's comment warned North Korean leader Kim Jong-un about America's nuclear capabilities and kept him "on his toes", media reports said.

Haley told ABC: "We're not letting up on the pressure. We're not going to let them go and dramatize the fact that they have a button right on their desk and they can destroy America. We want to always remind them we can destroy you too, so be very cautious and careful with your words and what you do.

The president "always has to keep Kim on his toes, Haley said.

She said: It's very important that we don't ever let him get so arrogant that he doesn't realize the reality of what would happen if he started a nuclear war."

Escalating further possibilities of a nuclear war, US President Donald Trump recently warned North Korea that he commands a much bigger and more powerful arsenal of devastating weapons than the Asian nation.

"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 tweeted as he warned the Asian nation.

2017 witnessed US President Donald Trump slamming North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as the Asian nation continued to conduct several of its missile tests, teasing world peace and tranquillity and often threatening to trigger a war.

Situation became far tensed when North Korea tested an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) that the nation said was capable of striking US mainland.

The United Nations Security Council imposed strong new sanctions against the Asian nation after its Nov 29 launch of a nuclear-capable weapon.



Image: twitter.com/nikkihaley"Prevent Unauthorized Transactions in your demat / trading account Update your Mobile Number/ email Id with your stock broker / Depository Participant. Receive information of your transactions directly from Exchanges on your mobile / email at the end of day and alerts on your registered mobile for all debits and other important transactions in your demat account directly from NSDL/ CDSL on the same day." - Issued in the interest of investors." | "KYC is one time exercise while dealing in securities markets - once KYC is done through a SEBI registered intermediary (broker, DP, Mutual Fund etc.), you need not undergo the same process again when you approach another intermediary." | "No need to issue cheques by investors while subscribing to IPO. Just write the bank account number and sign in the application form to authorise your bank to make payment in case of allotment. No worries for refund as the money remains in investor's account."

www.indiainfoline.com is part of the IIFL Group, a leading financial services player and a diversified NBFC. The site provides comprehensive and real time information on Indian corporates, sectors, financial markets and economy. On the site we feature industry and political leaders, entrepreneurs, and trend setters. The research, personal finance and market tutorial sections are widely followed by students, academia, corporates and investors among others.Bollywood lost a lot of gems in 2017 including Vinod Khanna and Shashi Kapoor, but looks like the grief continues in 2018. The year has just begun and we have already lost a great actor.

Shrivallabh Vyas, who played the role of Ishwar (wicket-keeper) in Ashutosh Gowarikers Lagaan, has passed away. The 60-year-old actor who has acted in more than 60 films, including Sarfarosh, Abhay, Aan: Men at Work, Shool, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero and Sankat City was suffering from prolonged illness, according to reports.

Vyas was a great actor and we will miss him immensely. He died on Sunday morning around 9:30 am and his last rites will take place in the evening. He has two daughters and his wife struggled a lot while taking care of Vyas... He was a very well-read man and an immensely talented actor, but he didnt get his dues. But his work has always spoken for him. He was also into singing and had started writing too, but life was cruel to him, his friend and actor Daya Shankar Pandey was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

The alumnus of National School of Drama in Delhi, Vyas took a break from his acting career in 2008 after he had collapsed in his hotel room in Gujarat. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Twitter

It has also been reported that his family was facing financial crisis as they were struggling to pay for his treatment. Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar and Irrfan Khan were helping the family with the expenses.

Barring few, most ignored us. Even producers who worked with Vyas refused to bear his medical expenses... Aamir Khan has been supporting us. Its because of him we can afford a three BHK flat, medical expenses, fees for my daughters and other expenses, his wife Shobha told TOI.

(Also Read: Reema Lagoo To Chester Bennington, 11 Talented Artists Who Passed Away In 2017)Draped in rainbow colours, hundreds of people on Sunday marched in the heart of the national capital for the 9th Queer Pride Parade to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community in making a united call for equality of gender and sexuality and seeking "a life without fear".

Organised by the Delhi Queer Pride Committee, the march kicked off from the corner of Barakhamba Road and Tolstoy Marg and saw members of the community as well as their friends and family members turn out with placards, masks and costumes.

"Pride is an inter-mingling of many movements -- feminism, anti-caste movements, for free speech, so this march is important as it is a united call for a prejudice-free India," one of the participants said, requesting anonymity.

Another participant, Delhi University student Esha, said unlike earlier occasions, it is important for queer people this year to shout back equally louder to combat "noise from homophobic groups and an unfriendly government".

"I'm not out yet so I tend to keep a low profile at LGBTQ events, but this year pride is important as a show of strength more than ever because noise from homophobic groups and an unfriendly government seems to have become louder. It is important that we as queer people should shout back equally louder," Esha said.

One of the organisers, Rituparna Borah, said this year's parade saw a greater participation than the last year, with around 800-1,000 people turning out.

"People from all walks of life, identifying with different sexual orientations and genders took part in the parade, that culminated at Jantar Mantar," another organiser said.

While the focus of the 'pride' has been the repeal of Section 377 that criminalises same-sex unions and the demand for dignity for people who do not conform to society's ideas of sexual orientation or gender, different movements joined the parade this year in solidarity with the LGBTQ community.

This year's march was also in support of Dalits, Muslims, women, disabled, Kashmiris, people in the North-East, Adivasis, academics, filmmakers and students, according to an earlier statement on the Facebook page created for the event.

The march saw demands being voiced by a wide section of society -- from the demand to live free of fear to calls to break down patriarchal mindsets.

"Hence, more than ever, we assert that our pride is inextricably tied to a broader demand for freedom and dignity for all," a statement said.

A participant, who works with a private company here, said, "We want to live without fear of any kind ofrepercussion from our family and from the workplace because of the gender we identify with. It is important to live a life without fear."

The parade is a yearly festival, held on the last Sunday of November, to honour and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and many gender and sexual non-conforming people, and their supporters.Most of us - men and women - have been attacked by someone we know or a random stranger on the internet in one way or the other, validating that cyberbullying is just not the monster under your bed, it is way bigger than that.

Also read: Security Supervisor Turns Sexual Predator, Harasses The Woman He Was Supposed To Protect

youtube

With so many social media channels at one's disposal, there is no dearth of creeps slowly trying to crawl into your life and invade your privacy. And these people, who reach out to innocent individuals are not in minority, to say the least.

So, how big is this business anyway?

Surprisingly, India stands on the third spot in cyberbullying, The Global Youth Online Behaviour Survey conducted by Microsoft revealed. To add to that, here is another case.

A Chennai based blogger, Namya Baid, was recently attacked by someone who claimed to offer a job with Air France. The guy called ( +91 73566 88358) Namya and asked a couple of disparaging questions. He asked her the size of her breast and the size of her waist. He even lied to her, said someone else will call the organization whereas he was the only one talking to her.

Also read: Andhra University Sanskrit Professor Sexually Harasses Girls, Get Thrashed By Students

Namya

A couple of calls later, he qualified Namya for a third round and asked her to be alone in the room. On this call, he asked her to show her tattoos, show her stomach and take her innerwear off while wearing the shirt.

Namya did not do any of this, she disconnected the call.

Read the full post here:

The good thing about this ordeal was that Namya recorded every bit of it: the calls, chat and video. She now has evidence to validate that she was harassed and targeted and can sue this guy.

What's more important that we keep our cool and report the issue. Even if as a victim you have shared details that you probably should not have, it does not give anyone the right to harass or harm you.

Never succumb to these scumbags. It takes a lot of courage, but it is worth standing up to them. More power to you, Namya!In a landmark legal move, the Supreme Court today agreed to reconsider its 2013 decision criminalising homosexual acts. A constitutional bench will now review Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises gay sex.

The Supreme Court also issued a notice to the Centre seeking its response to a writ petition filed by five members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, who said they live in fear of police because of their natural sexual orientation and preferences.

The move has given a new ray of hope to countless homosexual Indians who have been fighting for their rights in the society. The constitution of the bench by the apex court is an opportunity for it to rectify the mistake of recriminalising homosexuality in the country.

BCCL

Homosexuality is considered a taboo in a largely conservative Indian society which seemingly is undivided on the controversial issue.

The Law

Section 377 of IPC (modelled on the Buggery Act of 1533) -- which came into effect in 1862 -- defines unnatural offences. The colonial-era provision introduced by the ruling British criminalises consensual acts of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) adults in private.

Delhi High Court decriminalises homosexual acts in private

The Delhi High Court in July 2009 had decriminalised consensual homosexual acts in private by asserting as unconstitutional a part of Section 377 of IPC that criminalises unnatural sex, saying the section denies a gay person a right to full personhood

Supreme Court recriminalises homosexuality

In December 2013, the Supreme Court chose to reverse the verdict by the Delhi High Court. Perpetuating the constitutional validity of Section 377 IPC, an SC bench headed by Justice GS Singhvi (since retired), put the ball in the Parliaments court, saying it was for the legislature to take a call on the desirability of the contentious provision.

The fight against Section 377 received a massive boost when a nine-judge, Bench of the Supreme Court, upheld the right to privacy as the fundamental right intrinsic to life and liberty. The apex court ripped apart a 2014 judgment dismissing the case against Section 377.

The nine-judge Bench on August 28, 2017 observed that the chilling effect of Section 377 poses a grave danger to the unhindered fulfillment of ones sexual orientation, as an element of privacy and dignity.

AP

In distinct judgments, the Constitution Bench led by then Chief Justice of India J.S Khehar resolved that the 2014 verdict by a two-judge Bench of the apex court pandered to a majoritarian view to turn down the LGBT community their intrinsic fundamental rights of life, personal liberty, equality and gender discrimination.

Justice D.Y. Chandrachud observed that the 2014 judgments view that a minuscule fraction of the countrys population constitutes lesbians, gays, bisexuals or transgenders was not a sustainable basis to deny the right to privacy.

Implications for heterosexuals

Section 377 IPC is not restricted to sexuality and sexual acts by homosexuals alone. The case has implications for heterosexuals, or straight as well. Consensual acts of adults such as oral and anal sex in private are currently treated as unnatural and punishable under the Section.

Will homosexuality be decriminalised?

Thanks to the right to privacy being deemed as a fundamental right, the fight for LGBT rights has taken a different and a more powerful course.

BCCL

We need to welcome it. We still have hope from the Indian judiciary. We are living in 21st century. All politicians and political parties must break silence and support individuals sexuality, LGBT activist, Akkai told ANI.

Congress welcomes Supreme Court's decision. Everybody has equal right to live life the way they want: All India Mahila Congress President Sushmita Dev on SC bench to reconsider constitutional validity of section 377

(file pic) pic.twitter.com/wb91vPH9uQ  ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018

"Law walks with life" says the SC.

It took a while for the courts to agree to revisit their ruling on #Section377. Fingers crossed for a progressive judgement this time around. #Sec377 #strikedown377 https://t.co/3Kp73E6j2e  Shruti Mahajan (@shrutimahajan21) January 8, 2018

#Section377 SC should strike down this damn law. Its a symbol of feudal and imperialist mindset !! Human rights is LGBTQ rights, LQBTQ rights is human rights... All support for those suffering from #Section377 !!   (@SubhaB79) January 8, 2018

#Section377 What happens between two consenting adults behind the closed doors is none of our business  Honest critic (@honestcritic1) January 8, 2018

The Supreme Court observed that confines of law cant trample or curtail the inherent right of an individual and that natural order is not a constant, hinting that the New India need new laws that do not contain individual freedom.

The right to privacy and the protection of sexual orientation lie at the core of the fundamental rights, and the move will propel India into the ranks of the progressive societies that ensure rights to their citizens.BCCL

In a landmark legal move, the Supreme Court today agreed to reconsider its 2013 decision criminalising homosexual acts. A constitutional bench will now review Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises gay sex. Read more

Here's more top news of the day:

1) Uttar Pradesh Begins Crackdown On Noise Pollution, To Remove Loudspeakers Installed Without Permission

Baltimoresun/Representational Image

With just a few weeks left to respond to the high court query on loudspeakers leading to noise pollution, UP government has started a survey of all loudspeakers installed at public places across the state. Read more

2) Delhi's Khan Market Is Next. NDMC Might Seal 30 Restaurants For Violating Fire Safety Norms

BCCL/Representational Image

About 30 leading restaurants and several other shops located on the first floor and floors above it in Khan Market could be sealed today. The Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee is learned to have ordered New Delhi Municipal Council to execute the order for alleged violation of provisions of the 2021 master plan. Read more

3) UK Ministers Are Addicted To Porn, Make 160 Attempts Daily To Access Online Porn In Parliament

Representational Image

UK politicians are addicted to porn and make all possible attempts to gain access to pornography websites within the Houses of Parliament. Around 160 requests per day were made in late 2017 to access online porn, Britain's Press Association (PA) reported Monday. Read more

4) Irans Bans English In Primary Schools After Leaders Say It Leads To Western Cultural Invasion

AFP

Iran has banned the teaching of English in primary schools, a senior education official said, after Islamic leaders warned that early learning of the language opened the way to a Western "cultural invasion" and adversely influences young minds. Read more

5) BJP Candidate Welcomed With A Royal Garland Of Shoes For Failing To Keep His Promises

In what looks like an act of serious condemnation, a man in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district greeted a BJP candidate with garlands of shoes while he was campaigning. Dinesh Sharma, the BJP candidate for Dhamnod Civic election, was going from door-to-door seeking people's support for the election. Read moreHave you ever won a lottery in your life? If yes, then maybe you will relate to this story, if no, maybe you will relate to the rest of us mere mortals.

Also read: Bengaluru Couple Falls For Nigerian Lottery Scam, Spends Rs 1.3 Crore To Get Rs 5 Crore Prize

We reckon, most of us are quite unlucky when it comes to taking a chance and actually having something good come out of it. We never get the last seat on the bus, we never find old currency notes in our pockets and neither do we land a jackpot.

But not this woman.

46-year-old Oksana Zaharov was recently handed a lottery ticket - one she did not choose, and she ended up winning a lottery of $5 million!

nylottery

The woman wasn't supposed to win this, okay? This American wonder lady was handed out a different ticket at the shopping store in Manhattan. She picked up $1 lottery ticket but the clerk at the supermarket gave her a $10 'Set For Life' lottery ticket. She decided to pay for it anyway.

Also read: Indian Doctor Wins Rs 17.5 Crore In Lottery In UAE!

"When the clerk handed me the wrong ticket I felt bad so I decided to just go ahead and buy it," Ms Zaharov told New York Lottery.

"I actually used the ticket as a bookmark for a couple weeks before I decided to scratch it," she said.

Well, that's one expensive bookmark, we must say!





chicagobusiness

Upon scratching, she found out that she had won a lottery and obviously, she could not believe it. You aren't supposed to win a lottery just like that! She then took the ticket to the office and it was only then she accepted that she had won it.

"I never win anything. I was sure the ticket was fake. It wasn't until I brought it into the office that I knew it was for real," she said,

She now wants to spend the money on a trip to the Bahamas and maybe the rest of it on educating her kids. She will get the entire amount in about 19 annual installments.

Also read: School Dropout Gets Lucky On His First Lottery, Wins Rs 1.5 Crore New Year Bumper Prize

Oh, so while we are stuck in a 9-5 repertoire, people around the world are winning lotteries and making plans to travel to the Bahamas - Nice! Hurts like a beach, but nice!A number of Americans of Indian, Afghan and Baloch descent carrying placards with #ChappalChorPakistan scribbled in bold protested outside the Pakistani embassy in Washington over the mistreatment of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother when they visited Islamabad last month to meet him.

Jadhav's wife Chetankul and mother Avanti were asked to remove theirmangalsutra, bindi, bangles and forced to change their clothes before their 40-minute meeting, across a glass screen and through intercom, began. Pakistan then "confiscated" Ms Chetankul's footwear claiming "there was something metallic in it".

ANI

Pakistan's conduct with Mr Jadhav's wife and mother during their tightly-controlled interaction on December 25 is condemnable, said protesters. They also brought a carton full of shoes to be donated to the Pakistani embassy.

"The trial of Kulbhushan Jadhav violated all norms of international law as it was conducted by a military court," said Ahmar Mustikhan, founder of the American Friends of Balochistan, which organised the event "Chappal Chor Pakistan".

ANI

"Pakistan has made a mockery of humanity. By not returning Mr Jadhav's wife's slippers and asking them to remove their bindi and mangalsutra and changing their clothes as well, it is just another sleazy activity Pakistan has done to a Bharatiya saubhagya nari (married Indian woman)," Krishna Gudipati, local Hindu community leader in USA, was quoted as saying by news agency Press Trust of India.

ANI

"They have humiliated the religious and faith symbols of Hindu womanhood. This behaviour will lead to Pakistan's own destruction," said the protester Dhananjay Shevilkar.

Mr Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged espionage, an accusation that India has dismissed as concocted. New Delhi says Mr Jadhav was kidnapped in Iran, where he had legitimate business interests, and brought to Pakistan.Technology should always strive to make our lives better than what they were before its introduction. And authorities in China are doing just that with facial recognition as a marriage registration tool.

representative image

The Marriage, Adoption Registration Management Center of the city of Chongqing launched the facial recognition system earlier this month in January, where not only local citizens register their marriages, but registration between Chinese citizens and foreigners can also use the facial recognition system.

There are multiple reasons why China's adopted facial recognition as an important step to register marriages.

Chinese law traditionally requires marriage registrars to check a persons ID and household registration certificates before awarding them a marriage certificate. The facial recognition technology can not only shorten this examination time, but also improve its accuracy, claims report coming out of Chongqing.

The facial recognition system can snap a photo of the marriage applicant and compare it with information from other documents, including public databases. The quickest time to complete an examination is just 0.3 second, whereas without the facial recognition system the same would take around 10 minutes to check peoples documents. So it's a huge time saver!

representative image

The new facial recognition system can also deal with cases where applicants have had plastic surgery or for twins who can be differentiated via fingerprints, cases which were difficult for the previous artificial recognition systems to deal with effectively.

Chinese authorities also argue that the facial recognition system be an efficient way to crack down on crimes where suspects steal identities by producing fake marriage certificates.BlackRock  All Eggs in One basket The Smart Investor - Sat Sep 4, 5:25PM CDT BlackRock is a perfect investment for someone that wants a lot of exposure to US stocks (especially those that tend to have a high correlation with the S&P 500) with some diversification. However, a slightly...

Cattle replace grain in market selloff Sidwell Strategies - Fri Sep 3, 5:14PM CDT Markets are closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

Hogs Mixed Going into Weekend Barchart - Fri Sep 3, 4:52PM CDT Going into the Labor Day weekend lean hog futures closed mixed, within 27 cents of UNCH. Deferred months closed higher, while October and December added to the weeks loss. From Friday to Friday, October... HEV21 : 89.575s (-0.31%) HEG22 : 83.950s (+0.06%) KMV21 : 103.225s (+0.29%)The range and nature of risks is ever growing and evolving worldwide. Individuals, businesses and communities are having to deal with issues like globalisation, rapid urbanisation, technological evolution, population growth and climate change.This changing risk landscape is throwing new challenges at the insurance industry, which is having to develop new ways to mitigate risk and address the insurance protection gap that exists in the developed and developing world. One method growing in popularity is the use of parametric insurance.Global law firm Clyde & Co has launched a report called Building a resilient world: How parametric insurance can help close the protection gap, which looks at the growth of parametric insurance and considers the important role it has to play in building resilience to natural catastrophes.Parametric insurance products are developing rapidly at local, regional and national level as they provide an elegant solution for risk-transfer concerns, often for populations that were previously uninsured and for whom the protection gap has traditionally been widest, said Nigel Brook, partner, Clyde & Co. That is why they are gaining so much attention, particularly following a year where the threat from natural disasters has been writ so large.The insurance protection gap means that in middle or low-income countries the uninsured proportion of catastrophic losses often exceeds 90%. Meanwhile, the Bank of International Settlements calculates that, especially in developing markets, the worst natural catastrophes can in some cases permanently reduce a countrys GDP by almost 2%.In 2017, economic losses caused by natural catastrophes looked set to top US$300 billion (according to Swiss Re data) compared to an average of US$178 billion for the previous 10 years. Parametric insurance can play a key part in closing the protection gap and mitigating some of those losses, according to Brook.The Clyde & Co report explores the benefits of parametric insurance  which centre on speed, certainty and the ability to plan ahead  and how such products have been used so far. It looks at some of the legal and regulatory challenges that have already or may be faced in the future, and how these have been and can be mitigated. It also explores the question of basis risk; the concept of insurable interest; and the indemnity principle, which means that, in theory, in certain jurisdictions, losses must be valued or assessed before claims can be paid.The report contends that the way parametric products are treated in the law and by regulators will evolve and become clearer as case law and precedent develops. But it suggests that with the level of support currently being given by governments around the world, together with demand from buyers and the proven success of parametric insurance products to date, regulators and law makers are expected to support and encourage the responsible roll-out of parametric insurance rather than attempt to hold it back.With continued support and increased understanding, parametric insurance can fulfil its vast potential and, alongside traditional insurance and other novel forms of risk transfer, play a key part in closing the protection gap, Brook added.One of Australias premier platforms for legislative updates and business case studies in the area of workers compensation will be returning for its 19th instalment this February, with Gallagher Bassett as a major sponsor.The 2018 National Workers Compensation Summit will be held on February 20-21 in InterContinental Sydney, and will bring together executives and practitioners from a range of backgrounds including insurance, government, health and medical services, and finance.With perspectives from federal and state governments, the annual event will analyse the impact of regulatory and legislative changes; implementation of successful RTW and injury management frameworks; the use of technology; best-practice methods for injury prevention and creating safer working environments; and creating a fairer and more efficient system.GBs Darrin Wright, executive director for personal injury, will talk about the evolution of leadership in personal injury; while Ben Sheat, general manager of self-insurance, will present a claims perspective on improving self-insurance liabilities through service and support.Other notable speakers include Clare Amies, chief executive of WorkSafe Victoria; Carmel Donnelly, chief executive of SIRA; Christina Carras, chief customer officer at WorkCover Queensland; Jennifer Taylor CEO for Comcare; Jim Kelly, director for health and return-to-work at SafeWork NSW; and Kim Garling, workers compensation independent review officer at Workers Compensation Independent Review Office (WIRO).For more information about the event, visit the summit homepage . Gallagher Bassett clients are entitled to a 15% discount on all registrations to the event.Paul Girard, national underwriting manager and director at SURA Professional Risks, has died, it has been announced.Girard was one of the most valued and respected underwriters in Australia and battled several illnesses throughout 2017.Paul Robinson, managing director of SURA Professional Risks, praised Girards work in the industry throughout his long career.Pauls passion in life and business was admired by all, Robinson said.Over the course of his successful career Paul built strong and lengthy relationships and was greatly admired and respected by his colleagues.Paul will be sorely missed by myself and I am sure all who had the pleasure of knowing him. And, our close-knit team will rally around his family as we grieve this loss together.Angie Zissis, SURA managing director, announced that Girard died last week.Paul was an absolute gentleman and all-round terrific person. He was a friend to most, and a mentor to many, Zissis said. He will be greatly missed.Girard spent more than four decades in the insurance industry, with the last five spent at SURA Professional Risks as a director as well as national underwriting manager and a shareholder within the business.Before his time with SURA, Girard worked as national underwriting manager for Mint Plus and as a senior underwriter at Vero , amongst other roles.The funeral will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday 9th January, 2018 at the Ann Wilson Chapel, cnr Barrenjoey Road & Darley Street, Mona Vale.Cortege will then proceed to Mona Vale Cemetery.For any further details on these funeral arrangements, contact SURA Professional Risks staff.Californias insurance commissioner has warned that more and more insurers operating in the state are refusing to issue homeowners policies in areas most prone to wildfires.Sharing the results of his offices most recent report, Commissioner Dave Jones said that insurers refused to renew over 10,000 policies in the 24 counties most vulnerable to wildfires in 2016  the number is up 15% from the prior year.Supervisor Tom Wheeler added that homeowners in the Madera County mountain communities have also been refused policy renewals.Although many of the affected customers can still get coverage from other insurers, Jones noted that there has also been an increase in homeowners signing up for Californias insurer of last resort of fire; the FAIR Plan.Jones said that the problem will only get worse as insurers label more homes as wildfire risks following the most recent series of wildfires that hit the state.We have a major problem here in California, and if last years fires didnt teach us that weve got to do something about it, shame on us, the commissioner remarked.The state of California has 1.3 million housing units deemed to be at high or very high risk of fire by insurers. These include more than half the units in 12 counties  those areas in sporadically populated and forested regions of Northern California and the Sierra Nevada.Some experts think Jones may have hastily assumed the worst.Mark Sektnan, vice president of state government relations for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America told The Associated Press that the insurance industry is reviewing the insurance commissioners report.Its too soon to tell what kind of impact the current fires are going to have on the insurance market, so Im not sure we can necessarily say there is an availability crisis, Sektnan said. Some companies may decide not to write (policies), but other companies...are actually moving into the market.A former California insurance agent has been sentenced to a year in prison for stealing more than $100,000 in insurance premiums and investment funds from 10 victims.Frederick Donald Rollins, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of grand theft, two counts of securities fraud and an aggravated white-collar crime enhancement, according to the California Department of Insurance. In addition to his prison term, Rollins must pay $100,363 in restitution to his victims.The California Department of Insurance launched an investigation into Rollins after receiving multiple complaints  including one from an insurance carrier after a company attempted to file a claim for an injured employee under a non-existent policy. A business owner also complained after discovering they had no actual workers compensation or liability coverage.The investigation revealed that Rollins collected premium payments from several clients but didnt actually place coverage with any carrier. Even after leaving the insurance agency where hed worked, Rollins continued to sell phony policies under a corporation he registered in Nevada but failed to license in California.The investigation found that more than $20,000 in premium payments Rollins collected from his victims, made payable either directly to him or to his company, were spent on his own personal expenses. He issued fake certificates of insurance in order to cover his tracks.Rollins also allegedly presented himself as a registered stockbroker and accepted money from several victims who thought they were making investments. He collected almost $80,000 from various victims under the guise of investing their money in stocks, the California Department of Insurance said.Many people make the mistake of thinking insurance fraud is a victimless white-collar crime, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said. This agent left his clients at great financial risk when he failed to secure their policies, leaving them without the coverage they paid for.Another landmark in the development of our business, was how chief executive officer Darren Doherty described the decision to move Pioneer Underwriting into Latin America.The London-based underwriter has already spread its wings into the USA and now it has announced it will be opening up a regional hub in Latin America, based in Mexico City. Its a move the company says is consistent with its strategy to access local business placed in local markets.Leading the new business will be Graeme Rayner, Pioneers group director of underwriting. His team will focus on property and casualty business and will include Rogelio Diaz, who has 22 years of experience in the Latin American market, and was previously at Odyssey Re; Gabriel Buzo, who has 12 years of experience in the region and was formerly head of financial lines and liability at Odyssey Re; and Paolo Benitez who has 15 years experience and is the former Latin American head of general casualty and financial lines at Reasinter.Pioneers unique operating model and innovative culture provides a great platform from which to trade going forward, said Diaz. We are excited to be part of this growing and dynamic organisation.Completing the team is Salvador Hernandez, who is a former Latin American territorial leader at Gen Re.The team will add to our existing capabilities in the region and bring Pioneers capabilities closer to clients and local brokers, commented Doherty. The Latin American teams credentials speak for themselves and Im delighted to welcome them to Pioneer.Three insurance agents in California have been sentenced to prison for their part in a fraudulent life insurance scheme.US Attorney Brian Stretch announced that Behnam Halali, of San Jose, was sentenced Friday to five years, Ernesto Magat, of Hayward, was sentenced to four years, and Karen Gagarin, of San Jose, was sentenced to three years.The San Francisco Chronicle reported that aside from serving prison time, the three were also ordered to pay $2.8 million in recompense to American Income Life Insurance (AIL), the insurer that employed them. Judge Susan Illston of the US District Court Northern District of California also ordered each defendant to serve 140 hours of community service and three years of supervised release.All three were found guilty of wire fraud and identity theft last March by a jury following a four-week trial.A release from the US Attorneys Office Northern District of California said that while working at AIL, the defendants participated in a conspiracy involving the submission of hundreds of applications for life insurance policies on behalf of people at least some of whom did not know that a policy was applied for or issued in their name and/or did not want a life insurance policy. The defendants then shared the commissions and bonuses issued by their employer related to their fraudulent operation.The fraud scheme concocted by Halali, Magat, and Gagarin was sophisticated, the US Attorneys Office observed. The defendants paid recruiters to find people willing to undergo medical exams for about $100. The personal information gleaned from these tests would then be used by the defendants to submit applications for life insurance under the unwitting victims names, usually without their knowledge.The defendants and their co-conspirators also paid individuals to participate in a fictitious survey of a medical exam company. The medical and personal information obtained from these false tests were then also used to file fraudulent life insurance applications.Evidence also demonstrated that the three agents and their co-conspirators also created false drivers licenses. This allowed the co-conspirators to take the medical exams while claiming to be the applicants.A hospital in Wellsville, NY was brought to its knees after a cyberattack disabled its information systems.Jones Memorial Hospital, a rural 70-bed acute care facility, said in a statement that it is in the final stages of bringing its systems back online, expecting to resume standard operations in the days to come.Health Data Management reported that the hospital has yet to specify the exact nature of the outage of its systems.Work on the impacted systems is nearly complete, and Jones clinicians are working with our IT team to conduct system checks prior to resuming full operational status, the hospital said in an announcement. We have also worked with Meditech, our vendor for patient electronic medical record systems. The leadership of Jones appreciates their dedication and hard work in helping to restore our systems.While its systems were down, the hospital had implemented standard computer downtime procedures, which included the practice of manually entering information into patient medical charts while some of our systems are offline.We continue to believe that no patient financial or medical information has been compromised, and have been in contact with law enforcement and the New York State Department of Health since the downtime began, the healthcare facility assured in its statement. This issue is isolated to Jones Memorial Hospitals computer systems.In the public market, exceptional CEO talent is hard to fi nd, and the competition is fierce. As in any economic model, CEO compensation is driven by supply and demand. Many industries CEOs are grossly overpaid. Its not insurance; its the public company model and competitive market forces at work.The real issue is the disparity of compensation from top to bottom, which affects morale. Its hard to justify the earnings gap between a CEO paid $20 million, line underwriters making $70,000 or a product line manager making $150,000, based only on performance. Bottom line: The public company compensation model is broken.The compensation structure within insurance companies has been criticized for paying unusually large bonuses to CEOs whose companies fi nancial performance had been a failure. This criticism stems from boards not playing an active role in compensation policy. The appointment by the board of so-called compensation experts to provide paid-for competitive compensation surveys to justify the CEOs outrageous compensation continues.The gap between an underwriters annual salary and the chief executives $3.5 million annual salary will continue to widen. Without a revolt by concerned company shareholders, dont expect to see any changes in the future.The answer depends on what you measure, how you measure it and what you compare. Insurance company CEOs were awarded pay  cash and non-cash remuneration  last year ranging from $21.3 to $24 million. That looks like a tight range. Broaden the study to include CEOs at fi nancial services companies generally, and the range widens to $19.5 to $124 million.But were these CEOs worth their pay? When their pay is evaluated relative to their companies three-year operating performance, the insurance CEOs ranked poorly  at or near the bottom. Thats true even when you include the other financial services CEOs.Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the Florida state-run insurer of last resort, is anticipating its policyholder count will increase in 2018 for the first time since its efforts to shed policies through depopulation began several years ago.

As it moves on from a tumultuous 2017 that included a major hurricane and ongoing assignment of benefits (AOB) abuse, Citizens executives said at its Board of Governors meeting last month that it anticipates more than 60,000 policyholders from private insurance companies will return to the state-run insurer of last resort.

Citizens President, CEO and Executive Director Barry Gilway told the board at the Dec. 13 meeting that the Florida domestic insurance markets combined ratio and surplus have declined, and the majority of Florida insurers experienced a negative net income for the first time in five years.

The active 2017 storm season is one factor contributing to deteriorating insurer results, but the biggest factor is increasing costs from nonweather-related losses and AOB abuse fueled by attorneys and unscrupulous contractors, which has led to a cumulative negative impact on insurers bottom lines. The industry has started taking steps to limit their losses from AOB, including not writing in certain areas of the state where it is the most rampant.

Citizens, which is statutorily obligated to offer coverage when the private market will not, will have to pick up these policies. Gilway said he expects Citizens will see significantly less depopulation next year.

When the market is healthy, and companies are making money, depopulation soars; when it becomes negative, depopulation drops. We are not expecting a lot of depopulation next year, Gilway said.

Instead, Gilway said, Citizens is expecting its overall policy count of 442,000  the lowest it has been since the company was formed in 2002  to climb back up to around 500,000. Citizens policy count reached a high of 1.4 million before the depopulation program began in 2012.

Gilway said the insurers personal lines accounts (PLA) where AOB is having the biggest impact will grow by about 66,000 policies. The company expects its commercial lines policy count to continue to decline because the commercial market is so competitive.

Gilway said Citizens overall premium will likely grow by about $100 million primarily because of the growth in PLA, but added, the unfortunate thing is we are growing in unprofitable lines and losing business in profitable lines. Its the nature of the beast. Gilway said that brings more pressure to focus on finding solutions for the personal lines account segment.

Citizens took several steps in 2017 to mitigate nonweather-related losses and AOB abuse, in addition to an unsuccessful push for legislative reform. Over the summer, Florida regulators approved Citizens request for a $10,000 sublimit on nonweather-related water claims for policyholders who opt not to use the new Citizens managed repair and preferred vendor program. Citizens will also require that contractors and other third parties adhere to the same disclosure responsibilities as policyholders when they accept an assignment of benefit.

The policy changes go into effect for new and renewal policies on May 1, 2018, to coincide with the implementation of Citizens 2018 rates.

Gilway said Citizens other efforts to curb AOB abuse have been successful at stabilizing the overall cost of water damage claims, but added nonweather-related water claims remain double the cost of a non-litigated water damage claim in the Tri-County region of Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward.

The last couple years, at least we are maintaining the same level of severity, he said.

Still, Citizens percentage of operating expenses relative to claims and litigation are increasing. The company expects AOB and litigation costs will account for about 23 percent of its 2018 operating expenses, up from 16 percent in 2017  an increase of $17 million.

The scam  and thats what it is  continues. And until legislative changes are made, it will continue, Gilway said.

Christine Ashburn, chief Communications, Legislative & External Affairs officer, told the board that the bill the industry supported last year to address AOB abuse and reform the one-way attorney statute blamed for the abuse was reintroduced by Florida Sen. Dorothy Hukill for the upcoming 2018 Florida Legislative session, but she is not optimistic it will be passed next session. The same bill passed by the Florida House in 2017 was also filed again.

Our legislative priority remains unchanged from 2017 with our primary focus being meaningful assignment of benefits reform, she said.

Hurricane Irma Response, New Claims System

As of the beginning of December, Citizens had closed nearly 80 percent of its 63,600 Hurricane Irma claims, and the company said it is continuing to work with policyholders whose claims remain open or whose closed claims need to be adjusted further. It reported about 1,476 of its total claims filed had an AOB attached, and 6,312 claims had representation. The total number of claims in the tri-county region was 58.4 percent.

Despite a projected $1.1 billion in Irma losses, Chris Gardner, chairman of Citizens Board of Governors, said the company maintains a $6.4 billion surplus and substantial reinsurance coverage following the payout of Irma claims.

Gilway told the board that Citizens is making improvements to its claims processing in the aftermath of Irma to help with efficiency and communication with its policyholders.

There are lessons learned with every event, and what we learned very quickly with Irma is that we did not have an online claims capability, he said.

Gilway said Citizens was not prepared for the magnitude of calls that came in for Irma and the subsequent follow-up calls from customers requesting status updates on their claims. To meet this need after future events, Citizens is upgrading its claims system and implementing a customer portal. The new system will allow insureds and claimants to view the progress of their claims and, once fully implemented, report them online.

From a consumer standpoint, it clearly will be a huge benefit, he said.

Citizens will also upgrade its existing Guidewire software and storage platform, the first update since the system was implemented five years ago.

Topics Carriers Trends Claims Florida PolicyholderA top Mississippi official said in December that the state will stop suspending peoples drivers licenses purely because they havent paid court fines and fees, meaning tens of thousands of people who lost driving privileges could get them back in coming months.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Marshall Fisher made the joint announcement with lawyers from the MacArthur Justice Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center, after advocates complained that it was another way the state was criminalizing poverty. It parallels a court rules change enacted in July that requires a judge to determine whether a person can afford to pay a fine before jailing anyone for nonpayment.

These changes are consistent with those new rules and a recognition across the state that a person couldnt be punished just for their poverty, said Micah West, a lawyer for the Alabama-based SPLC.

More than 100,000 people have had their Mississippi licenses automatically suspended at the request of a court clerk. MacArthur Center lawyer Cliff Johnson said its hard to tell how many will get their licenses back, although he estimated it would be in the tens of thousands.

Both legal groups have also sued cities and counties in Mississippi for jailing poor people who cant afford to pay bail or fines. This time, it didnt take a lawsuit, although Johnson said we discussed the potential for litigation challenging their license suspension policy. West said talks had been ongoing since January.

The state will begin reinstating licenses starting in January. Mississippi will waive its $100 reinstatement fee, sending letters to anyone who benefits. Officials say people should await written notification before driving again. People whose licenses were suspended for additional reasons, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence wont get them back. Licenses will continue to be suspended for people who dont respond to a citation or if a judge holds someone in contempt for failing to pay fines.

We will continue to suspend licenses for other reasons allowed under Mississippi law, and we certainly take it seriously when people drive with suspended licenses, Fisher said in a statement. The reinstatement of these licenses will not relieve the drivers of the legal obligation to pay the fines, fees or assessments.

Mississippi becomes the fifth state to require a consideration of ability to pay before suspending a license. Others include Louisiana, which enacted the change as part of a package of criminal justice changes last year. Mississippi lawmakers had been mulling the change as well  it was originally proposed last year in a bill meant to make it easier for people to re-enter society after being convicted of criminal offenses. The drivers license provision was dropped, and Gov. Phil Bryant ultimately vetoed the bill because it allowed some repeat offenders to be paroled after serving only a quarter of their sentence.

Johnson said suspended licenses were also driving people deeper into trouble because, lacking other options, they kept driving, incurring citations up to $500 for driving without a license and up to $250 for driving without auto insurance each time theyre caught.

Were making it illegal for people to drive a car in a state where we dont have any public transportation, Johnson said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Personal Auto MississippiNew York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed Assembly Bill No. 1620 into law, requiring insurance companies to notify employers in advance of some workers compensation insurance premium increases.

The law was written by Big I New York, the states oldest insurance producer trade association, to protect New Yorks businesses. It applies to all policies issued or renewed on and after April 17, 2018.

Assembly Bill 1620 requires insurers to give businesses written notice of when their workers comp policy premiums will rise by more than ten percent upon renewal by an affiliated insurer. They must send the notice at least 30 days before the existing policies expire. The requirement applies only to premium components within the insurers control. Insurers will not have to send a notice when the increase results from changes in factors related to the risk, such as an increase in the business payroll, or surcharges or discounts based on the business loss history.

A 1986 law requires insurers to notify businesses in advance when premiums increase more than ten percent. However, it exempts workers comp insurance.

As a result, businesses would often learn of large workers comp premium increases days before their policies were to renew, according to Big I New York in a press release announcing the bills signing.

The new lawwill give businesses fair warning of premium increases within the insurance companys control, said Big I New York Chair of the Board Richard E. MacDonald in the release. They will have time to respond that they did not have before.

In his signing message, Cuomo called on the State Legislature to make technical amendments to the law in the upcoming session.

We intend to work closely with lawmakers on a bill to make the governors requested changes, MacDonald added in the release.

Topics Carriers Legislation Workers' Compensation New York Pricing TrendsA subsidiary of European steel giant ArcelorMittal has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a lawsuit over allegations its western Pennsylvania coke plant violated emissions requirements over soot and other pollutants almost daily, according to a proposed agreement filed in Pittsburghs federal court.

The environmental advocacy group that sued, Philadelphia-based PennEnvironment, said it believes the penalty is the largest secured by a citizen lawsuit in Pennsylvania history under the federal Clean Air Act.

Federal and state officials, as well as representatives of ArcelorMittal and PennEnvironment, signed the 108-page proposed agreement.

As part of the agreement, ArcelorMittal agreed to implement air pollution controls the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated would cost $2 million. The proposed agreement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and must receive a judges approval.

In a statement, the company said restarting the coke plant was challenging, and its environmental performance during that period was unacceptable. It said it has been working to improve the facilitys performance and is committed to achieving full compliance with its environmental requirements.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Pollution PennsylvaniaThe fight to reinstate criminal charges against the engineer in a deadly 2015 Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia will carry over into 2018.

A judge told prosecutors she will review Brandon Bostians case, and she set a hearing for February where prosecutors may have the chance to argue that the engineer should be held criminally accountable for the derailment.

A different judge in September of 2017 threw out involuntary manslaughter and other charges after finding evidence pointed to an accident.

Eight people died and more than 200 people were injured when the train rounded a curve at more than twice the speed limit and derailed.

Like in the December 2017 fatal crash involving a speeding Amtrak train in Washington state, the track where the Philadelphia crash occurred did not have the technology that can automatically slow or stop a speeding train.

Federal safety investigators determined that Bostian lost track of where he was on the route after hearing on the radio that a commuter train had been struck with a rock. Thinking he was on a long straightaway, Bostian accelerated the train, they concluded. The train was actually approaching a sharp curve.

Bostian has been on unpaid administrative leave from Amtrak since the crash and is suing the government-owned railroad, alleging he was left disoriented or unconscious when something struck his train before it derailed. Federal investigators believe nothing struck Bostians locomotive.

Amtrak has taken responsibility for the crash and agreed to pay $265 million to settle claims filed by victims and their families. It has also installed speed controls on all its track from Boston to Washington.

Bostians lawyer said after the hearing that Bostian wants to put the case behind him. A spokesman for the attorney generals office said he is pleased with the courts decision.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Abuse Molestation PennsylvaniaAn Edina, Minnesota, chiropractor and his recruiters have been found guilty of auto insurance fraud, the Minnesota Department of Commerce announced in late December 2017.

Federal prosecutors reported that Adam John Burke, a chiropractor, and patient recruiters Abdirahin Khalif Ibrahim and Dana Enoch Kidd were convicted for their roles in a multi-million-dollar insurance fraud conspiracy.

Burke, Ibrahim and Kidd were initially indicted in December 2016. They were recently convicted on charges of conspiracy and mail fraud by a federal jury before Senior Judge Michael J. Davis in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minn.

Prosecutors said trial documents show that beginning in at least 2012, Burke ran a scheme to defraud automobile insurance companies by hiring patient recruiters, or runners, to solicit automobile accident victims for treatments at Burkes clinic, Burke Chiropractic Center P.A. (Burke Chiropractic). Runners, including Ibrahim and Kidd, typically were paid $1,000 to $2,000 for each patient they brought to Burke Chiropractic.

Burke would write checks to the runners with false descriptions in the memo lines such as marketing, consulting fee, or pt transportation. To further disguise the nature of the payments, he required runners to form corporate entities, such as limited liability companies, with names that sounded like legitimate businesses that performed marketing or transportation services. He wrote more than 280 checks to the runners, totaling more than $590,000.

The scheme was structured in order to maximize Burke Chiropractics billings to the insurance companies, according to prosecutors. Burke typically withheld kickback payments to runners until after the patients had attended a certain number of treatment sessions. To make sure that the patients attended the minimum number of treatment sessions, the runners frequently paid a portion of the kickback payments to the patients.

Additionally, Burke often referred patients to personal injury attorneys and instructed runners to advise patients that following through on all treatment sessions would result in a bigger insurance settlement.

This case was investigated by the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department, Saint Paul Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Maria and John E. Kokkinen.

Topics Auto Fraud MinnesotaThe Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts (SJC) has ruled that two former board members and investors in a limited liability company are not liable for failing to pay the LLCs former president, in a case that the SJC called quite unusual and removed from the core concerns of the Wage Act.

The case, Andrew Segal vs. Genitrix, LLC, & others, was brought by plaintiff Andrew Segal, former president of Genitrix LLC, against defendants H. Fisk Johnson III and Stephen Rose, two former Genitrix board members and investors.

The Massachusetts SJC concluded in the case that the defendants are not liable for failing to pay wages owed to Segal because they were company officers who had limited agency authority. Segal was the only officer having the management of the company and chose not to pay himself for a period of time as a result of the companys financial difficulty.

The Massachusetts Wage Act

In Massachusetts, The Wage Act requires employers to compensate their employees for earned wages. An employer who violates the Act may be sued by the affected employees.

Section 148 of the Act defines employer as a person having employees in his [or her] service. For corporations, these include the president and treasurer of [the] corporation and any officers or agents having the management of such corporation, in addition to the corporation itself. The statute does not include board directors or investors in its definition of employer.

The provision also indicates two requirements: the defendant must both be an agent and have the management of the company, according to the SJC document.

Not all officers or agents are included the SJC document said. Some management responsibility is not the same as the management of the corporation.

With this in mind, the court concluded that personal liability for Wage Act violations can be imposed on the president and treasurer of a corporation and other officers or agents who may not hold these titles, but have assumed management responsibilities over the corporation similar to those performed by a corporate president or treasurer, particularly in regard to the control of finances or payment of wages.

Although an employee may always sue the president and treasurer of a company for unpaid wages, the Massachusetts SJC stated, the plaintiff in this case is the president and sole officer of the corporation and the only person identified as responsible for Wage Act violations.

Genitrix Background

The case comes after representatives for Johnson initially contacted Segal about investing in his cancer research in 1997, and Segal and Johnson agreed to form a biotechnology startup company.

Genitrix was then established as a Delaware limited liability company headquartered in Boston, Mass., with Segal serving as president and CEO and Johnson providing initial funding.

Stephen Rose was a representative for Johnson and spoke to Segal on Johnsons behalf during their negotiations over the formation of the company.

Segal transferred his intellectual property rights to the company in exchange for a substantial equity interest. Johnson also received a substantial equity interest in return for his initial investment in the company.

Johnson served on the board for the companys first year. Rose was appointed as one of Johnsons board representatives in 1999 and remained a Johnson board member until the companys dissolution. Johnson indicated to Segal to contact Rose about any financing issues, stating that Rose speaks for Johnson, the SJC document said.

As a condition of Johnsons investment in the company, he required Segal to sign an employment agreement with Genitrix. The agreement stated Segal would serve as the president and CEO of the company, responsible for conducting the companys business, research and development and managing its finances and other administrative matters, subject to board authority.

The agreement also specified Segals salary for the first two years of his employment. Afterward, his salary was to be determined by a 75 percent vote of the board. The employment agreement identified Johnson as a third-party beneficiary and authorized him to enforce the companys rights under the terms of the agreement.

In 2003, Johnson began funding Genitrix through Fisk Ventures LLC (Fisk), an entity owned by Johnson and Rose. Fisk became the largest shareholder of Genitrix.

Genitrix never employed more than five full-time employees. As the president and sole officer, Segal was responsible for all day-to-day operations. He supervised the laboratory, directly managed human resources, was in charge of fundraising and generating new capital and handled the companys payroll. As the only person at the company with authority to sign checks on the Genitrix bank accounts, he wrote checks for employee wages.

When Genitrix began using a company called Paychex to handle its payroll, Segal still had to order each payroll individually, including for himself. However, he needed board approval for several actions, including material personnel practices or policies, hiring and firing employees earning $45,000 or more, setting compensation for officers and employees other than himself and acquiring debt or equity in the company, the SJC document said.

Financial Difficulties

On March 23, 2006, Segal informed the board that the company was running out of funds to pay its employees. He told the board it would need to lay off at-will employees the company could not afford to pay in order to avoid liability under the Wage Act.

At the start of 2007, Genitrix was still short on money and struggling to make payroll. Because of this, Segal stopped taking his salary in January 2007. He testified that he did this to help the company afford to pay Elihu Young, its last remaining employee other than Segal.

Segal explained that he was put in a position where he felt it was necessary not to pay himself, the SJC document said. When pressed about who made that decision, Segal testified, Given the box I was in, I did, the court document added, stating that Segal later suggested to the board he was no longer paying himself.

When asked at trial who instructed the payroll company, Paychex, to stop paying him, Segal testified, Well, I didnt tell them not to pay me. I just didnt tell them to pay me.

On May 17, 2017, Johnsons board members agreed to lay off Young. When Young left, he closed the companys laboratory.

Months after he left Genitrix, Young threatened to bring a Wage Act claim against the company for outstanding unpaid wages. In March 2008, after Rose directed Fisk to invest enough money in Genitrix to compensate Young for his unpaid wages, Young signed an agreement releasing Genitrix, its board members and its agents from liability. Rose did not, however, direct Fisk to invest money in Genitrix toward Segals salary.

At this point, the company was out of money and apparently deadlocked on even how to conduct board business, the SJC document said.

Dissolution of the Company

As a result of the companys financial condition, Rose filed a petition for the judicial dissolution of Genitrix on behalf of Fisk in June 2007. The petition was filed in Delaware, where Genitrix was incorporated. Segal was a named party to the Delaware dissolution proceeding because he was still the president of the company.

For the next two years, Segal opposed the dissolution. In July 2007, he brought counterclaims in that proceeding against the defendants for breach of the LLC agreement, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of fiduciary duties and tortious interference with his employment agreement. Segal did not bring a Massachusetts Wage Act claim in those particular proceedings.

As the dissolution proceedings continued, Segal did other work as president, including paying patent annuity fees and protecting the work associated with those patents, securing directors and officers insurance and making necessary tax filings, the SJC document said.

Segal testified that he continued to work for the company during this time despite no longer taking a salary because he thought he would eventually get paid. He believed when the company sold its patents, that money would be used to pay him, at least in part, the SJC document said.

Segal Files Suit

In early 2009, Segal filed suit against Rose and Johnson in Massachusetts under the Wage Act for unpaid wages from 2007 to 2009. Around the same time, the Delaware Court of Chancery ordered Genitrixs dissolution and appointed a liquidator. As part of the dissolution, the liquidator auctioned off Genitrixs intellectual property.

Segal submitted a proof of claim to the liquidator for back pay in June 2009, but that claim was denied. Segal appealed from the denial to the chancellor, who dismissed the claim in October 2010 because the company did not have enough money to satisfy Segals claims.

The defendants moved for summary judgment in the Massachusetts Wage Act suit, and a Massachusetts Superior Court judge granted the motion in 2013 after finding the defendants did not have the management of the company under the Wage Act.

The Appeals Court in Massachusetts then reversed and remanded the grant of summary judgment on the Wage Act claim, with the jury finding both defendants individually liable under the Wage Act. On appeal, the defendants argued there was insufficient evidence to find Wage Act liability.

The defendants moved for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and a new trial. Both motions were denied, and the defendants appealed.

Supreme Judicial Court Decision

While Segal had significant officer and agency authority, the defendants had limited express agency authority, all of which related to the power to terminate Segal, the Massachusetts SJC document stated.

Additionally, Segal was given responsibility to manage the finances and the payroll function in his employment agreement and made the decision not to pay himself, the document added.

Because of this, the Massachusetts SJC concluded that the agency authority in this case was insufficient to make the defendants individually or collectively liable under the Wage Act.

With this in mind, the SJC reversed the denial of the defendants motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and remanded to the Superior Court for entry of judgment for the defendants.

Topics Agencies MassachusettsTo support continued growth within the Connecticut market, workers compensation specialist The MEMIC Group has announced the promotion of Ian Torrey to the position of production underwriter.

Torrey, a native of Hartford, Conn., joined The MEMIC Group in 2015 as an account analyst and was promoted to associate underwriter in 2016.

The MEMIC Group includes MEMIC Indemnity Company, MEMIC Casualty Company, and parent company Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company. As a super-regional workers compensation specialty insurer, The MEMIC Group holds licenses to write workers compensation across the country. The group maintains offices in Manchester, N.H.; Glastonbury, Conn.; Albany, N.Y.; Weehawken, N.J.; West Conshohocken, Penn.; Tysons Corner, Va.; and Tampa, Fla.; in addition to its headquarters in Portland, Maine.

Source: The MEMIC Group

Topics Workers' Compensation Underwriting ConnecticutFour multi-family homes have been damaged and six residents and two firefighters injured following in an early morning fire in Providence, R.I.

Fire officials say the blaze was reported at around 3 a.m. Saturday in the citys Olneyville neighborhood. Firefighters arrived to find at least two three-story residential buildings on fire.

The Providence Journal reports the six residents were treated for smoke inhalation at Rhode Island Hospital.

Fire Battalion Chief Stephen Capracotta told the newspaper that neither firefighters injuries were considered life-threatening, though one of them had to be rescued when a roof collapsed.

Three of the structures have been totally destroyed while another suffered minor damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Homeowners NumbersMS Amlin, the London-based specialist re/insurer, announced that a Bermuda-domiciled special purpose reinsurer, Viribus Re Ltd., has been created to provide collateralized capacity support for MS Amlin Syndicate 2001s global reinsurance portfolio in 2018.

Viribus Re Ltd has entered into a quota share agreement with MS Amlin, incepting January 1, 2018, under which it will reinsure a share of MS Amlins worldwide property catastrophe excess-of-loss portfolio.

The vehicle has secured commitments of more than $60 million, said MS Amlin, noting that capital has been committed by a number of third party investors, including MS Amlin, which has provided $5 million. The combination of new investors in Viribus Re, alongside existing capital structures and partners, strengthens MS Amlins position as a leading global re/insurer, the company said in a statement.

This is an important long-term strategic initiative for MS Amlin as we continue to seek ways to build capacity and relationships with capital market partners, whilst providing us with greater scope and flexibility to support the evolving needs of our clients, said James Few, global managing director of Reinsurance at MS Amlin. We are delighted to have secured funding for Viribus Re Ltd. from a range of new partners whom we look forward to working with closely in the future.

Aon Securities acted as sole structuring and placement agent on the transaction. Willkie Farr & Gallagher UK (LLP) acted as deal legal counsel for the transaction.

Source: MS Amlin

Topics Reinsurance Mississippi BermudaLockton Benefit Group (LBG) has added Mike Mascolo as chief operating officer (COO). He is based in Kansas City, Missouri.

In his new role, Mascolo will focus on coordination and collaboration across the benefits group as well as play an essential role in working with insurers and other business partners.

Mascolo is highly regarded in the benefits industry for his client consulting and management skills. He has been in the healthcare and insurance business for more than 20 years, spending the last decade with Wells Fargo Insurance.

In his most recent role as the employee benefits national practice resource leader for Wells Fargo Insurance, Mascolo guided his client consulting teams in their thought leadership and resource development activities. Under his direction, the Employee Benefits Practice implemented a data-driven performance and execution model to deliver outstanding client solutions through an innovative alignment of resources and enhanced priority action planning.

Source: Lockton

Topics LocktonUsing a drone to spy on neighbors, drop drugs into prisons or harass cows could lead to criminal charges under a new bill Nebraska lawmakers will consider later this year.

The measure would impose new safety and privacy rules on the remote-control flying machines that are now used for dozens of jobs throughout the state.

Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue said she introduced the bill to protect the public without overregulating drones, the kind of technology she said is critical to the states economic growth. The Federal Aviation Administration already oversees drones, but Blood said the agency hasnt addressed all of the public safety concerns.

We want to make sure we have laws that tell people what our expectations are when they use technology, she said.

If the measure passes, Nebraska would join 40 other states with laws regulating drones, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The laws often address how law enforcement agencies and the general public can use the devices.

The Nebraska bill would create a variety of new restrictions for drone users. Pilots who use drones to peep inside homes without permission could face a misdemeanor charge, and so could sex offenders who use drones to violate a protection order.

Drone users who fly lower than 300 feet over private property after receiving a trespass notice could also be charged, as could pilots who fly too close to a prison or cordoned-off crime scene. The bill would prohibit pilots from strapping weapons to their drones or harassing livestock.

The legislation also would shield police officers and firefighters from lawsuits if they damage a drone while performing their official duties and believed it was interfering with their work. Law enforcement agencies could use information from drones with a warrant or in certain emergencies and situations.

A Nebraska Department of Correctional Services spokeswoman said the agency has had no confirmed drone sightings over a state prison but was aware of incidents in other states where pilots used them to deliver contraband.

Blood stressed that the bill wouldnt apply to drone pilots who have a property owners permission. She said she has spent the past year researching the issue and working with drone pilots, law enforcement, city officials and others to reach a compromise that wouldnt infringe on anyones rights.

People are worried about being overregulated, she said. I keep assuring them that if theyre responsible, this wont affect them in any way.

Even so, the bill will likely generate debate among drone users and their supporters. David Silchman, who owns an Omaha-based flight school, said he hadnt seen the proposal but questioned whether state laws are necessary given the current federal licensing and registration requirements.

Silchman said drones have become increasingly important in a variety of fields, such as agriculture and real estate. Railroad and utility companies frequently use them to inspect their infrastructure.

Every day, people find more and more uses for them, he said.

Drones have also proven invaluable to some Nebraska law enforcement agencies, despite past efforts to curtail their use. In 2013, lawmakers considered legislation to ban law enforcement agencies from using drones, but the bill never advanced out of committee.

La Vista Police Chief Bob Lausten said drones have helped his department photograph crime scenes without a helicopter and scout homes before serving high-risk search warrants. Officers recently relied on a drone to locate children who had run away from home, he said. In October, they used it to reconstruct a crash involving a cement mixer that overturned and killed two Omaha men.

There are a lot of different uses, he said. We want to be able to utilize the technology, but do it without infringing on anyones civil rights.

Many ranchers see drones as a helpful tool to check wells and fences and search for lost cattle amid the states workforce shortage, said Jessie Herrmann, the Nebraska Cattlemen Associations director of legal and regulatory affairs.

But Herrmann said her groups members are also concerned that animal rights groups will fly drones over their property without permission. Earlier this year, she said one animal rights group flew a drone over the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center near Clay Center, Nebraska, and may also have photographed a feedlot.

Theres going to be a lot of interest in the bill, Herrmann said. Its a pretty big issue that a lot of people are concerned about.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Fraud Agribusiness Law Enforcement NebraskaChances that a fix to a major microchip security flaw may slow down or crash some computer systems are leading some businesses to hold off installing software patches, fearing the cure may be worse than the original problem.

Researchers this week revealed security problems with chips from Intel Corp. and many of its rivals, sending businesses, governments and consumers scrambling to understand the extent of the threat and the cost of fixes.

Rather than rushing to put on patches, a costly and time-intensive endeavor for major systems, some businesses are testing the fix, leaving their machines vulnerable.

If you start applying patches across your whole fleet without doing proper testing, you could cause systems to crash, essentially putting all of your employees out of work, said Ben Johnson, co-founder of cyber-security startup Obsidian.

Banks and other financial institutions spent much of the week studying the vulnerabilities, said Greg Temm, chief information risk officer with the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center, an industry group that shares data on emerging cyber threats.

The flaws affect virtually all computers and mobile devices, but are not considered critical because there is no evidence that hackers have figured out how to exploit them, said Temm, whose group works with many of the worlds largest banks.

Its like getting a diagnosis of high blood pressure, but not having a cardiac arrest, Temm said. Were taking it seriously, but its not something that is killing us.

Banks are testing the patches to see if they slow operations and, if so, what changes need to be made, Temm said. For instance, computers could be added to networks to make up for the lack of processor speed in individual machines, he added.

Some popular antivirus software programs are incompatible with the software updates, causing desktop and laptop computers to freeze up and show a blue screen of death, researcher Johnson said.

Antivirus software makers responded by rolling out fixes to make their products compatible with the updated operating systems, he said. In a blog posting on Friday, Microsoft Corp. said it would only offer security patches to Windows customers whose antivirus software suppliers had confirmed with Microsoft that the patch would not crash the customers machine.

If you have not been offered the security update, you may be running incompatible antivirus software, and you should consult the software vendor, Microsoft advised in the blog post.

Government agencies also are watching. The Ohio Attorney Generals office is monitoring the situation, a spokesman said by email.

Intel continues to believe that the performance impact of these updates is highly workload-dependent and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time, the worlds No. 1 chipmaker said on Thursday in a release.

It cited Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc.s and Microsoft as saying that most users had seen no significant impact on performance after installing the patches.

The cloud vendors are among a group of firms that quickly patched their technology to mitigate against the threat from one of those vulnerabilities, dubbed Meltdown, which only affects machines running Intel chips.

Major software makers have not issued patches to protect against the second vulnerability, dubbed Spectre, which affects nearly all computer chips made in the last decade, including those from Intel, Advanced Micro Devices Inc, and ARM-architecture manufacturers, including Qualcomm Inc.

However, Google, Firefox and Microsoft have implemented measures in most web browsers to stop hackers from launching remote attacks using Spectre.

Governments and security experts say they have seen no cyber attacks seeking to exploit either vulnerability, though they expect attempts by hackers as they digest technical data about the security flaws.

One key risk is that hackers will develop code that can infect the personal computers of people visiting malicious websites, said Chris Wysopal, chief technology officer of cyber security firm Veracode.

He advised PC owners to install the patches to protect against such potential attacks. Computer servers at large enterprises are less at risk, he said, because those systems are not used to surf the web and can only be infected in a Meltdown attack if a hacker has already breached that network.

Microsoft has issued a patch for its Windows operating system, and Apple desktop users with the most recent operating system are protected. Google has said most of its Chromebook laptops are already protected and that the rest would be soon.

Apple said it planned to release a patch to its Safari web browser within coming days to protect Mac and iOS users from Spectre.

While third-party browsers from Google and others can protect Mac users from Spectre, all major web browsers for Apples iOS devices depend on receiving a patch from Apple. Until then, hundreds of millions of iPhone and iPad users will be exposed to potential Spectre attacks while browsing the Web.

(Editing by Richard Chang)

Topics CyberTexas Department of Insurance fraud investigations in 2017 resulted in 135 suspects referred for prosecution, 113 indictments, and $2.3 million in court-ordered restitution for victims.

TDI described some of the most significant cases resolved last year as:

Gainesville, Texas, clinic owner Mark Allen Cox pleaded guilty to insurance fraud and was ordered to repay $1 million after an investigation by the Texas Department of Insurance found that he billed for chiropractic services without having a licensed chiropractor on staff.

In Dallas County, Reginald Cofer recruited 12 other people to participate in a scheme involving arson of residences. Cofer owned a restoration business and used the fires to generate work. He pleaded guilty to engaging in organized criminal activity and was sentenced to six years in prison.

James Halsell, a licensed insurance agent, operated a commission scheme in Bexar County where he used Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses to create fictitious people as applicants for life insurance policies. He would collect commissions for the policy sales and then allow the policies to cancel. He also used a similar method where he stole actual identities and took out policies without permission to collect commissions. Halsell was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay $52,364 in restitution.

In Bexar County, insurance agent Paula Villareal defrauded her victims into rolling their retirements into IRAs and then depositing the funds for the IRAs into her personal account. She was sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and return $55,373 to her victims. As part of the sentence, she permanently surrendered her insurance license.

Ariel Ratcliff operated an internet business selling fake insurance certificates and other documents. The victims were unaware that they were uninsured and that their premiums were being deposited directly into Ratliffs bank account. Ratliff was sentenced to two years in prison.

Cornell Tanner filed fraudulent claims with multiple insurance companies for three separate accidents using fake medical bills. Tanner claimed more than $53,000 in fabricated medical treatment and received $25,269 in payments. Tanner was sentenced to two years in prison and repaid all restitution to the insurance companies.

In Tarrant County, Mary Burress fabricated medical bills and submitted claims for injuries that never happened. She pleaded guilty to third-degree felony insurance fraud and was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $53,735 in restitution.

Damon Carter reported an accident in which he claimed a phantom driver had swerved into his lane and caused him to go off the road and into a tree. Carter staged the accident by ramming his vehicle repeatedly into the tree. Carter and three other people made claims for injuries. He was sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution.

Jason Halstead, a licensed insurance agent, used life insurance proceeds belonging to a niece with a disability to buy an annuity without her consent. Halstead then withdrew a large portion of the principal, incurring a penalty, to make a down payment on his house and used the annuity payments for personal expenses. He was sentenced to six years probation and ordered to pay $41,000 in restitution.

Tiffany Sibley, a billing agent for a hospital, submitted fake insurance claims over two years. Each of her claims was supported by fabricated hospital bills allegedly from the hospital where she worked. Sibley received more than $14,000 in payments from her scam. Sibley was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and restitution of $14,408.

TDI investigators are certified peace officers and work closely with law enforcement authorities around the state when investigating fraud cases.

Source: TDI

Topics Texas Claims FraudThe Commissioner of Insurance for North Carolina says a recent rate increase of 18.7 percent proposed by North Carolina insurers is unwarranted and has set a hearing date for later this year to resolve the matter.

We are not in agreement with the [North Carolina] Rate Bureaus proposed increases filed Nov. 17, 2017. The next step, according to statute, is to set a hearing date, said North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey in a statement. After hearing and reading the more than 9,000 comments from residents across the state and studying the figures in the filing, it is now necessary to hold a hearing to reach a resolution that will make the most financial sense for our residents and insurance companies.

The NCRB filed the average 18.7 homeowners increase Nov. 17, 2017. The filing covers insurance for residential property, tenants, and condominiums at varying rates around the state. Under the NCRB proposal, the biggest increases would be felt along the coast. The NCRB has requested certain areas of western North Carolina receive small rate decreases. These areas include Haywood, Cherokee, Mitchell rand Avery counties. Anson, Montgomery, and Richmond counties would also see small rate decreases.

Causey said the hearing would be held July 23, 2018 for the North Carolina Rate Bureaus proposed homeowners rate increase.

The hearing will be held unless the N.C. Department of Insurance and N.C. Rate Bureau are unable to negotiate a settlement before that date. State law gives the insurance commissioner 45 days to issue an order once the hearing concludes. This means the order could be issued in October 2018. Once the order is issued, the NCRB has the right to appeal the decision before the N.C. Court of Appeals. A Court of Appeals order could then be appealed to the N.C. Supreme Court.

The NCRB and NCDOI can settle the proposed rate increase at any time during litigation.

The NCRB represents insurers that write the states homeowners policies. It is a non-profit unincorporated rating bureau separate from the Department of Insurance. The NCRB also represents auto and workers compensation insurance companies.

The NCDOI held a public comment forum regarding the NCRB rate filing Dec. 12, 2017. Six people attended the forum, including Rep. Bob Muller, R-Brunswick, and Sen. Bill Cook, R-Beaufort. The department also received comments via email and U.S. mail through Dec. 29, 2017.

The last NCRB homeowners rate increase filing was in 2014 that resulted in an order of no change from then Commissioner of Insurance Wayne Goodwin. In 2012, the NCRB requested a 17.7 percent increase, which was settled for an increase of 7 percent that took effect in 2013.

The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in the Second Floor Hearing Room in the Albemarle Building, 325 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh.

Topics Trends Pricing Trends Homeowners North CarolinaThe company in a deadly November 2016 school bus crash in Tennessee has settled a lawsuit for $323,000 on behalf of a 9-year-old boy injured in the wreck.

According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Durham School Services will pay $250,000, plus $73,000 in medical expenses, to the boy who suffered a concussion, a broken arm, cuts to his liver and permanent scarring on his arms.

The case is the fifth that the bus company has settled in Hamilton County Circuit Court over the crash. About 30 lawsuits connected to the crash remain pending.

Authorities say Johnthony Walker was speeding in November 2016 when he wrecked the bus on a curvy Chattanooga road while carrying 37 children. The 25-year-old faces 34 charges, including six counts of vehicular homicide.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Education TennesseeThis blog generally follows traditional journalistic standards. It's not about opinions, though you may read one here occasionally. It's about facts that we think will be useful to rural journalists, non-rural journalists who do rural stories, and others interested in rural issues. We don't try to be provocative, so we don't generate as many comments as most blogs with the level of traffic we have, but we certainly invite comments -- and contributions, to

.

REPUBLICATIONThe GEO Group Inc., operator of the Central Arizona Correctional Facility and Arizona State Prison-Florence West Facility in Florence, will pay $550,000 and furnish other relief to settle lawsuits for sexual harassment and retaliation filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona Civil Rights Division of the Attorney Generals Office.

The EEOCs and ACRDs allegations involved many other forms of sexual harassment and retaliation occurring between 2006 and 2012. The EEOC and ACRD charged that the harassment included sexual assault, a male manager grabbing and pinching the breasts and crotch of a female correctional officer, and a male employee forcing a female employee onto a desk, shoving her legs apart and kissing her.

The EEOC and ACRD also alleged a wide variety of verbal harassment, including male officers asking female officers for sex, a male officer calling a female officer degrading names daily, and supervisors and officers making sexually explicit comments to female officers.

The EEOC and ACRD also charged that GEO retaliated against female employees when they complained of the harassment. The EEOC and ACRD charged that when women complained or sought help from GEO, the company would discipline the women, force them to quit, fire them, or place them in unsafe conditions in the prison.

The EEOC filed its lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in September 2010, after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. ACRD filed a similar suit, and the two lawsuits were consolidated. After the district court dismissed claims on behalf of a class of women identified during the litigation and held that some of the allegations did not rise to the level of actionable harassment, the EEOC and ACRD appealed the district courts decision to the Ninth Circuit.

The Ninth Circuit reversed the district court and remanded for further proceedings in a published opinion on March 14, 2016. The Ninth Circuit first held that the EEOC and ACRD had properly sought relief for women identified during litigation.

The Ninth Circuit held that the EEOC and ACRD must be allowed to discover additional aggrieved individuals during litigation when they conciliate on behalf of a class. With regards to the dismissed harassment claim, the Ninth Circuit reversed because the cumulative effects such misconduct has on a woman were enough to go to trial.

The consent decree resolving this case provides $550,000 for 16 women who had been dismissed from this case in 2012. GEO also must send letters of regret to the women and provide employment references for them. In addition, GEO will review its equal employment opportunity policies, ensure that all complaints of sexual harassment and retaliation are immediately and thoroughly investigated by a neutral employee, and ensure that the complainant is informed of the results of the investigation. GEO is also required to designate certain alleged harassers as ineligible for rehire, post notices of the consent decree in its Florence facilities, conduct anti-discrimination training, and include EEO compliance when evaluating its managers.

The EEOCs Phoenix District Office has jurisdiction for Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and part of New Mexico.

Topics Lawsuits Abuse Molestation ArizonaBurma Anti-Corruption Commission Encourages Public to File Complaints

Spokesperson of Myanmars Anti-Corruption Commission U Han Nyunt. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYITAW  Members of the public can complain, but with clear evidence, about civil servants who are wealthier than their pay scale would warrant, said Anti-Corruption Commission spokesperson U Han Nyunt.

The spokesperson urged the public to file complaints, but reminded them that adequate evidence was needed for action to be taken against corrupt officials and also to protect plaintiffs from a countersuit.

If directors-general and directors take bribes, concerned ministers can take action against them. If ministers are corrupt, the president can directly take action, U Han Nyunt told reporters during the commissions press conference in Naypyitaw last week.

If a director-general has become extremely rich, the minister must take action. If the minister doesnt take action, a complaint can be filed. But the complaint cant be sent anonymously, he added.

Under the current Anti-Corruption Law, the commission tasked with fighting graft is not authorized to take action against corrupt officials unless someone files a complaint. The commission will propose that Parliament amend the law so that it can use its discretion to punish corrupt officials.

U Aung Kyi, the ex-general and information minister in U Thein Seins administration, is taking charge of the anti-corruption commission, which was reconstituted in November by the National League for Democracy (NLD)-led government.

The Orchid Hotel in Yangon filed a complaint with the former commission led by U Mya Win against a department head of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism for demanding 10 million kyats (US$7,500) grease money from the hotel, but to no avail, said hotel owner U Htay Aung.

We were told that our evidence was not adequate and the investigation has been delayed. And we are being troubled by that official. So, we plan to file a complaint again, U Htay Aung told The Irrawaddy.

Director-general of the Anti-Corruption Commission U Htin Kyaw said that dozens of corrupt directors-general, rectors, directors and police officers were punished under the 2013 Anti-Corruption Law since the commission was formed in 2014.

He also admitted that the commission failed to properly inform the public regarding punishment of corrupt officials.

Ranks below permanent secretaries in ministries including directors-general are not required by law to disclose their possessions, but ministers, deputy ministers and similar ranks have to disclose their possessions to the Presidents Office, said U Han Nyunt.

I had to disclose my possessions after I became a member of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Even the [former president] had to disclose his possessions to parliamentary speakers in a sealed letter, he said.

Former lawmaker U Ye Htun stressed the importance of providing compelling evidence in filing complaints as plaintiffs can be counter-accused of defamation if evidence is inadequate.

The commission currently has 392 complaints to handle including complaints against judges, said U Han Nyunt. Complaints primarily involve corruption and land disputes.

We have also tried to take action against corrupt judges. But there are many cases in which they fled just before we investigated them, he said.

As its first step to root out bribery and corruption in the country, the commission will cooperate with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to organize a paper reading session on fighting corruption in Yangon from Jan. 22-23.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.Burma ARSA Claims Recent Attack in Northern Rakhine

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army appeals for international assistance in the ongoing situation in Rakhine State in a video posted online. / Rohingya Network / Screengrab

YANGON  The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, a Muslim militant group behind a series of attacks on government security outposts in northern Rakhine State in August, claimed responsibility for an ambush that injured six government troops last week in the restive area.

In the latest attack since a unilateral ceasefire in October, a civilian vehicle carrying six soldiers and an army officer were blasted by what was thought to be a remote-controlled landmine in northern Maungdaw Township on Friday morning.

The explosion was reportedly followed by an ambush carried out by gunmen apparently positioned on a nearby hill. The attack injured six soldiers and a civilian driver.

On Sunday, ARSA released a statement on Twitter, saying it was behind the attack.

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) hereby declares that we carried out an ambush against the Burmese terrorist army in Turaing Village, San Kar Pin Yin Village Tract, Northern Maungdaw Township, Arakan State at around 10:00 AM on 05 January 2018, said the statement.

After the attacks in August, the Myanmar government denounced the militant group as a terrorist organization. The government army then launched clearance operations in the area, leading to the exodus of more than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims to nearby Bangladesh.

Internationally, the army was accused of ethnic cleansing and arbitrary killings, rape and arson. Myanmar Military Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing denied these allegations.

In the Sunday tweet, ARSA said the Burmese terrorist government and the Burmese terrorist army have never stopped committing acts of Terrorism, War Crimes, Genocide and Crimes against Humanity against innocent Rohingya Indigenous native ethnic community of Arakan State.

The Rohingya are not listed in Myanmars 135 official ethnic groups, and the majority of the country believes they are Bengali, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Calling the clearance operations state-sponsored terrorism, ARSA said it is left with no choice but to fight back to defend the Rohingya.

Last but not least, it is extremely pertinent to note that Rohingya people must be consulted in all decision-making that affects their humanitarian needs and political future.

U Maung Maung Soe, a Yangon-based political analyst, told The Irrawaddy that ARSA seemed to derail the repatriation process between Myanmar and Bangladesh that was scheduled for later this month.

Its likely that the attack may pose an intimidation for those who want to come back, he said.

ARSA previously said that it was open to a ceasefire. This was dismissed by both the government and the army.

Government spokesperson Zaw Htay previously stated: We have no policy to negotiate with terrorists while defense minister Lt-Gen Sein Win said, No government negotiates with terrorist groups. We dismiss them [ARSA].

U Zaw Htay told The Irrawaddy on Monday that the government has found out that the attack was aimed to jeopardize the repatriation process, and terrorists will be responded to as they are.

We have ordered that they be responded to in line with the law. If they launch further attacks, they will face what they deserve, he said.

He also urged the international community to see ARSA as a terrorist organization and to neither support it politically nor financially.

The government is trying to solve the problem out there. If you support ARSA, our effort there will be hindered, he said.Burma Head of New Crisis Panel Urges Access to Rakhine State

Rohingya refugees wait for a rice delivery during a foggy morning at the Nayapara refugee camp near Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh December 25, 2017. / Reuters

BANGKOKHumanitarian workers and journalists should be given free access to Rakhine State, where violence has prompted some 650,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh, the head of a new international advisory panel on the crisis said.

Surakiart Sathirathai, a former Thai foreign minister, also expressed concern at the arrest of two Reuters reporters last month and said he hoped the case did not lead to broader restrictions on the international media.

I think press and humanitarian access to Rakhine are important issues as well as free access to other stakeholders, said Surakiart in an interview in Bangkok. Legitimate press coverage is something that should be enhanced.

Myanmar has severely curtailed access to Rakhine, where an army operation in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents has been condemned by the United Nations as ethnic cleansingan accusation rejected by the Buddhist majority country.

Surakiart, 59, was chosen last year by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to head a 10-member board that will advise on how to implement the recommendations of an earlier commission headed by former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan.

Allowing free media coverage was one of the specific recommendations in the 63-page report from Annans commission, which was appointed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in 2016 to investigate how to solve Rakhines long-standing ethnic and religious tensions.

Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who had worked on coverage of the crisis, were arrested in Yangon on Dec. 12 on suspicion of violating the Official Secrets Act.

Surakiart said he had raised concerns about their case with Daw Aung San Suu Kyis national security adviser Thaung Tun. He said he had asked for the case to be dealt with transparently and been assured that proper legal procedures would be followed.

I hope that this would not snowball in adverse directions for both the international press and the Myanmar government, Surakiart added. I hope the case will not lead to the Myanmar government not welcoming the international press. I want this to be a specific case and hope for a quick resolution to it.

Bridging the Gap

The Annan-led panel delivered its recommendationswhich also included a review of a law that links citizenship and ethnicity and leaves most Rohingya statelessjust before insurgent attacks on security posts on Aug. 25 triggered the latest crisis.

Surakiart said there were concerns over the repatriation of those who had since fled to Bangladesh and that the advisory board would need to find an approach to ensure people could return without fear, even if they were not recognized by existing law as Myanmar citizens.

The State Counselor has faced international criticism for perceived inaction over the crisis in Rakhine, but Surakiart said she was constrained by domestic politics.

Buddhist nationalism has surged in Myanmar in recent years, and the army campaign has wide support.

Aung San Suu Kyi tried to address the issue by trying to build consensus from within rather than finger-pointing, said Surakiart.

There is a big gap between domestic and international interpretations of the situation in Rakhine. If we cant bridge this gap then it will be an obstacle for all of us who want to improve the situation.

The former Thai foreign minister also said his advisory board would seek to engage with all groups in Rakhine, including the military.

The advisory board is not a mouthpiece to anyone, Surakiart said. We are not a spokesperson for Myanmar or the international community.

The board, which is made up of five members from Myanmar and five international appointees including veteran former US politician and diplomat Bill Richardson, will meet the Myanmar government on Jan. 22 in the capital Naypyitaw before making its first trip to Rakhine on Jan. 24.

I do not want the advisory board to be just a talking shop, Surakiart said. We want to help bring about tangible progress.Burma Netizen Sued After Criticizing Mon State Chief Minister on Facebook

Mon State Chief Minister Dr. Aye Zan. / Chan Son / The Irrawaddy

THATON, Mon State  A netizen was sued by a member of the Mon State ethnic affairs committee on Saturday after posting several posts critical of the Mon State chief minister.

U Aung Ko Ko Lwin, a Thaton local who uses the Facebook account Aung Ko Ko Lwin, posted a video clip of Mon State Chief Minister Dr. Aye Zaws controversial remark last week urging the residents of Thaton Township to eat only a dish of curry at mealtime in order to bring down food prices.

I dont know exactly what I was sued for, the video or other posts, U Aung Ko Ko Lwin told The Irrawaddy.

His other posts claimed that the chief minister turned a deaf ear to his demands during the Mon State authorities meeting with Thaton residents last week as he asked the chief minister to install a transformer for the towns central market and LED signals at a railway crossing on the Yangon-Mawlamyine motor road where traffic accidents frequently occur.

He didnt bother to reply. He was not dutiful, U Aung Ko Ko Lwin wrote.

He was sued by U Saw Kyaw Moe under Article 8(f) of a law protecting the privacy and personal security of citizens, new legislation that was enacted late last year.

No one shall unlawfully interfere with a citizens personal or family matters or act in any way to slander or harm their reputation, states Article 8(f).

Violation of the law is punishable by up to three years imprisonment plus a maximum fine of 1,500,000 kyats (US$1,100).

U Saw Kyaw Moe said he filed the complaint as a community elder of the town but not on behalf of the state government.

They can talk freely on Facebook. We have always engaged in democratic causes. But his post is the negative use of freedom of expression. And other youths from our town have followed his footsteps and written similar posts, said U Saw Kyaw Moe.

His negative criticism spoils the image of the town, he added.

In another post, U Aung Ko Ko Lwin complained about the irregular electricity supply to Thaton Market along with a photo of the Mon State chief minister and lawmakers having meals at a donation ceremony.

You may be able to walk with your head held high during this term in Thaton, but if you go against the wishes of people, how can you greet them after this term expires? he wrote.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.Burma RCSS Postpones Shan National-level Political Dialogue

RCSS/SSA soldiers march in a parade to mark Shan National Day at Loi Tai Leng, the headquarters of the SSA-S, in February 2016. / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), on Monday postponed the Shan national-level political dialogue, which had been scheduled for Jan. 12-14 in Langkho (Lin Khay/Langkhur).

In a statement, the RCSS said, The prior public consultation meetings that had been held had been faced with various persecutions by the Tatmadaw [Myanmars military], making it impossible for the people to freely and democratically express their will and fully discuss their opinions.

Public consultations were held in 14 of 55 townships in Shan State on Dec. 17-25, led by the Committee for Shan State Unity (CSSU), which is chaired by the RCSS. However, the meeting in Panglong on Dec. 17 was prevented from going ahead by the Tatmadaw, as was a later meeting in Tachileik Township. The Tatmadaw issued a letter prohibiting any meetings from being held on Dec. 19. Three days later, on Dec. 22, the Shan State Government revoked the instructions it had issued to district authorities to permit public consultation meetings. Consultations were canceled in Taunggyi, Kali, Kyaukme in Shan State and Mandalay.

In Panglong, according to the RCSS, as the people were preparing to hold the public consultation, the Tatmadaw came in and blocked the meeting, fully armed with war weapons as if to seize an enemy stronghold  an incident that has left a permanent black mark in the history of the Union.

As a result of the Tatmadaws actions, which included blocking the last prior public consultation meeting at Taunggyi on Jan 7-9, the RCSS/SSA-S (Shan State Army-South) has decided to temporarily postpone the proposed National Political Dialogue of Shan Nationalities said, Lt-Col Sai Oo, a spokesman for the RCSS.

Not holding the Shan national-level dialogue in Langkho means the group wont be able to raise its recommendations at the upcoming Union Peace Conference  21stCentury Panglong (UPC), the spokesman told The Irrawaddy.

As we have been unable to hear all of the publics views, we will not compile recommendations for the UPC, he said, adding that the group would hold further internal discussion on whether to join the UPC.

The RCSS claimed consultations both inside and outside of Shan State were held with the approval of the Government and in line with the Union-level Bilateral Agreement, which it signed on Jan. 2012.

In accordance with the implementation process of the national level political dialogue, it is necessary to hold prior public consultation meetings with all the Shan communities living in various parts of the Union, the RCSS said.

The holding of the public consultation meeting, prior to the National Political Dialogue of Shan Nationalities, at Taunggyi, which is the capital of Shan State, is very important in terms of the historical traditions of the entire Shan nation; in terms of political dignity, national equality, legitimacy of national political dialogues and trust building, it said.

Despite being an NCA signatory, the RCSS has been involved in at least 25 armed clashes with the Tatmadaw since signing the agreement on Oct. 2015.

Military tensions have also been high in Shan States RCSS-controlled territories since our preparations began for the ND [national level dialogue]. Fighting has been frequent from last month through Monday, said the spokesman, though the clashes have been in remote areas. Two clashes were reported on Saturday morning in Mai Buu Gyi village in Mongpyin, near Keng Tung.

In the first week of January, RCSS troops were attacked by Tatmadaw soldiers in Loi Len and Mong Pyin townships in southeastern Shan State, said Lt-Col Sai Oo. He said about 80 troops from two Tatmadaw battalions attacked four RCSS soldiers in Naung Lai village tract in Loi Len on Jan.3.

Clashes over territory in Mongpyin were reported in May 2017, and there were interventions from the Joint-Ceasefire Monitoring Committee last year.Guest Column What is the NLD Doing for Political Prisoners?

The main gate of Yangon's Insein Prison. / The Irrawaddy

It was Jan. 4, 2018. As it was also the 70th anniversary of Myanmars independence, I could not help thinking about my days in prison. Independence Day is one of the special occasions each and every prisoner looks forward to with high hopes.

That is because of a custom of granting amnesty to prisoners and reducing jail sentences on every anniversary.

Everyone who has had to spend part of his or her life in prison knows how it feels. Prisoners cannot help feeling grateful to the government when they see some of their fellow inmates walk out of prison on such occasions, even if they themselves are not released. It is a fine practice among prisoners, despite being anti-government activists, to praise and thank the government for granting them amnesty.

Such days give hope to all types of prisoners. It is also a common practice among prisoners as these days approach to ask prison authorities for any unusual news from the outside.

All inmates look forward to these days because death sentences can be commuted, long sentences can be reduced and those about to complete their terms may be released.

I had not heard of anyone being released from prison under a general amnesty as I was writing this piece on Jan. 5. When I asked the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) about it, they said they had not heard of any releases either.

I could not help but empathize with the political prisoners in jails across Myanmar. They were surely extremely disappointed as their hopes were dashed. They have pinned all their hopes on such occasions.

When I saw that the government was organizing a grand New Years alms-offering ceremony and Dhamma talks attracting more than 100,000 devotees, I was confident there would be something for prisoners. I later came to learn that I had been completely wrong.

Back when the governments ranks had no ex-political prisoners, amnesties and commuted sentences came every year. Former political prisoners were even allowed to form a committee to identify current political prisoners with the aim of getting them released.

A lot of political prisoners were freed this way. It has also become the norm for other inmates to be released alongside the political prisoners.

That is why I was confident that a government led by a party of former political prisoners would release the political prisoners left.

My expectations have proven to be wrong. It has been a long time since I last heard anything about political prisoners being identified. There are still about 100 political prisoners left in Myanmar, according to organizations of former political prisoners such as the AAPP.

The AAPP has even gone to the trouble of tracking down the original dossiers of the accused to identify people as political prisoners before adding them to its list. It found many cases in which what happened had nothing to do with the laws under which the victims were charged. The charges were fabricated intentionally to put the dissidents in prison, making it impossible to know if they are guilty or innocent based on the charges. The AAPP has carried out a thorough investigation to come up with a detailed list.

It was also revealed that there are about 120 lawmakers in the Union Parliament who were once political prisoners. There is no doubt that former political prisoners can empathize with their peers still behind bars. However, the question is why the representatives have not been able to help them. Why have they not tried to help them?

When I attended a ceremony to mark Independence Day at the headquarters of the NLD about 10 years ago, I was offered a badge with the name of a political prisoner on the back. When I asked about this, the party said it had chosen by lot a political prisoner for me to help.

The back of my badge said Ma Khin Htar in Dawei Prison. I was not able to help her because I myself soon became a political prisoner.

However, about two years after I was sent to prison a lady approached my family offering to help me because I had been chosen by lot for her. After consulting with my family, she sent me books to read in prison.

Such help can be of great benefit to a person in prison. It can give an inmate hope and strength. I later learned that the lady, Daw Sabel, had taught my son and daughter-in-law, and she has felt like a member of the family ever since.

I am deeply sad that the help and assistance the NLD offered when it was an opposition party disappeared after it came to power. I am just sad because I have not been able to find out why that has been so.

I believe the government has complete authority to release political prisoners. I am confident that no one can prevent it from, and interfere with it in, exercising that authority. It would be very ugly to write a history that says that about 120 former political prisoners were not able to come to the rescue of about 100 political prisoners behind bars.

What has been happening? Could you please help me find the answer?

Sai Nyunt Lwin is the secretary general of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy.We wont list all of XLNs package combinations below (some of them add free calls etc.), but we will summarise the main entry-level options. In addition, being a business solution means that all of these prices exclude VAT (20%) and the contracts are for 24 month terms. All packages include unlimited usage, a wireless router (9.99 delivery) and phone line rental.

Business internet provider XLN Telecom has recently launched a new website and on top of that theyve today refreshed their range of broadband and phone packages, which include a number of discounts for the first 12 months of service (note: all contract terms last for 24 months).

Keith is a computer engineer and website developer from Dorset (England) who also assists, on a part-time basis, in the general upkeep of ISPreview.co.uk's systems and services. He also writes the occasional editorial and special offer article. Find me on Contacts

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The most recent independent data for Q4 reveals that the United Kingdom ended 2017 with fixed line superfast broadband (24Mbps+) networks having covered 94.7% of premises (94.3% if you define superfast as 30Mbps+), which suggests that the Government has hit their 95% target.

The estimate, which was produced by Thinkbroadband, wisely tends to be a bit more pessimistic than official figures (i.e. officially the Government will probably claim victory on their 95% target). The focus will now switch towards tracking the Governments next expectation for superfast broadband to reach 98% by around 2020 (here), as well as the growth of ultrafast (100Mbps+) connectivity (e.g. FTTP/H/B, G.fast and Cable DOCSIS).

However we should point out that later Broadband Delivery UK contracts have adopted the EU and Ofcoms higher download speed target of 30Mbps+ for superfast connectivity, which tends to trail around 0.3-0.6% points behind the 24Mbps+ figure (depending on location). Meanwhile those in the final 2% are expected to be catered for via the Governments 10Mbps Universal Service Obligation (USO).

Its worth remembering that the first c.75% of coverage was largely achieved by commercial roll-outs from Openreach (BT) and Virgin Media (plus some altnet ISPs), while most of the final 25-30% has benefited from around 1.6bn+ of public investment via the BDUK programme. More recently another 600m has separately been earmarked to support future full fibre (FTTP/H) deployments (here and here).

Below you can see the latest data to the end of December 2017 (Q4) and as usual weve stripped out some of the more confusing aspects in order to make it easier to understand. Weve also left in the 10Mbps figure as this will be a useful gauge for understanding the ever shrinking scale of the proposed USO for broadband, which could be introduced by 2020 (details).

NOTE: The term fibre based below includes fibre optic and hybrid fibre solutions, such as FTTP, FTTC / VDSL2 / G.fast and Cable (DOCSIS), albeit without any definition of speed (e.g. some FTTC lines deliver speeds below 24Mbps). Elsewhere nearly all of the below ultrafast (100Mbps+) coverage is coming from Virgin Medias cable network, although Openreach, Hyperoptic, Gigaclear, Cityfibre, TrueSpeed and others all have big full fibre (FTTP/H) expansion ambitions for related services (here, here, here, here and here) and the rapid 330Mbps G.fast roll-out to 10 million premises by 2020 should also help.

Area % Fibre based % Superfast 24Mbps+ % Superfast 30Mbps+ % Ultrafast 100Mbps+ % Under 10Mbps USO London 97.70% 96.8% 96.60% 71.5% 2.60% England 97.50% 95.2% 94.90% 56.2% 3.40% United Kingdom 97.40% 94.7% 94.30% 53.2% 3.80% Rest Of Scotland 97% 94.3% 94% 47.5% 4.60% Wales 97% 93.7% 93.20% 32.6% 4.50% Scotland 96.60% 93.1% 92.70% 43.2% 5.80% Northern Ireland 98.50% 85.4% 84.40% 30.6% 9.50% Highlands and Islands (Scotland) 89.70% 77.9% 76.50% 0.3% 16.90%

Take note that each devolved region has its own policy and targets, which all feed into the central UK target. For example, Wales has proposed a new aspiration to reach every property with 30Mbps+ broadband by 2020 (here) and Scotland hope to do the same by 2021 (here). The Highlands and Islands and Rest of Scotland areas above represent the two halves of Scotlands overall roll-out programme.

Elsewhere Northern Ireland, which has good fibre based coverage, remains one of the weaker entries and theyre clearly struggling to deliver speeds of 24Mbps+ to those within its reach. However the recent deal between the DUP and UK Government, which gifted 150 million to help N.I provide ultra-fast broadband to its population (here), may help to resolve that.

As stated earlier, this data is only an estimate and should be taken with a pinch of salt, not least because it wont always reflect the real-world (this is particularly true where issues like faulty lines, poor home wiring, slow WiFi and other problems can result in much slower speeds than expected). However its still one of the best gauges that we have for checking against official Government claims (theyre also based on an estimate).

NOTE: Its very important to remember that Government / political targets like 95% or 98% reflect a national average, which can of course be better or worse for some specific areas (e.g. a few may achieve universal coverage, while others could be well below that level).Microsoft appears to be working on a Surface Phone, if a post to a Chinese forum by an engineer working for the Microsoft Asia Research Institute is any indication.

The Chinese tech news website ITHome was the first to spot the post which claimed that the Surface Phone was on its way and that it would work much better with Cortana, the Microsoft digital assistant, than Android phones do.

The post was made on the Chinese social site Zhihu. It said that the Institute "look forward to the perfect performance of the Surface Phone.

As an explanation, it added that some Cortana features on Android were limited because of restrictions in Google's mobile operating system.

After Windows Phone fans reacted enthusiastically over the post, the Microsoft employee, in what appeared to be damage control, edited it to add, "we dont know a Surface Phone will exist.

Another tech news site, Windows Latest, published a rough translation of the post which ran thus:

First of all, Siri and Bixby, two intelligent assistants installed in the smartphones, and Cortana is a third-party application, permissions support may be embarrassing.

"Windows Phone users may know that Cortana in Windows Phone was better than the Cortana app, Windows Phone Cortana was a lot easier to use. Microsoft Cortana (Xiao Na) is a cross-platform smart assistant, available across all devices including PCs and smartphone, trying to do more like WeChat Noda.

"For the smart assistant, permissions is a good thing, looking forward to the perfect performance of the Surface Phone (although Hana do not know will not be a surface phone).

"Of course, as a smart assistant, the pace of development is still relatively slow, but Cortana team will be working hard to make the assistant better.

"Last year in 3rd-anniversary celebration, Cortana saw all new features and support, three years is not a long time, but the move on this road Hana never forget, Microsoft Cortana team must live up to expectations.Trumbull, CT- January 8, 2018TMC today announced RTCWeb, Observables, nCore Communications have joined the start up pavilion at ITEXPO to be held February 13-16 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. ITEXPO is the communications and business transformation event where influential buyers gather to make their purchase decisions. The enterprise mid-market, resellers and service providers attend for 3 full days of content, 6 collocated events, training opportunities, powerful keynotes, an interactive exhibit floor and hours of dedicated networking time.

We are excited to welcome RTCWeb, Observables, nCore Communications to the startup pavilion at ITEXPO and look forward to seeing their unique solutions on the exhibit floor, said Rich Tehrani, TMC CEO and conference chairman.

Pavilion participants include:

nCore Communications is a technology solution provider with headquarter in southern California. By developing new SW solutions, based on exiting established technologies, nCores technology and products have opened new market opportunities for private and public operators and service providers in wide areas such as Mobile, Enterprise, Industrial IoT and Cloud communications. nCores technology is leveraging well established technologies such as LTE, Ethernet, WiFi, Satellite, mmWave Radio, in novel and exciting new ways, to solve long-standing problems such as secure connectivity, mobility and service guarantees, at the same time as providing a scalable platform for supporting application and services.

is a technology solution provider with headquarter in southern California. By developing new SW solutions, based on exiting established technologies, nCores technology and products have opened new market opportunities for private and public operators and service providers in wide areas such as Mobile, Enterprise, Industrial IoT and Cloud communications. nCores technology is leveraging well established technologies such as LTE, Ethernet, WiFi, Satellite, mmWave Radio, in novel and exciting new ways, to solve long-standing problems such as secure connectivity, mobility and service guarantees, at the same time as providing a scalable platform for supporting application and services. Observables Inc. provides cloud-based connected services that empower security, AV, IT, and smart-home dealers in delivering solutions to their customers. The AlwaysON Cloud Portal and Multi-Service IOBOT Signal Router integrate physical, logical, and cyber elements that provide robust connectivity, simplified deployment, remote monitoring, central station reporting, real time control, and self-healing solutions. Observables is privately held in Santa Barbara, California.

provides cloud-based connected services that empower security, AV, IT, and smart-home dealers in delivering solutions to their customers. The AlwaysON Cloud Portal and Multi-Service IOBOT Signal Router integrate physical, logical, and cyber elements that provide robust connectivity, simplified deployment, remote monitoring, central station reporting, real time control, and self-healing solutions. Observables is privately held in Santa Barbara, California. RTCWeb is a startup and the brainchild of Galaxy Weblinks; your WebRTC technology partner. RTCWeb develops customized Real-time Communication solutions with flexible deployment across all devices & platforms. Connect anywhere, anytime on any device.

ITEXPO is supported by Diamond Sponsors, Digium, Inc., Platinum sponsors, 888VoIP, Fiber Mountain, Grandstream, Sangoma, Sansay, Telnyx, Windstream, Yealink, Gold sponsors, ABP Tech, Snom/ Vtech, Speech Mobility, Verizon, Vitelity and vXchnge

For more information or to register for ITEXPO, contact events@tmcnet.com. For media inquiries, contact Jessica Seabrook. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for ITEXPO should contact TMC's Joe Fabiano at 203-852-6800 x132 or Maureen Gambino at 203-852-6800 x109.

For the latest ITEXPO news, updates and information follow the event on Twitter at @ITEXPO.

About TMC

Global buyers rely on TMCs content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. This presents branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities for vendors/sellers.

TMCs Marketplaces:

Unique, turnkey Online Communities boost search results, establish market validation, elevate brands and thought leadership, while minimizing ad-blocking.

Custom Lead Programs uncover sales opportunities and build databases.

In-Person and Online Events boost brands, enhance thought leadership and generate leads.

Publications, Display Advertising and Newsletters bolster brand reputations.

Custom Content provides expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and

overall marketing efforts.

overall marketing efforts. Comprehensive Event and Road Show Management Services help companies meet potential clients and generate leads face-to-face.

For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com.

Media and Analyst Contact:

Jessica Seabrook

Marketing Director

TMC

203-852-6800 x 170

jseabrook@tmcnet.com

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Edited by Mandi NowitzFraudsters used scam emails to steal millions of dollars from Queensland law firms in December, according to security firm MailGuard.

The company says it was noteable that the fraudsters didnt attack the law firms by hacking into their networks or infecting their computers with a virus  they just sent them an email.

It was textbook social engineering. The lawyers who fell for this scam were targeted with phone calls from people who said they were seeking legal representation. The phone calls seemed legitimate; after explaining their problems the callers promised to email the lawyers with important documents related to their cases, said MailGuards Emmanuel Marshall in a blog on the security firms website.

When the lawyers received the emails they found links to a file-sharing site. They clicked on the links and were required to enter their email account passwords to gain access. This whole process was a trick designed to collect the lawyers email login passwords.

Lawyers are smart people, right? Not the sort who easily fall for scams. But the criminals who executed this fraud gained their trust by speaking to them on the phone so that when the scam email arrived, the victims were primed and waiting to click on the malicious link it contained."

Marshall said that once the scammers gained access to the lawyer's email accounts, they moved to phase two of the scam, monitoring the firm's email traffic for invoices requesting payment.

When they saw a suitably large invoice arrive in the firms inbox they sent a bogus message with false bank account details so that the payment went into the bank account of the scammers instead of the law firm.

Speaking to the Brisbane Times  which originally broke the story about the law firm scam  Christine Smythe, president of The Queensland Law Society, said, They are quite cunning... They are people who speak good English, answer in a convincing away and come with a backstory... The precise method of attack varies, but the essence is that the criminals obtain access to the firms email accounts and use this to misdirect funds.

People are not machines. We make a lot of decisions based on emotional responses and social cues. We havent got the mental bandwidth to parse every communication and verify its authenticity. Like the lawyers who fell for the email scam in Queensland, were all prone to making errors of judgement and thats the security gap cyber criminals can most easily exploit, says MailGuards Marshall.

Social engineering is a booming crime category because cyber criminals understand that its easier to deceive a person than a machine. TechBeacons 2016 Cyber Security Trend Report reveals that 65% of professionals identify social engineering as the most serious security threat to their business.

Human beings are still the gatekeepers of valuable data. Bank accounts, file storage, credit card details; they are all protected by passwords and those passwords can be obtained with trickery because they are stored in human brains.

Hacking into a company using social engineering techniques is as simple as sending a cleverly worded email to people who work there. If criminals can trick one person into clicking on a malicious link or logging into a compromised website, they can use that person as an access point to the companys most valuable data.Brisbane-based enterprise software-as-a-service company TechnologyOne (ASX:TNE) has expanded the reach of its charity foundation for 2018 - with a pledge to help 500,000 children and their families in India free themselves from poverty  through a new partnership with Opportunity International Australia.

TechnologyOne executive chairman Adrian Di Marco says the companys ambitious new goal to save 500,000 children from poverty spans a 15-year period, with Opportunity taking an innovative, entrepreneurial approach to charitable giving, called microfinance.

He says the partnership will provide small loans to enable families in India to grow businesses, earn regular incomes and create safety nets for the future.

Di Marco also said the TechnologyOne Foundation was one of his proudest initiatives in the companys 30-year history.

We established the TechnologyOne Foundation as a way to pay it forward, and institutionalise giving for our company.

The foundation really defines who we are as a company. It defines our values, culture and who we aspire to be, and demonstrates the values we are looking for in future employees.

Opportunity International helps families in poverty free themselves with hope, dignity and purpose, said Robert Dunn, global executive director of Opportunity International.

The changes that we see in poor communities is only possible because of great partners who come alongside us, like TechnologyOne. Through our partnership together, Opportunity International and TechnologyOne have set an ambitious target to lift more than 500,000 children out of poverty.

TechnologyOne has also committed to a three-year partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation to support the Vietnam Child Eye Care programme, which aims to eradicate avoidable blindness in all school-aged children.

These new initiatives underpin its existing 1% Pledge commitment, with the company pledging to donate 1% of its time, 1% of its profits and 1% of its product.

People are inspired by the 1% Programme. When they hear about 1% of profits, product and time, thats an inspiring story, thats a real commitment. And thats pretty unusual  you dont see that in many companies, Opportunitys Dunn said.

Its an amazing, heroic, world-changing thing; its rare, but its terrific.

Di Marco said the company had made these commitments through the TechnologyOne Foundation because it is the right thing to do.

As a large, successful company we have the capability and capacity to make a difference.

The foundation has enabled us to make a greater impact in our communities and really empowers our employees to get involved in our philanthropic endeavours and make a difference. It is exciting to think about the increasing impact we will have moving forward.

Other initiatives by TechnologyOne in 2017 included contributing to The School of St Judes e-learning and technical programmes; continuing to support 20 ongoing disadvantaged youth programmes through The Salvation Army and Mission Australia across Australia, New Zealand and the UK; and assisting World Visions work with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.Samsung unveiled its take on the collaborative digital whiteboard at CES today, launching its Flip display.

Digital whiteboards are getting a lot of attention from a number of large vendors, including Google, Microsoft and Cisco. All aim to replace traditional flip charts and whiteboards with touchscreen-enabled hardware designed to ease collaboration during meetings and brainstorming sessions.

Up to four different participants can interact with a Flip whiteboard at the same time, using either their fingers or a stylus to create or annotate content. Designed for use in meeting rooms, the 55-in. 4K display can switch from portrait to landscape orientation depending on company needs. It includes USB ports to enable connection to PCs and mobile devices, as well as wireless connectivity.

An integrated screen-sharing capability allows Flip content to be viewed directly from PCs and mobile devices, which would be useful for remote workers, in particular. Flip runs the Tizen operating system used in a variety of Samsung products, including its smart TVs, and contains 8GB of internal storage.

Samsung set the retail price for the Flip at $2,699; rival digital whiteboards are more expensive. Google's Jamboard for G Suite, released last year, retailed for $4,999 at launch, while Microsofts SurfaceHub costs $8,999 for the 55-in. version.

However, those devices offer integration with each companys respective business software suite, providing them with an advantage over Samsungs Flip. Meanwhile, Ciscos Spark Board integrates with its Spark collaboration software and supports video conferencing.

[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]

The meeting room has become the new battleground for business communications and collaboration, said 451 Research senior analyst Raul Castanon-Martinez. Samsung Flip will face tough competition from Google and Microsoft. These players have an advantage with their business and productivity suites, which they integrate into their respective whiteboard products.

He noted that Google and Microsoft are strong contenders as software providers while Samsung is already present in meeting spaces, thanks to its PBX phone systems and smartphones.

Competing with other feature-rich products is just one hurdle for those offering digital whiteboards, said Larry Cannell, research director at Gartner. Digital whiteboards have been around in some form for years and vendors have yet to convince substantial numbers of users to swap tried-and-trusted tools for digital alternatives.

The challenge with these products isnt necessarily integration with back-end software, said Cannell. Rather, they are still competing with in-room physical whiteboards and large sticky flipcharts.

From my experience, most digital whiteboards have ended up being most used as fancy digital projectors, he said.

Despite the launch of new hardware by some major vendors in the past year, customer demand is still building momentum, Castanon-Martinez said. That is likely to change over the next year or two as hardware becomes increasingly integrated with collaboration and productivity software.

Digital whiteboards are at the intersection of productivity and collaboration, unified communications and telephony, and audio and video conferencing, he said. All of these are in transition with new technologies emerging.

I expect that, as adoption for products like Microsoft Teams, Google G Suite and Cisco Spark grows, we will see increased demand for digital whiteboards.Reddit Email 476 Shares

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Senior policy advisor for the Trump White House and notorious white supremacist Stephen Miller appeared on Jake Tappers Sunday show to defend Trump from the allegations in Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury.

Miller declined to leave after the train wreck of an interview, in which he accused Tapper of gloating over the revelations in the Wolff book and attempted to portray Tapper as an out of touch East Coast elite journalist unable to understand the discontents of the US working class.

CNN building security allegedly had to come and physically remove Miller from the studio. (Ive done a lot of television, and the issue here is that if the guest doesnt leave the desk after the segment ends, hell be in the next shot as well, and still will have the microphone).

=================

CNN: Tapper cuts off Trump adviser interview: Ive wasted enough of my viewers time

=================

Miller serves an administration staffed by billionaires who just stole $1.5 trillion from the working and middle classes and gave it to the . . . billionaires, attempting to kick 26 million workers off of health insurance.

Miller insisted on delivering a set of long speeches praising Trumps political genius instead of answering any specific questions, and attempted to erase his mentor Steve Bannon from the history of the first Trump administration. Tapper characterized the performance as filibustering.

Tapper pointed out that Miller has his job on Bannons recommendation, and Miller denied it, attaching himself retrospectively to Corey Lewandowski. Both Bannon and Lewandowsky were fired (the latter by Paul Manafort, who was then fired) likely pointing to Millers future fate, which he seems to be attempting to avoid by becoming the universes premier brown-noser.*

Millers attempt to ventriloquize the working class is sad, given that he is serving the wealthiest administration in American history, and one especially sadistic toward the working and middle classes. Two-thirds of Trump voters make over $50,000 a year. WaPo reported that white non-Hispanic voters without college degrees making below the median household income made up only 25 percent of Trump voters. A third of Trump voters, in contrast, make over $100,000 a year. Trumps base is wealthy, which is why his policies are rewarding the wealthy. It is true that 70% of Trump voters dont have a college degree, but 70% of Republicans dont have a college degree, and a lot of those people are very well off.

Most working class people dont vote at all, and the majority of them reliably vote Democratic when they do go to the polls. Pro-Trump white factory workers exist, but they are a minority of their social class and trying to portray Trump as a champion of the working class is just propaganda. It is true that members of the white working class mainly driven by financial distress voted for Hillary Clinton, while the minority of that class who voted for Trump tend to dislike foreigners.

Miller again blamed immigrants for taking jobs from working class whites, which is a false argument. Immigrants most often dont have the skills to compete in the same market with the working class, and tend to do menial jobs or jobs locals decline to do, as with picking strawberries. Their labor brings down prices for working class consumers. There are also high-income immigrants in e.g. the tech world, who often make discoveries and form companies that expand the economy and create working class jobs.

Miller used his appearance not to answer questions about the goings-on in the White House or even effectively to refute Wolffs book (a denial and character attack is not an argument), but to broadcast his racist poison to millions of people. Corporate news really shouldnt be giving him a platform, since he uses it to normalize Neo-Nazism. His epithet on social media is Baby Goebbels, referring to the National Socialist propagandist.

*Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - FIORE GOLD LTD. (TSXV: F) (OTCQB: FIOGF) (Fiore or the Company) is pleased to provide an operational update on its Pan Mine in White Pine County, Nevada. Mine production in November totaled 436,290 tons of ore and 484,771 tons of waste, with the mine now consistently mining in excess of 14,000 tons per day (tpd) of ore. Gold production for November was 2,760 ounces, a significant increase over the 1,809 ounces produced in October.

The new Phase II leach pad is now in operation, with the first ore placed on the pad in late December [image 1, image 2]. As the existing Phase I leach pad approaches its final design height, operating space on the pad has become constrained which reduced the leach cycle times. As a result, December gold production is expected to come in below forecast, however, with the new Phase II pad now in operation, production will improve as ore is placed on the new pad. Fiore is projecting gold production of 35-40,000 ounces in fiscal 2018 (October 2017 through September 2018), with gold production weighted towards the second half of FY2018 as higher-grade ore is mined.

Tim Warman, Chief Executive Officer of Fiore, commented: November was our best month yet for gold production, and were looking forward to continued strong performance over the remainder of the fiscal year. With the new Phase II leach pad now operational, we can begin loading the test cells that will confirm the viability of adding a crushing and agglomeration circuit to the mine later in 2018. The successful completion and permitting of the new leach pad is a testament to the highly skilled operating and development team weve built at Fiore Gold, and the first-rate work done by our contractors.

Exploration work aimed at increasing the resource and reserve base at Pan is also ongoing, with a number of drill targets identified proximal to the existing operations. Drilling is expected to commence in early 2018.

At our nearby Gold Rock project, the Nevada State Office of the Bureau of Land Management has completed its review of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and advanced it to the Washington DC office for final review and publication. The process to publish the FEIS is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2018, with the Record of Decision (ROD) to follow within 45 days of publication. We believe actions by the US government to expedite this review process provides optimism that the process to issue the ROD will proceed in a timely manner.

Corporate Strategy

Our corporate strategy is to grow Fiore Gold into a 150,000 ounce per year gold producer. To achieve this, we intend to:

grow gold production at the Pan Mine from a planned 35-40,000 ounces in fiscal 2018 to between 40-50,000 ounces per year by fiscal 2019

advance exploration and development of the nearby Gold Rock project, with a resource update planned for late 2018

acquire additional production or near-production assets in Nevada and surrounding states

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information relating to Fiore Golds properties contained in this press release was approved by Ken Brunk (MMSA) Fiore Golds Technical Advisor and a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101.Highlights:

3.0 g/t Au over 83.1 metres starting at 7.4 metres depth, including 10.8 g/t Au over 11.4 metres, main Dyke extended 300 metres south of the former Beliveau Mine

4.6 g/t Au over 6.5 metres intersected in near-surface expansion drilling southwest of the New Beliveau Deposit

Additional drilling in the North Zone returned strong mineralization grading up to 3.2 g/t Au over 12.4 metres near surface

Drilling 150 metres to 200 metres east of the South Zone discovery hole returned significant intercepts grading up to 8.1 g/t Au over 3.5 metres near surface

85,000-metre drill program planned for 2018, five drills currently on site

TORONTO, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Probe Metals Inc. (TSX-V:PRB) (OTCQB:PROBF) (Probe or the Company) is pleased to provide new results from the 2017 drill program at its 100% owned Val-dOr East project (the Project) located near Val-dOr, Quebec. In 2017, the Company drilled 83,076 metres in 194 holes at Val-dOr East. The drill program was focusing on expansion and exploration drilling in and around the New Beliveau gold deposit and on other gold zones along a 2.5 kilometre strike length within the Pascalis Gold Trend. An updated resource estimate, incorporating new drill results from the 2016 and 2017 program, is planned for Q1-2018. Owing to the success of the 2017 exploration program, the Company has commenced an 85,000-metre drill program that will continue the resource expansion along the Pascalis Gold Trend as well as testing high-priority gold targets in new areas within its 327-square kilometre land package during 2018.

Results from thirty-eight (38) holes (PC-17-198 to PC-17-235) totaling 16,104 metres drilled along the Pascalis Gold Trend continue to demonstrate strong potential for expansion and new discoveries surrounding the former Beliveau mine (see Figure 1). Expansion drilling in the Main dyke 300 metres to the south has returned significant results with intercepts grading 3 g/t Au over 83.1 metres starting at 7 metres depth, including 5.3 g/t Au over 13.6 metres, 5.9 g/t Au over 5.5 metres and 10.8 g/t Au over 11.4 metres in Hole PC-17-207. Expansion drilling to the north of the New Beliveau deposit intersected 6.1 g/t Au over 6 metres at a vertical depth of approximately 300 metres in hole PC-17-224 along the eastern extension of the high-grade structure (1122 g/t Au over 0.7 metres, DDH PC-17-100), while expansion drilling to the Southwest of the New Beliveau deposit intersected 4.6 g/t Au over 6.5 metres at vertical depth of approximately 70 metres. Drilling to test the extension of the North Zone, approximately 60 metres west of high-grade hole PC-17-168, intersected significant mineralization grading 3.2 g/t Au over 12.4 metres between 10.8 metres and 23.2 metres depth, while continued testing of the eastern extension of the South Zone, 150 to 200 metres east of the discovery hole PC-17-143, intersected new mineralization grading up to 8.1 g/t Au over 3.5 metres between 77 metres and 80.5 metres depth.

Drill results from thirty-one (31) holes (PC-17-236 to PC-17-267) that will be included in the updated resource estimate are still pending at the lab and will be released as soon as they are received.

David Palmer, President and CEO of Probe, states: It is encouraging to see such strong drilling results from New Beliveau as we finish 2017 and start the 2018 drill program. The success of the drilling at New Beliveau to-date bodes well for continued expansion in the drilling ahead. In addition to the achievements at New Beliveau, 2017 also saw an expansive regional exploration program that has generated a significant number of priority drill targets, all in areas that have seen very little historic exploration. 2018 will be another pivotal year for the Val-dOr East project from the perspectives of resource expansion and potential new discoveries from the regional program. As we increase our efforts in advancing on Val-dOr East project in 2018 we would like to thank investors for their past and continued support.

Mineralization intersected in all the gold zones are similar to that observed in the Beliveau Deposit, and are characterized mainly by sulphide-bearing quartz-tourmaline veins typically associated with mineralized diorite dykes.

Assay results from selected drill holes are reported in the following table:

Selected drill results from the Val-dOr East drilling program1,2

Hole Number From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Area/Host Rock PC-17-138ext 676.4 679.8 3.4 4.7 NB/Dyke PC-17-198 478.0 485.0 7.0 2.9 HW/Volcanics PC-17-200 152.4 153.4 1.0 14.6 NB/Volcanics-Dyke PC-17-201 313.8 315.9 2.1 5.5 NB/Volcanics-Dyke PC-17-202 101.4 105.1 3.7 2.8 NB/Volcanics PC-17-203 227.5 230.0 2.5 5.3 NB/Dyke PC-17-204 21.1 32.2 11.1 1.3 NZ/Dyke 70.3 84.0 13.7 2.4 NZ/Volcanics-Dyke PC-17-205 164.9 169.8 4.9 2.1 NB/Volcanics 231.0 233.0 2.0 10.2 NB/Volcanics PC-17-206 97.8 99.3 1.5 8.5 NZ/Volcanics 231.6 235.1 3.5 3.9 NZ/Volcanics PC-17-207 7.4 90.5 83.1 3.0 NB/Dyke Including 16.7 30.3 13.6 5.3 NB/Dyke Including 44.2 49.7 5.5 5.9 NB/Dyke Including 61.5 72.9 11.4 10.8 NB/Dyke PC-17-214 96.4 102.9 6.5 4.6 NB/Volcanics PC-17-215 123.5 127.1 3.6 5.7 SZ/Volcanics-Dyke PC-17-218 313.7 318.1 4.4 2.4 SZ/Dyke PC-17-224 318.9 328.0 9.1 4.2 NB/Volcanics Including 322.0 328.0 6.0 6.1 NB/Volcanics PC-17-230 30.1 34.1 4.0 2.8 SZ/Volcanics PC-17-231 10.8 23.2 12.4 3.2 NZ/Volcanics 54.0 57.0 3.0 5.3 NZ/Volcanics PC-17-232 341.0 342.5 1.5 8.8 NB/Volcanics PC-17-233 77.0 80.5 3.5 8.1 SZ/Volcanics PC-17-235 236.5 239.0 2.5 6.9 NZ/Volcanics 477.5 479.5 2.0 5.7 NZ/Dyke

(1) All the new analytical results reported in this release and in this table, are presented in core length and uncut. Additional drilling is planned for the immediate area which will enable the true width determination.

(2) Definitions: NB =New Beliveau, SZ = South Zone, NZ = North Zone, HW = Highway Zone

Figure 1: Surface Map  Pascalis Gold Trend Area





2018 Exploration Program at Val-dOr East

Following a successful 2017 exploration program on its Val-dOr East project, the Company is planning 85,000 metres of drilling for 2018. The proposed $12 million exploration program will focus on expanding the Projects current gold resources as well as delineate potential new gold deposits within its regional land holdings. There are presently five drills operating at the Project.

Approximately 50,000 metres of drilling will be focused on the potential expansion of the New Beliveau Gold Deposit to the north, west, east and south of its current limits as well as other gold zones on the property.

Approximately 35,000 metres of drilling will be focused on testing numerous high priority gold targets generated during the 2017 regional exploration program.

The New Beliveau Gold Deposit

The New Beliveau deposit consists predominantly of a series of parallel, east-west trending, moderately dipping, mineralized zones hosting gold-bearing quartz-pyrite-tourmaline veins. Gold mineralization occurs in the veins but also in their immediate wall rocks. The sulphide content is generally 1% to 5%, but may reach up to 10% in the higher-grade sections. The extent of the alteration zone, which consists of a mixture of quartz, tourmaline, dolomite, albite, and euhedral pyrite is commonly twice the thickness of the vein itself. The north-south trending diorite dykes also contain significant gold with gold grades typically increasing in areas where the dykes are intersected by the east-west quartz-tourmaline veins. Wall rocks for both systems consist of intermediate volcanics rock.

Together with the Highway and North Zones, the New Beliveau Deposit host a NI 43-101 inferred resources of 770,000 ounces at 2.6 g/t gold calculated at a 1.0 g/t cut-off above 350 metres depth and 1.5 g/t cut-off below 350 metres depth (see NI 43-101 technical report: Mineral Resource Val-dOr East Property - January 4, 2013).

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed, prepared and approved by Mr. Marco Gagnon, P.Geo, Executive Vice President, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Quality Control

During the last drilling program, assay samples were taken from the NQ core and sawed in half, with one-half sent to a certified commercial laboratory and the other half retained for future reference. A strict QA/QC program was applied to all samples; which includes insertion of mineralized standards and blank samples for each batch of 20 samples. The gold analyses were completed by fire-assayed with an atomic absorption finish on 50 grams of materials. Repeats were carried out by fire-assay followed by gravimetric testing on each sample containing 5.0 g/t gold or more. Total gold analyses (Metallic Sieve) were carried out on the samples which presented a great variation of their gold contents or the presence of visible gold.

About Probe Metals:

Probe Metals Inc. is a leading Canadian gold exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is committed to discovering and developing high-quality gold projects, including its key asset the Val-dOr East Gold Project, Quebec. The Company is well-funded and controls a strategic land package of approx. 1,000-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts. The Company was formed as a result of the sale of Probe Mines Limited to Goldcorp in March 2015. Goldcorp currently owns approx. 13.7 % stake in the Company.TORONTO, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Continental Gold Inc. (TSX:CNL) (OTCQX:CGOOF) ("Continental" or the "Company") is pleased to announce positive gold reconciliation results from approximately 600 tonnes of recently extracted trial mining test ore that the Company batch-processed through its 30-tonne per day Yaragua mill located at the Buritica project, Antioquia, Colombia. Two vertically-stacked stopes located along the HW vein in the Yaragua system, at a midpoint elevation of 1,525 RL measuring 20 metres along strike by 35 metres vertically by 2.60 metres wide, were mined using the mechanized long-hole method. All ore extracted from the stopes was systematically and thoroughly muck sampled and assayed, with final results significantly better than the current mineral resource block model estimate on grade, tonnes and ounces (see December 18, 2017 Company news release).

Table 1: Estimated Stope Production vs. Actual Results*

Tonnes Gold

(g/t) Silver

(g/t) Contained

Gold

Ounces Contained

Silver

Ounces Combined Stope Design 3,649 7.34 14 862 1,652 Actual Results 4,627 8.60 18 1,285 2,678 Increase from Mineral Resource

Block Model Estimation +27% +17% +26% +49% +62%

* From December 18, 2017 Company news release

A total of 594 tonnes of ore, recovered from the western portion of both the upper and lower stopes, was initially muck sampled and then batch processed through the Companys 30-tonne per day Yaragua mill. The mill results have been reconciled with both the mineral resource estimate block model and subsequent muck sampling results. Final results are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Reconciliation of Batch Processed Ore from Western Portion of Upper and Lower Trial Mining Stopes

Tonnes Gold

(g/t) Silver

(g/t) Contained

Gold

Ounces Contained

Silver

Ounces Mineral Resource Block Model(1) 622 5.4 12.3 109 246 Muck Sample Results 616 8.4 16.2 167 320 Actual Results from Processing 594 9.1 13.3 173 254 Difference between Muck Sampling Results

and Mineral Resource Block Model -1% +56% +32% +53% +30% Difference between Actual Results from

Processing and Mineral Resource Block Model -5% +69% +8% +59% +3%

(1) Estimated using final stope design.

Both gold grades and ounces produced continue to consistently reconcile better than estimates for the Buritica project and we are hopeful that it is a harbinger of what to expect from commercial production once it commences in 2020, commented Ari Sussman, CEO. Project construction continues to make positive gains and timelines remain on schedule.

Technical Information

The technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Donald Gray, Chief Operating Officer of the Company, who is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43101.

Underground development along the veins was sampled by trained crews under the direct supervision of mine geologists. The sampling consisted of channel samples that were taken by hammer and chisel across the full width of the back every 3 metres along strike. Distinct geological zones were sampled separately (vein separate from wall rock), with minimum-maximum horizontal sample widths of 0.1 to 1.0 metres. The widths of the channels were adjusted so that each sample weighed approximately 3 kilograms. Sample locations were measured from a surveyed control point. Channel samples were also taken from advancing faces in the SG9521W sublevel along the Hanging Wall vein for comparison with back and drill hole sampling. Duplicate channel samples were collected with a frequency of one every 25 samples. Bar code tags were inserted into the individual sample bags by the geologist, including duplicates which were numbered in sequence with the primary samples. The bags were then secured with a cable tie and transported out of the mine by the sampling crew to a secure staging area on surface. Sample shipments were prepared by the sampling crew and approved by the Mine Geologist and Chief Geologist. All channel samples were transported from the gated mine compound in Company vehicles to a sample preparation lab operated by ALS Colombia Limited (ALS) in Medellin, Colombia. Samples were then shipped for analysis to ALS Perus ISO 9001 accredited assay laboratory in Lima, Peru.

Muck samples, equivalent to 16 tonnes of broken material, were taken during stope extraction at a frequency of one sample from every four scoop buckets. Sampling was performed by the geology assistant, extracting four separate channels vertically across the face of the scoop bucket into large pails for the purpose of approximating as close as possible a representative sample of both coarse and fine rock fragments present in the muck. Each sample weighed approximately 40 kilograms. The large sample was reduced by cone-and-quartering on a canvas to two 5kilogram sample splits, which were placed in separate sample bags. One of these was the primary split and the second was a quality control duplicate. Sample bags were numbered in sequence with a numbered tag inserted by the Mine Geologist, who then secured the individual bags with cable ties. The sampling assistant and geologists transported the bags out of the mine to a secure staging area where sample shipments were prepared. In all, 342 primary muck samples were collected, totaling 1.7 tonnes of stope material. Sampling was done by the same three teams over the entire program for consistency. The Mine Geologists performed regular audits of the sampling and sample reduction technique. Custody of the samples was transferred at the mine site to Actlabs, which transported the samples to Actlabs Colombia SAS, Medellin, Colombia, an ISO-9001 accredited facility. Channel samples taken from the development backs were analyzed by a 50-gram gold fire assay with atomic absorption finish, or a gravimetric finish for samples initially reporting over 100 g/t gold. Muck samples were analyzed by a 50-gram gold fire assay with a gravimetric finish. All silver values were determined by aqua regia digestion and atomic absorption method.

Besides rigorous chain-of-custody procedures, the Company utilized a comprehensive quality control/quality assurance program for the channel and muck samples, including routine insertion of blind certified commercial standards, blanks, field duplicates, check assays and analysis of results using industry-accepted best practices. For the test stope program, all quality control anomalies were addressed and/or corrected as necessary to assure reliable assay results; no material quality control issues were encountered in the course of the program.

For the core drilling in the test stope area, the Company applied its standard protocols for sampling and assay. HQ and NQ core are sawn or split with one-half shipped to a sample preparation lab in Medellin operated by ALS in Colombia, whereas BQ core samples are full core. Samples are then shipped for analysis to ALS Perus ISO 9001 accredited assay laboratory in Lima, Peru. The remainder of the core is stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. Blanks, duplicates and purchased certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. A portion of the samples are periodically check-assayed at SGS Colombia S.A., an ISO 9001 accredited assay laboratory in Medellin, Colombia.

For information on the Buritica project, please refer to the technical report, prepared in accordance with NI 43101, entitled Buritica Project NI 43101 Technical Report Feasibility Study, Antioquia, Colombia and dated March 29, 2016 with an effective date of February 24, 2016, led by independent consultants JDS Energy & Mining Inc. The technical report is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on the OTCQX at www.otcmarkets.com and on the Company website at www.continentalgold.com.

About Continental Gold

Continental Gold Inc. is an advanced-stage exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of 100%-owned gold projects in Colombia. Formed in April 2007, the Company  led by an international management team with a successful track record of discovering and developing large high-grade gold deposits in Latin America  is focused on advancing its fully-permitted high-grade Buritica gold project to production with first gold pour on track for early 2020. Additional details on Continental Golds suite of gold exploration properties are also available at www.continentalgold.com.Rep. Song Young-gil, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Northern Economic Cooperation, speaks at his office in the National Assembly during an interview with The Korea Times, Jan. 4. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



By Choi Ha-young



Stronger economic ties with China and Russia will help North Korea open up to the outside world, said Song Young-gil, the head of the Presidential Committee on Northern Economic Cooperation.



"In resolving the North Korea nuclear issue, South Korea's economic cooperation with Russia and China can ease military tension and promote economic partnership between the two Koreas," Song said in a recent interview with The Korea Times.



"We need to strengthen ties with these countries to make North Korea open its doors. That is what the committee is for. We will promote North Korea's economic reform and make it adopt an open-market policy."



Song, a four-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, insisted that Seoul must bolster multilateral economic ties in an effort to promote peace in Northeast Asia.



The committee is tasked with making a blueprint for economic cooperation with countries north of Seoul  China, Mongolia and Eurasian Economic Union countries, potentially including North Korea. After being launched in December, the pan-governmental committee is setting up the New Northern Policy declared by President Moon Jae-in.



The policy, coupled with the New Southern Policy, aims at diversifying the country's economic partnerships with northern and southern countries other than the two superpowers  the United States and China. At the same time, the government is eyeing synergy with China's "One Belt One Road Initiative" and Russia's bid to develop its Far East.



"Currently, South Korea's economy is leaning too heavily on its two largest trade partners. The committee's goal is to discover new growth engines and attract Pyongyang to the economic community in Northeast Asia," Song said.



Basically, the committee is meant to work as a facilitator for local companies to expand to the northern countries. "Trade with Russia accounts for a scant 1.2 percent. This shows there's a great potential in the New Northern Policy," he noted.





Nine-bridge strategy



The liberal President came up with a more concrete plan named the Nine-bridge Strategy in a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia, in September last year. The initiative seeks Korea-Russia cooperation in the nine industrial sectors of shipbuilding, harbors, developing arctic shipping, gas, railroad, electricity, industrial complexes, agriculture and fisheries.



Bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding is already achieving results. On Jan. 3, President Moon visited a shipyard of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province.



"I proposed Moon to visit there as a symbolic move to encourage the industry which has been sluggish for years," he said. "By cooperating with Russia, I hope the industry will see new demand."



The company has exported 15 ice-breaking tankers to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Russia. The project is part of Moscow's Yamal LNG project to export the energy through the Arctic.



"The Arctic shipping route is the shortest, shortening the 7,000 kilometers distance from Asia to Europe. As the commercial value of the Arctic route increases, the government will back up the resources, shipping and shipbuilding industries to make use of it," he said.



Song acknowledged that Moon's five-year term might not be enough to complete the nine-bridge strategy. "The committee will not set unrealistic goals," he said. "Building a gas line to connect Russia and South Korea, via the North, could be difficult in the near future."



The energy project was floated by ex-Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, but proved fruitless.



Song believes that past governments' bids to cooperate with northern countries failed because the projects were tied to North Korea's denuclearization. Based on this reason for failure, the committee put cooperation with other countries before any with Pyongyang.



"Instead, the committee is seeking to increase LNG imports from Russia," Song said. Currently, most of the nation's LNG is coming from Qatar and Oman, which could be unstable due to regional political insecurities."



For this, he said he will visit the Yamal Peninsula in Russia at the end of this month.



Being connected to the Trans-Siberian Railway to reach out to the European market is another goal that overlaps with former President Park's Eurasia Initiative.



"I will push for the railroad project gradually. Firstly, I am trying to facilitate Korean products' delivery from a Vladivostok port. The second goal is making use of the Russian port of Khassan and North Korea's Rajin port. Eventually, the committee will make efforts to connect railroads to the southern city of Busan."





North Korea factor



Needless to say, the committee needs North Korea's participation to flourish. However, Song said the committee will "do what it can do first."



"The Eurasia Initiative was no more than a slogan that lacked action," he said. "International society cannot recognize the North's nuclear ambition but we cannot waste time under this pretext."



The lawmaker recently drew up a revision bill in preparation for the North's involvement in the nine-bridge strategy if international sanctions against the regime are lifted.



"Currently, there's no legal basis to support inter-Korean projects held in a third country such as China or Russia," he said. "North Korea's cheap labor force could be our comparative advantage. In the face of China's enormous economic power, a better relationship with the North could be the South's leverage in diplomacy."



Song reiterated that the U.S. holds the key to the North Korean nuclear issue. "The normalization of the Washington-Pyongyang relationship is the only possible way to make the North abandon its nuclear weapons."



"China's suggestion of simultaneously halting joint military drills between Seoul and Washington on the condition of a nuclear freeze by Pyongyang deserves consideration," he said. "At the same time, the U.S. should send out a reliable signal that it will guarantee North Korea's security if it abandons nuclear weapons. How can the North trust the U.S. government, which easily undermined the Iran nuclear deal?"



He criticized some conservatives' "dichotomous thinking" which calls on the nation to pick only one option between Washington and Beijing. "Even Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is reportedly pursuing cooperation in China's One Belt, One Road project, while trying to counter China's growing maritime influence," he said.



"Conservatives are concerned that President Moon's cooperation in China's infrastructure project may irritate the U.S., but such a confrontational view doesn't work in global dynamics. Rather, Korea needs to adopt flexible thinking. For example, better Korea-China ties could be an effective tool in preventing Pyongyang's military provocations."



During the presidential election in May last year, Song was a leading campaigner for Moon. Right after the inauguration, Song was appointed as a special envoy to Russia and met Russian President Vladimir Putin.



"As a former key campaigner, I am obliged to support the President to achieve his declaration in Berlin  building a permanent system to uphold peace and dissolve the Cold War on the Korean peninsula," Song said.

By Kang Aa-young, Park Si-soo







Unable to get a job because of hair loss? It sounds bizarre and ridiculous, but it happened at a South Korean company.







Thankfully, the state human rights watchdog put a stop to this appalling practice. But the incident revealed how basic human rights can be ignored for nonsensical reasons.







According to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRC), a man applied for a job with a building management company in August 2015. He passed all the recruiting procedures and received final notice of his employment.







But days after, he was told his employment had been cancelled because, he claimed, he was bald.







The company said the cancellation was due to "critical flaws" found after he received confirmation he had been hired. But the man found hard and circumstantial evidence suggesting his baldness was the sole reason.







He filed a petition with the commission, demanding the company withdraw the cancellation. The human rights advocate verified his claim to be true through a fact-finding investigation and demanded that the company hire the man although it was not legally required to comply.







"Being bald . . . is a natural consequence that can't be reversed by human control. So putting someone at a disadvantage in employment for one's baldness is a discrimination that can't be accepted under any circumstances," said a NHRC official.

On 3 January, US President Donald Trump phoned Chiles president-elect Sebastian Pinera, of the centre-right Chile Vamos coalition, to congratulate him on his win in Chiles December 2017 presidential election. Trump said he looked forward to working closely with Pinera on matters of mutual interest, read a statement on the White Houses website. The two presidents also discussed the political crisis in Venezuela and their desire to see democracy restored. Pinera, who already served as Chile president between 2014 and 2014, will replace the current president, Michelle Bachelet of the centre-left Nueva Mayoria coalition, on 11 March.

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Choose from one of the following optionsApr 30, 2021, 3 AM

Meetings between the two men featured in the county seal more than 200 years ago laid the groundwork for the countys official start.

By Molly Goad

The Union County Historical and Genealogy Society in Jonesboro, Ill., is commemorating the countys bicentennial with a special postmark featuring the county seal.

The year 2018 is a big one for the area, marking the 200th birthday for the state of Illinois, Jonesboro and Union County. Jonesboro is one of the few towns celebrating its 200th birthday with the state.

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Established in 1800 and incorporated in 1818, Jonesboro is the county seat for Union County. It is also one of the sites for the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Sen. Stephen Douglas in 1858.

The county seal depicts two preachers shaking hands. According to History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois by William Henry Perrin (published 1883), the preachers were the first people in the county; their historical meetings that gave the county its name likely occurred around 1816 or 1817.

To obtain the postmark, address your request to:

UNION COUNTY, IL Station, Postmaster, 103 W. Broad St., Jonesboro, IL 62952-9998, Jan. 2.Stephen Hawking, the physicist who rewound the universe and skimmed boosted particles from the hot boundary regions of black holes, turns 76 today (Jan. 8).

In addition to being a world-renowned cosmologist, Hawking has become something of a pop culture icon. He's a striking figure: a genius curled up in a body largely immobilized by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. He's supported by an advanced wheelchair, and communicates to the world through a rare and specialized system that converts the movements of a single muscle in his cheek into speech. In that mode, he appeared on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "The Simpsons" and "The Big Bang Theory."

But Hawking's most lasting legacy will be as the most important physicist of the second half of the 20th century  a researcher who took the earlier works of figures like Albert Einstein and Werner Heisenberg and knitted them together into something approaching a coherent explanation for the behavior of the cosmos. [8 Shocking Things We Learned from Stephen Hawking's Book]

"There is a singularity in our past"

No good genius story starts with anything less than a bang, so it's appropriate that Hawking's first great achievement was also his doctoral thesis at the University of Cambridge.

Hawking's thesis, approved in 1966, made a dramatic argument: that the entire universe began as a single point, infinitely small and dense and curled up upon itself  a point at the beginning of everything. Or, as he would later write, succinctly: "There is a singularity in our past."

It was the first description of the Big Bang as it's commonly understood today: an infinitely small point at the far reaches of time that burst into our modern, ever-expanding cosmos.

As Hawking described in his 2005 lecture "The Origin of the Universe," his thesis arrived at a moment when scientists had seen that the vast empty reaches of space, the chasms between galaxies, were expanding. But they weren't sure why. Some physicists proposed weaker versions of the Big Bang concept, minus the singularity. But another theory, called the Steady State Universe, was dominant.

"As galaxies moved apart," Hawking said of the Steady State Universe, "the idea was that new galaxies would form from matter that was supposed to be continually being created throughout space. The universe would have existed forever and would have looked the same at all times."

In other words, many scientists thought that the universe was expanding, but in a way that gave it no beginning and no end.

As biographer Kitty Ferguson wrote in her book "Stephen Hawking: An Unfettered Mind" (St. Martin's Griffin, 2012), Hawking struggled with depression in the months after his 1963 ALS diagnosis at age 21, and had that mental illness persisted, he might never have arrived at his thesis. But his depression subsided as it became clear that he was outliving expectations and when he was granted an exception from Cambridge rules governing graduate students, allowing him to marry his first wife, Jane Wilde, according to Ferguson.

During that period before he arrived at the subject of his doctoral thesis, Hawking reported feeling frustrated with the way researchers busied themselves with work he considered ultimately trivial.

"People were so pleased to find any solution to [Einstein's] field equations; they didn't ask what physical significance, if any, it had," he later said in his 2002 birthday lecture.

That frustration led him to his first brush with notoriety. As Ferguson recounted, Hawking traveled in June 1964 to hear a lecture from Fred Hoyle, a famous astronomer and advocate of the Steady State Universe theory. During the lecture, Hawking became so frustrated that he hauled himself to his feet, leaning on his cane, to challenge one of Hoyle's results. [Portrait of Genius: Stephen Hawking Exhibit Photos]

"An astonished Hoyle asked Hawking how he could possibly judge whether the result was right or wrong," Ferguson wrote. "Hawking replied that he had 'worked it out.'"

The audience was impressed, and Hoyle was "infuriated," by this unknown graduate student who had appeared to tear apart the professor's research in his head at the lecture, Ferguson wrote. (In fact, Hawking had befriended one of Hoyle's students and begun to attack the idea long before the lecture.)

Soon afterward, Ferguson wrote, Hawking learned about a cosmological theory developed by mathematician Roger Penrose: that singularities, the points of infinite density and space-time curvature theorized in general relativity, might actually appear when sufficiently large stars collapse on themselves. [8 Ways You Can See Einstein's Theory of Relativity in Real Life]

"Hawking took off from there," Ferguson wrote, "reversed the direction of time, and considered what would happen if a point of inifinite density and infinite curvature of space-time  a singularity  exploded outwards and expanded. Suppose the universe began like that. Suppose space-time, curled up tight in a tiny, dimensionless point, exploded in what we call the Big Bang and expanded until it looks the way it does today. Might it have happened like that? Must it have happened like that?"

Hawking got to work, backing up his train of speculation with robust supporting calculations. His doctorate thesis, based on those calculations, was approved in 1966. Those calculations, along with follow-up research conducted in partnership with Penrose over the decade that followed, formed the foundation for scientists' modern understanding of the Big Bang.

Around the same time, certain key predictions of the Steady State Universe theory began to fail experimental tests, cementing Hawking's status as discoverer of the true history of the early universe.

Black-hole explosions?

If Hawking's only achievement in his career were discovering the historical shape of the universe, he would still be a giant  the kind of person mentioned alongside Rosalind Franklin, who discovered the double-helix shape of DNA, or Nicolaus Copernicus, who first proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system. But that was just the first of Hawking's two defining achievements.

The second, Hawking radiation, requires a bit of understanding of two things: black holes and the quantum mechanics of empty space.

First, about black holes: A black hole is a star that has collapsed on itself and become so gravitationally intense that not even light can escape a region around its center. Beyond that point, called the event horizon, space-time is so curved that everything that falls behind the shroud is lost forever. A black hole, according to this understanding in the early 1970s, never emits light, never shrinks, never loses mass; it only gains mass and draws more of space into its shrouded territory.

Second, on quantum mechanics: By the time of Hawking's career, scientists had long known that Heisenberg's uncertainty pricinple implied that empty space isn't really empty. Instead, it roils with "virtual" particles  matter-antimatter pairs that appear together, separate and then crash into each other and annihilate in a span of time too short to measure. (Scientists argue to this day whether those virtual particles really exist or turn up only in quantum equations due to their weird, probabilistic nature.)

In the late summer of 1973, Stephen and Jane Hawking attended a lecture series in Warsaw, Poland, celebrating Copernicus' 500th birthday, Ferguson wrote. There, Hawking encountered two Soviet physicists, Yakov Borisovich Zel'dovich and his student Alexei Alexandrovich Starobinsky, who had shown that the energy of spinning black holes would create particles just outside their event horizons. Those particles would careen away into space, Zel'dovich and Starobinsky said in their lecture, sapping some of the spin of the black hole as they went. Eventually, Zel'dovich and Starobinsky said, the black holes would stop spinning.

The idea stuck in Hawking's head, Ferguson wrote, and he returned to Cambridge to repeat and refine Zel'dovich and Starobinksy's calculations. But when he took his first stabs at their results, something new unfolded.

"I found, to my surprise and annoyance, that even nonrotating black holes should apparently create and emit particles at a steady rate," he later wrote in his 1988 book "A Brief History of Time." [The Best Science Books]

Here's why, as he explained in that book:

If black holes exist in space and have defined event horizons, and if space roils constantly with virtual" pairs of self-annihilating particles, then sometimes those particles must pop into existence right at the edges of black holes' event horizons. In fact, some of those particle pairs must appear perfectly positioned with one negative-mass antimatter particle separated onto one side of the event horizon and the other positive-mass matter particle separated onto the other side.

That strange circumstance would effectively "boost" the particles from their virtual semiexistence into full reality, Hawking realized, as they would have separated enough not to annihilate. That meant that particles of energy and mass would appear to stream from the surface of black holes' event horizons. And that stream of energy, radiating outward from what physicists had previously believed were eternally dark bodies, took the name Hawking radiation, after he described it in a 1974 paper in Nature titled "Black Hole Explosions?"

Hawking radiation profoundly changed the way physicists understood the universe. Before Hawking's realization, scientists believed that any matter or energy lost to a black hole was gone from the wider universe forever, such that black holes' event horizons would act as walls from beyond which some of the universe's stuff would never return.

But Hawking's discovery showed that black holes would decay faster and faster over time. For each positive particle that streamed from the surface of an event horizon out into the wider universe, a negative particle with negative energy and mass would fall back into the space beyond the event horizon, reducing the total mass and energy locked away there. Over time, that process would cause black holes to shrink. And as they shrank, they would become more active with Hawking radiation and shrink faster.

Hawking predicted that the universe must contain "primordial black holes" that emerged not from collapsing stars but from the extreme pressures of the early universe. These black holes, he reasoned, would have shrunk considerably over the intervening billions of years and their small event horizons would churn out powerful rays of Hawking radiation.

"Such holes hardly deserved [to be called] black: they are really white hot," he wrote in "A Brief History of Time."

Eventually, Hawking decided, they would explode.

As Hawking began to share this idea, Ferguson wrote in "An Unfettered Mind," his peers received it as either brilliant or heretical. When Penrose heard whispers of it, he called Hawking just as the physicist was sitting down to his 1974 birthday dinner and congratulated him for so long that his dinner got cold. But months later, the moderator at the symposium where Hawking presented his proposal rose to declare it "utter rubbish."

Today, it's considered a basic scientific fact.

Beyond black holes

In the four and a half decades since "Black Hole Explosions?" Hawking has continued to publish research that picks away at the underpinnings of the universe  including ideas that attack his own earlier contributions. (See, for example, the startling 2014 headline in Nature, "Stephen Hawking: There Are No Black Holes'".)

Hawking has become most famous in his later career as a science communicator. He has followed up his 1988 classic "A Brief History of Time" with 10 more works of popular science and a memoir, titled "My Brief History" (Random House, 2013).

It's impossible to talk about Hawking's enormous contributions to the human understanding of the universe without acknowledging the context of his long-declining health. Hawking's two seminal contributions to physics came during the same period in which he transformed from a young person who was able to walk on his own to a man who was confined to a wheelchair, slurred his speech and was reliant on his wife to transcribe his thoughts.

ALS paralyzes the body, but  at least in Hawking's case  it doesn't damage the mind. And for that, Ferguson wrote, Hawking has long counted himself "supremely lucky."

"It was true in 1964, and it is today," Ferguson wrote, "that as far as Hawking is concerned, the less made of his physical problems, the better. I recognized in 1989, during interviews for my first book about him, that if I were to write about his scientific work and fail entirely to mention that doing such work possibly represented more of an achievement for him than it would for most people, that would have suited him fine."

Hawking has appeared most comfortable discussing disability in the context of his activism, which has been significant. In 1999, he joined a group of 12 prominent figures, including South African activist Desmond Tutu, in signing a charter calling on the world's governments to transform their relationships with their disabled populations and expand services that improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Hawking has also been a prominent defender of universal health care and the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), going so far as to attack Conservative Party Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in an August 2017 speech for insufficiently funding and supporting the program.

"I wouldn't be here without the NHS," Hawking said.

Hawking tends to get the most attention for his ideas on humanity's future when he comments on artificial intelligence or aliens. But the bulk of his pronouncements on the subject have been more down-to-earth: opposing wars, worrying that U.S. President Donald Trump's dismissal of climate change could damage the planet, and joining the global academic boycott of Israel.

Live Science wishes Hawking a very happy birthday and many more.

Originally published on Live Science.Multicolored, sugary sprinkles are a popular topping for ice cream cones and sundaes, but a swimming pool filled with fake sprinkles at a Florida pop-up museum recently landed the institution in hot water.

The Museum of Ice Cream celebrates the dairy treat through frozen-dessert-themed interactive experiences and design elements that offer numerous photo opportunities for sharing on social media. But Miami Beach city officials recently fined the museum for creating an environmental hazard with their fake sprinkles, which filled a so-called "Sprinkle Pool" that visitors could frolic in, burying themselves in the tiny bits of brightly colored plastic, Miami's Local10 News reported.

Candy-like particles were escaping the exhibit  likely hitchhiking to freedom on enthusiastic sprinkle divers  and had been detected in nearby storm drains, raising concerns that they could disperse into local waterways, according to Local10 News. [Photos: Trash Litters Deep Seafloor]

The temporary museum opened to the public in Miami on Dec. 13, 2017, and closes Jan. 22. This is the Museum of Ice Cream's fourth location since its New York City debut in July 2016, and the museum promised "physical, digital and experiential dialogues" in a statement released prior to its Miami opening.

But the contents of the museum's immersive Sprinkle Pool proved to be problematic to contain. Concerns about wayward sprinkles prompted officials to slap the museum with a $1,000 fine, and to initiate inspections to make sure that the sprinkles stayed in their designated area, Local10 News reported.

Plastic pollution poses a threat to many types of sea life, which mistake the indigestible bits for food. Most plastics are made from fossil fuels and do not biodegrade, and humans have produced a staggering amount  approximately 9 billion tons, half of which was made in the past 13 years, researchers reported in a global analysis conducted last year. About 440 million tons (400 million metric tons) of plastic are generated each year, of which about 1 to 2 percent ends up in the ocean, the researchers wrote in the study.

The world's oceans are thought to hold approximately 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic, about 92 percent of which is microplastics  fragments measuring under 0.19 inches (5 millimeters) in length.

Plastic has even penetrated the deepest reaches of the ocean, with creatures living at the bottom of the Mariana Trench  about 36,000 feet (10,970 meters) below the surface  containing microplastics in their guts, scientists found in November 2017.

The Ice Cream Museum is currently taking steps to contain "sprinkle residue" in the surrounding area, representatives said in a statement issued to the Miami New Times on Jan. 3. Their efforts include hiring "multiple cleaners" to sweep areas near the museum building, installing blowers at the Sprinkle Pool exits, and layering drains with felt to catch wayward sprinkles. The museum is also investigating a biodegradable sprinkle formula for future use, according to the statement.

Original article on Live Science.Local News, Business & Finance, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: January 08 2018

PSC Taking Steps to Ensure Utility Customers, Not Utility Shareholders, Receive the Financial Benefits of Federal Corporate Income Tax Cuts.

Albany, NY - January 8, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the New York State Public Service Commission is taking steps to ensure that any financial windfall that might be received by New York's utilities as a result of the federal government's decision to cut corporate federal income taxes is returned to the more than 10 million utility customers in New York who indirectly pay the taxes.

"While the federal government slashes corporate income taxes at the expense of middle- and working-class men and women, the PSC will ensure that any resulting financial gains earned by our utilities go to benefit consumers and not company owners," Governor Cuomo said. "We will do everything in our power to keep this windfall from lining the pockets of the top 1 percent, and deliver savings directly to hardworking New Yorkers."

The federal tax cut dramatically slashes the taxes collected on corporate profits at the expense of the middle-class. With its passage, PSC accounting and finance experts estimate utilities in New York stand to receive a financial windfall of hundreds of millions of dollars. However, since utility customers indirectly pay the companies' federal income taxes when they pay their monthly utility bills, it is only fair that the benefits received pass to the customer, not to the corporation.

Public Service Commission Chair John B. Rhodes said, "While some utilities have provisions that will automatically capture the net benefits for consumers, some do not, and shareholders could receive the windfall. To prevent a windfall, we will conduct a thorough accounting of the benefits the utilities realize from the tax reduction plan, and we will ensure it's the customers who receive the benefits, not company shareholders."

While a portion of the potential financial benefits would be captured in future rate cases, others could be lost absent immediate PSC action. Rather than allow the utilities to keep those financial savings for their shareholders, the PSC's plan will capture those tax savings for the benefit of customers.

The PSC's regulatory jurisdiction extends over New York's investor-owned utilities, including six major electric/gas utilities, five major gas utilities, three major water companies, nearly 40 small telephone companies, and hundreds of small water companies. In 2016, these utilities served a total of 10.1 million customers and had total annual operating revenues of about $24.5 billion.Local News, Crime

By Long Island News & PR Published: January 08 2018

An unknown male subject entered Spirits Wine and Liquor store, displayed a knife and demanded money, cops say.

NCPD are seeking a suspect in a Hicksville Robbery that took place on on Saturday, January 6.

Hicksville, NY - January 8, 2017 - The Second Squad reports the details of a Robbery that occurred on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 7:49 p.m. in The Second Squad reports the details of a Robbery that occurred on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 7:49 p.m. in Hicksville

According to detectives, an unknown male subject entered Spirits Wine and Liquor store, 69 East Old Country Road, displayed a knife and demanding money from the employee behind the counter. The victim, 53, handed an undetermined amount of US currency to the subject who then exited the store and fled on foot southbound on Broadway. No injuries were reported.

The subject is described as a male white, 510 tall, approximately 160-180 pounds, wearing a black mask, black jacket, blue jeans, and black shoes.

Detectives believe this subject is the same subject that displayed a knife in a Robbery that occurred on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 in Hicksville at the Citgo Gas Station located at 400 South Broadway.School & Education, Local News

By Long Island News & PR Published: January 08 2018

Nicholas Raftis spelled frontispiece correctly to win the schools fourth annual spelling bee.

Spelling bee winner Nicholas Raftis (center) with Rachel Somers (left) and Kayla Watson (right) are pictured with the judges Roy Lee, Bea Foster and Keith Houghtaling, as well as Linda Czarnomski, Principal Carolyn Schick and former WFMS PTO President Theresa Caputo.

Moriches, NY - January 8, 2017 - It took 13 rounds and 108 words before William Floyd Middle School eighth grader Nicholas Raftis spelled frontispiece correctly to win the schools fourth annual spelling bee sponsored by the William Floyd Middle School PTO. For his efforts, Nicholas will travel to Hofstra University for the Long Island Regional Scripps Spelling Bee on February 4, 2018, to compete against the top spellers in all of Suffolk and Nassau counties for an opportunity to represent Long Island at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., held in the spring.

Coming in second place and serving as Nicholass alternate for the Long Island Regional Bee is eighth grader Rachel Somers; and serving as the second alternate with a third-place finish is seventh grader, Kayla Watson.by Fern Siegel , January 8, 2018

Some years in history are so monumental, they deserve intense study.

Thats the case for 1968, which put the country through seismic political and cultural shifts. In that tumultuous year, Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated; LBJ signed a Civil Rights Act, Yale admitted women, Richard Nixon was elected president and humans orbited the moon.

On the pop-culture front, 2001: A Space Odyssey premiered, while rock band Led Zeppelin gave its first live performance.

Now, 50 years later, The Atlantic is producing a year-long series, led by staff writer Conor Friedersdorf, to chronicle the momentous moments that made up a defining year in U.S. history  and helped shape modern America.

Friedersdorf told Radio Atlantic that often forgotten history is worth revisiting. Seminal events, the black power salute at the Olympics, the My Lai massacre that turned the public against the Vietnam War, various technological changes defined and shaped us in ways  that inform how we behave today.

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He added: Today, people are losing faith in the American experience, were in an authoritarian moment, and 1968 resonates with the last two years. You see in both a loss of faith in political leadership. It frightened voters. It caused them to embrace Richard Nixon in one case and Donald Trump in another.

A second charge of the series is to put the culture in perspective.

The Atlantic hopes to present the past in a truthful, contextual way without present-day bias. Writers will utilize archival material, experts, TV and movies and remembrances from those willing to share personal recollections.

On Radio Atlantic, Editor in Chief Jeffrey Goldberg, added: The [Martin Luther] King assassination is one of the most important events of post-World War II America -- and we could use that as a locus to say: Where have we gone, where have we not gone, where did we think we were going, and what happened along the way?by Larissa Faw , January 8, 2018

While much of day-after chatter regarding the 2018 Golden Globes is about the shows focus on sexual harassment and all-black dress code, one advertiser  LOreal Paris  was a big winner in the Jan. 7 show, according to marketing technology company Amobee.

L'Oreal Paris aired an ad starring new brand ambassador Winona Ryder. It featured a tagline aligning Winona Ryder's acting comeback  in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things  with the potential for damaged hair to make a comeback, too.

"Everyone loves a comeback, the proclaimed. Damaged hair deserves one, too."

According to Amobee, the ad has attracted nearly 300% more digital content engagement around L'Oreal Paris since it aired in the Sunday Globes telecast on NBC.

advertisement advertisement

This interest is likely because people are happy for Ryder's "Stranger Things" comeback and because of the unusual comparison between Winona's career and damaged hair, says an Amobee spokesperson. The ad has also sparked positive interest from traditional news publishers, including US Weekly, Huffington Post and the Daily Mail.

Among the various awareness hashtags affiliated with the show, #TimesUp is the most popular. On Jan. 7, there were 175,600 tweets around the hashtag #TimesUp; 59,200 tweets around the hashtag #WhyWeWearBlack, and 43,600 tweets around the hashtag #MeToo.

All three tweets are related to gender and harassment.by Larissa Faw , January 8, 2018

Viacom is acquiring influencer marketing shop Whosay to further bolster Viacom's influencer reach, omnichannel distribution and advanced advertising tools. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Whosay is a creative-marketing agency that develops and produces branded content particularly for mobile devices. Founded in 2010 by CEO Steve Ellis and CAA, the New York-based agency has a network of celebrity talent under its umbrella, spanning YouTube up-and-comers to A-Listers.

Under the deal, the 70-person Whosay team and services will remain the same with Ellis continuing to run the agency.

This acquisition turbocharges our commitment to using ideas and creativity to create brand-safe solutions that drive measurable outcomes, stated Ellis. As a Viacom company, we'll be able to continue to do much more of that and to do it bigger and better.

This acquisition follows a two-year partnership during which Whosay executed more than 50 campaigns for MTV, BET and other Viacom brands. It seems Viacom was pleased with the results.

Whosay has swiftly notched up brand partnerships across all categories after originally starting from a single #WakeUpWithMe celebrity selfie story for Crest.Scientists working with adults who fixate on negative thoughts have noted a link between this distressing compulsion and poorer-quality sleep, as well as shorter sleep duration. Share on Pinterest Worriers of the world, is your repetitive negative thinking caused by lack of sleep? Repetitive negative thinking occurs when a person compulsively lingers on thoughts and stimuli that are distressing and unhelpful, which often leads to a decreased quality of life and the emergence of mental health problems, tied to depression and anxiety, in particular. Prof. Meredith E. Coles and Jacob A. Nota, both of whom are from the State University of New York at Binghamton, conducted a study that focused on the link between repetitive thoughts of moderate and high intensity  also referred to as worry and rumination, respectively  and an individuals nightly sleep duration and habits. Their findings have been reported in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry.

Poor sleep and elevated negative thinking The researchers recruited 52 participants aged between 18 and 65, all of whom had scored highly on the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire , which is a test that aims to measure an individuals level of repetitive negative thinking. For the purpose of this study, the participants were shown various pairs of images  both neutral and emotionally evocative  and their degree of attention was tested by following their eye movements. The team also collected information about the participants sleep cycles, recording data about how long they tended to sleep every night and around what time they normally fell asleep. Prof. Coles and Nota observed that the participants who reported frequent sleep disturbances also found it more difficult to stop focusing on any negative stimuli they were exposed to, suggesting a link between poor sleep and the preponderance of intrusive thoughts. We found, explains Prof. Coles, 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. While other people may be able to receive negative information and move on, the participants had trouble ignoring it, she adds.Here are five news stories and events to start your week from the editors at Military.com:

Downed C-2A Greyhound Located in Philippine Sea

The U.S. Navy has located the C-2A Greyhound cargo plane that crashed Nov. 22 into the Philippine Sea en route to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. Three sailors were killed in the accident and eight crew members were rescued. A team of deep water salvage experts located the plane at a depth of about 18,500 feet, "making the salvage phase of this operation the deepest recovery attempt of an aircraft to date," according to a statement released late Friday by 7th Fleet. The team in coming weeks will return to the site with specialized equipment, including a side-scan-sonar and remotely operated vehicle, "to map the debris field and attach heavy lines for lifting the aircraft to the surface," the release states.

Veterans' Group Calls on Troops to Own the 'Me Too' Movement

Via Hope Hodge Seck at Military.com: "On Monday, the Service Women's Action Network plans to hold a demonstration outside the Pentagon that aims to bring the "#MeToo" sexual assault awareness movement home to the military. It's unclear whether any active-duty service members will be in attendance. Since October, when the #MeToo hashtag gained viral intensity on Twitter and Harvey Weinstein became the first of a herd of powerful men to lose positions and prestige over sexual assault accusations, a new wave of awareness has swept the country. But the military, which has been addressing the realities of sexual assault in the ranks for years, has been largely absent from the movement."

Surface Navy Association National Symposium Kicks Off

The 30th annual National Symposium of the Surface Navy Association will take place this week outside Washington, D.C. The event, scheduled to run Tuesday through Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, will draw a number of the Navy's top brass, including Navy Secretary Richard Spencer, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson and Vice Adm. Thomas S. Rowden, commander of Naval Surface Forces. Watch for leaders to discuss a number of issues facing the surface fleet, including the sea service's response to last summer's deadly destroyer collisions in the Pacific. The agenda can be found here.

Mattis Doesn't Plan to Read Book on Alleged White House Feuds

Via Richard Sisk at Military.com: "Defense Secretary Jim Mattis sidestepped the furor Friday over the new tell-all book on White House infighting that depicts a feud between since-ousted aide Steve Bannon and Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the national security adviser. Mattis said he had been told that his name pops up several times in the book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' by journalist Michael Wolff. But when asked whether he would read it, he said, 'No, I'm a little busy these days.' At an informal session with Pentagon reporters, Mattis joked that he would leave the reading of the book to the "more literate" members of the press corps."

Former USMC Drill Instructor Pleads Guilty to Hazing, Will Be Separated

Via Hope Hodge Seck at Military.com: "A former Marine Corps drill instructor implicated in a 2015 incident in which a Muslim recruit was thrown in an industrial dryer and interrogated like a terrorist will serve 45 days' restriction and be administratively separated from the military, Marine officials announced Friday. Sgt. Michael K. Eldridge pleaded guilty at a summary court-martial aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, to maltreatment; failure to obey a lawful general order; and disorderly conduct, officials with Marine Corps Training and Education Command said Friday. In addition to restriction, he will be demoted to corporal, according to the announcement."

-- Brendan McGarry can be reached at brendan.mcgarry@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Brendan_McGarry.Congress Wants to Know How the Air Force Will Get a Better F-35A Engine

The legislation calls on the Pentagon to tell lawmakers how it would integrate the propulsion system being developed under...The U.S. has "no beef" with the Iranian people who have shown in recent street protests that they "aren't buying" the policies of the regime in Tehran, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Friday.

Matts also told Pentagon reporters that Iran has thus far failed in the grand scheme to establish a "land bridge" across Syria as part of an overall effort to create a "Shiite crescent" in the Mideast running from Tehran to Beirut.

"I don't think there's a land bridge right now" in Syria, he said, despite Iran's continued support of Hezbollah in Lebanon which has sent fighters to the civil war against Russian-backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

In Tehran on Sunday, the Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed victory over the protests in which at least 22 have been killed and 1,000 arrested in widespread demonstrations that have posed the boldest challenge to the clerical establishment since the so-called "Green" movement of 2009.

The latest protests by mainly youthful and working-class demonstrators spread to more than 80 cities and rural towns in an outburst of anger at corruption, unemployment and a deepening gap between rich and poor.

In a statement Sunday on their Sepahnews website, the Revolutionary Guards said that Iran's "revolutionary people along with tens of thousands of Basij [Revolutionary Guards] forces, police and the Intelligence Ministry have broken down the chain" of unrest.

The Guards said the protests had been fomented by "the United States, Britain, the Zionist regime [Israel], Saudi Arabia, the hypocrites, and monarchists." Iran's official Fars news agency also said that counter-demonstrators had risen up "to condemn the foreign-backed riots in few towns."

At the Pentagon, Mattis joined with President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, and CIA Director Mike Pompeo and others in the administration in voicing support for the protesters.

"I think it's very important that we stand up and say that we understand the Iranian people. Our beef, if we have one, is not with the Iranian people. It is specifically the same regime that the Iranian people, clearly, are fed up with as well," Mattis said.

"So the most important thing, I think, is it's up to the Iranian people what form of government they have, and to say we believe that they should have the kind of government they want," Mattis said.

"And, right now, the regime senses that they've got a lot of people who aren't buying this revolutionary regime's act," he said.

"And my intent is to show that, to the world, clearly the Iranian people aren't buying this revolution or export of their terrorism, or whatever the revolutionary regime people want to call it. They're not buying it there at home. We're not buying it internationally," Mattis said.

On Syria, Mattis said there was still too much fighting going on by a variety of forces with differing agendas in the civil war for an Iranian "land bridge" to take effect -- "rough terrain, rough enemy units that haven't been cleaned up, and all the usual cleanup going on."

He said again, "I don't think there's a land bridge right now."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has spent more than 40 years in the study and practice of war, but his extensive thoughts and writings on the subject have often been selectively reduced to chesty one-liners.

There's the admonition to the troops: "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."

And another: "There's some a------s in the world that just need to be shot."

Other examples of bumper sticker bravado could be cited that tend to drown out the context and Mattis' consistent underlying message in a career as Marine legend and four-star general -- that being prepared for war is the best way to prevent it.

Mattis in the past week has been attempting to provide more context in three informal sessions with Pentagon reporters that he acknowledges undertaking at the suggestion of The Associated Press' senior defense correspondent, Bob Burns.

It's just him in the middle of a reporters' huddle. His aides stand aside but within earshot. He is unfailingly polite and direct in his responses to any topic that comes up, with the exception of those that he feels would give a clue to future operations.

Only once has he snapped at a question. Mattis took a question on civilian casualties in Yemen as suggesting that the U.S. didn't care about the casualties. "Don't screw with me," he said.

At the session with reporters last Friday, Mattis took questions on Pakistan, Syria, Korea, Iran, Russia, transgender recruits and the budget and, in the process, made a statement that could be added to his lexicon of one-liners.

"What counts most in war is [the] most difficult to count," he said in expanding on his thoughts about civil war in Syria in response to a question about whether progress could be gauged by the number of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters killed.

Another reporter interjected that Mattis had recently said in Tel Aviv, "I've got better things to do than counting while the fight's still going on."

Mattis went on to say: "Yes, we're not going to get into that sort of thing. You'll know probably the most challenging part in assessing in combat -- to include specifically your question -- is that what counts most in war is most difficult to count, to quantify, OK?"

The most difficult thing to quantify is the enemy's morale, Mattis said, but there are "lagging indicators" that would show that constant pressure is having an effect.

"Morale, eventually, you'll see a lagging indicator," he said. "You'll see that not as many people want to be recruited into a force that's getting annihilated -- witness Syria.

"You won't see as many foreigners coming to join witness this. So you can kind of look at what's happened in Syria and say, 'Wait a minute. They're not putting out squads to go blow off bombs in Brussels anymore.' They can't. You know, this sort of thing," Mattis said.

The problem is that "not always can you quantify where you're at, at any one moment," he said, but in the case of ISIS "we'll fight them" until the threat is eliminated.

Mattis also spoke on tyranny and revolution in commenting on the recent street protests in Iran against the Islamic regime.

"You know, it's interesting. You know, I enjoy reading history, just because I learn a lot from it. And, if you watch, when people confront tyranny -- and this goes back 1,000-2,000 years -- people, eventually, they get fed up with it," he said.

"And whether it be physical tyranny or mental tyranny or spiritual tyranny, they revolt against it," Mattis said.

"So we may come from different directions," he said of Iranian and American judgments on the regime in Tehran, "but ultimately, it's the same kind of tyranny.

"In their case, it's about their internal government, what it does to them. In our case, it's that, plus it's what that government has done to espouse or support terrorism, destabilizing activities, export of ballistic missiles, disruption of commerce. All these kinds of things," he said.

Mattis declined to speculate on what may come next, and what the U.S. response would be.

"There's a reason I have four-stars out in the field," he said of the combatant commanders.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.KABUL, Afghanistan -- The death of a Green Beret in a New Year's Day firefight in Nangarhar province was a grim reminder of continued violence in the deadliest province in the deadliest country where Americans are deployed.

Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin, 34, a native of Lativa who joined the Army in 2005 shortly after immigrating to the U.S., was killed while on a foot patrol in Achin district last week, the first U.S. combat death of 2018 and the eighth in Nangarhar in the past nine months.

Since March, U.S. warplanes have conducted hundreds of strikes and U.S. special operations troops have carried out hundreds more tactical operations on the ground in the province.

Nowhere is more dangerous for American troops deployed overseas. Nangarhar is one of the few places Americans have been routinely accompanying Afghan forces into battle. One-third of the 21 U.S. servicemembers killed in combat last year died there, more than in any other single spot where troops were fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Niger.

Combat deaths were far rarer in 2017 than at the height of the wars in Iraq -- in 2007 -- and Afghanistan -- in 2010 -- but the recent uptick in Nangarhar could foreshadow a rise in American bloodshed in the country as the U.S. escalates the fighting in its longest war.

Last year's combat deaths in Nangarhar all followed the intensification of a counterterrorism campaign there that's been putting U.S. troops alongside Afghan units on the front lines of the battle with a resilient Islamic State offshoot known as ISIS-Khorasan, or ISIS-K. The group has taken root there in recent years, where the Taliban also operate, making it a three-sided war.

The U.S.-led NATO mission is poised follow suit elsewhere in Afghanistan by putting more advisers and their force protection troops with conventional Afghan tactical units battling the Taliban insurgency. A new campaign launched in the southern province of Helmand last month has already stepped up the fighting with airstrikes and special operations ground raids against the Taliban-linked drug trade there.

It's all part of the latest shift in the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, which President Donald Trump announced in August, giving U.S. forces here wider leeway to attack Taliban insurgents and has sent several thousand more troops to support Afghan fighting units. There are around 14,000 U.S. troops in the country this year, up from 11,000 through much of 2017.

Elsewhere in the country last year, four soldiers were killed in action in three other provinces -- Helmand and Kandahar in the south, and Logar in the east. The two southern provinces, in the Taliban heartland, have historically been the bloodiest for international forces, with more than 1,500 killed there since 2001. But deaths there have largely tapered off since the withdrawal of most of the international combat forces at the end of 2014.

More than 1,870 U.S. troops have been killed in action and more than 20,000 wounded since the start of the Afghan war in 2001, but combat deaths have been so rare in recent years that a single incident can make one place stand out as the deadliest of the year.

A suicide bombing at Bagram Air Field put it at the top of the list for hostile deaths when six airmen were killed in a December 2015 blast. Another blast in November 2016 that killed three soldiers at Bagram made it the deadliest spot in Afghanistan for Americans that year.

The numbers in Nangarhar last year, however, reflect not a single deadly event, but months of heavy fighting.

Since April, the seven Americans killed fighting there were victims of enemy gunfire, bomb blasts, an insider attack and friendly fire that happened during an intense three-hour battle. That's compared to one American killed there the year before.

Days after the first of last year's casualties there in an April firefight, an airstrike drew the world's attention to the intensified campaign when an Air Force MC-130 dropped a 22,000-pound Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs," on an ISIS-K cave network in the province's Achin district.

In November, Gen. John W. Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, said U.S. forces had conducted around 1,400 ground assaults and airstrikes in the area since March and had reduced the group's grip on Nangarhar from nine districts to parts of three.

The fighting had removed some 1,600 ISIS-K militants from the battlefield, he said, and he promised more strikes in the coming months.

What's left of the terrorist group there "is stuck in the mountains to starve and die," President Ashraf Ghani said last month.

But the violence shows no sign of abating as the group so far has defied efforts to snuff them out, managing to carry out several successful attacks throughout the country.

U.S. officials had estimated 700 ISIS-K fighters were operating in Afghanistan last spring, but despite heavy battlefield losses, that estimate had increased by November to 1,100, including 300 outside Nangarhar.

Nicholson said ISIS-K offset its battlefield attrition by recruiting aggressively from the ranks of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, an Islamist group with ties to al-Qaida and the Taliban, known for carrying out a 2014 attack that killed more than 140 people, mostly children, at an army-run school in the Pakistani city of Peshawar.

Hundreds of thousands of TTP fighters and their families had fled to Afghanistan from Pakistan's federally administered tribal areas under military pressure since 2010. They began establishing communities in Nangarhar's border districts, exploiting both tribal rivalries there and local sympathies for them as "refugees."

Many have switched allegiances to ISIS-K since late 2014. The group has established a command base in the Mamand and Peka valleys of Achin district, according to Borhan Osman, a researcher with the Afghan Analysts Network. Residents there told Osman that weapons and ammo are ferried into the rugged passes from just over the Pakistan border on the backs of mules.

It's there, in the ISIS-K bastion of Mamand Valley, that Afghan forces have been fighting in recent weeks, said Navy Capt. Tom Gresback, a military spokesman in Kabul. Backed by U.S. warplanes and special operations ground troops, they'd pushed more than 4 miles into the valley since Dec. 22, trying to open it to "normal life."Veterans groups demonstrated in bitter cold Monday outside the Pentagon to turn some of the focus of the "#MeToo" movement toward sexual harassment and assault in the ranks.

"It is time that there is a safe way to report sexual assault in the military so that men and women serving our country have the freedom to say 'Me Too' instead of silence," said Nichole Bowen-Crawford, a former Army E-4 who said she was sexually assaulted in Iraq.

Bowen-Crawford was among about 30 to 40 demonstrators who said they were inspired by the "#MeToo" movement that has gone viral amid continuing revelations of predatory behavior, harassment and assault by men in positions of power in Hollywood, the media and Congress.

The demonstration organized by the Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) and joined by representatives of other veterans groups was sanctioned by the Defense Department.

However, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, told Military.com that the DoD had not itself conducted any events or initiatives stemming from the "#MeToo" movement.

"We already have a very proactive position in this regard," he said. "We are already very active in regards to training and internal awareness campaigns to train our internal audience to understand what is unacceptable."

DoD officials said currently serving military personnel could participate in the demonstration, so long as they were not in uniform.

Several of the demonstrators carried signs in support of the Military Justice Improvement Act, sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, which would change the way sex crimes are reported and prosecuted in the military.

According to Gillibrand's website, the proposed legislation would move "the decision over whether to prosecute serious [sex] crimes to independent, trained, professional military prosecutors, while leaving uniquely military crimes within the chain of command."

At the demonstration, Monica Medina, a former Army captain who later served as a special assistant to former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, said the Pentagon's own surveys show that about 80 percent of women in the military say they've been sexually harassed during the course of their careers.

"That's twice the number in the private sector," Medina said. "We've got to encourage more women to come forward. Time is up."

Former Coast Guard Judge Advocate General's officer Denise Krepp, who later became chief counsel to the U.S. Maritime Administration, said the fear of retaliation preventing many women from coming forward "existed 20 years ago and it hasn't changed. We still have these problems with sexual assault."

"People have not been fired," Krepp said, "and it's not just the senior officers, it's the political appointees" who have been preying upon women in the ranks.

In the current military culture, "you're more likely than not to be retaliated against" for reporting a sex crime, said Lydia Watts, SWAN chief executive officer. "Where is the decisive action against our assailants?"

Bowen-Crawford said she was assaulted in 2003 in Iraq by a sergeant while working the night shift.

"I didn't report it," she said, after being told by friends that it would be pointless and would probably ruin her career. The sergeant was later promoted, she added.

The problem for many female victims of sexual assault in the military often is that "you have to report the sexual assault to the perpetrator or their friends," Bowen-Crawford said.

She said the #MeToo" movement is bringing new awareness to the persistence of sexual assault in other fields and now "the military is next."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.After you've Made America Great Again, what's left to prove for the World's Most Famous Man? If Donald Trump (who will be 74 in 2020) decides to move on, we'll need a new president.

Oprah Winfrey has suddenly become a factor in 2020 after her barn-burner of a speech at the 2018 Golden Globes.

Oprah Winfrey has a huge following as a TV host, 60 Minutes correspondent, cable network CEO, movie producer and even (sometimes) an actress, starring in Disney's upcoming movie of the children's classic book "A Wrinkle in Time."

The core of her speech was aimed at the changes sought after recent Hollywood sexual abuse scandals, but it's pretty clear from her speech that she has some wider targets in mind as well.

If President Trump does retire, what about the Secretary of Defense as his successor? He's got his own incredibly viral video.

Plus he has, you know, actual executive branch governing experience. Oh yeah, plus he's a Marine Corps LEGEND who served as head of Central Command from 2011-2013 after combat success in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Mattis has yet to share his own views on the kind of social and economic issues important to many voters, but he's already proven himself a man of integrity with an impeccable record of leadership.

Oprah vs. Mattis: who you got? Sound off!Dotz Nano Ltd [ASX:DTZ] shares are up 24% in early trade today. The upswing comes after the company announced it had agreed to a distribution deal in China.

What happened to Dotz Nano share price?

Dotz Nano specialises in making graphene quantum dots (GQDs). These are minute layers of graphene with semiconductor properties. In fact, GQDs are so tiny that theyre referred to as artificial atoms.

Theyre used in a range of technologies, perhaps most noticeably in modern TVs. But thats just the beginning. GQDs applications could be much farther-reaching, but only time will tell. Nonetheless, todays deal is a step towards innovation.

Dotz Nano has agreed to provide China Israel Science Technology Innovation Center Ltd (CisticPoly) with these GQDs, which the company will then sell locally in China. The exclusive deal has been valued at US$15 million for Dotz Nano over three years. And thats just the minimum, so the deal could be worth even more.

Whats next for Dotz Nano?

The deal effectively started on 19 December 2017. Dotz Nano is just waiting on product approval before it expects purchase orders to begin.

However, if the product doesnt get approval, Dotz Nano will receive nothing. CisticPoly wont have to buy the GQDs if they cant get approval in China. However, both companies are confident it wont be an issue.

In fact, the pair may create their own manufacturing site in China if demand is strong enough  an option that will be explored in 24 months if GQDs prove popular.

Theres no doubt that its an exciting time for the technology and Dotz Nano shareholders.

Regards,

Ryan Clarkson-Ledward

Junior Analyst, Money Morning

PS: If youre looking for other small-cap stocks like Dotz Nano, weve got you covered here at Money Morning. In our latest report well show you three of the most promising small-caps on the ASX right now. Check them out in our latest report for free right here.The Department of Housing and Urban Development is set to extend a deadline under a fair housing rule issued by the Obama administration in 2015.Under the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) final rule published by the HUD in July 2015, program participants would conduct an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH). Regulations provided for a staggered submission deadline for these assessments.The HUDs Office of the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is set to issue a notice that it is extending the deadline for submission of the assessments to the next submission date that falls after Oct. 31, 2020.According to the notice, a review of initial assessment has led the HUD to believe program participants require more time and technical assistance to comply with the process and complete submissions that will be accepted by HUD.HUD's decision is informed by the review of AFH submissions received, the HUD said in the notice. Based on the first 49 AFH initial submissions that received a determination of accept, non-accept, or deemed accepted from HUD, the department found that many program participants are striving to meet the requirements of the AFFH rule. In 2017, the department conducted an evaluation of these submissions and found that more than a third (35%) were initially non-accepted.Julian Castro, the former HUD secretary who oversaw the AFFHs introduction in 2015, criticized the move.In a tweet sharing an article about the notice, Castro said the HUD has effectively crippled the AFFH. It will be up to the next Administration to get this back on track, he said.We need to maximize opportunity for all Americans, regardless of their background, not look the other way when communities limit their opportunity, Castro said in a later tweet.SRINAGAR: A research scholar from Kupwara in J&K has appeared in a photograph posted on social media holding an under barrel grenade launcher, with a message claiming that he has joined the militancy. Mannan Wani, son of Bashir Ahmad Wani, joined the Hizbul Mujahideen on January 5, states the message along with the photograph that appeared on Facebook and WhatsApp.

According to Wanis family, he was pursuing his PhD in applied geology at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Speaking to The Indian Express, Wanis brother, Mubashir Ahmad, a junior engineer, said: We have also seen the picture on social networking sites. But we have no idea (whether he has joined militants or not). We lost contact with him on January 4 as his phone was switched off. We thought he had switched it off for some reason or lost it. As we couldnt contact him, we lodged a missing report with police on Saturday.

Officials at AMU could not be contacted for comment but the universitys official website states that Wani, 26, was pursuing a PhD on Structural and Geo-Morphological Study of Lolab Valley, Kashmir. According to the website, he received an award for the best paper presented at an international conference on Water, Environment, Ecology and Society in 2016. It states that he enrolled in AMU after doing his Bachelors in Geology and Earth Sciences from the University of Kashmir. He completed his Masters and MPhil in Geology from AMU, it says.

Wanis brother said his brother left home for Aligarh a month ago. All this time, we thought he was in Aligarh. He would talk to us regularly. We dont have any idea where he is, he said. SSP Kupwara Shamsheer Khan did not respond to requests from The Indian Express seeking comment. But sources said Wani was active during the recent student elections at the university.

He had also apparently penned several articles on student politics on an online portal, thecompanion.com. Wanis biographical sketch on the portal describes him as a research scholar at AMU who is a student activist having interest in geopolitics and Islamic revivalist movements.

Meanwhile, militant outfit Hizbul Mujhadeen has welcomed the Aligarh Muslim University Phd scholar for joining the organization and has described the development as a good omen for the on-going Kashmir Freedom Struggle.

As per a statement issued to news agency CNS, the organization Chief Syed Salahuddin while addressing a high level Command Council meeting said that the entry of Abdul Manan Wani of Tekipora Lolab exposes the Indian propaganda that youth of Kashmir are joining militant ranks due to unemployment and economic distress.

From years on educated and qualified youth of Kashmir have been joining Hizbul Mujhdeen to take this ongoing Freedom Movement to logical conclusion. This spirit of youth is laudable, Salahuddin said.

During the meeting rich tributes were paid to slain civilians and militants. (CNS)

Source: IE/ Basharat MasoodSRINAGAR: Mannan Bashir Wani, an AMU research scholar from Kupwara of Jammu and Kashmir is in news for allegedly joining militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

Mannan Bashir Wani, an AMU research scholar from Kupwara of Jammu and Kashmir is in news for joining militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. A photograph of him has appeared on the social media in which he is seen holding an under barrel grenade launcher and with a message declaring that he has joined the militancy. The photograph that appeared on Facebook and Whatsapp says Mannan had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen on January 5.

Mannan is the son of Bashir Ahmad Wani. The Indian Express today reported his family as saying that Mannan was pursuing his PhD in applied geology at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Mannans brother Mubashir Ahmad, who is a junior engineer, told IE that his family has seen the photograph but they have no idea if he has joined Hizbul. Mubashir said Mannans phone has been switched off from January 4 and the family has lost all contacts with him. The family also lodged a missing report with the police on Saturday last.

We have also seen the picture on social networking sites. But we have no idea (whether he has joined militants or not). We lost contact with him on January 4 as his phone was switched off. We thought he had switched it off for some reason or lost it. As we couldnt contact him, we lodged a missing report with police on Saturday, Mubashir told IE.

Mannan Bashir Wani, who is Mannan Bashir Wani, mannan wani, who is Mannan Wani, hizbul mujahideen, amu Mannan Wanis photo circulated on social media.

Meanwhile, no comment has come from the prestigious AMU located in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh. The official website of the university says that 26-year-old Mannan was pursuing a PhD on Structural and Geo-Morphological Study of Lolab Valley, Kashmir. Mannan had also received an award for the best paper presented at an international conference on Water, Environment, Ecology and Society in 2016, according to the AMU website.

Mr Mannan Bashir Wani, Research Scholar at Department of Geology, Aligarh Muslim University has been awarded the Best Paper Presentation Award in an International Conference on Water, Environment, Energy and Society (ICWEES) held at AISECT University, Bhopal.The award was conferred to Mr Wani for his paper Flood Risk Assessment of Lolab Valley from Watershed Analysis Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques, says AMU Website.

Around 400 delegates from 20 different countries including the USA, Austria, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, Canada, Iran, Italy, UK, Bangladesh, China, South Korea, Singapore, Kuwait, Tunisia, Malaysia, West Indies, Brazil and Yemen had participated in the Conference to present their research papers, it adds.

Mannan had enrolled in AMU after successfully completing Bachelors in Geology and Earth Sciences from the University of Kashmir. He had also completed his Masters and MPhil in Geology from AMU.

Mubashir told IE that Mannan had left home for Aligarh around a month ago. Since then, the family thought that Mannan was in Aligarh. Mannan also used to talk to the family regularly. All this time, we thought he was in Aligarh. He would talk to us regularly. We dont have any idea where he is, Mubashir was quoted as saying. Sources also told IE that Mannan was active during recent student union elections at AMU and he has also apparently written articles on student politics on an online portal  thecompanion.com. Mannans profile on the site describes him as an AMU research scholar who is a student activist having interest in geopolitics and Islamic revivalist movements.

Meanwhile, according to an India Today report, Kupwara police have expressed caution and said there is no confirmation as yet on whether Mannan joined militancy or not. IG of Kashmir told India Today that Mannans photograph may have been photoshopped. Police also said that they are also trying to locate the research scholar, whose last known location was Delhi.

According to NDTV, Mannan had left AMU a few days back and reached Delhi. He was reportedly on his way back home in Kupwara and he should have reached home three days back.

By: FEPresident Donald Trump View Photos

President Trump held a press conference at Camp David on Sunday and was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day.

Here is the unedited script:

Thank you very much. Its great to have you at Camp David  a very special place. We started, as you know, yesterday afternoon. We had a couple of incredible meetings. Its a feeling here that you dont have in very many places. There was a bonding. There was a  we got a lot of work done, a lot of great work for the people.

Security discussed, infrastructure discussed, military and all types of military situations and applications discussed. General Mattis is here, General Kelly  a lot of good military input. Very important. Discussed funding for the military, which is so important.

We also, obviously, went into budget. So we went into DACA and how were going to do. And we hope that were going to be able to work out an arrangement with the Democrats. I think its something that theyd like to see happen. Its something, certainly, that Id like to see happen.

So we are very well prepared for the coming year. We finished very strong. One of the things we are discussing and discussing very powerfully is drugs pouring into this country and how to stop it. Because its at a point  over the last number of years, its never been like this. Weve never had a problem with drugs like we do, whether its opioid or drugs in the traditional sense. Its never been like it is.

And we are going to do everything we can. Its a very difficult situation, difficult for many countries. Not so difficult for some, believe it or not. They take it very seriously and theyre very harsh. And those are the ones that have much less difficulty. But we are going to be working on that very, very hard this year. And I think were going to make a big dent into the drug problem.

With that, I think what Ill do is ask Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to say a few words. Then, Ill have Paul Ryan. And well  perhaps youll have some questions for some of the folks. We have a great group of talent. And I will tell you, the meetings, again, were really, perhaps, transformative in certain ways. Were doing things and we have things planned for next year.

One of the things Mitch said  and he said it very well  was its going to be tough to beat the year we just left because what we had last year was something very special, especially to cap it off with the tremendous tax cuts and tax reform. And dont forget ANWR. And dont forget the fact that the individual mandate  such a horrible thing for so many people  was terminated. So its very, very tough.

But Id like to ask Mitch  come up, say a few words, please.

LEADER MCCONNELL: Well, thank you very much, Mr. President. As you suggest, last year would be a tough year to top.

If you are like those of us here at the podium, youd like to see America be a right-of-center country. From a right-of-center point of view, 2017 was the most consequential year in the many years that Ive been here in Congress. The Presidents spectacular nominee for the Supreme Court; 12 circuit judges, the most in the first year of any President since the circuit court system was set up in 1891; not to mention deregulation; and then topping it off with the most consequential boost to our economy through this tax reform bill  was an astonishing year.

But its time to look forward. Mr. President, I want to thank you for inviting us all up. We had a great planning session for 2018. We hope that 2018 will be a year of more bipartisan cooperation. And the Presidents agenda, much of which he just referred to, are things that we believe there would be a significant number of Democrats interested in helping us accomplish.

And so, Mr. President, thanks for the opportunity to be here. Were excited about the new year, and ready to get to work. Thank you.

SPEAKER RYAN: Well, I, too, Mr. President  I want to thank you for inviting us here to Camp David. Im particularly pleased with the fact that we had an extremely productive conversation with the President and his team yesterday about how we go forward in 2018.

We have big things to do for the American people. Were excited about getting to work on that, and as both the President and the Leader said, we had historic achievement in 2017 that we want to build on  historic achievements that we believe will get our economy growing much faster.

And what we want to work on in 2018 is making sure that everyone enjoys the economic growth that is to come. We have people who are sidelined in society that need to get out of poverty and into the workforce. So we want to focus on making sure that we can close that skills gap, that opportunity gap, so that everyone can get the kind of life and the career that they can get in this country  tap their potential.

Wevegot issues such as infrastructure that we want to attend to. We want to make sure that Secretary Mattis and our military have the tools and the resources that they need to keep us safe.

So we have a very bold agenda for 2018. We think this agenda is one that will appeal to everyone in-between  between Democrats and Republicans, independents. And so were excited about the progress that has already been made, and were very excited about what we have in store for us for 2018. Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Paul.

Mike.

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Mr. President. 2017 was a year of extraordinary accomplishment. And the congressional leaders who are gathered here were incredible partners with this President and our entire administration in advancing the interests of the American people  rebuilding our military, supporting law enforcement, historic regulatory reform, appointments to our courts to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution from the Supreme Court to courts at every level, and of course historic tax reform, repealing the Obamacare mandate, and opening up American energy from Alaska to around the globe.

The Presidents policies have been achieving extraordinary results. Nearly 2 million new jobs created. Unemployment at a 17-year low. Our economy is already growing at a pace that most economists didnt predict would happen for years  3 percent. And were looking to exciting predictions for 2018.

But as the President said at the close of 2017, were just getting started. The President convened the congressional leadership gathered here with members of our Cabinet to outline the Presidents priorities for the coming year. Those include a budget agreement; investment in our military to truly rebuild and make the strongest military in the world even stronger still; immigration reform and enforcement; the construction of a wall and border security; as well as dealing, as the President just said, with the issue of DACA.

We truly do believe that there are opportunities after our discussions this weekend for bipartisan work on a broad range of issues from infrastructure to workforce to vocational education. And I can say, Im even more confident, after this weekends discussion, that, with the Presidents leadership and with the strong leadership in the Congress, were going to keep delivering for the American people in 2018 and were going to create a stronger and more prosperous America.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Mike.

Any questions for the group?

Q Mr. President, I didnt hear any mention here of welfare reform. Is that something that is still on the agenda for 2018?

THE PRESIDENT: We are looking at it. Were looking at aspects of it. Its a subject thats very dear to our heart. Well try and do something in a bipartisan way, otherwise well be holding it for a little bit later. But well be looking to do that very much in a bipartisan way, if we can.

Yes.

Q Mr. President, you were talking about the policy issues that you all were focusing on the last few days here at Camp David, but this morning you were tweeting about your mental state. Why did you feel the need to tweet about that this morning?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, only because I went to the best colleges for college. I went to a  I had a situation where I was a very excellent student. Came out and made billions and billions of dollars. Became one of the top businesspeople. Went to television and, for ten years, was a tremendous success, as you probably have heard. Ran for President one time and won.

And then I hear this guy that does not know me, doesnt know me at all. By the way, did not interview me for three  he said he interviewed me for three hours in the White House. It didnt exist, okay? Its in his imagination.

And what I was heartened by  because I talk about fake news and the fake news media  was I  really, was the fact that so many of the people that I talk about, in terms of fake news, actually came to the defense of this great administration and even myself because they know the author and they know hes a fraud.

And when I saw some of the people say  and you look at some of his past books. He did a book on Rupert Murdoch. It was a terrible expose and it was false. So much of it was false. I consider it a work of fiction and I think its a disgrace that somebody is able to have something, do something like that. The libel laws are very weak in this country. If they were strong, it would be very helpful. You wouldnt have things like that happen where you can say whatever comes to your head.

But just so you know, I never interviewed with him in the White House at all. He was never in the Oval Office. We didnt have an interview. And I did a quick interview with him a long time ago having to do with an article, but I dont know this man. I guess sloppy Steve brought him into the White House quite a bit, and it was one of those things. Thats why sloppy Steve is now looking for a job.

Okay, who else do you have? Yes.

Q Mr. President, the meetings now between South Korea and North Korea  the discussions 

THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Hope it works out.

Q I was going ask, are you comfortable that this will remain just about the Olympics? Are you 

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think so. I spoke with the President, as you know  with President Moon of South Korea. He thanked me very much for my tough stance. And you know, for 25 years, they havent been using a tough stance. Theyve been giving everything.

When you look at what Bill Clinton did  and youve seen the famous clip where Bill Clinton wants to give them everything, and where I said, years ago, with Russert on Meet the Press  many years ago, I talked to  I dont think anything has changed. You have to have a certain attitude and you have to be prepared to do certain things. And Im totally prepared to do that.

But President Moon called me, and we had a great discussion a couple of days ago, and he thanked me very much. And I hope it works out. I very much want to see it work out between the two countries. Id like to see them getting involved in the Olympics and maybe things go from there. So Im behind that 100 percent.

He actually thanked me. He said  and a lot of people have said, a lot of people have written  that without my rhetoric and without my tough stance  and its not just a stance  I mean, this is  this is what has to be done, if it has to be done  that they wouldnt be talking about Olympics, that they wouldnt be talking right now.

Q Are you comfortable that theyre not also taking the conversation beyond the Olympics while he continues to 

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I hope they do. I hope they do. I would love to see them take it beyond the Olympics. We have a very good relationship with South Korea. I would love to see it go far beyond the Olympics, absolutely.

And at the appropriate time, well get involved. But I like the idea of their dealing on the Olympics. That should be between those two countries.

Yes.

Q Mr. President, did you ask the White House Counsel to ask Attorney General Sessions not to recuse himself from the Russia investigation?

THE PRESIDENT: Everything Ive done is 100 percent proper. The story, by the way, in the Times was way off, or at least off. But everything that Ive done is 100 percent proper. Thats what I do is I do things proper.

And you know, I guess the collusion now is dead because everyone found that, after a year of study, theres been absolutely no collusion. There has been no collusion between us and the Russians.

Now there has been collusion between Hillary Clinton, the DNC, and the Russians. Unfortunately, you people dont cover that very much. But the only collusion is between Hillary and the Russians, and the DNC and the Russians, and one of those things.

Okay, any other questions?

Q In what way was the New York Times story off?

THE PRESIDENT: Youll find out. But the story was off.

Q Do you stand by Jeff Sessions as your Attorney General?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I do.

Q And will Gary Cohn continue to remain in position?

THE PRESIDENT: I hope so. Wheres Gary? Is he here? He was here. Gary, come here. (Laughter.) Did you hear the question, Gary, in this beautiful hangar thats freezing?

MR. COHN: I did not, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: They said, will Gary Cohn continue or remain in the administration? I said, I hope so.

Now, if he leaves, Im going to say, Im very happy that he left, okay? (Laughter.) All right. Come here, Gary. Come here. Are you happy, Gary? Hes just passed a very big bill. I think hes pretty happy.

MR. COHN: Yes, Im happy. Hows that? (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Gary, hopefully, will be staying for a long time.

Yes, maam.

Q Just to follow up on the conversations between North Korea and South Korea, are you willing to engage in phone talks with Kim Jong-un right now?

THE PRESIDENT: Sure. I always believe in talking.

Q Do you think that that would be helpful?

THE PRESIDENT: But we have a very firm stance. Look, our stance  you know what it is. Were very firm. But I would be  absolutely I would do that. No problem with that at all.

Q So no prerequisites for coming to the table and talking with him?

SPEAKER RYAN: Thats not what he said.

THE PRESIDENT: We  thats not what I said, at all. Look, right now, theyre talking Olympics. Its a start. Its a big start. If I werent involved, they wouldnt be talking about Olympics right now. Theyd be doing no talking or it would be much more serious.

He knows Im not messing around. Im not messing around  not even a little bit, not even 1 percent. He understands that. At the same time, if we can come up with a very peaceful and very good solution  were working on it with Rex and were working on it with a lot of people  if something can happen and something can come out of those talks, that would be a great thing for all of humanity. That would be a great thing for the world. Very important, okay?

Yes, sir.

Q Do you plan on involving yourself in Republican primaries in this midterm year?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Ill be very much involved. In fact, thats one of the reasons  hard to believe, my polls numbers have gone way up. Youll have to explain that to me someday. But I will tell you, they  actually, theyve been explaining it to me, but they want me to be involved, and were going to be very involved. In fact, not only with the Senate, also with the House.

Q And protecting incumbents? Will you 

THE PRESIDENT: Protecting incumbents and whoever I have to protect. But we need more Republicans. We have to have more Republicans.

With that being said, I think were going to go bipartisan. I think were going to have some really great bipartisan bills. But we need more Republicans so that we can really get the rest of the Make America Great Again agenda passed.

And so I will be actually working for incumbents and anybody else that has my kind of thinking. And I think its going to happen. Were going to make a lot of trips. Well be very involved. I think you folks are going to be very happy because youre going to be doing a lot of travel.

Q Does that include some challengers to incumbents too?

THE PRESIDENT: I dont see it  I dont see that happening. I dont see that happening at this moment, no. I think theyve sort of scattered.

You had somebody that lost us the state of Alabama. And I think, as far as Im concerned, that was a shame that that was lost. That should never have been lost.

And you have to  look, with it all being said, we have the right policy, we have the right everything. You still need a good candidate. You dont have a good candidate, youre just not going to win. So we should have never lost Alabama. It shouldnt have happened.

Okay, any other questions? Yes, maam.

Q Mr. President, can you lay out  I know that you guys released a very long list of requirements  things that you wanted to see on immigration tied to a DACA fix.

THE PRESIDENT: I do.

Q But can you explain to us right now the exact points 

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I can just say some of the basics.

Q What exactly do you need to sign it?

THE PRESIDENT: I can say some of the basics. We want the wall. The wall is going to happen or were not going to have DACA. You know, we want to get rid of chain migration. Very important. And we want to get rid of the lottery system.

In addition to that, we want some money for funding. We need some additional border security. These are great people and we need some border security. We need ICE. But we want to make sure that, in terms of what we want  and we want DACA to happen. We all  everybody, I think I can speak for everybody  we want John Cornyn from Texas. We all want DACA to happen. But we also want great security for our country. So important. We want to stop the drugs from flowing in. Very important.

So we have to get rid of the visa lottery. You know, the lottery is a disaster. They give you people  in fact, as you know, the person on the West Side Highway that killed eight people and so badly injured  legs and arms  so badly injured many more, they came in through the lottery system.

And remember this, the lottery  its just common sense  theyre not sending us their finest, okay. When somebody gets picked in the lottery, were not getting their best people. So we have to get rid of the lottery system, we have to get rid of chain migration, and we have to have a wall.

Q Do you want the lottery and the chain migration aspects in that same piece of legislation?

THE PRESIDENT: I think it should be in the same legislation, yes. And I think, frankly, that the Democrats feel strongly about it too. I mean, Chuck Schumer is New York. He saw somebody that came in through the lottery system. He saw this man kill eight people on the West Side Highway that he knows very well and he loves like I do. I think hes okay with it. I really think well have a lot of Democrat support. I hope so.

Yes, sir.

Q Mr. President, have there been any more efforts to get Mexico to pay for the wall?

THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, I believe that Mexico will pay for the wall. I have a very good relationship with Mexico. As you know, were negotiating NAFTA. Well see how that goes.

Yes, but Mexico will pay. In some form, Mexico will pay for the wall.

MS. SANDERS: Probably got time for one more question.

THE PRESIDENT: One more question.

Q Mr. President, if Robert Mueller asks you to come and speak with his committee personally, are you committed, still, to doing that? Do you believe thats appropriate for a President?

THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Just so you understand  just so you understand, theres been no collusion; theres been no crime. And in theory, everybody tells me Im not under investigation. Maybe Hillary is, I dont know, but Im not.

But theres been no collusion. Theres been no crime. But we have been very open. We could have done it two ways. We could have been very closed and it would have taken years. But you know, its sort of like, when youve done nothing wrong, lets be open and get it over with.

Because, honestly, its very, very bad for our country. Its making our country look foolish, and this is a country that I dont want looking foolish. And its not going to look foolish as long as Im here. So weve been very open and we just want to get that over with.

Okay, anybody else? I think were set. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.Srinagar: One militant has been killed in an encounter at Chadoora area of central Kashmirs Budgam district on Monday, police said.

Police sources said that the operation was still going on at Kaneera, Patalgam, Chadoora.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir range, Munir Ahmad Khan told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that one militant has been has killed so far. The operation is underway while the body of one militant has been recovered, he said.

Earlier, a joint team of army, SOG and CRPF following a specific information had launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area. As the joint team of forces intensified the searches the hiding militants opened fire triggering an encounter.

Soon after the news about the encounter spread, the people mostly youth took to streets at Chadoora and its adjoining areas and start pelting stones on forces.

The forces resorted to teargas shelling and used some aerial shots to disperse the protesting people. In the meantime, the busy market at Chadoora shut down spontaneously.

(KNS)More Information

Quick facts about Garcia

What's your morning routine: The alarm goes off at six. Get up, wake up my daughter, cook breakfast, and then it's off to school. After I drop her off depending on my day, I come into the office or somewhere in South Texas.

What book are you reading right now? I just finished "Above the Line" by Urban Meyer. I really like reading sports books that go over the team concept that applies to the workplace. But when I don't find myself reading something I want, I usually find myself reading my daughter's third-grade reading list. "Sarah, Plain and Tall" was the last one I read. "Bunnicula" was the one before.

What's your favorite restaurant: Two of my favorite foods are steaks and shrimp. So if it's steaks, Bohanan's in San Antonio, and if it's shrimp, it's Catfish Charlie's in Corpus.

What was your first job? Believe it or not I was a baker at Sirloin Stockade. I was responsible for baking all the dinner rolls and all the baked goods.

What is your passion or hobby outside of work: With kids and a busy schedule, I still enjoy going hunting and fishing when I can, but honestly my weekends are spent with the family and going to their extracurricular activities, whether it's going to a softball game, a soccer game or whatever activity they may have on the weekend.

If you had to choose a totally different career in a different field, what would it be: Without a doubt I would love to have been an attorney. I think it would have been a challenge to present to a jury.... that would have been an interesting job to have.Yves here. This post provides another confirmation of the cool and getting cooler official stance of the US towards China. China maven Scott Kennedy, in South China Morning Post, stated in The US is preparing for a trade war with China  dont be fooled by the noise:

My sense is that we are on the cusp of a new American strategy in which Washington replaces dialogue and multilateralism with extended unilateral pressurethe Trump administration has been moving systematically to put the regulatory pieces in place so that it can credibly threaten China with limits on its exports, investment and other elements of the relationship.

The tepid US reaction to a Chinese overture seems consistent with this strategy. Another interpretation might be that the US side does not think the Chinese measures mean anywhere near as much as they appear to on the surface, that the official liberalization will be significantly curtailed via numerous informal impediments.

By Alicia Garcia Herrero, non-resident research fellow at Real Instituto El Cano. She is also the Chief Economist for the Asia Pacific at NATIXIS. Alicia Garcia Herrero is currently adjunct professor at City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and visiting faculty at China-Europe International Business School (CEIBS). Originally published at Bruegel

Now that the dust has settled, one thing is clear: President Donald Trumps visit to Asia in November served as a milestone in the increasingly rapid transfer of power from the U.S. to China. President Xi Jinpings enthronement during the 19th Party Congress as Chinas leader for the foreseeable future did most of the work, but Mr. Trump helped by failing to advance a clear agenda articulating the U.S.s key national interests regarding China.

The transfer of economic power to China has only accelerated since Mr. Xi came to power. It will accelerate further if and when China institutes real economic reform. But when China announced reforms to open up its financial sectorjust hours after Mr. Trump concluded his visit to Beijingthe reaction from the Trump administration was muted at best, as the administration remains focused on Chinas too-benign attitude toward North Korea and its nuclear missile program.

Reaction from investors, too, was muted. The only significant announcement came from UBS for a securities investment that was approved months before the announcement. Recall that China has been promising to open its financial markets since entering the World Trade Organization in December 2001. Beyond the lack of progress so far, the announcement does not fully cast away doubts about the speed and depth of the opening going forward.

For example, the foreign ownership cap of domestic securities firms will increase from 49 percent to 51 percent and then to 100 percent in the coming three years. However, there was no hint about lifting the current restriction on listed securities companies (ranging from 20 percent to 25 percent based on various conditions). Until further clarification, this probably means foreign investors can only gain control of non-listed securities firms, which are, of course, much smaller.

Theres even less clarity regarding the banking and insurance sectors. We already know that reforms are delayed for another three years. However, Chinas vice finance minister, Zhu Guangyao, told The New York Times that China would raise the investment in insurance companies to 51 percent in three years and 100 percent in five years. In addition, China also plans to end its current 25 percent limit of foreign ownership in banks, according to what Mr. Zhu told the Times.

China clearly has a strong self-interest in opening up its securities market. After the massive growth of bank balance sheets and the piling up of non-performing loans, Chinese regulators hope that the market (with Chinese characteristics) will do the cleaning up.

The massive securitization occurring in China over the last couple of years would clearly benefit from foreign expertise. Even better would be if foreign players brought along foreign investors to share in the potential losses. Within this context, one should not be too surprised at the general lack of interest in the opening of Chinas financial sector.

Certainly the move does not seem to have softened the U.S. administrations stance toward China. The U.S. has officially declared its opposition to Chinas obtaining market economy status from the WTO. Of course, this decision might be more closely related to Chinas perceived lack of cooperation on North Korea. But it also suggests that obtaining a couple of licenses to operate in Chinas financial market will not calm down Mr. Trump.

Clearly, Mr. Xi is frustrated with Mr. Trumps reaction to his kind gesture. All in all, it would be hard to expect an auspicious 2018 for the Trump-Xi coupleprobably the most important one on earth.Yves here. Perhaps I am too much of a cynic, but so rarely do groups manage to overcome high-school level social dynamics that I despair of ideas like collective intelligence in human affairs.

By David S. Wilson, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Biology and Anthropology at Binghamton University and Arne Nss Chair in Global Justice and the Environment at the University of Oslo. His most recent book is Does Altruism Exist?Twitter: @David_S_Wilson. Originally published at This View of Life; cross posted from Evonomics

David Sloan Wilson interviews Geoff Mulgan

Say the word mind and most people immediately think about the workings of an individual brain. The idea that something larger than an individual might have a mind seems like science fictionbut modern evolutionary theory says otherwise.

It is now widely accepted that eusocial insect coloniesants, bees, wasps, and termiteshave collective minds, with members of the colony acting more like neurons than decision-making units in their own right. For example, a critical stage in the life of a honeybee colony is when it fissions and the swarm that leaves must find a new nest cavity. Exquisite research by Thomas Seeley and his associates shows that the swarm behaves like a discerning human house hunter, scouting the available options and evaluating them according to multiple criteria. Yet, most scouts visit only one cavity and have no basis for comparison. Instead, the comparison is made by a social process that takes place on the surface of the swarm, which is remarkably similar to the interactions among neurons that take place when we make decisions. After all, what is a multi-cellular organism but an elaborately organized society of cells?

The reason that multi-cellular organisms and eusocial insect colonies both have minds is because they are both units of selection. Lower-level interactions that result in collective survival and reproduction are retained, while lower-level interactions that result in dysfunctional outcomes pass out of existence. What we call mind focuses on the lower-level interactions that result in the gathering and processing of information, leading to adaptive collective action.

As soon as we associate mind with unit of selection, then the possibility of human group minds leaps into view. It is becoming widely accepted that our distant ancestors found ways to suppress disruptive self-serving behaviors within their groups, so that cooperating as a group became the primary evolutionary force. Cooperation takes familiar physical forms such as hunting, gathering, childcare, predator defense, an offense and defense against other human groups. Cooperation also takes mental forms, such as perception, memory, maintaining an inventory of symbols with shared meaning, and transmitting large amounts of learned information across generations. In fact, most cognitive abilities that are distinctively human are forms of mental cooperation that frequently take place beneath conscious awareness. It is not an exaggeration to say that small human groups are the primate equivalent of eusocial insect colonies, complete with their own group minds. As the great 19th century social theorist Alexis dToqueville observed, The village or township is the only association which is so perfectly natural that, wherever a number of men are collected, it seems to constitute itself.

The adjective small is needed because all human groups were small prior to ten thousand years ago, although a tribal scale of social organization needs to be recognized as important in addition to the fission-fusion bands within each tribe where most of the social interactions occurred. In addition, cultural evolution is a multi-level process, no less than genetic evolution. As Peter Turchin shows in his book Ultrasociety, the societies that replaced other societies during the last 10,000 years did so in part because of their ability to gather and process information, leading to effective collective action at ever larger scales, such as the nations of France and America which were the main objects of Toquevilles attention. Some elements of culturally evolved group minds are consciously designed, but many others are the result of unplanned cultural evolution, taking place beneath conscious awareness. They work without anyone knowing how they work.

Not only do units of selection tell us where group minds are likely to exist, but also where they are unlikely to exist. In many animal societies, within-group selection is the primary evolutionary force, leading to behaviors that would be regarded as selfish and despotic in human terms. If these societies have group minds at all, they are highly impaired, unlike eusocial insect colonies. By the same token, despotic human societies have group minds that are highly impaired, unlike more cooperatively organized human societies.

Knowing all of this has tremendous potential for recognizing collective intelligence in human life where it currently exists and socially constructing it where it is needed. However, most of what I have recounted is new, emerging only within the last two or three decades, and is often not reflected in the thinking of otherwise smart people on the subject of collective intelligence. In particular, there is a tendency to naively assume that collective intelligence emerges spontaneously from complex interactions, without requiring a process of selection at the level of the collective unit.

It was therefore with trepidation that I began reading Big Mind: How Collective Intelligence Can Change Our World, by Geoff Mulganfounder of the think tank Demos, director of the UK Prime Ministers Strategy Unit and head of policy under Tony Blair, and current chief executive of Nesta, the UKs National Endowment for Science. That made him smartbut was he smart about collective intelligence from a modern evolutionary perspective?

To my delight, I found him very well informed, clearly recognizing that collective intelligence only exists under very special conditions, which makes it both present andabsent in human life. In addition to his conceptual understanding, his book is filled with examples from his extensive policy experience that were previously unknown to me, along with practical advice about how to enhance collective intelligence where it does not already exist. I therefore lost no time inviting him to have an email conversation, which he generously accepted. An excerpt of his book is featured on the online magazine Evonomics.com.

DSW: Welcome, Geoff, to TVOL and congratulations on your superb book. In our correspondence leading up to this conversation, you called my attention to a 1996 issue of Demos Quarterly devoted to evolutionary thinking. Tell us about your background and how you came to appreciate the relevance of evolutionary theory in relation to human affairs. Bear in mind that while you are already well known in some quarters, you will be new to many of our readers.

GM: My intellectual background is a combination of economics, philosophy, social science and telecommunications, the subject of my PhD. By the time I started becoming interested in public policy there was already widespread dissatisfaction with the overly mechanistic, equilibrium models of economics which failed adequately to explain patterns of change: how technologies arise and spread; how economies grow. Many of us looked to evolutionary thinking as a useful tool. It could provide metaphorical frames  understanding social change in terms of the generation of new possibilities, selection and then replication (which has subsequently helped feed a very dynamic field of social innovation); it gave some new insights into how we were formed as human beings, and new psychological insights into policy. The Demos Quarterly you mentioned was a good showcase of the state of the field at the time. But it had little immediate influence.

One interesting spin-off was what is now called behavioural economics, which adapted many insights from evolutionary biology into the language of economics. The next issue of Demos Quarterly in 1996 focused on that, and I later commissioned quite a bit of work in the UK government (including a big 2002 study on the implications of behavioural psychology for public policy). A few years later Nudge was published by Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler and introduced these ideas to the mainstream, helping the creation of a behavioural insights team in the Prime Ministers office in the UK.

Another result, which I write about quite a bit in the book, is to see large scale cognition, like evolution more generally, in terms of trade-offs. I call it cognitive economics: what selection or survival advantages are provided by certain kinds of cognition, and at what cost. A great deal of work has been done on this at the individual organism level in terms of the advantages of a larger, but very energy hungry, brain. Im interested in the parallels for groups of organisations: if they spend scarce resources on abilities to observe, analyse, create or remember does that confer advantages? Can they overshoot  like the clan that spends so much time remembering its ancestors that it fails to protect itself from threats; or a company that spends so much time trying to create the new that it fails to attend to the present. My hunch is that a new discipline is possible that draws on evolutionary thinking to analyse these kinds of trade-offs in more precise ways.

DSW: Thats very helpful background. I dont want to assume that we agree upon everything, so please comment on my rather lengthy introduction. Is there anything that you would like to add or amend, to set the conceptual stage broadly for our conversation?

GM: Your introduction makes a great deal of sense to me, and coming from a social science background its obvious that the group is a unit of selection. The question that animated me was a version of this: why do some nations, cities, organisations manage to thrive and adapt while others dont, even though they appear to be endowed with superior intellectual resources or technologies? Why did some of the organizations that had invested the most in intelligence of all kinds  from firms like Lehmann Brothers to the USSR in the 1980s  fail to spot big facts in the world around them and so stumble? I was looking for a theory that could explain some of these patterns and understand how and when some groups are able to optimize for a particular environment and then adapt to a rapidly changing one.

DSW: Indeed! Now Id like to focus on two conventional wisdoms that obscure clear thinking about collective intelligence. The first is the conventional wisdom that axiomatically takes the individual as the unit of analysis, including methodological individualism in the social sciences and the rational actor model in economics as a type of methodological individualism. This axiomatic view makes it difficult to conceive of the concept of mind above the level of an individual. What are your views about methodological individualism?

GM: Western intellectual life is dominated by traditions that reject any notion that a collective mind could be more than the sum of its parts. There were some good reasons to be suspicious of vague and mystical invocations of community, god, or national spirit. But I think its wrong to conclude that collective intelligence is nothing more than the aggregation of individual intelligences. We recognize that in any serious account of history, and to an extent in the law which can be guilty of crimes. There is little doubt in my mind that groups can think, and can have true or false beliefs. But the ways groups do these things are not precisely analogous to the ways individuals work. I try to provide a way of thinking about the degrees of we-ness of groups, that relates this to the extent of integration of cognition in a group. Here I extend recent work on individual consciousness which relates it to the degree of integration of the brain while awake. This, I hope, more nuanced position sees individuals as shaped by groups, and groups as made up of individuals and is helped by the ways in which psychology and neuroscience have revealed that the individual mind is better understood not as a monolithic hierarchy, with a single will, but rather as a network of semiautonomous cells that sometimes collaborate and sometimes compete. If you accept that view, then it becomes more reasonable to see groups in a similar way, even if you differentiate the highly integrated individual mind from the less integrated group mind (in other words, not altogether integrated individual minds not altogether integrated into larger groups).

DSW: Thanks. The second conventional wisdom regards collective intelligence as an emergent property of complex interactions, without paying careful attention to the special conditions that are required. Here is how you put it on p 5 of your book: To get at the right answers, well have to reject appealing conventional wisdoms. One is the idea that a more networked world automatically becomes more intelligent through processes of organic self-organization. Although this view contains important grains of truth, it has been deeply misleading. Please say more about this view, which in my experience is held by some people who are otherwise very smart, such as complex systems theorists who dont have a strong background in evolutionary science.

GM: I offer several different challenges to the glib, but very common, view that the universe has some inner dynamic towards benign self-organisation. The first recognizes organization as costly, the lens of cognitive economics. When we study self-organisation more closely in any real situation  from markets to online collaborations like Wikipedia  they turn out to rely on a great deal of labour, provided by some people who choose to devote scarce time and money to the work of making things happen, rather than just having fun or sitting on the couch. Where there are insufficient motivations, incentives or habits for doing this self-organisation tends to disappoint. The second lens recognizes conflict, and a constant struggle between forces for cooperation and forces that aim to disrupt or misinform. Contemporary social media are an obvious example. The third more sociological lens recognizes that most real complex human societies combine multiple cultures, some hierarchical, some individualistic, and some more egalitarian and cooperative. These complement each other in all sorts of ways. Purely flat, self-organising egalitarian structures tend to fall apart, as do structures which are only hierarchical or only individualistic. I believe this is a fundamental insight of some modern social science (which I attribute particularly to the anthropologist Mary Douglas) which helps make sense of everything from grappling climate change to the everyday life of business. But many well-informed people are unaware of it.

DSW: I agree! Now that we have cleared the deck of misleading conventional wisdoms, could you please provide one of the best examples of human collective intelligence? Then we can discuss how it works mechanistically and how it came into existence historically.

GM: The global science system is probably the best single example, and nicely illustrates how real, living intelligence depends on each of the organizing principles described above. It has hierarchy within disciplines and within universities; strong individualist incentives; and a strong egalitarianism (the sociologist Robert Merton spoke of the communism of science, the assumption that knowledge is there to be shared). It depends on some common infrastructures; it orchestrates millions of minds and millions of machines; and it has to fight constant battles against its own internal and external enemies. The internal ones include the strong incentives for fraud or burying uncomfortable evidence (just last week a newly appointed professor of computational biology described being told by a superior that one should repeat experiments as many times as necessary to get the right result!).

Seen from afar the science system looks like a wonderful emergent system; seen up close it depends on many individuals devoting their lives to the hard work of building up a community, and establishing its norms, and persuading others to give it money, status and other resources.

DSW: This is indeed an excellent example to single out. Mechanistically, we can show that scientific inquiry requires a complex social physiology with regulatory processes enforced by norms. Historically, we can rely on books such as Steven Shapins Social History of Truth and Robert McCauleys Why Religion is Natural and Science is Not. As the title of McCauleys book implies, we can consult our deep genetic evolutionary past to show why we are not natural born truth seekers and require a socially constructed process to create a body of objective knowledge. We can also see how scientific and scholarly cultures have been torn apart in the past and should not be taken for granted in the present.

To continue, Id like to focus on an example of collective intelligence that is a work in progressthe smart cities movement. To say that cities need to be made smart implies that they do not become smart on their own, affirming the point we have already made that collective intelligence does not spontaneously emerge. Yet, efforts to make cities smart often fail to reach their goals. What is your opinion of the smart cities movement?

GM: The smart city movement is simultaneously exciting and maddening. Its promise is that many of the everyday processes of city life can become more intelligent. Data flows can greatly improve the efficiency of energy management and transport flows. Central command centres like the one in Rio can spot emergencies and respond quickly. Sensors on lampposts can assess air quality, and families like mine can control heating in our home remotely, or check on our security. Thats the promise. Unfortunately far too much of what has been labelled as smart cities is either facile or irrelevant, often meeting needs that dont exist (like refrigerators that tell you when you need to buy more milk). Too many plans failed to attend to the human element, or focused only on smart hardware not on helping people to be smart. These are just some of the reasons why so much investment in smart city technology has been wasted, why most of the prominent examples essentially failed  from Dongtan in China that was never built to Masdar in Abu Dhabi, or left us with rather soulless places like New Songdo in Korea. Few attended to the most pressing needs of cities  for health or jobs. And few learned basic lessons from evolution. The best cities have been given the space to evolve, to learn from experience and to reconfigure themselves. The smart city plans tend to be conceived as blueprints that simply need to be implemented with little engagement from the people who live in the city.

DSW: I like your point about the need for smart cities to be a collaboration with the residents. One of my former PhD students, Dan OBrien, is involved in the smart cities movement in Boston. His research on 311 illustrates an important distinction between designing social systems and participating in the social systems that we design. As you know, 311 is a three-digit number that can be called to report problems such as a fallen tree or a pothole. It originated as a cultural mutation in Baltimore to handle calls that were inappropriately being made to 911, which is for emergency situations. Then people began to realize that 311 could serve as the eyes and ears of a city by having residents provide information about problems that the city could process and address. Today it is being used in hundreds of cities. With such a system in place, a city begins to resemble a single organism with a nervous system that receives and processes information in a way that leads to effective action. A lot of work is required to design and implement the system, but once it is in place, using it is as simple as punching three numbers into your smart phone when you see a problem. It seems to me that this distinction between designing social systems and participating in the social systems that we design is very general. Do you agree and can you provide some other examples?

GM: Yes I do. I was quite closely involved in variants of this in the 1990s when 111 services were designed, and then more recently when Nesta supported various tools that could show in real time the topics being called about, providing a real time map of the citys concerns and problems. All of these examples have worked best with some space for iteration and learning. The UK introduced something very similar in the health service in the 1990s  called NHS Direct  to deal with more everyday issues and reduce pressures on hospitals. But this technically strong idea ran into challenges: resistance from some doctors who didnt like diagnoses to be done by nurses helped by algorithms; concerns from lawyers about the risks of error, which together meant that too often the service recommended going to a doctor or hospital anyway; and the challenges of serving a large population without good English. In the same way my mentor Michael Young created a precursor in the 1980s, a call centre service of doctors and nurses for people with sensitive or embarrassing health conditions who didnt want to interact face to face with a doctor; in this case he co-designed it with patients themselves. All of these are at their best examples of co-evolution  systems learn best by trying, fixing and following leads rather than abstract design.

DSW: Again, your emphasis on the need for policymaking to be iterative is important. In addition, any systems engineer will tell you that a complex system cannot be optimized by separately optimizing the parts. The parts and their interactions must be organized with the performance of the whole system in mind. If so, then collective intelligence at the global scale requires policies that are formulated with the welfare of the whole earth in mind. Nothing else will do and the concept that each nation can pursue a my nation first policy is collective idiocy. Do you agree with this assessment?

GM: The insight that optimization of parts can be suboptimal for the whole is one of the great contributions of systems engineering, and one that is often forgotten both in business and government, where the relentless pursuit of narrow targets can often have disastrous consequences. This is in part a technical challenge. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a good example of a first attempt to create something more like a global collective intelligence that can inform policies formulated with the welfare of the whole earth in mind, as you put it. But its only a first stab. The huge number of variables involved in something like climate change, let alone its interaction with economies or social life, makes it next to impossible to model. The task is so far beyond the capability of either our brains or computers that we have to rely on rough and ready heuristics.

So to complement our imperfect tools we also need to cultivate a parallel ethical stance. In my work on public leadership I developed the idea that leaders should think of three concentric circles of accountability. The first is to the immediate task, or organization. The second is to the wider community they are part of. The third is accountability to humanity and the planet. Ideally we want leaders who can align all three. But if they try to sacrifice the first to the third then they are not likely to survive very long. Conversely the world would be disastrous if everyone focused only on interests of their immediate organization. We have to learn to strike a balance. To be compassionate only to those close at hand is narrow and mean. But to be compassionate only for the world as a whole and to ignore those closest to you can be just as bad.

DSW: I agree entirely. The parts must be organized in relation to the whole but the whole must sustain the parts. There is a lot to be pessimistic about, but can you leave our readers with some things to be optimistic about?

GM: We are in an odd phase of history which is simultaneously bringing extraordinary breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and unusually foolish or malign leaderships. Seen in the long view I tend to confident. There is some evidence of the Flynn effect, a long-term rise in individual intelligence; many of our institutions are becoming more capable, certainly if seen at a global level; we have greatly more awareness of global public goods, and greatly enhanced capacities to observe, analyse and predict; and we are in a period when millions more are becoming makers and shapers of technologies and of their world. Of course its not at certain that our capacity to think and act is advancing sufficiently fast. But I see strong reasons to err on the side of hope. One comes from family history. My cousin, John Mulgan, who was a New Zealand novelist and soldier, killed himself in 1945 because he was so depressed at what he saw happening in the world (amongst other things the British were reinstalling the Greek King in the country where he had been fighting for several years). He thought the outlook was hopeless. Yet in retrospect 1945 was one of the great years of new opportunity for the world, a reminder of how hard it is for us to judge our times accurately.

We shouldnt rely on hope however, or fall into the trap of believing that there grand historical forces will either make things turn out for good or for bad. Systems  markets, humanity, science  dont automatically generate solutions. History tells us that again and again and the space for agency  sparked by both imagination and fear  is where the most important work is done. Im lucky to spend much of my time with practical innovators in the social innovation movement worldwide, in business, science and government; if you do so, you are inevitably infected by optimism.

They point to a final insight: over the years Ive learned that the more detached people are from practical work the more they risk of slipping into negativity and fatalism. Action breeds hope not the other way around. Goethe said that in the beginning was the deed, not the word, and engagement with practice is probably the best way for us to keep hopeful and useful, and to make our contribution to the next stage of human evolution.

DSW: Thats great and describes my own experience as an activist. Im also optimistic. The problems are wicked, but we are beginning to develop the tools for becoming wise managers of evolutionary processes.How antidepressants are ending up in Great Lakes fish Detroit Free Press

Why 2017 Was the Best Year in Human History Nicholas Kristoff, NYT (GF).

Top charts of 2017 Economic Policy Institute (Furzy Mouse). There seemed to be a real dearth of end-of-year wrap-ups for 2017.

Can secular stagnation morph into secular expansion? Gavyn Davies, FT

Where modern macroeconomics went wrong Joseph Stiglitz, Oxford Review of Economic Policy

How to make economists fight like ferrets in a sack The Spectator

Zuckerbergs Dilemma: When Facebooks Success Is Bad for Society WSJ. I think the very last thing we want is Zuckerberg encourag[ing] meaningful social interactions, because I dont think we want a squillionaire at the head of ginormous monopoly defining, operationally, what is meaningful, social, or an interaction. And I cant believe we wouldnt find Zuckerbergs methods of encouragement anything other than degrading.

Facebook loses steam, Vice gets sold: Bold calls for 2018 Digiday

Benchmark is selling $900 million of its holdings in Uber Recode

Nvidia Expands Its Drive For Robocar Tech Supremacy With VW, Uber Alliances Forbes

Black Mirror Reveals Our Fear of Robots and Algorithms We Cant Control The Intercept

These psychedelic stickers blow AI minds TechCrunch (original). Our attack works in the real world, and can be disguised as an innocuous sticker.

Puerto Rico

Hospitals Wrestle With Shortage of IV Bags, Linked to Hurricane WSJ. The manufacturer, Baxter International, is located in Puerto Rico, and still has intermittent power. This in the midst of a flu epidemic: It might as well be a Third World country, said Erin Fox, senior director of drug information services at the University of Utah, which tracks nationwide drug shortages. Hospitals, she said, are now administering medications using syringes instead of IV bags because of the shortage. Baxter Says Saline Shipments Disrupted in Hurricane-Wracked Puerto Rico (Sept. 27, 2017) Those methods have more side effects, Ms. Fox said. Its happening every day, she said. And it will have more of an effect as hospitals get into delaying electives or clinical trials. Might as well be?

Syraqistan

North Korea

The aircraft carrier: The weapon that refuses to go under Asia Times (Re Silc).

China?

Japan succession crisis could rip links out of auto supply chain Nikkei Asian Review

Vietnam seeks to purge corrupt Communist leaders FT

New Cold War

RTs editor-in-chief on election meddling, being labeled Russian propaganda CBS. This is interesting. Simonyan is the RT editor: Back then, she says she was a big fan of the United States, especially when she was an exchange student in Bristol, New Hampshire. Margarita Simonyan: New Hampshire is absolutely beautiful. Lesley Stahl: Did you watch American television? Margarita Simonyan: Mostly MTV. Lesley Stahl: MTV. Margarita Simonyan: I was 15. Lesley Stahl: I get the impression though that your views of the United States have kinda curdled. Margarita Simonyan: It didnt just happen to me. It happened to more or less all of Russians in 1999 when you bombed Yugoslavia. The U.S. called that NATO operation a humanitarian intervention to prevent ethnic cleansing. But to Russia, it was a sign of U.S. aggression too close to home. Margarita Simonyan: We found that absolutely unfair, outrageous illegal because it wasnt approved of by the United Nations. It was a shock. America had Russia wrapped around it little little pinky through the whole 90s. We did everything you told us. And we were eager to do more and more. The whole nation Russian nation was like, Tell us what else we can do to please you. We want to be like you. We love you. And then in 1999 bam. You bomb Yugoslavia. And that was the end of it. In a minute, in one day. And thats when you lost us unfortunately.

Banking union is not enough to save the eurozone FT

Under pressure, Merkel warms to coalition talks Handelsblatt

Italy, at sea without a paddle Politico

Trump Transition

Democrats in Disarray

Imperial Collapse Watch

Guillotine Watch

But How Will We Pay for It?: Modern Monetary Theory and Democratic Socialism Truthout (JZ).

Class Warfare

Inside the Amish town that builds U2, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swifts live shows Wired UK. Fun!

Quantum spooky action at a distance becoming practical Phys.org

Dont pirate or well mess with your Nest, warns East Coast ISP Engadget (DK). Once again, any product marketed using the word smart you should run a mile from.

iPhones and Children Are a Toxic Pair, Say Two Big Apple Investors WSJ

Antidote du jour:

Dundee, the sweetest collie whoever lived

Sept 1 2004, Jan 7, 2018

And a bonus antidote:

Duck landing on ice  pic.twitter.com/bYjKEYzhSp  Nature is Amazing  (@AMAZlNGNATURE) January 6, 2018

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.Yves here. Be sure to read to the later part of the article about the stunning conflict of interest at the Minerals Management Service, which among other things, oversees offshore drilling.

By Donald Boesch., Professor of Marine Science at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Originally published at The Conversation; cross posted from DeSmogBlog

The Trump administration is proposing to ease regulations that were adopted to make offshore oil and gas drilling operations safer after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. This event was the worst oil spill in U.S. history. Eleven workers died in the explosion and sinking of the oil rig, and more than 4 million barrels of oil were released into the Gulf of Mexico. Scientists have estimated that the spill caused more than US$17 billion in damages to natural resources.

I served on the bipartisan National Commission that investigated the causes of this epic blowout. We spent six months assessing what went wrong on the Deepwater Horizon and the effectiveness of the spill response, conducting our own investigations and hearing testimony from dozens of expert witnesses.

Our panel concluded that the immediate cause of the blowout was a series of identifiable mistakes by BP, the company drilling the well; Halliburton, which cemented the well; and Transocean, the drill ship operator. We wrote that these mistakes revealed such systematic failures in risk management that they place in doubt the safety culture of the entire industry. The root causes for these mistakes included regulatory failures.

Now, however, the Trump administration wants to increase domestic production by reducing the regulatory burden on industry. In my view, such a shift will put workers and the environment at risk, and ignores the painful lessons of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The administration has just proposed opening virtually all U.S. waters to offshore drilling, which makes it all the more urgent to assess whether it is prepared to regulate this industry effectively.

Donald Boesch

Separating Regulation and Promotion

During our commissions review of the BP spill, I visited the Gulf office of the Minerals Management Service in September 2010. This Interior Department agency was responsible for expeditious and orderly development of offshore resources, including protection of human safety and the environment.

The most prominent feature in the windowless conference room was a large chart that showed revenue growth from oil and gas leasing and production in the Gulf of Mexico. It was a point of pride for MMS officials that their agency was the nations second-largest generator of revenue, exceeded only by the Internal Revenue Service.

We ultimately concluded that an inherent conflict existed within MMS between pressures to increase production and maximize revenues on one hand, and the agencys safety and environmental protection functions on the other. In our report, we observed that MMS regulations were inadequate to address the risks of deepwater drilling, and that the agency had ceded control over many crucial aspects of drilling operations to industry.

In response, we recommended creating a new independent agency with enforcement authority within Interior to oversee all aspects of offshore drilling safety, and the structural and operational integrity of all offshore energy production facilities. Then-Secretary Ken Salazar completed the separation of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcementfrom MMS in October 2011.

Officials at this new agency reviewed multiple investigations and studies of the BP spill and offshore drilling safety issues, including several by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. They also consulted extensively with the industry to develop a revised a Safety and Environmental Management System and other regulations.

In April 2016, BSEE issued a new well control rule that required standards for design operation and testing of blowout preventers, real-time monitoring and safe drilling pressure margins. Prior to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the oil industry had effectively blocked adoption of such regulations for years.

About-face Under Trump

President Trumps March 28, 2017 executive order instructing agencies to reduce undue burdens on domestic energy production signaled a change of course. The American Petroleum Institute and other industry organizations have lobbied hard to rescind or modify the new offshore drilling regulations, calling them impractical and burdensome.

In April 2017, Trumps Interior Secretary, Ryan Zinke, appointed Louisiana politician Scott Angelle to lead BSEE. Unlike his predecessors  two retired Coast Guard admirals  Angelle lacks any experience in maritime safety. In July 2010 as interim Lieutenant Governor, Angelle organized a rally in Lafayette, Louisiana, against the Obama administrations moratorium on deepwater drilling operations after the BP spill, leading chants of Lift the ban!

Even now, Angelle asserts there was no evidence of systemic problems in offshore drilling regulation at the time of the spill. This view contradicts not only our commissions findings, but also reviews by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board and a joint investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Interior Department.

Fewer Inspections and Looser Oversight

On December 28, 2017, BSEE formally proposed changes in production safety systems. As evidenced by multiple references within these proposed rules, they generally rely on standards developed by the American Petroleum Institute rather than government requirements.

One change would eliminate BSEE certification of third-party inspectors for critical equipment, such as blowout preventers. The Chemical Safety Boards investigation of the BP spill found that the Deepwater Horizons blowout preventer had not been tested and was miswired. It recommended that BSEE should certify third-party inspectors for such critical equipment.

Another proposal would relax requirements for onshore remote monitoring of drilling. While serving on the presidential commission in 2010, I visited Shells operation in New Orleans that remotely monitored the companys offshore drilling activities. This site operated on a 24-7 basis, ever ready to provide assistance, but not all companies met this standard. BPs counterpart operation in Houston was used only for daily meetings prior to the Deepwater Horizon spill. Consequently, its drillers offshore urgently struggled to get assistance prior to the blowout via cellphones.

On December 7, 2017 BSEE ordered the National Academies to stop work on a study that the agency had commissioned on improving its inspection program. This was the most recent in a series of studies, and was to include recommendations on the appropriate role of independent third parties and remote monitoring.

Minor Savings, Major Risk

BSEE estimates that its proposals to change production safety rules could save the industry at least $228 million in compliance costs over 10 years. This is a modest sum considering that offshore oil production has averaged more than 500 million barrels yearly over the past decade. Even with oil prices around $60 per barrel, this means oil companies are earning more than $30 billion annually. Industry decisions about offshore production are driven by fluctuations in the price of crude oil and booming production of onshore shale oil, not by the costs of safety regulations.

BSEEs projected savings are also trivial compared to the $60 billion in costs that BP has incurred because of its role in the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Since then explosions, deaths, injuries and leaks in the oil industry have continued to occurmainly from production facilities. On-the-job fatalities are higher in oil and gas extraction than any other U.S. industry.

Some aspects of the Trump administrations proposed regulatory changes might achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency in safety procedures. But it is not at all clear that what Angelle describes as a paradigm shift will maintain a high bar for safety and environmental sustainability, as he claims. Instead, it looks more like a shift back to the old days of over-relying on industry practices and preferences.On Tuesday 9 January 2018, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will meet the President of the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Mr. Borut Pahor, at NATO Headquarters.

Media Advisory

13:45: Secretary General joint press point with the President  Main entrance

The press point will be streamed live on the NATO website in English, French and Russian.

Still and video images of the event will be available on the NATO website after the event.

Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg)(Natural News) Has Sharia law found its way into the United States, replacing American democracy? If you live in California and criticize Islam on Facebook, your words could be interpreted as harassment and you could be charged with serious misdemeanor crimes.

Thats what happened to one man from California who ranted on a pro-Islam Facebook page. In 2016, 41 year old Mark Feigin posted five messages criticizing Muslims on the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) Facebook page. He wrote things like, Islam is dangerous and called out their ties to terror.

Instead of deleting the post, blocking Feigin, and moving on, the Islamic Center of Southern California felt deeply offended, saved the Facebook rant, and used it as evidence that would ultimately be used to charge Feigin with misdemeanors.

ICSC Communications Coordinator Kristin Stangas contacted authorities and shared Feigins messages. The messages include:

THE MORE MUSLIMS WE ALLOW INTO AMERICA THE MORE TERROR WE WILL SEE.

PRACTICING ISLAM CAN SLOW OR EVEN REVERSE THE PROCESS OF HUMAN EVOLUTION.

Islam is dangerous  fact: the more muslim savages we allow into america  the more terror we will see -this is a fact which is undeniable.

The Los Angeles Police Department took the Facebook matter seriously, arrested Feigin, and charged him under Cal. Penal Code  653m(b), which states: every person who, with intent to annoy or harass, makes repeated telephone calls or makes repeated contact by means of an electronic communication device  to another person is  guilty of a misdemeanor. Nothing in this subdivision shall apply to telephone calls or electronic contacts made in good faith or during the ordinary course and scope of business.

Its easy to type how you really feel and send it over the internet. You think youre safe, letting out your anger, as you sit behind a screen anonymously. But it doesnt matter how free you think you are. Powerful groups can find ways to manipulate the interpretation of the law to use your words against you in court. Ultimately the California Attorney General says the Facebook posts violated the law by making, repeated contact by means of an electronic communication device with the intent to annoy or harass. The Facebook posts were from 2016 and the trial began on January 2, 2018.

Feigin never committed any real crime and never threatened anybody. He was charged because the organization felt offended and complained to authorities that they were being harassed. If hurt feelings caused by online text can be used to charge someone, then practically anyone could be charged for anything they post on Facebook. Its easy to dwell on typewritten words and feel deeply offended. This happens all the time on Facebook. This is why former Facebook employees admit that Facebook is ripping society apart.

But what happens when an offended religious group uses the power of the law to charge people with crimes? Everyday people freely express their opinions about President Trump, calling him dangerous and other more explicit terms. Are Islamic groups a protected class of citizens? Threats are constantly blurted out online toward the President of the United States, but authorities arent trekking through neighborhoods, hunting down these people and charging them with misdemeanor crimes.

The question now is: If any organization feels annoyed by online ranting, could they use the law to charge that person with harassment?

Some of the most radical beliefs of Islam seek to destroy American democracy and culture and replace it with oppressive Sharia law. Is this case in California an open door for Islamic groups to assert dominion over American democracy and speech? Will Islamic groups begin to use American laws as weapons to silence opposing views online? Are other religious groups protected in this manner? Muslims should stand up to their religions most oppressive ideas of conquest and control, or risk losing their credibility as a peaceful religion altogether.

Sources include:

DailyCaller.com

NaturalNews.com21 gas bottlers apply for NS certification

Twenty-one liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottlers have applied for Nepal Standard (NS) certification after the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology began tightening the screws on plants delaying fulfilling safety requirements.(Natural News) Cyber attacks on private schools significantly increased over the recent months, according to the chief executive of the Independent Schools Bursars Association. The authorities noted that hackers continue to breach vulnerable computer systems and access the personal information of parents whose data are stored on cloud-based apps. The hacked systems were then used to trick parents into paying for fake school fees, leeching them of thousands of pounds.

In one case, one parent was swindled by as much as $94,000 after being lured into a 10 percent early bird discount. Cybersecurity experts stated that schools were rendered vulnerable to cyber attacks after transitioning to Google for Education, a version of the cloud-based app suite Google Docs.

Ive had six cases recently from schools and three more from parents. Typically a schools admissions team is targeted with a phishing message, to which they fall victim. This could be purportedly from an organization such as an agent of the school. They use a [false]email of a person known to the school to send a shared documentwhich asks you to enter your username and password to view. Once they have that they can log into Google for Education as the school and access the administrators email, Neil Hare-Brown, a director at the digital investigations company Storm Guidance, said in a Brinkwire article.

The Metropolitan Police to the Independent Schools Council cautioned that the cyber attacks start with an email sent to the parents. The email indicates the latest payment details for school fees, the council said. According to the authorities, the email appears official and at times may be sent from the schools hacked email system. This, in turn, enables hackers to take hold of the new bank details and divert the school fees into their bank accounts. (Related: Security alert: Voice impersonators can trick voice recognition systems, according to research.)

All parents need to be cautious if you receive emails stating a change of payment detail or containing unexpected attachments. You should telephone the school on the usual number, not one contained within the email, and double check the validity of all information before making any payment, the council advised.

Heres how you can boost your online operations security

An article posted on the Daily Mail website listed five key tips for more secure online transactions. These pointers include:

Activating two-factor authentication  According to the article, most major online services support this practice.

This authentication process requires a login and password per usual, but also sends a unique numeric code to another device through various media including text message, email or a specialized app. Log in is refused if access to the other device was denied

This authentication process requires a login and password per usual, but also sends a unique numeric code to another device through various media including text message, email or a specialized app. Log in is refused if access to the other device was denied Encrypting the internet traffic  Subscribing to a virtual private network (VPN) service to encrypt digital communications may deter hackers as the practice makes it more challenging for them to intercept the encrypted data.

Increasing password strength  Long, strong and unique passwords are surefire repellent for hackers. Subscribing to a reputable password manager may help users identify strong passwords and have the data encrypted on their computers.

Keep tabs on the devices activity  According to the article, many computer programs and mobile apps continue running even when they are not in use. The entry added that most computers, phones, and tablets have a built-in activity monitor that enables users to keep track of devices memory use and network traffic in real time. This feature allows users to identify which apps are sending and receiving internet data, and close programs that shouldnt be running in the first place, the article concluded.

Avoiding suspicious hyperlinks, attachments  It is important to keep an eye out for suspicious hyperlinks or attachments in an email. The entry advised exercising caution in opening these attachments even when they appear to come from familiar sources, as users may never know if the sources email address had been compromised.

Sources include:Katie Bond has joined the firm Amin Talati Upadhye as a partner in the Washington, D.C. office.

Focused on the industries of food and beverages, nutritional supplements, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, Amin Talati Upadhye provides full legal services for the lifecycle of products aimed at improving the populations health and wellness.

We are thrilled by the initial success of our Washington, D.C. office led by Ivan Wasserman, said Ashish Talati, a founding partner, and we plan to build on that success by strategically adding industry-leading professionals with the right skills and experience to support our clients and the industries we serve. We can think of no one that fits that description better than Katie Bond. With years of experience gained at leading law firms, she has become the go-to attorney for many of worlds most innovative food, nutritional supplement, drug, and cosmetic companies.

Recognized by Super Lawyers as a Washington, D.C. Rising Star and recommended in the US Legal 500 for her work in the Marketing & Advertising area, Katie not only regularly advises companies of all sizes on developing effective and compliant marketing campaigns, she also has considerable experience responding to FTC and state attorney general investigations, defending consumer class actions, and initiating and responding to self-regulatory challenges before the National Advertising Division (NAD) and the Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP).

Amin Talatis broad client base in the food and drug space, and its sophisticated regulatory and intellectual property practices, make it an ideal platform for me and my clients, said Ms. Bond. I am honored to be joining this group of diverse and dedicated professionals, and in particular to helping Ivan continue to develop the office into a leader in Washington, D.C.s legal community."

For more information, visit our website at AminTalati.com.The Philippines Coast-Guards selected OCEA for the supply of 5 boats at civil standards, with the associated logistic support services: 4 fast-patrol boats of 24 m Type OCEA FPB 72 MKII, 1 offshore patrol vessel of 84 m type OCEA OPV 270, cCrew and maintenance teams training, the maintenance of the vessels in operational conditions.

The Philippines Coast-Guards selected OCEA for the supply of 5 boats at civil standards, with the associated logistic support services: 4 fast-patrol boats of 24 m Type OCEA FPB 72 MKII, 1 offshore patrol vessel of 84 m type OCEA OPV 270, cCrew and maintenance teams training, the maintenance of the vessels in operational conditions.

OCEA FPB 72 MKII

This choice is the result of an international competition that highlighted the solutions developed by OCEA; that allow very strong reduction of the operational costs and of the CO2 emissions.

OCEA fast patrol boat FPB 72MKII (24 m) is a well-known model within the shipyard, who already delivered such units to Nigeria in 2012, to Suriname in 2013, and again to Nigeria in 2017.

OCEA OPV 270 MKII

OCEA OPV 270 offshore patrol vessel (84 m) is the outcome of 30 years of experience and permanent innovation in the field of aluminum design and shipbuilding. OCEA confirms its presence in the offshore patrol vessels (OPV) segment, initiated during the 2014 EURONAVAL exhibition by the presentation of its OPV range. OCEA has already delivered 60 m units to the Indonesian Navy in 2015 and to the Senegalese Navy in 2016.

These units will be built in the new facilities of OCEA shipyard in Les Sables dOlonne.

The transition to this new size of vessels represents a great performance for OCEA, who substantially invested in its production facilities and design capabilities in 2015.

The customer selected OCEA for the performances and operational capabilities of the vessels, fully adapted to Philippines coastguard requirements, thanks to its design department and its expertise in building aluminum vessels with demanding operational profiles.

Beyond these technical considerations, the advantages of OCEA solution were its competitive acquisition price as well as the operational cost of the vessel designed by OCEA, significantly lower than a steel vessel.

A less common selection criterion, but taking a significant turn: the Philippines, who signed the Paris Agreements, were seduced by the reduced environmental impact of OCEA solution.

The OCEA OPV 270, over 20 years of operation, will allow for a CO2 emission reduction of 20 400 tons, equivalent to approximately 40% reduction by comparison to a similar size steel vessel, for equal performance.

After the delivery of two 60 m oceanographic vessels to the Indonesian Navy, this new contract with the Philippines government sets firmly OCEA sales activities in Asia.

OCEA points out that this achievement was made possible thanks to the support of the French State, in particular BPI France, the committed French Administration (especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance), and also thanks to the strong involvement of BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole-LCL banks.

The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2018 for the 4 FPB 72 and in 2019 for the OPV 270.Border Patrol is closing the door on a program that allows loved ones living on opposite sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to reunite for three minutes by opening the barrier that separates them.

The head of Border Angels, an immigration advocacy group that works with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to put on the annual event, announced the decision earlier this week.

"Opening the Door of Hope" has been held for the last six years at Friendship Park, an area between two border fences at Border Field State Park near south San Diego. During the event, Border Patrol opens a gate that seperates pre-selected loved ones living in separate countries and allows them to embrace, kiss and speak face-to-face. Last year 12 families were selected.

Director of Border Angels Enrique Morones said he met with Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott earlier this week to discuss several events the agency and the group coordinate on, including Opening the Door of Hope.

Morones said that Scott will not allow Opening the Door of Hope this year, but the organizations have coordinated on several other events planned for 2018.

The cross-border event came under scrutiny last month after it was discovered that one of men selected to participate in the cross border event  a U.S. citizen who used his three minutes to wed his international girfriend  had been charged with drug smuggling.

Brian Houston married Evelia Reyes, a Mexican national, in November.

At the time, Houston declined to explain why he was unable to go to Tijuana, but said the couple's attorney was trying to obtain a green card for Reyes to join him in the U.S.

A month after the wedding, a federal complaint shows Houston was unable to cross into Mexico because he surrendered his passport in March when he was released on bail after he was caught smuggling more than 120-pounds of heroin, meth and cocaine across the border. He pleaded guilty to three felony charges of importing a controlled substance.

The incident angered Border Patrol, but it is not clear if it had any influence on the cancellation of Opening the Doors of Hope.

CBP still allows families to see each other through a fortified fence at Friendship Park while remaining firmly in their countries. Morones said that events at Friendship Park like Immigration First Sundays, a day for immigrants to meet with a lawyer for consultations on various issues, and a Valentine's Celebration with music and flowers, will continue.Southern California residents looking to go to Disneyland can once again do so at a discounted price.

The theme park on Monday once again began selling two-day and three-day tickets for Southern California residents, allowing them to save some dough when visiting Disneyland, Disney California Adventure or both.

From Monday through May 24, SoCal residents will be able to purchase multi-day tickets at the following discounted rates:

Two-Day Tickets

One park per day: $159

Park hopper ticket: $204

Three-Day Tickets

One park per day ticket: $199

Park hopper ticket: $244

Keep in mind that if you buy these tickets, you will have to show proof of residency, like a California ID, to get in. So go forth, purchase your tickets and have fun, you thrifty SoCal Mouseketeers.The flu has hit California so hard this season, pharmacies have run out of medicine to treat it, emergency rooms are packed and the death toll is rising.

State health officials say that 27 people younger than 65 have died of the flu in California since October. That's compared to three the same time last year, The Los Angeles Times reports.

Health officials say there's no region of the state where people were being spared from the flu.

At UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, the emergency room saw more than 200 patients on at least one day, mostly because of the flu.

"The Northridge earthquake was the last time we saw over 200 patients," Ghurabi said, citing the 1994 disaster that killed dozens and injured thousands.

In San Bernardino and Riverside Counties east of Los Angeles, emergency rooms are so crowded that ambulances aren't immediately able to unload their patients, preventing them to respond to incoming 911 calls, said Jose Arballo Jr., spokesman for the Riverside County Department of Public Health.

And some hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area are limiting visitors under the age of 16 as a precaution, since young people can be more vulnerable to effects of the flu.

Medical experts say this year's flu season may be outpacing last year's because it's peaking earlier. The flu season is typically worst around February.

Though the flu killed three Californians by this time last year, 68 people had died from it by the end of February, according to state data.

Still, many doctors say the recent surge in flu cases have been unusually severe.

National health officials predict the flu vaccine may only be about 32 percent effective this year. But most people in California and the rest of the country are catching a particularly dangerous strain of influenza that the vaccine typically doesn't work well against.

"It tends to cause more deaths and more hospitalizations than the other strains," said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, Los Angeles County's interim health officer.

Meanwhile the preferred drug to treat the flu, known as Tamiflu, has been hard to find at many California pharmacies.

CVS spokeswoman Amy Lanctot said increased demand for Tamiflu in California may have led to some stores being temporarily out of stock. Other pharmacies reported that they were running low on the medicine or were out completely.

There isn't a national shortage of Tamiflu, suggesting that pharmacists' shelves were emptied this week by a sudden surge in demand, said Bob Purcell, spokesman for the San Francisco-based pharmaceutical company Genentech, which makes the drug.

Caroline Bringenberg was prescribed Tamiflu on Wednesday but the 25-year-old Los Angeles resident said her local CVS had run out of it, and her pharmacist told her all of the drugstores' supplies in the area had been depleted.

Bringenberg tried a nearby independent pharmacy but it also had run out.

"I've just sort of given up," Bringenberg said through sniffles. "I think honestly it would make me feel worse to be in the car driving all over town, so I've just opted for ibuprofen and DayQuil."

While Tamiflu doesn't eliminate influenza, it can lessen the severity of symptoms and how long they last. It works best when taken within two days of when patients start to feel sick.

For those who haven't gotten the flu, health officials recommend getting the vaccine, washing their hands often and avoiding close contact with anyone coughing or sneezing.An actor who appeared in the popular Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" has been arrested for burglarizing North Bay residences where he previously worked as an elderly caregiver, according to police.

Bryan Box, 23, was taken into custody without incident on Dec. 29 at his residence in Vallejo, police said. He was booked into the Marin County Jail for burglary, theft by a caretaker of an elder and possession of stolen property.

Multiple North Bay police jurisdictions in October launched an investigation into burglaries that occurred at residences in Mill Valley, Tiburon and Greenbrae, according to police. It was later discovered that Box previously worked at those residences where he took care of the elderly.

A search warrant was executed on Nov. 7 at Box's Vallejo residence, and officials found property stolen during the burglaries, according to police. Box was arrested in December after an arrest warrant was served at his home.

Box's bail has been set at $250,000, according to police.The fight over the body and possessions of apocalyptic cult leader Charles Manson has fragmented into at least three camps competing over an estate that could cash in on songs he wrote that were used by The Beach Boys and Guns N' Roses.

Manson, 83, died in November nearly a half-century after he orchestrated the 1969 killings of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and eight other people.

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Monday said more information is needed to sort out at least two conflicting wills and claims by a purported son, grandson and pen pal who all seek control of an estate that includes commercial rights to his name, image and mementos that can fetch thousands of dollars from "murderabilia" collectors. Judge David Cowan scheduled a hearing on both issues for later this month.

"We think Manson's worth more than anyone realizes," said Mike Smith, a music agent for a man who claims Manson fathered him during an orgy. "There's a lot of money there."

The Jan. 26 hearing will seek to name an attorney to administer Manson's estate on behalf of purported grandson Jason Freeman, who claims to be the rightful next of kin. Court documents show Freeman is the son of the late Charles Manson Jr. and the grandson of Charles Manson and his first wife, Rosalie Willis.

That lineage is disputed by Matt Lentz, a Los Angeles-area musician who goes by the name Matthew Roberts. Lentz was adopted by an Illinois couple as a newborn.

Lentz plans to file a will Monday that Manson purportedly signed in January 2017 and gave to friend and memorabilia collector Ben Gurecki. It names Gurecki as executor and Lentz as beneficiary.

If valid, it could supersede a 2002 will filed in Kern County by longtime Manson pen pal Michael Channels that disinherits Manson's natural born children and names him as executor and heir. After this morning's hearing, Channels said he has a copy of Manson's will and that the cult leader left no property of any significant value. Channels said he has no financial motives in getting involved in the probate case and that he is not looking for attention. He said he only wants to see Manson buried in a place where spectators won't vandalize the gravesite.

"It's not about money," Channels said. "What I'm trying to do is put the man to rest."

Channels, who is representing himself, said he has tried to hire an attorney to help him in the probate proceedings, but no one has accepted the job.

"Half of them hang up on me," Channels said.

Attorney Alan Davis, who represents the Freeman bid, said he expected no final decision Monday in part because Judge Clifford Klein would first have to consolidate competing claims.

Lentz wants a DNA test of Manson's remains, which are still being held by the Kern County sheriff-coroner, to prove he is kin and Freeman is not.

JoAnne Lentz is among those who think her adopted son looks like Manson and has other similarities.

"Matthew's got long dark hair and he's a musician," she said. "Have you seen a picture of my Matthew? They look alike, but as far as any DNA (test), I don't know."

Matthew Lentz himself questions whether the will he possesses is valid.

"It looks pretty generic, like they got it off the internet or something," he said. "It didn't have the three witnesses that California requires, it only had one."

Manson also had a reputed son with Mary Brunner, an early member of his cult. Michael Brunner had no connection with Manson growing up and has severed ties and made no apparent claim to the estate. He did not return messages seeking comment.

The will filed by Channels purportedly disinherits both Brunner and Charles Manson Jr., who killed himself in 1993 after siring Jason Freeman.

Smith said he fears that Freeman only seeks to profit from his position and could put Manson's remains on display.

Celebrity probate attorney Adam Streisand, who is not involved in the case, said any royalties might instead go to relatives of Manson's victims, though their claims may have lapsed over the years.

Royalties from Guns N' Roses 1993 recording of a Manson song, "Look at Your Game, Girl," went to the son of one of his victims under a court order, Streisand said. Manson was also an acquaintance of Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson in 1968, and the band recorded a variation of a Manson song under the title "Never Learn Not To Love."

Whomever controls the estate would be able the use Manson's image and have the power to authorize biographies or documentaries.

Freeman refused to say what he would do if he wins the court fight, other than to have the body cremated. He's saving further details for a documentary he's been filming since last year.

His bid is backed by Manson associate John Michael Jones, who said Manson refused to leave a will. Jones dismissed other claims to Manson's body or possessions as frauds.

"They're just looking for 15 minutes of fame," he said.

Freeman said he's waiting for a judge to sort it all out.

"I'm a former professional fighter," Freeman said. "I look at this like we're going into the 7th round of a 12-round fight. We're looking for the knockout punch."A California Highway Patrol helicopter was struck several times by a green laser Sunday evening in Richmond, according to the CHP Oakland division.

At about 6:20 p.m., the helicopter was on patrol over the city of Richmond when the laser strikes occurred. Lasers are dangerous and harmful, and the person responsible could face federal and state charges, the CHP said.

The Federal Aviation Administration also could impose a fine of up to $11,000 per strike, the CHP said.

The laser strikes Sunday rerpresent the second such incident directed at CHP helicopters in the East Bay in less than a month.

The incident is under investigation.NOTE: Watch the forum live here.

NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago have partnered with the Union League Club of Chicago and the Chicago Urban League to host the first televised 2018 Illinois Democratic Gubernatorial Forum.



The hour-long forum, broadcast from NBC Tower, begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and will be moderated by NBC 5 Political Editor Carol Marin.



NBC 5 reporter Mary Ann Ahern and Telemundo Chicago reporter Karla Leal will take questions from the audience in the roundtable-conversation format.

"We are pleased to host the Illinois Democratic Candidates for Governor in this forum," said Frank Whittaker, NBC 5 station manager and vice president of news. "Our commitment to political coverage is unmatched in Chicago. We look forward to giving voters a look at where each candidate stands on important issues facing our state.

"Our main priority is to keep our Spanish-speaking viewers informed about news that affects their lives, said Diana Maldonado, Telemundo Chicago vice president of news. "The broadcast of this gubernatorial forum is certainly part of our commitment to the community we serve."

The forum can be seen live on NBC 5, on NBCChicago.com and the NBC Chicago app. It will be subtitled live in Spanish on Telemundo Chicago, TelemundoChicago.com and on the Telemundo Chicago app.



In 2015, NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago hosted the award-winning Chicago Mayoral Debate, and in 2014 both stations hosted The Republican Illinois Governor Candidate Forum.3 die, 2 hurt in fires while keeping warm

Three people lost their lives and two others sustained injuries after being burnt while sitting around fire in Bardiya, Surkhet and Dhanusha districts in the past few days.A doctor in Torrington hit some turbulence with American Airlines when one of his employees quit unexpectedly before an overseas charity mission.

For 17 years, the optometrist, Dr. Matthew Blondin and his wife, Audrey, have headed up a charity eye care mission to Nicaragua as part of the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH, CT).

"This is an opportunity for doctors to really go in and make a difference on people's lives," Blondin said.

But this year's trip hit a snag when Blondin bought an American Airlines ticket costing $1272.39 for a staff member who unexpectedly quit.

Blondin said he tried to get a refund but it was "impossible."

He said when the contacted American Airlines for a refund or transfer, they said, "Sorry, we dont credit money. We dont issue another ticket. Its only good for that particular person."

"It would be one thing if we were maybe on vacation, but this is part of a charity mission," Bronin said.

Frustrated with American Airlines, Blondin reached out to NBC Connecticut Responds.

A representative from the airline told NBC Connecticut that Blondins reservation was canceled and said they would also authorize a refund to his credit card, but it could take up to five days.

According to American Airlines, a non-refundable fare for a ticket can be changed, but the customer would have to pay the change fee. Regardless, American does not allow a name change from passenger to passenger.

In Blondins case, the airlines said they refunded the ticket amount as a gesture of goodwill.California billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer announced Monday he will spend $30 million to get young voters to the polls to help Democrats in this year's midterm elections.

Steyer is a former hedge fund manager who has invested some of his wealth in an array of political causes, most notably fighting climate change. Forbes estimates his wealth at $1.6 billion.

Steyer has advocated for President Donald Trump's impeachment. He said he knows that the effort is making "some of our friends and allies in this city uncomfortable." But Steyer said that effort will continue.

He said his organization will deliver the book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" to all members of Congress this week. The book portrays the 45th president as a leader who doesn't understand the weight of his office and whose competence is questioned by aides.

By my count, Donald Trump has committed at least eight impeachable offenses, Steyer said Monday. He said more than 4 million people have signed the online petition.

When asked if he would support Oprah, Steyer said his focus is on the midterms.

Steyer said he will also focus his financial clout on helping Democrats running for the House and Senate. He said Republicans won't cross a president who controls their base regardless of what he says or does.

"We now know that this partisan fight has becomes a fierce battle for the soul of America," Steyer said. "And we, the people, have to win this battle, and we don't just have to win, we have to run the table."

Steyer considered running for office, but says that's not where he can make the biggest difference. He is the founder of NextGen America, a liberal advocacy group. He is the main source of cash for a super PAC called the NextGen Climate Action Committee, which spent more than $90 million in the last election cycle.

Steyer said NextGen America helped register more than 20,000 voters in last year's Virginia elections. He credited the effort for helping Ralph Northam win election as governor, and he said the effort will expand to 10 states this year, including California, Arizona, Michigan and Nevada. The organization is looking to register more than 250,000 voters this year.

Steyer has also spent $20 million on a campaign to impeach Trump. He was coy about how much more he would spend on that front. He said it would depend upon political events, but was confident of a greater investment.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California has called impeachment efforts a distraction and warned they could backfire against Democrats.

Michael Ahrens, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, said, "Tom Steyer can light as much of his money on fire as he wants, but doesn't change that Democrats like Nancy Pelosi view him as a distraction. If Democrats' message for 2018 is a baseless impeachment threat that the majority of voters disagree with, they're going to lose."A man is dead and a woman seriously injured after they stopped to help a driver whose vehicle was disabled in a hit-and-run crash Sunday night in Dallas, police said.

The two good Samaritans, a man identified as 38-year-old Michael Donnelly and 26-year-old Lyndsee Longoria, stopped their vehicles along southbound U.S. Highway 67 at Interstate 35E at about 11 p.m. to help the driver of a Ford Explorer move his vehicle off the road.



As the pair were helping move the Explorer, they were struck by a 19-year-old driving a Honda sedan who swerved to avoid hitting the unlit SUV.

Both victims were transported to the hospital, where Donnelly was pronounced dead. Longoria, officials said, was in stable condition.



Rich Donnelly, Michael's father, told NBC 5 Monday that while his son's death is tragic he was proud to learn that his son died a hero trying to help someone in distress.

Rich added that Michael joins three of his seven siblings who lived their lives as heroes.

One of Michael's sisters inspired many others when she fought a fatal brain tumor during her senior year at Arlington High School. More recently, two of his other sisters were at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas when a gunman opened fire on the crowd from the Mandalay Bay hotel, injuring more than 500. Michael's sisters, according to their father, laid on top of two victims, protecting them with their own bodies, until help arrived.

"Wow. I'm so humbled. We have eight kids. I'm so humbled by what my four kids have done. They make me so proud. They make me so humble. It's unbelievable to think they did all this for someone else," said Rich Donnelly.

The driver of the Honda sedan who stopped at the crash is not expected to face any charges. Investigators said they have little to go on in the initial hit-and-run that led to the fatal crash and that no description of that driver or vehicle is available.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story identified Lyndsee Longoria as the girlfriend of Michael Donnelly. Longoria confirmed Tuesday morning that she was not Donnelly's girlfiend and did not know him, though she credits Donnelly with saving her life.



NBC 5's Allie Spillyards and Eline de Bruijn contributed to this report.

Update: Methodist Dallas Medical Center says they are no longer at "critical capacity" and has resumed receiving all patients in need of treatment. Below is the original article.



Methodist Dallas Medical Center says they at "critical capacity" and that all non-emergency patients are being re-routed to urgent care facilities or other hospitals so that they can continue to handle emergencies.



The increase in patient load is largely due to an influx of patients with the flu, the hospital said. Methodist Dallas Medical Center said they are still accepting trauma patients and that anyone who arrives at the hospital needing emergency treatment will receive treatment.

Methodist Dallas Medical Center released the following statement:

Consistent with federal and state laws, Methodist Dallas Medical Center is currently re-routing non-emergency patients due to high volumes of patients with flu-like symptoms. This measure is so we can still take care of emergency patients such as trauma, stroke, and those transferred by ambulance. We take this very seriously because we want to be able to treat anyone in need anytime.

During the period while Methodist Dallas is re-routing patients, we encourage anyone having non-emergent symptoms to seek care at an urgent care facility or through their primary care physician.

NBC 5 called several North Texas urgent care clinics Monday morning where wait times ranged from 30 minutes to four hours. People are urged to call ahead or schedule an appointment before going to their clinic of choice.



Eleven people in Dallas County have already died from the flu this season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said flu season nationwide is far worse than what they saw last year at this time.

Left: Reported Flu Activity for the Week of Dec. 31, 2016 (Week 52); Right: Reported Flu Activity for the Week of Dec. 30, 2017 (Week 52)

Data: CDC

Last year, 12 states had widespread cases, but this year there are 46.



More than 400 people have died from the flu around the country.

While the flu shot isn't always effective, doctors said if you catch the flu and have had the shot the symptoms may be less severe.

Influenza Surveillance Report (Week Ending Jan. 27, 2018)

Click on each state for more information.

Data: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Nina Lin/NBC

Methodist Dallas Medical Center announced Sunday night that all non-emergency patients were currently being diverted to other hospitals due to an influx of patients with the flu.Dallas police are investigating a shooting early Sunday morning that left a man dead.

Police responded at about 4 a.m. Sunday to a shooting in the 4300 block of Malcolm X Blvd. When they arrived, a man who had been shot multiple times was being transported to the hospital. The victim later died from his injuries.

Investigators believe the shooting was the result of a fight with another man. The suspect has not been identified.Oprah Winfrey's acceptance speech for a lifetime achievement award at the 75th Annual Golden Globes on Sunday resulted in a rallying cry for her to run for president.

But NBC sparked a backlash after a message posted on the network's Twitter account referred to Winfrey as "OUR president." The network deleted the tweet Monday morning, saying the message was posted by a "third party," had been in reference to a joke from host Seth Meyers' monologue and was "not meant to be a political statement."

Winfrey's Cecil B. DeMille Award acceptance speech was a full-throated tribute to the women and men who support the #MeToo Movement.

"It will be because of a lot of magnificent women... and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when no body ever has to say 'me too' again," Winfrey said.

She expressed homage to Recy Taylor, a black woman from Alabama who was kidnapped and raped by six white men in the 1940s. Taylor never saw justice and died just 10 days ago. Rosa Parks served as her appointed caseworker.

Winfrey said in honor of all women and men who've experienced abuse that "speaking your truth is the most powerful tool you all have."

Reese Witherspoon, Winfrey's co-star in "A Wrinkle In Time," introduced Winfrey and said her hugs could end all wars.

Calls for Winfrey to run for president echoed on social media. And Winfrey's partner, Stedman Graham, told The Los Angeles Times that a potential presidential run would be "up to the people."

"She would absolutely do it," he was quoted as saying.

Oprah Winfrey is giving her State of the Union address at the Golden Globes. #GoldenGlobes #Oprah  Serema W. (@SeremaW) January 8, 2018

Well before Winfrey's speech, NBC had tweeted this during Sunday's broadcast: "Nothing but respect for OUR future president. #GoldenGlobes"

https://twitter.com/nbc/status/950172700625915904

The tweet on the network's account came in the wake of jokes by Meyers about the possibility of Winfrey running for office.

"Oprah Winfrey is receiving the Cecil. B. DeMille award tonight. What a tremendous honor for Cecil B. DeMille," he said. "And Oprah, while I have you, in 2011, I told some jokes about our current president at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Jokes about how he was unqualified to be president. And some have said that night convinced him to run. So if thats true, I just want to say: Oprah, you will never be president. You do not have what it takes.

Pointing at actor Tom Hanks, Meyers said, "you will never be vice president. You are too mean and unrelatable."

NBC's tweet drew criticism from some prominent conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr., who called it another example of media bias against his father, President Donald Trump.

In case anyone had any doubts about where the media stands this should take care of it. The bias against @realDonaldTrump is now so obvious they have simply given up hiding it.



Can you trust anything they say at this point?



Americans see the truth in job #s & in their wallets! https://t.co/uu4KbW82UO  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 8, 2018

In deleting the tweet on Monday, NBC said in a pair of messages that it was "not meant to be a political statement."The Trump Administration has presented its most detailed request for the president's border wall proposal  asking Congress for nearly $18 billion for a wall expansion over 10 years.

The funds would be used to create a total of 970 miles of barrier between the United States and Mexico by September 2027, according to a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the matter.

Another $15 billion has been requested for technology, personnel and roads. It amounts to an additional $33 billion in spending for security along the southern U.S. border.

One local U.S. Customs and Border Patrol union leader backs the plan.

From the perspective of a border patrol agent, a wall and other physical barriers are very helpful for us doing our jobs, said Joshua Wilson, Vice President of the National Border Patrol Council Local 1613.

Most of the people that will tell you a border wall doesnt work, have zero border security experience, Wilson added.

The new funding proposal would add 5,000 new border patrol agents and 3,500 border inspectors and other personnel, the U.S. official said.

Immigrant rights advocates argue there is already an excessive security presence in San Diego.

Its just an outlandish amount of money that is being spent on policies to enforce the border, which have failed, said Pedro Rios, Director of American Friends Services Committee in San Diego.

The President and the Administration need to hear what the border communities have to say about this, Rios added.

The financial plan for a border wall comes as lawmakers debate protections for undocumented young people known as Dreamers. Any attempt at a compromise on immigration reform in the coming year will likely come with a requirement that more money be spent on border security.California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has asked to meet with the four U.S. Attorneys who prosecute federal law in the state to gauge whether or not they plan on enforcing federal marijuana laws.

"I've reached out to all four to sit down with them... because we'd like to know how each of the four will intend to move forward with this new policy from US DOJ."

Becerra was referring to a memo released last week from US Attorney General Jeff Sessions indicating his office would "enforce the law" when it comes to marijuana. Sessions rescinded an Obama-era policy of not enforcing federal marijuana laws in states where voters had made it legal to consume, either for medical or recreational use.

California's chief law enforcement officer says the state would take legal action if needed to protect the will of the voters following passage of a 2016 ballot measure legalizing marijuana.

"I would encourage everyone in the state of California including the 400 people who have now gotten a license and registered to partake in our new industry to do it the right way... We are moving forward."

Becerra made the comments on NBC4 Sunday morning.

The state has filed several dozen lawsuits against the Trump administration over various regulatory disputes, marijuana being just one that reignited last week.

Becerra said that opening up of federal land offshore for oil drilling is a "non-starter" and was dismissive of a condemnation over California's new "sanctuary state" law by the acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

ICE Director Thomas Homan said the state was going to see "a lot more" customs and border patrol officers. "If the politicians don't want to protect their communities then ICE will," he told Fox News.

"We can't stop the federal government from doing what the constitution gives them the right to do," Becerra said on the program. "We believe it is better to unite families rather than separate them."What to Know Jan. 8 and 9, 2018

Participating California Pizza Kitchens around California

Dine in or take out, mention the fundraiser to your server, and 20% will go to the foundation

Giving heartfelt support to an organization that works to "...support those on the front lines and aid communities throughout California before, during, and after the alarm" is as straightforward and simple to do as visiting the California Fire Foundation site and making a donation.

There are also appreciation nights at Dodger Stadium, too, and other regional events that help the foundation in its mission to give "...emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect."

And an event that's incredibly timely and helpful to many Golden State communities, communities that weathered the devastating fires in the fall and early winter of 2017, is happening as the second week of January begins. It's a California Fire Foundation fundraiser at participating California Pizza Kitchens throughout California, and it is happening all day long on both Monday, Jan. 8 and Tuesday, Jan. 9.

How to join in? Go to your local CPK (if they're participating; a quick call will confirm), order your favorite pizza or salad or any other menu item, and then tell your server that you'd like to play a part in the fundraiser.

What happens then? Twenty percent of your bill will go to supporting the foundation.

This is good for take out, too, and delivery, if you have your food delivered through CPK (and not a third party, do note). Just be sure to mention the foundation fundraiser when you order.

Beverages are included, too, in the ultimate donation amount on your bill. Just keep in mind that CPK airport locations aren't on the participant list, nor are those eateries located at universities.

How to help and show your dedication to this great organization ASAP? You can give at the California Fire Foundation site right now, or find other meaningful ways to get involved with an organization that bravely serves us all.Holiday Ice Rinks to Bow Out: Have you taken a turn or twenty around the cold, flat surface at Pershing Square or ICE at Santa Monica? They're both in their final days for the 2017-2018 pop-up, under-the-stars skating season. Others have already closed, from LA Live to Irvine Spectrum, so get to 5th and Arizona in Santa Monica or the downtown hub, tie on those blades, and give the wintry pursuit some love. They're keeping weekday hours, too, so visit on a Tuesday, or a Thursday, if you like, but do go before Jan. 15 (the last day for both).

California Pizza Kitchen Fundraiser: Dine at a CPK on Monday, Jan. 8 or Tuesday, Jan. 9 and mention to your server that you'd like 20% of your check to go to helping the California Fire Foundation. This is good for take-out, too, and it is happening around the state, at participating locations. Thinking of doing dinner out on one of those days? There's a way to get your big salad or comfort-food-y apps and lend some love to our neighbors around California, too.

Canter's Deli 70th Anniversary: A certain Fairfax institution is marking seven amazing decades of piled-high sandwiches and perfectly pleasing pies and some of the best black and white cookies around. How? By offering a pastrami or veggie reuben for 70 cents (yes, as in seven dimes) on Tuesday, Jan. 9. There's a limit of one per customer, and you'll want to dine-in for this one. Will it be a popular, bustling day at this avenue icon? Is a pastrami sandwich filling?

Disney's 'Aladdin' Opens: Is "A Whole New World" your favorite song ever from an animated feature? You wouldn't be alone, for that tune remains high in the pantheon of great Disney ditties. Now imagine seeing it performed live on stage, at the Pantages in Hollywood, along with all of the other songs and great moments from the tale. It's a production that's been getting buzz all over, and now it flies, like a carpet, into Tinseltown beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

An Evening with... Rian Johnson: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art welcomes the director of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" for a roving chat at the museum's Bing Theatre on Thursday evening, Jan. 11. "American Graffiti" will screen, a movie that "... had a formative impact" on Mr. Johnson, so count on the discussion to spotlight the work of George Lucas before he made "Star Wars." Tickets are $25 each for the general public; details here.Demonstrations, strikes go on

Demonstrations and strikes continued in the districts of Parsa, Dhankuta and Doti, where locals are up in arms demanding that their areas should be declared the capitals of their respective provinces.Rain spread across Southern California Monday as the region's first major storm of winter prompted evacuations.

Storm Photos: Send Us Your Weather Images

Morning showers made for a wet drive and the first rainfall in months for a region locked in a dry spell and still recovering from December wildfires, including the largest on record in California. Evacuations have been ordered for communities below hillsides charred by the Thomas fire due to the increased risk of mudslides and flooding. The fire, which is 92 percent contained, has scorched nearly 282,000 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Residents of Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria who were evacuated because of flames in December were ordered to leave again because rains could wash dirt and debris down into neighborhoods.

By early afternoon, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced mandatory evacuations for the Kagel Canyon, Lopez Canyon and Little Tujunga Canyon areas due to their susceptibility to mudslides because of the recent wildfires.

Showers were scattered throughout the areas early Monday. Wet conditions are possible through Tuesday night.

"We're seeing those pre-frontal showers," said NBC4 forecaster Shanna Mendiola. "Rain is expected to really pick up as we go into tonight."

The wet and windy system moving ashore Monday will bring 2 to 4 inches to coast and valley areas. Up to 6 inches of are possible in Los Angeles County hillside areas.

Snow could make for treacherous driving conditions in mountain areas early Tuesday. Expect 12 to 18 inches at the 8,000-foot level, 3 to 6 inches at 6,000 feet. Blizzard conditions are possible on the 5 Freeway Grapevine stretch north of Los Angeles.

The storms come after a 10-month dry spell in Southern California following torrential rains in January and February of last year. In 2017, downtown Los Angeles experienced its driest March 1 through Dec. 31 since 1878, with only .69 of an inch of rainfall.

In Northern California, a flash flood watch has been issued and rainfall the next two days could trigger mudslides in areas devastated by wildfires in October. A storm moved in to the San Francisco Bay Area early Monday, snarling traffic during the morning commute and causing several accidents. No major injuries have been reported.

The flash flood watch is in effect from noon Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday and officials in Santa Rosa, one of the areas hardest hit by last year's wildfires, said crews are standing by in case they are needed.

A winter weather advisory was issued for portions of the Sierra Nevada Mountains because higher than usual snow levels are expected Tuesday. Travelers should be wary of slippery roads, gusty winds and low visibility.A 17-year-old is dead following a shooting in Homestead.

According to Miami-Dade Police, they responded to a call about a shooting shortly after 5 p.m.

The victim, Jatavious Williams, 17, was at a park located at 600 Southwest 14th Avenue, when three unknown men approached him and shot and killed him.

Williams was pronounced dead on the scene.

An officer sustained minor unrelated injuries during the incident.

Superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools Alberto Carvalho took to social media to express his disdain for the ongoing gun violence occurring in South Florida.

Winter Break began with the murder of a teen and is now ending with the same kind of tragedy - just one day after another teen was shot to death in his neighborhood. This is beyond unacceptable, it threatens the very decency that holds our community together. #Enough  Alberto M. Carvalho (@MiamiSup) January 8, 2018

Police are still investigating this crime.The Trump administration said Monday it is ending special protections for Salvadoran immigrants, an action that could force nearly 200,000 to leave the U.S. by September 2019 or face deportation.

El Salvador is the fourth country whose citizens have lost Temporary Protected Status under President Donald Trump. They have by far been the largest beneficiaries of the program, which provides humanitarian relief for foreigners whose countries are hit with natural disasters or other strife.

Salvadorans will have until Sept. 9, 2019, to leave the United States or, if eligible, file the necessary paperwork to remain in the U.S. legally, a senior administration official told reporters on a call previewing the announcement. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen faced a Monday deadline whether to grant an extension.

Nielsen, who is tasked with making the decision, told The Associated Press last week that short-term extensions are not the answer.

"Getting them to a permanent solution is a much better plan than having them live six months, to 12 months to 18 months," she said in an interview, referring to the uncertainty of short-term extensions.

A decision to force the Salvadorans back to their native country would send shivers through parts of Washington, Los Angeles, New York, Houston and other metropolitan areas that are home to large numbers of Salvadorans, who have enjoyed special protection since earthquakes struck the Central American country in 2001. Many have established deep roots in the U.S., starting families and businesses over decades.

Furthermore, TPS does not provide beneficiaries with a path to lawful permanent residence or citizenship. However, a U.S. citizen can petition for a family member who is a TPS recipient to become a lawful permanent resident. According to the USCIS, a husband or wife can petition for their spouse, parents can petition for their children and children over the age of 21 may petition for parents or siblings. TPS recipients may also be eligible to apply for a Green Card as an immigrant worker sponsored by an employer or as a Special Immigrant, such as a member of a religious denomination coming to the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization, among other paths.

Ending the protections would also represent a serious challenge for El Salvador, a country of 6.2 million people whose economy depends on remittances from wage-earners in the U.S.

Over the last decade, growing numbers of Salvadorans - many coming as families or unaccompanied children - have entered the United States illegally through Mexico, fleeing violence and poverty.

In September 2016, the Obama administration extended protections for 18 months, saying El Salvador suffered lingering harm from the 2001 earthquakes that killed more than 1,000 people and would be unable to absorb such a large wave of people returning.

Immigration advocates have argued that the conditions in El Salvador are still too violent and impoverished for those on temporary protected status to return.

A senior administration official said the Trump administration did not consider the gang-related violence in El Salvador when deciding to end the protected status, only that the country has recovered from the 2001 earthquakes.

Nielsen said Monday that damage inflicted by a 2001 earthquake in the Central American country didn't justify another temporary extension. She says that El Salvador has received significant international aid and that much of the country's infrastructure is rebuilt.

Homeland Security also said more than 39,000 Salvadorans have returned home from the U.S. in two years, demonstrating El Salvador's capacity to absorb people. It said the 18-month delay would give Congress time to develop a legislative change if it chooses, while also giving Salvadorans and their government time to prepare.



El Salvador's President Salvador Sanchez Ceren spoke at length by phone with Nielsen Friday to renew his request to extend the status to allow more time for Congress to deliver a long-term fix for those covered to stay in the U.S.

The decision comes amid intensifying talks between the White House and Congress on an immigration package that may include protections for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who came to the country as children and were temporarily shielded from deportation under an Obama-era program. Trump said in September that he was ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals but gave Congress until March to act.

President Donald Trump is expected to host a bipartisan group of senators at the White House this week to try to hash out a deal.

The U.S. created Temporary Protected Status in 1990 to provide a haven from countries affected by earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, war and other disasters. It currently shields nearly 320,000 people from 10 countries. There are nearly 440,000 beneficiaries from the 10 countries, including 263,000 from El Salvador  but many of those people have obtained legal status in other ways.

The benefit, which includes work authorization, can be renewed up to 18 months at a time by the Homeland Security secretary. Critics say it has proven anything but temporary  with many beneficiaries staying years after the initial justification applies.

In November, Nielsen's predecessor, acting Secretary Elaine Duke, ended protections for Haitians, requiring about 50,000 to leave or adjust their legal status by July 22, 2019, and for Nicaraguans, giving about 2,500 until Jan. 5, 2019. She delayed a decision affecting more than 50,000 Hondurans, forcing a decision on Nielsen.

Last year, the Trump administration extended status for South Sudan and ended it for Sudan. Other countries covered are Nepal, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.What to Know Pi Delta Psi was banned from the state of Pennsylvania for 10 years and ordered to pay a $110,000 fine in the death of Chun "Michael" Deng

Deng, a freshman at Manhattan's Baruch College, died in 2013 during a hazing ritual in the Poconos

Four men will also be sentenced Monday in the death of the 19-year-old

A national fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and ordered to pay a fine of more than $110,000 as it was sentenced Monday for its role in the death of a 19-year-old pledge during a 2013 hazing ritual.

The judge and a prosecutor slammed Pi Delta Psi for calling itself a victim of rogue fraternity members, saying the organization tolerated and even encouraged hazing for years leading up to the death of Baruch College freshman Chun "Michael" Deng.

"It's the epitome of a lack of acceptance of responsibility. It's their rituals and functions that led us here today," said Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Kim Metzger said in court.

Pi Delta Psi, an Asian-American cultural fraternity founded in 1994, has 25 chapters in 11 states, including one at Penn State University that will now have to be disbanded.

Four defendants who pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and other charges will be sentenced later Monday.

A grand jury said fraternity members at Baruch, a campus of the City University of New York, physically abused Deng, and then tried to cover it up as the 19-year-old lay dying in their rented house in the Pocono Mountains. Police charged 37 people with crimes ranging from aggravated assault to hazing to third-degree murder.

His mother wrote in a statement delivered at Monday's sentencing hearing that "I feel like there's a cat clawing and scratching at my heart, hurting me persistently and relentlessly. I wake up and I pray for deliverance."



His mother wrote in a statement delivered at Monday's sentencing hearing that "I feel like there's a cat clawing and scratching at my heart, hurting me persistently and relentlessly. I wake up and I pray for deliverance."

Pi Delta Psi was convicted of involuntary manslaughter following a trial. In a written statement, Pi Delta Psi said its now-disbanded Baruch chapter had brought "shame and dishonor" to the national fraternity.

The fraternity also called itself "in part a victim," which brought a rebuke from Monroe County President Judge Margherita Patti-Worthington.

"I would never label the national fraternity as a 'victim,'" said the judge, who faulted the fraternity's board for allowing the hazing rituals to persist.

Pi Delta Psi's attorney, Wes Niemoczynski, argued that the organization had developed a "no excuses" hazing policy before Deng's death, but he said the policy worked on an honor system and proved to be inadequate.

The fraternity's "Crossing Over" initiation rituals "involved some physicality, but they certainly did not involve the level of physicality, the level of inhumanity, and the depravity of the individuals who are also coming before the court," he said.What to Know Someone stole a police SUV outside Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey and drove it into the terminal doors

Law enforcement officials said they're investigating whether the man, who was seen checking car doors, was intoxicated at the time

No one was injured, but the terminal's entryway sustained significant damage

A man has been arrested after he allegedly stole an NJ Transit Police Department vehicle and crashed into a waiting area lobby at Hoboken Terminal on Monday morning.

Law enforcement officials told News 4 they're looking into whether the suspect who stole and repeatedly smashed the K-9 unit SUV into the waiting hall near the terminal's ferry slip about 8 a.m. was intoxicated at the time of the theft.

The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Santiago Brito-Avalos, a Mexican national, arrived at Hoboken Terminal from Suffern at about 8 a.m., officials said. He was spotted on surveillance footage checking car doors until he found one that was unlocked. He found a spare set of keys in that unlocked K-9 vehicle, and he drove towards the ferry slip and crashed.

He tried to drive away, but two NJ Transit police officers approached and tried to open the door. When he locked it, the officers broke through the window on the passenger side and apprehended him, officials said.

The police dog assigned to the SUV wasn't in the vehicle at the time, officials said.

Photos posted to social media show the SUV crashed into the doors of the waiting hall with a door ajar. Several officers could be seen around the vehicle, and the area was cordoned off with police tape.

"Couldn't enter Hoboken terminal waiting room and was a little confused because it looked fine, then got around to the ferry terminal and saw this," said one Twitter user.

No one was hurt in the crash on a heavily traveled pedestrian walkway amid the morning rush.

"There was a huge bang noise, but then we heard it again," said Evelyn Soto, a New York Waterway employee at the terminal at the time of the crash.

New York Waterway boat captain Craig Hygus said it was a miracle no one was hurt.

"The place was packed with people from the PATH system and the traffic was very, very heavy," he said.

Brito-Avalos was taken into custody by NJ Transit police at the scene and was to be remanded at Hudson County Jail in Kearny. He's facing charges of causing or risking widespread injury, theft of moveable property, burglary, auto burglary and impersonating an officer.

Authorities say it appears to have been a crime of opportunity. There's no evidence Brito-Avalos was trying to harm anyone, and authorities are investigating a history of mental illness, an NJ Transit spokeswoman says.

Ferry service was not affected by the situation. But it came on a morning where NJ Transit and PATH, which both also run service in and out of the terminal, both experienced significant delays and service suspensions.

NJ Transit spokeswoman Nancy Snyder said the station's ticket windows were closed and that a train on track 8 was being used as a temporary waiting room and restroom. The entryway to the waiting room sustained significant damage in the crash, she said.What to Know The Port Authority warned of possible fresh delays at JFK Airport on Monday after a nightmare weekend of delays

A water pipe break, a plane collision and a man allegedly carrying a loaded gun created a "meltdown" after a blizzard caused pileup delays

58 flights coming to or leaving from the airport were already delayed or cancelled as of early Monday morning

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Monday it will investigate the water pipe break that added to the weather-related delays that caused a nightmare weekend at Kennedy Airport and will "hold all responsible parties accountable" -- just as passengers struggle to hunt down unclaimed baggage.

The agency said there were still some delays on Monday, the day after a water pipe that feeds a sprinkler system in the privately operated Terminal 4 broke, causing water to flood the terminal and significantly disrupt operations.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said investigators want to determine "why an internal pipe was not weather protected and whether any other failures contributed to this disruption."

"We intend to identify what went wrong, why it went wrong, where there were failures of communication and coordination, and we intend to fix it," said Cotton.

The pipe break sent about three inches of water gushing onto the floor of the terminal. Video shows streams cascading from a ceiling and people slogging through pools of water.

Power to the affected areas was temporarily shut off for safety reasons and additional staffing and busing operations were deployed to assist travelers, the Port Authority said.

The situation added to the misery piled on travelers after a winter storm blasted New York on Thursday. Passengers were kept on planes and waited hours to retrieve luggage as flights were delayed and canceled, and a backup to get to terminal gates built up.

Cotton said Monday, "Gates were not made available to inbound international flights in a timely way, and the question on the table is why."

We are sharing a gate with another airline, and they have just cancelled there flight, causing the disturbance and the police being called. Our flight is operating and our teams are now moving our customers through the gate so they can board our aircraft. ^RM  Virgin Atlantic (@VirginAtlantic) January 7, 2018

Others reported waiting for hours for luggage, only to see their flight numbers disappear from baggage claim boards. At least one NBC employee who arrived at the airport early Sunday said that an employee handed out pieces of paper for passengers to file a report and were told to leave a message on a voicemail inbox that was already full.

Another traveler, Rosemary Owuo, told News 4 she was told to leave her luggage at the terminal after Sunday's chaos, and airport employees told her she'd have to wait two weeks to get them back.

"I couldn't wait two weeks," she said. "There are important things in the bags."

Cotton said Monday the Port Authority has directed the airlines and terminal operators to "immediately expedite return luggage to passengers," and that customers of domestic airlines -- Delta in particular -- will have all baggage on way to customers by the end of the day.

Also looking like power has been lost in the terminal too. Some Delta flights are diverting away from #JFK due to the water main break pic.twitter.com/058IPY7ZZd  Alex (@Airline_Alex) January 7, 2018

Wow! Total meltdown at #JFK after a power main break led to a power outage and no luggage for anyone #welcometonewyork @Delta pic.twitter.com/oHUAq0TULu  bubbly&bella (@bubblyandbella) January 7, 2018

International airlines have committed to have baggage reunited by passengers in New York City by Tuesday morning, said Cotton.

In a statement released before the water pipe break, the Port Authority said Saturday's cold "created a cascading series of issues for the airlines and terminal operators."

"These included frozen equipment breakdowns, difficulties in baggage handling, staff shortages and heavier than typical passenger loads," the statement said.

Also among the issues: two planes collided on the tarmac and a man was arrested with a loaded, stolen gun while going through security.Sen. Charles Schumer is urging President Donald Trump to sign legislation that would allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to buy portable screening equipment to detect the powerful opioid fentanyl before it enters the United States.

Schumer said Sunday that the bill that passed both houses of Congress last year will help ensure that illicit narcotics "can be quickly detected, identified and seized on the spot."

The New York Democrat says he wants Kennedy Airport to be among the first locations to get the new high-tech drug scanners because it is a major port of entry.

Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. The primary source of fentanyl is outside of the United States, in Mexico or China.President Donald Trump's legal team is in discussions with FBI investigators over what a possible interview with special counsel Robert Mueller's team might look like, three people familiar with the matter told NBC News.

One option for the interview being discussed is written responses to questions instead of a formal sit-down, sources said. One person with direct knowledge of the discussions described them as preliminary and ongoing.

Two of Trump's lawyers and a spokesman for the special counsel's office declined to comment to NBC News.

Justice Department veterans suggested that Mueller would want to interview the president directly, with former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Chuck Rosenberg saying that prosecutors "want answers directly from witnesses, not from their lawyers. The odds of prosecutors agreeing to written responses are somewhere between infinitesimally small and zero."One of three men who forced their way into a Virginia apartment accidentally shot himself, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

Investigators said the men forced their way into an apartment in the 3800 block of Executive Avenue around 1 a.m. Monday morning. They said the men were armed with knives and a firearm.

After demanding and receiving valuables, one of the men unintentionally shot in the lower body, and all three men fled the scene.

Police said the victims were not injured, and they are still investigating the case.A Prince George's County, Maryland, man with dementia who has been missing from the Beltsville area for nearly a week amid freezing weather may have been picked up on Route 1 and dropped off in a town in Anne Arundel County, police say.

Daniel DeHaven -- a 65-year-old man who is nonverbal -- was last seen at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at a Costco store on the 10900 block of Baltimore Avenue in Beltsville.

Prince George's County police said on Sunday that a driver may have picked up DeHaven while he was walking on Route 1 and dropped him off in the 800 block of Annapolis Road in Gambrills. Police are telling people to lookout for DeHaven in that area.

A group of 200 volunteers who organized online searched neighborhoods in the area on Saturday and headed back out on Sunday. They asked anyone with outdoor surveillance cameras to check the footage to see if anyone with DeHaven's description appears.

To get involved in the search, visit the Help Us Find Danny Francis DeHaven Facebook page or email finddannyfrancisdehaven@gmail.com.

DeHaven's family hopes he found someplace warm to rest and has been there.

"We're just trying to stay focused on keeping hope going, and focusing on the search," DeHaven's son, Kevin, said.

"We're not going to stop, because he wouldn't stop," Kevin DeHaven said. "If it were any of us, he wouldn't stop."

Police and volunteers have been searching for Daniel DeHaven around the clock despite blustery temperatures.

"The snow that's coming and the dipping temperatures are not on our side," Prince George's County Police Department spokeswoman Jennifer Donelan said Wednesday.

Police in Greenbelt, Laurel and Montgomery County, as well as federal officials, are helping search for Daniel DeHaven.

Daniel DeHaven, who goes by Danny, did not have identification with him when he disappeared.

"He's a kind man. He's approachable. If you see him, he's not able to communicate, necessarily, but if you call out 'Danny,' he'll know his name and most likely, you'll be greeted by a smile," his son said.

Police received a tip that a man meeting Daniel DeHaven's description was seen in downtown Silver Spring, but they were unable to find him.

Daniel DeHaven is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds. He has brown eyes and partially gray hair, police said.

He was last seen wearing a gray hat, black coat and blue jeans.

Anyone with information on Daniel DeHaven's whereabouts is asked to call police immediately at 301-699-2601.Dr KC begins 14th hunger strike

Dr Govinda KC, a senior orthopedic surgeon at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), has begun his 14th hunger strike from 4pm on Monday demanding the resignation of Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli.An 18-year-old woman seeking to avenge the killing of her boyfriend pleaded guilty to stabbing the 15-year-old girl she believed was responsible 13 times in a brutal killing that was recorded on cellphone video and shown in court.

Some kids are prodigies at the violin and some kids are prodigies at violence, Fairfax County Commonwealths Attorney Ray Morrogh said. This is a prodigy at violence.



Venus Romero Iraheta's guilty plea came on the one-year anniversary of Damaris Alexandra Reyes Rivas' death. Iraheta is one of 10 young people charged in Reyes Rivas' death.

She tortured her and then she told her, I'll see you in hell, and made sure the victim understood what her full name was, Morrogh said. That's just a level of cruelty even I'm not used to after almost 35 years in this business.

Iraheta told investigators she stabbed the girl 13 times and sliced off a tattoo, according to testimony.

"Just pure evil," Morrogh said. "To torture to death a 15-year-old girl, it staggers the imagination."



Reyes Rivas left her home in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Dec. 10, 2016. She had told her mother she was being threatened by gang members at school.

The night of Jan. 8, 2017, Iraheta and nine other young people allegedly took Reyes Rivas to an area near Lake Accotink Park.

They then assaulted and interrogated her about the recent murder of Christian Sosa Rivas, whose body was found Jan. 12 along the Potomac River in Dumfries, Virginia, police said. Sosa Rivas was Iraheta's boyfriend.

The deadly attack on Reyes Rivas was recorded, and the video included footage of her being tortured and stabbed. The video was shown Monday during Iraheta's hearing, as the victim's family wiped away tears.

They recorded the video to send to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador with hopes of being promoted in the gang, Morrogh said.

"It's kind of like a trophy they take," he said. "They show it off to the other gang members."



Investigators portrayed Iraheta as bent on revenge and wanting to inflict some of the fatal wounds herself.

The FBI special agent who questioned Iraheta after her arrest testified that Iraheta blamed Reyes Rivas for luring her boyfriend to his death. The night they took Reyes Rivas, the group forced her to stand in the snow with no shirt or shoes so she would "feel as much pain as Christian."

Iraheta faces a maximum of life in prison plus 20 years when she's sentenced May 25. Morrogh plans to seek a lengthy sentence.

Seven of the 10 people charged in the case have been convicted or pleaded in guilty, including three other suspects who pleaded guilty in October. Cindy Blanco Hernandez, 19, pleaded guilty to two counts of abduction by force and the abduction of another juvenile female in early January. Aldair Miranda Carcamo, 18, pleaded guilty to gang participation and two counts of abduction by force. Emerson Fugon Lopez, 17, pleaded guilty to abduction in connection with Alexandra's death and gang participation.

They are set to be sentenced May 5.

Morrogh hopes these prosecutions help halt the surge in MS-13 violence.

Hard working people come here for the American dream, and this gang is ruining it for them, he said. They are terrorizing people who are here working two or three jobs and we've got to stamp them out.When Nancy Vasquez first flew to the United States from El Salvador in 1999, after she and her husband got visas, she packed only one suitcase stuffed with precious photographs, a few dresses and two pairs of shoes. She couldnt speak a word of English but she moved to Montgomery County, Maryland, with her husband, Fernando, because they were lucky enough to be granted visas. They planned to never return home.

Before Vasquezs visa was set to expire in 2001, she discovered she could receive a form of humanitarian, provisional residency known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) because an earthquake devastated her home country that year. In the years that followed, Vasquez had a daughter named Rebecca, she divorced her husband and she traded the rented room she once shared with him for her own home in Damascus, Maryland.

Vasquez is one of an estimated 267,000 TPS holders in limbo after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told them their legal residency will end.

DHS announced Monday that it will end special protections for U.S. residents from El Salvador, forcing nearly 200,000 people to leave the country, find another way to achieve legal residency or face deportation.

The Washington, D.C. area has the largest number of TPS holders from El Salvador, at more than 32,000, according to an April 2017 report from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, an advocacy group.

Vasquez said before the decision was announced that she has started to work on plan B. If her TPS status ended, Vasquez, 48, said she planned to move back to El Salvador and let her daughter live with the child's uncle and his husband in D.C. She said she dreaded this possibility.

She needs me because shes only 12 years old, Vasquez said, her voice rising. She needs more of her mom. Her uncle is her uncle. Hes not her mom. Im her mom. Yo soy su mama.

For people from other countries, the Trump administration said Nov. 20 that it would end TPS for about 46,000 people from Haiti on July 22, 2019, and for about 2,550 people from Nicaragua on Jan. 5, 2019. DHS is set to determine the fate of people in the U.S. from Honduras by July 5.

TPS holders received the status because the secretary of DHS determined conditions in their home country  like a continuous armed conflict, an environment disaster or an epidemic  barred them from returning or barred the country from receiving them. People with TPS status are protected from deportation, can work and can apply for travel authorization.

Now theyre worrying about what to do if theyre forced to leave.

Pennsylvania resident Karla Alvarado was 9 years old when she left San Salvador, El Salvador in 1997, with her aunt and 4-year-old brother. They went to meet her mother, who arrived in the U.S. a year earlier to escape Alvarados abusive father. Her mother sold everything she had to leave El Salvador, Alvarado said.

It took two weeks for Alvarado, her aunt and her brother to make their way from El Salvador to the U.S., traveling through Guatemala and Mexico. They entered the U.S. illegally and got TPS status in 2001. It came with a sense of security, Alvarado said.

I knew before [that] we were illegals, she said.

TPS gave her a a sense to say Im here legally. I dont have to worry about anything, she continued.

As an adult, Alvarado lives what she called her American dream. She went to nursing school, works as a nursing supervisor in home care and bought a house with her husband. Now 29, she helps supports her mother and younger siblings.

Before the decision was issued, she said the thought that her TPS status could end filled her with anxiety.

The uncertainty of not knowing whats going to happen makes me very anxious. I have a mortgage. I have a car payment. I have my bills to pay. I have my husband, she said. Im head of household. I have to help my mother and my siblings.

Youre taking that away from me and I dont understand why, Alvarado added.

Her husband is a citizen, so Alvarado is looking into whether his status would help her case for permanent residency. Shes worried her mother and brother could be deported.

Weve been here, my brother and I, since we were little, Alvarado said. We dont really know what its like to live in El Salvador anymore. This is our home.

The decision to end TPS for Nicaragua and Haiti came after a review of the current conditions of the two countries. Elaine Duke, then acting secretary for DHS, determined the conditions that led to those designations didnt exist anymore, statements from the department say. People from Nicaragua got TPS status after Hurricane Mitch in 1999. In Haiti, the designation came after the major earthquake in 2010.

The Nicaraguan government made no request to extend its current designation, and Duke decided the conditions caused by Hurricane Mitch no longer existed, according to a statement issued Nov. 6. For Haiti, DHS said the country has shown "a commitment to adequately prepare for when the countrys TPS designation is terminated," according to a statement issued Nov. 20.

"Significant steps have been taken to improve the stability and quality of life for Haitian citizens, and Haiti is able to safely receive traditional levels of returned citizens," the statement said.

Nicole Svajlenka  a senior policy analyst for immigration policy at the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank  said she believes some TPS-designated countries, such as Haiti, likely are not that well-equipped to receive such a large number of people at once, back from the United States.

The infrastructure that takes decades to rebuild after something that would cause countries to be designated complicates this, she said. Through no fault of their own, people have lived here for a very long time. The U.S. really hasnt made this temporary in any means.

Svajlenka said ending U.S. residents TPS status would lead many people to become undocumented immigrants and create more mixed-status families.

Svajlenka co-wrote a report published in October on how TPS holders influence the U.S. economy and society. If TPS were to be eliminated, the report found, the U.S. citizen children of recipients would have two main options: being separated from their families or moving to a country they dont know.

Those families are faced with a choice that is just absolutely heartbreaking to imagine. Do you stay in the U.S. without authorization, or do you return to a country that received this designation for important reasons? In many cases, things that they havent recovered from yet, Svajlenka said.

Laura Munoz Lopez, a special assistant for immigration policy and colleague of Svajlenka said violence and political unrest make it difficult for countries such as El Salvador and Honduras to take in people who have made lives in the United States.

Its called Temporary Protected Status for a reason. But at the same time, that is under the assumption that the country that has TPS is working on a way to getting out of the chaos or civil unrest that its in, Munoz Lopez said. Its not like we want Honduras, El Salvador and Haiti to never get better. We would love for those countries to be in a place where they can be welcoming back to the people that call that country home. But unfortunately, that isnt the case.

The removal of TPS holders from the workforce would be catastrophic, not only for the states but for the country as a whole, Munoz Lopez said.

According to a report from the Center for Migration Studies, a nonpartisan think tank, TPS holders from El Salvador, Honduras and Haiti  the three countries with the largest TPS populations  have a labor force participation rate that ranges from 81 to 88 percent, which is above the 63 percent rate for the total U.S. population. TPS holders from those three countries primarily work in construction, restaurants, landscaping, child care and supermarkets, the same report said.

TPS holders are fulfilling jobs that would be otherwise untaken, unfilled, said Zuzana Jerabek, a policy and advocacy associate at the National Immigration Forum, which supports bipartisan efforts for immigration reform.

They are enhancing our economy. They are making our culture more diverse. They are bringing different ideas into our society, she said. Thats what we believe makes America great.

Ending TPS status for thousands of U.S. residents would give them three possibilities, Jerabek said: they could leave the country, migrate to another country or go into the shadows in the U.S.

Instead of doing what the administration is saying it wants to do -- it wants to get rid of unauthorized populations -- they would create more of these undocumented people, Jerabek said.

Immigration lawyer Corie ORourke said she has told TPS holders to start searching for other immigration options so they can get something in place before their TPS ends or not have too long of a gap after their TPS ends. She works for Ayuda, a D.C. nonprofit that provides legal and social services to immigrants.

Many TPS holders dont have other opportunities for protection, even though their entire lives are here, she said.

Theyre having to face, Do I leave all that and go back to a country that I left for a reason? These countries are not places that a lot of people want to go back to, ORourke said. Or Do I stay here and have to go under the radar and hide from the government? I wouldnt wish it on anyone to face that decision.

Vasquez, the Salvadoran who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years, said shes worried about being forced to choose what to do. She said even an extension of her TPS status would not be enough; she wants a path to legal permanent residence.

Im American because Im from El Salvador, and El Salvador is Central America, Vasquez said. I consider this country to be my country. This is my land because Im American also. Thats it.A Virginia man arranged to pick up 9 pounds of marijuana delivered to an address in Washington, D.C., but it had already been handed over to police, according to a police report.



A FedEx box of eight vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana arrived at a community art space in southwest D.C. Friday, according to the police report. It was addressed to a community farm that operates out of the location, but no one there was expecting the marijuana, so it was handed over to police.

A man who said his name was "Jay Green" then called the main number at the art establishment Friday evening asking about the package. He was told they didn't know if it had been delivered but would check the next day.

"Jay Green" called back Saturday and was told he could go to the address and pick up the package, police said. Police called his cellphone to arrange the pickup.

When 25-year-old Jacob Greenbaum, of Leesburg, Virginia, went to the building to get the package, he was met by an undercover officer with a decoy package, police said. After exchanging greetings with Greenbaum, the officer went to his car to get the decoy.

After Greenbaum put the decoy in the back of his car and started to leave, police stopped and arrested him, police said. Greenbaum had more than $700, and a crumpled vacuum bag similar to those in the FedEx package with a green leafy substance in it was found in Greenbaum's car.

Greenbaum is charged with felony possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

The Metropolitan Police Department announced the confiscation of the drugs with a tweet saying, Anyone misplace 9 lbs of weed over the weekend? Feel free to stop by #DCPolice headquarters...we'd be happy to chat.Students are returning to a Massachusetts high school on Monday after heating issues shut down the building last week.

School officials shut down Lowell High School to allow maintenance workers time to fix ongoing heating issues in the building.

According to the Lowell Sun, a voice message to families and staff was left by Head of School Marianne Busteed on Sunday saying that officials had been closely monitoring the ongoing heating problems and that contractors were in the building daily.

"Although all the necessary repairs are not complete, we feel enough progress has been made to bring students and staff back tomorrow," Busteed said in the message.

Pictures of the cold conditions at the school had been shared on social media. One mother showed NBC Boston a video of a pipe bursting inside the school's gym.

Senior Matt Draper said he was so cold in class that his hands were turning purple.

"Nobody was able to pay attention because everyone was focused on how cold they were and trying to stay warm any way they could," Draper said.

The Lowell city manager's office said issues with the heating system have been going on for more than a month.

According to the high school's Twitter account, the school semester will be extended a week due to the missed days.The top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts offered no guarantees on Monday that he would take a hands-off approach to legalized pot, injecting a new layer of uncertainty and confusion into the commercial marijuana industry as it looked to gain a foothold in the state.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said in a statement that while he understood the desire for guidance on the federal approach to the state's voter-approved recreational marijuana law, he "cannot provide assurances that certain categories of participants in the state-level marijuana trade will be immune from federal prosecution."

Such determinations would be made on a "case-by-case basis," he added.

"I'm not sure what type of message that sends or what type of security that gives you," said Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo. "Or lack of security, I should say."



"They could go after anyone because it's all against federal law," said Jonathan Napoli, a cannabis consultant who also owns The Boston Gardener, which supplies individual growers and dispensaries with soil, lamps and other paraphernalia.



The Yes on 4 Coalition, which spearheaded the 2016 ballot campaign, had publicly called for Lelling to provide "clear, unambiguous answers" to several questions, including whether his office would prosecute businesses that are granted licenses by state cannabis regulators to grow, produce, test or sell marijuana legally in Massachusetts.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions moved last week to rescind the so-called Cole Memorandum, an Obama-era Justice Department policy that, in general, called for non-interference with legal marijuana operations in states. Eight states, including Massachusetts, have legalized adult use of recreational pot.

Lelling took office in December after being nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. His comments on Monday expanded on an earlier statement last week that promised enforcement of serious federal crimes but did not directly address the recreational marijuana issue.

"This is a straightforward rule of law issue," said Lelling. "Congress has unambiguously made it a federal crime to cultivate, distribute and/or possess marijuana."

"A compliant dispensary, I'd be shocked if he went after that," said Napoli. "But there's no guarantees."



Jim Borghesani, a Massachusetts spokesman for the Marijuana Policy Project, called the prosecutor's comments "ominous." Pro-marijuana groups fear the change in tone from the Justice Department and federal prosecutors will send a chill through the nascent cannabis industry, discouraging those looking to start or invest in those businesses.

"I don't think any business would ever want to open its door and have fears on the first day that the FBI is going to be standing on their doorsteps," said Borghesani.

Democratic legislative leaders echoed those concerns Monday, with acting Senate President Harriette Chandler saying that would-be marijuana entrepreneurs now faced "a great deal of uncertainty."

The Cannabis Control Commission, a five-member panel created to regulate marijuana in Massachusetts, has pledged to move forward with a process that foresees the first commercial pot shops opening in July.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, who said last week that rescinding the Cole Memorandum was the "wrong decision," continued to support the commission's work and would provide adequate funding for it, a spokeswoman said Monday.A body has been found in one of three triple-deckers that burned in a massive fire in Providence, Rhode Island, over the weekend.

The body was found Monday, two days after the Saturday fire in the city's Olneyville section. Authorities have not yet released the person's identity, but have said previously that a woman was missing after the blaze.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

WJAR-TV reports that the city was in the process of condemning the house. An inspector wrote just last week that the "house is a mess" and had no heat or running water. The station reports that the inspector said "occupants were running space heaters" and "numerous propane torches."YMCA Norfolk have announced plans to host a number of events at their brand-new Aylsham Road community hub, which consists of Williams Kitchen, Explorers Soft Play, Muddy Puddles Nursery and staff HQ.

YMCA Norfolk have announced plans to host a number of events at their brand-new Aylsham Road community hub, which consists of Williams Kitchen, Explorers Soft Play, Muddy Puddles Nursery and staff HQ.

Norfolk to remember those lost to substance misuse The Matthew Project charity will be hosting its annual remembrance service, Norfolk Remembers, at the church of St Peter Mancroft on September 23, to remember those lost and suffering due to substance misuse. Read more

100,000 people see Dippy at Norwich Cathedral More than 100,000 people have enjoyed visiting the Natural History Museums Dippy the dinosaur since he took up residence in Norwich Cathedrals Nave in July. Read more

YMCA Norfolk invites job seekers to drop in for a chat YMCA Norfolk is inviting job seekers to drop in at its new Norwich community hub for a coffee and a chat about potential roles at the Christian charity right across the county. Read more

First chance to read the Autumn Good News paper The Autumn edition of popular Christian newspaper Good News for Norwich and Norfolk, containing stories from across the local Christian community, has just been published online. Read more

Norwich volunteers plea for Afghan refugee clothes A Norwich church which is collecting clothes for Afghan refugees who will be resettled in Norfolk has been overwhelmed with donations and is now looking for volunteers to help sort them. Read more

Funding grant for Yarmouth Minster development The Parish of Great Yarmouth has been awarded a 20,000 Heritage Recovery Grant to develop the community engagement of the Minster Church, along with a further 26,000 to replenish parish reserves following the pandemic. Read more

Diocese of Norwich needs a Generous Giving Adviser The Diocese of Norwich is looking to appoint a full-time Generous Giving Adviser to help to grow a culture of generosity and to increase the financial resources available for mission in Parishes and at diocesan level. Read more

Norfolk residential centre offers great value group breaks Belsey Bridge residential centre in South Norfolk offers fully catered midweek breaks from only 40 per person per night. Read more

Heacham minister takes the Gospel to the airwaves A Methodist minister in Heacham became a radio DJ after coming across a leaflet in a shop window. Rev Steve Oliver tells his story and invites you to tune in. Read more

How can we build back better? Regular contributor Jane Walters recalls the fragility of the sandcastles she built in her youth, and believes there are lessons to be learned as we re-build our lives following the restrictions of the last eighteen months. Read more

Norwich church initiative to support parents Oak Grove Community Church is launching two new services this Autumn as part of their work supporting families in the community. Read more

Christian homeless charity is expanding in Norfolk Hope into Action is a Christian charity whose unique purpose is to enable churches to house the homeless, and their work is expanding across Norfolk as well as other parts of the UK. Read more

Norfolk's first recovery hub provides a safe space Norfolk-based charity, the Matthew Project, has worked in innovative ways together with people and communities affected by substance misuse and associated issues for over 37 years. Read more

BeachLife outreach returns to Sheringham Sheringham BeachLife returned last week, in a modified form, and once again enthralled scores of children and young people during one of the closing weeks of the summer holidays. Read more

Church offers a beacon of hope in Thetford Nurturing change and growing hope as a beacon of light on a Thetford housing estate is a mission that Rev Matt Houghton wholeheartedly embraces. Read more

Norfolk churches join Afghan refugee welcome bid Norfolk churches are joining in efforts to help resettle Afghan refugees in the county following the current crisis and air evacuation with a refugee fund set up and a clothing donation hub established. Read more

Climate justice pilgrims walk across Norfolk A nine-day relay focusing on climate justice heading from Great Yarmouth to King's Lynn is underway organised by local Christians and Quakers. Read moreLicensed medical personnel on military operations abroad adapt easily to the military organization but experience dual loyalties between the organization and their medical ethics. This emerges in a new dissertation by Kristina Lundberg, doctoral student at the University of Boras and Jonkoping University, Sweden.

As a former battalion chaplain in Kosovo and Afghanistan, Kristina Lundberg has experience of licensed medical personnel's ethical dilemmas of working in a military intervention area and has seen the importance of proper training before working in a combat zone.

"Swedish licensed medical personnel should follow laws as well as professional and medical ethical codes when working in an intervention area. My thesis addresses ethical problems among licensed medical personnel on military operations abroad as well as tactical officers' challenge of leading medical staff in combat zones", Kristina Lundberg says.

The results from her thesis show that licensed medical personnel easily adapt to the military structure. However, they do not only undertake care duties but also military duties, resulting in a dual loyalty - in other words that they weigh between their medical ethics and adapting to the military organization.

Undertaking military duties

"One example is that licensed medical personnel gather information that they call 'intelligence', which is a task normally carried out by trained military staff. When undertaking this specific military duty, they give different arguments to justify it, for example that it feels hard seeing the soldiers work hard when they have nothing to do at the moment", Kristina Lundberg says.

Her results also suggest that tactical officers experience a challenge leading licensed medical personnel. Since they are often recruited outside the military organization and come to the area on own rotation, the medical personnel are not co-trained with the other staff, which might have a negative impact on the operation.

The results of the thesis could be used to train licensed medical personnel before going to an intervention area as well as educate managers in leading licensed medical personnel.

"There is not much previous research in this field, which has had an impact on the preparations before licensed medical personnel go to an area where they actually risk their lives on a daily basis. My thesis could help improve these preparations. I could also imagine that the results could be used in prehospital care, which in many ways is an environment that sometimes resembles a combat zone", Kristina Lundberg explains.

Kristina Lundberg defended her thesis "Conflicting values - everyday ethical and leadership challenges related to care in combat zones within a military organization" at Jonkoping University, December 15, 2017.Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. today announced a collaboration for the development of a potential gene therapy using zinc finger protein transcription factors (ZFP-TFs) to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) linked to mutations of the C9ORF72 gene.

ALS and FTLD are part of a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders caused by mutations in the C9ORF72 gene that involves hundreds of additional repetitions of a six base pair sequence of DNA. This ultimately leads to the deterioration of motor neurons, in the case of ALS, or neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes, in the case of FTLD. Currently, there are no cures to halt or reverse the progression of ALS or FTLD. The C9ORF72 mutation is linked to approximately one-third of cases of familial ALS.

"We are excited to continue our collaborative relationship with Pfizer with this new program using Sangamo's zinc finger protein technology to develop a potential gene therapy for patients with certain forms of ALS and FTLD, devastating diseases with very limited treatment options," said Dr. Sandy Macrae, Chief Executive Officer of Sangamo. "The precision and flexibility of zinc finger proteins enables targeting of virtually any genetic mutation. Collaboration with the right partner for a given therapeutic application is a key component of our corporate strategy and enables us to pursue the vast opportunity set of our platform."

"We look forward to working with Sangamo on potential treatments for devastating diseases related to genetic mutations of the C9ORF72 gene," said Greg LaRosa, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Pfizer Rare Disease. "Pfizer is proud of the progress we have made in the area of gene therapy, which offers tremendous promise to patients and their families."

Gene therapies are a potentially transformational technology for patients, focused on highly specialized, one-time treatments that address the root cause of diseases caused by genetic mutation. Sangamo's ZFP-TF technology involves introducing an engineered zinc finger protein (ZFP) which is designed to identify and bind to a precise sequence of DNA. Once bound to the target sequence of DNA, a transcriptional repressor domain attached to the ZFP suppresses expression of the gene. Under this collaboration, Sangamo and Pfizer will investigate allele-specific ZFP-TFs with the potential to differentiate the mutant C9ORF72 allele from the wild type allele and to specifically down-regulate expression of the mutant form of the gene.

Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Sangamo will receive a $12 million upfront payment from Pfizer. Sangamo will be responsible for the development of ZFP-TF candidates. Pfizer will be operationally and financially responsible for subsequent research, development, manufacturing and commercialization for the C9ORF72 ZFP-TF program and any resulting products. Sangamo is eligible to receive potential development and commercial milestone payments of up to $150 million, as well as tiered royalties on net sales.

In May 2017, Sangamo and Pfizer entered into an exclusive, global collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of potential gene therapy products for Hemophilia A, including SB-525, which entered the clinic in August 2017.The first nurses in England to complete self-funded studies celebrate as they approach graduation from the University of Bolton. The non-commissioned pre-registration course was developed in addition to Health Education Englands commissioned students and ensures local talent stays local, supporting nearby healthcare initiatives.

Prof. George E Holmes DL and Karen Partington, Chief Executive Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with nursing students

Eleven student nurses, who this week are approaching the end of their three-year self-funded studies, are celebrating their achievements at the University of Bolton before graduating and taking their places in hospitals across the North West later this year.

The occasion marks the first cohort of nurses to conclude their training since the government-funded bursary scheme for undergraduate nurses was withdrawn in 2017. The students all applied for a standard degree loan and started their courses in February 2015. Undertaking their practical training at Preston & Chorley (Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust), the nurses will formally graduate in summer 2018 and all go directly into employment in the North West.

The University of Bolton has pioneered the self-funded degree training course and provided the first non-commissioned nursing program in England, with subsequent intakes of undergraduate nurses now studying at teaching hospitals in Manchester, Bolton and shortly, Wigan. The University has a further target intake of 290 nursing undergraduates in 2018, starting in January, May and September.

We are incredibly proud of our first group of nurses as they conclude their training. said Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton. Their hard work and the commitment of both University staff and local teaching hospitals has resulted in nursing students recruited and trained locally, who will go into work at local hospitals, supporting Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust along with Greater Manchesters 2021 vision for healthcare.

Nursing student Sanna Hussain commented:

The support, knowledge and skills I have gained during my time at the University of Bolton will help me enormously throughout my career. By running this program, the University has enabled me to fulfil my dream of becoming a nurse, something that a few years ago, I was not sure would be possible.

The University of Bolton ranked number one in England for teaching quality across its nursing courses in The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, and the University was rated first in Greater Manchester for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2017.FinMin recommends EPCF modality for Nijgadh airport

The Finance Ministry has advised the Tourism Ministry to use the engineering, procurement, construction and finance (EPCF) modality to build a new international airport in Nijgadh, situated 175 km from Kathmandu.Women are more likely than men to die during the year following a heart attack because they are less likely to be offered recommended treatments, according to a study of Swedish patients.

Credit: Peerayot/Shutterstock

Experts warn that Sweden has one of the best healthcare systems in the world and that in Britain, the disparity could be even worse.

Researchers from the University of Leeds and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden analysed outcomes for 180,368 Swedish heart attack sufferers over a ten-year period (between 2003 and 2013) using data from Swedens online cardiac registry.

They found that women were twice as likely to die during the year following a heart attack and that, on average, they were less likely to receive the recommended treatments after a heart attack such as bypass surgery, stents and statins.

For one type of heart attack, women were 34% less likely to receive bypass surgery or stents to clear blocked arteries, 24% less likely to be prescribed statins to protect against a further attack and 16% less likely to be prescribed aspirin for blood clot prevention. This is despite guidelines recommending these treatments for both men and women.

Co-author of the study Chris Gale (University of Leeds) says there is a misconception amongst the public and healthcare professionals about what heart attack patients are like:

Typically, when we think of a heart attack patient, we see a middle-aged man who is overweight, has diabetes and smokes. This is not always the case; heart attacks affect the wider spectrum of the population - including women.

Gale says that from their very first point of contact with a healthcare professional, women are less likely to receive the same diagnostic tests as men, thereby increasing their risk of being misdiagnosed from the start. That, in turn, dictates the rest of their care, with women being more likely to miss the next point of contact. This all adds up cumulatively and leads to a greater mortality," he explains.

The study, which is published in The Journal of the American Heart Association, also found that when women did receive the recommended treatment, the gender gap in mortality rate decreased in almost all circumstances.China has an exaflop supercomputer budget of $150 million to $300 million. The exaflop supercomputer could be built as early as 2019.

It is to be built in Shandong province coast as soon as 2019 to support ocean research in the South China Sea and boost Chinas maritime expansion.

Six leading US technology companies received $258 million in funding from the Department of Energys Exascale Computing Project (ECP) as part of its new PathForward program. This money is to accelerate the research necessary to deploy the nations first exascale supercomputers in about 2021.

Oak Ridge National Lab will have the 200-petaflop Summit supercomputer come online in mid-2018. It will use 15 megawatts of power.

Summit will deliver more than five times the computational performance of Titans 18,688 nodes, using only approximately 4,600 nodes when it arrives in 2018. Like Titan, Summit will have a hybrid architecture, and each node will contain multiple IBM POWER9 CPUs and NVIDIA Volta GPUs all connected together with NVIDIAs high-speed NVLink. Each node will have over half a terabyte of coherent memory (high bandwidth memory + DDR4) addressable by all CPUs and GPUs plus 800GB of non-volatile RAM that can be used as a burst buffer or as extended memory. To provide a high rate of I/O throughput, the nodes will be connected to a non-blocking fat-tree using a dual-rail Mellanox EDR InfiniBand interconnect.

Upon completion, Summit will allow researchers in all fields of science unprecedented access to solving some of the worlds most pressing challenges.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will have the 120 petaflop Sierra supercomputer in 2018.

Argonne National Laboratory plans to construct the Aurora exaflop supercomputer in 2021.Hugh White makes the case that Americas influence is decreasing in Asia and China is on the eventual but inevitable path to dominating Asia.

Others make the case that the USA still has strategic options.

Nextbigfuture believes the ultimate Future of Asia and the world is about AI, other advanced technology and economics.

The US would definitely benefit by engaging more with allies like Japan, India, South Korea, ASEAN and Australia.

Now to 2029

China is currently at 120% of the US economy on a PPP basis and 66% of the US economy on an exchange rated basis now. China will edge closer on an exchange rated basis and then sometime in the mid to late 2020s China should pass the US economy on an exchange rated basis.

China will still be spending less on its military and Chinas military will still be inferior to the USA. However, already Chinas military is such that while the US can defeat China, the cost of the war is more than the US is willing to commit.

The US can and will be providing F35s to Japan and South Korea. This will enable Japan and South Korea to upgrade their helicopter carriers to aircraft carriers with 9 to 20 fighter jets.

The US will be more concerned with North Korea and the continuing problems with the middle east and terrorism than with what happens in the South China Sea or with Taiwan.

The Southeast Asian countries are accepting that China will get most of the South China Sea and Taiwan has a closer economic relationship and dependence on China than Canada does with the USA.

India and ASEAN countries will get economically stronger.

2030-2050  ultimately it is about the advanced technology and economy

India and ASEAN will become economically competitive with China. Europe will continue to shrink its share of the world economy.

A stronger factor is how well each country or region is managing its advanced technology.

How good are the Artificial Intelligence and robotics capabilities?

How good is the molecular nanotechnology and biotech and antiaging?

How good is the space capabilities?

Right now and for the next few decades the US has a continuing big and growing advantage with space because of SpaceX.

The US has problems because of the military-industrial corruption and waste which causes military equipment to be over-priced by two to ten times.NEW HAVEN  Education officials in the city have long agreed that school choice  which allows families to select from schools in their neighborhoods, magnet schools with specialized curricular themes and charter schools, often through a lottery process  is an advantage of the district.

According to data provided by district officials, city enrollment in local charter schools has grown to be nearly equal to suburban enrollment in the districts magnet schools.

From October 2014 to October 2017, city enrollment in charter schools grew from 1,957 students to 2,682. In that same time period, suburban enrollment has fluctuated between a low of 2,812 students and a high  in 2014  of 2,912 students.

We are one of the few districts in the state that is growing, said New Haven Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Will Clark in an emailed statement. Post Oct. 1 count (which was up) another 170+ have been added from hurricane areas, primarily Puerto Rico.

Enrollment is important for public school districts, as it is tied to state and federal funding, which keeps them operational. Additionally, keeping classrooms full helps to keep after-school programs running and creates a need for more jobs within the district.

Although charter advocates argue they are underfunded, having been flat-funded by the state at $11,000 per student for years, public school districts are financially responsible for ancillary costs like transportation.

Magnet schools were conceived in part as school integration tools, competitive schools that feature attractive curricular options for suburban families, creating schools that are more racially and economically diverse than traditional neighborhood schools. The state funds magnet schools on a per-pupil basis, creating an additional financial incentive for cities like New Haven.

Clark said he believes the growth in charter enrollment has to do with the creation of more charter schools  such as Booker T. Washington Academy, which opened its doors in 2014 and has added a grade every year since. Sherri Davis-Googe, district director of choice and enrollment, reported to members of the school board in April that about 2,000 suburban families applied to a new magnet school for the 2017-18 school year.

As an organization, we are certainly encouraged and pleased to see so many parents are choosing this option for our kids, said Kerisha Harris, spokeswoman for the Northeast Charter Schools Network. Our strong belief is charter growth in general should be fueled by demand.

Harris reported that preliminary data for the 2017-18 school year is that names on the wait list for New Haven-area charter schools exceeded 2,100, a number reportedly similar to that of suburban families seeking to enter New Haven magnet schools.

Harris said much of the growth can likely be attributed to the addition of grade levels in some of New Havens charter schools in recent years, but other charter schools, such as Common Ground High School, stand to grow more.

They have a beautiful, brand new building, a working farm and top honors. They would love to open up and have more students and offer this educational option to more kids, but they cant grow past the current amount of students they have. They have the space for it and the room, Harris said.

Charter advocates have argued that the flat-funding of $11,000 per-pupil means expanding is not a possibility. Officials at Common Ground say the overhead for the building Harris mentioned is $7.5 million. Teachers at Common Ground work for 85 percent of the pay scale of teachers in the traditional schools.

Clark said that although the situation of students enrolling in charter schools represents funding going away from the district, officials can pursue multiple avenues.

The dilution of major funding streams from the state and federal government is a challenge for all schools districts and any diminution of our funding or other re-purposing toward Charters would only heighten those concerns. Clark said. We continue to be aggressive in seeking out grants and revenue in order to have diverse streams of funding to support and sustain our programming and growth.

In the last four years of data, preschool-enrolled charter students rose from four to 87, but district schools still teach more suburban preschool students: 243 in 2017. There was a drop, however, to 153 suburban kindergarten students in New Haven magnet schools that year.

What I always find interesting in the magnet numbers is the perception of a big bump at pre-K and K and then a drop off. While that is certainly true of Pre-K, that largely is a creature of lack of pre-K in and around New Haven more than anything else, Clark said.

According to NHPS data, suburban magnet enrollment in the district does fall after preschool, but there is an observable bump around sixth or seventh grade  from 187 sixth-graders to 240 seventh-graders in 2017  as families prepare to send their students to magnet high schools.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.comNEW HAVEN  The city Police Department is closer to replacing an 18-year-old command vehicle with a new and larger one they will share with Yale University police.

New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell said the vehicle will be similar in size to a tour bus and increase the number of personnel that can be transported. The vehicle would be used as a mobile command post for extreme situations that are often prolonged, such as when there is a barricaded subject or an active shooter situation.

It is a location where not just officers (are), but its a place where we strategize, where a SWAT or emergency unit could meet, Campbell said.

The new vehicle hasnt been completely built yet, according to New Haven police spokesman Officer David Hartman. He said it will be outfitted to meet the departments specifications. Once it arrives in New Haven, it will require additional retrofitting.

At least $300,000 is being allocated to pay for the vehicle and its additional equipment.

Campbell said the vehicle will be outfitted with portable radios and other communication devices. The new command vehicle would come with significant technological improvements over its current counterpart.

Hartman said the current vehicle doesnt have any computers, but it does have VHS units. He added that the current vehicle serves little purpose other than a shelter place to work out of.

The new vehicle will be able to dispatch and communicate to officers directly from within the unit; Hartman said officers currently use radios when on-board the command vehicle.

Its way (too) small. You might be able to get three to four people (in it), Campbell said of the current vehicle. The new vehicle will be used for major snowstorms, hurricanes... its multipurpose.

Yale University is contributing $100,000 for the new vehicle. University spokeswoman Karen Peart said the two police units are collaborating on the purchase of a shared asset, to which both departments will have access.

Additional funds being used to pay for the finished and equipped vehicle include $125,000 from the city and a $75,000 federal JAG grant, Hartman said,

Campbell, a Yale alumnus, said the relationship New Haven police with the university is the best its ever been. The two departments worked closely last year on numerous occasions, especially during demonstrations and rallies.

Its good to see that our relationships are working well. We want to keep moving forward, Campbell said.

Campbell said hes been eyeing a new command vehicle since he served as an assistant chief. After conducting an audit on the departments fleet, he felt the vehicle was due for replacement. Campbell said the department doesnt want to invest more money on the used vehicle.

The current vehicle was used last September during a police standoff with an armed man who allegedly shot his wife and two police officers. Campbell said the incident magnified the reality of the need for the vehicle.

These are the kinds of things the public wont see on a regular basis, Campbell said. But in the instances that we do need it ... its better to be proactive.

Reach Esteban L. Hernandez at 203-680-9901Martin Luther King Jr.  Acceptance Speech

Martin Luther Kings Acceptance Speech, on the occasion of the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, December 10, 1964

Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I accept the Nobel Prize for Peace at a moment when 22 million Negroes of the United States of America are engaged in a creative battle to end the long night of racial injustice. I accept this award on behalf of a civil rights movement which is moving with determination and a majestic scorn for risk and danger to establish a reign of freedom and a rule of justice. I am mindful that only yesterday in Birmingham, Alabama, our children, crying out for brotherhood, were answered with fire hoses, snarling dogs and even death. I am mindful that only yesterday in Philadelphia, Mississippi, young people seeking to secure the right to vote were brutalized and murdered. And only yesterday more than 40 houses of worship in the State of Mississippi alone were bombed or burned because they offered a sanctuary to those who would not accept segregation. I am mindful that debilitating and grinding poverty afflicts my people and chains them to the lowest rung of the economic ladder.

Therefore, I must ask why this prize is awarded to a movement which is beleaguered and committed to unrelenting struggle; to a movement which has not won the very peace and brotherhood which is the essence of the Nobel Prize.

Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace  Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace 

After contemplation, I conclude that this award which I receive on behalf of that movement is a profound recognition that nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral question of our time  the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression. Civilization and violence are antithetical concepts. Negroes of the United States, following the people of India, have demonstrated that nonviolence is not sterile passivity, but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation. Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace, and thereby transform this pending cosmic elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. If this is to be achieved, man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.

The tortuous road which has led from Montgomery, Alabama to Oslo bears witness to this truth. This is a road over which millions of Negroes are travelling to find a new sense of dignity. This same road has opened for all Americans a new era of progress and hope. It has led to a new Civil Rights Bill, and it will, I am convinced, be widened and lengthened into a super highway of justice as Negro and white men in increasing numbers create alliances to overcome their common problems.

I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind. I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the isness of mans present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal oughtness that forever confronts him. I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsom and jetsom in the river of life, unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.

I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. I believe that even amid todays mortar bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow. I believe that wounded justice, lying prostrate on the blood-flowing streets of our nations, can be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men. I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down men other-centered can build up. I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and nonviolent redemptive good will proclaim the rule of the land. And the lion and the lamb shall lie down together and every man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid. I still believe that We Shall overcome!

This faith can give us courage to face the uncertainties of the future. It will give our tired feet new strength as we continue our forward stride toward the city of freedom. When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds and our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, we will know that we are living in the creative turmoil of a genuine civilization struggling to be born.

Today I come to Oslo as a trustee, inspired and with renewed dedication to humanity. I accept this prize on behalf of all men who love peace and brotherhood. I say I come as a trustee, for in the depths of my heart I am aware that this prize is much more than an honor to me personally.

Every time I take a flight, I am always mindful of the many people who make a successful journey possible  the known pilots and the unknown ground crew.

So you honor the dedicated pilots of our struggle who have sat at the controls as the freedom movement soared into orbit. You honor, once again, Chief Lutuli of South Africa, whose struggles with and for his people, are still met with the most brutal expression of mans inhumanity to man. You honor the ground crew without whose labor and sacrifices the jet flights to freedom could never have left the earth. Most of these people will never make the headline and their names will not appear in Whos Who. Yet when years have rolled past and when the blazing light of truth is focused on this marvellous age in which we live  men and women will know and children will be taught that we have a finer land, a better people, a more noble civilization  because these humble children of God were willing to suffer for righteousness sake.

 peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold.  peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold.

I think Alfred Nobel would know what I mean when I say that I accept this award in the spirit of a curator of some precious heirloom which he holds in trust for its true owners  all those to whom beauty is truth and truth beauty  and in whose eyes the beauty of genuine brotherhood and peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold.

From Les Prix Nobel en 1964, Editor Goran Liljestrand, [Nobel Foundation], Stockholm, 1965

Copyright  The Nobel Foundation 1964

See a Video of the Acceptance Speech

Original program for Martin Luther King Jr.s visit to Oslo (pdf 55 kB)

To cite this section

MLA style: Martin Luther King Jr.  Acceptance Speech. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2021. Sat. 4 Sep 2021. <https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1964/king/26142-martin-luther-king-jr-acceptance-speech-1964/>Award ceremony speech

Presentation Speech by Gunnar Jahn*, Chairman of the Nobel Committee on 10 December 1964

Not many years have passed since the name Martin Luther King became known all over the world. Nine years ago, as leader of the Negro people in Montgomery in the state of Alabama, he launched a campaign to secure for Negroes the right to use public transport on an equal footing with whites.

But it was not because he led a racial minority in their struggle for equality that Martin Luther King achieved fame. Many others have done the same, and their names have been forgotten.

Luther Kings name will endure for the way in which he has waged his struggle, personifying in his conduct the words that were spoken to mankind:

Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also!1

Fifty thousand Negroes obeyed this commandment in December, 1955, and won a victory. This was the beginning. At that time Martin Luther King was only twenty-six years old; he was a young man, but nevertheless a mature one.

His father is a clergyman, who made his way in life unaided and provided his children with a good home where he tried to shield them from the humiliations of racial discrimination. Both as a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and as a private citizen, he has been active in the struggle for civil rights, and his children have followed in his footsteps. As a boy Martin Luther King soon learned the role played by economic inequality in the life of the individual and of the community.

From his childhood years this left its indelible mark on him, but there is no evidence to suggest that as a boy he had yet made up his mind to devote his life to the struggle for Negro rights.

He spent his student years in the northern states, where the laws provided no sanction for the discrimination he had encountered in the South, but where, nevertheless, black and white did not mix in their daily lives. Yet living in the northern states  especially in a university milieu  was like a breath of fresh air. At Boston University, where he took a doctors degree in philosophy, he met Coretta Scott, who was studying singing. She was from his own state of Alabama, a member of the black middle class which also exists in the South.

The young couple, after being married, were faced with a choice: should they remain in the North where life offered greater security and better conditions, or return to the South? They elected to go back to the South where Martin Luther King was installed as minister of a Baptist congregation in Montgomery.

Here he lived in a society where a sharp barrier existed between Negroes and whites. Worse still, the black community in Montgomery was itself divided, its leaders at loggerheads and the rank and file paralyzed by the passivity of its educated members. As a result of their apathy, few of them were engaged in the work of improving the status of the Negro. The great majority were indifferent; those who had something to lose were afraid of forfeiting the little they had achieved.

Nor, as Martin Luther King discovered, did all the Negro clergy care about the social problems of their community; many of them were of the opinion that ministers of religion had no business getting involved in secular movements aimed at improving peoples social and economic conditions. Their task was to preach the Gospel and keep mens minds centered on the heavenly! 

Early in 1955 an attempt was made to unite the various groups of blacks. The attempt failed. Martin Luther King said that the tragic division in the Negro community could be cured only by some divine miracle!

The picture he gives us of conditions in Montgomery is not an inspiring one; even as late as 1954 the Negroes accepted the existing status as a fact, and hardly anyone opposed the system actively. Montgomery was a peaceful town. But beneath the surface discontent smoldered. Some of the black clergy, in their sermons as well as in their personal attitude, championed the cause of Negro equality, and this had given many fresh confidence and courage.

Then came the bus boycott of December 5, 1955.

It looks almost as if the boycott was the result of a mere coincidence. The immediate cause was the arrest of Mrs. Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. She was in the section reserved for Negroes and was occupying one of the seats just behind the section set aside for whites, which was filled.

The arrest of Mrs. Parks not only aroused great resentment, but provoked direct action, and it was because of this that Martin Luther King was to become the central personality in the Negros struggle for human rights.

In his book Stride toward Freedom he has described not only the actual bus conflict, but also how, on December 5 after the boycott had been started, he was elected chairman of the organization formed to conduct the struggle.2

He tells us that the election came as a surprise to him; had he been given time to think things over he would probably have said no. He had supported the boycott when asked to do so on December 4, but he was beginning to doubt whether it was morally right, according to Christian teaching, to start a boycott. Then he remembered David Thoreaus essay on Civil Disobedience which he had read in his earlier years and which had made a profound impression on him. A sentence by Thoreau3 came back to him:We can no longer lend our cooperation to an evil system.

But he was not convinced that the boycott would be carried out. As late as the evening of Sunday, December 4, he believed that if sixty percent of the Negroes cooperated, it would prove reasonably successful.

During the morning of December 5, as bus after bus without a single Negro passenger passed his window, he realized that the boycott had proved a hundred percent effective.

But final victory had not yet been won, and as yet no one had announced that the campaign was to be conducted in accordance with the slogan: Thou shalt not requite violence with violence. This message was given to his people by Martin Luther King in the speech he made to thousands of them on the evening of December 5, 1955. He calls this speech4 the most decisive he ever made. Here are his own words:

We have sometimes given our white brothers the feeling that we liked the way we were being treated. But we come here tonight to be saved from that patience that makes us patient with anything less than freedom and Justice.

But, [he continues] our method will be that of persuasion not coercion. We will only say to the people, Let your conscience be your guide. Our actions must be guided by the deepest principles of our Christian faith  Once again we must hear the words of Jesus5 echoing across the centuries: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and pray for them that despitefully use you.

He concludes as follows:

If you will protest courageously and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written [in future generations], the historians will [have to pause and] say: There lived a great people  a black people who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization. This is our challenge and our overwhelming responsibility.

This battle cry  for such it was  was enthusiastically received by the audience. This was Montgomerys moment in history, as Martin Luther King calls it.

His words rallied the majority of Negroes during their active struggle for human rights. All around the South, inspired by this slogan, they declared war on the discrimination between black and white in eating places, shops, schools, public parks, and playgrounds.

How was it possible to obtain such strong support?

To answer this question we must recall the strong position enjoyed by the clergy among the Negroes. The church is their only sanctuary in their leisure hours; here they can rise above the troubles and cares of everyday life. Nor would the appeal that they go into battle unarmed have been followed, had not the blacks themselves been so profoundly religious.

Despite laws passed by Congress and judgments given by the American Supreme Court, this struggle has not proved successful everywhere, since these laws and judgments have been sabotaged, as anyone who has followed the course of events subsequent to 1955 knows.

Despite sabotage and imprisonment, the Negroes have continued their unarmed struggle. Only rarely have they acted against the principle given to them by requiting violence with violence, even though for many of us this would have been the immediate reaction. What can we say of the young students who sat down in an eating place reserved for whites? They were not served, but they remained seated. White teenagers mocked and insulted them and stubbed their lighted cigarettes out on their necks. The black students sat unmoving. They possessed the strength that only belief can give, the belief that they fight in a just cause and that their struggle will lead to victory precisely because they wage it with peaceful means.

Martin Luther Kings belief is rooted first and foremost in the teaching of Christ, but no one can really understand him unless aware that he has been influenced also by the great thinkers of the past and the present. He has been inspired above all by Mahatma Gandhi6, whose example convinced him that it is possible to achieve victory in an unarmed struggle. Before he had read about Gandhi, he had almost concluded that the teaching of Jesus could only be put into practice as between individuals; but after making a study of Gandhi he realized that he had been mistaken.

Gandhi he says, was probably the first person in history to lift the love ethic of Jesus above mere interaction between individuals to a powerful and effective social force 

In Gandhis teaching he found the answer to a question that had long troubled him: How does one set about carrying out a social reform?

I found he tells us, in the nonviolent resistance philosophy of Gandhi  the only morally and practically sound method open to oppressed people in their struggle for freedom.

Martin Luther King has been attacked from many quarters. Greatest was the resistance he encountered from white fanatics. Moderate whites and even the more prosperous members of his own race consider he is proceeding too fast, that he should wait and let time work for him to weaken the opposition.

In an open letter in the press eight clergymen reproached him for this and other aspects of his campaign. Martin Luther King answered these charges in a letter written in Birmingham Jail in the spring of 1963. I should like to quote a few lines:

Actually time itself is neutral  Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts of men, willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation.7

In answer to the charge that he has failed to negotiate, he replies:

You are quite right in calling for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to  foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue.

He reminds them that the Negroes have not won a single victory for civil rights without struggling persistently to achieve it in a lawful way without recourse to violence. When reproached for breaking the laws in the course of his struggle, he replies as follows:

There are two types of laws: just and unjust  An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law 

An unjust law is a code that a numerical or powerful majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself 

One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty.

Martin Luther King also takes the church to task. Even during the bus conflict in Montgomery he had expected that white clergy and rabbis would prove the Negroes staunchest allies. But he was bitterly disappointed. All too many others, he recalls,  have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained-glass windows.

It is not difficult to understand Martin Luther Kings disappointment with the white church, for what is the first commandment of Christian teaching if not Thou shalt love thy neighbor?

Yet even if victory is won in the fight against segregation, discrimination will still persist in the economic field and in social intercourse. Realistic as he is, Martin Luther King knows this. In his book Strength to Love he writes:

The Court orders and federal enforcement agencies are of inestimable value in achieving desegregation, but desegregation is only a partial, though necessary, step towards the final goal which we seek to realize, genuine intergroup and interpersonal living 

But something must touch the hearts and souls of men so that they will come together spiritually because it is natural and right 

True integration will be achieved by true neighbors who are willingly obedient to unenforceable obligations.

Martin Luther Kings unarmed struggle has been waged in his own country; its result has been that an obdurate, centuries-old, and traditional conflict is now nearing its solution.

Is it possible that the road he and his people have charted may bring a ray of hope to other parts of the world, a hope that conflicts between races, nations, and political systems can be solved, not by fire and sword, but in a spirit of true brotherly love?

Can the words of our poet Arnulf Overland8 come true?

The unarmed only

can draw on sources eternal.

The spirit alone gives victory.

It sounds like a dream of a remote and unknown future; but life is not worth living without a dream and without working to make the dream reality.

Today, now that mankind is in possession of the atom bomb, the time has come to lay our weapons and armaments aside and listen to the message Martin Luther King has given us through the unarmed struggle he has waged on behalf of his race. Luther King looks also beyond the frontiers of his own country. He says:

More than ever before, my friends, men of all races and nations are today challenged to be neighborly  No longer can we afford the luxury of passing by on the other side. Such folly was once called moral failure; today it will lead to universal suicide 

If we assume that mankind has a right to survive, then we must find an alternative to war and destruction. In our days of space vehicles and guided ballistic missiles, the choice is either nonviolence or nonexistence 

Though Martin Luther King has not personally committed himself to the international conflict, his own struggle is a clarion call to all who work for peace.

He is the first person in the Western world to have shown us that a struggle can be waged without violence. He is the first to make the message of brotherly love a reality in the course of his struggle, and he has brought this message to all men, to all nations and races.

Today we pay tribute to Martin Luther King, the man who has never abandoned his faith in the unarmed struggle he is waging, who has suffered for his faith, who has been imprisoned on many occasions, whose home has been subject to bomb attacks, whose life and the lives of his family have been threatened, and who nevertheless has never faltered.

To this undaunted champion of peace the Nobel Committee of the Norwegian Parliament has awarded the Peace Prize for the year 1964.

* Mr. Jahn delivered this speech on December 10, 1964, in the auditorium of the University of Oslo. This text in English translation, with some minor emendations, is taken from Les Prix Nobel en 1964. Dr. King, who was present, received his award from Mr. Jahn, accepting in the name of a civil rights movement determined to establish a reign of freedom and a rule of justice and terming the award a recognition of non-violence as the answer to the crucial political and moral question of our time, the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression.

1. Matthew 5:39

2. Martin Luther King, Jr., Stride toward Freedom, chap. 4 and passim.

3. SeeThe Works of Thoreau, ed. by H.S. Canby (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1946). Kings sentence is a paraphrase of Thoreaus main point in the essay Civil Disobedience.

4. This speech, delivered at the Holt Street Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, is described and excerpted by King inStride toward Freedom, pp. 61-64.

5. Matthew 5:44. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

6. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), Hindu religious leader and Indian nationalist who advocated home rule for India and practiced nonviolent resistance against the British government.

7. Martin Luther King, Jr., Why We Cant Wait, p. 89.

8. Arnulf Overland

From Nobel Lectures, Peace 1951-1970, Editor Frederick W. Haberman, Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1972

Copyright  The Nobel Foundation 1964

To cite this section

MLA style: Award ceremony speech. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2021. Sun. 5 Sep 2021. <https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1964/ceremony-speech/>South Carolina Electric & Gas customers have broken a record for electricity use during Winter Storm Grayson.

+15 Snowy scenes from South Carolina, Georgia coast South Carolina Electric & Gas customers have broken a record for electricity use.

SCE&G customers used approximately 103,700 megawatt hours of electricity Wednesday, Jan. 3, beating out a 2014 record by more than 2,000 MWH.

The company announced the record Friday said the spike in demand was caused by the lingering cold weather.

Earlier last week, SCE&G asked customers to voluntarily reduce energy use ahead of the cold snap. The company said reducing electricity use would lessen strain on the power grid and thus reduce power outages.

While Aiken County only saw brief snow flurries, the winter storm that moved up the Atlantic Coast caused blizzard conditions in the Northeast on Thursday, Jan. 4. In South Carolina, the winds and ice caused less than 10,000 power outages, most of which were quickly fixed.

The most snow in South Carolina was reported in Williamsburg County near Andrews with 8 inches of snow. The Charleston International Airport in North Charleston had its third highest snow total since 1938 with 5.3 inches of snow. Even Hilton Head island received a nice dusting, reporting 1 inch (2.5 centimeters), according to the National Weather Service.

Roads in southern South Carolina were still icy after the storm brought snow on the state this week. Schools and some government offices remain closed in parts of central and eastern South Carolina.

At least one person has died in South Carolina in a weather-related wreck. A man driving home from work Jan. 3 slid off icy Interstate 20 in Kershaw County and hit a tree, authorities said.A senior editor for BBC News accused the network in an open letter on Sunday of operating a secretive and illegal salary system that pays men more than women in similar positions.

The editor, Carrie Gracie, who joined the network 30 years ago, said she quit her position as China editor last week to protest pay inequality within the company. In the letter posted on her website, she said that she and other women had long suspected that their male counterparts drew larger salaries and that BBC management had refused to acknowledge the problem.

She said she decided to make her story public, risking discipline or dismissal, because she wanted viewers to know the BBC had been resisting pressure for a fair and transparent pay structure.

I simply want the BBC to abide by the law and value men and women equally, Ms. Gracie wrote, citing the Equality Act 2010, which states that men and women doing equal work must receive equal pay. On pay, the BBC is not living up to its stated values of trust, honesty and accountability.Steve Bannon is out at Breitbart News, the right-wing website that served as a megaphone for President Trumps former chief strategist. His ouster was put in motion after these remarks by Bannon came to light. Hes not going to make it, Bannon reportedly said. Hes lost his stuff. Treasonous and unpatriotic. Those comments sparked the presidents wrath ... In a blistering statement the president said ... and gave Bannon the nickname Sloppy Steve. The former Breitbart chairman, who once boasted about overthrowing the Republican establishment in a blazing revolution, also lost key conservative allies, a sign that his revolution may not be televised. The family of hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer played a major role in funding Bannons platform, but not anymore. In a statement, Rebekah Mercer said, After the book published, Bannon issued this statement But that didnt patch up the discord with the Mercer family. Rebekah Mercer controls a minority stake in Breitbart and a majority stake in Bannons future. She ultimately forced him out of Breitbart. Between Trump and Bannon, the split has been more swift. Bannon was one of Trumps most trusted aides until August ,when he left the White House. That was just days after white supremacists marched on Charlottesville. I think theres blame on both sides. Critics accused him of channeling Bannon in that response. While in the White House, reports say Bannon had a profound influence on policy bringing in other far-right nationalist figures to help shape laws. And after he was out of the White House, Bannon continued to enjoy the presidents support. And I can understand where Steve Bannon is coming from. So I can understand fully how Steve Bannon feels. After leaving the White House, Bannon helped Roy Moores controversial campaign for Senate. After Moore lost the election, critics  including the president  blamed Bannon. Still, he was steadfast on his campaign for a populist conservative revolution. Now, his feud with Trump and departure from Breitbart may bring that to an end.Ryan Michelle Bathe arrived with her husband, Sterling K. Brown, in a black suit with dark-black stripes down the sides of the pants. I may never wear a dress ever again, Ms. Bathe said. She wears the pants in our family so its only apropos that she wears pants, Mr. Brown said.

Another fan of the suit was Susan Sarandon, who attended with Rosa Clemente, a community organizer and journalist. Christina Hendricks took a page from the dress-slash-pants book, while Alexis Bledel and Maggie Gyllenhaal opted for jumpsuits, one black and white, the other shimmery and sleeveless.Iholt Francis had been planning a trip from Jamaica to New York to visit his twin brother to celebrate their 28th birthday. Instead, he arrived last week to take his brother off life support.

Mr. Franciss twin, Holt Francis, died a week after a fire on Dec. 28 ripped through his apartment building in the Bronx, killing four members of his family and eight other people. The fire was the deadliest in New York City in 27 years. It was started by a 3-year-old boy who was playing with a stove and was fueled by gusty winds.

Funeral services will be held Monday, at the R.G. Ortiz Funeral Home in Manhattan, for Holt Francis; his wife, Karen Stewart-Francis, 37; their daughters, Kylie, 2, and Kelesha, 7; and their cousin, Shawntay Young, 19. Their bodies will be sent to Saint Catherine Parish in Jamaica for burial on Jan. 21.

Several other funerals will be held over the next few weeks. Services were held on Sunday for the youngest victim, 7-month-old Amora Batiz, and her grandmother, Maria Batiz, 65.On Sunday, just as there were signs that things were finally improving, a water main break in a terminal plunged the airport back into chaos. The flooding  three inches in parts of Terminal 4  compounded the confusion that had gripped parts of Kennedy all weekend, as airlines tried to rebound from the cancellation of thousands of flights because of the storm. Officials of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Kennedy Airport, were still trying to sort out what had gone wrong on Saturday when they had to scramble on Sunday to cope with the burst pipe.

In a news conference on Sunday evening, Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority, said that he was ordering an investigation of the water main break and the continuing flight problems. He emphasized that the terminal with the flooding was operated by a private company, not the Port Authority.

For the second day in a row, the Port Authority had to ask federal aviation officials to block some international flights from landing at Kennedy. That order would add to the two dozen flights that had been diverted to other airports since Saturday.

The protracted chaos at the airport drew harsh condemnation from Senator Chuck Schumer, who called for a thorough review of the airport and the Port Authority to find out what went wrong, especially since Thursdays storm had not come as a surprise.

They should have been way better prepared, plain and simple, he said. J.F.K. has to follow the Boy Scouts motto: Be prepared. They werent.The incoming president of NYC Health & Hospitals wants to turn the nations largest public health care network into an agency that focuses less on hospitalized care and more on primary care, similar to initiatives carried out nationwide.

The new president, Dr. Mitchell H. Katz, who begins his job on Monday, also said he would expand the use of eConsult, an electronic health management system to streamline care and reduce wait times for specialty appointments, evaluate staff allocation and consider decreasing administrative services such as unnecessary consultant expenses to increase savings and revenue.

Im all about trying to strengthen public hospitals, Dr. Katz, the former director of the Los Angeles County Health Agency, said in a recent phone interview. Public hospitals are incredibly precious. If you dont look out for them, theyll disappear.

Health & Hospitals, a sprawling system of 11 hospitals, five nursing facilities and more than 70 community-based health care centers and extension clinics, faces many challenges: shrinking state and federal funds, a decline in patient population, a large uninsured and underinsured patient population and a funding gap that is expected to balloon to $1.8 billion by the 2020 fiscal year.With its 520 miles of coastline and thousands of acres of waterfront development, New York has more residents living in high-risk flood zones than any other city in the country. Hurricane Sandy, the devastating October 2012 storm, did $19 billion in damage to the city, and the pace of development along the water has only increased.

Now, after a year in which hurricanes ravaged Houston and the Caribbean, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is substantially redrawing New Yorks flood maps for the first time in three decades. It is a painstaking process that will affect tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people, determining how and where buildings can be constructed and the cost of flood insurance on everything from modest bungalows to luxury skyscrapers.

New York will be the first major metropolis to be remapped taking into account the realities of climate change, like rising sea levels and increasingly powerful storms.

The new models, for coastal areas stretching from Cape May to the Hudson Valley, will be used to shape the citys future zoning, development and building standards to help it become more sustainable. As a result, FEMA and city officials say, New York could be an example for other places around the country.Ray Thomas, a founding member of the protean British rock group the Moody Blues, died on Thursday at his home in Surrey, south of London. He was 76.

His death was announced by his label, Esoteric Recordings/Cherry Red Records. The label did not specify the cause, but Mr. Thomas said in 2014 that he had prostate cancer.

The Moody Blues popularity has endured for decades, during which they recorded traditional rock n roll, psychedelic rock and progressive rock with orchestral arrangements.

Mr. Thomas, who played flute, sang and wrote a number of the Moody Blues songs, performed in rock and blues bands in Birmingham, England, before founding the group in 1964 with Denny Laine as lead singer and guitarist, Mike Pinder on keyboards, Graeme Edge on drums and Clint Warwick on bass.To the Editor:

Re The World Is Inside Your Hospital (Op-Ed, Jan. 1):

I applaud Tom Brokaw for calling attention to the great diversity of national origins in the United States health care delivery system. My husband had myeloma, like Mr. Brokaw, and frequently interacted with doctors, nurses and certified nursing assistants in hospitals and doctors offices as well as chemotherapy and radiation centers. He and I appreciated the intelligence and tenacity of the people delivering health care, who often had inspirational stories of their own or their parents migration to the United States and of overcoming great obstacles.

I would also like to call attention to another segment of the work force where there is a preponderance of immigrants: in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes. During her journey with dementia, my mother was treated with great kindness by people (mostly women) who often had low-paying jobs. As the United States population ages, we will not be well served by our increasingly restrictive immigration policies.

ANNETTE EVANS, BOCA RATON, FLA.

To the Editor:

Immigrants not only staff our hospitals but also are a vital component of the labor force for delivering in-home health care and elder care. Working one-on-one with seriously ill and/or cognitively impaired patients many hours each day over extended periods makes significant emotional demands on caregivers. The lived experience of immigrants and refugees who have dealt with major obstacles and risks equips them with the empathy, patience and sensitivity needed for quality in-home care.

In terms of formal education and professional training, many of todays home caregivers would not be admitted to the United States under the Raise Act proposed by Senators Tom Cotton and David Purdue and touted by President Trump as the solution to many of our imagined immigration ills. The legislation would sharply reduce our intake of low-skilled labor. But home caregivers are essential workers. It would be extremely difficult to replace them with American-born workers, who shun the long hours, dirty tasks, emotional demands and low pay of in-home care.Senator Cory Gardner, Republican of Colorado, where legalized marijuana has spawned a $1 billion industry, threatened to block all nominees to the Justice Department until the new policy is dropped.

Representative Dana Rohrabacher, a California Republican, laid the blame at the feet of Mr. Sessions, saying he betrayed us on this. A 2014 law co-sponsored by Mr. Rohrabacher prohibits the Justice Department from going after users, growers or sellers of medical marijuana in states where it is legal. The use of recreational marijuana became legal in California on Jan. 1. Even Matt Gaetz, the Florida representative last seen trying to get the special counsel Robert Mueller fired, said the new policy showed Mr. Sessionss desire to pursue an antiquated, disproven dogma instead of the will of the American people.

None of this will bother the attorney general, a lifelong antidrug crusader who runs the Justice Department like its 1988, when the war on drugs was at full throttle and the kneejerk political response was to be as punitive as possible. Mr. Sessions has long held a particular enmity for pot, which he continues to demonize. Good people dont smoke marijuana, he said in 2016.

This is wrongheaded for so many reasons. Its out of step with current knowledge about the risks and benefits of marijuana, which the federal government classified as a Schedule I drug in 1970. By that definition, it has no accepted medical use and is more dangerous than cocaine. Obviously this is outdated, and Congress needs to do its part by removing marijuana from Schedule I. But nothing is stopping Mr. Sessions in the meantime from accepting scientific facts.

The new policy is also blind to the massive cultural shift toward legalization that has been happening at the state level in recent years, after decades of outrageously harsh punishments that have fallen disproportionately on the shoulders of people of color. Eight states have now legalized marijuana for recreational use. California is now the worlds largest legal market for pot. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes. By the end of this year, it is estimated that legal marijuana will be a $9 billion industry.To the Editor:

Re The End of Maine Shrimp? (Food, Dec. 27), about the species disappearance from the states warming waters:

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of sitting on seaside rocks, eating fried Maine shrimp dipped in tartar sauce or slathered with ketchup. My father, a native-born Mainer, knew how to avoid the tourist lines and the high prices that came along with them. But those traditions I came to know and love are threatened by climate change.

In a state where our environment and economy are bound together, its not just our favored traditions that are threatened, but our very way of life. We need action on climate at the federal level and an Environmental Protection Agency administrator who is up to the task. The current administrator, Scott Pruitt, is dismantling the agency, and its time we replace him.

KRISTIN JACKSON, PORTLAND, ME.

The writer is federal outreach coordinator for the Natural Resources Council of Maine.The next time youre in Midtown Manhattan on a weekday afternoon, I encourage you to try a little game: Take a brisk crosstown walk, and look around.

For starters, its a nice way to take in the city while getting some exercise. It will also give you a sense for one of New Yorks pressing problems. If you watch the vehicles around you, you will probably notice that you are traveling faster than some of them.

Despite having internal combustion engines  which Im pretty sure are more powerful than your body  the vehicles will crawl forward at a few miles an hour. Then they will stop and wait for a light to turn green or a gridlocked intersection to clear. Meanwhile, you will keep moving. When Im walking across Manhattan, I often find that I can outrace a car.

The average vehicle speed in Midtown today is just 4.7 miles an hour. Thats 28 percent slower than five years ago. Given that most people can walk up to 4 miles an hour, the human body is sometimes Manhattans fastest mode of transportation.Each new revelation about the degradation of New Yorks subways seems more shocking than the last. But it all comes down to one thing: New Yorks leaders have failed the millions of people who use the transit system every day.

The latest dismaying detail comes from a report by Brian Rosenthal in The Times, which concludes that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the state agency that runs the subway system, spends far more to build tunnels and extend train lines than agencies doing comparable projects elsewhere. Its construction projects have more workers than those in other cities, and workers are kept on hand even when there is no need for them. Contractors add a premium to their bids, claiming it compensates them for dealing with the M.T.A.s bureaucracy. And some unions and contractors negotiate wages and work rules without any say from the authority.

Billions of dollars that could have gone to maintaining and improving the subways, which use a signaling system that dates to the 1930s, have been wasted on exorbitant costs. Projects have also been delayed by mismanagement.

Blame for these costs belongs to politically powerful construction companies and labor unions that drive up costs under the lax oversight of public officials who have no incentive to rouse sleeping legislative watchdogs.Last year, New York Citys 290 homicides were a record low. Thats good news for the city, the Police Department  and police reformers. Thats because the reforms leading the department to cut back on stop-and-frisks are accompanied by such low numbers on violent crime.

Police reformers have long argued that ending stop-and-frisk would help communities, not harm them. But in objecting to the policy, we did not point to the negative long-term psychological or social effects this practice had on a generation of young black and Latino men  because we dont really know what they are. It is urgent that social scientists, police departments and advocates measure the social costs, because burdensome and disparate policing happens all around the country.

We should start by listening to targets of these policies. A Harlem teenager named Alvin recorded being stopped by the police in 2011. It was not the first time the police had stopped him. The officers threatened to punch him in his face and break his arm, and told him they had stopped him because he was a mutt. Such first-person testimonials helped spark a national debate on stop-and-frisk and decrease the practice. But the ultimate effect on Alvins life is unknown.

How do we quantify the effects of incidents like this? We dont know because we have not done the work to measure them. But if the reason stop-and-frisk was objectionable is that it placed too great a burden on black and Latino men, shouldnt we find the time and resources? If we dont, how are we to know if other practices do even greater harm?And it is not only you and I worried about the presidents mental stability. According to Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury, the book that has so gotten under the presidents skin and into his mind, those closest to him also worry about his mental health.

Image

Trump was so bothered by the book that he took to Twitter over the weekend to defend himself against the damaging portrait it contains: that of a mentally unstable simpleton.

Trump wrote that throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart and then upped the self-accolades by writing that being elected would qualify as not smart, but genius  and a very stable genius at that!

Whatever you say, Wile E. Coyote.

The truth is that it appears that most of the conservative architecture in this country  members of the administration, members of Congress, Fox News, the Republican National Committee, and Trumps die-hard base  are all engaged in an exercise to defend, excuse, protect and absolve a man and his behaviors, which may well do irreparable damage to the country.

They have learned to praise him in order to steady him. His weakness is an unending need for affirmation. Anyone who provides it, he abides. Its simple. Also sad. Actually, pathetic.One reason for tech companies optimism is that digital payments in India have increased over the past year. The value of transactions using digital wallets, the business on which Paytm was built, rose 64 percent from December 2016 to December 2017. Transactions made with the Unified Payments Interface, a government-backed technology used by Tez and many other mobile apps, went from virtually nothing a year ago to $2.1 billion last month.

Leading Indias budding payments shift are Paytm and its chief executive, Vijay Shekhar Sharma.

Mr. Sharma founded the company seven years ago as a way for cellphone users to pay their bills online. It is now Indias largest consumer-payments app, with 302 million account holders and 90 million active users.

Customers can use it to buy goods at physical stores, book movie or airline tickets, send money to each other or order items from Paytms online mall. A transaction requires a quick scan of a merchants bar code or a few taps on a smartphone, rivaling Apple Pay or Venmo in simplicity.

Mr. Sharma aspires to put his company at the center of Indians financial lives, and he has pledged to spend $1.9 billion over the next two years toward that goal.

Our truest ambition is for Paytm to be known as the bank for this new-age, digital, mobile world, he said in an interview at the companys headquarters in Noida, just outside Delhi.

Merchants like Mr. Singh are crucial to Paytms plans.

The company pays Mr. Singh a bounty of 20 rupees for each of the eight or so customers he signs up each month, with additional payments if a newcomer continues to use the service. He earns an additional 18 rupees each time he verifies the identity of an existing Paytm user with his fingerprint scanner, a new requirement imposed by the government on all digital wallet companies.WASHINGTON  President Trump will head to Tennessee on Monday to appeal to farmers, a key demographic that helped elect him, as he promotes his tax law and previews a new White House strategy to help rural America.

But back in Washington, some of the economic policies his administration is pursuing are at odds with what many in the farm industry say is needed, from a potentially drastic shift in trade policies that have long supported agriculture to some little-noticed tax increases in the $1.5 trillion tax law.

American farmers are facing some of the most challenging times in a generation. Global prices for their products  including corn, wheat and other commodities  are mired in a multiyear slump, and the rural economy has remained sluggish since the recession. Net farm income has been roughly halved in the last four years, the largest four-year decrease since the Great Depression, the American Farm Bureau Federation says.

Many farmers and farm states supported the president, whose campaign made overtures to parts of America that had been left behind economically and felt overlooked in Washington. The farm community has cheered the presidents deregulatory agenda, especially a move to rescind tighter regulations on water pollution. Mr. Trumps appearance at the American Farm Bureau Federations annual convention in Nashville on Monday will mark the first time in 25 years a president has attended.President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who rose to power after overthrowing Mohamed Morsi, an Islamist president, in 2013, has yet to announce his candidacy, but he is expected to run, and critics worry that he will try to exclude any real competitors.

Two other candidates who have entered the race are currently facing charges that many believe are politically motivated. If they are convicted, they will be ineligible to run.

Since returning to Cairo from the United Arab Emirates a few weeks ago, Mr. Shafik has spent most of his time in a suite at a luxury hotel in Cairo, declining to give interviews while Egyptian politicians and ordinary people wondered whether he was under arrest. His relatives and aides said that he was not allowed to speak to anyone nor go anywhere without the permission of Egypts security agencies.

Even though he prospered in the era of Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted from power in 2011 by a popular uprising, Mr. Shafik has a large base of supporters in Egypt. His military record, and name recognition, may have made him a strong candidate.

He fought in Egypts two wars with Israel, in 1967 and 1973, and rose to command the Air Force. As minister of civil aviation, a post he held for a decade beginning in 2001, he oversaw the modernization and development of the national airline and the Cairo airport.

In a bid to bolster his support during his last days in power in 2011, Mr. Mubarak promoted Mr. Shafik to prime minister in the hope that he could resolve the crisis brought about by a popular uprising.

Mr. Shafik lost the presidential election to Mr. Morsi the next year by only about 2 percent of the vote.Hes managed to do it with quality and style, the longtime dealer Robert Mnuchin said. Thats hard to do sometimes when youre aggressive.

Mr. Zwirner said he is aware of the pitfalls of overexpansion. As a result, when he opens the new gallery, he is likely to close his West 19th Street location, a rented space. He will keep his other Chelsea gallery, on West 20th Street, but the center of gravity will move over to 21st Street, he said. (He will also keep his gallery on the Upper East Side.)

I feel very acutely that there is a too-much thats possible, Mr. Zwirner said. You water down what you do.

At the same time, he said he is conscious of trying to achieve that elusive balance of any big dealer these days: being attentive to the artists  with personal contact and regular communication  as well as ambitious for them, placing their work with leading museums and top collectors (who wont just turn around and try to sell it for profit) and providing international exposure.

Artists want you to stay small; they hate when stuff changes, said Mr. Zwirner, who was born in Cologne, Germany, and speaks with a slight accent. How do you keep it intimate while being able to compete in the increasingly competitive art market?

On the other hand, if you dont move, some artists will feel youre not doing enough for their careers, he continued. They want to have intimacy, but they also want to have the reach.Amway has not been singled out in the campaign, and it has built an impressive brand here, operating gleaming showrooms in Beijing and elsewhere and sponsoring the Chinese Olympic team. Yet it has been dogged by accusations like those it has faced elsewhere.

Former Amway distributors have organized online to warn others of the companys model. Amways name in Chinese, an li, has entered the vernacular to mean to promote heavily or to be brainwashed.

Amway and others faced skepticism from the authorities nearly from the moment they entered the market in the early 1990s. Multilevel marketing was officially denounced as an economic cult, and in 1998 the government banned all direct selling.

Only when negotiating entry into the World Trade Organization did China agree to American demands to allow the companies in. Direct selling has been legal since 2005, though with restrictions intended to discourage the endless recruiting of new distributors, a component of Amways model.

Enforcement of the laws, however, remains uneven. Its a gray area, said Liu Kaixiang, a professor at Peking Universitys School of Law who conducts research at the universitys industry-affiliated direct-selling research center. The majority of these direct-selling companies are right on the edge. If they were to completely follow the law, there would be no market at all.

The vagaries of Chinese regulations and an avaricious bureaucracy have already ensnared others, like Avon, once the top direct seller here. In 2014, it admitted to providing $8 million in cash and gifts like Gucci purses to Chinese officials.A pair of investors who say they hold about $2 billion in Apple stock are pushing the company to do more to protect its youngest users from the effects of digital technology.

In an open letter to Apple, the investors, the activist hedge fund Jana Partners and the California State Teachers Retirement System, voiced concerns that such technology might be hurting children and said Apple could help ease the damage even as it generates business.

We believe that addressing this issue now will enhance long-term value for all shareholders, by creating more choices and options for your customers today and helping to protect the next generation of leaders, innovators, and customers tomorrow, they wrote in the letter, dated Saturday.

The investors, whose combined holdings are small compared with Apples approximately $900 billion market value, cited research suggesting that the prevalence of digital devices, such as the laptops, tablets and smartphones Apple makes, may be negatively affecting children.Its sort of an America-last tax policy, said Kimberly Clausing, an economist at Reed College in Portland, Ore., who studies tax policy. We are basically saying that if you earn in the U.S., you pay X, and if you earn abroad, you pay X divided by two.

What could be more dangerous for American workers, economists said, is that the bill ends up creating a tax break for manufacturers with foreign operations. Under the new rules, beyond the lower rate, companies will not have to pay United States taxes on the money they earn from plants or equipment located abroad, if those earnings amount to 10 percent or less of the total investment.

The Republican vision for the tax plan was to make the United States a more competitive place to do business. Supporters contend that the new rules do not encourage companies to locate overseas. Rather, they say, slashing the corporate rate will make it more attractive to set up shop at home, since many other advanced economies now have higher taxes.

And manufacturers do not simply follow their accountants advice. They consider taxes, but they also look at an array of other factors, including the local talent pool and transportation network, when deciding where to build a new plant.

Before the tax overhaul, companies had to pay the standard corporate tax on the money they earned abroad, with a top rate of 35 percent, but only when they brought that income back into the United States.But mistakes like this happen in the world of advertising with some regularity.

In October, Dove, the soap company owned by Unilever, apologized for a Facebook ad that showed a black woman removing her brown shirt to reveal a smiling white woman in a crisp white shirt underneath.

The ad was criticized for employing a racist trope that black people could use soap to clean themselves into white people. In a statement at the time, Dove said it was committed to representing the beauty of diversity but had missed the mark with its ad, which was removed from Facebook.

In April, the skin care brand Nivea pulled an ad that used the slogan white is purity after it was accused of racial insensitivity (and celebrated by white supremacists.)

That same week, Pepsi apologized for a television commercial featuring Kendall Jenner that was criticized for borrowing imagery from the Black Lives Matter movement. Critics said the ad trivialized the protest movement and the killings of black people by the police.LONDON  The journalist who resigned as the BBCs China editor to protest the broadcasters gender pay gap said on Monday that she was offered a raise before quitting, but one that still did not bring her to the level of her male peers.

The sudden resignation by Carrie Gracie, the BBCs top journalist in China, was met with a wave of support from her peers in the British media. It comes with international attention focused on the wider issue of gender disparity, from entrenched differences in compensation to the harassment and, in some cases, assault of women in the workplace.

It has also fueled renewed criticism of Britains publicly funded broadcaster, which last summer published the salaries of its top stars. The data revealed a startling gap in pay between its most senior male and female journalists. In the aftermath of the release of the figures, the BBCs most senior female journalists demanded the organization take action to close that divide.

On Monday, Ms. Gracie indicated that any changes so far had not gone far enough. In an interview on BBC radio, she said she had filed an official complaint after the pay data showed that two of her male peers were paid far more than she was.When Samantha Barry was growing up in Ireland, she and her family would gather around the television to watch the 6 oclock news. They also told stories around the dinner table and read a number of newspapers and magazines, including Vogue and old issues of Time.

Irish people are such storytellers, Ms. Barry said in a telephone interview on Friday.

Ms. Barry has continued to tell stories from places as near as New York and as far as Papua New Guinea in a career that has included stops at the BBC and CNN. And so, although she has never worked at a magazine, Ms. Barry had no qualms about the job she is about to undertake: Conde Nast has named her the next editor in chief of Glamour.

When she assumes her post next week, Ms. Barry  who was most recently the executive producer for social and emerging media at CNN Worldwide  will become the eighth editor of the womens title since its founding in 1939 and the first person with an exclusively digital and television background to lead a Conde Nast magazine. She will succeed Cindi Leive, 50, who said in September that she was leaving the magazine after 16 years at its helm.

Both Ms. Barry, 36, and the company that hired her are aware that she may be perceived as an atypical choice for the job.Recipes are straightforward, with minute shadings. Here is ahi with inamona and sea salt; there, ahi with limu and sea salt. Shoyu is calibrated with little more than ginger. As for Tamuras secret sauce, the manager I spoke with laughed and said, I cant tell you.

The Foodland near my moms house, one of more than two dozen statewide, has a sign over the poke counter that says Hawaiis home for poke, and it is  the never-fail poke you run to the store for when friends announce theyre stopping by.

The shoyu ahi is strong and just salty enough (ask for the shoyu to be packed in a separate container, to add at home); the spicy ahi has a worthy heat. The recipes for all outlets are overseen by Mr. Chang, a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools and the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.

Theres nothing ceremonial about his approach. He uses ingredients like sea asparagus, truffle oil and gochujang, and makes a deconstructed California-roll poke with avocado, furikake and sriracha, one of the stores best-sellers. And hes not against the mainland poke craze, so long as you take time to understand the history and apply common sense and restraint.

If its amazingly delicious   he said, and trailed off. Its a free country.

If You Go

AHI ASSASSINS

2570 South Beretania Street, second floor (University Avenue), Moiliili; 808-439-4045; ahiassassins.comLONDON  The new year has brought new questions about the long-term future of London Fashion Week Mens, where the latest round of shows began on Saturday. The now-conspicuous absence of big-league names on the schedule, as more and more brands opt to show mixed-gender collections during the womens wear season or reconsider their spending on the traditional show format, has led to a dwindling numbers of foreign buyers, media representatives and photographers at the twice-yearly event. And this season has been no exception.

At times the calendar, with a few Savile Row stalwarts but also emphatic offerings from emerging designers heavy on the styling and outrageous statements but ultimately light on creative or commercial finesse, felt peripheral to the wider international fashion ecosystem. Yet it also fizzed with displays of energy, ideas and talent that underscored why the British mens wear scene should not be discounted. Here, some of the best shows that defiantly flew the flag for the future:The alleged victim in Mr. Martinezs case  a Dominican woman in her 20s who was being held on a drug trafficking charge  is scheduled to testify at trial and will probably tell the jury, prosecutors say, how the abuse began with sexually explicit comments, but quickly escalated into a series of rapes that took place in a deserted office late at night on weekends when she was directed to leave her dormitory on cleaning duty. During the attacks, the woman is expected to say, Mr. Martinez forced her to have sex, usually while she was lying facedown on a desk and he was watching surveillance footage of the area on a desktop computer.

Throughout this time, prosecutors say, Mr. Martinez made it clear to the woman that he knew details about her familial circumstances. According to court papers, when she placed a phone call to a friend and mentioned Mr. Martinezs name, he angrily confronted her and threatened her with punishment, advising her to lie to investigators if she was ever questioned about the rapes.

Last month, Judge Brian M. Cogan, who oversaw the pretrial portion of the case, decided that the woman could testify under the alias Maria, ruling that revealing her identity would probably cause her anxiety and social stigma, and could chill the willingness of other alleged victims of sex crimes to come forward. The government is expected to introduce four other key witnesses: Three of them, court papers say, were  or are  inmates at the M.D.C.; the fourth, the papers say, was an employee of the jail who had an affair with Mr. Martinez and often had sex with him in the same part of the jail where the rapes were said to have occurred.

In their own court papers, lawyers for Mr. Martinez, a retired Marine, have sought to paint their client as a respected jail guard and supervisor who, as they wrote, led a model existence for the vast majority of his life. Mr. Martinez has worked as a lieutenant at the M.D.C. for more than 20 years, they said, and was among those who responded to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. That same year, the lawyers said, he was recognized for having saved the driver of a truck that plunged over the edge of an elevated section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway near the jail.

But prosecutors say that Maria was not Mr. Martinezs only victim. In court filings, they alleged that a different female inmate at the jail accused him of rape in 1995, though he was never charged in that case. The prosecutors also said that in 2016, Mr. Martinez was involved in a road rage episode with a female motorist in which he punched the woman twice in the face.The men sentenced on Monday had initially been charged with third-degree murder, but they pleaded guilty in May to reduced charges of voluntary manslaughter and hindering apprehension.

They were among 37 people, as well as the fraternity, who faced various charges. Most of the others have been sentenced, facing penalties that, the authorities said, ranged from six months to five years of probation. The fraternity was acquitted of the murder charge in November.

Mike is my only son and only child, and the truth that he is gone cant be erased or wiped away no matter how hard I try, Mr. Dengs mother, Mary Deng, said in a statement submitted to the court. I feel like I have no big words to explain this. How can somebody treat another persons life like this? Like its a joke? My husband and I spent 18 years raising Michael to be a good person, a good son. And in a single night, all those years are suddenly gone.

Mr. Deng, an 18-year-old from Queens, collapsed while taking part in a ritual known as the glass ceiling, a gantlet meant to represent the plight of Asian-Americans, where pledges wore the backpack and blindfold as they were confronted by fraternity members. He was the most defiant of the pledges, riling other members by resisting and not following their orders, according to a grand jury report released in 2015. The others reacted forcefully, knocking him to the ground, and one of them ran toward him from 15 feet away with his head lowered, the report said.

The members carried him inside; Mr. Dengs body was stiff and his breathing became labored. They changed his clothes and tried unsuccessfully to revive him. Some of them used their phones to search phrases like concussion cant wake up, the report said.

One of the fraternity members later told investigators, according to the report, they had resisted calling for an ambulance because they had looked up the cost and thought it was expensive. A national fraternity official told members over the phone to hide anything bearing the fraternitys logo, the report said. About an hour later, Mr. Deng was driven to a hospital, where doctors found that he had sustained severe head trauma and his body was badly bruised.Other favored lines include the A and 1, since longer lines offer more time to sleep between cleaning crews. Each line has a culture, said Muzzy Rosenblatt, the president and chief executive of the Bowery Residents Committee, a nonprofit organization contracted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the city to send outreach workers through the subway system and major commuter rail stations.

The mentally ill develop survival skills, and they know their best bet is the E, he said. We find more drug- and alcohol-addicted on the 1 because they are less conscious of the weather.

During the recent cold spell  two weeks when the temperature didnt rise above freezing  officials ramped up efforts to get people in shelters. The citys Code Blue protocol was in effect, with the public encouraged to call 311 to get the homeless off the streets, and more than 100 outreach workers in orange parkas canvassing subway stations and transit hubs. They waited at the World Trade Center station, where they approached people during the roughly 15 minutes when the train is held in the station before it heads back uptown. It gives us a small but significant window, said Mr. Rosenblatt.

Workers do not approach people while the train doors are closed, he said, because they do not want them to feel trapped. Many are obviously homeless and other people are less so, but these are fragile people, Mr. Rosenblatt said. Theyre fearful, theyre distrusting. Theyre struggling with mental health issues.

He added: Its a different world at that hour. People erect structures in there.In 1983, she began working as a ticket collector for Conrail, now Metro-North. Ms. Carrier rose through the ranks to become one of the first black female conductors. A few years later, she was ready to move on. And in 1988, she founded a soup kitchen in the Bronx with a friend and that friends mother, funded entirely by the three of them. In cooperation with a Union American Methodist Episcopal church in the Bronx, they fed 200 or more people every day. Ms. Carrier also worked on and off as a home attendant from 1984 to 2007, stopping because of her knee replacement and growing complications from lupus.

In the decades since her brothers death, Ms. Carrier has served as the primary caregiver for members of her immediate family in their final years. Her mother succumbed to leukemia in 1983. Her sister died of liver cancer in 2010. Five years later, her husband, whom she had lived with for over 20 years, died at age 64.

My father just passed away in February, Ms. Carrier said in an interview last month. Now its just me.

Over the last three years, Ms. Carrier has sought mental health help from the Service Program for Older People, a mental health treatment program that is a partner of FPWA, one of the eight organizations supported by The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund. The service program has helped her cope with her many losses and address her traumatic memories.

She offered advice to other women: Dont be afraid to get help, because when you let your guard down a little bit, youll see there is somebody there for you.

Her health makes it difficult for her to leave Brooklyn, but once a week, Ms. Carrier, who each month receives $357 in Supplemental Security Income and $192 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, makes her way to the agencys Upper West Side office for a therapy session.New Jersey said it had lifted the ban on a best-selling book about mass incarceration after the American Civil Liberties Union called for an immediate end to what it said was an ironic, misguided, and harmful instance of censorship.

The states decision to reverse a prohibition on The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander, at the two prisons came hours after the A.C.L.U. of New Jersey on Monday sent a letter to the states corrections commissioner, Gary M. Lanigan.

The letter argued that the books presence on a list of banned texts at New Jersey State Prison and Southern State Correctional Facility violated the First Amendment and the departments own regulations.

The A.C.L.U. asked that the department confirm that the book had been removed from lists of banned publications and review how its facilities make and carry out choices about banned texts.A fire broke out near the top of Trump Tower on Monday, causing smoke to billow out over the skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan and Central Park.

The New York Police Department said that the small electrical fire had started around 7:20 a.m. in the roof area of the building. Firefighters responded almost immediately and quickly brought the blaze under control.

A tweet from the Fire Department indicated that the fire was in the buildings heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Trump Tower has two roofs, a low roof that houses mechanical equipment and a higher roof that covers the equipment. A fire official said that there was no fire in the building and that firefighters were able to extinguish it using water despite the cold weather.Last week, we learned that researchers had discovered two major flaws in microprocessors of nearly all the worlds computers. The revelation came on the heels of a distressing series of major hacks: In 2017, Yahoo revealed that all of its three billion accounts were compromised, WannaCry ransomware shut down hospitals across the globe, and an Equifax breach affected approximately 145.5 million consumers in the United States. The latest news about the computer security problems  whose names, Spectre and Meltdown, appropriately convey their seriousness  is just the latest evidence that true digital security remains out of our reach.

But when these vulnerabilities are exposed and damaging attacks occur, there are few lasting repercussions. Almost without fail, stock prices bounce back, customers return, executives keep their jobs or exit with golden parachutes, and government mostly looks the other way. After the news of Equifaxs massive breach, for example, the companys stock dropped roughly 35 percent. But its already recovered nearly half of its lost market value, and Fortune reported that the former chief executive officer Richard Smith retired with as much as $90 million in compensation. Resilience is one of the hallmarks of stable, mature markets, but something isnt right here.

The tepid consequences are part of a growing problem. From a corporate governance and accountability perspective, cybersecurity today is being treated like accounting was before the fallout from the Enron scandal inspired the Sarbanes-Oxley Acts increased standards for corporate disclosures. With the privacy and personal data of hundreds of millions of people at risk, and especially now with the increasing ubiquity of connected devices in our lives, the security of digital assets is too important for that kind of treatment. We need to bolster a culture of responsibility around cybersecurity, combining stronger and more uniform corporate governance with a clearer government commitment to enact better defensive policies.

A complex hack may not be a C.E.O.s fault, but it is absolutely his or her responsibility. Investors and consumers need to demand more from the executives to whom they entrust their digital lives. The same holds true for government. Protection of the welfare and livelihood of its citizens is a foundational principle of government, and yet for more than a decade there has been very little consequence for nation-states and state-affiliated groups whove pilfered the intellectual property, and violated the personal privacy, of citizens and companies around the world.In July 2003, I was covering a protest near the Tehran University dormitory. The demonstrators felt invincible: Their numbers had swelled night after night despite orders from the authorities to withdraw. They chanted slogans demanding more freedom; Death to the Dictator, a reference to the countrys supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who still has the final word on all state matters; and Forget About Palestine, Give Us a Thought, to express their anger at their countrys foreign policy, which came at a cost to domestic investments that could have created jobs for unemployed youth.

Later that night, the protests were crushed. I watched members of the Basij, the paramilitary arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, beat and stab civilians. Ill never forget seeing two Basij soldiers throw the limp body of one young man into the trunk of a car. By 3 a.m., the vigilantes were drumming on their trucks in a show of victory. Hundreds of protesters had been arrested and tortured.

As I followed news of the protests in Iran last week, I remembered that July night.

Even more than the Green Movement of 2009, the recent protests  and the reaction to them  recalled those of the early 2000s. Both then and now, moderate political forces controlled Irans presidency and its Parliament. And in both cases, the countrys conservatives deployed intimidation, violence and deceit to undermine the moderates.

The question now is whether the conservatives will succeed in dominating politics and crushing the Iranian peoples desires for reform. This time, they have some help on the world stage  from an American president with a prolific Twitter account. But they also face a persistent challenge: The people seem more determined than ever.To the Editor:

Re U.S. Stands By as Two Koreas Open Dialogue (front page, Jan. 4): North Koreas announcement that it would resume direct border talks with South Korea points to something much bigger in the world: Thanks to President Trump the United States is becoming ever more isolated.

It goes without saying that the South Koreans were frightened to no end about the real possibility of a war with the North instigated by the United States  still a real possibility considering Mr. Trumps schoolyard-bully personality.

If Mr. Trump had aides who could keep him under control, it wouldnt be so scary, but many of Mr. Trumps cabinet members and security advisers are as bellicose as Mr. Trump.

DAVID SILBERMAN, OCALA, FLA.

To the Editor:

The United States role in Korea appears diminished as the two Koreas prepare for talks at Panmunjom, a village straddling the border. Already Korea watchers with few exceptions are fingering worry beads, concerned that President Moon Jae-in of South Korea will give too much away to Kim Jong-un of North Korea in order to lower the temperature on a tense Korean Peninsula.Why did a publication with little new reporting in it cause such a stir?

On todays episode:

 Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for The New York Times.

 Jeremy W. Peters, a Times journalist who has reported on Stephen K. Bannon for years.

Background reading:

 President Trump defended his fitness for office, accusing his critics of raising questions about his mental health to score political points.

 Stephen K. Bannon backed away from his explosive statements about Donald Trump Jr.

Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Tweet me at @mikiebarb. And if youre interested in advertising with The Daily, write to us at thedaily-ads@nytimes.com.

How do I listen?

If you dont see an audio player on this page or to subscribe to The Daily for free, follow the instructions below.

From your mobile device:

You can listen and subscribe to The Daily from any podcast player. If youre reading this from an iPhone or other Apple mobile device, tap this link to listen in Apple Podcasts. If youre on an Android device, tap this link to listen in Stitcher or this link to listen in RadioPublic.The Reader Center is one way we in the newsroom are trying to connect with you, by highlighting your perspectives and experiences and offering insight into how we work.

Readers reacted strongly to our obituary for Thomas S. Monson, who served as prophet and head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for nearly a decade. In hundreds of messages to The New York Times and dozens of comments on the obituary, readers, including many Mormons, wrote that the obituary focused too narrowly on the politics and controversies of the Mormon Church and overlooked Mr. Monsons contributions to the community.

Here are some of their comments, which have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

As a gay Mormon I can state that while President Monsons policies were controversial to some, they do not reflect his life teachings, which focused on service and selfless love. That The Times only focused on the politics and not the teachings that defined him is disgusting.  Zachary, in a message to the Reader Center Hugo Chavez? Hugh Hefner? They had glamorous obituaries compared to this man, who dedicated his life to serving and helping others.  Jon Wilson, in a letter to the editor Decisions he made (not having women ordained to the priesthood or accepting gay marriage) were included without any fair explanation of his beliefs/Mormon beliefs regarding the subjects and without any context. I would accept it as normal that Mormon beliefs or church standards might be viewed as controversial and might be brought up in this obituary, but it was done without any taste.  Chantelle Wood, in an email to the newsroom

We drew questions from readers feedback, and William McDonald, our obituaries editor, responded to them.

Many readers have pointed out that much of the obituary focused largely on the Mormon Churchs controversial and politically divisive issues. They say Mr. Monsons life included strong community and humanitarian work as the leader of a large religious following and wish the obit had reflected more of that. How do you respond to those readers?Saptari chill death toll climbs to 15

Six deaths, including that of a seven-month-old, within the past 24 hours in Saptari are blamed on cold weather. With the latest incidents, the toll from the cold wave has reached 15 in a week in the district.Not that his neighborhood choice hasnt inspired a few eye-rolls. When I tell people I moved to Williamsburg, they say, Of course, you did, he said, adding that being somewhat off the beaten path had, at least, garnered a little more respect.

Mr. Lebon, who has traveled to New York City for work frequently over the past decade, had ruled out Manhattan as too manic for a couple with two young children (their son, Hugo, is 4, and their daughter, Indie, 2). And he liked the relative calm of the southern side of the Williamsburg waterfront.

Calm, that is, if not exactly quiet.

They were among the first to move into their building, which is part of a site being developed by Two Trees (as well as the first building to open there). And now they are surrounded by construction. Every day, they start with the jackhammers next door at 7 a.m. and they finish at 6 p.m., Ms. Lebon said. But we moved to New York to be amid the noise. We love that we get to see all the construction.

During the summer, they were likewise charmed by the parties and pop-up events at the temporary park across the street, Mr. Lebon said: Wed open the window and listen to live music. Once there was a huge line around the block when we came home  Shake Shack was giving away burgers.South African authorities long had eyes on Rogers Mukwena. They knew the former schoolteacher was wanted in Zimbabwe for poaching rhinoceroses and selling their horns, which can command hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Hed jumped bail and fled to northern Pretoria, but it was vexingly difficult to catch and prosecute him  until a scientist helped make the case against him with rhino DNA.

His subsequent conviction resulted from a new tactic in wildlife preservation: The genetic fingerprinting methods that have been so successful in the criminal justice system are now being used to solve poaching crimes.

First, researchers in South Africa had to build a large database of genetic samples drawn from African rhinoceroses. The DNA would be used to match a carcass to a particular horn discovered on a suspected poacher or trafficker, or to rhinoceros blood on his clothes, knives or axes.Inspecting the tiny roundworms Caenorhabditis briggsae and Caenorhabditis nigoni through a microscope, youd have trouble telling them apart. Both are about a millimeter long and transparent. On the evolutionary tree, theyre closer together than horses and donkeys.

The key distinction between the two nematodes is their sex lives. Sex in C. nigoni takes place between a male and female. But only a small minority of C. briggsae are males. The rest are hermaphroditic females that reproduce by self-fertilizing, or selfing. They have evolved the ability to produce sperm that merge with their own eggs.

This sexual switch may have caused profound changes at the genetic level for C. briggsae. In a study published last week in Science, biologists reported that C. briggsae lost thousands of genes  a staggering quarter of its genome  since it diverged from C. nigoni a million years ago.

Many of these genes had been around, and were presumably needed, for tens of millions of years or longer, said Eric Haag, a biology professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an author of the paper. In the blink of an eye, they disappeared. He and his co-authors believe that a large portion of the genes shed are related to male reproduction.A federal judge in Las Vegas dismissed charges against Cliven Bundy and his sons, Ammon and Ryan, on Monday.

Judge Gloria M. Navarro of Federal District Court, in a ruling from the bench, said that the governments missteps in withholding evidence against the three Bundy family members and a supporter, Ryan W. Payne, were so grave that the indictment against them would be dismissed.

The decision could be appealed by prosecutors. But they would only be able to bring charges again if they won the appeal and the ruling was reversed  and they then got a new indictment from a new grand jury.

Judge Navarro declared a mistrial last month in the case, stemming from an armed standoff at the Bundy ranch in 2014 that had arisen over land-grazing fees. She said then that prosecutors had erred in failing to turn over important evidence to the defense, including video taken surreptitiously within the ranch during the standoff, and evidence that F.B.I. agents were involved in the incident.A. Far too often the coverage in national publications is very much an East Coast view of California, with the same tired tropes. It reads coy and tongue in cheek. People think of California being filled with crazy hippies still. Even the idea that the middle class is fleeing and desperate, its just not paying attention to what is going on on the ground. California has always had a working class that has fought to stay here.

Q. Youve spent a lot of your career focusing on and writing about Latino issues. Are you going to continue to do so?

A. Latinos are a huge part of California, so of course I am going to write about them. But it will not be the only thing. Ask a Mexican is over. I dont like replicating myself. My beat is going to be California. I like challenges and feel like, Lets see if I can pull this off. If I cant, at least I tried.

Q. Were you surprised about the backlash, with people calling you racist and homophobic?

A. No, there have been people who have been targeting me for a while. Theres always going to be people who dont like what you write. If you dont have haters you are not doing your job correctly. The people accusing me of being racist, they dont take my career in perspective. We covered these communities better than anyone else in Orange County. What seems to be the issue right now, is that in this country if you dont have the same thoughts as other people you are immediately marked as the enemy. Ive always been about throwing stories out there, and Ill defend them.Seven years later, a white juror, Barney Gattie, signed an affidavit explaining his reasoning. He said he had drawn a distinction between Mr. Tharpe and his victim, both of whom were black.

The Freemans are what I would call a nice Black family, Mr. Gattie wrote. In my experience I have observed that there are two types of black people. 1. Black folks and 2. Niggers.

Because I knew the victim and her husbands family and knew them all to be good black folks, I felt Tharpe, who wasnt in the good black folks category in my book, should get the electric chair for what he did, Mr. Gattie wrote.

After studying the Bible, he added, I have wondered if black people even have souls.

Mr. Tharpe sought to reopen his case based on the affidavit, but state and federal courts ruled against him. The United States Court of Appeals of the 11th Circuit, in Atlanta, stated that Tharpe failed to demonstrate that Barney Gatties behavior had substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jurys verdict,  quoting a Supreme Court decision.

The majority opinion on Monday said the appeals court should reconsider its decision not to hear Mr. Tharpes appeal. Gatties remarkable affidavit  which he never retracted  presents a strong factual basis for the argument that Tharpes race affected Gatties vote for a death verdict, the opinion said._____

Eric Levitz in New York Magazine:

There is no diagnostic blood test or brain scan for narcissistic personality disorder; theres just a list of observable traits.

According to Mr. Levitz, there is no reason to believe that a psychiatrist who sees a patient once a week is more qualified to diagnose narcissistic personality disorder than a doctor who has access to hundreds of hours of a patients interviews and improvisatory remarks, along with a small librarys worth of biographical information and testimonials from his closest confidants. And while he considers the lefts preoccupation with the 25th Amendment solution as less than rational, given the countrys hyperpartisan political climate, the rights refusal to acknowledge the presidents mental deficiencies is even more crazy. Read more 

_____

Paul Waldman in American Prospect:

As a 71-year-old man who never exercises and subsists largely on junk food, the potential for Trump to experience a cognitive decline in the next few years is real.

Much of what is in Mr. Wolffs book has already been reported, in one way or another, by White House journalists with access to the president and his aides. Mr. Waldman predicts that we will only hear more of the same kinds of anecdote as the pressures of the presidency exacerbate Mr. Trumps copious character flaws. Read more 

_____

Finally, From the Center

Bandy X. Lee in The Guardian:



The personal health of a public figure is her private affair  until, that is, it becomes a threat to public health.

Dr. Lee is the Yale forensic psychiatrist who contributed to the book The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, and is a leading voice among mental health professionals publicly questioning the presidents mental fitness. She reportedly briefed a group of lawmakers  over a dozen Democrats and at least one Republican  on the presidents health in December. She explains here why she believes that it is Trump in the office of the presidency that poses a danger. Read more 

_____

Jacob Sullum in Reason:

I think Lee and Trump both are drawing hasty conclusions based on biased samples, and Lees belief that she has any special authority to judge the presidents competence is at least as delusional as Trumps belief that his success as a developer, a reality TV star and a politician puts his I.Q. score above 140.

Mr. Sullum, writing for the libertarian Reason, is skeptical about Dr. Lees public warnings about the presidents mental health. Theres a difference, he notes, between a diagnosis like that of narcissistic personality disorder, which is little more than a list of unappealing characteristics that often go together, and a more serious disorder which may  justify coercive intervention. According to Mr. Sullum, Mr. Trumps antics have the the salutary effect of undermining respect for the presidency, which may lead to long-overdue limits on its powers. Read more 

_____

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Have thoughts about this collection? Email feedback to ourpicks@nytimes.com.WASHINGTON  Tom Steyer, the billionaire environmentalist and Democratic political donor, announced Monday that his advocacy group, NextGen America, will spend $30 million to help Democrats retake the House in 2018, with the aim of eventually impeaching President Trump.

Mr. Steyer also announced that he would not run for Senate or governor in California, as had been speculated.

Mr. Steyer, who was a major donor to President Barack Obamas 2012 campaign, emerged as the largest single political donor of the 2014 midterm election. His group spent $74 million to back Democrats that year, and $87 million in the 2016 elections.

But most of the candidates he backed in those elections lost. This time, he said, his strategy will shift. Rather than focusing on climate change as an issue to rally young voters, as he had tried since 2010, he will focus on whatever issues will help Democrats win a majority in the House  in order to impeach Mr. Trump.By definition, T.P.S. is temporary, meant to be temporary. Its not meant to be forever. We are fighting all together for these T.P.S. to be approved again so we can stay in this country. [music] Good morning. We have a full-time staff of about 12 people. And over 50 percent would be T.P.S. Were just together more than we are with our families at home. And we spend a lot of time together. We work hard together. And we generate money for our lives, to live, and to eat, and to buy homes, and to have cars. And so were all really close. I dont really have trust in the government anymore. I really wonder who theyre really looking after and the long-term effect. Without T.P.S., quite frankly, I really dont know how I would run my business. Hey, Jose. Everything O.K.? I dont remember where they are going. So Im going to have to look at the email. O.K., bye. Thanks. Jose and I started to work together about 21, 22 years ago. And weve been working together since. There are times when businesses can be difficult and you worry about the next day. But Im not worried about being kicked out of my country, or where I live, and where Ive lived for 25 years, or even longer. I just cant even possibly  I cant imagine. I just cant. Hey. Hi. How are you? Good. How are you? Youve been here a while? Thank you. Yeah. You see this one tree here? Were going to take that out. What, this one? Yeah. And one of those are going to go in there. My name is Morel Salinas. Or in Spanish  [speaking Spanish] My family, they came to the United States because El Salvador is like really dangerous right now. Theres a lot of bad people. And they came here because they wanted to live a better life. And they wanted to have a wonderful life with their children. Its really beautiful here. I feel very safe. I am afraid because my family might not stick together. My biggest present for Christmas is to keep my family together. We dont know whats going to happen. Were hoping for the best, because our kids are going to be  I dont know how can we explain it to them. Because ending that program, theyre probably going to be looking to deport us back to our country. If that ever happens, were going to be probably trying to hide from immigration and stay here. We are celebrating Christmas like we always do. Its been 23 years already. Oh my God, Mommy, Barbie. Oh my God, a clock. I always wanted a clock. I got Barbies. Look at this. I love this. Oh, wow, theres bad guys. Theres so much. Yes. Im going to open the one thats going to be for all of us. Huh, oh my gosh. Thank you, Mommy.And there is no certainty about when he might actually depart this stage, even after the White House on Monday renominated him for the post. The entire matter has left some Kansans befuddled, some Democratic lawmakers smug, and some Brownback supporters a little sheepish.

Some Kansans said that it was not entirely clear who was truly in charge of the state, and for how long.

From day to day, no, we dont know, said Jay Armstrong, a carpenter, as he picked up a hot dog at a gas station in Topeka on Monday morning. Are we going to wait until we vote for a new governor? Or are we going to be governor-less?

It has been nearly six months since Mr. Brownback, 61, announced that he would be leaving for a new job during his second term as governor. The holdup appears to be in Washington: A Senate committee held a hearing on his nomination and narrowly endorsed him in October, but he did not receive a vote in the full Senate.

A new year has brought new complications. Though Mr. Brownback has been renominated to the post, a relatively low-profile appointment, he will still have to be confirmed by the Senate. Meanwhile, Mr. Colyer, who is 57 and from suburban Kansas City, is in the wings, a patient deputy waiting for his moment. Mr. Brownback is planning to deliver the annual State of the State address in Topeka on Tuesday.SC ruling on IoM dean splits legal experts

The Institute of Medicine (IoM) will have two deans for the next four days after the Supreme Court on Sunday ordered the Tribhuvan University to reinstate Dr Shasi Sharma as its dean.A full acquaintance with the obesity research doesnt necessarily help parents make their daily decisions. A few years ago, Dr. Lumeng got an email from another physician who had heard her speak at a meeting, and had a 6-week-old infant who was so hungry she didnt know what to do. Should she not feed her baby, she asked?

The doctor who wrote to her was Dr. Jennifer Kerns, an obesity medicine specialist at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, who had herself lost weight as a contestant on The Biggest Loser in 2006 and spent some time serving as the shows physician. She became board certified in obesity medicine, and when she later got pregnant, she said, she worried that her child might struggle with weight as she had done.

I was really focused on my weight gain and essentially weighed myself every day of my pregnancy, she said. She exercised until two days before she delivered the baby. She was determined not to have a cesarean section so the baby would have a healthier microbiome from picking up the right bacteria during the passage through the birth canal. She was resolved to breast-feed.

And now she had a child who was instantly a very dramatically hungry baby, so much so that I was unable to nurse him, she said. We tried for five weeks and I had five different lactation consultants. He wouldnt be patient enough to wait for milk to let down. Determined to give him the benefits of breast milk, she ended up using a breast pump throughout his first year of life.

Remembering a lecture Dr. Lumeng had given about voraciously hungry babies, she emailed her. I essentially asked if she would be willing to give me any advice, any studies, what to do if your baby seems to be starving to death.

In a very thoughtful and kind response, Dr. Kerns recalled, Dr. Lumeng wrote that there was no research to guide her. She couldnt really give me advice other than her own experience with her own children: Just feed him, trust your instincts.

Dr. Lumeng suggested that doctors should acknowledge to parents that modern science really doesnt fully understand what causes obesity. We are expecting parents to do something for their children that we adults have great difficulty doing for ourselves, she said; of those who do successfully lose weight, many gain it back within a year. Adults cant keep it off either, why are we expecting parents to do this?The footage shows dozens of people clinging to a rubber dinghy as they struggle to stay afloat.

After a group of migrants overcrowded vessel sank off the coast of Libya on Saturday  an episode in which at least 64 of them drowned in the Mediterranean Sea  the rescue operation was recorded by a member of the Italian Coast Guard as the first responders scrambled to save lives.

The group in the dinghy, which migration officials said was aided by smugglers and bound for Italy, became the latest casualties in a continuing crisis. More than 3,000 refugees and migrants died in the Mediterranean last year while trying to make their way to Europe.

The deaths on Saturday focused attention on the dangerous central Mediterranean crossing between Libya and Italy, where most of those deaths took place, and prompted calls from the United Nations migration agency for a comprehensive policy to address the humanitarian crisis.BENIN CITY, Nigeria  It had been 10 hours since he left Libyan shores, and Desmond Isaac was so close to Italy he felt like he could almost see it. Then, a Libyan Coast Guard vessel appeared and Mr. Isaac, a 32-year-old Nigerian who had sold all of his possessions to make it to Europe, was plucked from his rubber dinghy and taken back to the continent he thought he had escaped.

Mr. Isaac, whom Libyan officials detained, is one of around 7,000 Nigerian migrants the International Organization for Migration has returned home on chartered flights from Libya since January 2017.

Efforts have intensified to bring more migrants home from Libya, an increasingly dangerous transit point many Africans pass through on their way to Europe. A recent CNN video showed what was described as sub-Saharan Africans being sold as slaves in auctions there.

The migration organization is planning to fly home a further 20,000 migrants over the next few weeks, many of them Nigerian. And Nigeria has announced that it will begin arranging its own returns.BUENOS AIRES  Argentines are not used to seeing powerful people in handcuffs.

Yet in recent months at least five prominent former officials, including a vice president and a former planning minister, have been taken into custody to await trial on corruption charges. Several allies from the private sector who stand accused of misappropriating public funds have also been locked up.

The detentions come as President Mauricio Macri has vowed to upend Argentinas culture of impunity in graft cases by reforming the penal code, making government contracting more transparent and carefully tracking the assets of public servants.

But his government is not exactly claiming credit for the crackdown underway, which so far has netted only political opponents, leading to accusations that Mr. Macri is using the judicial system to neutralize the opposition.

Never in the history of Argentina have we had as many important people detained, the justice minister, German Garavano, said in an interview. The question we have to ask ourselves as we look to the future is whether this represents a change, a profound reform or merely a reaction to a public outcry right now. Well get that answer in a few years.NEW DELHI  In a possible advance for gay rights in India, the Supreme Court ordered a review on Monday of Section 377, a colonial-era law reinstated in 2013 that criminalizes consensual sex between men.

Responding to a petition filed by members of the gay, bisexual and transgender community who said they felt persecuted for their sexual orientation, a three-person bench of judges referred Section 377 to a larger bench for reconsideration, noting that Indians who are gay should never remain in a state of fear, and that societal morality also changes from age to age.

Law copes with life and accordingly change takes place, the court said.

The decision to revisit Section 377 comes after a landmark decision last August, when the Supreme Court ruled that all Indian citizens have a constitutional right to privacy. In the judgment, the court wrote that sexual orientation is an essential attribute to privacy.

Gay rights activists said they were elated by Mondays decision, if still cautious.

Its about time that Section 377 is thrown out, said Harish Iyer, a well-known activist. We are a small number and we need to keep shouting.